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UK Bolsters Ukraines Air Defense with 650 Advanced Missiles in 162M Deal

The UK government has announced a 162 million package to supply 650 Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM) to Ukraine, enhancing the countrys air defense capabilities against various aerial threats, including drones. Defence Secretary John Healey unveiled this commitment at a meeting in Ramstein, Germany, with the first batch of missiles expected to be delivered by the end of 2024. The package, primarily funded through the UKs 3 billion annual financial support for Ukraine, is part of broader efforts to boost defense production and follows a recent Defence Export Support Treaty between the two countries. With a speed of Mach 1.5 and a range of over 6 kilometers, these versatile missiles will complement existing air defense systems and have already proven effective in destroying Russian drones.

Ukraines PzH 2000 Howitzers Face Maintenance Challenges; Germany Promises New Deliveries and Support

Due to intense combat use, Ukraine is experiencing significant maintenance issues with its German-supplied PzH 2000 howitzers, with many currently out of service. Germany is addressing these challenges by supplying replacement barrels and planning to establish a maintenance hub in Slovakia. Despite these setbacks, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has announced the delivery of an additional 12 PzH 2000 howitzers to Ukraine, worth 150 million euros, with six to be delivered by the end of 2024 and the rest in 2025. Germany and partner nations have also proposed transferring 77 Leopard 1A5 tanks to Ukraine in the future, demonstrating ongoing support for Ukraines defense capabilities.

Ukraine Downs Advanced Russian Drone, Showcasing Tactical Innovation

Ukrainian forces from the 59th Separate Motorized Infantry Brigade successfully downed a rare Russian Merlin-VR reconnaissance drone in the Donetsk region using an anti-aircraft FPV drone. The Merlin-VR, developed by Russias Special Technological Center, is an experimental drone with a 10-hour flight endurance for reconnaissance and artillery fire adjustment. This interception showcases Ukraines growing capabilities in countering advanced unmanned aerial threats and provides potential intelligence opportunities. The incident may have broader implications for aerial reconnaissance and artillery operations in the ongoing conflict.

Russian Forces Seek Countermeasures Against Effective Ukrainian Anti-Aircraft Drones

Since July 2024, Ukrainian anti-aircraft FPV (First Person View) drones have successfully downed over a hundred Russian reconnaissance and attack drones, posing a significant challenge to Russian forces. In response, Russian drone communities have proposed various countermeasures, including equipping UAVs with FPV drone detectors, all-round-view cameras, and sound detectors for early warning. Other suggestions involve electronic warfare devices and portable net launchers, though their effectiveness is uncertain. Most proposed solutions focus on detection rather than neutralization, suggesting that Ukrainian FPV drone technology currently maintains an advantage in this aspect of the conflict.

Ukraines Sugar Cube Drone Detector Sweetens Battlefield Awareness

Ukrainian soldiers use a pocket-sized electronic warfare device called Sukork to detect Russian drones on the battlefield. The passive receiver can identify specific drone models, including reconnaissance and kamikaze types, by analyzing their signals without emitting detectable emissions. Sukorks small size, low cost, and user-friendly interface make it ideal for frontline troops, providing early warning of aerial threats and enhancing survivability. Manufacturers are increasing production to 10,000 units monthly to meet high demand, highlighting the devices strategic importance in the conflict.

More news coverage in our topical channels includes:
John Lee, chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), addresses the opening ceremony of the Ninth Belt and Road Summit held in south China's Hong Kong, Sept. 11, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

Hong Kong has many strengths to leverage under the cooperation framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, and has an important role to play in promoting sustainability, said John Lee, chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

Lee said this while addressing the opening ceremony of the Ninth Belt and Road Summit held in Hong Kong, co-organized by the HKSAR government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), on Wednesday.

The HKSAR, as China's most open international city, is "perfectly positioned to play a pivotal role" in the initiative, he said.

"Investors around the world, and that includes over 2,700 family offices here, can take full advantage of Hong Kong, and its broad range of professional services, from financial and legal services, to architectural, engineering, logistics and more, for their Belt and Road projects," Lee said.

Hong Kong can go on to leverage its technological innovation capabilities to nurture new quality productivity driven by green technology and green finance, he suggested.

HKTDC Chairman Peter KN Lam said that Hong Kong, as an important city in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, enjoys connectivity with the vast mainland market. It can facilitate enterprises from Asia and other regions to invest in China, and mainland enterprises to do business overseas.

Li Yongjie, deputy international trade representative of the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, said that the central authorities will continue to support Hong Kong in elevating its status as an international financial, shipping and trading center, and further expand and harness Hong Kong's edges in participating in the Belt and Road Initiative.

This year marks the summit's ninth consecutive edition in Hong Kong. Themed with "Building a Connected, Innovative and Green Belt and Road," the two-day summit gathered nearly 6,000 participants from more than 70 countries and regions, including over 80 policymakers and business leaders. It will continue to hold investment project promotion sessions and feature a special exhibition area.
The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Daniel Nii Kwartei Titus-Glover, has issued query letters to all 29 Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) in the region for failing to attend the launch of a policy focused on local economic development.



The launch of the Local Economic Development (LED) Policy (2024  2029) which was advertised to start at 8am in Accra yesterday delayed and started at 9:30 though Mr Glover and the Minister for Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development, Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah, had arrived well on time for the programme.



When Mr Titus-Glover took the podium to address the participants which included representatives from academia and development partners, he asked that MMDCEs identify themselves but none was present.



Fuming with rage, Mr Titus-Glover, a former Member of Parliament for Tema East said the chief executives would have to answer for their absence.



We have come here to launch a policy on how to improve your local economies and none of you is here? Such an important exercise and none of them is here? These are the things they do and people blame we the politicians. They think we are close to elections so they can do what they like? We shall see, Mr Titus-Glover stated.



Speaking exclusively with the Ghanaian Times after the programme, Mr Titus-Glover said he has already directed his Chief Director to issue the queries to the chief executives.



I am going to deal with them. I have asked my Chief Director to issue queries to them.



The Chief Executive has the mandate to monitor the project so they should have been here with their economic planning officers. These two people are very key in the implementation of the policy and should have been here, he emphasized.



Surprised by their absence, the minister said he placed a call to his chief director and she confirmed that their invitation letters had duly been received.



When I spoke to my Chief Director, she told me that the letter inviting them indicated that they should bring two people and that should be the Chief Executive and the economic planning officer because this is the theme of the subject matter, he stated.



Mr Titus-Glover said the culture of lateness and absenteeism in the public sector was affecting productivity and action needed to be taken to make people responsive to their duties.



We must crack the whip to ensure that these MMDCEs are up to their responsibilities. You are representing the president, the minister for local government and the regional minister have made time to come and you are not here? he remarked.



The policy which seeks to promote local economic development to empower entrepreneurs at the local level, he said, was very key and persons who will have the utmost responsibility to ensure its seamless implementation must not be absent.



He noted that with the unavailability of white-collar jobs in recent times, any intervention that would create the needed jobs must be supported and the governance leadership at the local level must be interested in such projects to be able to impact the people.

Source: Ghanaian Times









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The vice presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, on Wednesday donated GHC50,000 to the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) Cancer Foundation in Accra.



The donation was in response to an ongoing campaign by the Foundation to raise funds to support the treatment of cancer patients who are teachers or spouses or children of teachers.



The GNAT Cancer Foundation says cancer among teachers and members of their families is not only on the increase but the cost of treatment is also beyond the reach of many of its members. It is therefore raising funds to support the treatment of cancer patients who are teachers.



It is in view of this challenge that Prof. Opoku-Agyemang made a donation of GHC50,000 to the GNAT Cancer Foundation on Wednesday.



Presenting a bankers draft to the board of the Foundation at its offices in Accra, she commended GNAT for setting up the cancer foundation to help the treatment of its members.



Prof. Opoku-Agyemang said the treatment of cancer cases is very expensive and she was presenting her token as an educationist, who values the contribution of teachers to raise awareness about the Foundation and its appeal for funds to help the treatment of teachers.



"I want to appeal to the public that a fund like this has been set up. It doesn't matter how big or small it is, and I am also appealing to all the unions to come on board. Regardless of how you grow up to become, regardless of the profession you follow, you would have gone through school, and I will urge all to show empathy to support this initiative", she appealed.







The NDC vice presidential candidate of NDC expressed the hope that the fund will grow very big to become a national fund that can help help many people regardless of their profession.



Prof. Opoku-Agyemang also urged the leadership of the Foundation to create awareness on preventive care as part of its programme.



For his part, the fundraising committee chairman of GNAT Cancer Foundation, Mr Christian Yaw Adinkra commended Prof. Opoku-Agyemang for the donation and urged others to emulate her kind gesture.



The Member of Parliament for the Adentan, Hon. Mohammed Adamu Ramadan, also made a personal donation at the same meeting.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Kennedy Agyapong, the Member of Parliament for Assin Central has lauded Dr. Gideon Boako and his team for their exceptional mobilization efforts in support of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) describing it as unprecedented.



Hon Kennedy Agyapong's commendation came during a Youth Connect Programme held in Yamfo on Wednesday, as part of a nationwide tour led by the NPPs running mate, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh.



Mr Agyapong expressed his enthusiasm over the unprecedented turnout of youth at the event, highlighting it as one of the most impressive displays of support witnessed during the partys recent national tour. He lauded Dr. Boako and the Tano North constituency executives for their remarkable organizational skills, which he believes are indicative of a promising future for the NPP.



This level of support is unprecedented, Agyapong said, clearly elated by the massive turnout. The youth turnout and enthusiasm weve seen here is unmatched compared to other constituencies weve visited. His comments underscore the growing confidence within the party regarding their prospects in the upcoming general elections.



The Youth Connect Programme in Yamfo also saw the presence of key figures, including Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the NPPs running mate, and other high-ranking party officials such as Hon. Freda Prempeh.



Agyapong used the opportunity to call on Ghanaians, especially the youth, to rally behind Dr. Gideon Boako and the NPPs presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. He emphasized that a united front and strong support for both candidates would be crucial in securing a decisive victory for the party.



He indicated that, Dr. Boakos proven leadership abilities, demonstrates a clear capacity for driving development and effectively representing the needs of the constituency. Dr. Boako has shown over the years that he is exceptionally capable of leading the people and achieving significant progress in the area, he noted.



The Member of Parliament for the area, Hon Freda Prempeh on her part called on the constituents to rally their full support behind Dr Gideon Boako and vote massively for him and the party's candidate Dr Mahamadu Bawumia in the upcoming December polls.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Senior Advisor to the Bawumia Campaign team, Ing. Kwabena Agyapong, has admonished members and the leadership of the opposition party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) against the character of slandering their fellow politicians at any given opportunity when they are in opposition.



Kwabena Agyapong, who is a former General Secretary of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), stated that, the numerous insults unleashed on Politicians, describing them as thieves, is unfounded, hence should be halted as a matter of urgency.



According to him, the current National Chairman of the NDC, who, in 2017, was the General Secretary of the party, should largely be blamed for issuing such a dishonourable description to politicians.



Speaking on Wednesdays edition of Peace FMs 'kokrokoo' morning show, Mr. Agyapong said, that kind of respect given to politicians has been lost on us and I blame no other person than Asiedu Nketia. I told him in 2007 that the 17 thieves you are describing the NPP Presidential aspirants will one day come back to hit us in the face because you are reducing the respect that people have for political authority."



He added that, the impact of the statement made by Johnson Asiedu Nketia lingers on up till this point where any young person sit on social media and television sets to use indecent words in describing the Ghanaian politician, mostly, referring to them as thieves.



The fact you are opposition shouldnt give you the right to slash and burn, as done by farmers, he advised.



Mr. Agyapong, who was one of the Presidential aspirants of the NPP but lost to the incumbent flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, noted that, Ghanaians have the propensity to destroy their opponent, which, according to Mr. Agyapong, sets a bad and negative precedence for the younger generations who would want to take up the responsibility of becoming politicians someday.



In relation to the upcoming December 7 general elections, Mr. Kwabena Agyapong urged all Ghanaian to eschew fear, assuring them of total peace and safety during the elections, adding that, political parties and individuals who are propagating fear amongst the people should desist from doing that.



Nothing will happen in this election. All that is required of every Ghanaian who has attained the age of voting and has registered with the Electoral Commission, is to form your queue on Election Day; cast your vote and leave the voting arena to your various homes safely."



"Let us stop propagating amongst our people. We should not go down that lane, he emphasised.



Watch video below





Source: Kobina Darlington/peacefmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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President Nana Akufo-Addo has rejected suggestions that the free Senior High School (SHS) policy should cover only underprivileged students, who cannot afford to pay school fees.



He maintained that the social intervention policy should be readily accessible to every school-going children without considering their social, ethnic, religious, gender or any other background.



According to the president, students who are enrolled in public schools, which are fully funded by the tax payers money, should always enjoy the free SHS programme without any discrimination.



He was, however, quick to state that people from affluent homes and backgrounds, who can afford to pay school fees, are free to enroll their wards in any of the fee-paying private schools in the country without a problem.



Public schools, that is schools funded by the taxpayers money, should be free to all, who may otherwise be unable to pay for their education, he stressed, amid applause from the audience.



Speaking at the Ghana Bar Association Conference in Kumasi on Monday, President Akufo-Addo said he was impressed with the enrollment and success rate of the free SHS policy so far.



The number of pupils who have access to secondary education has doubled since the introduction of the free SHS policy. Over 5.7 million persons have benefited from the policy since its inception, he stated.



According to the President, the full impact of the policy will be felt in due course, asserting that it will outweigh the small number of privileged parents who can afford to pay for the education of their wards.



Regarding the upcoming general election, President Akufo-Addo urged Ghanaians to zealously safeguard the countrys thriving democracy.



He argued that democratic rule is the perfect system of governance that every country requires to realize its developmental potential.



Lets ensure that our democracy endured for generations to come and it remains a source of pride for all Ghanaians, he added and continued, Lets continue to together and work for the Ghana that is free, just, peaceful and prosperous.



The president congratulated the outgoing executives of the Ghana Bar Association for their hard work and also wished the new executives well and success in office.



The conference was attended by distinguished guests, including His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene; Her Ladyship Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Torkornoo; and the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Dame.

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.

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Dr. Benjamin Otchere-Ankrah has appealed to President Nana Akufo-Addo to heed the calls on him to declare a state of emergency over galamsey.



Organized Labour together with many Ghanaians has charged the President to take immediate action to stop the galamsey activities destroying the water bodies and environment.



They have threatened to embark on a nationwide strike should the President fail to institute a mechanism to ensure galamsey (illegal mining) becomes a thing of the past.



ORGANIZED LABOUR will urgently embark on series of demonstrations and a nationwide strike if government fails to address the concerns raised by end of September 2024. We call on all well-meaning Ghanaians to join organized labour in the fight against this menace, they issued a statement.



The Governance lecturer at the Central University lamented the apathy of the government and security agencies in combatting this menace.



Dr. Otchere-Ankrah pleaded with the President to confront galamsey head-on saying "Mr. President, fight for us, especially the underprivileged...Galamsey is causing misery; let's solve the problem".



He also charged the security agencies to wake up and arrest those involved in the illegal mining.



"Let the law work", he exclaimed on Peace FM's 'Kokrokoo' show.

Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh, Running Mate for the New Patriotic Party, has urged Kintampo North and Pru West constituents in Bono East Region to change their voting pattern.



Dr. Opoku Prempeh, popularly called "NAPO", charged the residents in Kunsu, Kintampo and Abase areas in the two constituencies to vote for the New Patriotic Party on December 7.



He implored the people, traditional rulers, leadership of the Zongo communities and groups within Kunsu and Kintampo township to repose their trust and confidence in the NPP flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.



He emphasized that the NPP has consistently proven to be an all-inclusive party not discriminating against persons or race.



NAPO assured them that voting for Dr. Bawumia is electing a leader who will steer Ghana forward by implmenting transformative policies to enhance the country's development.



He further reminded them about how the National Democratic Congress (NDC), since 1992, has abandoned them in terms of development despite their allegiance to the party but quickly added the Akufo-Addo government has outperformed the NDC in its 8 years in power.



He urged the constituents to also vote for the NPP parliamentary candidates for the constituencies, Isaac Baffoe (Kintampo North) and Stephen Jalula.





Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Obrempong Kru Takyie II, Paramount Chief of Abease, has pledged full support for the New Patriotic Party to emerge victor in the December elections.



The Chief, in a statement, touted the good works of the party under the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia leadership for his community, Pru West in the Bono East Region



According to him, the government has provided infrastructure and constructed proper roads in the community, hence stating cateogorically "the NPP has our full support.



Obrempong Kru Takyie II, who is the Head of the Abease Traditional Authority, emphasized; Leadership is all about development and the NPP represents development, proper development. We, the people of Abease can attest to this. First, it was the NPP government that gave us a District, the Pru West District and al its attendant development infrastructure to match our status. Again, it was the NPP that gave us an asphatic road, 103 kilometers from Kintampo to Prang."



He also hailed the Member of Parliament for Pru West for spearheading development in the constituency.



"The current NPP MP for Pru West, Hon. Stephen Jalulah, has also championed many development projects in the District. That is why the Traditional Authority installed him as our Nkosuohene (i.e. Development Chief). The NPP has our full support.





Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

This image made from a SpaceX video shows the start of the first private spacewalk led by tech billionaire Jared Isaacman Thursday Sept. 12, 2024. Credit: SpaceX via AP

A tech billionaire popped out from a SpaceX capsule hundreds of miles above Earth and performed the first private spacewalk Thursday, a high-risk endeavor once reserved for professional astronauts.

Tech entrepreneur Jared Isaacman teamed up with SpaceX to test the company's brand new spacesuits on his chartered flight. The daring feat also saw SpaceX engineer Sarah Gillis going out once Isaacman was safely back inside.

This spacewalk was simple and quickthe hatch was open barely a half hourcompared with the drawn-out affairs conducted by NASA. Astronauts at the International Space Station often need to move across the sprawling complex for repairs, always traveling in pairs and lugging gear. Station spacewalks can last seven to eight hours; this one clocked in at less than two hours.

Isaacman emerged first, joining a small elite group of spacewalkers who until now had included only professional astronauts from a dozen countries.

"Back at home, we all have a lot of work to do. But from here, it sure looks like a perfect world," Isaacman said as the capsule soared above the South Pacific. Cameras on board caught his silhouette, waist high at the hatch, with the blue Earth beneath.

The commercial spacewalk was the main focus of the five-day flight financed by Isaacman and Elon Musk's company, and the culmination of years of development geared toward settling Mars and other planets.

This image made from a SpaceX video shows SpaceX engineer Sarah Gillis on her way out of the capsule, Thursday Sept. 12, 2024. Credit: SpaceX via AP

All four on board donned the new spacewalking suits to protect themselves from the harsh vacuum. They launched on Tuesday from Florida, rocketing farther from Earth than anyone since NASA's moonwalkers. The orbit was reduced by halfto 460 miles (740 kilometers)for the spacewalk.

This first spacewalking test involved more stretching than walking. Isaacman kept a hand or foot attached to the capsule the whole time as he flexed his arms and legs to see how the spacesuit held up. The hatch sported a walker-like structure for extra support.

After roughly 10 minutes outside, Isaacman was replaced by Gillis to go through the same motions. The SpaceX engineer bobbed up and down in weightlessness, no higher than her knees out of the capsule, as she twisted her arms and sent reports back to Mission Control.

Each had 12-foot (3.6-meter) tethers but did not unfurl them or dangle at the end unlike what happens at the space station, where astronauts routinely float out at a much lower orbit.

More and more wealthy passengers are plunking down huge sums for rides aboard private rockets to experience a few minutes of weightlessness. Others have spent tens of millions to stay in space for days or even weeks. Space experts and risk analysts say it's inevitable that some will seek the thrill of spacewalking, deemed one of the most dangerous parts of spaceflight after launch and reentry but also the most soul-stirring.

This image made from a SpaceX video shows the crew of the first private spacewalk led by tech billionaire Jared Isaacman inside the capsule, Thursday Sept. 12, 2024. Credit: SpaceX via AP

This operation was planned down to the minute with little room for error. Trying out new spacesuits from a spacecraft new to spacewalking added to the risk. So did the fact that the entire capsule was exposed to the vacuum of space.

There were a few glitches. Isaacman had to manually pull the hatch open instead of pushing a button on board. Before heading out, Gillis reported seeing bulges in the hatch seal.

Scott "Kidd" Poteet, a former Air Force Thunderbird pilot, and SpaceX engineer Anna Menon stayed strapped to their seats to monitor from inside. All four underwent intensive training before the trip.

It went by "in the blink of an eye," said SpaceX commentator Kate Tice.

Congratulations streamed in after the spacewalk concluded at one hour and 46 minutesor a full swing and then some around Earth.

This image made from a SpaceX video shows SpaceX engineer Sarah Gillis emerging from the capsule, Thursday Sept. 12, 2024. Credit: SpaceX via AP

"Today's success represents a giant leap forward for the commercial space industry," NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said via X.

Isaacman, 41, CEO and founder of the Shift4 credit card-processing company, has declined to disclose how much he invested in the flight. It was the first of three flights in a program he's dubbed Polaris; this one was called Polaris Dawn. For SpaceX's inaugural private flight in 2021, he took up contest winners and a cancer survivor.

Until Thursday, only 263 people had conducted a spacewalk, representing 12 countries. The Soviet Union's Alexei Leonov kicked it off in 1965, followed a few months later by NASA's Ed White.

 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:

Scribbled notes reveal a huge herring catch on October 5, 1745. Credit: National Library of Wales

Picture the nature documentary scene. Vast schools of baitfish "miles long" being pursued by "thousands of seabirds", "great shoals" of dolphins and porpoises, sharks and cod. Huge fish the size of a tree trunk (sturgeon) or a garage door (skate) cruise above the seabed. Catches of fish so big that boats nearly capsize, and the surplus is used to manure local fields.

Where do you think this might be? A remote and pristine corner of Canada, or Alaska perhaps?

Try Wales, where I live and work as a marine scientist. Specifically north Wales, on Liverpool's doorstep and just across the Irish Sea from Dublin. The above are some of the more spectacular scenes you might have expected to see herein the past. Someone in their 80s or 90s today might just about remember witnessing a huge herring catch, or a sturgeon on the fishmonger's slab, when they were a child.

Yet with the inevitable passing of our elders, we lose our living memory and first-hand experience of abundance like this. We tend to accept as "normal" only what we have seen or experienced in our own lifetime. This can result in the dangerous shifting baseline syndrome where people have ever-lower expectations, in this case of ocean health.

Historical detective work

Systematic "long-term" fish surveys in the northeast Atlantic only began around the 1980s, yet we know that people have been fundamentally affecting fish stocks since at least Viking times. This leaves a gap of many centuries where we know little about how fish populations have changed.

The academic field of marine historical ecology seeks to address this gap in our knowledge by drawing on a wide range of sources, from old photographs to fish bones from archaeological digs, or written accounts of fish and the fishing industry by medieval tax collectors, 18th-century naturalists or Victorian newspaper reporters.

Colleagues and I drew on these written sources for our recently published research examining changes in Welsh waters over a scale of several centuries, up to the modern day. These descriptive, qualitative sources are often overlooked by marine scientists.

Together, they revealed a staggering loss. Shoals of herring supported an important fishery since the Middle Ages. This has disappeared now. Rich fisheries existed for a wide range of species including cod, turbot, sole, plaice and skate. This contrasts sharply with what is left here todayfishers rely almost exclusively on a handful of shellfish species.

This kind of historical detective work is time-consuming, but it can lead to wonderful surprises. I can clearly remember sitting in a gloomy home office and findingby accidenta digitized copy of one of the first ever books on fish (Historia piscium, 1686). This work is a marvel in itself (and even inspired a Horrible Histories sketch) but the real value for my research was that its 18th-century Welsh owner had scribbled extensive notes in the margins, based on his local fishy observations.

For instance, thanks to those margin notes we know that more than a million herring were caught in a single night near Aberystwyth, while angelsharksa flattened ambush predatorwere "in plenty" in Cardigan Bay back then. Today the angelsharks have all but disappeared, with a sighting of a single individual a cause for celebration.

Extinction on our doorstep

Say "extinct" and most people might think of dinosaurs or dodos. But extinctions may have been happening for a long time in your own backyard, if not so spectacularly. In this case, once-abundant species can become commercially extinct, where it is no longer viable to fish for them. Some species may become regionally extinctdisappearing completely from an area, like large skates did from the Irish Sea.

Once aquatic species have gone, people rapidly forget they were there, even if they were large and distinctive. This shifting baseline has happened here in Wales.

As one example, sturgeon up to 9ft long used to be caught in Wales. Nowadays, you won't find them at all in a guidebook on Welsh fishjust as the dodo might be missing from a book on the birds of Mauritius. Species have become extinct under our nose, and we've forgotten they were ever there in the first place.

Looking back to look forward

How can this doomy picture help today's seas?

We are now in the UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration, but you can't restore something until you know what it was like in the past. Even if full restoration to a time before human impacts is an impossibility, our research reveals the possibilities of a less degraded ecosystem.

When we zoom out and see the big picture, some of the most important fisheries in Wales today are historically very youngthose for whelk (a snail) and bass (the sea bass of TV chefs) only took off in the 1980s and 1990s, for example. Yet both have already felt the effects of overfishing, and climate change may make things worse. Will whelk and bass fisheries still be here in a hundred years' time? Based on our evidence, it is plausible they may not be.

Local fishers from history would have likely laughed at us if we told them that one day there would be no herring, or cod, or skatebut this is what has happened. We ignore the past at our peril.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits a section of the Yellow River to learn about local measures to promote ecological conservation in the Yellow River basin, in Lanzhou, northwest China's Gansu Province, Sept. 11, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, has called for continuous efforts to promote ecological conservation and high-quality development in the Yellow River basin.

Xi made the remarks when inspecting a section of the Yellow River near the Zhongshan Bridge in Lanzhou, capital of northwest China's Gansu Province on Wednesday afternoon.

Advancements should be made year after year to ensure the implementation of policies for promoting ecological conservation and high-quality development in the Yellow River basin, he said.

Protection is a precondition of development, and lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets, Xi stressed, expressing the confidence that the Yellow River will be even more beautiful in the future.

During the inspection, Xi was briefed on efforts made by local authorities to promote ecological conservation in the Yellow River basin, and chatted with residents and tourists enjoying leisure time on the banks of the Yellow River.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits a section of the Yellow River to learn about local measures to promote ecological conservation in the Yellow River basin, in Lanzhou, northwest China's Gansu Province, Sept. 11, 2024. Xi on Wednesday afternoon inspected Lanzhou, capital city of northwest China's Gansu Province. [Photo/Xinhua]

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits a section of the Yellow River to learn about local measures to promote ecological conservation in the Yellow River basin, in Lanzhou, northwest China's Gansu Province, Sept. 11, 2024. Xi on Wednesday afternoon inspected Lanzhou, capital city of northwest China's Gansu Province. [Photo/Xinhua]

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, talks with the crowd while visiting a section of the Yellow River in Lanzhou, northwest China's Gansu Province, Sept. 11, 2024. Xi on Wednesday afternoon inspected Lanzhou, capital city of northwest China's Gansu Province. [Photo/Xinhua]

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, waves to the crowd while visiting a section of the Yellow River in Lanzhou, northwest China's Gansu Province, Sept. 11, 2024. Xi on Wednesday afternoon inspected Lanzhou, capital city of northwest China's Gansu Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
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Academic impairment. In the past 4 weeks, how many days have you felt that emotional or mental difficulties have hurt your academic performance? Credit: The Healthy Minds Study (2024).

The latest annual Healthy Minds Study, which surveyed 100,000-plus college students from 200 universities across the United States, has good news to report: There are decreases in symptoms of anxiety, depression and thoughts of suicide, and increases in receiving mental health care and support.

In general, the latest report from the Healthy Minds Network found that college students seem to be flourishing more but mental illness and related issues for this age group remain a pressing concern.

"Mental health problems continue to be highly prevalent in college student populations, but the reports from students for this year's study are promising," said Justin Heinze of the University of Michigan, one of four principal investigators along with Daniel Eisenberg of UCLA, Sarah Ketchen Lipson of Boston University and Sasha Zhou of Wayne State University.

The study data, which was gathered through confidential online surveys taken by undergraduate and graduate students randomly selected by each school's administrations, boiled down the students' responses on: depressive symptoms, anxiety, eating disorders, diagnoses of mental illness, suicidal thoughts and nonsuicidal self-injury, history of mental illness, use of therapy or counseling, and stigma.

Some 104,000 students' responses were used for the 202324 study. The emailed, web-based surveys are timed to avoid the first two weeks of the term, the final week of the term and holidays. This is the 15th year of the study and report, which is produced by the Healthy Minds Network. More than 850,000 students at 600-plus colleges and universities have participated.

Relative to previous years, students' responses this year showed:

A decrease in severe depressive symptoms from 23% in 2022 and 20% in 2023 to 19% in 2024.

Moderate depressive symptoms decreased from 44% in 2022 and 42% in 2023 to 38% in 2024.

After remaining unchanged at 14% in 2022 and 2023, reports of eating disorders dropped 1%.

Nonsuicidal self-injury dropped to 13% in 2024, 2% less than 2022 and 1% less than last year.

Among students with depressive or anxiety symptoms, more students (61%) are using mental health therapy or counseling. In 2022, the number was 60% and in 2023 the number dropped to 59%.

More students reported taking psychiatric medication: 31% this year vs. 29% in 2022 and 2023.

Attitudes about mental health remain generally positive. Only 7% of students agree that they would think less of someone who has received mental health treatment, a slight uptick from 6% in prior years. However, the number who reported that others would think less of someone who received mental health treatment was 41%, the same as last year and a percentage point higher than two years ago.

"For the first time in roughly 15 years of collecting Healthy Minds data, we have seen two consecutive years of improved outcomes from fall 2022 through spring 2024," said Ketchen Lipson, BU associate professor of health law, policy and management.

The improvements might also be related to students bouncing back from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"This positive trend probably reflects more stability and social connection after the pandemic, as well as institutions' greater efforts to support student mental health," said Eisenberg, UCLA professor of health policy and management. "One of our major goals in the coming years is to help clarify which population-level strategies are most effective for supporting student mental health."

The detailed picture of mental health and related issues provided by the Healthy Minds Study is typically used by schools to identify needs and priorities, benchmark against peer institutions, evaluate programs and policies, plan for services and programs, and advocate for resources.

"The Healthy Minds Study serves as a barometer for student mental health across the nation," said Heinze, associate professor of health behavior and health equity in U-M's School of Public Health. "While we're excited to see this progress, higher education institutions need to continue to prioritize their students' mental well-being and ensure they have the support services they need to succeed."
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Three huge blazes are burning in hills around Los Angeles.

Cooler weather on Thursday aided firefighters battling out-of-control blazes around Los Angeles, but officials warned the fast-moving fires were unpredictable and could suddenly explode.

Around 173 square miles (450 square kilometers) have been torched in the three fires, which have destroyed dozens of homes and forced hundreds of families to flee.

One woman whose home was leveled by the fast-moving Line Fire northeast of the city said she and her children had only minutes to evacuate.

"It happened really fast," Brooke Palenchar told broadcaster KTLA.

"We weren't able to grab much before we left... I have about three Tupperwares left of our lives."

Footage from the home showed only a brick chimney standing among twisted metal and charred debris.

Investigators believe the fire, which has consumed 37,000 acres (15,000 hectares) in a week, was started deliberately.

Justin Wayne Halstenberg, 34, from Norco has been arrested on suspicion of arson. Reports Thursday said detectives believe he may be a serial arsonist.

Thousands of firefighters from across the region are tackling the vast fire, working long, intense days.

"Our shifts are 24 hours, but due to the crew rotation, we end up working about 28-hour shifts," Captain Kyle Arledge of Ventura County Fire said.

The Bridge Fire has torn through Wrightwood, destroying a number of homes and forcing evacuations.

Pyrocumulous clouds

To the west, the Bridge Fire in the Angeles National Forestthe largest active blaze in Californiahas now swelled to over 51,000 acres, destroying at least 33 homes.

Pictures from the town of Wrightwood show charred vehicles and the wreckage of buildings wreathed in smoke.

Three peopleincluding an off-duty sheriff's deputywho had been trapped by the fire in a remote area near Mt. Baldy were brought to safety on Wednesday.

Firefighters said the blaze remained entirely uncontained, and warned that it could suddenly explode because of the abundance of dry vegetation.

This could mean "the potential for large energy release that could create plume-driven fire behavior and column collapses, which may send spot fires out ahead of the fire's direction," said an update from Cal Fire, the statewide fire agency.

Plume-driven fires happen when a blaze begins to generate its own localized weather, forming what is called a pyrocumulous cloud.

Smoke from the fire stops the hot air from rising and forces it back down, creating gusts that can fan the flames, similar to the downdraft of a thunderstorm.

"Those winds can essentially go in any direction which makes it extremely dangerous in terms of fire growth at the surface," National Weather Service meteorologist Bryan Lewis told the San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

A house is threatened as the Airport Fire gains ground near Lake Elsinore.

'Herculean effort'

Southeast of Los Angeles, the Airport Fire was still growing, but cooler temperatures were making the battle easier.

The blaze erupted on Monday and began racing up canyons and hillsides.

Photographs and video from the Lake Elsinore area show houses and vehicles have been devastated.

Orange County Fire Authority Captain Steve Concialdi said a cooldown after days of stifling heat has brought much-needed relief, with the return of a morning blanket of cool and moist air from the sea.

"This marine layer and cooler temperatures along with the higher relative humidity are helping firefighters grow our containment... and extinguish hot spots," he said.

California Governor Gavin Newsom, who has declared a state of emergency in response to the fires, visited the command post at the Line Fire on Wednesday.

"California is deploying every available resource to combat these devastating fires, and we'll continue to work in lockstep with federal and local partners in this Herculean effort," he said.

The town of Wrightwood has been badly affected by one of three major wildfires around Los Angeles.

Wildfires are a natural part of the wilderness cycle and are not unusual in California and other parts of the US West at this time of year.

But scientists say human-caused climate change is altering weather patterns and making natural cycles less predictable.

Two wet winters that sparked rapid growth of vegetation, coupled with two mild fire seasons have left large swathes of southern California primed to burn.

 2024 AFP
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Staff at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab fill a dolphin decoy with sand. Credit: Dauphin Island Sea Lab

Better surveillance of marine mammals that wash up on beaches and in marshes will provide more accurate estimates of how many individuals of many species are dying and the causes of those deaths, according to a new study published in Marine Mammal Science.

In the study, which took place on Dauphin Island, Alabama, the researchers planted decoys of bottlenose dolphinsa common marine mammal in the areaon popular and isolated beaches, and in remote and more trafficked marsh areas. The decoys were tagged with a phone number to call when a member of the public happened upon one.

The experiment gave researchers data on the rates at which stranded dolphins are found and reported, and identified areas where fewer decoys were detectedsuch as remote marsh areasthat may merit extra scrutiny by trained observers.

"How many people are reporting the animals is really important, because stranding networks rely on the public as their primary source of information for stranded animals," said Dr. Jennifer Bloodgood, the paper's corresponding author and assistant professor of practice at the Department of Public and Ecosystem Health in the College of Veterinary Medicine.

"The public only found 58% of the decoy dolphins overall, so that tells us a lot about the potential real number of actual stranded dolphins," she said. For example, for every 100 dolphins found, according to the detection rate, there may be close to twice as many that strand but don't get reported, she said.

"The study tells us about the cryptic mortality and where we should put efforts for doing more dedicated searches," she said.

Marine mammals wash up on shores for many reasons, but the majority of cases in Alabama are due to human interactions, often drownings after being caught in equipment such as fishing nets. Dolphins, for example, are known to follow fishing vessels to catch easy prey in the nets. Infectious disease is another common cause of death, Bloodgood said.

In the study, Bloodgood and colleagues recruited help from the Department of Theater and Dance at the University of South Alabama to make 12 dolphin decoys using cloth and environmentally friendly materials. The decoys were about 3 feet long, the size of a baby dolphin, and fitted with zippers so they could be filled with sand, as well as loops for anchoring.

Decoys were then placed, three per four different habitats; at popular and less-popular beaches and marsh areas, during peak tourist time and during the off-season. Each decoy was numbered and fitted with a sign that informed people to report the sighting, but also to leave the decoy in place.

A team of trained observers from the Alabama Marine Mammal Stranding Network at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab also searched over two-hour windows, so their results could be compared with the public reports. Staff memberswho normally lack time to conduct such searcheswalked or used kayaks, ATVs and drones.

The results revealed that the public found half the decoys in the off-season and two-thirds in the peak season, and they only found 17% of the decoys in low-trafficked marsh areas. Trained staff found three-fourths of the decoys in the off-season and 83% of them during the peak season. Use of the drone proved slightly better overall than the traditional (walking, ATV and kayak) methods, though some decoys were found by walking that weren't seen by the drone, highlighting the importance of a mix of techniques.

Bloodgood said the findings are important because they point to habitatssuch as less-frequented marsh areaswhere staff members might focus their limited time and resources.

"And, it's important because we need to have better estimates of the total number of animals that are dying to really understand the effects of a specific cause of death," Bloodgood said. "If we don't know how many animals are stranded in the first place, it makes it difficult to try and estimate and extrapolate deaths to larger population numbers."

More information: Mary J. Ponti et al, Stranded marine mammal detection by the public, trained responders, and drones using decoy carcasses, Marine Mammal Science (2024). DOI: 10.1111/mms.13169 Journal information: Marine Mammal Science
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Meltwater streaming across the top of the Greenland ice sheet. A study led by researchers at The University of Texas at Austin examines the flow and freezing of meltwater within old snow on the ice sheet, which can help improve estimate of sea level rise. Credit: NASA Earth Observatory

A newly discovered mechanism for the flow and freezing of ice sheet meltwater could improve estimates of sea level rise around the globe.

Researchers from The University of Texas at Austin, in collaboration with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS), have found a new mechanism that explains the process of how impermeable horizontal ice layers are formed below the surface, a process critical for determining the contribution of ice sheet meltwater to sea level rise.

The work by Mohammad Afzal Shadab, a graduate student at UT's Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences, was published in Geophysical Research Letters. Shadab was supervised by study co-authors Marc Hesse and Cyril Grima at UT's Jackson School of Geosciences.

The world's two largest freshwater reservoirs, the Greenland and Antarctica ice sheets, are covered in old snow, known as firn, that's not yet compacted into solid ice. Because the firn is porous, melted snow can drain down into the firn and freeze again rather than running into the sea. This process is thought to decrease meltwater runoff by about half.

However, it's also possible to form impermeable ice layers that can serve as barriers for meltwaterand divert meltwater to the sea, said Shadab.

"So, there are cases where these ice layers in firn accelerate the rate of meltwater running into the oceans," he said.

The potential for glacial meltwater to freeze in firn or flow off existing ice barriers makes understanding freezing dynamics within the firn layer an important part of estimating sea level rise, according to the researchers.

Previous work on firn in mountains, which also contain ice layers, found that these ice layers are created when rainwater accumulates, or ponds, on older layers within the firn and then refreezes. But according to Hesse, it didn't seem to work that way for ice sheets.

"When we looked at the data from Greenland, the actual amount of melt that's being produced, even in an extreme melt event, is not enough to produce ponds," said Hesse. "And that's really where this study has come up with a new mechanism for ice layer formation."

This new research presents ice layer formation as a competition between two processes: warmer meltwater flowing down through the porous firn (advection) and the cold ice freezing the water in place by heat conduction. The depth where heat conduction begins to dominate over heat advection determines the location where a new ice layer forms.

"Now that we know the physics of the formation of those ice layers, we will be able to better predict the meltwater retention capability of firn," said study co-author Surendra Adhikari, a geophysicist at JPL.

Anja Rutishauser, a former UT postdoctoral researcher who is now a now at GEUS, also co-authored the study.

To ground truth this new mechanism, the researchers compared their models to a dataset collected in 2016 in which scientists dug a hole in Greenland's firn and heavily equipped it with thermometers and radar that could measure the movement of meltwater. While previous hydrological models deviated from the measurements, the new mechanism successfully mirrored observations.

An unexpected finding of the new work was that the location of the ice layers may act as a record of the thermal conditions under which they formed.

"In the warming scenario, we found that the ice layers form deeper and deeper into the firn chronologically in a top-down fashion," said Shadab. "And in a colder condition, ice layers form closer to the surface in a bottom-up scenario."

Today, the amount of water running into the sea from Greenland currently outpaces Antarctica's, about 270 billion tons per year compared to Antarctica's 140 billion tons. Together, that's more than two and a half Lake Tahoes' worth each year. But future predictions of how much the two ice sheets will contribute to sea level rise are highly variable, fluctuating from 5 to 55 centimeters by 2100. And it's clear that ice layers play a keyand until now, poorly understoodrole.

"Things are much more complex in reality than what has been captured by existing models," said Adhikari. "If we really want to improve our predictions, this is where we're really advancing the state of the art."

More information: Mohammad Afzal Shadab et al, A Mechanism for Ice Layer Formation in Glacial Firn, Geophysical Research Letters (2024). DOI: 10.1029/2024GL109893 Journal information: Geophysical Research Letters
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Golden jackal spotted in Ivalo. Credit: Asta Harkonen

The golden jackal (Canis aureus) has rapidly expanded its range across Europe by thousands of kilometers. It has recently moved into new environments, reaching as far as north of the Arctic Circle in Finland and Norway, and south to the Iberian Peninsula.

Researchers from the University of Oulu, Finland, in collaboration with Polish, Norwegian, and Spanish scientists, have investigated the origin and possible migration routes of three golden jackals found at the frontiers of their range. The study is published in Mammalian Biology.

Genetic analyses revealed that a jackal found in Finland had traveled approximately 2,500 kilometers from the western Pannonian population (located in Austria, Hungary, and Croatia) to Sodankyla. A jackal found in the Troms region of Norway had either traveled 1,500 km from the Baltic population or 3,400 km from the Caucasus.

The individual discovered on the Iberian Peninsula likely originated from western Pannonia (1,650 km), although the Adriatic region (1,300 km) is also a possible, though less likely, source. The study shows that golden jackals are expanding into new areas from multiple source populations, including both core areas and recently established regions.

All studied individuals were males and first-generation migrants, meaning they were new arrivals. No evidence of hybridization with domestic dogs was found. The results also supported previous findings of the genetic homogeneity of golden jackals; both the Finnish and Spanish individuals belonged to the most common European maternal lineage.

"Previously, it was assumed that golden jackals arriving in Finland came from the established Baltic population, but this study shows that they can migrate from much further away, even thousands of kilometers. Wolves have also been shown to travel more than a thousand kilometers from their home range," says Professor Jouni Aspi from the University of Oulu.

According to the researchers, in addition to the individual in Sodankyla, seven confirmed sightings of golden jackals have been made in Finland, the most recent in Ivalo in August 2024.

The study demonstrates that golden jackals are capable of traveling astonishing distances in very different environmental conditions and establishing new packs and populations in extreme climates, highlighting their remarkable resilience and adaptability.

Climate change has been suggested as one of the reasons for their expansion. The species also adapts to cold weather, and it is shown to survive in thick mountain snow.

The golden jackal is larger than a fox but much smaller than a wolf. In Finland, the golden jackal is not an invasive species introduced by humans, but a naturally expanding newcomer species that is protected under the Nature Conservation Act.

Omnivorous, the golden jackal mainly eats small mammals and carrion but also consumes plants, birds, and small ungulates, as well as livestock. It is adept at taking advantage of food sources provided by humans: for instance, the stomach contents of the Sodankyla golden jackal included fish remains likely left behind by local fishermen.

The golden jackal occupies a food chain niche between foxes and wolves, meaning it likely competes with them and raccoon dogs for food and territory.

More information: Wiesaw Bogdanowicz et al, Species on the move: a genetic story of three golden jackals at the expansion front, Mammalian Biology (2024). DOI: 10.1007/s42991-024-00452-0 Journal information: Mammalian Biology
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Representative images of latent fingermarks on stainless steel illuminated by and viewed under visible light (a) before development and (b) after development with MCM-41@Ch@DnsGly NPs. Corresponding images generated by illumination with UV light ( ex = 365 nm) by MCM-41@Ch@DnsGly NP development on (c) stainless steel, (d) glass, (e) plastic and (f) unfired brass cartridge case substrates. Credit: RSC Advances (2024). DOI: 10.1039/D4RA03074E

Researchers created a fluorescent nanoparticle using a combination of materials (MCM-41, chitosan and dansylglycine) to examine latent fingerprints. These nanoparticles have special properties that make them adhere well to fingerprint residues, even old ones.

The nanoparticles work on various surfaces, including metal, plastic, glass and complex objects such as polymer banknotes. They have the potential to be used directly at crime scenes without lab facilities, which is a significant advantage over some previous reagents. They produce high-quality fingerprint images, with the vast majority of those tested meeting the UK Home Office standards for a successful identification.

This new method captures the finer details of a fingerprint, making it easier to identify individuals and is expected greatly to aid in forensic investigations. The research was published in a RSC Advances paper, highlighting that the new nanomaterial has proven to be a versatile and effective tool for visualizing fingerprint evidence. Small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) techniques at Diamond provided useful data to validate these results.

Ridge patterns on fingertips remain unchanged during and beyond a person's life. They provide the primary method of personal identification in criminal investigations. When an object's surface is touched by a finger, sweat and oily substances are transferred and deposited onto the surface, resulting in the formation of a mark. Most fingerprints are invisible to the naked eye and are referred to as latent fingerprints.

The international collaboration of researchers developed the new nanostructured hybrid material, MCM-41@chitosan@dansylglycine, to visualize latent fingerprints. This material combines mesoporous silica nanoparticles with a fluorescent dye (dansylglycine) and chitosan, a polysaccharide derived from the exoskeletons of shrimps, crabs and lobsters.

Latent fingerprints require physicochemical development techniques to enhance their visibility and make them interpretable for forensic purposes. Traditional methods for developing fingerprints include optical, physical, and chemical processes that involve interaction between the developing agent (often a colored or fluorescent reagent) and the fingerprint residue. These methods have limitations in recovering high-quality results in certain conditions.

Recently, new methods using mass spectrometry, spectroscopy, electrochemistry, and nanoparticles have improved the development of latent fingerprints. These techniques offer better contrast, sensitivity, and selectivity, with low toxicity. The ability to adjust nanomaterial properties further enhances the detection of both fresh and aged fingerprints.

Modification of the MCM-41 NPs with chitosan, followed by surface modification of MCM-41@Ch with DnsGly through interaction between the hydroxyl groups of chitosan and carboxylic acid groups of dansylglycine . Credit: RSC Advances (2024). DOI: 10.1039/D4RA03074E

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) have attracted significant interest since the discovery of the M41S family of molecular sieves, which encompasses MCM-41, MCM-48, and SBA-15. These nanoparticles are characterized by their controlled particle size, porosity, high specific surface area, chemical stability, and ease of surface functionalization.

Prof. Adriana Ribeiro, Federal University of Alagoas comments, "There are few studies employing chitosan for detection and enhancement of latent fingerprints and, to the best of our knowledge, no reports of the use of hierarchically structured MSNs modified with chitosan (MSN@Ch) for such applicationswhich was our strategy in this research. We exploited the MCM's desirable characteristicsnotably high surface area and surface modificationfor the case of MCM-41 to enhance the interaction between the development reagent and fingerprint residue."

The team added dansyl fluorophores which exhibit intense absorption bands in the near UV region and emit strong fluorescence in the visible spectrum with high emission quantum yields.

Professor of Physical Chemistry, Robert Hillman, University of Leicester concludes, "The overarching aim of this study was to create a versatile and effective latent fingerprint visualization material based on MSNs, chitosan and dansyl derivatives. These nanoparticles were applied as latent fingerprint developers for marks on surfaces of diverse chemical composition, topography, optical characteristics and spatially variant nature, typical of forensically challenging evidence.

"For quality assessment of the enhanced fingerprints, we analyzed the developed images using the UK Home Office scale, forensic protocols and, in terms of their constituent features, (minutiae), specialist forensic software. Across a substantive collection of marks deposited on chemically diverse surfaces and subject to complex environmental and temporal histories, the overwhelming majority of the enhanced images presented sufficient minutiae for comparison with model dactyloscopy images."

Diamond Light Source CEO Prof. Gianluigi Botton adds, "It is pleasing to see that Diamond's unique analytical tools once again have delivered outstanding science. Our network of international users is key to making sure our science delivers results. This advance in nanomaterials could be a step change in how forensics may be applied in the future."

The research team includes scientists from the Technical and Scientific Section of Alagoas, Federal Police, Brazil; the National Institute of Criminalistics of the Federal Police, Brazil; the University of Leicester's School of Chemistry; the Federal University of Alagoas, Brazil; and the UK's national synchrotron, Diamond Light Source.

More information: Lais F. A. M. Oliveira et al, Dansyl fluorophore functionalized hierarchically structured mesoporous silica nanoparticles as novel latent fingerprint development agents, RSC Advances (2024). DOI: 10.1039/D4RA03074E Journal information: RSC Advances
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A live recreation of the Ngamugawi wirngarri coelacanth in its natural habitat. P3D graphic credit: Katrina Kenny. Credit: Illustration Katrina Kenny (courtesy Flinders University)

Climate change and asteroids are linked with animal origin and extinctionand plate tectonics also seems to play a key evolutionary role, "groundbreaking" new fossil research reveals.

The discovery of an exceptionally well preserved ancient primitive Devonian coelacanth fish in remote Western Australia has been linked to a period of heightened tectonic activity, or movement in the Earth's crust, according to the new study in Nature Communications.

Led by Flinders University and experts from Canada, Australia and Europe, the new fossil from the Gogo Formation in WA, named Ngamugawi wirngarri, also helps to fill in an important transition period in coelacanth history, between the most primitive forms and other more "anatomically-modern" forms.

"We are thrilled to work with people of the Mimbi community to grace this beautiful new fish with the first name taken from the Gooniyandi language," says first author Dr. Alice Clement, an evolutionary biologist and paleontologist from Flinders University.

"Our analyses found that tectonic plate activity had a profound influence on rates of coelacanth evolution. Namely that new species of coelacanth were more likely to evolve during periods of heightened tectonic activity as new habitats were divided and created," she says.

The study confirms the Late Devonian Gogo Formation as one of the richest and best-preserved assemblages of fossil fishes and invertebrates on Earth.

Flinders University Strategic Professor of Palaeontology John Long says the fossil, dating from the Devonian Period (359419 million years ago), "provides us with some great insight into the early anatomy of this lineage that eventually led to humans."

"For more than 35 years, we have found several perfectly preserved 3D fish fossils from Gogo sites which have yielded many significant discoveries, including mineralized soft tissues and the origins of complex sexual reproduction in vertebrates," says Professor Long.

"Our study of this new species led us to analyze the evolutionary history of all known coelacanths."

Credit: Flinders University

Many parts of human anatomy originated in the Early Paleozoic (540350 million years ago). This was when jaws, teeth, paired appendages, ossified brain-cases, intromittent genital organs, chambered hearts and paired lungs all appeared in early fishes.

"While now covered in dry rocky outcrops, the Gogo Formation on Gooniyandi Country in the Kimberley region of northern Western Australia was part of an ancient tropical reef teeming with more than 50 species of fish about 380 million years ago.

"We calculated the rates of evolution across their 410 million-year history. This revealed that coelacanth evolution has slowed down drastically since the time of the dinosaurs, but with a few intriguing exceptions," explains Professor Long.

Today, the coelacanth is a fascinating deep-sea fish that lives off the coasts of eastern Africa and Indonesia and can reach up to 2m in length. They are "lobe-finned" fish, which means they have robust bones in their fins not too dissimilar to the bones in our own arms, and are thus considered to be more closely related to lungfish and tetrapods (the back-boned animals with arms and legs such as frogs, emus and mice) than most other fishes.

Over the past 410 million years, more than 175 species of coelacanths have been discovered across the globe. During the Mesozoic Era, the age of dinosaurs, coelacanths diversified significantly, with some species developing unusual body shapes. However, at the end of the Cretaceous Period, around 66 million years ago, they mysteriously disappeared from the fossil record.

The end Cretaceous extinction, sparked by the impact from a massive asteroid, wiped out approximately 75% of all life on Earth, including all of the non-avian (bird-like) dinosaurs. Thus, it was presumed that the coelacanth fishes had been swept up as a casualty of the same mass extinction event.

Professor John Long holding a fossil specimen. Photo courtesy: Flinders University. Credit: Flinders University

Ngamugawi wirngarri coelacanth skull bones after they were acid etched out of rock at Museum Victoria, 2009. Credit: J Long (Flinders University)

Flinders University vertebrate paleontologist Dr. Alice Clement looking at a model of a modern-day coelacanth and a 3D printed skull of the Ngamugawi wirngarri coelacanth. Credit: Flinders University

But in 1938, people fishing off South Africa pulled up a large mysterious looking fish from the ocean depths, with the "lazarus" fish going on to gain cult status in the world of biological evolution.

Another senior co-author, vertebrate paleontologist Professor Richard Cloutier, from the University of Quebec in Rimouski (UQAR), says the new study challenges the idea that surviving coelacanths are the oldest "living fossils."

"They first appear in the geological record more than 410 million years ago, with fragmentary fossils known from places like China and Australia. However, most of the early forms remain poorly known, making Ngamugawi wirngarri the best known Devonian coealacanth.

"As we slowly fill in the gaps, we can start to understand how living coelacanth species of Latimeria, which commonly are considered to be 'living fossils,' actually are continuing to evolve and might not deserve such an enigmatic title," says Professor Cloutier, a previous honorary visiting scholar at Flinders University.

The study's co-authors have affiliations with Mahasarakham University in Thailand, the South Australian Museum, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Germany, University of Bristol, Curtin University in Western Australia and the WA Museum.

More information: A Late Devonian coelacanth reconfigures actinistian phylogeny, disparity, and evolutionary dynamics', Nature Communications (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51238-4 Journal information: Nature Communications
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A handout image from Atlantic Wreck Salvage shows diver Joe Mazraani fanning away sand to reveal a 'deadeye' used as part of the sail rigging of Le Lyonnais.

A US dive team has discovered the wreck of a French steamship, Le Lyonnais, that sank in the Atlantic Ocean in 1856 after a "hit-and-run" collision with an American sailing vessel, claiming 114 lives.

Le Lyonnais, which was built in 1855 and was considered state-of-the-art at the time, was returning to France after completing its maiden voyage from Le Havre to New York when the disaster occurred.

Jennifer Sellitti of Atlantic Wreck Salvage, a New Jersey-based company, said a team on the dive boat D/V Tenacious discovered the wreckage of Le Lyonnais last month after a two-decade search.

Sellitti said divers positively identified the ship in waters 200 miles (320 kilometers) off of New Bedford, Massachusetts, in an area known as the Georges Bank. They are not revealing the exact location for now.

"She certainly doesn't look as good as she used to," Sellitti told AFP. "She was really broken apart.

"The North Atlantic is a brutal place to be a shipwreckstorms, tides," she said. "The Nantucket shoals are known for shifting sands that just completely bury wrecks."

Sellitti said measurements of an engine cylinder were key to identifying the vessel.

The iron-hulled Le Lyonnais, which had both sails and a steam engine, was built by a British shipmaker, Laird & Sons, for Compagnie Franco-Americaine to provide passenger and mail service across the Atlantic.

"The 1850s was the beginning of the transition from sail to steam," Sellitti said. "This was an early attempt by France to have its first successful passenger line."

Le Lyonnais had sailed to New York carrying cargo and mail, she said, and was returning to Le Havre with its first passengers, most of whom were French.

This handout image from Atlantic Wreck Salvage shows a portion of an engine cylinder from Le Lyonnais.

Hit-and-run

On the night of November 2, 1856, Le Lyonnais, carrying 132 passengers and crew, collided with the Adriatic, an American barque which was sailing from Maine to Georgia.

Jonathan Durham, the Adriatic's captain, in a statement published in the November 19, 1856 edition of The New York Times, said it was around 11:00 pm on a starlit but "hazy" night when Le Lyonnais "suddenly changed her course, which rendered a collision inevitable."

Durham said the Adriatic suffered significant damage but managed to make it to Gloucester, Massachusetts two days later while Le Lyonnais continued on its way.

The French ship had, in fact, suffered extensive damagea hole at the water line and another one lower, probably near its coal bunkers, Sellitti said.

It sank several days later. The handful of survivors were picked up by another ship.

Sellitti, whose book about the incident, "The Adriatic Affair: A Maritime Hit-and-Run Off the Coast of Nantucket," comes out in February 2025, said the sinking of Le Lyonnais was "a really big deal at the time."

The American captain was arrested and put on trial in France, she said, and the collision raised a number of novel maritime liability questions such as what happens when a sailing vessel meets a steamship at sea.

The disaster, which is mentioned in Jules Verne's novel "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea," was the focus of much international attention, she said, but when the US Civil War broke out in 1861 "everybody stopped talking about this and went on to the Civil War."

 2024 AFP
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Ol Doinyo Lengai is an active Tanzanian volcano that erupts a highly fluid lava, which looks like black oil or brown foam. When it cools, the lava turns white. Credit: D. Sarah Stamps.

When a volcano is about to erupt, the surrounding land puffs up like a squeezed balloon. The technical term is "transient deformation," and Virginia Tech researchers have detected and tracked this short-lived movement for the first time using satellite observations of Ol Doinyo Lengai, an active Tanzanian volcano.

Their results appeared in a paper published earlier this summer in Geophysical Research Letters.

According to the study, increasing pressure inside a volcano's magma reservoir can cause the land to bulge. When the pressure decreases, the reservoir deflates again and the land falls back.

"We have been able to detect transient motion in volcanic activity, and this is a precursor for any kind of eruption," said Ntambila Daud, a graduate student working with Associate Professor D. Sarah Stamps at Virginia Tech's Geodesy and Tectonophysics Laboratory. "This research could help Tanzanian authorities have a better idea of what is happening with the volcano."

Tanzania's Ol Doinyo Lengaia name that means "mountain of God" in the Maasai languageis the only active volcano in the world that produces carbonatite lava, which has unusual coloring: erupting black or gray but cooling to a bone white. Eruptions represent a constant threat to surrounding communities and compromise tourism and air traffic in the area.

Records of Ol Doinyo Lengai eruptions go back to the 1880s. Since then, the volcano has been periodically active. Observations were spotty until 2016, when the Virginia Tech team installed six sensors on the flanks of the volcano to collect high-precision geodetic data taken from Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). That data and data products allow a researcher to measure and better understand Earth's geometric shape. In addition, an on-site seismometer monitors localized shaking and swelling around the volcano.

Using the GNSS data streams, Daud created computer models that detect potential volcanic signals at Ol Doinyo Lengai due to magma reservoir changes. The team assessed seven years of continuous GNSS data for transient signals and found rapid uplift spanning March 2022December 2022 and then steadystate uplift through August 2023.

"If the difference between the data and the expected pattern is three times larger, it indicates transient deformation in surface motion," Daud said. "This could signal an impending eruption and aid in eruption forecasting."

In addition to serving as a potential early-alert system for the communities surrounding Ol Doinyo Lengai, this technique has been applied to other volcanoes such as Long Valley Caldera in California and Alaska's Akutan volcano.

"The approach that Daud used in this paper provided important steps forward in our understanding of the dynamic magma plumbing system of Ol Doinyo Lengai," Stamps said.

More information: Ntambila Daud et al, Detecting Transient Uplift at the Active Volcano Ol Doinyo Lengai in Tanzania With the TZVOLCANO Network, Geophysical Research Letters (2024). DOI: 10.1029/2023GL108097 Journal information: Geophysical Research Letters
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In this photo provided by Michigan Technological University, an autonomous high-tech vessel is lowered in Houghton, Mich., on Monday, Sept. 9. 2024, before being used to search for the wreckage of a plane that crashed in Lake Superior in 1968. Credit: Kaden Staley/Michigan Technological University via AP

An ambitious high-tech search in Michigan's Lake Superior so far has turned up no sign of a plane that crashed in 1968, killing three people who were on a scientific research trip.

An autonomous vessel was launched Monday in a section of the vast lake where the Beechcraft Queen Air is believed to have crashed off the Keweenaw Peninsula. The Armada 8 sends sonar readings and other data to experts trailing it on boats.

"We have not definitively confirmed any targets as aircraft at this time," said Travis White, a research engineer at the Great Lakes Research Center at Michigan Technological University, speaking from a boat Thursday.

The team can drop a small cylindrical device overboard to record images and collect more data from possible hot spots on the lake bottom.

"What we've been seeing so far is big stones or out-of-the-ordinary rock features," said state maritime archaeologist Wayne Lusardi.

The plane carrying pilot Robert Carew, co-pilot Gordon Jones and graduate student Velayudh Krishna Menon left Madison, Wisconsin, for Lake Superior on Oct. 23, 1968. They were collecting information on temperature and water radiation for the National Center for Atmospheric Research.

Seat cushions and pieces of stray metal have washed ashore over decades. But the plane wreckage and the remains of the men have never been found. That area of the lake is 400 feet (122 meters) deep.

"We are eagerly following the search. All the best!" Menon's family said in a message on a YouTube site where daily video updates are posted.

The mission on the lake will end this week. The wreckage would not be raised if located, though confirmation would at least solve the mystery.

"There's still a lot of post-processing of data to come in the next few weeks," Lusardi said. "At that time there may be a potential for targets that look really, really interesting, and then we can deploy a team from Michigan Tech later in the month as weather permits."

The search was organized by the Smart Ships Coalition, a grouping of more than 60 universities, government agencies, companies and international organizations interested in maritime autonomous technologies.

 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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Credit: Synthetic Biology (2024). DOI: 10.1093/synbio/ysae011

How can computer models help design microbial communities? A research team comprising members from Aachen, Dusseldorf and East Lansing/U.S. examined the development perspectives of so-called synthetic biology. In an article published in the journal Synthetic Biology, they explain why computer-aided biology has an important role to play.

Communities of microorganismsbacteria, fungi and virusescan be found everywhere. In organisms, they fulfill a variety of functions. For example, the microbial community in the human gut, the so-called microbiome, is essential for metabolism. The microorganisms are needed to unlock many nutrients and make them available to the body. If the composition of the microbiome is incorrect, this can cause significant damage to the organism as a whole.

The interdisciplinary research field of "synthetic biology" is also increasingly focusing on these microbial networks. The aim is to use engineering principles to design and construct new biological systems and organisms that can perform specific functions. Genetic engineering methods help modify and transfer DNA and RNA across different organisms.

Synthetic biology initially focused on individual synthetic organisms, but its potential for designing highly complex networks such as artificial communities of (synthetic) organisms is becoming increasingly obvious.

Such artificial communities offer a wide range of potential application areas including the mitigation of disease, increased crop productivity or the production of valuable biomolecules.

Researchers from the CRC1535 "MibiNet" have been inspired by natural lichens, in which phototrophic cyanobacteria or algae establish a close symbiotic relationship with heterotrophic fungal partners. They want to develop the microbial networking manifested here as an example for future applications.

The research findings are intended as a contribution toward establishing interdisciplinary methods and technologies for CO 2 -negative processes, i.e., processes that actively capture CO 2 from the atmosphere. In a further research projectACCeSSthe intention is to harness energy from the sun to treat wastewater.

In the journal article, researchers from Aachen University of Technology (RWTH), HHU and Michigan State University (MSU) in East Lansing in the U.S. outline this future direction of development for synthetic biology. They emphasize the role of computational biology as an integral component, which can greatly simplify the design of artificial communities.

Professor Dr. Ilka Axmann from HHU, corresponding author of the study, says, "We propose a shift in perspective from single-organism centered approaches to emphasizing the functional contributions of organisms within the community."

With regard to the research approach, she adds, "The focus lies on the function the community as a whole should perform. It is irrelevant which specific organisms it contains: Organisms are merely the chassis containing necessary metabolic pathways, providing required functional roles."

Dr. Daniel C. Ducat, Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at MSU states, "Increasing numbers of examples show that, although the specific species composition of complex microbial communities can change over time or at different locations, the specific functions of the community are stable on a larger scale."

Dr. Anna Matuszynska, lead author of the study and junior professor of computational life science at RWTH, says, "Computational biology can help support modularization in synthetic biology, which is desirable as it would reduce complexity and create versatile, scalable frameworks that can be tailored to specific functions within biological communities.

"With the help of mathematical models, we can predict and optimize such systems to ensure they work reliably and efficiently. The intention is to use this 'in silico design' in the earliest stages of developing a synthetic community."

More information: Anna Matuszynska et al, A new era of synthetic biologymicrobial community design, Synthetic Biology (2024). DOI: 10.1093/synbio/ysae011
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Sediment core locations and trajectory of rain events along the Chilean coast. Credit: Nature Communications (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51985-4

A research team led by the Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research Warnemunde (IOW) has analyzed 50,000 years of mid-latitude hydroclimate of the South-East Pacific using special moisture related indicators in marine sediment cores. They have found that natural variations in the Earth's orbital parameters exert a decisive influence.

Understanding the causes of changing humidity and precipitation in the Earth's past is crucial for better assessments of the planet's future hydroclimate changes through improved modeling. One field that climate researchers around the world are focusing on is hydroclimatei.e. the entirety of all long-term weather phenomena in a region that determine the amount of precipitation and humidity. After all, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) states unequivocally: As climate change progresses, the risk of hydroclimate extremesboth droughts and heavy rainfall eventsincreases.

"Understanding the hydroclimate of a region or modeling future scenarios is anything but trivial and involves major uncertainties as it is the result of an extraordinarily complex interplay of many factors," says Jerome Kaiser from the IOW. "Analyzing changes in the Earth's climate far back into the past can help to recognize patterns and thus identify important influencing factors."

The expert in paleoceanography and paleoclimate is lead author on a study in Nature Communications, now published together with researchers from the Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, the MARUMCentre for Marine Environmental Sciences at the University of Bremen and two Chilean universities, the University of Magallanes in Punta Arenas and the Santiago-based University of Chile.

The study provides a glimpse into the paleoclimatic past by analyzing several sediment cores from the South-East Pacific, which were recovered from water depths between 850 and 3,300 meters on the continental slope off the northern and southern Chilean coast.

"Marine sediments, which are deposited over thousands of years in layers that can be dated quite well, are excellent archives from which we can reconstruct past environmental conditions on Earth using certain indicatorsso-called environmental proxies," explains Kaiser.

The cores used in the present study reflect a period of about 50,000 years. The research team primarily focused on the content of deuterium, a naturally occurring hydrogen isotope, in leaf waxes of land plants, which are deposited in marine sediments.

"We know that different deuterium levels say a lot about the precipitation conditions in a regionabout the amount and intensity of the precipitation, and even about the origin of the humidity from which the precipitation has formed," Kaiser explains the approach.

The results show clear patterns for the sources of humidity and the amount of precipitation in the mid-latitude hydroclimate of the southeast Pacific: While in southern Chile the rain was mainly brought by the sub-Antarctic westerly winds, the precipitation in the mid-latitudes of Chile also came from the subtropics. The amount and origin of precipitation from these sources in the two regions, however, is subject to significant fluctuations over the millennia.

"It was particularly interesting for us that the fluctuations in the amount and intensity of precipitation follow distinctive time cycles, which only became visible thanks to the long period represented by the sediment cores: In central Chile, the cycle length is 23,000 years, whereas in southern Chile it is 41,000 years," Kaiser points out.

These temporal patterns correlate very well with temporal cycles of natural changes in the Earth's orbit around the sun: During a phenomenon known as "precession," which correlates with the shorter precipitation cycle in central Chile, the Earth's axis undergoes a cone-shaped rotation and thus changes the planet's orientation in relation to the sun.

In addition, the Earth's axis also changes its inclination within the planet, which is known as the "Earth axis tilt phenomenon" and also affects the planet's positioning towards the sun. It correlates with the longer time cycle of precipitation in southern Chile.

"Both orbital phenomena influence the intensity of the solar radiation in different regions by changing the tilt of the planet. And this in turn has consequences for the winds that transport moisture and rain," says Kaiser. That the Earth's orbital variability has climatic consequences has long been hypothesized and taken into account in regional climate models, the paleoclimate expert continues.

"However, based on the results of the deuterium measurements, our study provides concrete evidence that the hydroclimate of Chile's mid-latitudes is substantially controlled by orbital parameters. And hydroclimatic extremes in south-central Chile, such as the very high levels of precipitation during the last ice age and the pronounced drought of the early Holocene, can also be plausibly explained by orbital changes," says Kaiser.

The Warnemunde-based researcher goes even further in his conclusions.

"It can't be a matter of blaming extreme hydroclimatic events entirely on natural changes in the Earth's obliquity. But to correctly recognize the signal of anthropogenic climate change impacts, we need to better understand the fluctuations, which are subject to natural influences, and also take into account that natural and anthropogenic fluctuations can add up in terms of impact.

"Naturally, this also applies to northern and central Europe, where the Earth's variable orbit also has a climatic impact."

More information: Jerome Kaiser et al, Orbital modulation of subtropical versus subantarctic moisture sources in the southeast Pacific mid-latitudes, Nature Communications (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51985-4 Journal information: Nature Communications

Provided by Leibniz-Institut fur Ostseeforschung Warnemunde
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Artistic view of the imploding wire: a strong current of high-energy electrons (pink) heats up the surface, thus driving subsequent shockwaves which compress the wire radially. Credit: HZDR / T. Toncian

Extreme conditions prevail inside stars and planets. The pressure reaches millions of bars, and it can be several million degrees hot. Sophisticated methods make it possible to create such states of matter in the laboratoryalbeit only for the blink of an eye and in a tiny volume.

So far, this has required the world's most powerful lasers, such as the National Ignition Facility (NIF) in California. But there are only a few of these light giants, and the opportunities for experiments are correspondingly rare.

A research team led by the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), together with colleagues from the European XFEL, has now succeeded in creating and observing extreme conditions with a much smaller laser. At the heart of the new technology is a copper wire, finer than a human hair, as the group reports in the journal Nature Communications.

So far, experts have been firing extremely high-energy laser flashes at a material sample, usually a thin foil. This causes the material on the surface to heat up suddenly. This creates a shock wave that races through the sample. It compresses the material and heats it up.

For a few nanoseconds, conditions arise like those in the interior of a planet or in the shell of a star. The tiny time window is sufficient to study the phenomenon using special measuring techniques, such as the ultra-strong X-ray flashes of the European XFEL in Schenefeld near Hamburg, Germany.

At Europe's most powerful X-ray laser, the HZDR leads an international user consortium called HIBEFHelmholtz International Beamline for Extreme Fields. Among other things, this consortium operates a laser at the High Energy Density (HED-HIBEF) experimental station, which generates ultra-short pulses that do not have particularly high energyonly about one joule. However, at 30 femtoseconds, they are so short that they achieve an output of 100 terawatts. The research team used this laser at HED-HIBEF to fire at a thin copper wire, just 25 micrometers thick.

"Then we were able to use the strong X-ray flashes from the European XFEL to observe what was happening inside the wire," explains Dr. Alejandro Laso Garcia, lead author of the paper. "This combination of short-pulse laser and X-ray laser is unique in the world. It was only thanks to the high quality and sensitivity of the X-ray beam that we were able to observe an unexpected effect."

Concentrated shock waves

In several series of measurements, the scientists systematically varied the time interval between the impact of the laser flash and the X-rays shining through. This made it possible to record a detailed "X-ray film" of the event.

"First, the laser pulse interacts with the wire and generates a local shock wave that passes through the wire like a detonation and ultimately destroys it," explains HIBEF department head Dr. Toma Toncian. "But before that, some of the high-energy electrons created when the laser hits, race along the surface of the wire."

These fast electrons heat up the surface of the wire quickly and generate further shock waves. These then run in turn from all sides to the center of the wire. For a brief moment, all the shock waves collide there and generate extremely high pressures and temperatures.

The measurements showed that the density of the copper in the middle of the wire was briefly eight to nine times higher than in "normal," cold copper.

"Our computer simulations suggest that we have reached a pressure of 800 megabars," says Prof. Thomas Cowan, director of the HZDR Institute of Radiation Physics and initiator of the HIBEF consortium. "That corresponds to 800 million times atmospheric pressure and 200 times the pressure that prevails inside the Earth."

The temperature reached was also enormous by terrestrial standards: 100,000 degrees Celsius.

Perspectives for nuclear fusion

These are the conditions that are close to those in the corona of a white dwarf star.

"Our method could also be used to achieve conditions like those in the interior of huge gas planets," emphasizes Laso Garcia. This includes not only well-known giants like Jupiter, but also a large number of distant exoplanets that have been discovered over the past few years. The research team has now also set its sights on wires made of other materials, such as iron and plastic.

"Plastic is mainly made of hydrogen and carbon," says Toncian. "And both elements are found in stars and their corona."

The new measurement method should not only be useful for astrophysics, but also for another field of research. "Our experiment shows in an impressive way how we can generate very high densities and temperatures in a wide variety of materials," says Ulf Zastrau, who heads the HED group at the European XFEL. "This will take fusion research an important step further." Several research teams and start-ups around the world are currently working on a fusion power plant based on high-performance lasers.

The principle: Strong laser flashes hit a fuel capsule made of frozen hydrogen from all sides and ignite it, with more energy coming out than was put in.

"With our method, we could observe in detail what happens inside the capsule when it is hit by the laser pulses," says Cowan, describing future experiments. "We expect that this can have a huge impact on basic research in this area."

More information: Laso Garcia, A. et al. Cylindrical compression of thin wires by irradiation with a Joule-class short-pulse laser. Nature Communications (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-52232-6. www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-52232-6 Journal information: Nature Communications
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Typhoon Yagi smashed into Vietnam at the weekend, bringing a colossal deluge that has triggered severe flooding and landslides.

Millions of people across Southeast Asia struggled Thursday with flooded homes, power cuts and wrecked infrastructure after Typhoon Yagi swept through the region, as the death toll passed 200.

In worst-hit Vietnam, the fatalities rose to 197, with nine confirmed dead in northern Thailandwhere one district is suffering its worst floods in 80 years.

Myanmar's national fire service confirmed the country's first Yagi-related deaths after 17 bodies were recovered from flooded villages in the Mandalay region, while more than 50,000 people have been forced from their homes.

Yagi brought a colossal deluge of rain that has inundated a swathe of northern Vietnam, Laos, Thailand and Myanmar, triggering deadly landslides and widespread river flooding.

One farmer on the edge of Hanoi told AFP his entire 1,800 square meter peach blossom plantation was submerged, destroying all 400 of his trees.

"It will be so hard for me to recover from this lossI think I will lose up to $40,000 this season," said the farmer, who gave his name only as Tu.

"I really don't know what to do now, I'm just waiting for the water to recede."

The United Nations children's agency (UNICEF) said the typhoon had damaged more than 140,000 homes across 26 provinces in Vietnam.

Besides battling with water inundating their homes, residents in northern Vietnam have had to struggle with power cuts.

Communications cut off

The high waters have devastated more than 250,000 hectares of crops and huge numbers of livestock, Vietnam's agriculture ministry said, with farmland around Hanoi hit hard.

Commuters in parts of the Vietnamese capital trudged to work through shin-deep brown floodwaters, though officials said river levels in the city are slowly falling after hitting a 20-year high on Wednesday.

Thousands have been forced to evacuate their homes, while others are struggling with power cuts.

In the deadliest single incident, a landslide in Lao Cai province annihilated an entire village of 37 houses, killing at least 42 people with 53 still unaccounted for.

Rescue teams pulled victims from the mud on Thursday, carrying them on stretchers to makeshift shelters where neighbors and relatives carefully washed the bodies in readiness for burial.

Survivors picked through the mud and wreckage to retrieve what family heirlooms and possessions they could find.

Fifteen bodies have been recovered in Cao Bang province after a landslide on Monday pushed a bus, along with several cars and motorbikes, into a stream, state media said Thursday.

Thailand has deployed troops to help families affected by severe flooding in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.

Myanmar camps

Myanmar's junta government has set up around 50 camps to help people affected by the floods, Lay Shwe Zin Oo, director of the social welfare, relief and resettlement ministry told AFP.

The Global New Light of Myanmar, the state-run newspaper, said train services on the main line between Yangon and Mandalay were suspended because some sections were flooded.

The Mekong River Commission, the international body overseeing the crucial waterway, issued a flood warning on Thursday for the historic Laotian city of Luang Prabang.

The Mekong is expected to hit flood levels in the coming days in Luang Prabang, a UNESCO world heritage site, the commission said in a bulletin.

In Thailand the death toll has risen to nine, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation said, including six killed in landslides in Chiang Mai province.

All flights have been suspended to the airport in Chiang Rai, some 145 kilometers (90 miles) northeast of Chiang Mai, aviation authorities said.

Local rescue teams pick up schoolchildren who were trapped overnight during flooding in the northern Thai city of Chiang Rai on September 12.

Further north, Mae Sai district on the border with Myanmar is suffering its worst floods in 80 years, Suttipong Juljarern, a senior interior ministry official said in a statement.

The Jet Ski Association of Thailand has sent 16 jet skis to help with relief efforts, Dechnarong Suticharnbancha, the body's president told AFP.

Some of the currents in the floodwaters are too strong for normal boats but jet skis are able to navigate them because of their powerful engines.

A video showing champion jet skier Kasidit Teeraprateep rescuing an old woman from a torrent of murky water circulated on Thai social media.

Heavy monsoon rains lash Southeast Asia every year, but human-made climate change is causing more intense weather patterns that can make destructive floods more likely.

Climate change is causing typhoons to form closer to the coast, intensify faster and stay longer over land, according to a study published in July.

 2024 AFP
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Credit: Jan van der Wolf from Pexels

Apparently, the world is about to get its first trillionaire.

A report from the business intelligence agency Informa Connect says, at his present rate of wealth accumulation, tech billionaire Elon Musk is on track to be the world's first trillionaire, three years from now.

At the moment, Musk is said to be worth US$195 billion (A$293 billion), but if his wealth continues growing at the recent rate of 110% per year, he will hit US$1.195 trillion in 2027.

The next trillionaire after Musk should be Indian mining magnate Gautam Adani, followed by Nvidia chief Jensen Huang and Indonesian mining mogul Prajogo Pangestu, all of whom are on track to hit the milestone in 2028.

The nearly 1 billion human beings who don't yet have electricity connected to their homes will doubtless be looking on with interest as the tech bros and mining bosses vie to crack 13 digits.

Before examining how it is that someone could ever make a trillion-dollar fortune, and what it might mean for the world for so much of the world's wealth to be held in the hands of one person, it is important to first try to comprehend how big a trillion actually is.

One trillion seconds last 31,000 years

A million is a big number: it is 1,000 thousands. If you managed to retire with that many dollars in superannuation, you would have saved up more than 90% of your fellow retirees.

One billion is 1,000 millions. It takes 12 days for a million seconds to pass, but 31 years for a billion seconds to tick over.

That means a trillion seconds would equal 31,000 years.

If you had $1 trillion and did no more than stick it in the bank where it earned 4% interest per year you would get $40 billion per year in interest.

No one needs $1 trillion, and it is hard to see how anyone could spend it as fast as it grew, which raises important questions about how societies, economies and democracies will be able to function if and when governments allow trillionaires to emerge.

For mortals, a trillion is hard to justify

France's King Louis XIV spent today's equivalent of US$200 billion300 billion building his palace at Versailles, and it was by no means his only palace.

Pyramids and sphinxes didn't come cheap either, but these sorts of expenditures were seen as needed for beings selected by gods and not entirely mortal.

For mortals, some believe that the entire population benefits when a small minority controls most of the resources on the basis that it builds incentives.

Just as peasants spent millennia awaiting their reward in the afterlife while their rulers enjoyed heaven on earth, in modern economies we are told wealth and prosperity will trickle down to us eventually if we keep working hard.

Unfortunately for most of us, despite the wealth of the richest 200 Australians growing from A$40.6 billion to $625 billion over the past 20 years, neither the Australian economy nor the wages of ordinary Australians are soaring.

High profits are meant to be temporary

Incentives can and do play an important role in our economy.

In the so-called "free market" envisaged by 18th-century economist Adam Smith, if my new farming technique or silicon chip is so good that everyone wants one, it is considered only fair that I get an initial reward.

But after a while, everyone else will be free to compete with me by selling similar goods and in turn stopping me from getting an extraordinary ongoing reward.

The problem is that some markets aren't free and don't work properly. It is no accident that the world's biggest fortunes are held by those who have monopoly rights to sell natural resources or technologies that are protected by patents or systems that lock in users.

That's bad news for those still waiting patiently for wealth to trickle down or to be spread more evenly.

Technofeudalism keeps profits growing

In his latest book former Greek finance minister Yannis Varoufakis describes the world we now live in as one of technofeudalism in which online platforms have the ongoing opportunity to exploit workers, consumers and producers in ways Smith could not have imagined.

Having created digital platforms where the price of entry is handing over your personal details and preferences, modern tech titans use a new form of alchemy to convert data into knowledge that allows them to keep you on their platform and exploit you or advertisers or suppliers in the belief that you won't leave.

And while there are physical limits to how big a car factory or fast-food chain can grow, there are almost no physical limits on how much money tech platforms can make by selling ads they didn't make for products they didn't make to consumers they know nearly everything about.

Restraining profits is pro-market

It isn't anti-capitalist to want those profits competed away, it's pro-market.

When the United States broke up J.D. Rockerfeller's oil monopoly in the early 20th century, the oil industry prospered rather than vanished. consumers and the businesses that had dealt with Rockerfeller were better off, and so was the economy as a whole.

Democracies have, for now, the power to use taxes and regulations to redistribute the enormous benefits flowing to the new class of billionaires (and soon trillionaires) from the sale of scarce resources and the creation of platforms that keep us trapped.

Whether and how we use that power is up to us, but we mightn't have it for long. The more the new class of billionaires and trillionaires becomes entrenched, the more it will be able to use the political system to protect their interests rather than those of mere mortals.

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Three-month-old Amur tiger cubs Amaliya explores her outdoor enclosure for the first time with their mother Dari at the Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley, Minn. on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. Credit: AP photo/Mark Vancleave

A pair of rare Amur tiger cubs are making their public debut at the Minnesota Zoo, raising hopes for preserving an endangered species that's native to far eastern Russia and northern China.

Andrei and Amaliya got to venture outside and feel the grass of their new home under their paws Wednesday for the first time since their 12-year-old mother, Dari, gave birth on May 23.

"They've done quite well since then," zoologist Trista Fischer said. "We've monitored them very closely. Dari's been fantastic. She's provided outstanding maternal care. And so today we've reached the point where they're fully vaccinated and they're now about 40 to 45 pounds (18-20 kilograms)."

Scientists estimate the Amur tiger population is just around 400 to 500 in the wild. They were near the brink of extinction in the 1930s and 1940s but have recovered somewhat since then. It's tricky to breed them, and around one in four Amur cubs don't make it to adulthood, whether it's in the wild or in captivity, she said. Poachers are another major threat.

But the Minnesota Zoo, located in the Minneapolis suburb of Apple Valley, has a long history of conserving tigers. Its Amur tigers have produced 57 cubs, 46 of which survived for at least 30 days. Of those 46, 21 have gone on to produce litters of their own, amounting to another 86 cubs. The births of Andrei and Amaliya raised the zoo's population to seven Amur tigers, including their sire, Luka.

Three-month-old Amur tiger cubs Amaliya and Andrei explored their outdoor enclosure for the first time with their mother Dari at the Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley, Minn. on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. Credit: AP photo/Mark Vancleave

Fischer is the leading coordinator for the Tiger Species Survival Plan, a breeding program in the United States with facilities in other countries that works on a global level to preserve the big cats. The plan manages three groups of tigers: Sumatran, Malayan and Amur.

"This litter is so valuable to the population right now," she explained, saying the genetic diversity of heathy tigers in human care could someday be used to help support populations in the wild.

Zoo spokesperson Zach Nugent said the cubs will remain housed together with their mom for about 18 months, before Andrei, the male, is moved to separate housing, around the same time a male cub in the wild would start venturing out on his own. Amaliya, the female, may spend a little more time with Dari, up to 24 months. Then Fischer will determine whether either cub should be bred, and potentially moved for that to another accredited zoo, which typically happens after the cubs are 2 years old.

Three-month-old Amur tiger cubs Amaliya explores her outdoor enclosure for the first time with her mother Dari at the Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley, Minn. on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. Credit: AP photo/Mark Vancleave

"Aww, I love when they get their little Yoda ears," Fischer said referring to the pointy ears of the Star Wars character as she watched Amaliya and Andrei explore the new terrain of their enclosure. She said it was an emotional, exciting and proud moment for her and her team.

"Our work's not over, but all that work so far is really paying off in how well that these cubs are acclimating to a new surrounding, pretty much immediately," she said as the little tigers roamed outside with their mother. "They're showing a lot of resiliency, which is something that we work hard for in human care. We want these animals to have a lot of confidence and be able to adapt to new environments just as they're doing today."

 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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Reconstruction of Romito 2, a 16-year-old teenager with a form of dwarfism who lived 11,000 years ago in southern Italy. Credit: Olivier Graveleau

New research shows Ice Age teens from 25,000 years ago went through similar puberty stages as modern-day adolescents. In a study published today in the Journal of Human Evolution of the timing of puberty in Pleistocene teens, researchers are addressing a knowledge gap about how early humans grew up.

Found in the bones of 13 ancient humans between 10 and 20 years old is evidence of puberty stages. Co-led by University of Victoria (UVic) paleoanthropologist April Nowell, researchers found specific markers in the bones that allowed them to assess the progress of adolescence.

"By analyzing specific areas of the skeleton, we inferred things like menstruation and someone's voice breaking," says Nowell.

The technique was developed by lead author Mary Lewis from the University of Reading. Lewis's technique evaluates the mineralization of the canines and maturation of the bones of the hand, elbow, wrist, neck and pelvis to identify the stage of puberty reached by the individual at their time of death.

"This is the first time my puberty stage estimation method has been applied to Paleolithic fossils and it is also the oldest application of another methodpeptide analysisfor biological sex estimation," says Lewis.

Life during prehistory was believed to be, as Thomas Hobbes described: "nasty, brutish and short." However, this new study shows these teens were actually quite healthy. Most individuals in the study sample entered puberty by 13.5, reaching full adulthood between 17 and 22 years old. This indicates these Ice Age adolescents started puberty at a similar time to teens in modern, wealthy countries.

Dr. Mary Lewis from the University of Reading (UK) inspects the skeletal remains of Romito 2 found in southern Italy. Credit: University of Reading

The research team inspects a tooth from a skeleton at the Musee d'Anthropologie Prehistorique in Monaco for analysis. Credit: University of Reading

"It can sometimes be difficult for us to connect with the remote past, but we all went through puberty even if we experienced it differently," says Nowell. "Our research helps to humanize these teens in a way that simply studying stone tools cannot."

One of the 13 skeletons examined was "Romito 2," an adolescent estimated to be male and the earliest known individual with a form of dwarfism. This new research on puberty assessment provides further information about Romito 2's likely physical appearance and his social role.

Since he was mid-way through puberty, his voice would be deeper much like an adult male and he would have been able to father children; however, he may still have appeared quite youthful with fine facial hair. Due to his short height, his appearance would have been closer to that of a child, which may have had implications for how he was perceived by his community.

"The specific information about the physical appearance and developmental stage of these Ice Age adolescents derived from our puberty study provides a new lens through which to interpret their burials and treatment in death," says archaeologist Jennifer French of the University of Liverpool, one of the co-authors of the study.

Researchers from six institutions collaborated internationally to develop this body of knowledge: UVic (Canada), University of Reading and University of Liverpool (UK), Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology of Monaco (Monaco), University of Cagliari (Italy) and University of Siena (Italy). The collaboration continues with research into the lives of Ice Age teenagers and their social roles.

More information: Mary E. Lewis et al, An assessment of puberty status in adolescents from the European Upper Paleolithic, Journal of Human Evolution (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.jhevol.2024.103577 Journal information: Journal of Human Evolution
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Frontstage and backstage activities. Credit: Cultural Studies of Science Education (2024). DOI: 10.1007/s11422-024-10220-8

Just as Danish school kids get to test their hands at science in earnest they come face to face with entrenched teaching methods, coded language and a no-error culture. New research from the University of Copenhagen shows that students get locked into roles such as "teacher's assistants," the "noisy ones"or the "quiet ones," who are often girls and minority students.

"How can you know if there is oxygen in a closed mine?" asks a science teacher while scanning their classroom of sixth graders for any takers. A shaky explanation referring to a computer game about mining and some inventive suggestions for testing that include everything from using a child to candles are promptly rejected, before the teacher provides the answer:

"You can do so with a canary," is the explanation, after which the teaching carries on as planned.

In class that day is Ene Ernst Hoppe, who, as part of her research at the Department of Science Education, has gone back to the 6th grade to observe science teaching. According to Hoppe, this initial example from her field studies is emblematic of her other research observations.

"I've experienced that the science subjects taken by sixth and seventh grade students suffer from a rigidity that unfortunately makes them only appeal to the few. Few students actively participate in lessons, and far too manyespecially girls and minority studentsare left in silence. But this is clearly not due to a lack of interest in the subject matter, which becomes apparent when one follows students beyond the classroom," says Hoppe, a Ph.D. student at the Department of Science Education.

In a series of research articles, the young researcher examines the possibilities and challenges of science education in the formative sixth and seventh grade years, when Danish schoolchildren are about to learn about the laws of nature and everything about the fascinating natural world surrounding us.

Most recently, an observational study of two sixth grade science classes demonstrates that an entrenched instructional framework and an insistence on scientific jargon contribute to keeping many students from participating. Furthermore, the study demonstrates that students begin to assume roles that become as entrenched as the instructional framework itself. For many, this results in constant silence and disengagement from lessons.

The work is published in the journal Cultural Studies of Science Education.

A skewed silence

Even though Denmark, as a society, has long sought to improve diversity in STEM subjects, the problem is evident among sixth graders. Girls and minority students disproportionately assume the roles of the quiet and passive students, according to Hoppe's observations. Similarly, social background and the interaction between these factors are important.

"There are indications that more girls and minority students may feel pressured by the requirement to perform in this narrow format that science education permits. This is a shame if we want more women and minorities to engage in the sciences later on in life. So much of the identity around being scientifically oriented is rooted in these years," says Hoppe.

She calls for more variation in teaching methods and an awareness that diverse students are best involved when approached in different ways, but does not want to point fingers at teachers or students. Indeed, she sees the problem as rooted in the structure and culture around the subject. Among other things, in the form of outdated teaching materials, which have given rise to deeply-entrenched teaching methods.

Conservative view of science terms and facts

"The natural sciences may be associated with hard facts, but it is inappropriate when worthy attempts at independent critical thinking are shot down before turning to a rigid set of correct answers. This is unfortunate and remarkable for an academic tradition where testing, making mistakes and learning from them are such fundamental features," she says.

The conservative attitude toward facts appears, among other things, as a rigid relationship to the language used in teaching, where only the correct scientific terms are accepted. This can include technical terms used in textbooks or the teacher's use of certain words that students are consequently asked to explain.

While a heightened focus on correctness and entrenched teaching methods works well for a few students, many others become quiet and withdraw from engagement.

"There are some technical terms that students need to use. And of course, there's no debate as to what photosynthesis is. But in sixth-seven grade, the word itself is perhaps less important than the basic understanding of what it describes. So, it's a shame if a word becomes an entry ticket to participation," says the researcher.

The natural sciences have great potential

Hoppe is optimistic about the opportunities offered by science education and believes that the potential is great if classic blackboard teachingwhere teachers ask questions and students are expected to answer correctlyis alternated with other forms of instruction.

"The subjects can open the door to a wealth of fascinating stories about the world while offering plenty of opportunity for "learning by doing," where students gain a concrete view of subject matter through experimentation. So, my recommendation is clearly to go that route," she says.

She also thinks that many of the lost students can be won back if teaching becomes more accommodating to other ways of expression than the traditional interaction between a teacher and their classroom.

"I found that students were good at reflecting on topics in group work, but that they shut down entirely when the teacher followed up. This shows that some students thrive in contexts other than the larger classroom setting," says the researcher, who emphasizes that it is about creating safe learning environments where more people can participate.

"There is hardly a single solution that can motivate all students to participate in science subjects. Rather, the answer is an ongoing adaptation and reflection on the part of the teacher on how and who they teach. A bit less of the security that the teachers themselves have, in their usual teaching methods, can be exchanged for more security for the students, so that more people dare to participate actively," says Hoppe, who emphasizes, however, that it is not a task that individual teachers can do alone.

Department of Science Education professor Henriette Tolstrup Holmegaard, who contributed to the research, agrees.

"The good news is that concrete work can be done to create broader participation in the sciences. That being said, it can be difficult for individual teachers to detach themselves from deeply entrenched structures. So it is through interaction and feedback among ones colleagues and within professional teams that things can be advanced. However, we know that these types of initiatives can be tough to get off the ground in a stressful everyday life. But a greater focus in teacher education on different students' prerequisites for participation can help change things," says Professor Holmegaard.

More information: Ene Ernst Hoppe et al, Unveiling the production of non-participation in the primary school science classroom, Cultural Studies of Science Education (2024). DOI: 10.1007/s11422-024-10220-8
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Sea otters are famed for their luscious pelts, but the fur almost led to their extinction. By 1938, only a tiny population of ~50 remained clinging to the central California coast. Since then, the mammals have battled back. However, the charismatic creatures are still at risk from crude oil spilled by offshore rigs.

But no one knew how severely crude oil impacts the buoyancy of sea otter fur or how well it recovers after cleaning. And Kate Riordan from California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly SLO), U.S., adds that the fur of newborn sea otter pups was also believed to be particularly buoyant, but no one had checked.

Curious to answer these questions, Riordan joined forces with Nicole Thometz (University of San Francisco, U.S.), Francesca Batac [California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), U.S.] and Heather Liwanag (Cal Poly SLO) to investigate.

They publish their discovery in the Journal of Experimental Biology that crude oil pollution dramatically reduces sea otter fur buoyancy, placing pups at particular risk thanks to their larger surface area relative to their body mass, and that the buoyancy does not fully recover, even after cleaning.

Sea otters in the wild die naturally for many reasons and are collected by the CDFWwhich monitors the health of the populationso they passed on sections of a few precious pelts from southern sea otters ranging in age from tiny pups up to nine-year-old adults to Riordan, Annika Dean and Sarah Kerr (both from Cal Poly SLO).

After cleaning the pelt, the team then weighed a 25 cm2 portion from each in air and in water to determine the fur's buoyancy. However, when they compared the buoyancy of the youngsters' pelts with that of the fully grown adults, there was no difference. All of the sea otter fur portions had a buoyancy of ~0.3 N, about the same as a 10 g piece of cork, so a sea otter pup's fur is no more buoyant than the fur of its parents.

However, when the team calculated the impact of the fur's buoyancy on the pups' entire bodies, the youngsters' fur was almost three times more buoyant for their body mass than that of the adults, thanks to the pups' relatively large surface areas for their size. This allows the pups to trap more air for their smaller body mass to make them extremely buoyant and keep them bobbing at the surface while mum's off hunting.

But how did a dousing of crude oil affect the fur's buoyancy? This time, the team massaged crude oil into the fur, mimicking how sea otters groom naturallyinadvertently rubbing the pollution into their peltsbefore measuring the oil-sodden fur's buoyancy.

Sure enough, the fur's buoyancy plummeted by almost 55% to 0.145 N, making it much more difficult for the animals to remain afloat. The reduction in buoyancy coupled with the loss of insulation would almost certainly prove fatal in the wild.

Fortunately, conservationists swoop in quickly in the event of major crude oil spills, drenching oil-soaked creatures in detergent to rid them of the oil, but how well does the buoyancy of sea otter fur recover after cleaning? Riordan and colleagues gently washed each oiled pelt with dishwashing liquid, before rinsing thoroughly, finishing with a blow-dry and remeasuring the pelt's buoyancy. As they had hoped, the buoyancy of the fur improved, but only by 36% to 0.197 N, still almost 40% down from the fur's natural buoyancy.

The team suspects that living sea otters may recover better after cleaning because they groom continually, but they suggest that it is essential that detergent is thoroughly rinsed off after cleaning to ensure that oiled sea otters recover fully.

More information: A novel comparison of southern sea otter (Enhydra lutris nereis) fur buoyancy across ontogeny, Journal of Experimental Biology (2024). DOI: 10.1242/jeb.249406 Kate Riordan et al, A novel comparison of southern sea otter (Enhydra lutris nereis) fur buoyancy across ontogeny, Journal of Experimental Biology (2024). DOI: 10.1242/jeb.247134 , journals.biologists.com/jeb/ar  i/10.1242/jeb.247134 Journal information: Journal of Experimental Biology
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A photograph of an extremely well-preserved fossil of Triarthrus eatoni from upstate New York. Credit: M. Hopkins and J-B Hou

A new study finds that a trilobite species with exceptionally well-preserved fossils from upstate New York has an additional set of legs underneath its head. The research, led by the American Museum of Natural History and Nanjing University in China, suggests that having a fifth pair of head appendages might be more widespread among trilobites than once thought. Published today in the journal Palaeontology, the study helps researchers better understand how trilobite heads are segmented.

Trilobites are a group of extinct arthropods whose living relatives include lobsters and spiders. Like other arthropods, the bodies of trilobites are made up of many segments, with the head region comprised of several fused segments. As with other parts of the trilobite body (the thorax and tail), these segments were associated with appendages, which ranged in function from sensing to feeding to locomotion.

"The number of these segments and how they are associated with other important traits, like eyes and legs, is important for understanding how arthropods are related to one another, and therefore, how they evolved," said Melanie Hopkins, curator and chair of the Museum's Division of Paleontology.

The segments in the trilobite head can be counted in two different ways: by looking at the grooves (called furrows) on the upper side of the trilobite fossil's hard exoskeleton, or by counting the pairs of preserved antennae and legs on the underside of the fossil. The soft appendages of trilobites are rarely preserved, though, and when looking at the segments in the trilobite head, researchers regularly find a mismatch between these two methods.

Co-author Melanie Hopkins with a well-preserved fossil of Triarthrus eatoni from upstate New York. Credit: Daniel Kim/ AMNH

An extremely well-preserved fossil of Triarthrus eatoni from upstate New York (on right). Credit: Daniel Kim/ AMNH

In the new study, Hopkins and colleague Jin-Bo Hou from Nanjing University examined newly recovered specimens of the exceptionally preserved trilobite Triarthrus eatoni from upstate New York. These fossils, known for the gold shine of the pyrite replacement preserving them, show an additional, previously undescribed leg underneath the head.

"This fantastic preservation style allows us to observe 3D appendages in hundreds of specimens directly from the ventral side of the animals, just like looking at the appendages of horseshoe crabs on a beach by grabbing them and turning them upside down," said Hou.

By making comparisons with another trilobite species, the exceptionally preserved Olenoides serratus from the Burgess Shale in British Columbia, Hopkins and Hou propose a model for how appendages were attached to the head in relation to the grooves in the exoskeleton. This model resolves the apparent mismatch and indicates that the trilobite head included six segments: an anterior segment associated with the developmental origin of the eyes and five additional segments, associated with one pair of antennae and four pairs of walking legs, respectively.

This study expands on the analysis that Hou and Hopkins have done on Triarthrus eatoni, which showed that the walking legs carry micron-sized respiratory structures (gills) and that the function of some of the spines on the walking legs was to keep these gills clean.
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NASA's James Webb Space Telescope observed the outskirts of our Milky Way galaxy. Known as the Extreme Outer Galaxy, this region is located more than 58,000 light-years from the Galactic Center. To learn more about how a local environment affects the star formation process within it, a team of scientists directed the telescope's NIRCam (Near-Infrared Camera) and MIRI (Mid-Infrared Instrument) toward a total of four star-forming areas within Digel Clouds 1 and 2: 1A, 1B, 2N, and 2S. In the case of Cloud 2S, shown here, Webb revealed a luminous main cluster that contains newly formed stars. Several of these young stars are emitting extended jets of material from their poles. To the main cluster's top right is a sub-cluster of stars, a feature that scientists previously suspected to exist but has now been confirmed with Webb. Additionally, the telescope revealed a deep sea of background galaxies and red nebulous structures that are being carved away by winds and radiation from nearby stars. Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, Michael Ressler (NASA-JPL)

Astronomers have directed NASA's James Webb Space Telescope to examine the outskirts of our Milky Way galaxy. Scientists call this region the Extreme Outer Galaxy due to its location more than 58,000 light-years away from the Galactic Center. (For comparison, Earth is approximately 26,000 light-years from the center.)

A team of scientists used Webb's NIRCam (Near-Infrared Camera) and MIRI (Mid-Infrared Instrument) to image select regions within two molecular clouds known as Digel Clouds 1 and 2. With its high degree of sensitivity and sharp resolution, the Webb data resolved these areas, which are hosts to star clusters undergoing bursts of star formation, in unprecedented detail. Details of this data include components of the clusters such as very young (Class 0) protostars, outflows and jets, and distinctive nebular structures.

These findings have been published in the Astronomical Journal.

These Webb observations, which came from telescope time allocated to Mike Ressler of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California, are enabling scientists to study star formation in the outer Milky Way in the same depth of detail as observations of star formation in our own solar neighborhood.

"In the past, we knew about these star forming regions but were not able to delve into their properties," said Natsuko Izumi of Gifu University and the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, lead author of the study.

"The Webb data builds upon what we have incrementally gathered over the years from prior observations with different telescopes and observatories. We can get very powerful and impressive images of these clouds with Webb. In the case of Digel Cloud 2, I did not expect to see such active star formation and spectacular jets."

Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, M. Ressler (NASA-JPL), N. Bartmann (ESA/Webb) Music: Stellardrone - Twilight

Stars in the making

Although the Digel Clouds are within our galaxy, they are relatively poor in elements heavier than hydrogen and helium. This composition makes them similar to dwarf galaxies and our own Milky Way in its early history. Therefore, the team took the opportunity to use Webb to capture the activity occurring in four clusters of young stars within Digel Clouds 1 and 2: 1A, 1B, 2N, and 2S.

For Cloud 2S, Webb captured the main cluster containing young, newly formed stars. This dense area is quite active as several stars are emitting extended jets of material along their poles. Additionally, while scientists previously suspected a sub-cluster might be present within the cloud, Webb's imaging capabilities confirmed its existence for the first time.

"We know from studying other nearby star-forming regions that as stars form during their early life phase, they start emitting jets of material at their poles," said Ressler, second author of the study and principal investigator of the observing program.

"What was fascinating and astounding to me from the Webb data is that there are multiple jets shooting out in all different directions from this cluster of stars. It's a little bit like a firecracker, where you see things shooting this way and that."

The saga of stars

The Webb imagery skims the surface of the Extreme Outer Galaxy and the Digel Clouds, and is just a starting point for the team. They intend to revisit this outpost in the Milky Way to find answers to a variety of current mysteries, including the relative abundance of stars of various masses within Extreme Outer Galaxy star clusters. This measurement can help astronomers understand how a particular environment can influence different types of stars during their formation.

"I'm interested in continuing to study how star formation is occurring in these regions. By combining data from different observatories and telescopes, we can examine each stage in the evolution process," said Izumi.

"We also plan to investigate circumstellar disks within the Extreme Outer Galaxy. We still don't know why their lifetimes are shorter than in star-forming regions much closer to us. And of course, I'd like to understand the kinematics of the jets we detected in Cloud 2S."

Though the story of star formation is complex and some chapters are still shrouded in mystery, Webb is gathering clues and helping astronomers unravel this intricate tale.

More information: Natsuko Izumi et al, Overview Results of JWST Observations of Star-forming Clusters in the Extreme Outer Galaxy, The Astronomical Journal (2024). DOI: 10.3847/1538-3881/ad4e2e Journal information: Astronomical Journal

Provided by NASA
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Things are not exactly going to plan for Moscow in the Arctican area that is a strategic military region for Russia and has significant economic potential that could help Russia in propping up its war economy. Yet, a combination of Ukrainian military capabilities, western pushback and the pressure of international sanctions have put a dent into Russian hopes to use the Arctic to its advantage in the war against Ukraine.

As tensions with the west rapidly grew in the wake of Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014, Russia significantly expanded the number of its military facilities in the Arctic. Russia's substantial and sustained investment into building up a military advantage means that it now has more airbases, ground forces and ships in the region than at any time since the collapse of the Soviet Union. This includes the powerful northern fleet, which is home to the majority of Russia's nuclear submarine strike force.

This investment in military capabilities and infrastructure initially paid off in the war against Ukraine as Russia was able to bring its Arctic airbases into use. Early in the war, bombers were moved further away from Ukraine and into the relative safety of the high north.

Yet, at the end of July 2024, Ukrainian drones attacked the Olenya airbase south of Murmansk. This was believed to be in retaliation for bombers based there being involved in the strike on a children's hospital in Kyiv on July 8, 2024. With more long-range Ukrainian drones, the apparent advantage of Russia's Arctic bases, if not gone, has at least been significantly diminished.

The west has pushed back militarily against Russia's Arctic ambitions as well. Within days of the beginning of Moscow's war against Ukraine in February 2022, the seven western members of the Arctic Council (Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and the United States) issued a joint statement suspending all cooperation with Russia. This marked a radical shift away from working with Moscow, including on scientific projects related to issues of climate change, and is unlikely to change anytime soon.

Russia has not left the Arctic Council yet, but has refocused its Arctic strategy, including its broader foreign policy, on national interests. But the extent to which the Kremlin can pursue these successfully remains to be tested.

Within weeks of Finland joining NATO, the alliance held maneuvers in the Arctic signaling its commitment to Article 5 (collective defense). A year later, after Sweden had joined the alliance as well, Exercise Steadfast Defenderthe largest military maneuvers since the end of the cold warbegan in northern Norway. This was another signal to Russia that the Arctic was back on the western geopolitical radar.

It will, however, take some time for other nations to catch up with Russia in military terms. The fact that the US refreshed its Arctic strategy in July 2024 is an important step in this direction. By contrast, NATO, despite recognizing the need for an increase in western forces and capability projection into the region, still lacks a proper plan for the Arctic, as well as sufficient forces and military equipment capable of operating there.

Moreover, closer Russia-China military cooperation, including naval drills and joint air patrols adds to the importance of the Arctic in the geopolitical chess games that have been developing over the past decade. And they indicate that Russia is unlikely to let go of what it sees as a military advantage.

Another important dimension to Russian calculations in the Arctic is that investment was never just a military endeavor. Moscow has poured resources into the development of economic infrastructure, particularly to enable year-long shipping from Asia to Europe using routes through the Arctic, thus providing the Kremlin with additional leverage and potential revenue.

Moscow's claims to large areas of the Arctic shelf were recently recognized by the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelfa body established to facilitate the implementation of the 1958 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. So, Russia has access to vast natural resources there, in addition to those located in the approximate one-fifth of Russia's land mass that lies beyond the Arctic Circle.

But this economic advantage is less than meets the eye. For example, even where Russia may have reaped financial benefits from Arctic resourcessuch as with its flagship LNG 2 project, opened by Vladimir Putin in July 2023the west has found ways to foil Russian efforts.

Western sanctions have had a measurable impact, forcing French, German and Japanese investors in the project to scale down their involvement. This created an opening for Chinese companies willing to circumvent US and EU sanctions, but again, put Russian dependence on China, and especially Chinese investment, in the Arctic on full display. After all, Beijing's Polar Silk Route is a strategy designed to produce economic advantages for China, not Russia, in the Arctic.

Russia may have acquired more ships to transport gas produced at its two main LNG facilities in the Arctic, but lack of insurance and western sanctions targeting buyers of Russian LNG continue to be a problem--so much so that in early September 2024, the Financial Times reported that Russia was struggling to find buyers for the LNG produced by its flagship LNG 2 project.

Combined with little if any progress on finalizing a deal on the Power of Siberia 2 pipeline project, hopes that the Kremlin might have had to replace formerly lucrative export deals to Europe look far from being realized.

The time when Russia held an advantage in the Arctic, partly due to western neglect, is coming to an end. The west now knows it must and can push back against Russia.

It may have been slow in coming, but the western response in the Arctic arena to Russia's aggression against Ukraine may yet shape up into one of few success stories so far of effective containment. If it does, Russia's expectations of using the Arctic advantage in the war against Ukraine could turn out to have been a costly miscalculation.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
 Flash

China on Wednesday expressed firm opposition after Canada launched a consultation process concerning potential surtaxes on more Chinese products, according to the commerce ministry.

A spokesperson for the ministry said China has taken note of Canada's latest announcement to initiate a 30-day consultation for potential surtaxes on Chinese batteries and parts, semiconductors, solar products and critical minerals.

Canada's move, which came only half a month after it imposed restrictions on Chinese electric vehicles and other products, is "dangerous and irresponsible," said the spokesperson.

The action will severely impact bilateral economic and trade relations, seriously undermine the global economic system and trade rules, and destabilize the global industrial and supply chains, said the spokesperson.

China urges Canada to respect the facts, adhere to the World Trade Organization rules and refrain from going further down the wrong path, said the spokesperson, vowing that China will take all necessary measures to protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises.

Canada announced in late August that it will implement a 100-percent surtax on all Chinese-made electric vehicles, effective Oct. 1, 2024, and impose a 25-percent surtax on imports of steel and aluminum products from China starting Oct. 15, 2024.
A Davenport man who was arrested Aug. 29 in Moline for allegedly receiving about 4 pounds of meth through the United Parcel Service was arrested Wednesday by Davenport police for allegedly possessing almost a half a pound of powder cocaine and a handgun.

Quaydarius Raysean Carpenter, 29, is charged in Scott County District Court with one count of possession with the intent to deliver 219.6 grams of cocaine. The charge is a Class B felony under Iowa law that carries a prison sentence of 25 years.

Carpenter also is charged with one count each of violating Iowas drug tax stamp law and being a felon in possession of a firearm, each of which is a Class D felony that carries a prison sentence of five years.

According to the arrest affidavits filed by Davenport Police Detective Benjamin Piotter, police had Carpenter under surveillance in connection with an ongoing narcotics investigation.

At 3:46 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11, officers served a search warrant in the 2100 block of West 4th Street. The utilities for the residence are in Carpenters name and he had a key to the residence, although his permanent residence is in another area of Davenport.

During the search, officers seized a total of 219.6 grams of powder cocaine, a black and pink in color 9mm firearm, 9mm ammunition, shotgun ammunition and packaging materials.

During a first appearance on the charges Thursday in Scott County District Court, Magistrate Catherine Cartee scheduled a preliminary hearing for Sept. 20.

Carpenter was being held Thursday in the Scott County Jail on a cash-only bond of $35,000 set by Cartee.

Carpenter already is awaiting trial on a meth trafficking charge in Rock Island County.

According to Rock Island County Circuit Court documents, agents with the Quad City Metropolitan Enforcement Group received a tip Aug. 28 that a quantity of meth was being shipped via United Parcel Service from Los Angeles to a home in the 500 block of 4th Avenue in Moline.

According to court documents, the package contained about 2,400 grams, or 5.3 pounds, of meth.

Agents with the QC MEG and officers with the Moline Police Department conducted a controlled delivery to the Moline address on Aug. 29 and left the package outside the apartment.

A short time later, a black 2021 Nissan Sentra with a Florida license plate with Carpenter as the driver arrived at the residence.

Carpenter picked up the package and took it into the apartment.

Police served a search warrant on the apartment. The package was opened, and the contents were removed before police went into the apartment. Three of the vacuum-sealed packages were found on the bathroom floor. Another package was located in the toilet. There also were shards of meth floating in the toilet water.

MEG agents were able to seize a total of 1,900 grams, or 4.19 pounds, of meth.

About 500 grams, or 1.1 grams, had been flushed down the toilet.

Carpenter admitted to MEG agents that he attempted to flush the meth down the toilet.

Carpenter was arrested and booked into the Rock Island County Jail on a charge of possession with the intent to deliver more than 900 grams of meth.

The charge is a Class X felony under Illinois law that carries a prison sentence of not less than 15 years, and not more than 60 years.

The charge also carries a fine of up to $400,000 or the street value of the methamphetamine, whichever is greater.

Under Illinois law, Carpenter qualified for pretrial release. A status hearing in the case is scheduled for Oct. 8 in circuit court.
The Douglas School District is preparing for a significant surge in student enrollment, with projections indicating an increase of about 1,000 students over the next 15 years.

Box Elder's growth, fueled by the incoming B-21 mission at Ellsworth Air Force Base, has significantly impacted the Douglas School District. As Box Elder's population increased by 10% from 2016 to 2021, with projections for a 15% rise in the coming years, the need for expanded educational facilities has become urgent. The districts proactive plan to build a new pre-K-5 elementary school aligns with the citys ongoing infrastructure development, helping schools keep up with the growing community.

The citys housing boom is expected to bring an influx of families and young students. As new subdivisions develop and the city becomes more integrated with Rapid City, the demand for educational resources will continue to rise. The Douglas School District, having secured property for the new elementary school, is prepared to meet the challenges.

District officials are advancing plans for the new pre-K-5 elementary school, with progress contingent on securing federal and state funding.

Douglas School District saw a notable increase in student enrollment at the start of the 2024-25 school year. As of the first day, the district had enrolled 2,859 students, up 102 students from the previous year's total of 2,757.

Preschool enrollment contributed significantly to this growth, with an increase of 34 students in that age group. Patriot Elementary saw the largest boost in enrollment, gaining 56 students. Vandenberg Elementary experienced a smaller increase, with 12 additional students. The middle school is also facing capacity challenges, with an additional 50 students.

Looking ahead, district data indicates that a large fourth-grade class will move into middle school in the next two years, further straining capacity. Meanwhile, high school enrollment has increased by 19 students. The districts demographic study showed that 73% of students are age 11 or younger, signaling a continued influx of younger students in the coming years. Final enrollment numbers on official count day will provide further insight into this ongoing growth trend.

"Weve been watching for it, waiting for it for a couple of years, and now were finally starting to see it," said Superintendent Kevin Case.

The district has been working closely with federal and state lawmakers to obtain the necessary funding for the new elementary school, which will be located on already-secured district property. According to Case, the district has been collaborating with South Dakota senators and Representative Dusty Johnsons office for the past three years.

"All of our buildings here at Douglas have been built with support from the federal and state government due to the lack of assessed valuation caused by the Air Force base being within our school boundaries," Case said. "Were trying to continue that funding model to accommodate the predicted growth of around 100 students a year."

The district is nearly ready to move forward with the construction of the new school.

"We have construction documents ready, so were 99% ready to go. As soon as we get the funding, well be ready to move forward," Case said.

In addition to planning for long-term growth, the district is also focusing on early education despite the lack of state funding for preschool programs. South Dakota is one of only a handful of states that does not fund preschool for four-year-olds. Still, the Douglas School District is offering limited preschool services to students with the most need.

"We believe starting kids off right is important and will pay dividends in the long run," Case said.

With the new school year underway, Case said the districts staff has shown unity and dedication to continuous improvement and growth.

"Im extremely appreciative of everything our staff has done to prepare for this upcoming school year. Theyve been unified, and I see a commitment to getting better every day," Case said.
Reflecting on a Virginia Chamber of Commerce initiative hes especially proud of, retiring president and CEO Barry DuVal said the business groups Blueprint Virginia business climate plan is a version of his effort as a mayor to bring together what had been the fractured city of Newport News.

DuVal, who has been in the post for nearly 15 years, said Thursday that he will retire from the chamber early next year. He said the citys Framework for the Future that he launched after his election as mayor in 1990 could be a model for the chambers efforts to promote economic development.

The idea in Newport News was to get people from across a city with big gaps in household income and a troubled racial history to start talking about what their neighborhoods needed and how a more united city could get there. The result was new schools in the citys impoverished Southeast Community and new city facilities in the long-ignored Denbigh section, 15 miles to the north.

When I got to the chamber, I thought Id take Framework for the Future to the state level, he said.

The result was the Blueprint Virginia economic development program that the chamber has regularly updated and now presented to the past three governors.

Its deliberately not the usual business climate wish list, DuVal said.

While it talks about reducing the state and local tax burdens for capital-intensive manufacturing projects and easing startup regulations and championing the states right to work law that keeps unions from negotiating closed shop contracts, it also calls for affordable early learning and child care for families.

In addition, it pushes for more affordable housing, both owned and rented; more efforts to promote wellness and preventive health care; and placing an emphasis on sustainability to improve on environmental, social and governance factors.

We were talking about education, health care and housing early on, DuVal said. These were issues he had seen as a mayor and that, as a business owner himself before running for office, he saw were important parts of a healthy business climate.

That focus, among other things, led to a multiyear effort that earlier this year saw the launch of an innovative program to help small businesses buy health insurance coverage for employees, the chambers WiseChoice Healthcare Alliance.

So far, 700 employers have signed up, and DuVal expects the total to reach 1,000 by the end of the year.

The idea was made possible by bipartisan support for legislation pushed for years by then-state Sen. Monty Mason, D-Williamsburg, and then-Del. Kathy Byron, R-Lynchburg, and finally enacted in 2022.

The idea was to create a large pool out of many small groups to get the same kind of cost savings that the states large employers see, DuVal said.

The alliance offers coverage to enterprises with two to 50 employees, with coverage equal to or better than what individuals could buy through the Affordable Care Act.

DuVal, 65, was Virginias commerce and trade secretary in Gov. Jim Gilmores administration from 1998 to 2002. He previously served as president and CEO of Hampton Roads Partnership, a regional economic development organization.

He said he wanted to retire at a moment when he can get the fourth major update of Blueprint Virginia well underway, but when a new chamber CEO would present it to the next governor and be ready to work with the new governor through a four-year term.

When I came to the chamber, I wanted to see Virginia get a top ranking for business; now weve done that three times in the past five years, he said. Its a team sport ... weve worked with four governors, two from each party; weve worked with General Assemblies with majorities from either party. ... Were nonpartisan, the Virginia Chamber does not endorse candidates. We endorse ideas.

DuVal said he has no specific plans after leaving the chamber except that I expect to still be involved, maybe with a nonprofit, maybe with business.

The chamber is starting a hunt for its next president and CEO immediately, with a search committee led by Alan Witt, past chair of the chamber and dean of Christopher Newport Universitys Joseph W. Luter III School of Business.

Barry DuVal has transformed the state chamber into the most influential business advocacy organization in the state, said Robert Duvall, the chambers current chairman, noting that membership grew from about 1,000 when he took office nearly 15 years ago to 32,000 now.

Top 5 weekend events: Pridefest, 43rd St. Fest of Arts, Virginia Distilled VA Pridefest 43rd Street Festival of the Arts Virginia Distilled Strad Fest Family Day: Brazil
Ongoing CFE failures leave areas of Riviera Maya in the dark

Riviera Maya, Q.R.  A large group of residents in Playa del Carmen blocked a busy intersection Wednesday night after another power failure. Residents in Villas del Sol prevented passage to traffic along Azulejos Avenue at the intersection of Rayadores and Carpintero Streets after 16 hours without electricity.

Power was reported out in several stages of the western neighborhood around 5:00 a.m. Wednesday. Despite reports to CFE, residents were still without electricity Wednesday night.

It was around 9:00 p.m. when angry resident took drastic measures by blocking the busy intersection. Residents, who saw Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) workers in the area, formed a large group to block the road until the CFE restored their power.

Police were on site during the road block since the CFE employees were unable to provide an estimated time for service restoration.

Police were called due to a roadblock in Playa del Carmen. Photo: September 11, 2024.

On Wednesday night, a large section of central Tulum was also left without power. Residents and businesses along Sol Oriente Street in downtown Tulum suddenly found themselves in the dark after a fire.

A transformer caught fire in central Tulum leaving a large area without power. Photo: September 11, 2024.

A transformer located on the sidewalk of a tenement house along Beta Sur Street began to spark and spew black smoke before catching fire. The exploding transformer was among several private vehicles whose owners quickly arrived to move their parked cars.

Firemen and Civil Protection arrive at the Tulum transformer fire. Photo: September 11, 2024.

Tulum firemen arrived to extinguish the fire, however, power was not immediately restored. Civil Protection cordoned off the area.
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Wang Yi, director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs and a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Youssef Alaa El-Deen, secretary general of the Egyptian National Security Council, in St. Petersburg, Russia, on Sept. 11, 2024. [Photo/Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs]

During a meeting in Russia's St. Petersburg on Wednesday, Chinese and Egyptian government representatives agreed to further implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state and deepen cooperation.

Meeting with Youssef Alaa El-Deen, secretary general of the Egyptian National Security Council, Wang Yi, director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, noted that Chinese President Xi Jinping and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi have provided strategic guidance for China-Egypt relations, which has served as a strong political guarantee for mutual trust and unity between the two countries.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that China is willing to implement the key agreements between the two heads of state, deepen all-around mutually beneficial cooperation and push bilateral relations toward the goal of building a China-Egypt community with a shared future in the new era.

Wang pointed out that Egypt, as a major developing country with significant influence in the Arab, African, and Islamic worlds, is welcomed as a new BRICS member attending this year's meeting of the BRICS high-ranking officials responsible for security matters and national security advisors for the first time.

China is ready to collaborate with Egypt and other BRICS partners to steadily advance greater BRICS cooperation, create an important platform for South-South cooperation, and safeguard the common interests of developing countries while defending international fairness and justice, Wang said.

Wang expressed appreciation for Egypt's contribution to the success of the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing and stated China's willingness to work with Egypt and other African countries to build an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era, implement the ten partnership actions for modernization, and help Africa accelerate its development and revitalization.

El-Deen expressed his pleasure in Egypt's participation in the BRICS mechanism for the first time as a full member and thanked China for its valuable support. He affirmed the strong mutual trust and solid relations between Egypt and China.

Egypt is committed to advancing the Belt and Road Initiative and expanding practical cooperation under the guidance of the two countries' leaders, he said, adding that Egypt will continue to actively engage in the FOCAC and the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum, and explore ways to strengthen trilateral cooperation with China and its African partners.

Both sides exchanged views on the Gaza conflict and the Ukraine crisis. El-Deen spoke highly of China's efforts in promoting reconciliation among Palestinian factions and commended China's efforts to mediate and promote peace talks.

Both sides expressed their willingness to work together in calling for a ceasefire and end to hostilities in Gaza as soon as possible and seeking a fundamental and permanent solution to the Palestinian issue. They also agreed to enhance communication and collaboration on the Ukraine issue to jointly promote a political resolution to the crisis.
Many readers probably scratched their heads during Tuesday nights presidential debate, when Donald Trump launched into a strange tirade about starving immigrants kidnapping Midwestern pets and barbecuing them on Ohio streets, for survival.

Theyre eating the dogs, the people that came in, theyre eating the cats, Trump said, in answering a query about immigration. Theyre eating the pets of the people that live there, and this is whats happening in our country, and its a shame.

Despite the ex-presidents insistence, thats not happening in America. Theres no shame. The storys false, except in the compromised minds of right-wing social media influencers and their brainwashed subjects. In some variations, the perpetrators were snatching wild ducks for dinner, too.

Not coincidentally, something quite similar occurred in Virginia early in September 2020. Like this go-around, that fake news also broke just after Labor Day, and two months before a presidential election. And on that occasion, the fake-news victim was the city of Roanoke.

Georgia writer Leo Hohmann penned the 2020 article, which is still online. The headline was, Chaos is Coming to Mayberry, but Hohmann was writing about Roanoke, which he also named.

The article offered a vivid, frightening and apparently false account of Black Lives Matter protesters accosting roughly 100 outdoor diners on the Roanoke City Market outside 202 Restaurant.

According to Hohmann, a couple awaiting their meals fled the purported confrontation and were chased along downtown streets by masked, black-clad demonstrators.

Ultimately, the woman escaped but three attackers threatened to kill the man, who was unable to run because of a bum foot, Hohmann wrote. Nonetheless, the man immobilized his purported assailants with karate, leaving them bloody, writhing on a sidewalk and screaming in pain.

That story took off on social media. Soon, Culpeper Countys sheriff treated it as fact in a post on Facebook. National conservative radio hosts such as Mark Levin promoted the fiction. (His show appears weeknights on WFIR-AM 960.) Concerned readers called and wrote this newspaper.

And we soon learned about a number of factual issues with Hohmanns article.

One: Hohmann witnessed none of the events it described. Rather, the details purportedly came from an anonymous source, Joe Mantle. Hohmann acknowledged that was a fictitious name.

Two: The manager of 202 said the restaurant didnt offer outdoor dining on the night in question, and no fracas had occurred, inside or out.

Three: Roanoke police could find no blood, hospitalized attackers or witnesses to the events Hohmann claimed.

Four: Hohmann illustrated Chaos is Coming to Mayberry with copyrighted photographs owned by The Roanoke Times (for which he lacked permission). Those were from a peaceful demonstration in Roanoke in June 2020. (Hohmann later took down the photos.)

Five: The racial-violence video from YouTube that Hohmann attached to his story was actually from Rochester, New York, a 550-mile drive from Roanoke.

In other words, the 2020 story was a crock. And Trump mightve used those fictions in the Sept. 29, 2020, presidential debate. But: Hohmanns story was published 24 days in advance of the debate, and by then the article had been thoroughly debunked.

Thats one key difference with Trumps barbecued-Ohio-pets story in 2024. With that, barely two days elapsed between the false story hitting social media (I first saw it on X early this week) and the debate. Apparently, Trump had little time to learn it was untrue before he announced it to the world.

Thats a perfect example of the old adage, a lie travels halfway around the world while the truth is still putting on its trousers.

And one upshot is, during the 2020 race for the White House, fake news made a pit stop in the Star City. Four years later, it reared its ugly head in an American presidential debate.

The information-rot is occurring everywhere, every day, on levels big and small. Its infected the minds of elected officials. Locally, one of them is Roanoke County School Board member Cheryl Facciani.

In 2022, at her very first school board meeting, the Windsor Hills representative gave a speech in which she insisted the U.S. Centers for Disease Control wasnt a government agency, even though it is one.

Facciani claimed the CDC was a private, tax-exempt nonprofit, which is untrue. Where did she get such misinformation? Thats still not clear.

But in the days preceding her speech, the nonprofit rumor had circulated on right-wing social media, especially among people who, like Facciani, questioned the value of medical masking during COVID.

The fact is social media is bombarding us with more false information every day at a rate thats increasing quickly.

The point of such propaganda isnt to persuade. The goal is to leave the populace fearful, confused and not knowing what to believe. The people who spread such lies are experts at exploiting them for political purposes.

And its only going to get worse in the next eight weeks.

Better buckle up!
University of Tennessee entomology graduate student Holly Brabazon harvests cacao pods from wild trees in Belize. Credit: D. Shoemaker, UTIA.

Do we have to choose between chocolate and biodiversity? Researchers at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture are working to answer this question in a new study.

"Using Genomic Tools to Promote Sustainable Cacao Agroforestry" is now funded through a $120,000 grant by the USDA Agriculture and Food Research Initiative. Graduate student Holly Brabazon leads this project, with support from faculty mentors DeWayne Shoemaker, department head and professor in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, and Meg Staton, associate professor of bioinformatics and computational genomics.

Cacao, the primary ingredient in chocolate, is more than a treat. It is a vital source of income for more than 50 million people worldwide. However, cacao farming faces significant challenges, including poor farming practices and the looming threat of climate change, both of which can severely impact cacao yields and the livelihoods of farmers.

The research team will sequence the genomes of wild cacao trees from Belize, a region known for its rare and highly valued fine-flavored cacao. The team will use genomic tools to study the diversity of cacao and gain insights into cacao pollination. Their study will also examine how insects, especially pollinators, interact with these wild cacao trees, which could lead to better strategies for managing cacao farms in a way that supports both biodiversity and cacao production.

Criollo cacao trees are highly valuable but can be difficult to grow. They are rarely seen in cultivation compared to other cacao groups. Credit: H. Brabazon, UTIA.

"Despite the popularity of chocolate, there's still so much we don't know about the cacao tree," Brabazon said. "I'm excited to be able to use genomics to shed more light on wild cacao diversity and to fill some gaps in what we know about cacao pollination."

For the next two years, the team will compare the genetic diversity and pollinator activity of wild and cultivated cacao trees. Their findings could provide significant insights for sustainable cacao farming and boost production while maintaining healthy ecosystems.

Provided by University of Tennessee at Knoxville
LAKE CITY, S.C.  Lake City Mayor Yamekia Robinson and City Administrator William A. Hall said their plan is coming together to acquire federal grants to meet the needs of the community.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced Lake City as one of 13 towns in South Carolina receiving grant funding through President Joe Bidens bipartisan infrastructure law for the Safe Streets and Roads for All program. The funding is to improve roadway safety and prevent deaths and serious injuries on Americas rural and urban roads.

This administration now has been doing things differently, Robinson said. We started seeking these grants and talking to organizations and stepping out of the box going to our local representatives, state representatives and national representatives.

Lake City was awarded $176,000 from the Planning and Demonstration Grant.

The announcement arrives a week after officials celebrated receiving $13.5 million for stormwater drainage improvements funded through the Federal Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2023.

Were setting it up for our successors and young people in the future, Robinson said.

Hall said being proactive brought more attention to Lake City competing for grants.

We packed up and took a group to Washington D.C. and we met every one of our congressional leaders and our senate leaders, he said. Im saying it was proactive and it seems to have been beneficial to us here in the recent year.

Robinson and Hall said they are in constant contact with the office of U.S. Rep. James E. Clyburn.

In just nine months time, Congressman Clyburn has visited us three or four times, Hall said. We feel blessed every time he comes to our community.

Hall said it feels good to know the staff is doing what is needed to get recognized.

The city has been very blessed, Hall said. To get this on the back of that intensifies what we need to get accomplished here.

Robinson said making sure streets are safe is a top concern.

To get this call a week later to learn that we received another grant and what this grant is pertaining to as far as safe streets and roads is very imperative for our community.

Robinson said the staff works hard to acquire and secure those grants.

The staff is currently working and closing out about $20 million worth of grants that weve had in the pipeline thus far and some of them are coming to a close, Hall said. Were working on the cusp of about $25 million going forward that we have been awarded but not yet started working.

Robinson said the recent grant award will be used to develop a comprehensive safety action plan to be implemented in the future with input from the community, staff and city council.

Hall said the project could also work in conjunction with a sidewalk grant to help with beautification plans.

The next focus is housing.

We have people coming here on a regular basis looking for housing, Hall said. These are conversations that we continue to have with developers and our partners.

Hall said the plan is to move the community forward.
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Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrives at the Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sept. 11, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrived in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday for an official visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the invitation of the UAE's Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Upon his arrival, Li said that bilateral ties between China and the UAE have maintained strong growth momentum since the two countries established diplomatic relations 40 years ago, and their friendship has grown stronger and continues to flourish.

Li noted that the meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in May has drawn a new blueprint for China-UAE ties, charting the course and injecting strong momentum for advancing bilateral relations and cooperation.

Li pointed out that under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, China-UAE relations have developed comprehensively, rapidly and in depth with practical cooperation in various fields going deeper and cultural exchanges becoming increasingly active.

The two countries have maintained close communication and coordination on multilateral platforms, continuously contributing to peace, stability, prosperity and development of the region and the world at large, he said.

Guided by the important consensus reached by the two heads of state and taking the opportunity of the 40th anniversary of the diplomatic ties between the two countries, Li said he looked forward to having in-depth exchanges with UAE leaders and people committed to China-UAE friendship in various sectors to deepen and solidify China-UAE comprehensive strategic partnership and achieve more fruitful results in exchanges and cooperation in various fields.

The UAE is the second and final leg of Li's four-day tour to the Middle East, which began in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday. He chaired the Fourth Meeting of the High-Level Chinese-Saudi Joint Committee in the Saudi capital of Riyadh and paid an official visit to the country.
GriefShare

GriefShare will be held through Dec. 12 (no Thanksgiving week) from 10:30 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays and from 6:30-8 p.m. on Thursdays, Calvary Lutheran Church, 4400 Central St. Participant books are free ($20 value). Register by going to calvaryleeds.com. If questions please call Diane Harris at 712-389-5226. GriefShare for the Holidays, 10:30-noon, Monday, Nov. 11, and 6:30-8:00 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 9. There is hope for this journey.

Dad's Belgian Waffles

St. John Lutheran Church, 2801 Jackson St., will be serving a waffle breakfast from 8 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 14. Waffles, sausage, coffee, and orange juice. Tickets are $10, and children under 5 eat free. Carryouts will be available.

Blue Mass

Bishop Walker Nickless and the Sioux City Cathedral Parish are hosting a Blue Mass at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 17 at the Cathedral of the Epiphany in Sioux City, 1000 Douglas St. The Mass includes a procession of uniformed first responders. Father David Esquiliano, rector of the Cathedral, pointed out that the first responders will be prayed for during the Mass. Area first responders and those working in the emergency response fields (including law enforcement, fire, EMTs and others) and their families are encouraged to attend this Mass at the Cathedral.

Organizers hope that those working as first responders in every discipline will feel comfortable attending the Mass, whether they are Catholic or not. First responders and their families planning to attend are asked to RSVP to info@sccathedral.org. Anyone who arrives without an RSVP is still welcome to attend the Mass and the meal afterward.

LSI Donation Request

LSI Sioux City urgently needs help! The biggest needs are: bottles of shampoo and conditioner, body wash, large (kitchen) trash cans, small (bathroom) trash cans. Donations can make a huge difference in the lives of those LSI serves. Drop off items at the office at 1308 S Cleveland Ave., Sioux City, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday. If unable to make it during office hours, reach out to Donations@LSIowa.org to arrange a drop-off outside of these hours or if you have any questions.

Food pantry

St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 1200 Douglas St., will have its food pantry open from 10 a.m. to noon Mondays.
DAKOTA CITY -- After observing Michele Ebeling's body outside her Laurel, Nebraska, home, authorities soon realized they were responding to more than a house fire.

Firefighters arriving at the scene had found an unresponsive Ebeling lying on her floor, partially blocking the interior back door as they tried to enter to fight the fire, which by that time had died down to a few flames.

They carried her from the home and placed her on the grass and went back inside. EMTs determined Ebeling had died and covered her body with a white sheet.

Cedar County Sheriff's Chief Deputy Chad Claussen lifted the sheet and observed what looked like a bullet hole above Ebeling's right eye and another on her upper right chest near her neck.

"I knew that we had a crime scene," Claussen said during the opening day of evidence in the trial of Jason Jones.

Jones, 44, is charged with and 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 August 2022 shooting deaths of 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 the two houses, located three blocks from one another, on fire.

"I don't know if there's a word or a series of words that I can find to explain what happened on Aug. 4, 2022," Assistant Nebraska Attorney General Corey O'Brien said during his opening statement to jurors in Dakota County District Court, where the trial has been moved after a judge determined it would be hard for Jones to receive a fair trial in Cedar County.

Firefighters had been dispatched to Ebeling's home at 209 Elm St. at about 3:11 a.m. after a 911 call from Royce Fairley, who lived across the street and, with his roommate, had seen an orange glow from inside the house. After calling 911, they crossed the street to see if they could help and encountered their next-door neighbors, Jason and Carrie Jones, who were coming around the Ebeling house.

"Mr. Jones, he was kind of in the background shuffling around," Fairley said. "We were talking to Mrs. Jones. It kind of felt like she was trying to distract us."

Fairley said Jason Jones went into his house without speaking while Carrie Jones spoke with them a little longer before going into her home. While Fairley and his roommate watched the emergency responders from their porch the rest of the night, they did not see the Joneses again, but knew someone inside their house was watching from an upstairs window.

"The whole night you could just see them peeking through the blinds," Fairley said.

Behind Ebeling's house, firefighters and police found a plastic patio chair with a broken leg and what appeared to be blood smears. Near it were a flashlight that was still turned on and a lighter. Investigators found two spent shell casings inside the house. Claussen said he looked inside the front door and observed a red gas can next to what appeared to be a pour trail on the floor.

"I could smell gasoline. It was pretty strong," Claussen said.

Within hours, firefighters were dispatched to the Twiford home at 503 Elm St. Inside, police found the bodies of the Twifords, and all had been shot at least twice.

O'Brien told jurors evidence will show that a number of items collected from the Ebeling and Twiford homes -- shell casings, a handgun, lighters, the empty gas can, an ammunition magazine, store receipts -- when tested or analyzed, all pointed to Jones.

Defense attorney Matthew McDonald said in his opening statement there was no dispute Jones killed the Twifords, but it wasn't first-degree murder. In a note Jones left for his wife hours before the shootings, he said he was sorry he "couldn't do more," and spoke of going out on a "funeral pyre" like Darth Vader.

"He set himself on fire. He was not meant to be here after that day," McDonald said. "This was a man who was broken and having a mental breakdown. It doesn't excuse him, and we're not saying it does."

Because of his mental state, McDonald said, Jones was incapable of premeditation, an element necessary to convict him of first-degree murder, and should be found guilty of a lesser charge. If Jones is found guilty of first-degree murder, prosecutors will seek the death penalty.

McDonald said Carrie Jones had been inside Ebeling's house with her husband when Ebeling was killed. McDonald told jurors Jason Jones, in an example of his mental state, believed Ebeling was possessed.

A badly burned Jones was arrested at his home about 24 hours after the initial police response. He is not present at trial, his lawyer saying in an earlier motion that it's hard for him to sit upright for long periods of time because of his injuries. Jones remains at the Nebraska Department of Corrections' Reception and Treatment Center in Lincoln.

Carrie Jones, 45, was later arrested and has pleaded not guilty of first-degree murder, tampering with physical evidence and being an accessory to a felony. She is accused of aiding and abetting the death of Gene Twiford and awaits trial. She has alleged Twiford had repeatedly sexually harassed her prior to his death.
Care and Feeding is Slates parenting advice column. Have a question for Care and Feeding? Submit it here.

Dear Care and Feeding,

I grew up with a mother who had significant mental health struggles. There was a ton of volatility in our home: a lot of screaming, manipulation, threats, etc. As a kid, I regularly told my mother how much I hated her and what a terrible mother she was, and I can still remember how deeply I felt and meant these things.

My 7-year-old is getting a really different experience. My husband and I arent perfect, but we are patient and loving, we hardly ever yell, we empathize with our kid even when hes being challenging  and he regularly tells me how much he hates me and what a terrible mother he thinks I am. A typical example: He asks for ice cream. I say not today. He spirals into talking about how Im always mean to him and never care about him. I know, I knowthis seems like it could just be manipulation to get ice cream. But I know my kidat the time he says it, he truly believes it! I find this so upsetting. I have worked so hard to give my kid what I didnt get, and he still seems to feel so wronged and misunderstood. I could use some perspective: Is this just the kind of stuff that all kids say, and I should try not to take it to heart? Is it possible Im actually doing something really wrong and I just am not seeing it? How should one respond to a kid who regularly says I hate you?

Hate the Hate

Dear Hate the Hate,

First, I doubt youre doing something terribly wrong without realizing it. Certainly, theres nothing wrong with not providing ice cream every time your kid asks. And no, I dont think all kids tell their parents they hate them, or that theyre terrible parents, but your kid isnt totally alone in doing so either. Even if not every kid goes that far, every kid gets really upset sometimes. Every kid will push to see what they can get away with, sometimes escalating behavior to try to get what they want.

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When your son tells you that he hates you, maybe it doesnt get him the ice cream he wants. But it gets your attention, right? It gets you talking to him, maybe trying to reason with him. Sometimes it gets an emotional response. I know its really hard not to respond with anger, sadness, and shock when he says such hurtful things, especially given your experience with your mother. And Im not telling you not to feel bad about the stuff he says (I would feel bad about it too!). But if your son is looking for a fight or an emotional reaction when he talks to you that way, I dont think you should give him either.

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As for what to say, I would keep it brief and simple: Its not ok to talk to me that way. You can be mad at me, but you cannot say or do whatever you want just because youre mad. In other words, his feelings arent wrong; his actions are. Give him other things he can do to calm down, other language he can use to get across what hes feeling: You can say, Im really disappointed. Im mad at you. I really wanted ice cream. You can go somewhere else, or take some time by yourself to calm down. You can ask for something that will help you calm down, like a hug or music or a story. But its not ok to say mean things or try to hurt other people when youre mad. You and your husband can also talk about whether you think there should be a larger consequence, a lost privilege, etc. if he persists in shouting hurtful things.

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Its possible that, because of your painful history, its going to hurt even more to hear these things from your son. And as you are no doubt already aware, kids are going to step all over their parents trauma without realizing it. They dont have our memories; they arent going to see the warning signssometimes we arent even going to see them. Im glad youve realized that this is more difficult for you in part because of how hard youve worked to put your past behind you and not be like your mother. Its not your sons fault that you have that baggage. Its not your fault, either. And its ok to notice whats tender, whats triggering, and when you might need to be patient with yourself. If you need more support to get through this trying phase (or others, in the future!), talk to your husband, or a friend, or anyone else you think might help. Your feelings and needs are important, and giving them the attention they require isnt silly or selfish. It doesnt mean that you havent moved beyond your own upbringing; on the contrary, its an important part of doing so. And itll help you to take better care of yourself and be an even better parent.

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Dear Care and Feeding,

My father isnt a great guy, and I never felt very connected to him even before he divorced my mom when I was 10. After that, I started considering changing my last name once I became an adultsomething I feel has become more necessary, as our surname is very recognizable in his industry in our state. Now I am an adult, I have two options for a last name, and I cant decide between them. The first option is a name I chose in my early teens and like the sound of (think Milanit sounds made up, but cool, and happens to be the name of a famous European city). The other option is my stepdads last name. He and my mom started dating when I was in high school and married last year. His last name is a generic-sounding but uncommon European one (think something like Tennet).

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Im hesitant because Im the black sheep of my family, and it feels weird to willingly take the name of a group I probably wouldnt associate with if not for DNA and a marriage license tying me to them. However, if we were to reconcile, wouldnt having an obviously different last name be like salt on a healing wound? I keep trying to decide by picturing how my first and last names would sound, or how Id feel being called Mr. Milan or Mr. Tennet. But the names seem about equal, or change with my mood. I could hyphenate, I guess, but I feel like that would invite awkward questions about a marriage that has never happened. I need to pick a name soon. Someone called me Mr. Dads-Last-Name in an email recently and my knee-jerk thought was they were trying to insult me! Between that and the fact I find myself cringing every time someone says my last name aloud, this feels like an awkward or career-damaging powder keg waiting to blow. How do I pick a name, preferably by the end of the year?

Which Name Do I Empower?

Dear Which Name,

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Im not totally clear on who you think theres some possibility of reconciling with, your father or your mother and stepfatheror all of the above?but regardless: If people want to have a relationship with you, your last name wont be the dealbreaker. I suppose theres a nonzero chance your dad would feel a way about you dropping his surname without the excuse of a marriage. Maybe your stepfather and mother would be happy or touched if you decided to share their last name. But you dont know that any of them have strong feelings about this, and even if they did, its your name and your decision; what matters is how you feel about it. And whether or not you have a relationship with someone depends on many far more important factors than your surname.

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Its a little corny, but bear with me: Imagine that the decision is made; youre going with Milan. You get your new ID with your new name. How do you feel about it? Now swap names; imagine you went with Tennet. All your mail is now addressed to [First Name] Tennet. How does that make you feel? Does either outcome make you happier? If youre ready to make the change, go with whichever name feels best to you, and try not to worry about what anyone else will think.

Catch Up on Care and Feeding

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Dear Care and Feeding,

My kid is 16. Weve had several orthodontist visits in a row where the message is, You cant get your braces off yet because you arent wearing your rubber bands. Wear them for the next six weeks and youre done. Im a big believer in natural consequences, and this seems like a good place to let it play out. I also have a huge amount on my plate and lack the spoons to remember to remind them about it. My kid has an anxiety diagnosis and some challenges with executive functioning, so Im more involved with keeping school stuff moving forward than I would like to be at this age. But I would also like to be done with missing work to drive to the orthodontist. Any advice on what has helped your kids remember things like this?

Reminders

Dear Care and Feeding,

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My subtle, high-tech solution was to stick a note on my kids bathroom mirror: REMEMBER YOUR RETAINER. (I only did this after some long period of her not remembering it, or choosing to forget it.) Sometimes I still ask whether shes been wearing her retainer at night, in the same way I occasionally have to remind her to take her vitamins or make her lunch. Would I rather not? Sure. And often I forget, because, like you, I just cant remember everything for everyone all the time. But I dont see the point of skipping these reminders on purpose, to teach her a lessonbecause I dont want her to have low iron, and I dont want her to forget her lunch, and I dont want to have to take her back to the orthodontist.

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At some point, I think you kinda have to accept where your kid is and what they need from you in terms of reminders and check-ins, even if you wish it were otherwise. You can still expect and encourage growthof course you want to see them gradually gaining more independence and the capacity to manage their shit without your looking over their shoulder!but its rarely a continuous upward curve. They are going to make some mistakes and have some setbacks. They might get better at staying on top of some stuff, but still need you to remind them about others. I get that the braces appointments are no fun for either of you, and you wish your kid would just get it together and wear the rubber bands. Its fair to be annoyed. But if this were one of those cases where letting them experience natural consequences would do the trick, I think it would have worked already?

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I also wonder if this has become such a focus for you because youre worried about how their anxiety and executive functioning challenges are impacting them in other (perhaps more high-stakes?) areas. If so, I empathize, believe me. But I dont see the harm in helping to remind themor, better yet, helping them set a daily reminder on their phone so they can remember on their own. Maybe they will only need that support for a little while, and then you can fade it back. Or maybe youll have to keep doing it to get them across the finish line.

Either way, keep your eyes on the real goal, the bigger goal, of increasing their overall independence when you can. Youre still committed to helping them keep up with important tasks and develop in every area of life (something youd be doing for a kid that age regardless of other issues). Rubber bands do not represent your one and only shot to teach them about responsibility.

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Dear Care and Feeding,

My beautiful 4-year-old started Pre-K last month. She had never been to school or daycare before, and for the last nine months shes mostly been at home with me and her new baby brother. She has always been gregarious and outgoing, so I wasnt very worried about the transition. She also adjusted so well to the babywe have had almost zero jealousy or behavior issues from her. She seemingly proved me right about school: She has never cried at drop-off, says she loves school, and interacts and plays with the kids and teachers. Her teachers say shes a dream! Except now, shes crying about EVERY. LITTLE. THING at home. My formerly happy and well-behaved girl is melting down every evening. Is this normal? What can I do to help her? I feel like it has to be related to starting school.

Worried Mom

Dear Worried Mom,

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Your daughters evening moods are probably related to starting school. But that doesnt mean school is to blame, or not a good fit for her. It sounds like you have no reason to think she doesnt enjoy it or isnt treated well there. Shes most likely tired? And this could be how some of her new-school feelings and/or separation anxiety is coming outnot with meltdowns at drop-off, but after she gets home. Some kids are like that: They keep it together or are on their best behavior all day at school, and the focus and effort that sometimes requiresplus the all-day work and stimulation, which, again, is all new for your daughtermeans they come home exhausted, especially at the start of the school year. (Maybe your daughter also isnt really napping at Pre-K? If shes used to doing so at home but doesnt when shes there, that could be another factor.)

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This is the first time she has spent most of her day away from home, and away from you and her baby brother. Thats a big transition, no matter how good school is for her! Its only been a few weeks, so you dont need to despair yet. Try to focus on her as much as you can once she gets home, and make sure you recognize and support her in whatever shes feeling (even if you cant condone the behavior). She can love her new school and still have hard or complex feelings about leaving you, not being at home, missing her brother, all of that.

Its also worth being in touch with her teachersnot to say theres a huge problem, but just to let them know that despite what theyre seeing at school, you think your child is having a little trouble with the adjustment. They can keep an eye out and maybe give you brief weekly updates on how shes doing, whether shes napping and/or seems tired, etc. My guess is that after an adjustment period, your daughter will settle into her new routine and youll see fewer tantrums at home. But of course, if this persists for a while and seems like more than a difficult phase, you can always check in with your pediatrician.

Nicole

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My husband and I are expecting our first baby. My mother-in-law was originally going to be Grandma because all the grandparents on my husbands side go by Grandma and Grandpa. Easy. Now, my MIL is adamant that she wants to go by Nama. Its random, and I am not a fan. My husband absolutely hates it. He refuses to have our children call his mother Nama. My MIL told me that hell just have to deal with it. Im just curious how this all works. This is obviously new territory for us!
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Visiting U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy on Wednesday announced new aid packages for Ukraine, local media reported.

Speaking at a press conference in Kiev, Blinken said that the United States would provide more than 700 million U.S. dollars for Ukraine in fresh assistance, the Interfax-Ukraine news agency reported.

Of the sum, 325 million dollars will be directed for the restoration of energy and electric networks, 290 million dollars for humanitarian aid and 102 million dollars for humanitarian demining.

Blinken also informed that he had discussed with Ukrainian officials the use of long-range weapons.

For his part, Lammy announced that Britain will provide more than 600 million pounds (about 783 million U.S. dollars) worth of support for Ukraine, the Ukrinform news agency reported.

The funding will be used to finance Ukraine's urgent humanitarian, energy and stabilization needs, and provide credit guarantees for Kiev.

Blinken and Lammy arrived in Kiev earlier in the day for a joint visit. The diplomats met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and senior government officials. They also took part in the fourth Crimea Platform Summit.
As the clock ticks down toward the inaugural broadcast of the show not yet known as Saturday Night Live, an exasperated NBC executive asks producer Lorne Michaels (played by The Fabelmans star Gabriel LaBelle), Do you even know what the show is? That question, posed in slightly different forms, recurs several times throughout Jason Reitmans Saturday Night, which screened at the Toronto International Film Festival on Tuesday night. The movie, which Reitman co-wrote with his Ghostbusters: Afterlife collaborator Gil Kenan, covers in more or less real time the chaotic 90-minute stretch on Oct. 11, 1975, before the cameras went live, and it takes Michaels most of that time to come up with an answer, preoccupied as he is with wrangling a temperamental and inexperienced cast, his skeptical bosses, and the stone-faced network affiliates who will ultimately decide the shows fate.

In actuality, it took NBCs Saturday Night, as it was initially known, even longer to figure out what it was supposed to be. The first episode includes familiar elementsan opening monologue, musical guests, parodic commercialsbut its striking how little of the show we now know is present. The actors who would become its breakout stars are almost an afterthought, confined to sketches that rarely run over a minute and billed under a collective name so new that announcer Don Pardo got the words scrambled and called them the Not for Ready Prime-Time Players. Theres more of Billy Preston (Jon Batiste, who also wrote the movies score) and Janis Ian (Munas Naomi McPherson) than there is of John Belushi (Matt Wood), Dan Aykroyd (Dylan OBrien), or Gilda Radner (Ella Hunt), although Chevy Chase (Cory Michael Smith) does get some face time at the Weekend Update desk. Which leaves Reitman, and Saturday Night, with a bit of a dilemma: How do you mythologize the beginnings of a show when youre building up to an episode that barely feels like SNL at all?

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One way is by making Saturday Night feel more like the present-day show than its embryonic predecessor. The movie plays like a cross between one of Robert Altmans lesser lets-put-on-a-show ensembles and the SNL standby where the camera follows the evenings guest host through the hallways of Studio 8H, setting up a string of sight gags and one-liners that both teases and mocks the audiences desire to peek behind the scenes. Its not as unhinged a portrayal as the one in James Andrew Miller and Tom Shales definitive oral history Live From New Yorktheres a lot less cocaine, for one thing, and a lot less sexwhich undercuts the movies consistent assertions that Michaels and Co. are up to something genuinely revolutionary: the first TV comedy made by and for the generation who grew up watching TV. Although were following the goings-on through Michaels eyes, were effectively put in the position of those hidebound affiliates, wondering whether all this mayhem can produce anything but an ungodly mess.

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Related From Slate The Best Jim Henson Documentary Is Already Out on YouTube Read More

Because Saturday Night eventually takes us no further than a couple of minutes after 11:30 p.m., Reitman and Kenan build up their not-yet-a-show by dragging down the existing comedic icons of the time, including George Carlin (Matthew Rhys), who hosted the first episode, and Milton Berle (J.K. Simmons), who for reasons unknown is taping a nonlive TV special in the building. (This is not a movie to which one should look for a strict recapitulation of the facts.) Berle, who is regularly remembered as one of SNLs all-time worst hosts, has at least earned his ignominious place in the shows history, but the shots at Carlin, whom head writer Michael ODonoghue (Tommy Dewey) calls a ponytailed vulture feeding off the corpse of Lenny Bruce, are both gratuitous and wide of the mark. Carlins not the only comic genius to whom Saturday Night gives short shrift either. Radner, who stands with Belushi as the most explosive talent in the original ensemble, barely registers as a presence among the teeming ensemble cast, in a telling of the story that, with the exception of Michaels wife, writer Rosie Shuster (Rachel Sennott), seems much more interested in the contributions of men.

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The movie reserves its most dismissive treatment for Jim Henson, played by Successions Nicholas Braun as a hapless, gangly intruder who spends most of the movie begging for the shows writers to tell him what to do. SNLs staff was famously hostile to Hensons presenceODonoghue quipped, I wont write for feltand even in the first episodes grab bag of acts, the Muppets sketch feels like a particularly bad fit. But considering that the premiere of The Muppet Show was less than a year away, depicting Henson as an out-of-his-depth doofus being hazed by the cool kids strikes a sour note. (Braun also stepped in for an unavailable Benny Safdie to play Andy Kaufman, whose lip-synch to the Mighty Mouse theme is correctly played as the first episodes one unqualified triumph.)

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In Live From New York, Michaels says that the writers discovered early on that the audience liked it when the show made fun of its own flaws, a tradition that carries through the sketch where Kerry Washington has to double as Oprah and Michelle Obama because there werent enough Black women in the regular cast. Please Dont Destroys digital shorts have made SNLs offices as familiar a location as the Update desk, feeding a consistent fascination with how the show is made. It helps that the process is perennially interesting, even or especially when the show is not, when sketches fall flat and the cast thins out and all you can think is how much better it was whenever you first started watching. (No matter when you started, this is always true.) But Saturday Night is so focused on the process that it neglects to establish why the product mattersan especially odd lapse given that its release is timed to coincide with the fanfare about the beginning of SNLs 50th season. Theres plenty of adrenaline to go around, but once that wears off, all thats left is emptiness.
The Zemplinska sirava reservoir once again boasts of a large ship.

The ship named LABE, whose home until now was Prague's Vltava river, reached Zemplinska Sirava after a 3,500-kilometre journey through Central Europe, including a land transfer. (Source: Kosice Region Tourism)

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After many years of absence, the waters of the Zemplinska sirava reserovir in eastern Slovakia once again welcome its largest visitor attraction - a cruise ship capable of providing up to 164 passengers with a comfortable sailing experience not only in summer, but also in transitional seasons.

The ship named LABE, whose home until now was Prague's Vltava river, reached Zemplinska sirava after a 3,500-kilometre journey through Central Europe, including a land transfer.

Discover region on the border between Western and Eastern European culture with our Kosice region travel guide.

"The views from the upper deck of LABE, but also from the comfort of the enclosed air-conditioned space on its main deck, will be appreciated by all visitors, for whom the visit to the reservoir will take on a completely new dimension," says Rastislav Trnka, governor of the Kosice Region, adding that to experience the reservoir this way will become a new reason to visit eastern Slovakia.

After sailing through seven European countries, LABE arrived at the dock in the village of Ladmovce, southeastern Slovakia, on June 2.

From there, during the so-called Operation Ball Lightning, an oversized transport moved it on a route more than 60-kilometre long on August 20 through the villages of Cejkov, Zemplinske Jastrabie, Oborin, Bracovce, Lozin, Banovce nad Ondavou, Trhoviste and Pozdisovce to the town of Michalovce and then to Zemplinska sirava.

https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/embed?mid=1rGrgCPBJ6n4VLX3lylq3j7f-7nEKAUQ&ehbc=2E312F&noprof=1

Once in Ladmovce, a crane placed the ship on a special chassis, which consisted of several parts and had a total of 19 axles. Such cargo last passed through Michalovce exactly 30 years ago, in 1994, when the ships Atlantida and Andante from Zemplinska sirava were sold and taken to Prague.

The LABE's operator underlines the level of comfort that the 37-metre, 70-ton ship will provide to its passengers.

"On board, sanitary facilities, a sun terrace and an air-conditioned salon in the front part of the ship are available for visitors. Refreshments during the cruise are provided by the on-board buffet, and a kitchen will be added later," says manager of company Zemplinska Vodna Doprava, Matej Kapral.

From the point of view of the development of tourism, the operation of such a boat is a great opportunity for strengthening the off-season tourism at Zemplinska sirava, which does not have to be strictly perceived only as a place for summer fun, but also as an attractive place to spend time in spring and autumn.

"The ship will naturally be advertised not only as a sightseeing means of transport, but also as a meeting place for various occasions, whether during family celebrations, small celebrations in the form of book presentations, or team building and corporate events," says the director of the Kosice Region Tourism organisation, Lenka Vargova Jurkova.

All important information about the sailing route, times and frequency of sailings, as well as the price list and reservation portal will be made available here well in advance of the first commercial sailing.

https://sk.frame.mapy.cz/s/rocavebeke
Details of the large consolidation package, which will determine the future direction of Slovak tax policy, remain unknown.

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While the Slovak government is busy preparing public finance consolidation package, the European Commission has published its Annual Report on Taxation 2024 focusing on the latest trends in EU tax systems. The report aims, among other things, to help the EU stand as an attractive market in the global competition for investors. Despite all the challenges Europe has faced in recent years, it has managed to keep e.g. its effective corporate tax burden low. On the contrary, the report remains critical of a too high tax burden on labour.

The Annual Report on Taxation 2024 is based on a survey in EU member states and focuses on reforms, but also on the so-called tax mix, which has a significant impact on the behaviour of players on the European market.

Why high burden on labour is a problem

Even though the tax and social security burden on labour has been falling slightly in the EU over the last 10 years (with the exception of Slovakia and a few other countries), it remains very high compared to other economies. In the competition for global investments, this factor plays a key role. According to the annual report, the average difference between total labour costs from the employer's perspective and the net income of an employee is 34.6 percent in the OECD, but as high as 41.6 percent in the EU.

Tax wedge (difference between the total labour costs and net wages) in percent

More on EU tax mix

In EU countries, the share of revenues from tax and social security burden on labour is too high, 50.6 percent on average in 2022 (compared to 52.4 percent in Slovakia).

The burden on labour is followed by excise duties, including VAT, with a share of 27.3 percent (32.7 percent in Slovakia).

Next in order are property taxes, including real estate taxes, referred to as capital taxes; their share in the EU-wide tax mix was 22.1 percent and in Slovakia only 14.9 percent.

Tax revenue split by economic function in EU countries (percent)

(Labour taxes are shown in blue, consumption taxes in grey and property taxes in yellow.)

The Financial Transaction Tax  known as FTT  was proposed by the European Commission in 2011. Its aim was to prevent fragmentation of tax policy in this area across member states and to tax mainly low-value-added transactions, including speculative transactions. Common banking transactions of citizens and companies, including deposits and loans, were explicitly excluded from taxation. The proposal was to harmonise the tax base and set minimum rates; for trading in shares and bonds it was 0.1 percent. If such a tax had been introduced uniformly across the EU, it was estimated that it would have already generated more than 50 billion.

However, the proposal for a uniform EU-wide tax has not been adopted, so it has remained fragmented and expectations of its collection are very far from the original estimate, even though the tax rates are higher. In the case of Hungary, which has gone its own way since 2013 and contrary to the original proposal, even common payments are being taxed. This was objected to by the European Commission, as it has implications on the free movement of capital guaranteed by the EU Treaty.

The FTT is a property tax. A detailed report is being prepared by the European Commission for next year, so far it has data for 2017 for five countries in a limited form. A very brief summary is presented in the table below.

Data on FTT in selected countries for 2017 Country Tax base Tax rate Income (mil. ) Belgium Securities and stock exchange, insurance transactions, long-term savings, bank profits Differing rates according to transaction amount 296 Greece NA 2 percent 227 France Securities issued in France for admission to a regulated market with a capitalisation of more than 1 billion 0.3 percent 1,100 Hungary Payment services, loans, currency exchange 0.3 percent, max. 6,000 forints 700 Italy Stocks and high frequency trades, derivatives Differing rates according to transaction amount 432 Source: TAXUD, EC

Trends in Slovakia, the consolidation package and our competitiveness

So far it is clear that the EU as a whole is facing unfavourable economic developments, with the German economy, which has been the biggest driving force of our growth since Slovakia joined the EU, doing particularly badly.

The details of the large consolidation package of around 1.5 billion, which will determine the future direction of Slovak tax policy, are still unknown, but it is planned to increase taxes and, at the same time, to reduce spending. From the partial information released, the main topics of discussion are an increase in social security contributions, i.e. a further increase in the already high burden on labour, a 1 percent increase in corporate income tax and, over the weekend, the prime minister also admitted an increase in the basic VAT rate. The finance minister repeatedly confirmed that the FTT will be introduced based on the Hungarian model, but it is not intended to affect citizens and will probably be targeted at the business sector.

If we do not want to fall even deeper in the competitiveness rankings, instead of increasing, we should reduce the tax and social security burden on labour, and further decrease the VAT gap. If the unprecedented increase in health insurance contributions since January 1, 2024 (a 10 percent increase from the perspective of employers) is accompanied by a radical increase in social insurance contributions, Slovakia's taxation of labour could push Slovakia to EU's tail.

As far as corporate income tax rates are concerned, personally, I am opposed to raising them. Although it is not a decisive factor from the point of view of competitiveness, an increase in the rate will be a bad signal to investors. If the corporate income tax rate is increased from 21 to 22 percent, we will once again, after a long time, not only have a rate higher than the EU average (21.2 percent), but the highest in the V4 region  by comparison, Hungary has 10.8 percent, the Czech Republic and Poland only 19 percent.

Regarding a possible increase in the basic VAT rate, which was admitted by the prime minister over the weekend, it would certainly be a more reasonable step, as consumption is growing and the current basic VAT rate of 20 percent in Slovakia is not only below the EU average (21.5 percent), but also the lowest in the V4 region. In Hungary it is 27 percent, in the Czech Republic 21 percent and in Poland 23 percent.

Given the EU tax mix, the finance minister has the largest space for raising revenue in the area of property taxes. However, rather than introducing a new FTT contrary to the EU concept, it would be more reasonable to dust off the once prepared but not implemented real estate tax reform. If the government decides to follow Hungary's example of FTT, it may be disappointed. Unlike Hungary, we are in the eurozone and it is not a problem for any major business to open an account in a neighbouring country; after all, the EU treaty guarantees free movement of capital. In addition to worsening the business environment, such a tax may trigger a mass transfer of accounts abroad and a drop in bank profitability. Slovak banks would then pay less tax to the state, which could mean that the introduction of this tax would have the opposite effect. Furthermore, it could bring further tensions with the EU if the new FTT contradicts its original concept and the free movement of capital.

However, there is clearly a lot of space for consolidation of public finance on the side of expenditures, for example salaries in the overstretched public administration or health care expenditures, which even the prime minister has already described as "an atomic bomb in terms of financing". In this field there is plenty of space for consolidation, in hundreds of millions of euros, as we do not have regulated prices in the Slovak healthcare sector, even though this 8 billion sector is controlled by an oligopoly with predatory capital and the public health insurance system is full of other European anomalies. Unless systemic changes are made, we will continue to be the only EU country to move closer to the privatised American model, where health care per capita is not only twice as expensive as in EU countries, but also difficult to access for an average citizen.

Renata Blahova is partner at BMB Partners TAXAND and member of the Advisory board of the Slovak-German Chamber of Industry and Commerce
Slovnaft refinery to continue purchasing Russian oil amid geopolitical tensions.

The endpoint of the Druzhba pipeline at the Slovnaft refinery in Bratislava. (Source: TASR)

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Bratislavas Slovnaft refinery will continue purchasing Russian oil from the Lukoil company, with supplies continuing to flow through the Druzhba pipeline. This pipeline, which passes through Belarus and Ukraine, remains the main conduit for oil from Russia to Slovakia, a crucial resource for Slovnafts operations.

The flow of Russian oil to Slovakia ceased earlier this year after Ukraine imposed sanctions on Lukoil ahead of the summer, leaving Slovnaft without its key supplier. The Slovak government called the disruption of supplies through Ukraine a violation of the association agreement with the European Union. However, the European Commission assured Slovakia and Hungary that an energy crisis was not imminent, pointing to alternative supply routes such as the Adria pipeline. Additionally, other Russian companies continued to supply oil through the Druzhba pipeline without interruption.

Slovakia and Hungary remain the only EU countries reliant on Russian oil, but several other EU countries are still one of the largest purchasers of Russian raw materials.

MOL assumes responsibility for oil transportation

The Hungary-based MOL Group, which owns the Bratislava refinery, has since reached an agreement with the pipeline operators. However, the deal comes with a stipulation: MOL must take ownership of the oil while it is still on Belarusian territory, assuming responsibility for its transportation from Belarus through Ukraine to Hungary and Slovakia.
Kevin OLeary is a Canadian businessman who is best known as one of the potential investors on the television program Shark Tank. Despite being referred to on the show as a Shark, OLeary is, in fact, an ostrich in a business suit. And like all large flightless birds, OLearys got a giant bird brain that he uses to formulate whatever really terrible ideas wriggle their way out of his gullet. (It really makes you question the meritocracy that allowed him to amass a $400 million net worth.)

Most of his flapping is pretty terrible in the standard old man squawks at cloud sort of way, and he has recently dusted off an oldie but a goodie: serfs these days spend too much on coffee. Its a hot take debunked so many times over that one must have their head buried deep in the sand or elsewhere to believe it still carries any weight. Its frankly not worth your mental energy to disprove yet again, unless youre a deeply petty person with a lot of time on your hands. Which I am.

So anyway, lets roast this bird.

As initially reported by Yahoo Finance, OLeary laid his most recent egg online about how going out for coffee equates to pissing away your money on stupid stuff.

Stop buying coffee for $5.50. You got to work and spend $15 on a sandwich, what are you an idiot? You start to add that up everyday, its a ton of money. Most people, particularly working in metropolitan cities that are just starting out in their job making their first $60,000, piss away about $15,000 a year on stupid stuff. And thats what they should stop doing.

OLeary then shares an account of watching young people spend $22 a pop and more on avocado toastanother angry boomer classicfrom which he extrapolates that, 1) every young person is doing this, and 2) they are doing it all the time. With these two rock solid assumptions, OLeary blows down the strawman, concluding that this is what is keeping the younger generation from buying houses or whatever. How often are they eating out? Twenty-two dollars several times a week could go towards a deposit on a house. [Narrator: It couldnt.] It certainly has nothing to do with a shrinking middle class or skyrocketing home prices or the cost of living going up while wages stagnate. Its the avocado toast and the coffee!

This seems profoundly stupid to me but, what do I know? Im not nearly the businessman Kevin OLeary is. I, for instance, have never lost $15 million in cryptocurrencyand who couldve seen that coming?nor have I had to defend my ties to Sam Bankman-Fried, the former CEO of crypto exchange FTX now serving 25 years in prison for fraud and other white collar crimes. (This might be why OLeary hates millennials, which, fair enough.) And Ive never said in defense of not increasing taxes on billionaires entrepreneurs that we dont make any money because were taking it all and putting it into companies and starting to grow them. And we get capital gains.

And I certainly dont have the miser mindset that keeps OLearys nest egg so warm. I havent spent over millions on watches and vintage guitars that I run through terrible-sounding wah pedals. Ive never created a vanity corporate wine project to sell a three-pack on QVC for $53. Maybe its good, Ive never tried it. It just seems like such a waste of money for something that costs $3. Oh wait, I seem to have got my cue cards mixed up. Thats what OLeary said about coffee back in 2017. Forgive the confusion. OLearys wine, as Im sure hed attest to, is a frugal splurge, totally in reason.

OLeary is well within his right to get all loosey-goosey with his money and spend whatever he wants to suck at playing the guitar and invest in whatever golden bauble nonsense draws his stimulus-response in a given week. But please, honestly, shut up the fuck up about what its like for millennials, and never lecture younger people against whom there is a significant deck of disadvantage stacked that he really has zero clue about. Honestly we should be paying more for coffee and avocados, as opposed to treating them as reflexive commodities upon which western spending habits should be minimized. The idea that we should keep these prices as low as possible so that one may save their money to accrue vintage asshole guitars and deeply mid Patek Philippes is so truly gross and out of touch, real Let Them Eat Cake shit.

Losing millions of dollars to pixel cash Bernie Madoff is certainly not the best starting point on your way to being taken seriously as a commentator on generational issues, but then again, Kevin OLeary is not a serious person. Hes an ostrich, trying to tell you how to fly, and hoping that if he flaps hard enough you might believe him. Its very do-as-I-say-not-as-Emu.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240912/cooking-cats-and-dogs-1120114063.html

Cooking Cats and Dogs

Cooking Cats and Dogs

Sputnik International

Officials have said there is no evidence of immigrants eating cats and dogs, however Trump doubled down on his claim and accused Springfield, Ohio of being at the center of this dramatic issue.

2024-09-12T05:34+0000

2024-09-12T05:34+0000

2024-09-13T01:51+0000

donald trump

kamala harris

haiti

springfield

ohio

biden administration

political cartoons

sputnik cartoons

us

joe biden

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Former President Donald Trump made claims that Haitian immigrants in Ohio are abducting and eating peoples cats and dogs. Officials have said there is no evidence of immigrants eating cats and dogs, however Trump doubled down on his claim and accused Springfield, Ohio of being at the center of this dramatic issue.The Springfield city manager said no credible reports of specific claims of pets being harmed, injured, or abused by individuals in the immigrant community have been made, said David Muir, an ABC News anchor and American journalist who moderated the debate on Tuesday. Despite being fact-checked, Trumps vice-presidential candidate, Senator JD Vance of Ohio, repeated the rumor this week.The claim seems to originate from a social media post in which a netizen said their neighbors daughters friend had lost her cat. And then one day she came home from work and looked at her neighbors house, where Haitians live and saw her cat hanging from a branch, like youd do a deer for butchering, and they were carving it up to eat. The social media user also claimed that they are doing this to dogs, as well as ducks and geese at the nearby park. They also claimed that they were told this by rangers and police.While there has been no evidence to substantiate these anti-immigrant claims, a photo has been circulating online of a man in Columbus, Ohio carrying a dead goose. The man who took the photo in late July says he regrets having done so because its being weaponized to use against immigrants. He said he took the photo because it was not something you see every day.Then all of (these claims) supposedly they're going and killing all of the wildlife and whatever. That's ridiculous. But people see things that are spread and have no idea what the truth is, but they spread it like it's the truth. And I feel like the only person that knows what really happened to the goose is the guy that had the goose, he added.A caller in Springfield, Ohio did make a police report saying that he saw a group of Haitian people, there were about four of em, they all had geese in their hand," while he was walking to work. He said two men and two women, each of whom had one goose in their hands, got in a truck and drove away. The call was placed on August 26, according to a police report that was reviewed by The Federalist.That same month, a resident complained to city officials that Haitians are running into trash cans and running into buildings, flipping cars in the middle of the street.  I dont know how, yall can be comfortable with this, the resident told city officials. Theyre in the park, grabbing up ducks by the neck and cutting their heads off and eating them.But Alimemby Estimable, who is 19 and graduated from Springfield High School, says he hasn't seen evidence to back up these rumors.At the heart of the matter is this truth: between 15,000 and 20,000 Haitian immigrants have settled into Springfield after being forced to flee from gang violence which erupted in Haiti last year. The Biden administration has allowed this surge of migrants under a humanitarian parole program.The surging violence there is, of course, the result of corrupt leadership and a weakened democratic institution that the US has supported. And even since Haiti became independent in 1804, the US has consistently meddled in Haitian politics to form it to its own liking.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240406/us-uses-legislative-power-to-punish-countries-that-escaped-their-imperialist-control--1117774456.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240912/how-to-steal-an-election-us-conservatives-expose-democrats-playbook-ahead-of-2024-vote-1120119743.html

How to Steal an Election: US Conservatives Expose Democrats' Playbook Ahead of 2024 Vote

How to Steal an Election: US Conservatives Expose Democrats' Playbook Ahead of 2024 Vote

Sputnik International

As the Biden administration groundlessly accuses the Russian media of 2024 "election interference," US conservatives warn election meddling by the Democratic Party and its acolytes is already underway.

2024-09-12T12:56+0000

2024-09-12T12:56+0000

2024-09-12T12:56+0000

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Republicans are waving a red flag over possible "election theft" ahead of the November vote. They draw attention to efforts to cancel ID checks and ballot verification, the hiring of predominantly Democratic observers in some counties, and apparent attempts to create loopholes allowing illegal aliens to vote.The economist pointed out that "normally, it does not matter to the ruling establishment which candidate wins, because the establishment owns both candidates." However, in 2016, 2020, and 2024, Donald Trump emerged as a player "outside the grip and control of the establishment. Therefore, to keep him out of office, vote fraud has been elevated to the fore," as per the economist.Conservatives argue that the Democratic Party has launched full-fledged lawfare against the Republican frontrunner ahead of the election. The former president has been charged with a total of 88 felony counts in four criminal investigations, and found guilty of 34 of them. He is routinely vilified in the US mainstream press, and was most recently subjected to unfair "fact-checking" by ABC News during his September 10 debate with Kamala Harris, Republicans say.How Can Elections Be 'Stolen' in the US?Meanwhile, a silent battle over the 2024 election is already underway across the United States.Instead of improving the democratic procedure's transparency, voting requirements have been loosened in recent decades, the pundit said.As of April 2024, 36 states required some form of identification to cast a ballot. Of these states, 21 asked for photo ID, and 15 also accepted non-photo ID. The remaining 14 states and Washington, DC did not require voters to present identification in order to vote at polls on Election Day.For years, Democratic lawmakers have tried to ram "voting rights" legislation through Congress to water down or abolish election restrictions altogether. Democrats argue that strict ID rules and in-person voting, advocated by Republicans, prevent low income people, African Americans, and other minorities from casting their ballots.What's worse, the assumption that black Americans are less likely to have proper identification instruments established a protocol leading to the issuance of Federal Identification Papers to illegal aliens.According to Dr. Roberts, "it is still illegal federally for illegal aliens to vote, but some Democrat cities permit them to vote." "The 3.6 million immigrant-invaders who cross the border into the US from Mexico each year are provided with federal IDs. These IDs allow states to issue them driver's licenses. Today, the practice is for the states to register the person to whom a license is issued on the voting rolls," according to the economist.According to US polling company Rasmussen Reports, 52% of American voters dont believe state officials have done enough to prevent voting by illegal immigrants.In July, the polling company revealed that 62% of American voters were concerned about election cheating in 2024. Twenty percent of those residing in swing states complained that in 2020, they personally received more than one official ballot in the mail or received a ballot for someone who does not live at their address, as per Rasmussen Reports.Why are Swing States so Important?The fate of elections is usually determined in swing states, since solid blue and red states traditionally vote for Democrats and Republicans, respectively. Therefore, unfair political operators see major battleground states as their primary target.The margins are thinner there, making it possible to potentially throw in fraudulent ballots, while the victory of a Republican or Democratic candidate there is also equally plausible and doesn't raise any questions.Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin have been named as pivotal in the 2024 election. All of them, except North Carolina, were won by Joe Biden in 2020 by a razor-thin margin, prompting cheating suspicions. Independent auditors and election integrity activists found multiple abnormalities and apparent irregularities in Arizona, Wisconsin, Georgia, and other swing states in post-election investigations.Instead of addressing concerns related to the fairness of elections in swing states, there are efforts to further undermine election integrity there ahead of the 2024 vote, according to the economist.Here are just a handful of the numerous legal battles unfolding in swing states:In the wake of the 2020 election, Georgia put in place a rule that requires every county to ensure ballots are not fraudulent before certifying the vote. However, the Democratic National Committee has filed a lawsuit in Fulton County, a Democrat stronghold, to overturn the rule, opening the door to counting invalid ballots. According to Democrats, the rule could be used by "election deniers" to hinder the election process.America First Legal (AFL), a conservative public interest organization, has filed a lawsuit against all 15 counties in Arizona over their apparent failure to remove illegal aliens from voter rolls.A Commonwealth Court in Pennsylvania on August 30 scrapped the enforcement of a state law that requires mail-in ballots to be properly filled in and dated. The case was brought in by liberal groups headed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Pennsylvania. The Republican National Committee struck back, asking the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to protect election integrity.North Carolina's Board of Elections appealed an order from the state's Court of Appeals to remove former independent presidential candidate Robert Kennedy Jr.'s name from 2024 ballots last week. The board argues it doesn't want to spend additional money on new ballots, even though Kennedy's appearance on the ballot could help affect the outcome of the presidential race in the swing state, US media reports.It turned out last month in Wayne County, Michigan, that of the 2,350 poll watchers hired in the populous county, only 50 were Republicans, while the rest were Democrats. According to Dr. Roberts, it is easy to get away with cheating in big cities, and Democrats are using this advantage:Are Harris' Poll Numbers Deliberately Inflated?According to Dr. Roberts, Kamala Harris' approval rating is deliberately inflated by polls and corporate press by oversampling Democratic voters, especially in swing states. Conservative commentators believe that this is done in order to lay the groundwork for potential election theft and make her victory there look more plausible.He drew attention to the fact that in 2020, when Kamala Harris campaigned for the Democratic nomination for president, she had zero support and was immediately eliminated from the first round. During her four years as vice president, she is rated as one of the worst and least popular in history."In less than one month the presstitute media elevated her from a non-entity to the favorite in the US presidential election," he noted.The economist pointed out that Republicans are doing little to ensure election integrity and are more inclined to cover up the cheating than to make an issue of it in order to protect "America's reputation."

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240725/is-us-democratic-system-crumbling-voters-on-both-sides-of-aisle-losing-trust-in-election-1119496178.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240910/biden-extends-executive-order-on-sanctions-for-meddling-in-us-elections-for-another-year-1120092592.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240911/trump-harris-kabuki-theater-debate-crystalized-candidates-position-on-risks-of-world-war-iii-1120110008.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240902/kamala-harris-is-clear-underdog-democrats-lowering-expectations-or-offering-reality-check-1119985908.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240727/queen-kamala-election-cheating--money-grab-how-us-democrats-failing-democracy-1119531360.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240828/macron-set-up-telegram-ceo-at-us-deep-states-behest-ahead-of-2024-vote--wall-street-analyst-1119937507.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240912/more-fdny-members-died-from-911-related-illnesses-than-those-killed-in-attack-1120114861.html

More FDNY Members Died From 9/11-Related Illnesses Than Those Killed in Attack

More FDNY Members Died From 9/11-Related Illnesses Than Those Killed in Attack

Sputnik International

However, the FDNY has added the names of 32 more individuals who died from health issues they developed from their rescue efforts at the World Trade Center, which brings that numbers total to more than 360.

2024-09-12T05:46+0000

2024-09-12T05:46+0000

2024-09-12T05:46+0000

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On the day that the Twin Towers fell in New York, 343 members of the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) were killed, officials said. However, the FDNY has added the names of 32 more individuals who died from health issues they developed from their rescue efforts at the World Trade Center, which brings that numbers total to more than 360.The number of officials who died while working to rescue victims on the day of 9/11 is now less than those who have died since then, due to Ground-Zero-related illnesses. A department spokesperson said the names added include firefighters, paramedics, EMTS, civilian employees and the chaplain of the department, AXIOS reported."Instead, we have seen our members become sick because of time they spent working in the rescue and recovery."The 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) provides funding for those who suffer from illnesses related to the September 11 attacks. The VCF said it has awarded $12.8 billion to over 56,600 claimants since former President Obama allowed the fund to be reactivated in 2011.During a news conference, Lieutenant Jim Brosi, the president of the FDNY Uniformed Fire Officers Association, said he is pushing for the support of the 9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act of 2024 which would make changes to the World Trade Center Health Program and is estimated to provide additional funding through 2033. While the VCF provides financial compensation to those with 9/11-related illnesses, enrolling in the WTC Health Program does not register a 9/11 victim with the VCF. They are separate programs, and the WTC provides medical monitoring and treatment for responders and survivors. Therefore, it seems that survivors must go through two separate programs to receive proper treatment.Brosi said the most recent victim was buried last Saturday, and was a person diagnosed with terminal cancer less than a year ago.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said that an estimated 400,000 people were exposed to toxic contaminants as well as risk of physical injury in the days, weeks and months following the attacks.On the morning of September 11, 2001, four planes flying over the eastern US were seized simultaneously by a group of terrorists affiliated with al-Qaeda. They used the planes as giant missiles and targeted the Twin Towers (at 8:46 Eastern Time and 9:03), the Pentagon, and perhaps the Capitol Building in Washington, DC - however, the passengers of the fourth plane fought back and the jet made a deadly crash in a field in Pennsylvania at 10:03. During the attacks, approximately 3,000 people lost their lives with most of them being in New York. The youngest victim was just two years old.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240912/more-than-40-russian-companies-to-take-part-in-multi-sector-mission-in-ulaanbaatar-1120106939.html

More Than 40 Russian Companies to Take Part in Multi-Sector Mission in Ulaanbaatar

More Than 40 Russian Companies to Take Part in Multi-Sector Mission in Ulaanbaatar

Sputnik International

The umbrella brand "Made in Russia" refers to a national branding initiative launched by the Russian government to promote Russian-made products and services globally.

2024-09-12T13:48+0000

2024-09-12T13:48+0000

2024-09-12T13:55+0000

russia

mongolia

ulaanbaatar

made in russia brand

made in russia

russian export center jsc (rec)

economy

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Russian companies will present their products under the umbrella brand Made in Russia at a multi-sector business mission in Mongolia. On September 16-17, 2024, Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, will host a multi-sector business mission of Russian companies organized by the Russian Export Center (REC).The event will take place in the Mongolian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MNCCI) building and is aimed at finding partners for mutually beneficial cooperation and joint projects for the Russian export-oriented companies in foreign markets.More than 40 Russian companies representing sectors such as the food industry, agricultural and industrial complex, chemical industry, IT and digital technologies, medical equipment production, art products and ceramics, industrial equipment and technologies, transport services and logistics, building material production, as well as confectionery and other food products will take part in the business mission.Among the participants of the mission there are large companies such as Miratorg, Minimax-94, Gzhel artistic workshops, CJSC BCC Kolomensky, and other leading Russian manufacturers and suppliers.B2B meetings with representatives of Mongolian business are planned for the event's participants, which will open opportunities for establishing new business relations and concluding contracts. Russian companies will have an opportunity to present their products through special presentations and sample demonstrations.The business mission to Mongolia is an important initiative within the framework of the state program to support Russian non-resource exports. Mongolia is a strategically important destination for the development of economic ties, and participation in such missions allows Russian companies to expand their export opportunities and enter new markets.The Russian Export Center JSC is a state institution for supporting non-resource exports, which provides financial and non-financial assistance to companies of all industries at all stages of entering foreign markets, including within the framework of the International Cooperation and Export national project.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240605/umbrella-brand-made-in-russia-to-raise-awareness-abroad-of-manufacturers---export-center-1118789688.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240912/qatar-egypt-trying-to-convince-hamas-to-soften-its-demands-for-deal-with-israel---reports-1120115633.html

Qatar, Egypt Trying to Convince Hamas to Soften Its Demands for Deal With Israel - Reports

Qatar, Egypt Trying to Convince Hamas to Soften Its Demands for Deal With Israel - Reports

Sputnik International

Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel held a meeting with Hamas representatives in an attempt to convince the Palestinian movement to soften its demands for a ceasefire deal, the Axios portal reported, citing sources.

2024-09-12T04:38+0000

2024-09-12T04:38+0000

2024-09-12T04:38+0000

world

mohammed bin abdulrahman al thani

israel

gaza strip

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In particular, the negotiators are trying to force Hamas to lessen its new demands for the release of Palestinian prisoners serving sentences in Israeli prisons, the report said on Wednesday. A senior Israeli official told the news portal that he does not believe that the meeting in Doha can change the situation in the negotiations on the deal. At the same time, Hamas confirmed that its delegation met with the Qatari prime minister and the head of Egyptian intelligence in the Qatari capital of Doha to discuss the Gaza conflict. On October 7, 2023, Israel was subjected to an unprecedented rocket attack from the Gaza Strip. In addition, Hamas fighters infiltrated the border areas, opened fire on the military and civilians and took hostages. Israeli authorities say that about 1,200 people were killed during the raid. The IDF launched Operation Iron Swords in the Gaza Strip and announced a complete blockade of the enclave. The enclave's health ministry says that the death toll from Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip since October 7 has exceeded 41,000.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240824/hamas-agreed-to-ceasefire-conditions-in-may-but-netanyahu-deliberately-jeopardized-deal---reports-1119895942.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240912/us-struggles-to-thwart-russias-growing-clout-in-africa-1120122316.html

US Struggles to Thwart Russias Growing Clout in Africa

US Struggles to Thwart Russias Growing Clout in Africa

Sputnik International

Irked by Moscows growing clout with African nations which have been increasingly opposing Western influence, Washington has been seeking to regain a foothold on the continent.

2024-09-12T13:26+0000

2024-09-12T13:26+0000

2024-09-12T13:26+0000

world

central african republic

mercenaries

bangui

russia

military cooperation

military contractors

private military company

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Losing influence across Africa, the US has been trying to stymie Russias gains. One such effort is reportedly playing out in the Central African Republic.Washington-based and sponsored private military company Bancroft has spent $1.4 million to get a foothold in CAR, where Russia is the security partner of choice, an AP report said.The company installed one of its staff members at a hotel in CARs capital Bangui last year to wait for Russias reaction, Bancroft founder Michael Stock told the outlet. Several weeks later, the employee was reportedly detained, questioned by Russian forces, and later released. Stock claimed that Bancroft entered the country last fall at Banguis request, and has around 30 personnel there. The US State Department has dismissed claims it was involved in the decision. The US has been rattled by Moscows growing ties with African nations that have been shaking off Western influence and expelling French and US troops, like in Niger or Chad. The State Department uses private contractors in Africa and oversees Bancrofts work in Somalia, a US official told the publication. Bikantov added that "the CAR authorities appreciate the contribution of the Russians to stabilizing the security situation in the country," adding that "Bangui has spoken out in favor of increasing the number of Russian representatives at different times."

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240731/russia-expects-to-continue-military-cooperation-with-car---ambassador-1119583381.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240607/former-russia-africa-ties-reemerge-as-world-powers-vie-for-influence-1118824380.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240912/us-uk-scramble-to-supply-ukraine-with-amraam-missiles-1120116806.html

US, UK Scramble to Supply Ukraine With AMRAAM Missiles

US, UK Scramble to Supply Ukraine With AMRAAM Missiles

Sputnik International

NATOs proxy conflict in Ukraine has been draining Western countries stocks, with Western enablers of the neo-Nazi regime in Kiev struggling to meet its insatiable demands for defense systems.

2024-09-12T12:07+0000

2024-09-12T12:07+0000

2024-09-12T12:07+0000

us

pentagon

advanced medium range air-to-air missiles (amraam)

ukraine

raytheon

nato

military equipment

military

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Western enablers of the neo-Nazi regime in Kiev are struggling to meet its insatiable demands for defense systems. The Pentagon has allocated $1.2 billion for the production of Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM), including for Ukraine, by the US company Raytheon. AMRAAM missiles, capable of hitting targets at a reported range of 160 kilometers, can be used as interceptors for Ukraines US-donated National Advanced Surface-to Air-Missile (NASAMS) air defense systems or mounted on F-16 fighter aircraft. The cost of a single missile varies from $1.2 million to $2 million, depending on the modification.Washington has pledged to send eight NASAMS to Kiev, with the first two expected to be delivered soon and the others over a longer period of time. The new Labour Party government of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer pledged more AS90 155mm howitzers  which may not be in working order  and reportedly wants to allow Kiev to use British Storm Shadow cruise missiles to strike deep inside Russia. This week, Ukraines Western sponsors met at the NATO headquarters in Brussels to pledge further military support for Ukraine. Kiev is running critically short of air defense systems, but NATO members also need to replenish their own depleted stores. Russia has repeatedly warned of the consequences of pumping Ukraine with weapons, including long-range missiles, enabling it to attack Russia. That scenario risks turning the Russia-NATO proxy conflict into a hot war.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240911/nato-risks-hot-war-with-russia-as-biden-mulls-stepping-on-ukraine-long-range-missile-tripwire-1120109461.html

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weapons supplies to ukraine, proxy war in ukraine, nato's proxy war in ukraine, american arms, us arms, 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/20240912/will-insane-biden-provoke-world-war-iii-before-november-election-1120114630.html

Will Insane Biden Provoke World War III Before November Election?

Will Insane Biden Provoke World War III Before November Election?

Sputnik International

Former CIA analyst Ray McGovern joined Sputniks The Critical Hour program Wednesday to consider whether US President Joe Biden is willing to risk global conflict to reverse Kievs flagging fortunes on the battlefield.

2024-09-12T04:10+0000

2024-09-12T04:10+0000

2024-09-12T04:10+0000

analysis

ray mcgovern

joe biden

vladimir putin

ukraine

russia

nato

kursk

nuclear warhead

nuclear weapons

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Lasting from the end of World War II until the early 1990s, the Cold War saw the United States and the USSR locked in a global competition for power and influence. Although the two superpowers never went to war directly, the 45-year period was marked by two proxy conflicts in Vietnam and Korea and a constant fear that a third World War was not far away.Tensions were heightened by the fact that both the United States and the Soviet Union possessed nuclear weapons, dramatically raising the stakes of global conflict.Both countries nearly saw their worst fears realized during the Cuban Missile Crisis, when it appeared the US and USSR were unwilling to back down over the issue of nuclear missiles being placed just miles from each countrys border in Cuba and Turkey. The incident led to the establishment of a special hotline for US and Soviet leaders to communicate directly, and caused US President John F. Kennedy to remark that tensions between nuclear powers must never again rise to such a level.For decades, Kennedys maxim was dutifully observed as both countries worked to improve relations, finally culminating in the end of the Cold War.The prospect for nuclear confrontation was avoided until recent years, claimed former CIA analyst Ray McGovern, when the United States rejected Russian overtures for a new European security architecture and stubbornly insisted Ukraines coup regime would be granted entry into NATO. The analyst joined Sputniks The Critical Hour program Wednesday to consider whether US President Joe Biden is willing to risk global conflict to reverse Kievs flagging fortunes on the battlefield.They want to provoke Putin [into] doing something really drastic before the election, before the [presidential] election here on November 5th, suggested McGovern, a critic of neoconservative US foreign policy.What's this business about [Ukraine] begging for longer range missiles? McGovern continued. Same objective.Ukraines Western sponsors have repeatedly escalated the countrys conflict with Russia, gradually providing Kiev with more powerful weapons and granting it permission to strike within Russian territory. This has increasingly culminated in attacks on Russian civilians; perhaps most provocatively a strike on a beach in the city of Sevastopol that injured 124 people, including 27 children, and killed three people, including two children.Some 500 Russian civilians have been killed by the Ukrainian regime in 2024 alone as the country continues to rely on the support of neo-Nazi formations such as the notorious Azov Battalion*. Kievs provocative attacks seem tailor-maid to produce a harsh response, but Russian President Vladimir Putin has so far sought to avoid any attack likely to draw the United States or Ukraines European allies directly into the conflict.My fear is that [the United States] will try something really drastic like a false flag attack or maybe even a mini nuke, said McGovern, concerned that the US could fabricate an episode such as the Gulf of Tonkin incident that drew the country into the Vietnam War. Let's see what happens the next couple of weeks. I think Putin is right. It's only the smart thing to see who wins on the 5th of November. Till then, I'm still holding my breath.But McGovern warned that the consequences of the United States strategy in Ukraine could fall not on the US itself, but on its European allies.It's really hard to know what Biden and [National Security Advisor Jake] Sullivan, who are running things, really think, he claimed. Some of my best friends and analysts think they're insane. And its really, really hard to predict what they're going to do if they're insane.So I think when this is directed at the Europeans, saying, look at what happened to your fellow country in Europe, Ukraine. You want the same thing to happen to you? So, please, rein these guys in.*Azov Battalion is a terrorist organization banned in Russia.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240507/climbing-the-escalation-ladder-french-british-threats-provoke-russian-warning-1118299465.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240911/ukraine-loses-over-12200-soldiers-during-operation-in-kursk-region---mod-1120107638.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240802/the-gulf-of-tonkin-incident-and-the-art-of-american-false-flags-1119607689.html

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us mini nuke, us world war iii, biden escalation ukraine, us escalation russia before election, nuclear war, world war 3, russia-nato war, proxy war, ukraine war, russia-ukraine war, nuclear provocation, tactical nuke
The New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) is set to host the Excelsior Series finals at Vernon Downs this Friday, Sept. 13.

The two and three-year-old New York-bred trotters and pacers will compete in their last racing event of the 2024 NYSS season with post time for the card at 6:05 p.m. All eight Excelsior finals will have $55,000 USD purses.

We are thrilled to see yet another season of the Excelsior Series culminate with the top two and three-year-olds giving their all in a world-class event at Vernon Downs, said Ralph Scunziano, Executive Director of the Agriculture and New York State Horse Breeding Development Fund. The horsemen and Standardbreds that have made it to the finals have shown their unwavering commitment to the sport, and I wish them the best of luck in competition on Friday night.

The Excelsior Series finals will mark the end of the 2024 NYSS campaign following the successful New York Sire Stakes Day of Champions and County Fair Series finals that took place earlier this month.

The Fund announced last week that all three series finals will award record-setting purse totals in 2025 as well as a significant increase to the Breeders Award program next season.

The NYSS serves as a model for in-state breeding and racing programs and is the United States' oldest harness racing program of its kind.

(With files from Agriculture and New York State Horse Breeding Development Fund)
The Nova Scotia Harness Racing Industry Association (NSHRIA) will be offering a Foal Incentive for 2024 that supports breeding initiatives in Nova Scotia.

The Foal Incentive has been made possible by funding received from the Department of Agriculture for breeding initiatives.

To be eligible for this incentive, the dam must have resided in Nova Scotia for 183 days during the 2024 foaling year and the foal must have been born in Nova Scotia in 2024.

The deadline to register foals by submitting an application form is Dec. 31, 2024.

Applications must be submitted to one of the following NSHRIA board members: Chantel Langille at [email protected] or Debbie Francis at [email protected].

Click here for a copy of the application form.

(NSHRIA)
As the days get shorter and the air gets colder, standard time looms on the horizon.

This year, daylight saving time will end at 2 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 3, two days before the presidential election.

What do politics have to do with changing clocks? A lot, it turns out.

If lawmakers had been successful earlier this year, Novembers time change could have been one of the last for Oregonians.

But, a bill to abolish daylight saving time died in the Oregon legislature in March.

Senate Bill 1548 would have kept most of Oregon on standard time year-round.

I like the concept that was brought forward this session and would be interested in supporting something similar in the future, Sen. Elizabeth Steiner, a Portland area Democrat and one of the sponsors of the bill, in a statement after the bill was not brought up for a vote.

This is an important change that will make a difference for not only the health and safety of Oregonians but also for people like me whose religious practices are tied to sunrise and sunset, Steiner added.

This wasnt the first attempt at ending the biannual practice of changing the time.

In 2019, Oregon passed a bill to switch to permanent daylight saving time.

That, however, would require an act of Congress which has yet to happen.

After that bill passed, multiple groups came out against permanent daylight saving, citing information that a switch in that direction could cause a variety of problems, including the deaths of children who could be hit by vehicles on the way to school in the dark.

Now, both permanent daylight saving and permanent standard time are on hold and the state will continue with the status quo.

But that isnt the end of the story.

Oregon isnt the only state that has been attempting, unsuccessfully, to do away with biannual time changes for years.

In fact, the version of Senate Bill 1548 that never made it included provisions that Oregon could not switch to year-round standard time unless California and Washington also did.

So where do our neighbors stand on the effort?

In 2019, Washington joined Oregon in signing legislation to move to permanent daylight saving time.

Then, the state ran into the same congressional hurdle.

This year, a bill similar to Oregons in the Washington state legislature supporting a switch to year-long standard time did not move forward.

California, the largest and wealthiest of the West Coast states, may have to lead the way in the effort to end time changes.

They are already on their way. California voters approved a measure in 2018 allowing the state to either switch to permanent daylight saving or permanent standard time.

Now, like their neighbors to the north, California is grappling with which way to go and, in the meantime, sticking with the switch.

According to Cal Matters, On May 23, the state Senate approved an amended bill to require the state to study the near- and long-term effects of permanent standard time (particularly on energy demands) and submit it to the Legislature by 2027.

Hawaii and most of Arizona stick to one time already, proving year-long standard time is possible.

But when it comes to the West Coast, dont expect the end of time changes anytime soon.
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 intrinsic sense of touch. Sensitive writing or drawing on the structure (A) is automatically interpreted utilizing convolutional neural networks (B). The accurate reconstruction of the physical interaction is achieved through nonlinear dimensionality reduction via machine learning techniques (C). The provided intrinsic sense of touch offers various interaction modalities without necessity of any explicit tactile sensors (D). Credit: Maged Iskandar

A team of roboticists at the German Aerospace Center's Institute of Robotics and Mechatronics finds that combining traditional internal force-torque sensors with machine-learning algorithms can give robots a new way to sense touch.

In their study published in the journal Science Robotics, the group took an entirely new approach to give robots a sense of touch that does not involve artificial skin.

For living creatures, touch is a two-way street; when you touch something, you feel its texture, temperature and other features. But you can also be touched, as when someone or something else comes in contact with a part of your body. In this new study, the research team found a way to emulate the latter type of touch in a robot by combining internal force-torque sensors with a machine-learning algorithm.

Multi-point sensing and touch recognition during dynamic motion. Credit: Maged Iskandar

Recognizing that much of the sense of being touched comes due to torque (tension felt in the wrist for example, if pressure is applied to the fingers), the researchers put extra-sensitive force-torque sensors in the joints of a robot arm. The sensors detect pressure applied to the arm coming from multiple directions at once.

They then used a machine-learning application to teach the robot how to interpret various types of tension. This allowed the robot to recognize different types of touch scenarios. The robot was able to tell, for example, when it was being touched on a certain place along its arm. It also did away with the need to cover the entire robot with an artificial sensing skin.

Touch recognition. The interpretation of written digits on the robot surface as machine-readable code is utilized to intuitively command the robot (A). The touch trajectory for writing digit one is applied, the trajectory is successfully recognized and the assigned task is executed accordingly. Similarly applying digit three triggers the execution of the corresponding task. Likewise, virtual functional buttons can be placed anywhere on the structure to assign high-level tasks (B). Credit: Maged Iskandar

The researchers found that the AI application made the arm so sensitive that it could identify which of the numbers painted on its arm was being pressedor in another case, to identify numbers drawn on its arm by a person using a fingertip.

This approach could open up new ways to interact with many types of robots, particularly those that are used in industrial environments working closely with human companions.

More information: Maged Iskandar et al, Intrinsic sense of touch for intuitive physical human-robot interaction, Science Robotics (2024). DOI: 10.1126/scirobotics.adn4008 Journal information: Science Robotics

 2024 Science X Network
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Google and other big tech firms have come under tight scrutiny in Europe.

An Irish regulator helping to police European Union data privacy launched an investigation Thursday into Google's artificial intelligence development.

The inquiry comes as the EU and other major regulators around the world crack down on big tech over a raft of issues including taxation, competition and disinformation.

The EU has also adopted the world's first sweeping rules to govern AI, which came into force in August.

"The Data Protection Commission today announced that it has commenced a cross-border statutory inquiry into Google Ireland," where the US tech giant has its European headquarters.

The probe will look into the "development of its foundational AI model", the DPC said in a statement.

The rise of AI has fueled excitement about its potential, with chatbots that show humanlike ability to answer questions to generate everything from essays to recipes and computer codes.

But the emergence has also sparked concerns about the technology taking jobs away from people and even posing an existential threat to humanity.

The Irish regulator said that its investigation "concerns the question of whether Google has complied with any obligations that it may have had to undertake" under the EU's strict General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

This would have been "prior to engaging in the processing of the personal data" of EU citizens related to the development of Google's foundational AI Model, Pathways Language Model 2 (PaLM 2).

"We take seriously our obligations under the GDPR and will work constructively with the DPC to answer their questions," a Google spokesperson said in response.

The Dublin-based watchdog said that "a data protection impact assessment, where required, is of crucial importance in ensuring that the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals are adequately considered and protected when processing of personal data is likely to result in a high risk.

"This statutory inquiry forms part of the wider efforts of the DPC" and other regulators overseeing "personal data of EU/EEA data subjects in the development of AI models and systems," it added.

The European Economic Area includes the EU plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.

Social network X recently committed to stop harvesting European users' personal data to train its Grok AI chatbot, while Facebook-owner Meta has delayed the release of its most powerful generative AI models in Europe, citing EU regulation.

Google describes PalM2 as a "next generation language model with improved multilingual, reasoning and coding capabilities".

Tech crackdown

The EU has sought to rein in big tech firms.

Companies will have to comply with the bloc's new AI regulation by 2026, though rules covering AI models like OpenAI's ChatGPT will apply 12 months after the law enters into force.

The DPC's announcement comes two days after the European Commission scored two major legal victories in separate cases that left Apple and Google owing billions of euros.

Putting an end to a long-running legal battle, the European Court of Justice ruled that the iPhone maker must pay 13 billion euros ($14.3 billion) in back-taxes to Irelandhome to the European headquarters of Apple, Meta, TikTok and X thanks to its low tax regime.

The court also upheld a 2.4-billion-euro fine against Google, one of a string of high-profile EU competition cases targeting the group.

The court dismissed an appeal by Google against the 2017 fine, slapped on the search engine for abusing its dominant position by favouring its own comparison shopping service.

In the United States, meanwhile, Google has this week faced the start of a major antitrust trial, with the government accusing it of unfairly dominating online advertising and stifling competition.

 2024 AFP
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

San Mateo County, California, home to tech giant Meta, urged Congress to pass legislation requiring social media companies to add labels to their platforms warning people about their potential to harm users' mental health.

The Board of Supervisors unanimously passed a resolution Tuesday, the same day 42 state attorneys general, including California's Rob Bonta, called on Congress to address the mental health risks associated with social media. They were echoing a call to action by the U.S. surgeon general, who said adolescents who spend more than three hours a day on social media have double the risk of developing anxiety and depression symptoms as those who aren't on social media.

"Evidence from tobacco studies shows that warning labels can be effective in raising awareness and influencing behavior and health risks," the resolution stated. "The County of San Mateo is committed to protecting the health and well-being of its residents, particularly its young people, and recognizes the need for measures to mitigate mental health risks associated with social media use."

A Meta spokesperson declined to comment on the county's resolution.

In a June op-ed in The New York Times, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy lambasted social media platformslikening them to cancer-causing cigarettes.

"These harms are not a failure of willpower and parenting; they are the consequence of unleashing powerful technology without adequate safety measures, transparency or accountability," Murthy said in an essay.

The resolution, introduced by Supervisor David Canepa, emphasized the need for legislation to protect the mental health of county residents.

In July, Canepa wrote to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, urging him to tell people about the risks of using Meta platforms, including Instagram and WhatsApp.

"I am urging you, as the CEO and founder of a San Mateo County-based $1 trillion company, to voluntarily and immediately add warning labels to all of Meta's social media platforms," Canepa wrote.

In a separate phone interview with the Bay Area News Group, Canepa acknowledged that tech regulation might fall under state or federal jurisdiction but stressed the importance of the county taking a stand, given several major tech companies are located there. He is particularly concerned about young people being exposed to toxic content.

"All politics is local," Canepa said. "For example, if there's something racist or anti-Semitic, there needs to be a label. As the county board, we're asking them to address this problem."

"Social media companies have continuously demonstrated an unwillingness to tackle the youth mental health crisis, instead prioritizing profits," said Bonta, a former state Assemblymember from Alameda County. "Warning labels on social media are a clear, straightforward way to communicate the risks to young users."

Earlier this year, San Mateo became the first county in the nation to declare loneliness a public health emergency, also based on Murthy's recommendations.

#YR@ MediaNews Group, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Graphical abstract. Credit: Environmental Science & Technology (2024). DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c04256

As the world transitions away from fossil fuels, the demand for rare earth elements (REEs) is only going to increase. These elements are vital to the production of technologies that will make the transition to green energy possible. While REEs are not technically rare, large deposits are found in only a few locations around the worldmostly in Chinaand they are difficult to extract.

"If we want to switch to electric vehicles by 2035 and be net-zero by 2050 we're going to need new sources of these metals," says Brendan Bishop, a Ph.D. candidate studying REEs at the University of Regina.

Bishop and his colleagues have been studying one potential new source of these valuable elements: the ash that is produced as waste from coal-fired power plants. Researchers have looked into REEs in coal waste in the United States and China, but there has been little work done on ash from Canadian coal.

The team analyzed samples of ash from coal plants in Alberta and Saskatchewan to determine how much REEs the ashes contained, and how they could be extracted. While the concentration of REEs in Canadian coal ash is on par with that found in ash from other parts of the world, questions had remained about whether the REEs are dispersed evenly throughout the ash particles or concentrated in certain minerals found within the ashes.

Using the powerful X-ray beamlines at the Canadian Light Source (CLS) at the University of Saskatchewan (USask), Bishop probed the ash, in search of a rare earth element called yttrium. They found it was distributed in specific mineral phases within the ash particles, most often in the form of silicates or phosphates such as xenotime, which remain unchanged when the coal is burned. The work was published in Environmental Science and Technology.

Credit: Canadian Light Source

Bishop says this data can help inform development of an efficient and environmentally friendly process for recovering REEs from the ash. "This will be important when we develop a recovery process because extracting rare earth elements is technologically challenging," he says. "In this case, since it's in xenotime which is an ore mineral, maybe we can use an existing process and modify it for coal ash."

The amount of REEs that could be extracted from coal ash will depend on the recovery process, says Bishop. But he thinks it could be a good short-to-medium-term source of the metals. The concentration is not particularly high, but that is offset by the fact that waste coal ash is plentiful. The concentration throughout the ash is also fairly homogenous, so no complicated grading is required as with mined ores. Once the extraction process is perfected, it will also be much faster than opening new mines, which often have gaps of up to 17 years between exploration and production.

Recovering REEs from the ash is also an important step toward a circular economy. Some ash is used in making concrete, but most just sits in landfills or tailings ponds near power plants.

"It not only gets rid of an environmental liability, but it also gives us the metals we need for clean energy technologies," says Bishop.
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a) Schematic structure of a field-effect transistor (FET) with ultra-thin HfO 2 /ZrO 2 -based ferroelectric gate oxide. The polycrystalline multi-phase and multi-domain ferroelectric film exhibits an effective negative capacitance (NC). b) Logarithm of the drain current as a function of the gate voltage V g for a conventional FET and a negative capacitance FET (NCFET). For a matched Off-current I off the supply voltage can be reduced or the On-current I on can be boosted at the same supply voltage. c) Simplified metal-ferroelectric-insulator-semiconductor-metal (MFISM) capacitor structure simulated in this study. d) Due to the NC effect, the MFISM capacitor shows an overall capacitance enhancement compared to an otherwise identical metal-insulator-semiconductor-metal (MISM) structure. Credit: Advanced Electronic Materials (2024). DOI: 10.1002/aelm.202400085

Thanks to advances in microchips, today's smartphones are so powerful they would have been considered supercomputers in the early 1990s. But the rising ubiquity of artificial intelligence and the Internet of Thingsthe vast network of connected devices that have enabled everything from smart grids to smart homeswill require a new generation of microchips that not only outpace previous records of miniaturization and performance but are also more energy efficient than current technologies.

As part of this effort, Berkeley Lab scientists are working to revolutionize the transistor, one of the fundamental components in computer microchips, for superior performance and energy efficiency. Recent work has shown the promise of new transistor materials that use an unusual property called negative capacitance to enable more efficient memory and logic devices. When a material has negative capacitance, it can store a greater amount of electrical charge at lower voltages, which is the opposite of what happens in conventional capacitive materials.

Now, a multidisciplinary team of researchers have developed an atomistic understanding of the origins of negative capacitance, enabling them to enhance and customize this phenomenon for specific device applications. The advance was made possible by FerroX, an open-source, 3D simulation framework that the team custom-designed for the study of negative capacitance. Their work was reported in the journal Advanced Electronic Materials.

The work represents a significant milestone of a multiyear project, "Co-Design of Ultra-Low-Voltage Beyond CMOS Microelectronics," which aims to design new microchips that could perform better and require less energy than conventional silicon chips.

While it's not uncommon for materials development to be closely linked to applications, Berkeley Lab's co-design approach to microelectronics research, where the atomistic understanding of material properties is driven and informed by specific device requirements, tightens the connection between research aims in all aspects of device development and relies on the interdisciplinary team science for which the lab is famous in the hope of accelerating the pathway from R&D to commercialization.

"There's a lot of trial and error in the making of new materials. It's like making a new recipe. Researchers typically have to work days and nights in the lab to change that recipe. But with our modeling tool, FerroX, you can use your own computer to target specific parameters that can affect the performance of the negative capacitance effect," said Zhi (Jackie) Yao, a research scientist in Berkeley Lab's Applied Mathematics & Computational Research Division and senior author on the study.

Yao and first author Prabhat Kumar, a postdoctoral scholar in the Applied Mathematics & Computational Research Division, co-led the development of FerroX for the microelectronics co-design project.

Uncovering the atomistic origins of negative capacitance

In 2008, co-author Sayeef Salahuddin, a professor of electrical engineering and computer sciences at UC Berkeley and senior faculty scientist in Berkeley Lab's Materials Sciences Division, first proposed the concept of negative capacitance to demonstrate a new approach to designing energy-efficient computers.

Negative capacitance typically appears in materials with ferroelectric properties. Ferroelectric materials have promise as energy-efficient computer memories because their built-in electrical polarization can be used to store data, for example, that can be written and erased using a low-power electric field.

In the years following Salahuddin's pioneering proposal, researchers have learned that the negative capacitance effect in thin films of ferroelectric hafnium oxide and zirconium oxide (HfO 2 -ZrO 2 ) occurs when the films are composed of a mixture of phases.

That means that small regions or "grains" of the film have slightly different arrangements of atoms or "phases." The size of these phase grains are tinyjust a few nanometers acrossbut the different phases have distinct electronic properties that can interact with each other and give rise to macroscopic phenomena such as negative capacitance.

The Salahuddin group has already made use of this phenomenon to produce record-breaking microcapacitors, but in order to unlock the full potential of negative capacitance, the researchers needed a deeper understanding of its atomistic origins.

To do this, a multidisciplinary team co-led by Yao and Kumar developed FerroX. The open-source framework allowed them to develop 3D phase-field simulations of a ferroelectric thin film, in which they could vary the phase composition at will and study the impacts on the film's electronic properties.

"Our goal was to understand the origin of negative capacitance in these films, which is not well understood," Kumar said. "Our simulations are the first to help researchers tailor a material's properties for further improvements in negative capacitance observed in the lab."

As a result, the Berkeley Lab researchers found that the negative capacitance effect can be enhanced by optimizing the domain structurereducing the size of the ferroelectric grains and arranging them to have a particular direction of ferroelectric polarization.

"This approach to enhancing negative capacitance was unknown before our study because previous models lacked the scalability to easily explore the design space and lacked physics customization," Yao said.

Yao attributes this new modeling capability to working firsthand with materials scientists like Salahuddin, who helped the FerroX development team understand how to shape their models around the physics of ferroelectrics, and to the unique multidisciplinary strengths of Berkeley Lab, where researchers across the scientific disciplines are in close proximity to the Perlmutter supercomputer at the Department of Energy's National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center (NERSC).

Perlmutter supports complex simulation, data analytics, and artificial intelligence experiments requiring multiple graphics processing units (GPUs) at a time. Yao, Kumar, and team relied significantly on Perlmutter to develop FerroX, which is now available to other researchers as an open-source framework that is portable from laptops to supercomputers.

"It's exciting that FerroX will be able to help such a vast community of researchers in academia, industry, and the national labs," Yao said.

While FerroX models in the current study simulate the origin of negative capacitance as it evolves at the transistor gate, the Berkeley Lab team plans to use the open-source framework to simulate the entire transistor in future studies.

"Over the years, we have made significant progress in both the physics of negative capacitance and integrating that physics into real microelectronics devices," said Salahuddin. "With FerroX, we can now model these devices starting from atoms, and that will allow us to design microelectronics devices with optimal negative capacitance performance. That would not have been possible without the strength of this co-design group of researchers spanning computing sciences and materials sciences."

More information: Prabhat Kumar et al, 3D Ferroelectric Phase Field Simulations of Polycrystalline MultiPhase Hafnia and Zirconia Based UltraThin Films, Advanced Electronic Materials (2024). DOI: 10.1002/aelm.202400085
The U.S. Army has taken a significant step forward in modernizing its reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities at the company level. In a recent announcement, the Army revealed its selection of two Small Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (SUAS) to meet its Company-Level Small Uncrewed Aircraft System Directed Requirement.

The chosen systems are the Ghost X, developed by Anduril Industries, and the C-100 UAS from Performance Drone Works (PDW). This selection marks the first tranche of the Directed Requirement (DR), with a contract value of $14.417 million. The Army will acquire these systems through the Defense Logistics Agencys Tailored Logistics Support 10-Year Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract.

The Company Level SUAS DR, approved in June 2023, aims to equip maneuver companies with rapidly reconfigurable and attritable payload systems. These drones will enhance the Armys ability to conduct reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition missions at the company level. The selection of commercial off-the-shelf systems is designed to meet immediate operational needs while informing future requirements.

Notably, the Army received additional funding from the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) to accelerate this program. Both selected systems have been vetted for compliance with the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act. They are listed on DIUs Blue List of commercial UAS technology approved for Department of Defense use.

The Directed Requirement for a Company Level Small UAS capability is a priority requirement based on observations from the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, said Gen. James Rainey, Commanding General of U.S. Army Futures Command. This requirement describes the importance of considering the UAS as a system, not just an air vehicle, and highlights the importance of adaptability. The rapid selection process, completed within five months of the initial notification, demonstrates the Armys commitment to agile acquisition in emerging technology areas.

This development is seen as a prime example of the Armys efforts to transform its capabilities rapidly, putting new technology in the hands of soldiers for experimentation and innovation. It also showcases the effective partnership between the Army and DIU in bringing commercial technology into military use to meet high-priority requirements.
Africa Oil Corp. (OTCMKTS:AOIFF  Get Free Report)s stock price reached a new 52-week low during trading on Monday . The company traded as low as $1.33 and last traded at $1.33, with a volume of 158326 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $1.38.

Africa Oil Trading Up 1.8 %

The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $1.62 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $1.70. The firm has a market cap of $593.65 million, a PE ratio of 9.40 and a beta of 1.00.

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Africa Oil Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently disclosed a dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 27th. Stockholders of record on Monday, September 9th will be paid a $0.025 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, September 9th. Africa Oils dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 35.71%.

Africa Oil Company Profile

Africa Oil Corp., together with its subsidiaries, operates as an oil and gas exploration and production company in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa. The company holds interests in producing and development assets in deep-water Nigeria, and development assets in Kenya. It also has a portfolio of exploration and appraisal assets in Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya, as well as Guyana and Senegal Guinea Bissau Joint Development Zone.

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Basilea Pharmaceutica AG (OTCMKTS:BPMUF  Get Free Report)s share price hit a new 52-week high on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as $51.26 and last traded at $51.26, with a volume of 0 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $51.26.

Basilea Pharmaceutica Stock Performance

The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $48.70 and a 200-day simple moving average of $45.89.

About Basilea Pharmaceutica

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Basilea Pharmaceutica AG, a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company, focuses on the development of products that address the medical needs in the therapeutic areas of oncology and anti-infectives. The company offers Cresemba, an intravenous and antifungal drug for the treatment of invasive aspergillosis and mucormycosis in the United States, and the European Union.

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Canadian Western Bank (TSE:CWB  Get Free Report)s share price reached a new 52-week high during trading on Monday . The company traded as high as C$53.00 and last traded at C$52.76, with a volume of 250421 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$51.63.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of research firms recently issued reports on CWB. National Bankshares lowered their target price on Canadian Western Bank from C$37.00 to C$30.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, June 3rd. Scotiabank upped their price target on shares of Canadian Western Bank from C$30.00 to C$52.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, June 18th. Desjardins lifted their price objective 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. Jefferies Financial Group upped their target price on shares of Canadian Western Bank from C$52.00 to C$57.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, September 3rd. Finally, CIBC lifted their price target on Canadian Western Bank from C$55.80 to C$60.30 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Tuesday, September 3rd. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of C$48.03.

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Canadian Western Bank Price Performance

Canadian Western Bank Announces Dividend

The company has a market cap of C$5.18 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.30, a P/E/G ratio of 2.95 and a beta of 1.39. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of C$48.02 and a 200 day moving average price of C$36.24.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, September 26th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, September 12th will be given a dividend of $0.35 per share. This represents a $1.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.61%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, September 12th. Canadian Western Banks payout ratio is 47.78%.

Insider Transactions at Canadian Western Bank

In related news, Senior Officer Trent Albert Erickson sold 3,900 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, September 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$51.42, for a total transaction of C$200,538.00. In other news, Senior Officer Jenny Siman sold 1,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, July 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of C$46.05, for a total transaction of C$46,050.00. Also, Senior Officer Trent Albert Erickson sold 3,900 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, September 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of C$51.42, for a total value of C$200,538.00. Insiders own 0.46% of the companys stock.

About Canadian Western Bank

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Canadian Western Bank provides personal and business banking products and services in Western Canada. The company offers current, savings, US dollar, chequing, flex notice, organization, business trust, and trust fund investment accounts. It also offers commercial lending and real estate, equipment financing and leasing, aviation financing, and dealership financing products; agriculture lending products and AgriInvest savings account; variable and fixed rate mortgages; line of credit; registered retirement savings plan, consolidation, and vehicle loans; and credit cards.

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Custom Truck One Source, Inc. (NYSE:CTOS  Get Free Report) traded down 5.1% during trading on Monday following insider selling activity. The stock traded as low as $3.51 and last traded at $3.51. 673,089 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 10% from the average session volume of 611,550 shares. The stock had previously closed at $3.70.

Specifically, major shareholder Ecp Controlco, Llc sold 2,354,109 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, September 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $3.42, for a total transaction of $8,051,052.78. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 23,384,879 shares in the company, valued at approximately $79,976,286.18. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of brokerages have recently issued reports on CTOS. Oppenheimer cut their target price on Custom Truck One Source from $7.00 to $6.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, August 7th. Stifel Nicolaus began coverage on Custom Truck One Source in a research report on Friday, June 14th. They set a hold rating and a $5.50 price target on the stock. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their price target on Custom Truck One Source from $6.00 to $5.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, July 10th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Custom Truck One Source currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $6.30.

Custom Truck One Source Price Performance

The firm has a market capitalization of $819.83 million, a P/E ratio of 34.10 and a beta of 0.63. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.78, a quick ratio of 0.20 and a current ratio of 1.30. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $4.34 and a 200-day moving average price of $4.82.

Custom Truck One Source (NYSE:CTOS  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 1st. The company reported ($0.10) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($0.01) by ($0.09). Custom Truck One Source had a negative net margin of 0.75% and a negative return on equity of 1.51%. The firm had revenue of $423.00 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $456.23 million. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $0.05 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down 7.4% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, sell-side analysts predict that Custom Truck One Source, Inc. will post -0.12 earnings per share for the current year.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Custom Truck One Source

Several hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of CTOS. Koshinski Asset Management Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Custom Truck One Source during the first quarter worth approximately $58,000. Victory Capital Management Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Custom Truck One Source during the second quarter worth approximately $47,000. Cetera Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of Custom Truck One Source during the first quarter worth approximately $68,000. MQS Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Custom Truck One Source during the first quarter worth approximately $75,000. Finally, Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD raised its position in shares of Custom Truck One Source by 21.3% in the first quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 16,395 shares of the companys stock valued at $96,000 after buying an additional 2,882 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 90.07% of the companys stock.

About Custom Truck One Source

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Custom Truck One Source, Inc provides specialty equipment rental and sale services to the electric utility transmission and distribution, telecommunications, rail, forestry, waste management, and other infrastructure-related industries in the United States and Canada. The company operates through three segments: Equipment Rental Solutions (ERS), Truck and Equipment Sales (TES), and Aftermarket Parts and Services (APS).

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Entourage Health Corp. (CVE:ENTG  Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week low on Monday . The company traded as low as C$0.01 and last traded at C$0.01, with a volume of 69383 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at C$0.02.

Entourage Health Stock Performance

The firm has a market capitalization of C$3.08 million, a PE ratio of -0.07 and a beta of 1.13. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2,914.72, a current ratio of 0.10 and a quick ratio of 0.91. The company has a fifty day moving average of C$0.01 and a 200-day moving average of C$0.01.

About Entourage Health

(Get Free Report)

Entourage Health Corp. engages in the production and distribution of cannabis products for medical and adult-use markets in Canada. It offers cannabis plants, dried flower, pre-rolls, soft chews, chewing gum, cannabis oils, capsules, topicals and vapes, extracts, and edibles. The company sells its products under the Color Cannabis, Saturday Cannabis, Starseed Medicinal, Syndicate Cannabis, Mary's Medicinals, and Irwin Naturals brand names.

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Enviri Co. (NYSE:NVRI  Get Free Report)s share price fell 3.8% during trading on Monday . The company traded as low as $10.01 and last traded at $10.01. 111,195 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 76% from the average session volume of 468,655 shares. The stock had previously closed at $10.41.

Enviri Price Performance

The stocks 50 day moving average is $10.66 and its two-hundred day moving average is $9.15. The stock has a market capitalization of $779.40 million, a PE ratio of -8.11 and a beta of 2.20. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.68, a current ratio of 1.32 and a quick ratio of 1.00.

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Enviri (NYSE:NVRI  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 1st. The company reported $0.02 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of ($0.01) by $0.03. The company had revenue of $610.00 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $616.85 million. Enviri had a negative net margin of 4.27% and a negative return on equity of 0.31%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 17.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $0.01 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Enviri Co. will post -0.02 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Enviri Company Profile

A number of hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Barrow Hanley Mewhinney & Strauss LLC boosted its holdings in Enviri by 1.2% in the second quarter. Barrow Hanley Mewhinney & Strauss LLC now owns 5,330,795 shares of the companys stock valued at $46,005,000 after purchasing an additional 62,298 shares in the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP lifted its position in shares of Enviri by 6.5% during the 2nd quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 4,107,266 shares of the companys stock worth $35,446,000 after buying an additional 249,181 shares during the last quarter. Paradigm Capital Management Inc. NY boosted its holdings in shares of Enviri by 3.5% in the 2nd quarter. Paradigm Capital Management Inc. NY now owns 3,908,400 shares of the companys stock valued at $33,729,000 after buying an additional 132,000 shares in the last quarter. D. E. Shaw & Co. Inc. grew its position in shares of Enviri by 11.1% in the 2nd quarter. D. E. Shaw & Co. Inc. now owns 3,823,704 shares of the companys stock valued at $32,999,000 after buying an additional 383,395 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. acquired a new stake in Enviri during the 4th quarter worth $14,968,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 93.43% of the companys stock.

(Get Free Report)

Enviri Corporation provides environmental solutions for industrial and specialty waste streams in the United States and internationally. The company operates through two segments: Harsco Environmental and Clean Earth. The Harsco Environmental segment offers on-site services under long-term contracts for material logistics, product quality improvement, and resource recovery for iron, steel, and metals manufacturing; manufactures and sells industrial abrasives, roofing granules, aluminum dross, and scrap processing systems; and meltshop and furnace services, such as under-vessel cleaning, removal of ladle slag, and general melt shop debris.

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Comba Telecom Systems (OTCMKTS:COBJF  Get Free Report) and Motorola Solutions (NYSE:MSI  Get Free Report) are both computer and technology companies, but which is the better business? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their earnings, risk, valuation, profitability, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership and dividends.

Earnings & Valuation

This table compares Comba Telecom Systems and Motorola Solutionss gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

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Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Comba Telecom Systems N/A N/A N/A ($0.01) -11.28 Motorola Solutions $10.42 billion 6.98 $1.71 billion $8.09 53.88

Motorola Solutions has higher revenue and earnings than Comba Telecom Systems. Comba Telecom Systems is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Motorola Solutions, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Profitability

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Comba Telecom Systems N/A N/A N/A Motorola Solutions 14.04% 337.36% 15.88%

Institutional & Insider Ownership

This table compares Comba Telecom Systems and Motorola Solutions net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

11.0% of Comba Telecom Systems shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 84.2% of Motorola Solutions shares are owned by institutional investors. 1.5% of Motorola Solutions shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term.

Analyst Recommendations

This is a breakdown of current ratings and target prices for Comba Telecom Systems and Motorola Solutions, as reported by MarketBeat.com.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Comba Telecom Systems 0 0 0 0 N/A Motorola Solutions 0 0 7 0 3.00

Motorola Solutions has a consensus target price of $466.17, suggesting a potential upside of 6.94%. Given Motorola Solutions higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe Motorola Solutions is more favorable than Comba Telecom Systems.

Summary

Motorola Solutions beats Comba Telecom Systems on 10 of the 10 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Comba Telecom Systems

(Get Free Report)

Comba Telecom Systems Holdings Limited, an investment holding company, research, develops, manufactures, and sells wireless telecommunications network system equipment and related engineering services in Mainland China, rest of Asia Pacific, the Americas, the European Union, the Middle East, and internationally. It operates through two segments: Wireless Telecommunications Network System Equipment and Services, and Operator Telecommunication Services. The company provides base station antennas and subsystems; open radio; ScanViS; and network system products, as well as cell site and enterprise solutions; consultancy, DAS network design, maintenance, and network optimization; and technical support, value-added, and repairing services. It engages in assembling, trading, and marketing of wireless telecommunications network system equipment; manufacture and sale of intelligent machinery; research and development, and trading of digital microwave system equipment; marketing; and provision of hardware and software solutions and services. It serves the airport, education, government and public safety, healthcare, hospitality, retail, stadium, and transportation industries. The company was founded in 1995 and is headquartered in Tai Po, Hong Kong.

About Motorola Solutions

(Get 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. Its land mobile radio communications, and video security and access control devices include two-way portable and vehicle-mounted radios, fixed video cameras, and accessories; communications network core and central processing software, base stations, consoles, and repeaters; and video analytics, network video management hardware and software, and access control solutions. The Software and Services segment provides public safety and enterprise command center, unified communications applications, mobile video equipment, and video software solutions; repair, technical support, and maintenance services; and monitoring, software updates, and cybersecurity services to government, public safety, and commercial communications networks. It serves hospitality; manufacturing; military and defence; public safety; mining; oil and gas; transportation and logistics; utilities industries. The company was formerly known as Motorola, Inc. and changed its name to Motorola Solutions, Inc. in January 2011. Motorola Solutions, Inc. was founded in 1928 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.

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Halogen Software Inc (TSE:HGN  Get Free Report)s share price rose  during trading on Monday . The company traded as high as C$12.51 and last traded at C$12.49. Approximately 1,900 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 99% from the average daily volume of 132,417 shares.

Halogen Software Stock Performance

The company has a 50 day moving average of C$12.49.

Halogen Software Company Profile

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Halogen Software Inc (Halogen) is a Canada-based company, which is engaged in providing cloud-based talent management (TM) solutions. The Company provides industry specific configurations of its solutions for healthcare, professional services, financial services, manufacturing, education, public sector and hospitality.

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Hostmore plc (LON:MORE  Get Free Report) shares hit a new 52-week low during mid-day trading on Monday . The stock traded as low as GBX 0.60 ($0.01) and last traded at GBX 0.87 ($0.01), with a volume of 10945024 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at GBX 8.64 ($0.11).

Hostmore Stock Performance

The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of GBX 12.15 and a 200 day simple moving average of GBX 15.86. The company has a current ratio of 0.27, a quick ratio of 0.41 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1,145.20. The stock has a market cap of 442,716.30, a price-to-earnings ratio of -1.60 and a beta of 0.86.

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Insider Transactions at Hostmore

In other Hostmore news, insider Julie McEwan bought 45,711 shares of Hostmore stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 30th. The shares were acquired at an average cost of GBX 10 ($0.13) per share, with a total value of 4,571.10 ($5,977.64). In the last quarter, insiders have bought 107,262 shares of company stock valued at $1,471,425. 40.76% of the stock is owned by insiders.

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.

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Imperial Brands PLC (OTCMKTS:IMBBY  Get Free Report)s share price hit a new 52-week high during trading on Monday . The stock traded as high as $29.56 and last traded at $29.46, with a volume of 35360 shares. The stock had previously closed at $29.17.

Imperial Brands Trading Down 0.8 %

The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $27.71 and a 200 day moving average price of $25.02.

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Imperial Brands Dividend Announcement

The company also recently announced a dividend, which will be paid on Friday, October 11th. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 23rd will be issued a dividend of $0.2752 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, August 23rd.

About Imperial Brands

Imperial Brands PLC, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures, imports, markets, and sells tobacco and tobacco-related products in Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Australasia. It offers a range of cigarettes, tobacco accessories, vapour, heated tobacco, and oral nicotine. The company sells its products under various brands, including JPS, Davidoff, Gauloises, West, Winston, Kool, Lambert & Butler, Fortuna, Nobel, News, Backwoods, Champion, Golden Virginia, Rizla, Blu, Pulze, Skruf, and Zone X.

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iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (BATS:USMV  Get Free Report)s share price hit a new 52-week high during trading on Monday . The company traded as high as $90.46 and last traded at $90.13, with a volume of 6618498 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $89.32.

iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF Trading Down 0.1 %

The company has a market capitalization of $26.43 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.30 and a beta of 0.59. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $87.48 and its 200-day simple moving average is $84.21.

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Hedge Funds Weigh In On iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF

Several institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Sage Capital Advisors llc increased its stake in iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF by 2.4% in the 2nd quarter. Sage Capital Advisors llc now owns 5,331 shares of the companys stock valued at $448,000 after buying an additional 123 shares during the period. Independence Bank of Kentucky grew its stake in shares of iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF by 2.4% during the 2nd quarter. Independence Bank of Kentucky now owns 5,252 shares of the companys stock worth $441,000 after purchasing an additional 125 shares during the period. New World Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF by 3.9% during the 2nd quarter. New World Advisors LLC now owns 3,447 shares of the companys stock worth $289,000 after purchasing an additional 130 shares during the period. Phillips Wealth Planners LLC grew its stake in shares of iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF by 2.3% during the 4th quarter. Phillips Wealth Planners LLC now owns 5,887 shares of the companys stock worth $464,000 after purchasing an additional 134 shares during the period. Finally, GW Henssler & Associates Ltd. grew its stake in shares of iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF by 1.3% during the 1st quarter. GW Henssler & Associates Ltd. now owns 10,850 shares of the companys stock worth $907,000 after purchasing an additional 135 shares during the period.

iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF Company Profile

The iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (USMV) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI USA Minimum Volatility (USD) index. The fund tracks an index of US-listed firms selected and weighted to create a low-volatility portfolio subject to various constraints. USMV was launched on Oct 18, 2011 and is managed by BlackRock.

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Palantir Technologies Inc. (NYSE:PLTR  Get Free Report) Director Lauren Elaina Friedman Stat sold 6,050 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, September 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $33.19, for a total value of $200,799.50. Following the sale, the director now owns 158,280 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,253,313.20. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website.

Lauren Elaina Friedman Stat also recently made the following trade(s):

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On Thursday, August 1st, Lauren Elaina Friedman Stat sold 3,050 shares of Palantir Technologies stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $26.43, for a total value of $80,611.50.

On Monday, July 15th, Lauren Elaina Friedman Stat sold 2,000 shares of Palantir Technologies stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $28.97, for a total value of $57,940.00.

Palantir Technologies Price Performance

NYSE:PLTR traded up $0.09 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, hitting $34.85. The companys stock had a trading volume of 68,166,462 shares, compared to its average volume of 55,003,703. Palantir Technologies Inc. has a 1 year low of $13.68 and a 1 year high of $35.20. The stock has a market cap of $77.61 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 290.42, a PEG ratio of 5.35 and a beta of 2.72. The businesss fifty day moving average is $29.34 and its two-hundred day moving average is $25.34.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Palantir Technologies ( NYSE:PLTR Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Monday, August 5th. The company reported $0.03 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.04 by ($0.01). Palantir Technologies had a net margin of 16.32% and a return on equity of 8.88%. The business had revenue of $678.13 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $653.23 million. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $0.01 earnings per share. Palantir Technologiess revenue for the quarter was up 27.2% compared to the same quarter last year. Analysts anticipate that Palantir Technologies Inc. will post 0.19 EPS for the current fiscal year.

A number of brokerages have recently issued reports on PLTR. Jefferies Financial Group upped their price target on Palantir Technologies from $24.00 to $28.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Monday, July 29th. Northland Securities began coverage on Palantir Technologies in a research report on Thursday, August 22nd. They set a market perform rating and a $35.00 price target on the stock. Royal Bank of Canada reaffirmed an underperform rating and set a $9.00 price target on shares of Palantir Technologies in a research report on Tuesday, August 6th. Raymond James upped their price target on Palantir Technologies from $25.00 to $30.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, August 6th. Finally, Argus began coverage on Palantir Technologies in a research report on Monday, June 17th. They issued a buy rating and a $29.00 target price on the stock. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have issued a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $26.79.

View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Palantir Technologies

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Palantir Technologies

Hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its stake in Palantir Technologies by 3.5% in the 4th quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 193,805,263 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,327,636,000 after buying an additional 6,466,596 shares in the last quarter. SG Americas Securities LLC lifted its stake in Palantir Technologies by 183.3% in the 1st quarter. SG Americas Securities LLC now owns 158,394 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,645,000 after buying an additional 102,479 shares in the last quarter. Accel Wealth Management purchased a new position in Palantir Technologies in the 1st quarter valued at about $360,000. Panagora Asset Management Inc. lifted its stake in Palantir Technologies by 185.6% in the 4th quarter. Panagora Asset Management Inc. now owns 76,695 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,317,000 after buying an additional 49,839 shares in the last quarter. Finally, ProShare Advisors LLC purchased a new position in Palantir Technologies in the 1st quarter valued at about $262,000. 45.65% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Palantir Technologies Company Profile

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Palantir Technologies Inc builds and deploys software platforms for the intelligence community to assist in counterterrorism investigations and operations in the United States, the United Kingdom, and internationally. The company provides Palantir Gotham, a software platform which enables users to identify patterns hidden deep within datasets, ranging from signals intelligence sources to reports from confidential informants, as well as facilitates the handoff between analysts and operational users, helping operators plan and execute real-world responses to threats that have been identified within the platform.

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Palantir Technologies Inc. (NYSE:PLTR  Get Free Report) insider Heather A. Planishek sold 20,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, September 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $33.74, for a total transaction of $674,800.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 576,023 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $19,435,016.02. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link.

Palantir Technologies Price Performance

Shares of NYSE:PLTR traded up $0.09 on Wednesday, reaching $34.85. The companys stock had a trading volume of 68,166,462 shares, compared to its average volume of 55,003,703. The stocks 50-day moving average is $29.34 and its two-hundred day moving average is $25.34. Palantir Technologies Inc. has a 52-week low of $13.68 and a 52-week high of $35.20. The stock has a market capitalization of $77.61 billion, a P/E ratio of 290.42, a PEG ratio of 5.35 and a beta of 2.72.

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Palantir Technologies (NYSE:PLTR  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Monday, August 5th. The company reported $0.03 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.04 by ($0.01). Palantir Technologies had a return on equity of 8.88% and a net margin of 16.32%. The firm had revenue of $678.13 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $653.23 million. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $0.01 earnings per share. The companys revenue was up 27.2% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities analysts forecast that Palantir Technologies Inc. will post 0.19 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of equities analysts recently commented on PLTR shares. Northland Capmk upgraded shares of Palantir Technologies to a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, August 22nd. DA Davidson boosted their target price on shares of Palantir Technologies from $24.00 to $28.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday, August 6th. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated an underperform rating and set a $9.00 target price on shares of Palantir Technologies in a research note on Tuesday, August 6th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft boosted their target price on shares of Palantir Technologies from $20.00 to $21.00 and gave the stock a sell rating in a research note on Tuesday, August 6th. Finally, Wedbush reiterated an outperform rating and set a $38.00 target price on shares of Palantir Technologies in a research note on Monday. Five analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have issued a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $26.79.

View Our Latest Report on PLTR

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in PLTR. Evolution Wealth Advisors LLC grew its position in Palantir Technologies by 0.5% during the second quarter. Evolution Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 73,144 shares of the companys stock worth $1,853,000 after buying an additional 360 shares during the period. First Horizon Advisors Inc. grew its position in shares of Palantir Technologies by 2.6% in the second quarter. First Horizon Advisors Inc. now owns 15,235 shares of the companys stock valued at $386,000 after purchasing an additional 379 shares during the last quarter. Gradient Investments LLC grew its position in shares of Palantir Technologies by 21.4% in the second quarter. Gradient Investments LLC now owns 2,306 shares of the companys stock valued at $58,000 after purchasing an additional 406 shares during the last quarter. Apella Capital LLC grew its position in shares of Palantir Technologies by 3.7% in the second quarter. Apella Capital LLC now owns 11,791 shares of the companys stock valued at $323,000 after purchasing an additional 416 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Valeo Financial Advisors LLC grew its position in shares of Palantir Technologies by 1.2% in the second quarter. Valeo Financial Advisors LLC now owns 36,177 shares of the companys stock valued at $916,000 after purchasing an additional 416 shares during the last quarter. 45.65% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Palantir Technologies Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Palantir Technologies Inc builds and deploys software platforms for the intelligence community to assist in counterterrorism investigations and operations in the United States, the United Kingdom, and internationally. The company provides Palantir Gotham, a software platform which enables users to identify patterns hidden deep within datasets, ranging from signals intelligence sources to reports from confidential informants, as well as facilitates the handoff between analysts and operational users, helping operators plan and execute real-world responses to threats that have been identified within the platform.

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Petro Matad Limited (LON:MATD  Get Free Report)s share price traded down 6.5% on Monday . The company traded as low as GBX 2.41 ($0.03) and last traded at GBX 2.50 ($0.03). 35,947,841 shares were traded during mid-day trading, an increase of 199% from the average session volume of 12,032,727 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 2.68 ($0.03).

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Separately, Shore Capital reissued a house stock rating on shares of Petro Matad in a research report on Thursday, August 22nd.

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Petro Matad Stock Performance

About Petro Matad

The company has a quick ratio of 16.91, a current ratio of 13.92 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.03. The firm has a 50-day moving average of GBX 2.78 and a 200 day moving average of GBX 3.28. The stock has a market capitalization of 35.15 million, a P/E ratio of -15.50 and a beta of 2.24.

(Get Free Report)

Petro Matad Limited, together with its subsidiaries, explores for, develops, and produces oil in Mongolia. It holds 100% interests in production sharing contract blocks, including Ongi Block V that covers an area of approximately 7,937 square kilometers; and Matad Block XX that consists of an area of approximately 218 square kilometers in Mongolia.

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PIMCO Low Duration Exchange-Traded Fund (NYSEARCA:LDUR  Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Monday . The stock traded as high as $95.74 and last traded at $95.74, with a volume of 16671 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $95.60.

PIMCO Low Duration Exchange-Traded Fund Stock Up 0.0 %

The companys fifty day simple moving average is $95.23 and its 200 day simple moving average is $94.75.

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Hedge Funds Weigh In On PIMCO Low Duration Exchange-Traded Fund

A number of institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Syverson Strege & Co increased its position in PIMCO Low Duration Exchange-Traded Fund by 0.8% during the 4th quarter. Syverson Strege & Co now owns 35,691 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,382,000 after buying an additional 299 shares in the last quarter. Sage Rhino Capital LLC raised its position in shares of PIMCO Low Duration Exchange-Traded Fund by 1.1% in the 2nd quarter. Sage Rhino Capital LLC now owns 28,877 shares of the companys stock worth $2,734,000 after purchasing an additional 308 shares during the last quarter. Opal Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new position in PIMCO Low Duration Exchange-Traded Fund in the 2nd quarter worth about $38,000. Skyline Advisors Inc. grew its position in PIMCO Low Duration Exchange-Traded Fund by 11.2% during the 2nd quarter. Skyline Advisors Inc. now owns 4,135 shares of the companys stock valued at $391,000 after purchasing an additional 417 shares during the last quarter. Finally, CGC Financial Services LLC increased its stake in PIMCO Low Duration Exchange-Traded Fund by 6.7% during the 2nd quarter. CGC Financial Services LLC now owns 7,499 shares of the companys stock valued at $710,000 after purchasing an additional 472 shares in the last quarter.

PIMCO Low Duration Exchange-Traded Fund Company Profile

The PIMCO Enhanced Low Duration Active Exchange-Traded Fund (LDUR) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in broad credit fixed income. The fund is an actively managed broad-market, investment-grade bond fund with target duration between 1-3 years. LDUR was launched on Jan 22, 2014 and is managed by PIMCO.

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Tesco PLC (OTCMKTS:TSCDD  Get Free Report)s stock price reached a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Monday . The stock traded as high as $14.67 and last traded at $14.61, with a volume of 61852 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $14.57.

Tesco Price Performance

The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $13.17 and a 200 day simple moving average of $12.02.

About Tesco

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Tesco PLC, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a grocery retailer. The company operates through convenience and hypermarket store formats, as well as engages in the wholesale business. It also provides retail banking and insurance services. The company operates in the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, Malaysia, and Thailand.

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The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. (NYSE:THG  Get Free Report)s stock price reached a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Monday . The company traded as high as $149.47 and last traded at $149.13, with a volume of 176075 shares. The stock had previously closed at $145.56.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of research analysts recently weighed in on THG shares. Piper Sandler raised their target price on shares of The Hanover Insurance Group from $147.00 to $162.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Friday, August 2nd. JMP Securities upped their target price on shares of The Hanover Insurance Group from $150.00 to $160.00 and gave the company a market outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, August 1st. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods lifted their price target on The Hanover Insurance Group from $142.00 to $144.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a research report on Tuesday, August 13th. Finally, Bank of America decreased their price objective on The Hanover Insurance Group from $161.00 to $158.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, August 6th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $157.80.

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The Hanover Insurance Group Stock Performance

The company has a quick ratio of 0.40, a current ratio of 0.40 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.31. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $134.91 and a 200 day moving average price of $131.76. The stock has a market cap of $5.18 billion, a P/E ratio of 32.37 and a beta of 0.70.

The Hanover Insurance Group (NYSE:THG  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, July 31st. The insurance provider reported $1.88 earnings per share for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of $1.88. The business had revenue of $1.54 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.49 billion. The Hanover Insurance Group had a return on equity of 12.42% and a net margin of 4.44%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 2.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the company earned ($1.91) earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. will post 10.85 EPS for the current year.

The Hanover Insurance Group Announces Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 27th. Shareholders of record on Friday, September 13th will be given a dividend of $0.85 per share. This represents a $3.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.36%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, September 13th. The Hanover Insurance Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 76.23%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, Director Kathy S. Lane sold 1,884 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, August 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $134.23, for a total value of $252,889.32. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. In other news, Director Kathy S. Lane sold 1,884 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, August 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $134.23, for a total value of $252,889.32. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, SVP Warren E. Barnes sold 500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, August 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $138.25, for a total value of $69,125.00. Following the sale, the senior vice president now directly owns 3,013 shares in the company, valued at approximately $416,547.25. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last ninety days, insiders sold 10,852 shares of company stock worth $1,541,491. 2.40% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Large investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Point72 Hong Kong Ltd acquired a new position in The Hanover Insurance Group during the 2nd quarter valued at about $25,000. Riverview Trust Co acquired a new position in shares of The Hanover Insurance Group during the first quarter valued at about $31,000. Quarry LP purchased a new position in shares of The Hanover Insurance Group in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $34,000. 1620 Investment Advisors Inc. acquired a new stake in The Hanover Insurance Group in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $42,000. Finally, GHP Investment Advisors Inc. grew its position in The Hanover Insurance Group by 64.9% during the 2nd quarter. GHP Investment Advisors Inc. now owns 427 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $54,000 after purchasing an additional 168 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 86.61% of the companys stock.

The Hanover Insurance Group Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc, through its subsidiaries, provides various property and casualty insurance products and services in the United States. The company operates through four segments: Core Commercial, Specialty, Personal Lines, and Other. The Commercial Lines segment offers commercial multiple peril, commercial automobile, workers' compensation, and other commercial lines coverage.

Further Reading

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AdvisorShares Investments LLC bought a new position in EOG Resources, Inc. (NYSE:EOG  Free Report) during the second quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund bought 3,458 shares of the energy exploration companys stock, valued at approximately $438,000.

Several other hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in the business. Riverview Trust Co bought a new stake in EOG Resources during the second quarter worth approximately $27,000. MFA Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of EOG Resources in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $28,000. Gladius Capital Management LP bought a new position in shares of EOG Resources during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $30,000. Sachetta LLC purchased a new stake in EOG Resources during the 4th quarter valued at $33,000. Finally, Triad Wealth Partners LLC bought a new stake in EOG Resources in the second quarter worth $35,000. 89.91% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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EOG Resources Stock Down 1.0 %

Shares of EOG Resources stock opened at $117.82 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.11, a current ratio of 2.12 and a quick ratio of 1.89. The stock has a market cap of $67.71 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.31, a PEG ratio of 3.01 and a beta of 1.28. The firms 50-day moving average is $126.21 and its two-hundred day moving average is $126.17. EOG Resources, Inc. has a 1 year low of $108.94 and a 1 year high of $139.67.

EOG Resources Dividend Announcement

EOG Resources ( NYSE:EOG Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 1st. The energy exploration company reported $3.16 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.98 by $0.18. The firm had revenue of $6.03 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $6.07 billion. EOG Resources had a net margin of 30.33% and a return on equity of 25.42%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 8.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm earned $2.49 earnings per share. As a group, research analysts expect that EOG Resources, Inc. will post 12.2 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, October 31st. Stockholders of record on Thursday, October 17th will be given a $0.91 dividend. This represents a $3.64 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.09%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, October 17th. EOG Resourcess payout ratio is 28.75%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of research analysts have weighed in on EOG shares. KeyCorp began coverage on shares of EOG Resources in a research report on Thursday, June 27th. They set an overweight rating and a $157.00 price objective on the stock. 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. Royal Bank of Canada reissued a sector perform rating and issued a $147.00 price objective on shares of EOG Resources in a research note on Wednesday, July 10th. Citigroup upped their target price on EOG Resources from $124.00 to $130.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, May 24th. Finally, Susquehanna decreased their price target on EOG Resources from $159.00 to $158.00 and set a positive rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, September 4th. Thirteen 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 company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $143.95.

Get Our Latest Research Report on EOG Resources

Insider Buying and Selling

In other EOG Resources news, COO Jeffrey R. Leitzell sold 4,000 shares of EOG Resources stock in a transaction dated 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 in the company, valued at $4,434,135.84. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In other EOG Resources news, COO Jeffrey R. Leitzell sold 4,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on 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 directly owns 35,058 shares in the company, valued at $4,434,135.84. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, EVP Michael P. Donaldson sold 11,037 shares of EOG Resources stock in a transaction on Monday, August 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $129.50, for a total transaction of $1,429,291.50. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 74,250 shares in the company, valued at $9,615,375. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 21,537 shares of company stock worth $2,751,612 in the last three months. 0.30% of the stock is owned by insiders.

EOG Resources Company Profile

(Free Report)

EOG Resources, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, explores for, develops, produces, and markets crude oil, natural gas liquids, and natural gas primarily in producing basins in the United States, the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and internationally. The company was formerly known as Enron Oil & Gas Company.

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AdvisorShares Investments LLC bought a new position in Lennar Co. (NYSE:LEN  Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm bought 3,028 shares of the construction companys stock, valued at approximately $442,000.

Several other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Headlands Technologies LLC grew its position in shares of Lennar by 510.0% in the 2nd quarter. Headlands Technologies LLC now owns 4,508 shares of the construction companys stock worth $676,000 after acquiring an additional 3,769 shares in the last quarter. Coldstream Capital Management Inc. grew its position in shares of Lennar by 7.9% in the 2nd quarter. Coldstream Capital Management Inc. now owns 5,454 shares of the construction companys stock worth $817,000 after acquiring an additional 397 shares in the last quarter. Andra AP fonden acquired a new position in shares of Lennar in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $150,000. Choreo LLC acquired a new position in shares of Lennar in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $951,000. Finally, Wedbush Securities Inc. grew its position in shares of Lennar by 17.3% in the 2nd quarter. Wedbush Securities Inc. now owns 3,397 shares of the construction companys stock worth $509,000 after acquiring an additional 501 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 81.10% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

LEN has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. BTIG Research reduced their price objective on Lennar from $177.00 to $175.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, June 20th. Raymond James lowered Lennar from an outperform rating to a market perform rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 2nd. StockNews.com lowered Lennar from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, August 12th. The Goldman Sachs Group lowered Lennar from a buy rating to a neutral rating and reduced their price objective for the company from $180.00 to $174.00 in a research report on Monday, July 22nd. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their price objective on Lennar from $157.00 to $154.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, June 20th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have given a hold rating and eight have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $172.69.

Lennar Stock Down 1.1 %

LEN opened at $178.19 on Thursday. Lennar Co. has a one year low of $102.90 and a one year high of $186.60. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.08, a quick ratio of 0.91 and a current ratio of 4.93. The stocks fifty day moving average is $171.04 and its 200-day moving average is $162.55. The company has a market capitalization of $48.93 billion, a PE ratio of 12.11, a P/E/G ratio of 1.63 and a beta of 1.61.

Lennar (NYSE:LEN  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Monday, June 17th. The construction company reported $3.38 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $3.20 by $0.18. Lennar had a return on equity of 15.93% and a net margin of 11.58%. The company had revenue of $8.77 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $8.57 billion. On average, equities analysts predict that Lennar Co. will post 14.16 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Lennar Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, July 19th. Stockholders of record on Friday, July 5th were paid a $0.50 dividend. This represents a $2.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.12%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, July 5th. Lennars dividend payout ratio is presently 13.60%.

Lennar Profile

(Free Report)

Lennar Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a homebuilder primarily under the Lennar brand in the United States. It operates through Homebuilding East, Homebuilding Central, Homebuilding Texas, Homebuilding West, Financial Services, Multifamily, and Lennar Other segments. The company's homebuilding operations include the construction and sale of single-family attached and detached homes, as well as the purchase, development, and sale of residential land; and development, construction, and management of multifamily rental properties.

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Alaska Air Group (NYSE:ALK  Get Free Report) issued an update on its third quarter earnings guidance on Thursday morning. The company provided earnings per share (EPS) guidance of $2.15-2.25 for the period, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.61.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

ALK has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. Morgan Stanley decreased their target price on shares of Alaska Air Group from $75.00 to $70.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Monday, July 22nd. Citigroup decreased their price objective on shares of Alaska Air Group from $51.00 to $48.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, August 29th. TD Cowen cut their target price on shares of Alaska Air Group from $58.00 to $51.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, July 24th. Susquehanna decreased their target price on Alaska Air Group from $42.00 to $41.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, July 16th. Finally, Wolfe Research raised Alaska Air Group from a peer perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $55.00 price target on the stock in a research report on Friday, May 17th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $54.00.

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Alaska Air Group Stock Down 0.8 %

ALK opened at $39.50 on Thursday. The company has a market capitalization of $5.01 billion, a PE ratio of 21.12, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.70 and a beta of 1.59. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.55, a current ratio of 0.68 and a quick ratio of 0.66. Alaska Air Group has a fifty-two week low of $30.75 and a fifty-two week high of $46.15. The business has a 50-day moving average of $36.82 and a 200-day moving average of $39.76.

Alaska Air Group (NYSE:ALK  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, July 18th. The transportation company reported $2.55 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.36 by $0.19. The firm had revenue of $2.90 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.94 billion. Alaska Air Group had a net margin of 2.14% and a return on equity of 11.85%. The companys revenue was up 2.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $3.00 earnings per share. Equities research analysts forecast that Alaska Air Group will post 4.06 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Alaska Air Group Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Alaska Air Group, Inc, through its subsidiaries, operates airlines. It operates through three segments: Mainline, Regional, and Horizon. The company offers scheduled air transportation services on Boeing jet aircraft for passengers and cargo in the United States, and in parts of Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, Belize, Guatemala, and the Bahamas; and for passengers across a shorter distance network within the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

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Asana, Inc. (NYSE:ASAN  Get Free Report) shares hit a new 52-week low during trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as low as $11.27 and last traded at $11.29, with a volume of 36864 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $11.51.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several research analysts have commented on the stock. KeyCorp decreased their target price on shares of Asana from $12.00 to $10.00 and set an underweight rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, September 4th. HSBC upgraded shares of Asana from a reduce rating to a hold rating and decreased their price target for the stock from $16.00 to $14.00 in a report on Monday, June 3rd. JMP Securities decreased their price target on shares of Asana from $27.00 to $21.00 and set a market outperform rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, September 4th. Citigroup decreased their price target on shares of Asana from $15.00 to $13.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, September 4th. Finally, DA Davidson restated a neutral rating and set a $11.00 price target (down from $14.00) on shares of Asana in a report on Wednesday, September 4th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have given a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Asana presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $14.67.

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Asana Stock Performance

The stock has a market cap of $2.66 billion, a P/E ratio of -9.97 and a beta of 1.16. The firms 50-day moving average is $13.51 and its two-hundred day moving average is $14.49. The company has a quick ratio of 1.63, a current ratio of 1.63 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.14.

Asana (NYSE:ASAN  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, September 3rd. The company reported ($0.05) earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of ($0.08) by $0.03. The firm had revenue of $179.21 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $177.68 million. Asana had a negative net margin of 37.73% and a negative return on equity of 81.88%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 10.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned ($0.31) earnings per share. As a group, research analysts expect that Asana, Inc. will post -1.14 EPS for the current year.

Asana announced that its Board of Directors has authorized a share buyback program on Thursday, June 20th that permits the company to repurchase $150.00 million in shares. This repurchase authorization permits the company to repurchase up to 5.6% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock repurchase programs are usually a sign that the companys management believes its shares are undervalued.

Insider Transactions at Asana

In other news, insider Eleanor B. Lacey sold 4,999 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, June 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $12.95, for a total value of $64,737.05. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 384,150 shares in the company, valued at $4,974,742.50. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. In other news, CFO Tim M. Wan sold 28,856 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, June 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $11.44, for a total value of $330,112.64. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 1,050,284 shares in the company, valued at $12,015,248.96. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Also, insider Eleanor B. Lacey sold 4,999 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, June 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $12.95, for a total transaction of $64,737.05. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 384,150 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,974,742.50. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders sold 84,443 shares of company stock worth $1,026,976. 63.97% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Asana

Several large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Edmond DE Rothschild Holding S.A. raised its stake in Asana by 26.2% during the 4th quarter. Edmond DE Rothschild Holding S.A. now owns 3,225 shares of the companys stock valued at $61,000 after purchasing an additional 669 shares during the last quarter. Arizona State Retirement System raised its stake in Asana by 3.6% during the 2nd quarter. Arizona State Retirement System now owns 23,401 shares of the companys stock valued at $327,000 after purchasing an additional 803 shares during the last quarter. Kingsview Wealth Management LLC raised its stake in Asana by 4.2% during the 4th quarter. Kingsview Wealth Management LLC now owns 20,319 shares of the companys stock valued at $386,000 after purchasing an additional 828 shares during the last quarter. Diversified Trust Co raised its stake in Asana by 2.6% during the 2nd quarter. Diversified Trust Co now owns 34,985 shares of the companys stock valued at $489,000 after purchasing an additional 900 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Daiwa Securities Group Inc. raised its stake in Asana by 26.0% during the 2nd quarter. Daiwa Securities Group Inc. now owns 4,983 shares of the companys stock valued at $70,000 after purchasing an additional 1,028 shares during the last quarter. 26.21% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Asana Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Asana, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, operates a work management platform for individuals, team leads, and executives in the United States and internationally. Its platform helps organizations to orchestrate work from daily tasks to cross-functional strategic initiatives; manage work across a portfolio of projects or workflows, see progress against goals, identify bottlenecks, resource constraints, and milestones; and communicate company-wide goals, monitor status, and oversee work across projects and portfolios to gain real-time insights.

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Bank of Montreal (TSE:BMO  Get Free Report) (NYSE:BMO) has been assigned a consensus rating of Hold from the thirteen analysts that are presently covering the firm, Marketbeat.com reports. Eight investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and five have assigned a buy recommendation to the company. The average 1-year price objective among brokers that have covered the stock in the last year is C$120.77.

BMO has been the topic of several recent analyst reports. Jefferies Financial Group cut their price objective on shares of Bank of Montreal from C$141.00 to C$124.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Monday, August 12th. UBS Group set a C$122.00 price target on shares of Bank of Montreal and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Tuesday, July 2nd. Barclays dropped their price objective on shares of Bank of Montreal from C$140.00 to C$132.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, May 30th. Canaccord Genuity Group reduced their target price on Bank of Montreal from C$135.00 to C$130.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, August 28th. Finally, Bank of America lowered shares of Bank of Montreal from a buy rating to a neutral rating and reduced their price target for the stock from C$134.00 to C$117.00 in a research report on Wednesday, August 28th.

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Insider Buying and Selling at Bank of Montreal

Bank of Montreal Stock Performance

In related news, Senior Officer Steven Lloyd Tennyson sold 7,908 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, September 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of C$112.16, for a total value of C$886,977.10. Company insiders own 0.03% of the companys stock.

The stock has a market capitalization of C$83.52 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.98, a P/E/G ratio of 0.54 and a beta of 1.15. Bank of Montreal has a 52 week low of C$102.67 and a 52 week high of C$133.95. The companys 50 day moving average price is C$115.62 and its two-hundred day moving average price is C$121.69.

Bank of Montreal Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, November 26th. Investors of record on Wednesday, October 30th will be given a dividend of $1.55 per share. This represents a $6.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of . The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, October 30th. Bank of Montreals payout ratio is 71.35%.

Bank of Montreal Company Profile

(Get Free Report

Bank of Montreal provides diversified financial services primarily in North America. It operates through Canadian P&C, U.S P&C, BMO Wealth Management, and BMO Capital Markets segments. The company's personal banking products and services include deposits, mortgages, home lending, consumer credit, small business lending, credit cards, cash management, financial and investment advice, and other banking services; and commercial banking products and services comprise various of financing options and treasury and payment solutions, as well as risk management products.

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Philip Morris International (NYSE:PM  Free Report) had its price objective raised by Barclays from $130.00 to $145.00 in a research report report published on Monday morning, Benzinga reports. The firm currently has an overweight rating on the stock.

A number of other equities analysts have also issued reports on the stock. Bank of America raised their target price on shares of Philip Morris International from $125.00 to $139.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, September 4th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upped their target price on shares of Philip Morris International from $116.00 to $118.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, July 25th. Stifel Nicolaus raised their price target on Philip Morris International from $120.00 to $138.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, September 4th. StockNews.com raised Philip Morris International from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Monday, July 22nd. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their target price on Philip Morris International from $110.00 to $125.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, July 25th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating and eight have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Philip Morris International currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $117.05.

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Philip Morris International Price Performance

Shares of PM opened at $125.26 on Monday. Philip Morris International has a 1-year low of $87.23 and a 1-year high of $128.22. The stock has a market cap of $194.72 billion, a PE ratio of 24.46, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.45 and a beta of 0.55. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $115.38 and a 200 day moving average price of $103.06.

Philip Morris International (NYSE:PM  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, July 23rd. The company reported $1.59 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.57 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $9.47 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $9.19 billion. Philip Morris International had a negative return on equity of 113.32% and a net margin of 9.41%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 5.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $1.60 EPS. As a group, equities analysts expect that Philip Morris International will post 6.47 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Insider Activity at Philip Morris International

In other Philip Morris International news, insider Wilde Frederic De sold 20,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, July 25th. The stock was sold at an average price of $113.01, for a total value of $2,260,200.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 158,447 shares in the company, valued at $17,906,095.47. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. In related news, insider Wilde Frederic De sold 20,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, July 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of $113.01, for a total transaction of $2,260,200.00. Following the sale, the insider now owns 158,447 shares of the companys stock, valued at $17,906,095.47. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, insider Massimo Andolina sold 9,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $115.35, for a total transaction of $1,038,150.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 85,629 shares of the companys stock, valued at $9,877,305.15. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Company insiders own 0.13% of the companys stock.

Institutional Trading of Philip Morris International

Institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Iron Horse Wealth Management LLC grew its position in shares of Philip Morris International by 684.4% in the second quarter. Iron Horse Wealth Management LLC now owns 251 shares of the companys stock valued at $25,000 after purchasing an additional 219 shares during the last quarter. Strategic Financial Concepts LLC purchased a new stake in Philip Morris International in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Sachetta LLC grew its holdings in Philip Morris International by 64.8% during the 2nd quarter. Sachetta LLC now owns 267 shares of the companys stock valued at $27,000 after buying an additional 105 shares during the last quarter. Boyd Watterson Asset Management LLC OH raised its holdings in shares of Philip Morris International by 250.0% in the first quarter. Boyd Watterson Asset Management LLC OH now owns 322 shares of the companys stock worth $30,000 after acquiring an additional 230 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Fortitude Family Office LLC raised its holdings in shares of Philip Morris International by 57.4% in the second quarter. Fortitude Family Office LLC now owns 318 shares of the companys stock worth $32,000 after acquiring an additional 116 shares during the last quarter. 78.63% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About Philip Morris International

(Get Free Report)

Philip Morris International Inc operates as a tobacco company working to delivers a smoke-free future and evolving portfolio for the long-term to include products outside of the tobacco and nicotine sector. The company's product portfolio primarily consists of cigarettes and smoke-free products, including heat-not-burn, vapor, and oral nicotine products primarily under the IQOS and ZYN brands; and consumer accessories, such as lighters and matches.

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Barings LLC cut its position in Louisiana-Pacific Co. (NYSE:LPX  Free Report) by 13.2% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm owned 20,784 shares of the building manufacturing companys stock after selling 3,160 shares during the period. Barings LLCs holdings in Louisiana-Pacific were worth $1,711,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank grew its stake in Louisiana-Pacific by 1.1% in the second quarter. Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank now owns 15,027 shares of the building manufacturing companys stock valued at $1,237,000 after purchasing an additional 167 shares in the last quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC raised its holdings in shares of Louisiana-Pacific by 57.3% during the 2nd quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 486 shares of the building manufacturing companys stock worth $40,000 after buying an additional 177 shares in the last quarter. CWM LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Louisiana-Pacific by 9.0% in the second quarter. CWM LLC now owns 2,279 shares of the building manufacturing companys stock worth $188,000 after acquiring an additional 188 shares during the last quarter. Retirement Systems of Alabama raised its position in Louisiana-Pacific by 0.3% in the first quarter. Retirement Systems of Alabama now owns 80,596 shares of the building manufacturing companys stock valued at $6,763,000 after purchasing an additional 220 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Investment House LLC raised its holdings in Louisiana-Pacific by 5.5% in the 2nd quarter. Investment House LLC now owns 4,769 shares of the building manufacturing companys stock valued at $393,000 after buying an additional 250 shares during the last quarter. 94.73% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of research firms recently commented on LPX. Truist Financial reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a $105.00 price objective (up from $101.00) on shares of Louisiana-Pacific in a research note on Thursday, August 8th. BMO Capital Markets downgraded shares of Louisiana-Pacific from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and set a $99.00 price objective for the company. in a research report on Thursday, August 8th. Royal Bank of Canada raised their target price on Louisiana-Pacific from $101.00 to $112.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, August 8th. StockNews.com upgraded Louisiana-Pacific from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Thursday, September 5th. Finally, DA Davidson boosted their price objective on Louisiana-Pacific from $98.00 to $110.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, June 14th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have issued a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $94.88.

Insider Activity at Louisiana-Pacific

In related news, CEO William Bradley Southern sold 32,600 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, August 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $93.44, for a total value of $3,046,144.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 596,886 shares of the companys stock, valued at $55,773,027.84. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. In related news, Director Ozey K. Horton, Jr. sold 800 shares of Louisiana-Pacific stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, August 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $96.10, for a total transaction of $76,880.00. Following the sale, the director now owns 29,008 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,787,668.80. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, CEO William Bradley Southern sold 32,600 shares of Louisiana-Pacific stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, August 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $93.44, for a total transaction of $3,046,144.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 596,886 shares in the company, valued at approximately $55,773,027.84. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last 90 days, insiders sold 36,991 shares of company stock worth $3,443,269. 1.26% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Louisiana-Pacific Trading Up 0.0 %

LPX opened at $94.27 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.21, a current ratio of 3.38 and a quick ratio of 1.95. Louisiana-Pacific Co. has a one year low of $49.47 and a one year high of $101.89. The firm has a market capitalization of $6.76 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.90, a PEG ratio of 0.59 and a beta of 1.88. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $92.29 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $85.68.

Louisiana-Pacific (NYSE:LPX  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, August 7th. The building manufacturing company reported $2.09 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.86 by $0.23. Louisiana-Pacific had a net margin of 15.22% and a return on equity of 27.09%. The firm had revenue of $814.00 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $797.26 million. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $0.55 EPS. The companys revenue was up 33.2% compared to the same quarter last year. Analysts predict that Louisiana-Pacific Co. will post 5.05 EPS for the current year.

Louisiana-Pacific Dividend Announcement

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, September 3rd. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, August 20th were paid a $0.26 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, August 20th. This represents a $1.04 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.10%. Louisiana-Pacifics dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 28.57%.

About Louisiana-Pacific

(Free Report)

Louisiana-Pacific Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides building solutions primarily for use in new home construction, repair and remodeling, and outdoor structure markets. It operates through Siding, Oriented Strand Board, LP South America, and Other segments. The Siding segment offers LP SmartSide trim and siding products, LP SmartSide ExpertFinish trim and siding products, LP BuilderSeries lap siding products, and LP Outdoor Building Solutions; and engineered wood siding, trim, soffit, and fascia products.

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Bokf Na decreased its stake in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (NYSEARCA:IJR  Free Report) by 0.8% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 530,120 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 4,252 shares during the period. iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF makes up 1.0% of Bokf Nas portfolio, making the stock its 18th biggest position. Bokf Na owned 0.07% of iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF worth $56,543,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Other large investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Wells Fargo & Company MN lifted its holdings in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 0.5% in the 4th quarter. Wells Fargo & Company MN now owns 16,552,313 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $1,791,788,000 after buying an additional 88,472 shares in the last quarter. LPL Financial LLC boosted its holdings in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 2.5% in the second quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 13,317,367 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $1,420,430,000 after purchasing an additional 324,829 shares during the last quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. grew its stake in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 12.3% during the 4th quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 10,427,455 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $1,128,772,000 after purchasing an additional 1,141,026 shares in the last quarter. UBS Group AG increased its holdings in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 3.6% during the 4th quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 10,130,084 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $1,096,582,000 after purchasing an additional 352,841 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Raymond James & Associates raised its position in shares of iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 2.3% in the 2nd quarter. Raymond James & Associates now owns 9,771,036 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $1,042,179,000 after purchasing an additional 222,707 shares in the last quarter.

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iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF Trading Up 0.2 %

iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF stock opened at $110.04 on Thursday. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $112.59 and a 200-day moving average of $109.05. The stock has a market cap of $79.83 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.95 and a beta of 1.16. iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF has a 52 week low of $87.32 and a 52 week high of $120.74.

iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF Profile

iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF, formerly iShares S&P SmallCap 600 Index Fund, seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Standard & Poors SmallCap 600 Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of publicly traded securities in the small-capitalization sector of the United States equity market.

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Shares of Cheniere Energy Partners, L.P. (NYSE:CQP  Get Free Report) have been assigned an average rating of Reduce from the five brokerages that are presently covering the company, MarketBeat reports. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating and three have assigned a hold rating to the company. The average 1-year price objective among brokers that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $49.25.

A number of analysts have weighed in on the company. Barclays increased their price objective on Cheniere Energy Partners from $45.00 to $46.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 17th. Sanford C. Bernstein began coverage on Cheniere Energy Partners in a report on Monday, June 24th. They issued a market perform rating for the company.

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Hedge Funds Weigh In On Cheniere Energy Partners

Cheniere Energy Partners Stock Performance

Several hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Sanctuary Advisors LLC purchased a new position in Cheniere Energy Partners during the second quarter worth $417,000. Cetera Investment Advisers grew its position in shares of Cheniere Energy Partners by 40.8% in the second quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 43,345 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,129,000 after purchasing an additional 12,554 shares during the period. Truist Financial Corp boosted its holdings in Cheniere Energy Partners by 6.9% in the second quarter. Truist Financial Corp now owns 19,487 shares of the companys stock valued at $957,000 after acquiring an additional 1,255 shares during the last quarter. B. Riley Wealth Advisors Inc. boosted its holdings in Cheniere Energy Partners by 23.8% in the second quarter. B. Riley Wealth Advisors Inc. now owns 6,945 shares of the companys stock valued at $341,000 after acquiring an additional 1,336 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. boosted its holdings in Cheniere Energy Partners by 980.0% in the second quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 1,836 shares of the companys stock valued at $90,000 after acquiring an additional 1,666 shares during the last quarter. 46.55% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

CQP opened at $48.55 on Friday. Cheniere Energy Partners has a one year low of $45.51 and a one year high of $62.34. The company has a market cap of $23.50 billion, a P/E ratio of 10.52 and a beta of 0.68. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $50.14 and its 200-day simple moving average is $49.19.

Cheniere Energy Partners (NYSE:CQP  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 8th. The company reported $0.95 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.83 by $0.12. The firm had revenue of $1.89 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.04 billion. Cheniere Energy Partners had a negative return on equity of 292.75% and a net margin of 32.76%. As a group, analysts predict that Cheniere Energy Partners will post 4.26 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Cheniere Energy Partners Increases Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, August 14th. Investors of record on Wednesday, August 7th were paid a $0.775 dividend. This is an increase from Cheniere Energy Partnerss previous quarterly dividend of $0.62. This represents a $3.10 annualized dividend and a yield of 6.39%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, August 7th. Cheniere Energy Partnerss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 66.95%.

About Cheniere Energy Partners

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Cheniere Energy Partners, L.P., through its subsidiaries, provides liquefied natural gas (LNG) to integrated energy companies, utilities, and energy trading companies worldwide. The company owns and operates natural gas liquefaction and export facility at the Sabine Pass LNG Terminal located in Cameron Parish, Louisiana.

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Thornburg Investment Management Inc. lifted its position in Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited (NYSE:CP  Free Report) (TSE:CP) by 9.0% during the second quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 1,393,624 shares of the transportation companys stock after buying an additional 115,475 shares during the period. Canadian Pacific Kansas City makes up 1.5% of Thornburg Investment Management Inc.s holdings, making the stock its 20th largest position. Thornburg Investment Management Inc. owned about 0.15% of Canadian Pacific Kansas City worth $106,557,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. LRI Investments LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City during the 1st quarter valued at $32,000. Chris Bulman Inc purchased a new stake in shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City during the second quarter valued at $35,000. ORG Partners LLC acquired a new position in shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City in the 2nd quarter valued at $39,000. Tobam purchased a new position in Canadian Pacific Kansas City in the 1st quarter worth about $51,000. Finally, Ashton Thomas Private Wealth LLC purchased a new position in Canadian Pacific Kansas City in the 2nd quarter worth about $61,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 72.20% of the companys stock.

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Canadian Pacific Kansas City Trading Up 2.4 %

Canadian Pacific Kansas City stock opened at $86.09 on Thursday. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $81.39 and its 200-day simple moving average is $82.49. Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited has a 52 week low of $68.92 and a 52 week high of $91.58. The firm has a market capitalization of $80.33 billion, a PE ratio of 27.59, a PEG ratio of 2.35 and a beta of 0.96. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.42, a quick ratio of 0.44 and a current ratio of 0.51.

Canadian Pacific Kansas City Cuts Dividend

Canadian Pacific Kansas City ( NYSE:CP Get Free Report ) (TSE:CP) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, July 30th. The transportation company reported $1.05 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.74 by $0.31. Canadian Pacific Kansas City had a net margin of 24.45% and a return on equity of 8.77%. The company had revenue of $3.60 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.58 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $0.62 EPS. The businesss revenue was up 13.5% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities research analysts forecast that Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited will post 3.1 earnings per share for the current year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, October 28th. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 27th will be given a dividend of $0.1373 per share. This represents a $0.55 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.64%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, September 27th. Canadian Pacific Kansas Citys dividend payout ratio is presently 17.31%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

CP has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. Scotiabank upgraded shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City from a sector perform rating to a sector outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, July 10th. Sanford C. Bernstein boosted their target price on shares of Canadian Pacific Kansas City from $88.50 to $89.06 and gave the company a market perform rating in a research note on Monday, July 8th. Jefferies Financial Group decreased their target price on Canadian Pacific Kansas City from $105.00 to $100.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, July 17th. Barclays reduced their price objective on Canadian Pacific Kansas City from $96.00 to $95.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, July 16th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company initiated coverage on Canadian Pacific Kansas City in a research note on Friday, June 7th. They set an overweight rating and a $90.00 target price on the stock. Nine equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $96.36.

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About Canadian Pacific Kansas City

(Free Report)

Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited, together with its subsidiaries, owns and operates a transcontinental freight railway in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. The company transports bulk commodities, including grain, coal, potash, fertilizers, and sulphur; merchandise freight, such as forest products, energy, chemicals and plastics, metals, minerals, consumer products, and automotive; and intermodal traffic comprising retail goods in overseas containers.

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China Merchants Bank Co., Ltd. (OTCMKTS:CIHKY  Get Free Report) saw a large increase in short interest during the month of August. As of August 31st, there was short interest totalling 4,800 shares, an increase of 4,700.0% from the August 15th total of 100 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 83,500 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.1 days.

China Merchants Bank Stock Up 1.9 %

CIHKY traded up $0.36 on Thursday, hitting $18.72. The companys stock had a trading volume of 57,233 shares, compared to its average volume of 55,904. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $20.87 and its 200-day simple moving average is $21.23. The firm has a market cap of $95.43 billion, a P/E ratio of 4.79 and a beta of 0.35. China Merchants Bank has a 12 month low of $15.57 and a 12 month high of $25.55.

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China Merchants Bank Company Profile

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China Merchants Bank Co, Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, provides various banking products and services. It operates through Wholesale Finance Business, Retail Finance Business, and Other Business segments. The company offers current, demand, time, call, savings, notice, and renminbi accounts. Its loan products include personal commercial real estate, consumption, housing, and car loans; loans to finance for studying abroad; micro-business loans; mortgage loans for equipment; joint guarantee, special guarantee, and housing mortgage loan; bank acceptance, discount, liquid capital, and fixed asset loans; and loans for vessels.

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Shares of Compania Cervecerias Unidas S.A. (NYSE:CCU  Get Free Report) saw strong trading volume on Thursday . 863,168 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 522% from the previous sessions volume of 138,845 shares.The stock last traded at $10.35 and had previously closed at $10.16.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of equities research analysts have recently issued reports on the company. The Goldman Sachs Group cut Compania Cervecerias Unidas from a neutral rating to a sell rating and reduced their price objective for the stock from $12.90 to $10.50 in a report on Monday, August 26th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut Compania Cervecerias Unidas from an overweight rating to an underweight rating and lowered their price objective for the stock from $21.00 to $10.00 in a research report on Thursday, August 8th. Bank of America downgraded Compania Cervecerias Unidas from a neutral rating to an underperform rating and lifted their target price for the stock from $12.60 to $13.70 in a report on Thursday, May 23rd. Finally, StockNews.com upgraded shares of Compania Cervecerias Unidas from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, August 20th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating and three have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $12.88.

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Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Compania Cervecerias Unidas

Compania Cervecerias Unidas Stock Performance

The stock has a market cap of $1.93 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.52, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.55 and a beta of 0.87. The company has a current ratio of 2.29, a quick ratio of 1.60 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.82. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $11.30 and a 200 day simple moving average of $11.83.

Compania Cervecerias Unidas (NYSE:CCU  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, August 7th. The company reported ($0.09) EPS for the quarter. The company had revenue of $561.95 million during the quarter. Compania Cervecerias Unidas had a return on equity of 5.75% and a net margin of 4.22%. On average, equities analysts expect that Compania Cervecerias Unidas S.A. will post 0.73 earnings per share for the current year.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Compania Cervecerias Unidas

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Quadrant Capital Group LLC grew its holdings in shares of Compania Cervecerias Unidas by 20.8% during the 4th quarter. Quadrant Capital Group LLC now owns 17,710 shares of the companys stock valued at $222,000 after purchasing an additional 3,048 shares during the last quarter. Naples Global Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of Compania Cervecerias Unidas by 12.6% during the second quarter. Naples Global Advisors LLC now owns 33,595 shares of the companys stock worth $382,000 after buying an additional 3,750 shares during the last quarter. Blue Trust Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Compania Cervecerias Unidas by 55.3% during the second quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 18,231 shares of the companys stock worth $219,000 after buying an additional 6,495 shares in the last quarter. Ritholtz Wealth Management bought a new position in shares of Compania Cervecerias Unidas in the 2nd quarter valued at $146,000. Finally, Malaga Cove Capital LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Compania Cervecerias Unidas by 39.8% during the 2nd quarter. Malaga Cove Capital LLC now owns 57,632 shares of the companys stock valued at $656,000 after acquiring an additional 16,396 shares in the last quarter. 24.07% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

Compania Cervecerias Unidas Company Profile

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Compania Cervecerias Unidas SA operates as a beverage company in Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Paraguay, and Uruguay. The company operates through three segments: Chile, International Business, and Wine. It produces and sells alcoholic and non-alcoholic beer under proprietary and licensed brands, as well as distributes Pernod Ricard products in non-supermarket retail stores.

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Cornercap Investment Counsel Inc. cut its holdings in Molina Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE:MOH  Free Report) by 2.7% in the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 6,600 shares of the companys stock after selling 182 shares during the quarter. Cornercap Investment Counsel Inc.s holdings in Molina Healthcare were worth $1,962,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other large investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Innealta Capital LLC purchased a new stake in Molina Healthcare in the 2nd quarter worth $36,000. Ashton Thomas Private Wealth LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Molina Healthcare during the second quarter worth about $40,000. Principal Securities Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Molina Healthcare during the 4th quarter worth about $42,000. AM Squared Ltd purchased a new position in Molina Healthcare in the 2nd quarter valued at about $59,000. Finally, Mather Group LLC. acquired a new stake in Molina Healthcare in the 1st quarter worth about $123,000. 98.50% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of equities analysts have commented on MOH shares. TD Cowen reduced their target price on Molina Healthcare from $412.00 to $351.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, July 24th. Robert W. Baird initiated coverage on shares of Molina Healthcare in a report on Thursday, May 30th. They set an outperform rating and a $405.00 target price for the company. Jefferies Financial Group decreased their price target on shares of Molina Healthcare from $354.00 to $297.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, July 24th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their price objective on shares of Molina Healthcare from $420.00 to $395.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, July 10th. Finally, Cantor Fitzgerald reiterated an overweight rating and issued a $406.00 price objective on shares of Molina Healthcare in a report on Tuesday. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have given a hold rating, six have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $378.00.

Insider Activity

In related news, Director Steven J. Orlando sold 1,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, July 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $339.21, for a total transaction of $339,210.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 18,025 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $6,114,260.25. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. In related news, CAO Maurice Hebert sold 393 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, August 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $346.52, for a total value of $136,182.36. Following the sale, the chief accounting officer now owns 9,473 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,282,583.96. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Also, Director Steven J. Orlando sold 1,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, July 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $339.21, for a total value of $339,210.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 18,025 shares of the companys stock, valued at $6,114,260.25. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 1.10% of the companys stock.

Molina Healthcare Trading Up 3.7 %

Shares of Molina Healthcare stock opened at $344.73 on Thursday. Molina Healthcare, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $282.96 and a fifty-two week high of $423.92. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.49, a quick ratio of 1.57 and a current ratio of 1.57. The firm has a market capitalization of $20.20 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.70, a PEG ratio of 1.14 and a beta of 0.57. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $325.79 and a 200 day moving average of $345.08.

Molina Healthcare (NYSE:MOH  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 24th. The company reported $5.86 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $5.73 by $0.13. Molina Healthcare had a return on equity of 28.09% and a net margin of 2.84%. The firm had revenue of $9.88 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $9.75 billion. During the same period last year, the company earned $5.65 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 18.7% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, research analysts predict that Molina Healthcare, Inc. will post 23.5 earnings per share for the current year.

Molina Healthcare Company Profile

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Molina Healthcare, Inc provides managed healthcare services to low-income families and individuals under the Medicaid and Medicare programs and through the state insurance marketplaces. It operates in four segments: Medicaid, Medicare, Marketplace, and Other. The company served in across 19 states. The company was founded in 1980 and is headquartered in Long Beach, California.

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Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MOH? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Molina Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE:MOH  Free Report).

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Shares of Crossword Cybersecurity Plc (LON:CCS  Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week low on Thursday . The company traded as low as GBX 2.40 ($0.03) and last traded at GBX 2.50 ($0.03), with a volume of 70800 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at GBX 2.45 ($0.03).

Crossword Cybersecurity Price Performance

The stock has a market cap of 2.79 million, a P/E ratio of -61.75 and a beta of -0.13. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 621.50, a quick ratio of 0.59 and a current ratio of 1.15. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of GBX 4.72 and a 200-day moving average price of GBX 4.81.

Crossword Cybersecurity Company Profile

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Crossword Cybersecurity Plc provides cyber security solutions in the United Kingdom, Poland, and Oman. The company operates in two segments, Software Product and Services and Engineering Services; and Consulting and Managed Services. It's product portfolio includes Rizikon Assurance, an online system that enhances third-party assurance and risk management; Identiproof, a protecting verifiable credentials middleware; Nightingale, a managed security monitoring service; Trillion, a breached account mining platform that tracks, correlates, and analyses billions of stolen usernames and passwords; and Arc, an account protection for B2C commerce platform owners.

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Shares of Duke Energy Co. (NYSE:DUK  Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week high on Tuesday . The stock traded as high as $118.17 and last traded at $117.90, with a volume of 367512 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $117.16.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of equities research analysts recently issued reports on DUK shares. Scotiabank lifted their target price on Duke Energy from $104.00 to $113.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research report on Tuesday, August 20th. BMO Capital Markets boosted their price target on shares of Duke Energy from $114.00 to $120.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 7th. Barclays raised their price objective on Duke Energy from $99.00 to $102.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, July 11th. Morgan Stanley upped their target price on Duke Energy from $99.00 to $114.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Thursday, August 15th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada reaffirmed an outperform rating and set a $135.00 price target on shares of Duke Energy in a research report on Thursday, August 29th. Seven analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $113.92.

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Duke Energy Stock Down 0.7 %

The company has a current ratio of 0.81, a quick ratio of 0.53 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.56. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $110.54 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $102.68. The firm has a market cap of $89.65 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 29.19, a PEG ratio of 3.20 and a beta of 0.46.

Duke Energy (NYSE:DUK  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, August 6th. The utilities provider reported $1.18 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.02 by $0.16. Duke Energy had a return on equity of 9.71% and a net margin of 14.29%. The business had revenue of $7.17 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $6.84 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $0.91 EPS. Duke Energys revenue for the quarter was up 9.0% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities analysts forecast that Duke Energy Co. will post 5.97 EPS for the current year.

Duke Energy Increases Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 16th. Stockholders of record on Friday, August 16th will be issued a dividend of $1.045 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, August 16th. This is an increase from Duke Energys previous quarterly dividend of $1.03. This represents a $4.18 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.60%. Duke Energys dividend payout ratio is 105.03%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other Duke Energy news, EVP Louis E. Renjel sold 540 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 8th. The stock was 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 in the company, valued at $2,259,617.76. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. 0.10% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Institutional Trading of Duke Energy

Institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Pinnacle West Asset Management Inc. lifted its stake in Duke Energy by 2.1% in the 2nd quarter. Pinnacle West Asset Management Inc. now owns 4,425 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $444,000 after purchasing an additional 90 shares in the last quarter. Sachetta LLC raised its position in shares of Duke Energy by 41.9% in the second quarter. Sachetta LLC now owns 325 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $36,000 after buying an additional 96 shares in the last quarter. SeaCrest Wealth Management LLC boosted its stake in Duke Energy by 1.6% during the second quarter. SeaCrest Wealth Management LLC now owns 6,093 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $611,000 after buying an additional 98 shares during the period. Waddell & Associates LLC grew its position in Duke Energy by 2.7% during the second quarter. Waddell & Associates LLC now owns 3,753 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $376,000 after buying an additional 99 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Indiana Trust & Investment Management CO increased its stake in Duke Energy by 4.9% in the 2nd quarter. Indiana Trust & Investment Management CO now owns 2,147 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $215,000 after acquiring an additional 100 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 65.31% of the companys stock.

About Duke Energy

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Duke Energy Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an energy company in the United States. It operates through two segments: Electric Utilities and Infrastructure (EU&I), and Gas Utilities and Infrastructure (GU&I). The EU&I segment generates, transmits, distributes, and sells electricity in the Carolinas, Florida, and the Midwest.

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Cornercap Investment Counsel Inc. increased its stake in shares of EOG Resources, Inc. (NYSE:EOG  Free Report) by 231.3% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 23,328 shares of the energy exploration companys stock after acquiring an additional 16,287 shares during the period. EOG Resources makes up approximately 0.5% of Cornercap Investment Counsel Inc.s holdings, making the stock its 22nd largest holding. Cornercap Investment Counsel Inc.s holdings in EOG Resources were worth $2,936,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of EOG. Aveo Capital Partners LLC lifted its position in EOG Resources by 4.8% during the 4th quarter. Aveo Capital Partners LLC now owns 2,194 shares of the energy exploration companys stock worth $265,000 after acquiring an additional 101 shares in the last quarter. Cary Street Partners Investment Advisory LLC raised its position in shares of EOG Resources by 88.6% in the 4th quarter. Cary Street Partners Investment Advisory LLC now owns 4,334 shares of the energy exploration companys stock valued at $524,000 after purchasing an additional 2,036 shares in the last quarter. Avantax Advisory Services Inc. raised its position in shares of EOG Resources by 2.8% in the 4th quarter. Avantax Advisory Services Inc. now owns 45,932 shares of the energy exploration companys stock valued at $5,556,000 after purchasing an additional 1,252 shares in the last quarter. Quotient Wealth Partners LLC acquired a new position in shares of EOG Resources in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $219,000. Finally, Baader Bank Aktiengesellschaft acquired a new position in shares of EOG Resources in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $558,000. 89.91% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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EOG Resources Price Performance

Shares of EOG opened at $117.82 on Thursday. The company has a market cap of $67.71 billion, a P/E ratio of 9.31, a PEG ratio of 3.01 and a beta of 1.28. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $126.21 and a 200 day moving average price of $126.17. 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, Inc. has a 12 month low of $108.94 and a 12 month high of $139.67.

EOG Resources Dividend Announcement

EOG Resources ( NYSE:EOG Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 1st. The energy exploration company reported $3.16 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.98 by $0.18. EOG Resources had a return on equity of 25.42% and a net margin of 30.33%. The firm had revenue of $6.03 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $6.07 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $2.49 EPS. The firms revenue was up 8.1% on a year-over-year basis. On average, research analysts forecast that EOG Resources, Inc. will post 12.2 earnings per share for the current year.

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, October 31st. Stockholders of record on Thursday, October 17th will be paid a $0.91 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, October 17th. This represents a $3.64 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.09%. EOG Resourcess payout ratio is 28.75%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of brokerages have issued reports on EOG. Citigroup upped their target price on EOG Resources from $124.00 to $130.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, May 24th. KeyCorp assumed coverage on EOG Resources in a research report on Thursday, June 27th. They issued an overweight rating and a $157.00 target price on the stock. StockNews.com raised EOG Resources from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Monday, August 5th. Royal Bank of Canada reissued a sector perform rating and set a $147.00 price target on shares of EOG Resources in a research report on Wednesday, July 10th. Finally, UBS Group upped their price target on EOG Resources from $166.00 to $167.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, August 20th. Thirteen investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, eight have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $143.95.

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Insider Transactions at EOG Resources

In other news, EVP Michael P. Donaldson sold 11,037 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, August 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $129.50, for a total value of $1,429,291.50. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 74,250 shares of the companys stock, valued at $9,615,375. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. In other news, Director Charles R. Crisp sold 6,500 shares of the companys 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 $7,648,035.20. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, EVP Michael P. Donaldson sold 11,037 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, August 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $129.50, for a total value of $1,429,291.50. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 74,250 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $9,615,375. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last quarter, insiders sold 21,537 shares of company stock valued at $2,751,612. 0.30% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

About EOG Resources

(Free Report)

EOG Resources, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, explores for, develops, produces, and markets crude oil, natural gas liquids, and natural gas primarily in producing basins in the United States, the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and internationally. The company was formerly known as Enron Oil & Gas Company.

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Illinois Tool Works (NYSE:ITW  Get Free Report) and Revolution Acceleration Acquisition (OTCMKTS:RAACU  Get Free Report) are both industrial products companies, but which is the superior investment? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their profitability, institutional ownership, valuation, earnings, dividends, risk and analyst recommendations.

Valuation & Earnings

This table compares Illinois Tool Works and Revolution Acceleration Acquisitions top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

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Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Illinois Tool Works $16.01 billion 4.60 $2.96 billion $10.14 24.35 Revolution Acceleration Acquisition N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Illinois Tool Works has higher revenue and earnings than Revolution Acceleration Acquisition.

Profitability

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Illinois Tool Works 19.15% 99.74% 19.26% Revolution Acceleration Acquisition N/A N/A N/A

Insider & Institutional Ownership

This table compares Illinois Tool Works and Revolution Acceleration Acquisitions net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

79.8% of Illinois Tool Works shares are owned by institutional investors. 0.9% of Illinois Tool Works shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a stock is poised for long-term growth.

Analyst Recommendations

This is a breakdown of recent ratings and recommmendations for Illinois Tool Works and Revolution Acceleration Acquisition, as reported by MarketBeat.com.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Illinois Tool Works 3 4 2 1 2.10 Revolution Acceleration Acquisition 0 0 0 0 N/A

Illinois Tool Works currently has a consensus price target of $250.22, suggesting a potential upside of 1.36%. Given Illinois Tool Works higher possible upside, research analysts plainly believe Illinois Tool Works is more favorable than Revolution Acceleration Acquisition.

Summary

Illinois Tool Works beats Revolution Acceleration Acquisition on 9 of the 9 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Illinois Tool Works

(Get Free Report)

Illinois Tool Works Inc. manufactures and sells industrial products and equipment in the United States and internationally. It operates through seven segments: Automotive OEM; Food Equipment; Test & Measurement and Electronics; Welding; Polymers & Fluids; Construction Products; and Specialty Products. The Automotive OEM segment offers plastic and metal components, fasteners, and assemblies for automobiles, light trucks, and other industrial uses. The Food Equipment segment provides warewashing, refrigeration, cooking, and food processing equipment; kitchen exhaust, ventilation, and pollution control systems; and food equipment maintenance and repair services. The Test & Measurement and Electronics segment produces and sells equipment, consumables, and related software for testing and measuring of materials and structures, as well as equipment and consumables used in the production of electronic subassemblies and microelectronics. The Welding segment produces arc welding equipment; and metal arc welding consumables and related accessories. The Polymers & Fluids segment produces adhesives, sealants, lubrication and cutting fluids, and fluids and polymers for auto aftermarket maintenance and appearance. The Construction Products segment offers engineered fastening systems and solutions for the residential construction, renovation/remodel, and commercial construction markets. The Specialty Products segment provides beverage packaging equipment and consumables, product coding and marking equipment and consumables, and appliance components and fasteners. It serves the automotive OEM and tiers, MRO, commercial food equipment, construction, general industrial, industrial capital goods, consumer durables, automotive aftermarket end, and other markets. The company distributes its products directly to industrial manufacturers, as well as through independent distributors. Illinois Tool Works Inc. was founded in 1912 and is based in Glenview, Illinois.

About Revolution Acceleration Acquisition

(Get Free Report)

Revolution Acceleration Acquisition Corp does not have significant operations. It intends to effect a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization, or similar business combination with one or more businesses. The company was formerly known as Acceleration Acquisition Corporation and changed its name to Revolution Acceleration Acquisition Corp in November 2020. Revolution Acceleration Acquisition Corp was incorporated in 2020 and is based in Washington, District of Columbia.

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Forsta AP Fonden trimmed its position in Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT  Free Report) by 7.4% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 383,600 shares of the healthcare product makers stock after selling 30,700 shares during the quarter. Forsta AP Fondens holdings in Abbott Laboratories were worth $39,860,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other large investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Encompass More Asset Management raised its stake in Abbott Laboratories by 3.3% during the 2nd quarter. Encompass More Asset Management now owns 3,002 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $312,000 after purchasing an additional 96 shares during the period. Wynn Capital LLC raised its position in Abbott Laboratories by 2.9% during the first quarter. Wynn Capital LLC now owns 3,427 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $390,000 after buying an additional 98 shares during the period. NORTHSTAR ASSET MANAGEMENT Co LLC lifted its stake in Abbott Laboratories by 1.9% in the 1st quarter. NORTHSTAR ASSET MANAGEMENT Co LLC now owns 5,396 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $613,000 after acquiring an additional 100 shares in the last quarter. Hummer Financial Advisory Services Inc boosted its position in Abbott Laboratories by 1.2% during the 1st quarter. Hummer Financial Advisory Services Inc now owns 8,290 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $942,000 after acquiring an additional 100 shares during the period. Finally, Addison Capital Co increased its holdings in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 5.4% in the 1st quarter. Addison Capital Co now owns 1,950 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $222,000 after purchasing an additional 100 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 75.18% of the companys stock.

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Abbott Laboratories Stock Down 0.5 %

ABT opened at $116.55 on Thursday. The firm has a market cap of $202.75 billion, a P/E ratio of 36.31, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.83 and a beta of 0.72. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33, a quick ratio of 1.18 and a current ratio of 1.68. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $108.70 and a 200 day moving average price of $108.69. Abbott Laboratories has a twelve month low of $89.67 and a twelve month high of $121.64.

Abbott Laboratories Announces Dividend

Abbott Laboratories ( NYSE:ABT Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, July 18th. The healthcare product maker reported $1.14 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.10 by $0.04. The business had revenue of $10.38 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $10.37 billion. Abbott Laboratories had a net margin of 13.65% and a return on equity of 20.18%. Abbott Laboratoriess quarterly revenue was up 4.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $1.08 EPS. Research analysts forecast that Abbott Laboratories will post 4.66 EPS for the current year.

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, August 15th. Investors of record on Monday, July 15th were given a dividend of $0.55 per share. The ex-dividend date was Monday, July 15th. This represents a $2.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.89%. Abbott Laboratoriess dividend payout ratio is presently 68.54%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of brokerages recently commented on ABT. The Goldman Sachs Group assumed coverage on shares of Abbott Laboratories in a research report on Thursday, May 30th. They set a buy rating and a $121.00 price objective on the stock. Barclays upped 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. Evercore ISI reduced their price objective on Abbott Laboratories from $125.00 to $120.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, July 2nd. Royal Bank of Canada reaffirmed an outperform rating and issued a $125.00 target price on shares of Abbott Laboratories in a research report on Tuesday, June 4th. Finally, Citigroup boosted their price target on Abbott Laboratories from $119.00 to $127.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, August 22nd. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $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.

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Fortis (TSE:FTS  Get Free Report) was upgraded by analysts at UBS Group to a strong sell rating in a note issued to investors on Tuesday, Zacks.com reports.

A number of other analysts also recently issued reports on FTS. BMO Capital Markets raised their target price on Fortis from C$59.00 to C$61.00 in a research report on Thursday, September 5th. CIBC lifted their price target on Fortis from C$57.00 to C$59.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, August 1st. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price target on Fortis from C$52.00 to C$53.00 in a research report on Thursday, July 25th. Scotiabank lifted their price target on Fortis from C$56.00 to C$63.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research report on Tuesday, August 20th. Finally, National Bankshares lifted their price target on Fortis from C$56.00 to C$62.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research report on Friday, August 23rd. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have issued a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of C$59.10.

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View Our Latest Analysis on Fortis

Fortis Stock Performance

TSE:FTS traded up C$0.23 during trading hours on Tuesday, reaching C$60.98. The stock had a trading volume of 26,872 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,648,149. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 128.59, a quick ratio of 0.36 and a current ratio of 0.69. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of C$57.82 and a 200 day simple moving average of C$55.16. Fortis has a 12-month low of C$49.82 and a 12-month high of C$61.30. The stock has a market cap of C$30.20 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.11, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.80 and a beta of 0.22.

Fortis (TSE:FTS  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, July 31st. The company reported C$0.67 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of C$0.65 by C$0.02. Fortis had a return on equity of 7.44% and a net margin of 14.35%. The business had revenue of C$2.67 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of C$2.71 billion. On average, research analysts forecast that Fortis will post 3.3416115 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Fortis news, Senior Officer James Reid sold 19,972 shares of Fortis stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of C$59.46, for a total transaction of C$1,187,493.18. Corporate insiders own 0.04% of the companys stock.

About Fortis

(Get Free Report)

Fortis Inc operates as an electric and gas utility company in Canada, the United States, and the Caribbean countries. It generates, transmits, and distributes electricity to approximately 447,000 retail customers in southeastern Arizona; and 103,000 retail customers in Arizonas Mohave and Santa Cruz counties with an aggregate capacity of 3,408 megawatts (MW), including 68 MW of solar capacity and 250 MV of wind capacity.

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Shares of Highwoods Properties, Inc. (NYSE:HIW  Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Thursday after Wells Fargo & Company raised their price target on the stock from $22.00 to $32.00. Wells Fargo & Company currently has an equal weight rating on the stock. Highwoods Properties traded as high as $32.44 and last traded at $32.41, with a volume of 5696 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $32.12.

Several other brokerages also recently weighed in on HIW. Truist Financial upped their target price on Highwoods Properties from $29.00 to $33.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 30th. Robert W. Baird upped their price target on Highwoods Properties from $27.00 to $30.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, July 31st. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have assigned a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $27.29.

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Read Our Latest Report on HIW

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Highwoods Properties

Highwoods Properties Stock Up 0.9 %

Large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Riverview Trust Co bought a new position in Highwoods Properties in the 1st quarter worth approximately $34,000. Abich Financial Wealth Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of Highwoods Properties by 45.5% during the first quarter. Abich Financial Wealth Management LLC now owns 1,855 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $49,000 after purchasing an additional 580 shares during the period. Versant Capital Management Inc raised its stake in shares of Highwoods Properties by 141.3% during the second quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc now owns 2,073 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $54,000 after purchasing an additional 1,214 shares in the last quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC raised its stake in shares of Highwoods Properties by 63.3% during the first quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 3,766 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $99,000 after purchasing an additional 1,460 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Pathway Financial Advisers LLC acquired a new stake in Highwoods Properties in the first quarter worth about $107,000. 96.31% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

The stock has a market cap of $3.44 billion, a P/E ratio of 26.33 and a beta of 1.26. The company has a current ratio of 1.29, a quick ratio of 1.29 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.34. The stocks 50-day moving average is $30.14 and its 200-day moving average is $27.08.

Highwoods Properties (NYSE:HIW  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, July 23rd. The real estate investment trust reported $0.59 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.90 by ($0.31). Highwoods Properties had a net margin of 18.30% and a return on equity of 6.33%. The firm had revenue of $204.74 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $205.06 million. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $0.94 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was down 1.2% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, research analysts anticipate that Highwoods Properties, Inc. will post 3.58 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Highwoods Properties Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, September 10th. Shareholders of record on Monday, August 19th were issued a dividend of $0.50 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, August 19th. This represents a $2.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 6.17%. Highwoods Propertiess payout ratio is presently 163.93%.

Highwoods Properties Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Highwoods Properties, Inc, headquartered in Raleigh, is a publicly-traded (NYSE:HIW), fully-integrated office real estate investment trust (REIT) that owns, develops, acquires, leases and manages properties primarily in the best business districts (BBDs) of Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas, Nashville, Orlando, Raleigh, Richmond and Tampa.

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Idaho Trust Bank bought a new position in shares of iShares S&P 500 Value ETF (NYSEARCA:IVE  Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund bought 5,817 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,059,000.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in IVE. Palisade Asset Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of iShares S&P 500 Value ETF during the first quarter worth about $26,000. Vima LLC bought a new stake in iShares S&P 500 Value ETF in the 4th quarter worth about $27,000. CarsonAllaria Wealth Management Ltd. grew its position in iShares S&P 500 Value ETF by 289.5% in the 1st quarter. CarsonAllaria Wealth Management Ltd. now owns 148 shares of the companys stock worth $28,000 after purchasing an additional 110 shares in the last quarter. Northwest Investment Counselors LLC bought a new stake in iShares S&P 500 Value ETF in the 1st quarter worth about $29,000. Finally, Fortis Group Advisors LLC grew its position in iShares S&P 500 Value ETF by 100.0% in the 4th quarter. Fortis Group Advisors LLC now owns 200 shares of the companys stock worth $35,000 after purchasing an additional 100 shares in the last quarter.

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iShares S&P 500 Value ETF Stock Performance

Shares of IVE stock opened at $192.22 on Thursday. iShares S&P 500 Value ETF has a 52-week low of $147.23 and a 52-week high of $196.36. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $188.91 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $184.54. The company has a market capitalization of $34.44 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 23.79 and a beta of 0.81.

About iShares S&P 500 Value ETF

iShares S&P 500 Value ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares S&P 500 Value Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the S&P 500 Value Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of the large-capitalization value sector of the United States equity market and consists of those stocks in the S&P 500 exhibiting the strongest value characteristics.

Further Reading

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Idaho Trust Bank acquired a new position in iShares MSCI Netherlands ETF (NYSEARCA:EWN  Free Report) in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor acquired 18,601 shares of the exchange traded funds stock, valued at approximately $934,000. Idaho Trust Bank owned approximately 0.33% of iShares MSCI Netherlands ETF at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Foundations Investment Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of iShares MSCI Netherlands ETF in the 2nd quarter worth about $897,000. Ferguson Shapiro LLC purchased a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI Netherlands ETF in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $860,000. Rice Partnership LLC bought a new position in iShares MSCI Netherlands ETF during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $2,591,000. Concurrent Investment Advisors LLC bought a new position in iShares MSCI Netherlands ETF during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $481,000. Finally, Fortis Group Advisors LLC purchased a new position in iShares MSCI Netherlands ETF during the second quarter valued at $4,011,000.

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iShares MSCI Netherlands ETF Trading Up 2.4 %

NYSEARCA EWN opened at $48.84 on Thursday. iShares MSCI Netherlands ETF has a 12 month low of $36.29 and a 12 month high of $53.03. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $49.57 and its 200-day moving average price is $49.71. The stock has a market cap of $278.39 million, a P/E ratio of 23.39 and a beta of 1.18.

iShares MSCI Netherlands ETF Profile

iShares MSCI Netherlands ETF, formerly iShares MSCI Netherlands Investable Market Index Fund (the Fund), is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the MSCI Netherlands Investable Market Index (the Index).

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Idaho Trust Bank bought a new position in shares of iShares MSCI Italy ETF (NYSEARCA:EWI  Free Report) during the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm bought 19,975 shares of the exchange traded funds stock, valued at approximately $716,000.

Several other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of EWI. UBS Group AG grew its position in shares of iShares MSCI Italy ETF by 18.3% during the 4th quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 189,788 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $6,440,000 after buying an additional 29,335 shares in the last quarter. Foundations Investment Advisors LLC bought a new position in iShares MSCI Italy ETF during the 2nd quarter worth about $861,000. Contravisory Investment Management Inc. purchased a new position in iShares MSCI Italy ETF during the 1st quarter valued at about $843,000. BNP Paribas Financial Markets raised its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI Italy ETF by 93.7% in the 1st quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets now owns 4,628 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $175,000 after purchasing an additional 2,239 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Jane Street Group LLC lifted its position in shares of iShares MSCI Italy ETF by 273.3% in the 1st quarter. Jane Street Group LLC now owns 633,020 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $23,878,000 after purchasing an additional 463,460 shares during the period.

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iShares MSCI Italy ETF Stock Up 0.4 %

Shares of EWI stock opened at $37.86 on Thursday. The firm has a market cap of $428.95 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.55 and a beta of 0.87. iShares MSCI Italy ETF has a 52-week low of $29.01 and a 52-week high of $39.37. The companys 50 day moving average is $37.27 and its 200 day moving average is $37.24.

iShares MSCI Italy ETF Company Profile

iShares MSCI Italy Capped ETF, formerly iShares MSCI Italy Capped Index Fund (the Fund), is an exchange traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the MSCI Italy 25/50 Index (Index). The Index consists of stocks traded primarily on the Milan Stock Exchange.

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V2X, Inc. (NYSE:VVX  Get Free Report) CFO Shawn Mural bought 937 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, September 6th. The shares were acquired at an average price of $48.00 per share, with a total value of $44,976.00. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 1,437 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $68,976. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink.

V2X Price Performance

Shares of V2X stock opened at $48.41 on Thursday. The stock has a market cap of $1.52 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -372.38 and a beta of 0.60. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.15, a quick ratio of 1.10 and a current ratio of 1.10. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $50.58 and a 200-day moving average price of $47.73. V2X, Inc. has a one year low of $37.04 and a one year high of $58.25.

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V2X (NYSE:VVX  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, August 6th. The company reported $0.83 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.84 by ($0.01). The company had revenue of $1.07 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.02 billion. V2X had a positive return on equity of 11.69% and a negative net margin of 0.30%. V2Xs revenue for the quarter was up 9.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $1.01 EPS. Equities analysts expect that V2X, Inc. will post 4.12 EPS for the current year.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On V2X

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Systematic Financial Management LP boosted its holdings in V2X by 152.7% during the 2nd quarter. Systematic Financial Management LP now owns 279,486 shares of the companys stock valued at $13,404,000 after acquiring an additional 168,886 shares during the period. Algert Global LLC purchased a new position in V2X during the 2nd quarter valued at $259,000. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company boosted its holdings in V2X by 6.9% during the 2nd quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company now owns 7,225 shares of the companys stock valued at $347,000 after acquiring an additional 468 shares during the period. AQR Capital Management LLC boosted its holdings in V2X by 13.6% during the 2nd quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 83,967 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,027,000 after acquiring an additional 10,046 shares during the period. Finally, Sei Investments Co. boosted its holdings in V2X by 243.3% during the 2nd quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 73,653 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,532,000 after acquiring an additional 52,197 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 95.18% of the companys stock.

A number of analysts have issued reports on the company. Royal Bank of Canada reaffirmed an outperform rating and issued a $55.00 price objective on shares of V2X in a research note on Wednesday, August 7th. JMP Securities reaffirmed a market outperform rating and issued a $65.00 price objective on shares of V2X in a research note on Friday, May 17th.

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About V2X

(Get Free Report)

V2X, Inc provides critical mission solutions and support services to defense clients worldwide. It offers a suite of integrated solutions across the operations and logistics, aerospace, training, and technology markets to national security, defense, civilian, and international clients. The company was incorporated in 2014 and is headquartered in Mclean, Virginia.

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Ansarada Group Limited (ASX:AND  Get Free Report) insider David Pullini sold 174,846 shares of Ansarada Group stock in a transaction on Friday, September 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of A$2.50 ($1.67), for a total value of A$437,115.00 ($291,410.00).

Ansarada Group Price Performance

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 9.99, a current ratio of 1.20 and a quick ratio of 1.04.

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Ansarada Group Company Profile

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Ansarada Group Limited provides business to business software as a service platform for business readiness and deal execution in Australia, North America, New Zealand, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and the United Kingdom. The company's SaaS platform helps users to govern their information and processes in deals and transaction management, board management, compliance, and procurement.

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The Southern Company (NYSE:SO  Get Free Report) EVP Bryan D. Anderson sold 6,565 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, September 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $89.54, for a total value of $587,830.10. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 44,467 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,981,575.18. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website.

Southern Stock Performance

Southern stock opened at $88.77 on Thursday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.66, a current ratio of 0.91 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.66. The stock has a market cap of $97.06 billion, a PE ratio of 22.94, a P/E/G ratio of 3.17 and a beta of 0.52. The Southern Company has a 12-month low of $61.56 and a 12-month high of $90.34. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $84.70 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $77.79.

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Southern (NYSE:SO  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 1st. The utilities provider reported $1.10 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.91 by $0.19. The company had revenue of $6.46 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $6.10 billion. Southern had a net margin of 17.67% and a return on equity of 12.88%. The firms revenue was up 12.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $0.79 EPS. As a group, analysts expect that The Southern Company will post 4.01 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Southern Announces Dividend

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Southern

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 6th. Stockholders of record on Monday, August 19th were paid a $0.72 dividend. This represents a $2.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.24%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, August 19th. Southerns payout ratio is 74.42%.

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Cannon Financial Strategists Inc. bought a new position in Southern in the second quarter valued at about $762,000. Heritage Wealth Management Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Southern in the second quarter valued at approximately $372,000. Sanctuary Advisors LLC bought a new position in Southern in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $27,439,000. Gordian Capital Singapore Pte Ltd acquired a new stake in Southern during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $325,000. Finally, Strategic Investment Solutions Inc. IL bought a new stake in Southern during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $60,000. Institutional investors own 64.10% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of equities research analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. BMO Capital Markets boosted their target price on shares of Southern from $87.00 to $94.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, August 2nd. The Goldman Sachs Group boosted their price objective on shares of Southern from $83.00 to $94.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, August 2nd. Wells Fargo & Company raised their target price on shares of Southern from $77.00 to $89.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Friday, August 2nd. Morgan Stanley boosted their price target on Southern from $72.00 to $78.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Friday, August 23rd. Finally, Wolfe Research lowered Southern from an outperform rating to a peer perform rating in a research note on Friday, August 2nd. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have assigned a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Southern currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $83.71.

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Southern Company Profile

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The Southern Company, through its subsidiaries, engages in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity. The company also develops, constructs, acquires, owns, and manages power generation assets, including renewable energy projects and sells electricity in the wholesale market; and distributes natural gas in Illinois, Georgia, Virginia, and Tennessee, as well as provides gas marketing services, gas distribution operations, and gas pipeline investments operations.

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StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of International Tower Hill Mines (NYSEAMERICAN:THM  Free Report) (TSE:ITH) in a report published on Monday. The firm issued a sell rating on the mining companys stock.

International Tower Hill Mines Price Performance

THM opened at $0.51 on Monday. International Tower Hill Mines has a 1 year low of $0.31 and a 1 year high of $0.80. The firm has a market capitalization of $102.42 million, a P/E ratio of -25.65 and a beta of 1.19.

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International Tower Hill Mines (NYSEAMERICAN:THM  Get Free Report) (TSE:ITH) last announced its earnings results on Friday, August 9th. The mining company reported ($0.01) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On International Tower Hill Mines

International Tower Hill Mines Company Profile

A hedge fund recently raised its stake in International Tower Hill Mines stock. Russell Investments Group Ltd. grew its holdings in International Tower Hill Mines Ltd. ( NYSEAMERICAN:THM Free Report ) (TSE:ITH) by 1.0% during the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 2,878,009 shares of the mining companys stock after acquiring an additional 28,358 shares during the quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. owned about 1.44% of International Tower Hill Mines worth $1,984,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. 54.63% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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International Tower Hill Mines Ltd. engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties. It holds rights to acquire interests in the Livengood gold project covering an area of approximately 19,546 hectares located to the northwest of Fairbanks, Alaska. The company was formerly known as Tower Hill Mines Ltd.

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JinkoSolar (NYSE:JKS  Get Free Report) was downgraded by StockNews.com from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note issued on Tuesday.

Other equities research analysts also recently issued reports about the company. Roth Mkm reduced their price objective on JinkoSolar from $25.00 to $20.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, September 4th. The Goldman Sachs Group reduced their price objective on JinkoSolar from $21.00 to $18.00 and set a sell rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, September 3rd. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating and five have issued a hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $24.60.

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JinkoSolar Price Performance

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Shares of NYSE:JKS opened at $19.34 on Tuesday. JinkoSolar has a 1-year low of $16.70 and a 1-year high of $38.65. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.76, a current ratio of 1.08 and a quick ratio of 0.79. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $19.93 and a 200-day moving average price of $23.19. The company has a market capitalization of $1.03 billion, a PE ratio of 3.02 and a beta of 0.40.

Large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Barometer Capital Management Inc. bought a new stake in JinkoSolar in the 4th quarter worth approximately $126,000. Headlands Technologies LLC increased its stake in JinkoSolar by 607.7% in the 2nd quarter. Headlands Technologies LLC now owns 4,048 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $84,000 after acquiring an additional 3,476 shares during the last quarter. Daiwa Securities Group Inc. increased its stake in JinkoSolar by 117.1% in the 1st quarter. Daiwa Securities Group Inc. now owns 7,600 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $191,000 after acquiring an additional 4,100 shares during the last quarter. Banco BTG Pactual S.A. bought a new stake in JinkoSolar in the 1st quarter worth approximately $207,000. Finally, Harel Insurance Investments & Financial Services Ltd. increased its stake in JinkoSolar by 43.3% in the 2nd quarter. Harel Insurance Investments & Financial Services Ltd. now owns 11,659 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $242,000 after acquiring an additional 3,521 shares during the last quarter. 35.82% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About JinkoSolar

(Get Free Report)

JinkoSolar Holding Co, Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the design, development, production, and marketing of photovoltaic products. The company offers solar modules, silicon wafers, solar cells, recovered silicon materials, and silicon ingots. It also provides solar system integration services; solar power generation and solar system EPC services; and energy storage system, as well as undertakes solar power projects.

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John Bean Technologies Co. (NYSE:JBT  Free Report)  Research analysts at Zacks Research decreased their Q1 2025 EPS estimates for shares of John Bean Technologies in a research report issued on Monday, September 9th. Zacks Research analyst S. Deb now expects that the industrial products company will post earnings per share of $0.92 for the quarter, down from their previous estimate of $0.93. The consensus estimate for John Bean Technologies current full-year earnings is $5.18 per share. Zacks Research also issued estimates for John Bean Technologies Q2 2025 earnings at $1.32 EPS, Q3 2025 earnings at $1.51 EPS, FY2025 earnings at $5.60 EPS and FY2026 earnings at $5.75 EPS.

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John Bean Technologies Stock Up 0.7 %

JBT opened at $85.56 on Tuesday. John Bean Technologies has a fifty-two week low of $82.64 and a fifty-two week high of $111.43. The firm has a market capitalization of $2.72 billion, a P/E ratio of 4.57, a PEG ratio of 1.23 and a beta of 1.24. The companys 50-day moving average is $92.34 and its 200 day moving average is $94.93. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.43, a current ratio of 2.54 and a quick ratio of 1.96.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On John Bean Technologies

John Bean Technologies ( NYSE:JBT Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, July 30th. The industrial products company reported $1.05 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.24 by ($0.19). The company had revenue of $402.30 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $432.67 million. John Bean Technologies had a net margin of 36.66% and a return on equity of 9.67%. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 5.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $0.97 EPS.

Several institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of JBT. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its position in John Bean Technologies by 0.9% in the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 3,524,626 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $369,698,000 after acquiring an additional 31,798 shares during the period. Champlain Investment Partners LLC raised its holdings in shares of John Bean Technologies by 7.8% in the 1st quarter. Champlain Investment Partners LLC now owns 1,545,159 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $162,072,000 after purchasing an additional 112,035 shares during the period. Kayne Anderson Rudnick Investment Management LLC lifted its stake in John Bean Technologies by 57.5% in the second quarter. Kayne Anderson Rudnick Investment Management LLC now owns 1,279,425 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $121,507,000 after purchasing an additional 466,846 shares during the last quarter. Conestoga Capital Advisors LLC grew its holdings in John Bean Technologies by 2.7% during the second quarter. Conestoga Capital Advisors LLC now owns 951,534 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $90,367,000 after purchasing an additional 24,981 shares during the period. Finally, Dimensional Fund Advisors LP increased its position in John Bean Technologies by 2.6% in the second quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 778,178 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $73,908,000 after buying an additional 19,549 shares during the last quarter. 98.92% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

John Bean Technologies Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, September 3rd. Stockholders of record on Monday, August 19th were paid a $0.10 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, August 19th. This represents a $0.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.47%. John Bean Technologiess payout ratio is presently 2.13%.

About John Bean Technologies

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John Bean Technologies Corporation provides technology solutions to food and beverage industry in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia Pacific, and Latin America. It offers value-added processing that includes chilling, mixing/grinding, injecting, blending, marinating, tumbling, flattening, forming, portioning, coating, cooking, frying, freezing, extracting, pasteurizing, sterilizing, concentrating, high pressure processing, weighing, inspecting, filling, closing, sealing, end of line material handling, and packaging solutions to the food, beverage, and health market.

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Jupiter Asset Management Ltd. lowered its position in Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE:RCL  Free Report) by 3.9% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 255,672 shares of the companys stock after selling 10,310 shares during the quarter. Jupiter Asset Management Ltd. owned 0.10% of Royal Caribbean Cruises worth $40,762,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. increased its stake in shares of Royal Caribbean Cruises by 38.9% in the second quarter. Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. now owns 293 shares of the companys stock valued at $47,000 after buying an additional 82 shares during the period. Kowal Investment Group LLC increased its position in Royal Caribbean Cruises by 4.0% during the 1st quarter. Kowal Investment Group LLC now owns 2,286 shares of the companys stock valued at $318,000 after purchasing an additional 87 shares during the period. Pitcairn Co. increased its position in Royal Caribbean Cruises by 3.8% during the 1st quarter. Pitcairn Co. now owns 2,376 shares of the companys stock valued at $330,000 after purchasing an additional 88 shares during the period. UMB Bank n.a. increased its position in Royal Caribbean Cruises by 5.7% during the 2nd quarter. UMB Bank n.a. now owns 1,683 shares of the companys stock valued at $268,000 after purchasing an additional 91 shares during the period. Finally, Midwest Financial Group LLC increased its position in Royal Caribbean Cruises by 5.6% during the 2nd quarter. Midwest Financial Group LLC now owns 1,875 shares of the companys stock valued at $299,000 after purchasing an additional 100 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 87.53% of the companys stock.

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Insider Buying and Selling at Royal Caribbean Cruises

In related news, CFO Naftali Holtz acquired 5,350 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, August 2nd. The shares were acquired at an average cost of $140.00 per share, for a total transaction of $749,000.00. Following the purchase, the chief financial officer now owns 48,256 shares in the company, valued at $6,755,840. The acquisition was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. In related news, CFO Naftali Holtz acquired 5,350 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, August 2nd. The shares were acquired at an average cost of $140.00 per share, for a total transaction of $749,000.00. Following the purchase, the chief financial officer now owns 48,256 shares in the company, valued at $6,755,840. The acquisition was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, Director Vagn O. Sorensen sold 5,800 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, August 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $158.50, for a total value of $919,300.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 25,837 shares in the company, valued at $4,095,164.50. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Company insiders own 7.95% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

RCL has been the subject of a number of recent analyst reports. Morgan Stanley increased their target price on shares of Royal Caribbean Cruises from $140.00 to $154.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 7th. Mizuho increased their target price on shares of Royal Caribbean Cruises from $168.00 to $195.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, July 26th. Barclays increased their target price on shares of Royal Caribbean Cruises from $185.00 to $195.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, July 26th. StockNews.com upgraded Royal Caribbean Cruises from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, September 6th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company increased their price target on Royal Caribbean Cruises from $159.00 to $165.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Friday, May 17th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fourteen have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $182.13.

Check Out Our Latest Analysis on RCL

Royal Caribbean Cruises Price Performance

Shares of RCL opened at $162.15 on Thursday. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. has a 12-month low of $78.35 and a 12-month high of $173.37. The businesss fifty day moving average is $159.32 and its 200 day moving average is $147.13. The company has a quick ratio of 0.17, a current ratio of 0.19 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.20. The stock has a market cap of $41.73 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.90, a P/E/G ratio of 0.45 and a beta of 2.61.

Royal Caribbean Cruises (NYSE:RCL  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, July 25th. The company reported $3.21 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.76 by $0.45. Royal Caribbean Cruises had a return on equity of 52.49% and a net margin of 16.32%. The company had revenue of $4.10 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.05 billion. During the same period last year, the business earned $1.82 EPS. Royal Caribbean Cruisess quarterly revenue was up 16.4% compared to the same quarter last year. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. will post 11.65 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a  dividend, which will be paid on Friday, October 11th. Shareholders of record on Friday, September 20th will be paid a dividend of $0.40 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, September 20th. Royal Caribbean Cruisess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 20.62%.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Company Profile

(Free Report)

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. operates as a cruise company worldwide. The company operates cruises under the Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises brands, which comprise a range of itineraries. As of February 21, 2024, it operated 65 ships. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

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Koninklijke Philips (NYSE:PHG  Get Free Report) shares hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Thursday . The stock traded as high as $30.74 and last traded at $30.74, with a volume of 106998 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $30.46.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Separately, StockNews.com raised Koninklijke Philips from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Monday, July 15th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Koninklijke Philips currently has an average rating of Hold.

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Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Koninklijke Philips

Koninklijke Philips Stock Up 0.9 %

The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $28.26 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $25.21. The stock has a market cap of $28.87 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -31.98, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.04 and a beta of 0.73. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.60, a current ratio of 1.16 and a quick ratio of 0.74.

Koninklijke Philips (NYSE:PHG  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Monday, July 29th. The technology company reported $0.32 EPS for the quarter. The company had revenue of $4.80 billion for the quarter. Koninklijke Philips had a positive return on equity of 10.15% and a negative net margin of 2.35%. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Koninklijke Philips will post 1.5 EPS for the current year.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Koninklijke Philips

A number of institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Kitching Partners LLC boosted its position in shares of Koninklijke Philips by 3.4% during the 2nd quarter. Kitching Partners LLC now owns 10,802 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $272,000 after purchasing an additional 356 shares in the last quarter. Bruce G. Allen Investments LLC grew its holdings in shares of Koninklijke Philips by 6.1% in the second quarter. Bruce G. Allen Investments LLC now owns 6,590 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $166,000 after acquiring an additional 381 shares in the last quarter. Riverwater Partners LLC raised its stake in shares of Koninklijke Philips by 3.4% during the 2nd quarter. Riverwater Partners LLC now owns 16,201 shares of the technology companys stock worth $408,000 after purchasing an additional 534 shares during the period. Holderness Investments Co. boosted its stake in Koninklijke Philips by 3.4% in the second quarter. Holderness Investments Co. now owns 16,807 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $424,000 after acquiring an additional 546 shares during the last quarter. Finally, EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of Koninklijke Philips by 7.3% in the second quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 8,084 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $204,000 after buying an additional 550 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 13.67% of the companys stock.

About Koninklijke Philips

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Koninklijke Philips N.V. operates as a health technology company in North America, the Greater China, and internationally. The company operates through Diagnosis & Treatment Businesses, Connected Care Businesses, and Personal Health Businesses segments. It also provides diagnostic imaging solutions, includes magnetic resonance imaging, X-ray systems, and computed tomography (CT) systems and software comprising detector-based spectral CT solutions, as well as molecular and hybrid imaging solutions for nuclear medicine; echography solutions focused on diagnosis, treatment planning and guidance for cardiology, general imaging, obstetrics/gynecology, and point-of-care applications; integrated interventional systems, and interventional diagnostic and therapeutic devices to treat coronary artery and peripheral vascular disease.

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Matador Resources (NYSE:MTDR  Get Free Report) COO Christopher P. Calvert bought 1,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, September 9th. The stock was purchased at an average price of $50.30 per share, for a total transaction of $50,300.00. Following the transaction, the chief operating officer now owns 32,700 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,644,810. The purchase was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink.

Matador Resources Stock Up 0.6 %

Matador Resources stock opened at $49.49 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.41, a current ratio of 0.86 and a quick ratio of 0.82. The stock has a market capitalization of $6.18 billion, a PE ratio of 6.78 and a beta of 3.27. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $57.64 and a 200-day simple moving average of $61.32. Matador Resources has a 12 month low of $48.22 and a 12 month high of $71.08.

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Matador Resources (NYSE:MTDR  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, July 23rd. The energy company reported $2.05 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.76 by $0.29. The company had revenue of $847.14 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $822.55 million. Matador Resources had a net margin of 29.01% and a return on equity of 21.12%. The firms revenue was up 32.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $1.42 EPS. On average, analysts anticipate that Matador Resources will post 7.83 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Matador Resources Dividend Announcement

Analyst Ratings Changes

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, September 5th. Investors of record on Thursday, August 15th were given a dividend of $0.20 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, August 15th. This represents a $0.80 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.62%. Matador Resourcess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 10.96%.

Several analysts have commented on MTDR shares. Stephens decreased their price objective on shares of Matador Resources from $83.00 to $81.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, July 24th. Royal Bank of Canada restated an outperform rating and set a $75.00 target price on shares of Matador Resources in a research report on Thursday, July 25th. Truist Financial cut their price target on Matador Resources from $91.00 to $86.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, July 22nd. Benchmark reissued a buy rating and issued a $62.00 price objective on shares of Matador Resources in a report on Wednesday, July 24th. Finally, Mizuho raised their target price on Matador Resources from $83.00 to $85.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Friday, June 14th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $78.17.

Read Our Latest Stock Report on Matador Resources

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Matador Resources by 0.9% during the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 11,124,705 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $742,797,000 after acquiring an additional 103,713 shares during the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP raised its stake in Matador Resources by 8.1% in the 2nd quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 4,734,819 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $282,196,000 after purchasing an additional 356,506 shares during the last quarter. Clearbridge Investments LLC lifted its holdings in Matador Resources by 10.5% in the 2nd quarter. Clearbridge Investments LLC now owns 2,250,036 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $134,102,000 after purchasing an additional 214,334 shares in the last quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. lifted its holdings in Matador Resources by 31.7% in the 4th quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 2,206,041 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $125,435,000 after purchasing an additional 531,504 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. boosted its stake in Matador Resources by 3.6% during the 4th quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 1,480,882 shares of the energy companys stock worth $84,203,000 after purchasing an additional 52,005 shares during the last quarter. 91.98% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About Matador Resources

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Matador Resources Company, an independent energy company, engages in the exploration, development, production, and acquisition of oil and natural gas resources in the United States. It operates through two segments, Exploration and Production; and Midstream. The company primarily holds interests in the Wolfcamp and Bone Spring plays in the Delaware Basin in Southeast New Mexico and West Texas.

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Nelson Capital Management LLC boosted its position in Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE:AJG  Free Report) by 2.0% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 13,543 shares of the financial services providers stock after acquiring an additional 267 shares during the period. Nelson Capital Management LLCs holdings in Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. were worth $3,512,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. PFG Advisors grew its position in shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. by 10.4% in the 2nd quarter. PFG Advisors now owns 20,214 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $5,242,000 after buying an additional 1,907 shares during the last quarter. BOKF NA boosted its holdings in Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. by 547.1% in the second quarter. BOKF NA now owns 17,919 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $4,647,000 after acquiring an additional 15,150 shares in the last quarter. Johnson Investment Counsel Inc. purchased a new position in Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. during the 2nd quarter valued at $208,000. Y.D. More Investments Ltd bought a new position in Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. in the 2nd quarter worth $30,000. Finally, South Street Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. by 0.8% in the 2nd quarter. South Street Advisors LLC now owns 46,443 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $12,043,000 after purchasing an additional 381 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 85.53% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

AJG has been the subject of a number of research reports. Bank of America increased their price target on shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. from $233.00 to $255.00 and gave the stock an underperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, May 22nd. Piper Sandler raised their target price on Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. from $252.00 to $254.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, July 26th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods lifted their price target on Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. from $241.00 to $252.00 and gave the company an underperform rating in a research report on Friday, July 26th. Royal Bank of Canada raised their price objective on Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. from $290.00 to $310.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, July 26th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group upped their target price on shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. from $264.00 to $267.00 in a research report on Friday, July 26th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have assigned a hold rating and six have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $276.82.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. news, General Counsel Walter D. Bay sold 6,335 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, July 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $284.06, for a total transaction of $1,799,520.10. Following the completion of the sale, the general counsel now directly owns 30,053 shares in the company, valued at approximately $8,536,855.18. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. In related news, VP Scott R. Hudson sold 10,000 shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. stock in a transaction on Tuesday, June 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $263.45, for a total transaction of $2,634,500.00. Following the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 93,730 shares in the company, valued at $24,693,168.50. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, General Counsel Walter D. Bay sold 6,335 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, July 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $284.06, for a total value of $1,799,520.10. Following the completion of the sale, the general counsel now owns 30,053 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $8,536,855.18. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 48,348 shares of company stock valued at $13,342,910 over the last 90 days. Company insiders own 1.60% of the companys stock.

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Price Performance

Shares of NYSE:AJG opened at $294.65 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.67, a quick ratio of 1.04 and a current ratio of 1.04. The firm has a market cap of $64.38 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 59.65, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.47 and a beta of 0.72. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $282.01 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $260.53. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. has a fifty-two week low of $218.63 and a fifty-two week high of $300.66.

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE:AJG  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, July 25th. The financial services provider reported $2.26 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.24 by $0.02. The firm had revenue of $2.73 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.77 billion. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. had a net margin of 10.41% and a return on equity of 19.25%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 14.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $1.90 earnings per share. On average, analysts expect that Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. will post 10.16 earnings per share for the current year.

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Dividend Announcement

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 20th. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 6th will be issued a dividend of $0.60 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, September 6th. This represents a $2.40 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.81%. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.s payout ratio is 48.58%.

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Company Profile

(Free Report)

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co, together with its subsidiaries, provides insurance and reinsurance brokerage, consulting, and third-party property/casualty claims settlement and administration services to entities and individuals worldwide. It operates in Brokerage and Risk Management segments. The Brokerage segment offers retail and wholesale insurance and reinsurance brokerage services; assists retail brokers and other non-affiliated brokers in the placement of specialized and hard-to-place insurance; and acts as a brokerage wholesaler, managing general agent, and managing general underwriter for distributing specialized insurance coverages to underwriting enterprises.

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NINE MASTS CAPITAL Ltd raised its holdings in shares of HDFC Bank Limited (NYSE:HDB  Free Report) by 182.0% during the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund owned 609,974 shares of the banks stock after acquiring an additional 393,649 shares during the quarter. HDFC Bank comprises approximately 11.4% of NINE MASTS CAPITAL Ltds portfolio, making the stock its 2nd biggest holding. NINE MASTS CAPITAL Ltds holdings in HDFC Bank were worth $39,240,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the business. Thornburg Investment Management Inc. lifted its stake in shares of HDFC Bank by 45.7% during the 2nd quarter. Thornburg Investment Management Inc. now owns 772,925 shares of the banks stock valued at $49,522,000 after buying an additional 242,473 shares in the last quarter. Jupiter Asset Management Ltd. lifted its stake in shares of HDFC Bank by 15.5% during the 2nd quarter. Jupiter Asset Management Ltd. now owns 310,522 shares of the banks stock valued at $19,976,000 after buying an additional 41,762 shares in the last quarter. AGF Management Ltd. lifted its stake in HDFC Bank by 61.5% in the 2nd quarter. AGF Management Ltd. now owns 235,208 shares of the banks stock worth $15,131,000 after purchasing an additional 89,594 shares in the last quarter. Choreo LLC purchased a new stake in HDFC Bank in the 2nd quarter worth $1,175,000. Finally, Hudson Edge Investment Partners Inc. purchased a new stake in HDFC Bank in the 2nd quarter worth $51,001,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 17.61% of the companys stock.

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HDFC Bank Stock Performance

HDFC Bank stock opened at $61.17 on Thursday. The companys 50-day moving average price is $60.55 and its 200-day moving average price is $58.85. HDFC Bank Limited has a twelve month low of $52.16 and a twelve month high of $67.44. The company has a quick ratio of 0.51, a current ratio of 0.51 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.37. The company has a market cap of $113.77 billion, a PE ratio of 18.76, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.61 and a beta of 0.92.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

HDFC Bank ( NYSE:HDB Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Monday, July 22nd. The bank reported $0.78 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.51 by $0.27. HDFC Bank had a net margin of 14.69% and a return on equity of 12.64%. The firm had revenue of $14.03 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.81 billion. On average, equities research analysts forecast that HDFC Bank Limited will post 2.97 EPS for the current fiscal year.

HDB has been the topic of several research analyst reports. StockNews.com cut shares of HDFC Bank from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Thursday, June 13th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. downgraded shares of HDFC Bank from an overweight rating to a neutral rating in a report on Monday, July 22nd.

Read Our Latest Analysis on HDB

HDFC Bank Profile

(Free Report)

HDFC Bank Limited provides banking and financial services to individuals and businesses in India, Bahrain, Hong Kong, and Dubai. The company operates in three segments: Wholesale Banking, Retail Banking, and Treasury Services. It accepts savings, salary, current, rural, public provident fund, pension, and demat accounts; fixed and recurring deposits; and safe deposit lockers, as well as offshore accounts and deposits, and overdrafts against fixed deposits.

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NU (NYSE:NU  Get Free Report) had its price target boosted by Bank of America from $12.80 to $15.00 in a report released on Thursday, Benzinga reports. The brokerage presently has a neutral rating on the stock. Bank of Americas target price would suggest a potential upside of 3.88% from the companys previous close.

Other equities research analysts have also issued reports about the stock. Jefferies Financial Group increased their target price on shares of NU from $10.80 to $15.20 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Monday, June 24th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their target price on NU from $14.50 to $15.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, August 19th. Susquehanna reiterated a positive rating and issued a $16.00 target price on shares of NU in a research note on Thursday, August 15th. Barclays lifted their price target on NU from $15.00 to $17.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, August 16th. Finally, UBS Group lowered NU from a buy rating to a neutral rating and set a $13.50 target price on the stock. in a research note on Friday, August 2nd. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, NU presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $14.08.

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NU Price Performance

Shares of NU stock traded up $0.16 during trading hours on Thursday, reaching $14.44. The stock had a trading volume of 12,580,027 shares, compared to its average volume of 33,412,281. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $13.24 and its 200 day simple moving average is $12.21. The company has a current ratio of 0.49, a quick ratio of 0.49 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.25. NU has a 12 month low of $6.77 and a 12 month high of $15.10. The firm has a market capitalization of $68.82 billion, a PE ratio of 55.54, a PEG ratio of 0.66 and a beta of 1.17.

NU (NYSE:NU  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, August 13th. The company reported $0.12 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.10 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $2.85 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.90 billion. NU had a net margin of 15.11% and a return on equity of 27.00%. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $0.05 earnings per share. On average, equities research analysts predict that NU will post 0.4 EPS for the current year.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Bleakley Financial Group LLC acquired a new position in shares of NU in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $152,000. Wasatch Advisors LP boosted its stake in shares of NU by 19.4% in the 4th quarter. Wasatch Advisors LP now owns 23,949,214 shares of the companys stock valued at $199,497,000 after purchasing an additional 3,886,442 shares during the last quarter. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd. bought a new stake in shares of NU in the 1st quarter valued at $1,958,000. Vaughan Nelson Investment Management L.P. boosted its stake in shares of NU by 499.9% in the 2nd quarter. Vaughan Nelson Investment Management L.P. now owns 413,165 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,326,000 after purchasing an additional 344,295 shares during the last quarter. Finally, BNP PARIBAS ASSET MANAGEMENT Holding S.A. acquired a new position in shares of NU during the 1st quarter valued at $597,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 80.90% of the companys stock.

About NU

(Get Free Report)

Nu Holdings Ltd. provides digital banking platform and digital financial services in Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, and internationally. It offers Nu credit and debit cards; Ultraviolet credit and debit cards; and mobile payment solutions for NuAccount customers to make and receive transfers, pay bills, and make everyday purchases through their mobile phones.

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ON24, Inc. (NYSE:ONTF  Get Free Report) CRO James Blackie sold 1,901 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, September 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $5.91, for a total value of $11,234.91. Following the transaction, the executive now directly owns 427,176 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,524,610.16. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link.

James Blackie also recently made the following trade(s):

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On Thursday, September 5th, James Blackie sold 2,238 shares of ON24 stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $6.16, for a total value of $13,786.08.

On Tuesday, September 3rd, James Blackie sold 4,376 shares of ON24 stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $6.35, for a total value of $27,787.60.

ON24 Price Performance

Shares of ONTF stock opened at $5.87 on Thursday. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $6.21 and its 200 day simple moving average is $6.37. ON24, Inc. has a one year low of $5.37 and a one year high of $8.35. The stock has a market capitalization of $245.75 million, a PE ratio of -5.64 and a beta of 0.47.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

ON24 ( NYSE:ONTF Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, August 6th. The company reported ($0.26) EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($0.16) by ($0.10). ON24 had a negative net margin of 28.14% and a negative return on equity of 21.81%. The company had revenue of $37.35 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $36.31 million. As a group, research analysts expect that ON24, Inc. will post -0.73 earnings per share for the current year.

Several analysts have recently weighed in on the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their price target on ON24 from $8.00 to $7.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, August 7th. Needham & Company LLC restated a hold rating on shares of ON24 in a report on Wednesday, August 7th.

Read Our Latest Research Report on ONTF

Institutional Trading of ON24

Several institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in ONTF. Marshall Wace LLP bought a new stake in ON24 in the second quarter valued at approximately $72,000. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company boosted its holdings in ON24 by 19.1% in the second quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company now owns 13,477 shares of the companys stock valued at $81,000 after acquiring an additional 2,158 shares during the last quarter. Quadrature Capital Ltd boosted its holdings in shares of ON24 by 8.9% during the 1st quarter. Quadrature Capital Ltd now owns 29,353 shares of the companys stock worth $209,000 after buying an additional 2,401 shares in the last quarter. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC bought a new position in shares of ON24 during the 4th quarter worth approximately $375,000. Finally, Cubist Systematic Strategies LLC boosted its holdings in shares of ON24 by 8.8% during the 2nd quarter. Cubist Systematic Strategies LLC now owns 65,690 shares of the companys stock worth $395,000 after buying an additional 5,337 shares in the last quarter. 83.93% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

ON24 Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

ON24, Inc provides a cloud-based intelligent engagement platform that enables businesses to convert customer engagement into revenue through interactive webinar, virtual event, and multimedia content experiences worldwide. The company provides ON24 Elite, for live and interactive webinar experience; ON24 Breakouts, for live breakout room experience that facilitates networking, collaboration, and interactivity between users; ON24 Forums, for live and interactive experience, which facilitates video-to-video interaction between presenters and audiences; ON24 Go Live, for live and interactive video event experience that enables presenters and attendees to engage face-to-face in real-time; and ON24 Virtual Confrence, for live and large scale managed virtual event experience.

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Shares of OneMain Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:OMF  Get Free Report) saw unusually-high trading volume on Tuesday . Approximately 1,167,021 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 22% from the previous sessions volume of 956,956 shares.The stock last traded at $43.53 and had previously closed at $43.96.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

OMF has been the subject of several research analyst reports. BTIG Research initiated coverage on OneMain in a report on Friday, June 7th. They issued a neutral rating for the company. JMP Securities lifted their price objective on OneMain from $59.00 to $60.00 and gave the stock a market outperform rating in a report on Tuesday, July 16th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price objective on OneMain from $52.00 to $54.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Monday, July 8th. Barclays reduced their price objective on OneMain from $55.00 to $52.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, July 9th. Finally, Northland Securities boosted their price target on OneMain from $53.00 to $55.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a research note on Thursday, August 1st. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $54.83.

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Check Out Our Latest Analysis on OMF

OneMain Trading Up 1.1 %

The stock has a market cap of $5.31 billion, a P/E ratio of 8.56, a P/E/G ratio of 0.69 and a beta of 1.56. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $48.40 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $48.79.

OneMain (NYSE:OMF  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 31st. The financial services provider reported $1.02 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.90 by $0.12. The company had revenue of $1.22 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $918.74 million. OneMain had a return on equity of 20.63% and a net margin of 12.33%. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $1.01 EPS. As a group, equities analysts forecast that OneMain Holdings, Inc. will post 5.25 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

OneMain Dividend Announcement

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, August 16th. Stockholders of record on Monday, August 12th were given a dividend of $1.04 per share. This represents a $4.16 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 9.38%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, August 12th. OneMains payout ratio is 81.09%.

Insider Transactions at OneMain

In related news, COO Micah R. Conrad sold 1,614 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, August 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $50.00, for a total transaction of $80,700.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief operating officer now directly owns 110,411 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,520,550. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In other news, COO Micah R. Conrad sold 2,500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, August 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $45.75, for a total value of $114,375.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief operating officer now directly owns 117,025 shares in the company, valued at $5,353,893.75. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, COO Micah R. Conrad sold 1,614 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $50.00, for a total value of $80,700.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief operating officer now owns 110,411 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,520,550. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders have sold 21,614 shares of company stock valued at $1,009,575. 0.45% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Institutional Trading of OneMain

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of OMF. EdgeRock Capital LLC purchased a new stake in OneMain in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $31,000. International Assets Investment Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of OneMain during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $34,000. Blue Trust Inc. raised its stake in shares of OneMain by 43.4% during the 2nd quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 743 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $38,000 after buying an additional 225 shares during the period. Edmond DE Rothschild Holding S.A. acquired a new position in shares of OneMain during the 4th quarter worth approximately $47,000. Finally, Abich Financial Wealth Management LLC raised its stake in OneMain by 46.1% in the 1st quarter. Abich Financial Wealth Management LLC now owns 963 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $49,000 after purchasing an additional 304 shares during the last quarter. 85.82% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About OneMain

(Get Free Report)

OneMain Holdings, Inc, a financial service holding company, engages in the consumer finance and insurance businesses in the United States. It originates, underwrites, and services personal loans secured by automobiles, other titled collateral, or unsecured. The company also offers credit cards; optional credit insurance products, including life, disability, and involuntary unemployment insurance; optional non-credit insurance; guaranteed asset protection coverage as a waiver product or insurance; and membership plans.

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Parex Resources Inc. (TSE:PXT  Get Free Report) Director Sigmund Cornelius purchased 10,000 shares of Parex Resources stock in a transaction on Wednesday, September 11th. The stock was bought at an average cost of C$12.10 per share, with a total value of C$121,040.00.

Sigmund Cornelius also recently made the following trade(s):

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On Wednesday, September 4th, Sigmund Cornelius acquired 7,500 shares of Parex Resources stock. The shares were bought at an average price of C$13.16 per share, for a total transaction of C$98,718.75.

Parex Resources Stock Performance

Parex Resources stock opened at C$12.05 on Thursday. The firm has a market capitalization of C$1.22 billion, a P/E ratio of 2.98, a P/E/G ratio of 0.21 and a beta of 1.45. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of C$18.27 and a two-hundred day moving average price of C$20.94. Parex Resources Inc. has a 52-week low of C$11.33 and a 52-week high of C$28.23. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.90, a current ratio of 1.14 and a quick ratio of 1.45.

Parex Resources Announces Dividend

Parex Resources ( TSE:PXT Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, July 31st. The company reported C$0.05 earnings per share for the quarter. Parex Resources had a net margin of 26.15% and a return on equity of 17.02%. The business had revenue of C$499.23 million for the quarter. As a group, analysts anticipate that Parex Resources Inc. will post 2.5941176 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 16th. Stockholders of record on Monday, September 16th will be issued a dividend of $0.385 per share. This represents a $1.54 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 12.78%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, September 9th. Parex Resourcess payout ratio is 38.02%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

PXT has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. Royal Bank of Canada downgraded Parex Resources from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating and decreased their target price for the stock from C$23.00 to C$17.00 in a research report on Thursday, August 29th. Scotiabank decreased their price objective on Parex Resources from C$23.00 to C$19.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a report on Friday, August 30th. Haywood Securities lowered their price objective on Parex Resources from C$33.00 to C$25.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, August 30th. Eight Capital cut Parex Resources from a buy rating to a neutral rating and reduced their target price for the stock from C$32.50 to C$16.00 in a research report on Friday, August 30th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group lowered their price target on shares of Parex Resources from C$23.80 to C$19.50 in a report on Thursday, August 29th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of C$25.27.

Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Parex Resources

About Parex Resources

(Get Free Report)

Parex Resources Inc engages in the exploration, development, production, and marketing of oil and natural gas in Colombia. The company's principal land holdings and exploration blocks are in Colombia Llanos and Magdalena Basin. It has 55% working interest in Block LLA-34; 100% working interest in Cabrestero Block; and 50% working interest in Capachos Block and Block VIM-1.

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PHX Minerals (NYSE:PHX  Get Free Report) is scheduled to be posting its quarterly earnings results before the market opens on Friday, September 13th. Analysts expect PHX Minerals to post earnings of $0.01 per share for the quarter.

PHX Minerals (NYSE:PHX  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, August 7th. The oil and gas producer reported $0.04 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.02 by $0.02. The company had revenue of $9.54 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $7.40 million. PHX Minerals had a return on equity of 5.35% and a net margin of 14.38%. During the same period last year, the firm earned ($0.02) EPS.

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PHX Minerals Price Performance

NYSE:PHX opened at $3.34 on Thursday. The company has a quick ratio of 3.98, a current ratio of 3.98 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.23. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $3.32 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $3.27. The stock has a market cap of $125.11 million, a PE ratio of 30.36 and a beta of 0.57. PHX Minerals has a 52 week low of $2.95 and a 52 week high of $3.81.

PHX Minerals Increases Dividend

About PHX Minerals

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 6th. Stockholders of record on Friday, August 23rd were issued a $0.04 dividend. This represents a $0.16 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.79%. This is a boost from PHX Mineralss previous quarterly dividend of $0.03. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, August 23rd. PHX Mineralss payout ratio is 145.45%.

(Get Free Report)

PHX Minerals Inc operates as a natural gas and oil mineral company in the United States. The company produces and sells natural gas, crude oil, and natural gas liquids. Its principal properties are located in Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana, North Dakota, and Arkansas. The company sells its products to various purchasers, including pipeline and marketing companies.

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PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund (NYSE:PCQ  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large growth in short interest in August. As of August 31st, there was short interest totalling 8,300 shares, a growth of 1,085.7% from the August 15th total of 700 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 53,700 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.2 days.

PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund Trading Up 0.4 %

NYSE PCQ traded up $0.04 during trading hours on Thursday, reaching $9.94. 137,650 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 58,276. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $9.51 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $9.38. PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund has a 1 year low of $8.19 and a 1 year high of $10.02.

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PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund Dividend Announcement

The company also recently announced a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 1st. Shareholders of record on Friday, September 13th will be paid a $0.036 dividend. This represents a $0.43 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.35%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, September 13th.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

About PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of PCQ. Nomura Holdings Inc. bought a new stake in shares of PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund in the 4th quarter valued at about $97,000. Mechanics Bank Trust Department bought a new stake in PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund in the first quarter valued at approximately $104,000. Mercer Global Advisors Inc. ADV bought a new stake in PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund in the second quarter valued at approximately $115,000. Wedbush Securities Inc. boosted its stake in shares of PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund by 22.5% during the second quarter. Wedbush Securities Inc. now owns 21,841 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $206,000 after purchasing an additional 4,012 shares during the period. Finally, Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC grew its holdings in shares of PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund by 12.2% in the second quarter. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC now owns 23,000 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $217,000 after purchasing an additional 2,500 shares during the last quarter.

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PIMCO California Municipal Income Fund is a closed ended fixed income mutual fund launched and managed by Allianz Global Investors Fund Management LLC. It is co-managed by Pacific Investment Management Company LLC. The fund invests in fixed income markets of the United States. It seeks to invest in stocks of companies operating across diversified sectors.

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Mitchell Sinkler & Starr PA increased its stake in Prologis, Inc. (NYSE:PLD  Free Report) by 5.1% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 1,860 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after purchasing an additional 90 shares during the period. Mitchell Sinkler & Starr PAs holdings in Prologis were worth $228,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in PLD. Optimum Investment Advisors bought a new stake in shares of Prologis in the 1st quarter worth approximately $26,000. American Capital Advisory LLC acquired a new stake in Prologis in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $26,000. True Wealth Design LLC acquired a new stake in Prologis in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Central Valley Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Prologis in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Finally, Wetzel Investment Advisors Inc. acquired a new stake in Prologis in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $31,000. Institutional investors own 93.50% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several analysts recently commented on PLD shares. Bank of America restated a neutral rating and issued a $128.00 target price on shares of Prologis in a research report on Monday, August 12th. Royal Bank of Canada cut Prologis from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating and raised their target price for the company from $124.00 to $127.00 in a research report on Monday, August 5th. StockNews.com upgraded Prologis from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, July 18th. Argus raised their target price on Prologis from $120.00 to $135.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 23rd. Finally, Morgan Stanley lifted their price target on Prologis from $132.00 to $133.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 14th. Seven investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, ten have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $133.12.

Prologis Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE PLD opened at $130.69 on Thursday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.36, a current ratio of 0.36 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52. The stock has a market capitalization of $121.00 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 38.21, a PEG ratio of 3.27 and a beta of 1.07. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $123.77 and its 200 day simple moving average is $118.88. Prologis, Inc. has a 52-week low of $96.64 and a 52-week high of $137.52.

Prologis (NYSE:PLD  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, July 17th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.92 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.33 by ($0.41). The company had revenue of $2.01 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.86 billion. Prologis had a return on equity of 4.88% and a net margin of 36.37%. The businesss revenue was down 18.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $1.83 earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Prologis, Inc. will post 5.42 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Prologis Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 30th. Stockholders of record on Monday, September 16th will be given a $0.96 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Monday, September 16th. This represents a $3.84 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.94%. Prologiss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 112.28%.

Insider Transactions at Prologis

In other news, CIO Joseph Ghazal sold 5,200 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, August 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $129.07, for a total value of $671,164.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive now owns 13,187 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,702,046.09. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. 0.50% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Prologis Profile

(Free Report)

Prologis, Inc is the global leader in logistics real estate with a focus on high-barrier, high-growth markets. At March 31, 2024, the company owned or had investments in, on a wholly owned basis or through co-investment ventures, properties and development projects expected to total approximately 1.2 billion square feet (115 million square meters) in 19 countries.

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HealthWarehouse.com, Inc. (OTCMKTS:HEWA  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large growth in short interest during the month of August. As of August 31st, there was short interest totalling 3,600 shares, a growth of 1,100.0% from the August 15th total of 300 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 35,100 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.1 days.

HealthWarehouse.com Price Performance

Shares of HealthWarehouse.com stock remained flat at $0.08 during trading on Thursday. HealthWarehouse.com has a 52-week low of $0.08 and a 52-week high of $0.17. The stock has a market capitalization of $4.41 million, a P/E ratio of -2.00 and a beta of 0.26. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $0.09 and its 200-day simple moving average is $0.11.

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HealthWarehouse.com (OTCMKTS:HEWA  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Monday, August 12th. The technology company reported ($0.01) earnings per share for the quarter. The company had revenue of $5.78 million for the quarter.

About HealthWarehouse.com

HealthWarehouse.com, Inc operates an online and mail order pharmacy. The company markets a range of generic, brand name, and pet prescription medicines, as well as over-the-counter (OTC) medications and products. It sells its products in 50 states and the District of Columbia in the United States to focus on the out-of-pocket prescription drug market.

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Stellar AfricaGold Inc. (OTCMKTS:STLXF  Get Free Report) was the target of a large growth in short interest during the month of August. As of August 31st, there was short interest totalling 1,000 shares, a growth of 400.0% from the August 15th total of 200 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 100 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 10.0 days.

Stellar AfricaGold Price Performance

Stellar AfricaGold stock remained flat at $0.05 during mid-day trading on Thursday. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $0.06 and a 200 day moving average of $0.06. Stellar AfricaGold has a fifty-two week low of $0.02 and a fifty-two week high of $0.21.

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Stellar AfricaGold Company Profile

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Further Reading

Stellar AfricaGold Inc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the exploration and evaluation of mineral properties in Canada, Republic of Mali, and the Kingdom of Morocco. The company primarily explores for gold deposits. Stellar AfricaGold Inc was incorporated in 2006 and is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada.

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Shares of Sibanye Stillwater Limited (NYSE:SBSW  Get Free Report) dropped 6.5% on Tuesday . The stock traded as low as $3.13 and last traded at $3.15. Approximately 6,557,832 shares changed hands during trading, an increase of 13% from the average daily volume of 5,812,979 shares. The stock had previously closed at $3.37.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Separately, JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their price target on Sibanye Stillwater from $7.00 to $6.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, July 3rd. Three analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating and three have given a hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $5.67.

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Sibanye Stillwater Stock Performance

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

The company has a current ratio of 1.70, a quick ratio of 0.97 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.49. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $4.25 and a 200 day moving average price of $4.60.

Hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Marshall Wace LLP boosted its holdings in shares of Sibanye Stillwater by 3,256.8% in the second quarter. Marshall Wace LLP now owns 5,315,274 shares of the companys stock valued at $23,121,000 after acquiring an additional 5,156,931 shares during the period. Lingotto Investment Management LLP boosted its stake in Sibanye Stillwater by 28.5% during the 4th quarter. Lingotto Investment Management LLP now owns 21,967,407 shares of the companys stock worth $119,283,000 after purchasing an additional 4,865,997 shares during the period. Millennium Management LLC grew its position in Sibanye Stillwater by 65.1% during the 2nd quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 1,335,331 shares of the companys stock worth $5,809,000 after purchasing an additional 526,724 shares during the last quarter. Cubist Systematic Strategies LLC increased its stake in Sibanye Stillwater by 53.2% in the second quarter. Cubist Systematic Strategies LLC now owns 1,007,988 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,385,000 after purchasing an additional 349,835 shares during the period. Finally, Headlands Technologies LLC raised its holdings in shares of Sibanye Stillwater by 685.5% in the second quarter. Headlands Technologies LLC now owns 375,660 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,634,000 after buying an additional 327,837 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 34.93% of the companys stock.

About Sibanye Stillwater

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Sibanye Stillwater Limited, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a precious metals mining company in South Africa, the United States, Europe, and Australia. The company produces gold; platinum group metals (PGMs), including palladium, platinum, rhodium, iridium, and ruthenium; chrome; nickel; and silver, cobalt, and copper.

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Barings LLC decreased its holdings in Southern Copper Co. (NYSE:SCCO  Free Report) by 13.2% during the second quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 55,143 shares of the basic materials companys stock after selling 8,420 shares during the period. Barings LLCs holdings in Southern Copper were worth $5,941,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the stock. Capital World Investors acquired a new stake in shares of Southern Copper in the 1st quarter valued at $340,373,000. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD boosted its stake in shares of Southern Copper by 18.1% during the 1st quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 7,771,332 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $827,804,000 after acquiring an additional 1,192,111 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank acquired a new position in shares of Southern Copper during the 4th quarter valued at about $71,802,000. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. increased its holdings in shares of Southern Copper by 54.6% during the 1st quarter. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. now owns 1,541,396 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $164,190,000 after acquiring an additional 544,312 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Los Angeles Capital Management LLC raised its stake in shares of Southern Copper by 1,300.4% in the 2nd quarter. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC now owns 443,285 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $47,760,000 after acquiring an additional 411,630 shares in the last quarter. 7.94% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Southern Copper Stock Performance

SCCO opened at $96.44 on Thursday. Southern Copper Co. has a 1 year low of $68.93 and a 1 year high of $129.79. The company has a current ratio of 2.81, a quick ratio of 2.27 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.67. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $104.03 and its 200-day simple moving average is $106.81. The stock has a market cap of $75.33 billion, a PE ratio of 32.04, a P/E/G ratio of 0.96 and a beta of 1.17.

Southern Copper Dividend Announcement

Southern Copper ( NYSE:SCCO Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Friday, July 19th. The basic materials company reported $1.22 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.13 by $0.09. Southern Copper had a return on equity of 34.98% and a net margin of 26.15%. The company had revenue of $3.12 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.96 billion. Sell-side analysts forecast that Southern Copper Co. will post 4.33 EPS for the current year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, August 26th. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 9th were paid a dividend of $0.60 per share. The ex-dividend date was Friday, August 9th. This represents a $2.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.49%. Southern Coppers dividend payout ratio is 79.73%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

SCCO has been the topic of several analyst reports. UBS Group initiated coverage on Southern Copper in a report on Friday, July 12th. They set a neutral rating and a $120.00 price target on the stock. Scotiabank cut their target price on shares of Southern Copper from $55.00 to $54.00 and set a sector underperform rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, May 21st. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Southern Copper from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, May 15th. Finally, Morgan Stanley lifted their price objective on Southern Copper from $81.70 to $100.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a research note on Friday, June 21st. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, one has assigned a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Southern Copper presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $89.57.

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Southern Copper Company Profile

(Free Report)

Southern Copper Corporation engages in mining, exploring, smelting, and refining copper and other minerals in Peru, Mexico, Argentina, Ecuador, and Chile. The company is involved in the mining, milling, and flotation of copper ore to produce copper and molybdenum concentrates; smelting of copper concentrates to produce blister and anode copper; refining of anode copper to produce copper cathodes; production of molybdenum concentrate and sulfuric acid; production of refined silver, gold, and other materials; and mining and processing of zinc, copper, molybdenum, silver, gold, and lead.

Further Reading

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SCCO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Southern Copper Co. (NYSE:SCCO  Free Report).

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Standard Bank Group Limited (OTCMKTS:SGBLY  Get Free Report) declared a dividend on Saturday, September 7th, investing.com reports. Stockholders of record on Monday, September 16th will be paid a dividend of 0.314 per share on Thursday, September 26th. This represents a dividend yield of 4.53%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, September 13th. This is a boost from Standard Bank Groups previous dividend of $0.29.

Standard Bank Group Price Performance

Standard Bank Group stock traded down $0.14 during midday trading on Thursday, hitting $13.23. 41,217 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 29,636. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $12.46 and its 200 day simple moving average is $10.98. Standard Bank Group has a fifty-two week low of $8.69 and a fifty-two week high of $13.81.

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Standard Bank Group Company Profile

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Standard Bank Group Limited provides banking and financial products and services in South Africa and internationally. It offers transactional accounts and digital banking platforms; personal and business lending solutions to enhance cash flow; finance for buying, building, and maintaining home; foreign exchange services; trusts and third-party administration accounts; workplace solutions, such as payroll and HR, financial planning, and employer value banking; merchant solutions, including point-of-sale, ecommerce, digital payments, payment processing, and small business support; and cash management services.

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State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund D cut its position in McDonalds Co. (NYSE:MCD  Free Report) by 36.1% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 266,048 shares of the fast-food giants stock after selling 150,387 shares during the quarter. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund Ds holdings in McDonalds were worth $67,800,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in MCD. Concentric Wealth Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of McDonalds by 1.4% in the 4th quarter. Concentric Wealth Management LLC now owns 2,551 shares of the fast-food giants stock worth $756,000 after purchasing an additional 35 shares during the last quarter. FinTrust Capital Advisors LLC grew its holdings in shares of McDonalds by 2.9% in the 4th quarter. FinTrust Capital Advisors LLC now owns 1,268 shares of the fast-food giants stock worth $376,000 after purchasing an additional 36 shares during the last quarter. 9258 Wealth Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of McDonalds by 1.3% in the 1st quarter. 9258 Wealth Management LLC now owns 2,833 shares of the fast-food giants stock worth $799,000 after purchasing an additional 37 shares during the last quarter. Independence Bank of Kentucky grew its holdings in shares of McDonalds by 1.3% in the 1st quarter. Independence Bank of Kentucky now owns 2,913 shares of the fast-food giants stock worth $821,000 after purchasing an additional 38 shares during the last quarter. Finally, MTM Investment Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of McDonalds by 3.3% in the 1st quarter. MTM Investment Management LLC now owns 1,174 shares of the fast-food giants stock worth $331,000 after purchasing an additional 38 shares during the last quarter. 70.29% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, insider Joseph M. Erlinger sold 1,098 shares of McDonalds stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, June 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $260.00, for a total value of $285,480.00. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 14,780 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,842,800. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. In other news, EVP Marion K. Gross sold 1,498 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, September 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $286.36, for a total transaction of $428,967.28. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 1,560 shares of the companys stock, valued at $446,721.60. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, insider Joseph M. Erlinger sold 1,098 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, June 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $260.00, for a total value of $285,480.00. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 14,780 shares in the company, valued at $3,842,800. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 6,291 shares of company stock valued at $1,689,073 over the last ninety days. 0.23% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several equities research analysts have recently weighed in on MCD shares. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their target price on shares of McDonalds from $290.00 to $270.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, July 30th. Stifel Nicolaus lowered their target price on shares of McDonalds from $285.00 to $265.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a report on Monday, July 22nd. The Goldman Sachs Group began coverage on shares of McDonalds in a report on Thursday, June 13th. They set a neutral rating and a $288.00 price objective on the stock. Tigress Financial increased their price objective on shares of McDonalds from $355.00 to $360.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, September 3rd. Finally, Evercore ISI increased their price objective on shares of McDonalds from $300.00 to $320.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Monday, August 19th. Eleven research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nineteen have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $304.41.

Read Our Latest Research Report on MCD

McDonalds Trading Down 0.4 %

NYSE:MCD opened at $290.14 on Thursday. The stock has a market cap of $209.10 billion, a P/E ratio of 24.63, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.87 and a beta of 0.72. The stocks 50-day moving average is $271.14 and its 200-day moving average is $270.66. McDonalds Co. has a 1-year low of $243.53 and a 1-year high of $302.39.

McDonalds (NYSE:MCD  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Monday, July 29th. The fast-food giant reported $2.97 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $3.07 by ($0.10). The firm had revenue of $6.49 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $6.62 billion. McDonalds had a negative return on equity of 178.68% and a net margin of 32.25%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down .1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $3.17 earnings per share. As a group, equities analysts forecast that McDonalds Co. will post 11.67 EPS for the current year.

McDonalds Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, September 17th. Investors of record on Tuesday, September 3rd will be paid a $1.67 dividend. This represents a $6.68 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.30%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, September 3rd. McDonaldss dividend payout ratio is currently 56.71%.

McDonalds Profile

(Free Report)

McDonald's Corporation operates and franchises restaurants under the McDonald's brand in the United States and internationally. It offers food and beverages, including hamburgers and cheeseburgers, various chicken sandwiches, fries, shakes, desserts, sundaes, cookies, pies, soft drinks, coffee, and other beverages; and full or limited breakfast, as well as sells various other products during limited-time promotions.

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State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund D decreased its position in The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS  Free Report) by 36.8% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 118,812 shares of the investment management companys stock after selling 69,139 shares during the period. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund Ds holdings in The Goldman Sachs Group were worth $53,741,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Bahl & Gaynor Inc. grew its stake in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 16.6% in the 2nd quarter. Bahl & Gaynor Inc. now owns 2,107 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $953,000 after buying an additional 300 shares during the period. Trifecta Capital Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 0.7% in the 2nd quarter. Trifecta Capital Advisors LLC now owns 12,669 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $5,730,000 after buying an additional 85 shares during the period. Marco Investment Management LLC grew its stake in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 0.3% in the 2nd quarter. Marco Investment Management LLC now owns 49,383 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $22,337,000 after buying an additional 164 shares during the period. Evernest Financial Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 23.7% in the 2nd quarter. Evernest Financial Advisors LLC now owns 2,223 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $1,006,000 after buying an additional 426 shares during the period. Finally, Biltmore Family Office LLC grew its stake in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 1.4% in the 2nd quarter. Biltmore Family Office LLC now owns 1,630 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $737,000 after buying an additional 23 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 71.21% of the companys stock.

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Insider Activity at The Goldman Sachs Group

In related news, insider Brian J. Lee sold 3,500 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, July 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $505.99, for a total value of $1,770,965.00. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 12,095 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $6,119,949.05. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. In other The Goldman Sachs Group news, insider Brian J. Lee sold 3,500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, July 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $505.99, for a total transaction of $1,770,965.00. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 12,095 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $6,119,949.05. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, Director Thomas K. Montag sold 10,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, July 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $505.04, for a total transaction of $5,050,400.00. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 12,450 shares in the company, valued at $6,287,748. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 0.54% of the companys stock.

The Goldman Sachs Group Price Performance

Shares of GS opened at $471.17 on Thursday. The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. has a twelve month low of $289.36 and a twelve month high of $517.26. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $489.92 and its 200-day simple moving average is $450.00. The firm has a market capitalization of $151.94 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.40, a PEG ratio of 0.74 and a beta of 1.36. The company has a current ratio of 0.72, a quick ratio of 0.72 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.20.

The Goldman Sachs Group (NYSE:GS  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Monday, July 15th. The investment management company reported $8.62 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $8.52 by $0.10. The Goldman Sachs Group had a net margin of 9.36% and a return on equity of 10.56%. The business had revenue of $12.73 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $12.60 billion. Equities analysts forecast that The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. will post 35.49 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The Goldman Sachs Group Increases Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 27th. Investors of record on Friday, August 30th will be given a $3.00 dividend. This represents a $12.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.55%. This is an increase from The Goldman Sachs Groups previous quarterly dividend of $2.75. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, August 30th. The Goldman Sachs Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 46.86%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several analysts have recently weighed in on GS shares. UBS Group increased their price target on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from $490.00 to $535.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 9th. BMO Capital Markets increased their price objective on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from $360.00 to $373.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 17th. Oppenheimer increased their price objective on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from $504.00 to $559.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 16th. Wells Fargo & Company increased their price objective on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from $504.00 to $550.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 16th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price objective on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from $464.00 to $472.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Monday. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fourteen have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, The Goldman Sachs Group currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $496.44.

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The Goldman Sachs Group Profile

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The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc, a financial institution, provides a range of financial services for corporations, financial institutions, governments, and individuals worldwide. It operates through Global Banking & Markets, Asset & Wealth Management, and Platform Solutions segments. The Global Banking & Markets segment provides financial advisory services, including strategic advisory assignments related to mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, corporate defense activities, restructurings, and spin-offs; and relationship lending, and acquisition financing, as well as secured lending, through structured credit and asset-backed lending and involved in financing under securities to resale agreements.

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Aecon Group (TSE:ARE  Free Report) had its price objective hoisted by Stifel Nicolaus from C$25.00 to C$30.00 in a report issued on Monday, BayStreet.CA reports.

ARE has been the topic of a number of other research reports. CIBC reduced their target price on Aecon Group from C$23.00 to C$22.00 in a report on Thursday, July 11th. BMO Capital Markets reduced their price objective on shares of Aecon Group from C$17.50 to C$16.50 in a research note on Wednesday, July 24th. TD Securities lowered their target price on shares of Aecon Group from C$17.00 to C$16.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research note on Friday, July 26th. Desjardins reduced their price target on shares of Aecon Group from C$20.00 to C$18.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, July 2nd. Finally, National Bankshares raised shares of Aecon Group from a sector perform rating to an outperform rating and boosted their price target for the company from C$17.00 to C$20.50 in a report on Monday, July 29th. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, six have given a buy rating and two have issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of C$20.07.

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Aecon Group Stock Up 5.1 %

Shares of TSE:ARE opened at C$20.10 on Monday. Aecon Group has a 12 month low of C$8.42 and a 12 month high of C$20.10. The companys 50-day moving average price is C$16.61 and its two-hundred day moving average price is C$16.56. The firm has a market cap of C$1.26 billion, a P/E ratio of -74.44, a P/E/G ratio of 18.18 and a beta of 1.12. The company has a quick ratio of 1.27, a current ratio of 1.35 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 32.86.

Aecon Group (TSE:ARE  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 24th. The company reported C($1.99) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of C($2.53) by C$0.54. The business had revenue of C$853.80 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of C$1.01 billion. Aecon Group had a return on equity of 1.40% and a net margin of 0.32%. As a group, research analysts forecast that Aecon Group will post 1.4544025 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Aecon Group Announces Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, October 2nd. Shareholders of record on Friday, September 20th will be given a dividend of $0.19 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, September 20th. This represents a $0.76 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.78%. Aecon Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently -281.48%.

Insider Activity

In related news, Director Scott Stewart acquired 10,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, July 29th. The stock was bought at an average price of C$16.54 per share, with a total value of C$165,380.00. In related news, Senior Officer Timothy John Murphy acquired 4,244 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, August 8th. The shares were purchased at an average cost of C$17.66 per share, for a total transaction of C$74,969.84. Also, Director Scott Stewart acquired 10,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, July 29th. The stock was bought at an average cost of C$16.54 per share, for a total transaction of C$165,380.00. Insiders purchased 16,549 shares of company stock worth $274,762 in the last quarter. Corporate insiders own 0.82% of the companys stock.

Aecon Group Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Aecon Group Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provide construction and infrastructure development services to private and public sector clients in Canada, the United States, and internationally. It operates through two segments, Construction and Concessions. The Construction segment focuses on civil infrastructure, urban transportation solutions, nuclear power infrastructure, utility infrastructure, and conventional industrial infrastructure market sectors.

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Sylvania Platinum Limited (LON:SLP  Get Free Report) declared a dividend on Tuesday, September 10th, Upcoming.Co.Uk reports. Shareholders of record on Thursday, October 31st will be paid a dividend of GBX 1 ($0.01) per share on Friday, December 6th. This represents a dividend yield of 1.92%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, October 31st. The official announcement can be seen at this link.

Sylvania Platinum Stock Up 0.2 %

SLP stock opened at GBX 43.50 ($0.57) on Thursday. The company has a current ratio of 10.92, a quick ratio of 15.92 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of GBX 56.84 and a 200-day simple moving average of GBX 60.90. The company has a market capitalization of 113.80 million, a P/E ratio of 868.00, a PEG ratio of 0.05 and a beta of 0.38. Sylvania Platinum has a twelve month low of GBX 41 ($0.54) and a twelve month high of GBX 87 ($1.14).

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About Sylvania Platinum

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Sylvania Platinum Limited primarily engages in the retreatment of platinum group metals (PGM) bearing chrome tailings materials in South Africa and Mauritius. The company produces PGMs, including platinum, palladium, and rhodium. It holds interests in the Sylvania dump operations that comprise six chrome beneficiation and PGM processing plants located in the Eastern and Western Limb of the Bushveld Igneous Complex; and various mineral asset development projects, including Volspruit and Northern Limb projects located on the Northern Limb of the Bushveld Igneous Complex located in South Africa.

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Taylor Wimpey plc (OTCMKTS:TWODY  Get Free Report) was the target of a significant decline in short interest during the month of August. As of August 31st, there was short interest totalling 1,000 shares, a decline of 77.3% from the August 15th total of 4,400 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 102,400 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.0 days.

Taylor Wimpey Price Performance

OTCMKTS:TWODY traded down $0.20 during trading hours on Thursday, hitting $21.40. 90,395 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 21,296. Taylor Wimpey has a twelve month low of $12.68 and a twelve month high of $22.75. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $20.87 and a 200 day moving average of $18.96.

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About Taylor Wimpey

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Taylor Wimpey plc operates as a homebuilder in the United Kingdom and Spain. It builds and delivers various homes and communities. Taylor Wimpey plc was incorporated in 1935 and is based in High Wycombe, the United Kingdom.

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Pecaut & CO. cut its position in shares of The Gabelli Equity Trust Inc. (NYSE:GAB  Free Report) by 52.1% in the second quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 17,136 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 18,624 shares during the period. Pecaut & CO.s holdings in The Gabelli Equity Trust were worth $89,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Steward Partners Investment Solutions LLC acquired a new stake in The Gabelli Equity Trust during the 4th quarter valued at $27,000. Concourse Financial Group Securities Inc. lifted its position in shares of The Gabelli Equity Trust by 252.9% in the second quarter. Concourse Financial Group Securities Inc. now owns 6,000 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $31,000 after purchasing an additional 4,300 shares in the last quarter. Rothschild Investment LLC purchased a new position in The Gabelli Equity Trust during the second quarter valued at approximately $31,000. ICA Group Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of The Gabelli Equity Trust during the 4th quarter valued at $32,000. Finally, CreativeOne Wealth LLC acquired a new position in The Gabelli Equity Trust in the 1st quarter worth about $56,000. 7.24% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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The Gabelli Equity Trust Stock Performance

NYSE:GAB opened at $5.51 on Thursday. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $5.39 and its 200 day moving average price is $5.41. The Gabelli Equity Trust Inc. has a 52 week low of $4.56 and a 52 week high of $5.74.

The Gabelli Equity Trust Announces Dividend

Insider Buying and Selling

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 23rd. Investors of record on Monday, September 16th will be paid a $0.15 dividend. This represents a $0.60 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 10.89%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, September 16th.

In related news, insider Mario J. Gabelli purchased 11,750 shares of The Gabelli Equity Trust stock in a transaction on Wednesday, June 26th. The stock was bought at an average price of $100.00 per share, with a total value of $1,175,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 16,750 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,675,000. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. 0.90% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

About The Gabelli Equity Trust

(Free Report)

The Gabelli Equity Trust Inc is a closed ended equity mutual fund launched by GAMCO Investors, Inc The fund is managed by Gabelli Funds, LLC. It invests in public equity markets of the United States. The fund seeks to invest in stocks of companies operating across diversified sectors. It invests in preferred stock, convertible or exchangeable securities, and warrants and rights.

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Want to see what other hedge funds are holding GAB? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Gabelli Equity Trust Inc. (NYSE:GAB  Free Report).

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Fortune Financial Advisors LLC lifted its stake in The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG  Free Report) by 5.5% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 41,885 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 2,192 shares during the quarter. Procter & Gamble comprises about 4.2% of Fortune Financial Advisors LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 3rd largest holding. Fortune Financial Advisors LLCs holdings in Procter & Gamble were worth $6,908,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Linscomb Wealth Inc. raised its position in Procter & Gamble by 1.0% during the 2nd quarter. Linscomb Wealth Inc. now owns 77,547 shares of the companys stock worth $12,789,000 after buying an additional 731 shares during the last quarter. Hazlett Burt & Watson Inc. raised its position in Procter & Gamble by 57.0% during the 2nd quarter. Hazlett Burt & Watson Inc. now owns 15,689 shares of the companys stock worth $2,583,000 after buying an additional 5,699 shares during the last quarter. Trifecta Capital Advisors LLC raised its position in Procter & Gamble by 2.5% during the 2nd quarter. Trifecta Capital Advisors LLC now owns 4,049 shares of the companys stock worth $668,000 after buying an additional 99 shares during the last quarter. Wellington Shields & Co. LLC raised its position in Procter & Gamble by 2.4% during the 2nd quarter. Wellington Shields & Co. LLC now owns 6,318 shares of the companys stock worth $1,042,000 after buying an additional 150 shares during the last quarter. Finally, LPL Financial LLC raised its position in Procter & Gamble by 6.1% during the 2nd quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 3,031,301 shares of the companys stock worth $499,922,000 after buying an additional 174,252 shares during the last quarter. 65.77% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Procter & Gamble Stock Performance

NYSE:PG opened at $173.88 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.51, a current ratio of 0.73 and a quick ratio of 0.53. The firm has a market capitalization of $410.38 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 28.41, a PEG ratio of 3.81 and a beta of 0.41. The companys 50-day moving average is $169.01 and its two-hundred day moving average is $165.01. The Procter & Gamble Company has a 1-year low of $141.45 and a 1-year high of $177.94.

Procter & Gamble Dividend Announcement

Procter & Gamble ( NYSE:PG Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, July 30th. The company reported $1.40 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.37 by $0.03. The company had revenue of $20.53 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $20.69 billion. Procter & Gamble had a net margin of 17.71% and a return on equity of 33.46%. Procter & Gambles revenue was down .1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $1.37 EPS. Analysts forecast that The Procter & Gamble Company will post 6.97 EPS for the current year.

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, August 15th. Stockholders of record on Friday, July 19th were paid a $1.0065 dividend. This represents a $4.03 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.32%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, July 19th. Procter & Gambles dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 65.69%.

Insider Activity

In other news, insider Susan Street Whaley sold 450 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, August 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $169.22, for a total value of $76,149.00. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 13,072 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,212,043.84. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. In related news, insider Susan Street Whaley sold 450 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, August 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $169.22, for a total transaction of $76,149.00. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 13,072 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,212,043.84. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, COO Shailesh Jejurikar sold 10,623 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, August 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $169.22, for a total transaction of $1,797,624.06. Following the sale, the chief operating officer now directly owns 23,890 shares in the company, valued at $4,042,665.80. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last three months, insiders have sold 375,553 shares of company stock valued at $63,829,141. Company insiders own 0.17% of the companys stock.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several equities analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lifted their target price on shares of Procter & Gamble from $171.00 to $176.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, July 17th. BNP Paribas began coverage on shares of Procter & Gamble in a report on Monday, June 24th. They issued an outperform rating and a $187.00 price objective for the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their price objective on shares of Procter & Gamble from $181.00 to $179.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, July 31st. Citigroup lifted their price objective on shares of Procter & Gamble from $177.00 to $190.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, July 10th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus lifted their target price on shares of Procter & Gamble from $157.00 to $161.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Monday, July 22nd. Seven research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, fourteen have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $175.79.

Check Out Our Latest Report on Procter & Gamble

Procter & Gamble Company Profile

(Free Report)

The Procter & Gamble Company provides branded consumer packaged goods worldwide. It operates through five segments: Beauty; Grooming; Health Care; Fabric & Home Care; and Baby, Feminine & Family Care. The Beauty segment offers conditioners, shampoos, styling aids, and treatments under the Head & Shoulders, Herbal Essences, Pantene, and Rejoice brands; and antiperspirants and deodorants, personal cleansing, and skin care products under the Olay, Old Spice, Safeguard, Secret, and SK-II brands.

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Thornburg Investment Management Inc. reduced its position in BJs Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:BJ  Free Report) by 16.3% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 150,524 shares of the companys stock after selling 29,292 shares during the quarter. Thornburg Investment Management Inc. owned about 0.11% of BJs Wholesale Club worth $13,222,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Putnam Investments LLC grew its holdings in shares of BJs Wholesale Club by 4.3% during the 4th quarter. Putnam Investments LLC now owns 3,647,981 shares of the companys stock valued at $243,174,000 after purchasing an additional 150,414 shares during the last quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. grew its holdings in shares of BJs Wholesale Club by 1.8% during the 1st quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. now owns 3,118,913 shares of the companys stock valued at $235,946,000 after purchasing an additional 56,442 shares during the last quarter. Fiduciary Management Inc. WI grew its holdings in shares of BJs Wholesale Club by 17.6% during the 4th quarter. Fiduciary Management Inc. WI now owns 2,514,630 shares of the companys stock valued at $167,625,000 after purchasing an additional 377,019 shares during the last quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. grew its holdings in shares of BJs Wholesale Club by 17.2% during the 2nd quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. now owns 1,624,781 shares of the companys stock valued at $142,721,000 after purchasing an additional 237,902 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Norges Bank bought a new stake in BJs Wholesale Club during the 4th quarter worth approximately $81,646,000. 98.60% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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BJs Wholesale Club Stock Up 0.4 %

Shares of NYSE BJ opened at $78.50 on Thursday. BJs Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc. has a one year low of $63.08 and a one year high of $92.37. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.24, a current ratio of 0.76 and a quick ratio of 0.15. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $85.29 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $81.62. The stock has a market capitalization of $10.41 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.39, a PEG ratio of 2.84 and a beta of 0.25.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

BJs Wholesale Club ( NYSE:BJ Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, August 22nd. The company reported $1.09 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.00 by $0.09. BJs Wholesale Club had a net margin of 2.62% and a return on equity of 36.12%. The firm had revenue of $5.21 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.15 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $0.97 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was up 4.9% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, analysts expect that BJs Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc. will post 3.84 EPS for the current fiscal year.

A number of equities research analysts have weighed in on BJ shares. Barclays boosted their target price on shares of BJs Wholesale Club from $72.00 to $80.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Friday, May 24th. Gordon Haskett raised shares of BJs Wholesale Club from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $90.00 target price on the stock in a report on Thursday, May 23rd. DA Davidson boosted their target price on shares of BJs Wholesale Club from $92.00 to $95.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Friday, May 24th. Bank of America reduced their target price on shares of BJs Wholesale Club from $95.00 to $90.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Friday, August 23rd. Finally, Roth Mkm boosted their target price on shares of BJs Wholesale Club from $68.00 to $75.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Friday, August 23rd. Seven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $86.07.

Get Our Latest Report on BJs Wholesale Club

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, EVP Graham Luce sold 16,596 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, July 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $91.15, for a total value of $1,512,725.40. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 14,131 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,288,040.65. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In other BJs Wholesale Club news, EVP Jeff Desroches sold 28,842 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, July 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $89.86, for a total transaction of $2,591,742.12. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 58,452 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,252,496.72. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Also, EVP Graham Luce sold 16,596 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, July 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $91.15, for a total value of $1,512,725.40. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 14,131 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,288,040.65. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 79,438 shares of company stock valued at $6,980,938 over the last quarter. 2.00% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

BJs Wholesale Club Profile

(Free Report)

BJ's Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, operates warehouse clubs on the eastern half of the United States. It provides groceries, general merchandise, gasoline and other ancillary services, coupon books, and promotions. The company sells its products through the websites BJs.com, BerkleyJensen.com, and Wellsleyfarms.com, as well as the mobile app.

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Turkcell Iletisim Hizmetleri A.S. (NYSE:TKC  Get Free Report) saw an uptick in trading volume on Tuesday . 320,571 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 40% from the previous sessions volume of 533,256 shares.The stock last traded at $7.06 and had previously closed at $7.00.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Separately, StockNews.com lowered shares of Turkcell Iletisim Hizmetleri A.S. from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, August 20th.

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Check Out Our Latest Analysis on TKC

Turkcell Iletisim Hizmetleri A.S. Trading Up 2.0 %

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

The firms 50-day moving average price is $7.59 and its 200 day moving average price is $6.70. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.45, a quick ratio of 1.77 and a current ratio of 1.78.

Large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. BNP Paribas Financial Markets raised its position in shares of Turkcell Iletisim Hizmetleri A.S. by 41.4% during the 1st quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets now owns 385,600 shares of the Wireless communications providers stock valued at $2,001,000 after acquiring an additional 112,852 shares in the last quarter. Ritholtz Wealth Management boosted its holdings in shares of Turkcell Iletisim Hizmetleri A.S. by 3.3% in the 2nd quarter. Ritholtz Wealth Management now owns 363,292 shares of the Wireless communications providers stock valued at $2,754,000 after buying an additional 11,584 shares during the period. BTC Capital Management Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Turkcell Iletisim Hizmetleri A.S. during the 1st quarter valued at about $1,073,000. StoneX Group Inc. bought a new position in Turkcell Iletisim Hizmetleri A.S. in the first quarter worth about $996,000. Finally, Capital Wealth Planning LLC bought a new stake in shares of Turkcell Iletisim Hizmetleri A.S. in the 1st quarter worth approximately $880,000.

About Turkcell Iletisim Hizmetleri A.S.

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Turkcell Iletisim Hizmetleri A.S. provides digital services in Turkey, Ukraine, Belarus, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, and the Netherlands. It operates through Turkcell Turkey, Turkcell International, and Techfin segments. It offers work contact services, such as mobile communications, fixed business internet and business phone, and customer loyalty and programs; digital business services comprising uninterrupted access, cyber security, data center, Internet of Things, big data, e-transformation, technologies, and managed services, and cloud solutions.

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Archer-Daniels-Midland (NYSE:ADM  Free Report) had its price target hoisted by UBS Group from $60.00 to $64.00 in a report issued on Monday morning, Benzinga reports. They currently have a neutral rating on the stock.

Other equities analysts have also issued reports about the company. 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 note on Monday, July 15th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price objective on Archer-Daniels-Midland from $65.00 to $66.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 31st. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating and fifteen have given a hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $65.62.

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Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Archer-Daniels-Midland

Archer-Daniels-Midland Stock Performance

NYSE:ADM opened at $58.99 on Monday. The stock has a market cap of $29.17 billion, a P/E ratio of 10.35 and a beta of 0.72. The company has a current ratio of 1.44, a quick ratio of 0.88 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37. The stocks 50-day moving average is $61.11 and its 200-day moving average is $60.61. Archer-Daniels-Midland has a 1-year low of $50.72 and a 1-year high of $80.96.

Archer-Daniels-Midland (NYSE:ADM  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, July 30th. The company reported $1.03 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.22 by ($0.19). The firm had revenue of $22.25 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $23.12 billion. Archer-Daniels-Midland had a return on equity of 12.06% and a net margin of 2.93%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down 11.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $1.89 earnings per share. Equities research analysts anticipate that Archer-Daniels-Midland will post 5.33 earnings per share for the current year.

Archer-Daniels-Midland Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, September 11th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, August 21st were paid a $0.50 dividend. This represents a $2.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.39%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, August 21st. Archer-Daniels-Midlands dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 35.09%.

Insider Activity

In other news, 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 completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 265,210 shares in the company, valued at $16,047,857.10. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. In other Archer-Daniels-Midland news, CEO Juan R. Luciano sold 170,194 shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland stock in a transaction on Tuesday, September 3rd. The shares were 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 directly owns 265,210 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $16,047,857.10. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, CEO Juan R. Luciano sold 3,683 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, August 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $61.00, for a total transaction of $224,663.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 265,210 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $16,177,810. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 219,348 shares of company stock worth $13,296,833 over the last quarter. 1.20% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Archer-Daniels-Midland

Several hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. NBC Securities Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland by 9.6% in the 1st quarter. NBC Securities Inc. now owns 1,815 shares of the companys stock worth $114,000 after purchasing an additional 159 shares during the period. Quent Capital LLC raised its holdings in shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland by 8.2% in the 2nd quarter. Quent Capital LLC now owns 2,158 shares of the companys stock worth $130,000 after purchasing an additional 164 shares during the period. Focused Wealth Management Inc raised its holdings in shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland by 3.3% in the 2nd quarter. Focused Wealth Management Inc now owns 5,338 shares of the companys stock worth $323,000 after purchasing an additional 169 shares during the period. Accordant Advisory Group Inc raised its holdings in shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland by 0.8% in the 2nd quarter. Accordant Advisory Group Inc now owns 23,462 shares of the companys stock worth $1,418,000 after purchasing an additional 176 shares during the period. Finally, CHICAGO TRUST Co NA raised its holdings in shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland by 4.4% in the 1st quarter. CHICAGO TRUST Co NA now owns 4,207 shares of the companys stock worth $264,000 after purchasing an additional 177 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 78.28% of the companys stock.

Archer-Daniels-Midland Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Archer-Daniels-Midland Company engages in the procurement, transportation, storage, processing, and merchandising of agricultural commodities, ingredients, flavors, and solutions in the United States, Switzerland, the Cayman Islands, Brazil, Mexico, Canada, the United Kingdom, and internationally. It operates in three segments: Ag Services and Oilseeds, Carbohydrate Solutions, and Nutrition.

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UiPath Inc. (NYSE:PATH  Get Free Report)s stock price dropped 0.8% during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The company traded as low as $12.00 and last traded at $12.09. Approximately 1,810,589 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 82% from the average daily volume of 10,032,999 shares. The stock had previously closed at $12.19.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

PATH has been the subject of a number of recent research reports. William Blair downgraded shares of UiPath from an outperform rating to a market perform rating in a report on Thursday, May 30th. TD Cowen lowered their target price on shares of UiPath from $17.00 to $16.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research note on Friday, September 6th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their price target on UiPath from $28.00 to $19.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, May 30th. BMO Capital Markets raised their price objective on UiPath from $14.00 to $15.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a research report on Friday, September 6th. Finally, Morgan Stanley restated an equal weight rating and set a $15.00 target price on shares of UiPath in a research note on Friday, September 6th. Sixteen analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $17.71.

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Check Out Our Latest Analysis on UiPath

UiPath Trading Down 0.1 %

The business has a fifty day moving average of $12.15 and a two-hundred day moving average of $16.43. The company has a market cap of $6.88 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -75.13 and a beta of 0.87.

UiPath (NYSE:PATH  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, September 5th. The healthcare company reported $0.04 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.03 by $0.01. UiPath had a negative return on equity of 3.89% and a negative net margin of 8.13%. The business had revenue of $316.00 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $303.69 million. During the same quarter last year, the business posted ($0.09) earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 10.0% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts forecast that UiPath Inc. will post -0.22 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Trading of UiPath

Large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Mark Sheptoff Financial Planning LLC purchased a new position in UiPath in the 4th quarter worth approximately $25,000. ORG Partners LLC increased its holdings in shares of UiPath by 875.6% in the first quarter. ORG Partners LLC now owns 1,239 shares of the healthcare companys stock valued at $27,000 after purchasing an additional 1,112 shares during the last quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. purchased a new position in UiPath during the second quarter worth approximately $28,000. Redwood Wealth Management Group LLC purchased a new position in UiPath during the second quarter worth approximately $43,000. Finally, Lindbrook Capital LLC boosted its stake in UiPath by 46.0% during the first quarter. Lindbrook Capital LLC now owns 2,027 shares of the healthcare companys stock worth $46,000 after buying an additional 639 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 62.50% of the companys stock.

About UiPath

(Get Free Report)

UiPath Inc provides an end-to-end automation platform that offers a range of robotic process automation (RPA) solutions primarily in the United States, Romania, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and internationally. The company offers a suite of interrelated software to build, manage, run, engage, measure, and govern automation within the organization.

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Vanguard Capital Wealth Advisors boosted its position in Uranium Energy Corp. (NYSEAMERICAN:UEC  Free Report) by 40.0% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 14,000 shares of the basic materials companys stock after purchasing an additional 4,000 shares during the quarter. Vanguard Capital Wealth Advisors holdings in Uranium Energy were worth $84,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. EntryPoint Capital LLC raised its stake in Uranium Energy by 897.7% during the first quarter. EntryPoint Capital LLC now owns 4,340 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $29,000 after buying an additional 3,905 shares during the last quarter. EP Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new position in Uranium Energy in the 4th quarter worth about $64,000. Parallel Advisors LLC grew its position in Uranium Energy by 39.7% during the 4th quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 10,293 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $66,000 after purchasing an additional 2,923 shares during the last quarter. Kingswood Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new stake in Uranium Energy during the 1st quarter valued at about $68,000. Finally, Blackhawk Capital Partners LLC. bought a new stake in Uranium Energy during the 2nd quarter valued at about $69,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 62.28% of the companys stock.

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Insider Transactions at Uranium Energy

In related news, CEO Amir Adnani acquired 60,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, September 6th. The shares were purchased at an average price of $4.10 per share, with a total value of $246,000.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the chief executive officer now directly owns 4,242,326 shares of the companys stock, valued at $17,393,536.60. The purchase was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other news, CEO Amir Adnani purchased 60,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, September 6th. The stock was bought at an average cost of $4.10 per share, with a total value of $246,000.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the chief executive officer now owns 4,242,326 shares in the company, valued at $17,393,536.60. The purchase was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, EVP Scott Melbye acquired 9,500 shares of Uranium Energy stock in a transaction on Friday, September 6th. The stock was purchased at an average cost of $4.18 per share, for a total transaction of $39,710.00. Following the purchase, the executive vice president now owns 988,031 shares in the company, valued at $4,129,969.58. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. 2.40% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Uranium Energy Price Performance

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Shares of NYSEAMERICAN:UEC opened at $5.17 on Thursday. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $6.55. The stock has a market capitalization of $2.11 billion, a PE ratio of -172.17 and a beta of 1.84. Uranium Energy Corp. has a 52-week low of $4.06 and a 52-week high of $8.34.

A number of equities research analysts have recently commented on UEC shares. Roth Mkm reiterated a buy rating and set a $9.00 price target on shares of Uranium Energy in a report on Wednesday, August 14th. HC Wainwright reiterated a buy rating and issued a $10.25 price target on shares of Uranium Energy in a research note on Wednesday, August 14th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating and five have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Uranium Energy has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $9.35.

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About Uranium Energy

(Free Report)

Uranium Energy Corp., together with its subsidiaries, engages in exploration, pre-extraction, extraction, and processing uranium and titanium concentrates in the United States, Canada, and Paraguay. It owns interests in the Palangana mine, Goliad, Burke Hollow, Longhorn, and Salvo projects located in Texas; Anderson, Workman Creek, and Los Cuatros projects situated in Arizona; Dalton Pass and C de Baca project located in New Mexico; Roughrider, Shea Creek, Christie Lake, Horseshoe-Raven, Hidden Bay, Diabase, West Bear, JCU, and other project located in Canada; and Yuty, Oviedo, and Alto Parana titanium projects in Paraguay.

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Wellington Shields & Co. LLC boosted its position in shares of Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE:STZ  Free Report) by 50.0% in the second quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 150 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 50 shares during the quarter. Wellington Shields & Co. LLCs holdings in Constellation Brands were worth $39,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Orion Portfolio Solutions LLC boosted its holdings in Constellation Brands by 1.1% during the 1st quarter. Orion Portfolio Solutions LLC now owns 3,676 shares of the companys stock valued at $999,000 after acquiring an additional 39 shares during the period. Capital Advisors Ltd. LLC raised its position in Constellation Brands by 16.5% in the 1st quarter. Capital Advisors Ltd. LLC now owns 290 shares of the companys stock valued at $79,000 after purchasing an additional 41 shares in the last quarter. 1620 Investment Advisors Inc. raised its position in Constellation Brands by 1.8% in the 4th quarter. 1620 Investment Advisors Inc. now owns 2,352 shares of the companys stock valued at $569,000 after purchasing an additional 42 shares in the last quarter. Copperwynd Financial LLC raised its position in Constellation Brands by 1.6% in the 4th quarter. Copperwynd Financial LLC now owns 2,779 shares of the companys stock valued at $672,000 after purchasing an additional 43 shares in the last quarter. Finally, RDA Financial Network raised its position in Constellation Brands by 2.3% in the 1st quarter. RDA Financial Network now owns 1,923 shares of the companys stock valued at $523,000 after purchasing an additional 44 shares in the last quarter. 77.34% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of equities research analysts have issued reports on the company. Truist Financial reaffirmed a hold rating and issued a $265.00 price target on shares of Constellation Brands in a research report on Wednesday, July 3rd. UBS Group cut their target price on Constellation Brands from $320.00 to $295.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Monday. Barclays raised their target price on Constellation Brands from $287.00 to $295.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, July 19th. Jefferies Financial Group raised their target price on Constellation Brands from $310.00 to $311.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday, July 5th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their target price on Constellation Brands from $320.00 to $307.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, September 3rd. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and sixteen have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $296.78.

Insider Transactions at Constellation Brands

In other Constellation Brands news, EVP Kaneenat Kristann Carey sold 977 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, July 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $261.00, for a total value of $254,997.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 2,706 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $706,266. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. In other news, EVP Kaneenat Kristann Carey sold 977 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, July 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $261.00, for a total value of $254,997.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 2,706 shares in the company, valued at approximately $706,266. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, Director Daniel J. Mccarthy sold 1,854 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, July 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $252.43, for a total transaction of $468,005.22. Following the transaction, the director now owns 3,232 shares in the company, valued at $815,853.76. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 16,414 shares of company stock worth $3,982,922 over the last 90 days. 12.19% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Constellation Brands Trading Down 0.3 %

STZ opened at $248.79 on Thursday. The firm has a market cap of $45.52 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.54, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.67 and a beta of 1.75. Constellation Brands, Inc. has a 52 week low of $227.50 and a 52 week high of $274.87. The businesss 50 day moving average is $246.02 and its two-hundred day moving average is $253.79. The company has a quick ratio of 0.53, a current ratio of 1.19 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.06.

Constellation Brands (NYSE:STZ  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 3rd. The company reported $3.57 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $3.46 by $0.11. The company had revenue of $2.66 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.67 billion. Constellation Brands had a return on equity of 23.72% and a net margin of 22.70%. The firms revenue was up 5.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $2.91 earnings per share. On average, research analysts predict that Constellation Brands, Inc. will post 13.7 EPS for the current year.

Constellation Brands Announces Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, August 23rd. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, August 14th were paid a dividend of $1.01 per share. This represents a $4.04 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.62%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, August 14th. Constellation Brandss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 30.10%.

Constellation Brands Company Profile

(Free Report)

Constellation Brands, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, produces, imports, markets, and sells beer, wine, and spirits in the United States, Canada, Mexico, New Zealand, and Italy. The company provides beer primarily under the Corona Extra, Corona Familiar, Corona Hard Seltzer, Corona Light, Corona Non-Alcoholic, Corona Premier, Corona Refresca, Modelo Especial, Modelo Chelada, Modelo Negra, Modelo Oro, Victoria, Vicky Chamoy, and Pacifico brands.

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WisdomTree International LargeCap Dividend Fund (NYSEARCA:DOL  Get Free Report) saw an uptick in trading volume on Thursday . 41,913 shares traded hands during trading, an increase of 86% from the previous sessions volume of 22,504 shares.The stock last traded at $52.89 and had previously closed at $52.65.

WisdomTree International LargeCap Dividend Fund Stock Performance

The stock has a market capitalization of $530.80 million, a PE ratio of 11.45 and a beta of 0.72. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $52.06 and its 200 day moving average price is $51.71.

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Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Truist Financial Corp purchased a new stake in WisdomTree International LargeCap Dividend Fund during the 4th quarter valued at about $212,000. Gladstone Institutional Advisory LLC boosted its stake in shares of WisdomTree International LargeCap Dividend Fund by 24.5% during the 4th quarter. Gladstone Institutional Advisory LLC now owns 28,795 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $1,418,000 after purchasing an additional 5,664 shares in the last quarter. Frazier Financial Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of WisdomTree International LargeCap Dividend Fund during the 4th quarter worth approximately $288,000. Congress Wealth Management LLC DE grew its holdings in shares of WisdomTree International LargeCap Dividend Fund by 16.1% during the 4th quarter. Congress Wealth Management LLC DE now owns 62,042 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $3,056,000 after acquiring an additional 8,581 shares during the period. Finally, MCF Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of WisdomTree International LargeCap Dividend Fund in the 1st quarter worth approximately $334,000.

WisdomTree International LargeCap Dividend Fund Company Profile

WisdomTree International LargeCap Dividend Fund (the Fund) seeks investment results that closely correspond to the price and yield performance of the WisdomTree International LargeCap Dividend Index (the Index). The Index is a fundamentally weighted index that measures the performance of the large-capitalization segment of the dividend-paying market in the industrialized world outside the United States and Canada.

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On the anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, a group of Nebraska legislators and Gov. Jim Pillen gathered at Husker Harvest Days near Grand Island to talk about measures taken to safeguard Americans and to prevent the purchase of Nebraska land by foreign adversaries.

At the Hospitality Tent, Pillen was joined by Sens. Elliot Bostar, Barry DeKay, Brian Hardin, Fred Meyer and Jana Hughes. Also appearing was Sherry Vinton, director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture.

Together, the officials celebrated the passage of three bills in this years Nebraska Legislature.

Hardin was the sponsor of LB 1120, which applies to land near sensitive military sites.

Harden asked the audience to imagine that a small parcel of pasture land is purchased by someone with a suitcase full of money. That pasture land might not have a well on it, and maybe has nothing developed on it whatsoever, he said. But yet it sells for up to four times its assessed value.

Imagine that such a purchase plays itself out a few times within a period of about a year, Hardin said.

As you could imagine, those kind of stories get around, he said.

Hardin represents District 48, which includes Banner, Kimball, Scotts Bluff and Cheyenne counties.

Thats what we were up against, Hardin said of the suspect land purchases. People in the area concluded that such a purchase doesnt sound quite right.

In putting together LB 1120, Hardin had help from other Nebraska senators as well as our clandestine folks from the Department of Homeland Security, the FBI and the Office of Special Investigations.

Hardins district has played host to Minuteman III missiles for half a century, he said. The system is now being updated into a new system called Sentinel. Its an expensive project, he said.

Hardin and DeKay both mentioned incidents in May, when foreign entities were caught operating near Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

In May in Wyoming, the federal government ordered the divestment of a foreign cryptocurrency mining firm backed by Chinese nationalists that was located within a one-mile radius of Warren Air Force Base, with equipment allegedly capable of facilitating surveillance, DeKay said.

Wyoming could not take action due to their state constitution allowing foreign land ownership, he said.

Warren oversees the development of Sentinel. And so we actually know for a fact that these kind of activities are going on, Hardin said.

Completing the project will take years, he said.

Were very thankful to be an area of the county that hosts this. Weve done that a long time, and our people are excited for the patriotic backbone of Americas biggest guns, Hardin said.

LB 1120 creates a tripwire, Hardin said.

When people buy a gun, theyre asked if they intend to use the firearm in the commission of a felony.

The question seems ridiculous, but it has a serious purpose. If you ever go out and do something felonious with that gun, you lied. And thats what LB 1120 established, he said.

Bostar, who introduced LB 1300 on Pillens behalf, said the anniversary of 9/11 was a good time to remember that the U.S. has real enemies.

Rather than just disagreeing on how the country is run, those enemies want to do us harm, he said. They want to destroy what we have in America, Bostar said.

LB 1300 puts prohibitions on the contracting and procurement, for any government entity in the state, of any sensitive information, technology or network from countries designated as adversaries of America.

The measure is needed because we have a big problem, Bostar said. We have a lot of technology that is currently sourced from our adversaries. And it puts us in a precarious position, and potentially even a very dangerous one.

The bill also created a committee, led by the states executive branch, that examines the threats that we are currently facing in Nebraska, particularly related to if a conflict in the Pacific were to occur.

We get a lot of stuff from China, right? I mean, I think everyone knows that. But China gets stuff from us, too, Bostar said.

One of the biggest things they get from us is food, he said. At Husker Harvest Days, where the advancement of Nebraskas agriculture is celebrated, its definitely worth recognizing that if we end up in a situation where there is widespread conflict in the Pacific, what does that do to someone like Nebraska?

How do we mitigate the risks that our agricultural community would face in such an event? Bostar said.

How do we ensure that our water systems, our electrical grid, are protected when they come under attack? Because we know that if something were to happen globally, our adversaries would use the opportunity to try to engender chaos here, to limit our ability to respond, limit our ability to defend our allies and limit our ability to ensure that we were doing what we needed to do to protect democracy around the world, Bostar said.

The work that the state does to prepare also serves as a form of prevention for the worst possible outcomes we can face, Bostar said.

DeKays bill, LB 1301, updates the states guidelines for the ownership of land by foreign entities.

DeKay and his staff worked together to modernize our states existing foreign land ownership statues, many of which originated from as far back as 1889 and were last looked at in the 1940s and 1950s, he said.

As Pillen has said, food and water security are national security, DeKay said. And it is imperative that we as Nebraskans take stock in who owns our land, DeKay said.

Agriculture today is global, he said.

The state must also recognize the presence of Offutt Air Force Base and missile silos in the state, both of which are instrumental to our countrys defense. Simply put, time goes on, trends change, so should our laws, DeKay said.

Dekay mentioned the Warren Air Force Base incident.

LB 1301 provides a framework for Nebraska to respond if there is a problematic land transaction involving a federally designated foreign adversary in our state, he said.

The bill applies to foreign persons and entities included on a federal sanction list, as well as the governments of the Peoples Republic of China, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Cuba and the current government of Venezuela as well as those who work on behalf of those governments, DeKay said.

I want to make it clear that not every farmland transaction has malicious intent behind it, DeKay said.

At the same time, Nebraska should have a way to respond if foreign adversaries are found possessing land in the state without prior vetting from the federal government, DeKay said.

LB 1301 allows Nebraska to take action if something similar happened here, whether it be reporting it to the federal government, or carrying out divestiture proceedings, DeKay said.

LB 1301 opened up the full resources of the state to take potential action so that the burden is not carried by a lone county attorney. which was previously in our statues, DeKay said.

In addition to the governor, DeKay thanked Bostar, Hardin and Sen. Steve Halloran for their collaboration.

Pillen said that as governor, hes been able to engage with Gen. Anthony Cotton, who heads up U.S. Strategic Command at Offutt Air Force Base.

Offutt, Pillen said, is the largest and most significant Air Force Base on the planet.

The 55th Wing, based at Offutt, goes on reconnaissance flights around the globe every single day, he said.
California Passes AI Safety Bill, Awaits Governor's Signature

California lawmakers have approved a bill that would impose new restrictions on AI technologies, potentially setting a national precedent for regulating the rapidly evolving field. The legislation, known as S.B. 1047, now heads to Governor Gavin Newsom's desk. He has until the end of September to decide whether to sign it into law.

The bill (S.B. 1047), which passed the California State Assembly by a 4515 vote, following a 321 vote in the state Senate in May, awaits a final procedural vote in the Senate. If passed, the bill would require large AI companies to test their systems for safety before they are released to the public. Additionally, the bill grants the state's attorney general the authority to sue companies for damages if their technologies cause significant harm, including death or property damage.

The passage of S.B. 1047 has reignited a contentious debate about how best to regulate artificial intelligence. The debate has focused so far on generative AI systems, which have raised concerns about misuse in such areas as disinformation campaigns and even the creation of biological weapons.

Senator Scott Wiener, a Democrat and co-author of the bill, celebrated the Assembly's vote as a proactive step in ensuring that AI development aligns with the public interest. "With this vote, the Assembly has taken the truly historic step of working proactively to ensure an exciting new technology protects the public interest as it advances," Wiener said in a statement.

Governor Newsom, who has faced intense lobbying from both sides of the issue, has not yet publicly indicated his stance on the legislation. The tech industry, including companies such as Google, Meta, and OpenAI, has mounted a significant campaign urging the governor to veto the bill, arguing that it could stifle innovation. They contend that the regulation of AI technologies should be handled at the federal level to avoid a patchwork of state laws that could slow the pace of progress.

Opponents also argue that S.B. 1047 targets developers rather than those who misuse AI systems, such as those who would deploy AI tools for nefarious purposes. Nancy Pelosi, former Speaker of the House, along with other congressional representatives, expressed concern that the bill's requirements are premature and could harm AI development. Pelosi referred to the legislation as "well-intentioned but ill-informed."

On the other side, prominent figures such as Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and founder of xAI, have voiced support for the legislation. Musk, who has long advocated for AI regulation, called the bill a "tough call," but ultimately expressed approval due to the potential risks AI poses to society.

One of the most significant aspects of S.B. 1047 is its focus on ensuring that companies test their AI models for safety. The bill applies to AI models that require more than $100 million in data to train, a threshold that few current models meet but one that experts say could become more common as the technology evolves.

To address concerns from the tech industry, Senator Wiener made several amendments to the bill earlier this month. These included removing a proposed new agency dedicated to AI safety and narrowing the bill's liability provisions, so companies would only be punished for actual harm, not potential harm.

Wiener emphasized that his approach is a "light touch," intended to balance the need for innovation with safety. "Innovation and safety can go hand in hand  and California is leading the way," he said in a statement.

If signed into law, S.B. 1047 could position California as a leader in AI regulation, similar to its role in setting national standards for environmental regulations and consumer privacy. It could also serve as a model for other states and even federal lawmakers, who have yet to pass any comprehensive AI regulations.

The European Union has already enacted the AI Act, which imposes strict regulations on AI, but no such laws exist in the U.S. In an open letter to Governor Newsom, a coalition of AI experts, including AI "godfathers" Geoffrey Hinton and Yoshua Bengio, warned of AI's catastrophic potential without appropriate safety measures. In a letter to Newsom, they emphasized that the decisions made now could have far-reaching consequences.

"Forty years ago, when I was training the first version of the AI algorithms behind tools like ChatGPT, no one  including myself  would have predicted how far AI would progress. Powerful AI systems bring incredible promise, but the risks are also very real and should be taken extremely seriously ... I am still passionate about the potential for AI to save lives through improvements in science and medicine, but it's critical that we have legislation with real teeth to address the risks. California is a natural place for that to start, as it is the place this technology has taken off."

Professor Bengio published an op-ed in Fortune in support of the bill.

The governor's decision on S.B. 1047 will come amid a broader conversation about AI's role in society and how best to harness its potential while mitigating its risks. As the largest home to AI companies, including 35 of the world's top 50 firms, California's regulations could influence the global AI landscape for years to come.
SETDA: Cybersecurity Tops Priority List for State Education Leaders

Cybersecurity remains the top ed tech priority for state education leaders, according to the 2024 State EdTech Trends report from the State Educational Technology Directors Association.

Cybersecurity remains the top ed tech priority for state education leaders, according to the 2024 State EdTech Trends report from the State Educational Technology Directors Association. That's followed by artificial intelligence in second place (new to the top three) and broadband equity in third (down a step from second place in 2023).

In collaboration with Whiteboard Advisors, the organization surveyed state policy-makers  including state ed tech directors, state superintendents and commissioners of education, and CIOs  across 46 states to discern key ed tech trends and priorities.

While state leaders agreed on the importance of cybersecurity, they also noted a lack of funding to support security efforts. The share of survey respondents who said their state provides "sufficient" funds to support cybersecurity was just 8%, down from 19% last year, the survey found.

"While this result may mean that states are not funding cybersecurity efforts in 2024 at the same levels they were in 2023, it may simply reflect shifting perceptions of how much it costs to keep up with the escalating threats school systems face," the report explained. "In other words, last year's 'ample funding' might be this years insufficient funding."

Other key findings include:

92% of state leaders are seeing increased demand for guidance or policy around the use of AI in the classroom, compared to 54% in 2023;

59% said their state has developed guidance on AI in education;

14% said they now have a AI initiatives in place (compared to 2% in 2023);

85% of respondents took steps last year to improve home broadband and device access for students, with 71% continuing prior efforts and 14% launching new efforts during the 2023-24 school year; and

Top unmet technology-related needs were home access connectivity (cited by 29% of respondents), funding (22%), cybersecurity (20%), and professional learning for educators to use instructional technology tools (17%).

The full report, including spotlights on individual states doing exemplary work with technology, is available on the SEDTA site.
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Eight Upstate South Carolina students have been charged with making threats of violence toward their schools in the aftermath of the Sept. 4 shooting in Winder, Georgia.

Two students and two teachers were shot to death there with an AR-type weapon and nine were injured. The student, Colt Gray, was 14. He has been charged with four counts of felony murder and will be tried as an adult.

In each of the arrests in Upstate South Carolina, the suspects are 14 and younger.

In addition, a 15-year-old was charged with having a gun and alcohol in his pickup truck in Laurens County.

And on Wednesday a 16-year-old was arrested for firing a pellet from an airsoft gun that hit another student at Riverside Highs cross country practice at East Riverside Park.

The student who was hit is OK, Lt. Ryan Flood of the Greenville County Sheriffs Office said.

Investigators have not learned a motive behind the shooting and are still investigating to see if any other parties were involved, Flood said.

Last Friday, Sept. 6, a student at Greer Middle School in Greenville County was charged after making verbal threats during a class the day before.

Greer Police said a school resource officer was made aware of the threats.

Two students were taken into custody in Oconee County this week, a 13-year-old at Walhalla Middle and a 14-year-old at Walhalla High.

The Oconee County Sheriffs Office said the threats were made during a class.

Both were charged with making threats to a school and turned over to the custody of the Department of Juvenile Justice.

At Laurens Middle School, a 12-year-old was charged with making a threat against the school on social media.

No weapons were found in the students possession or on campus, Laurens Police said.

We take the safety and security of your children  the most vulnerable citizens in our community  very seriously, said Laurens Police Chief Heath Copeland. We hope our response sends a clear message that this type of behavior will not be tolerated.

On Wednesday, four additional arrests were made at four Greenville County schools  Blue Ridge Middle, Woodmont Middle, Greer Middle and Riverside High, Tim Waller, spokesman for Greenville County Schools said.

The Riverside High arrest was in addition to the incident at the cross country practice, Waller said.

The students ages were not released by the school district but Flood said the Blue Ridge student was 13. He is accused of writing a text thread that he was going to bring a gun to school. Authorities pulled the student from class, but he did not have a gun, Flood said.

All have been recommended for expulsion.

Meanwhile, there have been dozens of incidents where school districts have investigated reported threats but found them not credible.

Nevertheless, each case brings stepped up law enforcement at schools in the immediate aftermath.

Anderson County district superintendents issued a statement saying there had been an increase in hoax threats on social media.

We want to reassure you that our districts are working closely with state and local law enforcement agencies and take every reported threat seriously, the statement said.

In Greenville County, school leaders, the sheriff and police chiefs of every city issued a joint statement about the rise in threats, asking parents for help in monitoring students.

In order to effectively utilize school district and law enforcement resources, we ask parents to closely monitor their childrens social media accounts to ensure that students report concerns directly to the school or to law enforcement and not repost them on social media or share with classmates, the statement said.

Waller said nearly every school has been impacted by rumors of a threat. The district has 106 schools and is South Carolinas largest district with 77,000 students.

More than a dozen GCS schools sent out parent messages yesterday alone to calm parent fears, Waller said Wednesday. Its important to point out, while law enforcement investigated all of these rumored threats, none were determined to be credible.

The district has a See Something, Say Something icon on every school Chromebook to report anything suspicious, including bullying.

Threats made towards schools, whether intended as a joke or not, are a crime in South Carolina and can result in serious legal consequences for students or adults, the statement said.

Among the school reporting hoaxes are Hillcrest Middle School in Greenville County, T.L. Hanna High in Anderson District 5 , and Gettys Middle School in Pickens County.

At Pickens High School a social media post initially deemed suspicious was found to be referencing a different Pickens High School in another state.
(TBTCO) - Tong cuc Thue cho biet, tinh tu khi trien khai en het ngay 17/9/2024, so luong hoa on ien tu co quan thue a tiep nhan va xu ly khoang 10,1 ty hoa on, trong o hoa on co ma la 2,5 ty hoa on; hoa on khong ma la 6,7 ty hoa on; hoa on tung lan phat sinh va hoa on khoi tao tu may tinh tien la 0,9 ty hoa on. ac biet, sau hon 2 nam trien khai, Chuong trinh Hoa on may man a thu uoc ket qua tich cuc, mang lai loi ich kep cho ca nguoi nop thue va co quan quan ly thue.
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The UAE's tourism sector contributed 11.7% of the UAEs GDP in 2023, totalling AED220 billion ($60 billion), and is expected to rise to 12% or AED236 billion in 2024, as the emirate continues to record remarkable performance in international tourist arrivals and hotel bookings, a report said.

These developments align with the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031, which aims to attract AED100 billion in tourism investments and boost the sector's contribution to the GDP to AED450 billion by 2031, Emirates News Agency, WAM, said, citing World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) figures.

The WTTC projects the travel and tourism contribution to the UAE GDP to reach around AED275.2 by 2034, supported by the world-class infrastructure in the country, which includes airports and accommodations, but also thrilling tourist attractions.

Dubai welcomed 10.62 million tourists in the first seven months of 2024, an 8% increase year-on-year (YoY), data showed. Meanwhile, Abu Dhabis hotels saw over 2.87 million guests during the first half of 2024, generating AED3.6 billion, a 19.5% growth YoY.
OneDegree, Asias first licensed insurer for digital assets, and Dubai Insurance Company have begun issuing digital assets custodial risk insurance to customers in UAE after gaining a key approval from the Central Bank of UAE (CBUAE).

OneDegree and Dubai Insurance announced their partnership last year and have supported many digital asset companies with their insurance needs. Custodial risk insurance completes the product portfolio and allows the partners to offer a one-stop-shop for digital asset companies in the UAE, under the brand OneInfinity.

Custodial risk insurance is an essential part of the risk management strategy for digital asset exchanges, custodians and other service providers and is mandated by many regulators worldwide. VARA, Dubais dedicated regulator for digital assets, requires such coverage along with professional indemnity and directors & officers insurance.

Custodial risk insurance

With this latest approval, specialised custodial risk insurance can be offered directly in UAE for the first time. Custodial risk insurance protects companies against the risk of losing access to digital assets including through third party hacks and theft, internal fraud and physical damage to the storage media.

Robin Scott, General Manager of Middle East for OneDegree, said: UAE has only strengthened its position as a digital asset hub since our market entry last year. There are hundreds of companies setting up across the Emirates and looking to obtain key licences. For this they need strong, tailored insurance policies. Its fantastic that we are now able to offer the full suite of OneInfinity digital asset products to these inspiring companies.

Abdellatif Abuqurah, CEO of Dubai Insurance, added: We are thrilled to work with OneDegree on this important development in the UAE. Dubai Insurance is committed to bringing the most innovative insurance products to the UAE. Custodial risk insurance is something brand new to the market but that satisfies an urgent demand as UAE cements its position as a global leader in digital assets.--TradeArabia News Service
Intersec Saudi Arabia, the countrys leading trade fair for security, safety, and fire protection, will highlight the importance of fire safety strategies in the built environment.

In a panel discussion with Neil Odin, Chief Fire Officer from the UK National Fire Chiefs Council, a leading figure in fire safety, the event will offer unique insights into the challenges faced by the Middle East.

The panel discussion, Crisis to Recovery: Strategies for Effective Fire Post-Incident Management takes place on the opening day of the exhibition as part of the Fire Protection & Technology Summit.

5,200 ongoing construction projects

According to research from Mordor Intelligence, Saudi Arabia currently has over 5,200 ongoing construction projects, with an estimated total value exceeding $819 billion. These projects encompass a wide range of sectors, including residential, commercial, industrial, and infrastructure construction, underscoring the need for an effective Fire Safe Design strategy.

"A response strategy cannot stand alone; it must be intricately linked with fire-safe building designs and comprehensive prevention strategies. Understanding the root causes of fire disasters and sharing this knowledge is key to innovating effective solutions," said Odin.

The Middle East, particularly Saudi Arabia, holds the potential to lead in global fire management through its focus on designing out risks in new developments, he added.

The session will discuss the crucial phases following a fire, highlighting best practices and innovative approaches to post-incident recovery, focusing on restoring normality in affected populations, buildings, and responder teams. Jamal Al Ghamdi, Corporate Process Safety Director, Sadara Chemical Company, will join Odin on the panel.

Other topics

Elsewhere on the opening day of the summit, sessions to be covered include Educating and Empowering Communities: Promoting Fire Safety Awareness and Preparedness, Fire Safety Hazards for Electric Vehicles and Lessons Learned from Past Disasters: Empowering Emergency Preparedness, amongst others.

The second day of the summit will see a full agenda addressing topics such as Integrating IoT and AI in Fire Safety Systems, Maturity of Robotics Deployment in Fire Fighting, Safeguarding Fire Safety Infrastructure Against Threats and Challenges, and Fire Challenges Due to Climate Change with a range of experts from various fields critical to fire safety.

Riham Sedik, Show ManagerIntersec Saudi Arabia, Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said: Intersec Saudi Arabia has an integral role to play in providing a platform for some of the greatest minds and most experienced individuals to come together from around the world to discuss critical challenges, opportunities, standards & policies, and technology relating to fire safety.

Our packed agenda ensures Intersec Saudi Arabia remains a key date for all concerned in this field.

Future Security and Safety Summit

Running alongside the Fire Protection and Technology Summit is the Future Security and Safety Summit, which is focused on the groundbreaking convergence of security thought leadership, innovation, and global expertise. These two Summits are part of Intersec Saudi Arabias high-level content and conference programme, all of which are CPD (Continuing Professional Development) certified.

The show floor, which will cover five product categories, including Commercial & Perimeter Security, Cybersecurity, Homeland Security & Policing, Fire and Rescue, and Safety and Health, has seen unprecedented demand from exhibitors this year, with the show sold out two months ahead of the opening day.

To accommodate participants' demand, the exhibition has increased in size by 34% from 2023 and will now cover a total area of 23,000 sq m across five halls and a dedicated outdoor space.

Intersec Saudi Arabia, which is Organised by 1st Arabia and licensed by Messe Frankfurt, the exhibition will be held in association with The High Commission for Industrial Security and The General Directorate of Saudi Civil Defense. It will return for a sixth edition from 1 - 3 October at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre (RICEC).

Bilal Al Barmawi, CEO and Founder of 1st Arabia Trade Shows & Conferences said: Im delighted to see such a high calibre of experts who will be able to share insights from their many years of experience. This secures our position as a must-attend exhibition. --TradeArabia News Service
Malawian President: China is a great example of a partner

People's Daily Online) 13:37, September 11, 2024

Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera, who was in Beijing for the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), on Sept. 3, 2024. The two leaders jointly announced the elevation of bilateral ties to a strategic partnership.

"I would just be thankful that Malawi, after entering into a relationship with China 17 years ago, we are seeing the fruit of that relationship. Malawi definitely has treasured the establishment of this," said Chakwera in an interview with People's Daily Online.

Chakwera expressed his optimism about the elevation of bilateral relations to a strategic partnership, saying that Malawi is committed to further deepening cooperation with China across various sectors.

"Im looking forward to having our trade enhanced to a level never seen before," he said.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the China-Malawi relationship has enjoyed steady and sound development with solid political mutual trust and fruitful mutually beneficial cooperation. Chakwera emphasized that the reason he appreciates the relationship with China is because China respects other nations' development paths and seeks to help them realize their visions.

"I think this is one reason I appreciate our relationship with China, because it is one that helps us in our own setting," he said, noting that China's support is not distant, but rooted in extensive and in-depth interaction.

"China is a great example of a partner that gives you a hand so you're able to achieve your own dreams," he said.

China and Malawi signed a memorandum of understanding on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) cooperation in 2022. In recent years, Chinese companies have played a key role in developing Malawi's infrastructure, significantly boosting the local economy.

"You can see how this initiative can help us link up through roads, through rail, even through water. That way, the cost of trading and the cost of transporting goods and services becomes low, and the people's livelihood is then enhanced because the prices of things go down," Chakwera said.

Amid the complexities of the global landscape, Chakwera called for greater global unity and stressed the importance of South-South cooperation, noting that such collaborations offer vital opportunities for addressing shared challenges and fostering mutual development.

"No country can survive and thrive by themselves. There is already [a] need, forced upon us by these types of events, for us to collaborate," he said. "I believe, in multilateralism that has rules that you follow so that you are able to make sure that everybody is being served, [both] smaller countries as well as big countries."

Chakwera also highlighted China's key role in South-South cooperation. "China already supports the developing world, even at the highest level, like the United Nations, where they sit on the Security Council. Both China and Malawi sit on the Human Rights Council, and we pursue individualized as well as collective responsibilities," he said.

Reflecting on the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, Chakwera noted that it provides an excellent platform to strengthen China-Africa cooperation, helping both sides tackle risks and challenges while promoting shared prosperity and win-win outcomes.

Looking to the future, Chakwera expressed a desire for expanded cooperation in trade, human development, and tackling joint challenges between China and Africa. "But for us, particularly in Malawi, we're looking for new avenues doing trade or doing business and investments that benefit all countries," he said.

(Web editor: Wu Chaolan, Du Mingming)
AD Ports Group has awarded Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co Ltd (ZPMC) deals worth over AED420 million ($114.35 million) to supply six ship-to-shore (STS) cranes and 17 hybrid rubber tyred gantry (RTG) cranes. The cranes will be deployed at its terminal projects in New East Mole Terminal in Pointe Noire - Republic of the Congo, and Noatum Ports, Luanda Terminal in Angola.

This move comes within the framework of AD Ports Groups 30-year concession agreement to develop and operate a multipurpose terminal in Pointe Noire Port in the Republic of the Congo; in addition to the 20-year concession agreement to modernise and operate the Luanda Terminal in Angola.

These agreements are in-line with AD Ports Groups strategy for advanced development within emerging markets for mutual and sustainable economic growth.

Three Super Post-Panamax STS cranes

Under the contracts, the Pointe Noire, and Luanda terminals will each receive three Super Post-Panamax STS cranes, which are able to reach 21 container rows, a distance of 60 metres. On the other hand, the Pointe Noire will receive nine hybrid RTGs, while Luanda terminal will receive eight hybrid RTGs. The hybrid RTGs can save up to 60% diesel in comparison to the traditional diesel RTGs which equivalent to one million litres per year and approximately 5,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions.

Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO, AD Ports Group, said: We are pleased to advance our concession agreements in Angola and Congo. These cranes play a crucial role in modern port operations. In line with the vision of our wise leadership to enhance trade and promote investment relations with key global partners, we are committed to investing in our terminals infrastructure and adopting advanced, innovative technology solutions to add value to our customers and partners and benefit the economies we operate in.

Ruikai You, Party Secretary and Chairman of ZMPC, said: As the world market leader in STS cranes and ports equipment, ZMPCs global footprint is unparalleled, as is the strength of our specialist upgrades teams. We are pleased to expand this multi-year partnership with our key client AD Ports Group to supply state-of-the-art Super Post-Panamax STS cranes for its expansion into Africa.

In June 2023, AD Ports Group signed a 30-year concession agreement with the Government of the Republic of the Congo for the management and operation of the multipurpose New East Mole Terminal in Pointe-Noire. With an estimated $500 million to be invested over the duration of the concession, the terminal is set to handle container, general cargo, breakbulk and various other types of cargo.

20-year concession

In addition, in April 2024 AD Ports Group signed agreements for a 20-year concession (extendable for another 10 years) with the Luanda Port Authority for the operation and upgrade of the existing Luanda multipurpose port terminal in Angola. For this project, AD Ports Group has committed an estimated $250 million towards the modernisation of the terminal and development of the logistics business over the next three years, with this investment potentially increasing to $379 million over the concession term and in line with market demand.

These agreements underscore AD Ports Groups ambitious international expansion plans, aimed towards enhancing the efficiency of global supply chains, creating faster trade routes and providing diverse logistics solutions for key strategic trading partners.--TradeArabia News Service
Edge, a leading technology and defence group, has announced a joint business plan with its entity Condor, a world leader in non-lethal technology, to establish new non-lethal manufacturing and specialised training facilities in the UAE.

Announced during a visit by Condors Board of Directors to Abu Dhabi, the new strategic facilities will provide the latest non-lethal solutions and services to surrounding regions. The facilities will also position the UAE as an export hub for highly-specialised defence, homeland security and sovereignty capabilities.

Hamad Al Marar, Edge Group Managing Director & CEO, said: In line with the national Make it in the Emirates initiative, this critical milestone enables us to capitalise on the synergies between our companies for the benefit of end users in the pursuit of greater civil security. Our expectations regarding this partnership with Condor are high, and we believe in the company's great potential, building further on its global reputation and its expertise. Together with Edge in Brazil, and now in the UAE, we are confident that they will take the company to the next stage of international growth and development.

Operational framework

Frederico Aguiar, CEO of Condor, said: Based on decades of experience, we will establish an operational framework that will address the unique defence, homeland security and sovereignty challenges of our customers in the region. Our mission here is to share our expertise in developing non-lethal technologies and our experience in jointly developing with end users solutions and services that enable the proportionate and reasonable use of force as necessary to maintain sovereignty."

The joint business plan is the latest development in Edge Groups ongoing effort to localise advanced technology and industrial capabilities. Earlier this year, Edge Group acquired a 51% stake in Condor, opening up new avenues for sustainable global growth and innovation.--TradeArabia News Service
The Dubai Electronic Security Centre (DESC) has announced the launch of the Dubai AI Security Policy, marking a proactive and pioneering step in the region. This policy aims to bolster confidence in AI solutions and technologies, promote their growth and development, and mitigate electronic security risks.

The policy was unveiled during DESCs participation as the official cybersecurity partner in the inaugural Dubai AI and Web3 Festival 2024. The event, organised by the Dubai AI Campus in cooperation with the Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications Office, and the Dubai International Financial Centre, was held in Madinat Jumeirah from 11th to 12th September.

Yousuf Al Shaibani, CEO of the Dubai Electronic Security Centre, said: The launch of the AI Security Policy underscores DESCs commitment to achieving the vision of the UAEs wise leadership. This vision aims to position the UAE as a global leader in AI by 2031, with the goal of developing an integrated system that harnesses AI in key sectors under the UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031.

This policy marks a significant milestone in the Centres journey to realise Dubais annual plan, accelerating the adoption of AI applications and technologies in line with the directives of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council. It serves as a cornerstone in supporting the roadmap to enhance the quality of life in Dubai by integrating AI across all vital sectors, aligning with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to double Dubais economy over the next decade and position it among the top three global economic cities, Al Shaibani added.

Amer Sharaf, CEO of the Cybersecurity Systems and Services Sector at DESC, highlighted that this policy is a new qualitative addition to the suite of innovative projects and policies launched by the Centre. It comes as part of its mission to create a safe and reliable cyberspace that supports Dubais digital infrastructure, reinforcing the emirate's vision to strengthen its global leadership in cybersecurity.

This initiative plays a vital role in boosting trust, fostering the growth and development of AI technologies, and solidifying Dubais position as a global hub for AI. It also aims to protect innovations from cyber threats, enhance cooperation between the public and private sectors, and attract AI investments to the Emirate.

The event saw the participation of over 5,000 business leaders from 100 countries, 500 investors, and around 100 exhibitors, all gathered to explore the latest developments in AI, Web3, and digital economies. These efforts are part of the Centres initiatives to support national efforts aimed at strengthening Dubais position as a global hub for innovation, stimulating economic growth, and building a safer, more sustainable future.
Enoc Group, a leading global integrated energy player, has announced the launch of the Enoc Accelerators Programme under the UAE Government Accelerators umbrella initiative.

This programme is designed to identify and address operational challenges in collaboration with stakeholders, aiming to resolve them within 100 days of its launch.

This makes Enoc Group one of the first semi-government entities to implement the Government Accelerators Programme.

Inspired by the UAE Government's Accelerators Programme, the Enoc Accelerators Programme enables Enoc Groups brightest talents to collaborate with stakeholders to tackle critical challenges and achieve strategic objectives within a short timeframe.

The programmes goals extend beyond quick wins; it aims to redefine the future of the industry. Four teams, comprising 20 employees, will address challenges in sectors such as environment, sustainability, youth, finance, and lubricants.

Saif Al Falasi, Group CEO at Enoc, said: The Enoc Accelerators Programme is a significant step under the Government Accelerators umbrella. It empowers our talented employees to identify challenges within the Groups sectors, work collaboratively to analyse them, and develop actionable plans to overcome them. Launching this programme is an integral part of our efforts to develop the UAEs energy sector and set new standards in it. -TradeArabia News Service
ABB has won an order from Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) to equip 15 liquified natural gas (LNG) carriers with the permanent magnet shaft generator technology.

The 174,000-cbm capacity ships are due delivery between mid-2026 and August 2028 to multiple leading owners serving the supply chain needs of charterer Qatar Energy.

Representing SHIs the largest fleet of LNG project involving permanent magnet shaft generator systems, the contract is also the South Korean yards single largest ever order for LNG carriers.

ABB permanent magnet shaft generator technology enhances operational efficiency of vessels by utilising the power from the shaft and main engine, resulting in better fuel economy compared to getting the power from high-speed, fuel-intensive auxiliary engines.

In addition, the permanent magnet shaft generator is optimised for converter control, enabling better efficiency than either induction or electrically excited synchronous machines can offer at full and partial load.

According to ABBs estimation, this helps to cut ship fuel costs by up to 4 percent. Working with ABBs advanced ACS880 Converter and Control System with D/C Link, the technology can increase fuel efficiency by a further one percent.

Integrating the technology with power, control and automation across multiple ship functions enhances energy efficiency and helps reduce emissions as a result. This aligns with the International Maritime Organisations decarbonisation targets, using measures like the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI), the Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) and the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) of ships.

The scale of this order suggests that key LNG stakeholders now recognise permanent magnet shaft generator system benefits that are widely accepted by owners in the container ship, oil tanker and bulk carrier markets, said Michael Christensen, Global Segment Responsible for Cargo, ABB Marine & Ports. The agreement further strengthens our position in the cargo segment and emphasises our commitment to helping the shipping industry enhance fuel efficiency, reduce costs and reduce emissions in line with environmental regulations. We look forward to working with Samsung and Qatar Energy during implementation and beyond. -TradeArabia News Service
Turkish Airlines, the airline that flies to more countries than any other, has added Sydney, the largest city of Australia to its flight network.

With its second foray into the continent, the flag carrier also marks the city as its first destination in Australia to have non-stop flights in the future. Set to start on December 4, 2024, Istanbul  Sydney flights will be operated four times a week via Kuala Lumpur with Airbus A350-900 aircraft.

As the largest city in Australia and the capital of New South Wales, Sydney is a major global hub for business, tourism and the arts. Home to the famous Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, the city offers a unique and iconic experience for its visitors whether they are visiting for business or leisure.

Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee, Prof Ahmet Bolat stated: We are happy to announce the launch of our Sydney route, which opens another chapter for us in the continent. This new route not only enhances our flight network but also reaffirms our commitment to our presence in Australia as we connect our guests to new opportunities and experiences with the comfort and hospitality of Turkish Airlines. Sydney will also be our first destination in Australia to have non-stop flights when we receive the aircraft capable of making the journey in a single leg.

New South Wales Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham said: I am thrilled that Turkish Airlines is touching down in Sydney for the first time, providing European travellers with direct access to our states world-class visitor experiences. The NSW Government has worked closely with Sydney Airport and Turkish Airlines to secure this new service. Sydney is the gateway to Australia and supporting this new route holds enormous potential for the growth of the states visitor economy.

Sydney Airport CEO Scott Charlton said: This announcement of direct flights marks a significant milestone for travel to Europe, offering passengers seamless access to hundreds of destinations from Turkish Airlines Istanbul hub. We are proud that Turkish Airlines Sydney and NSW for their first non-stop service which is a strong endorsement of everything our city and state has to offer. In the meantime, passengers will get to experience Turkish Airlines award-winning service from Sydney to Istanbul via Kuala Lumpur in December 2024.

With more than 15,000 Turkish-born Australians in New South Wales and Turkiye consistently rated as one of the top destinations for Australian travellers, were confident this service will be strongly supported. Todays announcement is also incredibly important for the Sydney and NSW economies and speaks to the impact of international aviation in supporting our visitor economy. Were looking forward to Turkish Airlines inaugural flight and growing their services in the years to come, he said.

The special launch prices for Turkish Airlines' Sydney to Istanbul flights are AUD1,489 and USD999 for Istanbul to Sydney flights. The launch prices are valid for: Ticketing Date: 12 September  31 December 2024; Travel Date: 04 December 2024  31 May 2025.  TradeArabia News Service
The GAIN Summit 2024 (September 10-12) in Riyadh gathered a diverse group of international leaders, experts, and innovators in the artificial intelligence (AI) industry, facilitating discussions and collaborations on the future of artificial intelligence.

At the event, Boston Consulting Group, an insight partner for the event, unveiled its latest white paper on Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)  the next frontier in AI revolution and its implications.

The new report, Artificial General Intelligence: Demystifying AIs Next Frontier, explores AGI's key concepts and future potential, and examines how it differs from current AI technologies.

The report provides an overview of AGIs applications across industries, its technological and ethical challenges in development, and the governance frameworks necessary for its responsible implementation.

It also highlights the need for stakeholder collaboration to guide AGIs progress and ensure its benefits are realised safely and equitably.

Dr Lars Littig, Managing Director & Partner at BCG and Emesa Leader of BCG's Center for Digital Government unveiled the report's key findings during the Global AI Summit.

He said: "AGI represents the next critical leap in artificial intelligence, with the potential to reshape our world fundamentally.

While generative AI is an entry point, AGI unveils a significant breakthrough where AI will reach or surpass human-level intelligence and cognitive capabilities across a wide range of tasks.

We must guide this technological advancement with ethical frameworks and the right governance structures as we progress toward this future.

Today's decisions are crucial to actively shaping the pathway to AGI. The next few years will be critical for developing and implementing concrete action plans for AI regulations that balance fostering innovation and ensuring responsible and beneficial AI development."

AGI represents a significant leap from today's Artificial Narrow Intelligence (ANI), limited to performing specific tasks. It aims to achieve human-like cognitive abilities, allowing it to learn and perform any intellectual task that a human can, while Artificial Superintelligence (ASI) would surpass human intellect.

Currently, we remain in the ANI phase, where AI is optimised for particular, narrow functions. Achieving AGI, however, is a complex and multifaceted challenge.

As outlined in BCGs whitepaper, the primary barriers include the massive computational resources required and our limited understanding of human cognition and intelligence, which AGI aims to replicate.

Additionally, safety and ethical concerns, particularly around ensuring AGIs goals align with human values, loom large in ongoing research.

In the AGI development space, companies such as OpenAI, DeepMind, and numerous academic institutions are at the forefront, working on advancements in neural networks, machine learning, and brain-inspired architectures.

These organisations recognise the transformative potential of AGI and are receiving substantial support from private investors and governments alike.

The competition and cooperation among these entities signify the importance of AGI not just in the tech world but across sectors, with implications for everything from healthcare to economics.

Eight Focus Areas Shaping AI's Future

The Global AI Summit's programme revolved around eight key focus areas that encompass the cutting edge of AI innovation and its far-reaching implications.

These areas include AI Nation, addressing government roles in AI; Generative Times, exploring AI's path to AGI; Human  Is That Still a Thing?, examining human-AI interaction; Ethics that Work, investigating AI governance; Business Leaders, On Your Marks, guiding AI strategy; Silicon Matters, evaluating AI infrastructure; Data-Application Nexus, exploring practical AI uses; and AI in the City, considering AI's urban impact.

Collectively, these focus areas represent the pivotal conversations and transformative forces shaping the field of artificial intelligence today, fostering discussions on everything from governance and ethics to practical applications and societal effects.

Dr Akram Awad, Partner at BCG, said: We must remember that AI is not magic  its math and science that will touch every aspect of our lives. These focus areas highlight the critical need for active engagement across sectors.

We cant be passive observers in this AI revolution; we must actively responsibly shape its trajectory.

As we highlight in our AGI whitepaper, its crucial to keep a close watch on advancements like AGI to guide responsible development while recognising the immediate potential of existing technologies to tackle the worlds most pressing challenges.

Balancing future innovation with current applications is key to ensuring AIs benefits are realized across society.  TradeArabia News Service
THE theme for this years World Sight Day: Love your eyes, kids, is a call to action, says co-founder of the Trinidad Eye Hospital (TEH) and Hummingbird Medal Gold recipient, Dr Ronnie Bhola.

One of the main problems affecting our young population that is causing concern among health care professionals like Bhola is myopia  a condition in which people can see close objects clearly but objects farther away appear blurred.
Hyatt farse and outta place. The audacity of them. Saying that in this country they are not 
Oro Valley: The Town of Oro Valleys mayor and a Parks and Recreation program have been recognized by the Arizona Parks and Recreation Association.

Oro Valley Mayor Joe Winfield was named the 2024 Public Official of the Year by the association for making significant and consistent contributions to enhancing a communitys quality of life, particularly in the areas of parks, recreation and cultural preservation.

Key initiatives under Winfields tenure include: the Naranja Park expansion project, which included a splash pad, skate park, pump track, pickleball courts and multi-sport field; expansion of the communitys multi-use path system; parking lot and ADA improvements at the Community and Recreation Center; and the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve, which protects 202 acres of Sonoran Desert landscape.

The towns Parks and Recreation nature camp was named APRAs 2024 Outstanding Educational Program. This camp program was lauded for its creative approach to fostering a love for nature, respect for the environment and community engagement among youth.

Oro Valleys Nature Camp, which is held during the fall and spring breaks, provides full-day, immersive outdoor experiences for children at locations like Steam Pump Ranch, Catalina State Park and Honeybee Canyon Park.

Center for Creative Photography: The Center for Creative Photography at the University of Arizona has received an anonymous $1 million gift commitment to establish an endowment to support interdisciplinary exhibitions and programming at the Alice Chaiten Baker Interdisciplinary Gallery.

The endowment will support interdisciplinary programming in the gallery that demonstrates photographys influence across various disciplines while remaining responsive to contemporary themes and challenges.

Goodwill Industries of Southern Arizona: Bank of America has awarded a 2024 Economic Mobility Grant to Goodwill Industries of Southern Arizona.

The $35,000 grant will be used to serve 30 youth in need, providing one-on-one and small-group employability training, including information about in-demand jobs and sectors in Tucson with growth potential, wage ranges, and specific skills and credentials needed for career advancement. Financial literacy education will also be available.

Members of the cohort will be placed with local employer partners in their field of interest for a 96-hour paid work experience.
Incoming President Suresh Garimellas approach to managing the UA Global Campus is going to be different than his predecessor who bought the controversial online university, according to the University of Arizonas interim provost Ron Marx.

At a Faculty Senate meeting earlier this week, Marx, who has spoken to Garimella two or three times about the global campus, said that he suspected the incoming president to take stock of things a bit differently than current President Robert C. Robbins, who is leaving at the end of the month.

Marx declined to go into the weeds on the issue until Garimella is fully on campus, but said there was a plan for integrating the online school into the main university, including academic review of the programs.

UAGC, formerly known as Ashford University, was acquired by the UA in 2020. The UA purchased Ashford, a for-profit online university, from its parent company, Zovio, for $1 to create the nonprofit UAGC. The online college is affiliated with, but separate from the UA.

Additionally, Marx told the Faculty Senate, there is some discussion about whether UAGC faculty would be brought over to become UA faculty.

It would be a mistake to integrate the faculty, given the fact that so little has changed from the days of Ashford and its predatory and subpar academic (programs), Faculty Chair Leila Hudson told the Arizona Daily Star. We have seen no evidence that that kind of faculty integration would be appropriate.

Hudson did add, however, that she is in favor of creating a stronger pathway for UAGC students to become UA students.

Thats part of our obligation to all students, she said. But the faculty, not without a serious filtering process in which faculty governance, through its appropriately elected leadership, plays a role.

Marx did note that administrators were not going to do anything until we have more certainty.

The U.S. Department of Educations ongoing fight with the online university, and therefore the UA, over paying back the $72 million in student loans for 2,300 borrowers who say they were cheated by Ashford University is one uncertainty that Marx pointed to. The Biden administration canceled the loans for the borrowers and is now trying to recoup the costs from UAGC.

Marx said that the Department of Education was kind of a wild card in all of this, adding that the UA is moving forward towards integration using the outside audit, conducted by Ernst and Young, for that process.

The Ernst and Young report, which was released in June, concluded that UAGC has broken even or generated surplus since fiscal year 2022, though noted that the six-year completion rate for UAGC students is in the 15-20% range, well below the UAs rate, which is in the 60-70% range.

Additionally, the report states that the online school has consistently seen a shrinking annual headcount of about 14% since it was acquired by the UA.

Despite the Ernst and Young reports generally positive tone, Arizona-based think tank the Grand Canyon Institute, a nonprofit firm that monitors policy and education, bashed the audit.

While the E&Y report indicates that UAGC is breaking even, that occurs because 95% of its faculty are poorly paid adjunct faculty, GCIs report says, adding that paying faculty more would move UAGC from breaking even to (being) a financial drain on the university.

Adjunct UAGC faculty are paid $19.25 per hour for undergraduate courses and $24-$25 per hour for graduate classes. An adjunct at UAGC teaching a class of 50 enrolled students makes $1,810, while a similar adjunct position at the UA pays at least $5,000 per course.

Theyre only break even because they pay their faculty practically nothing, GCI Research Director Dave Wells told the Arizona Daily Star.
Icon Linda Ronstadt on Wednesday ripped into Donald Trumps campaign stop at her namesake Tucson venue.

Trump held a campaign rally Thursday afternoon at the Tucson Convention Centers Linda Ronstadt Music Hall.

It saddens me to see the former President bring his hate show to Tucson, a town with deep Mexican-American roots and a joyful, tolerant spirit, Ronstadt posted on Facebook Wednesday evening.

I dont just deplore his toxic politics, his hatred of women, immigrants and people of color, his criminality, dishonesty and ignorance  although theres that, Ronstadt continues.

For me it comes down to this: In Nogales and across the southern border, the Trump Administration systematically ripped apart migrant families seeking asylum. Family separation made orphans of thousands of little children and babies, and brutalized their desperate mothers and fathers. It remains a humanitarian catastrophe that Physicians for Human Rights said met the criteria for torture.

There is no forgiving or forgetting the heartbreak he caused, her post reads.

Trump planned to talk about the struggling economy and the rising cost of housing, according to a campaign news release. Trump, however, has a history of digging into a variety of favorite political topics, with immigration being at the top.

Trumps rally was his first visit to Tucson since October 2020, although the Republican presidential nominee visited the U.S.-Mexico border last month in Cochise County. His running mate, JD Vance, visited the same Arizona border area weeks earlier.

Ronstadts online message also included a note to Vance, a U.S. senator from Ohio.

I raised two adopted children in Tucson as a single mom. They are both grown and living in their own houses, Ronstadt wrote. I live with a cat. Am I half a childless cat lady because Im unmarried and didnt give birth to my kids? Call me what you want, but this cat lady will be voting proudly in November for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz.
Technology investments, $9.8 million for police body cameras, radios and a more modern air unit: 12.25%

Several speakers at Wednesday nights council meeting said they did not oppose the idea of a higher city sales tax, but were critical of so much of the funds raised being spent on police. Instead, speakers pressed the council to put more of the funding toward addressing affordable housing, addiction and mental health services.

Thomure, responded to some of the criticism saying the five areas of tax funding interrelated rather than silos of individual categories.

Some of the public safety includes operations like 3-1-1. None of the operations work without the 3-1-1 operation. So, while it is roughly two-thirds and one-third, they are interrelated, and they would depend on each other, he said.

If we do the upfront community investments, the housing investments, while were taking care of the emergency services needs today, the emergency services needs of the future would be decreased.

When the council adopted a $2.3 billion city budget in June, it included investments in social issues like housing as well as road improvements and climate, Mayor Regina Romero said Wednesday night.

Weve intentionally put together these initiatives based on the feedback that voters have given us, Romero said.

We have created programs that we have seen real results. But it is not the complete picture... What you should understand is that housing investment in this particular initiative is not the complete picture. We are investing millions and millions of dollars from federal funds, from state funds, that is creating much more affordable housing, Romero said. We as a city cannot solve societal issues alone. And so this initiative is not the cure-all. It is a continuation of investing into a holistic and comprehensive approach to community safety, quality of life and a safe and vibrant city.

Revenue for the new sales tax would go towards a variety of efforts. About $2 million a year would be used to shade bus stops, improved security and Wi-Fi on transit lines. And $2.5 million a year would be for the citys Housing First program, while $1.4 million a year would go the Team Up to Clean Up program, which cleans up trash-filled areas in the city.

Thomure, in his memo, said this ballot measure is a reaction to a projected $400 million loss of state-shared revenue over the next 10 fiscal years due to the Arizona Legislatures adoption of the flat rate state income tax, which was signed by former Gov. Doug Ducey in 2022.

The city is facing a two-year, $40 million decline in state-shared revenues largely due to the new flat tax, as previously reported by the Star.

Romero said thats because the state Legislature is taking away from local governments like Tucsons instead of boosting funding, we need to invest in ourselves, and this particular plan is based on what youre asking us for.

Before the call for a March special election was passed, however, Romero did want the city manager and staff to re-look at one item: the $10 million allocation to rehabilitate and relocate Tucson City Court. Instead, Romero said most of that funding could be shifted into the citys Housing First program.

What I hear every single day ... (is) we need urgent and additional low-barrier shelter and transitional housing to accommodate more people within our Housing First strategy, and unsheltered people that do need mental-behavioral, substance use help, she said. This $10 million in the city court rehab and relocation, is something that I would like from that to low-barrier shelter and transitional housing.

Thomure asked the city council to consider leaving the court as an item in the revenue budget with at least some minimal funding. Thomure said he was content with this change, as long as the $1 million allocated annually to building a mobile courts system remained intact. It did.

The council, however, amended the funding plan so the majority of revenue initially earmarked for city court shifted to the Housing First program.
Jimmie Tramel Tulsa World Scene Writer Follow Jimmie Tramel 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

Will DPharaoh Woon-A-Tai become the youngest person ever to win an Emmy for lead actor in a comedy series?

Woon-A-Tai was nominated for his work in the shot-in-Oklahoma series Reservation Dogs. If he wins, he will break Michael J. Foxs record for youngest person to win best lead actor in a comedy series. Woon-A-Tai is 22. Fox was 25 when he won for Family Ties.

Woon-A-Tai also could become the first Indigenous actor to win lead actor in any comedy series category  or any acting category.

So says VegasInsider.com, which compiled a list of possible firsts that could occur when the 76th Emmy Awards airs 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 15, on ABC.

Lily Gladstone (Under the Bridge) and Kali Reis (True Detective: Night Country) could become the first Indigenous actors to win in the category of outstanding supporting actress in a limited series  or any acting category.

Gladstone, who was nominated for an Academy Award for her performance in the shot-in-Oklahoma film Killers of the Flower Moon, and Oklahoma country music artist Reba McEntire will be among Emmy presenters. Eugene and Dan Levy will host the ceremony.

Reservation Dogs earned three additional nominations, including best comedy series, outstanding cinematography for a single-camera series and outstanding picture editing for a multi-camera comedy series.

Robin Roberts will be joined by ABC News correspondent Will Reeve to host On the Red Carpet: Live at the Emmys, the official preshow of the 76th Emmy Awards, at 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 15.



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When you heat a cup of coffee in fewer than two minutes or pop a bag of popcorn in your microwave oven, you can thank former Tulsan Margaret Fairchild.

Fairchild didn't invent microwave ovens but she helped develop many of the recipes for cooking on what in the early days of its development was called a "radar range."

She explained the new contraption to a reporter during a visit to Tulsa in the early 1950s but warned they were too pricey for general use. She said the only one in this area was in Little Rock and explained that radar tubes for the ovens cost $500 and that repairs were expensive.

But she predicted the new oven would become a household necessity.

Fairchild, a home economics expert, began her microwave work in 1948 when she was at Teachers College at Columbia University and spent part of her time at Waltham, Mass., at the Raytheon Co. with electronics engineers experimenting with recipes.

"Her greatest contribution to our way of doing things was in the late 1940s and early 1950s when she helped Raytheon develop what to do with its new 'radar range,' " said her niece, former state Rep. Betty Boyd.

Boyd also was a former host of talk shows on KOTV and KTUL.

"Raytheon had this thing they were convinced would revolutionize cooking to accompany the instant lifestyle that was becoming popular," Boyd said.

But standard recipes didn't work the same in a microwave oven because everything cooked so rapidly. That meant that less water had to be used in many recipes.

"Our greatest challenge was brownies because they cook so fast," Fairchild told a reporter in a 1979 visit to Tulsa.

And cooks had to learn how to use new types of cookware because the microwaves didn't work with aluminum cookware and steel pots and pans.

One of her early demonstrations involved the use of a full ear of dried popcorn, which she put into a cellophane bag with a dash of salt and some butter -- and in 30 seconds, she would open the oven to demonstrate a bag full of popcorn ready to eat.

Another demonstration she told about in that 1979 interview involved putting ice cream and a piece of cake in the bottom of a paper cup, topping it with fudge sauce and freezing it.

A few seconds in a microwave would produce hot sauce on top of still-frozen ice cream and defrosted cake.

Fairchild came to Tulsa in 1919 when fresh out of Central Missouri State College at Warrensburg and taught at Irving and Osage elementary schools.

She later opened the cafeteria at Roosevelt Elementary School and became head of food management at Central High School.

During her years in food service at the schools, she developed many recipes -- chocolate pie, biscuits and bean chowder -- that were used for generations and that are still sought by readers of the Tulsa World's recipe column.

Fairchild left Tulsa in the early 1940s to earn a master's degree in institutional food service at Columbia and help Raytheon develop recipes using a microwave oven in the basement. She also helped the Navy with research on the use of microwave ovens aboard submarines.

Although she was an early expert on the use of a microwave oven, Fairchild never abandoned the use of stove-top or gas oven cooking.

She retired in the early 1970s and died in 1980 at the age of 82. Fairchild was the first guest on a talk show program hosted by Boyd on KOTV in 1954, appearing as an expert on the "new and controversial" method of cooking.

During that interview, she predicted that the phrase "now you're cooking with gas" would disappear from American slang and be updated to "now you're cooking with radar."

Like this column? Read all the columns in the Only in Oklahoma series from the Tulsa World Archive.
Steve Metzer Tulsa World Capitol Bureau Staff Writer Follow Steve Metzer 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  Several longtime law enforcement officers, including former Tulsa Police Chief Wendell Franklin, showed support this week for allowing a network of cameras to be installed along state highways.

Franklin and others spoke glowingly about the effectiveness of automated license plate reader cameras in helping authorities to solve crimes and capture suspects.

However, a discussion at the Capitol about whether the state should allow for expanded use of such systems also turned to concerns about how the technology might represent a violation of the presumed right to privacy that Oklahomans might expect while simply driving down a road.

Notably, both Democrat and Republican lawmakers who took part in an interim study on use of the cameras raised questions about how their widescale deployment might violate the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution, which provides people with protection from unreasonable searches and seizures by the government.

To be clear, automated license plate readers already are in widespread use, including in Tulsa and in many other towns and cities. According to a transparency portal on the Tulsa Police Departments website, the department uses 205 license plate readers provided by a private company called Flock Safety to record and retain for 30 days captured images of hundreds of thousands of license plates. The information is used for law enforcement purposes only and can be shared with other law enforcement agencies.

By contrast, the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority uses similar technology to capture images of license plates not for law enforcement purposes but for use in sending toll bills to owners of vehicles tagged with the plates.

Automated license plate readers, typically mounted on street poles, placed in police cars or on mobile trailers, capture all license plate numbers as vehicles pass. Locations, along with time and date, are then downloaded to a central server. Law enforcement agencies can preload license numbers that theyre looking for, such as tags of stolen vehicles, and if a camera captures an image of such a tag, an alert is sent out immediately.

Franklin said tag readers have been key to solving crimes, including homicide.

When we activated those license plate readers, it was like the lights came on and we were able to see so much. It has been a game-changer for us, he said.

After Tulsa police investigating a murder entered license plate information of the victim into the system, a license plate reader in Houston, Texas, soon spotted the vehicle, Franklin said. The driver of the vehicle, who was detained, admitted to killing the victim in Tulsa and stealing the car.

So within 24 hours we were able to solve a homicide, Franklin said. I would say in over 50% of our homicides those license plate readers are in some way, shape or form leveraged.

The former chief predicted that if legislation is passed allowing systems to be placed along state highways, that would be a game-changer, as well.

I would love to see the state of Oklahoma allow adoption of these across some of our networks and our highways, he said.

Others expressed the same view, including Rogers County Undersheriff Jon Sappington, who spoke on behalf of the Oklahoma Sheriffs Association, and Tecumseh Police Chief JR Kidney, who represented the Oklahoma Association of Chiefs of Police.

Trent Shores, a former U.S. attorney now in private practice in Oklahoma, said that while its important to address concerns about privacy issues, the advantages of utilizing plate reader technology should not be overlooked. He added that courts have been supportive of their use.

Some lawmakers who took part in the interim study organized by the Senate Public Safety Committee raised questions about how even more widespread use of high-speed, computer-controlled cameras might infringe upon the rights of the public.

When state Sen. Michael Brooks, D-Oklahoma City, asked if it might be possible for Oklahomans to opt out of a system that would allow their movements to be essentially tracked by government agencies, Franklin and others responded only that they might choose not to drive.

Former state Sen. Jake Merrick, a Republican who represented the Oklahoma City area, questioned whether any limits would be placed on use of the technology.

Will we get to pre-crime predictions and drones that follow us everywhere? Do we want ultimate safety at all costs, or are we willing to prioritize freedom? I see the value in this, but I think we must also check it with concerns and be careful about the parameters that we set around it, he said.

Sen. Warren Hamilton, R-McCurtain, recalled a quote by Benjamin Franklin: They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.

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Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh made five suggestions for further promoting Vietnam-China cooperation while attending the ninth annual Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Summit in Hong Kong on September 11-12.

Binh participated in the summit at the invitation of Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) John Lee Ka-chiu.

Themed 'Building a Connected, Innovative, and Green Belt and Road,' the two-day summit kicked off on Wednesday, drawing nearly 6,000 delegates from governments, corporations, and enterprises from 70 countries and economies.

The event centered on exchanging ideas and proposals to enhance trade and investment between nations, promote green and inclusive growth, improve transport infrastructure and logistics connectivity, strengthen cooperation in finance and trade services, advance science, technology, and innovation, and encourage people-to-people exchanges.

As a special guest, Permanent Deputy PM Binh delivered an important keynote speech at the opening session on Wednesday, during which he shared his appreciation for the Belt and Road Initiatives contributions to promoting global economic connectivity as well as South-South cooperation.

He underscored the importance of equal, open, and mutually beneficial cooperation in accordance with international law in implementing cooperation initiatives and regional and global economic connectivity for the sake of peace, prosperity, sustainability, and inclusive development.

Vietnam is an open economy which upholds the principles of multilateralism, respects international law, and supports economic cooperation and linkage initiatives, including the BRI, Binh stated.

Top leaders from Vietnam and China agreed to promote connections between the two countries' development strategies, implementing the cooperation plan connecting the Two Corridors, One Belt framework with the BRI.

He also put forth five proposals outlining priority areas for HKSAR to implement, contributing to the agreements made between Vietnam and China's top leaders. These measures aim to further strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership established between the two nations in 2008.

The first is to further promote financial cooperation, share experience in banking digitalization, build and develop regional and global financial centers, and develop a voluntary carbon credit trading market.

Vietnams Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh (L) and Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region John Lee Ka-chiu pose for a photo in Hong Kong, September 11, 2024. Photo: Vietnam News Agency

Second, Hong Kong should further facilitate trade and the circulation of goods, as well as expand regional economic corridors.

Third, it is necessary to promote high-quality investment and expand investment to new technology fields such as biotechnology, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, renewable energy, and smart cities.

Fourth, HKSAR should prioritize enhancing infrastructure connectivity, particularly by developing and linking border gate and railway infrastructure between Vietnam and China.

Finally, Hong Kong should work to strengthen city-to-city ties and promote people-to-people exchanges between the two countries, Binh concluded.

He also called on business communities in HKSAR and China in general to continue accompanying Vietnam on its path toward development, affirming that the Vietnamese government will continue to support foreign enterprises, including those from Hong Kong and China.

Following the summit, Binh held a meeting with Lee, who extended his condolences over the huge losses of people and property in many northern localities in Vietnam due to the impact of super typhoon Yagi.

Lee pledged to promote development between Hong Kong and Vietnam, contributing to fostering and deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership.

Binh told Lee that Vietnam welcomes Hong Kong enterprises to participate in large-scale transport infrastructure projects and expand investment in areas that are in line with Vietnam's sustainable development strategy.

He also suggested Hong Kong increase its imports of Vietnamese goods, cooperate in building up an international financial center in Ho Chi Minh City, support Vietnamese living in Hong Kong, continue simplifying visa procedures for Vietnamese citizens to Hong Kong, and expand bilateral cooperation in culture, tourism, and aviation.

Lee affirmed that authorities and businesses in HKSAR have strong confidence in the growth potential and prospects of Hong Kong-Vietnam relations.

He also pledged Hong Kong's support for Vietnam in successfully hosting the APEC Year 2027.

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Vietnam and the U.S. have agreed to continue prioritizing cooperation in addressing war legacies while strengthening other cooperative areas to further promote their comprehensive strategic partnership.

Vietnamese Minister of National Defense General Phan Van Giang and his U.S. counterpart Lloyd Austin reached the agreement at their talks in Washington, D.C. on Monday (local time), as part of Giangs visit to the U.S. at the invitation of Austin.

The visit lasted from September 6 to 11.

Expressing his delight to welcome Giang on his first official visit to the U.S. in his new position, Secretary of Defense Austin highly valued the cooperation outcomes achieved between the two countries since the establishment of their diplomatic relations in 1995, according to Quan Doi Nhan Dan (Peoples Army) newspaper.

The secretary reaffirmed Washingtons commitment to continue strengthening ties with Vietnam, according to the U.S. Department of Defense.

The talks between a Vietnamese defense delegation led by Minister of National Defense General Phan Van Giang (L) and its American counterpart headed by U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin in Washington, D.C., September 9, 2024. Photo: mod.gov.vn

He commented that the two countries upgrade of bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership last year has created a firm foundation for the future of Vietnam-U.S. ties in general and defense cooperation in particular.

Secretary Austin underscored the importance of cooperation in overcoming the legacies of war in the overall relationship between the two countries, asserting that the U.S. government and Department of Defense will continue to cooperate with and support Vietnam in this field.

The host and guest agreed to prioritize efforts in addressing the aftermath of the war, with a focus on speeding up the environmental remediation of dioxin contamination at Bien Hoa airport in southern Dong Nai Province, clearing unexploded ordnance (UXO), and providing information, materials, and DNA testing equipment to support the search, recovery, and identification of the remains of Vietnamese soldiers missing in action during the war.

The U.S. official announced a commitment to budget an additional US$65 million over the next five years for completing dioxin remediation efforts at the Bien Hoa airport area, according to a press release on the website of the U.S. Department of Defense.

This would bring the total Department of Defense contribution to the Bien Hoa remediation effort to $215 million, stated the release.

Austin also thanked Vietnam for fulfilling its commitment to search for American soldiers missing in action during the war in Vietnam.

Minister Giang expressed his pleasure to visit the U.S. as the two countries are celebrating the first year of their comprehensive strategic partnership, toward the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations next year.

Giang affirmed that Vietnam wishes to develop cooperation with the U.S. on the basis of the legitimate interests of both sides, contributing to peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region and the world.

During the meeting, the two officials expressed satisfaction with the tangible outcomes of bilateral defense cooperation, including delegation exchanges, dialogue and consultations, efforts to overcome war legacies, the search for U.S. soldiers missing in action, training, military medicine, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and collaboration in United Nations peacekeeping operations, among other areas.

Vietnamese Minister of National Defense General Phan Van Giang (L) and U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin (C) hand over war keepsakes to each other after their talks in Washington, D.C., September 9, 2024. Photo: mod.gov.vn

They agreed to continue expanding cooperation in these fields while strengthening high-level exchanges and contacts and maintaining the existing dialogue and consultation mechanisms.

Both sides pledged to intensify mutual consultation and support at regional and international multilateral forums, especially at the ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting Plus (ADMM+), on the basis of respecting the central role of ASEAN.

The two sides expressed their belief that the defense cooperation between the two countries will continue to develop in the coming time, for the benefit of each country, contributing to further bringing into play the comprehensive strategic partnership.

On this occasion, General Giang extended an invitation to Secretary Austin, other U.S. Department of Defense leaders, and U.S. defense industry enterprises to visit Vietnam for the second International Defense Exhibition, set to take place in Hanoi from December 19 to 22.

At the conclusion of their talks, Giang and Austin signed an Updated Joint Vision Statement on U.S.-Vietnam Defense Relations, outlining a roadmap for the future of their defense partnership.

They also handed over several war keepsakes to each other and exchanged the latest information related to Vietnamese and U.S. soldiers who went missing in the war.

Vietnam and the U.S. normalized their diplomatic relations in July 1995 and entered a comprehensive partnership in July 2013.

Over ten years later, the two sides lifted their ties directly to a comprehensive strategic partnership on September 10, 2023, skipping the strategic partnership level, during U.S. President Joe Bidens official visit to Vietnam.

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Chairman of Vietnam's lawmaking National Assembly (NA) Tran Thanh Man had a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Tuesday as part of his official visit to Russia from September 8 to 10.

This was the second time the two leaders had directly met each other since the top Vietnamese legislator assumed office in May, following a meeting in Hanoi in June when President Putin paid a state visit to Vietnam.

Their meeting in Moscow took place in a friendly and straightforward atmosphere.

Chairman Man conveyed the greetings from Vietnamese Party General Secretary and State President To Lam and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh to President Putin.

He also briefed Putin on the outcomes of his official visit to Russia and cooperation plans between the two countries' parliaments in the coming time.

A view of the meeting between Chairman of Vietnam's lawmaking National Assembly Tran Thanh Man (L) and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. Photo: Vietnam News Agency

President Putin thanked Party General Secretary and State President Lam and Prime Minister Chinh for their greetings and extended his invitation to the two Vietnamese leaders to visit Russia at appropriate times.

He spoke highly of the significance and outcomes of Chairman Man's visit and the high-ranking delegation of the Vietnamese legislature.

The Russian leader suggested the two countries legislative bodies continue to strengthen their cooperation, contributing to promoting the Vietnam-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership in a practical and effective manner.

He pledged his support for the legislatures of both countries in implementing their signed agreements.

Chairman of Vietnam's lawmaking National Assembly Tran Thanh Man (R) shakes hands with Gennady Zyuganov, leader of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation. Photo: Thong Nhat

During meetings with leaders of major Russian political parties on the same day, Chairman Man expressed his pleasure at returning to Russia and his impression of Moscows big and positive changes.

The Vietnamese leader expressed gratitude for the invaluable and sincere support from the Soviet Union, now the Russian Federation, during Vietnam's struggle for national independence and reunification in the past and in its current development efforts.

Gennady Zyuganov, leader of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation, said that Vietnam, with its development achievements, is a model for other countries.

He promised to keep contributing to maintaining the traditional friendship with Vietnam and the close cooperation with the Communist Party of Vietnam as well as the Vietnamese people.

Chairman of Vietnam's lawmaking National Assembly Tran Thanh Man (R) shakes hands with Chairman of the Socialist Political Party 'A Just Russia - Patriots - For the Truth' Sergey Mironov. Photo: Thong Nhat

At another meeting, Chairman Man and Chairman of the Socialist Political Party 'A Just Russia - Patriots - For the Truth' Sergey Mironov agreed that the two sides should strive further to reach the bilateral trade target of US$10 billion by 2030.

The Vietnamese NA supports the enhancement of the two countries comprehensive cooperation and has been collaborating with the government to remove obstacles and seriously consider Russias proposals.

Boosting localities cooperation

At a meeting with Governor of the Rostov region Vasily Golubev, Chairman Man hailed Rostovs cooperation with Vietnam, reflected through its agreement with Vietnams Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province during Mans visit.

He hoped the two sides would realize their cooperation plan soon, affirming that the Vietnamese NA advocated the collaboration between Rostov and Ba Ria - Vung Tau as well as other Vietnamese localities.

Chairman of Vietnam's lawmaking National Assembly Tran Thanh Man (R) meets with Governor of the Rostov region Vasily Golubev. Photo: Thong Nhat

Governor Golubev said that he would encourage local businesses to foster cooperation with Vietnamese localities, such as Ba Ria - Vung Tau and Can Tho City.

On the same day, Chairman Man also met with representatives of the Russia-Vietnam Friendship Association and the association of Russian veterans who used to fight for Vietnam in wartime.

He expressed his belief that members of the two associations would keep supporting and contributing positively and effectively to the stronger development of the Vietnam - Russia relations in the coming periods.

Chairman Mans visit to Russia was his first overseas trip as the leader of the National Assembly.

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Another landslide in Lao Cai Province, northern Vietnam has killed seven people and injured 11, while 11 others remain unaccounted for, a local official confirmed on Wednesday.

The incident took place on Tuesday afternoon when soil and rocks slid down from a nearby mountainside, burying eight local households in a village of Nam Luc Commune, Bac Ha District, Vang Van Chung, secretary of the communes Party Committee, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper on Wednesday.

After being notified of the incident, a task force headed by Vu Xuan Cuong, secretary of the provincial Party Committee, attempted to visit the scene but damage to the local roadside made it impossible to approach the site until the next morning, when they were able to travel four hours by boat along the Chay River to reach the village and direct a search and rescue team.

By midday, rescuers had carried the 11 injured victims roughly four kilometers through the forest to a boat, which then transported them to an ambulance that took them to a local clinic for emergency treatment.

Rescuers carry injured victims to a local clinic for emergency care. Photo: Supplied

As of 5:30 pm the same day, the rescue team had recovered the bodies of seven victims.

Search efforts are still underway for 11 other individuals who are still unaccounted for.

A report from authorities in Bac Ha indicated that downpours, floods, and landslides had claimed the lives of 15 residents, injured 17, and left 19 others missing in the district as of 5:00 pm on Wednesday.

The extreme weather conditions also ravaged more than 1,400 homes, with 470 having been hit by landslides, causing damage estimated at VND325 billion (US$13.2 million).

On Tuesday, two landslides struck Nam Luc and caused extreme human and property damage, Trinh Xuan Truong, chairman of the provincial administration, told Tuoi Tre.

The first landslide destroyed part of the Southeast Asia - Nam Luc hydropower plant, leaving one dead and four missing.

The second hit the said village, which is adjacent to the hydropower plant.

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Catch up on the news in Vietnam today:

Politics

-- Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Thanh Binh hosted a reception in Hanoi on Wednesday for Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Ito Naoki, who delivered Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio's message of sympathy to his Vietnamese counterpart Pham Minh Chinh regarding the impact of typhoon Yagi on Vietnam.

-- During a meeting with Lao Party General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith in Hanoi on Wednesday, Vietnamese Party General Secretary and State President To Lam stressed that the Vietnam-Laos relationship is always the top priority in Vietnams foreign policy. The top Lao leader is paying a visit to Vietnam through Friday this week.

Society

-- Site clearance for the first phase of the Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Park (VSIP) Can Tho in the namesake southern city is now 99 percent complete, and the remaining five project-hit households committed to handing over their land this week, a local official said on Wednesday.

-- The U.S. Embassy to Vietnam announced on Wednesday that the U.S. would provide US$1 million in immediate humanitarian aid to support Vietnams efforts to respond to the devastating impacts of typhoon Yagi, while Australia announced an initial aid package worth A$3 million (US$2 million) for Vietnam. The first shipment of Australias relief supplies arrived in Hanoi on Wednesday evening.

-- Scuba divers have collected nearly 11 metric tons of garbage from the seabed and coral reefs off the shore of Con Dao Island in Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province, southern Vietnam over the past month, according to the Con Dao National Park.

-- Typhoon Yagi, which hammered northern Vietnam on Saturday last week, and ensuing downpours, landslides, flash floods and bridge collapse had left 179 people dead and 145 others missing as of 5:30 pm on Wednesday, according to a report from the Vietnam Disaster and Dyke Management Authority under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

-- As of 5:30 pm on Wednesday, authorities have found the bodies of seven people and taken 11 injured people out of the scene of a landslide on Tuesday in Lao Cai Province, northern Vietnam. Eleven others remain missing, a representative of the local authorities told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper on Wednesday.

-- The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transport has asked relevant units to check the status quo of all bridges in the city, especially Saigon, Binh Trieu 1, and Tan Thuan 1, following a bridge collapse in Phu Tho Province in northern Vietnam in the wake of typhoon Yagi.

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Heavy rains are expected to drench southern Vietnam over the next week, with rainfall mainly occurring in the afternoon and evening, according to the southern Vietnam weather agency.

The meteorological agency said that widespread thunderstorms and downpours in Ho Chi Minh City and other southern provinces could persist until September 18.

Intense rainfall may result in flooding in low-lying areas and those along riverbanks and canals.

The weather agency attributed this weather pattern to intensifying southwest monsoon and a low-pressure trough, which is forecast to travel from the north-central region to central Vietnam between September 13 and 14 before picking up strength.

In Ho Chi Minh City, heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds lashed many areas from Tuesday to Wednesday.

Increased precipitation is anticipated to soak the northern and eastern parts in the Mekong Delta region from Thursday, with affected provinces including Long An, Ben Tre, Tien Giang, and Dong Thap, the agency noted.

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After months of drought, masses of water are flowing through the dirt roads in Kenya, flooding houses and washing away the freshly planted seeds. With climate change, dry and rainy seasons become increasingly extreme and threaten people, landscapes and all of creation in many parts of the world.

Besides climate change another major problem were facing globally today is rapid biodiversity loss. The God given balance in working ecosystems plays an important role for all life on earth, including all human life. In times like this, hope is possibly more important than ever, a hope that is spread globally but delivered locally.

In Acts 17:22-23 it is described how Paul went before a meeting in Athens, saying For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with the inscription: to an unknown god. So you are ignorant of the very thing you worshipand this is what I am going to proclaim to you. Paul takes some time in Athens to walk around, observe and learn before he starts preaching the gospel, approaching it from local values, traditions and needs.

How can caring for Gods creation be motivated?

Paul came with the intention of spreading a global hope, in a very local context. Just as he delivered his message through the local context of this specific time and place, so it is important for us to spread Gods message of hope through our works and words in a specific context, a context that is increasingly defined by the consequences of climate change. The question is, how can caring for Gods creation be motivated when works are not necessary to be saved?

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Genesis 2:15 calls all of humanity to work and take care of Gods creation, yet we dont earn salvation through obedience. It is already freely given to us. There must therefore be another motivation to follow that call.

When Job is in deep despair, God hears his cries and takes him on a tour through God's creation in Job 38-40. There God points out the wonders of nature and in doing so lifts Jobs eyes away from his own problems towards the majesty of creation. In this, God directs Jobs attention to the power and care of the Creator himself. God invites Job to be in awe.

The feeling of awe is an overpowering state of mind when humans experience something vast that cant be easily grasped, often pointing to a higher power, pointing to God. Through awe and wonder, minds can be shifted and we can be motivated towards actions that care for Gods awesome creation. However, when people face struggles in their daily life awe can too easily be suppressed and difficult to generate. To address those struggles and invite people into awe, it is therefore necessary to get an good understanding of the local situation, just like Paul did.

Kenya is one of the countries highly affected by floods and droughts which destroy entire harvests and therefore threaten peoples livelihoods. Deforestation increases the threat and also leads to conflicts between humans and wildlife for the scarce resources. There is a very local need for action against a very global problem. The "Blooming Desert Project" is a holistic approach to actively reduce the consequences of climate change, mitigate conflicts between humans and wildlife, invite observers to be in awe of the Creator and therefore spread hope.

The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom. (Isaiah 35,1-2)

Inspired by Isaiah 35:1-31, the project aims to let dry lands bloom again, spiritually and physically. Spiritually the mission is to spread hope and share the gospel. Physically it aims to address needs and restore habitats, improving sustainable agriculture, protecting livestock and offering additional sources of income. The project includes a sermon series that works in close collaboration with local pastors to address topics like soil, trees, wildlife and agriculture from a spiritual and practical perspective. Additionally, practical activities like beekeeping, soil erosion exercises, "Farming Gods Way", predator proof livestock enclosures and safaris (among other options) uplift communities, inspiring awe and empowering them to use available resources for change.

In a time when droughts and floods are so often in the news, how valuable would it be to address them before they happen? How wonderful if we could restore the landscape to its natural capacity to nourish all life in abundance? How worthwhile would it be to share the gospel through our works for all our neighbors within our created habitats, encouraging spiritual and physical deserts to bloom again? Would this not be evidence of Jesus' New Creation?

Originally published by A Rocha International. Republished with permission.

Svenja Akwaba (not pictured) is a trained Safari Guide, has a degree in Conservation and Wildlife Management and is currently studying Systematic Theology, in particular creation care theology that motivates action. Since February she has been the Project Manager of the Blooming Desert Project which she developed as her master thesis. She lives in Kenya and Germany, where she is a member of both (friends of) A Rocha groups, and is married to Victor whom she met during her research in Kenya. If you would like to be in touch, ask questions or sign up for her Newsletter you are very welcome to reach out to svenja.akwaba@kontaktmission.org .
As of 11:00 am on Thursday, rescuers had found the bodies of 43 people who had died in a flash flood that swept through a mountainous village in Lao Cai Province, northern Vietnam on Tuesday, said a local official.

Nu Villagee in Phuc Khanh Commune, Bao Yen District, Lao Cai Province had been home to 37 households and 158 residents prior to the flood.

In addition to the 43 deceased victims, 17 Nu Village residents are currently receiving medical treatment and 52 others are still missing, said Duong Duc Huy, head of the Information and Education Committee of Lao Cai Province.

On Thursday morning, 650 people were mobilized to search for the missing victims.

Electricity to Nu Village resumed at 5:10 pm on Wednesday.

The flash flood engulfed the village on September 10, 2024. Photo: Nguyen Khanh / Tuoi Tre

Military officers carry a deceased victim of the flash flood in Lao Cai Province, northern Vietnam. Photo: Nguyen Khanh / Tuoi Tre

Hoang Van Thoi lost his mother, wife, and three children to the flash flood. Photo: Nguyen Khanh / Tuoi Tre

An 11-year-old boy died in the flash flood. Photo: Nguyen Khanh / Tuoi Tre

Residents carry a deceased victim of the flash flood to a local cemetery. Photo: Nguyen Khanh / Tuoi Tre

A woman grieves next to the coffin of a family member. Photo: Nguyen Khanh / Tuoi Tre

Rescuers found the body of a victim of the flash flood. Photo: Nguyen Khanh / Tuoi Tre

Military officers search for missing victims of the flash flood. Photo: Nguyen Khanh / Tuoi Tre

The mud in Nu Village is several meters thick, causing major complications in the resuce process. Photo: Nguyen Khanh / Tuoi Tre

Military officers remove bags of rice from a collapsed house as they search for missing victims. Photo: Nguyen Khanh / Tuoi Tre

Some 650 military and police officers have been mobilized to search for missing victims. Photo: Nguyen Khanh / Tuoi Tre

Nu Village is located in a remote area of Lao Cai Province, with many roads leading to the village now destroyed. Photo: Nguyen Khanh / Tuoi Tre

A buffalo carcass floats near the village. Photo: Nguyen Khanh / Tuoi Tre

Military officers search for missing victims. Photo: Nguyen Khanh / Tuoi Tre

Military officers wade through water and mud as they search for missing victims. Photo: Nguyen Khanh / Tuoi Tre

Some houses survived the flash flood. Photo: Nguyen Khanh / Tuoi Tre

Military officers search for missing victims in the floodwaters. Photo: Nguyen Khanh / Tuoi Tre

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A question of ethics in Reality Television was raised yesterday in a panel discussion at the

Australian Content in the Streaming Era Symposium at ACMI in Melbourne.

SBS Head of Unscripted Joseph Maxwell, producer Lauren Rose Beck (Prepping Australia) and critic and podcaster Brodie Lancaster (See Also) addressed the way reality participants were presented on screen including producers and editors being complicit in the villain edit.

SBS Head of Unscripted Joseph Maxwell said the edit was very important in documentaries.

You want to maximize the drama in your edits. You want to make sure peoples characters print and how they come across. You absolutely want to do that. I think the role of the editor is critical  you know, the skill in the artistry to be able to get those stories, especially when youre purely using those their words, not a voiceover. Weve all seen the kind of frankengrab of what that can do to people, distorting their words. Hand on heart, I think we deal with real integrity, he said.

Theres a rule Ive sort of lived with. I made Reality TV a long time ago, but more from a documentary background, I think theres something very powerful about Would you be happy to sit next to them to watch this show go out?

Its a really good, quick integrity test. Because if youre not, then I think theres something going wrong. If you are, you might say, Yes I have shown you being really difficult, or something like that. But that speaks true to what happened and true to how you are and who you are. So for me, thats just a useful, personal test.

Lauren Rose Beck referred to high profile incidents in the UK and the impact which had followed.

Theres actually been a British parliamentary inquiry into the duty of care needed to be given to participants of reality shows following a spate of suicides, she said.

It was established that production companies do have a duty of care to not exploit or misrepresent the participants. But how that actually is executed day to day in production, I think still leaves a little bit wanting.

Brodie Lancaster also recalled 2023s season of Below Deck Australia in which a drunken sexual assault was narrowly avoided.

There were camera crews in their bunks as a very drunk man was trying to get into bed with his very drunk female coworker, who was asleep, she said.

In that moment, what a blessing to break the fourth wall break with producers, who were not afraid to show themselves on camera. They they walked into frame and change the entire trajectory of these peoples lives in what could have been a very dark episode of a show that, in previous years, might have just been edited out.
Iqra Fatma, TwoCircles.net

New Delhi: On September 11, a sense of urgency gripped Hyderabad as MP Asaduddin Owaisi who made a fervent appeal, urging people to oppose the recently introduced Waqf Amendment Bill, 2024. Describing the proposed legislation as oppressive and unconstitutional, he issued a statement via a video clip that rapidly circulated among concerned citizens.

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The bill, which had been introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 8, 2024, seeks to amend the 1995 Waqf Act, fundamentally altering the management and oversight of waqf properties. These properties, integral to Islamic charitable traditions, encompass mosques, madras, khanqahs (hospice), graveyards and agricultural lands dedicated for religious and public welfare purposes.

The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen chiefs call to action urged citizens to voice their objections before the deadline of September 13.

The new legislation, proposed to be renamed the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act, 2024, is touted by the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government in the Centre as a comprehensive reform aimed at increasing the efficiency of waqf property management. The bill introduces several key changes, including the inclusion of non-Muslims in Waqf Boards and a significant shift in the power dynamics overseeing these properties.

Owaisis criticism centres on the perceived threat to the autonomy of Muslim religious institutions. He accused the Prime Minister Narendra Modis government of attempting to seize waqf properties through the amendment, thus encroaching upon religious rights. The bill, he argued, would diminish the authority of Waqf Boards, making them mere mute spectators while the central government exerts greater control.

To facilitate the publics objections, the lawmaker highlighted the role of the All-India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), which had provided a QR code to streamline the submission process. He encouraged people to use their phones to scan the code, draft their objections via email and submit them before the impending deadline. The QR code, he mentioned, would be available in mosques, and local Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) would participate in Friday prayers to further mobilise the community.

The 1995 Waqf Act

The central government introduced a Bill in the Lok Sabha on August 8 to amend the 1995 Waqf Act. The proposed amendments aim to significantly reform the law by increasing the Centres regulatory authority over waqf properties and, for the first time, allowing the inclusion of non-Muslim members in Waqf Boards.

The draft legislation, proposed to be renamed the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act, 2024, is described by the government as a comprehensive overhaul intended to enhance the efficiency of the administration and management of the waqf properties.

However, several Opposition parties have accused the Centre of introducing the Bill without adequate consultation with stakeholders, claiming it encroaches upon the Muslim communitys religious rights. They have also argued that the amendments will reduce Waqf Boards to mute spectators while the Centre infringes upon various religious freedoms.

In Islamic law, waqf refers to property dedicated to God for religious and charitable purposes. This can include any movable or immovable property set aside for the public good, representing an act of piety that allows Muslims to extend their charitable deeds beyond their lifetime.

A waqf can be established through a formal deed or instrument, or a property can be deemed waqf if it has been used for religious or charitable purposes over an extended period. The proceeds from such properties are typically used to maintain mosques, fund schools or provide for the poor.

However, once designated as waqf, the property cannot be transferred through inheritance, sold or given away. Non-Muslims are also permitted to create a waqf as long as the objective aligns with Islamic principles.

In India, waqfs are regulated by the 1995 Act. Waqf properties are identified and delineated through a survey conducted by state governments. A survey commissioner, appointed under the Act, identifies these properties through local investigations, witness testimonies and the review of public documents. Once identified, the properties are recorded in the States official gazette, and a list is maintained by the State Waqf Board. Each waqf is managed by a mutawalli (custodian) who oversees its administration. Although similar to a trust established under the Indian Trusts Act of 1882, a waqf, unlike a trust, cannot be dissolved by a Board.

The 1995 Act establishes Waqf Boards in each State to oversee the administration of waqf properties within their jurisdiction. These Boards are considered juristic persons, allowing them to sue or be sued in a court of law. Each State Waqf Board has a chairperson and includes one or two nominees from the State government, Muslim legislators, recognised Islamic scholars and mutawallis of the waqfs.

The Act also mandates the appointment of a full-time chief executive officer for each Board, who must be a Muslim by faith and hold at least the rank of deputy secretary in the State government. The Waqf Board is authorised to manage waqf properties and take measures to recover lost assets. It can also sanction the transfer of immovable waqf property through sale, gift, mortgage, exchange or lease.

However, this requires the approval of at least two-thirds of the Board members. Amendments to the 1995 Act in 2013 further strengthened the Boards authority and made the sale of waqf properties nearly impossible, as neither the mutawalli nor the Board had the right to sell a waqf property.

In addition to the State Waqf Boards, the legislation also establishes the Central Waqf Council  a national advisory body under the Ministry of Minority Affairs. The Council ensures uniform administration of waqf properties across the country and is headed by the Union Minister of Minority Affairs. It also advises the Union government on waqf-related issues, including policy development, implementation of waqf laws and resolution of inter-State disputes.

Contentious aspects of proposed amendments

Key changes in the proposed law include alterations to the definition of waqf. Under the Bill, only lawful property owners who have practiced Islam for at least five years are authorized to create waqf properties through formal deeds. This revision abolishes the waqf by use concept  which allowed a property to be considered waqf based on usage, even if the original deed was disputed. Traditionally, waqf properties were often dedicated orally until formal documentation became standard practice.

To prevent fraudulent waqf claims, the Bill stipulates, Any government property identified or declared as waqf property, before or after the commencement of this Act, shall not be recognized as waqf property. Additionally, the law permits widows, divorced women, and orphans to be beneficiaries of proceeds from waqf assets.

Another significant change involves the power being reposed in district collectors. The responsibility of surveying waqf properties, previously managed by survey commissioners under the 1995 Act, will now be assigned to district collectors or officers of equivalent rank.

To improve the accuracy of waqf property records, the Bill proposes a centralised registration system. All information about waqf properties must be uploaded to this portal within six months of the new laws enactment. Moreover, any new waqf property registrations must be submitted exclusively through this portal to the Waqf Boards.

Notably, the Bill omits Section 40, which previously granted waqf tribunals the authority to determine whether a property qualifies as waqf. Instead, it designates the district collector as the final arbiter in such matters. Once a determination is made, the collector must update the revenue records and submit a report to the State government.

However, the Bill specifies that the disputed property cannot be treated as a waqf property until the collector submits his final report. This implies that until the government decides the issue, a Waqf Board cannot control the disputed land.

One of the most contentious aspects of the Bill is the proposed inclusion of non-Muslims in key waqf institutions  the Central Waqf Council, the State Waqf Boards and waqf tribunals. It empowers the Centre to appoint three Members of Parliament (two from the Lok Sabha and one from the Rajya Sabha) to the Central Waqf Council without specifying that they must be Muslims.

Under the 1995 Act, the three MPs to be included in the Council had to be from the Muslim community.

Similarly, the new Bill mandates that State Waqf Boards include two non-Muslims and two women as members. The composition of waqf tribunals has been changed from a three-member body to a two-member body. The tribunal will now consist of a district judge and an officer of joint secretary rank to the State government.

Under the proposed law, tribunals must resolve disputes within six months, with a possible extension of an additional six months.

The Bill also empowers the Centre to direct the audit of any waqf at any time by an auditor appointed by the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India, or by any officer designated by the Central Government for that purpose. Waqf Boards are required to audit their accounts annually, selecting auditors from a panel constituted by the State governments. Penalties will be levied upon mutawallis if they fail to maintain proper accounts.

The proposed law allows courts to intervene in waqf disputes. It removes the finality of decisions made by waqf tribunals, allowing aggrieved parties to appeal directly to the concerned High Court. This is aimed at increasing judicial oversight and curbing instances of arbitrary exercise of power by Waqf Boards or tribunals.

Professor Faizan Mustafa, noted academician and vice chancellor of the Chanakya National Law University, Patna, said that while the amendments are a positive step, it is crucial to implement measures that adequately protect waqf properties without infringing upon the freedom of religion guaranteed under Article 25 of the Constitution. Rights vested in waqf properties hundreds of years ago cannot be taken over by executive officers without fair judicial determination, he added.

He also noted that the increased centralisation of waqf property management might undermine the autonomy of Muslim religious institutions. While welcoming the inclusion of non-Muslims and women in waqf governance, Mustafa questioned, Will non-Hindus be allowed on Hindu temple boards in States such as Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka?

He further asserted that excessive government control is at odds with the principles of economic liberalisation.

After its introduction in Parliament, the Bill was referred to a joint parliamentary committee for further scrutiny following opposition from the Congress-led Indian National Democratic Inclusive Alliance, which opposed the proposed law in its present form.

In March last year, the Union government informed the Delhi High Court that close to 120 petitions challenging various provisions of the 1995 Act are pending before courts across the country.
TCN News

New Delhi: As the political landscape heats up ahead of state elections, a significant trend is emerging: the judiciary is transitioning into active politics. In a recent move, former Supreme Court Justice Hemant Gupta, known for his ruling on Karnatakas hijab (veil) ban, stirred controversy after attending an event of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), signaling a possible alignment with right-wing interests. While talking to The Quint, Gupta responded he has the right to attend discussions on national issues as a citizen. A report by The Indian Express revealed that around 30 retired judges from the Supreme Court and various high courts attended the event.

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According to VHP sources, who spoke anonymously to The Quint, the gathering at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi addressed several contentious issues, including religious conversions, cow protection, temple-mosque disputes in Varanasi and Mathura and the persecution of Hindu minorities in neighboring countries.

Simultaneously, former Madhya Pradesh High Court judge Rohit Arya officially joined the the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), bolstering the partys legal expertise. Justice Arya, who has been in the spotlight for various rulings over the years, garnered significant attention in 2021 when he denied bail to comedians Munawar Faruqui and Nalin Yadav. The two were arrested in Indore that year on charges of allegedly offending religious sentiments.

Another significant addition is Abhijit Gangopadhyay, whose anti-corruption rulings made him a figurehead, now taking a stance against the Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal. In April of the previous year, he attracted controversy by discussing the school jobs for cash scam case in a TV interview. His comments, particularly regarding TMC General Secretary Abhishek Banerjees alleged involvement, faced criticism from the Supreme Court, which admonished sitting judges for speaking to the media.

Adding to the list, Sunil Sangwan, a former prison official who granted multiple paroles to self-style godman Ram Rahim, a rape convict, is on the BJPs first list of 67 candidates for Haryana Assembly election, particularly for the Dadri seat, reports NDTV. His history with the Dera Sacha Sauda chief raises eyebrows about the intersection of electoral politics and legal history. These moves reflect a deeper merging of legal influence into Indias electoral and party strategies.

The phenomenon of former judges joining political parties raises critical questions about the role of the judiciary in politics and whether this might impact the perception of judicial neutrality in a polarised political climate. The interplay between Indian politics, the judiciary, and the economy is a complex and dynamic relationship that shapes the trajectory of the nation.

Adding to these concerns, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently participated in a Ganpati Puja at the residence of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, raising questions about the judiciarys independence. This move has raised concerns among legal experts and political opponents regarding judicial independence.

Veteran lawyer Indira Jaising criticised this event, stating that the CJI had compromised the separation of powers and called on the Bar Association of India to condemn the apparent blurring of lines between the judiciary and the executive. The criticism from prominent legal figures underscores the broader concerns about judicial neutrality in an increasingly polarised political landscape. That is the state of the republic.ladies and gentlemen. Jai Hind, reads a post by RJD Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha.

Advocate Jaising also urged the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) to condemn the move publicly and described it as a publicly displayed compromise of the CJIs independence from the executive. The political realm has echoed similar concerns. Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leader Sanjay Raut questioned the appropriateness of Chandrachud hosting Prime Minister Modi, especially given the ongoing cases involving the Maharashtra government that are currently under the CJIs purview. Rauts remarks reflect growing apprehensions about potential conflicts of interest and the need for maintaining judicial impartiality in high-profile political cases.




Prince Harry is reportedly organising a grand birthday celebration with his "closest mates" but without Meghan Markle, according to claims. As the Royal gears up for his landmark 40th birthday, reports suggest that Harry plans to embark on a boys' trip to "enjoy a weekend getaway with a few of his closest mates".

These claims, which surfaced in The Sun, indicate that this will come after a birthday party at his Montecito, California mansion with family, where Meghan will remain with their children, Archie, aged one and a half, and Lilibet, three. Harry and Meghan, known formally as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, sent shockwaves through the monarchy in 2020 when they stepped down from Royal duties and relocated to the United States.

Harry has recently expressed that his two children are the "best gifts" he's ever had - yet it's alleged that the ex-royal is increasingly discontent with his life in California, away from Britain, reports the Mirror. A source purportedly close to the Sussexes said: "Harry is feeling more and more isolated in California, which is why he has been reconnecting with old friends back home.

READ MORE:King Charles makes unexpected comment on health as he reveals reason for cancelling trip

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"The Colombia trip also really highlighted how Meghan is comfortable stepping into the spotlight, while Harry cuts a very sulky, unhappy figure in the background." He wants to carve out a way back into royal life back in the UK and is seeking counsel from old friends and associates."

Speculation has been rife that Prince Harry is seeking guidance on how to make a comeback of sorts to the UK and the Royal Family, but claims that friends believe he has lost his way have been disputed by some insiders. It was previously reported that Harry had been consulting with former UK-based aides, having grown disillusioned with the Hollywood representatives he and Meghan hired after starting their new life in the US.

Meghan took centre stage during the couple's public visits to Nigeria in May and Colombia in August, with Royal commentators suggesting that the 43 year old mother of two appeared more at ease in the role she has created for herself. The Mirror previously reported that Meghan feels "unwanted" in the UK and fears being "thrown back into an anxiety-fuelled visit to England".

Harry ended up attending the Invictus Games 10th Anniversary Service at St Paul's Cathedral on May 8 alone, after his wife reportedly had a "change of heart" about joining him with their children, Archie and Lilibet, due to security concerns. Harry reportedly begged his wife, saying: "I don't want to do this alone."

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex -Credit:Getty Images

The Duke reportedly doesn't want to "keep making solo trips to the UK", with a source explaining: "He would prefer it if the entire family made regular visits to see his family and build bridges, but there is so much going on behind the scenes that it just isn't possible at the moment."

The Sun has reported that Prince Harry appears to be enjoying more frequent solo visits back to Britain, despite Meghan Markle's reluctance to return. However, the path to mending fences with the Royal Family remains fraught.

Since stepping back from his role as a senior Royal four years ago, the Duke of Sussex has been candid about his life within the monarchy. Harry has made several startling revelations in interviews and his tell-all memoir, 'Spare'.

In it, he expresses doubt about ever bridging the gap with his family, stating he could "never cross that chasm" to regain closeness. He also disclosed that as a child, he often felt starved of affection, claiming that hugs and kisses were seldom given, adhering to what he described as the older royals' "maintained a nearly zero-tolerance prohibition on all physical contact".

On special occasions, however, the Duke of Sussex said there might be "a light touching of cheeks." In Spare, Harry detailed his childhood in the public eye as well as his experience with drugs in his older years.

He also opened up about an explosive row he had with his brother William, during which the Prince of Wales allegedly called Harry's wife Meghan "difficult", "rude" and "abrasive". Harry claims his brother then "grabbed me by the collar, ripping my necklace, and he knocked me to the floor".

Outspoken royal biographer Angela Levin, who is known for making several harsh claims about the Sussexes, alleged to the Sun: "You could say Harry is not even the spare to his wife. Hes almost nothing. She treats him horrendously. If you look at the filming of them in Colombia and Africa, he is not asked anything. Hes pushed out of the way.
It's difficult to pinpoint exactly what it is about Martin Scorsese's Bringing Out the Dead that continues to fascinate and haunt the back of my mind since first watching it in theaters twenty-five years ago. And perhaps, that's always been the point. It's a visually haunting meditation on our seemingly bankrupt existence as it enters the 21st century  lifelessly meandering through the congestion of depravity and breathing the sickening air of meaninglessness while barely hanging on a thread of sanity. At least, that seems to be the nihilistic viewpoint of paramedic Frank Pierce, played by the always-reliable Nicolas Cage really committing to the role by looking sickly frail and disheveled as though he genuinely suffered some rough, sleepless nights for months in preparation. For the next 48 hours, Frank's attempts to save lives are also futile attempts to save the city, the reason he wanted to be an EMS, maybe.

Or, perhaps, I'm reading too much into this story, which was adapted from Joe Connelly's novel of the same name by Paul Schrader (Taxi Driver, American Gigolo, Raging Bull). At the end of a strenuously draining night shift, this could just be a straightforward tale about a depressed paramedic in a midlife crisis or complete burnout slowly losing his grip on reality. Cage's infrequent voiceover interruptions are the disturbing rambling musings of someone struggling to see the point of it all, let alone his career. He is our unreliable narrator, and we see the wickedness of the city at night through his eyes, witnessing the grimy streets rampant with homelessness, drugs and senseless violence. Much of what we see are ghostly hallucinations of a dead young homeless teen Rose (Cynthia Roman), who Frank failed to save now tormenting him in the faces of Manhattanites, and Frank's nightmarish phantasmagoric delusions.

The few moments of respite  primarily from Franks' hallucinations, not the job, which never seems to give him any pause, even affecting his sleep  are bizarrely interesting conversations with fellow paramedics at various stages and outlooks of their careers. Larry (John Goodman) has grown unbothered and apathetic treating it as just a job while the smooth-talking Marcus (Ving Rhames) offers a religious, saintly spin to their efforts, but the sadistic Tom Wolls (Tom Sizemore) takes pleasure in the suffering of others, even inflicting it himself as a stress reliever. More consequential is Frank spending his off-hours with Mary Burke (Patricia Arquette), the estranged daughter of a cardiac arrest patient and former junkie. She searches for redemption and to make amends with a dying father who gave up on her, aligning her rehabilitation with Frank wanting to alleviate his disillusionment but sadly finding solace in the cause of the problem.

Watching Cage and Arquette, who were married at the time of this production, talking about nothing of real significance, sharing little to practically nothing of themselves with each other, offers some oddly vague feeling of hope in Bringing Out the Dead. But again, their conversations are ultimately of little consequence. At its heart, this is essentially Taxi Driver updated for a world that may have advanced in many ways, but the people have failed to progress from feeling demoralized, disenfranchised, alienated and abandoned by that same world. Travis Bickle would still feel right at home. Better yet, this is essentially Taxi Driver meets The Stranger, Luchino Visconti's adaptation of Albert Camus's novella. In fact, that would also make for a fascinating watch  seeing Robert De Niro, Marcello Mastroianni and Cage walking and driving around the streets, navel-gazing about our contemporary, post-pandemic reality. (Movie Rating: 4.5/5)

Vital Disc Stats: The Ultra HD Blu-ray

Celebrating its 25th Anniversary, Paramount Home Entertainment brings Martin Scorsese's Bringin Out the Dead to 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray as a two-disc combo pack with a Digital Copy code, granting users access to the 4K HDR10 version with Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 audio. The dual-layered UHD66 and Region-Free, BD50 discs sit on the opposing panels of a clear case, which is itself tucked in Paramount Presents' signature flip-up slipcover featuring a two-panel reproduction of the original poster art. At startup, viewers are taken directly to a static screen with the usual selection along the bottom and music playing in the background.
From August 26 to September 4, a Chinese Christian delegation composed of 18 representatives from the political, religious, and academic sectors visited the United States, led by Rev. Wu Wei, president of the China Christian Council (CCC) and president of Nanjing Union Theological Seminary.

The delegation participated in the China-US Christian Forum (2024), co-organized by CCC&TSPM and the Asia Pacific Forum (APF), which comprises leaders of the Asian departments of mainstream denominations from the United States, Canada, and Australia, reported CCC&TSPM. Following the forum, the delegation visited seminaries, churches, and church organizations in Chicago, Charlotte, and Atlanta.

This visit marks the first official group visit to the U.S. by the China Christian Council and National Committee of the Three-Self Patriotic Movement (CCC&TSPM) since 2016.

Upon arrival in Chicago, they first visited Saint Luke Church of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the diverse ministries of which feature serving different age groups were learned by the Chinese delegation. In response to questions, the delegation introduced China's policy on religious freedom and the TSPM churchs post-denominational unity, as Chinese churches are walking in unity.

From August 28 to 29, the China-US Christian Forum (2024) themed "Opportunities and Challenges for Christianity in the Post-Pandemic Era," featured keynote speeches and presentations on four sub-themes: education and talent cultivation, social care, research and publishing, and church ministry. Following the forum, the delegation visited seminaries, churches, and church organizations in Chicago, Charlotte, and Atlanta.

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After the China-US Christian Forum (2024), the delegation visited the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago, and McCormick Theological Seminary. Since 2022, these three seminaries have been engaged in joint school operations, sharing the same building, faculty, courses, library, and other resources.

During their visit to Charlotte, the delegation toured the headquarters of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA), the Billy Graham Library, and the Billy Graham Archive and Research Center. At a dinner speech, Rev. Wu Wei reflected on the friendship between the Chinese Church and BGEA, expressing gratitude for their hospitality.

At the China Ministry Forum co-sponsored by the Outreach Foundation of the Presbyterian Church in the USA on August 31, the Chinese delegation was joined by over 50 American participants, including Presbyterian pastors, elders, co-workers, and lay leaders who have a deep interest in the church in China. The Chinese delegates shared insights into the ministries of churches in Shanghai, Christian social service in China, theological education, and academic studies on Christianity in China.

After the forum, some Chinese delegates participated in an adult Sunday school lesson at Westminster Presbyterian Church on September 1. Chairperson Pan Xingwang of Zhejiang TSPM, Dr. Zhang Xinyu from Fujian Theological Seminary, and Rev. Yu Yin, a Ph.D. student at Nanjing Union Theological Seminary, shared their experiences of being called, providing an overview of the seminaries where they work and study.

While in Atlanta on September 1 and 2, the delegation met the General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church (GBGM-UMC) and the Foundation for Theological Education in Asia and the Pacific (FTEAP). Bishop Hee-soo Jung, president of GBGM-UMC, welcomed the delegation online, while Secretary General Roland Fernandes of GBGM-UMC and other staff workers welcomed them in person. Rev. Wu Wei expressed his appreciation to the team for hosting the delegation during the Labor Day holiday. He recounted that in response to the founding of the People's Republic of China, Chinese Christians proposed the "three-self principles" of self-governance, self-support, and self-propagation, saying over 40 years of reform and opening up have brought tremendous changes to China. He emphasized that "Chinese Christians are committed to following the path of sinicizing Christianity, walking alongside the people." Both sides introduced the current state of their church ministries, affirming the importance of ongoing exchanges.

Rev. Dr. David Esterline, chair of FTEAP, also welcomed the delegation, and Rev. Dr. Wati Longchar, executive director of FTEAP, introduced its related ministries. The delegation expressed a desire to continue friendly exchanges and cooperation, while also reminding FTEAP to continue respecting the One China principle.
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Are Adani Powers days in Bangladesh numbered?

Days after Gautam Adani asked the interim government in Bangladesh to clear the dues the country owes to Adani Power, troubling reports are coming from the neighbouring country for the Indian conglomerate

Thursday September 12, 2024 1:52 PM , ummid.com News Network

[Gautam Adani with Sheikh Hasina in a file photo.]

Mumbai: Days after Gautam Adani asked the interim government in Bangladesh to clear the dues the country owes to Adani Power, troubling reports are coming from the neighbouring country for the Indian conglomerate.

Adani Power supplies electricity to Bangladesh from its 1600 MW thermal plant in Godda, Jharkhand since July 2023 after it struck a deal with the Sheikh Hasina government.

Hasina however was forced to resign and flee the country on August 05, 2024 after massive protests led by students.

After Hasinas ouster, Adani in a letter dated Aug 27 wrote to the interim government led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus to clear $800 million of receivables due from Bangladesh Power Development Board.

Even as a response to Adanis letter was awaited, reports coming from Bangladesh said the Yunus led interim government is seeking to scrutinise the terms of Adani Powers agreement with the Hasina government, especially the price.

There will be scrutiny of Indian businesses, like the Adani business what kind of contracts have been signed, what are the terms and conditions, one cannot have a foreign company not follow the law of the land, The Indian Express reported quoting a top functionary of the interim government.

Adani Power deal with the ousted Hasina government has been in controversies back home too.

Back in 2016, the opposition parties in Jharkhand had accused the state government of undue favour to Adani Groups thermal power plant.

The opposition parties alleged that the land was sold to Adani Group at a price less than almost 80% of the actual rate.

There was also a dispute over the electricity supply from the Adanis plant to Jharkhand and its tariff .

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MP Shocker: Trainee Army officers robbed, woman friend gang raped

In a shocking incident, two trainee Army officers were robbed while one of their female companions were gang-raped near Chhoti Jam in Indore district of Madhya Pradesh

Thursday September 12, 2024 11:28 AM , ummid.com News Network

[MP Police at the crime scene.]

Indore: In a shocking incident, two trainee Army officers were robbed while one of their female companions were gang-raped near Chhoti Jam in Indore district of Madhya Pradesh.

The incident occurred late in the evening Tuesday.

The young army trainees of Mhow Army College were out on a night-out when they were attacked by a group of eight.

The Police said they have identified all the eight accused.

Two of them have been arrested while others are on the run, the Police said.

The attackers, who were armed with pistols and knives, first assaulted the trainee officers and took away all their belongings.

They later took one trainee officer and his female companion as hostage, and sent the other two to fetch a ransom of INR 10 lakh.

The officer however rushed to his unit and informed his commanding officer, who alerted the police.

The attackers seeing the Police convoy coming to the spot fled from there.

The trainee officers and their female friends were taken to Mhow Civil Hospital. After medical examination, it was confirmed that one of the women was raped.

[With inputs from PTI.]

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State of Palestine further close to full UN membership

The State of Palestine Tuesday September 10, 2024 got one more step closer to the full membership of the United Nations when it was accorded a new seat in the UN General Assembly.

Thursday September 12, 2024 9:42 AM , ummid.com News Network

[Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian Authoritys Envoy to the UN, seen seated at a table labelled "State of Palestine" positioned between Sri Lanka and Sudan.]

United Nations: The State of Palestine Tuesday September 10, 2024 got one more step closer to the full membership of the United Nations when it was accorded a new seat in the UN General Assembly.

As an Observer State, the delegation of Palestine was not eligible to sit with the UN member countries.

However, on Tuesday Sept 10, the State of Palestine was accorded a new right wherein its delegation was given a seat with member states.

[Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian Envoy to United Nations, greeted by member countries.]

The historic moment came when the UN General Assembly commenced its 79th session in New York.

Starting the 79th GA Session, and for the first time, you can find the State of Palestine seated between Sri Lanka and Sudan, as per the GA resolution ES-10/23, Admission of new Members to the United Nations which gave additional rights and privileges for the participation of the State of Palestine, the State of Palestine Mission to the United Nations said.

"A historic moment"

Egyptian Ambassador Osama Mahmoud Abdelkhalek Mahmoud highlighted the historic significance of the moment.

This is not merely a procedural matter. This is a historic moment for us, he said.

On the expected lines, Israel fumed over the latest development, arguing that the decision was influenced by political favouritism and asserting that UN membership and privileges are reserved for sovereign states only.

The move comes four months after the UN General Assembly (UNGA) passed with an overwhelming majority a resolution asking the UN Security Council (UNSC) to admit Palestine as a full member of the world body.

Also on Tuesday, Philemon Yang, Former Prime Minister of Cameroon who was elected president of the 79th General Assembly in June, took over from his predecessor, Dennis Francis.

"I will urge the assembly to intensify its determination, to prioritize the resolution of conflicts, including the intractable ones in the Gaza Strip, Haiti and Ukraine," Yang said.

"Human rights will remain at the core of our General Assembly", the new UNGA President said.

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Supreme Court slams "bulldozer action" second time this month

The Supreme Court of India Thursday September 12, 2024 categorically called illegal the demolition of homes belonging to an accused, asserting mere alleged involvement in a crime cannot be a ground to demolish a property

Friday September 13, 2024 0:53 AM , ummid.com News Network

[Representative image]

New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India Thursday September 12, 2024 categorically called illegal the demolition of homes belonging to an accused, asserting mere alleged involvement in a crime cannot be a ground to demolish a property.

"Alleged involvement in crime is no ground for demolition of a property. Moreover, the alleged crime has to be proved through due legal process in a Court of law", a three judges SC bench headed by Justice Hrishikesh Roy said.

The SC also said that a crime if committed by a person cannot be a reason to punish other family members.

"In a country where actions of the State are governed by the rule of law, the transgression by a family member cannot invite action against other members of the family or their legally constructed residence", the SC bench, also comprising Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and S V N Bhatti, said.

The SC bench said this while hearing a petition by Javed Ali Mehboob Miya Saeed of Gujarat's Kheda district.

Javed approached the apex court stating that the municipal authorities in Kheda in a notice issued on on September 1, 2024 had threatened to bulldoze his family home following an FIR against one of his family members.

"The court cannot be oblivious to such demolition threats, which are inconceivable in a nation where law is supreme. Otherwise such actions may be seen as running a bulldozer over the laws of the land," the bench said.

The court also ordered status quo in respect of the petitioners property is to be maintained by all concerned.

This is the second time in this month the Supreme Court of India denounced what is famous as "bulldozer justice" which has become a norm, especially in the BJP ruled-states where homes mostly of Muslims have been bulldozed.

On September 02, 2024 , the Supreme Court also gave indication of framing a nationwide guidelines to stop 'bulldozer actions'.

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HA NOI  Viet Nam and the US have witnessed thriving trade and economic co-operation after one year since the two countries upgraded the bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership for peace, cooperation and sustainable development, according to US business insiders.

President and CEO of the US  ASEAN Business Council (USABC) Ted Osius, who is also former US Ambassador to Viet Nam, said that positive progress has been seen in the collaboration, with two-way trade topping US$100 billion, turning Viet Nam into the USs largest trading partner.

Delegation exchanges as well as investment and co-operation activities have been vibrant over the past year, he stressed.

US corporations have been interested in the Vietnamese market, which boasts a young and industrious population, and sound economic growth, he said, highlighting studies showed that the Vietnamese economy could expand 6.6 per cent in the next decade.

The USABC leader held that the upgrade of the relations has fostered the two countries confidence in each other, and further deepened their partnership.

Furthermore, travelling between the two nations has been enhanced, with more than 30,000 Vietnamese students going to the US for study, he said, expecting better results for the next year when the two sides will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the nomalisation of the diplomatic relations, the 50th anniversary of the end of the war in Viet Nam, and the 80th anniversary of Viet Nams independence.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Asian American Chamber of Commerce (AACC) Kishan Alexander, a world insurance specialist, said the upgrade of the relations has helped promote connectivity between enterprises of both sides, underlining the ACCC and his insurance firm are seeking suitable cooperation opportunities with Vietnamese businesses, particularly in the areas of automobile and solar energy.  VNS
BAC NINH  The northern province of Bac Ninh is working to attract a total of US$7 billion in foreign investment by the end of the year, local authorities have said.

To reach this goal, the province is taking measures to improve the business environment, enhance workforce quality and promote investment opportunities.

The province also has ambitious plans for the future. A recently approved list outlines 167 projects covering over 11,600ha, with a focus on agriculture, commerce, services, residential and urban development, social housing, industrial zone infrastructure and social amenities.

Chairman of the provincial People's Committee Vuong Quoc Tuan said his province will continue to accelerate administrative procedures, creating the most favourable conditions for investors to access planning information, land, infrastructure, human resource training and business opportunities while quickly handling difficulties encountered by investors.

The province continues to be a top destination for foreign direct investment in Viet Nam, thanks to its investor-friendly environment, modern infrastructure and quality workforce, according to the Ministry of Planning and Investments Foreign Investment Agency.

Over the past eight months, the locality has attracted nearly $3.47 billion worth of foreign investment, nearly three times higher than that of the same period last year and accounting for 16.9 per cent of the total investment capital registered in the country.

Hu Wen Da, Chairman of Zhongan Jichuang Investment Co., said Chinese investors, particularly those from Shenzhen, are showing keen interest in Bac Ninh's semiconductor and high-tech chip manufacturing sectors.

The province's attractive investment climate has prompted the company to consider investing in the area and encouraging other Chinese firms to follow suit, the chairman said.

Major global corporations, including Goertek, Amkor, Foxconn, Suntory Pepsico and Victory Giant Technology, are looking to expand their operations in Bac Ninh.  VNS
After reaching more than US$40 billion in the first eight months of the year, the export of agricultural, forestry and fishery products is expected to hit $54 billion this year. Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Phung uc Tien sat down with Viet Nam News reporter To Nhu to talk about this breakthrough.

The figures for exports of agricultural, forestry and fishery products over the past eight months have been very promising. What has been the driving force behind the achievement of over $40 billion in exports in just eight months?

The export value of agricultural, forestry and fishery products reached $5.55 billion in August, an increase of 12.3 per cent compared to the same period last year.

This includes key agricultural products at $2.99 billion, up 22.6 per cent, forestry products at $1.45 billion, up 4.7 per cent, and fishery products at $900 million, up 5 per cent.

Livestock products were $46.5 million, down 4.8 per cent, and production inputs were $161 million, down 23 per cent.

For the first eight months of the year, almost all product categories showed growth, with total export value reaching $40.08 billion, an increase of 18.6 per cent.

Contributing to this result were agricultural products at $21.32 billion, up 24 per cent, forestry products at $10.97 billion, up 19.7 per cent, fishery products at $6.23 billion, up 7.6 per cent, and livestock products at $324 million, up 0.3 per cent. Production inputs totaled $1.23 billion, a decrease of 6.8 per cent.

The export value of key products has grown compared to the same period last year. Specifically, wood and wood products exports reached $10.24 billion, up 20.6 per cent year-on-year; coffee exports were $4.03 billion, up 36.1 per cent; rice exports were $3.85 billion, up 21.7 per cent; cashew nut exports were $2.77 billion, up 21.7 per cent; vegetable and fruit exports were $4.63 billion, up 30.6 per cent; shrimp exports were $2.41 billion, up 9.5 per cent; and pangasius fish exports were $1.2 billion, up 8.2 per cent compared to last year.

Notably, the average export price of rice reached $625 per tonne, up 14.8 per cent; coffee reached $3,805 per tonne, up 54.5 per cent; rubber reached $1,567 per tonne, up 16.6 per cent; pepper reached $4,810 per tonne, up 47 per cent; and tea reached $1,756 per tonne, up 2.2 per cent. In contrast, the average export price of cashew nuts was $5,701 per tonne, down 1 per cent compared to the same period.

With the results achieved in the first eight months of the year, agricultural, forestry and fishery exports are expected to meet the Prime Minister's target of $54 billion for this year. This outcome lays a solid foundation for relatively stable growth of the agriculture sector this year.

What factors have contributed to such positive results for the agriculture sector in the first eight months of this year?

To achieve this export performance, the restructuring efforts of the entire agriculture sector, as well as each industry and field, have been on the right track.

Each sector and field has specific strategies, and within each strategy, plans and projects are developed to ensure proper implementation and operation.

Furthermore, the complex global situation has presented opportunities for us to seize and penetrate new markets.

The results indicate that export values to various markets have surged. Exports to Asia reached $19 billion in the first eight months of the year, up 15.7 per cent; to the Americas reached $9.3 billion, up 22.3 per cent; to Europe reached $4.8 billion, up 30.5 per cent; to Africa reached $747 million, up 5.5 per cent; and to Oceania reached $563 million, up 12.8 per cent.

The US, China and Japan remain the top three largest export markets, with exports to the US accounting for 21.4 per cent of the total, up 23.5 per cent; to China 20.4 per cent, up 10.2 per cent; and to Japan 6.7 per cent, up 4.6 per cent.

Recently, frozen durian, fresh coconut and farmed crocodiles have officially been granted licences to enter the Chinese market. How does this open up potential for the export of these particular products and of Viet Nam's agricultural, forestry and fishery products generally?

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Viet Nam and the General Administration of Customs of China signed three protocols on the export of frozen durian, fresh coconut and crocodiles from Viet Nam to the Chinese market.

For durian, we now have raw material growing areas with different varieties, cultivation processes, growing area codes and packaging facility codes. Therefore, the fact that frozen durian has a 'visa' to enter the Chinese market will be a huge advantage.

For coconut, we have 199,100 hectares with an output of two million tonnes. This also signifies massive potential and a big advantage for the industry.

As for crocodiles, having a licence to enter the Chinese market is not only an economic opportunity, but also a driving force for the Vietnamese crocodile farming industry to develop in a sustainable direction, ensuring environmental and animal welfare standards.

In Viet Nam, crocodile farming has developed for decades, particularly in the Mekong Delta  a place with great potential and advantages. Products such as meat and skin have very high value. Crocodiles are very easy to raise, because farmers can take advantage of excess animal products to raise crocodiles.

Recently, the export of crocodiles has encountered difficulties, so many localities and farms have had to reduce their production. However, the fact that crocodiles can officially be exported to China will help boost consumption of crocodile products.

Farmers in Viet Nam have now mastered the process of raising crocodiles, from hatching them to caring for them. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development will continue to organise training sessions and provide guidance for exporters to learn about new requirements and regulations, helping localities, businesses and producers prepare for exporting to the Chinese market.

At the same time, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development will closely coordinate with Chinese authorities to ensure smooth implementation of the protocols and support Vietnamese businesses and farmers to make the most of new opportunities.

Thanks to these three protocols, along with previous export products and with the participation of the Government, ministries and functional agencies on logistics like railways and smart border gates, I believe that the output and export value to the Chinese market will increase.

Despite the potential, there is a lack of cold storage systems for preservation in Viet Nam's fruit granary, the Mekong Delta region. How do you evaluate the construction of cold storage systems in these orchards?

The Mekong Delta supplies 60-65 per cent of the country's rice, seafood and fruit exports. Therefore, the Prime Minister is very concerned with the agricultural infrastructure of this region. In addition to a highway project, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development is also implementing a logistics project in a number of provinces. There is a relatively large amount of money left.

The Government will also provide part of the funding for general infrastructure for agricultural products in the Mekong Delta region, including cold storage facilities and infrastructure related to preliminary processing and packaging. Starting there, we can promote the potential and advantages of this region.

In addition to key agricultural products, we also export OCOP products. However, the export value of these products is still limited. What are the main challenges?

After many years, we now have over 13,000 OCOP products rated three stars and above, which is a significant achievement. OCOP products are highly valued. However, trade promotion efforts and the scale of production for these products are still limited. Integrating OCOP products into global market distribution chains has presented challenges in promotion, branding and image building.  VNS
HCM CITY  Sheraton Saigon Grand Opera Hotel in HCM City is celebrating the "Beautiful Taste of Malaysia" food week from September 6 to 16.

It is being hosted by the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board and the Malaysian consulate in the city to offer locals the opportunity to experience Malaysia's rich culinary heritage and traditional culture.

To also be held at Ha Noi Daewoo Hotel from September 12 to 16 and Lesung Saigon Restaurant in HCM City from September 11 to 16, the event will offer visitors the chance to savor a variety of dishes prepared by chef Azlan Juri from Malaysia.

They will include rendang (tenderly stewed beef or chicken), satay (grilled skewers of chicken or mutton served with peanut sauce), rojak (mixed salad), chicken/lamb curry, cendol (a shaved ice dessert with green bean), and char kway teow (stir-fried noodles with seafood or meat).

Each dish tells a story of Malaysia's diverse culinary heritage, influenced by Malaysian, Indian and Chinese cuisines.

The event will also showcase Malaysian culture and feature dance performances.

Firdauz Bin Othman, the Malaysian consul-general in HCM City, said Viet Nam and Malaysia are not only neighbours but also close friends with deep cooperation in many areas like tourism and culture.

This food week is a clear testament to the friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

Such cultural exchanges would further strengthen their relationship, he added.  VNS
Nguyen Thanh Ha

A group of travellers, including my friend Tran Thu Thuy, from the UK, recently arrived at renowned foodie heaven Quan An Ngon in the heart of Ha Noi.

When we arrived, the restaurant was already full of guests, foodies, locals and foreign visitors. Many of them made a tour around the restaurant just to fully enjoy all the colourful decorations, figurines and toys displayed in all corners of the rooms. Only then did they return to their seats to enjoy all the tasty dishes and full moon shining its bright light onto their table, she said.

My friend told me that every time she comes back to Viet Nam, she and her guests always enjoy aromatic flavoured dishes from the countrys three regions, all served up at Quan An Ngon.

This year, they had a business meeting in Viet Nam and visited the restaurant to enjoy not only the tasty great dishes, but also to experience the delights of a traditional classic Mid-Autumn festival, welcoming the full moon.

Thuy said all of those arriving at the restaurant agreed that the decorations were hugely impressive. They were delighted by hundreds of Mid-Autumn hand-made colourful lanterns, star lamps and toys, on display around the rooms, outdoors and hanging on the ceiling inside the restaurant.

To find a classic Mid-Autumn festival  in the heart of the city  is a big question that all our group members wished to ask.

We are lucky to find the answer in Quan An Ngon. Im so moved with emotion since entering at the restaurant, because my childhood memories about this classic festival rushed back into my mind.

"Im proudly telling my UK partners about how all Vietnamese welcome Mid-Autumn festivals, both today and in the past, Thuy told Viet Nam News, adding that everyone in her group enjoyed the whole experience, especially the unique atmosphere.

She said next Mid-Autumn she will take her children to enjoy a true Mid-Autumn season, so that when they grow up they too will have cherished childhood memories about beautiful city corners and an original traditional festival in the capital.

Quan An Ngon General Manager Hong Nhu said the restaurant's owner, Pham Bich Hanh, has devoted a huge amount of her efforts to preserve a traditional Mid-Autumn festival, making it as attractive and interesting as it deserves.

Quan An Ngon staff worked with artisans to carefully create hundreds of paper lamps and lanterns and other traditional Mid-Autumn toys to decorate all three familiar addresses of Quan An Ngon restaurants, from 18 Phan Boi Chau Street located in the heart of the city to the first flour building 25 T2 Hoang ao Thuy, Cau Giay District and Royal Citys B2R6 Level in Thanh Xuan District, Nhu said.  VNS
Quynh Anh

HA NOI A young Mozambican student, Oraiden Manuel Sabonete, is making waves with a rich tapestry of languages and a deep-seated passion for cultural immersion after nearly five years studying in Ha Noi.

Sabonete, 24, is pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering at the Hanoi University of Science and Technology.

Fluent in Shona, Portuguese, English and Vietnamese, Sabonetes story is a vivid example of how embracing a new culture can profoundly shape one's academic and personal growth.

His decision to move from Mozambique to this Southeast Asian country was driven by a fascination with its history and culture, as well as a desire to face the unique challenge of studying in Vietnamese.

This immersion is not just academic, but extends into every facet of his daily life, enriching his experience in ways he had not anticipated.

His choice to study electrical engineering was carefully considered.

I find it fascinating how understanding one area can lead to knowledge in related fields. Additionally, it is a major that is essential for the development of Mozambique, and I want to contribute to my country's progress, he told Viet Nam News.

This commitment is reflected in his dedication to his studies and his future career ambitions.

Convincing his family to support his decision required a strategic approach and he explained the unique opportunities that studying in Viet Nam would offer, both in terms of education and personal growth.

Viet Nam was an excellent choice, providing a strong educational foundation and the chance to gain a global perspective, which is crucial in today's interconnected world, he said.

His ability to articulate these benefits reflects his thoughtful consideration of the broader implications of his move.

Upon arriving in Viet Nam, Sabonete faced the inevitable challenges of adjusting to a new language and culture.

The biggest challenge was the language barrier, but the friendliness and willingness of the Vietnamese people to help made it easier to adapt," he told Viet Nam News.

Over time, I improved my language skills, which allowed me to fully integrate into the academic and social life here," he said.

The strong sense of community and the deep respect for traditions in Viet Nam were more profound than I had imagined. Its fascinating to see how these values permeate every aspect of life here.

Ive learned the importance of resilience and optimism. The Vietnamese people face challenges with a positive attitude and a strong sense of community, which are values I strive to incorporate into my own life."

One memorable incident involved a mix-up where he accidentally described someones cooking.

This humorous mistake taught him important lessons about patience and the role of humour in overcoming intercultural misunderstandings.

There was a time when I wanted to compliment someone's cooking by saying ngon (delicious) but accidentally pronounced ngoc (silly) instead. The person looked puzzled and I quickly realised my mistake, he said.

This incident taught me the importance of being patient and open-minded in intercultural communication, as misunderstandings are natural but can always be resolved with a good sense of humor and empathy.

Sabonete took part in the "Essay Contest on Protecting the Communist Party of Viet Nams Ideological Foundation" held in Ha Noi by the city's Party Committee last year.

Despite the challenge of articulating complex ideas in Vietnamese, the experience was immensely rewarding.

My passion for history and politics inspired me to participate in the contest. The biggest challenge was ensuring that my ideas were accurately conveyed in Vietnamese, but the process greatly improved my language skills and deepened my understanding of Vietnams ideological foundations, he said.

I feel incredibly honoured and grateful. These awards validate the hard work and dedication I have put into my studies and activities in Viet Nam.

A typical day for Sabonete includes attending lectures, studying at the library and practicing Vietnamese.

He observes that the educational environment in Viet Nam is more rigorous and disciplined compared to his home countrys system.

The collaborative learning environment here has been beneficial in developing my teamwork and communication skills, he said.

This approach has been instrumental in preparing him for a successful career in engineering.

In his leisure time, Sabonete enjoys exploring Ha Noi, savouring local dishes and interacting with the community.

Bun cha (rice noodle with grilled pork), in particular, has left his strong impression due to its unique flavours and bustling street setting.

Its a dish that truly represents the vibrancy of Vietnamese cuisine, he said.

Due to the distance, his family and friends struggled to stay informed about Viet Nam.

To bridge this gap, Sabonete shares his personal experiences, highlights Viet Nam's rich history and cultural diversity.

I emphasise the country's rich history, cultural diversity and the warmth of its people. Additionally, I share the image of Vietnam on my social media to help others see the beauty and uniqueness of the country.

Looking ahead, Sabonete plans to gain professional experience in Viet Nam before returning to Mozambique.

I hope to contribute to Mozambiques development, particularly in engineering and technology, he said.

His journey exemplifies the profound impact of studying abroad and the transformative potential of embracing new cultures.

Sabonete's experience in Viet Nam highlights the enriching potential of cross-cultural education and the significant role of cultural immersion in personal and professional development.

His dedication to his studies and his integration into Vietnamese society are a testament to the value of global education in shaping future leaders. VNS
In the 25 years since the U.S. State Department has designated countries with the worst records of religious rights violations as Countries of Particular Concern (CPC), it has applied sanctions related only to those violations just three times, according to a new report.

Sanctions are among the actions the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 (IRFA) calls on administrations to impose on CPCs, but those specifically in response to religious freedom violations have been used in only 1.8 percent of the 164 CPC designations since 1999, all in reference to Eritrea, according to the report this week by the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF).

CPC designations resulted in application of sanctions already in place for other reasons in 67.7 percent of cases, USCIRF reported. In 24.4 percent of the CPC designations, countries violating religious freedom were granted a presidential waiver from sanctions based on national interests.

Failure to apply sanctions has diminished the effectiveness of the U.S. State Departments annual designation of countries as violators of religious freedom, stated the report by USCIRF, which interviewed former and present department figures and other stakeholders.Interviewees viewed the limited use of specific actions as the primary barrier to greater effectiveness of the Act.

Of the 114 times CPC designations resulted in sanctions, 111 of those were instances of double-hatting, where sanctions were already in place for other reasons, such as geopolitical and economic factors. Presidential waivers were granted to CPCs 47 times, 40 for reasons of national interest and seven to further purposes of the Act, through other diplomatic means.

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Asked about the reports assertion that limited use of specific actions such as sanctions is the primary barrier to greater effectiveness of the 1998 IRFA, a State Department spokesperson said each country designated as a CPC presents unique challenges and a different potential for change.

The measures the United States carries out or waives with respect to a CPC are part of a broader strategy that aims to improve religious freedom protections in that country, the spokesperson told Christian Daily International.

Waivers justified on grounds of furthering the purposes of the IRFA were used five times for Saudi Arabia and twice for Uzbekistan, according to the report.

For both countries, these waivers were granted in connection with ongoing and significant diplomatic engagement on religious freedom concerns, which saw meaningful, if incomplete, progress on some religious freedom violations, the report states. A former senior State Department official recalled that in both instances, these waivers came amid intense negotiations with those governments that made clear what violations required a CPC designation and what steps could be taken to address them in the particular context of each country.

Saudi Arabia, where public expression of any non-Islamic faith is prohibited, has been designated a CPC every year since 2004, but due to its role as key strategic ally in the Persian Gulf and a major energy partner, U.S. administrations have not imposed IRFA sanctions, the report stated.

In 2006, the State Department announced that bilateral discussions related to Saudi Arabias CPC designation had produced a list of policy changes the Saudi government would implement, accompanied by an indefinite sanctions waiver to further the purposes of the Act implicitly tied to the pursuit of those policies, the report stated.

Primary among the requests were revisions to intolerant content in school textbooks, protections for non-Muslim private worship, and limitations to the notoriously overreaching state religious police, USCIRF stated.

Despite marginal gains on these issues at the time, in redesignating Saudi Arabia as a CPC in July 2014, the State Department again granted a sanctions waiver, citing important national interests of the United States. Every year since, USCIRF country reports have recommended against the waiver, but the State Department has renewed it.

The State Departments primary engagement on religious freedom issues in Saudi Arabia have included ambassador-level discussions on human rights, meetings between U.S. religious freedom officials and Saudi government officials, pressure applied to the Saudi Ministry of Culture and Information on the textbook issue and educational exchanges to build religious tolerance, according to the report.

While the Saudi government did not meet the desired timelines on the policy outcomes it agreed to in 2006, progress on all three can be seen today, the report states. In the case of textbooks, reforms were made in fits and starts through the mid-2000s.

In 2020, an independent Non-Governmental Organization observed several improvements, though some problems persisted.

While legal protections for the private religious practice of non-Muslim faiths have not been enacted, human rights groups report a de facto loosening of restrictions and oversight, especially when compared to the environment of 20 years ago, the USCIRF report stated. In the case of the religious police, royal decrees gradually reduced their autonomy, and in 2016, an act by the royal Cabinet revoked their authority to arrest, interrogate, and detain independently.

While these policy outcomes happened amid a decade of U.S. government engagement, domestic changes within Saudi Arabia had the most significant effect on improvements in religious freedom  namely, Mohammed Bin Salman bin Abdulazizs ascension to Crown Prince in 2017, followed by a renewed focus on reform and a desire for religious moderation, according to the report.

Bin Salmans reforms included further marginalizing of religious police, codifying laws previously at the discretion of religious courts and some limitations on the male guardianship system, the report stated.

However, Bin Salman has also used many of these developments to consolidate his power domestically and appeal to foreign partners by nodding to liberalization without enacting policies that create systemic change, USCIRF stated. Egregious violations of religious freedom persist under the new Crown Prince, some at a scale previously unseen.

In 2022, for example, Bin Salman presided over the largest mass execution in Saudi Arabias history of people convicted of holding deviant beliefs and terrorism, with over half of the prisoners from the Shia minority, the report stated.

Laws that criminalize blasphemy, apostasy, and atheism remain in place and still result in executions, USCIRF reported. U.S. engagement has had ostensibly little effect on changes to these laws. While some aspects of the religious freedom situation in Saudi Arabia have improved through the period of IRFA engagement, grave violations remain.

Saudi Arabias position as a special partner significantly complicates U.S. diplomatic attempts to improve the Saudi human rights framework and has been an impediment to the United States imposing meaningful sanctions based on the CPC designation, the report noted.

Further, U.S. sanctions waivers predicated on bilateral discussions have not produced results in a timely manner, the report stated. While tangible gains have been made, many of the more recent changes are linked to considerations and developments within the country rather than the CPC designation, which has, over time, been rendered all but toothless given nearly two decades of uninterrupted waivers.

The 40 times U.S. administrations have used national interest waivers pertained to six countries  Nigeria once, Pakistan six times, Saudi Arabia 10 times, Tajikistan nine times, Turkmenistan 10 times and Uzbekistan four times, according to the report.

Interviewees expressed concern about the perpetual use of the waiver, USCIRF stated. One former official noted that repeatedly waiving punitive measures can make the CPC designation be seen as worthless, especially by regimes who will not care unless there is some economic impact.

At the same time, the former official noted, when there was a robust policy of engagement and genuine economic impacts, there were examples of both short-term (e.g., prisoner releases) or longer-term progress in some countries. Another former official recalled an IRF ambassadors questioning of a longstanding waiver becoming an incentive for change.

When the possibility of removing the waiver was included in a letter to the foreign minister, the IRF ambassador understood this as a type of saber-rattling, the report stated. It became part of a carrot and stick approach that led to a ministerial-level change in that country and improvements resulting in it ultimately coming off the State Departments CPC list altogether.

While recognizing the necessity of the waiver, legislative or policy fixes that would limit the amount of waivers before you take action would be a significant development, a congressional staffer told USCIRF researchers.

Doing away with indefinite waivers that require no meaningful actions was one of the changes to U.S. international religious freedom policy most frequently suggested by interviewees.

The perception of the waivers as perpetual and without conditions undercuts the value of the CPC designation as a tool for advancing international religious freedom, the report stated.
MOSCOW  Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha and his Russian counterpart Dmitry Chernyshenko co-chaired the 25th meeting of the Viet Nam-Russia Intergovernmental Committee on Economic-Trade and Scientific-Technological Cooperation in Moscow on September 11.

In his remarks, Chernyshenko showed his condolences to the Vietnamese Government and people for the damage caused by typhoon Yagi, affirming that the Russian government is willing to support Viet Nam during this difficult period.

Viet Nam is an important and long-standing partner of Russia, he stressed, expressing his gratitude for the Vietnamese government's close cooperation through the intergovernmental committee mechanism, which has helped promote cooperation between the two countries across fields.

Ha affirmed the Vietnamese Government's determination to continue strengthening and continuously developing the Viet Nam-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership, as well as the traditional and close friendship between the two countries and their people.

The meeting concretised the commitments and political will of the two countries' high-ranking leaders over the past time, particularly the outcomes of Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Viet Nam in June 2024 and the phone talks between President Putin and General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Central Committee and State President To Lam in August 2024, Ha stated, noting that they contributed significantly to deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership between Viet Nam and Russia.

Participants exchanged views on the results of cooperation, proposed solutions to address remaining challenges and obstacles, as well as discussed orientations for future cooperation.

The two sides reaffirmed their desire to strengthen political trust and exchange of all-level delegations, and particularly maintain a hotline between the intergovernmental sub-committees' co-chairs. They agreed to make efforts to increase import-export turnover and promote balanced and sustainable bilateral trade, particularly facilitating access to each others markets for agricultural products and pharmaceuticals.

They also agreed on a range of specific measures to further enhance cooperation in various sectors, such as agriculture, industry, energy-oil and gas, information-communications, science-education, culture-sport, tourism cooperation and people-to-people exchange; strengthen the teaching of Vietnamese and Russian languages in both countries, maintain scholarships for Vietnamese students, and attract Russian students to study and conduct research in Viet Nam.

The two sides agreed to hold the 26th meeting of the committee in Viet Nam in 2025.

As part of the meeting, the Viet Nam-Russia Committee on Educational, Scientific and Technological Cooperation convened its fifth session.

The same day morning, Deputy PM Ha visited the Moscow Mining Institute under the National University of Science and Technology MISIS.  VNS
HA NOI  A high-level delegation from the Ministry of Public Security led by Minister Sen. Lieut. Gen. Luong Tam Quang has visited Russia and attended the 14th meeting of BRICS high-ranking officials responsible for security matters in St. Petersburg City.

Speaking at the September 11 event, Quang emphasised that over the past decade, peace and cooperation have remained a major global and regional trend, while multilateralism and globalisation a predominant trend. However, the global and regional situation has experienced significant turbulence, complex and unpredictable developments, and increased instability. Given this context, international security has faced growing challenges and risks, with non-traditional security threats directly affecting all countries. It requires nations and regional and international organisations to promote solidarity and unify views on security risks, boost dialogue, and expand cooperation.

The official proposed that the high-level security leaders of BRICS member countries and those from the Southern Hemisphere consider several solutions, such as prioritising the building of strategic trust; improving security cooperation frameworks between countries, especially in emerging security areas; enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of global governance mechanisms to respond effectively to security and stability challenges at both regional and international levels.

They need to actively share information, strengthen cooperation in sharing scientific and technological achievements, training human resources, and mobilising financial resources for preventing and dealing with global security threats and challenges, he said.

Quang went on to say that Viet Nam is ready to coordinate and join BRICS countries and Southern Hemisphere nations in meaningful dialogue and cooperation to together address risks and challenges and maintain a peaceful, secure and safe environment for sustainable development.

While in Russia, Quang held talks with Russian Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu, during which both sides exchanged views on regional and international issues of common concern, aiming to develop new and crucial collaboration mechanisms and initiatives related to national security for both countries, such as coordinating in ensuring cyber security and information security, and fighting terrorism and transnational crimes.

The Vietnamese official suggested both sides focus on high-level exchanges to convey messages, strengthen trust, and remove difficulties to enhance cooperation across areas; continue mutual support at multilateral and international security and political forums and mechanisms, especially the ASEAN-Russia high-level security consultation mechanism.

On the sidelines of the meeting, Quang had bilateral meetings with heads of delegations from Cuba, Belarus, and India to discuss future collaboration. Earlier, the Vietnamese delegation laid flowers at the statue of President Ho Chi Minh in St. Petersburg.  VNS
NEW YORK  Ambassador ang Hoang Giang, head of Viet Nam's Permanent Mission to the United Nations (UN), on September 11 received Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, head of Indias Permanent Mission to the UN, right after he presented his credentials to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, marking the beginning of his tenure in New York.

Giang expressed his pleasure at meeting his Indian counterpart again, recalling the latters time as Indian Ambassador to Viet Nam in 2016-19.

He commended the recent positive development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between Viet Nam and India, highlighted by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's state visit to India in early August 2024.

He emphasised the importance of further enhancing substantive and trustworthy cooperation at the UN, particularly on issues of mutual interest, contributing to seeking solutions to global challenges and protecting the interests and promoting the roles of developing countries.

For his part, Harish recalled his memories of the land and people of Viet Nam and praised the countrys significant achievements in socio-economic development and diplomacy.

He noted Viet Nam's growing influence in multilateral forums, especially at the UN, and affirmed his commitment to further advancing bilateral cooperation and strengthening coordination between the two missions in New York.  VNS
HA NOI  Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Thursday visited Yen Bai Province, one of the areas hardest hit by recent floods and landslides, to assess the damage and oversee recovery efforts.

Following his visit, he announced an immediate allocation of VN50 billion from the central government to support disaster recovery in the province.

Yen Bai, home to the Thac Ba hydropower reservoirone of Viet Nam's largest artificial lakeshas been severely impacted by the extreme weather, especially in the districts of Luc Yen and Yen Binh.

During his visit, the Prime Minister met with residents and emergency responders in Hong Ha ward, before inspecting a landslide site in Nguyen Thai Hoc ward, where two people are still missing.

At a briefing held at the Yen Bai Provincial Party Committee headquarters, local leaders and ministry representatives provided the Prime Minister with a stark overview of the destruction caused by typhoon Yagis residual effects.

From September 5-9, the province experienced torrential rainfall, causing dangerously high river levels. The Thao River peaked at 35.73 metres, 3.73 metres above emergency warning level 3, surpassing the historic flood level set in 1968. Meanwhile, the Chay River at Thac Ba reached 29.05 metres, well above the critical threshold.

The deluge triggered widespread flooding in the Red River region, affecting districts such as Van Yen, Tran Yen and Yen Bai City. Every ward and commune in Yen Bai City was submerged, with eight completely flooded. The province's infrastructure also took a severe hit, with 12 communes in Tran Yen cut off due to rising waters and several areas in Van Yen deeply submerged.

Mass mobilisation for rescue efforts

Over 100,000 people, including military personnel, police, local officials and volunteers, have been mobilised to tackle the aftermath of the disaster. Thousands of vehicles, boats and other equipment from Military Region 2 and various provincial agencies have been deployed to support the relief and recovery mission.

Temporary shelters have been set up in schools, cultural centres and government buildings to house nearly 13,000 displaced households. Almost 60,000 people whose homes were flooded have been evacuated, including 11,000 residents downstream of the Thac Ba Reservoir, who were moved in just six hours amid concerns over a potential dam failure.

The province has swiftly provided financial assistance to affected families, offering VN25 million to those who lost loved ones, VN5 million to the severely injured, and VN40 million to households whose homes were destroyed. Key transport links are gradually reopening as roads, power, water and telecommunications infrastructure are restored.

In addition to the central governments funding, Yen Bai Province has allocated over VN46 billion from its own budget for emergency relief efforts. The province is also receiving essential supplies from hundreds of humanitarian groups, with nearly VN20 billion in cash donations already distributed.

Looking ahead, provincial authorities are focused on monitoring weather patterns, issuing public safety warnings and ensuring that families in high-risk areas are relocated to safer locations. Essential services, such as hospitals and schools, are prioritised for restoration, with the goal of reopening by September 15.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh expressed deep condolences to the families affected by the floods and praised the swift, coordinated response of Yen Bais authorities, military and volunteers. He emphasised that the safety and well-being of the population must remain the top priority. The Prime Minister urged ministries and local authorities to concentrate on rescue operations, care for the injured and the timely delivery of supplies to isolated areas.

The Prime Minister also called for a thorough assessment and documentation of property damage to formulate recovery plans. He stressed the urgent need to repair schools and hospitals so children can return to classes and patients can receive necessary care. Immediate action is required to restore utilities, industrial zones, and business operations impacted by the disaster.

For transport, the Ministry of Transport is responsible for restoring major national highways. Local authorities at the provincial, district and commune levels will oversee the repair of roads within their respective areas.

The Prime Minister also praised the innovative use of drones to deliver essential goods and commended the solidarity of Yen Bais residents, who have supported one another throughout the disaster. In addition to emergency food supplies, communities have been preparing and distributing traditional foods to those in need.- VNS
HCM CITY  General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee and State President Thongloun Sisoulith had separate meetings with former Vietnamese Presidents Nguyen Minh Triet and Truong Tan Sang in HCM City on Thursday.

Thongloun recalled memories from his previous meetings with the two former Presidents and expressed his hope to welcome them to Laos in the future. He affirmed that Laos will continue, together with Viet Nam, to preserve, nurture and pass on the fine tradition of the special Viet Nam-Laos relationship to future generations.

He updated the two former Presidents on the recent situation in Laos, highlighted achievements in Viet Nam-Laos cooperation and the outcomes of his discussions with volunteer soldiers, former experts, students, and young generations of both countries in Ha Noi. He also conveyed warm regards from former leaders of the Lao Party and State to Triet and Sang.

Presidents Triet and Sang expressed their belief that under the sound leadership of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party led by Thongloun, the Lao people will overcome all challenges and achieve even greater successes. They showed their confidence that Laos will successfully realise the resolution of the 11th National Party Congress, and well prepare and successfully hold the 12th National Party Congress.

The former Presidents expressed their delight at the achievements of both Parties and countries, noting that the special solidarity between Viet Nam and Laos, founded by great President Ho Chi Minh and revered Presidents Kaysone Phomvihane and Souphanouvong and continuously nurtured by successive generations of leaders and people, has been consolidated and developed over the years.

Affirming that Thongloun's visit would further deepen the bilateral special relationship, they expressed their wish and believed that the special solidarity between the two nations would develop to new heights. They also extended their regards to the former key leaders of the Lao Party and State.  VNS
CAN THO  The first Health Science Institute in the Mekong Delta is set to open in the first quarter of 2025.

The institute, located in Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho City, will support teaching, learning and research activities for lecturers and students in health-related fields of Nam Can Tho University from the 2024-25 academic year.

The institute is being invested by Nam Can Tho University, with Nam Mien Nam Group Joint Stock Company as the primary contractor.

Principal of Nam Can Tho University Nguyen Van Quang, said the institute covered approximately 26,000 sq.m, with an investment of around VN600 billion (US$24.3 million) for construction and equipment.

It is housed within a ten-storey structure and will include 83 functional rooms and 11 lecture halls.

After 15 months of construction, the institute has now been completed in terms of an external frame, ready for completing the interiors and exteriors.

For the 2024-25 academic year, the university would admit students into 42 undergraduate programmes, prominently including health-related fields such as medicine, including nursing and pharmacy disciplines, dentistry and laboratory technologies.

Notably, the university will also welcome 150 international students from countries including India, Sri Lanka, Nepal and the Middle East.

The international students would be enrolled in health programmes accredited by the university through agreements with the Viet Nam Medical Educations (VMED).

The opening of the institute is significant, enhancing practical training opportunities through a simulated hospital model, said Nguyen Van Quang.

The sixth and seventh floors of the institute would be designed as a pre-clinical hospital to support teaching in undergraduate and postgraduate health science programmes, as well as study for Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) and Objective Structured Practical Examinations (OSPEs), skill training in hospitals and medical training in local clinics.

Other areas of the institute would be dedicated to various functional zones, including operating rooms, dental areas, obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics, emergency care, simulated patient rooms and virtual reality laboratories.

According to the recently released 2024 Viet Nam University Rankings, Nam Can Tho University has risen to 61st place out of over 230 universities nationwide, a 37-place improvement from 2023.

The university is also now listed among reputable medical schools by the World Directory of Medical Schools.

The recognition paves the way for the university medical students to have the opportunity to sit for the prestigious United States Medical Licensing Examination, qualifying them as international medical professionals. VNS
HA NOI  The United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has provided water supplies to Government partners for distribution to households, hospitals, health facilities and schools in three provinces which are among those most affected by typhoon Yagi.

UNICEF has urgently dispatched 80,000 water purification tablets for the Centre of Disease Control in Thai Nguyen Province and 4,000 litres of water to Lao Cai Provincial Hospital to ensure drinking water for 800 people.

The UN fund will also be delivering water purification tablets, water tanks, ceramic filters, hand sanitisers and soap to households, schools and healthcare facilities in Yen Bai and Lao Cai provinces.

"UNICEF is committed to urgently providing sustained support to the Government of Viet Nam to ensure children and families have access to essential services," said Silvia Danailov, UNICEFs Representative in Viet Nam.

We have already started to deliver life-saving support and are mobilising resources to address the massive needs.

"Too many children have had their access to essential services like clean water, sanitation, healthcare and education cut off and swift action to restore these lifelines is urgently needed. The devastation caused by the typhoon is a tragic reminder of the disproportionate impact extreme weather events, intensified by climate change, have on children, she said.

Nearly 19 million people, including 5.5 million children, live in the hardest-hit provinces, including Lao Cai, Tuyen Quang, Cao Bang, Yen Bai, Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, Ha Noi, Thai Binh, Hai Duong, Hoa Binh, Thai Nguyen and Phu Tho provinces.

Typhoon Yagi ravaged 26 northern provinces, leaving 324 people dead or missing, including 24 children. It has damaged an estimated 141,469 homes, 550 health facilities and 805 schools, while around 400,000 homes lack access to safe water.

Approximately two million children have been left without access to education, psychosocial support and school feeding programmes.

National authorities have issued a warning for continued heavy rain, with flash floods and landslides still devastating villages and communities in the northern provinces of the country which are home to a large number of vulnerable communities, including ethnic minorities.

In response to the Government of Viet Nam's strong and commendable efforts to address the disaster's impact, UNICEF is focusing on several key interventions, including water, sanitation supplies and safe storage solutions to households, health facilities and schools.

UNICEF is also delivering emergency medical supplies such as vaccines, malnutrition treatments, nutrition supplements and hygiene kits to health centres in the most affected areas.

To support the reopening of schools, UNICEF is offering temporary learning spaces and educational materials for children affected by the trauma of the disaster. Additionally, emergency kits containing essential items, including educational tools and support materials, are being distributed to children and families.

UNICEF is also providing humanitarian cash assistance to the most vulnerable households, particularly those with children and pregnant women.

They say they are currently mobilising resources to ensure emergency aid is urgently provided. An initial US$11 million is urgently required to be able to deliver on its mandate to assist the most vulnerable children.  VNS
HA NOI  Vice State President Vo Thi Anh Xuan on Thursday presented gifts to 200 children patients at the Hanoi-based National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion (NIHBT) on the occasion of the Mid-Autumn Festival.

The official, accompanied by representatives of the Support Fund for Cancer Patients-Bright Future, lauded the dedication by the institutes doctors and workers, and urged them to carry forward the sense of responsibility.

Lauding the institutions contributions to the voluntary blood donation, Xuan urged it to play a more active role in public health care, especially amidst the present natural disasters.

Institute Director Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Ha Tinh said each year the institute receives 500,000 blood units that are delivered to nearly 200 hospitals in the entire northern region, and some central localities.

It is ready to supply blood to medical facilities for emergency treatment in face of the current widespread flooding that is devastating many northern localities, he said.  VNS
HA NOI  Nearly 700,000 households have not yet been re-supplied electricity after the typhoon and subsequent floods.

The Northern Power Corporation has restored electricity supply to nearly 5.3 million customers out of a total of approximately six million cut off by the storms, as of yesterday morning.

Due to the impact of strong winds and post-storm circulation, many power lines and distribution substations in various northern provinces and cities experienced failures.

With the urgency and great efforts of units under the Northern Power Corporation (EVNNPC), 1,393 out of 1,671 medium-voltage power lines affected by the storm had been restored.

Regarding the restoration of high-voltage power grids, the 500kV power grid has restored 11 out of 13 faults.

The 220kV power grid has repaired 40 out of 44 faults and has restored all ten of its 220kV substations.

As for the 110kV power grid, 175 out of 191 faults have been restored and 94 out of 120 substations have been brought back into operation.

On Wednesday, the Central Power Corporation (EVNCPC) decided to send 245 skilled engineers and workers to Quang Ninh Province to assist in restoring the power grid there.

Northern power units are continuing to mobilise personnel, vehicles, and equipment to address the aftermath of the disaster and restore electricity supply as quickly as possible, while still ensuring safety.

Due to the impact of post-storm circulation, a large volume of water continues to flow into hydropower reservoirs. Those in the north are currently opening spillways to regulate water flow as directed by the National Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and the provincial/municipal disaster prevention committees.

The hydropower reservoirs currently releasing water include Tuyen Quang opening three gates, Ban Chat - one gate, Huoi Quang - one gate, Thac Ba  three gates, Trung Son - six gates, and Ban Ve - six gates.

The Hoa Binh, Son La and Lai Chau hydropower plants have closed all spillways as directed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Specifically, at Tuyen Quang hydropower plant, the highest water inflow into the reservoir was 6,966 cu. m per second at 9 am on September 9.

Currently, the water inflow has decreased to 2,031 cu.m per second, with a total outflow of 2,455 cu. m per second and the upstream water level has dropped to 117.3m.

The plant has only three out of eight spillway gates open (five gates were closed at 8am and 12pm on September 10 and at 8am, 3pm and 8pm on September 11).

At Thac Ba hydropower plant, the highest water inflow into the reservoir was 5,620cu.m per second at 9am on September 10.

Currently, the water inflow has decreased to 2,435 cu.m per second, with a total outflow of 3,140 cu.m per second and the upstream water level has dropped to 59.46m.

Thac Ba reservoir is currently operating under orders to open all three spillway gates as directed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

According to assessments from relevant authorities, the Thac Ba hydropower reservoir is currently safe. Authorities continue to closely monitor water flow trends and prepare flood discharge scenarios to respond to emergencies (if any), ensuring the safety of the facility as well asdownstream areas. VNS
HA NOI  The Ministry of Public Security's Investigation Security Agency has proposed the prosecution of former Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Hoang Quoc Vuong for abusing position and power while performing duties.

The proposal was made following an investigation into a case of abusing position and authority while performing duty and lacking responsibility causing serious consequences involving the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) and some cities and provinces.

Besides Vuong, the agency also urged the prosecution of Phuong Hoang Kim, former Director of the MoITs Electricity and Renewable Energy Authority; Tran Quoc Hung, former deputy head of the Licensing and Public Relation Department at the ministrys Electricity Regulatory Authority; Nguyen Danh Son, former Director of Electricity Trading Company; and five others for the same charge.

In May 2024, the police agency issued a conclusion on the investigation, but in July, the Supreme People's Procuracy decided to return the dossier for further investigation.

During the additional investigation, the agency charged three more individuals from the Binh Phuoc provincial Tax Department  Nguyen Duy Khanh, Tran Van inh, and Pham Quang Vinh for a lack of responsibility, causing serious consequences.

Investigation results show that Vuong and Kim abused their position and power while performing duties as the MoIT gave advice to the Prime Minister on implementing regulations regarding the scope of beneficiaries and conditions for preferential electricity pricing policies.

Their wrongdoings caused a loss of VN937 billion (US$38.11 million) to the Vietnam Electricity (EVN).

The remainders committed wrongdoings when the Electricity Regulatory Authority issued electricity operation licences, the Electricity Trading Company recognised the commercial operation date, and the Binh Phuoc provincial Tax Department refunded value-added tax to Loc Ninh 3 Energy JSC.

For the three additionally prosecuted, the agency clarified their negligence, which caused serious consequences in the tax refund process for Loc Ninh 3 Energy JSC.  VNS
The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC) has urged Canadian authorities to repeal euthanasia laws for mental illness, highlighting a negative effect on women with disabilities, and to create a new anti-human trafficking strategy  in a nine-page submission to the United Nations.

The brief was written for the 89th session of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), adopted in 1979 by the U.N. General Assembly. It is part of a review of Canadas contribution in eliminating discrimination against women,

Medical assistance in dying (MAiD) was legalized for those with disabilities or chronic illnesses in Canada in 2021. However, the EFC stated that since the expansion of assisted dying laws, there have been many instances of people seeking MAiD because of a lack of medical or social support, poverty or housing insecurity, or intolerable conditions in long term care.

Many have had MAiD suggested to them by medical professionals, sometimes repeatedly, stated the EFC. Eligibility on the basis of disability endangers and devalues the lives of disabled Canadians.

The EFC pointed out that although the overall number of MAiD deaths were equal between sexes, with Canadian Government figures from 2022 showing 51.4% men and 48.6% women, the ratio of women to men among people with mental disorders is significantly skewed.

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59 percent of these deaths were women and 41 percent men. This suggests a discrimination against people with disabilities, which is experienced acutely by women with disability or chronic illness.

The EFC also expressed concerns that a Canadian National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking is due to end this year, with no replacement.

About 94 percent of trafficking victims in the country are women and girls, and the EFC said, It is essential that Canada enact a permanent, responsive strategy with stable funding to effectively fight human trafficking. Time limited strategies can result in gaps in funding, policy and response.

An inextricable link between human trafficking and prostitution was also expressed in the report, resulting in paid sex derived from the commercial sexual exploitation of women and children.

We know from other jurisdictions that when prostitution is legalized or decriminalized, the sex industry expands, and so does trafficking, wrote the EFC.

The EFC called on the Canadian Government to enact a permanent anti-trafficking strategy, to include a survivor advisory committee, funding for victim services and legal training for those involved in combating human trafficking.

Measures should also be enforced to reduce demands for paid sex, the EFC stated, implementing the Protection of Communities and Exploited Persons Act (PCEPA).

The system of prostitution must not be normalized or legitimized. Canada must do better than accept prostitution as a solution to Female poverty, racism, and a range of other underlying social issues.

Furthermore, the EFC supported the recommendations of the Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women and Girls, as previously reported by Christian Daily International, recognising prostitution as a system of exploitation and violence.

Finally, this framing of prostitution must be maintained and reflected in all U.N. protocols and treaties, including CEDAW, the EFC stated.
By Thanh Nga

Nestled 25km from the bustling heart of Ha Noi, Phu Vinh Village in Phu Nghia Commune, Chuong My District, has been a hub of bamboo and rattan wickerwork for over 400 years.

Among its most renowned products today are the delicate rattan wicker dish-covers (rattan netting used for protecting food from flies) crafted by 75-year-old Tran Van Kha and his wife, Nguyen Thi Tien, 72.

These dish-covers, woven from thousands of rattan wickers as fine as silk threads, weigh just 290 grams but are valued at up to VN30 million (US$1,200) each. While originally designed to cover food trays, they are now cherished as valuable decorative pieces in homes.

Entering their modest home, one is immediately surrounded by an array of bamboo and rattan pieces, the essential materials for their creations. Kha meticulously prepares each rattan strand, while his wife Tien, who learned the craft since the age of six, skillfully weaves intricate patterns into the elegant dish-covers.

The rattan wicker dish-cover is our own creation, Kha told Viet Nam News. It takes about 16 to 20 days to complete a piece, as it involves many painstaking stages.

Born into a family with a long tradition of bamboo and rattan weaving, Tien has been perfecting her craft for decades. Her products are recognised as the finest in the region and are often ordered as prototypes.

Kha fondly recalled, "When my wife was young, she was the fastest weaver in the village, with a speed two to three times that of the average person."

In 2003, Tien proposed using rattan wicker to beautify the traditional dish-cover -- a utensil on the dining table in every northern Vietnamese household. At that time, no one in the village was producing it, so Kha quickly supported his wifes idea.

Back then, we worked day and night, and after more than a month, we completed our first product, Kha recalled. When we introduced it to the market, it was warmly received. Customers had to wait about five months to get one, and its price was around VN6 million.

Over the years, the elderly couple has refined their craft, increasing the number of rattan strands from 300 to 1,200. The process now takes about three days to create the knob, seven days for the tray, and another seven days for the frame.

Artisan Nguyen Van Tinh of Phu Vinh craft village praised the couple's work, saying, "These dish-covers are the culmination of the finest traditions of Phu Vinhs rattan and bamboo weaving, passed down through generations. The entire product weighs less than 300 grams, a testament to their meticulous craftsmanship. In the village, only Khas family creates these thinnest, lightest, and most exquisite rattan wicker dish-covers."

Thanks to their passion and dedication, the couples unique handmade dish-covers have attracted customers both locally and internationally. Their creations were exhibited by the Viet Nam Handicraft Exporters Association (VIETCRAFT) in early 2010, and from 2012 to 2014, the couple was invited to showcase their skills abroad.

Their craftsmanship has been recognised at the highest levels, with their creations winning first prize at the Viet Nam Handicraft Product Competition in 2020. These accolades are a testament to their unwavering commitment to their craft.

However, despite their success, the couple faces a bittersweet challenge. None of their children have followed in their footsteps, and they worry that this unique craft may be lost as they grow older.

My family has many children and grandchildren, but none have taken up the craft, Kha said.

Many people in the village have come to learn, and weve taught them wholeheartedly, but no one has yet mastered this type of dish-covers. Now that my wife and I are old, I fear that this craft will be forgotten, so Ive made one for each child in my family to keep as a lasting memento. VNS
This solo exhibition displays over 50 works by artist Do Duc and provides an opportunity for the artist to share his creative journey and auction his works to raise funds for building schools in Vietnam's highland communes.

According to the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum, a charity art auction combined with an art talk by Do Duc will be held from 9.30am -11.30am on September 14.

Drawing inspiration from the nature and people of Vietnam's northern mountainous regions, the works in the exhibition particularly highlight the landscape of the stone plateau and the lives of highland dwellers. Over 50 selected works in the exhibition depict the beauty of the majestic nature in the northwest, northeast, and Dong Van rocky plateau.

Mau xanh bien cuong (Borderland Blue), an oil painting by Do Duc, 65x150 cm

Introducing the exhibition, the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum said, The paintings by Do Duc are like poems on stone. They capture the highland fairy tales nestled in each stone, tree hollow, and blade of grass.

With two decades of mastery in oil painting, characteristic images of highland life such as mountains, horses, highland markets, and highland mothers enter Do Duc's paintings with a majestic and poetic quality, coloured like fairy tales.

Cho phien tren nui (Mountain Market), an oil painting by Do Duc, 65x150 cm

Speaking at the exhibition opening on September 11, Duc said that the exhibition was an opportunity for him to practically show gratitude to the land and people who have inspired his art.

Specifically, an oil painting from this exhibition will be auctioned to support the Hoa cua da (Flowers of Stone) school-building fund, contributing to the construction of a classroom for a remote village in Ha Giang.

Im donating and auctioning my paintings to express my gratitude to the Dong Van rocky plateau for supporting my artistic journey. All proceeds from the auction will be used to begin school construction in 2025. I kindly invite philanthropists and art enthusiasts to participate in the bidding, so we can provide an additional classroom for a remote village in the plateau, he said.

Artist Do Duc in his studio

According to Duc, this is the 11th year he has accompanied the Hoa cua da group, implementing the charity programme aiming to build schools for preschool children in remote villages.

In 2013, two paintings from Duc's first solo exhibition were donated for the organising committee to auction and give the proceeds to the two poorest households in Dong Van district.

The construction of classrooms for children in highland provinces by the Hoa cua da group has been ongoing for 11 years. The group has built 41 classrooms fully equipped with learning materials, and teacher accommodation at 18 school sites for 18 remote villages in Dong Van, Meo Vac, and Yen Minh districts. In 11 years, over 3,500 children have studied in these villages.

Royal collection of Vietnamese paintings set for auction This November, Sothebys Paris will offer a private collection of rare and extraordinary works by the most coveted artists and objects from a golden era of Vietnamese art.
According to the announcement on September 12, as Vietnam's economic engine, Ho Chi Minh City is prioritising projects that embrace advanced technologies, digital transformation, green energy, and renewable energy solutions.

Looking ahead to 2045, the city envisions logistics as a cornerstone of its economy, generating high added value with a competitive edge on the global stage. At that point, officials anticipate Ho Chi Minh City will emerge as a logistics hub for both Asia and the world.

The Cat Lai logistics centre in Thu Duc city is set to play a central role in international trade, receiving goods from provinces including Dong Nai, Binh Duong, and the Mekong Delta.

The project will be executed in two phases: the first, in Thanh My Loi ward, will cover 60-100 hectares and handle 3.1 to 3.5 million TEUs annually, while the second phase, in Phu Huu ward, will add 26ha with a capacity of 800,000TEUs.

The Linh Trung logistics centre, also in Thu Duc city, will span 40-50ha and function as a strategic import-export hub, supporting goods from key industrial zones across the region. This project will also integrate extended air cargo services to enhance the distribution of export-import goods via air transport.

In Long Binh, a 50-ha logistics centre will link directly with Cai Mep Port and other regional ports, handling 750,000 to 800,000TEUs annually and serving as a key transhipment point for industrial zones (IZs) in Dong Nai, Binh Duong, and the Central Highlands.

To bolster domestic distribution, particularly for agricultural and cold chain products from the Mekong Delta, the Tan Kien logistics centre in Binh Chanh district will span 60ha, processing 500,000TEUs per year. Meanwhile, the Cu Chi logistics centre, covering 10-15ha, will focus on goods from northern Ho Chi Minh City IZs and nearby provinces, with an expected capacity of up to 319,770TEUs annually.

The high-tech park inland port and logistics centre in Thu Duc city will focus on goods from the city's tech zones, covering 5-6ha and processing 60,000TEUs annually, with an emphasis on extended air cargo services.

Looking beyond 2030, the city plans to launch the Tan Hiep logistics centre in Hoc Mon district. Covering 150ha, it will cater to goods from northern areas of the city and nearby provinces like Long An and Tay Ninh, with a clearance capacity of 1.5 million to 1.6 million TEUs annually.

Ho Chi Minh City currently leads the country in the Provincial Logistics Competitiveness Index, as reported by the Vietnam Logistics Service Business Association, the Vietnam Logistics Research and Development Institute, and Dream Incubator.

The city is home to approximately 9,600 logistics companies, accounting for 36.7 per cent of the nation's total. Tan Son Nhat International Airport, the countrys busiest, recorded 260,000 flights and 42 million passengers in 2023, surpassing its designed capacity by half.

In the first eight months of 2024, Ho Chi Minh City's logistics revenue surged 37.5 per cent on-year, with freight transport rising 12.3 per cent and warehousing and transport support services up nearly 54 per cent, according to Ho Chi Minh City Statistics Office.

The city has set a 7.5-8 per cent economic growth target for this year and plans to accelerate public investment and consumer services in the second half to meet that goal.

By 2030, the logistics sector is expected to contribute over 8.5 per cent to the citys regional GDP, with annual revenue growth of 15-20 per cent for logistics firms. Outsourced logistics services are expected to account for 12-15 per cent of GDP, lifting Vietnams global Logistics Performance Index ranking to 45th.
Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee met with Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh at Government House on September 11.

Lee welcomed Binh's visit to Hong Kong with his delegation for the ninth Belt and Road Summit. Lee said that Hong Kong and Vietnam are important economic partners, and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government values strengthening connections with Vietnam.

During a recent visit to Vietnam, Lee witnessed the signing of 30 MoUs covering the economy and trade, education, and tourism.

Noting that Vietnam has experienced rapid economic developments, Lee said that Hong Kong could help Vietnamese enterprises to explore overseas markets. He expressed his hope that Hong Kong and Vietnam will continue to explore opportunities for cooperation.

Lee extended his gratitude to Vietnam for its continuous support for Hong Kong's early accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership to further contribute to regional economic development.

Binh said that the relationship between Vietnam and Hong Kong has always been close, and he looks forward to closer exchanges at both government and community levels.

Investors from Hong Kong explore exciting options Hong Kong and Vietnamese businesses are increasingly deepening collaboration to unlock new investment opportunities across various fields.

Hong Kong delegation signs 30 MoUs with Vietnamese government agencies and businesses A delegation led by Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Chief Executive John Lee has concluded a working trip to Vietnam, having signed 30 MoUs.
This project covers 470 hectares and is worth of nearly VND5.9 trillion ($239.9 million), marking an important milestone in IDICO's expansion strategy, increasing the total investment available land to 3,900ha across 11 industrial parks (IP) nationwide.

IDICO Tan Phuoc 1 aims to develop a new IP model, that harmonises production, business, and urban development, promoting a circular economy and sustainable development.

The project is expected to transform the industrial real estate landscape of Tien Giang and entice significant investment capital flows.

IDICO Tan Phuoc 1 IP is located in Tan Lap 1 commune, Tan Phuoc district, Tien Giang. Its strategic location connects Ho Chi Minh City with the Mekong Delta region, providing numerous advantages in transportation and logistics.

It also provides easy access to essential traffic routes, including Ho Chi Minh City  Trung Luong Expressway - the arterial road connecting the IP with Ho Chi Minh City; Trung Luong  My Thuan Expressway connects the IP with other cities and provinces in the Mekong Delta region, especially Can Tho city, which is only about 90km away.

In addition, IDICO Tan Phuoc 1 IP also benefits from the waterway transportation system. The inland waterway port in the IP plays an important role in transporting goods and connecting with major seaports, facilitating import and export activities. With various transportation links, accessing airports and seaports from IDICO Tan Phuoc 1 IP is easy and convenient.

In addition to its convenient location, IDICO Tan Phuoc 1 IP is also situated in an area that benefits from attractive tax incentives from the government, aimed at promoting local economic development. The IP targets various types of industries, especially in high-tech sectors, and promises to make a significant contribution to the socioeconomic development of the local area as well as the entire province once it comes into operation.

IDICO has been starting to carry out initial works on the IDICO Tan Phuoc 1 IP project, including compensation for site clearance, constructing the water supply system, and building fences as well as infrastructure for the IP. These efforts are aimed at preparing to call for investment in Q4/2024.

For more information about IDICO Tan Phuoc IP, please contact:

Website: idico.com.vn

Facebook page: facebook.com/IDICOIP

Hotline: (+84) 28 3931 2660 / (+84) 943 550 668

IDICOs green transformation towards a sustainable future Industrial and urban developer IDICO aims to build sustainable industrial park ecosystems, anticipating the net-zero trend towards 2050, as demonstrated through its strategy of developing high-quality, synchronised infrastructure

IDICO lists sustainability among key criteria More than 300 businesses met at the first session of the Vietnam Industrial Real Estate Association (VIREA) held on January 18 to discuss solutions for developing industrial real estate, as well as topics related to the organisation and its operational regulations.
By 2030, the output of power plants in Vietnam that use both domestic gas and imported liquefied natural gas (LNG) will have increased to 37.33GW, or 24.8 per cent of the country's total installed capacity, with LNG accounting for the lion's share.

"We are now trying to collaborate with a local partner and discuss the plan with the Vietnamese government," Izumi Kai, JERA Asia's chief executive, told Reuters, adding that it was also open to investing in existing projects.

Kai said Vietnam was trying to start multiple LNG projects in a limited timeframe, adding that JERA was focusing on the best designs to work around potential delays.

JERA Asia's investments in LNG and gas power projects in Asia hinge on energy transition policies and dwindling domestic natural gas reserves, said Kai, adding, "The shift towards LNG for power, this trend will continue."

At a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha in July 2023, Steven Winn, chief of global strategy at JERA, said, "We are committed to becoming net-zero in Vietnam and implementing Japan's Asia Zero Emission Community initiative. JERA wants to get involved in the conversion of Vietnam's coal power plants to LNG by adding novel fuels such as green hydrogen, green ammonia, biomass, combined carbon recovery, and landfill."

According to research by data and analytics company Wood Mackenzie, Vietnam's economic growth depends on investment in gas infrastructure and essential policy reforms as the demand is set to grow at an average of 12 per cent annually, potentially tripling by the mid-2030s. Gas consumption will continue to rise amid growing energy demand, increasing from eight million tonnes of oil equivalent (mtoe) in 2020 to 20 mtoe in 2035. As part of this transition, the share of coal will decrease by seven mtoe by 2050.

JERA inks deal with EVN on decarbonisation JERA Co., Inc.(JERA) has signed an MoU with Vietnam Electricity (EVN) committing to establish a decarbonisation roadmap for EVN.

JERA considers potential investments in Vietnam's bid for net-zero Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha is seeking collaboration between Japanese and Vietnamese energy groups for mutual growth and profit sharing through technology transfer.
Ca Mau 1 is the largest offshore wind farm in Vietnam and ASEAN. The total installed capacity of Ca Mau 1 is expected to be 350MW, and the project is divided into four areas, namely 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D. Upon completion, it will be the largest offshore wind power farm in ASEAN.

At the construction stage of 1A and 1B, Maybank provided $38.2 million for export bills discounted under Letters of Credit.

Dato John Chong, group CEO of Global Banking at Maybank said, "Cross-border trade and investments between China and Vietnam continue to intensify. In 2023, China was Vietnams top foreign direct investor and trading partner, accounting for 25 per cent of both Vietnams total registered investments and trade done. Maybank is strategically positioned to facilitate these transactions with our offering and presence in China and all 10 ASEAN markets."

We also want to be at the centre of our clients transition journey. Maybank has launched a Transition Finance Framework, the first of its kind in ASEAN, to assist transitioning clients in brown industries to green. Our regional leadership in sustainability is aligned with fulfilling our mission of Humanising Financial Services, he added.

Michael Foong, country CEO of Maybank Vietnam said, We anticipate an acceleration of foreign direct investments into renewables and other green technologies in Vietnam, driven by sustainable debt and green trade financing. Towards this, we have been connecting Vietnamese businesses to international investors as the country is poised for upgrade from Frontier to Emerging Market status.

Cumulatively from 2021 to end June 2024, Maybank as a group has mobilised RM83.2 billion ($19.2 billion), exceeding its 2025 target of mobilising $18.4 billion in sustainable finance.

Maybank Investment Bank (Vietnam)  a member of the Maybank Group  also acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Phuc Sinh Corporation, a leading Vietnamese spice exporter, in securing investment from the &Green Fund, a fund managed by SAIL Investments, a global sustainable investment manager headquartered in the Netherlands.

Despite a declining global FDI trend, it is encouraging that a European investor believes in the potential of a Vietnamese agricultural enterprise like Phuc Sinh, with an intention to fund up to $25 million.

Kim Thien Quang, CEO of Maybank Investment Bank (Vietnam) said, We are proud to support Phuc Sinh in this significant deal. Sustainable investment not only benefits businesses but also contributes to the sustainable development of Vietnam's economy. We believe this partnership will create lasting value for both parties and help drive the green capital market and sustainable development of Vietnamese enterprises.

Maybank Securities predicts robust growth for H2 2022 The earnings growth of listed companies is predicted to pick up in the second half of the year in light of some favourable indicators, according to Maybank Securities' latest report on Vietnam Strategy.

Maybank Vietnam celebrates 25th anniversary Maybank Vietnam has celebrated 25th anniversary of operations in Vietnam in 2023, marking its belated Silver Jubilee (1995-2020).
In mid-August, Every Half Coffee Roasters, a fast-growing speciality coffee brand, received initial funding in a round led by regional investor Openspace, with additional participation by DSG Consumer Partners. The deals value remains undisclosed based on mutual agreement.

More deals can help feasible agriculture, illustration photo/ Source: Shutterstock

The funding will be utilised for multiple purposes, including expanding the companys retail presence through more stores and coffee roasters. Importantly, it will also support Every Half in securing its supply chain by fostering partnerships with local farms. These partnerships aim to cultivate and develop climate-resilient coffee varieties such as starmaya, marsellesa, and others, which will be used exclusively by Every Half or sold under their brand.

Dennis Le, vice president at Openspace Ventures, said, Openspace Ventures has been bullish on the coffee sector for years, viewing it as an excellent indicator of consumer spending. With a track record of investing in coffee businesses in emerging markets with large middle-class populations and rising GDP per capita, such as Indonesia and the Philippines, Vietnam was a natural next step.

Every Half stood out among numerous coffee businesses due to its highly experienced founding team, who have successfully built two previous coffee ventures. The companys ambitious vision to establish a strong Vietnamese coffee brand, both domestically and globally, along with its superb product quality that could compete on an international level, made it an attractive investment opportunity.

Agriculture is a strategic sector for Openspace Ventures, with existing investments across Southeast Asian countries including the Philippines, Indonesia, and Thailand, Le said. Historically, the firm has primarily engaged with downstream companies that support farms through offtake agreements or technology transfer. However, Openspace is increasingly seeking investment opportunities in tech firms that can support upstream farmers or cooperatives.

Also in the same month, coffee and pepper producer Phuc Sinh Corporation secured a loan of as much as $25 million from SAIL Investments Dutch-based &Green Fund.

Phan Minh Thong, general director of Phuc Sinh said, The company has received much attention from investment funds since 2013 but with a low valuation. In early 2024, we also reached an agreement with a European fund, which values the company at $320 million.

Phuc Sinh has fostered cooperation with two European funds, which prioritise sustainable development in line with its model. The two funds are investing in green agriculture, which will provide assistance to Phuc Sinh in the long term, Thong added.

Businesses should take advantage of the opportunity to form partnerships with foreign partners to grow stronger. This is particularly true in the context that Vietnam has emerged as an agri-food supplier for several countries around the world post-pandemic, he said.

In May, Singapore-based agritech platform Rize raised $14 million in a Series A funding round to expand its operations.

Dhruv Sawhney, CEO of Rize, told VIR that the expansion will not only increase its footprint in Vietnam but also extend throughout South and Southeast Asia.

Vietnam is a major player in the global agricultural market, particularly as the worlds third-largest rice exporter, with an estimated production volume of approximately 43.5 million metric tonnes of rice paddies in 2023 alone, Sawhney said. This significant scale of production underscores the critical role that agriculture plays in the countrys economy and potential impact on global food security.

According to data by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, agro-forestry-fishery exports reached just over $40 billion in the first eight months of the year. Key agricultural products are enjoying higher export values than last year  coffee exports increased 36.1 per cent to $4.03 billion, while fruit and vegetable export turnover was estimated at $4.63 billion, an on-year increase of 30.6 per cent. Following is rice with an export turnover of $3.85 billion, up 27.1 per cent.

Historically, green and venture capital funding in Vietnams agricultural sector has been somewhat limited. However, the pressing challenges of climate change and the urgent need to ensure food security are driving a shift in this landscape.

Venture capital funding can play a crucial role in this transformation by investing in and promoting sustainable farming practices, smart farming technologies, clean energy adoption in agriculture, green financing platforms, advanced biotechnology in farming, said Le from Openspace Ventures. These investments have the potential to dramatically benefit Vietnams agricultural sector by increasing efficiency, sustainability, and resilience to climate change, while also improving the overall quality and competitiveness of Vietnamese agricultural products in the global market.

Overcoming challenges to unlock green agriculture in Vietnam Developing large-scale green agriculture in Vietnam faces several challenges, including land consolidation, infrastructure needs, and building market trust. Smart farming practices and supportive policies are crucial to meeting Vietnam's ambitious agricultural goals and expanding its export market.

Vietnams rice exports deliver strong yield Vietnam has strengthened its position as a global rice exporter as surging prices and volumes propel the country towards a projected record-breaking eight million tonnes of exports in 2024.

Businesses embrace green transformation for net-zero goals Businesses' efforts to realise Vietnam's net-zero goal are being fostered, creating strong momentum for a seamless green transformation in terms of awareness, thinking, and action.
Hoang Son, 43, from Ho Chi Minh City, was diagnosed with lumbar disc herniation in the L3L4 - L4L5 vertebrae.

Despite being recommended for spinal surgery 11 years ago, Son chose to endure the pain because he was concerned about living with screw braces and artificial discs, and the risk of complications that could have caused him to lose the ability to walk.

Eleven years passed and the patient's condition worsened. The pain started in his back and gradually spread to his legs. As the doctors predicted, he almost lost the ability to walk, which seriously affected his work, income, and quality of life.

Endoscopic spine surgery takes in just 90 minutes

Following a friends recommendation, Son decided to visit Hoan My Orthopaedic and Spine Centre in Ho Chi Minh City, where he had direct consultations with Dr. Kim Thanh Tri, head of the Neurosurgery-Spine Unit.

Tri ordered immediate surgery because Sons condition was becoming critical.

Instead of the open spinal discectomy method, which involves large incisions, high blood loss, large surgical scars, a long recovery time, and the risk of complications due to infection, the doctor recommended endoscopic spine surgery.

This minimally invasive approach uses smaller incisions with lower risk of complications.

However, this is a new technique that not all doctors are familiar with. Therefore, patients need to choose reputable hospitals with teams of highly experienced specialists to ensure the best treatment.

Thanks to the thorough consultation and the removal of psychological barriers, Son decided to have the procedure.

In only 90 minutes, doctors from the Neurosurgery-Spine Unit at the centre successfully performed endoscopic surgery.

Just a day later, Son was able to get out of bed for light exercise, and he was discharged the following day.

Dr. Tri revealed that a herniated disc in the lumbar spine compresses the nerves, causing the patient to feel numb or pain. This compression also makes the patient susceptible to weakness in the limbs that causes mobility difficulties.

Despite this, many patients are reluctant about having spinal surgery, which leads to delays in treatment. As a result, their pain becomes more severe and causes significant inconvenience to their lives, said Tri.

Tri recommended patients who experience pain or discomfort in the spine to see a doctor immediately.

Dr. Kim Thanh Tri, Head of Neurosurgery - Spine Unit at Hoan My Orthopaedics and Spine Centre advises patients coming for the examination

This allows for accurate diagnosis and advice on appropriate treatment methods. In particular, patients need to adhere to the treatment regimen and avoid delaying treatment just because of concerns about post-surgery complications. Prolonging treatment can make the condition more serious.

Hoan My Orthopaedic and Spine Centre is managed by Hoan My Medical Group, a leading private medical system in Vietnam. The centre pioneers in applying high-tech methods in the field of examination, screening, and treatment of musculoskeletal diseases such as internal medicine, trauma and orthopaedic surgery, hip replacement surgery, knee replacement surgery, minimally invasive spine treatment, ligament reconstruction, and repair of torn meniscus, among others. The centre is kitted out with state-of-the-art equipment, combined with a team of experts to help bolster the effectiveness of diagnosis and treatment for complex musculoskeletal conditions.

AstraZeneca to increase early patient access to new medicines in Vietnam Last week marked an important step in AstraZenecas journey in Vietnam. On his visit to Hanoi, Dr. John L. Perez, senior vice president of the Vaccines and Immune Therapies Unit at AstraZeneca, talked to VIRs Bich Thuy about the companys future ambition and ongoing efforts to increase Vietnamese patients early access to new medicines.

SK Group gifts 4,000 Vietnamese children smile surgery over 25 years SK Group hosted the Free Surgical Treatment for Vietnamese Children with Facial Deformity project in Hanoi 108 Military Central Hospital, cooperating with Seoul National University Bundang Hospital and Smile for Children, a Korean medical volunteer organisation, from September 19 to 23.
This strategy has sustained the brands significant presence in Vietnam for 17 years and earned Gianluca Fiume, president of Piaggio Asia-Pacific and general director of Piaggio Vietnam, a medal from the Ministry of Planning and Investment. Piaggio's strategy and significant investment in the Vietnamese market date back to the brand's earliest days in the country, marked by the crucial decision to establish Vietnam as its headquarters in Asia.

"At that time, Piaggio Group decided, while opening the first two-wheels factory and the first research and development centre in Asia, to make Vietnam our headquarters in Asia," Fiume stated. By making this choice, Piaggio not only reinforced its commitment to Vietnam, but also set itself apart from other foreign companies, demonstrating its vision in recognising Vietnam as the pivotal centre for its regional operations.

Fiume reveals that the decision was driven by many aspects: the trends, dynamism, vibrant energy, digitalisation, and increasing purchasing power of the Vietnamese people, which made Vietnam an important market for Piaggio. Furthermore, Piaggios iconic products align perfectly with the local demand for a sophisticated riding experience and a sense of social distinction. "It's not just a foreign direct investment. It's our life connected very much with the life of the country that Vietnam represents."

The success of Piaggio Vietnam over the past 17 years can be attributed to its unwavering commitment to investing in its people. This People-centric approach not only nurtures talent but also fosters a culture of innovation and resilience, awakening these emotions within the team. It creates an environment where employees are empowered to go the extra mile, fostering Piaggios sustainable growth.

"The very first thing which I care about, first and foremost, is the development of each individual belonging to my organisation, which will consequently nurture the growth of our organisation as a whole. Everyone not only needs to understand why they are doing their job, but they must also participate in the dream of our organisation, which is to live, to live with our DNA, in our modality of set of colours, to be ourselves," said Fiume.

This focus on people is particularly evident in Piaggio's factory at Vinh Phuc province, where Fiume's leadership philosophy comes to life. "The best standard we have in Vinh Phuc is our people, who I call my heroes," Fiume explained. "Besides the essential elements for any business models, the so-called '5Ps', Product, Point of Sale, Promotion, Price and Position, we also treasure the 'sixth P' - our People, who have made the distinguished emotional value of Piaggio Vietnam."

"We have consistently invested in upgrading the technology and sophistication of our factory in Vinh Phuc," Fiume noted. He highlights that the true value of the factory lies not just in its state-of-the-art equipment, but in the people who operate it. He emphasises that the factory's assets aren't just in its advanced machinery, but in the people who bring it to life. What truly stands out at Vinh Phuc Factory is the human touch: people manufacture Piaggio products with genuine smiles, fully aware that they are contributing significantly to the organisations success.

This dedication to people is also reflected in Piaggio's approach to long-term development goals. "To delight, entertain, and wow our supporters. Because our iconic brands are filled with these emotions, of these feelings. That's why, at Piaggio Vietnam, we consider ourselves belonging to the industry of emotion," Fiume explained. For Piaggio, the goal is to make this vibe and emotion resonate throughout its ecosystem. Piaggio Vietnams Spotless Strategy is evident in every corner of the companyfrom cultivating strong relationships with customers and stakeholders to prioritising the growth and development of its employees.

Looking ahead, Piaggio Vietnam remains focused on upholding and enhancing its standards to ensure growth in both quantity and quality. This strategy goes beyond creating advanced, beautifully designed two-wheelers; it also involves embedding the brand's DNA and customer-centric approach into every aspect of the business.

The recognition from the Ministry of Planning and Investment serves as a testament to the success of Piaggio's strategy in Vietnam. Furthermore, Piaggio Vietnam has been awarded the prestigious HR Asia Award 2024 for the sixth consecutive year, recognising the company as one of the Best Companies to Work for in Asia. For Fiume, these acknowledgements are also a reminder of the work that lies ahead. "Our potential is infinite because of our story, the way Vietnamese people regard our brand, and their deep connection to our brand's DNA. It's been a fantastic journey."

Ultimately, it is the people, both within Piaggio and throughout Vietnam, who drive this journey forward. As Fiume emphasises, "Today, the market conditions are asking, requiring, and imposing on us to change, and to change fast. You need to invest in people."

By empowering individuals to participate in different business aspects, stay informed, and go the extra mile, Piaggio ensures that its people are not just part of the process, but at the very heart of its success. This commitment to investing in people, delivering 'Spotless' products and services accompanied by authentic emotional narratives will continue to guide Piaggio Vietnam towards a thriving future.

Gianluca Fiume, general director of Piaggio Vietnam: People are the heart of Vespa Vietnam In a recent interview, general director of Piaggio Vietnam and president of Piaggio Asia-Pacific Gianluca Fiume emphasises the pivotal role of company strategy as its Vespa brand celebrates its 78th anniversary.

Architecting the future with emotion and creativity In February, Piaggio Vietnam received a new investment certificate from Vinh Phuc authorities for factory expansion in 2023-2024. Gianluca Fiume, president of Piaggio Asia-Pacific, explained to Hoang Minh why this move and other investments illustrate the importance of Vietnam in the development strategy of Piaggio Group.
By 2035, the VPCA aims to facilitate $35 billion of private investments in Vietnamto fuel entrepreneurial growth and economic expansion.

The VPCA was founded by private capital industry leaders Vy Le (Do Ventures), Binh Tran (AVV), Vinnie Lauria (Golden Gate Ventures), Max-F. Scheichenost (Mekong Capital), and Justin Nguyen (Monk's Hill Ventures).

Launching with over 40 members representing more than a dozen venture capital and private equity firms, the VPCA embodies a unified effort to elevate Vietnam's position in the global investment arena.

"Vietnam is witnessing a pivotal moment as foreign venture capital and private equity funds increasingly seek investment opportunities and the government implements supportive policies to foster a thriving business climate. The Vietnam Private Capital Agency is committed to driving and maintaining this momentum, ensuring that strategic capital is effectively channeled to support innovation, growth, and sustainable economic development," said Vy Le, chair of VPCA.

The inaugural event, held at the Park Hyatt Saigon, attracted over 100 delegates, including investors from Vietnam, Singapore, Indonesia, Hong Kong, and the United States. The highlight of the event was a special guest speaker from the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), who spoke about how to drive success in Vietnam's innovation ecosystem through IPOs.

"Global investors are increasingly drawn to Vietnam due to its robust economic expansion, favourable demographics, and the government's commitment to supporting innovation through forward-thinking policies," noted Kobe Ge, regional head of China Capital Markets, NYSE.

Dynamic economic growth and vibrant entrepreneurship have positioned Vietnam as a key destination for venture capital and private equity investments. However, the need for structured capital deployment, enhanced industry expertise, and effective support mechanisms remains critical.

"While investment opportunities in Vietnam are abundant, it still trails behind advanced regions such as North America, which accounted for nearly half of the total private capital fundraising in 2023. There is a clear gap in capital flow and activity that can only be bridged through strategic initiatives and enhanced support for the private capital sector," said Binh Tran, vice chair of the VPCA.

The VPCA addresses these challenges by offering a platform that unites investors, industry partners, and entrepreneurs under a shared vision of growth and innovation. The agency's four pillars of activity will translate into tangible benefits for the Vietnamese VC/PE sector, including building a thriving community, leading with insight, delivering essential support services, and cultivating expertise through education.

The VPCA will strive to create a comprehensive ecosystem that drives progress and delivers tangible benefits for capital investment and business innovation. To achieve this, the agency will launch initiatives such as exclusive closed-door events, strategic summits, and industry forums, all designed to engage key stakeholders and cultivate high-impact collaborations.

Visibility opening up for VC funds Amid declining venture capital funding in Southeast Asia this year, experts nevertheless remain optimistic about Vietnams startup potential to rebound.

Singapores venture capital funds covering all bases Singapore venture capital funds remain the most active investor in Vietnam, with ongoing investments into local startups and potential targets ranging from renewable energy to electric vehicles.
To facilitate this growth, the government has proposed investment of VND400 trillion ($17.65 billion) in airport development from now towards 2030 with a vision to 2050. However, attracting sufficient investment to realise these ambitious plans poses several challenges.

Eric Johnson, Lawyer (left) and Trung Duong Lawyer Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP

Vietnams rapidly expanding tourism industry and growing business sectors have significantly increased air traffic, positioning airport development as a potentially attractive investment opportunity for both foreign and domestic investors. Additionally, Vietnams strategic position in Southeast Asia enhances its appeal as a regional transportation hub, which would also support increased investments into adjacent businesses such as aviation services.

In addition, potential investors should be aware that there is significant government support for foreign and domestic investments into airport infrastructure, at least in principle if not yet in practice.

For example, the governments Decree No.05/2021/ND-CP sets forth investment conditions for airport projects, creating a structured pathway for investors. Similarly, Decree No.92/2016/ND-CP permits foreign entities to hold up to 30 per cent ownership in airport projects, encouraging international capital while balancing national security concerns.

Private sector funding

However, despite the potential, challenges remain. Lengthy approval procedures for investment and construction, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and regulatory ambiguities have slowed progress in the development of private airport infrastructure. One example of this is that under the current law, investments in the form of public-private partnerships (PPP) faces procedural challenges due to complex and often unclear processes involving multiple authorities and commercial concerns over lack of government support (for example, guarantees and profit-sharing schemes, among several others).

Complications arising from land acquisition and use are another major concern. The process of acquiring land for public infrastructure projects (including airports) is extremely complex. The legal framework governing the states recovery of land, land pricing and master planning lacks clarity, though there may be improvement on this front under the new Land Law and its related implementing decrees.

For long-term infrastructure investments such as airports, the fact that land users in Vietnam cannot obtain the equivalent of a fee simple legal title in other jurisdictions and must instead rely on land use rights granted for a specific period also creates difficulties, especially for foreign infrastructure investors. In practice, issues involving land use rights and ownership have often caused significant delays to airport projects, even for those that are being developed by the state.

Construction licensing procedures in Vietnam can also pose a major obstacle, which may take investors several months, if not years, to obtain all necessary permits (ranging from land lease and firefighting to environment and construction) and master planning approvals to start construction.

Working with the Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) in the context of PPP and/or joint ventures has also posed challenges to foreign investors due to ACVs unfamiliarity with international practice in large-scale projects and the expectations of private investors. However, given the recent and welcome acceleration of work on Long Thanh Airport, which is said to involve a foreign manager/operator, the ACV may be better positioned to orchestrate complex airport projects going forward.

While there is certainly a lot of room for improvement and development when it comes to facilitating private sector involvement in airport development, there have been some notable instances of this to date. Developed by Sun Group, the Van Don International Airport marked a breakthrough as the first private airport in Vietnam. Its success has become a case study for private sector involvement in infrastructure development, at least for domestic investors.

The Phan Thiet Airport is another example of private investment, backed by local conglomerate Rang Dong Group. This airport highlights the expanding interest of domestic firms in airport projects.

Also, the Cam Ranh International Terminals were developed by certain private companies including Vietjet, and ACV has been engaged by the developers to operate those terminals.

As noted above, there has been consistent governmental support for private investment in airports, namely through the PPP model, though these efforts have not yet yielded successful examples in the market. For example, in early 2021, the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam proposed for PPP airport development and private investment in aviation service facilities at airports managed by Airport Corporation of Vietnam, which cover six airports at Dong Hoi, Rach Gia, Ca Mau, Sa Pa, Lai Chau, and Quang Tri.

Potential reforms

When one looks at the current difficulties around private sector airport development in Vietnam, it is useful to look for examples of how similar difficulties have been overcome by other countries. No solutions are one-size-fits-all and any improvements must take into account the peculiarities of the Vietnamese economy and legal system.

There are a handful of notable examples that have yielded results in other countries. Firstly, airports are complex projects that often involve multiple governmental stakeholders. South Koreas Incheon Airport, consistently ranked one of the best in the world, benefitted from top policymaker support to streamline and coordinate administrative decision-making, often spread across different authorities with differing viewpoints. Interestingly, it has been reported that Incheon International Airport Corporation will be one of the management and operations consultants for Long Thanh Airport.

All efforts made to streamline government decision-making, increase predictability and minimise administrative hurdles would certainly help make Vietnam a more attractive market for private sector airport development.

Secondly, operating airports is a complex and costly task. Typical objectives of governments seeking to privatise sectors of their economy are to minimise the governments exposure to financial and operational risk by transferring the development and operation of airports to private sector companies that specialise in international-standard airport development and operation.

Although it is a slightly dated example, in 1994, the Australian government initiated the privatisation of 22 airports, including Sydney Airport. Following this transition to private ownership, the airports management and development improved significantly. Today, Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport stands as the busiest airport in Australia and ranks among the busiest globally.

Finally, providing tax incentives and financial incentives such as co-financing options for smaller, regional airports may help draw in investors. In Brazil, for example, government-backed incentives for regional airport concessions, such as financial assistance, have successfully encouraged private companies to invest in these smaller airports.

Vietnam presents significant opportunities for airport investment, thanks to its advantageous location and strong economic expansion. However, issues such as regulatory complexities and financial viability, especially for smaller airports, pose challenges. By continuing to increase the feasibility of private sector involvement, drawing on successful global examples where appropriate, Vietnam will be able to achieve its airport infrastructure development goals with the involvement of the private sector.

Con Dao airport to be upgraded to welcome large aircraft The Ministry of Transport (MoT) is planning to upgrade and expand Con Dao airport so it can land bigger planes.

Pleiku Airport to expand capacity Pleiku Airport is projected to handle four million passengers annually by 2030, with plans for expansion to increase its capacity to five million passengers per year by 2050.

Private airport investment solutions still out of reach Efforts to attract private investment in Vietnams airports continue to face challenges, as the country seeks viable solutions.
Bellmead will take on a $10 million overhaul of a dangerous stretch of Bellmead Drive and most of Concord Road after winning a federal grant covering most of the cost.

In addition to improving safety for pedestrians and drivers, the work would change the feel of Bellmead Drive, largely by replacing the center turn lane with a raised median lined with trees. Some of the changes will include new pedestrian connections, speed feedback signs, improved pavement markings, consolidation of driveways entering the street, new street lighting, parking lanes, bus stops, sidewalks and crosswalks.

Officials announced Tuesday before a city council meeting that the grant application the city submitted in April for the federal Safe Streets and Roads for All program had been approved. The project will cover a little more than a mile of Bellmead Drive, from the Highway 84-Spur 299 split to Katy Street. It will cover almost 2 miles of Concord Road, from Highway 84 to the city limits at Airline Road.

Bellmead City Manager Yost Zakhary said the city has never before received a sum of money matching what it will get with the Safe Streets grant. The grant will provide $7.75 million, with a $2.25 million local match provided through the citys Bellmead Economic Development Corp.

Ideally, work would begin sometime between September 2025 and March 2026, and the entire project could be complete in three to five years, Zakhary said.

Zakhary said he pitched the idea to search for the grant to Assistant City Manager Karen Evans and Director of Community Development Fred Morris in February.

Evans and Morris then discussed the potential project with the Waco Metropolitan Planning Organization, which reviewed whether the project fit the criteria to receive support.

Waco MPO Director Mukesh Kumar said the MPO was immediately on board and that only needed the city councils support to get the gears in motion.

Evans and Morris put together a team of local officials, including Police Chief Shawn Myatt, to develop a presentation for the council.

The team presented the proposal to the council April 9 and received unanimous support, leading to the grant application that was approved Monday.

Kumar said the project will help limit the risk of pedestrian and cyclist fatalities. During the April presentation, Kumar showed the council data from a recent citywide accident study showing 971 injury-causing collisions in Bellmead from 2014 through 2023.

Those include 72 crashes causing severe injuries and 28 causing death.

Four auto-pedestrian deaths were reported in that time period for Bellmead Drive.

McLennan County is riskier than all the state of Texas when it comes to driving-related death, fatalities and serious injuries, and Texas is worse than the national average, just to press home the point that we are remarkably dangerous on our roadway and these safety projects are absolutely needed, Kumar said at the time.

Zakhary said the grant-funded project allows the city to improve safety while leaving local tax revenue available for other work.

Bellmead approved a two-cent property tax rate hike for the 2024-25 fiscal year, bumping its tax rate to 34 cents per $100 of property value. The additional revenue will be tucked away to build a street repair fund. Zakhary said this grant will allow revenue from the tax hike be used for other streets and intersections in the future.

He said he understands frustration among residents who want to see quicker progress, but it will take time for the local street repair fund to build up enough money to tackle significant work. In the meantime, the grant-funded work on the horizon will require a different kind of patience, he said.

This is an intense project that takes government funding, Zakhary said. We want to do it right. Its going to be uncomfortable for a while, but the way I look at it is this is truly short-term inconveniences for major long-term gains.

Bellmead Council Member Travis Gibson said the street improvements complement the citys trajectory of growth. Council Member Bryan Winget said it is a major step in the right direction.

Ive lived in Bellmead for 37 years, been here my whole life, Winget said. Concord Road has not changed in 37 years, neither has Bellmead Drive. Theres been no significant upgrades.

This is just another milestone for Bellmead on our growth, and hoping to change peoples mind across McLennan County who have always looked down on us, that were up and coming now.
DES MOINES  Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds last week appointed two new Iowa judges to fill vacancies.

Reynolds appointed Assistant Attorney General Matthew Schuling, of Council Bluffs, as a district associate judge, filling a vacancy created by the resignation of Donna Bothwell, whom Reynolds appointed earlier this summer as a district judge in Judicial District 4.

District 4 includes Audubon, Cass, Fremont, Harrison, Mills, Montgomery, Page, Pottawattamie and Shelby counties.

The governor also appointed Iowa magistrate Melinda Wicks, of Sergeant Bluff, as a district associate judge in Judicial District 3B.

Wicks currently serves as a magistrate in Woodbury County, and as a deputy county attorney in the Dakota County Attorneys Office in Nebraska.

She fills a vacancy created by the retirement of Todd Hensley. Judicial District 3B includes Buena Vista, Cherokee, Clay, Crawford, Ida, Monona, Plymouth, Sioux and Woodbury counties.

AIRPORTS AWARDED FUNDS FOR IMPROVEMENTS: Three Iowa airports will receive nearly $15 million in federal assistance as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to help pay for runway, terminal and other improvements.

Iowas airports facilitate high volume passenger travel and move our world-class products to market. Keeping this critical infrastructure in top shape ensures travelers safety and strengthens our local businesses and communities, Iowa U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley said in a statement.

Grassley was one of just 19 Republican senators and the only Republican in Iowas congressional delegation to vote for the bipartisan law to enhance roads, bridges, airports and other infrastructure.

I supported the bipartisan infrastructure law with Iowans in mind, and Im glad our state continues to see a return on that investment, Grassley said.

The U.S. Department of Transportation plans to disburse the funds as follows:

$11.3 million to the Des Moines International Airport for the construction of a new terminal building.

$916,000 to the Ankeny Regional Airport to reconstruct an aging runway

$2.6 million to the Ames Municipal Airport for the installation of perimeter fencing.

CLOGGED LINE RELEASES SEWAGE: A clogged service line caused the city of Denison in western Iowa to accidentally release 300 gallons of untreated sewage, some of which flowed into the Boyer River, state officials said.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is investigating the discharge discovered about 7:40 a.m. Monday. A clogged lateral service line at the Denison Country Store, 1108 Fourth Avenue S., caused the sewage to flow onto the ground and into a storm drain leading to the river, the Iowa DNR reported.

Workers from Denison Municipal Utilities were able to remove the blockage. Officials said the discharge has stopped and cleanup has begun.

Residents are advised to avoid the area. Water samples have been collected for testing. No dead fish have been observed so far. The DNR said it will follow up with the city for further assessment.

To report a release after hours, call the DNRs emergency spill line at (515) 725-8694. Quick reporting can help staff identify the cause of an incident.
If you want another example of vanishing U.S. deterrence, consider the Biden administrations failure to stop Iran from providing Russia with ballistic missiles.

The Wall Street Journal reports that a recent arms shipment from Tehran to Moscow included hundreds of short-range ballistic missiles. Iranian lawmaker Ahmad Bakhshayesh Ardestani described how one part of the barter with Russia includes sending missiles in exchange for food exports and help with sanctions evasion.

The authoritarian axis now flaunts how it ignores U.S. warnings. Last month State Department deputy spokesman Vedant Patel said such a missile shipment would represent a dramatic escalation in Irans support for Russias war of aggression against Ukraine. The U.S. and its G-7 and NATO partners are prepared to deliver a swift and severe response if Iran were to move forward with the transfer of ballistic missiles, he added.

Swift and severe, you say? Were waiting. ... In 2022 Iran began providing Russia with Shahed drones, artillery shells and ammunition. In 2023 Iran began building a drone factory in Russia. Yet that fall the Biden administration allowed United Nations restrictions on Irans missile program to lapse.

Ukraine relies on U.S. Patriot defense batteries to counter ballistic missiles. Irans shipment to Russia will further strain its scarce air defenses as Russia continues to attack civilians and energy infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Tehran is learning from Moscows military experience, and its complex April 13 drone and missile attack against Israel was remarkably similar to Russian-perpetrated attacks on Ukraine, Dana Stroul of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy told U.S. lawmakers this year.

In exchange for ballistic missiles, Russia agreed to supply Iran with its advanced Su-35 fighter jets, attack helicopters, and training aircraft, Gen. Erik Kurilla of U.S. Central Command said in March.

The Biden administrations refusal to enforce sanctions on Iranian oil sales has enriched the regime so it can afford to build more missiles. It then supplies those missiles to Russia, which uses them to bombard Ukraine, which the U.S. is supplying with defenses against those missiles.

Wouldnt it make sense to stop enriching Iran in the first place?
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP)  A state judge struck down North Dakota's abortion ban Thursday, declaring that broad guarantees of personal liberty in the constitution of his conservative, Republican-dominated state create a fundamental right to abortion before a fetus is viable.

The state's GOP attorney general promised to appeal the decision, which would take effect within a few weeks. North Dakota no longer has any abortion clinics, but legalizing abortion again would affect doctors in hospitals who believe an abortion is necessary when a pregnant patient faces a medical emergency.

Besides ruling that the state constitution protects abortion access, District Judge Bruce Romanick also said that the law is unconstitutional because it is too vague to be enforced fairly. He agreed with critics who said the law wasn't clear how its limited exceptions applied  allowing doctors to be prosecuted if other colleagues later disagreed with their medical decisions.

We have been made to choose between saving a patients life and possibly facing jail time, Dr. Ana Tobiasz, a fetal-maternal medicine specialist in the state capital of Bismarck, said during a Zoom news conference. We are finally free to put our patients' health first and offer patients the standard of care without fear of facing criminal prosecution.

Courts in 10 other states, including California, Illinois and Kansas, have ruled their state constitutions protect access to abortion, according the Center for Reproductive Rights, which challenges bans and restrictions, including in the North Dakota lawsuit before Romanick. But most of those rulings came before the U.S. Supreme Court's Dobbs decision in 2022 overruling Roe v. Wade and allowing states to ban abortion  and one in Oklahoma afterward covered only when a patient's life is in danger.

A week before the Dobbs decision  with its result widely anticipated  the Iowa Supreme Court reversed a previous ruling holding that the state constitution protected abortion. Since Dobbs, top courts in Florida, Idaho and Indiana also have issued similar decisions.

Most state supreme courts have refused to craft state constitutional rights to pre-viability abortions, Carolyn McDonnell, litigation counsel for the anti-abortion Americans United for Life. "Instead, theyve recognized that abortion is an issue for the political branches.

North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley said in a statement that the judges decision contained flaws in his analysis.

Judge Romanicks opinion inappropriately casts aside the law crafted by the legislative branch of our government and ignores the applicable and controlling case law previously announced by the North Dakota Supreme Court, he said.

North Dakota's only abortion provider had been the Red River Women's Clinic in Fargo, but it moved a few miles to Moorhead, Minnesota, after the Dobbs decision, when a state trigger law banning abortion took effect. The clinic sued, as did several doctors in obstetrics, gynecology and maternal-fetal medicine, including Tobiasz.

In 2023, North Dakotas Republican-controlled Legislature revised the states abortion laws, making abortion legal in pregnancies caused by rape or incest, but only in the first six weeks of pregnancy. Under the revised law, abortion was allowed later in pregnancy only in specific medical emergencies. The clinic and the doctors filed an amended complaint.

Red River clinic Director Tammi Kromenaker said there are no plans to reopen a clinic in North Dakota but Thursday's decision gives us hope.

We feel like the court heard our concerns and the physicians in North Dakotas concerns about a law that we felt went too far, she said.

In his ruling, Romanick cited how the North Dakota Constitution guarantees inalienable rights, including life and liberty." Those guarantees in turn protect women's personal autonomy and their ability to make medical decisions and ultimately control (their) own destiny," he concluded.

The abortions statutes at issue in this case infringe on a womans fundamental right to procreative autonomy, and are not narrowly tailored to promote women;s health or to protect unborn human life, Romanick wrote in his 24-page order. The law as currently drafted takes away a womans liberty and her right to pursue and obtain safety and happiness.

In many respects, Romanicks order mirrors one from the Kansas Supreme Court in 2019, declaring access to abortion a fundamental right under similar provisions in that states constitution, though the Kansas court did not limit its ruling to before a fetus is viable. Voters in Kansas affirmed that position in an August 2022 statewide vote, and the court has since issued further rulings bolstering abortion rights.

North Dakota elects both its Supreme Court justices and district court judges, but those contests are nonpartisan. Romanick was an assistant states attorney in Burleigh County, home to the state capital of Bismarck, before being elected to his judgeship in 2000. He has been reelected every six years since, the last time in 2018, but is not seeking reelection this year.

The judge acknowledged that when North Dakota became a state in 1889, its founders likely would not have recognized abortion access as a right under the state constitution, but added that only men drafted the document and, women were not treated as full and equal citizens.

Romanick said that in examining history and tradition, he hopes people would learn there was a time when we got it wrong and when women did not have a voice.

This does not need to continue for all time, and the sentiments of the past, alone, need not rule the present for all time, he wrote.

The spelling of Moorhead, Minnesota, has been corrected.

Hanna reported from Topeka, Kansas. Associated Press writer Jim Salter in O'Fallon, Missouri, contributed to this report.
Xi calls for carrying forward fine traditional Chinese culture

Xinhua) 08:04, September 12, 2024

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits Baoji Bronze Ware Museum to learn about the local efforts to enhance the protection and use of cultural relics in Baoji, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Sept. 10, 2024. Xi inspected the city of Baoji in northwest China's Shaanxi Province and the city of Tianshui in neighboring Gansu Province from Tuesday afternoon to Wednesday morning. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)

XI'AN, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, has urged developing a sense of reverence and affection for Chinese civilization and passing on fine traditional Chinese culture from generation to generation.

Xi made the remarks when inspecting the Baoji Bronze Ware Museum in the city of Baoji in northwest China's Shaanxi Province on Tuesday afternoon.

At the museum, Xi was briefed on the history and culture of the Zhou and Qin dynasties (1046-207 BC) and took a close look at exhibits such as "He Zun," a bronze ritual wine vessel carrying the earliest written record of the Chinese characters for "China."

Xi also learned about the strengthened preservation, study and utilization of cultural relics.

The 5,000 years of Chinese civilization should be further explored and studied, Xi said, noting that more efforts are required to illustrate its essence and promote the great wisdom it embodies.

Through these efforts, the people will be able to develop a strengthened sense of pride in the Chinese civilization, and the spirit of patriotism can be promoted more effectively, he said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
The Basler Plastics facility in San Marcos is closing, which will result in 41 jobs being eliminated, according to a letter the company sent to the Texas Workforce Commission.

A plastics manufacturing facility in San Marcos is shutting down, resulting in 41 employees being laid off, according to documents filed with the state.

Basler Plastics, based at 201 Centerpoint Road in San Marcos, will close by the end of the year, according to a Sept. 4 letter the company sent to the Texas Workforce Commission. The company gave its employees notice of the facilitys pending closure on Sept. 4, and layoffs will begin Nov. 4 and continue through Dec. 31, according to the letter.

MORE COVERAGE: San Marcos police release more footage of fatal shooting of Malachi Williams

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Changing business needs require us to close this facility, the company said in the letter, which was sent by Kameron Murphy, general counsel and vice president of corporate administration.

The closure is permanent and the employees being laid off are not represented by a union, according to the letter. The companys letter did not provide any details about severance pay for the employees whose jobs are being eliminated.

Basler Plastics makes injection-molded plastic components, according to the companys website. It is a subsidiary of Basler Electric, a privately held company based in Highland, Ill., that describes itself on its website as a leading manufacturer of products supporting the global power industry since 1942.
Marin-based artist Tiffany Shlain defies categorization.

Emmy-nominated filmmaker, best-selling author, Albert Einstein Genius, founder of the Webby Awardsaccording to Newsweek, shes one of the women shaping the 21st century.

And with the collision of her solo exhibition You Are Here at a New York gallery ; the appearance of her sculpture Dendrofemonology at a Climate Week mobilization for womens and environmental rights in Madison Square Park ; and the opening of her most recent collaboration with husband Ken Goldberg, Ancient Wisdom for a Future Ecology: Trees, Time & Technology, at the Skirball Cultural Center in L.A., this behatted blonde goddess of multidimensional creativity has never wielded more influence.

So many things have led to this moment, says Shlain. A filmmaker since her student days at Berkeleyan academic path she pioneered at the university, which had no film production program at the timeshe only officially crossed the bridge into the art world in 2020.

Her cutting-edge, live-spoken cinema performance Dear Human debuted at New Yorks MoMA just a month before the pandemic stole the show. But back in the Bay Area with time and social distancing on her hands, Shlain began to roam Mount Tam and Muir Woods the way she did growing up. The landscape was the tinder that ignited her next chapter, the one playing out now across the U.S.

Being in nature changes your sense of scale or perspective, Shlain explains.'

'You Are Here,' Shlain's solo exhibition at NYC's Nancy Hoffman Gallery, on view through October 19th. (Courtesy of Tiffany Shlain)

I grew up with tree ring history but it was always so patriarchal and didnt really speak to me, Shlain explains. Returning to spend time in nature she realized, I needed to make a feminist history tree ring.

The six-foot diameter cross section of a reclaimed deodar cedar became Dendrofemoology, a historical timeline exposing the interminable push-and-pull of womens influence and subordination measured in the rings of the tree. In November 2023, the work was installed on Washington D.C.s National Mall, a temporary monument to feminism and a call to womens political action just beyond the reach of the Washington Monuments long, phallic shadow.

I go back 50,000 years in history, but towards the end 2020, the U.S. elects Kamala, then in 2022, Roe v. Wade was eviscerated, while globally 65 countries have legalized abortion and . 86 women have been elected as leaders, says Shlain.

Last fall, when the 2024 political match-up between Trump and Biden seemed inevitable, the erection of Dendrofemonology was an urgent call for women to stand against the patriarchy. This fall, the urgency has only grown.

Definitely things have shifted in the right direction, but we have to keep the momentum going and pushing for the world we want, Shlain continues. With a woman on the presidential ticket, the tree rings appearance at Madison Square Park this month is a call to mobilize for womens rights and the planet. Its a real get-out-the-vote event, she says.

Tiffany Shlain's 'Perspective', on display now at the Nancy Hoffman Gallery in New York. (Courtesy of Tiffany Shlain)

Shlains simultaneous solo exhibition at Manhattans Nancy Hoffman Gallery , which runs through October 19th, builds on the evolution of perspective evoked by Dendrofemonology. Some works, like We Are Here, in which the words war and peace are repeated over and over in direct confrontation to the worlds never ending cycle of violence, hinge on the cross sections of trees. Others, like Perspective, are miniature sculptures hung beside larger-than-life portraits that reorder the relationship between humanity and nature. Light boxes and one piece, A Female Gaze Into History, in which images are projected onto a tree ring, draw from her filmmaking background.

In Ancient Wisdom for a Future Ecology: Trees, Time & Technology ,opening in Octoberin Los Angeles, Shlain and her husband, a Berkeley robotics and automation professor/artist, expand on the ideas she explores in You Are Here.

Ken and I, where we really connect, we love talking about the pros and cons of technology, says Shlain. If you go back really far into history, theres so much hysteria that AI is going to destroy humanity, but we dont believe that. The more people that understand, the more we can use it for good and not bad. We play with those disparities, that tension, in the artwork.

While Shlains multi-pronged moment is a testament to her national reach, the Bay Area wont be completely left out of the excitement. On October 8th, shell appear at the Belvedere Tiburon Library for a fireside chat about her award-winning book, 24/6: Giving up Screens One Day a Week to Get More Time, Creativity, and Connectionplusart and films, including the recent Goldie Hawnproduced The Teen Brain.

Shell also give artist talks at the Erica Tanov Studio in Berkeley on October 10th, and the Contemporary Jewish Museum in San Francisco on December 8th.

I love the intellectual curiosity of the Bay Area, I love having my home base here, says Shlain. Its fair to say the adoration is mutual.

// Find more information on Shlains work and RSVP for her upcoming Bay Area talks at tiffanyshlain.com .
SpaceX conducts a test of its water deluge system ahead of Starships second launch from South Texas in November. The Environmenta; Protection Agency this week fined the commercial space company for violating water laws when it installed and used the system without proper permitting regarding wastewater discharge. Marvin Pfeiffer/Staff file photo Kevin Daly of Michigan fishes at Boca Chica Beach near SpaceXs orbital launch site earlier this year. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News

Federal regulators have fined SpaceX nearly $150,000 for breaking clean water laws and a fuel spill at its South Texas launch site.

The Environmental Protection Agency said it reached a proposed settlement with the commercial space company for a 2022 liquid oxygen spill and its operation of a water-deluge system under its launch pad without the proper permit on at least seven occasions since July 2023.

The EPAs action this week, which comes as the company awaits permission to launch its next Starship, is the latest in a growing list of environmental violations the company said Tuesday are hindering its business.

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SpaceX said this week it expects to receive a launch license for Starships fifth flight by late November but criticized the approval process as being repeatedly derailed by issues ranging from the frivolous to the patently absurd. The issues it cited included delays stemming from questions raised by its environmental violations.

SpaceXs Starship and Super Heavy rocket system stands at the companys Boca Chica launch site as the company prepares for a launch in this April 2023 photo. William Luther/Staff

The FAA has been reviewing the companys request to return the Super Heavy booster to land at its Starbase launch tower, a complex and risky maneuver that hasnt been attempted before.

On Wednesday, the agency said SpaceX submitted new information in mid-August detailing how the environmental impact of Flight 5 will cover a larger area than previously reviewed, a development the FAA said requires additional consultation with other agencies.

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SpaceX must meet all safety, environmental and other licensing requirements prior to FAA launch authorization, the FAA said, confirming that a final license determination for the flight is not expected before late November.

The company continues to deny it broke environmental laws even as it agreed to the settlement with the EPA. It also agreed in August to one with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality over the same issues related to installing and operating the deluge system without the necessary permit. It was installed when the launch tower was rebuilt after being destroyed during Starships first launch in April 2023.

SpaceXs Starship and Super Heavy rocket system is seen at the companys Boca Chica launch facility from South Padre Islands Isla Blanca Park in this April 2023 photo. William Luther/Staff

No permit

According to the EPA, SpaceX did not have the Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit needed to operate its deluge system, which sprays thousands of gallons of fresh water during Starship engine tests and launches to dampen the force, noise and heat produced by its engines.

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The agency sent SpaceX a letter on Aug. 25, 2023, requesting information about the system and its operation. On March 13, it issued an administrative order saying the company must comply with federal regulations. The order required SpaceX to take measures necessary to eliminate unpermitted discharges or submit a permit application.

Despite the warning, SpaceX operated the deluge system the next day during Starships third test flight.

In all, the company operated the deluge system seven times between July 28, 2023, and June 6, spraying between 114,000 gallons and 194,500 gallons of fresh water each time, according to the EPAs complaint.

The state environmental commission has described the water that runs off as industrial wastewater. Some of it is captured in retention ponds or vaporized by the heat and combustion, but each use of the deluge system discharged between 34,200 gallons and 45,300 gallons directly into the wetlands surrounding the launch site, according to the EPA.

In addition to using the deluge system, the EPA also cited a July 11, 2022, spill of 36,000 gallons of liquid oxygen, which is used to fuel Starship. It fined SpaceX $148,378 for the violations.

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SpaceX has since applied for the discharge permit. But the TCEQ says the approval process could take at least 330 days  or nearly a year  from the date of application, which was July 1.

SpaceXs Starship and Super Heavy rocket system is seen at the companys Boca Chica launch facility from South Padre Islands Isla Blanca Park in this April 2023 photo. William Luther/Staff

Denials

During a recent conference, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk defended the company's actions.

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We didnt know there was a permit needed for zero harm freshwater being on the ground in a place where fresh water falls from the sky all the time, he said.

In its statement posted Tuesday, the company said at no time did SpaceX operate the deflector without a permit, saying it was operating in good faith under supervision of the TCEQ with a Stormwater Multi-Sector General Permit.

However, as the name suggests, such a permit covers stormwater runoff at industrial facilities  not the runoff from use of the deluge system during a rocket launch, which is considered industrial wastewater because its been exposed to physical and chemical processes.

SpaceX stacks its nearly 400-foot-tall Starship rocket spacecraft at the launch pad near Boca Chica Beach. The launch site is amid wetlands on the Gulf coast. SpaceX

SpaceX also says the EPA issued its March administrative order before seeking a basic understanding of the facts of the deluge system.

SpaceX said the TCEQ and EPA fines are entirely tied to disagreements over paperwork, and that it chose to settle despite fundamentally disagreeing with the allegations.
Global sensation Anushka Sen has added another feather to her cap by becoming the first Indian star to feature on multiple billboards across Seoul, South Korea. Known for her immense popularity in India, the 22-year-old actress has steadily been gaining a global fanbase, and this recent achievement marks a significant milestone.

During her visit to South Korea, Sens posters were prominently displayed at Myeong-dong, a famous shopping district in Seoul, as well as other key locations, making her the first Indian celebrity to receive such recognition in the country.

This unprecedented moment highlights Anushka's growing influence in South Korea, further solidifying her international appeal. Fans flocked to catch a glimpse of the billboards and celebrate with her, reflecting the excitement surrounding this achievement. While Indian stars like Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone have made waves in the West, Anushka Sen is charting her own path by conquering the East, bringing Indias "K-dream" to life.

Anushka Sen is set to make her international debut in the upcoming project Asia, directed by Lee Jung-sub, where she will play the role of an assassin. The actress recently completed the first schedule of filming, and her rising popularity in South Korea earned her the role of Honorary Ambassador for Korean Tourism, appointed by the Korea Trade Organization (KTO).

As Anushka continues to make an impact on the global stage, her accomplishments in South Korea signal a new era of cultural exchange and stardom for Indian actors in untapped international markets. By bridging the gap between India and South Korea, Sen is not only representing India with pride but also redefining what it means to be a global star.

Also Read: Anushka Sen takes on Korea as Official Brand Ambassador
Britannia Industries, in collaboration with Google Cloud and WPPs media services company Mindshare and global creative company VML, is pleased to announce the launch of Britannia BourbonIT, a pioneering platform utilizing Generative AI (GenAI) technology to transform recipe creation and culinary experiences in India. This unique initiative, spearheaded by Britannias iconic Bourbon, marks a significant milestone in the Indian market, underscoring the power of advanced AI to redefine consumer experiences.

Britannia BourbonIT is not just a new platform; its a testament to how technology and creativity can come together to enhance consumer engagement. The application utilizes Google Geminis multimodal capabilities to add a creative twist to traditional recipes, generating visually appealing and unique culinary creations. The platform has been designed with precision to ensure a smooth user experience, with APIs developed using Google Cloud Functions to handle various input formats efficiently. A robust profanity filter has also been integrated to maintain content quality and brand safety.

Users can submit recipes in various formats such as YouTube videos, HTML links, images, or text through the platform. BourbonIT, with the help of Googles Gemini Flash, adds a unique Bourbon twist to each recipe, creating an engaging experience for consumers.

Amit Doshi, Chief Marketing Officer, Britannia said The launch of BourbonIT marks a key moment in Britannia Bourbons journey, demonstrating our dedication to delivering innovative and superior taste experiences. This initiative reflects Britannias commitment to evolving with the times while maintaining the flavors that have made Bourbon a household name. This collaboration with Google Cloud and WPPs Mindshare and VML highlights Britannia's leadership in adopting cutting-edge technology, setting a new benchmark for AI-driven experiences in India. The teams have worked collaboratively to bring this initiative to life, and their efforts are set to elevate consumer engagement to new heights. The launch of BourbonIT is just the beginning, paving the way for future innovations that will continue to redefine consumer interactions in the culinary space.

Bikram Singh Bedi, Vice President and Country MD at Google Cloud India said, Our work with Britannia and WPP is a testament to how generative AI can drive consumer engagement. The innovative campaign BourbonIT leverages Googles state-of-the-art generative AI capabilities to deliver unique experiences.

Amin Lakhani, Mindshare Chief Executive Officer for South Asia, said We are incredibly excited to launch BourbonIT. A significant step forward in how AI can enhance our everyday lives, and in this case, our culinary experiences. This innovative application developed by WPPs Mindshare and VML and powered by Google Gemini, seamlessly blends cutting-edge technology with user-friendly design, making it simple for anyone to unlock their inner chef and explore a world of flavourful possibilities.

Babita Baruah, VML Chief Executive Officer in India, said We are excited to collaborate with Britannia Bourbon on this innovative project for the iconic brand. By 'bourbonizing' users own recipes, we aim to bring Britannia Bourbon into every household in a fun and meaningful way to deliver lasting impact, using technology to drive value with a creative twist.

Britannia Bourbon has been cherished for generations and has undergone innovation and modernization to meet evolving consumer tastes. The collaboration with Winkin Cow to co-create Britannia Winkin Cow Bourbon Shake further exemplified this trajectory. This fusion of flavours not only honoured the legacy of the original Britannia Bourbon biscuit but also pushed the boundaries by offering consumers a fresh and exciting way to enjoy their favourite biscuit.

Also Read: Design the Next Biscuit Shape with Britannia 50-50s Chief Selector campaign
A group led by James Cotter of Caisson Real Estate has acquired a 140,980-square-foot building at 16414 San Pedro Ave. Caisson Real Estate

A group of local investors has purchased a 10-story office building on San Antonios North Side with plans to renovate it to draw more tenants.

The group led by James Adam Cotter of Caisson Real Estate bought the 140,980-square-foot building at 16414 San Pedro Ave. last month from a company affiliated with New York-based Gemini Rosemont Development.

Our team has been searching for properties in the San Antonio area to add to our growing portfolio for some time. Thousand Oaks Tower is a high-performing asset that will serve entrepreneurs and businesses for years to come, Cotter said in a statement.

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The investors declined to disclose what they paid for the building, which the Bexar Appraisal District values at $17 million. About 44,190 square feet, or 31% of Thousand Oaks Tower, is listed as available to rent in a leasing brochure.

They said the property is set to receive extensive renovations including upgrades to a cafe, conference room, elevators, landscaping and leasing office, the addition of a new tenant lounge and installation of charging stations for electric vehicles.

A spokesperson for Caisson Real Estate said the owners are seeking corporate tenants who want a modern office option thats near employees. They also are creating other easy-to-lease affordable spaces geared toward entrepreneurs and small businesses, the spokesperson added.

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James Adam Cotter is a son of James F. Cotter, the late self-made real estate tycoon who amassed a real estate empire across multiple states. James F. Cotter died in 2017.
CNBC-AWAAZ, in association with RR Kabel, successfully concluded the 14th edition of its prestigious Real Estate Awards, celebrating excellence and innovation within the real estate industry. The Chief Guest of the evening was Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Government of India.

This year's awards garnered an overwhelming response, with over 10,000 nominations from across India, reflecting the diversity and dynamism of the country's real estate sector. Through a rigorous selection process conducted by knowledge partners Knight Frank, the most outstanding projects and leaders were recognized at the grand finale in Mumbai.

In a fireside chat, Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce & Industry stated, "The real estate sector is a critical pillar of our economy, driving growth, creating jobs, and transforming our cities and towns. The innovations and commitment showcased by this year's winners are a testament to the industrys resilience and its vital role in shaping a new India. I commend the efforts of all those who have contributed to this dynamic sector and encourage them to continue pushing the boundaries of excellence."

The ceremony honored the top performers in the industry, celebrating their contributions to shaping the landscape of Indian real estate. Among the winners were ANAROCK Property Consultants by Anuj Puri, recognized as the Best Property Consultant, Lodha Palava Uno H to O by Lodha Group, awarded as the Best Residential Project (Affordable Segment), Signature Global Park II by Signature Global Homes, named the Best Residential Project (Mid Segment), L&T Realty Raintree Boulevard by L & T Realty, acclaimed as the Best Residential Project (Luxury Segment), MMRDA - Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority awarded as the Buildings World Class Urban Infra, M.R. Jaishankar - Executive Chairman Founder & Lifetime Trustee - Brigade Foundation was honoured with Life Time Achievement Award, amongst others.

Shreegopal Kabra, Managing Director of RR Kabel, remarked, Over the years, the CNBC-AWAAZ Real Estate Awards have evolved into a hallmark of excellence in the industry, celebrating the relentless dedication and outstanding achievements of builders who have reshaped the Indian real estate landscape. What began as a vision to recognize the unsung heroes of the sector has grown into a prestigious accolade, motivating professionals to break boundaries and set new standards. The journey from regional acknowledgment to a nationwide celebration of excellence has been truly extraordinary. RR Kabel is honored to be associated with these awards and also proud to support an event that not only honors todays leaders but also inspires tomorrows changemakers.

Anuj Singhal, Managing Editor of CNBC-AWAAZ and CNBC-BAJAR, stated, "For over 14 years, the CNBC-AWAAZ Real Estate Awards have set the industry standard for excellence. This years awardees like their predecessors have not only maintained this legacy but also elevated it, introducing new benchmarks of innovation and quality in their projects. This recognition highlights the profound impact these projects and their leaders have made on the sector. As a leading media brand deeply rooted in the real estate community, we are dedicated to celebrating the pioneers who are shaping the future of real estate in India.

The event, which spanned several weeks with zonal awards held in various cities, culminated in this grand finale in Mumbai, where the best of the best was honored. It was presented by RR Kabel, with RR Parkon as an associate partner and Knight Frank India as the knowledge partner. As the 14th edition concludes, the Real Estate Awards & Conclave continues to be a beacon of excellence, inspiring the industry to reach new heights.

Also Read: Ushang Sheth joins HDFC Securities as Head of Corporate Communications & PR
D2C Pro, the dedicated e-commerce and marketplace solutions vertical powered by Team Pumpkin, is thrilled to announce that it has been awarded the marketplace management mandate for Sereko, Indias pioneering psychodermatology Skincare brand. SEREKO offers innovative solutions that address the impact of stress and anxiety on skin health, embodying the philosophy of Happy Mind, Happy Skin, setting a new standard for holistic Skincare and wellness.

Since taking on the mandate just a few months ago, D2C Pro has driven a significant transformation in SEREKOs marketplace performance, achieving a 41X jump in sales and a 12X increase in product sessions. This partnership has enabled SEREKO to rapidly ascend the ranks in various categories.

The brand's approach is rooted in the science of psychodermatology, which explores the connection between the mind and skin health. SEREKOs products are formulated with their proprietary formula NeuroCalm, combining natural ingredients clinically proven for their anti-stress and calming properties to offer a skincare solution that goes beyond the surface-level concerns.

Malvika Jain, founder & CEO of SEREKO, expresses her excitement saying, Our goal was to revolutionize skincare by integrating mental well-being, and seeing it take off so successfully has been truly rewarding. The results weve seen so far are just the beginning, and were excited to continue this journey, and redefine beauty standards with our innovative approach and D2C Pros expertise

We are thrilled to partner with SEREKO, a true innovator in the field of psychodermatology, says Shubham Shrivastav, AVP, D2C Pro. Its amazing to see how their unique approach to blending skincare with wellness and their emphasis on the mantra Mind First Skincare is resonating so well with people. Our team has loved working on this project and has already yielded impressive results. Were looking forward to continuing this journey and helping SEREKO shine even brighter in the marketplace.
Faisal Malik, best known for his poignant portrayal of Prahlad Chacha in the widely loved series *Panchayat*, recently opened up on the show *Small Towns, Big Stories* hosted by Pankaj Dubey, a platform agnostic storyteller. The interview provided a heartfelt glimpse into his journey as an actor, his challenges, and the deep connection he feels to his roots and fans in small towns. Faisal believes that making people cry on-screen is far more challenging than making them laugh. For him, immersing fully into a character is crucial, often leading to moments of self-reflection. As he steps into each role, he questions himself, seeking authenticity that resonates with his audience. Its this dedication that has made his performances so relatable, touching viewers at an emotional level.

The actor speaks about his hit series Panchayat and how it has impacted audiences in small towns. He mentioned how deeply fans from small villages and cities connect with his work, often drawing inspiration from the characters he plays. This sense of responsibility fuels his passion, knowing that his roles can impact lives and inspire people, especially in smaller towns where cinema remains a key window to the world. In the interview, Faisal spoke candidly about his work as a producer. He admitted it can often be a thankless and tiring job, but theres immense satisfaction in bringing a project to life. Its a space where hard work often goes unnoticed, but the result  seeing something he helped create connect with an audience  is a reward beyond measure. Faisals father was initially shocked by his decision not to pursue further studies. Choosing the unconventional path of the arts came with its challenges. Yet, his decision was driven by an undeniable passion for film. Over the years, Faisal has worked across various roles in the film industry, from assistant director to editing, slowly carving out a career that satisfies his creative hunger. While he has achieved a lot in the industry, theres an underlying emotion of wishing certain people had been around to witness his success. Its clear that, despite all his accomplishments, Faisal is grounded in his relationships and memories.

Also Read: UAE joins AI arm race with new open-source AI model
InMobi, a global consumer technology company transforming how consumers discover and consume content, shop, and engage with brands, has announced the closing of a $100 million debt financing agreement from MARS Growth Capital, a joint venture between MUFG and Liquidity Group. The funds will be used to propel InMobis artificial intelligence (AI) development and deployment efforts forward and fund potential AI-focused acquisitions.

InMobi has revolutionized the way the world engages with mobile devices and pioneered efforts in harnessing the power of both AI and machine learning for more than a decade. This financing round will be used to significantly deepen the companys AI capabilities through both organic and inorganic means to deliver more immersive, personalized ways for brands to better engage with consumers beyond the standard ad unit.

AI is the bedrock of both InMobis consumer and enterprise businesses, and we are using it to power the revolutionary lock screen experiences and InMobi Advertisings platforms. We are reimagining how ads can be made truly native by driving superior engagement and outcomes for consumers, advertisers and publishers, said Naveen Tewari, CEO of InMobi. Were pleased to have the confidence and funding from MARS Growth Capital to further accelerate our growth trajectory.

MARS Growth Capital invests in future-ready AI platforms in APAC and Europe. Backed by Liquidity Groups experienced team of entrepreneurs and data scientists, machine learning, MARS Growth Capital is a leading option for high-performing global technology companies in a new age of funding.

Liquidity, through its JV with MUFG, MARS Growth, is committed to growing the Asian tech ecosystem, said Ron Daniel, Co-Founder and CEO, Liquidity Group and CEO, MARS Growth Capital. As one of our largest transactions to date, this financing will help fuel InMobis next phase of AI-led growth.

AI is redefining the way businesses operate and create value, and InMobi is well-positioned to leverage its capabilities across multiple spaces in consumer and advertising technology, said Navas Ebin, Head of APAC, Managing Director at Liquidity and MARS Growth Capital. A business of InMobis scale requires an agile tech-driven growth partner. We're thrilled to work with InMobi to power their next wave of innovation in AI and consumer internet verticals.

Also Read: Will new FM Radio channels in small towns be a viable proposition in the long run?
myTrident, a leading name in the premium home decor industry, has launched its grand festive Out-Of-Home (OOH) advertising campaign across 15+ Indian cities. The billboard series is designed to connect with customers at a deeper level, bolstering brand presence and boosting brand value. The innovative campaign is not just about placement but also about creativity. The billboards feature a 3D immersive cut-out design, making them stand out in the bustling cityscapes. This distinctive approach adds a dynamic element to the campaign, crafting a visually compelling effect, bringing the product to life and creating a lasting impression.

Neha Gupta Bector, Chairperson of myTrident, expressed her excitement about the campaign, saying, This festive season, we wanted to create something truly memorable that resonates with our audience. Our OOH campaign, featuring Kareena Kapoor Khan and Sharmila Tagore, is designed to capture the essence of our brand  a blend of luxury, comfort, style and especially family. Weve chosen iconic locations to ensure our message reaches as many people as possible.

The campaign has been strategically placed in key cities including Delhi NCR, Srinagar, Katra, Bhopal, Ludhiana, Jaipur, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Bathinda, Lucknow, Kanpur, and Chandigarh. The billboards have been mounted in high-traffic areas, ensuring maximum visibility and engagement. Prominent locations include South Extension and DND Flyway in Delhi, Elante Mall in Chandigarh, Ludhianas busiest streets, Hoshangabad Road in Bhopal, MI Road in Jaipur, and Ambarsar Mall in Amritsar, among others.

Rajneesh Bhatia, CEO of myTrident Group Corporate Ltd, added, Our goal with this campaign is to showcase our Bed & Bath collection in a way thats both innovative and impactful. By utilizing 3D elements and choosing strategic locations, weve been able to create a campaign that not only promotes our products but also enhances the visual experience of the viewers. Were confident that this will elevate our brand visibility during the festive season.

With this ambitious OOH campaign, myTrident aims to solidify its presence in the home textiles market and continue to deliver high-quality products that enhance everyday living.

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DigiStreet Media is all set to launch XONN for BANKIT Services Pvt. Ltd. into the digital stratosphere, capturing the attention of those seeking comprehensive financial solutions through the effective use of digital platforms. This partnership focuses on expanding XONNs reach to a wide audience in online and offline spaces.

DigiStreet has once again continued its creative legacy by coming up with the brand name "XONN," which cleverly stands for "eXperience on the go." The agency flexed its creative muscles in choosing this name along with the brand communication Simpler Smarter Xperience that compliments the overall brand spirit of offering One of a kind experiences when it comes to financial management. As for the website and brand collaterals, the agency has designed a sleek, user-friendly experience that aligns with industry trends and captures viewers' attention with its creative flair.

As in discussion, Rajvinder Singh, Sr. VP Partnership & Business Alliances, at BANKIT services Private Limited, said Despite the evolution of fintech as per my experience, many individuals still struggle with seamless financial management specifically when large organizations are concerned. BANKITs vision is To empower every Indian with accessible and affordable banking & financial services, through innovative fintech solutions. BANKIT has positioned itself to boost financial inclusion in India by creating an ecosystem to provide neighborhood banking services even to the last mile user in remote areas. After successfully building such an ecosystem in tier 3 & 4 geographies for the blue collar, BANKIT now aims to serve enterprises and white collars in tier 1 & 2 geographies with a new brand named XONN. XONN aims to provide a 100% user-friendly platform to individuals across enterprises of all sizes empowering them with a full stack fintech solution under one umbrella. BANKIT was confident that DigiStreet Media would help bring this vision to life through creative mediums and create the right online and offline mix.

On receiving the digital mandate, Darpan Sharma, the CEO and Strategist of DigiStreet Media, said, "Working on creating XONNs brand identity energized us. We wanted a brand name that was meaningful, memorable & had a style quotient, something that people would talk about. The moment we came up with XONN, it just clicked. We've designed the website to be a visual journey combining static and motion elements to keep users engaged. Moreover, we have designed a playbook to shape XONN's brand persona across digital and offline channels. Were on the cusp of an exciting new chapter, one that promises innovation, growth, and a fresh approach to the fintech industry. We are confident that itll be a great journey to look up to."

The agency is redefining the brands presence while keeping things minimal and contemporary. By integrating DigiStreets creative digital strategies with XONNs financial expertise, this collaboration is set to create a buzz and outpace the competition.
Adv Khush Khandelwal's Criminal Petition Against MLA Jitendra Awhad: Bombay HC Orders Fresh Hearing 2

The Bombay High Court has overturned a 2019 order by the Judicial Magistrate of Thane that denied the filing of an FIR against NCP MLA Jitendra Awhad. The court has now directed a fresh hearing on the demand for the FIR.

This case stems from a criminal statement made by Jitendra Awhad in relation to a 2018 incident, during which the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) arrested a man in Nalasopara for possessing homemade bombs. Awhad alleged, without evidence, that the arrested individual, Vaibhav Raut, was planning to bomb the Maratha Morcha.

Advocate Khush Khandelwal, the founder of the Hindu Task Force, filed a petition against Awhad, accusing him of attempting to incite hatred between communities through his statements. The police, however, did not register an FIR based on Khandelwals complaint, leading him to approach the 5th Judicial Magistrate Court in Thane.

On November 13, 2019, the magistrate acknowledged that Awhads statement constituted a cognizable offense under sections 153(A) and 505(2) of the IPC but refused to order an FIR on jurisdictional grounds. Dissatisfied, Khandelwal challenged this decision in the Bombay High Court, filing Criminal Petition No. 4476/2021.

On September 6, 2024, a division bench led by Justice Sarang Kotwal set aside the magistrates previous order, directing a fresh hearing and reconsideration of Khandelwals demand for an FIR against Awhad. This ruling reopens the possibility of legal action under sections 153(A) (promoting enmity between groups) and 505(2) (statements creating public mischief) of the Indian Penal Code.
Akka Mahadevi: India's Rich Legacy of Incredibly Strong Women 2

A few days ago, BJP MP Kangana Ranaut tweeted about Akka Mahadevi, sharing a message with her fans: Dont let anyone shame you about your body; you are pure and divine. Through this, she highlighted Akka Mahadevis powerful stance on self-identity and spirituality, drawing inspiration from the poet-saints rejection of societal norms and her belief in the sacredness of the body as part of divine creation. Kanganas tweet resonated with themes of empowerment and self-acceptance that are central to Akka Mahadevis legacy.

I am currently writing a book on Lal Ded, a Kashmiri mystic from the Kashmir Shaivism tradition of Hindu philosophy. She pioneered a unique style of mystic poetry called vatsun or Vakhs, meaning speech. Her life story shares similarities with that of Akka Mahadevi. When I saw Kanganas tweet, I was thrilled by the recognition, as it highlights Indias rich legacy of incredibly strong women. These mystic women played a pivotal role in challenging and rejecting the rigid, monotonous norms imposed by a male-dominated society.

Akka Mahadevi, a celebrated poet-saint from Karnataka, India, rose to prominence as a symbol of progressive thought during the 12th-century Bhakti movement. Her bold rejection of societal norms and gender expectations positioned her as one of the most revolutionary figures of her era. Akka Mahadevi was a prominent member of the Lingayat Shaiva sect and made significant contributions to Kannada literature. Her 430 vachanas (spontaneous mystical poems) and two shorter works, Mantrogopya and Yogangatrividh, are her known literary contributions. The title Akka, meaning elder sister or mother, was an honorific bestowed upon her by revered saints like Basavanna, Siddharama, and Allamaprabhu, recognizing her esteemed position in the spiritual dialogues at the Anubhava Mantapa.

Akka Mahadevi is considered a major female figure in both Kannada literature and the history of Karnataka. Her intense devotion to Lord Shiva, whom she referred to as Chenna Mallikarjuna, symbolized the madhura bhava or madhurya form of devotion, where she saw Shiva as her divine husband. Her radical thoughts and spiritual influence continue to inspire generations.

Born around 1130 in Udutadi, near Shivamogga, Karnataka, Akka Mahadevis early life remains somewhat shrouded in mystery. Some scholars suggest her parents were Nirmalshetti and Sumati, devout followers of ParamaShiva. Although Western sources note that little is definitively known about her life, her legacy has been shaped by Indian hagiographies, folk tales, and mythological traditions passed down through oral history and her own poetry. One of her vachanas hints at her decision to leave her birthplace and family to pursue a life devoted to Shiva. Scholars like Tharu and Lalita document a claim that a local Jain king, named Kaushika, sought her hand in marriage, but Akka Mahadevi is said to have rejected him, choosing instead to dedicate herself entirely to ParamaShiva. However, medieval sources on this account remain ambiguous and inconclusive.

Interestingly, the name Kaushika also appears in other ancient Indian lore. In the Sathya Yuga, a brave and fearless king named Kaushika ruled his kingdom with great dedication, personally attending to the needs of his subjects. This dual use of the name Kaushika demonstrates its recurring presence in both historical and mythological narratives.

One of Akka Mahadevis vachanas outlines three conditions for marrying King Kaushika, including her right to spend time in devotion and converse with other scholars and religious figures, rather than with the king. According to the medieval scholar and poet Harihara, the marriage was purely nominal. Other sources, such as Camasara, suggest that the conditions were not accepted and the marriage did not take place.

According to Harihara, King Kaushika violated the conditions set by Akka Mahadevi, leading her to renounce her life at the palace. She gave up all her possessions, including her clothes, and left to travel to Srisailam, the abode of Parama Shiva. In alternative versions, her renunciation is depicted as a reaction to King Kaushikas threats after she refused his marriage proposal. It is believed that during her journey, she visited Kalyana, where she encountered two key figures of the Lingayat movement, Allama Prabhu and Basavanna. These interactions likely deepened her spiritual connection to the movement. Toward the end of her life, Akka Mahadevi is said to have traveled to the Srisailam mountains, where she lived a life of asceticism and eventually passed away, leaving behind a legacy of devotion and mystic poetry.

One vachana attributed to Akka Mahadevi suggests that King Kaushika visited her in the Srisailam mountains, seeking her forgiveness. Today, Akka Mahadevi is regarded by scholars as a pioneering figure in the field of female emancipation. She is a household name in Karnataka and famously wrote that she was a woman only in name, while her mind, body, and soul belonged solely to Lord Shiva.

During the 12th century, a time of political turmoil and social strife, Akka Mahadevi chose the path of spiritual enlightenment, firmly standing by her decision to reject worldly life. She actively participated in intellectual gatherings such as the Anubhavamantapa in Kalyana (now Basavakalyan), where she engaged in philosophical discussions on enlightenment, or moksha, which she referred to as arivu (knowledge). In her quest to unite with her divine soulmate, Lord Shiva, she found companionship in nature, making animals, flowers, and birds her allies while renouncing family life and material attachments.

Akka Mahadevis pursuit of enlightenment is reflected in her poetry, which is composed in simple language yet imbued with deep intellectual rigor. Her vachanas explore the rejection of mortal, worldly love in favor of an all-encompassing divine love for God. Through her poetry, she delves into the demands of the spiritual path, emphasizing the need for the seeker to overcome the ego (I), conquer desires, and master the senses. Her works offer profound insights into self-realization and devotion, central to the path of enlightenment she followed.
Veteran CPM Leader Sitaram Yechury Passes Away at 72 2

Veteran CPM leader and party general-secretary, Sitaram Yechury, passed away on Thursday at the age of 72 after battling a prolonged illness. He succumbed to complications from a respiratory tract infection at 3:03 pm at AIIMS, New Delhi.

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM) confirmed Yechurys death via their official X handle, expressing their grief and thanking the medical staff for their dedicated care. Yechury had been admitted to AIIMS on August 19 for treatment of a pneumonia-like chest infection and had been in critical condition for several days, on respiratory support.

Several political leaders extended their condolences. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi remembered Yechury as a friend and protector of the Idea of India, expressing his sorrow over the loss of their long discussions. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee called Yechurys demise a loss for national politics, while Union Minister Nitin Gadkari highlighted his contributions to public life.

Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh described Yechury as an unrepentant Marxist with a pragmatic streak and praised his skills as a parliamentarian.

Yechurys political journey began nearly 50 years ago as a student leader. He served as CPM general secretary for three consecutive terms from 2005 to 2015 and was re-elected in 2018. He was also a Rajya Sabha member from 2005 to 2017.

Yechury was a key figure in coalition-building efforts, working closely with Congress leaders to shape the United Front governments Common Minimum Programme in 1996 and playing a crucial role in the formation of the UPA government in 2004.

His passing marks the end of a significant chapter in Indian politics, leaving behind a legacy of coalition-building and strong ideological leadership.
A Jefferson County high school student was taken into custody after he was found in possession of a gun on campus.

Just before noon Wednesday, the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office was notified that a student had a handgun at Clay-Chalkville High School.

The school resource officer quickly took possession of the gun, and the 16-year-old boy was taken into custody.

Sheriffs spokesman Henry Irby said the student reportedly never took out the weapon or threatened anyone with it

The teen is charged with certain persons forbidden to possess a firearm and receiving stolen property. He is being held in juvenile detention.

The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to call sheriffs office at 205-325-1450 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.
A Hays County middle-school student faces a charge after district officials say the juvenile used social media to spread false threats of a school shooting. Douglas Sacha/Getty Images

A middle school student in the Hays Consolidated Independent School District faces a criminal charge after she was accused of spreading false school shooting threats on social media, school district officials said Thursday.

The student, described by the district as a sixth-grader, was detained by the Hays County Sheriffs Office and faces a charge equivalent to a state jail felony for making a false alarm or report, according to a statement by the school district.

The social media posts involved Simon Middle School in Kyle, according to the school district.

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Beginning Wednesday night, Hays CISD authorities and law enforcement agencies were alerted to and started investigating generic and non-specific threats that were circulating on social media within the district, the district said in a written statement.

Hays CISD officials say they informed parents about the investigation on Thursday.

I know this type of social media activity is alarming and frustrating for you  our parents and students, Hays CISD chief communication officer Tim Savoy wrote in an email to parents. Its equally that way for law enforcement, school administrators and everyone who is disrupted and distressed because of these posts. Despite the fact these types of posts are sadly far too common, know that we never tire in our efforts to maintain safety and that we continue to take each and every threat seriously.

The Hays County Sheriffs Office is investigating whether other students in the district might have been involved, according to district officials.

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On Thursday, the Hays County Sheriffs Office said in a social media post that it was working with Hays CISD to investigate generic social media threats. The post said there is no current danger to any of the campuses.

The arrest of the Hays CISD student comes amid a recent flurry of social media threats made against Texas schools

Bexar County Sheriffs deputies this week arrested a 12-year-old who they said threatened to shoot a student and shoot up the school.

The suspect, a student at Luna Middle School, was found with a pistol, ammunition and body armor, according to the Bexar County Sheriff's Office. The juvenile is accused of displaying photos of firearms during a FaceTime call while off campus over the weekend and threatening to shoot up the school, BCSO said.

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A Birmingham man has been sentenced to federal prison for his role running an app-based and seemingly lucrative fake check scheme that allegedly took more than $10 million from businesses, charitable groups and individuals.

U.S. District Judge Madeline Haikala sentenced Mekhi Diwone Harris, 25, to 10 years in prison and ordered him to forfeit $160,000.

Harris was arrested last year and in April 2024 pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud.

Court documents said the victims in the scheme include individuals, municipalities, utilities, churches, nursing homes, schools, nonprofit groups, and businesses across the country  including hundreds in the Northern District of Alabama.

I have calculated that the total value of the checks posted to the Work Related Slips Telegram channel between October 22, 2022, and August 8, 2023, is more than $15.1 million, FBI Special Agent Megan Grose wrote in the 2023 federal complaint.

Check fraud is a growing national problem, Northern District of Alabama U.S. Attorney Prim Escalona said Thursday. That is in no small part due to Telegram channels like the one run by the defendant, which operated as a one-stop shop for other scammers to purchase stolen financial instruments.

Authorities said Harris, who lived in Birminghams Lakeview District until last year when he moved to Texas, used Telegram, a cloud-based instant messaging service that offers users the ability to send and receive end-to-end encrypted messages.

Each Telegram user had a specific username, Grose wrote in the sworn affidavit, and certain Telegram channels are dedicated to fraud and other illicit activity.

During the investigation, she said, she has observed the administrator post thousands of stolen or fraudulent checks on the Work Related Slips Telegram channel.

The agent explained that the Telegram administer  identified as Harris - took photographs of stolen checks and posted redacted copies on the Telegram channel to market them for sale.

He used Cash App and cryptocurrency as the primary methods of payment for the channel.

She said Harris was linked to the Work Related Slips Telegram channel through various ways, including his Cash App account, text messages, travel records and social media.

Cash App, which is owned by Block Inc., verified Harris Cash App account Oct. 22, 2021, at which time he provided the name Mekhi Harris as well as his social security number and date of birth. He also provided a photograph of the front and back of his Alabamas drivers license.

Harris transaction history, authorities said, contained description of transactions that appear to reflect the purchase of stolen or fraudulent checks. The descriptions reference GRAMZ &scams, slips, and food.

The agent noted that Harris reportedly changed his tags on the apps several times. He also was forced to stop using Cash App at one point, when his account was blacklisted by the app owner, Grose stated.

Agents used photos from Harris social media accounts, including Instagram, to link him to the Work Related Slips channel. Specifically, they noted a unique bracelet that Harris wore in photos on the multiple sites.

Additionally, Grose wrote, Amazon records showed that from at least June 2021 through at least August 2022, Harris used his Amazon account to buy supplies needed to produce counterfeit checks, including bank-check compliant ink cartridges and toner, business check stock, counterfeit check testers and check readers.

The FBI investigated the case with significant assistance from the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the U.S. Secret Service Cyber Fraud Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward J. Canter prosecuted.

Fraud poses a fundamental threat to our national security as well as to our everyday way of life, said FBI Special Agent in Charge Peeples. The FBI is committed to coordinating with our partners and aggressively pursuing those who seek to victimize others for their personal gain. I hope this sentencing serves as a warning to others who might engage in these types of schemes.
Students and faculty at Foley High School are all safe after the school on Thursday was placed on lockdown.

According to a statement from Foley High School Principal Jessica Webb, the Foley Police Department and Baldwin County Sheriffs office responded to the lockdown procedure Thursday morning.

This morning, Foley High School was placed on lockdown, Webb said. Foley Police Department, along with the Baldwin County Sheriffs Department, responded.

The campus has been secured and all students are safe. Please do not attempt to approach the campus until we have removed the security perimeter. We will provide additional information before noon.

The school began dismissing students at noon following the incident.

After the dismissal process a press conference was held at the school where more information was provided about what prompted the lockdown. The conference featured Webb, Foley Police Chief Thurston Bullock and Baldwin County Schools Superintendent Eddie Tyler.

According to several Facebook posts from concerned parents, there was allegedly a fight that broke out and a student pulled a gun, but no shots were fired. However, Webb said that there was no gun or fight.

We have not confirmed anything about a fight nor a gun, Bullock said.

A teacher overheard a student mention a weapon as students were changing classes and proceeded to put the school into lockdown. During transition 1,600 students can be in the hallways.

I dont want to say the exact thing that the teacher overheard but what the teacher overheard they felt like they heard something that was about a weapon, Webb said. It was never the word gun. And it alarmed them enough to push their lockdown button.

Bullock stated that the preliminary investigation is done regarding the school and feel that the school is safe. He also said the department did not confirm a gun being on campus or fight breaking out. One student was brought in for questioning according to Bullock.

The incident comes as Alabama schools statewide have been plagued by threats, several of which led to arrests, in the week since a deadly Georgia school shooting.

On Wednesday, the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office was notified that a student had a handgun at Clay-Chalkville High School.

The school resource officer quickly took possession of the gun, and the 16-year-old boy was taken into custody.
A former Decatur oncologist pleaded guilty to illegally prescribing opioids to people who werent his patients, then funneling the pills to women with whom he was romantically involved.

Sammy Fuad Becdach, 57, pleaded guilty Wednesday before U.S. District Judge Madeline H. Haikala to two counts of unlawful distribution and dispensing of a controlled substance.

A sentencing hearing is scheduled for Nov. 13. The maximum penalty for drug distribution is 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine.

According to the plea agreement, Becdach worked as an oncologist in Decatur. From 2018 through 2021, Becdach wrote illegal prescriptions for controlled substances, including oxycodone and hydrocodone, to three people who were not his patients.

The three then filled the prescriptions at Becdachs request and gave him the pills they received. Becdach then gave some pills to women with whom he was romantically involved.

In August 2022, the Medical Licensure Commission of Alabama revoked Becdachs medical license for unprofessional conduct related to his romantic relationship with a woman to whom he had written opioid prescriptions who later died from a drug overdose.

The DEA investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney J.B. Ward is prosecuting the case.
A former Birmingham police officer fired five years ago for punching a female inmate who had hit him should not have been terminated, a Jefferson County three-judge panel has ruled.

Stephon Green, now 30, was fired in 2019 and criminally charged-with second-degree assault. He joined the department in 2016.

The felony charge was dismissed in 2022 by Jefferson County Circuit Judge Alaric May following a Stand Your Ground hearing.

The judge said not only did Green have a right to protect himself, but he also had a duty to do so and regain control of the inmate.

Green appealed his firing, which was upheld by the Jefferson County Personnel Board, to Jefferson County Circuit Court.

On Wednesday, Judges Marshell Jacks, Kechia Davis, and Adrienne Moffett Powell unanimously reversed the personnel boards decision to uphold Greens firing and overturned the City of Birminghams firing of the officer under former police Chief Patrick Smith.

The ruling came after a hearing held last month and the judges order states Greens firing was not supported by substantial and legal evidence.

Stephon Green has been vindicated, said Scott Morro, the officers attorney. He is due to return to the job he loves and was wrongfully terminated from.

He is due back pay and benefits, Morro said. However, nothing can replace the emotional, reputational, familial, and economic damage he has suffered.

Someone owes him a damn apology, Morro said. This fight for Officer Greens job has been long and hard, but worth every second.

Asked for a comment on the judges reinstatement of Green, Birmingham police referred questions to the Mayors Office, A spokesman declined comment pending possible ongoing litigation.

Green was a 25-year-old South Precinct officer when, on Aug. 2019, he was instructed to transport a female inmate to UAB Hospital for a psychiatric evaluation.

The 110-pound woman was restrained with handcuffs and leg irons. Once she was put on a hospital gurney, Green handcuffed her to that gurney and the leg irons remained in place.

During the psychiatric evaluation, according to court records and previous testimony, the nurse asked the officer to release one of the womans hands so that she could have better access for an IV. Green complied.

The inmate then began to complain that her leg irons were too tight, so Green loosened and adjusted them.

While he was loosening the leg irons, testimony showed, the woman kicked him, and he told her to relax. Instead, she threw a sandal at him and hit him with such for in the face that it knocked his hat off his head.

A patient care technician testified that the inmate hit Green, and that Green hit her back, striking her in the eye.

Birmingham police Officer Stephon Green was arrested and fired after authorities say he struck a female prisoner in the eye.

Chief Smith said at the time that Green punched the female inmate twice in the face and one in the chest after she threw footwear at him. The chief also released a photo of the inmates injured eye.

After the 2022 Stand Your Ground hearing, Judge May ruled that the statue and case law is very clear that (a) person has the right to use reasonable force to protect or defend themselves from unlawful physical force or what they reasonably believe to be the imminent use of physical force by another person.

The court finds nowhere in Alabama law that a person loses their ability to reasonably defend nor protect themselves from someones use of unlawful physical force simply because of their employment status with any particular entity, May wrote in 2022.

Thus, the fact that (Green) was employed as a Birmingham police officer did not strip him of his statutory rights to defend himself.

May said in dismissing the criminal charges, he believed he had a duty to do so.

It was this officers duty to immediately regain control of the prisoner/inmate in the middle of a public medical facility, May wrote, who was suspected of having a mental illness and perhaps undergoing a psychotic incident.
The threat for severe weather in Alabama has gone down but not disappeared entirely as of late Thursday.

NOAAs Storm Prediction Center has dropped the Level 2 out of 5 severe weather risk for the state but left a Level 1 risk in place, which means that isolated severe storms will be possible through the overnight hours.

There have been multiple wind damage reports in Alabama but no tornado reports as of 9 p.m. Thursday.

The rain and storms are trailing rain bands from what was Hurricane Francine. It made landfall on Wednesday in Louisiana but had weakened to a non-tropical system on Thursday night. On Thursday night the center of what was Francine was near Memphis.

A tornado watch for Alabama was dropped as of 9 p.m., but the National Weather Service continued to track showers and storms with some spin to them. None has developed into a storm warranting a tornado warning.

The risk for flooding remains, however, and NOAAs Weather Prediction Center has a Level 3 out of 4 risk for flooding over parts of central and north Alabama and a Level 2 risk for a big part of the rest of the state:

A MODERATE risk is in effect in our Day 1 Excessive Rainfall Outlook. More details: https://t.co/FQU5sblUHQ pic.twitter.com/eiVxsU0KLA  NWS Weather Prediction Center (@NWSWPC) September 13, 2024

The National Weather Service expects winds to eventually die down later tonight, but they have been blamed for taking down lots of trees and power lines statewide. Wind advisories remain in effect for much of north and part of central Alabama as of Thursday night.

Here are some wind reports from central Alabama:

BMX issues Summary Local Storm Report, 25 out of 26 reports were previously sent and not repeated here. https://t.co/OoianxK2MG pic.twitter.com/97vrUYt1N0  IEMBot BMX (@iembot_bmx) September 13, 2024

And here are some wind reports from north Alabama:

HUN issues Summary Local Storm Report https://t.co/Cv9kYar10w pic.twitter.com/8JXhWo17BJ  IEMBot HUN (@iembot_hun) September 13, 2024

The threat for more storms will linger into Friday, and the Storm Prediction Center has a Level 1 risk in place for part of the state:

There will be a Level 1 severe weather risk for much of Alabama on Friday.SPC

The weather service said damaging winds and a brief tornado will again be possible in the Level 1 risk areas on Friday.
Joe Sneed, a teacher at a Christian school in Rockwall, Texas, wanted one Southern Baptist agency to apologize to another.

Sneed, who attended the annual Southern Baptist Convention held June 11-12 in Indianapolis, made a motion asking for the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention to apologize to the Executive Committee, the arm of the denomination that runs it.

Sneed said the Southern Baptist Convention investigated allegations from the former head of the ERLC that the Executive Committee covered up sexual abuse and found no wrongdoing by the Executive Committee.

Sneed, a member of First Baptist Church in Rockwall, wanted a formal apology to the Executive Committee.

The way that the ERLC brought up these charges against the Executive Committee, you realize that they were baseless, and they were politically motivated, I believe, said Sneed, reached by AL.com.

The cost of investigations ran up to about $14 million, Sneed said. Thats money that comes from tithes and offerings, he said.

In 2022, the Executive Committee offered a public apology and a confidential monetary settlement to sexual abuse survivor Jennifer Lyell, who was mischaracterized by the denominations in-house news service when she decided to go public with her story in March 2019.

Sneed said he wasnt saying that sexual abuse hasnt happened, only that the Executive Committee was unfairly maligned. He was also critical of proposals for a database of pastors accused of sexual misconduct.

I further move that the Abuse Reform Implementation Task Forces proposal for a national database of pastors who have been accused of wrongdoing but have been convicted of nothing be abandoned because it violates the scriptural principle found in 1 Timothy 5:19 and opens up the SBC to be sued for millions of more dollars, Sneed had said in his motion.

The Abuse Reform Implementation Task Force was disbanded in June. The $250,000 in funding allotted to the task force now goes to the ERLC for future sexual abuse reform efforts.

The ERLC board, meeting this week in Nashville, declined to take action on Sneeds motion. It vowed continued vigilance against sexual abuse.

Sexual abuse is an affront to the cause of Christ, especially when it takes place within the church, board members of the ERLC wrote in response to Sneeds motion.

The ERLC will continue to serve churches regarding this issue and call on them and others to take this grave issue seriously as we care for victims of abuse and provide a witness to a watching world that the Lord calls us to this ministry of reconciliation.

Theologian Russell Moore, former head of the ERLC, resigned in 2021 after accusing the Executive Committee of mishandling sexual abuse allegations.

It slandered a lot of guys, Sneed said of allegations against the Executive Committee. It hurt a lot of peoples reputations, some of whom I knew, good men, godly men. I think they owed an apology to the Executive Committee.

Moore, who was president of the ERLC from 2013-2021, notably clashed with other Southern Baptist leaders during the 2016 presidential campaign when he spoke out against Donald Trump and said it was illogical for evangelical Christians to support Trump.

To back Mr. Trump, these voters must repudiate everything they believe, Moore said in a September 2106 op-ed column in the New York Times.

More than 100 churches threatened to withdraw funding, and Moore apologized for criticizing those who voted for Trump.

But tensions between Moore and other Southern Baptist leaders continued. Moore is now editor-in-chief of Christianity Today.

The ERLC has remained embattled since Moores departure. At the June meeting in Indianapolis, an effort to shut down the ERLC failed.

The motion to close the ERLC didnt receive a two-thirds vote of messengers that would have sent it for a final vote at next years convention. But the threat of a shutdown of the agency has prompted the ERLC to self-evaluate its role speaking out on behalf of the denomination.

The trustees this week approved a statement supporting the work of ERLC President Brent Leatherwood, but urged staff to be cautious when addressing controversial political issues.

Leatherwood said the staff will use advocacy guidelines to determine how to speak to issues, starting with the question: Is this an issue for which we have a biblical basis to speak?

Although he wanted the ERLC to apologize, Sneed said hes at least glad he was heard by the ERLC board of trustees.

Honestly, I wasnt even sure theyd take it up for consideration, but they did, Sneed said.
On this date in 1979, Hurricane Frederic made landfall just before 10 p.m. on Dauphin Island. Frederic took hurricane-force winds inland all the way into Choctaw County.

And while it brought powerful winds and heavy storm surge along the Gulf Coast, Frederic wasnt a monster rainmaker, at least compared to many other hurricanes, although NOAA records show that 11 inches fell on Pascagoula, Miss.

Fast-forward to today. Tropical Storm Francine may not bring that much rain to us in Alabama, but some places could see a few inches pile up between last night and today. Francine made landfall as a Category 2 Hurricane yesterday afternoon near Morgan City, La.

One clarification I want to make on yesterdays show. The former UAB researcher who won that $3.8 million civil suit against the school, Fariba Moeinpour, has been reported by NBC News to be a naturalized U.S. citizen. I called her an Iranian on yesterdays show. Indeed, she was born in Iran.

Todays report follows.

Ike

School threats

Teenagers continued to be arrested Wednesday as threats of violence have swept over the state since last weeks killings at a high school in Winder, Ga., reports AL.coms Carol Robinson.

Montgomery police announced that four students have been charged with making terrorist threats there: a 14-year-old, two 13-year-olds and an 11-year-old.

At Huffman High in Birmingham, a 14-year-old was charged in connection to a shooting threat. Similar arrests have been made in the Etowah County city of Southside and in Dothan.

And Eufaula City Schools canceled classes last Thursday after receiving a threat.

Said Birmingham Police spokesman Officer Truman Fitzpatrick: I think that we are dealing with a generation that seeks attention at any costs.

He said law enforcement is taking all threats seriously, even if youre just doing it for attention, and throwing all available resources at these threats.

One more promotion block

U.S. Sen. from Alabama Tommy Tuberville is again finding himself at odds with Pentagon officials.

Last year Tuberville temporarily blocked the promotions of more than 400 military officers over the Defense Departments policy of providing leave and travel costs for service members who traveled across state lines to have abortions. He relented amid pressure from much of Washington, including fellow Senate Republicans.

This time, reports AL.coms Greg Garrison, Tuberville is trying to block only one officers promotion.

You may remember when Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, whos from Mobile, spent time in the hospital in January dealing with prostate surgery complications ... and not communicating that to the press or even the White House.

Well, Army Lt. Gen. Ronald Clark was a senior military assistant to Austin. And now hes up for a promotion to four-star commander of the U.S. Army Pacific force.

And Tuberville has expressed concerns about what Clark didnt do during Austins time in the hospital. Specifically, that Clark did not notify the president about what a Tuberville spokesperson called a compromised chain of command. So hes announced that hes blocking Clarks nomination.

The Pentagon responded on Wednesday. Press Secretary Air Force Major General Pat Ryder said a review showed no gap in the chain-of-command during that time. He also praised Clarks experience and expertise: 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.

A mall celebrity

If youve frequented the Riverchase Galleria over the years, you might remember the mall guy.

Or the Elvis dude, or however you mightve known him.

He was an older gentleman with a truckers-style cap over his solid black head of hair and a trimmed but full goatee. To me he didnt really look much like Elvis, but he did have those black sideburns. And he spent a good bit of time walking through that mall.

AL.coms Jeremy Gray and Carol Robinson report that the man, whose name was Ron Freeze, passed away on Aug. 26 at UAB hospital.

A little background on the Galleria Elvis: His wife died young, at age 40 in 1985. He had two daughters who passed away within a few months of each other in 1999, and both those daughters had worked at the Riverchase Galleria.

Theyve been gone 25 years now, and during that time Freeze had gone on so many walks in that mall, that people began to recognize him, to wave or speak or even ask to have their pictures taken with him. He became a mall celebrity. And by many accounts, he was a friendly one. A GoFundMe has been set up to help with burial expenses.

Ron Freeze was 81 years old.

Quoting

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.

Gov. Kay Ivey, speaking to students at a Montgomery elementary school on the 23rd anniversary of the September 11 terror attacks.

By the numbers

$500,000

Thats how much two men defrauded from an unnamed professional athlete, according to a jurys verdict.

More Alabama news

Born on this date

In 1913, 4-time Olympic gold medalist Jesse Owens of Oakville.

The podcast
Bluestone Coke, the now-shuttered coking plant in North Birmingham, failed to pay fees in time in a federal lawsuit over polluting Five Mile Creek, environmental groups say.

James Jay Justice III, son of West Virginia Governor and now-candidate for U.S. Senate Jim Justice, is president of Bluestone. Last month, U.S District Judge R. David Proctor held the younger Justice, plant manager Donald Wiggins and Bluestone in contempt for failing to comply with discovery requests in a lawsuit filed by environmental groups Black Warrior Riverkeeper and the Greater Birmingham Alliance to Stop Pollution (GASP).

The defendants had until September 11 to purge the contempt charge by paying plaintiffs court fees and providing the requested information. But today, the Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC), representing the environmental groups, said that while Bluestone provided some documents, the defendants did not pay the necessary fees.

Bluestone is still in contempt for failing to pay fees ordered by the court. We are reviewing the documents Bluestone provided and hope they are in compliance with the courts order, SELC Senior Attorney Sarah Stokes said in a news release. We will continue our fight holding the representatives of Bluestone Coke, including the Justice family, accountable for the ongoing pollution happening in Birmingham.

Last month, Justice failed to appear in court for a hearing on the case. According to Proctors order from last month, if the defendants failed to comply by Sept. 11 they then would be made to appear in court and explain why.

James Seal, an attorney for Bluestone, did not respond to requests for comment.

Last year, Black Warrior Riverkeeper and GASP sued Bluestone in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama, alleging that it violated the Clean Water Act by discharging pollutants, like barium and chloride, into Five Mile Creek, which flows into the Locust Fork of the Black Warrior River.

While Jay Justice and Bluestone Coke defiantly skirt court orders, their toxic pollution continues to taint North Birmingham communities and Five Mile Creek, Nelson Brooke of Black Warrior Riverkeeper said in a news release. This industrial facility has polluted the air, land, groundwater, and streams in this area with impunity for far too long. It is time to hold Bluestone fully accountable for the proper cleanup of impacted communities and water resources.

Bluestone exceeded discharged pollutant limits set by its permit more than 390 times, according to the groups complaint. The coking plant was closed in 2021 after the Jefferson County Health Department declined to renew its permit.

The health department also levied a $925,000 fine in 2022 as part of a settlement agreement between Bluestone, the health department and GASP, after the group and the SELC collected air samples showing elevated levels of air pollutants benzene and naphthalene.

Bluestone Coke is located within the 35th Avenue Superfund Site, a historically Black area thats home to several historic industrial facilities. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is currently cleaning up contaminated soil in the site.

Coke is a form of coal that is used to create steel. The process of creating coke involves heating coal in a coking oven, a low-oxygen, high-heat kiln. The process generates coke gas, which contains pollutants like benzene and naphthalene.

The Justice family purchased the coking plant in 2019. Prior to their purchase, it had been operating for nearly 100 years.
A new documentary recounting the strange romance of Alabama jailer Vicky White and accused murderer Casey White is coming to Netflix.

Jailbreak: Love on the Run premieres on Netflix on Sept. 25. It has a running time of roughly 90 minutes.

The film is the latest attempt to untangle the bizarre jailhouse romance that led to Casey Whites escape from jail and Vicky Whites eventual death.

According to Netflix, the film shows how Vicky White played a role in thwarting other officers romances with inmates.

She was really good at it, says administrative assistant Chantelle Brown in the doc. I would go out on a limb to say that she took pride in it. It made her feel some sense of satisfaction to be able to uncover the truth.

Other witnesses tell the cameras about the two trading letters with no return addresses. Vicky, who had been divorced, was 55 at the time, white Casey was 38.

See also -- The sad, strange death of Vicky White: How a week on the run with Casey White ended in gunfire

Casey White pleaded guilty in June 2023 to escape charges related to the 11 days in 2022 that he was on the run with former Lauderdale County jailer Vicky White. He was sentenced to life in prison. White entered his plea in exchange for the felony murder charge involving Vicky White being dropped.

Vicky White, who was not related to Casey, took her own life with a gunshot to the head as Evansville, Ind. police were closing in on them following an 11-day manhunt. Casey White, who reportedly was also injured by Vickys fatal shot, faced murder charges because Vicky Whites death occurred during the commission of a felony.

Last year, prosecutors dropped capital murder charges against Casey White in the 2015 murder-for-hire of Connie Ridgeway, which White had confessed to in 2020. He was in Lauderdale County Jail awaiting trial on those charges when the escape took place.

Because of his life sentence, they saw no need to go ahead with the capital case.
Madison police are attempting to discover the identity of a nude man who law enforcement officers say attempted to steal a patrol car Thursday afternoon after a string of incidents along a busy highway.

The incident happened at about 1:35 p.m., when police from Madison and Huntsville responded to multiple 911 calls in an area on Alabama 72 West and Promenade Point Parkway.

Calls from Madison Bowling Center, Burger King, Walmart, and Mister Car Wash reported a nude man trying to enter peoples vehicles, breaking windows and assaulting people. Callers also reported the man was possibly dragged by a vehicle after trying to enter it while it was occupied.

Madison police arrived on the scene and made contact with the man on Promenade Pointe Parkway.

According to police, the unidentified man attempted to enter and steal an officers patrol car, and the officer used force to detain the man.

Huntsville police are investigating the alleged crimes that occurred prior to officers arriving.

Madison police arrested the man for the attempted theft of the police vehicle and other alleged public order crimes. He was transported to Huntsville Hospital for medical treatment and will be jailed upon his release.

Police said the mans identity was still being verified.
People attend a public hearing held by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality on a permit application for a wastewater treatment plant to be built in Comal County. The plant would put treated sewage into Dry Comal Creek, which flows into the Comal River. Sam Owens/Staff photographer Douglas T. Harrison sits in the back of the room during a public hearing held by the The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to discuss Harrisons permit application to build a wastewater treatment facility on his land. The state agency has determined the permit meets legal requirements, moving it one step closer to approval. Sam Owens/Staff photographer

State regulators have moved a step closer to approving a wastewater treatment plant that could eventually release up to 600,000 gallons of treated sewage per day into a creek that feeds the Comal River.

The plant intends to serve a potential 1,400-home subdivision between Bulverde and New Braunfels in Comal County.

In a letter last week, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality told Comal County landowner Douglas Harrison that the agencys executive director determined the application met the state's legal requirements. That clears the way for the decision to be considered by TCEQ commissioners and gives opponents until Oct. 7 to request a contested case hearing or ask for reconsideration of the decision.

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Harrison applied for the permit in September 2022, seeking permission for a plant that would eventually discharge a daily average of up to 600,000 gallons of treated wastewater per day into the West Fork Dry Comal Creek. According to the application, the effluent would then travel through the Dry Comal Creek, then into the Comal River, the popular tubing destination that flows through downtown New Braunfels.

The creek flows into the Comal River near Landa Street and the Wurstfest grounds. The Comal Rivers current uses are primary contact recreation, public water supply, aquifer protection and high aquatic life use, according to the TCEQ. The state agency has determined those uses will not be impaired by the new wastewater plant.

Harrison previously told the Express-News he had no immediate plans to develop the property and was preparing for different potential uses of the land.

Were just getting everything in order and trying to get everything lined up here for what our options are, he said in 2022. Just in case we decide to sell someday down the road.

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However, the treatment plant application said the facility will serve the Harrison Tract subdivision, a new 1,403 lot subdivision, and is intended to also serve other future regional developments.

Harrison could not immediately be reached for comment Thursday.

Comal County residents and environmental advocacy groups have been opposing the permit since 2022. Those kinds of fights have become common across the Hill Country, as new developments build new wastewater treatment plants and look to discharge the treated sewage, known as effluent, into waterways.

When TCEQ officials held a public meeting on Harrisons application last summer; it lasted three hours and dozens of people spoke against the plant and the development it would serve.

READ MORE: Regulators say critics can continue fight against Guajolote Ranch wastewater plant

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In spoken and written comments, opponents raised concerns about the potential for groundwater contamination from the plant. The proposed discharge point for the treated sewage is about one-third of a mile upstream of the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone, where surface water enters the underground aquifer that provides drinking water for about 2 million people.

In response, TCEQ Executive Director Kelly Keel wrote that the limits in the permit are consistent with the Texas Surface Water Quality Standards and are therefore protective of surface water quality, human health and the environment.

This level of surface water protection would also ensure protection of groundwater quality and its known uses, Keel said.

Other opponents said the application didnt demonstrate sufficient need for the permit. They also raised concerns about flooding, smells and contaminants, such as pharmaceuticals in the wastewater, and questioned the environmental impact on pets, livestock and wildlife, including endangered species in the Comal River.

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A newborn was among four people killed in a single-vehicle accident on Labor Day in Mobile County, authorities said Thursday.

Richard D. Dees Jr., 41, of Mount Vernon, was driving a 2016 Ford Explorer around 6 a.m. Sept. 2 when the SUV left the road, struck a tree and caught fire, said Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Senior Trooper Joshua Thompson.

Dees and three other victims -- Mount Vernon resident Savanna M. Fuel, 28; Brittney N. Goolsby, 34, of Satsuma; and the newborn -- were pronounced dead at the scene, said Thompson.

The bodies of the fatal victims were taken to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences where they were later identified, Thompson said.

A 30-year-old Washington County woman was injured in the wreck on Sam Jones Avenue near Denney Street in Mount Vernon, authorities said.

Further information was unavailable as troopers continued to investigate the wreck.
Alabamas junior U.S. senator accused Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., of political posturing ahead of the November election after Schumer said he will again bring up for a vote the bill granting nationwide protections for in vitro fertilization procedures.

Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., claimed Schumer is engaging in political theater, pointing out that IVF is legal and available in every single state.

Republicans blocked the Democrat-led bill in June, which was inspired by the Alabama Supreme Court decision finding that frozen embryos have the same rights as children. The ruling led several IVF providers in Alabama to cut services amid fear of lawsuits before the state Legislature shielded the clinics from legal liability.

Britt and Ted Cruz, her Republican colleague from Texas, authored their own version of an IVF bill that was also blocked by Democrats in June.

Senator Schumers summer of scare tactics is now the fall of fear-mongering. Every Senate Republican strongly supports continued nationwide access to IVF, which is legal and available in every single state, Britt tweeted Thursday. @SenTedCruzs and my IVF Protection Act safeguards this continued nationwide access without undermining religious freedom. This is the bill that would be on the floor next week if Senator Schumer was serious about a pro-family solution rather than partisan ploys.

The Britt-Cruz bill would not force providers or organizations to offer IVF, but states would not receive federal Medicaid dollars if they ban the procedure.

Schumer said the Alabama Supreme Court ruling jeopardized access to IVF within their state, causing millions of women and couples to fear that even their freedom to start a family was not in danger.

Over the past few months weve seen how IVF has become the far rights next target, the Democratic leader said on the Senate floor Thursday in announcing he would bring the Democratic bill up for a vote next week.

Almost every single Senate Republican voted against this vital legislation. he said.

Only two pro-choice Republican Senators -- Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska -- sided with Democrats.

Republicans cant claim to be pro-family only to block protections for IVF, Schumer said.

The Democratic package -- a series of four bills -- includes a national right to IVF and other fertility treatments and mandates insurance plans to cover the procedures.
The National Weather Service issued an updated tornado watch at 3:45 a.m. on Thursday in effect until 6 a.m. for Baldwin, Mobile and Washington counties.

Tornado watches and warnings: What you need to know

When it comes to tornadoes, understanding the distinction between a Tornado watch and a Tornado warning can be a matter of life and death. Here's a breakdown:

Tornado watch: Be prepared!

A Tornado watch serves as an early warning that conditions are conducive to tornado formation.

It's your signal to review your emergency plans, ensure your supplies are in order, and identify your safe room.

While it doesn't mean a tornado is imminent, it's a heads-up that you should be ready to act quickly if a Tornado warning is issued or if you suspect a tornado is approaching.

Watches come from the Storm Prediction Center and often cover a large area, potentially spanning multiple counties or even states.

Tornado warning: Take action!

A Tornado warning means a tornado has been spotted or detected by weather radar.

This is the real deal  there's an immediate danger to life and property.

Your response should be swift: move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, away from windows.

If you're in a mobile home, a vehicle, or caught outdoors, seek the nearest substantial shelter and shield yourself from flying debris.

Warnings are issued by your local forecast office and pinpoint a much smaller area, typically the size of a city or a small county, where a tornado has been identified, either by radar or by trained spotters and law enforcement.

Knowing the distinction between these two alerts is paramount for staying safe during tornado season. Stay informed, have a plan, and act promptly when danger looms.

Get ready for tornadoes

Be weather-ready:

Check the forecast regularly to see if you're at risk for tornadoes. Listen to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio to stay informed about tornado watches and warnings.

Sign up for notifications:

Familiarize yourself with your community's warning systems. Some places have outdoor sirens, while others rely on media and smartphone alerts for severe storm notifications.

Create a communication plan:

Create a family emergency plan that includes a designated meeting place and important contact information. If your home lacks a basement, identify a nearby safe building, like a church or a relative's house, that you can reach quickly.

Choose a secure shelter:

Pick a safe room in your home, such as a basement, storm cellar, or an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows.

Practice your plan:

Conduct regular family drills for severe thunderstorms so everyone knows what to do when a tornado threat arises. Ensure that all family members are aware of the safe location to seek shelter, and don't forget about your pets if time permits.

Prepare your home:

Consider reinforcing your safe room for added protection. You can find plans for fortifying an interior room on the Federal Emergency Management Agency website.

Help your neighbor:

Encourage your neighbors and loved ones to prepare for possible tornadoes. Consider taking CPR training to be of assistance in case of injuries.

What to do when a tornado strikes

When a tornado strikes, taking swift action is crucial to ensuring your safety and minimizing potential harm. Follow these guidelines from the weather service:

Stay informed:

Remain vigilant and stay updated by listening to local news broadcasts or a NOAA Weather Radio for tornado watches and warnings.

At home:

If you find yourself under a tornado warning while at home, head to your basement, a designated safe room, or an interior space away from windows. Ensure your pets are safe if time permits.

At work or school:

Follow your tornado drill and proceed to your tornado shelter location quickly and calmly. Stay away from windows and do not go to large open rooms such as cafeterias, gymnasiums, or auditoriums.

Outdoors:

If you're outdoors and a tornado is approaching, seek immediate shelter inside a sturdy building. Sheds, storage facilities, mobile homes, and tents are not safe. If there's time, make your way to a secure structure.

In a vehicle:

It is not safe to be in a vehicle during a tornado. The recommended action is to drive to the nearest shelter. If reaching a safe shelter is not possible, either crouch down in your car and cover your head, or leave your vehicle and seek refuge in a low-lying area like a ditch or ravine.

Always keep in mind that taking swift action and following established safety procedures are crucial for your well-being when a tornado threat is imminent.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.
September 12, 2024

By Kenneth Mullinax/ASU

A $1.2 million National Science Foundation (NSF) grant has been awarded to a team of educators led by Alabama State University's Dr. Gulnaz Javan, who serves as a professor of Forensic Science and coordinator of Forensic Biology in ASU's Department of Physical and Forensic Science. The grant, which covers research conducted over a five-year period between 2024 and 2029, is part of NSF's Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program.

Javan explained that the title of the funded project is The Building of Alabama STEM Educators with M.S./M.Ed.

"This program's ultimate goal is to produce more highly qualified and competent minority STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) teachers who are competent in content knowledge and possess a strong commitment and disposition to teaching biology, forensic science, and mathematics in our school systems," Javan stated. "This significant grant is the first NSF grant to be secured by ASU's Department of Physical and Forensic Sciences.

Leading the team as its principal investigator is Dr. Javan, who is an internationally acclaimed expert on forensic science. Also serving on the team are co-principal investigators Dr. Anthony Broughton, an associate dean in ASU's College of Education, and Dr. Roberto Reed, an assistant professor in ASU's College of Education.

Dr. Broughton shared that ASUs new NSF Noyce Program will help produce more highly qualified and diverse STEM education teachers through the University's well-established science and math degrees, and teacher education programs.

"As a collaborating faculty member on this National Science Foundation grant, I am thrilled to work with its Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program," stated Broughton. "This opportunity allows us to address the critical need for highly qualified STEM educators in underserved communities, and by preparing and supporting future teachers, we not only enhance STEM education but also empower students from diverse backgrounds to pursue careers in these vital fields. As the associate dean in Alabama State University's College of Education, I am ecstatic to contribute to a program that aligns with our mission to foster educational equity and excellence."

Javan explains that the program includes a collaboration with the Montgomery Public School System.

"This million dollar-plus grant will allow our school systems to recruit STEM graduate education students, track their matriculation, and assist them through areas that currently present challenges to their progress, Javan said. "As this NSF grant progresses each year, ASUs track-one of the Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program will recruit eight new scholars from three master STEM programs offered by ASU's Biology, Forensic Science, and Mathematics programs and support them for two years as they attain their Master of Education degrees. The collaboration between ASU and the Montgomery Public School System will be an effective team to produce more highly - qualified and diverse STEM education teachers and increase the number of minority teachers from underrepresented groups."
September 12, 2024

By Kenneth Mullinax/ASU

An Alabama State University student who interned this summer in the corporate headquarters of one of the world's foremost private investment firms, Neuberger Berman, has received some exciting news.

Kayleigh Dunn, who is a junior Finance major enrolled in ASU's Dr. Percy J. Vaughn College of Business Administration (COBA), did so well working at the companys Midtown Manhattan offices that she was offered the rare opportunity of a second internship for the summer of 2025.

"I was so excited to obtain an internship at such an important company that works for and advises some the world's most high-level corporations and individuals; and now, I am doubly excited, since they asked me to come back again in 2025," said Dunn, who is a native of Newnan, Ga. "To say that I was beyond happy working there is a great understatement. Not only is being associated with this blue-chip mega-firm good for my career, but on a personal note, its officers and experts that I worked with treated me with great respect, professionalism and kindness, just like I had grown up with them."

Dunn earned the expanded internship due to the firms positive assessment of the quality of her work. Next summer, she will be involved in Wealth Management, her desired area of focus after graduation,

Dunn's advisor and mentor at Alabama State University is COBA Professor Kim Smith, who teaches Management.

Dunn stated that Professor Smith deserves credit for encouraging her to succeed at such a level that she was offered the summer job in New York.

Professor Smith has nothing but good remarks for her student.

"Kayleigh Dunn is one of the most exceptional students at COBA. I first became acquainted with her when she took my mandatory management class when she was a freshman here at ASU just a few years ago and upon doing so, immediately impressed me with her intellectualism, maturity, outgoing personality and well-spoken demeanor," Smith stated. "She obviously also did the same thing in New York this summer and turned the heads of the officers at Neuberger Berman and landed a second internship with it, which makes her the recipient of a rare honor granted by such an important corporation to a college student."

Smith shared that Dunn also excels in extracurricular activities at ASU. The exemplary student serves as the president of the "Women in Finance" organization and is a member of several other clubs, all while maintaining her place on the Dean's List.

"Having such a good work record at Neuberger Berman will not only helped Dunn to do well in her career after graduation, but it has already had a great impact on Alabama State," stated Smith. "Because of Kayleigh's tenure and success there this summer, the officers at Neuberger Berman are now coming to campus in October to seek out more Hornet Nation students for possible internships in its New York office, which gives Alabama State students a huge leg-up over those attending other universities."

According to its website, Neuberger Berman was founded in 1939 to do one thing, which is to deliver compelling investment results for the companys clients over the long term. This remains Neuberger Bermans singular purpose today, driven by a culture rooted in deep fundamental research, the pursuit of investment insight and continuous innovation on behalf of clients, and facilitated by the free exchange of ideas across the organization. From offices in 39 cities across 30 countries, Neuberger Berman manages a range of equity, fixed income, private equity and hedge fund strategies on behalf of institutions, advisors and individual investors worldwide. With 753 investment professionals and 2,846 employees in total, Neuberger Berman has built a diverse team of individuals united in their commitment to client outcomes and investment excellence.
                 
Richard A. Marini is a features reporter for the San Antonio Express-News. He can be reached at rmarini@express-news.net.

Previously, he was an editor and columnist for the Express-News. The Association of Food Journalists once awarded him Best Food Columnist. He has freelanced for American Archaeology, Cooking Light and many other publications. Reader's Digest once sent him to Alaska for a week. He came back.
The current betting odds projections show Vice President Kamala Harris holds a narrow lead over former President Trump to win the 2024 presidential election. If the predictions hold, Kamala Harris would not only be the first woman, and black woman president, but the first Indian-American president elected in American history.

Indian Americans make up the largest group of South Asian Americans and are the highest-earning ethnic group. They exceed most Americans in academic and professional fields such as medicine, software, and engineering. The U.S. benefits significantly from Indian migration.

Unfortunately, a Harris presidency would be a setback for U.S.-India relations. The general thinking surrounding foreign policy for the Cold War is now over. Administrations have come and gone and used foreign affairs as a partisan matter rather than whats good for the country.

India, fortunately, does not fall into this category. Since the George W. Bush administration, every president has sought to strengthen the U.S.-India relationship through diplomatic, economic, and military means, particularly in countering the rise of China. The only consistent foreign policy agreement among Biden, Trump, Obama, and Bush has been the strategic partnership of India as an ally. However, Harris's potential presidency could disrupt this status quo.

Shes limited her media appearances, and the campaign has produced vague policy proposals. However, selecting Minnesota Governor Tim Walz over more centrist choices like Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro or Arizona Senator Mark Kelly sends a message that she is deferring to the radical progressive base rather than appealing to mainstream independent voters.

As Vice President, Harris hasnt delved too deeply into foreign policy matters, but given her leftward lurch, shes not gaining much confidence that she will expand U.S.-India ties. In 2019, Harris threw her support behind Indian-American Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, whos earned a reputation for criticizing the conservative Indian government in New Delhi.

Harriss criticism of the Indian government stems from Rep. Jayapals exclusion from meeting with the external affairs minister, S. Jaishankar. His meeting was with the House Foreign Affairs Committee, a panel under which Jayapal does not serve. Still, Harris, a senator at that time, stood with Jayapal and even wrote on X, saying, Its wrong for any foreign government to tell Congress what members are allowed in meetings on Capitol Hill. This public criticism of Indias diplomatic practices could lead to a significant deterioration in U.S.-India relations, as it undermines Indias sovereignty and could be seen as an attempt to dictate its internal affairs.

Harriss unwavering support for Jayapal indicates her alignment with progressives in the Democrat party and their criticism of Indias democratic institutions. However, a Harris presidency could present a more significant problem for India. Her endorsement of the anti-India sentiment in the Democrat party, coupled with her support for the Kashmiri separatist movement, a militant Islamist group seeking independence from India and Pakistan, could have serious implications.

When India repealed Article 370, the clause that gave special status to the territory of Jammu and Kashmir, Harris released a statement saying, We have to remind the Kashmiris that they are not alone in the world. We are keeping a track on the situation. There is a need to intervene if the situation demands. Given the nature of the territorial dispute for India, its unwise for a potential U.S. president to wade into such matters or expect a working relationship with the leaders in New Delhi.

Former President Trump, despite his unorthodox governing style, is reported to have had a better working relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi than with Vice President Harris, most likely due to his right-leaning governing style in India. Trump is known to be eccentric in the Oval Office. Still, the U.S.-India alliance expanded during his term in office as he succeeded with bilateral negotiations and a sound national security team.

Vice President Harris has not shown good judgment in her political tenure, and theres no reason to believe she would be a good president in foreign policy. Her impulses will lead her to fill the State Department with liberal activists rather than expert State Department officials. She cannot make independent decisions under the influence of Marxist academics that are pro-Khalistan and promote anti-Modi propaganda.

The Indian American community is a reliable voting block for Democrats, but they do not subscribe to extremist liberal ideology, which explains why Harris is having difficulty winning that group over. Its unfortunate that Harris would be less Bush or Trump and more Trudeau of Canada, who accused Modis intelligence of killing a Khalistan terrorist in Canadian territory. Despite the Indian governments compliance, it strained the relationship between New Delhi and Ottawa.

A Harris presidency would be a historic triumph for Indian Americans. However, it would be a setback for our alliance with India. The anti-India lobby running the White House and State Department would bring the U.S.India relationship to its lowest point since President Clinton imposed economic sanctions in the 1990s.

Image: YouTube video screen grab, edited.
Columbia university activist Mahmoud Khalil is calling for more pro-Palestinian, anti-Israel protests this fall. Perhaps he has been buoyed by the success he enjoyed as lead negotiator for campus protesters last April. Maybe he has been further encouraged by the administrations apparent revocation of his suspension.

In any case, Khalil vows to continue agitation against Israel.

The Times of Israel reports that he has stated, As long as Columbia continues to invest and to benefit from Israeli apartheid, the students will continue to resist. Not only protests and encampments, the limit is the sky. (Italics mine.)

Recently, Hamas leader Khaled Mashal also made it clear that there are to be no limits. He has issued calls to renew martyrdom operations, a phrase that indicates that suicide bombings and surprise attacks on civilians such as the one that happened on October 7, 2023 are to continue. No tactic is off limits, as Hamass recent execution of six innocent hostages proves.

Doubtless neither Mr. Khalil nor Columbia Universitys anti-Israel protesters would dare to display a flag with a swastika on it. Nor would they carry a banner with the word Judenrein, a term meaning a given territory is to be clean of Jews.

But there is no hesitancy on their part to employ terms and phrases that are the equivalent. The board of Meta has debated the legitimacy of allowing the phrase from the river to the sea on the social media platform. There has been a lot of hemming and hawing, with some saying the phrase can be used many ways. But when said by Hamas and other terrorist groups, it unequivocally has but one meaning: the elimination of the state of Israel and the Jews who live there.

In other words, there is a reason Hamas and like-minded groups, including anti-Israel protesters, display maps of the Middle East that eliminate Israel entirely  from the river to the sea.

As a number of historians have pointed out, the Third Reich had plans for the extermination of the Jews in Palestine, a plan taken over by Islamists.

The anti-Jew hatred the characterized Nazi ideology remained influential and have been appropriated by Islamist terrorist groups since the 1930s. German and American universities have been targeted by and influenced by that ideology for decades. As Jeffrey Herf point out in his meticulously researched article Nazi Antisemitism and Islamist Hate in Tablet Magazine,

Nazism, which ended as a major political factor in Europe with defeat in 1945, had enjoyed a robust afterlife in the Muslim Brotherhood and its offshoots, such as Hamas and al-Qaidatheir campaigns have had a continuing impact in Western universities, where they serve as the ideological foundation of academic anti-Zionism and the resulting BDS campaigns of recent decades, which have aligned the Western left with the afterlife of Hitlers Nazi Party and its larger designs for the Middle East.

Herf adds that Hitler always intended the Final Solution to be a global policy, implemented wherever his armies met with success and working through local allies like [Grand Mufti] Husseini, with whom the Nazi leadership had cultivated intimate political relations based on a shared passion for Jew-hatred.

Administrators at Americas top universities may want to consider the Nazi origins of Hamass ideology. Critical proof of the absorption of Nazi ideology by Hamas is the Hamas Covenant of 1988, which calls for the total rejection of the Jewish state and a religious war to destroy that state completely.

There is a reason academia has been and is being targeted by agitators influenced by Nazi ideology centered on Jew-hatred. Academia is the seedbed of ideas that filter down to other institutions, including government. In fact, it was academias support for Nazism that helped Hitler to effectuate his anti-Semitic agenda.

The capture of nearly all of Germanys institutions began with the capture of academia, according to Paul Johnson. As he noted in A History of the Jews, the Nazis effectively controlled the campuses two or three years before they took over the country.

Johnson added, It was not that the professors were pro-Nazi. But they were anti-Weimar and anti-democratic and, above all, they were cowardly in standing up to student acts which they knew to be wrong  an adumbration of the more general cowardice of the nation later.

As pointed out in University Student Groups in Nazi Germany, Jewish and other undesirable faculty were dismissed as political opponents of the regime, partly because of the effectiveness of student radicals:

The passage of the Law for the Restoration of the Professional Civil Service on April 7, 1933, propelled the Student League to the forefront of university politics. ... The law ... authorized the release of Jewish and politically undesirable faculty members from service.

The National Socialist German Student League directly targeted Jewish students and the remaining Jewish faculty members, interrupting lectures and physically attacking Jewish students. Anti-Jew protesters targeted Germanys Frankfurt University, which was a leading academic institution of the West, much as todays protesters are targeting Ivy League universities and other top-tier institutions of learning such as Columbia.

It is useful to consider the testimony of Peter Drucker, an economist who was a lecturer at Frankfurt University during the 1930s. It was a Nazi-led faculty restructuring meeting that persuaded Drucker to leave. Columbia and other universities might want to take notes from his experience:

Frankfurt was the first university the Nazis tackled, precisely because it was the most self-confidently liberal of major German universities, with a faculty that prided itself on its allegiance to scholarship, freedom of conscience, and democracy. The Nazis knew that control of Frankfurt University would mean control of German academia. And so did everyone at the university.

Drucker continued:

The new Nazi commissar wasted no time on the amenities. He immediately announced that Jews would be forbidden to enter university premises and would be dismissed without salary on March 15; this was something that no one had thought possible despite the Nazis loud antisemitism. Then he launched into a tirade of abuse, filth, and four-letter words such as had been heard rarely even in the barracks and never before in academia. ... [He] pointed his finger at one department chairman after another and said, You either do what I tell you or well put you into a concentration camp.

The results of restructuring were soon evident. It was not long before Jewish professors and students were no longer teaching or learning in German academia.

As CBN Israel notes, what was happening at Frankfurt University was reflected in American campuses during the 1930s and is being reflected in todays protests at places such as Princeton, Harvard, and Columbia:

Examples of pre-World War II anti-Semitism on elite campuses such as Columbia and Harvard are easy to find. Administrators welcomed Nazi leaders to campus, enrolled Nazi-trained German exchange students, and promoted the idea of American students studying in Germany under Nazi oversight. Some returned to the United States mesmerized into supporting Hitlers New Germany.

The protesters who are calling themselves pro-Palestinian are modern examples of students who favor terrorist organizations committed to the eradication of Israel and Jewry worldwide.

As Johnson wrote, there is justifiable reason for the existence of the state of Israel:

The Jews had grasped that the civilized world, however defined, could not be trusted. The overwhelming lesson the Jews learned from the Holocaust was the imperative need to secure for themselves a permanent, self-contained and above all sovereign refuge where if necessary the whole of world Jewry could find safety from its enemies. ... Jews [knew] that such a state had to be created and made secure whatever the cost, to themselves or to anyone else.

Jews in America may not think Nazism restructured as Islamism would establish itself in America in any significant way. But it has. And if not stopped, it will be as dangerous to Jews as were the events that happened during the Weimar Republic and the Third Reich.

The radicalization of Americas universities must not continue. Terrorist organizations must not have a cadre of young radical sympathizers who tacitly or directly support genocide and the eradications of nations.

Terrorist groups and sympathizers committed to genocide and terrorist tactics, be it directly or indirectly, must be banned from Americans campuses.

Never again.

Fay Voshell holds a M.Div. from Princeton Seminary, which awarded her the prize for excellence in systematic theology. Her thoughts have appeared in many online magazines, including American Thinker. She may be reached at fvoshell@yahoo.com.

Image: paul_houle via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0.
It is not surprising that there was a surge of punditry opinions arguing that Kamala Harris won the September 10 debate with Donald Trump. The DNC desperately needed the validation of such a win and it was also evident that the ABC moderators felt the same. Many conservative analysts have joined in and agreed that Trump lost the debate. From the standpoint of debate practice, Trump performed one of his most successful debates and arguably won the debate.

One of the most important successes that Trump scored that has been ignored by analysis was his effective handling of the hostile moderators. Muir and Davis fact checked Trump five times while making zero fact checks of Harris. The debate format is unusual because each candidate had an option to make a one-minute rebuttal at any point during the debate. Trump used this option masterfully to have the last word on most of the major controversies in the debate. This was compounded by his win of the coin toss where he again had the last word and made the powerful point that any of the proposals Harris made during the debate could be dutifully performed back at the White House. Trump suggested in the middle of the debate that the two of them should stop debating so she could go back to the White House and implement her proposals.

This leads to the second major strength for Trump that allowed him to prevail over Kamala Harris: the use of humor. Humor is an exceptional weapon of political argumentation. Trump used it with devastating effect multiple times. At least three times, Trump made even Kamala Harris laugh at his jokes directed at her. One of the most famous events in debate history and captured in the recent Reagan movie was when Reagan made Mondale laugh at his joke about his youth and inexperience. Trump had multiple moments where he made the audience laugh at Harris expense. Trumps turning of Harris dominant debate tactic my turn to speak concluding with does this sound familiar was a devastating demolition of her tactic used against Mike Pence in 2020. Humor is an underrated tool in political debates because this rhetorical form is highly dramatic, filled with incredible tension and anxiety. The comic relief provided by multiple humorous incursions by Trump demonstrate a level of confidence and argumentation mastery that is higher than Harris.

Many commentators are distracted by the facial expressions made by Harris. From a debate standpoint, looking at your opponent and making mocking interpersonal gestures with your face is childish and weak. Focusing on the camera and the audience that is adjudicating the debate is the best rhetorical option. It is likely that Harris hoped that her close proximity on the stage would allow her to provoke outrage from Trump with her mocking gestures. That did not happen and at key moments such as the discussion of the 13 dead U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan, Harris had to abruptly change her facial expression on camera to not appear callous to a serious error by the Biden/ Harris administration.

It is important to understand that Harris is one of the best debaters to ever take the stage for the DNC in recent history. Her first debate against Biden in 2020 was devastating. Her background as an attorney and prosecutor provide her with a base set of skills that are formidable. Her performance on September 10 did not appear to be among her best performances. It was of course better than Bidens performance on June 27 and that low expectation game may be the driver behind the idea that her recent effort was so strong. Harris first debate against Biden in the 2020 primaries is instructive and important. She leveled two incredible charges against the defendant Biden: 1) Biden was historically sympathetic to anti-black segregation in a manner that made him unsuitable to lead the Democrats in 2020 and 2) the allegations by Tara Reade that Biden had raped her were credible and needed to be considered seriously before Biden could be accepted as the nominee. These historical details are easy to forget but her skills in skewering Biden in that debate are arguably the reason that the Biden team chose her to be his vice-presidential candidate. They wanted to keep their enemies closer. Trump alluded to this division during the debate when he said that Biden hated Harris. Media reports indicate that Jill Biden continues to maintain a grudge about the rape allegations supported by Harris against her husband.

Debates are complex rhetorical games and they are further confounded by the misconduct of journalistic moderators who want to argue for their personal preferences in politics. Muir and Davis held advanced degrees from the Candy Crowley media school of debate interference. Despite this misconduct, such gaming makes Harris appear to be a weaker candidate who needed the protection of media guides. ABC News executive Dana Walden likely expected Muir and Davis to favor her candidate as indicated by her long donation history to Democratic Party candidates since 2003. Trumps ability to thwart Muir and Davis by asserting his one-minute rebuttal privileges repeatedly arguably drove the ABC News event off the rails. The debate finished almost 15 minutes late. Trumps aggressive consumption of debate times stood in contrast to the CNN debate of June 27 where he and Biden both underanswered questions by almost 12 minutes. At moments Muir and Davis appeared to pause as if hoping that Harris might invoke a reciprocal rebuttal right against Trumps aggressive assertions. In almost every instance of those pauses, Harris deferred to the moderators and hoped to reset the debate with a new question from the sympathetic moderators.

It is important to realize that Muir and Davis did breach professional ethics by engaging in such a partisan display at the debate. The first presidential debate in 1960 actually required amendments by the Congress to broadcast laws regarding campaign communication because of high ethical concerns that the media should not interfere with the freedom of political campaign speech. ABCs decision to in some sense correct the more balanced approach of CNN in June implies strongly that Harris is a weak candidate who needs the protection of partisan moderators. Harris assertions about January 6 and Charlottesville were false but unchallenged by the moderators. The re-assertion of the Charlottesville narrative appeared to be a rhetorical homage to Biden who rarely refrains from the fine people on both sides mythology when in publicly partisan settings.

It is not unlikely that, similar to the first debate between Al Gore and George W. Bush in 2000, that the initial polling showing a win for Gore devolved into a sense that Bush won within the week. Gore also employed aggressive split screen non-verbals to convey his exasperation with Bush. Over time, those antics did not wear well in the public. It is not improbable that this process will play out again in fall 2024. C-SPAN polling about the debate may already indicate the less partisan but more realistic conclusion. Kamala Harris is a much more formidable debater than Joe Biden but her performance this week was not among her best. Conversely, Trump, who does not often score an outright win in any candidate debate, gave among his strongest debate performances by using humor strategically and dominating the hostile moderators.

Dr. Ben Voth is professor of rhetoric and director of debate at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. He is the author of several academic books regarding political communication, presidential rhetoric, and genocide.

Image: Defense Visual Information Distribution Service
As war continues in Israel and Gaza accompanied by anti-Israel protests on college campuses, the settler colonialism smear against Israel is amped up by the hard Left, the academic industry, and, especially, by organizers eager to destroy the social and economic strides made between Arab states and Israel in the Abraham Accords and before.

Palestinian Arabs might never have had a prayer of having their own state had the Jewish State not been created. They were totally under the thumbs of Jordan and Egypt, who attacked Israel in 1948 claiming to defend Palestinian Arabs but really seeking to block both a Palestinian Arab and a Palestinian Jewish state under U.N. partition. Still, the Palestinian Arabs refused a state even after they and Jordan and Egypt lost the war.

Ironically, Palestinian Arab chances at independence returned when Israel won Gaza and the West Bank, Sinai, the Golan Heights and East Jerusalem, in a defensive 1967 war with Egypt, Jordan, and Syria. Israel immediately sought to trade land-for-peace. It was settler colonialism theories, often forged on anti-Israel hatred (as found, for example, in the 1964 charter of the Palestinian Liberation Organization) that discouraged Arab nations and Palestinian Arabs from negotiating for peace. In recent years, through the Abraham Accords and Arab nations outgrew these theories, preferring security against Iran and the prospect of peace and of economic cooperation. But the Palestinian Arabs -- and world academia -- continue to shout settler colonialism.

The extent of academic obsession with settler colonialism is painfully apparent in an article published in May by the Columbia Law Review that has less to do with legal theory than with Israel-bashing. The article pushes for codified legal frameworks against ethnic cleansing and settler colonialism by declaring Israels existence as a Jewish State and Israels subsequent laws and actions to be one giant Nakba or set of catastrophic transformations imposed by force on Palestine, the Palestinian people, and, indeed, the Arab world more broadly. Here, the meaning of Nakba (catastrophe) is ballooned to refer to Everything Israel. The writer does not even tell us if Nakba has any status or mention in the laws of Arab nations or of Sharia law.

The article is nothing more or less than a bibliographical checklist of any and all grievances against the State of Israel, whether by historians, human rights activists, or Palestinian Arab rejectionists of the Jewish State. Most of the cited sources are partisan, ideological, and polemical. Few deal with issues of legal theory and offer actual critiques of law, whether Israeli or international. Political or social or even safety causes of Israeli laws condemned here (but never truly analyzed) are simply not discussed. The article is one continuous indictment of Israel, proclaiming that Palestine remains the most vivid manifestation of the colonial ordering that the international community purports to have transcended.

Even fundamental international documents are hardly mentioned, like U.N. Resolution 242, which called for Israels withdrawal from territories (but not all territories) won in the 1967 war as an application of the establishment of a just and lasting peace in the Middle East. There is no discussion of how this resolution can be interpreted forty-two years after Israel withdrew from the Sinai Peninsula (resulting in peace with Egypt) and almost twenty years after Israel dismantled twenty-one settlements (populated by 9000 of its citizens) in Gaza, including ancient, continuous Jewish communities. Israel left in Gaza hundreds of greenhouses, some specially built, out of heartfelt wishes that the fully Arab population would prosper in agricultural and horticultural exports, only to be constantly targeted by (pre-Hamas rule) Gazan missiles days after the withdrawal.

It is astounding that an article in a legal journal would declare as its objective not to examine the legality of the Nakba as much as to generate a legal framework from the Palestinian experience of the ongoing Nakba -- in other words, to advocate for the creation of laws instead of scrutinizing existing laws. The author offers no comparative investigation of laws regarding Jews in Europe or in Arab countries. Nor does he explore the origins or the development or the causes, internal or external, for Israels defining law of return (welcoming all Jewish immigrants) and the states more recent call for a Nation State Law.

The author patronizes Israel by preaching that the Jewish State should not base its legal education on the ideological underpinning that barely challenges the Zionist tenet of a Jewish democratic state. But this is a lazy reproach in that he does not analyze and compare particular laws that he regards as attempting to define, or serving to undermine, Israeli democracy. The most objective question he poses is, Does the crime of apartheid lie in a particular subset of Israeli policies or is it the raison detre of the Israeli regime? He never raises the question of whether countries rooted in Arab ethnicity and/or in Islamic law are to be considered ipso facto apartheid.

Still, the author insists that he is dealing with legal concepts or theory in order to overcome tensions and contradictions. Is that the province of a law journal?

The sorry state of academic theories, and their inability to bring understanding and healing to world conflicts, is fully and painfully illustrated in the Columbia Law Reviews dedication of so many pages to this catalogue of Palestinian grievances, in which all the writings to date condemning settler colonialism are distended to attribute to Israel every imaginable social and political evil.

The author concedes that there is a long and rich history of Jewish existence in Palestine that is not premised on systemic violence, domination and ethnonational superiority. He concludes by decrying that the UN Partition Plan granted fifty-six percent of Palestines territory to the Hebrew State at a time when Jewish owned lands did not exceed seven percent. But of course, if one figures in lands bought by the Jewish National Fund from the Ottoman empire (in which many Arabs were tenant farmers) and from absentee Arab landowners, and considers that much of the land given postwar to the Jewish community had been deemed useless swamp, not to mention the seizing of Jewish Jerusalem by Jordan, the argument for Jewish ownership is stronger.

But is refutation of settler colonialism theories even a matter of proving ownership? At the heart of the post-World War II establishment of the State of Israel by the Allied and other countries in the United Nations was a major, legitimate issue which the editors of the Columbia Law Review, for whatever reason, did not ask their contributor to consider.

We still hear from Palestinian Arabs that they should not have to suffer because Europe tried to exterminate its Jews. The truth is that Palestinian Arab leaders and rank-and-file Palestinians who had lived under British rule, led by their mufti, supported the Nazis and even advised them on how best to wipe out Jews in Europe and in the Middle East. So did many Arab nations like Egypt and Syria who did not want a new nation, Jewish or Arab, in Palestine.

In 1948, Britain relinquished its colonial stronghold in Palestine, due in no small measure to the resistance of the determined Jewish community. A Jewish State was forged after the Allied Victory over the Nazis for the people most devastated by the Nazis, with the fullest possible international support at the time, with the expectation that the more than twenty Arab states would absorb any refugees and the expectation that Israel would absorb all Jews from Europe and the Middle East and around the world, most of whom had no other place to go. Zionist leaders accepted the British reduction of territory for the Jewish State, a concession to Arab nations, even though much of Israels land was desert or swamp.

The very term, Nakba, is taken totally out of context, at least in its original use, in settler colonial theory broadsides like the one cited above. As Sammy Stein of the Glasgow Friends of Israel eloquently reminds us, the first significant tract that uses that term was penned by Constantin Zurayk, a Syrian Arab Christian, who characterized the Nakba-disaster as the failure of the Arab nations to stop the establishment of the State of Israel.

Zurayk took Palestinians to task for having fled and evacuated their cities and strongholds, and surrendered them to the enemy on a silver platter.

Ironically, the author of the Columbia Law Review screed concedes in a footnote that The question of whether Palestinians fled their homes because of fear or were actively expelled by Zionist forces is one of little importance -- a question hotly debated among historians.

The ultimate question is whether settler colonialism theory can contribute to peace and security in the Middle East, and the answer is No. Even leftist Iranian dissident Arash Azizi complained back in 2021: Many on the Left seem to believe that using the moniker settler-colonialism somehow magically leads to a solution. As a result, instead of specific political demands, we have calls that are, at best, vague.

This courageous comment comes from an advocate of a binational state in Palestine who accepts many of the tenets of settler colonialism theory and opposes BDS boycott demands only insofar as they cut ties with the Israeli Left, with whom he hopes to build this one-state. Though he maintains that the world must stand by Israeli citizens killed by Hamass rockets, his idealistic one-state vision, once proposed by some early Zionist leaders, would only encourage those whose obsession with dismantling Israel by any means has led to their advocacy of settler colonialism theory and hope to see it applied in any way necessary.

The postwar context of the founding of the State of Israel already placed the Jewish State beyond settler colonial theory and interpretations of Nakba, whether legal, social, or political. The true nakba for the entire Middle East was Arab support of Nazism and the cutting of ties with democratic and free nations. The best hope for the Middle East is to uphold the efforts of those Arab nations which led the way toward cooperation with Israel and the United States through initiatives like the Abraham Accords, which already included demands for the improvement of the Palestinian situation, and which Hamas sought to undermine last October 7.

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In early June 1961, U.S. President John F. Kennedy and USSR Chairman Nikita Khrushchev had an important meeting in Vienna. There are many viewpoints about what happened, but the consensus is that the Soviet leader pushed his way around the new U.S. president. In his book about President Kennedy, Richard Reeves concluded that Kennedy was totally unprepared for the summit. It's hard to believe, but apparently no one told President Kennedy that Chairman Khrushchev was testing him.

Wonder if the two men joked about September 12th or an important anniversary that they shared?

On this day in 1953, John F. Kennedy, then a new senator from Massachusetts, and Nikita Khrushchev, of the USSR, had something to cheer about:

Jack married Jackie. Cardinal Richard Cushing officiated the wedding ceremony at St. Mary's Church in Newport, Rhode Island. They had a huge reception later. Of course, JFK was elected president in 1960.

Over in the USSR, Nikita Khrushchev was elected leader. He replaced Stalin who died. Khrushchev tried to reform by denouncing Stalin's totalitarian policies at the 20th Party Congress and released millions of political prisoners. He tried to present a new image to the world but the invasion of Hungary by Warsaw Pact tanks in November 1956 ended that.

Years later, the two met in Vienna as the leaders of their two nations. They went head-to-head in the Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962.

They had something to cheer about on this day in 1953! Wonder if anyone reminded them about it?

P.S. Check out my blog for posts, podcasts and videos.

Image: Library of Congress and Dutch Natioanl Archives
In Mexico, they call it la pinata. That's the transition period between two presidents where the outgoing president, and his minions, supposedly steal everything that isn't nailed down before exiting office. Their appetites are boundless. By legend, one of them even unscrewed and stole the light bulbs.

But for us in the states, this isn't funny.

According to Breitbart News:

Mexican immigration officials have been allegedly pulling out all the stops to illegally make as much money from migrants before the government places their teams in leadership positions. The actions come as a new administration is expected to take office in Mexico next month. Breitbart Texas spoke with director-level officials at Mexicos National Migration Institute, who revealed details of what has become common practice whenever there is a change in leadership. The INM sources revealed that individuals in positions of leadership sell documents, charge for favors, and extort migrants and travelers to make as much cash as possible before they are moved out. One INM source revealed that Carmen Yadira De Los Santos Robledo, the current INM regional delegate in Yucatan, has been pressuring her staff into demanding bribes and illegally selling travel documents.

...which means the more they "sell," the more money they make. Hence, la pinata. When you're going to be out of a job at the end of the month, you can take home a handsome take-home "bonus." What are they going to do, fire you? You've already been fired as AMLO exits and President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum takes those "slots," as Hillary Clinton use to say. And it hard to catch anyone if everyone's doing it.

This isn't the first time we have seen this kind of bribery, payoffs, la vacuna and la mordida (so many words for it in Latin America) happening as a result of Joe Biden's open border policies.

In Colombia, local officials have been accused in the north of doing comparable shakedowns of illegal migrants. In Nicaragua, "little dictator" Daniel Ortega has got a whole money-making operation going, flying in migrants on chartered flights for the journey northward, with the added bonus of sticking it to gringo. Cartels make cash, and so do NGOs. Why wouldn't countries get a piece of the action, too?

So it's quite likely, the secret handshake deal between Joe Biden and AMLO, to keep the migration numbers down until the election is over, is over. The U.S. of course, can "revise" its statistics upward like they always do and all will be hunky dory.

The only people who pay will be the American taxpayers, who will have to feed, shelter, educate and jail a bigger wave of migrants. It goes to show the value of President Trump's border deals with Mexico on migration, and the failure of border czar Kamala Harris to do anything of value to stop it. The first thing she should have done was restore those deals. Not having them is a bonanza for every corrupt Mexican official out there -- at Americans' expense.

Image: Twitter video screen shot
Yesterday, we commemorated 9/11, a pivotal point in our nations history and whose lessons are begging to be learned. Not only were nearly 3,000 Americans senselessly killed that day, it marked the beginning of a series of protracted wars and engagements around the world, some that are still ongoing.

As executive director of the Committee for a Free Afghanistan, I worked with the Afghans from 19841989, mostly in DC. I supported the efforts of the late great Congressman Charlie Wilson (of Charlie Wilsons War) to get the Afghans what they needed to defeat the Soviets and to provide whatever humanitarian aid and public support we could.

That meant helping to bring over Afghan children and villagers for free medical treatment in some of the finest U.S. hospitals. It meant supporting groups that provided MASH-unit style emergency medical services inside Afghanistan, whose medical infrastructure was decimated by the Soviets. It meant advocating for U.S.-made Stinger missiles that leveled the playing field and allowed for the Afghans to destroy Soviet MIG-fighters and HIND helicopters that would wreak destruction of Afghan villages within minutes. It meant me telling the late, beloved President Ronald Reagan in a White House meeting that he was going to make a mistake guaranteeing the UN accords on Afghanistan, which did not end the war but escalated it to new levels.

I came to Montana in early 1990, not long after the accords were signed and the Soviets had withdrawn, feeling dejected, knowing I could do no more, and knowing the outcome was not going to be positive. Thankfully, the U.S. never did provide the big bailout Gorbachev and the Soviet Union so desperately wanted to avoid collapse.

However, Afghanistan descended into civil war as predicted. Ultimately the Taliban, who were just kids in Pakistan-based madrasahs funded by Osama bin Laden and the Saudis when I was involved, took over. They gave safe harbor to Al Qaeda, were defeated by Coalition forces after 9/11, only to rise again after 20 years of war when the U.S. surrendered Afghanistan to the Taliban, who now rule with a reign of terror buttressed by $80+ billion in US military hardware left behind in Biden-Harris shameful withdrawal.

But I digress. On that fateful day of 9/11, I called Otilie, my blond-haired blue-eyed friend with whom I visited the region in 1986 and asked, what happened to Commander Ahmad Shah Massoud? Massoud, the legendary Afghan commander, was the revered and fearless leader of the Panjshir Valley, just northeast of Kabul, and the eventual leader of the Northern Alliance. Massoud treated his people well. They were provided an education. Women were respected and took on meaningful roles and aid and comfort were provided to visitors and friends.

As a Tajik, Massoud did not receive any direct U.S. aid through Pakistan. Massoud got his supplies by negotiating with rival groups and interdicting Soviet convoys along the Salang Highway en route to Kabul. Massoud survived multiple massive direct Soviet assaults and numerous assassinations attempts which only added to his fame.

On that initial call on 9/11, Otilie told me that she was the registered lobbyist for his Northern Alliance. I was immediately excited by the prospects of having a direct line to the man with whom we worked many years ago and whose leadership was widely respected.

That hope was dashed quickly as I discovered one day later that Massoud and a trusted ally whom I knew well, was murdered just two days before 9/11 by a terrorist disguised as a journalist, when his camera filled with explosives, detonated. I was further devastated: Massoud had the receipts on the Taliban and Al Qaeda and was their arch-rival. With him, we could more easily operate in Afghanistan.

In an attempt to be helpful, I launched a media campaign with the hopes of galvanizing public opinion urging the U.S. to work with the Northern Alliance to exact retribution on Al Qaeda and the Taliban. At that time, few people even knew where Afghanistan was located let alone who the Taliban or Al Qaeda were. The support, however, was almost overwhelming. I was on nearly every major national radio show and several national cable TV news programs. I had numerous offers from viewers and hosts wanting to do something, to relaunch my old group something. It took a couple of months but the U.S. ultimately aligned with the Northern Alliance.

Within two months we decimated Al Qaeda, inflicted heavy casualties on the Taliban, and had bin Laden surrounded in Tora Bora (eastern Afghanistan), but our ground forces were directed to let him escape.

We should have been in and out of Afghanistan in two monthsnot 20 years. And in no way should have extended the war on terrorism any further.

But every September 11, we honor those who were killed in New York, my place of birth, at the Pentagon, and Pennsylvania. I hope to God weve learned the lessons of the past. We have seen too many lost lives, too many lives ruined by purposeless wars, and too many of our freedoms eroded.

We do best in honoring those who are no longer with us by always remembering their lives, and by learning the lessons of the past and affirming to never repeat them again.

Henry Kriegel was the executive director of the Committee for a Free Afghanistan, prior to moving to Montana in 1990.

Image: Public domain.
Consider this thought experiment: what could you do if you were never called on anything you said? Simultaneously, your political opponent is mercilessly persecuted at every turn. What could you get away with in that lopsided situation? Would you feel any constraints in making accusations against your opponent, knowing that anything he says will be fact-checked and suppressed at your whim? What could you do with that immense power at your fingertips?

That is the scenario we all witnessed with the national socialist media in the presidential debate on Tuesday night. But the DNCs marketing arm is the biggest loser in this situation, because theyre torching the last shards of credibility they have left, and eventually no one will believe them. Theyre down to a dead end of diminishing returns, and when the fascist far left no longer takes them at their word, they will have nowhere else to go.

It also means that we must make the case for a fair debate because there is no point in continuing with the status quo. The situation has become so bad that even a Democratic strategist Max Burns writing an opinion piece for MS-DNC inadvertently admitted the following:

What a difference a few months can make. In his first outing against new Democratic nominee Kamala Harris, Trump spent almost the entire evening on the defensive against both Harris and moderators David Muir and Linsey Davis.

Did you catch that? On the defensive against both Harris and moderators David Muir and Linsey Davis. Anyone who saw that travesty of journalism could easily pick up on that admission, which wasnt supposed to be seen outside the lefty luna-sphere. But they are destroying themselves in their headlong quest for power.

The medias brand is built on trust, and polling shows its ebbing to its lowest levels. They tell the lefties what they want to hear as the explanation for the hanging on of that last group of people. But after a while, everyone loses respect for consummate liars, and we are quickly approaching an attitude toward the National Socialist media that was endemic in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR):

The rules are simple: they lie to us, we know they're lying, they know we know they're lying, but they keep lying to us, and we keep pretending to believe them.

 Elena Gorokhova, A Mountain of Crumbs

In the long run, no one ever believes or respects a liar, even if the two are on the same side. The national socialist media now have the shame of a traitor to the truth, and they cant suddenly turn around and claim that theyve come clean, because they are liars.

Then there was the fire hose of falsehoods that we were inundated with from Comrade Kamala. The Federalist attempted the herculean task of getting a handle on some of the biggest falsehoods, with an article entitled 25 Lies Kamala Harris Told In Her Debate Against Trump. Space limits the number of examples they had, and of course, this wasnt a comprehensive list. Because when it comes to lying lefties or lefty liars, we can refer to a couple of dishonorable mentions.

With help from left-wing activists masquerading as debate moderators, Harris whitewashed her extreme record, lied about Trumps policy positions, and more. ... 4. Jan. 6 Harris contended that the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol was the worst attack on our democracy since the Civil War. Contrary to Harris claim, the J6 events did not put American self-governance in jeopardy, nor did it expose Americans to risks like those experienced during World War I, the Japanese attacks on Pearl Harbor, or World War II, to name a few. ... 16. Fine People Hoax Harris repeated the debunked lie that Trump praised white supremacists marching in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 2017 when he said there were fine people on both sides. This is false, as Trump was referring to both sides of the debate on whether to allow historic monuments to remain standing. ... 22. Gun Confiscation Harris claimed that she doesnt support mandatory gun confiscation. That is false. She has openly expressed support for such a policy.

This one is also particularly egregious, considering her issues. Comrade Kamalas specifically called for unconstitutional red flag gun confiscation orders, universal background checks to facilitate gun confiscation, and a ban on undefined assault weapons  which results in, you guessed it, gun confiscation.

This is just another case where lefties play fast and loose with the language, taking a page from 1984, using the phrases red flag laws, assault weapon bans, mandatory gun buybacks instead of the C-word, and voila: Comrade Kamala can pretend she and the National Socialist Democratic Authoritarian Party arent specifically for gun confiscation, even though she is like every other budding dictator on the planet.

So, whereas one side can lie with impunity, the other is mercilessly persecuted at every turn, to the point that Trump spent almost the entire evening on the defensive against both Harris and moderators David Muir and Linsey Davis.

Remember that debate moderator David Muir hosts a pro-Harris, left-wing newscast with a 100% score for Comrade Kamala:

MRC analysts reviewed all 100 campaign stories that aired on ABCs World News Tonight from the day Harris entered the race (July 21) through September 6, including weekends. Our analysts found 25 clearly positive statements about Harris from reporters, anchors, voters or other non-partisan sources, with zero negative statements  none. That computes to a gravity-defying 100% positive spin score for the Vice President. As for Trump, our analysts found just five clearly positive comments, vs. 66 negative statements, for a dismal 7 percent positive (93% negative) spin score.

Megyn Kelly responded to all of this (language warning) in a video. This was an ambush, pure and simple, and given the circumstances, Trump did a great job last night. But given what we know, it was a mistake ever to trust the national socialist media.

If there is another debate  and were using that term loosely  the pro-freedom community must insist that we pick one of the moderators so that its fair. Anti-liberty leftists should agree, since that seems to be one of their values.

A fair debate is the only proper way to understand the issues and the candidates. The fact that the lefties eschew this should speak volumes. Although they project on steroids, they are the ones that have their sole focus on attaining power over the people.

D Parker is an engineer, inventor, wordsmith, and student of history, former director of communications for a civil rights organization, and a long-time contributor to conservative websites. Find him on Substack.

Image via Pixnio.
This week, former president Donald Trump noted the need for stronger border protections to stop illegal voting.

He's right  noncitizen voting is a threat to our republic. And Democrats know it  since 2021, they have welcomed millions of illegal migrants into the country. Its not surprising some of those same illegal migrants are registered to vote  even though its against the law, cancels out a legal citizens vote, and puts illegally registered immigrants at risk for deportation.

But in August, we learned that Democrats arent stopping at the border. Theyve gone global, committing $300,000 to register and influence 9 million overseas voters  even though the federal government says only 2.4 million legal voters live in other countries.

For those counting at home, that's 6.4 million votes that Democrats want to find...that don't exist.

For many years, conservatives believed that election cheating existed but was very limited. In 2020, we were awakened to sophisticated dark money activities going on behind the scenes that made it easier for people to register and to vote...but had the unfortunate consequence of weakening nearly every step of the election process.

Now conservatives are rightly focusing on reducing illegal immigration at the border and requiring improved election processes. Unfortunately, Democrats are one step ahead  and in the digital age, theyre not stopping at the border. Theyre targeting overseas ballots that are among the most vulnerable to exploitation and that have the least attention paid to them to ensure their accuracy.

And, almost like magic, a spokesperson for the group spending the money, Democrats Abroad, told CBS News that those ballots are likely to favor Vice President Kamala Harris.

Overseas voting is a time-honored tradition in America. U.S. citizens living privately abroad or as members of the U.S. military should not have their right to vote hindered because of their geographical location, which is why the federal Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) was created.

What federal law doesnt do is provide clear, commonsense rules for how overseas people register or how their votes are compiled and counted. This means that states can make their own laws  even bad ones. For example, in more than 31 U.S. states and territories, overseas citizens are allowed to request ballots and cast their votes electronically via email.

An overseas email ballot request triggers the local clerk to respond  again, via email  and request voter identification. So far, so good, but most of these states do not require a Social Security number or a state ID. All the email requester who doesnt have any identification has to do is check a box that says, I dont have the above identification. And just like that, the requester receives a voter ID and a PDF ballot that can be cut and pasted into a return email.

The voter verification process also asks the email requester for a local address, but no one verifies that the requester ever lived in or has any connection to the state.

So UOCAVA votes, from at least 31 states, can be counted without voter identification and without verifying a residential tie to the state.

Given the above scenario, its easy to imagine a flood of bot requests for ballots from digitally generated email addresses. And of course, the returned bot ballots will all come in at the last minute.

The answer to Trump's debate concern and to overseas ballots is the same straightforward answer: only citizens  native-born and naturalized alike  should vote. That's why next week is Only Citizens Vote Week, to remind voters, election officials, and our elected leaders to transparently follow the nation's law.

It's the only way to ensure trust in the system. Unfortunately, Democrats from the White House on down prefer to pretend borders don't matter  so the rest of us have to.

Patrice Johnson is chair of Pure Integrity Michigan Elections and Michigan Fair Elections, two nonprofit organizations dedicated to preserving and protecting fair and honest elections.

Image via Pexels.
People leave the Uvalde Civic Center Tuesday, May 24, 2022. At least 14 students and 1 teacher were killed when a gunman opened fire at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde according to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. Students from the school were evacuated to the civic center. William Luther Paul Guerrero, left, acting commander of an elite Border Patrol tactical unit, arrived at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde 42 minutes after a teenage gunman began his attack on May 24, 2022. The Border Patrol's actions that day are under scrutiny in an internal investigation. Courtesy of the State of Texas

The police response to the 2022 Uvalde school shooting has been condemned as an egregious failure, marred by hesitation, indecision and an unwillingness to confront the attacker.

The Border Patrol appeared to be an exception, at least at first. Its agents stormed the classroom at Robb Elementary School and killed the shooter, accomplishing what scores of local and state law enforcement officers had failed to do for the preceding 77 minutes.

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But questions soon began to be raised about the Border Patrols role and whether its agents could have ended the siege more quickly. The agencys parent organization, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, said it was investigating. That was more than two years ago. Now, CBP is preparing to release its findings, according to news reports.

Heres a look at the key issues.

How many Border Patrol agents were involved?

The Border Patrol was part of a massive federal law enforcement presence at Robb Elementary on May 24, 2022. In all, the Border Patrol, CBP and the Department of Homeland Security had 148 people at the scene. The next largest contingent  92  was from the Texas Department of Public Safety.

But the team that breached the classroom and neutralized the shooter was much smaller. It was made up of six people: three from an elite Border Patrol tactical unit called BORTAC, one from a Border Patrol search and rescue team, and two sheriffs deputies, one each from Uvalde and Zavala counties.

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How did that decisive moment play out?

The entry team stormed classroom 111 in a single-file stack. In the front was a Border Patrol agent holding a ballistic body shield to protect himself and those behind him.

The shooter emerged from a book closet and opened fire with his high-powered, assault-style rifle. The ballistic shield absorbed most of the rounds, but one agent suffered graze wounds to the head, leg and foot.

The agents returned fire, killing the attacker.

What could or should the Border Patrol have done differently?

The teenage gunman entered Robb Elementary through an unlocked rear entrance at 11:33 a.m.

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Paul Guerrero, acting commander of the BORTAC unit, arrived at the scene at 12:13 p.m.

The entry team went into classroom 111, where the gunman was holed up with his victims, at 12:48 p.m.

That 35-minute gap is a major focus of scrutiny.

The law enforcement response to the Robb Elementary Shool shooting was a portrait of confusion and indecision. At least 380 officers from local, state and federal agencies lacked leadership or a sense of purpose, according to official investigations into the massacre. No one ever established a command post. Associated Press

What was happening during that interval?

Soon after his arrival, Guerrero told other law enforcement officers not to expect a quick resolution. Its going to take time, he can be heard saying on bodycam video. Some members of BORTAC were already there, but others were as much as 45 minutes from Uvalde.

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Complicating matters was that Guerrero had walked into a scene of utter confusion. There were at least 380 state, local and federal law enforcement personnel at the school, but they were leaderless and unsure what to do. No one had established a command post.

Shortly after Guerreros arrival, a burst of gunfire was heard from inside room 111, and Guerrero led a line of officers toward the door. When they got close, however, the officers paused, apparently because they believed the door was locked.

What did Guerrerro do next?

Someone brought him a master key, and he tested it on the door of a janitors closet nearby. It didnt work. Guerrero then went to his car to get a crowbar-type tool called a halligan. He tried it out on a door in the hallway but decided that using it on room 111 would be too risky.

I determined the halligan tool would take too long and dangerously expose an officer to gunfire coming from inside the classrooms, Guerrero later told investigators. I observed that the doorway to the classroom the suspect was in had multiple holes consistent with bullet holes. I didnt want to expose or jeopardize the safety and lives of any officers by trying to pry the door open.

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Then what?

At 12:36 p.m., a second master key was found, and this one worked on the janitors closet. But Guerrero still wasnt ready to lead his team into room 111.

He asked a Border Patrol sniper, who had just arrived, to try and get a bead on the shooter from outside the school. Then a DPS drone was deployed to try to pinpoint the shooters location.

Neither effort bore fruit.

Why was Guerrero so cautious?

It wasnt just him. All the law enforcement officers at the scene were afraid they would die in a confrontation with the shooter. His AR-15, semi-automatic rifle fired high-velocity rounds that could inflict gruesome, lethal wounds, and nearly all the responding officers lacked armor strong enough to stand up to that kind of firepower.

The first Uvalde police officers on the scene, who entered the school minutes after the shooter did, went directly to the door of classroom 111 and prepared to enter. The shooter fired at them through the door and wall. Two of the officers suffered shrapnel wounds and hurriedly retreated.

That set the tone for the overall police response.

Law enforcement officials evacuate students and staff from Robb Elementary after the gunman began shooting. Pete Luna /Uvalde Leader-News

What broke the stalemate?

Finally, the BORTAC agents and other officers lined up single file outside classroom 111. An agent positioned a ballistic shield to give Guerrero cover as he inserted the master key in the door.

At 12:48 p.m., the six-man entry team moved in.

When the attacker fired at them, they answered with a barrage of their own at 12:50 p.m. The shooters body convulsed before collapsing to the floor.

What happened afterward?

Numerous agencies, including DPS, the Uvalde County District Attorneys Office, the city of Uvalde and the Texas Legislature, launched investigations into the police response.

The Legislatures inquiry, carried out by a special House committee, faulted the Uvalde school district police chief, Pedro Pete Arredondo, for failing to order officers into room 111 right away to stop the killing in line with police protocols for responding to an active shooter.

The House report, released in July 2022, said Arredondo wasted valuable time searching for a key to the door of classroom 111, which most likely was open the whole time, and requesting armor and other protection for officers.

The report also said Guerrerro, acting on effectively the same information available to Chief Arredondo, including an assumption of injured victims in the room, waited until arranging a rifle-rated shield and obtaining a working master key before attempting to breach the classroom.

In June of this year, Arredondo was indicted on charges of child endangerment for his conduct that day. Adrian Gonzales, then a Uvalde school police officer, was indicted on the same charges. Arredondo and Gonzales are the only law enforcement officers to be criminally charged in connection with the police response. Both have pleaded not guilty.

As for the Border Patrol, it gave three of its agents medals for bravery for their actions on May 24, 2022.

At the same time, Customs and Border Protection began an internal inquiry into the Border Patrols role in the response.

Asked recently where that investigation stood, CBP said it would share its findings with the public when appropriate, in line with our commitment to transparency.

Pedro "Pete" Arredondo, shown in a booking photo, was police chief of the Uvalde school district on the day of the May 24, 2022, shooting at Robb Elementary School. He is charged with child endangerment for failing to order officers to confront the shooter immediately. He has pleaded not guilty. Associated Press
Right now, whats as important as the AI powering our world is how AI models are trained. We all know that these AI models need to be trained on a ton of data. The issue is that much of this data was taken without permission. According to a new report, the EU has launched a probe into Google to see if it illegally obtained data to train its model.

The subject of data privacy is pretty hot, as major corporations continue to ignore basic privacy laws. Theres no telling how much data these companies obtained illegally. For example, Meta just admitted to scraping data from Australians as far back as 2007 (back when it was still called Facebook).

The EU launched a probe into Google over its AI model

Were all pretty sure that most of the data powering Gemini was illegally obtained, but this probe isnt about Gemini, as Google has other models. The Ireland-based DPC (Data Protection Commission) expressed concern over how Google trained its Pathways Language Model 2 or PaALM 2. This is a foundation model introduced back in May 2023.

The commission wants to know if Google respected the privacy of EU citizens when training the model. This statutory inquiry forms part of the wider efforts of the DPC, working in conjunction with its EU/EEA (European Economic Area) peer regulators, in regulating the processing of the personal data of EU/EEA data subjects in the development of AI models and systems, it stated.

This is a valid concern. As time goes on, these models get stronger as the companies behind them race to make them the best on the market. However, the issue is that companies are scooping up more data as time goes on. We had data protection laws in effect, but it wasnt until the generative AI boom that we realized just how much data was being scraped on the daily.

At the moment, this is just an inquiry, so its not an indication of a lawsuit or any legal action. However, if it happens that Google illegally obtained any information, then we can expect legal action to follow.
New Google antitrust trial kicked off a couple of days, and new info keeps on coming. A former Google exec told his colleagues that the goal was to crush the competition aka other advertising networks.

This is based on the evidence prosecutors presented at the trial on Wednesday in Virginia. This kind of goes into the Department of Justices favor, as the DOJ is trying to prove Google wanted to monopolize markets for publisher ad servers and advertiser ad networks. On top of that, the DOJ also claims Google tried to dominate the market for ad exchanges.

Ex-Google exec wanted to crush the competition way back in the day, trial documents claim

Well be able to crush the other networks and thats our goal, said David Rosenblatt, Googles former president of display advertising. He said that of the companys strategy in late 2008 or early 2009.

Rosenblatt also added Were both Goldman and NYSE, according to the notes. He was referring to those two as they were one of the worlds biggest stock exchanges and one of the biggest markets back then.

To that, he also added: Google has created whats comparable to the NYSE or London Stock Exchange; in other words, well do to display what Google did to search. He also noted that the advertiser ad network would have a first look at available spots for ads, by adding that it was a nightmare for publishers to switch platforms.

As a reminder, Rosenblatt arrived at Google in 2008 when the company acquired DoubleClick, his former ad tech company. He was not at Google for long, though, as he left in 2009.

That exec is now a CEO of another company

David Rosenblatt is now the CEO of online luxury marketplace 1stDibt, reports Reuters. He also did not respond to Reuters request for comment, at least not right away.

Brand Bender, another former DoubleClick executive, who was at Google until 2022, testified at the trial too. HE forwarded Rosenblatts notes to the team, telling them its a worthwhile read.

Google has once again denied the charges. The company said that it faces fierce competition from its rivals, other digital advertising companies. Google also added that its not the only company to offer an integrated suite of products for advertisers and publishers. Its representatives listed Microsoft, Amazon, and Meta, as examples.

The trial continues. If Google is found guilty at the end of everything, the US District Judge, Leonie Brinkema, could make Google sell off Google Ad Manager, at the very least. That is the request of the prosecutors. That is a platform that includes Googles publisher ad server nd its ad exchange.
Following the relatively recent AI boom, LLMs are increasingly present in our daily lives. Artificial intelligence now powers many of the services you use on a daily basis, although you may not notice it at first. However, its not all about enjoying new features on PCs and mobile devices. AI is capable of automating and streamlining processes that were previously cumbersome or time-consuming. In Nevada, a Google-powered AI will now handle one such process: unemployment claims analysis.

An unemployment claim is something you probably never want to do, as it means youve lost your job. Approved applications offer temporary payments to beneficiaries while they find a new job. However, currently, the process can be quite slow, as humans review each claim individually. This leads to reviews that can last hours as thousands of pending applications pile up.

Nevada is turning to Google AI to review unemployment claims

A similar situation was playing out in Nevada, so authorities are turning to AI to speed things up. In June, the state had about 10,000 appeals waiting for review. About 1,500 of those pending claims date back to the COVID era. You can see how inconvenient and slow the process is. To improve the situation, Nevada will use a Google AI trained in the states unemployment laws and policies to analyze pending claims.

According to Carl Stanfield, IT administrator at DETR, the AI can issue a verdict in about 5 minutes. For reference, humans took about three hours per claim. So, theres a pretty significant time savings. While the AI will make a final recommendation, a human employee will still review the output to make sure everything is in order. Still, the process will be much faster than before.

While the AI-based claim review shows huge advantages, there are also some concerns. Michele Evermore, a former deputy director for unemployment modernization policy at the Department of Labor, worries that pressure to clear out pending claims could lead human employees to make hasty decisions about whether to approve AI output. A Nevada politician also expressed concern about the whole concept of overreliance on algorithms and computers.
Samsungs Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra price has leaked alongside pricing info for the Galaxy Tab S10 Plus and Galaxy S24 FE. Pricing details are for Europe and were paired with leaks of images for both Samsungs upcoming tablet and upcoming Fan Edition phone.

This isnt the first time weve seen images of the Galaxy S24 FE or the Galaxy Tab S10 Plus or Ultra variants. In fact, we exclusively reported on leaked images of the Galaxy S24 FE colors on September 6. We also exclusively reported on leaked images for the Galaxy Tab S10 Plus and Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra on September 10. That being said, neither of those posts contained any information about pricing.

Its important to remember, of course, that these are not official price listings from Samsung. Even if they are accurate, these arent the prices for every region. They do give an idea of what people can expect to pay though.

The Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra price in Europe could cost up to 1909

Samsung appears to be launching several variants of its Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra, including Wi-Fi and 5G models, with varied amounts of storage. According to the leaks, which come from @MysteryLupin on X, there will be a 256GB model, a 512GB model, and a 1TB model. All three of these will have Wi-Fi and 5G connectivity variants. In terms of pricing, the 256GB model will start at 1339. This will be for the Wi-Fi-only model. If you want 5G connectivity, the price is said to go up to 1489.

Bumping up to the 512GB model raises those costs to 1459 and 1609 respectively. Finally, the 1TB model will cost 1709 for the Wi-Fi model and 1909 for the 5G model. The Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra will be Samsungs most premium version of the Galaxy Tab S10. For those who dont need or want the most premium version, the Galaxy Tab S10 Plus will present an opportunity to pay considerably less money.

The 256GB model of the Galaxy Tab S10 Plus will start at 1199. This will be for the Wi-Fi model. The 5G model, meanwhile, will be 1269. There will also be a version with 512GB of storage for 1239 and 1389 respectively. The leak also mentions two available colors, which are Moonstone Gray and Platinum Silver.

Samsungs Galaxy S24 FE will start at 749

Pricing for the Galaxy S24 FE is still unconfirmed as well but details about its cost in Europe have also leaked. The phone will come in two storage variants, 128GB and 256GB. Pricing will start at 749 for the 128GB model and go up to 809 for the 256GB model. Once again the leak mentions the names of a few colors here which are Graphite, Mint, Yellow, and Blue. All color names but Mint were mentioned in our previous leak.

While these arent the prices for the US, the standard exchange rate would suggest Samsungs Galaxy S24 FE will start at around $824. More likely the cost would be something like $800, as $824 is an odd price point. For the 256GB model, the price is around $890, or more likely somewhere between $850 and $900.

Alternatively, the exchange rate would place the price of the Galaxy Tab S10 Plus starting at around $1,320 and the Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra at around $1,474. Again these arent official prices but they probably wont be too far off.
The iPhone 16 series launch is still fresh, and the devices wont actually be available until September 20. The phones bring improved MagSafe wireless charging, but it seems Apple has quietly improved wired charging as well. A recent certification reveals that all iPhone 16 models are compatible with 45W charging via USB-C.

Tipster ShrimpApplePro posted X screenshots of Chinas CQC certification for the iPhone 16 series. The post shows that all models, tested with 5-15V and 3A inputs, are compatible with 45W charging. However, for some reason, Apple didnt mention anything about it during the launch event. This led to the belief that the new 25W MagSafe wireless charging is almost as fast as the USB-C charging on the latest iPhone models.

Apple quietly brought 45W USB-C charging to the iPhone 16 series

For reference, the iPhone 15 series supports up to 27W-29W of USB-C charging. So, the new 45W wired charging capabilities of the iPhone 16 series is a notable bump that Apple hasnt made much of. Anyway, the Cupertino giant doesnt seem to be particularly keen on wired charging.

A few years ago, iPhones received some slight improvements in terms of USB-C charging, but Apple didnt even bother to promote it properly. The company merely says that its devices support fast charging via the companys official 20W chargers, although they are compatible with more than 25W. In fact, if I had to bet, I think Apple would prefer a future with iPhones without physical ports. However, strict EU regulations wouldnt allow for such a thing.

The rumors were true

Leaks from July suggested that the iPhone 16 series would bring faster wired and wireless charging. In the end, the predictions came true, although iPhones are still far behind what the best Androids can offer in terms of fast charging. That said, Google and Samsung are among the Android brands with the slowest fast charging. In fact, the latest iPhone 16 series surpasses any Pixel or Galaxy phone when it comes to wireless charging power. The Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL even lag behind in wired charging, supporting only 27W and 37W, respectively.
Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice gives HMPPs statement at the House of Commons in London

LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's police and crime minister had her purse stolen at a meeting of senior police officers on Tuesday when she spoke about the growing problem of theft and shoplifting, a government official said on Thursday.

Diana Johnson attended the Police Superintendents' Association in central England where a senior officer told her in a speech that the criminal justice system was broken.

The government official said Johnson had her belongings stolen at the conference, but no security risk had been identified.

In her speech, Johnson said Britain had been "gripped by an epidemic of anti-social behaviour, theft and shoplifting".

The Home Office, or interior ministry, declined to comment.

Warwickshire Police said it was investigating a report of a theft of a purse at the hotel where the conference took place.

(Reporting by Andrew MacAskill, editing by Elizabeth Piper)
The Chancellor has met with the Bank of England governor and top bank bosses after proposed changes to the UK banking system were watered down following pressure from the City.

Rachel Reeves discussed new rules for banks and building societies that she said will bring certainty and strengthen the resilience of our banking system.

The Banks regulatory arm announced on Thursday that it had made significant tweaks to rules it had previously proposed after getting feedback from the industry.

The rules relate to how much capital UK banks must hold to ensure they are well equipped to handle any future crises, known as their capital requirements.

The banking system, known as Basel III, was drawn up after the 2008 financial crisis which saw major banks bailed out by the Government because they did not hold enough cash to absorb losses.

Ms Reeves said: Today marks the end of a long road after the 2008 financial crisis.

Britains banks have a vital role to play in helping businesses to grow, getting infrastructure built and supporting ordinary peoples finances.

These reforms will strengthen the resilience of our banking system and deliver the certainty banks need to finance investment and growth in the UK.

The Banks Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) said it wanted to strike the right balance so that banks were not stifled by rules that would make it harder, and therefore more expensive, for people and businesses to borrow money.

But at the same time, it said they must hold enough capital to absorb potential losses and weather a crisis.

The PRA said the new requirements for major UK banking firms will be virtually unchanged by the package of reforms, with an expected increase by less than 1% from 2030.

Previously, its proposed changes were estimated to have led to a 3% increase.

Rachel Reeves with the chief executive of Lloyds Banking Group, Charlie Nunn (Kirsty OConnor/HM Treasury/PA)

Another significant change from the original proposals include lower capital requirements for lending to small and medium-sized businesses, and for infrastructure projects.

This means it will not become more difficult for banks to lend to growing firms and to fund big projects, something which had been raised as a concern by the City.

A spokesman for NatWest said it welcomed the clarity provided by the reforms, which helps to address a number of potential consequences that could, in particular, have had implications for lending to SMEs and infrastructure.

The rules, which are yet to be finalised, will come into force at the start of 2026.

Other countries are drawing up their own reforms to the rules, with the US central bank also outlining plans to water down earlier proposals.
Southwest Airlines planes at San Antonio International Airport in December 2022, when a system meltdown stranded customers across the U.S. Sam Owens/Staff file photo District 10 Councilman Marc Whyte said he is concerned that Southwest Airlines is hesitant to sign a long-term lease at the San Antonio International Airport. Chris Lee/San Antonio Express-News

Southwest Airlines is refusing to sign a long-term lease agreement with San Antonio International Airport, throwing the carrier's plans for its future operations here into question.

The dispute between the Dallas-based airline and the city centers on the airport's planned third terminal, which is set to open in 2028. Southwest wants to be in the new space, but the city has relegated it to gates in Terminal A.

Southwest, which makes up nearly 40% of the flights into and out of the San Antonio airport, had been looking to expand its operations here. But those plans could go out the window if the city refuses to allow the airline to lease 10 gates in the new facility.

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"The gate allocation decision forces us to revisit whether or not we can deliver our projected growth in that space," said Sherri Hull, Southwest's director of governmental affairs. "We have a math problem and a space issue."

If the airline doesn't sign a long-term lease agreement, it will have to operate on a month-to-month basis and incur higher fees to fly out of San Antonio.

Terminal A isn't exactly a prime location. It has one of the narrowest concourses among major U.S. airports, resulting in bottlenecks of travelers during peak travel times, and its electrical system and heating, ventilating and air-conditioning system are outmoded. The terminal, which opened in 1984, is the airport's oldest.

Read more: San Antonio airport looking to add up to 2,000 parking spaces

City Council OK'd an airline operating agreement and a series of terminal leases Thursday morning with little discussion.

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District 10 Council Member Marc Whyte was the only member to comment on the standoff with Southwest.

"We look forward to continuing to work with Southwest Airlines in the future," he said. "They are a valuable partner for the city. Our citizens love flying Southwest Airlines, and we want that to continue. We look forward to future business with Southwest and want to do everything we can to make them comfortable and make sure our airport is indeed the right spot for them."

Airlines' current lease agreements expire Sept. 30. The new leases are for 10 years, with options to renew for an additional five years.

Most of the 17 gates at the new terminal are slated to go to American Airlines and Delta Air Lines when the facility opens. Six of its gates will go to Viva Aerobus and other international carriers.

Airport Director Jesus Saenz said American and Delta have pledged to open large lounges for business-class travelers in the new terminal.

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Airport officials said there's no plan to move Southwest to the new terminal but added that they want to work with the airline to revamp Terminal A to meet its needs. That could mean dropping the number of gates in the terminal from 17 to 10 to give Southwest employees and travelers more room and sprucing up the space with restroom improvements and other upgrades.

The operating and lease agreements approved Thursday include $200 million for upgrades to Terminal A and $100 million for Terminal B, where United Airlines will operate.

A Southwest spokesperson said the carrier was promised gates in the new terminal but was abruptly informed this summer that it wouldn't get it after all. Airport officials said every airline was clamoring for space in the new facility and that Southwest was not guaranteed spots.
Nightclub bosses have said new venue safety measures under Martyns Law are a significant milestone but highlighted concerns over the financial impact of enforcing new safety protocols.

The new laws mean venues could face fines of up to 18 million if they flout rules to protect visitors and staff from potential terror attacks.

The plans, part of the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill and named after victim Martyn Hett, were introduced to Parliament on Thursday seven years after the Manchester Arena bombing in the wake of rows over years of delays.

The legislation follows a lengthy campaign by Mr Hetts mother Figen Murray, after he was murdered in the suicide bombing at the end of an Ariana Grande concert in May 2017.

22 people lost their lives during a terrorist attack at Manchester Arena in May 2017. Today we are making it clear  we will do everything in our power to keep people safe. Martyn's Law will protect public spaces and save lives.  Home Office (@ukhomeoffice) September 12, 2024

Industry leaders have worked alongside the government in the development of the proposals, which mean all UK venues and events with a capacity of more than 200 people will be required to take steps to prepare for and protect against an attack.

The rules will also mean safety measures must be introduced, ranging from locking doors and closing shutters to requiring larger venues to appoint a senior staff member responsible for making sure the premises is meeting requirements.

Michael Kill, chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association, which represents venues including nightclubs, hailed Ms Murrays relentless advocacy in helping bring the legislation forward.

Martyns Law aims to bolster safety measures at publicly accessible venues, a goal we wholeheartedly support, he said.

However, as we advance, it is crucial to address the proportionality of the proposed measures, within all settings.

We must ensure that the balance between heightened security and practical implementation is carefully considered.

Key concerns include the operational impact, skillset required of venue operators and the financial implications of enforcing these new safety protocols.

Firms failing to comply with proposals could initially face warnings but these could increase to a maximum fine of 10,000 for smaller businesses and up to 18 million for larger venues with serious breaches.

Kate Nicholls, chief executive of fellow trade body UKHospitality, said: Protecting our staff and customers is a top priority for hospitality businesses and weve been pleased to support the Government in the development of Martyns Law.

Im pleased that the legislation gives venues in the standard tier the flexibility they need to create bespoke plans to keep people safe.

This is crucial because no two venues are the same and everyone will have different requirements to best achieve the aims of this legislation  keeping our staff and customers safe.

I look forward to continue working with the Government and the Security Industry Authority on this critical piece of legislation, both as it goes through Parliament and throughout the process to develop sector-specific guidance.
Debbie McGee has said she has been asked to give evidence in a BBC investigation into Strictly Come Dancing professional Giovanni Pernice following allegations about his teaching methods.

The TV star and widow of magician Paul Daniels was partnered with Pernice when she took part in the dance competition in 2017, just a year after her husbands death in 2016.

The duo made it to the final but were defeated by Holby City actor Joe McFadden and his partner Katya Jones.

Debbie McGee and Giovanni Pernice (Ian West/PA)

Earlier this year, an investigation was launched by the BBC following allegations made about Pernice by former Strictly participant Amanda Abbington, with the results yet to be made public.

Abbington was the first to allege inappropriate behaviour on the show and claimed she was subject to a toxic environment while she danced alongside Pernice.

Pernice rejects the allegations.

Asked if she has been approached to give evidence in the investigation, McGee told GB News: I dont know if Im allowed to say or not, but yes, I have.

Its all very secret, and Im sure everybody else whos ever danced with him, and people that have worked alongside him, would have been asked to give evidence, too, so I just hope it all turns out well for all parties.

She said she believes the corporation will be conducting the investigation very thoroughly and thinks a lot of people will be invited to share their experience on the show.

McGee added: I dont want anyone to be bullied, Im really against all of that, but we are all different.

People can react differently to different circumstances, or you just dont have a chemistry with somebody that somebody else might have a chemistry (with).

So, I dont know what went on, but Im sure that they will go into it in a lot of depth before making any decisions.

Debbie McGee (Yui Mok/PA)

Reflecting on her experience on the show, the TV star said: I had the most amazing time. Giovanni was my partner, and its still a life-changing experience.

And at that time in my life, as well. It was a year after Paul, my late husband, had died. It was a tough, tough time, and it just totally brought me out of all my grief.

And everyone on the programme is just so lovely, and its like a big family.

And my experience of Giovanni, I know other people have said theyve had a different experience, but mine was he really looked after me in my grief, and we had a great time. Great memories.

McGee added that she believes the upcoming series will be as wonderful as its always been despite the controversy hanging over it as she feels it is an uplifting show.

Ahead of its new series, the BBC dancing show said it would introduce new welfare measures including a chaperone who will be present at all times during rehearsals.

Last week, Pernice announced he is joining the Italian equivalent of Dancing With The Stars following his departure from Strictly Come Dancing.
Female Asda workers are to rally outside a superstore next week in a long-standing dispute over pay.

The women, represented by GMB Scotland, will rally outside Asdas Perth superstore on Monday.

The union says women shop workers are earning up to 2 less than male colleagues working in warehouse roles.

The retail company is currently facing the sectors largest equal pay claim from 50,000 current and former workers.

GMB believes the back pay owed to women workers in Asda could top 30 million while securing pay equality would mean women workers receiving another 6,000 a year.

Robert Deavy, GMB Scotland organiser, says women in Asda are undervalued, calling on the employer to up its pay (GMB Scotland/PA)

Robery Deavy, GMB Scotland organiser, said: Womens work in Asda and elsewhere has been undervalued too long and it is beyond time for that to change.

Asda should stop spending money on lawyers and start paying women what they deserve.

Every obstacle placed in their way only makes our members more determined.

Asda said an upcoming hearing will assess whether certain store-based roles are of equal value to some depot-based roles, examining multiple job roles, such as checkout operators, shop floor staff and customer service desk workers.

These will be compared with depot roles, including warehouse colleagues who operate high reach trucks and work in cold or freezing conditions.

An Asda spokesperson said: We fully respect the right of current and former colleagues to bring this case, however, we strongly reject any claim that Asdas pay rates are influenced by gender.

There are numerous different jobs within retail and within warehouses.

We continue to defend these claims because retail and distribution are two different industry sectors that have their own distinct skill sets and pay structures.
Foreign national prisoners would be closer to home in cells in Estonia, the House of Lords has heard.

Conservative peer Lord Farmer also said that moving prisoners from British jails to Estonia would give us more space, during a debate on challenges on prison capacities.

There have been reports that the Government is investigating the possibility of sending some inmates to prisons in Estonia to increase capacity in the short term.

Last year the then justice secretary Alex Chalk said he was in discussions with other European countries about the possibility of renting prison cells for British offenders as a way to ease overcrowding.

Lord Farmer has produced two reviews for the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) on the importance of families and other relationships to prisoners rehabilitation.

He told the House of Lords: Successful rehabilitation reduces pressure on prison places. My two reviews for the MOJ, which they continue to implement with dedication and enthusiasm, emphasise that healthy relationships greatly reduce reoffending, as those who receive family visits are 39% less likely to reoffend than those who dont have them.

HMPPS (HM Prison & Probation Service) are very mindful of closeness to family when selecting which prisoners to send abroad.

28% of foreign national prisoners are either Romanian, Polish or Albanian, and would be closer to home in Estonia than in British jails, and give us more space.

Many prisoners without family on the outside or friends to help them go straight benefit from well supervised peer support in prison, and those relationships protect against repeat offending.

A general view of HMP Pentonville, north London (Victoria Jones/PA)

Justice minister Lord Timpson said: The plan to rent prison places in Estonia was explored by the previous Government, but is not something we intend to implement.

On Tuesday around 1,700 prisoners were freed from jails across England and Wales came after Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced plans in July to cut temporarily the proportion of sentences which inmates must serve behind bars from 50% to 40% to tackle capacity issues.

Liberal Democrat peer Baroness Burt said she moved to call the debate on overcrowding to address the sorry mess in the prison service.

She said: Today, the number of prisoners is double what it was over 20 years ago, and the average length of sentence has doubled.

You dont have to be a statistical genius to work out that theres some kind of causal connection here.

Baroness Burt raised the rise in self-harm and assault on prisons which, combined with overcrowding, mean that theres not enough space or resources to make a prisoners experience rehabilitative or even safe.

She said: Overcrowding makes everything so much worse.

Prison officers have to deal with a highly inflammatory situation.

Trying to keep prisoners and themselves safe, preoccupies most of their time, and rehabilitation sometimes goes out of the window.

No wonder recidivism gets worse.

We also know that we cannot build our way out of an overcrowding problem.

The MOJs own forecasts say the prison population will grow to 94,000 and over 114,000 in the next four years alone.

The Lord Bishop of Sheffield said overcrowding was not conducive to a transformative culture for people in prison.

He said: Every person supported to turn away from offending makes our country safer for everyone, but truly effective rehabilitation almost always takes place in a context of care and trust, and it surely goes without saying that overcrowding in prisons is not conducive to a transformative culture.

He added: Those working in prisons rightly expect to be protected from harm and to carry out their duties with dignity.

Current overcrowding has made a difficult role immensely challenging. Hidden from public view, prison staff work in conditions in their place of employment that few of us can appreciate or would tolerate, prisons must be safe for staff if a culture of respect and trust is to be built.

Justice minister Lord Timpson said: Overcrowded prisons are dangerous places adding that he has never known things as bad as they were when this Government took office.

On his plans for reform, he said: I am hoping to be here for a long time and I think it will take a long time.
The closure of Scotlands only oil refinery will create a significant economic shock, John Swinney said, as the Scottish and UK governments promised a joint 100 million support package for Grangemouth.

Ministers at Holyrood and Westminster acted after bosses at Petroineos confirmed the refinery is to close in the second quarter of 2025, with the loss of 400 jobs.

In October 2023, the company announced its intention to transition the site to an import only terminal for fuels.

Confirmation it will close by June next year comes the company said Grangemouth has been accruing average daily losses of 500,000 US dollars (380,000) over the last week.

UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said the move is deeply disappointing  and the Unite union branded it an act of industrial vandalism, pure and simple.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said the dedicated workforce at Grangemouth had been let down by Petroineos and by the politicians in Westminster and Holyrood who have failed to guarantee production until alternative jobs are in place.

First Minister John Swinney said the closure will be a significant economic shock (Jane Barlow/PA)

She demanded: The Government must put its money where its mouth is to ensure the jobs are safeguarded. This is the only refinery left in Scotland and it must remain.

Mr Swinney meanwhile gave an absolute commitment to work with the UK Government to support the workers of Grangemouth in their time of need.

The Scottish First Minister said both governments had made the case to Petroineos for refining to be continued for as long as it was possible.

But in a statement on Thursday, the company confirmed: Petroineos has today announced its intention to cease refinery operations at Grangemouth and transition to a finished fuels import terminal and distribution hub during the second quarter of 2025, subject to consultation with employees.

The 100 million support package includes 80 million for a Falkirk and Grangemouth Growth Deal, as well as a further 20 million.

Speaking during First Ministers Questions on Thursday afternoon, Mr Swinney said the cash will provide assistance for the locality to recover from this significant economic shock.

1/ It is deeply disappointing that Petroineos have confirmed their previous decision to close Grangemouth oil refinery.  Ed Miliband (@Ed_Miliband) September 12, 2024

The two governments are also promising support for workers who face losing their jobs, while Project Willow  which was previously set up by the two administrations to look at future prospects for the site  is said to have identified three credible options.

This could mean Grangemouth transitions to focus on either low-carbon hydrogen, clean eFuels, or sustainable aviation fuels.

We will put in all effort that we can to support the workforce at this very, very difficult and worrying time, Mr Swinney said.

Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross described the closure of the refinery as a devastating blow to the workforce as well as to the entire Scottish economy.

Mr Miliband meanwhile pledged: We will stand with the workforce in these difficult times.

That is why we are announcing a package of investment to help the workforce find good, alternative jobs, invest in the community and serve a viable industrial future for the Grangemouth site, with potential for future support from the National Wealth Fund.

Unlike in the past, the Government is working in lockstep with the Scottish Government across every front.

Workers and their families should be in no doubt this is a Government that stands with workers, trade unions and businesses to fight for jobs and investment in Scotland.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham condemned the move as an act of industrial vandalism (PA)

Acting Scottish Energy Secretary Gillian Martin confirmed Holyrood ministers are working very closely with the UK Government, adding they had together communicated our disappointment to Petroineos today.

While she said the Scottish Government would have preferred for refining to continue as long as possible, Ms Martin stressed a significant package of support has been put in place which combines immediate help for affected workers and a long-term contribution to ensure that Grangemouth continues to thrive in the future.

She added: We are clear that there should be a just transition for the refinery site and we remain committed to bringing forward low-carbon opportunities that will sustain skilled jobs across the wider area for many years to come.

Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said at what is a worrying time for the workers at the refinery, the two governments are committed to working together, looking at how we can help the area build on its skilled workforce and local expertise to boost economic growth.

Local MSP Michelle Thomson told Holyrood she has been working with a third party who could buy the refinery from Petroineos.

I can today make the chamber aware that I have been working with a third party who hopes to purchase the refinery in its entirety, she said.

While adding that the matter is commercially sensitive and confidential, she asked Mr Swinney to meet her to discuss it  with the First Minister responding he would be very happy to do so to explore all possibilities.

Speaking to journalists afterwards, Ms Thomson said the potential buyer is an international interest which is making a serious offer.

She said she would not divulge further details on the potential buyer, saying she had signed an NDA.
A hearing to examine 115 Premier League charges against Manchester City will begin on Monday, according to reports.

City were referred to an independent commission by the league in February last year over alleged breaches of top-flight financial rules.

They are also accused of failing to co-operate with the leagues investigation into those alleged rule breaches.

City, who won a fourth consecutive Premier League title in May, have always strenuously denied the charges, and did not comment on the reports that the hearing would start next week when contacted by the PA news agency on Thursday, citing the confidential nature of the process.

Club statement  Manchester City (@ManCity) February 6, 2023

At the time the charges were laid, City said they welcomed the opportunity for an independent commission to impartially consider the comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence that exists in support of our position.

The club added: As such, we look forward to this matter being put to rest once and for all.

The charges against City relate to the reporting of financial information, the submission of details of manager and player pay information and a clubs responsibility as a Premier League member to adhere to UEFAs financial regulations and to the leagues own profitability and sustainability rules (PSR).

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters told Sky Sports last month he understood that cases such as Citys created uncertainty and frustration but added: There is no happy alternative to enforcing the rules.

Speaking about the case in June, City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak told the clubs own channels: Its taking longer than anyone hoped for but it is what it is. Lets be judged by the facts, and not by claims and counterclaims.

The Premier League commenced an investigation into City in December 2018, but the club subsequently challenged the jurisdiction and impartiality of an arbitration panel formed to determine whether the Premier League could oblige the club to provide documents and information it was seeking.

Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak said in June that the Premier League case was taking longer than anybody hoped for (Martin Rickett/PA)

That challenge became public knowledge in 2021, when the Court of Appeal supported an earlier ruling that the dispute between City and the league could be reported.

Lord Justice Males, a member of the three-judge panel, said of the investigation: It is surprising, and a matter of legitimate public concern, that so little progress has been made after two and a half years  during which, it may be noted, the club has twice been crowned as Premier League champions.

Separate to the hearing of the 115 charges, City have challenged the Premier League over its associated party transaction (APT) rules, which are designed to ensure that deals done with entities linked to a clubs owners are for fair market value.

The outcome of that arbitration is not yet known.
Holly Willoughby has shared a photo of her reunion with the This Morning team at the National Television Awards.

The former host, 43, departed the ITV programme last year, saying she was having to make the decision for herself and her family.

Willoughby made a dazzling return to the star-studded awards on Wednesday in an iridescent shimmering black gown which featured a form-fitting structure with a dripping ruche on the waist.

In the sweet photo, broadcaster Davina McCall and This Morning presenter Rochelle Humes can be seen hugging a smiling Willoughby from behind.

Fellow This Morning stars Alison Hammond, Dermot OLeary, Craig Doyle and Dr Scott Miller also feature in the group photo.

The only comment Willoughby added to the post was a red heart emoji.

Former The Saturdays singer Humes was among those who welcomed Willoughby back, writing: Oh Ive missed you.

Holly Willoughby returned to the National Television Awards red carpet (Ian West/PA)

This Morning lost out in the National Television Awards daytime category for a second year in a row, after the ITV programme saw its streak end last year following the furore of the Phillip Schofield affair.

Quiz show The Chase, hosted by Bradley Walsh, took home the award instead.

Willoughby left the show last year after allegations of a plot to kidnap, rape and murder her emerged.

Security guard Gavin Plumb was later jailed for life with a minimum term of 16 years.

Her departure also came after former co-host Schofield left ITV over an unwise, but not illegal affair.

In the new chapter of her career, Willoughby is to host a Netflix show in which adventurer Bear Grylls hunts down celebrities in the jungle.

She is also set to present ITV gameshow You Bet! with Stephen Mulhern.
Hugh Grant has revealed that he agreed to take part in the fourth Bridget Jones film after rewriting his part.

The English actor, 64, played the dashing love rat Daniel Cleaver in the first two films of the franchise, starring opposite Renee Zellweger as the clumsy and hapless romantic Bridget Jones and Oscar winner Colin Firth as the buttoned-up lawyer Mark Darcy.

However, he did not reprise his role in the last film, 2016s Bridget Joness Baby, where his character appeared to be killed off, and Bridget becomes pregnant.

The movie instead saw billionaire US love guru Jack Qwant, played by Patrick Dempsey, compete for Bridget against Mark.

Colin Firth (left), Renee Zellweger and Hugh Grant, who were in Bridget Jones: The Edge Of Reason (Ian West/PA)

Grant told Vanity Fair: I really couldnt fit my character in  he just didnt belong, so I stepped aside.

However, he said that he loved the script for the latest instalment, Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy, and said it made me cry, and I wanted to help with this one.

But really theres no part for Daniel Cleaver in it at all, Grant added.

They wanted him in it, and in the end, theyd done something I wasnt crazy about.

However, he explained that due to the strength of British author Helen Fieldings work Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy, which sees Bridget as a widow in her 50s with two children following Marks death some years earlier  and him writing some scenes  he will return.

He said: Its absolutely the best (book) and I think its very funny and very, very moving. Im not in a lot, I did a weeks work, thats it  But when you see the film, youll be very moved.

Colin Firth, Renee Zellweger and Hugh Grant (William Conran/PA)

Grant was in the second instalment titled Bridget Jones: The Edge Of Reason, where he became a travel broadcaster after leaving the job in publishing which he had in Bridget Joness Diary when he was her boss.

The actor has previously won a best acting Bafta for Four Weddings And A Funeral, and been given nominations for supporting actor for Paddington 2 and Florence Foster Jenkins.

He received a leading actor nod for the TV awards for his role in A Very English Scandal.

Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy is set to be released next year, and it is unclear if Firths character will be dead.

He has been reportedly filming scenes with Zellweger in South Kensington, London.
Irish deputy premier Micheal Martin has said he believes that the case against Ian Bailey for the murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier should have gone before a jury.

He said that the murder of the French filmmaker remains seared into our consciousness and the fact that no one was convicted for her murder would always be a deep shame for us.

The Foreign Affairs Minister and Cork South-Central TD made the comments at the launch of the book Sophie: The Final Verdict by journalist Senan Molony in Dublin.

In December 1996, the body of the 39-year-old French filmmaker was found beaten outside her holiday home in Schull, West Cork.

Ian Bailey, who was the main suspect in her murder, died in Cork in January this year aged 66.

Mr Bailey, with an address at The Prairie in Schull, was convicted of murder in his absence by a French court in May 2019.

The three-judge court imposed a 25-year sentence.

The terrible anguish of her family and all who knew her was made much worse by the fact that our system proved incapable of meeting its responsibilities to Sophie, Mr Martin said on Thursday.

However, there is no doubt that this case continues to give a serious cause for reflection.

The simple fact is, we failed in our duty to find and convict a bloody murderer, and our system blocked alternative routes when others were not willing to accept our failures.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin says the case against Ian Bailey should have gone before a jury (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

In October 2020, the High Court in Ireland rejected an attempt by French authorities to extradite Ian Bailey for the murder.

Mr Bailey was facing a third extradition process to France in relation to the filmmakers death.

Mr Martin acknowledged there is a balance between seeking justice for a victim and respecting the rights of the accused.

When you look at the details of this case and the scale of the evidence, it is very, very hard to understand why this evidence was not put before a jury, he said.

Its hard to understand why the system was so convinced by its interpretation of legal principles that it effectively threw its hands in the air and gave up.

He added: The fact that we have absolute independence in our judicial system, that no external pressure can be applied on independent prosecutors and judges is a great strength which we should value.

And at the same time, we can admit that this system failed Sophie Toscan du Plantier.

We can ask for a proper review of whether decisions were reasonable which blocked the murder trial or which would have predetermined its outcome.

Mr Martin also said lessons needed to be learned from the case, including around the speed at which cases are processed.

The deputy premier also highlighted faster processing of people accused of rioting in other jurisdictions.

I think we need an honest conversation about why crimes which can be processed much quicker in other democratic societies seem endlessly delayed here.

Look at the rapid conviction of rioters in other countries and compare this to our response to riots here.

Yes we have resources issues, but most democratic countries also have resource issues.

We could dramatically increase the resources at every level and we would still operate principles and practice which delay justice, often excessively.

He added: Im conscious that there is currently a cold case review into Sophies murder under way, and I sincerely hope that it brings some clarity to the circumstances around her tragic death and answers some of the questions that her beloved parents, Georges and Marguerite, and her son John Pierre have waited nearly three decades for.

We need to learn from our failure to deliver justice for Sophie and Tuscan du Plantier.
A bagpiper and two Mercury Prize nominees are among those on the longlist for the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award.

Bagpiper and fiddler Malin Lewis joins the likes of Barry Cant Swim, corto.alto, Arab Strap and The Snuts who are in the running for the 20,000 prize.

Amid the challenges faced by the culture sector organisers said that the longlist highlights the music industrys invaluable social and cultural contributions as well as its importance to the economy.

Mercury prize nominee corto.alto is in the running for the SAY award (Ian West/PA)

The 20 strong longlist was compiled by 100 impartial nominators, chosen from sectors including journalism, music retail and music venues across Scotland, who ranked their five favourite eligible albums in order of preference.

The Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA)  who produce the award  assigned a score to each title in a nominators top five, with the 20 highest scoring albums whittled down from the 370 eligible submissions to form the SAY Award Longlist.

Arab Strap welcomed their nomination, saying: Weve always seen the SAY Award as more of a celebration than a competition, and were chuffed well be part of the party this year.

Making an album isnt easy, and releasing a record is an achievement in itself  so well done to everyone who was eligible.

Scotlands always been packed full of music, and its great that we have our own wee night to show off.

The list includes 11 debuts from artists including innovative bagpiper Malin Lewis, as well as 2024 Mercury Prize nominees Barry Cant Swim and corto.alto.

Just like many Scottish artists and music producers, being on The SAY Award Longlist has been a dream of mine since as long as I can remember, corto.alto said.

There is so much amazing music released every year in Scotland, and Im so proud, honoured and humbled to have my debut album Bad With Names on this prestigious list.

Malin Lewis said: Im so delighted to hear Halocline has been longlisted for The SAY Award. This album means so much to me, bringing together nature, the highlands, bagpipe making and my life experiences as a trans person.

The longlist will now be whittled down to a shortlist of 10 albums which will be announced on October 3.

The winner will be unveiled at a ceremony at Stirlings Albert Halls on Thursday October 24.

Robert Kilpatrick, chief executive and creative director of the Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA), congratulated the nominees and called for investment in the sector amid challenging times.

He said: Its been a really difficult few weeks for Scotlands cultural sector, coming after a tough few years.

The SAY Award Longlist highlights the strength and diversity of Scottish creative talent, and the essential role that our cultural output plays in helping us reflect on who we are as a nation  what we stand for, how we view our place in the world and how we connect with our past, present and future.

Scottish music not only enriches our identity, but also delivers tangible returns for our economy. In 2018, Scotlands music industry generated 195 million, and music tourism alone contributed 406 million, funding vital public services across the country.

This highlights the significance of music in driving growth and creating jobs, in addition to its invaluable social and cultural contributions.

The challenges our sector has faced in recent weeks demonstrates the urgent need for sustained and increased investment.

Without this, the future of many artists and cultural organisations remains uncertain, and its therefore essential that we continue to advocate for the long-term commitment that Scottish culture both needs and deserves.

Scottish music is the soundtrack and stories of our lives.

Alan Morrison, Head of Music at Creative Scotland, said the longlist is a brilliant snapshot of the ambition and creativity that exists in every music genre in Scotland and a testament to the talent and commitment of the countrys musicians.

He added: Creative Scotland, through Scottish Government regular funding to the Scottish Music Industry Association, is proud to support an event that so passionately champions the albums that form the soundtrack to our daily lives.

The longlist for Scottish Album of the Year:

Afterlands  We Are the Animals in the Night

Amy Laurenson  Strands

Arab Strap  Im totally fine with it dont give a f*** anymore 

Barry Cant Swim  When Will We Land?

Becky Sikasa  The Writings and the Pictures and the Song

Bee Asha  Goodbye, Gracious

Blue Rose Code  Bright Circumstance

Broken Chanter  Chorus Of Doubt

corto.alto  Bad With Names

Dead Pony  IGNORE THIS

Empire State Bastard  Rivers of Heresy

Fergus McCreadie  Stream

Kathryn Williams & Withered Hand  Willson Williams

Lucia & The Best Boys  Burning Castles

Malin Lewis  Halocline

Mama Terra  The Summoned

Rachel Sermanni  Dreamer Awake

rEDOLENT  dinny greet

The Snuts  Millennials

Theo Bleak  Pain
A lawsuit accuses Trump Train drivers of driving in an unsafe manner when they surrounded a Biden-Harris campaign bus in 2020. /Dr. Eric Cervini /Twitter

AUSTIN  The driver of a Biden-Harris campaign bus told jurors Wednesday that he felt under attack when the bus was surrounded by drivers in a Trump Train on Interstate 35 in the run-up to the 2020 election.

Breaking into tears and at times struggling to speak, Timothy Holloway said he had a clenching feeling in his stomach and sweaty palms as he worked to stay calm during the incident, saying the Trump Train drivers forced him to slow down to speeds as low as 5 or 10 miles per hour.

I was the captain of the ship. I was the pilot of the plane, he said. I dont know what theyre trying to do.

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Holloway is one of three people on the Harris-Biden bus that day  along with former Texas state Sen. Wendy Davis and former campaign staffer David Gins  who are suing six of the Trump Train drivers. The lawsuit claims the drivers engaged in an orchestrated attack to intimidate people on the bus. It accuses the defendants 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.

Attorneys for the six defendants  Steve Ceh, Randi Ceh, Robert Mesaros, Joeylynn Mesaros, Eliazar Cisneros and Dolores Park  have disputed those allegations, saying the people on the bus were not put in danger and that the incident was more akin to a rolling pep rally than an attempt at intimidation.

On the third day of the civil trial in federal court in Austin on Wednesday, plaintiffs attorney John Paredes questioned Holloway about how he responded when the bus he was driving was surrounded by dozens of Trump supporters in pickups and SUVs on Oct. 30, 2020, between San Antonio and Austin.

Holloway  who operates his own business as a bus driver and transportation broker was driving the bus after it left a get-out-the-vote event in San Antonio, with stops planned in San Marcos and Austin. Holloway said he got an eerie feeling when he saw Trump supporters vehicles lined up along the interstate waiting for the bus around the Solms Road exit near New Braunfels. He estimated there were 30 to 40 vehicles in the Trump Train at one point.

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I cant really outrun these cars, he said. You have to do whatever the car in front of you does. I have to slow down to 15 miles per hour to avoid hitting other vehicles.

Holloway and the other plaintiffs have said they feared for their lives during the incident, and say the Trump Train drivers caused several near-collisions and forced Holloway to repeatedly swerve to avoid crashing.

The bus, which weighs about 50,000 pounds, could only brake slowly and had a wide turning radius that limited his response, Holloway said. He said he was taught to avoid obstacles and never to swerve the bus because thats an easy way to lose control.

If he had tried to navigate the bus through the group of vehicles, it might have led to deaths, Holloway said.

Defense attorney Erin Mersino asked Holloway why he couldnt have pulled off the freeway and sought safety at a police station, if he felt threatened. When Holloway replied that there are usually stoplights on the frontage roads along the highway, where the Trump Train drivers might have surrounded the stopped bus, she said he could have run the lights if he was really in fear for his life.

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Also Wednesday, another defense attorney clashed with Theron Bowman, a former police official who is working as an expert witness for the plaintiffs' attorneys.

Bowman, a former chief of police with the Arlington Police Department who now runs a consulting company, has testified during the trial that the Trump Train drivers posed a serious threat to traffic safety and that their actions appeared very coordinated.

Jerad Najvar, an attorney for defendant Robert Mesaros, disputed the idea that his client had did anything wrong when he pulled in front of the Biden-Harris bus from the shoulder of the interstate.

In questioning Bowman, Najvar said that Mesaros had stopped on the shoulder because of damage to a state of Texas flag that was flying from the back of his truck. Mesaros pulled in front of the bus only after the driver, Holloway, honked the horn, his attorney said, because he interpreted the honk as a signal to go ahead.

Bowman disputed that contention, saying Holloway made a sustained honk of his horn. While a shorter honk could have been interpreted as a signal to go ahead, I think laying on a horn means get out of my way, Bowman said. It means, Something bads going to happen if you dont move.

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Bowman said he didnt consider it logical for Mesaros to think that pulling in front of the bus was the path of least danger.

The option that he took was probably the least safe option that he had at that moment, he said.

Bowman  who has acknowledged that the plaintiffs' lawyers are paying him $350 per hour to serve as an expert witness  had testified earlier in the trial that in reviewing videos of the incident, he could see a pattern of the drivers working together to surround the bus. He said the drivers would get to certain places, would slow down and let other Trump Train members into the procession.

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.

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Richard Thompson, an attorney representing Delores Park, one of the defendants, 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.

Probably not too long, Bowman admitted.
A Russian Tupolev Tu-22M3 bomber. Moscow is dependent on foreign-made tyres for its planes. Photograph: AP

More than $30m (23m) worth of aircraft tyres made by western manufacturers including the French firm Michelin and Britains Dunlop were imported into Russia last year via intermediaries despite attempts to ban the trade, according to a Ukrainian government agency.

Russian aviation is critically dependent on foreign-made tyres and, according to the available customs records, the vast majority imported into the country in 2023 were produced by companies headquartered in France, Britain, the US and Japan.

After Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine, the US and the EU imposed a ban on the sale of aviation tyres to Russia in February and April 2022, respectively. The UK brought in specific restrictions in December 2023 while Japan acted in July of that year, but customs records indicate widespread and successful attempts to circumvent controls.

Tyres from the French manufacturer Michelin accounted for the largest share of imports last year (70%), worth $28m. The products sold included a type of tyre used on the airbus used by the Russian foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov. But supplies were also said to have been received of products made by the US company Goodyear, the British company Dunlop and Japans Bridgestone.

According to an internal report by the National Agency on Corruption Prevention, seen by the Guardian, most western supplies that entered Russia last year arrived via China, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and central Asian countries, but there was also evidence of tyres arriving directly from the west.

The direct exports were carried out by companies registered in third countries, which the NACP said may indicate the use of false transit schemes or change of destination and recipient at transit points after the goods have been shopped [bought] from such countries.

There is no suggestion of wrongdoing by Michelin, Goodyear, Dunlop or Bridgestone.

A spokesperson for Michelin said the company had launched an investigation into the findings.

He said: First, we would like to remind you that Michelin has ceased all exports to Russia since March 15, 2022. The group has also permanently closed all its commercial and industrial activities in the country.

Furthermore, Michelin is committed to scrupulously complying with applicable economic and financial sanctions and has established a dedicated internal organisation to ensure this compliance.

In relation to the report, Michelin is fully committed and takes this information very seriously. The group will naturally investigate all elements brought to its attention and will take all urgent and appropriate measures when necessary.

Of the nearly $1.2m worth of Dunlop tyres imported to Russia, the agency report claims that 70% arrived directly from the UK. Dunlop, which is based in Birmingham, did not respond to a request for comment.

Around $5.7m worth of Goodyear tyres were imported to Russia in 2023, of which half arrived via China. A spokesman said: Goodyear suspended tyre shipments to Russia in March 2022. Given the global nature of our business, we have strict import and export controls in place, and we actively monitor our operations to ensure compliance regarding trade restrictions with certain countries, entities and individuals around the world. We will review the information that you have provided as part of our standard compliance process.

According to the NACP report, 200 aircraft tyres manufactured by Bridgestone were imported to Russia for $800,000 via the UK, India, Maldives and Turkey.

A spokesperson for Bridgestone said: Given the protections in place and after conducting an internal review, Bridgestone is not aware of any shipment of Bridgestone aircraft tyres to Russia.

If shipments to Russia were made by Bridgestone customers, this would violate the export restrictions established by Bridgestone and included in BAEs general terms and conditions. However, Bridgestone will continue to review this matter with its customers and take appropriate action to ensure compliance.

Russia has been trying to develop its own tyre manufacturing base but its efforts remain at an early stage, with only one such factory in operation, Yaroslavl Tyre Plant, 300 miles north-east of Moscow.

Chinese manufacturers accounted for 10% of Russian imports of aircraft tyres in 2023, the NACP report says.

A UK government spokesperson said Whitehall was working with the industry to close down attempts to circumvent the sanctions.

We have sanctioned every item that Ukraine has found Russia using on the battlefield and, alongside our allies, we have banned the sale of aircraft tyres to Russia, he said. UK businesses must undertake due diligence to ensure Russia is not the end destination of these products, and non-compliance with these tough sanctions is a serious offence and punishable through large financial penalties or criminal prosecution.
The Royal Navy has shadowed a Russian attack submarine and corvette through the English Channel while RAF jets were scrambled to monitor two of Vladimir Putins aircraft.

In the past week Type 23 frigate HMS Iron Duke monitored the progress of Kilo-class submarine Novorossiysk and a supporting tug as it passed through the Dover Strait before a similar operation to shadow the corvette Stoiky and a tanker.

Patrol ship HMS Tyne was also involved in the operation to monitor the Stoiky.

The Royal Navy offshore patrol vessel HMS Tyne (Andrew Matthews/PA)

On Wednesday, two RAF Typhoons from RAF Lossiemouth were scrambled to intercept a pair of Bear-F maritime reconnaissance aircraft operating near the UK, although they did not enter UK sovereign airspace.

Defence Secretary John Healey said: This Government is committed to making the UK secure at home and strong abroad.

Efforts by the Royal Navy and RAF over the last two weeks demonstrate their selfless commitment to protecting our national security.

Id like to thank those members of our armed forces who took part in this operation, their professionalism and skill was on full display while working seamlessly with our Nato allies to uphold international standards.

Typhoon fighter jets were scrambled to monitor the Russian Bear-F aircraft (Jane Barlow/PA)

The RAF and Royal Navy are frequently called on to monitor Russian planes and vessels as they travel near the UK, but the activity comes at a time of heightened tension as a result of the war in Ukraine.

The Ministry of Defence confirmed the recent activity on the eve of a key meeting between Sir Keir Starmer and US President Joe Biden in Washington, where the issue of support for Ukraine will be discussed.

The UK and US have faced calls from Ukraine to give permission to allow long-range weapons supplied to Kyiv to be used to strike targets such as airbases within Russia.
Anthony Albanese and the Labor left have chosen the candidate for Gorton amid disagreement between Richard Marles, right, and the Australian Workers Union. Photograph: Mick Tsikas/AAP

The deputy prime minister, Richard Marles, has won a struggle with Bill Shortens old union, the Australian Workers Union, to pick the next candidate for the safe Labor seat of Gorton.

Shortens seat of Maribyrnong will be contested by the lefts Jo Briskey while Labors choice for Gorton came down to a tussle between the climate crisis and water policy expert Alice Jordan-Baird and the Brimbank mayor, Ranka Rasic.

Nominations for Labors Victorian seats closed on Thursday, before a national executive meeting on Friday at which Anthony Albanese and the left delivered the votes for Jordan-Baird to contest the seat of the former skills minister, Brendan OConnor.

Related: From union rabble-rouser to cringe socials, Bill Shorten was a master of retail politics

Jordan-Baird was backed by Marles and the Transport Workers Union. Rasic was backed by the AWU and was understood to have the majority of support from the right faction.

Before nominations closed, one Labor source suggested the stoush would be not as dramatic as foretold, with constructive conversations likely to determine who was best for the electorate and the Albanese government.

But negotiations on Thursday failed to persuade Rasic to drop out to save face for Marles pick, and neither candidate withdrew. Rasic was defeated 12-9 in the ballot.

Briskey, the United Workers Unions national political coordinator, will contest the north-west Melbourne seat of Maribyrnong, to be vacated when Shorten retires in February.

She is a former chief executive of not-for-profit The Parenthood and an organiser in the Queensland United Voice branch, who was understood to have support from the Queensland powerbroker Gary Bullock.

Both seats are considered safe for Labor, with Shortens 12.4% margin at the 2022 election now estimated by the ABCs Antony Green to be up to 12.9% after a redistribution, while Gorton is also solid on a 10% margin.

In Maria Vamvakinous seat of Calwell, Labor will preselect her former adviser Basem Abdo, a Palestinian Australian who received her blessing when she retired in June.
Students and activists participate in a pro-Palestinian protest at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, on 1 May. Photograph: Erik S Lesser/EPA

Students and faculty at Atlantas Emory University have been targeted by an outside group posting and handing out flyers labeling 14 of their colleagues anti-Israel. The flyer, titled Security Alert, included the names, ages and mugshot-style photos of each of them, arranged under the word Arrested.

Campus Reform, a national group of conservative students, put its logo on the flyer, which refers to arrests made during last Aprils protests seeking Emory divestment from Israel. Charges for most of that days 28 arrests remain unresolved and awaiting trial, after several faculty leaders have been unsuccessful in efforts to get Emory president Gregory Fenves to ask prosecutors to drop them.

The flyers were distributed on Monday as classes began again and have left several faculty members and 11 students  and others who supported last years protests  concerned for their own safety and awaiting a response from the schools administration, according to interviews with the Guardian.

Campus Reforms past efforts have led to faculty on campuses across the nation receiving threats of harm  including violence or death, according to research by the American Association of University Professors. The Leadership Institute, funded by the Koch family and others, runs the group.

Related: Georgias Emory University called thuggish over unilateral protest rules

The flyers, which students and the schools Open Expression team have now removed from campus, appeared only days before the new school years first protest on divestment from Israel, part of a nationwide Walkout for Palestine scheduled for Thursday.

One of the students who appears on the flyer spoke to the Guardian on condition of anonymity, due to safety concerns. She recounted how she approached the campus quad or central plaza on the morning of 25 April to observe last semesters protest, then only several hours old. I was there two minutes [] when a police officer came up behind me, grabbed my hands and put zip ties on me, she said.

On Monday afternoon, friends began sending her messages about the flyer. Its scary, she said. I dont want to be targeted. Im scared someone will see the flyer, see me, feel afraid and call the cops on me.

Emil Keme, a professor in the Native American and Indigenous Studies program, was also on the flyer. An Indigenous Kiche Maya scholar and one of only two Indigenous tenured faculty members at Emory, Keme told the Guardian that he came to the US as a teenager from Guatemala, escaping a civil war against my people  involving the Guatemalan army, who received training from Israelis.

Keme went to observe the protest 25 April and saw police immediately began to force people to move. I felt like I was in a war zone, with all the police and their weapons, the rubber bullets  I held on to one of my students. Police took the student next to me, pushed an older lady nearby and then pushed me.

After seeing the flyers this week, he said: I feel uncomfortable and disoriented. As with others who spoke to the Guardian, Keme said he wants to see Emory respond to Mondays events.

Noelle McAfee, chairperson of Emorys philosophy department and also featured on the flyer, sent an email Tuesday afternoon to Brad Slutsky, Emorys general counsel, asking what the university will do to notify the [Campus Reform] organization that it is has violated our rules and, absent any invitation from any member of the campus community, is not welcome here.

McAfee said the flyer is defaming students and faculty mentioned by calling them anti-Israel and claiming that all those arrested were involved in setting up an encampment. Theres no evidence [of this], she said. The whole thing is lies.

Spokesperson Laura Diamond did not reply to a query from the Guardian about whether the schools administration will be making a statement or taking any action in response to the flyers but wrote in an email: Emory condemns any attempt to publicly harass and intimidate members of our community.

Related: US students arrested in Gaza campus protests face academic and legal woes

Meanwhile, Ibrahim, a Muslim Emory student who was not on the flyer but did not want his last name used, said my biggest fear  is that people from outside the university will come onto campus and harm us, referring to Palestinian, Muslim and Arab students. This [flyer] was an indication of the very real possibility that could happen.

If you go around handing out flyers with peoples names and pictures, drawing negative attention to them, he said, its very clear you want to cause harm to them  physically, emotionally or psychologically.

Speaking of the protest planned for Thursday, he said: There are a lot of heightened tensions. Theres a tense climate. Still, were not going to stop protesting  but we have to be very vigilant.
The Australian government has decided to cancel the awards and honours of a small group of former military officers who held command positions at the time that others under their command were accused of war crimes.

The defence minister, Richard Marles, gave an update to parliament on Thursday on the governments progress in acting on the longstanding recommendations from the Brereton inquiry into alleged war crimes in Afghanistan.

He addressed the long-debated issue of command accountability, saying this was the final step in government action emanating from the Brereton report.

Marles told parliament that any criminal investigations and prosecutions were a separate matter that were being handled at arms-length from the government and could still take years to complete.

Marles sent letters to potentially affected individuals  understood to be fewer than 15 people  on Wednesday to notify them about whether their awards were being cancelled or were being retained.

Guardian Australia understands there are fewer than 10 individuals whose awards will be cancelled.

Marles said he would not disclose the names or details due to privacy obligations, but that Australia was holding itself accountable for the allegations.

Maj Gen Paul Brereton, who led a four-year-long inquiry that presented its findings in 2020, found credible information to implicate 25 current or former Australian special forces personnel in the alleged unlawful killing of 39 individuals and the cruel treatment of two others in Afghanistan.

Investigations into criminal allegations are the responsibility of a separate body, the Office of the Special Investigator, and there is no information to suggest the actions announced on Thursday relate to those accused directly of committing misconduct.

Brereton wrote in his report that unnamed special operations troop, squadron and task group commanders bore moral command responsibility and accountability for what happened under their command and control.

Marles told Guardian Australia shortly after Labor won the 2022 election that he was deeply committed to reforming the ADF and that history will judge us on the response to the Brereton inquiry.

But successive governments have long delayed making a decision on command accountability.

In a final report to the then defence minister, Peter Dutton, before the 2022 election, an oversight panel raised concerns that the failure for any accountability to be required from senior officers  is widely resented in the [special forces] and a factor contributing to lowered morale.

The Afghanistan inquiry implementation oversight panel, led by the former intelligence watchdog Vivienne Thom, renewed these concerns in another report released in May 2024.

Marles received advice in May 2023 from the then chief of the Australian defence force, Angus Campbell, about the command accountability, including recommendations about stripping some commanders of honours or awards.

Campbell commanded Joint Task Force 633, based in the United Arab Emirates, from January 2011 to January 2012 and made regular visits to Afghanistan in that time, but there is no suggestion he will lose his Distinguished Service Cross.

Related: Australian soldiers thrown under the bus over alleged Afghanistan war crimes, SAS body says

At a press conference on Thursday, Marles was asked why Campbell would not lose that medal. The minister replied that he had followed Breretons report to the letter.

The report said Joint Task Force 633 did not have the degree of command and control over special operations forces in Afghanistan on which the principle of command responsibility depends.

But the Coalitions defence spokesperson, Andrew Hastie, a former SAS captain who served in Afghanistan, told parliament he disagreed with the Brereton report on how far it reaches up the chain in assigning responsibility.

I believe that our troops were let down by a lack of moral courage that went up the chain of command all the way to Canberra  including in this House, Hastie told parliament on Thursday.

From Tarin Kowt to Kabul to Kandahar to Dubai to Canberra, those in the chain of command should have asked more questions.

The crossbench senator Jacqui Lambie accused the government of throwing our diggers under the bus and said it was insensitive for Marles to make the announcement just days after the royal commission report into veteran suicide.

Lambie told the Senate: Yet, in his response, he still managed to forget one key thing: the accountability of the top brass.

The decision on command accountability is separate from the previous governments decision to retain the meritorious unit citation for more than 3,000 current or former ADF members who served in Afghanistan between 2007 and 2013.

Dutton overruled advice from defence leadership and decided to keep that citation in place. Marles had long insisted that the Labor government would not rake over old coals in terms of decisions that have been made by the former government.

Compensation to Afghan victims of alleged Australian war crimes has also been a long-debated issue but is finally progressing with a new regulation setting up a pathway for an Afghanistan inquiry compensation scheme.

The regulation says recipients must be considered by the ADF chief to be reasonably likely to be the victim of an assault or property damage or a family member of a victim of an unlawful killing and must not be a member of a terrorist organisation.

The executive director of the Australian Centre for International Justice, Rawan Arraf, said it was disappointing that it has taken the Australian government over three-and-a-half years to address redress avenues for Afghan victims and their families and raised concerns about serious shortcomings of the scheme.
Avanti train

Avanti West Coast is the worst train company for delays, official figures have revealed.

Office of Rail and Road (ORR) figures published on Thursday showed that two in five (41pc) of Avantis trains ran on time between April and June, the worst performance out of all the UKs rail companies.

In contrast, the best operator for the second quarter of the year was Greater Anglia, where 87 per cent of trains arrived within one minute of their scheduled time.

Louise Haigh, the Transport Secretary, told The Telegraph: Avanti West Coasts woeful performance wont be tolerated under this Labour Government.

In my first week as Secretary of State, I summoned Avanti bosses to demand an urgent focus on improvements.

Well be closely monitoring the operators service levels in the coming weeks. Unlike the Conservatives, this Government wont stand by and watch while passengers are let down time and time again.

Thats why were delivering the biggest overhaul to our railways in a generation with publicly-owned Great British Railways  and well bring Avanti West Coast into public ownership at the earliest possible opportunity.

Government sources said they were exploring options to cut short Avantis contract, highlighting that the company was handed a nine-year deal by the Conservatives last year.

At 44,989 delay minutes, Avantis figure for total delays was also the highest since current records began in 2016.

An Avanti spokesman said: We know there is work to do, together with Network Rail, to deliver a service on the WCML that our customers deserve.

There is room for improvement and as a result, colleagues at both organisations have produced a joint performance plan to deliver this.

It comes after a broken-down Avanti service on Monday prompted huge backlogs and delays of eight hours on some London-Scotland services, with passengers stranded at remote stations for substantial periods of time.

Thursdays ORR delay and cancellation figures also showed that of the eight least reliable train companies, four were publicly owned  and that state-owned Network Rail was responsible for 60 per cent of delay minutes racked up across the nations 9,800 miles of tracks.

Looking at total cancellations, four of the eight least reliable train companies were publicly operated, and the infrastructure manager, Network Rail  publicly owned since 2002  was responsible for over 60 per cent of delay minutes, said Andy Bagnall, chief executive of the privately-owned train companies trade association, Rail Partners.

By comparison, the data shows the five most punctual operators over the same time period were all privately operated, he added.

Joint plan to improve infrastructure reliability

A Network Rail spokesman said: It is right that the rail industry is held to account following unacceptable train performance on the West Coast main line (WCML).

While WCML train performance is starting to improve, we are working hard with our partners at Avanti West Coast to drive up the reliability and punctuality of services.

We have a joint plan thats focussed on improving infrastructure reliability and incident recovery times to help keep important passenger and freight services moving safely and efficiently at all times.

Labour has vowed to nationalise the passenger train companies, unwinding John Majors re-privatisation of the railways in the 1990s.

Britains railways were operated by private companies from their inception in the 19th century until 1948, when Clement Attlees Labour government embarked on a nationalisation spree that resulted in the creation of British Railways.
HMS Iron Duke (right) shadowing the Russian warship Stoiky in the Dover Strait last week - MoD

Britains Armed Forces have shadowed Russian warships and planes in the past week, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has revealed.

The Royal Navy followed a Russian attack submarine and corvette through the Channel, and RAF jets were scrambled to monitor two Russian aircraft.

HMS Iron Duke, a type 23 frigate, monitored the progress of the Novorossiysk, a kilo-class submarine, and its supporting tug as they passed through the Dover Strait, before a similar operation to shadow the Stoiky, a corvette, and a tanker.

A patrol ship, HMS Tyne, was also involved in the operation to monitor the Stoiky.

On Wednesday, two Typhoons from RAF Lossiemouth were scrambled to intercept a pair of Bear-F maritime reconnaissance aircraft, which operated near the UK without entering UK sovereign airspace.

One of the Russian aircraft, photographed by an RAF pilot - MoD

John Healey, the Defence Secretary, said: This Government is committed to making the UK secure at home and strong abroad. Efforts by the Royal Navy and RAF over the last two weeks demonstrate their selfless commitment to protecting our national security.

Id like to thank those members of our Armed Forces who took part in this operation. Their professionalism and skill was on full display while working seamlessly with our Nato allies to uphold international standards.

The RAF and Royal Navy are frequently called on to monitor Russian planes and vessels as they travel near the UK, but the latest activity comes amid tension over the war in Ukraine.

The MoD confirmed the recent shadowing on the eve of a key meeting between Sir Keir Starmer and Joe Biden in Washington, where the issue of support for Ukraine will be discussed.

The UK and US have faced calls from Ukraine to allow long-range weapons supplied to Kyiv to be used to strike targets such as air bases within Russia.
The bearskin caps are used for ceremonial events such as Trooping the Colour - UNPIXS

The cost of ceremonial bearskin caps worn by the Kings Guard has risen 30 per cent in a year, according to figures from the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

Experts have suggested higher import costs may have contributed to the spike in prices paid for the caps worn by soldiers outside Buckingham Palace.

The cost of one cap rose from 1,560 in 2022 to 2,040 in 2023 when 24 were purchased, according to data provided in a Freedom of Information (FoI) request by the MoD.

A spokesman said prices had risen because of contractual arrangements in the supply of the caps, which are sourced from Canadian bear hunters.

Charlie Jacoby, the president of Safari Club Internationals UK chapter, said there had been no slowdown in the availability of black bear hunting.

Where we are seeing price rises is bringing animal parts through borders, which is why many of us are switching to 3D printing of horns and use of faux fur capes.

Call for fake fur alternatives

The Kings Guard bearskin caps have become a target for animal rights activists, who have called for a fake fur alternative to be used.

While in opposition, Labour had called for a review into the alternatives to using fur, including over the costs, and the MoD said it would now be open to sampling of different materials.

Stephanie Peacock, the then-shadow defence minister, told the House of Commons: It is incredibly important that traditions develop and adapt if they are to survive.

But the MoD has maintained that no fake fur alternatives have yet been shown to satisfy safety and durability requirements of the caps, which are used for ceremonial events such as Trooping the Colour.

Peta, the animal rights charity which submitted the FoI to the MoD, said rising costs were another reason for the use of bearskin hats to be ended.

Peta is calling on the Ministry of Defence to stop wasting taxpayer pounds on caps made from slaughtered wildlife and switch to faux fur today, said Elisa Allen, the charitys vice president of programmes.

In May, the Queen made a commitment to stop buying fur garments, following in the footsteps of her late mother-in-law, Elizabeth II.

An MoD spokesman said: We are open to exploring faux fur alternatives if they pass the necessary requirements  including safety and durability considerations  though no alternative has met all those criteria to date.
Guizian Qin was 39 years younger than British millionaire Robert Harrington when she married him in 2019 - Champion News

The daughter of a British millionaire whose Chinese widow dumped him in the cheapest possible grave after being left his fortune has won a legal battle over his will.

Jill Langley, 70, was disinherited by her father, Robert Harrington, when he died in 2020, but earlier this year she successfully challenged his will after claiming his wife, Guixiang Qin, had manipulated him into leaving her everything.

Ms Langley has now gone a step further, winning another hearing at the High Court which has left Ms Qin, 54, stripped of the right to manage her late husbands estate.

Master Julia Clark ruled that the widow was not a fit person to be an administrator of the estate, which was valued at about 1 million.

It is the latest blow to Ms Qin, a former lawyer in China, who was 39 years younger than Mr Harrington when she married him in 2019.

Mr Harrington, who had made his fortune through a butchery business, died aged 94 in May 2020.

Jill Langley was given control of the estate of her late father, Robert Harrington - Champion News

Two months before his death, he made a new will, leaving everything to his new bride and cutting out Ms Langley, his only child, who had previously been named as his heir.

The inheritance dispute was taken to a trial at Central London County Court, where Ms Langley claimed her fathers widow had lured him into a predatory marriage and dumped him in the cheapest possible grave once she had got all his money.

She claimed her father was in poor physical shape given his advanced years, unable to even stand for a photo on his wedding day and was not even able to pronounce his brides name.

The will was declared invalid in April, with Recorder Robert McAllister finding that Ms Qin had exerted undue influence and control over Mr Harrington and his finances.

The judge also found Mr Harrington was mentally unfit at the time and that Ms Qin had been the guiding hand behind the will, meaning he would be deemed to have died intestate.

Ms Qin denied the claims, saying she and Mr Harrington had embarked on a loving relationship and that he wanted to look after her.

She still received about 475,000, although faces legal costs estimated at 139,000, while Ms Langley reclaimed 200,000.

The case returned to court, with Master Clark at Londons High Court being asked to order Ms Qins removal as joint administrator of her husbands estate in favour of his daughter.

James McKean, for Ms Langley, urged the judge to pass over Ms Qin as the findings of fact justify or establish that she isnt an appropriate person to act as personal representative of the estate.

After a short hearing during which Ms Qin represented herself, Master Clark ruled against the widow, pointing out that the trial judge held that the will was invalid as having been procured by undue influence and also that Mr Harrington lacked capacity to make it.

She added that the facts found at the trial would plainly lead to the conclusion that Mrs Qin... is not a fit person to be an administrator.
A report by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare says health services for managing dementia have increased to accommodate more than 411,000 people. Photograph: Justin Paget/Getty Images

The number of dementia medication prescriptions has jumped by almost 50% in Australia in the past decade as more people seek out therapies that may slow the progression of the disease.

The latest report on dementia from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, released on Friday, revealed that health services for managing dementia have increased to accommodate 411,100 people.

As dementia rates grow, a neuroscience expert has warned Australia is unprepared for the full impact the disease will have on the community, economy and health system. Dementia is the leading cause of premature death in older Australians.

The western Pacific region, where Australia is situated, has one of the fastest-growing ageing populations in the world, placing us at the forefront of the dementia crisis, said Prof Matthew Kiernan, the chief executive and director of Neuroscience Research Australia.

Related: One in five Australians wrongly believe dementia is normal part of the ageing process, survey shows

Almost 688,000 dementia medication prescriptions were dispensed in 2022-23 to about 72,400 Australians aged 30 and over, the report said. That represented a 46% increase from just over 472,000 scripts for about 50,800 people in 2013-14.

The increase is likely to be due to a combination of factors: a rise in diagnoses, greater awareness among families, carers and healthcare providers about available treatments, and a greater willingness to prescribe, according to Kiernan.

Previously there may have been a sense of nihilism, but the community is now more informed and proactive, he said.

Dementia is an umbrella term for several diseases that over time destroy nerve cells and damage the brain, affecting memory, thinking and the ability to perform daily activities. The most common is Alzheimers disease but it also common for someone to have multiple types, known as mixed dementia.

About one in every 11 deaths in Australia are due to dementia, with 17,800 deaths in 2022  of whom nearly two-thirds were women (11,300) and one-third men (6,600), the report, titled Dementia in Australia, found.

Melanie Dunford, a spokesperson for AIHW, said dementia was the second leading cause of death in Australia after coronary heart disease, making up 9.3% of all deaths.

It was the leading cause of death for women and for Australians aged 65 and over in 2022, she said.

Although there is no cure for dementia, there are four medications  donepezil, galantamine, rivastigmine and memantine  available under the pharmaceutical benefits scheme which may alleviate some of the symptoms and slow the progression of Alzheimers disease, the report said.

Three of the medications (donepezil, galantamine and rivastigmine) are acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, which work by blocking the actions of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, which destroys a major neurotransmitter for memory.

Memantine works by blocking the neurotransmitter glutamate, which causes damage to brain cells and is present in high levels in people with Alzheimers disease.

Clinical trials have taken place for two new disease modifying therapies, lecanemab and donanemab, but the benefits of these much-hyped drugs have proved harder to quantify than their potential harms, experts have previously told Guardian Australia.

Donepezil was the most commonly dispensed dementia-specific medication in 2022-23, accounting for 66% of all scripts. It was also the medication most people were likely to be first prescribed, the report found.

Related: Alzheimers breakthrough stalls: why a much-hyped drug is facing approval delays

In 2022-23, GPs prescribed 50% of initial scripts of dementia medications but can only do so after the patients diagnosis of Alzheimers disease has been confirmed by a specialist.

There was a 34% increase in the number of people dispensed dementia-specific medications for the first time, mostly due to the ageing population of Australia, the report said.

Kiernan said it was essential that communities, governments and industries come together to urgently to address this escalating challenge.

For every individual with dementia who leaves the workforce, a carer is often forced to leave too, placing significant pressure on our economy.
Shown is a satellite view of Tropical Depression Nine-E, as of 11 a.m. Thursday. The system strengthened into Tropical Storm Ileana later in the day. NOAA/COD Meteorology

Far from Texas, Tropical Storm Ileana was strengthening and becoming more organized in the eastern Pacific Ocean. As of 4 p.m. Thursday, the tropical cyclone was about 240 miles south-southeast of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, the National Hurricane Center said. Sustained winds are estimated at 40 mph.

The hurricane center expected the tropical storm to move north-northwest at 9 mph through Friday.

A turn to the north at a slightly slower forward speed is expected Friday night, forecasters said.

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Where is it going?

On the forecast track, the center of Ileana should pass near or over the southern portion of Baja California Sur Friday and Friday night before emerging over the southern Gulf of California late Friday night or early Saturday, the hurricane center said Thursday.

From there, Ileana is likely to move into the Gulf of California, which is a narrow body of water between the Baja California peninsula and the Mexican mainland.

Shown is the National Hurricane Centers projected path for future Tropical Storm Ileana. National Hurricane Center

By Sunday and Monday, the tropical storm will interact with more land in northwestern Mexico, likely producing heavy rain, flooding and mudslides in the region. While some strengthening of the storm is possible, most weather models keep the system as a tropical storm through the weekend. A hurricane is not likely at this time.

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Any rain for Texas?

This particular tropical system is not likely to track over Texas. However, a trough of low atmospheric pressure in the western United States may pick up some of the storms tropical moisture and transfer it eastward as we head into Sunday and Monday.

Widespread rainfall is not expected, but a few scattered showers and storms will be possible, especially in far South and Southwest Texas. The best chance of rain will be from Del Rio south to Laredo and the Rio Grande Valley. San Antonio will have a chance of rain, too, but overall chances are only about 20% in the Alamo City.

Shown are potential rainfall totals through Monday across South Texas. While the tropical storm will not move into the state, some associated moisture will cause scattered showers and storms. Pivotal Weather

Rainfall totals will generally be light. The regions in South Texas that see rain will likely get less than a half-inch. A few isolated locations could see up to an inch.

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Area to watch during fall

While this tropical storm is not expected to cause major concerns for the Lone Star State, this region of the Pacific Ocean will become an area to watch over the next six weeks, especially as we move into October.

During the fall, the frequency of tropical systems emerging from the Gulf of Mexico decreases substantially. Thats because we experience more frequent cold fronts during the fall. The fronts act as a barrier, keeping Gulf-based tropical systems away from the Texas coast, steering them toward the eastern Gulf and the Eastern Seaboard.

Meanwhile, the eastern Pacific hurricane season stays strong through the end of October. Whenever these storms turn north into Mexico, thats when South Texas has the best chance of receiving significant tropical moisture.

Different list for Pacific storms

The eastern Pacific hurricane season has its own alphabetical list of alternating male and female names assigned to storms, similar to whats used for the Atlantic hurricane season.

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So far in 2024, eight named storms have formed in the eastern Pacific, including two hurricanes. The named storms were: Aletta, Bud, Carlotta, Daniel, Emilia, Fabio, Gilma and Hector.
The Lake Ponchartrain causeway was closed due to Hurricane Francine in Metairie, Louisiana, on Wednesday. Photograph: Matthew Hinton/AP

Francines center moved inland on Thursday after making landfall as a category 2 hurricane and had weakened to a tropical storm and then a tropical depression leaving a trail of flooding and wind damage in its wake.

Francine will progressively deteriorate as it tracks across west-central Mississippi into the mid-south on Thursday and Friday.

Maximum sustained winds have decreased to near 35 miles per hour, the National Weather Service said, adding that the storm is forecast to spin down. On Thursday morning, the storm was downgraded to a tropical depression, the National Weather Service said, and is expected to become a post-tropical cyclone later on Thursday.

About 6-8in of rain fell in the New Orleans area, the National Weather Service said. A flash flood emergency warning of potential for catastrophic damage and a threat to life was briefly issued on Wednesday night for the area.

Related: A brutal hurricane razed their town. Five years later, theyre still searching for home

While no more rainfall was expected in Louisiana early on Thursday, the area is already being impacted by flash flooding, the weather service said.

As of Thursday morning, heavy rainfall was spreading across Mississippi, Alabama and the Florida Panhandle, according to the National Weather Service, and wind gusts were possible for the next several hours.

A few tornadoes are possible on Thursday, weather officials added, mainly on Thursday morning and afternoon from the Florida Panhandle to north-central Alabama.

Francine slammed into the Louisiana coast on Wednesday evening with 100mph (155km/h) winds in Terrebonne parish, battering a fragile coastal region that has not fully recovered from a series of devastating hurricanes in 2020 and 2021. It then moved at a fast clip toward New Orleans, pounding the city with torrential rains.



There were no immediate reports of deaths or injuries. TV news broadcasts from coastal communities showed waves from nearby lakes, rivers and Gulf waters thrashing sea walls. Water poured into city streets amid blinding downpours. Oak and cypress trees leaned in the high winds, and some utility poles swayed back and forth.

Its a little bit worse than what I expected, to be honest with you, said Alvin Cockerham, fire chief of Morgan City, about 30 miles (50km) from where the storms center made landfall. I pulled all my trucks back to the station. Its too dangerous to be out there in this.

According to Jonathan Erdman, a senior meteorologist for the Weather Channel, Wednesday was a top 10 wettest calendar day on record in New Orleans, wettest in almost nine years.

In Lafourche parish, the sheriff said on Wednesday night that authorities rescued multiple families in the Thibodaux area who were trapped due to rising water following Hurricane Francine. A total of 26 people were rescued, authorities said, and most were transported to an emergency shelter.

A curfew is in effect in LaFourche parish until 10am local time. Other parishes, such as Terrebonne, also implemented curfews on Wednesday night, urging residents to remain off the roads and stay indoors.

Officials for St James parish, west of New Orleans, said that several roads and highways were impassable on Thursday morning, and received reports of of downed trees and power lines, flooding and structural damage on Wednesday night.

Classes at Louisiana State University were held remotely on Wednesday and schools officials said that classes would be remote again on Thursday, as the campus was closed due to Francine.

Power outages in Louisiana topped 390,000 early on Thursday, according to the tracking site poweroutage.us, with an additional 62,000 outages reported in Mississippi, and over 10,000 in Alabama.

In some areas, including Jefferson parish in Greater New Orleans, officials are urging residents to conserve water due to sewage concerns.

As of Thursday morning, storm surge warnings were in effect for the areas around the mouth of the Pearl River to the Mississippi-Alabama border as well as Lake Maurepas in southern Louisiana, and Lake Pontchartrain, in south-eastern Louisiana.

Flash flood warnings remain in effect in areas of Mississippi and the Florida panhandle.

The New Orleans international airport said on social media that there was no significant damage to the terminal or runways and that though there are still many cancellations occurring, most airlines are expected to resume normal operations by late Thursday morning.

Tate Reeves, the governor of Mississippi, said in a statement that as of Thursday morning, no injuries had been reported in the state so far, and that around 51,000 were still without power.

Reeves added that around 160 people used shelters on Wednesday night, and that damage assessments were set to begin on Thursday morning as several roads remained closed in coastal and central counties due to flooding.

Heavy rain is expected to continue through at least this afternoon, so please continue to stay weather aware, Reeves said.

The Associated Press contributed reporting
Year 11 students Sebastian, Henok and Jerome from Fulham Boys School will all only be allowed to bring a basic phone to school

Its a drizzly September morning, and Im walking towards Fulham Boys School in west London at 8am. Pockets of boys wearing the school logo are heading the same way, and from the nervous-looking new starters in their oversized blazers, to the older boys with their teenage swagger, these 11- to 16-year-olds look no different to the thousands of schoolchildren up and down the UK heading back to school this month. Except for one thing: none of them are clutching a mobile phone.

This is because Fulham Boys School  a Church of England free school founded by local parents in 2014, and among the top five per cent in the country, has announced it has banned smartphones. It will only allow students a basic brick phone, which can only be used to text or call and has no access to the internet or social media.

For those without school-age children this may sound unremarkable until you consider the facts. In the UK today, almost all (97 per cent) of 12-year-olds have their own mobile phone, along with more than half (55 per cent) of 8- to 11-year-olds.

In April, research by Ofcom found nearly a quarter of five- to seven-year-olds own a smartphone, while more than half of children under 13 use social media (despite platforms like Snapchat and Instagram having a minimum age limit of 13, which the children surveyed admitted to easily sidestepping).

In February, Rishi Sunaks government issued guidance for schools on smartphones including the right to ban or restrict them in a bid to improve behaviour, something that opened the door for David Smith, the headmaster of Fulham Boys School (FBS).

The school has over 800 students, across several different faiths and backgrounds (a sign above the door to the canteen reads, At FBS your postcode doesnt matter). Im familiar with the hustle and bustle of state secondaries, with two children at one myself, but what strikes me is that at Fulham Boys there is no Grange Hill-style messing about in the corridors or even on the Tube to school (I see several students on my way in). Rather, the boys are smartly dressed, polite, holding doors open for me, and each other, and engaged.

I teach the boys that when society walks in one direction, sometimes its OK to walk the other way says Headmaster David Smith, who introduced the ban - Heathcliff O'Malley

In his office on the first floor, Smith tells me he had been considering the phone issue long before this. One day, after picking up his 11-year-old daughter from her junior school and witnessing her classmates, some as young as nine, walking out of the school gates clutching their phones, they were glued to them, he decided he didnt want the same for his children [he also has a son aged eight]. Then I thought, if I dont want it for them, why should I want it for the boys at my school?

He had also begun reading the increasing research around children and smartphones, along with The Anxious Generation, a new book by the American social psychologist Jonathan Haidt. In it, Haidt argues that our childrens move from a play-based childhood with healthy risk-taking into a phone-based childhood is making them anxious and depressed. He also draws attention to the fact that the introduction of smartphones in the early 2010s is when we saw rates of teenage mental illness begin to soar.

The early 2010s was also the time Smith began his teaching career, so hes witnessed the effect smartphones have had on students firsthand. I became convinced we needed to stop and pause while we considered how to continue, he says. We began surveying the boys and found 97 per cent received around 50 messages or notifications a day, while 38 per cent had no restrictions on their phone.

It was time to press pause and in May, letters went out to parents informing them of the ban, which included a six-week phone confiscation for pupils found with a smartphone.

Many were pleased, like Meron Gwiggner, a mother of two sons aged 12 and 14. On the drive to school this morning my boys were interacting with each other and taking in their surroundings for the first time since they started here, she tells me. Most mornings you see children walking into schools like zombies staring at their phones, but this week Ive seen boys actually talking to each other.

When Merons youngest son started at the school last year he was an avid reader, with teachers pointing out his strong grasp of literature. Then we gave him his first smartphone, and it took less than a month for him to become addicted. I think this ban is fantastic, she says.

You see children walking into schools like zombies ... this week Ive seen boys actually talking to each other, says parent Meron Gwiggner - Heathcliff O'Malley

Lisa Gormley works as the schools receptionist and her 11-year-old son has just started there (she has two older sons who have also been through the school). Shes also supportive of the change, despite initial reservations.

My son is severely visually impaired and I was going to buy him his first phone because he needs certain apps to help him navigate his way around London transport. But having seen the issues involving phones including arguments and even muggings, I decided hes in greater danger of having a phone than he is of asking somebody on the street for directions.

Lisa says when parents call the school to express concern, she explains her sons situation: One parent was anxious about not being able to track their child [a 2019 survey found that 40 per cent of UK parents track their children via their phones on a daily basis], she explains. So I suggested they get an Apple AirTag and pop it in their rucksack. Then they said their child uses Apple Pay, so I suggested a GoHenry card.

Im teaching my son the route to school, and how to build up the courage to ask for directions, which are good life skills. Its about being resourceful and looking for solutions to problems that dont involve a smartphone.

I decided hes in greater danger of having a phone than he is of asking somebody on the street for directions, says parent and school receptionist Lisa Gormley - Heathcliff O'Malley

Parent Guidalberto Arslan disagrees with the ban, although he says he fully respects what the school is trying to achieve.

Its very clear from the statistics that since the advent of the iPhone, the number of children spending time indoors and the number with psychological problems has gone up, he says. There is an issue that needs to be tackled, but I disagree with the way its being done. I believe that education is better than prohibition.

He feels parents like him who already have strict controls around their childs phone use wont really benefit, but will be met with practical challenges such as their child being unable to communicate with them while travelling to and from school. Hes also divorced and says that a family WhatsApp group with his son, 12, and his sons mother helps with co-parenting logistics.

There are other benefits too, he says. Last year, my son was on a school ski trip and FaceTimed me from the top of the mountain. But I appreciate you have to make sacrifices for the greater good. However, I still believe our job is to educate our children about smartphones, and I would prefer a policy that was geared towards this.

I believe that education is better than prohibition, says parent Guidalberto Arslan - Heathcliff O'Malley

The adults agree to disagree but what about the children themselves?

Twelve-year-old Emir Cevit begins by telling me he feels the ban is inconvenient for parents like his who are keen to track their children to and from school. Are there any positives, I ask? When children have smartphones, people say their childhood is being taken away, he replies. Phones make us want to spend more time inside swiping on social media. If were given the choice between going out or staying in with our phones, most of us choose to stay in. Phones have changed my generation, and I think this ban will help us see what happens when we use them less. I think well feel happier.

His classmate Reuben Roach says the ban means he can no longer look up his bus timetables or listen to music on his way to school, while 12-year-old Kai Monroe says: Our parents do need to track us, but we can still text them to say were safe on the brick phones. And now, on the bus to school, I look out of the window or chat to my friends, rather than stare at my phone.

The boys talk of other children taking bad photos of each other and circulating them on social media or class WhatsApp groups. If you spend a long time on social media it can change your mood, says Emir. And if you see something upsetting it can change your mood for the whole day.

Fifteen-year-old Jerome Adams agrees: Boys of my generation are on their phones all the time, and the things we see on them harm us physically and mentally  the fighting, the violence, the pornography, the cyber-bullying.

Henok Worku, also 15, says this is particularly true for younger students: Theyre not yet fully mature, but theyre being exposed to things on their phones that theyre not ready to handle. Often youre not even in control of what you see, people just send you stuff and your choice over whether to see it is taken away.

Henok, a year 11 pupil at the school, supports the ban - Heathcliff O'Malley

Another year 11 pupil, Sebastian Sexton, says the ban has been freeing. You dont have to worry about your phone or constantly check it, youre just in the world. On my walk to school this morning, my friends and I actually talked to each other.

Assistant headteacher and safeguarding lead David ODonnell says a large number of the issues he has to deal with involve smartphones. What Ive observed over the last 15 years is that young people cant adequately navigate the online world.

Most of the issues among students involve large class WhatsApp groups and social media use, where arguments break out and continue into the playground. Students feel more emboldened online, where there are fewer consequences and accountability.

Weve had pushback from parents, who are often naive when it comes to their childs use of technology. Studies show 12 per cent of year 7 [age 11 and 12] boys already watch pornography. Yet parents have this view that their children are safer in their rooms on their phone, than out and about. This ban has been a battle, but one we feel is worth fighting.

Many schools are drawing up similar battle plans, including Eton College, which recently announced plans to restrict their new intake of year 9 pupils to a brick phone, in a plan that would eradicate smartphones among pupils within five years. Other schools are making pupils put their phones into special pouches at the start of the school day, or handing them in at reception, says head David Smith. But we decided to introduce a full ban across all years, with the six-week confiscation.

Smith says that when he began confiscating phones early on in his teaching career, pupils would simply shrug. In the last few years however they become distraught, like were chopping off a limb, as do many of the parents. Thats worrying. I want our boys to be really good dads and husbands, to have empathy, compassion, to be able to problem solve and navigate. I teach the boys that when society walks in one direction, at certain times its OK to turn around and walk the other way if they believe its right. Were not making this decision to please anyone. Were doing it because its the right thing to do.

Or as Henok told me: When my friends at other schools heard about the ban they thought they were lucky. But really I think were the lucky ones.
Hamas militants burning an Israeli armoured vehicle in Khan Younis, Gaza, on 7 October 2023. Photograph: APAImages/Shutterstock

The commander of Israels military surveillance agency, Unit 8200, has announced his resignation, publicly accepting responsibility for failings that contributed to the deadly 7 October attacks.

Yossi Sariel said on Tuesday that he had informed his superiors of his intention to step down after the completion of an initial investigation into Unit 8200s role in failures surrounding the Hamas-led assault last year.

In an emotional four-page letter to staff, Sariel said: I did not fulfil the task I expected of myself, as expected of me by my subordinates and commanders and as expected of me by the citizens of the country that I love so much.

He added: The responsibility for 8200s part in the intelligence and operational failure falls squarely on me.

Related: Revealed: Israeli spy chief threatened ICC prosecutor over war crimes inquiry

Sariel is the latest Israeli senior defence and security official to announce their resignation over failures relating to the attacks last year on southern Israel, in which Palestinian militants killed nearly 1,200 people and kidnapped about 240.

After the assault, Unit 8200  and Sariels leadership of the once vaunted military unit  came under intense scrutiny over its role in what is widely considered to have been one of the Israeli intelligence communitys biggest failures.

Sariels identity as the commander of Unit 8200  which is comparable to the US National Security Agency or GCHQ in the UK  was previously a closely guarded secret in Israel. However, in April the Guardian revealed how the spy chief had left his identity exposed online for several years.

The security lapse was linked to a book Sariel published in 2021 using a pen name. The book, which articulated a radical vision for how artificial intelligence could transform intelligence and military operations, left a digital trail to a private Google account created in Sariels name.

The blunder prompted a wave of criticism and ridicule of Sariel in Israeli media and placed further pressure on the cyber-intelligence chief, who has also faced accusations that he presided of a culture of technological hubris at Unit 8200 at the expense of more old-fashioned intelligence methods.

Since 7 October, the large unit, which sits within the intelligence branch of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), has played a critical role in Israels 11-month offensive in Gaza, which according to health authorities in the territory has killed at least 41,000 people.

Related: The machine did it coldly: Israel used AI to identify 37,000 Hamas targets

Under Sariels leadership, Unit 8200 appears to have embraced the vision articulated in his book, in which AI-based systems are used to fulfil increasingly complex tasks on the battlefield.

In one section of the book, Sariel heralded concepts such as AI-powered targets machines, descriptions of which closely resemble target recommendation systems that the IDF has relied upon in its bombardment of Gaza.

In his resignation letter, Sariel said the preliminary investigation of Unit 8200s role in the failures behind the events of 7 October had found that its intelligence officers had compiled and circulated detailed reports on Hamass plans and preparations before the shock attack.

Despite this information, he said, the reports did not succeed in overturning basic Israeli intelligence and military assumptions about Hamass intentions. He said Unit 8200 did not provide critical intelligence about the date of the attack.

Although Sariel accepted personal responsibility for his units failings, he pointed to wider failures across the Israeli security and political establishment.

In the years before and months before, as well as on October 7 itself, we all failed as a political and operational system in being unable to connect the dots to see the full picture and prepare to face the threat, he wrote.
The UK needs neither the Lords, nor the privy council quietly making legislation. Photograph: Henry Nicholls/AP

Jenny Jones rightly argues that removing the hereditary peers from the House of Lords is just a tweak (I sit in the House of Lords  and heres why getting rid of 92 hereditary peers wont fix it, 10 September). Sadly, she concludes by regurgitating the Gordon Brown proposals for an elected second chamber.

Those proposals did not include restoring the pre-1911 right for the Lords to block the Commons. Their real purpose can be divined from the Lords second reading debate on the last governments Rwanda bill. Labour did not force a vote, even though repeal was Labour policy. Why? Was it because Labour and the Tories want to keep the absolute power they enjoy in turns: the appearance of a democratic second chamber without any substance?

Britains woes partly stem from giving governments too much power. Its an obsolete model dating from the restoration of the monarchy in the 17th century. The complexity of the 21st century needs governance to be exercised closer to the people. The UK should be a federal state, with a federal government responsible for defence, foreign affairs and common standards. All other government should be by the four nations, on equal terms apart from the Belfast agreement. This should be tied together by a written constitution, capable of amendment.

The UK needs neither the Lords nor the privy council quietly making legislation (orders in council). It does need a strong elected peoples council, with inquisitorial functions transferred from the Commons, segregated from legislative functions. The people need the right to put policies on to a democratic agenda. Instead of forcing electors to choose a bundle of policies, choice could be unbundled. Then the UK would have a chance of leading the democratic world again, instead of sinking with a discredited system akin to the divine rights of kings.

David Kauders

Author, Reinventing Democracy: Improving British Political Governance

 Labours plan for limited reform of the House of Lords is just that  limited  and stops short of addressing the real changes needed. Jenny Jones is remarkably even-handed in offering praise for the role of some hereditary peers and the impact of bishops contributions to debates, while also highlighting the anachronism of the Church of Englands right to appoint 26 members.

There will soon be the resignation honours list of the former prime minister, who will elevate former cabinet ministers to the Lords, as part of the unacceptable process of being defeated at the ballot box followed by entering parliament by a different door.

The financial constraints causing hard decisions on other fronts should not be used to slow down the fundamental changes needed to the second chamber.

Les Bright

Exeter

 As I read out to my wife that the final four Conservative leadership contenders must pay 50,000 to party headquarters to stand, and the final two a further 150,000 (Robert Jenrick emerges as surprise frontrunner in Tory leadership race, 5 September), she assumed I was reading John Craces sketch. Why not just hold an auction, giving the position to the highest bidder?

The same principle could be applied to the House of Lords (which, with the removal of the last hereditary lords, could be renamed the House of Patronage), with proceeds used to reduce the public finance black hole, benefiting us all.

David Milton

Norwich

 Have an opinion on anything youve read in the Guardian today? Please email us your letter and it will be considered for publication in our letters section.
The Jewish Chronicle suggested last week that the Hamas leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar (right), may be preparing to flee to Iran with Israeli hostages, a suggestion also made by Benjamin Netanyahu (left). Photograph: AP

The Israel Defense Forces have launched an investigation into claims in the Israeli media that the London-based Jewish Chronicle published stories based on fabricated intelligence relating to Hamas, amid claims that they may have been planted as part of a disinformation campaign.

Among the most controversial claims published by the Jewish Chronicle, the worlds oldest Jewish newspaper, was the suggestion last week that the Hamas leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, might be preparing to flee to Iran with Israeli hostages, a suggestion that has also been made by Israels prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu.

The Jewish Chronicle article is one of several sensational reports that have been written in recent months by a writer bylined as Elon Perry, whose resume claiming he has worked as a journalist, academic and served as an elite undercover soldier has also been questioned.

Checks by the Guardian have found no evidence of any record of significant stories published by Perry as a reporter in English or Hebrew, except for the recent series of articles in the Jewish Chronicle now alleged to be fabrications.

Perrys articles for the paper in recent months have included what was claimed to be a detailed depiction of the killing of the Hamas politburo chief, Ismail Haniyeh, in Tehran, the veracity of which has now been questioned.

Commenting on the claims on Thursday, the Jewish Chronicle, which still has the stories on its website, said in a statement: The Jewish Chronicle is aware of allegations concerning a freelance journalist, which we take very seriously.

The Jewish Chronicle is the oldest Jewish newspaper in the world and has always maintained the highest standards of reporting and integrity. An investigation is under way and there will be an update in due course.

Most controversial was the story citing Israeli intelligence sources claiming that Sinwar, Hamass fugitive leader, intended to smuggle surviving hostages out of Gaza to Iran and accompany them, a story at first picked up by a number of Israeli outlets.

Asked about the claim, the IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari said he was unaware of any intelligence that Sinwar planned to flee with the hostages.

The Jewish Chronicles report suggested that Netanyahus claim was based on the interrogation of a captured senior Hamas official as well as documents found at the same time as the discovery of the bodies of six Israeli hostages killed by Hamas in Gaza, claims denied by Israel officials.

Within days a number of publications including the Israeli outlets Haaretz and Yedioth Ahronoth, and the Israeli-Palestinian website +972 were quoting their own security sources suggesting that the claims  and previous stories by Perry  appeared to be made up.

Israeli reporters and commentators have also pointed to the fact that the story in the Jewish Chronicle appeared to put flesh on the bones of claims made by Netanyahu only a day earlier to justify Israeli troops remaining in the Philadelphi corridor on the border with Egypt. He told a press conference that a military withdrawal meant Israel would not be able to stop Hamas smuggling hostages out of Gaza. They disappear in the Sinai and then they end up in Iran or in Yemen. Theyre gone for ever, he said.

That in turn has led some in Israel to suggest that the story  and others  may have been planted to influence the domestic debate in Israel around the hostage negotiations.

Prominent in questioning the Jewish Chronicle account has been Ronen Bergman, Israels best-known reporter covering intelligence and security. He was part of the New York Timess Pulitzer prize-winning team for its coverage of the Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October last year.

Writing in Yedioth Ahronoth, Bergman said his own sources had described the Jewish Chronicles claims about Sinwar and the hostages as a wild fabrication.

Bergman also quoted a high-ranking IDF official in the hostages and missing persons department, who described a malicious, vicious and diabolical campaign to disseminate to the international media documents that either are fabricated or which were severely distorted.

The official was quoted as saying: It doesnt take a great deal of imagination to understand what a report like that does to the heart of every hostages father, mother and wife. That is downright abuse, and only supposedly to validate narrow and selfish political calculations.

While it remains unclear who has been briefing the stories to the Jewish Chronicle, the row over the stories has also focused attention on Elon Perry.

He is described in his online biography for the paper as a former commando soldier of the elite Golani Brigade of the Israel Defense Forces, which he served in for 28 years.

He is also described as having been a journalist for 25 years covering wars and terrorist attacks, who since 2010 has been lecturing in the UK and USA about the 100 years of terror in the Middle East.

The Guardian has emailed Perry for comment.

However, when he was confronted this week in a recorded phone call by a journalist from the HaTzinor current affairs programme, Perry appeared to concede in an angry exchange that, contrary to his claims, he had never worked as a political science professor at Tel Aviv University, which had no record of him.

HaTzinor also said it had debunked his claim elsewhere to have participated in the Israeli hostage rescue mission to Entebbe in 1976, and questioned his assertion that he served in an elite undercover unit at a time when he would have been 58.

The Jewish Chronicle report was amplified on social media by Netanyahus son Yair, while several days after it first appeared Netanyahus wife repeated the claim that hostages could be taken to Iran, in a meeting with hostage relatives.
Throwing paper planes is an Ig Nobel ceremony tradition. Photograph: Brian Snyder/Reuters

In a stark demonstration of how award-winning breakthroughs can come from the most unlikely directions, researchers have won an Ig Nobel prize for discovering that mammals can breathe through their anuses.

After a series of tests on mice, rats and pigs, Japanese scientists found the animals absorb oxygen delivered through the rectum, work that underpins a clinical trial to see whether the procedure can treat respiratory failure.

The team is among 10 recognised in this years Ig Nobel awards (see below for more), the irreverent accolades given for achievements that first make people laugh, and then make them think. They are not to be confused with the more lucrative and career-changing Nobel prizes to be handed out in Scandinavia next month.

The latest crop of Ig Nobel winners received their awards at a ceremony at Massachusetts Institute of Technology on Thursday. The event featured real Nobel laureates to distribute the prizes, 24/7 lectures in which experts first explained their subject in 24 seconds, then in seven words, and copious paper-plane throwing.

Other work honoured on the night included US research to house pigeons in missiles to help guide them to their targets; UK investigations which found that claims of extreme old age tend to come from areas that have short average lifespans and and a historical lack of birth certificates, and a French study which found that scalp hair tends to whorl in a clockwise direction, though less so in the southern hemisphere.

The Japanese researchers became interested in whether humans with breathing difficulties might benefit from having oxygen pumped up their backsides after noting that some animals, such as loaches, can use their intestines to breathe. They began the work in the Covid crisis when many hospitals were desperately short of mechanical ventilators to support breathing in people with severe infections.

The teams experiments, which earned the Ig Nobel prize in physiology, showed that mice, rats and pigs could absorb oxygen into the bloodstream when it was delivered via the rectum, thus supporting normal breathing. Writing in the journal Med in 2021, Ryo Okabe at Tokyo Medical and Dental University and colleagues described how enteral ventilation offered a new paradigm to help patients in respiratory failure.

Dr Takanori Takebe, an author of the study at Cincinnati childrens hospital medical centre, confessed to mixed feelings on hearing of the award, but warmed to it on finding out it was recognised for making people laugh and then think. If it fuelled interest in enteral ventilation, he said, Id be so happy. The team is running a phase 1 trial in human volunteers.

Dr Saul Newman at the University of Oxford bagged the demography prize for showing that many claims of people living extraordinarily long lives come from places with short life spans, no birth certificates, and where clerical errors and pension fraud abound. Extreme old age records are a statistical basket case, he said. From the level of individual cases, up to broad population patterns, virtually none of our old-age data makes sense.

Prof Roman Khonsari, a craniofacial surgeon at the Necker-Enfants Malades university hospital in Paris, and colleagues won the anatomy prize for their global study of hair whorls. While scalp hair spirals in a clockwise direction on most people, their research found, there is more counter-clockwise spiralling in the southern hemisphere.

I was operating when I got the call, Khonsari said. I was extremely glad because, despite the undeniable irrelevance of this study, I am convinced that deciphering patterns in nature can lead to important discoveries on fundamental developmental mechanisms. Shapes carry interesting amounts of information.

The discovery led to comparisons with tornadoes, which typically rotate in different directions in the northern and southern hemispheres. Writing in the Journal of Stomatology, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, the researchers theorised that the Coriolis effect, by which the Earths spin deflects winds to the right in the northern hemisphere and to the left in the southern hemisphere, could be at work. Not that Khonsari believes it. Frankly, I dont think it is a plausible hypothesis, he said.

The other winners of the 2024 Ig Nobel prizes

Peace

Awarded to the late BF Skinner, a US psychologist, for exploring the feasibility of housing live pigeons inside missiles to guide them to their targets. The project, which Skinner himself described as crackpot, was dropped despite a perfect demonstration involving a pigeon trained to target features on the New Jersey coastline. The spectacle of a living pigeon carrying out its assignment, no matter how beautifully, simply reminded the committee of how utterly fantastic our proposal was, Skinner wrote.

Botany

Given to Jacob White in the US and Felipe Yamashita in Germany for reporting evidence that the South American plant Boquila trifoliolata can mimic the leaves of plastic plants it is placed alongside, leading them to conclude that plant vision is a plausible hypothesis.

Medicine

Won by a Swiss, German and Belgian group for demonstrating that fake medicine that causes painful side-effects can be more effective in patients than fake medicine that does not cause painful side-effects.

Physics

Awarded to James Liao at the University of Florida for a comprehensive, multi-publication investigation into the swimming abilities of a dead trout.

Probability

Shared by a team of 50 researchers, mostly Dutch, who flipped 350,757 coins to test a hypothesis put forward by Persi Diaconis, a former magician and professor of statistics at Stanford University. Their work supported Diaconiss prediction that tossed coins are (slightly) more likely to land the same way up as they started.

Chemistry

Another win for the Netherlands, with a team in Amsterdam using chromatography to separate drunk and sober worms, all the in the name of polymer science.

Biology

Another posthumous award, the Ig Nobel in biology honoured the late Fordyce Ely and William Petersen for their 1940 investigation into factors affecting the production of milk in dairy herds. Writing in the Journal of Animal Science, the pair recounted placing a cat on the back of a cow and repeatedly exploding paper bags to see if milk-flow changed. The terrified cows appeared to release less milk. Frightening at first consisted in placing a cat on the cows back and exploding paper bags every 10 seconds for two minutes, the researchers wrote. Later the cat was dispensed with as unnecessary.
The Posts investigation into the shooting of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi was based on accounts from 13 witnesses and more than 50 videos and photos. Photograph: Scott Brauer/Zuma Press Wire/Rex/Shutterstock

Israeli security forces mischaracterised the events that led up to the fatal shooting of a Turkish-American protester in the West Bank, according to an investigation by the Washington Post.

The Israel Defense Forces claimed that their soldiers were targeting the leader of a violent protest when they shot Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, a 26-year-old member of the International Solidarity Movement who had come from her native Washington state to Israel to protest against settlements in the West Bank.

In a statement, Joe Biden cited evidence provided in the IDFs initial inquiry, saying the preliminary investigation has indicated that it was the result of a tragic error resulting from an unnecessary escalation. The US president also told reporters that Eygi was killed probably as the result of a bullet ricochet, and apparently it was an accident.

But a Washington Post report said that protests had subsided before Israeli forces opened fire, indicating that there was no immediate threat to the soldiers and little justification to target Eygi or any other protesters with live fire.

According to the investigation, Eygi was shot more than a half-hour after the height of confrontations in Beita, and some 20 minutes after protesters had moved down the main road  more than 200 yards (183 metres) away from Israeli forces.

The potential target, a Palestinian teenager who was wounded by Israeli fire, was standing about 18 metres away from Eygi, witnesses told the Post.

The investigation was based on accounts from 13 witnesses and more than 50 videos and photos provided by the International Solidarity Movement, as well as Faz3a, another Palestinian advocacy group.

Related: So many similarities: Rachel Corries parents call for inquiry into death of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi

The IDF did not reply to the Posts requests for comment about why live ammunition was used against the protesters or the identity of the instigator of the violent protest cited by the IDF in its initial inquiry.

As a rule, the IDF investigates itself in cases where protesters in the region are targeted with violence at the hands of its soldiers. Eygis family and other human rights advocates have publicly demanded that the US open an independent inquiry into her death, but a state department spokesperson said earlier this week that there were no plans at the moment to do so.

The Post report did describe a chaotic scene after Friday prayers in the town of Beita, where young Palestinians put up barricades and threw rocks at Israeli soldiers, who, in turn, opened fire with teargas and live ammunition. But the protests had died down and Eygi had retreated to an olive grove far from the soldiers, about 180 metres away, before she was hit by a bullet in the head, killing her.

After Bidens remarks, Eygis family said in a statement: President Biden is still calling her killing an accident based only on the Israeli militarys story. This is not only insensitive and false, it is complicit in the Israeli militarys agenda to take Palestinian land and whitewash the killing of an American.

Biden, in his statement, did not order an independent inquiry and appeared to indicate that US officials were making their conclusions based entirely on evidence provided by the IDF.

Biden said the US 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.
John Swinney refuses to speak to Police Scotland over allowing rapists to self-identity as women - Ken Jack/Getty Images

As it sinks slowly into the mire of its own mediocrity, hardly a day passes without the SNP Government offering up another example of its bizarre, even warped, view of how to improve Scotland.

Already this week weve been confronted by a couple of whoppers which, if they werent so serious, would be a genuine cause for concern for an administration that hasnt a clue about how to keep its head above water.

It gets defeated in key parliamentary debates; theres no money in its kitty (according to independent advisors, it spent it all on over-generous pay awards); its grandly titled programme for government contained very little of any worth.

And now it wants to ban school blazers.

And so we find it scratching around on the periphery of national life without any clear idea what its supposed to be doing.

In one extremely serious situation, First Minister John Swinney is following in the footsteps of his less than illustrious predecessor, Nicola Sturgeon, by failing to reassure Scottish women that his government fully understands their fears over the gender issue.

He was roundly condemned for repeatedly refusing to intervene to stop Police Scotland allowing rapists to self-identify as women. This followed the disclosure that the force allows people who are charged or convicted of rape or attempted rape to self-declare their gender.

Rachel Hamilton, a Scottish Tory MSP, said the policy opens the door to a grotesque situation where a male rapist can demand to be called a woman and further traumatise his victim.

Labours Pauline McNeill says Police Scotland is making a mockery of SNPs strategy to tackle violence against women - Ken Jack/Getty Images

She was joined by Labours Pauline McNeill who argued that the Police Scotland policy made a mockery of the SNP Governments strategy for tackling violence against women.

And Ash Regan, a former SNP minister but now of the Alba Party, said it was offensive that rapes being committed by men could be attributed to women in Scotlands official crime figures. Rape is defined in law as involving penetration by a penis without consent.

In a direct challenge to Mr Swinney, she said: Will the First Minister show leadership and address this horrible situation urgently?

As well as Police Scotlands ludicrous policy, the Alba MSPs comments got to the crux of the matter, namely: what kind of leader is John Swinney?

Everyone knows that operational matters are solely the responsibility of the police and in excusing his behaviour, the First Minister insisted he didnt believe that male rapists should escape justice, but added: There would be outrage if I was to interfere in the actions and the decision making of Police Scotland.

Maybe so, there are many women in Scotland, and indeed elsewhere, who would judge that statement to be weasel words.

Expressing displeasure

For instance, has he expressed his displeasure to Police Scotlands chief constable? Has she been summoned to Bute House for a wee chat? Or is he, as Pauline McNeill suggested, ignoring his responsibility?

Swinney did say that the Holyrood exchanges at Question Time would have been seen and heard by senior police officers who would probably consider if there are any issues they wish to address.

But thats not leadership  thats akin to passing the buck as the three MSPs from different parties clearly believe.

Swinney is an experienced politician at the head of a powerful government and parliament to which Police Scotland is answerable.

If he wont say that it is behaving badly over this vexed issue then he should get out of the way and lets hear from Jo Farrell, Police Scotlands chief constable.

Shes not exactly become a public figure in what should be a high-profile role but now is a good time for her to explain her forces policy either through a press conference or directly to a Scottish Parliament committee.

Scotlands confused and confusing attitude on the gender issue has gone on for long enough, thanks mainly to the actions of the SNP Government and Police Scotland.

That must stop.

After all, half the countrys population  the women deserve to be treated better.
Andy Davey cartoon

The BBC drama This Is Going To Hurt was intended as a love letter to the NHS according to its star, Ben Whishaw. It looked more like a jaccuse. It shows a junior doctor asked to work impossible shifts, making horrific mistakes through sheer exhaustion  and my (immigrant) wife couldnt understand why it was humour. Doesnt this happen for real here? Yes it does, I replied. And we find it funny? She was studying for her citizenship test and wanted to understand this part of the British national psyche.

Its hard to explain. Everyone says that the NHS is broken, but no one dares suggest that the free-at-the-point-of-use principle may be its main curse. The Darzi report is a devastating indictment of the betrayal of the public (and medics) by a visibly falling system. This is a country where one in five deaths are avoidable. Reform is needed, all say: but there the trail of logic runs cold. The idea that we might run our health service like other European countries is the reform that dare not speak its name.

Instead, we hark the traditional British response to NHS woes: more money! Major financial support is needed, said the Nuffield Trust. Getting the health service back on its feet will require sustained investment, said the Health Foundation. The Kings Fund (a group that lobbies for higher health spending) was specific, calling for greater investment in primary and community services.

The funding is there  Britains health service is now one of the best-funded in the world. But the real poverty is one of ideas.

For all the talk of austerity, health spending is up about a third, in real terms, over the last ten years. But when higher-risk heart attack patients call for rapid intervention to unblock an artery, they now wait for 146 minutes, half an hour longer than a decade ago. Lord Darzi, an academic surgeon, made his own visits to NHS facilities. I was appalled to uncover that mental health patients continue to be accommodated in rooms that were constructed for a Victorian asylum, he wrote. With infestations of mice and cockroaches.

The tragedy is that this dossier of such horror stories could have been written by anyone, at any time. Even the phrase Wes Streetings used today  that Britain risks becoming a health service with a country attached to it  first appeared in a Spectator editorial from six years ago.

NHS spending has risen by 19 per cent since then and the hospital workforce is up 17 per cent, and now among the highest levels in the world. But theres 12 per cent less surgery by each surgeon (hence the waiting list).

Then, the postcode lottery. Englands NHS is divided into 229 chunks (or trusts) of scandalously varying performance. Turn up to A&E with a suspected stroke in Kent and theres an 80 per cent chance of being given a brain scan within the hour (as is vital). In Shropshire, its 40 per cent. Streeting was right to point out how many problems would be solved if the best of the NHS was rolled out. But such disparities have been true for decades and no one has been able to close the gap. With its 1.5 million workforce, the NHS is just too large for any minister to control.

The basic principle that everyone should get the healthcare they need regardless of income, is observed in almost every major country in the world (with the famous exception of the United States). But even the most high-taxing and progressive countries ask patients to pay a small amount to see a doctor. This is to deter time-wasting or patients just seeking a free prescription for cheap drugs like paracetamol and aspirin (there are about 45,000 such prescriptions every day). How many GP slots would be freed up if such patients just went to the chemist?

This is what a progressive Labour government ought to be arguing. The rich can skip the system now, via 120-a-visit private GPs. The poor deserve the same service, the same choice. And this could be developed far more easily if those who could afford to pay did so. It would mean that healthcare runs more like a business  with the life-saving efficiencies this means  and more is delivered for the taxpayers money. Trying to reform a bureaucracy, no matter how clever the plan, wont work because there is always such resistance.

When Sajid Javid was health secretary, he was shown a robot in a Liverpool hospital that carried out prostate surgery five times faster than a surgeon (and more safely: hence faster recovery times). Why isnt it rolled out, he asked? Surgeons dont like it, came the reply: it was enough of a battle to use the machine in the first place. But what about patients? Why not give them the choice between a one-month wait for proven robotic surgery  or ten months for humans? Allowing co-payments, introducing consumer and patient power, could transform such calculations.

Perhaps Streeting commissioned the Darzi review to shock his own party into dropping their ideological opposition to serious reform. As things stand, he is almost alone. Has has assembled an impressive cadre of advisers  including, controversially, Alan Milburn, a Blair-era health secretary. But its the rest of the Cabinet that he needs to worry about. If he was to go over the top, and call for the kind of NHS reforms that would work, who would back him? Would Keir Starmer?

When Milburn was in the trenches, he had plenty of comrades: Charles Clarke, Hazel Blears, John Reid, the old socialists who had been mugged by reality and realised that only market-based reforms would deliver. Now, Streeting stands alone: perhaps why he has ruled out any form of co-payment. Its hard to see what other kind of reform will work.

Starmer was right to say that taxes cannot rise anymore to feed the NHS. He was right to blame his predecessors. It was the Conservatives who shirked reform, who tested the money is the answer theory to destruction. But having so powerfully drawn attention to the problem, it would be a great shame if Labour is prevented by its own ideology from finding a meaningful solution.
Sir Keir Starmer lands in Washington DC on Thursday night ahead of talks at the White House - REUTERS

Britain and America must give Ukraine the weapons it needs to win against Russia before a pivotal winter of fighting, the Foreign Secretary has said.

Ahead of Washington talks on long-range missile use, David Lammy told The Telegraph the coming months were crucial in helping Kyiv get in a winning position.

Talks between Sir Keir Starmer and Joe Biden, the US President, at the White House on Friday are expected to include discussions on whether to let Ukraine fire Storm Shadow missiles into Russia.

It came as Vladimir Putin warned that Nato and Russia would be at war if Kyiv was allowed to use longer range weapons.

The Russian president told a state television reporter: This would in a significant way change the very nature of the conflict. It would mean that Nato countries, the US, European countries, are at war with Russia.

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Sir Keir hit back on Thursday night, saying Russia started the conflict.

It is understood Ukraine only has permission to fire the missiles, which have a range of around 150 miles, into Russian-held Crimea and near the Russian border.

Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, has been publicly lobbying for a change in position for weeks, this week demanding a strong decision on the issue.

The US has so far held back permission to fire the missiles, made by the UK and France with US components, into Russia over fears of military escalation.

In an interview with The Telegraph in Kyiv, Mr Lammy stressed the importance of giving Ukraine what it needed to win the conflict, saying: This is a crucial period in the fight because you are setting things up to stop Russia getting the advantage over winter.

We are here also, of course, at a time when it is crystal clear that Russia is escalating with its friend Iran, taking a consignment of ballistic missiles.

Ballistic missiles that will be used in the winter, sadly, against the Ukrainian people and which will cost lives. So, of course, were here to strategise, to understand how we can put Ukrainians in a position to win and what is needed.

Sir Keir said: Ukraine has the right to self-defence, and obviously weve been absolutely fully supportive of Ukraines right to self-defence, providing training capabilities.

But we dont seek any conflict with Russia. Thats not our intention in the slightest. But they started this conflict, and Ukraines got a right to self-defence.

That is why we have been providing training and capability. And, you know, there are obviously further discussions to be had about the nature of that capability.

It comes as the Ministry of Defence said on Thursday that Royal Navy ships had shadowed a Russian attack submarine through the English Channel. RAF jets were also scrambled to monitor two Russian aircraft operating near UK airspace.

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In a press conference earlier this week, Mr Lammy and Antony Blinken, the US secretary of state, said Irans move to give ballistic missiles to Russia had clearly changed the debate.

Speaking to The Telegraph, Mr Lammy also called for an increase in defence spending, adding to pressure on the Treasury to approve an uplift soon.

The debate over Storm Shadows comes as Ukraine fights to hold on to land grabbed in a surprise incursion into Russias Kursk region in August. Russian troops are advancing slowly in Ukraines Donbas region, setting up a critical autumn and winter in the conflict.

UK estimates have suggested around 1,000 Russian troops are killed or injured each day. The total Russian casualty count for the full-scale invasion, which began in February 2022, is believed to now exceed 600,000.

Mr Biden said this week that discussions about changing how Ukraine can use long-range missiles were under way within the US administration.

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Whitehall is monitoring whether Mr Blinkens apparent openness to a switch in position is matched by the leaders in the US defence department and the White Houses National Security Council.

UK Government figures have attempted to dampen down speculation there would be an announcement on Friday. Both Mr Lammy and Mr Blinken have pointed to discussions at the UN General Assembly later this month.

On Thursday night, two sources told The Times the US may allow Ukraine to use British and French long-range weapons but not the American ATACMS ballistic missile inside Russia.

Mr Biden has been a strong supporter of Ukraine during his four years in the White House, but fears have been raised over the future of US support. Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, has declined to say that he wants Ukraine to win.

Sir Keir said he was not going to meet Kamala Harris, the vice-president, because she was in other parts of the US.

The Prime Minister flew to Washington on Thursday night for what was described as an extended meeting over long-term Western support for Kyiv. It comes after Mr Zelensky said he planned to send a victory plan to the West within days.

The US and UK leaders will also discuss ways to bring about a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict. Downing Street said the session will focus on strategy and how progress can be made towards long-term solutions for both wars.

The Treasury wont like it... but Ill fight for defence cash

Exclusive interview by Ben Riley-Smith in Kyiv

David Lammy called for Britain to increase its defence spending amid a looming clash with the Treasury over budgets.

In an exclusive interview with The Telegraph from Kyiv, the Foreign Secretary said it was time to realise that war on the European continent had changed the debate.

Mr Lammy said it was a mistake for the UK to have stopped spending 2.5 per cent of its GDP on defence, adding: We need to get back there.

He made the intervention as Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, attempts to juggle spending demands with the need to fill a black hole in the public finances in her Budget next month.

That will include what the Ministry of Defence budget, already hollowed out by the impact of rising prices, will be for the 2025 financial year.

Earlier this year, Rishi Sunak made it official government policy to increase defence spending from around 2.3 per cent of GDP to 2.5 per cent by 2030.

That timeline was scrapped by Labour and replaced with a loose ambition to hit that target. There is no deadline for doing so, creating uncertainty for military chiefs.

Mr Lammy was asked whether he wanted a timeline for reaching the 2.5 per cent target to be named and whether he hoped for more defence spending in the Budget.

He said: Im not going to anticipate the Budget, because I do believe the fiscal discipline thats required of this Government has to be stood by if were serious about fixing the 22 billion hole that weve inherited from the last government.

But what I would say is this. It was a mistake to move away from 2.5 per cent of spending on GDP. And when I last left office as a minister [in 2010, at the end of the previous Labour government] we had 2.5 per cent of spending on GDP. We need to get back there.

And we do have to recognise that with war in Europe we are in different times. When youre in countries like Poland that are on the frontline of this fight and going beyond their Nato commitment, when youre in countries like Finland where that volunteer and preparedness across the party is extraordinary, again on the frontlines of Russias attack, you recognise that we in the UK have more to do.

And thats why Im really pleased that John Healey [the Defence Secretary] kicked off a strategic defence review, on which Im assisting of course, straight away in coming to office.

When they announced their defence spending promise, the Tories said that hitting 2.5 per cent by 2030 would mean spending 7 billion more that year than planned. Other countries go further. Poland, which borders Ukraine and was singled out by Mr Lammy, spends 3.9 per cent of its GDP on defence, according to Nato.

A failure to increase defence spending in the Budget would be sure to trigger accusations from the Conservatives that Labours rhetoric on Ukraine and other global conflict zones does not match its action.

Mr Lammy was speaking to The Telegraph on Wednesday evening from the Ukrainian foreign ministry after a day of meetings alongside Mr Blinken.

It was Mr Lammys first visit to Ukraine since he was appointed the Foreign Office after Labours landslide election victory in July. The visit was also the first joint overseas trip between the two top diplomats in the US and UK for more than a decade.

The journey included an overnight sleeper train into Ukraine from the Polish border, with Mr Lammy getting limited rest as the vehicle rattled its way towards Kyiv.

There was a glimpse of a memorial wall carrying postcard-sized photographs of Ukrainians killed in the fighting, not just from 2022 onwards but stretching back to 2014, when Crimea was seized.

Sirens rang out over Kyiv as the sun began to set on Wednesday night, in response to a potential missile or drone attack, the first of two such interruptions during Mr Lammys short visit.

You realise that there is a blitz spirit here, he said. This is a national effort. Its not just about the politicians, its about the whole people determined to fight for their country and stand up to this modern-day imperialism that many of us thought we saw the back end of in the last century.

The first sirens wailed as Mr Lammy and Mr Blinken met Mr Zelensky. The talks were meant to last an hour but stretched closer to two.

Antony Blinken and David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, during their talks in Kyiv - Anadolu

The Foreign Secretary, 52, is in awe of the leadership that Mr Zelensky, 46, is showing. I have huge respect for Zelensky. Hes a modern hero, he said. His articulacy close up is immense. The sense of command of the battlefield and what is going on is immense. His fortitude in the face of heartache, obviously, on behalf of his people is brought home.

And, of course, he takes every single second of any engagement with a western leader like myself to prosecute what more. Thats his job.

And Im quite sure when Im retired  hes a little bit younger than me  that he will be one of the most impressive people that Ive met in the course of my life.

For weeks, Mr Zelensky has been lobbying for the West to give him permission to fire missiles gifted to Kyiv at targets deep into Russian territory. For Britain, that means Storm Shadow, which has a range of around 150 miles.

It is understood the current agreement  never made public  allows Kyiv to use the missiles in Crimea, still seen by Ukraine as its sovereign territory despite being annexed by Russia, and just over the Russian mainland border if there is a clear, imminent threat.

Deeper strikes inside Russia with the weapons have been off limits, but discussions are ongoing to change that. Mr Lammy and Mr Blinken stuck to the script during their visit. They were in listening mode, trying to understand better why Ukraine wants permission and how it fits with the overall war strategy.

In the meeting with Mr Zelensky, the three men and their key aides are understood to have explored the specifics of operations on the battlefield, talking through the fine details of how any switch in approvals could help counter the Russian invasion.

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Mr Lammy accused Moscow of escalating the war, citing intelligence made public this week by the US and UK that Iran had gifted Russia ballistic missiles.

He said: We are here also, of course, at a time when it is crystal clear that Russia is escalating with its friend Iran, taking a consignment of ballistic missiles. Ballistic missiles that will be used in the winter, sadly, against the Ukrainian people and which will cost lives.

So, of course, were here to strategise, to understand how we can put Ukrianians in a position to win and what is needed.

The emphasis on giving Ukraine what it needs to win, and the argument that it is Russia that escalated the conflict  suggesting it is therefore legitimate for the West to now react  hints at support from the Foreign Office for giving Kyiv the green light.

Is the US in the same position? Mr Bidens comments after his Washington meeting with Sir Keir on Friday could offer more clues. The indication is that a change in position  should it come  is more likely to be confirmed at the UN General Assembly gathering in New York later this month than this week.

There are wider, awkward questions for the Foreign Secretary. The full-scale invasion is well past the two-year mark, and the question of the Wests appetite for continued support for Kyiv lingers.

Does he think there could be war fatigue in the West? I had an uncle who fought for the West Indian Regiment in the Second World War, and Im grateful for him, he said.

Im grateful for that generation, led by people like the late Queen, Churchill ... others who never used the word fatigue. They doubled down, they dug deep. And that is whats required of this generation.

Its why were working on a 100-year partnership with the Ukrainians. Because we are in this for the long haul. So we dont understand fatigue. Thats not part of the British lexicon.

David Lammy hailed Volodymyr Zelenskys courage after their meeting in Kyiv - Leon Neal/PA

The long haul for Ukraine, when US and UK diplomats talk about it, is a road to eventual accession into the European Union and the defensive umbrella of Nato. But it is impossible to envision those steps being taken before a peace of some form emerges.

Is it too early to start discussing the possible terms of peace? Of course the Ukrainians have begun, particularly with countries beyond  the global south  talking about the circumstances that would bring about peace, Mr Lammy says as our conversation ends and he heads for his end of trip press conference.

But they have been always really clear about this. The starting point is that Russia leaves, and we support them in that endeavour. The mainstay of what we talked about on this trip is really the next horizon, these next four, five, six months into the spring and making sure that Ukraine is in the strongest position it can be to win.

Mr Zelensky has, to borrow a favoured Lammy phrase, been crystal clear about what he feels is needed to reach that position  approval to use long-range missiles in Russia.

By the time winter arrives  and temperatures plunge in Ukraine  a decision on that, and the revealing of Ms Reeves first Budget, are both likely to have happened. Both will go some way to revealing how far Labours tough talk is really matched by action.

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Xi sends congratulatory letter to SCO Forum on Women

Xinhua) 08:07, September 12, 2024

BEIJING, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday sent a congratulatory letter to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Forum on Women.

Xi said that women are important promoters of human civilization and social progress and have scored remarkable achievements in all walks of life. Since the forum's launch, women of various countries, upholding the Shanghai Spirit, have contributed to the building of an even closer SCO community of a shared future.

It is hoped that the forum can continue to play a positive role in promoting amity and people-to-people interconnectivity among various countries, injecting fresh impetus into forging closer cultural bonds of SCO, said Xi.

Xi added that China is willing to work with all parties to promote scientific and technological innovation and the development of women's causes via digital empowerment, and to jointly build a better SCO family.

The forum opened Wednesday in Qingdao City, east China's Shandong Province.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
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.
Back-to-back Russian air raids on August 26 and September 2, which killed nearly 60 people and led to the crash of one of Ukraines scarce ex-European F-16 fighters as the jet was flying an air-defense patrol, have injected new urgency into Ukraines pleas for fewer restrictions on how it uses its best Western-made missiles.

France, the United Kingdom and the United States prohibit the Ukrainians from firing ex-French SCALP-EG cruise missiles, ex-British Storm Shadow cruise missiles and ex-American ATACMS ballistic missiles at targets inside Russia.

With greater leeway regarding what they can target and where, these missiles could blunt the Russian air raids and save lives, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said.

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The issue of our long-range capabilities and the necessary approvals from our partners, as well as the long-range shells and missiles we could use, is critical, Zelensky stated. Russian strikes will become impossible if we have the ability to destroy the occupiers launch sites, military airfields and logistics hubs where they are located.

The Ukrainian government isnt holding its breath for allied leniency, however. Its developing its own missiles  and it doesnt need any other countrys permission to use them. One new missile, the ground-launched Palianytsia, is especially compelling.

The winged, turbojet-powered Palianytsia has been in development for more than a year but only recently made its combat debut. On August 24, at least one Palianytsia struck a target in Russian-occupied Crimea, Zelensky announced.

Official information about the Palianytsia is scarce, but what little we know is telling. Ukrainian sources have described the munition as a drone missile, but with its apparent long range, subsonic speed and one-way explosive mission, its essentially a cruise missile.

Palianytsia packs a AI-PBS-350 turbojet engine, which was jointly developed by PBS in the Czech Republic and Ukrainian firm Ivchenko-Progress. The 220-pound AI-PBS-350 produces 3,400 newtons of thrust.

That should make the Palianytsia roughly similar to Ukraines turbofan-powered Neptune cruise missile, at least in terms of size, speed and range. The Neptune was a prototype anti-ship missile when Russia widened its war on Ukraine in February 2022.

The Ukrainian navy used early versions of the Neptune to sink the Russian Black Sea Fleet flagship Moskva in April that year. A newer model of the Neptune with more fuel and an improved seeker has struck targets on land across Crimea and southern Russia.

The Palianytsia drone missile developed by Ukraine. It appears likely to have similar capabilities to a cruise missile

Where the Neptune and the Palianytsia substantially differ is in their propulsion. The Neptune boasts an efficient but expensive turbofan. The Palianytsias simpler turbojet is probably less efficient, but also probably cheaper  meaning the same amount of money should buy more Palianytsias than Neptunes.

That matters. Ukraine isnt actually hurting for long-range munitions it can deploy against targets deep inside Russia. The Ukrainian special operations directorate has developed an array of strike drones and sent them ranging across Russia to strike air bases, industrial sites and oil refineries. The most capable of these, a modified sport plane, can travel as far as 1,100 miles.

What Ukraine lacks is an abundant strike munition. Neptunes strike infrequently  twice a month, at most  and in single digits. The one-way, pilotless sport planes are at least as rare. In begging for permission to use air-launched SCALP-EGs and Storm Shadows and ground-launched ATACMS against targets in Russia, Ukraine is begging for new capacity not new capability. That said, cruise missiles are harder to shoot down than propeller drones, and ballistic weapons like ATACMS are even harder.

But numbers also matter. The United Kingdom, France and the USA can provide missiles by the dozen or, in the case of the ATACMS, by the hundred.

With its simple turbojet propulsion, the Palianytsia might begin to solve the capacity problem. If Ukraine can scale up production, it could hit airfields and missile launch sites potentially hundreds of miles inside Russia  and with sufficient force and frequency to exact a toll for every attempt the Russians make to target Ukrainian cities.

Theres even a political workaround for allies who are reluctant to see their own missiles strike Russia, but who also want to see Ukraine fight back against Russias terror raids. Allies could finance the Ukrainian missile industry  and pay for extra Palianytsias Ukraine cant afford on its own. Potentially lots of them.
The Heritage Center of Clark County in Springfield, Ohio - AP/Paul Vernon

A bomb threat in the city entangled in claims that Haitian migrants are eating pets has forced officials to evacuate government buildings and a school.

The government of Springfield, Ohio, said it evacuated its city hall on Thursday after the threat, two days after Donald Trump repeated a false claim that put the city at the centre of a national debate over immigration.

Due to a bomb threat that was issued to multiple facilities throughout Springfield today, City Hall is closed today, the city government said on social media.

Several police cars were stationed outside the City Hall, and Fulton Elementary School has also been evacuated.

Officials did not say whether the bomb threat was prompted by Trumps comments.

The small city of 60,000 has been in the national spotlight after Republican politicians, including former president Trump, claimed that immigrants were eating dogs and cats.

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The former president said during Tuesdays debate with Kamala Harris that theyre eating the dogs, the people that came in, theyre eating the cats.

City officials say there have been no reports of anybody eating pets.

Roughly 15,000 Haitian immigrants have come to the city in the past three years, putting a strain on schools and other social services.

Locals have also said that the influx has driven them out of their jobs and homes. Some Haitians have been drawn to the city in part by the lure of low-paid jobs at a massive Amazon distribution warehouse.

Rolland Foor and his partner Maggie Crooks, both 52, said they had been living in their SUV  heavily decorated with pro-Trump slogans  since he lost his job as a forklift operator. Me and my co-workers were told at the end of our shift we were done, Mr Foor said.

I was making $21 an hour. The company brought in 15 Haitians and we found out they were taking our jobs. All because of $21 an hour versus $13 an hour. We lost everything due to them coming in here. There used to be no problem finding a job.

Tensions with the local community have led to groups of neo-Nazis marching in the streets in recent weeks.

Neo-Nazis marching in Springfield last month - JoshSweigart

Haitian American community leaders say they fear for their safety after Trumps claims.

The rumour appears to have first surfaced in social media posts that said immigrants were eating missing household pets. The author of the post, Erika Lee, said she wrote it after hearing from a neighbour.

That neighbour, Kimberly Newton, said she had heard it from a friend, who heard it from another friend, who heard it from an acquaintance. It was unclear whether that person had witnessed the alleged incident directly.

Trumps running mate JD Vance, who represents Ohio in the US Senate, also has repeated comments about Haitian immigrants, who are in the US legally and authorised to work.

On Thursday, he said Haitian immigrants are degrading the quality of life in Springfield. (In) communities like Springfield, Ohio, where you have 20,000 Haitians who have come in, housing costs are unaffordable, communicable diseases are on the rise, and people cant afford to live a good life in this small Ohio town, he said on CNBC.
A painted heat and rainbow thanking the NHS, displayed on the ground in a car park outside Frimley Park Hospital

Well, that was quick. From envy of the world to broken-down shambles delivering an appalling standard of care, particularly to those who need it most: children and the elderly. The report by Lord Darzi into the NHS should have caused national shockwaves, but it confirms what we suspected. The myth of Our NHS, so assiduously burnished and jealously guarded by Labour and its media acolytes, has been crumbling for a long time.

Those of us who have occasionally dared to raise the awkward matter of the UK coming in the bottom three of 18 developed countries in survival rates for the common cancers, strokes and heart attacks have been shouted down as heretics. Why are Brits so much more likely to die of these diseases than the Portuguese or the Italians? Were not supposed to ask. Remember, ladies and gentlemen, its our job to Save The NHS not wonder why its so terribly bad at saving us.

You hate the NHS, was an accusation spat at me the other day. Quite right, I loathe it. Who in their right mind could love a Soviet Socialist healthcare system, a monster of ineptitude and indifference, that Darzi found was responsible for 14,000 avoidable deaths a year caused by agonising waits in A&E alone? And all those tumours blooming like evil cauliflowers inside younger people, like Jon Chappell who told me he thought that, if his growth was really serious, the doctors would act quickly. Wouldnt they? By the time they operated, a year later, Jon had Stage 4 cancer. The NHS was responsible for his death sentence at the age of 32. You could fill a library with heartbreaking stories like that.

But Tory cuts! squeal the NHS zealots. Its certainly true the Conservatives did nothing over 14 years to reform a system which was clearly on the verge of major organ failure. Its also fair to say that if a Tory minister had plucked up the courage to say half the things about the NHS that Sir Keir Starmer and Health Secretary Wes Streeting have mentioned since entering government they would have been hit with strikes and a furious backlash from the BBC and media signed up to the myth.

But what about those evil Conservatives underfunding the NHS? Not according to the International Health Care Outcomes Index. Between 2020-2021, the UK saw the biggest increase in health spending as a proportion of GDP of any country in a global league table. The UK is now 10th out of 19 comparable countries for spending on its health system as a percentage of GDP, putting us mid-table. But we get terrible value for money: the British taxpayer gives the NHS 165 billion quid a year. In return, the NHS gives us the second-worst life expectancy among 19 similar countries.

Why is NHS CEO Amanda Pritchard not sacked immediately by Wes Streeting for gross mismanagement? No private-sector boss could survive a report as devastating as Lord Darzis. No accountability, no consequences, no improvement.

Until yesterdays report, the public could not possibly deduce from all the slavish propaganda and I HEART NHS fatuities how dire things really are. We still have many fantastic doctors and nurses and they know. It mortifies them. This is what Jeremy wrote: Ive worked in the NHS for 35 years (22 as a consultant) and it is a system that just doesnt work. But, now, its just awful, Allison. AWFUL. European colleagues used to laugh and poke fun about the NHS and me being a British cancer specialist. Jeremy, you wont be getting this cancer drug for a few years... Ha ha! Now, those foreign colleagues dont laugh any more. They simply DO NOT BELIEVE how bad UK healthcare is. People with critical coronary artery diseases have to wait a year for surgery, Jeremy? [Such surgery should happen within hours or a day at worst.] Non, cest pas possible!

Non, cest pas possible. Not in France it isnt, not in Germany, not in Australia, not anywhere in fact with a decent health service funded by mixed provision (state and private) and with providers in competition. A health service which puts patients before ideology and backside-covering managers. Just think of it. The National Health Service used to be a joke in international oncology circles; now we are objects of pity.

And the human suffering, my God, the suffering. A lady in her eighties (my mothers friend) left lying on the floor a month ago with a broken femur for twelve hours as she waited for an ambulance.

Charlotte told me about her daughter Emilia, who was in agony. After hours in A&E, with her mother hassling and begging for a CT scan (refused), the GCSE student was diagnosed with constipation and sent home. Soon after, the pain returned and mother and daughter were back in the A&E warzone. Emilia lay on a makeshift bed of chairs for nine hours, vomiting and crying out for someone to please help her. No one came to our aid, it was unbelievable. It turned out the sixteen-year-old had ovarian cysts which had twisted and one ovary had also twisted, cutting off the blood flow. She would have been experiencing pain similar to a heart attack, a doctor told Charlotte when they were finally allowed a scan. Emilia lost one of her ovaries; the fate of the other is in the balance along with her fertility. No follow-up. Course not; its Our NHS. Count yourself lucky to get out alive.



It has taken a report by a Labour lord to challenge the lefts precious NHS myth and to finally get the media posing questions those on the right were vilified for even asking. Dont get your hopes up. 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, says Darzi.



Nothing except the fact that the NHS doesnt work, and will never work, and the British people will go on suffering and dying before their time. Non, cest pas possible!
Children playing under the roman bridge in Llanwrst

I think I can guess what book Anthony Albanese took to the beach this summer. The Australian prime minister has just announced that his government is to ban children from using social media apps. The exact age limit has yet to be decided, but is expected to be between 14 and 16, with facial recognition technology used to ensure compliance. Enough is enough, says Albanese. What we want is our youngest Australians spending more time outside playing sport, engaging with each other in a normal way, and less time online.

This is a near-perfect precis of The Anxious Generation, the international bestseller by Jonathan Haidt. Published six months ago, it argues that smartphones are destroying childhood and creating an epidemic of mental illness.

The cure, says the social psychologist, comes in two parts. First, we must prise smartphones out of small hands. And second, we must build childrens confidence and resilience by pushing them out into the real world, letting them play freely and take risks.

This second part may turn out to be even trickier than the first. Risk-averse parenting was on the rise long before the invention of the smartphone. Increasing urbanisation, road accidents, shrinking family sizes, and a more safety-conscious wider culture have all helped to ratchet up parental anxiety, each generation clutching their offspring a little tighter.

Screens have facilitated this clinginess, making it easier to confine children indoors without complaint. Even when we do let them out of the house, we keep tabs on them  either literally, like the electronic tag worn by Zara Tindalls daughter, or via the tracking devices in their smartphones.

The irony is that this over-protectiveness doesnt actually keep children safe. How are they to become competent, responsible, forward-thinking and savvy if not through real experiences? How can they learn from their mistakes if they are never left alone to make any?

The best bit of parenting I did this summer was depositing my children and three of their cousins on a lonely bend in a river, and leaving them there overnight. They wanted to try camping without grown-ups.

It didnt go well. They forgot to pack the pump for the blow-up tent, so they had to spread it on the ground and then fold it over themselves like a tortilla wrap. It rained all night, and they kept rolling down the slope towards the river, and nobody slept a wink, and in the morning there was nothing for breakfast except marshmallows. They came home pasty-faced, trembling with cold and covered in tics. It had been a disaster  and totally worth it.

Snorers Unite

There is, according to the headlines, new hope for snorers  and their partners. As a snorer myself, and the partner of a snorer, I cant help feeling a touch offended. Who says we even want this new hope? (An epilepsy drug that has been found to keep the upper airways open, reducing nocturnal vibrations.)

I can think of no earthly sound more relaxing than the first rumble  rising to a mighty roar, like a diesel-powered lawnmower  of my snoring husband.

All my previous lovers were quiet sleepers, who expected a reciprocal silence. I would lie awake for hours, wondering when it might be safe to nod off, dreading the discovery of my unladylike snorts. Now that I share my bed with a fellow warthog, I can finally relax. Neither of us minds the other ones din  and besides, we can hardly hear it through our own.
The Darzi Report has reached damning conclusions about the NHS - Aaron Chown

A landmark report finding that NHS hospitals are doing less work for their patients despite being handed more money than ever will surprise no one in the UK.

Lord Darzis damning review found that A&E waiting times have swollen so much that a patient in need of care will now typically have 100 people ahead of them in the queue  up from just under 40 people in 2009.

I had not entered an NHS hospital since the birth of my youngest child, 11 years ago  until this year when two people to whom I am incredibly close fell seriously ill.

In the last few weeks alone, I have visited University College Hospital London, Charing Cross Hospital, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and St Marys Hospital, Paddington along with the private St John and Elizabeth Hospital in London.

These are my observations:

1) NHS hospitals, in London at least, are not under-staffed. Most of the staff are excellent  but there are still some bad apples, often agency staff working overnight or at weekends, who are badly trained and give the rest of the workforce a bad name.

2) The NHS would collapse without migrant workers. But a lot of the patients they are treating, especially in London, are not born in this country. So-call health tourism is a nettle successive governments have failed to grasp.

3) Accident and Emergency departments have become war zones, especially late at night, when staff are not dealing with casualties, but the drunk and disorderly, people with severe mental health problems and others who could not get in to see their GP and have nowhere else to go.

4) Most GPs no longer have oversight of their patients care. One of my loved ones is lucky enough to have an old school doctor, like my GP father before he retired, who is across all his health problems  but the other spent four weeks seriously ill in hospital without hearing from her GP once. She was discharged and told to contact her GP  but the GP has so far proved to be uncontactable. When she resolved to use her private health insurance to find a consultant general physician to oversee her rehabilitation  she had seen the doctor, had a chest X ray and blood tests (with results) within three and a half hours.

5) GPs need to be contractually compelled to provide more evening and weekend appointments.

6) There should be an urgent care centre or minor injuries unit in every town and city in Britain. The decision to close community hospitals, where patients could easily access outpatient and short-term in-patient care  was a catastrophic mistake and needs to be urgently reversed. Any reform agenda should include restoring smaller, local hospitals.

7) Pharmacy services have been grossly underfunded for years and should treat more patients for minor ailments, injuries and other conditions that unnecessarily clog up surgeries.

8) More students should be accepted to study medicine and dentistry in Britain.

9) There is a huge amount of waste in the NHS that must be tackled head-on. Every hospital should employ a waste-watcher, tasked with providing taxpayers with value for money.

10) The government must enact the recommendations in the Dilnot Commission Report  and finally legislate for a social care plan for the UK.

The NHS should be the pride of Britain  but unless it is dramatically reformed, it will end up being the death of too many of us.
NSW police minister Yasmin Catley said responding to mental health incidents was a complex issue. Photograph: Bianca de Marchi/AAP

New South Wales police have admitted that when they attend mental health incidents they are often an escalating factor and it would be better if experts were deployed instead.

An internal review conducted by NSW police has called for better resourcing so officers are only involved if a crime has occurred or a person is at immediate risk of serious harm.

A summary of the review, released on Thursday, said officers would be unlikely to be able to properly respond to mental health incidents even if they received significantly more training.

The review  conducted after a spate of deaths in NSW  found a majority of incidents NSW police attended didnt involve criminal offences and/or violence.

Police, on average, attend a mental health incident every nine minutes, the review found, with the number of call outs increasing 10% annually since 2018.

In a majority of instances where police are deployed, a criminal offence has not been committed and there is no threat of violence or weapon involved, the review found.

The involvement of law enforcement is often perceived as a threat, an authoritarian response and an escalating factor.

Over reliance on police responding to mental health-related incidents can cause distress and increase the risk of injury for both individuals experiencing mental health concerns and police officers.

The review found police may not be the most appropriate agency to provide support during a mental health or emotional distress incident.

In June, a parliamentary inquiry into the states mental health systems urged police to improve mandatory mental health training for officers and explore becoming the second responders to these types of emergencies.

Related: Police officer accused of killing 95-year-old Clare Nowland with stun gun to argue he used reasonable force, court hears

Police and the government had been under pressure to enact reforms after the deaths of Clare Nowland, Steve Pampalian, Jesse Deacon and Krista Kach last year.

All four were fatally wounded or shot by police officers while under mental health distress.

Guardian Australia has previously reported that 52 people experiencing mental health distress died during interactions with NSW police between 2018 and 2023.

The police review recommends the state look at responses similar to the Right Care Right Person model used in the UK.

It ensures people with health needs are paired with someone with the right skills, training, and experience to meet their needs best.

Advantages of the RCRP model include engagement by appropriately skilled and trained experts with the knowledge to assess and treat affected persons appropriately, the review states.

It reduces stigma associated with a uniformed police response and reduces the need for use of force and restraint by police officers.

Speaking at budget estimates this week, the states mental health minister, Rose Jackson, said the system needed urgent reform but change could not be rushed.



As we move away from police as the lead responders  there are resource implications to that, there are training implications to that, she said.



I dont want to leave our police, our ambulance and our mental health clinicians with a system change that has not been properly developed, but that development is happening right now.

A working group between NSW police and NSW Health has been established to examine the reviews findings.

The summary stated that even if officers were given significantly more mental health training, they still would not be as fit to respond as health and ambulance workers. The review dismissed calls for more police training.

Police are not qualified or trained mental health professionals, nor should they be expected to be, the review stated.

Prioritising police training to address de-escalation and threat in circumstances where police attendance is requested is unlikely to adequately address the needs and risk to people experiencing mental health conditions in the community.

The review assessed current models including the Pacer program.

Under Pacer, mental health clinicians employed by NSW Health are stationed with police to ensure police powers are only used when necessary in responding to mental health crises.

The review found Pacers resources were not available 24/7 and had limited capability. It emerged last year that mental health workers were banned from assisting officers during high-risk call outs involving weapons  even on the phone.

The review released on Thursday said proposals to roll out collaborative partnership initiatives, co-deployment models, mental health clinician triage and guidance, 24/7 mental health phone lines and mental health ambulances all suffered from the same problem. The ability to meet demand falls short.

The NSW police minister, Yasmin Catley, said responding to mental health incidents was a complex issue and it was important people were supported.

The Greens justice spokesperson, Sue Higginson, said the government was inert and asleep at the wheel after reading the report which she said had failed to commit to an alternative.

The government  refuse to respond with the right remedy and urgency required, she said.

The families of people who were killed by the police deserve better, and we wont stop until the government understands this.
Around 31 per cent of University of Oxford graduates are educated at private schools - benedek/iStock Unreleased

The universities of Oxford and Cambridge should scrap interviews and instead pick applicants from a lottery of top-performing students, professors have argued.

In a book called Born to Rule: The Making and Remaking of the British Elite, two sociology professors called for a radical overhaul of the Oxbridge admissions system to break the universities stranglehold on elite recruitment.

Prof Aaron Reeves and Prof Sam Friedman, sociologists at the University of Oxford and the London School of Economics (LSE) respectively, suggested the current admissions model puts off pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds.

We therefore recommend removing the application process to Oxbridge entirely for academically-able students, they said. Arguing that it is time for change, they suggested the universities should instead introduce a lottery-style system to select their intake.

This would see Oxford and Cambridge randomly choose students from the top five per cent of pupils across the country based on their A-level results, they said.

The academics said a similar system had been introduced in Texas in 1997. It guarantees that Texas students who graduate in the top 10 per cent of their high school class automatic admission to all state-funded universities.

Prof Reeves and Prof Friedman claimed this alone would do little to break the dominance of private schools within Oxbridge, and called for further measures to shake up the admissions system.

They suggested the private school intake at Russell Group universities should also be capped at 10 per cent  the current proportion of people in the UK who have been privately educated at some point.

The sociologists claimed the two measures combined would mean Oxford and Cambridge splitting the lottery into separate pools  one for private school pupils and one for everyone else  and selecting 10 per cent of students from the private school sample.

They claimed this would undermine the propulsive power of private schools, adding: Their stranglehold on elite recruitment, we believe, is perverse and makes a mockery of the idea that access to elite positions in Britain is meritocratically achieved.

At its annual conference in 2019 under Jeremy Corbyn, Labour endorsed a plan to cap the number of private school admissions to university to match their current proportion compared to the state school population.

The proposal was later dropped, but Labour has gone ahead with plans to start charging VAT on private school fees, which was endorsed at the same party conference.

Around 20 per cent of students at the 24 research-intensive Russell Group universities went to private school in 2023, according to the latest data. The figure is as high as 38 per cent at Durham and 36 per cent at Edinburgh.

Meanwhile, 31 per cent of students at Oxford were privately-educated in 2023, compared to 28 per cent at Cambridge.

The top universities already consider contextual data when making admissions, including the socio-economic status of an applicants local area, their eligibility for free school meals, and any extenuating circumstances.

Oxford and Cambridges rigorous entrance exams and interviews are thought to make up around 70 per cent of the admissions process, with GCSE results, predicted grades, A-level results and personal statements account for the remaining 30 per cent.

All Oxford interviews moved online during the pandemic and will remain so until 2028, while Cambridge said it will conduct the majority of admissions interviews virtually going forward.

The universities were approached for comment.
Lucy Letby, the most prolific child serial killer in modern British history - AFP

The public struggle to believe Lucy Letby is a serial killer because we prefer our monsters to look like monsters even though evil is banal, a barrister representing the families of the babies said.

Richard Baker KC, who was speaking at the Thirlwall Inquiry, which is examining how the deaths could have been prevented, said on Thursday it was naive to think that someone who chooses to work in a caring profession cannot be a murderer.

Letby was convicted of the murders of seven babies and the attempted murders of seven others while working as a nurse at the Countess of Chester Hospital between 2015 and 2016.

In recent months, there have been questions raised about Letbys guilt from many scientists, doctors, nurses and statisticians.

Lucy Letby is currently serving 15 whole-life sentences - CHESTER STANDARD/SOUTH WEST NEWS SERVICE

But Mr Baker said people questioning the verdict should be ashamed of themselves for recklessly promoting conspiracy theories.

Evil can be banal, he said. We prefer our monsters to look like monsters, to be easy to identify and to be far removed from ourselves.

It creates a profound cognitive dissonance. Many monsters do not fit a stereotype. It is sometimes hard to accept.

The cognitive biases who see a young woman working in a caring profession and cannot conceive of a darkness that may lay beneath the surface.

But we should not be so naive. To be successful, a serial killer must hide in plain sight.

He pointed out that Harold Shipman had been regarded as a diligent and caring doctor until the truth was known, and said that many superficially or apparently normal individuals had turned out to be monsters.

Peter Skelton KC, who is representing the parents of children A, B, I, L, M, N and Q, also addressed the ongoing speculation that Letby may be the victim of a miscarriage of justice.

Letby was not convicted on the basis of questionable statistics but because the factual and expert medical evidence demonstrated beyond reasonable doubt that she had harmed children at the hospital, he said.

Consultants have been criticised for not telling the coroner or police that they believed Letby was deliberately harming babies.

On the third day of the hearing, the inquiry was told how investigations into deaths were hampered by the hospitals unwillingness to think the unthinkable.

In a written opening, Andrew Kennedy KC, said that until March 2016, the hospital had been looking for a clinical explanation for a rise in death rates.

It is important to keep in mind the realities of medical practice in a busy acute hospital, he said.

The neonatal unit at the Countess of Chester Hospital where Lucy Letby worked - ADAM VAUGHAN/SHUTTERSTOCK

Whilst periods of elevated morbidity and mortality will occur from time to time, instances of deliberate harm by healthcare staff are exceedingly rare.

When a period of elevated mortality is observed, its cause is therefore highly likely to be a product of random variation in outcomes, due to clinical factors, or insofar as it relates to staff, not rooted in criminality.

Accordingly, the Countess of Chester submits that it was reasonable to initially look for clinical causes to explain the increase in deaths and collapses observed on the neonatal ward.

The inquiry was also told there were concerns about Letbys time at Liverpool Womens Hospital, where she worked in 2012 and 2015.

An audit of her time there, showed that dislodgement of endotracheal (breathing) tubes occurred on 40 per cent of shifts that Letby was working  despite dislodgement usually happening on fewer than one per cent of all shifts.

Cheshire Police is currently also investigating whether babies were harmed at Liverpool Womens NHS Foundation Trust.

03:01 PM BST

Inquiry finished for the day

The inquiry will resume at 10am on Friday morning when it will hear opening statements from the representatives of management at the Countess of Chester Hospital.

Here is a summary of what the inquiry heard today:

Consultants were criticised for not telling authorities about Letby suspicions.

The victims lawyer addressed claims about Letby miscarriage of justice.

Richard Baker KC said: We prefer our monsters to look like monsters.

People questioning Letby verdict should be ashamed of themselves said victims lawyer.

Investigations were hampered by the hospitals unwillingness to think the unthinkable.

Concerns were raised about Letbys time in Liverpool Womens Hospital.

Countess of Chester hospital was considerably understaffed.

Justice Thirlwall will consider recommending CCTV be installed on units.

02:55 PM BST

Bullying culture stifled whistleblowers, inquiry hears

The Thirlwall Inquiry has resumed hearing from representatives of the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).

Barrister Robert Cohen said that it was clear that there had been failings to learn from past patient safety scandals in the NHS.

The barrister said that incurious and defensive boards coupled with bullying behaviour had created a culture where it was not easy for whistleblowers to speak up.

He said: The Department accepts that recent investigations such as the independent review of maternity services at the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital Trust and the independent investigation into maternity and neonatal services in East Kent demonstrate a failure to learn from past incidents.

The new Secretary of State has acknowledged that in the past recommendations have been made but action has not been taken. That is not good enough. The system must change.

The Secretary of State has spoken candidly describing how the NHS is broken.

Getting it back on its feet and building an NHS that is fit for the future is the mission of the Government.

02:25 PM BST

Recap of what the inqury heard this morning

Here is a brief recap of what the inquiry heard this morning:

Consultants have been criticised for not telling the coroner or police that they believed Lucy Letby was deliberately harming babies

People struggle to think of Letby as a serial killer because we prefer our monsters to look like monsters, the inquiry has heard

Richard Baker KC said people questioning the verdict should be ashamed of themselves for recklessly promoting conspiracy theories

The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has accepted that it was wrong not to suspend Lucy Letbys registration after she was arrested by police in 2018

02:21 PM BST

Inquiry resumes

The inquiry has resumed after a short lunch break.

01:26 PM BST

Inquiry breaks for lunch

The inquiry has broken for lunch and will resume at 2.15pm.

01:26 PM BST

Justice Thirlwall will consider recommending CCTV be installed on units, inquiry hears

The barrister for the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) has been reflecting on whether CCTV should be installed in all neonatal units to protect infants.

Lady Justice Thirlwall has previously said she will consider making a recommendation for video cameras to be placed in all units.

However Fiona Scolding KC, representing the RCPCH, said: If CCTV surveillance in a paediatric ward to be introduced it would need to be seen as a pressing requirement and to be supported by clear evidence of benefit given that it would lead to significant intrusion into the the child and the familys right to privacy at what we have already described as a particularly difficult time in their lives.

01:15 PM BST

Countess of Chester hospital considerably understaffed, inquiry hears

The inquiry is hearing from a barrister representing the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) which carried out a review into the spike in baby deaths at the Countess of Chester.

Fiona Scolding KC, said that the review found considerable understaffing both of doctors and nurses as well as insufficient consultant presence to safely cover the paediatric wards as well as a lack of junior and trainee doctors.

The review found the unit only partially adhered to a culture of safety.

The review also revealed that the management team of the hospital had not realised how busy the neonatal unit was and only identified this when it reviewed the data, added Ms Scolding.

However the barrister said that the review should have been halted when concerns about Letby were raised by the consultants, and accepted that the Royal College should have informed the police.

The programme director of the review said that the situation reminded him of Grantham, where Beverley Allitt had murdered children.

12:51 PM BST

The Nursing and Midwifery Council accepts it was wrong not to suspend Letby

The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has accepted that it was wrong not to suspend Lucy Letbys registration after she was arrested by police in 2018.

The inquiry has heard how the NMC waited until Letby was charged in November 2020 to bring in an interim suspension order.

She was not finally struck off the nursing register until December last year.

The barrister representing the NMC accepted that the body should have been more curious about the circumstances surrounding Letbys arrest.

12:46 PM BST

What to expect from the Lucy Letby Thirlwall Inquiry

The public inquiry into baby deaths at the Countess of Chester Hospital where Lucy Letby worked will begin on Tuesday, September 10.

The statutory inquiry - which will be led by Lady Justice Thirlwall - was ordered by Steve Barclay, the former health secretary, last August after neonatal nurse Letby was convicted of the murders of seven newborns and the attempted murder of six others.

Earlier this year she was also convicted of the attempted murder of a seventh infant.

Read the full story here.

12:15 PM BST

Concerns raised about Letbys time in Liverpool Womens Hospital, inquiry hears

The inquiry heard there were concerns about Lucy Letbys time at Liverpool Womens Hospital, where she worked in 2012 and 2015.

An audit of her time there, showed that dislodgement of endotracheal (breathing) tubes occurred on 40 per cent of shifts that Letby was working - despite dislodgement usually happening on fewer than one per cent of all shifts.

Cheshire Police is currently also investigating whether babies were harmed at Liverpool Womens NHS Foundation Trust.

12:06 PM BST

Investigations hampered by hospitals unwillingness to think the unthinkable

Internal investigations into baby deaths at the Countess of Chester were hampered by the hospitals unwillingness to think the unthinkable, the inquiry has heard.

In a written opening statement, Andrew Kennedy KC, who is representing the hospital, admitted that the executives had failed to give appropriate weight to concerns raised about Letby by paediatricians.

However he said that until March 2016, the hospital had been looking for a clinical explanation for a rise in death rates.

He said: It is important to keep in mind the realities of medical practice in a busy acute hospital.

Whilst periods of elevated morbidity and mortality will occur from time-to-time, instances of deliberate harm by healthcare staff are exceedingly rare.

When a period of elevated mortality is observed, its cause is therefore highly likely to be a product of random variation in outcomes, due to clinical factors, or insofar as it relates to staff, not rooted in criminality.

Accordingly, the Countess of Chester submits that it was reasonable to initially look for clinical causes to explain the increase in deaths and collapses observed on the neonatal ward.

11:37 AM BST

People questioning Letby verdict should be ashamed of themselves, inquiry hears

In recent months, there have been questions raised about Letbys guilt but Richard Baker KC said people questioning the verdict should be ashamed of themselves for recklessly promoting conspiracy theories.

He pointed out that Harold Shipman had been regarded as a diligent and caring doctor until the truth was known, and said that many superficially or apparently normal individuals had turned out to be monsters.

Mr Baker said that the ultimate goal of the families is to ensure that their experiences are not repeated.

11:29 AM BST

We prefer our monsters to look like monsters, inquiry hears

People struggle to think of Lucy Letby as a serial killer because we prefer our monsters to look like monsters, the inquiry has heard.

Richard Baker KC, who is representing the families of some of the babies, said it was naive to think that someone who chooses to work in a caring profession cannot be a murderer.

Evil can be banal, he said. We prefer our monsters to look like monsters, to be easy to identify and to be far removed from ourselves.

It creates a profound cognitive dissonance. Many monsters do not fit a stereotype. It is sometimes hard to accept.

The cognitive biases who see a young woman working in a caring profession and cannot conceive of a darkness that may lay beneath the surface.

But we should not be so naive. To be successful a serial killer must hide in plain sight.

10:48 AM BST

Lawyer of victims addresses claims about Letby miscarriage of justice

Peter Skelton KC - who is representing the parents of children A, B, I, L, M, N and Q - has addressed the ongoing speculation that Lucy Letby may be the victim of a miscarriage of justice.

Mr Skelton urged members of the public to read the Court of Appeal Judgement.

He said: Lucy Letby was not convicted on the basis of questionable statistics but because the factual and expert medical evidence demonstrated beyond reasonable doubt that she had harmed children at the hospital.

Speaking to Lady Justice Thirlwall he added: You are investigating those that worked with her, those that knew her and ultimately those who suspected that she was committing murder.

Those witnesses who give evidence to you will be seeking to explain why those suspicions arose and why she was not caught sooner.

That, not Letby, must now be the focus of everyones attention.

10:33 AM BST

Consultants criticised for not telling authorities about Letby suspicions, inquiry hears

Consultants have been criticised for not telling the coroner or police that they believed Letby was deliberately harming babies.

Peter Skelton KC - who is representing the parents of children A, B, I, L, M, N and Q - said that although the doctors reacted with tenacity and courage they had opportunities to blow the whistle which they did not take.

The consultants were in a position to initiate robust and comprehensive investigations of the deaths and collapse on the unit, but did not do so, said Mr Skelton.

Most critically, as soon as they suspected Letby to be harming babies deliberately, they should have articulated that clearly and formally in writing.

The consultants should have gone to the coroner or spoken to the police.

A key example of this failure, you may feel, was the inquest into the death of Child A which took place before the coroner on Oct 10 2016.

At that inquest, hospital staff including Dr Jayaram gave evidence under oath, but for reasons that will require justification, when they gave evidence no one told the coroner there had been a concerning cluster of deaths at the hospital, that this was being investigated, and most critically, that there was concern that a member of staff is involved and was harming babies deliberately.

10:12 AM BST

Inquiry enters third day

Its day three of the Thirlwall Inquiry and it is expected to hear opening statements from representatives of the families of the babies, the Countess of Chester, the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH).

The inquiry has begun by hearing from lawyers representing the families who are setting out briefly and bluntly what went wrong.

They warn that vital information was overlooked with fatal consequences for other children.
The view of Earth from the Dragon capsules Skywalker spacewalk platform - SpaceX

An American billionaire has become the first person to carry out a commercial spacewalk as part of SpaceXs historic mission to test out its newly-designed spacesuits.

The Polaris Dawn, the riskiest mission yet by the Elon Musk-led company, began shortly after 11am BST time after an initial four-hour delay.

It looks like a perfect world its gorgeous, exclaimed Jared Isaacman, 41, the mission commander as he ventured outside of the Crew Dragon capsule at 700km (435 miles) in altitude.

It took a huge team effort to get to this point, its just historic, he said

There were cheers of jubilation and relief as the astronaut exited the capsule. A camera attached to Mr Isaacman provided millions of people a livestream of his 12-minute spacewalk, while the Earth turned below him.

He was followed by Sarah Gillis, 30, a SpaceX engineer. Spacewalks are considered to be one of the most dangerous activities an astronaut can do while in orbit and any malfunctions in their suits could be deadly.

The astronauts were seen waving their arms around as they floated above the capsule, reaching down and turning clockwise  all meant to demonstrate how easily they could use tools while in space.

After the missions completion, Bill Nelson, Nasas highest-ranking official, congratulated SpaceX, saying: Todays success represents a giant leap forward for the commercial space industry and Nasas long-term goal to build a vibrant US space economy.

The purpose of the mission was to test out SpaceXs new technologies, including its slick spacesuits that are far slimmer than any standard Nasa suit, which have more protective layering.

Its kind of like a suit of armour made of fabric, Erik Kraus, SpaceXs principal spacesuit engineer, said prior to the mission.

The spacewalk had added risks as it was carried out from Crew Dragon, a space capsule that doesnt have a safety airlock, meaning the whole vehicle had to be depressurised before it could begin.

Sarah Gillis, a SpaceX engineer, on her way out of the capsule

Scott Poteet, 50, a retired US air force fighter pilot, and Anna Menon, 38, a SpaceX engineer, remained inside the capsule but were considered space walkers given the depressurisation.

The mission finally officially got underway with a series of suit purges and leak checks.

After the crew underwent a pre-breathing process, which involved the astronauts breathing oxygen prior to the spacewalk in order to purge the body of nitrogen.

Then came the venting phase, which saw both the cabin and the astronauts suits depressurised. Images started to roll in from inside the cabin, with the four-strong crew preparing and fist-bumping each other.

Mr Isaacman initially suffered a slight hitch with the doors automatic opening mechanism, before pushing the hatch open and climbing out into space.

Mr Isaacman and Ms Giles remained attached to life support systems by an umbilical hose as he carried out a series of mobility tests.

Click here to view this content.

The first of three tests saw them use a single hand to control their body movement. The pair, floating out above the Dragon, held onto the capsules bars, keeping one arm still while waving the other about in an attempt to simulate tool use.

The second mobility test focused on the astronauts ability to move up and down. This saw the two astronauts using horizontal and vertical bars to gauge their maximum reach.

The third and final test saw the astronauts assess how easily they could move their body by waving their arms and twisting around clockwise while continuing to hold onto the capsules bars.

Re-pressurisation began one minute after Ms Gillis returned into the capsule, a process which lasted nearly an hour. In that time, the crew continued to rely on their slim, SpaceX-developed spacesuits for oxygen.

Mission to Mars

It was the first of three spacewalks funded by Mr Isaacman, founder of Shift4, an electronic payment company. Mr Isaacman has not revealed how much he has paid for the missions but experts suggest they will have cost hundreds of millions of dollars.

A seat on a Crew Dragon typically costs $55m (42m).

The five-day mission was primarily to test the new suits, but also to conduct broader research essential to leading future crewed missions beyond Earth, including the Moon and Mars.

The company said: Building a base on the Moon and a city on Mars will require thousands of spacesuits. The development of this suit, and the EVA performed on this mission, will be important steps toward a scalable design for spacesuits on future long-duration missions.

According to Dr Ian Whittaker, a space physics expert at Nottingham Trent University, the mission also represents the first step on a longer road towards space tourism.

The high cost will mean that only the ultra rich get to experience this for now but putting this cost in the hands of businesses means that taxpayer money can be used for other purposes, he added.

03:10 PM BST

Thank you for following our live coverage

Thank you for following our live coverage of SpaceXs historic spacewalk mission.

03:00 PM BST

Elon Musk congratulates SpaceX astronauts

01:59 PM BST

Spacewalk mission another step towards space tourism

Dr Ian Whittaker, a space physics expert at Nottingham Trent University, said SpaceXs mission marks another step towards space tourism.

The success of the first non space agency astronaut spacewalk is extremely exciting for the private space industry as it is the first step on a longer road towards space tourism, Dr Whittaker said.

The high cost will mean that only the ultra rich get to experience this for now but putting this cost in the hands of businesses means that taxpayer money can be used for other purposes.

He continued: The custom space suit design has had a successful test and it is great to see some positive news regarding space exploration this year.

01:19 PM BST

Watch: SpaceX crew carries out first-ever private spacewalk

01:03 PM BST

Spacewalk mission officially complete

The spacewalk is now officially over as the repressurisation process has finally completed, SpaceX has confirmed.

The Polaris Dawn spacewalk is now complete, marking the first time commercial astronauts have completed a spacewalk from a commercial spacecraft! Congratulations to @rookisaacman, @Gillis_SarahE, @KiddPoteet, @annawmenon, and to all the SpaceX teams!  SpaceX (@SpaceX) September 12, 2024

12:22 PM BST

Repressurisation of Dragon now under way

Ms Gillis confirmed she has closed the hatch and now repressurisation of the Dragon capsule is under way.

Pressure indicates good seal, mission control told the astronauts.

12:15 PM BST

Second spacewalk complete

Ms Gillis has now reentered the Dragon capsule after spending 12 minutes testing out SpaceXs new suits.

She carried out the same maneuvers as Mr Isaacman, which included suit mobility tests as the Dragon capsule flew between Australia and Antarctica

12:07 PM BST

Second SpaceX astronaut leaves capsule

Ms Gillis has now left the Dragon capsule.

She is expected to stay out there for 12 minutes, the same time as Mr Isaacman, to carry out the same suit tests.

12:05 PM BST

Second SpaceX astronaut prepares to leave Dragon capsule

Sarah Gillis, the mission specialist, is now preparing to exit the capsule and carry out the missions second spacewalk.

12:05 PM BST

Watch: Billionaire exits spacecraft in first ever private spacewalk

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12:04 PM BST

Mission commander completes mobility tests

Polaris Dawns mission commander Jared Isaacman has now completed his suit mobility tests and is back inside the Dragon capsule.

11:53 AM BST

It looks like a perfect world...

Mr Isaacman has now exited the capsule.

He is attached to life support systems by an umbilical hose that provides power, communications and oxygen.

Mr Isaacman has started the suit tests against the Earths backdrop.

Back at home we still have a lot of work to do, he said as he exited the capsule before adding: But from here it looks like a perfect world.

He said later on: Its gorgeous.

Jared Isaacman, the billionaire mission commander, has exited the capsule - SpaceX

11:50 AM BST

Mission commander opens hatch into space

Jared Isaacman, the billionaire mission commander, has exited the Dragon capsule.

11:44 AM BST

Go to open hatch

Isaacman has been given the all-clear to open the hatch.

The crew is in the process of venting any residual atmosphere.

11:43 AM BST

Mission commander about to open Dragon capsule hatch

Depressurisation is now complete.

Jared Isaacman, the billionaire mission commander, is preparing to exit the capsule.

11:42 AM BST

Pictured: billionaire mission commander prepares to exit capsule

Jared Isaacman, the billionaire mission commander, prepares to exit the capsule - SpaceX

11:32 AM BST

Pre-breathe process complete

The cabin will now be vented, which is expected to last around eight minutes.

The pressure inside the cabin and the suits will now start to drop.

The capsule will remain completely depressurised during the entire spacewalk, and the whole crew will need to rely on their SpaceX-developed spacesuits for oxygen.

11:22 AM BST

Leak checks complete

All four suits have passed their leak checks, SpaceX has confirmed.

The final pre-breathe is under way to help purge all remaining nitrogren from the astronauts bodies.

11:17 AM BST

Spacewalk begins

The pressurisation of the SpaceX suits has now begun, meaning the spacewalk - known officially as Extravehicular Activity (EVA) - is now under way.

SpaceX officials confirmed the mission is go for spacewalk.

The purpose of the mission is to test new SpaceX technology, including the suits, which are much thinner than those worn by astronauts on previous Nasa missions.

11:00 AM BST

Spacewalk mission under way

The crew members will be referred to in the live broadcast as follows:

EV1: Jared Isaacman, commander

EV2: Sarah Gillis

Support 1: Scott Poteet

Support 2: Anna Menon

The Polaris Dawn crew is suited up and ready for the spacewalk.

10:54 AM BST

Why are suit leak checks necessary?

Suit leak checks, which will occur at the start of the spacewalk, are an extremely important part of the process, according to a SpaceX employee speaking on the live broadcast.

The process takes a few minutes, he added, and will involve checking that all zippers and compartments in the suit are closed properly.

10:51 AM BST

Spacewalk minutes away

The start of SpaceXs spacewalk is expected to begin in seven minutes.

The astronauts will carry out their final suit checks at 10.58am before Jared Isaacman, the mission commander, exits the capsule at 11.31am.

10:30 AM BST

Astronauts to carry out 12-minute spacewalk

Jared Isaacman and Sarah Gillis will separately exit the Dragon capsule for 12 minutes each and perform a series of suit mobility tests during the spacewalk, SpaceX has said in its latest update.

10:22 AM BST

Astronauts begin putting on spacesuits

SpaceXs broadcast is now live, with one of the hosts confirming that the astronauts have begun the process of putting their spacesuits on.

Theyve been undergoing a process called pre-breathing, where the atmosphere pressure inside Dragon is slowly decreased and oxygen is increased, to prepare their bodies for the [spacewalk] suit environment, the host said.

The crew has been in what's known as pre-breathe since shortly after their arrival in space, which prepares them for the environment inside the EVA suits by gradually lowering Dragon's cabin pressure and increasing the oxygen concentration  SpaceX (@SpaceX) September 12, 2024

10:08 AM BST

Musk teases spacewalk as live broadcast begins

09:57 AM BST

Minute-by-minute schedule of SpaceXs mission

10.58am (UK time): Procedure starts with suit purge and leak checks

11.28am: Hatch unlocked and opened

11.31am: Jared Isaacman, mission commander, exits and starts testing suits

11.44am: Mr Isaacman returns to his seat

11.49am: Sarah Gillis, mission specialist, exits

11.57am: Ms Gillis returns to her seat

11.58am: Hatch closed and repressurisation begins

12.48pm: Repressurisation complete

09:17 AM BST

Why is this spacewalk so risky?

Only government-funded astronauts with several years of training have done spacewalks in the past.

This time it will be the privately funded Polaris Dawn capsule which, at an altitude of 700 km (435 miles), will be completely depressurised - leaving the crew relying on just their slim, SpaceX-developed spacesuits for oxygen.

During the spacewalk, Isaacman and Gillis will exit the Crew Dragon tethered by an oxygen line while Poteet and Menon stay within.

The crew has however spent over two years of training with SpaceX mission simulations and experiential learning in challenging, uncomfortable environments.

Poteet, a retired fighter pilot and member of the crew, told reporters last month: I can tell you without a doubt this has been some of the most challenging training that Ive ever experienced.

08:38 AM BST

State-of-the-art technology of new spacesuit

Today is all about SpaceXs new EVA - or extra-vehicular activity - suits, which will be tested by mission commander Jared Isaacman and engineer Sarah Gillis as they emerge from their capsule.

According to SpaceX:

The EVA suit provides greater mobility, a state-of-the-art helmet heads-up display (HUD) and camera, new thermal management textiles, and materials borrowed from Falcons interstage and Dragons trunk. All of these enhancements to the EVA suit are part of a scalable design, allowing teams to produce and scale to different body types as SpaceX seeks to create greater accessibility to space for all of humanity.

08:04 AM BST

Pictured: Crew hold call with veterans charity

The entire crew held a video call with representatives of veterans charity Folds of Honor, which provide educational scholarships to spouses and children of Americas fallen and disabled service-members.

Crew meet with American veterans charity as they prepare for first ever commercial spacewalk

07:45 AM BST

Who are the Polaris Dawn crew?

The mission commander is private astronaut and billionaire Jared Isaacman. The launch is his second spaceflight, having flown with SpaceX on its Inspiration4 mission in 2021.

Isaacman, who founded Shift4 payments, has a net worth of around $2bn. He is an accomplished pilot with over 7,000 hours of flying and owns the worlds largest private fighter jet fleet, the Black Diamond Jet Team, which conducts acrobatic demonstrations.

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Hell conduct the spacewalk with Sarah Gillis, a SpaceX engineer and mission specialist who has previously trained astronauts for their flights on the companys rockets.

They are joined by Scott Poteet, a retired US Air Force lieutenant colonel with 3,200 hours of flying experience on military jets and 400 hours of combat experience.

The final crew member is Anna Menon, a SpaceX engineer and the flights medical officer. She has worked on mission control for multiple NASA and SpaceX missions.

Polaris Dawn is go for launch pic.twitter.com/tx1gUyZjZr  SpaceX (@SpaceX) September 10, 2024

07:21 AM BST

Elon Musk teases spacewalk

Elon Musk, who founded SpaceX, has teased the companys launch on X.

Live deep space walk coming up soon! https://t.co/LgtbfIABtx  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 12, 2024

07:17 AM BST

Spacewalk delayed by three hours, says SpaceX

SpaceX has said that todays spacewalk will still happen but it has been delayed by around three hours.

A SpaceX statement read: All systems are looking good for the Polaris Dawn crew to perform the first spacewalk from Dragon today, the company said, adding that the live stream will be starting at 4:55am ET (9:55am BST).

07:14 AM BST

Welcome to our live blog

Good morning and welcome to our live blog.

Well bring you the latest updates from SpaceXs attempt to carry out a private spacewalk.
Lady Sarah McCorquodale was seen in the background as the Prince of Wales attended the Sovereigns Parade

The Prince of Wales was joined by his late mothers sister, Lady Sarah McCorquodale, at an RAF graduation ceremony where he warned to cadets that they live in a time of change and uncertainty.

His Royal Highness is understood to have invited his aunt to Thursdays event at RAF Cranwell, Lincolnshire, because she lives nearby. A source said she was keen to be there to support her nephew.

All three of Princess Dianas siblings  Earl Spencer, Lady Sarah and Lady Jane Fellowes  have remained close to the Prince and the Duke of Sussex, quietly supporting them at occasional events over the years, although rarely at official royal engagements.

The family was reunited last month for the funeral of Lord Fellowes, Lady Janes husband and a former private secretary to Elizabeth II, which was attended by both princes.

Lady Sarah McCorquodale, sister of Diana, Princess of Wales, is understood to live near RAF Cranwell - Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty

The Duke of Sussex is understood to have stayed at Althorp, Northamptonshire, his late mothers ancestral seat during his visit.

Lady Jane and Earl Spencer supported the Duke at a service marking the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games at St Pauls Cathedral in May, while in July 2021, all three siblings joined the Duke and Prince of Wales for the unveiling of a statue of their late mother at Kensington Palace.

Prince William addressed 48 cadets at their passing out parade at RAF Cranwell, Lincolnshire, among them officers from Jordan, Kenya, Pakistan and Uganda. He noted that soon, each would play an important role in defending their countries.

Prince William told the troops multinational relationships are key to international defence, security, and peace - WireImage/Samir Hussein

Multinational relationships are key to international defence, security, and peace, he said.

The relationships you have formed through training will be key in allowing you to achieve success in future roles, and enhancing the security of all our nations.

The Prince, who earned his wings at RAF Cranwell in 2008, said the force had a distinctive character, spirit, and attitude that enabled its officers to pull together, no matter the challenge or environment.

He added: We live in a time of change and uncertainty, and you, as the future of the Royal Air Force, are the ones who will ensure that we are able to adapt and face future threats.

Prince William told the troops the relationships they have formed through training, will be key in allowing them to achieve success - AFP/Oli Scarff

While the Royal family tends to avoid public comment on contentious or political issues, the Prince has not shied away from addressing ongoing conflicts in both Ukraine and Israel-Gaza.

In February, he called for an end to the fighting in Gaza, stating that too many had been killed as he urged more humanitarian aid and the release of hostages.

Last March, he made an unannounced visit to a military base in Poland, near to the Ukraine border, thanking British troops for defending our freedoms.

During the passing out parade, the Prince could not resist a nod to his own graduation ceremony there in April 2008, on the completion of an intensive four-month flying course, when he received his wings from his father to become a qualified RAF pilot.

At the time, it was the presence of his then 26-year-old girlfriend, Kate Middleton, on the parade ground which caused the most excitement. It was her first appearance at a formal event with the Prince in almost 18 months and was deemed proof that their relationship was serious.

The Prince raised a laugh as he told the cadets: Whilst I didnt graduate on this exact parade ground, I did graduate from flying training here so I know something about the celebrations that will come later  so I promise, Ill only take a few minutes of your time.

The Prince, who served for three years as a search and rescue pilot at RAF Valley on Anglesey, sported a slightly fuller beard than in recent weeks, suggesting that the facial hair first seen during his summer holidays was no mere fad.

It was thought to be his first appearance with facial hair in military uniform. It came almost six months after the Army became the last of the armed forces to allow its serving personnel to grow beards.

The RAF introduced a similar facial hair policy in 2019, while the Royal Navy has allowed beards and moustaches for years.

Prince William sported a slightly fuller beard than in recent weeks - WireImage/Samir Hussein

The heir to the throne received a Royal Salute and observed a flypast over the college.

He then inspected the Guards front rank, presented four awards, and delivered a brief speech congratulating the graduates on the completion of an intensive 24-week training programme as he marked the significant milestone.

Whatever your experience, this parade marks the culmination of many months of hard work and determination, he said. You are now receiving a Kings Commission into the RAF, and I hope that you are all very proud of what you have achieved.

Whether you now specialise in people ops, air and space ops, cyberspace, medical, engineering, or aircrew, you will be leaders in an agile and dynamic force, operating globally at the extremes of home support. 

In closing, he quoted Group Captain Sir Douglas Bader: Dont listen to anyone who tells you that you cant do this, or that. Thats nonsense Never, Never let them persuade you that things are too difficult, or impossible.

Following the ceremony, the Prince mingled with the 48 new officer cadets and four international officer cadets, their families and friends in the College dining room, learning about their training experiences and future aspirations.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday said he will press Israel to make "fundamental changes" in its operations in the occupied West Bank after the military acknowledged its fire likely killed a US citizen activist.

After an initially measured response to Friday's death of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi pending a fact-finding exercise, Blinken said the United States would raise her death at senior levels with its key ally.

The investigation, and eyewitness accounts, make clear "that her killing was both unprovoked and unjustified", Blinken told reporters on a visit to London.

"No one should be shot and killed for attending a protest. No one should have to put their life at risk just for freely expressing their views," he said.

"In our judgement, Israeli security forces need to make some fundamental changes in the way that they operate in the West Bank, including changes to their rules of engagement.

"We have the second American citizen killed at the hands of Israeli security forces. It's not acceptable. It has to change."

Blinken renewed concern about the lack of repercussions for Israeli settlers who have attacked Palestinians in the West Bank as war rages in Gaza between Israel and Hamas.

Eygi, who was 26 and also held Turkish citizenship, was killed as she attended the site of weekly demonstrations against Israeli settlements, which are illegal under international law but supported by right-wing members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government.

The Israeli military said it had found that it was "highly likely that she was hit indirectly and unintentionally by IDF (Israeli army) fire".

It added that the fire "was not aimed at her, but aimed at the key instigator of the riot".

It still said that Eygi was killed "during a violent riot in which dozens of Palestinian suspects burned tyres and hurled rocks towards security forces at the Beita Junction".

But Eygi's family rejected the military's version of events and called its preliminary inquiry "wholly inadequate".

"She was taking shelter in an olive grove when she was shot in the head and killed by a bullet from an Israeli soldier," they said in a statement.

"This cannot be misconstrued as anything other except a deliberate, targeted and precise attack by the military against an unarmed civilian."

Eygi was a member of the International Solidarity Movement (ISM), a pro-Palestinian organisation, which on Saturday dismissed claims that ISM activists threw rocks at Israeli forces as "false" and said the demonstration was peaceful.

The United Nations' rights office had earlier said Israeli forces killed Eygi with a "shot in the head".

The mayor of Beita, the Palestinian official news agency Wafa and her family also reported that Israeli soldiers killed her.

Turkey said she was killed by "Israeli occupation soldiers", with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan -- a fierce critic of Israel despite his country's ties with the country -- condemning Israel as "barbaric".

The United States is the crucial supporter of Israel, providing billions of dollars in weapons and diplomatic support.

Blinken also has been at the forefront of efforts to seek a ceasefire in the 11-month war.

He acknowledged that "very hard" differences remained, but said that all sides would benefit from a deal that would "turn down the temperature" in Gaza.

"It's clearly in Israel's interest," he said.

Speaking next to Blinken, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy voiced outrage at an Israeli strike in a designated safe zone that officials in Hamas-run Gaza said killed 40 people.

Israel said it targeted a Hamas command centre.

"We're meeting at a critical moment -- a critical moment for securing a ceasefire in Gaza, with the shocking deaths in Khan Yunis this morning only reinforcing how desperately needed that ceasefire is," Lammy said.

The United States has maintained its support for Israel despite repeated concern over the deaths of US citizens.

The State Department said last month that it would not impose sanctions on an Israeli unit involved in the death of a Palestinian-American grocer, Omar Assad, who died after being handcuffed, gagged and blindfolded in the cold.

The department said that Israel had already taken remedial action.

In 2022, the United States said it did not have evidence that Israel deliberately killed Shireen Abu Akleh, a prominent Al Jazeera journalist who held US citizenship.
Laura Loomer arrives in Philadelphia ahead of Donald Trump's debate with Vice-President Kamala Harris on Tuesday. Photograph: Eduardo Munoz/Reuters

Republicans are blaming the influence of Laura Loomer, a rightwing conspiracy theorist, for this weeks botched debate performance by Donald Trump, which included the former president repeating a bizarre and unfounded claim that pet cats and dogs were being eaten by Haitian immigrants.

Loomer flew with Trump on his private plane to Tuesdays debate in Philadelphia and has been identified as a key promoter of the pets rumour, which has been dismissed as false by authorities in Springfield, Ohio, where the practice was alleged to have been taking place.

However, Trump amplified it in a moment that has become emblematic of his erratic showing in the debate with Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee.

Related: Bomb threat shuts down Ohio city hall after Trump spreads baseless migrants rumor

Theyre eating the dogs, the people that came in, theyre eating the cats, Trump claimed during a debate segment on immigration. Theyre eating the pets of the people that live there, and this is whats happening in our country, and its a shame.

When the ABC debate moderator David Muir informed him that the story had been debunked, Trump stood by the claim, saying he had seen it on television.

The rumour had also been disseminated by JD Vance, Trumps running mate, who in the aftermath of the debate justified doing so.

Nevertheless, following the event scrutiny has turned to the supposed role of Loomer. The Semafor website quoted an unnamed source close to Trumps campaign as saying they were 100% concerned about Loomers sway over the Republican nominee.

Regardless of any guardrails the Trump campaign has put on her, I dont think its working, the source said.

Trump this year proposed giving Loomer an official role on his campaign, but the idea was resisted by staffers.

Loomer, who styles herself as an investigative journalist, last year promoted a conspiracy theory alleging that 9/11 was aninside job. On Wednesday she posted an unfounded allegation that Harris had worn earphones disguised as earrings during the debate.

In a sign of resentment among Trump loyalists over her supposed influence, the far-right Georgia congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene attacked her as racist on Wednesday over an earlier post in which she had said the White House would smell of curry if Harris  who has Indian heritage  was elected.

If @KamalaHarris wins, the White House will smell like curry & White House speeches will be facilitated via a call center and the American people will only be able to convey their feedback through a customer satisfaction survey at the end of the call that nobody will understand, Loomer wrote.

Related: Father of Ohio boy, 11, tells Trump and Vance to stop using sons death for political gain

This is appalling and extremely racist, posted Greene, who herself has faced past accusations of racism. It does not represent who we are as Republicans or MAGA. This does not represent President Trump.

While Trump continues to claim in the face of widespread counter-opinion to have won Tuesdays debate, strategists are struggling to explain why he ignored advice in preparation sessions to focus on Harriss policies and record in the Biden administration, while resisting her attempts to bait him.

Dennis Lennox, a Republican consultant, told Semafor that Loomers presence was not the only factor affecting Trumps performance.

Trump lost the debate because of his performance, or lack thereof, he said. Thats what happens when you wing it, live in the Fox News-X bubble, and rely upon Matt Gaetz [the far-right Florida Congress member who helped with debate preparation], let alone Laura Loomer.
Vladimir Putin has reportedly ordered his forces to expel Ukraine from the Kursk region by Oct 1 - Russian Defense Ministry Press Service

Russia is unlikely to reclaim much of the land that Ukraine has seized in its cross-border raid into Kursk, Western officials have said.

Kyivs forces in the area have now gone on the defensive, the source added, as both Ukraine and Russia said that Moscows first major counter-offensive in the southern frontier region had begun.

Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, said that the assault was going in line with our Ukrainian plan amid claims his troops had lost a 10th of the territory snatched during the surprise incursion.

Ukrainian forces have moved into a defensive position, a Western official said.

They currently occupy about 820 square kilometres [317 square miles], and we assess that the area of occupation will remain fairly static on the Ukrainian part over the coming weeks.

The Russians have started to make local and tactical counter-attacks, and they have likely made minor gains in that oblast, but theyll continue to build mass for a more deliberate level counter-offensive.

Mr Zelensky had previously claimed that his forces had captured an enclave of 1,300 square kilometres and 100 settlements in the assault, which was designed to reclaim the battlefield initiative from Moscow.

An elderly woman evacuated from the Kursk border area waits to receive humanitarian aid delivered by the Russian Red Cross - STRINGER/SHUTTERSTOCK

On Thursday, the Ukrainian president said: The Russians have begun counter-offensive actions. It is going according to our Ukrainian plan.

We have seen it for a long time  this process is under control, he added.

Sergei Lavrov, Russias foreign minister, said that Ukrainian forces were now being steadily squeezed out from Kursk and will be squeezed out completely, there can be no doubt about it.

Vladimir Putin had reportedly ordered his forces to expel Ukraine from the region by Oct 1.

Sergei Lavrov, Russias foreign minister, said that Ukrainian forces were now being steadily squeezed out from Kursk - AFP

Western governments also had intelligence to suggest that the Russians would soon mount a fightback against the Ukrainian occupation of Kursk.

Moscow responded by directing 60 per cent of its aerial activity at the region in the early days of the incursion.

But as Kyivs troops remained on its territory, Russia shifted its bombing campaigns to eastern Ukraine, where its forces were advancing on the strategically important city of Pokrovsk.

We had indicators and warnings that Russia was responding, and Ukraine did as well, the Western official said.

The Russian ground offensive had taken time to launch because of difficulties in moving large military forces, they added.

Moscow directed 60 per cent of its aerial activity at the Kursk region in the early days of the incursion - Russian Defense Ministry Press Service

Moscows forces are probably trying to bisect Ukrainian troops holding land in Kursk, with their main thrust aimed at cutting ground lines of communications between units in the area.

Russian forces may intend to temporarily bisect the Ukrainian salient in Kursk Oblast before beginning a more organised and well-equipped effort to push Ukrainian forces out of Russian territory, the Institute for the Study of War wrote in its latest battlefield update.

Russian forces may intend to cut the Ukrainian salient and advance to the international border southeast of Snagost to complicate existing Ukrainian logistics routes and fire support positions closer to the international border before beginning a larger-scale counter-offensive operation.

The Russian ground offensive has taken time to launch because of difficulties in moving large military forces - Russian Defense Ministry Press Service/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Russian sources claimed that the initial thrust by at least eight tanks and armoured vehicles came from the town of Korenevo, one that has remained under Moscows control despite heavy fighting in its vicinity.

The pro-Kremlin military bloggers said that Snagost and a number of other nearby settlements had been liberated.

The Telegraph could not verify their claims.

Elements of Russias 155th Naval Infantry Brigade, 56th and 51st VDV regiments  which have all been involved in serious battles across the front lines in Ukraine  have all been spotted in Kursk.

But Western officials said that Moscow hadnt suddenly pulled out elite troops here with exquisite equipment.

Three Ukrainian workers for the International Committee of the Red Cross were killed during an aid delivery in Ukraines Donetsk region - AFP

Meanwhile, Russians killed three Ukrainian workers for the International Committee of the Red Cross in an attack on an aid delivery to a village on the front line in Ukraines Donetsk region, Kyiv said.

In this war, everything is absolutely clear  Russia sows evil, Ukraine defends life, Mr Zelensky added.

03:38 PM BST

Thats all for now

Thank you for following todays live coverage of the war in Ukraine.

Well be back soon with more updates and analysis from the conflict.

03:30 PM BST

Russian strike kills three Red Cross workers

A Russian strike on Red Cross vehicles in eastern Ukraine killed three people, the countrys president Volodymyr Zelensky has said.

Today, the occupier attacked the vehicles of the International Committee of the Red Cross humanitarian mission in the Donetsk region, Zelensky said.

A Red Cross cargo truck burns after an alleged Russian military strike in the Donetsk region - UKRAINIAN PRESIDENTIAL PRESS SERVICE/REUTERS

The International Committee of the Red Cross confirmed that three of its staffers had been killed when shelling hit a site of a planned frontline aid distribution in Viroliubivka village, north of Donetsk city.

The ICRC did not say who was behind the shelling.

ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric said: I condemn attacks on Red Cross personnel in the strongest terms. Our hearts are broken today as we mourn the loss of our colleagues and care for the injured.

A burnt out Red Cross truck following an alleged Russian military strike - AFP

03:12 PM BST

Starmer arrives in US to discuss Ukraine

The Prime Minister has arrived in the US to hold talks with President Joe Biden to discuss the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.

Sir Keir Starmer is expected to meet Mr Biden in the White House on Friday following pleas from Ukraine to lift restrictions on using long-range missiles against Russia.

Neither man was drawn on granting Ukraine permission to use the long-range missiles supplied by the West to attack targets in Russia, PA news agency reported.

Concern surrounding potential escalation has been one of the reasons why permission has not yet been granted to Kyiv.

02:43 PM BST

Watch: Ukraine claims to down $50m Russian jet

Ukraine has shot down a Russian jet in an operation over the Black Sea, Kyiv has said.

The SU-30 fighter jet has an estimated price tag of around $50 million (38 million), local media reported.

Click here to view this content.

The jet was reportedly shot down by a portable air defence system and belonged to a regiment based at the Saky air base in Crimea.

02:27 PM BST

British counter-terror police assist in investigating death of David Knowles

Counter-terror police from Scotland Yard are supporting officers in Gibraltar investigating the death of Telegraph journalist David Knowles, writes Martin Evans.

Detectives from the Metropolitan Police travelled to Gibraltar following a request for assistance for their colleagues in the British Overseas Territory.

Mr Knowles, 32, who was one of the presenters on the award-winning Telegraph podcast, Ukraine: The Latest, was on holiday in Gibraltar at the weekend, when he died suddenly from a suspected cardiac arrest.

In a statement the Royal Gibraltar Police (RGP) stressed that despite the request for assistance from Scotland Yard, there were no specific concerns at this time surrounding the death.

Read more here.

David Knowles - David Rose, for the Telegraph

01:59 PM BST

Russian counter offensive tried to bisect Ukrainian troops

Russian forces are trying to bisect Ukrainian troops holding land in Kursk , western analysts have said.

This counter-offensive could be followed by a much larger assault by better-equipped forces from Moscow.

The institute for the Study of War wrote: Russian forces may intend to temporarily bisect the Ukrainian salient in Kursk Oblast before beginning a more organized and well-equipped effort to push Ukrainian forces out of Russian territory.

Russian forces may intend to cut the Ukrainian salient and advance to the international border southeast of Snagost to complicate existing Ukrainian logistics routes and fire support positions closer to the international border before beginning a larger-scale counteroffensive operation.

Russian sources have suggested that Moscow has already reclaimed more than a tenth of the 1,300 square kilometres claimed by Volodymyr Zelenskys men in the last 36 days.

01:48 PM BST

We will adjust to do what is necessary to defend Ukraine

Washington will adjust to do what is necessary to defend Ukraine, Antony Blinken has said, after Zelensky appealed for the US to lift restrictions on the use of long-range missiles inside Russia.

In language that was similar to a message he delivered in May, shortly before the US gave Ukraine permission to use its weapons inside Russia, the secretary of state told a press conference in Warsaw: As what Russias doing has changed, as the battlefield has changed, weve adapted.

He continued: One of the purposes of my visit to Kyiv yesterday was to hear from our Ukrainian partners what they believe they need now to deal with the current battlefield, including in eastern Ukraine and other parts of the country. I can tell you that as we go forward we will do exactly what we have already done, which is we will adjust as necessary in order to defend against Russian aggression.

Antony Blinken speaks at a press conference with the Polish foreign minister Radosaw Sikorski - Mark Schiefelbein/AP

12:46 PM BST

Pictured: Blinken attends meeting with Polish president

Polish president Andrzej Duda (third from left) and Antony Blinken attend a meeting in Warsaw - MARK SCHIEFELBEIN/AFP

12:30 PM BST

Key Ukrainian city loses water supply

Residents of the Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk are without drinking water or natural gas for cooking and heating, as the Russian army continues its advance across the Donetsk region.

A water filtration station in Pokrovsk was damaged in recent fighting and on Wednesday, Russian forces destroyed a natural gas distribution centre near the city, Vadym Filashkin, Donetsks regional governor said.

Pokrovsk is one of Ukraines main strongholds. The city, which has 18,000 people remaining, serves as a key logistics hub in the Donetsk region.

Its capture would bring Russia closer to achieving its goal of capturing the entire Donetsk region, which it currently only partially occupies.

12:08 PM BST

Pictured: residential building hit in Sumy drone strike

A view shows a residential building damaged during a Russian drone strike, amid Russias attack on Ukraine - REUTERS

11:28 AM BST

Blinken arrives in Poland

Antony Blinken, the US secretary of state, has touched down in Poland for talks with Prime Minister Donald Tusk and President Andrzej Duda.

The US secretary of state is expected to discuss further coordination with Poland - a logistically important country for transporting Western military aid into Ukraine.

Poland has also ramped up purchases of US weapons since the invasion of Ukraine, such as a deal with Boeing to buy 96 Apache attack helicopters for $10 billion signed last month.

Antony Blinken is welcomed by the US ambassador to Poland, Mark Brzezinski, as he arrives at Chopin Airport in Warsaw - Mark Schiefelbein/AP pool

11:16 AM BST

Watch: Russian strike hits bridge in Ukraines Pokrovsk

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10:19 AM BST

Blinken Ukraine visit concludes

Antony Blinken, the US secretary of state, has finished his visit to Ukraine after hearing repeated appeals from Kyiv to use Western-supplied weaponry for long-range strikes inside Russia.

Mr Blinken travelled to Warsaw today after spending a day in Kyiv with David Lammy during which they pledged to brief their leaders on the Ukrainian requests.

Biden has allowed Ukraine to fire US provided missiles across the border into Russia in self-defence, but has largely limited the distance they can be fired.

Zelensky said he hoped for changes to those limitations. Lets count on some strong decisions, at least. For us, its very important, AP reported.

09:50 AM BST

Destructive: Zelensky rejects Brazil-China peace proposal

Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected a peace proposal offered up by Brazil and China, saying it only seved as a political statement.

The Ukrainian president told the Metropoles media outlet: The proposal is also destructive...How can you offer here is our initiative without asking any from us?

The plan, proposed in May this year, proposed direct negotiation between Russia and Ukraine, an international peace conference accepted by both countries, the provision of humanitarian assistance, and no attacks on civilians.

Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, in Kyiv during a meeting with David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, and Antony Blinken, the US counterpart - AFP

09:39 AM BST

Have your say...

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09:06 AM BST

Russia continues sending gas to Europe

Gazprom, Russias state-owned energy company, said it would continue sending gas to Europe via Ukraine on Thursday.

Some 42.4 million cubic metres of gas will be sent to the continent, roughly the same amount as has been sent in recent days.

08:45 AM BST

Russia using company-sized units to take back Kursk, military analysts suggest

Russia is using company-sized units in its operations to take back Kursk, military analysts have suggested.

A military company is part of a battalion and usually consists of anywhere between a few dozen to 200 soldiers.

The Institute for the Study of War also noted that it remains unclear whether Russia has enough forces necessary to counter Ukraines invasion given that troops were likely redeployed from parts of Ukraine.

08:34 AM BST

Russia attacks energy infrastructure in Sumy, Ukraine says

Russian forces attacked energy facilities and civilian infrastructure in Ukraines northeastern town of Konotop overnight, officials in Sumy region said on Thursday.

The attack injured at least 13 people, based on preliminary information, according to the statement.

08:28 AM BST

Ukraine fights back against Russias Kursk counteroffensive

Ukrainian forces have launched fresh attacks against Russias counteroffensive in Kursk.

Moscows forces launched a counteroffensive in the border region more than a month after Kyivs initial invasion on Aug 6.

Attacks have been reported west of Snagost and throughout the areas captured by Ukraine in the initial incursion, the Institute for the Study of War, a US-based think-tank, said.

Kyiv claims it captured 1,300 sq km of Russian land across more than 100 settlements in Kursk, which it said was designed to create a buffer zone to protect Ukraine from attacks.

Russian forces may intend to temporarily bisect the Ukrainian salient in Kursk Oblast before beginning a more organized and well-equipped effort to push Ukrainian forces out of Russian territory. (1/3)



 Russian forces are currently conducting counterattacks along the western https://t.co/3BnFlei3KB pic.twitter.com/3Yeugexotq  Institute for the Study of War (@TheStudyofWar) September 12, 2024

08:17 AM BST

Putin urged to toughen nuclear policy against Nato aggressors

Vladimir Putin has been urged to toughen Russias nuclear weapons policy against countries that support Nato aggression in Ukraine.

Sergei Karaganov, an influential policy hawk, said Moscow could launch a limited nuclear strike on a Nato country without triggering all-out war.

The main goal of Russias nuclear doctrine, Mr Karaganov said, should be to ensure that all current and future enemies are sure that Russia is ready to use nuclear weapons.

08:14 AM BST

Welcome to our live coverage

Good morning and welcome to our live coverage.

Were bringing you the latest updates from the Ukraine war.
Shroomadelic sights  Mushrooms and Friends by Phyllis Ma. Photograph: Phyllis Ma

Pouting over the heads of passersby in the chocolate box streets of Swiss town Vevey is Daido Moriyamas Pretty Woman. She strikes a monumental pose. The iconic image by the pioneer of Japanese street photography signals the opening of the eighth cycle of the Images Vevey photo festival, bringing a slice of Tokyo cool to this elegant lakeside town.

Daido Moriyamas Pretty Woman on the facade of the Hotel des Trois Couronnes in Vevey. Photograph by Laura Keller

For three weeks in September photography transforms the towns spaces, inside and out, with some ambitious and playful staging. It makes an exhibition space of even the most unlikely areas.

Indian photographer Gauri Gills works are exhibited as part of an outdoor installation. Photograph by Peter Klaunzer/EPA

Photographs printed on fabric sheets hang from the trees lining the promenade, displaying the unsettling self-portraits of Marion Zivera in her exploration of body image using AI. Wooden structures that give the feel of a little village to meander through show Gauri Gills scenes of a community of traditional Indian mask makers redefining their art in a modern context. A forest of fake trees flourishes on a grassy patch in the town square  this intriguing series by the duo Kaya & Blank depicts the trend for disguising mobile phone masts or cellular network antennae as common vegetation across the US.

Second Nature by Kaya & Blank. Shortly after moving to LA the Turkish German duo stumbled upon an artificial tree disguising a cellular network antenna. They have photographed this trend in nearly 1,000 locations across the US.

The series depicts various fake trees modelled after each regions natural species

Across the square, gigantic, luminous mushrooms lure you into an underground bunker. Here, the depths are lit up by a dazzling series on fungi by Phyllis Ma. The Chinese American artist has had a fascination for mushrooms and an admiration for their versatility since visiting a farm where she discovered they were being cultivated under blue light. She uses her own vivid lighting and the inspiration of oriental floral arrangements to stage her sets, spotlighting this curious organism that plays a critical role in our ecosystem.

Chinese American artist Phyllis Mas fungi photography is on display during the festival.

An image from Phyllis Mas series Mushrooms and Friends. The project emphasises the significance of mushrooms in an increasingly diverse context.

When I saw the mushrooms growing under this blue light, I realised their potential as an art material Phyllis Ma

King oyster mushrooms

Each project featured in the festival plays around this years theme, (dis)connected: between the human and natural world; the past, present and future; memory and fact; or the intersection between humanity and technology.

In his series Get the Look!, Romain Mader takes a witty approach towards how we are manipulated by social media algorithms, asking the question: what would happen if we let algorithms dress us? In a series of self portraits Mader wears items recommended to him by algorithms prompted by his browsing patterns. The often ludicrous results poke fun at the marketing tools used to encourage our purchasing habits, but he makes a serious point in reminding us to trust our instincts and not the machine.

The clothes worn for the photos in Romain Maders series Get the Look! were recommendations from online boutiques influenced by his browsing activity

Coincidentally, Vevey is also the home to the wonderful Swiss Camera Museum which presents a history of photography dating back over a century. It provides an appropriate venue to host a retrospective of the remarkable career of Life Magazine photographer Philippe Halsman. His archives and personal belongings have been meticulously arranged and photographed in a striking series of still lifes by Henry Leutwyler.

Marilyn Monroe is pinned into a skirt belonging to Philippe Halsmans daughter ahead of a shoot. The skirt remains in the collection of artefacts from Halsmans career. Photographs by Henry Leutwyler.

Over time Philippe Halsmans influence as a portrait photographer seeped into my body, brain and heart Henry Leutwyler

A box of Halsmans chinagraph pencils used for marking photographic prints and negatives

This year the Prix du Livre has been granted to Indian photographer Debsuddha for his tender and intimate portrait of the lives of his beloved aunts Gayatri and Swati. Born with albinism, which carries a heavy stigma in India, the sisters created a life of music and poetry in their home in Kolkata away from prying eyes, only venturing out during the evenings. Taking an atmospheric chiaroscuro approach, Debsuddha tells the story of their beautiful, loving but often melancholy inner world.

An image from the series Crossroads by Prix du Livre award winner, Debsuddha. The project is a portrait of the photographers aunts who were born with albinism and live their lives indoors in Kolkata, India.

Theyre my aunts and theyre so resilient. They are my own sanctuary Debsuddha

The sisters have lived in seclusion in the 19th-century house where they grew up

Fiona Shields attended Images Vevey at their invitation
Fires burn after an Israeli air strike on Sunday night in Syria, which preceded a ground attack - SANA/AFP via Getty

Israeli special forces last week destroyed an underground missile factory in Syria used by Irans Revolutionary Guard (IRGC), it has been reported.

The special operation in the city of Masyaf on Sunday was the first ground attack Israel has carried out against an Iranian target in Syria for several years.

Sayeret Matkal, an elite Israel Defense Forces (IDF) unit, destroyed the facility with help from the Israeli air force, three people briefed on the operation told Axios. They said the IRGC was developing ballistic missiles there for Hezbollah.

The sources claimed the Iranian plan was to produce precision missiles close to the Lebanese border, so that they could be delivered to Hezbollah quickly and with less risk of Israeli air strikes.

Air strikes by Israel on Masyaf in Syria preceded a ground attack - Louai Beshara/AFP via Getty

It was the first Israeli ground attack in Syria in recent years - Louai Beshara/AFP via Getty

Israeli intelligence allegedly discovered the building, built deep inside the mountain in Masyaf, in 2018 and monitored it under the codename deep layer.

The attack, for which Israel has not claimed responsibility, involved heavy air strikes prior to a ground raid that Syria claimed killed at least 16.

According to the Axios report, the Israeli unit killed several Syrian guards before using explosive devices to blow up the underground facility, which included sophisticated machinery.

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Windows were blown out in Masyaf by the attack - Omar Sanadiki/AP

Israel briefed the White House before the mission, which did not oppose it, the sources said.

Israel has carried out numerous air strikes in Syria since its civil war began, largely targeting weapons convoys and military facilities belonging to Iran and Hezbollah.

Air strike kills UN aid workers

Earlier, the head of the United Nations lashed out at Israel following a deadly air strike that reportedly killed 18, including six UN aid workers.

UNRWA, the UN agency that works with Palestinian refugees, called it the highest death toll among our staff in a single incident. At least 44 other people are said to have been injured.

Antonio Guterres, secretary-general of the UN, strongly condemned the strike which flattened a former school in Nuseirat in central Gaza, calling it totally unacceptable.

A father carries his sons body after the Israeli strike in central Gaza - Mohammed Saber/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

These dramatic violations of international humanitarian law need to stop now, Mr Guterres said, adding that 12,000 people were sheltering in the al-Jaouni school buildings.

Josep Borrell, the top EU diplomat, said he was outraged by the bombing and the US called on Israel to protect humanitarian sites.

International condemnation

Israel has been condemned by the international community for the high death toll among aid workers during the war, with nearly 300 killed, according to the UN. UNRWA says the al-Jaouni compound has been targeted five times.

Survivors of the strike described scrambling over shredded limbs as they tried to retrieve bodies and belongings from the rubble. I can hardly stand up, a man holding a plastic bag of human remains told AFP.

The IDF said that it had carried out precise strikes on terrorists who were operating inside a command and control centre embedded within the building, which has not been used as a school since October.

A child is treated at Al Avde hospital after an Israeli strike in Gaza - Hassan Jedi/Anadolu via Getty Images

Nadav Shoshani, an IDF spokesman, said the Israeli army had requested that UNRWA provide details and names of the killed workers, in order to thoroughly review the claim.

To date, no answers have been provided by UNRWA despite repeated requests, Mr Shoshani said. In response, UNRWA spokesman Juliette Touma said the agency was not aware of any such requests.

The IDF later published the names of nine Hamas members it said had been killed in the strike, three of whom Israel claimed also worked for UNRWA: Muhammad Adnan Abu Zayd, Yasser Ibrahim Abu Sharar and Ayad Matar.

A Palestinian woman with some of the dead - Dawoud Abo Alkas/Anadolu via Getty Images

Casualties were brought to Al Avde hospital on Wednesday - Anadolu

A colleague of the killed UN workers, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the group had just sat down to lunch when Israel bombed the school.

Suddenly, I heard a big explosion. Everything shook. I ran back to see that they had all vanished all torn to pieces, she told CNN.

She said that all six had worked as teachers at the school before the war. They are all loved by everyone. They helped and provided aid to everyone, she added.

Earlier this year, nine UNRWA workers were fired after the agency reviewed Israeli evidence of their participation in the Oct 7 massacre.

The agency has also come under fire in recent years for its schoolbooks, which contain anti-Semitism and glorification of terror and jihad.

Benjamin Netanyahu, Israels prime minister, meanwhile took aim at Hamas, saying the terror group was trying to conceal the fact that it continues to oppose a deal to release the hostages, and is foiling it.

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SNP ministers announced that almost a million Scottish pensioners will lose their winter fuel payments - iStockphoto

SNP ministers have been accused of making a political choice to scrap universal winter fuel payments in Scotland after they attempted to blame the Chancellor.

Douglas Ross, the Scottish Tory leader, said John Swinneys assertion that he had no choice other than to follow Rachel Reevess decision to means-test the benefit was not true.

The First Minister has argued that the Chancellors decision south of the Border led to a 160 million cut in the funding the Scottish Government receives through the Barnett formula.

But Mr Ross said this equated to only 0.3 per cent of the SNP administrations 50 billion annual budget and the decision not to pay this money to Scottish pensioners is one taken by the SNP Government.

Mr Ross told First Ministers Questions that control over the benefit had been devolved to Holyrood and taunted the SNP that when they are given the chance to act, they run in the opposite direction and blame Westminster.

Douglas Ross, Scottish Tory leader, said the decision not to pay this money to pensioners is one taken by the SNP Government - Alamy Live News

With Scotland having a colder climate than the rest of the UK, he also challenged Mr Swinney to come clean on how many additional OAP deaths the change is forecast to cause this winter.

It emerged earlier this week that Labour had warned in 2017 that an additional 4,000 pensioners across the UK could die if winter fuel payments were cut. The UK Government said it did not recognise the figure.

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The exchanges at Holyrood occurred after SNP ministers announced last month that almost a million Scottish pensioners will lose their winter fuel payments from this year.

The payment of between 100 and 300 will now only go to 130,000 OAPs in receipt of Pension Credit and other means-tested benefits  900,000 fewer than last year.

This means the SNP will break a 2021 Holyrood election manifesto pledge not to means-test the benefit.

Mr Ross said: The winter fuel payment  shamefully cut by Labour at Westminster  was devolved to the Scottish Government. The decision not to pay this money to Scottish pensioners is one taken by the SNP Government.

The First Minister has said that his Government is against these cuts  and that they were forced upon them  but that is not true.

John Swinney said his administration was only given 90 minutes notice of the Chancellors announcement - Ken Jack/Getty Images

The Scottish Tory leader added: Labour said this policy would kill thousands of pensioners across the UK and, due to our colder climate, a disproportionate number of those are likely to be in Scotland. But John Swinney repeatedly refused to say how many unnecessary deaths his policy will lead to.

He also pointed to a consultation published by SNP ministers in May on the operation of the Scottish winter fuel payment, which said the eligibility and scope would continue to be reviewed.

Mr Ross said this was evidence that SNP ministers were considering scaling back the benefit long before the UK Labour Government.

Mr Swinney told MSPs: I deeply regret the fact that the Scottish Government finds itself in the position that we find ourselves in.

We fully expected the devolution of the winter fuel payment issue to the Scottish Government, and were planning to pay that support to pensioners in Scotland on a universal basis. That was our plan.

But he said his administration was only given 90 minutes notice of the Chancellors announcement that the benefit was being means-tested south of the Border.

Highlighting the resulting 160 million cut in Scottish Government funding, the First Minister added: This is not of our making or planning, and it certainly is not of our choice.
Sir Keir Starmer last met Giorgia Meloni, the Italian prime minister, in July, when they agreed to continue their close coordination on tackling the international migrant crisis - Carl Court/Getty Images Europe

Sir Keir Starmer is to fly to Italy this weekend to see how Giorgia Melonis government has more than halved the number of illegal migrant crossings this year.

The Italian government said Sir Keir would hold a meeting in Rome with the Italian prime minister, who he sees as an important ally in his efforts to tackle the small boats crisis.

The pair last met on the margins of the European Political Community meeting at Blenheim Palace in July, where they agreed to continue their close coordination on tackling the international migrant crisis.

Italy is one of the biggest entry points for migrants seeking asylum in Europe, with multiple crossings across the Mediterranean from north Africa.

Many of the migrants then travel up to the north coast of France to enter the UK by crossing the Channel in small boats.

Italy is one of the biggest entry points for migrants seeking asylum in Europe, with multiple Mediterranean crossings from north Africa - Cecilia Fabiano/LaPresse

This year, the Italian government has cut unauthorised migrant arrivals on its southern coasts by two thirds to 44,495, according to Italys interior ministry. This compares with 122,823 at the same point last year and 64,000 over the same period in 2022.

Emanuele Prisco, the deputy interior minister, said: In the last six months, we have seen a significant decrease in the number of boat landings, a drop of around 60 per cent, which demonstrates the efficacy of the measures we have adopted to fight the human traffickers and reinforce our national borders.

Better checks on the borders and international agreements [with countries such as Tunisia] have shown great operational success and have drastically reduced the irregular boat departures [from North Africa].

Italy has struck deals similar to the UKs 490 million agreement with France to pay for extra police and Border Force officers to stop boats leaving Tunisia and Libya.

Agreement with Albania

More controversially, the Meloni government has also decreed that NGO rescue ships can only pick up migrants from one boat at a time.

They are not allowed to remain at sea looking for more boats but must make for the nearest safe port provided by the Italian authorities. Often these are ports in northern Italy, such as Genoa or Ancona, preventing the ships from mounting more migrant rescues for days.

Ms Meloni has also negotiated a deal with Albania to send asylum seekers from Italy to the Balkan country and process their claims there.

The accord, agreed for an initial five years, foresees disembarking 36,000 migrants a year at the Albanian port of Shengjin, about 40 miles north of the capital, Tirana. Their cases will be processed at a centre being built at a nearby air base in Gjader, which can hold 3,000 people.

It is different to the Tories Rwanda scheme, which envisaged deported migrants seeking asylum in the central African state without any right to return to the UK.

In July, Sir Keir opened the door to Britain offshoring the processing of asylum claims, although he stressed the main focus of the 44 leaders was tackling people-smuggling gangs.
Are we seriously to believe that 320 licensed arms contracts do not contain anything that can be used to kill innocent children, women and men in Gaza? Photograph: Mohammed Dahman/AP

Far from being ashamed of the UK governments decision (Netanyahu condemns shameful UK suspension of some Israel arms sales, 3 September), I am relieved that, at last, ministers are acknowledging international humanitarian law in assessing the situation in Gaza, where devastation of civilian infrastructure and the deaths of tens of thousands of civilians have been caused by Israeli military action.

Many would say that the evidence of contravention of international humanitarian law by Israel is very clear and that Israel has gone far beyond a valid defence of its people in response to the dreadful attack on Israeli citizens by Hamas in October 2023. Many would wish to see the flow of weapons to Israel by its allies reduced much further in the light of so many innocent children killed by Israeli actions, whether by bombing or by malnutrition or disease due to lack of food and clean water.

A YouGov poll in April recorded that 58% of respondents would support the UK ending the sale of arms to Israel for the duration of the Gaza conflict, with 18% opposing. The hypocrisy of allied countries supplying lethal weapons while calling repeatedly for a ceasefire is plain as day to most of the UK public.

The UK government has taken a small step to addressing this conflict of interests, which includes Israels right to defend its citizens. At the very least it brings the role of international humanitarian law into the spotlight, hopefully enabling more exposure of contraventions by those who claim to abide by it.

Paula Riseborough

Bath

 The UK is cancelling 30 out of 350 arms licences to Israel. As a start, this is welcome, but are we seriously to believe that 320 licensed arms contracts do not contain anything that can be used to kill innocent children, women and men in Gaza?

Michael McLoughlin

Wallington, London

 Have an opinion on anything youve read in the Guardian today? Please email us your letter and it will be considered for publication in our letters section.
The Tfl cyber-attack stopped customers accessing information including journey history and photocard registration. Photograph: Yui Mok/PA

Police have arrested a teenager from Walsall in connection with the cyber-attack on Transport for London, as TfL said it had discovered that thousands of customers details had potentially been breached.

The National Crime Agency (NCA) said a 17-year-old male was detained on suspicion of offences under the Computer Misuse Act 1990, in relation to the attack launched on TfLs systems on 1 September. The teenager was arrested on Thursday last week and released on bail after questioning by NCA officers.

The NCA deputy director, Paul Foster, the head of the agencys cybercrime unit, said: We have been working at pace to support Transport for London after a cyber-attack on their network, and to identify the criminal actors responsible.

Attacks on public infrastructure such as this can be hugely disruptive and lead to severe consequences for local communities and national systems.



The swift response by TfL following the incident has enabled us to act quickly, and we are grateful for their continued cooperation with our investigation, which remains ongoing.

TfL said it was contacting about 5,000 customers as a precaution to warn that their email and bank account details could have been accessed. It is understood to relate to those who had applied for refunds on journeys made using Oyster cards.

TfL said the cyber-attack would also hold up the rollout of contactless travel to dozens of railway stations around south-east England, which had been due to allow commuters to travel ticket-free into London from 22 September.

Shashi Verma, TfLs chief technology officer, said a thorough investigation was continuing in tandem with the NCA and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).

Verma added: Although there has been very little impact on our customers so far, the situation continues to evolve and our investigations have identified that certain customer data has been accessed. This includes some customer names and contact details. Some Oyster card refund data may also have been accessed. This could include bank account numbers and sort codes for a limited number of customers.

Related: Transport for London cuts data feeds to travel apps amid cyber-attack

We have notified the Information Commissioners Office and are working at pace with our partners to progress the investigation. We will provide further updates as soon as possible.

All TfL staff will have to report to to its headquarters in Southwark to reset their digital identities for email access. TfL said the all-staff IT identity check would be done by appointment in the coming week and that it did not expect any significant impact to customer journeys.

Verma said the measures meant it was now not possible for TfL to carry out planned system changes to allow another 47 rail stations to operate pay-as-you-go contactless travel later this month, and that it was working with government and the rail industry to reschedule.

The attack has affected live data feeds serving travel apps such as Citymapper and TfL Go, but public transport services have been running as normal and not directly affected. Many TfL office staff have been asked to work from home.

TfL has stopped customers accessing information including journey history and photocard registration as part of measures to tackle the breach. It said no ransom demand had been made in the attack.

The NCSC said it had worked closely with TfL and the NCA since the start of the incident. Jonathon Ellison, the NCSCs director for national resilience, said it urged anyone who thinks they may have been the victim of a data breach to be especially vigilant against suspicious emails, phone calls or text messages and to follow the steps set out in our data breaches guidance.
Tributes are paid to the 22 people killed and the more than 1,000 injured when a suicide bomber targeted crowds outside an Ariana Grande concert in May 2017 - Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images

Big music and event venues will face fines of up to 18 million if they fail to introduce measures aimed at preventing a repeat of the Manchester Arena terrorist attack.

Martyns Law  named in memory of Martyn Hett, one of the 22 victims of the 2017 terror atrocity  will require venues from concert halls for just 200 people to stadiums like Manchester Arena to put in place measures to better protect audiences in the event of an attack.

The move comes after Taylor Swift was forced to cancel three concerts in Vienna after police uncovered a terrorist plot planned by extremists inspired by Islamic State.

UK security sources said lone wolf terror attacks remained a live threat that was harder to detect and investigate.

A screenshot of footage showing people running through Manchester Victoria station after an explosion at Manchester Arena - PA

Under the Bill, laid in Parliament on Thursday, bigger venues such as Manchester Arena with capacity for 800 or more people will have to ensure they have the necessary CCTV cameras, security teams, evacuation and lockdown plans.

Smaller venues with capacity for 200 to 799 people will be expected to put in place public protection procedures such as identifying safe routes, locking doors and closing shutters.

Armed police on the scene of the terror attack at the Manchester Arena - Peter Byrne/PA

A regulator, the Security Industry Authority (SIA), will have powers to fine bigger venues up to 18 million or 5 per cent of their worldwide revenue, whichever is higher, if they fail to implement the appropriate measures.

The Home Office has watered down the plans  originally put forward by the Tories  by raising the threshold of venues covered by the legislation from those with capacity for 100 to 200.

It has also dropped demands for prescribed training and the mandatory completion of risk evaluation forms. The legislation will be less prescriptive about what venues are expected to introduce to allow them to take account of the particular requirements of their own premises.

All the estimated 24,000 bigger venues and 155,000 smaller ones will be required to register with the SIA. The Home Office estimates it will cost bigger stadiums about 5,000 a year to comply, and smaller ones some 330 a year.

Tributes left in St Anns Square for the victims of the suicide bombing - Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images

Martyn Hett died after suicide bomber Salman Abedi targeted crowds outside an Ariana Grande concert on May 22 2017. More than 1,000 people were injured in the blast.

Figen Murray, Martyns mother, has campaigned for the legislation over the past seven years. In May, then prime minister Rishi Sunak promised to bring in the law  hours before calling a general election, meaning it was delayed for months.

Ms Murray said: Today means we are one step closer to making public spaces safer for everyone. It is also hugely important for my family that Martyns Law will be on the statute book ahead of the next anniversary of Martyns death.

Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, said: Martyns Law has been a long time coming. I want to pay tribute to Figen Murray and her campaign team who have tirelessly worked to make this happen.

This legislation will strengthen public safety, help protect staff and the public from terrorism and ensure we learn the lessons from the terrible Manchester Arena attack and the inquiry that followed. It is important we now take this forward through Parliament in Martyns memory and to help keep people safe.
Robert Brown bludgeoned Joanna Simpson, his wife, to death in Acsot, Berks in 2010 - Moonshine Features

A British Airways pilot who killed his wife with a claw hammer will not have his bid for parole heard in public because it would breach his human rights.

The parole board rejected calls for a public hearing by the family and friends of his wife, Joanna Simpson, 46, who was bludgeoned to death by Robert Brown in Ascot, Berks, in October 2010.

They were backed in their demands by the Justice Secretary, who argued that increased transparency was vital to building public confidence in the parole system.

Campaigners supporting Ms Simpsons family include Carrie Johnson, the wife of the former prime minister, Sir Robert Buckland, former justice secretary, and Baroness Newlove, the victims commissioner for England and Wales.

They have claimed Brown should have been convicted of murder because of the level of planning that went into the killing.

He was acquitted of murder after successfully pleading diminished responsibility by reason of a disorder brought on by a number of stresses.

He was set to be freed in November last year after serving half of his 26-year jail sentence but Alex Chalk, the justice secretary at the time, intervened to refer the case to the parole board under public protection powers.

Joanna Simpsons family, who are angered by decision, have said Brown should have been convicted of murder - Moonshine Features

Ruling on the application for a public hearing on Thursday, Sir John Saunders, chairman of the parole board, said Browns right to privacy overrode the public interest of it being held as an open hearing.

He backed Browns Article 8 rights under the European Convention on Human Rights. A central part of the evidence will concern matters that not only affect the Article 8 rights of Mr Brown but also others who would not wish their right to privacy to be interfered with.

If that evidence were to be revealed in public it may well affect Mr Browns ability to resettle in the community as well as affecting the right to privacy of others I have balanced the Article 8 rights against the high interest in public justice.

Diana Parkes, the mother of Joanna, said she was angered by the ruling.

We have given up all our rights to privacy to do everything that we can to make sure this evil man stays behind bars, she said.

Why should Brown get to keep his privacy? I truly hope the Parole Board can still see that Brown is a dangerous man and does not let him out.

Sadly, everything seems to be in favour of the perpetrator. The safety of the victims is put below the safety of the offender.

Hetti Barkworth-Nanton, close friend of Joanna Simpson, said she was totally shocked.

If the judicial system wants the public to see and believe that justice is done, then making Browns hearing private feels like a huge missed opportunity, especially as there has never been a public hearing of a power to detain case.
Four climbers from Italy and South Korea were found dead on the Alps' highest peak of Mont Blanc on Tuesday after they had been missing for three days in bad weather, the local French prefecture said.

The mountaineers had "died of exhaustion", the Haute-Savoie prefecture told AFP, adding that rescuers who finally reached the site found the two Koreans first, close by the two Italians.

A helicopter from the PGHM mountain police based in Annecy was able to land at around 1:30 pm (1130 GMT) and found the bodies between 100 and 200 metres (330-660 feet) from the summit.

"The bodies have been brought down" from the mountain and "the families informed", the PGHM's Chamonix branch said.

A group of Italian mountain rescuers had reached the summit on foot after setting off in the morning but did not spot the bodies, the police added.

Police were alerted late on Saturday about "three missing climbing parties near the summit of Mont Blanc in very poor weather conditions".

The parties had set off "without guides", the prefecture said.

An intensive rescue effort retrieved two Koreans, who were alive, at 4,100 metres (13,450 feet) on Sunday morning.

But the weather later worsened, leaving rescuers unable to keep up the search for those still out on the mountain in subsequent days.

As late as Tuesday morning, a search helicopter had turned back from Mont Blanc as it could not find a way through clouds.

One senior PHGM commander told regional daily Le Dauphine Libere that they had briefly reached the Italians by phone and gleaned their location 4,600 metres up on Mont Blanc's north face, but that the connection had cut out.

At 4,809 metres, Mont Blanc is western Europe's highest peak and very popular with climbers from all over the world.
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Footage has emerged of a plumber being dragged along a road as he tries to stop his van from being stolen.

The theft in Sheffield on Tuesday, captured on doorbell footage and CCTV, left Ryan Fox in hospital with injuries to his feet and arm.

In a post on Facebook, Mr Fox, a father of one who runs Foxward plumbing company, said: This scumbag wasnt stopping for anything to get this van. In f---ing agony now.

Video from a Ring doorbell camera shows Mr Fox, 30, dressed in a blue T-shirt and shorts, running out of his house as a thief attempts to drive away in his white Renault Trafic van just before 7am.

The man reaches the door of the vehicle and clings on as it leaves his driveway and makes a sharp left turn onto Smalldale Road, in the south-east of the South Yorkshire city.

Separate footage from what appears to be a CCTV camera further down the road, Mr Fox shows him hanging on to the door as his feet are dragged along the ground. At one point, one of his shoes appears to fly off his foot.

As the vehicle drives further down the road, the man is thrown off and tumbles to to the ground, with the wheels narrowly missing his head. He then gets up and watches the van turn a corner before running back to his house to report the crime. In later footage from a hospital, he is shown with bandages on both his feet and his upper arm.

Gut-wrenching to watch

His partner, Morgan Lee, who shared the footage on Facebook, said the incident was absolutely gut-wrenching to watch, according to The Sun.

She added: My partner was dragged all the way up the rest of Smalldale Road clinging onto the van to try and get back in and now he is injured and has to be treated by burns specialists for his body.

Absolutely gut-wrenching to watch how close the van was to running over his head on the second video. Keep sending CCTV footage if you have any. Every little bit of evidence helps.

South Yorkshire Police confirmed it had launched an investigation into the incident. A spokesman said: At 7am on Tuesday, we received reports of a vehicle theft in Sheffield. It is reported that a van parked on Smalldale Road was stolen.

It is believed a person wearing black clothing and a black balaclava entered the vehicle and drove off. Inquiries into the incident are ongoing.
A stock photo depicting a man following a woman who looks nervous

Women are being put at risk because sex offenders and stalkers are avoiding jail sentences owing to prison overcrowding, watchdogs and charities have warned.

Campaigners have cited cases where judges have blamed the prison overcrowding crisis for handing out suspended sentences instead of jailing convicted sex offenders, which means they remain in the community rather than behind bars.

Nicole Jacobs, the domestic abuse commissioner, urged the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) to closely monitor sentencing and take swift action if necessary.

Saskia Garner, the head of policy at the Suzy Lamplugh Trust  the charity set up after a 25-year-old estate agent went missing, presumed murdered  said they were concerned overcrowding could affect sentencing length and type for stalkers.

Last year, senior judges advised the courts that they should take account of the overcrowding crisis when sentencing criminals.

Ministers have moved to ease the crisis this week by releasing some 1,750 offenders early. They are being freed after serving 40 per cent of their sentences rather than the usual 50 per cent.

On Oct 22 up to another 1,700 will be released early as part of the scheme which will reduce the prison population by 5,500.

The releases come after two successive weeks when the prison population hit a record high of 88,500. After the August bank holiday weekend, there were just 86 unfilled places in male prisons.

Child rapist spared jail

Rees Newman, a 33-year-old convicted child rapist, escaped jail because of the overcrowding crisis, with his judge admitting prison time would have been virtually inevitable otherwise.

Newman was handed a suspended sentence last December for the historic rape of a girl under the age of 14. The terms of his licence required him to notify police if he went on holiday but in May he jetted off to Egypt without telling officers.

Despite admitting the breach, Newman avoided prison for a second time, receiving another suspended sentence.

Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke told him: The only reason you have escaped immediate custody today is because of the prison overcrowding crisis.

Chris Luff, 35, avoided a jail sentence after being convicted of grooming under-aged children on WhatsApp, the text messaging service.

He was sentenced to 21 months in jail, suspended for 24 months. Judge Mary Loram said she had taken that decision because of the pressure on the prison system.

Jail terms offer respite for victims

Ms Jacobs said: For many victims, their perpetrators imprisonment is a critical period of respite, where they can make plans for their safety and their future.

I am calling on the Ministry of Justice to closely monitor sentencing and take swift action if it is needed.

The prison crisis is far from over, and the Government must deliver a permanent solution that keeps victims safety and justice at the front and centre.

Nicole Jacobs is the domestic abuse commissioner - Rii Schroer for The Telegraph

Ms Garner said fewer than a third of stalking convictions resulted in a custodial sentence, and the average length of a sentence was 13 months. She said this was woefully inadequate, given the devastating impact of the crime.

She added: We are therefore concerned that the impact of limited prison space may affect sentencing length and type for stalkers more broadly.

A Ministry of Justice spokesman said: This Government is committed to halving violence against women and girls. That is why it was so essential that we introduced emergency measures to address the capacity crisis in our prisons, ensuring dangerous offenders can continue to be locked up.
Evacuated civilians waiting for humanitarian aid in Kursk region this week. Photograph: EPA

Russia says its forces have recaptured 10 settlements after it launched a counteroffensive in the Kursk region to push out Ukrainian troops who stormed across the border five weeks ago.

With fierce fighting continuing, Russias defence ministry listed the names of 10 settlements it said it had retaken, in a significant blow to Kyiv. Ukraines president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, acknowledged a Russian counteroffensive had begun.

It follows Ukraines surprise cross-border attack last month into western Russia. Zelenskiy said his armed forces had anticipated Russias assault this week and the operation was still going to plan.

A mechanised raid began on Tuesday, according to Russian military bloggers. Russian forces pushed forward from the village of Korenevo and quickly advanced south into Snagost.

Related: Moscow importing western aircraft tyres despite ban, says Ukraine agency

They have regained a number of villages, with two more  Krasnooktyabrskoe and Komarovka  reportedly having been captured on Thursday. One objective was to bisect Ukraines 1,000 sq km salient within Russia, cutting off its western flank, observers suggested.

The next step would be a more organised and well-equipped effort to push Ukrainian forces out of Russia completely, the Institute for the Study of War thinktank said. It acknowledged that the situation was fluid, with the size and scale of the counteroffensive unclear.

Zelenskiy told a news conference with the Lithuanian president, Gitanas Nauseda, in Kyiv: The Russians have begun counteroffensive actions. It is going according to our Ukrainian plan.

Russias troops are also making rapid gains in the eastern Donetsk region. They reportedly captured another village on the outskirts of Pokrovsk  a key Ukrainian logistics hub  and were only 8km (5 miles) from the city.

A Russian missile demolished a road bridge connecting Pokrovsk with the neighbouring town of Mrynohrad and the water supply was knocked out. Officials described the situation as very difficult in the area, where thousands of civilians remain despite the bombardment.

Donetsks regional governor, Vadym Filashkin, said conditions in and around Pokrovsk would not improve. I again call on you to evacuate! he posted on the Telegram messaging app.

In the same province, three Ukrainian employees working for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) were killed and two injured when an artillery round hit their lorry in the village of Virolyubivka.

Another Russian war crime. Today, the occupier attacked vehicles of the International Committee of the Red Cross humanitarian mission in the Donetsk region.



As of now, we know of two injured people who are receiving all necessary assistance. Unfortunately, three people were pic.twitter.com/Ta2Vbj9TSj  Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) September 12, 2024

The ICRCs president, Mirjana Spoljaric Egger, said her staff had been distributing wood and coal briquettes to vulnerable households before winter. I condemn attacks on Red Cross personnel in the strongest terms. Its unconscionable that shelling would hit an aid distribution site, she said.

Elsewhere, a Russian rocket hit an Egypt-bound cargo ship carrying wheat in the Black Sea. There were no casualties. Ukraine last year resumed the export of grain from the port of Odesa after driving out Russias naval fleet with sea drone attacks.

The Ukrainian military intelligence agency said it had shot down a Russian Su-30SM jet over the Black Sea. The warplane was hit with a portable surface-to-air missile, it said, releasing a video of the operation.

On Friday the US president, Joe Biden, will discuss the deteriorating military and humanitarian situation in Ukraine with the UK prime minister, Keir Starmer, who is paying a brief visit to Washington. The meeting comes after the US secretary of state, Antony Blinken, and the UK foreign secretary, David Lammy, travelled to Kyiv and held talks with Zelenskiy.

Blinken, speaking at a press conference afterwards, gave his strongest hint yet that the US will soon lift some restrictions on the use of US-supplied long-range weapons on key military targets within Russia. British government sources say approval will be given to allow similar strikes with UK Storm Shadow cruise missiles.

In Moscow, Russias foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, claimed that a US-UK decision on targeting Russian territory was taken long ago. He said Russian forces were successfully pushing the Ukrainian military out of the Kursk area.

The Pentagon spokesperson Lt Col Charlie Dietz said US guided missiles, such as Atacms, would not be able to reach all the locations where Russia launched some of its assets. He added: The supply of Atacms is finite, and we need to be judicious about where and when they are deployed.

Early on Thursday, Russia launched another large-scale drone and missile attack, triggering air raid sirens across much of Ukraine. The city of Konotop, a rail hub in Sumy region that Kyiv used as a staging ground for its Kursk incursion, reported heavy damage.

Local officials said at least 14 people had been hurt. Rescuers were working to restore power in the town, which had a prewar population of about 83,000. Regional officials said there were 10 explosions during the attack and the mayor, Artem Semenikhin, said the power system was in a critical condition.

At the moment, energy workers are doing everything they can to provide electricity to the hospital and the water supply system, he said.
The Northern Lights may be visible across parts of the UK on Thursday night, the Met Office said.

The lights, also known as aurora borealis, could be visible across Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England, the forecaster added.

The lights will be observable when it is dark on Thursday evening and the first half of the night, but there is also a slimmer chance of them being seen in the second half.

Aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights, fill the sky over The Bathing House in Howick, Northumberland in August (Owen Humphreys/PA)

Jonathan Vautrey, Met Office meteorologist, said: Weve had a coronal mass ejection from the sun in the last few days that arrived to Earth this morning.

The geomagnetic activity is already happening, but its not dark enough to see anything.

The activity will be continuing throughout this evening and theres a chance of seeing it.

The main likely area is Scotland, theres chances with this particular one possibly from Northern Ireland and northern England as well.

You want to be looking to the northern horizon, if youve got a clear view of the horizon youve got a chance.

Theres also a chance from the north Norfolk coast, we might see faint images coming from there.

Tonight is going to be pretty ideal conditions as theres going to be very little cloud.

Sometimes its easier to see through a camera or telescope if you do have them.

There is another chance to see the lights on Friday night into Saturday, but at the moment it is looking as if it is going to be weaker than Thursdays, Mr Vautrey added.

The Met Office posted on X, formerly Twitter, saying: You might want to look up at the sky tonight because theres the chance of seeing the aurora.

Clear skies for most overnight will make for ideal viewing conditions, with sightings possible across Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England

You might want to look up at the sky tonight because there's the chance of seeing the aurora  Clear skies for most overnight will make for ideal viewing conditions, with sightings possible across Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England  pic.twitter.com/ewAGUPrqyd  Met Office (@metoffice) September 12, 2024

Aurora displays occur when charged particles collide with gases in the Earths atmosphere around the magnetic poles.

As they collide, light is emitted at various wavelengths, creating colourful displays in the sky.

In the northern hemisphere, most of this activity takes place within a band known as the aurora oval, covering latitudes between 60 and 75 degrees.

When activity is strong, this expands to cover a greater area  which explains why displays can be occasionally seen as far south as the UK.

Mr Vautrey also advised anyone planning to see the lights on Thursday evening to layer up as there is the potential for some frost overnight.

On Friday, there will be sunshine but outbreaks of rain will push in from the North West overnight into Saturday, with highs of 17C in the London area.

Much of southern Scotland, all of England and Wales will stay largely dry on Saturday, with highs of 19C in the south, the forecaster added.

And on Sunday north-west England will likely see rain but temperatures could reach 20C in the South East.
A Second World War project which involved training pigeons to pilot bombs has won this years spoof Nobel peace prize.

The Ig Nobel gongs  awarded annually by the science humour magazine the Annals of Improbable Research  celebrate unusual areas of research that make people laugh, then think.

Professor Burrhus Frederic Skinner, a psychologist at the University of Minnesota in the US, received the posthumous gong for his work on Project Pigeon, where he was able to teach pigeons to guide missiles with some success.

But the project never took flight because of scepticism from the US military and government officials.

However, Prof Skinner stood by the research, writing in a summary of the project published in 1960: Call it a crackpot idea if you will. It is one in which I have never lost faith.

The anatomy prize went to a team of scientists in France who wanted to investigate whether hair on the heads of most people in the Northern Hemisphere swirled in the same direction  clockwise or anticlockwise  as those from the Southern Hemisphere.

Study author Khonsari Roman, professor of maxillofacial surgery at the Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital in Paris, said: As a whole, clockwise whorl are considerably more common all over the world.

Nevertheless, counter-clockwise whorls seem to be more prevalent in the Southern Hemisphere.

He said there is may be an unknown mechanism that leads to clockwise whorls in general but the team does not yet know why people in the Southern Hemisphere are more likely to have anticlockwise swirls.

The chemistry award was won by a research team who used used a lab technique to separate drunk and sober worms, while US-based scientists Fordyce Ely and William E Petersen were awarded the biology prize for exploding a paper bag next to a cat standing on the back of a cow with aim to understand more about how and when cows spew their milk.

The two found that cows temporarily stopped ejecting milk when frightened.

An international team of scientists led by academics in Germany picked up the prize for probability, which involved more than 350,000 coin-flipping experiments totalling 650 hours and using 44 different currencies.

The team found that when people flip a coin it wobbles in the air, making it more likely to land on the same side it started.

Other awards presented at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Boston, US, on Thursday, included the physiology prize for discovering that many mammals are capable of breathing through their anus and the physics prize for demonstrating the swimming abilities of a dead trout.

James C Liao, professor of biology at the University of Florida in the US, said in 2004 he discovered that fish swim in a flag like flapping motion when towed behind a cylinder and wanted to see if dead fish did the same.

He said: The dead fish experiment was a quick way to show that just the shape, slime and flexibility of a (dead) fish is enough for it to harness energy to hold position behind the cylinder and even move forward (by accelerating its body against its own drag).

Prof Liao said that his work could help design better fish passages to help with their migration.

Speaking about the award, he said: I feel surprised and honoured that it (the research) has been recognised after all these years.

Im excited for more people to find out about it, because on the surface the experiment sounds ridiculous, but then as you understand it more, the implications of this curiosity-based science discovery are far-ranging and can also improve on things that humans hold dear.

Meanwhile, the demography gong went to Dr Saul Justin Newman, senior research fellow at University College London, who discovered some people with the longest lives hailed from places that had poor recordkeeping.

Dr Newman said he became interested in investigating data on humans who live longer than most after debunking two scientific papers about extreme human ageing.

He said: I found that extreme age records appear to be dominantly errors.

These errors are apparent from unusual patterns in individual cases, scientific studies and entire populations.

For example, the worlds oldest man, Jiroemon Kimura, has an extraordinary number of biographical anomalies and has three reported birthdays: one that seems to have been forged, one that was a typographic error inserted by demographers, and one that is supposedly real.

Dr Newman said these anomalies are even larger when analysed across populations.

He said: Reaching extreme ages is predicted by higher rates of poverty, higher rates of old-age poverty, not having a birth certificate, and amazingly, by having fewer 90-plus year olds in a region, that is, the more 90 year-olds there are in a region, the fewer 105-year-olds.

Dr Newman said many of these people live in regions known as blue zones such as Okinawa in Japan, Sardinia in Italy and Loma Linda in California, where it is claimed that people live longer and healthier lives than the average person.

He said: These regions called blue zones, including Okinawa, seem to have been exploited to sell cookbooks and culturally appropriated lifestyle advice that is contradicted by independent data.

Dr Newman said Okinawa was promoted as a region that largely eats vegetables and sweet potato but added none of the lifestyle claims seems to hold up.
Policing minister Dame Diana Johnsons handbag was stolen while she attended a conference of senior police officers, the PA news agency understands.

Dame Diana gave a speech at the annual Police Superintendents Conference on Tuesday setting out how the Government was putting in motion plans to boost neighbourhood policing.

Warwickshire Police said it is investigating a report of the theft of a purse at a hotel on the B4115 in Kenilworth.

.@DianaJohnsonMP says the govt is committed to restoring neighbourhood policing through a neighbourhood policing guarantee. She announces funding to support @CollegeofPolice in the delivery of a specialist training programme for neighbourhood police officers #supersconference pic.twitter.com/gTJEmKZ3H8  policesupers (@policesupers) September 10, 2024

A statement read: The theft occurred some time between 11.00-13.15 on Tuesday. Inquiries are ongoing.

A 56-year-old man, from Coventry, has been arrested on suspicion of burglary and has since been released on bail while inquiries continue.

Security minister Dan Jarvis said the theft of his colleagues handbag showed anyone could be targeted by criminals.

Asked about the incident, he told broadcasters: Well, this is now subject to a live police inquiry, so there isnt much that I can say, but it is a timely reminder that anyone could be subject to criminal activity.

Thats why the Government has a safer streets mission.

Thats why were working in this department, the Home Office, to do everything that we possibly can to prevent crime and to keep the public safe, and that mission will continue.
Small businesses are complaining that they have lost money from sales after an outage caused card payments to fail across the UK on Thursday.

Retailers and wholesalers were urgently seeking support from providers after complaining that they could not take payments from customers during the morning.

Lloyds, NatWest and other payments firms have apologised to customers after saying their services were caught up in the industry-wide issues.

We know there is an industry wide issue affecting some of our Cardnet services at the moment. Were sorry for this. Work is underway to get things back to normal as soon as possible.  Lloyds Bank (@LloydsBank) September 12, 2024

The problems are understood to have stemmed from global payments company Fiserv.

One drinks and confectionery supplier took to X, formerly Twitter, to say it had lost several hundred pounds in sales as a result of the outage, asking for help from Lloyds which runs card payment service Cardnet.

Other users said they had been unable to take any payments, including an indoor karting centre and an electrical wholesaler.

Cafe and market stall operator Hoxton Beach said businesses were losing money after the outage left it unable to accept payments through card machines.

Lloyds apologised to customers for the industry-wide issue affecting its services and said work is under way to fix the issues.

A spokesman for NatWest, which runs the Tyl payment system for businesses, said its services had now returned to normal.

Were aware of a third-party issue that meant some users of our merchant card service were unable to take payments this morning, the bank said.

Were sorry for the inconvenience and can confirm that service has been restored.

We're starting to see some services returning to normal, ongoing work is being carried out to restore full service. We apologise for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience.  Tyl by NatWest (@TylByNatWest) September 12, 2024

Tyl customers, including a furniture retailer and a sound system seller, were asking for support and compensation after complaining that they had lost sales over the card payment problems.

An Oxfordshire-based chocolaterie said it could not take payments on Thursday morning and had been unable to reach NatWests customer support team.

Paymentsense, which provides card machines for businesses, said it was aware of an issue with a third party which is preventing some Paymentsense customers from transacting.

It said it was working on the issue urgently to get everything back up and running.
Sir Keir Starmer has backed Ukraines right to defend itself after Russias President Vladimir Putin suggested his country would be at war with Nato if the west allows long-range weapons to be used against it.

The Prime Minister went on to say the UK does not seek any conflict with Russia, before adding: Thats not our intention in the slightest.

On Thursday, Mr Putin said allowing long-range strikes would mean that NATO countries, the United States, and European countries are at war with Russia  if this is so, then, bearing in mind the change in the very essence of this conflict, we will make appropriate decisions based on the threats that will be created for us.

Ukraine had issued a plea for restrictions to be lifted on using Western weaponry against Russian targets and the issue is likely to be discussed by Sir Keir in a meeting with US President Joe Biden at the White House on Friday.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy and US secretary of state Antony Blinken were pressed on the subject during their visit to Ukraine earlier this week, but said they had to report back to their bosses, the Prime Minister and US President.

Responding to the Russian presidents remarks ahead of a meeting with Mr Biden on Friday, Sir Keir told reporters: Russia started this conflict. Russia illegally invaded Ukraine.

Russia could end this conflict straight away.

Ukraine has the right to self defence and weve obviously been absolutely fully supportive of Ukraines right to self-defence  were providing training capability, as you know.

But we dont seek any conflict with Russia  thats not our intention in the slightest.

But they started this conflict and Ukraines got a right to self-defence.

Questioned on whether he believed it was a binary issue that the use of western missiles in Russian territory would constitute a Nato war with Russia, Sir Keir added: First, to reiterate, it was Russia who started this in the first place.

They caused the conflict, theyre the ones who are acting unlawfully. And Ukraine obviously has the right to self-defence.

That is why we have been providing training and capability. And, you know, there are obviously further discussions to be had about the nature of that capability.

What I want to do tomorrow is make sure that those discussions, tactical discussions, are set in the proper strategic context of the situation in Ukraine.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary David Lammy work on the plane as they fly to Washington DC for talks with President Joe Biden (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

And there are, equally, tactical issues in relation to the Middle East which need to be set in a context which is strategic not just tactical.

Concern about escalation has been one of the reasons why permission has not yet been given to Kyiv.

Iran has been hit with sanctions by the UK and US after the two countries formally accused Tehran of supplying ballistic missiles to Russia.

Mr Lammy and Mr Blinken 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 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, while the US package includes 325 million dollars (250 million) to support Ukraines energy needs.

Sir Keir told reporters that his trip to the US would not involve a meeting with Democrat candidate Kamala Harris, saying: She will be in other parts of the US, as youd expect.

Rather than in Washington, shell be, as youd expect, in swing states  shes not going to be in Washington.

Sir Keirs second trip to the US as Prime Minister will also see him discuss the conflict in the Middle East, and any potential progress that can be made towards the release of hostages and a ceasefire deal.

Sir Keir and Mr Bidens first White House bilateral took place as the PM attended the Nato summit just days after Labour won the election.

The pair are also expected to discuss strengthening co-operation to secure supply chains, increasing climate resilience and advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific.
UK counter-terrorism police are assisting an investigation after the death of a 32-year-old British journalist in Gibraltar.

Telegraph journalist David Knowles died on Sunday and a post-mortem examination is due to take place on Thursday, the Royal Gibraltar Police (RGP) said.

A policing mutual aid request for specialist support was submitted to UK policing, but there are no specific concerns at this time with regard to the death, RGP said.

Detectives from UK counter-terrorism policing have been appointed to provide support to the RGP investigation, due to their existing capability and their experience of dealing with international inquiries, the force added.

A spokesperson for the Royal Gibraltar Police said: The Royal Gibraltar Police is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the sudden death of 32-year-old British national David Knowles on Sunday 8th September, whilst holidaying in Gibraltar.

His Majestys Coroner in Gibraltar has been informed and a coroners investigation is under way.

Next of kin for the deceased have been informed and a specialist RGP family liaison officer has been appointed.

Arrangements have been made for a post-mortem examination to be conducted today.

A policing mutual aid request for specialist support was submitted to UK policing, although there are no specific concerns at this time with regard to the death.

Following the RGPs mutual aid request, detectives from UK Counter-Terrorism Policing have been appointed to provide support to the RGP investigation, due to their existing capability and their experience of dealing with international inquiries.

The RGP will not be making further comment at this time regarding any aspect of the investigation.

David Knowles worked for The Telegraph (Alamy/PA)

A counter-terrorism policing spokesperson said: A request to UK Policing was received from the Royal Gibraltar Police to assist with an investigation into a sudden death of a British national in Gibraltar on 8 September.

Due to the existing capability and experience of dealing with international inquiries, support to the RGP is being provided by officers from Counter-Terrorism Policing.

Primacy for the investigation remains with RGP and any further inquiries in relation to this should be directed to them.

A spokesman for Mr Knowless family said: We note the statement from the RGP today about David, particularly the assertion that there are no specific concerns at this time with regard to the death.

We do not wish to say anything further while the authorities continue their investigations and ask that the familys privacy be respected.

The Labour MP for Hammersmith and Chiswick, Andy Slaughter, paid tribute to Mr Knowles in the House of Commons on Thursday and called for a debate on the importance of investigative and public interest journalism.

He said: Can I pay tribute to Telegraph journalist David Knowles, creator of the brilliant Ukraine: The Latest podcast who tragically died last weekend at the age of only 32?

Im sure (House of Commons Leader Lucy Powell) will join me in sending condolences to Davids family and friends.

Mr Slaughter had earlier asked: Can we have a debate on the importance of investigative journalism and public interest journalism?

The best journalists are an essential part of our democracy.

Responding, Ms Powell said: I certainly would pay my condolences to Davids family.

Hes absolutely right: investigative journalism is so important to our democracy, and we should do whatever we can as a country to support it, and Im sure that the Culture Secretary (Lisa Nandy) would be happy if he raised these matters with her in forthcoming oral questions.
Venues could face fines of up to 18 million if they flout rules to protect visitors and staff from terror attacks under Martyns Law.

The plans, part of the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill and named after victim Martyn Hett, were introduced to Parliament on Thursday seven years after the Manchester Arena bombing in the wake of rows over years of delays.

The move  which will see the legislation debated and voted on by MPs and peers  means the country is one step closer to making public spaces safer, Mr Hetts mother Figen Murray, who campaigned for the changes, said.

Ms Murrays 29-year-old son was one of 22 people murdered in the suicide bombing at the end of an Ariana Grande concert in May 2017.

Under the proposals, all UK venues and events with a capacity of more than 200 people will be required to take steps to prepare for and protect against an attack on their premises.

They will have a duty to report to regulator the Security Industry Authority (SIA), bring in a string of safety procedures to meet the requirements and face checks to make sure they are following the rules.

Changes could range from simple security measures such as locking doors, closing shutters and identifying safe escape routes.

Figen Murray, mother of Manchester Arena bombing victim Martyn Hett, and her husband Stuart speaking to Sir Keir Starmer about Martyns Law (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

But big venues will also need to appoint a senior staff member responsible for making sure the premises is meeting its legal requirements.

These larger venues will also be tasked with identifying how they could be vulnerable to an attack, taking steps to reduce these risks and documenting what measures they are taking.

It is estimated the changes could affect 155,000 smaller businesses with venue capacity of between 200 and 799 people, at an average anticipated cost of 330 a year.

Around 24,000 larger venues, with capacity of 800 and above, could be subject to the laws and face average costs of around 5,000 a year as a result.

Sanctions for failing to follow the rules could initially include being issued with warnings such as compliance notices where they will be ordered to change or improve procedures.

But this could escalate to penalties including a maximum fine of 10,000 for smaller businesses and up to 18 million for larger venues for serious breaches.

Big venues could also face restrictions on holding events while concerns about their security procedures are addressed.

While the proposed laws will not apply to venues with a capacity of less than 200, business owners can choose voluntarily to adopt measures and follow guidance.

It is not yet known when the rules could come into force, if voted through by Parliament, but Government officials anticipate it could take between one and two years for the Bill to become law and measures to be implemented.

Nightclub bosses hailed the laws as a significant milestone but raised concerns over the financial impact of enforcing the new safety protocols as they called for a balance between heightened security and practical implementation.

Security minister Dan Jarvis said the Government did not want to place undue burden on businesses and was mindful of the pressures small companies in particular face.

Martyns Law will make a big difference and is a good measure that will actually be good for business, he said as he insisted there would be a significant amount of time allowed so businesses were able to make the changes required.

Ms Murray said: I want to thank everyone who has played a part in getting the Bill to this stage, and especially the Prime Minister, who gave me his word that he would act quickly to introduce Martyns Law.

He said he would act quickly and he has.

Today means we are one step closer to making public spaces safer for everyone.

It is also hugely important for my family that Martyns Law will be on the statute book ahead of the next anniversary of Martyns death.

Mr Jarvis praised Ms Murray as a truly inspirational figure but was unable to confirm the Bill would receive royal assent and become law before the eighth anniversary of the attack. Instead he vowed it would be implemented as quickly as possible, adding: We will move at pace.

After walking 200 miles from Manchester to Downing Street earlier this year to promote her cause, Ms Murray said she felt let down and misled when then-prime minister Rishi Sunak promised her he would introduce the legislation before the parliamentary summer break.

But later the same day he called the general election, leading to Parliament being dissolved before Martyns Law could be enacted.

Labour vowed in its manifesto to bring in the laws and confirmed its intention in the Kings Speech to Parliament in July.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said the legislation had been a long time coming as she paid tribute to Ms Murrays tireless campaigning.

She added: This legislation will strengthen public safety, help protect staff and the public from terrorism and ensure we learn the lessons from the terrible Manchester Arena attack and the inquiry that followed.

Brendan Cox, co-founder of group Survivors Against Terror, described the development as a major breakthrough in closing security loopholes that put us all at risk, adding: Survivors of terror attacks arent looking for sympathy  they are looking for change that makes it less likely that others will endure what they have.

Former counter-terrorism police chief Nick Aldworth welcomed the speed at which the new Government had acted on introducing the Bill to Parliament, calling it a significant step.

It is important that as the law comes into force we continue to listen to security experts and ensure the threshold is set to protect as many people and public venues as possible, he added.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday spoke to key ally Poland on ways to support Ukraine as Russian attacks and upcoming US elections raise new jitters.

The top US diplomat opened talks with Poland's leadership in Warsaw after an overnight train ride from Ukraine, where he paid a rare joint solidarity trip with Britain's new foreign secretary, David Lammy.

Blinken promised a quick review of Ukraine's request for permission to fire Western weapons deeper into Moscow, whose alleged acquisition of new short-range Iranian missiles is expected to free up its arsenal for more strikes.

He will also likely discuss an appeal Wednesday by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga for neighbouring countries to help shoot down missiles over its western region.

President Joe Biden -- who has been hesitant to take actions that risk triggering direct conflict between nuclear-armed Russia and the United States -- will review the Ukrainian requests Friday in a White House meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Russia has cast Western help for Ukraine as further justification for its 2022 invasion of the former Soviet republic, which had been tilting toward the West.

"We haven't a doubt that the decision to lift restrictions on long-range weapons to attack the Russian Federation's territory was taken long ago," Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Thursday.

Blinken will meet separately in Warsaw with Prime Minister Donald Tusk and President Andrzej Duda, bitter rivals on the direction of the European Union member.

While split on domestic policy, Poland, with its dark historical memories of Moscow, has shown unity in backing Ukraine since its invasion by Russia in 2022.

Poland has ramped up purchases of US weapons since the war, last month signing a deal with Boeing to buy 96 Apache attack helicopters for $10 billion.

Blinken hopes to use the final months of Biden's administration to work with allies to ensure broad and sustained support for Ukraine, which has received billions of dollars in Western military and economic support.

The November 5 US election could dramatically shift the stance of Ukraine's biggest backer, however, with Republican candidate Donald Trump declining to say in a debate on Tuesday whether he wants Ukraine to win.

Biden's political heir Kamala Harris referenced Poland -- and the Polish-American vote in the politically crucial state of Pennsylvania -- as she vowed to keep up the fight for Ukraine.

If the United States had not backed Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin "would be sitting in Kyiv with his eyes on the rest of Europe", Harris said.

"Why don't 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 told Trump, referring to his past statements of admiration for Putin.

Poland, since the end of the Cold War an enthusiastic US ally, nonetheless sought to work with Trump during his 2017-2021 presidency.

Duda met with Trump in April in New York, and the two have praised each other's records.

The more European-oriented Tusk, who triumphed in elections last year, has sought to bolster Poland's democratic institutions that had been undermined by the previous Duda-aligned government.

Biden this year welcomed Tusk and Duda jointly at the White House, hoping to send a signal of bipartisanship on Ukraine.

Tusk has not shied away from calling out members of Trump's Republican Party who oppose assisting Ukraine.

During a long delay in Congress approving new military aid to Ukraine, Tusk said that Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson bore personal responsibility for "thousands of lives".
Fite and her family in Prague, where her older son studied. Tiffany Fite

Tiffany Fite's two sons moved to Europe for more affordable education opportunities.

Fite and her husband, both 51, were inspired to do the same.

The couple paused their careers in Idaho to pursue separate graduate degrees in Brno, Czech Republic.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Tiffany Fite, a graduate student at Masaryk University in Brno, Czech Republic. It has been edited for length and clarity.

My family has never been one to follow a traditional path. When our two sons were in middle school, we sold our house in Washington and took a two-year road trip around the US.

We got an RV, "road-schooled" the kids, and took on part-time jobs to fund our trip. The experience taught us that exploring things outside the typical American lifestyle was possible.

So when it was time for my sons, now 22 and 21, to think about college, we were open to different possibilities.

After high school, both sons took a gap year to decide on their paths. They looked at everything from community colleges to trade schools to the military. They eventually decided that going overseas was their best choice: Tuition was much more affordable, and the bachelor programs were mostly three years.

My older son went to the Anglo-American University in Prague to study business administration in 2021, and my younger son went to the University of Pecs in Hungary a year later to study archaeology.

My husband and I were inspired to do the same

Back in the US, I worked as a consultant on organizational change management. My husband did contract work as a lawyer at an energy firm.

Both our education paths were untraditional. It took me almost 30 years to graduate from college because I immediately jumped into a career after high school. Instead, I took classes throughout my professional life. I didn't earn my bachelor's degree until 2021, when I was 48.

Similarly, my husband, now 51, was 29 when he got his law degree.

Seeing our children move to Europe for college sparked the idea that we could obtain a graduate degree in a field that interests us at an affordable price. The cost of living in certain countries is not very high compared to Idaho, where we live in the US. It would also allow us to live in a foreign country for two years and travel around Europe.

Studying in Europe allowed Fite and her husband to travel easily. Tiffany Fite

Although I did not doubt that a graduate degree could benefit us professionally, we knew we didn't want to invest too much, as we saw it as more of an extracurricular.

We eventually decided on Masaryk University in Brno, Czech Republic, where tuition costs 3,000 Euros, or around $3,300 a year. We did not consider schools in the US.

In June 2023, my husband and I resigned from our jobs and moved to Brno.

I decided to pursue a graduate degree in cultural sociology, while my husband chose to study energy policy.

I enjoy learning as an older student

A student parade in Brno, a student city in the Czech Republic. Tiffany Fite

Brno is a young and vibrant student city. We are older students in our graduate programs, where the average student is 32 years old.

Yes, some people look at us a little funny if we go to a doctor or a government appointment and say we're here on a student visa. But once we explain, it's not a big deal.

Being older, though, I take my education more seriously than I would have if I were 30 years younger. I enjoy being able to study and sit in a classroom for the first time in my life and just dedicate my time to studying. It's a gift and a true indulgence for me at this age.

I also appreciate having an international peer group here, whom we call colleagues. My colleagues are from all over the world. I have Nigerian, Bangladeshi, Iranian, Norwegian, and Polish peers, and it's wonderful to be able to immerse myself in a very international culture.

For the time being, we are living on savings

Fite enjoys the affordability of living in Brno. Tiffany Fite

Our home in the US is being rented, so we earn a small income from that, which helps defray some of our costs.

In Brno, we spend around $1,000 on our monthly rent and a little extra for a gym membership. We walk everywhere or take public transportation, which is affordable.

Moving to the Czech Republic was a bonus because we could be closer to our older son, who has since graduated and works full-time in Prague.

One concern that we had was leaving our aging parents. Ultimately, if anything were to happen, we would immediately get on a plane home.

It's a risk we took for sure. Our family and friends would smile and say, "That's what you guys do. You people rebel against the way things are supposed to be done. I wish you luck." With that, we have some people who are our greatest cheerleaders.

We're getting older, and we know that this will probably be the last time we can unravel our life to do this.

As long as we can be self-sufficient and continue to pay our bills, we're open to staying abroad after we graduate next year. It depends on where our sons will land and what they do. We're keeping our options open.

Do you have a story about choosing to attend college outside the US that you want to share? Get in touch with the reporter, Erin: eliam@businessinsider.com .

September 12, 2024: This story has been updated to note that the couple sold their house in Washington.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Get your ball gowns and your scorecards ready because it's time for the 2024 Emmy Awards. Again!

That's right. Even though an Emmy ceremony aired on Fox just eight months ago, it's already time once again for TV's biggest night. This time it's on ABC, and hosted by the father/son acting duo of Eugene and Dan Levy (8 EDT/5 PDT). We ended up with two Emmys in one year because the January awards were delayed from last September by actors' and writers' strikes. So now the awards are back on track, and it's time to honor the best TV that streamed and aired between June 2023 and last May.

But who will be honored with a trophy and make an acceptance speech, and who will just be happy to be nominated? We parse through the awards season hullaballoo to predict who'll win Sunday, and who really should be walking away with the gold. Spoiler alert: Get ready to hear FX's "The Bear" and "Shogun" a lot!

Who will win at the (second) 2024 Primetime Emmys

Best drama series

 "The Crown" (Netflix)

 Fallout (Amazon Prime Video)

 "The Gilded Age" (HBO)

 "The Morning Show" (Apple TV+)

 "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" (Amazon Prime Video)

 "Shogun" (FX)

 "Slow Horses" (Apple TV+)

 "3 Body Problem" (Netflix)

Should/will win: "Shogun"

If you haven't yet watched FX's historical epic "Shogun" (streaming on Hulu) run, don't walk, to immerse yourself in the lush world of 1600s Japan. A new adaptation of James Clavell's celebrated novel, the series chronicles the first English contact with Japan amid a moment of political turmoil in the feudal island nation. With big sets, big performances and dazzling action, it's the "Game of Thrones" successor you didn't know you needed (without any dragons) and will likely nab a boatload of Emmys Sunday, including the top outstanding drama prize.

Jeremy Allen White as Carmen Carmy Berzatto and Ayo Edebiri as Sydney Adamu in "The Bear."

Best comedy series

 "Abbott Elementary" (ABC)

 "The Bear" (FX)

 "Curb Your Enthusiasm" (HBO)

 "Hacks" (Max)

 "Only Murders in the Building" (Hulu)

 "Palm Royale" (Apple TV+)

 Reservation Dogs (FX)

 What We Do in the Shadows (FX)

Should win: "Reservation Dogs"Will win: "The Bear"

Because of the Emmy calendar, it's the stellar second season of "The Bear" that is competing at this Sunday's Emmys, not the lackluster third that streamed this summer. So the shouty and profane restaurant employees should have no trouble walking away with the gold in this category for the second time (Season 1 scooped this up in January). But its FX sibling "Reservation Dogs" wasn't just one of the best comedies of the last year, it's one of the best shows of this century, a powerful and unique piece of art with a point of view you've never seen before. The TV Academy finally acknowledged the craft of "Dogs" with this nomination for its third and final season, but it's just not enough.

Richard Gadd as Donny Dunn in "Baby Reindeer."

Best limited/anthology series

 "Baby Reindeer" (Netflix)

 "Fargo" (FX)

 "Lessons in Chemistry" (Apple TV+)

 "Ripley" (Netflix)

 "True Detective: Night Country" (HBO)

Should win: "True Detective: Night Country"Will win: "Baby Reindeer"

The latest (and probably greatest) season of "True Detective" was a stunning chilly nightmare, but unfortunately, it can't compete with all the "Baby Reindeer" hype. Netflix's dark limited series from comedian Richard Gadd was a phenomenon, thanks to its deeply disturbing content, the (debatably) true story of a man being stalked and harassed by an older woman and the intimacy of the performances. All that and its popularity should propel the series to a win.

SHOGUN -- "Servants of Two Masters" -- Episode 2 (Airs February 27) Pictured: Anna Sawai as Toda Mariko. CR: Katie Yu/FX

Lead actress, drama series

 Jennifer Aniston, "The Morning Show" (Apple TV+)

 Carrie Coon, The Gilded Age (HBO)

 Maya Erskine, "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" (Amazon Prime Video)

 Anna Sawai, "Shogun" (FX)

 Imelda Staunton, "The Crown" (Netflix)

 Reese Witherspoon, "The Morning Show" (Apple TV+)

Should/will win: Sawai

Get ready to know Anna Sawai because she's going to be a star. The actress, who has done great work in shows like Apple's "Pachinko" or "Monarch: Legacy of Monsters," was one of the best things about the excellent "Shogun." Her superb performance as noblewoman and translator Toda Mariko is likely to propel the relatively unknown actress to a win over the A-listers in her category, and hopefully on to bigger and bolder fame in the process.

Hiroyuki Sanada as Lord Yoshii Toranaga in "Shogun."

Lead actor, drama series

 Idris Elba, Hijack (Apple TV+)

 Donald Glover, "Mr. and Mrs. Smith, (Amazon Prime Video)

 Walton Goggins, "Fallout" (Amazon Prime Video)

 Gary Oldman, "Slow Horses" (Apple TV+)

 Hiroyuki Sanada, "Shogun" (FX)

 Dominic West, "The Crown" (Netflix)

Should/will win: Sanada

Speaking of "Shogun" names you'll want to know, veteran performer Sanada is finally getting his due with the FX series (he's also a producer). The Japanese actor, a standby in American pop culture with smaller parts in series (HBO's "Westworld") and films ("Avengers: Endgame") is the anchor "Shogun" needs. His performance as an out-of-favor nobleman doing his best to stay alive is marvelous, to say the least. I'm glad Emmy voters noticed.

Jean Smart as Deborah Vance in "Hacks."

Lead actress, comedy series

 Quinta Brunson, "Abbott Elementary" (ABC)

 Ayo Edebiri, "The Bear" (FX)

 Selena Gomez, "Only Murders in the Building" (Hulu)

 Maya Rudolph, "Loot" (Apple TV+)

 Jean Smart, "Hacks" (Max)

 Kristen Wiig, "Palm Royale" (Apple TV+)

Should/will win: Smart

Smart money is on, well, Smart. The beloved actress has already won twice in this category for playing aging comedian Deborah Vance in Max's "Hacks," and there's no reason to think her streak will be broken. Brunson deservedly took this category in January, but that's partly because Smart wasn't even in the race.

Jeremy Allen White as Carmy in "The Bear."

Lead actor, comedy series

 Matt Berry, What We Do in the Shadows (FX)

 Larry David, "Curb Your Enthusiasm" (HBO)

 Steve Martin, "Only Murders in the Building" (Hulu)

 Martin Short, "Only Murders in the Building" (Hulu)

 Jeremy Allen White, "The Bear" (FX)

 D'Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, Reservation Dogs (FX)

Should win: BerryWill win: White

Speaking of repeat winners, White is exactly the kind of performer likely to take another trip to the Emmy podium as long as he's starring in his critically acclaimed show. The TV Academy that said "yes, chef!" to his Season 1 performance will do the same for Season 2. It's a shame because while White is excellent, actors like Berry and Woon-A-Tai are doing slightly more interesting work in their respective shows. Berry, in particular, is a brilliant comedian in vampire satire "Shadows," ending its run this fall, and has limited opportunities left to be recognized for his work.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Emmy predictions: Who will win at 2024 ceremony?
By Jennifer Rigby, Julie Steenhuysen

(Reuters) -Rich countries have several hundred million doses of vaccines that could help fight an mpox outbreak in Africa, where donated shots fall far short of what is needed, according to a Reuters tally of public statements, documents and estimates from non-governmental organizations.

The shots have been stockpiled for years by countries such as Japan, the United States and Canada in case smallpox, an eradicated disease that is the more dangerous cousin of mpox, ever makes a comeback. Some of the vaccines were used outside of Africa in 2022 when mpox spread globally.

A small fraction of those doses could help curb what is now the biggest mpox outbreak on record in the Democratic Republic of Congo and neighboring countries, disease experts say.

Fewer than 4 million doses have been pledged for donation out of an estimated 18 million to 22 million that are needed to vaccinate 10 million people in the next six months, depending on the vaccine, Africa's Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a statement.

"It's not a technical question, it's a political one," Maria Van Kerkhove, acting head of pandemic and epidemic prevention at the World Health Organization, told Reuters. She is lobbying for more donations alongside Africa's CDC and other health authorities.

"Vaccines are useless on shelves," Van Kerkhove said. "Why wouldn't we get them to the people who need them right now?"

The current outbreak began in early 2023 in Congo, which accounts for most of the 37,500 infections and 1,451 deaths. It has spread to 14 African countries, according to Africa's CDC. A first inoculation campaign using 265,000 donated shots is due to begin in Congo in early October.

"If we'd had more doses earlier, we could have planned a large-scale campaign and reduced transmission," said Cris Kacita, head of Congo's mpox response.

Health officials are concerned about a new strain, known as clade Ib, which was first identified in Congo and appears to spread more easily by close contact. Children are particularly vulnerable to mpox, as well as people with immune system conditions like HIV. The risk outside of Africa appears low at this time.

"Children are the main victims of this epidemic. The first emergency is not really being treated," Kacita said.

Other factors have held back the mpox response, including slow regulatory procedures at WHO and in Congo, high vaccine prices and competing health crises exacerbated by conflict in the country.

Mpox shots alone are not a magic bullet and affected countries also need access to testing and awareness-raising to tackle outbreaks effectively, disease experts say.

But the stark divide on vaccine access shows governments are still not prepared to stamp out viral threats where they begin and before they spread.

"The disinterest in mpox and other viral threats where they emerge is a significant danger to people the world over," said Peter Maybarduk, access to medicines director at the U.S. consumer group Public Citizen.

WHERE ARE THE DOSES? Three vaccines recommended by the WHO are held in stockpiles worldwide: Bavarian Nordic's Jynneos (Imvanex or Imvamune outside the United States); KM Biologics' LC16; and Emergent BioSolutions' ACAM2000.

They are all being considered for purchase and donation in Africa, said a spokesperson for Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, a global group that helps lower-income countries buy vaccines. The group has up to $500 million available for the mpox response. Many wealthy countries declined to say how much vaccine they have, citing national security reasons.

Japan has around 200 million doses of LC16, according to a WHO document from 2022. Unlike rival shots, LC16 can be used for children, although it is not available outside of Japan and requires special needles to administer.

Kacita said Congo is in discussions for up to 3.5 million LC16 doses from Japan.

KM Biologics declined to comment. A Japanese health official said Congo had asked for 3.05 million doses, but would not confirm the timing of the delivery. He said the WHO's 200 million figure was not correct but would not confirm the size of the national stockpile.

Canada may have up to 2 million doses from Bavarian Nordic in its stockpile, said Adam Houston, medical policy and advocacy adviser for Medecins Sans Frontieres Canada, based on previous years announcements from the company. This shot was used to curb the 2022 mpox outbreak outside of Africa. This week, the Canadian government said it would donate up to 200,000 doses.

U.S. officials declined to disclose how much vaccine is in its stockpile, but two senior Biden administration officials said it is enough to protect its population.

That includes around 100 million doses of Emergent's vaccine, according to Maybarduk, as well as an unspecified number of Jynneos shots, which experts say have fewer side effects. The U.S. has donated 60,000 Jynneos doses to the current outbreak.

Spain is among the largest confirmed donors, pledging in August 20% of its mpox vaccine stockpile, or 500,000 doses. The country has urged all European Union member states do the same.

The European Commission has a joint procurement contract with Bavarian Nordic to buy vaccines for donations, and has sent 215,000 doses to Congo.

"Some of the vaccines could cost around $150 for a person to be fully vaccinated, a price that is unaffordable to most African countries," a spokesperson for the Africa CDC team in DRC said. "So donated vaccines from countries is all the more important."

(Reporting by Jennifer Rigby in London and Julie Steenhuysen in Chicago; Additional reporting by Sonia Rolley, Anna Mehler Paperny in Toronto, Rocky Swift in Tokyo, Christian Kraemer in Berlin, Inti Landauro in Madrid, Maggie Fick in London, Gleb Bryanski, Niklas Pollard in Stockholm, Louise Rasmussen in Copenhagen, Lefteris Papadimas in Athens, Jihoon Lee in Seoul; Editing by Michele Gershberg and Bill Berkrot)
Defence Minister Richard Marles said allegations of war crimes are "a national shame" [Getty Images]

Australia has stripped senior defence commanders of military honours over alleged war crimes committed under their watch in Afghanistan.

In parliament on Thursday, Defence Minister Richard Marles said they would lose their distinguished service medals, as recommended by a landmark inquiry which alleged there was an unchecked "warrior culture" within parts of the force.

The Brereton Report, released in 2020, found "credible evidence" that elite Australian soldiers unlawfully killed 39 people during the war in Afghanistan.

This will always be a matter of national shame, Mr Marles said.

"At the same time... [this is] a demonstration to the Australian people and to the world, that Australia is a country which holds itself accountable."

He would not confirm how many officers are affected, but local media say it is less than ten.

Marles also stressed that the vast majority of Australian defence personnel who were deployed to Afghanistan between 2001 and 2021 had given "sacred service" and praised those who helped expose the alleged wrongdoing.

The decision does not affect those under investigation for war crimes themselves, including Australia's most decorated living solider, Victoria Cross recipient Ben Roberts-Smith.

He denies any wrongdoing but in a high-profile defamation case last year was found - on the balance of probabilities - to have murdered four unarmed prisoners. He has not faced criminal charges over the allegations.

The civil trial was the first time a court has ever assessed accusations of war crimes by Australian forces.

Local media report that dozens of Australian soldiers are also being investigated for their roles in alleged war crimes. But so far charges have only been laid against one, former SAS trooper Oliver Schulz.

Former justice Paul Brereton found there was no credible information that officers high up the command chain knew of the alleged war crimes, but he said troop, squadron and task group commanders "bear moral command responsibility and accountability" for what happened under their watch.

They could not "in good conscience" retain their distinguished service medals - awarded for exceptional leadership in warlike operations - he said.

The issue of command accountability has been a vexing one for veterans.

Some have said they feel officers are being unfairly punished for others wrongdoing, but a government-commissioned report in May found "there is ongoing anger and bitter resentment" that their senior officers have not "publicly accepted some responsibility for policies or decisions that contributed to the misconduct".

Responding to the decision to strip the officers' medals, opposition defence spokesman Andrew Hastie, himself a former SAS soldier, said Australia must learn from this tragic and bitter chapter in our military history".

"Our soldiers must tell the truth and those in leadership must seek it out. If both our soldiers and our leaders had done so, we might not be in this place today," he said.
Chicken noodle, tomato and cream of mushroom aren't going anywhere, but Campbell Soup Company plans to drop soup from its name, changing it to The Campbell's Company.

"This subtle yet important change retains the company's iconic name recognition, reputation and equity built over 155 years while better reflecting the full breadth of the company's portfolio," Campbell's President and CEO Mark Clouse said.

The new name isn't final yet. Campbell is waiting on a shareholder approval vote in November.

The name change wouldn't be the company's first. It started out in 1869 as Anderson & Campbell before becoming Campbell Soup Company in 1922. In the years since, Campbell Soup Company has acquired several other companies such as Pepperidge Farm and Snyder's of Hanover, broadening its lineup of products to include things like Milano cookies, pretzels, Goldfish crackers and Prego pasta sauce. The rebrand will better reflect the range of products Campbell sells, according to the company.

Americans love their snacks. According to a 2023 National Library of Medicine publication, more than 90% of U.S. adults report eating one or more snacks on any given day. Around 46% of Americans eat three or more snacks each day, according to consumer behavior data analytics firm Circana.

"As consumer behaviors continue to evolve, it's crucial for brands to innovate and differentiate themselves in the competitive snack market," Sally Lyons Wyatt, global executive vice president and chief advisor of Consumer Goods & Foodservice Insights at Circana, said in a May statement.

Chris Foley, president of the Campbell snacks division, said the company "expect to continue to grow these advantaged core businesses."

"We could not be better positioned for leading the ongoing growth and momentum in snacking," he said in a Monday statement.

Campbell wouldn't be the only food business to change its name to incorporate an expanded lineup of products. Dunkin' shortened its name to remove Donuts in 2018. It was a change designed to reflect the emphasis on coffee and other drinks, in addition to sandwiches.

Blinken ends tour of Europe after series of meetings about Russia-Ukraine war

Jon Bon Jovi helps woman off ledge of bridge in Nashville

Harris trying to flip North Carolina, Trump unsure about debate rematch
Following former president Donald Trump's comments during Tuesday's debate regarding a Venezuelan gang invading a Colorado city, the mayor of Aurora and its local police leaders announced several arrests and addressed the Republican presidential nominee's claims.

Aurora police have arrested 10 alleged members of the Tren de Aragua, a large criminal organization from Venezuela, and charged them with various offenses  including first-degree assault, aggravated assault, shootings, a hit-and-run crash, a domestic dispute and other instances of assault, according to a Facebook post shared by the department on Wednesday.

The 10 suspects were all arrested following different incidents in Aurora dating back to February, police said.

"The Aurora Police Department has been actively investigating reports that members of a Venezuelan prison gang, Tren de Aragua, have been living in Aurora and committing acts of violence against members of the migrant community," according to the social media post.

Aurora is one of the principal cities in the Denver metro area, and is the third-most-populous city in Colorado.

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Trump mentions Venezuelan gang being in Aurora during ABC debate

The announcement of the arrests comes weeks after stories began to spread about the Venezuelan gang "taking over" an apartment complex and making its tenants pay them rent. Interim Aurora Police Chief Heather Morris said in a video shared on Aug. 30 that The Edge at Lowry Apartments is not being "taken over" by the Tren de Aragua.

"We've been talking to the residents here and learning from them to find out what exactly is going on, and there's definitely a different picture," Morris said in the video. "I'm not saying that there's not gang members that don't live in this community."

Despite Morris' and city officials' attempts to debunk the rumors, Trump still made mention of the gang's presence in the city during the debate Tuesday on ABC News.

"We have millions of people pouring into our country from prisons and jails, from mental institutions and insane asylums," Trump said. " You see what's happening with towns throughout the United States. You look at Springfield, Ohio. You look at Aurora in Colorado. They are taking over the towns. They're taking over buildings. They're going in violently. These are the people that (Vice President Kamala Harris) and (President Joe Biden) let into our country. And they're destroying our country. They're dangerous. They're at the highest level of criminality."

Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump reacts in the spin room, on the day of his debate with Democratic presidential nominee and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S., September 10, 2024.

Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman 'would like to clear the record'

Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman and Council Member and Public Safety Chair Danielle Jurinsky released a statement on Wednesday following the arrests and Trump's comments.

"We would like to clear the record about the widely reported presence of Tren de Aragua (TdA) in Aurora and across the metro area," the statement reads. "... The citys duty is to make sure it gathers and presents factual, accurate, and comprehensive information about any issue affecting the community. We reiterate that the safety, security, and well-being of community members and visitors is of paramount concern to us and the city."

Coffman's and Jurinsky's statement goes on to explain how the issues in the city have been "experienced at a select few properties (and) do not apply to the city as a whole or large portions of it."

"TdA has not 'taken over' the city," the statement continued. "The overstated claims fueled by social media and through select news organizations are simply not true. Again, TdAs presence in Aurora is limited to specific properties, all of which the city has been addressing in various ways for months."

'We are optimistic about public safety in our city'

The city officials also noted how "well before concerns about TdA in Colorado generated national attention, (the Aurora Police Department) had been arresting people for various criminal activities who had suspected, but not necessarily confirmed, TdA connections."

"To date, APD has now linked 10 people to TdA and has arrested eight of those people," according to the statement. "Two of the eight individuals who were taken into custody were involved in a July shooting at one of the specific properties in the city that have experienced issues with TdA activity. In line with these arrests, we can also now confirm that criminal activity, including TdA issues, had significantly affected those properties."

Aurora Colorado Mayor Mike Coffman appears on Urban View's Helping Our Heroes Special, moderated by SiriusXM host Jennifer Hammond at the Cannon Building on Capitol Hill on May 16, 2018 in Washington, DC.

Coffman and Jurinsky called the "criminal element" of this situation a "regional issue" and referenced separate arrests that have been made in Denver and Arapahoe County. The statement also mentioned the creation of a special task force consisting of Aurora police and other local and federal agencies to "address concerns about TdA and other criminal activity affecting our communities."

"We are optimistic about public safety in our city," the statement read. "We will continue to embrace our identity as the most diverse city in Colorado and remain steadfast in our commitment to arrest bad actors."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Aurora, Colorado mayor addresses Trump's claims about Venezuelan gang
[BBC]

The installation of an awning that partially covers the Derry Girls mural in Londonderry is being investigated by council officials.

Since its unveiling in 2019, visitors to the city have flocked to Badgers Bar in Orchard Street to take a selfie with Erin, Michelle, Orla, Clare, and "the wee English fella" James from the hit Channel 4 comedy.

Planning permission for the awning was granted in 2022 and installed this week but the local council has said the permission did not extend to this particular section.

Badger's Bar said they will not be making any public comment on the matter.

Some tourists in the city told BBC News NI it is a shame the mural can no longer be seen in full.

Derry Girls creator Lisa McGee pictured in front of the mural before the seating area was installed [PA Media]

A spokesperson for Derry City and Strabane District Council confirmed that the planning permission granted does not include the awning and structure on the elevation where the Derry Girls mural is located.

On Friday, the council said its planning enforcement team have started an investigation into the matter.

Julie Sargisson, a big fan of the TV show, is visiting Derry from New Zealand and says the mural was a must-visit. [BBC]

Julie Sargisson is visiting Derry from New Zealand and said the hit Channel 4 series is "huge" back home.

"Everybody I know has watched it and loves the series."

Ms Sargisson said she thinks the new structure does "cut the mural off a bit," but said she still thinks it is a very impressive piece of artwork.

Wayne Corcoran says he can see why the awning was installed [BBC]

Wayne Corcoran, who is from Newfoundland in Canada, is visiting the island of Ireland with friends and is tracing his Irish family roots.

"We've only been in Derry for a few hours, but we had to see the mural because we are big fans of the series," he said.

"I guess the awning does impact people's photos, but I also can see it from the side of the bar; they want people outside spending money and enjoying their drinksI mean, I know it rains a lot hereso I can see it from both sides."

Isabelle Lang is travelling across Europe on her motorbike [BBC]

Isabelle Lang is from France and has spent the last 10 days travelling through Europe on her trusty motorcycle.

She says this visit marks her 21st time in the Emerald Isle.

She confesses to never seeing the show herself, but said she was told this was a "must-do" for any tourist visiting the city.

"Seeing the awning cover the lower half is a pity," she said.

'Better the last time I saw it'

Pam Koekbakker says the mural looked better the last time she was here [BBC]

Pam Koekbakker and Tobi Witton are from Canada and are in Derry for just five nights.

Pam said she visited Derry last year and is disappointed to see the changes to the gable wall.

She said the show helped put Derry on the map and thinks the mural deserves to be fully visible for people to enjoy.

"I saw the mural before without the awning and I think it does split it in half," Pam said.

"I don't think you can see their school uniforms as much, so if you didn't know the show, you wouldn't know who they are.

"It was definitely better the last time I saw it."

Niamh Dalton, Annie O'Connor and Rebecca Mueller say the mural is still a great tourist attraction [BBC]

Niamh Dalton is from Ramelton, County Donegal, and her friends, Annie O'Connor and Rebecca Mueller, have travelled over to visit her.

Ms Dalton said she would be a regular visitor to Derry and wanted to show her friends the sights and sounds of the city.

"I have seen that mural a million times, but I actually only just noticed the awning there, and I think it is a bit of a shame. Why was that put in?"

Niamh's friend Annie O'Connor is visiting from Boston in the United States.

"I think it does hinder the mural a little bit, it does look a bit odd," Annie said.

"Imagine you spent all that time painting and then that [the awning] gets put in and it just cuts it right off in the middle."

Derry Girls was first broadcast in 2018 and ran for three seasons before finishing in 2022.

Its third and final series won a coveted International Emmy award for comedy.
Twenty-two-time grand slam singles champion Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from next weeks Laver Cup due to fitness concerns, the tournament announced on Thursday.

Im really disappointed to share that I wont be able to compete at the Laver Cup in Berlin next week, Nadal said in a statement.

This is a team competition and to really support Team Europe, I need to do whats best for them and at this moment there are other players who can help the team deliver the win.

I have so many great, emotional memories from playing Laver Cup and I was really looking forward to being with my teammates and with Bjorn in his final year as Captain.

I wish Team Europe the very best of luck and will be cheering them on from afar.

Rafael Nadal (right) and partner Carlos Alcaraz (left) of Team Spain celebrate at the 2024 Paris Olympics. - Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

The Spaniard last played in the 2024 Paris Olympics where he lost in the second round of the mens singles to eventual champion Novak Djokovic. The 38-year-old also teamed up with compatriot Carlos Alcaraz in the mens doubles before losing in the quarterfinals.

The Laver Cup has not announced who will replace Nadal to join Alexander Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, Casper Ruud and Stefanos Tsitsipas in Bjorn Borgs Team Europe.

Nadal announced in April that he would play in this years Laver Cup in Berlin and was still expected to play despite withdrawing from the US Open due to concerns about his fitness. He has not played in the tournament since 2022, when he teamed up with longtime rival Roger Federer in the Swiss legends final match of his career.

Nadal played in one grand slam tournament this year, the French Open, where the 14-time winner at Roland Garros was defeated in the first round by Alexander Zverev.

Afterwards, the King of Clay left the door open towards a return next year, Its difficult for me to talk. I dont know if its going to be last time Im going to be here in front of you. I am not 100% sure, but if it is the last time, I enjoyed it, Nadal said in his on-court interview after the loss.

Its a big percentage that I will not be back here playing at Roland Garros, but Ive enjoyed it a lot.

Spain's Rafael Nadal gestures as he leaves the court after losing in the first round of the French Open against Germany's Alexander Zverev in Paris. - Emmanuel Dunand/AFP via Getty Images

The 14-time French Open winner has struggled with injuries since the 2023 Australian Open and was forced to miss the vast majority of last year as he attempted to get his body ready for one last year on tour.

This year, Nadal played in only seven tournaments including the French Open and the Olympics, but has failed to return to the form expected from the former world No. 1, sporting a 12-7 record.

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OMAHA, Neb.  It's challenging to drive through Nebraska's biggest city without seeing white signs with a singular blue circle peppering many front lawns. Though they don't have any words, names or messaging, these dots have become a symbol of Democratic support in a deep red state, beginning with Jason Brown's inaugural sign on his front yard.

With a nod to the Cornhusker State's 2nd District's electoral point, Democrats have coined the "blue dot," which they hope to deliver to Vice President Kamala Harris. Since the first blue dot went up at the end of August, Brown and his wife, Ruth, have received thousands of requests from people across the district and the state who want their own.

"I didn't realize the extent to which people needed to understand that our vote really does matter in this district," Brown said. "It's created an interesting buzz. Obviously, the biggest is right here in CD-2, that it's a neat way of saying Nebraska is getting itself on the map and in the conversation."

Jason Brown of Omaha, Neb. and others make blue dot signs in their garage.

Across town, a dozen volunteers called voters, urging them to support former President Donald Trump from the campaign's state headquarters in a strip mall office space. One of the volunteers is Carolyn Neopdal, a retired nurse who joined the campaign last month and has knocked on doors in neighborhoods across town.

"Trust me, I do not have time to do this, but I'm taking time because it's important that we win this country back and get Trump in there, and it's important that we win this district," Nepodal said. "So I am doing whatever I can and talking to the people."

Though they don't see eye-to-eye politically, Nebraskans in the area backing either Harris or Trump agree that the presidential election could hinge on their home district.

Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris take part in a presidential debate hosted by ABC in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on September 10, 2024

In 48 states and Washington, D.C., the winner gets all the electoral votes for that state. Maine and Nebraska assign their electors using a proportional system.

Recent polling in Nebraska's 2nd District shows Harris ahead of Trump by about 8 points in the otherwise ruby-red state, according to the Nebraska Examiner.

With less than eight weeks until the general election, Republicans and Democrats are fighting tooth and nail for the state's one electoral vote, which could break a tie and get either candidate to 270 electoral votes, the number needed to win the presidency.

Volunteers for the Trump campaign make phone calls to voters in Nebraska's Second Congressional District from the campaign's Omaha field office on Sept. 4, 2024.

The deep purple tug-of-war

Both the Trump and Biden-turned-Harris campaigns have been present in the district for months, but both have recently kicked their operations into high gear, pouring money into ground operations and sending surrogates to stake claims in the area. Both know it could all come down to the Cornhusker State.

Though most congressional districts consistently go for Republicans or Democrats, Nebraska's 2nd district is one of the last truly purple districts in the country, according to Barry Burden, a political science professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

"Even with the switch from Biden to Harris, it still looks like the district could be a tiebreaker in the Electoral College if Harris is able to hold on to the three states in the Midwest, the so-called 'blue wall states,'" Burden said.

U.S. Representative Don Bacon (R-NE) speaks to the media on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. on October 16, 2023.

More: In battle between Trump and Harris, both campaigns target the Blue Wall

Nebraska's unique system drew national attention in April when conservatives from across the country, including Trump, urged Gov. Jim Pillen to usher a bill through the Legislature to reinstate the state winner system. The effort didn't have the votes, but the possibility of Pillen calling a special session to push it through still hangs in the air.

Before Biden dropped out of the race, the campaign tapped Nebraska organizers Precious McKesson and Meg Mandy to serve as senior advisers in the state. Since Harris' candidacy announcement in July, her campaign has spent more than $1.3 million in ad reservations in Omaha area television stations, while Trump advertisements haven't aired since January, according to Federal Communication Commission political files.

But the Trump campaign has also been fired up.

Last month, the campaign opened an Omaha field office holding numerous phone banks and door-knocking events.

Republican National Convention chair Michael Whatley recently visited the district during the Protect the Vote tour, which focused on election integrity. Attendees received poll observation training. Although there were no known instances of voter fraud during the last presidential election in Nebraska, Whatley says this is to help restore faith in Republican voters who don't think their votes count.

Former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley and Nebraska GOP Chairman Eric Underwood answer questions.

"We are going to live in seven, eight, 10 battleground states, and there's two congressional districts we really need to pay attention to, one up in Maine and this little place in Nebraska," Whatley said to the crowd.

The presidential election isn't the only competitive race in Nebraska's 2nd District. Rep. Don Bacon, who touts himself as one of the most moderate Republicans in Congress, is facing a second challenge from Democratic state Sen. Tony Vargas.

Bacon first beat Vargas in 2022 by nearly 3 points, but national Democrats are still eying the race as one that could help them flip the House in November. For months, polling has swayed back and forth between the candidates, but the Cook Political Report recently changed it from Republican-leaning to a toss-up. Both candidates are raking in millions in campaign funding and hope that a presidential election year will boost voter turnout for either candidate.

But in a deeply moderate district where both candidates don't stray too far from the center, Bacon expressed concern that the Republican presidential candidate might put off some independent and nonpartisan voters.

"It's hard to overcome if the top of the ticket is significantly behind," Bacon said. "I'd sure like to have our nominee former President Trump, focus on the issues, personality attacks that doesn't play well in our district, or just the name-calling does not play well in suburban USA, particularly in the Midwest."

The Walz effect

Besides its unique electoral system, Nebraska has drawn attention for another reason: It's the home state of Democratic VP pick Tim Walz, which the Harris campaign hopes will give it an edge.

His first campaign stop as Harris' pick was Omaha, where he showcased his Nebraska connections with a slew of state-specific references, slamming Trump's minimal connections to the state.

"Here in Nebraska, we have a slogan: 'Nebraska, it's not for everyone.' Well, it sure isn't for Donald Trump, I'll tell you that," Walz said.

Raised in rural small towns across the state, including West Point, Butte and Valentine, Walz spent most of his life in Nebraska. He attended Chadron State College, served in the Nebraska Army National Guard and taught in Alliance, where he met his wife, Gwen.

Nebraska Democratic Party Chair Jane Kleeb says the Minnesota governor's Midwest roots and folksy charm are refreshing for voters who want to see everyday people in power.

"There's this sense that we don't have to hand him a briefing book. We don't have to hand him a Carhartt T-shirt. He automatically gets that," Kleeb said. "It's part of who he is, and that will make a big shift, not only in CD-2, which, of course, has a rural county attached to it, but it'll make a difference across the state and in some of our down-ballot races."

The Minnesota governor's candidacy isn't the only way the Midwest has taken center stage this election.

Trump's vice presidential pick, Sen. JD Vance of Ohio, also hails from the Midwest. Last month, Vance visited Nebraska for a private fundraiser in Omaha and met with supporters.

Republican vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance speaks to the media in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on September 10, 2024.

Randy Adkins, a professor of political science at the University of Nebraska-Omaha, says the campaign's pick of Walz will bode well for its chances in the 2nd District, especially among nonpartisan and moderate voters.

"I'm not saying that Republicans have turned around to vote for Harris because of Tim Walz, it's just somebody recognizing the kind of values, the plainspokenness, the Midwestern values that when they see from somebody in this part of the country, I think is well recognized. Issues and positions set aside, I think that's playing very well here."

But Bacon, who knows the district's centrist nature all too well, says Walz's Nebraska roots won't sway the area's voters as much as people think, pointing to his policy record as Minnesota's governor.

"I feel lucky that the Democrats didn't pick Shapiro. I think he would have been much more effective in my swing district," Bacon said. "The policy stuff, I don't think will play well from Tim Walz in our district. The fact he has some Nebraska roots I think was initially a plus. But we start focusing on policy issues and they're too far left of center."

Ryan Wilkins, who helps run the Blue Dot Energy Facebook page, is excited to see a Nebraskan on the ballot and believes it's contributing to what he views as one of the most energized campaigns he has ever seen in the district.

"To me, it was just a massive release, like a weight fell off my shoulder, just the weight I carry as an American citizen and as a dad who wants this country to be a democracy for my daughters," Wilkins said. "I'm well aware that there's a scenario in which my hometown could be a tipping point in this race, and not even an inconceivable scenario."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why the presidential race could come down to a 'blue dot' in Nebraska
Between spats over abortion, immigration, and cats, presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump briefly detoured last night into a key tech policy debate: how to win the global race in artificial intelligence.

In her pitch for how the U.S. should get ahead, Vice President Harris pointed out AI and quantum computingthe latter still a largely experimental technologyas key industries. Meanwhile former President Trump argued that U.S. advanced chip production has dwindled since he left office, casting blame on the Biden administration, including Harris.

The discussion, which lasted only a few seconds, came as both political parties focus on growing competition with China and the promise of AI. The U.S. and China are engaged in a back-and-forth of trade restrictions, and with the threat of China taking military action in Taiwan, the U.S. is looking to protect its own national and economic security by subsidizing domestic chipmaking. Like most of the world, the U.S. relies heavily on the Taiwanese manufacturer TSMC for semiconductors.

On the debate stage, Harris accused Trump of letting China buy American chips that let it advance its military during his time in office.

He basically sold us out, Harris said. Any U.S. trade policy with China should focus on making sure America wins the competition for the 21st century, she added.

That means investing in U.S. technology and workers to win the race on AI and quantum computing, the vice president continued.

While the Biden administration has expanded controls on the export of critical technologies to China since 2022, experts note that Trump started that trend back in 2019, when his administration banned sales to companies such as the Chinese smartphone maker Huawei. What the vice president was likely referencing were the loopholes in the Trump administrations blacklist of products, like limited restrictions on advanced chips and waivers for American companies looking to grow market share abroad.

Trade with China has been increasingly restricted under the Biden administration, with new limitations added as recently as last week and with a focus on high-tech sectors.

While important, export controls are not a panacea, says David Sacks, a fellow for Asia studies at the Council on Foreign Relations. Government subsidies and investment by U.S. companies also play a role in security and competitiveness, he adds.

During the debate, former President Trump countered that American manufacturers hardly make chips anymore, echoing criticisms he made to Bloomberg Businessweek in June. Harris reportedly shook her head off camera at this remark.

In 2022, Biden signed the CHIPS and Science Act, which allocates around $50 billion to boost chip manufacturing in the U.S. The government has already allotted $6 billion for a TSMC factory in Phoenix, where work is now underway after some delay. Intel got $8.5 billion in CHIPS funding for projects in Arizona, New Mexico, Ohio, and Oregon, and Samsung got $6.4 billion to expand a manufacturing facility in Central Texas.

We are in the early innings of rebuilding our chip manufacturing capabilities, said Navin Girishankar, president of the economic security and technology department at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. The question going forward, he said, is how to strike the right balance of export controls and investments, like a CHIPS 2.0.

And while Trump was correct last night that U.S. advanced chip manufacturing is still down, and that most chips are produced in Taiwan today, Sacks said this is largely the result of private business decisions rather than policy. Once-dominant American companies like Intel increased profit margins by offshoring production, he said. And the biggest American name in chips today, by far, is Nvidia, which designs graphics processing units in Silicon Valley but also outsources chip manufacturing to TSMC.

Thats the result of consistent decisions by U.S. companies that they didnt want to be involved in the foundry business, Sacks said.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
Israel bombed a school housing displaced Palestinians in central Gaza, which rescuers said killed 18 people, including UN staffers, while the Israeli army said it hit a Hamas control centre.

The Al-Jawni school in Nuseirat had already been bombed several times over the course of the 11-month war in Gaza.

The strike on Wednesday flattened part of the UN-run facility where Gazans had sought shelter, leaving only a charred heap of rebar and concrete.

"For the fifth time, Israeli forces bombed the UNRWA-run Al-Jawni School, killing 18 citizens, including two UNRWA staff members, children, and women, and injuring more than 18 others," Gaza's Civil Defence spokesperson Mahmud Bassal posted on Telegram, referring to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees.

UNRWA later said six of its staffers had been killed in two Israeli air raids on the Nuseirat school and its surroundings, calling it the highest death toll among its team in a single incident.

"Among those killed was the manager of the UNRWA shelter and other team members providing assistance to displaced people," the UN agency posted on X.

"Schools and other civilian infrastructure must be protected at all times, they are not a target."

Across the besieged strip, many school buildings have been repurposed to shelter displaced families as the vast majority of Gaza's 2.4 million people have been repeatedly uprooted by the war.

Israeli forces have struck several such schools in recent months, saying Palestinian militants were operating there and hiding among displaced civilians -- charges denied by Hamas.

The Israeli military said in a statement that it had conducted a "precise strike" on a Hamas command and control centre within the Al-Jawni compound. It did not elaborate on the outcome, but said "numerous steps" were taken to reduce the risk to civilians.

Survivors of the strike scrambled to retrieve bodies and belongings from the rubble, telling AFP they had to step over "shredded limbs".

"I can hardly stand up," said one man, holding a plastic bag of human remains.

"We've been going through hell for 340 days now, what we've seen over these days, we haven't even seen it in Hollywood movies, now we're seeing it in Gaza."

Gaza has repeatedly been called the world's deadliest place for humanitarian workers.

UNRWA head Philippe Lazzarini said after the school strike that at least 220 members of the agency's staff have been killed in the Gaza war.

"Endless & senseless killing, day after day," he posted on X.

"Humanitarian staff, premises & operations have been blatantly & unabatedly disregarded since the beginning of the war."

UN chief Antonio Guterres called what is happening in Gaza "totally unacceptable".

In response, Israel's ambassador to the UN accused Guterres of distorting reality.

"It is unconscionable that the UN continues to condemn Israel in its just war against terrorists, while Hamas continues to use women and children as human shields," Ambassador Danny Danon wrote on social media.

"The solution," he added, "is not a ceasefire, but the release of all hostages still held in Gaza and the elimination of Hamas."

Further north in the Gaza Strip, the civil defence agency's spokesman Bassal said three people were killed overnight in Israeli shelling on the Jabalia refugee camp.

In Gaza City, he said there had been two deadly strikes in the Zeitoun neighbourhood -- the first killing five including two children, and the second killing two and injuring several others.

Months of negotiations mediated by Qatar, Egypt and the United States have so far failed to secure a truce.

A Hamas delegation met Qatari and Egyptian mediators in Doha on Wednesday, the militant group said in a statement, though there was no indication of a breakthrough.

Recent rounds of mediation held in Doha and Cairo have tried to hash out a framework laid out in May by US President Joe Biden, but both Israel and Hamas have publicly signalled deeper entrenchment in their negotiating positions.

The October 7 Hamas attack on southern Israel that sparked the war resulted in the deaths of 1,205 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures.

Among the dead included in that count were hostages killed in captivity.

Israel's retaliation has killed at least 41,084 people in Gaza, according to the territory's health ministry. The UN rights office says most of the dead are women and children.

Israel's military meanwhile reported the deaths of two soldiers when a helicopter crashed in the area of Gaza's southern city of Rafah. Another eight soldiers were injured.

The aircraft had been on a "life-saving operation" to evacuate a wounded soldier when it crashed, Major General Tomer Bar said in a Wednesday statement.

The latest deaths bring the Israeli military's losses in the Gaza campaign to 344 since its ground offensive began on October 27.
On Tuesday, the Securities and Exchange Commission announced its latest settlement with a crypto company, with the Israel-based eToro agreeing to pay $1.5 million in fines for operating as an unregistered trading platform. While these sort of actions have become commonplace as part of the SEC's broader campaign against the crypto sector, the eToro news included a significant detail that suggests the agency has made a key concession concerning the second most popular blockchain, Ethereum.

Notably, the eToro settlement spells out that the agency will cease offering crypto except for three digital assets: Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, and Ethereum.

While regulators have long admitted that Bitcoin and its spinoff Bitcoin Cash should be supervised as commodities and not under the jurisdiction of the SEC, the Gary Genslerled agency has waffled on the question of whether Ethereum should be treated as a security. Along with the approval for Ethereum ETFs in July, Tuesday's settlement is the strongest signal yet that the SEC has relented on the jurisdictional turf war.

To regulate or not to regulate

Under Chair Gensler, who started his tenure in early 2021, the SEC has pursued a bruising campaign of lawsuits and settlements against the crypto industry, escalating after the collapse of high-profile projects including Terraform Labs and FTX in 2022. Attorneys have lobbed enforcement actions against every sector of the crypto industry, from major exchanges such as Coinbase and Binance to DeFi and NFT projects.

Central to the SEC's cases is the question of whether crypto assets should be regulated as securities, similar to stocks and bonds, or commodities, similar to gold and oil. Aside from Bitcoin, which previous regulators have agreed is sufficiently decentralized, Gensler has argued that the vast majority of cryptocurrencies should be treated as securities.

While SEC attorneys have named a number of leading cryptocurrencies as securities in lawsuits, including Solana and even the stablecoin BUSD, they did not take a firm legal position on Ethereum, the second-largest cryptocurrency by market cap. In Congressional testimony, Gensler refused to provide a clear answer on the agency's view, leading to controversy over companies like Prometheum that have sought to fill the regulatory vacuum.

In March, Fortune reported that the SEC had issued subpoenas related to an investigation over Ethereum, and the agency appeared close to declaring Ethereum to be a security over the summer through an enforcement action against the developer Consensys. But under withering scrutiny from lawmakers, the SEC appeared to retreat. The agency's change of heart included the approval of Ethereum ETFs (though it would not allow firms to offer stakinga key provision that some legal observers say would make Ethereum resemble a security offering).

By fining eToro for offering trading services for crypto assets offered and sold as securitiesbut allowing it to continue offering trading for Ethereumthe SEC appears to finally be conceding that Ethereum should not be treated as a security, at least without staking services.

"As a company serving over 38 million registered users from more than 75 countries, the terms of the settlement will have a minimal impact on our global business," said Yoni Assia, eToro's cofounder and CEO, in a statement shared with Fortune. "This settlement allows us to move forward and focus on providing innovative and relevant products across our diversified US business."

An SEC spokesperson declined to comment beyond the public filings.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
President Joe Biden will welcome the leaders of Australia, India and Japan this month for the final Quad summit of his term, adding a personal touch to the event by hosting it in his hometown of Wilmington, Delaware, senior administration officials tell CNN.

The gathering comes as the president has recalibrated plans for the final months of his term in office, shifting from campaigning for reelection to refocusing his attention to domestic and foreign policy issues, including working to shore up alliances as he prepares a handoff to the next administration.

Biden has long made fostering personal relationships a signature piece of his foreign policy work, making the hometown summit a fitting coda for a partnership that has been central to the presidents strategy in the Indo-Pacific.

The Quad summit, which will include Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, will take place on September 21 ahead of the United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York City, senior administration officials previewed to CNN.

India was initially this years host country for the leaders event, but officials agreed to move the summit to the US as world leaders traveled to the UN General Assembly, with plans for India to host next year.

Officials said the decision to host the meeting in the presidents hometown instead of on the sidelines of UNGA in New York City was intentional, stressing Bidens commitment to reinforce his personal relationships in his alliance-building strategy.

White House officials have zeroed in on planning for the summit in recent weeks, looking to incorporate personal touches, including places of significance to the presidents life.

Part of larger strategy to counter China

Bidens advisers have viewed the decision to elevate the Quad relationship to the leader level in 2021 as key to reinvigorating alliances in the region in the face of Chinas growing influence.

What the Quad really shows us is that the region and our partners were eager for this mini-lateral approach, and that it has indeed paid off in its effort to try to build collective capacity in ways that genuinely allow us to deliver for the region and to help keep it more peaceful and stable, in spite of all the challenges that it faces, a senior administration official told CNN on Thursday.

The official added, The act of bringing together these four leading maritime democracies  really is exactly the type of alliance activity we need in this moment.

The group has met in person three other times  once in the US and twice in Japan  and the president has hosted each leader for a state visit at the White House as hes sought to deepen cooperation with the countries.

The leaders are expected to have strategic conversation and to produce concrete deliverables during the summit, including a major signature initiative in the health and health security space, a collaboration in the humanitarian and natural disaster space, and efforts to build on the existing Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness, a key initiative aimed at countering Chinas aggression in the South China Sea, the official said.

The meeting will come just weeks before the November election, which world leaders are watching with anticipation as they wait to learn whether they will work with Vice President Kamala Harris or former President Donald Trump when Biden leaves office in January.

But the leaders also have an eye on setting up the alliance for the future.

While the Quad is certainly a centerpiece of President Bidens legacy in the Indo-Pacific, it is also increasingly an institution that you can expect will be here to stay as part of our foreign policy, the senior official said, previewing future funding to support the alliance through national budgets and steps to demonstrate that the Quad is a bipartisan initiative that will have support over the long term, including support from the US Congress.

Kishida also is set to leave office this month after forgoing a reelection bid, setting up a farewell moment next weekend for half of the leaders comprising the Quad. Kishidas successor, the official said, is expected to commit fully to the Quad going forward.

The leaders have developed deep personal relationships over the past three years, the official noting that they are facing common challenges.

When these four leaders meet in a room, they could basically finish each other sentences. They know what strategic issues are most salient to the other, the official said.

Biden focusing on foreign policy in final months

As he enters the lame-duck phase of his presidency, advisers have indicated the president will lean into foreign policy issues as he seeks to bolster his legacy in his closing months in office.

That includes possible travel to the G20 Summit in Brazil and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation gathering in Peru in November. White House officials also are eyeing possible Biden trips to Germany and Africa as soon as October, a source familiar with the matter said.

The president will be day in, day out engaged with counterparts around the world, engaged with his own national security team to deal with the crises and also seize the opportunities that lie ahead, national security adviser Jake Sullivan said in a call with political appointees last month.

Bidens team is also laying the groundwork for a call between Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping in the coming weeks. Sullivan left open the possibility that the two could meet on the sidelines of upcoming summits in November. China has bristled at times at the United States efforts to bolster alliances in the region, including through the Quad partnership.

The Quad summit will mark the first time Biden is welcoming world leaders to his hometown just over 100 miles from the White House since taking office. Last year, he hosted Kishida and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol at Camp David for a trilateral summit.

There is some precedent for hosting world leaders in a presidents hometown. Former President George W. Bush welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin to his ranch in Crawford, Texas, for talks on nuclear weapons in 2001. Former President Barack Obama held the NATO summit in Chicago in 2012. And Trump held sit-downs with world leaders such as Xi and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida.

This story has been updated with additional reporting.

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The general manager of Sanda Kyarimi Zoo in the Borno state of Nigeria said several animals pushed out of the zoo by flood waters have been recovered

AUDU MARTE/AFP via Getty Flooding in the Borno state in northeast Nigeria

A recent flood in Nigeria has decimated the animal population of one local zoo in the area, according to news sources.

Ali Abatcha Don Best, the general manager of Sanda Kyarimi Zoo, said that 80% of the zoo's animals died during flooding caused by the collapse of the Alau dam in Borno, a state in northern Nigeria, according to Reuters, Associated Press, and local newspaper Inside Arewa.

The zoo manager also said that flood waters allowed several dangerous reptiles held at the facility to escape the zoo. He told people to watch for the creatures, which may have "washed" out into residential areas.

"Some deadly animals have been washed away into our communities, like crocodiles and snakes," Best said, per the outlets, adding that people should "take all the necessary precautions [and] measures to avoid these animals."

Related: 27 Animals Found Dead at a Virginia Zoo Amid Animal Cruelty Investigation, Bengal Tiger Euthanized

Don Best told BBC that they were able to locate and bring back some animals, including an ostrich filmed on the loose in the city of Maiduguri.

"We've been able to recapture the ostrich seen on the street, and we also got a call that a crocodile had been found in another location, but we cannot get there due to the floods," he said.

The manager also told the outlet that the zoo had received reports about other animals on the streets but noted that those don't belong to the zoo.

"We got a report that a hippo was seen somewhere, and we don't have hippos in the zoo, so the waters might also disperse animals from other locations," he explained.

Related: Woman Jumps Fence at N.J. Zoo and Tries to Touch 500 Lb. Bengal Tiger, Police Searching for Her

The collapse of the Alau dam has caused some of the area's worst flooding in decades, according to AP. The dam had already been at full capacity due to heavy rains, which hit the region over the last few days, per the outlet.

The office of Nigerian President Bola Tinubu encouraged people to evacuate areas most affected by the flood waters, especially communities close to river banks and has directed the National Emergency Management Agency to assist victims, per Reuters and Inside Arewa.

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His office said in a statement to the outlets that the president "extends his heartfelt condolences to the government and people of the state, especially to the families that have lost their means of livelihood due to the disaster triggered by the overflow of the Alau Dam."

Nahum Daso, the state's police spokesperson, told AP in a statement that about 15% of the Borno state capital, Maiduguri, had been underwater due to the floods. However, it is unknown how many people may have died as a result of the flooding, as a death toll has not yet been released.



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The Fulton County judge overseeing Donald Trump's Georgia election interference case on Thursday tossed out three more counts in the indictment, two of which the former president was facing.

The judge, Scott McAfee, previously threw out six counts in the indictment, three of which were against Trump.

"President Trump and his legal team in Georgia have prevailed once again," Trump attorney Steve Sadow said in a statement following Thursday's order. The trial court has decided that counts 15 and 27 in the indictment must be quashed/dismissed."

MORE: Hearing in Trump's Georgia election appeal scheduled for December, after election

Trump still faces eight counts in the case. He originally was charged with 13.

In his ruling Thursday, Judge McAfee dismissed three counts that related to the filing of false documents in federal court -- essentially finding that the state did not have the authority to bring charges for alleged crimes committed against the federal government.

McAfee wrote that those three counts "lie beyond this State's jurisdiction and must be quashed."

The three counts include attempt to commit filing false documents, conspiracy to commit filing false documents, and filing false documents.

The motion to dismiss was brought by two of Trump's codefendants, John Eastman and Shawn Still, on grounds related to the supremacy clause.

PHOTO: Republican presidential nominee, former President Donald Trump smiles at the crowd during the National Guard Association of the United States' 146th General Conference & Exhibition, on Aug. 26, 2024, in Detroit. (Emily Elconin/Getty Images)

In a separate order Thursday, McAfee declined a motion to throw out the top racketeering -- or RICO -- charge in the indictment, writing that it is "facially sound and constitutionally sufficient as alleged."

ABC News contributor Chris Timmons, a former Georgia prosecutor, said that Thursday's ruling dismissing the charges "is definitely a win for the defense" but that "it's not a significant victory" because the overall RICO charge remains in place.

"The actions in federal court can and likely will be brought in at trial as 'acts in furtherance of the RICO conspiracy' which don't need to be crimes," Timmons said.

A spokesperson for the Fulton County district attorney's office told ABC News they were reviewing the order and had no further comment.

Trump and 18 others pleaded not guilty last year to all charges in a sweeping racketeering indictment for alleged efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election in the state of Georgia.

MORE: How will the Supreme Court's immunity decision impact Trump's 4 criminal cases?

Four defendants subsequently took plea deals in exchange for agreeing to testify against other defendants.

A Georgia court of appeals paused the case in June pending the resolution of an appeal of the disqualification ruling that allowed District Attorney Fani Willis to stay on the case.

Oral arguments in that appeal are currently scheduled for Dec. 5, a month after the presidential election.

The former president has blasted the district attorney's investigation as being politically motivated.

Judge tosses 2 more counts against Trump in Georgia election interference case originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Mitt Romney and Kamala Harris

Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) praised Vice President Kamala Harris debate performance Wednesday, arguing that the Democratic nominee demonstrated that she is intelligent and capable in her first showdown against former President Donald Trump.

Romney, a longtime Trump critic who has refused to vote for the GOP nominee for president going back to 2016, told reporters on Capitol Hill that the ABC News debate proved Harris can answer questions from the media.

Those were answered well. She spoke well and clearly and I think she prosecuted her case well, the Utah Republican said.

Romney, a vocal critic of Trump, has never voted for him in a presidential election. Getty Images

Romney, who lost the 2012 White House race to former President Barack Obama, argued that Harris made the most of her opportunity to distinguish herself from Trump before some 67 million viewers.

Most people didnt know her terribly well other than a few clips that were not flattering, that you might see on the internet, Romney said.

And people saw, actually, shes an intelligent, capable person who has a point of view on issues, he added. And she actually demonstrated that time and again.

Meanwhile, the former Massachusetts governor argued that Trumps performance was just that  a performance.

This was classic President Trump, Romney said.

President Trump prosecuted his case as he wanted to, he added.

Harris, 59, invoked Romeys name at one point in the debate, touting having the support of 200 Republicans who have formerly worked with President [George W] Bush, Mitt Romney, and John McCain.

Harris touted her endorsements from a former Romney staffer during her debate against Trump. AFP via Getty Images

Romney himself hasnt endorsed Harris but declared earlier this year that he would absolutely not be voting for Trump.

With President Trump, its a matter of personal character, the 77-year-old senator said of the GOP nominee in June. I draw a line and say when someone has been actually found to have been sexually assaulting, thats something I just wont cross over in the person I would want to have as president of the United States.

Last month, Harris pledged to appoint a Republican to her Cabinet, if elected, in her only sitdown interview since replacing President Biden on the Democratic ticket.

Some anti-Trump Republicans hope it will be Romney.

We hope that [Harris] invites [Romney] to serve in some capacity if she wins, Haley Voters for Harris, a political action committee backing Harris in the election, wrote on X.

Whether he endorses her or not, he is a patriot who believes in a strong America and answers the call of service, the group of former Nikki Haley supporters added.
NEW YORK (AP)  Disgraced ex-movie mogul Harvey Weinstein has been indicted on additional sex crimes charges in New York ahead of a retrial in his landmark #MeToo case, Manhattan prosecutors said at a court hearing Thursday.

The indictment will remain under seal until Weinstein is arraigned on the new charges, which could happen as early as Sept. 18. Assistant District Attorney Nicole Blumberg disclosed in court that the indictment charges Mr. Weinstein with additional crimes and that multiple accusers are prepared to testify against him.

Weinstein, 72, is recovering from emergency heart surgery Monday at a Manhattan hospital to remove fluid on his heart and lungs and was not at Thursday's hearing.

Prosecutors retrying Weinsteins overturned rape conviction disclosed last week that they had begun presenting to a grand jury evidence of up to three additional allegations against Weinstein, dating as far back as the mid-2000s.

They include alleged sexual assaults at the Tribeca Grand Hotel, now known as the Roxy Hotel, and in a Lower Manhattan residential building between late 2005 and mid-2006, and an alleged sexual assault at a Tribeca hotel in May 2016.

Because the indictment is under seal, it was not known whether the new charges involved some or all of the additional allegations.

We dont know anything," Weinsteins lawyer, Arthur Aidala, said outside court. We dont know what the exact accusations are, the exact locations are, what the timing is."

In April, New Yorks highest court overturned Weinsteins 2020 conviction on rape and sexual assault charges involving two women and ordered a new trial. Weinsteins retrial is tentatively scheduled to begin Nov. 12.

Prosecutors said they would seek to combine any new charges with ones previously brought against Weinstein so that they could be tried together. Weinsteins lawyers oppose that, arguing that prosecutors were seeking to bolster their original case with additional charges involving other accusers.

Aidala said Weinsteins defense team won't be ready to go to trial in November on the new charges. By law, he said, they'll have 45 days to file court papers challenging the prosecutions request to try the original and new indictments at the same time, pushing the fight into the weeks before a possible trial.

Weinsteins new charges come after prosecutors in Britain announced last week that they would no longer pursue charges of indecent assault against Weinstein, who was the most prominent villain of the #MeToo movement in 2017 when women began going public with accounts of his behavior.

Weinstein, who co-founded the film and television production companies Miramax and The Weinstein Company, has long maintained that any sexual activity was consensual.

Also Thursday, Judge Curtis Farber granted a defense request to have the ailing Weinstein remain at Bellevue Hospital indefinitely instead of being moved back to the infirmary ward at New York Citys Rikers Island jail complex. Farber also ordered Weinsteins attending physician at Rikers Island to testify at a closed-door hearing about the ex-studio boss' health issues.

Weinsteins surgery Monday came after his third trip to Bellevue Hospital to have fluid drained, Farber said. He has a variety of maladies requiring medication and treatment that causes him to retain water in his arms, legs, abdomen and around his heart, and he needs constant monitoring to ensure the buildup of fluids isnt deadly, the judge said.

If Mr. Weinstein dies because no one has taken the authority to stop what may be the death of Mr. Weinstein because of this back-and-forth transfer from one institution to another, it would be a miscarriage of justice to say the least, Weinsteins lawyer Barry Kamins told Farber. It would be a travesty of justice.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Braggs office had signaled for months that new charges were imminent against Weinstein, who was once one of the most powerful people in Hollywood, having produced films such as Pulp Fiction and The Crying Game.

In July, prosecutors told a judge they were actively pursuing claims of rape that occurred in Manhattan within the statute of limitations. They said some potential accusers who were not ready to come forward during Weinsteins first New York trial had indicated they were now willing to testify.

In vacating Weinsteins conviction, New Yorks Court of Appeals ruled that the trial judge, James M. Burke, unfairly allowed testimony against him based on allegations from other women that were not part of the case. Burke is no longer on the bench.

Prosecutors have said one of the accusers in that case, Jessica Mann, is prepared to testify against Weinstein again. In a statement, she said the new charges show that this Grand Jury, like so many others, can see clearly through his facade for what he truly is: a predator who must be held accountable for his crimes.

For those who continue to have the courage to come forward against Harvey, you are not alone, Mann said. I will stand alongside you as we fight for a future where monsters like Harvey no longer hide in our closets, they sit alone behind bars.

Its unclear if the second accuser, Mimi Haley, would participate. Her lawyer, Gloria Allred, declined to comment.

The Associated Press does not generally identify people alleging sexual assault unless they consent to be named, as Haley and Mann did.

Weinstein, who had been serving a 23-year sentence in New York when his conviction was quashed, was convicted in Los Angeles in 2022 of another rape.

His 16-year prison sentence in that case still stands, but his lawyers appealed in June, arguing he did not get a fair trial in Los Angeles. Weinstein has remained in custody in New Yorks Rikers Island jail complex while awaiting the retrial.
Francine muscled its way inland Thursday as a "post-tropical cyclone" but still expected to bring heavy rainfall and tornado threats across Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and the Florida panhandle.

Over 150,000 homes and businesses were without power in Louisiana on Thursday, one day after the center of the storm crashed onto shore in Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana, as a Category 2 storm driving 100-mph winds. The winds diminished, but unrelenting downpours turned streets into rivers as Francine lashed New Orleans.

The waters were beginning to recede in some areas, while others could see a foot of rain by the weekend, the National Hurricane Center warned. The center of the system was located about 90 miles south of Memphis, Tennessee

Francine's maximum sustained winds decreased to 35 mph Thursday as the center of the storm slid over Mississippi. But the danger of "life-threatening" coastal storm surge remained a major concern from the sixth and strongest storm of the hurricane season, the National Hurricane Center said.

"As the sun starts to rise this morning, DO NOT go sightseeing," the National Weather Service office in New Orleans tweeted Thursday. "Stay where you are today! Rescuers and emergency response professionals still need to do their jobs this morning! Don't make their jobs harder or more dangerous!"

There were no fatalities reported in Louisiana as of Thursday afternoon, Gov. Jeff Landry said at a news conference.

The storm was inching into Arkansas and Tennessee Thursday night. The National Weather Service warned rounds of moderate to heavy rainfall were expected to continue into Saturday morning for parts of the Southeast, which could lead to flash, urban, and river flooding.

Flash flood emergency for New Orleans: Francine pounds Louisiana

Developments:

 A few tornadoes were possible in parts of the Southeast, and a tornado watch was issued for portions of central Alabama until 10 p.m. CT.

 The center of Francine was forecast to move over central and northern Mississippi through early Friday.

Waves from Lake Pontchartrain crash against the seawall along Lakeshore Drive in New Orleans on Sept. 11, 2024.

How much rain did New Orleans get?

The next few days are going to bring better weather for Louisiana after Francine dumped more rain than expected, said state climatologist Jay Grymes.

Rains in New Orleans were more significant than expected partly because Francine took an unexpected slight "jog" to the east, and because the storm moved more slowly than forecasters thought it would, Grymes said.

Rainfall in New Orleans totaled 5-7 inches, and some pockets got 8 inches, he said. On the Northshore, some places even saw double digits in rainfall. Flooding in the region was "no surprise," Grymes said.

'Good Samaritan' rescues driver from floodwaters

A pickup driver who drove around barriers was rescued from quickly rising floodwaters on Wednesday night by a "Good Samaritan," Landry said. The driver "nearly became fully submerged," he said.

Miles Crawford, an emergency room nurse who is used to stressful situations, saw that the driver was trapped and used a hammer to break one of the truck's windows so the driver could escape, Landry said.

"We put out these warnings specifically to avoid these kinds of situations," he said.

Ports begin to reopen in Texas

Crucial oil and fuel export ports from south to central Texas reopened Thursday after being shuttered ahead of the storm. Corpus Christi, the largest oil export port by volume, lifted restrictions, while ports in Freeport, Houston and as far north as Sabine reopened, the U.S. Coast Guard said.

Louisiana ports including Cameron, Lake Charles, New Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard and sections of the Mississippi River remained closed, the Coast Guard said. The closures were affecting energy, agricultural and metals exports.

The Gulf accounts for about 15% of all domestic oil production and 2% of natural gas output, according to federal data.

Franklinton resident helps elderly and disabled after storm

William Riley's home in Franklinton, Louisiana, 70 miles north of New Orleans, survived the storm without even losing power, so he decided to turn his energy toward helping others recover. Riley, 31, posted to social media that his road had cleared and he was available to help elderly or disabled people in the area free of charge.

"I'm just kind of reaching out to everybody," said Riley, 31. "If I don't get any phone calls, I'm going to just go right around to see if I see anybody that needs help."

Riley owns a marine construction business, so he's well-equipped with useful tools, such as excavators, skid steers and chainsaws. And helping people, especially those in need, has always been important to him.

"A lot of people just don't have the extra money to have a tree that's blocking their driveway or on their house or cars (removed), and then insurance takes so long," he said. "If there's ever a time to help people, it's after a natural disaster."

Thousands in New Orleans in the dark

The French Quarter neighborhood of New Orleans, a tourist mecca where streets and sidewalks are routinely jammed with revelers, was locked down Thursday with a noticeable police presence and very few pedestrians.

The rain had stopped falling when David Blaszak woke up around 6 a.m. Thursday, and he saw downed branches and traffic signals out on his way to work. At Marys Ace Hardware, where Blaszak is the general manager, customers came as soon as the store opened at 8 a.m. to buy small parts and tools for home repairs, Blaszak told USA TODAY.

People are coming in for little repair pieces and gas cans, for their generators, said Blaszak, 67.

The power mostly remained on in the French Quarter on Thursday morning, even though it was out in a large portion of the city, Blaszak said. The French Quarter's electrical infrastructure is underground and less susceptible to storms. But Blaszaks home in the nearby Marigny neighborhood lost power Wednesday night and it still wasnt on Thursday, he said.

The power issue is the biggest thing, the inconvenience, particularly down here not having air conditioning, he said.

 Claire Thornton

Francine halts classes  but not always learning

Hundreds of schools were closed Thursday across Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. Many also were closed Wednesday, and some won't reopen until next week. In New Orleans, classes were canceled for almost 50,000 public school students for a second straight day Thursday.

The Louisiana Board of Regents announced eight colleges would be closed to in-person learning on Friday, including Dillard University, Nicholls State University and Xavier University of Louisiana. Some schools planned to continue classes virtually.

Schools in East Baton Rouge were also closed Wednesday and Thursday, but to limit learning disruption, the students were given assignments via Chromebooks or printed packets. Students were asked to complete the work "to the best of their abilities." Students who lose internet access because of the storm will be provided makeup opportunities, district officials said in a note to the school's community.

"Transitioning to remote learning structures will minimize learning loss and decrease in-school makeup time," the note said.

The school district said it would reopen Friday but was monitoring power outages at two middle schools.

Louisiana storm recovery could take months

Louis Ruffino has a heavy workload ahead. The Amite City, Louisiana-based owner of a hurricane recovery service expects to put in 18-hour days for the next two weeks after Francine passed over the area, leaving a trail of destruction.

"We'll have a lot of work today, mostly tree and debris removal," he told USA TODAY early Thursday morning. "We'll have some sheetrock removal from where some homes and businesses got flooded."

Ruffino said he's already seen some damage from the storm. "There are some businesses whose roofs came off," he said. "There are several homes with trees in them, and there's lots of fences down."

He expects total recovery from Francine to take around four months, as compared to the year and a half his team worked after Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

Despite the damage and power outages, the local community has seen worse, he said. "While concerned about the storm, they've been through many, many storms."

"I think that they felt that they would be okay," he said.

Up to 12 inches of rain possible in some areas

Francine is forecast to bring up to 6 inches across parts of Mississippi, Arkansas, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia and Florida. Localized amounts up to 12 inches were possible in central and northern Alabama and over the Florida Panhandle.

The rain could lead to locally "considerable flash and urban flooding," the hurricane center said.

New Orleans area faces sewage issues amid storm

The Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans was struggling with power outages and other issues, and residents were urged to conserve water. Officials in nearby Jefferson Parish also urged residents to limit water usage because of the "aging sewer system," according to parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng. She said the parish received numerous reports on Wednesday about residents who were unable to flush their toilets and manhole covers that were bubbling up.

The system is getting overwhelmed, Sheng said at a Wednesday news conference. The water has nowhere else to go and its getting backed 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.

Douse that candle, turn on that flashlight

The National Hurricane Center has tips for dealing with power outages. Among them:

Use flashlights, not candles.

Turn flashlights on before entering buildings to avoid producing a spark that could ignite leaking gas.

Keep portable generators outdoors at least 20 feet away from doors, windows and garages to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

Make sure portable generators are properly grounded and not overloaded.

Drink bottled or boiled water because purifications may not be working.

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. Tropical Depression Seven, which is in the eastern Atlantic, is expected to reach tropical storm status soon and will be named Gordon.

Why  and how  do hurricanes get names?

Before hurricane forecasters started naming storms, they had to refer to storms by saying something like "the storm 500 miles east-southeast of Miami." But six hours later, the storm's position would change. Also, when more than one storm was going on at the same time, making it clear which storm was being described made the job even harder.

In 1953, the U.S. began using female names for weather systems once they became a tropical storm  sustained winds of at least 39 mph. By 1979, male and female names were being used, and the names alternate between male and female.

There are six lists of names in alphabetical order, and they rotate each year so names used this year will come back around in 2030. There are no Q, U, X, Y or Z names because of the lack of usable names that begin with those letters. And the names of some extremely deadly storms, such as Katrina, have been dropped.

Contributing: Doyle Rice, USA TODAY; Reuters

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Francine live updates: Thousands without power as winds ease
The Republican presidential nominee, who many say lost the debate to Vice President Kamala Harris, made a surprise appearance before reporters on Tuesday night.

In the spin room following the presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump in Philadelphia on Tuesday, theGrio caught up with high-profile Democratic and Republican officials about where they feel the election stands after the prime-time showdown.

U.S. Senator Laphonza Butler, D-Calif., a close friend of Harris and campaign surrogate, told theGrio that while it was clear Trump lost the debate, she was bothered by the fact that he did not call Harris by her name, instead opting to call her she and her.

If he cant respect the person who is the vice president of the United States, he cant respect the person who is standing right next to him enough to call her by name  Why would the American people  trust him to be the commander in chief? said Butler.

During the debate, some American voters got a chance to better know Harris, who is Black and South Asian. The vice president notably did not address her race or gender but did share her personal story of being raised by a single mom who bought their first home when she was a teenager.

Senator Butler acknowledged that some voters are Kamala curious after Harris quickly emerged as the Democratic Partys presidential nominee. A recent New York Times poll found that 28% of Americans want to learn more about Americas potential first female president.

Harris also laid out some of her economic policy proposals, including child tax credits, federal funding for first-time homebuyers and tax deductions for small businesses. By contrast, Trump pivoted from the economy to discussing immigration, claiming migrants are taking jobs from Black people.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA  SEPTEMBER 10: Democratic presidential nominee, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, debates Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. president Donald Trump, for the first time during the presidential election campaign at The National Constitution Center on September 10, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)  Credit: Photo Win McNamee / Getty Images

Harris retorted that Goldman Sachs and the Wharton School of Business back her economic plan. Contrastingly, she pointed out that experts say Trumps plan would invite a recession.

Former third-party presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who dropped out of the race and endorsed Trump, told theGrio while in the spin room that Trump is the better candidate for the economy.

President Trump is the first president in 40 years that has raised the real wages for the American worker, Kennedy told theGrio when asked about his father, former Sen. Robert F. Kennedy Sr.s shared desire with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to combat poverty before they were both assassinated.

However, Democrats in the spin room declared Kamala Harris the clear winner of the debate.

Even former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy seemed to intimate as much when asked about the debate. He told theGrio, I think [Trump] did good for the conditions that were served up.

After the one-hour and 45-minute debate, Donald Trump surprised reporters with an appearance. The presidential hopeful apparently wanted to spin the narrative that he lost the debate.

A swarm of reporters encircled the 78-year-old former president and lobbed questions as he answered, walking around the large circle. Trump told reporters it was his best debate to date.

TheGrio asked Trump, What do you think about the Black voters? What do you think they saw [tonight]? The former president responded, I love the Black voters, and I love them. They love me too.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA  SEPTEMBER 10: Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to reporters in the spin room after debating Democratic presidential nominee, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, at Pennsylvania Convention Center on September 10, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After earning the Democratic Party nomination following President Joe Bidens decision to leave the race, Harris faced off with Trump in what may be the only debate of the 2024 race for the White House. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

Not long after, a reporter asked if the president thought he would lose the Haitian vote after he and his vice presidential running mate, JD Vance, claimed Haitian immigrants were eating dogs in Springfield, Ohio.

I mean, I really dont know. All I do is say the truth. And I lose votes or gain votes, I really dont care, said Trump.

During the debate with President Trump, brought up the issue of his false and debunked claims of Haitian migrants eating dogs and cats in Springfield. ABC News debate moderator fact-checked Trump, pointing out that the city manager reported thatc claim is not true.

Another question followed from Dr. Yusef Salaam, a Harlem, New York city councilman, as well as a member of the Exonerated Five. The group of four Black and one Latino boys at the time were wrongly imprisoned for the assault of a Central Park jogger. Trump took out a full page ad, calling for the death penalty. After years of imprisonment, the five men were released and found innocent due to DNA evidence. Trump has refused to apologize.

On Tuesday night, Salaam attempted to confront Trump.

Mr. President I am a member of the Exonerated Five, Dr. Yusef Salaam, said the city council member. Trump then replied, Oh, are you with me? Salaam replied flatly, No!



Salaam recounted the moment, saying Trump put his hand up and walked away. Before the debate, he told theGrio that being a Harris surrogate was a full-circle moment for him.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS  AUGUST 22: New York City Council Member Dr. Yusef Salaam, representing the Central Park Five, speaks on stage during the final day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on August 22, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. Delegates, politicians, and Democratic Party supporters are gathering in Chicago, as current Vice President Kamala Harris is named her partys presidential nominee. The DNC takes place from August 19-22. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Salaam said his vote against Trump is personal, but its also about choosing the best candidate  which he believes is Harris  and preserving Americas democracy.

Kwame Kilpatrick, the former mayor of Detroit, was also in the spin room. The former Democrat is a surrogate for Trump, who as president commuted his 28-year sentence in 2021 after Kilpatrick served seven years in prison for corruption and racketeering while in office.

Kilpatrick said supporting Trump in the 2024 election is personal for him to support Trump and that politics is personal for everyone. However, he acknowledged for that for Yusef and the other four members of the of the Exonerated Five, its also personal for them.

But as the same brothers experience  I experienced being in solitary confinement for 225 days, being treated like a dog, being selectively and manipulatively, and I mean, just horribly prosecuted in a system thats unjust, Kilpatrick told theGrio. And then you have somebody [Trump] that comes and gets you.

He continued, You also have a personal notion that this person cares about whats going on, and then championing the First Step Act and getting more than almost 40,000 people out of prison. It wasnt just Kwame Kilpatrick.

Throughout the election cycle, polling has indicated that Trump has seen a small but noticeable increase in support among Black male voters.

Kilpatrick said that in Michigan, Trumps Black male support is about 9%, which he said is up from seven percent. He added, It goes up when you have issues that matter to real people.

U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., a staunch Trump supporter, told theGrio, Personally, I do believe the numbers [Black male voters for Trump] are increasing.

In response to Donalds, Salaam said, I think that people have been hoodwinked and bamboozled and run a muck just like our good leader Malcom X said.

The impassioned Harlem city councilman emphasized, We need to make sure that we understand the truth about things  as we rely on word of mouth.

Salaam implored Black voters to do their research and remain committed to reading the truth.

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JD Vance in the spin room Tuesday after the presidential debate in Philadelphia.

WASHINGTON  Sen. JD Vance suggested that it could be in Republicans' best interest to threaten a government shutdown ahead of an impending funding deadline, asking, Why have a government if its not a functioning government?

Vance, the Republican vice presidential nominee, made the remarks in an interview Wednesday on the Shawn Ryan Show. In the podcast interview, he said the GOP should pick the fight to seek changes, criticizing current spending on foreign wars and foreign aid and what he described as inadequate border security.

He argued that Congress has a rubber-stamp mentality in which programs from 20 years ago continue in perpetuity, instead of running a functional government where you ask yourself what makes sense and what doesnt make sense this year.

"Why shouldnt we be trying to force this government shutdown fight to get something out of it thats good for the American people?" he said. "Like, why have a government if its not a functioning government?"

Congress faces a Sept. 30 deadline to fund the government or a shutdown will begin on Oct. 1.

Representatives for the Trump campaign did not immediately return a request for comment on Vance's remarks.

Former President Donald Trump on Tuesday also called on Republicans to "close it down" if the House GOP doesn't find a way to pass a government funding bill alongside an election security bill.

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. ... CLOSE IT DOWN!!! Trump said on his social media site, TruthSocial.

Following Trump's comment, Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., tied a six-month spending bill, or continuing resolution, to the SAVE Act, GOP-sponsored legislation that would overhaul elections.

But, on Wednesday, Johnson abruptly canceled the vote after it appeared that the bill would fail amid opposition from a group of Republicans. Grappling with a razor-thin majority, the House speaker vowed to continue negotiating with members of his party.

"We have two obligations right now," Johnson told reporters on Wednesday, adding, "Congress has a lot of responsibilities, but two primary obligations: responsibly fund the government and make sure that our elections are free and fair and secure. And thats what were working on. And well continue and well keep you posted."

Democrats have said they would only support a "clean" spending bill to fund the government through March, past the presidential election and inauguration.

In the podcast, Vance said that he opposes CRs on principle, telling Ryan, "I've been in Senate all of two years [and] never voted for a continuing resolution."

"I don't like the continuing resolutions, because you do this exact thing, right? You're rubber-stamping more money for organizations like the Taliban. By the way, while we're on that topic, we're rubber-stamping more money for the open border," the Ohio Republican added.

He also said he preferred engaging in the traditional appropriations process, where "we actually go in and say, 'Why the hell are we spending money on that? Should we be spending less money on this thing?'"

Vance has not voted in the Senate this week as Congress returned from a monthlong recess.
"Bon Jovi helped persuade her to come off the ledge over the Cumberland River to safety," said the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department

Dave Benett/WireImage Jon Bon Jovi attends the UK Premiere of 'Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story' at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square on April 17, 2024 in London, England

Jon Bon Jovi was filming a music video on Tuesday, Sept. 10 when he helped save a woman in crisis on a Nashville pedestrian bridge.

On Wednesday, Sept. 11, the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department shared surveillance footage from the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge. The YouTube video, which has since been removed by the platform, showed the musician approaching the unidentified woman standing on the ledge.

After a few minutes alone, the Bon Jovi frontman and another woman help carry the woman in crisis to a safer part of the bridge.

Bon Jovi continues to speak with the woman in crisis before they walk away from the area together.

"A shout out to @jonbonjovi & his team for helping a woman on the Seigenthaler Ped Bridge Tue night. Bon Jovi helped persuade her to come off the ledge over the Cumberland River to safety," the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

"It takes all of us to help keep each other safe," MNPD Chief John Drake added.

The musician was filming a music video on the bridge, which was open to the public when the incident happened, and he offered a helping hand, PEOPLE confirms.



Theo Wargo/Getty Jon Bon Jovi attends the 'Thank You Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story' Special Screening at iPic Fulton Market on April 25, 2024 in New York City

While a rep for Bon Jovi could not immediately be reached for comment, PEOPLE can confirm that Bon Jovi's foundation, the JBJ Soul Foundation, routinely deals with people in crisis, from hunger to homelessness, among other issues, so he has extensive training in speaking to individuals in crisis.

The JBJ Soul Foundation's goal is "to recognize and maximize the human potential in those affected by hunger, poverty and homelessness by offering assistance in establishing programs that provide food and affordable housing while supporting social services and job training programs," according to its website.

In February, Bon Jovi was recognized as the MusiCares Person of the Year for his philanthropic efforts.

Amy Sussman/Getty Jon Bon Jovi performs onstage during 2024 MusiCares Person Of The Year Honoring Jon Bon Jovi at Los Angeles Convention Center on February 02, 2024 in Los Angeles, California

Laura Segura, Executive Director of MusiCares, praised Bon Jovi in a statement after announcing him as the honoree in October 2023.

"His remarkable contributions to rock and roll have not only left an indelible mark on the music industry, but also in the hearts of countless fans around the world," Segura said. "Furthermore, his long-standing commitment to serving food-insecure and unhoused individuals inspires us all. Were looking forward to celebrating him and the many ways he has made a difference in this world."

Bon Jovi's most recent album, Forever, was released in June.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 or go to 988lifeline.org.



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Read the original article on People.
Leaders of the Ashtalakshmi Temple in Sugar Land are hiring security guards and installing cameras after members of the Humble-based Awakening Generation Church protested a 90-foot statue of the deity Hanuman and told visitors Jesus is the only God.

We never planned for security, we never thought we would need it, Dr. Ravi Tamerisa, one of the temple founders, said in a phone interview.

Tamerisa said the temple spent $550 to hire security officers to guard the statue over the past week. The temple board is now assessing whether hiring full-time security is feasible and what steps to take next. They are also planning to install security cameras.

The newest statue at Shri Ashtalakshmi Temple, of the monkey god, Hanuman, is photographed on Sunday, Aug. 25, 2024 in Sugar Land. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer

Church members protest statue

On Aug. 25, a week after the statue had been officially unveiled, 25 members of the Humble-based church gathered near the statue, praying and preaching until a temple leader said he would contact the police.

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Ranganath Kandala, joint secretary of the Ashtalakshmi Temple, watched the church groups visit in late August. He said church members approached visitors and began preaching, which led some of the visitors feeling threatened or intimidated.

The situation could easily have got out of hand, but fortunately it did not, and they left when we said we would call the police, Tamerisa said.

Tamerisa said that although the church group had been non-violent, the aggressive proselytizing left them worried about future disturbances.

A faith based group protests the new statue of Hanuman at the Shri Ashtalakshmi Temple on Sunday, Aug. 25, 2024, in Sugar Land. The group prayed, marched around the statue for several minutes and offered prayer to members of the Hindu Temple. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer

Phone calls and messages attempting reach the Rev. Greg Gervais, leader of the three-month-old Awakening Generation Church, were not returned.

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In an Aug. 26 phone interview, Gervais told the Houston Chronicle his church group had visited the temple to pray, and the Awakening Generation Church will establish a prayer hub to establish prayer walks throughout Sugar Land.

HURRICANE TRACKING: How Francine differs from when hurricanes Katrina and Rita struck the Louisiana Gulf Coast

Gervais said that while his church group will probably return to the places theyve visited during their prayer walks, harassing others is not their intent.

Elangovan, 45, and his sons Nitish, 9, and Thashan, 4, visit the newest statue at Shri Ashtalakshmi Temple, of the monkey god, Hanuman, is photographed on Sunday, Aug. 25, 2024 in Sugar Land. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer

Seeking respect for religious views

Tamerisa said his concerns were heightened by anti-Hindu social media messages that were shared widely when the statue was first unveiled. Media company AF Post shared a photo of the statue on X, calling Hanuman a Hindu demon.

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The church people were not violent, just protesting, Tamerisa said about the church group. They started circling the statue in an anticlockwise direction, saying that they wanted to save everyone and that Jesus was the only God. We told them that according to our teachings we respect all religions and worship our own.'

Tamerisa said members of the temple had been especially offended by the groups decision to circle the statue in a counterclockwise direction, as clockwise circumambulating is a sacred part of Hindu worship.

He said temple leaders planned to discuss the issue with Interfaith Ministries of Greater Houston, a nonprofit dedicated to fostering interfaith dialogue and cooperation while providing social services to the community.
FILE - Karen Read sits at the defense table with her attorneys during her murder trail at Dedham Superior Court on May 14, 2024, in Dedham, Mass. (Nancy Lane/The Boston Herald via AP, Pool, file) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

BOSTON (AP)  Lawyers for Karen Read have filed an appeal with the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court over a judges refusal to dismiss two of the three criminal charges against her.

Read, 44, is accused of ramming into her Boston police officer boyfriend John OKeefe with her SUV and leaving him for dead during a January 2022 snowstorm. Her two-month trial ended in July when jurors declared they were hopelessly deadlocked and a judge declared a mistrial on the fifth day of deliberations.

Last month, Judge Beverly Cannone rejected a defense motion to dismiss several charges, and prosecutors scheduled a new trial for January 2025. But Reads attorneys appealed that ruling to the states highest court on Wednesday, arguing that trying her again on two of the charges would amount to unconstitutional double jeopardy.

Prosecutors said Read, a former adjunct professor at Bentley College, and OKeefe, a 16-year member of the Boston police, had been drinking heavily before she dropped him off at a party at the home of Brian Albert, a fellow Boston officer. They said she hit him with her SUV before driving away. An autopsy found OKeefe died of hypothermia and blunt force trauma.

The defense portrayed Read as the victim, saying OKeefe was actually killed inside Alberts home and then dragged outside. They argued that investigators focused on Read because she was a convenient outsider who saved them from having to consider law enforcement officers as suspects.

After the mistrial, Reads lawyers presented evidence that four jurors had said they were actually deadlocked only on a third count of manslaughter, and that inside the jury room, they had unanimously agreed that Read was innocent of second-degree murder and leaving the scene of a deadly accident. One juror told them that no one thought she hit him on purpose, her lawyers argued.

But the judge said the jurors didnt tell the court during their deliberations that they had reached a verdict on any of the counts.

Where there was no verdict announced in open court here, retrial of the defendant does not violate the principle of double jeopardy, Cannone said in her ruling.

Martin Weinberg, a lawyer for Read, said the appeal raises substantial and, in some respects, unique issues regarding whether she is entitled to the protections of double jeopardy.

Weinberg said in a statement that five jurors have disclosed that Read was acquitted on two of the charges against her and that no jurors had said otherwise, and therefore there had been no need to declare a mistrial on those two charges.

Prosecutors did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Courtesy of Steff DiPardo



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Seven years ago, I woke up with a slight pain in my lower back. The pain was coming from my right hip, but I didnt think too much of itI wrote it off as a temporary inconvenience and thought Id be able to walk it off.

But the pain didnt go away. After two weeks of working through the pain at my restaurant job, my manager noticed that I was limping and uncomfortably switching my weight to my left leg to feel some relief. Until that moment, I wasnt conscious of how bad it really seemed on the outside. My manager suggested I get checked out by a doctor.

I was 21 at the time, and I figured that whatever I had would be easily treated. The doctor did a physical exam when I did stretches to check what hurt and what I couldnt do, but he didnt know what the root cause of the pain was. So, he told me to stay off my feet for a few days and that I should be fine.

I doubted that my pain would be related to a serious condition. But I didnt get better. And I never returned to work after that day.

I knew something was not right.

After a week, I went from limping around to not being able to move without sharp and excruciating pain. I couldnt believe that my life was changing so rapidly. I was an extremely active person, enjoying going on walks and working out, but now I was fatigued and consumed by discomfort. I was completely bedridden and the pain was debilitating to the point where I needed help to do anything; I couldnt even get out of bed. My pain levels were high, being between seven and eight on most days.

I made a separate appointment with my family doctor, and she could immediately tell that something serious was going on because of how seriously I was describing my pain.

Based on how I was feeling mentally and physically, she didnt think it was just a bout of soreness from tweaking my back. Although I didnt have an official diagnosis yet (and wouldnt receive one until months later), the doctor prescribed me physical therapy and referred me to a neurologist, a rheumatologist, and a neurosurgeon, and ordered me an MRI and an X-ray, just to cover all the bases.

Courtesy of Steff DiPardo

Living in Toronto, Canada, getting appointments for specialists is always a waiting game. Canada has a publicly funded healthcare system, which has resulted in limited specialty care resources and inconsistency with family physicians being able to order advanced diagnostic tests, according to a study in the Canada Family Physician Journal. While I was watching the clock tick until my appointment dates, I religiously went to my physical therapy appointments twice a week.

In these appointments, my physical therapist and I discovered that the most intense pain was coming from my right sacroiliac (SI) joint, which links the pelvis and lower spine. We worked on targeting my pelvic pain to strengthen the area. I used a Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) machine a device that connects electrodes to the surface of my skin sending electrical currents to help block the painand I also applied heat to my back at the end of each session.

I was starting to feel better, and I was able to walk a bit easier. I also started using a cane sparingly as a mobility device to help me walk around my house. I was told that movement is medicine, which I found truth inbut, at the same time, I was still in pain.

My mental health was at a low from this drastic life change and being in pain 24/7. I dealt with anxiety and depression while waiting for real answers, and it didnt help that I isolated myself from everyone other than my parents, who I lived with. I couldnt take not having answers to the constant question of what was happening to me. I was worried I would never be able to go back to work or do what I loved, like going for walks.

Courtesy of Steff DiPardo

I waited six long months for an appointment to see a specialist about my pain.

I saw Robert Inman, MD, a rheumatologist at Toronto Western Hospital, who sent me for X-rays, an MRI, and bloodwork. After the tests, Dr. Inman told me my bloodwork showed I have the HLA-B27 gene, which shows that Im more susceptible to developing inflammatory rheumatologic conditions like spondyloarthritis, according to the National Library of Medicine. So, I went back to get the special MRI a month later to detect if there was inflammation in my body. Then, I waited two more months after that for the results.

When I walked into the follow-up appointment to hear the MRI results in 2018, Dr. Inman said that they had found inflammation around my spine and pelvis. He told me about a condition called ankylosing spondylitisand that I have it. Its an inflammatory disease with no cure that can cause the bones in the spine to fuse over time, according to the Mayo Clinic. Symptoms typically begin in early adulthood, with back pain, stiffness in the lower back, neck pain, and fatigue being common ones.

Courtesy of Steff DiPardo

While the disease isnt directly life-threatening when its well-managed, people with this condition have a 43 percent higher risk of death from vascular problems, 60 percent higher risk of death from cerebrovascular problems, and a 35 percent higher risk of death from cardiovascular disease, per the Spondylitis Association of America. They might also be at risk for fibrosis in the lungs, along with a rare neurological condition called cauda equina syndrome due to the scarring of nerves at the base of the spine.

Among the genetic factors that may influence ankylosing spondylitis, the HLA-B27 gene accounts for about thirty percent of the overall genetic risk, per the National Library of Medicine. The doctor prescribed me Remicade, an immunosuppressive medication administered through injection or IV, to stop the inflammation and sent me on my way with a brochure.

He told me that this would be a lifelong journey. There is no cure for my condition, but some of my pain would be relieved through the treatment plan involving physical therapy and IV infusions of Remicade every six weeks.

I felt numb hearing my diagnosis. Being only 22 years old, it was hard to accept being so young and knowing that I would potentially be in pain for the rest of my life.

Accepting my condition was one of the hardest things I've had to go through.

The months following my diagnosis are a blur. It felt heavy, serious, and overwhelming as I made sense of what was going on in my body and started navigating how to move forward. I bunkered down at home, overloading myself with medical information.

Receiving my diagnosis was a very bittersweet moment. I had the answers I had been stressing for months to know, but it was so hard to accept at the time. My friends were all going to bars and doing normal 20-year-old activities, and I was at home learning how to use a walker and wheelchair and focusing on pain management rather than having fun. For the first four to five months of having symptoms, I completely isolated myself from friendsI couldnt relate to them anymore. I didnt want to keep explaining myself, so I distanced myself.

My next appointment was the first day of official treatment, where I received infusions of Remicade through an IV every six weeks. This drug results in rapid relief of symptoms and improved quality of life by reducing pain, stiffness, and disease progression, according to a 2024 study in Cureus.

Courtesy of Steff DiPardo

Then, in 2022, I was also diagnosed with fibromyalgia.

Around the time that I was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis, my doctor thought that I also had fibromyalgia, which involves widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory, and mood issues, according to the Mayo Clinic. At the recommendation of my doctor, I started taking Lyrica, a medication that helps treat nerve pain.

Anytime I stopped taking the medication, I felt a burning pain in my thighs.

In 2022, the burning feeling spread all over my body. Thats when I brought up my symptoms to my rheumatologist and received an official fibromyalgia diagnosis.

Now, there are days when I have pain flare-ups and need to sleep all day or use mobility aidsand there are times when I have energy and can go have fun at the beach or jump on a trampoline.

Thats why I say I have a dynamic disability. The severity of my symptoms really depends on the day. Some days, I get upset and wonder Why me? But, I let myself accept those emotions and feel them through.

Steff DiPardo

Writing has helped me come to terms with my medical conditions.

Back in 2017 after my pain started, I had begun writing to extended friends and family members on Facebook about what was going on in my life.

Then, I started a blog in November 2018. While researching ankylosing spondylitis, I had noticed that everything online was research-based and coming from doctors, but there wasnt much writing that came from patients. So, I started sharing my story with the hope of connecting with others who were going through what I was. The act of writing was therapeutic for me, and I ended up growing a following online.

I thought I was all alone with my condition, but there are approximately 300,000 Canadians who have ankylosing spondylitis, per the Arthritis Society of Canada, and an estimated 1.7 million adults in the U.S. who have AS, per the Spondylitis Association of America. People started asking me questions on Instagram or said they read my blog posts and that it helped them. To be a source of comfort for others was everything to me as I was so lost when I was diagnosed. Writing and connecting with others made it easier for me to accept my ankylosing spondylitis diagnosis.

Today, Im still in pain every dayabout five to six on the pain scalebut its manageable for the most part. And most days, I dont notice the pain until I get up and move around. I still receive infusions of Remicade every six weeks, but I dont take any other medications. Along with living with the physical pain, its mentally taxing to be worried about my health and wondering when the pain is going to flare up again. Besides connecting with others online, Ive been in therapy and gratitude journaling so I can reflect on my life.

Now, I write about health and continue advocating for people with disabilities and chronic illnesses.

At first, writing was a hobby. But when I saw the impact it could have on those around me, I realized, Oh, I can write, I can do this. I started writing for WebMD, Healthline, and Health Union, and I also moderate an ankylosing spondylitis Facebook group for WebMD. My Instagram following is at 15 thousand followers now, and I get to share my journey with my condition and normalize living with a dynamic disability.

Now, seven years after my diagnosis, I wish I could have told my 22-year-old self that living with a chronic illness isnt a bad thing and life isnt over. Even though it felt like the end of the world at the time, its not. And everything is going to be okay.

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Roman Pena, center, at a news conference held by LULAC officials to respond to allegations by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, on Aug. 26 in San Antonio.

SAN ANTONIO  In the three weeks since Texas attorney general executed raids at the homes of several Latino election activists, the states oldest civil rights organization has been marshaling members to step up voter registration for what they say is a stand against voter suppression.

Local chapters of the League of United Latin American Citizens, LULAC, have been calling on volunteers to get certified so they can register Texas Latinos and other voters. Next week, LULACs national office plans to launch a get-out-the-vote drive, leveraging its 535 local councils in 33 states.

Our members have gone from shock to anger to resolve and are doubling their commitment to register voters and get them to polls, LULAC CEO Juan Proano told NBC News.

Paxton ordered the raids with armed officers on Aug. 20 in what his office and a South Texas district attorneys office have said is an ongoing investigation of vote fraud through illegal collection and handling of applications for mail ballots and the ballots themselves.

No charges have been filed and no indictments have been issued in the two-year-old investigation, which began when a Democrat in Frio County complained to the county's district attorney about ballot harvesting after she lost her 2022 primary, according to an affidavit for a search warrant signed in March.

A voter at news conference to respond to allegations by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, on Aug. 26 in San Antonio.

A hearing was held Thursday on whether investigators are entitled to look through all the documents and electronic devices seized in a raid on the home of Juan Manuel Medina, a LULAC member and chairman of the Tejano Democrats. Medinas attorney argued that the computers, phones and other digital devices contain privileged information unrelated to the investigation.

Medinas attorney Geoffrey Goldstein said at the hearing that officers who showed up at Medinas home in the early morning broke the front door, adding: There was glass everywhere. Their guns were drawn. Medinas young daughters were there, and the family was forced to step outside, walking through the glass while the seven-hour search took place. Medina would not comment on advice from his attorney.

A contingent of LULAC members and other Hispanic activists attended the hearing in support of Medina.

The raids have left trauma and fear among those targeted and activists who have been working locally to register and turn out voters for this election, as they have in previous elections.

Longtime LULAC member Lidia Martinez, 87, whose home was searched by nine officers who arrived while she was in her nightgown, said Thursday that she has stopped all election activities on the advice of an attorney and at her familys request. Officers also seized her state certificate showing she had taken the training required annually to be deputized to register voters and turn in their registrations.

Martinez has been a liaison to seniors for LULAC, but she has also arranged social events for area seniors, including a Valentines Day gathering. She had been working on a fundraiser for the GI Forum, another Latino civil rights organization formed to assist veterans, and another social event when her home was raided.

The officers took her phone, and though she has replaced it, she said, the seniors she assisted and brought together cant contact her because they dont have her new phone number.

Its like Im not in America, Martinez said outside the hearing.

Texas LULAC President Gabriel Rosales said in a phone interview that along with the fear, the raids kind of lit a fire from Hispanics around Texas. We are hearing from all over.

No hay mal que por bien no venga, Rosales said, repeating a phrase that his mother told him that he said is similar to saying, When a door closes, a window opens.

Roman Pena, 86, a commander of the American GI Forum, a historic Latino and veterans civil rights group formed in Texas, said he will step in to do the work Martinez can no longer do. He said he has been doing voter registration for years.

Members of LULAC's local councils in San Antonio and Houston said they planned voter registration drives this weekend.

For its national campaign being launched next week, LULAC plans to provide all its local councils with know-your-rights information and resources to help people register, find polling places and ensure their voter registrations are active. The launch aligns with National Voter Registration Day, which is Tuesday, Proano said.

The group had begun working on a national voter drive before the raids, but they served to heighten the groups attention on it and intention, he said.

Councils have been doubling their efforts to engage Latino voters across Texas and across the country, Proano said. Our oldest members are so angry about what is happening to Lidia [Martinez], they are going out to do this.

LULAC was founded in 1929 in Texas by Mexican Americans in Texas, many of them middle- and upper-class citizens and veterans of World War I. The group has challenged discrimination, inequity in education, voter suppression and racism against Latinos. Its founders sought to emphasize that its members and many people of Mexican descent in Texas and other parts of the country should be seen and treated as Americans.

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By Patrick Wingrove

(Reuters) -Moderna pushed back its break-even goal by two years on Thursday as it delayed the timeline for developing several key products and predicted 2025 sales below its forecast for the current year, sending its shares closer to a four-year low.

Shares of the vaccine maker tumbled 17.1% to $65.88 at midday.

The company expects sales between $2.5 billion and $3.5 billion in 2025, below analysts' forecast of $3.74 billion, according to LSEG data. The midpoint was also below the $3 billion to $3.5 billion in sales it projected for 2024.

The company, which has been struggling to shift away from its COVID vaccine, said at an investor conference in New York that the regulatory process for flu and cancer vaccines would take more time than it had indicated.

Moderna expects to have $6 billion as cash on hand by 2024 end, which according to Jefferies analyst Michael Yee was at the lower end of its prior view of $6 billion to $7 billion.

Its cost savings would include a cut of $1.1 billion from research and development from 2026, with most of the actions in 2027.

"I hope you can see...why we're daunted by the commercial challenge of launching all those products really just in the next three years, and that causes us to want to actually start to pace ourselves," Moderna President Stephen Hoge said.

The company expects to break even on an operating cash cost basis in 2028, two years later than its prior view.

Next year's forecast reflects the uncertainty of COVID and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) markets in the U.S., Chief Financial Officer James Mock said in an interview. Moderna said the adoption of RSV vaccine has been slower than anticipated.

The forecast also accounted for Moderna's prediction that each of the 10 new products it expects to be approved by 2027 will start to generate meaningful revenue the year after they are approved, he said.

"For 2025, we might have some new product approvals assumed, but there's not assumed to be much revenue from them," Mock said.

The company said new product launches would drive an average annual growth rate of 25% in revenue between 2026 and 2028.

Moderna said it plans to submit an FDA application this year to expand approval for its RSV shot to high-risk adults under the age of 60, following new data from a late-stage trial.

The regulator approved Moderna's mRESVIA shot for RSV-associated lower respiratory tract disease in adults aged 60 or older last May, pitting it against rival vaccines from GSK and Pfizer.

The company said it had dropped its request for fast-track approval as part of its FDA application for a standalone influenza vaccine. Instead it will focus on the application for its combination shot to protect against COVID and influenza, which it plans to submit this year.

Moderna said mRESVIA met all immune-response targets and was found to be safe and well-tolerated in adults aged 18 and older with a compromised immune system, but did not provide more details on the new study's findings.

Pfizer said in August its Abrysvo shot, which was approved last year for adults over the age of 60, generated a strong immune response in high-risk adults aged 18 and older.

The FDA in June expanded the use of GSK's Arexvy vaccine in adults between the ages of 50 and 59. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention instead recommended RSV shots for all adults 75 and older, as well as those who are 60 to 74 and have an increased risk of severe RSV due to medical conditions.

Moderna said the initial FDA feedback did not support an accelerated approval based on data from a mid-stage study for its cancer vaccine developed along with Merck.

(Reporting by Patrick Wingrove in New York and Sneha S K in Bengaluru; Editing by Bill Berkrot, Maju Samuel and Arun Koyyur)
An enduring internet mystery years in the making has finally been solved.

If you are not a frequent inhabitant of social media sites like Reddit, you may have never heard of the infamous "Celebrity Number Six," the unidentified face printed onto a piece of fabric showcasing otherwise familiar figures like Jessica Alba, Ian Somerhalder and Orlando Bloom.

Reddit user TontsaH originally posted images of the fabric to the subreddit r/movies five years ago, saying, "I have had curtains made of this fabric over 10 years (maybe from 2008) but I still haven't recognized all movie stars. Hopefully, you can help me to recognize them and find the corresponding photo of the celebrity."

The post linked to external image hosting site Imagr, on which the poster had labeled their guess as to who each printed illustration was meant to represent and what specific photo it was pulled from. With the subreddit's hive mind activated, any identity on the eight-person pattern still up for question was quickly put to rest and matched with its real-life inspiration.

All except one, that is.

Labelebed in the lineup as "Celebrity Six," the image of a woman with shoulder-length hair, high cheekbones, thick brows and smoldering supermodel-esque expression left posters stumped. In the original thread, people threw around guesses like Sienna Miller and River Phoenix, but no one could seem to find a source image.

Not long after the post went up, TontstaH commented that "#6 is now the last one to solve!"

A netizen simply scrolling past would likely assume Number Six's identity was soon to follow; the rest of the celebs had been identified quickly, even those that required some digging within the annals of the internet history and print media. Instead, the identity of this elusive figure turned into something of fundamental internet lore, capturing the minds of casual browsers and amateur sleuths alike for half a decade.

The five-year search for Number Six

A subreddit dedicated entirely to identifying Number Six, aptly named r/CelebrityNumberSix, cropped the same year, compiling and amassing information from thousands of users.

The Q&A of the sub, which has blown up to over 44,000 members strong in recent days, lays out all the information a lover of lost media could want.

The fabric itself came from a summer 2009 edition of an Anttila catalog. It was made in a pop art style popular in the 2000s and was frequently spotted in Finland, Germany, England, Scotland, Ireland, and Spain. A supplier of the fabric, "Latky Mraz," had already been contacted to no avail. No one could quite decide if they thought Number Six was male or female.

Years of investigation produced countless posts, videos, searches, hand-recreated photos and beyond. Still, nobody could produce a solid answer.

Then, just a few days ago, along came users StefanMorse and IndigoRoom. In a later post explaining how they cracked a years-old internet mystery, StefanMorse said they took the notorious image of Six and edited it "into oblivion" by hand.

"I practically took the fabric and made it seem less like a fabric and more like a real person, it still looked a bit like a cartoon and not like a real image, more so a mix of a fabric image and an animated looking real person, but the results I got from it were legitimately impressive," they said.

From there, they took the results and put them into a facial recognition and reverse image search software Pimeyes. After searching the same image multiple times, one kept popping up, and it came with a name.

IndigoRoom took over from there, tracking down the photographer of the original image that matched that of Number Six and confirming what the internet perhaps thought it would never know: Celebrity Number Six had a name, and it was Leticia Sarda.

Who is Leticia Sarda?

Leticia Sarda is a 43-year-old Spanish model currently living on the island of Tenerife in the Canary Islands, according to Sarda's newly-created Instagram and an interview with The New York Times.

Now a mother of two, Sarda told The Times she used to travel the globe modeling for major brands and that the image in question had come from an editorial for a 2006 edition of Spanish publication Woman magazine. A different image of her sporting a Versace dress had appeared on the same edition's cover.

When a person she didn't recognize reached out to her asking for confirmation that the image was, in fact, of her face, she had no idea that the seemingly random email was the accumulation of a five-year investigation conducted by thousands of minds online.

"[The image] was in my agency book," she told The Times. "I didnt think I had it because I didnt look at that book for the last 10 years, but I had it."

For extra confirmation, she posted an image of herself holding the original photo online, captioned in Spanish, "What a crazy week .... here I am setting up my new account..."

Having quit modeling in 2009, Sarda had no expectations that a nearly 20-year-old editorial shoot would come back to capture the attention of thousands and perhaps even millions. She told The Times that people have been calling out to her on the streets and contacting her through a plethora of online apps since she was identified.

About her feelings on the viral attention, she told the Times, "I really dont know yet. Its been too much for me for the last few days....So many of these people have been looking for me for so long and taking effort to find me. It makes me happy in a certain way. It makes me worried also. Im trying to give them what they were looking for because they made a lot of effort, you know, just to find a person on a fabric."

As for the Subreddit? That's still anyone's guess. Maybe the sleuths who solved this lost media case will turn their attention to other internet-famous mysteries like "The Mysterious Song," as one user suggested. But that's another rabbit hole for a different day.

USA TODAY has reached out to Sarda and Reddit users StefanMorse and IndigoRoom for comment.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mysterious 'Celebrity Number Six' identified as model Leticia Sarda
The Alaska Airlines pilot who guided 171 passengers and four flight attendants to safety when a door panel blew out of the aircraft wasnt aware of the mid-flight emergency  but knew something was catastrophically wrong.

First Officer Emily Wiprud feared passengers were sucked out of the Boeing 737 MAX 9 when she turned around and saw empty seats as she and her captain made an emergency landing at Portland International Airport in January.

The first indication was an explosion in my ears and then a whoosh of air, Wiprud told CBS News. My body was forced forward and there was a loud bang as well.  The flight deck door was open. I saw tubes hanging from the cabin.

First Officer Emily Wiprud said she feared passengers were sucked out of Alaska Airlines Flight 1282, as she recalled the terrifying midair disaster back on Jan. 5, 2024. CBS News

The flight departed from the Oregon airport just after 5 p.m. Jan. 5 and was bound for Ontario, Calif.

The terrifying midair blowout happened six minutes after taking off, when the plane was 16,000 feet in the air.

Wiprud said she and her captain were unaware that a door plug had blown off the left side of the fuselage but had realized a major incident had occurred.

Investigators have said the plug inside the new Alaska MAX 9 was missing four key bolts, resulting in the panel flying off.

I didnt know that there was a hole in the airplane until we landed, Wiprud said. I knew something was catastrophically wrong.

It was so incredibly loud, she recalled. And I remember putting the oxygen mask on and trying to transmit to air traffic control and wondering, Why cant I hear anything?'

The terrifying midair blowout happened six minutes after taking off when the plane was 16,000 feet in the air. Instagram/@strawberrvy via REUTERS

Investigators have said the plug inside the new Alaska MAX 9 was missing four key bolts, resulting in the panel flying off. via KPTV

When the plane panel blew off, Wipruds headset had been sucked out of the plane along with two passengers phones and several aircraft components.

Wiprud at one point turned around and opened the flight decks door, where she says everyone looking at her had remained quiet and calm, before asking the flight attendants if everyone was good.

One attendant responded there were empty seats and injuries.

I opened the flight deck door and I saw calm, quiet, hundreds of eyes staring right back at me, she said. She asked the flight attendants if they were OK, and the crew members told her there were empty seats and injuries among the passengers.

When the plane panel blew off, Wipruds headset had been sucked out of the plane along with two passengers phones and several aircraft components. AP

Investigators recover the door plug that fell off Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 in Portland, Ore., on Jan. 8, 2024. AP

Wiprud and one of the flight attendants feared they had lost several passengers during the terrifying midair blowout.

I said there is a hole in the plane, in the back of the plane and Im sure weve lost passengers, one flight attendant with about 20 years of experience told the National Transportation Safety Board after spotting the hole in the plane and five empty seats.

The unnamed attendant was worried about an unaccompanied child toward the planes rear. All I could think of was that he was sitting there and he was too small to reach the mask and was probably really scared.

One teen, who was sitting near the hole, had his shirt ripped off his body by the fast-flowing air.

Remarkably, there were no fatalities among the 177 souls onboard  171 passengers, four flight attendants and two flight crew.

Three people onboard sustained minor injuries.

The pilots turned the commercial airliner around and returned to Portland International, completing the chaotic flight in 20 minutes.

Three passengers have since filed a lawsuit against Alaska Airlines and Boeing for $1 billion, alleging both parties ignored obvious warning signs and that the fight should have never taken off.

Remarkably, there were no fatalities among the 177 souls onboard  171 passengers, four flight attendants and two flight crew. AP

The door plug is on display for news media crews before the National Transportation Safety Board hearings on the flight on July 30, 2024. REUTERS

Kyle Rinker and his girlfriend Amanda Strickland, along with another passenger, Kevin Kwok, late last month filed the lawsuit in Multnomah County, Oregon, on behalf of passengers aboard Alaskan Airlines Flight 1282.

Wiprud spoke alongside Air Line Pilots Association president Capt. Jason Ambrosi, who commended the flight crews demeanor during the emergency.

The most important safety device on any aircraft is two well-trained, qualified and rested pilots.  This crew instinctually put their training in place and executed just flawlessly, Ambrosi said.

Three passengers have since filed a lawsuit against Alaska Airlines and Boeing for $1 billion, alleging both parties ignored obvious warning signs and that the fight should have never taken off. AP

The first officer, who had logged roughly 8,300 hours total flight experience before the incident, praised the flights captain, who accumulated about 12,700 hours of flight experience before Jan. 5.

My captain is a hero. Same with the flight attendants, same with all the personnel that was there to support us that day, Wiprud said. And that should be celebrated. Everybody survived.

Wiprud and the captain were named recipients of the 2023 ALPA Superior Airmanship Award in recognition of their skill and professionalism.
On the heels of the first Ben & Jerry's shop opening in Wisconsin, the founders of the ice cream chain are launching a Kamala Harris-inspired pint as part of nationwide ice cream truck tour that will stop in Wisconsin next month.

MoveOn, a progressive public policy advocacy group, is partnering with Ben & Jerry's co-founders Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield to host the ice cream truck tour, which will swing through more than 20 cities in battleground states, according to a MoveOn news release. That includes four different stops in Wisconsin.

Along with doling out free ice cream, the "Scoop the Vote" tour will host local officials and activists, help register voters and guide people through making a voting plan.

The Kamala Harris-inspired ice cream flavor is under Cohen's "Ben's Best" label and not affiliated with the Ben & Jerry's brand. Cohen told USA TODAY he got involved in the election because he wants to "get a common decency at a minimum in the White House."

I want someone who supports people of all races, all genders," Cohen said. "And I think Kamala is a person who supports people. She doesn't try to make herself bigger by putting other people down.

Here's everything we know about the new Kamala Harris ice cream and how you can try it in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin's only Ben & Jerry's Scoop Shop opened in Milwaukee's Third Ward this past summer.

What are the Kamala Harris-inspired ice cream flavors?

In a nod to one of Harris's most famous quotes, Cohen concocted "Kamala's Coconut Jubilee" in support of the vice president.

Coconut tree emojis and memes became ubiquitous with the Harris campaign this summer after a clip went viral of her saying, You think you just fell out of a coconut tree? You exist in the context of all in which you live and what came before you.

Kamalas Coconut Jubilee is a coconut-flavored ice cream layered with caramel and topped with red, white and blue star sprinkles. You can sign up online or at the tour stops to enter a raffle for the limited edition pints.

MoveOn will also serve several other electorally themed ice cream flavors, including, Unburdened by What has Vanilla Bean, Inauguration Celebration Birthday Cake, Fight For Our Rights Sorbet, and MoveOn Mobilizer Milk Chocolate.

Since early July, Gen Z Kamala Harris supporters have rallied around the Vice President through memes. Some imposed highlights over their profile photos in the same Brat shade of lime green or added coconut and palm tree emojis to their display names to signal their support, otherwise known as being coconut pilled.

Where in Wisconsin is the truck stopping?

The 22-city ice cream tour kicks off Monday, Sept. 16 in Philadelphia, with Cohen and Greenfield in attendance at the first stop. The tour will then move west, logging four stops in Wisconsin in early October.

Here's when and where the ice cream tour will visit Wisconsin. Time and specific location has not yet been announced for these stops.

Milwaukee: Wednesday, Oct. 2. RVSP here.

Green Bay: Thursday, Oct. 3. RSVP here.

Appleton and University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh: Friday, Oct. 4. RSVP here.

Madison: Saturday, Oct. 5. This stop will also include a rally in support of the Harris-Walz campaign. RSVP here.

Rahna Epting, executive director of MoveOn, told USA TODAY the tour is an effort to engage people who were not necessarily planning to vote in the election this fall.

There's a ton of folks that are already tuned into this election, and then there's a vast, vast set of folks that aren't, Epting said, adding that even non-political activities, like getting ice cream, can engage Americans.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Kamala Harris ice cream truck tour to stop in Wisconsin
Caroline Ellison outside the courthouse in New York in October.

Lawyers for Caroline Ellison, the star witness in the prosecution of FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried, are recommending no prison time for their clients role in the implosion of the crypto empire that was run by her former boss and ex-boyfriend.

In a court filing Tuesday night, the attorneys said that, at most, Ellison should be sentenced to time served and supervised release because of her swift return to the U.S. from FTXs Bahamas headquarters in 2022 and her choice to voluntarily cooperate with the U.S. attorneys office and financial regulators in helping them understand what went wrong at FTX and sister hedge fund Alameda Research.

Judge Lewis Kaplan, who presided over Bankman-Frieds case, cited Ellisons testimony when he decided in March to sentence the FTX founder to 25 years behind bars.

Ellison, who ran Alameda Research, agreed to a plea deal in December 2022, a month after FTX spiraled into bankruptcy. Unlike Bankman-Fried, who was convicted of all seven criminal fraud charges against him, Ellison pleaded guilty to conspiracy and financial fraud charges, rather than go to trial.

The Tuesday filing also refers to the recommendation of the courts Probation Department that Ellison be given a sentence of time served with three years of supervised release as a credit to her extraordinary cooperation with the government and her otherwise unblemished record. Lawyers added that the departments presentence report, which referenced numerous character testimonials speaking to Ellisons ethics and integrity, also recommended that she not be fined.

Caroline poses no risk of recidivism and presents no threat to public safety, the filing says. It would therefore promote respect for the law to grant leniency in recognition of Carolines early disclosure of the crimes, her unmitigated acceptance of responsibility for them, and  most importantly  her extensive cooperation with the government.

In the filing, FTX CEO John Ray, who has been guiding the crypto firm through bankruptcy proceedings, describes Ellisons cooperation as valuable in helping his team protect and preserve hundreds of millions of dollars in assets. He added that she has worked with his advisors to provide information regarding private keys to cryptocurrency wallets that contain estate assets, DeFi positions, FTX exchange internal account information, the use of third-party exchanges for pre-petition trading, and pre-petition auditing practices.

The 67-page document describe large swaths of Ellisons life, starting from her earliest days in Boston and stretching into her protracted and troubled romance with Bankman-Fried. In that time, she moved around the globe at his direction, first to Hong Kong and later the Bahamas, and worked long, stressful, Adderall-fueled hours, the filing says.

Bankman-Fried forced Ellison into a sort-of isolation, culminating in her moral compass being warped, the lawyers say. At his direction, Ellison helped steal billions, all while living in dread, knowing that a disastrous collapse was likely, but fearing that disentangling herself would only hasten that collapse.

Bankman-Fried convinced her to stay, telling her she was essential to the survival of the business, and that he loved her, all while also perversely demonstrating that he considered her not good enough to be seen in public with him at high-profile events, the filing says.

An attorney for Bankman-Fried didnt immediately respond to a request for comment.

The document makes a point of noting that she has drawn comfort from a new partner, whose name is omitted from the document, but whom her friends recognize as supportive and a positive, grounding influence. Shes also written a novel, thats unrelated to the facts of this case.

Ellison, who turns 30 in November, has a sentencing hearing on Sept. 24, in the same courthouse where she took the stand for several days in Bankman-Frieds trial. Her former roommates and ex-FTX executives, Nishad Singh and Gary Wang, will be sentenced in October and November, respectively.

 CNBCs Dan Mangan contributed to this report.

More from CNBC:
About 700m of investment is needed to raise student numbers at Ulster University's Londonderry campus to 10,000, an interim report has found.

The Ulster University Magee Taskforce report said a significant part of that required 700m for expansion has already been secured or committed.

It also said progress on growing student numbers has been made, but a number of challenges remain.

Those challenges, the taskforce said, include the availability of suitable accommodation and a government set cap on Northern Ireland student numbers.

Established in March by Stormonts Economy Minister Conor Murphy, the taskforces remit is to develop and oversee an action plan to expand the campus in Derry, formerly known as Magee.

The taskforce said the required 700m is needed for new teaching blocks, research space and student accommodation.

Its chair, Stephen Kelly, said Wednesdays report marks an important milestone and gives the expansion a pathway for delivery.

The economy minister said the report provides the "basis of a plan, developed by and with local people, to actually deliver expansion".

"The taskforce has set out exactly what is needed from various partners, including my department," Mr Murphy said.

"We will now work together to finalise a delivery plan and drive progress towards the 10,000 target."

'Seize the opportunity'

Ulster University (UU) said it welcomed the publication of the taskforce report.

It has outlined its intention to increase numbers at the campus to more than 7,000.

Currently there are about 5,000 students studying at UU in Derry.

It is expected to reach 6,500 students in two years and to further grow to 7,000 students in 2028.

Foyle assembly member Padraig Delargy, from Sinn Fein, also welcomed the report and said work to implement its proposals must begin immediately.

We have a huge opportunity to develop our campus and further establish Derry and the wider north west as a vibrant place to live and study," he said.

However, Sinead McLaughlin from the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) said the people of Derry had been waiting 60 years for "a properly resourced university" and the minister must answer the challenges outlined by the report.

"The department must now evidence in its financial planning how it will fund the expansion... and work with other departments to provide the student accommodation necessary to meet demand," she said.

In its first report, the taskforce identifies a number of key asks of, among others, the Stormont and Irish governments, UU and the local council.

Those requests, needed to help reach the expansion target, include:

The Department for the Economy demonstrate in its financial planning how it will fund expansion at Magee

Ulster University produces a time-lined growth plan for the campus to deliver the target 10,000 students

Derry City and Strabane district Council support and expedite university-related planning applications

The Irish government considers providing supplementary and recurrent funding for the medical school at Ulster University

The Department for Infrastructure leads in the development of effective traffic management that balances the needs of the university population, the concerns of the wider community

The Irish government is further updates its plan to fund the expansion of higher education in the north west

The economy minister could demonstrate support for campus growth and its wider impact on the city and region by holding an annual public meeting in the city to report on progress

Student accommodation a 'major obstacle'

The taskforce found the availability and access to student accommodation is "a major obstacle" to reaching 10,000 students at the campus.

The report said that the university has previously argued that the lack of it is already having "a detrimental impact" on the universitys growth rate in the city.

The taskforce said accommodation will be an "immediate focus" in the coming months.

In 2023/24 there were 5,337 students enrolled at the Derry campus [BBC]

The taskforce further asks the Department for the Economy to review the policy on Maximum Student Numbers (MaSN), set by the department to control the number of students in Northern Ireland.

Consideration is needed, the taskforce report added, as to how the cap could be revised to support growth at the Derry campus beyond 10,000 students.

'A sense of urgency'

Mr Kelly said Wednesdays report reflects a sense of urgency and a unity of purpose after five years of inertia around campus expansion.

For the first time, he said, expansion has the commitment, the timeline and the indicative price.

We must maintain the course we are on, however hard, or challenging, it may seem, he said.

Prof Bartholomew said UU is committed to growth in Derry [BBC]

UU's vice-chancellor Prof Bartholomew thanked the taskforce for "the time spent exploring the changes that would be necessary to expand to 10,000".

We remain completely committed to growth at our campus in Derry~Londonderry, in line with our strategic commitment for better regional balance.

The taskforce is due to deliver its final report and action plan by the end of 2024.
[Getty Images]

A former CIA officer has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for spying for the Chinese government.

Alexander Yuk Ching Ma, 71, was arrested in August 2020 after admitting to an undercover FBI agent that he sold US secrets to China.

Ma, a naturalised US citizen born in Hong Kong, worked for the CIA from 1982 to 1989. He went on to work for the FBI later in his career.

Part of his plea agreement states that he must co-operate with prosecutors "for the rest of his life, including by submitting to debriefings by US government agencies".

The plea deal requires him to submit to polygraph tests during those debriefings, according to the Associated Press news agency.

At a sentencing hearing on Wednesday, lawyers for the US government told the court that he has been co-operative, and has already taken part in "multiple interview sessions with government agents".

Officials say Ma collaborated with a relative, who was also a CIA agent, to supply secrets to intelligence officers employed by the Shanghai State Security Bureau.

One meeting in Hong Kong was recorded on video and shows Ma counting $50,000 (38,000) in cash for the secrets they shared, federal prosecutors say.

While living in Hawaii in 2004 he took a job at the FBI's Honolulu office as a contract linguist.

The FBI, already aware of his espionage activities "hired Ma as part of a ruse to monitor and investigate his activities and contacts", prosecutors said on Wednesday.

According to the AP, the unnamed collaborator was Ma's brother, who died before he could be prosecuted.

At a court in Hawaii on Wednesday Ma was jailed for 10 years, as agreed with prosecutors, followed by five years of supervised release.

"Let it be a message to anyone else thinking of doing the same," FBI Honolulu Special Agent-in-Charge Steven Merrill said in a statement, according to the AP.

"No matter how long it takes, or how much time passes, you will be brought to justice."
Suburban counties around Houston continued to experience a population boom last year that has far outpaced the citys relatively flat rate of growth, according to the most recent U.S. Census data released Thursday.

Houstons population remained virtually stagnant between 2022 and 2023, adding about 7,000 residents for an increase of 0.31%, the 2023 American Community Survey Single-Year Estimates show.

This is about half the growth rate the city saw between 2021 and 2022, when the population grew by 0.76%. With more than 2.3 million residents, Houston remains the largest city in the state, though its population totals remain virtually unchanged over the past five years.

Suburban areas, meanwhile, continued to add residents at a rate that has placed some counties among the fastest-growing areas in the state and country.

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The population of the Houston metropolitan area  which comprises the 10 counties encompassing and surrounding Houston  grew by 2%, adding about 170,000 residents from 2022 to 2023. The fastest-growing pockets were often the suburbs beyond Harris County.

People enjoy a warm day at Buffalo Bayou Park on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024, in Houston . Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer

Its a growing region and an evolving city, said Daniel Potter, director of the Houston Population Research Center at Rice Universitys Kinder Institute for Urban Research. It speaks to the way in which outlying counties are just continuing to add people one year after the next.

With a 6% population increase from 2022 to 2023, Liberty County saw the third-highest growth rate among counties in the state  and highest in the Houston metropolitan area. The countys population grew from just shy of 102,000 in 2022 to more than 108,000 in 2023.

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Liberty Countys population has grown by more than 25% since 2018, much of that likely due to the controversial Colony Ridge development near Cleveland.

Receding water levels expose shoreline pushing the water well back from lakeside boat docks as a prolonged drought takes a toll on Lake Conroe, Saturday, Sept. 10, 2011, in Conroe, Texas. ( Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle ) Smiley N. Pool/Houston Chronicle

Neighboring Montgomery County had the sixth-highest growth rate among counties in the state, with an increase of nearly 5%.

The county-level data, however, excludes Austin County, Chambers County, San Jacinto County and Waller County  even though theyre part of the Houston metropolitan area  because they each are home to less than 65,000 residents.

Harris Countys population grew by about 1% last year to an estimated 4.8 million residents, ranking among the bottom half of the 55 Texas counties for which the Census Bureau collected data in 2022 and 2023. Harris County had the lowest growth rate among the evaluated counties in the Houston metropolitan area, despite being home to the lions share of its residents.

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Whats driving growth around Houston in 2024?

The growth in suburban counties was driven primarily by people of color, including people identifying as Hispanic or Latino, who have become the states largest demographic group in recent years.

Hispanic and Latino people accounted for the vast majority of Liberty Countys growth last year, adding more than 7,000 residents, which represents a 20% increase, according to the data. Hispanic and Latino people now account for nearly 42% of the countys residents.

In Montgomery County, nearly every racial and ethnic group, including non-Hispanic, non-Latino white people, saw some measure of growth, but some communities grew faster than others. The countys Black and African American population increased by 18%, while its Hispanic and Latino population grew by 9%.

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Black and African American people, however, still make up just under 9% of the predominantly white county. Hispanic and Latino residents, who can be of any race, account for 28% of residents, while non-Hispanic, non-Latino white people make up about 58% of residents.

Texas State Demographer Lloyd Potter said the trends playing out in the area have been years in the making and that a variety of factors can help explain the population boom in Houstons suburbs.

Boaters enjoy time on a busy Lake Conroe ahead of Memorial Day weekend, Thursday, May 26, 2022, in Conroe. While 2021 was among the deadliest years on the lake, this year lake officials have reported two drownings and a decrease in boat accidents. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer

For one, Houston, like other major cities, has experienced a net loss in domestic migration, meaning more people have moved out than have moved in from other parts of America. Any growth that Houston has seen in recent years comes from international migration and natural births.

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The suburbs, meanwhile, can be attractive locations for people moving out of the city due to better schools, lower home prices, opportunities for remote work and more. Those draws can apply to anyone, regardless of their race or ethnicity, but can compound as different groups begin to build community in a given location.

Often when we see racial or ethnic groups growing quickly in an area, essentially theres been a base established there and then people can move and be close to people who have similar values, similar cultures and languages and so on, Lloyd Potter said.

Homes are seen in the Colony Ridge subdivision about 45 minutes northeast of Houston, Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024, in Cleveland. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer

Houstons evolving population

While Houstons population has remained relatively flat, Daniel Potter, the Kinder Institute researcher, said he sees the citys population as evolving rather than stagnating. He notes that while the total population has only inched upward by a few thousand people, the city has added nearly 50,000 households in recent years, suggesting that the city is becoming home to more single people and childless couples.

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The 2023 data shows that Houstons housing stock has about 1,050,000 total units, which is almost 10,000 more than in 2022. This is an 8% increase from the number of total units in the city in 2018, according to the Census Bureaus estimates.

Michael Swearingen, left, and his daughter Violet listen to music during the annual Freedom Over Texas festival on the Fourth of July, Thursday, July 4, 2024, in Houston. Ishika Samant/Staff photographer

The undercurrent to all of this is that instead of looking at population, if you look at households you get a story that shows a Houston city that is growing year over year; it's just changing who its growing with, Daniel Potter said.

The American Community Survey, which provides annual and unofficial population figures, consists of data collected over the course of a year for geographic areas with at least 65,000 people. The data takes into account everything from the areas growth to its economic characteristics and housing stock.

The census bureau is expected to release its American Community Survey five-year estimates, which account for smaller jurisdictions, in December.
By Michelle Nichols

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - Every September world leaders travel to New York to address the start of the annual United Nations General Assembly session.

The six days of speeches to mark the beginning of the 79th session will start on Sept. 24.

WHO SPEAKS WHEN?

When the United Nations was formed in 1945 following World War Two, there were originally 51 members. That has since grown to 193 members. Leaders of two non-member observer states - known at the U.N. as the Holy See and the State of Palestine - and an observer member, the European Union, can also speak.

It is tradition for Brazil to always be the first member state to speak. This is because in the early years of the world body Brazil stepped up to speak first when other countries were reluctant to do so, say U.N. officials.

As host to the U.N. headquarters in New York, the United States is the second country to address the General Assembly.

From there the list is then based on hierarchy and generally a first come, first served basis. Heads of state speak first, followed by deputy heads of state and crown princes, heads of government, ministers, and lower-ranked heads of a delegation.

This year some 87 heads of state, three vice-presidents, two crown princes, 45 heads of government, eight deputy heads of government, 45 ministers, and four lower-ranked heads of a delegation are currently due to address the General Assembly.

Last year fewer than 12% of those to stand at the lectern were women.

HOW LONG WILL THEY SPEAK?

Leaders are asked to stick to a voluntary 15-minute time limit.

According to U.N. records, one of the longest speeches made during the opening of a General Assembly was by Cuban leader Fidel Castro in 1960 - he spoke for about four and a half hours. More recently, Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi spoke for more than one and a half hours in 2009.

WHAT WILL THEY TALK ABOUT?

Each high-level gathering to mark the start of the annual General Assembly session has a theme, which leaders tend to briefly reference before moving on to talking about whatever they want.

This year's theme is: "Leaving no one behind: acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations."

Some other topics likely to be spoken about by leaders include:

THE WAR IN GAZA

With the civilian death toll in Gaza ballooning to more than 41,000 people according to local health officials and the humanitarian situation deteriorating, many leaders are expected to call for a ceasefire in the war between Israel and Palestinian militants Hamas.

The conflict started nearly a year ago with the deadly Hamas attack on civilians in Israel on Oct. 7 - two weeks after world leaders had finished meeting at the last U.N. General Assembly.

After Israel began retaliating against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, the General Assembly on Oct. 27 called for an immediate humanitarian truce. It then overwhelming demanded an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in December.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu - who has long accused the U.N. of being anti-Israel - and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas are both scheduled to address the General Assembly on Sept. 26.

UKRAINE

Many world leaders are likely to call for an end to Russia's roughly two-and-a-half year war in Ukraine.

The General Assembly adopted six resolutions on the conflict in the first year - denouncing Moscow and demanding it withdraw all its troops. A resolution in October 2022 - condemning Russia's "attempted illegal annexation" of four regions in Ukraine - won the greatest support with 143 states voting yes.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is due to address the General Assembly on Sept. 25.

While Russian President Vladimir Putin virtually addressed the General Assembly in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, he has not physically travelled to New York for the event since 2015. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is instead due to speak to the General Assembly on Sept. 28.

CLIMATE

As the world struggles to hold global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, leaders of smaller island nations and other states most affected by climate changes are likely to use their speeches at the General Assembly to again make impassioned pleas for action.

U.N. SECURITY COUNCIL REFORM

Many world leaders - particularly from Africa and key powers including Brazil, Germany, India, and Japan - are likely to call for reform of the 15-member U.N. Security Council, which is charged with maintaining international peace and security.

It is an issue that has long been discussed by the General Assembly, but has gathered steam in recent years after Russia invaded Ukraine and then used its Security Council veto to block any action by the body. The United States has also long been criticized for shielding its ally Israel from council action.

Reform ideas include expanding the council's membership - through adding more permanent veto powers or short-term elected members - to better reflect the world and limiting the veto, currently held by the U.S., Russia, China, Britain and France.

Any changes to the Security Council membership is done by amending the founding U.N. Charter. This needs the approval and ratification by two-thirds of the General Assembly, including the Security Council's current five veto powers.

SUMMIT OF THE FUTURE

Before the leaders begin addressing the General Assembly, a two-day Summit of the Future will be held on Sept. 22-23. U.N. member states are currently negotiating three documents they hope to adopt on Sept. 22 - a pact for the future, a declaration on future generations and a global digital compact.

Speaking to Reuters on Wednesday, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said it was "absolutely essential" to ambitiously use the summit to come up with "adequate governance for the world of today."

He argued for reform of the 15-member U.N. Security Council, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund and for global governance of artificial intelligence and other emerging challenges.

(Reporting by Michelle Nichols, editing by Deepa Babington)
To those with only a basic understanding of the United Kingdom  a land of pageantry, ancient history, and afternoon tea  the idea that a motoring show, hosted by three unglamorous middle-aged blokes, would be one of our most vital cultural exports might seem strange. But  first with Top Gear and now with The Grand Tour  the gouty trio of Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond have become global attaches for a form of shambling masculinity. As their Amazon motoring travel show comes to an end, can they send the format  which they invented  out with a bang?

The premise of One for the Road is simple: to drive the breadth of Zimbabwe in cars of their own choosing. Clarkson picks a Lancia Montecarlo, May a Triumph Stag, and Hammond a Ford Capri  and then theyre off. It is a journey that will take them through the bustling streets of Harare, over the crocodile-infested waters of Lake Kariba, and soon into Botswana. That is, to some extent, where the story started: the first Top Gear special that saw them rally across Africa. That was in 2007, and it served as a precursor to the globetrotting ambitions of The Grand Tour. Zimbabwe has provided the perfect backdrop for our final motoring adventure, Clarkson puts it, simply.

As the premises of their specials go, its a bit of a fudge. Cars theyve always wanted, luxury hotels and a slow, meandering 600-mile journey across central Africa. The lack of structural urgency allows the finale to wheel out some old classics: a pontoon crossing of the worlds largest reservoir, a Frankensteined train sequence, and about half a dozen breakdowns. After all, half the joy of The Grand Tour has been watching the suspension on classic cars take a battering on the potholes and dirt tracks of the world. There is a god, Clarkson muses, as they reach something more discernible as road. And God has provided tarmac.

The absence of too many shenanigans (though the runtime is two hours and 10 minutes, it feels more compact than recent TGT specials) opens up plenty of time for sentimentality. Musing on his arrival at Top Gear decades ago, Hammond confesses that he never dreamed it would grow into a career and life-defining adventure. But unlike the groups departure from the Beeb in 2015  where the gossip columns were filled with speculation about who might pick up their contracts after the infamous fracas  this feels like a genuine closing of a chapter. Dire Straits Brothers in Arms soundtracks the final moments, where the hosts stumble up to a baobab tree they had visited 17 years earlier. Archive footage shows them in contrast  these always prematurely middle-aged men are now well-seasoned.

What remains is the question of The Grand Tours legacy. In a sea of generic celebrity travelogue shows, it was something distinct. Cars offered an opportunity for the show to shed light on capitalisms colonialism of the 20th and 21st centuries. The empire of globalised consumerism, lit up in the headlights of an Opel Kadett. At times, The Grand Tour has been a bit incurious about the places its visited, transporting European and American cars to Africa or Asia or South America, and then gawping at the vistas without engaging with the local motoring culture. It feels like a missed opportunity to gild the show with some genuine anthropology, some real history. Instead, viewers are offered tongue-in-cheek aphorisms (like If you absolutely must do African exploration, you absolutely must have a Lancia) that say more about the presenters than the setting.

But, of course, the show is really about Clarkson, May and Hammond. The beauty of the landscape  cruising down a jacaranda-lined avenue in Harare, or emerging like Lawrence of Arabia through the haze of the salt flats  is secondary to the British (and, indeed, the international) publics relationship with three oil-soaked ambassadors for the left-hand side. One for the Road might not have high drama or daredevil action, but it has plenty of the charismatic camaraderie that has turned this unlikely trio into televisual royalty.
By Khanh Vu and Francesco Guarascio

HANOI (Reuters) -Several Hanoi districts remained flooded on Thursday with the weather agency forecasting little change in water levels of the Red River over the next 24 hours, as floods and landslides continued to affect areas across northern Vietnam.

The country is reeling from the impact of Typhoon Yagi, the strongest storm to hit Asia this year, which made landfall on Saturday. At least 197 people have been killed since the storm struck and 128 are missing, the government's disaster management agency said. Some 800 people have been injured.

"High flooding water levels have flooded riverside and low-lying areas, eroded dykes and threatened parts of Hanoi and other northern provinces," the agency said in a report.

The city earlier evacuated thousands of people living near the swollen river as its waters rose to a 20-year high.

"There's a lot of heartbreak in the city and there was a lot of concern going into the evening," said charity Blue Dragon Children's Foundation co-CEO Skye Maconachie. "Many people who barely had anything have lost everything."

"It's going to be a long journey of recovery, especially for replacing people's livelihoods and getting them into safe and clean homes," he said.

North of Hanoi, landslides and severe floods are still affecting several areas, state media reported.

"I never thought my house would be under water this deep," said Hoang Van Ty outside his home in Thai Nguyen province.

"My clothes and furniture are all under the water. Many things were floating around too but luckily I closed the doors so nothing was washed away."

Thai Nguyen province is home to Samsung Electronics' largest smartphone manufacturing plant in Vietnam. Flood waters have receded in some parts of the province where clean up efforts are now taking place.

In Lao Cai province, authorities on Thursday were rushing to search for 55 people missing in a flash flood that swept Nu Village on Tuesday, Vietnam News Agency reported.

The flash flood killed 46 people and injured 17 others in the village, the agency reported, adding that 300 soldiers and 359 local officials are joining the search and rescue effort.

The landslides and floods have inundated more than 200,000 hectares of rice and cash crop fields across northern Vietnam, the disaster management agency said.

The typhoon has also disrupted power supplies and blown off roofs of several factories in Haiphong and Quang Ninh provinces, halting production.

Several countries, including Australia, Japan, South Korea and the U.S., have said were sending aid to Vietnam.

(Reporting by Khanh Vu, Francesco Guarascio, Minh Nguyen and Phuong Nguyen; Editing by John Mair and Christopher Cushing)
MANILA/BEIJING (Reuters) -The Philippines will stick to its position on Sabina Shoal, it said on Thursday, even while exploring ways to ease tension in the area during "frank and candid" talks with China on managing disputes in the key waterway of the South China Sea.

The Southeast Asian nation's sustained presence at the feature, aiming to monitor what it suspects to be China's small-scale reclamation activities has angered Beijing, turning the shoal into their latest flashpoint in the contested waters.

During Wednesday's meeting of officials in Beijing, China vowed to "firmly uphold its sovereignty" and reiterated a demand for the immediate withdrawal of a Philippine coast guard ship anchored at the shoal since April.

"I reaffirmed the Philippines' consistent position and explored ways to lower the tension," Philippine Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Theresa Lazaro said on X, posting a picture of her handshake with Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong.

"We agreed to continue discussions on areas of co-operation, especially on hotline mechanism, coastguard cooperation, and marine scientific and technological co-operation."

The two had a frank and candid exchange of views, the Philipine foreign ministry said in its statement.

The Sabina Shoal, which China refers to as Xianbin Reef, and Manila as Escoda Shoal, lies 150 km (93 miles) west of the Philippine province of Palawan, well within its exclusive economic zone.

The two nations have traded accusations of intentional ramming of each others' vessels in a series of clashes last month, just after reaching a pact on resupply missions to a beached Filipino naval ship in the Second Thomas Shoal.

China claims sovereignty over most of the China Sea, overlapping into maritime zones of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam.

In 2016 the Hague arbitration tribunal voided China's expansive and historical claims, a decision Beijing rejects.

The Philippine navy has said it has recently monitored 207 Chinese vessels, including 'maritime militia boats' within the country's EEZ, with dozens observed near Sabina Shoal.

(Reporting by Mikhail Flores and Karen Lema; Additional reporting by Beijing bureau; Editing by John Mair and Clarence Fernandez)
By Andrew Osborn and Guy Faulconbridge

(Reuters) - President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that the West would be directly fighting with Russia if it allowed Ukraine to strike Russian territory with Western-made long-range missiles, a move he said would alter the nature and scope of the conflict.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has been pleading with Kyiv's allies for months to let Ukraine fire Western missiles including long-range U.S. ATACMS and British Storm Shadows deep into Russian territory to limit Moscow's ability to launch attacks.

In some of his most hawkish comments on the subject yet, Putin said such a move would drag the countries supplying Kyiv with long-range missiles directly into the war since satellite targeting data and the actual programming of the missiles' flight paths would have to be done by NATO military personnel because Kyiv did not have the capabilities itself.

"So this is not a question of allowing the Ukrainian regime to strike Russia with these weapons or not. It is a question of deciding whether or not NATO countries are directly involved in a military conflict," Putin told Russian state TV.

"If this decision is taken, it will mean nothing less than the direct involvement of NATO countries, the United States and European countries in the war in Ukraine. This will be their direct participation, and this, of course, will significantly change the very essence, the very nature of the conflict."

Russia would be forced to take what Putin called "appropriate decisions" based on the new threats.

He did not spell out what those measures could be, but he has spoken in the past of the option of arming the West's enemies with Russian weapons to strike Western targets abroad and in June spoke of deploying conventional missiles within striking distance of the United States and its European allies.

Russia, the world's largest nuclear power, is also in the process of revising its nuclear doctrine - the circumstances in which Moscow would use nuclear weapons - and Putin is being pressed by an influential foreign policy hawk to change it to state Russia's willingness to use nuclear arms against countries that "support NATO aggression in Ukraine."

Russia is also currently holding major naval exercises with China and considering curbs on major commodity exports.

The West casts its discussion around whether it should allow Kyiv to use its long-range weapons to strike Russia as part of an answer to what it says is an escalation of the war by Moscow, which is says has received ballistic missiles from Iran. Tehran said the claims were "ugly propaganda".

Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022 with tens of thousands of troops, triggering the biggest confrontation between Russia and the West since the depths of the Cold War.

Putin casts the conflict as part of an existential battle with a declining and decadent West which he says humiliated Russia after the Berlin Wall fell in 1989 by encroaching on what he considers Moscow's sphere of influence, including Ukraine.

The West and Ukraine describe the invasion as an imperial-style land grab and have vowed to defeat Russia on the battlefield. Russia controls over 18% of Ukrainian territory.

(Reporting by Andrew Osborn and Guy Faulconbridge; Editing by Alistair Bell)
By Pavel Polityuk, Yuliia Dysa and Tom Balmforth

KYIV (Reuters) - Ukraine accused Russia on Thursday of using strategic bombers to strike a civilian grain vessel in a missile attack in Black Sea waters near NATO member Romania, escalating tensions between Moscow and the military alliance.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said the vessel carrying Ukrainian grain to Egypt had been hit overnight by a Russian missile just after it left Ukrainian territorial waters. There were no casualties, he said.

There was no immediate comment from Russia.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said the strike was "a brazen attack on freedom of navigation and global food security". Ukraine's navy said Russian Tupolev Tu-22 bombers had fired a number of cruise missiles at 11:02 p.m. local time (2002 GMT) on Wednesday.

It was the first time a missile has struck a civilian vessel transporting grains at sea since the start of Moscow's invasion in February 2022. Some vessels have been damaged during Russian attacks on Ukrainian ports where they were moored.

The incident comes as Zelenskiy has been trying to court the Global South, including countries such as Egypt - the destination of the grain according to Ukraine - and convince them to join the West in supporting Ukraine in the war.

The strike comes as NATO allies are considering allowing Ukraine to make deeper strikes into Russia, a step Moscow has warned will elicit a response. The West has accused Iran of a major escalation by supplying ballistic missiles to Russia.

British maritime security company Ambrey said in a note that a Saint Kitts and Nevis-flagged bulk carrier had been struck by a Russian-launched missile after leaving the Ukrainian port of Chornomorsk in Ukraine's Odesa region.

The vessel sustained damage to its port side, including a cargo hold and a crane, it said.

The Navy identified the vessel as the Aya bulk carrier.

Ship tracking data showed the vessel's last reported position was off the Romanian port of Constanta. The vessel's Athens-based manager, VRS Maritime Services, could not be immediately reached for comment.

Traders said the incident had contributed to stronger wheat prices by adding to concern over tightening supply in the Black Sea export zone. U.S. futures rose as much as 2% to hit a two-month peak. [GRA/]

Zelenskiy posted images showing the twisted metal of a damaged crane and other damage.

WORLD REACTION

An industry source told Reuters the strike had taken place not far from the mouth of the Danube river. Dmytro Pletenchuk, spokesman for Ukraine's navy, told Reuters the vessel was in Romania's maritime economic zone.

A country's maritime economic zone is an area that extends beyond its territorial waters.

Romania's Naval Authority said the vessel had not been in its territorial waters and that its assistance had not been requested in any way.

Zelenskiy wrote on X: "We are waiting for the world to react. Wheat and food security should never be targets for missiles."

Ukraine is a major global grain exporter that has had to battle Russia in the Black Sea to revive its exports through its sea ports since Russia's invasion imposed a de facto blockade.

The exports were revived later that year - albeit with smaller volumes - from the three ports of greater Odesa under a deal mediated by the United Nations and Turkey that broke down last year.

In August 2023, Ukraine established its own shipping corridor - without Russia's blessing - after using naval drones and long-range weapons to strike back at Russia's Black Sea Fleet and push its vessels away from the west of the sea.

The shipping corridor hugs the western coast of the Black Sea before exiting Ukrainian waters and south past Romania and Bulgaria.

(Additional reporting by Jonathan Saul, Olena Harmash, Luiza Ilie, Gus Trompiz; Writing by Tom Balmforth; Editing by Jon Boyle, Timothy Heritage and Andrew Heavens)
A Cal Fire firefighter takes a break from battling the Line fire Tuesday in Running Springs. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Firefighters battling wildfires burning in Southern California are stretched thin amid a nationwide shortage of firefighters, aircraft and contractors.

Three wildfires have burned homes and scorched more than 100,000 acres in a few days in the San Bernardino Mountains, Angeles National Forest and Santa Ana Mountains.

Several firefighters have been hurt battling the Airport fire, which has charred 22,910 acres in Orange and Riverside counties, and the Line fire, which has burned more than 34,700 acres in San Bernardino County.

More than 3,100 fire personnel and 22 helicopters were assigned to the Line fire on Wednesday. At the same time, more than 629 fire personnel, including seven helicopters, were fighting the Airport fire, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

On Wednesday, more than 400 personnel, seven helicopters and four large air tankers were assigned to the Bridge fire, said Lisa Cox, a spokesperson for the California Interagency Complex Incident Management Team.

"Resources are really strapped," Cox said.

Read more:Shocking satellite images and videos show Southern California fires exploding

Oregon, Idaho and Washington are also dealing with hundreds of fires resulting from weeks of dry lightning strikes on parched vegetation.

Chris Cline, division chief with the Oregon Department of Forestry, painted a stark picture of crews strained by nationwide resource shortages resulting from what he described as "an epic and record-setting fire season."

Nationally, there are no caterers left to support our fire teams  zero caterers available today, Cline said Monday. "There are no shower units available today." Thats left firefighters toiling in poison oak with no way to get clean, he said. Fire cache items  supplies such as hoses and sleeping bags  are limited, he said.

"There are no incident management teams available in the United States of America today," Cline said, referring to the groups of personnel who are dispatched to oversee complex emergencies such as large fires.

California is facing similar challenges.

Yes, there is a strain on resources, said Adrienne Freeman, a spokesperson for the U.S. Forest Service. We had multiple fires start in close succession all with critical numbers of affected people in huge urban centers.

The National Interagency Fire Center has set the current national preparedness level to 5  the highest possible  indicating that federal resources are fully committed and the potential for significant wildland fires to emerge is expected to remain high across multiple geographic areas. That level has been reached this early in the year only four times in the last two decades, according to the agency.

Read more:SoCal fires burn 100,000 acres, destroy dozens of homes and injure 13

Still, Cal Fire spokesperson Robert Foxworthy said that fire crews are currently managing with the resources they have and that the year has not yet reached the level of 2020, when more than 4.3 million acres burned across California. But they are preparing for a potentially active season ahead.

The three fires that we have going are large and taking on a lot of resources, but this is not at all the worst that California has experienced and weve dealt with much larger, busier fire seasons in the past, he said. So I feel very confident that were going to be able to meet the need as we move into the fall.

Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Wednesday that the state had secured a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to help provide resources to Riverside County to assist with the costs of suppressing the Airport fire.

California is continuing to see extreme fire behavior across multiple locations in Southern California, where hot, dry weather has led to rapid fire growth, Newsom said. We are thankful for federal support from the Biden-Harris Administration to support firefighters as they work to suppress these fires and keep people safe.



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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
By Jenna Zucker

TORONTO (Reuters) - The Wild Robot, an animated science fiction story by DreamWorks, explores both the good and the bad sides of technology, its star Lupita Nyongo said on Sunday at the feature's world premiere in Toronto.

Adapted from Peter Browns series of books by the same name, the movie follows a shipwrecked robot that must adapt to survive after being stranded on a remote, uninhabited island.

This movie explores both the sinister side of technology and the potential for technology to be on our side, Nyongo, the voice of the protagonist Roz, said on the red carpet at the Toronto International Film Festival screening.

Director Chris Sanders, who also wrote the screenplay, said that portraying technology was a key creative challenge, especially considering Browns books were written long before artificial intelligence became a dominant conversation.

We'll find a balance. I think any kind of new, emerging technology is at first very exciting. It can be a little bit frightening, but we will eventually figure it out, said Sanders, whose directorial credits include "Lilo & Stitch" and "How to Train Your Dragon" in 2010.

An ensemble cast, including Pedro Pascal, Catherine OHara, Bill Nighy and Kit Connor, give voice to the animals that Roz encounters on the island.

Nyongos robot character learns to communicate with the animals and uses kindness as a tool for survival.

The message at the heart of the story is that kindness is a superpower, said Nyongo, who this year also starred in A Quiet Place: Day One, an apocalyptic horror movie.

Roz is a robot that never loses sight of her essence, which is to be of help to anybody. She's still able to adapt and become more than what she was programmed to be.

Sanders also mentioned that Browns focus on kindness wasnt explicitly stated in the book but became a crucial element he wanted to "memorialize" on screen.

The film lands in theaters on September 27.

(Reporting by Jenna Zucker in Toronto; Editing by Frank McGurty and Diane Craft)
DUBAI (Reuters) - The U.N. mission in Libya will resume facilitating talks between factions in Tripoli on Wednesday to try to resolve the central bank crisis that has slashed oil output and threatened to end four years of relative stability.

Libya's two legislative bodies, the House of Representatives based in Benghazi in eastern Libya, and the High Council of State in Tripoli in the west, agreed this month to jointly appoint a central bank governor, potentially defusing a battle for control of the country's oil revenue.

Libya's central bank is the sole legal repository for oil revenue, and it pays state salaries across the country.

The consultations between the two bodies were supposed to have concluded on Monday over an agreement to choose a nominee for governor and a board of directions within 30 days, having already been extended last week by five days.

The U.N. mission, in agreeing to resume the talks with both legislative bodies and the Presidential Council, said "time is of the essence in reaching a consensual solution to the crisis and mitigating its adverse effects".

The Presidential Council, based in Tripoli, had only rarely intervened directly in Libyan politics before its head Mohammed al-Menfi moved in August to replace veteran central bank Governor Sadiq al-Kabir which led eastern factions to order a halt of oil flows across Libyan oilfields in protest.

Libya has had little peace since a 2011 NATO-backed uprising and it split in 2014 between eastern and western factions. Major warfare ended with a ceasefire in 2020 and attempts to reunify, but divisions persist.

The House of Representatives parliament and the High State Council were both recognised internationally in a 2015 political agreement, although they backed different sides for much of Libya's conflict.

(Reporting by Nayera Abdallah, Editing by Timothy Heritage and Alison Williams)
BISMARCK, N.D.  A state judge struck down North Dakotas ban on abortion Thursday, saying the state constitution creates a fundamental right to access abortion before a fetus is viable.

In his ruling, state District Judge Bruce Romanick also said the law violates the state constitution because it is too vague.

Romanick was ruling on a request from the state to dismiss a 2022 lawsuit filed against the ban by what at the time was the sole abortion clinic in North Dakota.

North Dakota District Judge Bruce Romanick struck down the states ban on abortions. Brad Nygaard/The Bismarck Tribune via AP, File

The clinic has sinced moved across the border to Minnesota, and the state argued that a trial wouldnt make a difference. The judge had canceled a trial set for August.

Romanick cited how the North Dakota Constitution guarantees inalienable rights, including life and liberty.

The abortions statutes at issue in this case infringes on a womans fundamental right to procreative autonomy, and are not narrowly tailored to promote womens health or to protect unborn human life, Romanick wrote in his 24-page order. The law as currently drafted takes away a womans liberty and her right to pursue and obtain safety and happiness.

Romanick was first elected a district judge in heavily GOP North Dakota in 2000 and has been re-elected every six years since, most recently in 2018.

Before he was a judge, he was an assistant states attorney in Burleigh County, home to the state capital, Bismarck.

The judge acknowledged in his ruling that in the past, the North Dakota courts had relied on federal court precedents on abortion, but said those state precedents had been upended by the US Supreme Courts 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade and allow states to ban abortion under the US Constitution.

Romanick said hed been left with relatively no idea how the North Dakota Supreme Court would address the issue, and so his ruling was his best effort to apply the law as written to the issue presented while protecting the fundamental rights of the states residents.

Pregnant women in North Dakota have a fundamental right to choose abortion before viability exists under the enumerated and unenumerated interests provided by the North Dakota Constitution, the judge wrote.

An abortion protester stands outside a North Dakota clinic in a file photo. AP

In many respects, Romanicks order mirrors one from the Kansas Supreme Court in 2019, declaring access to abortion a fundamental right under similar provisions in that states constitution, though the Kansas court did not limit its ruling to before a fetus is viable. Voters in Kansas affirmed that position in an August 2022 statewide vote.

Romanick concluded that the law is too vague because it does not set clear enough standards for determining whether exceptions apply, leaving doctors open to being prosecuted because others disagree with their judgments.

The Red River Womens Clinic, which was North Dakotas sole abortion provider, filed the original lawsuit in 2022 against the states now-repealed trigger ban, weeks after the fall of Roe v. Wade.

The clinic afterward moved from Fargo to neighboring Moorhead, Minnesota.

In 2023, North Dakotas Republican-controlled Legislature revised the states abortion laws, making abortion legal in pregnancies caused by rape or incest, but only in the first six weeks of pregnancy.

Under the revised law, abortion was allowed later in pregnancy only in specific medical emergencies.

Soon after that, the clinic, joined by several doctors in obstetrics, gynecology and maternal-fetal medicine, filed an amended complaint.

The plaintiffs alleged the abortion ban violates the state constitution because it is unconstitutionally vague about its exceptions for doctors, and that its health exception is too narrow.
Mark Wallace, who served as Texas Childrens Hospitals top executive for more than three decades and helped build the system into a dominant force in pediatric care, announced his retirement Thursday.

His last day is Oct. 4.

Debra Feigin Sukin, who replaced Wallace as president last year while the latter remained CEO, will step into Wallaces role. In a news release, Wallace said he had been mulling his retirement since Sukins appointment and was happy with how everything has fallen into place.

Now, as I embark on this new season  one filled with more time with my wife and my family, friends and perhaps even a few new adventures  I leave with a full heart and deep appreciation for my incredible team, Wallace said. I know that Texas Childrens will only get better and better in the years to come and I will always be cheering this phenomenal organization on from wherever life takes me.

Mark Wallace, CEO of Texas Children's Hospital, talks to Nicole Blackburn about her family pet while watching Bailey, a therapy dog on Friday, Nov. 22, 2019, in Houston. Steve Gonzales/Staff photographer

Wallaces 35-year tenure as the hospitals top executive has seen Texas Childrens grow from a single building in the Texas Medical Center into the largest pediatric hospital in the nation, with satellite campuses across greater Houston and in Austin.

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Under his leadership, Texas Childrens has been a hub for clinical milestones and has consistently been ranked among the best childrens hospitals in the country. But Wallace also has presided over periods of turmoil and uncertainty, including sudden departures of top-ranking physicians and financial challenges that led to the recent layoff of nearly 1,000 employees.

Board Chair Park Shaper, however, praised Wallaces unparalleled vision and integrity during his tenure.

His compassion, unwavering commitment and genuine care for our patients and staff have made this place more than a hospital, and as we bid farewell, we are grateful to know that his legacy will continue to guide our every step, Shaper said in a news release.

Texas Children's Hospital President and CEO Mark Wallace cheers on the crowd as a tree is raised during a ceremony for the hospital's new campus in The Woodlands in 2016. Jason Fochtman

Respect from peers

Originally from Oklahoma City, Wallace said he strove to become a hospital administrator as a teenager, when the creation of Medicare and Medicaid was expected to grow the health care industry. His first job out of graduate school was at The Methodist Hospital (now Houston Methodist), where he rose to the rank of senior vice president of patient services during a 12-year career.

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He took the helm at Texas Childrens in 1989 at 36 years old and guided the institution through a dramatic expansion. Ten years after Wallaces arrival, the hospital dedicated $345 million to double its size. That project included the construction of the building that would eventually bear his name: the Mark A. Wallace Tower, home to most of the hospitals outpatient clinics.

Mark Wallace, president and CEO of Texas Childrens Hospital, greets Anita Sehgal, senior vice president of marketing and communications for the Houston Astros, before a press conference about the 2024 Texas Childrens Houston Open on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024, at Memorial Park Golf Course in Houston. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer

The Vision 2010 project, a $1.5 billion expansion, integrated womens health care  a relatively novel combination for a pediatric hospital  with the development of the Pavilion for Women, which offers services such as OB/GYN, maternal and fetal care, including for high-risk pregnancies.

The project also created the Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute and the West Campus in Katy. Further expansion included the opening of a hospital in The Woodlands in 2016 and an Austin hospital this year.

As the hospital expanded, Wallace earned the respect of many of his peers in the medical center. Dr. David Pate, the former CEO and chief medical officer of what was then known as St. Lukes Episcopal, said Wallace was instrumental in bringing the maternal-fetal medicine and OB/GYN programs  then housed at St. Lukes  into Texas Childrens.

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It was a logical step but one that required foresight and collaboration, Pate said.

He is one of those people who inspired me and influenced me, Pate said in a phone interview.

Mark Wallace, CEO of Texas Children's Hospital Friday, Nov. 22, 2019, in Houston. Steve Gonzales/Staff photographer

Resignations and layoffs

While the growth at Texas Childrens earned Wallace acclaim for improving access for patients, it also gave way to tensions within the institution, revolving around high-profile departures and financial challenges.

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Over the last seven years, a series of well-known medical leaders within Texas Childrens unexpectedly left the institution, including renowned heart surgeon Dr. Charles Fraser, who in 2018 took a job at a competitor, Dell Childrens Medical Center in Austin.

Dr. Mark Kline, an internationally revered figure who established a global pediatric HIV/AIDS program, suddenly resigned in 2020 after about 30 years at the institution. Klines replacement, Dr. Catherine Gordon, touted by the hospital as a renowned leader upon her hiring, left the hospital after just seven months without a public explanation from hospital officials.

Financial struggles, in part a result of regulatory changes in the Medicaid program, have plagued the hospital over the last year. Last month, Texas Childrens laid off about 1,000 employees, citing the regulatory changes and rising expenses.

The employees who were let go included rehabilitation therapists who worked with children with complex medical needs  a move that triggered swift public backlash from patient families.

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Hospitals and health care facilities across the country, they're making this challenging decision. And that's where we really found ourselves, Linda Aldred, executive vice president and chief human resources officer for Texas Childrens, told the Chronicle last month in an interview about the cuts. This has been such a hard decision for us.

In the interview, Aldred said the hospital was thoughtful about the cuts.

This has been so challenging and so difficult for us to get here, Aldred said.

A new era of leadership

Sukin brings nearly 30 years of experience in health care administration into her new leadership role. Before joining Texas Children's, she spent 15 years at Houston Methodist in various leadership roles, including regional senior vice president and CEO of Houston Methodist The Woodlands Hospital. She has also served as senior vice president of St. Lukes Health System in the Texas Medical Center.

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Sukin has a deep family connection to the childrens hospital. Both of her parents worked there, and she began volunteering there when she was 16 years old, Wallace said last year in a news release announcing Sukins appointment as president.

Sukins father, Ralph Feigin, served as the chief pediatrician for more than 30 years until 2008, when he died at 70 years old after a battle with lung cancer. At the time considered one of the most important physicians of the last 25 years, Feigin was known for dramatically improving the pediatrics department at Baylor College of Medicine  Texas Childrens Hospitals academic affiliate  and making the hospital one of the most elite pediatric institutions in the country.
PITTSBURGH  Pro-Palestinian voters in battleground Pennsylvania could spoil Kamala Harris candidacy, if one Pittsburgh progressive who spoke with The Post is any indication.

The Harris campaign deployed volunteers on Saturday for a day of door-knocking across Steel City, where the veep stayed over the weekend to prepare for Tuesdays debate, but was met with protesters clanging noisemakers and chanting Free Palestine outside her hotel.

While out canvassing for Harris, volunteers struggled to sell the VPs message to at least one voter, a man who identified himself to The Post as Kevin B.

Approaching Kevins home in Pittsburghs Bloomfield neighborhood, the Democratic door-knockers noticed a poster of the Palestinian flag in the window.

Harris volunteer Linda Meacci speaks with a Trump voter in Pittsburghs Bloomfield neighborhood. Ethan Dodd/NY Post

Kamala Harris campaign volunteers Sonia M. and Linda Meacci standing outside a building, preparing to knock on doors in a Pittsburgh neighborhood. Ethan Dodd/NY Post

Asked if he plans to cast a vote for Harris, Kevin said he still wasnt sure  but when asked to name his most important issue, he didnt hesitate to say, Israel.

The main issue for why I wouldnt vote for the Democrats is the Israel issue, the 30-year-old EMT told The Post, referring to the Israel-Hamas war. We are not only siding with but funding, taking money away from ourselves and our citizens to fund a foreign governments genocide.

I dont like how the Democrats have handled it either, responded Sonia, one of the Harris volunteers. But its the lesser of two evils here, she added.

The No Ceasefire No Vote campaign is organizing voters to refuse to support Harris in Novembers election  until either a permanent cease-fire is reached or the VP commits to an arms embargo on Israel.

In April, over 60,000 Pennsylvania Democrats voted against President Biden in the state primary at the urging of the pro-Palestinian group Uncommitted PA.

Biden only won Pennsylvania in 2020 by 80,000 votes.

In 2024, Kevin may be among the decisive few who will help determine the direction of Pennsylvanias 19 electoral votes. Undecided about Harris, hes considering casting his ballot for Jill Stein, the Green Party candidate, who supports an arms embargo.

The Green Partys Jill Stein is running for president and supports an arms embargo on Israel. Bloomberg via Getty Images

A poll conducted in late August found that 25% of Muslim voters in Pennsylvania plan to vote for Stein, while 37% would support Harris and 19% were undecided.

Though Harris has acknowledged the Israeli invasion of Gaza has killed far too many civilians, she has maintained her support for Israels right to defend itself, including in Tuesday nights presidential debate with former President Donald Trump.

During the debate, the VP reiterated that Israel has a right to defend itself, though how it does so matters, and called again for a two-state solution in which there must be security for Israelis and Palestinians in equal measure.

Israel has killed more than 40,000 Palestinians since Hamas October 7 terror attack, which killed 1,200 Israeli civilians and took over 240 people hostage.

Today about 100 people remain in captivity in Gaza, but many of the remaining hostages are believed to be dead. In August, the US approved the sale of $20 billion worth of fighter jets and other weapons to Israel.

How long do the people have to take the short end of the stick? Kevin said. Were suffering as a country with cost of living, food, gas, and were giving money to fund a genocide of people.

The Democrats like to push this progressive narrative, take the moral high ground with Republicans, on gun control, voting rights, Black Lives Matter, he told The Post. But do they actually believe in those things? Or do they think that stance is going to get them votes?

Kevin pointed to the 2016 Democratic Party, which pushed out the progressive candidate Bernie Sanders in favor of Hillary Clinton.

Northern Gaza in rubble due to Israeli bombing as of September 8, 2024. AFP via Getty Images

He also pointed to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), a member of the far-left Squad who recently called Stein predatory for siphoning votes away from the Democrats.

They are trying to manipulate people into voting for them, Kevin said, lamenting that part of the partys game to get elected means pressuring progressives to vote against their conscience.

That game may include accepting the endorsement of Republican former Vice President Dick Cheney, a chief architect of the Iraq War, who Kevin says is a fking war criminal.

Its not the peoples fault. It is your fault, as the Democratic Party, for self-sabotaging the election, he said.

At one point in the conversation with Kevin, another Harris volunteer named Linda tried to switch gears to discuss abortion rights.

I am pro-choice and very disheartened by Roe v. Wade being overturned, he said, but under Trump, The world did not fall apart.

Linda later told The Post she knew that her digression wouldnt change Kevins mind, but is holding out hope for others in Pennsylvania to go her way.

In the moment, I was disappointed, she said. But there will be other undecided voters to support Harris.
At least three people have been shot in downtown Dallas Thursday and the suspect is at large, police said.

All victims are being treated for injuries at local hospitals with their condition currently unknown, Dallas police Lt. Tramese Jones confirmed at news conference Thursday afternoon. There is no information on who the suspect is and an open investigation is underway.

Police responded to the report of a shooting at 12:15 p.m. No further information was provided.

One resident said she heard gunshots on the 8th floor of a high-rise apartment, KXAS-TV reported just after noon.

One of the victims was a student in Dallas Independent School District and is expected to recover, according to KXAS-TV.

Photos shared on social showed heavy police and ambulance presence at the scene.

This is story will be updated as additional information is available.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Downtown Dallas shooting leaves 3 hospitalized; suspect at large
DUBLIN (Reuters) -Google's lead EU privacy regulator opened an inquiry on Thursday into whether the search engine adequately protected European Union users' personal data before using it to help develop its foundational AI Model.

Ireland's Data Protection Commission (DPC), the lead EU regulator for most of the top U.S. internet firms due to the location of their EU operations in Ireland, said the probe concerned the Alphabet Inc unit's Pathways Language Model 2 (PaLM 2).

"This statutory inquiry forms part of the wider efforts of the DPC, working in conjunction with its EU/EEA (European Economic Area) peer regulators, in regulating the processing of the personal data of EU/EEA data subjects in the development of AI models and systems," the DPC said in a statement.

Social media platform X agreed last week not to train its AI systems using the personal data collected from European Union users before they had the option to withdraw their consent following court action taken by the Irish regulator.

A spokesperson for Google said it takes its obligations under the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) seriously and will work constructively with the DPC to answer their questions.

Earlier this week the Luxembourg-based Court of Justice of the European Union threw out Google's appeal against a 2.42 billion euro fine levied seven years for various anti-competitive practices.

(Reporting by Padraic Halpin; Editing by Leslie Adler and Elaine Hardcastle)
United Nations leaders on Thursday accused Israel of violating international humanitarian law, saying that six of its workers were among 18 people reported killed by an airstrike on a school in central Gaza sheltering displaced Palestinians.

Whats happening in Gaza is totally unacceptable, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a post on X hours after Wednesdays attack on Al-Jaouni school in the Nuseirat refugee camp. These dramatic violations of international humanitarian law need to stop now.

The Israeli military said it was targeting Hamas militants and later said several of the U.N. workers killed were members of Hamas, without providing evidence.

Children were among at least 18 people killed in the airstrike, Gazas Civil Defense agency said in a statement, adding that it was the fifth time Israeli forces had targeted the facility during Israel's almost yearlong offensive in Gaza.

The U.N. Relief and Works Agency, known as UNRWA, which has been operating the school as shelter for displaced Palestinians, said it had been sheltering more than 12,000 people.

The manager of the shelter was among the six workers killed, it said, adding that it was the highest death toll among our staff in a single incident.

A Palestinian boy looks through the wreckage of a school in Nuseirat, central Gaza, after an Israeli airstrike Wednesday.

The Israel Defense Forces said it had carried out a precise strike on the school targeting Hamas members, in a statement posted to Telegram on Wednesday. It said the militant group was using the compound as a command and control center to plan and execute attacks against Israeli troops, without providing evidence.

It added that numerous steps were taken to mitigate the risk of harm to civilians, including the use of precise munitions, aerial surveillance and additional intelligence.

In a later statement on X, IDF spokesman Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani said it had asked UNRWA to provide the names of the workers killed, but had received no response.

He added that a military inquiry suggested that a significant number of those killed, as named in the media and social media, were Hamas terrorist operatives who took part in terrorist activities against the citizens of the State of Israel and IDF troops.

Asked about those allegations by NBC News, Juliette Touma, UNRWAs communications director, said in an email that Israeli authorities had not requested UNRWA to provide them with the list of staff killed in yesterdays attack on the UNRWA school.

The names that appear on todays statement from the Israeli Army have not been flagged to us before by the Israeli authorities in previous occasions prior to today, she said. UNRWA shares the lists of all its staff with the host governments and in the context of the West Bank and Gaza also with the state of Israel as the occupying power.

Schools and civilian infrastructure must be protected at all time. Gaza is no different, she said. We have called repeatedly on parties to the conflict, including the Israeli Forces and Palestinian Armed Groups including Hamas, to never use civilian facilities for military or fighting purposes.

She added that UNRWA was not in a position to determine whether the school hit by the strike or others have been used for that very purpose.

A spokesman for Hamas' government media office shared a list of names just after 4 p.m. local time (9 a.m. ET) Thursday in a post on X that it said identified the six UNRWA workers killed. Around 45 minutes later, the IDF shared a statement with a list of names of people it said it had confirmed were Hamas militants killed in the strike.

At least three of the people named by the IDF as Hamas militants appeared to also be on the Hamas media office's list, albeit with slightly different spellings.

The IDF did not provide evidence for its allegations. NBC News has reached out to the IDF and UNRWA for further comment.

Crowds gather at the courtyard of Al-Jaouni school after the Israeli airstrike.

Video captured by NBC News crew on the ground in Gaza shortly after the strike showed Palestinians carrying the dead and injured.

At one point, a man can be seen carrying what appears to be a small body covered in a white shroud drenched in blood.

Notebooks, clothes and tins of food lay scattered on the ground, spattered with what appeared to be blood.

More than 40,900 people have been killed in Gaza since Oct. 7, according to health officials in the enclave. Israel launched its military offensive after 1,200 people were killed and around 250 others were taken hostage during Hamas' multipronged attacks that day, according to officials in the country.




The University of Idaho quadruple murder suspect, Bryan Kohberger, will stand trial in the capital city of Boise, Idaho, according to a new ruling from Idaho's Supreme Court.

With this new venue, a new judge, District Judge Steven Hippler, has been assigned to the case.

The original judge on the case ruled Monday that the case would be moved out of Latah County, where the crime took place, agreeing with the defense who argued that Latah County was tainted by pretrial publicity.

PHOTO: Bryan Kohberger arrives for a hearing on cameras in the courtroom in Latah County District Court on Sept. 13, 2023 in Moscow, Idaho. (Ted S. Warren-Pool/Getty Images, FILE)

MORE: University of Idaho murder trial: Venue will be moved, judge rules

Defense lawyers surveyed Latah County residents and said their results found the "pressure to convict" Kohberger was shown to be "so severe" that the venue couldn't be impartial.

The defense said one respondent answered they would "burn the courthouse down" if he were not convicted. The same survey, according to the defense, found "much less emotional" responses from people living closer to Boise, which is about 300 miles south of Moscow.

MORE: University of Idaho murders: Judge to weigh change of venue decision

The prosecution has said the case has national and international interest, and that the case has been covered plenty in Boise, so a change of venue would not solve any problem.

The relatives of victim Kaylee Goncalves didnt want the venue changed, saying they felt a fair trial was possible in Latah County and they believed keeping the trial locally would help the community heal.

PHOTO: In this Nov. 16, 2022, file photo, flowers were left at the house where four University of Idaho students were found dead, in Moscow, Idaho. (Angela Palermo/Idaho Statesman/Tribune News Service via Getty Images, FILE)

In a new statement Thursday, the Goncalves family said, "The physical location of a trial will make no difference in the end. We know Ada County [which encompasses Boise] is more than capable and more experienced to help us achieve justice."

"We are hopeful and grateful for this new chapter," they said.

MORE: Idaho college murders: Bryan Kohberger trial budget gets big hike

Kohberger is accused of fatally stabbing four University of Idaho students in an off-campus house in the early hours of Nov. 13, 2022.

Kohberger, a criminology Ph.D. student at nearby Washington State University at the time of the crime, was charged with four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary. A not guilty plea was entered on his behalf.

The trial is set to begin on June 2, 2025.

If convicted, Kohberger could face the death penalty.

University of Idaho murder trial will be held in Boise, Idaho Supreme Court rules originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
By Sriparna Roy and Bhanvi Satija

(Reuters) -The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has allowed the expanded use of Johnson & Johnson's drug, Tremfya, to treat adults with a type of chronic inflammatory bowel disease, the company said on Wednesday.

The approval paves the way for another treatment option for patients with ulcerative colitis, which causes inflammation and ulcers in the colon and rectum.

Drugmakers such as AbbVie, Eli Lilly and J&J are hustling for a share in an already-crowded, multi-billion market for treatments for inflammatory bowel diseases.

J&J has been betting on Tremfya, as its other blockbuster drug for psoriasis and ulcerative colitis, Stelara, is looking at a patent cliff  which occurs when a company loses its patent protection, allowing cheaper biosimilars to enter the market.

In a late-stage trial, patients receiving Tremfya were able to achieve endoscopic remission  a state where no signs of inflammation, ulcers or bleeding are visible during an endoscopy.

Chris Gasink, who looks over J&J's U.S. Medical Affairs said the company was ready to make the drug available to eligible patients within "a week or two" after the FDA's decision.

Analysts forecast Stelara sales of over $10 billion this year, according to LSEG data, of which 75% are expected from sales for inflammatory bowel diseases.

Tremfya, which targets a protein involved in inflammatory responses called IL-23, will be J&J's fourth drug for ulcerative colitis in the market.

(Reporting by Sriparna Roy, Bhanvi Satija and Puyaan Singh in Bengaluru; Editing by Shilpi Majumdar and Krishna Chandra Eluri)
[BBC]

The first showdown between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump was closely watched not only in the US but around the world.

The debate in Philadelphia featured some tense exchanges on foreign policy between the two presidential candidates.

From Beijing to Budapest, here's how the debate went down, according to BBC foreign correspondents.

[BBC]

Mentions of Putin noted by Kremlin

By Steve Rosenberg, Russia editor, Moscow

Kamala Harris told Donald Trump that President Putin is a dictator who would eat you for lunch.

The expression "to eat someone for lunch" (or breakfast, or any other meal) doesnt exist in Russian. But one thing you will find in Moscow is the appetite for a US election result that benefits Russia.

The Kremlin will have noted (with pleasure) that in the debate Trump sidestepped the question about whether he wants Ukraine to win the war.

I want the war to stop, replied Trump.

By contrast, Harris spoke of Ukraines righteous defence and accused Vladimir Putin of having his eyes on the rest of Europe.

Later the Kremlin claimed to have been irked by all mentions of Putin in the debate.

Putins name is used as one of the instruments for the internal battle in the US, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told me.

"We dont like this and hope they will keep our presidents name out of this.

Last week Putin claimed he was backing Harris in the election and praised her infectious laugh.

Later a Russian state TV anchor clarified that Putin had been slightly ironic in his comments.

The presenter was dismissive of Harris political skills and suggested she would be better off hosting a TV cooking show.

I wonder: would it feature dictators eating US presidential candidates for lunch"?

[BBC]

Concern in Kyiv over Trump comments

By Nick Beake, Europe correspondent, Kyiv

Donald Trumps failure, when asked on the debate stage to say if he wanted Ukraine to win the war, may not have surprised people here but it adds to their worry about what a second Trump term would bring.

Trump has long boasted he could end in the conflict in 24 hours, a prospect many Ukrainians assume would mean an incredibly bad deal with Kyiv forced to give up huge swathes of the land Russia has seized over the past two and a half years.

In contrast, Ukrainians will have been reassured by Kamala Harriss responses, with no sign she would deviate from the current position of staunch American support.

She took credit for the role shes already played, arguing she shared important intelligence with President Zelensky in the days before the full-scale invasion.

She then claimed Trumps position would have been fatal for Ukraine had he still been in the White House. If Donald Trump were president, Putin would be sitting in Kyiv right now.

Publicly, there has been a deafening silence from Ukraines current ministers and senior military in reaction to the debate. The figurative US electoral battle is one they need not weigh in to while theyre consumed by real fighting at home.

Its President Zelensky himself who so far has gone furthest in articulating, albeit somewhat euphemistically, what a Trump victory would mean for Ukrainians.

Speaking to the BBC in July, he said it would mean hard work, but we are hard workers.

[BBC]

Abdul memes follow Trump Taliban remarks

By Lyse Doucet, chief international correspondent

Americas longest war ended in August 2021 when it scrambled to pull out the last of its troops, and evacuate thousands of civilians, as the Taliban swept into Kabul with surprising speed.

That debacle made it into the debate and, not surprisingly, the issues were dodged, dismissed, distorted.

Harris veered away from the question do you bear any responsibility in the way that withdrawal played out?.

As a correspondent who followed the chaotic pullout closely, I never heard that the vice-president was in the room when decisions were taken in those final fateful weeks. But she made it clear she agreed with President Bidens decision to leave.

Trump boasted that he talked tough with Abdul, the head of the Taliban who is still the head of the Taliban.

He seemed to be referring to Abdul Ghani Baradar, who signed the withdrawal deal with the US. But he never headed the Taliban, and has been sidelined since the Taliban takeover.

The mention immediately prompted a wave of internet memes featuring Abdul with people named Abdul weighing in, and others asking who is Abdul?

Both contenders focused on the flawed deal with the Taliban. The truth is that the Trump team negotiated this exit plan; the Biden team hastily enacted it.

Trump said the deal was good because we were getting out.

There were no good ways to go. But the departure turned into a disaster and all sides are to blame.

[BBC]

Harris represents uncertainty for Beijing

By Laura Bicker, China correspondent, Beijing

Kamala Harris was an unknown quantity to leaders here and she still is, even after the debate.

She has no track record on China and on the debate stage she simply repeated her line that the US, not China, would win the competition for the 21st Century.

The vice-president represents something China does not like - uncertainty.

That is why President Xi recently used a visit by US officials to call for stability between the two superpowers, perhaps a message to the current vice-president.

The prevailing view among Chinese academics is that she will not stray too far from President Bidens slow and steady diplomatic approach.

But on the debate stage she went on the attack and accused Donald Trump of selling American chips to China to help them improve and modernise their military.

Donald Trump has made it clear he plans has to impose 60% tariffs on Chinese goods.

This will add to the tariffs he imposed as president which started a trade war in 2018. China retaliated, and numerous studies suggest this caused economic pain for both sides.

This is the last thing China wants right now as it is trying to manufacture and export goods to rescue its economy.

For Chinese leaders, this debate will have done little to assuage beliefs that Trump represents something else they dont like - unpredictability.

But in truth, there is little hope here that US policy on China will change significantly, no matter who sits in the White House.

[BBC]

White House race keenly watched in Middle East

By Paul Adams, international correspondent, Jerusalem

The two candidates did not stray much from their previously stated positions last night, even if Trump did add, with characteristic hyperbole, that Israel wouldnt exist in two years if his opponent becomes president.

Here in the Middle East, the race for the White House is being keenly watched.

With the war in Gaza raging and a ceasefire deal still elusive, some of Benjamin Netanyahus critics suspect that Israels prime minister is deliberately stalling until after the election, in the hope that Trump will be more sympathetic to Israel than Harris.

Theres a whiff of history perhaps being about to repeat itself.

In 1980, Ronald Reagans campaign team was suspected of urging Iran not to release American hostages held in Tehran until after he had beaten President Jimmy Carter, saying Reagan would give Iran a better deal.

Could something similar be afoot now? Certainly Netanyahus opponents believe he is now the chief obstacle to a ceasefire deal.

Harris has indicated that she might be tougher on Israel than Joe Biden, something Trump has seized on, saying last night that the vice-president hates Israel.

Palestinians, deeply sceptical about Donald Trump but dismayed by the Biden administrations inability to stop the war in Gaza, are possibly inclined to see Harris as the lesser of two evils.

Theyve long since abandoned any notion of the US as an honest broker in the Middle East, but will have noticed that Harris, unlike Trump, says shes committed to Palestinian statehood.

[BBC]

Praise for Orban makes waves in Hungary

By Nick Thorpe, Central Europe correspondent, Budapest

Donald Trump showered praise on the Hungarian prime minister.

"Viktor Orban, one of the most respected men, they call him a strong man. He's a tough person. Smart..."

Hungarian pro-government media picked up on the compliment. "Huge recognition!" ran the headline in Magyar Nemzet.

But government-critical news portal 444 quoted Tim Walz, running mate of Harris.

"He [Trump] was asked to name one world leader who was with him, and he said Orban. Dear God. That's all we need to know.

Viktor Orban backed Trump for president in 2016 and is strongly backing him again in November.

The two men met for the second time this year at Trumps home in Florida on 12 July, after Orban visited Kyiv, Moscow and Beijing in quick succession.

The Orban government is banking both on Trumps victory and his ability to swiftly end the war in Ukraine.

"Things are changing. If Trump comes back, there will be peace. It will be established by him without the Europeans," Balazs Orban, Viktor Orbans political director, told the BBC in July.

[BBC]

More on US election
New York City's police commissioner stepped down Thursday amid separate federal corruption investigations targeting Mayor Eric Adams and his top aides.

Edward Caban, the first Latino to run the New York Police Department, was asked to resign on Monday, the New York Times and other outlets reported.

In an email to the officers he led, Caban wrote that "the news around recent developments has created a distraction for our department, and I am unwilling to let my attention be on anything other than our important work, or the safety of the men and women of the NYPD."

"I hold immense respect and gratitude for the brave officers who serve this department, and the NYPD deserves someone who can solely focus on protecting and serving New York City, which is why  for the good of this city and this department  I have made the difficult decision to resign as Police Commissioner," he said.

More: Feds raid homes of NYC mayor's top aides, including the city's police commissioner

Adams named a retired FBI veteran, Tom Donlon, as interim police commissioner. Donlon formerly led New York state's homeland security office and was chief of the FBIs National Threat Center.

"This is the first police commissioner to resign over a corruption probe since the 1970s," Wilbur Chapman, a former New York deputy police commissioner, told USA TODAY. "It creates a challenge for the police rank and file to restore the confidence of the people they protect."

On Sept. 5, investigators from the U.S. attorney's office in Manhattan seized Caban's mobile phones as part of an investigation of what local media reported was possible protection of local nightclubs from enforcement actions. The electronic devices of lower level police commanders and supervisors were also seized.

Caban is among several top Adams aides and confidantes who received federal search warrants earlier this month. They include Deputy Mayor for Criminal Justice Philip Banks III, First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, and Schools Chancellor David Banks.

More: NYC Mayor Eric Adams baptized by the Rev. Al Sharpton at Rikers Island

Philip Banks, a former top police official, was named as an unindicted co-conspirator in an earlier bribery scandal at the NYPD. David Banks, the city's schools' chief, is his brother, and Wright is David Banks' live-in partner. Investigators also seized the devices of a third Banks brother, Terrence Banks, who runs a government consultancy, and of Timothy Pearson, a retired police inspector who is a close confidant of the mayor's.

"Based on what I have seen, I do not believe that Mr. Banks has any criminal liability  period," said Benjamin Brafman, a lawyer for Philip Banks. An attorney for Terrence Banks didn't immediately return a call for comment.

In an interview with WNYC, Schools Chancellor David Banks acknowledged that federal agents had searched the home he shares with Deputy Mayor Wright. "I have been told by my lawyers that I'm absolutely not a target in this investigation," he told host Brian Lehrer, "and I'm going to do everthing I can to cooperate with the investigation."

No one in the mayor's circle has been charged with wrongdoing.

Earlier this year, investigators seized the mayor's electronic devices, apparently in the course of an ongoing investigation of illegal Turkish funding for his 2021 mayoral campaign.

Caban was first appointed in July 2023 following the resignation of his predecessor, Keechant Sewell, who served 18 months before leaving the department.

In a statement, acting Police Commissioner Donlan said he would work to "continue the historic progress decreasing crime and removing illegal guns from our communities, uphold the highest standards of integrity and transparency, and support our dedicated officers who put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NYPD commissioner Edward Caban resigns amid federal investigation
Candelaria Palacios holds a photograph of her husband, Saul Vargas, while being comforted by her children Saul Vargas Jr. and Elissa Saenz during a press conference in front of the Galveston County Jail in Galveston on Friday, Sept. 13, 2024. Saul Vargas, in inmate at the jail, died in custody Tuesday after a deputy deployed a Taser on him. STUART VILLANUEVA/The Daily News

A 39-year-old man died in custody Tuesday night after Galveston County deputies shocked him with a Taser while trying to take him into isolation, Sheriff Henry Trochesset said Thursday.

Authorities as of Thursday were awaiting a cause of death for Saul Vasquez, 39, who had been in the Galveston County Jail for about eight days after being charged with evading arrest, Trochesset said.

MORE FROM HOUSTON CHRONICLE: Elderly Houston woman robbed of $19K she was about to give to crypto scammers

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Houston-area activist Quanell X sent a press release out Thursday notifying media that he would hold a noon news conference Friday asking for answers in connection with Vasquezs death. He did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Candelaria Palacios raises a photograph of her husband, Saul Vargas, during a press conference in front of the Galveston County Jail in Galveston on Friday, Sept. 13, 2024. Vargas, in inmate at the jail, died in custody Tuesday after a deputy deployed a Taser on him. STUART VILLANUEVA/The Daily News Candelaria Palacios holds a photograph of her husband, Saul Vargas, during a press conference lead by activist Quanell X in front of the Galveston County Jail in Galveston on Friday, Sept. 13, 2024. Vargas, in inmate at the jail, died in custody after being Tased in Tuesday. STUART VILLANUEVA/The Daily News

Trochesset said Vasquez began showing behavioral issues after several days in the jail and deputies were trying to move him to a cell by himself. He was shocked with the Taser and taken to the cell, Trochesset said.

Deputies did several check-ins on Vasquez after using force against him and found him unresponsive around 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Trochesset said. Emergency responders performed CPR and took him to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead just before midnight.

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A report by the China Labour Bulletin documents 10 years of violations and critical issues in healthcare. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed and aggravated existing systematic issues and unresolved disputes, such as unpaid wages, violence against staff by patients and family members, excessive workloads, and disparities.

Beijing (AsiaNews)  China Labour Bulletin (CLB) on Monday released a lengthy report detailing the violations and abuses against medical staff over a 10-year period (2013-2023), a trend that has worsened recently.

The study looks at the worrying condition of healthcare workers in China, including doctors and nurses, both male and female. It found that sex was not major differentiating factor.

The situation got worse with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, and was aggravated two years later, when the government scrapped its zero-COVID policy.

The report documents cases of unpaid wages, overwork, unfair treatment, poor safety in health facilities (with deaths and killings), poor labour relations, and unreliable trade unions.

Due to the difficulties and limitations in data collection, the report focused on the country's hospitals. It documented 62 cases involving issues related to wages, social insurance, housing fund in arrears, representing 45.9 per cent of the total.

Most of the protests involved private hospitals (almost 60 per cent); among these, around 70 per cent were ungraded hospitals or hospitals without known grades.

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the world in which Chinese health workers operate, starting with the death on 7 February 2020 of Li Wenliang, a Wuhan ophthalmologist, the first prominent figure to be struck down by the virus, which set off alarm bells about the danger posed by the mysterious new pneumonia that was already affecting and killing scores of people.

Lis case illustrates the sacrifices made by health workers, who over the following years, faced deadly risks due to the implementation of strict measures against the disease and their subsequent sudden lifting.

At the end of 2022, demands and pressures on health workers increased nationwide with the abrupt decision by Chinese authorities to change course and terminate the zero-COVID policy, more concerned about the devastating effects of lockdowns on the economy than of public health.

Struggling to maintain regular services, doctors and nurses have faced excessive workloads, occupational hazards, life-threatening risks, as well as wage cuts and even non-payment of wages and social insurance benefits.

There is a common thread in the various protests that broke out over this decade, especially in 2022-23, namely the lack of effective labour representation for medical staff, leaving them no choice but to make their demands public hoping for a show of solidarity from the public.

Since official health workers unions  which are part of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions (ACFTU), the only labour organisation authorised in the country  failed to represent their members, the latter have had to deal on their own with the problems in the system, resulting in protests, some of them serious.

By collecting and analysing cases of collective action by workers in the health sector and their online requests for help, the China Labour Bulletin was able to draw a picture of the sector, one that is disturbing.

According to experts, the problems are linked to systemic issues and a lack of protection, which are conducive to violent attacks and incidents involving patients or family members.

In addition, health workers complain of negligence or lack of attention by hospital administrators and government departments in cases of violence by patients. Added to this is the lack of support and safety.

In cases where protests have been reported, the response has been to crack down on doctors and nurses who complain, going so far as to arrest protesters.

In May 2022, Yu Xiaobao, vice president of the private hospital management branch of the China Hospital Association, also revealed that more than 2,000 private facilities have gone bankrupt since the onset of the pandemic due to reduced patient visits and greater pandemic prevention and control workload.

Two years later, the legacy of this continues to affect health workers today. For example, on 3 November 2023, a group of doctors from the Ruzhou Maternity and Child Health Hospital in Henan held a protest, saying that they had not been paid their wages for more than a year. Their social insurance benefits and housing provident funds had also not been paid.

Local authorities responded by saying that the decline in births, the impact of the pandemic, and other factors drastically cut into the hospitals business, leading to a sharp drop in income and a delay in wage payment.

However, it would be inaccurate to attribute labour problems in the health sector and related issues only to SARS-CoV-2. In reality, the pandemic emergency simply lifted the lid from long-standing problems.

For this reason, experts want to see a series of measures to reinforce the system, like guaranteeing the right of workers to join unions that represent their interests and defend their rights vis-a-vis management.

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In his address to the authorities in Southeast Asia's commercial and financial crossroads, Francis extolled the model of peace and cooperation between different peoples that the city-state embodies. But he also called for a fair wage for migrants and attention to family and human relations in the metropolis of the digital world. The model of a multilateralism based on shared rules in today's conflict-torn world.

Singapore (AsiaNews) - A model of what the world can become where different peoples come together for the good of all. But - in the Singapore of ultra-modern skyscrapers and huge financial flows - also a warning not to stop at the pragmatism of efficiency and results, forgetting those who remain on the margins. Or - even worse - is forced to work in situations of semi-slavery to make the welfare of others possible.

This is the message that Pope Francis launched this morning from Singapore, in his first speech before the authorities, representatives of civil society and the diplomatic corps of the metropolis-crucible of South-East Asia, the last stop of his long apostolic journey in Asia and Oceania.

The pontiff spoke in the auditorium of the National University of Singapore, on a stage where was present a special new variety of orchid that the country had dedicated to him on the occasion of his visit. Next to him was President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, with whom he had a private meeting at Parliament House, before also meeting the young Prime Minister Lawrence Wong., who in May embodied the generational change at the helm of the city-state.

But significantly - later, at the St. Francis Xavier Retreat Centre, where he is currently residing - the pontiff also received former Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, the now 72-year-old son of Lee Kuan Yew, the founding father of modern Singapore who led it from 1959 to 1990 and to whom Francis himself paid tribute in his speech, for the strong impetus given to the country's rapid growth and transformation.

A story of growth and resilience, the pontiff called it, noting how Singapore has not only prospered economically, but has strived to build a society in which social justice and the common good are held in high regard.

In the shadow of its skyscrapers, however, there is no shortage of dangers that run through today's global economy: Pope Francis pointed in particular to the risk that a certain pragmatism and exaltation of merit entail, namely the unintended consequence of legitimising the exclusion of those on the margins of the benefits of progress.

The pope called for special attention to be paid to the poor, to the elderly - whose labours laid the foundations for the Singapore we know today - and also to protect the dignity of migrant workers, who contribute so much to building society, and to whom a fair wage must be guaranteed.

Francis also mentioned the lights and shadows of the new digital frontiers, another important face of today's Singapore: The rapid developments in the use of artificial intelligence, he said, cannot make us forget that it is essential to cultivate real and concrete human relationships; and that these technologies can be exploited precisely to bring us closer to one another, promoting understanding and solidarity, and not to isolate ourselves dangerously in a fictitious and intangible reality.

In all this, Singapore brings its unique experience of harmony between ethnic groups, cultures and religions: The achievement and preservation of this positive inclusiveness, Francis commented, is favoured by the impartiality of public authorities, engaged in a constructive dialogue with all, making it possible for everyone to make his or her own particular contribution to the common good and not allowing extremism and intolerance to gain strength and endanger social peace. Conditions, these, that have been decisive for the success and stability achieved by Singapore, for a development that is not conflictual and chaotic, but balanced and sustainable.

But it is a role, Pope Francis added, that Singapore is also called upon to play in the international order, which is threatened today by bloody conflicts and wars. I rejoice that you have meritoriously promoted multilateralism and an order based on rules shared by all. I encourage you to continue to work for the unity and fraternity of the human race, for the common good of all.

On this, the Pontiff pointed in particular to two areas: firstly, the role of the family, whose foundations today - he observed - are being questioned and are in danger of being weakened, while instead it must be able to continue to transmit the values that give meaning and form to life and to teach young people to form solid and healthy relationships.

He then spoke of the environmental crisis: Your unique position, Francis told the Singaporean authorities, gives you access to capital, technology and talent, resources that can drive innovation to take care of the health of our common home.

The city-state is a shining example of what humanity can achieve by working together in harmony, with a sense of responsibility and with a spirit of inclusiveness and fraternity, the pontiff concluded. I encourage you to continue on this path, trusting in God's promise and his fatherly love for all.
Officer Valeriano Rios heard the gunfire and then his colleagues' screams of pain as he approached the Harding Street home. He saw the police officers, including the raid's mastermind, Gerald Goines, being wheeled out of the home with a gunshot wound to the face.

Rios, as well as a retired judge, agreed Wednesday that the deadly raid that killed Dennis Tuttle and Rhonghena Nicholas would never have happened had they known it was based on lies.

The latest officer's testimony during the Goines felony murder trial has followed an attempt by prosecutors to show the extent of the ex-cop's alleged lies before the deadly raid and after. The trial started Monday with Goines pleading not guilty in the deaths of Tuttle and his wife, the longtime residents of 7815 Harding Street.

The prosecution contends that had it not been for Goines, the couple may still be alive.

Jurors were shown portions of a 47-minute video from Rios' body-worn camera as well as footage from two other officers during the trial.

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Rios was among the officers sent to the Pecan Park neighborhood to help form a perimeter while members of Squad 15 entered the house on a no-knock warrant. After the gunfire, Rios gave Goines words of encouragement as paramedics carried the officer to an ambulance.



Another officer called his family to let him know he was OK.

Assistant District Attorney Keaton Forcht asked Rios if he would have participated in the raid had he known the information in the warrant was based on lies. He said no.

I dont involve myself with lying, Rios said. I dont do that.

The judge who signed the warrant agreed.

Family members of Dennis Tuttle and Rhogena Nicholas bring a photograph of the couple to the trial of retired Houston Police Department officer Gerald Goines Monday, Sept. 9, 2024 at Harris County Criminal Courthouse in Houston. Goines trial on two felony murder charges in the January 2019 deaths of Tuttle and Nicholas began Monday. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer

Judge's testimony

Retired jurist Gordon G. Marcum II noted the rarity in that Goines came to him to sign no-knock warrants despite his capacity as a municipal court judge in southeast Houston. He recalled spending about 20 minutes with Goines before signing the Harding Street warrant, granting him permission to raid the house, he testified.

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"If you had known it was false, would you have signed it? prosecutor Tanisha Manning asked.

"No, I wouldnt have, Marcum said.

In the search warrant, shown to jurors, Goines swore to Marcum that his informant had bought heroin from the home and that another officer witnessed the purchase, Manning said. He also swore that other drugs and weapons were in the home.

The only truth in the warrant was the address of the house and Goines name, Manning continued.

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Goines lies continued to unravel as investigators visited his hospital room.

The Harding Street house where Dennis Tuttle and Rhogena Nicholas were killed in a botched narcotics raid, photographed on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2019, in Houston. Former HPD officers Gerald Goines and Steven Bryant, along with Patricia Garcia, a neighbor of Tuttle and Nicholas, were taken into custody today and charged with a variety of federal crimes. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer

Investigators become suspicious

Goines couldnt talk after the Harding Street shooting but he could write.

From a hospital bed, with his mouth wired shut, he wrote the name of a confidential informant  someone named Reece  he claimed to be using to justify the heroin bust on a slip of paper. But she would be scared to talk, he warned. Goines showed it to a narcotics lieutenant tasked with learning the informants identity and then tried but was unable to tear the document apart.

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The former lieutenant, Marsha Todd, testified Tuesday that Goines lacked the strength.

MORE ON GOINES: What to know about the ex-HPD cop on trial for murder

Investigators began to suspect Goines alleged deceit as he lay hospitalized with the gunshot wound to the face.

Three days after the raid, Sgt. Rick Bass, then in the Special Investigation Unit, was assigned to find out which of Goines five confidential informants was involved with the no-knock warrant, Bass testified.

He quickly learned the informant that Goines named on the tattered note was a dead end.

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The informant by that name told Bass she worked with Goines earlier that month to obtain two bags of heroin from a home on Napoleon Street  where police had made plans to conduct a similar raid that ultimately fell through  and that she had nothing to do with Harding Street. Bass went on to obtain search warrants to build the criminal case against Goines and interview him at the hospital.

He pressed Goines about the informant and heroin in the hospital room, with his defense attorney Nicole Deborde Hochglaube by his side in a surgical gown.

Goines, not knowing that Bass had already discerned the drugs alleged origins, told him the informant did not exist and that he improperly made the buy himself.

I screw (sic) up because I made a buy without the correct manpower out there, Goines wrote on a pad of paper shown in court. I was looking to buy from a female. I bought from the male.

Goines defense team acknowledged at the start of his trial that Goines lied in connection with the warrant but have challenged the pair of felony murder charges against him. Hochglaube, who remains Goines lawyer, conceded during the tail end of Todds testimony that there never was a confidential informant in an effort to hasten an end to the prosecution's questioning.

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A view of the inside of 7815 Harding on Friday, May 10, 2019, in Houston. The home is the scene of a botched drug raid that took place on Jan. 28, 2019 and left the two homeowners dead and five police officers injured. Marie D. De Jesus/Staff photographer

Shifting blame

Goines attempted at first to cast blame on, Steven Bryant, his frequent partner on narcotics cases, when Todd visited him after the shooting, according to Todd's testimony. Bryant went on to plead guilty in 2021 to federal charges in connection with the raid.

Bryant, who participated in the raid but was not wounded, admitted he knew that Goines would likely claim in a warrant that he witnessed the bogus drug buy. He also admitted to trying to cover for Goines falsehoods in the warrant by turning in the heroin from Goines car as Harding Street evidence, not realizing they were purchased from the Napoleon Street home, authorities said.

He also tried getting other officers to obstruct the investigation.

Bryant has been free on bond since his guilty plea. His sentencing date has been reset seven times since 2021, and is currently scheduled for Oct. 22  after Goines trial is scheduled to end.

An attorney for Bryant, who has been asked to testify, lingered in the courtroom for much of Tuesday afternoon.

Witnesses swear in at the 482nd District Court in front of Judge Veronica M. Nelson for the trial of retired Houston Police Department officer Gerald Goines Monday, Sept. 9, 2024 at Harris County Criminal Courthouse in Houston. Goines trial on two felony murder charges in the January 2019 deaths of Tuttle and Nicholas began Monday. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer

'Handle it ASAP'

The prosecution also focused on the origin of the Harding Street raid, showing that Todds involvement was not isolated to shaking out the informant.

She handed Goines the initial tip that led to the raid, according to her testimony.

The retired lieutenant learned of the Harding Street tip from officers Richard Morales and Nicole Blankenship-Reeves, who she was also dating, after they were dispatched to the initial 911 call from a woman claiming that her daughter was inside the home doing drugs.

Todd urged her girlfriend, who visited the home and found no sign of criminal activity, to write down her intel about the house and pass it to her. The results of Blankenship-Reeves investigation became the handwritten memo that Todd left on her desk for Goines, who worked on a different narcotics squad.

She told Goines that she promised the officers that the narcotics division would handle it ASAP, according to her text message shown in court.

Todd referred Goines to Blankenship-Reeves with follow up questions.

Todd testified that she was confident Goines would do his job and investigate the tip.
The increasing conquests by the Brotherhood Alliance, composed of three powerful ethnic militias, are highlighting the difficulties of administering different territories. A challenge that could explain the difficulties in taking control of even the largest cities in Myanmar. The involvement of China is also emerging with increasing clarity.

Yangon (AsiaNews) - The advance of the three armed groups that are part of the Brotherhood Alliance is revealing that control over territory by ethnic militias is no less authoritarian than that exercised by the military junta. On the contrary, their administration of parts of Myanmar is reigniting long-dormant ethnic conflicts.

In recent months, several abuses have been documented by the Arakan Army, which, on the verge of completely expelling army troops from Rakhine, the Burmese region bordering Bangladesh, has created a proto-state, to use the definition proposed by theInternational Crisis Group research group.

Indeed, the Rakhine still depends on Naypyidaw for electricity, communications, banking services and the supply of essential goods. But most of the territory, inhabited by over a million people, is controlled by the local militia.

The army, weakened by the conflict, has exploited the historical rivalry between the Rakhine, of Buddhist faith, who make up the ranks of the Arakan Army, and the Rohingya, of Islamic faith.

The generals, increasingly weakened by the conflict, have recruited (partly by force) the Rohingya population (against whom they themselves had lashed out in the past), and the AA has responded by massacring hundreds of Rohingya in the northern areas of the state.

This is both old and new and is also manifesting itself in the areas under the control of the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA).

Like the AA, which originated in Kachin State, these are groups originating from a particular region that have spread to different Burmese states in recent years and even more so since the outbreak of the civil conflict in 2021. Also thanks to Chinese military support.

The TNLA, for example, is made up of ethnic Palaung fighters and originated in the hills around Namhsan in the eastern part of Shan State. It has gone through phases and, like the other ethnic militias, for some years respected the truce signed with the Burmese government.

The modern version of the militia dates back to 2009, when the Arakan Army was also founded. The recruits of the two groups received training from the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), another ethnic militia active on the border with China.

The MNDAA, on the other hand, is composed of ethnic Han people (the majority in China) from the Kokang area. It rose from the ashes of the Burmese Communist Party, which was dissolved in 1989, and immediately signed a ceasefire with the Burmese army. Fighting resumed in 2015, when former democratic leader Aung San Suu Kyi was in power.

The fighting in the Shan that year was also joined for the first time by the Arakan Army. According to Bertil Lintner, a Swedish journalist and Myanmar expert, the TNLA and the AA now represent a new kind of rebel army led by younger and more dynamic people than in the past.

While the MNDAA, unlike the other two, has always maintained a much stronger link with China and what is considered the most powerful militia in Myanmar, the United Wa State Army (UWSA).

A link that proved useful in the civil war that broke out in 2021 following the army-led coup, even though officially the UWSA declared itself neutral. The MNDAA's conquest of the town of Lashio in Shan on 3 August (a major turning point that for the first time presaged a total defeat of the Burmese army) was made possible by weapons that the UWSA procured directly from China.

Experts agree that Beijing wanted to teach the Burmese army a lesson for not being able to close down the scam centres on the border between China and Myanmar. But they also agree that the situation now seems to have gotten out of hand for Chinese officials, who in January tried to convince the Burmese generals - long supported diplomatically and militarily by China - and the Three Brotherhood Alliance (the AA, the TNLA and the MNDAA) to sign a permanent ceasefire.

Attempts that have not yet been successful. The Kokang region where the main casinos and scam centres are located had long been administered by the MNDAA before the army installed a rival militia there between 2009 and 2015.

As of April ethnic militias have almost total control of the border territories. According to local sources, the conquest of Lashio has allowed a redeployment of resistance troops, in particular the People's Defence Forces (PDF), the armed wing of the Government of National Unity in exile that is fighting alongside the ethnic militias. The PDF are made up of young people from the Bamar ethnic group, the majority in Myanmar, who inhabit the country's central regions and only became organised after the army coup in 2021.

They received training from the Karen National Liberation Army and are reportedly on their way to Mandalay, the former capital, historical seat of the Burmese rulers before the arrival of the British in 1885. On 3 September, the city was hit, for the third time this year, by a Chinese-made rocket, but launched by ethnic militias.

Inside sources are certain that by the end of the year Mandalay (and all that it represents) will fall into the hands of the resistance forces.

But experts fear that, instead of bringing peace, a new phase of conflict may unfold: already in many areas the TNLA and the MNDAA are perceived as outsiders, and Mandalay, a multi-ethnic city of 1.5 million inhabitants, could pose a further challenge to the Brotherhood Alliance militias.

According to some, this is precisely why the anti-coup fighting groups are hesitant to recapture Myanmar's main cities.
Other Southeast Asian countries have also been affected. Flood waters reach the altar in the cathedral, diocese of Chang Rai, Thailand, the bishop said. Telecommunications and travel are still haphazard in large parts of the region.

Hanoi (AsiaNews/Agencies)  The passage of Typhoon Yagi has devastated some regions of Southeast Asia, in particular northern Vietnam, where the death toll has risen to 197.

According to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the typhoon damaged more than 140,000 homes in 26 provinces of the country.

Vietnams Agriculture Ministry announced that more than 250,000 hectares of crops and a huge number of livestock were destroyed.

In the capital Hanoi, some roads were completely flooded, stopping traffic in and out of the capital.

A landslide swept away the village of Nu, burying 37 houses with 158 residents, in Bao Yen district, Lao Cai province. Due to poor road conditions, rescuers arrived after several hours.

In Cao Bang province, another landslide swept a bus, cars, and motorcycles into a stream.

Yesterday, in the capital, the Red River hit a 20-year high, starting to fall only today, local authorities said. In the meantime, thousands of people have been evacuated and several areas of the country are still without electricity.

In Myanmar, the rains mainly affected the military-controlled capital Naypyidaw, where scores of camps were set up for 70,000 people. Flooding also disrupted road links between Yangon and Mandalay, both of which are administered by the military junta.

The Mekong River Commission, the international body that oversees the river, issued an alert this morning for the city of Luang Prabang, a UNESCO world heritage site, in Laos.

Thailand has reported nine deaths, six killed in a landslide in Chiang Mai district. Authorities have suspended all flights to Chiang Rai airport, about 145 km northeast of Chiang Mai.

Bishop Joseph Vuthilert Haelom of Chang Rai noted that the situation has worsened in recent days.

"The flood water level has been rising all the time since Monday. The cathedral is flooded up to the altar. [The bishops] two-story residence is uninhabitable, even on the second floor. We have no more electricity now, Bishop Haelom told LiCAS News.

Elsewhere, residents climbed on rooftops, while others were perched on furniture inside their homes.

Some parishioners, led by Fr Bancha Apichartvorakul, distributed food, water, and basic necessities. "Many others are still waiting for our help," the priest said.

Further north, the Mae Sai district, on the border with Myanmar, is suffering from the worst flooding in 80 years, Suttipong Juljarern, a local official at the Ministry of Interior, said in a statement.

The Thai military has deployed boats and helicopters to support relief efforts, while hotels and Buddhist temples have opened their doors to about a thousand people flooded out of their homes.
Hong Kong perfectly positioned to play pivotal role in Belt and Road Initiative: John Lee

Xinhua) 09:01, September 12, 2024

John Lee, chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), addresses the opening ceremony of the Ninth Belt and Road Summit held in south China's Hong Kong, Sept. 11, 2024. (Xinhua/Chen Duo)

HONG KONG, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- Hong Kong has many strengths to leverage under the cooperation framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, and has an important role to play in promoting sustainability, said John Lee, chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

Lee said this while addressing the opening ceremony of the Ninth Belt and Road Summit held in Hong Kong, co-organized by the HKSAR government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), on Wednesday.

The HKSAR, as China's most open international city, is "perfectly positioned to play a pivotal role" in the initiative, he said.

"Investors around the world, and that includes over 2,700 family offices here, can take full advantage of Hong Kong, and its broad range of professional services, from financial and legal services, to architectural, engineering, logistics and more, for their Belt and Road projects," Lee said.

Hong Kong can go on to leverage its technological innovation capabilities to nurture new quality productivity driven by green technology and green finance, he suggested.

HKTDC Chairman Peter KN Lam said that Hong Kong, as an important city in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, enjoys connectivity with the vast mainland market. It can facilitate enterprises from Asia and other regions to invest in China, and mainland enterprises to do business overseas.

Li Yongjie, deputy international trade representative of the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, said that the central authorities will continue to support Hong Kong in elevating its status as an international financial, shipping and trading center, and further expand and harness Hong Kong's edges in participating in the Belt and Road Initiative.

This year marks the summit's ninth consecutive edition in Hong Kong. Themed with "Building a Connected, Innovative and Green Belt and Road," the two-day summit gathered nearly 6,000 participants from more than 70 countries and regions, including over 80 policymakers and business leaders. It will continue to hold investment project promotion sessions and feature a special exhibition area.

Guests attend a panel discussion during the Ninth Belt and Road Summit held in south China's Hong Kong, Sept. 11, 2024.(Xinhua/Chen Duo)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Houston ISD board of managers member Audrey Momanaee asks follow up questions to Superintendent Mike Miles as he presents on the districts STAAR testing results for the 2023-2024 school year during a Houston ISD board of managers at the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center, Thursday, June 27, 2024, in Houston. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer

Houston ISD's state-appointed board will consider a resolution to designate business days under the Texas Public Information Act to mean days other than Saturday, Sunday, a national holiday, or a state holiday.

Since it pertains to the Texas Public Information Act (TPIA), the resolution would affect the timeline for information requests.

It would be in accordance with House Bill 3033, effective Sept. 1, 2023 near the beginning of last academic year, which defined business days under the TPIA. The law allows a school board to designate up to 10 days each calendar year as nonbusiness days that are not national or state holidays, where the district's administrative offices would be closed or operate with minimum staffing.

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This resolution follows a letter requesting an opinion from the Attorney General regarding one of the Chronicle's public information requests, where the district's public information office included Lyndon Baines Johnson Day on Aug. 27, marking his birthday, as a nonbusiness day.

"The District was closed for TPIA purposes on August 27, 2024, for Lyndon B. Johnson Day," the law firm Spalding Nichols Lamp Langlois wrote on behalf of HISD, referring to Texas law. The district was otherwise open, with school in session, that day.

The district would designate its fall holiday on Oct. 4, Thanksgiving break, and winter break (Dec. 23, 27, 30 and 31) as nonbusiness days under its resolution.

Confederate Heroes Day, San Jacinto Day, Texas Emancipation Day, Texas Independence Day, the Friday after Thanksgiving, and Dec. 24 and 26 are state holidays.

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Board will consider real estate rule change

The board will consider the sale of a property on Mesa Drive in closed session Thursday after it considers a change to its rules on the consent agenda that would allow property sales proceeds to be deposited into the district's general fund.

The board would declare the property located at 0 Mesa Drive as surplus and authorize sales procedures to an adjacent property owner. The tract of land with that legal description is less than an acre, or about 36,000 square feet, between land owned by GC Community Development Corporation and Mesa Drive. The land is south of HISD Education Learning Center.

HISD did not respond to the Chronicle's calls and emails requesting additional information.

The district also owns tracts of land adjacent to North Forest High School of about 192 acres and 15 acres with similar legal descriptions. It is unclear if the district will consider that land for sale in the future. It is also unclear whether a portion of that acre-sized land of the legal description on the board agenda may be parceled off and sold in portion.

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HISD has recently focused on property sales for cash at board member Ric Campo's prompting. He said at a May 23 board meeting he "may have pushed our CFO" to consider the property sales after trying to get to a community event at Energy High School. He entered what he thought was the campus address into his GPS, and it took him to an old Energy school location on the northside of I-10, he said. He appears to have referred to the former location of Energy Institute High School.

"I go to that school, and it looks like a dystopian movie scene with burned-out cars. People have looted the buildings, and I pull into that driveway. And I go, 'what is this?'" he recounted, and said an HISD police officer on patrol said "there's lots of bad stuff that happens" to those buildings. After that, Campo said, he talked to the district's chief financial officer Jim Terry to ask about "dilapidated buildings that are eyesores in the community."

The Chronicle has not visited this location Campo described.

The Mesa Drive land appears to be vacant and appears to be undeveloped with a "zero" address assignment.

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Community members have expressed concern about selling assets to patch up the district's $528 million budget shortfall, which comes amid stagnant state funding, declining enrollment and a higher average per-student funding of $9,445 for Superintendent Mike Miles' New Education System, that brings stringent reforms to classrooms, compared with $6,882 per student at non-NES schools.

Jennifer Perry, HISD parent of four, called for the removal of this policy change from the consent agenda. She said the policy needed a closer look.

Once those assets are gone, theyre not coming back, Perry said before the board on Aug. 15. "That's not an investment, a good investment, long term for us."

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12 September 2024 08:30 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

The growing development of digital technologies worldwide is increasing the demand for cryptocurrency, which is a profitable segment of the cashless payment system and online money market. Since cryptocurrency is a virtual currency, it is primarily acquired through cryptocurrency exchanges and services operating globally. It is not an official payment instrument regulated by central banks. To obtain virtual money, individuals must register with various companies, exchanges, and exchange services. After registration, users can buy cryptocurrency according to the balance in their accounts and conduct transactions.

Cryptocurrency is increasingly used as a means of payment, and the global market recognizes it as a medium of exchange. However, in Azerbaijan, there is no legal framework governing the cryptocurrency market, and current legislation does not officially support the circulation of virtual money.

The digital economy remains a government priority. On September 10-11, the "Chain Reaction 2024" forum was held in Baku, focusing on blockchain, Web3, artificial intelligence, and digital assets.

Speaking at the conference, Angelica Lair, Deputy Director of the Liechtenstein Government's Financial Innovation Office, stated that governments should lay the groundwork for the successful implementation of blockchain and digital assets.

Our task is to create a conducive environment. We need to prepare the ground so that participants can operate freely within this framework. Thats exactly what we did in Liechtenstein with blockchain and digital assets. Initially, we considered: what do we need? The primary issue is regulation, which can be both beneficial and problematic. We believe it is important to engage with the public and companies because understanding the technologies and innovations is crucial for adapting them to state decisions, she said.

A key topic discussed was the development of new tax regulations for individuals earning income from cryptocurrency activities in Azerbaijan.

In his comment to Azernews, economist Vugar Bayramov highlighted that the Central Banks monetary policy includes exploring blockchain technology and virtual currency circulation. Historically, the Central Bank has considered these technologies in its policies.

"Since the Central Bank has previously incorporated blockchain technology and virtual currency into its policy, and since both Azerbaijani law and international practice require individuals who earn income to pay taxes, entrepreneurs should be taxed if no specific exemptions apply," Bayramov said.

He emphasized that taxing virtual or online transactions aims to formalize these transactions and increase transparency.

Bayramov also explained another goal of taxing online transactions.

"Another objective is to regulate online payments, including income generated from cryptocurrencies, and to boost budget revenues. This approach aligns with international practices, where individuals who earn income, whether online or offline, are subject to taxation."

The expert noted that this matter is also related to social responsibility.

"Every entrepreneur and income earner has obligations to the budget. This reflects the increasing number of people and entrepreneurs earning income through cryptocurrency in Azerbaijan. It confirms that the use of cryptocurrency has become a priority in Azerbaijan, with our people actively investing in these innovative assets."

Approaches to cryptocurrency in other countries:

United States: The U.S. has a relatively well-developed regulatory framework for cryptocurrency. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) treats cryptocurrencies as property for tax purposes, meaning that capital gains taxes apply. Additionally, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regulates certain aspects of cryptocurrency transactions and Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs).

European Union: The EU is working towards a comprehensive regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies and digital assets. The European Commission's Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) proposal aims to create a single market for digital assets, ensuring investor protection and market integrity. Member states have varying regulations, with some, like Germany, recognizing cryptocurrencies as units of account.

China: China has taken a restrictive approach to cryptocurrency. The country has banned cryptocurrency trading and Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) but is actively developing its own central bank digital currency (CBDC), the Digital Currency Electronic Payment (DCEP), to enhance control over the financial system.

Japan: Japan has embraced cryptocurrencies and has established a regulatory framework to support their use. The Financial Services Agency (FSA) regulates cryptocurrency exchanges, requiring them to register and comply with anti-money laundering (AML) regulations. Japan recognizes Bitcoin as a legal tender.

In conclusion, as the global landscape for cryptocurrency evolves, Azerbaijan is beginning to explore regulatory frameworks to support and govern its use. This move aligns with international trends and aims to formalize the digital economy, ensuring transparency and contributing to the national budget.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
12 September 2024 16:22 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

In todays world, nearly all advanced infrastructure and production-service sectors are managed through information technologies, and this trend is steadily advancing. Modern combat technologies without ICT are considered a significant disadvantage. The reality is that the development of information and communication technologies has led to the rise of cybercrime, imposing a serious obligation on governments.

Chinese Foreign Minister advocates for enhanced multilateral cooperation

Regarding these issues and others, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized that BRICS member states should strengthen multilateral coordination in combating terrorism and cybercrime to safeguard common interests.

According to the Chinese Foreign Minister, the international security situation has become increasingly complex.

"The BRICS countries share similar positions and interests in combating terrorism and enhancing cybersecurity. Consensus and mutual action should be strengthened, and stable, large-scale cooperation in these areas should be encouraged," he said.

It is important to note that a United Nations report states that more than 1.5 million people fall victim to internet-based crimes each year, with the total damage from cybercriminal activity amounting to $1 billion.

Additionally, Azerbaijan has officially applied to join BRICS. This issue has consistently been on Azerbaijan's agenda and has become even more relevant as cybersecurity concerns are increasingly critical in the modern era.

While the banking sector has traditionally been a major target for cybercriminals, there has been a recent shift towards other sectors, particularly energy infrastructure.

Azerbaijan, having undertaken significant projects in this field and pursuing a sustainable and innovative economy, may indeed become a target for cybercriminals. Thus, ensuring cybersecurity across all critical areas is an essential reality.

In an increasingly interconnected world, the intersection of counter-terrorism and cyber security has become a critical focus. Modern terrorist threats have evolved from physical attacks to sophisticated cyber operations, necessitating advanced cyber security measures. Terrorist groups exploit digital platforms for recruitment, propaganda, and even planning attacks, making it essential for counter-terrorism strategies to incorporate robust cyber defenses.

Effective counter-terrorism requires not only traditional intelligence and law enforcement approaches but also a deep understanding of cyber threats and vulnerabilities. This includes protecting critical infrastructure, securing communications, and developing rapid response capabilities to mitigate the impact of cyber-attacks.

Providing data security and artificial intelligence technologies

The Chinese Foreign Minister also emphasized that, with regard to BRICS, the UN should work to improve the global governance system to make it more effective and accurate. He highlighted the importance of collaboration in ensuring data security and advancing artificial intelligence technologies.

"It is crucial to maintain solidarity among interested states. We must leverage the significant influence of the BRICS+ model to strengthen broader relations in the spirit of integration. BRICS and its partners should actively engage in dialogue, build capacity, and enhance global efforts to combat terrorism and cybercrime. It is essential to address double standards and avoid politicization of critical issues."

As data breaches and cyber-attacks become more prevalent, providing data security has emerged as a top priority for organizations across the globe. Artificial Intelligence (AI) plays a dual role in this realm: it can both enhance security measures and pose new risks.

On one hand, AI technologies such as machine learning algorithms are instrumental in identifying patterns of malicious activity, automating threat detection, and responding to incidents in real-time. On the other hand, AI can be exploited by cybercriminals to develop sophisticated attacks or automate large-scale phishing campaigns.

Therefore, it is crucial to strike a balance between leveraging AI for defensive purposes and addressing the potential security challenges it introduces. Robust data protection strategies must evolve in tandem with advancements in AI to safeguard sensitive information effectively.

Putin reveals 34 countries interested in BRICS expansion

Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that 34 countries have expressed interest in joining BRICS in various capacities. He also mentioned that the methods for membership will be discussed at the upcoming Kazan summit.

The BRICS+ model represents an expansion of the original BRICS groupingBrazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africaby including additional emerging economies. This model reflects a broader coalition of countries with shared interests in economic development and global governance.

The BRICS+ framework aims to enhance collaboration among these nations on various fronts, including trade, investment, and political coordination. By incorporating other key emerging markets, the BRICS+ model seeks to amplify its collective influence on the global stage and address common challenges more effectively. This expanded coalition can offer new opportunities for international cooperation and economic integration, but it also requires careful management of diverse interests and geopolitical dynamics to achieve its goals.

It should be noted that the needs of countries wishing to join the BRICS mechanism vary. Some aim to shift trade settlements away from reliance on the US dollar, others seek to challenge the current international distribution model, and some wish to transition from a raw material-dependent economy to one focused on technological and innovative development.

In conclusion, as global infrastructure and security increasingly rely on advanced information technologies, the imperative for robust cybersecurity measures has never been greater. The rise of cybercrime and the evolving nature of terrorist threats highlight the urgent need for coordinated international efforts. The BRICS nations, underlined by a recent statement from Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi are poised to play a pivotal role in addressing these challenges.

The emphasis on strengthening multilateral cooperation, leveraging the BRICS+ model, and integrating advanced technologies like artificial intelligence reflects a proactive approach to global security. Azerbaijans application to join BRICS further underscores the growing relevance of these issues. As countries navigate their diverse needs and aspirations within the BRICS framework, the collective focus on cybersecurity and counter-terrorism will be crucial in shaping a safer and more resilient global landscape.

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12 September 2024 12:35 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

Serious steps are being taken regarding waste management in Azerbaijan.

Mehman Nabiyev, the head of the Environmental Policy Department at the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, discussed this at a public forum on the implementation of the "Waste" law, Azernews reports.

He noted that attention is being given not only to household waste management in Baku but also to the handling of hazardous waste in the regions: "The management of medical waste is also a priority. Medical institutions from the Soviet era have contributed to an increase in medical waste. Our monitoring has assessed the danger level of this waste, and appropriate measures have been taken."

Nabiyev added that the strategic document on waste management outlines important actions to be taken. According to the document, a project will first be implemented in Absheron: "Once the project is successful in Absheron, it will be rolled out across the country. The private sector is also showing significant interest in waste disposal, collection, and transportation."

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12 September 2024 14:18 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

The declaration of Eastern Zangezur as a "green energy" zone by the head of state has made the necessary steps in the field of ecology inevitable.

Aygun Aliyeva, Executive Director of the State Support Agency for Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), said this at a public discussion on the implementation of the "Waste" law, Azernews reports.

She expressed hope that the nature destroyed in Garabagh due to eco-terrorism by Armenians over many years will be restored with the support of NGOs: "The purpose of holding this event is to address such problems."

Regarding COP29, which will be held in Azerbaijan, the executive director emphasized that hosting such a major event in Baku is a significant achievement for the country.

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12 September 2024 15:21 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

COP29 will create significant opportunities for businesses to thrive amidst new climate realities.

This was stated by Anthony Hobbly, Climate and Risk Representative of the UKs Howden Group, at the International "Sustainable Development and Climate Innovations" forum held in Baku, Azernews reports.

He praised the teams efforts in organizing negotiations ahead of the COP29 climate summit, which will be held in Baku this November.

"Climate change impacts economic development, investors' incomes, and business activities, making climate decisions globally significant," Hobbly emphasized.

According to him, "Finance addresses many challenges, including the threat of climate change. To ensure effective climate finance, it is crucial to raise substantial funds in the market."

He added, "Climate change increases risks, including credit risks. Therefore, banks are actively participating in climate negotiations."

Hobbly expressed satisfaction with the British Chamber of Commerce (BCCA) for organizing events in Baku that contribute directly to implementing COP decisions.

"Imagine COP29 being held in Baku. Over the past decade, the world has recognized the importance of environmental protection for successful economic development and city functioning. I am confident that the negotiation process at COP29, like previous COP sessions, will produce important outcomes," Hobbly said.

He also noted that political will is essential for organizing climate financing and promoting energy transition measures.

"I believe COP29 will provide significant opportunities for businesses to succeed by addressing new climate realities and combating climate change," he added.

It should be noted that the 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) will be held in Azerbaijan this November. The decision was made at the COP28 plenary session in Dubai on December 11 last year. Baku is expected to host around 70,000 to 80,000 foreign guests.

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12 September 2024 15:54 (UTC+04:00)

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Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic met with Azerbaijan's Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, and COP29 President, Mukhtar Babayev, in Belgrade to discuss climate cooperation and preparations for the upcoming COP29 summit, Azernews reports.

During the productive discussions, Vucic stated, "I would like to emphasize Serbia's commitment to sustainable development measures and environmental initiatives that will contribute to the fight against climate change." He also highlighted Serbia's support for the climate financing initiative, saying it is "the main topic of the COP29 agenda."

The Serbian President further stressed the importance of global investment in the "green transition," adding, "Serbia is ready for close cooperation and exchange of experience in order to make a joint contribution to achieving global climate goals."

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The Houston ISD seal is seen before Superintendent Mike Miles speaks before the districts first public budget workshop for the 2024-2025 school year at the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center, Thursday, May 15, 2024, in Houston. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer

Houston ISD announced increased security in a message Thursday, following "a statewide situation involving reports of online and social media posts suggesting several Texas public schools are targets of violence."

HISD said it has not confirmed any direct threats to its schools, and that its police department is working with state law enforcement agencies to investigate.

"Out of an abundance of caution, we have increased on-campus patrols districtwide to further safeguard our schools. The safety and well-being of our students and staff is our top priority," HISD's statement reads on X Thursday. It added that all threats are assigned to "a criminal investigator."

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The district did not respond to the Chronicle's request for more information.

HISD sent a message to families Tuesday about investigating the credibility of a social media post alleging there will be a violent shooting at some campuses. The notification to parents did not say which schools received threats. It is unclear at this time if Thursday's alert is the same reason as Tuesday's alert.

We are aware of a social media post that alleges there will be (a) violent shooting on some HISD campuses, Hamilton Middle School principal DeJonnette Childress said in a message to her school community, posted on X that day. At this point, we do not know the origin of the post and are investigating the credibility of the threat.

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12 September 2024 15:13 (UTC+04:00)

Fatima Latifova Read more

The novel Ali and Nino has been translated into Tamil and published by Sridharan Madhusudhanan, the Ambassador of India to Azerbaijan, Azernews reports.

A presentation ceremony for the book, which was published in Tamil for the first time, was held in Baku. This translation by Ambassador Sridharan Madhusudhanan marks a significant step in the development of intercultural relations between India and Azerbaijan.

Ali and Nino is a novel primarily set in Baku and has been published over 100 times in more than 30 languages worldwide. The most remarkable aspect of this presentation was that it was the first time the novel was translated by an Indian.

At the event, held under the motto A Bridge between India and Azerbaijan through Literature, opening speeches were delivered by Shahbaz Khuduoglu, Director of Qanun Publishing House, and Kannan Sundaram, a representative of the Kalachuvadu Publishing House from India. Their speeches emphasized the power of literary translations in fostering mutual relations between cultures.

Speaking at the presentation, Ambassador Sridharan Madhusudhanan expressed his satisfaction with the achievement of translating the work into Tamil, one of the worlds oldest languages.

The ambassador thanked all his Azerbaijani friends who greatly assisted him in clarifying the meanings of ambiguous words and in the translation process overall. He also expressed his desire for more books to be translated as part of the ongoing development of cultural and interpersonal ties between India and Azerbaijan. The translation of Ali and Nino into Tamil is Ambassador Sridharan Madhusudhanans third translation work and his sixth book overall. His previous works include translations from Chinese into Tamil, making him the first person to directly translate from Chinese to Tamil.

Nigar Kocharli, Director of the Ali and Nino bookstore chain, emphasized in her speech the appropriateness of publishing the Tamil translation of the novel Ali and Nino in the Ali and Nino bookstore.

Afterward, four distinguished guests jointly unveiled the book.

The evening also featured a display of a collection of Indian books translated into Azerbaijani, aiming to further underscore the strong literary ties between the two nations. The presentation of Indian street foods such as panipuri, chaat, and jalebi added a festive atmosphere to the event.

It should be noted that this event was organized by the Embassy of India, Qanun Publishing House, and the Ali and Nino bookstore chain, with the support of Indian associations in Azerbaijan: the India Azerbaijan Association (IAA), the Baku Malayalee Association (BMA), the Azerbaijan Telugu Association (ATA), and the Baku Tamil Sangam (BTS). The leaders of these organizations were also present at the event and expressed their support.

The live discussions that followed further confirmed the shared love for literature and reflected the growing literary and cultural connections between India and Azerbaijan.

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12 September 2024 10:42 (UTC+04:00)

The next meeting of the "National Leader: Heydar Aliyev Lectures" project was held with the support of the Youth Fund, Baku State University (BSU), and the "BSU Volunteers" organization.

According to the information shared by the university, the guest of the project this time was Professor Anar Iskandarov, Head of the Department of Source Studies, Historiography and Methodology of the Faculty of History of BSU.

Speaking on the topic "Founder of the independent state of Azerbaijan - Heydar Aliyev", Anar Iskenderov said that the Great Leader's coming to power was one of the main factors in strengthening the country's independence and achieving great success in the economic, political and social fields. The national state-building policy of the National Leader is based on the current realities and experience of the world, as well as national-moral supports and scientific potential.

As a result of the Great Leader's far-sighted policy, peace, political stability, social-political, socio-economic, scientific, and cultural life in the country have undergone a fundamental change, national unity has been ensured, and Azerbaijan's integration into the world community has begun. The meeting ended with answering the students' questions on the topic.

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12 September 2024 13:46 (UTC+04:00)

Fatima Latifova Read more

A phone conversation took place between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, Jeyhun Bayramov, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Xavier Bettel, Azernews reports.

During the phone call, the two ministers discussed issues of cooperation between the two countries, as well as the regional and international security situation.

Both parties emphasized the importance of such contacts in the development of the existing relations between Azerbaijan and Luxembourg and in discussing issues of mutual interest.

Minister Jeyhun Bayramov also provided detailed information to his counterpart about the current situation and realities in the post-conflict period in the region, as well as the progress of the normalization process between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

It was emphasized that Armenia's ongoing territorial claims against Azerbaijan in its legislation, as well as the rapid militarization of the country, are the main factors threatening the sustainable peacebuilding process in the region.

During the phone conversation, the ministers also exchanged views on other bilateral and multilateral issues of mutual interest.

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12 September 2024 10:13 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

Moscow is fully committed to the comprehensive opening of all communications in the South Caucasus, according to Maria Zakharova, the official representative of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Azernews reports citing Sputnik.

In a recent briefing in Moscow, Zakharova emphasized that Russia's stance aligns with the tripartite declarations signed by the leaders of Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Russia.

We are talking about international law and the documents signed by the parties, Zakharova said, underscoring Moscows support for the economic and transport cooperation in the region. She affirmed that Moscow remains committed to these agreements, stressing that the process should take into account the interests of all involved parties.

"We are sure that such a formula meets the interests of not only Baku and Yerevan, but all neighbors. I mean the neighbors in the region, including Russia, Iran, and Turkey," she added, pointing to the wider regional benefits.

Zakharova also addressed the halt in the activities of the tripartite working group at the level of the deputy prime ministers, which had been tasked with opening communications. Unfortunately, the work in this group has stopped. But it didn't happen because of our fault. I think you can guess whose fault this happened, she remarked, suggesting manipulation by the Armenian side of the agreements.

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12 September 2024 10:59 (UTC+04:00)

Major General Gaffar Goren, Turkiye's newly appointed military attache to Azerbaijan, was presented to the Minister of Defense, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, Azernews reports, citing the Defense Ministry of Azerbaijan

It was reported that the Minister of Defense welcomed the Turkish guest and congratulated him on his new role in Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan's Defense Minister Z. Hasanov especially emphasized the exceptional influence of the sincere relations of the heads of state of the two brotherly countries on military cooperation as well as in other fields. He said that Azerbaijan-Turkiye relations are based on friendship, brotherhood, and strategic alliance.

Colonel-General Z. Hasanov wished the Turkish military attache success in his future activities in the direction of further development of military cooperation between Azerbaijan and Turkiye.

Major General G. Goren, in turn, expressed his gratitude for the warm reception and hospitality and expressed his satisfaction that he started working as a military attache in Azerbaijan. He said that he will spare no effort for the further development of military cooperation between our countries.

At the meeting, which was attended by Major General Soner Oruchoglu, who completed his military attache activity in Azerbaijan, new perspectives of cooperation in military, military-technical, military-educational, and other fields, as well as a number of issues of mutual interest were exchanged.

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12 September 2024 11:36 (UTC+04:00)

The Baku City State Traffic Police Department appealed to the drivers regarding the "2024 Formula-1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix".

According to Azernews, the application reads:

"Taking into account the restriction of movement on some streets and avenues in connection with the "2024 Formula-1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix", which will start tomorrow, especially at the southern gate of the capital city - Baku, in order to ensure traffic safety and prevent traffic congestion, drivers are requested to drive from the southbound towards the city center, i.e. "Azneft" roundabout and as an alternative to "Neftchilar" Avenue, they should move from the 14th kilometer of Baku-Salyan road in the direction of Lokbatan circle by passing through "20 Janvar" or Yeni Yasamal territory on the city bypass road.

At the same time, residents of the 20th area, Bayil settlement, are advised to move towards the center through the inner roads, passing through Gurban Abbasov Street, along Teymur Elchin, Mehdi Huseyn, and Lermontov Streets.

Further to the application, the State Traffic Police advises road users to use private passenger cars as little as possible during the race, and to move to the central part of the city only by means of public transport.

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12 September 2024 16:41 (UTC+04:00)

Participants of the Baku Forum of Azerbaijani Scientists Living Abroad visited the cities of Khankendi and Shusha, Azernews reports, citing the State Committee for Work with Diaspora.

The guests, who visited the city of Khankendi, later met with the rector and staff of Garabagh University. Rector of the university Shahin Bayramov highly appreciated the visit of our scientists living abroad to Garabagh, informed about the activities of the university, adaptation to modern standards, and talked about future plans. They exchanged views on establishing scientific cooperation between scientists living abroad and Garabagh University and the possibilities of using their knowledge and experience.

The appeal of Azerbaijani scientists living abroad to President Ilham Aliyev was voiced in the city of Khankendi.

After the tour in Khankendi, the participants of the Forum of Azerbaijani Scientists Living Abroad left for Shusha. The Azerbaijani scientists got acquainted with the reconstruction works carried out in Shusha and visited the historical places of Azerbaijan's cultural capital.

Azerbaijani scientists called the continuation of the forum's work in Garabagh and its conclusion here a historic event and said that they would do their best for the future of Azerbaijan and will contribute to building stronger bridges between world science and Azerbaijani science. Azerbaijani scientists living abroad emphasised that the meeting with the management team of Garabagh University was an irreplaceable happiness for them, left indelible marks in their memories, and deepened the essence of this visit.

It should be noted that the Forum of Azerbaijani Scientists Living Abroad started its work in Baku on September 9. More than 80 Azerbaijani scientists, scientists, and professors from 23 countries participated in the forum.

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12 September 2024 17:21 (UTC+04:00)

Fatima Latifova Read more

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov has received the newly appointed Ambassador of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria to the Republic of Azerbaijan, Zakia Ighli, Azernews reports.

During the meeting, the development prospects of the existing cooperation agenda between Azerbaijan and Algeria, as well as regional and global issues, were discussed.

Minister Jeyhun Bayramov warmly congratulated Ambassador Zakia Ighli on her appointment and wished her success in her diplomatic activities.

Minister Bayramov noted that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries and emphasized that mutual visits and intensive political dialogue have played a significant role in the development of cooperation over the years. He highlighted the existence of prospects for the development of cooperation in various areas, including economy, trade, energy security, and humanitarian issues, and stressed the importance of utilizing the political consultation mechanism to discuss these opportunities.

The importance of continuing mutual support and cooperation within regional and international organizations, particularly the UN, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the Non-Aligned Movement, was noted.

Minister Jeyhun Bayramov also provided detailed information on the current situation in the region after the 44-day Patriotic War, the realities and challenges of the post-conflict period, large-scale reconstruction and development work in the liberated territories, as well as the normalization and peace agenda between Azerbaijan and Armenia. He thanked Algeria for its support of international legal norms and principles, particularly territorial integrity and sovereignty, during both the past conflict and the post-conflict period.

Additionally, other matters of mutual interest were discussed during the meeting.

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12 September 2024 18:17 (UTC+04:00)

Aykhan Hajizada, Head of the Press Service Department of the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry, has commented on the statement by the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France on the arrest of a French citizen in Azerbaijan, Azernews reports, citing Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry.

"The statement of the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs of France about the discrimination against the French citizen Theo Clerc and the so-called unfair decision by the court about him, and disregard of Azerbaijans judicial procedures by France as a country presenting itself as a state based on the rule of law, is unacceptable. The remarks made by France have no ground.

The sentence given against the French citizen and other persons who intentionally damage the state property is within the court's jurisdiction, and the French side has no right to question this decision.

The French citizen was deprived of liberty under the article of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan for intentionally destroying or damaging the property. It should be noted that Theo Clerc was previously punished in France for such acts, and a fine was imposed on him.

In general, according to the conclusion of the investigation and the court, the French citizen was especially active in the commission of the crime and took special initiative in this direction. It was also revealed that his statements during the court investigation did not correspond to the objective circumstances of the case.

Although he was previously fined a certain amount for the same act, his insincere statements to the court regarding his ignorance of the illegality of acts of this nature in the Republic of Azerbaijan, including his lack of remorse for the act he committed, should be listed as the factors determining his punishment to be more severe than the other two persons.

Everyone is well aware of international law violations, neocolonial policy, racist, discriminatory, and Islamophobic activities, and the human rights restrictions of France, which raise claims about judicial authority and human rights in Azerbaijan and attempt to teach the world a lesson of democracy. Therefore, it would be more beneficial for France to learn from such actions," Aykhan Hajizada said in the statement.

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12 September 2024 16:58 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

In August 2024, Azerbaijan's daily oil production, including condensate fell short of OPEC+ quota.

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Peter Warren is a general assignment reporter for the Houston Chronicle. He can be reached at peter.warren@houstonchronicle.com.

Peter previously lived in Dallas, where he covered the sports as a freelancer for the Dallas Morning News and other outlets. He has been published in Texas Highways Magazine, DMagazine.com, the Star Tribune and Bowlers Journal International. Peter graduated from Northwestern University in 2021.
12 September 2024 19:56 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

On September 11, British Foreign Minister David Lammy and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Kyiv. Ahead of the visit, they expressed concerns at a joint press conference in London about Iran's alleged transfer of short-range ballistic missiles to Russia. Iran has strongly denied these claims, calling them "completely baseless and false" and criticising what it sees as Western hypocrisy. In response, the United States, Britain, France, and Germany imposed further sanctions on Iran, citing Tehran's "escalatory" actions, although they have yet to provide concrete evidence and the weapon has not been observed on the battlefield. This situation points to an increasing intensity in the conflict, evolving into a complex hybrid war where psychological endurance becomes a key factor for both sides.

Adding to the complexity, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov recently stated in an interview that the decision to revise Russia's nuclear doctrine was "connected with the escalation course of our Western adversaries."

In this context, Azernews sought the views of international experts on the evolving situation, particularly regarding Russia's nuclear doctrine and the possibility of Azerbaijan playing a mediating role in peace talks between Ukraine and Russia.

Matthew Bryza, Former U.S. Ambassador to Azerbaijan and Board Member of the Jamestown Foundation:

"It's important to note, though, that the United States, Britain, France, and Germany have no obligation to provide any evidence of what they believe is happening, which is that Iran is providing ballistic missiles to Russia. Personally, I have no doubt Iran is doing so. Based on testimony I've heard from U.S. intelligence officials, including Bill Burns, the head of the CIA, and from academic experts who are not political people, it's clear Iran is transferring both 'Shahed' drones and ballistic missiles to Russia for use in Ukraine, not on the battlefield, but against civilians and energy infrastructure. And Iran has a very large capacity to manufacture ballistic missiles. A second point is you would never see the ballistic missiles on the battlefield because, as I said, they're not used to attract troops by Russia. Russia uses them to kill innocent civilians and to target Ukraine's industrial and really its energy infrastructure.

Bryza also expressed scepticism about Russia's nuclear threats, stating that tensions will likely de-escalate once Russia realises its nuclear threats are not intimidating anyone.

"I think that tensions will de-escalate as soon as Russia understands it is not frightening anybody with its threats to use nuclear weapons. It's looking foolish. And if it were to use a nuclear weapon on the battlefield, as we now know, the United States, via the person I mentioned before, Bill Burns, the former ambassador to Russia and current head of the CIA, went to Moscow last year when there were signs Russia was preparing to use nuclear weapons or a nuclear weapon on the battlefield and explained to his counterparts and to President Putin that were Russia to do that, the U.S. and its allies would attack Russian soldiers in Ukraine and destroy them. So Russia's threats to escalate to the nuclear level are not deterring Ukraine's friends in the United States and in Europe. And Deputy Minister Ryabkov, who used to be the deputy ambassador in Washington, is doing what he's told to do, which is that Russia tries always to frighten other countries because it thinks that gives them power and influence.

Commenting on the issue, the Russian political expert, Member of the Council on Foreign Relations under the President of Russia, Bogdan Bezpalko, accused the West of hypocrisy.



I think that the West takes seriously the changes in Russia's nuclear doctrine as a threat, or more precisely as a polite warning. Especially in connection with the fact that Russia in no way explains now that, in fact, it is going to change its nuclear doctrines. We simply announced that we will make the necessary changes. Of course, accusations against Iran of supplying missiles are a manifestation of hypocrisy on the part of the West. Why? Because Kyiv, Great Britain, France and other countries are striving in every possible way to supply their own weapons, including cruise missiles, to Ukraine. It turns out that they can supply missiles to Ukraine, but Iran cannot supply missiles to Russia. And, despite the fact that it, through its representatives, denies this information, sanctions are going to be imposed against Iran, or, at least, new sanctions are threatened. In any case, this reflects the hypocrisy and double standards of Western countries. Moreover, no sanctions were planned against Israel, especially after the strike on the peaceful zone in the Gaza Strip and now the death of 40 people are being introduced today. European countries currently have no desire to be involved in the conflict. This is evidenced, for example, by the clear position of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who categorically refused to supply long-range Taurus missiles, as well as to send military instructors for direct participation in the conflict. Recently, Russian provocateurs (pranksters) talked to Radosaw Sikorski, who confirmed that the desire to defend Ukraine in Poland is practically zero, this is a quote, and that now even on the issue of destroying missiles from Polish airspace, there is no clear agreement in Poland itself within the Polish political community.

"Therefore, it is impossible to say at the moment that some European countries may be involved in the conflict. But the situation may change, and they may be forced to enter this conflict. Moreover, it is European countries, not the United States, that may experience an immediate threat, including the threat of nuclear proliferation. The US is far away, the nuclear cloud will not reach them, and now, in view of the possibility of using nuclear weapons, they have ordered a study of the impact of nuclear explosions on the agricultural sector. Obviously, the possibility of certain products falling out of the global trade network will be studied. As a result, for example, of the involvement of European countries in this conflict and attacks on them.

"But all this, in my opinion, is a matter of perspective, that is, the future. Germany is openly preparing for war, but it is preparing for war by 2030, maybe by 2027, 2028, 2029 or even 2030. Right now, in 2024, not a single European country wants to enter into a military conflict with Russia, does not plan to do so in the person of its elites. They do not have weapons for this, they do not have full-fledged well-mobilized armies, especially conscripts, and they do not have sufficient finances. I think that now the role of intermediaries is diminishing, simply because there is no room for compromise. Turkiye is a rather specific mediator. On the one hand, it acts, strives to act as a mediator between Russia and Ukraine, and on the other hand, it makes statements that are, in principle, unacceptable for Russia. For example, that Crimea should return to Ukraine. I do not think that Azerbaijan can become such a mediator now. The issue is not some contradictions in Russian-Azerbaijani relations, but simply that there is no real basis for negotiations now. That is, the efforts of any mediator, even such a powerful one, say, as China or India, will simply be fruitless now because the demands of the parties are mutually exclusive.

In addition, the Azerbaijani political commentator Farhad Mammadov, Director of the South Caucasus Research Centre, expressed his opinion on the change of Russia's nuclear doctrines as well as the increase in the scale of the conflict.



I do not think that the threat of using nuclear weapons will play any role in the Russian-Ukrainian war in the next 2-3 months. Until the elections in the USA, the West will cross the red lines it previously drew for itself. This includes the entry of the Ukrainian army into Russian territory, the use of Western weapons in the depths of Russia, etc. All this was predicted and is happening now. Until the elections in the United States, such steps will be taken to support the candidate of the Democratic party, that is, to support her agenda.

"Regarding the role of Azerbaijan, it should be taken into account that there are several forms of mediation. The first is that both parties must agree to any country acting as a mediator. The second point is that mediation can be general in relation to a specific set of issues. For example, Azerbaijan can provide space for negotiations. Secondly, Azerbaijan can be a mediator on specific issues. For example, the field of energy, the issue of Crimean Tatars captured in Russia, etc. Thus, both parties refer to Azerbaijan regarding specific issues, and accordingly, Azerbaijan can offer its mediation activities.

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12 September 2024 08:00 (UTC+04:00)

The U.S. will provide Ukraine with $700 million in humanitarian aid to support displaced Ukrainians, the energy grid in Ukraine, and demining efforts, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced in Kyiv on Sept. 11, Azernews reports, citing Kyivindependent.

Blinken and U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy arrived in Ukraine on Sept. 11 to meet President Volodymyr Zelensky and other top Ukrainian officials.

The U.S. will provide $325 million to help repair Ukraine's energy infrastructure, which requires strengthening ahead of winter and expectations of a renewed campaign of Russian strikes.

The package also includes $290 million in humanitarian aid, which will support "millions of people in Ukraine and the surrounding region who have been forced to flee their homes," Blinken said.

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12 September 2024 19:17 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

The "Tribute in Light" event, dedicated to the memory of the victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, is being held in New York on Wednesday, Azernews reports.

Two beams of powerful searchlights are directed toward the sky, symbolizing the twin towers destroyed by terrorists. Forty-four searchlights are used to create columns of light visible up to 100 kilometers away. The tribute has been held annually since 2002.

Earlier, a solemn ceremony was conducted at the memorial complex on the site of the former Twin Towers in New York. During the ceremony, relatives of the deceased read out the names of the victims.

On September 11, 2001, 19 Al-Qaeda terrorists hijacked four passenger planes in the United States. Two of these planes were flown into the World Trade Center towersthen the tallest buildings in New Yorkwhile a third plane was directed at the Pentagon near Washington, D.C. The fourth plane was headed towards the American capital but crashed near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. As a result of the attacks, 2,977 people lost their lives.

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12 September 2024 21:17 (UTC+04:00)

The US Department of Defense has signed a contract worth approximately $1.2 billion with the American company Raytheon for the production of AMRAAM (Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile) medium-range aircraft missiles, Azernews reports citing the Pentagon.

This information was released in a statement from the Pentagon's press service on Wednesday.

According to the document, the contract, totaling $1,195,985,081, includes the delivery of AMRAAM missiles and related equipment to Bahrain, Bulgaria, Great Britain, Hungary, Germany, Italy, Canada, Norway, Ukraine, Finland, Japan, and Switzerland.

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UnitedHealthcare is set to officially launch its gold-card program Oct. 1 in an effort to save physicians and patients time on prior authorization.

The program will allow qualifying providers to skip the prior authorization process for a number of procedure codes.

Several providers have expressed hope over the program, believing it will potentially be of benefit, while others have expressed doubts.

Yeshvant Navalgund, past president of the Pennsylvania Pain Society, medical director at National Bioskills Laboratories and founding member of the American Society of Regional Anesthesia Special Interests Group in Pain Management, told Becker's that he doubted this move would be in the best interest of patients.

Dr. Yeshvant Navalgund: The concept of a gold card Program as it is currently proposed, only places the leverage back in the hands of the insurance carrier. This will force providers to comply with care models that are "approved" by the carrier. If we are to champion the best interest of the patient, who ultimately is the recipient of care, then there must include accountability for cost shared by the insurance company, patient and provider. This is achieved by cost savings incentives directed at the customer, namely the patient, and if the patient is compliant with care, the provider is conscious about the care using specialty-specific, evidence-based models, and [the] insurer is incentivized to provide reimbursement when each of these criteria are met, this model may have a sustainable opportunity. For these reasons, I dont feel the current proposed model will benefit providers or patients.
A woman has been transported to a hospital after crashing into a medical office building under remodel in Gurnee, Ill., according to a Sept. 11 report from the Lake and McHenry County Scanner.

Gurnee Police and Fire Department personnel responded to reports of a crash around 9:15 a.m. on Sept. 12, according to the report.

The woman was the sole occupant of the vehicle, and was transported to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, Ill.

A contractor working on the medical building renovation was inside when the collision occurred and was uninjured.

Firefighters have been assessing the structure to ensure its stability.
West Virginia lawmakers are looking into easing state occupational licensing regulations to allow workers from other states to work and address shortages in ophthalmologists, according to a Sept. 9 report from The Intelligencer.

Advocates also brought up expanding the scope of practice for optometrists, who can currently perform eye examinations, diagnose issues and recommend treatments, but cannot perform major medical and surgical procedures for eyes.

In recent years, several states have released regulations concerning the kinds of medical services that optometrists are allowed to offer.

Currently, the number of ophthalmologists in West Virginia is falling, but the number of optometrists remains steady.

In West Virginia, optometrists can use lasers for diagnostics, but not for therapeutic treatment of eye and vision issues. In 11 states, including Virginia and Kentucky, optometrists can use lasers to treat certain conditions such as post-cataract haze, minor glaucoma treatments and refractive laser surgery.

Of the 11 states, only Alaska and Oklahoma allow optometrists to perform LASIK surgeries, which are used to treat nearsightedness, astigmatism and other issues.
Salt Lake City based-Intermountain Health has expanded its heart failure program in partnership with digital health company Story Health.

The expansion follows the partnership's successful pilot program that incorporated virtual and asynchronous care into heart failure treatment, according to an Aug. 20 news release from Intermountain.



"[The] care model provides a new avenue for patient connection," Kaley Graham, BSN, RN, executive director of Intermountain Health's heart and vascular program, told Becker's. She called the approach "catered and customized."



Story Health's platform allows physicians to provide telehealth appointments and monitor patients remotely within a virtual application, making patient interaction more frequent compared to the periodic care patients receive in a clinical setting.



"The platform enables timely communication and feedback, which patients love for not just the convenience but the reassurance of their care," Ms. Graham said.



Results from the pilot program showed a seven-day patient engagement rate of 91%, according to the release.



Throughout the pilot program, Story Health remained involved in clinical education for both the platform and the specific components designed to optimize cardiac care.



The digital health company also worked closely with physicians on the platform's approach to guideline directed medical therapy heart failure treatment.



In addition, Ms. Graham said the "trends suggest cost savings for both the health system and the patients alike."



Patients enrolled in the program experienced a 14.5% readmission rate, lower than the national average of 18%, allowing for more clinical access to patients who require in-person care.



Additionally, 80% of patients had their prescription medications adjusted without having to schedule an in-person visit, the release said.



"Intermountain's overarching mission of 'helping people live the healthiest lives possible' really supports a proactive approach to improving the way we deliver cardiovascular care," Ms. Graham said. "[This model] simplifies things for patients  giving them alternatives to their care and hopefully keeping patients out of the hospitals."
Lehigh Valley Health Network, based in Allentown, Pa., has agreed to a proposed $65 million settlement in a class-action lawsuit related to a 2023 ransomware attack that exposed the medical records of 134,000 patients, according to a Sept. 11 report by The Times Tribune.

The settlement, reached on Aug. 20, follows a ransomware attack claimed by the BlackCat group in 2023. The breach resulted in patients' personal information being stolen and leaked on the dark web, including sensitive data such as nude photos of some breast cancer patients.

The lawsuit was initially filed in Lackawanna County (Pa.) Court, moved to federal court, and then returned to the county court. It remains pending in Lackawanna County Court, with a final approval hearing for the proposed settlement scheduled for Nov. 15, according to the report.

The $65 million settlement will be distributed among patients based on the extent of the harm they experienced, with each group receiving compensation up to a specified limit.

Lehigh Valley Health Network has created a website to provide details about the settlement. On the site, the health system denies any wrongdoing and asserts that the settlement class does not have a valid legal claim.

"Lehigh Valley Health Network has tentatively resolved a class action pertaining to the 2023 cybersecurity attack by a Russian ransomware gang known as BlackCat. The attack was limited to the network supporting one physician practice located in Lackawanna County. Class members will receive separate written notice with additional information about the settlement," a spokesperson for Lehigh Valley Health Network told Becker's in an emailed statement.

Additionally, the spokesperson said after identifying the unauthorized activity in 2023, it immediately launched an investigation, engaging with cybersecurity firms and experts, and notified law enforcement. After investigating, Lehigh said it provided notices to individuals whose information was involved and that BlackCat demanded a ransom payment, but Lehigh Valley refused to pay.

"Patient, physician, and staff privacy is among our top priorities, and we continue to enhance our defenses to prevent incidents in the future," the spokesperson wrote.
A judge dismissed a trademark infringement lawsuit against a St. Louis hospital, allowing the facility to keep its name.

Homer G. Phillips Memorial Hospital, which was named for a late Missouri civil rights icon, opened in January. The Homer G. Phillips Nurses' Alumni Association, whose members attended a now-defunct nursing school named for Mr. Phillips, sued the hospital, claiming it infringed on the group's trademark.

A St. Louis County circuit court judge ruled in favor of the hospital, dismissing the case Aug. 30.

"It is not reasonable to believe that someone looking for an alumni organization for a nursing school would be so confused as to end up at a hospital that claims no affiliation with the original nursing school," Judge Heather Cunningham wrote in her decision.

The group said it may appeal the decision. "The nurses remain the only entity in the nation with a licensed trademark on the name 'Homer G. Phillips,'" association president Yvonne Jones told Becker's in a statement. "The nurses, just like the Red Cross, should be able to control the use of their trademark. Just as the defendant hospital should not get to operate using the name of the Red Cross, it should not get to operate using our name without our permission."

Mr. Phillips, a lawyer, fought to get a hospital built to serve Black residents of St. Louis before he was shot to death in 1931. The original Homer G. Phillips Hospital, which had about 700 beds and the nursing school, opened in 1937 before closing in 1979.

"We are on the national registry as far as our building; as far as I'm concerned, there is no other Homer G. Phillips, and there will never be another one," nursing school alumna Lois Collier-Jackson told Fox 2 in St. Louis. "You can't really compare those two."

The new hospital has 15 emergency department beds and three inpatient beds.

"Our only goal was to honor the life and legacy of Homer G. Phillips and all he did to improve the lives of everyone in our community," hospital board member Darryl Piggee told Becker's in an emailed statement. "We are proud that our dedicated staff of physicians, nurses and support professionals ... have already treated over 3,000 patients from the community since we opened our doors in January."
An air mattress blows in wind from Hurricane Francine in New Orleans, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton) Matthew Hinton/Associated Press

Power outages were mounting and a flood emergency was declared late Wednesday as Hurricane Francine worked its way through eastern Louisiana after making landfall as a Category 2 hurricane.

A flash flood emergency was issued by the National Weather Service for New Orleans and several surrounding cities. The NWS advised residents to immediately move to higher ground and that the situation was life-threatening.

So far, the brunt of the damage appears to be concentrated in southeastern Louisiana, where some parishes are reporting outages for as many as 50% of area customers. The storm has claimed power for more than 250,000 customers in the region, according to poweroutage.us.

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Conditions are quickly getting worse in the NOLA Metro as the strongest winds and heaviest rain approach, the NWS said in a statement on X. We are getting consistent gusts of 55-65MPH across the metro and higher to the southwest. Flooding also likely. Shelter in place and stay away from windows!

Despite Francine weakening to a Category 1 after making landfall, the storm has already carved a path of destruction through parts of the southern U.S. A video uploaded to X by Weather Nation shows a flea market in Houma, Louisiana, reduced to rubble by high-velocity winds. In Orleans Parish, damage to telecommunications equipment prevented residents with certain carriers from contacting emergency services.

By late Wednesday, Mississippi had fared better than Louisiana. Francine is still mostly making its way across Louisiana, and officials said it should weaken significantly by the time it reaches Mississippi.

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This storm is going to continue to weaken, and fairly rapidly, said Logan Poole, a meteorologist with the NWS in Jackson, Mississippi. By the time it gets to the Jackson metro area we expect it to be a weakening tropical storm if at all.
Thirty-five artificial intelligence startups have raised $100 million or more in 2024  and three of those focus on healthcare, according to a list compiled by TechCrunch.

Here are the three healthcare AI companies that have landed funding rounds of $100 million-plus through Sept. 9, per the news outlet:

1. Abridge: $150 million. The ambient clinical documentation company sealed the series B funding Feb. 23. The round was co-led by investment firms Lightspeed Venture Partners and Redpoint Ventures and included the Mass General Brigham Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation Fund, Kaiser Permanente Ventures and CVS Health Ventures.

2. AKASA: $120 million. The healthcare revenue cycle automation platform secured the funding June 18.

3. Zephyr AI: $111 million. The AI precision medicine startup landed the series A funding March 13 that included Eli Lilly & Co. Columbia, Md.-based MedStar Health has previously invested in the company.
The Washington state Supreme Court ruled earlier this year to hold hospitals accountable for medical errors committed by independent contractors, a Seattle-based law firm said Sept. 10.

The ruling follows years of litigation surrounding a patient's death at Samaritan Hospital in Moses Lake, Wash., according to court documents obtained by Becker's. The court made the ruling April 11.

The patient, Cindy Essex, arrived at Samaritan's emergency department in June 2015 with pain in her left shoulder, chest and abdomen, according to court documents. An independent contractor physician evaluated Ms. Essex and another independent contractor, a radiologist, interpreted her CT scans.

She was then transferred to Central Washington Hospital, where she received the diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis, a flesh-eating disease, and later died.

The family of Ms. Essex sued Samaritan Healthcare, claiming medical negligence and wrongful death based on a missed necrotizing fasciitis diagnosis.

The main question for the state's Supreme Court was whether Samaritan could be held liable for the negligence of nonemployee physicians providing emergency services. It ruled all Washington hospitals can be held liable  reversing legal precedent that had been upheld since the 1970s, according to the Luvera Law Firm, which represented the Essex family.

"The decision sets a new precedent for hospital liability cases in Washington state after decades of antiquated standards in medical malpractice law that allowed hospitals to deflect blame onto individual doctors, citing the technicality that they are independent contractors and not hospital employees," the medical malpractice firm said.

With this opinion, the case is returning to trial court.

"We respect the Supreme Court's opinion, ultimately it has no significant impact on the outcome of the case," a spokesperson for Samaritan Healthcare told Becker's.
A former cancer research scientist at the University of Alabama at Birmingham has been awarded $3.8 million for harassment and discrimination she said she experienced while employed at the university's medical school, AL.com reported Sept. 10.

Fariba Moeinpour, an Iranian-born scientist, worked at a UAB lab between 2011 and 2020. She filed a federal lawsuit in 2021 in the Northern District of Alabama. She claimed that during her time at UAB, racial slurs were directed at her and she was stalked and physically attacked.



"[Ms.] Moeinpour said she complained to her boss and to human resources but was ignored," the AL.com report said.



A federal jury awarded Ms. Moeinour $3 million in damages to be paid by the university. In addition, a former co-worker of Ms. Moeinour's named in the lawsuit has been ordered to pay her $825,0000 in damages, according to AL.com.



"UAB 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," a UAB spokesperson told Becker's. "We respectfully disagree with the verdict in this case involving former employees, and we are considering next steps."



Read the full AL.com report here.
A chair with a name card for Ralph de la Torre, MD, chairman and CEO of Dallas-based Steward Health Care, sat empty Sept. 12 after he skipped the bipartisan Senate committee hearing he had been subpoenaed to attend.

The hearing, "Examining the Bankruptcy of Steward Health Care: How Management Decisions Have Impacted Patient Care," was held by the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.

HELP Committee member Sen. Bill Cassidy shared during the hearing that eight days earlier, Dr. de la Torre told the committee that he would not comply with the subpoena. The committee then directed him to comply and responded that his objection to the subpoena had no merit.

"A witness cannot disregard and evade a duly authorized subpoena," Mr. Cassidy said. "Therefore, today, the chair and I will be asking the committee to report a resolution to authorize civil enforcement and criminal contempt proceedings against Dr de la Torre requiring compliance subpoena."

Steward sought Chapter 11 protection May 6 and has since been working to offload the remainder of its 31 hospitals.

Dr. de la Torre's absence from the hearing comes as he has faced ample criticism the past few months for lavish vacations and ownership of two multimillion dollar yachts while the for-profit health system's hospitals struggle.

Sen. Ed Markey shared during a Sept. 5 press conference that the Senate must hold a vote to hold Dr. de la Torre in criminal, civil contempt or both, and that the committee will "not stop until he answers for what he has done or is put behind bars."

A spokesperson for Steward shared a Sept. 12 statement with Becker's that detailed how Dr. de la Torre continues to ask for a rescheduling of the meeting and that it would not only be inappropriate for him to testify on Steward bankruptcy matters, but that he is also "prohibited by federal court order and otherwise from doing so."

"The Committee continues to ignore the fact that there is an ongoing settlement effort underway with all interested parties that paves the way to keep all of Steward's remaining hospitals open and preserve jobs," the Steward statement said. "Dr. de la Torre cannot testify or otherwise publicly comment so as not to interfere with this process. Dr. de la Torre will not do anything that could jeopardize this effort."

The HELP committee will vote the week of Sept. 16 on two resolution adoptions. The first will be for civil enforcement and the second will be "for certification to the United States Attorney for criminal contempt," according to a Sept. 12 HELP committee news release shared with Becker's.

"If passed by the committee, both resolutions will be advanced to the full Senate for a vote," the release said. "The resolution for civil enforcement of the subpoena instructs Senate Legal Counsel to bring a civil suit in the District Court for the District of Columbia to require Dr. de la Torres compliance with the subpoena and his testimony before the HELP Committee. The criminal contempt resolution would refer the matter to the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia to criminally prosecute Dr. de la Torre for failing to comply with the subpoena."

Editor's note: This story was updated at 2:35 p.m. CT.
Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) has introduced a bill that would ban pharmaceutical companies from restricting access to 340B drug pricing program discounts, according to a Sept. 11 press release shared with Becker's.

The legislation is a Senate version of the bill introduced by Rep. Doris Matsui (D-Calif.) that seeks to ensure drug companies cannot impose conditions on 340B discounts through pharmacy partners. Drug companies that violate these requirements would be subject to fines as high as $2 million per day.

340B Health President and CEO Maureen Testoni praised the bill, stating that it helps combat drugmaker policies that harm patient care in safety-net hospitals.

"We call on members of Congress  to support this crucial legislation for the benefit of the patients who have access to vital care and support because of 340B," said Ms. Testoni.
Petrol and diesel in NI now at their lowest prices since September 2021

Average petrol and diesel prices in Northern Ireland have hit three-year lows as consumers feel the benefit of falling crude oil prices.

According to the NI Consumer Councils weekly fuel price checker, a litre of petrol now costs an average of 133.8p around forecourts  down from 135.4p the week before.

And the average price of a litre of diesel is also down to 136.3p per litre from 137.6p the week before.

Both petrol and diesel prices are now at the lowest theyve been in Northern Ireland since September 30 2021, according to the Consumer Councils archive. That was six months ahead of Russias invasion of Ukraine and the dawn of the cost of living crisis.

Northern Irelands motorists are now benefiting from petrol prices that are 4p per litre cheaper than in Great Britain, while diesel is 6p per litre cheaper.

Luke Bosdet, spokesman for motoring organisation the AA, said global trends were to thank for falling prices at the pumps.

Oil prices falling from $87 a barrel in early July to $70 now is the cause of petrol and diesel pump prices dropping to current levels."

But he said there was no room for complacency. Opec and other market indicators are pointing to lower oil demand globally.

However, all eyes are currently on potential hurricane disruption to oil and gas production in the Southern states of the US.

"The impact of Hurricane Katrina on road fuel markets in 2005 still casts a shadow.

The latest UK pump price averages are 137.8p a litre for petrol and 142.6p for diesel, so Northern Ireland continues to enjoy its major saving on road fuel compared to the mainland.

Petrol and diesel hit their recent price peaks on June 30 2022, according to the Consumer Council archive, with petrol reaching 189.9p and diesel skirting close to the 2 per litre mark at 197.5p.

Prices of both petrol and diesel in Northern Ireland have been falling gradually since around May this year.

The Consumer Council said that this week, Strabane could lay claim to the cheapest petrol of the towns it tracks, at 128.3p per litre. Bangor is the most expensive, at 137.9p per litre.

Strabane is also cheapest for diesel, at 132.8p per litre, with Bangor the most expensive again, at 139.1p.

But Mr Bosdet said the future of prices at the pump was resting on Chancellor Rachel Reeves first Budget on October 30 and whether she retained a duty cut introduced over two years ago.

"The big fear now is that the Treasury will seize the opportunity of lower pump prices to end the 5p fuel duty cut of March 2022 and hit drivers overnight with a 6p-a-litre increase, if you include the Vat that gets added.

"Thats 3.30 extra for your typical 55-litre car fuel tank. As the AA has been reminding the Government, oil price volatility might very well send oil prices back up.

Once the current pump price gets to 144p a litre and that 6p is added, drivers are back in the dreaded 150p a litre nightmare.
RBCA has now joined forces with Johnston Graham, with the new entity operating from RBCAs offices on Linenhall Street.

The move will bring growth of nearly 60% to RBCA, and the addition of 1,000 clients.

Ross Boyd, who founded RBCA in 2010, said: This is a significant moment for our businesses.

"It has enabled two local firms to consolidate resources and expertise and strengthen our offering to customers as a result.

"The enhanced RBCA entity will benefit from the reputation Johnston Graham has established over 21 years, and we are proud to be in the position to adopt its clients and provide them enhanced services through our talent, knowledge and innovation.

Johnston Graham was founded by David Knox and Elaine Mulholland in 2003.

Mr Knox said: We are delighted to merge with RBCA, a firm that has a proven track record in providing advisory services, as well as auditing and tax services.

"From the beginning of our conversations, it was clear that Ross prioritises the same values as Johnston Graham and has a clear vision for the long-term success of the business, demonstrated by a continued investment in the team, and the digital infrastructure to ensure that clients receive a truly valuable service that supports their businesses to remain profitable.

News Catch Up - Thursday 12 September
Grangemouth oil refinery will close in the first half of next year (PA)

The closure of Scotlands only oil refinery will create a significant economic shock, John Swinney said, as the Scottish and UK governments promised a joint 100 million support package for Grangemouth.

Ministers at Holyrood and Westminster acted after bosses at Petroineos confirmed the refinery is to close in the second quarter of 2025, with the loss of 400 jobs.
Northern Ireland

Co Down bus crash: It could have been so much worse, but small rural area is still reeling
Brent Webster, First Assistant Attorney General of Texas, addresses the media during a press conference in Austin, TX on Thursday, June 9, 2022. Sergio Flores / HOUSTON CHRONICLE

Some Texas Supreme Court justices seemed skeptical Thursday of a professional misconduct case against a top aide to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton for his role in filing a suit to overturn the 2020 presidential election.

In oral arguments on First Assistant Attorney General Brent Websters case, Justice Jimmy Blacklock questioned whether a committee of the State Bar of Texas, which brought the suit, was acting based on politics.

Its hard for me to understand how this case is anything other than a government entity taking a particular view of that disputed political question and then insisting that the attorney general of Texas take the same view and not side with the 50% of people who had questions about the election, Blacklock said.

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The way the all-Republican high court ultimately rules could indicate how the justices decide a similar case before them against Paxton, a third-term Republican.

The case stems from Paxton and Websters effort to challenge the 2020 election results in four key battleground states won by Joe Biden. The U.S. Supreme Court rejected their suit for lack of standing. In 2022, a committee of the State Bar of Texas filed disciplinary suits against Paxton and Webster, accusing them of making false claims that they had substantial evidence raising doubts about the election outcome.

State appeals courts have ruled in favor of the bar in both cases.

Paxtons office has cast the case as a political witch hunt and accused the State Bar of deploying lawfare.

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Eighteen Republican attorneys general filed a legal brief supporting Webster, who did not appear in court on Thursday

Neither the State Bar nor this Court is an appropriate forum for what is ultimately a political fight, the attorneys general wrote in April. (Professional misconduct) rules cannot be used to limit discretionary authority conferred by a state Constitution. Nor can they be weaponized to undermine the will of the voters who elected the Attorney General in the first place.

Blacklock seemed to agree, saying a persons view of whether Websters actions were sanctionable seemed to be fully contingent on their politics. He said many Americans may have seen the merits of allowing Paxtons office to present evidence on his claims.

Michael Graham, lead counsel for the bars Commission on Lawyer Discipline, said he did not agree that concerns about the election are limited to members of one political party. He added that making a misrepresentation in court is a violation regardless of who believes its true.

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Graham said this case followed the normal grievance process laid out by bar rules, and he emphasized that it was initiated not by the bar but after a review by the chief disciplinary counsel of many outside complaints. The counsel had initially opted to dismiss the complaint, but the case was revived when the complainants appealed to the bars board of disciplinary appeals, whose members are appointed by the Texas Supreme Court. Webster chose to resolve the case in a district court rather than through an administrative panel.

If hearing from those two independent bodies the commission then decides, Were just going to dismiss it because its the attorney general or its the first assistant attorney general. This is a can of worms we just dont open - to me, that sounds political, Graham said. I think thats a problem. And I think the commission thinks thats a problem. So thats why we find ourselves here today.

Texas Solicitor General Aaron Nielson, representing Webster, argued Thursday that allowing the case to move forward would violate the separation of powers principle by allowing the judicial branch to interfere with an official action of the executive branch.

Graham said the Supreme Court has the authority to regulate the practice of law, and it does not violate separation of powers because the Bar committee isnt taking issue with the filing of the suit itself but rather specific claims made within it. The suit alleges that Paxton and Webster made dishonest representations that were not supported by evidence, some of which had already been dismissed in other courts.

Nielson also argued that Webster is subject to sovereign immunity, a legal principle that generally shields government officials from being sued in their official capacity. The bar has argued, as Graham reiterated Thursday, it is not suing Webster in his official capacity but rather as a Texas-licensed attorney.

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Justice Brett Busby said he found it very surprising that the Supreme Court would not have the authority to take away law licenses, the very same ones that the court issues, because of sovereign immunity. He later clarified that he was just trying to suss out the limitations of that argument but was not saying he necessarily disagreed with the attorney generals office.
A school health and welfare officer abused his position of trust to sexually abuse teenage girls including one of whom was targeted in her own home, a jury has been told.

As well being accused of abusing nine pupils at Lagan College in south Belfast, Neil Beckett is also standing trial for targeting two Army Cadet students when he was their leader  one of whom claimed she was raped aged 14.
DUP leader Gavin Robinson said it was important that Stormont leaders bring the case for more funding to the Chancellor (Jonathan McCambridge/PA)

Chancellor Rachel Reeves may not be in listening mode when she hosts Stormont leaders to discuss pressures on Northern Irelands finances, DUP leader Gavin Robinson has warned.

First Minister Michelle ONeill, deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly and Finance Minister Caoimhe Archibald will meet the Chancellor at the Treasury on Thursday.

They will stress the need for sufficient funding to run public services in Northern Ireland.

First Minister Michelle ONeill, Finance Minister Caoimhe Archibald and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly will meet with the Chancellor on Thursday (Liam McBurney/PA)

Mr Robinson said it was right that the ministers advance the argument.

He told the BBCs Good Morning Ulster programme: They clearly have a responsibility around sustainability of budgets and finance but they are right to highlight the fact that Northern Ireland has been completely denuded of sustainable and fair funding for our public services.

That doesnt ignore the challenges that we have before us here in Northern Ireland but it is fair that those are appropriately reflected with the Chancellor in London.

But Im not sure the Chancellor is in the position to listen.

She has just stripped 300 out of every pensioners pocket in the United Kingdom and she has done that to placate trade union barons on pay deals and other pet projects.

They talk of a 22 billion black hole left by the last government, but they have made 25 billion worth of funding commitments since they came into government, 10 billion on pay, 8 billion on GB Energy and 7 billion on a new sovereign wealth fund.

Mr Robinson added: Those are political choices and so whilst I recognise the importance of the approach today and the need for Northern Ireland to get a fair funding formula that is sustainable for the future, I am not sure that the Chancellor is in listening mode.

Northern Irelands public services are facing intense financial pressure.

Ms Archibald this week urged Executive colleagues to take urgent action to rein in spending after revealing that departments are currently overcommitted by 767 million.

She said the administration was expecting around 500 million in extra funding from the UK Government following next months Budget through the Barnett funding model used to distribute money to the devolved regions.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves will meet Stormont leaders on Thursday (Darren Staples/PA)

But she highlighted that would still leave the Executive facing a funding gap of around 267 million.

Ms Archibald said such an overspend would have grave consequences as she warned that failure to balance the Stormont budget by the end of the financial year would see the UK Government withdraw a previous offer to write off 559 million worth of debt owed to the Treasury.

In a social media post ahead of the meeting with the Chancellor, Ms ONeill said she would be bringing the message that people in Northern Ireland deserve first-class public services.

She said: For the past 14 years, the Tories unleashed savage and sustained cuts to budgets for public services.

The new British Government must not follow that same heartless agenda.

The Executive stands united in its commitment to secure fair funding to provide the best possible public services for people.
Irish language groups and campaigners have staged a protest at Belfast Grand Central after the new transport hub was unveiled without dual-language signage.

Last Sunday, Translink began its phased opening of its new 340 million transport hub in Belfast city entre with bus services relocating from Great Victoria Street station.

It marked the launch of the biggest public transport centre on the island of Ireland.

Train services from the station are also set to launch at a later date.

However, Translink, Northern Irelands public transport provider, has seen a backlash due to a lack of Irish language signs in the station, with local activists calling on the company to add bilingual displays.

Today, members of the Irish language community, local groups and schools staged a protest at the new transport hub, calling upon Infrastructure Minister John ODowd to direct Translink to install dual language signs in the station.

The protest included unveiling a large Dream Dearg banner across the floor of the new station.

Eoghan O Gairmile, spokesperson for An Dream Dearg, said: We were bitterly disappointed to see the new Grand Central station launched on Monday without any dual-language provision.

"The Irish language community has been engaging with Translink and the Department of Infrastructure (DfI) since 2022 to ensure dual-language signage was factored into the design phase as early as possible, to avoid any future retrospective costs of adding additional signage.

"Translink have continuously deflected and ignored their obligations in providing dual-language provision. First of all they told us they couldnt do anything without direction from a Minister, then when the Minister advised them to go ahead, they told us they couldnt do so without an Irish language commissioner, he added.

Belfast City Council previously passed a motion calling on Translink to make comprehensive dual-language signage and provision throughout the new station upon its completion.

"In addition to that Ministerial advice, we had Belfast City Council passing a motion in favour of bilingual signage at weavers cross and local and national language groups lobbying both Translink and the Department, Mr O Gairmile added.

We are clear that the current English-only approach is in direct contravention of the European Charter for Regional Minority Languages, which has been adopted in Policy by DfI, and which also applies to Translink as a public service provider.

"Given the time already afforded to Translink, the amount of statutory, political and community support given to them to implement a dual-language approach, and their ultimate decision to exclude Irish from all of their core signage, we believe the only way to ensure that approach is not overturned is through a Ministerial Directive. Language rights are not up for debate.

"Translink should not have a veto to exclude the rights of an entire section of this community. The Minister must now intervene and ensure this multi-million monolingual monolith is transformed into an all-island beacon of equality based on mutual respect for both the Irish language and the English language, side by side.

In response to the protest, a Translink spokesperson said: We look forward to working with the Irish and Ulster Scots language commissioners when they are appointed by Stormont; and we continue to work closely with local communities to ensure that all aspects of the areas diverse culture is recognised and highlighted as part of the ongoing arts and heritage programme.

Irish is used as part of the multi-lingual welcome signage which is already in place at the station and we continue to engage with all interested parties with regards to signage at Belfast Grand Central Station.

In a statement, Department for Infrastructure spokesperson said: Minister ODowd is committed to the visibility and promotion of Irish Language across public services and in our society. He is continuing to engage with Translink in relation to Irish language signage at Grand Central Station and is confident that the matter can be resolved.

Speaking at the official opening, Mr ODowd said he was disappointed the issue was not resolved, but was confident it would be.

Im engaging with Translink in regards to that matter and Im confident we will find a resolution to it, the Sinn Fein MLA said.

The building will be fully open in terms of the plazas and infrastructure outside by April 2025 and I believe well have it resolved before then.

Its a statement about the future; to me it sends out a clear signal that Belfast is a modern, European city, and that we as a society are moving forward, he continued.

So, its main purpose is obviously to provide transport facilities for both rail and bus, but I think theres a wider significance than that, not only in Belfast, but across the north.
The two households voted in opposite directions when responding to the Irish language sign proposal

There are only two houses on Grangeville Drive in south Belfast. Pic: Google Maps

Irish language street signs have been approved for a two-house street in south Belfast after one household voted in favour and one voted against.

At a Belfast City Council committee meeting this week, elected members agreed dual English and Irish language signs for Grangeville Drive, BT10, off Upper Lisburn Road.

The street is called Ceide Bhaile na Grainsi in Irish.

Nine other streets were agreed for dual English and Irish language signs at different parts of the city during the monthly meeting of the councils People and Communities Committee.

At Grangeville Drive, two occupiers were in favour of the erection of a second street name plate, while two occupiers were not in favour.

At the committee meeting, DUP councillor Sarah Bunting said the councils Irish language sign policy can literally split neighbours.

I am happy to agree to most of these, but I am going to raise again the 50/50 split in Grangeville Drive, she said.

This highlights how the policy can literally split neighbours  this street has two houses. One house is for the signs and one house is not.

It is highlighting how [the policy] is causing those divisions, and upsetting good relations in the city. We have raised this time and time again.

We have come back with what is probably a 100% response rate for the first time ever, and it is literally a 50/50 split in the one street.

Ms Bunting did not make a proposal and the 10 streets were approved for new signage.

There will be a cost of approximately 4,680 to cover the cost of the manufacturing and erection of this batch of dual language street signs.

In 2022 councillors agreed a new policy on dual language street signs.

Sinn Fein, Alliance, the SDLP, the Green Party, and People Before Profit all supported the new street sign policy, while the DUP, UUP and PUP voted against it.

The new policy means at least one resident of any Belfast street, or a councillor, is all that is required to trigger a consultation on a second nameplate, with 15% in favour being sufficient to erect the sign.

Non-responses will no longer be counted as against votes, and there will be an equality assessment for each application.

Before that the policy required 33.3% of the eligible electorate in any Belfast street to sign a petition to begin the process, and 66.6% to agree to the new dual language sign on the street.
Lee Williamson appealed his conviction as one of the sub-post masters caught up in the Horizon IT Scandal (Picture: Aodhan Roberts/Belfast Telegraph)

A former sub-postmaster from Co Tyrone caught up in the Horizon IT scandal is to have all of his wrongful convictions quashed, the Court of Appeal has confirmed.

Lee Williamson was fully exonerated after the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) ended any opposition to the legal battle to clear his name.

With fraud and theft offences already certain to be overturned by new legislation, senior judges agreed to quash four other convictions for forgery.

Lady Chief Justice Dame Siobhan Keegan declared: It has been a long road for Mr Williamson, but it has come to a favourable outcome for him today.

The 49-year-old was among 26 postmasters from Northern Ireland to be charged after the defective Horizon computer software made it look like money had gone missing.

Mr Williamson was accused of stealing and falsifying accounting records at his branch in Portstewart when an audit appeared to show an alleged shortfall of 17,000.

In 2014 he received a suspended sentence after pleading guilty on advice to three counts of fraud by false representation, theft, abuse of his position, and four offences of forgery and counterfeiting.

In total, more than 700 sub-postmasters across the UK were prosecuted by the Post Office between 1999 and 2015 for similar accounting errors.

It has been described as one of the worst miscarriages of justice in British history.

The scandal was thrust back into the spotlight after ITV drama Mr Bates vs the Post Office sparked a public outcry and renewed pressure on the Government to intervene.

Five of Mr Williamsons convictions are to be automatically overturned under the terms of the new Post Office (Horizon System) Offences Act, with confirmation expected in a letter from the Department of Justice.

Although the legislation does not cover the four counts of forgery, it was accepted in court today that those alleged offences were also linked to the Horizon system.

The decision was reached after studying a report prepared by forensic investigators as part of the appeal.

Senior counsel for the PPS announced that Mr Williamsons appeal was no longer being opposed.

Dame Siobhan then confirmed: We are satisfied, given the prosecutions position, that we should allow the appeal on the four convictions that are before us and quash those convictions.

Outside court, an emotional Mr Williamson declared himself fully vindicated by the outcome.

My name has now been fully cleared, he said.

Mr Williamson also expressed remorse at having pleaded guilty in the first place, describing how he had been struggling with mental health and felt that the charges were stacked against him.

It was on advice that I would get a suspended sentence, but it was one of the biggest regrets I ever had, he explained.

I felt like I had let myself down by taking the easy option rather than fighting it.

His solicitor, Michael Madden, declared that he was now fully exonerated.

Mr Madden said: Mr Williamson has been to hell and back over the years.

He insisted his client would never have been convicted if the Post Office had not withheld IT information.

Referring to the ongoing public inquiry into the Horizon scandal, the lawyer added: Criminal prosecutions should be taken against any individuals found by the Inquiry to have deliberately withheld disclosure in an attempt to save the reputation of the Post Office at the expense of the lives of its sub-postmasters.
A review is to be held into the Northern Ireland Policing Board (Liam McBurney/PA)

A review of Northern Irelands Policing Board will begin on Monday, Justice Minister Naomi Long has announced.

The board is the oversight body for the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).

Ms Long said the review would be independent and would conclude before the end of this year.

Justice Minister Naomi Long said the review of the NI Policing Board would be completed before the end of the year (Liam McBurney/PA)

It was first announced last year after a number of controversies rocked the PSNI.

The board received criticism for its response to the row which followed a major data breach in which the details of around 9,500 PSNI officers and civilian staff were mistakenly published in response to a Freedom of Information request.

The oversight body faced further pressure when a critical High Court ruling around the disciplining of two junior officers led to then PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne announcing his resignation.

He was replaced by Jon Boutcher.

Former Policing Board chairwoman Deirdre Toner announced last September there would be a review of how the board carries out its legislative duties.

Ms Long has appointed Paul Sweeney, a former permanent secretary in the Northern Ireland Civil Service, as independent reviewer and Dr John Topping, a senior lecturer in criminology at Queens University Belfast, as the independent expert adviser to inform the review process and outcomes.

The minister said: A review of the Policing Board was initially announced by the former chair of the board, following a series of policing related incidents.

However, it has always been my preference that an independent review be carried out and I thank Paul Sweeney and John Topping for agreeing to take it forward.

I look forward to receiving the findings and recommendations of the review in due course.

The review will be tightly focused and delivered in a timely manner to conclude by the end of December.

It will primarily involve members and staff of the NI Policing Board, the PSNI and representative bodies, and the Department of Justice.

The terms of reference of the review will include determining the extent to which the board carries out its statutory duties to hold the PSNI to account whilst ensuring an efficient and effective police service.

The review will also look at the definition and management of organisational boundaries, taking into account the High Court judgment from last year.

The Policing Board is made up of 10 political and nine independent members and holds a number of public meetings throughout the year during which senior PSNI officers face questions from members.

Current Policing Board chairman Mukesh Sharma said: The board welcomes the announcement by the Justice Minister and will fully assist the work of the independent reviewer and his expert adviser in discharging the terms of reference set.
Disorder taking place during the racist rioting in the Sandy Row area of Belfast in August. (Photo by Kevin Scott)

Northern Ireland is to benefit from 15m of UK-wide funding from Westminster to support those affected by the race-related disorder which broke out during the summer.
BEST QUALITY AVAILABLE Undated family handout file photo of Sophie Toscan du Plantier whose uncle said that Irish investigators must continue to probe her murder despite believing that Ian Bailey, who died on Sunday, killed her. Jean Pierre Gazeau, the uncle of Sophie, said Mr Bailey never faced legal consequences in Ireland. Mr Bailey, 66, was the main suspect in the murder of the French producer. Issue date: Monday January 22, 2024.

Irish deputy premier Micheal Martin has said he believes that the case against Ian Bailey for the murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier should have gone before a jury.

He said that the murder of the French filmmaker remains seared into our consciousness and the fact that no one was convicted for her murder would always be a deep shame for us.

The Foreign Affairs Minister and Cork South-Central TD made the comments at the launch of the book Sophie: The Final Verdict by journalist Senan Molony in Dublin.

In December 1996, the body of the 39-year-old French filmmaker was found beaten outside her holiday home in Schull, West Cork.

Ian Bailey, who was the main suspect in her murder, died in Cork in January this year aged 66.

Mr Bailey, with an address at The Prairie in Schull, was convicted of murder in his absence by a French court in May 2019.

The three-judge court imposed a 25-year sentence.

The terrible anguish of her family and all who knew her was made much worse by the fact that our system proved incapable of meeting its responsibilities to Sophie, Mr Martin said on Thursday.

However, there is no doubt that this case continues to give a serious cause for reflection.

The simple fact is, we failed in our duty to find and convict a bloody murderer, and our system blocked alternative routes when others were not willing to accept our failures.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin says the case against Ian Bailey should have gone before a jury (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

In October 2020, the High Court in Ireland rejected an attempt by French authorities to extradite Ian Bailey for the murder.

Mr Bailey was facing a third extradition process to France in relation to the filmmakers death.

Mr Martin acknowledged there is a balance between seeking justice for a victim and respecting the rights of the accused.

When you look at the details of this case and the scale of the evidence, it is very, very hard to understand why this evidence was not put before a jury, he said.

Its hard to understand why the system was so convinced by its interpretation of legal principles that it effectively threw its hands in the air and gave up.

He added: The fact that we have absolute independence in our judicial system, that no external pressure can be applied on independent prosecutors and judges is a great strength which we should value.

And at the same time, we can admit that this system failed Sophie Toscan du Plantier.

We can ask for a proper review of whether decisions were reasonable which blocked the murder trial or which would have predetermined its outcome.

Mr Martin also said lessons needed to be learned from the case, including around the speed at which cases are processed.

The deputy premier also highlighted faster processing of people accused of rioting in other jurisdictions.

I think we need an honest conversation about why crimes which can be processed much quicker in other democratic societies seem endlessly delayed here.

Look at the rapid conviction of rioters in other countries and compare this to our response to riots here.

Yes we have resources issues, but most democratic countries also have resource issues.

We could dramatically increase the resources at every level and we would still operate principles and practice which delay justice, often excessively.

He added: Im conscious that there is currently a cold case review into Sophies murder under way, and I sincerely hope that it brings some clarity to the circumstances around her tragic death and answers some of the questions that her beloved parents, Georges and Marguerite, and her son John Pierre have waited nearly three decades for.

We need to learn from our failure to deliver justice for Sophie and Tuscan du Plantier.
Foreign national prisoners would be closer to home in cells in Estonia, the House of Lords has heard.

Foreign national prisoners would be closer to home in cells in Estonia, the House of Lords has heard.

Conservative peer Lord Farmer also said that moving prisoners from British jails to Estonia would give us more space, during a debate on challenges on prison capacities.

There have been reports that the Government is investigating the possibility of sending some inmates to prisons in Estonia to increase capacity in the short term.

Last year the then justice secretary Alex Chalk said he was in discussions with other European countries about the possibility of renting prison cells for British offenders as a way to ease overcrowding.

Lord Farmer has produced two reviews for the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) on the importance of families and other relationships to prisoners rehabilitation.

He told the House of Lords: Successful rehabilitation reduces pressure on prison places. My two reviews for the MOJ, which they continue to implement with dedication and enthusiasm, emphasise that healthy relationships greatly reduce reoffending, as those who receive family visits are 39% less likely to reoffend than those who dont have them.

HMPPS (HM Prison & Probation Service) are very mindful of closeness to family when selecting which prisoners to send abroad.

28% of foreign national prisoners are either Romanian, Polish or Albanian, and would be closer to home in Estonia than in British jails, and give us more space.

Many prisoners without family on the outside or friends to help them go straight benefit from well supervised peer support in prison, and those relationships protect against repeat offending.

A general view of HMP Pentonville, north London (Victoria Jones/PA)

Justice minister Lord Timpson said: The plan to rent prison places in Estonia was explored by the previous Government, but is not something we intend to implement.

On Tuesday around 1,700 prisoners were freed from jails across England and Wales came after Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced plans in July to cut temporarily the proportion of sentences which inmates must serve behind bars from 50% to 40% to tackle capacity issues.

Liberal Democrat peer Baroness Burt said she moved to call the debate on overcrowding to address the sorry mess in the prison service.

She said: Today, the number of prisoners is double what it was over 20 years ago, and the average length of sentence has doubled.

You dont have to be a statistical genius to work out that theres some kind of causal connection here.

Baroness Burt raised the rise in self-harm and assault on prisons which, combined with overcrowding, mean that theres not enough space or resources to make a prisoners experience rehabilitative or even safe.

She said: Overcrowding makes everything so much worse.

Prison officers have to deal with a highly inflammatory situation.

Trying to keep prisoners and themselves safe, preoccupies most of their time, and rehabilitation sometimes goes out of the window.

No wonder recidivism gets worse.

We also know that we cannot build our way out of an overcrowding problem.

The MOJs own forecasts say the prison population will grow to 94,000 and over 114,000 in the next four years alone.

The Lord Bishop of Sheffield said overcrowding was not conducive to a transformative culture for people in prison.

He said: Every person supported to turn away from offending makes our country safer for everyone, but truly effective rehabilitation almost always takes place in a context of care and trust, and it surely goes without saying that overcrowding in prisons is not conducive to a transformative culture.

He added: Those working in prisons rightly expect to be protected from harm and to carry out their duties with dignity.

Current overcrowding has made a difficult role immensely challenging. Hidden from public view, prison staff work in conditions in their place of employment that few of us can appreciate or would tolerate, prisons must be safe for staff if a culture of respect and trust is to be built.

Justice minister Lord Timpson said: Overcrowded prisons are dangerous places adding that he has never known things as bad as they were when this Government took office.

On his plans for reform, he said: I am hoping to be here for a long time and I think it will take a long time.
At least 380 local, state and federal law enforcement officers responded to the May 24, 2022, mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde. Associated Press

U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents who responded to the 2022 Uvalde school shooting were not properly trained to respond to such an incident and struggled because of a lack of direction and leadership from local law enforcement, an internal review has found.

A Border Patrol-led team breached the classroom at Robb Elementary School where the attacker was holed up with his victims and "ultimately killed the shooter," according to a summary of the review's findings. But that didn't happen "until after a lengthy delay," the inquiry found.

The fault lies with local law enforcment officers "who were at the school but didn't take command of the scene," the report said.

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"None of the first responders or CBP personnel who were in a position to take action against the assailant had access to an accurate school layout or understanding of where to locate the necessary keys for entry to critical areas of the school, which may have been mitigated by a functioning command and control system," CBP said in a statement about the report.

Agents training did not prepare them for a situation in which they would be responding to a situation at a school, where an active shooter would be engaged behind a locked door, and where local authorities had not established a command and control framework, the review found. The training was inadequate in other areas, including how to use ballistic shields, the report found.

CBP said its Office of Professional Responsibility examined thousands of hours of video and conducted more than 200 interviews. The investigation found that no agents violated any laws or policies, and no disciplinary action was taken CPS personnel who responded to the shooting, the report said.

The review found "a lack of command and control, with multiple law enforcement agencies responding to the scene but no established command and control framework."

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The federal agents "received no instructions from state or local law enforcement leaders on scene," and none of those leaders "established an identifiable incident command and control framework," the review found, adding that this "ultimately resulted in delays, inaction, and potential further loss of life."
Former prime minister Theresa May has taken her seat in the House of Lords (House of Lords/PA)

Tory former prime minister Theresa May has taken her seat in the House of Lords.

Baroness May of Maidenhead, who stepped down from the Commons at the last election after 27 years, wore the traditional scarlet robes for the short introduction ceremony in the upper chamber where she swore the oath of allegiance to the King.

The 67-year-old was supported by fellow Conservative peers Lord True, shadow leader in the Lords, and Baroness Evans of Bowes Park.

Among those looking on from the gallery above was Lady Mays husband Philip, who she met at Oxford and married in 1980.

Her admission to the red benches was greeted with a louder than usual customary shout of approval from the Tory benches.

The former prime minister was loudly cheered from Conservative benches (House of Lords/PA)

Lady May was first elected as MP for Maidenhead in 1997, and served as home secretary under David Cameron between 2010 and 2016 before succeeding him as prime minister.

Her term in Downing Street lasted a turbulent three years and was dominated by wrangling over Brexit.

After seeing her proposed withdrawal agreement with the EU roundly defeated three times in the Commons, she faced a no confidence vote in her leadership.

Although she survived, her authority was diminished and she announced her resignation five months later in a tearful statement on the steps of Downing Street.

Lady May never really recovered from her disastrous decision to call a snap general election a year after entering No 10.

Baroness May of Maidenheads tenure as prime minister saw turbulence over Brexit (House of Lords/PA)

She had hoped to capitalise on her early popularity, but instead saw her majority wiped out after an ill-judged campaign which saw the hasty withdrawal of the so-called dementia tax manifesto pledge.

It left her reliant on the votes of Northern Irelands Democratic Unionists to prop up her government.

On stepping down as an MP, Lady May said she would focus on championing causes including the fight against modern slavery for which she has been a consistent campaigner.

Also taking his seat in the unelected chamber was Liam Booth-Smith, who served as chief of staff to Rishi Sunak when he was both chancellor and prime minister.

The 38-year-old swapped his trademark leather biker jacket and open shirt for the scarlet robes and a tie as he swore allegiance to the King at the despatch box.

Lord Booth Smith was supported by fellow Conservative peers Lord Finkelstein and Lord Petitgas.

After swearing in, he appeared to forget to sign the peers register until he was gently reminded by the clerk.
The sign for the Ministry of Defence in London (Tim Ireland/PA)

The Royal Navy has shadowed a Russian attack submarine and corvette through the English Channel while RAF jets were scrambled to monitor two of Vladimir Putins aircraft.

In the past week Type 23 frigate HMS Iron Duke monitored the progress of Kilo-class submarine Novorossiysk and a supporting tug as it passed through the Dover Strait before a similar operation to shadow the corvette Stoiky and a tanker.

Patrol ship HMS Tyne was also involved in the operation to monitor the Stoiky.

The Royal Navy offshore patrol vessel HMS Tyne (Andrew Matthews/PA)

On Wednesday, two RAF Typhoons from RAF Lossiemouth were scrambled to intercept a pair of Bear-F maritime reconnaissance aircraft operating near the UK, although they did not enter UK sovereign airspace.

Defence Secretary John Healey said: This Government is committed to making the UK secure at home and strong abroad.

Efforts by the Royal Navy and RAF over the last two weeks demonstrate their selfless commitment to protecting our national security.

Id like to thank those members of our armed forces who took part in this operation, their professionalism and skill was on full display while working seamlessly with our Nato allies to uphold international standards.

Typhoon fighter jets were scrambled to monitor the Russian Bear-F aircraft (Jane Barlow/PA)

The RAF and Royal Navy are frequently called on to monitor Russian planes and vessels as they travel near the UK, but the activity comes at a time of heightened tension as a result of the war in Ukraine.

The Ministry of Defence confirmed the recent activity on the eve of a key meeting between Sir Keir Starmer and US President Joe Biden in Washington, where the issue of support for Ukraine will be discussed.

The UK and US have faced calls from Ukraine to give permission to allow long-range weapons supplied to Kyiv to be used to strike targets such as airbases within Russia.
Disgraced ex-movie mogul Harvey Weinstein has been indicted on additional sex crimes charges in New York ahead of a retrial in his landmark #MeToo case, Manhattan prosecutors said at a court hearing.

The indictment will remain under seal until Weinstein is arraigned on the new charges, which could happen as early as September 18.

Assistant district attorney Nicole Blumberg disclosed in court that the indictment charges Mr Weinstein with additional crimes and that multiple accusers are prepared to testify against him.

Weinstein, 72, is recovering from emergency heart surgery on Monday at a Manhattan hospital to remove fluid on his heart and lungs and was not at Thursdays hearing.

Prosecutors retrying Weinsteins overturned rape conviction disclosed last week that they had begun presenting to a grand jury evidence of up to three additional allegations against Weinstein, dating as far back as the mid-2000s.

The new charges come after prosecutors in Britain announced last week they would no longer pursue charges of indecent assault against Weinstein (Adam Gray/Pool Photo via AP)

They include alleged sexual assaults at the Tribeca Grand Hotel, now known as the Roxy Hotel, and in a Lower Manhattan residential building between late 2005 and mid-2006, and an alleged sexual assault at a Tribeca hotel in May 2016.

Because the indictment is under seal, it was not known whether the new charges involved some or all of the additional allegations.

We dont know anything, Weinsteins lawyer, Arthur Aidala, said outside court. We dont know what the exact accusations are, the exact locations are, what the timing is.

In April, New Yorks highest court overturned Weinsteins 2020 conviction on rape and sexual assault charges involving two women and ordered a new trial. Weinsteins retrial is tentatively scheduled to begin on November 12.

Prosecutors said they would seek to combine any new charges with ones previously brought against Weinstein so that they could be tried together. Weinsteins lawyers oppose that, arguing that prosecutors were seeking to bolster their original case with additional charges involving other accusers.

Mr Aidala said Weinsteins defence team will not be ready to go to trial in November on the new charges. By law, he said, they will have 45 days to file court papers challenging the prosecutions request to try the original and new indictments at the same time, pushing the fight into the weeks before a possible trial.

Weinsteins new charges come after prosecutors in Britain announced last week that they would no longer pursue charges of indecent assault against Weinstein.

Women began going public with accounts of his alleged behaviour amid the #MeToo movement in 2017.

Weinstein, who co-founded film and television production companies Miramax and The Weinstein Company, has long maintained that any sexual activity was consensual.

Also on Thursday, Judge Curtis Farber granted a defence request to have the ailing Weinstein remain at Bellevue Hospital indefinitely instead of being moved back to the infirmary ward at New York Citys Rikers Island jail complex.

Judge Farber also ordered Weinsteins attending physician at Rikers Island to testify at a closed-door hearing about the ex-studio boss health issues.

Weinsteins surgery on Monday came after his third trip to Bellevue Hospital to have fluid drained, the judge said.

If Mr Weinstein dies because no one has taken the authority to stop what may be the death of Mr Weinstein because of this back-and-forth transfer from one institution to another, it would be a miscarriage of justice to say the least, Weinsteins lawyer Barry Kamins told Judge Farber. It would be a travesty of justice.

Manhattan district attorney Alvin Braggs office had signalled for months that new charges were imminent against Weinstein, who was once one of the most powerful people in Hollywood, having produced films such as Pulp Fiction and The Crying Game.

In July, prosecutors told a judge they were actively pursuing claims of rape that occurred in Manhattan within the statute of limitations. They said some potential accusers who were not ready to come forward during Weinsteins first New York trial had indicated they were now willing to testify.

In vacating Weinsteins conviction, New Yorks Court of Appeals ruled that the trial judge, James M Burke, unfairly allowed testimony against him based on allegations from other women that were not part of the case.

Weinstein, who had been serving a 23-year sentence in New York when his conviction was quashed, was convicted in Los Angeles in 2022 of another rape.

His 16-year prison sentence in that case still stands, but his lawyers appealed in June, arguing he did not get a fair trial in Los Angeles. Weinstein has remained in custody in New Yorks Rikers Island jail complex while awaiting the retrial.
Casement decision is a blow to all of Northern Ireland, not just people in west Belfast
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The immensely successful Marvel vs. Capcom series may soon add a new title to the list, which will deliver more of the arcade-like action, according to Capcom's producer. Shuhei Matsumoto is fully on board the possibility of a new Marvel vs. Capcom sequel following its recent release of the iconic collection featuring Arcade Classics.

However, it should be noted that Capcom is not working on this new game as of press time. This is because the development of this game will depend on the success of the company's latest release.

Producer Wants to Bring a New Marvel vs. Capcom Game

ComicBook Gaming shared an exclusive interview with Matsumoto in which the company's producer expressed his enthusiasm towards creating a new Marvel vs. Capcom game. However, it has been clarified that there is no development currently being done for this idea. No further details were also revealed.

According to Matsumoto, one of the top factors that will lead to Capcom giving the go signal for a new game is if sees commercial success with the latest Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collections release.

However, the other and more important factor that will be considered is fans' "support for the series," with Matsumoto asking fans to make their voices heard so that it will be "realized" by Capcom.

Read Also : Capcom Announces Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster on Modern Consoles, PC

Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collections: Arcade Classics

Marvel Games and Capcom's latest collaboration has led to the new Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collections: Arcade Classics that lets fans and gamers enjoy a retro fighting experience on modern gaming platforms.

This collection features six of the iconic games in the franchise but also adds in the first side-scrolling beat 'em up title, The Punisher, which now features online co-op in this remastered version.

The Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Franchise

There has been a long history between Marvel Comics and the Japanese gaming giant Capcom as many games that are a result of their partnership have been published through the years. This this initially began with fighting games, and its first title focused on tag-team fighting and incorporating Capcom's franchises.

This is none other than 1996's X-Men vs. Street Fighter, which paved the way for the iconic Marvel vs. Capcom.

The last Marvel vs. Capcom game was released in 2017, and it's called Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite. No new arcade-style fighting games featuring Marvel Comics were released by Capcom after this, but it followed up its Street Fighter franchise with Street Fighter 6, which was released in 2023.

After almost seven years since the last game, Capcom wants to jump back into the mayhem that is Marvel vs. Capcom in the future should everyone in the company be on board.

With that, Capcom's Matsumoto is now rallying for public support in both purchases and making their voices heard by the company for a future installment of Marvel vs. Capcom to become a reality.
UPDATE: This story has been updated to correct a statement about town meeting's rejection of a public safety complex.

LANESBOROUGH  Since its settlement in 1685, this town has never formally mapped out its vision for how it hopes to grow and change over the years.

There have been studies  most recently, the 2019 Berkshire Mall Reuse Report and a 2017 Economic Development Plan, as well as a 2006 Open Space Recreation Plan.

But it has not contemplated its future in the form of a master plan  until now.

"We thought it was long overdue for Lanesborough to have a source document from which to draw on for ongoing decisions regarding future growth and development for the town," said Town Administrator Gina Dario, in an email to The Eagle.

A master plan, essentially a blueprint for future growth in the community, is defined under Massachusetts General Law as a document providing "a basis for decision making regarding the long-term physical development."

The master plan will cost $70,000 to prepare and is being paid for with a $50,000 grant from the state Executive Office of Environmental Affairs and $10,000 matches from both the town and Berkshire Regional Planning Commission. It's expected to be finished by May 31, 2025.

As an initial step in the process, the town wants residents to weigh in, so it has launched an online survey that is open to anyone who lives in Lanesborough.

It asks residents about their hopes for the town  including questions about the type of growth (if any) they prefer, along with questions about why they enjoy living in Lanesborough.

It also asks questions about what types of businesses to encourage, recreational use, infrastructure improvements, priorities, whether residents would be in favor of adopting the Community Preservation Act surcharge, and reuse of the Berkshire Mall.

The online survey was created for the Planning Board, which can propose zoning bylaw changes.

Dario said the process to develop the master plan will include residents, neighborhood groups, business owners, municipal bodies, educators, elected officials and other relevant stakeholders.

"This process provides a forum for the community to coalesce and talk through ranging issues, hopefully resulting in consensus building and better understanding of the views of fellow residents," she wrote.

The zoning bylaw may be the most robust tool in shaping Lanesboroughs future look and uses. Any zoning change, whether through citizen petition or the Planning Board, would require a two-thirds majority at town meeting.

The survey also asks residents whether they would favor either expanding the commercial zone as well as whether they would favor expanding or changing housing options.

It was developed by Seth Jenkins, senior community planner at Berkshire Regional Planning Commission.

Were trying to get as much participation as we can, he said. With a population of about 3,000, thus far about 100 people have responded. He hopes to get 10 percent, or about 300 responses. Hes been dropping flyers at businesses and asked for help from Mount Greylock Regional School District to advertise the survey.

He said one of Lanesboroughs ongoing challenges is trying to create a town center.

A second area that has been under recent discussion has been a public safety complex. Town meeting voters have rejected plans for a new police station.

As to the Berkshire Mall, Jenkins said the master plan can only go so far.

We have to be cautious of overpromising, he said. The master plan is a guidance document, its not going to be able to dictate uses for private property.

At the same time, he said owners of the Berkshire Mall property have said they would be interested in responses to the survey.
WASHINGTON  When Police Chief Nicole Miller responds to calls, she climbs into a 2010 Ford Explorer with an outdated radio system and no interior cage.

Without that cage, she and Officer Frank Murphy cant safely transport someone who's been arrested. Up until now, their procedure has been to call the Massachusetts State Police to complete the transport.

Thats about to change, thanks to a $50,000 earmark for a new cruiser in the Massachusetts state budget.

With the new cruisers price at just over $70,000, the town will use American Rescue Plan Act money to make up the difference.

Sean Curran, Washingtons town administrator, was shocked to learn Miller was driving a cruiser without a cage.

He began making phone calls, to state Rep. William Smitty Pignatelli, D-Lenox; state Sen. Paul Mark, D-Becket, and eventually to state Rep. Robert Mariano, D-Quincy, the speaker of the Massachusetts House.

It had to be a priority for the safety of our chief and the general public, Curran said. He's grateful to Mark and Pignatelli for their efforts.

The delegation focused Beacon Hill like a laser beam to bring resources to Berkshire County, he wrote in an email to The Eagle.

Miller said the Explorer was originally purchased with a dual purpose in mind: as a cruiser and as a substitute school bus  thus the lack of a cage.

Its not a specialty police cruiser, where you have the updated front end, the electrical system and all that stuff, she said. Theres no rating for the police pursuit models now. Its just the standard, off-the-lot Ford Explorer that you would get 14 years ago.

With 32,000 miles and a chronic infestation of mice, the vehicle has a distinctive odor that Miller has tried to get "detailed" out. It persists.

Sometimes, Im driving down the road and it just shuts off on me. A couple months ago, a guy goes flying by me going 70ish, on Washington Mountain Road, she said. Obviously, I initiate a motor vehicle stop and Im going, and literally, nothing. I was in the middle of the road. I cant get the cruiser to start again.

After a 20-minute rest, she restarted the Explorer and got it to the town highway garage. It turned out a couple sensors needed replacing. Another time a mechanic popped the hood open and found a mouses nest in the air filter.

Its not reliable, Miller said.

Even with its eccentricities and imperfections, Miller harbors a certain affection for the 2010 Explorer.

I actually call her Betty White, because I love Betty White, and shes old and she just keeps going, Miller said. Thats my nickname for her.

In addition to her role as police chief, Miller is the towns emergency management director. So looking forward, Miller has certain criteria in mind when choosing a new cruiser beyond the state-of-the art functions of policing.

With October Mountain State Forest in the towns backyard, Washingtons emergency responders take part in searches for hikers about six times a year.

So I work very closely with the fire department, she said. The problem is the fire trucks, we cant fit them on the trails.

Miller wants a vehicle with muscular tires and high ground clearance, not just for the searches and rescues but also for Washingtons unpaved roads, some of which have steep inclines, such as Cross Place Road.

If we had a medical call up there, I dont even know if an ambulance could make it, she said. Well do whatever we have to, to get to somebodys house.

With those specifications in mind, shes got her eye on a 2024 dark gray Chevrolet Silverado PPV. PPV stands for police pursuit vehicle.

In its extended cab, it will have a cage.

After speeding, medical calls and motor vehicle accidents are the most common calls. Miller is a part-time police chief and so is Officer Frank Murphy. The two respond to about 300 calls per year. Massachusetts State Police also respond to additional calls.

I have to think about 5,000 things when Im ordering this cruiser, she said. And it has to last us.

Shes pleased with the towns decision to contract with Becket Ambulance to provide emergency medical coverage to Washington.

Since her tenure began as chief in 2018, Miller has won several grants, including the Massachusetts Road Safety Grant, which allow her and Murphy to monitor speed, conduct field sobriety tests, as well as offer students at Becket-Washington Elementary School bicycle safety training and helmets.

She won a $2,500 grant to pay for an automated external defibrillator for the cruiser and a $5,000 grant for a records management system. That one also paid for an e-citation printer, which prints and records tickets from an officers tablet.

Miller said theres a Silverado now waiting for Washington at a Pennsylvania dealership. Twelve weeks after the town makes its down payment, it should be outfitted and ready.

Were just waiting for the check, Miller said. I definitely want to thank Boston for at least recognizing that we exist out here. To be totally honest with you, if we didnt have their help, I dont know how long Id be driving this thing for. Probably for another 10 years.
MONTEREY  It has been called the towns centerpiece.

The Monterey Church, also known as the Monterey Meeting House, at Main and Tyringham roads anchors the architectural landscape of this town.

When the 1848 building went on the market this year, seven residents quickly formed a group to explore buying it to keep it in community use. They suspended that effort when an accepted offer was made.

Now that the deal has fallen through, the Monterey Meeting House steering committee is considering next steps for a building that has been in continuous public use for 176 years.

The opening listing price was $295,000. When Pastor Elizabeth Goodman told the members of the Monterey Meetinghouse steering committee about the accepted offer  put forth by Ken DeLoreto and Ritch Holban  the group suspended its meetings.

Minutes from the June 27 meeting say DeLoreto and Holban discussed removing the pews: "Maybe a Supper club. Studio. Not retail. Not open to public in general." At that meeting, two hurdles were identified: occupancy and parking. Since the building is in Monterey's historic district, DeLoreto and Holban also consulted with the Massachusetts Historical Commission about the building as part of their due diligence.

Then the deal fell through in August.

For Rob Hoogs, who leads the Monterey Meetinghouse steering committee, keeping the building in public use is important. Although he isnt a member of the Monterey United Church of Christ, the sanctuary holds personal memories for him.

Cynthia Tryon, who grew up in Monterey, changed her last name to his when the two were married there 50 years ago this month. Their children were baptized there, as well.

Just speaking personally, the building is more than a building, Hoog said. Its been a hub of the community for 170 some odd years, and to me keeping it open to the public is important. For me, the goal is not to just preserve the appearance of the building but to preserve a place for viable public uses. So that would be my hope.

The fellowship hall in the basement has been used for meetings. A coffee club and a supper club also use that space. Montereys food pantry does distributions from the basement as well. Concerts have been held in the sanctuary.

On Friday, the steering committee will meet once again to continue the work it started.

Now were back to thinking what are the possibilities and opportunities and constraints and issues, Hoogs said, adding that the committee was poised to take the pulse of the community when its efforts were aborted in June. If the community isnt behind it, that would affect the fundraising.

Hoogs said the meetinghouse could be open for a mix of public and private uses, "but whats realistic?
STOCKBRIDGE  Whatever happened to the long-awaited dredging project aimed at improving the Stockbridge Bowl's ecosystem and reducing invasive weeds?

The Select Board has voted unanimously to hand it off to Town Administrator Michael Canales.

In a recent update for the Select Board, Canales emphasized the need to reset the position of project manager in order to provide a timely flow of information to the board.

Canales suggested that he take management of the lake cleanup, since he supervises bridge projects and others such as the Childrens Chime Tower renovation. He would coordinate with GZA GeoEnvironmental, which handles planning for the dredging, to provide regular updates on the progress of the project.

Were relying on our engineering firm to do most of it at this point, Canales pointed out at the Sept. 5 meeting televised by Community Television for the Southern Berkshires.

Any decisions on the direction of the dredging plan need to come before the Select Board, he said.

Canales noted that a $290,000 state grant application for bidding for the dredging project and other support had not been accepted, but he would reapply whenever the grant becomes available. The town already has $100,000 in Community Preservation funding, in addition to $97,000 in other town accounts for planning and design.

Project costs are estimated at about $2 million, Canales said. He suggested that work beginning in the summer of 2028 would be a goal.

The private Stockbridge Bowl Association, representing homeowners and stakeholders, has $1.5 million in reserves for the pending weed-removal project, which has been in various stages of planning for close to a decade.

Former Selectman Don Chabon, a lakeshore resident and member of the Stockbridge Bowl Stewardship Commission, said that we need a new direction, and Michaels the person to do it. Hes got the resources and contacts, and I say, go for it.

Select Board Chairman Chuck Cardillo acknowledged that the cleanup has been lingering, and weve got to get this moving.

The board voted 3-0 to turn over management of the project to Canales, who thanked Gregg Wellencamp of Well-Kamp Enterprises in Great Barrington for his five years keeping tabs on the proposed lake cleanup.

Meanwhile, to control milfoil growth, the town has deployed its weed-whacking mechanical harvester this summer as a short-term solution.

The 372-acre Great Pond, owned by the state but managed by the town, attracts boaters, swimmers and anglers in the tens of thousands each season. There are more than 400 lakeshore homes, a public beach and private beaches owned by Camp Mah-Kee-Nac, Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health and the Boston Symphony Orchestra's summer home at Tanglewood.

The annual Josh Billings RunAground triathlon to be held this Sunday includes a watercraft competition on the lake.
No weapon was found, Lenox schools Superintendent William Collins told The Eagle, and no lockdown was needed. "There is no indication that our school was ever in actual danger today," he stated.
Home > 2024 > Small Modular Reactors: Will they change anything? | S.G.Vombatkere

In her 2024 Union Budget speech, the Finance Minister said, "Nuclear energy is expected to form a very significant part of the energy mix of Viksit Bharat. Towards that pursuit, our government will partner with private firms for setting up of Bharat Small Reactors, conduct research and development on Bharat Small Modular Reactor and newer technologies for nuclear energy". [1] Funding for R&D in Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology is budgeted at a1-trillion. [2]

India already has 22 operating nuclear reactors in seven nuclear power plants (NPPs), with a total installed capacity of 6,780-MWe. In addition, eight new reactors with 6,000-MWe capacity are under construction. [3] Nuclear power capacity is expected to reach 22,480-MWe by 2031. SMRs can contribute towards this target.

SMRs

SMRs typically have a power capacity of less than 300-MWt per unit. SMR technology allows factory-based production of modules, which can be assembled at site, to save time and costs.

SMRs claim other advantages, although these are not demonstrated. [4] They are, simplicity of design, a high level of passive or inherent safety in event of malfunction, providing resistance to attack by emplacement below ground level, and stand-alone installation and operation.

As of 2023, only China and Russia have successfully built operational SMRs. The U.S Department of Energy had estimated the first SMR would be completed around 2030 by NuScale Power, but this deal has reportedly fallen through because customers backed out due to rising costs. [5]

Notwithstanding the unproven claims of SMRs, fabrication and integration of the modules calls for greater quality control and quality assurance, for materials and processes. It also demands very strict regulatory oversight at every stage of production of each module, and later, when assembling the modules at site, and commissioning operation.

Nuclear installations, Public Health and Public Safety

Public health and public safety [Ref.6] with respect to nuclear radiation from NPPs and nuclear fuel cycle installations, are matters of national security and larger public interest.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safety standards implicitly express finite threats and risks to public health and environment, and danger to life and property from nuclear radiation. The safety standards also reveal that, aThere is no threshold dose below which there is no effecta . [6] The double negative means that every radiation dose affects biological systems, with cumulative damage.

These threats and risks arise from nuclear installations that create or release radionuclides as part of their functioning.

All aspects of NPPs and ancillary nuclear installations are under the scientific, technical and administrative control of the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) and the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) under the authority of the Atomic Energy Act, 1962.

The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) is Indiaas national nuclear regulatory body. AERBas mission [7] is ensuring that the use of ionising radiation and nuclear energy does not cause undue risk to the health of people and the environment [emphasis supplied]a .

AERBas mandate is to conduct regulatory checks on NPPs and nuclear fuel cycle installations operated by DAE, and in DAEas industrial and research facilities. The checks are in line with IAEA safety standards, and limits set by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP).

AERB specifies the limits in terms of quantity and activity content of radioactive waste that can be disposed, to protect public health and safety. Thus, AERB oversees all DAE functions, concerning public health and safety.

The mass production of SMRs will call for hugely magnified need for regulatory oversight and control, for adherence to production and safety standards, at all stages of production and module assembly, and subsequently for starting-up and operation.

Regulatory oversight

Regulatory oversight of nuclear installations is essential, because:

The presence or intensity of nuclear radiation cannot be detected by human senses, but only by specialized scientific instruments,

Nuclear installations routinely or accidentally release solid, liquid and gaseous radioactive materials (including nuclides) into the environment, and every radiation dose affects biological systems,

Nuclear installations generate hazardous wastes. Wastes like used fuel rods, are highly radioactive, and require continuous under-water cooling for several years. Reprocessing used nuclear fuel generates high-level nuclear residual wastes. Less radioactive solid wastes like machinery, instruments and tools, suits, masks, gloves, are disposed by burial.

Nuclides contaminate the environment, and remain biologically dangerous for periods ranging from weeks to tens of thousands of years, depending upon their half-life period,

Large-scale nuclear releases as in an accident, are serious health and safety hazards to populations for hundreds of kilometres around,

Decommissioned nuclear installations present radiation hazards for hundreds of years,

Pilfered or unaccounted fissionable or radioactive materials, can be misused to fabricate adirty bombsa .

Can AERB regulate effectively?

AERBas regulatory effectiveness depends upon its independence from the operator, namely, DAE. However, since AERB functions under AEC, its independence is not assured.

AERB is not an effective regulator, because it is not empowered to independently frame rules, and enforce compliance and penalties. This is stated in Para 6 of Chapter I of the Public Accounts Committee Report, concerning aGrant of independent status to AERBa [8]. It appears that ensuring regulation in keeping with international practice, by establishing an independent Nuclear Safety Regulatory Authority (NSRA), is not a priority for the AEC.

The inadequacy of AERBas regulatory regime, explained by none other than an AERB Chairman, can only be reduced by establishment of NSRA. [9]

Lack of independent regulatory oversight heightens the risk to public health due to emissions from NPPs and other installations. However, effective implementation of nuclear safety regulations by an independent regulator, can only reduce risks or mitigate severity of "events" on the INES (International Nuclear Events Scale), but not eliminate them. [10]

AERBas independence will be tested, when it is required to officially notify nuclear aincidentsa for compensation payable for public safety and environmental damage, according to the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010.

Carbon footprint of nuclear installations

NPPs are dependent upon nuclear fuel cycle ancillary installations, for materials essential for their operation. These include uranium mining, uranium refinement, uranium enrichment, fuel pellet fabrication and assembling, used fuel reprocessing, heavy water manufacture, nuclear waste disposal, etc. These installations will need up-scaling to operationalize SMRs.

NPPs, SMRs, and ancillary installations depend upon fossil fuel energy systems for their core operations, and also for every other activity. A holistic and comprehensive institutional energy audit a starting from uranium mining to refinement, fuel manufacture, plant assembly, and physical road or rail transportation between stages, and including handling and disposal of nuclear waste, etc. a will reveal the high degree of dependence of nuclear power generation on fossil fuels.

A NPPas carbon footprint is not visible at the NPP site, but its carbon footprint occurs in its back-end use of fossil fuels. The nuclear industryas misleading claim and selling point, is that nuclear power is aclean and greena , because NPPs do not emit smoke, but glosses over routine releases of radiation, claiming it is abelow the level of natural radiationa .

Unpredictability of nuclear accidents

The nuclear lobby seeks to placate public fears by arguing that, given the strict control and technical vigilance enforced in nuclear installations, the probability of a nuclear disaster-level (INES-7) accident is extremely small.

Following the 2011 Fukushima disaster, nuclear scientist and AEC Chairman, stated that the probability of accidents at NPPs is a1-in-infinitya . In layman terms, a1-in-infinitya is zero, but mathematically it means infinitesimally small, but not zero. One wonders whether the scientist-Chairman calculated the precise probability. [11]

The a1-in-infinitya assurance is no consolation, because, howsoever small the calculated probability, it cannot predict the time or magnitude of accident a it can happen after 10-years or happen tomorrow. Thus, howsoever rigorous the control and technical vigilance and regulatory oversight, nuclear disaster cannot be prevented.

The a1-in-infinitya conundrum

The location, time of occurrence and intensity of an earthquake, cannot be predicted. A structure can be designed to be collapse-resistant to a certain intensity of earthquake, and still suffer irreparable damage, but no structure can be designed to be earthquake-proof. When a high-intensity earthquake strikes a NPP or SMR, it can trigger INES-7 disaster.

The 2011 Fukushima accident occurred despite the ainfinitesimally smalla probability of an earthquake-initiated tsunami, which caused reactor cooling system failure. The 1986 Chernobyl accident occurred because an on-duty engineer attempted a reactor test that went out of control. The cause for the 1979 Three Mile Island accident was cooling malfunction in one of the reactors. The 1957 Windscale accident was triggered when routine heating of graphite control elements went out of control. These four global-scale nuclear disasters occurred due to four different unpredictable reasons.

A INES-7 event may have a1-in-infinitya probability, but accidental releases of nuclides from NPPs, lower down in the INES, have greater probability of occurrence.

How does a scientist, who offers a1-in-infinitya assurance of no nuclear accident, explain the four global-scale disasters, or the dozens of lesser scale aeventsa ?

The aSMR-factora

Every nuclear reactor is susceptible to nuclear accident, and is a potential public health and public safety hazard, even with competent engineers and well-trained technicians. The INES-scale severity of the event, or time and place of occurrence, are unpredictable.

Indiaas high density population requiring infrastructure for emergency evacuation-relocation and/or sheltering, in case of nuclear accident, makes these matters extremely significant.

Greater numbers of reactors, increases the locations at which nuclear aeventsa can occur. Adopting SMR technology will result in geographical spread of reactors, with accompanying spread of public health and public safety risks connected with NPPs and ancillary installations.

From public health, public safety and environmental perspectives, adopting SMR technology magnifies existing concerns and problems, connected with the nuclear industry.

Government will do well to boost solar PV generation instead of SMRs.

In any case, considered holistically, the nuclear option for power generation, is a dubious short-term asset carrying an unconditional long-term liability
Humanity is constantly looking for ways to argue that God is not good, despite His assertion of His own character. There are thousands of pieces of media, content, literature, and stories where God is framed as the bad guy, as the oppressor, as the one who must be humbled or defeated. In these narratives, the deity is not good, humanity is.

Many atheists or agnostics argue that even if God exists, an all-powerful being that allows bad things to happen cannot be good. Still more argue they believe in a god or gods, but that goodness is subjective.

When God gave us His Word and told His story to humanity through the Bible, He asserted His goodness, as well as His right to judge the world for its lack of goodness. In fact, God lays claim to righteousness, one step above moral goodness, and demonstrates His moral perfection by pouring out a part of His power and living a human life alongside His creation. God handed down His law to define good and evil, but then lived out true goodness, and will ultimately use that perfect life to rightly judge the world for its evil.

What Is Truth?

When Jesus was being tried, the difference between Gods way and the worlds way became incredibly evident. Jesus, speaking as the King of the Jews and the one who gave Pilate his authority said, For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world  to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice (John 18:37b).

The Lord asserted there is such a thing as objective truth, that He defines it, and that people seeking truth recognize that He has it. Pilate gave a quintessential Roman response, but one that would resonate with many people in the 20th and 21st centuries, What is truth? (John 18:38b).

For there to be goodness, there must be truth. Following the logic of Pontius Pilate, and many contemporary philosophers like Friedrich Nietzsche, Michel Foucault, or Hilary Putnam, if truth is relative to the individual and their context, then what one defines as good is also relative. In this worldview, language becomes the tool through which a thought, attitude, or action can be justified as good or evil, and the person with the better argument, or the bully with the biggest ability to subdue those who disagree, becomes the arbiter of truth, and therefore goodness.

In order to establish what goodness is, it is then essential to determine if one can define goodness based on an unfluctuating, objective definition rooted in truth. Jesus said, I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me (John 14:6). When He spoke to Pilate, the Lord affirmed there is objective truth, and that people can know it. Jesus defined Himself as the source of truth, as well as one with the Father and the Spirit. If Jesus, and therefore God, can lay claim to absolute truth, then it is His definition of goodness that ultimately matters, since it is His right to define it as the arbiter of truth.

What Is Good According to the Bible?

Goodness in the Bible can be summarized in the teachings of Christ which expanded on the shema;

And he said to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 22:37-40).

Goodness is directly related to ones relationship with God, and with others.

Below are some verses that give insight into what good is according to the Bible

He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8).

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law (Galatians 5:22-23).

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things (Philippians 4:8).

Is God Good?

So, if goodness is the opposite of evil, presenting in selflessness and a right walk with God, is God Himself good? He must be in order to have the right to define goodness, which He does throughout the Bible. Beyond the ability to define goodness, God also has the right to define and judge evil. When God condemned a people group, particularly in the Old Testament, it is always because they set themselves against Him, His people, His law, and His will. If He is the source of goodness and righteousness, those opposed to Him are His enemies and have given themselves over to the dominion of evil.

Bible verses affirming the goodness of God include, but are not limited to:

The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made (Psalm 145:8-9).

The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him (Nahum 1:7).

And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life? And Jesus said to him, Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. You know the commandments: Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother (Mark 10:17-19).

Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures (James 1:16-18).

Gods goodness is proved through multiple actions including:

He created mankind out of love. God created a way for people to repent after they sinned. Jesus - one person of the Triune God - died on the cross as a substitution, taking on the death of sinners even though He was sinless. He has kept His promises to the nation of Israel for millennia. He has promised to forgive all the sins of anyone who asks for it. He has promised eternity with Him for everyone who accepts the free offer of salvation and forgiveness of sins.

If God Is Good, What Is Evil?

Because God is the source of goodness, and His very nature is good, evil is that which sets itself in opposition to God. It is not just things that are sad or bad. For example, a predatory animal is not held liable for murder because it kills a prey animal to consume. That action is a by-product of a fallen world, but it is not sinful. A child accidentally pushing into another child is not sinful, but a child willfully pushing another one is. Evil, sin, and wickedness all come from the desire to set oneself against God, either by ignoring Him, replacing Him, or defying Him. All people have done these things in some way.

The Bible defines evil in some of the following verses:

There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers (Proverbs 6:16-19).

The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate (Proverbs 8:13).

For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed (John 3:20).

Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls (James 1:21).

The Bible makes it clear that all have sinned and fallen short of the goodness - and glory - of the Lord (Romans 3:23), so everyone participates in sin and evil on some level. No one is good enough to be better than God. Only Jesus, who is God, lived a sinless life, and that is why ...the Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son, (John 5:22). It is possible for people to become more like God, and to become better.

How Can I Be Good?

As long as someone is living in their earthly body, that person will experience temptation, will stumble and sin, and will enjoy things they should not. If that person goes their whole life without turning to God and asking for forgiveness, they will have to answer for the bad they have done on the Day of Judgment. The Judge will be Jesus Christ, who did live a sinless life.

If, however, a person repents of their sins, confesses with their mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believes in their heart that God raised him from the dead, they will be redeemed. God forgives them forever, and that person is sealed by the Holy Spirit so that when the Day of Judgment comes, they are not judged for the evil they did.

Over the course of that Christians life, the Holy Spirit will guide, convict, and lead that person through a process of sanctification, where they become more Christ-like, more good, until they die or until Jesus returns for His church to rule and reign. The people who accept Jesus will not only become good, but they will live forever with God.

To accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, the Bible says the following:

1. Romans 3:23, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God."

2. Romans 6:23, "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

3. Romans 5:8, "but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

4. Romans 10:9, "because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."

5. Romans 5:1, "Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."

God is so good that He made it possible for the very people who rejected Him, who crucified His Son, and who still mock Him to be changed and spend eternity with Him. Gods love for all people is the ultimate proof of His goodness.

Sources

Alcorn, Randy. If God Is Good Faith in the Midst of Suffering and Evil. Colorado Springs: Multnomah Books, 2014.

Eldredge, John. The Utter Relief of Holiness How Gods Goodness Frees Us from Everything that Plagues Us. New York: eBook, 2013.

Tingblad, Matthew and Joshua McDowell. Why Did God Do That? Discovering Gods Goodness in the Hard Passages of Scripture. Eugene: Harvest House Publishers, 2023.

Photo credit: Getty Images/Thomas Jackson

Bethany Verrett is a freelance writer who uses her passion for God, reading, and writing to glorify God. She and her husband have lived all over the country serving their Lord and Savior in ministry. She has a blog on graceandgrowing.com.
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Construction experts stand on the Carola Bridge. Photo: Sebastian Willnow/dpa Keystone

The damaged section of the Carola Bridge in Dresden in eastern Germany is to be completely demolished.

SDA

Preparatory measures for a controlled demolition are currently underway, according to fire department spokesman Michael Klahre. However, the fire department believes that approaching storms could make the work more difficult: From Sunday, there is a threat of flooding in the Elbe due to expected heavy rainfall in the Czech Republic. It is still unclear exactly what this means for the operation at the collapse site and the recovery of the debris.

The Czech weather service CHMU warned of an extreme risk of heavy rain, high water and flooding over the next few days. Water has already been released from numerous dams in the country to create capacity.

Czech Republic does not want to reduce the flow in the Elbe

According to the Saxony State Flood Center, 200 liters of precipitation per square metre are expected to fall in the Czech Republic and southern Poland within 72 hours by Monday. The Czech Republic has already announced that it does not intend to reduce the flow rate in the Elbe.

"I am sure that our Saxon colleagues also understand that a bridge that has actually collapsed cannot now take priority over protecting the property and lives of not only Czech citizens, but also German citizens in particular," said Czech Agriculture Minister Marek Vyborny on Wednesday.

The federal state of Saxony is also expected to see rain from Friday to Monday - although it is not yet clear how much. The forecasts of the German Weather Service (DWD) for Dresden vary between 20 and 70 liters per square meter. However, no storm-like event with enormous amounts of rain is expected in Saxony, it said.

The fire department in Dresden was prepared for a possible flood of the Elbe on Wednesday. "We are sensitized and prepared," said a spokesperson. The further development of the situation is being closely monitored, the Saxon State Environment Agency announced.

Safety work underway after partial collapse

At 2.59 a.m. on Wednesday night, a 100-metre-long section of the Carola Bridge, over which tram tracks and a footpath and cycle path ran, collapsed into the Elbe. No one was injured.

Just ten minutes earlier, at around 2.50 a.m., the last streetcar had crossed the bridge, according to the Dresden transport company. The cause of the partial collapse was initially unclear. The police are not currently assuming any external influence and continue to classify the collapse of the Carola Bridge as an accident. There is no suspicion of a criminal act so far, said a police spokesman.

One initial assumption was that corrosion had made a significant contribution to the collapse, said Steffen Marx, professor at the Institute for Solid Construction at the TU Dresden. The bridge - one of the most important traffic arteries in Dresden's city center - had long been considered in need of renovation.

In recent years, parts of the bridge have already been renovated for car traffic, and the renovation of the now collapsed bridge span was planned for next year.

According to the fire department, the partially collapsed Dresden Elbe Bridge as a whole is at risk. The day after the partial collapse, safety work was initially carried out on the structure. Last night, a substructure was completed on the Dresden Neustadt side to support the bridge at the crossing to the mainland, said a fire department spokesman.

Demands are being made of politicians

Meanwhile, a debate has broken out about the condition of bridges in Germany. "Basically, you can say that all bridges built before 1980 are our problem patients," bridge expert Martin Mertens, professor at Bochum University of Applied Sciences, told Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND). Unfortunately, most of them are because of the real building boom after the Second World War. Politicians must react. "Dresden clearly shows: it's five past twelve."

The President of the German Construction Industry Association, Wolfgang Schubert-Raab, believes that investment is urgently needed, according to a press release. He described the collapse in Dresden as a "sad symbol of German infrastructure", which highlighted the urgent need for action.

Following the partial collapse, the German Construction Industry Federation is also insisting that the renovation of bridges in Germany be given top priority.

In the budget debate in the Bundestag, Transport Minister Volker Wissing pointed out that more than nine billion euros would be available for investment in federal highways and bridges in the coming year.

With regard to the collapse of the Carola Bridge in Dresden, he explained that it was a municipal responsibility and therefore had nothing to do with the federal budget. "But this bridge shows how dangerous it is when infrastructure is not carefully invested in."

SDA


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Home > 2024 > Bangladesh was ready to explode. I was there with the students | Shahidul (...)

What comes next will determine whether my country can find lasting change.

by Shahidul Alam

September 4, 2024

We had violated curfew to join the protest at Shahbag, the Bangladeshi equivalent of Tahrir Square. Injured friends we left behind bade tearful goodbyes, not knowing whether it would be the last time wead meet. Police opened fire on our group of 20-some students, teachers and journalists. Three were hit, and as they were taken to the hospital, my partner and I happened upon a brave rickshaw driver who agreed to take us on to Shahbag. As we wound our way through the narrow back streets of Dhaka, news of Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasinaas resignation reached the square. Soldiers stowed their guns and jubilant youth clambered aboard their armored vehicles, leading the crowds in triumphant cheers. It was Aug. 5. Just days before, these very soldiers had been firing at us.

For a long time there have been two Bangladeshes. The first offered an improbable rags-to-riches tale of a country marked by one of the fastest rates of gross domestic product growth in the world [1]. That Bangladesh was led by Hasina, the worldas longest-serving female head of government. The other comprised a long-suffering populace, squirming under the yoke of that ostensibly visionary leader, who was also a ruthless autocrat who jailed, disappeared and killed anyone who stood in her way. Under her rule, Bangladesh had become a land of dangerous binaries. You were either with her ruling Awami League, or you were declared a razakar, a collaborator, and therefore an enemy of the state.

Bangladesh the development miracle was a creation of the ruling party elite and the business community that it served. A coterie of intellectuals, cultural players and other white-collar professionals orbited around it, offering their stamp of approval in exchange for perks. Narendra Modias India was its chief patron and corruption was the norm. From 2010 to 2019, Bangladesh led the world in wealth growth among the ultrarich. Our country, the worldas second-largest exporter of clothing, had become a land of high rises and shiny shopping centers.

The other Bangladesh was made up of the unlucky working classes a the garment workers, migrant laborers and millions of others who toil in low-paid jobs, often under subhuman conditions, lining the pockets of the wealthy. Many live in slums with poor sanitation. Most take home a monthly salary roughly equivalent to about $113 [2]. This is hardly enough to feed a family. It is no wonder that in markets that serve garment workers, 10-15 families regularly pool together to buy rotten vegetables in bulk.

The gap between these two Bangladeshes was tearing the nation apart.

A controversy over a quota system for government jobs supplied the spark for student protests that rocked the country in July. The system, originally intended as a gesture to liberation warfighters at the time of Bangladeshas founding, 50 years later had morphed into a discriminatory policy favoring government loyalists, denying much sought-after jobs to legitimate applicants. Students had protested the quota system in 2018, and having failed to quell the protests with violence, Hasina had scrapped it altogether. A court decision on June 5 to reinstate the system enraged students. They peacefully took to the streets. The government responded violently, this time with guns. Security forces killed six students [3] in the days that followed.

Before long, demand for fair government job opportunities transformed into a broad movement for dignity and basic rights. Fear and repression might have worked for Hasina for the past 15 years, but when people are prepared to brave bullets in the streets, you know thereas no going back. The studentsa foremost demand was that Hasina apologize. That simple act might have saved her. Her hubris, it turns out, would spell her doom.

But it was the public that paid the steepest price. Internet and mobile networks were cut and hundreds died in the violent repression that ensued. Many thousands were injured. The image of 25-year-old Abu Sayed, a student of English literature, arms outstretched, seconds before he crumpled under a barrage of bullets, has been etched into Bangladeshas collective memory. The video of his death on July 16 went viral. Students began calling for Hasinaas ouster.

Sayed was the son of working-class parents. A gifted student, he was attending one of the countryas public universities while working as a tutor to support his family. People like Sayed, for whom civil service jobs are one of the few routes available to move up the social ladder, were on the front lines of the protests. More well-to-do students went to private universities and had other options: going abroad, working plush corporate jobs, joining family businesses or even becoming entrepreneurs. And yet many of these more privileged students also joined the protests. Bangladeshis had had enough.

Having spent time in the streets throughout my career as a journalist, and having reported on the student movements since 2018, I had some street cred. I had met some of the students when I was jailed in 2018 for the crime of ainstigating the ongoing movement.a I had sheltered some of them this summer during the most intense violence and visited others, many of whom had been tortured by security forces, in the hospital, I had become a mentor of sorts.

Yes, I was expecting the government to fall, but I never thought it would happen this quickly. In the vacuum left after the prime ministeras departure, the students who had earlier been persecuted by the police took to policing the streets themselves. They steered the formation of the interim government, inviting Muhammad Yunus, Bangladeshas celebrated Nobel Peace Prize laureate, to lead. Yunus accepted, and following some backdoor negotiations with the military, two students joined the interim government. If there was any worry that their newfound power might go to their heads, the students themselves formed a watchdog body to oversee the new government.

Less than a month old, Bangladeshas new cabinet is made up of respected citizens with zero preparation. They are sailing in uncharted waters. Few have either the political or administrative experience needed to steer us. The problems ahead are enormous. Even a more experienced cabinet would have had problems meeting Bangladeshisa extremely high expectations. Welcome to the youthquake known as the Monsoon Revolution.

We are living day-to-day. As we rejoice at the arrest of each fleeing general or minister, we agonize over the possibility that they will be denied basic due process a that we will recreate the crimes of the former regime. We must shed this leftover culture quickly.

We watch. We wait. There are hopeful signs. The country was hit by devastating floods last month, and the extraordinary outpouring of support for student-organized relief campaigns is encouraging. The interim government has also taken steps to bring an end to the culture of enforced disappearances [4] a primarily against governmental critics a that characterized Hasinaas rule.

Only time will determine whether the blood spilled on Bangladeshi streets this summer will result in lasting change or whether it will simply be a seasonal shift, a monsoon that disappears with the movement of the sun.

(Author: Shahidul Alam is a Bangladeshi writer, photographer and human rights activist)

[This article from The Washington Post is reproduced here in public interest and for educational and non-commercial use]
China's support fuels Comorian student's academic aspirations

Xinhua) 09:05, September 12, 2024

This photo taken on Aug. 5, 2024 shows Mroivili Faouzia posing for photos at the east gate of Tianjin University's Peiyangyuan Campus in north China's Tianjin Municipality. (Xinhua)

TIANJIN, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- Over the past few weeks the thing that Mroivili Faouzia had been concerned about was the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), which was held in Beijing from Sept. 4 to 6.

The 24-year-old is a graduate student from East Africa's Comoros, pursuing her master's degree at Tianjin University in north China. She eagerly hopes that this summit will promote deeper cooperation between China and African countries in the field of education.

"This summit could provide more African students with incredible opportunities to pursue higher education in China and create pathways for personal and professional growth," she told Xinhua.

Faouzia is a direct beneficiary of the cooperation between the two sides championed by the FOCAC. Leading up to the 2018 FOCAC summit, Comorian President Azali Assoumani visited Tianjin University, where a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the university and the Comorian embassy in China.

Under the MoU, Tianjin University would offer scholarships to Comorian students, making Faouzia's dream of studying in China a reality.

Her fascination with China began in childhood when she bought an ice cream from a Chinese vendor in her neighborhood. Its delicious flavor sparked her curiosity and inspired a dream of visiting China, the place where the ice cream was made.

As she learned more about China, she developed a stronger interest in the country. "China was among the first nations to recognize the Comoros as an independent state and has supported my country in nearly every sector," Faouzia said.

During her second year in high school in 2017, one of her classmates began learning Chinese through a language program at the University of the Comoros. The program later evolved into the Confucius Institute which offers free Chinese courses for the locals.

"When I heard about it, I thought I'd love to study Chinese too," she said. However, the learning journey was never easy as she had a tight schedule at school and the institute is located in another city.

Despite the challenges, she has committed every Sunday since 2017 to traveling between the two cities for Chinese classes, and she believes all the effort has been worthwhile.

Around that time, Faouzia received medical care from a team of Chinese doctors sent by the Chinese government to assist with healthcare in the Comoros.

"As a premature baby, my health had been unstable for a long time. This time, the Chinese doctor performed acupuncture, and it worked like a miracle," Faouzia recalled, noting that the experience not only healed her physically but also fueled her dream of studying in China.

Six months into her Chinese studies, she competed in a Chinese proficiency contest, earning the chance to participate in the finals in China in September 2017.

"That was my first time stepping onto foreign soil," Faouzia said, adding that she was fascinated by the country the moment she arrived. "It's so different from my own country, yet so refreshing and charming."

During the contest, she visited a Chinese university and decided to further her education in China. "Fortunately, I performed well in the contest and was awarded a chance to enroll in a language study program in China."

After completing high school, she studied Chinese for a semester at the University of the Comoros before heading to Dalian University in northeast China in March 2019 for the language program.

"Deep inside, I'm a curious girl craving adventure and new cultures. I want to broaden my perspective of the world. China is definitely the dream place for me to explore," she said.

Eventually, she applied to study for her bachelor's degree at Tianjin University, supported by a special scholarship for Comorian students. She majored in computer science and technology for her bachelor's degree. For her master's, she focused on knowledge graphs, hoping to integrate artificial intelligence with medicine in her future studies.

Faouzia has made numerous Chinese friends, from classmates to supportive neighbors. She has celebrated the Spring Festival twice with local families, fully immersing herself in the vibrant tradition. "They are always ready to lend a hand, shelter me, and share their culture."

As a mark of gratitude, she has endeavored to give back to the Chinese community. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she joined a local volunteer group, offering her support as a medical assistant.

The 2024 FOCAC summit, focused on strengthening economic and political ties between China and African nations, has opened a new chapter in China-Africa cooperation.

"This is special for young African women like me, studying technology in China," Faouzia said. "The plan to build new engineering schools and Luban Workshops, with 60,000 training opportunities, shows that China wants to help Africa's youth and women. This gives us hope for a better future, where we can learn skills to help our communities," she added.

This file photo taken on Oct. 20, 2023 shows Mroivili Faouzia posing for group photos with students during a voluntary teaching program at a primary school in Anyang, central China's Henan Province. (Xinhua)

This file photo taken on Feb. 19, 2024 shows Mroivili Faouzia (L) posing for photos with her friend, both of whom are in traditional Chinese clothing, in north China's Tianjin Municipality. (Xinhua)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Home > 2024 > Morality in Premchands Kafan: For Dalits or Anti-Dalit ? | Pragya (...)

Kafan, also known as The Shroud in English, is a story written by Premchand in 1936. He is often regarded as the pioneer of modern Hindi fiction writing and is one of the first authors to address the caste hierarchies prevalent in Indian society. Kafan is one of his most renowned as well as controversial works, portraying the sufferings of those who are at the bottom of this pyramidal social structure. The story revolves around two active characters, Madhav and Ghisu who are the primary mode of action in the story as well as the passive character, Budhiya who is not seen or heard in the entire story except for her crying noise in the labour pain. The story opens with Madhav and Ghisu, the duo of son and father roasting potatoes stolen from a neighbours field. We hear Budhiya, Madhavs wife moaning inside with the labour pain but there is no effort taken by them to ease her pain. The story ends with the death of Budhiya and the ultimate struggle to arrange a shroud for her, hence the story named Kafan. This story of a Dalit family, belonging to the chamar caste has been depicted by different critics either as anti-Dalit or as a representation of Dalit rebelliousness against caste hierarchies. Ironically, both these views are opposite and demand a closer look into the intentions of the author.

The authors intentions cant be denied as anti-caste on the sole basis of belonging to an upper caste. Premchand, although coming from an upper caste, had been very much influenced by Ambedkar. Sadanand Shahi in his paper, Kafan: A Multilayered Story says, Premchand despite all his reverence for Gandhi, was open to Ambedkars arguments.

Gandhi advocated for the purification of the varna system, and hence sometimes he is seen as a protector of the varna system, especially the upper caste. On the other hand, Ambedkar advocated for the complete annihilation of the caste system. Premchands vital theme in most of the stories is hypocrisy of the upper caste against Dalits and other backward communities, like in Price of Milk, and A Quarter and One Ser of Wheat, among others. The hypocrisy revealed through these stories establishes Premchand being in favour of the annihilation of caste.

One of the major themes that is often missed in the interpretation of this story is morality and how communities belonging to the upper strata of this hierarchical caste system shape morality in a way that suits their own needs and in accordance with their social position. Morality in this sense is a concept designed to fulfil the needs of the people with these social and economic resources. When this morality is imposed upon other individuals who are without these resources, it becomes a hallmark to pass as a morally upright individual. Individuals like Ghisu and Madhav, who are at the bottom of this social structure, fail to stand up to this hallmark no matter how hard they work. These two characters are called by Premchand as strange characters in Kafan, suggesting that the story is a counter-narrative of an age (1930s) where there was no Dalit movement. Their laziness towards their work was an act that rejected the Brahamanical structure in its subtle way. Instead of working hard like other peasants and labourers, they would demand double wages despite lying all day round without work. The irony is that no matter the hours spent on hard labour, one still lives the same hellish life in constant debt with the landlords. So Madhav and Ghisu are ultimately rejecting this age-old cycle of back-breaking labour without any profit. Premchand writes in Kafan, "It was not surprising to come across such a way of thinking in a society where the condition of those who toiled day and night was not much better than the condition of these two, and where those who took advantage of the weaknesses of the peasants were much better off than the peasants themselves." A reversal of the roles also comes into play here. Instead of the landlords extracting money and hard-labour, the labourers have tormented the landlord and refused to work in a continual cycle of abject poverty, which will continue irrespective of the amount of work they do. This is an act of rebellion, the kind that Ambedkar advocates when he says in Section 4 of Annihilation of Caste, The division of labour brought about by the caste system is not a division based on choice. Individual sentiment, individual preference, has no place in it. It is based on the dogma of predestination. The caste hierarchies are designed in a way so that a watertight compartment is formed where a poor individual goes on to become poorer. This is pointed out when Ghisu says to his son, Madhav that, "I was a hefty fellow. You arent even half the size I was." Generational poverty results in poorer nutrition and hence, weaker bodies.

Ambedkar also writes in his book, There are many occupations in India which, on account of the fact that they are regarded as degraded by the Hindus, provoke those who are engaged in them to aversion. There is a constant desire to evade and escape from such occupations, which arises solely because of the blighting effect which they produce upon those who follow them, owing to the slight and stigma cast upon them by the Hindu religion. This aversion to occupation can also be attributed to Ghisu and Madhav, who are perceived by others around them as lazy, but are instead actually entrapped in an age-long occupation that neither appeals to their body nor mind. Being a landless labourer is not a choice for them but a compulsion.

Kafan has been denounced as cruel, inhuman, and worthless by many Dalit critics based on the depiction of Budhiya who keeps writhing in labour pain but her husband, Madhav doesnt come to her rescue. The story has been labelled as anti-caste by critics like Omprakash Valmiki, who argues that it perpetuates an upper-caste prejudice by showing the Dalit characters as feckless and lazy. Sadanand Shahi counteracted this by saying, "Their callousness is a reflection of their helplessness, not of their inhumanity. They were compelled to be insensitive. When even the exorcist would demand no less than a rupee, did paupers like them have any other alternative than to be indifferent" The funeral of Budhiya on the other hand, also deflects from the Brahmanical oppression of the lower caste in the form of unpaid or low-paid labour which was posed as an ultimate pathway to heaven for the lower caste. The funeral rites of Budhiya were devoid of shroud or any priestly congregation which is considered necessary in a Hindu setting, instead, the rites ended up filling up the stomachs of Ghisu, Madhav, and a beggar in place of an upper caste Brahmin. This resembles a similarity with the funeral rites of Ambedkars first wife. Both of these characters define a new heaven for themselves, which is not dependent on being slaved away by upper castes or conforming to their funeral rites but on their own sense of morality, If she doesnt go to heaven who will? These fat, bloodsuckers of the poor who go for a darshan of the Ganga to wash their sins and offer prayers in temples?

Kafan is a story that makes the readers question the morality prevailing in society. The prevailing morality is dependent upon the practising religion. In an extremely hierarchical religious structure as in Hinduism, this morality is governed by the uppermost castes, who are generationally privileged, both socially and financially. The morality they practise is very much dependent on the availability of resources. The funeral rites, the marriage customs, and the work ethic they advocate are nearly impossible to follow for characters like Ghisu and Madhav who are generationally crushed under the burden of being Dalits. The callousness and the moral depravity of both of them are not represented as an intentional fallacy but rather an imposed one by the varna system. Throughout the story, Ghisu and Madhav rebel in their own subtle way and ultimately carve a morality of their own, which is within their social reach while rejecting the double standards of the upper castes.

(Author: Pragya Ranjan is a critic and a story writer from India who majorly concerns herself with literature and socio-political issues. She is currently engaged in writing about womens discourse and societal hierarchies. Email: pragyaranjanonly[at]gmail.com)
An increase in the Garda training allowance is still 4 below the minimum wage and is not going to make any significant difference to recruitment campaigns, the general secretary of the Garda Representative Association, Ronan Slevin, has said.

Minister for Justice Helen McEntee announced on Wednesday that she was increasing the garda trainee allowance from 305 per week to 354.

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Mr Slevin told RTE radios Morning Ireland that recruitment campaigns have not resulted in the numbers promised.

Resignations and retirements have made it even more difficult to meet targets. Actions taken by government have not been sufficient to deal with the current staffing levels within the force, he added.

At a time when there was full employment in the economy, more efforts would be required to encourage people away from other forms of employment, he pointed out.

While accommodation and food were included at the training college in Templemore, for 10 weeks of the eight-month course, recruits would be on placement which could require extra accommodation costs.

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You don't get anything extra, even though you may have to take more accommodation. And you have to remember, if we're bringing people into this job from other forms of employment, they are more likely going to have a partner, children and already financial commitments in terms of car purchases, mortgage purchases even before the transition. It is a training position for a full-time career. We have a recruitment crisis as it stands and this will not deal with that.

It's a career that's worthwhile. Without a doubt, I'd recommend it to anybody, but nobody is going to pursue that career if there is no financial reward for it. At the end of the day, you're going to have to earn a living that's going to meet the cost of living to be able to buy a house, be able to have a family and support that family.

"And what's being offered as a trainee allowance is just not going to me to fulfill that need. It is still 4 below the minimum wage per hour? That's unacceptable.
Tanaiste, Micheal Martin has said he believes that the case against Ian Bailey for the murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier should have gone before a jury.

He said that the murder of the French filmmaker remains seared into our consciousness and the fact that no one was convicted for her murder would always be a deep shame for us.

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The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cork South-Central TD made the comments at the launch of the book Sophie: The Final Verdict by journalist Senan Molony in Dublin.

In December 1996, the body of the 39-year-old French filmmaker was found beaten outside her holiday home in Schull, West Cork.

Ian Bailey, who was the main suspect in her murder, died in Cork in January this year, aged 66.

Mr Bailey, with an address at The Prairie in Schull, was convicted of murder in his absence by a French court in May 2019.

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The three-judge court imposed a 25-year sentence.

The terrible anguish of her family and all who knew her was made much worse by the fact that our system proved incapable of meeting its responsibilities to Sophie, Mr Martin said on Thursday.

However, there is no doubt that this case continues to give a serious cause for reflection.

The simple fact is, we failed in our duty to find and convict a bloody murderer, and our system blocked alternative routes when others were not willing to accept our failures.

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Tanaiste Micheal Martin says the case against Ian Bailey should have gone before a jury (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

In October 2020, the High Court in Ireland rejected an attempt by French authorities to extradite Ian Bailey for the murder.

Mr Bailey was facing a third extradition process to France in relation to the filmmakers death.

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Mr Martin acknowledged there is a balance between seeking justice for a victim and respecting the rights of the accused.

When you look at the details of this case and the scale of the evidence, it is very, very hard to understand why this evidence was not put before a jury, he said.

Its hard to understand why the system was so convinced by its interpretation of legal principles that it effectively threw its hands in the air and gave up.

He added: The fact that we have absolute independence in our judicial system, that no external pressure can be applied on independent prosecutors and judges is a great strength which we should value.

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And at the same time, we can admit that this system failed Sophie Toscan du Plantier.

We can ask for a proper review of whether decisions were reasonable which blocked the murder trial or which would have predetermined its outcome.

Mr Martin also said lessons needed to be learned from the case, including around the speed at which cases are processed.

The deputy premier also highlighted faster processing of people accused of rioting in other jurisdictions.

I think we need an honest conversation about why crimes which can be processed much quicker in other democratic societies seem endlessly delayed here.

Look at the rapid conviction of rioters in other countries and compare this to our response to riots here.

Yes we have resources issues, but most democratic countries also have resource issues.

We could dramatically increase the resources at every level and we would still operate principles and practice which delay justice, often excessively.

He added: Im conscious that there is currently a cold case review into Sophies murder under way, and I sincerely hope that it brings some clarity to the circumstances around her tragic death and answers some of the questions that her beloved parents, Georges and Marguerite, and her son John Pierre have waited nearly three decades for.

We need to learn from our failure to deliver justice for Sophie and Tuscan du Plantier.
A young man "made no attempt" to cover his face during a shooting which left bullet holes in a Dublin flat following an argument, a court has heard.

Jordan Lapongo (21), of no fixed abode in Dublin 15, is accused of unlawful possession of a firearm and discharging a gun at a specific address in Mercer House flat complex in Dublin 2 on the morning of November 8th, 2023, and being "reckless as to whether any person was injured or not".

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The father of one appeared before Judge Paula Murphy at Dublin District Court.

Garda Paul Cummins said the charges under the Firearms Act carry a maximum of seven or ten-year sentences.

He confirmed that the Director of Public Prosecutions directed trial on indictment in the Circuit Court.

There was an objection to bail due to the seriousness of the incident, "grave concerns" about further serious offences concerns, witness interference or disposal of illegally acquired property.

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Garda Cummins alleged that at 7.21am on the date of the incident, "gardai responded to a report that a firearm had been discharged" at a particular flat.

Officers examined the scene and discovered "a bullet hole in the front window".

It was alleged the accused and another male argued with the occupiers of that address before exiting the flat complex to retrieve a firearm which had been located close by to the complex.

Garda Cummins claimed the accused and the second male returned with the firearm and "brandished it" toward the occupants before discharging a shot at the front of the flat.

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Excellent CCTV evidence, he added, "clearly" showed another round being fired "through the window" at the rear of the property.

He also told the contested bail hearing that the footage showed that the pair made no attempt to cover their faces before, during and after the incident.

The officer mentioned that he had grave concerns about further serious offences against the people at the flat. The gun has not been recovered, and gardai feared it would be used again.

Cross-examined by defence solicitor Aoife McTaggart, the garda agreed the video evidence was not brought to court, and there was no DNA or firearm residue evidence.

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The defence suggested Mr Lapongo could reside at a specific location in Dublin but remain away from the scene of the alleged shooting.

She submitted that it took until now to charge her client, who did not address the court.

Judge Murphy set his bail at 3,000, of which Mr Lapongo lodged 1,000, and he needs an independent surety who has 10,000 to be approved by the court.

The judge warned him to obey several conditions once the terms had been met.

She told him he has to reside at an address in Dublin but outside the city centre, sign on daily at a Garda station, obey a 10pm-7am curfew, not contact the witnesses, and keep his phone turned on at all times, surrender his passport, and stay out of Mercer House and the Dublin 8 area.

Prosecutors must complete a book of evidence before a return-for-trial order is granted.

The accused, who has yet to enter a plea, was remanded in custody with consent to bail to appear at Cloverhill District Court on September 18th.

Another man was charged with the same offences last week and has been remanded in custody.
John Finucane has rejected any suggestion his family has received preferential treatment with the granting of a public inquiry into his fathers murder.

Mr Finucane, a Sinn Fein MP for north Belfast, was responding to criticism voiced by unionist politicians of the UK governments decision to establish an independent inquiry into the shooting of solicitor Pat Finucane by loyalist paramilitaries in 1989.

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Several unionist parties have questioned why the Finucane family has secured a potentially expensive public inquiry into their loved ones killing, while hundreds of other families bereaved during the Troubles have failed to obtain similar investigations in their cases.

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Mr Finucane, also a solicitor, said the treatment of his family over the 35 years since his fathers death could not be described as preferential.

I have to say I hear the term preferential treatment, and if you can indulge me on this, its very difficult to square that with the experience that my family have been through for over 35 years, he said.

Pat Finucane. Photo: Handout/PA.

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First of all, the state targeted and set in place, set in motion events that meant my father was murdered in front of all of us as we had our dinner.

The term collusion was dismissed, not just dismissed when I was growing up, but to utter those words you were viewed in a certain light and, to be quite frank about it, it was dangerous at times to make allegations of collusion against the state in the aftermath of my fathers murder.

Every single bit of progress weve had as a family has had to be fought for. Its never been handed to us.

Weve had to fight in courts, domestic and international.

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My mother has not only had to deal with being a widow and raising three young children, but she has had to travel the world to gain support, which we were lucky enough to have.

And every single bit of progress over a painful 35 and a half years has been hard fought and I would be very slow to describe that as preferential treatment.

He added: We were given a commitment nearly 20 years ago now that if a judge of international standing felt that there should be an inquiry, then the relevant government would have that inquiry.

The Irish government lived up to their commitment.

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The British government lived up to their commitment in all other cases, bar one, and that was my fathers murder, and we have had to fight tooth and nail every step of the way, at times in the face of being insulted by people within the British government and outside of the British government.

So, I think you could forgive me and my family for saying that today is not something that we look at as preferential treatment.

The Ulster Human Rights Watch (UHRW) said that probes into legacy cases sent to the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR) should be treated with the same thoroughness as the Finucane public inquiry.

UHRW advocacy manager Axel Schmidt said: Equality between victims and survivors of the Troubles, particularly for victims of terrorism, requires nothing less than the same treatment from the ICRIR as that given to the Finucane family by way of a public inquiry.

Mr Finucane said his family would also support other bereaved relatives who were striving for truth and justice.

I will also say that throughout 35 years, it began with my mum, and its carried on through all of us, we have always been clear that truth and justice applies to every single person who was unfortunate enough to be hit by our conflict and our past, and that is without partiality, without any equivocation, we have been consistent in that, he said.

So, any other family that continues to fight for truth and justice will have our support and we know what its like when the system is put in place to frustrate you and prevent you from getting answers.
The Taoiseach has said he is so sorry to victims of historical sexual abuse at schools run by religious orders, as he signalled a future State apology.

Simon Harris also did not rule out the compulsory purchase of assets held by the religious organisations to fund redress for what he described as endemic abuse.

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Almost 2,400 allegations of historical sexual abuse were recorded by 308 schools run by religious orders across Ireland, a Government-ordered scoping inquiry revealed.

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The 700-page report said the claims were made against 884 alleged abusers in day and boarding schools run by 42 religious orders.

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 the immediate days after the publication of the report, gardai were contacted more than 160 times about similar allegations  some of which were the first time the individual had come forward.

Mr Harris said the report has unleashed a national trauma.

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He said: We have this deep, painful wound now  and I use wound rather than scar because its an open wound  its hurting today.

We have people whose pasts were destroyed, and it has resulted in their futures being put on hold.

And we have seen the most egregious  thats even too weak a word  breach of trust, responsibility and authority. And it was endemic.

Speaking on RTEs Morning Ireland, Mr Harris said there was a need for an apology and atonement.

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Asked if there would be a formal State apology, the Taoiseach said: I cant see a scenario where there isnt a State apology.

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And I want to say today as Taoiseach: I am so sorry and I feel such a deep sense of sorrow, hurt, anger and disgust  and we will get this right.

Pressed on whether the State would compulsorily purchase assets held by religious orders who may say they do not have the cash for redress, Mr Harris said: I rule nothing out, and we shouldnt rule anything out.

I dont want to use adversarial language. I want people to finally, for once and for all, do the right thing.

I want people who speak Christianity to practise it, but we can rule nothing out at this stage.

So every time we see a report Ryan, Cloyne and Murphy, Mother and Baby, we're getting further insight into this cruelty that existed in our country, the cruelty that so many people must have known about. So I'm very clear in my mind. Of course, there's going to be a need for apology and atonement, but there's also a need to get the structure right here. And I'm really trying to dig deep.

"I'm working with colleagues on this. And Minister Norma Foley is doing an excellent job on this and working with the survivors. We have to get this structure right, because what we don't want is another process that goes on for years and years and years and years and years and doesn't give people answers. So our first priority is to get the process right.

Mr Harris said he would not rule out the compulsory purchase by the State of the assets of religious orders in order to offer compensation to victims.

We shouldn't rule anything out. I said yesterday and I say today I don't want to use adversarial language. I want people to finally, for once and for all, do the right thing. I want people who, as I say, speak Christianity to practice it, but we can rule nothing out at this stage.
Frances first lady, Brigitte Macron, has made a cameo appearance in the fourth series of Netflix show Emily In Paris, parts of which were released on Thursday.

The shows main actress, Lily Collins, who plays Emily Cooper, said that Ms Macron was a big fan of the show.

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The first lady invited the actress and Darren Star, the shows creator, to a meeting a few years ago and shared her desire to appear on the show, Collins said.



Lily Collins said Ms Macron was a big fan of the show (PA)

She was so kind and warm and welcoming and she was so enthusiastic about the show, Collins said. Having her on set was so fun we had such a great time together.

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She added: It was an honour to do that with her.

The first lady plays herself in one of the new episodes. The first half of season four came out on Netflix on August 15.

The cast all headed to Rome this week to premiere the new episodes, some of which are set in Rome.
More than 250 people have now been sentenced for offences in connection with the disorder that broke out in parts of the country following the knife attack at a Southport dance studio on July 29th that left three girls dead.

Here are some of the key statistics:

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 How many people have been sentenced?

The PA news agency has compiled details of 252 people who have been sentenced, as of September 12th.

(PA Graphics)

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 What is the age range of the people sentenced?

The oldest person to be sentenced is William Morgan, 69, of Walton in Merseyside, who was jailed for two years and eight months for violent disorder and possessing an offensive weapon  a cosh  during unrest in Liverpool on August 3, in which police were attacked and a library was set on fire.

The youngest is a 12-year-old boy who cannot be named for legal reasons, who received a 12-month youth referral order for two incidents in Manchester, one on July 31st when he joined a mob kicking a bus outside a hotel housing asylum seekers, and one on August 3 when he knocked over shelves in a Sainsburys store while it was being looted before kicking the glass door of a vape shop.

Some 33 of the 252 people sentenced are under 21, or 13 per cent of the total. This includes eight under the age of 18.

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A further 25 (1o per cent) are aged 21 to 24, while 43 (17 per cent) are aged 25 to 29.

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This means more than a third (40 per cent) of people sentenced so far are under the age of 30.

Some 81 people sentenced, or just under a third of the total (32 per cent), are aged 30 to 39, while 42 (17 per cent) are aged 40 to 49, 18 (7 per cent) aged 50 to 59 and 10 (4 per cent) aged 60 and over.

 How many people have been sent to jail?

A total of 235 of the 252 people received immediate custodial sentences.

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Of the 17 others, four received suspended jail sentences; six (all aged under 18) received referral orders; two (both under 18) received detention and training orders; two were fined; two received community orders; and one was ordered to do 120 hours unpaid work.

Some 252 people have been sentenced so far (Police/CPS/PA)

 What is the longest jail sentence so far?

Nine years, which was handed to Thomas Birley, 27, of Swinton in South Yorkshire, who pleaded guilty to arson with intent to endanger life, violent disorder and possession of an offensive weapon, for his actions as part of the mob that besieged a Holiday Inn Express, which was housing more than 200 asylum seekers, in Manvers, near Rotherham, on August 4th.

The next longest jail term was given to David Wilkinson, 48, of Hull, who pleaded guilty to violent disorder, attempted arson and racially aggravated criminal damage for his role in the disturbances in the city on August 3rd, for which he received a sentence of six years.

A jail term totalling four years and eight months was handed to John Honey, 25, of Hull, who pleaded guilty to three counts of burglary, racially aggravated criminal damage and violent disorder during the August 3rd unrest in the city.

 What is the shortest jail sentence so far?

Seven weeks, given to Jake Grainger-Quinn, 29, who pleaded guilty to a public order offence in Whitehall in central London on July 31, when he was part of a crowd rushing at and pushing against a police cordon.

Thomas Birley, 27, of Swinton in South Yorkshire, has been handed the longest prison sentence so far over the riots in August (South Yorkshire Police/PA)

 What is the average length of jail sentences?

The average is 24 months.

 What is the most common offence for which people have been sentenced?

Violent disorder. Some 200 of the 252 people sentenced so far had been charged with violent disorder, either by itself or in combination with other charges.

Other charges that have led to jail sentences include assaulting emergency workers, possession of a knife or sharp object in a public place, publishing written material to stir up racial hatred, and causing racially aggravated intentional harassment.

 Which police forces account for the most number of people sentenced?

Four police forces together account for just over half of those sentenced: South Yorkshire (17 per cent of the total), Merseyside (14 per cent), Cleveland (10 per cent) and Humberside (10 per cent).
Pope Francis praised Singapores economic strength as a testament to human ingenuity but urged the city-state to look after the weakest, especially foreign workers.

The pope spoke as he opened the final leg of his tour through some of Asias poorest countries in one of the worlds richest.

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Singapore celebrated his arrival by unveiling a new hybrid orchid named for him, the Dendrobium His Holiness Pope Francis.

Presented during an official welcome ceremony, the orchid exudes a serene and pure beauty of ivory white petals with a pink tinge at the centre, according to the National Parks Board.



Pope Francis waves from the car, as he leaves from the Parliament House in Singapore (Vincent Thian/AP)

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The Pope arrived in Singapore from East Timor and began his official programme on Thursday by meeting with president Tharman Shanmugaratnam and prime minister Lawrence Wong before addressing government authorities and the diplomatic corps at the National University of Singapore.

Marvelling at Singapores modern skyscrapers that seem to rise from the sea and the governments commitment to providing public housing and quality education and health care to its people, he urged authorities to beware of rewarding excellence at all costs, a reference to Singapores highly competitive work and educational culture.

I would like to highlight the risk entailed in focusing solely on pragmatism or placing merit above all things, namely the unintended consequence of justifying the exclusion of those on the margins from benefiting from progress, he said.

In a common appeal from historys first Latin American pope, Francis called especially for dignified pay and conditions for migrant workers, who have helped build Singapore into one of the worlds most advanced economic powerhouses.

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These workers contribute a great deal to society and should be guaranteed a fair wage, he said.

Singapore has no minimum wage policy for locals or foreigners.

Singapore is the last stop of Francis 11-day tour that is the longest and farthest of his papacy after earlier stops in Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and East Timor.



Pope Francis meets with the President of the Singapore Republic Tharman Shanmugaratnam (Gregorio Borgia/Pool/AP)

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The economic disparities were obvious upon arrival on Wednesday as he landed in Singapores high-tech airport aboard the lone aircraft belonging to Aero Dili, the national carrier of East Timor, where around 42% of its people live below the poverty line.

Singapore has long touted as a success story its transformation from a colonial port lacking natural resources into a financial and trade power in just a few decades since independence from Malaysia in 1965.

The former British colony 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.

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Foreigners account for more than a third of Singapores workforce and more than 250,000 are migrant workers from Pakistan, Bangladesh and other poorer Asian countries. Most work in construction, shipping and maintenance jobs, helping to support Singapores trade-reliant economy.

Human Rights Watch said in a report last year that foreign migrant workers in the city-state face labour rights abuses and exploitation through exorbitant debts owed to recruitment agents, non-payment of wages, restrictions on movement, confiscation of passports and sometimes physical and sexual violence.

It said foreign domestic workers are excluded from many key labour protections, such as limits on daily work hours and sick leave and annual leave protections.

Francis is visiting Singapore to encourage its Catholics, who make up about 3.5% of the population of just under six million, while highlighting Singapores tradition of interfaith co-existence.

According to a 2020 census, Buddhists make up about 31% of the population, Christians 19% and Muslims 15%, while about a fifth of the population claimed no religious belief whatsoever.

Francis is celebrating Mass on Thursday in Singapores national stadium and will preside over an interfaith youth event on Friday morning before returning to Rome.
A renowned portrait of Winston Churchill that was reported stolen from an Ottawa hotel has been tracked down in Italy, Canadian police said.

Investigators will travel to Rome later this month to retrieve the 1941 portrait of the British leader taken by Ottawa photographer Yousuf Karsh, police said.

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Once in Ottawa police custody, the portrait will be ready for the last step of its journey home to the Fairmont Chateau Laurier, where it will once again be displayed as a notable historic portrait, police said.

Police said The Roaring Lion was stolen from the Fairmont Chateau Laurier in Ottawa, sometime between Christmas Day 2021 and January 6 2022, and replaced with a forgery.



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The swap was only uncovered months later, in August, when a hotel worker noticed the frame was not hung properly and looked different than the others.

It was determined that the portrait was sold through an auction house in London to a buyer in Italy, both of whom were unaware that the piece was stolen, police said. With the help of public tips, forensic analysis and international co-operation, investigators tracked down the individual responsible for the theft.

At a press conference at the hotel, Genevieve Dumas, general manager of the Fairmont Chateau Laurier, said the theft happened at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.

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Everything was closed, and we narrowed the gap to 12 days, Ms Dumas said. The way that happened, there was nobody in the hotel and we discovered it only eight months later.

Ottawa police detective Akiva Gellar said the portrait was recovered after a very extensive investigation that took more than two years but offered few specifics.



Fairmont Chateau Laurier general manager Genevieve Dumas looks on as Ottawa police detective Akiva Gellar speaks about the portrait (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press via AP)

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Much of the investigation is still very sensitive because the matter is before the courts, he said.

A lot of the details about how we found it, and further details will be released during the ceremony in Rome, he added. And later down the road, once we have the portrait back in Canada, we will be able to speak more about that.

Police arrested a 43-year-old man from Powassan, Ontario, in April and have charged him with stealing and trafficking the portrait.

The man, whose name is protected by a publication ban, faces charges that include forgery, theft over 5,000 dollars and trafficking in property obtained by crime exceeding 5,000 dollars.

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The famous image was taken during Churchills wartime visit to the Canadian Parliament in December 1941.

It helped launch the career of Karsh, who photographed some of the 20th centurys most famous faces, including Nelson Mandela, Albert Einstein and Queen Elizabeth II.
Home > 2024 > Noorani was much more than an Iconic A Muslim legal luminary and (...)

Obituary

There have been some excellent obituaries written of the 94 year old lawyer-historian Abdul Ghafoor A Noorani who passed away on 29th August 2024 in his native Mumbai after a long illness. A bachelor, AG Noorani a the byline which he used - is survived by a body of work which will be quoted by generations of lawyers, academics and journalists writing on some of the major issues that have more than once threatened constitutionalism in India, and triggered targeted sectarian violence, specially against religious minorities, and not just the Muslim community.

Noorani did not court controversy. But he was not afraid that almost every piece he wrote, article or book, irked the powers of the day, Congress once, and the Bhartiya Janata Party since Atal Behari Vajpayee became prime minister in 1998. Not surprising that after six decades of productive life as one of the most senior advocates in India, public intellectual, researcher and writer, his obituaries could not mention any national Padma award, or official recognition. That is a proud medal too, for a free soul who cared for the citizen and the constitution, not for the state.

People from other minorities in India, Christians and Sikhs, who too faced genocidal violence in Independent India, would perhaps feel they too would have benefited in their search for justice if he also used his formidable intellect in their cause.

Future researchers will notice this vacuum in judicial commentary on the 1984 anti Sikh violence in Delhi and several other states, the Kandhamal arson and rapine in Orissa in 2007 and 2008, and the cumulative suppression of the Dalits and the Tribals. The perpetrators, specially the non-state actor RSS and its spawn, were quite the same as those in the Babri masjid demolition.

Some senior journalists also recalled that he targeted Pakistanas former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto at a time when he was facing the full might of the military dictator General Ziaul Haq. Bhutto was hanged soon thereafter.

But his focus avowedly was on the Kashmir and the larger Muslim issue in India even as he also wrote on, for instance, the freedom struggle, including the trial and hanging of Bhagat Singh, and a narration of the forgotten comradeship between Quaid-i-Azam MohammadaAli Jinnah and Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak. Whatever their other differences, both felt passionately about the cause of Indian freedom, he wrote. Jinnah, the future founding father of Pakistan, had defended Tilak in his trial in 1916 on sedition charges. Jinnah won the case. , Bal Gangadhar Tilak, the originator of what now is Indiaas second biggest religious fete, the Ganesh Festival in Maharashtra, was a free man.

The book aIslam and Jihad: Prejudice Versus Realitya gave general readers a A history and understanding of concepts needed to counteract the islamophobia which was then raising its head across the globe a and is now entrenched a following brutalities of fundamentalists whom Noorani saw as imposters misusing the faith as a political weapon.

His book on the Hyderabad annexation by then Maj Gen JN Choudharias aPolice actiona army on the orders of prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru goes contrary to the popular discourse encouraged both by the Congress governments down the decades and its successor BJP governments. During the dynastic rule of the Nizamas, its private troops and associates called the Razakars A ran a brutal regime, tough on religious minorities. The army run new government turned a blind eye on a massacre of the Muslims after the takeover.

Noorani scrutinised diplomatic exchanges between the government of India and the government of Hyderabad during the Raj and after partition and independence in 1947 and unearthed the Sunderlal Committee report on the massacre of the Muslim population of the State during and after the police action , a aclandestine working territorial nationalism in its bleakest and most shameful hour.a

A aThe lowest estimates, even those offered privately by apologists of the military government, came to at least ten times the number of murders with which previously the Razakars were officially accused,a Noorani wrote. That is not a book people want to sell, or buy. Gen Choudhari went on to become chief of the army staff in due course before retiring abroad as famous professor of military sciences.

Noorani wrote copiously on the Rastriya Swayamsevak Sangh, its political progeny the Bhartiya Janata Party [Jana Sangh in its first incarnation] and the havoc their surge for power wrought on the Indian landscape and its people in the toll following the demolition of the Babri Masjid on 6 December 1992. He would rank with the top academics specialising on the politics and violence of the militant doctrine of Hindutva or Hindu nationalism, among them Shamsul Islam of Delhi University, Audrey Trushke, Walter Anderson, and Christophe Jefferlot.

He dived deep for historical facts, basic archival research, on the founders of the RSS and n Savarkar, writing to make the dangerous nuances understood to common newspaper and magazine readers, as much as to the scholar and the academic. Of several tomes on the subject, the two books a aRSS and BJP : A Division Of Laboura A and A aRSS, the dangera ought indeed to be on the working desk of anyone trying to understand the ground impact of the ten years ofA the Narendra Modi regime, and indeed of the three times that Atal Behari Vajpayee took oath as the Prime Minister. Division of Labour makes clear that despite all the protestations and the money spent on cleansing and burnishing the image, the RSS remains the entity indicted the reports of several judicial commission down the years.

These refresh memory as we read of the Government removing the ban on government servants from joining the RSS. Now everyone from a low-ranking municipal employ to the secretaries to the government from the Indian Administrative Service can also be cadres of the RSS and participate in its military drills and ideological training. A

President Draupadi Murmu has not yet spoken on the merits of the RSS pr that she was ever associated with it in her native Orissa a possibly because the RSS does not admit women for whom it has a a separate group. But her vice, Jagdeep Dhankhar, in his ex-officio role as the chairman of the Rajya Sabha has gone beyond the official laundering of the Sangh, and burnished it till it glitters as so much gold.

"RSS is a global think tank of the highest order. This organisation bears unimpeachable credentials, comprises of people who are deeply committed to serving the nation selflesslya contributing for national welfare, our culture, and everyone should, as a matter of fact, take pride in any organisation. I will not permit honourable members (of the Rajya Sabha) to single out an organisation which is doing national service. RSS has all the rights to contribute for national growth, for national development... I hereby rule that RSS is an organisation that has full constitutional rights to participate in the development journey of this nation, he announced in a sitting of the Upper House of Parliamenta Dhankhar said.

In his book Savarkar and Hindutva: The Godse Connection, Noorani pierced the hype of Hindu Mahasabha and RSS claims to nationalism and Savarkaras projection now as a supreme nationalist figure. Noorani found Savarkaras letters of desperate apology sent to British officials from the Andamans jail, seeking pardon.

Noorani also exposed the contradictions in the RSSas claim to being a aculturala and A philanthropic A organization. He eventually laid his hands on details about the RSSas income tax and other financial documents. A aTheir activities seem nothing but downright anti-national, subversive and violenta as Jawaharlal Nehru himself wrote in his 1948 letter to M. S. Golwalkar, the second Sarsanghchalak of the RSS. Noorani says in the Preface:aaTo evade income tax it claimed to be a charitable organization before the Income Tax Officer. It said the opposite to the Charity Commissioner to escape registration as a charitable trust.a

But it is in the twin books, aRSS and BJP: Division of Laboura and a RSS The menacea that Noorani made it clear to the meanest intelligence that the RSS, the fomenter of targeted violence, posed a bigger threat to national polity than just to the lives, liberty and properties of Muslims and othersa A These books will become an invaluable resource in the years to come as the RSS, now at all levels of the state apparatus and of society will whitewash its past with the same alacrity and efficiency as it cleanses the sins and crimes of politicians who desert their parties and join it at crucial moments.

Noorani wrote with equal lucidity on the issue of Kashmir, from the time of the ascension of the state to the Indian union, through the terrible erosion of liberty and basic human rights of an entire population under the gaze of an overwhelming military, indicting almost all regimes at the centre for the bloodshed and the dehumanising of the people of the valley. All this under the coverall of Indian sovereignty in which the state was an inalienable part of the geography of the nation, and thereby beyond questioning in international fora. It was also hands off in real terms for critics within the state and rest of the country who courted the wrath of the government and its surveillance and intelligence agencies.

Reviewers noted that Noorani, moved by the plight of the Kashmiri people, blamed virtually all British Pakistani and Indian leaders, including Sheikh Abdullah and Sardar Patel, In Nooranias eyes, Jawaharlal Nehru was the most to be castigated. Nehru, he said, lied to parliament, dismissed Abdullahas government , and arrested him on charges ahe knew to be false.a

The book became known for A quoting texts of rare documents, like the Pakistani and Indian drafts of the non-war pact which never materialised, various British and American documents on Kashmir, the American proposal for Kashmiras partition, the text of the authoras interview with Musharraf in August 2006, the details of Musharrafas plan, the draft of a new article to replace the Indian constitutionas article 370, which gives a special status to India-held Kashmir, and correspondence among the principals a Jinnah, Mountbatten, Nehru. Article 370 was abrogated by Modi in his second germ, and the state divided into two Union Territories.

He, however, did not fully explore fully what to several people working on rights issues in Kashmir, and outside, had seemed an additional layer of disquiet, the growing islamophobia in the men of the central forces posted there in a total strength of a few hundreds of thousands. Indians, and the international rights community, was shocked when an Indian army major tied a Kashmiri man to the front of the military jeep as a human shield against civilian protestors armed with no more than stones.

A

aGafffurbhai,a as his short list of friends called him, was born in Bombay (now Mumbai) in 1930 and became a lawyer in the Bombay High Court in 1953. But his heart lay in research and writing, as his obit writers from Mumbai have noted, among them Teesta Setalvad who worked with him closely on matters relating to the 2002 Gujarat violence and before that, of the Mumbai and Bhiwandi anti-Muslim violence following the bomb blasts in the wake of the Babri demolition. He ended up authoring over a dozen books on constitutional law, politics, and history.

Among those whose tribute articles pain a wholesome portrait of Noorani, the man, are Teesta Setalvad, human rights activist Ravi Nair, former BBC Correspondent Qurban Ali each one of them also documents Nooranias growth as a penetrating researcher whose work showed the path to journalists and academics, and any lawyer who cares to raise these issues in the Supreme court. Not many exist now. And that a pity.

Postscript: Noorani had an interesting face, which would be a sculptoras delight, with a patrician nose and a possibly arrogant mien. Even the most warm eulogy by a friend could not be illustrated with a photograph of a smiling Noorani. Hart frown, that scowl became a defining feature meant, as friends point out, to keep fawning pests and asociety typea flies away.

[This obit first came in The Federal]
Russian shelling on Thursday killed three Ukrainians working for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and wounded two others in a village in the frontline Donetsk region, Ukrainian officials said.

"Another Russian war crime. Today, the occupier attacked vehicles of the International Committee of the Red Cross humanitarian mission in the Donetsk region," President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on X.

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The village of Viroliubivka came under shelling, regional governor Vadym Filashkin said on the Telegram messenger app, reporting casualties.

"I condemn attacks on Red Cross personnel in the strongest terms. It is unconscionable that shelling would hit an aid distribution site," ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric said in a statement.

The statement added that ICRC teams are regularly present in the Donetsk region, and their vehicles are marked with the Red Cross emblem.

The Prosecutor General's Office said on Telegram that ICRC employees had brought fuel briquettes to residents for heating before winter. They were unloading the aid when the attack happened, it said.

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Two employees were hospitalized, and one was in a serious condition, prosecutors added.

The Donetsk region, which Russian troops partially occupy, regularly comes under Russian shelling and airstrikes.

Moscow denies targeting civilians or civilian infrastructure in its invasion of Ukraine, although thousands of people have been killed in its attacks.
The trial of three lawyers who once represented late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny has begun in Russia.

Vadim Kobzev, Igor Sergunin and Alexei Liptser were arrested in October 2023 on charges of involvement with an extremist group, in a case widely seen at the time as a means to ramp up pressure on the Kremlins fiercest foe.

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Their trial is taking place in a court in the town of Petushki, about 60 miles east of Moscow.

According to Mr Navalnys allies, authorities accused the lawyers of using their status as defence attorneys to pass letters from the imprisoned politician to his team, thus serving as intermediaries between Mr Navalny and what they called his extremist group.



Former Navalnys lawyers Igor Sergunin, Alexei Liptser and Vadim Kobzev (Alexander Zemlianichenko/AP)

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Mr Navalnys organisations in Russia  the Foundation for Fighting Corruption and a vast network of regional offices  were outlawed and labelled as extremist groups in 2021, a step that exposed anyone involved with them to prosecution.

Mr Navalny had been serving a 19-year prison term on several criminal convictions, including on extremism charges stemming from the 2021 court ruling that designated his organisations as extremist.

He was arrested in January 2021 and until December 2023 was serving time in two different penal colonies in the Vladimir region.

In December, he was transferred to a remote prison above the Arctic circle. He and his allies had rejected all charges against him as politically motivated, and accused the Kremlin of seeking to jail him for life.

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In February 2024, he suddenly died behind bars in what his team and his widow Yulia Navalnaya charged to be a murder ordered by the Kremlin.

Officials have rejected the accusations.

Russian authorities in February also put two more of Mr Navalnys lawyers on a wanted list.

One of them, Olga Mikhailova, who had defended the politician for a decade, said she had been previously charged in absentia with extremism after fleeing the country.

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The other, Alexander Fedulov, also said last year that he was no longer in Russia.

For many political prisoners in Russia, regular visits from lawyers  especially in remote regions  are a lifeline that allows them to keep their loved ones informed about their wellbeing, as well as report and push back against abuse by prison officials.
Union chiefs have hailed a UK Supreme Court ruling over so-called fire and rehire proposals as an important victory for workers across the country, claiming the practice has no place in a modern economy.

The Union of Shop Distributive and Allied Workers (Usdaw) took legal action against Tesco over the supermarkets plans to fire staff at some distribution centres and rehire them on less favourable terms in 2021.

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Five Supreme Court justices ruled unanimously on Thursday that Tesco should be blocked from dismissing the staff, with Paddy Lillis, Usdaws general secretary, saying he was delighted with the decision.

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Following the judgment, the UK Government said it would be bringing forward legislation to end unscrupulous fire and rehire practices, which it claimed had no place in a modern labour market.

The case arose after Tesco planned to close some of its distribution centres in 2007, and offered staff increased retained pay for them to relocate.

In 2021, the chain wished to bring retained pay to an end and told staff that the enhancement would be removed in return for a lump sum, or their contracts would be terminated and then reoffered on the same terms, but without the increased salary.

Mr Lillis said: Usdaw has been determined to stand by its members in receipt of this valuable benefit that constituted a key component of their pay.

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We recognised that they had been afforded this payment because of their willingness to serve the business, and it was on that basis that we agreed with Tesco that it should be a permanent right.

When we said permanent, we meant just that. We were therefore appalled when Tesco threatened these individuals with fire and rehire to remove this benefit.

These sorts of tactics have no place in industrial relations, so we felt we had to act to protect those concerned.

Usdaw took legal action alongside three employees, who are also union representatives, who work at distribution centres in Daventry, Northamptonshire, and Lichfield, Staffordshire, arguing that retained pay was described as permanent in the contracts and could not be removed.

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Tesco argued that bosses were using a contractual mechanism open to employers.

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But in a judgment backed by Lords Reed, Leggatt and Lloyd-Jones, Lord Burrows and Lady Simler said that the use of the word permanent in the contracts conveys that the right to retained pay is not time-limited in any way.

They added that while Tesco could dismiss for any other unrelated reason, the terms meant it could not terminate a contract for the purpose of removing or diminishing the right of that employee to receive retained pay.

They said: It would have been open to Tesco to negotiate a longstop date for the entitlement to retained pay or to make clear that the retained pay could be withdrawn if an employee were dismissed with notice and then re-employed in the same role. Neither was done.

TUC general secretary Paul Nowak said: This is an important victory for Usdaw, and for workers across the country.

Victorian-style employment practices like fire and rehire have no place in a modern economy.

No company should force staff to reapply for their jobs on worse pay and conditions just to boost profits.

This case is an urgent reminder of why we need the Governments Employment Rights Bill to be delivered in full.

Its time to end the Tories race to the bottom on workplace protections and to drive up labour market standards in Britain.

A Tesco spokesperson said: We accept the Supreme Courts judgment. Our colleagues in our distribution centres play a really critical role in helping us to serve our customers and we value all their hard work.

Our objective in this has always been to ensure fairness across all our DC colleagues. Todays judgment relates to a contractual dispute brought on behalf of a very small number of colleagues in our UK distribution network who receive a supplement to their pay.

This supplement was offered many years ago as an incentive to retain certain colleagues and the vast majority of our distribution colleagues today do not receive this top-up.

In 2021, we took the decision to phase it out. We made a competitive offer to affected colleagues at that time and many of them chose to accept this.

Our aim has always been to engage constructively with Usdaw and the small number of colleagues affected.

A spokesperson for the Department for Business and Trade said: We are committed to updating Britains employment protections so they are fit for our modern economy and the future of work.

We will be bringing forward legislation soon to put an end to unscrupulous fire and rehire practices, which have no place in a modern labour market.
A marine salvage firm has found the wreck of a long-lost French steamship off the US coast.

Le Lyonnais, a marvel for its time, was feared lost forever when a maritime disaster in 1856 sent the ship to the bottom of the ocean off Massachusetts.

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Generations later, the marine salvage crew is ready to write the next chapter in the history of the passenger liner, which was built as the Age of Sail was yielding to steamships.

New Jersey marine salvage firm Atlantic Wreck Salvage found the wreck about 200 miles off New Bedford, Massachusetts.



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The discovery of the steamship follows years of work to locate it, but it also represents a new beginning, said Jennifer Sellitti, a spokesperson for Atlantic Wreck Salvage and a crew member on D/V Tenacious, the vessel the company uses for dives.

The next steps are to document the wreck site, map it and determine what artefacts can be brought to the surface, Ms Sellitti said.

Finding it in some ways is closure, in some ways is the end. In some ways its the beginning  documenting it, determining what is down there and what should be brought up, Ms Sellitti said. This was a very early example of a steam engine.

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Le Lyonnais was about 260 feet in length and tasked with carrying passengers and cargo between New York and France, Ms Sellitti said.

The ship had sails but was also outfitted with a horizontal steam engine and an iron hull, making her an example of the way innovation was changing shipping in the mid-19th century.



Team members review footage between dives (Atlantic Wreck Salvage, via AP)

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But disaster struck during the ships first return voyage back to the French city of Le Havre from the US.

The ship collided with the Maine-built barque Adriatic, which was en route from Belfast, Maine, to Savannah, Georgia, according to Atlantic Wreck Salvages research, which Ms Sellitti is using as the basis for a book on the ship called The Adriatic Affair.

The collision left Le Lyonnais bearing a hole in the hull that would eventually sink the boat. Of the 132 passengers and crew, 114 died. The Adriatic made it back to New England for repairs.

The salvage crew was able to find Le Lyonnais by doing historical research and using sonar to narrow down the site of its final resting place. The ship is probably too deteriorated to be raised, Ms Sellitti said.

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However, the historic nature of the ship makes its discovery significant, said Eric Takajian, a member of the crew that found the ship.

Being one of the first French passenger steamships to have a regularly scheduled run crossing the Atlantic and an early transitional steamship makes Le Lyonnais discovery significant, he said.
George Case - "Nothing Compares" | INOV8 Public Relations

Nashville, TN (September 11, 2024) - Independent Christian artist George Case is excited to announce the release of his latest single, Nothing Compares, to Christian radio. This heartfelt song, produced by George himself, speaks to the eternal truth that nothing in this world can compare to a relationship with Jesus Christ. With a deep message rooted in personal faith and spiritual reflection, Nothing Compares is set to resonate with listeners across Christian AC, Inspirational, and Christian Country radio formats.

George Cases journey is one of deep faith and diverse experiences. From growing up surrounded by music in the foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains to traveling the world through military service, his life is a unique blend of ministry and service. As the son of a Southern Baptist pastor, Georges early life was marked by faith and music, and his personal relationship with Christ began at a young age. He has continued to share that faith through his music, ministering to congregations and communities across the East Coast.

Reflecting on the inspiration behind Nothing Compares, George shares how his own experiences, both as a child and an adult, led him to recognize that worldly possessions and achievements could never bring lasting fulfillment. Instead, his relationship with Christ has provided the true peace and purpose he sought. As George describes in the song, nothing he has encountered in his travelswhether during his military service or in everyday lifecompares to the joy and hope found in Jesus.

Georges previous release, There is a Place, saw remarkable success, garnering over 545,000 views on YouTube. Facebook and Spotify streams combined has reached listeners in more than 122 countries and an additional 100,000 streams and views. Building on that momentum, Nothing Compares is poised to touch the hearts of listeners and inspire deeper reflection on the incomparable love of Christ.

Now residing in his hometown of Pickens, South Carolina, with his family, George continues to lead worship, create new music, and contribute to missionary efforts around the world. His music is a reflection of his enduring faith, and Nothing Compares is the latest chapter in his ongoing mission to share the message of Christs love through song.

"Nothing Compares" is available in all major streaming outlets.
One of the biggest airlines in the world, Turkish Airlines, will soon fly in and out of Sydney in a move expected to put downward pressure on airfares to Europe, the Middle East and Africa ahead of the December holiday season.

Turkish Airlines will launch four weekly flights from Sydney through Kuala Lumpur in December before starting non-stop flights between Istanbul and Sydney sometime in 2026, pending aircraft delivery schedules. The airline already operates A350S from Melbourne through Singapore.

Turkish Airlines will soon fly from Sydney to Istanbul. Credit: Turkish Airlines

Istanbul is one of the biggest airport hubs in the world and Turkish Airlines services 110 European destinations  more than any other airline globally.

Sydney Airport boss Scott Charlton said the carriers entry showed the airport could accommodate more airlines despite slot constraints plaguing domestic routes. About 65 per cent of Sydney Airports slots are used, with about 10 per cent free during the morning peak.
NSW government plans to rebirth White Bay Power Station as a music venue have fallen foul of a contentious law Labor is under intense pressure to axe.

House of Mince, a queer DJ party collective, said it had cancelled its single day house-music party set for October at the restored former power station, after discovering the event would be classified as high-risk under the controversial provision.

The heritage-listed White Bay Power Station. Credit: Chris Bennett

The revelation has added to the public clamour for the Minns government to axe such designations under the Music Festivals Act introduced five years ago to minimise social harm.

From the outset, we were excited about the potential of hosting our event at White Bay, the collective said in a statement released on Thursday night.
Greens senator David Shoebridge has spoken at an anti-war rally outside a major weapons expo in Melbourne, saying it is important to call out what he described as Victoria Polices extreme violence.

On Wednesday, protesters clashed with police as projectiles were thrown at officers, while police deployed rubber bullets, capsicum spray and other means to contain people. The demonstrations continued yesterday and today, but they were smaller and generally peaceful.

Greens Senator David Shoebridge. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

Speaking this afternoon at the rally, Shoebridge defended attending the protest saying he has always supported peace and non-violence, but also wanted to call out the Victorian police.

We call out as well, the extreme violence that came from the Victorian police; this is not Chicago 1968, this is Melbourne in 2024, he said.

Who would have thought that the state government, here to protect arms manufacturers, would be putting rubber bullets and stun grenades, police horses, capsicum [spray] and tear gas against their own people. That was an obscene action of excessive force by the Victorian police.

I am astounded that theres not a single politician from Labor or Coalition who are at least troubled by that.
The idea that public schools are underfunded in Australia is persistently being depicted as a ghastly controversy, a zero-sum game: public versus private; give to one, you take from the other; four legs good, two legs bad. A headline in this masthead this week describes Australia as a lone wolf in spending more on private schools than the global average, based on a recent snapshot of school funding from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

But Australia has far more private schools than most other countries in the OECD, so it is not surprising that Australia spends more money on them. According to the OECDs figures, about 40 per cent of Australian enrolments are in non-government schools, while the OECD average is 18 per cent. The Australian Bureau of Statistics puts the number lower at 36 per cent, but that still places Australia around third highest in the world with comparable nations, the others being Belgium, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.

About 40 per cent of Australian enrolments are in non-government schools. Credit: Louie Douvis

When I recently visited Belgium and the Netherlands researching international school policy, I certainly didnt see a bunch of snarling lone wolves loping up and down the canals. The high private school presence in these mild-mannered countries is regarded as entirely uncontroversial. Nor are they renowned as nations of great inequity  quite the contrary. But the state covers the entire cost of private schools in Belgium and the Netherlands.

Indeed, of the 27 countries in the European Union, 16 have state-funded private schools, also regarded as uncontroversial. The state funds almost all costs of private schools in France, Spain, Sweden and Finland, according to a recent report by OIDEL, a Swiss-based non-government organisation focused on freedom of education.
A study of childcare in developed countries has highlighted the need for reform in Australia, where data shows families from wealthy suburbs have far better access to services than those living in disadvantaged areas.

Analysis by an international team of researchers  including Victoria Universitys Mitchell Institute  showed Australias profit-driven system encouraged childcare providers to establish services in affluent neighbourhoods, where they can charge up to $200 a day.

Australia came fourth out of nine developed countries for childcare accessibility, after the Nordic nations, in the studys rankings.

France  where it is compulsory for children to start school at three  had the highest childcare accessibility for children aged three to six. However, children aged up to two years had the worst access to childcare of all nations studied.
Minutes after being pulled from the twisted wreckage of a horror crash that killed two young boys in Sydneys south, a nine-year-old girl told police the car had been racing.

[He] was going too fast, she said of the driver, 34-year-old Jimmy Martin Brito. He said he wouldnt crash, but then he slipped off the road and crashed.

Neighbours and passing motorists rushed to the scene outside a home on The Grand Parade at Monterey, near Brighton-le-Sands, drawn to the sound and a large plume of dust and smoke.

A nine-year-old boy in the front passenger seat and his 10-year-old brother seated behind Brito were unresponsive and critically injured. They were taken to Sydney Childrens Hospital but pronounced dead.
Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski has described the death of a Gold Coast police officer, identified as Senior Sergeant Brendan Wiblen, as absolutely devastating.

Wiblen, 58, died on Wednesday near Glen Innes in New South Wales while riding in the annual Wall to Wall memorial ride for fallen officers.

Wiblen was riding in the annual Wall to Wall Ride charity event, which honours fallen police officers. Credit: Nine News

The Queensland Police Service said Wiblen had a distinguished career spanning 28 years, working as both a district duty officer and an officer in charge.

This is a heartbreaking loss for our entire service, particularly for Brendans colleagues on the Gold Coast, who worked closely with him day in and day out, Gollschewski said.

His passing will have a significant impact on officers who not only valued his leadership but also considered him as a dear friend.

South Eastern Region Assistant Commissioner Brian Swan said Wiblen was a dedicated officer, who was highly thought of by his colleagues and known for his attention to detail.
Queensland is making a concerted pitch to open up its biggest untapped market by wooing Air India to introduce routes to the Sunshine State.

India  now the worlds most populous nation  is the largest economic market within range that does not have any direct routes to and from Brisbane Airport.

Air India chief executive Campbell Wilson in Brisbane on Thursday. Credit: Glenn Campbell

The state government hopes to change that and will urge Air India chief executive Campbell Wilson  in Brisbane this week for an aviation conference  to add Queensland services to its route map.

There were signs Wilson, a New Zealand native, was open to the idea. He told the CAPA Airline Leader Summit, being held at the newly opened Star Event Centre at Queens Wharf, there was plenty of untapped potential for Air India, both in Australia and his homeland.
Two detectives accused of orchestrating a wrongful prosecution have been ordered to stand trial following the botched early-morning intercept of an army reservist motorist.

Detective senior constables Nathan Daniel Evans and Thomas Edward Horsburgh appeared on Thursday in the Melbourne Magistrates Court, where both were committed to stand trial on charges of professional misconduct and attempting to pervert the course of justice. Charges of perjury were discharged.

Nathan Daniel Evans leaving court. Credit: Simon Schluter

The court heard that in June 2020 the two officers tried to prosecute an army reservist on charges including endangering the safety of an emergency services worker after the man fled a police road stop in Longwarry, south-east of Melbourne. The army reservist later said he sped away because he thought he was about to become the victim of a late-night carjacking.

Evans wrote in a statement that he feared for his life when the driver fled the scene, saying his arms and torso were still in the car as he tried to remove the drivers keys.
Despite these investigations and Justice Anthony Besankos finding that he is a war criminal, the ex-soldier has retained his medals, including his Victoria Cross, Medal for Gallantry and Commendation for Distinguished Service. Former NSW Supreme Court judge Paul Breretons recommendations about stripping medals for command failures that led to war crimes prompted Defence Minister Richard Marles on Thursday to cancel distinguished service medals awarded to a number of current and former Defence officers. Brereton did make a pointed finding about Roberts-Smiths Medal for Gallantry, concluding that elements of the 2006 battle in which it was earned were wilfully misreported by his small SAS patrol. Veteran SAS soldiers have also formally complained to senior Defence officials that Roberts-Smiths Commendation for Distinguished Service was based on falsehoods about his leadership in 2012. Besanko concluded Roberts-Smith had, that year, kicked a prisoner off a cliff and ordered his execution.

While Marles defended on Thursday his decision to strip officer medals on the basis certain commanders failed to prevent soldiers under their watch committing atrocities, the long-standing failure to act against soldiers found to have carried out war crimes, like Roberts-Smith, has divided the veteran community. Several special forces veterans told this masthead that Besankos civil court findings of war crimes should see Roberts-Smith stripped of at least some of his decorations, while other veterans argue that should only occur if he is convicted in a criminal trial. Roberts-Smith and friend with a novelty drinking vessel made from the prosthetic leg of an Afghan man. The absence of action left Roberts-Smith as the most decorated Afghan veteran at the SAS Diamond Jubilee ball on Saturday at Crown in Perth. Billionaire media mogul Kerry Stokes, who previously employed Roberts-Smith and funded his defamation action, was also a guest at the event.

One of the key speakers at the gala was an officer who was on the infamous 2009 mission in which Roberts-Smith executed a prisoner who had a prosthetic leg. There is no suggestion this officer knew of Roberts-Smiths 2009 war crime when it was committed, but he, and other serving SAS personnel at the gala testified in Roberts-Smiths failed defamation case. The fact that Defence allowed Roberts-Smith to come to such an important milestone event for the SASR, and the fact that Roberts-Smith felt entitled to rock up, shows how much work is yet to [be done] when it comes to cultural change, said one Defence source. Asked about the appropriateness of Roberts-Smiths attendance at the gala, a Defence spokesperson said the event enabled current and former Australian Defence Force members to share experiences and recognise this significant milestone in the regiments history. On Thursday, Defence Minister Marles cited privacy while declining to say how many officers have had their honours stripped, although he confirmed it was fewer than 10.

The government said the medal-stripping was one of 139 recommendations it had responded to and which were made as part of the Brereton report in November 2020. The report recommended sweeping reforms and found credible information that 19 soldiers were implicated in the unlawful executions of 39 prisoners and civilians. Marles move, days after the release of the royal commission report into veteran suicide, has infuriated veterans groups who say the officers involved are being unfairly punished for others wrongdoing. Defence Minister Richard Marles has stripped medals from senior commanding officers in the Afghan war. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen A government source said the Brereton report did not deal with bravery medals such as the Victoria Cross, and that Marles response was limited to responding to that inquiry. In 2023 then-Defence Force chief Angus Campbell wrote to a small group of Afghan veterans to inform them he had recommended the minister terminate their awards for distinguished and conspicuous service on warlike operations.

The government declined to identify the officers stripped of their medals, and has not revealed exactly how many were notified of the decision on Wednesday. Marles told parliament on Thursday that the Brereton inquiry had examined arguably the most serious allegations of Australian war crimes in our history. This will always be a matter of national shame, he said. Marles said his decision to remove honours from some commanders was consistent with the Brereton report. He paid tribute to the sacred service of the vast majority of Australian Defence personnel and commended those who told the truth about what happened in Afghanistan.

The Distinguished Service Cross was introduced in 1991 and is awarded for distinguished command and leadership in warlike operations. These people, whose names are not heralded, have changed our country for the better. Today, we honour them. The decision does not have any promotion consequences for those who have been stripped of their honours, and it is up to individuals to decide whether they want to surrender their physical medals. Opposition defence spokesman Andrew Hastie said it was important for Australia to learn from this tragic and bitter chapter in our military history, but he did not directly address the stripping of medals from the former commanders. The Brereton report was painful as it unearthed painful truths about some of our conduct in the Afghan war, Hastie, a former SAS soldier who served in Afghanistan, said. Reputations both personal and institutional have been damaged.

He choked with emotion in his response, saying our soldiers must tell the truth, and those in leadership must seek it out. If both our soldiers and our leaders had done so, we might not be in this place today. But here we are, and it has been a tough reckoning. Marles decision does not affect Angus Campbell, who offered to return a Distinguished Service Cross awarded to him for his stewardship as commander of Middle East Operations but was knocked back by the Morrison government. Australian SAS Association head Martin Hamilton-Smith accused Marles of spitting at the feet of our Australian veterans. This appears to be the first time in the history of Anzac that an Australian government has so betrayed the courage and sacrifice of the men they sent to fight and die in our countrys name, he said. RSL Australia president Greg Melick said no medals should be taken away until all investigations and potential trials have been completed.

The RSL is aware of the significant strain this matter has placed on veterans, even those not involved in alleged incidents, he said. Loading Independent senator Jacqui Lambie, who served in the army for more than a decade, accused the government of throwing our diggers under the bus, telling Sky News that more senior Defence figures should be held accountable for any alleged wrongdoing in Afghanistan. Lambie questioned why Marles had made the decision in the same week as tabling the final report from the royal commission into veteran suicide, saying she was concerned it could exacerbate veterans mental health issues. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton told radio station 2GB that Marles had abrogated responsibility here by letting this cloud hang for so long, but did not say whether he supported the decision.
Loading This suggests Marles rejected Campbells recommendation for a handful of officers, allowing them to retain their honours. Most are understood to have left the Defence Force. In a speech to parliament on Thursday, Marles said the Brereton inquiry had examined arguably the most serious allegations of Australian war crimes in our history. This will always be a matter of national shame, he said.

Marles said his decision to remove honours from some commanders was consistent with the findings and recommendations of the Brereton report. In accordance with obligations owed to individuals involved, including under the Privacy Act, I am prohibited from disclosing the details and outcomes, he said. Marles paid tribute to the sacred service of the vast majority of Australian Defence personnel and commended those who told the truth about what happened in Afghanistan. These people whose names are not heralded, have changed our country for the better. Today, we honour them. The decision does not have any promotion consequences for those who have been stripped of their honours, and it is up to individuals to decide whether they want to surrender their physical medals.

The Distinguished Service Cross was introduced in 1991 and is awarded for distinguished command and leadership in warlike operations. Opposition defence spokesman Andrew Hastie said it was important for Australia to learn from this tragic and bitter chapter in our military history, but did not directly address the stripping of medals from the former commanders. The Brereton report was painful as it unearthed painful truths about some of our conduct in the Afghan war, Hastie, a former SAS soldier who served in Afghanistan, said in a reply to Marles speech. Reputations both personal and institutional have been damaged. He choked with emotion in his response, saying our soldiers must tell the truth, and those in leadership must seek it out. If both our soldiers and our leaders had done so, we might not be in this place today. But here we are, and it has been a tough reckoning. Marles decision does not affect Campbell, who offered to return a Distinguished Service Cross awarded to him for his stewardship as commander of Middle East Operations but was knocked back by the Morrison government.

Martin Hamilton-Smith, the head of the Australian SAS Association, reacted angrily, saying: This appears to be the first time in the history of ANZAC that an Australian government has so betrayed the courage and sacrifice of the men they sent to fight and die in our countrys name. Accusing Marles of spitting at the feet of our Australian veterans, he said, The message this sends is disgraceful. RSL Australia president Greg Melick said the organisation firmly believed that no medals should be taken away until all investigations and potential trials had been completed. The RSL is aware of the significant strain this matter has placed on veterans, even those not involved in alleged incidents, he said. Independent senator Jacqui Lambie, who served in the army for more than a decade, accused the government of throwing our Diggers under the bus, telling Sky News that more senior Defence figures should be held accountable for any alleged wrongdoing in Afghanistan.

Lambie questioned why Marles had made the decision in the same week as tabling the final report from the royal commission into veteran suicide, saying she was concerned it could exacerbate veterans mental health issues. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton told 2GB that Marles had abrogated responsibility here by letting this cloud hang for so long, but did not say whether he supported the decision. He said he was glad Marles had stuck by his 2021 decision not to strip 3000 members of the Special Operations Task Group of their meritorious unit citations. Loading In his 2020 report, former NSW Supreme Court judge Paul Brereton said that it is difficult to see how any commander at the Special Operations Task Group, Squadron or Troop level, under whose command (or on whose watch) any substantiated incident referred to in this Report occurred, could in good conscience retain a distinguished service award in respect of that command.
Dublin: It has both tech billionaire Elon Musk and self-proclaimed misogynist Andrew Tate excited, and has filled a nation already wrestling with a rise of extremist politics with a sense of dread.

Conor McGregor, a 36-year-old loudmouthed mixed martial arts fighter nicknamed The Notorious, has again dangled plans for a 2025 Irish presidential bid after expressing his discontent with the nations political establishment. Worth an estimated $US200 million ($299 million), the two-time UFC champion-turned-businessman-turned-actor called himself the only logical choice to lead the country.

Conor McGregor takes on Dustin Poirier in a lightweight fight at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi in 2021. Credit: Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

These charlatans in their positions of power would be summoned to answer to the people of Ireland, and I would have it done by day end, he wrote on social media platform X, where he has 10.6 million followers, about twice the population of his homeland.

He said  rather naively  that as president, he would have the power to summon and dissolve the Dail, the lower house of the Irish parliament, known as the Oireachtas.
Our economy is so much more diverse in 2024, and we arent just relying on mining as we have been in the past, Gavalas said.
Uptain offers a unique solution that will help our brokers tap into a customer demographic they may not have been able to assist before, Patsouras said.
California's wildfires are a result of climate change. (Photo: Fred Greaves/Reuters)

Three massive wildfires raging across Southern California have left a trail of destruction, torching dozens of homes and forcing thousands of residents to flee. As firefighters battle against the infernos, which have been fueled by scorching temperatures and dry conditions, communities are bracing for more devastation.

The wildfires, which ignited over the weekend amid a triple-digit heatwave, have put tens of thousands of homes and structures at risk. The fires, now a menacing presence across the region, have already caused significant damage and displaced many residents, as other major blazes continue to burn across Idaho, Oregon, and Nevada.

In the tight-knit community of Wrightwood, nestled along the Pacific Crest Trail, residents have been grappling with the rapid spread of the Bridge Fire. The fire, which has already consumed more than a dozen homes, forced many to evacuate with little warning. Resident Erin Arias recounted the harrowing experience of fleeing her home after receiving a sudden evacuation order.

"It's absolutely scary," Arias said as she surveyed the remains of her neighbor's home. "We're really lucky."

The rapid escalation of the Bridge Fire has shocked even seasoned firefighters. According to UCLA climate scientist Daniel Swain, the fire's speed and movement across complex terrain gave Wrightwood residents less time to evacuate than usual.

"The Bridge Fire had to go up mountainsides, burn down slopes, jump across valleys, and burn across new ridges-multiple times in just one burning period," Swain explained.

The fires in California mark the beginning of what is expected to be a particularly intense wildfire season. Already, nearly three times as much acreage has burned compared to all of 2023. President Joe Biden is closely monitoring the situation, urging residents to heed state and local evacuation orders.

As of Wednesday, three major wildfires continued to wreak havoc in Southern California:

The Airport Fire in Orange County has scorched over 35 square miles and remains only 5% contained. The blaze, which was reportedly sparked by heavy equipment, has injured eight firefighters and at least two residents. In El Cariso Village, a small community along Highway 74, several homes have been reduced to ashes.

in Orange County has scorched over 35 square miles and remains only 5% contained. The blaze, which was reportedly sparked by heavy equipment, has injured eight firefighters and at least two residents. In El Cariso Village, a small community along Highway 74, several homes have been reduced to ashes. The Line Fire in the San Bernardino National Forest has charred 57 square miles and is 18% contained. The fire, which has injured three firefighters, is believed to have been caused by arson. A suspect was arrested on Tuesday, but the full extent of the damage is still being assessed.

in the San Bernardino National Forest has charred 57 square miles and is 18% contained. The fire, which has injured three firefighters, is believed to have been caused by arson. A suspect was arrested on Tuesday, but the full extent of the damage is still being assessed. The Bridge Fire east of Los Angeles is perhaps the most alarming of the three, having grown tenfold in a single day. It has already burned 78 square miles and destroyed at least 33 homes and six cabins, forcing the evacuation of 10,000 people. The cause of the fire remains unknown, and it was zero percent contained as of Wednesday night.

The intensity of these wildfires has stretched firefighting resources to their limits. Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone emphasized that the region is at "drawdown" for fire personnel and resources, prompting authorities to request assistance from Northern California and neighboring states. Governor Gavin Newsom has also deployed National Guard troops to aid in evacuations.

The fires have been exacerbated by powerful winds and challenging terrain, making containment efforts extremely difficult. In some areas, the fires have created their own weather systems, intensifying the flames and making them even harder to control.

Kevin Fetterman, Incident Commander with the Orange County Fire Authority, described the challenges firefighters are facing: "The blaze has been difficult to tame because of the terrain and dry conditions, and because some areas haven't burned in decades."

As the fires continue to rage, more than 5,500 homes in Riverside County are under evacuation orders, affecting over 19,000 residents. In San Bernardino County, around 65,600 homes are at risk, and residents along the southern edge of Big Bear Lake have been urged to evacuate.

In neighboring Nevada, the Davis Fire near Reno has forced thousands of people to evacuate and has destroyed multiple structures. Despite high winds grounding firefighting aircraft, crews have managed to keep the fire from spreading further.

The situation in Southern California is expected to improve slightly as cooler temperatures move in later this week, potentially tempering fire activity. However, officials are urging residents to remain vigilant as the fires are far from being fully contained.
BYD India, the Indian subsidiary of the Chinese automaker, aims to double its sales volumes annually starting in 2025, says Rajeev Chauhan, head of electric passenger (EV) vehicles, in an interview with Deepak Patel. To achieve this, the company plans to launch an electric sport utility vehicle (SUV), targeting either of the two extreme price segments  Rs 20-25 lakh and Rs 40-50 lakh  and is also considering a plug-in hybrid. Edited excerpts:

What kind of growth in sales volumes are you expecting this year?

Last year, we sold 2,500 EVs. We are the only
HBO has officially begun its hunt for the next generation of Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger. The studio announced an open casting call for the highly anticipated TV adaptation of JK Rowlings beloved series, inviting children aged 9 to 11 to audition for the iconic roles.

The casting call is seeking young actors to portray the trio of magical friends as they embark on coming-of-age adventures and battle dark forces at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Aspiring actors must be UK or Ireland residents, with the studio emphasising a commitment to inclusive, diverse casting, welcoming all races, ethnicities, and gender identities to apply. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp

The audition process involves submitting two short self-tapes, including a recitation of a poem or story  though prospective stars should avoid using any material from the Harry Potter universe. Please use your own accent, the notice advises.

This new TV series, announced by Warner Bros Discovery last year, is set to run for at least seven seasons on Max (formerly HBO Max), with each season dedicated to faithfully adapting one of Rowlings original books. Rowling will serve as an executive producer on the ambitious project, which is expected to span a decade.

While the announcement has sparked excitement, reactions among fans have been mixed. Some are eager to see the story retold in greater detail, with the TV format providing the opportunity to explore elements omitted from the films. Others remain conflicted about Rowlings continued involvement, given her controversial views on transgender issues.

The Harry Potter franchise is a global phenomenon, with books, films, video games, and theatre productions generating an estimated 20 bn pounds ($25bn) in revenue. Casting for the original films, now 25 years ago, was famously shrouded in rumours, with Rowling insisting on an all-British cast. The roles were ultimately filled by Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson, then relatively unknown actors.

Emma Watson, who portrayed Hermione Granger, has expressed her deep connection to the character, writing on Instagram during the 20th anniversary of the first film: Harry Potter was my home, my family, my world, and Hermione [still is] my favourite fictional character of all time.

Though no official release date has been confirmed, Warner Bros Discovery CEO David Zaslav indicated in February that the show is eyeing a 2026 premiere. Fans now eagerly await the casting announcements for this fresh chapter in the Wizarding World saga.
Indias Civil Aviation Minister, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, revealed on Thursday that talks are underway to restore direct passenger flights between India and China. The announcement, made during the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation in New Delhi, marks a potential end to a four-year suspension triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic and ongoing geopolitical strains.

As Chairman for the 2nd Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation, I have used this platform to engage with foreign delegations. Today, along with Secretary Shri Vumlunmang Vualnam and other senior officials, I had a courtesy meeting with the Chinese delegation led by Song Zhiyong. We exchanged views on enhancing civil aviation cooperation, specifically on promoting the early resumption of scheduled passenger flights, Kinjarapu shared on X (formerly Twitter). Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp





This morning, alongside Secretary Shri Vumlunmang Vualnam and other senior officials from my ministry, I As the Chairman for the 2nd Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation, I have been utilising the platform to engage in sideline meetings with foreign delegations.This morning, alongside Secretary Shri Vumlunmang Vualnam and other senior officials from my ministry, I pic.twitter.com/OUi863yr8e September 12, 2024

While the minister did not provide details on the outcomes of the discussions, the meeting marks an important step towards rebuilding travel connectivity between the two countries. The conference, organised by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), provided a diplomatic opportunity for both nations to address aviation-related concerns.

India-China direct flights suspended during Covid-19

Direct flights between India and China were suspended in early 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Even though global air travel has largely recovered, tensions following the 2020 border skirmish in Eastern Ladakh  where 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers lost their lives  continued to hinder the restoration of normal relations. As a result, flights have yet to resume, despite high demand for passenger connectivity.

Before the pandemic, the two countries managed more than 500 monthly direct flights. Chinese airlines, including Air China, China Eastern, and China Southern, operated the majority of these flights. Indian carriers such as Air India and IndiGo also provided direct routes between the two nations.

Border tensions impact India-China travel

The bilateral relationship between the countries has also been strained since the 2020 military standoff, which occurred along their disputed Himalayan border. As a result, India has taken steps to reduce Chinese influence, including stricter scrutiny of investments, the banning of hundreds of Chinese apps, and halting passenger air routes. While cargo flights between the countries continue, passenger services have remained suspended, leading to longer, more expensive journeys through connecting hubs like Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Singapore.

China, which has been eager to see the resumption of direct flights, has faced challenges in recovering its travel sector post-pandemic, unlike Indias rapidly growing aviation industry. A June report from Reuters indicated that China had been pushing for the reinstatement of flights, but India, wary of ongoing border tensions, had resisted these efforts.

Restarting direct passenger flights

Resuming direct flights could benefit both nations economically and diplomatically. However, the stakes appear higher for China, which has yet to see a full rebound in its international travel sector. The potential resumption of air travel would ease logistical and financial burdens for travellers between the two countries, currently forced to rely on connecting flights.


Cairo, Egypt (PANA) - Six staff members with the UN agency that assists Palestine refugees, UNRWA, were killed in Gaza on Wednesday when two Israeli airstrikes hit a school-turned-shelter and its surroundings, UN News reported
The Union Cabinet has given the green light to a health coverage of Rs 5 lakh for all senior citizens aged 70 and above under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY). This decision, announced on Wednesday, is set to provide relief to millions across India, benefiting an estimated 45 million families. Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw called the move a step towards creating an inclusive healthcare system.

Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp All senior citizens of the age 70 years and above, irrespective of their socio-economic status, would be eligible to avail the benefits of AB PM-JAY, a government release stated.

The announcement has sparked reactions across the healthcare and legal sectors. Expanding health coverage to all senior citizens aged 70 and above under Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY, regardless of their socio-economic status, is a landmark decision in creating a more inclusive and fair healthcare system in India," said Amit Chhabra, Chief Business Officer, General Insurance at Policybazaar.com. He added, This move will fill a critical gap in Indias healthcare ecosystem, ensuring that senior citizenswho currently make up 10.5% of the countrys populationare not left without support during their most vulnerable years.

Jasmine Damkewala, Senior Partner at Circle of Counsels and Advocate-on-Record, Supreme Court of India, said the initiative aligns with constitutional provisions. This initiative is a commendable step towards universal health coverage, in line with Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and health, she said.

Can all 70-year-olds benefit from this scheme?

The government has clarified that all senior citizens aged 70 and above, who belong to families already covered under AB PM-JAY, will be eligible for an additional top-up cover of Rs 5 lakh per year. This means families can share this coverage between their senior members.

Those benefiting from other public health insurance schemes, such as the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), or Ayushman Central Armed Police Force (CAPF), may either stick to their current scheme or opt for the new AB PM-JAY benefits. Additionally, senior citizens under private health insurance policies or the Employees State Insurance Scheme will also be eligible for this expanded coverage.

How is coverage shared within families?

Health coverage for families with more than one eligible senior citizen will be divided. Ashwini Vaishnaw explained, If there are two senior citizens (70 years+) in a family, then the Rs 5 lakh coverage will be shared between them. This is a big step towards ensuring the social security of senior citizens, especially as India transitions to nuclear families.

Ageing India

Although the Ayushman Bharat scheme has been directed towards universal healthcare, this is the first time a specific age group has received comprehensive coverage. With Indias ageing population set to rise significantly in the coming decades, the need for accessible healthcare has become increasingly pressing.

Indias population over the age of 60 is predicted to rise from 8.6% in 2011 to 19.5% by 2050, according to the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI). In absolute terms, the number of people aged 60 and above will likely triple from 103 million in 2011 to 319 million by 2050. However, health coverage for this age group remains low, standing at around 20%, according to the India Ageing Report 2023.

Concerns remain

So far, the public has reportedly benefited by over Rs 1 trillion from the Ayushman Bharat healthcare initiative. However, despite the large-scale rollout, certain challenges remain.

One of the biggest issues raised is the limited participation of major private hospitals in the scheme. Many prominent hospitals, such as Fortis Healthcare, Kailash, Max, and Manipal Hospital, have yet to register for the Ayushman Bharat scheme. This raises questions about the scheme's accessibility, especially for those who need advanced medical care. While many government and private hospitals are accepting Ayushman cards, the absence of these top-tier hospitals is being felt.

"The reported delays in payment to private hospitals raise concerns about the scheme's implementation and may be in contravention of the provisions of the Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010, which mandates timely payment for healthcare services," said Damkewala. She suggested several measures to tackle this issue:

1. Ensuring timely release of funds to states and hospitals, as per the National Health Mission (NHM) guidelines.

2. Streamlining the payment process through robust IT infrastructure, in line with the Digital India initiative and the Information Technology Act, 2000.

3. Establishing an independent grievance redressal mechanism for hospitals, as provided for under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.

4. Engaging with private hospitals to address their concerns and find collaborative solutions.

By taking these steps, the government can ensure that the benefits of Ayushman Bharat reach the intended beneficiaries without any hindrances, and uphold the right to health enshrined under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, Damkewala added.
They said that digestive issues can involve constipation, drooling, difficulty in swallowing and a delayed emptying of the stomach | Photo: Shutterstock

Digestive problems, including ulcers in one's food pipe or stomach, could increase the risk of Parkinson's disease by 76 per cent, according to a new study. Analysing endoscopy reports of 9,350 patients, the authors found that people having upper gastrointestinal conditions -- specifically, ulcers or other types of damage to the lining of the oesophagus, stomach, or upper part of the small intestine -- were far more likely to develop Parkinson's disease later in life. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp These findings, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Network Open Researchers add to a growing body of evidence that ageing-related or neurodegenerative disease, long thought to originate in the brain, could begin in the gut.

Gastrointestinal problems are known to be common in patients suffering from neurodegenerative disorders, the authors said.

The researchers at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, US, said that gastrointestinal troubles experienced by patients of Parkinson's disease often appear up to two decades before symptoms such as tremors or stiffness in arms or legs, which interfere with one's movement and are usually the grounds for diagnosis.

They said that digestive issues can involve constipation, drooling, difficulty in swallowing and a delayed emptying of the stomach.

Constipation and difficulty in swallowing were strong risk factors related with a more than doubling of Parkinson's disease risk, the authors said.

One of the possible biological mechanisms underlying these relationships between the gut and risk of Parkinson's disease could be problems in regulating dopamine, a brain chemical known to play a key role in digestion, they said.

The authors also proposed that gastrointestinal conditions could trigger the building up of the protein 'alpha-synuclein', which is how Parkinson's disease presents in the brain.

Future research could help understand these mechanisms better, they added.
Cape Town, South Africa (PANA)  The Department of Health has called for continued public vigilance as the country records one more laboratory-confirmed case of mpox
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Guangxi continues to expand its opening up efforts

People's Daily Online) 09:14, September 12, 2024

In the first seven months of 2024, the monthly shipment volume via China-Vietnam freight trains departing from south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region shattered records three times, marking a significant milestone in the region's cross-border trade.

In March, over 500 twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEU) containers of goods were shipped. The figure more than tripled in April, reaching 1,622 containers, before soaring to an impressive 1,922 TEUs in July.

"The China-Vietnam freight train service is efficient and convenient. It saves us three to five days compared to sea transport, helping us better tap into the markets of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries," said Zhu Shiqiang, business manager at Sinotrans Guangxi Co., Ltd., which recently exported high quantities of goods to Vietnam.

This success story is the result of Guangxi's unwavering commitment to opening up to domestic and international markets and creating a convenient market for domestic and international dual circulation. The autonomous region has promoted an ocean-oriented economy and enhanced connectivity with ASEAN countries and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

The improvements in logistics are of particular value to the fresh produce industry.

Photo shows a bustling scene of the Haijixing Agricultural Products International Logistics Center in Nanning, capital city of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. (People's Daily Online/Lei Qijun)

At the Haijixing Agricultural Products International Logistics Center in Nanning, capital city of Guangxi, the buzz of activity is palpable. Tan Jiafu, a young wholesaler from south China's Guangdong Province, meticulously checks orders at the center. During peak seasons, he sells 100 tonnes of imported durian a day to places across the country.

"It takes just four to five days at most for durians from orchards in Thailand to be transported to fruit wholesale markets in Guangxi," Tan said, highlighting the efficiency that drew him to engage in import activities in Guangxi.

Fresh durians have a shorter shelf life and require efficient customs clearance. The Youyiguan Port, nestled on the China-Vietnam border, stands as the largest gateway for foreign fruits into Guangxi. Leveraging the port's advantages, the Chongzuo area of the China (Guangxi) Pilot Free Trade Zone (FTZ) has joined forces with Nanning Customs to implement an innovative model for imported fruits, significantly boosting both inspection and customs clearance efficiency.

A truck laden with ASEAN fruits passes through customs clearance in just 15 seconds thanks to streamlined procedures at the Youyiguan Port. In the first seven months of this year, fruit imports through the port reached a staggering 465,000 tonnes. The imports in total were worth 11.72 billion yuan ($1.65 billion), accounting for over 80 percent of all imported fruits going through Guangxi ports.

This efficient connectivity forms the bedrock of Guangxi's strategy to create a convenient market for domestic and international dual circulation. The autonomous region has given full play to its geographical advantages to contribute to the high-level construction of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, an international trade and logistics passage jointly built by Chinese provincial regions and ASEAN countries, while making more efforts to serve and integrate into the new development paradigm.

Photo shows a construction site of the Pinglu Canal in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. (Photo courtesy of Pinglu Canal Group)

As a flagship project on the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, the 134.2-kilometer Pinglu Canal in Guangxi will become the shortest and the most convenient route to the sea for regions in southwest China upon completion.

In the manufacturing sector, Guangxi is pushing the envelope of innovation.

The "smart island" factory, based on lean and modular manufacturing, of SAIC-GM-Wuling (SGMW) in Guangxi has slashed the time needed to build a traditional car production line from two years to just one month.

Photo shows a "smart island" factory at SAIC-GM-Wuling (SGMW) in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. (People's Daily Online/Lei Qijun)

Vehicles produced in Guangxi have been exported to Southeast Asia, Europe, America, and Africa. In early August, a complete automobile production line by Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor Co., Ltd. was exported from Liuzhou city to Cambodia. Since the beginning of this year, the company has received a multitude of inquiries from clients overseas, seeking assistance in establishing complete vehicle production lines for local assembly.

Guangxi's geographical proximity to ASEAN countries has made it an attractive investment destination for many ASEAN enterprises looking to enter the Chinese market, including Guangxi Taijingxi Taizhong Trading Co., Ltd.

Photo shows a view of the China-ASEAN Mercantile Exchange in Nanning, capital city of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. (People's Daily Online/Yan Lizheng)

After joining the China-ASEAN Mercantile Exchange, which was established less than three years ago by the China-Singapore Nanning International Logistics Park and the China-ASEAN Expo Secretariat, and serves as a B2B and B2C platform for trade between China and ASEAN countries, the company has seen its sales grow year after year.

Work done to improve Guangxi's overall business environment has also been a major boon for the region.

"Guangxi has been doing its best to foster a market-oriented, world-class business environment within a sound legal framework. This has strengthened our resolve to invest in Guangxi," said Metinee Nuntadee, general manager for the Thai market at the company.

A 2023 survey on business environment conducted by the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, which covered 10,000 private enterprises, showed Guangxi as one of the five provincial-level regions with the most noticeable improvements in its business climate. Behind this success lies Guangxi's bold approach to development through its pilot FTZ.

The China (Guangxi) Pilot FTZ has attracted over 100,000 enterprises, marking a 28-fold increase prior to its inception five years ago. The FTZ has implemented all 120 pilot projects assigned by the country, and has replicated and promoted 169 region-level innovations across the region.

Photo shows an automated container terminal at Qinzhou port area of the Beibu Gulf Port, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. (People's Daily Online/Yan Lizheng)

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
Petaluma police received reports of a threat made against two high school campuses this week. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle

Two Petaluma high schools will beef up security after police received reports of a violent threat against the campuses that was posted on social media, authorities said Wednesday.

Petaluma police said the department became aware on Wednesday of a post threatening violent attacks at Casa Grande High School and Petaluma High School this Friday. Authorities said they had no other information that leads us to believe that the threat is credible, police said in a statement, but they planned to increase police presence at the schools.

Police said late Wednesday that they identified and arrested a 14-year-old whom they suspected made the threats. A search of his residence was conducted, and no firearm was located, Petaluma police said in a statement. The teen was booked into juvenile hall. Given the teens age, their name was not released.

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Someone reported the social media post to police via StopIt, an app that allows people to submit safety concerns anonymously, police said. The departments dispatch center also received calls from concerned students and parents regarding the same social media post, according to police.

The threat came a week after a shooting at a Georgia high school left four people  two students and two teachers  dead.

The Petaluma Police Department treats all threats seriously and will be diligently investigating the incident thoroughly, police said. We are currently working with the Petaluma City Schools administration to address any safety concerns and coordinate officers presence in the various schools.
After accusations from the Congress, Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra has now levied allegations against Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch and her husband for misconduct and engaging in quid pro quo arrangements. The complaint also highlighted discrepancies between Buchs statements and those of other officials, including the former Finance Secretary of India, who was unable to confirm Buchs alleged disclosures.

Moitra shared an image of a formal complaint filed with the Lokpal against the Sebi chief that alleges Buchs actions, including her involvement with offshore funds and consulting firms, have created significant conflicts of interest that could threaten Indias national interests. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp

Key allegations in the complaint include:

1. Conflict of interest with Adani Group: The complaint points to allegations made by Hindenburg Research, which accuses Buch of being complicit in using funds linked to Vinod Adani during her tenure as Sebi chairperson.

2. Undisclosed investments: It is alleged that Buch and her husband had investments linked to funds under Sebis investigation and failed to make appropriate disclosures or recuse herself from matters involving the Adani Group.

3. Consulting firms earnings: Buch is accused of earning nearly Rs 2.95 crore through her consultancy firm, Agora Advisory Ltd, which remained active while she was with Sebi, contrary to her claims that the firm had become dormant. Furthermore, the complaint alleges her husband's involvement with Mahindra & Mahindra Group, earning significant income while Buch was adjudicating cases related to the group.

4. Failure to recuse in Adani matters: Despite clear conflicts of interest, the complaint claims Buch did not recuse herself from investigations involving the Adani Group, which raises concerns about her integrity as SEBI Chairperson.

Response to Hindenburg allegations

Sebi, under Buchs leadership, issued a statement saying that all relevant disclosures were made and that Buch recused herself in cases of conflicts of interest. However, the former Finance Secretary of India and a Sebi Board Member reportedly stated that these (disclosures) didnt come to the notice of him as the Secretary of the department or as the member of the Board.

The complaint urges the Lokpal to investigate the matter, citing potential violations of Sebis code of conduct and public trust. The accusations, if substantiated, could have serious implications for both Sebis credibility and Indias financial regulatory system.

Congress allegations against Buch





ALSO READ: Sebi chairperson's husband received money from M&M, alleges Congress Earlier this week, Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera accused Buch of the wilful concealment of a conflict of interest. The party leader claimed that Buchs advisory firm Agora Advisory Pvt Ltd, continued operations despite her claiming that it had become dormant. The firm had reportedly generated revenues Rs 2.95 crore between 2016 and 2024. Khera also named several firms that had hired the advisory firm. Most of these firms have issued statements denying the claims.

US investment research firm Hindenburg Research also questioned Buchs continued silence on these emerging allegations. These allegations apply to Buchs Indian consulting entity with no details thus far on Buchs Singapore-based consulting entity, Hindenburg said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Tata Steel share surges: Shares of steel behemoth Tata Steel surged as much as 2.86 per cent to hit an intraday high of Rs 152.40 per share on Thursday, September 12, 2024.

The upward move in Tata Steel shares came after the company signed a 500 million pound grant funding pact with the UK government for a 1.25 billion pound green steel project in Port Talbot. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp

In an exchange filing, the steel manufacturer said, Tata Steel announces that it has signed a 500 million pound Grant Funding Agreement with the UK Government allowing it to proceed at pace with the project to install a state-of-the-art Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) at the Port Talbot steelworks in Wales.

The project is expected to enhance the UK's steel industry, preserve 5,000 jobs, and significantly cut carbon emissions. The EAF initiative will reduce the UK's industrial carbon footprint by 8 per cent and Port Talbot's emissions by 90 per cent, setting a new standard in sustainable steel production by utilising UK scrap.

In addition to the 750 million pound Tata Steel investment, the company is leveraging its global engineering expertise for this project, which benefits from the additional 500 million pound in grant funding.

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, said T V Narendran, chief executive officer and managing director of Tata Steel.

Additionally, the company highlighted that the basic engineering for the project is complete, and it plans to place equipment orders soon for the EAF, ladle metallurgy furnaces, and other components.

Public consultations are underway, and planning approvals are anticipated by November 2024, with large-scale site work expected to start around July 2025. The EAF is projected to be operational within three years, it added.

At 10:22 AM, shares of Tata Steel were trading 1.52 per cent higher at Rs 150.40 per share. In comparison, BSE Sensex was trading 0.30 per cent higher at 81.763.67 levels.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi attends 'Ganpati Poojan' at the residence of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud in New Delhi. (Photo: PTI)

With a row erupting over Prime Minister Narendra Modi attending the Ganpati Puja celebrations at Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud's residence, the BJP and it's ally hit out at the opposition parties, calling their reactions "reckless" and said casting "baseless aspersions" on the highest court sets a dangerous precedent. Prime Minister Modi on Wednesday participated in the Ganpati Puja at the CJI's residence here. Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp In a video, Chandrachud and his wife Kalpana Das were seen welcoming Modi at their house. Several opposition leaders and some lawyers of the Supreme Court reacted sharply to Modi attending the puja at the CJI's residence.

"Ganpati Utsav is being celebrated and people visit each other's house... I don't have information whether the prime minister has visited anyone's house," Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said.

Ganpati Utsav is being celebrated at several locations in Delhi and at Maharashtra Sadan, he said.

"However, the prime minister visited the CJI's residence. They performed 'aarti' together. We think that people will have doubts if guardians of the Constitution meet political leaders," Raut added.

In a post on X, senior lawyer Indira Jaising said the Chief Justice of India has compromised the separation of powers between the executive and the judiciary.

"Lost all confidence in the independence of the CJI. The SCBA (Supreme Court Bar Association) must condemn this publicly displayed compromise of Independence of the CJI from the executive," she said in her post.

Hitting back, BJP national general secretary (Organisation) BL Santhosh said though left liberals have started crying over the prime minister attending the event at the CJI's residence, "it was not socialising but a devoted Ganapathi Pooja".

"Started crying! Civility, cordiality, togetherness, co travellers in nations journey are all an anathema to these left liberals. Also it was not socialising but a devoted Ganapathi Pooja is very hard to digest. SCBA is not a moral compass. Take deep breath once," Santhosh said in a post on X reacting to Jaising's comments.

In another post, the BJP leader wrote, "Yesterday's Pooja and Aarti spoiled the sleep, morning walk and tea-breakfast of many people across the country."



Shiv Sena Rajya Sabha MP Milind Deora also flayed the critics and said it's unfortunate to see "reckless commentary" on Prime Minister Modi's visit to the CJI's residence for Ganapati Aarti.

"When verdicts favour them, the opposition praises the Supreme Court's credibility, but when things don't go their way, they conveniently claim the judiciary is compromised," he charged in a post on X



Casting such baseless aspersions on the highest court sets a dangerous precedent, he added.

"This reckless attempt to undermine the credibility of the CJI by the opposition is not only irresponsible but also damaging to the institution's integrity. India's politics is taking an ugly turn," Deora said.

The era of "arbitrary judicial appointments" is long gone and the incumbent CJI has served his office with immense integrity, he added.

"Those seeking to tarnish his legacy and credibility are showing poor judgment and acting against the nation's best interests," Deora said.
Zach Chatham, a technical recruiter for Atlassian, works from home in San Francisco, Calif., on Nov. 4, 2022. The share of San Francisco residents working from home fell from about 33% in 2022 to 24% in 2023, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Salgu Wissmath/The Chronicle

The share of San Francisco residents working from home fell last year, with about a quarter saying they work remotely.

Thats a drop from the estimated 33% of employed San Francisco residents working remotely in 2022, and an even steeper fall from the 46% in 2021, according to new data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Still, last years percentage was far higher than the 7% of residents working from home before the pandemic.

The continued decline is likely due to a combination of companies tightening their work-from-home policies and layoffs in the tech industry, said San Francisco city economist Ted Egan. But he added that the city hasnt seen much evidence of workers returning to the office, and that its unclear how employees who work remotely for only part of the week filled out the survey.

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The Census Bureaus American Community Survey asks a sample of people in the U.S. how they usually got to work the week prior to being surveyed, based on the method of transportation they used for most of their commute. An estimated 24% of working San Francisco residents ages 16 and older said last year they worked from home, while 37% said they drove.

While the share of residents working remotely fell, the percentage of those taking public transit to work continued its increase, doubling from 11% in 2021 to 22% in 2023. Though Muni ridership levels havent fully returned to pre-pandemic levels, theyve had a better recovery compared to other Bay Area transit systems.

San Franciscos 24% remote work rate was tied for the eighth-highest share among the 100 U.S. counties with the most working residents in 2023. In other Bay Area counties, about 20% of workers said they were remote.

But in 2022, San Francisco had the second-highest share of remote workers, according to data from the Census Bureau, just behind Washington D.C.

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While remote work rates declined in most large U.S. counties from 2022 to 2023, the drop was typically less severe than in San Francisco. Many of the counties with the highest shares of remote workers  including Mecklenburg County in North Carolina, which includes Charlotte; and Travis County in Texas, which includes Austin  were popular destinations for remote workers early in the pandemic due to their relative affordability.

But San Francisco is anything except affordable, said Nicholas Bloom, an economics professor at Stanford who studies remote work trends. Thats pushed remote workers living in the city to move to areas with lower costs of living, such as the East Bay or Central Valley  and contributed to San Franciscos decline in residents working from home.

If you were fully remote, would you live in San Francisco? Maybe if you are highly paid, but maybe not if you are mid- or lower-income, have children or perhaps want outside space, Bloom said in an email.

Another factor behind the decline in San Franciscos remote work rate could be that more people have returned to industries that require in-person work, said Egan, the city economist. Census data shows the number of San Francisco residents in manufacturing and public administration roles rose substantially from 2022 to 2023, while the number of those working finance, logistics and tech jobs declined slightly.

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The Android 15 preview was showcased at Google I/O 2024 and is now available for developers, indicating the final release is due in coming weeks. The Android 15 stable version will be rolled out on Google Pixel devices first, followed by Samsung and other selected devices in the coming months. As is typical with Android updates, the features may vary depending on the phone model. Below is a list of new features arriving with Android 15:

Improved multitasking Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp

Android 15 introduces improved multitasking on big screen devices, allowing users to pin the taskbar permanently on tablets and large-screen displays, similar to a desktop interface. This feature facilitates easier multitasking. Users can also save split-screen app combinations and retrieve them later, with the option to pin app combinations to the taskbar.

Privacy enhancements

A key privacy upgrade in Android 15 is the introduction of a private space on the phone. This space will provide a secure location to lock sensitive apps and data. While Samsung phones already offer a Secure Folder, Android 15 will bring similar functionality to other devices. A new section in the app drawer will be added, requiring verification via passcode or fingerprint to access.

Predictive back

The new predictive back feature allows users to preview what they will return to if they complete the universal back gesture, such as swiping in from the side of the screen.

Partial screen recording

Android 15 now offers the option to record only part of the screen instead of the entire display. This feature is available in Androids screen recorder tool, and developers can integrate it into their apps.

PDF controls

PDF management will be enhanced with Android 15, including new features such as password protection, annotations, and searchable PDFs. While apps like Google Drive already support some of these functions, Google is adding built-in support for them within the operating system.

Revamped volume sliders interface

Tapping the three dots at the bottom of the volume slider will bring up a panel that takes up more screen space, allowing for better volume management. The panel also offers access to connected Bluetooth devices from the same screen.

Satellite messaging

Android 15 incorporates support for SMS, MMS, and RCS messaging via satellite networks.

Widget previews

The new widget previews in Android 15 will offer more accurate representations of how apps will function once the changes are implemented.

Low light adjustment in camera UI

Android 15 improves camera performance in low-light conditions and gives users more control over the flashlight intensity, allowing adjustments based on need.

Custom vibrations

Users can now manually set custom vibrations for specific notification channels, providing more personalised notifications.

AI in TalkBack

TalkBack will offer more detailed image descriptions powered by Googles Gemini Nano AI.

One-time password protection

With Android 15, notifications for one-time passwords (OTPs) will no longer display on the screen to protect against potential theft.

Anti-theft protection

Google is adding a Theft Detection Lock to Android 15, which will use AI to detect if a phone has been quickly snatched and automatically lock the screen. The device will also auto-lock if it is off the grid for a long time or if there are multiple failed authentication attempts. In addition, the phone can be locked remotely, and Android 15 introduces a feature that prevents the device from being reset without access to the users Google account details. Passkey support is also improved, combining the account selection and confirmation screens for better security.

Other features

Additional improvements include better video processing, enhanced background app management, and increased security protections.
Google's lead EU privacy regulator opened an inquiry on Thursday into whether the search engine adequately protected European Union users' personal data before using it to help develop its foundational AI Model.

Ireland's Data Protection Commission (DPC), the lead EU regulator for most of the top U.S. internet firms due to the location of their EU operations in Ireland, said the probe concerned the Alphabet Inc unit's Pathways Language Model 2 (PaLM 2).

Click here to connect with us on WhatsApp "This statutory inquiry forms part of the wider efforts of the DPC, working in conjunction with its EU/EEA (European Economic Area) peer regulators, in regulating the processing of the personal data of EU/EEA data subjects in the development of AI models and systems," the DPC said in a statement.



Social media platform X agreed last week not to train its AI systems using the personal data collected from European Union users before they had the option to withdraw their consent following court action taken by the Irish regulator.



A spokesperson for Google said it takes its obligations under the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) seriously and will work constructively with the DPC to answer their questions.



Earlier this week the Luxembourg-based Court of Justice of the European Union threw out Google's appeal against a 2.42 billion euro fine levied seven years for various anti-competitive practices.
San Francisco police arrested a 27-year-old man and a juvenile suspected to be his accomplice for breaking into cars in the Alamo Square area. Salgu Wissmath/The Chronicle 2022

San Francisco prosecutors have filed a battery of felony charges against a man they consider a prolific auto burglar  who police recently caught with a child they believe was his accomplice.

Robert Lionel Sonza, 27, pleaded not guilty to counts of receiving or buying stolen property and accessory after the fact, along with gun and ammunition charges, in connection with two car break-ins on Saturday. Police said the child committed the burglaries near the Palace of Fine Arts and Alamo Square before fleeing in a car to Oakland, with officers following.

They tracked the suspect vehicle from a distance out of concern for public safety, Chief Bill Scott said in a department statement with a narrative of the crime.

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At the 800 block of West Macarthur Boulevard, the allegedly child entered another vehicle that allegedly belonged to Sonza. When police tried using a tire deflation device to stop the car, the pair sped off, leading to pursuit that ended when the suspects car crashed at Piedmont and Pleasant Valley avenues in Oakland.

Sonza and the child fled on foot before officers apprehended them, arresting the child at Mountain View Cemetery on Piedmont Avenue. In their follow-up investigation, law enforcement said they learned the child drove a stolen vehicle to commit the two San Francisco car break-ins. Police searched the car and found a burglary tool and stolen property that they linked to a prior break-in on Sept. 2. They found a gun and more stolen property in Sonzas car.

In court charging documents prosecutors link Sonza to a stolen suitcase and all of its contents, along with a Burberry jacket and luxury perfume.

Authorities cited the child for two counts of burglary, theft of a vehicle and receiving stolen property, and released the child to a parent.

My office will continue to do everything we can to ensure there are appropriate consequences and accountability to protect the safety of the public, San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins said.

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Recidivism is a problem in the criminal justice system, she added, alluding to Sonzas past criminal history. A search of court records uncovered roughly a dozen cases under his name.

We will do our job and do everything we can to ensure that he faces consequences for these new alleged crimes which include not only receiving stolen property, but being a felon in possession of a gun, Jenkins added, noting that she will seek to keep Sonza incarcerated until he is tried.

Sonza was arraigned Wednesday and was being held in jail with no bail set.
Unions representing SFUSD educators protest before school board meeting in San Francisco on Aug. 27. Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle

The Bay Area social worker was thrilled when she got the email in late June from San Francisco Unified officials saying she had landed a position for the upcoming school year, her dream job working with city students.

Our Salary Team will review your information and determine where you will be placed on the SFUSD salary schedule, the letter from Human Resources said. At this point, please stop interviewing at other sites as you have started the hiring process.

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The district sent the congratulatory letter sent to social workers, nurses, counselors and teachers in the spring and summer. Many recipients then made life-altering decisions to work in San Francisco schools, expecting to start on the first day of classes on Aug. 13.

But none of the workers started that day. Their positions and hundreds more have been caught up in the districts mounting fiscal crisis, which compelled state Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond in May to declare San Francisco Unified in distressed financial condition.

Thurmond then took the extreme action of giving two fiscal experts, previously appointed to guide the district, the power to veto any school board spending  including money for new hires  to prevent insolvency and a state takeover.

That meant every job the district intended to fill for the 2024-2025 school year was then subject to individual inspection by the superintendent and state fiscal advisers to determine whether the position was necessary.

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Despite that requirement, the district sent letters to at least 30 people assuring them of a position. Now, nearly a month into the school year, its clear they wont have a job, district officials told the Chronicle on Wednesday.

There were many others who applied, interviewed and had hopes of working in SFUSD, but abandoned the hiring process before the district could renege.

The social worker, who the Chronicle agreed not to name in accordance with its anonymous source policy, quit her previous job believing she would start her new one with the district in mid-August and now has no health insurance and no paycheck. She requested anonymity for fear of retaliation.

They just keep punting and punting and punting, she said. They know Ive given up my job.

While the districts budget for this school year included money to pay for those positions, a hiring freeze adopted by the district in December and fully enforced by the advisers starting in May should have prompted the district to evaluate the necessity of each vacant position, said Elliott Duchon, one of the two state fiscal advisers.

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Instead, the district went on a hiring spree, sending job offers to candidates that the superintendent would later rescind, at the direction of the state advisers.

District officials, however, said the unprecedented oversight from fiscal advisers starting in May came well into the budget and hiring processes for the 2024-2025 school year.

Recruiting staff and developing the budget are complex processes that cant be changed quickly, said district spokeswoman Laura Dudnick. It takes time to make significant adjustments.

Yet state officials, including Duchon, as well as Thurmond, have been warning the school board and district officials for years that they are edging closer to financial disaster and must rein in spending.

Duchon had recommended a hiring and spending freeze in December, which the superintendent adopted, but did not initially apply to the 2024-2025 hiring cycle.

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San Francisco has had a rose-colored vision of the future, that everything is going to be alright, Duchon said. It isnt all right.

District officials said this week that the last-minute decision to not fill the vacant social worker, nurse and counselor positions, among others, will help address the daunting fiscal challenge they will face next year. That includes a $113 million budget shortfall, requiring an 8% cut to the workforce  or another 500 employees. That is on top of more than 1,000 positions already eliminated, most handled through attrition.

It didnt make sense, Duchon added, to hire people whose positions would be unfunded next year.

Meanwhile, district administrators, who had offered candidates the jobs, apologized for delays and told them to hang tight while they waited for final authorization to fill the positions.

I think they kept wanting to tell people we still might hire you, Duchon said.

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District officials acknowledged that they only realized they had to seriously reduce staffing levels throughout the district during the peak hiring season in the spring and summer.

Unfortunately, this left many candidates in limbo, said district spokesperson Laura Dudnick. We know this created hardship and uncertainty and does not meet our hiring practice standards.

During Tuesday nights school board meeting, Amy Buster Baer, assistant superintendent of human resources, whos been on the job for a year, said that she has been really struck by how dysfunctional many of the district systems and processes are.

She said she and her staff are working to address the problems, including poor communication and errors in tracking workforce needs.

School board president Matt Alexander said he is aware of many individuals offered jobs who then suffered the fallout of long delays and then the ultimate decision to not fill the positions.

The recent hiring experiences are unacceptable, he said. We know it takes time to implement changes in a system as large and complex as SFUSD, but we must do better.

District officials said this week that they must depart from our past practices to avoid a total state takeover.

SFUSD has never been as close to a state takeover as we are right now, Dudnick said. Ultimately, in an effort to mitigate the impact of additional layoffs, we did not hire assistant principals, social workers, counselors, and nurses, and other administrative positions, opting instead to focus on using current staff more effectively.

No one has told the social worker any of that. On Aug. 29, the last SFUSD communication she received, district officials told her they didnt know if or when the state advisers would approve the position.

We remain hopeful given the districts Wellness staffing model, community support, and allocated funding, but we do not have any sense of a timeline, they said in an email. We understand many of you may need to start considering other opportunities at this point in time.

The social worker has already completed the districts many employment requirements, including a background check, a tuberculosis test, submission of college transcripts and credential verification. In addition, she enrolled in a course at San Jose State University to obtain a specific certification the district said she needed for the job, which requires her to simultaneously be employed as a school social worker.

If she is not employed, she cannot get a refund on the $5,000 she paid for the course, she said.

She remains baffled by how the district spent so much time interviewing and processing candidates like herself, a huge waste of time, when they should have known they had a hiring freeze, she said.

They blindly went ahead and kept doing it and doing it, she said. I feel like somebody needs to be accountable for it.

She added the district specifically recruited her in April, encouraging her to apply for the posted position, helping her find the certification program she needed, which would have been partially reimbursed by the district, and then offering her a position.
Steve Silberman hugs a man in 2016 during a signing at the U.N. for his book Neurotribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity. Silberman, a journalist who wrote about science and the Grateful Dead, was working on a book about cystic fibrosis when he died at 66. Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images

Steve Silbermans vocation as a Grateful Dead scholar and writer began organically, on a blanket on the grass at a concert in the sun. He happened to sit next to Blair Jackson and Regan McMahon, publishers of the Golden Road, an essential fan magazine.

Steve wasnt just a fan who ran off at the mouth about how many shows he had seen, McMahon recalled of that chance meeting. He had all these layers of spiritual and countercultural depth. Everything he said about the Grateful Dead was intellectual and perceptive and poetic.

By the end of that afternoon, Silberman had been invited to contribute an article to The Golden Road, and that led to the high honor of writing liner notes for albums and box sets, and ultimately co-writing the episodic glossary, Skeleton Key: A Dictionary for Deadheads.

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Silberman was known for wearing a custom T-shirt to a Halloween show bearing the message Your Hallucinations Are My Costume, and for his skill at putting cultural, scientific and medical complexity into common language, which he did during decades as a science journalist and in his 500-page treatise, NeuroTribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity, published in 2015.

He spent four years on that project, followed by six years becoming an expert on cystic fibrosis. An upcoming book titled The Taste of Salt was scheduled for publication in 2026. Silberman was to the point of submitting chapters to his editor when he died suddenly at his home in San Francisco on Aug. 29. Cause of death was an apparent heart attack, said his husband, Keith Karraker.

Silberman lived an exciting life and wrote a book that changed the world, says his widower, Keith Karraker. He could walk into a grocery store and make a friend for life with the counter guy, just from commenting on the music playing on the stereo. Keith Karraker

Steve lived an exciting life and wrote a book that changed the world, Karraker said. He could walk into a grocery store and make a friend for life with the counter guy, just from commenting on the music playing on the stereo.

Silberman also made friends for life by starting and maintaining a Facebook group titled Cole Valley, a Not-So-Secret SF Neighborhood. It has 8,000 members, including his sister Hillary Shawaf, who moved here from the East Coast based on Silbermans recommendation.

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He just loved this beautiful small-town neighborhood on the N-Judah line, said Karraker, a high school chemistry teacher.

Steve created a town square for the neighborhood, added his sister. One of the greatest talents he had was keeping it civil.

Silberman spent many years as an editor and writer for Wired magazine, but perhaps his greatest creative outlet was the Dead, having seen his first Dead show in 1973 at Watkins Glen, N.Y. He also developed an expertise on Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young and became a close friend and confidante of the often difficult David Crosby. He wrote the liner notes for the Crosby-Nash live album Another Stoney Evening, released in 1998, and the 50th anniversary edition of Crosbys solo debut If I Could Only Remember My Name, from 1971.

He understood people, Shawaf said of her brother. Making human connections was his life blood. When he walked down the street people approached him constantly.

After the death of Jerry Garcia in 1995, Silberman wrote an essay called The Only Song of God that was originally published in Duprees Diamond News. In it, Silberman described walking by the Henry J. Kaiser Auditorium in Oakland after Garcias death, where he estimated he had seen 40 of the 56 shows the Dead played there, often on weeknights when only the cognoscenti came.

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Silberman at the Oakland home of Regan McMahon and Blair Jackson, publishers of the Golden Road, an essential Grateful Dead fan magazine. He met them at a concert and soon became a contributor. Courtesy Regan McMahon

If you werent from the Bay Area, after three or four shows at Kaiser, eventually, youd move here, wrote Silberman, who had followed that migration himself, though he had the extra incentive of earning a masters degree in English literature at UC Berkeley.

His tryout with The Golden Road explored the connection between the Beat antihero Neal Cassady and the Grateful Dead, a connection that the bands historian and publicist, Dennis McNally, also visited in his biography of Jack Kerouac.

Steve was always willing to chat about some angle of the 60s music scene in general and was a very reliable source, McNally saiud. What he said was trustworthy.

Stephen Louis Silberman was born Dec. 23, 1957, in Ithaca, N.Y. His father, Donald, was an English professor at Queensborough Community College and an anti-war activist, as was his mother, Leslie Hantman.

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We saw my parents get arrested and be led away in handcuffs, Shawaf said. My dad did 11 days at the Queens Detention Center.

Silbermans first literary goal was to be a poet, and he had success in sixth grade with a poem called The Math Battle. It began, Cubes are swirling through my head, s attack me in my bed, and built enough momentum to win a poetry competition sponsored by Fordham University. That became his first published work. Silberman attended John P. Stevens High School in Edison, N.J., and gave a graduation speech in 1975, declining to cut his shoulder-length hair for the ceremony.

Silberman helped author David Gans write a collection of reminiscences about Jerry Garcia, the Grateful Dead co-founder and guitarist. He was a magnificent human being, Gans says of Silberman. Courtesy Regan McMahon

By then he was already a Deadhead, having attended his first show and begun a live concert tape collection that was to include tons and tons and tons of tapes, said his sister, and some very obscure ones. He had also come out as gay, which was not immediately accepted.

My parents reacted very badly. It took some years for them to come around, Shawaf said.

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He attended Oberlin College in Ohio, and his slow migration west began with a position as a teaching assistant for Beat poet Allen Ginsberg at the Naropa Institute in Boulder, Colo. Silberman planned to continue as a poet himself until his father, the English professor, advised him that he was better at prose and would reach more people that way, said his sister.

He also reached people by helping them with their own writing. After Garcias death, David Gans, who has published five books about the Grateful Dead, was having trouble putting together a collection of reminiscences. When he told Silberman of his struggles over the phone, Silberman immediately drove from San Francisco to Gans home in Oakland, read through Gans essay, tore it apart and restructured it for him.

That was one of dozens of times Steve improved my work with his generosity of spirit and his wisdom, Gans said. I know dozens of other people who were similarly blessed with Steves generosity. He was a magnificent human being.

Later, Silberman, Gans and Blair Jackson co-produced. So Many Roads 1965-1995, a five-CD box for which Silberman wrote an essay. He also appeared on camera in the 2017 documentary Long Strange Trip.

Silberman on vacation in Europe in 2023. He really brought empathy and compassion to a topic that had only been covered negatively in the press, says Shannon Rosa, whose son Leo was featured in Silbermans book about autism. Courtesy Keith Karraker

There are Deadheads who are extreme, but Steve had a historic overview that made his observations sensible and a little more grounded than some, McNally said.

Silbermans expertise on autism began when he was working at Wired and got a tip that there was a spike in diagnoses of the developmental disorder in Silicon Valley. This became an article called The Geek Syndrome, published in 2001, and greatly expanded in NeuroTribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity.

Steves book gave hope to a lot of families like ours that had only had messages that our lives would be one of doom and gloom, said Shannon Rosa of Redwood City, whose son, Leo, is featured in the book. He really brought empathy and compassion to a topic that had only been covered negatively in the press. I cant tell you how many families Ive heard from whose lives have been changed for the better because Steve showed us with compassion, not pity.

That came through in everything Silberman wrote, especially the essay on seeing the Dead at Kaiser Auditorium.

At shows in those years, up at the front on the rail where you could observe the musicians at work, the crowds could get so dense on a Saturday night that you would lose your footing, Silberman wrote in Duprees Diamond News. But if you relaxed, you could nearly float, like a cell in a bath of nutrient, the rhythms coming to you as a gentle push in one direction, then another. 
Thermax, a leading energy and environment solutions provider and a trusted partner in energy transition, has announced a strategic collaboration with Ceres Power Holdings plc (CWR.L), a leading developer of clean energy technology. The two companies have entered a non-exclusive, global license agreement for Thermax to manufacture, sell and service stack array modules (SAM) based on Ceres' advanced solid oxide electrolysis (SOEC) technology. Thermax will also develop, commercialise and sell SAM balance of modules (SBM) and multi-megawatt SOEC electrolyser modules. The partnership marks a significant step towards accelerating the deployment of SOEC technology in India and worldwide that will enable cost-effective green hydrogen production.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240912499805/en/

Ceres signs Thermax as SOEC system partner (Photo: Business Wire)

Under this partnership, Thermax will leverage its extensive experience in heat integration and waste heat recovery to manufacture a first-of-its-kind pressurised SAM and design, engineer, and develop SAM balance of module (SBM), a building block for further development of a multi-MW SOEC electrolyser module.

The collaboration is set to revolutionise the hydrogen production landscape by delivering systems that are up to 25% more efficient than incumbent low-temperature electrolysis technologies and effectively utilise steam generated from industrial process heat/waste recovery. This makes it an optimal solution for decarbonising hard-to-abate industries such as ammonia/fertiliser, steel, refineries and chemical production.

As a step towards commercialisation, Thermax plans to establish a manufacturing facility for the electrolysers, develop the supply chain, and localise critical components.

This collaboration positions Thermax among the few companies globally to provide large-scale SOEC systems for commercial applications.

Commenting on this partnership, Ashish Bhandari, Managing Director & CEO, Thermax: In India, significant strides are being made towards embracing renewable energy sources, particularly green hydrogen, as the country targets to produce 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030. We are excited to partner with Ceres to bring advanced solid oxide electrolysis (SOEC) technology to India. By leveraging our expertise in thermal management, we aim to offer a highly efficient and cost-effective hydrogen production solution that will accelerate the energy transition in India and globally. This collaboration aligns with our commitment to driving sustainable solutions for accelerating decarbonisation for hard to abate industries.

Phil Caldwell, CEO of Ceres, commented: I am pleased to announce our SOEC systems partnership with Thermax, an engineering leader in the energy and environment space operating across India, Europe and Southeast Asia. This latest system licence agreement will take Ceres into the Indian market which is rapidly becoming one of the most dynamic and increasingly important markets for green hydrogen, green steel and green ammonia.

This is a strategically important agreement for Ceres as we continue to build our global eco-system of world-class partners. Our technology enables Thermax to develop next-generation hydrogen solutions for its customers in the hard-to-abate industrial sectors, stimulating market demand pull for our manufacturing licensees. Our entry into this new region marks an exciting opportunity for Ceres as we help enable the path to industrial decarbonisation in this rapidly developing market.

About Thermax Limited

Thermax Limited (NSE: THERMAX) is a leading conglomerate in the energy and environment space and a trusted partner in energy transition. Thermax's extensive portfolio includes clean air, clean energy, clean water and chemical solutions. Backed by its longstanding industry partnerships across multiple sectors, Thermax has cultivated strong expertise in audit, consulting, execution, and maintenance coupled with digital solutions, ensuring a unified energy and environment management experience. Leveraging its distinctive engineering capabilities, Thermax converts costs to profits while protecting the environment  a win-win for the industry and society at large. Thermax operates 14 manufacturing facilities across India, Europe, and Southeast Asia and has 43 Indian and international subsidiaries.

For more information, visit www.thermaxglobal.com or follow on LinkedIn

About Ceres

Ceres is a leading developer of clean energy technology: electrolysis for the production of green hydrogen and fuel cells for power generation. Its asset-light, licensing model has seen it establish partnerships with some of the world's largest companies, such as Bosch, Doosan, Delta, Denso and Weichai. Ceres' solid oxide technology supports greater electrification of our energy systems and produces green hydrogen at high-efficiencies as a route to decarbonise emissions-intensive industries such as steelmaking, ammonia and future fuels. Ceres is listed on the London Stock Exchange ("LSE") (LSE: CWR) and is classified by the LSE Green Economy Mark, which recognises listed companies that derive more than 50% of their activity from the green economy.

For more information, visit www.ceres.tech or follow on LinkedIn

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240912499805/en/
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Nikki Garcia, right, aka Nikki Bella, and spouse Artem Chigvintsev hold hands outside Good Morning America in New York City in January 2023. Garcia has filed for divorce after Chigvintsev was arrested on domestic violence charges. Raymond Hall/Getty Images Nikki Garcias representative confirmed she filed for divorce from Artem Chigvintsev, two weeks after the Dancing With the Stars pro was arrested in Napa on domestic violence charges. The couple has been married two years. Cindy Ord/Getty Images for SiriusXM

Nikki Garcias representative confirmed she filed for divorce from Artem Chigvintsev, two weeks after the Dancing With the Stars pro was arrested in Napa on domestic violence charges.

Nikki Garcia has filed for divorce. She continues to ask for privacy for her and her family at this time, her spokesperson said in a statement.

The Napa County District Attorneys Office is currently investigating the case against Chigvintsev, who was detained Aug. 29, at the Yountville home he shared with Garcia  known as Nikki Bella from WWEs Bella Twins  and their 4-year-old son, Matteo.

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Charges could be forthcoming after authorities thoroughly review witness statements, incident footage, photos and other evidence, said Carlos Villatoro, the DA offices spokesperson.

Jail records indicate Chigvintsev, 42, was booked for allegedly inflicting injury on a spouse, cohabitant or co-parent in incidents of domestic violence, and was released later that day after posting $25,000 bail.

Authorities did not confirm if Garcia, 40, was the alleged victim, but noted the victim requested total confidentiality.

The couple celebrated their second wedding anniversary on Aug. 27.

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Ed Sbragia, right, and his son Adam Sbragia in their vineyard in Healdsburg in 2005, a year before they opened the Sbragia winery. John Storey/Special to the Chronicle

Sonoma Countys Sbragia Family Vineyards has closed its tasting room due to low visitation and is now up for sale.

Weve seen real falloff in visitation at wineries, said Sam Bronfman, co-founder of Bacchus Capital Management, a private equity firm in San Francisco that owns a major stake in Sbragia and controls its board.

Sbragia is kind of off the beaten path. You have to really want to go there, youre not just going to run into it, Bronfman continued. Its hard to keep paying to keep it open when youre not getting people there.

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Adam Sbragia, who co-founded the winery with his father, Ed Sbragia, roughly 20 years ago, declined the Chronicles request for comment.

Located at the north end of Geyserville, roughly 80 miles from San Francisco, Sbragias tasting room features a massive, vineyard-view terrace. Its sudden closing in August adds fuel to reports that tasting room business is slow across Wine Country: Wine industry data analyst Community Benchmark recently revealed that tasting room traffic in Sonoma County from January to June was down 5.9% year-over-year while tasting room sales dropped 2.9%. (In Napa Valley, traffic was down 5.3% and sales declined 4.2%.)

Several other wineries and tasting rooms have shut down this year, including Sonoma Countys Carlisle Winery and Napas Brendel Wines and Tarpon Cellars. Twisted Oak Winery in the Sierra Foothills recently announced its closing its doors on Sept. 22. In 2018, Sbragia opened a second tasting room in downtown Sonoma, but it closed during the pandemic.

Bronfman could not confirm if the winery, which typically produced about 8,000 cases of wine annually, is planning to make wine for the 2024 vintage; Sbragia will continue to sell inventory through its wine club and wholesale accounts.

Sbragia Family Vineyards in Geyserville, seen here in 2012, closed its tasting room in August and is now for sale. Liz Hafalia/The Chronicle

The Sbragia familys roots in California wine go back 120 years. In 1904, winery founder Ed Sbragias grandfather came to Sonoma Countys Dry Creek Valley from Tuscany in Italy and worked for many wineries, including the Italian Swiss Colony. In the mid-1900s, Ed Sbragias father Gino Sbragia purchased land and planted vines, mainly Zinfandel, and sold his grapes to local wineries.

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It wasnt until the 2000s that Ed Sbragia  best known for the three decades he spent making wine at St. Helenas storied Beringer Vineyards  and Adam Sbragia began to make their own wine. They opened their Geyserville winery in 2006 and two years later, Ed Sbragia, known by many as Big Ed and named the Chronicles Winemaker of the Year in 2001, left Beringer to focus on the family business. While the winery produces a few entry-level wines, its best known for its age-worthy, mountain-grown Cabernet Sauvignons that sell for $130 a bottle.

In 2011, Sbragia entered a partnership with Bacchus. Bronfman did not disclose what percentage of Sbragia the company owns but said it has control of the board and makes all decisions, like hiring and firing. Bacchus recently sold another estate, Madrigal Family Winery in Napa, to Hundred Acre owner Jayson Woodbridge  but Bronfman said it wasnt due to low visitation. Over a decade ago, Bacchus was also invested in Cameron Hughes and Qupe wineries, most recently owned by Vintage Wine Estates, which filed for bankruptcy in July.

Historically, wine companies have had a tumultuous relationship with private equity firms, as wine is capital-intensive, volatile and slow. It takes new vines several years to produce fruit, then many wines spend over a year aging in barrels before theyre released and sold. The wine business cycle is fairly long, said Bronfman. Its one of the reasons private equity isnt used a ton in the wine business. Many investors want their return more quickly.

Washington wine pioneer Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, which once owned several notable California wineries  like Stags Leap Wine Cellars, Antica (now Antinori Napa Valley) and Patz & Hall  has been in a downward spiral since it sold to private equity firm Sycamore Partners for $1.2 billion in 2021.

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An Irish man has died in custody in Portugal.

The 29-year-old from Donegal is reported to have been found dead in his cell on Wednesday morning.

It is believed he was arrested in Albufeira following an alleged knife attack on his partner.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said it was aware of the case and is providing consular assistance.
VISUAL is celebrating its 15th birthday  a milestone that marks its transformation into a sprightly, fun-loving teenager.

Like any teen, Visual is full of energy, constantly growing and learning, with a sense of rebellion that keeps it fresh and exciting. Fifteen years after this iconic glass and concrete building put Carlow on the international arts map, Visual is set to celebrate its coming of age on Culture Night.

On Friday 20 September, the people of Carlow are invited to join the festivities alongside renowned author Colm Toibin as Visual launches a new season packed with art, music, theatre, cinema and more.

The party starts at 7.30pm with an official launch ceremony featuring cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council cllr Fergal Browne, Visual board chairperson Kathleen Holohan, and Visual CEO and artistic director Emma Lucy OBrien. Two major exhibitions will be unveiled on the night to captivate audiences, with music, food by Lennons @Visual and the kind of lively atmosphere youd expect from a good party.

Speaking ahead of the event, cathaoirleach Fergal Browne expressed his pride in Visuals journey: I am incredibly proud of how Visual has evolved over the past 15 years into a place of creativity and inspiration in Carlow. Its a space where people of all ages can explore their imaginations and see the possibilities of arts and culture. Visual has also become a symbol of inclusivity and diversity in our community, representing the very best of what Carlow has to offer. Visual CEO and artistic director Emma Lucy OBrien described the milestone as an exciting time in the centres development.

For the past 15 years, Visual has been a place of creativity, fostering artistic expression and sparking meaningful conversations. This celebration is a testament to the incredible collaborations and partnerships that have sustained us, she said.

Looking ahead, Ms OBrien added: As we celebrate 15 years of Visual, we also look to the future with excitement. Carlow is changing and we can feel the positive energy in the air. We cant wait to see where this journey takes us. Acclaimed author and Arts Council laureate for Irish fiction Colm Toibin will attend on the night and bring his literary insights to the visual arts with Quietly dispelling the dark. This carefully curated exhibition features works by 18 artists, united by the theme of dark abstraction, offering a profound exploration of the Arts Council of Irelands collection.

In the Main Gallery, renowned American artist Amie Siegel presents Asterisms, a striking moving-image work displayed on a star-shaped screen.

As the night unfolds, the energy will rise with a Big Sing event at 9pm, where the community is invited to join the Dublin Gospel Choir in a rousing performance of John Farnhams anthem ***Youre the voice***. This communal celebration will raise the roof as 15 years of Visual is marked.

The public is invited to visit Visuals galleries this season and create a birthday card for the celebrated arts centre, sharing your hopes for the future of this extraordinary place of creativity for people, art and ideas. The birthday party on Culture Night will extend into the late hours, with gallery access available until 11pm, ensuring everyone has the chance to join in the festivities.
Donald Trump and Kamala Harris did their fair share of dodging questions during their debate Tuesday. Why did the media anoint Harris the winner? Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images

The media is lauding Vice President Kamala Harris performance in Tuesdays presidential debate though she failed to answer any questions directly. Particularly about the border, immigration, how the United States left Afghanistan and the Israel-Palestinian conflict.

Harris didnt dodge because the questions were difficult, she dodged because she really had no answers, or more likely she didn't want to admit failure. ABC should be ashamed of itself for not pressing her for answers, but conversely pressing former President Donald Trump. But thats media bias for you.

The former president did his fair share of dodging, but thats not the issue. Everyone is praising Harris when at best she failed to demonstrate how she could lead. Not answering tough questions directly is not leadership. Its cowardice. I expect more.

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Harris also adopted wacky facial expressions when listening to Trump that are beneath her or any presidential candidate. Hasnt Trump been criticized for his strange facial expressions? To be fair, its childish all around.

The media doesnt care that Harris has no answers, no plan and no vision and that she is thoroughly un-presidential. Is that better than Joe Biden or better for our country?

I think not.

Daniel Marchese, Newton, N.J.

Cutback gas-guzzling

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Gas station underground storage tanks can leak benzene and other hazardous chemicals. In some regions of the state, tanks must be tested annually for leaks. Costco should do this and publicly release the results.

I recently researched gas stations in my town, San Anselmo, and found one to be under investigation. It is leaking high levels of benzene and a host of other toxic chemicals into our groundwater. There is no safe exposure level for benzene.

I have been driving all electric since 2018. I did it to stop emitting carbon that stays in the atmosphere forever, accelerating climate change.

I now consider avoiding gas stations necessary to protect my health. I hope Costco considers putting in new EV chargers instead of gas stations.

There is no such thing as cheap gasoline. The cost to our health and our future is too high if we continue to install new and bigger gas stations.

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Susannah Saunders, San Anselmo

S.F. failing on crime

Regarding  You can only take so much: South Beach market to close after 35 years, citing crime, costs (San Francisco, SFChronicle.com, Sept. 7): It was disheartening to read about another long-time San Francisco small business closing in part due to the citys egregious lack of attention to property crimes.

Proposition 36 (stiffer penalties for theft) and Prop F (increasing city police staffing) seem too little and too late.

Achieving full police staffing most likely requires raising salaries to a level commensurate with San Franciscos high cost of living. Perhaps the police staffing target should be even higher than it is.

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And perhaps the police should spend more time patrolling near businesses experiencing a high level of property crime.

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

Regardless of the solutions, the city government is not delivering on quality-of-life issues.
A popular University of Tennessee at Chattanooga workshop in which established writers from across the country, local authors, students and novice writers can engage in the open exchange of ideas, works and readings is set to return.



The 2024 Meacham Writers Workshop, a free event open to the public, takes place from Sept.

Morin is the author of Where Are You From: Letters to My Son, the memoir Let Me Count the Ways, and the poetry collections Machete, Patient Zero and A Larger Country. An associate professor in creative writing and associate chair of the Department of English at Rice University in Texas, Morin is the recipient of fellowships from the Civitella Ranieri Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts and the Guggenheim Foundation.

Sukrungruang is the author of four nonfiction books, This Jade World, Buddhas Dog & Other Meditations, Southside Buddhist and Talk Thai: The Adventures of Buddhist Boy; the short story collection The Melting Season; and the poetry collection In Thailand It Is Night. He is the Richard L. Thomas Professor of Creative Writing at Kenyon College in Ohio and the president of Sweet: A Literary Confectiona literary nonprofit organization.

Collier, who resides in Chattanooga, is the author of Greater Ghost and the chapbook The Gleaming of the Bladethe 2021 editors selection from Bull City Press. His works have appeared in The Atlantic, Poetry, December, and elsewhere. A 2015 Loft Spoken Word Immersion Fellow, he also won the 2022 Porch Prize in Poetry and the 2020 ProForma Contest from Grist Journal.

Friday, Sept. 27: Reading in the University Center Signal Mountain Room, noon-1:30 p.m., featuring Andrew Najberg, Justin Wymer, Elizabeth Savage and Sybil Baker.

Friday, Sept. 27: Reading and reception, Stove Works, 5-7 p.m., featuring Tony Crunk, Russell Helms, Earl Braggs and Kris Whorton.

Saturday, Sept. 28: Generative workshops and individual conferences, Southern Writers Room, UTC Library, 9-11 a.m., featuring Sukrungruang, Collier and Savage.

Friday, Sept. 27: Reception with students in the Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures, 10-10:50 a.m.

Friday, Sept. 27: A Conversation with Tomas Q. Morin, Lupton Hall Multicultural Center, 2-3 p.m. The event, hosted by the Hispanic Outreach Leadership Association (HOLA) student organization, is open to the entire campusand light refreshments will be served.

26-28 at the UTC Library, the University Center and at Stove Works ( 1250 E. 13th St . in Chattanooga). The workshops mission is to provide UTC students and underserved community members with greater access to the literary arts.The three-day event is primarily funded by an endowment established by the late Jean Meachama professor and assistant dean of students at UTCin memory of her husband, Ellis K. Meacham. The aim is to promote writing as an expressive art and to connect University writers with the broader community.To learn more about the Meacham Writers Workshop, including full event details and signup links, visit utc.edu/arts-and- sciences/english/ meachamwriters . Books are available for purchase at most of the events.The Meacham Writers Workshop is bringing together a diverse and talented group of writers to engage deeply with both the University and the wider Chattanooga community, said UC Foundation Professor Sybil Baker, the workshop director and associate chair of the UTC Department of English. This event continues to be a space where people interested in the literary arts of all levelsstudents, emerging voices and established authorscan connect, share their work and learn from one another.Visiting writers Tomas Q. Morin and Ira Sukrungruang and Spring 2023 Meacham Fellow Christian J. Collier will participate in the events opening night reading and receptiontaking place from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 26, in the UTC Librarys Roth Reading Room. Event attendees should register here . Free parking is available in UTC lots beginning at 5 p.m., and the program will start at 5:30 p.m.The workshop schedule also includes:We are very excited about the visiting writers coming to UTC for the workshop as well as the many local writers who will be in attendancemost notably Christian J. Collier, Baker said. Christian is about to have a big book launch and has a poem recently published in The Atlantic. Hes a rising star.As part of UTCs Hispanic Heritage Month celebration, Morin will also participate in a pair of additional campus events.

Sponsors for the 2024 Meacham Writers Workshop include Stove Works, the UTC College of Arts and Sciences, the Division of Advancement and Alumni Affairs, the Department of English, the Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures, the Latin Studies Program, HOLA, and the George C. Connor Professorship.
Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris debate in Philadelphia on Tuesday. Abortion was one of the major topics discussed. Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images

During a discussion on abortion rights in Tuesday nights presidential debate, former President Donald Trump repeated an outrageous claim: He said Vice President Kamala Harris and other Democrats are so extreme on the issue, they support executing infants after theyre born.

Trumps hyperbolic lie about murdering live infants  ABC News moderator Linsey Davis intervened to say, There is no state in this country where it is legal to kill a baby after its born  made it easy to miss a point he pressed Harris on: Will she allow abortion in the eighth month, ninth month, seventh month? he asked.

His question  and Harris hesitancy to answer it clearly  underscores an important dilemma for Democrats working to resurrect abortion rights: Should advocates be working to restore the framework of Roe v. Wade, or shoot for a more ambitious scenario, either with fewer or no limits on when someone can obtain abortion services?

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I absolutely support reinstating the protections of Roe v. Wade. And as you rightly mentioned, nowhere in America is a woman carrying a pregnancy to term and asking for an abortion, Harris said, when asked directly whether she supports any restrictions on a womans right to an abortion. Referring to Trumps false claim that Democrats support executing newborn babies, she said, That is not happening. Its insulting to the women of America.

Roe v. Wade established a constitutional right to obtain an abortion, but allowed for states to set restrictions later in a pregnancy. The Supreme Courts 2022 decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization overturned that right.

Mary Ziegler, a law professor at UC Davis, said that pushing to reinstate Roe v. Wade is a vague position.

Roe conceptually  as someone who studied it a lot  can mean a lot of different things to a lot of different people, she said. So its kind of like saying Im going to codify this thing that everyone on the abortion rights side of things agrees with, without filling in on the specifics, because it can mean different things.

Politically, Ziegler said, this can be advantageous for Harris if she wants to avoid an intra-party debate on abortion rights.

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Republicans have tried to seize on this debate, using it to argue that some Democrats support terminating a pregnancy moments before  or even after  birth.

Thats what Trump did Tuesday.

He said the previous governor of West Virginia told him that, before Dobbs, the baby will be born and we will decide what to do with the baby. In other words, well execute the baby.  But her vice presidential pick says abortion in the ninth month is absolutely fine. He also says execution after birth  its execution, no longer abortion  because the baby is born, is OK.

Trumps hyperbolic lie about murdering live infants obscured what is a very real policy debate regarding fetal viability, a term referring to the point at which a fetus could likely survive outside of the womb, typically around 23 weeks.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists cautions that theres no official clinical definition of viability, and many complex factors go into determining whether its safe for a pregnancy to proceed.

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Legislative bans on abortion care often overlook unique patient needs, medical evidence, individual facts in a given case, and the inherent uncertainty of outcomes in favor of defining viability solely by gestational ages. Therefore, ACOG strongly opposes policy makers defining viability or using viability as a basis to limit access to evidence-based care, the group says on its website.

Trump is far from the only Republican to make the case that abortion rights advocates essentially want to allow women to terminate healthy, full-term pregnancies.

As Californians were weighing Proposition 1 in 2022, an amendment that enshrined abortion rights in the state Constitution, Republicans and religious leaders made similar arguments.

Proposition 1 will allow late-term abortions at taxpayer expense WITHOUT limitation for any reason at any time up to the moment of birth  even when the mothers life is not in danger, even when the healthy baby could survive outside the womb, the official ballot argument against the measure said.

Though California and New York passed abortion rights measures in the wake of Dobbs that expand the standards laid out in Roe, measures proposed for this years ballot in Missouri, Florida and Arizona have been replicating Roes viability framework, as did an Ohio constitutional amendment guaranteeing the right to abortion that passed last year, the Associated Press reported in January.

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The ACOG and the Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health program at UCSF have both laid out the most common reasons for a woman to seek an abortion in the third trimester of pregnancy: a fetal diagnosis that comes later in the pregnancy or a diagnosis that imperils the mothers health later in the pregnancy, or barriers to obtaining an abortion earlier in the pregnancy.

Ziegler emphasized that late-term abortions are rare, and often involve serious, life-threatening medical problems or discovering that a baby will not live.

Saying late-term abortion  as if its just something discretionary and frivolous  is really offensive to people who are pregnant, who are not having abortions in the second, or even third trimester, for reasons that are that meaningless, Ziegler said.

Pete Buttigieg, during a 2019 presidential town hall hosted by Fox News, acknowledged those scenarios when asked whether he supports abortion restrictions. His response is still widely shared online.

If its that late in your pregnancy, then almost by definition, youve been expecting to carry it to term, he said. Were talking about women who have perhaps chosen a name, women who have purchased a crib, families that then get the most devastating medical news of their lifetime, something about the health or the life of the mother or viability of the pregnancy, that forces them to make an impossible, unthinkable choice.

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On Sept. 9, at the monthly meeting of the Chattanooga Area Historical Association (CAHA) experienced court reporter, Linda Hershey, gave a lecture on the role of court reporters at the historic State of Tennessee v. John T. Scopes trial in Dayton, Tn., from July 10-21, 1925.

Her talk included a powerpoint presentation that contained era photos and newspaper articles describing the battle over the constitutionality of the Anti-Evolution Act (Butler Bill) passed by the Tennessee General Assembly in March 1925 and the speedy trial that started on July 10, 1925.

One of her slides projected the results of a poll that named the Top 10 Trials in History Up to 2000 with the Scopes legal controversy over Fundamentalism versus Modernism being ranked No. 5 and the Impeachment of the 42nd president of the United States for perjury and immoral conduction heading the list as No. 1.

An individual in the audience commented that the man versus monkey issue seemed more important than the moral misconduct of the Prez from Arkansas but sexual innuendos in America have always ranked high in the eyes (and ears) of the public.

Back to the subject at hand, Linda Hersheys talk also demonstrated significant historical research in an area not previously discussed in the millions of words and photos of the famous events.

The introduction to the group of the identity of court reporters who actually participated in the transcription of the in court testimony, non-jury testimony, testimony of one expert witness, and submission of affidavits of several others, preserved history.

Her dedication to identifying the transcribers and attempt to obtain an actual copy of the trial transcript are indicative of a self appointed investigator and not just a stenographer.

Edith McClaskey and Vivien Spitz were just two of the alleged six daily reporters that covered the first national radio broadcast over station WGN in Chicago.

A closer representative of the multiple court reporter corps would be W.R. Norvell of Signal Mountain, who would later become a practicing attorney.

In July 2025 the 100th Anniversary of the Scopes Trial will be held at Bryan College and the Rhea County Courthouse under the auspices of the Rhea County Historical Society.

Mark your calendar to attend one or all of the proceedings that are part of the legal community history from 1925!

(A trip to the Scopes Museum in the basement of the building will also provide additional knowledge of the True Trial of the Century.)

----

If you have additional information about one of Mr. Summers' articles or have suggestions or ideas about a future Chattanooga area historical piece, please contact him at jsummers@summersfirm.com)
I expect politician to say untruths, both Democrats and Republicans. But what I hate, but now have to also expect, is news organizations to lie and be very biased. Young people today have never had honest reporting, putting aside their person political opinions, from any of the major news media. I have not found any outlet, (TV, newspaper, etc.) that is neutrally presented. While FOX News is right wing, every other major outlet is left wing, along with the source organization AP. A pox on both their houses.

Since this was on ABC, examples of the bias from the debate are all one direction, but I will give a few examples about both sides by so called moderators.:

Fracking: Harris said in 2020 that Joe Biden would not ban fracking. She never said she would not. They have tried to find anytime she said she would not, but all they have found is that Biden would not. And she has never had authority to ban fracking as VP. VP does not have that power. What Harris has said is she would ban fracking in 2019 and before. She actually sued the Obama/Biden administration as California AG to stop fracking. No explanation of why she said she would ban fracking then and why now she falsely says she now says she will not. No instant fact checking by biased so called moderators.

IVF: Harris tries to put IVF in with abortion. IVF is not abortion and the only thing that is about is a single judge in Alabama saying that the Alabama law was poorly written such that it could be banning IVF along with abortion. That was corrected very quickly. And immediately when it happened, Trump said it had to be fixed, as it was. But when Harris falsely said Trump would ban IVF: No instant fact checking by biased so called moderators.

Killing babies after birth: More biased instant fact checking by so called moderators. This was only about babies that survive a failed abortion. The Democrat former governor of Virginia stated the procedure when a baby was born in a failed abortion was to set the baby aside to let the mother decide whether to save the baby or let it die, by doing nothing to help it. That has been confirmed by undercover investigation in Minnesota where the abortion provider said that the procedure was to only give the baby comfort care, and nothing to help it survive. There have been multiple nurses that have quit working at abortion clinics because of that and have publically said so. The biased so called moderator was correct in that there is no law allowing murder of babies after birth, but what she will not say is that abortion providers allowing abortion survivors to die by doing nothing to help them, such as clearing the airway, etc., has never been prosecuted, even though technically that could be argued it is negligent homicide by a licensed doctor.

January 6th riot: The so called moderators intentionally mislead in saying that Trump told the people to, in essence, attack the capitol. Why dont they actually just show or state what he actually said - to peacefully protest. They always seem to edit to present disinformation/misinformation by leaving out the full quotes. That is bias.

Springfield, Ohio: Trump repeated something that has not been confirmed, but was stated by an individual. The mayor of the town said it is not confirmed and believed to be from another town. While the biased so called moderators were correct in stating what the mayor said, the way it was done (all instant fact checking against Trump, ignored false statements by Harris) proved once again the bias.

Trade deficit: Harris falsely stated that the Trump administration had the highest trade deficit in history. The trade deficit during the Biden/Harris administration has exceeded any from Trump. No instant fact checking by biased so called moderators.

Project 2025: It was not created or used at all by Trump or his campaign, but Harris continually says it is his. No instant fact checking by biased so called moderators.

Gun confiscation: Harris has called for a mandatory buy back of certain guns multiple times. Never changed that position until this election cycle. No instant fact checking by biased so called moderators.

Ukraine invasion: Trump did falsely state that Harris negotiated with Putin and Zelensky. She did not. That was instantly fact checked by biased so called moderators, but this was said by Trump immediately after Harris stated she had been to Ukraine and Poland a couple of days before the invasion. But she also falsely stated before that I have never been to Europe in talking about not ever going to the Southern border. No mention of that direct conflict in her statements by the biased so called moderators.

National abortion ban: Harris stated Trump would sign (Congress passes, not the president) a national abortion ban. This one that both sides of the abortion argument are misleading about. As the Supreme Court has stated in the Roe decision, it is not a federal issue. If one would be tried to be put in, it has the same problem as the original Roe decision. It is not a federal issue allowed by the Constitution. Read the simple 10th Amendment and then try to find anywhere the federal government is given that authority. Trump was completely correct in saying that is up to the states (as designed in the Constitution), so that people with different opinion can decide in each state.

There are other examples of ABC media bias, but no media from either side will tell in neutrally. Anyone that does not listen to both sides before deciding on any of the political issues is not really informed and probably does not care about honest government.

This national division and hatred is the natural result from the Democrat/Republican joint corruption. Why have we allowed them to put laws in place to only have putting those political parties as the only viable options. Why are independents or so called minor parties excluded by law from participation in the federal government, Federal Election Commission, National Labor Relation Board, etc.

This corruption of government instead treating all citizens equally will continue to breed hatred and division. Us or Them is not the same as good or bad but that is what each side presents, just changing which side is which.

As George Washington said, Permanent political parties will be the death of the republic. We are seeing that death approaching with the political parties aiding in the destruction of honest government by media dedicated to biased reporting - on both sides.

The two party system is not in the Constitution, but that has been taught in schools to indoctrinate the useful innocents.

Jim Hill

* * *

I want to commend Mr. Hill for his statement Anyone that does not listen to both sides before deciding on any of the political issues is not really informed and probably does not care about honest government.



Too many people on this forum have made clear that he or she definitively refuses to listen to what is said by the other side. Of those, he or she only listens to his or her preferred media; the remaining media are heretics. When rebuttals to his or her arguments are factually correct, those people close their minds even more.



There are some paragraphs where Mr. Hill tried to be fair to both sides. For others, he wasnt.



Had Mr. Hill been pleased with the outcome of the debate, he likely would not have been critical.



Fact check or no fact check, the root cause of Mr. Hills debate angst is likely the constant lying, constant shifting to immigration, and evading the questions asked, as well as the arrogance and pomposity of his candidate. Similarly to Fox, since Mr. Hill cant say anything positive about the Republican candidates performance, he blames his candidates failures on the messenger, ABC.



Here are just a few of his candidates constant lies:



Eating cats and dogs. The Country is going to hell. We have millions of people pouring into our country from prisons and jails, from mental institutions and insane asylums.  I rebuilt our entire military. (Washington Post fact checker, 9/11/2024)



She wants to confiscate your guns. She has a plan to confiscate everybody's gun. We have inflation like very few people have ever seen before. Probably the worst in our nation's history. (inflation is 2.9 percent as shown on CNBC.com) I went to the Wharton School of Finance and many of those professors, the top professors, think my plan is a brilliant plan, it's a great plan. (after a diligent search, I found no professors at Wharton who think his plan is brilliant)



Here are few examples where Mr. Hill falls short of trying to be fair to both sides:



The so called moderators intentionally mislead in saying that Trump told the people to, in essence, attack the capitol.



In multiple paragraphs, Mr. Hill stated the moderators were biased and misleading. Mr. Hill, too, is being misleading and biased. The then President closed his speech at the Ellipse at 1:10 p.m. by encouraging We fight. We fight like hell and if you don't fight like hell, you're not going to have a country anymore. So let's walk down Pennsylvania Avenue." Mr. Hill, since when have the words fight like hell been instructions for peacefully? By then, the peacefully was probably forgotten by the insurrectionists.



Harris has called for a mandatory buy back of certain guns multiple times. Never changed that position until this election cycle. Is it fair to both sides by omitting that in 2019 then Senator Harris supported a mandatory buy back of only assault weapons? He is wrongly leading the reader to infer that the buy back was for all guns, not just assault weapons.



Is it fair to both sides that Mr. Hill uses the word certain and does not define certain to mean only assault weapons?



As I stated above, is it fair to both sides that when the Republican candidate said She wants to confiscate your guns and  She has a plan to confiscate everybody's gun, while omitting her response of We're not taking anybody's guns away. So stop with the continuous lying about this stuff. Is it fair to both sides to omit that politicians regularly change positions. For example, a few years ago (or less) J. D. Vance had nothing positive to say about the Republican candidate. Now, everything Vance says is positive.



Mr. Hill is merely inserting his political opinion with the buy back statement, and is not intending to be fair to both sides. His opinions subtly speak out where he disregards to be fair to both sides.



Im not a lawyer though, and Im assuming Mr. Hill is not either. I disagree with Mr. Hills thesis regarding abortion and the 10th Amendment. The 10th Amendment reads "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people".



There are tens of thousands of Federal laws and regulations in force today where The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States have been enacted at the Federal level.



Immigration, pollution, drugs, product safety, education are among those powers not delegated . .  by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States. But each issue is regulated by Federal laws and regulations via Article I, Section 8, Clause 1. This clause gives Congress the power to "provide for the general welfare of the United States." While SCOTUS has ruled for States Rights about abortion, should either Party enact a ban on or a law allowing abortion, the general welfare clause could be a basis for such a law.



I also disagree that schools teach the two party system to indoctrinate the useful innocents.



The two party system is the predominant method today by which candidates are chosen and run for office. There have been numerous attempts to create a third party: The Bull Moose Party, The Libertarian Party, The Green Party, The Prohibition Party and the Dixiecrats of the South. The two party system, and the emergence and failures of third parties, should be taught since that is the political reality and the political history.



Ill end my letter by again commending Mr. Hill, this time for stating This corruption of government instead treating all citizens equally will continue to breed hatred and division. Us or Them is not the same as good or bad but that is what each side presents, just changing which side is which.



Joe Warren

* * *

According to Mr. Warren the fact checking for ABC News commentators was deemed fair for both sides?

I have to disagree when a news agency doesn't fact check both sides on clear falsehoods including Project 2025, the immigration issues affecting our economy and the billions of dollars spent on frivolous government ideas like the Green New deal.

I guess Mr. Warren only watches ABC News?





Tim Bittenbender
A Tyner Middle School student has been arrested after students said they heard threats.

On Wednesday at approximately 1 p.m., the School Resource deputy assigned to Tyner Middle was advised of a student who made a verbal threat to shoot the school up.

The SRD immediately began an investigation and obtained statements from a number of students who indicated they heard the threat.

The student was immediately taken into custody and transported to the Hamilton County Juvenile Detention Center for processing.



The student will be charged with a threat of mass violence.



There is no threat to any of the students or faculty at this time.


General B.B. Bell helped mark the 23rd anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 attack on the United States, noting that an early morning meeting scheduled that day may have spared his life.

The featured speaker, a Retired Army Four Star General, went into detail of what happened 23 years ago.



General Bell said he had flown from Fort Hood, Tex., to the Pentagon before going to the Capitol for an early morning meeting with Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison. That was "a blue bird day. It was perfect weather," he said.

The speaker said CNN was on the TV and it was "normal" news when suddenly there was a news flash about a plane hitting one of the Twin Towers. He said he initially thought it was a civilian plane that had gone astray. Then he saw that it was a very large plane that had hit the skyscraper, and then there was a report of a second plane.

General Bell said he canceled his meeting with Senator Hutchison and was on the Capitol steps when he looked across the Potomac River and saw the plane that struck the Pentagon, where he had just been.

He said, "My first thought was we're going to war. The U.S. is under attack. It was surreal."

General Bell said he knew he needed to get to the nearest military installation, which was Fort McNair, about two miles away. He told his aide they needed to summon their car, but the aide pointed out the gridlock that had traffic stopped after people fled their offices and tried to get out of the city.

The speaker said he and the aide then sprinted to Fort McNair, where he took command since he was the senior officer. He said he inquired about a plane he could take to his home base of Fort Hood in Texas. He was told there was one at Andrews Air Force base, but no way to get there.

General Bell said he asked for a sergeant who was well familiar with D.C., and one appeared. He said the sergeant drove on everything but roads, including through yards and ball fields. They made it an hour, and he was able to catch a flight to Texas.

General Bell said the plane flew over the Pentagon and he looked down to see all the horrific damage, including the section where he had just visited with his friend Tim. He was later told that Tim was missing. General Bell said he called Tim's wife about a week later and she said they had recovered his wedding band, but nothing else. He was among 126 people killed at the Pentagon.

The welcome at the special observance at the County Courthouse was given by County Commission Chairman Jeff Eversole.



Juvenile Court Judge Rob Philyaw offered prayers for local and state governments.

Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly and Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp issued a joint proclamation in observance of this day. County Mayor Wamp noted he was in junior high and his family had trouble locating their dad (Congressman Zach Wamp) in Washington, D.C.

The Hamilton County Sheriffs Department Honor Guard posted the colors. Vocalist Stacie Caraway sang the National Anthem and God Bless America.

Prayers were offered for the military and first responders by Retired Major General Bill Raines.

Love fellowship church pastor Rev. Gerald OGuinn offered the prayer for churches and families.

Nearly 3,000 people died when terrorists attacked the United States at the Twin Towers in New York and the Pentagon in Washington. They also crashed a plane in Pennsylvania.

Click here for video of General Bell's comments by Ben Cagle.

Click here for video of comments from city and county officials by Ben Cagle.
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.




Georgia Northwestern Technical College announces the students on the Presidents and Deans Lists for the 2024 summer semester.To be eligible for the Presidents List, the student must maintain a GPA of 3.8 or higher during the semester with a course load of at least 12 credit hours. To be eligible for the Deans List, the student must maintain a GPA of 3.5 to 3.79 during the semester with a course load of at least 12 credit hours.Presidents List students for:Catoosa County: Mary Bryan, Luke Crane, Christopher Davis, Monica Lee, Brianna Standridge and Katrina Stiner.Chattooga County: Kiersten Becker, Jeni Perrien and Jeremy Rice.Dade County: Krysta Cuzzort, Christopher Langhorst and Michael Yarber.Floyd County: Amberli Alcon-Juarez, Amy Comer, Brandon Coryea, Jada Cosper, Elizebeth Duncan, Samuel Eberhart, Evelyn Eve, William Ford, Stephanie Fountain, Ezra Guerrero, Shawn Hatt, Alexandra Murdock, Denisa Reyes, Melina Rich, Kenzi Rowell, Raymond Serbentas and Matthew Shoaf.Gordon County: Scott Beutel, John Hancock, Carly Lay, Alyceson McPherson, Shannon Pagano, Erwin Romero, Hannah Shorey and Lisa Vanduser.Murray County: Sierra Cantrell, Conner Haynes, Richard Jackson, Andrew Lang, Jordan Ray and Andrea Sorrows.Polk County: Erick Alvarez, Brendan Clement, Yamilet Cordero, Gracie Costa, Mary Graham, Morgan Matthews, Clayton Mayben, Kelsey Motes, Ariana Reyes, Christina Sweeney, Claire Todd and Tonee Williams.Walker County: Trinity Ahrent, Preston Aiello, Samuel Beard, Cayley Blalock, Ashley Carroll, Sharon Coker, Madison Doty, Christopher Ellinwood, Kelsey Glenn, Jenna Hall, Jennifer Jarvis, Nellie Angeline Lassiter, Brittany Nichols, Chase Pettyjohn, Logan Pettyjohn, Zachary Quinn, Shelby Tucker, Joey Turnipseed, Brook Wallin and Anthony Warrick.Whitfield County: Odalis Cardoza, Jacob Cloer, Gustavo Espinoza, Daniel Martinez, Jordan Moreno, Giovanni Pacheco Loredo, Martin Reyes, Kemberly Sanchez Leal, William Sullivan and Eduardo Torres.Other counties: Mitchell Bandy, Skye Cameron, Peri Campbell, Takara Cole, Mary Couch, Anneli Davis, Lilia Dreps, Shonna Frank, Sydney Groves, Terra Hall, Jesse King, Nathan Lamb, Jordan Millirons, Sierra Overby, Victoria Parker, Sara Peranteau, Hannah Peterson, Serenity Provenson, Bethany Terry, Ethan Terry, Cassandra Townsend and Kimberly Veliz.Deans List Students for:Catoosa County: Jarrett Chambers, Jackson Dykes, Megan Leigh and Andrew Taunton.Chattooga County: Richard Craig and Sandra Poe.Dade County: None.Floyd County: Dylan Baleon-Ruiz, Marley Bishop, Lena Black, Darryn Colson, Lizbeth Cruz, Casey Dover, David Erwin, John Fincher, Blaine Fox, Gregory Gravitt, Megan Henderson, Yesmeen Khateb, Dakota Lecroy, Trinetta Morgan, Jasmine Mullins, Isaac Orellana, Taylor Owens, Lila Pierce, Samantha Quick, Michael Sterno, Marissa Wood and Artemio Zavala.Gordon County: Keyotta Atwater, Patricia Barrett, Kaden Baucom, Carla Childers, Ama Cline, Dakota Morgan, Cheyenne Overby, Tyler Pierce, Beyda Rendon and David Weber.Murray County: Summer Hudson, Amber Lawson and Carrie Winkler.Polk County: Lucas Hackney, Nery Juarez, Veronica McElwee and Raymond Temples.Walker County: Danielle Coley, Caleb Hobbs, Maureen Irvin, John Llewellyn, Makayden Martin, Brandy Sholtz and Caroline Stone.Whitfield County: Alfonso Blanco, Joshua Cain, Michael Cruz, Jose Diaz, Jose Francisco, Desirae George, Ashley Hall, Tracy Lomax, Raylin Macon, Bailey Massingill, Joshua Mitchem, Bridgette Marie Pedraza, Angel Ramirez, Griselda Salaices, Jenniffer Serrano, Aretha Thomas, Shasten Tomas, Claudia Torres, Jannet Vazquez and Carmen Wheat.Other counties: John Blankenship, Zackary Broome, Kaylee Buckner, Nathaniel Budde, Nathaniel Conlon, Gabriel Green, Glennisha Hawkins, Jaliyah Hop-Wah, Tia Karella, Destiny Langley, Mackenzie Lunsford, Ryan McElheney, Jared Myhand, Ellijah Pineda, Tyler Rawlins, Kaylee Samples, Kyla Seabolt, Addison Talbott, Preston Vegotsky, Dakota Williams, Camden Womack and Tevin Zachery.
After several years of planning, fundraising and extensive community outreach, the AIM Center, in collaboration with the City of Chattanooga, the Tennessee Housing Development Agency, the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, the Chattanooga Housing Authority and the Vecino Group, is bringing hope to individuals with severe mental illness  literally.AIM Center and its partners broke ground today on Espero Chattanooga, a new 60-unit affordable housing development located at 1807 and 1823 East Main Street.Espero  hope in Spanish  will serve individuals living with serious mental illness, providing them with a stable, supportive environment to foster their well-being and future prospects. The $21 million project is intended to address the urgent need for affordable housing options for individuals with mental illness. Without access to stable, affordable housing options, many of these individuals will face cycles of instability, frequent hospitalizations and challenges in accessing healthcare.The AIM Center is a Chattanooga-based organization dedicated to supporting individuals with serious mental illness. Vecino Group is a national real estate developer with specific competencies in affordable housing, supportive housing and Public-Private Partnerships. Espero Chattanooga is their first collaboration.At least 19 units in Espero Chattanooga will be reserved for justice-involved and/or chronically homeless individuals who have serious mental illness; these units will be designated for those living at or below 30 percent of the area median income, as determined by the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development. The City of Chattanooga donated the property for the project, which is being financed in part with low-income housing tax credits (LIHTC) from THDA.Simply put, espero means hope, and that is exactly what we are bringing to dozens of people in our community who need it, said Anna Protano-Biggs, president & CEO of the AIM Center. On behalf of Espero Chattanoogas future residents, we are deeply thankful to everyone who has helped us reach this milestone, including our generous and supportive neighbors from the Highland Park and Ridgedale neighborhoods."Espero Chattanooga has been in development since 2019 and has earned the enduring support of both the Berke and Kelly administrations of the City of Chattanooga, as well as Councilwoman Marvene Noel of the Chattanooga City Council," officials said."These 60 units of permanent supportive housing will be critical in our work to reduce homelessness and care for people experiencing mental illness," said Mayor Tim Kelly. "Esperos design is beautiful, the services it will provide are best-in-class, and the difference it will make in peoples lives is incalculable. This is another great example of how we can bring together government, nonprofits and the private sector to make meaningful change. The City of Chattanooga is proud to work with AIM Center, Vecino Group, CHA and THDA on this project.Construction on Espero Chattanooga is underway. Lease up is expected to be complete by Spring 2026.
An outside prosecutor is asking that a man who was charged with making threats to bomb the courtroom of Judge Gary Starnes as well as the Federal Building be declared a persistent and career offender.

Mike Dunavant, chief prosecutor with the Tennessee District Attorneys Conference, also said Robert Edward Millsaps should get enhanced punishment.

Local judges and the district attorney's office recused themselves.

Judge Bradley Sherman, a Circuit Court judge based in Winchester, presided on Thursday at a hearing at Hamilton County Criminal Court. He said Michael Dowd, the former chief homicide prosecutor in Hamilton County, has been appointed to represent Millsaps.

Millsaps said he has been in jail over a year on the charges and was ready to plead guilty on "time served." Prosecutor Dunavant said the state would not agree to that.

Judge Sherman told Millsaps he needed to talk with attorney Dowd, and that is to happen early next week.

Police said Millsaps from the jail also issued death threats against a local bonding agent as well as the Public Defender's Office.

Millsaps, who was earlier termed a violent criminal and member of the Aryan Nation gang, is charged with retaliation against a judge, juror or office, commission of an act of terrorism, and three counts of filing false reports.

He is being held on bonds totaling $400,465.

The charges arose when the Sheriff's Office received a call from a deputy at the jail who said Millsaps was making threats against a judge and the Federal Building.

Investigators said they learned that a bonding agent had received a call from Millsaps in which she was told he had plans to bomb the Starnes courtroom as well as the Federal Building.

The alleged threat was passed on to Judge Starnes, "who became alarmed and stated he wished to prosecute Robert Millsaps." Judge Starnes said he also was going to report the threats to the FBI.

Investigators listened to 20 phone calls made by Millsaps from the jail and found terroristic threats on three of them.

On one call, Millsaps told a bonding agent that he was going to bomb her house, it was stated.

He also said he was going to bomb the Public Defender's Office because they would not let him fire his public defender.

In a call to a bonding agent, Millsaps "states he forgot to tell her that he was going to bomb Judge Starnes' courtroom and laughs and then states he is going to bomb the Federal Building and (the bonding office)."

Investigators found that Millsaps has had 14 cases go before Judge Starnes that have either been settled or are pending dating back to 2020.

Millsaps' prior convictions include several counts of burglary of an auto, theft of property, and evading arrest, as well as attempted aggravated assault and promotion of meth.
Bob Egelko has been a reporter since June 1970. He spent 30 years with the Associated Press, covering news, politics and occasionally sports in Los Angeles, San Diego and Sacramento, and legal affairs in San Francisco from 1984 onward. He worked for the San Francisco Examiner for five months in 2000, then joined The Chronicle in November 2000.

His beat includes state and federal courts in California, the Supreme Court and the State Bar. He has a law degree from McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento and is a member of the bar. Coverage has included the passage of Proposition 13 in 1978, the appointment of Rose Bird to the state Supreme Court and her removal by the voters, the death penalty in California and the battles over gay rights and same-sex marriage.
Home News Andrew Klavan warns of media's role in creating division, says tradition, faith offer hope

FRANKLIN, Tenn.  Andrew Klavan warned that public discourse has been manipulated by those in power, particularly within left-leaning media institutions, and challenged Christians to weigh modern interpretations against the enduring truths found in tradition and Scripture.

I don't think that we're enemies in the U.S., I think most of us are friends, the 70-year-old author and host of The Andrew Klavan Show, a podcast on The Daily Wire, told The Christian Post.

I think what the media has done is purposely set us against one another because when we're fighting with one another, we're not fighting with them. I think a lot of us could get together, middle-right, middle-left, all of the sort of in-between, and be a new majority. Thats what I want to see, the majority of Americans who are happy to debate, happy to say I'm wrong, and happy to compromise, because it's the media working for the left that has made it impossible to do that. They call you a name when you disagree, they make you they demonize you if you disagree, and that made people afraid to speak.

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Klavan, an international bestselling author and Edgar Award winner who became a Christian at 49, stressed the importance of biblical literacy  and centuries of intellectual and spiritual reflection that the West has inherited  in an increasingly convoluted cultural landscape, where everyone from influencers to political figures co-opt religious doctrine to suit personal agendas.

Tradition, he said, is a repository of wisdom that has withstood the test of time.

There have been 2,000 years of good, intelligent, brilliant writing about the Bible, people reading it, the smartest people in the world. The smartest people in the West have always believed in the Bible, and they have written about it, and they've philosophized about it and they've discussed it, he said.

We don't have to depend on the people who are with us now. We can look at the tradition. Tradition is important. It's the wisdom of the past carried over. We can look at the wisdom of the past, compare it to the guys talking in the present, and say, Well, wait a minute. Something's not working here, and see which one makes sense. We shouldn't be afraid of the people talking now. We've got more than an army of wisdom behind us in the past, and we can bring it to bear.

Klavan spoke to CP at the premiere of The Daily Wires new theatrical release, Am I Racist? which stars Matt Walsh and satirizes diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Projects like Am I Racist?, Klavan said, play a crucial role in dismantling the barriers that have been built by the media.

One of the reasons a movie like this is so important is because when somebody finally says the truth, then everybody can say so, he said.

Jeremy Boreing, CEO of The Daily Wire, echoed Klavans sentiment, stressing that our hope has to be in God.

"Were not really promised that things are going to get better in this world, but we can look back at history and see that there have been incredibly dark moments before, and the country has endured, he said.

Boreing drew parallels to some of the darkest chapters in Western civilization, from World War I to World War II, moments when it seemed civilization might never recover.

Im sure that if we were in the middle of the First World War in the teens, we would think, this is it. Its over. Western civilization cant possibly recover from this. It did. And Im sure that if we had been here in the '40s during the Second War, we would have thought something similar. And yet, here we are, he said.

And while the Left has ascended to hegemonic power across cultural institutions, Boreing said that this very dominance exposes its fragility.

What young people need to know is that these structures that the Left has built over the last half-century to hold you down are crumbling. The Left has never been more vulnerable, he said. Their ideas have to either work or not work. And as it turns out, they dont work. So I think young people are born into an amazing moment where they can actually be a part of destroying these structures and building something new.
Home News Islamist commander confiscates 500 acres of land from Christian farmers in Syria: report

The commander of an Islamist militia has reportedly seized 500 acres of farming land from Christian farmers in the town of Ras Al-Ein in northern Syria near the Turkish border.

The area is under the control of a coalition of Islamist militias that are part of the Syrian National Army, an entity backed by Qatar and Turkey.

The main groups involved in human rights abuses in Ras Al-Ein include the Al-Hamzat Battalion and Jaysh Al-Sharqya, reported the United Kingdom-based watchdog Christian Solidarity Worldwide, citing local sources.

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The leader of Jaysh Al-Sharqya, Commander Abou Jammo, was identified as the one who ordered the confiscation, CSW said, adding that the United States has sanctioned these groups for their actions.

Amid rising tensions, the militias have also threatened to increase the tax imposed on farmers from 20% to 35%.

A tribal chief strongly condemned the confiscation and referred to the significant contributions of the Christian community to the region's prosperity, particularly in education, agriculture and healthcare.

"We are concerned that the remaining Christians will be forced to leave, which would be a big loss for us all," the leader told the organization.

Ayman Abdelnour, a prominent Syrian Christian politician and spokesperson for the Syrian Christians for Rights & Dialogue, voiced deep concerns about the ongoing oppression.

"These criminal groups have been oppressing and terrorizing local communities from all religious and ethnic backgrounds," Abdelnour told CSW. "Some of their violations amount to crimes against humanity."

He urged the international community to "continue to raise these issues with the U.K. and U.S. governments and at the U.N. and EU levels."

"The international community must press the Syrian Opposition and governments backing and funding these groups to restrain them and bring perpetrators to justice. SCRD will be leading a delegation to the EU to expose these groups and those behind them."

Mervyn Thomas, founder and president of CSW, said the "flagrant human rights violations" should not go unpunished.

"The Syrian opposition and governments of Qatar and Turkey should act immediately to bring these appalling practices against civilians in the areas under the control of these militias to an end," he said.

In a June visit, the commander of the 20th Division of the Syrian National Army met with the Christian community in Ras Al-Ein, promising to support and protect the dwindling Christian population.

However, the situation on the ground remains precarious.

The conflict in Ras Al-Ein reflects larger challenges within the Syrian National Army, which was established in 2017 to lead Turkey's counterterrorism missions in Syria after the fall of the Islamic State terror organization and its self-proclaimed caliphate.

North Syria is home to a rich diversity of Syrians: Kurds, Arabs, Assyrians, Muslims, Christians, Yazidis and others.

The SNA has transformed from a coalition of revolutionary factions to a complex military structure with varying degrees of loyalty to civilian leadership, according to a report by The Atlantic Council.

Efforts to reform the SNA to a more organized army under civilian control have faced significant challenges due to the entrenched interests of powerful military factions and the protracted conditions of war, the report noted.
Home News Hawley warns nuclear family is 'under assault,' paints faith as unifying force in the US

WASHINGTON  A prominent United States senator is warning that the nuclear family is under assault as he points to faith as a unifying force rather than a divisive one.

The nuclear family, I think, is pretty clearly under assault, said Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., in a speech Wednesday at the Museum of the Bible. Its under assault from many corners. Its under assault from a bunch of our popular culture, but also  were sitting in Washington, D.C., we can probably see the Capitol out those windows and its under assault from policy and from our government. I mean, we have a tax code that penalizes marriage. It doesnt reward it, it penalizes it.

We have policy upon policy that makes it harder to raise children. We have a radical Left in this country that now wants the decisions about how to raise children to be made by [the] government, not to be made by parents, he added. Hawley attributed the hostility toward the nuclear family to decades and decades of denigrating the family and decades and decades of saying that there really are not a lot of differences between men and women.

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Hawley made the remarks about the nuclear family at a luncheon hosted by the D. James Kennedy Center for Christian Statesmanship, which describes itself as an organization set up to support, equip, and empower Christian statesmanship and cast vision for the next generation of Christian leaders in the halls of government.

The ministry, a project of the Florida-based Coral Ridge Ministries, presented Hawley with the Distinguished Christian Statesman Award. It has handed out the award annually to an elected official seen as embodying the characteristics of a Christian statesman since 1996.

As he spoke with Center for Christian Statesmanship Executive Director William Russell after receiving the award, Hawley lamented that popular culture sends to men the message that they are everything that is wrong with this country and the world. He suggested a different approach. We need to tell men that they are vitally needed, he said. We need to say to young men, you have a responsibility to get married, have a family, be a contributor and fulfill the God-given role that He has for you.

Every man and every woman has a God-given destiny on their life, a call on their life, he insisted. Hawley maintained that popular culture should be telling men, We need you. We need you desperately, and you can leave a legacy, a legacy for your family, a legacy that will change this country. But to do that, we need you to step up and take on responsibility, not shirk responsibility.

Hawley also discussed his book Manhood: The Masculine Virtues America Needs. He identified the purpose of the book as to help his three young children understand whats it mean to be a husband, whats it mean to be a father, why is it that God calls us to do that, whats it mean to go out there and shoulder responsibility?

It started in that way. And what I did in the book is I just went to the Bible and just walked through stories of the men in the Bible who got called and used, he added. None of them perfect, but all of them powerful because they had a powerful Lord, because they were willing to follow the Lord wholeheartedly.

Hawley expressed concern that popular culture and the media are so out of touch with the Scripture, theyre so out of touch with our history. Weve got to take that message of biblical manhood, biblical womanhood, the great blessing that that is, the legacy that it leaves, weve got to take that, I think, to the whole country.

We often hear this lie from the Left that religion divides America, Hawley added, pushing back on the idea. The Lefts attempt to eradicate religion divides America. Thats whats divisive. Faith actually is a great unifier in our national life.

Proclaiming that faith is what holds the country together, Hawley characterized the pursuit of worship of the Lord according to your conscience as a shared bedrock belief of Americans, adding, Weve got to be bold in proclaiming that again and not afraid.

Hawley cited the worship restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns as evidence of hostility towards the witness of the Church, towards the witness of faith that permeates much of the governing class in this country.

And in that context, the Church cannot be silent. But also, the Church is the bearer of truth. We hold the hope of the world. How dare we be quiet. Ever. Weve got to bring that hope to the world in winsome ways, in welcoming ways, sometimes in forceful ways when we have to say to those in power, What youre doing is wrong.

Reflecting on his Christian upbringing, Hawley said, I cant remember a time when I didnt know about Jesus Christ. He praised his parents for giving him the greatest gift that any parent can give, which is to introduce me at an early age to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

I can still remember sitting on my dads knee when I was 5 and praying to accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior and then at 12, making a more public, mature confession of faith, he recalled. Hawley expressed gratitude that he experienced the incredible gift of a Christian home, to have the gift of being taught the scriptures at an early age growing up in a believing community.

As his remarks came to a close, Hawley elaborated on what he views as his calling as a Christian statesman. Noting that The United States is the greatest nation in the history of the world because the United States is founded on the truths of the Bible, he declared, Ive got to be true to that reality, to that history, to the foundational principles of our Constitution.

I took an oath to defend the Constitution of the United States. That means also defending the principles, the ideals and the realities on which that Constitution is founded. And the witness of the Bible is absolutely foundational to all of that.

In an interview with The Christian Post, Russell portrayed Hawley as the ideal candidate to receive the Distinguished Christian Statesman Award. Hawley is a wonderful representation of what a Christian statesman  should be, he said. He has his priorities in line: his faith, his family and his work. That shows through the work that hes doing right now on Capitol Hill. But he also is resolute in his beliefs.

Stressing that the award is designed for someone whos going to stand on principle, someone whos going to still be loving and kind but is not going to back down, Russell contended that Hawley is not one of the fireball throwers thats going to call ad hominem attacks on Democrats or whomever, but rather somebody whos going to stand on principle and hes going to live that out, talk that out.

Past recipients of the Distinguished Christian Statesman Award include then-Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kansas, who would later become the U.S. Ambassador-at-large for International Religious Freedom, and then-Rep. Mike Pence, who would later become vice president. Former Arkansas Gov. and Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee and former U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos have also been honored with the award.
Home News Pastor, father of 11, Baptist college exec. fatally shoots himself after accusation of child molestation

David Baker Sr., a Tennessee pastor and father of 11, who served as vice president of Independent Baptist Online College, walked into a local hospital Wednesday and fatally shot himself a day after he was charged with aggravated sexual battery of a minor family member.

A statement from the Columbia Police Department cited by FOX 17 in Nashville said Baker walked into a bathroom at Maury Regional Hospital shortly after bonding out of jail for aggravated sexual battery of a child younger than 12, and shot himself in the chest.

Maury Regional Hospital confirmed in a separate statement that when the shooting happened at approximately 12:45 p.m., the hospital was immediately placed on lockdown.

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It was discovered that an adult male entered the ED, did not seek medical treatment, and proceeded directly to the public restroom where he administered a self-inflicted gunshot to the chest, discharging the weapon twice. The ED staff initiated life-saving medical treatment; however, he succumbed to his injuries, hospital officials said in their statement.

The hospitals CEO, Dr. Martin Chaney, offered prayers for Baker, his family and those who knew him.

We are deeply saddened by todays events. Our prayers are extended to the family and friends of this individual as well as the members of our team who responded, Chaney said. The welfare and safety of our patients and health care team members are paramount at Maury Regional Health. I am proud of the quick response of our security team, Emergency Department staff and Columbia Police Department.

According to Main Street Maury, Baker was booked into the Maury County Jail on Tuesday and charged with one count of aggravated sexual battery. He was released Wednesday on a $200,000 bond and was scheduled to appear in court on Oct. 9.

Baker ran for Maury County mayor in 2022 and filed a defamation lawsuit that year against eventual winner, Sheila Butt. The case, which highlighted the suicide of a former colleague of Bakers, was later dismissed.

A text message from Butt to another party referenced the suicide in the defamation suit.

. . . . Someone called me just now and told me about a court case here against (Baker) several years ago that could hurt him and his ministry very much if it gets rehashed. Something about fraud and a man committing suicide, a portion of the text message reads. He is my friend. There is no need for that. He should step away. I wouldnt hurt him with that and would never look up the records . . . I am praying for David right now and for Andy (Ogles) not to get him hurt. Andy is an astute politician, but he is playing with peoples lives here.

Calls for comment made to Family Baptist Churchfounded by Baker, and where he was serving at the time he took his life, went unanswered Thursday. A cached webpage of the pastors bio, which has since been removed from the churchs website, lists him as an Army veteran who attended Hyles-Anderson college. It notes that he had pastored for more than 18 years at the time of his death, and he proudly names his wife and 11 children.

Aimee Spires a former congregant of the late pastor at a Lighthouse Baptist Church, which was also founded by Baker, told FOX 17 that he was a wolf in sheeps clothing.

There was nothing Godly about him. He was, he is a wolf in sheep's clothing, Spires claimed. I was angry because all the victims that there is, there's no telling how many victims, how many girl victims that are out there that he may have done this to.
Home News Robert Morris son, James Morris, names new house of worship Passage Church

James Morris, the son of disgraced Gateway Church founder Robert Morris in Southlake, Texas, has announced that the new church he intends to plant will be called Passage Church.

The announcement, which was shared on X by abuse survivor advocate Amy Smith, comes more than a week after James Morris revealed that he was ready to plant his own church with his wife Bridgette.

We are thrilled to announce the Lord has given us a name for the church he put in our hearts to plant! Thank you for praying with and for us! We have spent the past few weeks praying and seeking the Lord, and we feel like God has confirmed the name through multiple scriptures and people. The name is Passage Church! the couple said.

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The naming of the new church comes more than a month after James Morris stepped down as leader of Gateway Church in late July after serving in that role for just a few weeks. His father resigned on June 18 amid allegations of child sex abuse.

In explaining the choice of name for their church, Morris and his wife said it has a twofold meaning.

First, Passage is another word for scripture. We believe in the authority and power of the Holy Scriptures, the Bible. Passage Church is on the Word of God and will be a place where people are taught the Word of God, they said.

Second, Passage is another word for making a journey from one place to another. Passage Church is on the move and filled with people pursuing God in every season. Every persons life is filled with transitions and journeys; we will be a place that helps people no matter what stage of their journey, pointing them towards Jesus and a relationship with God. Jesus said in John 10:9, I am the door. Another word for door is passage, the couples announcement continued.

They explained that they plan on hosting an interest meeting in early October, but they had not settled on a venue yet. They further asked volunteers to help them pray so that they would find not just a place to host their interest meeting but also a place to worship.

If you are interested in volunteering or being a part of our launch team, we will have a sign-up for that at our interest meeting or you can email us. Another way you can start supporting us right now is by praying. We would love to have as many people praying for Passage Church as possible! their announcement added.

Our greatest need right now is a place to gather. We are not stressed about this because we know God will provide but its a very practical need so please join us in that prayer.

In June, Cindy Clemishire, 54, reported that Robert Morris began sexually abusing her on Christmas Day in 1982 when she was just 12 years old. She says the abuse continued for four-and-a-half years before others found out. Morris was reportedly disciplined but later allowed to return to ministry.

When questioned about the allegations by The Christian Post, Morris only confessed to being involved in "inappropriate sexual behavior with a young lady" more than 35 years ago. He said he repented and was restored to ministry.

Clemishire insisted to CP, however, that she was no young lady when Morris abused her.

"I was 12 years old. I was a little girl. A very innocent little girl. And he was brought into our home. He and his wife, Debbie, and their little boy, Josh, trusted and preached at the church that my dad helped start and then began grooming all of us to do this, which took me decades to wrap my brain around as an adult," she said.

Gateway Church has commissioned an independent investigation into the allegations against Morris and those findings remain pending.
Home News UNRWA claims 6 staffers killed in Israeli strike on school; Israeli envoy accuses UN chief of distorting reality

Outrage erupted once again following another Israeli strike in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, this time caused by UNRWA allegations that the IDF strikes had killed six of its workers in the al-Jaouni School in Nuseirat.

According to the IDF, Israeli Air Force (IAF) fighter jets targeted terrorists who were operating out of a command and control complex located in the former school building. Palestinian sources claimed 18 people were killed in the strikes.

The IDF stated that the complex was used by Hamas terrorists to plan and carry out terrorist operations against the IDF forces and the State of Israel. Before the attack, many steps were taken to reduce the chance of harming civilians, including the use of precision weaponry, aerial observation and additional intelligence.

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UNRWA (the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East) claimed on its X account that six of its workers were killed when two airstrikes hit a school and its surroundings in Nuseirat in the middle areas. This is the highest death toll among our staff in a single incident. Among those killed was the manager of the UNRWA shelter and other team members providing assistance to displaced people.

No one is safe in Gaza. No one is spared. Schools and other civilian infrastructure must be protected at all times, they are not a target. We call on all parties to the conflict to never use schools or the areas around them for military or fighting purposes, the UN agency wrote.

Contradicting these claims, IDF International Spokesman Lt.-Col. Nadav Shoshani said the IDF requested details regarding the alleged victims but didnt receive an answer from UNRWA.

The IDF requested that the agency provide details and names of the workers, in order to thoroughly review the claim. To date, no answers have been provided by UNRWA despite repeated requests, Shoshani wrote on X.

Furthermore, an IDF inquiry suggests that a significant number of the names that have appeared in the media and on social networks are Hamas terrorist operatives who took part in terrorist activities against the citizens of the State of Israel and IDF troops, he stressed.

The IDF later published a list of nine names of people who died in the strikes, which it said were verified Hamas terrorists.

These included at least three confirmed terrorists who at the same time worked for UNRWA, as well as several terrorists who took part in the Oct. 7 massacre.

International leaders, including United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, quickly excoriated Israel over the purported killing of U.N. workers.

Whats happening in Gaza is totally unacceptable, Guterres stated. A school turned shelter for around 12,000 people was hit by Israeli airstrikes again today.

Six of our UNRWA colleagues are among those killed. These dramatic violations of international humanitarian law need to stop now, he added.

Israels newly installed U.N. envoy, Danny Danon, wasted no time hitting back at Guterres.

What is unacceptable, [Guterres], is the fact you refuse to recognize reality and continue to distort it. Terrorists operating out of civilian buildings previously used by UNRWA are not innocent.

It is unconscionable that the UN continues to condemn Israel in its just war against terrorists while Hamas continues to use women and children as human shields. I suggest you carefully investigate who these terrorists were, what they were doing in the past and what atrocities they were committing when they were eliminated before making statements, Danon wrote on X.

Ill reiterate: Israel will continue its just war against terrorism. The solution is not a ceasefire, but the release of all hostages still held in Gaza and the elimination of Hamas.

In addition, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken called on Israel to protect humanitarian workers, adding that the best way to guarantee their safety is a U.S.-backed hostage and truce deal.

We need to see humanitarian sites protected, and thats something that we continue to raise with Israel, Blinken told the media during a visit to Poland.

This article was originally published by All Israel News.
Home News Pastor Greg Locke says family wont return home after drive-by shooting

Controversial Tennessee Pastor Greg Locke says he and his family will not be returning to their home following a "surreal" drive-by shooting in which gunmen riddled his house and truck with 60 bullets in less than three seconds just over a week ago.

"We have not been allowed to be back at our house since then, and other than packing stuff up, we're not going back anyhow," Locke told his congregation Sunday. "They told us that they fear retaliation at this moment."

Wilson County Sheriff's Office Capt. Scott Moore told The Tennessean that the shooting, which is being investigated, resulted in no injuries, and authorities haven't arrested anyone in connection with the incident yet.

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Moore said deputies responded to Locke's home at around 10:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 4, and found 30 to 40 shell casings around the house, the garage and a vehicle.

Locke, who leads Global Vision Bible Church in Mount Juliet, said he believes the Lord slowed his family while they were driving home from Pigeon Forge on the night of the shooting.

When they returned home, he said they initially thought someone had broken beer bottles on the property. As he and his wife continued inspecting the property, it dawned on them that their home had been attacked.

"All of a sudden I began to realize it (bullets)went through the wall and the headboard and Destiny's room, and you know, riddle the truck up and the garage, and we're talking about from the bottom of the driveway all the way up through the back of the truck, the middle of the truck, out the front of the truck, through the garage door, all the way out the back of the garage, into the fence, at the very back of the property," he said. "So we're not talking about a Daisy BB gun."

Locke said he armed himself with an AR-15 along with a handgun and began searching his property as his wife, Tai, frantically called the police.

"I'm running around the house like a madman with an AR in my hand and a 9mm in my back pocket, not knowing what's going on. And, by the way, you can criticize that all you want to, but I'm here to tell you one day, the government's not going to protect you, and the police aren't going to show up in time, and you better know how to protect your family, you hear me?" he told his church.

Locke said waiting for the police to show up felt like "an eternity" as his wife begged them for help.

"Your wife's on the phone screaming at them to 'Get here! Get here!' I mean, it really does seem like a long time, and you know, the kids are hollering at me, 'Don't go on the porch!' And I'm running around like a mad man. Then they show up," Locke said of the police.

The officers, he said, were taking no chances, and they stunningly told him to "Put your hands in the air."

"I'm like,' It's my house,'" he recalled telling the officers.

Despite being surprised by the reaction of the police, Locke said he complied with everything they asked him to do.

"So I put the AR down and they said 'turn around. Put your hands up. Walk backwards. Get on your knees.' And so I'm doing all that, and I'm like, 'I got one in my back pocket too. You might want to get that before I get down.' It was a surreal moment," he said.

Locke said the security footage of the shooting recovered by investigators recorded two cars.

"It ended up actually being a couple of cars that were involved, but the main car and the driver and the shooter, which by the way, can I say to the Twitter world, the camera will show you that it wasn't me standing at the end of my driveway putting my family in jeopardy pulling a trigger. You people are stupid," Locke argued.

"What happened was when he [shooter] jumps in the car and leaves, the security footage shows one minute later my wife pulls into the driveway with the kids and the grandkids in the SUV, one minute after he [shooter] sprayed the house and drove off. I came in a minute behind that," he explained.

Locke played the sound of 60 rounds being shot into his property in "less than three seconds."

"The detective said he'd never seen that many spent shell casings in a drive by shooting situation like this," Locke said.
Home News Southwestern Seminary and Adam Greenway resolve legal dispute; no money exchanged

Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and former president Adam W. Greenway have reached a settlement agreement, the seminary announced Monday, after Greenway offered to drop the lawsuit before his scheduled deposition with no monetary compensation.

The announcement came in a joint statement from Greenway and the Fort Worth, Texas-based seminary.

"We are grateful to have this resolution between Southwestern Seminary and its ninth president, Dr. Adam W. Greenway," it said. "No monetary consideration was paid as part of this resolution. The trustees and Dr. Greenway are looking forward to putting this matter behind us and moving on to focus our energies and efforts on following God's plans for the next chapters of our respective lives and ministries. We pray that God will richly bless the Greenway family as well as Southwestern Seminary in the years ahead."

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Greenway stepped down from his role as president in September 2022. In a June 2023 report, SWBTS accused Greenway of engaging "in a pattern of spending that  did not reflect proper stewardship of seminary resources."

"Between 2019 and 2022, over $1.5 million was spent on renovations, furnishings, and related expenses to the President's home. These expenditures were made at a time when the seminary was making significant budget cuts, including the reduction of faculty personnel and positions," the summary stated.

"Examples of expenses for the President's home include $59,865.79 for Christmas decorations, more than $25,000 for artwork, and $11,123.49 for an espresso machine and accessories. Despite extensive renovations completed early in his tenure, further optional work was done on the President's home in late 2021 when more than $180,000 was spent on HVAC work."

In March 2024, Greenway filed a lawsuit against the seminary, claiming defamation by seminary leaders, resulting in "severe damage to his reputation and rendering him unemployable in the professional capacity for which he is qualified."

In response, the seminary said at the time, "We categorically deny the allegations contained in the lawsuit, will defend vigorously the institution, and are confident the outcome will demonstrate that these claims are entirely baseless."

Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary is one of six Southern Baptist Convention-affiliated seminaries funded by the denomination's Cooperative Program, a collective ministry budget supported by church donations.

In a Monday statement on its website, the seminary said: "When Adam Greenway approached the seminary on the eve of his deposition and offered to drop his lawsuit with no monetary consideration in return, it was clear this was the best decision for Southwestern Seminary."

"We believe the manner of this resolution not only vindicates the seminary, it further demonstrates the allegations made in the lawsuit were without merit. Grateful for the favor God has bestowed on the seminary since the fall of 2022, we are now eager to re-focus our full energies and resources on carrying out the mission of Southwestern Seminary."

In a statement Tuesday, Greenway said he directed his legal counsel to "extend an olive branch" to the seminary's legal counsel to "achieve an amicable resolution." However, he stressed that he "disagrees strongly" with the seminary's "characterizations of the motivations behind or meaning of the settlement."

"Scripture counsels us that we are to 'if possible, as far as it depends on you, live in peace with everyone' (Romans 12:18, CSB). I am content to let the joint statement speak for itself," Greenway stated. "I look forward to putting this chapter of my life behind me and focusing on the hope and the future that our Lord has for me and my family."
Home News Texas hotel shut down after reports of Venezuelan gang infiltration, police called 693 times

Residents must vacate a Texas hotel that law enforcement officials have accused of enabling members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua and other criminals, with court documents citing instances of narcotics trafficking and a man with a hatchet assaulting people.

District Court Judge Maria Salas-Mendoza signed a 90-day injunction this week to allow the El Paso County Attorney's Office to shut down The Gateway Hotel due to "habitual" criminal activity at the business.

According to the petition for temporary and permanent injunction late last month by El Paso County Attorney Christina Sanchez, the hotel has seen 693 calls to the police in the last two years.

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"The large volume of calls for service to a single business and State's 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," the complaint stated.

According to the complaint, the hotel has also been operating without a certificate of occupancy since 2018 and failed three inspections by the El Paso Fire Department.

On Wednesday, the El Paso County Attorney's Office provided The Christian Post with a copy of Salas-Mendoza's order. The injunction Tuesday gave the building occupants until Thursday to leave the hotel property.

The hotel owners are expected to pay around $380 in court costs, a bond of $10,000 within 45 days of the order, and a $5,000 fine before they can resume business.

The Christian Post contacted The Gateway Hotel for comment, but a staff member hung up the phone when asked for a statement.

In addition to suspected gang activity, the court filing referenced affidavits from police officers. One of the officers, Samuel Medina, expressed concerns about "the introduction of the Tren De Aragua organization into the hotel."

Another officer, Dionicio Alvarez, accused hotel management of "negligently allowing gang activity to infiltrate the area," stating that the business is known for "allowing illegal activity (consuming drugs, gang activity, illegal dumping) and known not to make necessary changes to prevent the illegal activities."

The document cited video footage that showed parties on the hotel's third floor, where people were "drinking, smoking and dancing provocatively while children are present." Video footage also showed a gun being shot, as well as a man holding knives and another with a hatchet assaulting people.

Multiple police reports included in the complaint documented the presence of the Tren de Aragua gang.

"Officers were dispatched to an aggravated assault at 104 Stanton, the Victim stated he was arguing with his mother inside his room and decided to leave the room to cool off. When he left the room, several unknown 'Venezuelan' migrants entered the room & assaulted him w/ blunt objects," the court filing reads.

"He had a deep laceration over his left eye and a swollen left hand. Victim stated he had been assaulted by them before but doesn't like to call 911. Victim did not desire prosecution."

In August, officers found empty beer cans and cigarette butts on the second floor, and on the third floor, they discovered furniture and piles of trash blocking the fire exit.

According to the report, one of the occupants who said they lived on the third floor had a tattoo associated with the Tren de Aragua gang.

Police also received numerous calls related to narcotics at the hotel. In June, officers found three people from Venezuela on the third floor who claimed to work for the hotel. Officers could smell burnt marijuana from inside the room occupied by the three people.

In another case in June, officers were dispatched to the hotel after receiving a call about a burglary in progress. While the officers found no evidence of a burglary when they arrived, they did find a baggie of cocaine on the hotel floor.

El Paso County Attorney Sanchez clarified in a statement Tuesday that the "lawsuit was not prompted by criminal activities attributed to any specific group or gang."

"The NAT's (Nuisance Abatement Team) lawsuits are strategic tools aimed at swiftly and effectively addressing public safety concerns, enforcing legal standards, and safeguarding the community from persistent or escalating issues," Sanchez said. "I want to be clear that at no time did we allege in our lawsuit that the hotel was taken over by any gang or group of individuals."

A hearing for a permanent injunction will be held on Dec. 9 to determine if the hotel owner violated state laws.

The news about the Texas hotel comes amid reports of Venezuelan gang activity in hotels and apartments. Earlier this month, a viral video showed armed men carrying guns and entering an apartment in Aurora, Colorado.

Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman blamed the Biden-Harris administration and nonprofit organizations for deciding to house large numbers of Venezuelan migrants in low-income apartments in the city.

"This is not our problem; this is a problem created by the federal government at the border with bad policy," the mayor told Fox31 Denver at the time. "So, the federal government needs to solve this problem, not the city of Aurora. These people did not go there on their own; somebody put them there."
14 Palestinians killed in Israeli attack on UN-run school in central Gaza: sources

Xinhua) 09:31, September 12, 2024

People are seen at a UN-run school sheltering displaced people after it was attacked by the Israeli army in the al-Nuseirat refugee camp, central Gaza Strip, on Sept. 11, 2024. At least 14 Palestinians were killed and 10 others wounded in an Israeli airstrike on a UN-run school sheltering displaced people in the central Gaza Strip, according to Palestinian sources on Wednesday. (Photo by Marwan Dawood/Xinhua)

GAZA, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- At least 14 Palestinians were killed and 10 others wounded in an Israeli airstrike on a UN-run school sheltering displaced people in the central Gaza Strip, according to Palestinian sources on Wednesday.

Palestinian security sources told Xinhua that an Israeli warplane fired at least one missile at the school-converted shelter in the al-Nuseirat refugee camp. Medical sources said the strike killed 14 people and wounded 10 more, while the Hamas-run Gaza government media office confirmed that aid workers were among the victims.

Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement that the Israeli Air Force has conducted a precise strike on militants operating inside a Hamas command and control center in the al-Nuseirat area.

It added Hamas militants "plan and execute attacks against IDF troops and the State of Israel" using this center embedded inside a compound that previously served as the Al-Jaouni school.

The attack came following a previous Israeli bombing of the UN-run school on July 6, which killed at least 16 Palestinians, most of them children and women.

Also on Wednesday, the al-Nuseirat refugee camp saw a separate Israeli airstrike targeting a residential house, leaving at least four Palestinians dead, Palestinian security sources told Xinhua.

The Israeli army also launched an airstrike on Wednesday on the Al-Qarra family home in the town of Khuza'a, east of the Khan Younis city in southern Gaza, killing at least 13 people from the family, including children and women, according to local sources and eyewitnesses.

There has been no comment from the Israeli side on these two airstrikes.

Israel has been conducting a large-scale offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip to retaliate against a Hamas rampage through the southern Israeli border on Oct. 7, 2023, during which Hamas militants killed 1,200 people and took about 250 hostages.

The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks in the strip has risen to 41,084, Gaza-based health authorities said in a statement on Wednesday.

People gather near a UN-run school sheltering displaced people after it was attacked by the Israeli army in the al-Nuseirat refugee camp, central Gaza Strip, on Sept. 11, 2024. At least 14 Palestinians were killed and 10 others wounded in an Israeli airstrike on a UN-run school sheltering displaced people in the central Gaza Strip, according to Palestinian sources on Wednesday. (Photo by Marwan Dawood/Xinhua)

People gather at a UN-run school sheltering displaced people after it was attacked by the Israeli army in the al-Nuseirat refugee camp, central Gaza Strip, on Sept. 11, 2024. At least 14 Palestinians were killed and 10 others wounded in an Israeli airstrike on a UN-run school sheltering displaced people in the central Gaza Strip, according to Palestinian sources on Wednesday. (Photo by Marwan Dawood/Xinhua)

People gather at a UN-run school sheltering displaced people after it was attacked by the Israeli army in the al-Nuseirat refugee camp, central Gaza Strip, on Sept. 11, 2024. At least 14 Palestinians were killed and 10 others wounded in an Israeli airstrike on a UN-run school sheltering displaced people in the central Gaza Strip, according to Palestinian sources on Wednesday. (Photo by Marwan Dawood/Xinhua)

People gather at a UN-run school sheltering displaced people after it was attacked by the Israeli army in the al-Nuseirat refugee camp, central Gaza Strip, on Sept. 11, 2024. At least 14 Palestinians were killed and 10 others wounded in an Israeli airstrike on a UN-run school sheltering displaced people in the central Gaza Strip, according to Palestinian sources on Wednesday. (Photo by Marwan Dawood/Xinhua)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
From left, Pritzker Architecture Prize Laureate Lord Norman Foster, San Francisco Mayor London Breed, developer Michael Shvo and Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin prepare to cut a ribbon during a celebration of the reopening of Transamerica Pyramid in San Francisco. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle

As the morning sun grazed the shiny skyscrapers of San Franciscos Financial District on Thursday, the newly restored Redwood Park at the foot of the Transamerica Pyramid was the place to be.

There, Michael Shvo, a visionary and polarizing real estate heavyweight out of New York City, held an opening ceremony for the remastered and iconic, pyramid-shaped office tower that sits on the edge of the historic Jackson Square office district. The pyramid, one of the citys most unique and recognizable buildings, had been closed to the public for much of the pandemic due to heavy renovation work.

A line formed along Mark Twain Alley on Thursday morning as more than 100 guests poured in to socialize over coffee and croissants, and to gaze at an installation of sculptures by French artists Claude and Francois-Xavier Lalanne that now dot the park. The sound of the world-renowned Kronos Quartet filled the air, eclipsed only by the buzz of excited chatter and a sense of renewed optimism that has become a rarity amid the news of doom and gloom related to the citys post-pandemic downtown.

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Former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown, who was among the list of high-profile guests in attendance, remembered the contention surrounding the 48-story high-rises 1974 opening: It took a long time for San Franciscans to embrace the pyramid, he said, adding that much of the opposition then was funded by other building owners in the area who did not want the competition of renting their spaces against this space.

But the pyramid  and San Francisco  are in the midst of turning a page.

The Transamerica Pyramid is seen during a celebration of its reopening Thursday in San Francisco. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle

Downtown has been battered by commercial vacancies, remote work, layoffs and quality of life issues. And, on many days, the absence of office workers and shoppers is palpable. Investment in the neighborhood of the magnitude that Shvo and his partners have funneled into the aging pyramid has not been seen in at least four years.

Now, downtown stakeholders are looking to the pyramid to bring the world back to San Francisco, Brown said. Maybe, just maybe, this could be the trigger.

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The citys current leadership was quick to call Shvos $650 million acquisition of the pyramid in 2020 and subsequent $400 million redevelopment a success.

This billion dollar bet is paying off already, said Mayor London Breed, as other politicians and journalists, legendary architect Norman Foster  who is responsible for the pyramids redesigns  and Shvo, looked on.

We have started to see people lease up office space in Jackson Square and we opened Leidesdorff Plaza right here across the street, and people have lunch there and are experiencing downtown in so many extraordinary ways, Breed said. We are getting outside of what was known as 9-5 office space and are infusing new, exciting creativity and talent in our downtown neighborhood.

Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin, who is challenging Breeds bid for reelection in November, called the pyramid a focal point and a pointer at a crossroads where the height and bulk and mass of downtown meet the human-scale historic neighborhoods of Jackson Square, Chinatown and North Beach.

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This is a reimagining of a structure at a moment when we are reimagining San Francisco, Peskin said.

While hopes are high that the revamped building will provide a much-needed boost to its adjacent neighborhoods, the work is, in some ways, just beginning.

With office vacancy encroaching on 40% in downtown, questions about whether Shvo will manage to lease up his crown jewel have been swirling. And, as was the case during the pyramids inception decades ago, its remake has not been without controversy.

Shvo and his partners are embroiled in a legal battle with one of the pyramids planned tenants, a swanky health club that was slated to open in the building next year. Days before the opening ceremony, a mysterious group called Friends of Transamerica circulated a letter calling on city leaders to boycott the event.

During the ceremony, a banner towed by a plane that circled the pyramid for some time read: Shvo must go: Lawsuits claim fraud.

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A banner towed by a plane flies above Transamerica Pyramid during a reopening celebration in San Francisco. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle

Shvo said he is above the drama  and that his focus remains on shepherding the iconic building into the future and creating luxurious space in the heart of downtown that will foster innovation and creativity, but also be partially accessible to visitors and something that locals can be proud of.

Its not my building, its yours, Shvo told his guests on Thursday.

While renovation work continues on the pyramids top floor, some 185,000 square feet of the building are the subject of lease negotiations, and three deals have been signed since Labor Day  at rents ranging between $125 to $180 per square foot, evidence that the tenants Shvo wants are on the hunt for quality space, he confirmed.

The pyramids new tenants are Crypto-focused venture capital firm Blockchain Capital, work optimization company NextAxiom and Wedbush Securities.

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Theres flexibility and privacy in the pyramid, said Shvo, referring to its floorplates that range from 5,000 to 30,000 square feet. Its something no other building can offer.

Moreover, Shvo said he has not wavered in his belief in San Franciscos recovery and the potential of his building to be a catalyst.
Home News WWII historian rips Tucker Carlson guest who trashed 'villain' Churchill: 'Complete rubbish'

A prominent historian of World War II and the life of Winston Churchill recently criticized the "popular historian" who has taken flak for telling Tucker Carlson that the former British prime minister was a psychopathic villain.

Darryl Cooper  whom the former Fox News host described as maybe "the best and most honest popular historian in the United States" during their two-hour interview earlier this month  suggested that Churchill was "the chief villain of the Second World War," guilty of "rank terrorism" and "primarily responsible for that war becoming what it did, becoming something other than an invasion of Poland."

During an appearance earlier this week on "Piers Morgan Uncensored," Cambridge-trained historian Andrew Roberts dismissed "MartyrMade" podcast host Cooper as a "low-rate historian" who mischaracterized the nature of the global conflict and made multiple false accusations against Churchill.

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Roberts, who is a member of the British House of Lords and author of the 2018 biography Churchill: Walking with Destiny, told Morgan he had never heard of Cooper before the interview with Carlson and pushed back against some of his claims, asserting that Cooper lodged "eight or nine major accusations against Churchill, none of which were true."

Roberts took particular issue with Cooper's allegation that Churchill was thirsty for war and wanted to escalate the conflict, and dismissed as "complete rubbish" Cooper's claim that Churchill engaged in "rank terrorism" by bombing the Black Forest.

The Winston Churchill Project at Hillsdale College also released an in-depth explanation critical of Cooper's characterization regarding the Black Forest.

Morgan and Roberts also brought up that Cooper never mentioned the Holocaust during the interview.

Podcaster Dave Smith and Babylon Bee CEO Seth Dillion later joined the segment with Morgan and Roberts to discuss the controversy.

Dillon, who is a Christian and ethnically Jewish, slammed Cooper as a "Hitler apologist," and noted that he got into a spat with Carlson over his public denunciation of the interview.

Roberts also appeared in an interview with The Spectator, during which he trashed Cooper's claims as "classic conspiracy theory, and pretty nutty." He also penned an op-ed for The Washington Free Beacon on Sept. 6 reiterating his objections.

Speaking to Tucker Carlson, Historian Darryl Cooper claimed Winston Churchill was the 'chief villain' of the Second World War. Historian Andrew Roberts tells The Spectator's editor Fraser Nelson why the accusation is baseless.@TuckerCarlson | @aroberts_andrewpic.twitter.com/vySRCc4hNe  The Spectator (@spectator) September 12, 2024

Cooper's interview drew criticism from across the political spectrum, including the White House.

Senior deputy press secretary Andrew Bates told CNN that "giving a microphone to a Holocaust denier who spreads Nazi propaganda is a disgusting and sadistic insult to all Americans, to the memory of the over 6 million Jews who were genocidally murdered by Adolf Hitler, to the service of the millions of Americans who fought to defeat Nazism, and to every subsequent victim of Antisemitism."

X CEO Elon Musk at first retweeted the video and wrote, "Very interesting. Worth watching," though he later deleted his tweet and admitted he had not watched the entire interview before reposting it.

The campaign of GOP vice presidential nominee Sen. J.D. Vance, R-Ohio,  who is slated to appear with Carlson during his month-long national tour on Sept. 21  distanced himself from Cooper, saying he "obviously does not share the views of the guest interviewed by Tucker Carlson," but that he also "doesn't believe in guilt-by-association cancel culture," according to The New York Times.

All 24 Democratic Jewish members of the U.S. House of Representatives also signed onto a statement denouncing Carlson for hosting Cooper, according to Axios.

Carlson has raised eyebrows in recent months for some of his guests on his X platform, including disgraced actor Kevin Spacey and Munther Isaac, a Palestinian pastor who has been accused of being sympathetic to Hamas and the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks in which an estimated 1,163 people were slaughtered.
Home News YWAM missionaries gather for first global conference since founder's death

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 congregation, from Sept. 3 to 6, the event featured mission-focused teaching and worship.

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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 large gathering since the passing of YWAM founder Loren Cunningham, who went to glory aged 88 on Oct. 6, 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.

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.

This article was originally published by Christian Daily International.
Home Opinion How to love your neighbor this election season

Its election season, and its not the most wonderful time of the year!

Tension is high  in marriages, in families, in churches, between friends, between colleagues, and even at Bible Studies and Community Groups. Between both of us  one is a pastor, and the other a professional Christian counselor  we have been inundated talking to people caught in this web of dissension, division, hostility, and emotional overload. Often the discord is within the home  and sadly, quite often within the Church or in church group settings.

The places that we trust to be safe  family and church  are often battlegrounds during election season. And this election year is no different.

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How, as believers, do we deal with conflict? How do we turn opposition into opportunity? We start by having the mindset of Christ.

Philippians 2:5 says, In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing

by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.

What mindset did Jesus have? He was gentle and humble; He treated people with respect and kindness; He saw Gods divine image in every person; He did not show partiality; He was meek (power under restraint); He had a servants heart (He didnt come to be served but to serve others); He loved without condition; He didnt show partiality; and He sought reconciliation between people and between people and God.

Instead of seeing people in an oppositional way, we are to see them with the eyes and mindset of Christ Himself. Even with all the tension, all the hostility, and all the division, this election season is also an opportunity to be a witness of Christ.

How do we make an impact on others? How do we show the love of Christ to those who think differently than we do?

Jesus said, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you ...And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them (Luke 6:27-28, 31).

Our focus toward others this election season  whether they are in our own household, family, church fellowship, neighborhood, or workplace  is to show the love of Christ, especially toward those that vehemently disagree with us or vice versa. We need to be focused on Gods Kingdom and the greatest mission He has given us  the Great Commission.

When our focus is on the mind and love of Christ  to love our neighbor as ourselves  it will diffuse the tension, disconnect the hostility, and show those closest to us, and the world itself, what Jesus Christ looks like in us.

As we said earlier, people are seeking counsel on how to face the emotions that run wild and often out of control during the election season. So here are some practical tips to ease the tension, calm the emotions, and alleviate the stress throughout the next three months:

1. Monitor your media consumption and social media interplay

Research has proven time and again that too much media consumption and social media interaction causes anxiety, depression, and emotional dysregulation. Unplug from 24-hour news and social media scrolling. When you did interact with others on social media, remember these are your neighbors and Jesus instructed you to love your neighbors. Remember, every word you write needs to reflect the mindset of Jesus.

2. Pray for those who are contentious and disagree with you

One of the best things you can do for your own mental health during this season is to pray for those in your life who disagree with you, want to argue, or are contentious. When you start praying for them, God changes your heart towards them and the way you see them, even if they dont change their attitude.

3. Prepare yourself for difficult conversations

The best way to diffuse tension is to be prepared for it! Set limits and boundaries on your conversations with others during this season. Learn to agree to disagree and not have to win an argument. And sometimes you may need to say, Im sorry, but you know, Im not able to talk about this right now. Theres nothing wrong with politely (and respectively) telling your family member, friend, colleague, or neighbor that you dont want to discuss politics.

4. Allow people to have another viewpoint than yours!

Its important, no matter how much you disagree with someone, that you show them respect and not judgment or condemnation. Be humble and think more highly of them than yourself. This is the model of Jesus.

5. Focus on what you have in common, rather than your differences

Its important to focus on what you have in common with someone  what unites you rather than what divides you. If the person is a Christian, focus on the unity of the Gospel  commonalities like the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

November's victory and defeat will come, but none of it can compare to the victory that we have in Jesus Christ. God is the foundation that never changes in our lives  He is the One who is stable, trustworthy, and in control.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid (John 14:27).
Home Opinion Unlikely allies in the fight for school choice

In a recent attempt to give an unbiased overview of the current temperature in the school choice movement, Elizabeth Russell and Sharon Dierberger outline the main themes and key players in an article called Unlikely Allies. This piece is worth reading as we consider how this new trend is taking shape. Given enough time, ideas will expose themselves for what they truly are.

In this context, the idea is tax-funded education expansion. The idea goes by many names and takes on many shapes. So now that these ladies have given this idea a thorough shake-down, its time to consider what observations float to the top. Here are those three inconvenient truths for school choice advocates.

One: Exposed inconsistencies

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One major problem with the modern school choice agenda is that it is inconsistent with nearly every other pillar of the conservative paradigm. The irony of the situation is that conservatives are against almost everything else that goes by the name of Universal. And its not because these things arent important. We all need some form of health care, income, housing, and nutrition, but historically, conservatives have always held the principle that re-distributing societys wealth to subsidize these commodities hurts all parties: the provider, the recipient, and the commodity itself. Even if we all know everyone needs to eat, conservatives have had a consensus that theft is morally wrong, creating dependency harms the recipient, and subsidization of a commodity drives costs up and quality down  literally, no one wins! But often, we are blinded by our good intentions when the object in question is vital to human flourishing, like food, health care, and education.



Its easy to understand why compassion can blind policymakers. Its the classic tale of the ends dont justify the means. But why has the political right flip-flopped on its position on education? Even more ironic is the reality that most conservatives adamantly opposed student-loan payoff for all the expected reasons but fiercely champion the expansion of taxpayer-funded K-12 education via school choice. Its enough to make you double-blink and cock your head, but who has the courage to call out this egregious inconsistency when the school choice topic has been the banner under which the leaders of the conservative right have chosen to march.

Two: Transferred ownership

The home education movement has been living a cultural experiment for the last 40-plus years. When Jim Mason, President of the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA), refers to the habits of liberty that grew from this counter-cultural movement, the first habit required was the reclaiming of ownership and responsibility. At that time, this was such a powerful virtue that it compelled families to make choices that put them at odds with public policy and cultural norms. Home educators realized that what you fund, you own, and they couldnt tolerate willfully handing over ownership of their childrens education to the state. For 40 years, independent private home educators have coped with the idea that they will contribute towards government education while privately funding 100% of their childrens education  and theyve succeeded! This reclaiming of ownership has fostered other such habits of liberty that make the home education ecosphere a petri dish for other radical ideas like entrepreneurship and self-sufficiency. It's no wonder that globalists like UNESCO want to buy back these independent threats to their agenda with public dollars.

While a good number of home educators get this, we are well aware that we have a unique perspective, and the paradigm dichotomy is stark. Consider how well-intended Democratic state Rep. Ajay Pittman refers to the children in her district as her babies. Again, this might sound endearing to those who havent made the ownership leap, but those within our ranks notice this claim on the children and the paradigm it represents. When we allow the state to fund an initiative, we are asking them to own the initiative; in this case, it is the education of our children. Disagree? Over the last few years, we have watched parents petition school libraries to remove inappropriate books. Does that sound like ownership or dependency? Homeschool parents are never forced to beg their government for education changes. Ownership matters. What the state funds, the state owns. This should serve as a caution to all private education entities lined up for their tax-funded checks.

Three: Swapped principles

If we were to climb a mountain and look down across the landscape, we could watch the metaphorical migration described in this article. There are democrats who are warming up to the idea of school choice and joining the movement despite scrutiny from their political allies. They also appropriately identify that the holdouts on the right are reliably conservative voters and most conservative factions of their own party. So, as we sit from our vantage point, the patterns we could observe at this stage of the conversation is that new members to the school choice camp are coming from the left, while those leaving or putting up a fight are the most conservative among the political right. Is there anything that we could conclude from this observation? Is this movement actually conservative in nature?

Lets take an inventory: school choice grows the size and influence of government, it costs the taxpayer more money, and in some instances, it is funding schools that are even more radically immoral than the existing government schools. Consequently, the school choice movement rejects conservative principles on several fronts. Two case studies identified in Unlikely Allies demonstrate this reality. Governor Tony Evans championed the cause in Wisconsin and convinced his liberal-leaning Supreme Court to reject a challenge to the voucher program. Conversely, Republican Governor Greg Abbott used money from the governors own war chest to wage political war on 21 of the most conservative representatives in his own party who dared to disagree with this progressive policy. Let the facts speak for themselves; the political parties have switched principles on this issue, and it's time to call it out for what it is.

Conclusion

This whole conflict is best summarized in an unlikely quote. Mr. Shannon Whitworth, a school choice advocate, is quoted saying, Theres a significant power block invested in keeping our (young black) people addicted, uneducated, poor, and without hope, because those factors create dependency. And its that dependency upon which the lefts power is derived. Dear Mr. Whitworth, I couldnt have said it better myself. Unfortunately, we now see both political sides capitalize on this dependency-fueled power grab. The unavoidable antidote to this dependency is the sober pursuit of independence, ownership, and autonomy  all virtues inconsistent with this new tax-funded education expansion model.
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Business leaders today are facing a perfect storm of workforce challenges. Chief among these is the persistence of skills gaps. According to research from Deloitte, 90% of business leaders found recruiting and retaining talent is now a challenge. This is a particular problem for high-growth enterprises, many of which find talent shortages a barrier to achieving scale. Meanwhile, slow-growth companies are being held back by stubbornly low levels of productivity, particularly in the UK, Italy, and Spain. If businesses are to address these and other critical challenges, then they need to get more out of their workforce.

Solving workforce challenges with AI

Businesses are, of course, aware of these challenges and are taking appropriate action. Upskilling and training existing employees to fill key roles is one route. Other businesses are doubling down on employee benefits such as flexible working, health and wellness perks, and financial rewards to attract new staff and incentive existing workers. Now, forward-thinking businesses are looking to AI to unlock the full potential of their people.

AI has the potential to address skills gaps by automating low-value tasks and freeing employees time for other, more valuable work. More importantly, however, the latest AI tools promise to go beyond automation use cases to augment and empower human workers. Indeed, this is already happening. Research from Zendesk revealed that nearly 80% of IT and HR leaders believe that AI has significantly improved the quality of employees work.

Empowering workers with IT democratization

One great example of how AI is helping to empower human workers is Iron Mountain InSight Digital Experience Platform (DXP). The platform uses AI to automate manual processes and make information accessible and useful.

Crucially, InSight DXP is a low-code platform. As a result, users can design, build, and deploy solutions rapidly, even if they lack advanced technical skills. The platform leverages Generative AI to speed up solution development. From chatting with a document to an advanced prompt designer, the platform provides UI driven methods to quickly build a document centric workflow, thereby democratizing AI technology for complex task automations that were once technically challenging, and which would have required oversight from IT.

The benefits of AI-augmented work

The benefits of this approach are clear to see. By freeing people to work independently, the platform can help increase productivity as employees no longer have to liaise with IT to get their solutions up and running. Meanwhile, the IT team has time freed from support tasks that can be channeled towards innovation and better supporting strategic business goals.

One further benefit of InSight DXP is that by empowering employees to work effectively and at pace, it can help drive engagement and retention by reducing friction from workflow. This can help businesses retain existing staff and attract new hires, helping to build a strong talent pipeline and enable scale.

Given the workforce challenges businesses face today, they need every tool at their disposal to drive productivity and close their skills gaps. Those that use AI to support employees and unlock their full potential, will put themselves on the strongest possible footing for growth.

For more information on how Iron Mountain can help put AI to work in your organization click here.
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Major charity members of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) have reported raising millions in response to the conflict in Gaza while the BBC has been accused of delaying the umbrella body from launching a collective appeal.

A recent report in the Guardian alleged that some insiders at the DEC, the BBC and aid agencies had accused the broadcaster of blocking the appeal because it fears a backlash from supporters of Israel in its war with Hamas.

DEC  an umbrella organisation made up of 15 leading aid charities including Save the Children, ActionAid and Tearfund  is independent from the BBC but reportedly wishes to launch a Gaza humanitarian appeal via the broadcaster.

Some member charities reported raising millions independently since October last year while ActionAid said it is ready for a DEC appeal.

The BBC said it was reviewing the possibility of a pan-broadcaster appeal while DEC said it was ready to act when the moment is right.

Member charity ready for a DEC appeal

Despite the lack of a DEC appeal, all of its member charities have launched their own humanitarian appeals to raise funds for Gaza.

Among them are Save the Children, whose appeal has so far raised 3.3m; Oxfam, which has raised almost 2.7m; Tearfund, which has raised over 730,000; Care, which has raised almost 300,000, and Concern Worldwide, which has raised just under 210,000.

A spokesperson for ActionAid, which has raised over 1.5m, said the humanitarian situation in Gaza is more catastrophic than ever and that the charity urgently needs more funds.

Our team, recently back from visiting our partners, reports that this is the worst emergency they have seen, yet our partners continue to deliver critical support despite immense challenges and life-threatening risks.

Since October, ActionAid has been providing essential supplies  including food, medical items, dignity kits, and hygiene kits  through the humanitarian corridor whenever accessible.

Thanks to our partners in Gaza and members of the public who have donated over 1.5m pounds to our appeal, we have reached 218,889 people with aid in the past nine months, and 558,206 people have received healthcare services through our partner Al-Awda Hospital.

With additional funding, we can extend our reach and support partners like Al-Awda in setting up mobile clinics to provide urgent care, including prenatal services for pregnant women facing severe risks from disease, infection, and starvation.

We are ready for a DEC appeal and urgently need more funds to support our partners in Gaza.

Palestinians tell us they feel abandoned by the international community, and our partners are desperately hoping one will offer some hope that people are willing to help despite the immense challenges in delivering this vital support.

DEC ready to act when the moment is right

Before launching an appeal, the DEC has three criteria which must be met: the scale and urgency of the disaster must merit swift international humanitarian assistance; agencies must be able to provide effective and swift humanitarian assistance at a scale to justify a national appeal, and there must be evidence of existing public sympathy for the humanitarian situation, or the likelihood of significant public support should an appeal be launched.

It is reportedly the second criterion  regarding the delivery of aid  that has become the focus of discussion.

A DEC spokesperson said: The DEC and our stakeholders are deeply concerned about the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza.

The volatile situation in the region, as well as the complex issues around aid access, pose a huge challenge when reviewing our criteria for an appeal.

The DECs role is to launch a national appeal with our broadcast partners at a time that will raise the most money and deliver swift effective aid to as many people as possible. We are ready to act when the moment is right.

Possibility of broadcast remains open

In addition to DECs criteria, the BBC Trust also requires that fundraising appeals meet its rules on impartiality before agreeing to broadcast them.

The BBC Trust decided not to broadcast DECs previous Gaza crisis appeal in January 2009 but did promote the umbrella bodys 2014 campaign .

On a potential appeal this year, a BBC spokesperson said: We are keeping the possibility of a pan-broadcaster appeal under review.

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Influencers have front-row seats this election cycle. They have been invited to party conventions, rallies, and even the White House; President Biden has called them the new source of news. This royal treatment, as the Associated Press put it last month, stems from the fact that influencers may be able to swing votes. And this, of course, presents the potential for manipulation. This week, for instance, Semafor reported that a mysterious network paid influencers to promote sexual smears about Kamala Harris. The rates were generous; one participant made more than twenty thousand dollars over several weeks by boosting certain messages. And, in an even bigger scheme revealed last week, the Department of Justice alleged that Russia has been funding six unwitting right-wing US influencerswho collectively have millions of followerswith the goal of pushing Kremlin-friendly talking points ahead of the election.

The allegations dropped by the DOJ created a splash in both left- and right-wing media circles, not only because of their alarming content, but because the case was so bizarrein the words of The Atlantics Tom Nichols, the scheme seems more like a bad sitcom pitch than a top-notch intelligence operation. According to the federal indictment, two employees from RT, a Russian state-controlled news network, helped launder ten million dollars in payments to a Tennessee-based media company that was not named in the indictment but has been widely identified in the press as Tenet Media. The company was founded by two conservative media personalities: Lauren Chen and her husband, Liam Donovan. Prosecutors say that Chen and Donovan knew that RT was funding the company but made a significant effort to conceal it. The cofounders also did not register with the US attorney general as an agent of a foreign principal, which is required by law. Neither of them, however, are the subject of criminal charges, according to the CBC. (Chen and Donovan have yet to speak publicly about the allegations.)

Following the launch, the RT employees allegedly told Chen that her first task was to find the face of the new media company. Without disclosing how the company was funded, Chen approached the six right-wing influencersreferred to as its talentand offered them an astonishing amount of money to sign on. The influencers, who included Tim Pool, Benny Johnson, and Dave Rubin, were tasked with posting original content on Tenets platform. For their services, one of the influencers was paid four hundred thousand dollars per month, a hundred-thousand-dollar signing bonus, and an additional performance bonus.

The influencers were allegedly unaware of how the company was funded, although one can argue there were several red flags. The Russians created a fictional investor personality with the name of Eduard Grigoriann. (Eduard, interestingly, means wealthy guard in Old English.) Some of the influencers raised concerns when Grigoriann didnt produce any Google results and because his name was repeatedly misspelled in at least four separate emails; to smooth things over, the Russians allegedly created a fake resume seemingly intended to mimic that of a European aristocrat, including descriptions of Grigorianns career as an accomplished finance professional alongside a lavish image of him looking out the window of his private jet. Prosecutors allege that Pool grew suspicious that the resume mentioned Grigorianns involvement with social justice initiativesa term typically associated with liberals. Still, the influencers eventually agreed to sign contracts. Tenet Media was officially launched on November 8, 2023, roughly a year prior to the presidential election.

Since then, Tenet has produced over two thousand videos that have garnered more than sixteen million views on YouTube alone. While the views expressed in the videos are not uniform, the subject matter and content of the videos are often consistent with the Government of Russias interest in amplifying U.S. domestic divisions in order to weaken U.S. opposition to core Government of Russia interests, such as its ongoing war in Ukraine, the indictment says. The day after the indictment was unsealed, Russian president Vladimir Putin voiced support for Harris, in what some outlets described as a trolling attempt. (US intelligence agencies have concluded that Russia is clearly trying to boost Trump in the election.)

Exactly how successful the Russians were at promoting pro-Kremlin talking points through Tenet remains unclear, however. After the indictment was made public, Wired downloaded hundreds of Tenets (now removed) YouTube videos and used closed captions to compile a list of frequently mentioned terms. The investigation found that the influencers focused on topics like Elon Musk and supposed racism toward white people in hundreds of the videos. It did not find that the influencers were particularly focused on the war in Ukraine (the latter word appeared about as often as Christianity). Instead, the influencers stressed highly divisive culture war topics in the videos, which had titles like Trans Widows Are a Thing and Its Getting OUT OF HAND and Race Is Biological but Gender Isnt???

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The Russians allegedly grew frustrated that the influencers focused too much on promoting their own social media brands, rather than Tenet Media. At least one share per day. Not one share per week, one of the RT employees ordered. To add more pressure, the RT employee invented a second fake persona that echoed the same demands in the influencers group chat. Later, arguments formed about whether to post a video of Tucker Carlson visiting a Russian grocery store, where he marveled at coin-operated carts as if they were an advanced form of technology. They want me to publish this, Pool wrote in an internal chat. But it just feels like overt shilling.

The Tenet scheme appears to be part of the Russian governments broader, ongoing effort to infiltrate the American psyche. In another action, the DOJ seized over thirty Web domains linked to a Russian campaign known as Doppelganger, which spreads disinformation by mimicking legitimate US websites (one example: registering the domain washingtonpost.pm to mimic washingtonpost.com). The fake websites have pushed Russian government propaganda to reduce international support for Ukraine, bolster pro-Russian policies, and influence voters, according to Politico.

The allegations bring a sense of deja vu from the two previous election cycles. In 2016, US intelligence agencies found that Putin ordered an influence campaign with the aim of polarizing public discourse and undermining the integrity of the US electoral process. Similar tacticsand new oneswere deployed in the run-up to the 2020 election, which Trump, of course, lost. This election cycle, as the DOJ allegations demonstrate, is hardly immune to meddling. Earlier this summer, intelligence officials disrupted a covert Russian influence operation that relied on artificial intelligence to spread propaganda, according to the New York Times. The DOJ took down nearly a thousand inauthentic accounts that the Russian government created after its attack on Ukraine in 2022.

The Tenet revelations demonstrate how Russian interference tactics have evolved again, The Atlantics Charlie Warzel argues. Rather than relying on bots and paid trolls, state actors can exploit established social media influencers, who may not ask questions when generous sums of money are involved; as Warzel put it, Who needs a troll farm when you can rent trolls with their own built-in audiences? Combined with the rapid development of AI tools, influence campaigns are becoming quicker and less labor-intensive compared with the 2016 election.

Not that the influencers agree, of course. Writing on X last week, Pool claimed that he and the others were victims of the scheme outlined in the indictment, should it prove to be true: Never at any point did anyone other than I have full editorial control of the show and the contents of the show are often apolitical, he said. The Wired analysis shows, however, that the most frequent two-word phrases in Tenets YouTube videosincluding Supreme Court, illegal immigrants, White House, civil war, and free speechare hardly apolitical. Last month, Pool referred to Ukraine as the enemy of the United States.

For its part, RT responded sarcastically to the indictment. Writing on Telegram, Margarita Simonyan, the broadcasters editor in chief, said that the US doesnt have any other strategies except to scaremonger about the almighty RT. In a statement, RT told Reuters and CNN that Three things are certain in life: death, taxes, and RTs interference in the US elections. Its press office also said: Hahahaha!



Other notable stories:

The fallout continues from Tuesday nights debate. Dialing into Fox & Friends yesterday morning, Donald Trump once again attacked ABC News, which hosted the debate, at one point suggesting that the network ought to lose its license; he also sounded noncommittal about doing another debate (unless one of his favored Fox opinion hosts were lined up to moderate, which isnt going to happen). Elsewhere, Semafor explored the relationship between Trump and Laura Loomer, a far-right activist and self-described proud Islamophobe, after she traveled with Trump to the debate. And in her newsletter, Heated, Emily Atkin criticized ABC for saving a climate question for the last possible moment of the 90-minute event and only giving the candidates one minute each to respond.

The Washington Post investigated the killing of Aysenur Eygi, a Turkish American woman who was shot at a demonstration in the occupied West Bank last week; the Israeli military has suggested that a soldier killed Eygi unintentionally amid a violent riot, but the Post found that she was shot long after the height of confrontations. In related news, the editorial board of the liberal Israeli paper Haaretz called on officials to allow outside journalists to enter Gaza, arguing that keeping them out not only curbs coverage of the war there but also precludes real-time scrutiny of Hamass claimsa key Israeli interest. And +972 Magazine explored how fake Israeli intelligence about the war made it into two foreign newspapers.

Ahead of the release of Leea new movie starring Kate Winslet as Lee Miller, the pioneering photographer and war reporterJudith Mackrell writes for The Guardian about Miller and the other women journalists who broke the rules and risked their lives to cover the Second World War. The journalists were seen as too fragile to cover conflictand muddled along with that was the more banally practical issue of toilet facilities, Mackrell writes, with officials balking at the idea of the women relieving themselves among male soldiers.

And Netflix revealed in court this week that Rachel Williamsa onetime friend of the scam artist Anna Sorokin, who is suing the streamer over her portrayal in its dramatized series about Sorokinis trying to obtain the private notes of Jessica Pressler, the journalist whose reporting on Sorokin for New York magazine inspired the Netflix show. Pressler has pushed back on the request as a threat to the confidentiality of sources; Business Insiders Jacob Shamsian has more details.

ICYMI: A review of the ABC debate

Sarah Grevy Gotfredsen is a computational investigative fellow at the Tow Center for Digital Journalism at Columbia University. She works on a range of computational projects on the digital media landscape, including influence operations conducted through news media and the information ecosystem. She graduated from Columbia University in 2022 with an MS degree in data journalism.
Very few people who live near the East Palestine, Ohio, train derailment opted out of a $600 million class action settlement despite residents reservations about whether the deal offers enough, so lawyers argue the agreement should be approved later this month.

The lawyers who negotiated the deal with Norfolk Southern on behalf of everyone affected by the disastrous February 2023 derailment said only 370 households and 47 businesses in the 20-mile (32-kilometer) radius around the derailment opted out of the property damage payments.

That includes only 82 opt-outs from households within 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) of the crash who were promised $70,000 for property damage. People who lived at the outer edge of the area will only receive a few hundred dollars if a federal judge approves the settlement after a Sept. 25 hearing.

Altogether, 54,925 claims had been filed as of last week, and that number should be close to the final total because there was an Aug. 22 deadline to submit forms.

It is deeply satisfying that this community overwhelmingly supports this settlement, the plaintiffs lawyers said in a statement. This result would not have been possible without their resolve and determination to hold Norfolk Southern accountable.

A separate payment of up to $25,000 for personal injuries was more controversial because residents were required to give up any right to sue in the future if they develop cancer or other serious ailments. But some 97% of East Palestine residents still signed onto that.

Some residents have complained that even though the lawyers have said this settlement is bigger than any other derailment settlement, the payments still arent enough to compensate them for all their suffering. Many people dont like the fact that aid payments they have received from the railroad will be deducted from any settlement they ultimately receive.

One of the key concerns for those objecting to the deal is that the contamination left behind after hazardous chemicals spilled and burned after the train crash could be worse than they know. Thats why they filed a motion asking the judge to order the lawyers to release all the tests their expert did in the community.

The plaintiffs lawyers said in their motion that they cant release those tests because it would violate the terms of the settlement. They tried to reassure the community that they did extensive research to make sure the settlement was adequate by interviewing some 70 people and reviewing nearly 1.35 million pages of documents.

A separate federal settlement between the government and the railroad will ensure that Norfolk Southern pays for the cleanup that is still ongoing and for long-term medical monitoring of residents and tests of groundwater.

The National Transportation Safety Board confirmed early this summer that the derailment was caused by an overheated wheel bearing that wasnt caught in time by trackside detectors. Investigators also said they determined that officials never needed to blow open five tank cars containing vinyl chloride and burn the plastic ingredient because those tank cars werent going to explode.

The plaintiffs lawyers said that because of their extensive investigation they werent surprised by anything that came out at the NTSB hearing in June.

Top photo: This photo taken with a drone shows portions of a Norfolk and Southern freight train that derailed Friday night in East Palestine, Ohio are still on fire at mid-day Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar).

Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
COLUMBUS, Ohio  The city of Springfield, Ohio, on Thursday evacuated multiple facilities, including city hall and Fulton Elementary School, in response to a bomb threat emailed to city officials and local media, police say.

The threats came at 8:24 a.m. on Thursday, according to Lt. Travis Baader of the Springfield Police Department. He confirmed that city hall and the school had been evacuated but declined to say whether any other facilities had been evacuated.

Two deputy registrars and one driver examination station in town were closed due to a bomb threat as well, according to Ohio BMV spokeswoman Lindsey Bohrer.

The health department didnt receive a threat, according to Clark County Combined Health District Commissioner Chris Cook. But its secondary office is two doors down from the BMV, which was threatened, prompting a closure there.

While local Department of Job and Family Services didnt receive a bomb threat, they closed out of an abundance of caution given the threats received elsewhere, according to Michael Cooper, a spokesman for Clark County.

The reason behind the threats was unclear. They come in a week in which Springfield has been under a national spotlight.

This week, a long line of top Republican officials including presidential candidate Donald Trump, vice presidential candidate JD Vance, Attorney General Dave Yost, and several Republican congressmen have echoed an unsubstantiated and refuted claim that Haitian immigrants in town have been eating cats, dogs, and geese. The city (population 58,000 as of 2020) has seen an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 legal Haitian immigrants move to town in the last several years as Haiti has grown increasingly violent and unstable. Republicans have since depicted the town as a caricature of an out-of-control immigration system.

The Springfield News-Sun, citing city Mayor Rob Rue, reports that the bomb threat came from a person claiming to be from Springfield and mentioned frustration with the city related to Haitian immigration issues. A city official didnt respond to an inquiry.

Read more: Some Springfield locals say top Republicans are lying about Haitian immigrants in town

Jake Zuckerman covers state politics and policy for Cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta cautioned executives at social media and other tech companies to work harder to protect voters from "deception, intimidation, and dissuasion," ahead of the November election.

"Millions of Californians rely on social media and artificial intelligence services to obtain news and information about upcoming elections, and it is paramount that the platforms, products, and services offered by your companies not be misused to deceive voters about their constitutional right to vote," Bonta wrote in a letter Wednesday to the CEOs of Alphabet , Meta , Microsoft , OpenAI, Reddit, TikTok, X and YouTube.

The letter reviewed sections of California law that prohibit interference with voting rights by misleading people about voting place and time and by using intimidation tactics.

California state law also "generally prohibits the distribution, within 60 days of an election, and with actual malice, of materially deceptive audio or visual media of a candidate appearing on the ballot in the election with the intent to injure the candidate's reputation or to deceive a voter into voting for or against the candidate," Bonta wrote.

The letter follows pop icon Taylor Swift's endorsement of Kamala Harris for president on Tuesday night following the debate. Swift criticized those who had circulated AI-generated images falsely stating that she had endorsed Donald Trump.

Trump had shared a series of those images on his Truth Social platform. Separately, X owner Elon Musk recently shared an AI-generated image portraying Harris dressed as a communist dictator.

"Kamala vows to be a communist dictator on day one," Musk, who has endorsed Trump, wrote in a post on X on Sept. 2 "Can you believe she wears that outfit!?"

Google's Gemini, OpenAI's Dall-E and Chat GPT, Microsoft copilot and Grok, made by Musk's xAI, allow users to rapidly generate images and text in response to prompts or questions. In August, an updated version of xAI's product, Grok-2, appeared to carry few limitations on creating fake images of political figures.

WATCH: The generative AI trade
Experts call it "economy class syndrome"  but it can happen to anyone in any class of an airplane. Deep vein thrombosis, or DVT as it's known, occurs when blood clots in one or more veins. It can happen at any time, but people who travel on long-haul flights are at a higher risk because they sit for long periods of time, said Dr. Pinakin V. Parekh, a consultant cardiologist at Singapore's Harley Street Heart and Vascular Centre. "Theoretically people who are in better classes of air travel  business class, first class  have more space to move about, stretch their legs," he told CNBC Travel. "So it's all about real estate in the plane." But Parekh is quick to point out that so-called "economy class syndrome" doesn't discriminate as to where you're sitting or how often a traveler flies, he said. "I've had patients who travel even in business class also develop DVT," he said. Plus "it can be the only flight of your life, if you decide not to move."

What increases the risks

Deep vein thrombosis typically forms in the legs. Symptoms include pain, swelling, changes in skin color, and a feeling of warmth, but some people have no signs at all, according to Mayo Clinic. Those who are obese, over the age of 60, take birth control pills or hormone replacement therapies, or who smoke have a higher risk of developing deep vein thrombosis, according to the medical center. But flying carries its own risks, said Parekh. "For one in every 5,000 flights that are flown, one patient ... can develop DVT just by the risk of air travel," he said.

A 52-year-old former businessman in the banking industry said he developed deep vein thrombosis as a result of a four-hour flight from Singapore to Hong Kong. Urbazon | E+ | Getty Images

Those who fly long-haul flights are at greater risk, but deep vein thrombosis can develop on shorter flights, he said. "People used to define long haul flights as eight hours," he said, "but there's some data to suggest that even four hours now is considered long enough." Alok Tapadia, a 52-year-old former businessman in the banking industry, said he developed deep vein thrombosis as a result of four-hour flight from Singapore to Hong Kong. Tapadia is Parekh's patient. He said he plays badminton three times a week, so he knew something was wrong when he became breathless while walking up a flight of stairs after arriving in Hong Kong. "One of the escalators had stopped working," Tapadia said, so he took the stairs. "I had to stop for a while, and I was wondering what's happened to me." It wasn't until he returned to Singapore, still breathless and with an elevated heart rate, that he finally went for a check-up. He said doctors told him a clot had traveled to the pulmonary artery connecting his heart and lungs.

This kind of an episode really shakes you up. Alok Tapadia

He said his first scan showed an enlarged heart, which occurs when the heart is pumping too hard. A second scan resulted in Tapadia being immediately admitted to the hospital's intensive care unit, he said. The doctors found that he had been "massively" short on oxygen and his lungs were completely blocked, he said. Doctors said the situation was "critical, because there was so much pressure on the heart that it could have, you know, gone into an arrest or gone into a more critical stage any moment," Tapadia said. Blood thinners didn't dissolve the clot fast enough, he said. So his doctors eventually resorted to using cardiac catheterization, which involved threading a catheter through his blood vessels near his heart to dissolve the blood clot from the inside, Tapadia said.

Tips to reduce DVT

Deep vein thrombosis can develop into a pulmonary embolism, which is a potentially life-threatening complication that occurs when a blood clot breaks free and gets stuck in a blood vessel in a lung, according to Mayo Clinic. When a clot moves into the lungs, symptoms such as breathlessness and chest pains can occur, said Parekh. There's no way to completely eliminate the risk of deep vein thrombosis, said Parekh. But there are ways to reduce risks while flying, he says. Mayo Clinic suggests drinking plenty of water, standing and walking around the plane during the flight, circling your ankles while sitting, and wearing support stockings. Parekh has one simple tip for flyers: choose an aisle seat.
Here are Thursday's biggest calls on Wall Street: Stifel downgrades Simon Property Group to hold from buy Stifel downgraded the real estate investment trust company mainly on valuation. "While SPG will likely experience a drag on growth from bankruptcies and store closures, retailer demand and leasing leverage are stronger at higher-productivity centers." Wells Fargo initiates Blackstone and Apollo as a top pick Wells Fargo initiated several alternative asset managers and said they are the "best kept secret." "Top picks: TPG, SF, APO , BX ." Wells Fargo initiates Blackrock as overweight Wells Fargo said the asset manager is well positioned. " BLK is the clear industry leader, producing durable fund flow, revenue, and margin results, and recent M & A supports the growth profile." Stephens initiates Carvana as overweight Stephens called the online used-car company a "category killer." "We are initiating coverage of Carvana Co. (CVNA) with an OW rating and $190 PT." Bernstein reiterates Nvidia and Broadcom as top ideas Bernstein said both stocks remain top picks at the firm and that margin fears are overdone. "And with Blackwell delays a seeming nothing-burger we believe the new platform can continue to drive upside, with margin concerns overblown ( AVGO and NVDA rated OP)." Bernstein reiterates Oracle as a top idea Bernstein said it sees "increasing revenue growth" for Oracle. " Oracle is our top investment idea given the combination of 1) downside protection due to the mix of very large customers and critical enterprise workloads; 2) increasing revenue growth driven by Oracle's Cloud offerings." Bank of America upgrades Diageo to buy from neutral Bank of America said in its upgrade of Diageo that the worst is over for the British beverage company. "After two years of earnings downgrades and share price underperformance, we believe the worst is behind." Barclays initiates Flutter as overweight Barclays said Flutter is the "undisputed leader" in the digital gaming space. "Attractive combination of product moat, unmatched scale, and global TAM [total addressable market] opportunity ahead. Initiating coverage on FLUT with OW." Morgan Stanley reiterates Amazon, Alphabet and Meta as overweight Morgan Stanley said the three internet giants are well positioned in the ad market. "We continue to see a strong US ad market in '24, driven by performance advertising across digital media, along with ecommerce fueled retail media and CTV. We recommend OW's META / GOOGL / AMZN in Internet" Goldman Sachs reiterates FedEx as overweight Goldman Sachs said FedEx is best positioned heading into earnings next week. "Revisiting our sum of the parts valuation illustration, we see further attractiveness to the shares." Jefferies reiterates McDonald's as buy Jefferies said the fast-food giant is best positioned for back-to-school. "In our view, MCD is most favorably positioned heading into the promo-heavy BTS season." UBS reiterates Costco as buy UBS said it is bullish heading into Costco earnings later this month. " COST' s upcoming 4Q print should point to steadiness." Bank of America upgrades PotlatchDeltic to buy from neutral Bank of America said it sees margin expansion for the lumber company. "Fundamental catalysts may be lacking in the near term but PCH offers 20%+ total upside potential to our $51 PO." Wolfe upgrades Roku to outperform from peer perform Wolfe said "sales growth is poised to accelerate" for Roku . "However, the company's recently trimmed cost structure, evolving sales strategies, and successful defense of its lead in connected TV ('CTV') have convinced us that Roku's fundamental risks are falling while its sales growth is poised to accelerate." Morgan Stanley reiterates Apple as overweight Morgan Stanley named Apple to its Vintage Values list as a stock to own for the next 12 months. "When combined with consistent, double digit services growth and gross margins that are flat to expanding, we believe Apple can generate $8.70 of earnings power in FY26, 7% above Consensus." Raymond James reiterates Micron as outperform The firm cut its price target to $125 per share from $160 but says it is standing by the stock. "High Bandwidth Memory (HBM) for AI applications is an incremental opportunity for the company and we expect Micron to gain its fair share over time."
Jensen Huang, co-founder and chief executive officer of Nvidia Corp., speaks during an event in Taipei, Taiwan, on Sunday, June 2, 2024.

Asian chipmaking heavyweights extended Wall Street's rally as Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang made bullish comments about the AI darling's outlook.

The founder of the artificial intelligence chip powerhouse discussed his views on the company's moat, its rivals and supply chain at Goldman Sachs Communacopia + Technology Conference in San Francisco. Nvidia shares rallied 8% Wednesday as Huang described the demand for the company's products as "so great" that it "is really emotional for people."

"We have a lot of people [on] our shoulders, and everybody's counting on us," he said.

Stocks tied to Nvidia suppliers and semiconductor related companies rallied in Asia as the bullish investor sentiment spilled over.

Contract chip manufacturer Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Corp jumped as much as 5% and Hon Hai Precision Industry  known internationally as Foxconn  gained over 4%.

Huang also gave credit to supplier TSMC for Nvidia's success, calling it "the world's best" and "not by a small margin."

Japanese chip-related stocks also soared, including semiconductor testing equipment supplier Advantest which gained over 9%. Tokyo Electron and Renesas Electron rose 4.6% and 3%, respectively.

Japanese technology conglomerate SoftBank Group , which owns a stake in chip designer Arm , jumped over 7%.

The investor optimism also extended to South Korea, namely, Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix  the world's two largest memory chip makers  soared 2% and 7.5%, respectively.
The team from the Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) took samples of natural hydrogen gas found in One Pute Jaya Village, Morowali Regency, Central Sulawesi Province, Indonesia, 23 October 2023. Nurphoto | Nurphoto | Getty Images

Koloma, a U.S.-based clean fuel startup backed by Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos, says it wants to use expertise that has traditionally served the hydrocarbon industry to power a global gold rush for buried hydrogen. It comes as buzz continues to build over the clean energy potential of geologic hydrogen, a long-overlooked resource that advocates say could play a pivotal role in the shift away from fossil fuels. Geologic hydrogen  sometimes known as white, gold or natural hydrogen  refers to hydrogen gas that is found in its natural form beneath Earth's surface. It is thought to be produced by high-temperature reactions between water and iron-rich minerals. Pete Johnson, CEO and co-founder of Koloma, told CNBC that geologic hydrogen is fundamentally an exploration and production business. "We can use expertise and service providers that have traditionally served the oil, gas, and mining industries and quickly put them to work in driving the discovery of carbon free-resources. Leveraging and modifying what already exists will allow us to mature the industry faster," he said. Based in Denver, Colorado, Koloma has raised more than $305 million since it was founded just a few years ago, the company told CNBC. The startup's backers include U.S. venture capital firm Khosla Ventures, Amazon 's Climate Pledge Fund, United Airlines and Breakthrough Energy Ventures, a climate and technology fund founded by Bill Gates in 2015. In turn, Breakthrough Energy's investors include Bridgewater Associates' Ray Dalio, Virgin Group's Richard Branson and Alibaba's Jack Ma.

A potential 'gamechanger'

A dramatic upswing in the number of companies actively searching for geologic hydrogen deposits in recent years prompted analysts at Rystad Energy to describe the pursuit as a "white gold rush." The consulting firm said in a research note published in March that the hype stems from hopes the previously neglected resource could be a "gamechanger" in the energy transition. Exploratory efforts for the low-carbon energy source are currently underway in the U.S., Canada, Australia, France, Spain, Colombia, South Korea and others.

As with any exploration business and any new technology, there are still many challenges for us to overcome to unlock geologic hydrogen's potential. Pete Johnson CEO of Koloma

Koloma's Johnson said that, as the industry has "picked up momentum and attention," there's also been a sharper focus on what he described as the "intrinsic benefits" of geologic hydrogen as a primary energy source  rather than a derivative one. A primary energy source, such as coal, oil, wind or solar, refers to a natural energy source that has not been altered or converted. "Geologic hydrogen should have a very low carbon impact, but also a tiny land footprint and very low water impact," Johnson said.

Gauges that are part of the electrolysis plant of the geological hydrogen H2 storage facility. Alex Halada | Afp | Getty Images

Asked about the outlook for the rapidly emerging industry, Johnson said that untapped geologic hydrogen resources in the U.S. could play a significant role in the country's decarbonization efforts. "Russia and Ukraine were both large exporters [of] hydrogen-derived ammonia, the building block of most modern fertilizer products, and since their conflict began the world has become more aware of the importance of a domestic ammonia supply," Johnson said. "Geologic hydrogen resources in the U.S. will allow us to scale up our domestic ammonia production and become a net exporter, even as we dramatically drop the carbon footprint of the products," he added.

Challenges ahead

Hydrogen has long been billed as one of many potential energy sources that could play a significant role in the energy transition, but most of it is produced using fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas through a process that generates significant greenhouse gas emissions. It's within this context that momentum has been growing over the potential of geologic hydrogen. Geoffrey Ellis, a research geologist at the Energy Resources Program of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), told CNBC earlier this year that there could be a vast amount of naturally occurring hydrogen buried in underground reservoirs around the world. Ellis said that just a small percentage of geologic hydrogen recovery might well be enough to supply all the projected demand for 200 years.

The construction site of a plant for the production of hydrogen in Germany. Picture Alliance | Picture Alliance | Getty Images
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A Boeing 737 MAX aircraft is assembled at the Boeing Renton Factory in Renton, Washington, on June 25, 2024. Jennifer Buchanan | Afp | Getty Images

Boeing workers are voting on a new labor contract Thursday, setting up the potential for a crippling strike that the company's CEO said would jeopardize the struggling plane-maker's recovery. The tentative agreement that the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers and the company unveiled on Sunday included 25% wage increases and other improvements to health-care and retirement benefits. Boeing also committed to build its next aircraft in the Seattle area, after it moved production of the 787 Dreamliner to a non-union factory in South Carolina. But some workers have said they plan to turn down the contract and that they're seeking bigger wage increases, citing a surge in the cost of living in the Seattle area.

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The vote is the first major test for CEO Kelly Ortberg, who said in a staff note Wednesday that he has talked with employees about the contract in Renton, Washington, and Everett, Washington, where Boeing's main factories are located. Ortberg is just over one month into his role in the manufacturer's top job, and has been tasked with steadying aircraft production and stamping out safety lapses and quality flaws in the wake of a door-panel blowout at the start of the year. "I know the reaction to our tentative agreement with the IAM has been passionate," he wrote in his staff note. "I understand and respect that passion, but I ask you not to sacrifice the opportunity to secure our future together, because of the frustrations of the past." Jefferies aerospace analyst Sheila Kahyaoglu estimated in an Aug. 29 note that a 30-day cash impact from a strike could be a $1.5 billion hit for Boeing and said it "could destabilize suppliers and supply chains." She forecast the tentative agreement would have an annual impact of $900 million if passed. The union, which represents about 33,000 Boeing factory work ers in the Seattle area and in Oregon had sought pay raises of some 40% from Boeing. The 25% increase in the tentative agreement would be in line with the United Auto Workers' deal last year that followed strikes at Ford , General Motors and Chrysler parent Stellantis. If approved, the Boeing deal would follow a series of union-negotiated pay increases across industries from Hollywood to airlines.

It would be Boeing workers' first negotiated contract with the company in 16 years. "We have achieved everything we could in bargaining, short of a strike," IAM District 751 President Jon Holden wrote to members on Monday. "We recommended acceptance because we can't guarantee we can achieve more in a strike. But that is your decision to make and is a decision that we will protect and support, no matter what."

A Boeing worker holds a ballot as Boeing's Washington state factory workers vote on whether to give their union a strike mandate as they seek big salary gains from their first contract in 16 years, at T-Mobile Park in Seattle, Washington, U.S. July 17, 2024. David Ryder | Reuters
Semiconductor stocks have been volatile. Last Friday, the VanEck Semiconductor ETF fell 11.6% in a day. Overall, the index has plunged 26% since mid-August, including Friday's declines. Before that, the index was going through wild swings, first diving in July before recovering in early August, then tumbling again. The ETF is still up about 27% year-to-date, however. Investors might be wondering: What's the outlook for semiconductor stocks  which have been boosted by artificial intelligence  and are there pockets of buying opportunity? In a report released Tuesday, Morningstar said demand is set to continue improving, while memory prices and profit margins are in the middle of a recovery phase. It expects orders for PCs and general servers to improve next year as AI-driven demand picks up. As for memory chips, supply is set to remain tight at least till the first half of 2025, thanks to investments in high-bandwidth memory, Morningstar said. "In order to protect themselves from cash burn, memory suppliers, especially SK Hynix and Micron Technology, have significantly reduced their capital expenditures in 2023. We expect memory companies to increase their capex in 2025, supported by the improved profitability and improved capex of US hyperscalers," Morningstar analysts wrote. But pockets of value still exist, according to the firm. Top stock picks Its top picks include Taiwanese firms TSMC and GlobalWafers. It describes the former as a "primary" AI beneficiary, being "immune" to shifts between cloud AI and edge AI as both depend on TSMC. Edge AI involves running AI algorithms directly on a user's device, be it a smartphone, laptop or wearable, among other things. GlobalWafers has a "head start" in the United States, and is a "catchup play" that benefits from growing silicon wafer demand, said Morningstar. "Wafer producers' performance lag their customers' by about two quarters, as customers stock up only when the market is booming," it said. "We expect sentiment to improve as electric vehicles, industrials and other non-AI applications recover in the second half of 2024." Morningstar sees TSMC and Samsung as particularly undervalued  even after strong one-year returns  attributing the potential for more returns to their "outsized exposure" to AI and other advanced semiconductors. It also believes GlobalWafers shares trading at 16 times 2025's price-to earnings is undervalued. Sentiment is "rock bottom," but the company is becoming more successful at managing rising labor and energy costs, it said. Screen CNBC Pro also screened the Van Eck Semiconductor ETF for stocks in the list that analysts predict still have more than 20% upside, and has a buy rating of 50% or more. These stocks turned up.
Rare bipartisan momentum is growing in the House of Representatives to force a vote on a bill that would address a topic Congress typically avoids  Social Security.

The bill  the Social Security Fairness Act  would repeal two rules that reduce Social Security benefits for workers and spouses, widows and widowers who also receive pension income.

On Tuesday, Reps. Abigail Spanberger, D-Va., and Garret Graves, R-La., filed a discharge petition to force a vote on the bill on the House floor.

The petition currently has 172 signatures out of the 218 signatures required for a vote, including 25 Republicans, according to Spanberger's office.

If brought to the House floor, the Social Security Fairness Act may pass, based on the 327 co-sponsors who are currently behind the proposal.

The Senate version of the bill, with 62 co-sponsors, also has broad support.

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National groups representing police, firefighters, teachers, postal workers and government employees on the federal, state, county and municipal level, have also backed the effort.

Despite the momentum, experts say pushing the bill into law will not be easy.

"There's just a time constraint here, and both the Senate and the House have a lot of work to do before the end of the year," said Emerson Sprick, associate director for the economic policy program at the Bipartisan Policy Center.

Moreover, simply eliminating the rules  formally known as the government pension offset, or GPO, and windfall elimination provision, or WEP  may not make the program's benefits fairer, he said.

The WEP, in particular, is "deeply, incredibly misunderstood," which contributes to calls to simply get rid of the rule, Sprick said.
Mark Zuckerberg, chief executive officer of Meta Platforms Inc., during an interview on "The Circuit with Emily Chang" at Meta headquarters in Menlo Park, California, US, on Thursday, July 18, 2024.

A Republican congressman slammed Meta on Thursday over what the lawmaker called an inadequate response to concerns about illicit drug advertisements on Facebook and Instagram.

Michigan Rep. Tim Walberg characterized a letter sent by Meta to a bipartisan group of lawmakers on Monday as "unacceptable," claiming the company failed to address the specific questions the politicians sent to CEO Mark Zuckerberg in August.

The questions to Meta centered around recent reports from The Wall Street Journal and the nonprofit Tech Transparency Project (TTP) that revealed a proliferation of Facebook and Instagram ads steering users to third-party services where they could buy prescription pills and recreational drugs like cocaine. The lawmakers intended the list of 15 questions to help determine the prevalence of illicit drug ads on Meta's apps, the amount of views and interactions the ads received, how many minors engaged with them and the actions Meta has taken against the responsible groups.

"Meta's response not only ignores most of the questions posed in our letter, but also refuses to acknowledge that these illicit drug ads were approved and monetized by Meta and allowed to run on their platforms," Walberg said in a statement. "This is unacceptable. Meta must answer for its negligence and the resulting impact on users, especially children and teens."

Meta declined to comment.

In its letter to lawmakers, Meta Vice President of Global Legal Strategy Rachel Lieber said that the company shares lawmakers' concerns "about the public safety and health threat caused by the opioid epidemic."

"We know this problem impacts many Americans, often with tragic results, which is why fighting drug trafficking online is bigger than any single platform," Lieber said in the letter, which was obtained by CNBC. "At Meta, we remain committed to playing an important role in the solution."

Lieber explained in the letter that Meta's policies "prohibit buying and selling illicit drugs across our apps" and that the company has various measures and resources that it uses "to detect and remove drug-related content that violates our policies."

Meta "has repeatedly skirted direct questions from members of Congress, the media, and the public about the hundreds of ads for illicit drugs on its platform," TTP Director Katie Paul said in a statement.

"Meta tries to deflect blame and push a 'whole of society' approach," Paul said. Meta is "profiting from proving paid amplification to drug trafficking sites that would not have the reach without Meta's advertising platforms."

Walberg's comments come after Zuckerberg, during a live podcast recording in San Francisco, said Meta should push back harder "when people make allegations about the impact of the tech industry or our company" that are not founded in any fact.

"One of the things that I look back on and regret is I think we accepted other people's view of some of the things that they were asserting that we were doing wrong or were responsible for that I don't actually think we were," Zuckerberg said at the event on Tuesday.

Read Meta's letter to lawmakers below:
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Carlos Tavares, CEO of Stellantis, poses during a presentation at the New York International Auto Show in Manhattan, New York, on April 5, 2023. David Dee Delgado | Reuters

DETROIT  Stellantis ' U.S. dealer network has joined the United Auto Workers union in criticizing CEO Carlos Tavares for the company's recent sales declines, factory production cuts and other decisions they deem detrimental to the automaker's business. In an open letter to Tavares this week, the head of Stellantis' U.S. dealer council, Kevin Farrish, condemned the chief executive for prioritizing the company's profits at the cost of sales, market share and the reputations of its Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram brands. The council represents the company's 2,600 U.S. dealers. "The market share of your brands has been slashed nearly in half, Stellantis stock price is tumbling, plants are closing, layoffs are rampant, and key executives fleeing the company. Investor lawsuits, supplier lawsuits, strikesthe fallout is mounting. Your own distribution network, your dealer body, has been left in an anemic and diminished state," Farrish wrote in the Tuesday letter, which Bloomberg first reported Wednesday night. Farrish, a dealer in Virginia, said the dealer council has raised concerns about the company's operations for two years, and accused Tavares of "reckless short-term decision making" that boosted profits and padded his compensation but have led to the "rapid degradation" of its brands, he wrote.

Stock Chart Icon Stock chart icon Stocks of Stellantis, GM and Ford

Stellantis, in a statement Wednesday night, said it takes "absolute exception to the letter," citing a 21% increase in August sales over July and an "action plan developed with the dealer body." "At Stellantis, we don't believe that public personal attacks, such as the one in the open letter from the NDC president against our CEO, are the most effective way to solve problems," the company said. "We have started a path that will prove successful. We will continue to work with our dealers to avoid any public disputes that will delay our ability to deliver results." Stellantis reported a record profit in 2023, but so far this year, the automaker reported a first-half net profit of 5.6 billion euros ($6.07 billion), down 48% from the same period of 2023. Shares of Stellantis are off roughly 36% this year to around $15. The stock hit a new 52-week low Thursday of $14.76 per share. Tavares has been on a profit-driven, cost-cutting mission since the company was formed through a merger between Fiat Chrysler and France's PSA Groupe in January 2021. It's part of his "Dare Forward 2030" plan to increase profits and double revenue to 300 billion euros ($325 billion) by 2030. The cost-saving measures have included reshaping the company's supply chain and operations as well as headcount reductions and cutting vehicle production at plants.

United Auto Workers (UAW) President Shawn Fain speaks to the attendees during a campaign rally for U.S. Vice President and Democratic Presidential candidate Kamala Harris and her running mate Tim Walz in Romulus, Michigan, U.S., August 7, 2024. Rebecca Cook | Reuters
Airlines are reporting better unit revenues for the tail end of summer, a sign customers will continue to have to shell out more to fly in the coming months.

Alaska Airlines on Thursday raised its third-quarter profit forecast to a range of $2.15 to $2.25 per share from a previous outlook of no more than $1.60 per share. It also said it expects unit revenue to rise by as much as 2% after previously estimating flat to "positive" unit revenue growth over last year.

Delta Air Lines said domestic and trans-Atlantic unit revenue would be up in September from last year, though it said the CrowdStrike outage in July will mean unit sales will rise no more than 1% compared with a previous forecast of as much as 4% higher for the quarter. Delta has said it expected a $500 million hit from the outage and its aftermath, when it canceled some 7,000 flights.

Alaska said it had a tail wind from the outage, which affected Delta customers more than those on other airlines.

"While capacity remains in line with prior expectations, revenue has performed better than anticipated driven by additional revenue in July related to CrowdStrike disruptions across the industry and stronger performance in August and September," Alaska said in a securities filing.

Delta's president, Glen Hauenstein, told a Morgan Stanley conference on Thursday that Delta isn't seeing a lingering impact on bookings from the outage.
A Ford logo is seen at the New York International Auto Show Press Preview, in Manhattan, New York City, U.S., March 27, 2024.

Ford Motor held talks with India's Tamil Nadu state to explore producing vehicles for export, the state's chief minister said, potentially signaling that the U.S. carmaker could restart production in India after exiting the country three years ago.

Ford stopped producing cars in India for domestic sale in 2021 after struggling to boost volumes and pulled the plug on exports in 2022, effectively exiting the world's third-largest car market which is dominated by Asian rivals.

Ford sold one of its two plants in India to Tata Motors in 2023. Its other plant, which is in Chennai in Tamil Nadu state, was shuttered.

"Had a very engaging discussion with the team from Ford Motors. Explored the feasibility of renewing Ford's three decade partnership with Tamil Nadu, to again make in Tamil Nadu for the world," M.K. Stalin said in a post on X.
Cargo ships loaded with cars and containers for export are departing at the port of Yantai in Yantai, China, on July 31, 2024.

Casanova's view is shared by other experts who have said that both the Republican and the Democratic presidential nominees  Donald Trump and Kamala Harris  will remain tough on China.

U.S. trade ties with China will remain tense no matter who wins the election in November, according to Carlos Casanova, senior economist at Swiss private bank UBP.

Trump has proposed up to 100% tariffs on Chinese goods and a blanket tariff of 10%-20% on all other imports, while Harris is expected to largely stick with Biden's tariff policy, experts told CNBC.

"A Trump victory is highly likely to increase trade and economic hostilities between the U.S. and China, ramping up the trade and financial decoupling between the two countries," said Eswar Prasad, an economics professor at Cornell University.

Stronger tariffs by Harris cannot be ruled out either, given Biden not only retained Trump's tariffs, he piled on more. The U.S. in May announced stiff duties on about $18 billion worth of Chinese imports, including electric vehicles, solar cells, lithium batteries, steel and aluminum.

During the debate, Harris did not give specifics on her China policy, but said that "a policy about China should be in making sure the United States of America wins the competition for the 21st century."

"Which means focusing on the details of what that requires, focusing on relationships with our allies, focusing on investing in American based technology so that we win the race on A.I. and quantum computing," Harris added.

"We think that ongoing trade tensions, both with U.S. and Europe, are here to stay. I think in the U.S. it's well understood, the support for more stern actions against China is bipartisan. So it doesn't matter who wins the election," Casanova told CNBC's "Squawk Box Asia."

The U.S. has warned about Chinese overcapacity issues, with Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen reportedly saying in May that China's excess industrial capacity threatened both American and European firms, as well as the industrial development of emerging market countries.

In April, Yellen met with Chinese officials to discuss the overcapacity issue and market-oriented reforms, saying in prepared remarks that "A healthy economic relationship must provide a level playing field for firms and workers in both countries."

Beijing has been charged with dumping goods as domestic demand cools down, inviting heavy duties on Chinese exports from several countries, besides facing charges of heavily subsidizing industries such as EVs that has drawn tariffs from U.S. as well as European countries.
Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance on Thursday took a shot at Apple on CNBC's "Squawk Box," saying he thinks the company benefits from "slave labor" in China. His comment was part of a broader conversation about taxing companies that rely on manufacturing in China.

"Do I think Apple is an evil company? No. Do I think that sometimes they benefit from Chinese slave labor? Yeah, and that's pretty sick," said Vance, of Ohio. "I think that a company that wants to benefit from American markets should also have to pay American workers a fair wage." Apple raised the starting wage for retail employees in May 2022 to $22 an hour.

Apple has previously said that it has found no evidence of forced labor anywhere it operates. The company had been asked by the former chairs of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China in 2021 to engage with U.S. Customs and Border Protection to ensure its supply chain is free of forced labor.

Apple did not immediately respond to CNBC's request for comment.

The iPhone maker partners with manufacturers that build its devices overseas. Apple has historically relied on China for its production. As relations between the U.S. and China have become strained, it has worked to diversify its supply chain by expanding manufacturing to countries such as Vietnam and India.

For example, Apple produced $14 billion worth of iPhones in India over the last fiscal year.

Vance also said Thursday that he wants to raise tariffs on companies "shipping jobs overseas." Former President Donald Trump has threatened additional tariffs of 60% to 100% on goods from China and blanket tariffs of 10% to 20% on imported goods.

Vance expressed support for Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan's antitrust crackdown and stricter rules on mergers.

"When you have companies like Facebook and Google censoring American citizens, making it harder for Americans to speak in their own political process, that is a major problem," Vance said. "And yeah, I do think that there should be an antitrust solution to it."

Meta and Google did not immediately respond to CNBC's requests for comment.

On Thursday, Vance will headline two fundraisers in New York City hosted by some of his top supporters in the financial industry. Each event is expected to raise more than $1 million for Trump's presidential campaign.
My top 10 things to watch Thursday, Sept. 12 1. Wall Street on Thursday is on track to extend Wednesday's robust gains following an intraday reversal. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang ignited the market in the prior session after talking up demand for its AI chips and touting the company's bright future. We'll discuss Nvidia, a longtime Club holding, and the rest of our Investing Club portfolio at our September Monthly Meeting, which kicks off at noon ET. 2. Demand for Nvidia's next-generation Blackwell chip platform is "so great, and everybody wants to be first," Jensen said at a fireside chat at a Goldman Sachs conference Wednesday. Shares soared 8% in that session. Jensen also made a compelling case that the value proposition of AI chips overwhelmingly favors Nvidia  something that really resonated with us at the Club. Jensen's comments were a real death rattle for Intel , by the way. 3. The August producer price index matched expectations at the headline level, with wholesale prices rising 0.2% month over month. Cutting out food, energy and trade, core PPI rose 0.3% versus the 0.2% estimate. On the labor front, initial jobless claims totaled 230,000 last week, slightly above expectations. 4. Wells Fargo raised its T-Mobile price target to $230 per share from $200 and kept its overweight buy rating. The analysts cited prices increases and huge free cash flow. T-Mobile, like Verizon and AT & T, is offering deals on Apple's new iPhone 16, in what's expected to be a robust AI-driven device upgrade cycle . 5. Citi pointed out that Palantir is one of the most expensive names in software but remained bullish on its AI push. To me, the whole company is one big black box. Palantir's inclusion into the S & P 500 this week has been good for more than a 15% jump in shares. 6. Here's why I continue to dislike Nike: Ollie's Bargain Outlet new flier has an "Activewear Blowout," Puma hoodie, unisex jacket and micro fleece pullover for $14.99 versus "theirs" up to $67.99. Puma and Adidas Fleece joggers and Men's Tiro pants $12.99; "theirs up to $4.5" Of course, the unnamed "theirs" could be Lululemon, too. 7. TD Cowen said the restructuring of Walgreens Boots Alliance is behind schedule. The drugstore and pharmacy chain is trying to close 2,000 underperforming locations. So far, only 1,000 have been actually closed as it proves harder to shutter underperformers than previously thought. 8. Moderna shares dropped 10% after the biotech announced $1.1 billion in cut costs. It also announced plans for 10 new products by 2027. Moderna is trying to figure out the future as its Covid vaccine business rapidly declines. The company's second commercially available product, RSV shots for seniors, was approved four months ago. 9. JPMorgan cuts price targets on a host of energy stocks, including Coterra , our lone oil and natural gas Club holding. The analysts went to $26 per share from $31, citing declines in both crude and nat gas prices. There's concern about more OPEC+ supply. JPMorgan maintained its overweight buy rating on Coterra. 10. TD Cowen took an axe to its price target on Elf Beauty , going to $150 a share from $235. The stock has catered 42% over the past three months. What a controversial area the cosmetics industry has become. Estee Lauder also is collapsing. Sign up for my Top 10 Morning Thoughts on the Market email newsletter for free (See here for a full list of the stocks at Jim Cramer's Charitable Trust.) 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.

My top 10 things to watch Thursday, Sept. 12

1. Wall Street on Thursday is on track to extend Wednesday's robust gains following an intraday reversal. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang ignited the market in the prior session after talking up demand for its AI chips and touting the company's bright future. We'll discuss Nvidia, a longtime Club holding, and the rest of our Investing Club portfolio at our September Monthly Meeting, which kicks off at noon ET. 2. Demand for Nvidia's next-generation Blackwell chip platform is "so great, and everybody wants to be first," Jensen said at a fireside chat at a Goldman Sachs conference Wednesday. Shares soared 8% in that session. Jensen also made a compelling case that the value proposition of AI chips overwhelmingly favors Nvidia  something that really resonated with us at the Club. Jensen's comments were a real death rattle for Intel , by the way. 3. The August producer price index matched expectations at the headline level, with wholesale prices rising 0.2% month over month. Cutting out food, energy and trade, core PPI rose 0.3% versus the 0.2% estimate. On the labor front, initial jobless claims totaled 230,000 last week, slightly above expectations. 4. Wells Fargo raised its T-Mobile price target to $230 per share from $200 and kept its overweight buy rating. The analysts cited prices increases and huge free cash flow. T-Mobile, like Verizon and AT&T, is offering deals on Apple's new iPhone 16, in what's expected to be a robust AI-driven device upgrade cycle. 5. Citi pointed out that Palantir is one of the most expensive names in software but remained bullish on its AI push. To me, the whole company is one big black box. Palantir's inclusion into the S&P 500 this week has been good for more than a 15% jump in shares. 6. Here's why I continue to dislike Nike: Ollie's Bargain Outlet new flier has an "Activewear Blowout," Puma hoodie, unisex jacket and micro fleece pullover for $14.99 versus "theirs" up to $67.99. Puma and Adidas Fleece joggers and Men's Tiro pants $12.99; "theirs up to $4.5" Of course, the unnamed "theirs" could be Lululemon, too. 7. TD Cowen said the restructuring of Walgreens Boots Alliance is behind schedule. The drugstore and pharmacy chain is trying to close 2,000 underperforming locations. So far, only 1,000 have been actually closed as it proves harder to shutter underperformers than previously thought. 8. Moderna shares dropped 10% after the biotech announced $1.1 billion in cut costs. It also announced plans for 10 new products by 2027. Moderna is trying to figure out the future as its Covid vaccine business rapidly declines. The company's second commercially available product, RSV shots for seniors, was approved four months ago. 9. JPMorgan cuts price targets on a host of energy stocks, including Coterra , our lone oil and natural gas Club holding. The analysts went to $26 per share from $31, citing declines in both crude and nat gas prices. There's concern about more OPEC+ supply. JPMorgan maintained its overweight buy rating on Coterra. 10. TD Cowen took an axe to its price target on Elf Beauty , going to $150 a share from $235. The stock has catered 42% over the past three months. What a controversial area the cosmetics industry has become. Estee Lauder also is collapsing. Sign up for my Top 10 Morning Thoughts on the Market email newsletter for free (See here for a full list of the stocks at Jim Cramer's Charitable Trust.)
Microsoft told employees on Thursday that it has hired Carolina Dybeck Happe as its executive vice president and chief operations officer, reporting to CEO Satya Nadella. Dybeck Happe comes from GE, where she was senior vice president and chief financial officer from 2020 until September 2023.

The appointment reflects Microsoft's commitment to ensuring it remains coordinated as so much of the company has become oriented around artificial intelligence.

She will join Microsoft's senior leadership team alongside finance chief Amy Hood, cloud and AI engineering leader Scott Guthrie, and other executives.

"Carolina will partner with the SLT to help us drive continuous business process improvement across all our organizations and accelerate our company-wide AI transformation, increasing value to customers and partners," Nadella wrote in a memo to employees.

Nadella said Dybeck Happe will take over Guthrie's commerce and ecosystems organization, the Microsoft Digital IT team under Office software leader Rajesh Jha, and the Microsoft Business Operations unit in the finance department.

Dybeck Happe's appointment comes months after GE's aviation and energy businesses, known as GE Aerospace and GE Vernova respectively, started trading on the New York Stock Exchange. GE announced plans to split into three companies in 2021.

GE CEO Larry Culp called Dybeck Happe "a high-impact executive" when GE announced in 2019 that it had picked Dybeck Happe to succeed Jamie Miller as chief financial officer.

She joined GE from Maersk, where she had been finance chief. Before that, she spent almost 17 years at Swedish lock company Assa Abloy, where she became chief financial officer and deputy CEO.

Microsoft has not had an operating chief since 2016, when former Walmart executive Kevin Turner left.
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.
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Phil Spencer, executive vice president at Microsoft, speaks at the company's Xbox One X reveal event ahead of the E3 Electronic Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles on June 11, 2017. Patrick T. Fallon | Bloomberg | Getty Images

Microsoft on Thursday said it is cutting 650 roles at its Xbox gaming division, in the latest major round of layoffs to hit the video game industry. It marks the third series of redundancies in Microsoft's video game unit since the company's blockbuster acquisition of Activision Blizzard, the publisher behind the Call of Duty franchise, for $69 billion in cash. The U.S. tech giant confirmed to CNBC that it is cutting hundreds of roles at Xbox, in "mostly corporate and supporting functions." Bloomberg News reported the development earlier on Thursday. In a memo obtained by CNBC, Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming, told employees that the firm had taken this "difficult" decision to align its post-acquisition team structure and "organize our business for long term success."

"We are deeply grateful for the contributions of our colleagues who are learning they are impacted," Spencer said in the memo. "In the US, we're supporting them with exit packages that include severance, extended healthcare, and outplacement services to help with their transition; outside the US packages will differ according to location." Microsoft's gaming chief added that there would be "some impacts to other teams as they adapt to shifting priorities and manage the lifecycle and performance of games." He stressed that no games, devices or gaming experiences were being canceled, and that no studios are being closed as a result of the redundancies.

Microsoft has been cutting back on costs at Xbox in an effort to make its mammoth takeover of Activision and its broader investment drive on gaming sustainable. The company previously purchased ZeniMax Media, the owner of Bethesda Softworks, for $7.5 billion in 2021. Bethesda publishes major gaming titles, such as the Fallout and The Elder Scrolls series. Microsoft isn't the only gaming titan slashing jobs. Major gaming studios have cut thousands of positions around the world, beginning in 2023 and continuing into 2024. In February, Japan's Sony announced it was laying off 900 workers from its PlayStation unit. Gaming software firm Unity, Amazon-owned livestreaming service Twitch, mobile game publisher Playtika and social platform Discord have also announced substantial rounds of layoffs.
New York Police Department Commissioner Edward Caban speaks during the first quarter crime briefing press conference Wednesday, April 3, 2024, in Manhattan, New York City.

NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban resigned Thursday from his post helming the country's largest police department amid a federal investigation into its nightclub enforcement, according to a memo obtained by News 4.

"My complete focus must be on the NYPD  the Department I profoundly honor and have dedicated my career to serving," his statement said in part. "However, the noise around recent developments has made that impossible and has hindered the important work our city requires. I have therefore decided it is in the best interest of the Department that I resign as Commissioner."

"After 30 years of service to this city, I hold immense respect and gratitude for its brave officers, and must put their interests before my own," he added. "I believe firmly in the vital role of leaders with integrity, who, by example, demonstrate the difference between right and wrong every day. I will continue to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation."

Caban, who was appointed to the job in July 2023, became the first Latino to serve as commissioner of the NYPD in its 179-year history. It wasn't immediately clear when the resignation would take effect.

It means Mayor Eric Adams is looking at his third police commissioner in less than three years.

Adams said at an afternoon briefing that he had accepted the resignation and wishes Caban well. He also said his administration, rocked by a series of investigations, remained focus on running the city. He announced Tom Donlon, who has extensive experience in law enforcement at local, state and federal levels of government, as the interim.

Earlier in the week, Adams declined to say whether Caban had been barred from communicating with federal law enforcement agencies, which work in close cooperation with the NYPD.

The development comes days after News 4 reported the Internal Revenue Service's Criminal Investigation division had joined the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York in the inquiry.

At least one phone belonging to Caban was among several the SDNY and IRS seized from multiple NYPD officials, His twin brother, who owns a nightclub security business, also had his phone seized in the corruption investigation.

Several sources tell NBC New York federal investigators want to know if James Caban profited from his ties to his powerful brother and the NYPD. Specifically, the investigation is looking into whether James Caban was paid by bars and clubs in Midtown and Queens to act as a police liaison, and if those clubs were then afforded special treatment by local precincts, the sources said.

Other questions being investigated are if officers were asked to crack down harder on clubs that did not do business with the commissioner's brother or if promotions were given to officers who played along with the potential scheme, according to sources.

An NYPD spokesperson has said the department is aware of and fully cooperating in the investigation.

No one has been charged.

In a joint statement Thursday, Caban's attorneys lauded his legacy as a public servant.

"Commissioner Caban is an accomplished public servant who has dedicated his life to the safety and security of the people of this great city and maintains unwavering respect for the women and men of the New York City Police Department," Russell Capone and Rebekah Donaleski, partners at Cooley LLP said in a statement. "We have been informed by the government that he is not a target of any investigation being conducted by the Southern District of New York, and he expects to cooperate fully with the government."

News 4 left several messages for James Caban on his phone and with a family member upon the initial report of the investigation. They were not returned.
Leaders at OpenAI, Anthropic, Nvidia , Microsoft , Google and several American power and utility companies met Thursday at the White House to discuss the future of artificial intelligence energy infrastructure in the U.S., sources familiar with the meeting told CNBC.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, Microsoft president Brad Smith, Google President Ruth Porat and Amazon Web Services CEO Matt Garman all attended the meeting, which focused on bringing the public and private sectors together to talk about artificial intelligence's energy usage, data center capacity, semiconductor manufacturing, and grid capacity, sources familiar with the meeting confirmed.

The White House late on Thursday announced a new task force after the meeting to coordinate policy across government.

"We're at the beginning of a new industrial revolution," Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang told CNBC as he left the meeting. "This industry is going to be producing intelligence, and what it takes is energy... So we've got to make sure that everybody understands the needs coming, the opportunities of it, the challenges of it, and doing it in the most efficient and scalable way we can."

"There's probably going to have to be public-private collaboration in this area, because the rate of growth is really quite high," Huang said, adding that Nvidia is in the process of starting full-volume production for its Blackwell chip.

An OpenAI spokesperson told CNBC that the company believes building additional infrastructure in the U.S. is critical to the country's industrial policy and economic future. "We appreciate the White House convening this meeting as it is a recognition of the priority of infrastructure to create jobs, help guarantee that the benefits of AI are widely distributed, and ensure America will continue to be at the forefront of AI innovation," the OpenAI spokesperson said.

OpenAI shared its economic impact analysis with Biden-Harris administration officials, including the estimated impacts on jobs and gross domestic product of building a large-scale data center in sample states across the U.S. such as Wisconsin, California, Texas and Pennsylvania, a source familiar told CNBC.

CNN first reported on the meeting.

"President [Joe] Biden and Vice President [Kamala] Harris are committed to deepening U.S. leadership in A.I. by ensuring data-centers are built in the United States while ensuring the technology is developed responsibly," White House spokesperson Robyn Patterson told CNBC.

Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm also attended Thursday, according to a source familiar.

The meeting included U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan; Ali Zaidi, national climate advisor; Kristine Lucius, domestic policy advisor to the vice president; and John Podesta, senior advisor to the president for international climate policy. White House chief of staff Jeff Zients and White House deputy chief of staff Bruce Reed also attended, according to a source.

The news follows an announcement in August that OpenAI and Anthropic will let the U.S. AI Safety Institute test their new models before releasing them to the public, following increased concerns in the industry about safety and ethics in AI.

The institute, housed within the Department of Commerce at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, said in a press release at the time that it would get "access to major new models from each company prior to and following their public release."

The group was established after the Biden-Harris administration issued the U.S. government's first-ever executive order on artificial intelligence in October 2023, requiring new safety assessments, equity and civil rights guidance and research on AI's impact on the labor market.

OpenAI is reportedly in talks to raise a funding round that would value the company at more than $150 billion. Anthropic, founded by ex-OpenAI research executives and employees, was most recently valued at $18.4 billion. Anthropic counts Amazon as a leading investor, while OpenAI is heavily backed by Microsoft.

 CNBC's Megan Cassella contributed reporting.
Oracle Corp. CEO Safra Catz walks on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange as Oracle rang the opening bell in celebration of its 10th anniversary of listing on the exchange in New York on July 12, 2023.

Oracle shares rose about 6% in extended trading on Thursday after the database software maker raised its fiscal 2026 revenue guidance and issued a heady forecast for the 2029 fiscal year.

At an analyst meeting coinciding with the Oracle CloudWorld conference in Las Vegas, the company said it now sees at least $66 billion in fiscal 2026 revenue. Analysts surveyed by LSEG were anticipating $64.5 billion.

Oracle's good week is continuing. Shares gained around 15% the past three trading sessions and are trading at a record after the company announced quarterly results that topped expectations. The stock is now up 55% for the year, behind only Nvidia among large-cap tech companies.

Oracle sometimes also gives guidance multiple years out. The company said on Thursday that, looking out to the 2029 fiscal year, it sees over $104 billion in revenue, along with year-over-year growth in earnings per share of 20%.

"Those numbers should not be a problem. At all," CEO Safra Catz said at the event. She pointed to partnerships that will allow companies to use Oracle database software through top-tier cloud providers Amazon , Google and Microsoft . Oracle announced the Amazon relationship on Monday.

The company's cloud infrastructure revenue grew 45% in the most recent quarter, a quicker pace than at Amazon, Google or Microsoft.

In addition to generating more revenue as companies move workloads to the cloud from their data centers, Oracle has a shot at growing in artificial intelligence. On Wednesday, Oracle said its cloud unit that competes has begun taking orders for a cluster of over 131,000 next-generation "Blackwell" graphics processing units from Nvidia .

As Oracle plans to expand revenue, Catz said she expects capital expenditures to double in the current 2025 fiscal year.

WATCH: Investors starting to look 'longer term' on Oracle, says Wolfe's Alex Zukin
Russian President Vladimir Putin watches with binoculars the Tsentr-2019 military exercise at the Donguz range near Orenburg city on September 20, 2019. Alexey Nikolsky | Afp | Getty Images

Russia said it has launched a major counteroffensive to retake large areas of its Kursk region that were seized by Ukrainian forces in the border incursion that began last month. Russian Maj. Gen. Apti Alaudinov, who commands special forces fighting in Kursk, said that Russian troops took back control of about 10 settlements in Kursk, which borders northeastern Ukraine. "Our situation is good ... our units have gone on the offensive. Yesterday and by today [Wednesday], in total, about 10 settlements of the Kursk region were liberated," Alaudinov, who is also deputy head of the Russian Defense Ministry's military-political administration, told Russian state news agency Tass in comments translated by Google. On Thursday, Russia's foreign minister, Sergey Lavrov, said Ukrainian forces were "now being steadily squeezed out from" Kursk, and "will be squeezed out completely, there can be no doubt about it," he told news agency RIA Novosti. Ukraine has not commented or confirmed that a Russian counteroffensive has begun but Western defense analysts said Wednesday that geolocated footage and visual evidence confirms counterattacks are taking place, showing Russian troop movements and operations in Kursk. "Russian forces began counterattacks along the western edge of the Ukrainian salient in Kursk Oblast and reportedly seized several settlements northeast and south of Korenevo on September 10 and 11. The size, scale, and potential prospects of the September 11 Russian counterattacks in Kursk Oblast are unclear and the situation remains fluid," analysts at the Institute for the Study of War think tank said in analysis Wednesday.

Russian forces may intend to temporarily bisect the Ukrainian salient  a military feature that extends into enemy territory and is surrounded on three sides, such as Ukrainian forces' thrust into Russia's Kursk region  "before beginning a more organized and well-equipped effort to push Ukrainian forces out of Russian territory," the analysts said. The ISW noted that visual evidence suggested that Russian forces deployed in Kursk were operating in company-sized units of 100-250 soldiers and may be using more combat-experienced units to conduct the counteroffensive. If confirmed, the strategy signals the importance Russia is placing on ending an incursion that has embarrassed the Kremlin and exposed weaknesses in Russia's national security. Ukrainian forces advanced rapidly at the start of the audacious border raid that began Aug. 6, taking control of almost 1,300 square kilometers (around 500 square miles) of territory since then, and capturing 100 settlements and hundreds of Russian prisoners of war in the process, Ukraine's army chief said at the end of August. The incursion prompted regional authorities to evacuate 150,000 people living in the region, as well as neighboring Belgorod.

Russia appeared to be stunned by Kyiv's incursion, initially playing it down before redeploying troops from the eastern front in Ukraine to the Kursk area, but perhaps not as many as Ukraine would have hoped as it looked to stop Russian advances in eastern Ukraine. Kyiv also said it saw the incursion as a way to gain negotiating power in any future peace talks with Russia, talks which it is likely to be pushed toward in the near future as the war approaches its three-year anniversary.

Russian shift

As for Russia, its overall response to the incursion has generally been muted until now, with Ukraine's Kursk offensive rarely featuring in the tightly controlled Russian media space or commented on by officials, a common tactic used by the Kremlin to bury bad news. Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed his fury at the incursion on several occasions, however, berating officials and reportedly ordering his forces to have quashed the offensive by Oct. 1. Putin last week described Ukraine's operation as a "failure," saying it had failed in its presumed bid to prompt Russia to redeploy forces from eastern Ukraine to Kursk. "The enemy's goal was to make us nervous and worry and to transfer troops from one sector to another and to stop our offensive in key areas, primarily in the Donbas," Putin said. "Did it work? No," Putin told the Eastern Economic Forum last week, in comments translated by Reuters.

A pickup truck with Ukrainian soldiers in the back moves towards the border with Russia on August 16, 2024 in Sumy Oblast, Ukraine. The fighting in the Kursk Oblast began on August 6, 2024, when the Armed Forces of Ukraine crossed the Russian-Ukrainian border near the city of Sudzha and began to advance deep into Russian territory, and in a few days took control of dozens of settlements in Kursk region. Global Images Ukraine | Global Images Ukraine | Getty Images

In the meantime, Ukraine has appeared to row back on its somewhat triumphalist messaging on its Kursk operation as momentum seems to have stalled in recent weeks. Ukraine has faced the dilemma of whether to commit further forces to the incursion, or to reinforce forces back home in eastern Ukraine in order to prevent Russia seizing the strategically significant city of Pokrovsk. Now, Russia is looking to turn the tables on Ukraine with its Kursk counteroffensive, which has been met with approval by Russia's legion of pro-war and pro-Kremlin "milbloggers"  Russian defense experts regularly commentating on the war, who praised the counterattacks in Kursk and the bid to retake territory.

Russian President Vladimir Putin chairs a meeting on situation in Belgorod, Kursk and Bryansk regions following an incursion of Ukrainian troops in the course of Russia-Ukraine conflict, via video link at the Novo-Ogaryovo state residence outside Moscow, Russia August 22, 2024. Gavriil Grigorov | Via Reuters
Former FTX executive Ryan Salame outside of U.S. District Court in Manhattan, Sept. 12, 2024

A furious federal judge on Thursday threatened to slap unspecified sanctions on former FTX executive Ryan Salame for lying to him last year when he pleaded guilty to campaign finance and money transmitting crimes.

Salame at a hearing Thursday in U.S. District Court in Manhattan admitted lying to Judge Lewis Kaplan by saying during his plea hearing that federal prosecutors had not made promises to him to induce his guilty plea.

Salame now claims prosecutors promised him through his then-attorneys that they would drop a criminal probe of his romantic partner Michelle Bond if he pleaded guilty in his case.

"You are asking me to let stand a conviction and sentence that I now know is based on false testimony before me in the plea allocution," Kaplan told Salame on Thursday.

"And that might be a big problem," the judge told Salame, whom he previously sentenced to 7 years in prison, several months more than the top end of what prosecutors had requested.

Kaplan repeatedly said during the hearing that Salame "induced" him to accept his guilty plea and was visibly annoyed at the defendant.

Salame and other federal criminal defendants are required to testify truthfully during plea hearings and reveal if anyone has made promises or offers in exchange for their admission of guilt.

Kaplan told Salame, his lawyers and prosecutors that he will take some time to consider what should be done.

He said sanctions are possible against Salame, who had been a leader at FTX, the now-failed cryptocurrency exchange founded by convicted fraudster Sam Bankman-Fried.

Salame's lawyer declined to comment to CNBC after the hearing.

The judge also said Thursday that Salame must now surrender to prison by Oct. 11 after officials realized that the prior surrender date of Oct. 13 would fall on a Sunday.
With trillions in tax breaks scheduled to expire after 2025, lawmakers are debating policy priorities that could impact millions of families and small businesses.

Enacted by former President Donald Trump in 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, or TCJA, made sweeping tax changes, including temporary provisions that will sunset after 2025 without action from Congress.

The law also permanently reduced the top corporate tax rate to 21%.

Some of the expiring TCJA provisions include lower federal income tax brackets, bigger standard deductions, a more generous child tax credit, higher gift and estate tax exemptions and a 20% tax break for pass-through businesses, among others.

"This will be a make-or-break moment for the federal budget and for America's middle class," Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden, D-Ore., said in a prepared statement at a Senate hearing on Thursday.

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If temporary TCJA provisions expire after 2025, more than 60% of tax filers could face increased taxes, according to estimates from the Tax Foundation.

But with future control of the White House and Congress uncertain, it's hard to predict which provisions, if any, will be extended among competing priorities.

In the meantime, lawmakers and organizations are voicing support for certain tax issues before the 2025 deadline.
Check out the companies making headlines in midday trading: Kroger  Shares of the supermarket chain rallied 7.2%. Kroger reported mixed fiscal second-quarter results, posting adjusted earnings that beat expectations by 2 cents a share. Revenue came up shy of Wall Street's estimates. Petco  Shares of the pet retailer soared 11.3%. That builds on Wednesday's postearnings rally of nearly 33%, which marked the stock's best day on record. Moderna  The stock plummeted nearly 12.4% after the drugmaker said it will cut $1.1 billion in expenses by 2027. Moderna also said it plans to launch 10 new products through 2027, but will also pause or stop work on some of the products in its pipeline. Gilead Sciences  Shares gained 2.7% after the biopharmaceutical company said a second pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial showed its twice-yearly Lenacapavir medication for HIV prevention reduced infections by 96% and exhibited superiority to the daily Truvada pill. Alaska Air Group  Shares of the airline rose 1.2% after lifting its third-quarter outlook on the heels of strong summer demand. Alaska told investors to expect between $2.15 and $2.25 in earnings per share, up from the prior range of between $1.40 and $1.60. Interpublic Group of Companies  The advertising stock was trading 1.3% lower following a downgrade from UBS to sell from neutral. Analyst Adam Berlin also lowered his 12-month price target. As a reason for the downgrade, he cited the advertiser's loss of big accounts such as Amazon and Pfizer, which he said investors have not fully priced into the stock's valuation yet. U.S. Bancorp  The bank stock slipped 2% despite announcing a dividend hike and a $5 billion share buyback plan. Diageo  The alcohol stock popped 3.6% on the heels of a Bank of America upgrade to buy from neutral. Bank of America said the hardest period for the company is in the rearview mirror. Roku  The streaming platform saw shares jump 5.7% after Wolfe Research upgraded the stock to outperform from peer perform. The Wall Street firm said it thinks Roku's sales growth is poised to accelerate on the back of trimmed cost structure and new sales strategies. Oracle  Shares of the software company rose 2.7% after Bernstein named it a top investment idea . The firm sees more gains ahead for the company, citing downside protection from the company's diverse offerings and increasing revenue growth, among others, as catalysts.  CNBC's Yun Li, Michelle Fox, Sean Conlon, Samantha Subin, Lisa Kailai Han and Sarah Min contributed reporting.
Check out the companies making headlines before the bell: Alaska Air Group  Shares gained 5% after Alaska Air Group raised its third-quarter outlook, citing strong summer demand. The airline guided for earnings per share in the range of $2.15 to $2.25, greater than prior guidance of $1.40 to $1.60 in earnings per share. Moderna  Shares shed more than 6% after the drugmaker announced plans to slash expenses by $1.1 billion by 2027. Moderna also said it anticipates the launch of 10 new products through 2027. Oxford Industries  Shares dropped 10% after the clothing company behind Tommy Bahama posted second-quarter figures that missed expectations. Oxford Industries posted adjusted earnings of $2.77 per share, lower than the FactSet consensus estimate of $3 in earnings per share. Revenue of $419.9 million came in below the $438.2 million forecast. Interpublic Group of Companies  The advertising stock slid 2% on the heels of a UBS downgrade to sell from neutral. UBS said investors are not fully pricing in the potential that IPG is losing clients for structural reasons, or that the current strategic initiatives might not fix the company's issues in a timely manner. U.S. Bancorp  The bank stock rose more than 1% after announcing a dividend hike. U.S. Bancorp also announced a $5 billion stock buyback plan. Kroger  Shares of the supermarket chain were slightly higher ahead of Kroger's fiscal second-quarter results this morning. Diageo  Shares popped 1.4% after Bank of America upgraded the alcohol beverage company to buy from neutral, saying the "worst is behind" it.  CNBC's Alex Harring, Hakyung Kim, Jesse Pound and Samantha Subin contributed reporting.
People watch a television screen showing a news broadcast with file footage of a North Korean missile test, at a train station in Seoul on Sept. 12, 2024. North Korea fired multiple short range ballistic missiles into waters east of the Korean peninsula on September 12, Seoul's military reported, days after the nuclear-armed North marked a state anniversary.

After North Korea fired several ballistic missiles toward the Sea of Japan, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Thursday that he "strongly condemns" the move, adding that Tokyo has already "lodged a protest" with the Hermit Kingdom.

"So far we have not confirmed any reports of any damages. Needless to say, the launch of ballistic missiles by North Korea is a violation of the UN Security Council resolutions," Kishida said.

"We will continue to do our utmost to gather information and monitor the situation, and we will work closely through the Japan-U.S., as well as the Japan-US-South Korea alliances."

North Korea fired several short-range ballistic missiles off its east coast towards the Sea of Japan Thursday morning local time, according to the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Japan said the missiles "are believed to have fallen outside" of Japan's exclusive economic zone, an area of the sea in which the coastal state claims the rights to conduct economic activity.

The missiles were launched from Pyongyang, and flew about 360 km, 224 miles, before landing in the East Sea, South Korea said in a statement.

This launch came days after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said that the country will enforce a policy to boost its nuclear capabilities "exponentially," according to the Korean Central News Agency, the state news agency of North Korea.

In a statement, the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command also condemned the launch, calling on North Korea to "refrain from further unlawful and destabilizing acts."

"While we have assessed that this event does not pose an immediate threat to U.S. personnel, or territory, or to our allies, we continue to monitor the situation. The U.S. commitments to the defense of the ROK and Japan remain ironclad," the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command added.
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.
The United States supports creating two permanent United Nations Security Council seats for African states and one seat to be rotated among small island developing states, U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield will announce on Thursday.

The United States supports creating two permanent United Nations Security Council seats for African states and one seat to be rotated among small island developing states, U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield will announce on Thursday.

The move comes as the U.S. seeks to repair ties with Africa, where many are unhappy about Washington's support for Israel's war in Gaza, and deepen relations with Pacific Islands nations important to countering Chinese influence in the region.

Thomas-Greenfield told Reuters she hopes the announcement will "move this agenda forward in a way that we can achieve Security Council reform at some point in the future," describing it as part of U.S. President Joe Biden's legacy.

The push for two permanent African seats and a rotating seat for small island developing states is in addition to Washington's long-held support for India, Japan and Germany to also get permanent seats on the council.

Developing nations have long demanded permanent seats on the Security Council, the most powerful body in the United Nations. But years of talks on reform have proved fruitless and it is unclear whether U.S. support could fuel action.

Ahead of making the announcement at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York on Thursday, Thomas-Greenfield clarified to Reuters that Washington does not support expanding veto power beyond the five countries that hold it.

The Security Council is charged with maintaining international peace and security and has the power to impose sanctions and arms embargos and authorize the use of force.

When the U.N. was founded in 1945, the Security Council had 11 members. This increased in 1965 to 15 members, made up of 10 elected states serving two-year terms and five permanent veto-wielding nations: Russia, China, France, the U.S. and Britain.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres backs Security Council reform.

"You have a Security Council that corresponds exactly to the situation after the Second World War ... that has a problem of legitimacy, and that has a problem of effectiveness, and it needs to be reformed," Guterres told Reuters on Wednesday.

Any changes to the Security Council membership is done by amending the founding U.N. Charter. This needs the approval and ratification by two-thirds of the General Assembly, including the Security Council's current five veto powers.

The 193-member U.N. General Assembly has annually discussed reform of the Security Council for more than a decade. But momentum has grown in recent years as geopolitical rivalries have deadlocked the council on several issues, particularly after permanent veto-wielding member Russia invaded Ukraine.

"Much of the conversation around Security Council reform has been just that: a conversation," Thomas-Greenfield will say on Thursday, according to prepared remarks reviewed by Reuters of her announcement that Washington supports moving to negotiations on a draft text to amend the U.N. Charter to expand the council.

Thomas-Greenfield told Reuters she could not say how long it might take to get the General Assembly to vote on such a resolution.

Each year the General Assembly elects five new members from different geographical groups for two-year terms on the Security Council. Africa currently has three seats rotated among states.

"The problem is, these non-permanent seats don't enable African countries to deliver the full benefit of their knowledge and voices to the work of the council ... to consistently lead on the challenges that affect all of us - and disproportionately affect Africans," Thomas-Greenfield will say.

She will also say that small island developing states deserve a rotating elected seat because they offer "critical insights on a range of international peace and security issues: including, notably, the impact of climate change."
Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance made a dubious immigration claim Thursday as he blamed Vice President Kamala Harris for undocumented immigrants and asylum seekers entering the United States.

Vance, the Ohio senator and running mate to former President Donald Trump, said on CNBC's "Squawk Box" that Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, "has flooded the country with 25 million illegal aliens."

But Vance's figure wildly inflates the facts, according to data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection and estimates from government agencies and other organizations that track border crossings and asylum claims.

Vance has spread the claim before. During an Aug. 28 speech in Wisconsin, Vance claimed Harris "let in 25 million illegal aliens." He specified in the same speech that those alleged 25 million people are currently "here in this country illegally."

Neither the Trump campaign nor Vance's spokesman replied to questions from CNBC about the source of the senator's numbers.

Setting aside the notion that Harris is personally responsible for the enforcement of U.S. immigration policy, Vance's numbers don't line up with the available data.

The Department of Homeland Security's Office of Homeland Security Statistics in April estimated that 11 million unauthorized immigrants were living in the U.S. as of Jan. 1, 2022.

That total marked a decline from an estimated 11.6 million unauthorized immigrants in the U.S. in 2010, but an increase from 10.5 million in January 2020, according to the office.

The nonpartisan Migration Policy Institute arrived at a similar figure, saying in March that it "estimates there were about 11.2 million unauthorized immigrants in the United States in 2021, up from 11 million in 2019."

"The several organizations that have long issued authoritative data based on rigorous methodologies estimate that the unauthorized population is more in the 11 million range," Michelle Mittelstadt, the Migration Policy Institute's communications director, told journalism nonprofit the Poynter Institute in June after Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., made a claim similar to Vance's.

The Pew Research Center likewise estimated in July that, "The unauthorized immigrant population in the United States grew to 11.0 million in 2022."

Neither the U.S. Census nor any similar national survey collects data on the legal status of foreign-born residents living in the United States.

CBP reported nearly 10.2 million total encounters nationwide from February 2021 through July 2024.

But millions of those people were turned away in that time: CBP's data tallies nearly 2.5 million expulsions just under Title 42, the pandemic-era immigration restrictions that ended May 2023.

One encounter also does not necessarily equate to one person. Many of CBP's reported border encounters involve people who had previously tried to enter the U.S. within the prior year.
Four U.K.-listed stocks  one of which was given 110% upside  are among Goldman Sachs' European conviction list. The Wall Street bank is backing British stocks to diversify global portfolios after London-listed equities "proved resilient" even during the market correction in early August. While the S & P 500 fell by 5.85% in the first week of August, the FTSE 100, an index of the 100 largest London-listed stocks, outperformed by falling by only 2.4%. .FTSE .SPX 5Y line The investment bank said the FTSE 100 "can also provide good diversification from the concentrated and Tech-heavy S & P 500 ." "We continue to recommend FTSE 250 vs. MSCI World . We also like FTSE 100 for its low valuation, buyback, and diversification characteristics," Goldman strategists led by Sharon Bell said in a note to clients on Sept. 2. Goldman's bullish view is noteworthy given the U.K. stock market's decade-long underperformance  its weight in the MSCI World index dropped from 5.3% in 2010 to a mere 2.2% currently. The bank named BT Group , Rolls-Royce , SSE and the London Stock Exchange as four "attractive" stocks, based on fundamental equity analysis. All four stocks are also traded over the counter in the United States. BT The Wall Street bank views telecom giant BT Group favorably, given the potential for fiber deregulation in the U.K. to drive earnings growth. Goldman Sachs suggested there is "scope for a doubling in the share price" based on improving free cash flow prospects. Rolls-Royce Rolls-Royce, the aerospace and defense company, was also highlighted for its strong free cash flow potential. The engine maker's shares have risen by more than 365% since early 2023, when CEO Tufan Erginbilgic was appointed to lead a strategic turnaround at the company. Goldman projects significant shareholder returns, estimating "cumulative cash return to shareholders for [2024-2027 is estimated] at 10bn, which is c.25% of the current market cap." SSE SSE, an energy company, is well-positioned to benefit from increased power network investment in the U.K., according to Goldman. The company owns power plants, electricity transmission and distribution networks in the country. Electricity consumption is expected to rise significantly thanks to growth in electric vehicles as well as data centers with artificial intelligence chips. The bank notes that SSE's "leading capabilities vs. peers position it well to capture this investment growth." LSEG Goldman says it believes London Stock Exchange Group has AI-related growth potential. LSEG owns Bloomberg-competitor Refinitiv, which has partnered with Microsoft to enable AI in its products. The investment bank said the company "is at the start of a revenue acceleration" supported by increasing market share and expansion into new markets.
Bhavik Vashi, 32, made over $2 million after selling his equity in software startup Anaplan.

Bhavik Vashi, 32, is living the dream of many Silicon Valley tech workers. He joined a promising startup, did his time and eventually the company was acquired, minting him as a millionaire. Shortly after graduating from the University of California, Berkeley in 2013, he joined software startup Anaplan. Over the course of about 10 years at the company, Vashi worked his way up from an entry-level consultant role to vice president. "When I joined, we were less than 100 people... and then I just [saw] it grow and expand to over 2,000 people at one point," Vashi told CNBC Make It. "Basically, every time I was promoted at Anaplan, I had an equity grant of some capacity." It all paid off in June 2022, when Anaplan was acquired by private equity company Thoma Bravo at a roughly $10.4 billion valuation. Under the deal, all Anaplan shareholders received $63.75 per share. Vashi made over $2 million after selling all of his equity in the software startup, according to documents seen by CNBC Make It. Today, he has moved onto a new role as the managing director for Asia Pacific and the Middle East at software company Carta. "It was enough to make me dedicate the next chapter of my life to spreading the good word about equity to more people, and [try] to get companies, even [those] outside of venture capital, like furniture stores and mom and pop shops to think about democratizing ownership as a concept," he said. While he acknowledged the role luck played in his payout, he also credited a couple strategic moves he made for his success. Here are five tips on how to negotiate for more equity at work, according to Vashi:

1. Identify what you want

The first step is to identify what you are looking for your company to provide. "I think one mistake that some employees make because they see some of the wild successes in Silicon Valley... is that they put too much emphasis on equity," he said. "They think... I have this equity and it's going to make me a millionaire, and that's statistically just completely untrue. 98% of startups fail." Employees should first evaluate their current budget and lifestyle. "You have to be comfortable with your cash compensation number to cover your operating expenses and living expenses," he said. Once your basics are covered, that's when you can shift your focus to asking for equity, said Vashi. "Most retail investors don't have access to... [this] asset class and as part of your portfolio, you should always look to maximize that aspect of it, because you can get cash in other places, but you won't be able to get this kind of a lottery ticket, for lack of a better term, in most places," said Vashi.

When you're negotiating for equity versus cash compensation, you're implicitly saying that... I'm putting my bet [on] the company's success, and I want my financial outcomes to be directly tied to the company's financial outcome. Bhavik Vashi Managing director, APAC and Middle East, Carta

2. Make sure your company aligns with your goals

If owning equity is something you want, it is crucial to make sure that your company offers equity compensation and that you feel bullish on the business. In Vashi's case, Anaplan was a company that "was experiencing so much growth and success," he said. "There were always new and exciting challenges for me to take on anytime I started to feel even a little bit complacent or comfortable." "When you're negotiating for equity versus cash compensation, you're implicitly saying that... I'm putting my bet [on] the company's success, and I want my financial outcomes to be directly tied to the company's financial outcome," said Vashi. Thus, if equity is important to you, employees should do their research to make sure that they believe in the company they are working for. "The more you understand about [the company's] trajectory, the more calculated a risk, I think, you can take about what you think equity [at that company] might be worth," said Vashi.

3. Be crucial to the success of the company

Once that happens, Vashi says the key to being granted equity at a company is by bringing value. "The best way to secure equity compensation is to make yourself extremely important to the company," he said. "There's going to be a direct correlation between how important you are to the outcome of the company and how much equity you have. That's why the founder generally has the plurality stake. It's why the investors get a big stake because they've actually put cash into the business," he said. When it comes to employees, it is "all based on [their] contributions, either actual contributions or expected contributions," Vashi said.

4. Network, network, network

One way to demonstrate your value to your company is by being proactive and networking throughout your company, said Vashi. "Don't limit your own growth based on how much advocating your manager may or may not do for you," said Vashi. "Make sure that you are advocating for yourself and making your contributions visible, both to your manager but also to your skip levels," or your manager's manager, he suggests. While culture can differ between companies, industries, and regions, Vashi suggests that it is important to be proactive at work. It is often up to the employee to advocate for themselves in a work environment.

5. Be prepared for the opportunity

The key to a successful negotiation is preparation, so that when the opportunity comes to advocate for yourself, you already have a strong case ready to go. "Make sure that whatever work you do, you're able to articulate how it directly ties to the success of the business," said Vashi. He suggests documenting your contributions as a way to prepare. "Start building yourself a portfolio of your own work. That's going to be useful for you in every raise conversation," he said. "Then, you could eventually turn that into a PowerPoint presentation... which is more summarized when you're advocating for your team and your function at large."

Sample script for negotiating equity
Airtel Business, the B2B (business-to-business) arm of Bharti Airtel, has signed a significant agreement with Sparkle, Italy's first international service provider. This partnership will enhance the capacity of the Blue-Raman submarine cable, which connects India and Italy.The agreement allows Airtel to expand its global undersea cable network, providing additional capacity to meet the growing demand for data services in India and neighbouring countries. Both companies aim to collaborate on new business opportunities in the Indian subcontinent, utilising their extensive cable infrastructures.Vani Venkatesh, CEO of Airtel Business, expressed excitement about the partnership, highlighting its potential to strengthen global connectivity and meet increasing customer demands. Enrico Bagnasco, CEO of Sparkle, noted that this agreement supports the region's digital growth and reinforces their long-standing partnership.Airtel Business is recognised as a leading provider of ICT services in India, boasting a vast network of submarine cables and partnerships across the globe. With over 550 million customers, Airtel remains a major player in the telecommunications industry, offering various solutions, including secure connectivity, cloud services, and cybersecurity.This collaboration marks a significant step in enhancing connectivity between Asia and Europe, paving the way for improved digital services in the region.
Chinese premier lands in Abu Dhabi for visit

Xinhua) 09:47, September 12, 2024

Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrives at the Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sept. 11, 2024. Li arrived here Wednesday for an official visit to the UAE at the invitation of the UAE's Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin)

ABU DHABI, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrived here Wednesday for an official visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the invitation of the UAE's Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Upon his arrival, Li said that bilateral ties between China and the UAE have maintained strong growth momentum since the two countries established diplomatic relations 40 years ago, and their friendship has grown stronger and continues to flourish.

Li noted that the meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in May has drawn a new blueprint for China-UAE ties, charting the course and injecting strong momentum for advancing bilateral relations and cooperation.

Li pointed out that under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, China-UAE relations have developed comprehensively, rapidly and in depth with practical cooperation in various fields going deeper and cultural exchanges becoming increasingly active.

The two countries have maintained close communication and coordination on multilateral platforms, continuously contributing to peace, stability, prosperity and development of the region and the world at large, he said.

Guided by the important consensus reached by the two heads of state and taking the opportunity of the 40th anniversary of the diplomatic ties between the two countries, Li said he looked forward to having in-depth exchanges with UAE leaders and people committed to China-UAE friendship in various sectors to deepen and solidify China-UAE comprehensive strategic partnership and achieve more fruitful results in exchanges and cooperation in various fields.

The UAE is the second and final leg of Li's four-day tour to the Middle East, which began in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday. He chaired the Fourth Meeting of the High-Level Chinese-Saudi Joint Committee in the Saudi capital of Riyadh and paid an official visit to the country.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrives at the Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sept. 11, 2024. Li arrived here Wednesday for an official visit to the UAE at the invitation of the UAE's Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. (Xinhua/Liu Bin)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Microsoft does provide some figures around commercial adoption of M365 and O365 that offer at least a glimpse into how the suites are faring in the business world. For instance, the company announced last year that 11 million small to medium businesses are using M365, and there have been some notable enterprise customer deals in the past year or so  Microsoft pointed to oil and gas firm BP and financial services giant ING Bank as two E5 customer wins in its Q2 FY24 results, for example, while Amazon reportedly agreed to a $1 billion deal last year for one million M365 licenses over a five-year period.

Convincing customers to move to the highest E5 tier is central to Microsofts revenue growth plans for M365. We see Microsoft heavily pushing E5 upon renewal to sell more security and governance and other features, said Gartners Wong. Growing revenue means moving clients to these higher-value, higher-cost bundles.

Miller from Directions on Microsoft agreed. Microsoft is adding new features to lots of services this year  but most require licensing a higher tier for all users than most orgs are used to or may be comfortable [with], he said.

The number of paid Office 365 commercial seats rose 7% year on year, according to Microsofts Q4 FY24 financial results in August, with Office 365 commercial revenues up 13% year on year during this time. Again, its not clear what portion of these are O365 vs. M365 customers, or what portion are enterprise vs. small business.

Its also possible to gauge how some of the other components of M365 are faring. The EMS installed base is up to 281 million, said Microsoft CFO Amy Hood in the Q4 investor call. And Windows 11 adoption continues to grow, accounting for around 31% of Windows desktops globally, according to StatCounter, though its still some way off Windows 10 adoption (65%).

Although Gartner notes business clients interest in other productivity suites besides Microsoft 365  Google Workspace in particular  M365 is a dominant player in the market, said Wong, with an entrenched position in the enterprise, thanks in part to its legacy of on-premises Office use.

Its not just Google, of course. Microsoft faces competition from a variety of sources: Slack, Zoom, Notion, Zoho, and a variety of others offer alternatives to M365, either rivalling individual M365 apps, or  as is increasingly the case  broadening their product sets with a view of becoming the main hub for digital work at customer organizations.

That doesnt necessarily affect Microsoft, though  businesses will often deploy multiple tools to cater to various parts of their workforce. Usually its not either/or, said Wong. For a lot of these tools, its coexistence rather than displacement.

What are some of the newest M365 features?

The integration of Copilot across M365 apps has undoubtedly been the major focus for Microsoft in the past couple of years. Its rare to see a product news update on the Microsoft 365 blog that doesnt reference the AI assistant in some way.

Recent features additions include a new Team Copilot that provides AI assistance in group meetings and makes suggestions for task management; Copilot Studio for customizing Copilots in M365; access to OpenAIs GPT-4 Turbo model; and the general availability of Microsofts Designer AI image generator.

Other new apps and features include Mesh immersive meetings for Teams, Places for hybrid work coordination, and a UI refresh for the Loop collaboration app.

Whats next for M365?

Whether or not Microsoft will add a new licensing tier that offers access to the various premium M365 add-ons remains to be seen. As Directions on Microsoft analysts have noted, it may be more lucrative for Microsoft to continue with its current approach. But with so many new features available outside of E5 subscriptions, its likely that speculation along these lines will continue.

As for M365 products, given Microsofts huge investment in integrating Copilot across the app suite, it seems fair to assume that the AI assistant will continue to be at the center of the companys plans for some time. Thats despite question marks that remain over the scale of business and employee interest in Copilot for M365, the propensity for the AI assistant to hallucinate, and how businesses can deploy the AI assistant without compromising sensitive data.

The question is: can they make Copilot the center of activity like they make Teams or Outlook the center of activity? said Wong. How can Copilot be the orchestrator, the starting point for organizations that want to interact with AI and genAI workloads? That will really be the key.

A Microsoft 365 glossary

Browsing through M365 plans and add-ons turns up a bewildering list of included apps and services. Heres a very brief guide to what the main product names mean.

Core M365 apps and services

Word: word processing app

word processing app Excel: spreadsheet app

spreadsheet app PowerPoint: presentation app

presentation app Outlook: email, calendar, and contacts app

email, calendar, and contacts app OneNote: notes app

notes app Teams: group chat and video meeting app (not included with enterprise plans)

group chat and video meeting app (not included with enterprise plans) OneDrive: cloud storage with versions available for both individuals and corporate users

cloud storage with versions available for both individuals and corporate users SharePoint: business/enterprise platform for shared content, sites, and apps

business/enterprise platform for shared content, sites, and apps Exchange: hosting/management service for business/enterprise email, calendar, and contacts

hosting/management service for business/enterprise email, calendar, and contacts Windows: desktop operating system (included only with M365 E3 and E5 plans)

Additional M365 apps and services (not included with all plans)

Access: database creation app (Windows only)

database creation app (Windows only) Bookings : appointment scheduling and management app

: appointment scheduling and management app Clipchamp : video editing app

: video editing app Delve : search app for M365 (will be discontinued Dec. 16, 2024)

: search app for M365 (will be discontinued Dec. 16, 2024) Forms: survey and form creation app

survey and form creation app Lists : spreadsheet/work tracking app

: spreadsheet/work tracking app Loop : shared workspace app

: shared workspace app Publisher : desktop publishing app (Windows only, will be discontinued Oct. 2026)

: desktop publishing app (Windows only, will be discontinued Oct. 2026) Planner : work management app

: work management app Power Apps : low-code development platform

: low-code development platform Power Automate : workflow automation app

: workflow automation app Power BI Pro : analytics and data visualization app

: analytics and data visualization app Stream: enterprise video streaming and sharing platform

enterprise video streaming and sharing platform Sway: publishing app for presentations, reports, newsletters

publishing app for presentations, reports, newsletters Teams Phone : enterprise telephony service for Microsoft Teams (requires additional monthly fee per user)

: enterprise telephony service for Microsoft Teams (requires additional monthly fee per user) To Do : task management app

: task management app Visio: diagram and vector graphics app

diagram and vector graphics app Viva Amplify: employee communication management app

employee communication management app Viva Connections : intranet app

: intranet app Viva Engage (formerly Yammer) : enterprise social network app

: enterprise social network app Viva Glint: organization-wide employee feedback/survey app

organization-wide employee feedback/survey app Viva Goals: objective setting and tracking app

objective setting and tracking app Viva Insights : productivity and wellbeing analytics app

: productivity and wellbeing analytics app Viva Learning: learning and development app

learning and development app Viva Pulse: self-service employee feedback app for team leads

Defender : set of enterprise security apps and services, or a security app for consumers

set of enterprise security apps and services, or a security app for consumers Entra : set of enterprise identity and access management tools, includes Entra ID (formerly Azure Active Directory)

set of enterprise identity and access management tools, includes Entra ID (formerly Azure Active Directory) Intune : set of enterprise endpoint management tools

set of enterprise endpoint management tools Priva : set of enterprise data privacy management tools

set of enterprise data privacy management tools Purview: set of enterprise data governance, security, risk, and compliance tools

Valerie Potter contributed to this article.

This article was originally published in May 2018 and updated in September 2024.
European privacy regulator, Data Protection Commission (DPC), has launched an inquiry into Google over its use of the personal data of users in the region, adding to the tech giants growing legal challenges.

In a statement, DPC said that the inquiry focuses on whether Google complied with obligations under GDPR to conduct a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) before processing personal data of EU or EEA individuals in developing its AI model, Pathways Language Model 2 (PaLM 2).

DPIA is a process designed to help data controllers identify and mitigate data protection risks associated with high-risk processing activities. It aims to ensure that the processing is necessary and proportionate and that adequate safeguards are implemented based on the identified risks.
In the 2016 film Frank & Lola, we follow a chef played by Michael Shannon. At one point, he takes part in a sort of audition, in which he must cook a dish of his choice from a limited set of ingredients. He surprises everyone by going with a simple roast chicken, but he has a secret weapon. He has sneaked in a truffle, revealing his skill with foods both simple and gourmet.

If youre familiar with movies about rebels, you might predict that his maverick spirit impresses everyone. Instead, they disqualify him for breaking the rules, and they also mock his roast chicken pick. Then, the movie moves on, never mentioning this audition again.

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In real life, the bold applicant might not get the job. And by trying for it, they might be digging their own grave.

5 A CIA Employees Brilliant Plan for Becoming a Double Agent William Kampiles worked for the CIA, which sounds exciting. It wasnt. His job as a watch officer meant he routed traffic through the office, a job that would be automated after the 1970s ended and offered little-to-no adventure. His real dream was to be a secret operative, a Cold War double agent. And so, he traveled to Greece in 1977, entered the Soviet embassy and sold the Reds a secret spy satellite manual that hed stolen from headquarters. If this were his attempt to become a double agent working for the Soviets, he might have succeeded. Other Americans tried something similar and remained undetected for years. But Kampiles tried this scheme as part of his plan to become a double agent for his own country, working against the Soviets. We only know about the sale because he told the CIA about it, thinking theyd be impressed with the contacts hed forged. via Wiki Commons I also slept with three communists in Athens. Does that help?

No! Instead, he learned that stealing classified material and selling it to the enemy is whats known as a crime. A judge sentenced him to 120 years in prison (he ended up serving less, thanks to concurrent sentencing and parole). The judge could have given him life but chose not to, based on the assumption that anyone whod done something so stupid probably wasnt capable of doing anything like that again.

4 The Artist Who Hung His Own Painting in a Museum Advertisement Next up is another lowly employee who figured he was destined for something better. This was a 51-year-old man who worked at the Pinakothek der Moderne in Munich, an art museum. He was part of the tech team, which meant he installed exhibits and dealt with lighting. Inside him beat the heart of an artist, and he believed his paintings were just as good as some of the nonsense this place put on display. Youve heard the stories, right, about how visitors to museums will mistake anything on display for legit art? How theyll rave at some canvas that turns out to have been painted by a monkey, or theyll gather solemnly around some installation that turns out to be just a drinking fountain? Our tech dude was sure his own art would fare at least as well as those frauds. So, he hung up a piece hed painted himself. It measured two feet by four, and he found a nice spot for it on an otherwise empty wall. Alice Wiegand It's called negative space, dude. It serves a purpose. Staff noticed the new arrival immediately when the museum opened the next morning. They decided to wait till closing to take it down, to avoid impeding normal operations, and this gave them a chance to find out the publics response to the painting. We did not receive any positive feedback on the addition from visitors to the gallery, a museum spokesperson later said. Advertisement The museum fired the employee and also filed criminal charged against him, for drilling holes in the wall to hang the painting. His inability to hang a frame in a non-destructive manner means that besides being an unremarkable painter, he wasnt even an especially artful technician. Advertisement

3 A Maid Broke in to Clean Uninvited You can hire someone to come clean your house, which is nice. But in 2012, Ohio woman Susan Warren figured that she could save clients the trouble of hiring her by entering the home on her own, unsolicited. She broke into a house, while the owners were still inside and asleep, and cleaned the place. Then she left a bill for $75, writing the charge down on a napkin. Traci Lawson Leaving napkins behind is always the mark of a good maid. When police later arrested her, she pointed out that she hadnt stolen anything. There was stuff laying there, she said. I could have cleaned these people out. But I didnt. Its unclear if she meant that as a pun, but if she did, that alone was a reason to press charges. She ended up pleading guilty to attempted burglary and trespassing. Advertisement Note: Its still trespassing if the owners are at home when you enter. In fact, some owners may feel less violated if you wait till theyre out.

2 The Robber Who Quickly Returned Our next applicant lacked that maids restraint. He did rob the place he visited, which was a True Religion store in Syracuse. He walked in one day in 2013 and piled $500 of clothes into shopping bags. Then he walked out without paying, and the employees could do nothing but take a good look at him so they could file a report. Mike Mozart $500 is like four pairs of jeans. Maybe five. He must not have gone far. Less than an hour later, he was back, wearing the same brown striped T-shirt as before. He now asked for a job application. The employees said they recognized him, so he took off before thy could get his name. That means were pretty sure he didnt land the job. Advertisement Advertisement
Saturday Night, Jason Reitmans movie about the frantic behind-the-scenes rush to mount the first ever episode of Saturday Night Live, just screened at the Toronto International Film Festival. It received a rapturous response from audiences, further stoking rumors that it could be a potential Oscar contender, and presumably inspiring hundreds of aspiring screenwriters to begin work on scripts about the early days of MadTV.

Saturday Night is very much a print the legend type of movie, crammed full of infamous SNL anecdotes, often at the expense of the facts. Although, as Reitman admitted during the films introduction, there wasnt always an objective truth to draw from. After interviewing every living person we could find who was in the building on October 11, 1975, from Lorne (Michaels) to NBC pages, Reitman and his writing partner Gil Kenan discovered that all of the stories contradicted each other.

This version of the SNL creation story turns Michaels into an idealistic crusader whos been intentionally set-up to fail by NBC. The network, it seems, greenlit Michaels show purely to screw with Johnny Carson.

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None of this is true, of course. In reality, SNL made it to the air because it was actively championed by NBCs president at the time Herbert Schlosser. Seemingly this contrivance was Reitmans way of creating tension out of a story that we all know the outcome of. And it allowed him to turn Michaels into a Rudy-esque underdog, whose success defied the duplicitous machinations of his corporate overlords.

At first glance, the mythologizing of Saturday Night may seem like a glorified commercial for the SNL brand, conveniently timed to tee-up NBCs 50th anniversary celebration. But beneath the surface, Saturday Night also subtly makes the case that Saturday Night Live may have run its course at this point.

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A big reason why I came away with this almost contradictory interpretation is that Saturday Night rarely finds the Michaels character arguing that Saturday Night (Live) should be on TV because its good  or even funny. Instead, his main selling point is that his show will be different from whats come before. The word revolutionary is used a lot. SNL, Michaels brags, will be a show for the first generation of viewers who grew up watching television.

Regardless of how one feels about the quality of SNL today, its certainly no longer revolutionary. It may have begun as a counter-cultural provocation, but now it exists within a well-established formula. Its decades on the air have made it a comfortably familiar staple of network television. Whatever unpredictable creative alchemy is being celebrated in Saturday Night, its clearly long since dissipated.

Which isnt to say that SNL is bad now necessarily, but the Lorne Michaels of the movie is undeniably fighting against what SNL represents today. Hes very concerned with forging a new era of TV comedy, and leaving behind the older generations dated programming.

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The movie even gives us a scene that could be interpreted as Michaels glimpsing his own future. Midway through the film, Michaels briefly intrudes on the set of a tacky NBC variety show in which Milton Berle is awkwardly shuffling around a stage with a bevy of chorus girls. He spies an elderly producer, slumped in a chair, whos apathetically overseeing the cheesy program. At this point, Michaels seems to have a brief existential crisis, as if haunted by the idea that he too will one day become a passive executive locked into a tired formula.

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But the Michaels of today isnt running around backstage, embracing chaos in the name of artistic progress  hes sipping white wine in his chic office because hes been doing this show for longer than many of us have been alive.

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Instead of watching Milton Berle grope dancers, old Lornes signing off on Elon Musk doing shitty Wario sketches. And say what you will about The Lawrence Welk Show, at least none of its episodes reached the moral and intellectual bankruptcy of the time SNL hosted a network-mandated Donald Trump campaign stop.

Similarly, an unknown Chevy Chase (played by Cory Michael Smith) has a hostile run-in with Berle (J.K. Simmons) and is treated like shit by Uncle Milty, in almost exactly the same manner that Chase would go on to treat so many other young comedians, even future SNL cast members. Again, the movie seems to be slyly reminding us that all of these young upstarts will one day join the establishment, and become part of the very thing they made their careers by rebelling against.

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Even if Michaels were to hand the reins of SNL down one day, his successor would be locked into the shows existing formula. SNL is an institution now, but Saturday Night illustrates this show was at its best when it was all about disrupting institutions.

You (yes, you) should follow JM on Twitter (if it still exists by the time youre reading this).
While most news about Monty Python these days tends to involve bitter financial disputes and long-simmering tensions blowing up on social media, theres at least one recent Python-centric story thats unquestionably heartwarming. And no, we dont mean John Cleeses decision to quit Twitter (which hes already reneged on, by the way).

Theres currently a crowdfunding campaign to raise money to pay for a statue honoring Terry Jones, which is to be erected on the promenade in Colwyn Bay, Wales where the late Monty Python member lived until he was nearly five. Jones, of course, passed away in 2020 due to complications of a rare form of dementia, which he was diagnosed with in 2015  although his death still hasnt stopped him from booking acting jobs.

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The GoFundMe campaign, dubbed A Python on the Prom, seeks to raise 120,000 for the bronze sculpture. Run by Jones family and the Conwy Arts Trust, the campaign was officially launched in Colwyn Bay at a press event featuring Sir Michael Palin and Not-Sir Terry Gilliam.

The other surviving Pythons have lent their support, as well. Eric Idle has been promoting the campaign on social media, as has Cleese, who remarked, I am so delighted that Terry is being immortalized in bronze, although I would have preferred that he be immortalized by not dying. Still, bronze is better than nothing.

In addition to the Pythons, the campaign has been supported by other notable British celebrities, including Steve Coogan and Emma Thompson. Terry Jones was a comic genius to whom I largely owe my survival, Thompson stated. Laughing with him got me through school. I will always be grateful."

Although no details about the final design have been included in the GoFundMe page, it does note that to best reflect a life spent in silliness, it would be fitting for Terry to be represented in character. Okay, but which character? The SPAM restaurateur? The Whizzo chocolate guy? Theyll have to bump up the crowdfunding goal if they want enough bronze to replicate Mr. Creosote from The Meaning of Life.

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The overwhelming consensus amongst fans seems to be that the statue should portray Jones as his nude organist character, which appeared in a number of sketches in Monty Pythons Flying Circus, including Blackmail.

Gilliam pointed out that going with the nude organist could boost local tourism, because people will come here just to rub the bare bottom for good luck.

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At this moment, the campaign has reached nearly half of its total goal. And presumably that number will immediately skyrocket if they confirm that the sculpture will feature partial nudity.

Although, a statue depicting Jones angrily throwing a typewriter at Cleese would be pretty cool too.

You (yes, you) should follow JM on Twitter (if it still exists by the time youre reading this).
The two sitcoms had nothing in common. Well, except one thing

Sitcom crossovers usually make some kind of sense  Laverne and Shirley lived in the same Milwaukee as the Happy Days gang. Lisa Kudrow starred on both Friends and Mad About You. The Simpsons and Family Guy were both animated. But none of that prepared us for the time Ray Barone showed up on The Nanny.

About the only thing those two shows had in common were that both aired on CBS during the 1990s and both featured characters who lived in New York state. So no one saw it coming during Season Five of The Nanny when Fran attended her high school reunion and ran into an unexpected classmate. Standing in the buffet line, she asks a guy in a suit to hand her a piece of quiche. He turns around, and what do you know? Its Raymond.

The jokes are as corny as the quiche. You know, Raymond, giggles Frans pal Val. In high school, I had such a crush on you.

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Fran lets loose with a nasal snort. Well, who didnt? Everybody loved Raymond.

Oh geez.

The sitcom stars exchange the usual reunion pleasantries: Oh, you just had twins, and I dont care how this reunion goes, Im just happy to be out of the house.

That was always you, Ray, says Fran. Funny and fertile.

Really? Ray Barone was always fertile back in high school? Sounds like everybody did love Raymond.

Were only a minute into their interaction before Fran is telling Ray to shove off. Oh boy, Ray, I think you better get back to your table, she says. It looks like your wife is getting a little annoyed that you're talking so long to the two of us.

Shes not jealous, Ray assures them. Hes simply holding her plate of food.

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And thats that  Romano showed up for a minute of screentime and took the rest of the day off. Its not much of a crossover, but hey, it happened. The question is: Why?

Ratings stunt is the obvious answer, but theres another reason Drescher and Romanos characters show up at the same reunion  the comics actually went to the same high school, according to CBR. The Nanny reunion celebrates the graduates of Hillcrest High School, the same high school the comics attended. Both Romano and Drescher graduated in 1975  and strangely, both attended Queens College as well.

The whole thing required a small suspension of disbelief for sitcom superfans. While the character Fran Fine was from Queens  making Hillcrest High a reasonable alma mater  Everybody Loves Raymonds Ray Barone grew up in Long Island.

What the heck, well let it go for the sake of this is bonkers! comedy.
The Booth House, as shown in listing photos, shares many similarities with Philip Johnsons Glass House, although it offers more privacy than the New Canaan property, built three years later. Photo: OneKey

A few years before Philip Johnson designed the Glass House in New Canaan, Connecticut, the modernist architect built the Booth House in Bedford, New York. Completed in 1946, it was Johnsons first residential commission (he built 9 Ash Street in Cambridge for his thesis project), and it shares many design features with its more famous successor  a low-slung structure in a woodland setting with expansive, floor-to-ceiling windows, and an open-floor plan broken up by a large, central brick fireplace. But while the Glass House is now a museum (and pristine), the Booth House, located at 319 Pound Ridge Road, just went up for sale, asking $1.9 million, and it is neither landmarked nor in meticulous condition.

It needs a complete restoration  new windows, a new kitchen. It needs everything, says Melissa Marcogliese, the Compass agent who has the listing. But thats really neither here nor there. The people who are coming to look at it are coming specifically because it was Philip Johnsons first house. I had someone who runs a foundation come to look at it. I had someone call from Japan.

The Bedford, NY, home, as shown in listing photos, requires renovation but retains original architectural elements like the brick fireplace that breaks up the open-floor plan. Photo: OneKey

The house was built as a weekend home for Richard and Olga Booth, a Manhattan couple who rented it out in 1955 to two architects, Sirkka and Robert Damora. The Damoras were part of the modernist-architecture scene, and Robert, an architectural photographer, went on to photograph many well-known modernist homes in the Northeast. At the time they began living in it, Philip Johnson was not yet famous. We were intrigued by it because it was a modern house and we were both in architecture, Sirkka Damora told The Wall Street Journal in 2010. We knew it was Philip Johnsons house but the name didnt mean much at the time.

After the Damoras bought the house in the 1960s, they expanded its 1,450-square-foot, two-bedroom footprint without distorting the clean, modernist form of the Johnson design: digging down to add 900 feet below grade and putting up a separate 800-square-foot studio on the property that Robert used for architectural drafting. They went on to live in the house for five more decades, until 2010, when Sirkka, recently widowed, listed the house for $2 million. But it languished on the market  it was the recession, and the house needed work. Seven years later, the Damora family slashed the price to $1 million, putting out a plea to buyers who would appreciate its significance and restore it rather than tear it down  a fate thats befallen many other modestly sized mid-century masterpieces. It finally sold in 2019 for $1.2 million to an LLC linked to Thomas Rom, a Manhattan art adviser, according to public records.

The house, as shown in listing photos, is located on a wooded, 1.6-acre parcel with an additional 800-square-foot studio. The property includes two other lots as well. Photo: OneKey

Marcogliese said the owner, a group of investors, planned to restore the house and build another house on one of the two separate lots that come with the property. But then they decided to list it instead. The house sits on 1.6 acres, with two other buildable lots of 2.59 acres, bringing it to a total of 4.28 acres.

The hope is once again that a preservation-minded buyer will come along and restore the property, as recently happened with the Wolfhouse in Newburgh. Its very raw, but its still Philip Johnson, says Marcogliese. Its rare.
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WILTON  An eastern Columbia County man was fatally shot in a police shooting on Route 9 in Saratoga Springs Wednesday afternoon following a low-speed vehicle pursuit that began in Malta.

At approximately 4 p.m. Wednesday, state police were attempting to locate James Dellea, 48, of Hillsdale, who had threatened self harm, state police said during a Wednesday evening press conference at their barracks in Wilton.

State troopers located Dellea in the parking lot at Albany-Saratoga Speedway on Route 9 in Malta. They attempted to interview him but he would not exit the vehicle despite multiple commands to do so and fled the scene, according to police.

Dellea eventually pulled over at Bethel Saratoga, 3246 Route 9 in Saratoga Springs, formerly the site of Joe Collins Restaurant, according to police. He was then commanded multiple times again to exit the vehicle but would not do so, police said.

Troopers then said they observed Dellea had a firearm, which he then brandished, police said. One of the troopers subsequently fatally shot Dellea.

No one else was injured in the incident, according to police.

WATCH FULL STATE POLICE STATEMENT:

The name of the trooper who shot Dellea is not being released at this time nor is any information regarding why Dellea was believed to be a threat to harm himself, police said.

The state Attorney Generals Office has been informed of the incident and representatives from the AGs office were on scene Wednesday evening. The office is always notified of the investigation of policed shootings in New York state.

New York State Park Police and Saratoga Springs Police Department assisted Wednesday.

The investigation remains ongoing, but Route 9 between Cherry Choke Road and Kaydeross Avenue East was expected to reopen later Wednesday evening.

EDITORS NOTE  This story includes discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know needs help, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.

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CAPITAL REGION  The first  and potentially only  debate of the 2024 presidential race between former president Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris was 90 minutes of fierce exchanges, glares, some laughs and moments of name-calling.

It was consumed by an estimated 65 million viewers.

Heres a few voices from upstate New York who watched all or some of it Tuesday night.

Mayfield native Nancy Keane believes that Trump had the high ground in the debate, especially on immigration. Trump took frequent jabs at the Biden administrations record on immigration  a hot target for Republicans.

Donald was kind of on his best behavior, said Keane, who currently lives in Gloversville.

Of course, Keane went into the debate with her mind already set. She describes herself as a Trumper.

To show you where my politics lie, I'm moving to Florida. Everything is going out of my house Nov. 1, but I am staying here until [Nov. 7] so that I can go vote, Keane said.

Albany resident Jonathan Aoston Charles had only watched snippets of the debate and an avalanche of content about it on TikTok.

While scootering through Schenectady for Uber Eats, the 34-year-old man said that hes currently split between Harris and Trump. He said he is interested in Trumps economic platform and Harris views on immigration.

I want to watch the whole debate myself and maybe the pieces will fall into place for me, he said.

Hes among one-third of Americans still undecided in the presidential race, according to the Franklin & Marshall College Center for Opinion & Research.

Rotterdam resident Susan Spring said she was entertained by the televised showdown. Political analysts after the showdown say that Trump often appeared on the defensive and looked tired.

I got a text from one of my friends saying, Hes horrible, Im turning it off, Spring said. I couldnt stop watching to see if he would change his expression from a bulldog.

For the last two years, Spring was hopeful that the Democrats would have a new candidate on the ticket in lieu of President Joe Biden. The incumbent president was pressured out of the race in mid-July, less than a month after a rocky debate performance against Trump.

I was very thankful for that, Spring said of the switch-up.

While watching the debate with her husband, Gloversville resident Denise Dickson thought that the ABC moderators repeatedly showed bias against the ex-president. After the debate in the spin room, Trump expressed a similar opinion.

If [Harris] went to Fox News, I think it would be different, she said.

Among both of the candidates, she thought that Trump won on issues such as the economy and immigration  but neither candidate succeeded in getting out their message.

If Election Day fell on Wednesday, Dickson said that she would only vote on the down ballot races.

Her, I dont know at all, and him  hes done some crooked things that I dont like and some things that I do, Dickson said.

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LOBAMBA  Senator Lizzie Nkosi says since 2009, the country has been launching audits on the acquisition and distribution of drugs to public health facilities but no solution.

The former minister of Health made this assertion while motivating her motion, which requests the Minister of Finance, Neal Rijkenberg, to submit to Senate the forensic audit into the acquisition and distribution of medicines to public health facilities in Eswatini - executive summary findings. To move that the Minister of Finance, pursuant to Section 207 (5) of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Eswatini Act No.001 of 2005, submits to Senate the forensic audit into the acquisition and distribution of medicines to public health facilities in Eswatini - executive summary findings.

The minister should submit the forensic audit within seven days after the adoption of this motion, reads the motion. While motivating her motion, the senator highlighted that in the 9th Parliament, between 2008 and 2009, government through the Ministry of Health, launched an audit that was carried out by KPMG and zoomed into the Phalala fund. Subsequent to that was another forensic audit that was carried out by Ernst and Young which was also carried out in the 9th administration. The Global Fund, as relayed by the senator, also conducted their own audit of their investments at the Central Medical Stores (CMS) and found no wrongdoing, where their money was concerned but referred to all system changes that needed to be implemented as recommended by the Ernst and Young forensic audit.



The senator also highlighted that the 10th Parliament looked at the same thing and established the Prince Sikelela Commission to investigate CMS matters. The commission recommended expansion of the Pharmacy Cadre at CMS to manage the work and recommendations were not fully implemented. Even though the senator did not highlight it, it should be mentioned that the 11th Parliament came in and found huge arrears of E800 million, which were shared with the Ministry of Finance who also found E200 million additional arrears and began to work on reducing these as per the report that was tabled by Nkosi while she was still the minister of Health.



Subsequent to that, was the engagement of Funduzi Forensic Services, which was tasked to perform forensic audit procedures into the entire cycle of ordering, purchasing, payment, delivery and supply of medicines and drugs to public health facilities in the country. Nkosi mentioned that it was of paramount importance for the minister of Finance to submit the summary findings of the report for the senators to appreciate, so that a lasting solution on the acquiring and distribution of drugs to public hospitals and clinics could be found, which would put a stop to the audits in the same area for multiple years.

For the past 15 years, government has been launching audits on the acquiring and distribution of drugs to public hospitals and clinics and it is high time we find a lasting solution to this and do away with the audits in every administration, she said. Nkosi said the senators have to look at all the recommendations made in the different audits to appreciate what the challenges are and then derive a strategy that would act as a long term solution to all the challenges. Senator Princess Ncengencenge submitted that making submissions on the motion of Nkosi would not be right because the minister was yet to table the report in Senate and deliberating on it before its tabling would be off beam.

Finance minister ready to table report

lobamba  The Minister of Finance, Neal Rijkenberg, said he was more than ready and comfortable to table the report in Senate.

The minister in his response, said the report could be tabled in the next seven days as requested by the senator. He said that there was nothing wrong in doing that. It was called for in the House of Assembly and it was tabled and if the Senate wants to have it tabled, we have no problem in doing that. We are more than comfortable to table it, he said.

Measures



It should be mentioned that while she was minister of Health, Nkosi was requested by the 11th Parliament. current Minister of Heath Mduduzi Matsebula moved that the minister, within seven days of passing of the then motion, submit a report to the House narrating the measures the ministry has or will put in place to resolve the health crisis facing the country, paying attention to the following:

Shortage of human resources and equipment in public clinics and hospitals

Shortage of medical supplies in public clinics and hospitals

Shortage of linen and bedding in public hospitals

Shortage of transport and fuel

The creation of a contingency reserve of medical supplies of strategic importance

In her response at the time, Nkosi highlighted that the ministry was recommending that they make CMS to be semi-autonomous to secure their investments
MBABANE  The liquidator responsible for the Swaziland Women Economic Empowerment Trust (SWEET) is reportedly addressing 2 240 disputed claims, in line with prescribed liquidation processes.

According to a statement released by the Central Bank of Eswatini (CBE), at least 1 617 out of the 1 750 undisputed claims in the SWEET liquidation process have been settled.

What is important to mention is that on December 7, 2022, High Court Judge Mzwandile Fakudze, issued a final order placing SWEET under liquidation and appointing Moazam Ali Fakey, as the liquidator.According to the CBE, during a recent verification process, it was discovered that some of the information provided, such as bank account details and mobile money numbers was incorrect and/or outdated.



This has necessitated additional verification steps and resubmissions, which we are currently working on, the bank stated. What is important to note is that on December 7, 2022, High Court Judge Mzwandile Fakudze, issued a final order placing SWEET under liquidation and appointing Moazam Ali Fakey, as the liquidator. Further, the bank states that it has also been established that during the country-wide payments verification exercise, several fraudulent claims were lodged. This has called for stringent diligence and data verification on individual claims; and dealing with these together with legitimate claims has regrettably caused the delays experienced in finalising the payment process of undisputed claims, the bank stated.

During this time, the liquidator and CBE have asked for patience, understanding and cooperation from depositors who lodged objections, to allow for a transparent and equitable assessment of their claims. The bank assures the public that claims falling under this category that qualify for payments, will be paid in due course, based on the evidence provided.



empowerment



SWEET Microfinance (PTY) LTD was established in April 2015, registered under certificate of incorporation No. 2235/2014. It was founded as part of the national economic empowerment initiatives arising from the Eswatini Womens Decade Plan of Action of 2010.An investigation conducted by the Central Bank and the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) into the affairs of SWEET, revealed that criminal activities were allegedly perpetrated by the management of SWEET Microfinance. This followed complaints from members who had long been demanding the return of their funds, without success.
Working Britain is in serious trouble. A shocking new report has revealed that tens of thousands of graduates are leaving university  only to join the ranks of Britains ever-growing numbers of long-term sick.

Some 2.8million people in this country are currently inactive due to chronic illness, up 700,000 since Covid-19. And the problem is getting worse.

People aged 16 to 24 are in the prime of life. They should be launching into their careers, starting to grow their nest eggs and grabbing at life with all the energy that youth affords. But now they are the fastest-growing group among those languishing on sickness benefits.

What is wrong with them? Has some terrible new disease struck the young as Spanish Flu did in the aftermath of the First World War?

Some 2.8million people in this country are currently inactive due to chronic illness, up 700,000 since Covid-19

Hardly. The dramatic acceleration in these figures is being driven largely as a result of an explosion of mental health problems in the wake of the pandemic.

It is bad enough to consider the sheer wretchedness of these young lives wasting away on benefits, of languishing on the sofa and  often, no doubt  with punishing amounts of student debt.

But the impact on the wider economy is more devastating still. The cost of sickness benefits to the taxpayer is set to spiral to as much as 64 billion by the end of the year.

It is, in short, a scandal and ministers should be dealing with it as a priority.

The new report, produced by the NHS Confederation and Boston Consulting Group, explains that reversing even part of the impact of long-term sickness would save the country 19.5 billion a year by the end of the decade. That would virtually clear Chancellor Rachel Reevess alleged 22 billion black hole overnight. The boost to the wider economy would be even greater, at almost 63 billion.

Liz Kendall, the Work and Pensions Secretary, believes that spiralling inactivity is the greatest employment challenge for a generation. Reversing it, she claims, is central to Labours plans to boost growth.

But my fear is that, however well-intentioned, the new government will never properly tackle the root cause of this deepening malaise. With its Leftist tendencies, and willingness to jump on every fashionable bandwagon, I dont believe they will ever confront the driving force behind the crisis: what I call the medicalisation of childhood.

This is the way in which everyday problems  loneliness, shyness, nervousness are increasingly being diagnosed as pathologies in need of invasive treatment, rather than seen as a part and parcel of ordinary life.

No doubt the pandemic, with its cruel and unusual lockdowns, has played its part in this surge in youthful depression, anxiety, OCD and countless other psychological maladies. But the trend began long before.

In the decades immediately after the war, self-reliance was seen as a virtue. Young people were urged, often forcefully, to learn to cope with the inevitable difficulties of life: grief, illness, loss. Their parents, who had known true hardship, had no truck with moaning minnies.

From the late 1970s, however, children were increasingly portrayed as especially vulnerable to emotional damage. Society became obsessed with the idea that mental illness was often a common feature of growing up, where, in fact, it has always been rare.

Of course, any child who has suffered a truly traumatic upbringing, such as one involving neglect or sexual or physical abuse, deserves every protection and every help from the State. But in recent years, ever larger numbers of children have come to be diagnosed with psychiatric and psychological illnesses thanks to the inventive powers of the booming therapeutic industry  not to mention drug companies all too eager to synthesise mind-changing substances for one modish condition or another.

When the young behave in ways that veer from the norm, society no longer calls them unruly or troublesome but slaps them with a medical label. Confused or insecure children are diagnosed as depressed or suffering from trauma. Energetic or disruptive youngsters are invariably presumed to be suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Truculent pupils find themselves labelled with oppositional defiant disorder. Pupils worried about their tests are diagnosed with exam stress. Children who simply dont like going to school might even be told they have school phobia.

Even a teenager who falls in love is seen by some psychologists as potentially experiencing mental illness, with some alleged professionals claiming that love sickness is a genuine disease that needs more awareness.

In this dispiriting context, is it any wonder that so many young people believe themselves to be seriously mentally unwell and far too ill, certainly, to get a job?

Britains bloated population on long-term sickness benefits  one in 15 people of working age is currently out of work due to alleged chronic illness  is an international outlier. That figure is 69 per cent higher than in Germany and more than double the level in Italy.

To me, these figures demonstrate just how normalised mental illness has become here and how a significant proportion of young people have been taught to see themselves as sick. Social media has certainly played a role here, with irresponsible influencers, many with enormous followings, promoting everything from anorexia to self-harm and even suicide.

But the wider mental health establishment bears just as much responsibility.

It will not have escaped your notice that todays youth, mirroring the diagnoses they are often slapped with, readily communicate in the language of the psychiatrists couch.

They describe ordinary feelings associated with the ups and downs of life as stress, trauma and depression. They speak of boundaries. They diagnose their parents and anyone else they dont like as narcissists. They shun toxic people, who may or may not gaslight them. They catastrophise, they seek to unpick repression and overcome their denial, while nurturing their inner child.

All this naked self-indulgence is becoming a public health crisis. It is making young people more fragile, not more resilient  more prone to see themselves as victims and less as capable adults.

And it is a self-fulfilling prophecy. Tell children that they are likely to suffer stress, trauma and depression when doing their exams and many will experience precisely that.

I do not deny that many young people do sadly suffer from debilitating mental health problems such as schizophrenia and psychosis (the increasing preponderance of illegal drugs plays a large part here).

What I am saying is that we are encouraging our young to think of themselves as suffering from health problems when they are not.

And until sensible people stand up to this tyranny, the number of long-term ill will continue to rise, we will all grow poorer  and future generations will be betrayed.
Senior ministers sat alongside Sir Keir Starmer at PMQs and you'd have thought they'd just seen their sandcastles washed away by a wave. Such glumness!

Rachel Reeves  wan, almost immobile  could have been a woman in shock. Looked as if she might be sick at any moment.

No wonder her neighbour Yvette Cooper was so pinched by worry.

Steve Reed, Environment Secretary, stared balefully at the middle distance, violence on a hair-trigger.

If you saw a bloke like that on public transport you might sense something was 'not quite right' and feel disposed to telephone the 'See It. Say It. Sorted.' hotline.

At the despatch box, Sir Keir was doing his best to parry Rishi Sunak's criticisms of his winter fuel allowance cut; Lisa Nandy, Culture Secretary, radiated only anxiety. Eyes agog, she chewed one cheek so much that it yanked her entire face to one side.

Sir Keir Starmer stands at the despatch box during Prime Minister's Questions on September 11. Rachel Reeves (right) could have been a woman in shock

The Prime Minister tries his best to parry Rishi Sunak 's criticisms of his winter fuel allowance cut

Scotland Secretary Ian Murray scowled behind a beard-in-progress. Lucy Powell, our not entirely scintillating Leader of the Commons, did some double-blinking.

Lame Lucy would not be everyone's first choice for a University Challenge team.

Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens whispered urgent tactical advice to Sir Keir behind one of her palms.

Angela Rayner bellowed insults at the Tories. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood repeatedly flexed and unflexed both sets of fingers.

Wes Streeting kept any enthusiasm off his September-suntanned chops before sliding out early. The Chief Whip tussled with some indigestion.

And Rachel Reeves' sister Ellie, minister without portfolio, watched the Prime Minister with a distinct twitch in her left eyebrow.

I have not noticed that tic before. What on earth was wrong with them? They have just won a landslide victory and they face five years of near-unlimited power.

No one wants cockiness, but you might have thought they'd ooze a little more confidence in the brilliance of their cunning plans. Wouldn't they? Or are those policies not as good as they claimed?

As for Ellie Reeves, her husband, John Cryer, was introduced to the House of Lords this week and is now Lord Cryer of Leyton. Not bad for a former reporter on the communist Morning Star.

Ellie is now Lady Cryer. Cheer up, yer ladyship!

Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens (right) whispered urgent tactical advice to Sir Keir behind one of her palms

Racheel Reeves (right) is congratulated by her sister Ellie Reeves (left) at the Labour Party Conference in 2021

Ellie Reeves's (pictured) husband John Cryer was introduced to the House of Lords this week and is now Lord Cryer of Leyton

A lowly whip, Genevieve Kitchen, stood next to the Speaker's chair and started waving her arms at the government benches to try to generate some enthusiasm. She would have had an easier time defrosting coley fillets.

Television floor managers face much the same task with studio audiences during the recording of network game shows.

They are at least equipped with placards saying 'APPLAUSE' and 'LAUGHTER'.

A few backbenchers noticed Ms Kitchen's desperate signal-from-shore gesticulations and started mooing support for Sir Keir, but their limited enthusiasm did not spread to the front bench's dismal dozen.

First question of the session went to Torsten Bell (Lab, Swansea West), that tight-bottomed know-all who used to work for the Leftish Resolution Foundation and was often used in BBC interviews as a supposedly neutral commentator.

Mr Bell made a Horlicks of his big moment and went on for so long that the Speaker, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, intervened.

The Speaker is a kindly man and will normally give newcomers the benefit of the doubt, but he spotted that Mr Bell was pouting and shaking his head in disagreement.

Oops. It is never wise to show dissent to a Speaker.

Something snapped in Sir Lindsay and he refused to let the little twerp complete his question. Mr Bell turned a shade of pink. Plainly not accustomed to being put in his place.

Amanda Martin (Lab, Portsmouth North) paid tribute to the Royal Navy helicopter instructor who died in a crash off the aircraft carrier Queen Elizabeth.

First question of the session went to Swansea West MP Torsten Bell (pictured), that tight-bottomed know-all who used to work for the Leftish Resolution Foundation

Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle during Prime Minister's Questions on September 4, 2024

Amanda Martin (Lab, Portsmouth North) paid tribute to the Royal Navy helicopter instructor Rhodri Leyshon (pictured) who died in a crash off the aircraft carrier Queen Elizabeth

Sir Keir, trying to echo it, contrived to say 'lootenant' in the American manner.

Nigel Farage (Reform, Clacton) had a question.

In the chamber he was not easy to hear, but apparently it was about early-release lags throwing parties outside prison gates. At least someone's cheerful.
While Keir Starmer talks about re-imagining the NHS, medical researchers have discovered a novel method for reducing recovery times:

Send in the clowns.

Seriously-ill children in hospital with pneumonia responded more quickly to treatment if they were visited by medical clowns twice a day.

After being entertained at their bedsides with music and laughter, they needed a third fewer antibiotics and could be discharged within 43.5 hours, compared with three days for the average pneumonia patient.

Holby City will resemble something from Billy Smarts Circus, with Ronald McDonald lookalikes flinging hospital-food custard pies at each other, writes Richard Littlejohn

The findings, based on a trial in Israel, were presented to a prestigious European medical conference and no doubt are already being studied closely by NHS chiefs.

With the health service under pressure to cut waiting times and free up hospital beds, it can only be a matter of time before a similar scheme is adopted here.

Holby City will resemble something from Billy Smarts Circus, with Ronald McDonald lookalikes prat-falling and flinging hospital-food custard pies at each other.

Patients suffering from dehydration will be supplied with drinking water dispensed from a giant flower on a clowns lapel.

Think Im joking? When it happens, remember you read it here first. The NHS is in thrall to the latest gimmicks, whether that involves sending patients to line-dancing classes or issuing herrings on prescription to cut the number of heart attacks. (Yes, really.)

This weeks money-no-object plan is to give fashionable Ozempic-style weight-loss jabs to children as young as six. It would be much cheaper to send in the clowns.

Health service bureaucrats are always looking for the next best thing, rather than attending to the basics. They climb on any passing bandwagon to offer an ever-expanding range of expensive, non-essential treatments.

Meanwhile, the original purpose of the NHS gets lost in the flood as waiting lists hit seven million, cancer patients go undiagnosed and A&E is overwhelmed daily.

In his new report on the NHS, former health minister and surgeon Lord Darzi warns that the health service is in a critical condition. Hospitals are doing less work despite being given more money.

Survival rates from cancers in our world-class NHS are lagging way behind those in Western Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the U.S.

Routine appointments are cancelled at the last minute, its almost impossible to get a same-week, let alone same-day GP appointment, and A&E is a war zone.

A relative of mine recently had major, life-prolonging surgery. After a week recuperating on a post-op ward, they were discharged. The hospital needed the bed and they were happy to be home.

(Im using they not in the trans sense, but because Ive chosen not to disclose their identity.)

A few days later, there were complications. Ill spare you the gory details, but they had to be re-admitted. Arriving back at hospital, they were forced to sit in a wheelchair for 15 hours and only offered a single hot drink before being assessed.

This was at a hospital in East Anglia, but it could have been anywhere. You come across similar stories several times every day.

A couple of weeks ago, I rang an old mate of mine for a catch-up. When he answered his mobile, it turned out he was in Bristol hospital after being admitted with kidney problems. He was on a trolley in a corridor and had been there for the past eight hours.

Listen to any radio phone-in, or scan a newspaper letters page and you will be bombarded with similar, horrifying tales. These are not exceptions, theyre the rule.

So when Starmer says the NHS is at a crossroads and must reform or die, hes not kidding. But, I wouldnt hold your breath, apart from Wes Streetings welcome plans for more local involvement in primary care - especially our excellent pharmacies, many of whom are now threatened with being forced out of business because of NHS parsimony

Good luck with that, Wes. Weve lost more than 1,000 independent dispensing pharmacies since 2017.

No government, and certainly not this incompetent, arrogant, far-Left Labour rabble, will grasp the nettle, admit that the 1940s nationalised model is kaput and move to more efficient, mixed, insurance-based provision.

Theres not another country on earth with a health service which replicates our world-class NHS. Or would dream of so doing.

(I can only speak for the exemplary care my late mum received under the much-maligned American system, which saved her life and extended it by almost 15 years.)

Yet politicians of all stripes are frightened to do anything about the NHS other than tinker at the margins.

Sir Keir Starmer and Health Secretary Wes Streeting visit University College London Hospital this week

Starmer is long on rhetoric but short on genuine reform. Most of it has been tried before and will founder in the teeth of both union and management intransigence.

The big problem is that the NHS, despite its quasi-religious status, is in essence just another clapped-out nationalised industry, like now-defunct British Leyland and British Steel in the 1960s and 1970s.

Its run for the benefit not of the patients, but for the people who work in it. The management is self-serving and the unions will fight any change tooth and nail. Theyre already kicking back against Starmers vague, modest proposals. He says hell take them on but, trust me, he wont.

Yet neither the bloated NHS bureaucracy nor the doctors, nurses or ancillary unions are ever blamed for the failures of the system.

Its always the fault of politicians and the lack of resources. While accepting that the NHS is broken, Starmer still couldnt resist blaming the Tories, even though the last government hosed down the health service with cash, to the tune of a mind-boggling 165 billion last year.

He conveniently overlooked the fact that it was Labour which gave GPs bumper pay rises and relieved them of the arduous task of working weekends and evenings. Labour also adopted European working directives which put extra pressure on NHS rotas.

One of the first acts of this Labour government was to bung junior doctors a 22 per cent salary increase without asking for anything in return.

These paragons of medical ethics were so intent on first doing no harm that they spent most of the past two years on strike - and are already threatening to do so again unless Labour stuffs their mouths with even more gold.

Despite the heroic efforts of dedicated, often low-paid, front-line staff, especially during Covid, the whole edifice is crumbling, quite literally in the shape of some surgeries and hospital buildings.

Yet as far as the entrenched bureaucrats who run the NHS are concerned, re-imagining involves, as John Lennon didnt sing, imagining theres no patients. Why are they never held to account?

Amanda Pritchard has been chief executive of NHS England since 2021. She has 32 executive and non-executive directors. What the hell have they been doing for the past three years while the service they are paid handsomely to administer has been going even further down the gurgler?

Now that Labour is promising a new broom, can we expect all those directly responsible for the failures of the past and present, not to mention the squandering of billions of pounds of taxpayers money, to be sacked? Starting with Pritchard. What do you think?

If this was any privately run enterprise, shed have been shown the door already, along with the rest of the time-servers standing in the way of progress and genuine reform.

But this is the reality of the NHS. No one is ever accountable, even as patients die prematurely and suffer on waiting lists and trolleys in hospital corridors.

Send in the clowns? Dont bother, theyre here.
The latest Netflix crime docuseries is set to unravel the chilling true story of a tenacious mom who desperately sought justice after daughter Aundria Bowman - whom she put up for adoption - disappeared.

The streaming giant released the documentary titled Into The Fire: The Lost Daughter earlier today with true crime enthusiasts rushing to tune in after the teaser trailer left them on the edge of their seats.

The documentary tells the story of Cathy Terkanian who gave daughter Aundria - born Alexis Badger - up for adoption when she was nine months old.

Aundria was then taken in by Dennis and Brenda Bowman when she was 21 months old, however, her forever home turned out to be much more sinister than it appeared - and at the age of 14, Aundria went missing.

Previously considered a runaway, it wasn't until Cathy received a letter informing her that her beloved daughter hadn't been seen in 35 years that the chilling truth came to light.

The latest Netflix crime docuseries is set to unravel the chilling true story of a tenacious mom who desperately sought justice after daughter Aundria Bowman (seen) - whom she put up for adoption - disappeared

It tells the story of Cathy Terkanian who gave her daughter Aundria - born Alexis Badger - up for adoption when she was nine months old

As Cathy read the letter, she felt her blood run cold as her mind raced through the possibilities about the terrifying fate that her daughter may have met.

Determined to find answers, she enlisted the help of an amateur sleuth and police officers before embarking on a decade-long quest to discover how her daughter had vanished without a trace.

The Netflix docu-series unearths the heartbreaking journey Cathy went on to find the truth and the morbid answers she discovered.

Into the Fire: The Lost Daughter is produced by Jessica Hargrave, Matt Maher, and Charlize Theron. Ryan White directed and helped to produce it as well.

The truth behind Aundria's shocking disappearance came to light in 2020 when it was revealed that her adoptive father had been molesting her.

Now, FEMAIL has lifted the lid on all there is to know about the eerie story of Aundria and a mother's desperate search to find answers.

What happened to Aundria Bowman?

On March 11, 1989, Aundria went missing, she was just 14 years old at the time

At just nine months old, Aundria was put up for adoption by biological mother Cathy.

She was adopted at 21 months old by Brenda and Dennis Bowman in Hamilton, Michigan.

On March 11, 1989, Aundria went missing, she was just 14 years old at the time.

Decades passed and no one batted an eye at her disappearance and she was considered to be a runaway.

After her daughter had been missing for 35 years, Cathy received a letter informing her of the horrifying news.

Not being able to accept that her child was a runaway, Cathy embarked on a mission to discover the facts.

However, the horrifying truth came to light in 2020 when Aundria's adoptive father confessed to murdering her and burying her body in their backyard.

Having maintained that his daughter was a runaway for two decades, Dennis finally confessed to the reasoning behind the teen vanishing all those years ago.

He confessed that he had killed Aundria after she confronted him about having molested her and threatened to report him.

Decades past and no one batted an eye at her disappearance and she soon became considered a runaway

However, the horrifying truth came to light in 2020 when Aundria's adoptive father confessed to murdering her and burying her body in their backyard

A fiery argument erupted and Dennis slapped the 14-year-old, prompting her to fall down the stairs, ultimately leading to her death.

Aundria's adoptive mother, Brenda, testified in court that her child had confided in her about the molestation she had been experiencing.

However, at the time, she thought Aundria was lying.

In 2020, Dennis told his wife the truth about the daughter - adding that after she died, he 'put her in a box and put her out with the trash.'

Local authorities revealed that Dennis shared the truth about his daughter's disappearance and confessed to hitting her, causing her fatal fall down the stairs.

Investigators then discovered the skeletal remains of Aundria in a shallow grave in the yard of the Bowman's home.

The confession came to light when Dennis was behind bars for the rape and murder of a woman in 1980.

Dennis spent years avoiding suspicion around his daughter's disappearance as well his history of violent crimes

Who is Dennis Bowman?

Dennis spent years avoiding suspicion around his adoptive daughter's disappearance as well his history of violent crimes.

In 1980, Dennis raped and murdered 25-year-old Kathleen Doyle, the wife of a US Navy pilot.

However, he only became tied to the case after DNA genealogy analysis tests in 2019.

After pleading guilty to Kathleen's rape and murder, he began serving two consecutive life sentences.

While locked up, he confessed to the murder of Aundria while speaking to his wife.

Dennis confessed in a February 2020 phone call that he had buried her body in the backyard of their home in Hamilton, she said.

Brenda said he had moved the body with them when they moved from the house in Holland - where they were living when the teen disappeared - to their current home in 1989.

He said he moved her body 'as soon as we signed papers on the land,' she testified.

'He was talking something about so near, so far - right under your nose - and I said, "What the heck are you talking about?" And he says, "Aundria, she's buried in the backyard,"' she said.

She added: 'He told me she was out under the cement slab, left hand corner, front. He didn't lie to me this time.'

While locked up, he confessed to the murder of Aundria while speaking to his wife

His prison phone call confession led investigators to make the grim discovery of Aundria's dismembered remains in February 2020.

Brenda said Aundria was 'rebellious' and had previously claimed Bowman sexually abused her, but said she hadn't believed her, reported The Holland Sentinel.

'She told me one morning that dad had molested her. And I looked at her and told her, "That's a lie, and you know it."'

Michigan State Police detective Todd Workman told the court that Dennis confessed in a police interview that he got in a fight with Aundria when she said she would accuse him of sexual assault.

Dennis said he arrived home and found Aundria with a duffel bag packed to leave.

When Dennis tried to stop her leaving, the teen reportedly told him she would report him for molesting her.

His prison phone call confession led investigators to make the grim discovery of Aundria's dismembered remains in February 2020

Dennis said he pushed or punched her and she fell down the stairs.

He said his daughter was still alive and moaning at first but then her eyes went 'like dolls eyes' and she died.

The killer then claimed he wrapped her body in tarp and left her in their barn until they moved.

Aundria was last seen alive on March 11, 1989. Dennis and Brenda reported her missing but the case went cold.

Questions about Aundria's disappearance resurfaced in 2019 when he was arrested for Kathleen's rape and murder.

He was sentenced to 35 to 50 years for the murder of his daughter, meaning he will die in prison.
After getting settled in the 650 square-foot home, they couldn't be happier

They ultimately found an adorable cottage in Vermont that they fixed up

A couple decided to leave their cramped Brooklyn studio behind for a cozy cottage on a sprawling estate in rural Vermont.

Taylor and Tatum Barnes were sick of living in a 'roach-infested box' despite loving the people and atmosphere of New York City, said Tatum in a YouTube video.

After falling in love with the Upper Valley area of Vermont on a road trip, they ultimately found an adorable home in the area for $160,000 that they quickly snatched up, as they explained to Business Insider.

The house was a one-bedroom, one-bathroom fixer upper, but the couple was down for the challenge of renovating the address in the tiny town of Pomfret, which has a population of 864 and is 30 minutes from Burlington.

Taylor and Tatum Barnes were sick of living in a 'roach-infested box' in Brooklyn, so they decided to snatch up a quaint home in rural Vermont for $160,000

The couple moved from NYC to the cottage in the town of Pomfret, Vermont, and have since welcomed their first child, Rafael, to their family

'I thought it would be perfect for us,' Taylor, an artist, told the outlet.

The 650-square-foot abode was being used as an office for a local business, and hadn't served as a residence in at least a decade.

But all the couple saw was its potential as long-term home for their growing family - with now-toddler son Rafael still a twinkle in his mom's eye by move-in day.

'I saw the beauty of the natural lighting, there was a lot of sunlight. There are a lot of neat details with the wood and the cabinets which I thought were really cute. And then, mostly, the outdoor space was what we wanted,' Taylor continued.

It also came with a generous 2.6 acres of land.

For the renovation itself, they decided to hire a carpenter while Tatum also took on some of the work himself.

First thing was to fix the sliding glass door and its frame leading to their porch.

'With winter fast approaching, we absolutely had to take care of that in the first months of us getting here,' he reasoned.

The 650-square-foot abode was being used as an office for a local business and hadn't been used as a residence for at least a decade prior

It had required some renovations but nothing too crazy - and is now a cozy home for the family of three

The home also comes with a generous 2.6 acres of land

They also decided to offload some of their power consumption by investing in solar grids.

'I think it's a good investment since we'll save a lot of money over time. And I think it's an indication that we intend to be here for the long run,' added Tatum of the decision.

As another money-saving measure, pretty much everything they own has been thrifted or gifted to them - or otherwise acquired sans cost.

They also manage a campsite on their property that generates another income stream.

In any case, their mortgage on the idyllic property is still only half of what they paid for rent back in Brooklyn.

It's estimated that single people must make at least $140,000 to live 'comfortably' in New York City, while a family of four must make at least $318,000, according to BI.

As for connecting with their community, the dynamics are rather different the Big Apple.

'In New York City, we're not waving at everyone we pass by because if you did that, you'd go insane. It's too many people, and not everyone is your friend there,' Tatum pointed out.

Pretty much all of the items in the house are thrifted, gifted, or otherwise sourced for free

Now that Rafael is two, bringing him to various activities has also facilitated meeting people in the area

'But here in Vermont, everyone waves at you, and you learn to wave back. It's very friendly and very welcoming.'

Their closest neighbors are across the street, rather than across the hall or even beyond a shared wall - also allowing for much more privacy.

Because they made the move during the pandemic, there was a delay in connecting with everyone in the area - but they've since crossed that hurdle and are friendly with many other residents of their town.

And, now that Rafael is two, bringing him to various activities has also facilitated meeting people in the area.

'The pace here is slower, but that doesn't mean that we're not running around, trying to get him from play date to day care and back to work. I just can't imagine how we'd pull it off in New York,' said Tatum.

'We met other parents and families through playgroups and things like that, and got to know our neighbors more,' Taylor, who is originally from Pennsylvania, chimed in.

'I lived in New York City for about four years, and it's something that I knew I wouldn't be able to sustain long-term in terms of the sensory overwhelm and the pace of life,' she added.
If youve tried to get a plumber, builder or electrician to your property in the last 12 months youll know how difficult it is to find one, never mind find one that has availability.

Thats because Britains construction sector is booming, with a return to growth expected in 2025, and as a result, 251,500 extra workers (50,300 per year) will be needed to meet output.

This signifies an increase from the 2023-27 outlook, where it was estimated that 44,890 additional workers per year were needed.

Additionally, the major sectors in demand are private housing, infrastructure, and repair and maintenance.

Britains construction sector is booming, with a return to growth expected in 2025, and as a result, 251,500 extra workers (50,300 per year) will be needed to meet output

And if these figures cannot be met, it will prevent new housing targets from being met, further escalating the UKs chronic housing shortagecompared to other European countries, the UK has a backlog of approximately four million homes missing from the housing market.

Why the disconnect?

Despite the fact that tradespeople in the UK can command promising salaries of up to 41,876 per year on average, a massive part of the shortage problem is lack of recruitment into the sector.

According to the ONS (Office for National Statistics), 20 per cent of the construction workforce were aged 55 and over in 2011. Additionally, there was a 13 per cent increase in the numbers of workers aged 45 years and over in the construction industry between 1991 and 2011.

Separate YouGov data has uncovered that almost 7 in 10 adults wouldnt even think about joining the construction sector, only 3 per cent think construction is an important sector to work in, 3 per cent think construction is well-paid and again, only 3 per cent would be impressed with construction as a career if discussed.

When it comes to younger people about to embark on their careers, the situation is just as stark: 77 per cent of full-time students aged between 18 and 24 would not consider a career in construction, further magnifying the skills gap.

Investment in training and apprenticeships is one way to create a pipeline of skilled workers now and in the future

Building blocks

So, what can the government do to curtail the problem and pave the way for a more stable future within the sector?

Investment in training and apprenticeships is one way to create a pipeline of skilled workers now and in the future.

It takes between two and four years to train as an electrician, and while a traditional plumber apprenticeship takes up to four years, a fast-track plumbing course takes between four and 16 weeks to complete.

Construction apprenticeships often take between one and five years to complete, and as an entry-level apprentice, you can pursue one or more building specialisations, including bricklaying, construction design, and quantity surveying.

Facilitating overseas workers is another strategy that could encourage skilled workers from around the globe to relocate to the UK in an effort to bridge the gap (foreign-born workers made up over a fifth of the employed population in 2024).

Currently, the skilled worker visa lasts up to five years, and workers must have a job lined up and have secured sponsorship through an employer. It is also financially prohibitive in that the application itself costs from 719 to 1,639, (this is reduced to 719 to 1,420 for certain job titles) with an additional healthcare surcharge of 1,035 per year.

Applicants must also be able to prove they have 1,270 available in savings to cover their cost of living when they first arrive.

Whether youre looking for your first job or want to pivot to a new area, head to the Mail Jobs Board today
When both our children had left for university, the silence was at first a little bewildering. My husband and I found ourselves feeling nonplussed and talking a lot to the dogs.

Slowly, though, we began to remember the joys of actual conversation, of listening to our music, of walking around the house naked. Then there was the pure pleasure of a long uninterrupted lie-in and the delight of doing exactly what we wanted with our weekends.

My husband, Anthony, and I had two glorious years before our eldest, 23-year-old Adelaide, asked to move back home  with Alex, her university boyfriend in tow. The fact she now came as a pair meant the dynamic was very different to before she went away.

When they moved into our London terraced home last September, we became an inter-generational household, rather than two parents and their adult child. We solemnly set up a WhatsApp group to discuss house matters as equals, and tried not to slip into bossy parental habits.

Susannah Jowitt is not alone as figures show that 50 per cent of 23-year-olds in the UK live with their parents

And it seems we are far from alone in having to negotiate this new set-up. Thanks to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, soaring rents and untenable mortgage rates, a record 50 per cent of 23-year-olds in the UK live with their parents. There are dozens of hilarious online articles and posts in which twenty-somethings wail about the hideousness of trying to have sex without being 'caught' or overheard by parents, and their general annoyance at having to explain their whereabouts to said parents as if they were still children.

But God forbid anyone ever ponder what it's like for the poor put-upon parents  not least what it does to our sex life (yes, we do still have sex in our 50s. Cue vomit emojis from offspring the world over).

In fact, it seems to me we're the ones who are really having to trim our sails in the bedroom.

These days sex is a covert operation. We sneak around, careful to do everything behind closed doors; we keep the volume down and avoid the creaky parts (of furniture). We also grab opportunities in the afternoon (we both work from home, while the young ones go to an office), parking the dogs at the front door to alert us of any incomers.

I find myself wistful for those missed opportunities during the two golden empty nest years: all those evenings when we could have sloped upstairs for an early night, but instead sat rapt in front of Traitors. And we never did christen the new kitchen island . . .

It was over a year ago that Adelaide called, just before her finals, at a time when I would have promised her the moon if it lowered her exam anxiety levels, and asked if she could move back home.

Susannah Jowitt says her daughter moving in with her boyfriend helped her marriage

Of course, I said, that's what home means  stupidly forgetting that she was joined at the hip with her boyfriend of a year.

'And can Alex move in, too?' she wheedled. 'Because you see, he can't afford proper rent because he's giving music a go.'

I was too happy at the thought of seeing her to refuse them. And at least it wasn't my child set on 'giving music a go', words guaranteed to strike dread into any parent.

We laid the ground rules at an initial 'house meeting' (my description, that made both daughter and husband roll their eyes). My husband would not bark at his daughter to clear up after herself in the kitchen; instead she would cook for all of us and he clean up. This made everyone happy. I would not growl when they slung their coats and shoes off wherever they first stopped in the house; they would learn to hang stuff up.

New rules have cropped up along the way. Anthony and I have grown used to creeping around in the evenings, because while we've fallen into the habit of staying up until midnight, the snowflakes must go to bed early in readiness for work the next day.

There was a spectacular row when we woke up one morning to find that, despite Adelaide being away for a girls' weekend, all the bedrooms and sofa beds were unexpectedly full of crashed-out bodies in a sort of zombie apocalypse. They turned out to be Alex's friends whom he'd brought home after a rowdy gig. I received a bunch of flowers after that one.

Now they ask in advance if they can have gangs of friends round, and I've noticed they take pride in making the house spotless for us to walk back into.

More troublesome is the matter of peacekeeping between couples. If they fight  which they do  do we weigh in on a side? We try not to give Alex a supportive wink when I hear Adelaide bossing him around in a way she's always hated me doing to her.

Sometimes, there are noisy tears from her, which initially frightened her father and me: were we going to have to intervene in an abusive relationship? But five minutes later they were giggling and laughing, with Adelaide rolling her eyes and admitting she's just a crier.

When my husband and I fight  which we do  at first I loved the fact that my daughter started taking my side. But as she's become used to the nuances of cohabitation for even old decrepit couples like us, I've noticed she's not so quick to freak out, and lets us slug it out on our own.

But if Adelaide and I quarrel, both husband and boyfriend stand like rabbits in headlights, poised for flight. If either one of them intervened, we would bite their heads off and they know it. So, as when faced with bear or rhino, they just stay very, very still. Fortunately, these wild animal sightings are infrequent and soon over, leaving behind little trace.

I once shouted at Alex for being a lazy git, but he was remarkably good-natured about it, and even raised his game a little. Later, he admitted his mother would have been much crosser.

There's no doubt our financial arrangements have their pitfalls. Stupidly, I always promised our children they would never have to pay rent in their own home, and when Adelaide asked if Alex could move in along with her, it seemed wrong to charge him rent and not her.

So we settled on them both paying the same amount in 'household contributions'  to food, wi-fi and hot water. (They were let off heating because we don't heat our bedrooms, so there was no extra cost. 'And we are contributing our body heat,' joked our daughter.)

The trouble is, I was bounced into naming my price by my sly puss of a daughter, before they even moved in, in that very first telephone conversation. Never good at mental arithmetic, I thought of what we spent on these bills and divided it by four, coming up with 30 per week each.

I never imagined just how much food one boyfriend could eat, let alone a young couple who stay at home to save money. Not to mention the elaborate ingredients they insist on adding to our online shop each week. Kombucha, kimchi, kefir and other 'kostly' items; Generation Z are more in tune with their gut biome than the price of such foods. The bill has swelled from about 70 to beyond 180.

At the same time, if they ever pay for anything, like a takeaway or an interim supermarket shop, they say it's 'only fair' for us to reimburse them immediately.

'Because our rent covers our food,' explains the boyfriend. I find myself reminding him pedantically, every time, that he doesn't pay rent, he pays towards costs.

Now we are approaching the anniversary of their arrival, I've decided to recalibrate those costs. After all, Adelaide now has a full-time job as a data systems consultant and Alex is a music events promoter.

I have worked out that they need to pay 60 a week each, just to cover booze, food and water: double what they have been paying. I think they might get a shock.

When my daughter told me last week they're saving for a flat deposit, I did feel guilty I was about to ask them for more money. It's a catch-22: the more we charge them, the longer they will have to live with us.

Do we stick with the 'out the door at 24' end-point we raised at the first house meeting, or are we then condemning them to a mould-infested hovel out in darkest Staines?

Yes, for my generation, filthy digs were a rite of passage. But for youngsters, who often work from home and can't afford to go out, their living environments are exponentially more important. How can we condemn them to urban death traps?

I guess the truth is, I like having them living here. We've always run a busy house, always been those parents who threw their doors open to the boozing and the partying (much to our friends' amazement, most of whom think we are impossibly liberal and over-relaxed), and living with my daughter again has made me appreciate her as an adult and, dare I say it, as a friend.

We have watched whole series on telly together: we all like Clarkson's Farm and compete heatedly on University Challenge. Adelaide and I have cosied up in front of Bridgerton; my husband has another man in the house to watch sport with him.

We have cooked together, all of us trying out new recipes; we have had robust political debates over hoary chestnuts like climate change and gender, and throughout the year we have teased each other unmercifully. We have partied together, old and young  like at our annual summer party, where I proudly watched Alex hand round bowls of sausages, munching on them as he did so and recommending them lustily to friends of ours, friends of the children and friends of his. We even cleaned up together harmoniously the next day, to our mutual astonishment.

Gallingly, Adelaide and Alex have, occasionally, made me realise that perhaps my husband and I were falling into a slightly snipey routine with each other; him needling me about my lack of organisation, me complaining about his pessimism.

Practising the same level of tolerance and conciliation with him as I have done almost automatically with them (and as, I must admit, they do with each other), has undoubtedly made him feel more valued.

Could it even be that living with my daughter has made me more grown-up?

And truth be told, sex hasn't been such a disastrous matter after all. We've never been a family of prudes. There's a long-running joke between our children  dating from a drunken dinner conversation about five years ago  that their parents only ever have sex on a Sunday morning, because a few times we had made the mistake of assuming that as teenagers, they were dead to the world at that point, and oblivious to any sounds that may come from our top-floor bedroom . . .

As for the kids, back in 2021, when Adelaide and our son, Winston, were both at home and in the middle of their first serious relationships, they were, we suspected, competing to have the raciest sex life.

One evening, just as we were on our way to bed, we heard them baying and howling in their respective next-door rooms. My husband soon put a stop to it by bashing simultaneously on both adjacent doors with his fists.

'Stop that!' he said sternly. 'You're all just showing off!'

Cue total, horrified silence. 'Ha!' he said to me, and we scuttled upstairs, trying not to laugh out loud.

Thankfully, though, 2024-daughter is far more careful and considerate about making noise than 2021-daughter. And the fact that both children are in stable relationships and not bringing home noisy strangers definitely does help.

In fact, we've been impressed by our housemates' decorum: Alex and Adelaide snuggle on the sofa when we watch telly, but not to such an extent that we have to turn up the volume to cover the sound of snogging.

They are also discreet about sneaking off to have sex. And if they swing from the chandeliers when we're away, well, all power to them. For all they know, we might be doing the same when they're out.

In fact, it's turned out to be quite fun for my husband and me to become more inventive where intimacy is concerned. Our new approach is more adaptive, more opportunistic in our housemates' absences (which, surprisingly, makes it happen more often overall). And, when they are in, it's given a new edge by the need not to be discovered.

So, as much as it surprises me, it's happy  inter-generational  housemates all round.

At least until next year, when Winston graduates and inevitably wants to squash back in here, with his girlfriend . . .
The National Television Awards is traditionally a night of glitz and glamour but some stars red carpet looks fell flat this year.

Stacey Solomon was among the worst dressed, in a figure hugging red satin gown, meanwhile Celebrity Big Brother winner David Potts went without trousers and opted for a black satin blazer which featured sheer lace sleeves and a bizarre train.

Vicky McClure missed the mark in her leather strapless frock and matching black heels. While the simple ensemble was inoffensive it was slightly drab for the glamorous occasion.

While know-one could accuse Gogglebox star Joe Baggs of being dull, his satin suit was eye-catching for all the wrong reasons.

One Day actress Amber Grappy also made a bold choice by opting for a denim dress which looked out of place on the swanky event.

The National Television Awards is traditionally a night of glitz and glamour but some stars red carpet looks fell flat this year. Stacey Solomon was among the worst dressed, in a figure hugging red satin gown

Strictly Come Dancing star Neil Jones didn't bring any of the BBC shows glitz and glamour to the red carpet as he opted for an uninspired black suit which he paired with a black shirt.

Meanwhile no one could accuse fellow strictly star Carlos Gu of failing to catch the eye as he donned a spanish style frock over grey trousers and black vest top.

He posed alongside Amy Dowden who oozed glamour and sophistication in a figure hugging neon pink gown.

Married at First Sight star Ella Morgan nearly had a wardrobe malfunction when she stood on her barely-there frock and stumbled on the red carpet.

Showcasing her stunning figure, the gown featured cut out detailing on the sides and donned a large tight split.

TV presenter Will Best boldly opted for a sleeveless black shirt which he paired with black trousers.

This year's National Television Awards took place at their usual stomping ground and were broadcast live from 8pm on ITV.

The NTAs have been at the O2 every year since 2010, with the exception of the rescheduled 2022 bash in Wembley.

Celebrity Big Brother winner David Potts went without trousers and opted for a black satin blazer which featured sheer lace sleeves and a bizarre train

While know-one could accuse Gogglebox star Joe Baggs of being dull, his satin suit was eye-catching for all the wrong reasons

One Day actress Amber Grappy also made a bold choice by opting for a denim dress which looked out of place on the swanky event

Amber completely her quirky ensemble with chunky black boots and opted for black lipstick (pictured alongside actor Jonny Weldon)

Vicky McClure missed the mark in her leather strapless frock and matching black heels

Strictly Come Dancing star Neil Jones didn't bring any of the BBC shows glitz and glamour to the red carpet as he opted for an uninspired black suit which he paired with a black shirt

TV presenter Will Best boldly opted for a sleeveless black shirt which he paired with black trousers

Meanwhile no one could accuse fellow strictly star Carlos Gu of failing to catch the eye as he donned a spanish style frock over grey trousers and black vest top

Carlos Gu posed alongside Amy Dowden who oozed glamour and sophistication in a figure hugging neon pink gown

Married at First Sight star Ella Morgan nearly had a wardrobe malfunction when she stood on her barely-there frock and stumbled on the red carpet

Comedian Joel Dommett hosted the awards ceremony for the fourth time. Meanwhile Jungle King Sam Thompson and his pal Pete Wicks presented from the red carpet for the first time this year.

Holly Willoughby also made a return to British screens as part of Joel's presenting team.

The former This Morning presenter, 43, was set to reunite with her old co-stars after she quit the daytime show in October after 14 years as co-host.

Her departure came following the uncovering of a kidnap and murder plot against her by security guard Gavin Plumb - who has since received a jail sentence for the plot.

In an interesting turn, Holly's This Morning successors Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard have been snubbed an NTA nomination for Best TV Presenter category.

Their fan-favourite co-host Alison Hammond, 49, has thrown them out the Best TV Presenter category after securing a nomination once again.

David Potts' ensemble featured a long flowing lace cape which he paired with black leather loafers

David, who won Celebrity Big Brother last year, is known for going trouserless and showing off his tanned sleek pins

Stacey arrived at the NTAs for the first time with her eldest son Zachary and the pair posed up a storm before the awards

The star opted for a bold red number for the prestigious evening as she posed for snaps on the red carpet

Last year, This Morning missed out on the Best Daytime TV award for the first time in 12 years.

During the night, Holly was spotted putting on a loving display with her husband Dan Baldwin in the audience.

The couple, who have been married since 2007, made a rare joint appearance at the awards ceremony.

Holly, who looked incredible in a 30,000 black sparkly dress, sat side by side with Dan, 49, as they watched the ceremony among a star-studded audience.

The TV presenter rested a comforting hand on her husband's leg, while also holding onto his hand during the prize giving.

Holly wowed in a glitzy strapless silver and black dress from luxury couture brand Kolchagov Barba which featured a high leg slit.

During the evening, Holly proved she is back in the This Morning fold as she posed alongside some of her former co-stars.

The TV presenter, who co-led This Morning for 14 years, beamed as she posed for a photo alongside This Morning regulars Alison Hammond and Rochelle Humes.

Rochelle wrapped her arms around Holly, alongside Davina McCall, while fellow This Morning stars Dermot O'Leary and Ashley James were also present in the snap.

On the red carpet, Holly shared a kiss with Dermot and a laugh with Alison as the gang were reunited.

As the ceremony kicked off, Ant and Dec were awarded the Best Presenter honour for a record 23rd time as they led the big winners.

While Ant and Dec continued their record-breaking winning streak, it was Mr Bates Vs The Post Office who were the big champions of the night, with three prizes.
Prince Albert of Monaco's former financial adviser was arrested on Wednesday after claiming that the Monegasque ruler had sent 'secret payments' to his ex-lovers and the children he had with them.

Claude Palmero, 68, was questioned by police after the royal, 66, filed a lawsuit against him, resulting in an investigation into alleged 'breach of confidentiality, invasion of privacy and receiving the proceeds of two offences', reported The Times.

Palmero - who was in charge of palace finances for more than two decades - was released during the day without charge, according to local media. He was sacked by Prince Albert last year after being targeted by a mysterious anti-corruption website.

A few months later, French newspaper Le Monde published Palmero's 'secret notebooks', which claimed to detail the Monaco royal family's controversial spending.

The books alleged that Albert spends millions every year from a secret French bank account to pay his former mistresses and love children - with Jazmin Grimaldi, 31, and Alexandre Coste-Grimaldi, 20, receiving allowances of 344,000 a year each.

Prince Albert of Monaco's (pictured earlier this month) former financial adviser was arrested on Wednesday after claiming that the Monegasque ruler had sent 'secret payments' to his ex-lovers and the children he had with them

According to Le Monde, Jazmin, Albert's love child with U.S. estate agent Tamara Rotolo, receives 73,000 every three months - despite not being part of the royal family. Palmero noted she was given 4,200 for her 18th and a flat in New York worth 2.6 million seven years later.

He also noted that the palace was paying for kidnap and ransom insurance for Alexandre, 20, Albert's son with former air hostess Nicole Coste. The Prince acknowledged paternity of Alexandre in 2005.

In 2015, Alexandre's mother persuaded Albert to back her fashion business, which was fronted by a shop in London's Knightsbridge, Le Monde said. Palmero noted in 2015 that it was 'on course [to cost] one million [euros] a year'.

Liberation, another of the French newspapers which published excerpts from the series of five notebooks, said the Prince had an account at French bank BNP under the name AG for 'Albert Grimaldi'.

The newspaper said the account was used to pay Albert's former mistresses and their children without his wife Princess Charlene, 46, knowing.

Meanwhile, Charlene, who is 20 years the Prince's junior and spent four months in a hospital in 2021/2022 for 'deep fatigue', was routinely given an allowance of around 1.2 million a year - but still managed to overspend, according to Palmero's notes.

The speed at which the mother-of-two apparently burned through money so worried the Prince's accountant that he wrote in his notes: 'It's crazy! I have no control over the Princess' spending.'

Stephane Thibault, Monaco's general prosecutor, said Palmero had been taken into police custody in connection with 'statements made by the person concerned in the press', reported French magazine Capital.

Claude Palmero, 68, was questioned by police after the royal, 66, filed a lawsuit against him, resulting in an investigation into alleged 'breach of confidentiality, invasion of privacy and receiving the proceeds of two offences', reported The Times

Princess Charlene of Monaco and Prince Albert pictured in November 2023

Albert, Jazmin and Alexandre are pictured in New York

Investigators in the super-rich Mediterranean country, which has a population of just 36,000, are seeking to find out how Le Monde obtained Palmero's notebooks, according to Le Parisien.

Palmero was reportedly released around 2pm on Wednesday and has not been charged at this stage, reported the French publication.

Palmero's lawyer, Marie-Alix Canu-Bernard, denied reports in France's national press that he had been taken into police custody over corruption allegations contained in a separate lawsuit filed by Prince Albert.

She said 'false information' was 'leaked to the media this morning in order to put pressure on the police and the justice system as well as to undermine the honour' of her client, who has been the 'target of powerful interests in Monaco for a long time'.

Canu-Bernard, who said her client denies wrongdoing, claimed: 'Claude Palmero was indeed heard this morning, this does not in any way concern any suspicion of corruption... There was no follow-up because nothing was found against the former treasurer of the Palace.'

MailOnline has contacted Marie-Alix Canu-Bernard and the Monaco Royal Household for comment.

Prince Albert, who took over the reins of the principality following his father Prince Rainier III's death in 2005, sacked his trusted financial adviser in June 2023.

In an sudden purge, he also dismissed his chief-of-staff Laurent Anselmi after the two staff members were targeted by an anonymous website's explosive claims of widespread corruption in the country.

Albert and Charlene are pictured at King Charles and Queen Camilla's coronation in 2023

The Prince acknowledged paternity of Alexandre (centre), 20, his son with Coste (left) in 2005

The website, known as 'Les Dossiers du Rocher', emerged in late 2021 and targeted not only Palmero and Anselmi, but other prominent figures close to the prince including lawyer Thierry Lacoste and president of the principality's supreme court Didier Linotte.

These men, known as the G4, were accused of orchestrating corruption involving multimillion-euro property deals, claims which all four vehemently deny.

Albert initially stood by his close confidants, but later began distancing himself from them. Then in June, Albert sacked Palmero and Anselmi, and again publicly played down associations with Lacoste, his lawyer and childhood friend, and Linotte.

After losing his role in the palace, Palmero reportedly filed a lawsuit against the royal family, accusing them of abuse of weakness, attempted extortion and theft. He also contested his dismissal before a tribunal headed by Judge Linotte.

But when the president of Monacos Supreme Court was pushed out, Palmero went to the European Court of Human Rights. He allegedly claimed that it wasn't possible to get a fair hearing in the super-rich principality.

Prince Albert of Monaco has denied all of Palmero's allegations.

Earlier this year, Prince Albert said his family and the public had supported him after his former accountant accused him of financial impropriety, but his wife Princess Charlene is 'very upset for him'.

The ruler spoke to Paris Match to mark his birthday two months after Palmero's notes revealed Charlene's personal spending allowance rocketed to more than 1million-a-year.

Nicole Coste (right with Albert) was allegedly on track to cost the monarch 'nearly $1million a year'

The leaked documents to French media earlier this year also accused the royal family of hiring illegal immigrants as nannies. Prince Albert did not comment on it at the time.

Speaking in March 2024, he said: 'Thankfully, my whole family is there for me, showering me with their affection, both my immediate family and the extended family of Monegasque.'

But he went on: 'She [Charlene] was also very upset for me, and saddened by certain things that came out in the media. We supported each other. She has resumed many of her activities, more public engagements, to everyones delight.'

The entries in Palermo's notebooks seem to suggest that Prince Albert's chaotic personal life has drained his riches.

Head of Monaco's ruling Grimaldi dynasty since 2005, Albert is the only son of Prince Rainier III and former Hollywood star Grace Kelly. He has two acknowledged love children: Alexandre, by former air hostess Nicole Coste, born in 2003; and Jazmin, by U.S. estate agent Tamara Rotolo, born in 1993.

In September 2020 another putative love child sent a letter. The teenager - aged 15 at the time - is being raised in Brazil and claimed in the handwritten note to have been conceived during a round-the-world love affair in 2004.

The matter was to come to court in Milan, but was dropped. A spokesman for the Prince said it was a 'hoax'.

Some of the most potentially damaging comments in Palmero's notebooks refer to Charlene's staff. He alleges she employed nannies and other domestic staff who were illegal immigrants, or living in Monaco illegally.

'Her Serene Highness the Princess makes people work for her who are not compliant,' Palmero warned Albert.

In a letter written in January 2017, he said another employee from the Philippines had been 'illegal for five years', despite being on a one-month tourist visa. 'He gets paid 100 euros a day [85] which is off the scale,' Palmero wrote.

In December 2014, Charlene gave birth to twins, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, and immediately placed them in the care of nannies who Palmero claims were also illegal immigrants.

'Update on the hiring of nannies . . . We are completely illegal (even their tourist visa expired on January 7),' Palmero wrote on January 15 of that year.

'They are not only in an illegal situation, but one entered with a false passport,' he added.

In 2021, he vetoed new staff hires requested by Charlene, who already had '8.5 people in her service, there have never been so many'.

In a statement to Le Monde, the Prince's lawyers said that if money was paid to illegal migrants, then it was Palmero who had authorised the expenditure.

Last year, Palmero was sacked as one of Albert's most trusted lieutenants and is now accused of having embezzled cash - a claim he denies. 'I never took a cent,' he said.

'This is a 100 per cent denial. I am neither corrupt nor a thief, all improbable things of which the princely family, for whom I devoted myself for two decades, unjustly accuses me today.'

In a statement Prince Albert said: 'The attacks that Mr Palmero makes against me and against the state of Monaco and its institutions show his true nature and the little respect . . . he has for the family and the principality.'

Palmero's departure follow two years of corruption claims distributed by a WikiLeaks-style website, Les Dossiers du Rocher (The Rock Files).

The website said that the Prince's confidants manipulated the sky-high property market on The Rock - as the tiny tax haven Principality of Monaco is nicknamed - for personal gain.

Those named on the website included Albert's former chief of staff Laurent Anselmi, Claude Palmero and his one-time lawyer Thierry Lacoste.

All were once close personal friends of Albert, while others accused of fraud include Monaco Supreme Court judge Didier Linotte.

All those named vehemently deny the claims made against them.

Prince Albert told Le Figaro last year: 'The Rock Files brought to light, via the internet, certain activities of people who were working with me. As I've said: if trust is broken, then it's impossible to continue working together.'
It's up for debate whether Gen Z genuinely enjoy the books they're promoting

A BookTok row has erupted after an influencer admitted she 'skips' reading 'big paragraphs'.

Miranda from the US, who is known as @probablyoffreading online, sparked huge debate after posting the now-deleted TikTok video.

BookTok is a subsection of TikTok that has been credited with 'making reading cool again' - but whether or not Gen Z genuinely enjoy the books they're promoting is a matter up for debate.

The book influencer, who has 328,000 followers and mainly reads romance and thriller books, said: 'If there's a paragraph this big, I'm skipping it, I'm skipping it.'

She added in the caption of the video that 'I can't be the only one' - and others on TikTok have even admitted that they 'only read the dialogue' in books.

Miranda from the US sparked a huge BookTok debate this week after admitting she skips reading 'big paragraphs'

The book influencer, who has 328,000 followers and mainly reads romance and thriller books, said: 'If there's a paragraph this big, I'm skipping it, I'm skipping it'

This week, Miranda's video attracted a huge backlash online, with some even suggesting that those on BookTok actually 'hate' reading.

However, it appears she is not alone, as another BookToker @lalysbooktalk, said she also 'skips the big paragraphs' to only 'read the dialogue'.

And @sydnie.reads revealed that when she starts finding a book 'boring' - referring to Emily Henry's popular novel Book Lovers - she will begin 'skipping half the paragraphs on a page'.

Beth, who posts under the username @thecool_table, even posted a guide on how to 'skip filler paragraphs when reading'.

She said a teacher had taught her a 'speed reading trick' when she was younger, explaining: 'I really wanted to read a certain amount of books by a certain date.

'She said that if you slant your eye across the page in a diagonal instead of reading line by line, your eye will pick up more words... and you'll be able to tell what is upcoming faster.'

Another, @itsmjprice admitted that they'd ended up 'missing important information' and 'getting confused' after skimming over multiple paragraphs in a book they were reading.

BookToker @lalysbooktalk said she also 'skips the big paragraphs' to only 'read the dialogue'

@sydnie.reads revealed that when she starts finding a book 'boring' - referring to Emily Henry's popular novel Book Lovers - she will begin 'skipping half the paragraphs on a page'

Beth, who posts under the username @thecool_table, even posted a guide on how to 'skip filler paragraphs when reading'

The phenomenon has sparked much debate online, with one person even saying 'booktok is about hating reading, writing and books'.

Another said: 'SURELY NOT?? how are you skipping paragraphs while reading?? you might miss important things.

'Is this a known thing to do? i dont think ive met a person who does this. please let me know if its a common thing.'

Others wrote: 'Theyre more into purchasing books than actually reading them';

'This is such a weird take, because how does the reading part bother you when... reading?!?!?';

'If youre skipping whole paragraphs consistently, you're simply not reading the book at all';

'Instead of attacking people who listen to audiobooks and people who read 100+ books a year we should be attacking those who only read dialogue because wtf youre literally skipping half the book';

'Is someone FORCING her to read like? does she even enjoy it.'

Another, @itsmjprice admitted that they'd ended up 'missing important information' and 'getting confused' after skimming over multiple paragraphs in a book they were reading

It comes just a month after BookTok was thrown into chaos after an influencer complained that the novel she was reading had 'too many words'.

Yana from California took to TikTok to review Six Of Crows by Leigh Bardugo, expressing her irritation that 'every page' contained 'so many words'.

The video, posted by @yannareads, has now been deleted but has still racked up 36 million views when reposted on X, formerly Twitter.

Many were quick to take aim at BookTok itself, with some saying it has 'lost the plot', while other claimed influencers only view reading as a 'status symbol'.

Yana said she'd been recommended Young Adult fantasy Six Of Crows by some of her followers - but after reaching page 34, she was less than impressed.

Speaking to her 284,000 followers, she said: 'Can we talk about something real quick though? Can I just like, talk s*** for a second?

'Why the f*** is this book? First of all, the writing is so tiny. And why are the pages so filled with so many words? What the f***?

'I like pages that aren't filled with this many words. Like literally every page! Like look at this, are you f***ing kidding me?'

The phenomenon has sparked much debate online, with one person even saying 'booktok is about hating reading, writing and books'

Filming the video with her large book collection in the background, Yana said she would continue reading until page 100 before giving up.

She continued: 'Convince me otherwise because this book is so f***ing difficult for my brain to follow.

'Like I'm only two chapters in, I understand. But all these words? Like I have no idea what's going on.'

Yana read an excerpt from the book aloud with a baffled look on her face, referencing some of the names and locations in the book's fantasy setting - including Big Bolliger, Elzinger and Ketterdam, one of the series' main locations.

'Am I drunk? Or is this book drunk? Because what the f*** yall, how are you all following this. I'm scared,' Yana said.

After admitting she was 'completely lost', she showed her followers three maps at the start of the book to explain the fantasy world.

'There are like maps that I have to learn that I can't read all the names,' she explained.

Later on, in an update, she shared that she'd given up with the book, even after switching to reading it on her Kindle in an effort to make the font bigger.

The owners of Notting Hill bookshop previously told MailOnline how TikTok has contributed in a rise of Gen Z customers

Brighton-born Jack Edwards is one of the biggest names in the BookTok community, and reviews books he's read

BookTok has been largely credited in the resurgence of reading as a popular hobby among young people with more than 32 million posts.

A book's popularity on TikTok can now be make-or-break for how many sales it achieves.

Popular BookTok books often feature the 'romantasy' genre - a combination of romance and fantasy - such as books by Sarah J. Maas.

Previously, the owners of Notting Hill Bookshop in London said their sales were up '100 per cent' since the pandemic - which they attributed to social media.

With over 167 billion views on TikTok, reviews and recommendations in the global BookTok community have inspired Gen Zs to ditch their screens in favour of a good old-fashioned book.

BookTok has gained such a momentum in recent times that TikTok launched its first book awards in the UK and Ireland last year, with thousands voting for their favourite books, authors, and bookshops of 2023.

Popular creators include Ayman Chaudary and Jack Edwards - part of a crowd of creators seeking to make reading cool again.
Bethenny Frankel is once again speaking out on her viral debacle with Chanel - and the real reason why it made her so upset in the first place.

In May, Frankel, 53, visited the designer's store in Chicago while dressed in casual clothing, only to be turned away because she didn't have an appointment.

She slammed the store as 'elitist' and later took to TikTok to make a number of videos about the experience before then joking about the matter - including one clip where she hilariously got a fake tattoo of the brand's logo.

But in a new video posted this week, Frankel dove further into what she thinks of Chanel nowadays, explaining that she was being interviewed for a New York Magazine piece about appointment shopping.

'I did speak on the fact that it is an emotional experience,' the former Real Housewives of New York City star explained.

Bethenny Frankel is once again speaking out on her viral debacle with Chanel - and the real reason why it made her so upset in the first place

'99.9 per cent of the people can't afford to buy a Chanel bag or piece of clothing, so they're going in there and buying the lip gloss, or buying the entry point thing, and that those were the exact people that this incident alienated,' she continued.

The Skinnygirl mogul emphasized that it wasn't the fact that she wasn't let in during that one day in May that bothered her, but it was the way that she was spoken to that was troubling.

She said that it's supposed to feel exciting to walk into a store, but you then feel like a 'fool' once you're turned away.

Plus, the BStrong philanthropist admitted that she's not the only person who has had this experience while shopping - she said that many people have since come up to her to say that they've faced the same issue.

'So, for a big multimillion dollar brand that does twenty billion a year, to make you feel like a schmuck for daring to want to walk inside and gaze at their thing when you've bought a lip gloss or a fragrance for someone, now you lost me,' Frankel lamented.

However, she admitted that she does still wear Chanel, but is a bit over it.

'I do still wear Chanel, I own it, I can troll them all they want, I paid for it with my own money,' she said.

'Chanel, I'm done with it,' Frankel admitted at the end of the clip, quoting a catchphrase from comedian Lisa Marie Riley.

She said that it's supposed to feel exciting to walk into a store, but you then feel like a 'fool' once you're turned away

However, the former Real Housewives of New York star admitted that she does still wear Chanel, but is a bit over it

'I do still wear Chanel, I own it, I can troll them all they want, I paid for it with my own money,' she said

In the comments section of Frankel's video, many of her viewers seemed to agree with her assessment of the situation.

'Spot on as always! Anyone should be able to go browse. People that have money don't brag about it or necessarily always dress the part so who are they to judge. Love who you are!' one person wrote.

Another pointed out, 'The joke is "after shopping at Chanel, you send THEM a thank you card, for allowing you to shop there."'

Others also shared their own stories of being turned away from various stores.

'Thank you for being our voice! This happened to me in a bridal store. Left me feeling so embarrassed and tearful. Really took the shine off my dress buying,' someone else commented.

'Happened to me in Dallas store, I was let in and even picked out purse and manager came out and said no I couldn't buy it. Me and my daughter looked at each other like WTF?' one viewer claimed.

This isn't the first time that Frankel has spoken out about designer brands, as she revealed in a June video that she felt like the luxury space was 'exploiting women' due to its exorbitant prices.

'Exploiting the insecurities of women where they're gonna feel whole or secure if they can flex a shopping bag that contains something that costs $50, maximum to make, that costs tens of thousands of dollars,' she said at the time.

In the comments section of Frankel's video, many of her viewers seemed to agree with her assessment of the situation

Instead, the former reality star urged people to buy what they want and wear what they like with pride.

Frankel said that she wore brands like Vince Camuto and Steve Madden, and even showed viewers a pair of beige braided sandals she had bought that were dupes of a pair by designer Bottega Veneta.

'A brand that increases their prices from $5,000 to $10,000 in a matter of years when the bag costs $50 to make, all bets are off with you wanting to wear any knockoff you want,' the former reality star said.

'Because they're taking advantage of you and they're insulting your intelligence, as a consumer and a woman.'
Queen Camilla looked in high spirits as she met the new Children's Laureate for Waterstones at Clarence House today.

The royal, 77, dressed in a colourful, vibrant ensemble, despite the cloudy, grey weather in London.

She put her best fashion foot forward in a blue and white patterned dress which she paired with a simple black cardigan to wrap up warm as the autumn season approaches.

Camilla paired the eye-catching ensemble with a comfortable and simple pair of peach flat pumps.

She posed for pictures alongside Waterstones's new Children's Laureate, author Frank Cottrell-Boyce.

Queen Camilla dressed in a colourful, vibrant ensemble, despite the cloudy, grey weather in London. Pictured alongside author Frank Cottrell-Boyce (L) and CEO of BookTrust Diana Gerald (R)

The role - which he will hold until - is aimed at advocating for children's right to read, write and access books.

Camilla wore her short blonde tresses down in a wavy blow-dry along and opted for minimal, natural makeup.

She was snapped sporting her blue Van Cleef and Arpels bracelet, which is made of 18k yellow gold and is believed to cost around 4,500.

The Queen matched the statement piece with silver hoop earrings and a gold diamond necklace.

Frank looked dapper in a matching light blue suit paired with a crisp white shirt and polished brown shoes.

He is the 13th Children's Laureate for the bookshop and he has written books for younger readers such as Millions, Framed, Cosmic and The Wonder Brothers.

He said: 'I write children's books because I think they help build the apparatus of happiness inside us.

'I'm going to do everything in my power to get reading as a right for all into the national conversation. Because it's about time.'

Frank is the 13th Children's Laureate Waterstones and he has written books for younger readers such as Millions, Framed, Cosmic and The Wonder Brothers

Also at the meeting was Diana Gerald, CEO of BookTrust, a UK children's charity dedicated to getting kids reading, of which Camilla is a patron

Camilla put her best fashion foot forward in a blue and white patterned dress which she paired with a simple black cardigan to wrap up warm as the autumn season approaches

Also at the meeting was Diana Gerald, CEO of BookTrust, a UK children's charity dedicated to getting kids reading.

Diana donned a purple V-neck top along with a black blazer, smart suit trousers and a sizable silver necklace featuring a large blue bead.

Camilla is a patron for the charity after taking over from the late Duke of Edinburgh in 2011, who stood down after many years in the role.

In 2021, Camilla announced she would be extending her patronage of the charity.

She said at the time: 'I firmly believe in the importance of igniting a passion for reading in the next generationThe power of a captivating story, a well-honed sentence or a beautifully crafted character is immense, not only taking the reader - or listener - to different worlds, but broadening and stimulating the mind, too.'

This comes as Queen Camilla and King Charles announced that they going on a Royal Tour in October.

They will travel to Australia and Samoa for a state visit, and attend a Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

The couple will be making their journey to the countries between October 18 to 26, according to Buckingham Palace.

This will be Charles' first trip to Australia as the King, as he has previously visited 15 times as the Prince of Wales.

They last travelled Down Under to open the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast in 2018.

The royal pair will attend engagements together but also split off and undertake their own visits.

Camilla will meet children participating in a Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition workshop in a library in Sydney, which links up with her passion for all children to learn how to read and write.
An eight-year-old designer has been taking the fashion industry by storm.

Max Alexander, who first got interested in fashion at the young age of four, has been creating custom pieces for celebrities such as Sharon Stone, 66, Debra Messing, 56, and Coco Rocha, 36.

The California-based third grader, who has garnered more than 1.2 million followers on his TikTok, regularly documents his creation process - from a fabric store visit to his room's sewing machine.

His supportive parents, dad Jack Kolodny, 50, who works in finance, and his mother, Sherri Madison, 48, who is an artist, had noticed early on that Max was drawn to the artistic world of making clothes his canvas, therefore, in 2021, he launched his line, Couture to the Max.

Max, who is the Guinness World Record holder for the youngest runway fashion designer, has showcased his pieces at the Conrad New York on Tuesday, during New York Fashion Week, as their artist-in-residence for the duration of two weeks.

An eight-year-old fashion designer has been taking the fashion industry by storm

The California-based third grader, who has garnered more than 1.2M followers on his TikTok, regularly documents his creation process - from a fabric store to his sewing machine

Max's mother recalled that when he was only four, he told the family during dinner that he dreamed of becoming a fashion designer and wanted a mannequin.

Sherri was initially surprised, because prior to that moment, Max never mentioned anything pertaining to fashion.

When she inquired 'why' to him, he confidently responded: 'Get me a mannequin, and Ill show you,' she shared with the New York Times.

Before Max learned how to sew, he used to create pieces made out of ribbons, scraps and plastic wrap, and he would use tape and knots to hold the outfits together.

Being that Sherri was an artist who primarily worked with cardboard, she created a dress form for Max, which featured his sister's proportions, who is now 12 years old.

Sherri taught Max how to sew, and he got practice by creating dresses for his sister.

When he turned five, he began taking sewing classes several times a month so that he could master the craft.

When it comes to Max choosing materials, he does a 'floof test,' by running under a fabric that he tosses above him, and he also puts fabrics inside a full bathtub to see its movement.

His supportive parents, Jack Kolodny, 50, who works in finance, and his mother, Sherri Madison, 48, who is an artist, had noticed early on that Max was drawn to fashion

Max, who is the Guinness World Records holder for the youngest runway fashion designer, has showcased his pieces at the Conrad New York on Tuesday, during New York Fashion Week

Max's mother initially began his Instagram account in 2020, so that he could share his projects with his grandparents, who he couldn't see in person at the time, due to the COVID-19 restrictions.

Over the years, Max's account blew up, and his mother maintains it and sets up all his meetings.

He has gotten support from fashion designers Pamella Roland, 65, Isaac Mizrahi, 62, and the creative director of Carolina Herrera, Wes Gordon, 37.

Both Debra and Sharon found Max with the help of Instagram.

In August, Max had the pleasure of viewing The Met's fashion exhibit titled, Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion, with Isaac.

Issac shared with the New York Times: 'He is so fresh and so alive - so full of inspiration.

'What he has is that capacity to have a vision, and then to make the vision a reality. I recognize that, because I had that.'

During Max's visit to the Halston showroom in July, he met the former fashion director of Neiman Marcus, Ken Downing, who now oversees the brand.

Ken took note that the budding designer was drawn to shiny items such as beads, silk flowers, and sequins, and he fittingly called Max, a 'maximalist.'

In 2021, Max launched his fashion line called, Couture to the Max

Max attends a private school and he sews afterschool or on the weekends.

Sherri explained that any money that Max makes off of his designs, is either saved, donated to his charities of choice, invested, or used to buy new fabric.

The young designer is inspired by the art of Vincent Van Gogh, Yayoi Kusama, Frida Kahlo and Alexander Calder.

The director and chief curator of the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, Valerie Steele, has shared that many designers who have gone on to have successful careers started off young, just like Max.

Valerie mentioned that Bob Mackie, 84, Michael Kors, 65, and Isabel Toledo, who passed at the young age of 59, all showed an early curiosity for the industry as well.
The Dutch royal couple attended the event in the Dutch village of Mesch

Queen Maxima of the Netherlands cut an elegant figure as she joined a war commemoration event in Mesch.

The royal, 53, donned a dusty pink dress for the occasion with a statement belt feature.

She accompanied the outfit with a matching floral fascinator and a pair of brown suede heeled shoes.

Today's celebrations marked the country's 80th anniversary of liberation from Nazi occupation.

King Willem-Alexander accompanied Maxima for the occasion and looked dapper in a navy suit and light blue tie.

Queen Maxima of the Netherlands looked chic in a pink dress as she arrived at the national start of the celebration of 80 years of freedom in Mesch

The royal couple greeted World War II veteran Kenneth Thayer, 99, at the event and joined him a jeep.

Children lined the area waving Dutch flags as the royals and Kenneth entered the remembrance event in an army jeep.

Maxima held onto a colourful bouquet of flowers as she walked arm-in-arm with Kenneth.

Her long, blonde tresses were styled into a sleek updo, and Maxima opted for a glamorous make-up look that accentuated her eyes.

Walking arm-in-arm with the Dutch queen, American World War II veteran Kenneth Thayer returned on Thursday to the tiny Dutch village that he and others in the 30th Infantry Division liberated from Nazi occupation exactly 80 years ago.

Thayer, now 99, visited Mesch, a tiny village of about 350 people in the hills close to the Dutch borders with Belgium and Germany, and was greeted by Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima for a ceremony beginning nearly a year of events marking the anniversary of the country's liberation.

After Thayer and the king and queen were driven in a vintage military truck into the village along a mud track through orchards and fields, Maxima reached out and gave a hand of support to Thayer as he walked to his seat to watch the ceremony paying tribute to the American liberators.

American troops from the 30th Infantry Division, known as Old Hickory, were among Allied forces that liberated parts of Belgium and the southern Netherlands from German occupation in September 1944.

The royal mother-of-three walked into the event with World War II veteran Kenneth Thayer (pictured)

The Dutch royal couple were photographed chatting to Kenneth Thayer before getting into an army jeep

The 53-year-old royal looked animated as she greeted children lining the event with Dutch flags

Maxima and World War II veteran Kenneth Taylor walked into the remembrance event arm-in-arm

Today's event marked the country's 80th anniversary of liberation from Nazi occupation

Thayer still recalls the day. He said he was sent out on a reconnaissance mission the night before the liberation and saw no Germans.

'And so we went up the next day and we found that I had accidentally crossed the border and, we didn't think anything of it, you know, it was just another day on the front line,' he said.

While Thayer was one of the guests of honor at the event, he paid tribute to his comrades who didn't make it through the war and said he was representing them.

'It wasn't just me and there (are) hundreds and hundreds of guys who didn't make it. They're not here, you know,' he said.

Residents of Mesch were among the first Dutch citizens to taste postwar freedom, at about 10 a.m. on Sept. 12, 1944, when Thayer and other American infantry troops crossed the border from Belgium.

A day later, they reached Maastricht, the provincial capital of Limburg and the first Dutch city to be liberated. It would take several months more for the whole country to finally be freed.

The fighting in Belgium, the Netherlands and into Germany took a heavy toll on American forces. An American cemetery in the nearby village of Margraten holds the graves of 8,288 servicemen and women.

In an enduring symbol of Dutch gratitude to their liberators, local people have 'adopted ' all the graves, visiting them regularly and bringing flowers on birthdays and other special days.

The royal appeared delighted after accepting a bouquet of brightly coloured flowers from a young child

Maxima opted for a full face of makeup for the occasion, complete with black mascara and pink lipstick

The King and Queen of the Netherlands and Kenneth Taylor arrived in a green army Jeep

Queen Maxima and King Willem-Alexander looked animated as they entered the event

It comes after Queen Maxima looked the part as she visited a laboratory during the opening of a new factory of NX Filtration on Wednesday in Hengelo.

The Dutch royal, 53, ditched her usual glam attire in exchange for a lab coat and safety glasses as she helped make a membrane in the laboratory during her visit.

However, before the mother-of-three got stuck into science experiments, she showcased her usual sophisticated style in a baby blue floral dress.

She completed the chic look with dark green stilettos, a matching beret style hat and clutch bag.

Meanwhile, she accessorised with gold drop earrings, which featured blue stones, and a slew of silver bracelets.

Maxima appeared in good spirits as she was shown around the grounds of the new company.

The Dutch Queen showed her caring side as she helped the veteran out of the army jeep

The royal couple smiled as they arrived at the event in Mesch in the army jeep

King Willem-Alexander put on a dapper display in a crisp navy suit and a light blue tie

The NX Filtration factory produces filters to purify water, based on nano-membrane technology in it's factory.

Earlier this week, she also appeared in high spirits as she opened a new clinic in south Holland.

She cut an elegant figure in a burnt orange ensemble to officially open the new outpatient Endometriosis Clinic at the Reiner de Graaf Hospital in Delft.

The mother-of-three sported a long-sleeved blouse with ruffles and a pair of high waisted trousers in a matching shade.

She accessorised with matching chrome heels and a chunky velvet headband, enhancing her sophisticated look.

The royal was smiling as she chatted with children outside the hospital after accepting a bouquet of flowers ahead of the event.

Maxima opened the new clinic, which will treat outpatients with endometriosis - a condition where tissue like the lining of the womb grows in other places, including the ovaries and fallopian tubes.

Endometriosis affects the physical and mental health of one in ten women in the UK from puberty to menopause, though the impact may persist for life, according to Endometriosis UK.
A woman has revealed the three common fashion items to banish now - and what you should be wearing instead.

Alex Collins, a fashion expert from the UK, sharply divided opinion with her advice about the popular items of clothing that she wouldn't be caught dead wearing.

'There are three things I gave up wearing to improve my style,' she said in a video.

She has banned distressed hem shorts, graphic tees and cheap, colourful bags from her outfit rotation in a bid to smarten up her look.

1. Shorts with distressed hems

Distressed and raw denim hems are a wardrobe staple for many, especially during the warmer months, but Alex is no longer a fan of the casual look.

'Instead I much prefer tailored shorts or shorts with no distressed details.'

She sported a chic outfit showing black shorts and a black t-shirt with tan accessories to show how properly tailored shorts look so much sharper.

@alexxcoll What did you stop wearing to change/improve your style? I could make a whole series on this   original sound - AlexxColl

Alex Collins said that popular graphic tees were one item to banish from your wardrobe if you want to look more stylish

2. Graphic t-shirts

The style expert has also done away with graphic t-shirts and opts instead of plain or striped shirts, explaining it's more versatile and goes with the rest of her wardrobe.

3. Cheap, colourful bags

Alex said cheap bags in bright colours can get in the way of an elegant look.

'Instead, I go for bags in classic colours and classic shapes so that they're timeless and can go with any outfit,' she said.

Women reacting to the video couldn't agree on the advice, but some were fans of the 'chic' tips and said that Alex's wardrobe was giving Princess Diana vibes.

'Beautiful style. I whole heartedly agree on all three,' one said.

'I'm 42 and just learning how to dress as an adult because of you,' another added.

'This is such good advice, timeless,' a third chimed in.

One woman agreed that Alex's style was stunning, even though it lacked 'personalised touches'.

But others said the recommendations were 'so boring' and 'joyless', with hardly any colours besides black, white and beige.

Fans of graphic t-shirts in particular refused to let them go and called the advice to banish them 'harsh'.

One unlucky woman laughed about the outfit she was currently wearing.

'Not me sitting here in all three,' she said.
Remember what revising for exams feels like? When Mercury (intellect) is retrograde, it makes us feel a bit like that. It's as if the cosmos is telling us to check to make sure we really 'know our onions'.

Mercury started moving forwards a while ago. But as it leaves its shadow, and ventures into new territory, we can start experimenting with exciting new flavours.

Will our knowledge still be tested? Probably. But even if things get spicy, we can enjoy the heat in the kitchen. It's time to have some fun.

There's so much more to your horoscope than just your Sun Sign. If you like what you read here, just wait until you read your Personal Birth Chart.

All you need to know... and it's all about you. Spookily accurate predictions, life-changing advice. Get yours here.

Read more horoscopes from MailOnline here.

Mercury started moving forwards a while ago. But as it leaves its shadow, and ventures into new territory, we can start experimenting with exciting new flavours

ARIES

March 21 - April 20

Imagine having a ball and chain attached to your leg. Every movement forward would be a struggle. With your imaginative powers, you can easily create the same effect (without the need for any kind of physical encumbrance). Anxiety and fear do a very good job of slowing down progress. They're perfectly able to weigh you down and impede you. So, here's a question: what's stopping you from freeing yourself from an unsatisfactory situation? With Mercury leaving its shadow, it's time to think positively... and move on.

A powerful cosmic climate is working in your favour right now. You can make a positive transformation and achieve what you've been hoping for. A personal birth-chart report will tell you what's really possible... and when... and how. Download yours now!

TAURUS

April 21 - May 21

I've got a question to ask you; why do you want what you say you want? Are you positive you really want it? Is there a chance that you've convinced yourself about something and, since you've taken steps towards achieving it, you're committed - yet secretly entertaining doubts? You need to be honest with yourself today. If your head is leading you in one direction but your heart is pulling you in another, you're not going to get very far. With Mercury (intellect) leaving its shadow, if you seek clarity, you'll find it.

Now, you should read your 'Guide to the Future'. Inside it you'll find page after page of insights and predictions all about you and what's in store for you in the year ahead. Make your future a wonderful future. Download your 'Guide to the Future' here.

GEMINI

May 22 - June 22

There's only one Planet Earth. And here we are, inhabitants on this ball of rock - sharing it with billions of other folks as if it spins around our universe, amongst billions of other planets and stars. It's mind-blowing stuff. But if you weren't here, would any of it exist? It seems likely that it would for others. But not for you. Which highlights your importance and value! Today, as your ruler leaves its shadow, your ability to influence a situation in your world is increased. You can play a key role in improving it... for you, and everyone.

'Phenomenal! Excellent!', 'I love that Daisy has been added. Please keep her!', 'Breathtaking - I cannot thank her - and you - enough.', 'It makes complete sense.' What, or who, are they talking about? Find out...

CANCER

June 23 - July 23

There are people in your life who think they know what you 'should' be doing. And they don't hold back from sharing their opinions. If you give them half a chance, they've got ideas about how you need to be thinking too! In their way, they're judging you. And you don't need that. You're perfectly capable of judging yourself. And you've got plenty of opinions too. Which is why you're tired of hearing their solutions. You'd prefer to hear some intelligent questions. Since no one else is going to ask them, it's time to ask them yourself.

PS, your full personal horoscope reveals amazing secrets about your inner potential and shows you your future in stunningly accurate detail. Be wise. Order it now! Click here!

Will our knowledge still be tested? Probably. But even if things get spicy, we can enjoy the heat in the kitchen. It's time to have some fun

LEO

July 24 - August 23

How bad can having too much of a good thing be? Surely it's better than having too little of it? Obviously, when it comes to things like pizza, too much of a good thing can be detrimental. And it's definitely better to only have tiny amounts of bad things in our lives. So it seems that balance is key. As a passionate Leo, you're not really known for your moderation skills. Today, as Mercury leaves its shadow, you'll find it easier than usual to define your limits. And in your current situation, that will give you much more power.

Reveal the astrological secrets of your future, today. For a complete set of totally personal predictions instantly download 'Your Guide to the Future'.

VIRGO

August 24 - September 23

Virgos are naturally modest. It's a great quality. But you often tend to underestimate your power. And that can stop you from realising your full potential. As Mercury, your ruler, leaves its shadow, in your sign, it's like you're moving into the light. Watch out for surprising ideas and possibilities that it might be easy to dismiss as being beyond your capabilities. They're not. With your confidence levels increasing, if you're open to change, you'll be able to take advantage of the options coming your way. And transform your life.

Consult 'Daisy', your personal AI Astrologer with a Free Trial of the 5 Star Service.

LIBRA

September 24 - October 23

How successful are you going to be? Well... that depends on what you're expecting to happen. Normally, you tend to set your expectations low. That way, you avoid being disappointed. But right now, with Venus in your sign, you need to aim high. Hope for the best. If you believe in the possibility of a positive outcome, you'll greatly increase the chance of attaining one. As long as you stay open-minded, and are prepared to adapt your plans as your circumstances change, you're on your way towards a breakthrough.

If you give me your date, place and time of birth... then I'll tell you what the planets say about you and your future. To learn more...

SCORPIO

October 24 - November 22

We adapt to our surroundings. Which is why we need to assess where we are and think about whether it's a good place, or not. It's an extreme example, but people find the idea of being released from jail scary. It's understandable. We find ways to cope with whatever life brings our way. And we can create our own prisons; and if someone gives us the key to escape, we don't use it; the thought of leaving makes us anxious. Today brings the courage to move on from a situation you've been putting up with for too long.

The cosmic blueprint of your life was written in code across the sky at the moment you were born. Click here!

SAGITTARIUS

November 23 - December 21

Arguments and conflict. Worry and fear. If you invest enough time and energy into one, there's a good chance you'll end up with the other. Mercury (intellect) leaving its shadow offers an ideal time to consider whether the seeds you've sown are going to develop into a harvest you want to reap. You're in the process of creating your future. It's your prerogative to change what you're doing today in order to guarantee a better tomorrow. And if that involves reneging on a self-made promise or plan, that's more than OK.

To discover who you truly are, what makes you tick, and what's just around the corner, you need a full personal horoscope report. Change your future... change your life with an amazingly accurate personal report now!

CAPRICORN

December 22 - January 20

We know we're not supposed to judge books by their covers. But it's easier said than done. It's an easy trap to fall into. And the fact that sometimes those instant judgements are accurate, makes it even more tempting. And confusing. If some books can be judged by their covers and some can't, how are we meant to know which is which? The only way, is to open one and read it! Whatever you're expecting today to hold, know that a chapter you've been struggling with is ending. And a new, brighter one is beginning.

Reveal the astrological secrets of your future, today. For a complete set of totally personal predictions instantly download 'Your Guide to the Future'.

AQUARIUS

January 21 - February 19

Has your imagination gone into overdrive? You've had an idea; but are you kidding yourself about its potential? I've got a feeling that you've got a feeling that you are! But that's a negative assumption to make. Why are you feeling this feeling? And why are you imagining that I'm imagining that you're imagining this? Confused? I am! It's time to simplify what's going on: in your forecast (and, more importantly) in your mind. There's nothing wrong with your idea. And if you start to action it, you'll soon see tangible proof of that.

But, wait a moment, just what is the Cainer Horoscopes 5 Star Service and who is Daisy? Take a free trial!

PISCES

February 20 - March 20

There's always something to worry about. In fact, if we look, there are always plenty of things. Sometimes, there are so many it can feel overwhelming. But no matter how many worries we're dealing with, they can be dispelled by one single, simple positive thought. What could have such an impact? Well, it's the fact that we're alive. If we stop to remember how lucky we are, just to be here, it helps us gain perspective. If you take a moment to stop and appreciate today, you'll realise how much you've got to be glad about.

Wish you could fulfil more of your potential? A Personal Profile, based on your exact date of birth, reveals your secret gifts and blessings. Click here!
A Kent mother has told of her astonishing birth story, which saw her son Luca 'born twice'  once at six months and again and just under nine months.

Lisa Coffee, 23, was told early on in her pregnancy that Luca had developed the birth defect spina bifida, which causes malformation of the spine and spinal cord.

Specialists opted to remove Luca from his mother's womb at 27 weeks  six months  and perform an operation to repair some of the defect.

They then placed him back into her uterus, and the pregnancy continued until Luca was born at 38 weeks; just shy of a full-term pregnancy.

One year-old Luca Coffee was born 'twice' as part of an astonishing medical procedure to repair damage caused by spina bifida

Luca will not be able to walk, however his mobility may improve with physiotherapy, doctors advise

After eight days in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care unit), Ms Coffee was able to bring her baby home.

However, the family were told it is unlikely Luca will be able to walk. The newborn also had to undergo multiple surgeries to repair damage to his brain and spine.

Luca is left with just a scar on his back and a condition known as Chiari malformation, where part of the brain (the cerebellum) extends into the spinal canal.

Now one, he's making progress through his physiotherapy sessions, offering hope for his future.

'The cerebellum continues to improve,' said Ms Coffee. 'He has some fluid on his brain, but it has remained stable, so he hasn't needed a drain fitted.

'His next MRI won't be until he's two years old.

'He just the most amazing little boy and we couldn't be more grateful for how far he has come. I'm incredibly grateful that the surgery has given him a chance to hopefully walk one day.'

Roughly 600 babies are born with spina bifida in the UK every year, according to studies.

Doctors removed Luca from Ms Coffee's womb six months into her pregnancy

Some with the mildest form of spina bifida - the occulta form - may not even know they have it.

Roughly 600 babies are born with spina bifida every year in the UK, but just 1 in 1000 will be considered for operations similar to the one performed on Luca

It happens when, during development, the spine and spinal cord do not form normally.

During development these structures - along with the brain - all arise out of something called a neural tube, a precursor the central nervous system as well as the protective tissues that form around them.

Typically, this tube forms and closes by the 28th week of pregnancy.

But in babies with spina bifida, it doesn't close properly, for reasons that are not entirely clear yet to scientists.

Instead, these babies are left with a gap in the vertebrae, through which part of the spinal cord may slip, depending the severity.

People with the mildest form of spina bifida - the occulta form - may not even know they have it.

The gap between their vertebrae is so small that the spinal cord stays in place and they are unlikely to experience any kind of neurological or motor symptoms.

The most severe form of the condition is open spina bifida, or myelomeningocele, where there are larger or multiple openings along the spine.

The newborn had to undergo multiple surgeries to repair damage to his brain and spine.

The membranes, spinal nerves and tissues they're meant to protect are pulled outside the baby at birth.

The symptoms vary wildly based on where and how severe these openings are.

Some children may develop little more than skin problems, while other with severe forms may be unable to walk or move properly, or develop infections like meningitis that can leave them with permanent brain damage.

Making sure women get plenty of folic acid in pregnancy can help ensure the spinal cord develops properly.

Typically, surgeons repair these defects after birth. However, in a small number of cases, procedures can be performed while a baby is still in the womb.

Speaking of these remarkable operations, Dr Hana Patel, an NHS GP, said:

'It is rare; only 1 in 1,000 pregnancies require this type of operation.

'In this case, the foetus needed surgery while the mother was pregnant with them. It's usually done to treat a life-threatening birth defect.

It's also done to repair spina bifida (myelomeningocele), improving outcomes for children born with the condition.

'Many children with spina bifida live into adulthood with the proper treatment and care. The estimated mean age for a person with spina bifida is 40.

'Although living with it is often difficult, many individuals can lead independent and fulfilling lives.'
As a surgeon treating patients with advanced ovarian cancer, my job has more than its fair share of bleak moments.

This invidious disease is notoriously difficult to diagnose; you cant screen for it, there are often no early symptoms - and by the time there are (such as bloating or abdominal pain), the cancer is usually advanced.

Little wonder that ovarian cancer is also known as the silent killer.

When a patient is finally diagnosed (there are around 7,500 new cases in the UK every year and around 4,100 ovarian cancer deaths), surgeons like myself battle against unforgiving odds.

Not least an average five-year survival of less than 50 per cent - less than breast or lung cancers - because it is often caught so late.

Only around 20 per cent of ovarian cancer cases in the UK are caught early.

Thats why we need to look at ways to prevent the disease rather than play a desperate game of catch-up once diagnosis is confirmed.

We need to look at ways to prevent the disease rather than play a desperate game of catch-up once diagnosis is confirmed, writes Professor Michael Worley

We already do this with pre-emptive surgery (to remove at-risk tissue) for those women with a family history of breast or ovarian cancers, usually after a defective gene linked to a high chance of developing these diseases has been discovered.

But I firmly believe we can also help the many thousands more who dont have this genetic risk  by carrying out surgery to remove the fallopian tubes in women already earmarked for other pelvic or abdominal operations, including hysterectomy, fibroid removal, a Caesarean section or even gallbladder removal.

Known as an opportunistic salpingectomy, its usually performed as a form of permanent birth control, as well as to treat conditions such as an ectopic pregnancy or endometriosis.

Yet few people realise it could also protect many more women against ovarian cancer  providing they are certain they dont want any more children (the procedure leads to sterility).

In fact, the evidence suggests removing the fallopian tubes reduces a womans lifetime risk of ovarian cancer to as close to zero as is possible.

But how does removing the fallopian tubes ward off cancer of the ovaries?

The term ovarian cancer is actually misleading since the disease predominantly starts in the fallopian tubes before spreading to the ovaries.

In fact, only a small percentage of - mostly rare - ovarian cancers actually start in an ovary.

This is significant because, unlike taking out the ovaries (which can result in surgical menopause and may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis), fallopian tube removal is risk-free; they have no other role than the transport of the egg.

Removing them doesnt cause an early menopause because the ovaries (which dictate menopausal status through hormone production) are left intact.

Ovulation therefore continues normally but the eggs released simply dissolve away.

And theres no extra risk of bleeding since the fallopian tubes arent in a densely vascular area (theres a limited blood supply).

On top of this, the procedure is swift and simple, taking no more than a few minutes to remove these 4-5cm tubes.

Thats why the operation  for the right women - could be such a game-changer in our battle against this ovarian cancer.

And thats why Im part of an initiative involving five top cancer centres in the U.S.  including the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, where I work  to make more women and doctors aware of the procedure.

We want doctors in the UK and worldwide to follow suit.

Some countries are already on board. Ovarian cancer risk in Canada dropped after salpingectomy was recommended back in 2010 for women undergoing a hysterectomy.

Yet globally most patients - and many doctors  still have no idea that ovarian cancer starts in the fallopian tube and that opportunistic salpingectomy has the potential to slash the risk.

Pushing ahead with this protocol will involve educating general surgeons on the technicalities of fallopian tube removal.

In an ideal world, it would be offered to all women undergoing pelvic or abdominal surgery who are not planning to have any more children. The average age of ovarian cancer diagnosis is 63, but we think cancers in the fallopian tube take several years to develop - so the earlier this procedure can be done the better.

Is it using a sledgehammer to crack a nut? Absolutely not.

We have been trying to find early diagnostics and screening for this disease for decades; nothing works and no screening mechanism (imaging, blood tests, etc) is even close to being useful.

Rather than continue the decades-old fruitless exploration of early detection, we propose a new strategy: prevention.

Ive treated thousands of women whose prognosis has been dismal and who have wondered why modern medicine couldnt fix them.

Of the patients who do go into remission following extensive surgery and aggressive chemotherapy, around 70 to 80 per cent will have a recurrence.

Even after treatment, microscopic bits of cancer can remain in the blood or abdominal cavity as the original disease can be distributed over a large area.

And once the cancer returns, its almost always terminal.

Every conversation is heartbreaking. So with no early symptoms of this terrible disease, this relatively simple procedure is the most powerful tool we have.

Professor Michael Worley is the director of ovarian cancer surgery at Brigham and Womens Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, US.

As told to ANGELA EPSTEIN
A 26 year-old woman has revealed how she's been left wheelchair bound and her life 'destroyed' after developing what she thought was a stomach bug.

In the summer of 2018, Sophia Cucchiara started suffering frequent waves of nausea, coupled with intense fevers, and lost a significant amount of weight.

The former student nurse thought little of it, assuming a stomach bug had taken hold.

But Ms Cucchaiara then developed swollen lymph nodes in her neck, joint pain and a rash, which prompted visits to several doctors in order to get to the bottom of her diagnosis.

It wasn't until three years later, in September 2021, that an astute specialist would carry out the necassary tests to spot Still's disease  a rare inflammatory form of arthritis.

Sophia Cucchiara thought she had all the classic signs of a stomach bug, but in fact it was the start of a 4 year battle for a correct diagnosis.

Ms Cucchaiara said not knowing what was wrong with her body was the hardest part of her journey.

Speaking of the long-running ordeal, Ms Cucchaiara, from Cologne, Germany, said: 'I was anxious, concerned and scared.

'Not knowing what was wrong with my body was the hardest part of this time.

'It wasn't just frustrating, at some points I started to doubt myself.

'I convinced myself that I wasn't ill at all and was just exaggerating and that everyone has these symptoms - I'm just sensitive.

'I could no longer trust myself and my perception because no one could figure out why I was feeling so bad.

At one point in her diagnosis journey, specialists believed she may in fact be suffering with lymphoma  a deadly form of immune system cancer.

She said: 'The oncologist was very convinced, even before she took a biopsy.

'She had even already informed me about the chemotherapy and egg retrieval.

Ms Cucchaiara was eventually diagnosed with Still's disease  a form of arthritis that affects 1 in 100,000 people

'So I had already prepared myself and was very shocked that it wasn't cancerous.'

By the beginning of 2021, the pain had become torturous, forcing her to give up work and studies.

She was referred to a rheumatologist  a specialist in musculoskeletal conditions  who eventually diagnosed Still's disease.

'I was happy, I thought that now we know what it is, we can try and fix it.

'I was relieved, especially because I finally knew that I wasn't just imagining my illness.'

The illness is an autoimmune condition that is only diagnosed in adults and is thought to affect just 800 people in the UK, or one in every 100,000 adults.

It happens when the immune system goes awry and generates inflammation continuously, even when there's no infection or injury to heal.

Symptoms include sore throat, fever, jointpain and a salmon-pink rash that comes and goes quickly.

Despite taking multiple medications, Ms Cucchaiara's pain is still severe, and she relies on a wheelchair to get around.

Symptoms of Still's Disease can appear similar to a virus, including fever, rashes and joint pain.

There are several medications that can help manage the symptoms of Still's, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, steroids and biological therapies.

Ms Cucchaiara injects herself with medication everyday.

She said: 'I've got used to injecting myself everyday, and I've come to terms with the fact that there is no cure.

'Some days it's really hard, for instance when I have to cancel plans or appointments, on days when the pain is extra high, or if I'm in the hospital.'

Despite the medication, she still suffers agonising pain in her joints and muscles, as well as cramps in her bladder. The agony has become so severe that she relies on a wheelchair to get around.

Ms Cucchaiara was forced to quit her nursing career due to her disability, and now wants to raise awareness for her condition.

She said: 'I can't say exactly what hurts the most because it often varies, it's often hips, knees and wrists, but sometimes something completely different.

'I still have various tablets, I take 12 daily, and pain relieving patches.

'But I'm proud that I've never given up.

'Thanks to my wheelchair, I can go on vacations again, visit festivals and concerts and go on trips with friends. None of that was possible before.'

Sophia, who is unable to work as a nurse due to her condition, has now completed her studies and will now teach other budding nurses in future.

She added: 'I kept fighting and never gave up, and I won't in the future either.

'It may be difficult, there will be times when you don't want to go on, but always keep the good moments in mind, because they are always worth fighting for.'
READ MORE: Some people can be obese AND healthy , study suggests

Americans are fatter than ever, new CDC data shows.

Before 2013, no state had an adult obesity prevalence at or above 35 percent - but in 2023, 23 states hit that alarming threshold.

Overall, one in five American adults overall are obese, with the Midwest and the South reporting the highest proportions.

A record four states - West Virginia, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Louisiana - in 2023 had the highest rates at 40 percent. This is one additional state compared to the year before.

The below map shows data for 2023

Your browser does not support iframes.

Overall, one in five American adults overall are obese, with the Midwest and the South reporting the highest proportions

Twenty-three states had obesity rates over 35 percent, four more than the year before.

While Washington DC and Colorado had the lowest figures, no state in the whole country had fewer than one in five obese adults.

Your browser does not support iframes.

Dr Karen Hacker, director of the CDC's Natinal Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, said: 'This new data highlight the need for obesity prevention and treatment options, which start with building healthier communities where people of all ages have safe places for physical activity, and where health care and healthy food options are accessible and affordable for all.'

'Obesity prevention at young ages is critical, because we know that children with obesity often become adults with obesity.'

The US obesity rate has taken off compared to a decade ago, when no states had an obesity rate above 35 percent. The CDC says it is an 'urgent priority' to tackle the nation's growing waistline

The new data was based on the CDC's Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, which surveys 400,000 adults in all 50 states, DC, and three territories.

The CDC defines obesity as having a body mass index (BMI) of at least 30.

West Virginia, which has consistently been in the top five for the last decade, had the highest obesity rate at 41.2 percent, the same as last year.

Experts have warned that the Mountain State's high ranking could be due to a widespread lack of physical activity and healthy food.

For example, CDC data shows that nearly one in three West Virginia residents gets no physical activity or exercise, with only Mississippi and Arkansas ranking higher.

And according to West Virginia University, the state has the country's highest risk of food insecurity.

This can lead to residents relying on unhealthy, low-cost options like fast food or skipping meals and overeating once food becomes available again.

The state's obesity crisis could also be fueling several other conditions, including the state's high rates of diabetes, high cholesterol, and cancer.

Mississippi, Arkansas, and Louisiana also broke the 40 percent mark. While Louisiana passed this threshold last year, Mississippi and Arkansas's rates both increased in the last year.

Mississippi saw a slight increase from 39.5 percent to 40.1 percent. Meanwhile, Arkansas didn't even make the top 10 worst states last year and surged to land in the third-worst spot.

However, Oklahoma, which was in the third-worst spot last year, bucked the trend and dropped from 40 percent to 38 percent.

The above CDC graph shows obesity rates for Asian Americans, who were the least likely group to be obese

This graph from the CDC shows obesity rates for non-hispanic black Americans, the most at-risk group for obesity

Washington DC and Colorado had the two lowest obesity rates at 23.5 percent and 25 percent, respectively.

Though up to one in four adults in these regions still are considered obese, Colorado saw a slight decrease in obesity from last year.

In 2022, Colorado recorded a 25 percent obesity rating. DC saw no change from the year before.

CDC data has shown that Colorado has the highest rate of physical activity, with one in six adults reporting that they do not exercise at all.

Additionally, a study in the International Journal of Obesity found that people who live at high altitudes, such as those in Colorado, were up to five times less likely to be obese. The researchers suggested this could be because low oxygen levels at high altitudes can help activate the vagus nerve, which is responsible for appetite control.

As for DC, this low rate may be due to high physical activity rates. For example, one study found that DC had the most gyms in the country, with 20 per 100,000 residents.

Additionally, a 2024 report from the USDA found that DC had the third lowest rate of food insecurity, just behind North Dakota and New Hampshire.

Asian adults were the only racial or ethnic group that didn't have an obesity prevalence above 35 percent in any state.

Dr Ruth Petersen, director of the CDC's Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity, said: 'Obesity is a complex disease. There's a common misconception that obesity is a result of lack of willpower and individual failings to eat well and exercise.'

'Many factors contribute to obesity like genes, certain medications, poor sleep, gut microbiome, stress, access to affordable food, safe places to be active, and access to health care.'

'Understanding these factors helps us identify potential prevention and treatment strategies.'
Imagine this. The government commissions an official report into a high-profile tax. A comprehensive report comes back that is about as damning as you can get: branding the structure as unfair, crucial allowances as outdated, and calling for an overhaul.

Six years later, absolutely nothing has been done to sort that tax out.

Except you dont have to imagine this scenario, because it is what actually happened with inheritance tax.

Stacking up: Inheritance tax was originally intended as a levy on the estates of the very wealthy, increasingly it has now become a tax on the affluent middle class who own family homes across southern England

This epitomises the abject failure of the British tax system over the past two decades.

Successive Chancellors have known about bad taxes that are damaging public trust and instead of fixing them have chosen not only to ignore the problem but often to actively make it worse.

The Tories made a lot of noise about improving the burden of inheritance tax and even hinted at axing it. Beyond George Osborne's tinkering with the clunky own residence exemption, they instead ignored the problem.

Conservative chancellors were happy to sit back and allow inheritance tax to increasingly become a tax raid on the affluent middle classes rather than the levy on the very wealthy it was intended to be. Now we start in a bad place when faced with a Labour party seemingly keen to tax wealth.

Back in January 2018, then Chancellor Philip Hammond asked the Office of Tax Simplification to carry out a review of inheritance tax with the aim of simplifying it for both the government and taxpayers.

The OTS came back with the first part of its review in late 2018, which was followed up by the final part in 2019.

As I mentioned above, the findings of the review were far from complimentary.

It painted a picture of a total mess of a tax, which despite only being paid by a small percentage of estates manages to create an administration nightmare for many more whose loved ones have died, cementing its reputation as Britains most hated tax.

In November 2018, the OTS said: Although inheritance tax is payable on less than 5 per cent of the estates of the 570,000 people who die in the UK each year, around half of the families have to fill in the forms.

Many also told us that their relative had worried about inheritance tax during their lifetime, even though it was not going to affect them.

Inheritance tax is charged at 40 per cent on estates above the individual nil rate band of 325,000, with an extra 175,000 allowed tax-free for those passing their own home on to direct descendants.

You can pass on your unused allowances to a spouse, meaning married couples and civil partners have a combined allowance of 1million.

A cornerstone of inheritance tax is limiting how much people whose estates would be liable can give away before gifts get caught in the net of death duties.

Once they breach these gift limits, they must survive for another seven years for the gift to become inheritance tax-free.

The OTS highlighted in detail how outdated these limits are and that they had not been raised since inheritance tax was introduced in its current form in 1986.

The frozen main gifting limit means you can give away just 3,000 per year before ending up with a potential inheritance tax liability.

An exemption applies for weddings, whereby a parent can give 5,000 or a grandparent 2,500.

Alternatively, you can make unlimited small gifts worth up to 250 but you can only make one per individual recipient.

There is an IHT exemption for making regular gifts out of surplus income, but this is a murky area and you cant use it to give your savings away.

The gifting rules create some truly bizarre potential scenarios for anyone unlucky enough to die within seven years.

Your estate could end up liable for inheritance tax if you:

Buy your 18-year-old a second hand 5,000 Ford Fiesta

Split your daughter or sons wedding (the average cost of which is claimed to be 20,000)

Have already given away your 3,000 this year and buy your grandchild a school laptop

Take the family on a big holiday

Once upon a time: Inheritance tax gift limits haven't changed since the 1980s

Despite all these restrictive rules, the really rich pay a lower effective rate of inheritance tax than the merely rich

In reality, I imagine these things happen all the time and fall through the cracks without any inheritance tax being charged, even if the donor dies within seven years.

Yet, theoretically, the taxman could pursue an estate over the inheritance tax threshold for 40 per cent on any of the above.

One area where people are at greater risk of an IHT bill is if the Bank of Mum and Dad - or Gran and Grandad - helped with a house deposit, often running into tens of thousands of pounds.

One of the most eye-catching elements of the OTS report was that despite all these restrictive rules, the really rich pay a lower effective rate of inheritance tax than the merely rich.

The standard exemptions of up to 1million per couple mean that the effective overall rate of inheritance tax on estates (the amount paid vs their value) is far lower than the headline 40 per cent rate.

As people get caught in the IHT net, the effective rate steadily rises, from 5 per cent at the low end, to about 20 per cent for 2 to 3million estates, where it remains until about 7million.

But after that it starts dropping and by the time you get to 10million-plus estates the effective inheritance tax rate is 10 per cent.

This is where having deep enough pockets to do some serious inheritance tax planning really pays off and exemptions such as passing on businesses and agricultural land start to be used by the wealthy, rather than the entrepreneurs or farmers they were designed for.

In its second report, the OTS made 11 recommendations. Most important for the majority of people were those around lifetime gifts, where a new simpler overall personal gifts allowance at a higher level was recommended, along with reducing the seven-year rule to five.

My personal view is that inheritance tax could be even simpler, just cut the IHT rate to a far more palatable 20 per cent and the tax take may stay the same as dodging it becomes less worthwhile.

Poll What would YOU do about inheritance tax? Cut the 40% rate Raise the threshold Change gifting rules Abolish it Make the wealthiest families pay more It's fair at current levels Something else (tell us in the comments) What would YOU do about inheritance tax? Cut the 40% rate 283 votes

Raise the threshold 698 votes

Change gifting rules 114 votes

Abolish it 1416 votes

Make the wealthiest families pay more 173 votes

It's fair at current levels 60 votes

Something else (tell us in the comments) 15 votes Now share your opinion





This is Money readers disagree, in a poll where more than 2,500 voted, just 10 per cent favoured cutting the rate, compared to 26 per cent who wanted the threshold raised and 51 per cent who said abolish it altogether.

Just 8 per cent said it was either fair as it is or people should be taxed more on inheritances.

Whatever your view on inheritance tax, you would think that after such a damning report on a tax that punches well above its weight in terms of attention and disruption, something would have been done.

Instead, the Conservatives sat on the OTS report for so long that it managed to outlast the Office for Tax Simplification itself, which was scrapped by Kwasi Kwarteng and Liz Truss.

As with many of our problematic tax traps, its a shame the Tories never acted.

Especially, as for some bizarre reason our new Labour government seems to want to crack down on economic optimism with some tax rises.

Perhaps we will get a surprise in October. Maybe Rachel Reeves wont stage a dismal inheritance tax raid that only makes a bad tax worse, but will instead increase the gifting allowances to match modern day life and make it simpler and better.

Im not sure I can see that happening though.
Tesco has lost a Supreme Court battle with the retail workers union over fire and rehire plans.

The supermarket giant faced legal action by the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers (Usdaw) after it tried to sack distribution centre staff and rehire them on lower pay in 2021.

After the High Court ruled in the unions favour in 2022, the supermarket giant successfully appealed against the decision the same year.

But the Supreme Court yesterday ruled Tesco should be blocked from dismissing the staff.

Court fight: Tesco faced legal action by the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers (Usdaw) after it tried to sack distribution centre staff and rehire them on lower pay in 2021

It comes as Labour plots workers rights reforms that will ban fire and rehire policies and zero-hour contracts.

It is feared the new rules facing business  alongside the prospect of higher taxes  will put companies off hiring staff.

The row broke out after Tesco planned to close some distribution centres in 2007, offering staff a higher salary  which was known as retained pay  for them to relocate.

In 2021, the grocer tried to end retained pay and told staff they would remove it in return for a lump sum payment, or their contracts would be terminated and reoffered on the same terms at a lower salary.

Usdaw argued that the higher salary was described as permanent in the contracts and could not be removed.

Tesco argued that it was using a contractual mechanism open to employers.

But the Supreme Court judgment said was inconceivable that Tesco would retain a unilateral right to terminate the contracts of employees in order to bring retained pay to an end whenever it suited Tescos business purposes to do so.

That would have been viewed, objectively, as unrealistic and as flouting industrial common sense by both sides, it said.

Paddy Lillis, Usdaw general secretary, said: These tactics have no place in industrial relations, so we felt we had to act to protect those concerned.

Tesco accepted the ruling, adding: Todays judgment relates to a dispute brought on behalf of a very small number of colleagues in our UK distribution network who receive a supplement to their pay.

The vast majority of distribution staff do not receive the top-up, it said.

In 2021, we took the decision to phase it out. We made a competitive offer at that time and many of them chose to accept this.

'Our aim has always been to engage constructively with Usdaw and the small number of colleagues affected.
Boots has appointed a former Saturday boy to take the helm.

Anthony Hemmerdinger will replace managing director Sebastian James in November as its US owner ponders the sale of the pharmacy giant.

James, an Old Etonian and contemporary of Boris Johnson and David

Top job: Anthony Hemmerdinger will replace managing director Sebastian James at Boots in November

Cameron in Oxford Universitys Bullingdon Club, is leaving after six years to run Veonet, a European eye clinic network.

Hemmerdinger said: Boots is a terrific business that holds a unique position at the heart of the UKs health and beauty sector.

' Im extremely proud of all we have achieved over the last few years.

He worked at Boots in Manchester as a teenager and has also worked for pub firm Greene King and Sainsburys.

After six years at Asda he returned to Boots as retail director in 2022.

Since then, he has been overseeing its estate of around 1,900 stores in the UK and Ireland.

The company yesterday praised him for spearheading a revival of its beauty section.
Otto von Bismarck commented that 'politics is the art of the possible'.

Finally, at the eleventh hour, Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones realised that it was going to be impossible to belligerently stick to his refusal to meet with tax practitioners to fix his broken laws that they had been complaining about for a month.

Back in August, Jones introduced new laws requiring tax practitioners to disclose 'any' matter that might influence whether or not a client engages their services.

Legal advice confirmed this would force some mental health disclosures, and the Chair of the government's Tax Practitioners Board responsible for administering the new law also said mental health 'could possibly be relevant' as a matter for disclosure.

Proving that denial isn't just a river in Egypt, Jones insisted this wasn't the case and refused to budge, having already introduced the new laws without industry consultation.

Understandably tax practitioners were up in arms and wanted the law fixed. To guarantee mental health issues would not need to be disclosed to clients, alongside a number of other repairs the faulty laws required.

The Coalition and the crossbench came together to call out the inappropriateness of what Labor was doing. In the end only political desperation got Stephen Jones to actually do his job and fix the mess he had created.

Labor was set to get rolled in the Senate, and they came within a whisker of losing a vote there anyway, even after Jones at the very last minute agreed to every demand he'd previously refused to compromise on, to the satisfaction of the tax industry.

The assistant minister Stephen Jones (pictured) refused to meet with tax practitioners until the last minute, angering the industry and the crossbench

The disallowance vote went ahead anyway and was a tie, at 31 a piece, meaning that Labor's laws almost got cancelled despite its last minute backflip. Before the vote the minister issued a statement confirming he'd backdown on every single one of the tax practitioners' demands.

If he had agreed to do that at the beginning there never would have needed to be a vote, an advertising campaign condemning the Labor government, nor all the unnecessary anger Jones has caused because of his lack of consultation within the industry and amongst the crossbench.

Independent Senator David Pocock voted with Labor after it agreed to every one of the tax practitioners' demands, in writing, but took to his feet in the Senate after the vote to declare that if the minister didn't honour his promise to fix the mess he created within the promised time frame, Pocock would move another disallowance motion himself and switch sides, guaranteeing Labor would lose.

There was no better demonstration of the frustration and distrust at the way Labor has acted on this matter.

This is a story of a stoush that never should have happened, and wouldn't have happened if the junior minister and his office had shown even basic competence before being dragged kicking and screaming to the negotiating table.

They denied their laws forced mental health disclosures, even though legal advice confirmed they did. They backed down.

They refused to concede that forcing disclosures of any ongoing investigations, rather than findings, was damaging to businesses. In the end they backed down.

They stood by their insistence that tax agents needed to dob in their clients, breaking every tradition of client confidentiality that exists across other professions such as law and medicine. In the end they backed down.

The Prime Minister's chief of staff, Tim Gartrell (pictured left), needed to step in to ensure Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones's mishandling of the accountants issue didn't get worse

The government's changes to the law are exactly what the industry asked for months ago. What was the point of all the arguing before now?

Jones's unwillingness to even meet with the industry his new laws would damage managed to unite the crossbench in a way rarely seen.

Labor only had the support of the Greens in the Senate (of course).

Not that even the Greens were united in backing Labor's now abandoned belligerence on this issue.

Lower House Greens MP Max Chandler-Mather wrote to Jones demanding changes to his 'vague and contradictory' laws.

Former Labor Senator Fatima Payman crossed the floor again, this time not on the issue of Gaza, but rather to support tax practitioners under siege.

She sided with crossbenchers such as Pauline Hanson and Jacqui Lambie, amongst many others, as well as the Coalition.

A unity ticket that Jones managed to bring together only via extraordinary incompetence.

Pocock was with them too, until he gave Labor one last chance to fix its own mess.

That was when Jones finally did what a responsible minister should have done long before - he asked to see the industry bodies he'd ignored, dismissed and insulted for months.

His first meeting with them was just over an hour before the vote.

The minister had been told to fix this mess by none other than Anthony Albanese's chief of staff, Tim Gartrell, who himself started calling crossbenchers to see where the numbers were once the failures of the assistant treasurer became all too apparent.

Mental health expert Patrick McGorry (pictured) was pleased Labor fixed its laws to exclude mental health disclosures, telling Daily Mail Australia the move was 'positive'

Senior intervention became necessary to save political face.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers was asked about the sorry saga at a media conference on Tuesday. Working hard to keep a wry smile off his face, the Treasurer kept well clear of the mess, telling the journalist to take the matter up with his junior minister, because responsibility for the matter was in Stephen Jones's 'very capable hands'.

Jones had insisted his laws didn't compel accountants to disclose mental health issues to clients. He was cheered on by his media parrots, echoing the line that such worries were 'unfounded' even though they all knew legal advice proved otherwise.

It was disgraceful behaviour, a tad dross.

Jones backed down on that issue even before yesterday's wider capitulation. Mental health expert and former Australian of the Year, Professor Patrick McGorry, who had expressed concerns about the possibility of forced mental health disclosures, told Daily Mail Australia upon learning of Labor's backflip that it was 'positive that they seem to have ruled out the possibility of disclosure of any mental health history'.

Yes it was.

In a bid to muddy the waters before the disallowance motion came to a head, the minister's fan club in the media shamelessly tried to suggest McGorry's concerns, clearly articulated in writing, were being overstated. Which, as we have seen, they clearly were not.

Of course once the war of words was over and Labor had firmly tucked its tail between its legs agreeing to fix its bad laws, polite corporate speak took over.

One of the dozen bodies critical of the government's laws - Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand - issued a media release thanking the assistant treasurer 'for listening to the tax profession's concerns'.

Stephen Jones thanked the industry for 'their constructive engagement with us on this matter'.

In the end Jones compromised, that's true.

Compromised in the same way the Black Knight of Monty Python fame compromised with King Arthur: Letting him pass after the Black Knight was reduced to a limbless torso in the dirt, screeching threats that he'd bite King Arthur's leg off if he ever returned.
In the world of Harry Potter, there is no shortage of hunks to make people swoon.

Whether it's the boy wizard himself with his courageous adventures and recognisable scar, Ron Weasley with his charm and humour or even Draco Malfoy with his bad boy persona, it's no surprise some fans can develop a crush or two.

However, videos shared online show fans have started to fall head over heels for one of the franchise's most unlikely characters.

Visitors to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London to get a behind the scenes look at how the series was made, are swooning over 'thirst trap' Death Eaters.

Yes, the masked followers of Lord Voldemort - or He Who Shall Not Be Named if you're superstitious - have taken the internet by storm.

The villainous Death Eaters have become the latest unlikely characters to make Harry Potter fans swoon

The group, known for their devotion to Lord Voldemort and terrorising innocent witches and wizards, are getting some people hot under the collar with their antics

The group, who wear creepy masks and go around killing witches and wizards born to non-magical parents, are one of the big baddies in films and books.

By doing Voldemort's bidding, including resurrecting him from the dead and attacking Hogwarts itself, you would perhaps expect forming a crush on them to be beyond the pale.

The outlaw group's ominous presence, theatrical flourishes and downright creepy attitude appears to be too much for some people visiting the Harry Potter themed amusements around the world.

Those bitten by the love bug have been posting videos on TikTok revealing how the villainous gang have been getting them hot under the collar.

One woman who visited The Making of Harry Potter tour in London posted a video of masked man beckoning her to come closer with his fingers.

Overlaid with the song Kiss Me by Mette and with the caption 'the tension in the room was undeniable' the woman behind the camera appears drawn towards the man.

She added: 'Who needs a man when a Death Eater gives you this sort of attention?'

Women in the comments were similarly taken by him, claiming they were 'instantly in love'.

This Death Eater, with his mysterious demeanour and alluring style, caught the attention of visitors at the Harry Potter experience in London

The man's hand tattoos also caught the eye of viewers, with one writing: 'The hand tattoos?! My dark romance heart'

With their penchant for the flamboyant, some fans have been falling head over heels for the characters

One wrote 'the hand tattoos?! My dark romance heart', while another added 'how DARE he summon me like that...but I am on my way'.

Meanwhile, in the US fans are also being struck down by the Death Eater fever, with those at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort falling hard.

In one video a masked magician was seen flourishing his wand and twirling his cape before grandly bowing down to the camera.

This was enough to send many into a state of hysteria, with one woman suggestively writing: 'As a Slytherin I'm SO ready to get my dark mark...'

One woman wrote: 'I don't know how I ended up on Death Eater thirst trap side of TikTok but I'm here for it.'

Another added: 'My Ravenclaw heart just melts for a Slytherin baddie.'

Someone else wrote: 'I just know I can never visit this place. I'm a Gryffindor but oh man would I switch sides.'

It seems even displays of wanton violence aren't enough to put some people off, with a video of one Death Eater slamming a chair to the ground in anger raising the temperature.

Some people have been going crazy over the Death Eaters, with swooning fans unable to contain themselves

When one viewer suggested posted a hot face emoji in response, another added: 'I know right oddly jealous of the chair.'

It's not just the violence, but the creepy demeanour which has caught the attention of some fans.

In one video a Death Eater in Orlando is seen cornering a very willing fan against a wall and threatening her with his wand.

This sparked much swooning in the comments, with one person writing:

Another added: 'I swear to god all of them have done their research on booktok'

Someone else wrote: 'I don't think this is what Universal intended when they employed the Death Easters but goddamn...'

And one hysterical woman said: 'BRO WHAT IS GOING ON!!!!! I'm blushing through the screen AND I AINT EVEN THERE. XD.'
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British holidaymakers this year have faced a deluge of anti-tourism protests in Spain, leaving countless visitors fuming after putting down hundreds of pounds to enjoy their time abroad over the summer.

Tens of thousands of Spaniards flooded cities including Barcelona, Madrid, Bilbao and Santa Cruz de Tenerife for the whole season to discourage the more than 85million tourists who visit Spain every year.

But there is one city, one refuge of vacation bliss, where sunseekers have been welcomed in their droves without judgement or scorn: Benidorm.

With the UK's short-lived summer coming to an abrupt end and giving way to autumnal temperatures, photographs today taken along the Spanish city's beachfront show that Brits fully intend to make the most of Benidorm's hospitality for as long as they can this year.

Pictures show the classic Benidorm scene: shirtless expats and holidaymakers strolling along the beach front, and soaking up the Spanish rays while sitting in restaurants advertising full English breakfasts.

People from all walks of life travel to Beniform to soak up the sun over the summer

Shirtless Brits are a mainstay in the region over the summer. One is seen here with an Aston Villa FC back tattoo

A shirtless Brit is seen enjoying the sun in Benidorm away from the Autumn chill in the UK

Britain-themed pubs and restaurants cater to the hundred of thousands of Brits who travel to Benidorm every year

Many spend their days lounging on the beaches, catching a tan

The region is known for welcoming a range of ages, unlike neighbouring Ibiza and Tenerife which are known for their wild parties that are mainly geared towards younger holidaymakers

A man driving a mobility scooter is seen driving down the beachfront in Benidorm

More than 800,000 British people travel to Benidorm every year

A thriving tourist destination since the 1920s, the region has consistently welcomed travellers from all over the world to lounge in the sun, and spend their money on hotels, food and drinks.

Though it was known for attracting laddish behaviour in the 1980s, cities on the Balearic islands, including Ibiza and Majorca, have since taken on the party-hungry clientele, leaving Benidorm to take in friendlier, often calmer crowd who are looking to spend a few days tanning on its numerous beaches.

So well maintained are Benidorm's three key beaches, Playa de Levante, Playa de Poniente and Playa de Mal Pas, that all three have had the prestigious Blue Flag, awarded to beaches and marinas of the highest standard.

And tourists from across the world, but particularly Britain, know this all too well. In 2023 an estimated 832,000 of us jetted off to Benidorm, making up nearly a third of all tourists who visited that year.

It's not just Brits who benefit from cheap flights and hotels over the summer, as Benidorm's mayor Antonio Perez said in January:

'The tourism sector continues to generate employment and wealth and reaffirm the strength of the Benidorm destination, which has practically completely recovered from the setback caused by the pandemic, which for months stopped activity. tourism and that closed the hotel plant in our city for the first time.

'Benidorm... is a reference in the management of the health crisis and has also been a reference in the recovery that has followed it.'

Benidorm's three main beaches all have the prestigious Blue Flag, awarded to coastal areas of high quality

Benidorm has been a thriving tourist destination since the 1920s

Holidaymakers and ex-pats sit at tables at a restaurant advertising its English breakfasts

In 2023 an estimated 832,000 of us jetted off to Benidorm, making up nearly a third of all tourists who visited that year

Though Benidorm was known for attracting laddish behaviour in the 1980s, cities on the Balearic islands, including Ibiza and Majorca, have since taken on the party-hungry clientele

Benidorm's mayor has openly welcomed tourists, who bring in vast amounts of money

These days, Benidorm is known for welcoming a friendlier, often calmer crowd who are looking to spend a few days tanning on its numerous beaches

Benidorm is also known for being a top destination for the older crowd

Benidorm is known for catering to families as well. Pictured: People are seen pushing prams in the sunshine on Wednesday

British holidaymakers and expats are seen pushing prams near the beach in Benidorm on Wednesday

Brits bring in their hard-earned money to spend on food and drink in Benidorm

It's not just Brits who benefit from cheap flights and hotels over the summer, as locals benefit from increased employment

Locals benefit from the influx of tourism-related cash that comes in every summer

Benidorm is known for its three main beaches, Playa de Levante, Playa de Poniente and Playa de Mal Pas

Holidaymakers are seen walking down the beach front in Benidorm on Wednesday

Hundreds of people are seen soaking up the sun in Benidorm
I look out across the city. Soldiers stand tense at checkpoints, fastidiously examining documents. Shells roar and split the sky. The people here, so long inured to it all, amble about. Shattered buildings, dead friends, missing relatives: all have become just another part of life.

Here, on the right bank of Kherson, a kind of normality continues. Across the Dnieper River, the Russian army is doing everything it can to kill us. This is a city cleaved by Putin's violence  just like the whole of Ukraine.

I have been reporting from this country for more than ten years. I first came at the end of March 2014, soon after the Russians invaded and then stole Crimea. A few weeks later, they invaded eastern Ukraine.

I was the first Western journalist in the eastern city of Sloviansk on April 12, 2014, the day that local 'separatists', aided by Russian thugs bearing no identifying insignias or national flags on their green uniforms, seized the police station and began the war that continues to this day.

90 Seconds to Midnight: Listen to the first episode now

Make no mistake: If Putin triumphs in Ukraine, the defeat will not just be Kyiv's but ours

I have reported for the Mail from a tank base hidden in the forest by the Russian border, from the glide bomb inferno of Kharkiv; I embedded with a special forces unit as it carried out a long-range strike hundreds of miles into Russia; and I have reported from the heart of the battle of Bakhmut, which experienced the devastation seen in places like Aleppo in Syria and Grozny in Chechnya.

But the truth is Ukraine is just one of many conflicts raging around the world. From Gaza to Sudan to Lebanon and the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, the world is moving ever closer to the prospect of mass war.

This is the subject of 90 Seconds to Midnight, the Mail's new weekly global news podcast, which launches today. Its name refers to the Doomsday Clock, a symbolic representation created by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists to illustrate how close humanity is to a global catastrophe. It's simple: if the clock strikes midnight, the world ends. Right now it sits just 90 seconds away.

Each week, I will unpack and analyse the foreign news of the moment with a changing co-host. But I will try to do things a little differently: a desire born from the simple belief, that the news is never just 'news', it is a grand human drama with people at its heart. So, as well as experts, my co-hosts will be those at the centre of events around the world, from the soldiers on the front lines to politicians making the decisions.

Nor will our recordings be confined to London. A guiding principle of my career has been that to write about foreign affairs, you have to get out and see it. There's little value in describing world events from thousands of miles away; though many try to, you need to understand what it's like for civilians under bombardment and for all the victims and perpetrators of war.

A Ukrainian soldier fires towards Russian positions outside Bakhmut

This means that some of our episodes will be recorded on location. In the coming weeks I will be journeying to conflict zones in the Middle East, but the first episode comes to you from Ukraine where I travel from Kyiv to Kherson to Odesa. My co-host is the leading journalist Illia Ponomarenko. He has been called perhaps the most internationally famous Ukrainian after President Zelensky and has covered the war from its first hours.

In May, he published his book I Will Show You How It Was, chronicling the battle for Kyiv in the early days following Putin's all-out invasion in February 2022.

Why did we choose to start in Ukraine? Well, Ukraine is important for many reasons. Just yesterday Foreign Secretary David Lammy and his US counterpart arrived in Kyiv to meet President Zelensky.

And tomorrow Prime Minister Keir Starmer will meet President Joe Biden to discuss allowing the Ukrainian defence forces to strike deep into Russia with British Storm Shadow missiles  which could change the trajectory of the war  yet also inevitably create new dangers.

Ukraine's is also an important story of defiance in the face of unprovoked aggression and of the perennial need to stand up to bullies: as true in school as it is on the battlefield. It is also, of course, the story of the return of industrial scale war to our continent.

David Patrikarakos is host of the new weekly 90 Seconds to Midnight podcast - available on Apple and Spotify

A new age dawned in the scorched forests and shelled cities of Ukraine. It was there that I first understood how our public discourse is increasingly dominated by social media platforms riddled with trolls and bots.

Warfare now exists both on the ground and online; tweets have become a form of virtual bullets fired by Russian aggressors working away in special 'farms' to spread the Kremlin's propaganda, distort the truth and sow confusion. Propaganda is as old as war, but in the era of social media, its range, speed and scope have never been greater. A lie can go global in minutes. A call to violence can mobilise thousands in hours.

Paradoxically, Ukraine is also the story of how the world is reversing back to the future. As I have travelled through its battlefields, I have seen Soviet-era tanks rumble past while AI-powered drones bob overhead.

In Ukraine, it is plain that the reversion to the violence and chaos of the 20th century, which for so many years we hoped was behind us, is with us once again. The truth is that the 80 years of relative peace that we in the West enjoyed after World War II was an aberration only made possible by US security guarantees. Victory in the Cold War and the years of US hegemony that followed lulled us into erroneous complacency. We had won. History was over.

Or so we thought. On September 11, 2001, two planes flew into the Twin Towers  and our delusions ended. Since then, the West has been at war, either directly in Iraq and Afghanistan, or indirectly in Ukraine. And we are losing.

Make no mistake: if Putin triumphs in Ukraine, the defeat will not just be Kyiv's but ours. The future of the West, and everyone who cares about its values, is being fought on these battlefields. If Ukraine had crumbled in just days, as the Kremlin (not to say several Western intelligence agencies) expected, then Putin's forces would already be in countries like Georgia and Moldova; he might even have turned his criminal gaze to the Baltic States, which are Nato countries, and a new world war might already be upon us.

On the way to Kherson I drove through the city of Mykolaiv, once the scene of fierce fighting, and recalled my interview with the mayor there in April 2022. He arrived at our meeting with an automatic rifle slung over his shoulder.

'I move constantly. I don't sleep in the same place two nights in a row. All I need is my gun and a place to wash,' he told me.

I asked him if he wanted to say anything to Russia. He didn't hesitate. 'In the beginning I'd get messages from Russians telling me to surrender or face the fate of Mariupol. I told them: either go home and live or come here and die. Welcome to hell, motherf*****s.'

There are two clear sides in this escalating war. On the one the West and its allies, on the other a nexus of states  led by Russia, China and Iran

Possessed of this kind of spirit, the Ukrainians held out  and have done ever since. Many times politicians and pundits have written it off. Each time Kyiv has surprised them. No more so than when early last month a force of Ukrainian troops crossed the border and marched into Russia seizing hundreds of square miles of territory around Kursk.

It was an extraordinary operation: the first time Russia has been invaded in almost a century and, sources tell me, it even caught Western governments by surprise. According to my briefings, the Ukrainians informed the US and Britain at the last minute, and presented the operation as a fait accompli.

Just over a month later, Ukraine is still holding the captured land, including the key town of Sudzha, and seemingly intends to do so for the foreseeable future.

Things have now changed. It's clear that Ukraine can still strike back and embarrass Russia. Earlier this week, the Secretary of Russia's Security Council (and former Defence Minister) Sergei Shoigu declared that 'naturally we won't have negotiations with them until we throw them out of our territory'. For the moment, talk of compromise is out.

Then there are the tactical considerations. Ukraine's Director of Intelligence Kyrylo Budanov claimed in an interview on Sunday that events in Kursk are complicating Russia's primary strategic objectives of seizing ground in eastern Ukraine.

After leaving Kherson, I met with a defence official who agreed to speak with me on condition of anonymity. Sipping tea in an Odesa restaurant, he told me that the Kursk operation was still in its early stages.

'We are occupying a significant part of Russian territory, but at the same time, we do not seem to be building any structures that indicate we are staying long there,' he said. 'Maybe the aim is to destroy negotiations between the US and Moscow which started the day before [the operation]. Perhaps the conditions of these negotiations were unfavourable for Ukraine.' His biggest concern was the coming winter. 'We know the Russians are planning big missile attacks against our energy system. We are already without 90 per cent of our electricity-generating capabilities. We now know that Iran has transferred about 200 ballistic missiles to Russia. These are clearly not for the frontline but for long range strikes against our energy infrastructure.'

It is little surprise that a theocratic state is helping a murderous and gangster one. Ukraine also made something else clear to me: there are two clear sides in this escalating war. On the one the West and its allies, on the other a nexus of states  led by Russia, China and Iran  linked by little except the desire to tear down the international order the West has built since World War II.

Things are more dangerous than they have been at any time since 1945, and what makes things worse is that everything is accelerated by expanding technology and crumbling political systems.

And if the world is more dangerous than ever, it is also more complicated. Week after week, on 90 Seconds to Midnight, you can hear us try to make sense of it all. Listen to it wherever you get your podcasts  and don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

It's time we finally understand just where the world is going and begin to act accordingly. There are only seconds remaining.

Search 90 Seconds to Midnight wherever you get your podcasts now.
Before this week, I was completely sure that the year I've just lived through had made me a much tougher, far more resilient person.

The four-and-a-half months of breast cancer treatment; the diagnosis that got worse with every appointment; the two near-death experiences during chemotherapy  it had surely stiffened my backbone. And yet, as I watched the Princess of Wales' video on Monday, I found myself welling up.

I don't have much in common with Catherine, but what we do share, I'm convinced, is that very specific and disorientating mix of emotions you feel as you come to the end of your treatment.

There's the sheer relief that it's over, and at the same time the sense it's never going to be. There is also an intense feeling of vulnerability that comes from the sudden untethering from hospitals and doctors  when you are released from what I always thought of as chemo 'prison', hopefully cancer-free but learning to live every day silently fighting the worry every twinge or ache is a recurrence.

Like Kate, Alice has experienced a 'very specific and disorientating mix of emotions you feel as you come to the end of your treatment'

I'm not sure I've necessarily changed for the better. I am obviously extremely grateful to be alive, but also far more conscious of the fragility of life and the knowledge that cancer will always be a part of my story, much as I have loathed this chapter. It's like an extra layer bubbling along beneath my normal, reasonably cheerful self, every now and then rising to the surface in a boiling hot, all-over panic.

The moment I received the recommendation that I ought to have chemotherapy, I descended into a state of shock. My innate sense of optimism vanished in an instant as I realised that there's no such thing as justice, that every roll of the dice happens in isolation, without taking the previous ones into account.

For the month before treatment started, I was unable to function. I couldn't eat or sleep and I felt nothing but numb anger and despair. There was no question of trying to process the situation  I just had to get through each day. It's only been in the months since completing treatment  on February 27, not a date one forgets  that I've felt myself able to address the psychological impact.

I'd never presume to speculate on the nature of Catherine's cancer  it's personal and for her to reveal should she wish. But, like most of us dealt that hand, it must have felt cruelly unfair that she had the diagnosis at all. I certainly believe that of my cancer.

Like most of us dealt that hand, it must have felt cruelly unfair that Kate had the cancer diagnosis at all, believes our writer Alice Smellie

Pre-diagnosis, I exercised three or four times a week, ate fruit, vegetables and plenty of protein; drank far less than 14 units of alcohol a week and was a healthy weight. I was very low risk. But that's not how cancer works.

In August last year, I went for my first mammogram aged 50 in a mobile unit in Frome, Somerset, part of the national screening programme. When I was called back for a biopsy, I was sanguine, imagining it a benign anomaly that would soon be cleared up.

When this revealed what's known as DCIS  or stage zero cancer  I was told I needed a lumpectomy, a brief and straightforward surgery to whisk it out. It was recommended that I have five days of radiotherapy about a month later, but that, it very much seemed, would be the end of that. I was stressed, but felt I could deal with the situation.

But a week after my operation I had a phone call from my surgeon. 'We've found a very small amount of invasive cancer,' he informed me. A further phone call a couple of days later revealed it was tiny, but a type called triple-negative, a less common and more aggressive form which is harder to treat.

In a Zoom call with an oncologist two days later, I was informed that she recommended a four-month course of preventative chemotherapy followed by three weeks of radiotherapy. That moment was one of the worst of my life. I remember stumbling out of my study, paralysed with dread.

Four years earlier my husband had died and, as a lone parent, I now had to tell my three children, then 15, 17 and 18, that my initial promise that it was 'a tiny amount of cancer cells, nothing to worry about' had become something that needed to be treated far more aggressively.

I forced myself to be as breezy as possible with them, but in private I broke down at least once a day. I had a time set aside for my 'morning cry'. A friend once caught me rocking on the floor of the sitting room, weeping that I couldn't face chemo. I am not a stoic. But of course I got through it.

Alice Smellie wearing a cold cap in a bid to stop chemo robbing her of her hair

I had my last chemo at home. As the nurse packed up the loathed needles, the IV stand and the drug debris, I remember thinking I ought to be over the moon, but I felt cast adrift, unsure of what to do. I had three weeks of radiotherapy, which were a breeze in comparison and with no side-effects.

Then my diary was empty of the routine that the medical appointments had given me. I considered ceremoniously burning my hated record book in which all of these were detailed, but kept it 'in case'.

As I walked out of the radiotherapy suite for the last time, I felt like a soldier leaving a war I hadn't wanted to fight in the first place.

I had had extremely comprehensive treatment for what was a very small cancer, so my doctors are optimistic it 'won't bother me again'. But who knows? It's interesting that although Catherine's film is a celebration of the end of chemo, she is careful to say: 'Doing what I can to stay cancer free is now my focus. Although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes.'

Away from the constant loop of blood tests, checks, scans and medics, every headache becomes a reason to panic and every leg cramp provokes a cold sweat. Last week  a year after my diagnosis and almost a year after surgery  I had my first post-cancer mammogram and ultrasound.

Both clear, but I didn't sleep for 48 hours before having them. I've been assured this so-called 'scanxiety' gets better. Physically I feel fine, but some days I feel my mood plummet and have to fight the urge to curl up in a ball and wish it all away.

There is also anger. I am furious I had cancer, that I had to go through treatment, that my children were affected, that I am left with this undercurrent of concern. I know anger is a pointless emotion, but I battle to keep it in check.

Surprisingly, I'm not furious at the trauma of my chemotherapy. After my first round in October last year, my heart rate shot up and it appeared I'd suffered a collapsed lung during the insertion of my chemo port, which is where the drugs are delivered and blood taken. I felt calm, but was perplexed by the ICU nurse who stayed with me until there was a theatre slot to insert the chest drain that would reinflate my lung.

As I understand it, this was in case the collapsed lung squashed my heart to the extent she needed to perform an emergency procedure. After the second round two weeks later, my heart rate shot from 60 to over 165 as I lay in bed at home. I could feel it bashing against my ribs and thought I was dying. I contacted my team who told me to call an ambulance. A heart attack was suspected as I'd had a troponin leak  which occurs when heart muscle is damaged. However scans showed I was fine.

I don't feel retrospectively traumatised by these events  they were nobody's fault, and I received excellent and prompt treatment. But I am furious at the time wasted, the tedium of spending six extra nights in hospital, and resentment at not being on good form for my children, though having children is an excellent reason for continuing to put one foot in front of the other.

I endured other side-effects. Almost all my hair fell out within weeks, and I had nausea, insomnia, pain, rashes, mouth ulcers, altered taste buds and a face as round as the moon from steroids. Not everyone has such a horrible time  I think I was particularly unlucky. Seven months later, I am astonished by the body's capacity to heal itself. Six months ago I could barely walk up the stairs; now I'm exercising almost every day. My hair has almost entirely grown back and my face is no longer moon-shaped. I say yes to everything  I will drop everything for a social occasion.

You certainly appreciate friends and family more than you did; my sister-in-law who dashed from Gloucestershire to feed the kids when I was trapped in hospital; my friends who came to stay; the dear family who hosted us for Christmas; the stream of texts and kind words that arrived daily.

If chemo was a series of poisonous drugs administered by needle directly into my veins, then those dear to me were a metaphorical sofa plump with soft cushions, ready to comfort and hold me. I am very fortunate.

Now I live more in the moment partly because I'm scared to plan ahead, and I take joy in small things  a delicious meal, time with loved ones. But I am wary of feeling happiness and fearful of the future. Cancer gives you an unpleasant insight into what can go wrong, and I have had to face the fact we all  eventually  die.

As Prince William said on Tuesday when asked about Kate on a visit to South Wales. 'It's good news, but there's still a long way to go.' Optimistic but not carefree. I think that applies to anyone who has reluctantly walked this road.
More than 80,000 criminals are set to be released early under Labour's controversial prisons scheme, analysis shows.

Most lags will serve just 40 per cent of sentences handed down by the courts under the programme launched this week by Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood.

More than 56,000 offenders sent to prison a year, on average, may be eligible for early release under the terms of the scheme, data published by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) indicates.

It excludes offenders jailed for sex crimes, terrorism and serious violent crimes carrying more than four years' imprisonment.

Ms Mahmood has said her programme will be in operation for 18 months until it is reviewed.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer leaves Downing Street to attend Parliament on September 11, 2024

Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood during a visit to HMP Bedford in Harpur, Bedfordshire

A group of men carrying personal belongings leave Holme House Prison in Stockton-on-Tees on Tuesday

A pair of men carrying bags, with one attempting to cover his face with a blue coat, leave the gates at HMP Liverpool on Tuesday

Based on the MoJ's own figures, this means around 84,000 criminals may be eligible over that 18-month period, an analysis by the Mail suggests.

It comes after scores of jailbirds partied in the street after being let out on Tuesday, the first day of the scheme, including some who were sprayed with champagne and greeted by friends in luxury cars.

Tory MP Neil O'Brien said: 'The sickening scenes of criminals celebrating that we saw the other day are just the start.

'This is going to be happening all the time from now on.

'It has now become clear that a huge number of offenders - some of them dangerous - will be let out of jail early under this scheme.'

He added: 'The Government has taken the worst possible option by allowing criminals out.

'It should instead be concentrating on removing foreign national offenders and reducing numbers on remand by tackling court backlogs, which would create prison space for thousands.'

The Government has refused to reveal how many offenders may benefit from the scheme, apart from 5,500 due to be released over the next six weeks.

More than 1,700 convicts were freed on Tuesday alone.

Stuart Bennett does a dance in the street as he leaves HM Prison Leeds yesterday

Fallen Hollywood Brit flick star Jason Hoganson seen outside HM Prison Durham yesterday

More than 56,000 offenders sent to prison a year, on average, may be eligible for early release under the terms of the scheme. A prison guard walks past HMP Wandsworth

People seen leaving HMP Bristol on September 10, 2024

People spray sparkling wine over a man who walked out of Nottingham Prison on September 10 - the day the early release scheme came into effect

Yesterday, the Mail disclosed dozens of killers sentenced to less than four years' imprisonment for manslaughter are set to be released early.

Ms Mahmood has accused the previous Conservative government - which freed 10,000 inmates early under a previous scheme - of a 'dereliction of duty' for leaving the jails 'in chaos'.

In the Commons yesterday, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer told MPs: 'I'm angry to be put in a position of having to release people who should be in prison because the last government broke the prison system.

'The prime minister was repeatedly warned that he had to adopt the scheme that we put in place.'

But shadow home secretary James Cleverly accused Labour of overseeing a 'mass amnesty'.

An MoJ spokesman said: 'This Government inherited a justice system on the verge of collapse. The worst possible outcome for victims would have been to allow this to happen.

'Dangerous criminals would have walked the streets with impunity, knowing the police would not have been able to arrest them, because there would have been no prison cell waiting for them.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer told MPs in the Commons yesterday: 'I'm angry to be put in a position of having to release people who should be in prison because the last government broke the prison system'

Ms Mahmood (pictured) accused the previous Conservative government - which freed 10,000 inmates early under a previous scheme - of a 'dereliction of duty' for leaving the jails 'in chaos'

Shadow home secretary and Tory leader hopeful James Cleverly (pictured) accused Labour of overseeing a 'mass amnesty'

'We have been forced into taking difficult but necessary action, with safeguards in place, so we can keep locking up offenders and protect the public.

'Those released under this scheme will be subject to full probation supervision and will in many cases face tough restrictions such as tags, curfews and exclusion zones.'

In the 12 months to December, 71,745 offenders were sent to jail in England and Wales.

Most receive short sentences, feeding a constant 'churn' in the prison population - which last week hit an all-time high of 88,521.

Meanwhile, a mother whose ex threatened to slit her throat and petrol-bomb her home said she had been left 'physically sick' after learning he will be freed from jail early.

Natasha Brine, 30, was left in constant terror during a terrifying four-month campaign of harassment at the hands of Jack Poore.

He was jailed in December last year for 35 months but will walk free next week, three-and-a-half months early.

Jack Poore (pictured) was jailed in December last year for 35 months but will walk free next week, three-and-a-half months early

Natasha Brine (pictured) said she had been left 'physically sick' after learning Poore will be freed from jail early

Mum-of-three Miss Brine said she has suffered 'horrific nightmares' since learning his time behind bars will be cut short.

She said: 'I thought he would be released around Christmas time, so I thought I had at least four months to prepare.

'But all of a sudden he will be out and it has knocked me for six.'
Residents of a small Florida community say they are being terrorized by a suspected drug house that law enforcement cannot control.

Angry locals in Silver Springs reached out to local outlet News 6 due to being plagued with problems.

The residents say they have no choice but to lock up their belongings and that they are scared to let kids play in the yard.

'We see people coming in and out of our neighborhood, all hours of the day and all hours of the night in their vehicles.

'We see them riding their bikes back and forth. We have them walking down our streets stumbling and falling in the streets because they are so high on something,' resident Beth Campbell said.

Angry locals in Silver Springs, seen here, reached out to local outlet News 6 due to being plagued with problems from the home at all hours of the day

Beth Campbell, seen here, said that she was scared to even let her grandchildren outside in her yard due to the activity

Carol Lane told the outlet she has resorted to putting bars on her windows over her fears.

She added: 'Its just mind boggling, trying to go to sleep and then somebodys banging on your house. You worry  is someone in trouble? Can I help?'

Timothy Santrock said that drugs are not the only crime, and that theft has risen in the area.

He said: 'Ive had hitches stolen from my vehicle. Ive had a generator stolen out from under my house.

'If it aint nailed down, they will steal it. Nothing is safe in this neighborhood.'

Campbell added that she was scared to even let her grandchildren outside in her yard due to the activity.

She said: ' We have our kids and grandkids frequent a lot, and were afraid to have them out in our yards.'

The outlet approached local Sheriff Billy Woods for comment but he refused to be interviewed.

Campbell isn't the only one with concerns with the comings and goings on at the house, with the outlet also talking to other residents

According to locals, things have now quietened down with law enforcement patrols increasing

Police have so far found cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana and used needles at the address.

Three people have been arrested, including a David Biaza, who is accused of manufacturing and selling crack cocaine from the home.

Two other men, Donald Burns and Lance Shackelford, were also arrested on felony drug charges.

According to locals, things have now quietened down with law enforcement patrols increasing.

Campbell said: 'Were hoping it stays that way, but I think everybody can say that were happy that we got Channel 6 involved to help us out.'
Former senior police chiefs have warned there will be an increase in crime across Britain after thousands of criminals were set free in Keir Starmer's early release scheme.

Scenes of jubilation were seen outside many British prisons yesterday, as freed inmates punched the air and soaked themselves in champagne as they were freed into public life.

About 1,700 inmates were let out during the mass freeing which began on Tuesday - including one Wandsworth Prison inmate who was re-arrested within seconds of getting out.

The releases are part of the Government's controversial bid to ease overcrowding in prisons, with some offenders having served just 40 per cent of their custodial term.

Former Scotland Yard Superintendent Nusrit Mehtab now fears a new crime wave will hit the country, claiming that the statistics already showed there was going to be a high reoffending rate.

Scenes of jubilation were seen outside many British prisons yesterday, as freed inmates punched the air and soaked themselves in champagne as they were released into public life

One Wandsworth Prison inmate who was re-arrested within seconds of being set free under Sir Keir Starmer 's early release scheme

Former Met police chiefs Nusrit Mehtab and Graham Wettone now fear a new crime wave will hit the country

She told The Sun: 'People who have only done 40% of their sentence have been released - very happily, if you see some images.

'For some - not all - they've got nowhere to live, money's going to run out, so I think there will be a spike [in crime] because there's no deterrent.

'They're thinking, 'I've been released early - if I commit another crime, there won't be any places [in prison]'.'

Graham Wettone, another former Met officer, also told The Sun that he believed that crime would rise - but added that he was not sure there would be an increase in the 'serious' crimes of sexual offences and serious physical injuries.

He said: 'I think it's inevitable there'd be - and I really hope I'm wrong - but I think with the amount of people being released early, I think it's inevitable.

'We'll see some form of increase, slight increase in some aspects of crime depending what the crime is.

'I think your burglaries, your theft of, and theft from vehicles, the assaults... I think you will see an increase in some of those types of offences because of the number of individuals that have been released early.'

Lags were seen sauntering out of prisons across the country yesterday, with some being 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'.

Ben Savage, who was released from HMP Thameside yesterday, said he was delighted to be out early

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

Stuart Bennett dances in the street outside HMP Leeds as he is released early yesterday

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

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.

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.

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?'

Amidst the joyous scenes at Wandsworth Prison on Tuesday, one prisoner was arrested on suspicion of rape moments after being set free under the scheme.

The man was seen walking out of the prison gates 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.

Amidst the joyous scenes at Wandsworth Prison on Tuesday, one prisoner was arrested on suspicion of rape moments after being set free under the scheme

The man was seen walking out of the prison gates before turning his head from side to side in astonishment as he realised police were waiting for him

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 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.'

A further 4,000 inmates are set to be released the end of next month as part of a scheme drawn up by Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood.

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.

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'.
Ben Fordham has slammed Channel 10 for a 'crass' act while trying to promote a news segment on the 10-year anniversary of William Tyrrell's disappearance.

Thursday marks one decade since three-year-old William went missing and sparked one of Australia's most enduring mysteries - with there being no sign of him since and no answers as to what happened, despite years of police investigations.

Channel 10 News on Wednesday featured an image of what William - who would now be just going into high school - would look like as constructed by a US-based expert, but then blurred the image and told viewers to tune in tomorrow night to see it.

Fordham was left outraged over the 'crass' attempt to draw in viewers.

'I'm sorry to say, but someone at Channel 10 has had an absolute shocker,' the 2GB host said.

'Whoever is running the newsroom should think long and hard about their way they're covering a very sensitive story.

'Ten has done some good work on this case over the years, even producing a podcast a few years back dedicated to trying to find answers but the bosses have let themselves down last night.'

'They put the image up on the screen, but with the boy's face blurred and then they used it as a way of plugging what they called their exclusive for the following night.'

William Tyrrell disappeared on the NSW mid-north coast in September 2014.

Ten had a US-based expert mock up a computer image of how William would currently look but blurred the image and promoted their news by telling viewers to tune in the next night to see it

Fordham went on: 'I'm sorry, but that is just crass and that was the reaction in other newsrooms last night when that went to air... we will exclusively reveal 10 years on what a teenage William would look like... it's not William.'

Fordham said bosses at 10 News should have gone in a different direction.

'I'm not blaming the reporter or the newsreader,' he said.

'This is why you've got a news director, they're supposed to stand back a bit and make judgment calls on how to present stories. This is not a photo of William Tyrrell.

'It's a computer generated image that's been mocked up by someone in America.

'If you get that done fine, but don't then put an image up on the screen with the face blurred and say tune in again to see it.

'Detectives believe that he's deceased.'

Fordham also added that the former detective who investigated the disappearance said he is 'haunted' by the unsolved case.

Gary Jubelin said in the Daily Telegraph that the disappearance involved a three-year-old boy with his life ahead of him and there are still no answers.

Jubelin also said he is still of the position that William's foster mother was not involved on the basis that he conducted both covert and overt operations targeting her and found no evidence.

On the afternoon of September 11, 2014, William - then aged three - and his family made the four-hour drive from Sydney to visit his foster grandmother in Kendall.

The following morning, the foster mother sat outside, watching as William and his sister played a game similar to hide and seek.

At some point around 10.30am, he ducked around a corner, never to be seen again, the foster mother has previously said.

Initially she did not think much of him ducking out of view, but after not hearing him for several minutes, she sensed something was wrong.

'I'm speechless, I'm walking around in a circle on the spot thinking where is he? Why can't I see him?' the foster mother previously told the Where's William Tyrrell podcast.

William Tyrrell 's foster parents, who can't be named for legal reasons

She said she yelled out: 'William, where are you? You need to talk to mummy, tell me where you are. I can't see you, I can't hear you. Where are you?

'And he was nowhere. And I remember thinking, how could he just disappear?'

She estimates he wasn't out of her sight for more than five minutes before she started to search.

At 10.56am - half an hour since he was last seen - his foster mother rang triple-0 to report him missing, with police arriving less than 10 minutes later.

'My son, he's missing, he's three-and-a-half,' the foster mother said on the call, which has previously been played at an inquest.

The family and neighbours had been frantically searching.

William's foster father had arrived back home after driving into town for a better internet connection while he dialled into a work conference call.

A massive search of nearby homes and bushland was launched.

Police, SES workers, the Rural Fire Service and local residents searched the surrounding area and local forests but found no sign of him.

Over the years various theories have been investigated.

One theory was that he was snatched with a local washing machine repairman who was in the area investigated and cleared.

Another more recent theory was that he died in a fall from his foster parents' second storey balcony while playing and the body was hidden - but there has been no evidence found to back this up either.

A $1million reward remains in place for information leading to the resolution of the case.
Disturbing images of a woman laying on the ground of an emergency room have sparked concerns about an overrun health system.

The image, taken last month, shows a woman at Blacktown Hospital's new Emergency Department waiting room in western Sydney, with a blanket, pillow and her belongings scattered across the floor.

The patient arrived via ambulance at night and her family members asked staff for bedding items so she could lie down.

But she was not an isolated case; other waiting patients were also seen resting on the ground with all seats taken in the cramped waiting room.

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns on Wednesday responded to the concerns over the state's hospital system as it becomes overwhelmed by a burgeoning population.

'We'll have to look at Blacktown in particular - there's major stress on our public hospitals,' he said.

'We want to do better when it comes to health outcomes.'

Blacktown's Emergency Department has seen a massive increase in attendance recently, with a 10.5 per cent spike in the January to March 2024 quarter compared to the same period a year earlier, according to the NSW Bureau of Health Information's Healthcare Quarterly report.

A woman is pictured in a makeshift bed at Blacktown Hospital's Emergency Department due to the waiting room being overrun with patients

Another patient was forced to crash on the ground due to the long wait time and lack of seating options

This equates to 1598 more people attending the Blacktown ED compared to the same period in 2023, bringing the figure up to 16,776.

And it's not only the patients that are feeling the heat, with reports of staff claiming they sometimes have to wait hours to use medical equipment, which is often in need of repair.

Shadow Health Minister Kellie Sloane said the hospital in Sydney's west was constantly overpopulated and the state government urgently needed to step in and fix the dire problem.

'People in western Sydney are struggling under Labor's two years of health budget cuts,' she told Daily Mail Australia.

'What is happening at Blacktown Hospital is deeply concerning and is symptomatic of a health system in NSW that is going backwards under Labor. Blacktown Hospital has seen a 10.5 per cent spike in ED attendances this year and unfortunately, we're seeing the consequences.

Blacktown Hospital's Emergency Department waiting room is pictured

'In Sydney we should never be faced with a situation where sick or injured people are forced to sleep on the floor.

'This week the Premier and his Health Minister were busy fighting nurses when they should have been focused on delivering better health outcomes for the people of NSW.'

The new modern Emergency Department at Blacktown Hospital opened to the public on August 7, 2019

The ED is part of the hospital's new Acute Services Building and when opened in 2019 as part of the NSW Governments $700 million Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals Expansion project, it was described as a 'state-of-the-art health facility' by the company that built it, AW Edwards.

A spokesperson for Western Sydney Local Health District said that despite the ED being designed and built in accordance with the Australasian Health Facility Guidelines as well as in consultation with staff and the community, it still presented significant challenges.

'The circumstances requiring a visit to the emergency department are naturally a cause of stress for patients and their families... we thank people for their understanding and patience as our committed staff work to ensure everyone who presents to our hospitals receives safe, high-quality care as quickly as possible,' the spokesperson said.

'Blacktown Hospital monitors staffing levels regularly based on patient presentations and acuity and we are vigilant to ensure the number of staff are aligned to the delivery of optimal patient care.'
King Charles has scrapped the use of the term 'walkabout' to describe his mingling with the public on his upcoming royal visit to Australia, so as to avoid offending Aboriginal Australians.

Charles III, 75, and Queen Camilla, 77, will visit Sydney and Canberra from October 18 to 22 before the couple end their tour in Samoa on the 26th.

The term 'walkabout' was first coined by the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip during her majesty's royal visit to Australia and New Zealand in 1970.

It refers to the informal occasions when royal family meet members of the public waiting outside events.

In Aboriginal culture, walkabout describes a period of meditation or grief when a affected person undertakes solo walks in the bush.

The official itinerary indicates that the term 'royal walkabout' will instead be replaced with 'an opportunity to meet the public'.

The tour will mark the first visit to Australia by the King and Queen since his ascension to the throne upon the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

Charles III and Queen Camilla (pictured in 2012) will visit Sydney and Canberra from October 18 to 22 before the couple end their tour in Samoa on the 26th

The official itinerary indicates that the 'royal walkabout' will instead be replaced with 'an opportunity to meet the public' (pictured, Charles with an Indigenous elder in 2018)

It will also be the first visit to Australia by a reigning monarch since 2011, when Queen Elizabeth II last toured Australia, and the 17th official visit by Charles.

The formal part of the visit will be to recognise those Australians who have made contributions to public life.

The King is also expected to visit the Australian War Memorial in Canberra to honour soldiers and war veterans.

He is set to attend discussions about the efforts to combat bushfires that affect communities during the summer every year.

The King and Queen will also attend a community barbeque in western Sydney and will also meet locals from the area.

Charles was forced to cancel a planned trip to New Zealand on health advice following his cancer diagnosis in earlier this year.

He will instead conclude the tour by travelling to Samoa for a Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).

The official itinerary for the King and Queen (pictured on the Gold Coast in 2018) indicates that the 'royal walkabout' will instead be replaced with 'an opportunity to meet the public'

He provided a rare health update while he addressed the New Zealand women's rugby union team at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday.

'I am extremely sorry I can't come to New Zealand in late October because of doctor's orders, but I hope there will be another excuse before too long,' he told them.

The King has continued to work throughout his treatment and officials from Buckingham Palace have said his ongoing treatment is going 'very well'.

A Palace spokesman said the upcoming royal visit will be scaled back to account for the health requirements of His Majesty.

'We've had to, as you would with any visit, think about how you can ensure Their Majesties' energies are preserved to be at their best,' the spokesman said.

'We've had to make some difficult decisions about the program with the Australian government, about where Their Majesties can get to.'
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has been urged to stage a 2billion raid on better-off savers' pension pots by slashing the amount that can be withdrawn as a tax-free lump sum.

The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) said it was 'hard to justify' the current rule, which can effectively subsidise savings for those with up to around 1million.

It was among a number of recommendations by the economic think-tank on how Ms Reeves can raise money through pension reforms in next month's Budget.

Speculation has been swirling that retirement savings could be among the areas targeted in the Budget after Labour warned that tough choices were needed to repair public finances.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves (pictured on Wednesday) has been urged to stage a 2billion raid on better-off savers' pension pots

The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) said it was 'hard to justify' the current rule, which can effectively subsidise savings for those with up to around 1million (file image)

Under current rules, savers can withdraw up to 25 per cent of their pension as a tax-free lump sum when they reach the age of 55, up to a maximum of 268,275. The scheme costs the exchequer 5.5billion a year.

But the IFS said while there was 'some justification' for a scheme that encourages some people to save more, the scheme as it stands is 'poorly targeted'.

In a study published yesterday, it said that 70 per cent of the benefit currently goes to those who were in the top fifth of earners when contributing to their pensions.

It recommended reducing the upper limit on the tax-free lump sum from 268,275 to 100,000.

That would affect one in five retirees and ultimately raise around 2billion a year, 'with losses concentrated among the relatively wealthy', the IFS concluded.

But it conceded that such changes may have to be brought in gradually as 'people could reasonably argue that they had saved on the understanding that they would be able to take 25 per cent of their pension tax-free'.

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The think-tank report also calls for pensions to be subject to inheritance tax and levying national insurance on employer contributions to pensions.

But it warns against reducing income tax relief on pensions contributions for higher rate earners, describing such a move as 'damaging, complex and inequitable' - amid much speculation that Ms Reeves could adopt the policy.

It came as separate figures revealed that speculation about the content of the Budget was already having an impact on the housing market.

Property website Rightmove said there had been a surge in homes with four bedrooms or more being put up for sale over the past week, partly attributed to a possible hike in capital gains tax.

It said landlords and second-home owners could be hit by the increase 'which may be leading some to cash out now'.

Separately, London-focused estate agency group Winkworth said it expected to see a reduction in the number of flats available for rent as 'landlords exit the market and aren't replaced'.

This was likely to be the case 'particularly in the short term as some look to speed up their exit in anticipation of increases in capital gains tax'.
A man has been rushed to hospital after plunging from the balcony of a four-floor gallery in Glasgow.

The visitor was in the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) when he fell 'from height'.

Emergency services were called to the scene just before 12.30pm but no information on his condition was given.

The museum, which has four floors open to the public, closed after the incident but is set to reopen today.

Yesterday charity Glasgow Life, one of the city council's arms' length bodies with responsibility for culture and sport, refused to give any additional information.

A spokeswoman would only say: 'The Gallery of Modern Art has closed early today after a member of the public fell from a balcony.

The visitor was in the Gallery of Modern Art (pictured) when he fell 'from height'

'Emergency services are in attendance. The building will reopen as normal tomorrow, Thursday 12 September at 10am.'

The museum, in the Royal Exchange Square, tweeted the same message.

After the alert, one ambulance, a paramedic response unit and a trauma team were sent out by the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS), with police officers probing the circumstances leading to the incident.

A police spokesman said: 'Emergency services are in attendance at Royal Exchange Square after reports a man had fallen from height inside an art gallery.

'Police were notified 12.30pm on Wednesday, 11 September, 2024.

'Enquiries are ongoing. Officers remain at the scene.'

The force has reassured the public there is no wider threat.

The museum, which has four floors open to the public, closed after the incident but is set to reopen today

The Scottish Ambulance Service said: 'We received a call at 12.23 to attend an incident on Royal Exchange Square, Glasgow.

'We dispatched one ambulance, one paramedic response unit, and one trauma team to the scene.'

GoMA is housed in an early 19th century, neoclassical building which once belonged to 'Tobacco Lord' William Cunninghame.

The museum was first opened in 1996 and attracts more than 500,000 visitors a year.

Last year it hosted a Banksy exhibition which broke the box-office record with around 180,000 people attending over the 10-week run.
Celebrating prisoners have said they were surprised at being freed under Sir Keir Starmer's early release scheme.

The Government let 1,700 prisoners out on Tuesday to ease record overcrowding and prevent the criminal justice system from seizing up entirely due to a lack of cells. Some 5,000 will be freed in the coming weeks.

Several of the 14 prisoners who were released from HMP Preston were delighted but seemingly surprised about their early freedom.

The released include one man from Burnley who said he was jailed for assault and had been given a seven-month prison sentence.

He was due to be released in three weeks, but got out early due to Sir Keir's scheme after spending just three months in prison.

The released include one man (pictured above) from Burnley who said he was jailed for assault and had been given a seven-month prison sentence

Several of the 14 prisoners who were released from HMP Preston were delighted but seemingly surprised about their early freedom

Another man, identified as serial burglar and car thief Jamie Rawling-O'Grady, said he was due to be released on November 24, was able to walk free on Tuesday - more than two months earlier than he thought

Another man, identified as serial burglar and car thief Jamie Rawling-O'Grady, said he was due to be released on November 24, was able to walk free on Tuesday - more than two months earlier than he thought.

Rawling O'Grady said he was sentenced to three years in prison after being convicted of stealing a Mercedes.

The car was worth 33,000 and he sold it on for 100, according to Lancashire Live. He was arrested and returned to prison on licence.

Rawling O'Grady confirmed that he had previously been released but was quickly jailed again before he was set free once again.

The man behind the camera told the serial car thief: 'You need to stay out of trouble, mate.'

A third man, who shouted 'freedom, freedom' as soon as he was asked about his early release, said he was due to stay in prison until next month.

'I'm buzzing,' the smiling man said, adding that he had been jailed for theft.

He said about being released early: 'It changed my life and motivated me. This early release thing made me think now I want to go and do better.'

After being told he had Keir Starmer to thank for his early release, he said: 'Respect to him man.'

Rawling O'Grady said he was sentenced to three years in prison after being convicted of stealing a Mercedes

A third man (pictured), who shouted 'freedom, freedom' as soon as he was asked about his early release, said he was due to stay in prison until next month

Another prisoner, who was released from HMP Preston on Tuesday but wasn't part of the early release scheme, said many prisoners were only told on the day that they would be set free.

'No one knew, they just got released. People weren't expecting it,' the man said.

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.

One of the prisoners set free under the early release scheme was arrested on suspicion of rape moments after leaving the prison, MailOnline revealed yesterday.

The extraordinary scene played out on Tuesday 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 Met Police said: 'A 28-year-old man was arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of rape, sexual assault and a racially/religiously aggravated public order offence.

The man was seen walking out of HMP Wandsworth following his release on Tuesday morning

He looks around in astonishment as he notices police officers are waiting for him

'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.

Those released on Tuesday 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.
Quantum mechanics has a thought experiment called Schrodingers cat. In it, a hypothetical feline may be considered simultaneously both alive and dead. When it comes to the NHS, Labour holds similarly contradictory positions. It is both the envy of the world yet, at the same time, broken beyond repair. In truth, few would dispute the health service is in crisis  echoed in a Government-commissioned report by Lord Darzi today.

It is remarkable that this former Labour minister was able to get to grips with all the shortcomings of such a sprawling behemoth so rapidly  in just nine short weeks.

But he lays the blame for all its failings on 14 years of Tory rule. What a surprise.

Of course, his findings will be used by Labour as cover for raising taxes. But in a speech, Sir Keir Starmer will insist the NHS must reform or die, requiring its biggest reimagining since its creation in 1948.

Although his rhetoric may be stirring, the plans revealed so far seem less impressive.

Sir Keir Starmer has said that the NHS must 'reform or die' as a major report is published (pictured on Wednesday)

The PM wants to shift more resources to primary care from hospitals, which seems sensible. But there must be more to this than GPs being paid more lavishly, while carrying out ever fewer appointments?

And, rather than simply treating patients, more emphasis is apparently to be placed on preventing them from becoming ill in the first place. The danger is that this could quickly become a charter for State nannying.

As for improving productivity, good luck getting that past the truculent unions.

Sir Keir says his upcoming ten-year plan is something so different from anything that has come before. But so far it sounds like more of the same.Received wisdom has it that Labour would find it easier to win support for radically reforming the NHS than the Tories could.

But the Government seems unwilling to consider whether the socialist model for the NHS, designed for the needs of the 1940s, may have had its day  and to explore alternative means of funding and running a public service fit for the 21st century.

As a result, Sir Keirs plan looks underwhelming and in danger of being a wasted opportunity.

Missile morality

Perhaps the most disturbing moment of the US presidential debate was Donald Trump dodging the question on whether he wants Ukraine to win the war with Russia.

The fear is that if he regained the White House, hed withdraw support for Kyiv, which would make victory for Vladimir Putins invaders a racing certainty.

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy and his US counterpart Antony Blinken reaffirmed their commitment to Ukraine during a visit to the battle-ravaged country yesterday. Pictured: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (C) with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (L) and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy (R) during a meeting in Kyiv on Wednesday

So it was important that British Foreign Secretary David Lammy and his US counterpart Antony Blinken reaffirmed their commitment to Ukraine during a visit to the battle-ravaged country yesterday.

Yes, the pair announced millions more in aid. But if Ukraine is to stand any chance at defeating Putin, the West must go further.

A good start would be permitting Kyiv to use US and British long-range missiles to pulverise targets deep inside Russian territory. This would allow it to strike air bases which are used to launch devastating and indiscriminate attacks against Ukraine.

The Wests current restrictions  imposed amid fears of provoking the Kremlin  are iniquitous and show nothing but timidity.

Sir Keir should reflect that one reason Britain has been able to lead the way in supporting Ukraine is because Brexit means we havent had to haggle with the EU.

On tomorrows trip to Washington, the PM should push Joe Biden to remove the shackles. If the President wont, havent we a moral obligation to do so unilaterally?
The pilot of the Alaska Airlines plane that lost a door panel mid-flight has spoken of her experience for the first time, describing the moment she 'knew something was catastrophically wrong.'

First Officer Emily Wiprud was flying the Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft between Portland, Oregon, and Ontario, California in January. About six minutes into Flight 1282, there was a sudden loss of cabin pressure just as the plane was approaching 16,000ft.

'The first indication was an explosion in my ears and then a whoosh of air,' First Officer Wiprud told CBS News.

'My body was forced forward and there was a loud bang as well. ... The flight deck door was open. I saw tubes hanging from the cabin.'

Alaska Airlines First Officer Emily Wiprud has recounted the moment a door plug flew out of the plane she was piloting six minutes into Flight 1282 in January

There were no serious injuries from the terrifying air frame failure, but passengers belongings including cellphones flew out of the aircraft along with the pilot's headset

At first, Wiprud explained how she did not know what was wrong but that she immediately worked alongside the captain to get the plane back down on the ground and return to Portland.

'I didn't know that there was a hole in the airplane until we landed. I knew something was catastrophically wrong,' Wiprud said.

'It was so incredibly loud, and I remember putting the oxygen mask on and trying to transmit to air traffic control and wondering "Why can't I hear anything?"'

The reason Wiprud couldn't hear anything was because her headset had been sucked out of the plane following the explosive blowout together with various other objects including two passenger cellphones.

Wiprud then turned her focus to the 171 passengers and four flight attendants onboard the aircraft.

'I opened the flight deck door and I saw calm, quiet, hundreds of eyes staring right back at me,'

The missing panel on a Boeing 737-9 MAX can be seen in this photo after it landed safely

The Alaska Airlines flight suffered a near-catastrophe as a plane door plug blew out at 16,000ft

An investigator examines the frame on a section of Alaska Airlines Flight 1282

Crucial bolts were missing from door plug that blew off Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX plane, according to the NTSB

The flight attendants reported that they were fine but that there were empty seats and some injuries.

Wiprud feared that some passengers may have been sucked out of the plane but thankfully that turned out not to be the case.

One teenager had his t-shirt ripped from his body during the sudden decompression.

When the plane finally landed, Wiprud, who has two young children herself, saw the boy's mother searching for him.

'She looked back and her son was gone. As a mother myself, I can't even imagine that feeling,' she said.

Luckily, the teen had switched to another seat after being in the same row where the panel had blown out.

The door panel which blew out is also known as a door plug and is designed to fit into spaces on the aircraft when airlines don't require doors there. The plug essentially transforms the door into a window.

A preliminary investigation by the NTSB found four key bolts that were meant to hold the door plug in place were were missing from the aircraft.

Investigations were also launched by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Justice (DOJ) and the FBI, which wrote to passengers to inform them they may have been 'victim(s) of a crime.'

Boeing has said it will cooperate fully with all investigations.

Plastic covers the exterior of the fuselage plug area of the Boeing 737 MAX after landing safely

The door plug was later found in the yard of an Oregon teacher

Wiprud and her captain on Flight 1282 are to be honored with the 2023 Air Line Pilots Association Superior Airmanship Award for the skill and professionalism they displayed during the incident.

'My captain is a hero. Same with the flight attendants, same with all the personnel that was there to support us that day and that should be celebrated. Everybody survived,' Wiprud said.

Air Line Pilots Association president Captain Jason Ambros said it was the quick thinking by airline staff that made all the difference.

'The most important safety device on any aircraft is two well-trained, qualified and rested pilots. ... This crew instinctually put their training in place and executed just flawlessly.'
Almost half of Britons think Labour prioritises trade unions above the national interest.

In total 45 per cent of people surveyed thought the party put unions above the broader interests of the country  twice as many as those (23 per cent) who said the opposite was true.

Even one in four (27 per cent) Labour voters felt their party prioritised unions, the More in Common poll found.

Two in five people (38 per cent) believed unions have too much influence over Labour, having given the party 2.4million in the election campaign.

Another 28 per cent said unions have 'the right amount of influence' over the party and 13 per cent said it had too little.

Again, even one in four (26 per cent) Labour voters believed their party was under the influence of unions.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaks at the Trades Union Congress in Brighton on September 10

Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union general secretary Mick Lynch leaves the Department for Transport in Westminster, following a meeting to discuss a new pay offer last month

In further bad news for Labour, 38 per cent of those surveyed felt its politicians were just as likely as Conservatives to make corrupt decisions or give senior roles to friends and allies.

Another 15 per cent thought Labour figures were more likely to be involved in cronyism than their rivals, although 25 per cent felt the Tories were worse.

The public increasingly sees both parties as corrupt, the online survey of 2,024 adults across Britain found, with 56 per cent now seeing Labour that way along with 74 per cent for the Tories.

It comes after Sir Keir Starmer offered bumper pay deals to unions as soon as he became Prime Minister in order to end their strikes.

Train drivers were handed a no-strings-attached agreement were 15 per cent over three years while junior doctors have been offered 22 per cent over two years.

The new Government has also been hit by accusations of cronyism with Labour peer and fundraising chief Lord Alli given a Downing Street security pass, while donor Ian Corfield was given a senior role in the Treasury before being forced to step down.

Last night Luke Tryl, executive director of More in Common UK, said: 'While the end of the public sector strikes will be welcome to patients and passengers, the optics of offering generous pay deals at a time of making cuts elsewhere could reinforce a traditional risk for Labour - that they are prioritising trade union interests over the wider public.'

Labour peer and fundraising chief Lord Alli (pictured) was given a security pass to 10 Downing Street

Executive director of More in Common UK Luke Tryl appears on Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg in 2023

He warned: 'Combined with the fallout from the cronyism scandal there is a risk that this Government falls into the trap of being seen as just another example of politicians only interested in rewarding their friends and backers - something our political system can ill afford given trust in our politics is already so low.'
New Delhi, Sep 12 (UNI) Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modis much hyped 100 days agenda has failed but the country faced the consequences of his inaction in just 95 days.



Taking to his social media handle X, Kharge said, Even before the elections, you had loudly trumpeted the 100 days agenda. It's been 95 days, your coalition government is faltering.



Through his post, he also criticised the government on the Union budget, rise in terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, Manipur issue and other issues in point by point manner.



Your government has brought an anti-people budget to break the back of the poor and middle class. There were terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, especially in Jammu; many brave soldiers of the army had to sacrifice their lives, the Congress President said.



He said that Manipur has been burning for the last 16 months, but the Prime Minister is not even bother to look into the situation.



Kharge said, "BJP cannot escape from the role of SEBI chairperson and other financial transactions that have come to light in Modi-Adani mega scam".



The Congress President said that be it NEET or massive unemployment, the Modi government has only betrayed the youth.



"Whether it was the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Maharashtra, or the roof of airports, the new Parliament or the temple of God in Ayodhya, highways, bridges, roads, tunnels, whatever was claimed to be built, flaws were found in all of them," Kharge said.



He alleged that under the current regime, railway security has crippled, cities are facing flood-like conditions and states have not been given adequate flood relief.



The leader of the opposition in Rajya Sabha said, Due to the public and INDIA bloc, you had to hand over the Waqf Bill to JPC, and had to support the Constitution on Lateral Entry.



Nobody knows what the agenda of 100 days was. But in 95 days the country is facing the consequences of your actions!

UNI RBE CS1540
A columnist at the centre of a leaking scandal over an inquiry into Bruce Lehrmann's rape trial sent the presiding judge a meme likening him to a powerful Pulp Fiction character before he sent her an advance copy of his final report.

The chain of communications between The Australian columnist Janet Albrechtsen and former Queensland judge Walter Sofronoff KC was released by the ACT Supreme Court on Wednesday.

Mr Sofronoff chaired a Board of Inquiry - the ACT's version of a Royal Commission - last year into the conduct of police and former Director of Public Prosecutions Shane Drumgold in the lead-up to Lehrmann's criminal trial in 2022.

The findings against Mr Drumgold were so damning that he successfully challenged them in court, with many texts and emails between Mr Sofronoff and Ms Albrechtsen were tendered.

The judge in Mr Drumgold's matter found that Mr Sofronoff's 273 interactions with Ms Albrechtsen over a seven-month period gave rise to a reasonable apprehension of bias when preparing his 300-page inquiry report.

Communications between the pair show she texted him in May 2023, while the inquiry was being heard in Canberra, saying: 'You may not realise memes are being made about you. Ones you may like.'

On June 1, she sent him a meme of himself and Winston 'The Wolf' Wolfe from Quentin Tarantino's 1994 film Pulp Fiction.

The Australia columnist, Janet Albrechtsen, had a close relationship with Queensland judge Walter Sofronoff

Pictured: A meme Janet Albrechtsen sent Waltrer Sofronoff during the ACT Board of Inquiry in 2023

Emails show the pair were introduced by Hedley Thomas, a journalist at The Australian, in February last year - about a month before the hearing began.

'Janet Albrechtsen is a lawyer and a conservative columnist for The Oz for many years,' he wrote in an email.

'A number of my left leaning friends find her very persuasive. In all of my experiences with her she's been scrupulously straight and professional.'

'I think it would be fair to speculate that Janet's relationship with [Lehrmann's] defence team in the Higgins case would be much more rosy than with the DPP.'

In a further text, he said Ms Albrechtsen was 'happy to collate her writings for you and your inquiry'.

Ms Albrechtsen and Mr Sofronoff had lunch together in Brisbane in March. The following month, they had an 18-minute phone conversation and she sent him Lehrmann's contact details.

During the hearing a month later in May, texts show Ms Albrechtsen asked the judge if she was 'allowed to know what transpired during muted sections'.

Shane Drumgold (pictured) stepped down as ACT Director of Public Prosecutions after the Soronoff Inquiry last year

Pictured: Texts between Janet Albrechtsen and Walter Sofornoff

Pictured: TExts between Janet Albrechtsen and Walter Sofronoff

Audio in the hearing room was periodically switched off while private health matters or suppressed issues were discussed - which meant journalists could not hear those details, or report them.

Mr Sofronoff replied: 'I'll send you a transcript in the morning.'

He then suggested Mr Drumgold barrister, Mark Tedeschi KC, was 'boring'.

Texts and emails also show Mr Sofronoff sent Ms Albrechtsen a number of documents he labelled 'confidential'.

On July 12, Ms Albrechtsen asked Mr Sofronoff for 'copies of potential adverse findings' he might make against those who had given evidence at the inquiry to assist in her reporting, not for publication.

He replied: 'Will do. Please email me...I'll respond with proposed findings.'

Two days later, she texted him to say she would 'love an embargoed copy' of his report, asking if he would deliver it to the ACT government sooner than the July 31 deadline.

He replied: 'Not before 31. Embargoed copy ok.'

Bruce Lehrmann is pictured outside the Federal Court in Sydney in March 2023

Ms Albrechtsen said: 'Any draft chapters would be welcome reading.'

He sent her the final version of the report on July 31 - days before it was due to go to ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr, and a week before it was released to the public.

Once she'd finished reading it, she texted him to say: 'I loved the section towards the end of your report on the presumption of innocence.'

She then gave him tips about how she would structure the report, as a professional writer.

'My editor side coming in now - I'd put that up the front - when I read it, I wished I had read it much earlier - it's an important and clear exposition of the legal principle and the form.'

The Australian published an article with all Mr Sofronoff's findings on August 3, breaking the embargo agreement.
An ABC security guard has brawled with a protester live-on air during an anti-war rally in Melbourne.

Protesters gathered for the second straight day on Thursday morning to rally against the Land Forces Defence Expo being held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

After wild scenes on Wednesday, which saw protesters clashing with police, throwing horse manure and rocks, while officers made arrests and swung batons, tensions were high on day two.

Violence was sparked when ABC reporter Stephanie Ferrier and multiple security guards were interrupted by protestors during a live cross.

It marks the latest instance a journalist has been caught up in the protests after a Daily Mail Australia journalist was shot with rubber bullets by police.

During the ABC live cross, a protester walked in front of the camera and was pushed aside by a security guard.

The protester then appeared to swing a punch at the security guard.

Tensions were high on Thursday with an ABC reporter heading to the scene with multiple security guards before her live cross was interrupted by unruly protestors

Protests descended into chaos in Melbourne on Wednesday with rubbish set alight by demonstrators

A second security guard then stepped in and appeared to shove the protesters.

Another attendee at the rally could be seen breaking up the fight and urging the pair to 'calm down'.

'At the moment, we're obviously trying to report on this and we're getting a little bit of difficulty here,' the reporter says.

As the reporter attempted to move away from the crowd, more people follow her.

The tense scenes come after Channel 7 Sunrise reporter Teegan Dolling was swarmed by protesters on Wednesday.

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.

Anti-war protestors marched through Melbourne for a second day of demonstrations on Thursday

One of thousands of police officers deployed in Melbourne on Thursday

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,' Dolling wrote.

'Ducking for cover as padlocks, apples, chairs and horse manure were hurled towards anyone the activists assume held different views.'

She said Melbourne had once been the most liveable country in the world and has seen many protests, but 'none this vile and violent'.

'The aggression came in waves, as police surged towards the 2000-strong group to remove them from the road, escort members of the public to safety, or to extinguish flames,' she wrote.

Ms Dolling said protesters did not heed directions to move and reacted with attacks on police and cruelty towards horses.

It was the city's largest protest in 24 years and resulted in 42 people being arrested.

Disrupt Land Forces say they will continue to protest during the remainder of the conference this week.
Prince Harry is set to head off on a holiday with his 'closest mates' to celebrate his 40th birthday while Meghan stays at home, it is understood.

The Duke of Sussex will reportedly go on the getaway after a birthday party at his 11million California home in Montecito with his family.

Harry will 'enjoy a weekend getaway with a few of his closest mates', according to a report by The Sun.

Meanwhile, Meghan is expected to stay in California with the couple's two children, five-year-old Archie and Lilibet, three.

He was previously pictured partying with friends in Las Vegas in 2012, including in an exclusive, heavily guarded, VIP bungalow at the Nevada resort.

Prince Harry in older times enjoying a trip away with his friends in Las Vegas in 2012

Prince Harry and Meghan seen during their visit to Colombia on August 15

At the time, naked photos of the Duke of Sussex being hugged by a barely clothed woman were published in The Sun in 2012 after being posted online.

The pictures caused acute embarrassment for the royal family as well as raising security fears about how well the prince was protected on his Vegas trip.

The new travel plans come ten years after Harry celebrated his 30th birthday with his brother Prince William and Princess Catherine, alongside other friends in the UK.

Yet the two brothers have fallen out and barely seen each other in recent years, amid criticisms of the royal family made by Harry in his book Spare.

Meanwhile, friends of the Prince recently said he has grown increasingly unhappy with his life in the US.

Speaking to The Times last month, a friend claimed they are among the few who get 'the odd WhatsApp from him', adding: 'He's an angry boy. Things haven't turned out how he wanted.'

People within Harry's inner circle have claimed he seems to enjoy trips back to the UK alone, while his wife Meghan prefers not to enter the country.

Harry's 40th birthday comes this Sunday - and he revealed this week he considers his two children to be the 'best gift' he has ever received.

Ahead of the milestone this Sunday, the Duke of Sussex emailed People magazine to reveal the joy he receives from his son and daughter.

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.

Prince Harry and Meghan during a visit to San Basilio de Palenque, Colombia, on August 17

Harry is set to kick off his birthday with Meghan, Archie and Lilibet in a low-key celebration at their mansion in Montecito.

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.

His 40th birthday revels are likely to mark a stark contrast with those for his 30th, when William threw a black-tie party for his little brother at Clarence House.

Thirty of his best friends toasted Harry with cases of Highgrove champagne sent by his father Charles.

Last month William and Harry both attended the funeral for their uncle Robert Fellowes, it has been revealed, amid an ongoing dispute between the estranged brothers.

Locals in Snettisham, Nortfolk say the pair were both in attendance at a service for Lord Fellowes, who died in July - making it the first time the royal siblings have been seen together in two years, since Queen Elizabeth II's funeral in 2022.

The two brothers have barely spoken to each other since the Duke and Duchess of Sussex left the UK for the US and abandoned royal duties.

The rift was exacerbated by the publication of Harry's memoir in January last year that levelled accusations against his family.

Harry claimed that William, 42, branded Meghan 'difficult', 'rude' and 'abrasive', and even accused him of pushing him into a dog bowl.

The Duke last visited the UK in May to attend a service at St Paul's Cathedral marking ten years of the Invictus Games, the sports event he helped to launch for injured soldiers.

He previously returned to the UK in February to see his father, King Charles III, after he revealed his ongoing battle with an unspecified form of cancer.

However, he did not visit his father while back in London - despite being a stone's throw from the royal residences in the capital.
Is Prince William's bearded appearance a poke in the eye for Harry?

He made a fuss of 'beard wars' in Spare, claiming William was adamant that he should be clean-shaven for his wedding to Meghan.

'When I informed him that his opinion didn't really matter since I'd already gone to Granny and got the green light, he became livid,' wrote Harry.

'He raised his voice... at one point he actually ordered me, as the Heir speaking to the Spare, to shave.'

Comedian David Mitchell featured 'Beardgate' in Radio 4's The Unbelievable Truth last week, reading Harry's account in dramatic fashion.

Was William, a Mitchell fan, having a chuckle as he listened?

The Prince of Wales during a visit to Swiss Valley Community Primary School in Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, on September 10

A bearded Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in 2018. In his book the Spare, Harry claims William told him to be clean shaven for the royal wedding

Keir, Barnier and the Queen

With Michel Barnier, the former EU Brexit chien-d'attaque, now France's PM, how will Keir Starmer deal with him?

Courtiers reckon that when Barnier was making life difficult for Theresa May, she missed a trick.

During his frequent trips to London he was never granted the ultimate diplomatic charmer  the Queen.

Michel Barnier, the former EU Brexit chien-d'attaque, now France's PM, appears on Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg in 2023

It was well known that lunch with her could charm birds from the trees  and she could coo in fluent French.

Wouldn't Starmer feting Barnier with a visit to the King be a grand way to start off a new chapter of the entente cordiale?

Prince Phillip refused to watch crying Queen on film, Brandreth claims

Royal gossip Gyles Brandreth claims the late Duke of Edinburgh refused to watch Dame Helen Mirren's Oscar-winning portrayal of the Queen, telling him: 'Apparently, they have the Queen crying in the film. The Queen doesn't cry.'

But didn't HM view the film more generously?

Helen Mirren played the late monarch in the 2006 film The Queen. She won an Oscar for the role

After its 2006 release, work commitments prevented Dame Helen accepting the Queen's invitation to a private dinner party.

Mirren has since cheerfully concluded: 'I got the sense that [the film] had been seen and that it had been appreciated.'

Norton's pal Miriam passes wind at Wembley

Dolly Parton fan Graham Norton once invited Miriam Margolyes to a Dolly meet-and-greet after a show.

'There was a long queue and Miriam suddenly stood... and shouted, "Pause. The fart".

Miriam Margoyles on the Graham Norton Show in November 2023

'There are not words to describe how loud that fart was. It rumbled and echoed down the corridor of Wembley Arena. In that queue no one found it funny. Not a titter.'

Why does he persist in having such a vulgarian on his show?

Even the Royal wax figures don't get on

Visiting Madame Tussauds to establish how many royal waxworks remain, A Voyage Around The Queen author Craig Brown discovered Harry 'hanging on by his fingers' a discreet distance from William and Kate. Where was Meghan?

Craig reveals: 'Standing alone in the Awards Party area around the corner within spitting distance of Kim Kardashian and the Beckhams.'

The Prince and Princess of Wales stand alongside King Charles while Prince Harry smiles on the corner. A set of royal wax figures unveiled at Madame Tussauds in Sydney

Su on her ill-fated marriage to Peter

Su Pollard, packing her powder puff for her 50th anniversary tour, recalls her ill-fated marriage to Aussie impresario Peter Keogh.

'His handbag was bigger than mine,' she says. 'Christopher Biggins once said to me, "Su, you know your husband was gay. What was he like in bed?"

'I used to say, "Absent".' Hi-de-Hi!
The federal government will dramatically increase security around the Capitol on January 6th, 2025 when lawmakers certify this November's election in an effort to prevent another January 6th.

The Department of Homeland Security has designated the next certification  scheduled for Jan. 6, 2025  a National Special Security Event, which puts the Secret Service in charge of security instead of U.S. Capitol Police, the Washington Post reported.

That is the date Congress will certify the presidential victory of either Kamala Harris or Donald Trump.

The additional protections will likely include unscalable fencing going around the Capitol, call-up of the D.C. National Guard and additional officers deputized to work in Washington D.C.

The goal is to prevent a repeat of what happened four years before, when a mob of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021 to stop the official certification of Joe Biden's victory.

The move comes after a Senate investigation found as broad missteps from the government, military and law enforcement contributed to the chaos of Jan. 6, 2021.

The federal government is preparing to dramatically increase security around the Capitol on January 6th, 2025 - when the results of the election are certified

Designating something a National Security Event unlocks additional funds and federal resources for security needs. Presidential inaugurations, political conventions and the Super Bowl are examples of a National Security Event.

Trump has already suggested the 2024 election will be stolen from him and has said he will jail people 'involved in unscrupulous behavior' related to voting.

'WHEN I WIN, those people that CHEATED will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the Law, which will include long term prison sentences so that this Depravity of Justice does not happen again,' he wrote recently on his Truth Social account.

'We cannot let our Country further devolve into a Third World Nation, AND WE WON'T!'

In the aftermath of the November 2020 election, Trump and his allies pushed to overturn the results through phone calls, tweets, and lawsuits in key swing states.

And, in his debate with Harris on Tuesday night, Trump did not express any regrets about his actions on Jan. 6, 2021.

On that day, he addressed his supporters on that National Mall and encouraged them to march on Congress.

Amid fears that Trump supporters could again rally on the Capitol stairs or even at voting centers across the country, lawmakers, lawyers, election officials and law enforcement are planning for an array of post-election scenarios.

Their fears run the gamut: voting centers in battleground states being overrun, local election officials being targeted, and, on the national level, a Congress in chaos.

Control of Congress is also on the ballot this November.

And the new lawmakers will be sworn-in on January 3rd. That means they will be in charge on January 6th, the day that Congress officially certifies the 2024 presidential election.

But some fear a handful of current lawmakers could delay the swearing-in of a new Congress, meaning no official business - like the certification of the election - could be conducted.

Others worry that members of the House will struggle for weeks to elect a speaker, which would make certifying the election results impossible.

Currently, Republicans have a two-seat margin that gives them control of the House. Both parties are fighting to win control in November.

And the victor will see their party leader as speaker on January 6th, 2025, to certify the election results.

Harris, as the sitting vice president, will be on Capitol Hill on January 6th, 2025, to oversee - along with the speaker of the House - the certification of the presidential election.

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FILE PHOTO: A mob of supporters of Donald Trump fight with members of law enforcement at a door they broke open as they storm the U.S. Capitol Building on Jan. 6th, 2021

Nancy Pelosi, who holds the title speaker emerita and still wields massive power in the House, also had a word of warning ahead of the November 5th election: put Democrats in charge of the House or be prepared for another January 6th.

'The fact is though, Hakeem Jeffries must be the speaker of the House,' she told the hosts of The View about the current House Democratic leader.

'He must have that gavel. He must have that gavel on January 6th. I had the gavel on January 6th. It made a difference in what happened that night. He must have that gavel, and so I would say in this particular year,' she added.

Then-Speaker Pelosi, alongside then-Vice President Mike Pence, certified the results of the 2020 election on January 6th, 2021, when Biden beat Trump.

But the main goal of all these preparations is to avoid a repeat of what happened last time.

'Last time we were steeped in potential parliamentary maneuvers around the rejection of the electoral college votes and the attempt to trigger a contingent election in the House, so we were ready for those parliamentary maneuvers, but we were not ready to talk about what would happen if protests outside turned violent and then entered the Capitol and overran the chambers,' Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland told the Post.

'So we are now trying to prepare for every conceivable contingency we can think of,' Raskin added.

Law enforcement wants to avoid a repeat of Jan. 6th, 2021, when the next election is certified

Donald Trump, in his debate with Kamala Harris, did not express regret for his actions on January 6th

The Senate, in its investigation of the insurrection, recommended several changes at the Capitol including giving the chief of U.S. Capitol Police more authority to request assistance from the National Guard.

The Senate report noted how the Guard was delayed for hours on Jan. 6 as officials in multiple agencies took bureaucratic steps to release the troops.

The report also recommended a consolidated intelligence unit within the Capitol Police after widespread failures from multiple agencies that did not predict the attack even though insurrectionists were planning it openly on the internet.

The senators also criticize the FBI and the Homeland Security Department for downplaying online threats.

U.S. Capitol Police Chief Thomas Manger, who took over the force six months after the Jan. 6 insurrection, is already thinking about security ahead of next January and coordinating with the D.C. National Guard to figure out how to respond to any threat.

The Capitol Police now have 2,200 sworn officers, about 250 more than four years ago, Manger told the Post. and plans are in place to mobilize thousands of officers from the region and elsewhere to help if needed.

For example, 200 police officers from New York City helped USCP with security when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed a joint meeting of Congress in July.

'We are better equipped, better trained and have a better operational plan than we did on Jan. 6,' Manger said.

Intelligence officers are 'hearing the same chatter that every other person in the intelligence community is picking up,' said Manger. 'Extremists on the right and the left talking about threats, talking about civil war, about how they're going to react if things don't go the way they wanted it to go.'

'We'd be foolish to ignore that and say it could never happen.'
Union firebrand Mick Lynch sparked outrage last night after appearing to compare Israel's treatment of Palestinians to slavery.

The RMT general secretary faced calls to withdraw the crass remark after he claimed David Lammys partial suspension of arms licences for Israel was like slavery only being partially abolished.

His comments at a pro-Palestine rally came after the Labour cabinet minister suspended 30 out of 350 British arms export licences to Israel - covering parts for fighter jets, helicopters and drones - over fears the military kit could be used to break international humanitarian law in the Gaza conflict.

Mr Lammy's move angered Israel as well as many in Parliament including some of his fellow Labour MPs and came after attempts by the US to reconsider - yet for many on the Left it did not go far enough.

Union firebrand Mick Lynch sparked outrage after appearing to compare Israel 's treatment of Palestinians to slavery

The RMT general secretary faced calls to withdraw the crass remark after he claimed David Lammys (pictured) partial suspension of arms licences for Israel was like slavery only being partially abolished

Speaking at the fringe meeting at the Trades Union Congress (TUC) in Brighton on Tuesday, 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? Thirty out of 350 or something of that number?

'This is like somebody standing up in front of you in the 1840s and saying, '"I'm going to abolish some slavery, I'm going to liberate some people, I'm going to do this measure, but it's only going to apply in this very small way".'

He added: 'We've got to make sure that if we're going to run a campaign, Labour is feeling the heat, it's feeling the heat from this movement, and doing the stuff that I think instinctively many of the people in the leadership of the Labour Party would want to do.

'So we've 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.'

Last night Labour peer Lord Mann, the Government's anti-Semitism tsar, said: 'Not a very clever analogy to make, either in substance or in language. I suggest he rows back and withdraws it.'

Tory MP Greg Smith said: 'The Left are obsessed with bashing Israel, trying to deny our ally from being able to defend themselves.

'It's 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.'

On the final day of the TUC conference, the Palestinian ambassador to the UK described Britain as the 'epicentre' of global solidarity for the cause

Pro-Palestine protesters march on the Israeli embassy in London to demand a ceasefire in the war in Gaza earlier this month

Shadow foreign secretary 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 Lynch's 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 Lynch's extraordinary comments immediately.'

On the final day of the TUC conference, the Palestinian ambassador to the UK described Britain as the 'epicentre' of global solidarity for the cause.

Husam Zomlot, who received a standing ovation from union delegates, said: 'While we welcome the decision by the UK Government to suspend some arms licenses to Israel, it is simply unconscionable, 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.'

It was claimed yesterday [wed] that Mr Lammy had been asked by his American counterpart what the UK would need from Israel to reconsider restricting weapons sales.

The Foreign Secretary told US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken in a phone call in August that Britain wanted a ceasefire in Gaza and access by human rights groups to Palestinians in Israeli prison, the Politico website reported.

A spokesman for Mr Lammy, in Ukraine yesterday, did not respond to requests for comment.
A senior academic has been reported to police after allegedly making sectarian comments at an anti-racism rally.

Jeanette Findlay, an economics professor at Glasgow University, spoke at the event in Glasgow on Saturday.

She is chairman and founding member of Call it Out, a campaign against anti-Irish racism and anti-Catholic bigotry.

In a recording of her speech to protesters, shared on social media platform X, Professor Findlay said members of the Orange Order were at the event. She said they swim in the same dirty water as the racists who are in Luton or London and claimed anti-fascist protesters had been kettled by political police at the event.

Professor Findlay said: When you say you wont allow the Right on your streets, can I remind you that the Right march our streets every week 11 months of the year  and in particular in July, when they take over the whole city from the first hour of the morning to the last hour at night. You need to stand with us and our community and protect our churches, our places of worship, when those b******* are going past us.

Jeanette Findlay, chair of the Celtic Trust, addresses fans in protest against controversial legislation proposed by the SNP

Activists from Stand Up To Racism Scotland gather in Glasgow's George Square, in a counter protest to a far-right rally. Picture date: Saturday, September 7

The professor is also seen in another video shared on X asking a police officer who is telling her to move on: Are you moving the Huns?

A Police Scotland spokesman said: A complaint has been received and is being assessed.

The Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland said her comments were a prime example of hate speech directed towards the Protestant community.

A statement online said the Grand Lodge had written to the Scottish Government, police and other organisations expressing our concern over Professor Findlays speech and seeking action.

Todd Ferguson, a Tory councillor in North Ayrshire, tweeted: The speech is at odds with the Scottish Governments Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act 2021.

Glasgow University declined to say whether she would be disciplined.

Professor Findlay was contacted for comment.
A single mom disappeared after taking an Uber from an Indianapolis nightclub and was was later found raped and murdered in a wooded area behind her home.

Chanti Dixon, 30, vanished after getting into the rideshare outside the club where she worked on West 16th Street just after 3.30am on Sunday.

Her distraught relatives tracked her phone down and called police to the grisly scene where they discovered the device and identified the Uber driver as Francisco Valadez, 29.

He initially claimed that his passenger had been attacked by an 'armed Black man' as she sat in his car.

But he has been charged with murder after admitting that he shot her dead in a fury when she insulted his body as he raped her.

'This is a family's worst nightmare,' Indianapolis Police Assistant Chief Catherine Cummings told a press conference on Wednesday. 'We're disgusted.'

Mom-of-two Chanti Dixon, 30, was found raped, shot, and murdered by her family after they tracked her phone down to a wooded area outside her Indianapolis home

Police said Uber driver Francisco Valadez had admitted shooting her dead in a fury when she insulted his body as he raped her

The mom-of-two had only moved into her home on Earhart Street days earlier with children Dashun, 13, and Chianti, 10.

Police believe Valadez had driven her to the street before launching his murderous attack just yards from her front door.

They traced his BMW with an Indiana license plate to his home on Aristocrat Circle in the Far East Side of the city before knocking at his door on Tuesday morning.

He admitted picking up Dixon from the club but claimed that a passerby had tried to rob her at gunpoint after approaching his car.

'He added that the suspect shot (Dixon) in the thigh and that she kicked herself out of his car and he fled the scene,' police wrote in their report.

'He also said that he had cleaned the blood out of his car.'

Other officers were speaking to Valadez's mother who told them her son routinely carried a gun in his car.

Police arrested Valadez after a search of the car found the weapon and he agreed to being questioned.

'Mr Valadez told two different stories as to what happened with Ms Dixon,' police wrote.

The family has set up a Gofundme appeal for Dixon's children Dashun, 13, and Chianti, 10

'I keep waiting for her to walk through that door, but I know she won't,' said mother Rise Dixon

Valadez told police dragged her dead body out of the car and over a concrete barrier, and into some undergrowth beside a school bus stop where she was found by her family

Eventually he admitted raping Valadez and shooting her in the head when she scorned her rapist's 5ft 6ins, 215-pound body.

He dragged her dead body out of the car and over a concrete barrier, and into some undergrowth beside a school bus stop.

Then he tried to rape her again.

'I keep waiting for her to walk through that door, but I know she won't,' her mother Rise Dixon told WRTV.

'Don't let what happened to her diminish what she put out in the world.

'She'd always be like, 'Ma, you my best friend' and I'm like, 'Girl, yeah I know and you're my best friend'.

'You could not miss her presence because she was going to let you know when he came through the door. She'd yell, 'Hey y'all, hey y'all,' and she made sure that her kids, her nieces, her nephews, her sisters and brother, they knew she loved them.

'She was so selfless. So selfless.'

'This is a family that's been ripped apart,' said Indianapolis PD chief Chris Bailey as he announced that Valadez had been charged with murder.

'This woman is gone from the world unnecessarily by an evil act, and I'm glad that we were able to find this individual as quickly as we did so that he didn't have an opportunity to perpetuate violence further in our community.'

The family has set up a Gofundme appeal for Dixon's orphaned children and Bailey said more charges would likely follow before Valadez's first court appearance on Thursday.

'No one deserves to be treated this way in our community and I am so sorry to her family that we're here today,' he added.

Police are asking any other victims of Valadez to come forward, and a spokesman for Uber said their 'hearts break for Ms Dixon's family and loved ones in the midst of this tragedy'.

'This woman is gone from the world unnecessarily by an evil act,' Indianapolis PD chief Chris Bailey as he announced murder charges against Valadez

Police recovered this handgun from the Uber driver's car

'The details of this act of violence are atrocious and we will assist Indianapolis police however we can as they continue to investigate,' the company added.

'One thing about Chanti, she was a good person,' her cousin Eric Young told Indystar.com. She was always the life of the party and, I'm telling you, she was a mother first.

'If it wasn't going to be her, it would have been someone else,' he added.

'I just want justice. I want justice for her and I want justice for our family. I really want justice for her son.'
A young Aussie has left viewers shocked after he casually picked up and held the world's most venomous fish in his bare hands.

Miller Wilson, 20, found the highly toxic estuary stonefish camouflaged in a muddy river on Queensland's Sunshine Coast this week.

The animal enthusiast shared the moment he reached into the shallow water to grab the fish from underneath a rock ledge on social media.

'The tide is coming up and I've just spotted the biggest stonefish, the world's most venomous fish, that I've ever seen,' he tells the camera.

After pulling the stonefish from the river he showed off its distinctive spikes that contain enough toxin to cause cardiac arrest.

'Take a look at that... that the world's most venomous fish... pretty big one as well, just found him under this rock ledge here,' he said.

'And they are a mean-looking fish. Look at that, pretty crazy.'

Viewers were left shocked by how calmly Mr Miller handled the venomous fish.

'The worlds most venomous fish, but picks it up casually,' one person wrote.

'Worlds most venomous fish, then proceeds to grab it. Built different,' a second commented.

A third shared: 'Wow that's a solid stonefish (as you casually pick it up) b***** legend!'

'Australians hit different,' a fourth said.

Others shared their own experiences with stonefish in the comments.

'I stood on one while dragging a bait net at about 14-years-old on the Sunshine Coast,' one person wrote.

A second wrote: 'My dad stepped on one of these in the Northern Territory back in 1990. He nearly didn't survive'.

'I can be in an area of water where I know they won't be and I'll still c*** myself at the thought of these being in the water,' a third said.

Mr Miller (pictured with the stonefish) left viewers shocked after handling the fish with ease

Despite Mr Miller's impressive discovery, experts have urged people not to interact with stonefish due to their life-threatening venom.

Professor Calum Brown from the School of Natural Sciences at Macquarie University said the footage sent the wrong message to viewers.

'It looks to me like the kid in the video knows what he is doing. He handles the fish very well and stays well away from the dorsal spines,' Mr Callum told YahooNews.

'[But] it is simply not safe to handle these fish.'

Estuary stonefish contain a toxic chemical known as verrucotoxin. The venom is found in the 13 stout spines located on the dorsal fin of the fish.

The toxin can cause intense pain and a stonefish sting can cause several symptoms including difficulty breathing, abdominal pain, bleeding and seizures.

Estuary stonefish (pictured), who have superb camouflage abilities, are dangerous to humans as they contain a toxic chemical known as verrucotoxin that can cause intense pain

Stonefish are also known for their camouflage abilities, which allow the species to ambush small fish or crustaceans that come close enough for it to attack.

The poisonous fish often look like lumps of coral or encrusted rock, which helps them go undetected in waterways.

The creatures are found in warmer waters across Australia's northern coastline, including the Great Barrier Reef, northern NSW and areas just above Perth.
An Australian couple who spent years saving for a European holiday have had their dreams shattered by a life-threatening disease.

Excitement quickly turned to panic for Jon and Mary when he became seriously ill on their flight to London last week.

The couple were forced to go straight from the airport to hospital where it was revealed Jon had meningococcal septicemia - a serious blood infection that spreads from person-to-person through coughing or extended close contact.

Mary's co-worker Michelle revealed on Wednesday that been in intensive care for ten days since landing in London.

'Jon and Mary have been saving for a long time to go overseas, for their once-in-a-lifetime dream holiday, only for Jon to be struck down on the flight over with a deadly infectious disease, meningococcal septicemia,' she wrote on GoFundMe.

'After landing in London, this fun loving couple began their dream holiday by immediately travelling to the hospital from the airport, where Jon was admitted into the intensive care unit as a very sick man.'

Meningococcal septicemia patients often suffer from a fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, photophobia and confusion.

Michelle asked Aussies to 'dig deep' to help the 'genuine' couple.

Mary and Jon (pictured) had to go straight to hospital upon touching down in London as Jon contracted meningococcal septicemia

'With the extra travel, accommodation and any out of pocket medical, expenses are rapidly adding up!' she wrote.

'I'm hoping people want to dig deep and help out this beautiful couple the Aussie way. The travel to the hospital each day alone is $120.

'Mary is alone in a new and strange country with zero support throughout this devastating ordeal.

'For something like this to happen is a daunting and terrifying experience to say the least.

'If we could join together and take away some of the financial burden, it would go a long way for this couple to be able to just focus on Jon's health and lengthy recovery.'

The campaign has so far raised $3,400 since it was launched on Wednesday.
Craftsman dedicates nearly four decades to Xuan paper making

People's Daily Online) 10:13, September 12, 2024

"I firmly believe that with the backing of the Greater Huangshan tourism brand, the craft of making Xuan paper will surely thrive in the future," said Zhou Donghong, a Xuan paper craftsman from east China's Anhui Province, at a promotional event for the Greater Huangshan Area held in Beijing.

Zhou Donghong, a Xuan paper craftsman from east China's Anhui Province, speaks at a promotional event for the Greater Huangshan Area held in Beijing. (People's Daily Online/Zhang Jun)

Zhou, a worker at a Xuan paper factory in Jingxian county of Anhui, has spent nearly 40 years perfecting his craft since he began his apprenticeship in 1985.

Zhou's expertise has earned him prestigious titles such as "Master Craftsman" and "National Model Worker," among others.

The process of making a sheet of Xuan paper involves over 100 steps. Zhou is especially skilled in the process of getting the paper out of the water.

Papermaking may seem simple; the masters scoop and lift, and a sheet of paper appears. However, Zhou sees it differently. "Papermaking is not only hard work but also a technical skill. The success or failure of Xuan paper depends on the papermaking process. The quality, thickness, texture, and silkiness of the paper all depend on this single scoop."

Zhou Donghong (left) pulls paper out of the water with assistance of his colleague. (People's Daily Online/Zhang Jun)

"With each batch of pulp, we can get 100 sheets of Xuan paper from the water. The pulp concentration varies with each sheet, so achieving the desired thickness for each sheet is a skill that comes with experience," Zhou explained.

Zhou Donghong makes Xuan paper. (People's Daily Online/Zhang Jun)

After decades in the papermaking trade, Zhou has honed his craft through hard work, ensuring each sheet of Xuan paper he produces is within 0.5 grams of the correct weight.

The traditional craft of making Xuan paper was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009.

"From being a 'national model worker' to a 'master craftsman,' I've received much recognition through Xuan paper," Zhou expressed.

Photo shows an aerial view of the Xuan paper cultural park located in Jingxian county, east China's Anhui Province. (People's Daily Online/Zhang Jun)

In recent years, whenever possible, Zhou actively participates in cultural activities related to Xuan paper-making techniques, feeling a stronger sense of mission to spread Xuan paper culture. He said, "The Greater Huangshan Area is a calling card of Anhui, and Xuan paper is the calling card of the Greater Huangshan Area. As a 'cultural guardian,' I will wholeheartedly protect and pass on this craft."

(Web editor: Xian Jiangnan, Liang Jun)
Ramallah, Sep 11 (UNI) Two Palestinians were killed in an Israeli drone strike on a vehicle in Tulkarm city, northern West Bank, Palestinian sources said Wednesday.

An Israeli drone targeted a vehicle in the Aktaba suburb east of Tulkarm with a missile, setting it ablaze, Palestinian security sources told Xinhua.

The Palestinian Red Crescent Society reported in a press statement that its staff recovered the bodies of the victims, whose identities are yet to be determined, from the targeted vehicle.

Palestinian activists circulated video footage showing the vehicle completely engulfed in flames after being hit by the missile.

The Israeli military confirmed in a press statement that an airstrike was conducted in Tulkarm but did not provide further details.

Since the outbreak of the conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip on Oct. 7, 2023, the West Bank has witnessed an escalation in tension.

UNI/XINHUA ARN
EXCLUSIVE

A young woman who wore clown make-up while dressed in an Australian Defence Force cadet uniform at the Melbourne anti-war protests has been slammed for disrespecting diggers.

The woman, who calls herself Nikki on social media, was one of around 1,200 anti-war demonstrators who descended on the Land Forces 2024 weapons expo at Melbourne Convention Centre on Wednesday morning.

She was filmed in the background of a live news segment, staring down the camera lens while nonchalantly eating a croissant.

Her cadet uniform was adorned with a badge that read 'Zionism is terrorism'.

At one stage, she rushed up to Sky News reporter Georgie Dickerson where she screamed: 'You are complicit in genocide!'

Her appearance in an Australian Air Force Cadets uniform sparked fury, with online commentators calling for her to be immediately kicked out of the youth military program.

'This is absolutely appalling! The behaviour on display is utterly unacceptable and deeply concerning,' seethed one person.

'Is this truly the standard of individuals the ADF is recruiting? Its a disheartening reflection on our armed forces and a sad day for all Australians when this is the calibre of those entrusted with defending our nation.

'This kind of conduct brings shame to an institution meant to uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.'

The woman (pictured right), who calls herself Nikki on social media, was one of around 1,200 anti-war demonstrators who descended on the Land Forces 2024 weapons expo

Nikki, for her part, was undeterred by the criticism, describing her performance on SkyNews as 'iconic' (she is pictured returning for day two of the protests, this time with stickers that read 'Air Force F**** and 'F*** ISRL')

Poll Do YOU think its disrespectful to our diggers? Yes No Do YOU think its disrespectful to our diggers? Yes 2384 votes

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Another critic, who claimed to be a former officer of cadets, acknowledged that young people can make 'stupid decisions' but said: 'This is just damn disrespectful and needs to be addressed.

'When you put on the uniform, cadet, OOC or ADF, you leave all political and personal opinions at home.'

A spokesperson for the Department of Defence said it was 'aware of an individual wearing an Australian Air Force Cadets General Purpose Uniform at protests in Melbourne this week.

'Defence is working with Victoria Police on this matter,' the spokesperson added.

Nikki told Daily Mail Australia she was not a cadet when approached for comment.

'F*** Israel, f*** the news, f*** the system, f*** cadets, f*** the ADF,' she responded, followed by a love heart emoji.

Indeed, she was undeterred by the criticism, describing her performance on SkyNews as 'iconic'.

She complained on social media that 'dumb brainwashed cadets are telling me I'm a disgrace for wearing ADF (Australian Defence Force) uniform when in reality they are supporting the murderers.'

She doubled down on the criticism by posting a selfie of her dressed in the same cadets uniform with more clown face paint and plastic goggles on her head.

She had updated her uniform with additional stickers that read 'Air Force F****', 'Killer Rank' and 'FCK ISRL'.

The scenes at Wednesday's protests quickly turned ugly, with some describing them as the worst riots in living memory

Two dozen officers required medical treatment, while 33 protesters were arrested for various offences, including arson and assaulting police

Nikki, whose online bio reads 'have morals, be kind, free Palestine', describes herself as a 'Persian cosplayer' and in one online profile is supportive of a 'Free Iran'.

On Thursday morning, she posted another story which said: 'Thank you anonymous few cadets who are in support.

'I will keep you anonymous but let's f*** them up from the inside out.'

Demonstrators set fire to bins and hurled horse manure, rocks, rotten apples and even acid at police in the violent protest.

Riot cops returned fire with rubber bullets and capsicum spray in response.

The scenes at Wednesday's protests quickly turned ugly, with some describing them as the worst riots in living memory.

Two dozen officers required medical treatment, while 33 protesters were arrested for various offences, including arson and assaulting police.

Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton lashed out at protesters, labelling them 'hypocrites' and claiming police showed 'restraint' in dealing with them.

Commissioner Patton said many of the protesters were intent on causing violence, despite it being an anti-war demonstration.

Her appearance in an Australian Air Force Cadets uniform sparked fury, with online commentators calling for her to be immediately kicked out of the youth military program

Nikki, whose online bio reads 'have morals, be kind, free Palestine', describes herself as a 'Persian cosplayer'

'They were standing there in full-face balaclavas with ski masks on. There was no snow there,' he said.

He said that balloons were hurled at cops containing diluted acid, leaving some officers with rashes.

'One was hit with a beer bottle. One had a full can of baked beans thrown at them. It was appalling behaviour,' he said.

Commisioner Patton defended the actions of his officers and rubbished calls for an independent inquiry into their behaviour.

On Thursday morning, the protests continued with two ABC security guards seen brawling with aggressive demonstrators live on air.
The simple wishes of a Long Island mother sparked her son to go on a murderous rampage, massacring his three siblings and niece with a shotgun before turning the weapon on himself.

Joseph DeLucia launched into a tirade while the family had gathered at their mother Theresa's home to discuss her last wishes about a week after she died.

The 95-year-old woman's last will and testament, signed in 2007, decreed that her estate was to be split equally among her four children upon her death.

But carving up the estate would require selling the Syosset home where Joseph had lived with his mother his entire life - essentially rendering him homeless.

Theresa Martha DeLucia, 95, died on August 19. In her will, signed in 2007, it clearly stated how her estate be split equally among her four children upon her death

Distraught son Joe DeLucia Jr, left, thought he'd end up homeless and killed four of his family before turning the gun on himself as they met to discuss winding up his late mother's affairs

'I direct any member of my family who may be living in such home at the time of my death to vacate same to facilitate such sale and empower my Executor to take any and all steps reasonably required to effectuate this provision of my Will,' the document, was made public in Nassau County court this week, states.

Under the agreement, Joseph would have received a quarter of his late mother's estate.

However, the former EMT and mechanic was already dealing with the loss of his mother and was now faced with the loss off his home.

Joseph got hold of a Mossberg 12-gauge shotgun and shot his two sisters; Joanne Kearns, 69, of Tampa, Florida, Tina Hammond, 64, of East Patchogue; and his brother, Frank DeLucia, 63, of Durham, North Carolina.

After slaying his siblings, he then shot dead his niece, Victoria Hammond, 30, of East Patchogue.

DeLucia's sister Tina Hammond, 64, was shot dead. She still lived on Long Island and helped look after her mother and brother

Tina's daughter, Victoria Hammond, 30, was Joseph's niece. She was also shot dead

Oldest sister Joanne Kearns, 69, from Tampa, was in town for the funeral and also killed

Joseph DeLucia used this 12-gauge pump-action shotgun that he legally bought, to gun down his family

Officers found Joseph DeLucia with a self-inflicted gunshot wound on the front lawn of this Syosset, New York home. The four other victims were found inside

Joseph eventually took his own life, shooting himself in the front yard after issuing what neighbors described as a blood-curdling scream.

Police arrived at and discovered DeLucia's body outside. When officers entered the home all four victims were dead in the den at the back of the house.

'The perception of Joseph Jr. was that he was being cut out of the will and was going to be displaced without a place to go,' Nassau County Police Capt. Stephen Fitzpatrick said, noting how he had mental health issues.

DeLucia had always suffered from such problems, and was born with the umbilical cord wrapped around his neck, depriving him of oxygen.

But his mental state nosedived after his mother died on August 19.

His siblings tried to assure him he would be looked after no matter what - but he didn't believe them.

'Because of that perception, he decided that day to get a loaded, Mossberg shotgun, 12 gauge, approached them in the rear area of the house, and from the kitchen, fired 12 shots, striking all four of them multiple times,' he said.

The house is believed to be worth about $900,000. Family members wanted an assessment done quickly because two of the siblings had come from out of town

DeLucia opened fire inside the family home on Wyoming Court in Syosset, on Long Island last month

The house is believed to be worth about $900,000. Family members wanted an assessment done quickly because two of the siblings had come from out of town for the funeral, and were headed back to Florida and North Carolina.

Joseph had lived in the house his entire life, and neighbors said losing the home was just too unbearable for him.

Fitzpatrick said there was a welfare check on the home in 2022 but DeLucia 'was not displaying any signs of anything that we would take action'.

'He had past mental issues, psych issues, that were reported to us,' he said.

"He was kind of a hoarder, spent all his money on his tools and stuff. The house was pretty much packed with tools and stuff involved in auto mechanics.

'He lived there all his life, never lived on his own. So you can see the mindset where his world was now changing, at 59 years old, and he was panicking.'
A former private school vice-captain has walked free after an appeal against the leniency of the sentence he received for helping his father cover up a gruesome alleged murder.

Marco Yandle was sentenced to 20 months in prison at the South Australian Supreme Court in July for helping his father escape apprehension for the alleged murder of homeless man Steven Murphy on the Yandles' Kudla property in Adelaide's outer north in February 2023.

Taking into account time he had already spent behind bars, Marco was immediately released from custody on a suspended sentence, with Justice Judy Hughes citing the absence of any prior criminal history and a psychologist's report that deemed him at 'low risk' of reoffending as factors for her decision.

But Director of Public Prosecutions Martin Hinton KC appealed that sentence in August, calling the punishment 'manifestly inadequate'.

Mr Hinton argued Justice Hughes had failed to properly take into account Marco's 'knowledge' of the alleged murder and the connection between knowledge and a proper consideration of offending.

On Thursday, the South Australian Court of Appeal in Adelaide largely upheld the original sentence.

The appeal judges raised the sentence from 20 months to 30, but it remained suspended, meaning Marco walked free once more on a good behaviour bond.

Speaking outside the court, defence lawyer Stephen Ey, representing Marco, said he was 'relieved it's all finished'.

Marco Yandle (pictured on Thursday) has walked free after beating an appeal to the punishment he received for helping his father cover up an alleged murder

Police during a search for the remains of Steven Murphy in April 2023

At the August appeal hearing, both Mr Hinton and Marco's defence team said Justice Hughes had committed a procedural error in her sentence, relating to her understanding of suspended sentences, but Marco's defence argued the sentence itself was sound.

Scott Henchliffe KC, speaking for Marco, said it would be 'unfairly vexatious' for Marco to face resentencing because of a trial judge's error.

Mr Henchliffe also argued that Marco's clean history and low risk of reoffending had correctly 'informed the sentence', arguing he was 'near the top' in terms of mitigating factors.

'This was an unexpected horrific episode for Mr Yandle,' he said, adding that Marco had been 'involuntarily dragged into it'.

Marco, 20, signed a two-year good behaviour bond in July and he is being supervised by Department of Corrections officers.

The full reasons underpinning the court's decision to maintain Marco's suspended sentence have not been released.

Marco's father Keith (pictured) is set to stand trial in February for the alleged murder

Marco was the vice-captain of Adelaide's prestigious Trinity College (pictured in his uniform)

Marco's father Keith is set to stand trial in February for the alleged murder and the judges restricted the publication of the reasoning in Marco's case so as to not influence the outcome of the upcoming trial.

'The reasons, which the court has published on a party access basis, go into some detail into the circumstances of the offending, but the court is conscious that Mr Yandle senior has not yet been tried,' the judges said.

'As a matter of prudence, it is probably appropriate for your office (the prosecution) and those acting for Mr Yandle senior review the reasons to see if it is necessary that there be any redactions before they are published.

'The court is concerned not to prejudice the trial.'

Keith Yandle has pleaded not guilty to murder after initially seeking to plead guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter.

Marco was the vice-captain of Trinity College, a private school in Gawler that charges up to $7060 a year for senior school students.
A woman has been left with a $6,000 dental bill after she was allegedly punched in the mouth and forehead by a stranger on a tram home from work.

Cassandra, 31, who did not wish to provide her surname, was riding the tram in Northcote, in Melbourne's inner city, on Monday at about 12.30pm when she was allegedly assaulted by a 41-year-old man.

She said the man was playing music out loud before cranking it up to a level that made it impossible for passengers to hear the tram stop announcements.

When Cassandra, who works in construction, asked the man to turn down his music, he asked if she was a tourist before allegedly punching her twice in the face.

She attempted to restrain the man while three other passengers on board called police.

When the tram came to a stop, two other men jumped in to help Cassandra perform a citizen's arrest on the alleged attacker.

'It was about 10 minutes before the cops arrived, he kept trying to go for me while we restrained him and was (allegedly) punching my body and tried to push me into oncoming traffic,' Cassandra told Daily Mail Australia.

'He had tried to get away and was saying things like ''oh, my dog has run away'' but when the police arrived, he just dropped to the ground.

Cassandra, 31, was riding the tram in Northcote, in Melbourne's inner city, on Monday at about 12.30pm when she was allegedly punched in the mouth and forehead

She also suffered bruising to her forearms and shoulder while trying to restrain the man

Cassandra said that while she was trying to restrain him, the man allegedly yelled out a series of disturbing threats.

'He was (allegedly) saying ''I'll find out where you live, I'll f***ing kill you'',' she said.

The man didn't appear to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol and seemed like a normal passenger before the alleged attack, Cassandra added.

Shocking photos show the extent of damage the alleged assault took on the 31-year-old, with Cassandra having to undergo a root canal on her teeth.

Her total medical bills are estimated to set her back $6,000.

'It's still affecting me each day, I have headaches and I can't chew and that's expected to last for two weeks,' she said.

She also suffered bruises to her right shoulder and both forearms.

The 31-year-old managed to restrain her alleged attacker with the help of two bystanders

Victoria Police confirmed the man had been charged with recklessly cause injury, intentionally cause injury and aggravated assault on a female.

Cassandra was taken to hospital after the alleged assault with non life-threatening injuries.

She said had it not been for the two men who helped her restrain the man, the outcome would've been very different.

'I commend and need to thank them and the three people on the tram, I wouldn't have had that result without them,' she said.

'They're all a great representation of the Australian spirit.'

Cassandra is now calling for tougher legislation to be brought in on serial offenders, and for the Victorian government to bring back in 'move on' powers for police.

The powers allow police to take action against a person whose conduct was 'causing a reasonable apprehension of violence', or 'the person is impeding another person from lawfully entering or leaving a premises'.

Cassandra will have to fork out $6,000 in dental bills to get her teeth fixed

She also called for the supervised drug injection facility in North Richmond, which opened in 2018 and is just a couple hundred metres away from a primary school, to be closed.

'I've been talking to all my friends and family and they've all seen similar (incidents of violence) just in the street,' Cassandra said.

'Even that day they had seen someone obviously on drugs walking around menacing the community. Everyone's experiencing that.

'I expect better safety and consequences for violent crime for our justice system.

'You hear about repeat offenders getting bail no matter how hard the crime is.'

Cassandra added she is now afraid to ride the tram, which she usually does to work.

She also suffers from epilepsy which means she is at times unable to drive.

'I feel very unsafe,' she said.

Daily Mail Australia understands the accused has a criminal history.

He was bailed and is due to face court on November 15.
A Qantas passenger who thought he'd scored a bargain on first-class seats for his family's overseas trip soon found out it was too good to be true and he was stuck in an administrative nightmare.

Brisbane resident Aji Paul and his family booked their holiday to the USA only to later discover Qantas had accidentally slashed its first-class fares by up to 85 per cent on the morning of August 23.

The mistake by the airline saw hundreds of first class seats sold, with the Paul family paying about about $17,500 for their tickets, news.com.au reported.

Qantas was able to cancel or refund the first class seats under its terms and conditions covering it for 'an error or mistake' when they realised what had occurred on the website.

But the national carrier instead offered to rebook passengers into business class seats as a 'gesture of goodwill' - for no extra cost.

Lucky passengers still received an amazing deal - the business class seats worked out to be a whopping 65 per cent cheaper than the usual cost of a seat in business.

When Mr Paul had booked his tickets to Dallas, Texas for his family's 2025 holiday, he elected to use the airline's 'Book Now, Pay Later' option - and only paid $100 to secure his tickets.

All customers, regardless of payment method, received an email from Qantas informing passengers of the change and saying they did not have to do anything - their tickets would be automatically changed for them.

Aji Paul, who booked four first class tickets to Dallas for his family next year, was shocked when the sale price of about $17,500 suddenly increased to $100,121 (pictured Mr Paul's payment reminder)

An error on the Qantas website in August saw all of its first-class flights discounted by up to 85 per cent (pictured, Qantas first class)

'As a gesture of goodwill, Qantas will be rebooking you in the business class cabin on the same flight for the same price you have already paid,' Qantas Customer Care said.

But four days later, Mr Paul noticed the price of the family's airfares had gone from $17,465 to a whopping $100,121.

The father said although he found the amount 'really shocking', he thought it must have been 'another price mistake'.

Mr Paul called Qantas as soon as he saw the new amount, but it was the start of a 'frustrating week' with the father making multiple calls and speaking to multiple customer service employees.

'Its really terrible because unfortunately every person I speak to gives a totally different story,' he said.

'They have no consistency in what [information] they are giving.'

The father said that adding to his frustration was the fact some representatives promised him the issue would be fixed, but others where confused and couldn't help him.

When Qantas realised the error on its website, it made a 'gesture of goodwill' and gave customers who had purchased the discounted tickets seats in business class for no extra cost (pictured, stock photo of a Qantas plane)

After being told to lodge a complaint, another Qantas employee called him and asked the father if he wanted to pay $56,000 for the business class tickets.

The father was unable to get any resolution for two weeks, but Qantas has now promised to give the family business class seats at the original booked price of $4,366.14 per ticket.

'We apologise to Mr Paul for the trouble and are contacting him to resolve the outstanding issues with his booking,' a Qantas spokesman said.

It is understood Qantas does not know about any other processing mistakes and all tickets have been updated with their new business class seats - including customers who chose to pay by 'Book Now, Pay Later'.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Qantas for comment.
A 'psychopath' Florida teenager stabbed his mother to death a year after she bailed him out for shooting dead his father.

The shocking crimes of Collin Griffith, 17, were revealed yesterday by Polk County Sheriffs.

On Sunday evening, Griffith called police to say his mother Catherine had 'fallen' on his knife during an argument.

But witnesses reported seeing him dragging the 39-year-old out of the house by her hair two hours earlier and a medical examiner found she had been stabbed  twice  in the neck.

A year ago, Catherine paid $50,000 to bail her son out of jail after he shot his father dead.

Charges were dropped after he argued that he killed his father in self-defense.

'When you look at this, you see a kid. When I look at him I see a psychopath,' Sheriff Grady Judd said.

'Everybody that should be special to him in his life is dead when they cross him.'

Polk County Sheriff's Office is asking the State Attorney to charge Collin Griffith, 17, as an adult after he killed his mother - a year after escaping a murder charge over his father's death

Mother Catherine Griffith had paid $50,000 bond to secure the release of her son but he had warned deputies he would kill her if forced to live with her

Griffith claimed that his 43-year-old dad had pulled a knife on him before chasing and cornering him at the remote farmstead in Lincoln County, Oklahoma, on Valentine's Day 2023.

But prosecutors 'could not disprove Colin's assertion of self-defense' and was released after his mother posted bond.

Six months later he was back in custody under Florida's Baker Act after threatening to kill himself, and to stab or shoot his mother.

In November last year he was arrested on domestic violence charges after kicking his mother to the ground when she tried to restrict his use of video games.

He again tried to claim self-defense, but his grandmother had seen the attack and corroborated Catherine's account.

By February 2024 he had run away from his mother's house in Charlotte County and gone to stay with his grandmother.

He told deputies he would 'kill my mother' rather than be reunited with her but they handed him to Florida's Department for Children and Families who returned him to the home in Charlotte County, a year to the day after his father's death.

Police yesterday released a series of chilling text messages Catherine sent in the hours before her death begging a neighbor for help.

The 39-year-old was a popular teacher with the Florida Virtual School

Police released Catherine's chilling text exchange with a friend in the hours before her death

'Please do not let Collin or the police into my home. I'm not opening my door,' she wrote in one. 'Collin just hates me and I'm tired of this crap.'

'Where are you and how am I going to stop him?' the neighbor replied.

'Don't give them the keys,' Catherine responded. 'I'm home in my room.'

On the day of her death she told the neighbor: 'I'm meeting with his probation officer Monday morning if he doesn't come home today by ten. He knows the time and deadline.

'He's choosing to skip it and hide out at my mom's house in Polk county which is also a violation.'

In her final text she wrote: 'He won't listen I am going to drive to get him and if he doesn't get in the car then Polk county can deal with him.'

Griffith's grandmother was not at home when his mother arrived at 4pm on Sunday and the pair began to argue.

By 6.30pm police were on the way after Griffith called to say his mother had injured herself, and showed 'zero remorse' when the officers arrived.

'He looked the deputy in the eye and said: 'I know my rights, I want an attorney',' Judd told reporters.

'He claimed that during this argument, his mother lunged at him with a knife, and fell on it, resulting in a deep stab wound to her neck.

'The medical examiner said it's just not reasonable or plausible that she died the way that he said she did. 'It just didn't happen.'

'When you look at this, you see a kid,' Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd told a press conference on Wednesday. 'When I look at him I see a psychopath.'

A murder charge against Collin Griffith was dropped a month after he shot dad Charles in the head and chest because the 17-year-old claimed to be acting in self-defense.

Griffith was arrested for murder and the Polk County Sheriff's Office is asking the State Attorney to charge him as an adult.

And a spokesman for the Oklahoma District Attorney's Office said it was now examining whether to charge him again over his father's death.

'If Oklahoma had been able to act, Catherine would be alive and well today,' Judd said.

'But because she took him in and tried to do like a mother should do and took care of him, she's now dead.

'He's already, at 17 years of age, shot and killed his father and got away with it, and stabbed his mother in the neck so hard that the knife went all the way through.

'Now he's killed two people, and killed his mother and father, and I can assure you based upon his conduct, had he gone to live with his grandmother at the end of this, and she had crossed him, she would be next.'
A Trump supporter gave President Biden a backhanded compliment after the commander in chief sported a campaign hat of former rival Donald Trump during lively back-and-forth.

Biden was briefly captured wearing a bright red Trump hat during a chat with firefighters in Shanksville, Pennsylvania - where United Flight 93 crashed on 9/11.

'I'm proud of you now, you old fart,' the elderly gentleman jokes as Biden dons the MAGA hat.

In an extended video clip, Biden asks if the man wants his autograph. The man responds by asking the president if he remembered his own name.

Biden, sarcastically responded: 'I don't remember my name, I'm slow.' The audience got a big laugh.

The vaudevillian banter continued when the man referred to Biden as an 'old fart', with the commander-in-chief responded: 'Yeah, I'm an old guy... You would know a lot about that'.

Biden was briefly captured wearing a bright red Trump hat during a chat with firefighters in Shanksville, Pennsylvania

In an extended video clip, Joe Biden had a lively back-and-forth with a Trump supporter as he sported one of former rival Donald Trump 's MAGA hats and even got a backhanded compliment out of it

After signing the hat, he joked to the man that he needed his Trump MAGA hat, which the man quickly offered.

Biden put the Trump 2024 cap on top of the other hat he was wearing to loud applause.

The Trump supporter responded: 'I'm proud of you now, you old fart' as the two men shook hands.

Biden got the last laugh, however, joking: 'Just remember now, don't eat any dogs or cats!'

The president was referencing a claim made by Trump at last night's debate suggesting migrants in Springfield, Ohio were eating peoples' pet dogs and cats.

The viral moment was originally explained by a spokesperson for the White House, who 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.

The president'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.

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'

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

'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.

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.

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

Signs of support for the Republican nominee were visible from Harris' motorcade route.

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.

Kamala Harris looks on during the memorial ceremony at Ground Zero, with Biden in the background, the day after her debate with Trump

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.

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.
The Albanese government has been grilled over whether Palestinian refugees refused entry to Australia have been returned to a war zone, after the Home Affairs minister said 'no country' would send anyone back to Gaza.

Liberal Senator James Patterson posed a series of questions about Palestinian asylum seekers to Labor's Murray Watt during Senate Question Time on Thursday afternoon.

The Prime Minister was blasted over the same issue in Parliament last month, dodging the questions and continually reiterating that Labor was following advice by security agencies.

About 2900 visas were granted to people fleeing Gaza since October 7. Of those, 43 visas were revoked and 20 of those were restored on appeal.

Mr Albanese did not cite those figures in the House of Representatives in August, nor did Senator Watt shed any light on the situation in the Senate on Thursday.

Mr Patterson specifically wanted to know how many Palestinians were granted visas since the Israel-Hamas conflict kicked off with the October 7 attacks.

Mr Watt said he did not have the figures in front of him and criticised the Coalition for 'turning this into a political issue'.

Mr Patterson then quoted Minister for Home Affairs Tony Burke, who previously said 'no country in the world would send people back to Gaza'.

The Albanese government has been grilled over whether Palestinian refugees refused entry to Australia have been returned to a war zone

Liberal Senator James Patterson posed a series of questions about Palestinian asylum seekers to Labor's Murray Watt during Senate Question Time on Thursday afternoon

He asked: 'Can you confirm people who had their visas cancelled will remain in Australia?'

The Labor senator replied: 'I'm not going to participate in the latest attempt by the Opposition around this issue, and we we know Senator Patterson is one of the worst offenders.'

Mr Patterson said: 'I'll try my luck on another. How many who have had their documents cancelled have been deported?'

Mr Watt replied: 'Again, what I can tell you is that anyone who fails character tests and security vetting by ASIO doesn't get a visa and, should further info come to light, their visas are cancelled.'

The question was not answered in the Senate on Thursday.

Daily Mail Australia can confirm no visas have been cancelled for refugees who have arrived in Australia.

Palestinians who did have their Australian visas cancelled were offshore at the time and denied access, rather than arriving in Australia and being turned back.

In August it was revealed that many Gazans lodged claims for asylum, which means they will be able to stay in Australia until there is a decision on their application.

The Coalition said visitor visas were of particular concern because they do not require the same security checks as those for asylum seekers fleeing other war-torn nations.
An accused would-be assassin who allegedly pointed a loaded gun at a car with a child passenger may have an intellectual disability, a court has been told.

Siaosi Maeakafa Tupoulahi, 24, appeared before the NSW Supreme Court on Thursday to apply for bail after spending more than six weeks in custody on remand.

Police allege he pointed a loaded pistol at a car containing a child during the botched assassination attempt on a street in Sydney's eastern suburbs about 8.20am on July 25.

According to police, the child was sitting in the passenger's seat of the car while Mr Tupoulahi held a gun towards the driver for 10 seconds.

Police claim the 24-year-old carpenter was targeting the high-profile owner of a luxury vehicle, but he mistakenly approached the wrong car.

He then allegedly fled the scene in a stolen rental car driven by Yousif Zrayka, 20.

When the pair were stopped by police some time later, Mr Tupoulahi allegedly resisted arrest and tussled with police before he was subdued with a Taser.

Police allege they discovered a loaded black revolver, a loaded semiautomatic pistol, rubber gloves, and jerry cans full of petrol in the stolen hire car after the men were arrested.

Siaosi Maeakafa Tupoulahi has been charged over an alleged assassination attempt (pictured)

Police allege the 24-year-old (pictured) was wearing a balaclava and holding a gun

Mr Tupoulahi and Mr Zrayka were charged with a raft of offences, including conspiracy to murder a high-profile man who cannot be identified.

On Thursday, Mr Tupoulahi's barrister Ben Barrack asked to withdraw his client's bail application at the 11th hour in order to obtain more information about his health.

The court was told a medical report had been served on the prosecution that suggested Mr Tupoulahi had 'an enlarged vein in his brain' that inhibited his brain function.

Mr Barrack said Mr Tupoulahi having a treating neurologist appeared to suggest 'a genuine evidentiary basis' for his family's observations that he had 'slowed in his process of comprehension and absorbing information' following a workplace accident.

Although the medical report was 'not at all well explored', Mr Barrack argued 'the issue of a cognitive impairment is potentially a critical aspect of the (bail) application'.

If the bail application was vacated, Mr Barrack said his team would have more time to gather additional information about Mr Tupoulahi's health and mount 'a more persuasive argument as to the vulnerability of the applicant in custody'.

'Your Honour will note he's a relatively young man and it's his first time in custody,' he said.

'It's a different situation if he effectively suffers from a mental disability.'

Mr Tupoulahi was arrested in July over the alleged botched assassination plot (pictured)

Mr Barrack said further evidence would also allow the judge to make a 'proper assessment' of Mr Tupoulahi's risk of reoffending and 'give the court comfort as to whether (the alleged offending), which was aberrant in his 23 odd years of life, was something which was unlikely to occur again'.

'I'm really concerned that he would effectively suffer the consequences of the failure of perhaps the family and his representation to place enough material before Your Honour today to make a proper assessment of those matters,' he said.

'My concern is, he's young, he's not going to get a trial for a year and a half, and this is his only shot.'

Alleged offenders are generally only able to make a single application for bail in the NSW Supreme Court, unless they can prove their circumstances have changed.

The Crown prosecutor told the court that she did not oppose the vacation of the bail hearing after the 'very late service' of the medical report.

The tradie will remain in custody on remand until he returns to court later this month

The court was told that she had made an application to cross-examine the author of the report, which she said was 'concerning in regards to some of the contents'.

'Having read it and having read some of the material, I can certainly see why he is required for cross-examination,' Justice Helen Wilson agreed.

'It's difficult to see how he could be both intellectually disabled and a qualified carpenter fully supporting his family.'

She allowed Mr Barrack to withdraw his bail application.

Mr Tupoulahi will remain behind bars on remand until he returns to the Local Court later this month.

He is facing 14 charges, including conspiring to murder a person, possession of a loaded firearm in a public place, and assaulting a police officer in the execution of their duty.
The former head of the Criminal Bar Association has reportedly been accused of sexually harassing four young women.

Navjot 'Jo' Sidhu, who previously led thousands of barristers on strike during a row over legal aid rates with the Tory government, is alleged to have behaved inappropriately with the complainants, all of whom are said to be young lawyers.

The top lawyer, who who was once in the running to become the head of the Crown Prosecution Service and strenuously denies the claims, is now reportedly facing a misconduct investigation by the governing body, The Times reports.

It could mean that Sidhu may face sanctions from the regulator if the claims are found proven at a tribunal.

The 58-year-old, who had been a barrister since 1993, gave up his certificate to practise earlier this year. No reason was given as to why, but reports he had been suspended were denied by the governing body.

Navjot 'Jo' Sidhu has been accused of sexually harassing four young women. Pictured: Sidhu outside the Old Bailey in July 2022 after leading thousands of barristers on strike during a row over legal aid rates with the Tory government

The top lawyer, who is the former head of the Criminal Barrister Association, strenuously denies the claims. Pictured: Sidhu speaking in the Houses of Parliament

It is claimed that the accusations against Sidhu were first made more than two years ago to the Bar Council's 'anti-harassment and bullying' hotline, Talk to Spot.

The Times reports that officials at the body, which represents barristers in England and Wales, then passed these onto the Bar Standards Board, which regulates the profession.

The law firm Brett Wilson LLP, which specialises in media and litigation, is representing him but told MailOnline that neither they or Mr Sidhu would comment on the claims.

A spokesperson for the Bar Standards Board said: 'The BSB does not generally comment on ongoing investigations or prosecutions unless and until they have been resolved in a Tribunal, whose proceedings are publicised in advance and usually held in public.

'This is to ensure the integrity of the process and the evidence, amongst other good reasons. The BSB will not therefore be making any further comment on these proceedings.'

The Bar Council said it does not comment on allegations against individual barristers.

A spokesperson said: 'We strive to ensure that the Bar provides a safe and respectful working environment for everyone. Any behaviours that undermine this safety and respect must not be tolerated, and we expect our regulator to take firm and timely action.

'We strongly encourage anyone who experiences or witnesses discrimination, harassment, bullying, or any other forms of inappropriate behaviour, to report these incidents. Talk to Spot is a confidential and anonymous tool available 24/7 on the Bar Council website for barristers and all those who work in chambers to raise concerns.

'Last November the Bar Council announced an independent review into bullying, harassment and sexual harassment at the Bar and earlier this year Harriet Harman KC was appointed to lead it. We invite barristers and chambers professionals to make submissions to the review team  these can be made confidentially or anonymously.'

Sidhu had his name removed from the list of practising barristers earlier this year. Pictured: Sidhu outside the Old Bailey during the barrister's strikes in June 2022

It was revealed in July that his name had been removed from the BSB's list of practising barristers, while his name was also deleted from the website of his chambers, No5.

No5 claimed that he had 'relinquished his practising certificate and is no longer practising at as barrister'.

Reports he had been suspended from practising, have been denied by the Bar Standards Board.

It told the Law Gazette: 'Mr Sidhu has not been suspended from practice but is currently an unregistered barrister and does not have a practising certificate. He does not therefore appear on the barristers register.'

Hailing from Southall in West London, Sidhu studied PPE at Oxford before taking a law conversion degree and practising criminal law.

He is believed to have previously been in the running to become the Director of Public Prosecutions, having interviewed for the role before it was given to Max Hill KC.

As head of the Criminal Bar Association two yeas ago, he led thousands of barristers on strike during a bitter feud with the Conservative government over legal aid rates.

The walkout caused the court system to grind to a halt and added to the already lengthy backlog of cases.

MailOnline has contacted the Criminal Bar Association, The Bar Tribunals and Adjudication Service and No5 Barristers Chambers for comment.
An Iranian cancer research scientist, Fariba Moeinpour, was awarded over $3.8 million by a federal jury on Tuesday after filing a discrimination lawsuit against the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Moeinpour, who worked at UAB's medical school from 2011 until her termination in 2020, claimed she endured nine years of racial harassment from a colleague, Mary Jo Cagle, due to her Iranian heritage.

The jury ruled in favor of Moeinpour, ordering UAB to pay $3 million in damages, while Cagle, a former data analyst at the university, was ordered to pay $825,000 in compensatory and punitive damages.

The harassment, detailed in Moeinpour's lawsuit, included racial slurs, threats and physical intimidation. Cagle allegedly told Moeinpour to "go back to Iran." She also drove her car at Moeinpour and her daughter, pointed a gun at her in a parking garage, and called her derogatory names like "sand n-----," according to the suit.

Moeinpour said she repeatedly reported the harassment to her supervisor, Clinton Grubbs, and UAB's human resources department, but no action was taken. Grubbs allegedly told Moeinpour that he feared Cagle, claiming she had mafia connections. The harassment culminated in a physical altercation between Moeinpour and Grubbs in 2020, during which Moeinpour was arrested and later fired by UAB for "fighting" and "absenteeism," despite her claims of self-defense.

In a statement to AL.com, UAB said it "does not tolerate harassment, retaliation, or discrimination of any kind" but expressed disagreement with the jury's verdict, noting it was considering further legal steps.

Moeinpour, who emigrated from Iran to the U.S. in 1989, expressed relief after the verdict.

"My good name has been restored," she told NBC News.
Police are searching for an unnamed man after two women were sexually assaulted on the London Underground over the summer.

One woman was sexually assaulted on a busy Circle line train at Liverpool Street on May 8 while another was assaulted on the Victoria line at Seven Sisters on July 1.

British Transport Police (BTP) revealed they are treating the two instances as linked as detectives investigate a series of sexual assaults on the Tube.

Releasing the CCTV image, a BTP spokesperson said the man seen 'may have information which could help' with officers' investigation.

The man, with brown hair styled to one side, is seen wearing jeans and a blue shirt, carrying his coat over one arm and a bag over the other.

British Transport Police released this CCTV image asking if people recognise the man pictured, as he 'may have information which could help' officers

One woman was sexually assaulted on a busy Circle line train at Liverpool Street on May 8 while another was assaulted on the Victoria Line at Seven Sisters on July 1

The full BTP appeal read: 'Do you recognise this man?

'Officers investigating a series of sexual assaults in May and July are today releasing this image in connection.

'On 8 May, a woman was sexually assaulted on board a Circle line train at Liverpool Street station.

'On 1 July, a different woman was sexually assaulted on board a Victoria line train at Seven Sisters underground station.

'Officers believe the incidents are connected, and that the man in the images may have information which could help with their investigation.

'Anyone who recognises him is asked to contact BTP by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference 612 of 1 July.

'Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.'
Disturbing details have emerged about how Australia's worst paedophile Ashley Paul Griffith hid his monstrous nature in plain sight for almost 20 years, amid growing calls for an investigation into how child protection agencies missed the red flags.

On September 2 in Brisbane Local Court, Ashley Paul Griffith, 46, pleaded guilty to more than 300 child sexual offences, including 28 charges of rape, as well as ongoing sexual abuse and making child exploitation material.

He admitted to offences against multiple children while working in childcare centres across Brisbane between January 2003 and August 2022.

Neighbours near his former inner-city Brisbane home knew Griffiths as a man who sat in the front yard playing 'beautiful music' on his guitar.

Disturbingly, he could look across the street into a school playground as he played his alluring tunes.

Children were seen playing at the rear of a school oval during after-school care in direct line of Griffiths' former front porch when A Current Affair recently visited the neighbourhood.

One neighbour told the program she felt disgusted by what she learned of Griffith, although she had no reason to suspect him while he lived near her.

Social media posts also show how unsuspecting his family was of Griffith's true nature.

Earlier this year Griffith pleaded guilty to multiple children while working in childcare centres across Brisbane between January 2003 and August 2022.

'Happy birthday Ashley, have a great day in downtown Pisa,' his mother wrote in a now deleted Facebook post to Griffith as he holidayed in the iconic Italian tourist destination in 2013.

Five of his convictions date from that period in Italy.

It was revealed by his sister in a 2014 Facebook post, that has since been removed, that Griffith was a huge fan of child star Shirley Temple, who was a Hollywood sensation during the 1930s.

Griffith's sister noted in a 2014 post that had Temple had died.

'Oh no, Ashley Griffith will be devastated,' she wrote.

Last year, his sister tried to sell his prized Fender guitar online, telling prospective buyers that her brother had 'passed away suddenly'.

The darkened below of the Brisbane house that once was home to Australia's worst paedophile Ashley Paul Griffith

'He took immaculate care of his instruments and this is in perfect, as new condition,' she wrote.

The insidious way Griffith groomed the families of potential victims was shown in a bio he wrote for parents at the centres he worked, where he boasted of having worked in childcare for 20 years.

Griffith said he 'loved developing close partnerships with children and families'.

'I believe children thrive when they feel loved, supported and safe,' the pedophile wrote.

'I also love creating experiences that excite children and foster their curiosity and wonder."

It has emerged that there were two complaints about Griffith made to authorities but both were ignored before his eventual arrest in August 2022 by Australian Federal Police, who were investigating another matter.

A staff member at a Uniting Church childcare centre filed a report that she had seen Griffith 'kissing' a young girl during sleep time in 2021.

Officers found the complaint could not be substantiated claiming it did not contain any report of 'physical contact' and they were thus unable to obtain a warrant to search his devices.

A second complaint in April 2022 involved a three-year-old girl at a different childcare centre who said she was touched inappropriately.

This was also dismissed by Queensland Police without Griffith being interviewed by detectives.

Griffith used this bio on childcare cenre websites to sell a version of himself that hid his predatory nature

The parent of the three-year-old who made the complaint expressed her frustration to A Current Affair.

'How on earth did a man who was reported on two completely different incidences in two different childcare centres was allowed to work in a third childcare centre, ' the mother asked.

The opposition Liberal National Party has announced that if elected to office in the upcoming state election, it will order the Queensland Family and Child Commission to conduct a "full independent review" into the child protection system.

Shadow Attorney-General Tim Nicholls told Nine that what was needed is 'a thorough investigation and review of the system that allowed this monster to scrape through and commit the crimes that he did'.

Miles government Police Minister Mark Ryan has asked the Police Commissioner for a second internal review into how officers handled initial complaints about Griffith.

When Griffith was arrested, police found more than 4000 images and videos of horrific child abuse on his devices.

Griffith's case was mentioned in court on Monday to set a date for his sentencing, which is likely to take two days due to the high number of family members expected to read their victim impact statements in court.

1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)

National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028
Malaysian police rescued 402 children from 18 religious care homes before arresting 171 suspects following disturbing claims that the minors were tortured and raped as part of religious treatment.

Police raids on Wednesday across the homes in Selangor and Negeri Sembilan states uncovered that some of the victims - aged between one to 17 - were allegedly forced to perform sex acts on each other while others were punished with hot spoons, Police Inspector-General Razarudin Husain said at a press conference.

In his harrowing statement, Razarudin told reporters that some of the suspects - aged between 17 to 64 - would allegedly touch the minors, claiming it was part of religious treatment.

The children were also 'punished using heated metal objects' and those who fell ill within the homes were banned from seeking medical treatment until their condition turned critical.

'There were a few children, aged five years old, who were burnt with a hot spoon when they made a mistake. The caretakers also touched the children's bodies as if to conduct 'medical checks', he said.

Police raids on Wednesday across 18 religious care homes in Selangor and Negeri Sembilan states led to the rescue of 402 children

Many of the children were not orphans but were sent to the homes by their parents for religious education

'Child victims and religious sentiments were used to gather sympathy and funds from the outside,' he said.

Following the rescue, the children have been temporarily housed at a police centre in Kuala Lumpur and will undergo vital health checks in a process that will take around two weeks.

Preliminary investigations also revealed that many of the minors were not orphans, but were placed in the care homes by their parents so they could undergo religious education, reports Malaysian newspaper The Star.

The care homes are allegedly linked to a prominent Islamic conglomerate - the Islamic Global Ikhwan Group (GISB) - which has issued a statement denying any wrongdoing.

The raids were prompted by reports that surfaced earlier this month of child exploitation, molestation and sexual abuse at another care facility in Port Dickson.

'Based on that the police opened eight investigation papers; four in Selangor and four in Negri Sembilan,' Razarudin said.

The Port Dickson case that led to Wednesday's large-scale operation saw six arrests - with the suspects aged between 20 and 40.

Police then quickly opened an investigation into the GISB over the child exploitation claims and have since confirmed that the two cases are linked.

Deputy Inspector-General of Police Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said their findings have revealed GISB's entire operation is based on setting up care homes in order to collect donations.

The group denied the allegations on Wednesday and vowed to cooperate with authorities during their investigation.

Taking to Facebook, it said: 'Our stance is very clear: we are committed to always adhering to the law and supporting the government's aspirations in developing the country.

'The company will not compromise with any activity that goes against the law, particularly regarding the exploitation of children'.

Global Ikhwan's website said it is involved in a wide range of businesses including food and beverage, media, medical, travel and property.

It employs more than 5,000 people and has branches in 20 countries including a chain of restaurants in London, Paris, Australia and Dubai among others.

Following the horror incident, the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia has called for stricter regulations in care homes.

'The problem is that these places are not properly regulated or supervised,' children's commissioner Farah Nini Dusuki told Free Malaysia Today.

'We have a serious issue with monitoring and supervision, which is why we need the community to be more alert,' she said.

Out of the 402 children that were rescued, 201 were girls and 201 were boys.

Razarudin said a teacher and dorm caretakers made up some of the suspects who were arrested.
A 'traumatised' mother says her family were held 'like criminals' in Turkey with rotten food and little water after her 'mistake', arriving on holiday with an expired passport.

Amber Maherloughnan, from Lewes, East Sussex, flew from London Gatwick to Antalya with her family to enjoy a week-long 6,000 holiday in August.

But the 28-year-old was 'shocked' to be told her six-year-old son Reuben's passport was nearly four months out of date upon arrival.

The 'terrified' mother claims their passports were 'snatched away' by officials, and that they were detained for nearly 24 hours with 13 other people.

She claims they only had a 'disgusting' toilet to use, and were given barely any food or water - only a 'rotten tomato and an egg' that was 'kicked at them'.

Amber (pictured) and her family had forked out 6,000 for the holiday of a lifetime

'Let this be a lesson to all parents check your kids' passports,' Amber wrote on social media

Amber's fiance, Will Land-Smith, 31, tried to get a temporary travel document from the Turkish embassy. This would not guarantee the duo entry.

The mother-of-one was forced to pay for her 'silly mistake' as they had to fly home the very next day and miss out on the 6,000 trip.

She shared a heartbreaking photo of little Reuben staring out the plane window mournfully as he is forced to return home without having his holiday.

'Let this be a lesson to all parents check your kids' passports,' she wrote on social media.

Amber, who lives in Lewes, East Sussex, said: 'It was horrible. I don't want pity for myself. It was my fault.

'But the way I was treated with a child wasn't fair. That's the bit that got me the most.

'And how easily done it can be. I should never have been flown through. It was an oversight.

'Embarrassingly, the passport expired about three months before. I do take full responsibility.

'But I do feel like when you're at an airport and they say it's passport security, their job is to do passport security.

'To feel vulnerable in the sense they genuinely let me through the country so easily is very upsetting.

'It was a real honest mistake. We didn't deserve that treatment. It's a touring country.

'I'm going there as a family to spend money on things to support their country and I'm treated in such a bad way.

'It's just sad. I'm basically a tourist and my son and I were treated like that. It was the thought of him going through it all.

'Luckily, he was amazing. It was not nice for him at all.'

The parent revealed she hadn't checked her son's passport, which expired on 16 April 2024, before travelling and had 'no idea the whole time' it had passed until they arrived in Turkey.

Amber said: 'I had no idea the whole time it was out of date. It was a very silly mistake.

'We got to the passport check-in. Then we boarded the plane and our passports were checked again, no issues at all. Nothing was said.

'We came into Turkish Airlines to the passport control. My son's passport was the last passport at the bottom.

'The officer went through our passports and said that it was all fine. He saw my son's and just started shouting and saying, "the police are being called. Your passports expired and you won't be allowed into the country".

'I was shocked. I said "I'm so sorry, I don't know what to do". I was absolutely terrified. I didn't know what was going to happen.'

The mum revealed she and her son were detained by police officers for nearly 24 hours and claimed they were treated like 'criminal[s]'.

Amber said: 'They treated me like a criminal. They took me into an office with four officers and said "you're not allowed into the country, there's nothing you can do".

'They tried to get me to sign this paperwork and snatched the passports out of my hands, they wouldn't give them to me.

'Then they locked me in a room for 13 hours without what I'd call food. They put a rotten tomato and an egg in a box and kicked it across to me.

'They gave me one bottle of water for myself and my son. At one point there were 13 of us in this room. They treated me like a criminal.

'I asked to have our cases in and they said, "no". I did manage to get my son's case because it was a tiny hand-held one.

'They threw his clothes round the room and checked through his bag for I don't know what because I'd already been through security.

'There was one bed with no bedsheet, no blanket, no pillow, no nothing. The floor was disgusting, the toilet was disgusting.

'I curled up in the corner where the radiator was. I didn't really tell anyone what was going on because there was nothing anyone could do. It was just disgusting.

'Some of the guards terrified me.'

An oversight on the passport's expiry left the family unable to enjoy their 6,000 holiday

Amber was 'terrified' when she and her family were held for nearly a day upon arrival in Turkey

Amber revealed her 31-year-old partner, who is a fencer, and his six-year-old son had to leave the airport and contacted the Turkish embassy to try and secure a temporary travel document.

However, the mum and son were forced to fly home the next day as there was no guarantee this paperwork would allow them entry into the country.

Amber said: 'I had false hope that we were going to get in and then not get in and it was going to be alright. I was just counting down the minutes until we were going to be let out.

'They told my partner he wasn't allowed in the airport and told him he had to go through so he went in and went to the holiday.

'My partner called the embassy and tried to sort out a temporary document so we could get my son into the country.

'They said that even if we got a document they wouldn't let us in now. The only flight I could get on was the next day at 3pm. They wouldn't tell me when it was or where it was.

'It was just awful. It came round to the next day and they wouldn't tell me what flight it was.

She said the police officers arrived and 'grabbed' her to escort her to the plane without any food.

'I would never fly with that airline again. Even when I was on the Turkish plane I still wasn't given my passport and I was still spoken to rudely.'

Amber said the experience left her feeling like she'd 'ruined everything' after forking out 6,000 for the trip and vows to be 'extra careful' in the future.

Amber said: 'It's ruined our whole holiday financially. We had to book separately for another flight home. Expensively, it was bad.

'I've just been in limbo the whole time. It's been quite traumatic and upsetting and I just feel like I've ruined everything.

'We'd taken the week off work and spent 6,000 that we're never going to get back now.

'I will never do that again in my lifetime. I will be extra careful.'

The family (pictured arriving) had to cut their trip short, flying home the very next day

Six-year-old Reuben was 'amazing' throughout the ordeal, though he 'did not like it at all'

The UK Government website states that if you are visiting Turkey, your passport 'must be valid for at least 150 days from the date you arrive'.

The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs state on their website that visitors are 'kindly advised to have a travel document/passport valid for at least six months as from the date of your arrival in Turkey'.

Gatwick said it is the airline's responsibility to check passports and board passengers onto flights and that they don't have any involvement.

Antalya Turkey airport said it was a matter for the passport police authorities to comment on.

SunExpress airline and the Turkish Police Association and their passport division have been approached for a comment but failed to respond.
Heathrow Airport could lose up to four million passengers when a scheme requiring people visiting the UK without a visa to pay 10 is expanded, it was claimed today.

The electronic travel authorisation (ETA) system will be widened to include travellers from most countries from November, and then European nationals by next spring.

But the scheme has faced a backlash from business groups and airports because it includes passengers on connecting flights - a major part of Heathrow's revenue.

The Conservative government introduced the ETA system in November last year for people entering or transiting through the UK without legal residence rights or a visa.

ETAs, which cost 10 and can be bought online, are currently required for nationals of Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Jordan.

But on Tuesday the Home Office said the scheme will open up in November for all other nationals, except Europeans, and be required for entry from January 8, 2025.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper confirmed the ETAs will be extended to European nationals in March 2025, and be a travel requirement for them from April 2, 2025.

British Airways is among the airlines set to be affected at Heathrow by the ETA expansion

ETAs, which are digitally linked to a traveller's passport, permit multiple journeys to the UK for stays of up to six months at a time over two years - or until the holder's passport expires if that is sooner.

What is the electronic travel authorisation (ETA) scheme and how will it work? Everyone wishing to travel to the UK  except British and Irish citizens  will soon need permission to travel in advance of entering. This is under an expansion of the existing electronic travel authorisation (ETA) system. ETAs cost 10 and can be bought online. They are digitally linked to a traveller's passport, permit multiple journeys to the UK for stays of up to six months at a time over two years - or until the holder's passport expires if that is sooner. ETAs were brought in last November for nationals of Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Jordan. From November 27 this year, those from all other countries except Europe can apply for an ETA and will need one to travel from January 8, 2025. ETAs will then extend to Europeans from March 5, 2025  and they will need one to travel from April 2, 2025. The ETAs will be required for those arriving and on connecting flights  an aspect which has provoked a backlash from business groups and airports. The Home Office advises that current applicants from Gulf countries usually get a decision within three working days, although it can be quicker. Advertisement

But analysis by The Independent's travel expert Simon Calder has indicated that the scheme could have a serious financial impact of up to 5billion on Heathrow, its retailers and UK airlines.

In July, Heathrow blamed the ETA scheme for a 90,000 drop in transfer passenger numbers on routes included in the system since it was launched as people switched to other airports.

The London hub described the programme as 'devastating for our hub competitiveness' and urged the Government to 'review' the inclusion of airside transit passengers.

Now, Mr Calder has extrapolated Heathrow's figures should passengers from other countries follow the same pattern when the ETA scheme widens.

He said: 'At present almost all transit passengers at Heathrow - comprising 30 per cent of the total - need only to be documented for their destination.

'But initial figures for Gulf nationals suggest one in six prospective transit passengers has switched from Heathrow to a different hub because of the ETA demand.

'From April 2025, though, almost all 'airside' transit travellers will need ETAs. If the same proportion is deterred, Heathrow's passenger figures could fall by four million.'

Mr Calder said British Airways would likely face the biggest financial hit - with Virgin Atlantic, Lufthansa, United, Air Canada and Singapore Airlines also set to be affected.

He estimated a financial hit between 2.5billion and 5billion each year, when considering lost revenue to airlines and spending at airport retailers.

Heathrow has not yet commented on Mr Calder's projections, but a spokesman for the airport said: 'We don't disagree with the long-term roll-out of the scheme, but including airside transit passengers will make the UK less competitive and harm economic growth.

'We want to work in partnership with Home Office Ministers over the next few months to address this issue, and learn from the lessons of the countries trialled, where we've seen the loss of a significant number of transfer passengers already.'

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has revealed the expansion of ETAs over the coming months

AirportsUK, an industry group representing Britain's airports, said passengers from those countries already in the ETA scheme were instead choosing to fly through other European airports such as Paris, Frankfurt and Amsterdam.

A spokesman told MailOnline today: 'Border security will always be the number one priority for UK Airports, but government should look to adjust the new ETA system before rolling it out to the rest of the world or it risks putting us at a competitive disadvantage to our European neighbours.

'The EU's incoming ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) scheme will be cheaper and free for under 18s and over 70s, be valid for longer, be accessible in more languages and not be needed by transit passengers, meaning passengers could be put off coming to the UK, harming the government's plans for economic growth.

'Additionally, this is happening at a time when airports are investing in security upgrades, airspace modernisation and decarbonisation, and without supportive tax policies like international tax-free shopping or arrivals duty free.

'The cumulative cost burden and resulting lack of competitiveness against our nearest neighbours will minimise the contribution aviation can make to UK's economic growth.'

And a Virgin Atlantic spokeswoman told MailOnline: 'We welcome the introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), but the Government decision not to exempt connecting passengers at UK airports risks putting the UK and its respective carriers at a competitive disadvantage.

'The European equivalent to the ETA, The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), exempts transfer passengers, making it less costly and their journeys straightforward.

'With high volumes of connecting passengers across our network, particularly through London Heathrow, it's disappointing that the ETA fails to recognise the importance of attracting these passengers to the UK hub.'

Business groups in London have also raised concerns about the impact on the capital's economy.

Polyvios Polyviou, programme director for transport at BusinessLDN, told MailOnline today: 'The widening of electronic travel authorisation charges from next year risks hurting London's reputation as a world-leading tourist, business and event destination.

The ETA system will be widened to include travellers from most countries from November

'At a moment when we should be levelling the playing field on traveller costs to ensure the UK aviation industry remains world class, these new rules will make London harder to reach.

'Forcing passengers to apply for ETAs even when they are just stopping over in the UK will be especially damaging to Heathrow  our only hub airport, and a vital driver of business activity across London and beyond.'

Announcing the ETA expansion plan on Tuesday, Ms Cooper said in a written statement laid before the House of Commons: '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.'

The Home Office said ETAs ensure 'more robust security checks are carried out before people begin their journey to the UK', which helps prevent 'abuse of our immigration system'.

Airlines allowing a passenger to fly to the UK without an ETA will be fined up to 2,000.

The ETA expansion will apply to all UK airports with airside transit, but very few passengers changing at hubs other than Heathrow are on connecting international flights  and therefore the impact of the scheme will only be minimal elsewhere.

Also this week, Ms Cooper announced the introduction of a visa requirement for all visitors from Jordan from 3pm on Tuesday due to breaches of visitor rules.

Jordanian nationals are no longer be able to travel to the UK with an ETA.

A four-week 'transition period' will be in place for travellers who already hold an ETA and have confirmed travel bookings.

Virgin Atlantic's operations at Heathrow are also likely to be impacted by the ETA expansion

Ms Cooper wrote: 'We are taking this action due to an increase in the number of Jordanian nationals travelling to the UK for purposes other than what is permitted under visitor rules since the visa requirement was lifted in February 2024.

'This has included a significant and sustained increase in asylum claims, and high rates of refusals at the border due to people travelling without the intention of visiting for a permitted purpose.'

This has 'added significantly to operational pressures at the border', Ms Cooper wrote.

She added that the decision to introduce a visa requirement was taken 'solely for migration and border security reasons', and the UK's relationship with Jordan 'remains a strong and friendly one'.

Minister for Migration and Citizenship Seema Malhotra said: 'Digitisation enables a smooth experience for the millions of people who pass through the border every year, including the visitors we warmly welcome to the UK who are predicted to contribute over 32billion to our tourism economy this year.

The Conservative government introduced the ETA system in November last year

'The worldwide expansion of the ETA demonstrates our commitment to enhance security through new technology and embedding a modern immigration system.'

Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that the ETA expansion will not mean checks for tourist crossing the border in Ireland.

The UK Government has promised to ensure the scheme will not act as a 'barrier' to tourism in Ireland where any physical border was wiped away as part of the Good Friday Agreement in 1998.

But the expansion is being viewed as a blow to both the Irish government and the Irish tourism industry.

Tourism Ireland warned the scheme will add 'an unnecessary layer of bureaucracy and complexity' for foreign tourists hoping to cross the border to visit the Giant's Causeway or the Titanic exhibition in Northern Ireland.

Irish and British citizens, alongside people legally resident in Ireland, will be exempt from the ETA  and it will also not affect tourists crossing the border or those in the north heading south.
Keir Starmer is warning that the NHS must 'reform or die' today after a damning report found billions of pounds in extra investment has failed to boost performance.

The PM will deliver a stark message about the perilous future for the health service, stressing the need for drastic action to slash waiting times and improve access.

But he will make clear there is no prospect of pouring more money in - instead arguing resources must be shifted from inefficient hospitals to community care and preventing illness developing.

In a round of interviews this morning ahead of Sir Keir's keynote speech, Health Secretary Wes Streeting said the NHS 'unquestionably' wastes money and could go 'bust' without fundamental change.

He also criticised the British Medical Association - which doubles as regulator and industry body - for 'sabre-rattling'.

Professor Sir John Bell, who was a member of the Covid Vaccine Taskforce, echoed concerns about the BMA saying it has been a 'major drag' on reform.

The radical approach is being unveiled after a damning new report by Lord Darzi, a pioneering surgeon and former Labour health minister, concluded the NHS is in a 'critical condition'.

The rapid review has been conducted in just nine weeks to underpin the Government's 10-year-plan for reform.

Sir Keir Starmer will warn today that the NHS must 'reform or die' as he sets out plans for the 'biggest reimagining' of the service since its birth

The Prime Minister will pledge to cut waiting times and improve access in a bid to tackle the nation's ill health and get sick people back to work

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The Tories last night accused Mr Streeting of 'trying to chase headlines while laying the groundwork for tax rises at the Budget'.

And health experts said the Government must now set out a plan explaining how it will respond to the review.

Lord Darzi, who now sits as an independent peer, said he was 'shocked' by the scale of the failings he unearthed.

His 142-page report reveals waits for routine care and A&E have got longer, people have got sicker, and progress in tackling some major conditions has stalled.

Meanwhile, the NHS is bogged down in bureaucracy and has become less productive with the money it receives, it adds.

Responding to the report at the King's Fund think-tank in London, Sir Keir will say: 'What we need is the courage to deliver long-term reform - major surgery not sticking plaster solutions.

'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 can't afford to pay more, so it's reform or die.'

Wes Streeting with Amanda Pritchard, Chief Executive of NHS England, during a visit to the Abbey Medical Centre in Abbey Wood on July 8

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Health Secretary Wes Streeting commissioned the rapid review, which was conducted in just nine weeks and will underpin the Government's 10-year-plan for reform

Sir Keir will pledge to work on three fundamental areas of reform to make the NHS fit for the future.

He will say: '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, we've got to shift more care from hospitals to communities... And third, we've got to be much bolder in moving from sickness to prevention.'

Lord Darzi's report highlights a lack of investment in new buildings, scanners and technology - all of which have hampered productivity.

He stresses 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'.

Lord Darzi adds: 'Although I have worked in the NHS for more than 30 years, I have been shocked by what I have found during this investigation - not just in the health service but in the state of the nation's health.

'We want to deliver high quality care for all but far too many people are waiting for too long and in too many clinical areas, quality of care has gone backwards.

'My colleagues in the NHS are working harder than ever but our productivity has fallen.

'We get caught up frantically trying to find beds that have been axed or using IT that is outdated or trying to work out how to get things done because operational processes are overwhelmed.

Lord Darzi's report highlights a lack of investment in new buildings, scanners and technology - all of which have hampered productivity (file)

In a politically-charged attack, Lord Darzi criticises 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 (file)

'It sucks the joy from our work - we became clinicians to help patients get better, not to go into battle with a broken system.

'We need to rebalance the system towards care in the community rather than adding more and more staff to hospitals.'

In a politically-charged attack, Lord Darzi criticises 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.

He 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.'

The review focuses on the NHS but describes the state of social care as 'dire', with underfunding placing an added burden on the health service and families.

In his speech today, Sir Keir will 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. It's not just because the NHS is so personal to all of us - it's because some of these failings are life and death.

'Take the waiting times in A&E. That's not just a source of fear and anxiety - it's leading to avoidable deaths.

'People's loved ones who could have been saved. Doctors and nurses whose whole vocation is to save them - hampered from doing so. It's devastating.'

Sir Keir will note that there are 2.8 million people economically inactive due to long-term sickness, and more than half of those on the current waiting lists for inpatient treatment are working-age adults.

'Getting people back to health and work will not only reduce the costs on the NHS, it will drive economic growth - in turn creating more tax receipts to fund public services,' he will add.

Former Tory health secretary Victoria Atkins has written to Mr Streeting, outlining how the Conservatives were already working to improve outcomes for patients.

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Her letter criticises the Darzi review for only focusing on England, highlighting the NHS performs worse in Wales, which has been run by Labour for 25 years.

And she adds: 'We can only understand your actions as trying to chase headlines while laying the groundwork for tax rises at the Budget.'

Health policy experts welcomed the review but said the Government must now deliver on its findings.

Dr Jennifer Dixon, chief executive of the Health Foundation think-tank, said: 'The question now is what the government does in response.'

Dean Rogers, director of industrial strategy for the Society of Radiographers, said: 'The three pillars outlined by the prime minister are only aspirations at this stage. We need a plan showing us how to get there.'

Mr Streeting said he had asked Lord Darzi to 'tell hard truths about the state of the NHS' and now vowed to turn the service around.

He added: 'While the NHS is broken, it's not beaten. We will turn the NHS around so it is there for you when you need it, once again.'

Lord Darzi's report highlights a series of NHS failings in recent years
An elderly driver says he was forced to abandon his car after being told by the RAC to report his breakdown online.

Duncan Rayner has slammed the motor insurer after he was told he would receive faster service if he told them his car's wheel had fallen off through its website instead of over the phone.

The 85-year-old, who does not own a smartphone, claims he was left waiting on the line for an operator so long that he had to walk home and log onto his computer to report the incident.

In doing so he left his car at the side of a busy road in Berkshire for around two hours, before he called a friend with a tow truck to remove the vehicle himself.

The RAC has since apologised to Mr Rayner, while campaign groups have raised concerns about the forcing people who don't have smartphones or struggle with the internet to use services online in the first instance.

Have YOU had a similar experience? Email matthew.lodge@mailonline.co.uk

Duncan Rayner, pictured, says he was forced to abandon his car in a bid to find a computer when he was told to log his breakdown online

He says the he was told he would receive a quicker response if he logged his breakdown through its website (file image)

Mr Rayner had been left stranded on a B road 15 minutes from his home in Sunningdale, Berkshire, after one of his car's wheels fell off.

The pensioner told The Telegraph that despite calling the RAC's breakdown number, he received little in the way of help as he was stuck listening to automated messages.

'If they don't answer their phone and I'm 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 don't all have smartphones.'

He added: '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'.

Mr Rayner said he became so frustrated that he abandoned his car and walked home, where he logged the incident online.

However, he claims that after receiving no response for another 15 minutes, he gave up entirely and rang a friend who had a tow truck to come and bail him out.

This private rescue cost him 100 and he says RAC then refused to reimburse him for the expense. The company now says it has reimbursed the money as a 'gesture of goodwill'.

Age UK, the leading charity for elderly people, has raised concerns about forcing people who do not have access to smartphones or tablets, or who struggle with the internet, to do things online rather than over the phone or face to face.

The motor insurer has apologised to Mr Rayner for his experience and insists that people can still report their breakdowns over the phone

Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, told MailOnline: '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 it's crucial that non-digital alternatives are always available in terms of accessing services, and that's 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 it's a total false economy if it disenfranchises literally millions of older people.'

A spokesperson for the RAC told MailOnline: 'We're sorry Mr Rayner thought the only way to log his breakdown was online.

'This isn't the case  we offer members the choice to call or go online. In fact, over half of all breakdowns are reported 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 isn't 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.

'We pride ourselves on the service we deliver, and our focus is on continuing to improve in the experience we provide to millions of our members every year.

'We've apologised to Mr Rayner for any confusion and offered him a gesture of goodwill that he has accepted. We're happy to say he remains a valued member of the RAC.'
A popular meal kit provider has issued a warning to hundreds of customers that their salads could be contaminated with listeria bacteria.

On Monday, HelloFresh sent alarming texts to Western Australian customers who received the pre-portioned ingredients.

A listeria infection - listeriosis - rarely affects healthy people, but can be fatal to unborn or newborn babies and people with weakened immune systems.

The text said a supplier notified the company of a 'food health safety issue in the mixed salad or baby spinach' earlier on Monday.

It added that the greens can be 'harmful if consumed' and urged customers to 'please discard the product'.

'If you have already consumed this recipe and are concerned, please contact us or seek medical advice,' the text reads.

Customers were given $5 of credit per bag of spinach or salad for future orders.

A HelloFresh spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia the 'safety and quality of our ingredients is our highest priority'.

International meal-kit provider HelloFresh has issued an urgent warning to WA customers after packages of spinach and mixed greens could have been contaminated with Listeria bacteria

The spokesperson confirmed the contaminated batch only impacted Western Australia and that other ingredients were safe for consumption.

'We immediately informed all of our WA customers who received recipes including Mixed Salad or Baby Spinach from September 5, 2024 through September 8, 2024 and asked them to immediately dispose of the ingredient,' the spokesperson said.

Customer Nick Mitchell told Perth Now he was worried sick after he received the alarming text this week.

The Perth dad immediately rang the HelloFresh for answers and was told listeria may have been the contamination.

The alarm was raised after a supplier notified HelloFresh of a 'food health safety issue in the mixed salad or baby spinach' (stock image)

The issue spread to Reddit where users said they also received the alert from HelloFresh.

'Got the same email but after I had already eaten it,' one wrote, adding their 'gut is not happy'.

The user later reported experiencing 'rotten egg burps' and had 'vomited a few times' - symptoms of food poisoning not specific to listeriosis.

Listeria bacteria is found in soil, water and animal feces, and can survive refrigeration and freezing.

Despite being a particularly rare foodborne infection, advanced cases of listeriosis have a high mortality rate between 20 and 30 per cent.

Listeria bacteria (pictured) can cause listeriosis, a rare infection that has a 30 per cent mortality rate if it spreads to the nervous system

The first signs of infection can take longer than 30 days after consumption to appear.

Common symptoms include fevers, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.

However, the bacteria can spread to the nervous system where it becomes much more dangerous and can cause headaches, a stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions.

About a third of patients who reach this stage die, according to NSW Health.

Pregnant women and the foetus, newborns, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems - such as those with HIV or cancer patients - are of particular risk.

Health professionals are required to 'urgently' report a suspected listeriosis diagnosis to WA Health, which is yet to release an alert of any cases.
A knife wholesaler whose products have been used in several killings has surrendered more than 35,000 zombie blades - netting them 350,000 in taxpayers' cash.

The terrifying blades, which boast chilling names including First Blood, Fantasy Hunting Knife and Predator, can be more than 18in long  and have become the weapon of choice for gang murders and stabbings.

Sporting Wholesale Limited, which is based in a warehouse in affluent Harpenden in Hertfordshire, will receive 10 in compensation for every zombie knife it hands in to police.

The company imported knives in bulk and sold them on to retailers. It also owns knife brand Anglo Arms, which bosses admitted in 2021 had gained a 'reputation' with gangs.

Sporting Wholesale is run by Eddy Eliaz, a keen angler who also sells fishing tackle. His younger brother, former Young Apprentice candidate Adam Eliaz, is the director of DNA Leisure, which is based on the same industrial estate and also surrendered 1,542 knives.

Sporting Wholesale Limited, which is based in a warehouse in affluent Harpenden in Hertfordshire, will receive 10 in compensation for every zombie knife it hands in to police

Sporting Wholesale is run by Eddy Eliaz, a keen angler who also sells fishing tackle

His younger brother, former Young Apprentice candidate Adam Eliaz, is the director of DNA Leisure, which is based on the same industrial estate and also surrendered 1,542 knives

Some of the blades sold under the brand Anglo Arms had terrifying names, like Blueline Machete

Both are lucrative businesses, with Sporting Wholesale paying a 750,000 dividend to shareholders in 2022.

Superintendent Alex House, who leads on knife crime for Bedfordshire Police, described the size of the haul from the company as 'horrific'.

What are zombie knives?



Named after the knives often used by characters in zombie films, so-called zombie knives have a long, menacing blade that can span up to 25 inches. They are described by the government as a blade with 'a cutting edge, a serrated edge and images or words suggesting it is used for violence'. The first series of such knives was released by American company Ka-Bar in 2011, who promoted the weapon with the quip 'the need for knives capable of killing a zombie when firearms aren't available'. Despite being designed for collectors and survivalists, their appearance has led to them being increasingly used by criminals and by criminal gangs. They may also be customised with gory or intimidating words and imagery. Advertisement

'If you look at the design... the purpose is to kill and maim,' he told the BBC. 'There's no other practical use for them.'

Mr House said the weapons would be shredded and the metal inside them recycle, adding that the move would 'absolutely save lives'.

The fact that weapons sold by Sporting Wholesale Limited and DNA Leisure have been used in knife crime has been obvious for years, with more than 30 Anglo Arms branded blades seized in one month in 2019 alone.

Knives and swords bought from DNA Leisure were used to kill Ronan Kanda, 16, in Wolverhampton in June 2022; Rahaan Amin, 16, in Newham, east London in July 2023; and Omar Khan, 39 in Luton in September 2023.

Earlier this year, the mother of Ronan Kanda spoke out against the business after it told shoppers to buy brightly coloured ninja swords, double-headed axes and machetes 'while you can!' on a 'last chance' section of its website.

Pooja Kanda said she was 'disgusted' at Adam Eliaz, who she claimed was 'making money from the blood of others'.

Adam, who previously told a YouTube channel Lord Sugar called him 'too much of a nice guy, so I've kind of changed that now', has long insisted he has done nothing wrong in selling what he calls 'collectables and tools'.

Both DNA Leisure and Sporting Wholesale announced in June that they would stop selling knives after exhausting their current stock.

A post on Sporting Wholesale's site said 'after supplying the trade with cutlery and archery products for over 20 years' it was 'saddened to say that Sporting Wholesale Ltd are now ceasing the sale of these items'.

It said one last shipment was due to be delivered 'but no new orders will be placed'.

Ronan Kanda, a 16-year-old from Wolverhampton, was murdered with a blade bought by DNA Leisure in June 2022

Prabjeet Veadhesa and Sukhman Shergill, both 17, were involved in a brutal attack on Ronan from behind as he walked to a friend's house to buy a PlayStation controller

The sword used in his murder after being seized by police

Rahaan Amin, 16, was tabbed to death in Newham, east London in July 2023 with a red Ninja-style sword bought from DNA Leisure

A picture of a red Ninja sword similar to the one that was used to stab Rahaan (stock image)

'This is all quite unfortunate, but the UK is now not a place where these items can be openly sold,' it added.

The decision came after the DNA Leisure was named in press coverage of the sentencing of Omar Khan's murderer Rayis Nibeel, who in 2023 bought 79 knives and machetes from DNA Leisure despite being only 16.

Nibeel used a relative's ID to buy the weapons online in 13 different transactions, with the company saying he had committed 'fraud' and insisting an 'age-verified courier' had made the deliveries.

An Anglo Arms machete was used to kill 14-year-old Gordon Gault in Newcastle in November 202.

Two teenagers were jailed for manslaughter including Lawson Natty, a Belgian national who was set to be set free under Labour's early release scheme before being detained pending a decision whether to deport him.

The Anglo Arms catalogue previously boasted 19 pages of knives, swords and machetes  which were all legal for over-18s to buy.

They include a range of blades sold under the name of films that feature knives prominently, including Rambo, Predator, The Expendables and even Crocodile Dundee. Some of the knives are 20in long.

For as little as 9.99, the company sold a black lock knife decorated with a blood-spattered picture of comic-book villain the Joker.

Top-of-the-range items include an 'assassin's sword' with a 26in blade, costing 55.

Omar Khan with murdered with a knife sold by former Young Apprentice star Adam Eliaz's company

Rayis Nibeel, 17, had amassed weapons worth 1,000, including swords, machetes and the knife used in the murder

One of the knives Nibeel bought from DNA Leisure

Until earlier in May, DNA Leisure listed clearance products that will soon be outlawed on this page of its website

It removed the page hours after MailOnline got in touch with questions about its business practices - removing the 'last chance items' option from its green menu bar (above)

Adam Eliaz set up DNA Leisure in 2012. He appeared on Young Apprentice (pictured) and insists his company complies with its legal responsibilities

Until September 23 zombie knife owners can trade in their blades for money so long as they can show 'acceptable evidence of the value of the weapon', according to the Home Office.

If they are able to show 'evidence' the knife's value, such as a receipt, they will get the full value for the zombie knife as they were purchased when the blades were legal to own.

Home Office guidance stipulated that the deadly weapons can be relinquished after September 23, however those who do risk being prosecuted.

A source from the department previously insisted it was usual practice to offer compensation for weapons when they were bought legally.

Those who return the knife with no proof of purchase will only be able to receive 10 per blade.

However to receive the compensation, they must surrender three knives or more, with the maximum payout being 30.

In the King's Speech, Labour also pledged to ban ninja swords after the previous Tory government fell short of banning them entirely.

A ninja sword was the weapon used to kill 14-year-old Daniel Anjorin in Hainault, London last May.

Labour has also promised to introduce 'strict sanctions' on senior executives of online companies who illegally sell knives.

Gordon Gault, 14, died in hospital six days after he was attacked with a blade during an ongoing feud in Elswick, Newcastle, in November 2022

The Anglo Arms branded weapon that was used to kill the youngster

It has made a general pledge to halve serious violence over the next decade.

Official figures show that knife crime rose by 7 per cent in the year to December 2023.

In the year to March 2023, 82 per cent of teenage homicide victims were killed with a knife, compared to 73 per cent in the previous year.
The company at the heart of the East Palestine train derailment has fired its CEO, after it said in a statement that he was in an inappropriate relationship with the company's chief legal officer.

Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw was dismissed for 'engaging in a consensual relationship with' Nabanita Nag, and may be prevented from receiving the typically massive exit packages that CEOs are often given when they are made to leave, the company said on Wednesday.

It had revealed on Sunday that Shaw, who is married and has four children, was under investigation on Sunday. His tenure as head of one of the nation's four largest freight railroads for just over two years was marred by scandals including the detonation of a derailed train in East Palestine, Ohio, that was carrying toxic chemicals in 2023.

Dozens of train cars carrying derailed and burned for two straight days in February 2023, leaching poisonous hydrogen chloride and phosgene into the air and waterways, leading to fears that locals in the town of around 5,000 would suffer long-term health problems.

Norfolk Southern's chief legal officer was also sacked from her roles as executive vice president of corporate affairs, chief legal officer and corporate secretary, effective immediately.

Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw (pictured) was dismissed for 'engaging in a consensual relationship with the company's chief legal officer

Norfolk Southern's chief legal officer Nabanita Nag (pictured) was also sacked from her roles as executive vice president of corporate affairs, chief legal officer and corporate secretary

Debris from a Norfolk Southern freight train lies scattered and burning along the tracks, Feb. 4, 2023, the day after it derailed in East Palestine, Ohio

Neither Shaw nor Nag were thanked for their service at the company in its statement announcing their departures.

Shaw had spent 30 years at the company, joining in 1994 as a cost systems analyst before rising through the ranks.

Nag, meanwhile, had joined in 2020 as general counsel, having spent a career working as a legal expert at prestigious firms including Shearman & Sterling, Goldman Sachs and Prudential Financial, according to her Linkedin.

Last year, Shaw, who made $4.5million a year as CEO, was forced to defend his decision to blow up the derailed train cars.

He told local media that blowing up five train cars carrying vinyl chloride was the 'right move' to mitigate the threat of the carcinogenic chemicals insisting that a 'terrifying' plume of black smoke following the controlled burn proved it was a success and prevented a 'much riskier event.'

'I understand why this has created a lot of national attention. What we're trying to do is work closely with the local leaders on the environmental remediation, getting information right, data-based, science-based information.

A video posted online shows a cloud of toxic chemicals covering Pennsylvania in the aftermath of the crash

The train carrying hazardous materials measured 1.9miles long

Machinery sat along the railroad tracks in February 2023 as cleanup efforts continued

'All the misinformation out there, that's really causing a lot of issues, frankly for the people of this community.'

Many of East Palestine's residents are still reporting respiratory problems, rashes or headaches, or say they feel ill whenever they return to the village not far from the Pennsylvania border.

At least several dozen haven't returned to their homes, concerned about chemicals that may still be in the air and water.

Local resident Misti Allison told the Associated Press in February that her 8-year-old son Blake has asked whether he is going to die from living at their home, or whether one of the really bad nosebleeds he's started having will ever stop.

'I remember once he jumped in a puddle, and he stopped and looked at me and said, "Is vinyl chloride in this puddle?" And that is just so sad,' said Allison, who testified before Congress last spring about the derailment.

'It's really robbed our children of some of their childhood, and hopefully not more than just that.'

Experts say it will likely take years and extensive research to understand the derailments health implications. They note its simply not possible to say yet how many cancers or chronic respiratory conditions might develop down the road.

Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw made a rare appearance in East Palestine, Ohio, last year

About 50 cars, including 10 carrying hazardous materials, derailed in a fiery crash in East Palestine at about 9pm on Friday, February 3 2023

Shaw insisted that the plume of black smoke that was released after a controlled explosion on February 6 2023 proved it was a success

Dr. Beatrice Golomb said shes already seen people with symptoms similar to health problems military veterans developed after working around toxic burn pits during the Gulf War, but that its hard to predict what might develop in East Palestine because there isnt good research on the chemicals that spilled.

'We dont have good data on the individual chemicals and their human impact, and we certainly dont have good data on the combined impact,' said Golomb, who is based at the University of California San Diego.

More than 176,000 tons of contaminated soil and over 44 million gallons of tainted water were removed from the area around the derailment last year. That work was largely done in October, and crews are now replacing the soil.

Norfolk Southern has promised to spend $25 million refurbishing the towns park and another $4.3 million to upgrade its water treatment system  things East Palestine would likely struggle to afford itself. The railroad is spending another $20 million to build a regional training center for first responders to help prepare them to deal with the kind of hazardous materials that spilled in this derailment.

The railroad has also created a fund to compensate homeowners for any lost value if they sell and promised to create funds to help pay for any water contamination or health problems that develop down the road. Details of those funds are still being negotiated with state and federal authorities who say they are holding Norfolk Southern accountable for the disaster.
The vice chancellor for student affairs at the University of Mississippi, Charlotte Pegues, has been indicted on multiple counts of animal cruelty after authorities discovered dead and malnourished dogs at a property outside Oxford last month.

Lafayette County Sheriff Joey East told WTVA that Pegues was served with an indictment by a grand jury for 10 counts of animal cruelty. Her bond was set at $75,000, which she has already posted.

The charges stem from the discovery of 10 deceased dogs and 20 malnourished animals that were rescued from the residence on County Road 418 in August.

"Upon arrival at the residence, deputies saw several dogs that appeared very malnourished and discovered several dogs that were deceased still attached to their collars and chains," the sheriff's office said in a statement to News Channel 3.

Pegues' husband, Terry Pegues, was also charged with 10 counts of animal cruelty.

The university released the following statement on the situation:

"The university is aware of the indictment and the employee has been placed on leave. The alleged charges did not result from any actions taken at or for the university, and the university is not among the parties involved in the investigation by the Lafayette County Sheriff's Department. The university will not provide further comment at this time."
A new image created by a high tech US crime lab could help unlock one of Australia's most haunting mysteries 10 years after William Tyrrell vanished without a trace.

There have been no confirmed sightings of the three-year-old toddler since he disappeared from his foster grandmother's home in Kendall on the NSW mid north coast on September 12, 2014.

World leading forensic imaging experts for US forensic facility Parabon Nano Labs has created and released a computer generated image of what William would look like today at age 13.

University of Newcastle Associate Professor in Criminology Dr Xanthe Mallett told 10 News that the ageing progression on the image had been been expertly done.

'These forensic medical artists can actually give us a likeness, give us a prediction of what somebody may have looked like using images of that person at different ages,' she said.

'He (WIlliam) would be going into puberty at this stage, so he would be having a lot of changes, especially in the lower half of his face, because he would be taking on a more adult appearance as his adult teeth come through.'

It's hoped that the image might prompt someone with information about what happened to William to come forward and help solve one of the nation's most enduring mysteries.

'There is always the chance that he is alive, however, that does seem unlikely,' Assoc Prof Mallett said.

This image created by US-based Parabon Nano Labs shows what William Tyrrell might look at age 13, 10 years after he disappeared without a trace

Thursday marked 10 years since William Tyrrell vanished from his foster grandmother's home on the NSW mid north coast

An image such as this could encourage someone who knows what happen to unlock the mystery.

On the 10th anniversary of the toddler's appearance on Thursday, NSW Police issued a brief statement that did not promise any renewed attempt to find William, who is believed to have died.

'Strike force detectives continue to prepare information for the coronial inquest,' the statement said.

NSW Premier Chris Minns stressed that there's a $1million reward for anyone who can provide information leading to William being found.

Despite police being called within the hour of William going missing and a decade-long investigation involving hundreds of persons of interest and dozens of searches, no trace of the boy last seen wearing a Spider-Man suit - has been found.

In March 2019, a coronial inquest looked into the multi-million dollar search.

However, the inquest has been put on hold until the end of the year and no findings have been handed down

Former detective Gary Jubelin, who led the search for William for four years, remains haunted by the case.

Mr Jubelin was stood down from the case after being found guilty of illegally recording a suspect in 2020.

He believes there needs to be a broader review of how the investigation was conducted.

A computer generated image of what William Tyrrell would look like at five, two years after he disappeared

Despite millions of dollars and thousands of house of police investigation William has not been seen since he disappeared from his foster grandmother's home in Kendall, on the NSW mid-north coast, on September 12, 2014

'There should be concurrently an investigative stream that should be set up very early to investigate the possibility that there's human intervention,' he told Channel 10.

'All these dramas, all this controversy with the investigation that should all be put aside and everyone should be working in the same direction to find out what's happened to William.'

Associate Professor Mallett said some lessons were learnt from how police conducted the case, which were applied to successfully rescue abducted four-year-old Cleo Smith in Western Australia in 2019.

'We learnt about locking the scene down very quickly,' she said

'We learnt about when to offer a reward, and I do think that the WA Police made sure that those same mistakes weren't made.'

During a recent directions hearing at the NSW Coroner's Court last, it was confirmed that the final block of hearings for the inquest into Williams disappearance and the police investigation will be held in the weeks starting November 4 and December 16.
A widow accused of dumping her millionaire husband in a pauper's grave after inheriting his fortune has been stripped of the right to manage his estate and branded 'unfit' by a judge.

Wealthy pensioner Robert Harrington died aged 94 in May 2020, just 11 months after marrying former lawyer Guixiang Qin, 54, who had moved to his home in King's Lynn, Norfolk, from China.

Mrs Qin inherited her husband's fortune under his last will, written just two months before he died, sparking a court fight with his disinherited daughter, Jill Langley.

Mrs Langley, 70, claimed her father's widow had lured him into a 'predatory' marriage and 'dumped him in the cheapest possible grave' once she had 'got all his money'.

Following a trial at Central London County Court earlier this year, the will was declared invalid.

Chinese lawyer Guixiang Qin, 54, married wealthy Robert Harrington, 94, just 11 months before his death. She inherited everything from him under a will that was written two months before he died

Mr Harrington's daughter Jill Langley successfully argued that Mrs Qin had exerted undue influence and control over her father and his finances, and his final will was overturned

Recorder Robert McAllister found that Mrs Qin had exerted undue influence and control over Mr Harrington, who was deemed 'mentally unfit' when his final will was made.

Following a new hearing, another judge has now ordered Mrs Qin's removal as joint administrator of Mr Harrington's estate in favour of his daughter.

James McKean, for Mrs Langley, urged the judge at London's High Court to 'pass over' Mrs Qin as the court had established she wasn't 'an appropriate person to act as personal representative of the estate'.

And after a short hearing during which Ms Qin represented herself, Master Julia Clark ruled against the widow, saying the will had been 'procured by undue influence and also that Mr Harrington lacked capacity to make it'.

She added that the facts found at the trial 'would plainly lead to the conclusion that Mrs Qin...is not a fit person to be an administrator'.

Mrs Qin protested, telling the judge she is trying to appeal against the original ruling, claiming: 'My husband wanted me to have his estate.'

When Master Clark pointed out that the will had already been declared invalid, Mrs Qin replied: 'I dont agree, I have appealed the case.'

The court heard Mr Harrington, 94, was in poor physical shape, was unable to stand for a photo on his wedding day, and was not even able to pronounce his new bride's name

Rejecting Mrs Qins case, Master Clark said: 'It would be wrong in principle to postpone this matter in case there is an appeal or in case any appeal ultimately succeeds.

'I am passing you over, that is my decision.'

During the trial earlier this year, the court heard that Mr Harrington was already displaying 'strange behaviour' before he met Mrs Qin, including 'fortifying' his home at North Farm, Gayton Road, King's Lynn, with CCTV cameras.

The couple enjoyed a whirlwind romance, meeting for the first time in January 2019, moving in together in February, and with Mr Harrington proposing the following month.

The first Mrs Langley knew of his new marriage was when she received a message from Mrs Qin in March 2020 reading: 'Just to let you know that Dad married again last year.'

Mrs Langley believed her father (pictured in 1984) was the victim of a so-called 'predatory marriage', where a wealthy widow or widower is targeted purely for their money

The court heard Mr Harrington was in poor physical shape, unable to stand for a photo on his wedding day, and was not even able to pronounce his bride's name.

The last time Mrs Langley saw her father was at the funeral of her mother, Eileen  his wife of 66 years  in January 2018, when she recalled him looking 'very frail and vulnerable' and 'rambling'.

Soon after the funeral, she received a bombshell letter, stating: 'This letter will be the last contact I ever attempt to make.'

Mrs Langley would have benefited under the terms of a previous 2012 will, which named her as her father's heir, before it was rewritten in 2020, leaving her nothing.

Because Mr Harrington's 2020 will was overturned, he was deemed to have died without making a will and his estate would be divided up under intestacy rules.

The ruling meant Mrs Langley would get about 200,000 from an estate now valued at 680,000, although she claimed it would have been worth about 1 million if not for thousands paid to Mrs Qin before her father died.

Mrs Qin would still automatically receive about 475,000 as his surviving spouse, although she is facing lawyers' bills estimated at 139,000.

James McKean, for Mrs Langley, asked Mrs Qin: 'Once you had got all his money you dumped him in the cheapest possible grave  that's right, isn't it? You haven't even bothered to maintain the grave properly.'

Mrs Qin denied the claims, saying she only received about 100,000 and telling the court she and Mr Harrington had embarked on a 'loving relationship' and that he 'wanted to look after her'.

Although 'serious amounts of money' were transferred from her husband's accounts, she insisted the payments were legitimate in the circumstances of a romantic relationship.

In his ruling overturning the will, Recorder McAllister said: 'There was clearly an element of control by her of the deceased and his finances that increased over time.

'The numerous enquiries for will services do, in my judgment, show that there was shopping around, which on her own evidence Mrs Qin knew about and in my judgment was involved in.

'Not only do these lend support to question marks about capacity being raised, they tend to suggest a guiding hand, which I find to be Mrs Qin's.'
The Monster of Avignon, who recruited dozens of men to rape his unconscious wife after drugging her over a period of ten years, had a 'disciple' who learned and copied his methods, a court heard as the shocking trial continues.

Dominique Pelicot, 71, is on trial in the French city of Avignon for repeatedly raping and encouraging others to rape his wife, Gisele, also 71, in the southern village on Mazan. He faces 20 years in prison if found guilty.

The court heard on Wednesday how another man on trial, named only as Jean-Pierre, 63, allegedly learned from Mr Pelicot how to drug and rape his own wife. The 'disciple' is not among the 51 men on trial for attacking Mrs Pelicot.

The former lorry driver was claimed to have spoken to Mr Pelicot in an online chatroom called 'Against her knowledge'. Mr Pelicot is then alleged to have provided sedatives for 'Jean-Pierre' to drug his wife, before travelling to rape her himself.

The harrowing case continues to rock France, with the accused facing 20 years in jail if found guilty of aggravated rape. The lengthy trial is expected to continue through to December - more than three years since Mr Pelicot's arrest.

Dominique Pelicot is accused of recruiting men online to assault his wife repeatedly over 10yrs

Gisele Pelicot arrives at court in Avignon, France on day eight of the trial

In a new artist's sketch, Mr Pelicot appears at the courthouse in Avignon on September 11

As horrifying new dimensions to the case continue to emerge in the trial, it was alleged on Wednesday that Jean-Pierre's wife was raped 12 times between 2015 and 2020.

Jean-Pierre has told the court he admitted the charges.

Mr Pelicot is alleged to have met Jean-Pierre in the now defunct chatroom, before agreeing to visit him to deliver sedatives and rape his wife with him.

'Each time that [Pelicot] travelled [there], he provided him with the medication for the next time,' lead investigator Stephan Gal told the court.

Mr Pelicot's lawyer said he had supplied Jean-Pierre with the drugs as many as four times.

Jean-Pierre's 32-year-old son from another marriage said he felt it a 'certainty' his father had been manipulated by Pelicot.

'I have the firm conviction that had he not met this person, there would never have been any of this,' he said.

Mr Pelicot's, a retired electrician, has already admitted to putting powerful sedatives in his wife Gisele's evening meal and rose wine over almost a decade in order to render her unconscious.

All the attacks took place in the couple's marital home in the town of Mazan, south of France, between 2010 and 2020, police say.

Madame Pelicot has told the court that she had to get tested for HIV as 'one man who came [to rape me] six times was seropositive'.

Judge Roger Arata asked Madame Pelicot if she suffered any problems after being abused for ten years, to which she replied that she was tested for HIV, adding: 'I was diagnosed with four sexually transmitted diseases at the Versailles medical forensic unit.'

Police have also uncovered sickening pictures of his daughter, Caroline, and two daughters-in-laws in a haul some 200,000 images and videos that he kept of the on a computer file titled 'abuse'.

Madame Pelicot has bravely taken the stand to give evidence against her ex-husband

Abuse took place in the town of Mazan, south of France, and was only uncovered after the man was caught up-skirting women in a local supermarket  prompting officers to search his home

Dominique Pelicot can be seen in this court sketch on the right

Some 84 men he had met in a notorious internet chatroom then took turns to sneak into their modest chalet in a village near Avignon to rape Mme Pelicot in the marital bed.

Eighteen of 51 men who have been accused are now in custody as the trial continues. Thirty-two are attending as free men.

One, still at large, will be judged in absentia.

Mr Pelicot had this week been expected to be cross-examined at the Vaucluse Criminal Court in Avignon.

But his legal team insisted on Thursday morning that he is not well enough to give evidence because of abdominal pain and a suspected bladder infection.

He briefly appeared in court on Wednesday morning, but defence barrister Beatrice Zavarro confirmed on Thursday that he was still ill and would not be showing up.

Pelicot has been vomiting and fainting in his prison cell, where he has been on remand since 2020, in between visits to hospital for treatment and tests.

Ms Zavarro's submissions were accepted by Mr Arata, who said: He requires medical treatment and will be unable to attend court for the rest of this week at least.

Prosecutions in France can be abandoned if a defendant is considered too physically or mentally ill to take part.

Judge Arata has continually stated that Pelicot is the lead defendant, and that he needs to be interrogated at length.

But Mr Pelicot has told psychologists that his wife was to blame for his actions because she refused to go swinging with him.

Psychologist Annabelle Montagne told the court in Avignon that she interviewed Mr Pelicot in December 2020 - a month and a half after he was taken into custody - where he admitted to carrying out the campaign of abuse of his wife Gisele.

'Pelicot said: ''My wife and I had a discussion about swinging but she didn't agree so I drugged her'',' the psychologist recounted.

To the court, Mme Pelicot said the topic had come up at a nightclub, but she said she 'didn't want to get involved'.

The case only came to light because the man had been arrested in September 2020 for taking up-skirt photos of women in a supermarket in a nearby town.

Officers had taken him in for questioning, during which he was examined by a psychologist because it 'didn't appear to be his first offence', France3 reported.

A black and white facial reconstruction of a younger Dominique P is seen in this handout image

A court drawing shows Madame Pelicot taking the stand, facing her husband and the 50 others accused of raping her

Police found a file in Pelicot's computer labelled 'My Daughter Naked'. Pictured: Caroline Darian (left) at the courthouse during the trial of her father

The examiner deemed the man to be a 'voyeuristic sexual deviant', after which police ordered a search of his house.

During the search, officers seized a computer, three memory cards, two mobile phones and a camcorder which is where they discovered the tapes.

During interviews following his arrest, Mr Pelicot maintained that the sickening abuse of his wife of 50 years Gisele would have continued if he had not been arrested.

On Monday, psychologists descrived Mr Pelicot as a Jekyll and Hyde character who drugged his wife so strangers could rape her at night.

He told detectives that, by day, he considered himself a good husband to Mme Pelicot, whom he married in 1971 and had three children with.

The couples divorce was finalised last month, and Mme Pelicot has sat in court throughout the trial so far, along with her adult children.
A family GP who claims 'masks do nothing' and spread misinformation about Covid-19 on social media has been struck off after his 'scaremongering' views provoked a string of complaints from patients.

Dr Sam White claimed that the virus was planned and orchestrated by pharmaceutical companies along with tech tycoons Bill Gates and Elon Musk and called the Covid jabs a 'heinous crime'.

The 44-year-old, who released a video announcing his own resignation, declared that the 'truth' behind the vaccine for the virus needed to be exposed as it was a 'biblical fight between good and evil'.

According to a Medical Practitioners Tribunal panel, the doctor is even alleged to have referred to the Keanu Reeves science fiction movie franchise: 'The Matrix' as a 'documentary' and that globalist and Big Pharma 'controlled and exploited humans'.

The former GP was struck off at the tribunal found him guilty of serious professional misconduct, concluding he exploited his job to peddle 'baseless' and 'dangerous' views. He did not attend the hearing.

Dr Sam White, pictured in a white buttoned shirt with a stethoscope around his neck, spread misinformation about Covid on social media and claimed 'masks do nothing'

The former family doctor, pictured here using a laptop on a pub bench, had resigned in 2021 in protest at the government and NHS plans to deal with Covid

White, who practised at Denmean Health Centre in Waterlooville, Hampshire, first came to public attention after he posted a video announcing his resignation, claiming he could no longer 'stomach or tolerate' Britain's approach to the pandemic.

Restrictions were subsequently placed on his practise when regulators feared they were a threat to patient safety - but he won a Court of Appeal battle against their imposition after arguing he had a right to freedom of expression under the Human Rights Act.

The investigation began after White posted a seven-minute video clip to Instagram and Twitter in June 2021 in which he announced he was quitting his GP practice because of what he called the 'lies' around the NHS and Government approach to the pandemic that were 'so vast' he could no longer 'stomach or tolerate' them.

Between then and July 2022, White took part in five interviews uploaded to his social media channel in which he claimed four pharma firms behind the vaccines were like the 'Four Horseman of the Apocalypse.'

He declared that 'exposing the truth' behind of the pandemic vaccines was like a 'biblical fight between good and evil' - with him and his supporters on the side of 'good'.

White added: 'This perhaps is one of the most egregious, heinous crimes that we've seen in modern history, perhaps in all history to be honest, because it's happened on such a global scale. '

'My personal hunch is that these globalists who planned this, long, long time ago, are actually making a lot of mistakes and that's been their undoing here. This is tyranny.

White, pictured here holding a dog, said in interviews that the Covid vaccine was an 'egregious, heinous crime'

The doctor, pictured here smiling at the camera, said the Covid pandemic was planned by globalists

After resigning as a GP White took to practising 'functional medicine'

'We never thought we would see this totalitarian sort of regime ushered in ever again and yet here it is and they've done it using doctors and manipulating science. We do not want to live in this post-truth, post-science era.

'This is not a conspiracy theory, it is a conspiracy of fact '

He also claimed the pandemic was 'planned at least a decade ago' and this was why 'governments around the world move in lockstep', before adding he wanted to 'escape the tyranny'.

White said: 'It's scary, but it's unravelling and it's high time that people realised that they cannot trust the government and the media, and trust is evaporating day by day. I think this is about exposing big pharma once and for all, and a global take down.'

For the GMC Mr Robin Kitching said: 'By having the potential to undermine public health information and public confidence in the profession, Dr White's actions struck at the heart of fundamental standards that are expected of doctors.

'It was the manner in which Dr White expressed his opinions and his scepticism of the legitimate efforts of the Government and the wider medical profession that constituted misconduct.

'The doctor characterised the actions of public servants as being, in essence, part of a wicked global conspiracy. His comments were not made in pursuance of legitimate, or even controversial, medical debate but instead amounted to 'scaremongering.' which was designed to reach as wide an audience as possible and was intended to discourage that said audience from following medical advice.'

During the investigation the GMC's Interim Orders Tribunal imposed restrictions on Dr White's registration but in December 2021 the High Court said this decision was 'wrong' under human rights law.

As a result the MPTS panel examined freedom expression rules under Article 10 of the European Court of Human Rights to establish if White's views met the 'test' of the Act or compromised patient safety.

In erasing White's name from the medical register MPTS chairman Malcolm Dodds said: 'The Tribunal noted that a common theme running throughout many of the interviews was the assertion made by Dr White and assented to by him when others put it forward was that the Covid pandemic had been planned and orchestrated by pharmaceutical companies, globalists, Bill Gates and Elon Musk for some years and the World Health Organisation and governments had gone along with those plans as part of some kind of evil tyranny.

White, pictured here with two dogs, was struck off by the GMC after a tribunal found him guilty of serious professional misconduct

'He referred to others asserting that there was a big state controlled by globalists and that there was a fight between good and evil - Dr White and his supporters being on the side of the good and Big Pharma, WHO, Bill Gates, Elon Musk and the Government being on the evil side.

'Dr White referred to and assented to assertions by others that this was a kind of biblical fight and that there was a need to escape from tyranny and establish a new world order. Dr White said in one of the interviews 'it is a conspiracy fact' and referred to a 'deep state department'.

'There was reference to the need to be afraid of the Government. There was reference to the four companies who provided vaccines being the four horseman of the apocalypse.

'Dr White referred to the film 'The Matrix' as a documentary which the Tribunal found as more likely than not to be an assertion by Dr White that humanity is living in a dystopian world in which intelligent machines control and exploit humanity.

'These statements were made by a doctor with some years' experience in the NHS who had promoted his professional experience and credentials in the videos so as to engender trust and confidence in their content in the minds of his audience

'These assertions were baseless and dangerous and formed no part of widely accepted medical opinion. Many of the statements related to conspiracy theories and the deliberate manipulation of the population by those with another agenda for the infection and vaccine development.

'One of the key Government messages at the time was that compliance with restrictions was required to 'Protect the NHS'. A doctor asserting as fact such statements of the kind as set out undermined important public health messages.

'Opinions expressed by a doctor which are baseless and dangerous, invoking his status and experience to engender trust in them, are not 'legitimate' in the sense of enjoying absolute immunity under Article 10 rights of freedom of expression.

'In the context of the pandemic at the time, and particularly the concerns of a public during lockdown when the public depended on the provision of responsible and trustworthy information, such statements, containing misinformation and conspiracy theories, could be both confusing and destabilising.'

'Dr White's baseless claims and scaremongering would have had an adverse influence on scared and worried members of the public. He abused his position as a doctor and had the potential to cause serious harm.'
The UK's debt mountain could be six times the size of the economy within 50 years as the aging population, climate change and global insecurity put the country on an 'unsustainable' course.

The shocking picture has been laid bare in the latest assessment by the Office for Budget Responsibility watchdog.

Public spending is already standing at 45 per cent of GDP, the highest sustained level since the 1970s. The tax take is rising to 37.1 per cent, a peak since the 1940s.

However, the OBR cautioned that within drastic action pressures will push spending to over 60 per cent of GDP by the 2070s.

The national debt currently stands at around 2.7trillion, roughly the same size as the economy. But that figure could jump to more than 270 per cent - likely requiring huge scaling back of services and welfare.

Failure to boost productivity significantly would mean the problem being even more dramatic - with debt estimated to reach more than six times GDP.

Labour ministers immediately seized on the findings to argue that the Tories had failed to tackle deep-seated problems.

The OBR cautioned that within drastic action pressures will push spending to over 60 per cent of GDP by the 2070s

Failure to boost productivity significantly would mean the problem being even more dramatic - with debt estimated to reach more than six times GDP

The alarm was sounded in the OBR's latest Fiscal risks and Sustainability report.

It said: 'Public spending is at nearly 45 per cent of GDP in 2023-24  its highest sustained level since the mid-1970s  as a result of increased spending on public services, welfare, and interest costs.

'To reduce the deficit and arrest the rise in debt over the next five years, the previous Government's fiscal plans were based on holding real growth in public spending below that of the economy, and the tax take increasing to 37.1 per cent of GDP, which would be its highest level since the late 1940s.'

The report pointed to 'an ageing population, with a falling birth rate and the 'baby-boom' cohorts moving through retirement putting downward pressure on revenues and upward pressure on spending'.

Climate change and mounting global tensions with states such as Russia and China, which have sparked promises from ministers to bolster defence spending, are also major challenges.

'The analysis in this report shows that, based on policy settings in March 2024, these and other pressures would eventually put the public finances on an unsustainable path,' the report said.

'Over the next 50 years, public spending is projected to rise from 45 to over 60 per cent of GDP, while revenues remain at around 40 per cent of GDP (Chart 1.1). As a result, debt would rise rapidly from the late 2030s to 274 per cent of GDP in our baseline projection.

'Long-term projections such as these are inherently highly uncertain but there is a similar upward debt trajectory in nearly all the alternative scenarios that we consider. Indeed, debt is projected to rise further to over 300 per cent of GDP, when further shocks and pressures are taken into account.

'In practice, if these pressures and shocks were to materialise as we project, then governments would need to take mitigating policy action to prevent this debt spiral from occurring.

'On our baseline projection, to return debt to its pre-pandemic levels would require an average fiscal tightening of 1.5 per cent of GDP per decade over the next 50 years.'

The report said health spending is projected to rise 'steadily' from 7.6 per cent to 14.5 per cent of GDP over the horizon period. .

Spending on state pensions rises from 5.2 per cent to 7.9 per cent of GDP 'due to both the ageing of the population and the cost of the triple-lock policy'.

'Under our baseline demographic and economic assumptions, maintaining fiscal sustainability over the long term would almost certainly require further fiscal policy adjustment,' the report said.

'Keeping debt at around 94 per cent of GDP would require a fiscal policy tightening of an additional 0.25 per cent of GDP every year from 2034-35.

'Were these fiscal adjustments to come from greater spending restraint, this would require either significant improvements in public sector productivity or strict prioritisation between competing pressures.

'Were the adjustment to come from further increases in taxation, governments would need to weigh any additional direct revenue yield against the impact of a rising tax take on incentives to work, investment, and save.'

The national debt currently stands at around 2.7trillion, roughly the same size as the economy. But that figure could jump to more than 270 per cent - likely requiring huge scaling back of services and welfare

The OBR has given a long-term view of the public finances in its report today

The OBR projecting that the total population rises from 68 million in 2022 to 82 million in 2074, with immigration the only thing preventing it falling.

'Compared to our 2022 FRS, life expectancy and the birth rate are unchanged. The latter is 1.59, below the rate of 2.1 required for the population to remain stable in the absence of other changes and just above the record low of 1.5 reached in 2022,' the report said.

The only change to the population projections is a higher ONS assumption for net migration, which settles at 315,000 a year from 2028-29 onwards, compared to 129,000 a year assumed in FRS 2022.

Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones said: 'The OBR has laid bare the shocking state that our public finances were left in by the previous government.

'Highest debt since the 1960s, highest taxes since the 1940s, and debt on track to be almost three times our GDP.'

But shadow Treasury minister Gareth Davies said: 'Labour inherited the fastest growing economy in the G7, the second lowest level of debt in the G7 and a deficit lower than that of the United States, France, Japan and Italy.

'To ensure the continued sustainability of the public finances, the Labour Government must come forward with a plan to reform welfare, improve public sector productivity and drive growth.

'Instead, they are fabricating a narrative on their inheritance to make way for reckless tax rises they had planned all along that will hamper the economy.'
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) admits it is 'open' to exploring fake fur alternatives as traditional bearskin caps worn by the King's Guard are revealed to cost more than 2,000 each.

A central feature of the King's Guard uniform, the ceremonial caps have been made for centuries from the fur of black bears, but costs have soared by 30 per cent over the last year, according to figures obtained by animal welfare campaigners.

A Freedom of Information request by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) revealed each cap now costs the government an eye-watering 2,040 each.

It added that more than 1million has been spent in total on the caps over the last nine years, with 24 purchased in 2023 alone.

PETA has long lobbied the MoD to consider faux bear fur for ethical reasons, but the group now argues there is a financial imperative as well.

Soaring costs: The Ministry of Defence (MoD) admits it is 'open' to exploring fake fur alternatives as traditional bearskin caps worn by the King's Guard are revealed to cost more than 2,000 each

A central feature of the King's Guard uniform, the ceremonial caps have been made for centuries from the real fur of black bears - but animal rights campaigners are question whether they are ethical and financially viable

The bearskin caps were first introduced following the Battle of Waterloo in 1815 and were designed to make the soldiers appear taller and more intimidating when in combat.

In a statement provided to MailOnline, Elisa Allen of PETA said the group is 'calling on the Ministry of Defence to stop wasting taxpayer pounds on caps made from slaughtered wildlife and switch to faux fur today.'

The MoD in response said the rise in costs are due to 'a different contractual agreement' for the caps, which are made from bears hunted in Canada.

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It added that the MoD would consider fake fur alternatives, but said no material had yet passed the different criteria which meets their 'safety and durability considerations', which includes water absorption and appearance.

A spokesperson told MailOnline: 'We are open to exploring faux fur alternatives if they pass the necessary requirements  including safety and durability considerations - though no alternative has met all those criteria to date.'

It added that it would 'welcome the submission of a faux fur sample to an independent organisation accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) for testing, in accordance with the five initial requirements previously agreed between the Department and PETA.'

Animal rights campaigners say the skin of at least one bear is needed to make a single cap alongside accusations that hunters can use crossbows, causing suffering to the animals.

The MoD maintains that 'bears are not hunted to order' for the army and the pelts used are a product of 'legal and licensed hunts, sourced exclusively from the regulated Canadian market.'

It added that 'reductions in the number of bearskins procured would not reduce the numbers of bears being hunted.'

Animal rights campaigners say the skin of at least one bear is needed to make a single cap alongside accusations hunters cause suffering to the animals - but the MoD insists the bears are 'not hunted to order'

PETA disputes the assertion that the pelts are procured by 'legal and licensed hunts'.

'The ministry has previously claimed that the fur is the by-product of a 'cull' overseen by Canadian authorities, but federal and provincial Canadian governments have confirmed to PETA that no such thing exists.'

PETA added that Labour had 'previously committed to conducting 'an immediate review of the possible alternatives to bear fur' if it came into government'.

A spokesperson said: 'PETA is now calling on the party to make good on its promise.'

While the Royals have no influence on the MoD's decision, Queen Camilla is known to be an advocate of fur-free products.

In May it was revealed she had pledged not to buy any more real fur products.

Buckingham Palace sent a letter with 'the Queen's warmest wishes' to the People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) which vowed Camilla 'will not procure any new fur garments'.

She has followed in the footsteps of the late Queen Elizabeth II who made headlines in 2019 when Her Late Majesty's senior dresser Angela Kelly revealed she was no longer using real fur in her outfits.

Queen Camilla pledged earlier this year not to buy any more fur products in the latest move by Buckingham Palace to not use animal products

Camilla secretly switched to fake fur hats back in 2017 after receiving a barrage of criticism for wearing a Russian-style real fur hat to the Royal Family's Sandringham Christmas Day church seven years earlier.

The latest row back by the royals continues the Palace's move towards becoming environmentally friendly with King Charles long championing green causes.
The production of Amazon drama Good Omens has reportedly been suspended in the wake of sexual misconduct allegations made against the show's co-creator Neil Gaiman.

The author - who co-wrote the 1990 novel of the same name - has denied the allegations made against him by five women, branding the accusations as 'disturbing'.

It comes after Disney also hit pause on its feature adaptation of Gaiman's 2008 'The Graveyard Book' after the allegations surfaced.

According to showbusiness website Deadline, the 63-year-old has since made an offer to Amazon to step back so that pre-production for the third and final season of Good Omens can continue.

The offer is not an admission of wrongdoing by Gaiman.

Production for Amazon drama Good Omens has reportedly been suspended in the wake of sexual misconduct allegations made against the show's co-creator Neil Gaiman. Gaiman denies the allegations

The show stars David Tennant as a fussy Angel named Aziraphale and Michael Sheen as a loose-living demon named Crowley

The third and final series was in early pre-production stages when it was halted. The series is based on a book of the same name co-written by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett

Amazon is understood to be considering the offer, but no final decisions have yet been made.

The fantasy drama, which was also aired on BBC Two in 2020, stars David Tennant and Michael Sheen and is based on the book which was co-written by Gaiman and Terry Pratchett.

The show is made in Scotland and the third season was in the early stages of pre-production when it was halted.

In an investigation by Tortoise Media for a podcast co-hosted by Boris Johnson's sister Rachel Johnson, two women who had been in consensual relationships with Gaiman accused him of sexual assault.

They claimed he made them engage in 'rough and degrading sex' which was not always consensual, and told them to call him 'master'.

Gaiman has strongly denied the allegations, stating that all sexual relations with the two women was consensual.

Two other women also came forward with allegations following Tortoise's investigation.

Gaiman has strongly denied the allegations put against him by five women, and has called the accusations 'disturbing'

The 63-year-old author pictured at The Sandman film premiere in London in August 2022

Writer Julia Hobsbawm said Gaiman had made an 'aggressive, unwanted pass' at her at her flat in 1986, jumping on her 'out of the blue' and attempting to kiss her.

Gaiman says he had stopped kissing Ms Hobsbawm when he realised she did not want him to.

Another woman, mother-of-three Caroline Wallner, alleged that he pressured her to have sex with him in return for allowing her live with her daughters at his property in New York. She alleges it took place over a four year period from 2017, after she split from her ex-husband.

Gaiman insists the relationship was consensual.

A fifth woman has also alleged that Gaiman kissed and groped her when on a bus during a book tour of the US back in July 2013.

The author says he stopped kissing the woman when he knew she did not want him to, and denies the claims of groping.

Gaiman is known for his best-selling books which include Coraline, American Gods and The Sandman.

MailOnline has approached Amazon and Gaiman for comment.
One of the men suspected of killing Stephen Lawrence has been spotted near the scene of the attack - just days before the murdered teenager would have turned 50.

Luke Knight, 47, was seen outside a newsagent's at Eltham in South East London, around a mile from the bus stop where Stephen was stabbed aged 18 in 1993.

Knight, who still lives in the area, was arrested and charged with murder at the time before it was dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service due to lack of evidence.

He was tried for murder in 1996 after a private prosecution brought by Stephen's parents but the judge told the jury to acquit him after further issues with evidence.

The roofer, who has always maintained his innocence, remains the only one of the original five suspects in Stephen's case who does not have a criminal conviction.

Aspiring architect Stephen, who would have turned 50 tomorrow, was killed in a savage and unprovoked gang attack by up to six white youths as he waited at a bus stop with a friend on April 22, 1993 - and his family faced a long fight for justice.

Stephen Lawrence murder suspect Luke Knight in Eltham, South East London, on September 3

Knight outside a newsagent's in Eltham, a mile from the bus stop where Stephen was killed

Knight still lives in the Eltham area and was pictured outside a shop there on September 3

Knight is dressed casually in a cream polo short and dark shorts after visiting a shop in Eltham

Luke Knight is said to refuse to discuss Stephen's murder now, but spoke about it to ITV in 1999

Knight was one of the five faces famously plastered on the Daily Mail's front page on February 14, 1997 beneath the headline: 'MURDERERS. The Mail accuses these men of killing. If we are wrong, let them sue us.'

Thirty years seeking justice for murdered Stephen Lawrence April 22, 1993: Stephen Lawrence is murdered in Eltham, South East London.

May to June, 1993: Neil Acourt, Jamie Acourt, Gary Dobson, Luke Knight and David Norris arrested.

July 1993: The Crown Prosecution Service formally discontinues the prosecution.

September 1994: The Lawrence family begins a private prosecution against Neil Acourt, Knight and Dobson. It fails two years later.

February 1997: An inquest jury finds that Stephen was 'unlawfully killed by five white youths'. The Daily Mail runs a front page story with pictures of the suspects under the headline 'Murderers'.

February 1999: The Macpherson Report finds the police culpable of mistakes and 'institutional racism'.

November 2011: The trial of Dobson and Norris for Stephen's murder begins.

January 2012: The pair are found guilty of murder at the Old Bailey and jailed for life.

October 2015: The National Crime Agency announces that the Met is being investigated for alleged corruption over its initial handling of the case.

August 2020: The Met announces there are no further lines of inquiry in the murder probe as it effectively closes the case.

June 2023: The identity of a sixth suspect, Matthew White, is revealed. He died in 2021 aged 50. Advertisement

The other four were Gary Dobson, Neil Acourt, Jamie Acourt and David Norris.

In 2012, Dobson and Norris were found guilty of being involved in the attack and sentenced to life imprisonment, after a forensic review of the case found significant new scientific evidence on clothing seized from their homes following the murder.

The Acourt brothers have always maintained their innocence and have never been convicted, although both have since served jail time for drug dealing.

A sixth suspect called Matthew White, who was arrested twice over the murder but never charged, was revealed in an investigation by the BBC in June last year. He died in 2021 aged 50.

On the rare occasions Knight has spoken about the case, he has protested his innocence and denied being at the scene.

The latest sighting of him came last week on September 3, when the father-of-two was pictured dressed casually in a cream polo short and dark shorts after visiting a shop in Eltham.

Neighbours and friends said Knight earns a living as a roofer but lives a 'lonely existence' in a top-floor flat and has started to look older in recent years, with grey hair visible.

Despite remaining in the local area, they added that he has never escaped the shadow of being a suspect for the murder.

A neighbour said: 'He's a very lonely man. He seems full of anger. He walks around without a care in the world though, despite the murder taking place just down the road.

'It's shocking that Stephen would now be 50. Knight just lives the same life.

'He strongly maintains his innocence. But if ever asked, he refuses to speak. He has said before the whole things hangs over him all the time.'

Knight is said to refuse to discuss Stephen's murder now - although talked about the case in an ITV interview in 1999 which also heard from the other four suspects.

Then in 2009, Knight protested his innocence and said he was not present at the murder scene.

Stephen Lawrence was murdered by a gang of racists in Eltham, South East London, in 1993

Luke Knight (far left) was famously pelted with eggs on June 30, 1998 outside the public inquiry into the police's handling of the Stephen Lawrence case in London

He said at the time: 'I'm an innocent man. I've done nothing wrong. I'm totally innocent  I wasn't even there.

'I have two little girls now. I have not told them about all of this. One day I will, I'll tell them that I am totally innocent. I've had 15 years of this  how do you think I'm coping? I can't even get a job.'

Knight's mother Pam also previously said: 'What's the point in him commenting? He didn't do anything wrong and that's all there is to it.'

The son of a market trader, Knight was born in Southwark in November 1976.

Knight was arrested over the case on June 3, 1993, before being charged with murder later that month on June 23. However, this charge was dropped by the CPS the following month on July 29.

Stephen's parents later began a private prosecution and Knight was tried for murder at the Old Bailey alongside Dobson and Neil Acourt in 1996.

Gary Dobson (left) was jailed for at least 15 years and two months and David Norris (right) was jailed at least 14 years and three months for the racist murder of Stephen Lawrence in 1993

Jamie Acourt (left) and his brother Neil (right) were also suspects but were never convicted

However, the judge ruled that purported identification evidence was not admissible, which meant the prosecution could not continue and the jury was therefore directed to acquit the defendants - with not guilty verdicts given.

Then in 1998, Knight was famously pelted with eggs as he walked with Norris outside the public inquiry into the police's handling of the case.

In the years after the murder, Knight failed to persuade Greenwich Council that he should be rehoused because of intimidation.

He claimed to be suffering from psychological problems after threats from anti-racist groups.

The original police investigation into Stephen's death was marred by institutional racism in the Metropolitan Police, incompetence and alleged corruption.

Years after the initial probe, it emerged that undercover police officers had spied on campaigners supporting Stephen's family in their fight for justice.

The bus stop in Eltham, South East London, at the scene of the murder is pictured in June 2023

Stephen was murdered as he went to catch a bus with his friend Duwayne Brooks (pictured)

Last month, Stephen's mother Doreen Lawrence revealed his body would be returned to the UK from Jamaica 31 years after his murder.

Baroness Lawrence said his family had decided to 'bring Stephen home to be closer to us' after originally burying him on the Caribbean island because they felt 'he would not be at peace in this country'.

She added that images of her son's grave had appeared on social media after his body had been exhumed, which had caused the family 'distress'.
Russia has declared that its partnership with China could see the two nations 'combine potential' if faced with a threat from the United States.

'I would like to remind you that Moscow and Beijing will respond to ''double containment'' by the United States with 'double counteraction'',' Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said yesterday.

She said Russia and China had a strategic partnership that was not aggressive in its intent, but affirmed that the two would combine to give an 'appropriate rebuff' to any 'aggressive policy of attack' implemented against them.

The alarming comments came amid news that the US had expressed an interest in stationing a Typhon mid-range missile system in Japan.

'It is clear that both Russia and China will react to the emergence of additional and very significant missile threats, and their reaction will be far from being political,' Zakharova told reporters.

The issue is likely to be a topic of discussion for Vladimir Putin, who today meets with China's top diplomat Wang Yi in St Petersburg on the sidelines of a security meeting among BRICS member states.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping shake hands during a meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Astana, Kazakhstan July 3, 2024

US Army launch of a Tomahawk Land Attack Missile from the Typhon Mid-Range Capability system

Zakharova's alarming comments came in response to news that the US had expressed an interest in stationing a Typhon mid-range missile system in Japan

Russia's President Vladimir Putin shakes hands with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi

Presidents Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping signed a 'no limits' partnership deal in 2022, less than three weeks before Putin sent his troops into Ukraine.

In May this year they agreed to deepen what they called their 'comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation' for a new era.

The two countries have not declared a formal military alliance - although Putin last week described them as 'allies in every sense of the word' - but their militaries have staged a slew of exercises together, including large-scale naval drills that started on Tuesday.

Putin, overseeing the launch of the manoeuvres, warned the United States against attempts to outgun Russia by building up its military power in the Asia-Pacific region.

The comments by Putin and Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zakharova come just days after US Army secretary Christine Wormuth said American and Japanese defence officials were discussing the potential deployment of America's Typhon missile system in Japan for extended military drills.

Speaking at the Defense News Conference in Virginia earlier this month, Wormuth said she had already held discussions on the topic with Japan's defence minister Minoru Kihara, and that US officials had 'made our interest in (deploying the system) clear' to the Japanese self-defence forces, according to the Japan Times.

The US previously deployed the Typhon launcher in the Indo-Pacific region earlier this year during joint military exercises in the northern Philippines.

That was the first time it had done so since the Trump administration withdrew from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty in 2019, which had banned land-based missiles with ranges between 500 and 5,500km, both conventional and nuclear.

But the implications of deploying such systems to Japan are profound.

The Typhon is a land-based platform capable of firing both Tomahawk cruise missiles and SM-6 missiles.

The Tomahawks can deliver precision strikes on land and sea targets, while the SM-6 offers both offensive strike capability and defence against aircraft and hypersonic missile threats.

With a range of 500 to 1,800km (1,100 miles), a Typhon system stationed in Japan brings huge swathes of the Chinese mainland within striking range, and would also cover Taiwan and large parts of the South China Sea.

It would also confirm Japan's place as a key ally within the US defence strategy in the Indo-Pacific, and make it a potential target for Beijing's own missile forces.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, right, and Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu, left, attend the BRICS and BRICS Plus High-Level Security Officials meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg, Russia, Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024

Russia's President Vladimir Putin meets with China's President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states leaders' summit in Astana on July 3, 2024

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (C) and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy (L) made a rare joint visit to Kyiv in a show of solidarity

The US is reported to be ready to relax its ban on British-supplied long-range weapons, which use American technology, being used outside Ukraine over retaliation fears

Russian and Chinese concerns over the possible stationing of US missiles in the Indo-Pacific come as senior Ukrainian government officials press US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Minister David Lammy to allow Ukraine to fire long-range missiles at targets deep inside Russia.

The US and UK have thus far refused to permit Ukraine to strike targets on Russian soil with their long-range weapons over fears that this could escalate the ongoing conflict.

But there are rumours the long-held ban could soon be lifted.

US President Joe Biden said on Tuesday his administration was 'working that out now' when asked if he would lift restrictions on Kyiv's use of missiles such as ATACMS.

And Biden is set to discuss the issue further with British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer on Friday.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that Moscow suspects a US decision to let Kyiv fire such missiles into Russia has already been taken.

'It (our response) will be an appropriate one,' said Peskov.

'The involvement of the United States of America and European countries in the conflict over Ukraine is direct, and each new step increases the degree of this involvement,' he said.

Meanwhile, Vyacheslav Volodin, the chairman of the State Duma, the lower house of parliament, and a close ally of President Putin, said Moscow would be forced to use 'more powerful and destructive weapons' against Ukraine if Kyiv started firing long-range Western missiles at Russia.

'Washington and other European states are becoming parties to the war in Ukraine,' Volodin said on Telegram.
A controversial rape crisis centre damaged victims of sexual violence by hindering their access to biologically female counsellors, a damning report has found.

Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre (ERCC), run by trans woman Mridul Wadhwa, was blasted for many serious failings including not putting the needs of survivors first.

The independent investigation condemned the centre for insisting traumatised rape victims, who can be as young as 12, must specify if they dont want support from someone born a man.

More than 94 per cent of victims of rape are women and the perpetrators men.

Yet the review found ERCC failed to provided vulnerable victims with safe women only spaces, while at the same time opening up services to men.

Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre chief executive Mridul Wadhwa, a trans woman, is accused of going beyond her own authority and failing to set professional standards of behaviour

The report said: Putting women in the position of having to discuss whether the service they receive will be provided by someone who was born and continues to identify as female has caused damage.

The review was ordered by umbrella organisation Rape Crisis Scotland (RCS) in May 2024, after a scathing employment tribunal judgment ruled that ERCC worker Roz Adams was subjected to a heresy hunt for suggesting a rape victim should know the sex of her counsellor.

Although rape crisis centres are autonomous, they sign up to the RCSs national standards, many of which the review found ERCC had failed to meet.

RCS said the review had found a significant breach of its standards and was pausing the referral of any new clients to ERCC until it implements the recommendations of the review.

Women only spaces are a required national standard yet they were not available from October 2022 until at least February 2024, when ERCC knew it was facing a tribunal and would be under scrutiny.

The review was heavily critical of Wadhwa, who self identifies as a woman but does not have a gender recognition certificate and is legally a man.

It found her be a domineering as chief executive who who did not understand the limits on her roles authority and it said Wadhwa failed to set professional standards of behaviour within the organisation.

She was portrayed as incompetent, overseeing an organisation with systemic failures and a chaotic approach in key areas such as financial transparency, training and safeguarding for staff and clients.

Wadhwa was placed on leave from June this year, a month after she was blamed by the employment tribunal for being the invisible hand in the victimisation of Ms Adams for her gender critical views.

The reviewer, charity sector consultant, Vicky Ling, said she was also told victims were not using the service because they deemed it unsafe, given there was no guarantee of being seen by a counsellor born female.

Roz Adams, an ERCC worker under Wadhwa, sparked the independent investigation into the centre after an employment tribunal found she had been subjected to a heresy hunt for suggesting rape victims should know the sex of their counsellor

And she recommended ERCC refer any concerned survivors to guaranteed women only services such as Beira's Place, the rape help centre funded by JK Rowling and condemned by Wadhwa as transphobic.

Wadhwa labelled rape victims bigots and transphobes if they doubted whether a man identifying as a woman should run a centre helping women recover from male violence.

She said any staff who did not think all trans women were women should be fired.

According to the employment tribunal, Madhwa was on a mission to 'cleanse the organisation of those who did not follow her beliefs.

In 2021, Wadhwa caused outrage when she told listeners of the Guilty Feminist podcast that some rape victims were bigoted people who needed to reframe their trauma and be re-educated if they didnt agree all trans women were female.

The report said Wadhwas controversial comments caused damage to individuals and to the reputation of the organisation.

The report said the work environment at ERCC was unhealthy and with high sickness rates and that staff were likely to be too scared to question Wadhwas trans activist approach.

It recommended an overhaul of the culture at ERCC including the establishment of policies which would guarantee there would be no victimisation of any staff who did not agree with trans-inclusion within the service.
A tradie who cable-tied three Indigenous children who were trespassing on his family's vacant property performed a legal citizen's arrest, a detective has told a court.

Matej Radelic appeared in Broome Magistrates Court on Thursday to face three counts of aggravated common assault over zip-tying the children, aged six, seven and eight, in March after he caught them swimming in the property's pool.

Detective Senior Sergeant Jarrad Collins gave evidence recounting his arrest of Radelic after police were called to the Cable Beach property in Broome in Western Australia's far north.

Under cross-examination, Sergeant Collins confirmed he wrote a report on the evening of the incident describing Radelic's act as a 'legal citizen's arrest'.

Perth defence lawyer Seamus Rafferty SC asked the detective if he still believed Radelic's arrest was legal.

'Yes,' Sergeant Collins replied.

Reflecting on this answer in his closing address, Mr Raffery stated: 'God knows how he (Sergeant Collins) charged him (Radelic) after that', according to a report by The Australian.

The court was also shown body-worn camera footage from the day of the incident, in which Radelic spoke at length to police about his frustrations with having had both his and his parents' properties repeatedly vandalised.

Matej Radelic is facing three counts of aggravated common assault over zip-tying three Indigenous children, aged six, seven and eight, in March after he caught them swimming in a pool on a property owned by his parents

He told officers there had been four previous incidents at the properties where bricks and pavers from the pool area used to smash sliding doors and windows.

Radelic claimed the repairs had cost him more than $10,000 and hampered his efforts to sell the house.

'Who the heck is going to fix these damages now?' he said.

'I can't even sell the place, I was supposed to sell the place today.

'Previous three times they went in my house and trashed my whole house.

'How many times does this place have to trashed? Every time this happens I am just paying for it all the time.

'Are they going to pay for it? Are they going to take their Centrelink payments and pay for it?

'Fix the windows and two days later it is smashed up again.

'Everything is locked, everything is protected but they just jump the fence all the time.

'There's no consequences for anybody, just for me.'

An officer replies: 'I can understand your frustration.'

Radelic said the situation was 'spiralling out of control'.

'It just escalates, escalates, escalates until someone gets hurt or someone is going to end up in jail,' he said.

He told officers he 'restrained' the three children.

'I put them down to sit and then I didn't touch them,' he explained in the footage.

Radelic claimed an older ringleader escaped when he caught the three children in the pool but then came back to his property to threaten him.

Footage of the three restrained children sparked an outrage with WA Premier Roger Cook labelling the images 'confronting', 'disturbing' and 'distressing'

'The kid was still outside, he had a big knife like that. He hit my car twice,' Radelic said.

He said the children's mother also came on his property.

'What I said to her was wait outside the fence, I called the police, just calm down girl,' he told the officers.

'They are fine just sitting in the shed.

'All these other people rocked up and started to threaten me. I told them to stay out of the property and that was it.'

Radelic also said he wouldn't have restrained the children if he knew police were going to arrive promptly.

'I zip-tie them and wait for you guys,' he told officers on the day.

'I mean you took a bit of time to come here but if you came in 10 minutes it wouldn't be a problem.

'If I let them go there would be no consequences at all. I want to press charges against the mother and the whole family.'

The court also heard that police arrived at the home 37 minutes after Radelic called, despite the property being a five-minute drive from the Broome police station

Mr Rafferty produced documents showing police had made the incident a 'priority 3' matter', meaning other incidents deemed more serious had priority.

He said Radelic performed his duties as required under a citizen's arrest by informing police of the matter as soon as possible.

Mr Rafferty asked Sergeant Collins if it was 'simply not good enough' that police didn't arrive at sooner.

'I would have liked for us to have gotten there earlier,' he admitted.

When officers questioned Radelic about zip-tying the children in the footage he said:" 'if I need to go to jail I will but this is ridiculous'.

'I am the owner of the property and I don't have any rights,' he said.

'Who is going to protect me? I am paying tax, doing all the right things, I work 12 hours a day, six days a week and my place is getting trashed all the time.'

Police prosecutor Micheal Gregg argued that there were other options available to Radelic.

He noted the children were already compliant before being tied up.

'The circumstances simply weren't there to justify the force,' he told the court.

Magistrate Deen Potter has reserved his decision until October.

Footage of the incident, showing two of the children crying, caused widespread outrage and threatened to tear the Broome community apart.

WA Premier Roger Cook labelling the images 'confronting', 'disturbing' and 'distressing'.

The Commissioner for Children and Young People WA, Jacqueline McGowan-Jones, issued a statement saying she was 'appalled' by the incident.

Additional police were deployed to Broome in the wake of the incident because of rising community tensions.
An officer opened fire inside a police station in the south-western Pakistani city of Quetta, killing a suspect held on accusations of blasphemy, a local official said.

The dead man was identified as Syed Khan. Police said he had been arrested the day before, after officers snatched him from an enraged mob that claimed he had insulted Islam's Prophet Mohammed.

According to police official Mohammad Khurram, the officer involved in the fatal shooting has been arrested. Mr Khurram did not provide further details.

Killings of suspects while in police custody are rare in Pakistan, where accusations of blasphemy - sometimes even just rumours - are common and often spark rioting and rampage by mobs that can escalate into lynching and killings.

Under Pakistan's controversial blasphemy laws, anyone found guilty of insulting Islam or Islamic religious figures can be sentenced to death - though authorities have yet to carry out a death sentence for blasphemy.

An officer (not pictured) opened fire inside a police station in the south-western Pakistani city of Quetta, killing a suspect held on accusations of blasphemy, a local official said

In the case of Mr Khan, the man killed on Thursday, local residents claimed he had used derogatory remarks against the prophet and went after him.

After he was arrested, the mob surrounded the station, demanding police hand Mr Khan back to them so they could kill him.

At one point, a man hurled a grenade at the station on Wednesday while a group of Islamists briefly blocked a key road in the city, demanding punishment for Mr Khan.

The crowd dispersed later in the day after officials managed to calm them down.

Pakistan has witnessed a surge in attacks on blasphemy suspects in recent years.

In June, a mob broke into a police station in the north-western town of Madyan, snatched a man who was held there and then lynched him over allegations that he had desecrated Islam's holy book, the Koran.

The attackers also torched the station and burned police vehicles parked there. The killed man was a tourist staying at a hotel in town when the locals turned on him and accused him of blasphemy.

Last year, a mob in the eastern Punjab province attacked churches and homes of Christians after claiming they saw a local Christian and his friend desecrating pages from a Koran.

In June, a furious mob beat and torched to death a tourist in northwestern Pakistan over allegations he had desecrated Islam's holy book, the Quran

Local residents look at a spot where a Muslim mob lynched and burned a man over allegations that he had desecrated Islam's holy book, the Quran, in Madyan in June

Under Pakistan's controversial blasphemy laws, anyone found guilty of insulting Islam or Islamic religious figures can be sentenced to death

The attack in the district of Jaranwala drew nationwide condemnation, but Christians say the men linked to the violence are yet to be put on trial.

A policeman in 2011 killed a former governor of Punjab province after accusing him of blasphemy. That officer, Mumtaz Qadri, was later sentenced to death and hanged.

However, support for him grew after his hanging, with tens of thousands attending his funeral in the garrison city of Rawalpindi. Many in Punjab still today considered him a martyr.

Quetta, a conservative city in south-western Pakistan is also the capital of the restive Balochistan province, where militant groups stage near daily attacks and where separatists have waged a decades-long insurgency against the government in Islamabad.

It comes after two brothers accused of blasphemy and defacing a Koran in Pakistan, sparking a 5,000-strong mob to attack their Christian enclave, were freed after six months in jail in March.
A British expat who ditched his 30,000 a year nine-to-five job in London and moved to America is now running a multi-million dollar cemetery business in the 'deep south'.

Tim Amoui, 35, from Bolton, and his American fiancee Shayda Frost, 36, took over Lincoln Memorial Group in Atlanta, Georgia, after inheriting the business from her late father.

The cemetery business turns over around 4.6million a year (six million dollars).

Tim quit his nine-to-five communications job at PR firm Third City in London to move to the US six years ago.

The couple now service more than 1,000 burials a year and oversee six cemeteries covering 250 acres of land  which they must maintain 'forever'.

Tim Amoui, 35, from Bolton, and his American fiancee Shayda Frost, 36, at Lincoln Cemetery

Tim says he now calls himself a 'cemeterian' after quitting his traditional nine-to-five

Tim quit his nine-to-five communications job at PR firm Third City in London to move to the US six years ago

Tim said: 'When I tell people back home that I run cemeteries in Atlanta they don't believe me, they think I'm joking.

'To think I used to be riding the tube to work every morning and now I'm in Atlanta running cemeteries seems insane, but I guess you never know what life has planned for you.

'I now refer to myself as a cemeterian.'

He described the move as 'life changing', saying he now wakes up in the morning worrying about people falling into freshly dug graves and thinking about 'monuments, mausoleums and crypts'.

Tim and Shayda met through friends in London in 2011, where Shayda was completing a course at the MetFilm School in Ealing, west London.

They soon started dating, but after finishing her diploma, Shayda moved to Los Angeles (LA), California, to pursue a career in Hollywood.

Over the next four years, the pair juggled a long-distance relationship until in July 2018, Tim finally decided to leave his nine-to-five job at Third City where he earned around 30,000 a year and join Shayda on the West Coast.

After moving to LA, Shayda's father Jack sadly passed away from cancer, and overnight the couple inherited six cemeteries in Atlanta, Georgia.

While Tim said he had always dreamed of running his own business, managing cemeteries had never crossed his mind.

Tim said that 'never in a million years did I think I would be in the deep south selling cemetery spaces'

The couple, who are due to get married this October, moved to Atlanta and took over the reins of Lincoln Memorial Group in July 2023

The company buries 1,000 people a year and turns over around six million dollars annually

Asked what the best part of their job is, Tim said: 'It's the community aspect, because we have a duty to serve the community of Atlanta

He said: 'It was a risky move because neither of us had any experience running a company let alone cemeteries.

'At the end of the day, I've always wanted to have something of my own and I was always looking for the right opportunity.

'But never in a million years did I think I would be in the deep south selling cemetery spaces.'

The couple, who are due to get married this October, moved to Atlanta and took over the reins of Lincoln Memorial Group in July 2023.

The company, which buries 1,000 people a year, turns over around six million dollars annually and its flagship cemetery Lincoln is one of the most famous in the United States as it houses several leading civil rights figures such as Ralph Abernathy and Hosea Williams.

The couple are also exploring ways of adding cremations to their list of services, which currently includes traditional burials and entombment, where the body is housed in a mausoleum or crypt.

Asked what the best part of their job is, Tim said: 'It's the community aspect, because we have a duty to serve the community of Atlanta.

'It's a unique challenge because whereas other companies can come and go, this business has to be here forever.

'Over 100,000 people have been buried at Lincoln and ultimately their loved ones and relatives come here to honour them, so I think that's pretty special.'
A man has died after falling from a balcony at Glasgows Gallery of Modern Art.

Emergency services went to the scene in the citys Royal Exchange Square at around 12.30pm on Wednesday.

Police said the 55-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene.

The gallery, known as GoMA, closed early for the rest of the day following the incident and is expected to reopen today.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: Around 12.30pm on Wednesday, September 11, we received a report a man had fallen from height inside an art gallery on Royal Exchange Square.

Glasgows Gallery of Modern Art, where the 55-year-old man died after falling from a balcony

Emergency services attended, but the 55-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene.

There are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances and a report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal.

In a post on X on Wednesday, the gallery said: The Gallery of Modern Art has closed early today after a member of the public fell from a balcony. Emergency services are in attendance.

The building will reopen as normal Thursday September 12 at 10am.

The Scottish Ambulance Service said: We received a call at 12.23 to attend an incident on Royal Exchange Square, Glasgow.

We dispatched one ambulance, one paramedic response unit, and one trauma team to the scene.

GoMA is housed in an early 19th century, neoclassical building which once belonged to Tobacco Lord William Cunninghame.

The museum was first opened in 1996 and attracts more than 500,000 visitors a year.

Last year it hosted a Banksy exhibition which broke the box-office record with around 180,000 people attending over the 10-week run.

It is also known for the traffic cone which famously sits on the head of the Duke of Wellington statue outside the venue.
Royal Navy commandos have stormed their first 'narco sub', seizing two-tonnes of cocaine worth a staggering 160m.

Royal Marines based on patrol ship HMS Trent made the historic bust during a patrol in the Caribbean.

The secret underwater submarine is used by drug cartels to ferry huge quantities for narcotics around the world.

Powered by twin electric engines, the stealthy boats can glide undetected under the waves, carrying up to six-tonnes of drugs.

A boarding team made up of Royal Marines from 47 Commando, specialist sailors and US Coast Guard personnel, clambered aboard the vessel in waters 190 nautical miles south of the Dominican Republic.

This is the moment elite commandos from the Royal Marines stormed their first 'narco-sub'

The submarine was intercepted in the Caribbean and was packed with 160m of cocaine

Royal Navy personnel on board HMS Trent, supported by the US Coast Guard, made the seizure last month, (pictured are naval staff with some of the drugs seized)

The crack team of operators seized 2,000kg of cocaine with a street value of 160m, striking yet another huge blow to the Caribbean drugs trade. It is one of the largest seizures by British personnel of recent years.

The bust is the eighth carried out by Portsmouth-based HMS Trent, which has stropped 750m of drug reaching Britain in just seven months.

HMS Trent's Commanding Officer, Commander Tim Langford, said: 'It has been a busy yet rewarding eight months for Trent whilst deployed to the Caribbean, and this latest seizure reinforces the utility of Royal Navy's Offshore Patrol Vessels in the delivery of this vital tasking.

'My skilled team and our embarked USCG Law Enforcement Detachment fought challenging conditions to interdict this semi-submersible  rarely seen in the Caribbean  and were rewarded with another record haul.

'These operations are a team effort, and require involvement from every single member of my crew irrespective of their usual role  they can be extremely proud of what they have achieved.'

This eighth drugs bust took place on August 26, just 72 hours after Trent's last successful raid in which 462kg of cocaine worth 37m was seized.

About 90 nautical miles north of where they stopped the narco-sub, a high-speed night-time pursuit by Trent's sea boats saw two suspects and 12 bales of drugs seized, ready to be handed over to US authorities.

Portsmouth-based patrol ship HMS Trent (pictured) has carried out eight busts in just seven months, seizing almost 750million of drugs

Pictured are boarding teams from HMS Trent surrounding the drug-running submarine

A sailor from HMS Trent is seen carrying a bag of narcotics seized from the narco sub

Having seized 9,459kg of narcotics  worth nearly 750m  Trent surpasses HMS Argyll as the best hunter of smugglers in the Royal Navy this century, smashing the frigate's 620m running total.

These successful interceptions disrupt Transnational Criminal Organisations (TCO), and underscore the Royal Navy's vital role in maintaining maritime security and upholding international law both at home and abroad.

This role is more important than ever with the flow of drugs to Europe and the UK, where an estimated 117 tonnes is consumed per year, grows significantly.

HMS Trent is now continuing with its patrol of the Caribbean.

As well as hunting down drug gangs. Trent can also provide humanitarian aid during the hurricane season.

A sub of cocaine at the end of a rainbow: Royal Navy boarding teams approach the blue narco submarine

Aboard the ship are around 50 specialists in disaster relief operations, including Crisis Response Troop from 24 Commando Royal Engineers.

As well as carrying equipment to make repairs to damaged infrastructure and life-saving medical supplies, the ship has a drone system, called the Puma, which provides vital reconnaissance and surveillance.

The ship recently visited the British Virgin Islands, making repairs on Tortola after Tropical Storm Ernesto had passed through the region.

Last night, Armed Forces minister Luke Pollard said: We are sending a clear message to drug traffickers that nowhere is safe and we will disrupt and dismantle their operations wherever they are in the world.
A life-sized replica of HMS Endeavour that Captain Cook sailed on is up for sale - with suggestions buyers could turn it into a nightclub, Indian restaurant, or even a chippy.

The Endeavour is currently moored in Whitby harbour where it has been since 2018, near where Captain Cook was born and where he and his crew set off from in the original vessel in 1768.

However, another key attraction for potential owners is that the 18th-century ship can be relocated anywhere in the world and repurposed to become anything from a lavish houseboat to a nightclub or wedding venue.

It has been fully refurbished and its listing on Rightmove shows it has had offers of more than 1.5million.

The vessel has a fully equipped kitchen, three decks with a capacity for 250 people and a licence to sell alcohol, making it perfect for hospitality developments.

The life-sized replica of HMS Endeavour that Captain Cook at Whitby harbour

Inside one of the rooms in the replica of HMS Endeavour, the ship famously used by Cpt Cook

Part of the vessel are mocked up to show how it was in Cook's time, when he sailed to Australia

The top deck is dedicated to seating with the main deck acting as a visitor attraction complete with a bar while the lower deck has a dedicated hospitality area, a commercial kitchen, another bar and further seating for 100 people.

Nationwide Business Sales also state on their listing that 'sales in the peak season can reach 10,000 per day' when the ship has been used for hospitality.

Simon Burbidge, head of sales and marketing at estate agent Nationwide Business Sales, said the boat is well-known around Whitby and would bring attention and history to any area it was moved to.

Simon said: 'It's currently used as a tourist attraction so there's parts of it where you can see how life was on the ship.

'The main room that was used by Captain Cook when they were plotting the maps out and stuff, they've got a replica table in there so it's all quite accurate.

'He discovered parts of the world we knew nothing about, it was almost as important in that period as the internet is to us now.

'If it's a lovely sunny day they can sit on the deck and it makes you think this is what it would be like sitting on the harbour on a beautiful sailboat.

'It's got a bar, it's got a cellar. Plenty of seating inside and outside so it could be used as a wedding venue, it could be used as a function venue, it could be used as an Indian restaurant, it could be used as a fish and chip shop.

'It can be used as anything. At the moment it makes most of its money over the summer because of where it's currently sited. It's one of the most striking visual things people see on the way into Whitby.

'So if you put that anywhere in the UK, it becomes the focal point of people's attention upon the arrival to somewhere where there is water because you don't see boats like that.'

One of the sitting areas on board the replica of the ship that Captain Cook sailed on

Another sitting area aboard the life-sized replica of HMS Endeavour. Estate agent Simon Burbidge said: 'It could be used as a wedding venue, it could be used as a function venue, it could be used as an Indian restaurant, it could be used as a fish and chip shop'

One of the bars on board the life-sized replica of HMS Endeavour. Cook's men had to do without such luxuries

Another section of sitting area aboard the life-sized replica of HMS Endeavour, which is for sale

Inside one of the rooms onboard the ship

The top deck on the life-sized replica of HMS Endeavour

Aerial image of the ship at Whitby harbour

One of the bars onboard the life-sized replica of HMS Endeavour, which took Cook to Australia and New Zealand in the 1760s

Once Captain James Cook left Whitby port on The Endeavour, it carried him to South America, Australia and New Zealand in the 1760s.

The replica ship cannot sail by itself and therefore has to be towed to anywhere around the world, however Mr Burbidge said this hasn't sunken the interest out of buyers and enquiries have come from as far as Oslo.

He said: 'It literally could go anywhere. Somebody could well buy it and lease it each year to different ports.

'It has to be towed, it doesn't have proportion or working sails and because it's made of metal it weighs 400 tonnes. It can be towed anywhere.

'Someone could put a motor on if they wanted to and they could put decorative sails on so that it looks even more authentic.

'Someone might turn around and go actually do you know what I just want the biggest and most unique houseboat to be in one of the residential moorings that are scattered around the UK.

'It's rich with history which is really unique.'

Aerial image of the ship at Whitby harbour - the new owner will be free to tow it away

The vessel was been spotted by many on social media with house hunters posting the listing to social media, fascinated by the fact the property can be moved.

One user said: 'Not often that 'can be moved' is in the synopsis of the property.'

Another user said: 'I can't even explain how much it hurts that I love this place! If I had a ton of money to frit away, I'd buy this ship in an instant.'

Another said: 'Oh it's lovely but needs a bit of a tidy for it to be useful.. Would make a nice floating hotel.'
A former executive at Google described wanting to 'crush' competitors and one employee said it was 'better to cannibalize ourselves' than let other technology companies win, a court heard.

The comments were revealed in an antitrust case in which the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has accused Google of 'controlling' digital advertising, including on news websites, through monopolistic behavior.

The case is being heard in a federal court in Alexandria, Virginia by Judge Leonie Brinkema, without a jury.

In 2008 Google acquired a company called DoubleClick and launched an advertising technology tool called DFP, the court heard.

Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai. Google has been accused of holding a monopoly in the online advertising business and using anti-competitive strategies to depress news publishers

It is still used by most publishers today to sell advertising space on their websites.

Google also owns the main tool used by advertisers to buy that space, the court heard.

And it has the major exchange where instantaneous auctions are held to match publishers seeking advertisers. The exchange takes a 20 percent commission.

On the third day of the trial DOJ lawyers began to introduce evidence of how Google employees thought about the company's products at the time it is alleged they set out to dominate the advertising technology market.

The court was shown an email from 2009 which recorded the views of an executive from DoubleClick who had gone to work at Google.

It was a note of a presentation he had given to Google sales teams in London.

The note said: 'I really believe that if we execute on this stuff we'll be able to crush the other networks and this is our goal.

'Google has created what's comparable to the NYSE or London Stock Exchange.'

It also described how for publishers 'switching platforms (away from DFP) is a nightmare, it takes an act of God to do it.'

The executive left Google about a year after the email, the court heard.

DFP went on to be used by almost all publishers as they needed it to tap into Google's massive pool of advertisers through its AdX exchange, the court heard.

However, around 2014 a new process called 'header bidding' (HB) emerged, which allowed publishers to use advertising exchanges other than Google's.

In 2018 another Google employee wrote an email outlining how it was responding to the threat.

'The problem is that HB exists. The origin of HB is that publishers felt locked in...and HB was born,' the employee said.

It was a 'no brainer for publishers to adopt it (HB),' the email added.

Outlining a series of methods being used to counter header bidding the email said one called Exchange Bidding 'stems the bleeding and I think it's better to cannibalize ourselves than see others take share from us.'

Another move was codenamed 'Project Poirot' - after Agatha Christie's fictional detective.

An internal Google document shown to the court featured an image of a mustache to denote it was part of Project Poirot.

It was also marked 'privileged and confidential' and showed that AdX was doing better, while competing exchanges were faring worse as a result of the complicated strategy.

Google denies the allegations against it, saying it faces fierce competition from rival digital advertising companies.

Rejecting suggestions it monopolized display advertising on websites Google lawyers showed the court an internal chart from 2017 giving projections up to 2020.

The chart showed Google's display revenue flat, with Facebook growing, and Amazon a 'threat'.

Later, the DOJ called Dr R. Ravi, a computer science professor at Carnegie Mellon University, who said the tech giant engaged in conduct that 'advantaged Google and disadvantaged its rivals.'

That included using advertising technology concepts known by names including 'First Look,' 'Last Look,' 'Sell-Side DRS' and Uniform Pricing Rules (UPR).

Asked about 'Last Look' he said: 'It didn't give publishers the highest revenue possible.'

Google lawyers told the court all the techniques mentioned had ended by 2019 and the only one remaining was UPR.

They said it is not the only company to offer the products advertisers and publishers need, and that Microsoft, Amazon, and Meta have similar offerings.

If Judge Brinkema finds that Google broke the law she would consider DOJ requests to make it sell off parts of its business.
Russia is being urged to clearly state its willingness to use nuclear weapons against countries that support Ukraine, with a former Kremlin advisor claiming it can launch a strike on a NATO country without sparking Armageddon.

Sergei Karaganov, the head of the Russian Council for Foreign and Defense Policy, made the bold comment to Kommersant newspaper while pressing President Vladimir Putin to adopt a more assertive nuclear posture towards the West.

Karaganov, suggested in Wednesday's interview that Moscow should consider a limited nuclear strike on a NATO country to signal its readiness to escalate if necessary, without provoking a full-scale conflict.

He said the primary goal of Russia's nuclear doctrine 'should be to ensure that all current and future enemies are sure that Russia is ready to use nuclear weapons'.

The foreign policy adviser argued that the current Russian nuclear doctrine, adopted in 2020, which only allows for nuclear retaliation in the case of a nuclear attack or an existential threat, is inadequate.

Russia is being encouraged to show its willingness to use nuclear weapons in response to any major attack or occupation of its territory, as a means of deterrence. Pictured: Russia's deadly hypersonic 208-ton 15,880 'Satan-2' intercontinental ballistic missile

The current Russian nuclear doctrine, adopted in 2020, only allows for nuclear retaliation in the case of a nuclear attack or an existential threat. Pictured: A Russian BTR-82A armoured personnel carrier and Yars intercontinental ballistic missile systems

Vladimir Putin has previously expressed hope that a nuclear exchange with the West would never occur

The doctrine clearly stipulates that pre-emptive nuclear strikes are prohibited, but Karaganov underlined that this approach effectively stripped Russia's military and foreign policy from nuclear deterrence.

He criticised the approach as 'irresponsible and even suicidal', claiming it fails to deter adversaries and could lead to Russia's 'decline and possibly even collapse if not revised.

According to Karaganov, Russia needs to assert its right to use weapons in response to any major attack or occupation of its territory, as a means of deterrence.

'We have allowed the situation to deteriorate to a point where our adversaries believe we will not use nuclear weapons under any circumstances,' Karaganov said.

He insisted that Russia should declare any large-scale attack on its territory as justification for a nuclear response, stressing the need for Moscow to include clear 'nuclear escalation' steps in the next doctrine.

This, he believes, would eliminate any doubts about Russia's readiness to use its nuclear arsenal.

'It's high time we stated that any massive strikes against our territory give us a right to respond with a nuclear strike,' he said.

'It is time to declare that we have the right to respond to any massive strikes on our territory with a nuclear strike. This also applies to any seizure of our territory,' he added.

In the interview, Kommersant journalist Elena Chernenko asked Karaganov how he could be sure that the policy he was advocating would not lead to all-out nuclear war.

'The assertion that any limited use of nuclear weapons will necessarily lead to a general nuclear Armageddon does not stand up to criticism,' he said.

'I assure you that all nuclear powers have plans for the calibrated use of nuclear weapons under certain scenarios.'

Karaganov added, 'I am not calling for a dangerous path, I am calling for saving the world and Russia. Either we win this war, or we fall apart.

'The West can fight endlessly, this war is very beneficial to it. And I am not calling for a nuclear war at all, I would very much like not to bring things to this, but to stop before having to make a terrible choice.'

The remarks come just weeks after Ukraine captured a section of Russia's Kursk region, which Moscow is still trying to reclaim, and as Kiev seeks permission from Western allies to deploy long-range missiles for strikes deep within Russian territory.

Karaganov also warned that the failure to strengthen Russia's nuclear deterrence could lead to a series of wars that may escalate into World War III within a few years.

Such a catastrophic failure 'would plunge the world into a series of wars that would inevitably turn nuclear and end up with the World War III,' he said.

Karaganov's views, though not official policy, are closely monitored by Western security experts as they reflect the more aggressive elements within Russia's strategic discussions.

But despite his recommendations, Putin has maintained a more cautious approach.

Speaking at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum in June, Putin emphasised that Russia is 'not brandishing' its nuclear weapons and expressed hope that a nuclear exchange with the West would never occur.

Some analysts in the West say Karaganov performs a useful function for the Kremlin by voicing views that stir alarm in the West while making Putin appear calm and moderate by comparison.
Scotland's only oil refinery is to close by the summer of next year, with the loss of 400 jobs.

Owner Petroineos said the closure of the refinery at Grangemouth, Stirlingshire, was necessary because it was unable to compete with sites in Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

The company said the decision would safeguard fuel supply for Scotland by converting the site into a terminal able to import petrol, diesel, aviation fuel and kerosene into Scotland.

But this would require a workforce of fewer than 100 employees - compared to the current 475.

The company announced last November that it intended to close the plant.

The oil refinery at Grangemouth is set to close next summer

But union leaders had hoped the facility could remain open longer to provide time for a green alternative to be established at the site.

Petroineos bosses said they expected the new hub for finished fuels to open by early summer next year.

The oil refinery was opened by BP in 1924 and expanded into petrochemicals in the 1950s.

It serves as the primary supplier of aviation fuel for Scotlands main airports, and is a major supplier of petrol and diesel ground fuels across the Central Belt.

Ineos acquired the site in 2005 and are responsible for the entire plant, while the refinery itself is owned by Petroineos - a joint venture between Ineos and PetroChina.

Petroineos stated that the size of the site meant that high levels of capital expenditure each year were spent on it, which outweighed the companys earnings.

Frank Demay, the companys chief executive said: Demand for key fuels we produce at Grangemouth has already started to decline and, with a ban on new petrol and diesel cars due to come into force within the next decade, we foresee that the market for those fuels will shrink further.

That reality, aligned with the cost of maintaining a refinery built half a century ago, means we are exploring ways to adapt our business.

The action we are taking to create an import terminal will safeguard fuel supply for Scotland.

We currently expect Grangemouth to be ready to operate as a national distribution hub for finished fuels in the second quarter of next year.

Grangemouth is one of six refineries in the UK and the only one in Scotland.

Ineos acquired the site in 2005 and is responsible for the entire plant

In July, the UK and Scottish Governments announced a jointly-funded 1.6million study into the long-term future of Grangemouth, but the risk of job losses remained.

Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said the Project Willow report would look at how the petrochemical site could become a clean energy hub.

He said it showed the commitment of ministers and unions to work constructively with Petroineous, owner of the complex, which employs 2,000 people.

At the time, Mr Murray said: It would be wrong to give a false dawn to the workforce at the moment, but what we can say with great confidence is that were putting together a report that shows a long-term future for the site and its a real commitment from both governments to work together.

Mr Murray was speaking after meeting UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband and acting SNP Energy Secretary Gillian Martin.

Mr Miliband had said the UK Government will leave no stone unturned in seeking a future for the Grangemouth site and its workers.

Industry experts have warned plans to wind down the site and turn it into an import depot will have a devastating impact.

Scotland will lose hundreds of highly skilled engineering apprenticeships then the refinery closes.

Earlier this year, Robert Buirds, a former Unite union official who previously chaired the Grangemouth Contractors Forum, said: There are dozens of companies who rely on Grangemouth directly or in the supply chain to be able to offer hundreds of apprenticeships to young people in vital engineering fields.

The site is effectively a national training base which recruits every year, so closure would be a major blow to Scotlands engineering skills, but this doesnt seem to be a consideration for the government.

We are talking about welders, platers, mechanics, electricians, all of the skills that will be central to Scotlands ability to create quality jobs for the future, not just in traditional energy sectors like oil and gas, but also in renewables like wind and solar.

People are not grasping just how devastating the closure of the oil refinery will be for our skill base and the fact that once these things are gone it is incredibly difficult to get them back.

The training in high-skilled jobs that are available offshore, for example, are not taught offshore.

The training is onshore, at places like Grangemouth, so closing the refinery will impact on the ability of Scottish workers to get well paid offshore jobs.

Ineos chief executive Jim Ratcliffe is one of Britains richest men, with a fortune -estimated at about 30billion.

He controls between 50 and 75 per cent of Ineos, with an annual turnover of more than 50billion.

He bought a 27.7 per cent stake in Manchester United this year.

Yesterday the Scottish and UK Governments announced a joint investment plan for Grangemouth and pledged to work together for an industrial future for the site.

The Scottish Government has been working with the UK Government to deliver an investment plan that will help secure Grangemouths industrial future and protect its skilled workforce.

Ministers urged Petroineos to keep the oil refining operation open for as long as possible, emphasising the companys responsibility to its employees and the community.

The Scottish Government said: As the company has made clear that there is no viable commercial future for the refinery business, the Scottish and UK Governments have today unveiled a package to help the workforce, invest in the area and secure a viable industrial future for the Grangemouth site, as one of Scotlands key industrial heartlands.

Net Zero and Energy Secretary Gillian Martin said: My immediate thoughts are with the workforce.

This is a very challenging time for them and their families, and we will support every worker affected by this decision.

We are working very closely with the UK Government and together we have communicated our disappointment to Petroineos today.

The Scottish Government has consistently made clear our preference was for refining to continue as long as possible, and we have continued to press the shareholders for a positive decision until the 11th hour.

Workers walk past protesters blocking the main entrance to Ineos plant in October 2020

Tory MSP Stephen Kerr described the news as 'devastating' and said workers' worst fears had been confirmed

Workers outside the plant, which is due to close next year, after news that it was closing broke on Thursday

The oil refinery was opened by BP in 1924 and expanded into petrochemicals in the 1950s

Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said: I understand this is a worrying time for the workers at the refinery and the UK Government is working closely with the Scottish Government and Petroineos to ensure they are being supported.

Both governments have invested in Project Willow to examine how Grangemouth remains an energy hub in Scotland. The enhanced 100 million Falkirk and Grangemouth Growth Deal announced today will help ensure the long-term future of the site - a key part of our journey to clean energy by 2030.

We remain committed to working together looking at how we can help the area build on its skilled workforce and local expertise to boost economic growth.

Scottish Conservative Central Scotland MSP Stephen Kerr said: This is devastating news for the workforce at Grangemouth whose worst fears have been confirmed.

My thoughts are with all those employees and their families who will be impacted by the closure next year which will be a hammer blow for the local area as well as Scotlands wider economy.

Given the threat of closure has been a real possibility for some time, it is unacceptable that workers have failed to hear any sort of support plans from the SNP and Labour governments during this period of great uncertainty.

Ministers must now act with urgency as to how they will help those workers who are about to lose their jobs in the wake of this massive loss to Scotlands industrial base.

If they fail to do so, it will sum up their hostile attitude towards the future of the oil and gas sector across Scotland.
Aurora police have identified the Tren de Aragua gangsters arrested in connection to their reported violent takeover of several apartment complexes in the city.

The Aurora Police department had previously denied that the criminal group from Venezuela was operating in properties in the Denver suburb, even after shocking security footage showed armed men breaking into the units of one complex.

Many of the arrests stem from violent activity at the properties, particularly the Whispering Pines apartments, whose landlord has claimed the gang overtook the property late last year and began charging 'rent' from tenants.

Some of the arrests stem as far back as late 2023, when, according to the property's managers, the gang established a 'stranglehold' on the property, engaging in assaults, threats of murder, extortion and even child prostitution.

Yoendry Vilchez Medina-Jose was arrested in August 5 and is accused of assault at the complex last November.

Aurora police have identified the Tren de Aragua gangsters arrested in connection to their reported violent takeover of several apartment complexes in the city

Many of the arrests stem from violent activity at the properties, particularly the Whispering Pines apartments, whose landlord has claimed the gang overtook the property late last year and began charging 'rent' from tenants

A firm hired by the owners of the complex had previously said that in November, a consultant was so allegedly severely beaten and stomped by gang members that he had to go to the hospital. It's not clear if this is the same assault that Medina-Jose is accused of.

Meanwhile Juan Carlos Mejia-Espana was arrested on March 17 after a reported domestic dispute with a weapon, Yorman Camilo Sangronis-Garcia was arrested on February 4 over a hit-and-run crash at the complex and Larry Medina was arrested on July 10 in connection with felony menacing.

They are all documented members of Tren de Aragua.

TdA member Jhonardy Pacheco-Chirinos was arrested after an alleged assault in November 2023 at Fitzsimons Place apartments at 1568 Nome St. He is also suspected of being involved in a nonfatal shooting at the property on July 28.

His brother Jhonnarty Dejesus Pacheco-Chirinos, a fellow TdA member, is also accused in the July 28 shooting at the property.

Many of the arrests stem from violent activity at the properties, particularly the Whispering Pines apartments, whose landlord has claimed the gang overtook the property and began charging 'rent' from tenants

Some of the TdA members are accused of crimes at the Fitzsimons Place apartments at 1568 Nome St

Some of the TdA members were arrested for crimes that appear unrelated to the overtaken properties.

Carlos Aranguren-Mayora is accused of 38 crimes all over the Denver area, dating back to December 2023.

Roiberth Daniel Mora-Marquez was arrested in April and accused of assaulting someone over unpaid rent money. He is also a suspect in a nonfatal shooting on June 28.

'For some time, well before concerns about TdA in Colorado generated national attention, APD had been arresting people for various criminal activities who had suspected, but not necessarily confirmed, TdA connections,' the police department said in a statement.

'To date, APD has now linked 10 people to TdA and has arrested eight of those people. Two of the eight individuals who were taken into custody were involved in a July shooting at one of the specific properties in the city that have experienced issues with TdA activity.

'In line with these arrests, we can also now confirm that criminal activity, including TdA issues, had significantly affected those properties.'

Footage from a resident in the Aurora complex appeared to show armed men knocking on an apartment door, intensifying fears the Tren de Aragua gang was in control of the complex

Aurora officials, however, added that 'issues experienced at a select few properties do not apply to the city as a whole or large portions of it.'

'TdA has not "taken over" the city. The overstated claims fueled by social media and through select news organizations are simply not true,' their statement said.

It comes after a bombshell report emerged detailing the Venezuelan gang's takeover of the Whispering Pines.

The law firm Perkins Coie was hired by the lender for Whispering Pines Apartments, 1357 Helena Street, to investigate the reported takeover and claims the gang has been extorting 'rents' from people they moved into vacant units.

The vacant units have reportedly been used to host 'parties' where the gang provides 'drug and child prostitution,' according to the apartments' manager, who added that 'minors are a good source of money.'



The report, issued in August, says that 'Tren de Aragua has threatened to kill (and, in certain instances, has apparently actively attempted to kill) members of Whispering Pines management.'

The gang's activities reported escalated this year, with a housekeeper claiming in April 2024 that a two individuals 'went into an apartment, came out with large firearms, and were coming to kill [the property manager].'

In a visit to the Edge Lory apartments, where the armed men were filmed, interim Aurora police chief Heather Morris said gang members had not taken over and weren't collecting rent

Aurora police are seen at the complex. They say that claims that the building has being taken by a gang are false

The property manager said the two individuals were gang members and arrested as they were coming to kill him.'

The manager also claimed 'gang members allegedly stabbed a Whispering Pines resident for refusing to pay "rent" to the gang.'

He told the law firm that in June the gangsters offered to help him if he paid them 50 percent of the funds collected in rents.

A housekeeper reported that a gang member told her: 'This is our business plan... If he [property manager] doesn't like it, we'll fill him with bullets.'

Former US attorney T. Markus Funk wrote: '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.'

Aurora police had claimed the gang has not taken over any buildings, and city officials indicate the buildings, along with two other apartment complexes, were run down because of neglect by the property manager, CBZ Management.

In a visit to the Edge Lory apartments, where the armed men were filmed, interim Aurora police chief Heather Morris said gang members had not taken over and werent collecting rent. The remarks came after Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman said that 'criminal elements' had taken over some unspecified buildings and were extorting residents.

Aurora Police agent Matthew Longshore reiterated Thursday in an email to The Associated Press that the agency has confirmed residents are not paying rent to gang members, but they found apartment managers are no longer sending representatives to the complex.
The FBI is investigating the death of a 12-year-old boy who plunged to his death aboard a cruise ship.

The preteen fell from a balcony in front of horrified passengers on Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas on September 8.

It is understood he was playing with 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.

The tragedy occurred on the last day of the week long cruise as the ship was heading back to Galveston, Texas.

Now the FBI has revealed it is 'aware' and involved in a probe about the incident.

The boy is reported to have fallen five-stories from a cabin balcony to the Central Park atrium

'An FBI Maritime Liaison Agent, based out of the Texas City Resident Agency, is coordinating with the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the cruise line regarding this incident,' a spokesman said.

'Due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, I am not able to provide additional details at this time.'

The FBI is the primary federal agency authorized to investigate potential crimes on the high seas.

Border patrol agents confirmed they were initially involved but have since handed over the investigation.

'On September 7 CBP was notified of the death of a passenger on a cruise ship while at sea,' a spokesman said.

'Upon arrival to the Galveston Seaport the following day, CBP officers were asked to briefly assist cruise employees on the ship until other law enforcement arrived to investigate the incident.'

Friends said the boy was on board with his family, including two sisters, for a birthday celebration.

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

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 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.'

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

Some passengers wondered if they could help the boy's grieving family

'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.'

'He fell on the concrete sidewalk right outside of Vintages which is a very quiet wine/cocktail bar,' fellow passenger David Jackson said.

'There were only 4 other people in there on the far wall and the two bartenders. There was no music playing so you can imagine what it sounded like.

'My heart is so broken for that family and I've been thinking about it all week. I know it will fade with time, but yeah, it was so sad and unfortunate that we were there.'

'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.'

Attorney Spencer Aronfeld, who has been going head to head with cruise operators for the last 35 years, told The Washington Post it would be 'extremely unlikely' the boy simply fell over.

'The majority of railing cases I've investigated deal with intoxicated passengers sitting in the railings or leaning over the railings or intentionally going over,' he wrote.

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'.
A bronze sculpture of Prince Philip deemed 'possibly the poorest quality work' ever submitted must be removed.

The under-fire statue will be axed after planning bosses refused permission, but supporters slammed the decision as 'censorship'.

The 13-foot-high bronze sculpture, which cost 150,000 and was described as having a 'harmful material impact' on the area, appeared in Cambridge one morning without any prior warning to residents.

But now the planning inspectorate has ruled 'The Don' must be removed from its post on the corner of Hills Road and Norwich Street in a ruling that brought a months'-long planning battle to an end.

But not all are happy, with some residents accusing the council of 'jumping on the bandwagon' of removing statues of historical figures.

The work of art, which represents Prince Philip in his role as Vice Chancellor of Cambridge University, appeared suddenly at its current location in July, but has been the subject of a planning permission row since March.

The 150,000 13-ft sculpture called 'The Don' (left) - a towering bronze statue designed to pay tribute to the late Duke of Edinburgh's (right) 35 years as Vice Chancellor of Cambridge University - was built in 2014 but planning bosses say it must now be removed

Those who want it to stay called the move 'leftie, woke censorship'  and accused the council of 'jumping on the bandwagon' of removing statues of historical figures

No love lost: The 13-foot-high bronze sculpture of Prince Philip described as 'possibly the poorest quality work' ever submitted

City planners refused permission for the statue to be displayed outside a new office block on Hills Road in 2014, describing it as the worst piece of public art they had ever seen.

An enforcement notice issued by the Greater Cambridge Shared Planning Service (GCSP) on March 5 said it appeared the sculpture had been erected within the last four years without planning permission.

The enforcement notice said it has a 'harmful material impact' on the appearance of the area and that it was contrary to policies in the Cambridge Local Plan.

It said the sculpture must be permanently removed along with its foundations and plinth within four months from April 11, unless an appeal is made beforehand.

But its owners, Unex Ltd, argued the statue didn't require planning permission because it was not a development.

In June it launched a fight to keep the statue in its original position.

The city council's planning committee disagreed due to the fact the sculpture weighs three tonnes and stands four meters tall.

In a statement released yesterday, city councillors said the refusal for planning permission for the statue had been upheld by the planning inspectorate and that the statue would have to go.

Katie Porrer, a Market ward councillor who campaigned against the statue said: 'When this statue appeared in such a prominent location with no notice, no consultation and no planning permission, ward councillors worked with residents and the council to enforce against this.

'The owner then pursued an appeal at a costly public enquiry, claiming that the statue did not need planning permission at all, despite being 3 tonnes in weight and installed with no discussion with residents, and then that even if it did need permission, it should be granted!

'The inspector instead agreed with the council's view that it was a development which required permission and then rejected permission as the development had not complied with the public art requirements in the city.

'He also ruled that the owner should pay his costs.

A plaque appearing under the sculpture, named 'The Don', which must be removed from its post on the corner of Hills Road and Norwich Street after a ruling by planning bosses

Prince Philip served as Vice Chancellor of Cambridge University for more than 30 years

'We are very grateful to the council officers who worked extremely hard on this appeal to put over our case to the inspector, as well as the many local residents who joined with ward councillors to put forward their views, and to those who spoke at the public appeal.'

Proving that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, not all residents support the council move to take down the statue.

One man who works on the same street, but asked to remain anonymous told MailOnline previously: 'I don't know why they are singling it out, I like it.

'I think it will be a shame to lose it, maybe they have an issue because it's Prince Philip, but I don't see the harm of recognising the royals with a statue.

The city council's planning committee disagreed with the owners over whether it needed planning permission due to the sculpture weighing three tonnes and standing four metres tall

'There is now censorship but we are all meant to have freedom in this country so we should be able to put up a statue of notable figures instead of jumping on the bandwagon of the historical ones that have been torn down in recent times.

'I think it could have something to do with personal opinions rather than the canvasing the public first.'

Elizabeth Large, who also wanted the statue to stay, added: 'It's art - it does not necessarily need to look human or like a person.'

The artwork was originally attributed to Uruguayan sculptor Pablo Atchugarry, but he later disowned the piece.

Atchugarry, who is an internationally renowned sculptor, whose pieces have been sold at Christies and Sothebys in London, New York, Paris and Amsterdam, called the accusation it was his work 'an abuse.'

He said in 2014, 'I am not the author of this sculpture, and it is an abuse that they had used my name.

'I wish somebody would apologise to me for this misunderstanding'.

But Bill Gredley, the chairmen of Unex Group who developed the piece, staunchly defended the work in 2014 and described it as a 'spectacular piece of art.'

A spokesman for Unex group added in 2014: 'Mr Gredley and others consider it is a rather spectacular bronze with a difference, namely the head and shape as cast together with the bronze being coloured black to resemble the academic clothing and mortarboard.

'Mr Gredley appreciates that art is subjective and therefore has no issue with those who do not like The Don.'

The much-debated monument is not the first to trigger controversy.

Last weekend a bronze sculpture meant to depict Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip and two corgis sparked pure outrage as the public insisted it looks nothing like them.

The controversial statue was created by north Belfast artist Anto Brennan - known for his chess sets of prominent Northern Irish political figures - and was unveiled in Antrim Castle Gardens on Saturday.

A bronze sculpture meant to depict Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip and two corgis has triggered outrage as the public insist it looks nothing like the late monarch

One social media user likened the statue to Mrs Doubtfire, played by late actor Robin Williams

But locals hit out at the piece, with one saying 'whoever signed that off needs their eyes tested'.

Others felt the prince and dogs 'look nice' but the figure meant to represent the late Queen does not look like her and there's 'something not right' about it.

Comments on a Facebook post announcing the sculpture have been turned off after a flood of mocking remarks - with one person saying the Queen looked more like Mrs Doubtfire from the 1993 comedy starring Robin Williams.

The proposal for the sculpture of the late Queen and her corgis came in January 2023, adding to the likeness of Prince Philip which was already there.

When the council posted photos of the statue on Facebook, locals jumped at the chance to express their opinions.

Queen Elizabeth II is pictured walking through the Windsor Great Park

The council posted: 'The sculpture captures Her Majesty in a dignified pose, reflecting her grace, steadfastness and lifelong dedication to public service.

'One of the first of its kind in the UK, the sculpture was created to commemorate Her Late Majesty who passed away two years earlier, on 8 September 2022.

'It fittingly stands adjacent to the statue of her beloved husband, Prince Philip on display at the Parterre Garden within Antrim Castle Gardens for the public to enjoy.

'To complete the scene, the royal couple is joined by two of the more than 30 dogs that Her Majesty owned during her lifetime.'

The Lord-Lieutenant of County Antrim, Mr David McCorkell KStJ, and Deputy Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Paul Dunlop BEM, unveil the sculpture

The controversial statue was created by north Belfast artist Anto Brennan

But one sassy comment said 'At least the dogs look good' and another joked: 'Think you need to ask [discounted online retailer] Temu for your money back.'

A third posted: 'Looks more like Mrs Doubtfire than our late Queen.'

Another slammed the art piece as offensive and said: 'Both need removed and melted down and redone. That's actually offensive.'

Others agreed, saying it is 'definitely not the tribute she deserved' and saying it is an 'insult' to the Queen.

'Absolutely beyond dreadful. It looks utterly ridiculous,' another said.

One local commented: 'The likeness of Prince Philip is ok but that is a shocking sculpture of our late Queen!'

However, one came to the artist's defence and said: 'Such a shame people can only find fault in these, but don't think about the time and effort this guy has put into making them.'
Kamala Harris has a five-point advantage over Donald Trump in the first major nationwide poll taken after the presidential debate.

The vice president has taken a 47 percent to 42 percent lead according to the Reuters/Ipsos survey - that also found most voters think she won the ABC showdown with Trump.

Among voters who said they'd heard about Tuesday's debate, 53 percent said Harris won and 24 percent said Trump won.

Most polls show the 2024 race is still too close to call with just 53 days until the election.

Follow all the updates at our live politics blog.
Angry residents are campaigning to stop sand being taken from 'Britain's best beach' - and being sold on for profit.

Locals say the once tranquil sands of Hayle in Cornwall have seen tonnes of sand removed 'day and night with no thought for the environmental repercussions'.

Resident Sophie Daniels has launched a petition on change.org pleading for the sand removal to cease immediately. It has so far reached 1,689 signatures of its 2,500 target.

Ms Daniels says her roots are deeply ingrained in Hayle Beach where she grew up and witnessed the rich bio-diversity of the local ecosystem.

Authorities say the sand is sold to local firms but is only being dredged as part of a legal requirement to keep 'a safe channel for fishing and sailing boats to navigate'.

Sand is being dug up and removed from Hayle in Cornwall, which has concerned residents

Hayle Beach in Cornwall stretches from Hayle Estuary to Gwithian Towans and Godrevy Point

But Ms Daniels says the sand is being 'mined for profit' and is calling on the community to act and stop the once-tranquil beach from being destroyed any further.

Her petition states: 'Hayle Beach, a gem of Cornwall and voted Best Beach in the UK by The Times, deserves to be protected and nurtured, not exploited.

'The beach is suffering as tonnes of sand is removed day and night, sold for profit with no thought of the environmental repercussion.

'Our plea is simple: cease the sand mining immediately.

'This isn't merely about preserving our beach for recreational purposes, it's about safeguarding our ecosystem, our local community, and our future.'

Ms Daniels argues these works pose a 'serious threat' to the environment.

Residents say the once tranquil beach of Hayle in Cornwall has seen tonnes of sand removed

A sand quarry at Hayle Beach in Cornwall which has been criticised by local residents

She adds: 'The often cited study in the Journal of Coastal Research has consistently shown that sand mining impacts coastal and marine biodiversity and flood defences.

'This is an important area not just for me but for the entire community of Cornwall.

'In recent times, our once tranquil beach is suffering as tonnes of sand are removed day and night, sold for profit with no thought of the environmental repercussions.

'Authorities justify the mining, claiming it is necessary for keeping the channel clear for fishermen.

'But the reality is clearly different. Excavation is taking place on the beach, far from the central channel they declare to keep clear.'

Hayle Beach in Cornwall has golden sand which is being removed and sold for profit

Locals say the sand is being dredged 'with no thought for the environmental repercussions'

Authorities have argued the dredging is required to keep the channel clear for fishing.

Peter Haddock, Hayle harbourmaster, told Cornwall Live: 'Regular dredging is needed in four areas at Hayle Harbour to provide a safe channel for fishing and sailing boats to navigate.

'Dredging also maximises the flow of the tide to naturally flush the channel, maintaining the estuary's ecosystem as well as contributing towards managing flood risk.

'Hayle Harbour Authority is responsible for regular dredging under The Hayle Harbour Act 1989.

'Dredged sand is sold to local business, Padstow Seasand and Aggregate Ltd.

A sand quarry at Hayle Beach in Cornwall which has been criticised by local residents

Authorities say the sand is only being dredged as part of a legal requirement to keep the river channel clear

'Typically sand is used in the farming industry, but it is also used in construction, for textured paint, arts and crafts supplies, playgrounds and cat litter.

'Proceeds from the sale of sand is reinvested back into harbour to support the costs of maintaining and operating the harbour.'

But Ms Daniels argues: 'Dredging would be to remove sand and silt from the river bed.

But what is happening is sand being dug up from alongside the river.

'I've spoken to fishermen who say where the authorities are digging from is making no difference to the channels navigability at all.

'They won't say this to the harbourmaster or land owners as their livelihoods rely on moorings from the people authorising the digging!'

A local resident says the sand is being 'mined for profit' and is calling on the community to act

A sand quarry at Hayle Beach in Cornwall which has been criticised by local residents

'Excavation is taking place on the beach, far from the central channel they declare to keep clear.

'The ill effects of this relentless mining are evident.

'Night-time operations disrupt peace, and the incessant excavation poses a risk to our children's safety on the beach.'

Thousands have responded to the petition, calling for the authority to halt the works.

Emily Brown said: 'I have had enough of watching our land and seas tampered with the point of a mass decline of wildlife in an area that should be protected and a safe haven.

'We are losing so much to greed and this needs to change now, not in 10, 20 or 50 years. NOW!'

Ms Daniels added: 'My roots are deeply ingrained in this beautiful place we call Hayle Beach.

'I grew up here and witnessed the rich bio-diversity of our local ecosystem.

'This is an important area not just for me but for the entire community of Cornwall.'

Sophie Daniels, who organised the petition, says her roots are deeply ingrained in Hayle Beach

The beautiful golden sands stretch for about three miles along Hayle Beach in Cornwall

A spokesperson for Hayle Town Council said a full council meeting was held on September 5.

Cornwall Live reports during the meeting 'updates were received from the harbourmaster on behalf of Hayle Harbour Authority and representatives of the North Quay Development, who own and are responsible for that area'.

It was confirmed that dredging in accordance with the 1989 Hayle Harbour Act is permitted and that the amount of sand 'removed from the channel is logged and closely monitored'.

In a post shared on Facebook, the spokesperson said: 'Councillors recognise the need for a safe navigable channel to access the harbour but ultimately, they also have grave concerns about the possible long-term damage to the local environment and ecology and believe that the reinstatement of a routine sluicing regime would be more beneficial, and acceptable to the Hayle community.

'Hayle Town Council resolved to write to several stakeholders including Natural England, RSPB, Environment Agency, Cornwall Council and the local MP, Perran Moon, to advise them of the potential damage of the dredging, to seek their views, to share any information they may have including environmental reports, monitoring assessments, geomorphology reports and to work with us to help find a positive resolution to suit/benefit all parties and St Ives Bay.

'It was further agreed to write to the owners and the harbourmaster to request that they change from a dredge and remove policy to dredge and dune replenishment, and that they look to find ways to repair and/or automate the gates and equipment in order to reinstate sluicing.'
A major bank has announced it will close another 55 branches in the latest blow to Britain's high streets.

Lloyds Banking Group will shut branches from its Halifax, Bank of Scotland and Lloyds brands.

The closures will see 32 Halifax, 19 Lloyds and four Bank of Scotland locations close their doors for the final time next year.

The latest closures mean more than 270 branches run by the group will close this year and the next - 128 at Lloyds, 119 Halifax and 45 Bank of Scotland locations.

The majority of the closures will take place in England, but there will also be losses in Wales and Scotland, The Sun reports.

Lloyds Banking Group is set to close 55 branches across its brands next year in another blow to Britain's high streets. Pictured: A Lloyds branch in Reading

Halifax is among the brands affected, with 32 of its branches closing their doors for good. Pictured: A file image of a Halifax branch

Lloyds Banking Group said that staff working at these branches will be offered a role at another branch or in another part of the business.

It added that all locations have alternative options for accessing cash nearby, such as a Post Office or free to use ATM.

A spokesperson said: 'Mobile banking is more popular than ever, with over 19.5 million customers choosing our app to manage, maximise and understand more about their money.

'Alongside our app, customers can bank online, over the phone, at a Banking Hub, a Post Office or by speaking to one of our Community Bankers.'

It is the latest in a long line of bank departures from Britain's high streets, which have seen thousands of branches leave in recent years.

Bosses have claimed that fewer people are using in-person services at branches, with the pivot to online banking, particularly among younger customers, the main reason.

Other big name banks, including Barclays, NatWest, TSB and Santander have also cut their branch numbers.

Earlier this year it was revealed that the number of branches that have closed their doors in the last nine years has surged past 6,000.

A survey by consumer group Which? found that more than 60 per cent of the UK's branch network has closed since it began tracking the phenomenon in 2015.

It suggested that by the end of this year 33 parliamentary constituencies won't have a single bank branch.

While the rate of closures had initially appeared to slow down since it reached a peak in 2017, researchers said in May that in 'recent years there has been a troubling surge'.

Bank bosses have been accused of 'engaging in a race to close branches' after the Government announced plans in 2020 for laws to protect access to cash, which could make it harder to close a branch if alternative cash provision is lacking.

Since 2015 Barclays has closed 1,216 branches; while NatWest Group, which comprises NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland and Ulster Bank, has closed 1,360 branches, Which? said.

At the time Lloyds Banking Group, had shut 1,146 sites, but this number is set to rise further following today's announcement.

A spokesperson for trade association UK Finance said at the time: 'An ever-increasing number of people are using telephone, mobile and internet banking and fewer people are visiting bank branches on a regular basis.

'Balancing this change in the way we bank means firms have to make difficult decisions about maintaining their branches.

'The industry has invested heavily in alternative services, including thousands of post offices where people can do a lot of their day-to-day banking.

'Alongside this, the industry is working to roll out shared banking hubs to bring together different firms to support their customers.

'There is also significant ongoing investment to ensure access to cash, including free ATMs and cashback without purchase. If you are concerned about your local bank branch closing, please contact them and they will help you find the best alternative for your needs.'
This is the moment a wife admits to police that her husband was drunk while behind the wheel after he was seen driving erratically.

Darius Kabelis, 49, was handed a two-year driving ban after he was arrested in Leverington in Cambridgeshire on the evening of August 18 and found to be three times over the limit.

Police officers spoke with Kabelis once he arrived home after a member of the public noticed he was driving his Ford Galaxy Ghia 'all over the place' and called 999.

A video capturing the encounter shows Kabelis getting out of his car and letting his dog out as officers approached him.

After asking him if he understands English, Kabelis responds 'no' before the officers are seen speaking to his wife, who emerged from the property nearby.

This is the astonishing moment a wife unthinkingly confirms to police her husband has been driving while drunk, before arresting him for being three times over the limit

Darius Kabelis, 49, was handed a two-year driving ban after he was arrested in Leverington in Cambridgeshire on the evening of August 18

Footage of his encounter with he police starts with Kabelis staggering out of his car and not responding to the officer's questions

The officer asks his wife if he has a driving licence, to which she responds he is 'a learner'

Kabelis' wife confirmed it was her car and told police officers: 'Yes he is drunk.'

The officer said: 'Yeah, we suspected it'.

Kabelis was then arrested, but repeatedly shouts 'stop' to the officers.

When they ask his wife again if he has a licence, she admits he is 'a learner'.

Kabelis was then arrested a second time on suspicion of driving without a licence.

The intoxicated driver continued to shout 'no' to their assertions, as the officer told him: 'You were driving. You've been seen driving.

'I saw you driving and he [pointing to his colleague] saw you driving.'

A few moments later the officer revealed to his wife that they had received a call from the member of the public.

'Someone called us about his driving. That he was all over the place.'

Kabelis was later charged with drink driving after it was found he was nearly three times the legal limit and driving without a licence.

He admitted both charges at Peterborough Magistrates' Court last Friday.

Alongside his two-year driving ban, Kabelis was told he must complete 90 hours of unpaid work.

As Kabelis has difficulty understanding what has happened, the officers ask his wife to tell him that he has been arrested for driving while over the limit

Kabelis wsa then seen being put into handcuffs as the officers read him his rights

Kabelis repeatedly shouted 'no' as the officers told him he was being arrested

At one point he asked the police to 'stop' while arresting him for drink driving

Moments later, Kabelis was arrested a second time for driving without a licence

Kabelis was informed that the police had witnessed his driving, as had a member of the public

PC Stefan Almariei, who investigated, said: 'Thanks to the call from the member of the public, our officers were able to locate Kabelis and put him before the courts.

'Drink driving puts lives at risk and can have devastating consequences, so I would like to thank the person who contacted us.'
Melania Trump delivered her latest sales pitch for her memoir, this time focusing on her son Barron.

The former first lady posted a video extolling the virtues of motherhood.

'The challenges and rewards of motherhood, from sleepless nights to joyful milestones bring immense fulfilment, which only a mother understands. The lessons I have learned from this experience are profound, and they have shaped me in ways I could never have imagined,' she said.

Barron Trump is her only son. The 18-year-old is a student at New York University's Stern School of Business.

It's the third video Melania Trump has posted to her social media accounts ahead of her memoir's launch on October 1. It's been an unusual marketing strategy to get people to pre-order her book.

Melania Trump posted her latest sales pitch for her memoir. this one featuring son Barron

The first one focused on herself, where she teased it is time to give her perspective: 'the truth.' The second focused on her husband Donald Trump, where she questioned law enforcement's role in the assassination attempt on her husband. This video focuses on her son.

The 30-second video features her speaking directly to camera and shows photos of Barron as a baby. She wears the same houndstooth Dior suit as she wore in her first video.

It's an unusual move by Melania Trump, who was fiercely protective of Barron when Donald Trump was president.

But the 18-year-old graduated from high school in May and is now a college freshman.

In the two photos she shared in the video, Barron is a baby in one and young child in the second.

Melania Trump has been coy about what is exactly in her memoir but her teases have indicated she'll speak about her time in the White House and her family.

She released her first video tease earlier this month. That video featured scenes from her time in the White House, including her trip to Africa and working on her Be Best campaign.

There were also some photos from her modeling days and as a young mother with her son Barron. Donald Trump was shown.

Her second video was released on Tuesday, the day of Donald Trump's debate with Kamala Harris. Melania Trump did not attend the debate.

In the video, she demanded answers about the July 13 shooting attempt on her husband and hinted at a conspiracy by saying there's 'more to the story' and 'we need to uncover the truth.'

'The attempt to end my husband's life was a horrible, distressing experience,' she said in the 10 second video posted to her social media accounts.

'Now the silence around it feels heavy. I can't help but wonder why didn't law enforcement officials arrest shooter before the speech. There is definitely more to this story. And we need to uncover the truth,' she added.

Melania Trump has been protective of Barron in the past

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Her book, simply titled 'Melania,' will be released on October 1st. It is available for pre-order on Amazon for $30.

She is selling two editions: a $150 collector's edition featuring 256 pages in full color throughout, with each copy signed by the author. The memoir edition will be 304 pages and available for $40 with signed copies available for $75.

The former first lady has been the subject of many biographies and books but this is the first time she is telling her story.

It is unclear if she worked with a co-author and if she will go on a book tour.

After the Trumps left the White House in January 2021, Melania Trump maintained her low profile.

She has not been heavily involved in her husband's 2024 campaign for the White House.

She appeared at his campaign announcement and at the Republican National Convention, where, unlike other spouses of candidates, she opted not to address the delegates.

She has yet to appear at a campaign rally.

Melania Trump's memoir will be released on October 1st

She also didn't attend either presidential debate and has been careful to distance herself from her husband's legal troubles.

She did host two fundraisers for Log Cabin Republicans, a conservative LGBTQ group.
A Utah man was caught defrauding the Social Security Administration for around six years after he was spotted doing heavy-lifting at work.

Calvin Perry, 53, of Sandy, Texas, was granted disability benefits back in 2012 after he reported a back injury.

He reported to the SSA that he hadn't worked for more than a decade because he had trouble standing and walking, court documents said.

But Perry was secretly working full time at a lawn care company that required him to lift heavy machinery.

SSA agents would catch on when they watched the man at his work in October and November of 2023.

Calvin Perry, 53, of Sandy, Texas , was granted disability benefits back in 2012 after he reported a back injury

Perry was secretly working full time at a lawn care company that required him to lift heavy machinery

With the full heat of the federal government, Perry was sentenced to 12 months of house arrest, four years probation and was ordered to pay $130,901 in restitution on Tuesday.

Photos of the surveillance videos in the court documents showed Perry performing manual labor such as loading a lawnmower onto the trailer, lifting the tailgate from the ground and carrying a large object on his shoulder while climbing the stairs.

During the investigation the agents interviewed his boss and informed Perry about the recording.

Prosecutors said he confessed and pleaded guilty to theft of government property on July 1.

When Perry was approved for disability benefits, the SSA informed him multiple time that he need to report any changes in employment, income and his condition. But since he was paid off the books when he started working in 2017, he was able to hide his income and ability to work.

When Perry was approved for disability benefits, the SSA informed him multiple time that he need to report any changes in employment, income and his condition

During the investigation the agents interviewed his boss and informed Perry about the recording. Prosecutors said he confessed and plead guilty to theft of government property on July 1

During his employment, Perry was making up to $4,400 a month with the lawn care company

During his employment, Perry was making up to $4,400 a month with the lawn care company.

SSA agents followed up on tips that Perry was working and gave him a Continuing Disability Review Report to fill out, but he never did.

So they suspended his benefits.

In November of 2023, he showed up to an SSA office in South Jordan and filed out the missing report - maintaining he hadn't worked since 2011.

Calvin Perry performing tasks while receiving disability payments

Perry was sentenced to 12 months of house arrest, four years probation and was ordered to pay $130,901 in restitution on Tuesday

It took only a month for Perry to crack that he had been defrauding the SSA.

This isn't the first time Perry has attempted to outsmart the federal government.

In 2005, he was convicted in Utah after official said he tried to receive unemployment benefits while he had a job, court documents said.
British counter-terror officers from Scotland Yard are now helping Gibraltar police investigate the 'sudden' death of award-winning Telegraph journalist David Knowles.

Mr Knowles, who previously worked for MailOnline as a social video journalist, passed away last Sunday aged 32 while on holiday in the British overseas territory.

The reporter, who hosted the Telegraph's podcast 'Ukraine: The Latest', died from a suspected cardiac arrest and a post-mortem examination is scheduled for today.

Mr Knowles began at the Telegraph in 2020, progressing from deputy head of social media to head of social media and then head of audio development in June last year.

In August 2023, Russia placed him and two other Telegraph journalists on its list of people banned from entering because of their work on the award-winning podcast.

Award-winning Telegraph journalist David Knowles died in Gibraltar last Sunday aged 32

David Knowles hosted the Telegraph's award-winning weekday podcast 'Ukraine: The Latest'

Today, the Royal Gibraltar Police (RGP) confirmed its detectives were probing the circumstances surrounding his death, with a coroner's investigation also underway.

David Knowles, podcast supremo banned from Russia Born in London in 1991, David Knowles grew up in Ealing then studied Biblical Studies at Durham University and Interactive Journalism at City University, graduating in 2016. He joined MailOnline later that year as a social video journalist, before moving on in 2017 to produce social media content for the World Economic Forum. Mr Knowles joined the Telegraph in 2020 as deputy head of social media, but became best known for Ukraine: The Latest. The weekday podcast was launched on the day of the Russian invasion in February 2022 - and is still running more than two years later. It saw him travel across Ukraine with his audio equipment to speak to Ukrainian people about the conflict - and won Best News Podcast at the Publisher Podcast Awards in June. Mr Knowles also toured the show in America last year and was invited to speak at the US Embassy in London. In August last year, Mr Knowles and fellow Telegraph journalists Colin Freeman and Francis Dearnley were banned by Russia from entering the country because of their podcast. He died last Sunday aged 32 in Gibraltar while on holiday after suffering a suspected cardiac arrest. Advertisement

An RGP spokesman said in a statement: 'The Royal Gibraltar Police is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the sudden death of 32-year-old British national David Knowles on Sunday September 8, whilst holidaying in Gibraltar.

'His Majesty's Coroner in Gibraltar has been informed and a Coroner's investigation is underway.

'Next of kin for the deceased have been informed and a specialist RGP family liaison officer has been appointed. Arrangements have been made for a post-mortem examination to be conducted today.

'A policing 'mutual aid' request for specialist support was submitted to UK policing, although there are no specific concerns at this time with regard to the death.

'Following the RGP's mutual aid request, detectives from UK Counter Terrorism Policing have been appointed to provide support to the RGP investigation, due to their existing capability and their experience of dealing with international enquiries.'

The force added that it would 'not be making further comment at this time regarding any aspect of the investigation'.

Formed in 1830, the RGP is the oldest Commonwealth police force outside the UK and has about 250 officers. A separate policing body, the Gibraltar Defence Police, guards and enforces law on Ministry of Defence installations.

A Counter Terrorism Policing spokeswoman told MailOnline: 'A request to UK Policing was received from the Royal Gibraltar Police to assist with an investigation into a sudden death of a British national in Gibraltar on September 8.

'Due to the existing capability and experience of dealing with international enquiries, support to the RGP is being provided by officers from Counter Terrorism Policing.

'Primacy for the investigation remains with RGP and any further enquiries in relation to this should be directed to them.'

And a statement from Mr Knowles's family sent to MailOnline by the Telegraph today said: 'We note the statement from the Royal Gibraltar Police today about David, particularly the assertion that 'there are no specific concerns at this time with regard to the death'.

Labour MP Andy Slaughter (pictured) paid tribute to Mr Knowles in Parliament today

Royal Gibraltar Police detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding his death

'We do not wish to say anything further while the authorities continue their investigations, and ask that the family's privacy be respected.'

In Parliament today, Labour MP Andy Slaughter paid tribute to Mr Knowles after suggesting a debate about investigative journalism.

He said: 'And can I pay tribute to Telegraph journalist David Knowles, creator of the brilliant Ukraine: The Latest podcast, who tragically died last weekend at the age of only 32?

'I'm sure my right honourable friend will join me in sending condolences to David's family and friends.'

Commons leader Lucy Powell added: 'I certainly would pay my condolences to David's family. He's absolutely right  investigative journalism is so important to our democracy, and we should do whatever we can as a country to support it.'

Marina Bay in Gibraltar, the British overseas territory where Mr Knowles died (file picture)

Mr Knowles was best remembered for Ukraine: The Latest, a weekday podcast which was launched on the day of the Russian invasion in February 2022.

Earlier this week, his father Peter told the Telegraph: 'David's commitment to journalism was intense. He was never more-proud than when he finally shrugged off a management job title and regained a title with the word 'journalist' in it.

'He was utterly engaged with the story of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine and the impact on its people, making four trips to the country and always planning the next.'

Telegraph editor Chris Evans added: 'David was a talented and popular journalist who was perhaps best known for helping to make our Ukraine podcast such a success.

'Before that, he was an impressive leader of our social media team. We would like to offer our sympathy to his family and friends.'

A block of flats on fire after being hit by a Russian air strike in Kharkiv, Ukraine, on August 30

Mr Knowles's Telegraph colleague Francis Dearnley - who has also been banned from Russia - also paid tribute to him on BBC News earlier this week.

Mr Dearnley said Mr Knowles was 'somebody who represented the very best of our profession and indeed I would say the very best of Britishness itself - and so it is an enormous loss for journalism and indeed for the country.'

However, asked whether Mr Knowles's death could be linked to his coverage of Ukraine, Mr Dearnley replied: 'There's no evidence of that and I don't think it's right to speculate when we're all just processing the news.'

Camilla Tominey, editor of the Telegraph's Daily T podcast, described Mr Knowles as a 'dear colleague and friend', adding that the tributes pouring into the publication's website were 'devastating but heartwarming'.

The Royal Gibraltar Police is the oldest Commonwealth police force outside the UK

She added that the website had 'received a message a minute, I think, since we announced his very untimely and tragic death, and we've heard from people across the world - including people in Ukraine.'

The Ukrainian embassy in London said: 'We are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of the Telegraph journalist of Ukraine: The Latest podcast, David Knowles.

'His dedication to reporting the truth about the war in Ukraine and his commitment to telling the stories of those affected by it will never be forgotten.

'Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time. Ukraine mourns this profound loss alongside you.'
Thousands of wealthy millennials are abandoning California and New York for sunny states like Florida and Texas, a new study has revealed.

SmartAsset, a personal finance company, analyzed 2021 and 2022 US tax return data to figure out the migration patterns of millennials, who are now in their late twenties to early forties.

Southern states attracted by far the most millennial households who earn $200,000 or more - the IRS definition for high-income taxpayers - with nearly 6,200 of them moving to Florida and more than 5,100 relocating to Texas.

'These Millennials in particular have more disposable income and economic freedom than their median counterparts, so their impact on local economies can be outsized,' SmartAsset managing editor Jaclyn DeJohn said.

'When these wealthy Millennials choose to move for job opportunities, lifestyle, family and other reasons, their disproportionate economic power also goes with them.'

Florida gained the most wealthy millennial households at 6,188 (pictured: Miami)

Texas attracted the second most at 5,151 (pictured: Houston)

Where Wealthy Millennials Are Moving Rank State Net gain of wealthy Millennial households 1 Florida 6188 2 Texas 5151 3 North Carolina 1970 4 Colorado 1227 5 Tennessee 1197 6 South Carolina 1068 7 Georgia 895 8 Arizona 668 9 Idaho 606 10 Nevada 510



Almost 2,000 high-earning households in this age group moved to North Carolina.

Colorado, Tennessee and South Carolina rounded out the top six, with each of the states gaining over 1,000 households each.

Plenty of western states had positive gains as well, with Arizona, Idaho and Nevada rounding out the top ten.

Those who relocated had to come from somewhere.

California, home to liberal cities Los Angeles and San Francisco, had the greatest net outflow of wealthy millennial households, losing just over 9,000.

More than 4,200 New York households also fled South and West for better opportunities.

Illinois, home to the country's third largest city, Chicago, lost more than 3,000.

California saw a marked population decline throughout the pandemic before posting a moderate gain in 2023 (pictured: Los Angeles)

Illinois also lost many wealthy millennials over the last several years (pictured: Chicago)

Population shifts inevitably happen in all countries.

From the early 1800s to the 1960s, New York was the undisputed most populous state.

California overtook New York in 1964 and has been the most crowded ever since.

New York dropped back to third place in 1994, when Texas surged past 18.1 million people. Florida later surpassed the Empire State.

A February study from moveBuddha projected that Texas and Florida would be the first and second biggest states, respectively, by 2100, followed by California, Georgia, North Carolina, and New York.

California has been steadily losing hundreds of thousands of citizens since 2019, before posting a moderate gain in 2023.

Many exiting Californians cite high cost of living and poor quality of life as reasons why they left the Golden State

Nearly half of the people moving out of California in 2021 were millennials . Many of them headed to Texas counties around major cities such as Houston, Dallas and Austin (pictured)

Many cite high cost of living and poor quality of life as reasons why they left the Golden State.

Data has shown nearly half of the people moving out of California in 2021 were millennials. Many of them headed to Texas counties around major cities such as Houston, Dallas and Austin.

Florida, like Texas, has also had a population boom, with more than 700,000 people moving there in 2022.

The fact that Texas and Florida don't levy income taxes on their citizens is a major pulling factor from California and New York, both of which have top marginal rates over 10 percent.

Still, there are some major drawbacks that could slow these states' march to dominance.

For one, both Texas and Florida have been hit with dramatically more natural disasters in the last 10 years, according to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Mike Isbell climbs a ladder to look at the remains of his home which was destroyed in Surfside Beach, Texas, on July 8, 2024, after Hurricane Beryl made landfall

Buildings sit along the coast line as the rain and storm surge from Tropical Storm Debby inundate a neighborhood in Cedar Key, Florida

Hurricane Francine didn't make a direct impact on Texas this week, but the state was lashed by Hurricane Beryl in July, leaving 2.7 million houses and businesses without power in the immediate aftermath.

Months earlier in May, tornados ripped through northeastern Texas, Arkansas and Oklahoma, killing at least 24 people.

Florida, too, was hit by Tropical Storm Debby in August. A year earlier, Hurricane Idalia laid waste to its sandy shores and caused $3.6 billion in damages.

Certain housing markets in Florida also show signs of cooling, thanks in part to rising costs, with Miami losing a net total of 50,000 residents in 2023, according to Mansion Global.
The search for a teenage refugee who was swept off rocks while posing for a photo on Father's Day has been called off.

Mehdi Habibi, 17, was last seen walking on the large rocks at Granite Island, near Victor Harbour in South Australia, on September 1 when a large wave dragged him into the ocean.

The teen and his family had been visiting from Adelaide.

His shattered family has gathered at the site to keep a close vigil on the search every day since, praying for a miracle.

After 10 days of scouring the water, authorities called off the search for Mehdi on Wednesday night.

The large scale search included police helicopters, specialist divers and drones to search rock cavities.

'Police would like to thank the volunteers and emergency services involved for their dedicated efforts throughout the 10-day operation,' a police statement said.

Mehdi's father Sayed vowed to continue going to Victor Harbor in the hope of recovering his son.

Mehdi Habibi, 17, was filmed by his brother walking on large rocks at South Australia's Granite Island before a wave swept him out to sea

Medhi, who only gained permanent residency in Australia last year had dreams of becoming an electrician

'I have to, what else am I meant to do?' he asked Seven News.

'I don't like to work, I can't do anything, I'm just pacing up and down the area he was last seen.

'My heart is shattered when we end the day and he isn't found.'

Mehdi's mother spent several days in hospital due to the stress of her son's disappearance.

'She's up and down (emotionally), it is very hard, she's a mother,' Mr Habibi said.

Mehdi's brother Sahil recorded the moment the teen was struck by the wave on his phone as the teen tried to stand up on the rock surface.

'My brother said "take my photo" and I [took] his photo,' Sahil told Seven News last week.

Mehdi was dragged into the ocean seconds later.

Mehdi Habibi's family has spent the last 10 days watching the search, praying for a miracle

The teens, who are originally from Afghanistan, arrived in Australia last year from Pakistan, where they were reunited with their father and other relatives.

Medhi's family are refugees who fled the Baghlan province of Afghanistan in 1998 while the country was under Taliban rule.

They lived in Pakistan for some time, where Mehdi was born, but then arrived by boat on Christmas Island in 2010.

However, it was only last year that the teens got permission to stay in Australia.

Mehdi was due to celebrate his birthday just a week after he went missing. He wanted to study at TAFE to become an electrician and better his life.

After school each day, Mehdi would help run the family store on Prospect Rd in Adelaide before going home and doing his homework.

The search for missing teen Mehdi Habibi (pictured) ended on Wednesday night

A GoFundMe has been started for the family by charity group the Adelaide Sisters Association.

'Adelaide Sisters Association have become aware of the distress, pain and trauma Mehdis father, mother, little brother and family have all been under during this time as well as a loss of income whilst they continue to search daily for their son,' the page states.

'We hope that by raising some funds for the family we can provide some ease and lift some stress and burdens during this already incredibly difficult time.

'If you are unable to donate we ask kindly for your prayers (dua) for Mehdi and his family as they navigate this heartbreakingly painful and challenging situation.

The fundraiser has raised more than $2,600 within three days.
The moderators of the presidential debate hosted by ABC News have been criticized for not asking Donald Trump about the failed attempt on his life.

David Muir and Linsey Davis quickly moved on after the Republican candidate for president mentioned being shot at one of his rallies in Pennsylvania during Tuesday's debate.

Neither the moderators nor VP Kamala Harris acknowledged the shooting even after Trump brought it up himself when questioned about the January 6 riots at the Capitol.

Trump said he 'probably took a bullet to the head because of the things that [Democrats] say about me.'

He added: 'They talk about democracy. Im a threat to democracy. Theyre the threat to democracy.'

The moderators of the presidential debate hosted by ABC News have been criticized for not asking Donald Trump about the failed attempt on his life back in July

David Muir and Linsey Davis quickly moved on after the Republican candidate for president brought up the assassination attempt at one of his rallies

Muir interrupted the president as he spoke about the attempt on his life, saying 'we have a lot to get to,' before moving on to another topic.

Trump made the comments after Muir asked him whether he regretted anything he said in the run-up to the riots.

In an essay for The Federalist, editorial director Kylee Griswold slams the moderators for inquiring about January 6 while failing to ask VP Kamala Harris whether the Democrats' rhetoric could have lead to the attempt on Trump's life.

Griswold wrote: 'Imagine refusing to ask the current vice president whether she regrets any of her hateful anti-Trump rhetoric and the Biden administrations weaponization of the federal government against Trump that may have inspired an armed nutbag to fire at his head.'

Many social media users have also highlighted the moderators' failure to discuss the topic.

One X user said: 'One of my favorite parts of the debate was Harris straight up not acknowledging the assassination attempt on Trump even though he brought it up clearly hoping that he could get into an exchange with her about it.'

Another added: 'One of the funniest moments is the debate is when Trump wanted to talk about the assassination attempt and the moderators just muted him.'

Muir and Davis have been accused of being biased and only fact-checking Trump - while letting Harris' claims go unchecked.

Many social media users have also highlighted the moderators' failure to discuss the topic

The moderators 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.

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.

Neither the moderators nor VP Kamala Harris acknowledged the shooting even after Trump brought it up himself when questioned about the January 6 riots at the Capitol

Neither the moderators nor VP Kamala Harris acknowledged the shooting even after Trump brought it up himself when questioned about the January 6 riots at the Capitol

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.

Trump was non-committal after taking to the 'spin room' minutes after the contest, saying he'd have to think about it.

Muir and Davis have been accused of being biased and only fact-checking Trump - while letting Harris' claims go unchecked

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 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.
Father, 58, died at the scene west of Grafton

The off-duty police officer who was killed after he lost control of his motorcycle and crashed had been taking part in a memorial ride in honour of a close mate and colleague.

Gold Coast Senior Sergeant Brendan Wiblen, 58, died during the first leg of the Wall to Wall Ride for Remembrance on Wednesday afternoon.

Emergency services were called to the Gwydir Highway near Glen Innes in the NSW northern tablelands after Sergeant Wiblen attempted to overtake another rider, but lost control and went down an embankment.

Fellow riders and members of the public performed CPR before paramedics arrived on the scene but were unable to revive him.

Senior Sergeant Wiblen was among hundreds of riders taking part in the annual nationwide event honouring police officers who have been killed in the line of duty. The ride got underway in Brisbane a few hours earlier.

It's since been revealed that he had taken part in the ride a many times in memory of a slain Gold Coast cop colleague.

Detective Senior Constable Damian Leeding, 35, was shot in the face at point blank range at the Pacific Pines Tavern during a bungled armed robbery in May 2011.

The father-of-two died in hospital three days later.

Gold Coast officer Brendan Wiblen (pictured) died during the Wall 2 Wall Ride for Remembrance near Glen Innes in the NSW northern tablelands on Wednesday

He had been taking part in the ride in memory of slain colleague Detective Senior Constable Damian Leeding (pictured with wife Sonya)

Senior Sergeant Wiblen was joined on last year's Wall to Wall Ride for Remembrance by his son Liam.

His death has sparked an outpouring of tributes from the policing community.

Devastated riders stopped in Armidale on Thursday to reflect and pay their respect, where they were joined by NSW police officers.

The memorial ride has since resumed and will end on Canberra on Saturday with the blessing of Snr Sgt Wiblen's family.

'Brendan completed the Wall to Wall ride a number of times in the past few years and we are so incredibly sad that he is no longer with us,' Queensland Police Union president Shane Prior told reporters on Thursday.

'Brendan completed this ride for his mate (murdered police officer) Damian Leeding who lost his life in the line of duty.

'Brendan was a man of integrity. He was a loyal man and a man that was highly regarded by his colleagues up on the Gold Coast. I know he will be sorely missed.

'These riders today are going to be riding in his memory. They will be thinking on their long ride today solemn thoughts - but also thoughts of happiness.'

Senior Sergeant Wiblen spent 28 in the police force on the Gold Coast.

He was a district duty officer and previously the operations Leader of Central Patrol Group.

He's also been remembered as a long-time branch official for the police union who loyally stood up for members.

Senior Sergeant Wiblen would regularly appear on Australian television screens to give updates on incidents across the Gold Coast area (pictured)

Senior Sergeant Wiblen's tragic death comes 13 years after the murder of his colleague Damien Leeding (pictured)

'Brendan was a dedicated officer who served with distinction throughout his career,' South Eastern Region Assistant Commissioner Brian Swan said.

'He was highly thought of by his colleagues and was known for his attention to detail and quick wit.'

'His service to the community will not be forgotten, and our thoughts are with all those who knew Brendan during this incredibly difficult time.'

Queensland Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski said Senior Sergeant Wiblen's death was a devastating loss for the police force, less than two years after constables Matthew Arnold and Rachel McCrow were shot dead during what was supposed to be a routine job at a rural property in Wieambilla.

'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 Wiblen (pictured far left) before paramedics arrived but the 58-year-old could not be saved and died at the scene

Liberal candidate for the Gold Coast state seat of Gaven, Bianca Stone, led the outpouring of tributes for much-loved senior officer on Wednesday night.

'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.

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.

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.
Russia has launched a major counter-offensive to reclaim the Kursk border region which has been held by Ukraine following a surprise incursion five weeks ago.

Russian and Ukrainian sources have both confirmed that Kyiv's troops had started losing their grip on some of the ground they seized from their blistering August 6 offensive.

On Thursday, Russia said its army had recaptured a total of 10 settlements in its Kursk border region, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also conceding Russia had launched its own counter-attack in the region, but insisted that the shock incursion was still going to plan.

'Units of the 'North' group of troops liberated 10 settlements within two days,' Russia's defence ministry said in a statement posted on its Telegram channel. They also said Ukraine had sustained about 12,200 casualties and lost nearly 100 tanks.

Mash, a pro-Kremlin channel on Telegram, reported that Moscow's forces had advanced up to 150 sq km into Ukrainian-held Kursk in a 'local counter offensive in the region'.

Russian tanks fire at Ukrainian military positions in the Kursk region in Russia. The Russian Ministry of Defence released the footage on September 10

Russia said its army had recaptured a total of 10 settlements in its Kursk border region

A Ukrainian tank near the Russian border. Ukrainian forces have been engaged in a military incursion into Russia's Kursk region since August 6

Ukraine claimed at the end of August to have taken control of some 100 Russian settlements and almost 1,300 sq km of territory.

The surprise offensive, launched August 6, is the first time a foreign army has taken control of parts of Russia since World War II.

'The Russians have launched counter-offensive actions,' Zelensky said at a press conference in Kyiv on Thursday.

He did not provide details on the extent of Russian operations, but said the incursion was 'going in line with our Ukrainian plan'.

Deep State, a Ukrainian war blog, reported that Russians were able to launch the offensive after ferrying armoured vehicles across the river.

'The situation on the left flank of our group in Kursk worsened,' it wrote in a post late on Tuesday.

Russian forces knocked out power and water to a rail hub in northern Ukraine and severed water supplies to the eastern town of Pokrovsk, causing disruption behind front lines as they try to advance on the battlefield.

Donetsk's regional governor, Vadym Filashkin, said it would be impossible to fix soon and renewed calls to civilians to flee the town.

'The situation is difficult and it won't get better soon. So I again call on you to evacuate!' the official wrote in a statement on Telegram.

With Russia gaining ground in crucial Pokrovsk - Moscow may be able to open up new lines of attack and complicate Ukrainian logistics in the east.

Russian momentum has slowed in the areas nearest Pokrovsk, but Moscow's forces have pressed south from that line of attack, closing in on the nearby town of Ukrainsk, open-source intelligence reports by Ukraine's Deep State analysts indicate.

Ukraine's military said their forces on the nearby Kurakhiv front, which includes Ukrainsk, were continuing to hold back Moscow's troops. Russia tried to break through Kyiv's lines in the area 23 times over the last day, it said.

Some Russian military bloggers said Moscow's forces had almost taken control of Ukrainsk, which had a pre-war population of more than 10,000.

More than two-and-a-half years since Russia's invasion, the war in Ukraine is now at a critical juncture, with Moscow regularly pounding Ukrainian infrastructure as its troops try to complete the capture of the whole of Ukraine's eastern Donbas region.

The United States says Iran has supplied hundreds of ballistic missiles to Russia in a major escalation.

Moscow has warned the West against greenlighting deep strikes into Russian territory with Western weapons, warning it would respond.

The city of Konotop, a rail hub in Sumy region which Kyiv used as a staging ground for its cross-border incursion, reported heavy damage from an overnight Russian drone attack.

In this photo taken from video released by the Russian Defense Ministry on Aug. 18, 2024, Russian soldiers fire a Giatsint-S gun toward Ukrainian positions at an undisclosed location near the Russian-Ukrainian border area in the Kursk region

Local officials said at least 14 people had been hurt in an attack that 'significantly' damaged energy infrastructure and cut electricity to the settlement.

Rescuers were working to restore power in the town, which had a pre-war population of about 83,000. Regional officials said there were 10 explosions during the attack and Mayor Artem Semenikhin said the power system was in critical condition.

'At the moment, energy workers are doing everything they can to provide electricity to the hospital and the water supply system,' he said early on Thursday.

The strike on Konotop was part of a broader Russian attack using 64 drones, the air force said. It shot down 44 of them over nine different regions, it said.

Such attacks have become almost nightly occurrences since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.

Though Ukraine is heavily outgunned and lacks a large arsenal of long-range missiles, it has tried to take the fight back to Russia by launching hundreds of drones at it.
Fox News host Sean Hannity was abruptly cut off the air as he erupted into a furious monologue about illegal immigration.

It came during the anchor's opening to his show on Wednesday, where he ranted about how Democrats 'will have blood on their hands' due to the migrant crisis at the southern border.

'Over 11 million that they have allowed into this country - the illegals that Kamala wants to decriminalize, provide free housing, healthcare, education,' Hannity said in the monologue. 'Now? Taxpayer-funded...'

At that moment, the feed went black for around two minutes - before Hannity returned and jokingly blamed a 'left wing radical liberal conspiracy' for taking him off the air.

Fox News host Sean Hannity was abruptly cut off the air as he erupted into a furious monologue about illegal immigration

After Fox News suffered technical difficulties, viewers were left to watch only a B-roll of Kamala Harris followed by several adverts

In his monologue, Hannity grew irate as he slammed Kamala Harris and Democrats over the border crisis, singling out crimes perpetrated by illegal immigrants during Joe Biden's presidency.

He sounded off on 'every American who has been murdered and raped by their unvetted, illegal immigrants' - claiming 11 million have slipped into the nation in recent years.

But after Fox News suffered technical difficulties, viewers were left to watch only a B-roll of Kamala Harris followed by several adverts.

When Hannity returned and made a joke about a 'conspiracy' to cut his show, he also took aim at 'the media' who may think he was being serious.

'I dont really believe that, for you idiots in the media that will print that tomorrow,' he said.

Hannity used his monologue to slam Democrats over the migrant crisis at the southern border after allowing millions of 'unvetted, illegal immigrants' into the US

The monologue on illegal immigration comes at a time of heightened awareness over the effects of unfettered illegal immigration, particularly with the emergence of Venezuelan gangs in Aurora, Colorado.

Despite local police initially denying the Tren de Aragua gang had gained a foothold in the region, this week Aurora Police arrested a number of alleged gangsters tied to the criminal organization.

Shocking security footage showed armed men overtaking an apartment complex and terrorizing the area, with many of the recent arrests stemming from violent activity at the Whispering Pines apartments.

Some of the arrests stem as far back as late 2023, when, according to the property's managers, the gang established a 'stranglehold' on the property, engaging in assaults, threats of murder, extortion and even child prostitution.

Police in Aurora, Colorado announced a slew of arrests of suspects allegedly tied to the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, which gained a 'stranglehold' on the area

The Tren de Aragua gangsters were arrested in connection to their reported violent takeover of several apartment complexes in the city

Earlier this year, it was also revealed that eight migrants that were arrested were found to have ties to ISIS - bringing further scrutiny on the ease at which criminals could slip over the border under soft policies.

Eight Tajikistan nationals with potential ties to ISIS were arrested in New York, Philadelphia and Los Angeles in June, following a coordinated sting by law enforcement, according to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials.

This raised alarm bells on Capitol Hill among GOP members who have for years been calling for border security reforms to keep terrorists and their collaborators out.

'Think about how easy it is to invade when you have up to 15 million people coming in in the course of four years,' Rep. Rich McCormick, a military veteran, told DailyMail.com at the time.

He added that it 'only takes 11 people,' in reference to those who carried out the 9/11 attacks. 'We've seen that before,' he continued, calling current border policy 'pure stupidity.'

Rep. Kat Cammack, R-Fla., told DailyMail.com: 'I know that there are established cells here in the United States as a result of the open border crisis.'

'And so this is not a question of if, the question is when is the next terrorist attack going to happen?'
An elite Italian navy unit is sending divers and robots down to the wreck of British tech tycoon Mike Lynch's superyacht to investigate the tragic sinking that killed seven people.

Lynch's yacht, the Bayesian, is currently lying more than 160ft below the waters surrounding Porticello, Sicily, after it sank in the early hours of the morning of August 19.

Seven people, including Lynch and his 18-year-old daughter Hannah who was due to start at Oxford University later this month, died after a freak storm hit the Sicilian port town.

Questions over how the 30 million vessel, which measured more than 180ft in length, sank so quickly that the seven of the 22 people onboard at the time died, have been raised by investigating authorities.

In an attempt to answer these questions, the Italian navy is sending down six divers from its elite Comsubin unit, the equivalent of the British Special Boat Service, a source close to the investigation told the Times.

The elite divers will be searching for electronic equipment, including CCTV and data storage, and looking to see if doors were left open at the time of the sinking.

An elite Italian navy unit is sending divers and robots down to the wreck of British tech tycoon Mike Lynch's superyacht to investigate the tragic sinking (File image)

Lynch's yacht, the Bayesian, (pictured) is currently lying more than 160ft below the waters surrounding Porticello, Sicily

Seven people, including Lynch and his 18-year-old daughter Hannah (both pictured), died after a freak storm hit the Sicilian port town

This evidence will be used to 'check statements made by the crew of the yacht', the source told the newspaper.

The vessel's captain, New Zealander Mr Cutfield, 51, is among three people who are being probed by judicial authorities following the tragedy last month.

Chief engineer Tim Parker Eaton, 56, and Matthew Griffiths, 22, are both British and, like the captain, also both being investigated for their alleged involvement in the deaths of the seven people onboard the Bayesian.

Four of the victims are feared to have suffocated to death in air bubbles that filled with carbon dioxide, according to their autopsies.

Autopsies carried out on victims at Palermo's Policlinico hospital so far revealed they had no water in their lungs, raising the frightening possibility that they may have been conscious as the yacht sank, according to Italian news outlet La Republica.

An Italian news outlet has claimed the couple's lungs were 'not full of water and neither were their stomachs or trachea'

The first autopsies were carried out on lawyer Chris Morvillo and his wife Neda (both pictured) were also found to have no water in their lungs in post-mortems conducted

Recaldo Thomas, chef on the Bayesian, was the first person to be recovered after the yacht sunk

The British-flagged Bayesian superyacht (pictured) was registered at an Isle of Man company called Revton

The 30 million vessel sank off the coast of the Italian island of Sicily at Porticello near Palermo on August 19

A handout photo made available on August 19 by Perini Navi Press Office shows the 'Bayesian' sailing boat, in Palermo, Sicily, Italy

Morgan Stanley International chairman Jonathan Bloomer, 70, his wife Judy, as well as New York lawyer Chris Morvillo and his partner Neda had no signs of injuries, the Italian media suggests.

An autopsy carried out on Mike Lynch indicated that died of suffocation due to a lack of oxygen, while the autopsy carried out on his daughter Hanna was inconclusive.

Initial examinations of the Canadian-Antiguan onboard chef Recaldo Thomas indicated he died by drowning.

Although Cutfield, Eaton and Griffiths are all being being investigated by local prosecutor at Termini Imerese it does not mean charges will necessarily follow.

A magistrate will decide if they should face trial once the investigation has concluded and evidence presented to them.

For now, authorities said that efforts to raise the yacht from the bottom of Porticello's waters will take at least two or three days.

The work will be carried out by the vessels owner, UK company Revton, which is controlled by Mr Lynchs widow Angela Bacares.

They have reportedly tasked Genoa-based diving company Drafinsub to use sonar and a submersible robot to examine the yacht to discover the best plan to raise it.
Former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales became the latest high-profile Republican to endorse Kamala Harris  in a stinging op-ed where he says Donald Trump would abuse the tremendous powers of the presidency for his own gain.

Gonzales, who served during the George W. Bush administration, says he has a unique perspective as the only person to serve as both AG and White House counsel.

It was that office that featured prominently during the House January 6 Committee hearings, with members of the office resisting Trump's bid to overturn the election.

'Power is intoxicating and based on Trumps rhetoric and conduct it appears unlikely that he would respect the power of the presidency in all instances; rather, he would abuse it for personal and political gain, and not on behalf of the American people,' Gonzalez writes.

Gonzalez holds Trump accountable for his actions on January 6, writing that he failed to discharge his oath.

'Trump failed to do his duty and exercise his presidential power to protect members of Congress, law enforcement and the Capitol from the attacks that day. He failed to deploy executive branch personnel to save lives and property and preserve democracy,' writes Gonzales.

Former George W. Bush AG Alberto Gonzales called Trump 'the most serious threat to rule of law in a generation'

'He just watched on television and chose not to do anything because that would have been contrary to his interests. Trump still describes that day as beautiful. And as for those subsequently convicted of committing crimes, he describes them as hostages. He also has promised to pardon the convicted rioters if elected. Why? Because they were acting in his interests.'

Harris brought up her high-profile GOP endorsements during Tuesday's debate against Trump.

'This is I think one of the reasons why in this election I actually have the endorsement of 200 Republicans who have formally worked with President Bush, Mitt Romney, and John McCain including the endorsement of former Vice President Dick Cheney and Congressmember Liz Cheney,' said Harris.

Gonzales served as White House counsel and AG, and is a longtime Republican official. He endorsed VP Kamala Harris in an op-ed, noting he may disagree with some of her policies

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Gonzales, who served on the Texas Supreme Court, also mentioned controversies surrounding the high court.

But while he warned against harsh criticism of court rulings, he noted that the Supreme Court's ruling this year on presidential immunity gives the executive even more power. He said 'critics' fear it could allow the president to order prosecution of his rivals, although he said there are other checks against it.

Gonzales also said 'any discussions about fidelity to the rule of law' should include his 34 felony convictions in the Stormy Daniels case, 'his state civil financial judgment of libel based on sexual abuse, as well as the pending federal elections interference case, not to mention the recently dismissed federal documents case that Special Counsel Jack Smith.'

'Standing alone, these charges, convictions and judgments show that Trump is someone who fails to act, time and time again, in accordance with the rule of law.'

Like Dick Cheney, whose endorsement of Harris is being embraced by his critics on the left, Gonzales was a controversial figure during the Bush administration. He authorized 'enhanced interrogation' methods during the Global War on Terror that were highly controversial and featured in numerous appeals by defendants.

Other Republicans backing Harris in a razor-tight race against Trump are former Rep. Adam Kinzinger, former Trump White House spokesman Stephanie Grisham, former Trump communications director Anthony Scaramucci, and former Georgia Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan.

His decision to come forward puts pressure on other top Republicans, including Bush, who has said through a spokesman he has no plans to make an endorsement, Sen. Mitt Romney of Utah, and former Trump cabinet officials who have been critical of his conduct.
Social media platforms will be fined millions unless they crack down on scams that use fake celebrity endorsements or pretend news segments.

Banks and telecommunications companies could also face extraordinary fines of up to $50million if they allow scammers to fleece unsuspecting Aussies under tough new laws proposed by the Albanese government.

Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones is set to release the draft legislation outlining the reforms on Friday, which he said will give Australians the 'best protections anywhere in the world', news.com.au reported.

The proposed reforms are part of a government push demanding accountability from social media platforms and business giants.

The move is set to please television personality and former Sunrise host David Koch, who frequently blasts Meta and Facebook for failing to remove scam advertisements using his likeness.

Alongside billionaire Andrew Forrest and entrepreneur Dick Smith, Koch is part of an Australian Consumer & Competition Commission lawsuit against Facebook owner Meta filed in 2022, accusing it of misleading conduct by allowing fraudulent ads.

Koch expressed his frustration last year that the legal action had been stalled while Aussies continue to be scammed.

'I'm just devastated by what (the scams do to) ordinary people  it's people's life savings,' he said.

'If (Meta has) algorithms that can pick up the inappropriate posts of customers on a platform, why don't they have the same algorithms that can also pick up inappropriate advertising and content on their platforms?'

David Koch (pictured right with wife Libby) has long campaigned for more to be done to stop scams using his likeness as a lure

Under the proposed Scams Protection Framework, the federal government will be able to establish sector-specific codes that impose mandatory obligation to stop the scams.

Internal dispute resolution mechanisms must be made accessible and transparent for customers to use when they fear they have been scammed.

There will be a prescribed Endpoint Detection and Response scheme to regulate communications services in Australia.

The reforms will initially target banks and telecommunication service providers, along with digital platform and social media services.

'The Albanese Government is working to make Australia the toughest target in the world for scammers,' assistant treasurer Mr Jones said.

'We want to ensure that the best protections anywhere in the world are available to people here in Australia.

'Australians are losing too much money to scams and while we've bucked the international trend where scams are doubling every year, losses are still far too high.'

Communications minister Michelle Rowland added: 'Cracking down on criminals trying to rip off hardworking Australians is a priority for this government.'

Anthony Albanese's government have drafted new laws that could see companies fined millions for not stopping scams

An example of the type of scam post that Koch has long complained Facebook in particular allows too freely

Koch likened the scammers to 'the new drug cartels,' urging platforms to compensate victims or stop such ads.

'They're just here to rip people off financially and it's boiler rooms in The Philippines or in Eastern Europe that's running them all,' Koch said.

'Surely, the platforms have a responsibility to either give compensation to people who have been ripped off or to stop these ads going on the platform.'

Koch has previously admitted to being 'devastated' to learn his likeness had been illegally used to steal money from unsuspecting victims, including an Australian women who lost $250,000 to a cryptocurreny scam that used his name.

'People who trust me and trust what I say and look at me and say 'wow, I'm getting some comfort out of what this bloke is saying', are then getting ripped off by some scammer from overseas,' he told Seven Spotlight in May.

'It's devastating because it's my reputation and these scams are so good.'
A young man with a rare chromosome disorder almost had his statue for being the UK's 'Kindest Person' ripped away when the awarding company failed to help find his prize a permanent home.

When Sebbie Hall, from Staffordshire, was born he was one of a very small group of people in the country with a rare chromosome abnormality, resulting in physical and learning difficulties.

The 21-year-old's charitable endeavours began during the pandemic, when he raised 100,000 for adaptive devices for disabled people - and even received a message of thanks from ex-Prime Minister Boris Johnson for his fundraising efforts.

Since then, he has travelled to Scotland to gift teddies to young Ukrainian refugees, and after being crowned the UK's 'Kindest Person' by KIND Snacks in 2023, was given a statue.

Sebbie Hall, 21, was awarded UK's Kindest Person by KIND Snacks in 2023, for his charitable endeavours

Actor Eddie Marsan (left) was present at the statue's unveiling and was so inspired he became a patron of Sebbie's charity

The statue, which has to be stored indoors because of its perishability, was originally unveiled at Tower Hill in central London last November.

Stars such as Supacell actor Eddie Marsan were in attendance, with the actor eventually becoming a patron of the Sebbie Hall Kindness Foundation after being so inspired by the fundraiser.

But Sebbie's prize faced being destroyed, with KIND Snacks allegedly offering no support to rehome the statue.

Shortly after it was unveiled, the statue was moved to Sebbie's hometown of Lichfield where it was temporarily placed in an arts centre called The Hub.

But at the end of July, less than a year into Sebbie's reign, his mother Ashley Hall received an unexpected text whilst abroad from the awarding company.

The company had been in contact with Mrs Hall on July 18, asking if she would like to keep the statue and if she could rehome it as it would need a new location soon.

On July 31, KIND Snacks then informed her she had 36 hours to move the statue or it would be recycled, as The Hub was being refurbished.

Mrs Hall told MailOnline: 'I was on holiday and I had the text to say: 'You've got to move it. We need an address otherwise its going to have to be recycled'.'

Although Sebbie can't read or write, he did pick up on the commotion as his family raced to save his beloved statue, according to his mother.

Mrs Hall revealed at one heartbreaking point, she even caught Sebbie talking to himself in the mirror practising a conversation concerning the award.

'He knew there was an urgency about it because we where on holiday and I was on the phone constantly trying to stop it being recycled,' she said.

The statue was later moved to Sebbie's hometown of Lichfield at an arts centre called the Hub

However less than a year into Sebbie's reign his mother Ashley Hall received a phone call from KIND Snacks saying she had less than 36 hours to move the statue or is would be destroyed (Pictured: locals helping move the statue)

'[Sebbie] looked in the mirror that night and I heard him say 'Hello I'm Sebbie Hall from Acts of Kindness and an award is meant to be happy'.

'I thought the cogs are obviously turning because he could see all the commotion.'

On a separate occasion, Sebbie had also asked his mother about the whereabouts of the statue.

At this time he claimed he didn't 'want it anymore' with all the stress surrounding his prize.

'You know its Sebbie's prize. The prize he won was a statue and a night at a hotel,' his mother continued.

'But within the year of his reign we were told if we didn't find somewhere for it, they where going to get rid of it

'All I will say is, I would never wish a disability on anyone. I'm not. I've lived in the world of disability with Sebbie for 21 years now.

'But I honestly thought at the time ''I'm so pleased that he can't read,'' because we could shield him in a way, from the urgency and the possibility that it would be gone and that he hadn't got his prize.'

She added: 'If the person who won the prize didn't have any disabilities then they would have been talking directly to them.

'It would have been interesting if they'd spoken to somebody without a disability.'

According to Mrs Hall, there was no correspondence with KIND Snacks - who awarded Sebbie this statue - until July.

She said they did not seem interested in what happened to the prize they awarded had awarded Sebbie.

KIND Snacks did not help find the a new home for the statue - and showed little interest into the outcome until businessman Oliver Chapman backed the campaign to save it, according to Mrs Hall (Pictured: locals helping save the statue)

Keen to save the statue, Mrs Hall turned to businessman Oliver Chapman, who initially met Sebbie through The Life Changers Circle initiative.

'There was only kind of an interest [from KIND Snacks] when Oliver Chapman started his campaign,' she said.

'We always knew the statue wasn't going to stay there forever and we looking for places it could go to eventually.

'But it was because we had 36 hours before it would be you know demolished, the urgency began and that's why Oliver's campaign started really.'

Mrs Hall added: 'Oliver is an incredible bloke, and he's an entrepreneur who believes into the power of kindness and has been inspired by Sebbie's story.

'No matter how much money you have, kindness is a great leveller, and anyone can be kind.'

The statue dedicated to Sebbie was eventually moved from The Hub on August 19.

Described as 'an incredible support', Mr Chapman rallied a campaign to save the statue, organising for it to be kept in storage and for its transportation.

Although the transportation men initially found it difficult to carry the eight foot statue out of the building, locals flocked to help save it and get it to the van.

'They all sort of came together and said, we will get this out of the door, please don't drive off. They ran down the street begging them to come black as we had loads of people to help,' she continued.

When Oliver Chapman (Pictured) organised for Sebbie's statue to be placed into storage and for transportation to save it from being melted down

Thanks to transportation men and locals flocking to help carry the huge statue it has now been saved and remains in storage in London (Pictured: Men moving the statue)

'People even came from the market to get it out and help the transport men. It was brilliant. In the end it was fabulous to see everyone be uplifting.'

'Sebbie always says kindness is his super power and kindness took over that day.

'The statue had now gone to London and Oliver continues his campaign to hopefully find it a permanent home.'

Chief Executive of global supply chain company OCI, Oliver Chapman, said: 'Sebbie is a special person.

'His statue acts as a beacon of hope and inspiration for both young people and adults worldwide.

'Kindness is truly a superpower and Sebbie is a genius who I admire and admire every day.'

Mrs Hall spoke of how 'incredibly grateful' she was to the entrepreneur, adding that despite the turmoil that has come with saving his statue, Sebbie is on to his next act of kindness.

The Sebbie Hall Kindness Foundation is currently working toward raising 250,000 so they can build permanent homes for young adults with disabilities.

The mother and son duo hope to build a legacy of buildings where disabled young adults can live after their relatives have passed away.

'Sebbie doesn't really realise it he is the person that he's trying to help because as I've said the can't read or write, make a phone call,' Mrs Hall said.

Sebbie's prize is still looking for a new home. Despite many offers it has to be kept indoors as it is made of perishable materials (Pictured: Men moving the statue)

'So once he's in his own house he's isolated from the world unless there is somebody to help him and when something happens to us one day where will the be?

'And what happens? His name would go out to tender and somebody would bid for him.

'We would like to do similar to an elderly persons village, with a communal area for disabled people

'We would love the Sebbie Hall Kind Foundation's legacy to be one that prevents loneliness and puts people in the right place and within society rather than just paid for tendered for.'

Reflecting on her son, who strives to do an act of kindness every day, Mrs Hill praised how resilient her son had become.

'He goes on about kindness being his superpower all the time. He says never say no. The won't take no for an answer and will find a way in the end.'

A spokesperson for KIND Snacks, a subsidiary of Mars, said: 'We're really sorry to hear Sebbie and his family have been upset over the moving of the statue  that was never our intention.

'We know it has been logistically challenging, we tried our best to work together to find the right solution and time frame to ease the worry, but appreciate the pressure they may have felt.

'We loved unveiling Sebbie's statue and are so pleased that it now has a new home.'
In a controversial ruling, Colombian judges have ordered the execution of Pablo Escobar's herd of 'cocaine' hippos.

The 'out of control' animals, originally part of the cartel kingpin's private menagerie at his Hacienda Napoles estate, escaped after his death in 1993 and have since multiplied into a massive invasive population.

When Escobar was killed in a police shootout in Medellin, authorities left behind four hippos, deeming them too difficult to seize or relocate.

By 2007, those original animals had grown into a herd of 16, wandering the nearby Magdalena River in search of food.

Over the years, the unchecked breeding of the hippos has resulted in numbers increasing to around 200, causing significant ecological disruption, threatening local wildlife and landscapes.

In a controversial ruling, Colombian judges have ordered the execution of Pablo Escobar's herd of "cocaine" hippos

When Escobar (pictured) was killed in a police shootout in Medellin in 1993, authorities left behind four hippos, deeming them too difficult to seize - but numbers have spiralled

Now, Administrative Court judges in Cundinamarca have ruled that the state's Environment Ministry must begin culling the animals within three months, as reported by the Sun.

Experts have warned that the hippo population could balloon to over 1,000 if left unchecked, raising concerns about the risk to human life and local species.

Fishermen on the Magdalena River have already reported attacks, with locals branding the species as 'unpredictable' and 'aggressive', saying the best course of action if you come across one is to simply hide.

Meanwhile, experts fear that the hippos could also pose a dire threat to endangered manatee populations.

Environmental legal expert Juan Pablo Sarmient emphasised the urgency of the situation, stating: 'The discussion on what to do with invasive species is a global problem.

'However, due to the time that hippos have been in Colombia, it has become a situation that cannot be prolonged any longer.

He added that such decisions must be made to 'eradicate' an invasive species before its effect on the environment becomes 'unmanageable.'

Francisco Sanchez, an environmental official, echoed these concerns, previously telling The Guardian: 'They'll get all the way to the sea, because they will just follow the Magdalena River. It's completely out of control.'

Scientists have raised alarms about the impact of their waste on local waterways, as a single hippo can produce up to 20 pounds of excrement daily.

People pose for pictures at the entrance of the Hacienda Napoles theme park, once the private zoo of drug kingpin Pablo Escobar at his Napoles ranch

Experts have warned that the hippo population could balloon to over 1,000 if left unchecked, raising concerns about the risk to human life and local species

Scientists have raised alarms about the impact of their waste on local waterways, as a single hippo can produce up to 20 pounds of excrement daily

While in Africa, hippo waste plays a key role in sustaining ecosystems, Colombia's flora and fauna are unable to process it, potentially causing significant harm to native species, including fish populations.

Previous efforts to control the hippo population through sterilisation and relocation have had limited success.

Some wildlife groups have even proposed transporting the herd to Mexico as an alternative to culling.

Despite the court's ruling, debate continues over how to handle the invasive hippo population, with conservationists and environmentalists calling for humane and scientifically backed solutions to manage the crisis.

Meanwhile, a safari park visitor in Indonesia has been 'urged to make a public apology' after he risked killing a hippo by throwing a plastic bag into its mouth.

A shocking video clip showed the Taman safari park tourist appearing to dangle a carrot near the hippo's open mouth before chucking the bag into it instead.
A Massachusetts mother is demanding answers after her six-year-old son was left on a school bus for more than four hours and was never dropped off at his stop.

Ronda Johnson was waiting for her son Justin last week on his first day of first-grade excited to hear about his day - but he never got dropped off by the bus at 3.30pm.

For more than an hour Johnson tried to find her child - the bus app that enables parents to track the school bus was not working - and she called the school and the dispatch center, but wasn't getting any answers.

Frantic, she spoke to dispatch asking, 'where is the bus? where is my child?,' and told them she was told that her son did get on the bus. They told her they will search the bus yard, as per CBS Boston.

After being placed on hold - she soon learned that her son was finally located and that he would be dropped off at 7pm. However, Johnson was never told exactly where her son was found.

Ronda Johnson and her son Justice, 6, who had a terrifying experience on his first day of school

When the bus finally surfaced, more than four hours later, Johnson was exasperated.

'I run on the bus, and I am running down the aisle looking for my son. He passed out in the seat with a whole puddle of drool.'

'Four hours of my son being on a bus is unacceptable,' she retorted.

The youngster attends Henderson Elementary School, approximately one-mile from where the Johnsons live.

Once little Justice was reunited with his mother they hugged. He told the news outlet of his ordeal, saying 'it was taking like hours.'

Johnson said the bus driver apologized but never gave her a reason why he missed the stop. The mom-of-two was told there was no bus monitor on the bus due to staffing shortages.

A stock image of a yellow school bus

The Boston Public Schools issued a statement on the matter.

'The safety of our students on yellow school buses is our top priority and we will work with our contractor to get to the bottom of what happened and ensure that any appropriate follow-up action is taken,' they said.

In the meantime, Johnson said she needs to leave work early since her son is terrified to ride the bus now.

She believes that the district need to have better communication in place to keep her children and other children safe.

'Is my child happy, is he alive, is he good? Four hours of my son being on a bus is unacceptable,' Johnson said.

As of Wednesday, school officials would not disclose where her son was found, as per CBS Boston.
A school bus with at least 20 kids on board has overturned in Minnesota.

Twelve children have been rushed to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries following the crash outside the city of Hibbing, Northern News Now reports.

A car T-boned the St. Louis County School District vehicle on Town Line Road and Hwy. 5 at 7.49am.

The motorist was airlifted to the Virginia hospital with serious injuries. The bus driver was also transported to hospital, but his condition is not yet known.

Sheriff Gordon Ramsay said the impact caused the bus to roll between Hibbing and Cherry. No fatalities have been reported at this time.

A school bus with at least 20 kids on board has overturned in Minnesota

'Mass casualties' have been reported by police following the crash outside the city of Hibbing

St. Louis County Schools Superintendent Dr. Reggie Engebritson told WDIO that the bus was from a Cherry school.

It is not known how old the students on the bus were but they ranged in ages.

DailyMail.com has contacted St Louis County Sheriff's Office for comment.

This is a breaking news story, please check back for updates...
The U.S. Secret Service mistakenly included the 19 hijackers in a since-deleted tribute post for the victims of 9/11 marking the 23rd anniversary of the terror attacks.

On September 11, 2001, conspirators from al-Qaida seized control of four airplanes and hit New York's World Trade Center and the Pentagon and crashed in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, killing a total of 2,977 people.

In a post on X marking the anniversary of the attacks, the secret services included the terrorist who hijacked those planes in the death toll, reported Fox News.

'The flag hanging in our headquarters is a solemn reminder of 9/11 and our mission's purpose. A testament to freedom and sacrifice, it honors all 2,996 lives lost, including our own Master Special Officer Craig T. Miller & Special Agent in Charge Charles L. Friend,' the agency said.

The Secret Service deleted the original post and put out a second version that included the correct number of victims.

On September 11, 2001, conspirators from al-Qaida crashed planes into the Twin Towers, Pentagon and Pennsylvania killing 2,977 people

The U.S. Secret Service mistakenly included the 19 hijackers (pictured) in a since-deleted tribute post for the victims of 9/11

'This is a correction of an earlier version of this post. In the original post, we erroneously included the total number of deceased from the Sept 11 attacks, which included the hijackers,' the agency said.

'Our intent was to only honor the victims of that tragic day and we deeply apologize for the error.'

Families of the victims have been highly critical of a plea deal that was almost approved for the allegedly 9/11 masterminds detained in Guantanamo Bay.

Joanne Barbara, the widow of a chief New York firefighter killed on that fateful day, slammed President Joe Biden for his 'flippant' remarks on the 23rd anniversary as she paid tribute to her husband at Ground Zero.

She was referencing the president saying he would 'do 9/11' when reporters asked about his plans for the tribute.

'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.

This is a correction of an earlier version of this post. In the original post, we erroneously included the total number of deceased from the Sept 11 attacks, which included the hijackers. Our intent was to only honor the victims of that tragic day and we deeply apologize for the  U.S. Secret Service (@SecretService) September 11, 2024

Joanne Barbara, the widow of a chief New York firefighter killed on that fateful day, slammed the potential plea deal that was offered to the 9/11 masterminds

The controversial plea agreement for the masterminds sparked massive outcry, specifically from family members who closely follow anything involving the fallout from that day more than two decades ago.

The Biden administration had put forward a deal that said Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and two accomplices would have received life sentences in prison without the prospect of the death penalty in return for a guilty plea.

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.'
Kamala Harris presidential bid has brought Democrats support among Jewish voters to the lowest in more than three decades.

Jewish voters in the U.S. are historically liberal and the majority have voted for Democratic candidates in every single presidential election since 1924.

And while Harris support amongst this voting bloc is the lowest since Michael Dukakis lost his race in 1988, it is still more than those who say they back former President Donald Trump.

A new Pew Research Center poll released this week shows 65 percent of registered voters who are Jewish say they will cast their ballots in November for Harris  and 35 percent say they prefer Trump.

The 36-year low for Democrats comes amid a raging war between Israel and the Palestinians de facto government run by Hamas terrorists.

October 7 will mark a year since Hamas invaded Israel and killed 1,200  the largest single-day massacre of Jewish people since the Holocaust. And despite the U.S. allyship with Israel, many Americans have expressed their support for the Palestinian people caught in the crosshairs of the war in Gaza.

Harris, whose husband is Jewish, insists that she will support the U.S.s only ally in the Middle East, but Republicans are worried that more liberal policies will embolden the terrorists to continue the conflict with Israel.

In the 2020 election, 68 percent of Jewish voters cast their ballot for President Joe Biden compared to the 30 percent who voted for Trump.

The latest Pew results show that Trump continues to hold the favorability of Protestant and Catholic voters while Harris has majority support from Jewish and non-religiously affiliated demographics.

While 61 percent of Protestants registered to vote say they want Trump to have another term, a whopping 86 percent of these voters who are black say they prefer Harris get a promotion.

The same flip comes among Catholic voters where an overall 52 percent are backing Trump, but Harris took the win when Hispanic Catholics were polled and 65 percent say they will vote for the vice president in November.

Atheists, Agnostics and no religious affiliation in particular prefer Harris at 85 percent, 78 percent and 59 percent, respectively.

Overall, the 2024 presidential nominees remained tied at 49 percent each in the Pew poll.

The survey was conducted before Trump and Harris debated for the first time on Tuesday in Philadelphia.
A duck rescuer who has spent nearly a decade saving and rehoming wild geese in Ohio has been inundated with calls from concerned Springfield residents amid allegations migrants are eating wild birds.

Lisa Montgomery was shocked when she discovered the 'unusual' amount of birds which have disappeared in the region, and now has 'serious concerns' that they're being 'murdered for food.'

Speaking to DailyMail.com, Lisa said the sheer number of birds disappearing of late has far exceeded past summers in the region.

She's been rescuing ducks and geese throughout Ohio for nearly 10 years, having owned and operated Mid Ohio Waterfowl Rescue since 2015.

'I have over the years had many people reach out from the Springfield area. Recently with concerns of ducks and geese being murdered for food,' she said.

'I do have serious concerns over the issue and believe it to be true.'

Lisa Montgomery was shocked when she discovered the 'unusual' amount of birds which have disappeared in the region, and now has 'serious concerns' that they're being 'murdered for food'

Speaking to DailyMail.com, Lisa said the sheer number of birds disappearing of late has far exceeded past summers in the region

She's been rescuing ducks and geese throughout Ohio for nearly 10 years, having owned and operated Mid Ohio Waterfowl Rescue since 2015

Lisa said the warmer months - May to July in particular - are when native birds like Canada geese and mallards are at their most vulnerable, because they're going through an annual molt.

Recently, she's been inundated by Springfield residents concerned about the mounting rumors that the animals are being stolen and killed by migrants.

Local police say they have no verified reports of such behavior.

Springfield experienced a wave of legal Haitian migration in 2020 in a bid to revitalize the struggling local economy.

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. These people arrived with social security numbers and working permits, they've paid taxes and occupied previously boarded up, abandoned homes.

Lisa said the warmer months - May to July in particular - are when native birds like Canada geese and mallards are at their most vulnerable, because they're going through an annual molt

The rumor mill went into overdrive again following the Trump v Harris presidential debate on Tuesday night, when the former president addressed the allegations.

'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.'

Lisa said she's had 'numerous people reach out to me about the situation wanting me to help the remaining birds that were recently dumped before their fate is the same as their cousins.'

'It is a very disturbing situation and even more disturbing ones are laughing and making jokes about it.'

Lisa also noted swathes of Ohio have a broader and more ongoing problem of people buying and then discarding domestic ducks in local parks.

Springfield, Ohio, has become a flashpoint in the debate over immigration, after droves of Haitian migrants arrived in the city in 2020 to fill jobs vacancies

A Springfield, Ohio, resident claimed that Haitian migrants have been decapitating ducks in public parks and eating them

These ducks and geese have been domesticated and aren't equipped to survive in the wild on their own. 'It is an ongoing issue allover the US, and I would assume other countries as well,' she said.

While there has been an increase in disappearing birds based on Lisa's experience, she said this does not necessarily always mean they're being stolen and murdered.

She said initially she'd expected that this phenomenon would be a result of predators in the area.

But upon further consideration, Lisa said the timing doesn't stack up.

'Predation is also a real thing but not at the rate birds have disappeared,' she said.

'Predation tends to happen more in the winter months. When the ponds freeze and the birds dont have protection.'

Last month, a Springfield local claimed during a city commission meeting that Haitian migrants were decapitating ducks in public parks and eating them.

He said: '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.'

The City of Springfield told DailyMail.com in a statement on Monday: 'We wish to clarify that there have been no credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals within the immigrant community.'
A 27-year-old mystery surrounding the disappearance of a German tourist who was windsurfing off Western Australia's coast has been finalised.

In 1997, experienced windsurfer Werner Schoenhofer travelled to Western Australia from Germany with a group of sailboarders for a five-week holiday.

The group visited Geraldton, about 420km north of Perth, which is rated one of the best windsurfing locations in the world because of its strong winds and uncrowded conditions.

Mr Schoenhofer went windsurfing with his friend Klaus Maier at Point More, Geraldton on the afternoon of January 20, 1997, but never returned to shore.

The friends became separated on the water and when Mr Maier made it back to shore about 5.30pm the conditions had become dangerous, with strong winds and rough seas.

Mr Maier became concerned about his friend and reported him missing half an hour later at the Geraldton police station.

An air and sea search of the area was unable to locate Mr Schoenhofer that night, but his board washed up on Coronation Beach about nine nautical miles north of Point Moore the following day.

A cray boat skipper found his shredded blue and yellow wetsuit and damaged windsurfing harness in the ocean near where his board was found later that day.

A coroner has found that windsurfer Werner Schoenhofer (pictured) was likely killed by a 13-foot tiger shark 27 years ago off the Western Australian coast.

Mr Schoenhofer's body has never been found.

Deputy coroner Sarah Linton said the wetsuit was covered in bite marks and it was apparent to locals in the area the tears had been made by a shark.

A report from a senior scientist at Forensic Services Biology Department confirmed the damage to the wetsuit and harness were consistent with bites from a large tiger shark, around 12 to 13 foot in length.

She said the report also confirmed through DNA testing that the wetsuit and harness had belonged to Mr Schoenhofer.

'Unfortunately, that is a rare but not unknown occurrence in the waters off Western Australia, which is known to be frequented by sharks,' the deputy coroner said in her report.

'Fatal tiger shark attacks, in particular, are known to have occurred in the waters off Geraldton and at the relevant time local fisherman had reported seeing more sharks in the area than normal due to unusually warm water conditions.'

Mr Schoenhofer body has never been found after disappearing from WA's Geraldton (pictured) in January 1997

Witnesses reported seeing Mr Schoenhofer get knocked off his about about 2km offshore, according to local newspaper the Geraldton Guardian.

Another windsurfer Rik Engstrom, who examined Mr Schoenhofer's board, said there was a head high dent on the sail, which suggested it had hit him on the head.

Mr Engstrom told the West Australian newspaper it could have made him unconscious or incapacitated before he fell into the water and was taken by a shark.

'It is clear from the information provided by Mr Schoenhofer's family that his disappearance came as a great shock to them, as his family were very close and he was very loved,' Deputy Coroner Linton said.

'They experienced a great loss when he never came home from Australia, but they accepted that he died on 20 January 1997 while doing something that he loved and he understood the risks involved.'
An auction of late Senator Dianne Feinstein's jewelry, artwork, furniture and other rare items is expected to bring in over $1million next month.

From diamonds and pearls, to a Bible and fireman's coat, the assets of one of the wealthiest California senators will be bid on at an October auction in Los Angeles.

The senator died in 2023 at the age of 90, leaving more than $160million in assets to be shared by her daughter and step-daughters. Her net worth was nearly $88million, according to Newsweek.

The 281 items in the collection vary drastically in price and category - but the eclectic assortment offers a peak inside of her lavish life.

A wooden plaque that sat on her desk's starting price is $200 - while a 4.14-carat diamond ring is expected to sell for at least $65,000.

California Sen. Dianne Feinstein died at 90 years old from declining health. Many of her assets are being auctioned off in October

A painting of sailing ships in the San Francisco Bay by William Alexander Coulter is worth $100,000 - and will be auctioned off this fall

Feinstein had a net worth of nearly $88million. Most of her wealth is from her billionaire husband and well-off family

Another big-ticket item is a William Alexander Coulter painting of a ships sailing in the San Francisco bay. The piece is listed at $100,000.

An original framed drawing of yellow orchids by Feinstein is worth $600 and a group of Feinstein's signed 49ers memorabilia is listed to sell at $2,000.

Titled 'Legacy of a Stateswoman,' the auction will begin on October 8.

Feinstein collected these $70,000 paintings by Neri Di Bicci of Saint Sebastian and Saint Apollonia

Four Chinese peach tree dishes will be sold for an estimated $3,500

The Bonham auction house describes the collection as 'an array of furniture and Asian art from her homes' and 'her personal collection of American art, memorabilia from her illustrious political career, and extensive jewelry collection.'

This memorabilia from her political career includes signed books from various politicians, such as former president Jimmy Carter.

From September 23 to September 26, the highlights of the collection will be displayed in Feinstein's hometown of San Francisco.

Aside from this auction, a 70-piece collection of Feinstein's jewelry will be sold online from October 1 to October 8.

More pieces of artwork will be sold from October 14 to October 24.

A wooden plaque from Feinstein's desk will be sold at the auction for $200

The eclectic assortment includes 281 drastically different items

The October 8 auction follows online jewelry sales of 70 of Feinstein's pieces

A $70,000 painting of Vernal Falls, Yosemite by Enoch Wood Perry is an auction highlight

Bonhams already sold 42 pieces of Himalayan artwork from Feinstein and her late husband Richard Blum's collection earlier this year.

These auctions come after extensive bouts of a legal battle led by Feinstein's only blood-related daughter and power of attorney, Katherine.

Feinstein served on California's senate for 31 years. She died at 90 years old from rapidly declining health.

Known as one of the richest members of congress, most of her wealth comes from her family and marrying billionaire Blum.

Blum died a year before his wife and she was to collect $1million each year through his trust.

But handling Feinstein's abundant wealth resulted in a relationship-straining legal battle.

While Feinstein was alive, Katherine sued the trustees managing Blum's estate and alleged 'financial elder abuse,' according to Forbes.

Katherine accused the trustees of putting money that was supposed to go to her mother into trust funds for his three daughters Annette Blum, Heidi Blum Riley and Eileen Blum Bourgarde.

Feinstein served as a senator for 31 years until her health began to rapidly decline

This 18k gold and gemmed hyena brooch is expected to sell at $1,000

This Tiffany & Co. 18k gold and freshwater cultured pearl necklace is priced at $2,500

The senator died amid the legal feud.

The case's judge ordered mediation and the appraisal of Feinstein's jewelry collection, but it is unknown if this auction is related to that process, according to the LA Times.

Feinstein owned properties worth $102million and a jet ski worth $62million, among other assets, when she died.
The Policing Minister had her purse stolen while attending a police event attended by the UK's most senior officers - where she spoke about an 'epidemic' of theft gripping the UK.

Dame Diana Johnson was the keynote speaker at the Police Superintendents Association's (PSA) Conference, and lamented how stealing and anti-social behaviour was 'corroding' communities.

But while she was at the four-star Chesford Grange hotel, near Kenilworth in Warwickshire on Tuesday, her purse was lifted.

Warwickshire Police confirmed that a 56-year-old man from Coventry had been arrested and bailed in relation to the crime.

In her speech to the assembled speakers Dame Diana said: 'Too many town centres and high streets across the country have been gripped by an epidemic of anti-social behaviour, theft and shoplifting which is corroding our communities and cannot be allowed to continue.'

Dame Diana Johnson was the keynote speaker at the Police Superintendents Association's (PSA) Conference, and lamented how stealing and anti-social behaviour was 'corroding' communities.

In her speech to the assembled speakers Dame Diana said: 'Too many town centres and high streets across the country have been gripped by an epidemic of anti-social behaviour, theft and shoplifting which is corroding our communities and cannot be allowed to continue. (File picture)

It was also the same day that ministers freed around 1,700 offenders early from prison to free up cells.

The exodus from jails across England and Wales came after Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced plans in July to cut temporarily the proportion of sentences which inmates must serve behind bars from 50 per cent to 40 per cent as the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) said overcrowding had pushed jails to the 'point of collapse'.

Pictures showed groups of inmates walking out of Brixton, Durham and Liverpool jails. Around 400 prisoners are reportedly due to be freed from London prisons alone.

The latest releases are in addition to the around 1,000 inmates normally freed each week.

A Warwickshire Police spokesman said: 'We're investigating a report of the theft of a purse at a hotel on the B4115 in Kenilworth.

'The theft occurred some time between 11am and 1.15pm on Tuesday. Enquiries are ongoing.

'A 56-year-old man from Coventry has been arrested on suspicion of burglary and has since been released on bail while enquiries continue.'
An active shooter on the loose at an apartment complex in Colorado has been apprehended following a shootout with police.

The male suspect and one female hostage were taken to a local hospital before 10.30am MDT with the shooter place in custody.

Their conditions and the nature of their injuries are not known at this time.

Police were called to a disturbance at the Arista Flats in Broomfield, northwest of Denver, at 6.34am on Thursday.

Upon arrival they heard 'a male making threats' and heard gunshots which were fired at surrounding units and into the parking lot.

An active shooter on the loose at an apartment complex in Colorado has been apprehended.

Police were called to the Arista Flats in Broomfield on Thursday

Limited evacuations were staged and other residents were told to shelter in place and avoid the area, which has now been designated as secure.

Cops said there was an exchange of gunfire as they forced entry into a home to detain the suspect.

The relationship between him and the victim has not been made public at this stage.

A SWAT team and crisis negotiators were drafted in to help deal with the emergency.

'The surrounding area is NOT SAFE,' Broomfield Police said in a statement. 'Limited evacuations have been done. Everyone else please avoid the area.'

The police also confirmed that nearby Jefferson Academy was placed 'on secure'.

'When a building is on secure it is business as usual inside the school,' the statement said. The doors are locked, no one is coming or going.'

Broomfield is located 16 miles away from Denver, on the opposite side of the city to Aurora, where a migrant gang took over an apartment complex.

The suspect was taken into custody and one victim was transported to the hospital in an unknown condition

SWAT teams and negotiators were drafted in to deal with the situation

One resident told CBS she was walking her dog when she heard a volley of shots.

'Took the dog out as usual, just before 8 o'clock out of my patio and as soon as I put her down on the grass, I heard, "Pop! Pop! Pop! Pop! Pop!"' the resident said.

'There was a kid walking to the school bus, and there's a rock over there in the park and as soon as we heard those shots, he jumped behind the rock and he told me to 'get in, get in, get in!"

'I grabbed the dog and ran back inside and I heard all these cops coming and I heard more shots being fired and I was just really scared because I knew that it was gunshots at that point.'

This is a breaking news story, please check back for updates...
Edinburgh has long had links with the desecration of dead bodies and all things macabre.

No wonder then that the Scottish capital has become the centre-point of filming for Hollywood director Guillermo del Toro film Frankenstein.

Film crews working on the upcoming Netflix adaption have taken over the citys Royal Mile, transforming Parliament Square into an 18th century marketplace.

Old fashioned wooden chairs, and a horse tack can also be seen in the square along with crowds of extras in period costume.

Meanwhile, Makars Square is now home to a large wooden gallow, with intimidating ropes and nooses seen dangling over the edge of the structure.

Star Wars star Oscar Isaacs, who plays Victor Frankenstein, was seen filming in Edinburgh

A hangman's gallow has been constructed in the city centre

Several of the films stars have been spotted on the city-centre set, including Saltburn star Jacob Elordi, 27, British actress Mia Goth, 30, and Star Wars actor Oscar Isaac, 45, who plays Victor Frankenstein.

Director del Toro was also seen taking selfies with fans who gathered to watch filming.

Other actors set to appear in the movie include Christoph Waltz, Felix Kammerer, Lars Mikkelsen, David Bradley and Christian Convery.

According to Edinburgh City Council filming is expected to take place in the area until Saturday, September 14.

Much like Frankenstein, which features the reanimation of dead body parts, Edinburgh was the real-life scene of an infamous spate of murders - committed to provide dead bodies to the scientific community.

Director Guilermo del Toro was in high spirits as he posed with fans watching filming

Killers William Burke and William Hare smothered at least 16 victims in the Scottish capital in 1828.

They sold the corpses to respected anatomical lecturer Dr Robert Knox in the Scottish capitals famous medical school for use in dissection classes.

Other Scottish filming locations for del Toros Frankenstein include Dunecht House in Aberdeenshire and Hospitalfield House in Arbroath as well as Glasgow Cathedral.

Oscar winner Christoph Waltz recently confirmed he will play the part of mad scientist Dr Septimus Pretorius in the latest film adaptation of Frankenstein.

The role was famously portrayed by eccentric British actor Ernest Thesiger in 1935s Bride of Frankenstein opposite Boris Karloffs iconic monster.

In previous films, it was Dr Pretorius who convinced Dr Frankenstein to resume his experiments in bringing dead flesh to life  resulting in the creation of the nightmarish monster.

Del Toro was seen posing for selfies with the assembled crowds

All Quiet on the Western Front star Felix Kammerer also stars in the movie

Members of the cast in period costume were spotted filming rainy scenes

Famous for his portrayal of villains, Waltz has won two Oscars for Best Supporting Actor for his roles in Inglourious Basterds and Django Unchained and also starred as James Bonds nemesis Blofeld film Spectre.

While staying at Dunecht House, in Aberdeenshire, del Toro told fans he was sleeping in the most haunted room of the old 1800s hotel.

In a post on X, Mr del Toro said: Whilst in Aberdeen, I am staying in an old 1800s hotel.

I am in the Most Haunted room of it- which was vacated this morning by one of our producers. Odd electrical and physical occurrences scared her into leaving asap.

Stay tuned- if anything happens I will report.

He told fans: I always stay in the most haunted rooms but only once did I experience anything supernatural- the rest of the time: nothing. I have high hopes.

The Mexican director later updated fans, writing: The room has more than vibes, there is something angry and territorial there. A shred of rage.

However, he said no sounds or sights happened- but just an oppressive vibe and said that he would return to the room later on.

Mr del Toro previously won an Academy Award for best director for The Shape of Water.

Other films he has directed include Pans Labyrinth and Pinocchio.

At the time of Burke and Hares heinous crimes, Edinburgh was a hub for anatomical study.

Edinburgh was home to murderers Burke and Hare - portrayed in 1971 movie above - who sold the dead bodies of people they had killed to the city's scientific community

However, Scots law permitted only the bodies of suicides, foundlings, orphans and those who had died in prison to be used for medical research.

Resurrection men, as they came to be known, could therefore make a tidy profit by snatching bodies from graves and selling them to doctors on the black market.

Burke and Hare, however, took their crime a step further. Having realised the easy money they could make when they sold the body of one of Hares lodgers - who died of natural causes - they took matters into their own hands.

Over ten months, they plied their trade via a series of macabre killings - known as Burking - and their names entered into infamy.

Their murder spree involved luring three men, 12 women and a child back to their lodgings in the West Port district, often plying them with alcohol to subdue them.

As they lay incapacitated, Burke would lie on top of them, in a position described as stridelegs at their trial, to prevent them from struggling. Hare held his hands over the victims nose and mouth.

There may also have been some compression of the chest to aid in the grisly murders.

Burke was hanged in January 28, 1829. After being put on public display, his body was donated to medical science. Hare was released in February 1829 and moved to England.
Kenya's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) faced significant disruptions on Wednesday after aviation workers halted operations in protest against the proposed 30 year lease plan by India's Adani Group, leading to millions of dollars in losses due to flight cancellations and delays.

The strike, initiated by workers affiliated with the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), came in response to plans to modernise the airport through the partial acquisition by Adani Group, which has raised concerns about potential job losses.

The industrial action led to the suspension and cancellation of flights by major airlines, including Kenya Airways, RwandAir, Ethiopian Airlines, and Uganda Airlines.

RwandAir announced the immediate cancellation of flights, while Uganda Airlines issued a statement warning of possible delays and disruptions in its regional schedule.

"Due to the ongoing strike by airport staff at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, our flights WB452/WB453 KGL/NBO/KGL on September 11, 2024, are canceled. All affected passengers will be rebooked on the next available flights. We apologise for any inconvenience caused," RwandAir said in a post on X.

In response to the strike, the Kenyan government held an urgent meeting with KAA employees' union officials, resulting in a temporary suspension of the strike for ten days to allow for further discussions.

The union released a statement outlining the conditions of the suspension, emphasising that the final agreement on the airport's lease would not be signed without their concurrence.

Kenya's aviation regulator, the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) warning of ongoing disruptions for arrivals and departures at JKIA and advising pilots to anticipate delays.

The strike was called at midnight on Wednesday after reports emerged that the Kenyan government had moved ahead with the leasing of JKIA to the Adani Group for 30 years despite the workers opposition.

The Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) fears the transaction could lead to significant job losses among airport workers.

Uganda Airlines, which operates two daily flights between Entebbe and Nairobi, and RwandAir, which flies three times daily from Kigali to Nairobi, were among the carriers affected. Ethiopian Airlines, with four daily flights in and out of Nairobi, also faced disruptions.
The daughter who won an inheritance fight against a stepmother who is more than a decade her junior has said she hopes the case can be a warning to others.

Wealthy pensioner Robert Harrington died aged 94 in May 2020, just 11 months after marrying former lawyer Guixiang Qin, 54, who had moved to his home in King's Lynn, Norfolk, from China .

Mrs Qin inherited her millionaire husband's fortune under his last will, written just two months before he died, sparking a court fight with his disinherited daughter, Jill Langley.

Mrs Langley, 70, from Downham Market, claimed her father's widow had lured him into a 'predatory' marriage and 'dumped him in the cheapest possible grave' once she had 'got all his money'.

Following a trial at Central London County Court earlier this year, the will was declared invalid. Recorder Robert McAllister found that Mrs Qin had exerted undue influence and control over Mr Harrington, who was deemed 'mentally unfit' when his final will was made.

And today, Mrs Qin  who was accused of dumping her millionaire husband in a pauper's grave after inheriting his fortune - was stripped of the right to manage his estate and branded 'unfit' by a judge.

Jill Langley, 70, found out her 94-year-old father was marrying for a second time when a handwritten note came through the letterbox one morning in early March 2020

Chinese lawyer Guixiang Qin, 54, married Robert Harrington, 94, just 11 months before his death. She inherited everything from him under a will written two months before he died

Robert Harrington, 94, was in poor physical shape, was unable to stand for a photo on his wedding day, and was not even able to pronounce his new bride's name, a court was told

Mrs Langley  who was Mr Harringtons only child - discovered her fathers death when she saw a tiny cross at the local crematorium while attending another relatives funeral.

Speaking to MailOnline back in April, Mrs Langley said: This was never about the money, it was about the principle.

My mother and I spent years working with my father in his butchery business and I didnt want to see a stranger walk off with his entire estate.

I hope this case will be a landmark and a warning to others. Theres no way this woman of 54 would have been interested in marrying my father when he was 93 if he didnt have money.

Chinese-born Mrs Qin said she met the adorable retired butcher after spotting a local newspaper advert he placed in late 2018 offering free food and drink at Christmas and the unlikely pair fell in love.

But his death sparked a bitter court battle over his final will, written only two months before he died, disinheriting his daughter Mrs Langley and leaving everything to his new bride.

Mr Harrington's daughter Jill Langley successfully argued that Mrs Qin had exerted undue influence and control over her father and his finances, and his final will was overturned

Mrs Langley said that after her mother Eileens death in January 2018, relations with her father grew sporadic, partly due to his delusional mental state.

Soon after the funeral, she received a bombshell letter, stating: This letter will be the last contact I ever attempt to make.

She recalled: He wasnt getting enough blood to the brain and he accused me of stealing his photo album, which actually referred to a collage of photos in a frame which Id put up in my mums care home, and took back after she died as a keepsake.

I only heard about my fathers register office wedding to Qin in a scrawled note  the builder was called in as a witness.

We tried to contact him, but the phone was never answered and there were all kinds of security cameras and gates at the property, and no-one ever answered when we called.

I only found out about his death by chance. I was at Kings Lynn Crematorium for another funeral and I visited my mothers grave and on the way to it, I noticed a tiny wooden cross with my fathers name on it.

Mrs Langley believed her father Robert Harrington (pictured in 1984) was the victim of a 'predatory marriage', where a wealthy widow or widower is targeted purely for their money

This was two months later, and it was devastating. Qin told the court that she had left me a phone message to tell me about the funeral, but we never received one.

I dont think she intended to tell me anything until probate had gone through.

Now, following a new hearing, another judge has ordered Mrs Qin's removal as joint administrator of Mr Harrington's estate in favour of his daughter.

James McKean, for Mrs Langley, urged the judge at London's High Court to 'pass over' Mrs Qin as the court had established she wasn't 'an appropriate person to act as personal representative of the estate'.

And after a short hearing during which Ms Qin represented herself, Master Julia Clark ruled against the widow, saying the will had been 'procured by undue influence and also that Mr Harrington lacked capacity to make it'.

She added that the facts found at the trial 'would plainly lead to the conclusion that Mrs Qin...is not a fit person to be an administrator'.

Mrs Qin protested, telling the judge she is trying to appeal against the original ruling, claiming: 'My husband wanted me to have his estate.'

When Master Clark pointed out that the will had already been declared invalid, Mrs Qin replied: 'I dont agree, I have appealed the case.'

Rejecting Mrs Qins case, Master Clark said: 'It would be wrong in principle to postpone this matter in case there is an appeal or in case any appeal ultimately succeeds.

'I am passing you over, that is my decision.'

During the trial earlier this year, the court heard that Mr Harrington was already displaying 'strange behaviour' before he met Mrs Qin, including 'fortifying' his home at North Farm, Gayton Road, King's Lynn, with CCTV cameras.

The couple enjoyed a whirlwind romance, meeting for the first time in January 2019, moving in together in February, and with Mr Harrington proposing the following month.

Jill Langley with her mother Eileen, with whom she shared a close bond. She was diagnosed with dementia and died in 2018

The first Mrs Langley knew of his new marriage was when she received a message from Mrs Qin in March 2020 reading: 'Just to let you know that Dad married again last year.'

The court heard Mr Harrington was in poor physical shape, unable to stand for a photo on his wedding day, and was not even able to pronounce his bride's name.

The last time Mrs Langley saw her father was at the funeral of her mother, Eileen  his wife of 66 years  in January 2018, when she recalled him looking 'very frail and vulnerable' and 'rambling'.

Mrs Langley would have benefited under the terms of a previous 2012 will, which named her as her father's heir, before it was rewritten in 2020, leaving her nothing.

Because Mr Harrington's 2020 will was overturned, he was deemed to have died without making a will and his estate would be divided up under intestacy rules.

The ruling meant Mrs Langley would get about 200,000 from an estate now valued at 680,000, although she claimed it would have been worth about 1million if not for thousands paid to Mrs Qin before her father died.

Mrs Qin would still automatically receive about 475,000 as his surviving spouse, although she is facing lawyers' bills estimated at 139,000.

James McKean, for Mrs Langley, asked Mrs Qin: 'Once you had got all his money you dumped him in the cheapest possible grave  that's right, isn't it? You haven't even bothered to maintain the grave properly.'

Mrs Qin denied the claims, saying she only received about 100,000 and telling the court she and Mr Harrington had embarked on a 'loving relationship' and that he 'wanted to look after her'.

Although 'serious amounts of money' were transferred from her husband's accounts, she insisted the payments were legitimate in the circumstances of a romantic relationship.

In his ruling overturning the will, Recorder McAllister said: 'There was clearly an element of control by her of the deceased and his finances that increased over time.

'The numerous enquiries for will services do, in my judgment, show that there was shopping around, which on her own evidence Mrs Qin knew about and in my judgment was involved in.

'Not only do these lend support to question marks about capacity being raised, they tend to suggest a guiding hand, which I find to be Mrs Qin's.'
A woman who went to the pub as her dying daughter watched TV's Tipping Point had to be forced to report claims she had been raped, an inquiry heard.

Sharon Goldie, 49, had been told Robyn, 13, had been attacked by a 14-year-old boy near Bellshill, Lanarkshire.

A fatal accident inquiry heard she told her not to reveal the incident as it would lead to her being examined by doctors.

Hamilton Sheriff Court was told Goldie failed to disclose full details of the alleged attack despite being told to by council staff.

Social worker Brian McNott, 39, told the inquiry: 'Robyn had made an allegation of rape and Sharon's response to that I found to be really concerning.

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

'I felt it was a really underwhelming response to something that her daughter had said she had gone through and she spoke Robyn down from seeking police intervention.

'We had to direct Sharon to get Robyn a doctor's appointment and we found out that she didn't give full information in respect of the allegation of rape to the doctor.

'That was a real concern of her ability to make sure Robyn was safe and to get her medical intervention if required.'

McNott said Goldie and Robyn had 'significant challenges' living together after she had returned from staying with her gran for eight years.

He added there was a 'lack of boundaries' and they had a 'sister relationship' instead of mother and daughter.

He said: 'Robyn and Sharon had significant challenges living together and there were a number of police concerns about them.

'We felt we had a handle on that but although it was challenging for all involved, there was a significant turning point at the way the rape allegation was handled by Sharon.

'There was also verbal conflict, physical conflict and that led to a really challenging environment for Robyn to live in at the time.'

McNott added: 'This case in particular has had an impact on me that will last my entire life.'

Family support worker Victoria Logan, 36, told the inquiry she advised Goldie to get Robyn examined after the rape allegation.

She added: 'I believe Sharon took her after much encouragement.

'I believed there could be a risk and it would be beneficial to be checked out because she was passing blood which is obviously quite serious.'

Goldie 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

The court heard that 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 inquiry had earlier heard Goldie left Robyn watching quiz show Tipping Point and went to a pub on the day she died in July 2018.

Doctors later discovered she had developed peritonitis and then suffered a perforated duodenal ulcer.

Goldie, of Kilsyth, Lanarkshire, admitted wilful ill treatment and neglect between July 2017 and July 2018 and was jailed for three years and six months in October 2020.

The inquiry before Sheriff Linda Nicolson continues.
Progressive 'Squad' leader Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez slammed the Republican presidential ticket for claiming that migrants in Ohio are eating cats and dogs.

The bizarre saga all began earlier this week when a viral video showed a Springfield, Ohio, resident decrying how Haitian migrants are catching, beheading and later eating geese from a local park.

It soon caught the attention of MAGA world, including Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and his Ohio senator running mate J.D. Vance.

Trump soon brought up the claims in his debate against Vice President Kamala Harris and Vance mentioned online how the reports could be true, before saying they could be false.

Now, AOC is saying Trump and Vance are intentionally 'on a path of inciting violence' against these migrants by repeating the dubious reports.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., 34, slammed former President Donald Trump and his running mate Sen. J.D. Vance, R-Ohio, for 'inciting violence' by their repeating claims that migrants in Ohio are capturing resident's pets, cooking them and eating them

On Thursday morning, AOC ripped the unverified claims of pet consumption to shreds, calling them 'Intentional, incredibly malicious and disgusting.'

'They are engaged in something that is more than just a harmful statement, or even can be misconstrued as a joke,' she said after votes on the House steps.

She insinuated that the Republican pair had a more sinister plan for behind their bringing up the fringe and totally strange story online and later in the debate which reached tens of millions of American viewers.

'It is very clearly on a path of inciting violence, and they and these claims very often have a history of that,' the progressive continued.

She talked about how wild claims about immigrants have a long history in the U.S.

'Those such claims by immigrant communities go back all the way to Irish Americans first coming to the United States, and they go back hundreds of years as well.'

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The Democratic star has often cut against Trump and his immigration policies

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is all smiles as she exits the CBS morning show wearing a floral dress

Both Trump and Vance have repeatedly brought up the claims that migrants in Ohio are eating the dogs and cats of residents there

Vance, who is from Ohio, posted on X this week: '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, saying 'It's possible, of course, that all of these rumors will turn out to be false.'

But Vance's speculation did not stop Trump from later bringing it up in his debate with Harris on Tuesday, saying migrants '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.'

The charges have inspired content creators and journalists to rush to the area to investigate whether pets have been on the menu in Springfield.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine was even pressed on the claims in an interview, where he shot them down and said people should listen to the local mayor who has dispelled the claims as untrue.

'This is something that came up on the internet. The internet can be quite crazy sometimes,' DeWine said this week.

'Mayor [Rob] Rue, says, 'No there's no truth in that,' they have no evidence of that at all. So I think we go with what the mayor says, he knows his city.'

When pressed on the claims after the debate on Tuesday, Vance backed off slightly: 'Whether those exact rumors turn out to be mostly true, somewhat true, whatever the case may be ... this town has been ravaged.'

He did, however, credit the story, which has generated many AI images online of Trump posing as a guardian or protector of the furry and feathered animals, with raising awareness about immigration issues.

'The media didn't care about the carnage brought by these [immigration] policies until we turned it into a meme about cats,' Vance said.

And the claims have prompted many MAGA fans to create memes of their own.

'Cats lives matter. Ducks lives matter. Vote for Trump to save them,' one user on X posted alongside an image with Trump holding a duck and cat while draped in a red cape.

Another picture shows Trump rescuing a chubby cat from a fire

Another AI-generated image shows Trump holding a cat and a duck at a campaign rally

'Todays finds in a certain political corner of X: memes of Trump saving cats and ducks from Haitian migrants,' conservative commentator Marina Medvin posted on X.

'I normally find Trump memes annoying but these are well done,' her post continued.

Another user on the platform posted an AI-generated image of Trump sporting armor and a sword: 'Don't worry, America. Donald Trump is coming to end Kamala's border policies and defend your cats and ducks.'


Vice President Kamala Harris surprised many Americans when she announced during the Tuesday's debate that she owned a firearm because of her history of pressing for more gun control.

'Tim Walz and I are both gun owners. We're not taking anybody's guns away. So stop with the continuous lying about this stuff,' she said during the debate with Donald Trump.

But Harris actually revealed her gun ownership on the campaign trail in Iowa, during her failed 2020 presidential campaign.

'I am a gun owner, and I own a gun for probably the reason a lot of people do  for personal safety,' Harris told voters in April 2019, reminding them she was once a city prosecutor.

Campaign aides at the time confirmed that Harris owned a handgun and that she kept it locked up. She has not revealed the make or model but says she's a good shot.

Democratic presidential nominee, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris at the ABC News presidential debate

The Harris campaign did not return a DailyMail.com request for comment.

Harris spoke about shooting guns in a 2015 interview with journalist Mike Allen who asked her if she had ever shot a gun.

In response, Harris laughed and refused to say when was the last time she had used a gun.

'I'm a good marksman,' she added, laughing. 'Yes, I have shot a gun many, many times.'

She confirmed she had shot a 'pistol' but refused to share further details.

Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris steps out of her vehicle as she prepares to board Air Force Two

Then Democratic presidential candidate, Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif at a July 2019 event

During the 2020 Democratic presidential primary, Harris proposed a series of gun control policies, even backing a controversial government-run mandatory gun buyback program.

She detailed her position in an MSNBC forum on gun safety in October 2019.

'We have to have a buyback program, and I support a mandatory gun buyback program,' she said.

Harris warned there were already estimates of up to 10 million assault weapons in the United States.

'We're going to have to have smart public policy that's about taking those off the streets, but doing it the right way,' she said.

During her presidential campaign, Harris promised to impose new gun control policies by using executive action if Congress failed to act within 100 days.

'As president, I'll take executive action to ban imports of AR-15-style assault weapons,' Harris said in August 2019.

Harris' repeated calls for executive actions on gun irked then-Vice President Joe Biden at the time, who criticized her for suggesting she could enact major gun reforms without Congress.

Then Former Vice President Joe Biden and U.S. Senator Kamala Harris during a 2019 presidential primary debate

Then-Sen. Kamala Harris argued for executive action on gun control during her failed 2020 presidential campaign

'There's no Constitutional authority to issue that executive order when they say 'I'm going to eliminate assault weapons,' he said to reporters. 'You can't do it by executive order any more than Trump can do things when he says he can do it by executive order.'

When Harris was asked during a Democratic primary debate to respond to Biden's criticism, Harris was dismissive.

'Hey, Joe, instead of saying, 'No, we can't,' let's say, 'Yes, we can,' she said.

'Let's be constitutional. We've got a Constitution,' Biden replied.
The Islamic Republic of Iran has been hiring Hells Angels and other criminal groups embedded in western nations to target their critics in exile.

A bombshell report by The Washington Post claims Tehran has recruited thugs to abduct and assassinate Iranian dissidents in democratic nations including the US, Germany and the UK.

The Russian gang 'Thieves in Law,' an Iranian drug trafficker and violent groups from Scandinavia to South America have reportedly been recruited by Iran's rulers to carry out their orders.

A former Iranian military officer hiding in Maryland, an Iranian-American journalist in Brooklyn and a dissident in London are among the exiles targeted by the Iranian regime in the west.

Iranian journalist Pouria Zeraati, a British citizen, was stabbed four times on the sidewalk outside his home on March 29 in Wimbledon, a London suburb. The attack came after years of threats and intimidation that led him to relocate to safe houses for a while.

The Islamic Republic of Iran has been hiring Hells Angels and other criminal groups to target their critics in the west. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei attends a meeting with the President Masoud Pezeshkian's administration, in Tehran

Londons Metropolitan Police believes that Tehran hired criminals from Eastern Europe to carry out the attack.

Detectives said criminals tracked Zeraati for days and fled on a flight just hours after the ambush. Officials believe the attackers may have wanted Zeraati to survive the stabbing in order to scare him but avoid an international scandal.

Zeraati's attackers have not been caught.

MI5 and the Metropolitan Police have tracked over 16 plots from the Islamic Republic in the last two years, The Post reported.

According to the Washington Institute, there have been 88 assassination, abduction and other violent plots linked to Iran over the past five years. At least 14 of them involved criminal groups.

In the US, the Justice Department filed charges last month against a Pakistani man with ties to Iran who allegedly was looking to hire a hit man to kill politicians, including possibly former president Donald Trump.

Former Trump officials Mike Pompeo and John Bolton have also been targeted in plots by Tehran as revenge for the US killing of Iranian Revolutionary Guard leader Qasem Soleimani.

Iranian journalist Pouria Zeraati, a British citizen, was stabbed four times on the sidewalk outside his home on March 29 in Wimbledon, a London suburb. He is seen in a 'WANTED' poster issued by the Iranian Republic

German officials say Tehran recruited a fugitive Hells Angels boss, Ramin Yektaparast, to organize and carry out terror attacks against synagogues

In Brooklyn, officials foiled a plot to kill America-Iranian journalist Masih Alinejad that involved Thieves in Law member Khalid Mehdiyev, showing up to her doorstep.

Alinejad has been the target of at least three plots, with one that centered on kidnapping her from New York and taking her to Venezuela via boat.

'There are a lot of people in Eastern Europe and other places and its very easy for them to get a visa and come here to do the job,' she told The Post.

Tehran has also reportedly outsourced assassinations and abductions to Iranian drug trafficker Naji Sharifi Zindashti, described as a 'Pablo Escobar-type narco-trafficker.'

In Turkey, activist Habib Chaab, who was based in Sweden, was abducted in 2020 during a visit to Turkey. He was smuggled out by by Zindashti operatives to Iran, where he was tortured and executed in 2023.

Zindashti is also accused in of negotiating a $350,000 contract with two Hells Angels members in Canada to kill an Iranian defector and his wife, who were hiding under false identities in Maryland.

The defector has not been named but identified as a former officer in the IRGC who became an informant for the CIA.

Tehran has also reportedly outsourced assassinations and abductions to Iranian drug trafficker Naji Sharifi Zindashti, described as a 'Pablo Escobar-type narco-trafficker'

Hells Angels Canadian gangster Damion Ryan, 43, was reportedly hired to target an Iranian dissident in Maryland

The point man in the failed plot targeting the defector was named as Damion Ryan, 43, who has a lengthy criminal record in Canada. He is accused of enlisting Adam R. Pearson, 29, who was hiding in Minneapolis to escape arrest on murder charges in Canada.

German officials say Tehran recruited a fugitive Hells Angels boss, Ramin Yektaparast, to organize and carry out terror attacks against synagogues.

Amid the war in Gaza, Tehran has also been connected to plots against US and Israeli officials in France and Germany.

As The Post notes, other authoritarian regimes around the world have started to use Tehran's strategy of recruiting criminals in the west.

A Sikh activist was killed in Canada last year and another was targeted in New York by criminals hired by India's security services.

Meanwhile Russia hired mobsters in Spain last year to kill a military pilot who had defected to Ukraine and resettled in the Mediterranean.

Iran denied the claims when reached by The Post.

'The Islamic Republic of Iran harbors neither the intent nor the plan to engage in assassination or abduction operations, whether in the West or any other country,' Tehran's mission to the United Nations said in a statement.

'These fabrications are concoctions of the Zionist regime, the Albania-based Mujahedin-e Khalq terrorist cult, and certain Western intelligence servicesincluding those of the United Statesto divert attention from the atrocities committed by the Israeli regime.'
French First Lady Brigitte Macron has been awarded damages over the viral false claim that she is a transgender man named Jean-Michel.

A Paris court on Thursday ordered two women to pay 6,750 in damages to the 71-year-old after making the claims that sparked online rumour-mongering by conspiracy theorists and the far right.

Macron filed a libel complaint against the two women - self-proclaimed spiritual medium Amandine Roy and conspiracy theorist Natacha Rey - who posted a YouTube video in December 2021 alleging she had once been a man named 'Jean-Michel'.

The claim went viral just weeks before the 2022 presidential election.

Posts spread on social media claiming that the first lady, formerly Brigitte Trogneux, had never existed and that her brother Jean-Michel had changed gender and assumed that identity.

French First Lady Brigitte Macron has been awarded 6,750 in damages over the viral false claim that she is a transgender man

Self-proclaimed spiritual medium Amandine Roy posted a four-hour video to YouTube allowing a conspiracy theorist to make the false claims

Conspiracy theorist Natacha Rey (pictured) claimed that Brigitte Macron was born a man

A Paris court sentenced the two defendants to pay a total of 6,750 in damages to the president's wife, and 4,200 to her brother Jean-Michel Trogneux. Macron had initially demanded 8,400 in compensation.

The pair were also handed a suspended fine of 420.

Macron, and her French president husband Emmanuel Macron did not attend the trial in June and were not present for the ruling.

The medium, Roy, 49, had interviewed Rey for hours on her YouTube channel in which she ranted about the 'state lie' and 'scam' that she claimed to have uncovered.

Rey was 'desperate to share her work', said Roy, who had merely 'acquiesced to her request'.

Despite this claim of acquiescing to Rey, Roy said the conspiracist 'had spent three years researching, it's not like she pulled it out of her hat'.

'My regret is that this wasn't taken up and investigated by the mainstream media,' said Roy, who said she could not 'hide' such a 'serious' subject.

The disinformation even spread to the United States where Brigitte Macron was attacked in a now deleted YouTube video ahead of the November elections.

'The prejudice is massive, it exploded everywhere,' said Brigitte Macron's lawyer, Jean Ennochi at the time.

Rey was ill during the trial, but did not manage to have it postponed.

In March, the French president expressed his anger and frustration about continual speculation of his wife, whom he married in 2007.

Macron, and her French president husband Emmanuel Macron did not attend the trial in June and were not present for the ruling

Emmanuel Macron, President of France, and Brigitte Macron enjoy the show during the closing ceremony on day eleven of the Paris 2024 Summer Paralympic Games at Stade de France on September 08, 2024

On Thursday, Brigitte Macron made her Netflix debut playing herself in the hit series 'Emily in Paris'

'The worst thing is the false information and fabricated scenarios,' he said.

'People eventually believe them and disturb you, even in your intimacy.'

He said the transgender claims about Macron were typical of misogynisitic online attacks that women have to put up with every day.

Details of the bizarre case were revived after her own daughter talked publicly about the accusations for the first time.

Tiphaine Auziere, 40, told Paris Match magazine: 'I have concerns about the level of society when I hear what is circulating on social networks about my mother being a man.'

Auziere also discussed how wounded she remained after discovering as a 10-year-old child that her teacher mother was seeing the teenage Emmanuel Macron.

The future politician was just 15 when he began a relationship with the then married mother-of-three Brigitte Auziere, who was 40 at the time, and teaching drama at La Providence high school in Amiens, northern France.

Former US first lady Michelle Obama, US Vice President and presidential candidate Kamala Harris and New Zealand ex-premier Jacinda Ardern have also been the target of disinformation about their gender or sexuality in a bid to mock or humiliate them.

Also on Thursday, Brigitte Macron made her Netflix debut playing herself in the hit series 'Emily in Paris'.

The show's star Lily Collins told Elle magazine the idea came to her and programme creator Darren Star when they met the first lady at the Elysee Palace in December 2022.
A prisoner due to be let out of jail early under Labour's release scheme was immediately arrested - for breaking the law while behind bars.

Andrew Rogan, 51, breached a restraining order by calling his wife Jade Carmel Smith while an inmate.

A court heard that he was banned from contacting Ms Smith - but he called her 'numerous times' via his prison phone between July 1 ad August 1 this year.

He was less than half way through his two-year sentence at HMP Berwyn in Wrexham, North Wales, for dangerous driving while verbally abusing his wife.

Prosecutor Justin Espie told the court that the restraining order had been imposed on January 11 this year and it is in place until January 2029.

Andrew Rogan breached a restraining order by calling his wife Jade Carmel Smith while an inmate at HMP Berwyn

But Rogan spoke to Ms Smith after contacting her via her friend's phone.

During a call on August 1, Ms Smith said she didn't want to speak to him again and the prison in Wrexham, north Wales, was informed.

Despite the Prison Service being made aware of the breach, Rogan still was included in the prisoner early release scheme.

However, he was arrested at HMP Berwyn on Tuesday (September 10) by North Wales Police without ever tasting freedom.

The incident came as 1,700 criminals were set free from Britain' prisons after serving a fraction of their sentences.

Steven Alis, defending, said: 'He was released yesterday and was subject to licence provisions.

'The concerning thing about the case is that the prison service was aware, certainly from August 1, that the calls had been made.

'The police were clearly made aware at the same time and to be fair to the defendant, he rang us a week or so before his expected date of release to say this is what's going to be happening and asking; am I going to be gate arrested?

'Probation were also aware these calls had been made but despite that put quite a lot in place and authorised his release.

'He has been in custody since September 4 last year and may well have been on early release but was almost 50 per cent through it anyway so he didn't get much of a bonus as such.'

The incident came as 1,700 criminals were set free from Britain' prisons after serving a fraction of their sentences. Picture inside of HMP Berwyn

Mr Alis said that the number he had for Ms Smith's friend was the partner of a friend who had passed away - he claimed he had contact for legitimate reasons in order to keep in touch.

But his wife was also in touch with her and was at the house when Rogan rang one day - and so the contact began and Rogan continued it.

'Clearly he breached the order,' he said.

'It doesn't matter how complicit she was.'

District Judge Gwyn Jones told Rogan that his misuse of a phone in prison had been 'deliberate.'

'It is my view,' he explained, 'that the sentencing powers of this court are inadequate.'

Rogan of Wellington Road North in Heaton Chapel, Stockport, was remanded in custody.

He will appear at Mold Crown Court for sentence on October 3.
The Treasury is refusing to release a breakdown of the 22billion Government spending 'black hole' it is using as justification for its tax and spending plans at the upcoming Budget.

Sir Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves have made repeated references to the figure since the July election, prompting fears of tax rises and spending cuts to come next month.

But the Treasury has so far been coy about releasing details of the black hole - apart from saying 9.4billion is from public sector pay awards and more spent on housing and dealing with asylum seekers.

The Financial Times today revealed that it used Freedom of Information laws to ask for a full breakdown of the figure, but were rebuffed.

In a letter to the paper the Treasury said that complying with it 'risks creating a chilling effect, as officials and ministers feel less able to make free and frank decisions relating to ongoing discussions to manage down in-year pressures'.

A spokesman added: 'As with all publications, there are standard processes to ensure these documents are ready for publication. This should not be taken to imply that there is any doubt over the 21.9billion figure.'

It came as a former Bank of England chief economist warned that the claim of a 'black hole' has 'generated a fear and foreboding and uncertainty among consumers, businesses and investors in UK PLC'.

Sir Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves have made repeated references to the figure since the July election , prompting fears of tax rises and spending cuts to come next month.

The OBR cautioned that within drastic action pressures will push spending to more than 60 per cent of GDP by the 2070s

Speaking to Sky News' Politics Hub with Sophy Ridge Andy Haldane said the Government should have stayed silent until it was ready to say what was going to fill it

Speaking to Sky News' Politics Hub with Sophy Ridge Andy Haldane said the Government should have stayed silent until it was ready to say what was going to fill it, adding: 'Just after the election, there was a sense of refresh, a sense of renewal, a confidence about the UK, both domestically and internationally.

'And that just set it back in its on its heels a bit, which I felt was unnecessary. And alongside the partial measures that were taken, which I think have also aroused some concerns about what might come next. '

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and the Institute of Directors (IoD) have also taken aim at Labour as official figures showed growth flatlined in July  Sir Keir Starmer's first month in office.

He and Chancellor Rachel Reeves have insisted 'painful' decisions will be necessary in the Budget next month, claiming that they have inherited a dire economy.

But in a speech last night CBI chief executive Rain Newton-Smith said that while recent years have been difficult, the continuous negativity threatens to backfire.

'The more we focus on that difficult inheritance, the harder it is in global boardrooms to make the pitch to invest in, come to and stay in the UK,' she said. 'We must also have and offer hope.'

Failure to boost productivity significantly would mean the problem being even more dramatic - with debt estimated to reach more than six times GDP

And in a letter to the Chancellor, IoD director general Jonathan Geldart said fears of increases in capital gains tax, inheritance tax and a raid on pension savings were already taking their toll.

'It has led some to pause some of their investment and hiring plans, and others to reconsider the UK as a location for their business,' Mr Geldart said. He urged Labour not to ignore growth in its effort to repair the public finances.

'There has been understandably much focus on the necessity to balance the books,' he said.

'But there is a risk that short-term budget balancing takes place at the cost of future growth prospects.'

It came the finance watchdog revealed the UK's debt mountain could be six times the size of the economy within 50 years as the aging population, climate change and global insecurity put the country on an 'unsustainable' course.

The shocking picture has been laid bare in the latest assessment by the Office for Budget Responsibility watchdog.

Public spending is already standing at 45 per cent of GDP, the highest sustained level since the 1970s. The tax take is rising to 37.1 per cent, a peak since the 1940s.

However, the OBR cautioned that within drastic action pressures will push spending to over 60 per cent of GDP by the 2070s.

The national debt currently stands at around 2.7trillion, roughly the same size as the economy. But that figure could jump to more than 270 per cent - likely requiring huge scaling back of services and welfare.

Failure to boost productivity significantly would mean the problem being even more dramatic - with debt estimated to reach more than six times GDP.

Labour ministers immediately seized on the findings to argue that the Tories had failed to tackle deep-seated problems.

Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones said: 'The OBR has laid bare the shocking state that our public finances were left in by the previous government.

'Highest debt since the 1960s, highest taxes since the 1940s, and debt on track to be almost three times our GDP.'

But shadow Treasury minister Gareth Davies said: 'Labour inherited the fastest growing economy in the G7, the second lowest level of debt in the G7 and a deficit lower than that of the United States, France, Japan and Italy.

'To ensure the continued sustainability of the public finances, the Labour Government must come forward with a plan to reform welfare, improve public sector productivity and drive growth.

'Instead, they are fabricating a narrative on their inheritance to make way for reckless tax rises they had planned all along that will hamper the economy.'
Three guitars belonging to Noel Gallagher today sold for a whopping 216,000 after a tense bidding war prompted by the Oasis reunion.

The Oasis star's Epiphone Les Paul electric guitar which he used in the run-up to the release of their debut 1994 album Definitely Maybe fetched 132,000 - almost double its 60,000-80,000 estimate.

Bidding was in the valuation range at 70,000 until the final moments of London-based auctioneers Sotheby's timed sale when an undisclosed buyer almost doubled their offer.

Noel's Epiphone EA-250 electric guitar, which appeared in the video and artwork cover of the single Supersonic and was played during live performances in Manchester, Liverpool and London achieved 48,000.

A member of Sotheby's staff holding the Epiphone Les Paul electric guitar owned by Noel Gallagher

The album cover for Oasis's Definitely Maybe, released in 1994

And a Gibson Flying V electric guitar previously owned by The Smiths' Johnny Marr and used by Gallagher in the recording of Cigarettes and Alcohol made 36,000.

Both instruments carried estimates of 20,000 to 30,000.

Oasis split up 15 years ago after brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher spectacularly fell out.

But on August 27 they announced they would reform for a series of gigs next summer.

The tour will run from July 4 to August 17, kicking off at Cardiff's Principality Stadium before the brothers pack out Heaton Park in Manchester, Wembley in London, Murrayfield in Edinburgh and Croke Park in Dublin.

Hundreds of thousands of Oasis fans were left frustrated after missing out on tickets due to the huge demand, with some complaining of late 'dynamic price surges' after queuing for nine hours to buy them.

A member of staff holds a gibson Flying V electric guitar owned by Noel Gallagher and British musician Johnny Marr

The staff member looks to a picture of Noel Gallagher playing the instrument that went up for auction

The Epiphone EA-250 Electric Guitar which featured on the cover of Oasis' 1994 debut single Supersonic

Katherine Schofield, head of pop culture at Sotheby's, said ahead of the sale: 'Our sale was timed to coincide with the 30th anniversary release of Definitely Maybe, but we had no idea the band would announce it was reforming.

'Since the band announced its reunion there has been a great deal more interest.'

Some 14 million fans joined queues on select websites to be in with a chance of securing one of around 1.4 million tickets for one of the UK and Ireland shows.
NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban has resigned amid an ongoing investigation into corruption that is tied to his twin brother.

Caban, a career cop who served with New York Mayor Eric Adams in the 1990s, announced his resignation in a letter to all officers on Thursday.

Last week, federal investigators seized his phone and the devices of other senior aides.

The investigation stems from his relationship with his twin brother, James. According to The New York Daily News, James is being investigated for allegedly selling favors to the nightclub venues he consults for.

NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban has resigned amid an ongoing investigation into corruption

A former cop himself, James is known as the 'fixer' between the city and high-end hospitality venues.

The New York Post reports that James would trade a softer touch from the NYPD if any of the hotspots fell into trouble with the law.

'It wasn't old-school mafia, "If you dont pay, we break your windows". But [it was], My brother is a big shot, and he can make your fines and underage drinking go away,' a source said.

James, a security expert, is suspected of selling police favoritism to nightclubs, using his closeness with his brother to ensure their protection.

Whenever he is in the city, he is driven around with NYPD protection to keep him safe from bad actors who may mistake him for his high-powered brother.

Caban insists the protection measure is necessary, but that neither he nor his brother has done wrong.

In his resignation letter, Caban said the solemnity of the 9/11 anniversary yesterday reminded him of the 'unwavering dedication and resilience' of the NYPD.

'My complete focus has always been on the NYPD  the department and people I love and have dedicated over 30 years of service to.

The commissioner has become embroiled in an investigation into his twin brother James. James, a security consultant, is suspected of selling preferential police treatment to NYC nightclubs

'However, the news around recent developments has created a distraction for our department, and I am unwilling to let my attention be on anything other than our important work, or the safety of the men and women of the NYPD.

Mayor Eric Adams holds a press conference at New York City Hall in August 2023 with former Police Commissioner Caban in attendence.

'I hold immense respect and gratitude for the brave officers who serve this department, and the NYPD deserves someone who can solely focus on protecting and serving New York City, which is why  for the good of this city and this department  I have made the difficult decision to resign as Police Commissioner.

'Thank you for the trust you have placed in me, and for the opportunity you have given me to serve alongside the members of this great department.

'I feel strongly that we have the best police force in the world, and have complete faith in the leaders across the NYPD.'
analysis

South Africa is poised to become a major player in the global energy transition, thanks to its vast renewable energy resources (sun and wind) and its plans for green hydrogen production.

Green hydrogen is produced through electrolysis, where renewable electricity splits water into hydrogen and oxygen. Unlike grey hydrogen, which is derived from fossil fuels, green hydrogen emits no greenhouse gases - only water vapour. It is seen as a good alternative to fossil fuels in sectors that are hard to electrify, such as heavy industry, aviation and long-haul transportation.

We are chemical engineers, with over five decades of combined experience in the petrochemical industry, who have researched the potential for green hydrogen commercialisation in South Africa.

The European Union's recent pledge of 32 million (R628 million) in grants to support South Africa's green hydrogen industry shows that the country's potential is being recognised. However, our research shows that it is not enough. Getting a green hydrogen industry started will need more than this grant.

Read more: Green hydrogen sounds like a win for developing countries. But cost and transport are problems

Green hydrogen production is expensive, costing between US$5 and US$8 (R89-R143) per kilogram - around five times the cost of hydrogen derived from fossil fuels.

It is also three to five times more expensive than oil. If green hydrogen is to be cost-effective enough to compete with fossil fuels, the green hydrogen industry will need government subsidies and incentives for manufacturers. It will also need supportive government regulations, such as carbon taxes or a requirement to use sustainable chemicals such as green ammonia for fertiliser made from green hydrogen.

Apart from this, substantial international investments will be needed to mitigate the risks, such as cost overruns, that come with building huge green hydrogen projects. In fact, South Africa's future green hydrogen industry depends on government-backed support from the global north, through mechanisms like sovereign guarantees - a promise by a government to cover the financial obligations of a project if it fails to meet its debt repayments - or equity stakes - partial ownership, sharing in both the profits and risks.

European Union grants

The European Union has provided two grants, totalling 32 million (R634 million). The first is a R490 million grant to help set up a regional green hydrogen hub in the southern Africa region.

The European Union, and South Africa's ministries of Trade and Industry and Electricity and Energy, say this grant aims to "leverage R10bn in private and public sector finance across the hydrogen value chain". In other words, this grant is expected to entice investors to inject funds into green hydrogen production, transportation, storage and downstream industries (including green steel and aeroplane fuel).

A second EU grant of R138 million is supposed to attract additional funding to boost the state utility Transnet's ports, railways and pipelines. This is so that green hydrogen can be exported efficiently.

South Africa's green hydrogen commercialisation strategy aims to produce one million tonnes a year of green hydrogen by 2030, rising to seven million tonnes a year by 2050.

Read more: South Africa has huge 'green fuels' potential. But it needs to act now

If it does this, by 2050 the green hydrogen industry could potentially contribute R75 billion annually - 6.5% of South Africa's gross domestic product. It could generate R24 billion in tax revenue, and create up to 370,000 jobs.

The European Union grants are a step towards this. But they pale in comparison to the estimated R410 billion (approximately 20 billion) needed to produce one million tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030. We calculate that the new grants represent less than 0.2% of the investment needed to get this done.

There is a vast financial gap that must be addressed. South Africa does not have the funds to set up a green hydrogen industry. The entire one million tonnes a year of green hydrogen that South Africa aims to produce by 2030 is entirely dependent on global north subsidisation.

We believe that the European Union grants will cover early stage studies to assess the feasibility of setting up the green hydrogen industry, rather than any capital investments.

Green hydrogen risks

Green hydrogen industries depend on megaprojects: renewable energy infrastructure, electrolysers and water sourcing systems. Each megaproject typically costs over US$1 billion (R19 billion).

The green hydrogen industry will also depend on an international supply chain so that the product can be exported. This supply chain will need pipelines and ports as well as long term agreements with importing countries.

Megaprojects carry well-known risks - they frequently exceed their initial budgets by 20%-30%, and deadlines are often extended by years.

Unanticipated delays, equipment failures, or the need for additional infrastructure could dramatically increase costs. This would leave South African project developers struggling to cover the money they'd invested in the projects. Investors could also be left with stranded assets if the demand for green hydrogen failed to materialise because of competition from other energy technologies, regulatory changes, or slower-than-expected adoption.

The European Court of Auditors recently called for a "reality check" on green hydrogen, warning of these high costs, infrastructure bottlenecks and over-optimistic expectations surrounding the hydrogen market.

If the global north subsidises or buys shares in these projects, it could reduce financial risks for South African developers. However, the likelihood of cost overruns and schedule delays is extremely high. These will be pioneering megaprojects and they could be value destructive - where their returns will be below the cost of capital.

The European Union hopes to import 10 million tonnes per annum of green hydrogen by 2030. We believe the EU should bear the risks and use subsidies to pay for this.

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Solutions

South Africa experienced frequent power cuts between 2007 and 2024 that hampered economic growth. Critics of green hydrogen argue that renewable energy should be used domestically before being channelled into producing green hydrogen for export.

As green hydrogen researchers, we believe that South Africa can set aside renewable energy for local consumption while expanding green hydrogen capacity at the same time.

South Africa will also have to make sure that local communities benefit from the green hydrogen industry.

As global interest in green hydrogen accelerates, the real test will be setting up the right partnerships to drive both economic development and the world's energy transition.

South Africa could become a global leader in green hydrogen. The 32 million grant from the European Union is very welcome because it highlights the importance of international collaboration in addressing the climate crisis. However, there is a real danger that the global south could shoulder most of the risks involved in developing the green hydrogen industry while global north consumers benefit from the product.

Bruce Douglas Young, Senior Lecturer, Africa Energy Leadership Centre, University of the Witwatersrand

Craig McGregor, Associate Professor in Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering and Director of the Solar Thermal Energy Research Group, Stellenbosch University
A promising young naval lieutenant took his own life after a night out while stationed in Hamburg, an inquest has heard.

Angus Herbert Donald Robertson, 30, died after he was found unresponsive in his cabin in March this year.

The inquest at Accrington Town Hall, in Lancashire, heard that while Lieutenant Robertson's colleagues were initially successful in resuscitating him he was sadly pronounced dead in hospital on March 27.

Lieutenant Robertson, who received a full military funeral, was described by his former captain as 'diligent and conscientious, affable and engaging.'

He joined the Royal Navy in 2018, as an officer in the Royal Marines, before he carried out his training on the aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Forth.

Angus Herbert Donald Robertson (pictured), 30, died after he was found unresponsive in his cabin. his colleagues were initially successful in resuscitating him but he was sadly pronounced dead in hospital on March 27 this year

Hamburg Germany where Lieutenant Robertson was stationed when he took his own life. Lieutenant Robertson, who received a full military funeral, was described by his former captain as 'diligent and conscientious, affable and engaging' (stock image)

After completing his training, following a stint serving on HMS Prince of Wales, he joined the logistics squadron with the fleet protection squadron in western Scotland.

He went on to protect the Vanguard-class submarines, which carry the UK's Trident nuclear weapons.

In March this year Lieutenant Robertson and his colleagues were stationed in Hamburg and went on a night out before returning to their cabins.

Lieutenant Robertson, from Preston, was later found unresponsive. While his colleagues managed to resuscitate him, he died on March 27 after being taken to the Asklepios Klinik St Georg hospital in Hamburg.

A full military funeral was held for Lieutenant Robertson at St Peter's Church in Stonyhurst, Lancashire. His colleagues described him as having a 'commando spirit, courage, selflessness and cheerfulness in the face of adversity'.

His former captain said: 'I found Angus diligent and conscientious, affable and engaging. His enthusiasm was infectious. He set, and demanded, high professional standards, and he understood the importance of personal example in leadership.

'He maintained exceptional levels of physical fitness and was resilient with it. He had a very distinct sense of right and wrong, and a firm moral compass, but without any sense of moral judgement.

'He understood that leadership requires selflessness and put the welfare of those he led ahead of himself. I was impressed by him professionally and fond of him personally.

'As I came to write this, I looked back through the notebook I'd used before I handed over command of HMS Portland. Against Angus's name I had written "impressive officer, gets things done, good company, well-regarded throughout the ship".

HMS Prince of Wales in Portsmouth harbour. Lieutenant Robertson served a stint on the aircraft carrier before he joined the logistics squadron with the fleet protection squadron in western Scotland (stock image)

'I'd also written "to be avoided after midnight with whiskey". I had double underlined the words "to be avoided" which must have reflected my own realisation that I could no longer hoot with the owls and rise with the larks as he could.

'He would bounce into my cabin in the mornings, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, as if two hours' sleep and a PT session was all a man needed to get over a heavy night.'

Area coroner Kate Bisset, recording a narrative conclusion, said: 'Angus Herbert Donald Robertson, a serving Naval Officer, died on the 27th March 2024 at the Asklepios Klinik St Georg, Hamburg, Germany.

'Lieutenant Robertson had been on a night out with colleagues, following which he returned to his cabin and secured a ligature. He was found by colleagues and resuscitation was initially successful, which allowed for a transfer to hospital.

'Lieutenant Robertson later died of injuries caused by the ligature. The ligature was tied deliberately by Lieutenant Robertson with the intention, at that time, to end his own life.

'However, he had no known mental health difficulties, a successful and promising career and close personal and family relationships. There is no evidence of prior planning to end his life.'

For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116 123, visit samaritans.org or visit https://www.thecalmzone.net/get-support.
Thirty people were injured after an alleged drunk driver crashed his truck into a packed bar in Arizona, sending patrons flying and leaving a path of destruction.

Thomas Edward Kain, 73, was attempting to leave the Elks Lodge in Apache Junction around 8:30pm on September 7 when he plowed into the building.

The shocking moment was captured on video, which showed the truck fully entering the building after knocking through its wall.

Miraculously, no one was killed.

Thomas Edward Kain, 73, drove straight through a crowded bar in Arizona and was charged with DUI

Ten of those who were injured were taken to nearby hospitals for non-life-threatening injuries, including fractures and deep cuts, police said. One person was in critical but stable condition.

Fifteen others were treated at the scene for minor injuries.

Five others drove themselves to the hospital for further evaluation and treatment.

Kain was charged with DUI, 12 counts of aggravated assault and 17 counts of endangerment.

The driver was attempting to leave the Elks Lodge in Apache Junction when he plowed into the building.

Just moments before the crash, people were seen mingling inside the bar

The shocking moment was captured on video, which showed the truck fully entering the building

Authorities are awaiting the results of a blood test to determine Kain's level of impairment.

Police said that additional charges may follow.

The Apache Junction Police Department is working closely with the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control, which is conducting its own investigation.

Police released a warning urging members of the community to make responsible decisions.

Authorities are awaiting the results of a blood test to determine Kain's level of impairment. Police said that additional charges may follow

The Elks Lodge is located in the Phoenix suburb of Apache Junction

The Apache Junction Police Department is working closely with the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control, which is conducting its own investigation

'Let this be a reminder: driving under the influence is not worth the risk. Your choices can save lives,' the statement said.

The leading cause of death on Arizona roads is impaired driving - both alcohol- and drug-related. Thirty-five percent of all traffic-related deaths in the state involved alcohol, exceeding the national average of 32 percent, according to a 2023 report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Apache Junction Police department added: 'We are fortunate that, despite the severity of this incident, no lives were lost. However, the outcome could have been far worse.'
Drivers who fail to pay their Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) fines could soon find bailiffs knocking at their door, after Sadiq Khan revealed he was weighing up all options to chase almost 400million owed to Transport for London (TfL).

An eye-watering 376m of outstanding fines has now been racked up as thousands of drivers of cars that do not meet strict environmental standards fail to pay the controversial daily 12.50 charge.

It is thought TfL's bad debts are now in excess of 450m, with a large proportion of that attributed to ULEZ, the Evening Standard reports.

Prior to the ULEZ expansion, TfL's purported bad debt was significantly less at around 160m.

Neil Garratt, Tory group leader on the London Assembly, asked Mr Khan to reveal the staggering figures at a mayor's question time on Thursday at City Hall.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has revealed an eye-watering 376m has been racked up by drivers failing to pay their ULEZ fines

Prior to the ULEZ expansion, TfL's purported bad debt was significantly less at around 160m

He asked the Mayor: 'Are we going to see bailiffs knocking on people's doors?'

Mr Khan said in response 'all options' would be considered, as it was 'important' that TfL recovers the money.

'If you break the law, you break the law and action should be taken,' he said.

The Mayor added: 'TfL has been working to identify new ways of recovering debt, including collaborating with the Department for Transport and the DVLA and working with enforcement agents to find drivers who receive multiple PCNs and improved communications with drivers.'

He added that TfL is already involved in pursuing actions through the county courts.

Last July, MailOnline reported the Ulez scheme was owed more money than it made amid a drivers' 'revolt'.

At the time, it was reported that ULEZ had garnered a huge 255m black hole, while the scheme generated 225m million in revenue.

This was a month before the zone was expanded across Greater London, with critics of the scheme arguing many drivers who have been issued with fines since are simply refusing to pay.

Drivers who are handed a 180 charge for not complying with the ULEZ have 28 days to make an application for an appeal, while those who pay up within a fortnight are let off 50 per cent of the fine.

Those who do not pay at all will see their fine rise to 270.

Mr Khan added that 96 per cent of vehicles in London were now ULEZ compliant, while only a fraction - 0.27 per cent - of drivers received a fine.

Last August, ULEZ was expanded across the whole of Greater London

Last October, it was reported that Sadiq Khan had given firms 151.8million in lucrative contracts to track down drivers who fail to pay Ulez penalties and other road fines.

The London mayor had briefed four companies to chase motorists who are dodging the 12.50 daily charge for driving into recently expanded Ulez with non-compliant vehicles.

The firms were told to compile lists of persistent evaders - even if they are living abroad - and were tasked with gathering information on specific groups.

The debt collectors were also instructed to go after those who fail to pay parking tickets, the congestion charge and other motoring fines.
A pro-Palestine protestor's placard depicting Rishi Sunak and Suella Braverman as coconuts was 'racially abusive', a court has heard.

Teacher Marieha Hussain, 37, pleaded not guilty to a racially aggravated public order offence when she attended a Gaza rally, as her trial began at Westminster Magistrates' Court this morning.

Prosecutor Jonathan Bryan said the term 'coconut' was a 'well-known racial slur which has a very clear meaning'.

An image of the placard, held by Hussain at a protest on November 11, was shown in court. It showed cut-out pictures of Mr Sunak and Ms Braverman placed alongside coconuts under a tree.

Defending, Rajiv Menon KC said the placard was 'not abusive', but a 'political criticism' of then-prime minister Mr Sunak and then-home secretary Ms Braverman.

Marieha Mohsin Hussain (pictured centre) was seen with a banner depicting Suella Braverman and Mr Sunak as coconuts, which is a racist term used to imply that someone has betrayed their race

Officers detained and arrested scores of counter-protesters at the rally on November 11

A counter-protester is detained by police in Parliament Square in central London on November 4

Opening the prosecution's case, Mr Bryan said: 'We say that the placard was abusive, it was racially abusive.

'There were people present who were likely to have been caused harassment, alarm and distress by seeing what was on that placard.'

He added: 'Coconut is a well-known racial slur which has a very clear meaning.

'You may be brown on the outside, but you're white on the inside. In other words, you're a race traitor - you're less brown or black than you should be.'

Mr Bryan said Hussain, of Brands Hill Avenue, High Wycombe, had 'crossed the line between legitimate political expression' and moved into 'racial insult'.

Defending, Mr Menon said the 'humorous and satirical' placard was 'clearly a hand-drawn image'.

He added: 'It was a pictorial attempt to criticise the policy of Rishi Sunak and particularly Suella Braverman and their race politics given what was happening at the time in the country.'

'There is nothing gratuitous or gross in any way about the placard. This placard was political speech.'

Mr Menon said the trial involved 'very different territory than the familiar terms of racial abuse'.

He told the court: 'What she is saying is Suella Braverman - then home secretary, sacked two days after - was promoting in different ways a racist political agenda as evidenced by the Rwanda policy, the racist rhetoric she was using around small boats.

'And the prime minister was either quiescing to it or being inactive. It was a political criticism of these two particular politicians.'

In a prepared statement read out to court by the prosecution, Hussain said she had attended the pro-Palestine protest with her family.

Several people were detained by police at the march in central London on November 11

Protesters hold flares during the pro-Palestinian protest in London on November 11

Counter-protesters clash with police in Parliament Square in central London, during pro-Palestinian protest march

She said in the statement: 'The march progressed very slowly and in the course we passed many police officers who did not suggest that anything provocative or disturbing was taking place.

'At no stage did anyone on the march suggest that the posters were an expression of hate to anyone in society.'

Hussain said the placard was in opposition to an 'exceptional manifestation of hatred towards vulnerable or minority groups emanating from the home secretary and supported by the prime minister'.

She added in the statement: 'I find it astonishing it could be conceived as a message of hate.'

An image on the other side of the placard depicted the former home secretary as 'Cruella Braverman', Hussain said in her statement.

Metropolitan Police communications manager Chris Humphreys told the court that images such as that of the placard came to the attention of the police service if the force's social media account was 'tagged in the post'.

He added that the Metropolitan Police 'actively monitors' accounts that frequently post protest-related images.

Mr Menon told the court that the image of the placard had been posted by an X, formerly Twitter, account with the username Harry's Place.

He asked Mr Humphreys: 'Are you aware that Harry's Place is a secretive political blog headquartered in Washington DC that has a particular interest in opposing any criticism of the Israeli state?'

Mr Humphreys replied: 'I know Harry's Place is an anonymous political blog.'

As the trial began, around 40 demonstrators waved Palestine flags and listened to speeches outside the court building.

The trial continues.
Vladimir Putin has warned the U.S. and NATO would be 'at war' with Russia if the West lets Ukraine use long-range missiles.

US and British foreign ministers met President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv on Wednesday with the war at a pivotal point.

American officials have also been discussing easing restrictions on the use of weapons that could strike deep inside Russia.

Putin said the move from the West would 'change the very nature of the conflict', and issued a severe threat against giving Zelensky more firepower.

'It would mean that NATO countries, the US, European countries, are at war with Russia,' he told a state TV reporter on Thursday.

'If that's the case, then taking into account the change of nature of the conflict, we will take the appropriate decisions based on the threats that we will face.'

Vladimir Putin has warned the U.S. and NATO would be 'at war' with Russia if West lets Ukraine use long-range weapons

American officials have also been discussing easing restrictions on the use of weapons that could strike deep inside Russia (pictured: Kamala Harris, Joe Biden and Chuck Schumer attend a ceremony marking the 23rd anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks)

He added that clearing the way for Ukraine to use missiles that can hit Russian targets 'is a decision on whether NATO countries are directly involved in the conflict or not''.

Putin's warning came 24 hours before President Joe Biden is set to meet British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the White House.

The ICC has issued arrest warrants for several Russian officials, including President Vladimir Putin for the unlawful deportation of children during the war.

A warrant on the same grounds was issued for Maria Lvova-Belova, Russian commissioner for children's rights.

Also subject to warrants are Sergei Shoigu, head of Russia's Security Council, and Viktor Sokolov and Sergey Kobylash, who are accused of directing attacks against civilian sites.

Russia has dismissed the warrants as meaningless and "null and void".

Zelensky has put pressure on the West to give him more firepower and air defenses after a series of Russian rocket attacks.

Antony Blinken announced Washington would provide more than $700 million in aid, while foreign secretary David Lammy said Britain would stump up a further 600 million ($781 million) in the latest show of support for Kyiv.

Putin visits the S. M. Kirov Military Medical Academy in Saint Petersburg on Thursday

Putin (second right) receives an icon of the St. Alexander Nevsky as a gift from Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill (left) during his visit to the Alexander Nevsky Monastery in St. Petersburg on Thursday

Putin speaks during a plenary session of the 10th St. Petersburg International United Cultures Forum

Putin's warning came 24 hours before President Joe Biden is set to meet British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the White House

Putin (left) kisses Alexander Nevsky's relics during his visit to the Alexander Nevsky Monastery

Putin and Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and all Russia visit the Holy Trinity St. Alexander Nevsky Lavra Monastery on Thursday to honour the 300th anniversary of the transfer of the holy prince's relics from the city of Vladimir to St. Petersburg

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There is no word yet on whether Zelensky will succeed in securing that which he really covets - a green light from the White House and Downing Street to begin launching Western-supplied long-range missiles at targets on Russian soil.

If Ukraine's Western allies lift the ban, Kyiv's soldiers will soon be able to strike Russian military assets as deep as 300km (190 miles) inside Russia with the likes of the US ATACMS and Anglo-French Storm Shadow missiles - a capability that could significantly impact the course of the conflict.

The Institute for the Study of War, a US think-tank, last month established a list of nearly 250 high value military and paramilitary targets within range of the weapons that could be demolished by Ukraine.

Among the main targets laid out by the ISW include as many as 16 Russian air bases, a slew of brigade and division headquarters, artillery and missile units central to Russia's air defence capabilities, and a variety of logistics hubs supplying Vladimir Putin's units on the frontlines.

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Targeting these sites could cripple Russian logistics, command, and combat support, significantly reducing Moscow's offensive capabilities in occupied Ukrainian territory - even if Putin's troops redeploy most strategic bombing aircraft further east.

The Kursk nuclear power station and several nuclear weapons stockpiles also pose theoretical targets.

Ukraine has already authored several attacks deep into Russia, including on targets in the capital Moscow, a number of oil refineries and ammunition dumps.

But those strikes have been conducted by kamikaze drones which are considerably limited in their scale and are highly susceptible to Russian jamming and air defence systems.

Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022 with tens of thousands of troops, triggering the biggest confrontation between Russia and the West since the depths of the Cold War.

Putin casts the conflict as part of an existential battle with a declining and decadent West which he says humiliated Russia after the Berlin Wall fell in 1989 by encroaching on what he considers Moscow's sphere of influence, including Ukraine.

The West and Ukraine describe the invasion as an imperial-style land grab and have vowed to defeat Russia on the battlefield. Russia controls over 18% of Ukrainian territory.
French police have opened an investigation into a suspected homicide today after a man discovered a hiking shoe with a severed human foot inside.

The unnamed man who came across the foot had been walking along the river Seine when he made the shocking discovery, the Versailles prosecutor's office has said.

The walker immediately alerted police, who then found a second foot in a matching shoe whilst searching the area by the river in Mericourt, some 70 kilometres (44 miles) northwest of Paris, a police source said.

'These are Decathlon shoes, the MH500 model from the Quechua brand, grey in colour, men's type and size 43,' local police have said.

Despite the gruesome find, police have not discovered a body.

French police have opened an investigation into a suspected homicide today after a man discovered a hiking shoe with a severed human foot inside by the River Seine in Mericourt (pictured)

Prosecutors said the launch of an official homicide investigation allowed them to deploy the widest range of investigative tools to elucidate the case. There was not, they cautioned, any certainty that a murder had indeed taken place.

Investigators have been unable so far to identify the person.

The boot size is a UK 9.5 UK.

According to French outlet La Depeche, the two limbs have been sent for analysis. Meanwhile, investigators are going through missing persons files.

This comes after the body of a partially naked man caged in metal fencing was found on the river banks in the same area back in July, according to Le Parisien.
A homeowner says a complete stranger was granted the deed to his $4 million home in North Carolina.

Craig Adams and his wife still live in his 8,300-square-foot home in Raleigh, and despite him paying his taxes and the mortgage, the property is no longer in his name.

A person named Dawn Mangum filed paperwork on August 11 with the Wake County Register of Deeds Office listing Dawn Mangum Estate as a debtor on the property, ABC 11 reported. Adams was also listed as a debtor.

The Register of Deeds then approved the deed transfer to an entity called Dawn Mangum Trust.

'I found out that she had filed a false warranty claim deed against this house and basically tried to steal this home,' Adams told ABC11.

Craig Adams, who has his own dental practice, owns the 8,300-square-foot home in Raleigh

Adams found out about the change only because he put his home on the market.

It listed for $4.25 million, boasting five bedrooms and seven bathrooms along with an elegant circular driveway.

The property management company for his homeowner's association asked him if he'd successfully sold his home, because Mangum had contacted the company asking for access to the private gated community.

Adams, who has his own dental practice, visited to the county Register of Deeds to get answers.

'There's no effort to authenticate the validity of the change of deed. Nobody verifies the notary. Nobody verifies who owns the house that's trying to be transferred to a different owner,' he said.

When Adams proved he owned the home and that Mangum had no stake or claim to it, he was told that the deed would remain in Mangum's hands.

Pictured: The front of Adams' home, which sitin a gated community just north of Raleigh

'They say there's absolutely nothing they can do to reverse this once it's filed. Their only solution is that I have to go hire a private attorney, and the first quote I got was about $8,000 to file a civil suit against this woman,' he said.

The County Attorney and the Register of Deeds told Adams via email that they are bound by North Carolina law and cannot remove a document once it has been recorded.

'I'm left the victim, and there's no recourse. So, it's just a tough spot to be in,' he said.

North Carolina law does not require the Register of Deeds to 'read or examine any page of an instrument, other than the first two pages.'

The law also doesn't require the register to 'verify or make inquiry concerning the accuracy, sufficiency, or completeness of information' in a deed submitted to them for approval.

They don't have to verify the notary either, according to the law.

Adams told DailyMail.com that the notary on the documents submitted by Mangum had expired in 2014.

He added that officials don't have to check the ID of someone who comes in looking to transfer the deed to a home.

The Register of Deeds did tell ABC 11 that the office can refuse to record a document if fraud is suspected, but none was in this case.

Pictured: A copy of the document Dawn Mangum filed with the Wake County Register of Deeds Office

The grantee, the person or entity receiving the deed, was listed as Dawn Mangum Trust

Craig Adams, here listed with his middle initial, was listed as a debtor to the property

'The biggest concern is the citizens of Wake County - we're so vulnerable. I could go down and put this warranty deed, find out where you live, and I could presumably take ownership of your house. It's that easy,' Adams said.

Dawn Mangum told ABC 11 she did everything legally and thought Adams' property was in foreclosure.

'My thing is not to take anyone's home but to find abandoned property and restore it, she said.

Once she learned the property wasn't being foreclosed on, she said she halted all paperwork, adding that she intends to return ownership to Adams.

The listing mentioned the property was in foreclosure, something Adams said was a mistake and has been corrected.

DailyMail.com reached out to Mangum for comment but didn't receive an immediate response.

Adams told DailyMail.com he plans to resolve the issue by hiring a lawyer and bringing it in front of a judge at great cost to himself

Adams told DailyMail.com he plans to resolve the issue by hiring a lawyer and bringing it in front of a judge at great cost to himself.

He said that even if he is able to prove that Mangum's deed is false, it doesn't expunge it from the county record.

'There has to be state legislature laws that come down to the Register of Deeds,' Adams said. 'Authenticate the document, authenticate the signature, authenticate who owns it.'

The Wake County Sheriff's Department said it is actively investigating.

The sheriff's department also released a statement on its preliminary findings, while offering a way for homeowners to avoid the situation Adams has found himself in.

'With more than 500 documents processed through the Wake County Register of Deeds office daily, it would be impossible to verify the legitimacy of each document or the credentials of each notary, nor does the Register of Deeds office have access to a database of commissioned North Carolina notaries to check against,' the sheriff's department wrote.

The statement continued: 'The Wake County Register of Deeds office offers a free fraud alert system. When documents are recorded with a name that is being monitored, the property owner will be immediately notified that an action has taken place on their property.

'In this particular situation, the homeowner's name was not included as the drafter or the Grantor or Grantee on the document, so the alerts were not triggered. The document also hasn't been indexed in the homeowner's name.'
An Asian man has been convicted of stirring up racial hatred against Muslims after posing online as a far-right hooligan called Chris Nolan as an apparent joke.

Ehsan Hussain, 25, posted a series of vile messages calling for disorder in areas of Birmingham with a large Muslim population, as riots spread across the country last month.

He used the name Chris Nolan to post in a Telegram group which was set up by the far-right in the wake of the Southport murders and had more than 12,000 members.

His messages included Awesome, Saltley Gate tomorrow we doing p*** bashing and `Birmingham first! We need to take back whats ours', according to prosecutors.

Messages from the Telegram group were screenshotted and circulated widely on social media, leading a huge counter-protest to gather last month to defend the area from a perceived racist threat.

No such protest ever materialised and the night instead saw scenes of violent disorder among the counter-protesters, culminating in an attack on a pub in Yardley.

Ehsan Hussain (pictured), 25, shared a series of 'vile messages' calling for disorder in areas of Birmingham with large Muslim communities while riots were spreading around the country last month

Hussain is from an Asian background himself and told a court this week that he was trying to take a poke at other far-right members of the Telegram group because he had been shocked by their messages.

A resident of South Yardley, his home on Coventry Road is close to the areas of east Birmingham which were purportedly being targeted by the far-right - Alum Rock and Bordesley Green.

Hussain pleaded guilty on Wednesday at the citys magistrates court to distributing threatening, abusive or insulting written material intending to stir up racial hatred between August 3 and 6.

He has been warned to face a substantial custodial sentence when he is sentenced on Friday at Birmingham Crown Court.

Screenshots of his posts were captured by West Midlands Police, which called for disorder in the Alum Rock and Bordesley Green areas.

His solicitor said the offending was commissioned initially out of curiosity after he was shocked at some posts and then wrote messages to take a poke at others.

District Judge David Murray refused a bail application and remanded Hussain into custody for sentencing at Birmingham Crown Court on Friday.

Hussain spoke only to confirm his plea and personal details.

Prosecutor Shahzad Imam told the court that the maximum sentence available for the offence at the crown court was seven years jail.

Applying for sentencing to take place at the crown court, Mr Imam said: The Crown say it falls into higher culpability.

The posts were widespread by virtue of significant (online) group membership.

Defence lawyer Aftab Zahoor said Hussain had written messages after being appalled at other posts on a social media platform, which was not named in court, and had now had time to reflect on matters.

He is apologetic and remorseful for his actions, Mr Zahoor said of his client.

Committing the case for sentencing at the crown court, District Judge Murray told Hussain: This is part of the overall disorder which caused real problems throughout the country.

I will decline jurisdiction in relation to these matters.

My powers of sentencing (a six-month maximum sentence) are clearly and substantially exceeded.

Hussain has been warned to face a substantial custodial sentence when he is sentenced on Friday at Birmingham Crown Court (stock photo)

You have pleaded guilty and you will get credit for your guilty plea in due course.

Commenting on the case, Chief Superintendent Richard North, from Birmingham Police, said: This has been an excellent but complex investigation.

We would like to thank members of the public for alerting us to these posts, which was crucial at a time when we were seeing lots of rumour, speculation and misinformation online; we know this can be extremely harmful to all of our communities.

We do not tolerate violence in our towns and cities, or tolerate those who use social media to encourage such violence.

Police said they were made aware that a member of the public who is unrelated to Hussain was wrongly identified on social media as being the source of the messages.

That man has been spoken to by officers and is being supported, according to the force.
Oprah Winfrey praised artificial intelligence along with OpenAI's CEO, Sam Altman, ahead of her primetime special on the technology - calling it 'miraculous' and 'profound.'

The 70-year-old billionaire's TV special, AI and the Future of Us: An Oprah Winfrey Special, plans to come to grips with the transformative power of AI.

The media mogul said in the feature that we should 'honor' the technology, as she thinks artificial intelligence will 'change in ways that are unimaginable for the good.'

Winfrey shared that her first encounter with the new tech was coupled with her conversation with Altman, OpenAI's co-founder.

She admitted to having fear over the innovative software after Altman, 39, told her about its vast and wide-ranging capabilities. She was surprised when she couldn't keep up with the chat-based software.

'It was miraculous to me that before you can practically finish the requests, the answer has come back to you,' she said in an interview with ABC News.

Billionaire Oprah Winfrey's TV special, 'AI and the Future of Us: An Oprah Winfrey Special,' plans to get to grips with the transformative topic of AI

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, 39, sits for an exclusive interview with Oprah set to air tonight on ABC

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates will touch on concerns for the workforce and job creation as it relates to AI in Winfrey's ABC special

AI has been a much disputed topic, especially since OpenAI's launch in 2015. Many have voiced concerns and fears the generative software risks undermining the complexity of human consciousness.

Others share concerns for the workforce and job creation - both topics touched on in the short film by a special guest, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates.

'Life for all of us is about to be very different,' Oprah told ABC.

Her special seeks to explore 'the profound impact of artificial intelligence on people's daily lives, demystifying the technology and empowering viewers to understand the evolving AI future.'

She also questioned the possibilities and potential peril of the human-emulating software, suggesting social media has left society in a precarious position. She hopes people should be 'more disciplined' with their use of AI.

'We need to do whatever we can so that we are not in the same position that we are now with social media,' she added.

Many have taken to social media to share their skepticism over the celebrity special, with one user on X saying: 'I'm no expert, but shouldn't interviewing someone about AI safety require some basic understanding of the technology?'

The hour-long special features exclusive interviews with Altman, Gates, YouTube creator Marques Brownlee and FBI Director Christopher Wray, among others and is set to air on ABC tonight at 8 pm ET

Another X user quoted the words of Brian Merchant, an AI newsletter author: 'Sure it is nice of Oprah to host this extended sales pitch for the generative AI industry at a moment when its fortunes are flagging and the bubble is threatening to burst.'

OpenAI was founded in December of 2015 by Altman, Elon Musk and several others. The company researches and develops artificial intelligence - a branch of computer science that enables machines to perform tasks that would otherwise require human intelligence.

The hourlong special features exclusive interviews with Altman, Gates, YouTube creator Marques Brownlee and FBI Director Christopher Wray, among others, It is set to air on ABC Thursday at 8 pm ET.
A mum-of-three who tragically died after catching fire at home may have been covered in 'an accelerant of some type', an inquest has heard.

Shipli Begum, 48, went up in flames at her home on Newham Way in East London on Wednesday, August 28, prompting her daughter to call emergency services, Walthamstow Coroner's Court heard at an inquest opening today.

Senior Coroner Graeme Irvine said police were called to the terraced house in East Ham at around 1pm, followed shortly after by paramedics from the London Ambulance Service and London's Air Ambulance.

'It was swiftly discovered she had suffered severe burns,' said Mr Irvine, adding: 'It was believed an accelerant of some type was used to cause the fire.'

Ms Begum was taken to the specialist burns centre at Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford, Essex, then immediately transferred to intensive care, though sadly in worse shape than paramedics had thought.

A police cordon outside of Ms Begum's house where she was found on fire last month

Shipli Begum died in hospital from her burns after police and paramedics were called to her home

'Her burns were far more serious than initially believed and it was determined that a high proportion of her skin was damaged by burn injuries,' said Mr Irvine.

The court heard doctors withdrew medical support at 6.27pm and Ms Begum was declared dead at 8.35pm.

The case was transferred from the Essex Coroner's Court back to East London, where 'given the circumstances of her death' Mr Irvine ordered a forensic post-mortem conducted by a Home Office pathologist on Monday, September 2. The cause of death, they concluded, was 1a Burns.

Mr Irvine said 'it's very clear Ms Begum's death is an unnatural death' as he agreed to open a full inquest, set to take place in March 2025. But, he warned, the date could change due to the ongoing criminal investigation. Mr Irvine said the senior investigating officer in the case had been in constant contact, and that he would decide how to proceed without prejudicing the enquiry.

The coroner listed Ms Begum's family, the Metropolitan Police, her GP, the London Ambulance Service, London's Air Ambulance, and the pathologist as interested persons for the eventual inquest. 'The inquest is now open,' he added.

Horrified neighbours had reported that Ms Begum had been seen fleeing her home on fire screaming for help.

One of her neighbours on Newham Way, East Ham, Imran Syed, 46, was about to eat when he heard her begging for help.

He rushed outside by which time Ms Begum had returned indoors and was lying on the floor with her husband Mohammed Ahad pouring water over her.

A 55-year-old man was initially arrested on suspicion of attempted murder but was rearrested on suspicion of murder after the victim died. police have said

After seeing smoke Mr Syed said he entered the house where 'She was completely burned, she was not moving or anything,' he said.

Mr Syed then took their children outside, and firefighters arrived around one minute later.

Another neighbour, Mohammed Ali, heard Ms Begum screaming, then looked outside to see Mr Ahad shouting his wife's name and trying to cover her with a fire blanket.

He believes she ran outside for around 20 seconds to stop the rest of the terraced house catching alight.

After her husband covered her with the blanket, Mr Ali says she was able to walk back in with him.

'Her clothes got burned off,' Mr Ali said, adding: 'It was very traumatising... The first couple of days was very traumatising.'

Neighbours said the family had just moved to London from Walsall, near Birmingham, around three months ago.

Maureen French, 83, said Ms Begum was 'a very nice lady' as she described her 'shock' at the incident. 'I do not know much, except she was very nice.'

A 55-year-old man was initially arrested on suspicion of attempted murder but was rearrested on suspicion of murder after the victim died.

'He is currently on bail pending further enquiries,' the spokesperson added. The force has previously said the arrested man was 'known to the deceased' and 'no one else is sought', police told MyLondon.

In an earlier statement, the force said: 'The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of a woman in Newham continues. Police were called to an address on Newham Way, E6 at 13:05hrs on Wednesday, August 28.

'Officers attended alongside the London Ambulance Service and London Fire Brigade and found a 48-year-old woman with significant burn injuries. She was taken to hospital where she sadly died later the same day. Her family are aware and are being supported by specially trained officers.'

The London Fire Brigade said it sent three fire engines and 15 firefighters, from Barking, Stratford and Leytonstone fire stations.
African Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) hopes its vigilance over the health welfare of Africa will be further developed as it engages with the members of the fourth estate while it fights outbreaks and health challenges in member states.

The WHO and Africa CDC declared an international health emergency after a rise in cases associated with a new strain of mpox in the Democratic Republic of Congo, in early August. This declaration marked an important achievement, for Africa CDC, while addressing the crisis through a New Public Health Order.

In the same month, Africa CDC hosted an editors' roundtable under the theme "Building a Strong and Effective Media Engagement Partnership for Africa CDC" aimed at fostering a stronger media engagement partnership to effectively communicate its mandate, strategic vision for 2023-2027, and the New Public Health Order. The roundtable gathered 25 media stakeholders to discuss strategies for improving public awareness of the Africa CDC's role in protecting the health of the continent.

"Media plays a fundamental role in managing health crises," said Dr. Raji Tajudeen, the acting Deputy Director General of Africa CDC and the Head of Public Health Institutes and Research.

"The COVID-19 pandemic and the mpox outbreak have shown us the significant impact of misinformation and disinformation. Media is now a critical pillar in emergency preparedness and response. Engaging the media effectively is essential for community involvement and outbreak control, as every disease outbreak starts and ends in the community," he told editors and journalists gathered for the meeting.

He hoped Africa CDC could leverage the diversity journalists from across Africa and various institutions, that highlighted "the wealth of perspectives and knowledge".

"For us at Africa CDC such engagements with journalists like yourselves are integral to our strategic communication objectives," Dr. Tajudeen said.

He said drawing from Africa CDC's COVID-19 response experience: "Our goal is to develop a structured mechanism for collaboration, ensuring that information shared with Africa's 1.4 billion people is data-driven and evidence-based. With the upcoming UN General Assembly in September focusing on antimicrobial resistance - a critical issue impacting health and development in Africa - we must present a unified African position, as mandated by our leaders."

Contributions from the workshop's facilitators were equally significant. Bibi Aisha Wadvalla from Health e-News presented data showing a double-digit rise in zoonotic diseases, stressing that the most underserved communities bear the brunt of these challenges. Dr Uzma Alam from the Science for Africa Foundation in Kenya captivated the group with insights on artificial intelligence in health, citing startups like Lifeblood, which leverages AI in transfusion medicine, and Zipline, a pioneer in autonomous drone delivery of essential medical supplies to remote areas.

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Yared Yiegezu Zegiorgis, a Senior Research Data Analyst at Africa CDC said local manufacturing is one of the pillars of excellence for Africa CDC, aimed at enhancing Africa's ability to operate independently. "During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the continent faced limited access to available vaccines and related input materials. This situation led to the establishment of Partnerships for African Vaccine Manufacturing (PAVM) in April 2021, to enable Africa to develop, produce, and supply over 60% of its vaccine needs by 2040, up from just 1%," he said. As the workshop concluded, participants reflected on the nature of an anticipated partnership between Africa CDC and the journalists. One opinion was that such collaboration must not compromise editorial independence. Continuous training and sustained engagement emerged as top priorities for the way forward.
A metal detectorist who stole 3 million of Anglo-Saxon treasure has been given an extra five years in jail for failing to pay back profits from the hoard.

Layton Davies, 56, was sentenced to five years in 2019 for failing to declare an 'invaluable' collection of buried treasure dating back 1,100 years to the reign of King Alfred the Great.

He and an accomplice had sold the haul of Viking and Anglo-Saxon coins and jewellery, which they had dug up on Herefordshire farmland in June 2015.

They included a ninth century gold ring, a dragon's head bracelet, a silver ingot, a crystal rock pendant dating to the fifth century and up to 300 coins.

Experts believe the stolen treasures would help shed light on the little-understood alliances between the ancient kings of Mercia and Wessex.

Layton Davies (pictured) was sentenced to five years in 2019 for failing to declare an 'invaluable' collection of buried treasure

Davies and an accomplice dug up treasure including a gold ring (pictured) on Hertfordshire farmland in 2015

The stolen haul included a gold bracelet featuring a dragon's head (left) and a crystal ball pendant (right) from the fifth century

But only a small number of the coins have been recovered, although mobile phone photographs - later deleted, but recovered by police - showed the larger hoard, still intact, in a freshly dug hole.

Davies, formerly of Pontypridd, was found guilty of theft, conspiracy to conceal criminal property and conspiracy to convert criminal property.

He was later ordered by a judge to repay the 603,180 he made from selling the stolen treasures.

On Thursday, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said that Davies had been sentenced to a further five years and three months for failing to repay the sum.

Debbie Price, of the CPS, said: 'Greed led Layton Davies to ignore his duty to report the found treasure and instead sell it for his own benefit.

'An experienced detectorist, Davies would have known he was entitled to half of the proceeds of legal sale of the treasure, instead choosing to deprive the landowner and public by stealing this exceptional and significant treasure.

'This case shows that the CPS takes our duty to ensure crime doesn't pay seriously, Davies has failed to pay so we have taken him back to court and his additional default sentence means he now faces a further five years in prison.'

The amount outstanding to be paid by Davies is said to be 600,006, but with an additional interest of 70,375.

He was convicted alongside his co-defendant George Powell, 43, who was jailed for six-and-a-half years in 2019.

The pair stumbled upon the collection of coins, jewellery and silver ingots buried at Eye Court Farm, near Leominster, Herefordshire, in the spring of 2015.

Powell claimed he passed the coins on to corrupt antiques dealer Simon Wicks who gave him the cash at a service station on the M4 motorway.

Wicks was found guilty of conspiracy to conceal criminal property and conspiracy to convert criminal property. He was sentenced to five years in prison.

Davies (pictured) failed to repay the sum and the CPS confirmed he has been sentenced to a further five years and three months in jail

His accomplice George Powell (pictured) was jailed for six-and-a-half years in 2019

Davies and Powell found the treasure and did not declare it - despite knowing of the law requiring them to do so

Around 3.2million worth of Anglo-Saxon treasure was found by the two men, including 300 coins. Some coins were dated back to the era of Alfred the Great

Powell claimed he passed the coins on to corrupt antiques dealer Simon Wicks (pictured) who gave him the cash at a service station on the M4 motorway

The convictions followed a lengthy investigation by West Mercia Police into reports from the metal detecting community and the British Museum of an unreported large treasure find in 2015.

The pair had not told the owner of the farmland of their discovery when they found the treasure trove.

They went on to sell several items on the black market, raising enormous sums of money in what Judge Nicholas Cartwright described as a 'greedy and selfish' act.

At their 2019 conviction, Judge Cartwright also noted that had the men pursued legal means of reporting the find, they could have stood to gain half a million each.
A body found in the Firth of Forth has been formally identified as the wife of former Scotland rugby international Scott Hastings.

Jenny Hastings vanished on September 3 while wild swimming with a group at Wardie Bay, in the firth near Edinburgh.

A body was recovered four days later five miles from where she disappeared.

And it has now been confirmed it was that of 60-year-old Mrs Hastings.

A police spokeswoman said: The body of a woman recovered from Hound Point, South Queensferry, on Saturday, 7 September, 2024, has been formally identified as Jenny Hastings.

The body of Jenny Hastings, wife of Scotland rugby star Scott, has officially been identified

Her family has been informed. The death is not suspicious and a report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal.

In an emotional statement, released a day after the mother-of-two vanished, her family said: As many of you know Jenny struggled with her mental health for a number of years and ultimately she was unable to cope on this occasion.

Jenny Hastings went missing while wild swimming with a group on September 3 sparking a massive search operation

Jenny and Scott Hastings were open about her struggles with mental health

She swam out into the Firth of Forth from Wardie Bay in Edinburgh and it appears that she wished to end her suffering in what was a regular and healing place for her.

She loved the water but unfortunately her mind was not in a place of safety.

The Hastings family are absolutely heartbroken.

Mrs Hastings had been classed as a high risk missing person because of her known struggles with mental health.

She had previously spoken about her long-standing battle with severe depression and had made previous attempts on her own life.

Mr Hastings, 59, was capped for Scotland 65 times and played on two British Lions Tours to Australia with his brother Gavin.

After his retirement from professional rugby in 1999, he moved into broadcasting.

He and his wife were ambassadors for mental health charity, Support in Mind Scotland.

* For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116123, visit a branch or go to www.samaritans.org
Bryan Kohberger will be tried in Boise for the murder of four University of Idaho students after a judge agreed change venues.

The accused killer, 29, was first expected to face a jury in Moscow, where the killings took place in November, 2022.

But a judge approved his team's request to move the trial, which will now take place at the Ada County Courthouse in the state's capital.

Kohberger will now be transferred from Moscow to the Ada County Jail.

Idaho's Supreme Court revealed the new location on Thursday and also assigned a new judge to the case.

Bryan Kohberger will be tried in Boise for the murder of four University of Idaho students after a judge agreed to move venues

A judge approved his team's request to move the trial , which will now take place at the Ada County Courthouse in the state's capital

District Judge Steven Hippler will oversee the trial, which is scheduled for June 2.

The quadruple murder trial is expected to last until August 29, 2025.

Kohberger, a former criminal justice student at Washington State University faces four counts of murder in the deaths of Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves.

In his decision agreeing to move the trial's venue Judge John C. Judge said 'The Latah County courthouse itself poses significant issues for a trial of this length and magnitude.'

He also cited 'extensive negative publicity surrounding Kohberger.'

Kohberger's defense team sought the change of venue, saying strong emotions in the close-knit community and constant news coverage will make it impossible to find an impartial jury in the small university town where the killings occurred.

Prosecutors argued that any problems with potential bias could be resolved by simply calling a larger pool of potential jurors and questioning them carefully.

The Goncalves family had expressed their wish that the trial remained in Moscow.

Idaho police said the four University of Idaho students were murdered in their sleep between 3am and 4am (Pictured: Victims Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Maddie Mogen, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and 20-year-old Ethan Chapin)

Kohberger will now be transferred from Moscow to the the Ada County Jail, pictured

Reacting to the decision on Monday, they told NewsNation's Brian Entin they are 'incredibly disappointed' by the change of venue - and slammed Judge Judge in their statement.

'The only good thing about this decision is it will be Judge Judge's last decision in this case. The family has always felt that judge Judge favors the defense and it was a common theme that whatever the defense wanted or needed they got,' the family said.

To bolster their arguments for a change of venue, the defense said they conducted a phone survey of residents that found over 98 percent were aware of the case, and 67 percent believed Kohberger is guilty.

They claimed that Latah County residents told pollsters that if Kohberger is not convicted, they 'would probably find and kill him.'

'There would likely be a riot and he wouldnt last long outside because someone would do the good ole boy justice,' another anonymous resident said, according to the defense.

In a legal filing, the defense claimed that 'prospective jurors who have been exposed to prejudicial pretrial publicity enter the courtroom with case-specific knowledge gleaned from the media, social media, and discussions with friends, family members, and co-workers.'

Uncovering the full extent of jurors' case-specific knowledge and opinions in high-profile cases can be extremely difficult,' they said.

However, prosecutors countered that the 'change of venue (is not) going to solve any of these problems.'

Judge John C. Judge has granted Kohberger's request and it will now be up to the state's Supreme Court to determine where the trial, scheduled for June, 2025, will take place.

'The state's position on venue is that the case should be held here. It's a Latah County case. We believe that we can select an appropriate panel of jurors from Latah County,' Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson said at an earlier hearing.

The hearings on the trial's venue have caused delays and infuriated the families of the victims, who have accused Kohberger and his attorneys of deploying repeated delaying tactics to try and postpone the trial.

In December 2023, the mother of victim Kaylee Goncalves said the ongoing process has been 'gut wrenching.'

'It's gut-wrenching how slow everything has to go. Why does this have to be so drawn out?' Kaylee's mother Krisi said in an interview with KHQ.

'It's important, I get it, but there are facts, we have certain facts, we have certain knowledge. I can't believe that this is how it works.'
John Swinney yesterday claimed he was powerless to stop police allowing rapists to identify as women.

Police Scotland sparked a row after telling MSPs that allowing people charged with or convicted of rape to self-declare their sex or gender fosters a strong sense of belonging.

The force had written to a Holyrood committee after think-tank Murray Blackburn Mackenzie (MBM) lodged a petition calling on the SNP Government to require Police Scotland, the Crown Office and the courts to accurately record the sex of people charged or convicted of sexual offences.

They said that allowing male sex offenders to self-declare as female would lead to skewed data.

During yesterdays First Ministers Questions, Tory MSP Rachael Hamilton referred to the case of Isla Bryson, who was last year jailed for eight years for raping two women while living as a man, and asked whether or not Mr Swinney is content to let another Isla Bryson situation happen.

Rapists identifying as women is a matter for Police Scotland not the First Minister, John Swinney has told MSPs

She said self-identification opens the door to a grotesque situation where a male rapist can demand to be called a woman and further traumatise his victim.

The MSP also asked whether Mr Swinney agreed that male rapists should not get their own way on the issue.

Mr Swinney said he would not be associated with comments about letting a male rapist [getting] their own way, but told parliament that he has no power to intervene in Police Scotland policies.

He said: In relation to the specific question about the guidance from Police Scotland, these are operational matters for Police Scotland.

There would be outrage if I was to interfere in the actions and the decision-making of Police Scotland  the law is clear that I cannot do that.

Im sure that Police Scotland will have heard the exchanges in parliament today and will consider if there any issues that they wish to address.

Isla Bryson was last year jailed for eight years for raping two women while living as man

Labour MSP Pauline McNeill asked Mr Swinney whether it makes a mockery of the governments violence against women strategy if violent male offenders can present as women.

Mr Swinney said the governments policy on violence against women is absolutely crystal clear that there is no place for violence against women in our society.

He said the perpetrators of that violence must be confronted with their behaviour and must be held to account for their behaviour.

But he insisted he cannot interfere in the operational business of Police Scotland.

He said: Indeed, the law prevents me from doing so, but the issues have been aired here in parliament today and Police Scotland will have the opportunity to consider that.

Alba MSP Ash Regan said allowing gender self-declaration was grossly disrespectful to the victims of these crimes.

She said: Stories have actually been running in the media this year discussing the increase in women committing sex crimes when the reality, of course, is that these crimes are committed by men.

They are being recorded as womens crimes.

This is offensive to women and it is grossly disrespectful to the victims of these crimes.

Why are Scottish institutions still acting as if self-ID is the law when it is not?

A Police Scotland spokesman said: The sex/gender identification of individuals who come into contact with the police will be based on how they present or how they self-declare, which is consistent with the values of the organisation.

Police Scotland requires no evidence or certification as proof of biological sex or gender identity other than a persons self-declaration, unless it is pertinent to any investigation with which they are linked as a victim, witness or accused and it is evidentially critical that we legally require this proof, or there is reason for further enquiry based on risk.

We would look for the most sensitive way to acquire this information.
A mom whose son is accused of brutally stabbing her to death in an argument shared haunting posts on Instagram in the days prior to her murder.

Catherine Griffith, 39, was found knifed in the neck at a home in Auburndale, Florida on Sunday night.

Her son Collin Griffith, 17, told police she 'fell' on the weapon, but has since been charged with her murder.

Her death came a year after she had bailed the teenager out for fatally shooting his father, in an act he claimed was self defense.

And while the late mom's posts appear to reference her familial turmoil, in one heartbreaking post she vows to 'live life to the fullest'.

Catherine Griffith, 39, shared haunting posts online in the days leading up to her murder allegedly at the hands of her son Collin (pictured together)

'This last year has been a whirlwind of life events and memories,' she wrote last week, a day after her birthday.

'I am thankful that no matter what I encounter or experience- I have family, friends and a community of people who are here to support me, even on the days when I have not been the best me.

'Thank you to everyone who has helped me see that life is an adventure worth living and fighting for everyday. Life lessons are just those- lessons.

'Ive learned some of the hardest lessons in my 30s but Im vowing that my 39th year will be a year of living life to its fullest.'

Another cryptic post made just days before her murder features lyrics from the Taylor Swift song, 'It's Time to Go.'

'That old familiar body ache, The snaps from the same little breaks in your soul. You know when its time to goSometimes, givin up is the strong thing,' she posted alongside a scenic picture of a boardwalk.

Other posts appear to show the mom-and-son as a picture-perfect family, enjoying cruise vacations and trips to Disney and Universal Studios.

While in May, she gifted the teen a brand new $26,000 2024 VW Jetta as an early graduation present.

The mom appeared to allude to her traumatic past, but expressed a desire to keep living life 'to the fullest'

Griffith, 17, is accused of fatally knifing his mom in the neck following an argument

Her haunting final posts indicate she may have been struggling

'I love you and am so proud of you!' She gushed under of him posing on the hood.

Witnesses reported seeing Griffith dragging his mom out of the house by her hair two hours earlier and a medical examiner found she had been stabbed  twice  in the neck.

A year ago, Catherine paid $50,000 to bail her son out of jail after he shot his father dead.

Charges were dropped after he argued that he killed his father in self-defense.

'When you look at this, you see a kid. When I look at him I see a psychopath,' Sheriff Grady Judd said.

'Everybody that should be special to him in his life is dead when they cross him.

'He's already, at 17 years of age, shot and killed his father and got away with it, and stabbed his mother in the neck so hard that the knife went all the way through.

'Now he's killed two people, and killed his mother and father, and I can assure you based upon his conduct, had he gone to live with his grandmother at the end of this, and she had crossed him, she would be next.'

The incident came a year after his mom bailed him out for fatally shooting his father, an act he successfully claimed was self-defense

Neighbors said they saw Griffith dragging his mom by her hair into his grandma's home in Auburndale, Florida

Griffith claimed that his 43-year-old dad, Charles Griffith, had pulled a knife on him before chasing and cornering him at the remote farmstead in Lincoln County, Oklahoma, on Valentine's Day 2023.

But prosecutors 'could not disprove Colin's assertion of self-defense' and was released after his mother posted bond.

Six months later he was back in custody under Florida's Baker Act after threatening to kill himself, and to stab or shoot his mother.

In November last year he was arrested on domestic violence charges after kicking his mother to the ground when she tried to restrict his use of video games.

He again tried to claim self-defense, but his grandmother had seen the attack and corroborated Catherine's account.

A no violent contact order was put in place against his mom, which allowed him to keep living with her but forbid any violent contact.

By February 2024 he had run away from his mother's house in Charlotte County and gone to stay with his grandmother.

He told deputies he would 'kill my mother' rather than be reunited with her but they handed him to Florida's Department for Children and Families who returned him to the home in Charlotte County, a year to the day after his father's death.

Earlier this week police released a series of chilling text messages Catherine sent in the hours before her death begging a neighbor for help.

The doting mom's Instagram painted an image of a picture perfect life, but hinted at past trauma

Griffith was a recent graduate of The Academy, an alternative high school located in Port Charlotte

On the day of her death she told the neighbor: 'I'm meeting with his probation officer Monday morning if he doesn't come home today by ten. He knows the time and deadline.

'He's choosing to skip it and hide out at my mom's house in Polk county which is also a violation.'

In her final text she wrote: 'He won't listen I am going to drive to get him and if he doesn't get in the car then Polk county can deal with him.'

Griffith's grandmother was not at home when his mother arrived at 4pm on Sunday and the pair began to argue.

By 6.30pm police were on the way after Griffith called to say his mother had injured herself, and showed 'zero remorse' when the officers arrived.

'He looked the deputy in the eye and said: 'I know my rights, I want an attorney',' Judd told reporters.

'He claimed that during this argument, his mother lunged at him with a knife, and fell on it, resulting in a deep stab wound to her neck.

'The medical examiner said it's just not reasonable or plausible that she died the way that he said she did. 'It just didn't happen.'

Griffith was a recent graduate of The Academy, an alternative high school located in Port Charlotte.

His mom's post indicate he graduated early and planned to attend college.
THE launch of the single force in 2013 radically changed Scottish policing  but not always for the better.

In an extraordinary development, earlier this year Police Scotland told a Scottish parliament committee that its policy allowing men charged with rape to be recorded as women promotes a strong sense of belonging and reflects the values of respect, integrity, fairness and human rights.

In parliament yesterday, John Swinney yesterday insisted that he couldnt interfere in operational police matters  although Police Scotland has repeatedly said that it is awaiting direction and guidance on its recording policy from the Scottish Government.

On social media, the policy was described as grotesque - whilst in parliament, politicians expressed their revulsion.

For an organisation that deals with sex-based offending and victimisation on a daily basis, the inability of Police Scotland to see the problem here, and to grasp the huge reputational risks, is hard to understand.

Police Scotland's adherence to 'deeply unpopular' gender agenda has prompted criticism

Police Scotlands blinkered adherence to a deeply unpopular political agenda that has so far contributed to the resignations of two First Ministers suggests that the single service has no grip on issues around gender identity, is too reliant on activist groups for guidance, and/or is being very badly advised.

With more than 500,000 spent annually on diversity staff, something has gone very wrong here.

The creation of a nationalised police force threw an unprecedented media spotlight on Scottish policing - with a string of high-profile controversies playing out in public.

Against a backdrop of criticism and pressure, Scotlands first Chief Constable Sir Stephen House resigned in 2015.

Back in 2017, then Acting Chief Constable Sir Iain Livingstone called for less political interference and admitted that the single service had been unprepared for the intense scrutiny.

Over time, Police Scotland became more cautious and-risk averse.

In a departure from the enforcement approach rolled out under Sir Stephen, it worked to present itself as inclusive and community-orientated.

As part of this drive, in 2015 Police Scotland made its first application to the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index (WEI).

The following year, it ranked 83 in the Stonewalls Top 100 UK employers and was awarded Most Improved Employer.

In 2017, Police Scotland was ranked 20th in the UK.

Police Scotland has since left the WEI, but the imprint of trans activist organisations is still writ large on the organisation - and its starting to wreak the same sort of reputational damage that marked the early days of Police Scotland.

Dr Kath Murray tells Police Scotland to 'scrap its obviously flawed and damaging policies'

Like countless other public bodies, Police Scotland uncritically bought into policies based on unregulated gender self-identification, or as gay and trans rights group Stonewall puts it, acceptance without exception.

Police Scotland custody policy, written in consultation with transgender rights group Scottish Trans, requires female officers to search trans-identified men.

The Transitioning at Work policy allows male officers access to female facilities and vice versa.

Police Scotland openly states that this goes beyond the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 to include cross-dressing people, androgynous or non-binary people and others.

The single service has stated that it is not interested in the sex of people responding to its annual public Your Police survey, only their gender identity.

The Police Scotland LGBT Allies Toolkit asks staff and officers to evangelise their allyship.

It recommends online resources which state sex is on a spectrum and that misgendering a person can lead to very real psychological trauma.

Like Police Scotland, the Scottish Government has uncritically relied on trans activist groups to shape its policies.

The Government has paid a high price for doing so.

The controversial Gender Recognition Reform (GRR) Bill split the tightly-disciplined SNP group.

Having dismissed womens concerns as not valid, the resignation of former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is widely attributed, at least in part, to the placement of double rapist Adam Graham/Isla Bryson in a womens prison  the logical corollary of gender self-identification.

Under Humza Yousaf, the Scottish Government tried but failed to overturn the Section 35 order put in place by the UK Government to block commencement of the GRR Bill.

Police Scotland recently published the final report of its Independent Review Group on Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Human Rights.

This found pervasive attitudes of misogyny and sexism across all areas and divisions of Police Scotland, and deeply embedded outdated attitudes that contribute to a hostile environment towards women within the service.

The single service has also seen a sharp fall in the number of female new recruits.

Despite a litany of scandals and safeguarding concerns that prompted other organisations to withdraw funding, Police Scotland recently re-stated its support for the controversial charity LGBT Youth Scotland, which it has signed up to train its call-handling staff.

On taking command of Police Scotland, Chief Constable Jo Farrell promised to prioritise trust, confidence, and the well-being of officers and staff.

To do so, Police Scotland needs to distance itself from identity politics and activist organisations, start taking womens concerns seriously - and scrap its obviously flawed and damaging policies.

*Dr Kath Murray is a member of the MurrayBlackburnMackenzie Policy Analysis Collective
Venues that fail to prepare for terror threats could be fined millions under legislation devised following the Manchester Arena attack.

Martyn's Law will require all premises with a capacity of more than 200 to ensure they have a plan in place for an attack.

The mother of Manchester bombing victim Martyn Hett, after whom the legislation is named, celebrated the 'hugely important' bill's introduction into Parliament.

And Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said it draws on lessons learnt from the 2017 attack to help protect staff and the public from further terror threats.

The legislation involves a tiered approach, with a 'standard tier' venue of between 200 and 800 capacity asked to undertake procedures such as training staff to lock doors and identify safe evacuation routes.

The legislation is named after Martyn Hett, 29, who was one of 22 people murdered in the Manchester terror attack

Figen Murray, the mother of Manchester bombing victim Martyn Hett, stands outside 10 Downing Street

Failure to comply will result in a maximum fine of 10,000 for standard tier premises.

Venues with a capacity of more than 800 will need to implement more sophisticated measures, such as CCTV, security staff, steps to control movement of people and tight security of information which may assist in preparing a terror attack.

Venues in this enhanced tier will be subject to a maximum fine of 18million, or five per cent of worldwide revenue if they fail to meet standards.

The estimated costs for the 24,000 enhanced tier venues affected is 5,210 a year.

And roughly 155,000 standard tier premises will face additional costs of 330 a year to comply with the legislation, according to Government estimates.

Places of worship including mosques and churches are automatically ranked as standard tier because of existing protection measures.

Martyn's mother, Figen Murray, who earlier this year walked 200 miles from Manchester to Downing Street to promote her cause, thanked the Prime Minister for introducing the law.

'He said he would act quickly and he has,' Ms Murray, who had to have an emergency hip replacement following the walk, added.

'Today means we are one step closer to making public spaces safer for everyone. It is also hugely important for my family that Martyn's Law will be on the statute book ahead of the next anniversary of Martyn's death.'

Martyn's mother, Figen Murray, walked 200 miles from Manchester to Downing Street to promote her cause, thanked the Prime Minister for introducing the law

Martyn's Law involves a tiered approach, with a 'standard tier' venue of between 200 and 800 capacity asked to undertake procedures such as training staff to lock doors and identify safe evacuation routes

Terrorist Salman Abedi detonated a home-made device at Manchester Arena on May 22, 2017

Martyn, 29, was killed alongside 21 others in the March 2017 attack when terrorist Salman Abedi detonated a home-made device at Manchester Arena during an Ariana Grande concert.

Head of counter terror policing, Matt Jukes, praised his mother's determination.

'We will continue to work with the public, with businesses, and with the government to ensure that when a terrorist attack takes place we have the right mitigations in place that will prevent other families from experiencing those tragedies,' he added.

The Home Secretary said: 'Martyn's Law has been a long time coming.

'I want to pay tribute to Figen Murray and her campaign team who have tirelessly worked to make this happen.

'This legislation will strengthen public safety, help protect staff and the public from terrorism and ensure we learn the lessons from the terrible Manchester Arena attack and the inquiry that followed.

'It is important we now take this forward through Parliament in Martyn's memory and to help keep people safe.'

22 people including Martyn were killed when in March 2017 at Manchester Arena during an Ariana Grande concert

Michael Kill, chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association, welcomed the bill's objectives but said it was crucial to address the proportionality of the proposals.

'We must ensure that the balance between heightened security and practical implementation is carefully considered,' he said.

'Key concerns include the operational impact, skillset required of venue operators and the financial implications of enforcing these new safety protocols.'
A doctor who blew the whistle on hospital infections was signed off work for three months after bullying from senior managers, an inquiry heard.

Dr Christine Peters claims she was shouted and sworn at after raising serious concerns about the risks at Scotlands flagship 840million Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.

The microbiologist told the Scottish Hospitals Inquiry she was targeted after flagging threats to patient safety over air quality and water contamination.

She also had specific worries about the safety of wards used for vulnerable patients, such as those receiving bone marrow transplants.

The probe is currently investigating the construction of the QUEH campus, which includes the Royal Hospital for Children, in the wake of number of deaths linked to infections, including that of 10-year-old Milly Main.

Consultant microbiologist Dr Christine Peters was signed off with stress after concerns about Queen Elizabeth University Hospital were ignored

It heard yesterday (thu), Dr Peters repeatedly tried to raise her concerns with managers since first becoming aware of problems in 2014.

But three years later, after failing to get traction she felt whistleblowing was the only course of action left.

Having submitted her report, she was invited to a meeting with a galaxy of individuals from senior management and her statement to the inquiry said: I was intimidated by the large number of very senior board employees present. I had expected a smaller group.

The tone of the meeting was set when (board director) Dr (Jennifer) Armstrong cut short my introduction.

I said I was head of department at QEUH for microbiology, which was the title (her predecessor) Professor (Alistair) Leanord had used for the same position.

She said, You are head of nothing. Brian (Jones) is head of service, just to be clear. I found this rude, unnecessary, and belittling.

Dr Peters claimed her concerns were effectively dismissed during the meeting with one individual responding angrily to her suggestion that positive pressure ventilation lobby rooms - used for isolation - in the new hospital were not built to national standards.

She also said it was striking that during a discussion of water testing, no reference was made to two third-party reports on water quality at the hospital, one from 2015 and the other at some point in late 2017.

The consultant microbiologist said the fact the work had been commissioned meant there could not be assurance on the water system... but we were given absolute assurance.

The inquiry was shown the ensuing whistleblowing report, which was based on interviews with a number of members of management but no infection control doctors.

It found Dr Peterss concerns were real but had already been dealt with in the main with action plans for the rest - which she told the inquiry she disagreed with.

The report also contained a number of criticisms of the consultant herself, including that she found it difficult to accept the balance of risk, that she does not accept being part of a team and listening to the views of others, and that her communication style and persistent stream of emails caused great anxiety to colleagues.

When asked by Craig Connal KC, senior counsel to the inquiry, whether she agreed, Dr Peters said: I sent a lot of emails, as you can see, and as far as Im concerned every single one was a necessary part of my job.

They related to real situations, real patients, real risks, and in the absence of any other route or methodology for communicating those things, then that was really the way to do it.

The inquiry also heard there was a staffing crisis in the infection control team even while the workload from such issues was mounting, caused by staff being unwilling to take on the role and going off sick.

Dr Peters added it was not normal for workers not to put themselves forward for infection control duties saying it was indicative of the unhealthy culture in the team.

The inquiry heard that in January 2019 Dr Peters herself had to be signed off work for three months due to the extreme stress and bullying she was experiencing from managers.

She highlighted two occasions when she was shouted and sworn at by a manager in front of colleagues, on one occasion fearing she would be physically attacked.

The inquiry also heard about growing evidence of infections and pathogens at the hospital between 2014 and 2019, including evidence of pathogen-containing mould on parts of the water system, infections consistent with a water source with biofilm on it, and infections linked to pigeon guano.

An NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde spokesman said: These matters are to be explored in the ongoing inquiry and while NHSGGC continues to co-operate with the inquiry, it would be inappropriate to comment on this at this time.

The inquiry continues.
Vice President Kamala Harris could barely contain herself as she skewered former President Donald Trump for his response about health care at the presidential debate and called for another showdown with her GOP rival at her first campaign rally since their showdown.

Harris headed down to Charlotte, North Carolina on Thursday as she looks to ride momentum off her face-off with Trump in Philadelphia on Tuesday.

The Democratic presidential nominee touted her debate performance even as Trump posted there will be no third debate and declared victory.

Two nights ago Donald Trump and I had our first debate, Harris said as the crowd cheered. And I believe we owe it to the voters to have another debate.

On Tuesday night, I talked about issues that I know matter to families across America, the vice president said.

Kamala Harris took the stage to thunderous applause in Charlotte, NC for her first campaign rally after the debate on Tuesday. During the event, she called for another debate saying they 'owe it to the voters'

Harris rattled off bringing down the costs of living, investing in Americas small businesses, protecting labor, protecting reproductive freedom and keep our nation safe and secure. She argued the former president delivered from the same tired playbook.

The vice president also slammed the former president for his debate response about replacing Obamacare after he spent his first term in office attempting to get the legislation repealed.

Donald Trump intends to end the Affordable Care Act, Harris warned. You heard what he said in the debate - he has no plan to replace it.'

'He said "concepts of a plan,"' Harris howled with laugher.

People in the crowd could be heard yelling 'concepts' which was what Trump said during the debate when the moderator asked him to clarify whether he has a plan.

'Oh you all watched the debate!' Harris responded barely able to control her laughter. 'Concepts, concepts. No actual plan. concepts.'

Harris pointed out that 45 million Americans are insured through Obamacare.

'And he's going to end it based on a concept,' Harris shrugged. She said it would take the U.S. back to a time when people could be denied for pre-existing conditions.

'Well we are not going back,' Harris said.

Kamala Harris was met with thunderous applause when she entered. When she went after Trump for only having 'concepts' of a health care replacement plan, the crowd laughed. She also received massive cheers when she brought up protecting reproductive freedoms

Trump also received boos from the crowd again when the vice president pointed out that he refused to answer a debate question about whether he would sign a national abortion ban.

The vice presidents remarks about protecting access to abortion received some of the biggest applause at the rally Thursday.

Harris was not the only one to tout her debate performance on Thursday in North Carolina.

How about that debate Tuesday night? said Governor Roy Cooper to cheering crowds. He praised her debate performance as presidential.

Harris has been intensely campaigning in North Carolina as Democrats see it as a state they have an opportunity to pick up in November.

While Trump won the state in 2016 and 2020, it also has a Democratic governor. The ex-president won it against President Joe Biden by less than 1.5 points or less than 75,000 votes.

The Real Clear Politics average of polls shows the race in a statistical tie in the state with several recent polls even giving the vice president a slight edge. The last Democrat to win the state in a presidential election was Barack Obama in 2008.

Harris has made a series of recent visits to the state including delivering her first policy address on the economy in Raleigh last month.

Biden trailed in the state but after Harris took over the top of the ticket in July, Democrats across the state saw a surge in enthusiasm and volunteers lining up to help elect the vice president.

Supporters in Charlotte wearing Harris-Walz shirts, stickers and hats on Thursday began lining up before 9:30am outside the Bojangles Coliseum in the hopes of seeing the Democratic nominee speak.

They are confident their state can go blue in 2024, but there is work to do.

Attendees waiting outside the Bojangles Arena in Charlotte, NC for Kamala Harris' rally on September 12. Supporters near the front of the line told DailyMail.com they arrived around 9:30am to get in

Volunteers receiving instructions ahead of Kamala Harris' rally in Charlotte, NC. Many people in attendance wore stickers that read 'we're not going back.' It is a popular line from Harris' stump speech, in 'brat' green

There are Republicans in North Carolina who are not going to vote for Trump, and that gives me hope, said Carol Injaychock waiting in line for Harris rally.

My goodness, we love her. We need to fight for our Democracy, said Donna Forrester. Its been a very long ten years.

The first ballots in North Carolina were supposed to go out on September 6 but were delayed due to the state Supreme Court ruling that election officials must remove Robert Kennedy Jrs name off the ballot and reprint them.

North Carolina will be the state that seals the deal for Kamala Harris, said Congressman Jeff Jackson ahead of her remarks.

From Charlotte, Harris is also headed to Greensboro for another campaign rally. On Friday, she has campaign stops in central Pennsylvania.

Harris visit to the battleground states kick off a new aggressive phase of the campaign with just over fifty days to go before the election.

It includes the vice president, running mate Tim Walz and other campaign surrogates fanning out across the key swing states. The campaign also plans to cut ads using footage from the debate to target key voter groups and members of the Democratic coalition. The first one dropped Wednesday.

Harris will be upping her media appearances in the final stretch as well. It comes amid criticism over her lack of solo interviews or press conferences as the Democratic nominee.

The vice president is expected to be especially focused on reaching battleground state voters and key members of the Democratic coalition with interviews with local state media in the coming days.

Next week, she is also expected to participate in a conversation with journalists from the National Association of Black Journalists.
A cop who attended a Brazilian university is under investigation for aiming her gun at a student during a fight in the classroom.

The law enforcement officer confronted a female student, who refused to lower her voice while a mixed physiology professor was conducting a lecture at Estacio College in the East Coast city of Maceio last Friday.

The Civil Police officer was seen arguing with the woman, who had been talking about her son's birthday party, according to Brazilian news outlet G1.

At one point, the student raised her hand at the cop, who attempted to smack it down.

The student then stood up and went face-to-face with the cop before punches were thrown.

A student (left) argues prior to brawling with a classmate (right), who is also a police officer and who ended up pointing a gun at her inside a packed classroom at Estacio College in Maceio, Brazil last Friday

An agent with the Alagoas Civil Police, who attends Estacio College, aims her service weapon at a student during a fight after telling her to lower her voice during a lecture

Students intervened and held back the cop, who pulled out her gun and pointed it at the student, sending her classmates running out of the room and shouting for help.

The Civil Police's 2nd District responded to the incident and took the officer and the students to the station for questioning and released them.

The cop told investigating agents that she was carrying her unloaded gun because she did not want to leave it in her car after she had concluded her shift.

The names of the two students have not been released by the school or authorities.

A student attempt to separate two brawling students before one of them, who is also a police officer, aimed her unloaded gun at her classmate at Estacio College in Maceio, Brazil last Friday. The Alagoas Civil Police is investigating the cop's behavior

Estacio College, a private school, is carrying out its own investigation following a fight between two students, including one who is a police officer and who pulled out a gun in the middle of the brawl and aimed it at her classmate

'The General Inspectorate of the Civil Police has instituted administrative proceedings to analyze and investigate the conduct of the police officer, respecting the adversarial system and the full defense of those involved,' the Alagoas Civil Police said in a statement.

Estacio College, a private institution, issued a statement indicating it was also conducting its own investigation.

'The institution informs that the police were called after the disagreement between the two students, which occurred on Friday night,' the school said. '

'We clarify that the incident will be analyzed and all appropriate meaaures will be adopted,' Estacio College added.

'The campus management regrets the incident and reinforces that it works to promote a respectful and ethical academic environment, repudiating any type of violent behavior or behavior contrary to the institution's values.'
Zimbabwean president's state visit to China enhance bilateral cooperation: FM

Xinhua) 10:17, September 12, 2024

HARARE, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- Agreements signed between China and Zimbabwe during President Emmerson Mnangagwa's state visit to China, ahead of the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, will enhance bilateral cooperation between the two countries, a senior official said Tuesday.

"The president had a very successful state visit to the People's Republic of China, and during that visit, many issues were discussed, as would happen between countries that relate well to each other both at the multilateral and bilateral levels," said Frederick Shava, Zimbabwean minister of foreign affairs and international trade, responding to a question from Xinhua during a post-cabinet press briefing in the capital, Harare.

Shava said that one memorandum of understanding (MoU) involved cooperation in infrastructure development, particularly the construction of infrastructure in the new city located in Mount Hampden, just outside Harare, where a China-aided new parliament building was completed in 2022.

"We are building a new city in Mount Hampden, and several structures need to be developed to support this initiative. One of the MoUs is related to the continued assistance from the Chinese in the construction of such structures. We are hopeful that we can engage the Chinese in the construction of office blocks in the new city," Shava said.

"There is also an MoU which seeks to look at how we can enhance solar energy to complement our existing energy production facilities and to be looking at possible rural solar facilities for energy. The Chinese are very skilled in this area, and they will be invited to contribute to the development of this option," he said.

One of the MoUs also addressed cooperation on the control and elimination of schistosomiasis, a disease caused by parasitic worms, Shava added.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Like their elders, most young citizens think the country is headed in "the wrong direction."

Key findings

Among Congolese youth (aged 18-35 years), 85% have secondary or post-secondary education, a significantly higher rate than among citizens over age 45.

But youth are also more likely than their elders to be unemployed: 41% say they are not employed and are looking for jobs, compared to 10%-27% among older cohorts.

Unemployment tops the list of most important problems that Congolese youth want their government to address, followed by water supply, infrastructure/roads, education, and health.

Only one out of 20 young Congolese (5%) say the government is performing "fairly well" or very well" on job creation. Assessments of the government's efforts on other top youth priorities are also overwhelmingly negative.

Like their elders, most youth (77%) believe the country is headed in "the wrong direction." o About two-thirds (68%) of young Congolese describe the country's economic condition as "fairly bad" or "very bad," and 58% say the same about their personal living conditions. Even so, young people's assessments are less bleak than those of their elders. o Only 16% of youth expect economic conditions to improve over the coming year.  Young citizens are less likely than their elders to engage in political and civic activities such as voting in elections, attending community meetings, joining with others to raise an issue, and contacting elected officials.

As the 21st century marches on, a growing proportion of the world's youth will be African (United Nations Population Division, 2024). Young people hold immense potential for accelerating political, social, and economic development, and if this potential is harnessed effectively, it could be a game-changer for African countries (Mpemba & Munyati, 2023).

Like other African countries, Congo-Brazzaville has a youthful population: 60% of its 6.1 million citizens are under the age of 25 (UNFPA, 2024; Institut National de la Statistique, 2024). The Congolese government and its partners have launched a variety of policies and programmes targeting youth. One example is the World Bank-supported Program for Capacity Development and Supervision, focused on enhancing youth employability through skills training, which the government was expected to expand (World Bank, 2022).

Despite such interventions, the economic outlook for many youth is stark, with youth unemployment estimated at 41% (Federal Reserve Bank of St Louis, 2024). Last November, the nation observed a day of mourning for 31 youth who were killed in a stampede when thousands of would-be recruits descended on an army recruitment operation at a stadium in Brazzaville (Africanews, 2023).

Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Congo-Brazzaville Governance Labour By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later.

Afrobarometer's inaugural survey in Congo-Brazzaville offers some insights into the situation of the country's youth (aged 18-35). Findings show that young Congolese are, on average, more educated than their elders but also more likely to be unemployed. Their top concern is job creation, and they see their government as failing on this urgent priority.

Majorities of young people say Congo-Brazzaville's economic condition is poor and their own living conditions are, too, and very few are optimistic that things will improve soon.

Despite their dissatisfaction, young citizens are less likely than older citizens to engage in political and civic processes, such as contacting political representatives, attending community meetings, and voting.

Obaloluwa Ayooluwa Aka Obaloluwa Ayooluwa Aka is a PhD student in the Department of Political Science at the University of Kentucky.
SUTHERLAND is set to become the first county in Scotland to be bankless after the final village branch shuts down next year.

Bank of Scotland bosses dealt a hammer blow to one of the countrys most remote communities yesterday by announcing the closure of their branch in Golspie on February 4.

It will leave some residents facing a 100-mile round trip to visit their nearest branch in neighbouring counties.

The bank blamed a 47 per cent drop in in-person transactions over the past five years.

But the move was described yesterday as a bitter blow for the 13,000-strong population of Sutherland.

Sutherland will become Scotland's first bankless county with the closure of the Bank of Scotland branch in Golspie in February

Scottish Conservative MSP for Highlands and Islands Edward Mountain said: While the way people bank is changing, many elderly and vulnerable customers still rely on having access to a branch on their own doorstep and will be badly impacted by this closure.

Rural communities in particular - which have poor mobile and online connections - continue to be abandoned by major banks, which has a knock-on effect for the local economy.

The county has had just the one bank since the Clydesdale announced it was closing its branch in Brora in 2019.

The Golspie branch of the Bank of Scotland will now cease operations as it winds down over the next five months.

It will be replaced by a community banker, a bank officer who will have set hours in a space within in a local public building.

Lloyds Banking Group manager Neil Moore confirmed the closure in a letter to East and Central Sutherland councillor James McGillivray.

He said: Many customers now choose to bank through their mobile app, online, or over the phone, and as a result visits to our branches have fallen.

The number of transactions by our personal customers using this branch have decreased by 47 per cent over the last five years and business transactions have fallen by a similar amount.

Mr Moore added that the bank must respond to the changing behaviours of our customers and that before reaching the decision a thorough assessment of the alternative services available had been made.

He said: When the branch closes, customers can continue to manage their money on our mobile app, online, by calling us, or in person at the local post office, or by visiting our community banker.

But the decision has raised concerns over the impact it will have on the elderly and disabled, who could be forced to make the hour-long trip into Inverness to find their nearest bank.

Since 2015 the area has seen the loss of seven banks in Dornoch, Lairg, Helmsdale, Bonar Bridge, Tongue and Lochinver.

Age Scotlands Policy Director, Adam Stachura: Considering how heavily digital banking services are pushed and promoted, its no surprise that footfall in branches has fallen. But those who do visit in person really need that service. The digital option just isnt an option for everyone.

Those who rely on branches most tend to be older, disabled, or on low incomes, and may not find it easy to travel to the next available branch to do their banking - particularly in more rural and remote areas such as Sutherland where this return journey could take hours.

He said that a third (34 per cent) of over 65s in Scotland mainly bank in person and that access to branches and the digital route was inaccessible for 31 per cent of those in this age bracket as they feel uncomfortable with the idea of online banking due to a fear of fraud, lack of trust in online banking services and lack of necessary IT skills.

Mr Stachura added: These are all legitimate concerns which must be taken into account by banks when considering the needs of their customers.

Banks really must do more to support customers who cant bank online, or just arent comfortable doing so, as it risks cutting them off from managing their finances independently.

Golspie Community Council said it was extremely disappointed by the decision of Lloyds Banking group to close the Bank of Scotland in Golspie, the last remaining bank branch in the county.

A spokesman said: Thirteen-thousand people of Sutherland, plus the many who travel from much further afield, will have no face to face banking services.

Customer service no longer seems to be the priority. This is clearly a profit driven decision over which the banks customers have no say.

Rural people, businesses and communities are being marginalised yet again.

Closure of the branch will further exclude all those who do not have access to internet banking, (or who are not comfortable with it for whatever reason). The vulnerable in our society will be even more disadvantaged.
A record number of children are being arrested as terror suspects, new Home Office figures have revealed.

Police detained 242 people on suspicion of terror offences in the year to June, of which 17% (40) were aged 17 and under.

This is up 60% from the 25 detained in the previous 12-month period and is the highest number since records began more than 20 years ago, when just two children were arrested in the year to June 2002.

It means children are now the second largest age category for suspects being arrested for terrorism.

The figures come after the Metropolitan Police warned it was seeing increasing numbers of young teenagers being radicalised, with some even being found planning terrorist attacks, after 'consuming violent, hateful and racist material' online.

Terror watchdog Jonathan Hall KC described the number of youngsters being detained as remaining stubbornly high.

Police detained 242 people on suspicion of terror offences in the year to June, of which 17% (40) were aged 17 and under (file image)

Terror watchdog Jonathan Hall KC (pictured) described the number of youngsters being detained as remaining stubbornly high

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, the independent reviewer of terrorist legislation added: 'The phenomenon of suspected child terrorism remains a shock and is certainly driven by conduct online.'

The statistics, published on Thursday, also showed how the number of terrorists behind bars was rising and record numbers held right-wing views.

The proportion of terrorist inmates holding Islamist-extremist views had remained at similar levels to the last few years while those categorised as having an extreme right-wing ideology has risen to its highest level since these records began in 2013.

As of the end of June, there were 252 people in custody for terrorism-related offences in Britain, compared to 234 in the same period last year.

Of these, 63% (158) were classed as Islamist-extremist and 29% (72) of terrorist prisoners were recorded as holding extreme right-wing views, in contrast to just six held in the same period in 2013.

The latest figures show 9% (22) of terrorist prisoners were not classified as having a specific ideology - also at its highest level.

MI5 director general Ken McCallum previously said terrorism inspired by Islamist ideology still accounted for about three-quarters of the security agency's terrorist caseload.

But he warned that extreme right-wing terrorism was 'sadly here to stay' as he told how agents had been investigating teenagers as young as 13.

The latest statistics come after record numbers of children were revealed to have been reported to the Government's anti-extremism services for expressing 'far right' ideology.

The force warned that this issue had got worse throughout the pandemic and 'there is no doubt that there has been a knock-on effect' from the increased amount of time youngsters spent online during lockdown.

Your browser does not support iframes.

Luke Skelton, 20, a far-right extremist, wrote the 'Reactionary British Manifesto' and was jailed for four years in July

Daniel Harris, a teenage Neo-Nazi who was able to inspire gun massacres by white supremacists in the US despite being under 'supervision' by probation officer

More than 2,100 under-15s were referred to Prevent in 2022/23 over fears they were being groomed by extremists or at risk of radicalisation.

Of them, 462 expressed 'extreme right wing' ideologies compared with 182 'Islamist' referrals. Eighty-eight were flagged over their interest in school massacres, with six suspected 'incels' also on the list.

Prevent, ran by the Home Office, aims to stop terror attacks on British streets. Officials work with local authorities and community organisations to 'support and protect vulnerable people'.

But the flagship 49million-a-year scheme has faced huge criticism over its failures in spotting Islamist terror sympathisers, including those with links to notorious hate preacher Anjem Choudary.

Critics, including ex-Home Secretary Suella Braverman, accused it of pandering to political correctness and trying not to appear to be Islamophobic.

Sir William wrote: 'It is correct for Prevent to be increasingly concerned about the growing threat from the Extreme Right. But the facts clearly demonstrate that the most lethal threat in the last 20 years has come from Islamism, and this threat continues.'

Officials describe Extreme Right-Wing Terrorism (ERWT) as using violence to further aims. Such ideologies can be broadly characterised as 'Cultural Nationalism, White Nationalism and White Supremacism', the Home Office says.

Many of the referrals and reports came from schools where children were identified as being at risk of radicalisation as a result of their extremist views, often associated with expressing hate speech involving racism, homophobia or anti-Semitic abuse.

Thomas Mair, 57, was inspired by white supremacism to murder MP Jo Cox ahead of the 2016 Brexit referendum claiming 'Britain first, this is for Britain'

Jo Cox, pictured was shot and stabbed by Mair on her way to a constituency surgery, meeting local residents of Bately and Spen

Expressing sympathy or admiration for the likes of Adolf Hitler or praising extremists would be enough to risk being flagged to Prevent if overheard by a teacher, social worker or even work colleague.

The latest crackdown on extremism comes after the riots that broke out across England following the stabbing of three girls in Southport

The National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) confirmed that, as of August 30, 2024, 1,280 people had been arrested for their involvement, with 796 people charged

A Home Office spokesperson said: 'Extremism is an evolving threat, which threatens our democratic values and freedoms. Government is determined to take every possible step to tackle it and show it has no place in our society.'

'This wholesale sprint will assess the challenge facing our country and set out steps to ensure we are able to meet it head on.'
Three people have been wounded during a shooting in downtown Dallas, Texas.

The shooter remains on the loose after opening fire on the Continental high-rise apartment building on Commerce Street about 12.15pm on Thursday.

Police said the victims' conditions are not yet known. They were all rushed to hospital for treatment.

Three people have been wounded during a shooting in downtown Dallas, Texas

The shooter remains on the loose after opening fire on the Continental high-rise apartment building on Commerce Street about 12.15pm on Thursday

Police also said they do not have information on the potential suspect yet.

A resident in the building told the Dallas Morning News she heard gunshots just after midday in the building.

The woman recalled hearing screaming, so she took cover in her closet and called 911.

'I needed to secure myself, I was shaking so bad,' she said.

Police said the victims' conditions are not yet known. They were all rushed to hospital for treatment

'My lease isn't supposed to be up until later this year, but let me tell you, it ends today.

'I don't feel safe anymore.'

Dallas police Lt. Tramese Jones gave a brief statement on Thursday afternoon confirming that an investigation was underway and remains active.

More than 20 police units were called to the scene.

Jones said there is no further information on the shooter at this stage, nor did she reveal any potential motive.
Prisoners should jump the housing queue in a bid to slash reoffending rates, Sadiq Khan has said.

The Labour Mayor of London, who has been accused of under-delivering on house building in the capital, sparked controversy after calling for an honest conversation about rehoming released convicts.

He said a certain percentage of prisoners should be prioritised despite rough sleeping hitting its highest level in London in a decade, with more than 1,100 people living on the citys streets.

Mr Khan told an event hosted by The Times: For us, the big challenge is there is no housing in London, a big shortage of housing in London.

He said they needed an honest conversation with our constituents about the reasons why people who have offended and come out of prison may need to jump in the queue to get housing to avoid them reoffending again.

Sadiq Khan has sparked controversy by suggesting that prisoners should be able to 'jump' the housing queue in order to curb reoffending rates

Mr Khans comments came in the same week around 1,650 prisoners were released under the governments scheme to free up space in the UKs packed jails, amid fears that many convicts could end up homeless

Asked whether newly-released prisoners should jump the queue, the Mayor said: A certain percentage. Yeah, its the honest conversation weve got to have with people across our respective cities to explain the reason were doing this.

Last night, a spokesman for Mr Khan clarified that London families in need must be prioritised for council homes but temporary accommodation should be found for prisoners in a small number of cases.

Tory leadership frontrunner Robert Jenrick said the suggestion showed Labour was putting decent people last.

Fellow contender Tom Tugendhat added: Labour have released prisoners on to our streets. Sadiq Khan has given them priority for housing, while the Government have lowered the housing targets he keeps missing.

When does Keir Starmer plan to start serving the British people?

Mr Khans comments came in the same week around 1,650 prisoners were released under the governments scheme to free up space in the UKs packed jails. But the move has prompted fears many convicts would be made homeless upon release.

Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood said inmates who were homeless on release could be temporarily placed in taxpayer-funded hotels if there was not enough space in bail hostels and other forms of accommodation.

A rental property in east London. Mr Khan's spokesperson clarified that temporary accommodation should be found for prisoners 'in a small number of cases' while London families in need must be prioritised for council homes

Rawling O'Grady was sentenced to three years in prison after being convicted of stealing a Mercedes. He walked free on Tuesday

The released also included one man (pictured above) from Burnley who said he was jailed for assault and had been given a seven-month prison sentence

HM Chief Inspector of Prisons Charlie Taylor said that the lack of housing for prisoners meant it was inevitable that many inmates who were released on Tuesday would be recalled to jail.

According to the Prison Advice And Care Trust, ex-convicts are more likely to reoffend if released into homelessness as it is more difficult to claim benefits, secure employment and they are more likely to become addicted to drugs or alcohol.

A spokesman for Mr Khan said: Sadiq is not suggesting prisoners should skip the queue for permanent housing  and clearly London families in need must be prioritised for council homes in the capital.

However, he believes that in a small number of cases where a former prisoner would be sleeping on the streets, they should be helped to find temporary accommodation in order to keep them from becoming homeless, prevent reoffending and keep Londoners safe.
A police operation has sparked commuter chaos in Sydney's west as multiple lanes on the busy M4 motorway are closed.

All westbound and eastbound lanes of the M4 near Merrylands are closed between Burnett Street and the Cumberland Highway.

Police were called to the motorway shortly before 5.30am following reports of a concern for welfare and set up an operation.

Motorists have been told to avoid the area and expect delays on Friday morning.

'Avoid the area, use an alternative route and allow extra travel time,' Live Traffic Sydney said on X.

Westbound traffic is banked back about 9km to Silverwater and motorists heading to the city are bumper to bumper for about 15km to Eastern Creek.

Drivers travelling westbound on the M4 can exit at Burnett Street, use the Great Western Highway and Cumberland Highway to rejoin the M4.

It's understood the police operation is due to a mental health incident.

All westbound and eastbound lanes of the motorway in Merrylands are closed between Burnett Street and the Cumberland Highway (building traffic is pictured)

Police have said there is no ongoing threat to the public.

Live Traffic NSW said the delay began at 5.23am on Friday.

Police, motorway management and Transport for NSW crews are on the scene.
The parole hearing of an evil killer is to be heard behind closed doors, his victims family have been told.

British Airways captain Robert Brown used a claw hammer to bludgeon his estranged wife Joanna Simpson, 46, to death on Halloween in 2010, within earshot of their young son and daughter.

Extraordinarily, despite having dug a grave for Joanna in advance, he was only convicted of manslaughter. As a result, despite being given a 26 year sentence, he was due for automatic release last year  half way through.

That was only stopped when enraged relatives launched a campaign and lobbied the Government. The then Justice Secretary, Alex Chalk, eventually ordered a review of the case, which stopped Brown, 60, being freed automatically because it was unsafe to do so.

But now the resulting Parole Board hearing giving him the chance to get out is looming - yet despite mounting calls for family and friends to be admitted, the Parole Board has ruled is to take place under a cloak of secrecy. Journalists and the public will be barred.

British Airways captain Robert Brown used a claw hammer to bludgeon his estranged wife Joanna Simpson, 46, to death within earshot of their children in October 2010. His parole hearing will now be heard in private

Joanna had been about to finalise her divorce from Brown when he battered her to death in the former marital home near Windsor

Joannas campaigning mother Diana Parkes, 84, said: Robert Brown committed the most heinous of crimes killing my daughter, so I am angered that the Parole Board have made the decision to not make Browns parole hearing public.'

Robert and Joanna on their wedding day in 1999, smiling and happy

Last night Joannas campaigning mother Diana Parkes, 84, said: Robert Brown committed the most heinous of crimes killing my daughter, so I am angered that the Parole Board have made the decision to not make Browns parole hearing public.

We have given up all our rights to privacy to do everything that we can to make sure this evil man stays behind bars. Why should Brown get to keep his privacy?

I truly hope the Parole Board can still see that Brown is a dangerous man and does not let him out.

Sadly, everything seems to be in favour of the perpetrator. The safety of the victims is put below the safety of the offender.

Joannas close friend Hetti Barkworth-Nanton added: Im totally shocked the Parole Board have taken this decision to not make Browns parole hearing public.

A judicial review earlier this year in which Brown challenged the decision made by the Justice Secretary to detain him found that he is a significant risk to members of the public, including Jos family and friends.

Since we launched the campaign to block Browns early automatic release, this case has received a large amount of interest from the public.

If the judicial system want the public to see and believe that justice is done, then making Browns hearing private feels like a huge missed opportunity, especially as there has never been a public hearing of a power to detain case.

Joanna had been about to finalise her divorce from Brown when he battered her to death in the former marital home, near Windsor.

At trial he said the marriage break-up had given him adjustment disorder. His plea of guilt to manslaughter due to diminished responsibility was accepted, in spite of the grave he had dug in preparation providing clear evidence he had coolly planned the killing.

When his lawyers earlier this year fought the stop put on his automatic release, in a failed judicial review case at Londons High Court, they maintained he represented no danger to anyone - with him claiming he is cured.

Joanna (pictured here with her two children) told one friend that Brown had held a knife to her chest during their relationship

In a police interview, Robert is asked repeatedly what has happened to Joanna Simpson, only to answer 'no comment' every time

Justice Secretary Alex Chalk (pictured) blocked Brown's automatic earlier release last year

But it emerged a risk assessment found he posed a high risk of imminent violence towards a partner and a medium risk towards others, and that he had refused to engagement with behaviour programmes in prison.

His and Joannas children Alex and Katie were just ten and nine and in the house when she was killed yards from them, in another room.

Alex, 23, said earlier this year that he never wanted to see his father again and believed he could claim more victims, saying: I am most of all concerned for my maternal grandparents, who cannot defend themselves.

I do not want to live with this perpetual fear that I will lose yet more of my close family.

Poignantly, his sister Katie had written to the judge in the murder trial saying: My father killed my Mummy and Im scared if he comes out of jail too soon he might come back and hurt me because I heard him killing my Mummy.. He is the most evillest man I have ever known and I wish he wasnt my father.

Brown had married Joanna in 1999.
Census data suggesting there are 262,000 transgender people in the UK is unreliable and must be discarded, the statistics watchdog ruled today.

The Office for Statistics Regulations (OSR) said in a damning report that the figure would no longer be recognised as an accredited official statistic.

The 2021 Office for National Statistics (ONS) census  the first to count transgender people  asked the question: Is the gender you identify with the same as your sex registered at birth?

The watchdog said that, by wording the question this way rather than the simpler Are you transgender?, the survey had confused those whose first language is not English.

It found people with a foreign first language were four times more likely to say they were trans than those who have English as their main language. Areas with big, religiously conservative migrant populations, such as Brent and Newham in London, were found to have higher numbers of trans people than Brighton.

Census data suggesting there are 262,000 transgender people in the UK is unreliable and must be discarded, the statistics watchdog ruled today

UK Statistics Authority oversees The Office for National Statistics (The ONS). The Office for Statistics Regulations (OSR) said that the ONS's wording of the question, rather than the simpler Are you transgender?, had confused those whose first language is not English

The 262,000 figure from the census is still used by public bodies, including the NHS. And despite conceding its question was flawed, the ONS said it cannot say with certainty if its estimate of the size of the trans population in Britain is an overestimate or an underestimate

Dr Michael Biggs, trustee of the charity Sex Matters, said: I suspect the ONSs close relationship with gay rights group Stonewall and deference to its LGBTQ+ and Allies network contributed to this question being developed without proper scrutiny.

The 2021 Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) census  the first to count transgender people  asked the question: Is the gender you identify with the same as your sex registered at birth?

Yet the 262,000 figure from the survey is still used by public bodies, including the NHS.

And despite conceding its question was flawed, the ONS said it cannot say with certainty if its estimate of the size of the trans population in Britain is an overestimate or an underestimate.

It found the trans population made up 0.3 per cent of people who describe their ethnicity as White: English, Welsh, Scottish, Northern Irish or British. But the trans proportion was 1.6 per cent among those described as Black, Black British, Black Welsh, Caribbean or African.

The ONS must now re-label its published gender identity data to warn of its limitations. Dr Biggs said: Its disgraceful the ONS took 18 months to admit this.

A letter sent to the watchdog by the ONS said it requested gender identity estimates from 2021 are no longer accredited official statistics and are classified as official statistics in development.

Ed Humpherson, OSR director general, said: We welcome ONSs request to us to remove the accreditation of these statistics.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre slammed Donald Trump for accusing migrants of eating pets, saying 'lives were in danger' because of his false claims.

The former president, during his debate with Kamala Harris, spread the false rumors that Haitian immigrants in Ohio were abducting and eating pets. Springfield City has issued a statement saying there have been 'no credible reports' of pets being harmed by the Haitian community.

Jean-Pierre said Trump's comments were 'hate speech.'

'What is happening here is an attempt to tear apart communities and disrespect,' she said. 'And it is spreading filth that makes the lives of the communities that are being smeared here. It puts their lives in danger and it is just hate speech. That's what it is.'

She added: 'Maybe we should not have leaders who fall for fake internet conspiracy theories. We should think about that.'

Karine Jean-Pierre slammed comments from Donald Trump about pets being eaten

Trump, during the debate, called out Springfield, Ohio, by name and said: 'They're eating the dogs. They're eating the cats. They're eating the pets of the people that live there.'

The debate moderators pointed out that city officials have said the claims are not true.

Last week, officials in Springfield City had to shut down city hall because of bomb threats. The threat repeated the misinformation as it mocked the Haitian people and said the bombs, which was in several city buildings, would detonate in hours.

Eventually the all-clear was given.

Trump, meanwhile, has doubled down. He posted a flurry of posts on his Truth Social account Thursday afternoon containing several memes of AI-generated images of cats holding signs in support of his campaign.

'Don't let them eat us, vote for Trump,' one AI image showed with cats holding the red and blue sign.

Another showed a sad cat with a sign reading 'Kamala hates me.'

Trump has doubled down, posting cat memes to Truth Social account

Donald Trump, during Tuesday's presidential debate, spread the false rumor about pets being eaten by migrants

Eating pets wasn't the only controversial topic Jean-Pierre tackled in her press briefing on Thursday.

She was asked about comments from Laura Loomer, a right-wing conspiracy theorist who is close to Trump and traveled with him to the debate on Tuesday.

Jean-Pierre slammed Loomer for spreading 'racist poison' in her comments about Vice President Harris.

Loomer, a former congressional candidate and fervent Trump supporter, recently said on social media that if Harris wins the election, 'the White House will smell like curry & White House speeches will be facilitated via a call center.'

Jean-Pierre was outraged.

'It is un-American to say these types of things exactly the kind of hateful and divisive rhetoric, rhetoric that we should denounce,' Jean-Pierre said.

'No leader should ever associate with someone who spreads this kind of ugliness, this kind of racist poison,' she added.

But even some Republicans expressed outrage at Loomer's comments.

Laura Loomer, a right-wing conspiracy theorist, traveled with Trump to the debate

Senator Lindsey Graham and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene expressed sharp disapproval ofher remarks.

Greene and Loomer have since been in an intense back-and-forth on X.

'This is appalling and extremely racist,' Greene wrote of Loomer's remark. 'It does not represent who we are as Republicans or MAGA. This does not represent President Trump. This type of behavior should not be tolerated ever.'

Loomer, in returned, called Greene a 'raging antisemite' and defending her initial post as a 'funny joke about Kamala Harris' using 'her Indian mom as a way to dodge questions.'

Loomer struck back, attacking Jean-Pierre's sexuality and bringing up the false rumor about Haitians eating pets.

'Karine Jean Pierre doesn't like me because she's a lesbian, Haitian immigrant and she doesn't like the fact that I have been so vocal about the cat eating Haitians,' she wrote on X.

'Everything I said is true. Kamala spends more time making cooking videos than she does speaking to the media. Curry has a very distinct smell. It's delicious. But, the scent can be overbearing at times,' she said.

She added: 'PS: the migrants are eating the dogs and cats.'
Prince George is 'already learning to fly' - having taken his first trip in the air on the final day of his school summer holidays.

According to The Sun, the future king 'loved' his maiden flight on the White Waltham Airfield near Maidenhead.

Reports suggest The Prince and Princess of Wales watched the 11-year-old take off from the runway with an instructor and come back to land safely just under an hour later.

William and Kate had turned up with George in a three-car convoy at the Berkshire airfield - a ten mile drive from their Windsor home.

After the flight was complete, all three royals are said to have relaxed at the airfield's clubhouse - home to the West London Aero Club.

Prince George enjoyed his first flight in the last week of his school holiday

The future king is said to have 'loved' his maiden flight on the White Waltham Airfield near Maidenhead (Note: this picture is from 2017 when the Prince visited Airbus in Hamburg, Germany)

Reports suggest The Prince and Princess of Wales watched the 11-year-old take off from the runway and come back to land safely just under an hour later (Note: This picture is from 2016 during a visit to the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford)

An onlooker said: 'George is only 11 years old but it is the right time to start. The Royal Family has a proud tradition of flying and it looks like George is next in line.

'His parents watched George take flight from the safety of the ground but he flew with an instructor and loved it.'

One person at the airfield said there was '30 or 40 people' in the clubhouse whilst William, Kate and George were there, adding that 'all three had been pretty chilled'.

Pilots can start learning to fly at any age  but training hours that count towards a licence start from the age of 14.

Students must be accompanied by an instructor until age 16, after which they can be sent solo.

Under the guidance to obtain a Private Pilot Licence from the Civil Aviation Authority, pupils must be guided through a minimum of 45 flying hours and pass nine theoretical exams.

Pilots can hold a licence and carry passengers from age 17.

George will look to follow in the footsteps of his many family members who have piloted aircraft throughout history.

His father William is a trained helicopter pilot who has flown for RAF Search and Rescue and East Anglia Air Ambulance, while his great-grandfather Prince Philip trained at the same Maidenhead airfield.

Phillip was 31 when he began his flying training at White Waltham in November 1952, before continuing in the North American Harvard.

At a private ceremony at Buckingham Palace in May 1953, the Duke of Edinburgh was awarded his 'wings' by Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir William Dickson.

His sons William and Harry were both in the Army Cadet Corps at Eton College and did not get flying lessons until they were in the military.

William then started an intensive training programme with the RAF in 2009, learning how to fly fixed-wing aircrafts and helicopters at the age of 27.

George's great-grandfather Prince Philip (pictured next to his grandson in 2021) trained at the same Maidenhead airfield

William and Harry were both in the Army Cadet Corps at Eton College and did not get flying lessons until they were in the military

In May, King Charles handed over the role of colonel-in-chief of the Army Air Corps to William

Prince William revealed he 'would love' to fly helicopters again during a visit to the Wales Air Ambulance headquarters today in Llanelli, South Wales

William is pictured in 1999 leaning against a helicopter during a visit to the Army Air Corps

William is pictured at the controls of a Sea King helicopter during a training exercise at Holyhead Mountain, having flown from RAF Valley in Anglesey, north Wales, on March 31, 2011

He completed his training as a helicopter pilot in the RAF Search and Rescue Force back in 2010, later flying an air ambulance for two years before stepping down to take on more royal roles on behalf of Queen Elizabeth.

He was known as Flight Lieutenant Wales when he served with the RAF in Angelsey, North Wales.

During his three-year tour, he took part in 156 search and rescue operations - during which 149 people were rescued.

William has in the past flown his family around on helicopters, such as taking them to the Commonwealth Games in 2022.

Earlier this week, William revealed he 'would love' to fly helicopters again during a visit to the Wales Air Ambulance headquarters today in Llanelli, South Wales.

Britain's King Charles III poses with service personal after he officially handed over the role of Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps to Prince William

Prince William, Prince of Wales sits in an Apache helicopter at the Army Aviation Centre in Middle Wallop, on May 13, 2024

He revealed there were plans in the pipeline to fly with the Wales Air Ambulance from its base in Cardiff Bay.

He said: 'I'd love to fly again, I could volunteer for a weekend to make a come back.'

In May this year, William took to the skies in an Apache helicopter after being crowned the leader of his brother's former Army regiment by King Charles.

Prince Harry qualified as an Apache helicopter commander in 2013, after three years of training.

If Harry and Meghan had not stepped down as working royals in 2020, the appointment as Colonel-in-Chief would likely have been his.
The internet wins again as Donald Trump's bizarre comments on Haitian migrants eating cats and dogs has somehow been turned into a viral dance on TikTok.

Trump said the migrants were 'eating pets' in Springfield, Ohio, an unsubstantiated claim that first appeared on social media during his contest with Kamala Harris.

While much of the MAGA internet has turned the statement into an AI-inspired 'Pets for Trump' meme, TikTok creators have managed to turn it into a new dance craze.

DailyMail.com spotted at least a dozen who have turned the song - made by a liberal account called 'Casa Di Music' with over a half million followers - into the latest move.

While there is no consistency to any of the moves, some people have lip synced to the former president's infamous statement, done group choreography and even included their own felines in the videos.

The internet wins again as Donald Trump's comments on Haitian migrants eating cats and dogs has somehow been turned into a viral dance on TikTok

Trump said they were 'eating pets' in Springfield, Ohio , an unsubstantiated claim that first appeared on social media during his contest with Kamala Harris

NEW: The Haitian pet story is spreading throughout TikTok as creators are dancing to the new 'They're Eating the Cats Remix.'



The creators are dancing to a remix that was made from Trump's comments during the debate.



Some users say the song is the new "Lesbian Anthem" due to pic.twitter.com/QHyxa3mA4X  Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) September 12, 2024

'Some users say the song is the new "Lesbian Anthem" due to the "eating cat" comment', wrote journalist Collin Rugg.

The captions used by the TikTokers included 'Eat the Cat 2024', 'They're eating WHAT???' and 'We can't take nothing serious'.

The moment has become the most remembered and infamous point of the contest Tuesday night.

'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.

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'.

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.

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.'

Trump has since insisted that there will not be another debate between the two before the election.
As South Sudan contends with a prolonged political and economic crisis, Kenyan mediators are attempting to broker an agreement between the country's government and exiled opposition leaders. In this Q&A, Crisis Group expert Daniel Akech assesses how the talks are progressing.

What is happening?

In its thirteen years as an independent country, South Sudan has been plagued by political and economic instability. Negotiations in Nairobi between the coalition government, which is made up of the parties that signed a 2018 peace deal, and various holdout groups seek to supplement the precarious power-sharing arrangement agreed upon six years ago. That peace deal, signed by South Sudan President Salva Kiir and former rebel leader and current First Vice President Riek Machar, created a government of national unity and laid out a series of goals, such as drafting a new constitution, unifying the armed forces (which had splintered upon the onset of civil war in 2013) and holding elections. But after several extensions, the accord is once again due to expire soon, though few of its promises have been met. Furthermore, violence is simmering across South Sudan, and the country's oil revenues have collapsed following the war in neighbouring Sudan. It now seems improbable that elections supposed to be held in December will take place.

Since Kenya launched the talks between Kiir's government and exiled opposition leaders in Nairobi in May, negotiations have focused on rebooting the 2018 deal, extending the deadline for its implementation and greenlighting a delay in the polls. Machar, who is currently part of the national unity administration in Juba, is represented on the government side, but his rift with President Kiir, as well as internal divisions in Kiir's camp, imperil the negotiations. Machar has insisted that Kiir honour the entirety of the 2018 deal before organising polls, and he has reacted frostily to a preliminary agreement signed in Nairobi, claiming that it has made changes to the arrangements now in place. In mid-July, he pulled out of the talks. Parallel conversations between Kiir and Machar have since kicked off in Juba, but there is no sign as yet that these will culminate in a new deal.

The prospect of political deadlock and turbulence over the potential postponement of elections could not come at a more inauspicious moment. The country is suffering an acute humanitarian crisis, with 7.1 million of its twelve million people suffering hunger. The crisis is exacerbated by the civil war in neighbouring Sudan, which has seen hundreds of thousands of people flee southward to the country, starved Juba of oil revenues and disrupted cross-border trade.

Who is involved in the Nairobi talks?

Nairobi is providing a forum for political dialogue between representatives of the government and exiled opposition forces. The government and some of the holdout groups that were not party to the 2018 peace deal launched the talks in Rome under the auspices of the Society of Sant'Egidio. Just months earlier, in April 2019, these negotiations had been preceded by a memorable meeting in the Vatican, in which Pope Francis knelt and kissed the feet of Kiir and Machar, along with three other vice presidents, as the pontiff pressed upon these leaders the importance of peace. Eventually, however, these talks broke down in March 2023, prompting President Kiir to ask Kenya in December to take over and restart negotiations. Kenya's President William Ruto responded by choosing retired General Lazarus Sumbeiywo, who brokered the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement that ended Sudan's long civil war and won South Sudan its independence, to lead the process. Enjoying good relations with key leaders and negotiators from both sides, Sumbeiywo's appointment appeared to increase the likelihood that the talks could hatch a deal.

South Sudan's government is represented at the talks by all parties in the national unity administration, and its delegation is headed by Presidential Special Envoy Albino Mathem Ayuel. Prior to its withdrawal from the talks, Machar's party was represented on the government side by Stephen Par Kuol, minister of peacebuilding. The exiled opposition side, in turn, is made up of groups that were not signatories to the 2018 peace deal and whose leaders seek to return to the country. These include Pagan Amum, former secretary general of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM), South Sudan's ruling party that led the campaign for independence, who heads a group of exiled close associates of the late SPLM founder John Garang; former army chief Paul Malong, who launched a short-lived rebellion in 2018; and Stephen Buoy, a prominent former general who started a rebel movement in 2021 that has ties to armed groups near the Sudan border. Other smaller groups and exiled activists are also taking part, although one major rebel leader from Central Equatoria state, Thomas Cirillo, has refused to join despite his participation in the Rome talks, citing fears for his safety in Nairobi.

Civil society groups, for their part, have decried the lack of women delegates at the talks. Although civil society organisations have two women representatives, and the government delegation also includes two women, the ten-strong opposition delegation is exclusively male.

What are the aims of the talks?

Kiir's initial goals when the talks began in Nairobi appeared fairly narrow, but Kenya's mediators have pushed him into pursuing a broader political agenda as well. From Kiir's point of view, accommodating each of the main opposition leaders present in the Nairobi talks serves a distinct tactical purpose, even if none of them on their own boasts a major following. Kiir aims to overcome his government's international isolation by incorporating into his government Amum, who had been in exile in the U.S. since 2016. The president is also looking to boost his support in the populous northern Bahr el Ghazal region ahead of future elections by bringing Malong, who is from the area, on board. A deal that includes Buoy, meanwhile, could help to alleviate insecurity along South Sudan's border with Sudan: the former general is close both to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), one of the main belligerents in Sudan's civil war, as well as to South Sudanese forces which have fought alongside them across the border in Sudan's West Kordofan. Negotiating with the RSF over repairing damage to South Sudan's main oil pipeline, which has deprived the country of its main revenue source, is proving arduous for authorities in Juba.

At the same time as trying to placate his opponents and bring them into the government fold, Kiir is intent on rejigging the terms of power sharing laid out in the 2018 peace accord. His primary aim in this regard is to dilute Machar's share of power and ability to veto policy. Kiir also seems to hope that a deal championed by Kenya, a close U.S. ally, could ease his international isolation at a moment of acute fiscal and security threats stemming from the war in Sudan.

Once talks got under way in May ... the Kenyan mediation team pushed for a more expansive deal.

Once talks got under way in May, however, the Kenyan mediation team pushed for a more expansive deal. Concerns that South Sudan's stability was at serious risk and needed more than a power-sharing sticking plaster in large part drove this move. The loss in February of the bulk of the country's state revenue due to the breakdown of its main oil export pipeline through Sudan fuelled concerns that Juba would be plunged into a deep fiscal hole (on which subject, more below). Meanwhile, long-running, UN-sponsored talks in Juba among Kiir, Machar and others on whether and how to postpone December elections had made little progress, setting up a potential political showdown as elections grew nearer.

Fearing that South Sudan might follow its northern neighbour down the path of conflict, Kenya proposed a deal that would kickstart a legitimate constitutional process, which Crisis Group has argued is crucial to stabilising the country, and prepare the country for credible elections further down the line. The accord would also reset the country's transitional period, which is set to expire in February 2025. With these aims in mind, Kenya is trying to help a young, violence-prone neighbour regain its footing before it wreaks more havoc. President Ruto also likely hopes that forging a path forward in South Sudan will help consolidate Kenya's growing reputation as a reliable anchor state and broker in the troubled Horn of Africa.

That said, longstanding political rivalries in South Sudan continue to overshadow the talks. Though nominally represented in the same delegation as Kiir, Machar is stalling the Nairobi negotiations out of concern that the president is using the process to undermine and bypass him. Although Machar's political and military sway has waned considerably since the 2018 accord, he could still spark upheaval and violence, especially if he decides to withdraw from government altogether. Machar's links with both sides in Sudan's civil war, as well as his reliance in the past on support from governments in Khartoum for his armed uprising, could pose perils. Machar's opposition would also dent the legitimacy of any accord or extension of power signed without him.

What progress has there been so far?

Until Machar dropped out on 16 July, the negotiations in Nairobi had shown signs of progress. The previous day, the delegates signed protocols on humanitarian access, confidence-building measures and security arrangements. The preliminary agreement also established new ways to ensure that a final deal will be implemented, while leaving to one side sticky issues revolving around power sharing, drafting a constitution and an election timetable.

The preliminary agreement proposes to address some of the obstacles that implementation of the 2018 peace accord has faced by strengthening oversight. It envisages the creation of a high-level oversight panel, led by Kenya's President Ruto, to keep tabs on rollout of the accord. Closer monitoring by regional powers could in theory boost the chance that reforms promised in a final deal are honoured, including resuming the moribund process of fashioning a new constitution before holding elections. The deal also proposes creating a joint account that donors and the South Sudanese government would contribute to and share control of; they would hope to attract fresh funds to fund any reforms that a final agreement settles upon.

Agreements have limited value without consensus between the two main figures in South Sudanese political life, Kiir and Machar.

But these agreements have limited value without consensus between the two main figures in South Sudanese political life, Kiir and Machar (even if the latter appears diminished for now). The decision by Machar's party to withdraw from the talks was spurred by what he described in two letters he wrote to the mediators as the government's bid to undermine the 2018 peace deal. He and his allies fear losing the guarantee that Machar's party receive 28 per cent of cabinet positions, 23 per cent of seats in the national parliament and 27 per cent of government positions at state levels, all elements of the deal that paved the way for creating a government of national unity. As a result, Machar has maintained that the Nairobi process should be treated as no more than an annex to the 2018 peace agreement rather than a separate deal that could supplant the earlier accord. Although the protocols signed on 15 July made no reference to these quotas, they did indicate that the new agreements would assume a higher status than the 2018 deal.

Despite the withdrawal of Machar's party from the talks, the opposition delegation and the remaining parts of the government delegation have continued to discuss implementation mechanisms and are now working on future arrangements for distributing power. At the same time, Kiir and Machar have once again struck up their own negotiations in Juba. Even if Machar returns to the Nairobi process, the path to an inclusive new deal is uncertain as the parties may not agree on the fundamental issues of how to align the 2018 peace accord with the Nairobi initiative and which of the two is predominant. Some of Kiir's allies are also uneasy with the Nairobi negotiations, fearing that these talks will threaten their power within the government; these divisions inside Kiir's camp could make it hard for him to make concessions. A flare-up among Kiir's allies would in fact pose one of the greatest risks to South Sudan's stability, given that the president has created a sprawling security apparatus divided among various factions.

What would be the implications of a deal in Nairobi?

If the Nairobi talks do not result in a broad agreement soon, and Kiir and Machar fail to reach a deal in Juba, South Sudan will be on the brink of another major political crisis. The government has not prepared for December's planned elections, and there is no widely accepted understanding as to what to do when the 2018 peace deal expires in February 2025. Even if the government decides to hold elections in the near future, it will face an uphill battle to pay for a national poll, register voters (the electoral rolls have not been updated since 2010) and quell outbreaks of violence across the country.

A signed deal between the main political forces, however, does not mean that South Sudan's problems will be solved. Squabbling elites, combined with poverty and under-development, an overabundance of firearms and militias, a lack of infrastructure, decades-old grievances among disparate groups and climate catastrophes make up a long roll call of challenges. The 2015 and 2018 peace accords turned out to be little more than precarious power-sharing deals that stilled some of the country's fighting, while few of their promised provisions were put into effect. Even with the strengthened oversight mechanisms agreed to in the Nairobi protocol signed in July and a date for a future election, there is little reason to expect a stable period of peace, let alone the sort of governance and security reforms South Sudan needs. South Sudan's political elites still lack a basic pact around how to share resources. Leaky state finances largely bypass official coffers, raising the stakes of the country's violent dispute for power.

South Sudan's political tensions and the limits on what the government can do to address them is made worse by the financial crunch. The country's principal export is oil, but as a landlocked nation it is entirely dependent on its war-torn northern neighbour to get oil to international markets, using two pipelines to transport crude to Port Sudan on the Red Sea. One of these pipelines, responsible for about two thirds of South Sudan's oil exports, broke down in February, drastically reducing Juba's revenue. Income from oil exports does not just sustain the South Sudanese economy; the proceeds also underwrite a patronage network that President Kiir uses to maintain an uneasy overall peace. Without that largesse, the country could easily lose its precarious political cohesion.

The lack of consensus between Kiir and Machar ... could tip the country back toward more generalised violence.

With economic conditions deteriorating markedly, the lack of consensus between Kiir and Machar, as well as the wider discord with other parts of the country's political elites, could tip the country back toward more generalised violence, both nationally and locally. Despite the 2018 peace deal, insurgencies against the Juba government have persisted. Other deadly clashes continue in many areas of the country, including the regions of Jonglei, Unity, Warrap and Abyei (the last of these disputed between Sudan and South Sudan), often involving communal militias backed by their respective elites. They exact a heavy toll on civilians, especially women and children.

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As Kiir and Machar remain divided over the timing and management of the elections scheduled for December and what the Nairobi talks should achieve, South Sudan is on the precipice of a period of profound uncertainty and instability. The consequences could resonate beyond South Sudan: increased unrest would complicate the civil war in Sudan, given the networks entwining the two countries' elites. The RSF would be disposed to align with opponents of Kiir given its poor relations with the president, which might push him to throw in his lot with the RSF's foe, the Sudanese army. The authentic nightmare scenario is now the extension of Sudan's war to both countries.

Where should the talks go from here?

With no sign that South Sudan is prepared or able to organise polls in December, there appear to be two tracks toward averting a major crisis: one is that Kiir and Machar could agree to a new roadmap in Juba, but with little outside support; the other is that the parties in Nairobi could settle on an extension to the 2018 deal, with broader regional and some international backing. Ideally, an accord would bridge both sets of talks. South Sudanese civic organisations, regional leaders, the U.S., Norway, the UK, the European Union and other partners should press the parties in the Nairobi and Juba talks to agree upon a workable roadmap toward elections in the near future, which should focus on drafting the country's long-awaited constitution and enabling the people of South Sudan to reach an agreement on their system of government, balance of powers and level of decentralisation. Talks should also address as a priority merging the country's various security forces; preparing the legal framework to guide the conduct of elections; and agreeing on a process for registering voters and demarcating constituencies.

Whether the parties choose to extend the 2018 peace accord through negotiations in Nairobi or elsewhere, any decision requires consensus to avoid creating a new political crisis. To help build that consensus, Kiir should look to address Machar's concerns, as well as seek to alleviate the competition within his own camp over how to move forward. Now is the time to act, because South Sudan's vulnerabilities, including the risks of financial collapse and the prospect of spillover violence from the war in neighbouring Sudan, are rising, especially as the RSF seizes more ground near its border.

The Nairobi process has, for now, become the primary forum for negotiating an extension in the transitional arrangements created in 2018, which will entail as a first step the official postponement of the December polls. For mediators in Kenya's capital, this task is proving to be more challenging and delicate than they had anticipated. They should nevertheless strive to pursue compromises without becoming mired in South Sudan's internal political competition, particularly by avoiding backing certain politicians against others. They should also be wary of a deal that leads to a high-risk winner-takes-all election. If a reasonable deal does finally emerge from these talks, Nairobi should learn from the experience of previous agreements among South Sudanese rivals that were supported by leaders in Ethiopia, Uganda and Sudan, but which fell apart soon after. A hands-on approach to implementation of any deal will be just as crucial as achieving a breakthrough in negotiations.
The body of a young boy who went missing from a South Carolina elementary school has been found in a body of water just hours after he disappeared.

Lionel Ramirez Cervantes, 8, had run off from school officials at Bell's Crossing Elementary School in Simpsonville on Thursday morning.

Cervantes, who according to the Greenville County Sheriff's Office was autistic and somewhat nonverbal, was last near the school's playground.

Staff had chased after the youngster but he got over a fence and manage to disappear before they could catch up with him.

Following the disappearance, authorities scoured the local area before a dive team discovered his body just a short distance from the school in a pond.

Cervantes, who according to the Greenville County Sheriff's Office was autistic and somewhat nonverbal, was last near the school's playground

Staff at Bell's Crossing Elementary School had chased after the youngster but he got over a fence and manage to disappear before they could catch up with him

Authorities released a surveillance photo of Cervantes to help those looking for him taken just this morning, showing the clothes he was wearing.

In a post to social media, the local sheriff's office announced that they had found his body.

They said: 'The GCSO is heartbroken to report that 8-year-old Lionel Ramirez Cervantes, who ran off from Bells Crossing Elementary School, has been located in a body of water off Lenox Lake Drive, a short distance from the school.

'Lionel reportedly left out of the school and was last seen near the playground around 11:10am.

'Deputies responded to initiate search and rescue efforts and conducted those the entire day.

'Shortly after 3:00pm Lionels body was found by dive team members in a body off water off Lenox Lake Drive.'

Sheriff Hobart Lewis said at a press conference: 'This is truly a terrible situation to be quite honest. At some point, we don't know how or why, he wound up in that pond.

'There are a lot of broken hearts in the school and this community today, we want to thank the community who came out to search for this young man.'

Following the disappearance, authorities scoured the local area before a dive team discovered his body just a short distance from the school in a pond, seen here

Authorities had released a surveillance photo of Cervantes to help those looking for him taken just this morning, showing the clothes he was wearing

W. Burke Royster, Greenville County Schools Superintendent, added: 'Words are just not sufficient to describe this tragedy.

'Our hearts and our prayers are with this family, this community, with this school community.'

Since it was announced that the youngster had passed away, social media users offered prayers for family.

One person posted: 'So heartbreaking for everyone involved. Prayers for his family and the school.'

Another added: 'This just breaks my heart! Praying for this family and everyone involved.'
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was asked Thursday to give a fuller explanation for why President Joe Biden put on a red MAGA hat during his trip to Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Jean-Pierre echoed a previous White House explanation that the president was participating in a moment of unity to mark the 23rd anniversary of the September 11 terror attack.

Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris - the Democratic nominee - had walked into a firehall near the crash of Flight 93.

'The president gave an impromptu remarks about bipartisan unity. That's what he was talking about and he talked about it in the moment of September 11,' Jean-Pierre said.

'And he offered a presidential hat to a man who was wearing a Trump hat. He was wearing a Trump hat, and he offered it to him as a gesture, and in return, the man said, that in the same spirit, the president should put on his Trump hat,' Jean-Pierre continued. 'And so the president did very briefly, and that's what happened. It was, it was truly a back and forth about unity.'

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was asked Thursday to give a fuller explanation for why President Joe Biden put on a red MAGA hat during his trip to Shanksville, Pennsylvania

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' on the 9/11 anniversary on Wednesday

Video footage shows Biden chatting with a man in a Trump hat, with the president showing off a hat with the presidential seal, which the man asks Biden to sign.

'Do you remember your name?' the Trump fan asked.

The 81-year-old then made a joke at his own expense.

'I don't remember my name,' the president replied. 'I'm slow.'

The MAGA man then jabbed, 'you're an old fart,' to which Biden agreed, 'I'm an old guy.'

'I know you would know about that,' the Democrat said, though the Trump supporter insisted that he was still a 'young timer.'

Shortly after the back-and-forth occurred, the White House put out a statement explaining it as pictures of Biden wearing the red hat started being posted to social media.

'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.

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.
A truck has collided with a light rail tram bringing services to a grinding halt.

The truck driver was treated for minor injuries after the crash at the intersection of Pitt and Hay Street, in Haymarket in Sydney's CBD, just before 7am on Friday.

Emergency services, including police and multiple fire crews rushed to the scene.

A NSW Ambulance spokesman told Daily Mail Australia the male truck driver sustained minor injuries.

A woman was also treated at the scene for arm injuries. Both patients did not need to be taken to hospital.

It is not known whether the woman was inside the tram when she sustained her injuries.

The collision caused the tram to derail, forcing all 60 passengers on board to evacuate the Daily Telegraph reports.

The truck driver was treated for minor injuries after the crash at the intersection of Pitt and Hay Street in Haymarket in Sydney's CBD (pictured)

The front windscreen of the tram was smashed and the front bumper was also damaged after it got crushed by the side of the truck.

The truck collided into a nearby traffic pole following the collision.

The area has been taped off and Pitt Street has since been closed to motorists.

L1 Dulwich Hill Line services are now cancelled between Convention and Central with commuters urged to catch buses instead.

The front windscreen of the tram was smashed and the front bumper was also damaged after it got crushed by the side of the truck (pictured)

Northbound traffic remains heavy on Pitt Street and motorists have been urged to use alternative routes according to updates by Live Traffic NSW.

A NSW Police spokeswoman told Daily Mail officers are investigating the incident.

Transport for NSW Acting Coordinator General Craig Moran told 2GB there will be significant delays on the light rail network.

'The light rail vehicle has become derailed so it will probably take a number of hours before we will be able to get that light rail service back in operation,' Mr Moran said.
An Alaska Airlines flight had to abort takeoff after nearly colliding with another plane, causing it to blow out its tires after the pilot slammed on the brakes.

The incident happened at Nashville International Airport on Thursday when the Seattle-bound plane slammed to a halt to avoid a Southwest Airlines jet.

Officials said the Alaska Airlines flight had received clearance for takeoff at the same time that the Jacksonville flight was cleared to cross the same runway.

Flight information from Flightradar24 indicate that the plane had reached a speed of around 119 mph before the pilots slammed on the brakes, obliterating its tires.

According to Alaskan Airlines nobody was injured in the incident, and they apologized to all 176 passengers on board.

The incident happened at Nashville International Airport on Thursday when the Seattle-bound plane had to jump on the brakes to avoid a Southwest Airlines jet

Flight information from Flightradar24 indicate that the plane had reached a speed of around 119 mph before the pilots slammed on the brakes, obliterating its tires

Following the incident the plane was taxied off the runway and all passengers were deplaned and returned to the airport terminal.

Southwest Airlines said they are in contact with the Federal Aviation Administration and The National Transportation Safety Board who are probing the incident.

The airline said: 'Nothing is more important to Southwest than the safety of our customers and employees.'

According to the NTSB the Alaska Airlines flight was a Boeing 737 Max 9, and the Southwest plane was a Boeing 737-900.

One passenger onboard, Kyle Forrester, shared footage from the runway showing the jet stopped, and grabbed pictures.

He posted: 'Grateful our pilot had the reflexes to slam on the brakes so hard it flattened the tires!'

It comes just days after two planes collided on the runway at America's busiest airport.

The incident took place at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Georgia just after 10am on Tuesday.

The crash occurred after Tokyo-bound flight DL295 clipped the back of flight DL5526 to Louisiana as it was taxiing for takeoff.

The regional jet, an Endeavor Air CRJ-900, was left with a severed tail while the Airbus 350 sustained damage to its wing.

An Alaska Airlines plane had a possible close call with a Southwest plane in Nashville today. The spot was so abrupt, the planes tires were blown out as it braked.

@ErinNBCNews has the latest details on the incident. pic.twitter.com/ReBEmvwOn2  NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt (@NBCNightlyNews) September 12, 2024

Two Delta Airlines planes have collided on a runway at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Dramatic photos from witnesses to show the back end of the Louisiana-bound flight bent at a 90 degree angle.

Although there were a reported 277 passengers on board, no injuries were reported as a result of the calamity.

Footage later emerged showing passengers aboard the aircraft being escorted by crew members after the frightening incident.

Ground crew can be seen ushering those onboard onto the tarmac, as the camera pans round to show the devastation caused by the incident.

Awaiting buses can also be seen waiting for those who had been onboard at the time of the crash.
Everyone close to the Royal Family is delighted that the Princess of Wales has completed her chemotherapy treatment and hopeful that she remains in remission from an unnamed form of cancer.

But the super-slick video that Kensington Palace released on Monday to broadcast the welcome update on her health has divided opinion among courtiers  and provoked a scathing backlash from some friends of King Charles and Queen Camilla.

Their Majesties havent yet commented on the extraordinary three-minute film  made by Will Warr, who earns most of his money from shooting advertising campaigns for companies including supermarket giant Tesco and delivery service Uber Eats. It showed Prince William and Catherine frolicking on the beach and in woods in Norfolk with their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

But the highly-stylised video certainly laid bare how radically different Prince William and Catherines approach to communications has become from the more traditional methods favoured by the King and Queen, and Queen Elizabeth before them.

Notably, while Catherines parents, Michael and Carole Middleton, are shown playing cards with their grandchildren at what appears to be Anmer Hall, the Prince and Princesss home on the Kings Sandringham estate, King Charles and Queen Camilla are nowhere to be seen in the video.

The video showed William and Catherine frolicking on the beach and in woods in Norfolk

Some of the monarchs friends are critical. One told me: Theres no coincidence that the Middletons appear in it and not the King and Queen. I can assure you that Charles and Camilla will not be filmed kissing each other on a beach [as William and Catherine were] until hell freezes over. Its distinctly un-regal.

I spoke to another insider who was even more scathing.

All that lying round, hugging and kissing  theyre not soppy teenagers, they said. It felt manipulative. Its the sort of thing that Meghan would make.

All the time, effort and expense put into making the video could have been much better spent elsewhere. Why not visit other women being treated for cancer? Thats what Diana would have done.

While the film delighted and shocked viewers in equal measure, its not the first time that Kensington Palaces media team have released this sort of glossy extravaganza on social media. In May last year, the Waleses posted a five-minute film about the Coronation that included behind-the-scenes footage of William and Catherine as they prepared for the Kings big day and again their children featured extensively.

All that lying round, hugging and kissing  theyre not soppy teenagers, an insider said. It felt manipulative. Its the sort of thing that Meghan would make'

And last December, the couples team posted a similarly airbrushed review of the year. At the time, I voiced my concerns about the strategy, which is being masterminded by Lee Thompson, who was appointed as their PR chief in 2022.

He is said to have been tasked with boosting the couples profile on social media, where they have 16.8million followers on Instagram.

In his previous job at top US TV network CNBC, Thompson is said to have helped increase its YouTube audience by a staggering 600 per cent.

His appointment came after the couple faced criticism  unfair, in my view  for what was described as a tone deaf tour of the West Indies in March 2022.

Speaking on the Mails hit royal talk show Palace Confidential last December, I remarked: Kensington Palace going down this route of the Hollywood-style video does make me quite uneasy. William and Catherine are vulnerable to PR people who want them to be these slick celebrities. Thats not what the Royal Family is. Its important to make that distinction.

I can assure you that Charles and Camilla will not be filmed kissing each other on a beach, one friend said

Even though I think the latest video is very sweet, I stand by those comments now. William and Catherine dont need to be Instagram royals, hungry for likes and engagement online.

They should follow the example of Queen Elizabeth. The late Queen was always keen to keep up to date with the latest technology but, at the same time, maintain the dignity of the Monarchy.

Im sure that she would have done as Catherine did with her statement in March, following her cancer diagnosis, and perhaps release a simple video updating the nation on her health  but no more than that.

A Buckingham Palace spokesman declines to comment. After the release of Catherines video, a spokesman said: Their Majesties consider the details in [the] announcement to be wonderful news, and will continue to offer all love, thoughts and support to the Princess on her continued path to full recovery.

A Kensington Palace spokesman declined to comment on why the Middletons featured in the video but not Their Majesties.

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Exclusive images obtained by DailyMail.com show the inside of another apartment complex in Aurora, Colorado taken over by the vicious Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua where thugs described as the 'epitome of evil' are literally marking their territory.

Photos of graffiti covering the interior walls of a rental property in the Denver suburb are confirmed TdA (as the gang is known to federal authorities) markings, three separate US law enforcement sources confirmed to DailyMail.com.

'That tells me that's TdA property. That's showing, "Hey this is our territory, this is our property.' Along those lines is intimidating the people of that building,' retired FBI agent Dan Brunner explained to Dailymail.com.

Additionally, new video obtained by Dailymail.com shows a shooting at the first apartment complex to be taken over by Tren de Aragua.

Two people can be seen fighting in the courtyard in July as gunshots ring out, sending women and children screaming and running for cover.

Tren de Aragua gang graffiti covers the walls inside an apartment complex in Aurora, Colorado

Most of the interior walls inside the Whispering Pines Apartments in Aurora, Colorado are covered in TdA graffiti

The graffiti is meant to intimidate and instill fear in the residents of the complex, retired FBI agent Dan Brunner told DailyMail.com

Tren de Aragua started seeping into the US, hidden among the 1 million Venezuelan migrants who have entered the US during the Biden Administration.

The notorious South American mob best known for sex trafficking girls and women and exploiting their fellow countrymen, have now set up strongholds in Denver, New York, Miami, El Paso and Dallas-- as DailyMail.com first reported.

The gang's presence in Aurora made international headlines after footage of multiple armed men storming units in at the Edge of Lowry Apartments surfaced in late August.

The Whispering Pines apartment complex in Aurora is the new hotspot

There are three main buildings in the complex that has now been taken over by Venezuelan gangs

Officials in Aurora have played down the crisis - but residents tell a different story

The apartment complex in Aurora, Colorado, is the latest to have been taken over

Residents say the complex was known as 'Tocoron' - a reference to the Venezuelan prison where TdA began, because the gang's control was absolute.

However, Edge of Lowry is the second apartment complex overrun by the gang.

TdA had already seized power of the Aspen Grove apartments-- where the July shooting in the video took place.

The latest property to fall to the criminal organization is Whispering Pines apartments, where the gang has made it clear through their graffiti that they are in charge.

Harrowing new footage appears to capture the moment an armed Venezuelan gang seized control of an apartment complex in Aurora, Colorado

Aurora cops admit arresting Tren de Aragua criminals after denying the Venezuelan gang was in the citymap graphic apartment buildings gang activity

Then other members of the gang rush up the stairwell, bearing weapons. In the background, the men can be heard speaking in Spanish to one another

TdA is accused of taking part in shootings, shake-downs of other migrants who had were told to pay rent to the gang instead of the property, beatings, and robberies in Colorado.

'They're so brazen. They're saying, we don't care. It's a combination of providing intimidating and fear to the victims,' Brunner, who spent years leading an FBI task force to taken down Salvadoran gang MS-13, said.

'TdA is MS-13 on steroids.'

A federal gang expert explain the graffiti is a mix of well-known Tren de Aragua short-hand, combined with regional signs, meaning gangsters personalized it with clues from the region of Venezuela they are from.

One startling photo shows a crown, a telltale sign of TdA, who known to get crown tattoos or a crown combined with the initials 'HJ' which stands for 'Hijos de Jesus'-- 'sons of God' in Spanish.

TdA markings in a Colorado complex prove the South American gang has taken control of several properties, federal investigators say

Tren de Aragua gang tattoos (pictured above) were part of a Department of Homeland Security bulletin that was recently shared with federal agents

'If I wanted to run a (federal) case, that's one of the first things I would is photograph those markings so show this building is being tagged by TdA,' Brunner added.

Just hours ago, the local police department announced the arrest of 10 TdA members, after first denying Aurora had a gang problem.

'To date, APD has now linked 10 people to TdA and has arrested eight of those people,' Aurora police stated on Wednesday.

'Two of the eight individuals who were taken into custody were involved in a July shooting at one of the specific properties in the city that have experienced issues with TdA activity.

'In line with these arrests, we can also now confirm that criminal activity, including TdA issues, had significantly affected those properties.'
Today, SpaceX's billionaire-funded Polaris Dawn mission will make history as an all-civilian crew embark on the world's first private space walk.

Starting shortly before 11:00 am BST, the crew will open the hatch of their Dragon spacecraft and enter the deadly vacuum of space.

Billionaire Jared Issacman and SpaceX employee Sarah Gillis will then take turns exiting the vehicle, 435 miles (700km) above Earth.

During their two-hour spacewalk, Isaacman and Gillis will face dangerous radiation and life-threatening pressure changes as they test SpaceX's new spacesuits.

Here's everything you need to know about the spacewalk - including how to watch it live.

Starting shortly before 11:00 am BST, the crew will open the hatch of their Dragon spacecraft and enter the deadly vacuum of space

SpaceX has confirmed that the four-hour window for the spacewalk will open at 04:55am ET (10:55 am BST)

SpaceX has confirmed that the four-hour window for the spacewalk will open at 04:55am ET (09:55am BST).

'All systems are looking good for the Polaris Dawn crew to perform the first spacewalk from Dragon today,' it tweeted.

This has been pushed back from the original time of 07:23 BST (02:23 ET) but SpaceX did not state the reason for the delay.

MailOnline will be covering the spacewalk live, so make sure you check back for all the latest action when it begins!

The Polaris Dawn mission launched from the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida on September 10 at 5:23 am ET after days of delay due to weather and a helium leak.

Yesterday, the SpaceX Dragon capsule carried the crew to an altitude higher than any human has been to since the Apollo missions

Despite having undertaken years of training for the mission, the Polaris Dawn crew (pictured) have no experience in space with the exception of Jared Isaacman (second from left)

The Polaris Dawn mission launched from the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida on September 10 at 5:23 am ET after days of delay due to weather and a helium leak.

Who is on the Polaris Dawn crew? Jared Isaacman Role: Mission Commander Age: 41 Bio: Isaacman found the payment processing company Shift4 when he was 16. Scott 'Kidd' Poteet Role: Mission Pilot Age: 50 Bio: A retired Air Force commander with more than who has flown missions in Afghanistan, Bosnia, Kosovo, and Iraq. Sarah Gillis Role: Mission Specialist Age: 30 Bio: As lead space operations engineer for SpaceX, Gillis oversaw Isaacman's training for the Inspiration4 mission. Anna Menon Role: Mission Specialist and Medical Officer Age: 38 Bio: Now lead space operations engineer for SpaceX, Menon was previously NASA's biomedical flight controller for the ISS. Advertisement

Yesterday, the SpaceX Dragon Crew spacecraft carried its crew to an altitude of 870 miles (1,400 km) above Earth - the highest any human has been since NASA's Apollo missions.

Onboard are the billionaire Jared Issacman, former airforce commander Scott 'Kidd' Poteet, and SpaceX employees Sarah Gillis and Anna Menon.

The crew have already made a pass through Earth's Van Allen Belt - a region of extremely high radiation.

However, the mission's most dangerous moment will come today as the crew embark on the first private spacewalk.

Previously only state-backed space agencies have sent astronauts on spacewalks due to the extremely high risks involved.

Floating beyond the protective walls of a spacecraft is considered to be one of the most dangerous tasks an astronaut can undertake.

In this case, that risk will only be heightened by the fact that none of the crew except for Isaacman have ever been in space before.

Additionally, since the Dragon spacecraft does not have an airlock, the entire craft will need to be depressurized at once.

That will expose all four crew members to the harsh conditions of low orbit and will break the current record for most people simultaneously in the vacuum of space.

Starting shortly before 10 am, the crew will begin by purging preparing their new SpaceX extravehicular activity (EVA) suits and performing a thorough leak check.

This is the first time that the SpaceX EVA suits have been used outside of laboratory conditions so the crew will be extremely careful to ensure that they are working well.

The Polaris Dawn crew are (from left to right) Anna Mennon, Scott Poteet, Jared Isaacman, and Sarah Gillis

The Polaris Dawn mission will make history when two crew members perform the world's first civilian spacewalk

The Crew Dragon capsule does not have an airlock, which makes executing a spacewalk from this spacecraft riskier

After half an hour, the Dragon's hatch will unlatch and begin to open.

Mission commander Jared Isaacman will then carefully pull himself out of the capsule and into open space.

He will then test the suit's mobility with 12 minutes of pe-prepared movements before making his way back into the spacecraft and getting back into his seat.

Mission specialist Sarah Gillis will then exit the spacecraft and perform the same series of manoeuvres before returning to her seat.

Unlike the EVA suits used by NASA's astronauts, the SpaceX suits only get their life support through an umbilical connecting to the ship rather than from a built-in system.

While this makes the suits far more mobile, it also means that the 12-foot (3.7m) umbilical will be the only thing preventing the spacewalkers from drifting off or asphyxiating.

Mission pilot and former Air Force commander Scott Poteet and medical officer Anna Menon will remain seated the entire time to monitor the vitals of the two spacewalkers.

After reaching its highest point yesterday the Polaris Dawn crew celebrated by calling back to Earth from within the capsule. Here mission pilot Scott Poteet speaks to Earth via the spacecraft's internal communication system

Mission Specialist and Medical Officer Anna Mennon (pictured left) also took the time to read her children's book 'Kisses from Space' to her family back on Earth (pictured right)

An hour after the spacewalk begins, the hatch will be closed and the spacecraft will slowly repressurise over the next hour.

During the mission, one of the biggest risks to the astronauts will come from these huge changes in pressure.

Just like deep-sea divers, when astronauts enter the vacuum of space the sudden drop in pressure can cause dissolved nitrogen in the blood to expand into bubbles.

These bubbles can cause a condition called decompression sickness, otherwise known as the Bends, which can be fatal in severe cases.

To avoid decompression sickness the Polaris Dawn crew have spent the last two days going through a pre-breath procedure by breathing a high-oxygen gas mix to purge their blood of Nitrogen.

The crew will also perform nearly 40 scientific experiments including a test of new smart contact lenses which will take biometric readings from the astronauts. Pictured: Sarah Gillis wears a smart contact lens in her left (page right) eye

This is significantly longer than the two hours normally taken by astronauts on the ISS before spacewalks.

The Polaris Dawn crew will also take the opportunity to test SpaceX's latest laser-based communication system.

They will attempt to communicate between the spaceship and Starlink - SpaceX's more than 6,000-strong constellation of internet satellites, in a bid to boost space communication speeds.

While in space, Polaris Dawn will also conduct nearly 40 scientific experiments.

These include tests with contact lenses embedded with microelectronics to continuously monitor changes in eye pressure and shape.

After six days in space, the mission will conclude with a splashdown off the coast of Florida.
More than 435 miles (700km) above our heads, the crew of SpaceX's Polaris Dawn mission is making history as they embark on the world's first private spacewalk.

Starting from 10:58 BST (05:58 ET), billionaire Jared Isaacman became the first non-professional astronaut to step out into the vacuum of space.

During a two-hour float at nearly twice the height of the International Space Station, Isaacman and mission specialist Sarah Gillis will take turns exiting their spacecraft.

The risky mission will see Isaacman and Gillis face dangerous radiation and life-threatening pressure changes as they test SpaceX's new spacesuits.

MailOnline will be bringing you all the latest as it happens, so be sure to follow the livestream below to watch this groundbreaking mission.

Today, Jared Isaacman (pictured) and the Polaris Dawn crew succesfully undertook the first ever private space walk

More than 435 miles (700km) above our heads, the crew of SpaceX 's Polaris Dawn mission is making history as they embark on the world's first private spacewalk

SpaceX has confirmed that the four-hour window for the spacewalk will take place at 05:58 ET (10:58 BST).

'On Thursday, September 12 the Polaris Dawn crew will attempt the first-ever spacewalk  also known as an extravehicular activity (EVA)  from Dragon,' it explained.

'The EVA is targeted to start at 5:58 a.m. ET. If needed, a backup opportunity is available on Friday, September 13.'

Onboard are the billionaire Jared Issacman, former airforce commander Scott 'Kidd' Poteet, and SpaceX employees Sarah Gillis and Anna Menon.

At 10:58 BST (05:58 ET), billionaire Jared Isaacman is set to become the first non-professional astronaut to step out into the vacuum of space

Jared Isaacman has exited the SpaceX Dragon craft and has become the first non-professional astronaut to undertake a spacewalk

SpaceX has confirmed that the four-hour window for the spacewalk will take place at 05:58 ET (10:58 BST)

As oxygen begins to flow from the spacecraft to the suits the spacewalk has officially begun

Who is on the Polaris Dawn crew? Jared Isaacman Role: Mission Commander Age: 41 Bio: Isaacman found the payment processing company Shift4 when he was 16. Scott 'Kidd' Poteet Role: Mission Pilot Age: 50 Bio: A retired Air Force commander with more than who has flown missions in Afghanistan, Bosnia, Kosovo, and Iraq. Sarah Gillis Role: Mission Specialist Age: 30 Bio: As lead space operations engineer for SpaceX, Gillis oversaw Isaacman's training for the Inspiration4 mission. Anna Menon Role: Mission Specialist and Medical Officer Age: 38 Bio: Now lead space operations engineer for SpaceX, Menon was previously NASA's biomedical flight controller for the ISS. Advertisement

Today's spacewalk has been pushed back from the original time of 07:23 BST (02:23 ET) although SpaceX did not state the reason for the delay.

Since the spacecraft is communicating via ground-based networks, while watching the live stream you may notice the video occasionally drops out but this should be no reason for concern.

At the bottom of the livestream you can see the internal pressure of the Dragon capsule, the EVA suit pressure, the current stage of the mission, the speed of the spacecraft, and the current altitude in kilometres.

After half an hour, the pressure inside the Dragon has fallen below one psi - Jared Isaacman will now tug on the hatch to break the initial friction and allow it to open.

Isaacman has now made made his way out of the forward hatch of Dragon Resilience in the first ever commercial spacewalk.

As he exited the craft Isaacman said: 'Back at home we all have a lot of work to do, but from here Earth sure looks like a perfect world'

Initial confirmations from mission control suggest that the spacewalk is progressing well and Isaacman is now out of the craft.

Isaacman is now testing the mobility of the EVA suit as he stands on the Skywalker platform.

The crew prepared the cabin for spacewalk by securing any loose items and donned their spacesuits.

The spacewalk officially began when pure oxygen began to flow into the astronauts suits.

Having sealed their helmets, gasses from the ship are now pressurizing the suits and allowing the astronauts to breathe as the capsule vents its remaining air.

All four members of the crew underwent suit checks, ensuring that the helmet's heads-up display functions and that there were no air leaks.

This is the first time that the SpaceX EVA suits have been used outside of laboratory conditions so the crew will be extremely careful to ensure that they are working well.

With leak checks complete, the crew then waited for the cabin pressure to fall towards a level which matches the vacuum outside.

Having vented air from the capsule, mission commander Jared Isaacman prepares to open the Dragon's hatch into space

Unlike previous NASA spacewalks, the SpaceX suits will receive all their oxygen from the tether which you can see in the foreground of this image. This tether will provide all the oxygen and pressure needed to keep the asteroids alive

The Polaris Dawn crew are (from left to right) Anna Mennon, Scott Poteet, Jared Isaacman, and Sarah Gillis

As the pressure fell, the spacecraft has made its way into the 'EVA orientation' with the trunk section pointing towards the sun to shield the astronauts.

Mission commander Isaacman will then carefully pull himself out of the capsule and into open space.

This Dragon spacecraft is the first to be fitted with a 'Skywalker' hatch which will help the astronauts pull themselves through the opening.

As the Polaris Dawn crew prepared to exit the spacecraft, Elon Musk points out that the Dragon capsule is now three times further from Earth than the International Space Station

Yesterday, the SpaceX Dragon capsule carried the crew to an altitude higher than any human has been to since the Apollo missions

He will test the suit's mobility with 12 minutes of pe-prepared movements before making his way back into the spacecraft and getting into his seat.

Mission specialist Sarah Gillis will then exit the spacecraft and perform the same series of manoeuvres before returning to her seat.

Unlike the EVA suits used by NASA's astronauts, the SpaceX suits only get their life support through an umbilical connecting to the ship rather than from a built-in system.

The Polaris Dawn crew inside Dragon getting ready for the spacewalk pic.twitter.com/Xyz7GNvn6e  SpaceX (@SpaceX) September 12, 2024

This is the first time that the new SpaceX EVA suits have been used outside of laboratory conditions so much of the spacewalk will be spent testing the suit's function and mobility

Footage from inside the Dragon capsule shows as the Polaris Dawn cre complete their final suit checks and await the go-ahead signal from mission control

While this makes the suits far more mobile, it also means that the 12-foot (3.7m) umbilical will be the only thing preventing the spacewalkers from drifting off or asphyxiating.

Mission pilot and former Air Force commander Scott Poteet and medical officer Anna Menon will remain seated the entire time to monitor the vitals of the two spacewalkers.

Since the Dragon spacecraft does not have an airlock, the entire craft will need to be depressurized at once so Poteet and Menon will also need to wear EVA suits during the spacewalk.

Despite having undertaken years of training for the mission, the Polaris Dawn crew (pictured) have no experience in space with the exception of Jared Isaacman (second from left)

That will expose all four crew members to the harsh conditions of low orbit and will break the current record for most people simultaneously in the vacuum of space.

Previously only state-backed space agencies have sent astronauts on spacewalks due to the extremely high risks involved.

Floating beyond the protective walls of a spacecraft is considered to be one of the most dangerous tasks an astronaut can undertake.

In this case, that risk will only be heightened by the fact that none of the crew except for Isaacman have ever been in space before.

An hour after the spacewalk begins, the hatch will be closed and the spacecraft will slowly repressurise over the next hour.

The Polaris Dawn mission will make history when two crew members perform the world's first civilian spacewalk, Jared Isaacman will be the first to exit the spacecraft

This needs to be done extremely slowly so that the huge changes in pressure do not cause any health complications for the astronauts onboard.

Just like deep-sea divers, when astronauts enter the vacuum of space the sudden drop in pressure can cause dissolved nitrogen in the blood to expand into bubbles.

These bubbles can cause a condition called decompression sickness, otherwise known as the Bends, which can be fatal in severe cases.

To avoid decompression sickness the Polaris Dawn crew have spent the last two days going through a pre-breath procedure by breathing a high-oxygen gas mix to purge their blood of Nitrogen.

This is significantly longer than the two hours normally taken by astronauts on the ISS before spacewalks as the cabin slowly decreased pressure and raised the level of oxygen.

The Polaris Dawn mission launched from the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida on September 10 at 5:23 am ET after days of delay due to weather and a helium leak.

The Crew Dragon capsule does not have an airlock, which makes executing a spacewalk from this spacecraft riskier

On social media, commenters shared their excitement and well-wishes for the crew before the start of the spacewalk.

One commenter wrote on X, formerly Twitter, 'Let's go!! Praying for a safe spacewalk for Polaris dawn.'

Another commenter wrote: Absolutely breathtaking. Another achievement!'

'Humanity once again reaching out towards the stars', another commenter said.

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, meanwhile, shared a simple excited statement, writing: 'Spacewalk!!'

Some commenters also shared their amazement at the technological advancements behind this impressive feat.

One commenter wrote on X: 'History in the making on so many fronts.. let's go. Godspeed and good luck to all the Astronauts!'

'Amazing technical accomplishment to get crystal clear video and audio back to earth. Much better than 50 years ago,' another wrote.

On social media, commenters shared their support for the crew as they prepared for the spacewalk

Many commenters shared their excitement to see such a groundbreaking achievement

One excited commenter calls the mission 'absolutely breathtaking'

The Polaris Dawn mission launched from the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida on September 10 at 5:23 am ET after days of delay due to weather and a helium leak.

Yesterday, the SpaceX Dragon Crew spacecraft carried its crew to an altitude of 870 miles (1,400 km) above Earth - the highest any human has been since NASA's Apollo missions.

At that altitude, the Dragon capsule briefly entered Earth's Van Allen Belt - a region where magnetic fields trap highly radiating charged particles.

Entering the Van Allen Belt means the crew received a hefty dose of space radiation, getting as much in a few hours as they would in 20 years on the Earth by one estimate.

On X, many commenters shared their amazement, calling the mission 'history in the making'

Some commenters expressed how impressed they were with the technological advancements behind the mission

SpaceX founder Elon Musk shared a simple message of excitement

After reaching its highest point yesterday the Polaris Dawn crew celebrated by calling back to Earth from within the capsule. Here mission pilot Scott Poteet speaks to Earth via the spacecraft's internal communication system

NASA has noted that it is crucial 'to fly through this region quickly to limit exposure to radiation,' since high doses of space radiation can increase astronauts' long-term risk of cancer by damaging cellular DNA.

By stepping out beyond the protection of the spacecraft, Isaacman and Gillis will once again expose themselves to harmful radiation, albeit in a far smaller dose.

While in space, the crew's sole protection will be SpaceX's new EVA suits.

These suits have been designed using thermally resistant materials borrowed from the Dragon's trunk section and includes a 'Faraday' layer which insulates the astronaut from any electrical fields.

The new helmets also include a 'heads-up display' (HUD) and a camera which can stream video to Earth via the Dragon spacecraft.

While in space, Polaris Dawn will also conduct nearly 40 scientific experiments some of which will measure the harmful effects of exposure to radiation.

Mission Specialist and Medical Officer Anna Mennon (pictured left) also took the time to read her children's book 'Kisses from Space' to her family back on Earth (pictured right)

The crew will also perform nearly 40 scientific experiments including a test of new smart contact lenses which will take biometric readings from the astronauts. Pictured: Sarah Gillis wears a smart contact lens in her left (page right) eye

This mission uses the exact same Dragon spacecraft which Jared Isaacman (second from right) used on the Inspiration4 mission which brought the first all-civilian crew (pictured) into orbit

These also include testing contact lenses embedded with microelectronics to continuously monitor changes in eye pressure and shape.

The Polaris Dawn crew will also take the opportunity to trial SpaceX's latest laser-based communication system nicknamed the 'Plug and Play-ser'.

They will attempt to communicate between the spaceship and Starlink - SpaceX's more than 6,000-strong constellation of internet satellites, in a bid to boost space communication speeds.

This mission also marks an important landmark for SpaceX's goal of making the Dragon spacecraft the go-to option for orbital flights.

The same Dragon used for this mission is the exact same craft used by Isaacman on the Inspiration4 mission and on NASA's Crew 1 mission.

After six days in space, the mission will conclude with a splashdown off the coast of Florida.
It's often seen as a taboo subject.

But a new survey is finally lifting the lid on the sex lives of thousands of people around the world.

Researchers from Pour Moi have revealed the day and time of the week that couples are most likely to have sex.

Saturday is the favourite day for people to get intimate, with 22:09pm found to be the sexiest time of the week.

'It is the weekend evenings that seem to be the most popular time for people to feel at their most relaxed and ready to enjoy time with their partner,' said Marina Nicoli, Marketing Manager at Pour Moi.

It's often seen as a taboo subject. But a new survey is finally lifting the lid on the sex lives of thousands of people around the world (stock image)

For the survey, Pour Moi enlisted 2,000 adults from the UK, Ireland, USA and Canada, who were either in relationships, actively dating, or sexually active.

The participants were surveyed on the specific days and times they usually have sex, as well as how often they get frisky.

The results revealed that Saturday is the clear favourite day for people to get intimate, with 43 per cent of respondents saying this is their preferred day.

This was followed by Friday (22 per cent), Sunday (10 per cent), Thursday (six per cent), Wednesday (five per cent), Tuesday (four per cent), and Monday (two per cent).

Over a third of respondents said they prefer to have sex between 22:00 and 00:00, with 80 per cent agreeing that the 'sweet spot' is specifically 22:09

The sexiest days of the week Saturday (43%) Friday (22%) Sunday (10%) Thursday (6%) Wednesday (5%) Tuesday (4%) Monday (2%) Advertisement

In terms of the specific time, late-night hours were found to dominate.

Over a third of respondents said they prefer to have sex between 22:00 and 00:00, with 80 per cent agreeing that the 'sweet spot' is specifically 22:09.

The second most popular window of time was between 20:00 and 22:00 (27 per cent).

In contrast, the early hours of the morning were the least sexy time of the week, with only four per cent of respondents choosing to have sex between 06:00 and 08:00.

'Any time before 6:00 pm is generally considered to be the least raunchy time throughout the day, with the least sexy time of the week being revealed as 1:02 pm on Monday,' Pour Moi explained.

'So if you're partial to a lunchtime bedroom pitstop to kick the week off, you're among the more unique couples around the world.'

The survey also revealed how often people have sex.

Nearly half (48 per cent) of the respondents reported having sex once a week, while 19 per cent said they have sex twice a week.

Meanwhile, just one per cent of participants reported daily sexual activity.

'When asked how often adults would like to have sex, it was revealed that twice a week is most peoples ideal amount of sex,' Pour Moi added.

'Interestingly, women between the ages of 25 and 45 have the highest drive for intimacy stating four times a week would be ideal, compared to twice a week for men in the same age group.'
More than 435 miles (700km) above our heads, the crew of SpaceX's Polaris Dawn mission have made history as they completed the world's first private spacewalk.

Shortly before midday today, billionaire Jared Isaacman became the first ever non-professional astronaut to step out into the vacuum of space.

'Back home we have a lot of work to do, but from here Earth sure looks like a perfect world,' said Isaacman as he stepped out into space.

SpaceX employee Sarah Gillis followed shortly afterwards as she exited the safety of the capsule and embarked on her own spacewalk.

Isaacman and mission specialist Sarah Gillis have both now completed their spacewalks and returned to their spacecraft.

Today, Jared Isaacman (pictured) and the Polaris Dawn crew successfully undertook the first ever private spacewalk

More than 435 miles (700km) above our heads, the crew of SpaceX 's Polaris Dawn mission made history as they undertook the first spacewalk by non-professional astronauts

The historic first private spacewalk as it happened: 11:17 BST - Spacewalk officially begins as astronauts start breathing pure oxygen 11:22 BST - Leak checks are complete and EVA suits HUDs have been tested 11:32 BST - Pre-breathe complete and the crew are now ready for the cabin to vent 11:44 BST: Cabin pressure drops below one psi and Mission Commander Jared Isaacman is given the all-clear to begin opening the hatch 11:50 BST - Isaacman opens the hatch and pulls himself out into open space with the words 'Back home we have a lot of work to do, but from here Earth sure looks like a perfect world.' 12:05 BST - Isaacman completes EVA mobility tests and returns to the capsule. Mission Specialist Sarah Gillis exits Dragon capsule and begins her spacewalk 12:16 BST - Gillis completes her mobility tests and returns the capsule 12:22 BST - Hatch is resealed and cabin pressurisation begins 13:00 BST - Spacewalk officially ends Advertisement

At 11:17 BST the spacewalk officially began as pure oxygen from the spacecraft started to flow into the astronaut's suits.

The crew, consisting of billionaire Jared Issacman, former airforce commander Scott 'Kidd' Poteet, and SpaceX employees Sarah Gillis and Anna Menon, then faced a nervewracking half-hour wait.

All four members of the crew underwent suit checks, ensuring that the helmet's heads-up display functions and that there were no air leaks.

With leak checks complete, the crew were given pure oxygen to breathe as they waited for the pressure inside the capsule to fall.

At 11:43 BST Isaacman received the go-ahead to start opening the spaceship and began to tug on the hatch to loosen any resistance and vent the last of the remaining atmosphere.

Just minutes later, Isaacman opened the hatch to space and pulled himself out into the void - becoming the first non-professional astronaut to undertake a spacewalk.

Once outside the craft, Isaacman tested the mobility of the EVA suit as he stood on the specially fitted 'Skywalker' platform.

This is the first time that SpaceX's new extravehicular activity (EVA) suits have been tested outside a laboratory setting so the company was keen to see how they would stand up to the rigours of space.

Isaacman spent a little over 10 minutes outside of the vehicle running through a set of pre-planned movements designed to test the limits of the EVA suit.

The billionaire-turned-astronaut practised turning, raising himself, and reaching his arms up away from the spacecraft.

Isaacman was followed by Mission Specialist Sarah Gillis (pictured), a SpaceX employee who became the second private individual to undertake a spacewalk

Jared Isaacman has exited the SpaceX Dragon craft and has become the first non-professional astronaut to undertake a spacewalk

However, at no point during the spacewalk did Isaacman float freely as he remained in contact with the handles or foot loops of the platform the entire time.

Having concluded his mobility tests, Isaacman reentered the Dragon capsule and mission specialist Gillis exited the capsule and completed the same set of movements.

As she exited the craft, Gillis informed mission control that some of the seals around the hatch were 'bulging' due to the pressure change.

However, these changes were expected and Gillis was able to push these back into position before exiting.

Unlike previous NASA spacewalks, the SpaceX suits will receive all their oxygen from the tether attached to their leg. During the spacewalk, Isaacman remained in contact with the spacecraft at all time

The spacewalk officially began at 11:17 BST when pure oxygen began to flow into the astronaut's suits

The Polaris Dawn crew are (from left to right) Anna Mennon, Scott Poteet, Jared Isaacman and Sarah Gillis

After ten minutes out in the vacuum of space, Gillis returned to the spacecraft and the crew sealed the door behind her.

With the hatch closed, air returned to the Dragon capsule slowly bringing the pressure back up to safe levels.

'Pressure indicates good seal,' mission control told the astronauts.

At 13:00 BST mission control confirmed that EVA had concluded, bringing the first ever commercial spacewalk to a close.

After a final round of safety checks, the crew will then be able to remove their EVA suits and move around the cabin.

The crew will be protected from the harsh conditions of space by the new SpaceX EVA suit (pictured) which uses materials borrowed from the Dragon's trunk section to provide thermal insulation

Having completed the spacewalk the Polaris Dawn crew (pictured) will be able to remove their EVA suits and move around the cabin of the Dragon capsule

This image shows the view from Isaacman's headmounted camera as he climbed out of the Dragon capsule

Who is on the Polaris Dawn crew? Jared Isaacman Role: Mission Commander Age: 41 Bio: Isaacman found the payment processing company Shift4 when he was 16. Scott 'Kidd' Poteet Role: Mission Pilot Age: 50 Bio: A retired Air Force commander with more than who has flown missions in Afghanistan, Bosnia, Kosovo, and Iraq. Sarah Gillis Role: Mission Specialist Age: 30 Bio: As lead space operations engineer for SpaceX, Gillis oversaw Isaacman's training for the Inspiration4 mission. Anna Menon Role: Mission Specialist and Medical Officer Age: 38 Bio: Now lead space operations engineer for SpaceX, Menon was previously NASA's biomedical flight controller for the ISS. Advertisement

Earlier today, SpaceX confirmed that the four-hour window for the spacewalk would take place at 05:58 ET (10:58 BST).

'On Thursday, September 12 the Polaris Dawn crew will attempt the first-ever spacewalk  also known as an extravehicular activity (EVA)  from Dragon,' it explained.

'The EVA is targeted to start at 5:58 a.m. ET. If needed, a backup opportunity is available on Friday, September 13.'

The spacewalk had been pushed back from the original time of 07:23 BST (02:23 ET) although SpaceX did not state the reason for the delay.

The successful conclusion for this mission is a major leap forward for SpaceX's ambitions in commercial spaceflight.

Previously only state-backed space agencies have sent astronauts on spacewalks due to the extremely high risks involved.

Floating beyond the protective walls of a spacecraft is considered to be one of the most dangerous tasks an astronaut can undertake.

In this case, that risk was only heightened by the fact that none of the crew except for Isaacman had ever been in space before.

Unlike the EVA suits used by NASA's astronauts, the SpaceX suits only get their life support through an umbilical connecting to the ship rather than from a built-in system.

While this makes the suits far more mobile, it also means that the 12-foot (3.7m) umbilical will be the only thing preventing the spacewalkers from drifting off or asphyxiating.

Mission pilot and former Air Force commander Scott Poteet and medical officer Anna Menon remained seated the entire time to monitor the vitals of the two spacewalkers.

SpaceX created a specially modified Dragon capsule which features the 'Skywalker' (pictured) platform which allowed the crew to move outside of the ship

Since the Dragon capsule does not have an airlock, the entire four-person crew needed to be wearing EVA suits during the spacewalk. This includes Mission Pilot Scott Poteet and Medical Officer Anna Mennon who remained in the spacecraft

This is the first time that the new SpaceX EVA suits have been used outside of laboratory conditions so much of the spacewalk was spent testing the suit's function and mobility

Despite having undertaken years of training for the mission, the Polaris Dawn crew (pictured) have no experience in space with the exception of Jared Isaacman (second from left)

Since the Dragon spacecraft does not have an airlock, the entire craft needed to be depressurized at once so Poteet and Menon also had to wear EVA suits during the spacewalk.

That exposed all four crew members to the harsh conditions of low orbit and broke the current record for most people simultaneously in the vacuum of space.

Some of the biggest risks faced by the crew came from the extreme changes in pressure between the sealed Dragon capsule and the vacuum of space outside.

As the cabin vents its pressure into space, astronauts can experience symptoms like you might feel while rising quickly in a plane.

Yesterday, the SpaceX Dragon capsule carried the crew to an altitude higher than any human has been to since the Apollo missions

However, the consequences can be far more severe since, just like deep-sea divers, when astronauts enter the vacuum of space the sudden drop in pressure can cause dissolved nitrogen in the blood to expand into bubbles.

These bubbles can cause a condition called decompression sickness, otherwise known as the Bends, which can be fatal in severe cases.

To avoid decompression sickness the Polaris Dawn crew have spent the last two days going through a pre-breath procedure by breathing a high-oxygen gas mix to purge their blood of Nitrogen.

This is significantly longer than the two hours normally taken by astronauts on the ISS before spacewalks.

In the last half hour before exiting the vehicle, the Polaris Dawn crew moved onto a pure oxygen mixture to purge the last of the nitrogen from their bloodstreams.

The Polaris Dawn mission launched from the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida on September 10 at 5:23 am ET after days of delay due to weather and a helium leak.

The Crew Dragon capsule does not have an airlock, which makes executing a spacewalk from this spacecraft riskier

On social media, commenters shared their excitement and well-wishes for the crew before the start of the spacewalk.

One commenter wrote on X, formerly Twitter, 'Let's go!! Praying for a safe spacewalk for Polaris dawn.'

Another commenter wrote: Absolutely breathtaking. Another achievement!'

'Humanity once again reaching out towards the stars', another commenter said.

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, meanwhile, shared a simple excited statement, writing: 'Spacewalk!!'

Some commenters also shared their amazement at the technological advancements behind this impressive feat.

One commenter wrote on X: 'History in the making on so many fronts.. let's go. Godspeed and good luck to all the Astronauts!'

'Amazing technical accomplishment to get crystal clear video and audio back to earth. Much better than 50 years ago,' another wrote.

On social media, commenters shared their support for the crew as they prepared for the spacewalk

Many commenters shared their excitement to see such a groundbreaking achievement

One excited commenter calls the mission 'absolutely breathtaking'

The Polaris Dawn mission launched from the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida on September 10 at 5:23 am ET after days of delay due to weather and a helium leak.

Yesterday, the SpaceX Dragon Crew spacecraft carried its crew to an altitude of 870 miles (1,400 km) above Earth - the highest any human has been since NASA's Apollo missions.

At that altitude, the Dragon capsule briefly entered Earth's Van Allen Belt - a region where magnetic fields trap highly radiating charged particles.

Entering the Van Allen Belt means the crew received a hefty dose of space radiation, getting as much in a few hours as they would in 20 years on the Earth by one estimate.

On X, many commenters shared their amazement, calling the mission 'history in the making'

Some commenters expressed how impressed they were with the technological advancements behind the mission

SpaceX founder Elon Musk shared a simple message of excitement

After reaching its highest point yesterday the Polaris Dawn crew celebrated by calling back to Earth from within the capsule. Here mission pilot Scott Poteet speaks to Earth via the spacecraft's internal communication system

NASA has noted that it is crucial 'to fly through this region quickly to limit exposure to radiation,' since high doses of space radiation can increase astronauts' long-term risk of cancer by damaging cellular DNA.

By stepping out beyond the protection of the spacecraft, Isaacman and Gillis will once again expose themselves to harmful radiation, albeit in a far smaller dose.

While in space, the crew's sole protection will be SpaceX's new EVA suits.

These suits have been designed using thermally resistant materials borrowed from the Dragon's trunk section and includes a 'Faraday' layer which insulates the astronaut from any electrical fields.

The new helmets also include a 'heads-up display' (HUD) and a camera which can stream video to Earth via the Dragon spacecraft.

While in space, Polaris Dawn will also conduct nearly 40 scientific experiments some of which will measure the harmful effects of exposure to radiation.

Mission Specialist and Medical Officer Anna Mennon (pictured left) also took the time to read her children's book 'Kisses from Space' to her family back on Earth (pictured right)

The crew will also perform nearly 40 scientific experiments including a test of new smart contact lenses which will take biometric readings from the astronauts. Pictured: Sarah Gillis wears a smart contact lens in her left (page right) eye

This mission uses the exact same Dragon spacecraft which Jared Isaacman (second from right) used on the Inspiration4 mission which brought the first all-civilian crew (pictured) into orbit

These also include testing contact lenses embedded with microelectronics to continuously monitor changes in eye pressure and shape.

The Polaris Dawn crew will also take the opportunity to trial SpaceX's latest laser-based communication system nicknamed the 'Plug and Play-ser'.

They will attempt to communicate between the spaceship and Starlink - SpaceX's more than 6,000-strong constellation of internet satellites, in a bid to boost space communication speeds.

This mission also marks an important landmark for SpaceX's goal of making the Dragon spacecraft the go-to option for orbital flights.

The same Dragon used for this mission is the exact same craft used by Isaacman on the Inspiration4 mission and on NASA's Crew 1 mission.

After six days in space, the mission will conclude with a splashdown off the coast of Florida.

SpaceX senior spacesuit manager Chris Trigg said: The ultimate goal is that you can put on a spacesuit and go out and get work done anywhere in the solar system and not feel like youre wearing anything more than what you wear every day.
analysis

Media coverage of Africa has always been dominated by narratives of disease, poverty, conflict and political instability. These portrayals, rooted in colonial histories, continue to shape global perceptions and policy decisions.

A nuanced and comprehensive analysis of how Africa is represented in global news could help change this. It could present a more balanced picture of the continent.

We are experienced journalism and media teachers and researchers.

Our recently published Global Media Index for Africa offers insights into how the continent is portrayed in global media. Produced by a University of Cape Town research team in collaboration with Africa No Filter and The Africa Center, the index is the first large-scale quantitative study of how the international media represent Africa.

Africa No Filter is a non-profit organisation that advocates for a shift in predominantly stereotyped narratives about Africa. The Africa Center provides spaces for dialogue and conversations about Africa and its diaspora across different platforms.

The Global Media Index for Africa addresses long-standing concerns about enduring stereotypes and skewed narratives about Africa. It considers, among other things, the depth of coverage, persisting stereotypes, and level of balance. The initiative seeks to encourage media outlets to adopt more balanced and diverse approaches in their storytelling.

Evaluating global media

The inaugural index is based on a content analysis of over 1,000 news articles from 20 prominent global media outlets, collected between June and December 2022. The outlets include CNN, Deutsche Welle, Bloomberg, The Guardian, The Wall Street Journal and Al Jazeera.

The articles were evaluated based on four key indicators: diversity of topics, diversity of sources, diversity of countries, and depth of coverage. Each outlet was scored on these indicators, providing an overview of their performance.

Our findings confirm the stereotypes that have always accompanied reportage on Africa by the global media. The reporting continues to focus on war, diseases, corruption and insecurity. The only noticeable change is in the voices that are privileged in these stories.

This kind of reportage informs persisting perceptions that other regions of the world hold about Africa, and why the continent continues to be viewed as a "troubled child" in need of foreign saviours.

These findings will be useful in helping the international media improve the way they cover the African story. They will also be useful for African and global policymakers and the broader public in pushing for nuanced coverage of Africa.

The African story is not just about conflict, corruption, poverty, poor leadership, bad politics and disease. It's also about tourism, the youth demographic dividend and the value of its abundant strategic mineral resources in the technologically driven modern world economy.

Limitations of media coverage

Limited voices: The analysis revealed a gender disparity in news sources. Men, particularly powerful elites like politicians and businessmen, dominated the narratives. The voices of ordinary Africans, women and marginalised groups were notably absent.

The tendency of major media houses to ignore diverse story sources is inexcusable. Contrary to claims that such sources are unavailable, there are databases, in South Africa for example, that catalogue various minority demographics, including women, who can be quoted.

The UK's Guardian scored highest for diversity of sources at 62%. Russia Today scored the lowest at 36%.

Limited scope: Most global media outlets covered only a handful of African countries in depth. This could perpetuate the notion of Africa as a monolithic entity.

AFP scored highest on country diversity. It covered 56% of African countries, while The Wall Street Journal covered the fewest, at 31% for the period analysed.

Limited topics: One of the most striking findings was the limited diversity of topics covered. News about Africa still revolves around politics, poverty, corruption and conflict. Scant attention was given to culture, innovation, technology and other positive developments. The Guardian scored top on topic diversity with 57%. The Washington Post ranked lowest at 29%.

The depth of coverage was one of the positives from this study. Despite shortcomings in topic and source diversity, most outlets performed well in terms of the depth of coverage. This included context, balance and avoidance of stereotypes. Le Monde excelled in providing context, with a score of 95%. The Washington Post lagged at 69%. Xinhua led in stereotype avoidance with a score of 97%, while The Economist was at the bottom with 80%.

Depth of coverage comparison across outlets

The overall picture shows that all 20 outlets generally performed well on the "depth of coverage" across the four sub-indicators of balance, context, framing, and avoidance of stereotypes. CGTN was the lowest performer, scoring 68%. Deutsche Welle and Le Monde shared the first place with a score of 94%.

Read more: Stereotypes about young jobless South Africans are wrong: what they're really up to

Foreign media's refraction of the African story often follows foreign policies of their countries. These have, for decades, viewed Africa through the prism of aid and not as equal partners. The views held in the 1980s remain prevalent.

Also, the representation of Africa is also meant for their domestic audiences who are already prejudiced by decades of misrepresentation on television screens and tabloids. These audiences have been reduced to viewing Africa at best as a tourism consumption market and at worst as the epicentre of wars, diseases and corruption.

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Implications for global media

The results of our study highlight the need for a more balanced and comprehensive approach to reporting on Africa. Doing so would contribute to a more accurate and fair representation of the continent, challenging harmful stereotypes and promoting a more nuanced understanding of Africa's complexities.

We recommend that the global media outlets

cover a broader range of topics, highlighting positive developments in culture, innovation and technology alongside traditional news subjects

include a diverse array of sources, particularly women, youth and marginalised communities, to offer insights from those directly affected by the issues being reported

expand the geographical scope of coverage to dispel the notion of Africa as a homogeneous entity, contributing to a more varied and inclusive narrative

provide detailed context and background information so that readers can understand the complexities of the issues being reported.

Grace Itumbiri and Rutendo Nyaku, master's students at the University of Cape Town, were part of the research team and contributed to this article.

Wallace Chuma, Associate professor, University of Cape Town

Trust Matsilele, Senior Lecturer, Birmingham City University
After a mountaintop collapsed into the sea in Greenland, a 'mega-tsunami' as tall as a skyscraper shook the Earth for nine straight days, baffling scientists around the world.

No one was injured by the landslide or resulting tsunami, but the 650-foot-tall wave destroyed roughly $200,000 worth of infrastructure at an unoccupied research station on Ella Island.

What's more, the events occurred near a route that is commonly traveled by cruise ships. Had one been sailing through at this time, it could have led to tragedy.

Until now, no one knew what caused the mysterious seismic activity that began in September 2023 and lasted over a week. It took an international team of scientists to trace it back to the landslide.

'When we set out on this scientific adventure, everybody was puzzled and no one had the faintest idea what caused this signal,' said Kristian Svennevig, study lead author and geologist at the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland.

Before and after the massive landslide that dumped 33 million cubic yards of ice and rock into a Greenland fjord, triggering a 650-foot-tall 'mega-tsunami' that shook Earth for nine days

Svennevig and her colleagues now believe that climate change set the stage for this landslide by melting a glacier at the base of the mountain and destabilizing enough ice and rock to fill 10,000 Olympic swimming pools.

And as rising global temperatures continue to melt Earth's polar regions, destructive landslides like this one could become more common.

The research team published their findings today in the journal Science.

When seismic monitoring networks first detected the activity, scientists were perplexed for two reasons.

First, the signal was much more spread out than the typical tight squiggles that an earthquake produces on a seismograph - a device used to record ground shaking.

'It oscillated with a 92-second-interval between its peaks, too slow for humans to perceive,' according to a statement from the University of California San Diego, one of the institutions that contributed to the research.

Second, the signal remained strong for nine straight days. Typical seismic events decay much more rapidly - the average earthquake lasts only seconds to minutes.

Scientists around the world quickly began working to get to the bottom of this strange signal.

Climate change set the stage for this landslide by melting a glacier at the base of the mountain and destabilizing enough ice and rock to fill 10,000 Olympic swimming pools

The mega-tsunami destroyed roughly $200,000 worth of infrastructure at an unoccupied research station on Ella Island, but no one was hurt

Discussions online eventually turned up reports of a massive landslide that occurred on a mountain overlooking a remote fjord in East Greenland on September 16 2023.

To determine whether the landslide was connected to the mysterious shaking, a team of researchers led by Svennevig digitally reconstructed the landslide and resulting shakes.

They did this using a combination of seismic recordings from around the world, field measurements, satellite imagery and computer simulations.

The researchers also used supercomputers to simulate the 650-foot-tall mega-tsunami triggered by the 33 million cubic yards of rock and ice that crashed into the fjord.

The waves sloshed back and forth inside the fjord in a phenomenon known as seiche. The researchers concluded that this sloshing is what caused the nine-day stretch of seismic activity that rocked the Earth last year.

'Ultimately, it took a plethora of geophysical observations and numerical modeling from researchers across many countries to put the puzzle together and get a complete picture of what had occurred,' said co-author Robert Anthony, a geophysicist with the United States Geological Survey's Earthquake Hazards program, in a statement.

The findings demonstrate the 'complex, cascading hazards' driven by the impact of climate change on Earth's polar regions, according to the researchers.

'Climate change is shifting what is typical on Earth, and it can set unusual events into motion,' said co-author Alice Gabriel, a seismologist at the University of California San Diego, in a statement.

Fortunately, no people were in the area when the enormous landslide and resulting tsunami occurred. But this incident emphasizes the importance of monitoring polar regions as climate change accelerates.
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Are you experiencing backache from working from home? Australia's favourite office chair brand is now available in the UK, and shoppers are raving that it's the 'most comfortable chair ever'.

Whether you're working from home or in an office space, Pago International's range of office chairs offer incredible support for those long workdays, according to hundreds of customers, with over two million chairs sold to date.

Pago International Nest High Back Office Chair The Nest chair style is available in pink, charcoal, and blue, offering height-adjustable armrests and a 'super deluxe' eight-centimetre thick moulded foam seat. Its spacious high backrest provides ample support for the upper back and shoulders, promoting better posture. The chair's seat slider feature adjusts automatically to accommodate different leg lengths and sitting preferences, reducing muscle strain and preventing neck and back discomfort. Ideal for extended sitting periods of eight hours or more, it includes a 'Posturesure multi-lock synchro mechanism' that adapts to your body weight, ensuring consistent support and comfort throughout the day. Shop

For a comfortable, ergonomic seat, the Nest High Back Office Chair is a top contender. A brand bestseller, it's perfect for updating your workspace at home or in the office

For a comfortable, ergonomic seat, the Nest High Back Office Chair is a top contender. A brand bestseller, it's perfect for updating your workspace at home or in the office.

The classic style is available in three colours, pink, charcoal, and blue and features height adjustable armrests, a 'super deluxe' eight-centimetre thick moulded foam seat, and a spacious high backrest providing more support for your upper back and shoulders, helping facilitate good posture.

The chair earns additional praise for its seat slider feature, which automatically adjusts the seat depth for all users to cater to varying leg lengths and sitting preferences, preventing avoidable muscle strain that may result in neck and back discomfort.

Designed for prolonged sitting, think eight hours and over, the Nest chair also features a 'Posturesure multi-lock synchro mechanism' that automatically adapts to your body weight, ensuring optimal support and comfort throughout the day.

The brand description reads: 'The Pago Nest Ergonomic High Back Office Chair is styled to dazzle your work from home environment.

The Nest chair features height adjustable armrests, a 'super deluxe' eight-centimetre thick moulded foam seat, and a spacious high backrest

'A softer "work from home" look paired with exceptional ergonomic functionality. The automatic weight adjusting Posturesure Synchro mechanism ensures you will be comfortable for many hours at home or in your office.'

With its ergonomic design and stylish look, it's no wonder over two million Pago chairs have been sold to date, and shoppers are quick to praise its comfort and adjustable features for proper posture and support.

'Helped me a great deal to recover from sciatica pain,' one customer wrote. 'The rigid curved design reminds me to maintain a good posture and also has good flexibility for reclining.

'I'm very happy with my purchase, it's a hidden gem, worked like a wonder for my weak lower back.'

With its ergonomic design and stylish look, it's no wonder over two million Pago chairs have been sold to date

Another five-star reviewer added: 'I have had this chair for about a month and can thoroughly recommend it, especially if you have a bad back like I do. It's very comfortable and even after a full 8 hour day on the chair, I still feel great. That did not happen with my previous chairs.'

A third agreed, writing: 'We bought a nest medium back which was perfect for my partner. The Nest high back was better suited to me being quite tall. What a difference these chairs have made.

'Look great and super comfortable for extended hours. Can't recommend more highly.'

Shop the Pago International Nest High Back Office Chair online at pagointernational.co.uk.
A fascinating video takes viewers on a trip to one of New York's little-known forbidden islands, which has been left to slowly decay.

YouTube creator Two Feet Outdoors kayaked to North Brother Island, which is situated in the Hell Gate, a treacherous section of the East River between The Bronx and Riker's Island.

After getting out of his vessel, he goes on shore to explore the outcrop's interior, with many redbrick buildings left from its past as a quarantine station and temporary home for WWII veterans.

As he makes out a path, he comments on how overgrown it is and how there is 'so much ivy everywhere.'

He adds: 'There is no easy way to explore this island and these buildings. It's a straight up bushwhack just about the entire time.'

YouTube creator Two Feet Outdoors kayaked to North Brother Island, which is situated in the Hell Gate, a treacherous section of the East River between The Bronx and Riker's Island

After getting out of his vessel, he goes on shore to explore the outcrop's interior, with many redbrick building left from its past as a quarantine station

Derelict buildings are clearly visible from the shoreline, and as the content creator nears them, he says they look especially 'creepy' looming through the trees.

The video shows the urban explorer entering some the buildings, with their innards in a sorry state.

Paint can be seen peeling from the walls, windows smashed and ceiling rafters falling in.

At one point, the camera pans around to show what appears to be an old auditorium with rows of rotting seats and a dilapidated stage, while another shot peers inside a toilet with the words 'Teachers Men' still visible on the door.

The cameraman also decides to venture into a basement in one of the buildings but he finds the subterranean space completely flooded.

North Brother Island has been closed to the public for more than 60 years.

Opened as a quarantine center in 1885, it was once home to hundreds of patients including the notorious 'Typhoid Mary' - the first healthy carrier of any disease ever to be identified - who spent years confined in its bleak woods.

As he makes out a path, he comments on how overgrown it is and how there is ' so much ivy everywhere'

'There is no easy way to explore this island and these buildings. It's a straight up bushwhack just about the entire time'

One shot peers inside a toilet with the words 'Teachers Men' still visible on the door

Its first inhabitants were those unfortunate patients with communicable diseases such as smallpox, tuberculosis, scarlet fever and leprosy, who were forcibly removed from the city's teeming streets and sent to live away the rest of their lives on the bleak little island, located just 350 yards away from the South Bronx.

With the dawn of the 20th century, city authorities made a desperate attempt to clean up North Brother with better buildings and improved care.

The island was mainly a home for tuberculosis patients  and for those suffering from venereal disease.

In 1942, it closed for the first time before being used to house WWII veterans who were studying in the city.

But this idea was quickly abandoned.

In 1952, it underwent its final transformation, hosting an experimental program to treat juvenile drug addicts.

When this, too, failed, the North Brother was left to the ravages of time, and since 1963 it has been abandoned and largely forgotten about.

To date, Two Feet Outdoors' video tour of North Brother Island has been watched more than 20,000 times with many viewers thanking him for sharing his adventure

Protected birds are its only inhabitants and the waters around the island are patrolled by armed coastguards

In regards to visiting the island, a permit must be secured in advance

Protected birds are now its only inhabitants and the waters around the island are patrolled by armed coastguards who ensure the sanctity of the former quarantine zone is never violated.

In regards to visiting the island, a permit must be secured in advance.

NYC Parks notes: 'We do not visit and do not permit visits to the island between March 21 and September 21, due to shorebird breeding season.

'The best time to visit North Brother Island is during the fall, before winter weather begins and conditions are challenging.'

To date, Two Feet Outdoors' video tour of North Brother Island has been watched more than 20,000 times, with many viewers thanking him for sharing his adventure.

One viewer wrote: 'That building with the flooded basement can EASILY be the site of a horror movie.'

While another commenter noted: 'We live in NYC and we often take the ferry and we wonder about that island as we whisk by. Careful with the currents.'
One of the world's largest airlines will soon operate flights between Sydney and Istanbul.

Turkish Airlines will operate flights four times a week - stopping in Kuala Lumpur - from December 5.

It marks the first time the airline will fly out of Sydney on top of three weekly flights already operating out of Melbourne to Turkiye's largest city.

NSW jobs and tourism minister John Graham welcomed the new route will help 'European travellers with direct access to our state's world-class visitor experiences'.

The state government expects the route will bring 68,620 inbound seats to Sydney, support 290 jobs and generate about $53million in its first year alone.

'Sydney is the gateway to Australia and supporting this new route holds enormous potential for the growth of the state's visitor economy,' Mr Graham said.

A non-stop flight between Sydney and Istanbul has also been promised in the near future, giving Aussies another option for European travel.

The addition could help bring down the price of airfares due to the increased competition.

Turkish Airlines has announced it will be operating it's first flights out of Sydney from December 5 after striking a deal with the NSW Government (pictured, Turkish Airlines plane)

The deal will also see Turkish Airlines add to its extensive network of more than 340 destinations in over 120 countries.

Turkish Airlines chairman Professor Ahmet Bolat hailed the new route as a significant milestone.

'This new route not only enhances our global network but also reaffirms our commitment to connecting passengers with new opportunities and experiences,' he said.

'Sydney represents a vibrant gateway to the Southern Hemisphere, and we are thrilled to offer our travellers unparalleled access to this dynamic city.

'This expansion underscores our dedication to growing our network and providing exceptional service, bridging continents and bringing people closer together.'

The flight path will also help connect Turkish Australians.

'With more than 15,000 Turkish-born Australians in NSW and Turkiye consistently rated as one of the top destinations for Australian travellers, we're confident this service will be strongly supported,' Sydney Airport chief executive Scott Charlton said.

The flightpath between Sydney and Istanbul will initially require a refuel in Kuala Lumpur but is promised to fly non-stop in the future, providing a unique path in and out of Europe

It's also expected to increase competition in a diluted international flight market and help drive down prices for Aussies looking to travel to Europe (pictured, Sydney Airport)

Qantas international chief Cam Wallace welcomed the added competition in Aussie airspaces.

'It keeps us on our toes and we want that competitive intensity,' he told a CAPA Airline Leader Summit in Brisbane on Thursday.

Mr Wallace expects more competitors to battle for influence in the domestic market following the collapse of Rex and Bonza.

'History shows there will be a third and fourth and fifth competitor (in the domestic market) because it's a very seductive industry,' he said.

'The constraints and the challenges will always be there and the relatively small population base  those things aren't changing soon but for us competition is a good thing.'
Rating:

The Grand Tour might not be going out with a bang, but this pensive, melancholy last hurrah is bound to bring a tear to your eye.

The death-defying stunts the likes of Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May have endured over the last 22 years on TV together have secured them their spot as the global leaders of motoring television.

Winning hearts with their unparallelled on-screen chemistry, the trio have amassed a devoted fanbase who have followed them from their Top Gear days all the way to their blockbuster Prime Video finale.

From the start of One For The Road, the boys make it clear that they are saying goodbye on their own terms, opting to end the show while they're riding high, rather than running it into the ground.

Adrenaline junkies hoping for back-to-back explosions, screeching tyres and merciless pranks may be disappointed to hear that the philosophy this time around isn't 'more is more'.

The Grand Tour might not be going out with a bang, but this pensive, melancholy last hurrah is bound to bring a tear to your eye

The death-defying stunts the likes of Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May have endured over the last 22 years have secured them as global leaders of motoring television

That's not to say the show isn't without action - between hurling a Volkwagen Beetle off of a cliff to rafting in lakes full to the brim with crocodiles, there's still plenty of outrageous fun to be had, but truth be told, these aren't the moments that stayed with me when the credits rolled.

I'll avoid too many spoilers here, but the mission statement is simple: the gang must traverse the width of Zimbabwe in three cars utterly unfit for the task - a Lancia Montecarlo, a Ford Capri 3-litre, and a Triumph Stag.

Given the rather patchy road network, they're forced to get inventive - at one point even attaching their cars onto railway lines and turning them into makeshift carriages.

Naturally there are breakdowns and mishaps aplenty, but these feel playful rather than perilous.

One of those most striking elements of the show is the breathtaking landscapes - captured with the world class cinematography we've come to expect.

From the crashing waters of Victoria Falls to heaving mountains, Zimbabwe's beauty truly shines - and it's clear the hosting trio are captivated by it, often lost for words as they gaze wistfully out of their car windows.

They freely admit they've come a long way from sleeping in barely upright tents full of cockroaches.

These days they get to enjoy barista-grade coffee and pastries as they soak up the sunset of a morning - and frankly, who can blame them for wanting enjoy the high life for their swan song?

From the start of One For The Road, they make it clear that they are saying goodbye on their own terms, opting to end the show while riding high, rather than running it into the ground

Adrenaline junkies hoping for back-to-back explosions, screeching tyres and merciless pranks may be disappointed to hear that the philosophy this time around isn't 'more is more'

Perhaps the most emotional moment of all comes toward the end of the episode, as the boys revisit Kubu Island - a location with considerable mythos for diehard fans.

Kubu Island was the destination for the Top Gear Botswana Special episode, which first aired on BBC Two on November 4, 2007, and saw the boys drive across the Makgadikgadi salt plains, and through the Okavango Delta.

As they return to the location, they are floored to stumble across the original cars they used 17 years ago to film the show, with the usually stoic Clarkson visibly moved.

Shots of them returning to the same baobab tree, which is more than a thousand years old, are interspersed with clips from their first trip, and one is struck by the labour of love their work together represents.

The mission statement is simple: the gang must traverse the width of Zimbabwe in three cars utterly unfit for the task - a Lancia Montecarlo, a Ford Capri 3-litre, and a Triumph Stag

Yes, The Grand Tour is about cars. But it's also about friendship, adventure, travel and finding the fun in life.

There aren't soppy speeches or extended tearful tributes, but the love and brotherhood these men share for each other couldn't be clearer.

Clarkson, Hammond and May's joie de vivre will leave a hole in our TV schedules and our hearts - but it was an honour joining them on their final road trip.

The Grand Tour: One For The Road is available to stream on Prime Video from 13 September.
A guest on Antiques Roadshow was left speechless when she 'won the lottery' with a 'museum quality' painting worth a life-changing sum of money.

The episode of the BBC show, which originally aired in 2000, saw expert Hugh Scully meet with the guest at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

She had brought along a huge 19th century painting of a woman sitting in candlelight at a market, which had fallen into her hands when her father-in-law passed away.

Unable to conceal his shock at the quality of the piece, the expert gushed: 'It is fantastic quality, it really is. Just look at the way he has handled the whole light in this market scene.

'The way the light comes off the candle and illuminates her face, it's the most brilliant piece of work.'

A guest on Antiques Roadshow was left speechless when she 'won the lottery' with a 'museum quality' painting worth a life-changing sum of money

The episode of the BBC show, which originally aired in 2000, saw expert Hugh Scully meet with the guest at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London

The woman explained that her father-in-law used to work in a fish market, which may be why the painting appealed to him.

She added that the painting caught her eye when his belongings in the house were being divided up by family members, but she seemingly had no idea just how much it was worth.

Hugh examined the piece and revealed that it was created by artist Petrus van Schendel.

The talented artist was a Dutch painter who specialised in the Romantic style and nighttime scenes, particularly candlelight scenes like the one on display.

He told the guest: 'It is by probably the leading candlelight painter of the 19th century.'

'That I didn't know,' the guest admitted, shocked, 'I did see some of van Schendel's paintings in New York two or three years ago.'

Hugh explained: 'His work does come up quite regularly at auction so we know reasonably clearly what this possibly would make.

'At auction now, he's very much in vogue, he's very much much sought-after.'

Hugh examined the piece and revealed that it was created by artist Petrus van Schendel

The guest opened her mouth in disbelief to gasp: 'Oh goodness. Thank you,' while a shocked murmur erupted among the onlookers

He then dropped the huge bombshell of how much the painting is worth - and it was a life-changing amount.

In astonishing scenes, he revealed: 'A lot of people collect him. It would probably make between 70,000 and 90,000 so you should probably insure it for 100,000.'

The guest opened her mouth in disbelief to gasp: 'Oh goodness. Thank you,' while a shocked murmur erupted among the onlookers.

Meanwhile, the expert chimed in with: 'Almost like winning the lottery - almost!'
Kin star Emmett J Scanlan has sparked fresh hope that the BBC and Netflix flick will return for a third season.

During Tuesday's installment of This Morning, the actor, who plays Jimmy Kinsella in the first two seasons, teased show hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shepard that there was a 'bidding war' for the show.

The gritty Irish drama quickly became a fan favourite after the BBC acquired the rights to the show in 2023 - two years after it debuted on RTE in September 2023.

The show, which won four Irish Film and Television Awards in 2022, revolves around the Kinsellas, a close-knit Irish family entangled in organised crime in Dublin.

And now Emmett has fans on the edge of their seats as he dangled the possibility of the show's return.

Kin star Emmett J Scanlan has sparked hope that the BBC and Netflix flick will return for a third season

During Tuesday's installment of This Morning, the actor, who plays Jimmy Kinsella, teased show hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shepard that there was a 'bidding war' (Pictured with Kara Tointon)

He told the presenters: 'I don't know if there's going to be a season three, it hasn't been green lit yet.

'There is a little bit of a, I don't know if I'm stepping out of line when I say this, but there's maybe even a bidding war. There is a lot of interest.'

'I hope it comes back again, I'd love to take on the role of Jimmy again. I loved it.'

Official confirmation is yet to be made.

When it first hit streaming platforms, fans could not get enough of the series as the multi-award winning show was hailed as 'the best Irish drama series in years'.

Kin has casted the likes of Charlie Cox (Michael Kinsella), Clare Dunne (Amanda Kinsella) and Emmett J. Scanlan (Jimmy Kinsella), during the first two seasons.

The show scored an impressive 94 percent on Rotten Tomatoes.

One critic wrote: 'The best Irish drama series in years.'

'Part of the reason why Kin works so well is that it doesn't shun the cliches that inevitably go with the territory, it revels in them. Allied to that is a superb cast.'

The gritty Irish drama quickly became a fan favourite after the BBC acquired the rights to the show in 2023 - two years after it debuted on RTE in September 2023

And now Emmett has fans on the edge of their seats as he dangles the possibility of the show's return

'There is a little bit of a, I don't know if I'm stepping out of line when I say this, but there's maybe even a bidding war. There is a lot of interest'

'Cox's performance as Michael continues to impress.

'Doe-eyed and softly spoken, he gives every impression of being sensitive and self-effacing, right up to the point where he isn't.

'He's the guy you'd want to have your back in a crisis.'

'Kin remains a reliably entertaining and occasionally thrilling watch, brimming with talent on both sides of the camera.'
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Taylor Frankie Paul was forced to explain 'soft swinging' to Joy Behar and Chelsea Clinton on Thursday's episode of The View.

The Mormon TikTok star, who shot to fame after being swept up in a swinging scandal, was pressed about the topic while promoting her new Hulu show.

While discussing the series, Behar, 81, grilled Paul, 30, about the incident.

'In 2022 you created quite the scandal Miss Taylor, when you revealed that you and your husband were getting a divorce because you both had engaged in soft swinging with other couples,' Behar said.

'It's the soft part that's throwing me off. So what happened there? What is soft swinging, explain that.'

The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Taylor Frankie Paul was forced to explain 'soft swinging' to Joy Behar and Chelsea Clinton on Thursday's episode of The View

The Mormon TikTok star, who shot to fame after being swept up in a swinging scandal, was pressed about the topic while promoting her new Hulu show

Paul awkwardly responded, 'So swinging is where you switch partners, like swingers, right? So for us, we opened up our relationship, we were playing games and being intimate all in front of each other.

'So we weren't full-on switching per se. So that's why they called it soft swinging.'

Clinton, who was a guest panelist that day, then chimed in to redirect the conversation to Paul's co-star Mayci Neeley.

Paul's marriage to then-husband Tate broke down in 2022 after she developed feelings and embarked on an affair with one of her swinging partners - who was also married to one of her friends.

At the time, Paul's star was on the rise as part of a group of 'MomTok' influencers on TikTok. She and other glamorous Mormon moms often appeared in each other's videos, creating dances and participating in viral trends with one another.

'MomTok was involved, and then  I guess the public kind of thought everyone was swingers in MomTok,' she told Fox News. 'People were dissecting.'

And speaking on the Viall Files, Paul said there was never a specific conversation which led to the swinging. Instead, it started during a night of drinking in which her husband and another suggested she and a woman 'make out... it's hot.'

'I'd done that in my younger years, it wasn't a big deal to me... we threw another party and it was like, take off your clothes and we'll do lingerie pictures together. It just escalated,' she explained.

'It's the soft part that's throwing me off. So what happened there? What is soft swinging, explain that,' Behar asked

'We opened up our relationship, we were playing games and being intimate all in front of each other,' Paul explained

Paul recalls the two couples would 'have intercourse in the same bed... the girls kissing and the husbands touching the other wives.'

At this point, it was just she, her husband and another couple, but over time it expanded to include a third couple.

Paul said her then-husband was the first person to pull the pin, because he became concerned about one of the women falling pregnant and not knowing who the father was.

'My husband is like, maybe we should stop doing this with our best friends and maybe we could do this with strangers... I wasn't on board,' she said.

In spite of the saga - and the retribution from Latter Day Saints who say there are 'gross misrepresentations' of the faith - Paul insists she has every right to still identify as Mormon.

'I go to church, and my son is going to be blessed here soon. It's really nobodys place to tell me that I cant go to church because I sin. Its something between the church and me,' she said.

Paul revealed in a 2022 livestream video that she and her then-husband, Tate, had agreed to have multiple partners as part of a 'soft swinging' group with other married Mormon couples, implicating some of the women who often featured in her videos.

Paul and her husband had an agreement they 'wouldn't go all the way' with other partners, but she broke that agreement with one of the other husbands who she had developed feelings for, ultimately ending her marriage.

Paul's marriage to then-husband Tate (pictured) broke down in 2022 after she developed feelings and embarked on an affair with one of her swinging partners

The influencer is currently starring in Hulu's The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives

Several of those women were adamant they weren't involved and issued public statements, while others stayed silent and refused to comment at all.

Several of the key players in the MomTok era have since claimed they were asked to appear on the Hulu show, but turned it down.

The friendship between several of the women and Paul disintegrated, and one of the women, Miranda McWhorter, said she didn't want to appear on the show in an effort to avoid having to interact with Paul.

'Yes we said we would consider it if she wasn't on the show, and we did. We knew we weren't going to find out in the foreseeable future, and we still made the decision, for our families and ourselves, because it didn't feel like the right fit,' she said.

At the time, it was unclear whether Paul could appear on the show as she was facing charges of aggravated assault, domestic violence in the presence of a child and child abuse.

She took a plea deal for the aggravated assault, and the other charges were dismissed with prejudice.

The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives premiered on Hulu on September 5.

It's currently the streamer's most-watched unscripted premiere of 2024, beating out the latest season of The Kardashians.
New mom Hailey Bieber was seen out in Los Angeles this week for the first time since she gave birth to son Jack Blues Bieber two weeks ago.

The 27-year-old model bared her long legs in a dark pair of shorts or a skirt, which was covered by a tan jacket with a dark, leather collar.

Her dark hair was styled in a deep center part and slicked back into a tight bun set at the midpoint of her head.

The fashionista was joined by Kylie Jenner, also 27, who flashed her toned tummy as she went braless in a cropped black tank top.

The billionaire cosmetics mogul added low-rise black jeans and black thong sandals with a kitten heel.

Hailey Bieber was seen out in Los Angeles this week for the first time since she gave birth to son Jack Blues Bieber two weeks ago

The fashionista was joined by Kylie Jenner, also 27, who flashed her toned tummy as she went braless in a cropped black tank top

Hailey and husband Justin Bieber welcomed their first child on August 22. Days later, Hailey shared a photo of her freshly manicured hand as she rocked a $2k 'mom' ring

The famous friends dined at Il Segreto Ristorante in Bel-Air.

Hailey teamed her casual look with white socks and furry red flats as she carried a leopard print bag.

She added chunky, gold stud earrings as wore a black mask over the lower half of her face.

Meanwhile, Jenner pulled her thick, dark hair into a claw clip, leaving loose pieces at the front to frame her face.

The mother-of-two carried a large, tan-colored intrecciato Bottega Veneta bag over her shoulder.

She rocked a short, glossy, vampy black manicure that matched her exposed pedicured toes.

Hailey and husband Justin Bieber welcomed their first child on August 22.

Days later, Hailey shared a photo of her freshly manicured hand as she rocked a $2k Isa Grutman 'mom' ring.

Hailey teamed her casual look with white socks and furry red flats

Jenner pulled her thick, dark hair into a claw clip, leaving loose pieces at the front to frame her face

Kylie wore a black, disposable face mask during the dinner outing

Fans got a glimpse of the longtime couple's firstborn child's tiny foot and Hailey's French manicured hand as Justin announced the news via Instagram.

'WELCOME HOME JACK BLUES BIEBER,' the proud dad wrote in a caption to his 294 million followers.

Jack was delivered by Dr. Thais Aliabadi, the same OBGYN that Kylie and sister Khloe Kardashian used to deliver their children, according to the birth certificate obtained by TMZ.

Baby Bieber was born at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, where Kylie's daughter Stormi Webster was born in 2018.

She rocked a short, glossy, vampy black manicure that matched her exposed pedicured toes

A third gal pal joined the famous friends as she wore jeans, a short-sleeved shirt, and sneakers

Kylie and Hailey were flanked by security during the evening out

The Biebers sent fans and friends alike into a frenzy when they announced they were expecting their first child on social media in May

The Biebers sent fans and friends alike into a frenzy when they announced they were expecting their first child on social media in May.

Sharing footage from their vow renewal in Hawaii, they debuted Hailey's baby bump.

They managed to keep the pregnancy under wraps for the first two trimesters.

Justin and Hailey tied the knot in 2018 at a courthouse before having a larger, traditional wedding with loved ones the following year.

The ceremony and preparations were shared in a YouTube docuseries called Seasons.
Kyle Sandilands and Jackie 'O' Henderson were left dumbfounded on Thursday after a trainwreck red carpet interview one of their staffers did with Aussie superstar Chris Hemsworth.

KIIS FM producer Pete Deppeler, better known on air as 'Intern Pete', managed to nab a chat with Chris at the Sydney premiere of Transformers One on Wednesday.

The Q&A got off to a rocky start when Pete asked Chris a question about his Transformers One co-star Megan Fox's sex symbol status.

'This whole franchise made Megan Fox famous around the world,' Pete said.

'Are you excited to become a sex symbol now you're in Transformers?'

Clearly 'stumped' by the line of questioning, Chris answered: 'I played the animation version of Megan Fox in this film.'

After some awkward laughter between the two, Pete asked Chris if his question made him laugh.

'You stumped me,' Chris replied. 'I don't know where to go from that question.'

Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O Henderson were left dumbfounded on Thursday after dissecting a trainwreck red carpet interview with Aussie superstar Chris Hemsworth

Jackie pulled no punches in her assessment of the interview, telling Pete she would not know how to answer a question like that either.

'Seriously, you've done these for 10 years,' she said. 'Don't you think "Oh I'll ask a question where I can actually get something good back from him."'

The interview went downhill from there when Pete presented the Thor star with two envelopes.

One, Pete explained, contained a question 'so inappropriate, I'll get fired but the movie will go to number one,' while the other was a boring question that wouldn't inspire people to see the film.

KIIS FM producer Pete Deppeler, better known on air as 'intern Pete' managed to nab a chat with Chris at the Sydney premiere of Transformers One on Wednesday

The chat got off to a rocky start when Pete asked Chris a question about his Transformers One co-star Megan Fox's sex symbol status

Chris chose the former and Pete promptly asked: 'If you had to compare you and your brothers p***ses to a Transformer who would you have? Bumblebee, Megatron or Optimus Prime?

Kyle and Jackie both criticised Pete for not letting Chris give his answer, which the producer explained was due to him being 'manhandled' by a publicist.

'I've got a fat roll on my back and that's where the publicists sort of grab that and pull me back,' Pete explained.

'It's an ongoing thing with publicists because I can't get rid of this back fat.'

Kyle told Pete he was making a rod for his own back thanks to his choice of shirts.

'Because you wear medium sized shirts and you're clearly an XL, so that back fat is always on display. Wear a bigger shirt, bro. You haven't been a medium for five years,' he said.

That wasn't the end of Pete's time with Chris however, with the producer given an opportunity to ask one last question to save the awkward interview.

'If you had to compare you and your brothers p***ses to a Transformer who would you have? Bumblebee, Megatron or Optimus Prime?' came another awkward question. Chris is pictured with wife Elsa Pataky

'Kyle and Jackie O are heading to Vegas - Brooklyn, myself, the whole team we're heading to Vegas next week,' Pete started.

'As a man whose been there many times, if we were to put ten grand down, red or black, sir?

'Red,' Chris abruptly replied.

Kyle roasted the producer for his lack of interviewing skills telling Pete: 'What a waste of an opportunity. Do you even try?'

'When you plan these things how do you expect it's going to roll out in your mind?'

Continuing to chastise the producer, Jackie added: 'You should've thought: "what am I going to get from that? Nothing."'
analysis

Nearly 10 years ago South Africa outlined its commitment to invest in the health and development of young children.

The National Integrated Early Childhood Development Policy of 2015 detailed government's intention to provide a comprehensive set of services to pregnant women, young children and their families by 2030. This includes healthcare, nutrition support, social protection, parent support and early learning programmes.

Early investments in the care of young children provide a critical foundation for lifelong health and development. The developing brain is highly plastic and moulded by young children's exposure to care or adversity in ways that can be difficult to change later in life. It is therefore vital to build a strong foundation for lifelong health and development starting before the baby is born.

So, to what extent has South Africa succeeded in creating a nurturing and enabling environment for young children, and what needs to be done to enhance their development?

The 2024 issue of the South African Child Gauge, an annual report by the University of Cape Town's Children's Institute, highlights how South Africa has sold its children short and failed to achieve what it set out to do almost a decade ago.

While there have been improvements in access to maternal and child health services, critical gaps remain:

one infant in 5 is not fully immunised by their first birthday

one in 6 children living in poverty is not receiving a child support grant

only 2 in 3 children aged between 3 and 5 are accessing an early learning programme.

These gaps in the delivery of essential services are likely to widen as expected government austerity cuts further erode children's access to health, education and social services.

Chronic underfunding

Financial allocations to early childhood services are a clear signal of a country's commitment to its youngest children, yet the suite of early childhood interventions remains chronically underfunded with investments skewed towards older children.

Only one in three early learning programmes is able to access the state's early child development subsidy of R17 (about 95 US cents) per child per day.

This subsidy has not increased since 2019 and is not sufficient to cover the costs of running a child care centre or even the salaries of early childhood development workers.

Most centres remain reliant on fees paid by parents. This can compromise access and quality of learning programmes, especially for children living in poor households. In contrast, older children can attend no-fee schools.

It's therefore not surprising that fewer than half of those between 4 and 5 years old attending early learning programmes are developmentally on track for their age.

At the same time, child poverty is rising:

7 in every 10 young children now live below the poverty line of R1,558 (US$87) per person per month

3 in 10 are stunted - a sign of chronic malnutrition that impedes physical growth and cognitive development, with long term impacts on their health, education and employment prospects.

Of greatest concern is what appears to be an increase in under-five mortality, with 1 in 25 children dying before their fifth birthday.

What needs to be done

Key recommendations cover five areas: health, nutrition, early learning, care and support for parents and caregivers, and support for children in need of extra care.

1.) South Africa must strengthen investments in the health and care of pregnant women and young children to intervene early to address challenges such as domestic violence, food insecurity and threats to child health and development.

2.) Families need support including affordable childcare and timely access to the child support grant, as uptake remains low in the first year of life.

3.) Restoring the value of the child support grant from R530 a month to the food poverty line of R760, supporting breastfeeding and appropriate complementary feeding and regulating the marketing of unhealthy foods to children would help address the growing burden of malnutrition.

4.) The quality of early learning programmes can be improved by streamlining their registration, increasing the value of the subsidy and supporting the professional development of early child development practitioners.

Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines South Africa Business Governance By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later.

5.) Early identification and intervention is needed to protect young children from harm and to maximise developmental potential for those who are most at risk, as well as children living with disabilities and other long-term health conditions.

At a time when South Africa is seeking solutions to complex societal challenges, the findings of the latest Child Gauge remind us that the answers lie in early childhood. We therefore call on government and the whole of society to boost investment in the optimal health, care and development of our youngest children

Read more: Malnutrition, stunting and the importance of a child's first 1000 days

Wiedaad Slemming, Director, Children's Insitute, University of Cape Town

Linda Biersteker, Early childhood development, University of Cape Town

Lori Lake, University of Cape Town
Rachel Uchitel looked back on a painful period in her life on Wednesday as she commemorated the 23rd anniversary of the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center.

The 49-year-old podcast host, who infamously was outed as Tiger Woods' former mistress, paid tribute to her late fiance James Andrew OGrady, who was killed when 2 World Trade Center collapsed on the morning of September 11, 2001.

'23 years ago, I lost the love of my life, Andy O'Grady,' Uchitel began the caption of her Instagram post, which featured an emotional video featuring footage from shortly after the terrorist attack.

Uchitel was only 26 in the video, which showed her holding missing posters featuring her fallen fiance smiling face, which contrasted with her shellshocked demeanor.

'This is my fiance. I'd planned my whole future out with this person,' she said while trying to hold back tears.

Rachel Uchitel, 49, commemorated the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks and remembered her late fiance Andy O'Grady, who was killed when 2 World Trade Center collapsed; pictured in 2014

'23 years ago, I lost the love of my life, Andy O'Grady,' Uchitel began the caption of her Instagram post, which featured an emotional video featuring footage from shortly after the terrorist attack

'If I don't find him, I have to start all over again. It's taken my whole life to find him,' she continued as tears began to fall. 'And I don't know what I will do without him.'

After a pause, she looked down at her fliers and continued: 'Please, please help me find him.'

Then Uchitel included the famous New York Post cover that featured a sobbing photo of her taken at the same time as she clutched her missing fliers.

'New York's Tragic Face,' read the headline.

But she concluded the video by putting Andy front and center. He showed off a winning smiling in sweet photos taken years before his death, including cute pictures of Rachel and him together.

The video, which was soundtracked with heartwrenching piano music, concluded with simple text featuring his name and life span: 'May 9th 1969  Sept. 11th 2001.'

O'Grady, a New Jersey native, was a competitive swimmer for UCLA from 1988 to 1991, and he ascended to become co-captain of the swim team in his final year, before staying on an extra year as a grad assistant.

After college, he headed back to the East Coast and worked as managing director at the investment banking firm Sandler ONeill & Partners, which had an office on the 104th floor of 2 World Trade Center.

Andy and Rachel had only gotten engaged on August 5, 2001, and they had planned to tie the knot on May 4, 2002, according to the Los Angeles Times.

O'Grady had only been at his office for 45 minutes when the first plane hit 1 World Trade Center.

'If I don't find him, I have to start all over again. It's taken my whole life to find him,' she continued as tears began to fall. 'And I don't know what I will do without him'

Uchitel's sobbing face was later used for a famous New York Post cover. She concluded her video with smiling images of Andy

His building would be hit 17 minutes later, but it would be the first to collapse.

In her Instagram caption, Uchitel recalled having to watch the footage of the towers being hit as part of her job with Bloomberg News.

After his death, Uchitel recalled calling him shortly after the first plane hit the World Trade Center, and he told her that no one was being evacuated from the building at the time.

Things were more dire when she called him later that morning.

'Rachel, its really chaotic here,' she recalled him saying. 'You dont understand. I just saw somebody jump out the window.'

In her Instagram caption, she wrote: 'I remember watching his building fall and not being able to catch my breath. I remember the whole news room floor got silent. They had all just watched me watch Andy die.'

Although she and others stayed hopeful that he could have somehow survive, she could see that there was 'no hope.'

'The despair of not knowing was beyond words,' she added.

'This event changed who I was completely. I had searched for the man who was my one all my life and I had finally found him and we were planning our wedding, and then this..,' Uchitel continued.

He was a competitive swimmer at UCLA who moved back to the East Coast to work as managing director at the investment banking firm Sandler ONeill & Partners, which had an office on the 104th floor of 2 World Trade Center

Uchitel previously said she spoke to O'Grady on the phone multiple times after the first plane crashed into the World Trade Center

'It was the honor of my life to have been loved by James Andrew OGrady,' Uchitel concluded. 'I am thankful that because of the photo that ran on the cover of almost every paper in the world of me searching for him, more people know his name'; seen in 2010

She added that she could still remember Andy's 'smile' and 'voice' to this day.

Rachel shared that the video of her searching for Andy had been shot outside Bellevue Hospital, as she had rushed there after hearing that he might have been taken there alive.

'I can see the pain that I have never been able to get rid of still in this video, because of how wonderful this man was,' she wrote. 'I remember the amazing outpouring of letters and calls from complete strangers after this photo ran in papers across the world.

'It was the honor of my life to have been loved by James Andrew OGrady,' Uchitel concluded. 'I am thankful that because of the photo that ran on the cover of almost every paper in the world of me searching for him, more people know his name.'
Adriana Lima has sparked speculation she's had fillers 'dissolved' after she debuted another new look at an event last week, just months after she was forced to hit back at plastic surgery rumours.

The Brazilian supermodel, 43, turned heads as she stepped out at the world premiere of The Thicket at AMC The Grove 14 in Los Angeles.

Her rare appearance comes after fans claimed she looked 'unrecognisable' at a red carpet premiere in November.

After trolls accused her of getting Botox and fillers, Adriana was forced to clap back at the intense scrutiny, insisting her face was that of a 'tired mother'.

One social media user posted side by side images of Adriana last week and in November, remarking she was 'back' to her looks.

They theorised she's had her 'fillers dissolved' in recent months, claiming this could be the reason behind her now-changed look.

'It dissolved lip fillers, melted unnecessary fillings on her cheekbones, melted jaw fillings, got rid of cheek and under-eye fillings and returned completely to her essence,' they said.

Adriana Lima has sparked speculation she has had fillers 'dissolved' as she debuted another new look last week (left) after recently being hit by plastic surgery rumours (right in November)

After she stepped out at The Thicket premiere, social media users have once remarked on her appearance as they claimed she was 'back' to her look from before her makeover

'Our old Adriana is back,' another said, while a third commented: 'Face lift, plastic surgery.'

Other fans were quick to remark on her stunning looks in both photographs and rushed to her defence.

'She was beautiful then and now,' one gushed, while another commented: 'Adriana is such an icon, love her so much.'

Hitting back at surgery rumours, another shared: 'She has always had full lips. Anyone who knows Adriana knows this very well!'

At the premiere, Adriana posed up a storm in a sophisticated white suit and added to her stunning features with a high-glamour, bronzed make-up palette.

Many fans also shared their hopes that Adriana will make her runway return next month, when the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show makes its return after a four-year hiatus.

The brand announced earlier this year that the popular runway spectacular will be making its long-awaited return in New York on October 15, with Gigi Hadid and Tyra Banks slated to take part.

With more Angels yet to be confirmed, fans are eagerly hoping Adriana be among the line-up alongside famed models Candice Swanepoel and Gisele Bundchen.

Some fans theorised that she has had fillers dissolved since her appearance last year as they alleged this could be the reason behind her now-changed look

It comes months after she defended herself against accusations that she had gotten cosmetic surgery after looking 'unrecognisable' on a red carpet in November (pictured)

Plastic surgeons also weighed in at the time, claiming she had gotten Botox in her forehead, a fox-eye lift as well as lip, jaw and cheek filler (she is pictured in December)

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Adriana's representatives for comment.

Adriana's latest red carpet appearance comes after she was forced to hit back at online trolls who accused her of getting plastic surgery last year.

Looking strikingly different at the premiere of The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes in November, Adriana found herself at the centre of online discussion about her appearance.

Plastic surgeons also weighed in at the time, claiming she had gotten Botox in her forehead, a fox-eye lift as well as lip, jaw and cheek filler.

Adriana took to Instagram to break her silence over the plastic surgery rumours as she shut down the speculation.

'This is the face of a tired mom of one teenage girl, two pre-teens, one active boy, a 1 year old learning to walk, and three dogs... thanks for your concern,' she captioned a makeup-free selfie from her kitchen.

Adriana has a son Cyan, two, with her boyfriend Andre Lemmers, and shares daughters Valentina, 14, and Sienna, 11, with her ex-husband Marko Jaric. Andre is also a father to two children from a previous relationship.

Back in 2017, Adriana said she wanted 'people to look' at her 'beyond' her 'face/body' and told how motherhood changed 'everything' in her life.

'As my two daughters have gotten older, I've realized that they copy a lot of what I do and my habits, and it's important for me to make sure they're copying good ones,' she shared.

'I try to teach them to love the skin they're in and eat healthily for their bodies and to also practise positive mental wellness through meditation.'

At the time, Adriana also pointed out that the fashion world still has 'a long way to go' to become a truly inclusive industry.

After trolls accused her of getting Botox and fillers, Adriana was forced to clap back at the intense scrutiny, insisting that 'this is the face of a tired' mother

Fans are currently hoping that Adriana will make her runway return next month, when the Victoria's Secret fashion show makes its return after a four-year hiatus (pictured in 2018)

She said she thinks the industry can still do more to 'send a message of representation' to the world.

She said: 'I am happy that it has become more inclusive of people of different races and sizes, but of course there is still a long way to go.

'My hope is that the industry sends a message of representation. I want any young girl or boy to be able to open up a magazine or website or Instagram, however they view fashion, and feel represented in a beautiful and positive way.'

Adriana was famously a Victoria's Secret Angel from 1999 to 2018 and she is also an ambassador for IWC, Puma, Maybelline and Chopard.
Katie Holmes cut a casual figure as she stepped out in NYC on Wednesday.

The actress, 45, is gearing up for her role in the Broadway revival of the Thornton Wilder's play Our Town, with the premiere performance at the Barrymore Theatre set for September 17.

The rehearsals for the production comes weeks after the star sent her daughter, Suri Cruise, off to college in Pittsburgh in August.

Now officially an empty nester, the Dawson's Creek alum stepped out to take care of some business while out and about in a gray A.P.C sweater that also had autumn colors of brown and red mixed in.

She also wore a pair of dark brown flats, stylish sunglasses, all while she carried a Tusting Como Explorer tote bag over her right shoulder.

Rounding out her daytime look for the day, Holmes pulled her long dark brown tresses back off her face and into a ponytail without a part.

Katie Holmes, 45, headed out to take care of some business on Wednesday in a casual ensemble consisting of a gray A.P.C sweater with touches of brown and red, baggy blue jeans, with dark brown flats

The mother of one has been able to dive deep into rehearsals for Our Town in the three weeks since Suri left for Carnegie Mellon University.

Along with Holmes as Mrs. Webb, the cast also features Jim Parsons as the Stage Manager, with Zoey Deutch set to portray Emily Webb.

Directed by Kenny Leon, the cast of 28 actors also includes Richard Thomas (Mr. Webb), Ephraim Sykes (George Gibbs) and Billy Eugene Jones (Dr. Gibbs) and Julie Halston

Wilder's popular 1938 drama is a story about life and death and appreciating 'every, every minute' in between, as reported by New York Theatre Guide.

First performed in 1938, 'Our Town is a poignant look at everyday life  and everything that goes with it. Through its three acts  Daily Life, Love and Marriage, and Death and Eternity  the play dives into the passage of time, the significance of ordinary moments, and the universal experiences of being human.

The main story revolves around the Webb and Gibbs families, whose members each get a different lease on  and length of  life.'

This new revival on Broadway is set to officially begin its run at the Barrymore Theatre on September 17 and runs through until January 19, 2025.

Just last week, Holmes and Sykes were seen snuggling up with each other at the press preview for Our Town at the Algonquin Hotel in New York City.

The actress has been able to focus on rehearsals for her upcoming role as Mrs. Webb in the Broadway revival of Our Town from director Kenny Leon

On Monday, Holmes slipped into promo mode for her role as Mrs. Webb in the Broadway revival of Thornton Wilder's Our Town at the Barrymore Theatre from September 17-

Holmes and some of the cast, including Ephraim Sykes, attended a press preview for Our Town at the Algonquin Hotel in New York City on September 6

The proud mom helped take her to Pittsburgh for the traditional dorm room move in and ahead of the start of her freshman year, all while her father, Tom Cruise, was living large in London, England, according to Page Six.

It has been reported that The Mission Impossible superstar, 62, has met his divorce agreement with Holmes and paid for his daughter's college tuition, which is said to be about $65,000 a year.

Court documents show the A-list actor agreed to cover Suri's financial expenses for 'medical, dental, insurance, education, college and other extracurricular costs.'

An insider told Dailymail.com last month that Holmes will reunite with Suri at the end of September at Carnegie Mellon University for the school's family weekend.

Holmes is expected to travel to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to see her daughter at the school on September 27-28, according to that source.
Jamie Borthwick had nothing but good things to say about Strictly Come Dancing as he praised the show ahead of the start of the 20th anniversary series this weekend.

The EastEnders actor, 30, is due to take part in the latest line up after previously winning the Christmas special with partner Nancy Xu back in 2023.

And as the soap star prepares for the live shows he confirmed he is getting along with his new partner despite 'aching in places he didn't know he could'.

Speaking to MailOnline at the National Television Awards on Wednesday Jamie gushed that the show is 'magic' as he confessed: I'm really enjoying it so far. I'm aching in places I didn't know I could.

'Strictly's magic. It's a magical show, and it brings a lot of happiness to people, and I'm just happy to be part of it.'

Jamie Borthwick has described the Strictly atmosphere as 'magic' as the show scooped a major prize at the National Television Awards on Wednesday night despite scandal (pictured with EastEnders co-star Tony Clay)

The EastEnders star gushed: 'Strictly's magic. It's a magical show, and it brings a lot of happiness to people, and I'm just happy to be part of it'

It has been a year of scandal for the show with the results of the BBC's internal investigation into allegations against Giovanni Pernice due any day now.

Commenting on the controversy, Jamie added: 'I wasn't there at that time. I can only speak from when I've been there and it's been an absolutely fantastic place to be.

'I did the Christmas show, and it was absolutely fantastic and it was that it was the environment that made me want to go back for the series.

'So absolutely not a bad word at all.'

While Jamie may have won the Christmas special with his 40 point quickstep, he insisted his festive taster does not give him an advantage over the other contestants.

He joked: 'It's gonna be good when I go on and I'm not really great. Everyone will see that this whole advantage thing is not actually real. We're all on a level playing field now.'

It was a night of celebrations for the show as it scooped the prize for Best Talent Show at the National Television Awards.

Amid fears for the show's future over accusations of abuse aimed at professional dancers Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima, the BBC show beat out Britain's Got Talent, The Great British Bake Off, MasterChef and The Voice to take one of the night's big prizes.

His stint will mark a return to Strictly Come Dancing after he competed in the Christmas Special last year, being crowned champion alongside professional dancer Nancy Xu

Commenting on the controversy, Jamie added: ' I wasn't there at that time. I can only speak from when I've been there and it's been an absolutely fantastic place to be' (pictured with this year's celebrity line up)

Meanwhile professional dancer Neil Jones was also full of positivity for the show especially as he will have his own celebrity partner this year

The NTAs are voted for by the public, with the win for Strictly a clear sign that viewers are still rooting for the show as it prepares to return for its 20th series on Saturday night.

Hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman were joined on stage by the show's professional dancers and the creative team as they accepted the gong at London's O2 Arena on Wednesday.

The presenting duo singled out the show's 'wonderful' team as they gushed that the win 'meant everything.'

Meanwhile professional dancer Neil Jones was also full of positivity for the show especially as he will have his own celebrity partner this year.

Speaking to MailOnline he said: 'I just love everything about the show. I'm one of those that I love to support the other pros. I look at it as a I'm there for the whole show and to support them all.

'I honestly say what I love about Strictly is 20 years now and every year there's always changes happening and you ask yourself how can we get stronger?

'And every year they get stronger and stronger and they they just have such a great support team. And so I just I love it.'

He added: 'I'm always saying I'll be back as long as you want me and as long as my body can hold.'

Speaking to MailOnline he said: ' I just love everything about the show. I'm one of those that I love to support the other pros. I look at it as a I'm there for the whole show and to support them all' (pictured during the Christmas special in 2022 with Rosie Ramsey)

It was a night of celebrations for the show as it scooped the prize for Best Talent Show at the National Television Awards

The presenting duo singled out the show's 'wonderful' team as they gushed that the win 'meant everything'

The win comes amid claims that BBC bosses are full of panic and worry regarding the publication of a report into Amanda Abbington and her former Strictly dance partner Giovanni Pernice.

The actress has accused the dancer of bullying, which he denies. But the Mail can reveal that there are concerns at the Corporation about how the two parties will react when the results of the investigation are revealed.

There have been high-level meetings among bosses as they navigate how to deliver their findings as they fear the looming possibility of legal action from either Ms Abbington, 52, or Mr Pernice if either is disappointed by the outcome.

One source told the Mail: This is an absolute mess and the BBC dont know what to do for the best.

There is a lot of panic and worry that whoever it does go in favour of will really go for the BBC, so every single word of whatever is released doesnt give anyone the chance to complain.

'They literally dont know what to do so it is being delayed and delayed. [Director-General] Tim Davie is a good guy but this is impossible to navigate.

Giovanni has been at the centre of the BBC probe being conducted over claims of off-camera misconduct made by his partner Amanda, 50, and two other former celebrity dance partners.

He 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.'

The win comes amid claims that BBC bosses are full of panic and worry regarding the publication of a report into Amanda Abbington and her former Strictly dance partner Giovanni Pernice

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.'

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.
Green Day announced on Thursday they will return to Australia for their first local tour in eight years.

The American rock band announced on Instagram they will bring their Saviors stadium tour Down Under in March 2025 after promising to return to the country a year ago.

Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt and Tre Cool, who last performed here in 2017, will kick off the Aussie leg of their tour in Melbourne at the Marvel Stadium on March 1.

They will then jet off to Engie Stadium in Sydney on March 3 and CBUS Super Stadium on the Gold Coast on March 5.

Green Day will celebrate 20 years since their breakthrough album Dookie, which was followed up 10 years later in 2004 by their hit punk rock opera American Idiot.

Fans can enjoy all the band's greatest hits since their 1987 inception in Rodeo, California, right up until their 2024 record Saviors.

'Australia has always been a big stop for us,' bassist Dirnt told The Daily Telegraph on Thursday.

'I feel like you guys really understand rock 'n' roll, and it's great to be around people that celebrate rock 'n' roll and have so many great heroes to its name.'

Green Day announced on Thursday they will return Down Under for their first Australian tour in eight years. Pictured L to R: Tre Cool, 51, Billie Joe Armstrong, 52, and Mike Dirnt, 52

Fellow Californian rockers AFI will tour with Green Day as the support, with local Aussie artists yet to be confirmed.

Fans will have their first shot at tickets during the artist pre-sale when it opens on September 16 at 1pm for the Gold Coast, 2pm for Melbourne, and 3pm for Sydney.

The Vodafone and CommBank MasterCard pre-sale will open on September 17 at 10am for Gold Coast, 11am for Melbourne, and 12pm for Sydney.

The American rock band announced on Instagram they will bring their Saviors stadium tour here in March 2025 after promising to return to the country a year ago

Live Nation will then host their pre-sale on September 19 at 11am for the Gold Coast show, 12pm for Melbourne, and 1pm for Sydney.

Finally, the general public will have access to tickets on September 20 at 12pm on the Gold Coast, 1pm in Melbourne, and 12pm in Sydney.

Green Day were last expected to play in Australia in 2020 during their Hella Mega Tour, but their tour was cancelled due to rampant COVID restrictions.

They planned to play four stadium shows in Australia at the time, and were going to be joined by fellow punk rockers Fall Out Boy and Weezer.

Green Day last put boots on Aussie soil in 2017 during their Revolution Radio Tour.
Jennifer Garner was all smiles during an outing with her teenage kid, Fin, in Los Angeles on Wednesday.

The 52-year-old actress put on a casual-chic display as she modeled a black-and-white, gingham-patterned blouse paired with skinny jeans and white sneakers.

In similar fashion, her 15-year-old child Fin  who is one of three children she shares with her ex-husband Ben Affleck  sported an oversize sweatshirt, cargo shorts and comfortable sneakers.

For their outing, the Elektra star, who stopped by her ex's house the day before to check on him amid his divorce from Jennifer Lopez, tied her brunette hair up into a high ponytail and stepped out in minimal makeup to showcase her natural beauty.

At one point, when she stepped out into the sun, she threw on a pair of dark, wayfarer-style sunglasses.

Jennifer Garner was all smiles during an outing with her teenage kid, Fin, in Los Angeles on Wednesday

The 52-year-old actress put on a casual-chic display as she modeled a black-and-white, gingham-patterned blouse paired with skinny jeans and white sneakers

She also accessorized with a smart watch in addition to diamond stud earrings and a dainty pendant necklace to match.

She had the sleeves of her shirt rolled up as she walked toward a building.

In her hands, Garner was juggling a pair of glasses, her sunglasses, a tablet, her phone and her wallet.

She was later pictured with a small canvas bag in her hand but still carrying her belongings in the nook of her arm.

The last time she and Fin were spotted out together was on Labor Day earlier this month.

Garner had a huge smile on her face as she greeted Fin, who was getting out of a SUV and arriving at the actress' home in Los Angeles' Brentwood neighborhood.

That same week, she opened up the doors to her gorgeous $7.9 million farmhouse and gave Architectural Digest a tour of her home, which she said she built 'from scratch.'

She previously purchased the property back in 2019 after finalizing her divorce from Affleck.

In similar fashion, her 15-year-old child Fin  who is one of three children she shares with her ex-husband Ben Affleck  sported an oversize sweatshirt, cargo shorts and comfortable sneakers

For their outing, the Elektra star tied her brunette hair up into a high ponytail and stepped out in minimal makeup to showcase her natural beauty

At one point, when she stepped out into the sun, she threw on a pair of dark, wayfarer-style sunglasses

Following her move out of the 8,798 square foot mansion she once shared with her ex-husband and their three kids  Violet, 18, Samuel, 12, and Fin  she embarked on a mission to create her dream home in Brentwood.

Most recently, the 13 Going On 30 star  who has had an off-again-on-again relationship with John Miller since 2018  was pictured heading to her ex's rental property in the same neighborhood to check on him amid his ongoing divorce from JLo.

Lopez officially filed for divorce from the Gone Girl actor last month on the same day as the couple's second wedding anniversary.

Prior to the filing, Affleck had been pictured spending a significant amount of time with Garner  who previously adopted the role of 'marriage counselor' to the couple  as they dropped off their eldest kid at college.

Sources close to Garner recently told DailyMail.com that she was forced to 'play mediator' in her ex-husband and his estranged wife's marriage to help them work through their issues in a way that would not impact Affleck's sobriety.

'Jen feels slightly used as a pawn in JLo's bid to repair her marriage,' a source told DailyMail.com in late August.

She also accessorized with a smart watch in addition to diamond stud earrings and a dainty pendant necklace to match. She had the sleeves of her shirt rolled up as she walked toward a building

In her hands, Garner was juggling a pair of glasses, her sunglasses, a tablet, her phone and her wallet

On the same day, she was seen heading into a parking garage

'But when Jen realized her ex-husband's marriage was past the point of salvation, her only concern was Ben's well-being and sobriety.'

The source explained that the actress' close friends were extremely unimpressed with the way Lopez leaned on Affleck's ex-wife despite how complicated matters were for the trio.

'She was put in the middle and her friends think  no matter how you look at it  a man's ex-wife should never have to play mediator in a divorce from his new wife,' the insider said.

'Especially when said wife was a big love who Jen was compared to throughout their 13-year marriage. She is happy that Ben is now happy.'

Earlier this summer, DailyMail.com revealed that Garner had made a conscious decision to step back from the 'circus' surrounding Affleck and Lopez because the situation had unearthed 'painful' memories for the actress.

She was later pictured with a small canvas bag in her hand but still carrying her belongings in the nook of her arm

As she went to presumably pick up her car, she appeared to be engrossed in her phone and checking a message

She looked radiant and in high spirits after spending quality time with Fin

Now the star is primarily focused on co-parenting with Affleck  who has battled alcoholism and a gambling addiction for decades  as he navigates life after his most recent marriage, but will remain friendly with Lopez.

The source explained: 'In the end Jen Garner always has Ben's back and although she does consider JLo a friend now, no one sees this blossoming further.'

Garner and Affleck were previously married from 2005 until their divorce was finalized in 2018.

They continue to co-parent together, but Garner has since moved on with rumored fiance, businessman John Miller, 46, who was reportedly left frustrated by how involved Garner was in trying to 'fix' Affleck's marriage.
Amy Dowden has insisted that Strictly Come Dancing's recent scandals won't tarnish the show as it returns for its 20th anniversary.

The professional dancer, 34, is set to return to the show for the upcoming series after missing last year's due to her diagnosis of breast cancer.

Strictly's anniversary years has been tainted amid probes into the behaviour of two professionals, Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima, but Amy has insisted that the show will survive.

'I think it says everything when I'm fighting for my life with a cancer diagnosis and I'm just dreaming about getting back on the show,' Amy told MailOnline after being asked if the probes have tarnished the glitter ball's glittering reputation.

'I can't tell you how amazing, on and off the dance floor, the welfare I've received [has been], the love I've had from the pros, celebrities, so no.'

Amy Dowden has insisted that Strictly Come Dancing's recent scandals won't tarnish the show asshe spoke to MailOnline at the NTAs in London on Wednesday

The professional dancer, 34, is set to return to the show for the upcoming series after missing last year's due to her diagnosis of breast cancer

The sentiment was echoed by fellow pro Carlos Gu, who joined Amy at the National Television Awards on Wednesday - where Strictly triumphed as best Talent Show.

Amy looked sensational for the evening as she donned a striking fuchsia pink figure-hugging gown, complete with a bold black spike attachment.

Meanwhile Carlos opted for an eccentric ensemble as he layered a huge red ruffled skirt over a black vest and grey baggy trousers.

Defending the show, Carlos said: 'An experience I had with my partner Angela Scanlon last year, we are soulmates.

'We went on holiday together, I was babysitting her kid. And with Molly, she's like my sister.'

'It's just love you know,' he continued. 'It's so lucky genuinely, you've met somebody out of nowhere and you've been put together and you have great energy. You love each other. I mean what more can you do?'

'And it says something when it's the 20th year of Strictly,' Amy added.

She was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in May 2023 and in what became the toughest year of her life, underwent a mastectomy, chemotherapy, fertility treatment and also almost died of sepsis.

'I think it says everything when I'm fighting for my life with a cancer diagnosis and I'm just dreaming about getting back on the show,' Amy told MailOnline after being asked if the probes have tarnished the glitter ball's glittering reputation

After being told in February that there was 'no evidence of disease', Amy is set to make her return to the ballroom for the upcoming season of Strictly (pictured in the trailer)

Amy looked sensational for the evening on Wednesday as she donned a striking fuchsia pink figure-hugging gown, complete with a bold black spike attachment

But after being told in February that there was 'no evidence of disease', Amy is set to make her return to the ballroom for the upcoming season of Strictly.

'It's insane,' she said. 'It's surreal still and I'm just super grateful that I got another shot at life.

'I'm feeling really good. I've been preparing my body for this, lots of physio, rehab and yeah I think I did pretty well 'over the summer with all the group numbers.'

Asked about the atmosphere on the upcoming series, Carlos said: 'Oh wait until you see the group numbers, they are so much bigger, better, everything.'

Amy revealed that the celebrities have been working very hard as they prepare for the new series - and confirmed she has been getting along well with her partner.

Despite its year plagued with scandals and controversy, Strictly scooped the prize for Talent Show at the National Television Awards on Wednesday night.

Amid fears for the show's future over accusations of abuse aimed at professional dancers Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima, the BBC show beat out Britain's Got Talent, The Great British Bake Off, MasterChef and The Voice to take one of the night's big prizes.

The NTAs are voted for by the public, with the win for Strictly a clear sign that viewers are still rooting for the show as it prepares to return for its 20th series on Saturday night.

Despite a year plagued with scandals and controversy, Strictly scooped the prize for Talent Show at the National Television Awards

Amid fears for the show's future over accusations of abuse, the BBC show beat out Britain's Got Talent, The Great British Bake Off, MasterChef and The Voice to take the night's big prize

Hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman were joined on stage by the show's professional dancers and the creative team as they accepted the gong at London's O2 Arena on Wednesday.

The presenting duo singled out the show's 'wonderful' team as they gushed that the win 'meant everything.'

Elsewhere at Wednesday's NTAs, Claudia missed out on the best TV Presenter gong  which went to Ant and Dec. However, the iconic presenter did win the gong for best Reality Competition for BBC's The Traitors.

Meanwhile, judge Anton Du Beke also lost out as he was beaten in the Expert category by broadcasting legend David Attenborough.
Married At First Sight star Martha Kalifatidis has hit back at online trolls who accused her of sponging off her parents.

Martha, 36, currently lives in parents Mary and Theo's Melbourne home along with fiancee Michael Brunelli, 33, and their 18-month-old son Lucius.

The reality star took to Instagram to answer a rather loaded question from one fan, pulling no punches in her response.

'Why don't you and Michael pay your own way like the rest of the world?' they asked, referring to the young family's current living situation.

Martha rejected the claim that she was sponging off her parents, saying the decision to live with Theo and Mary was not financially motivated.

'Our living arrangement has nothing to do with money,' she wrote.

'The sad thing is you probably believe we live with my parents to capitalise off of the situation. That is the furthest [thing] from the truth.'

She added that her young family's current living situation was beneficial to all involved.

Married At First Sight star Martha Kalifatidis has hit back at online trolls who accused her of sponging off her parents. Martha is pictured with mum, Mary

'In reality, we mutually enjoy it,' she said.

'Living in a multigenerational home with my parents brings us closer, fosters mutual support and creates a rich environment where wisdom and experience blend. It also brings my parents happiness.'

Martha ended the spray by adding she pitied the critic.

'I feel sorry for you that you can't see the benefits in our situation,' she said.

'Why don't you and Michael pay your own way like the rest of the world?' one fan asked on asked on Instagram, referring to the young family's current living situation

'Living in a multigenerational home with my parents brings us closer, fosters mutual support and creates a rich environment where wisdom and experience blend. It also brings my parents happiness.' Martha is pictured with dad, Theo

A heavily pregnant Martha revealed in February last year that she and Michael had moved back in to her parents home.

Answering an Instagram Q&A at the time, Martha said the couple had moved out of their Bondi apartment prior to their holiday in Europe in 2022 after the walls and ceilings became overrun with black mould.

Our place in Sydney developed some seriously aggressive black mould and we no longer wanted to stay in that house,' she said.

'Before we left for Europe, we put all our things in storage and figured we would just find somewhere new when we returned from our trip.'

Martha ended the spray by adding she 'felt sorry' for the fan. 'I feel sorry for you that you can't see the benefits in our situation,' she said

Martha, who suffered from severe morning sickness in her early pregnancy, added she spent a few months at her parents' home 'really unwell and in bed'.

'Since my pregnancy was so debilitating, staying with my family was really my only option,' she said.

'Mum convinced us that living with them was a great option, so here we are.'

The Kalifatidis family home boasts four bedrooms, three bathrooms and a swimming pool, so there is plenty of space for her, Michael and Lucius to live.
Hugh Sheridan has clarified his sexuality as he insisted he is 'straight for now' and was never non-binary.

The Aussie actor, 38, seemingly came out as bisexual and non-binary on Instagram in 2021, but has now insisted he identifies as 'straight', which refers to people who are only attracted to the opposite sex.

Hugh, who is single after breaking off his engagement with Kurt Ackerman, made the claims on Thursday's The Kyle and Jackie O Show, three years after first coming out.

In 2021, Hugh referred to himself as non-binary and 'bi' in an Instagram post, but added he did not want to subscribe to labels around his sexuality.

Speaking to hosts Kyle Sandilands and Jackie 'O' Henderson this week, Hugh seemingly revealed he identifies as heterosexual and said he has never been non-binary.

Non-binary people don't categorise their gender identity as either male or female and often go by the pronouns they/them.

'I'm not non-binary, I'm like the same as you,' Hugh told Kyle, 53, after the radio host referred to his apparent non-binary gender identity.

His clarification prompted Kyle to ask: 'What, straight?' in reference to his own sexuality.

Hugh Sheridan has clarified his sexuality as he insisted he is 'straight for now' and was never non-binary

To which Hugh replied: 'Someone wrote that I was non-binary, yeah I'm straight now.'

Jackie, 49, then shared her surprise as she asked him again if he was 'straight', to which Hugh said: 'For now, for now.'

However, the Packed to the Rafters star then said he is 'flexible' and clarified that he never 'associated' with any letter under the LGBTQIA+ acronym.

He also insisted he never said he is non-binary but was too 'scared' to correct people as he spoke out about his sexuality and gender identity.

'I was honestly too scared to say ''I never said that'', I was too scared because I thought everyone is going to come and attack me,' he said.

'I never said that ever, I never associated myself with any letter of the alphabet, I just wanted to be like Kyle and Jackie O.

'I just wanted to be someone who can be yourself, choose day-to-day.'

Hugh added that it is 'normal' to change as he said it is all a part of being human during the candid discussion.

'Jackie O could walk out and see a girl she's in love with, but she doesn't say she's this or that, she's just Jackie O. And you're just Kyle,' he added.

In July 2023, Hugh's pronouns in his Instagram bio appeared as 'he/him' following reports he had gone by they/them for two years. Now, Hugh does not list any pronouns on his Instagram bio.

In June 2021, Hugh seemingly referred to himself as bisexual and non-binary in an Instagram post.

The Aussie actor, 38, seemingly came out as bisexual and non-binary in 2021, but has now said he identifies as 'straight', which refers to people who are only attracted to the opposite sex

At the time, the Packed to the Rafters star was set to wed influencer Kurt Roberts, but the pair split eight months after announcing their engagement.

'I AM still a human (non binary/bi/me/Hughman) but I'm in a monogamous relationship with another human, who I love,' Hugh wrote at the time.

He went on to say labels 'limit' him as he discussed his sexuality.

'I don't accept a label cause it limits me if you want it, take it,' he continued.

'I chose zero labels for no other reason except the exclusion, limitations, separation, I believe are all one, deeeeep down.

'And who knows? Why chose? Be you. Be true. Be free to BE, to JUST BE you, a human, same as me.'

Hugh previously opened up about his sexuality in an interview with gay men's magazine DNA, revealing he was comfortable with being called 'gay'.

'Now I'm marrying a guy you can call me gay,' Hugh explained to the magazine.

'Whatever! The point is, we're all human and, in my case, labelling put me into a box that felt like a cell.'

Hugh also told Stellar magazine: 'I believe labels are for clothes, not for people.'

In 2021, Hugh (pictured in November) referred to himself as non-binary and 'bi' in an Instagram post but added that he did not want to subscribe to labels around his sexuality

At the time, the Packed to the Rafters star was set to wed influencer Kurt Roberts (both pictured), but the pair split eight months after announcing their engagement

He also shared that he wanted to speak up for people who don't use labels as he discussed his fluidity.

Hugh's relationship with TikTok star Kurt first emerged when the couple were seen passionately kissing in the surf down Bondi Beach in January 2021.

The House Husbands star later revealed he had introduced Kurt to his family and that they were living together in his Bondi home.

After just three months of dating, the couple announced they intended to marry and Hugh shared the post seemingly referring to himself as non-binary and bisexual.

But after an eight-month engagement, Hugh made a shock announcement in November 2021 that the couple had split, and the actor is currently single.

Earlier this year, Hugh was seen proudly flying the rainbow flag at the 2024 Mardi Gras parade in Sydney while wearing a T-shirt reading 'seen and believed'.

The Kyle & Jackie O Show can be heard from 6am to 10am on KIIS 1065 in Sydney and KIIS 101.1 in Melbourne, or listen on the iHeartRadio App.
Country music sensation Cody Johnson is gearing up for his highly anticipated return to Australia, and he's keeping a promise he made to his fans Down Under.

After winning hearts, and a belt buckle, during his last visit, the Texan cowboy is bringing his signature blend of country grit and chart-topping hits back to Aussie soil.

Speaking exclusively to Daily Mail Australia ahead of CMC Rocks 2025, Johnson, 37, opened up about his love for Australia, sharing fond memories of his time here.

'I said when I was there the first time that I would be back, so I'm making good on my promise,' revealed the music sensation.

While some stars might boast about record sales and sold-out arenas, Cody has something a little different to brag about: a rodeo belt buckle he won during his last visit.

'Not to be boastful,' he chuckled, 'but I did win a belt buckle at a rodeo. Luke Combs was like, 'Who does that?' and I said, 'Me, dude.'

It's not just the rodeo that keeps Johnson coming back to Australia.

During his last tour with fellow country megastar Combs, Johnson was blown away by the enthusiasm of Australian crowds.

Country music sensation Cody Johnson is gearing up for his highly anticipated return to Australia, and he's keeping a promise he made to his fans Down Under

After winning hearts, and a belt buckle, during his last visit, the Texan cowboy is bringing his signature blend of country grit and chart-topping hits back to Aussie soil

'When we got there, every city we played, they were screaming the words over the top of me,' he said, still in awe.

'It really warmed my heart up because I didn't realise my music had made it so far from America.'

Johnson's connection to Australia runs deeper than just his music career.

The country music star has fully embraced Aussie culture, especially when it comes to the country's beer and rodeo scene.

'Great Northern all the way!' Cody declared when asked about his favourite Aussie beer.

'I tried to get it shipped to America, but they wouldn't let me,' he added with a laugh.

Known for hits like Till You Can't and The Painter, Cody was moved by the overwhelming reception he received from fans.

'A couple of times I even kind of teared up on stage and was like, man, that kid who just wanted to be a country music star - here we are.'

Johnson's latest single, Dirt Cheap, is already making waves, and he's set to release Leather: The Deluxe Edition just before the tour kicks off in November, ensuring Aussie fans will have even more music to enjoy.

'There's going to be a lot more for fans to digest and to listen to before I get there,' he added, teasing new material that's sure to keep his audience hooked.

Despite the global success and a staggering 7.5 billion streams to his name, Cody remains grounded.

'I don't think of myself as the big star, the big guy,' he admitted humbly.

Johnson's latest single, Dirt Cheap, is already making waves, and he's set to release Leather: The Deluxe Edition just before the tour kicks off in November, ensuring Aussie fans will have even more music to enjoy

'I think it has to do with the musicmaking real, authentic music that connects with people. When you go out on stage and they look you in the eyes and see that this guy's real, that's what keeps them coming back.'

Beyond the music, it's clear that Australia holds a special place in Cody's heart - not only for its fans, but for the cowboy culture that resonates with his own Texan roots.

Johnson fondly recalled his rodeo experience with Australian cowboy Wade Forrester, who has since become a close friend.

'He's actually coming over to Texas next month to hang out with me, and we're gonna do some cowboy stuff.'

Johnson will headline Australia's biggest country music festival, CMC Rocks Queensland, alongside Thomas Rhett and Jon Pardi in March 2025.

CMC Rocks QLD returns to Willowbank from Friday 21  Sunday 23 March. General Tickets go on sale 10am Thursday 12 September. Visit cmcrocks.com for tickets
Bella Hadid and her boyfriend Adan Banuelos are fast-approaching their one-year anniversary of meeting.

And on Wednesday, the couple stepped out with family and friends for a dinner date in New York City, which is in Hadid's neck of the urban woods.

They were spotted making their way along the bustling streets of Downtown Manhattan to Zero Bond, a members-only club situated at the corner of Broadway and Bond Street in the NoHo neighborhood.

It looks as though the supermodel has taken easily to the cowboy and cowgirl styles by donning a long denim skirt with a tan Western-style top with stitch down the front and center.

She also donned a pair of dark brown cowboy boots, accessorized with an assortment of bracelets, necklaces, and rings, which she capped off by having her dark brown locks styled long and straight with a part in the middle.

Bella Hadid, 27, is playing host to her boyfriend Adan Banuelos, 35, in New York City, with a night out to a members-only club for dinner in Downtown Manhattan on Wednesday

The couple held hands while making their way to dinner with family and friends

Banuelos, 35, looked like he was just coming from a competition, in his denim jeans, black button-down with various sponsor logos adorned on the front, and turquoise cowboy boots.

The wildly successful rodeo star and equestrian champion also sported a classic silver belt buckle and black cowboy hat over his short dark hair, while sporting a five-o'clock shadow.

The Mexican-American native, who just happens to be a National Cutting Horse Association Riders Hall of Famer, took the lead for their stroll much of time walking the streets of New York.

The couple held hands as they kept up a brisk New York City pace past the cobblestone streets and on to the establishment for dinner.

The pair first started stirring up dating rumors when they were seen kissing and holding hands together, which was documented by TMZ with photographs in October 2023.

In fact, Hadid has since moved to Fort Worth, Texas, at least part-time, to be closer to her man, according to Austin American-Statesman.

North Texans have spotted Hadid a few times this year, including in March when she cheered on Banuelos at Arlington's annual rodeo.

That means they will be celebrating their one-year anniversary some time in the next four to six weeks.

It appears the catwalk queen has taken easily to the cowboy and cowgirl styles by donning a long denim skirt with a tan Western-style top with stitch down the front and center

Like her beau, the top model also wore brown cowboy boots and her hair flowing down straight past the middle of her back with a center part

Banuelos, 35, looked like he was just coming from a competition, in his denim jeans, black button-down with various sponsor logos adorned on the front, and turquoise cowboy boots

The couple will be celebrating their one-year anniversary of dating in the next four to six weeks

Bella was sure to turn heads as she slipped into a fitted denim skirt and cowboy boots for the night out

The couple looked happier than ever as they strolled together in their coordinating outfits

The model looked smitten as she walked hand in hand with her beau

Among his many accoladres, the Mexican-American horse rider is best known as the 2020 Futurity Champion, and four-time Rider Of The Year for four different years before being inducted into the NCHA Hall of Fame in 2017.

Like her partner, the catwalk queen has also had a love for horses since she was a child, but had to take a break from riding due to her Lyme disease.

It's believed that she was on her way to being an Olympic level equestrian when she was diagnosed with Lyme disease in 2013.

But since then Hadid has been able to make it back to her riding and competing in the sport she has lived for a lifetime.
Travolta says he was impressed by star's high-flying ambition

EXCLUSIVE

John Travolta fans could be forgiven for thinking he has got a bit of a thing for wholesome blonde actresses from the land Down Under.

The Hollywood legend famously inspired a generation of 'summer loving' romantics with his duet alongside Aussie screen icon Olivia Newton-John half a century ago in Grease.

And now Travolta is hoping to create an equally enduring moment alongside the country's latest favourite daughter - Margot Robbie.

The 70-year-old didn't have to think twice after being asked about his 'dream co-star' during a rare interview with young Australian real estate moguls Shane Spiteri and Kirsty Cunningham for their upcoming podcast, Beyond the Sale.

'Margot Robbie...oh my god, one can only dream,' Travolta revealed in the yet-to-be broadcast interview.

'I just love her and she was in one of my favourite series called Pan Am.'

Robbie landed her breakthrough role in the American airline drama after relocating to Hollywood following a four-year run on Australian soap staple Neighbours.

John Travolta set the big screen ablaze as Danny Zuko in 1977's hit musical Grease, opposite the late Australian acting icon Olivia Newton-John, who played Sandy Olsson

The 70-year-old actor is a renowned aviation enthusiast and amateur pilot

Although the series lasted just one season, her star turn as newly-trained flight attendant Laura Cameron saw her career take off in America.

Robbie has since gone on to scene-stealing roles in a series of movies including The Wolf of Wall Street, The Big Short and Barbie.

Travolta said he mistakenly asked the 34-year-old star whether she tapped into her childhood desire to be a real-life flight attendant for the series.

'I met her for the first time at the Oscars two years ago and I said, "I saw your series Pan Am, you know, it was so good, you were so good, I heard you always wanted to be a flight attendant?"

'She said, "No! I always wanted to be a pilot!" and I said, "Really," I said, "That's really interesting.'"

Aviation geek Travolta, a fully-qualified pilot who flies his own Boeing 707 jet, said he couldn't resist calling out a goof in one of Robbie's movies.

'I said, "You know in your movie [Once Upon A Time In Hollywood] there was a mistake in it",' the actor said in the upcoming podcast, which has been sponsored by real estate appraisal website agentspot.com.au.

'The Pan Am 747 didn't start service until January '70, but (the movie is set in) the fall of '69, and Leo DiCaprio is flying to Europe in a 747 - it wouldn't have been possible.'

Margot Robbie landed her breakthrough Hollywood role in American aviation drama Pan Am

The series only lasted one season but launched Robbie's silver screen career in the US

Travolta said he was impressed by Robbie's concern over how the film's director, Quentin Tarantino, would react if he learned about the aviation anachronism.

'I said, "I don't know but it's fun to think of whether he would protect it - justify it, whatever - but I'm going to see Quentin in about a month and I'm going to tell him!"

'I know where he got it from - (the 747) was test flown in 1969 - but getting back to (Margot), the point was that, instead of defending it, she was much more fascinated with how Quentin would respond to it.

'And she wanted to be a pilot - both of those things made me like her even more - and, she's gorgeous, just breathtaking.'

Travolta took part in the unexpected interview during an otherwise low-profile flying-visit to Sydney with his children last week.

The megastar piloted a private jet from Queenstown in New Zealand to Australia for the three-day stay with his 24-year-old daughter, actress Ella Bleu, and his son Benjamin, 13.

Travolta started learning how to fly when he was 15 years old, and he obtained his first jet licence in 1978  the same year his iconic film musical Grease premiered in theaters and cemented his status as a popular leading man.
Montana Brown showed off her blossoming baby bump on Wednesday as she took to her Instagram to share a gallery of snaps from her vacation in Sardinia, Italy.

The former Love Island star, 29, who is expecting her second child with fiance Mark O'Connor, displayed her growing bump in a stylish beige bikini which consisted of a triangle bikini top and a pair of tie-side bikini bottoms.

The TV star further accessorised her ensemble with a pearl choker necklace that featured a gold shell at the centre and sported a Jacquemus bucket hat.

The mother-of-one showcased her natural beauty as she went makeup-free for the day and styled her locks in loose waves.

She captioned the gorgeous snaps with: 'keeping this little bean a surprise,'

Montana Brown showed off her blossoming baby bump on Wednesday as she took to her Instagram to share a gallery of snaps from her vacation in Sardinia, Italy

The former Love Island star, 29, who is expecting her second child with fiance Mark O'Connor, displayed her growing bump in a stylish beige bikini

'I feel so different in this pregnancy, appetite, energy levels and definitely size. With Jude I would eat like a moose and had so much water retention.'

'Would love to hear about your pregnancies and if they were similar? cant wait to meet this little one '

Montana announced she was pregnant with her second child in July and took to her Instagram to share the happy news with her 1.1 million followers.

She displayed her tummy in a chic knit dress and cradled her stomach as she smiled for the camera in the clip.

Confirming that she is expecting again with her rugby player fiance Mark, Montana wrote: 'Two under two let's go!'

Montana and Mark welcomed their first child, a son named Jude, in June last year and announced they were expecting again just 13 months later.

The couple travelled to Santorini after they enjoyed a week-long holiday with their son Jude in Montenegro and shared updates from their sun-soaked trip.

The reality personality was flooded with congratulatory messages from her famous friends and Instagram followers.

The TV star further accessorised her ensemble with a pearl choker necklace that featured a gold shell at the centre and sported a Jacquemus bucket hat

Gabby Allen, who appeared on her series of Love Island, wrote: 'Omgggg.'

While fellow Love Island alum, Tasha Ghouri said: 'Ahh!! Congratulations!'

Samira Mighty penned: 'Ahhhh.'

Food influencer Emily English posted a series of clapping hands while Tiffany Watson and Natalya Wright both said 'congratulations'.

Other stars who shared their support included Vicky Pattison, Danielle Lloyd, Grace Beverley, Kendall Rae Knight and Elle Brown.

Earlier this year, Montana celebrated the joys and sorrows of motherhood as she paid tribute to her baby son Jude in a heartfelt Instagram post.

Montana reflected on her pregnancy journey seven months after her little one was born - as she shared her emotional thoughts with her followers.

She detailed the highs and lows of the 'humbling' experience, admitting she was always 'one comment away from having a meltdown' but it also made her 'respect her body so much more'.

Sharing a throwback picture of when she was seven months pregnant, she showed off her baby bump in a red bikini.

Montana announced she was pregnant with her second child in July and took to her Instagram to share the happy news with her 1.1 million followers

Montana and Mark welcomed their first child, a son named Jude, in June last year and announced they were expecting again just 13 months later

Earlier this year, Montana celebrated the joys and sorrows of motherhood as she paid tribute to her baby son Jude in a heartfelt Instagram post

The reality sensation detailed the highs and lows of the 'humbling' experience, admitting she was always 'one comment away from having a meltdown' but it also made her 'respect her body so much more'

Montana was seen posing on a lavish terrace while soaking up the sun, adding a stylish straw hat and chic shades.

In the second shot, she displayed her growing baby bump in the same beach set while smiling happily in a mirror selfie.

The TV star added a few heart-melting pictures of little Jude to her carousel, accompanied by a lengthy caption: '7 months in vs 7 months out.'

'I actually LOVED being pregnant, it was such a special experience and it really made me respect my body so much more I'm still in awe.'

'This chapter has been hard, the lack of sleep etc is so tough, I legit cried when someone beeped me in the car recently and I always feel one beep or one comment away from having a meltdown but it's such a humbling experience.'

She went on saying: 'I am in awe of the mums that do it on their own, don't have family around to support and who just don't get a break because I am so fortunate to have support around me and I am STILL in the thick of it..'

The Love Islander finished gushing over her tiny one: 'But despite how tired I have been, Jude gets me through, his smile first thing in the morning is just priceless.'
Rob Burrow's widow Lindsay praised her late husband's bravery in an emotional speech at the National Television Awards on Wednesday.

Shortly before she presented Kate Garraway with the best Documentary gong for Derek's Story, she praised the former rugby player for giving others the courage to 'dare to dream.'

The former Leeds Rhino star was diagnosed with the incurable and life-limiting motor neurone disease in 2019. He passed away in June this year.

Standing in front of the audience at London's O2 Arena, Lindsay began: 'For the first time tonight I am here without Rob.

'I know he would tell me to be brave. I can do that because he showed me how.'

Rob Burrows widow Lindsay praised her late husband's bravery in an emotional speech at the National Television Awards on Wednesday

Shortly before she presented Kate Garraway with the best Documentary gong for Derek's Story, she praised the former rugby player for giving others the courage to 'dare to dream'

She continued: 'Under the most difficult circumstances Rob because the face and voice os the MND community.

'He never let this disease define him. Rob taught us all that in a world full of adversity that we must always dare to dream.'

Wearing a beautiful navy blue dress, Lindsey appeared solo on stage with a graphic at the back of the stage showing Rob in his Leeds Rhinos kit with the dates of his life underneath.

Rob, who was diagnosed in December 2019 when doctors warned he may only have two years to live, was unable to feed himself, dress himself, or go to the toilet himself.

Lindsey stepped in as his unpair carer while simultaneously looking after their three children and continuing to work for the NHS as a physiotherapist.

She televised her own struggle in Lindsey Burrow: Who Cares for Our Carers?, she explores the impact on unpaid carers in England and Wales who provide care worth an estimated 162 billion a year, the equivalent of a second NHS.

Winning documentary, Kate Garraway: Derek's Story follows the last few months in the life of Derek Draper, Kate's late husband, and also highlights the pressures of being a carer.

Political lobbyist Derek died in January at the age of 56 after contracting Covid-19 in 2020 and never recovering.

Standing in front of the audience, Lindsay began: 'For the first time tonight I am here without Rob. 'I know he would tell me to be brave. I can do that because he showed me how'

She concluded: 'He never let this disease define him. Rob taught us all that in a world full of adversity that we must always dare to dream'

The former Leeds Rhino star was diagnosed with the incurable and life-limiting motor neurone disease in 2019. He passed away in June this year

Lindsey stepped in as his unpair carer while simultaneously looking after their three children and continuing to work for the NHS as a physiotherapist (pictured with daughters Macy and Maya)

Winning documentary, Kate Garraway: Derek's Story follows the last few months in the life of Derek Draper, Kate's late husband, and also highlights the pressures of being a carer

Accepting the gong from Lindsay, with her children by her side, Kate said: 'This is a bittersweet one isn't it? It's very bitter to be here, with the gorgeous Darcey and Billy'

Accepting the gong from Lindsay, with her children by her side, Kate said: 'This is a bittersweet one isn't it? It's very bitter to be here, with the gorgeous Darcey and Billy.'

'I promised them they didn't have to say anything. We're halfway through the first year of firsts really.

'A first Easter and first birthdays, without Derek. It's so strange to be here for the first Television Awards without him.'

Derek had previously been the star of documentaries Kate Garraway: Finding Derek (2021) and Kate Garraway: Caring For Derek (2022).
Halle Berry has admitted the unexpected reason why she is not afraid of ageing as she opened up about what is important to her in life as she nears 60.

The Hollywood actress, 58, claimed 'women get defined by age more than men' as she shared her opinion on getting older.

She explained how she hopes when her looks fade, fans will finally focus solely on her career than her beauty.

Speaking to Marie Claire, the Cat Woman star said: 'Age is just a number that they stick on us at birth.

'As women, we get defined by it way more than men do and sometimes it can debilitate us. It can trick us into thinking what we're supposed to do.'

Discussing her stance on beauty, Halle, who looked sensational as she modelled a sexy black lace gown for the cover shoot, said having everybody look at her has 'always been a hollow win' because it has nothing to do with her career.

Halle Berry, 58, has admitted the unexpected reason why she is not afraid of ageing as she opened up about what is important to her in life as she nears 60

The Hollywood actress claimed 'women get defined by age more than men' as she shared her opinion on getting older

The former Bond Girl would rather focus on areas of her life that have greater value such as her family and career.

She continued: 'So when [my beauty] starts to go, maybe for the first time in my life, people will focus on the other aspects of me that I think are way more interesting.

'The movies that I've been a part of, the acting accolades I've garnered over the years, my charity work. I do take ownership over those things that I've worked really hard at, and if somebody finds value in those things that lights me up.'

For the photo shoot, Halle made sure all eyes were on her as she slipped into a sheer black gown and stilettos.

She later sent temperatures soaring as she went braless under an off the shoulder semi-sheer white sequinned dress which boasted a daring thigh high split.

For her third look, Halle showed off her amazing figure in a bold gown which featured a unique white floral structured top and black skirt.

It comes after Halle claimed she has spent $200k trying to 'work with' ex Olivier Martinez on co-parenting their son Maceo, 10, in shock new court documents filed earlier this month.

The Oscar-winner married Olivier, 58, in 2013 - the same year they welcomed Maceo - and split in 2016. Their divorce was finalized seven years later in August 2023 - with the pair since embroiled in a bitter custody row.

She explained how she hopes when her looks fade, fans will finally focus solely on her career than her beauty

Speaking to Marie Claire, she said: 'Age is just a number that they stick on us at birth. As women, we get defined by it way more than men do and sometimes it can debilitate us. It can trick us into thinking what we're supposed to do'

Discussing her stance on beauty, Halle, who looked sensational in a sexy black lace gown, said having everybody look at her has 'always been a hollow win' because it has nothing to do with her career

She continued: 'So when [my beauty] starts to go, maybe for the first time in my life, people will focus on the other aspects of me that I think are way more interesting'

'The movies that I've been a part of, the acting accolades I've garnered over the years, my charity work. I do take ownership over those things that I've worked really hard at'

For the photo shoot, Halle made sure all eyes were on her as she slipped into an eye catching red gown

For her third look, Halle showed off her amazing figure in a bold gown which featured a unique white floral structured top and black skirt

In documents obtained by US Weekly Berry claims she has spent over $200,000 in legal fees including 'voluntarily' contributing $80,000 towards Olivier's own legal expenses.

She claimed Olivier supports himself off her child support payments - so she 'has to go to work'. She alleges that he objected to pay for a home visit with their therapist during Halle's free time before changing his mind.

She claims Olivier 'delayed' court-stipulated co-parenting therapy 'despite several follow-ups.'

She wrote in the documents: 'I have done everything possible to work with Olivier, to communicate with him, and to engage him in the decision-making process regarding our son [Maceo] in an amicable way. Olivier has refused to co-parent and communicate with me in a child-centered way; he has been oppositional and unmovable on all major issues relating to Maceo.'

Text messages between the pair were also included in the documents with Halle writing to Olivier: 'I feel very sorry that we are at odds. I had better hopes for us. I always hoped that we do better for Maceo and work together like we did before Van [Hunt- her partner]

'Its all has gone to s**t since then. We used to try to get along for maceos [sic] sake, now you dont want to even try and Ive tried Olivier you know I have.

'However, you just stay angry and Im not sure why. We must let all this anger go and do better. Maceo deserves that. Im tired of being called a lier [sic], Im tired of fighting with you and I quit. If you want to keep this negativity going thats on you, but I want no parts of it we need to ban [sic] together now more than ever. However we face it we need to face it together not fighting. Just my opinion, but you will make your choice.'

Olivier responded: 'The only way to work together is to work ur [sic] way. thats [sic] not working together. u [a]re [sic] playing dirty as you always did not putting maceos [sic] best interest first but karma is coming no worrys [sic].'

DailyMail.com has contacted representatives for Halle and Olivier for comment.
Andrew O'Keefe looked downcast on Wednesday when he was spotted picking up a mystery woman in his car in the upmarket Sydney suburb of Point Piper.

The disgraced television presenter, 52, was seen waiting patiently in the driver's seat of his car with the window down for his female companion to arrive.

The former Deal Or No Deal host rocked a smart casual look for the outing, in a pink dress shirt paired with beige pants and tan boots.

He had an unlit cigarette in his mouth and looked to be in poor spirits as he gazed into the distance, his face marked by fatigue.

O'Keefe was seen engaging in conversation with his companion upon her arrival.

She appeared at ease in a striped T-shirt as she carried a takeaway coffee and her essentials.

After she entered the vehicle, they drove off together.

The identity of O'Keefe's companion is not known, nor is their relationship.

Andrew O'Keefe looked downcast on Wednesday when he was spotted picking up a mystery woman in his car in the upmarket Sydney suburb of Point Piper. Pictured

Last month, O'Keefe was once again arrested - just hours after a court appearance.

The disgraced television presenter, 52, was seen waiting patiently in the driver's seat of his car with the window down for his female companion to arrive

O'Keefe was seen engaging in conversation with his companion upon her arrival

The mystery woman wore a striped t-shirt and carried a coffee

She opened the passenger seat door and got into his car

The identity of O'Keefe's companion is not known

On Wednesday, August 7 O'Keefe appeared in Sydney's Downing Centre over allegations he breached a violence protection order put in place on behalf of his former partner.

He walked out of court shortly after 10am in an upbeat mood after his hearing was adjourned, even joking with journalists that he was 'good now'.

But less than two hours later he was back in court after being arrested for allegedly breaching bail conditions.

'About 1pm today, officers attached to Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command arrested a 52-year-old man at a home in Vaucluse,' police said in a statement.

The former Deal Or No Deal host rocked a smart casual look for the outing, in a pink dress shirt paired with beige pants and tan boots

On Wednesday, August 7 O'Keefe appeared in Sydney's Downing Centre over allegations he breached a violence protection order put in place on behalf of his former partner

He walked out of court shortly after 10am in an upbeat mood after his hearing was adjourned, even joking with journalists that he was 'good now'

'It is alleged the man had been breaching his bail conditions. He was taken to Waverley Police Station and will appear before Waverley Local Court to have his bail re-determined.'

O'Keefe was granted bail on the condition that he reports to Rose Bay Police station three times a week, refrains from drinking alcohol or doing drugs and does not enter Point Piper.

His appearance at Waverley marked the third time the former Deal or No Deal host has appeared in court that month.

But less than two hours later he was back in court after being arrested for allegedly breaching bail conditions

'About 1pm today, officers attached to Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command arrested a 52-year-old man at a home in Vaucluse,' police said in a statement
READ MORE: AFL star Matthew Kennedy and wife Maryanne welcome first child

AFL star Beau McCreery and glamorous model Frankie Evans went Instagram Official with their relationship on Wednesday, after months of speculation they were dating.

The Collingwood player, 23, and the Brooklyn MGMT model, 27, shared a gallery of loved-up photos to social media, confirming they were now a couple.

One precious snap captured a shirtless Beau flexing his muscles while he relaxed with Frankie and his dog at St Kilda Beach.

Another adorable photo showed the lovebirds visiting a South Australian vineyard together.

Beau was all smiles in the heartfelt picture as he posed alongside his partner in the scenic outdoor setting.

In a third snap the pair were seen putting on a very racy display as Beau had his hand on Frankie's pert derriere while at a restaurant.

The footy player could not wipe the smile off his face as he spent quality time with his girlfriend, who was introduced to him in May by mutual friends.

Many of their followers quickly took to the comment section to congratulate them on the happy news.

AFL star Beau McCreery and glamorous model Frankie Evans went Instagram Official with their relationship on Wednesday, after months of speculation they were dating. Both pictured

The Collingwood player, 23, and the Brooklyn MGMT model, 27, shared a gallery of loved-up photos to social media. One precious snap captured a shirtless Beau flexing his muscles while he relaxed with Frankie and his dog at St Kilda Beach

'Hard launch,' one fan wrote while a second person added: 'She's definitely a keeper'.

According to the Herald Sun, the couple bonded over their love of animals, with both being the proud owner of a bulldog.

The South Australian-born athlete was recruited by the Magpies in 2021 and helped them with the Grand Final against Brisbane last year.

Meanwhile, Frankie has been signed with elite modeling agency Brooklyn MGMT since 2016, and has promoted a variety of brands through them, including Garnier and Sportsgirl.
Holly Ramsay and Adam Peaty have announced their engagement.

The couple, who have been dating for three years, shared the news in sweet Instagram posts on Thursday as Holly showed off her dazzling yellow diamond engagement ring in snaps from their holiday in Mallorca.

Holly, 24, and Adam, 29, complemented each other's posts by including bible verses after the Olympic swimmer revealed religion had saved him from addiction.

Influencer Holly was the first to share the news as she posted a series of sweet snaps together and wrote: 'I am marrying my best friend. I truly cannot put into words how I am feeling right now. I still remeber [sic] how big my smile was the morning I got home from my first date with you.

'Thank you for letting the little girl inside of me feel loved, seen and happier than ever. I love you & I cannot wait to be your wife.'

Holly Ramsay has announced she's engaged to Adam Peaty

The couple, who have been dating for three years, shared the news in sweet Instagram posts on Thursday as Holly showed off her dazzling engagement ring

Holly shared: 'Thank you for letting the little girl inside of me feel loved, seen and happier than ever. I love you & I cannot wait to be your wife'

She went on to reference Adam's son George, who he shares with ex-girlfriend Eirianedd Munro.

Holly continued: 'I promise to always be there with you and George, Im so greatful [sic] to be in his life and I cannot wait for more.

'And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13'.

Adam also shared a gushing post announcing the news, which comes after he made a decision to take a break from swimming.

In his heartfelt post, he praised his fiancee for sticking with him through his 'lowest times', following his highly-publicised battle with alcoholism and mental health.

He penned: 'I cant believe youre going to be my wife. Im truly the luckiest man on earth to have such a gentle, caring and beautiful woman by my side. You fill my heart to the brim and give my soul peace.

'You have been with me when Ive been at my lowest and helped me understand myself to navigate my own darkness.

'You have also celebrated the highs which have been so many, as for the first time in my life, Im happy with the man Ive become. You came to church with me and joined the incredible community we have there without a question.'

Holly shared: 'I am marrying my best friend. I truly cannot put into words how I am feeling right now' as she showed off her bespoke yellow diamond design by Pragnell

Holly also added the bible passage: 'And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13'

Adam shared another snap holding hands with Holly and showing off his 'George' bracelet in honour of the son he shares with his ex-girlfriend

Adam also shared a gushing post as he praised Holly for helping him through dark times

Holly's father Gordon shared a sweet congratulatory message

Adam continued: 'Your family have always treated me so generously with their time, emotion and trust. I cant wait to be joined with them too.

'Ive always believed that when two people are engaged and later married that we are no longer two people but we join as one and its the biggest privilege to share that with you.

'Seeing you show the love you give to the most important person in my life, George, even from day one, there was never a question about you becoming my wife one day. Im looking forward to our life together and the many challenges well face.

'I promise to always love you with all my heart.

'Matthew 19:6 So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.'

The couple were immediately flooded with congratulatory messages, with Holly's famous father Gordon Ramsay penning: 'Congratulations to you both ! Were over the moon and enjoy this moment ! Welcome to the family'

Thought to be worth 610 million, Gordon has six children with his wife Tana, 49, Megan, 26, twins Holly and Jack, 24, Tilly, 22, Oscar, five and Jesse, eight months.

An influencer with now 347,000 followers, Holly works with brands such as Space NK, Net A Porter and Charlotte Tilbury.

Holly and Adam met in 2021 on Strictly Come Dancing, where Adam starred opposite Holly's sister Matilda.

The influencer unveiled a new tattoo in January this year which she got matching with Adam.

After studying fashion at Ravensbourne University, she dropped out after a year and was admitted to Nightingale Hospital in Marylebone after suffering PTSD from sexual assaults.

A while after, in 2019 she signed with Established Models; a model agency based in London.

In summer 2021 Holly launched a podcast called 21& Over but after 13 episodes it was discontinued.

Adam, Holly and Gordon pictured together at the British Grand Prix in Silverstone last year

Adam pictured competing in the final of the 4 x 100m relay swimming event in Paris

Adam is known for representing Team GB in swimming.

Yet just over a year ago the British swimming champion 'wanted to see a pool again' claiming the sport that shot him to fame had 'broken him'.

A fractured foot in May 2022 became the 'catalyst' of his 'downward spiral' sparking 'three years of hell' where the Olympic hero was left battling with depression, alcoholism and the separation from the mother of his child.

By February 2023 he made the decision to take a competitive break from the sport, after his goggles filled with tears during a training session where he realised 'I don't want to do this anymore'.

Yet thanks to his newly re-found faith and the support of Holly's family, Adam made a triumphant return at the Paris Olympics - adding a silver medal to his trophy cabinet.

As Adam secured his silver medal during the 100m breaststroke race in the French capital, Holly was there on the sidelines cheering him on, holding onto his three-year-old son.

And last month, the swimmer revealed he wants to have more children and looks 'forward to the future' with his 'Hol'.

He told The Times: 'She's brilliant. She's been pinnacle to this moment in my life where I can have peace and I can have that kind of love where it's not defined by anything else other than the connection we have.

'It's great and I look forward to the future'.

When asked what their future together might look like he added: 'I definitely want more kids.'

Adam Peaty and Holly Ramsay kiss on the poolside after the swimmer won silver at the Paris Olympics

Adam split from his girlfriend Eirianedd after three years together and apologised for 'letting down' his partner and their son in August 2022

While Holly has become his biggest champion, Adam has also been grateful for the support from her family - namely Gordon, who he said 'inspires me to be successful'.

Gushing over the family, he added that they were all 'incredible people' who are 'very supportive, very welcoming and very loving'.

Alongside his relationship, Adam said his spectacular return to the swimming pool was in part helped by his religion.

Adam, who was born in Staffordshire, was raised Catholic and was always partially spiritual but in recent years he joined an Evangelical Church, where he attends almost every Sunday.

He now describes himself as 'a religious man' and even told the paper: 'I'd rather have my faith and my relationship with Jesus and come second than have a gold.'

Adam now prays every day without fail and has inked a cross onto his torso in the latest in his collection of large tattoos.

The athlete separated from the mother of his son George and partner of three-years Eirianedd in 2022.

His son George was just two years old at the time. Announcing the news via social media, Adam wrote: 'Eiri and George, I'm sorry for letting you down. My only interest is for the well-being of our family at this difficult time.'

The day before Adam and Holly announced their engagement Eirianedd took to Instagram to share a sweet post marking their son's fourth birthday, which Holly 'liked'

Eirianedd took to her own social media to announce the split, predicting she would face an 'incredibly difficult' future.

Their split was in part put down to the doomed 'Strictly curse' after Adam raised eyebrows with his on screen chemistry with pro-partner Katya Jones on the dance floor.

Yet the pair now appear on good terms with each other.

The day before Adam and Holly announced their engagement Eirianedd took to Instagram to share a sweet post marking their son's fourth birthday, which Holly 'liked'.
Hollyoaks star Callum Kerr has announced he's engaged to his partner Lauren Stacy.

The actor, 30, previously played sinister policeman PC George Kiss on the Channel 4 soap between 2020 and 2021.

Taking to Instagram, Scottish actor Callum revealed he'd popped the question to Lauren during a romantic getaway to South Africa.

He captioned the post: 'Took this girl on a horse ride thru the Western Cape and asked if she'd spend the rest of her life with me.'

His post was soon flooded with sweet messages of congratulations from fans of the soap, with Billy Price, who played Sid Sumner, writing: 'Congrats bro,' followed by a heart emoji.

Hollyoaks star Callum Kerr has announced he's engaged to his long-term partner Lauren Stacy

The actor previously played sinister policeman PC George Kiss on the Channel 4 soap between 2020 and 2021

Taking to Instagram, Scottish actor Callum revealed he'd popped the question to Lauren during a romantic getaway to South Africa

Callum's post showed the sweet moment he and Lauren headed out on a horseback ride, with later images featuring the excited bride-to-be showing off her sparkly engagement ring.

In December, Callum revealed he'd become a father for the first time, after Lauren gave birth to their first child, daughter Isla.

The actor proudly gushed at Lauren for welcoming Isla into the world, alongside a raw photo of her beaming just after she gave birth.

He penned: 'Meet my daughter, my world: Isla  - The other love of my life.

'@Laurenstacy7 was amazing thru the whole thing isn't she GLOWING!?!? Feeling like the luckiest guy in the world- words dont cover it'.

Callum's character George first arrived in the village to investigate the county lines drug dealing that took place in the village, and he was installed at Hollyoaks High in an attempt to lower the risk of dealing on school grounds.

It was at the school he first met John Paul McQueen (James Sutton), but after a few months, he became abusive, fuelled by his jealousy for James Nightingale (Gregory Finnegan) and Ste Hay (Kieron Richardson).

Callum's time on the soap came to a dramatic end when his abuse was revealed to the rest of the McQueen family.

While Theresa (Jorgie Porter) furiously confronted him, Sally St. Clare (Annie Wallace) killed him with a bookend.

In the aftermath, of his death, George's real killer was never exposed, John Paul relapsed into his alcoholism after being questioned by police over his murder.

Since leaving the soap, Callum has pursued a career in music, and in June he revealed he signed a record deal in Nashville.

'Proud to announce that after just shy of two years writing, and a year of releasing music here in Nashville, I've signed a record deal,' he posted on Instagram.

He captioned the post: 'Took this girl on a horse ride thru the Western Cape and asked if she'd spend the rest of her life with me'

Since leaving the soap, Callum has pursued a career in music, and in June he revealed he signed a record deal in Nashville

Callum's character was sensationally killed off after his abuse of boyfriend John Paul McQueen was exposed

In December, Callum revealed he'd become a father for the first time , after Lauren gave birth to their first child, daughter Isla

'A coalition between OneRPM (the label) and HuffCo (the records) spearheaded by country award winning in-house producers @dannhuff and @davidhuffmusic

'Can't wait to show y'all what we're working on and feeling beyond blessed to be involved.'

This week Hollyoaks kicked off their new major scheduling shake-up as it will go down from five to just three episodes per week.

It's set to take a year-long time jump, with 20 cast members sadly being axed due to the ongoing Channel 4 cuts.

The channel said that they were making the change because it is the 'optimum pattern to keep heartland audiences hooked and attract new ones in a highly saturated content market' based on Channel 4 data.

They claim that their research shows that most regular soap viewers watch an average of three episodes per week.

MDs of Lime Pictures, Kate Little and Claire Poyser, said: 'Given the success of the new streaming-first model, we are delighted that Hollyoaks remains at the forefront of Channel 4's digital first strategy, bringing authentic, unexpected and untold stories that inspire younger audiences in a way that they want to consume them.

'Evidently there are implications that will mean we have to reshape Hollyoaks' production model and amidst the buoying news for the future of the show and its audience, we must also acknowledge that a reduction in cast and crew, will be very difficult and we will support everyone in that process.'

The budget cuts have forced Channel 4 bosses to carry out a mass axing of cast and crew.
Gordon Ramsay couldn't resist making a cheeky comment as he broke his silence on his daughter's engagement.

On Thursday, Holly Ramsay announced she was engaged to Olympic swimmer Adam Peaty, gushing that she was set to 'marry her best friend.'

Gordon, 57, was quick to comment, uploading a sweet snap of himself and Holly and writing: 'Congratulations to this gorgeous girl @hollyramsayy. so happy for you and @adam_peaty !

'Hols, watching you become the woman you are today with your kindness and your love is absolutely infectious Adam is a very lucky man! Welcome to the family '

Gordon, who has six children with his wife Tana, 49, Megan, 26, twins Holly and Jack, 24, Tilly, 22, Oscar, five and Jesse, eight months, went on to cheekily add he was trying to get the girls married off, as he concluded: 'One down, two to go [crying laughing emoji].

Gordon Ramsay couldn't resist making a cheeky comment as he broke his silence on his daughter's engagement

On Thursday, Holly Ramsay announced she was engaged to Olympic swimmer Adam Peaty , gushing that she was set to 'marry her best friend'

Gordon cheekily quipped he was trying to get his daughters married off, as he concluded: 'One down, two to go [crying laughing emoji]'

Holly was quick to respond, writing: Love you ', while Adam penned: 'Thank you @gordongram and @tanaramsay for being so welcoming.'

Luckily, Gordon's wife Tana's reaction to the news as far more sentimental, as she shared a sweet tribute to the couple on her Instagram.

Posting two snaps of Holly and Adam from their engagement announcement, she captioned the post: 'Simply the best news, incredibly happy for you both and just so excited.'

TV chef Gordon also commented on Holly's post, writing: 'Congratulations to you both ! Were over the moon and enjoy this moment ! Welcome to the family'

The couple, who have been dating for three years, shared the news in sweet Instagram posts on Thursday as Holly showed off her dazzling yellow diamond engagement ring in snaps from their holiday in Mallorca.

Holly, 24, and Adam, 29, complemented each other's posts by including bible verses after the Olympic swimmer revealed religion had saved him from addiction.

Influencer Holly was the first to share the news as she posted a series of sweet snaps together and wrote: 'I am marrying my best friend. I truly cannot put into words how I am feeling right now. I still remeber [sic] how big my smile was the morning I got home from my first date with you.

'Thank you for letting the little girl inside of me feel loved, seen and happier than ever. I love you & I cannot wait to be your wife.'

Adam, Holly and Gordon pictured together at the British Grand Prix in Silverstone last year

TV chef Gordon also commented on Holly's post to welcome Adam to the family

Luckily, Gordon's wife Tana's reaction to the news as far more sentimental, as she shared a sweet tribute to the couple on her Instagram.

Posting a snap of the pair following their engagement, Tana gushed that it was 'simply the best news' and she was 'incredibly happy' for the couple

Gordon and his wife Tana, 49, share six children - Megan, 25 twins Jack and Holly, 23, Matilda, 21, Oscar, four, and Jesse, six months (clockwise: Jack, Matilda, Tana, Megan, Gordon, Holly and Oscar)

She went on to reference Adam's son George, who he shares with ex-girlfriend Eirianedd Munro.

Holly continued: 'I promise to always be there with you and George, Im so greatful [sic] to be in his life and I cannot wait for more.

'And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13'.

Adam also shared a gushing post announcing the news, which comes after he made a decision to take a break from swimming.

In his heartfelt post, he praised his fiancee for sticking with him through his 'lowest times', following his highly-publicised battle with alcoholism and mental health.

He penned: 'I cant believe youre going to be my wife. Im truly the luckiest man on earth to have such a gentle, caring and beautiful woman by my side. You fill my heart to the brim and give my soul peace.

'You have been with me when Ive been at my lowest and helped me understand myself to navigate my own darkness.

'You have also celebrated the highs which have been so many, as for the first time in my life, Im happy with the man Ive become. You came to church with me and joined the incredible community we have there without a question.'

Adam continued: 'Your family have always treated me so generously with their time, emotion and trust. I cant wait to be joined with them too.

'Ive always believed that when two people are engaged and later married that we are no longer two people but we join as one and its the biggest privilege to share that with you.

'Seeing you show the love you give to the most important person in my life, George, even from day one, there was never a question about you becoming my wife one day. Im looking forward to our life together and the many challenges well face.

'I promise to always love you with all my heart.

'Matthew 19:6 So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.'

The couple, who have been dating for three years, shared the news in sweet Instagram posts on Thursday as Holly showed off her dazzling engagement ring

Holly shared: 'Thank you for letting the little girl inside of me feel loved, seen and happier than ever. I love you & I cannot wait to be your wife'

An influencer with now 347,000 followers, Holly works with brands such as Space NK, Net A Porter and Charlotte Tilbury.

Holly and Adam met in 2021 on Strictly Come Dancing, where Adam starred opposite Holly's sister Matilda.

The influencer unveiled a new tattoo in January this year which she got matching with Adam.

After studying fashion at Ravensbourne University, she dropped out after a year and was admitted to Nightingale Hospital in Marylebone after suffering PTSD from sexual assaults.

A while after, in 2019 she signed with Established Models; a model agency based in London.

In summer 2021 Holly launched a podcast called 21& Over but after 13 episodes it was discontinued.

Adam is known for representing Team GB in swimming.

Yet just over a year ago the British swimming champion 'wanted to see a pool again' claiming the sport that shot him to fame had 'broken him'.

A fractured foot in May 2022 became the 'catalyst' of his 'downward spiral' sparking 'three years of hell' where the Olympic hero was left battling with depression, alcoholism and the separation from the mother of his child.

By February 2023 he made the decision to take a competitive break from the sport, after his goggles filled with tears during a training session where he realised 'I don't want to do this anymore.'

Holly shared: 'I am marrying my best friend. I truly cannot put into words how I am feeling right now' as she showed off her bespoke yellow diamond design by Pragnell

Yet thanks to his newly re-found faith and the support of Holly's family, Adam made a triumphant return at the Paris Olympics - adding a silver medal to his trophy cabinet.

Adam also shared a gushing post as he praised Holly for helping him through dark times

Adam pictured competing in the final of the 4 x 100m relay swimming event in Paris

As Adam secured his silver medal during the 100m breaststroke race in the French capital, Holly was there on the sidelines cheering him on, holding onto his three-year-old son.

And last month, the swimmer revealed he wants to have more children and looks 'forward to the future' with his 'Hol'.

He told The Times: 'She's brilliant. She's been pinnacle to this moment in my life where I can have peace and I can have that kind of love where it's not defined by anything else other than the connection we have.

'It's great and I look forward to the future'.

When asked what their future together might look like he added: 'I definitely want more kids.'

While Holly has become his biggest champion, Adam has also been grateful for the support from her family - namely Gordon, who he said 'inspires me to be successful'.

Gushing over the family, he added that they were all 'incredible people' who are 'very supportive, very welcoming and very loving'.

Alongside his relationship, Adam said his spectacular return to the swimming pool was in part helped by his religion.

Adam, who was born in Staffordshire, was raised Catholic and was always partially spiritual but in recent years he joined an Evangelical Church, where he attends almost every Sunday.

He now describes himself as 'a religious man' and even told the paper: 'I'd rather have my faith and my relationship with Jesus and come second than have a gold.'

Adam now prays every day without fail and has inked a cross onto his torso in the latest in his collection of large tattoos.

The athlete separated from the mother of his son George and partner of three-years Eirianedd in 2022.

Adam Peaty and Holly Ramsay kiss on the poolside after the swimmer won silver at the Paris Olympics

Adam split from his girlfriend Eirianedd after three years together and apologised for 'letting down' his partner and their son in August 2022

The day before Adam and Holly announced their engagement Eirianedd took to Instagram to share a sweet post marking their son's fourth birthday, which Holly 'liked'

His son George was just two years old at the time. Announcing the news via social media, Adam wrote: 'Eiri and George, I'm sorry for letting you down. My only interest is for the well-being of our family at this difficult time.'

Eirianedd took to her own social media to announce the split, predicting she would face an 'incredibly difficult' future.

Their split was in part put down to the doomed 'Strictly curse' after Adam raised eyebrows with his on screen chemistry with pro-partner Katya Jones on the dance floor.

Yet the pair now appear on good terms with each other.

The day before Adam and Holly announced their engagement Eirianedd took to Instagram to share a sweet post marking their son's fourth birthday, which Holly 'liked'.
Lottie Moss threw a bouquet of flowers in the bin from her ex-boyfriend Evan Campbell after revealing he dumped her.

The model, 26, went public with musician Evan in June, but revealed in a tweet on Wednesday that she had been dumped.

A day later, Lottie looked unimpressed as she chucked flowers from Evan in a black bin bag in a clip she shared to TikTok.

She wrote on the video: 'Throwing away the last thing reminding you of him hits different'

Lottie - who recently called an end to her three-year feud with elder sister Kate Moss - previously shared on X, formerly Twitter: 'Just got dumped so I guess its feral fall'.

Lottie Moss threw a bouquet of flowers in the bin from her ex-boyfriend Evan Campbell after revealing they had split

The model, 26, went public with musician Evan 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.'

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.

A day later, Lottie looked unimpressed as she chucked flowers from Evan in a black bin bag in a clip she shared to TikTok

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'

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.

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.

It comes just hours after Lottie was rushed to hospital after she took high doses of Ozempic given to her by a friend who bought it under the counter from a doctor.

The model, 26, was violently ill, suffering a seizure and severe dehydration after taking the drug when she weighed around 60kg - just 9stone.

She said she would rather 'die' than use Ozempic again - which is meant to treat the obese or diabetics and has suffered global shortages.

Her sister is supermodel Kate Moss, 50, who was poster girl for 'heroin chic' in the 1990s due to her slim frame and once famously declared, 'nothing tastes as good as skinny feels'.

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 recalled having the seizure, which was caused by severe dehydration, and said her face and hands clenching up was one of the 'scariest' experiences she has ever endured.

She said there were, 'small things I wish I'd known before taking it' and revealed her weight plummeted to around 53kg in a few weeks.

After being seen by medical professionals, Lottie learned the dosage of Ozempic she was injecting into her leg should be prescribed to someone weighing at least 100 kilos - nearly double her size.

Lottie explained: 'A few months ago, I was not feeling happy about my weight, I had a friend, and she could get it for me.

'It was below board, from a doctor, but it wasn't like you go into a doctor's office and he prescribes it for you, takes your blood pressure, and takes tests, which is what you need when you go on something like Ozempic.

'At the end of the day it is a medication, it is dangerous and really meant for weight loss of people of a very large size.

'When I was taking it, the amount that I was taking was meant for people who are 100 kilos and over and I'm in the 50s range.

'It's these small things I wish I'd known before taking it. But I took it, you inject it into your leg, and it was the worst decision I ever made.

'This is a warning to everyone. Please, if you're thinking of taking it, do not take it, it's so not worth it.'

The OnlyFans star described the severe side effects she suffered as a result of taking the drug such as vomiting, losing the colour in her face, and dramatically dropping in weight.

Speaking on her podcast Dream On, Lottie said she weighed approximately 60 kilos before she dropped to 57 following her first dose and was 53 kilos at her lowest, which is just over eight stone.

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.

The model had a seizure during an emergency trip to the hospital after she took a high dosage of the weight loss drug for two weeks, causing her to be violently ill

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.

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.

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)

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)

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.
Kristina Rihanoff has been pictured for the first time since her fiance Ben Cohen revealed they're 'fighting to save their relationship.'

The Strictly Come Dancing star was visibly downcast as she was picked up by her partner in his 90,000 Audi Q7 in Cheshire on Wednesday.

Last week, Ben revealed that his relationship with Kristina had hit the rocks as he appeared in court on her behalf after she faced a driving ban for driving her 30,000 Audi Q3 without insurance.

Kristina bundled up in an oversized grey cardigan as she was picked up by Ben, having faced a driving ban for totting up 12 points on her licence.

She went to court to appeal her sentence for driving without insurance, with Ben appearing as her witness to reveal he had been searching for cheaper insurance after being quoted 7,500 by Aviva.

Kristina Rihanoff has been pictured for the first time since her fiance Ben Cohen revealed they're 'fighting to save their relationship'

Last week, Ben revealed that his relationship with Kristina had hit the rocks as he appeared in court on her behalf after she faced a driving ban (pictured in July 2023)

The Strictly Come Dancing star was visibly downcast as she was picked up by her partner in his 90,000 Audi Q7 in Cheshire on Wednesday

During the appeal hearing on Friday, Ben admitted to overlooking a text message from his insurance company prior to the incident, as her partner sobbed throughout the hearing.

The pair fell for each other after they were partnered up on the 11th series of Strictly in 2013.

The court heard they had set up several businesses, including a Yoga studio, which had suffered as a result of Covid.

Cohen said: 'I get up every day and I fight not to lose everything - to lose my cars and my house and my relationship. I'm so overdrawn.'

When questioned about the strains on his and Rihanoff's relationship, he said: '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 and in all honestly this is just another problem for me to deal with.

'I've got credit cards that are overdrawn. I'm overdrawn in both accounts. We have got a business debt because of Covid. It's just another problem.'

Rihanoff sobbed throughout the hearing and had to leave the court room holding her hands over her mouth because she felt sick.

The Strictly Come Dancing star was visibly downcast as she was picked up by her partner in his 90,000 Audi Q7 in Cheshire on Wednesday

Kristina bundled up in an oversized grey cardigan as she was picked up by Ben, having faced a driving ban for totting up 12 points on her licence

During the appeal hearing on Friday, Ben admitted to overlooking a text message from his insurance company prior to the incident

The court heard they had set up several businesses, including a Yoga studio, which had suffered as a result of Covid

She spent the rest of the hearing wrapped in a white blanket holding a tissue to her eyes.

She told the court she needed to drive to judge ballroom competitions across the country, which earned her 2,000-a-month.

She also said she needed to drive to take her children to school.

Cohen confirmed that he had been solely responsible for sourcing insurance for the couple's cars.

The judge said that Rihanoff should have made sure she was insured before driving.

Rihanoff, of Sywell, Northants, was ordered to pay 357 in appeal costs.

In May 2021 she told the Mail the couple had 'invested everything we've ever had,' into a yoga and fitness centre in Northampton.

'We went into business for very serious reasons, we'd never refer to ourselves as celebs, like, 'Oh I'm going to do some wine business or cheese business just on the side for fun'. It wasn't like that for us.

'I've got qualifications in about ten different styles of yoga - post-natal, pregnancy, traditional... I didn't just think, ''Oh I'm going to do yoga now''.

'I've practised for 20 years.'

But less than a year later it was reported that Soo Yoga wellness brand owed 426,431, and had cash reserves of just 2,648 as debts spiralled due to Covid lockdowns.

Companies House records show that the Soo Yoga Group Ltd was 488,470 in the red in its last submitted set of accounts for the year ending on July 31, 2022.

Companies House records show that the Soo Yoga Group Ltd, the company set up for her yoga studio, was 488,470 in the red in its last submitted set of accounts

The pair fell for each other after they were partnered up on the 11th series of Strictly in 2013

Accounts for the year ending on July 31, 2023, were due to be filed by April 30 this year - but have still not been submitted.

Company directors can be personally fined and left with a criminal record for not filing accounts on time, which is usually nine months after the end of their firm's financial year.

The 22nd series of Strictly Come Dancing kicks off this Saturday amid a string of scandals over bullying and abuse.

Cohen fell in love with the Russian dancer after they were partnered on the 11th series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2013, despite him being married at the time.

She subsequently left the show in 2015 after falling pregnant with their daughter, now eight.

Earlier last year, Cohen said his relationship with fiancee Kristina has been 'strengthened' by 'difficult times in business' ahead of their wedding.

He told HELLO! magazine: 'Over the last nine years we've been through the wringer.

'To support each other through difficult times in business is the ultimate test in a relationship.

'I've watched her flourish, from her becoming a mum to growing as a businesswoman, and it has strengthened our bond.'

They told the magazine that they plan to make the big day a family affair with their daughter and Ben's twin daughters, both 15, who he shares with his first wife Abby Blayney Cohen - serving as bridesmaids.

Rihanoff said: 'She's already told me what she's going to wear. 'I want this kind of dress, Mummy, with a long train like you will have,' she tells me. She certainly knows her own mind.'
Amanda Holden has revealed her daughter Lexi is set to walk her first ever fashion show at London Fashion Week.

The presenter, 53, who shares the aspiring model, 18, with husband Chris Hughes, said Lexi is 'super nervous' to walk for fashion brand Tran Hung.

Ashley asked: 'London fashion week is starting today I think?'

To which Amanda replied: 'Oh my gosh I know I am so excited because Lexi, before we take her to University on Friday, is walking. She is doing her first walk at London Fashion Week!

She added: 'They are called Tran Hung and they are amazing designers. She is going to be first down the catwalk and she is super nervous. She can't walk in high heels so it's going to be interesting.

Amanda Holden has revealed her daughter Lexi is set to walk her first ever fashion show at London Fashion Week

The presenter, 53, who shares the aspiring model, 18, with husband Chris Hughes, said Lexi is 'super nervous' to walk for fashion brand Tran Hung

Ashley said: 'She needs to learn in about 24 hours! That is so exciting for Lexi'

It comes after Amanda proudly revealed her daughter Lexi Hughes passed her A-Levels, landing her a spot at her first choice of university.

Amanda made sure to take the teenager out for a celebratory meal when it emerged that she had been successful in her exams.

She wrote on Instagram: 'Congratulations to our @lexi.hughes__ we couldn't be prouder. All the grades and 1st choice uni what a bl**dy relief.'

The former Wild At Heart actress - who has been married to Chris Hughes since 2008 and also has Hollie, 12, with him - also shared a photo of an emotional Lexi in front of a cake that read 'Lexi congratulations' and 'OMG I did it!'.

It comes after Lexi was suddenly rushed to hospital after contracting E.col i earlier this year.

Amanda said: 'I am so excited because Lexi, before we take her to University on Friday, is walking. She is doing her first walk at London Fashion Week!'

She added: 'She is going to be first down the catwalk and she is super nervous. She can't walk in high heels so it's going to be interesting' (pictured in 2022)

While discussing the warning signs to look out for amid the latest outbreak, Amanda revealed to The Sun that her daughter Lexi had been suffering from bloating and stomach cramps.

She said: 'For about three weeks, Lexi had been complaining of bloating and stomach cramps.'

'She was not happy at all and in quite a lot of pain with her tummy.'

'It was around the time of revision and her A-levels, so I was just putting this down to exam stress.'

However, Amanda admitted that after taking her daughter to her GP, who insisted on her doing some blood and stool samples, the results came back as a bacterial infection.

The star then revealed that while she was filming in Spain, she began to get calls from various government officials asking her to fill out several forms about where her daughter might have eaten and what kind of food they had stored in their home.

Stating that the cultures come back, Amanda revealed that Lexi has VTEC E. coli, which is a very harmful strain of bacteria thats very rare in humans.

It comes after Amanda proudly revealed her daughter Lexi passed her A-Levels, landing her a spot at her first choice of university

The Britain's Got Talent judge is mother to the aspiring model and made sure to take the teen out for a celebratory meal when it emerged that she had been successful in her exams

The HeartFM host also told how perplexed she was by the news as she couldn't work out how her daughter came down with the bacterial infection.

She admitted that she even had her rabbits and cat checked after the doctor asked if she lived on a farm or had any livestock, as the infection is usually affiliated with farmers.

The star also confessed that the antibiotics her daughter was given didn't seem to be working and claimed her doctor called her saying 'I don't want to alarm you' before telling her Lexi's bloods were 'through the roof' and she was in danger of 'contracting sepsis'.

The mother-of-two claimed that hearing the word sepsis was 'terrifying' to say the least.

Listen to Heart Breakfast with Jamie Theakston and Amanda Holden, weekdays 6am to 10am, and on Global Player
Netflix gave viewers a glimpse at Laura Dern and Liam Hemsworth in a first-look trailer for the movie Lonely Planet on Thursday.

The movie follows 57-year-old Dern as Katherine, an introverted author who arrives at a prestigious writers retreat in Morocco.

Working through a creative block, she meets 34-year-old Liam's Owen and their relationship 'evolves into an intoxicating, life-altering love affair,' according to a synopsis.

Dern told People magazine about the narrative, 'I love that the story focuses on connection and intimacy and feeling truly seen.

'Its a romance of self-discovery as much as it is deeply knowing another person.'

Netflix gave viewers a glimpse at Laura Dern and Liam Hemsworth in a first-look trailer for the movie Lonely Planet on Thursday

The movie follows 57-year-old Dern as Katherine, an introverted author who arrives at a prestigious writers retreat in Morocco

Hemsworth emphasized, 'The story is not just about the romance between two people; its about personal growth, self-discovery and the complexities of relationships.

'The characters are relatable, flawed and navigating the beauty and challenges of love in a setting thats visually stunning and culturally rich.'

Gushing about his co-star, he said Laura is 'incredibly grounded and generous.'

The Hollywood leading man, who was formerly married to Miley Cyrus, added, 'She has this incredible ability to elevate every scene with her emotional depth, and at the same time she makes the entire set feel collaborative and supportive.'

He noted that the upcoming Netflix romance 'reminded me why I love making films,' explaining, 'Its not just for the work itself, but for the bonds you form with people you share that journey with.'

Laura recalled her most memorable moment from the movie set, sharing it was 'Liam feeding me 87 olives and riding on the back of his motorbike.'

And the Big Little Lies actress described Hemsworth as a 'protective champion and partner' throughout the filming process.

Working through a creative block, she meets 34-year-old Liam's Owen and their relationship 'evolves into an intoxicating, life-altering love affair,' according to a synopsis

Dern told People magazine about the narrative, 'I love that the story focuses on connection and intimacy and feeling truly seen'

'Its a romance of self-discovery as much as it is deeply knowing another person,' said Dern

The sentiment echoes a scene in the trailer in which Katherine and Owen share a sweet moment after she calls him out for following her on a sightseeing outing.

In a candlelit setting, he admits, 'I just wanted to make sure you were safe.'

Dreamily looking into his eyes, she then cheekily asks: 'Am I?'

Speaking with Tudum, Dern called their onscreen chemistry 'pure magic.'

She said that the Australian hunk 'became not only a buddy and a confidant through our Moroccan adventure, but our shared longing [for] honesty and intimacy in all relationships was very moving to me.'

Hemsworth emphasized, 'The story is not just about the romance between two people; its about personal growth, self-discovery and the complexities of relationships'

The Australian actor shared, 'The characters are relatable, flawed and navigating the beauty and challenges of love in a setting thats visually stunning and culturally rich'

Liam remarked that Laura 'has this incredible ability to elevate every scene with her emotional depth'

Speaking with Tudum , Dern called their onscreen chemistry 'pure magic'

Elsewhere in the conversation, the Oscar-winning siren stated, 'The dynamic between the younger man and the older, established writer intrigued me because its not just about romance  its about finding someone who truly sees and understands you, which is something deeply human and relatable.'

The feature was written and directed by Susannah Grant, who penned Erin Brockovich.

In addition to Dern and Hemsworth Diana Silvers, Younes Boucif, Adriano Giannini and Rachida Brakni also appear in the film.

Lonely Planet will begin premiere on the streaming platform October 11.
Lauren Goodger has claimed that she was told to have an abortion over fears that having a baby would 'ruin her career'.

The TOWIE star, 37, had at the time fallen pregnant during her tumultuous relationship with jailbird boyfriend Jake McLean, whom she dated for four years after meeting on social media in 2012.

Speaking to Paul C. Brunson on his We Need To Talk podcast, Lauren, who at the time was at the height of her reality TV fame told how she advised by industry insiders to terminate her pregnancy as a baby would put the brakes on her career.

During the candid chat, Lauren shared: 'I was pregnant with Jake ['s baby]. A lot went on, there was abortion and loss.'

When asked if it was solely her decision to abort her baby, Lauren went onto explain: 'I was advised that it would ruin my career, which is so wrong.

Lauren Goodger has revealed that she was told to have an abortion over fears that having a baby would 'ruin her career'

Speaking to Paul C. Brunson on his We Need To Talk podcast , Lauren, who at the time was at the height of her reality TV fame told how she advised by industry insiders to terminate her pregnancy as a baby would put the brakes on her career [pictured on TOWIE in 2012]

'Because I was [at the] very height of my career and actually as years went on, the girls on the show [TOWIE] had brought shows out because they had kids - that could've been me.'

Lauren went ahead with the abortion after being told she would lose out on deals if she was pregnant, noting 'life was different'.

The star went on to say that having a baby now would be a positive asset, remarking 'You can do baby brands, but I haven't done any of it.'

'It wasn't just that obviously, but that played a part.'

Lauren added that when she was a girl, she was always told that she must marry before having a baby, but 'that didn't happen.

Jake tragically lost his life when his car plunged 70ft off a cliff in Bodrum, Turkey on Sunday July 3.

The TV personality went on to welcome a daughter, Larose, with ex Charles Drury in 2021.

Heartbreakingly, the former couple's second daughter, Lorena, passed away in July 2022, shortly after her birth.

The TOWIE star, 37, had at the time fallen pregnant during her tumultuous relationship with jailbird boyfriend Jake McLean , whom she dated for four years after meeting on social media in 2012 [pictured together]

''I was advised that it would ruin my career, which is so wrong. 'Because I was [at the] very height of my career and actually as years went on, the girls on the show [TOWIE] had brought shows out because they had kids - that could've been me'

The star went on to say that having a baby now would be a positive asset, remarking 'You can do baby brands, but I haven't done any of it'

The TV personality went on to welcome a daughter, Larose [pictured], with ex Charles Drury in 2021. Heartbreakingly, the former couple's second daughter, Lorena, passed away in July 2022, shortly after her birth

On Wednesday, Lauren took to Instagram to reveal her reasons for doing the podcast, where she told how she told her 'truth' but wanted to speak 'positively and respectfully' about people in her past.

The star added that the process of talking was 'healing' for her amid the hardships from her past.

In a lengthy statement, she penned: 'I chose to do this podcast with Paul because I trust him. Hes a good man. I really enjoyed our time together on Celebs Go Dating and his support of me continued long after the cameras stopped rolling. Paul showed me great kindness when I lost Lorena and he helped me find the therapist that started my healing journey so when he invited me to be a guest on his brand new podcast, I recognised an opportunity to finally tell my story, my way.

'The conversation was healing and I really hope you will see a side of me youve not seen before. Perhaps you will understand me a little better. Im not looking for sympathy or anyones approval, but if the world can understand my choices a little better, well that would be a lovely thing.

On Wednesday, Lauren took to Instagram to reveal her reasons for doing the podcast, where she told how she told her 'truth' but wanted to speak 'positively and respectfully' about people in her past

'I told my truth but I spoke positively and respectfully about everyone in my past. I have done enough healing and self reflection to know the good they brought into my life and the role I played in the stuff wed rather forget.'

She went on: 'The podcast is not about those mentioned but about how those relationships shaped me as a person, for good and for bad. Telling my story was never about shaming, blaming or hurting anyone ese but just telling my story to help me heal and move forward with my life and career with positivity. These are questions I am always asked and Im no longer afraid to answer.

'Its been an incredibly painful few years but more recently Ive been hopeful of my chance to build the life I want with my beautiful Larose. She is my everything and Im forever grateful for her.'

The TV personality went on to urge people to only comment if they had listened to the full episode, advising not to take need of false narratives and to show understanding in the 'vulnerability in sharing some of lifes hardest struggles.'
Stassi Schroeder has admitted she will 'live with guilt forever' after having once sent pictures of her self-harm wounds to her husband Beau Clark, describing the move as one of the 'most vile and manipulative' things she has ever done.

The Vanderpump Rules alum, 36, addressed her struggle with self-harm in her new memoir, You Can't Have It All, while also revealing that she had previously suffered with suicidal thoughts and had contemplated jumping off a building.

In one of her most shameful and 'feral' moments, however, Stassi recalled how she was once so angry that Beau, 44, had gone out to dinner instead of staying with her that she bombarded him with texts and calls  before slicing her hip and sending photos of her injuries.

Writing in her book, Stassi said: 'I was feral. And then I remember cutting the side of my hip.

'This is the part that's the hardest to write and admit. It's maybe one of the most vile, manipulative, horrible things I've ever done....

Stassi Schroeder has admitted she will 'live with guilt forever' after having once sent pictures of her self-harm wounds to her husband, Beau Clark

In her memoir, You Can't Have It All, the reality star, 36, described the act as one of the 'most vile, manipulative, horrible things I've ever done'

'I sent Beau and Katie Maloney photos of what I had done to myself. If that's not one of the most twisted and cruel things to do to someone, I don't know what is. I'll live with that guilt forever.'

Stassi continued that after she had sent the images, Beau left the dinner and came back home.

'He spent the majority of the night on the phone with his mom,' she penned.

'We woke up the next morning and he said if that ever happened again, even in the slightest bit, he'd be out of the relationship.

'That was the last time I ever hurt myself. Beau saved me that day.'

Stassi and Beau began dating in 2017, and announced their engagement in 2019.

The pair married in a small backyard ceremony in September 2020 during Covid and welcomed their daughter Hartford in January 2021.

They married again in May 2022 at the Hotel de Russie in Italy, before welcoming their son Messer Rhys last September.

Stassi, who has been with Beau, 44, for seven years, said that she had felt 'feral' in that moment

The couple share two children together; son Messer Rhys, one, and daughter Hartford, three

Stassi bravely shared that she struggled with self-harm for 11 years, and, at her lowest moments, experienced suicidal feelings, but after sending those images to Beau she has not thought about harming herself.

'I self-mutilated in order to cope with any extreme feelings of sadness, anxiety, or anger,' she wrote.

'There have been times in my life where I considered driving my car into a building, or jumping out of the window of my high-rise apartment.

'I know what it feels like to not want to live.'

The reality star revealed that she was sent into a mental health spiral after her mentor, who she refers to as Luke, took his own life while she was at college.

Prior to his passing, Stassi said she had not experienced loss.

Stassi said that her husband Beau 'saved me that day' after he threatened to walk away from their relationship

She spoke candidly about her self-harm journey in her newly released memoir You Can't Have It All

'When Luke died, most of those big dreams for myself did too,' she wrote. 'At that point I was lucky enough to have never experienced loss before.

'I hadn't known anyone who had passed away, much less someone who took their own life. I couldn't comprehend the sadness he must have felt.

'His death consumed me. It was all I thought about. I stopped going to my classes and locked myself in my campus apartment and cried, all day and night.'

One night in the wake of Luke's death, Stassi found herself home alone in her student kitchen when she felt an 'impulse' to harm herself as she uncontrollably sobbed.

She wrote: 'I couldn't stop crying. At that moment something came over me, and I reached for a kitchen knife.

'I don't know where the impulse came from. That night was the first time I cut myself. It was just a little bit on my forearm, and it calmed my hysterical sobbing.'

Last week, Stassi revealed she is unsure about how to explain her self-harm scars to her three-year-old daughter.

In an interview with Bustle, she shared: 'When I look at myself naked, Hartford will see a little line, and she'll be like, "Mommy, ouchie."'

'I'm like, "Oh, God, that feels dirty. How will I ever explain to her that this was something that I chose?"'

'It just feels like it's been a secret, and I don't like secrets. I think that's part of maybe why I do what I do  podcasts, just living out loud,' she added.

'Because there is this feeling of: "I'm free. Everyone knows my s**t. I don't have to hide anything.'

For help with self-harm contact Crisis Text Line, a nonprofit organization that provides free, 24/7, confidential self-harm support in English and Spanish.

Text CONNECT to 741741.
Rating:

In 2003 the playwright Sir David Hare unveiled a blue plaque at 21 Downshire Hill, the London house where the glamorous and intrepid photographer Lee Miller lived with her husband Roland Penrose.

David Hare had written a screenplay of Millers life, in which first Nicole Kidman and then Cate Blanchett were slated to play the lead. Sadly this was never produced.

Instead, we have Lee, the biopic with Kate Winslet in the title role which opens in cinemas on Friday (Sept 13th)  a film which fails to capture the unique essence of this woman who intrigued, captivated and infuriated in equal measure.

Lee, the biopic with Kate Winslet in the title role which opens in cinemas on Friday (Sept 13th)  fails to capture the unique essence of this woman

Lee, directed by Winslets choice of Ellen Kuras, focuses chiefly on Miller as the unflinching war photographer she undoubtedly was, a woman who had become a legendary member of the Vogue canon of photographers and is still today a role model for many young women who enter the male dominated arena of war reportage.

But she was also a refined beauty, model, muse and student of the surrealist Man Ray, lover of Picasso and countless other men, and a photographer with a unique eye not only on the battlefield but also for portraits and fashion.

It is the mixture of her patrician beauty, romances with some of the most fascinating men of the age, and extraordinary war photography that has garlanded her with iconic status.

Aged 19, Miller was pulled from the path of an oncoming car in New York by Vogues publisher Conde Nast, who fast-tracked her modelling career, encouraging leading photographers of the day like Edward Steichen and George Hoyningen-Huene to use her.

But when one of these images ended up as Kotex sanitary towel advertisement in 1928, in a typical display of furious independence Miller packed up and went to Paris, armed only with an introduction to artist Man Ray.

Winslet plays Miller, as a ball-breaking, bad-ass woman, taking on all comers with a gruff quip and a flick of a cigarette. She is confrontational and exhausting while the real Miller, I believe, was inscrutable and enigmatic, an icy sphinx who had been raped at the age of seven by a family friend, and whose father Theodore took nude pictures of her throughout her life.

Her only son, Anthony Penrose, wrote of the effect this had on his mother: Her detached gaze suggests a numbed blankness of dissociation... this dissociation served her well in later life and made her irresistible to men looking for a challenge in romance. He went on to attribute her extraordinary fearlessness to this, while another photographer and lover, David Scherman, who took a famous image of Miller in Hitlers bath the night of Hitlers suicide, said: Lee Miller was never afraid of the evil that men can do.

Before the war, Miller was a pivotal figure in the Surrealist movement, often incorporating a playful, surreal quality in her own work.

Lee, directed by Winslets choice of Ellen Kuras, focuses chiefly on Miller as the unflinching war photographer she undoubtedly was

Picnic, one of my favourite Miller photographs, taken in the South of France in 1937, is of a group of friends; the artists Nusch and Paul Eluard, Millers husband Roland Penrose, the surrealist Man Ray and his beautiful Creole friend and model Ady Fidelin.

The two women with neat, suntanned breasts lie languidly and happy in the sun on the grass. The film attempts to reconstruct this moment but utterly fails to capture the indolence and sensuality of the image.

Kate Winslet arrives, plonking a big bowl of food at the table, stripping off her shirt to reveal her pale, full breasts, before being introduced to her future husband Penrose, who appears out of nowhere. Winslets abrasive and unattractive greeting is the complete opposite of the silent but effective restraint Miller would have used in life and work.

In a recent interview, Kate Winslet has mentioned how she insisted on keeping her belly rolls in frame, but in a scene where she is wearing a polka dot bikini top, its not her physique that lets down the accuracy of the film  the real Miller was as slender and fine-limbed as a gazelle - but Winslets huffing and puffing on a minor cliff walk. Surely a woman who had braved the battle for St Malo wouldnt find a coastal stroll in the South of France such an ordeal.

But she was also a refined beauty, model, muse and student of the surrealist Man Ray, lover of Picasso and countless other men

By 1944, Miller is married to Penrose and has moved to London, becoming a regular photographer for British Vogue, where, frustrated by being confined to fashion and portraits, she tries to persuade the editor, Audrey Withers to send her to cover the war in Europe.

Withers had been appointed editor of the magazine in 1940 and remained in the post for 20 years. She had a background in writing and editing copy and although not a fashion expert herself oversaw the magazine over the decades it became the influential magazine of today. Her Vogue made world famous names like Norman Parkinson and Anthony Armstrong Jones.

The portrayal of Withers, is another massive false step in the film. Andrea Riseborough (an actress who might have made a better Lee in my opinion) plays her as a tremulous and uncertain character, bullied by photographer Cecil Beaton, who, mystifyingly, is shown in the Vogue offices, seemingly in charge of magazine layouts.

But Withers was no such woman. She was hugely intelligent, opinionated and pragmatic, with an acute sense of global politics, and led the magazine through the war, undeterred by the magazines bombed office, paper shortages and a constant battle with the all-powerful American Editor Elsa Woolman Chase, who frequently failed to appreciate how British readers might have a different attitude to events.

Winslet plays Miller, as a ball-breaking, bad-ass woman, taking on all comers with a gruff quip and a flick of a cigarette

However, Withers is unable and unwilling to send Miller to the front, so eventually Miller convinces the US Army to give her military accreditation and orders her uniform from Savile Row.

As only one of two women photographers granted access to the horrors unfolding, she forces herself to record the grim aspects of the French liberation, amputations in the field hospitals and the famous images of the piles of bodies in the death camps of Buchenwald and Dachau.

When Miller dispatches her devastating haul of images to Vogue with the message I implore you to believe this is true, Withers knows they will never get through the censors.

The war is over. The UK government had no interest in Vogue dwelling on the past, preferring Lee instead to be given stories like 10 Ways with a Headscarf, so Withers sent them instead to US Vogue.

Lee is distraught when she realises British Vogue wont publish the pictures and, in the film, rushes into the office to hysterically cut up the negatives in the filing cabinet, bursting into tears and then in a most unlikely move, confides to Withers, her childhood rape.

No biopic can include the whole story, but again and again, the film manages to paint events in the clunkiest of manners, avoiding any of the style and nuance that made Miller exceptional

It is on record that it was one of Withers great regrets that she didnt publish the images.

No biopic can include the whole story, but again and again, the film manages to paint events in the clunkiest of manners, avoiding any of the style and nuance that made Miller exceptional.

Only when Winslet portrays the photographer at the end of her days, a melancholy and disappointed drunk dying of cancer does she come into her own.

There, surrounded by photographs, and the well-written dispatches she also filed, does she movingly use silence and small gestures in her confrontation with her estranged son, to say so much about how she feels  how she felt  about her extraordinary and so often traumatic life.
Michelle Williams received her dedicated beach cabin on the Promenade des Planches in Deauville, France as part of the town's annual film festival.

The One Tree Hill actress, 44, is being honored during the 50th Deauville American Film Festival.

Michelle  who attended the Tory Burch fashion show at New York Fashion Week  is being awarded the Deauville Talent Award for her career achievements.

In the photos, the Brokeback Mountain star looked chick in a navy blue dress with a pointed collar, long sleeves and buttons down the length of the front of the dress.

Her blonde hair was parted in the center and pulled back into a chignon while sunglasses protected her eyes from the glare of the sun.

Michelle Williams received her dedicated beach cabin on the Promenade des Planches in Deauville, France as part of the town's annual film festival

Sheer black hose and black loafers completed the fashion icon's look.

'From Wim Wenders to Martin Scorsese, from Todd Haynes to Steven Spielberg via Kelly Reichardt, she stands out as one of the most emblematic contemporary actresses with a magnetic gesture, as intense as it is delicate,' the Deauville American Film Festival wrote in a statement.

The festival also praised Williams for her 'admirable artistic freedom.'

Each year, the celebrities being honored inaugurate their cabins, which later become a tourist attraction in the city in Northern France.

Each are named for film industry luminaries who have visited the quaint seaside town.

This year, Natalie Portman, 43, is also being honored with the Deauville Talent Award, while Sebastian Stan, 42, his receiving the Rising Star Award.

The honor comes as Michelle's daughter Matilda, 18, is reportedly planning to spend time in Australia with her late father Heath Ledger's family during her gap year.

For her 18th birthday last October, she received an important and sentimental gift from her dad's side of her family.

The Ledgers gifted her Heath's Best Supporting Actor Oscar, which he won posthumously for his role as The Joker in The Dark Knight.

Heath's parents, Kim and Sally Ledger, and older sister Kate accepted the trophy on his behalf during the 2009 Oscars.

Michelle welcomed her daughter with the late 10 Things I Hate About You star in 2005.

The One Tree Hill actress, 44, is being honored during the 50th Deauville American Film Festival

Michelle is being awarded the Deauville Talent Award for her career achievements

'From Wim Wenders to Martin Scorsese , from Todd Haynes to Steven Spielberg via Kelly Reichardt, she stands out as one of the most emblematic contemporary actresses with a magnetic gesture, as intense as it is delicate,' the Deauville Festival wrote in a statement

The festival also praised Williams for her 'admirable artistic freedom'

Each year, the celebrities being honored inaugurate their cabins, which later become a tourist attraction in the city in Northern France

Matilda is planning to put off commencing college for a year so she can travel, including spending time with her family in Australia.

A source said the teenager wants to spend a 'gap year' traveling the world before starting her studies.

Her father's home country is said to be a major destination of note for Matilda.

'She'll also be spending a large chunk of time in Australia. She always feels closest to her dad when she's there and loves nothing more than hearing his childhood stories from all his family,' the source said.
Nikki Garcia has asked for sole legal and physical custody of the son she shares with estranged husband Artem Chigvintsev in her divorce filing - after his domestic violence arrest.

Chigvintsev, 42, was taken into custody for allegedly attacking her at their Napa, California, home on the morning of Thursday, August 29 - and the former WWE star, 40, filed to dissolve the marriage on Wednesday at the Superior Court of Napa.

Garcia has cited irreconcilable differences in the dissolution documents per TMZ and cites August 29 as the date of separation, the day of the arrest.

She is open to Artem getting visitation rights for their son Matteo, four.

She asked the block the court's ability to award spousal support to either of them.

Nikki Garcia has asked for sole legal and physical custody of the son she shares with estranged husband Artem Chigvintsev in her divorce filing - after his domestic violence arrest - seen with son Matteo, four

Chigvintsev, 42, was taken into custody for allegedly attacking her at their Napa, California , home on the morning of Thursday, August 29 - and the former WWE star, 40, filed to dissolve the marriage on Wednesday at the Superior Court of Napa; seen in 2019

Just days before the pro 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, Chigvintsev updated his Instagram bio by re-adding his wife's name, less than 24-hours after removing it.

Sources recently told DailyMail.com that Chigvintsev is desperately trying to salvage the marriage.

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 2.18pm.

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.

Chigvintsev is seen in his mugshot after his shock arrest

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 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.

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.

On Saturday, Chigvintsev updated his Instagram bio by re-adding his wife's name, less than 24-hours after removing it; seen in 2015

'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.

On Tuesday, TMZ claimed that Nikki began the hunt for an attorney the day after Artem had allegedly attacked her.

Nikki's twin Brie Garcia (pictured) is said to want her sister to leave Artem for good

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.
Debbie McGee has revealed she has been asked to give evidence in a BBC investigation into Strictly Come Dancing.

Dancer Giovanni Pernice was suspended while a probe is conducted over claims of off-camera misconduct made by his partner Amanda Abbington and two other former celebrity dance partners. Giovanni has vehemently denied the allegations.

Fellow dancer Graziano Di Prima was sacked by the show following similar claims of inappropriate behaviour towards TV personality Zara McDermott, with whom he was paired in 2023.

Debbie, who was partnered with Giovanni on the 2017 series, appeared on GB News on Thursday where she confirmed she had been asked to take part in the probe.

She said:'I don't know if I'm allowed to say or not, but yes, I have [been asked to take part in the investigation].

Debbie McGee has revealed she has been asked to give evidence in a BBC investigation into Strictly Come Dancing

Debbie, who was partnered with Giovanni Pernice on the 2017 series, appeared on GB News on Thursday where she confirmed she had been asked to take part in the probe

'So I you know, it's all very secret, and I'm sure everybody else who's ever danced with him and people that have worked alongside him would have been asked to give evidence to so I just hope it all turns out well for all parties.'

The TV star also spoke about her time on Strictly, saying she had an 'amazing time' and thinks the new series will be just as good despite the scandal.

She said: 'I think it will be as wonderful as it's always been. It's an uplifting show, isn't it? It's got the glamour, everything. There's nothing to make you sad in it.

'I had the most amazing time. Giovanni was my partner, and it's still a life changing experience. And at that time in my life as well, it was a year after Paul, my late husband, had died.

'It was a tough, tough time, and it just totally brought me out of all my grief. And everyone on the programme is just so lovely, and it's like a big family.

'And my experience of Giovanni, I know other people have said they've had a different experience, but mine was he really looked after me in my grief, and we had a great time. Great memories.

'I'm sure that they will do [the investigation] very thoroughly, and the fact that it's taking quite a long time, is that they're really going into it to make sure they make the right decision at the end of it.

'And I think lots of people will be invited to give their experience of Strictly, so I just hope at the end of the day I don't want anyone to be bullied, I'm really against all of that, but we are all different.

She said:'I don't know if I'm allowed to say or not, but yes, I have [been asked to take part in the investigation]'

The TV star also spoke about her time on Strictly, saying she had an 'amazing time' and thinks the new series will be just as good despite the scandal

'People can react differently to different circumstances, or you just don't have a chemistry with somebody that somebody else might have a chemistry.

'So I don't know what went on, but I'm sure that they will go into it in a lot of depth before making any decisions.'

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.

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.

Giovanni Pernice was suspended while a probe is conducted over claims of off-camera misconduct made by his partner Amanda Abbington

Fellow dancer Graziano Di Prima was sacked by the show following similar claims of inappropriate behaviour towards TV personality Zara McDermott

'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.'
The terrifying first trailer for Stephen King's Salem's Lot movie was released this week.

The new HBO Max movie set for release on October 3 and based on King's 1976 novel - tells the story of a novelist Ben Mears (Lewis Pullman) attempting to save a small New England town called Jerusalem's Lot, shortened to 'Salem's Lot.

He soon discovers his hometown has been invaded by vampires and bands together with new friends to fight the malevolent presence.

The trailer begins with Ben returning home for 'research' and connecting with Susan Norton (Makenzie Leigh), a young college graduate with ambitions of leaving town.

When he asks a priest 'have you seen anything weird in the lot recently?' he responds: 'There have been some people who have had some unusual experiences.'

The terrifying first trailer for Stephen King's Salem's Lot movie was released this week

A writer's small hometown is invaded by vampires in the horror movie

Ben is seen throwing dirt onto a grave when ominous thuds and growling are heard from inside the coffin.

A corpse is seen reanimating in front of a horrified Ben and Dr Cody (Alfre Woodard ) saying: 'Danny where are you? Answer me.'

A child watches from his window as the spirit of a demon ghost child knocks and says 'Let me in.'

The gang are seen fighting back against the vampires with crucifixes and impaling them with wooden stakes.

Ben attempts to run to safety but is followed by vampires in the mist - before he is grabbed by one and flown away.

A bloodied Ben screams as a vampire jumps onto him and attempts to bite him.

Annabelle writer Gary Dauberman has penned and directed the film.

The movie also stars Bill Camp as high school teacher Matthew Burke, Spencer Treat Clark as gravedigger Mike Ryerson; and John Benjamin Hickey as Father Callahan - who appears in King's The Dark Tower book series.

The new HBO Max movie set for release on October 3 and based on King's 1976 novel - tells the story of a novelist Ben Mears (Lewis Pullman) attempting to save a small New England town called Jerusalem's Lot, shortened to 'Salem's Lot

The trailer begins with Ben returning home for 'research' and connecting with Susan Norton (Makenzie Leigh), a young college graduate with ambitions of leaving town

When he asks a priest 'have you seen anything weird in the lot recently?' he responds: 'There have been some people who have had some unusual experiences'

A corpse is seen reanimating in front of a horrified Ben and Dr Cody (Alfre Woodard ) saying: 'Danny where are you? Answer me.'

The gang are seen fighting back against the vampires with crucifixes and impaling them with wooden stakes

A child watches from his window as the spirit of a demon ghost child knocks and says 'Let me in'

Ben attempts to run to safety but is followed by vampires in the mist - before he is grabbed by one and flown away

King has described the novel as his favorite, saying he has a 'special cold spot in his heart for it'.

Salem's Lot was adapted into a 1979 two-part miniseries directed by Tobe Hooper and a feature film sequel - A Return to Salems Lot - was released in 1987.

A television miniseries directed by Mikael Salomon aired in 2004 and in 2021, series Chapelwaite, based on Jerusalems Lot and starring Adrien Brody and Emily Hampshire debuted,

The town is revisited in the short stories Jerusalem's Lot and One for the Road, both from King's story collection Night Shift

'Salem's Lot has been adapted into a 1979 two-part miniseries directed by Tobe Hooper and a 2004 television miniseries directed by Mikael Salomon. A new feature film adaptation written and directed by Gary Dauberman has also been completed and is set to be released by Max in 2024.[6]
Danny Dyer enjoyed a family outing with his daughter Dani as they arrived at Global Radio in London on Thursday.

The former EastEnders star, 47, cut a casual figure for the outing as he sported a navy shirt along with a dark grey jacket.

The actor also wore a pair of slim-fit jeans and light trainers while he puffed on a cigarette on his way to the studio.

Former Love Island star Dani, 28, also opted for a laid back look as she slipped into a navy cropped jumper which she wore over a white top.

The influencer also wore beige striped trousers and black shoes and added to her look with a cream handbag.

Danny Dyer enjoyed a family outing with his daughter Dani as they arrived at Global Radio in London on Thursday

The former EastEnders star, 47, cut a casual figure for the outing as he sported a navy shirt along with a dark grey jacket

Wearing a light palette of makeup, Dani let her blonde locks fall loose down her shoulders for the day.

The outing comes after Danny admitted he was 'a p***k for many years' as he opened up about his marriage to his wife Joanne Mas in a recent interview.

The actor reflected on his relationship with Joanne during his appearance on Elizabeth Day's podcast How To Fail as he admitted she didn't sign up to a life of fame and has stood by him 'through a lot of s**t'.

The couple began dating in 1992 and share three children Love Island's Dani, 27, daughter Sunnie, 17, and son Arty, six.

Their on-off relationship was marred with cheating allegations in the past, although they eventually got back together for good and married in 2016 after Joanne proposed a year before.

He told Elizabeth: 'Well, I've been with the same woman since I was 13. It's a journey. It's so rare, that.

'Because if you think about who you was at 13 and who you are now, to grow with somebody at the same time, at the same rate, and then you throw fame in the mix, and what happened with me, which she never wanted, and she came along for this ride with me, both from the same council estate.

'She didn't really sign up for that, and then, on her course, it f****d my head up when I became really famous, and I didn't quite know what to do with it and I suppose she stood by me for a lot of s**t and had to be very patient with me.

The actor also wore a pair of slim-fit jeans and light trainers while he puffed on a cigarette on his way to the studio

Former Love Island star Dani, 28, also opted for a laid back look as she slipped into a navy cropped jumper which she wore over a white top

The influencer also wore beige striped trousers and black shoes and added to her look with a cream handbag

'And of course I do believe in the marriage vows and sickness and health and for better for worse.

'So it's hard to stay in a relationship for that long with the press attention and with me being a pr**k for many years, because I was, I hold my hands up, I lost the plot for many years.'

He continued: 'I didn't quite know who I was and I suppose she had to suffer all that on a national level.

'I love her with all my heart. You know, she challenges me every day. She's kept me very grounded. I'll tell you that now.

The outing comes after Danny admitted he was 'a p***k for many years' as he opened up about his marriage to his wife Joanne Mas in a recent interview (pictured 2023)

'She came to watch me in a play once and I came off stage and she went, yeah, just don't get carried away with yourself. I thought that's what I need to hear.'

Danny also said that now Joanne is beginning to go through the menopause it is his turn to be patient with her.

He added: 'And so now we get to a stage where she's quite menopausal and now it's my turn to be very patient and accommodating and try and understand that.

'I mean I can tell what mood she's in by the way she walks down the stairs. You know, the creaking of the stairs of whether it's on me today or not.'
Dua Lipa has announced her new global 2025 tour for her latest album Radical Optimism.

The three times Grammy winning and seven times BRIT award winner is set to jet across the world with over 40 new dates across Australia, New Zealand, North America, Europe, and the UK next year.

As the pop powerhouse's career continues to grow from strength to strength her latest tour follows her highly anticipated debut headlining the Pyramid Stage at the 2024 Glastonbury Festival earlier this summer.

After wowing crowds on the Friday night the BBC praised her performance as they gushed: 'Dua hit every mark with the precision of someone who had been preparing for this moment for years.'

Following her electric Glastonbury set, she immediately sold out two consecutive nights at London's iconic Wembley Stadium set for June 2025.

Dua Lipa has announced a HUGE global tour and teased more dates to come as star gushes she 'can't wait' to hit the road

The three times Grammy winning and seven times BRIT award winner is set to jet across the world with over 40 new dates across Australia, New Zealand, North America, Europe, and the UK next year

Dua has reached a new pinnacle in her career, with fan demand at an all-time high, and the star took to Instagram to tease there will be even more dates to come.

Sharing the news she wrote: 'RADICAL OPTIMISM TOUR 2025 !! THEY SAID THEY "MISS 2022 DUA" WELL I'LL BE HAULING ASS FOR THE FORESEEABLE AND I CAN'T WAIT TO BRING THIS SHOW TO YOU !!

'~ sign up for presale access at dualipa.com/presale (link in bio) ~ general sale september 20th ~ more dates coming soon so watch this spaceee LET'S GO!!!!!!!!!'

The star looked incredible in the promo shots as she flashed her toned abs in a tiny sparkly bralette and white hot pants.

Sweeping her red locks behind her ears in a slick back style she completed the look with a dramatic white fur coat.

The Radical Optimism Tour will kick off this fall with previously announced shows in Asia, including stops in Singapore, Jakarta, Tokyo, Kuala Lumpur.

It will then wrap up on Thursday December 5 in Seoul, Korea at Gocheok Sky Dome.

The 2025 dates then begin March 20 in Melbourne, Australia at Rod Laver Arena, and include performances in Sydney, Auckland, Madrid, Hamburg, Paris, Amsterdam, London, Dublin.

As the pop powerhouse's career continues to grow from strength to strength her latest tour follows her highly anticipated debut headlining the Pyramid Stage at the 2024 Glastonbury Festival earlier this summer (pictured)

Dua has reached a new pinnacle in her career, with fan demand at an all-time high, and the star took to Instagram to tease there will be even more dates to come

Following her electric Glastonbury set, she immediately sold out two consecutive nights at London's iconic Wembley Stadium set for June 2025 (Wembley Stadium pictured)

She will then head to Toronto, Chicago, New York, Miami, Los Angeles, and many more before concluding in Seattle on October 16 at Climate Pledge Arena.

Prior to the tour kickoff in Asia, Dua will headline Austin City Limits in Austin, TX on October 5 and October 12.

It comes after a source told The Sun: '[Dua's] last tour was as good as sold out, but it was an arena tour, to make the jump to stadiums is amazing, especially when she's only on her third album'.

Earlier this year Dua discussed her newfound confidence as she spoke to Zane Lowe prior to the release of Radical Optimism.

She recalled: 'Finally, I'm at a place in my career where I feel really confident. It took me so long to get to this place.

'We're doing the tell-all. This is my first time talking about anything, the album title, the record, the songs individually.

Earlier this year Dua discussed her newfound confidence as she spoke to Zane Lowe prior to the release of Radical Optimism (pictured performing in Portugal in July)

She goes on to admit to Zane that writing songs is also a form of therapy for her: 'By writing these songs, it's a form of therapy for me.

'It's just such a vulnerable thing to do, to write your thoughts down into melody, and then have it be consumed by other people.

The pop icon also revealed that she knew what the title of her album was going to be from the very beginning.

'I knew the title for 'Radical Optimism'. It was a term that my friend told me, I was doing an interview with him, and he was like, "You know what the world needs? Is radical optimism."

'And I lived with that thought for so long, and it just became more and more prevalent as time went on.'
When Strictly hunk Bobby Brazier was spotted kissing transgender reality television star Ella Morgan at an awards do earlier this year, there were hopes they may start dating.

But Bobby quickly rebuffed Ella's advances as she appeared to make an attempt to rekindle things at the National Television Awards on Wednesday night.

The pair, who were first introduced in May when the 21-year-old, who plays Freddie Slater in Eastenders, was seen locking lips with Ella at the TV Baftas.

And at the raucous afterparty, which was held at the O2's American Express Lounge, the 30-year-old reality TV star made a beeline for the actor once again, but this time Bobby was 'having none of it,' according to a fellow reveller.

Revealing the 'cringe' moment, an onlooker told MailOnline: 'Ella was keen to show off her dress to Bobby and clearly hoped that sparks would fly again, but Bobby wasn't interested and gave her the cold shoulder.

Bobby Brazier gave Ella Morgan the 'cold shoulder' at the NTAs afterparty following their drunken snog

Revealing the 'cringe' moment, an onlooker told MailOnline: 'Ella was keen to show off her dress to Bobby and clearly hoped that sparks would fly again, but Bobby wasn't interested and gave her the cold shoulder'

'He was polite, but firmly shut down any suggestion that the pair of them would enjoy another drunken snog.

'Bobby made his excuses before darting across the room and hiding from Ella.'

Ella, who is taking part in the new series of Celebs Go Dating, wore a skimpy yellow-and-gold dress to the lavish do where she was seen partying into the night.

She became the UK's first trans dating show contestant when she joined the E4's Married In First Sight in 2023, but was unlucky in finding the perfect partner. She is currently appearing on Celebs Go Dating.

Speaking about her dalliance with Bobby, Ella said: 'We had a nice time, but now I'm putting everything into this. Yes, we're friendly. Bobby's a lovely boy and we get on really well. He's aware I'm doing this show.'

A few months before her cheeky smooch, Ella signed up to Married At First Sight and thought she found the man of her dreams with JJ Slater but was soon disappointed when their romance quickly fizzled out.

Ella became the UK's first trans dating show contestant when she joined the E4's Married In First Sight in 2023, but was unlucky in finding the perfect partner. She is currently appearing on Celebs Go Dating

Ella and Bobby (pictured) did not manage to make it work and has not found the right man as she looking for love again on the new series of E4's Celebs Go Dating

A few months before her cheeky smooth, Ella signed up to Married At First Sight and thought she found the man of her dreams with JJ Slater but was soon disappointed when their romance quickly fizzled out

When asked about her time on with JJ -who is now dating Katie Price- Ella revealed that despite him being the 'first guy in a long time who she really liked', she believed he was not interested in their relationship.

She also explained that JJ made her 'realise what she does not'.

Recently Bobby, the son of television presenter Jeff Brazier and the late Big Brother star Jade Goody, was spotted kissing X Factor star Virginia Hampson, also 21, while in the streets of London however he is believed to be single.

Following last year's Strictly, in which was a finalist, Bobby was seen out with Ellie Leach, who won the glitter ball. However, sources close to both parties insist they were only ever good friends.

Bobby won the prestigious rising star award at last year's NTAs and went on to become somewhat of a national treasure while appearing on Strictly.
Chet Hanks, 34, the son of Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, revealed he has had dinner with Kim Zolciak, 46, recently in Los Angeles.

The actor, who attended the MTV VMAs on Wednesday night in New York, said that 'meeting Kim Zolciak' was 'one of the best moments of my life,' while speaking to Page Six.

Chet and Kim flirted outrageously with each other on an episode of The Surreal Life on MTV that aired in late July.

Kim is in the midst of a contentious divorce from Kroy Biermann.

Chet Hanks, 34, the son of Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, revealed he has had dinner with Kim Zolciak, 46, recently in Los Angeles; seen on Wednesday at the MTV VMAs in NY

Chet and Kim flirted outrageously with each other on an episode of The Surreal Life on MTV that aired in late July

During his interview with the outlet, Chet said that they have been in touch since The Surreal Life finished filming and that he enjoyed dinner with Kim and her friends in Los Angeles recently.

Chet, who has an eight-year-old child named Michaiah with ex Tiffany Miles, said that he and Kim are 'really good friends.'

When asked if there were any benefits, the star simply laughed.

Chet lives in Nashville while Kim lives in Atlanta, and he said that he would 'absolutely' move to date her.

'I'm living in Nashville right now, so it's not that far [from Georgia],' he told Page Six.

Chet added that he wishes 'the best' for Kim amid her divorce from Kroy.

Chet, who considers himself a 'family man,' also noted that he is not 'turned off' from by her having six kids.

Chet and Kim flirted outrageously with each other on an episode of The Surreal Life on MTV that aired in late July

Kim brought Chet seen flirting on The Surreal Life

Chet and Kim chatting on her bed during the show

Last October, Kim was asked about romance rumors with Chet, and she simply just called him a 'nice guy,' DailyMail.com exclusively revealed.

During The Surreal Life season eight, sparks were seen flying between Chet and Kim.

Their flirting caught the attention of their housemates and was caught on camera throughout the episode before culminating in a suggestive exchange during a group dinner on a houseboat in Colombia.

'I wanna bond with you more, Kim,' Chet said as Kim smiled at him during the episode.

Chet added: 'I've been wanting to come holler at you and kick it with you 'cause like you're cool as f***.'

'Oh, I'm coming to you tonight. That's what I decided earlier. So you must've felt that,' Kim told Chet.

Kim and estranged husband Kroy have four children together and she also has two daughters, Brielle and Ariana, from previous relationships.
Lily Collins looked effortlessly chic as she attended the photocall at a launching event for the second part of Emily In Paris series four at La Samaritaine in the French capital on Thursday.

The actress, 35, was joined by her husband Charlie McDowell as the pair laughed together alongside Lily's co-star Ashley Park.

Lily wowed in a 1920s inspired little black dress which she paired with an oversized black blazer.

Putting on a very leggy display, the dress featured a tasseled skirt and mesh bodice as the star flashed plenty of skin in the ensemble.

She completed the look with some simple black heels and dangly silver earrings while her signature choppy bob was styled to perfection.

Lily Collins laughed with her husband Charlie McDowell and co-star Ashley Parks as she wowed in 1920s inspired little black dress for Emily In Paris photocall in the French capital on Thursday evening

The star of the Netflix series looked effortlessly chic in the stylish ensemble as she celebrated the release of the second half of the fourth series

The actress, 35, wowed in a 1920s inspired little black dress which she paired with an oversized black blazer

Meanwhile her husband, with whom she celebrated her third anniversary with earlier this month, looked dapper in an all black suit.

Lily was also joined by fellow co-stars Ashley, Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu and Camille Razat.

Ashley looked equally stylish as she showcased her enviable curves in a black fitted midi dress with buttoned detailing.

Adorned with a white bow across her chest, the actress, who plays Emily's best friend Mindy Chen in the hit Netflix series, flaunted her ample cleavage as she posed with her hand on her hip.

Camille opted for a more androgynous look as she kept it smart in a black suit and white shirt while her black tie remained messily undone.

The French actress couldn't wipe the smile off her face as she linked arms with Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu for a series of sweet snaps together.

Philippine, 61, looked sensational as she dazzled in a white sequined maxi dress and black heels.

Adding to the glamorous look with some black silk gloves, the actress accessorised the look with a matching silver chain bracelet and earrings.

The next chapter of Emily In Paris promises even more drama - but in a brand new setting.

A trailer for the second part of season four, which premiered on September 12, sees the titular Emily (Lily Collins) now in Rome - and with a new romantic interest.

Putting on a very leggy display, the dress featured a tasseled skirt and mesh bodice as the star flashed plenty of skin in the ensemble

She completed the look with dangly silver earrings while her signature choppy bob was styled to perfection.

Lily's husband, with whom she celebrated her third anniversary with earlier this month, looked dapper in an all black suit

The trio were all smiles at the event

Ashley Park looked equally stylish as she showcased her enviable curves in a black fitted midi dress with buttoned detailing

Lily and Ashley held hand for a series of snaps

Camille Razat opted for a more androgynous look as she kept it smart in a black suit and white shirt while her black tie remained messily undone

The French actress couldn't wipe the smile off her face as she linked arms with Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu for a series of sweet snaps together

Philippine, 61, looked sensational as she dazzled in a white sequined maxi dress and black heels

Adding to the glamorous look with some black silk gloves, the actress accessorised the look with a matching silver chain bracelet and earrings

The actresses wowed at the photocall as the second part of the series is released

A trailer for the second part of season four sees the titular Emily (Lily Collins) now in Rome - and with a new romantic interest

But that doesn't mean the drama with her on-off lover Gabriel (Lucas Bravo) has come to an end.

The trailer begins with Emily in Gabriel's arms during a romantic mountain getaway -before his girlfriend Camille (Camille Razat) enters the picture.

'You're always going to choose her!' Emily pleads with Gabriel as Camille watches on mere feet away.

'She's having my baby!' he replies.

'I know! But I cannot be the person who pulls you away from your family,' Emily insists as a close-up shot of Camille appears.

Camille has yet to share with Gabriel she is not actually pregnant after learning her test result was a false positive.

Interestingly, Gabriel is then seen hanging out with another new woman - Emily's new American coworker Genevieve.

As Emily and her friend Mindy Chen (Ashley Park) stroll by Gabriel's restaurant, they spot him enjoying a late night chat with Genevieve inside the eatery.

'Are we sure we like her?' Mindy asks following the perplexing sighting.

Meanwhile, Emily is sent to Rome to woo a prospective new business partner, a handsome Italian man named Marcello (Eugenio Franceschini).

'JVMA is desperate to acquire them,' Emily's colleague tells their boss Sylvie (Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu).

'I'd love to get a meeting with Marcello,' Sylvie informs Emily.

'I'm not going to Rome!' Emily protests.

The pair were later seen arriving at the Emily In Paris dinner as they marked the new series

Lily showcased her slender physique in the little black dress and simple black heels

Emily In Paris' fourth season came to a dramatic conclusion on Thursday, as our titular heroine made a surprise move from her beloved French city to Rome

Collins and McDowell  who's the son of actress Mary Steenburgen and Clockwork Orange star Malcolm McDowell  began dating in 2019

The couple looked in great spirits as they smiled at each other at the end of the night

French social media personality Chloe Lecareux flashed her toned abs in a cropped black shirt and blazer

Julie Sergent Ferreri looked chic in a white power suit

Raphael Say flashed plenty of skin in a mesh shirt with zebra print scarf

French model Pierre Painchaud looked dapper in a black suit and white scarf

The next chapter of Emily In Paris promises even more drama - but in a brand new setting

Part two of Emily In Paris debuted on Netflix on September 12

'It's not the first time you mix business with pleasure. And you're actually quite good at it,' Sylvie tells her.

Emily winds up travelling to Rome and meeting with Marcello, who takes her sightseeing throughout the city.

The trip offers the marketing executive a respite from her busy life in the city.

'A break from work, Paris, everything,' she replies wistfully.

During her trip, Emily enjoys the finer things in life from good food to good company.

As she hits the club with Marcello, they share a steamy dance.

'Which city do you prefer? Paris or Rome?' Marcello asks her.

Emily is then shown opening the windows of her palatial Roman accommodations, taking in the priceless views with an awe-stricken smile.

Part two of Emily In Paris debuted on Netflix on September 12.
Kathy Griffin joked that she is losing money due to her hefty travel expenses on her comedy tour, My Life on the PTSD-List.

While traveling on an hourlong flight from Los Angeles to her San Jose, the 63-year-old comedian admitted to The Hollywood Reporter that her decision to fly private was financially irresponsible.

'I joke that Im losing money on this tour because of the jet,' she quipped. 'I know its spoiled, but its worth it. I get to sleep with my babies and avoid the airport, where a lot of Trumpers still feel the need to come up to me and tell me how horrible I am.'

It's no surprise the reality star, who has an estimated net worth of $50 million, prefers to charter her own jet versus dealing with long lines and other passengers.

Mikey O'Connell, who interviewed the actress, described Griffin as entering a 'semi-meditative state' with her eyes closed and hand on her chihuahua mix as she made her way to Northern California.

Kathy Griffin joked that she is losing money due to her hefty travel expenses on her comedy tour, My Life on the PTSD-List

He also noted she had her earbuds in and was listening to hour 23 of Barbra Streisands 48-hour audiobook memoir.

Previously, the star spent two months of 2017 on the No Fly List while under federal investigation by the Justice Department after posting a controversial photo of her holding a bloody fake replica of former President Trumps head.

Previously, she insisted that sharing the infamous image left her 'unemployable and uninsurable.'

In 2019, she revealed she has faced numerous threats and was approached by a man with a knife after the 2017 stunt, which made her a Hollywood pariah.

Griffin initially apologized for the stunt but later revoked that statement and now stands by the photo and insists it was free speech.

'You can be as offended by that photo all you want, that doesn't bother me at all,' she said.

'But I want people to know I didn't break the law. If you take a photo like that, you didn't break the law.

'I didn't violate the First Amendment in any way. If you take a photo like that, you didn't violate the First Amendment in any way.'

While traveling on an hourlong flight from Los Angeles to her San Jose, the 63-year-old comedian admitted to The Hollywood Reporter that her decision to fly private was financially irresponsible

In the wake of the photo she also had to buy metal detectors because 'there were all kinds of incidents. A guy came at me with a knife in Houston,' she said.

The Emmy winner claimed she had been under investigation by federal authorities into whether she was a credible threat.

She then said that she was put under federal investigation, and even put on the no-fly list while also being 'interrogated under oath... which has never happened in the history of this country.'

'The President and the Department of Justice shouldn't make you unemployable and uninsurable,' she said.

'I'm still on the D-list,' she quipped, referring to the Bravo reality series that earned her two Emmy Awards.

The scandal erupted in May 2017 when Griffin posed with the bloodied mask in a photoshoot with photographer Tyler Shields.

Griffin captioned it with a reference to 'blood coming out of his wherever' - a play on Trump's controversial comments about TV host Megyn Kelly.

'I joke that Im losing money on this tour because of the jet,' she explained. 'I know its spoiled, but its worth it. I get to sleep with my babies and avoid the airport, where a lot of Trumpers still feel the need to come up to me and tell me how horrible I am' (seen in May 2024)

But the photo was widely understood as a joke about the President's violent death.

She faced condemnation from across the political spectrum, including from the President himself who said Griffin 'should be ashamed of herself'.

Trump called the stunt 'sick', adding that his young son Barron was 'having a hard time with this'.

Chelsea Clinton, the daughter of Bill and Hillary Clinton, called it 'vile and wrong' and said it was 'never funny to joke about killing a president'.

Griffin was dropped from CNN's New Year's Eve show and co-host Anderson said the photo was 'clearly disgusting and completely inappropriate'.

Previously, the star spent two months of 2017 on the No Fly List while under federal investigation by the Justice Department

She had been the co-host of CNN's New Year's Eve broadcast for 10 years before she was fired in the aftermath of the photo.

In December 2023, she and her husband Randy Bick announced they were ending their four-year marriage.
Aussie social media star Karina Irby was forced to hit back at trolls after she divided the internet with her unusual 'dog mum' behaviour.

The influencer, 34, took to Instagram on Wednesday to share a video of the lavish purchase she made for her three beloved chihuahuas - Billie, Biscuit and Barnie.

She shared her excitement as she revealed she had purchased a pram for her dogs, explaining that her 11-year-old dog Billie now struggles with walking long distances.

She posted a video showing herself assembling the new pram and pushing her pups around the house in the stroller, but the post divided social media users.

Karina was forced to hit back at cruel trolls after they accused her of raising a 'red flag' with the purchase and were left cringing over her using the term 'first born'.

One wrote: 'I don't understand doing this when your dogs don't have mobility issues.'

While another said: 'Oh God. I'm sorry to say this. But ppl that do this is the biggest red flag.'

However, Karina took issue with the comment as she was quick to hit back with: 'Pardon? What exactly is the red flag here?'

Aussie social media star Karina Irby was forced to hit back at trolls after she divided the internet with her unusual 'dog mum' behaviour

The influencer, 34, took to Instagram on Wednesday to share a video of the lavish dog pram she bought for her three beloved chihuahuas - Billie, Biscuit and Barnie

One follower disagreed with Karina - who has spoken openly about not wanting to have children - describing her eldest dog as her 'firstborn' in another comment.

They penned: 'This was very cute until I read the word ''firstborn'' then it gave me the ick. Having a baby and owning a dog is not the same. You can still love your fur baby and not relate it to childbirth.'

But the Moana Bikini business owner simply replied: 'I always say Billie was my first born.

'As she was quite literally the first born out of the fur babies. I'm sorry if this upsets you but it's not my intention.'

Karina, who is married to Ryan Jones, also hit out at a cruel troll who said her beloved pets were not 'real kids' by replying: 'Billie, Barnie and Biscuit are real kids to us.'

Despite the criticism, many of Karina's fans were quick to flock around her and show their support as they gushed over the 'cute' video.

One wrote: 'This is so cuteeeee,' while another said: 'I love your excitement this is the cutest thing ever.'

She posted a video showing herself assembling the new pram and pushing her three pups around the house in the pram, but the post divided social media users

Karina was forced to hit back at cruel trolls after they accused her of being a 'red flag' for the purchase and were left cringing over her using the term 'first born'

A third commented: 'Omg so freakin cute I'm so excited to get one ekkkkkkkk,' and a fourth shared: 'They look adorable.'

In the video, Karina shared her excitement over buying the pram as she assembled it for her dogs, before lifting them into it and carting them around her living room.

'I'm about to be that dog mum, I just bought a puppy pram,' she said in the footage.

In a caption, Karina also described her three pets as her 'absolute world' and told how she decided to buy the pram to help her eldest dog Billie.

'I bought a pram! I'm entering a new era of being a Pup Mum and I'm so excited for it,' she shared.

'This is something that's been on my mind for a while, but I kept talking myself out of it. Why? Well, my firstborn is 11 now and I had a toxic mindset thinking that if I bought a pram, I was encouraging her older age.

'Which kills me inside. But after some positive thinking and remembering why I wanted to buy a pram in the first place, I reminded myself that it was so I could give her an even better life experience!

Just one day after sharing the video, Karina then hit out at internet trolls making derogatory comments about her in an online thread

'Now I can take her on my 2-hour walks, and she can see more of the world! I can take all of them!

'For a family that isn't having human babies, these fur babies are my absolute WORLD.'

Just one day after sharing the video, Karina then hit out at internet trolls making derogatory comments about her in an online thread.

Though she didn't specify what she was referring to, she slammed the 's****y, judgemental' comments in an impassioned post.

'The internet sucks. People suck. I know I've let people down in the past, but I'm always trying my best, both for myself and other people,' she wrote.

'The constant criticism, attacking, and bullying I've endured here is actually heartbreaking.'

'People need to practice being more open-minded. If someone acts a certain way or does something you don't agree with, think about WHY they did it.

'Be kind. You never know what someone's been through or is going through,' the bikini model concluded.
Ewan McGregor has emotionally opened up about having his Hollywood Walk of Fame star next to fellow Star Wars icon Carrie Fisher's plaque.

McGregor, 53, who has played Jedi Obi-Wan Kenobi for 25 years in films and TV, received his star on Thursday with his children and wife Mary Elizabeth Winstead in attendance.

Fisher - who is best known for her portrayal of Princess Leia in the franchise, received a star posthumously in 2023 - seven years after her death aged 60.

He told People: 'That means the world to me. I was so lucky to get to know Carrie', adding he was 'so in love with her as a boy' when he watched the original Star Wars films.

'I sat down with her on this beach and I felt like we just clicked and she made me laugh, she really made me laugh, and then we did a few things here in Hollywood. We cohosted some fundraisers at her house...

Ewan McGregor has emotionally opened up about having his Hollywood Walk of Fame star next to fellow Star Wars icon Carrie Fisher's plaque

Fisher - who is best known for her portrayal of Princess Leia in the franchise, received a star posthumously in 2023 - seven years after her death aged 60 - pictured 1977

'Anyway, we were cohosts and she just made me weep with laughter and she was incredibly funny. I miss her a lot, I always forget that she's not with us. So anyway, the fact that we're close together is really lovely.'

McGregor's fellow Star Wars actors Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker) and Harrison Ford (Han Solo) also have stars located on the 6800 block of Hollywood Boulevard.

McGregor told the audience at his ceremony: 'I'd absolutely no idea what it would feel like or what it would mean, but it means a great deal and it feels very very nice and I feel very touched by the whole thing.

'I'm so moved that I'm close to my old friend Carrie Fisher on the pavement here, that means a great deal to me, too.'

Fisher died In December 2016, at the age of 60, four days after suffering a heart attack on a flight from London to Los Angeles,

Born into Hollywood royalty, as the daughter of Eddie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds, Fisher would follow in the footsteps of her famous parents and make her film debut in Shampoo (1975).

Her role as Princess Leia in Star Wars (1977) and the sequel The Empire Strikes Back (1980) were just the second and third films of her career.

The third of the the original series of films Return of the Jedi (1983) would come just three years later.

McGregor first played Obi-Wan in the three prequel Star War films from George Lucas that also included Hayden Christiansen

She went on to star in a number of popular movies that includes The Blues Brothers (1980), Hannah and Her Sisters (1986) and When Harry Met Sally (1989).

Her television credits included Laverne and Shirley, Sex and the City, 30 Rock, and Family Guy, for which she served as the voice of Angela from 2005-2017.

She would reprise her role as Princess Leia in the sequel trilogy in Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015), and then appear posthumously in Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017) and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019) through the use of archive video.

Along with her acting credits, Fisher also had a successful writing career, publishing three novels and two memoirs, including Postcards From The Edge, a semi- autobiographical novel that garnered her the Los Angeles Pen Award for Best First Novel.

The Los Angeles native would go on to write the screenplay for film version of Postcards From The Edge (1990) that starred Meryl Streep, Shirley MacLaine and Dennis Quaid, that earned Streep an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.

McGregor's fellow Star Wars actors Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker) and Harrison Ford (Han Solo) also have stars located on the 6800 block of Hollywood Boulevard

McGregor was joined by Christensen at his ceremony on Thursday

Fisher's daughter Billie Lourd accepted the honor on her behalf in May 2023 - seen with Mark Hamill

Fisher was on a commercial flight on December 23, 2016, heading back to Los Angeles after working in the UK when she had a medical emergency around 15 minutes before the aircraft landed.

After four days in the intensive care unit (ICU) at the UCLA Medical Center, Fisher passed away at the age of 60.

Sadly, her mother passed away from a stroke at the age of 84 just one day later.
Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) on Wednesday said it has signed a concession agreement with DPA to develop Berth No 13 at Deendayal Port, Kandla, Gujarat.

APSEZ has incorporated a wholly-owned subsidiary, DPA Container and Clean Cargo Terminal Limited (DPACCCTL) that will carry out operations at the berth it said in a statement.

Berth will handle multipurpose cargo and is expected to be commissioned in FY27.

In July 2024, APSEZ had received the LOI for the development, operation and maintenance of the berth for a 30-year concession period.

According to the statement, APSEZ will develop the berth under DBFOT (Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer) model for multipurpose clean cargo, including container cargo.

Berth No. 13 is 300 metres long and offers 5.7 MMT capacity annually.

It is likely to be commissioned in FY27.

APSEZ CEO and whole-time director Ashwani Gupta said, "Berth No. 13 will diversify our presence at Deendayal Port. We will now handle multipurpose clean cargo at the port, in addition to dry bulk cargo that we already handle.

"The statement said the berth will further consolidate the company's position on the western coast and enhance its ability to service customers in Gujarat and north India.

APSEZ, a part of the globally diversified Adani Group, is the largest port developer and operator in India with 7 strategically located ports and terminals on the west coast and 8 ports and terminals on the east coast.
japanese auto major Honda on Wednesday said it has started joint research on AI technologies with IIT Delhi and IIT Bombay with plans to develop driver assistance and automated driving technologies applicable in various regions of the world, including India.

The joint research is aimed to further advance Honda CI (Cooperative Intelligence)-- the original Honda AI that enables mutual understanding between machines and people, the company said in a statement.

Honda Cars India Ltd (HCIL), a Honda subsidiary in India, will sign a joint research contract with the two IITs.

"The IITs are a home to a large number of excellent researchers and engineers, and through the joint research with those institutes, Honda will strive to advance the underlying technologies of CI, with an eye toward the future applications for technologies that reduce traffic collisions and enable automated driving," it said.

With an aim to achieve further advancement of CI, Honda and IITs have set joint research themes such as recognition of the surrounding environment and cultivation of cooperative behaviour, and will conduct research and development while utilising the cutting-edge AI technologies, it added.

Under the partnership, for each research theme, Honda associates and IIT professors will engage with IIT students for planning, designing, developing and testing technologies which work beyond the confines of the laboratory and thereby proceed with the research and development more flexibly and with a high degree of freedom, Honda said.

"This will enable Honda and IITs to work in a more flexible environment with deeper exchange of academic and industry insights," it added.

In addition, as part of this research, Honda with the help of IITs is aiming to conduct verification of driving assistance and automated driving technologies in the suburbs of Delhi and in Mumbai.Due to numerous variations in the road systems and a large number of road users, India has a complex traffic environment where situations that occur frequently are difficult for AI to predict.
India and Singapore are building a resilient semiconductor supply chain

Domestic politics may be a key issue for the ruling NDA alliance, however, it has not taken away Prime Minister Narendra Modis focus on constantly working on fine-tuning Indias foreign policy. PM Modi recently was in Brunei a first for any Indian Prime Minister on a bilateral state visit, to a country located strategically in the South China Sea.Brunei's visit was topped by the PMs visit to Singapore, an important technology ally for India in the region. India and Singapore will be entering into the 60th year of diplomatic relationship next year and both countries have decided to upgrade their existing bilateral partnership to a Comprehensive strategic partnership, which would in turn expand the areas of cooperation.

One of the key focus, during PM Modis visit to Singapore was expanding the digital cooperation between the countries. The joint statement released read Both Prime Ministers welcomed the signing of the MoU on cooperation in the field of Digital Technologies and affirmed common interests in data, AI and cybersecurity. Building on this, both Prime Ministers agreed to deepen collaboration in the digital space, including in facilitating trusted cross-border data flows, cybersecurity, and the interoperability of digital systems. A crucial element of the partnership was a demonstration under the trade trust framework. Singapore is home to many large Technology companies, many of whom have regional headquarters in the island state, with the business geography, spread all across Asia primarily India.

Advance technology manufacturing and semiconductors formed another crucial element of the PMs visit. The statement read Both Prime Ministers agreed to explore cooperation in the area of critical and emerging technologies. Both Prime Ministers agreed that advanced manufacturing, particularly in developing resilient semiconductor supply chains, can be a new pillar of bilateral cooperation.

Both Prime Ministers welcomed the signing of the MoU on the India-Singapore Semiconductor Ecosystem Partnership. Immediately after the PM visited Singapore the US government also announced a new partnership with India to explore supply chain opportunities in India. Funded under the International Technology Security and Innovation (ITSI) Fund, created by the CHIPS Act of 2022 (CHIPS Act) of the US, it allows the department to spend some money on developing a trusted supply chain ecosystem with partners and allies. A US State Department press release read, The initial phase includes a comprehensive assessment of Indias existing semiconductor ecosystem and regulatory framework, as well as workforce and infrastructure needs. The state anticipates that key Indian stakeholders, such as state governments, educational institutions, research centres, and private companies, will participate in this analysis steered by the India Semiconductor Mission. The insights gained from the assessment will serve as the basis for potential future joint initiatives to strengthen and grow this critical sector. The United States and India are key partners in ensuring the global semiconductor supply chain keeps pace with the global digital transformation currently underway. Manufacturing of essential products ranging from vehicles to medical devices relies on the strength and resilience of the semiconductor supply chain.

This week India also hosted SEMICON a global conference that attracts investments in the Indian semiconductor ecosystem. India is trying to attract investments for a crucial component of most modern equipment and machinery called chips. The recent visits by the PM to Singapore and the Memorandum of Understanding with the US may provide the much-needed kickstart for Indias semiconductor ecosystem.

(The writer is a policy analyst; views expressed are personal)
Jawahar Sircars resignation from Rajya Sabha highlights growing discontent in Bengal over the States response to crimes against women

Trinamool Congress Member of Rajya Sabha and former Chairman of Prasar Bharati Jawahar Sircar has resigned both from parliament and the party. Sircar tendered resignation to protest the mishandling of the trainee-doctor rape-cum-murder case at RG Kar Medical in Kolkata. The resignation is significant as Sircar is part of Kolkata Bhahdralok which has so far remained steadfast in its support of West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee.The move also indicates that the West Bengal assembly passing a very stringent anti-rape law bill has not cut much ice with the people, who so far have resisted condoning the errors committed by the Mamata government in the matter.

The West Bengal bill, which has now been referred by the Governor to the President, has also not found much echo outside the state.The Aparajita Woman and Child (West Bengal Criminal Laws Amendment) Bill, 2024, passed by the West Bengal Assembly is not the first of its kind. In the past five years, Andhra Pradesh (Disha) and Maharashtra (Shakti) passed similar bills with a death penalty clause against the rapists but they are still to bring any change in the matter.All these bills were preceded by Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013 through which Capital Punishment for rape made its entry into the Indian Penal Code.

This followed the public outrage after the brutal gang rape and murder of a woman on a moving bus in Delhi on December 16, 2012, which shook the collective conscience of the nation. Parliament passed the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013 to allow the death penalty in rape cases where the accompanying brutality leads to death or leaves the victim in a persistent vegetative state.Whatever name you may give Aparajita, Disha or Shakti, these bills are meaningless as long as cases about rape remain pending in the courts for years together. In 2022, combined with those brought in the previous years, courts had around 2 lakh cases for trial. However, trials could be completed in only a little over 18,000 cases, which was less than the number of incidents as well as police charge sheets filed that year. Finally, the conviction rate of 27.4% in rape cases means seven out of every 10 accused persons were acquitted.So just making the laws doesnt help. Speaking at a function some months back, Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud had quoted BR Ambedkar saying, However bad a Constitution may be, it may turn out to be good if those responsible for its functioning happen to be a good lot.Maker of the Constitution in the concluding speech before the Constituent Assembly had said, However good a Constitution may be, it is sure to turn out bad because those who are called to work it, happen to be a bad lot. However bad a Constitution may be, it may turn out to be good if those who are called to work it, happen to be a good lot.

The Constitution can provide only the organs of the State such as the Legislature, the Executive and the Judiciary. The factors on which the working of those organs of the State depends are the people and the political parties they will set up as their instruments to carry out their wishes and their politics.If the rapes are not stopping in this country or if the anti-rape laws are not proving to be effective in punishing the rapists, its a failure of culture more than the law. Our society is not very forthcoming the accommodating the woes of a rape victim, and in most cases, the survivor and the family are subjected to terrible humiliation.Those tasked with implementing the Constitution have to possess the spirit of public service rather than political expediency. There is a recent case study carried out by the Uttar Pradesh Police in Ghaziabad district which reiterates the aforementioned premise.There is an existing government policy for establishing Pink Police Outposts under every police station.

The rules have been there but not much work has been done beyond the customary launching of the programme with much fanfare.However, Ghaziabad Police last year decided to implement the programme in mission mode, and 20 Pink Booths exclusively manned by female police personnel were established in September 2023.

A year later the results were for all to see. The mere presence of a force for women's safety had its impact. According to the data released by Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems of Uttar Pradesh Police, crime against women which included dowry deaths, dowry-related cases, molestation, rape and kidnapping came down by approximately 24 per cent. The biggest fall of over 36 per cent was in dowry deaths thus at least securing women inside their homes.If such an initiative by Ghaziabad Police can achieve such results one is sure at the state government level such steps can be taken more effectively. One is not sure how effectively have these pink police outposts been functioning in West Bengal, where the government has just brought a more stringent anti-rape law.

(Sidharth Mishra is the author & president Centre for Reforms, Development and Justice; views are personal)
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday called on German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin and conveyed the personal greetings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Jaishankar is here on the second leg of his three-nation tour. He arrived in Germany from Saudi Arabia after attending the first India-Gulf Cooperation Council Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue.

"Honoured to meet Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin today. Conveyed the personal greetings of PM Modi. Look forward to his visit to India for the 7th Intergovernmental Consultations," he said in a post on X.

The minister also had an "in-depth exchange with Jens Plotner, Security and Foreign Policy Advisor to the Federal Chancellor. "Our conversation focussed on preparations for IGC and important strategic developments," Jaishankar said.

In another post on X, Jaishankar said he had a "fruitful meeting" with German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius and "exchanged views on security issues" and "appreciate the progress in India-Germany defence ties".

He met Friedrich Merz, Chairman of Germany's Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party, and member of the CDU-CSU (Christian Social Union) parliamentary group.

"A great pleasure to meet @_FriedrichMerz, Chairman @CDU and members of the CDU - CSU parliamentary group. A comprehensive discussion on our bilateral relationship as well as regional and global issues. Appreciated his many insights and suggestions to strengthen our strategic partnership," he said.

Jaishankar also visited the Humboldt Forum, a museum dedicated to human history, art and culture.

"The replica of the East Gate of the Sanchi Stupa stands outside the Humboldt Forum. A representation of India's rich heritage in the heart of Berlin!," the minister posted on X, sharing some photographs of the visit.

On Tuesday, Jaishankar met Michael Roth, the chairman of the German Parliament's committee on foreign affairs, and discussed the current global challenges and the possibilities of new bilateral collaborations.

"Glad to meet Mr Michael Roth, MP and Chairman of the @Bundestag Committee on Foreign Affairs. Shared views on current global challenges, and possibilities of new collaborations between India and Germany," Jaishankar said in a post on X.

He also held a lively conversation with foreign affairs and security policy experts organised by the Munich Security Conference in Berlin on Tuesday.

"Exchanged perspectives on the changing global order, multipolarity, security challenges and the strategic convergences between India and Germany," he said.

Jaishankar also interacted with the members of the German parliament known as the Bundestag. "Appreciated their insights on contemporary global issues. Value their support for stronger India-Germany relations," he said.

Earlier, Jaishankar held wide-ranging discussions with his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock and took stock of the India-Germany Strategic Partnership, covering areas such as trade, defence and security.

On the third and final leg of his trip, Jaishankar will visit Geneva.
Underlining the importance of border villages, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday said here they are the countrys first villages, not remote areas and the government is fully committed to their holistic development.

Addressing the Border Area Development Conclave, he pointed out that Indias geo-strategic position is such that it is exposed to different kinds of challenges and the best way to deal with them is to ensure border area development.

Highlighting the progress achieved in border area development in the last 10 years, Rajnath Singh said Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has constructed over 8,500 kms of roads and more than 400 permanent bridges. Atal Tunnel, Sela Tunnel and Shikun-La Tunnel, which is going to be the worlds highest tunnel, will prove to be milestones in border area development.

Our Government has started the 220 Kilo-Volt Srinagar-Leh Electricity Line to connect the border areas of Ladakh with the National Electricity Grid. In addition, the transmission and distribution infrastructure of north-eastern states is being strengthened.

High-speed internet has been provided to over 1,500 villages through the Bharat-Net broadband project. In the last four years alone, more than 7,000 border villages have been connected with internet connection, and our focus has been Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh.

Describing roads and electricity as basic facilities that form the foundation of development of any region, the defence minister reiterated the governments unwavering resolve to ensure progress in every corner of the country.

He stated that the ongoing efforts have not only ensured prompt military deployments in sensitive regions, but have also connected the people residing in border areas with the rest of the country.

He underlined the fact that while building roads, bridges and tunnels in border areas is imperative for national security, it is also important in making the lives of the people in these regions better, in collaboration with the state governments.

Rajnath threw light on reverse migration, which he termed as one of the positive outcomes of economic development in border areas. He made special mention of Huri village in Arunachal Pradesh, a unique example of development through civil-military collaboration.

He stated that while the central and state governments focused on economic progress, BRO and Indian Army laid emphasis on infrastructure development, which resulted in reverse migration.

In his address, Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat spoke on Tourism A Catalyst for Growth in Border Regions. He highlighted the role of the Indian Army in these efforts. He stated that through joint projects it is being ensured that tourism growth in border regions goes hand-in-hand with security and infrastructure development.

Speaking on the occasion, Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi described Border Area Development as a core component of national security. He stated that Indian Armys efforts in the past have contributed immensely towards model villages in border areas, border tourism and developing infrastructure support including medical support and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.

The border area development vision is bold, ambitious and deeply rooted in the principles of inclusivity, sustainability and security, he said, adding that there has been a Whole of Nation Approach with renewed impetus.

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu also attended the conclave. It was jointly organised by the Indian Army, in collaboration with Centre for Land Warfare Studies, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Telecommunications and the Government of Arunachal Pradesh. The aim is to create a sustainable, secure and prosperous future for Indias border regions, which are not only gateways to the nation but also crucial for national security and regional development.
A 24-year-old Indian-origin Israeli soldier from the Bnei Menashe community was killed in a vehicle-ramming attack close to the West Banks Beit El settlement, community members said on Thursday. Staff Sergeant Geri Gideon Hanghal was a resident of Nof HaGalil and a soldier in the Kfir Brigades Nahshon Battalion, the Israeli Army said.

Community members told PTI that they were in shock at the news of the loss of a young life on Wednesday near Asaf Junction. Footage from the scene of the attack showed a truck with a Palestinian licence plate veering off a busy highway and barrel full speed into an Israel Defence Forces (IDF) guard post adjacent to a bus stop before coming to a halt. The suspect was named by Israeli security sources as 58-year-old Hayil Dhaifallah, from the central West Bank town of Rafat. Sergeant Hanghals funeral will be held on Thursday, they said.

Hanghal immigrated to Israel from the northeastern part of India in 2020. Some 300 Bnei Menashe youngsters are said to be doing Army duty during the current war, most of them serving in combat units. The Bnei Menashe, hailing from Indias north-eastern states of Manipur and Mizoram, are believed to have descended from the Israelite tribe of Menasseh, one of the lost tribes of ancient times.
Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to the residence of Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud on Wednesday to attend Ganpati Puja celebration has sparked a controversy with senior Supreme Court judges and some opposition leaders expressing concern over the event, the BJP and its ally hit out at the opposition parties on Thursday, calling their reactions reckless and said casting baseless aspersions on the highest court sets a dangerous precedent. The BJP reminded the Congress of the time when in 2009, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh invited then CJI, KG Balakrishnan, to attend an Iftaar party.

The video of Narendra Modi attending the Puja celebration alongside the CJI and his wife Kalpana Das has gone viral. In a video, Chandrachud and his wife Kalpana Das were seen welcoming Modi at their house. In a post on X, PM Modi shared his experience stating, May Bhagwan Shri Ganesh bless us all with happiness, prosperity, and wonderful health.

Addressing a press conference at the BJP headquarters here, Lok Sabha MP and national spokesperson Sambit Patra hit back at the opposition and asked if the then Chief Justice of India (CJI) did not attend the Iftar party hosted by then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

They do not have any objection to the prime minister meeting the chief justice of India but Ganpati Puja, he said and accused the Opposition leaders of indulging in politics. I am surprised that if the prime minister meets the chief justice of India, you raise an objection. But when he (Rahul Gandhi) meets (US lawmaker) Illhan Omar, who is with Pok, in America, you have no objection, Patra added.

Sharing pictures of Singh in a candid laugh with Balakrishnan, BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla, in an X post, wrote, Judiciary is safe. PM Modi attends Ganesh Puja at current CJI House  oh God Judiciary compromised, Ponawalla mocked the Congress in his post.

Ganpati Utsav is being celebrated and people visit each others house... I dont have information whether the Prime Minister has visited anyones house, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said.

Ganpati Utsav is being celebrated at several locations in Delhi and Maharashtra Sadan, he said. However, the Prime Minister visited the CJIs residence. They performed aarti together. We think that people will have doubts if guardians of the Constitution meet political leaders, Raut added.

In a post on X, senior lawyer Indira Jaising said the Chief Justice of India has compromised the separation of powers between the executive and the judiciary. Lost all confidence in the independence of the CJI. The SCBA (Supreme Court Bar Association) must condemn this publicly displayed compromise of Independence of the CJI from the executive, she said in her post. Shiv Sena Rajya Sabha MP Milind Deora also flayed the critics and said its unfortunate to see reckless commentary on Prime Minister Modis visit to the CJIs residence for Ganapati Aarti.

When verdicts favour them, the opposition praises the Supreme Courts credibility, but when things dont go their way, they conveniently claim the judiciary is compromised, he charged in a post on X.

Casting such baseless aspersions on the highest court sets a dangerous precedent, he added. This reckless attempt to undermine the credibility of the CJI by the opposition is not only irresponsible but also damaging to the institutions integrity. Indias politics is taking an ugly turn, Deora said.

Meanwhile, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Manoj Jha said Prime Minister Modi attending the Ganpati Puja ceremony at the CJIs residence sends out a message that makes one uncomfortable, adding independence of institutions should be visible. Independence of every institution should not be just theoretical, it should be visible. Ganpati Puja is a very personal issue, youre going there with a camera. The message being sent out makes one uncomfortable, Jha said. He wondered why Prime Minister Modi and the CJI released the photographs of the event.
The CPI (M) finds itself orphaned by the unexpected demise of 72-year-old Sitaram Yechury, the general secretary of the party. It is not going to be an easy task for the comrades to find a suitable replacement for Yechury, considered to be suave and quite accommodative in the Left parties. Even his rivals held him in esteem for his soft manners easy accessibility and approachability.

The first time he was seen in an embarrassing situation was during the Press meeting convened by the CPI(M) immediately after the 2016 Assembly Election in Kerala. Yechury, with an anguished look, announced that Pinarayi Vijayan would be the Chief Minister of the State. Though it was widely believed that V S Achuthanandan would be appointed as chief minister, the bigwigs in the party including the proprietor of a publishing house in Chennai had other ideas and they ensured the coronation of Vijayan.

Yechury, who was highly critical of Vijayans crony capitalist friends, wanted the mantle to be given to VS while others chose Vijayan. As a disciplined comrade, Yechury had no other option and he never forgot his crestfallen face during the presser.

Though highly critical of the NDA Government at the Center, Yechury was open in private conversations about the good things done by the Vajpayee government (1998-2004).

When India conducted a nuclear explosion at Pokhran in May 1998 there was an uproar in the USA, Pakistan and China. The US even blacklisted India from dual technology deals and Indian scientists were denied permission to attend any international conferences on science and technology.

Yechury, who was then a politburo member visited Chennai to address a Press meeting. Pakistan assembled and exploded a nuclear bomb in such a short time only because of India. There was no need for India to conduct an experiment at this juncture, said Yechury. He was adamant in his stance that India was responsible for Pakistan going nuclear soon after India did it.

After the Press meeting, this writer got the opportunity for a tete-a-tete with Yechury when he was asked how a country (Pakistan) could assemble a nuclear bomb within 10 days. A smiling Yechury quipped: Yaar, these are all to score some brownie points. You just report what I told in the press meet.

During his younger days, Yechury was the superstar of the CPI(M). He was at ease while dealing with political leaders including rivals which had earned him the reputation that Sitaram is always at a different level.

Even RSS leaders, the only pronounced enemies of the CPI(M) held Sitaram Yechury in high regard. Yechury, hailing from Telangana remained a popular politician in Tamil Nadu.

Yechurys major achievement is the research paper Oil Pool Deficit or Cesspool of Deceit published in 1997 in which he questioned the propriety of the government hiking petroleum prices regularly citing the oil pool deficit account.

With his demise, what the CPI(M) has lost is the best bridge between the party and the intellectuals as well as the common man. Yechury surpassed all his predecessors in his dealings with the public through his man next door image. He was tasked with selling an outdated ideology to the new generation which was impossible in this era.
In observance of September's global Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, the Department of Pediatrics at AIIMS Bhopal, in collaboration with the Departments of Pediatric Surgery, Radiotherapy, and Medical Hematology & Oncology, has been organizing a series of activities aimed at raising awareness about childhood cancer.

As part of these efforts, AIIMS Bhopal celebrated Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurses' Day on Tuesday, 10 September 2024. The event highlighted the crucial role of nurses in the care of children suffering from cancer and blood disorders. Prof. (Dr.) Ajai Singh, Executive Director of AIIMS Bhopal, expressed his heartfelt gratitude towards the nursing staff, stating, "Nurses play a pivotal role in the care of children affected by cancer and blood disorders. They not only provide essential medical care but also offer emotional and psychological support to the families during their most difficult times. It is because of their dedication and selfless service that the lives of our young patients improve. AIIMS Bhopal remains committed to providing continuous support and fostering an environment of excellence for our nurses and healthcare professionals."

The purpose of Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurses' Day is to recognize and honor the dedication and service of nurses who work tirelessly to care for children, adolescents, and young adults battling cancer and blood disorders. On this occasion, Prof. Shikha Malik, Head of the Department of Pediatrics, congratulated all the nursing staff for their hard work and praised their invaluable contributions. "Our nursing staff's dedication and commitment are key factors in the treatment and recovery of children fighting cancer and blood disorders. Their role is irreplaceable," she said.

Pediatric Hematologist Oncologist, Dr. Narendra Kumar Chaudhary, emphasized the importance of continuous education and skill development for the nursing staff. He encouraged them to stay updated with new techniques and technologies to ensure the highest quality of patient care.

"Learning and upgrading one's skills is essential to providing the best care possible to our patients. Excellence in patient care is an ongoing process," Dr. Chaudhary noted. The event saw active participation from all faculty members of the Pediatrics Department, resident doctors, nursing staff, and supportive staff, underscoring the importance of teamwork and collaboration in the fight against childhood cancer and blood disorders. The collective efforts of the entire healthcare team at AIIMS Bhopal aim to ensure that children battling these diseases receive the best care and support.
Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj on Thursday instructed officials to arrange better chairs, tables and water dispensers in the doctor's room built in the hospital for resident doctors.

During the meeting with resident doctors of Maulana Azad Medical College, who are undergoing training at Lok Nayak Jaiprakash (LNJP) hospital, Bharadwaj inspected the classrooms in the hospital where written training is given to the doctors.

He told the hospital administration officials present on the spot that better chairs and tables should be arranged for the doctors and all the necessary equipment for written training and practical training should be made available to all the resident doctors as soon as possible. So that all of them can get the best possible training and our country and Delhi can get better doctors who can treat the public in the best possible way, he said.

Talking to the senior AAP leader, resident doctors raised the issue of CCTV cameras missing from some places while some cameras are lying defunct, which need to be repaired. The Delhi Minister directed the hospital administration to identify such places where cameras not installed, and do it immediately.

The defunct CCTVs should also be repaired as soon as possible so that the security of doctors and other people can be ensured in the entire hospital, he stated. In a recent interaction with doctors, Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj reviewed the various facilities provided by the Delhi government in the hospital and discussed issues of potential harassment or other challenges, particularly with female doctors.

Any doctor facing challenges or harassment from the hospital administration can directly approach him and share their grievances. The resident doctors appreciated the Ministers considerate approach and expressed their gratitude for his concern for their well-being, he said.

Along with theoretical training, practical training is also provided in the hospital. There are dedicated classrooms for theoretical training in the hospital, and senior doctors thoroughly explain while treating patients, ensuring complete training, a senior AAP leader said.

He added that our doctors are continuously engaged in serving the patients for many hours. In such a situation, fatigue is a normal thing. In this situation, it is very important for the doctors to have better arrangements for cold water and sitting to remove fatigue in between, so that our doctors can treat the patients coming to the hospital with new energy. He told the hospital administration to make these arrangements, Bharadwaj said.

During the meeting, some resident doctors also raised concerns with the Minister regarding the quality of food provided in the hostel, mentioning that it was not satisfactory. Additionally, some male doctors also complained about the poor condition of the hostel toilets. The Minister immediately directed the hospital administration officials present on-site to address these issues promptly. He instructed that the cleaning of the toilets should be improved immediately and that better quality food should be provided in the hostel, a senior AAP leader.

Bharadwaj also warned that if swift action is not taken, strict measures will be taken against the hostel.
Marking the successful completion of the endurance test of motors being manufactured for M/s KSB/ NPCIL, S M Ramanathan Executive Director BHEL, Bhopal offered prayers accompanied by Vikas Khare, GM-EM; Rupesh Telang, GM- Feeders; GP Baghel, GM-Quality and Alok Sengar, GM- FBM.

BHEL Bhopal is executing prestigious order of Motors for M/s KSB/ NPCIL to supply 10 nos. 6 MW PCP motors. Manufacturing of first 2 motors have been completed against stringent quality requirement and multiple stage inspections. As a part of final type testing procedure, 100 hours continuous Endurance Test commenced on 06/09/24 and completed at 12 mid-night on 10/09/24 in presence of representatives from NPCIL, KSB and BHEL team.

Esteemed customers who were present on the occasion were Anzar Mustufa, Chief Engineer (NPCIL), Mumbai, Zahoor Sideeq Lone, Assistant Chief Engineer, NPCIL, Mumbai, Vivek Agrawal, Head-RIO-NPCIL, Bhopal, Ankush Jekhotra, Manager - NPCIL, Bhopal. Also representatives from KSB Pune office Niranjan Bapat, Prashant More, Anmol Sharma and Manjeet Kumar graced the occasion.

Customers expressed deep satisfaction over the completion of trouble free testing and the exceeding performance on desired result.
On the 119th birth anniversary of Paramhans Sant Hirdaram Sahib Ji, Sewa Sadan Eye Hospital will organize a free cataract operation camp, as well as a free health checkup camp on September 20, 2024. The day will be observed as "Sewa Diwas". Total 119 eye patients will be operated in the free cataract operation camp on September 20. This camp will be organized with the financial support of Dubai based philanthropist Vinod Shivlani under the aegis of Jeev Sewa Sansthan.

Apart from this, Sewa Sadan Eye Hospital will also organize a free health checkup camp from 9 am to 2 pm at Sadhu Vaswani School on September 20, the eve of Santji birth anniversary. Dental and eye tests, pathology tests like CBP, FNAC, heart disease, diabetes, blood pressure, ENT, orthopedics and general medicine related diseases will be performed. Medical specialists of these diseases will be present on the ocassion. Patients willing to get the medical service facilities in these camps can register their names on mobile no. 6060392547. Sant Siddh Bhauji,Chairman of Sewa Sadan Eye Hospital Trust has appealed to the patients from poor families of Bhopal and surrounding areas to visit these camps.
Education Minister Atishi on Thursday said that the Delhi Government has announced the 'Business Blaster' programme for the 2024-25 academic session for the third successive year and seed money of Rs 40 crore will be provided for this programme. Meanwhile, Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva called Atishis claims hollow and laughable.

Addressing the press conference, Atishi shared that they are enthused with the success of the programme for the last two years. Launching the programme for 2024-2025, Education Minister Atishi shared, With 2.45 lakh student entrepreneurs, seed money of Rs 40 crore and more than 40,000 startup ideas, the Business Blasters program will once again prove to be a superhit.

She added that if the children who have passed class 12 and have left school can provide employment to the youth of our country, lakhs of jobs can be created across the country. I am happy to announce today that this year in 2024-25 also, the Business Blasters Program is being started in all the schools of Delhi Government, Atishi stated, adding that under the Business Blasters program, our children will not become job seekers but job providers even before completing their studies.

The senior AAP leader said approximately 40,000 ideas and startups have begun working under the programme, including perfume, chocolate, eco-friendly products, and technology. She also mentioned that this year too, the government school students will become job providers before completing their studies.

"This programme aims to promote entrepreneurship and self-employment among students, enabling them to become job creators rather than job seekers," Atishi said. Attacking the BJP, she claimed, On one hand unemployment is increasing, youth need jobs, on the other hand, no provision of employment is being made for the youth by the BJP-ruled central government. On the other hand, the Delhi government is trying to make the youth who emerge from the education system of Delhi not job seekers but job providers,

In response to a question, Atishi said that some private schools have voluntarily participated in this, so the Delhi government is also providing opportunities for this program to those schools that want to participate in this.

Hitting out at the AAP leader, the Delhi BJP chief stated, It is disgraceful that Minister Atishi is claiming to develop business ideas from students by giving them merely Rs 136 per month and presenting this as her governments achievement.

He demanded clarification from her about how many people have got jobs through the Business Blasters Scheme or any other scheme. Atishis claims of employment are completely false, and the truth is that Arvind Kejriwals government has ruined the lives of thousands of youths under the pretense of contractual jobs like bus marshals. The Kejriwal government distributed contractual jobs to youths without following proper administrative procedures, and today, most of them are unemployed, he said.






The Haryana Cabinet, which met under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, here in Chandigarh on Wednesday recommended the dissolution of the 14th Haryana Vidhan Sabha. The Cabinet recommendation will now be sent to Governor Bandaru Dattatreya for his nod. He will then request the CM to act as a caretaker government till a new government is elected. Article 174(2)(b) of the Constitution gives the governor power to dissolve the state's Legislative Assembly. The dissolution of the House was necessitated because the government could not hold the mandatory Vidhan Sabha session within six months of the last session.
A day before the final day of filing of nomination papers for the Assembly election in Haryana, the rebels and disgruntled leaders have become a cause of concern for all political parties, including the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its main challenger Congress. The rebels are either switching parties after being denied tickets by their previous affiliations or announcing to contest the election as independent candidates.

While senior leaders of these parties dismiss the possibility of the rebels denting the prospects of official candidates, they are leaving no stone unturned to pacify them.



The ruling BJP received a jolt on Wednesday as Kehar Singh Rawat, a senior leader and a former MLA from Hathin segment within the Faridabad Lok Sabha Constituency quit the party in protest against the denial of ticket to him and filed nomination as an Independent candidate. On Tuesday night, the BJP had announced the name of Manoj Rawat as its candidate. Former Haryana Education Minister and senior BJP leader Ram Bilas Sharma has filed his nomination from Mahendragarh Assembly constituency. Sharmas candidature is yet to be declared by BJP till Wednesday evening.



Congress has also experienced its share of defections, as aspirants who were overlooked during the ticket allocation process seek greener pastures elsewhere. For these individuals, switching parties represents a strategic move to enhance their electoral prospects and advance their political ambitions.



Karan Singh Dalal of the Congress filed his nominations from Palwal Assembly segment. Incidentally, Dalal's candidature is yet to be declared by the Congress and he has become the first candidate from the party to file papers despite his name not being released officially.



Congress faced rebellion as party leader Rajesh Joon, whose candidature was ignored from Bahadurgarh, quit the party and announced to fight as an independent candidate. The party has fielded sitting MLA Rajendra Singh Joon from the Bahadurgarh seat. Brijpal Chhappar, who recently left Congress after being denied a ticket, filed his nomination for Sadhaura Assembly seat as a Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) candidate.



For the last few days, Haryana has witnessed a flurry of defections, with leaders crossing party lines in search of better electoral prospects. Many of these defections are rooted in dissatisfaction with the internal dynamics of their former parties, particularly regarding ticket distribution. The release of lists by the parties is causing discontent among its leaders.



Former Haryana Minister Ranjit Singh Chautala who had revolted against BJP, has now decided to contest the Assembly election as an independent candidate from Rania Constituency. Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) and Azad Samaj Party (ASP) alliance have decided not only to field its candidate against Ranjit Chautala in Rania Constituency but also to support him in the election.



Santosh Yadav, BJP vice president of the Haryana State Unit has quit the party and accused it of prioritising leaders who have never worked for the organisation over those loyal to it. Sources said that Yadav was seeking a ticket from the Ateli Assembly seat, which has been allotted to Union Minister Rao Inderjit Singh's daughter Aarti Singh Rao.



BJP State Unit Executive member Shiv Kumar Mehta has resigned and sent his resignation from the party to Haryana BJP Chief Mohan Lal Badoli. He was a ticket aspirant from the Narnaul seat, from where the party has fielded Om Prakash Yadav. Talking to reporters, Mehta said, I have been working for the party for 45 years. They kept ignoring me and telling me each time to prepare for the next time. The same happened this time. Now I have quit the party and will focus on social service.



State BJP Spokesperson Satyavrat Shastri also resigned from the partys primary membership, alleging that the party has moved away from its values and was influenced by people with opposite ideology.



Earlier, Haryana Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Social Justice Bishamber Singh Valmiki - and MLA Lakshman Napa, who were denied tickets resigned. OBC leader Karan Dev Kamboj also resigned from all posts in the BJP for the same reason. Haryana BJP vice president GL Sharma joined the Congress recently with more than 250 office bearers and several workers.



However, while senior party leaders dismiss the possibility of the rebels denting the prospects of official candidates, they are leaving no stone unturned to pacify them. In BJP, in addition to regular reconciliation meetings, senior party leaders including former Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and State Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini are intervening to tone down protests and angry statements by leaders. Karnal, which has become a hotspot due to the increasing number of rebellions, was in the limelight after the arrival of Khattar at the residence of former Mayor Renu Bala Gupta. Fearing defeat due to growing dissent in the Karnal Assembly seat, Khattar recently met Gutpa and asked her to work for the party candidate Jagmohan Anand. CM Nayab Singh Saini had also attempted to placate Gupta after she expressed displeasure over the partys decision to field Jagmohan Anand as the candidate from the Karnal Assembly seat.



Talking to reporters, Saini said, In a democracy, several workers aspire to fight elections and they can even win, but ultimately, the parliamentary board has to decide while keeping in view all factors in play. We have reached out to most of them and will speak to the rest of them. I believe the decision by the party will be accepted by them, he added. He made it clear that there will be no changes in candidates.

Khattar also reached the residence of former councillor Mukesh Arora, who is also among the ticket aspirants from Karnal Assembly seat and was missing from the campaign of Jagmohan Anand.



On the condition of anonymity, a Senior BJP leader said that the party professed a love and compassion approach for rebels asking senior party leaders to hold one-on-one discussions with discontented leaders. He further said that the rebels however want nothing but tickets and the party is in no mood to bow. A large number of party leaders and workers want a ticket for the Assembly election, but the party cant hand it out to everyone. Party and organisation is above individual leaders and those who believe that they define a partys victory in any area will soon have an answer. There are many criteria for tickets and winnability tops it. Rebels will soon realise their mistake and be back home. This will not impact the partys prospects in the state, the BJP leader added.



Amid a flurry of resignations in the Haryana BJP over the distribution of tickets for the Assembly election, and the Congress too expected to upset a few ticket-seekers in the third list on remaining seats, coalitions led by the Chautalas in the State have kept the doors open for a few prized catch anticipating political chaos. While Dushyant Chautalas Jannayak Janata Party is in alliance with the Aazad Samaj Party (Kanshi Ram), the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD), led by former Leader of the Opposition Abhay Chautala, has tied up with Mayawatis Bahujan Samaj Party.



Political Observers say that during elections, it is common to see leaders switch their loyalties and the current situation is no different. The reason behind it is the growing infestation on the hunger of political parties to win elections by any means possible. As Haryana is all set to elect a new government, political parties are busy luring leaders in rival camps to build an election wave in their favour. We all are passing through a phase in Indian politics where there are no ideological boundaries left in political parties. Winning the election remains the only concern. In such a situation, those with more resources and power certainly command more sway over others. In this context, the onus falls on voters to scrutinize the track record and integrity of candidates, irrespective of their party affiliations. By prioritizing competence, accountability, and a genuine commitment to public service, voters can play a pivotal role in shaping the future trajectory of Haryanas political landscape, an analysts added.
The ongoing strike by doctors in Punjabs government hospitals shows no signs of abating as no concrete agreement was reached between the Punjab Civil Medical Services (PCMS) Association and the State Government after hours-long meeting on Wednesday. Despite a crucial meeting held in Chandigarh, where discussions on resolving the deadlock took place, doctors remain adamant on continuing their protest due to a lack of written assurances from the government.

PCMSA on Wednesday evening announced the decision to shut down OPD services in all government hospitals on Thursday.

The meeting between Punjab doctors and the cabinet sub-committee, which began at 9:30 am and continued until noon, was presided over by the state Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, who is the chairperson of the Cabinet Subcommittee. Also in attendance were Punjab Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh and Governance Reforms Minister Aman Arora. During the talks, the government verbally agreed to address most of the key demands, but the lack of formal commitments left the doctors unsatisfied.

At the heart of the doctors concerns is the shortage of medical professionals in the states hospitals. The PCMS Association has been demanding an immediate recruitment drive to fill vacant positions, citing the heavy workload and long hours imposed on the existing staff. Additionally, they have raised serious concerns about the safety of medical personnel, calling for the installation of CCTV cameras and the deployment of security personnel in hospitals.

While the government has verbally agreed to many of these demands, including salary hikes and improved safety measures, doctors remain firm in their decision to strike until these assurances are provided in writing. We cannot rely on verbal promises, said PCMS Association president Akhil Sareen, emphasizing that the doctors will only return to work once their concerns are officially documented.

To address these issues, the government has announced plans to recruit approximately 1,900 medical officers. A process for hiring 400 of these positions has already begun, and additional notifications will be issued later this year to fill the remaining vacancies. However, these steps have not been sufficient to halt the strike. The doctors are demanding immediate action, particularly concerning hospital security, which they see as critical to their working environment.

The strike, which has been ongoing for the past three days, has severely impacted medical services across the state. Outpatient departments (OPDs) have been shut down for three hours, between 8 am and 11 am daily, leaving patients in dire straits. Many surgeries have been postponed, and the situation is expected to worsen as the strike intensifies. The PCMS Association has already announced a full-day strike for September 12, further exacerbating the challenges faced by patients and hospitals alike.

Despite the meeting's generally positive tone, the lack of formal assurances means the standoff is far from over. As the doctors prepare to continue their protest, the government must now decide whether to meet their demands in writing or face a prolonged disruption in the state's healthcare services.

Only a day before, the Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh took a slew of decisive steps to bolster the security of healthcare professionals. In a high-level meeting with Deputy Commissioners, Commissioners of Police, Senior Superintendents of Police, and Civil Surgeons of all districts via video conference on Tuesday, Dr Balbir had announced a zero-tolerance policy towards violence against medical staff, with stringent measures being put in place across all districts.

Among the key decisions were the formation of District Health Boards, enhanced security protocols, and strict implementation of the Punjab Protection of Medicare Service Persons and Medicare Service Institutions Act, 2008. The government also ordered the installation of CCTV cameras, deployment of home guards, and linking healthcare facilities with the nearest police stations for rapid response during emergencies.

Additionally, it was also decided to establish Internal Committees for Sexual Harassment in every hospital to ensure a safe work environment. These decisions come as a part of the governments efforts to address the grievances of doctors, who have been demanding better security measures in the wake of rising incidents of violence against medical professionals, especially following the recent incident in Kolkata, where a doctor was raped and murdered,.

Any violence against healthcare workers would not be tolerated at any cost, and strict action would be taken against offenders, the Minister had said.
In a move aimed at safeguarding the state's youth from falling victim to illegal travel agents, Punjab Polices NRI Affairs Wing and Cyber Crime Wing, in collaboration with the Protectorate of Emigrants, Chandigarh, on Wednesday launched a joint operation to tackle fraudulent travel agencies. As part of this operation, 25 unlicensed travel agents have been booked for illegally advertising employment opportunities abroad through social media platforms.

The crackdown was initiated after the Protectorate of Emigrants flagged multiple instances of dubious advertisements on Instagram and Facebook. These posts, which promised lucrative job offers in foreign countries, were found to be targeting vulnerable youth hoping to settle abroad.

Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) NRI Affairs, Praveen K Sinha on Wednesday said that these illegal travel agents were operating without the necessary licenses and approvals required under the Emigration Act, 1983. These unscrupulous agents were luring unsuspecting individuals, particularly young people, with the promise of jobs overseas, despite lacking proper credentials. We covertly monitored their online activities, verified their legitimacy, and swiftly took legal action, Sinha remarked.

The Punjab Polices action offered a stark warning to those involved in fraudulent practices and a ray of hope to families who have fallen victim to such schemes.

As a result, 20 First Information Reports (FIRs) have been registered under sections 24 and 25 of the Emigration Act at various NRI Police Stations across Punjab. These FIRs were lodged in key districts such as Amritsar, Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Hoshiarpur, Ludhiana, Patiala, Sangrur, and SAS Nagar. The ADGP further revealed that investigations are ongoing to trace additional illegal agents involved in this scam.

The joint operation has uncovered a growing trend of unlicensed travel agents exploiting social media platforms to advertise fake job opportunities abroad. These agents often mislead hopeful candidates, extracting large sums of money with false promises of employment visas and overseas placements. Many of the victims, or their families, end up losing their life savings in the process.

In light of the increasing prevalence of such scams, ADGP Praveen K Sinha urged the public to remain vigilant when dealing with travel agents. He advised citizens to always verify the credentials of agencies before handing over any money or documentation. People must ensure that they engage only with agencies that possess a valid Recruiting Agent (RA) license under the Emigration Act. Always ask for the license and double-check its authenticity before proceeding, Sinha emphasized.

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Illegal Travel Agents booked:
An alumina company in Surguja where an industrial accident killed four workers will provide compensation of Rs 15 lakh to the families of each of the deceased.

Additionally, those injured will be compensated with Rs 3 lakh each.

Four labourers were killed and three others injured in the incident that took place last Sunday.

Meanwhile, following instructions from the Chief Minister, the Surguja Collector constituted an investigation team to probe the incident.

On Thursday, the Collector inspected the plant and instructed company officials to promptly disburse the compensation.

The compensation will be handed over by the company to the families on September 12 in the presence of government officials.

The administration is checking the safety measures at the plant. It has been made clear that the plant will not resume operations without the prior approval of the authorities.
Welcoming the Bengal government's positive response to hold talks in presence of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to resolve the RG Kar hospital impasse, agitating junior doctors Thursday announced their decision to attend the proposed meeting at the state secretariat within the stipulated time of 5 pm.

The medics, however, declared that they would stick to their original demand of taking part in the meeting with 30 members instead of 15 people as mandated by the state government.

The protesters also stated they would not settle for anything less than a live stream of the talks, which had earlier been rejected by the state chief secretary in its latest invitation for the meeting.

We welcome the chief secretary's invitation and confirmation that the CM would be present at the meeting. We will attend the meeting with an open mind, but it has to be centred around the issue of providing justice to our colleague and ensuring security for doctors across the state, a protesting doctor said.

The junior doctors said they had replied to the state government's email confirming their attendance at the meeting around 3.45 pm.

There are doctors from 26 medical colleges in the state who are participating in this protest movement. Even if we choose one member from each college, it is not possible to have a delegation of less than 30 people, the medic said and confirmed that they have already arranged a bus for transporting the delegation to the secretariat.

The doctors insisted on having a live stream of the proceedings of the proposed meeting on grounds that they have nothing to hide.

Moreover, thousands of junior doctors are simultaneously holding protests in far-flung districts of Bengal. They should know what is happening at the meeting. If the CM can hold her administrative meetings in districts on live TV and if Supreme Court proceedings can be telecast live, we see no reason why the same can't happen here, the doctor said.

Earlier on Thursday, the West Bengal government gave a 5 pm slot for a meeting to end the impasse, but rejected the protesters' demand for live telecast of the talks.

This is the third offer from the state government for talks in the last two days, with the agitators rejecting the previous two proposals and setting concrete conditions for the meet.
Book name: NANDINI SATPATHY

Author: Pallavi Rebbapragda

Publisher: Simon & Schuster India

Price: INR 899/

Nandini Satpathy, former union minister and chief minister of Orissa was one who lived during the days of titans of Indian politics. Though not a leader in the true sense of the word, she too had her successes and failures. Nandinis life sketch is introduced to the readers 18 years after her demise but she had disappeared from public life much earlier. Author Pallavi Rebbapragada deserves kudos for bringing Nandini back amongst us.

The art of writing a book, whether it is novel, essays, short stories, poetry or history is a job of creativity. It is the writers hands-on experiences or tough realities he/she faced in life that come out as literary works. Lessons one learnt from the course of life, certain incidents which leave unforgettable experiences in the mind and conversations with individuals who leave an impact in the heart are the epicenters of these literary works. One who sets out to write the life-sketch of eminent persons should have first hand interaction with the subject. Those experiences alone would help the writer to come out with something new that would remain etched in the minds of readers for decades to come.

Dr Samuel Johnson is rated as the most distinguished man of letters in English history. Johnson (1709-1784) was a literary critic par excellence and he was the trendsetter in this field. His style and thought process has resulted in the Samuel Johnsons school of criticism and continues to be the benchmark of this field of literature.

But what is equally important is the biography of Johnson authored by James Boswell, a lawyer and writer. Scotland-born James Boswell wrote Life of Samuel Johnson which was published in 1791 based on the series of interviews and dialogues he had with Johnson. This biography stands out as the most famous single work of biographical art in the world of literature even after 223 years after it hit book stalls across Europe and US.

It cannot be stated that Boswell was a genius as not much has been heard or discussed about his other literary pursuits. Literature students were told by the English lecturers to compulsorily read Life of Samuel Johnson, a complete guide on how to write biographies. What Boswell did was to write the biography in a style which could be comprehended by even ordinary people. Thus was born a great literary work.

In India, there is no shortage of biographies and life-sketches on freedom fighters, social leaders and politicians. But most of the works are hagiographies and blare out qualities of the subjects even the latter themselves would be shocked to hear. Books on the Father of the Nation, first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, his daughter and late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi are proof of this kind of works. Dhananjay Keer (1913-1983) is unique among the Indian biographers and he chose his subjects meticulously. His works on Veer Savarkar and Dr Ambedkar are path breaking books as he had personal contacts with these great sons of India. Those who lambast Savarkar for reasons known to them only should take time and read Keers books.

The biography of the great freedom fighter Dadabhai Naoroji , Pioneer of Indian Nationalism, authored by Dinyar Patel is an outstanding work as the author has been successful in maintaining a strict balance in describing Naoroji. Naoroji, was the real Father of the Nation. But he was sidelined with the honorific Grand Old Man of India! It was gross injustice.

Similarly, the biography of JRD Tata Beyond The Last Blue Mountain by R M Lala is a splendid work. Lala could not have retired from the scene without presenting the unknown JRD to the world. There is no sycophancy or prolix throughout this book and this made it interesting. The book remains memorable as it was written by Lala, a close associate of the Grand Old Man of Indian Corporates.

Of late our politicians and businessmen have made it a point to publish their biographies by hiring writers. Needless to say that these works would not be read even by the persons who review the same. There are people whose biographies and life-sketches should be written. This is because they serve as a beacon of light for the readers.

A biography of Nandini Satpathy, the former chief minister of Orissa has been published by Simon and Schuster and authored by Pallavi Rebbapragada, a journalist and public policy consultant based in New Delhi. It is a good mission as nothing much has been heard about Nandini Satpathy since 1980 as she withdrew from active politics and faded out since her rejoining the Congress.

Nandini had an uneventful career at the Center as deputy minister for information and broadcasting. Those were the days when Akashwani was described as Indirawani because the babus in Mandi House preferred to pay obeisance to the Prime Minister than their profession as broadcasters.

Nandini returned to Orissa in 1972 and was crowned as chief minister at the instance of Indira Gandhi. Her tenure saw hundreds getting imprisoned for questioning the declaration of internal emergency. By December 1976, towards the fag end of emergency, Nandini quit the Congress along with Jagjivan Ram, Chandra Sekhr, Mohan Dharia and Hemavati Nandan Bahuguna to form Congress For Democracy. The slogan coined by the opponents of Indira Gandhi at that period read like this: Jagjivan Poyi, Jivan Poyi, Bahuguna Poyi, Gunavum Poyi, Nandini Poyi, Nanavum Poyi which was the Malayalam for With Jagjivans exit, the party lost its life, With Bahugunas exit, the party lost quality and with Nandini gone, the party lost the last vestige of whatever reputation . To be candid, Nandini Satpathys name hogged the national limelight when she left the Congress party.

Had she been effective as chief minister of Orissa, the State should have made giant strides in development and progress. But Orissa remains one of the least developed regions in India. A thorough probe should be held on how the politicians managed to make Orissa remain as a poverty stricken State despite its vast natural resources and sufficient assistance from the Center.

The author has used theatrics in the narration to sell Satpathy to the readers. Her claim that Nandini Satpathy was the Iron Lady of Orissa is far-fetched. The designation Iron Lady was used by international experts to describe Gold Meir, the fourth Prime Minister of the State of Israel (1969-1974). Perhaps, the over dependence on TV anchorpersons might have put the author in a minefield of wrong information.

Biju Patnaik would have been an ideal topic for her to write about since not much has been written about the titan from Eastern India.
(): A global human rights watchdog on Wednesday called on Latin American governments to improve protection schemes, grant legal status and reverse onerous visa requirements for millions of Haitians and Venezuelans who have struggled to find work, access to health care and education in South American host countries, forcing them to increasingly seek asylum in the United States.

Human Rights Watch, in a report describing the situation of Haitian and Venezuelan migrants, said that limited integration and regularisation policies in South America are forcing vulnerable people to head to the United States every month. To reach the US border, many asylum seekers make a long, dangerous journey that includes crossing the Darien Gap, a roadless swath of jungle between Colombia and Panama. The group urged governments in Latin America to implement a region-wide protection regime that would grant all Venezuelans and Haitians legal status for a fixed but renewable term of adequate duration, even if they may not qualify for refugee status under domestic law. The report also calls for governments to eliminate barriers that hinder the integration of migrants and refugees, including legislation that prevents people from getting work permits, while they seek asylum in other countries. While some Latin American governments have made commendable efforts to receive migrants and asylum seekers said the report, which reviewed asylum policies in countries including Brazil, Peru and Chile.

Asylum systems also struggle with limited capacity, resulting in significant delays, the group said.

According to Panama officials, more than 700,000 migrants have crossed the Darien Gap over the past 18 months on their way to the United States. So far this year, some 238,000 people have crossed.

Around 65 per cent of those crossing the swampy and treacherous jungle are Venezuelans escaping their nations political and economic crisis.

So far this year, 11,000 Haitians have made the jungle crossing on their way to the US border, according to figures published by Panamas national immigration agency. While a new interim government was established in Haiti earlier this year, gangs continue to control 80 per cent of the capital, Port-au-Prince and millions face acute food insecurity, according to the UN food agency.

Human Rights Watch said Haitians living in South America struggle to get residence permits or access to formal jobs, making it increasingly difficult to support their families back home and prompting them to head for the United States instead. Venezuelans also appear to be struggling to integrate into South American countries, whose economies have slowed down after the pandemic.

Research conducted by the United Nations Refugee Agency, UNHCR, suggests that most Venezuelans seeking asylum in the United States have already tried to settle down in countries like Peru, Chile, Colombia and Ecuador. According to a July report by the refugee agency, 66 per cent of Venezuelans who had crossed the Darien Jungle that month, said they had lived in South American countries.
Shares of Bluebird Merchant Ventures Limited (LON:BMV  Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week low on Monday . The stock traded as low as GBX 0.52 ($0.01) and last traded at GBX 0.95 ($0.01), with a volume of 3200421 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at GBX 0.93 ($0.01).

Bluebird Merchant Ventures Stock Down 7.9 %

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.83, a current ratio of 0.41 and a quick ratio of 0.08. The company has a market capitalization of 6.24 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 215.00 and a beta of 0.62. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of GBX 1.17 and a two-hundred day moving average price of GBX 1.04.

About Bluebird Merchant Ventures

(Get Free Report)

Bluebird Merchant Ventures Limited, together with its subsidiaries, engages in mining and developing of mineral properties. The company primarily explores for gold and silver deposits. It holds interests in the Gubong project and Kochang project located in South Korea. The company was incorporated in 2014 and is based in Road Town, the British Virgin Islands.

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Shore Capital reiterated their buy rating on shares of C&C Group (LON:CCR  Free Report) in a research note issued to investors on Monday, MarketBeat Ratings reports.

Separately, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a buy rating and issued a GBX 185 ($2.42) target price on shares of C&C Group in a report on Monday, June 10th.

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Read Our Latest Analysis on C&C Group

C&C Group Stock Down 2.0 %

Insider Buying and Selling at C&C Group

Shares of LON:CCR opened at GBX 150.80 ($1.97) on Monday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.80, a current ratio of 1.16 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 56.01. The business has a fifty day moving average of GBX 156.39 and a two-hundred day moving average of GBX 578.16. The stock has a market cap of 579.49 million, a P/E ratio of -628.33, a PEG ratio of 5.61 and a beta of 1.26. C&C Group has a 52-week low of GBX 130 ($1.70) and a 52-week high of GBX 178.20 ($2.33).

In other C&C Group news, insider Ralph Findlay purchased 44,151 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, July 22nd. The shares were acquired at an average price of GBX 157 ($2.05) per share, with a total value of 69,317.07 ($90,646.10). In other C&C Group news, insider Ralph Findlay purchased 44,151 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, July 22nd. The shares were acquired at an average price of GBX 157 ($2.05) per share, with a total value of 69,317.07 ($90,646.10). Also, insider Feargal ORourke purchased 50,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 16th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of GBX 156 ($2.04) per share, for a total transaction of 78,000 ($102,000.78). 3.37% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

About C&C Group

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C&C Group plc manufactures, markets, and distributes beer, cider, wine, spirits, and soft drinks in the Republic of Ireland, Great Britain, and internationally. The company offers its products primarily under the Tennent's, Bulmers, Magners, Orchard Pig, Heverlee, 5 Lamps, Fete, Blackthorn, Seven Summits, Dowd's Lane, Chaplin & Cork's, Celedonia Best, and Addlestones brand name.

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China Merchants Port Holdings Company Limited (OTCMKTS:CMHHY  Get Free Report) shares reached a new 52-week high on Monday . The stock traded as high as $14.76 and last traded at $14.76, with a volume of 0 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $14.76.

China Merchants Port Stock Performance

The company has a quick ratio of 0.86, a current ratio of 0.87 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.17. The stocks 50 day moving average is $14.76 and its two-hundred day moving average is $13.56.

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China Merchants Port Cuts Dividend

The firm also recently announced a dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, December 5th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, September 25th will be given a $0.2821 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, September 25th.

About China Merchants Port

China Merchants Port Holdings Company Limited, an investment holding company, operates as a port operator in Mainland China, Brazil, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and internationally. The company operates through Ports Operation, Bonded Logistics Operation, and Other Operations segments. It engages in the container, and bulk and general cargo terminal operation; logistic park operation, ports transportation, and airport cargo handling; and property development, holding, and investment activities.

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Colruyt Group (OTCMKTS:CUYTY  Get Free Report)s stock price reached a new 52-week high on Monday . The company traded as high as $13.15 and last traded at $13.15, with a volume of 0 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $13.15.

Colruyt Group Stock Performance

The firms fifty day moving average price is $12.39 and its 200-day moving average price is $11.96. The company has a quick ratio of 0.71, a current ratio of 1.03 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.26.

Colruyt Group Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Colruyt Group N.V., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the retail, wholesale, food service, and other activities in Belgium, France, Luxembourg, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Retail, Wholesale and Foodservice, and Other Activities. The company provides groceries, fresh products, dry products, and frozen and non-food products; and operates CNG, hydrogen filling, and charging stations.

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Singapore Exchange (OTCMKTS:SPXCF  Get Free Report) and MSCI (NYSE:MSCI  Get Free Report) are both financial services companies, but which is the better business? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their dividends, analyst recommendations, earnings, institutional ownership, risk, profitability and valuation.

Institutional and Insider Ownership

11.6% of Singapore Exchange shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 90.0% of MSCI shares are owned by institutional investors. 3.2% of MSCI shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a company will outperform the market over the long term.

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Dividends

Singapore Exchange pays an annual dividend of $0.28 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.1%. MSCI pays an annual dividend of $6.40 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.1%. Singapore Exchange pays out 94.7% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. MSCI pays out 43.7% of its earnings in the form of a dividend.

Profitability

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Singapore Exchange N/A N/A N/A MSCI 43.86% -143.09% 21.30%

Analyst Ratings

This table compares Singapore Exchange and MSCIs net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

This is a breakdown of current recommendations and price targets for Singapore Exchange and MSCI, as reported by MarketBeat.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Singapore Exchange 1 0 0 0 1.00 MSCI 0 7 9 0 2.56

MSCI has a consensus target price of $584.79, indicating a potential upside of 4.05%. Given MSCIs stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe MSCI is more favorable than Singapore Exchange.

Earnings & Valuation

This table compares Singapore Exchange and MSCIs top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Singapore Exchange N/A N/A N/A $0.30 30.45 MSCI $2.70 billion 16.47 $1.15 billion $14.65 38.36

MSCI has higher revenue and earnings than Singapore Exchange. Singapore Exchange is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than MSCI, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Summary

MSCI beats Singapore Exchange on 11 of the 13 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Singapore Exchange

(Get Free Report)

Singapore Exchange Limited, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an integrated securities and derivatives exchange, and related clearing houses in Singapore. It operates through Fixed Income, Currencies, and Commodities; Equities; and Data, Connectivity, and Indices segments. The Fixed Income, Currencies, and Commodities segment offers fixed income issuer, trading and clearing, and collateral management services. The Equities segment provides issuer, securities trading and clearing, securities settlement and depository management, derivatives trading and clearing, and collateral management services. The Data, Connectivity, and Indices segment offers market data, connectivity, and indices services. The company offers counterparty guarantee, and depository and related services for securities and derivatives transactions; bond trading services; front-line regulatory functions; and computer and software maintenance services. It also provides an electronic foreign exchange trading solutions and platform; electronic communication network; FX platform and support services; and management consultancy services for index activities. In addition, the company offers membership and management services to related corporations; distributes bulk freight market indices and information; and operates an electricity market, as well as provides administration services for index calculation, risk analyses, and financial research. Singapore Exchange Limited was incorporated in 1999 and is headquartered in Singapore.

About MSCI

(Get Free Report)

MSCI Inc., together with its subsidiaries, provides critical decision support tools and solutions for the investment community to manage investment processes worldwide. The Index segment provides indexes for use in various areas of the investment process, including indexed financial product, such as ETFs, mutual funds, annuities, futures, options, structured products, and over-the-counter derivatives; performance benchmarking; portfolio construction and rebalancing; and asset allocation, as well as licenses GICS and GICS Direct. The Analytics segment offers risk management, performance attribution and portfolio management content, application, an integrated view of risk and return service, and an analysis of market, credit, liquidity, counterparty, and climate risk across asset classes; managed services, including consolidation of client portfolio data, review and reconciliation of input data and results, and customized reporting; and HedgePlatform to measure, evaluate, and monitor the risk of hedge fund investments. The ESG and Climate segment provides products and services that help institutional investors understand how ESG impacts the long-term risk and return of their portfolio and individual security-level investments; and data, ratings, research, and tools to help investors navigate increasing regulation. The All Other Private Assets segment includes real estate and infrastructure data, benchmarks, return-analytics, climate assessments and market insights; business intelligence to real estate owners, managers, developers, and brokers; and offers investment decision support tools for private capital. The Private Capital Solutions segment offers tools to help private asset investors across mission-critical workflows, such as sourcing terms and conditions, evaluating operating performance, managing risk and other activities supporting private capital investing. MSCI Inc. was incorporated in 1998 and is headquartered in New York, New York.

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Oversea-Chinese Banking (OTCMKTS:OVCHY  Get Free Report) and Suruga Bank (OTCMKTS:SUGBY  Get Free Report) are both finance companies, but which is the better stock? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their dividends, valuation, analyst recommendations, profitability, risk, earnings and institutional ownership.

Dividends

Oversea-Chinese Banking pays an annual dividend of $1.24 per share and has a dividend yield of 5.4%. Suruga Bank pays an annual dividend of $1.34 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.9%. Suruga Bank pays out 25.6% of its earnings in the form of a dividend.

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Profitability

This table compares Oversea-Chinese Banking and Suruga Banks net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Oversea-Chinese Banking N/A N/A N/A Suruga Bank 16.87% 5.70% 0.46%

Insider and Institutional Ownership

Risk and Volatility

0.0% of Oversea-Chinese Banking shares are held by institutional investors. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a company is poised for long-term growth.

Oversea-Chinese Banking has a beta of 0.63, indicating that its stock price is 37% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Suruga Bank has a beta of -0.07, indicating that its stock price is 107% less volatile than the S&P 500.

Valuation & Earnings

This table compares Oversea-Chinese Banking and Suruga Banks top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Oversea-Chinese Banking $18.42 billion 2.82 $5.23 billion N/A N/A Suruga Bank $633.45 million 2.25 $106.09 million $5.24 13.78

Oversea-Chinese Banking has higher revenue and earnings than Suruga Bank.

Analyst Recommendations

This is a breakdown of recent recommendations for Oversea-Chinese Banking and Suruga Bank, as provided by MarketBeat.com.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Oversea-Chinese Banking 0 0 0 0 N/A Suruga Bank 0 0 0 0 N/A

Summary

Oversea-Chinese Banking beats Suruga Bank on 7 of the 10 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Oversea-Chinese Banking

(Get Free Report)

Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation Limited engages in the provision of financial services in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Greater China, rest of the Asia Pacific, and internationally. The company's Global Consumer/Private Banking segment provides products and services to individual customers, including checking accounts, and savings and fixed deposits; housing and other personal loans; credit cards; wealth management products consisting of unit trusts, banc assurance products, and structured deposits; and brokerage services. This segment also offers investment advice and portfolio management, estate and trust planning, and wealth structuring services for high-net-worth individuals. Its Global Wholesale Banking segment provides long-term project financing, short-term credit, working capital, and trade financing; customized and structured equity-linked financing products; cash management and custodian services; capital market solutions; corporate finance and advisory banking services; and treasury products. This segment serves corporates, public sector, and small and medium enterprises. The company's Global Markets segment is involved in the foreign exchange activities, money market operations, and fixed income and derivatives trading, as well as structured treasury products and financial solutions. Its Insurance segment provides fund management services, and life and general insurance products. The company's Others segment is involved in property and investment holding activities. Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation Limited was founded in 1912 and is headquartered in Singapore.

About Suruga Bank

(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. It also provides investment trust, public bond, pension contribution, insurance, inheritance/trust, lottery, foreign currency, pay-easy, web direct, safe deposit box, external linkage, foreign remittance, fund management, e-combination, payment, nursing care/medical care/dispensing compensation receivable factoring, mortgage, and Internet and telephone banking services. In addition, the company offers staffing, money lending, guarantee, printing, leasing, and agency services. The company was incorporated in 1895 and is headquartered in Numazu, Japan.

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Everi Holdings Inc. (NYSE:EVRI  Free Report)  Research analysts at B. Riley lowered their Q3 2024 EPS estimates for Everi in a report released on Sunday, September 8th. B. Riley analyst D. Bain now expects that the credit services provider will post earnings of $0.10 per share for the quarter, down from their previous estimate of $0.14. B. Riley has a Neutral rating and a $14.25 price objective on the stock. The consensus estimate for Everis current full-year earnings is $0.49 per share. B. Riley also issued estimates for Everis Q4 2024 earnings at $0.16 EPS, FY2024 earnings at $0.42 EPS, Q1 2025 earnings at $0.17 EPS, Q2 2025 earnings at $0.17 EPS, Q3 2025 earnings at $0.18 EPS, Q4 2025 earnings at $0.19 EPS and FY2025 earnings at $0.71 EPS.

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Other equities analysts have also issued reports about the stock. Stifel Nicolaus restated a hold rating and issued a $14.25 price objective (up from $11.00) on shares of Everi in a research report on Wednesday, July 31st. Truist Financial cut their price target on shares of Everi from $11.00 to $10.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a report on Thursday, July 18th. Raymond James reaffirmed a market perform rating on shares of Everi in a report on Monday, July 29th. Finally, StockNews.com began coverage on Everi in a research note on Saturday, September 7th. They set a hold rating for the company. Six analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $13.50.

Everi Stock Performance

NYSE:EVRI opened at $13.12 on Tuesday. The businesss fifty day moving average is $11.51 and its 200 day moving average is $9.61. The firm has a market cap of $1.12 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.18 and a beta of 2.15. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.94, a quick ratio of 0.95 and a current ratio of 1.05. Everi has a 52-week low of $6.37 and a 52-week high of $15.13.

Everi (NYSE:EVRI  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, August 7th. The credit services provider reported $0.11 EPS for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of $0.11. Everi had a net margin of 5.42% and a return on equity of 17.86%. The company had revenue of $191.19 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $190.00 million.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Everi

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. CWM LLC raised its position in shares of Everi by 117.5% in the 2nd quarter. CWM LLC now owns 3,512 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $30,000 after acquiring an additional 1,897 shares in the last quarter. Oxford Financial Group LTD. LLC raised its holdings in Everi by 4.3% in the first quarter. Oxford Financial Group LTD. LLC now owns 48,420 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $487,000 after purchasing an additional 2,000 shares in the last quarter. SummerHaven Investment Management LLC lifted its position in Everi by 4.6% during the second quarter. SummerHaven Investment Management LLC now owns 53,078 shares of the credit services providers stock valued at $446,000 after buying an additional 2,347 shares during the period. Quarry LP boosted its holdings in shares of Everi by 38.9% during the 2nd quarter. Quarry LP now owns 10,230 shares of the credit services providers stock valued at $86,000 after buying an additional 2,864 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Signaturefd LLC grew its position in shares of Everi by 2,428.6% in the 2nd quarter. Signaturefd LLC now owns 3,186 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $27,000 after buying an additional 3,060 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 95.47% of the companys stock.

Insider Transactions at Everi

In other news, CFO Mark F. Labay sold 10,645 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $12.95, for a total transaction of $137,852.75. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 192,426 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,491,916.70. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In other news, EVP Darren Simmons sold 75,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred 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 transaction, the executive vice president now owns 190,425 shares in the company, valued at $2,494,567.50. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, CFO Mark F. Labay sold 10,645 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, August 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $12.95, for a total transaction of $137,852.75. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 192,426 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,491,916.70. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 131,417 shares of company stock valued at $1,713,281 in the last quarter. Insiders own 6.40% of the companys stock.

Everi Company Profile

(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.

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Green Dot Co. (NYSE:GDOT  Get Free Report) shares shot up 9.6% during trading on Monday . The company traded as high as $11.62 and last traded at $11.57. 653,637 shares were traded during trading, an increase of 14% from the average session volume of 573,213 shares. The stock had previously closed at $10.56.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Separately, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods reissued a market perform rating and set a $11.00 price target on shares of Green Dot in a research report on Monday, July 22nd. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating and one has given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $10.75.

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Read Our Latest Research Report on Green Dot

Green Dot Price Performance

The firm has a fifty day moving average of $10.09 and a 200 day moving average of $9.49. The stock has a market capitalization of $589.03 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -23.60 and a beta of 0.91.

Green Dot (NYSE:GDOT  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 8th. The financial services provider reported $0.25 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.23 by $0.02. Green Dot had a negative net margin of 3.41% and a positive return on equity of 4.01%. The business had revenue of $407.10 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $381.87 million. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $0.20 EPS. The businesss revenue was up 11.3% on a year-over-year basis. Research analysts predict that Green Dot Co. will post 1 EPS for the current year.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Green Dot

Several hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of GDOT. Kent Lake Capital LLC acquired a new stake in Green Dot in the 1st quarter valued at $7,464,000. SG Capital Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Green Dot in the first quarter valued at about $4,254,000. American Century Companies Inc. increased its stake in shares of Green Dot by 79.0% during the second quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 322,692 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $3,049,000 after purchasing an additional 142,377 shares in the last quarter. Thompson Siegel & Walmsley LLC raised its position in shares of Green Dot by 24.9% during the 2nd quarter. Thompson Siegel & Walmsley LLC now owns 525,377 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $4,965,000 after purchasing an additional 104,829 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Assenagon Asset Management S.A. raised its position in shares of Green Dot by 11.7% during the 1st quarter. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. now owns 923,176 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $8,613,000 after purchasing an additional 97,040 shares during the last quarter. 92.56% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About Green Dot

(Get Free Report)

Green Dot Corporation, a financial technology and registered bank holding company, provides various financial services to consumers and businesses in the United States. It operates through three segments: Consumer Services, Business to Business Services, and Money Movement Services. The company provides deposit account programs, including consumer and small business checking account products, network-branded reloadable prepaid debit cards and gift cards, and secured credit programs.

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Over 3,000 enterprises to attend 21st China-ASEAN Expo

Xinhua) 10:18, September 12, 2024

BEIJING, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- Over 3,000 enterprises are expected to attend the upcoming 21st China-ASEAN Expo in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, according to information revealed at a press conference Wednesday.

Scheduled from Sept. 24 to 28, the expo boasts an exhibition area of nearly 200,000 square meters this year, with Malaysia as the country of honor, said Tan Pichuang, vice chairman of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

This year's expo will add a new section for strategic emerging industries, showcasing the latest developments and technologies in fields such as digital technology, new energy and intelligent connected vehicles, said Vice Minister of Commerce Li Fei.

Also, the United Arab Emirates will be a Special Partner Country, the first time the expo has invited a Gulf Cooperation Council member to participate, Li said.

Since the first China-ASEAN Expo was held in 2004, the event has actively built a platform for ASEAN enterprises to enter the Chinese market.

Official data shows that China has remained ASEAN's largest trading partner for 15 consecutive years. In the first seven months of this year, bilateral trade reached 552 billion U.S. dollars, up 7.7 percent year on year.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Jiangsu Expressway Company Limited (OTCMKTS:JEXYY  Get Free Report)s stock price was down 8.4% during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The company traded as low as $19.04 and last traded at $19.04. Approximately 118 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 81% from the average daily volume of 621 shares. The stock had previously closed at $20.78.

Jiangsu Expressway Stock Performance

The business has a 50-day moving average price of $19.68 and a 200-day moving average price of $20.29.

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Jiangsu Expressway Cuts Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a dividend, which was paid on Monday, August 5th. Investors of record on Wednesday, July 3rd were paid a $1.1461 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, July 3rd.

Jiangsu Expressway Company Profile

Jiangsu Expressway Company Limited engages in investment, construction, operation, and management of toll roads and bridges in the People's Republic of China. The company operates the Jiangsu section of Shanghai-Nanjing Expressway, Ningchang Expressway, Zhenli Expressway, Guangjing Expressway, Xicheng Expressway, Xiyi Expressway, Zhendan Expressway, Yanjiang Expressway, Jiangyin Bridge, Sujiahang Expressway, Changyi Expressway, Yichang Expressway, and Wufengshan Bridge.

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StockNews.com upgraded shares of Nomad Foods (NYSE:NOMD  Free Report) from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report report published on Monday morning.

A number of other brokerages have also recently issued reports on NOMD. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upped their price objective on Nomad Foods from $23.00 to $24.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, August 8th. Barclays dropped their price objective on Nomad Foods from $22.00 to $21.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, July 19th.

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Nomad Foods Trading Down 0.2 %

NYSE NOMD opened at $19.02 on Monday. Nomad Foods has a 52 week low of $13.56 and a 52 week high of $20.05. The stock has a market capitalization of $3.10 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.85 and a beta of 0.78. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.80, a quick ratio of 0.73 and a current ratio of 1.17. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $18.20 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $18.30.

Nomad Foods (NYSE:NOMD  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, August 7th. The company reported $0.47 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, hitting analysts consensus estimates of $0.47. Nomad Foods had a return on equity of 9.78% and a net margin of 6.79%. The company had revenue of $810.64 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $822.21 million. As a group, analysts anticipate that Nomad Foods will post 1.94 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Nomad Foods Announces Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, August 26th. Investors of record on Saturday, August 10th were paid a $0.15 dividend. This represents a $0.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.15%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, August 9th. Nomad Foodss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 50.00%.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Nomad Foods

A number of large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Boston Partners raised its stake in Nomad Foods by 18.8% in the 1st quarter. Boston Partners now owns 8,563,043 shares of the companys stock valued at $167,241,000 after acquiring an additional 1,356,159 shares during the period. Renaissance Technologies LLC grew its holdings in Nomad Foods by 8.3% in the 2nd quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 4,179,679 shares of the companys stock valued at $68,881,000 after buying an additional 320,900 shares in the last quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA grew its holdings in Nomad Foods by 1.5% in the 4th quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 4,075,953 shares of the companys stock valued at $69,087,000 after buying an additional 60,673 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank acquired a new position in Nomad Foods in the 4th quarter valued at $25,286,000. Finally, Townsend & Associates Inc grew its holdings in Nomad Foods by 2.1% in the 1st quarter. Townsend & Associates Inc now owns 1,432,177 shares of the companys stock valued at $26,853,000 after buying an additional 29,897 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 75.26% of the companys stock.

Nomad Foods Company Profile

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Nomad Foods Limited, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures, markets, and distributes a range of frozen food products in the United Kingdom and internationally. The company offers frozen fish products, including fish fingers, coated fish, and natural fish; ready-to-cook vegetable products, such as peas and spinach; and frozen poultry and meat products comprising nuggets, grills, and burgers.

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Shares of Safestay plc (LON:SSTY  Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week high on Monday . The stock traded as high as GBX 27 ($0.35) and last traded at GBX 25.80 ($0.34), with a volume of 10477 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 25.75 ($0.34).

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Separately, Shore Capital reiterated a house stock rating on shares of Safestay in a research report on Tuesday, August 13th.

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Safestay Stock Performance

Safestay Company Profile

The stock has a market cap of 17.51 million, a P/E ratio of -2,575.00 and a beta of 1.34. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 150.58, a current ratio of 0.48 and a quick ratio of 1.27. The company has a fifty day moving average of GBX 21.11 and a 200 day moving average of GBX 20.17.

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Safestay plc operates and develops traveller accommodation under the Safestay brand in the United Kingdom, Belgium, Portugal, Spain, and rest of Europe. The company provides overnight hostel accommodation services and owns properties, as well as owns and operates hotels. It also provides ancillary goods and services, such as food and beverage, and merchandise.

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StockNews.com upgraded shares of WPP (NYSE:WPP  Free Report) from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note issued to investors on Sunday.

Separately, Citigroup upgraded shares of WPP to a strong-buy rating in a report on Thursday, August 8th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating, one has assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $46.00.

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WPP Price Performance

WPP Increases Dividend

WPP stock opened at $48.38 on Friday. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $46.93 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $47.96. The stock has a market capitalization of $10.44 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.09, a PEG ratio of 6.82 and a beta of 1.29. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.09, a quick ratio of 0.86 and a current ratio of 0.89. WPP has a 52-week low of $41.13 and a 52-week high of $54.21.

The company also recently announced a Semi-Annual dividend, which will be paid on Friday, November 1st. Investors of record on Friday, October 11th will be issued a $0.954 dividend. This is a boost from WPPs previous Semi-Annual dividend of $0.24. This represents a dividend yield of 5.7%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, October 11th. WPPs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 31.77%.

Institutional Trading of WPP

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of WPP. Sanctuary Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of WPP during the second quarter worth about $201,000. Brandes Investment Partners LP lifted its position in shares of WPP by 7.0% during the 2nd quarter. Brandes Investment Partners LP now owns 652,269 shares of the business services providers stock worth $30,232,000 after buying an additional 42,690 shares in the last quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. boosted its stake in shares of WPP by 6.1% in the 2nd quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 10,520 shares of the business services providers stock worth $482,000 after buying an additional 606 shares during the last quarter. Creative Planning grew its holdings in shares of WPP by 20.1% in the second quarter. Creative Planning now owns 24,431 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $1,118,000 after acquiring an additional 4,086 shares in the last quarter. Finally, AQR Capital Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of WPP during the second quarter valued at approximately $283,000. Institutional investors own 4.34% of the companys stock.

WPP Company Profile

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WPP plc, a creative transformation company, provides communications, experience, commerce, and technology services in North America, the United Kingdom, Western Continental Europe, the Asia Pacific, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Central and Eastern Europe. The company operates through three segments: Global Integrated Agencies, Public Relations, and Specialist Agencies.

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Achmea Investment Management B.V. raised its stake in shares of Lennox International Inc. (NYSE:LII  Free Report) by 7.3% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 83,311 shares of the construction companys stock after acquiring an additional 5,673 shares during the period. Lennox International comprises approximately 0.8% of Achmea Investment Management B.V.s investment portfolio, making the stock its 22nd largest holding. Achmea Investment Management B.V.s holdings in Lennox International were worth $44,570,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Several other large investors have also bought and sold shares of the stock. Innealta Capital LLC bought a new stake in shares of Lennox International during the 2nd quarter worth $33,000. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV raised its stake in shares of Lennox International by 38.8% during the 2nd quarter. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV now owns 68 shares of the construction companys stock worth $36,000 after purchasing an additional 19 shares during the period. Rise Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of Lennox International during the 1st quarter worth $41,000. Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. purchased a new stake in Lennox International in the 2nd quarter worth about $65,000. Finally, Bessemer Group Inc. increased its holdings in Lennox International by 403.3% in the 1st quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. now owns 151 shares of the construction companys stock worth $73,000 after acquiring an additional 121 shares during the last quarter. 67.07% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Lennox International Stock Up 1.6 %

Shares of NYSE LII opened at $567.01 on Thursday. Lennox International Inc. has a 12 month low of $334.53 and a 12 month high of $594.65. The company has a current ratio of 1.60, a quick ratio of 0.90 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.95. The firm has a market capitalization of $20.20 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 32.85, a PEG ratio of 1.77 and a beta of 1.07. The business has a 50-day moving average of $562.89 and a 200-day moving average of $515.91.

Insider Buying and Selling

Lennox International ( NYSE:LII Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, July 24th. The construction company reported $6.83 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $6.55 by $0.28. The company had revenue of $1.45 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.48 billion. Lennox International had a return on equity of 198.36% and a net margin of 12.85%. Lennox Internationals quarterly revenue was up 2.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $6.15 EPS. Sell-side analysts expect that Lennox International Inc. will post 20.32 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

In related news, EVP Prakash Bedapudi sold 5,374 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, August 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $584.00, for a total value of $3,138,416.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 16,162 shares in the company, valued at approximately $9,438,608. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. In related news, EVP Prakash Bedapudi sold 5,374 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, August 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $584.00, for a total value of $3,138,416.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 16,162 shares in the company, valued at approximately $9,438,608. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Also, Director Todd J. Teske sold 2,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, August 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $574.05, for a total value of $1,148,100.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 8,411 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,828,334.55. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 13,052 shares of company stock worth $7,563,793 in the last quarter. 10.40% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several equities research analysts recently weighed in on the company. KeyCorp lifted their price objective on Lennox International from $515.00 to $600.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Monday, July 22nd. Royal Bank of Canada lifted their price objective on Lennox International from $566.00 to $572.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a report on Thursday, July 25th. Barclays lifted their price objective on Lennox International from $517.00 to $550.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Friday, July 26th. The Goldman Sachs Group lifted their price objective on Lennox International from $507.00 to $575.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, July 10th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company lowered Lennox International from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating and lifted their price objective for the stock from $550.00 to $570.00 in a report on Wednesday, July 10th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have assigned a hold rating and six have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $543.62.

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Lennox International Profile

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Lennox International Inc, together with its subsidiaries, designs, manufactures, and markets a range of products for the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration markets in the United States, Canada, and internationally. The Home Comfort Solutions segment provides furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, packaged heating and cooling systems, indoor air quality equipment, comfort control products, and replacement parts and supplies; residential heating, ventilation, cooling equipment, and air conditioning; and evaporator coils and unit heaters under Lennox, Dave Lennox Signature Collection, Armstrong Air, Ducane, AirEase, Concord, MagicPak, Advanced Distributor Products, Allied, Elite Series, Merit Series, Comfort Sync, Healthy Climate, iComfort, ComfortSense, and Lennox Stores name.

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AIMZ Investment Advisors LLC lowered its holdings in shares of International Business Machines Co. (NYSE:IBM  Free Report) by 1.4% during the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 18,720 shares of the technology companys stock after selling 262 shares during the period. International Business Machines comprises 1.2% of AIMZ Investment Advisors LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 28th largest holding. AIMZ Investment Advisors LLCs holdings in International Business Machines were worth $3,238,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of IBM. Arden Trust Co grew its holdings in International Business Machines by 2.8% during the 1st quarter. Arden Trust Co now owns 1,973 shares of the technology companys stock worth $377,000 after acquiring an additional 54 shares during the last quarter. Armbruster Capital Management Inc. boosted its stake in shares of International Business Machines by 2.3% in the 2nd quarter. Armbruster Capital Management Inc. now owns 2,500 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $432,000 after purchasing an additional 56 shares during the last quarter. CVA Family Office LLC boosted its stake in shares of International Business Machines by 3.3% in the 2nd quarter. CVA Family Office LLC now owns 1,796 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $311,000 after purchasing an additional 57 shares during the last quarter. Chicago Partners Investment Group LLC boosted its stake in shares of International Business Machines by 0.8% in the 4th quarter. Chicago Partners Investment Group LLC now owns 7,528 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $1,309,000 after purchasing an additional 58 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Peddock Capital Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of International Business Machines by 0.6% in the 2nd quarter. Peddock Capital Advisors LLC now owns 10,040 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $1,736,000 after purchasing an additional 58 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 58.96% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several brokerages have recently issued reports on IBM. UBS Group raised their target price on shares of International Business Machines from $130.00 to $145.00 and gave the company a sell rating in a research note on Wednesday, September 4th. StockNews.com raised shares of International Business Machines from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, June 19th. The Goldman Sachs Group started coverage on shares of International Business Machines in a research note on Monday, June 24th. They set a buy rating and a $200.00 price objective on the stock. Stifel Nicolaus lifted their price objective on shares of International Business Machines from $190.00 to $205.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, July 25th. Finally, Hsbc Global Res raised shares of International Business Machines to a moderate sell rating in a research note on Friday, July 26th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have assigned a hold rating and seven have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $188.60.

International Business Machines Price Performance

Shares of IBM opened at $209.82 on Thursday. The company has a market cap of $193.28 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 23.76, a PEG ratio of 4.47 and a beta of 0.70. International Business Machines Co. has a 1-year low of $135.87 and a 1-year high of $210.12. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $191.34 and its 200 day simple moving average is $182.99. The company has a current ratio of 1.12, a quick ratio of 1.08 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.20.

International Business Machines (NYSE:IBM  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, July 24th. The technology company reported $2.43 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.16 by $0.27. The business had revenue of $15.77 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $15.62 billion. International Business Machines had a net margin of 13.52% and a return on equity of 40.59%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 1.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $2.18 earnings per share. On average, research analysts forecast that International Business Machines Co. will post 10.1 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

International Business Machines Dividend Announcement

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, September 10th. Investors of record on Friday, August 9th were issued a dividend of $1.67 per share. The ex-dividend date was Friday, August 9th. This represents a $6.68 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.18%. International Business Machiness payout ratio is 75.65%.

About International Business Machines

(Free Report)

International Business Machines Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides integrated solutions and services worldwide. The company operates through Software, Consulting, Infrastructure, and Financing segments. The Software segment offers a hybrid cloud and AI platforms that allows clients to realize their digital and AI transformations across the applications, data, and environments in which they operate.

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AmmPower Corp. (OTCMKTS:AMMPF  Get Free Report) was the target of a significant drop in short interest during the month of August. As of August 31st, there was short interest totalling 2,000 shares, a drop of 98.7% from the August 15th total of 150,000 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 384,500 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.0 days.

AmmPower Price Performance

Shares of OTCMKTS:AMMPF traded down 0.00 during trading on Thursday, hitting 0.01. The companys stock had a trading volume of 202,600 shares, compared to its average volume of 221,346. The company has a 50-day moving average of 0.01 and a 200-day moving average of 0.02. AmmPower has a 12 month low of 0.01 and a 12 month high of 0.14.

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AmmPower Company Profile

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Further Reading

AmmPower Corp., a clean energy company, engages in the manufacturing and selling of green ammonia to farmers, and distributors and retailers of anhydrous ammonia used in fertilizer in Canada and the United States. It owns the Whabouchi South lithium exploration property located in the James Bay/Eeyou Istche region of Quebec.

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ASGN (NYSE:ASGN  Free Report) had its price target decreased by Jefferies Financial Group from $95.00 to $88.00 in a research report released on Monday, Benzinga reports. Jefferies Financial Group currently has a hold rating on the business services providers stock.

Separately, Canaccord Genuity Group reissued a buy rating and set a $115.00 price objective on shares of ASGN in a report on Thursday, July 25th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, four have given a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, ASGN has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $97.22.

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ASGN Price Performance

ASGN opened at $89.17 on Monday. The company has a market capitalization of $4.09 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.64, a PEG ratio of 14.59 and a beta of 1.40. The company has a current ratio of 2.34, a quick ratio of 2.34 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.57. ASGN has a 12-month low of $76.70 and a 12-month high of $106.42. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $93.02 and its 200-day simple moving average is $95.52.

ASGN (NYSE:ASGN  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, July 24th. The business services provider reported $1.36 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.33 by $0.03. The company had revenue of $1.04 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.05 billion. ASGN had a net margin of 4.56% and a return on equity of 14.30%. The firms quarterly revenue was down 8.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $1.59 EPS. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that ASGN will post 5.17 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Insider Transactions at ASGN

In other ASGN news, Director Jonathan S. Holman sold 503 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, September 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $90.45, for a total value of $45,496.35. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 10,821 shares in the company, valued at $978,759.45. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this link. Insiders own 3.20% of the companys stock.

Institutional Trading of ASGN

Several large investors have recently bought and sold shares of ASGN. LRI Investments LLC purchased a new position in shares of ASGN in the first quarter worth $154,000. Meadow Creek Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of ASGN in the 1st quarter valued at $512,000. Argent Capital Management LLC raised its stake in ASGN by 8.9% in the 4th quarter. Argent Capital Management LLC now owns 5,917 shares of the business services providers stock worth $569,000 after acquiring an additional 484 shares during the last quarter. SG Americas Securities LLC lifted its position in ASGN by 1,851.6% during the 2nd quarter. SG Americas Securities LLC now owns 19,887 shares of the business services providers stock worth $1,753,000 after acquiring an additional 18,868 shares during the period. Finally, Reinhart Partners LLC. lifted its position in ASGN by 0.9% during the 1st quarter. Reinhart Partners LLC. now owns 548,300 shares of the business services providers stock worth $57,440,000 after acquiring an additional 4,931 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 95.36% of the companys stock.

ASGN Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

ASGN Incorporated engages in the provision of information technology (IT) services and solutions in the technology, digital, and creative fields for commercial and government sectors in the United States, Canada, and Europe. It operates through two segments: Commercial and Federal Government. The Commercial Segment provides consulting, creative digital marketing, and permanent placement services primarily to enterprise clients.

Further Reading

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Bahl & Gaynor Inc. boosted its position in Sonoco Products (NYSE:SON  Free Report) by 1.0% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 141,489 shares of the industrial products companys stock after acquiring an additional 1,396 shares during the period. Bahl & Gaynor Inc. owned 0.14% of Sonoco Products worth $7,176,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Wedmont Private Capital increased its stake in shares of Sonoco Products by 2.8% in the 1st quarter. Wedmont Private Capital now owns 6,541 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $382,000 after acquiring an additional 178 shares in the last quarter. Richardson Financial Services Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Sonoco Products by 5.7% during the first quarter. Richardson Financial Services Inc. now owns 3,345 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $193,000 after purchasing an additional 180 shares during the last quarter. Curbstone Financial Management Corp boosted its position in shares of Sonoco Products by 0.7% in the 1st quarter. Curbstone Financial Management Corp now owns 27,750 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $1,605,000 after purchasing an additional 200 shares in the last quarter. FinTrust Capital Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of Sonoco Products by 78.8% in the 1st quarter. FinTrust Capital Advisors LLC now owns 490 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $28,000 after buying an additional 216 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Sterling Investment Counsel LLC increased its position in Sonoco Products by 5.2% during the 1st quarter. Sterling Investment Counsel LLC now owns 5,460 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $316,000 after buying an additional 270 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 77.69% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

SON has been the topic of several analyst reports. Citigroup dropped their target price on Sonoco Products from $64.00 to $60.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Monday, July 8th. StockNews.com downgraded shares of Sonoco Products from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 3rd. Wells Fargo & Company cut shares of Sonoco Products from an equal weight rating to an underweight rating and decreased their target price for the stock from $54.00 to $52.00 in a report on Wednesday, August 21st. Finally, Raymond James initiated coverage on shares of Sonoco Products in a report on Friday, July 19th. They set an outperform rating and a $62.00 price target on the stock. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating and three have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $58.00.

Sonoco Products Price Performance

NYSE SON opened at $53.80 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.04, a quick ratio of 0.85 and a current ratio of 1.30. The company has a market capitalization of $5.29 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.59, a PEG ratio of 2.13 and a beta of 0.68. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $51.89 and a 200 day moving average of $55.42. Sonoco Products has a one year low of $52.76 and a one year high of $55.08.

Sonoco Products (NYSE:SON  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 31st. The industrial products company reported $1.28 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.26 by $0.02. The firm had revenue of $1.62 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.69 billion. Sonoco Products had a net margin of 5.57% and a return on equity of 20.10%. The firms quarterly revenue was down 4.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $1.38 earnings per share. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that Sonoco Products will post 5.09 EPS for the current year.

Sonoco Products Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, September 10th. Stockholders of record on Friday, August 9th were paid a $0.52 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Friday, August 9th. This represents a $2.08 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.87%. Sonoco Productss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 52.53%.

Sonoco Products Company Profile

(Free Report)

Sonoco Products Company, together with its subsidiaries, designs, develops, manufactures, and sells various engineered and sustainable packaging products in North and South America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. The company operates Consumer Packaging and Industrial Paper Packaging segments. The Consumer Packaging segment offers round and shaped rigid paper, steel, and plastic containers; metal and peelable membrane ends, closures, and components; thermoformed plastic trays and enclosures; and high-barrier flexible packaging products.

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Altria Group (NYSE:MO  Free Report) had its price objective lifted by Barclays from $43.00 to $45.00 in a research report released on Monday, Benzinga reports. The brokerage currently has an underweight rating on the stock.

MO has been the subject of a number of other reports. Stifel Nicolaus increased their target price on shares of Altria Group from $50.00 to $54.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, August 1st. Bank of America upped their price target on shares of Altria Group from $52.00 to $57.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, September 4th. Argus upgraded Altria Group to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, May 31st. Finally, StockNews.com raised shares of Altria Group from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Friday, June 28th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Altria Group currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $49.67.

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Altria Group Stock Down 1.7 %

Altria Group stock opened at $53.15 on Monday. Altria Group has a 52 week low of $39.06 and a 52 week high of $54.95. The companys 50 day moving average price is $50.62 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $46.29. The stock has a market cap of $91.29 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.12, a P/E/G ratio of 3.10 and a beta of 0.65.

Altria Group (NYSE:MO  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 31st. The company reported $1.31 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.35 by ($0.04). Altria Group had a negative return on equity of 232.55% and a net margin of 42.25%. The business had revenue of $6.21 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.39 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $1.31 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was up 14.2% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities analysts anticipate that Altria Group will post 5.1 EPS for the current year.

Altria Group Increases Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, October 10th. Investors of record on Monday, September 16th will be given a $1.02 dividend. This is an increase from Altria Groups previous quarterly dividend of $0.98. The ex-dividend date is Monday, September 16th. This represents a $4.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 7.68%. Altria Groups payout ratio is presently 85.36%.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Maryland Capital Advisors Inc. raised its position in Altria Group by 154.4% in the 1st quarter. Maryland Capital Advisors Inc. now owns 575 shares of the companys stock worth $25,000 after purchasing an additional 349 shares during the period. BNP Paribas bought a new position in shares of Altria Group during the first quarter valued at about $27,000. MFA Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of Altria Group in the second quarter worth about $27,000. Pineridge Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of Altria Group in the 4th quarter valued at about $28,000. Finally, Westend Capital Management LLC purchased a new stake in Altria Group during the 1st quarter valued at about $29,000. 57.41% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Altria Group Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Altria Group, Inc, through its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells smokeable and oral tobacco products in the United States. The company offers cigarettes primarily under the Marlboro brand; large cigars and pipe tobacco under the Black & Mild brand; moist smokeless tobacco and snus products under the Copenhagen, Skoal, Red Seal, and Husky brands; oral nicotine pouches under the on! brand; and e-vapor products under the NJOY ACE brand.

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NINE MASTS CAPITAL Ltd trimmed its holdings in shares of BlackRock MuniHoldings California Quality Fund, Inc. (NYSE:MUC  Free Report) by 54.1% in the second quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The institutional investor owned 62,507 shares of the companys stock after selling 73,620 shares during the quarter. NINE MASTS CAPITAL Ltds holdings in BlackRock MuniHoldings California Quality Fund were worth $694,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Blue Bell Private Wealth Management LLC lifted its position in shares of BlackRock MuniHoldings California Quality Fund by 242.9% during the 2nd quarter. Blue Bell Private Wealth Management LLC now owns 4,800 shares of the companys stock valued at $53,000 after acquiring an additional 3,400 shares during the last quarter. Wolverine Asset Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of BlackRock MuniHoldings California Quality Fund by 57.4% during the second quarter. Wolverine Asset Management LLC now owns 6,390 shares of the companys stock valued at $71,000 after purchasing an additional 2,330 shares during the last quarter. Centaurus Financial Inc. acquired a new position in shares of BlackRock MuniHoldings California Quality Fund in the 4th quarter valued at $105,000. Sanders Morris Harris LLC purchased a new position in BlackRock MuniHoldings California Quality Fund in the 1st quarter worth about $110,000. Finally, Virtu Financial LLC purchased a new position in BlackRock MuniHoldings California Quality Fund in the 1st quarter worth about $119,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 30.99% of the companys stock.

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BlackRock MuniHoldings California Quality Fund Stock Up 0.6 %

MUC stock opened at $11.46 on Thursday. BlackRock MuniHoldings California Quality Fund, Inc. has a one year low of $9.19 and a one year high of $11.50. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $11.21 and a two-hundred day moving average of $11.03.

BlackRock MuniHoldings California Quality Fund Announces Dividend

About BlackRock MuniHoldings California Quality Fund

The company also recently declared a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 1st. Investors of record on Monday, September 16th will be given a $0.0485 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, September 16th. This represents a $0.58 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.08%.

(Free Report)

BlackRock MuniHoldings California Quality Fund, Inc is a closed ended fixed income mutual fund launched by BlackRock, Inc It is managed by BlackRock Advisors, LLC. The fund invests in fixed income markets. It invests primarily in a portfolio of long-term investment-grade municipal obligations, the interest on which is exempt from Federal and California income taxes.

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Bokf Na lessened its stake in Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY  Free Report) by 0.9% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 56,578 shares of the companys stock after selling 500 shares during the quarter. Eli Lilly and Company makes up about 0.9% of Bokf Nas portfolio, making the stock its 21st biggest holding. Bokf Nas holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $51,225,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Lynx Investment Advisory purchased a new position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company in the second quarter valued at approximately $32,000. LGT Financial Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Eli Lilly and Company in the 2nd quarter valued at $36,000. Morton Brown Family Wealth LLC lifted its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company by 45.5% in the 2nd quarter. Morton Brown Family Wealth LLC now owns 48 shares of the companys stock valued at $41,000 after purchasing an additional 15 shares in the last quarter. Core Wealth Advisors Inc. boosted its stake in Eli Lilly and Company by 188.2% during the 4th quarter. Core Wealth Advisors Inc. now owns 49 shares of the companys stock worth $29,000 after purchasing an additional 32 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Activest Wealth Management purchased a new stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company during the first quarter worth $39,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 82.53% of the companys stock.

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Eli Lilly and Company Stock Up 2.2 %

Shares of LLY opened at $920.89 on Thursday. The companys 50-day moving average price is $896.20 and its 200 day moving average price is $831.11. Eli Lilly and Company has a 12-month low of $516.57 and a 12-month high of $972.53. The company has a current ratio of 1.11, a quick ratio of 0.87 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.74. The firm has a market cap of $875.22 billion, a P/E ratio of 135.62, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.73 and a beta of 0.42.

Eli Lilly and Company Announces Dividend

Eli Lilly and Company ( NYSE:LLY Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 8th. The company reported $3.92 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.64 by $1.28. The business had revenue of $11.30 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $9.83 billion. Eli Lilly and Company had a net margin of 18.86% and a return on equity of 67.52%. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that Eli Lilly and Company will post 16.51 earnings per share for the current year.

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, September 10th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, August 15th were given a $1.30 dividend. This represents a $5.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.56%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, August 15th. Eli Lilly and Companys payout ratio is 76.58%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several equities analysts have recently weighed in on LLY shares. Evercore ISI raised shares of Eli Lilly and Company to a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, September 5th. Cantor Fitzgerald reissued an overweight rating and issued a $885.00 target price on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research note on Monday. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their target price on Eli Lilly and Company from $900.00 to $1,000.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, July 11th. Barclays increased their price target on Eli Lilly and Company from $913.00 to $1,025.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, July 10th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group lifted their price objective on Eli Lilly and Company from $994.00 to $1,015.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Monday, June 24th. Three investment 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.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $961.76.

Read Our Latest Report on Eli Lilly and Company

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, major shareholder Lilly Endowment Inc sold 210,000 shares of Eli Lilly and Company stock in a transaction on 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 directly owns 96,943,810 shares of the companys stock, valued at $91,109,731,514.20. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Insiders have sold 661,900 shares of company stock worth $604,721,602 over the last ninety days. Corporate insiders own 0.13% of the companys stock.

About Eli Lilly and Company

(Free Report)

Eli Lilly and Company discovers, develops, and markets human pharmaceuticals worldwide. The company offers Basaglar, Humalog, Humalog Mix 75/25, Humalog U-100, Humalog U-200, Humalog Mix 50/50, insulin lispro, insulin lispro protamine, insulin lispro mix 75/25, Humulin, Humulin 70/30, Humulin N, Humulin R, and Humulin U-500 for diabetes; Jardiance, Mounjaro, and Trulicity for type 2 diabetes; and Zepbound for obesity.

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Bokf Na increased its position in shares of Coterra Energy Inc. (NYSE:CTRA  Free Report) by 3.5% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 654,613 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 22,386 shares during the quarter. Bokf Na owned approximately 0.09% of Coterra Energy worth $17,459,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Balyasny Asset Management L.P. purchased a new position in shares of Coterra Energy during the 4th quarter worth about $54,625,000. SG Americas Securities LLC raised its stake in Coterra Energy by 2,609.6% during the first quarter. SG Americas Securities LLC now owns 1,541,342 shares of the companys stock worth $42,973,000 after purchasing an additional 1,484,458 shares during the period. Bridgewater Associates LP acquired a new position in shares of Coterra Energy in the 4th quarter valued at $31,112,000. Clearbridge Investments LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Coterra Energy during the 1st quarter valued at $28,967,000. Finally, American Century Companies Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Coterra Energy by 29.1% during the 2nd quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 4,498,227 shares of the companys stock worth $119,968,000 after buying an additional 1,013,107 shares during the last quarter. 87.92% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Coterra Energy Price Performance

Shares of NYSE CTRA opened at $22.84 on Thursday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.38, a current ratio of 1.40 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.16. Coterra Energy Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $22.30 and a fifty-two week high of $29.89. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $25.00 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $26.56. The firm has a market cap of $17.00 billion, a PE ratio of 13.20, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.17 and a beta of 0.22.

Coterra Energy Dividend Announcement

Coterra Energy ( NYSE:CTRA Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 1st. The company reported $0.37 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.39 by ($0.02). The company had revenue of $1.27 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.32 billion. Coterra Energy had a return on equity of 10.48% and a net margin of 23.18%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 7.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $0.38 EPS. Sell-side analysts expect that Coterra Energy Inc. will post 1.95 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, August 29th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, August 15th were given a $0.21 dividend. This represents a $0.84 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.68%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, August 15th. Coterra Energys payout ratio is currently 48.55%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of equities research analysts have issued reports on the company. Citigroup boosted their price target on Coterra Energy from $30.00 to $31.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, May 24th. Susquehanna decreased their target price on Coterra Energy from $33.00 to $30.00 and set a positive rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, September 4th. Bank of America restated a buy rating and issued a $34.00 price target on shares of Coterra Energy in a report on Friday, June 14th. UBS Group decreased their price objective on shares of Coterra Energy from $36.00 to $34.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, August 8th. Finally, Piper Sandler cut their target price on shares of Coterra Energy from $39.00 to $31.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, August 15th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, sixteen have given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $33.12.

Get Our Latest Report on Coterra Energy

Coterra Energy Company Profile

(Free Report)

Coterra Energy Inc, an independent oil and gas company, engages in the development, exploration, and production of oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids in the United States. The company's properties include the Marcellus Shale with approximately 186,000 net acres in the dry gas window of the play located in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania; Permian Basin properties with approximately 296,000 net acres located in west Texas and southeast New Mexico; and Anadarko Basin properties with approximately 182,000 net acres located in Oklahoma.

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Brookfield Business Partners L.P. (NYSE:BBU  Get Free Report) has earned an average rating of Buy from the six brokerages that are currently covering the firm, MarketBeat Ratings reports. Five analysts have rated the stock with a buy recommendation and one has given a strong buy recommendation to the company. The average twelve-month price target among brokerages that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $31.40.

Separately, Royal Bank of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $32.00 price target on shares of Brookfield Business Partners in a research note on Monday, August 5th.

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Brookfield Business Partners Stock Up 0.1 %

Shares of BBU stock opened at $20.10 on Thursday. The company has a current ratio of 1.00, a quick ratio of 0.74 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.24. Brookfield Business Partners has a 1 year low of $12.22 and a 1 year high of $23.75. The firms fifty day moving average price is $19.95 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $19.86. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.49 billion, a P/E ratio of 3.15 and a beta of 1.45.

Brookfield Business Partners (NYSE:BBU  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Friday, August 2nd. The business services provider reported ($0.09) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.86 by ($0.95). Brookfield Business Partners had a net margin of 7.34% and a return on equity of 21.76%. The business had revenue of $11.95 billion during the quarter. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $0.85 EPS. On average, equities analysts predict that Brookfield Business Partners will post 4.52 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Brookfield Business Partners Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 27th. Stockholders of record on Friday, August 30th will be given a $0.0625 dividend. This represents a $0.25 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.24%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, August 30th. Brookfield Business Partnerss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 3.92%.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Partners Value Investments L.P. grew its position in shares of Brookfield Business Partners by 0.7% in the 4th quarter. Partners Value Investments L.P. now owns 2,941,062 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $60,527,000 after acquiring an additional 19,061 shares during the period. Bank of Montreal Can boosted its holdings in shares of Brookfield Business Partners by 3.1% during the 2nd quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 767,726 shares of the business services providers stock worth $15,036,000 after buying an additional 22,886 shares during the period. BRITISH COLUMBIA INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT Corp boosted its holdings in shares of Brookfield Business Partners by 12.7% during the 2nd quarter. BRITISH COLUMBIA INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT Corp now owns 681,562 shares of the business services providers stock worth $12,910,000 after buying an additional 77,017 shares during the period. TD Asset Management Inc boosted its holdings in shares of Brookfield Business Partners by 4.1% during the 4th quarter. TD Asset Management Inc now owns 160,426 shares of the business services providers stock worth $3,328,000 after buying an additional 6,290 shares during the period. Finally, K2 Principal Fund L.P. boosted its holdings in shares of Brookfield Business Partners by 58.3% during the 1st quarter. K2 Principal Fund L.P. now owns 156,353 shares of the business services providers stock worth $3,455,000 after buying an additional 57,553 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 85.04% of the companys stock.

About Brookfield Business Partners

(Get Free Report

Brookfield Business Partners L.P. is a private equity firm specializing in acquisition. The firm typically invests in business services, infrastructure services, construction, energy, and industrials sector. It prefers to take majority stake in companies. The firm seeks returns of at least 15% on its investments.

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Bunzl plc (LON:BNZL  Get Free Report) shares reached a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The company traded as high as GBX 3,658 ($47.84) and last traded at GBX 3,656.82 ($47.82), with a volume of 863225 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 3,648 ($47.70).

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

BNZL has been the topic of a number of analyst reports. Royal Bank of Canada raised shares of Bunzl to a sector perform rating and lifted their price objective for the stock from GBX 2,700 ($35.31) to GBX 3,350 ($43.81) in a report on Thursday, August 29th. Jefferies Financial Group lifted their price objective on shares of Bunzl from GBX 2,600 ($34.00) to GBX 2,800 ($36.62) and gave the stock an underperform rating in a report on Thursday, September 5th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price objective on shares of Bunzl from GBX 3,300 ($43.15) to GBX 3,380 ($44.20) and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Friday, June 28th. Shore Capital reiterated a buy rating on shares of Bunzl in a research note on Tuesday, August 27th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reiterated a hold rating and set a GBX 3,200 ($41.85) target price on shares of Bunzl in a research note on Friday, June 28th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating and one has assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of GBX 3,182.50 ($41.62).

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Bunzl Stock Up 0.7 %

Bunzl Cuts Dividend

The company has a market capitalization of 12.22 billion, a P/E ratio of 2,492.41, a PEG ratio of 5.40 and a beta of 0.45. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 123.00, a quick ratio of 0.73 and a current ratio of 1.15. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of GBX 3,260.28 and a 200 day moving average price of GBX 3,117.36.

The company also recently disclosed a dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 3rd. Investors of record on Thursday, November 14th will be paid a GBX 20.10 ($0.26) dividend. This represents a yield of 0.57%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, November 14th. Bunzls dividend payout ratio is currently 4,827.59%.

Insider Activity at Bunzl

In other news, insider Jacky Simmonds acquired 1,445 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 29th. The shares were acquired at an average cost of GBX 3,462 ($45.27) per share, for a total transaction of 50,025.90 ($65,418.99). 0.84% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Bunzl Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Bunzl plc operates as a distribution and services company in the North America, Continental Europe, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and internationally. The company offers food packaging, films, labels, cleaning and hygiene supplies, and personal protection equipment to grocery stores, supermarkets, and convenience stores.

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CNX Resources Co. (NYSE:CNX  Get Free Report) Director Bernard Lanigan, Jr. bought 75,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, September 9th. The shares were bought at an average price of $26.81 per share, with a total value of $2,010,750.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 401,820 shares of the companys stock, valued at $10,772,794.20. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink.

CNX Resources Stock Up 0.9 %

Shares of CNX Resources stock opened at $27.02 on Thursday. The company has a current ratio of 0.41, a quick ratio of 0.40 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.46. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $26.25 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $24.60. The company has a market cap of $4.14 billion, a P/E ratio of 4.89 and a beta of 1.37. CNX Resources Co. has a 12-month low of $19.07 and a 12-month high of $28.23.

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CNX Resources (NYSE:CNX  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, July 25th. The oil and gas producer reported $0.36 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.27 by $0.09. The business had revenue of $321.44 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $387.46 million. CNX Resources had a net margin of 26.64% and a return on equity of 7.51%. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $0.29 EPS. Research analysts anticipate that CNX Resources Co. will post 1.47 EPS for the current year.

Institutional Trading of CNX Resources

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Dynamic Technology Lab Private Ltd purchased a new stake in CNX Resources during the 4th quarter valued at about $798,000. Parkwood LLC grew its position in CNX Resources by 11.2% during the 4th quarter. Parkwood LLC now owns 490,435 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $9,809,000 after purchasing an additional 49,278 shares during the last quarter. QRG Capital Management Inc. grew its position in CNX Resources by 13.8% during the 2nd quarter. QRG Capital Management Inc. now owns 190,498 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $4,629,000 after purchasing an additional 23,069 shares during the last quarter. Duality Advisers LP grew its position in CNX Resources by 61.1% during the 1st quarter. Duality Advisers LP now owns 131,196 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $3,112,000 after purchasing an additional 49,741 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Boston Partners purchased a new stake in CNX Resources during the 1st quarter valued at about $951,000. 95.16% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Several equities research analysts have issued reports on CNX shares. Stephens reiterated an equal weight rating and set a $27.00 target price on shares of CNX Resources in a research report on Monday, July 15th. Scotiabank boosted their price objective on shares of CNX Resources from $25.00 to $27.00 and gave the stock a sector underperform rating in a report on Tuesday, August 20th. Truist Financial boosted their price objective on shares of CNX Resources from $30.00 to $31.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Monday, July 22nd. Piper Sandler lowered shares of CNX Resources from a neutral rating to an underweight rating and lowered their price objective for the stock from $22.00 to $20.00 in a report on Thursday, August 15th. Finally, StockNews.com lowered shares of CNX Resources from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Saturday, August 3rd. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, four have given a hold rating and one has issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $25.57.

Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on CNX Resources

About CNX Resources

(Get Free Report)

CNX Resources Corporation, an independent natural gas and midstream company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, development, and production of natural gas properties in the Appalachian Basin. The company operates in two segments, Shale and Coalbed Methane (CBM). It produces and sells pipeline quality natural gas primarily for gas wholesalers.

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D Orazio & Associates Inc. decreased its holdings in Pimco Total Return ETF (NYSEARCA:BOND  Free Report) by 10.1% in the second quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 37,438 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 4,194 shares during the period. Pimco Total Return ETF comprises about 0.5% of D Orazio & Associates Inc.s portfolio, making the stock its 25th largest position. D Orazio & Associates Inc.s holdings in Pimco Total Return ETF were worth $3,410,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in BOND. Mark Sheptoff Financial Planning LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Pimco Total Return ETF in the 1st quarter worth $30,000. Palisade Asset Management LLC purchased a new stake in Pimco Total Return ETF during the 1st quarter worth approximately $49,000. Avion Wealth increased its stake in Pimco Total Return ETF by 28.1% during the 2nd quarter. Avion Wealth now owns 753 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $68,000 after buying an additional 165 shares in the last quarter. Trust Co. of Vermont purchased a new stake in Pimco Total Return ETF during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $71,000. Finally, EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC increased its stake in Pimco Total Return ETF by 75.1% during the 1st quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 842 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $75,000 after buying an additional 361 shares in the last quarter.

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Pimco Total Return ETF Stock Performance

BOND opened at $94.90 on Thursday. Pimco Total Return ETF has a one year low of $85.10 and a one year high of $95.04. The stock has a market capitalization of $4.36 billion, a PE ratio of 1.59 and a beta of 0.18. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $93.07 and its 200 day moving average price is $91.54.

Pimco Total Return ETF Company Profile

The PIMCO Active Bond Exchange-Traded Fund (BOND) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the Barclays U.S. Aggregate index. The fund is an actively managed portfolio that aims to maintain a consistent level of dividend income by investing in a broad array of fixed income sectors and utilizing income efficient implementation strategies.

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Achmea Investment Management B.V. cut its stake in shares of Dell Technologies Inc. (NYSE:DELL  Free Report) by 13.3% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 169,918 shares of the technology companys stock after selling 25,985 shares during the period. Achmea Investment Management B.V.s holdings in Dell Technologies were worth $23,434,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. increased its stake in Dell Technologies by 22.7% in the 1st quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 135,678 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $15,482,000 after buying an additional 25,117 shares during the period. LRI Investments LLC purchased a new position in Dell Technologies during the first quarter worth about $104,000. Oppenheimer Asset Management Inc. lifted its position in Dell Technologies by 31.1% in the first quarter. Oppenheimer Asset Management Inc. now owns 6,485 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $740,000 after purchasing an additional 1,539 shares during the period. Aigen Investment Management LP purchased a new stake in Dell Technologies in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $410,000. Finally, Tidal Investments LLC increased its position in Dell Technologies by 114.2% during the 1st quarter. Tidal Investments LLC now owns 10,188 shares of the technology companys stock worth $1,163,000 after purchasing an additional 5,432 shares during the period. 38.10% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

DELL has been the topic of a number of analyst reports. Bank of America lifted their price target on Dell Technologies from $150.00 to $155.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday, August 30th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price target on shares of Dell Technologies from $155.00 to $160.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, August 15th. Fox Advisors raised shares of Dell Technologies from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating in a report on Friday, August 30th. TD Cowen dropped their target price on shares of Dell Technologies from $155.00 to $128.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a report on Friday, August 30th. Finally, Citigroup boosted their price target on Dell Technologies from $155.00 to $160.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday, August 30th. Three 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.com, Dell Technologies currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $135.75.

Dell Technologies Stock Up 2.0 %

DELL opened at $108.80 on Thursday. The firm has a market cap of $77.17 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.20, a PEG ratio of 1.08 and a beta of 0.90. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $115.08 and its 200 day simple moving average is $123.79. Dell Technologies Inc. has a 52 week low of $63.90 and a 52 week high of $179.70.

Dell Technologies (NYSE:DELL  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 29th. The technology company reported $1.89 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.49 by $0.40. The company had revenue of $25.03 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $24.14 billion. Dell Technologies had a net margin of 4.32% and a negative return on equity of 182.71%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 9.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the company earned $1.44 EPS. As a group, equities analysts expect that Dell Technologies Inc. will post 6.9 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Dell Technologies news, CEO Michael S. Dell sold 1,839,959 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, September 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $106.68, for a total transaction of $196,286,826.12. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 18,350,822 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,957,665,690.96. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. In related news, CEO Michael S. Dell sold 221,460 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, September 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $102.07, for a total value of $22,604,422.20. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 20,190,781 shares in the company, valued at $2,060,873,016.67. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, CEO Michael S. Dell sold 1,839,959 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, September 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $106.68, for a total transaction of $196,286,826.12. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 18,350,822 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,957,665,690.96. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last three months, insiders sold 6,342,822 shares of company stock valued at $812,586,596. Company insiders own 46.70% of the companys stock.

About Dell Technologies

(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).

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Shares of Dell Technologies Inc. (NYSE:DELL  Get Free Report) traded up 2.7% during trading on Thursday . The company traded as high as $112.54 and last traded at $111.69. 3,967,930 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 62% from the average session volume of 10,382,386 shares. The stock had previously closed at $108.80.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of analysts have recently commented on the stock. Evercore ISI restated an outperform rating and set a $140.00 target price on shares of Dell Technologies in a report on Wednesday, August 28th. Loop Capital boosted their target price on shares of Dell Technologies from $125.00 to $185.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, May 28th. Fox Advisors upgraded shares of Dell Technologies from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating in a report on Friday, August 30th. Wells Fargo & Company dropped their price target on shares of Dell Technologies from $150.00 to $140.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, August 30th. Finally, TD Cowen dropped their price target on shares of Dell Technologies from $155.00 to $128.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, August 30th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fourteen have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $135.75.

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Dell Technologies Stock Performance

The stock has a market cap of $79.96 billion, a PE ratio of 22.79, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.08 and a beta of 0.90. The companys 50-day moving average price is $115.08 and its 200 day moving average price is $123.79.

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 the consensus estimate of $1.49 by $0.40. Dell Technologies had a net margin of 4.32% and a negative return on equity of 182.71%. The firm had revenue of $25.03 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $24.14 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $1.44 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 9.1% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Dell Technologies Inc. will post 6.9 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Insider Activity

In related news, Director V (Gp) L.L.C. Slta sold 389,189 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, June 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $158.79, for a total value of $61,799,321.31. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 731,612 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $116,172,669.48. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. In related news, Director V (Gp) L.L.C. Slta sold 389,189 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, June 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $158.79, for a total value of $61,799,321.31. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 731,612 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $116,172,669.48. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, CEO Michael S. Dell sold 2,837,829 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, June 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $133.75, for a total transaction of $379,559,628.75. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 20,412,241 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,730,137,233.75. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 6,342,822 shares of company stock valued at $812,586,596 in the last quarter. 46.70% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in DELL. Accordant Advisory Group Inc bought a new position in shares of Dell Technologies during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV boosted its position in shares of Dell Technologies by 58.2% during the 1st quarter. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV now owns 223 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $25,000 after acquiring an additional 82 shares during the last quarter. Nemes Rush Group LLC bought a new position in shares of Dell Technologies during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $33,000. Crewe Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of Dell Technologies during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $34,000. Finally, New Covenant Trust Company N.A. bought a new position in shares of Dell Technologies during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $30,000. 38.10% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

Dell Technologies Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Dell Technologies Inc designs, develops, manufactures, markets, sells, and supports various comprehensive and integrated solutions, products, and services in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and internationally. The company operates through two segments, Infrastructure Solutions Group (ISG) and Client Solutions Group (CSG).

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Shares of Dingdong (Cayman) Limited (NYSE:DDL  Get Free Report) shot up 4.4% during trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as high as $2.62 and last traded at $2.62. 140,047 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 68% from the average session volume of 436,421 shares. The stock had previously closed at $2.51.

Dingdong (Cayman) Stock Performance

The company has a market capitalization of $637.82 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -90.00 and a beta of 0.28. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $2.02 and a 200 day moving average price of $1.74.

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Institutional Trading of Dingdong (Cayman)

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of DDL. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Dingdong (Cayman) by 0.4% in the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 4,849,609 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,917,000 after acquiring an additional 17,900 shares in the last quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC bought a new position in Dingdong (Cayman) in the 2nd quarter valued at $86,000. Virtu Financial LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Dingdong (Cayman) during the 1st quarter valued at $54,000. Platinum Investment Management Ltd. boosted its holdings in shares of Dingdong (Cayman) by 1.8% in the 4th quarter. Platinum Investment Management Ltd. now owns 9,308,945 shares of the companys stock worth $13,963,000 after buying an additional 166,736 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Renaissance Technologies LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Dingdong (Cayman) by 63.4% in the 2nd quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 690,200 shares of the companys stock worth $1,373,000 after buying an additional 267,700 shares during the last quarter. 24.66% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Dingdong (Cayman) Company Profile

Dingdong (Cayman) Limited operates an e-commerce company in China. The company offers fresh groceries, including vegetables, meat and eggs, fruits, and seafood; prepared food, and other food products, such as baked goods, dairy, seasonings, beverages, instant food, oil, and snacks. It offers its products through traditional offline, as well as online channels through Dingdong Fresh app, mini-programs, and third-party platforms.

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EQT Holdings Limited (ASX:EQT  Get Free Report) insider David Sedgwick acquired 1,100 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, September 2nd. The stock was acquired at an average cost of A$30.07 ($20.04) per share, with a total value of A$33,072.60 ($22,048.40).

David Sedgwick also recently made the following trade(s):

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On Thursday, June 27th, David Sedgwick purchased 1,109 shares of EQT stock. The stock was acquired at an average price of A$32.15 ($21.43) per share, for a total transaction of A$35,654.35 ($23,769.57).

EQT Price Performance

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 20.61, a current ratio of 6.28 and a quick ratio of 8.74.

EQT Increases Dividend

About EQT

The business also recently disclosed a Final dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, September 24th. Investors of record on Tuesday, September 24th will be given a dividend of $0.53 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Sunday, September 1st. This represents a yield of 1.73%. This is a positive change from EQTs previous Final dividend of $0.50. EQTs payout ratio is currently 135.90%.

(Get Free Report)

EQT Holdings Limited, together with its subsidiaries, provides philanthropic, trust executor, and investment services in Australia, the United Kingdom, and Ireland. It operates through three segments: Trustee and Wealth Services, Superannuation Trustee Services, and Corporate Trustee Services. The company offers estate planning and management; charitable, compensation, community, and personal trust services; and asset and wealth management, and advisory services.

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Gray Television, Inc. (NYSE:GTN.A  Get Free Report) announced a quarterly dividend on Thursday, August 8th, Zacks reports. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 13th will be paid a dividend of 0.08 per share on Monday, September 30th. This represents a $0.32 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.17%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, September 13th.

Gray Television Price Performance

Gray Television stock opened at $7.68 on Thursday. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $8.57 and a 200-day simple moving average of $8.05. The firm has a market capitalization of $761.38 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -64.00 and a beta of 1.32. The company has a quick ratio of 1.63, a current ratio of 1.63 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.98. Gray Television has a 52-week low of $5.90 and a 52-week high of $10.90.

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Gray Television (NYSE:GTN.A  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, August 8th. The company reported $0.09 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The company had revenue of $826.00 million for the quarter. Gray Television had a net margin of 1.84% and a return on equity of 3.02%.

About Gray Television

Gray Television, Inc, a television broadcast company, owns and operates television stations and digital assets in the United States. As of February 28, 2019, it owned and operated television stations in 91 television markets broadcasting approximately 400 program streams, including approximately 150 channels affiliated with the CBS Network, the NBC Network, the ABC Network, and the FOX Network.

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Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. (NYSE:TV  Get Free Report)s stock price dropped 3.9% on Thursday . The company traded as low as $1.82 and last traded at $1.85. Approximately 2,375,097 shares were traded during trading, an increase of 68% from the average daily volume of 1,417,305 shares. The stock had previously closed at $1.92.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several equities analysts have commented on the stock. The Goldman Sachs Group lowered their price objective on shares of Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. from $3.30 to $2.90 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Monday, August 5th. StockNews.com raised shares of Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday. Finally, Benchmark reissued a buy rating and issued a $12.00 target price on shares of Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. in a research note on Thursday, May 16th. Four 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 Hold and an average target price of $5.16.

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Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. Stock Down 3.4 %

Institutional Trading of Grupo Televisa, S.A.B.

The company has a current ratio of 2.31, a quick ratio of 2.28 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.04. The firm has a market cap of $1.03 billion, a PE ratio of -2.20, a P/E/G ratio of 0.82 and a beta of 1.88. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $2.16 and its 200 day simple moving average is $2.73.

A number of institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of TV. Sanctuary Advisors LLC purchased a new position in Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. during the second quarter valued at $29,000. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. increased its position in shares of Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. by 22.2% during the second quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 98,282 shares of the companys stock worth $272,000 after purchasing an additional 17,864 shares in the last quarter. Squarepoint Ops LLC raised its stake in Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. by 199.3% in the 2nd quarter. Squarepoint Ops LLC now owns 91,482 shares of the companys stock valued at $253,000 after purchasing an additional 60,918 shares during the last quarter. Discovery Capital Management LLC CT lifted its holdings in Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. by 6.2% in the 2nd quarter. Discovery Capital Management LLC CT now owns 16,944,935 shares of the companys stock valued at $46,937,000 after purchasing an additional 993,295 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Gabelli Funds LLC grew its holdings in shares of Grupo Televisa, S.A.B. by 0.3% during the second quarter. Gabelli Funds LLC now owns 7,061,624 shares of the companys stock worth $19,561,000 after buying an additional 19,024 shares in the last quarter. 55.77% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About Grupo Televisa, S.A.B.

(Get Free Report)

Grupo Televisa, SAB., together with its subsidiaries, owns and operates cable companies and provides direct-to-home satellite pay television system in Mexico and the United States. It operates through three segments: Cable, Sky, and Other Businesses. The Cable segment operates cable multiple system that provides basic and premium television subscription, pay-per-view, installation, Internet subscription, and telephone and mobile services subscription, as well as local and national advertising services; and telecommunication facilities, which offers data and long-distance services solutions to carriers and other telecommunications service providers through its fiber-optic network.

Further Reading

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Hewlett Packard Enterprise (NYSE:HPE  Free Report) had its price target upped by Loop Capital from $16.00 to $18.00 in a research note issued to investors on Monday morning, Benzinga reports. Loop Capital currently has a hold rating on the technology companys stock.

Several other research firms have also issued reports on HPE. StockNews.com upgraded Hewlett Packard Enterprise from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, June 5th. Stifel Nicolaus lifted their target price on Hewlett Packard Enterprise from $18.00 to $22.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, June 5th. Evercore ISI lifted their target price on Hewlett Packard Enterprise from $18.00 to $22.00 and gave the stock an in-line rating in a report on Wednesday, June 5th. Sanford C. Bernstein lifted their target price on Hewlett Packard Enterprise from $17.00 to $19.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a report on Wednesday, June 5th. Finally, Bank of America reduced their target price on Hewlett Packard Enterprise from $24.00 to $21.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, September 5th. Nine equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Hewlett Packard Enterprise has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $20.83.

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Hewlett Packard Enterprise Stock Up 1.9 %

NYSE:HPE opened at $16.40 on Monday. Hewlett Packard Enterprise has a 12-month low of $14.47 and a 12-month high of $22.82. The company has a quick ratio of 0.62, a current ratio of 0.94 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.36. The firm has a market capitalization of $21.30 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.97, a P/E/G ratio of 2.20 and a beta of 1.19. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $19.12 and its 200-day simple moving average is $18.52.

Hewlett Packard Enterprise (NYSE:HPE  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, September 4th. The technology company reported $0.50 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.47 by $0.03. Hewlett Packard Enterprise had a return on equity of 8.94% and a net margin of 6.39%. The business had revenue of $7.71 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $7.67 billion. During the same period last year, the company earned $0.35 EPS. The firms revenue was up 10.1% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts expect that Hewlett Packard Enterprise will post 1.59 earnings per share for the current year.

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Dividend Announcement

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, October 18th. Investors of record on Thursday, September 19th will be given a $0.13 dividend. This represents a $0.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.17%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, September 19th. Hewlett Packard Enterprises dividend payout ratio is currently 37.96%.

Insider Activity at Hewlett Packard Enterprise

In other Hewlett Packard Enterprise news, CEO Gerri Gold sold 22,784 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, June 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $21.67, for a total transaction of $493,729.28. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 57,081 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,236,945.27. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this link. 0.40% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Hewlett Packard Enterprise

Institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Nordea Investment Management AB boosted its holdings in shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise by 12.3% during the first quarter. Nordea Investment Management AB now owns 4,723,120 shares of the technology companys stock worth $84,166,000 after acquiring an additional 517,734 shares during the period. Sei Investments Co. boosted its stake in shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise by 56.1% in the first quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 1,322,885 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $23,455,000 after buying an additional 475,397 shares during the period. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Holdings Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise by 5.4% in the first quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Holdings Inc. now owns 3,855,377 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $68,356,000 after buying an additional 196,112 shares during the period. Cetera Investment Advisers boosted its stake in shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise by 455.7% in the first quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 121,204 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $2,149,000 after buying an additional 99,394 shares during the period. Finally, Guidance Capital Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise in the first quarter valued at approximately $931,000. Institutional investors own 80.78% of the companys stock.

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company provides solutions that allow customers to capture, analyze, and act upon data seamlessly in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia Pacific, and Japan. It operates in six segments: Compute, HPC & AI, Storage, Intelligent Edge, Financial Services, and Corporate Investments and Other.

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Idaho Trust Bank purchased a new position in shares of iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF (NYSEARCA:EWL  Free Report) in the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm purchased 31,388 shares of the exchange traded funds stock, valued at approximately $1,513,000. Idaho Trust Bank owned about 0.13% of iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of EWL. WestEnd Advisors LLC purchased a new position in iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $55,000. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV grew its stake in shares of iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF by 24.0% during the 2nd quarter. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV now owns 1,322 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $64,000 after purchasing an additional 256 shares during the period. Pathway Financial Advisers LLC acquired a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF during the 1st quarter worth approximately $83,000. BNP Paribas Financial Markets grew its stake in shares of iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF by 157.5% during the 1st quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets now owns 3,587 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $171,000 after purchasing an additional 2,194 shares during the period. Finally, Connectus Wealth LLC grew its stake in shares of iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF by 7.7% during the 4th quarter. Connectus Wealth LLC now owns 4,985 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $241,000 after purchasing an additional 357 shares during the period.

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iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF Price Performance

Shares of NYSEARCA EWL opened at $50.71 on Thursday. The stock has a market capitalization of $1.20 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.62 and a beta of 0.67. iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF has a 12 month low of $41.55 and a 12 month high of $53.03. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $50.42 and its 200-day simple moving average is $48.63.

iShares MSCI Switzerland ETF Profile

iShares MSCI Switzerland Capped ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares MSCI Switzerland Capped Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the MSCI Switzerland 25/50 Index (the Index).

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Idaho Trust Bank bought a new position in shares of iShares MSCI Spain ETF (NYSEARCA:EWP  Free Report) during the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund bought 32,201 shares of the exchange traded funds stock, valued at approximately $1,005,000.

Several other large investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Strategic Financial Concepts LLC boosted its position in iShares MSCI Spain ETF by 3,175.5% in the 2nd quarter. Strategic Financial Concepts LLC now owns 1,027,298 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $31,000 after buying an additional 995,935 shares during the period. Nilsine Partners LLC raised its stake in shares of iShares MSCI Spain ETF by 0.7% in the second quarter. Nilsine Partners LLC now owns 67,175 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $2,098,000 after acquiring an additional 471 shares in the last quarter. Innealta Capital LLC boosted its holdings in iShares MSCI Spain ETF by 22.2% in the second quarter. Innealta Capital LLC now owns 58,495 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $1,827,000 after purchasing an additional 10,635 shares during the period. Bank of New York Mellon Corp boosted its holdings in iShares MSCI Spain ETF by 28.6% in the second quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 10,387 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $324,000 after purchasing an additional 2,307 shares during the period. Finally, Catalyst Capital Advisors LLC grew its stake in iShares MSCI Spain ETF by 1.2% during the 2nd quarter. Catalyst Capital Advisors LLC now owns 291,208 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $9,094,000 after purchasing an additional 3,412 shares in the last quarter.

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iShares MSCI Spain ETF Price Performance

EWP stock opened at $33.62 on Thursday. The businesss 50-day moving average is $32.61 and its two-hundred day moving average is $32.09. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.05 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.75 and a beta of 0.76. iShares MSCI Spain ETF has a 1 year low of $26.11 and a 1 year high of $33.97.

About iShares MSCI Spain ETF

iShares MSCI Spain Capped ETF, formerly iShares MSCI Spain Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of publicly traded securities in the Spanish market, as measured by the MSCI Spain Index (the Index).

Further Reading

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EWP? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares MSCI Spain ETF (NYSEARCA:EWP  Free Report).

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Galway Metals Inc. (CVE:GWM  Get Free Report) Director Robert Hinchcliffe acquired 26,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, September 11th. The stock was bought at an average cost of C$0.59 per share, for a total transaction of C$15,379.00.

Robert Hinchcliffe also recently made the following trade(s):

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On Wednesday, September 4th, Robert Hinchcliffe bought 10,000 shares of Galway Metals stock. The shares were acquired at an average price of C$0.55 per share, for a total transaction of C$5,500.00.

On Friday, August 30th, Robert Hinchcliffe acquired 45,000 shares of Galway Metals stock. The shares were purchased at an average cost of C$0.54 per share, for a total transaction of C$24,250.50.

On Tuesday, August 27th, Robert Hinchcliffe acquired 10,000 shares of Galway Metals stock. The stock was bought at an average price of C$0.60 per share, with a total value of C$6,000.00.

On Wednesday, August 21st, Robert Hinchcliffe purchased 40,000 shares of Galway Metals stock. The stock was acquired at an average price of C$0.61 per share, with a total value of C$24,400.00.

On Monday, August 19th, Robert Hinchcliffe bought 10,000 shares of Galway Metals stock. The stock was bought at an average cost of C$0.67 per share, with a total value of C$6,698.00.

On Wednesday, August 14th, Robert Hinchcliffe purchased 25,000 shares of Galway Metals stock. The shares were bought at an average cost of C$0.54 per share, with a total value of C$13,387.50.

On Monday, August 12th, Robert Hinchcliffe purchased 10,000 shares of Galway Metals stock. The shares were purchased at an average cost of C$0.52 per share, with a total value of C$5,160.00.

On Thursday, August 8th, Robert Hinchcliffe acquired 40,500 shares of Galway Metals stock. The shares were purchased at an average cost of C$0.46 per share, with a total value of C$18,634.05.

On Tuesday, August 6th, Robert Hinchcliffe acquired 30,000 shares of Galway Metals stock. The stock was bought at an average cost of C$0.43 per share, with a total value of C$12,900.00.

On Tuesday, July 30th, Robert Hinchcliffe purchased 10,000 shares of Galway Metals stock. The stock was bought at an average cost of C$0.45 per share, with a total value of C$4,500.00.

Galway Metals Trading Up 11.7 %

Shares of GWM stock traded up C$0.07 during trading hours on Thursday, hitting C$0.67. 75,433 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 60,057. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of C$0.48 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of C$0.40. Galway Metals Inc. has a fifty-two week low of C$0.23 and a fifty-two week high of C$0.70. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.00, a quick ratio of 4.81 and a current ratio of 3.11. The firm has a market cap of C$57.43 million, a P/E ratio of -12.40 and a beta of 1.76.

Galway Metals Company Profile

Galway Metals Inc engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral resource properties in Canada. The company primarily explores for gold, zinc, copper, silver, and lead deposits. It holds a 100% interest in the Clarence Stream project located in southwest New Brunswick, Canada; and Estrades mine, related Newiska concessions, and adjacent Casa Berardi claims located in western Quebec, Canada.

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Cantor Fitzgerald reissued their overweight rating on shares of Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ  Free Report) in a research note issued to investors on Monday morning, Benzinga reports. Cantor Fitzgerald currently has a $215.00 price objective on the stock.

JNJ has been the topic of several other reports. TD Securities dropped their target price on Johnson & Johnson from $195.00 to $185.00 in a research note on Thursday, July 18th. Sanford C. Bernstein upped their price objective on shares of Johnson & Johnson from $161.00 to $171.00 in a report on Thursday, July 18th. The Goldman Sachs Group lowered their target price on shares of Johnson & Johnson from $160.00 to $155.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Friday, July 19th. TD Cowen cut their price target on shares of Johnson & Johnson from $195.00 to $185.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, July 18th. Finally, StockNews.com downgraded shares of Johnson & Johnson from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research note on Friday, September 6th. Seven investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $173.21.

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Johnson & Johnson Trading Down 1.5 %

Shares of NYSE JNJ opened at $164.82 on Monday. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $158.79 and a 200 day moving average price of $153.93. Johnson & Johnson has a 1-year low of $143.13 and a 1-year high of $168.85. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.44, a current ratio of 1.07 and a quick ratio of 0.85. The stock has a market capitalization of $396.67 billion, a P/E ratio of 10.28, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.71 and a beta of 0.53.

Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 17th. The company reported $2.82 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.71 by $0.11. The firm had revenue of $22.45 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $22.33 billion. Johnson & Johnson had a net margin of 46.34% and a return on equity of 36.60%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 4.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $2.80 EPS. Equities research analysts expect that Johnson & Johnson will post 10.02 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Johnson & Johnson Dividend Announcement

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, September 10th. Investors of record on Tuesday, August 27th were issued a dividend of $1.24 per share. This represents a $4.96 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.01%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, August 27th. Johnson & Johnsons dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 30.92%.

Insider Buying and Selling at Johnson & Johnson

In other news, VP Robert J. Decker sold 5,635 shares of Johnson & Johnson stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, August 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $165.06, for a total transaction of $930,113.10. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 18,973 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,131,683.38. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. 0.16% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of large investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Summit Wealth Partners LLC raised its holdings in Johnson & Johnson by 0.6% in the 2nd quarter. Summit Wealth Partners LLC now owns 10,007 shares of the companys stock worth $1,463,000 after purchasing an additional 61 shares during the period. Citizens & Northern Corp lifted its position in shares of Johnson & Johnson by 3.5% during the 2nd quarter. Citizens & Northern Corp now owns 1,884 shares of the companys stock valued at $275,000 after buying an additional 63 shares in the last quarter. Carolinas Wealth Consulting LLC grew its stake in Johnson & Johnson by 0.4% in the 4th quarter. Carolinas Wealth Consulting LLC now owns 16,861 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,643,000 after acquiring an additional 64 shares during the period. Epic Trust Investment Advisors LLC raised its position in Johnson & Johnson by 3.6% during the second quarter. Epic Trust Investment Advisors LLC now owns 1,831 shares of the companys stock worth $268,000 after acquiring an additional 64 shares during the period. Finally, Pine Harbor Wealth Management LLC lifted its holdings in Johnson & Johnson by 1.9% during the second quarter. Pine Harbor Wealth Management LLC now owns 3,472 shares of the companys stock valued at $507,000 after purchasing an additional 64 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 69.55% of the companys stock.

About Johnson & Johnson

(Get Free Report)

Johnson & Johnson, together with its subsidiaries, researches, develops, manufactures, and sells various products in the healthcare field worldwide. The company's Innovative Medicine segment offers products for various therapeutic areas, such as immunology, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and psoriasis; infectious diseases comprising HIV/AIDS; neuroscience, consisting of mood disorders, neurodegenerative disorders, and schizophrenia; oncology, such as prostate cancer, hematologic malignancies, lung cancer, and bladder cancer; cardiovascular and metabolism, including thrombosis, diabetes, and macular degeneration; and pulmonary hypertension comprising pulmonary arterial hypertension through retailers, wholesalers, distributors, hospitals, and healthcare professionals for prescription use.

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Intercorp Financial Services (NYSE:IFS  Get Free Report) had its target price cut by research analysts at JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $31.00 to $30.00 in a report issued on Thursday, Benzinga reports. The firm currently has an overweight rating on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co.s target price would indicate a potential upside of 22.30% from the companys previous close.

Intercorp Financial Services Stock Up 0.8 %

Shares of NYSE IFS opened at $24.53 on Thursday. The stock has a market cap of $2.83 billion, a PE ratio of 11.05, a P/E/G ratio of 0.29 and a beta of 1.32. The company has a current ratio of 1.10, a quick ratio of 1.12 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.57. Intercorp Financial Services has a 12-month low of $17.94 and a 12-month high of $30.59. The company has a 50-day moving average of $23.40 and a 200 day moving average of $23.67.

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Intercorp Financial Services (NYSE:IFS  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, August 14th. The company reported $0.66 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.57 by $0.09. The firm had revenue of $414.92 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $423.35 million. Intercorp Financial Services had a return on equity of 8.97% and a net margin of 14.94%. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Intercorp Financial Services will post 3.17 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Insider Activity at Intercorp Financial Services

Institutional Trading of Intercorp Financial Services

In other Intercorp Financial Services news, major shareholder Peru Ltd Intercorp bought 342,154 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, June 27th. The stock was bought at an average price of $19.67 per share, with a total value of $6,730,169.18. Following the completion of the purchase, the insider now directly owns 1,595,688 shares in the company, valued at $31,387,182.96. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Cubist Systematic Strategies LLC purchased a new position in Intercorp Financial Services during the second quarter worth about $387,000. Marshall Wace LLP boosted its position in shares of Intercorp Financial Services by 544.1% during the 2nd quarter. Marshall Wace LLP now owns 84,377 shares of the companys stock worth $1,891,000 after purchasing an additional 71,277 shares during the period. Acadian Asset Management LLC increased its holdings in Intercorp Financial Services by 44.9% in the 2nd quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC now owns 21,952 shares of the companys stock valued at $490,000 after purchasing an additional 6,807 shares during the last quarter. Helikon Investments Ltd raised its position in Intercorp Financial Services by 208.5% in the second quarter. Helikon Investments Ltd now owns 781,345 shares of the companys stock valued at $17,510,000 after purchasing an additional 528,099 shares during the period. Finally, Virtu Financial LLC acquired a new position in Intercorp Financial Services during the first quarter worth $458,000.

Intercorp Financial Services Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Intercorp Financial Services Inc, together with its subsidiaries, offers banking, insurance, wealth management, and payment services for retail and commercial clients in Peru. The company provides loans, credit facilities, deposits, and current accounts; life annuity products with single-premium payment and conventional life insurance products, as well as other retail insurance products; and brokerage and investment management services.

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Shares of Lockheed Martin Co. (NYSE:LMT  Get Free Report) fell 0.1% on Thursday . The stock traded as low as $563.90 and last traded at $566.57. 129,523 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 88% from the average session volume of 1,059,524 shares. The stock had previously closed at $566.96.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several research firms recently weighed in on LMT. Bank of America reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a $635.00 price objective on shares of Lockheed Martin in a report on Friday, August 30th. Royal Bank of Canada raised shares of Lockheed Martin from a sector perform rating to an outperform rating and upped their price target for the company from $500.00 to $600.00 in a report on Monday, August 5th. TD Cowen raised shares of Lockheed Martin from a hold rating to a buy rating and upped their price target for the company from $480.00 to $560.00 in a report on Wednesday, July 24th. Morgan Stanley upped their price target on shares of Lockheed Martin from $503.00 to $599.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Friday, August 9th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company upped their price target on shares of Lockheed Martin from $483.00 to $525.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Wednesday, July 24th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have assigned a hold rating, eight have issued a buy rating and two have given a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $553.43.

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View Our Latest Stock Analysis on LMT

Lockheed Martin Stock Up 0.1 %

The company has a quick ratio of 1.07, a current ratio of 1.24 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.10. The company has a market capitalization of $136.12 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.73, a PEG ratio of 4.55 and a beta of 0.47. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $530.69 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $481.95.

Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, July 23rd. The aerospace company reported $7.11 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $6.45 by $0.66. Lockheed Martin had a return on equity of 95.03% and a net margin of 9.48%. The firm had revenue of $18.12 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $17.05 billion. During the same period last year, the business earned $6.73 earnings per share. Lockheed Martins quarterly revenue was up 8.6% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities research analysts anticipate that Lockheed Martin Co. will post 26.65 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Lockheed Martin Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 27th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, September 3rd will be paid a $3.15 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, September 3rd. This represents a $12.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.22%. Lockheed Martins dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 46.10%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, insider Timothy S. Cahill sold 3,975 shares of Lockheed Martin stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, July 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $515.36, for a total value of $2,048,556.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 8,877 shares in the company, valued at $4,574,850.72. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Corporate insiders own 0.17% of the companys stock.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Lockheed Martin

Institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Franklin Resources Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Lockheed Martin by 14.9% during the 4th quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 2,589,447 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $1,173,641,000 after acquiring an additional 336,588 shares during the last quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Lockheed Martin by 1.7% during the 2nd quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 1,942,658 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $902,714,000 after acquiring an additional 31,545 shares during the last quarter. Legal & General Group Plc increased its holdings in shares of Lockheed Martin by 14.9% during the 2nd quarter. Legal & General Group Plc now owns 1,384,774 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $646,828,000 after acquiring an additional 180,074 shares during the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP increased its holdings in shares of Lockheed Martin by 11.3% during the 2nd quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 1,169,223 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $546,144,000 after acquiring an additional 119,052 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Wulff Hansen & CO. increased its holdings in shares of Lockheed Martin by 56,626.7% during the 2nd quarter. Wulff Hansen & CO. now owns 1,021,081 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $476,947,000 after acquiring an additional 1,019,281 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 74.19% of the companys stock.

Lockheed Martin Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Lockheed Martin Corporation, a security and aerospace company, engages in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration, and sustainment of technology systems, products, and services worldwide. The company operates through Aeronautics, Missiles and Fire Control, Rotary and Mission Systems, and Space segments.

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Eagle Capital Growth Fund, Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:GRF  Get Free Report) CEO Luke E. Sims bought 2,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, September 6th. The shares were acquired at an average cost of $9.58 per share, for a total transaction of $19,160.00. Following the purchase, the chief executive officer now owns 277,271 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,656,256.18. The purchase was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link.

Eagle Capital Growth Fund Price Performance

GRF opened at $9.67 on Thursday. Eagle Capital Growth Fund, Inc. has a one year low of $7.93 and a one year high of $10.19.

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Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A hedge fund recently raised its stake in Eagle Capital Growth Fund stock. Sigma Investment Counselors Inc. increased its position in Eagle Capital Growth Fund, Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:GRF  Free Report) by 10.5% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 15,776 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 1,500 shares during the quarter. Sigma Investment Counselors Inc.s holdings in Eagle Capital Growth Fund were worth $146,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

About Eagle Capital Growth Fund

Eagle Capital Growth Fund, Inc is a closed-end equity mutual fund launched and managed by Sims Capital Management LLC. The fund invests in the public equity markets of the United States. It makes its investments in the stocks of companies operating across diversified sectors. The fund benchmarks the performance of its portfolio against the S&P 500 Index.

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Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO  Get Free Report) shares gapped down before the market opened on Tuesday . The stock had previously closed at $131.91, but opened at $129.23. Novo Nordisk A/S shares last traded at $129.56, with a volume of 660,363 shares.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several equities analysts have weighed in on NVO shares. 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. BMO Capital Markets cut their target price on shares of Novo Nordisk A/S from $170.00 to $160.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, August 8th. The Goldman Sachs Group initiated coverage on shares of Novo Nordisk A/S in a research report on Thursday, May 30th. They issued a buy rating and a $156.00 price target for the company. Argus upped their price objective on Novo Nordisk A/S from $125.00 to $160.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Monday, June 10th. Finally, StockNews.com lowered Novo Nordisk A/S from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a report on Monday, August 19th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $145.17.

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Novo Nordisk A/S Trading Up 4.2 %

The stock has a market cap of $606.58 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 46.61, a P/E/G ratio of 1.43 and a beta of 0.42. The businesss 50 day moving average is $134.18 and its 200 day moving average is $132.75. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.46, a current ratio of 0.94 and a quick ratio of 0.75.

Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, August 7th. The company reported $0.65 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.71 by ($0.06). Novo Nordisk A/S had a return on equity of 87.43% and a net margin of 34.86%. The business had revenue of $9.82 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $9.91 billion. As a group, equities analysts expect that Novo Nordisk A/S will post 3.11 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Novo Nordisk A/S Cuts Dividend

The company also recently announced a semi-annual dividend, which was paid on Monday, August 26th. Stockholders of record on Friday, August 16th were given a dividend of $0.5126 per share. This represents a dividend yield of 0.7%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, August 16th. Novo Nordisk A/Ss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 24.83%.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Novo Nordisk A/S

A number of hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S by 33.3% during the second quarter. Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 16,948 shares of the companys stock worth $2,419,000 after buying an additional 4,233 shares during the last quarter. Prio Wealth Limited Partnership lifted its holdings in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S by 3.2% during the second quarter. Prio Wealth Limited Partnership now owns 201,898 shares of the companys stock worth $28,819,000 after purchasing an additional 6,181 shares during the period. Heritage Wealth Management Inc. purchased a new position in Novo Nordisk A/S in the 2nd quarter valued at $457,000. Lazari Capital Management Inc. acquired a new position in Novo Nordisk A/S in the 2nd quarter valued at $242,000. Finally, Sanctuary Advisors LLC purchased a new position in Novo Nordisk A/S during the 2nd quarter worth $41,646,000. 11.54% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About Novo Nordisk A/S

(Get Free Report)

Novo Nordisk A/S, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the research and development, manufacture, and distribution of pharmaceutical products in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, North America, and internationally. It operates in two segments, Diabetes and Obesity Care, and Rare Disease.

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Perritt Capital Management Inc increased its stake in Devon Energy Co. (NYSE:DVN  Free Report) by 17.8% during the 2nd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund owned 8,888 shares of the energy companys stock after purchasing an additional 1,343 shares during the quarter. Perritt Capital Management Incs holdings in Devon Energy were worth $421,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Salem Investment Counselors Inc. raised its position in Devon Energy by 31.4% in the 1st quarter. Salem Investment Counselors Inc. now owns 832 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $42,000 after purchasing an additional 199 shares in the last quarter. Retirement Group LLC raised its holdings in Devon Energy by 21.8% in the first quarter. Retirement Group LLC now owns 1,110 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $56,000 after acquiring an additional 199 shares in the last quarter. Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. grew its holdings in Devon Energy by 7.4% during the 1st quarter. Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. now owns 3,046 shares of the energy companys stock worth $153,000 after acquiring an additional 209 shares in the last quarter. MCF Advisors LLC increased its position in shares of Devon Energy by 5.6% in the 1st quarter. MCF Advisors LLC now owns 4,023 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $202,000 after purchasing an additional 215 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Annex Advisory Services LLC increased its position in shares of Devon Energy by 0.8% in the 2nd quarter. Annex Advisory Services LLC now owns 27,651 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $1,311,000 after purchasing an additional 223 shares during the last quarter. 69.72% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of equities analysts recently commented on DVN shares. Sanford C. Bernstein lowered their target price on shares of Devon Energy from $48.00 to $43.00 and set a market perform rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, July 17th. Bank of America reiterated a buy rating and issued a $64.00 price objective on shares of Devon Energy in a report on Friday, June 14th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their target price on Devon Energy from $62.00 to $64.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, July 8th. Piper Sandler dropped their price target on shares of Devon Energy from $65.00 to $57.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, August 15th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company reduced their price objective on shares of Devon Energy from $57.00 to $55.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, August 14th. Six analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, thirteen have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Devon Energy presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $58.63.

Devon Energy Trading Down 0.7 %

Shares of DVN stock opened at $39.93 on Thursday. Devon Energy Co. has a twelve month low of $39.02 and a twelve month high of $55.09. The company has a current ratio of 1.11, a quick ratio of 1.03 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.45. The businesss 50 day moving average is $44.95 and its two-hundred day moving average is $47.49. The company has a market capitalization of $25.24 billion, a P/E ratio of 7.62, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.17 and a beta of 2.03.

Devon Energy (NYSE:DVN  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, August 6th. The energy company reported $1.41 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.26 by $0.15. Devon Energy had a net margin of 22.60% and a return on equity of 29.14%. The company had revenue of $3.92 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.90 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $1.18 EPS. Devon Energys revenue was up 13.4% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities analysts forecast that Devon Energy Co. will post 5.37 EPS for the current year.

Devon Energy Dividend Announcement

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 30th. Investors of record on Friday, September 13th will be issued a dividend of $0.22 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, September 13th. This represents a $0.88 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.20%. Devon Energys dividend payout ratio is currently 16.79%.

About Devon Energy

(Free Report)

Devon Energy Corporation, an independent energy company, engages in the exploration, development, and production of oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids in the United States. It operates in Delaware, Eagle Ford, Anadarko, Williston, and Powder River Basins. The company was founded in 1971 and is headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

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Want to see what other hedge funds are holding DVN? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Devon Energy Co. (NYSE:DVN  Free Report).

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Perritt Capital Management Inc lessened its position in shares of Flexible Solutions International, Inc. (NYSE:FSI  Free Report) by 10.2% in the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund owned 132,145 shares of the companys stock after selling 15,000 shares during the period. Perritt Capital Management Incs holdings in Flexible Solutions International were worth $231,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Flexible Solutions International Price Performance

Shares of NYSE FSI opened at $3.20 on Thursday. Flexible Solutions International, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $1.36 and a fifty-two week high of $3.48. The company has a market cap of $39.84 million, a PE ratio of 16.84 and a beta of 1.47. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.16, a quick ratio of 1.70 and a current ratio of 2.65. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $2.44 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $2.16.

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Flexible Solutions International (NYSE:FSI  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, August 14th. The company reported $0.10 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.07 by $0.03. Flexible Solutions International had a net margin of 7.46% and a return on equity of 7.40%. The business had revenue of $10.53 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $10.34 million. As a group, equities analysts expect that Flexible Solutions International, Inc. will post 0.29 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Separately, StockNews.com assumed coverage on Flexible Solutions International in a research report on Wednesday. They set a hold rating on the stock.

View Our Latest Stock Report on Flexible Solutions International

Flexible Solutions International Profile

(Free Report)

Flexible Solutions International, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, develops, manufactures, and markets specialty chemicals that slow the evaporation of water in Canada, the United States, and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Energy and Water Conservation Products, and Biodegradable Polymers.

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Rice Hall James & Associates LLC cut its stake in shares of SolarWinds Co. (NYSE:SWI  Free Report) by 4.1% during the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 146,206 shares of the software makers stock after selling 6,193 shares during the period. Rice Hall James & Associates LLC owned about 0.09% of SolarWinds worth $1,762,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other large investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Trexquant Investment LP grew its holdings in shares of SolarWinds by 3.6% during the 4th quarter. Trexquant Investment LP now owns 31,898 shares of the software makers stock valued at $398,000 after acquiring an additional 1,106 shares in the last quarter. ProShare Advisors LLC boosted its position in SolarWinds by 14.4% during the first quarter. ProShare Advisors LLC now owns 12,420 shares of the software makers stock valued at $157,000 after purchasing an additional 1,565 shares during the last quarter. Banque Cantonale Vaudoise grew its stake in SolarWinds by 1.2% in the second quarter. Banque Cantonale Vaudoise now owns 156,382 shares of the software makers stock valued at $1,884,000 after purchasing an additional 1,793 shares in the last quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD increased its position in SolarWinds by 7.0% in the 1st quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 32,746 shares of the software makers stock worth $414,000 after purchasing an additional 2,145 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC raised its stake in shares of SolarWinds by 28.3% during the 1st quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 10,633 shares of the software makers stock worth $134,000 after purchasing an additional 2,343 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 93.96% of the companys stock.

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SolarWinds Trading Up 0.4 %

SolarWinds stock opened at $12.25 on Thursday. SolarWinds Co. has a one year low of $8.83 and a one year high of $13.43. The companys fifty day moving average price is $12.16 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $11.91. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.92, a current ratio of 0.62 and a quick ratio of 0.62. The company has a market capitalization of $2.08 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 175.00 and a beta of 0.97.

Analyst Ratings Changes

SolarWinds ( NYSE:SWI Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 1st. The software maker reported $0.26 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.23 by $0.03. SolarWinds had a return on equity of 7.14% and a net margin of 2.96%. The business had revenue of $193.30 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $188.67 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $0.12 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 4.5% on a year-over-year basis. On average, analysts forecast that SolarWinds Co. will post 0.71 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Separately, Robert W. Baird lowered their price target on SolarWinds from $15.00 to $14.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Friday, August 2nd. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, According to data from MarketBeat.com, SolarWinds has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $14.00.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on SolarWinds

About SolarWinds

(Free Report)

SolarWinds Corporation provides information technology (IT) management software products in the United States and internationally. It provides a suite of network management software that offers real-time visibility into network utilization and bandwidth, as well as the ability to detect, diagnose, and resolve network performance problems; and a suite of infrastructure management products, which monitors and analyzes the performance of applications and their supporting infrastructure, including servers, physical, virtual and cloud infrastructure, storage, and databases.

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GAP (NYSE:GPS  Get Free Report) and Roots (OTCMKTS:RROTF  Get Free Report) are both consumer cyclical companies, but which is the better business? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their valuation, profitability, risk, analyst recommendations, dividends, earnings and institutional ownership.

Analyst Recommendations

This is a breakdown of recent ratings and recommmendations for GAP and Roots, as provided by MarketBeat.com.

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Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score GAP 0 7 9 0 2.56 Roots 0 0 0 0 N/A

GAP presently has a consensus target price of $26.51, indicating a potential upside of . Given GAPs higher possible upside, research analysts clearly believe GAP is more favorable than Roots.

Valuation & Earnings

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio GAP $15.00 billion 0.00 $502.00 million $1.80 N/A Roots N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

This table compares GAP and Rootss gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

GAP has higher revenue and earnings than Roots.

Profitability

This table compares GAP and Roots net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets GAP 4.52% 27.57% 6.30% Roots N/A N/A N/A

Insider & Institutional Ownership

58.8% of GAP shares are owned by institutional investors. 30.8% of GAP shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a stock is poised for long-term growth.

Summary

GAP beats Roots on 8 of the 8 factors compared between the two stocks.

About GAP

(Get Free Report)

The Gap, Inc. operates as an apparel retail company. The company offers apparel, accessories, and personal care products for men, women, and children under the Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and Athleta brands. Its products include adult apparel and accessories; and fitness and lifestyle products for use in yoga, training, sports, travel, and everyday activities for women and girls. The company offers its products through company-operated stores, franchise stores, websites, and third-party arrangements. It has franchise agreements to operate Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and Athleta stores and websites in Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa. The Gap, Inc. was incorporated in 1969 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California.

About Roots

(Get Free Report)

Roots Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, designs, markets, and sells apparel, leather goods, footwear, and accessories under the Roots brand in Canada and internationally. The company operates through two segments, Direct-To-Consumer, and Partners and Other. The Direct-to-Consumer segment sells products through the company's corporate retail stores and ecommerce. The Partners and Other segment involved in the wholesale of Roots branded products to the company's international operating partners, licensees, and wholesale customers. Roots Corporation was founded in 1973 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.

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JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered shares of Sendas Distribuidora (NYSE:ASAI  Free Report) from an overweight rating to a neutral rating in a research note published on Monday, Marketbeat reports. They currently have $10.50 price target on the stock.

Sendas Distribuidora Stock Performance

NYSE ASAI opened at $8.05 on Monday. The stocks fifty day moving average is $9.19 and its two-hundred day moving average is $11.57. The firm has a market capitalization of $2.18 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.19, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.55 and a beta of 1.04. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 4.18, a quick ratio of 0.45 and a current ratio of 0.84. Sendas Distribuidora has a fifty-two week low of $7.72 and a fifty-two week high of $15.25.

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Sendas Distribuidora (NYSE:ASAI  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 8th. The company reported $0.09 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.07 by $0.02. Sendas Distribuidora had a return on equity of 14.49% and a net margin of 0.95%. The business had revenue of $3.43 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.60 billion. On average, research analysts anticipate that Sendas Distribuidora will post 0.49 earnings per share for the current year.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Sendas Distribuidora

About Sendas Distribuidora

Large investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. SageView Advisory Group LLC acquired a new position in shares of Sendas Distribuidora in the 1st quarter valued at $69,000. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Sendas Distribuidora by 29.7% in the 4th quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 7,479 shares of the companys stock valued at $103,000 after purchasing an additional 1,713 shares during the last quarter. Privium Fund Management B.V. lifted its stake in shares of Sendas Distribuidora by 26.3% in the 2nd quarter. Privium Fund Management B.V. now owns 13,928 shares of the companys stock valued at $122,000 after purchasing an additional 2,900 shares during the last quarter. Jump Financial LLC acquired a new position in shares of Sendas Distribuidora in the 4th quarter valued at $143,000. Finally, Bayesian Capital Management LP acquired a new position in shares of Sendas Distribuidora in the 1st quarter valued at $160,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 8.76% of the companys stock.

(Get Free Report)

Sendas Distribuidora SA engages in the retail and wholesale sale of food products, bazaar items, and other products in Brazil. The company serves restaurants, pizzerias, snack bars, schools, small businesses, religious institutions, hospitals, hotels, grocery stores, neighborhood supermarkets, and individuals.

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Sentry Investment Management LLC lowered its holdings in Motorola Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:MSI  Free Report) by 7.3% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 810 shares of the communications equipment providers stock after selling 64 shares during the quarter. Sentry Investment Management LLCs holdings in Motorola Solutions were worth $313,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

Other large investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Beacon Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in Motorola Solutions by 71.8% during the 2nd quarter. Beacon Capital Management LLC now owns 67 shares of the communications equipment providers stock worth $26,000 after acquiring an additional 28 shares during the last quarter. Range Financial Group LLC grew its stake in shares of Motorola Solutions by 2.0% during the second quarter. Range Financial Group LLC now owns 1,424 shares of the communications equipment providers stock valued at $550,000 after purchasing an additional 28 shares during the last quarter. Pinnacle Associates Ltd. increased its holdings in shares of Motorola Solutions by 2.5% in the first quarter. Pinnacle Associates Ltd. now owns 1,228 shares of the communications equipment providers stock valued at $436,000 after purchasing an additional 30 shares in the last quarter. Rehmann Capital Advisory Group raised its position in Motorola Solutions by 1.0% in the 1st quarter. Rehmann Capital Advisory Group now owns 2,910 shares of the communications equipment providers stock worth $1,033,000 after purchasing an additional 30 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Forum Financial Management LP raised its position in Motorola Solutions by 2.3% in the 2nd quarter. Forum Financial Management LP now owns 1,350 shares of the communications equipment providers stock worth $521,000 after purchasing an additional 30 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 84.17% of the companys stock.

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Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, COO John P. Molloy sold 23,985 shares of the stock in a transaction 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 completion of the sale, the chief operating officer now 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 this hyperlink. Corporate insiders own 1.50% of the companys stock.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several equities research analysts have recently commented on the company. Bank of America lifted their target price on Motorola Solutions from $370.00 to $440.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, July 18th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft boosted their price objective on Motorola Solutions from $385.00 to $440.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, August 6th. Jefferies Financial Group raised their target price on shares of Motorola Solutions from $460.00 to $510.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, September 3rd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price target on shares of Motorola Solutions from $436.00 to $440.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, August 2nd. Finally, Barclays raised their price objective on shares of Motorola Solutions from $372.00 to $467.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, August 2nd. Eight investment analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating, Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Motorola Solutions currently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $466.17.

Get Our Latest Stock Report on Motorola Solutions

Motorola Solutions Stock Down 0.5 %

Shares of NYSE MSI opened at $435.90 on Thursday. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $411.58 and a 200 day moving average price of $375.83. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 7.03, a quick ratio of 1.03 and a current ratio of 1.20. The stock has a market cap of $72.71 billion, a P/E ratio of 53.88, a P/E/G ratio of 3.76 and a beta of 0.97. Motorola Solutions, Inc. has a 52-week low of $269.64 and a 52-week high of $448.98.

Motorola Solutions (NYSE:MSI  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 1st. The communications equipment provider reported $3.24 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.01 by $0.23. The business had revenue of $2.63 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.59 billion. Motorola Solutions had a net margin of 14.04% and a return on equity of 337.36%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 9.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $2.41 EPS. Analysts expect that Motorola Solutions, Inc. will post 12.22 EPS for the current year.

Motorola Solutions Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 15th. Investors of record on Friday, September 13th will be paid a dividend of $0.98 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, September 13th. This represents a $3.92 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.90%. Motorola Solutionss payout ratio is 48.45%.

About Motorola Solutions

(Free Report)

Motorola Solutions, Inc provides public safety and enterprise security solutions in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Products and Systems Integration, and Software and Services. The Products and Systems Integration segment offers a portfolio of infrastructure, devices, accessories, and video security devices and infrastructure, as well as the implementation and integration of systems, devices, software, and applications for government, public safety, and commercial customers who operate private communications networks and video security solutions, as well as manage a mobile workforce.

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Shaftesbury Capital PLC (OTCMKTS:CCPPF  Get Free Report) was the target of a large growth in short interest in August. As of August 31st, there was short interest totalling 65,800 shares, a growth of 10,866.7% from the August 15th total of 600 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 400 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 164.5 days.

Shaftesbury Capital Price Performance

Shaftesbury Capital stock remained flat at $1.87 during mid-day trading on Thursday. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $1.79 and a 200 day moving average price of $1.77. Shaftesbury Capital has a 52-week low of $1.87 and a 52-week high of $1.87.

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Shaftesbury Capital Company Profile

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Shaftesbury Capital PLC ("Shaftesbury Capital") is the leading central London mixed-use REIT and is a constituent of the FTSE-250 Index. Our property portfolio, valued at 4.8 billion at December 2023, extends to 2.9 million square feet of lettable space across the most vibrant areas of London's West End.

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Spanish Mountain Gold Ltd. (CVE:SPA  Get Free Report) Director Lembit Janes acquired 180,500 shares of Spanish Mountain Gold stock in a transaction on Tuesday, September 10th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of C$0.17 per share, for a total transaction of C$29,782.50.

Lembit Janes also recently made the following trade(s):

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On Thursday, August 8th, Lembit Janes purchased 50,000 shares of Spanish Mountain Gold stock. The stock was bought at an average cost of C$0.17 per share, for a total transaction of C$8,250.00.

On Tuesday, July 16th, Lembit Janes acquired 623,000 shares of Spanish Mountain Gold stock. The stock was bought at an average price of C$0.18 per share, with a total value of C$109,025.00.

On Thursday, July 11th, Lembit Janes bought 287,000 shares of Spanish Mountain Gold stock. The shares were bought at an average price of C$0.18 per share, for a total transaction of C$50,225.00.

Spanish Mountain Gold Stock Performance

Shares of SPA stock opened at C$0.17 on Thursday. The stock has a market cap of C$64.16 million, a PE ratio of -16.50 and a beta of 1.87. The stock has a 50-day moving average of C$0.17 and a 200-day moving average of C$0.18. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29, a current ratio of 5.92 and a quick ratio of 3.03. Spanish Mountain Gold Ltd. has a one year low of C$0.11 and a one year high of C$0.29.

About Spanish Mountain Gold

Spanish Mountain Gold Ltd., an exploration stage resource company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties in Canada. It holds a 100% interest in the Spanish Mountain gold project, which comprises approximately 50 contiguous mineral claims and 13 placer claims covering an area of approximately 10,414 hectares located in the Cariboo region of central British Columbia.

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State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund D lowered its stake in shares of Elevance Health, Inc. (NYSE:ELV  Free Report) by 36.6% during the second quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 84,427 shares of the companys stock after selling 48,800 shares during the quarter. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund Ds holdings in Elevance Health were worth $45,748,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC raised its stake in shares of Elevance Health by 114.8% during the 4th quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 31,311 shares of the companys stock worth $14,765,000 after purchasing an additional 16,737 shares in the last quarter. Brave Warrior Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of Elevance Health by 7.9% during the 4th quarter. Brave Warrior Advisors LLC now owns 1,756,653 shares of the companys stock worth $828,367,000 after purchasing an additional 129,055 shares in the last quarter. New Mexico Educational Retirement Board raised its stake in shares of Elevance Health by 14.6% during the 1st quarter. New Mexico Educational Retirement Board now owns 14,146 shares of the companys stock worth $6,949,000 after purchasing an additional 1,800 shares in the last quarter. Bank of Nova Scotia raised its stake in shares of Elevance Health by 276.0% during the 4th quarter. Bank of Nova Scotia now owns 82,331 shares of the companys stock worth $38,823,000 after purchasing an additional 60,436 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Blair William & Co. IL raised its stake in shares of Elevance Health by 119.7% during the 1st quarter. Blair William & Co. IL now owns 12,134 shares of the companys stock worth $6,292,000 after purchasing an additional 6,610 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 89.24% of the companys stock.

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Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, Director Robert L. Dixon, Jr. sold 305 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, July 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $506.76, for a total transaction of $154,561.80. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 9,721 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,926,213.96. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. In other Elevance Health news, Director Ramiro G. Peru sold 753 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, August 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $531.52, for a total value of $400,234.56. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 8,744 shares in the company, valued at $4,647,610.88. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, Director Robert L. Dixon, Jr. sold 305 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, July 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $506.76, for a total value of $154,561.80. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 9,721 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,926,213.96. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 35,058 shares of company stock worth $17,588,116 in the last ninety days. 0.35% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Elevance Health Stock Performance

ELV opened at $543.39 on Thursday. The firm has a market cap of $126.01 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.54, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.19 and a beta of 0.82. Elevance Health, Inc. has a 52-week low of $431.38 and a 52-week high of $567.26. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.58, a quick ratio of 1.49 and a current ratio of 1.49. The businesss fifty day moving average is $534.39 and its 200-day moving average is $527.27.

Elevance Health (NYSE:ELV  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 17th. The company reported $10.12 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $9.99 by $0.13. Elevance Health had a return on equity of 20.64% and a net margin of 3.89%. The business had revenue of $43.22 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $42.99 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $9.04 EPS. Elevance Healths revenue for the quarter was down .4% on a year-over-year basis. Sell-side analysts expect that Elevance Health, Inc. will post 37.25 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Elevance Health Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, September 25th. Investors of record on Tuesday, September 10th will be given a dividend of $1.63 per share. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, September 10th. This represents a $6.52 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.20%. Elevance Healths dividend payout ratio is currently 24.64%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of research analysts recently weighed in on ELV shares. TD Cowen decreased their target price on Elevance Health from $624.00 to $589.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Friday, July 19th. Baird R W raised Elevance Health to a strong-buy rating in a report on Thursday, May 30th. StockNews.com lowered Elevance Health from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a report on Thursday, June 6th. Bank of America reissued a neutral rating and set a $530.00 target price (down from $646.00) on shares of Elevance Health in a report on Thursday, July 18th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price objective on Elevance Health from $628.00 to $631.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, May 30th. One analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, fourteen have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $604.29.

Read Our Latest Analysis on ELV

Elevance Health Profile

(Free Report)

Elevance Health, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a health benefits company in the United States. The company operates through four segments: Health Benefits, CarelonRx, Carelon Services, and Corporate & Other. It offers a variety of health plans and services to program members; health products; an array of fee-based administrative managed care services; and specialty and other insurance products and services, such as stop loss, dental, vision, life, disability, and supplemental health insurance benefits.

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Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ELV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Elevance Health, Inc. (NYSE:ELV  Free Report).

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Royal Bank of Canada restated their outperform rating on shares of The Cigna Group (NYSE:CI  Free Report) in a research note issued to investors on Monday morning, Benzinga reports. The firm currently has a $384.00 price target on the health services providers stock.

Several other research firms have also recently commented on CI. StockNews.com raised The Cigna Group from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Friday, August 2nd. Robert W. Baird initiated coverage on The Cigna Group in a report on Thursday, May 30th. They set an outperform rating and a $388.00 price objective for the company. Barclays upped their target price on shares of The Cigna Group from $393.00 to $405.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, August 2nd. Baird R W upgraded shares of The Cigna Group to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Thursday, May 30th. Finally, Cantor Fitzgerald restated an overweight rating and issued a $400.00 price objective on shares of The Cigna Group in a report on Monday, August 19th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, thirteen have issued a buy rating and two have given a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $387.00.

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The Cigna Group Stock Down 0.2 %

Shares of NYSE CI opened at $357.44 on Monday. The Cigna Group has a 12-month low of $253.95 and a 12-month high of $370.64. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $342.53 and its 200 day simple moving average is $343.92. The company has a quick ratio of 0.71, a current ratio of 0.71 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.73. The company has a market cap of $99.92 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 29.35, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.08 and a beta of 0.50.

The Cigna Group (NYSE:CI  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, August 1st. The health services provider reported $6.72 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $6.42 by $0.30. The company had revenue of $60.52 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $58.30 billion. The Cigna Group had a net margin of 1.70% and a return on equity of 17.83%. The Cigna Groups quarterly revenue was up 24.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $6.13 earnings per share. On average, research analysts expect that The Cigna Group will post 28.48 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The Cigna Group Dividend Announcement

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, September 19th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, September 4th will be given a dividend of $1.40 per share. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, September 4th. This represents a $5.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.57%. The Cigna Groups dividend payout ratio is 45.98%.

Insider Transactions at The Cigna Group

In other news, Director Elder Granger sold 547 shares of The Cigna Group stock in a transaction on Monday, June 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $331.38, for a total transaction of $181,264.86. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 5,471 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,812,979.98. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. In related news, insider Brian C. Evanko sold 4,795 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction 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 sale, the insider now directly owns 39,923 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $13,773,834.23. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, Director Elder Granger sold 547 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, June 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $331.38, for a total transaction of $181,264.86. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 5,471 shares in the company, valued at $1,812,979.98. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 8,033 shares of company stock valued at $2,757,740 over the last three months. 0.60% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On The Cigna Group

Several institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Silicon Valley Capital Partners increased its stake in The Cigna Group by 100.0% in the 1st quarter. Silicon Valley Capital Partners now owns 70 shares of the health services providers stock valued at $25,000 after buying an additional 35 shares during the last quarter. Cedar Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in The Cigna Group in the 1st quarter valued at $29,000. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. increased its stake in The Cigna Group by 69.5% in the 4th quarter. Raleigh Capital Management Inc. now owns 100 shares of the health services providers stock valued at $30,000 after buying an additional 41 shares during the last quarter. TruNorth Capital Management LLC acquired a new stake in The Cigna Group in the 2nd quarter valued at $33,000. Finally, Pineridge Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in The Cigna Group in the 4th quarter valued at $37,000. 86.99% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

About The Cigna Group

(Get Free Report)

The Cigna Group, together with its subsidiaries, provides insurance and related products and services in the United States. Its Evernorth Health Services segment provides a range of coordinated and point solution health services, including pharmacy benefits, home delivery pharmacy, specialty pharmacy, distribution, and care delivery and management solutions to health plans, employers, government organizations, and health care providers.

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Thornburg Investment Management Inc. cut its holdings in DigitalBridge Group, Inc. (NYSE:DBRG  Free Report) by 2.9% during the 2nd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 909,424 shares of the companys stock after selling 26,808 shares during the quarter. Thornburg Investment Management Inc.s holdings in DigitalBridge Group were worth $12,445,000 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. nVerses Capital LLC boosted its position in shares of DigitalBridge Group by 633.3% in the 2nd quarter. nVerses Capital LLC now owns 2,200 shares of the companys stock worth $30,000 after buying an additional 1,900 shares in the last quarter. Quarry LP purchased a new stake in shares of DigitalBridge Group in the 4th quarter worth about $41,000. Headlands Technologies LLC boosted its position in shares of DigitalBridge Group by 33,627.3% in the 2nd quarter. Headlands Technologies LLC now owns 7,420 shares of the companys stock worth $102,000 after buying an additional 7,398 shares in the last quarter. Kingswood Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of DigitalBridge Group during the 1st quarter valued at about $216,000. Finally, Capstone Investment Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of DigitalBridge Group during the 4th quarter valued at about $220,000. 92.69% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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DigitalBridge Group Price Performance

Shares of NYSE DBRG opened at $13.13 on Thursday. DigitalBridge Group, Inc. has a 1-year low of $11.07 and a 1-year high of $20.99. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $13.00 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $14.88. The firm has a market capitalization of $2.28 billion, a PE ratio of 8.47, a P/E/G ratio of 1.12 and a beta of 1.96.

DigitalBridge Group Announces Dividend

DigitalBridge Group ( NYSE:DBRG Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, August 7th. The company reported $0.01 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.07 by ($0.06). DigitalBridge Group had a return on equity of 4.49% and a net margin of 35.10%. The company had revenue of $390.34 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $97.05 million. Equities research analysts expect that DigitalBridge Group, Inc. will post 0.28 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 15th. Shareholders of record on Monday, September 30th will be given a $0.01 dividend. This represents a $0.04 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.30%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, September 30th. DigitalBridge Groups dividend payout ratio is presently 2.58%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of research analysts have recently commented on the stock. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods dropped their price objective on shares of DigitalBridge Group from $18.50 to $17.75 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, June 18th. B. Riley dropped their target price on shares of DigitalBridge Group from $27.00 to $24.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, July 9th. Wells Fargo & Company dropped their target price on shares of DigitalBridge Group from $20.00 to $18.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, August 6th. Royal Bank of Canada reissued an outperform rating and set a $19.00 target price on shares of DigitalBridge Group in a research report on Wednesday, July 3rd. Finally, Truist Financial dropped their target price on shares of DigitalBridge Group from $19.00 to $17.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, August 21st. Seven analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Buy and an average price target of $19.22.

View Our Latest Analysis on DigitalBridge Group

About DigitalBridge Group

(Free Report)

DigitalBridge is an infrastructure investment firm specializing in digital infrastructure assets. They provide services to institutional investors. They primarily invest in data centers, cell towers, fiber networks, small cells, and edge infrastructure. DigitalBridge Group, Inc was founded in 1991 and is headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida with additional offices in Los Angles, California, and New York New York.

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Wellington Shields & Co. LLC decreased its position in shares of Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:UBER  Free Report) by 43.5% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 454 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock after selling 350 shares during the quarter. Wellington Shields & Co. LLCs holdings in Uber Technologies were worth $33,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Financial Management Professionals Inc. raised its holdings in Uber Technologies by 111.6% during the 1st quarter. Financial Management Professionals Inc. now owns 383 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock worth $29,000 after purchasing an additional 202 shares during the last quarter. WR Wealth Planners LLC raised its holdings in Uber Technologies by 563.9% during the 2nd quarter. WR Wealth Planners LLC now owns 405 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock worth $29,000 after purchasing an additional 344 shares during the last quarter. J.Safra Asset Management Corp bought a new position in Uber Technologies during the 1st quarter worth approximately $32,000. MCF Advisors LLC grew its position in shares of Uber Technologies by 1,038.5% during the 2nd quarter. MCF Advisors LLC now owns 444 shares of the ride-sharing companys stock worth $32,000 after buying an additional 405 shares during the period. Finally, Founders Capital Management acquired a new stake in shares of Uber Technologies during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $33,000. Institutional investors own 80.24% of the companys stock.

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Insider Activity at Uber Technologies

In related news, CEO Dara Khosrowshahi sold 500,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, July 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $71.91, for a total value of $35,955,000.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 1,266,114 shares in the company, valued at approximately $91,046,257.74. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. 3.84% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several analysts have recently commented on UBER shares. The Goldman Sachs Group raised their price objective on shares of Uber Technologies from $85.00 to $90.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 7th. TD Cowen raised their price objective on shares of Uber Technologies from $88.00 to $90.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 23rd. BMO Capital Markets reaffirmed an outperform rating and set a $92.00 price objective on shares of Uber Technologies in a research report on Tuesday, July 30th. Morgan Stanley raised their price objective on shares of Uber Technologies from $90.00 to $95.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 23rd. Finally, Melius Research began coverage on shares of Uber Technologies in a research report on Monday, July 22nd. They issued a hold rating and a $77.00 price target for the company. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and thirty-one have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Uber Technologies presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $87.60.

View Our Latest Stock Analysis on UBER

Uber Technologies Trading Up 1.6 %

NYSE UBER opened at $70.11 on Thursday. The stock has a market capitalization of $146.50 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 113.08, a PEG ratio of 1.24 and a beta of 1.33. Uber Technologies, Inc. has a one year low of $40.09 and a one year high of $82.14. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.72, a current ratio of 1.21 and a quick ratio of 1.21. The businesss fifty day moving average is $69.45 and its 200-day moving average is $71.05.

Uber Technologies (NYSE:UBER  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, August 6th. The ride-sharing company reported $0.47 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.31 by $0.16. Uber Technologies had a return on equity of 17.06% and a net margin of 5.02%. The business had revenue of $10.70 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $10.57 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $0.18 EPS. The firms quarterly revenue was up 15.9% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities research analysts predict that Uber Technologies, Inc. will post 1.05 EPS for the current year.

Uber Technologies Company Profile

(Free Report)

Uber Technologies, Inc develops and operates proprietary technology applications in the United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia excluding China and Southeast Asia. It operates through three segments: Mobility, Delivery, and Freight. The Mobility segment connects consumers with a range of transportation modalities, such as ridesharing, carsharing, micromobility, rentals, public transit, taxis, and other modalities; and offers riders in a variety of vehicle types, as well as financial partnerships products and advertising services.

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Bell Investment Advisors Inc lowered its stake in Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC) by 14.8% during the second quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 3,128 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 545 shares during the period. Bell Investment Advisors Incs holdings in Wells Fargo & Company were worth $186,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Core Wealth Advisors Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Wells Fargo & Company during the 4th quarter worth about $25,000. Transcendent Capital Group LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Wells Fargo & Company during the 4th quarter worth about $32,000. Atlantic Edge Private Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Wells Fargo & Company during the 4th quarter worth about $34,000. Beaird Harris Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Wells Fargo & Company during the 4th quarter worth about $34,000. Finally, Valued Wealth Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of Wells Fargo & Company by 53.7% during the 2nd quarter. Valued Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 630 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $37,000 after acquiring an additional 220 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 75.90% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

WFC has been the topic of several research analyst reports. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft raised Wells Fargo & Company from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $65.00 target price on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, September 3rd. Morgan Stanley raised their price target on Wells Fargo & Company from $64.00 to $68.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 30th. Jefferies Financial Group downgraded Wells Fargo & Company to a hold rating and dropped their price target for the stock from $62.00 to $59.00 in a research note on Friday, August 16th. The Goldman Sachs Group dropped their price target on Wells Fargo & Company from $68.00 to $65.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday. Finally, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods dropped their price target on Wells Fargo & Company from $62.00 to $61.00 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, July 15th. Twelve equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, six have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $60.29.

Wells Fargo & Company Stock Performance

Shares of WFC stock opened at $53.73 on Thursday. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $56.92 and a 200 day moving average price of $57.94. The stock has a market cap of $187.32 billion, a PE ratio of 11.03, a P/E/G ratio of 1.27 and a beta of 1.16. Wells Fargo & Company has a 1 year low of $38.38 and a 1 year high of $62.55. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.11, a quick ratio of 0.85 and a current ratio of 0.86.

Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Friday, July 12th. The financial services provider reported $1.33 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.29 by $0.04. The firm had revenue of $20.69 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $20.29 billion. Wells Fargo & Company had a return on equity of 12.30% and a net margin of 15.17%. Wells Fargo & Companys revenue was up .8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $1.25 earnings per share. Sell-side analysts forecast that Wells Fargo & Company will post 5.15 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Wells Fargo & Company Increases Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Sunday, September 1st. Stockholders of record on Friday, August 9th were issued a $0.40 dividend. This represents a $1.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.98%. This is a boost from Wells Fargo & Companys previous quarterly dividend of $0.35. The ex-dividend date was Friday, August 9th. Wells Fargo & Companys payout ratio is 32.85%.

Wells Fargo & Company Profile

(Free Report)

Wells Fargo & Company, a financial services company, provides diversified banking, investment, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finance products and services in the United States and internationally. The company operates through four segments: Consumer Banking and Lending; Commercial Banking; Corporate and Investment Banking; and Wealth and Investment Management.

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WH Smith (LON:SMWH  Get Free Report)s stock had its hold rating reaffirmed by equities research analysts at Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft in a research report issued on Thursday, Digital Look reports. They currently have a GBX 1,310 ($17.13) price target on the stock. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschafts price target suggests a potential downside of 3.46% from the companys previous close.

Several other research analysts also recently commented on the stock. Canaccord Genuity Group reissued a buy rating and set a GBX 1,469 ($19.21) price objective on shares of WH Smith in a report on Wednesday. Berenberg Bank reaffirmed a buy rating and set a GBX 1,600 ($20.92) price objective on shares of WH Smith in a research note on Wednesday, June 5th.

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WH Smith Stock Performance

About WH Smith

LON SMWH opened at GBX 1,357 ($17.75) on Thursday. WH Smith has a twelve month low of GBX 1,069 ($13.98) and a twelve month high of GBX 1,423 ($18.61). The company has a quick ratio of 0.42, a current ratio of 0.64 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 326.20. The firm has a market cap of 1.78 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 2,769.39, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.65 and a beta of 1.67. The business has a 50-day moving average price of GBX 1,247.06 and a 200-day moving average price of GBX 1,217.43.

(Get Free Report)

WH Smith PLC operates as a retailer in the United Kingdom and internationally. It operates in two segments, Travel and High Street. The Travel segment offers news, books, and convenience for travelling customers. It operates stores in airports, hospitals, railway stations, and motorway service areas.

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The evil Labour Party is planning to dump the Council Tax Single Person Discount which helps millions of pensioners and single people struggling to deal with the exponential constant rising council tax payments, utilities and food prices. By dumping this relief many pensioners who have already been robbed of their pensions, and winter fuel payments will be forced to sell their homes and many renters will be made homeless.

Council tax up by 79 per cent in real terms and is rising at an exponential rate every year.

Were already on the ropes because of the evil Labour Party and that fucking cunt hair Keir Starmer. When they cancel the Single Person Council Tax Discount, that will be the final nail in the coffin. Ill be forced to sell up, and many people may even be forced to be homeless, a furious retiree revealed on Thursday.

The country must be prepared for an increase in homeless people across the country. Retirees make up about half of the 8.4 million people who will be affected if the council tax discount for single householders is abolished. The council tax single person discount was a lifeline for many people across the country, and especially for retirees on a small pension income.

Meanwhile, the Labour government has refused to reveal the cost of furnishing thousands of homes for illegal asylum seekers who come into the country daily from France. They have also refused to reveal the cost of benefits and expense accounts given to these illegal asylum seekers, who are mostly young males with no skills or ability to work.
The Health Minister Mike Nesbitt met with staff from the Northern Trusts surgical teams during a visit to Antrim Area Hospital and Causeway Hospital this week.

Mr Nesbitt was visiting Causeway Hospital where he launched a new regional health and wellbeing framework for HSC staff.

Staff from Causeways surgical team spoke with the Minister about the Trusts review of general surgery, which is currently out to public consultation.

He later visited the surgical unit at Antrim Area Hospital, where he met with members of the team there also.

Northern Trust Chief Executive Jennifer Welsh said: We felt it was important for the Minister to see and hear first-hand from our staff about the proposals to transform our general surgery service within the Northern Trust. The Minister visited the hospitals Emergency Departments where staff welcomed the opportunity to discuss the current pressures facing unscheduled and emergency care, and challenges within the health and social care system as a whole.

It was also an opportunity to demonstrate the progress we have made in enhancing same-day care at Causeway Hospital where we recently opened our acute ambulatory and surgical ambulatory units. Both of these units are transforming how we deliver patient care and, importantly, they are helping to reduce the need for admissions to hospital and helping patients avoid lengthy waits in our busy Emergency Departments.

The Minister spent time discussing the Trusts Strategic Vision for Causeway Hospital. Published in March, the Vision outlines the Trusts ambition to develop and enhance the Causeway site, focussing on same day emergency care, elective care and cancer services, and reshaping mental health provision to meet the needs of the local population. It also highlights how Causeway Hospital is perfectly positioned to become an elective and diagnostic hub for the entire North West area.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said: I welcomed the opportunity to meet staff at both Causeway and Antrim hospitals. Despite the pressures across services, it was very clear to me that they are committed to delivering the very best care to their patients.

I was also struck by the innovative solutions that the teams have put in place and their drive to bring about improvements.

Minister Nesbitt added: I was keen to hear from the Trust on its vision for Causeway Hospital and how it has potential to play an enhanced role within our wider acute hospital network.
A man who went on the rampage in Altnagelvin Hospital causing 4,000 worth of damage has been remanded in custody at Derry Magistrate's Court today.

Niall Waterkamp (33) of Duncreggan Road in Derry admitted a charge of criminal damage to windows in the hospital and a charge of disorderly behaviour that occurred on September 10.

A police officer connected the accused to the charges and opposed bail.

He told the court that police were called to the hospital around 1pm on September 10 due to a 'disruptive male'.

They found the defendant outside being watched by staff who told police Waterkamp had smashed windows and a door panel with a fire extinguisher.

CCTV was examined and showed Waterkamp smashing a number of windows using a fire extinguisher.

The police officer said that damage was estimated at 4,000.

Waterkamp was arrested but was deemed unfit for interview for 24 hours.

He told police he thought someone in a white coat and with a syringe was after him and he had broken the windows to escape.

The court heard that Waterkamp had 60 previous convictions and 11 breaches of bail and on the day in question was under 'the influence of something'.

The officer said that police had 'no confidence' the defendant would abide by any conditions.

Defence solicitor Paddy MacDermott said that this was 'a very bad case of criminal damage that the hospital does not need.'

He said he could be released to an address approved by the PSNI and with conditions.

District Judge Alana McSorley said it was 'an outrageous incident in front of vulnerable people.'

She added that this case met the custody threshold and remanded the accused in custody so a pre-sentence report could be prepared.

Waterkamp will appear again on October 10.
Weekly news roundup: speculation grows on HiSilicon's production capacity amid SMIC's evolving revenue trends

These are the most-read DIGITIMES Asia stories in the week of September 2 - September 6.

Speculation grows on HiSilicon's production capacity amid SMIC's evolving revenue trends

Huawei's HiSilicon Full-Connection Conference is scheduled for September 9 in Shenzhen, just one day before Apple's annual iPhone launch event. While the timing's intent remains unclear, Huawei has emphasized the inaugural nature of the conference, fueling speculation about its significance.

Tamil Nadu signs MoUs with US firms to establish itself as a manufacturing hub

During a 17-day US tour aimed at attracting investments, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin met with representatives from Apple, Google, and Microsoft and signed memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with US firms, including Applied Materials, to bolster the Indian state's position as an electronics powerhouse.

TSMC's 3nm process at full capacity, led by Intel's Lunar Lake and Apple's iPhone 16 launch

With major IC design houses like Intel, Apple, and Qualcomm launching new products amid rising electronics demand, TSMC's 3nm capacity utilization has consistently stayed at 100%, which is expected to positively impact the company's third-quarter results.

BOE reportedly seeks to mass-produce glass substrates for semiconductor packaging in 2026

China-based display solutions supplier BOE Technology has unveiled a roadmap for diversification into making glass substrates for semiconductor packaging.

India's Kaynes reaffirms commitment to Telangana despite Gujarat project approval

Kaynes SemiCon, a subsidiary of Kaynes Technology, has reiterated its commitment to establishing an advanced electronics manufacturing facility in Hyderabad, Telangana, despite recently securing approval for a project in Gujarat.

TSMC supplier's CEO dismisses AI concerns after Nvidia wipeout

Demand for AI chips should spur growth for the semiconductor industry over the next few years, the CEO of a major supplier to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. said, dismissing concerns that investors had misjudged the pace and extent of spending on artificial intelligence.

No longer just a chip supplier, Nvidia expands one-stop service into AI factory

In the current AI development trend, Nvidia is already dominating the leading position in the AI chip market and actively expanding its influence to data centers and related areas. CEO Jensen Huang is attempting to build Nvidia into a one-stop service platform with all the key data center elements. It will no longer just be a high-end chip hardware supplier, but an "AI factory."
Tackling memory coherence in AI: How chip supply chain is thinking ahead

In artificial intelligence (AI), especially within deep learning and large-scale data processing, maintaining memory coherence is critical. AI models often rely on extensive parallel processing, where different parts of the model or separate data batches are processed simultaneously by multiple processors.

If memory coherence isn't maintained, it can lead to errors, incorrect computations, or inefficiencies. So, how do key players in the AI chip industry, like Nvidia, TSMC, and MediaTek, address their memory coherence challenges?

During large-scale AI training, matrix multiplications are divided among multiple GPUs for parallel processing. Once the computations are complete, the data is retrieved and integrated to produce the final result. This process presents a significant memory coherence challenge.

"You can distribute tasks to all these GPUs, even if they're located in different places, but there's always a delay when they return," said Hamid Arabzadeh, CEO of Ranovus, a Canadian Silicon Photonics company, at the Canada-Taiwan Co-Innovation Forum. "Each GPU returns data at a different speed, and you must wait for all the results to arrive before you can proceed."

Before this data can be integrated, finding a more efficient way to distribute and receive it is essential to make the process more real-time.

"When systems were centralized and monolithic, there was a lot of point-to-point integration, where batch processing and polling were the norms for data retrieval," explained Floyd Davis, VP of Solution Engineering at Solace, a Canadian middleware company. "These methods are complex, fragile, and ultimately slow. We need to decentralize these systems, making them loosely coupled, real-time, and event-driven."

To ensure memory coherence, synchronization mechanisms like locking, barriers, or specialized hardware protocols (e.g., MESI - Modified, Exclusive, Shared, Invalid) are employed to manage access to shared data, guaranteeing that updates are consistently propagated across the system.

"But in the meantime, power consumption can be a concern. The real issue lies at the system level," Arabzadeh emphasized, highlighting the need for a system-level approach to solve this challenge.

Memory coherence is closely linked to cache coherence, which ensures that multiple copies of the same data in different caches (small, fast storage areas near the processors) remain consistent. Without cache coherence, processors might work with outdated or inconsistent data.

Enter Stathera, another Canadian company contributing to the solution with its advanced silicon timing devices. Timing devices not only track time but also synchronize electronics and telecommunications. Stathera uses foundries to build its cutting-edge timing devices using semiconductor technology. CEO George Xereas said 80% of its products are made in Taiwan while 20% are made in North America.

As telecommunications advances to 6G, traditional quartz crystal timing devices will face physical limitations in size and speed. Stathera, which has received investment from MediaTek and another major semiconductor company they have not disclosed, aims to launch its first-generation product in the first quarter of 2025. Having successfully raised US$15 million for its series A funding, Stathera is ready to commercialize its products.

Davis noted that companies like Nvidia and Apple are already adopting event-driven data integration, signaling a shift towards more responsive and efficient AI processing in their supply chains. As industry leaders embrace these innovations, it's only a matter of time before others follow suit, further driving the evolution of AI technology and reinforcing the importance of memory coherence in achieving seamless, real-time processing across complex systems.
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Broadcaster Maura Derrane has urged women in Louth to start the conversation about their heart health. The RTE Today host was speaking as new research revealed only half of women say they recognise the symptoms of heart disease and stroke, while 28% have never had a heart health check.

The Ipsos survey also shows 70% of the public believe females are more likely to contract breast cancer than both heart disease and stroke - despite statistics showing they are six times more likely to die from the latter. It was commissioned by the Irish Heart Foundation for its Her Heart Matters campaign, running throughout September.

The campaign is being supported by Ms Derrane, who said: One in four women dies from heart disease and stroke, the same as men. But women often neglect their own heart health. They are caught up taking care of others, their children and their partners.

I want to get the message to women in Louth that they need to listen to their bodies. Know the symptoms, which are often different from mens. If you are not feeling right, dont ignore it. Go to your doctor and talk about your heart health.

Dr Angie Brown, Consultant Cardiologist and Medical Director with the Irish Heart Foundation, said that the perception of womens heart health is quite different to the reality that one in four women dies from heart disease and stroke. Women are six times more likely to die from heart disease and stroke than they are from breast cancer so a significant gap in awareness of the symptoms has opened up.

The research, conducted among 1,056 respondents, shows that just 50% of women, when asked, said they recognised the symptoms of heart disease and stroke, 23% did not and 27% neither agreed nor disagreed. The Ipsos poll also showed that 41% of women have spoken to a healthcare professional about their heart health within the last year  but 28% have never done so.

We are encouraging all women, but especially those in their mid-50s and beyond, to have their heart health checked, particularly if they experience chest or back pain, difficulty breathing, dizziness or extreme fatigue  please dont put it on the long finger, said Dr Brown.

Society as a whole needs to confront this embedded myth that heart disease is a male disease; it is still not seen as a disease that affects women to the degree that it does. Women need to seek help earlier if they have any suspicion something might be wrong, advocate for themselves, recognise the signs and potentially save their own lives.

The campaign is supported by the Department of Health and the HSE. Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly said: I commend the Irish Heart Foundation for its important work in highlighting the different risks and symptoms of heart disease and stroke experienced by women.

Sarah O'Brien, HSE, Healthy Eating & Active Living Programme, Health & Wellbeing, said regular physical activity, quitting smoking, eating healthier and limiting alcohol use are among the crucial steps in helping to prevent up to 80% of premature cardiovascular disease and stroke cases.

Her Heart Matters 2024: What Every Woman Needs to Know is a free webinar on October 1 (12.30pm), bringing together a panel of experts for an open conversation on how to prevent and deal with heart disease and stroke. Chaired by Maura Derrane, the panel will share practical information to help women at all stages of life. The webinar will encourage you to talk, share and empower others to look after their hearts. Register on Eventbrite and find out more at irishheart.ie.
Louth Volunteer Centre is calling on members of the community to step up and make a difference by joining local voluntary boards or committees.

If youre passionate about giving back and want to use your skills and experience for the good of your local area, this is an opportunity to create lasting change.

Being a board member of a charity, community or voluntary organisation can be a wonderful opportunity to share skills, experience and perspective for the good of our community.

It can be hugely rewarding and offers opportunities for personal and professional development.

Voluntary board members play a vital role in the Not for Profit sector, responsible for public benefit; governance; oversight and strategic direction.

However, four in 10 Irish charities find attracting new board or committee members to be one of their greatest challenges.

A major study published in 2023 found 40 % of people who considered stepping up, didnt follow through due to simply not being aware of whats involved or knowing how to go about it.

As many of these voluntary groups are essential to Louth, addressing this gap is more important than ever.

To help meet this challenge, Louth Volunteer Centre is once again offering the Empowering You, Empowering Our Community programme.

Now in its fourth year, this initiative is designed to equip individuals with little or no experience on a board or committee with the knowledge and confidence needed to step into these roles.

Past participants have praised the programme for its comprehensive and practical approach.

The programme shows how to create a board that remains fresh and innovative and continues to carry out its mission even when founders are no longer directly involved, one particpant said.

Others shared What I found most useful about this programme was the relatability of the information shared. and I liked the format and the delivery of the course.

Many participants have since taken on enjoyable and satisfying leadership roles within community and voluntary organisations both in Louth and beyond.

Given the high demand for the programme, which was oversubscribed last time, Louth Volunteer Centre is encouraging those interested to register as soon as possible.

Spaces are currently available, and the programme is seeking new applicants from the local community who are eager to make a difference.

The programme begins on September 25th and will be delivered via Zoom in six bite-sized evening sessions, making it accessible for those with busy schedules.

To express your interest, please email Kayleigh@volunteerlouth.ie or click here

Programme Overview:

Wed 25th September 6:00-8:30 PM

Our Community: An exploration of Louths community landscape and the role of Community & Voluntary organisations.

Wed 2nd October 6:00-8:30 PM

Leading Communities: Understanding governance, the role of a trustee, and legal duties in these organisations.

Wed 9th October 6:00-8:30 PM

Effective Management: A dive into the Charities Governance Code and its six principles.

Wed 16th October 6:00-8:30 PM

Effective Planning & Communications: Strategic planning and decision-making in voluntary organisations.

Wed 23rd October 6:00-8:30 PM

Leading People: Involving volunteers and promoting diversity & inclusion in volunteer programmes.

Wed 30th October 6:00-8:30 PM

Your Community: Finding the right fit as a trustee on a non-profit board in your community.

Louth Volunteer Centre is an independent charity with offices in Drogheda and Dundalk and we also operate an outreach service in the Mid-Louth area.

As part of a national network of 29 Volunteer Centres and an affiliate of Volunteer Ireland, we are leaders in community engagement, supporting and promoting volunteering across the region.

We provide a free service to both organisations that involve volunteers in their work and individuals interested in volunteering.

Can you believe we have well over 700 voluntary / community groups in County Louth?, a spokesperson concluded.

We may be small geographically but we sure punch above our weight when it comes to our community spirit.
The search is officially underway to find the An Post Bookshop of the Year for 2024 with local people urged to nominate a Louth Bookshop. The category is now back for the fourth year running in the An Post Irish Book Awards, the annual literary event that celebrates and promotes Irish writing to the widest range of readers possible.

The An Post Bookshop of the Year category acknowledges the vital role played by independent bookshops and local branches of bookshop chains in helping their local communities to find and enjoy their titles of choice. Previous winners include Kennys Bookshop and Art Gallery, Galway in 2021, Bridge Street Books, Wicklow in 2022, and last years winner, Halfway Up the Stairs in Greystones.

Bookshop customers can visit https://www.anpost.com/bookshopoftheyear to submit a nomination for their own personal favourite bookshop and outline the reason for their choice. Readers can also enter by scanning the QR code on posters within their preferred bookshop and following the instructions. Everyone who votes will be entered into a draw to win 1 of 3 100 One4all vouchers.

Nominations for the An Post Bookshop of the Year will close at midnight on Monday, 23rd September. The 12 bookshops around Ireland who receive the most online votes will then be longlisted and invited by the judges to enter a written submission. Mystery shoppers will also visit the 12 shops as part of the judging process.

Following this, a shortlist of six shops will be finalised for the An Post Bookshop of the Year and they will be officially announced on 24th October. The overall winner will be presented with their trophy at the An Post Irish Book Awards ceremony on 27th November in the Convention Centre Dublin. The winner will receive a trophy along with a prize worth 15,000 from An Post Commerce.

Now in its 19th year, the An Post Irish Book Awards celebrate and promote Irish writing to the widest range of readers possible. The initiative brings together a vast community passionate about books  readers, authors, booksellers, publishers and librarians  to recognise the very best of new and established Irish writing talent and 2024 will be no different.

Categories in the An Post Irish Book Awards include Novel of the Year, Childrens (Junior and Senior), Cookery, Crime Fiction, Popular Fiction, Non-fiction, Sports, Short Story, Poetry, Teen and Young Adult and Irish Language. A television programme will be broadcast on RTE One television in December, culminating in one of the 2024 winning titles being announced as the An Post Irish Book of the Year 2024.

Larry Mac Hale, Chairperson of the An Post Irish Book Awards, says:

Bookshops hold a key place in communities throughout Ireland, acting as important cultural and social spaces for many. We introduced this category to honour the meaningful contribution that bookshops and booksellers make to their local area and the wider Irish book industry. We encourage everyone to support and vote for their favourite local bookshop in the An Post Bookshop of the Year category."

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Dawn Behan, Chair of Bookselling Ireland, says:

Irish bookshops are at the heart of our communities, playing a valuable role in Irelands literary landscape. Every day, booksellers use their knowledge and enthusiasm to foster a love of reading, particularly championing Irish books and writers. Im delighted that the An Post Bookshop of the Year category provides an opportunity for voters to recognise and celebrate the work of their local bookshop, connecting books and readers.

Garrett Bridgeman, Managing Director of An Post Mails & Parcels said:

The success of Irish bookshops is due to the positive relationships they have with their customers  both in Ireland and all over the world. They take care of them by offering great in-store experiences, and seamless ecommerce offerings. Bookstores are incredibly important to local communities and connecting customers worldwide, and we are thrilled to once again sponsor this very special award category, to celebrate bookshops and booksellers and the incredible contribution they make across the country.
Tributes have been pouring in for the hiker who was found dead on the Italian island of Sardinia.

Originally from Kilkenny, John Bergin, aged 39, had been reported missing by his family last Thursday while on a holiday with his siblings, after failing to return from a hike.

Following an extensive search, his body was found on Sunday near the Sa Rocca Niedda canal.

Mr Bergin and his family had been hiking the Cammino Minerario di Santa Barbara, a trail which runs along the coastline, between the towns of Masua and Cala Domestica.

In a statement shared by the funeral home La Ginestra, his family thanked the Emergency services, the helicopter pilots, drone operations, firefighters, the Carabinieri (Italian national police force), as well as the Irish Embassy and all of those who helped.

They found our brother John and took care of him, we also thank the La Ginestra funeral home. We will be forever grateful for the support and love that the Sardinians have shown us in the last days, they said.

Mr Bergin lived in Dublin and was formerly of Dean Street and Rioch Street in Kilkenny City.

Since the tragic news broke out, tributes have been pouring in for Mr Bergin, who has been described as a kind man with "sharp humour".

"My sincere condolences to the Bergin family on the tragic passing of John. John possessed a wit that could brighten the darkest day and his sharp humour was only matched by his kindness and warmth. May he rest in peace," paid someone in tribute. "Condolences to the Bergin family on the tragic passing of John. Condolences to his uncle Johnny Hennessy and all relations and friends. May heaven be his eternal bed," someone wrote in tribute.

Mr Bergin is survived by his brothers Paschal, Michael, Stephen, David and sister Clare. John will be deeply missed by his loving family, sisters-in-law Tara, Cathy, Angela and Paschals fiance Cinty, nephews and nieces James, Martha, their mother Grace, Jem, Eala, Fionn, Fiadh, Siomha, Anna, Ed, Evie, Max and Kate, uncles Johnny Hennessy, Brendan Bergin, David Bergin, cousins and extended family.

He will also be sorely missed by his work colleagues in Fingal County Council, Local Government Management Agency and a wide circle of friends and neighbours.

He predeceased by his parents Lorcan and Margaret, uncles Eddie, Tom, Phil, his aunt Nellie and his faithful friend Butch the dog.

Mr Bergin will be cremated and a private cremation service will be held in Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy on Friday, September 13. Requiem Mass, which will be live-streamed here, will be celebrated on Tuesday, September 17 at 11am in St. Canice's Church, Dean St, Kilkenny (R95 V440) after which his ashes will be laid to rest with his parents at St. Kieran's Cemetery.

Family flowers only. Donations, if desired, to Alpine and Speleological Rescue Operations, Sardinia, Italy. Donation box in the Church or donate here.
Asylum seekers who have incomes should be asked to financially contribute towards State accommodation and services provided to them, the Taoiseach has said.

International protection applicants can seek permission to work if their application has not been processed for five months, with the permit being valid after six months.

Simon Harris said the Government has not made a decision on the matter, but added: I believe they should have to  if youre earning an income.

Mr Harris said: Theres people in this country who come here and seek international protection who do have a right to work  and by the way, were very pleased they do work and I thank them for the contribution they make to the Irish economy.

I do think its fair, though, that if youre working and earning an income that you make some contribution towards the services the State is providing.

He told RTE radio: Government needs to make a decision on this as a collective, we have had a number of reviews and works being done.

Weve taken a number of decisions in recent weeks and months to try and make sure our immigration system is fair.

Irish people, I think, want two things when it comes to migration: compassion and common sense.

And I think we need to look at this through that lens, and I hope we can make a decision on this within a few short weeks.

Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe said the amount an individual may contribute will be based on their income and the type of work they are doing.

Mr Donohoe said it is appropriate that when an asylum seeker earns money through a paid job, that they make a contribution towards State services.

Speaking at the second day of the Fine Gael think-in, taking place in Tullamore, Mr Donohoe said: I think the approach of this Government is very clear in our views regarding how we want to support those who have come to our country in terrible, terrible circumstances.

The many billions of euros that we have rightfully spent to provide accommodation and to provide support to those who have come to our country in a really difficult way, and at times have experienced real and terrible trauma.

What the Taoiseach was indicating today, which I think is a very sensible approach, is that after helping people cope with the transition to our country, giving them the support and accommodation that they need, if they are in a position that they then gain a job and they are paid for that job, that the support they get from the State reflects that and be adjusted accordingly.

I think that its a very reasonable approach.

We have an economy that is at full employment, we have employers all over the country that want to get more people working in them.

The vast majority of those that I have met coming to our country looking for support and a new home want to work or want to be in college or be studying.

As we are successful in getting them to that point and therefore as they look at Ireland being their home for longer, it is appropriate, therefore, that the State, the support we gave them when they were in emergency is changed to reflect that.

He added: As people make Ireland their home, and I want to see people make Ireland their home, we need to see that as they get a job, as they stand on their own two feet, that the support they get reflects that.

Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys said the matter will be handled by Roderic OGormans department.

Its about making a contribution towards your rent. I think its fair. I think if people are working, that they should be making that contribution, she added.

Thats something that I have no doubt Minister OGorman will bring a memo to Cabinet on his proposals on how that will work.
Taoiseach Simon Harris says introducing a 'public childcare model' will be one of his key priorities if Fine Gael returns to government following the next General Election.

The party's 'think-in' is continuing in Tullamore, County Offaly this Thursday and Mr Harris made his comments during an interview on RTE's Morning Ireland.

On the programme, he discussed the childcare plan and how he aims to deliver this model by 2030, providing, of course, that they remain in government.

"Let's talk about childcare and your plan for a public childcare system. Is it a vague election plan? I mean, if a baby's being born today, how soon would it benefit from your public child care plan?," he was asked.

In reply, Mr Harris said: "So firstly, babies being born today are already benefiting from what we're doing. We live in a country now where every child gets two free pre school years.

"And we also have very significantly reduced childcare costs. And I must say, Roderic O'Gorman has done great work on this, and I'm proud of the work he's done on this. The purpose of thinking, though, is always to come up with what next?"

"And I got involved in politics to talk about big ideas. And I really want to have a big conversation with the people of this country kicking off tomorrow about how we can deliver a public childcare model. I believe this can be transformational. We did it with primary education. We did it with secondary education."

READ ALSO: Suspended sentence for Chinese nationals who arrived at Shannon Airport without passports

In the wide-ranging interview, the Fine Leader added: "We need big ideas when it comes to our children. What I'm giving a commitment to is that this will be a priority in the Fine Gael Manifesto, be fully costed in the Fine Gael Manifesto, and if Fine Gael is in the next government, within the first 100 days we will publish a road map as to how you deliver this system in full by 2030."
Thriving clean energy industry facilitates high-quality development of Altay, NW China's Xinjiang

People's Daily Online) 10:19, September 12, 2024

Photo shows a smart control center of a project for the coordination of power source-grid-load-storage in the Jeminay border economic cooperation zone in Jeminay county, Altay, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (People's Daily Overseas Edition/Wang Wenzheng)

Since the beginning of this year, the popular Chinese TV drama series "To the Wonder" has boosted the popularity of the remote Altay region. The region, located in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, has a sprawling animal husbandry sector.

However, there's more to this story than meets the eye - Altay is making waves in the clean energy sector, as evidenced by its ambitious wind and solar power projects.

Wind and sunlight accelerating clean energy development

On the vast desert plains, wind turbines hum steadily as they rotate, while endless rows of photovoltaic (PV) panels resemble a vast indigo sea. Traveling across the six counties and one city of Altay, the magnificent scenes of wind and solar power development can be seen everywhere.

At a wind farm operated by Xinjiang Xinhua Wind Power Development Co., Ltd. in Burqin county, Altay, 16 units of wind turbines, each with a capacity of 6.25 MW, stand tall against the sky. Thanks to the application of automation systems, the wind farm and a 110 kV transformer substation operate well.

Meanwhile, in the Jeminay border economic cooperation zone in Atlay's Jeminay county, a smart control center is the beating heart of a project for the coordination of power source-grid-load-storage, which includes 400,000 kW of wind and solar capacity and a storage capacity of 80,000 kWh.

Xu Yong, deputy director of operations of CGN New Energy Investment (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. Xinjiang Branch, said the project was connected to the grid at the end of 2023. It can generate about 1.26 billion kWh of clean electricity annually, saving 380,000 tonnes of standard coal and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 1.25 million tonnes every year.

Ma Qiang, director of Jeminay county's development and reform commission, said the county aims for a total new energy installed capacity of more than 1 million kW.

Altay's natural gifts have set the stage for its green energy revolution. Blessed with abundant solar, wind and hydropower resources, the region has wasted no time in seizing the day.

Today, clean energy generation capacity makes up more than 94 percent of Altay's total installed power capacity, which exceeds 5 million kW. In the first seven months of this year, green power accounted for 92.7 percent of the region's total electricity generation, with more than half of the generated green electricity being sent out to other places.

In addition, Altay is actively courting leading manufacturers of wind turbines, PV panels, and energy storage equipment to set up production bases locally. It continues to build industrial clusters for the manufacturing of clean energy equipment.

Clean energy powering tourism

Clean energy has boosted the high-quality development of the cultural and tourism sector in Altay.

As night falls, an internet-famous bridge at Qicai river resort in Burqin county, which has become a popular destination among travelers across China, comes alive with a dazzling light show powered by green electricity, attracting crowds of locals and tourists.

The TV series "To the Wonder" has put Jilin New Village, a filming location of the drama located in Altay's Habahe county, on the map, drawing droves of tourists. Employees of a branch of the State Grid Corporation of China in Habahe County have gone all out to ensure stable electricity for agritainment owners and merchants in the village.

Rich tourism resources also provide valuable opportunities for Altay to fully develop and utilize clean energy.

To meet the needs of tourist shuttles and sightseeing, there are plans to carry out demonstration applications of hydrogen fuel cell buses in scenic areas, completing the replacement of 300 shuttle buses in batches. The state grid is also stepping up construction of power facilities such as transportation, accommodation, parking, and communication base stations in scenic spots, providing support for enriching green power tourism scenarios.

Altay is also building "fully electric" scenic areas. In some scenic areas, all heating, cooking, and other facilities have been replaced with electrified equipment. Electric boats and shuttle buses within the scenic area have also been equipped with pure electric power systems.

Storing energy

Western regions generally have fewer inhabitants and heavy industrial users, so promoting the absorption of clean energy is a challenge. Only by "storing" and "using" wind and solar energy can we truly achieve unlimited "scenic beauty."

When green power is "generated," the primary concern is how to "store" it.

Using water as the storage medium, converting electrical energy into potential energy and vice versa, enables the storage and management of electrical energy. During off-peak hours, water is pumped to the upper reservoir consuming electrical energy, and during peak hours, water is released back to the lower reservoir to generate power. Pumped-storage hydropower has become an important way for Altay region to develop, store, and manage clean energy.

The Burqin Pumped Storage Power Station, which is under construction, will have an installed power generation capacity of 1.4 million kW.

The pumped storage power station can be considered a giant "power bank" that is loaded with green electricity during times of optimal wind and solar conditions and passes electricity to the power grid during times of high demand for electricity. Once operational, it will save 727,000 tonnes of standard coal and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 2.19 million tonnes annually, thus becoming an important green energy base in Altay.

To make good use of green electricity, the Altay region will continue to expand the application of clean energy and support major enterprises, industrial parks and urban areas to increase green electricity consumption, said an official with Altay's development and reform commission.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
Irish deputy premier Micheal Martin has said he believes that the case against Ian Bailey for the murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier should have gone before a jury.

He said that the murder of the French filmmaker remains seared into our consciousness and the fact that no one was convicted for her murder would always be a deep shame for us.

The Foreign Affairs Minister and Cork South-Central TD made the comments at the launch of the book Sophie: The Final Verdict by journalist Senan Molony in Dublin.

In December 1996, the body of the 39-year-old French filmmaker was found beaten outside her holiday home in Schull, West Cork.

Ian Bailey, who was the main suspect in her murder, died in Cork in January this year aged 66.

Mr Bailey, with an address at The Prairie in Schull, was convicted of murder in his absence by a French court in May 2019.

The three-judge court imposed a 25-year sentence.

The terrible anguish of her family and all who knew her was made much worse by the fact that our system proved incapable of meeting its responsibilities to Sophie, Mr Martin said on Thursday.

However, there is no doubt that this case continues to give a serious cause for reflection.

The simple fact is, we failed in our duty to find and convict a bloody murderer, and our system blocked alternative routes when others were not willing to accept our failures.

In October 2020, the High Court in Ireland rejected an attempt by French authorities to extradite Ian Bailey for the murder.

Mr Bailey was facing a third extradition process to France in relation to the filmmakers death.

Mr Martin acknowledged there is a balance between seeking justice for a victim and respecting the rights of the accused.

When you look at the details of this case and the scale of the evidence, it is very, very hard to understand why this evidence was not put before a jury, he said.

Its hard to understand why the system was so convinced by its interpretation of legal principles that it effectively threw its hands in the air and gave up.

He added: The fact that we have absolute independence in our judicial system, that no external pressure can be applied on independent prosecutors and judges is a great strength which we should value.

And at the same time, we can admit that this system failed Sophie Toscan du Plantier.

We can ask for a proper review of whether decisions were reasonable which blocked the murder trial or which would have predetermined its outcome.

Mr Martin also said lessons needed to be learned from the case, including around the speed at which cases are processed.

The deputy premier also highlighted faster processing of people accused of rioting in other jurisdictions.

I think we need an honest conversation about why crimes which can be processed much quicker in other democratic societies seem endlessly delayed here.

Look at the rapid conviction of rioters in other countries and compare this to our response to riots here.

Yes we have resources issues, but most democratic countries also have resource issues.

We could dramatically increase the resources at every level and we would still operate principles and practice which delay justice, often excessively.

He added: Im conscious that there is currently a cold case review into Sophies murder under way, and I sincerely hope that it brings some clarity to the circumstances around her tragic death and answers some of the questions that her beloved parents, Georges and Marguerite, and her son John Pierre have waited nearly three decades for.

We need to learn from our failure to deliver justice for Sophie and Tuscan du Plantier.
The president of the Cork Business Association (CBA), Aaron Mansworth, says the organisation would welcome the positive knock-on effects of increasing services at Cork Airport.

It follows comments made by Junior Transport Minister James Lawless urging tourists to consider flying to Cork or Shannon airports as a solution to the ongoing passenger cap dispute at Dublin Airport.

Mr Lawless made the comments yesterday following a discussion on the passenger cap with key business stakeholders, including Ryanair, who have raised concerns that requests for additional flight slots this winter will be rejected by the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA).

Mr Lawless said it was his preferred outcome that planning authorities imminently lift the cap at Dublin Airport to 40m.

He added that efforts to mitigate the effects of the limit had to be taken in the interim.

Passenger cap

The cap, currently in effect, means that a maximum of 32m passengers can pass through Dublin Airport per year, based on planning conditions set from 2007.

To date this year, Dublin Airport has seen 22.7m passengers travel through its terminals, with this figure expected to steadily increase, breaching the cap to an excess of 1m passengers.

The minister said an obvious solution was to increase the use of Cork Airport and Shannon Airport, which are not subjected to caps.

Theres nobody in a better place than Ryanair and with a better proven record at marketing outlying airports as a destination, said Mr Lawless.

I would encourage Ryanair to revisit their Shannon, Cork, and regional airport schedules, [and] I would urge them to be more creative in their use of the regionals.

Not everybody lives in Dublin, I can see no reason why sporting trips, or excursions to Lapland, cannot operate from other airports outside Dublin.

I find it difficult to see how the marketing genius that drove traffic to so many other destinations cannot do more for our regional airports.

Rejected

Ryanair chief executive Michael OLeary rejected the notion that the additional flights could operate from other Irish airports, saying 60% of the traffic is inbound and it doesnt want to go to Shannon or Cork, it wants to go to Dublin.

Mr Mansworth said: CBA and its executives will continue to support Cork Airport with the view to seeing continued expansion.

We welcome the indications of further opportunities for growth, which would benefit our members, particularly those in tourism and hospitality.

Based on the junior ministers comments, increased numbers to Cork Airport would always be welcomed and would have positive knock-on effects for many businesses, not just in Cork, but in the south as well.
A competitor injured in the Dragon Gold Cup was airlifted by helicopter from Kinsale to Cork University Hospital (CUH) on Wednesday afternoon.

It is understood that the man, a German national, suffered a serious head injury on the water and was brought ashore by a safety boat.

John OMahony, deputy launch authority with Kinsale RNLI, said officials from Kinsale Yacht Club had performed a superb service in getting the injured man to safety.

They really couldnt have done a more professional job, they were brilliant as always, he said.

Mr OMahony said he was on standby for any water-related emergencies which might occur during the week-long racing event and he helped to co-ordinate the response on the shore when the incident occurred around lunchtime on Wednesday.

Local doctor Katie OConnell was on the scene straight away and she assisted the man until the ambulance service could take over, he said.

The HSE air ambulance landed at the GAA pitch and the crew brought the man to CUH, where he is comfortable in hospital at the moment.

The Dragon Gold Cup 2024 is being hosted by Kinsale Yacht Club, with crews from over 15 countries competing throughout the week.

The event runs until Friday.
Two Cork TDs have criticised Garda numbers in Cork, saying that figures from the latest report to the Policing Authority show the number of sworn gardai in Cork city and county has decreased over the last 13 years, despite a growth in population.

The report, published by Garda Commissioner Drew Harris, put the number of sworn gardai nationally at 14,064 members at the end of July, 1,277 of whom are based in Cork.

This compares to figures published by An Garda Siochana on Historical Data on Garda Station Strength 2009-2021, which show that sworn members in Cork at the end of 2011 stood at 1,306.

Census

According to figures from the 2022 census by the CSO, Corks population stands at 584,156 people, representing an increase of 65,124 people on census figures provided in 2011.

Sinn Fein Cork North Central TD Thomas Gould said: The total number of sworn members now stands a shade over 14,000, and once leave, injuries, and other absences are taken into account, the available numbers are even lower.

That number is essentially the same as when Fine Gael took over the justice ministry 13 years ago, despite an increase in population since, said Mr Gould.

In recent weeks in Cork, we have seen a worrying escalation in violence. Communities feel badly let down by a lack of visible policing in both urban and rural areas.

Failure

Mr Gould further said that he believed the reasons for the decline in numbers are multi-faceted, stating that he has little doubt that it is, in large part, a Government failure to improve conditions within the role, as well as a lack of imagination and action.

He said he believes a contributing factor to depleting Garda numbers is a lack of housing within a reasonable distance of Garda stations, saying: Whilst the housing crisis affects everyone, there is little doubt it plays a major part in the number of gardai emigrating to join other police services.

There is an increasing spiral of ever-higher demands on gardai also, meaning a negative cycle of burnout, resignations, and increased workloads has developed.

Sinn Fein Cork South Central TD Donnchadh O Laoghaire backed his colleagues sentiments, saying the Government isnt even close to addressing the issue.

Time and again we have highlighted the fact that clearly Cork is not getting the gardai it needs, he said.

Despite the best efforts of ordinary gardai, who are working as hard as they can, the reality is that they are overstretched.

A spokesperson for An Garda Siochana said: We do not comment on remarks made by third parties.
Causing criminal damage at City Hall in Cork one year ago was the charge brought against a 36-year-old man who appeared before Cork District Court.

Leon OConnor of Uam Var Drive, Bishopstown, Cork, would have been released on bail yesterday on the criminal damage charge but he refused to sign his bail bond at Cork District Court.

Instead Judge Mary Dorgan remanded him in custody until September 18 on the charge of causing criminal damage at Cork City Hall on September 11 2023.

When bail was initially granted, Judge Dorgan made it a condition of bail that he would stay away from City Hall.

As he was about to be released on bail it emerged that he was refusing to sign the bail bond.

Mr OConnor was represented in court by solicitor Michael Quinlan.
Pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly and Company is today unveiling its new $800m facility expansion in Kinsale.

Production of medicines at the state-of-the-art facility began last year to meet the demand for the companys diabetes and obesity treatments.

The pharmaceutical company has today also announced the a $1bn expansion of its Limerick facility, currently under construction.

The Limerick investment project is subject to planning approval, and the company said it will submit a planning application to the Limerick City and County Council in due course.

Once complete, Limerick will join Lillys global manufacturing network producing the biologic active ingredients for the companys Alzheimers disease portfolio and other biologic medicines.

Speaking on the official opening of the expansion in Kinsale and the proposed expansion of the Limerick facility, Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment Peter Burke said the state-of-the-art developments will contribute to the treatment of diseases affecting millions of people across the world.

They will also create hundreds of new jobs, directly and indirectly, adding to the thousands already employed in Ireland by Lilly," he said.

Eli Lilly and Company has made a huge commitment to Ireland for almost half a century and these announcements today further solidify their confidence in Ireland as a global leader in the Biopharma sector."

Executive vice president and president of Lilly manufacturing operations, Edgardo Hernandez, said these investments will boost the production of some of Lillys medicines, helping millions of people with diabetes, obesity and Alzheimer's disease live the healthiest lives possible.

The investments have been supported by IDA Ireland.

Todays announcement in Limerick effectively doubles down on Eli Lilly and Companys 2022 announcement to build a new manufacturing facility in Raheen.

Meanwhile the official opening of the $800 million expansion of its manufacturing site in Kinsale enhances the campus capabilities to create complex peptides, IDA Ireland CEO, Michael Lohan, said.

Since establishing in Ireland in 1978, Lillys operations here have been producing key healthcare products that have supported the fight against several of the worlds most serious illness.

I wish to assure Lilly of IDA Irelands continued partnership and wish them every success with the far-reaching outcomes of the investments unveiled today.
Signed pleas of guilty were entered yesterday by a young man charged with carrying out arson attacks at six stores in Cork city on February 25 last.

When Samuel Nunes Neto, aged 24, of no fixed abode, first appeared before Cork District Court, there were concerns about his psychiatric condition.

Judge Mary Dorgan asked yesterday, in advance of signed guilty pleas being entered, if the accused man had been found fit to plead to the charges.

Defence solicitor Joseph Cuddigan said there was no issue about the defendants fitness to plead, and he confirmed that he had been seen by a psychiatrist.

He added that he and a barrister in the case had met the accused and he could confirm that the defendant was fit to plead.

Yesterday, at Cork District Court, he signed the guilty pleas and Judge Mary Dorgan sent the case forward for sentencing at the sessions of Cork Circuit Criminal Court commencing on October 29.

He admitted six counts of causing criminal damage to stores in Cork city centre.

The impacted shops were in the Patrick Street, Half Moon Street, Opera Lane, and Cornmarket Street area of Cork city.

They included outlets of TK Maxx, Superdry, Lifestyle Sports, Next, Boots, and Brown Thomas.

The damage on the charges related to clothing at Superdry, Next, Brown Thomas, and TK Maxx, the building structure and clothing at Lifestyle Sports, and damage to shelving, perfumes, cosmetics, and toiletries at Boots.

Free legal aid in respect of Mr Cuddigans representation of the accused was extended to include a barrister for the sentencing hearing at Cork Circuit Criminal Court.
An updated version of Co Corks major emergency plan is to be published by the end of the month following its approval by a top-level committee, elected members attending this weeks meeting of Cork County Council were told.

The assurance was given by Kevin Morey, the northern division manager, on foot of a motion raised by East Cork Social Democrat councillor Liam Quaide, who pointed out that the plan currently on thelocal authoritys website dated back to December 2021.

Mr Quaide said that he was a member of the Midleton Flood Committee which meets every quarter with Cork County Council and Office of Public Works flood engineers, and that an updated version of the plan had been sought by members of this committee since January of this year.

It is my understanding, as it is of other Midleton Flood Committee members, that an up-to-date emergency response plan should be available to the public, he said.

At one of our committee meetings we were told that the plan is a live document and that sharing it could cause communication problems with the public.

Its not clear, however, why a December 2021 version of the plan is available on the relevant website. Surely, either the most recent version should be accessible or none.

Mr Morey said the current version of the major emergency plan for the county was finalised in June 2023 but said after its anticipated approval by the major emergency committee this month, a redacted form of the plan would be published on the council website.
A Cork woman who verbally abused a member of An Garda Siochana and bit her on the arm during a drunken disturbance at Cook St in Cork has been ordered to do community service to avoid a term in jail.

Leona ORiordan, of 84 Mangerton Close, The Glen, Cork, pleaded guilty at Cork District Court to charges of obstruction, engaging in threatening behaviour, and being so intoxicated that she was a danger to herself or others.

The accused woman came to the attention of gardai at Cook St where she was roaring and shouting at staff of The Rob Roy pub.

Garda Karen OLeary approached the young woman and found that there was a strong smell of alcohol from her.

When informed that she was about to be searched she immediately resisted and shouted at the guard calling her a skinny f***ing pig. She also said: You will do f***ing nothing. You skinny tramp, you will regret this.

Judge Mary Dorgan was told previously that Ms ORiordan bit Gda OLeary on the right arm when she was being arrested and shouted: You skinny c***, youre nothing but a rat bas***d.

The judge said that biting a garda was very concerning.

Defence solicitor Eddie Burke said: She is not proud of it.

Judge Dorgan replied: Nor should she be.

Judge Dorgan directed that she should do 75 hours of community service instead of going to prison for two months on the charge of wilfully resisting or obstructing Gda OLeary, and fined her 300 for engaging in threatening behaviour.

The intoxication charge was taken into consideration.
Kenneth Fox

A man arrested over a money laundering investigation in Finglas in Dublin has been charged.

He is due to appear before the Criminal Courts of Justice in Dublin on Friday morning.

A woman arrested as part of this investigation has been released from custody.

A file will be prepared for the DPP.
Going back to school in September is a Throwback Thursday theme that has resonated with many of you.

Reader Ger Fitzgibbon remembers the fuss and bother about new pencils and pens, the new geometry sets in their tin boxes (do tell us, anyone reading this, did you or anyone else ever make full use of every single item in that smart tin box before you gave it a more useful life as a receptacle for priceless treasures like fishing hooks, ball bearings, odd screws, or your favourite toffees?), and the apparently endless search for school books.

Ger recalls some of the Cork places where the books were obtained.

Brown and Nolans, Liam Russells, occasionally the Lee Bookstore on Lavitts Quay (which was run part-time by an army officer who was later a neighbour of mine). And - naturally - your Das place on Washington Street! Ger tells me.

I remember those September days well, Ger, when my sister and I had the job of holding the door against the queues, trying to limit the number of people in the shop at any one time.

To put the record straight, The Book Mart was actually my mothers shop, and she was helped out by a lady called Mary OConnell. My father, Joey, came in at times of pressure (like early September) to lend a hand, but otherwise his full-time teaching job at the Tech kept him fairly busy.

I can recall the shelves behind the counter piled with any edition available of William Shakespeare, for example, hastily labelled Julius, Dick 3 (that was Richard III), Merchant, etc.

Back then any printed version would do, and hard-pressed parents were grateful to be able to save a few pennies by buying a well-thumbed (and often well-scribbled) copy instead of a shiny new one.

I say parents, but it was almost always the mothers who came with their kids, not the fathers, who presumably were hard at work until closing time.

Another Throwback Thursday reader, Tim Morley, chimes in on the buying of schoolbooks at this time of year too.

Hallo Jo, greets Tim, surely this is your story! Going back to school (secondary school, Cork city) had no significant meaning of its own, but in my first time back I learned of the existence of Joey Kerrigans bookshop (mainly for second-hand ones).

The big question for you is, how did your father keep his temper steady when the students from all over the city poured into his shop for about two weeks at the beginning of the school year bringing a chaos with them which he had to sort out?

Every one of our lot knew Joey Kerrigan, adds Tim. There was another similar institution on the quay between Patrick Street and the Opera House, but the people running it were nameless for me. (That would be the Lee Book Stores, Tim, mentioned by Ger Fitzgibbon above).

And, oh yes, I also visited the pawn shop on Sullivans Quay (only time) to buy a slide rule... not to be had in book shops.

Well, in response to you, Tim, my father kept his temper partly because he was well used to it at the Tech, but also because he was only there at these times of high demand.

Both he and my mother could see the tension as all those lists were hopefully proffered over the counter, and went out of their way to do what they could to fill the gaps.

Some teachers, recalls Ger Fitzgibbon, were very set in their ways and insisted on very specific books, often ones that were out of print.

Mr Duggan - our Latin teacher in Pres - had an obsessive attachment to Allens Latin Grammar, said Ger.

This was a book of rhymes to help people remember the intricacies of things like noun genders in Latin (masculine re fons, and mons, ruddens, torrens, dens and pons... ).

It had been out of print for years and so, every autumn, when boys were faced with going into Mr Duggans Latin class, there was a fierce scramble to get a copy of this - no matter how tattered, battered, inscribed, marked or torn - because life in his class would be unbearable without it.

Fragments of that book still haunt my addled brain!

That reminds me of Professor OKelly, Head of Archaeology at UCC - he who excavated Newgrange - who would tell all of his students without fail every single year that what they really needed was the classic work by Movius. And you wont find a copy, because the only known one is at the bottom of the Atlantic!

Of course, I immediately went home and demanded that my parents find it, but this was well before the days of online searching and I had to make do with what was readily available, like everyone else.

Did you carefully cover your treasured school texts? Ger Fitzgibbon certainly did. Because I came from a large family, the habit of preserving books so they could be passed on or sold back into the second-hand market was strongly ingrained, he recalled.

Hours were spent putting brown-paper covers on the new books, and putting your name and class and address on them (right down to the obligatory Cork, Munster, Ireland, The World, The Universe...).

Ger continued: I dont think I ever had a school uniform, so I dont recall any of that. I may have had a school cap at some point, but I never had to go through the palaver my older sisters faced, involving gymslips and berets and special shoes and all the rest.

I did love the smell of new leather (the school satchel) but then the first job with that was to scuff it up so that it looked tough and had some street cred.

Yes, this was the practice also adopted by Hoorah Henries and Sloane Rangers over in the England of the 1960s with smart new Barbour waxed jackets. The newness had to be taken out immediately, by throwing them on the floor and walking over them with muddy wellies (which had to be Hunter of course).

Over here, in less advanced Ireland, we contented ourselves with wearing our new jeans in the bath, and then shuffling up and down a gravel path on our knees to wear them into an acceptable state. The thought of actually buying pre-torn jeans, as happens today, would have seemed a very odd idea indeed. To our minds back then, new clothes were just that - new, and expected to look every bit of it.

Ger continued with his school memories.

Just after Id left school, I do remember having a very clear, vivid dream about going back there at the end of the hols. The school was there in the distance, and moving towards me steadily and there was nothing I could do to stop it. I knew if I arrived, Id have to go back to that deadly classroom.

But part of my brain said, Hold on, this is only a dream. If I can wake myself up before I get there, I wont have to go to school. I knew that falling would make me wake up, so I threw myself over a convenient cliff, only to find I didnt hit the ground at all but still glided steadily onwards to the school gate.

Just at the last second, as I was going through the door (Abandon hope, all ye who enter here?), a teacher snapped Youre late! and gave me a clatter on the head - which woke me up just in time. And so I didnt have to go back to school!

Another reader, Katie OBrien, admits that she has had a recurring dream many times over the years, of going into an exam and realising she has not even attended classes on the subject, let alone studied or revised it.

I wake up in a panic every time, and oh, the relief when I register that it isnt true, and that I am not going to be exposed as a total failure!

I wonder what caused it? Some otherwise forgotten trauma before a school exam?

Yes, agrees Ger Fitzgibbon, thats one of his own classic dreams at what he describes as mid-stress level.

Usually, the exam paper is in a language I cant understand. Or it is in a language I do understand perfectly, AND I know how to respond, but NOBODY WILL GIVE ME A PEN AND PAPER!

This is interesting. There may be many of you reading this who have recurring dreams (nightmares?) about going back to school or sitting frightening exams. If so, do let us hear them. A nightmare shared is a nightmare halved. Or something like that.

Mary Holly conjures up quite different images from the phrase back to school.

Pupils from Blackrock National School, Cork, attend the Liturgical Schools Festival on May 16, 1960

Jo, did your father go a bit silent when back to school loomed? I know my dad, Joe Holly, did. I think going to town to buy blackboard paint (with his own money, I would add) would be the confirmation for us that the dreaded day was imminent when our freedom was about to come to an end.

In the early 1950s, I accompanied him on a few occasions to the old boys school in Glasheen to watch him paint the blackboards in preparation for the new school year. Then he would take down the container of bluey-green ink powder and mix some with water, after which he would fill the inkwells in each desk. There was no such thing as a school caretaker in those days.

A schoolgirl translating English into Irish around 1955, on a blackboard under the close supervision of her teacher. A reader recalls her dad painting blackboards black. Picture: George Pickow/Three Lions/Getty Images.

Mary continued: When they moved to the new premises on School Avenue in 1955, the facilities had a fairly large field, now the site of another building needed for further expansion of both boys and girls schools. The grass on this field needed cutting on a fairly regular basis so that the children could enjoy playing there, but the parish priest was notoriously tight-fisted with the purse strings.

On one occasion, I recall my fathers exasperation when the priest suggested that dad should contact Jimmy Keogh from Sheares Park and have him graze his horse in the field to keep the grass down. The problem of horse dung didnt occur to the priest!

The new school had the luxury of central heating, and boilers need maintenance. My aunt was collecting her grandchildren from the school one day and was astounded to see my father head across the yard trundling a wheelbarrow. When she asked him what in heaven he was up to, he explained that he was off to clean the boiler!

This is a glimpse behind the scenes in the life of one schoolteacher in the 1950s.

Meanwhile, reader Anne Watt has written in to voice her pleasure at reading last weeks article.

Loved the school day memories in todays Throwback Thursday. I particularly enjoyed the reminiscences about St Angelas, as I am an old girl myself!

I started in the mid-1960s. The nuns were just changing from being called Mother to Sister then, and I particularly remember Sr. Rosario- a lovely lady, very kind to a nervous First Year.

I had some great teachers there: Miss Connolly, Miss Deegan, Mrs. Griffin, Miss Lyons and Miss Shaw.

I also recall the berets; not worn at a jaunty, Parisian angle but straight with the crest in the middle. That was important.

Thank you, St Angelas, for an excellent education and wonderful memories!

Lets hear some school memories from the rest of you, whether its the scent of those new books from Brown & Nolans, or the frantic search for a clean shirt and tie on a Monday morning.

Do you still dream of wandering those long corridors and trying to find your own classroom? Or being discovered drawing in the back of your copybook during a particularly boring class?

Can you remember learning (or being taught) one important thing that has stayed with you ever since?

Share your memories with us. Email jokerrigan1@gmail.com. Or leave a comment on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/echolivecork
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.

A house in Lake Elsinore, California near the path of the Airport Fire from Trabuco Canyon on Sept. 11, 2024. Jon Putman / SOPA Images / LightRocket via Getty Images

Firefighters took advantage of cooler weather on Wednesday as they battled three wildfires in Southern California  the Bridge Fire, the Airport Fire and the Line Fire  that have destroyed dozens of mountain homes and a ski resort and prompted tens of thousands of evacuations.

By Wednesday afternoon the fires had burned more than 105,000 acres of brush, scrub and forest over an area one-third the size of LA.

Tammi Wormsbecker, a longtime resident of Big Bear Lake, went to an evacuation shelter Wednesday afternoon to take refuge from the wildfires, saying that, while she knew fires could benefit the land, it was difficult when they came so close.

Thats my home. Ive lived there forever. And going back after such devastation and seeing everything thats so familiar not be the same, its a hard thing to cope with, Wormsbecker told The New York Times.

As California heads into the thick of wildfire season, the state has already seen three times the acreage burned as in all of 2023, reported The Associated Press.

There have been no reported deaths from the recent fires, but a dozen or more people  mostly firefighters  have received treatment for injuries primarily related to the heat, authorities said.

Residents of Wrightwood, about 90 minutes from LA, were fleeing the Bridge Fire, which had already destroyed more than a dozen of the areas residences.

Its absolutely scary, said Erin Arias, whose home was still standing. Were really lucky.

Daniel Swain, a climate scientist from University of California, Los Angeles, said the Bridge fire raced across complex terrain, surprising fire officials and giving residents an unusually short window to evacuate.

Swain said the Bridge Fire had to go up mountain sides, burn down slope, jump across valleys, burn across new ridges, and then make it down slope again at least two other times in effectively one burning period.

As of Thursday morning, the Bridge Fire in LA and San Bernardino Counties had scorched 51,167 acres  nearly 80 square miles  and was zero percent contained, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire). The massive wildfire had destroyed 33 or more residences and six cabins, with 10,000 people evacuated. The cause of the Bridge Fire was not currently known.

Kevin Fetterman, incident commander of the Orange County Fire Authority, said the Bridge Fire had been hard to get under control due to dry conditions and difficult terrain, with some areas not having been affected by wildfires in decades.

The Airport Fire burning in Orange and Riverside Counties was reportedly started by the operation of heavy equipment in the area and fueled by strong Santa Ana winds and blistering heat. The fire had burned 23,140 acres  more than 36 square miles  including several El Cariso Village homes and was five percent contained. One resident suffered burns and another smoke inhalation.

More than 19,000 Riverside County residents were under evacuation orders, with several structures, including vacation cabins, damaged in Cleveland National Forest.

The Line Fire had charred 37,207 acres  more than 58 square miles  in the San Bernardino National Forest. Approximately 65,600 structures were being threatened by the fire, with residents of Big Bear Lakes southern edge told to evacuate on Tuesday. The wildfire had injured three firefighters and was 18 percent contained. One suspect was arrested after being accused of starting the blaze in Highland.

National Guard troops were sent in by Governor Gavin Newsom to assist with evacuations.

The full range of the damage the fires have caused was not yet clear.

Joe McLean, whose house and car were destroyed in the Airport Fire, has spent his entire life living in the Southern California hillside neighborhood of El Cariso Village.

My dad bought the place back in 72 and I was born in 81 and lived up there my whole life, McLean, who works as a carpenter, told The New York Times. Never thought it would happen. Theyve always taken care of us, you know. We have a very good Fire Department.
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.

Tropical Storm Francine strengthened into a Category 1 hurricane as it moved through the Gulf of Mexico Tuesday night, with maximum sustained winds of 85 miles per hour and gusts of up to 101 mph recorded by an oil platform Wednesday morning, the National Hurricane Center said.

The storm prompted Louisiana residents to move inland, and oil and gas companies to stop a quarter of their production, according to the United States Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, as Reuters reported. Mandatory evacuation orders were issued for several areas.

The hurricane center said hurricane-force winds and life-threatening storm surge were expected to begin this afternoon.

Outer rainbands are starting to move onshore of the coast of southern Louisiana. These conditions will continue to deteriorate over the next couple of hours. Ensure you are in a safe location before the onset of strong winds or possible flooding, the National Hurricane Center said.

Storm surge warnings or watches were in effect for the Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama coastlines, with Hurricane Francine posing a threat to the broader Gulf Coast up to the Florida-Alabama border, Reuters reported.

The storm has been picking up the pace as it moves toward us from the southwest, and not only is the wind getting stronger here, its outer rain bands have just arrived, CNN meteorologist Derek van Dam reported early Wednesday afternoon from Morgan City, Louisiana. Its the first sprinkle of what could be a lot of rain  as much as 10 inches is expected in parts of southern Louisiana.

The National Weather Service (NWS) warned Francine was expected to gain enough strength to become a Category 2 hurricane by the time it made landfall.

Hurricane Francine will be making landfall later today! NWS said on X. Make sure you have all preparations rushed to completion ASAP! Then, prepare to hunker down & shelter in place through the overnight hours.

A Bayaks County Store clerk in Cameron Parish on the Louisiana coast said that, while the shop was open Wednesday morning for anyone needing last-minute supplies, no one had come in, reported Reuters.

The store is open, but we have no customers. Everyone ran out of town, the clerk said.

Morgan City Police Chief Chad Adams told media that a curfew had been set from Wednesday at 11 a.m. until Thursday at 6 a.m. to encourage people to stay put.

A federal state of emergency was declared by President Joe Biden, in addition to a state of emergency set by Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, to expedite necessary rescue or relief efforts.

The National Hurricane Center predicted Hurricane Francine would top out at Category 2 strength  with maximum sustained winds from 96 to 110 mph  before weakening as it made landfall and moved north.

NWS said the hurricane was expected to bring four to eight inches of rain, with local accumulations as high as a foot through Thursday night in the central and eastern portions of the Gulf Coast.
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.

A crop duster sprays an alfalfa field by the city of Tracy in California's San Joaquin County. Bill & Brigitte Clough / Design Pics Editorial / Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Pesticides are pervasive in the environment  not just as residue on the produce we eat, but in the air we breathe.

In the San Joaquin Valley of California, a new study by researchers at University of California, Davis (UC Davis) Health has found that 22 percent of adults who participated in an air-quality study, along with 10 percent of children, are breathing in detectable levels of pesticides, including the dangerous chemical chlorpyrifos that has been banned in the state.

Although the cohort in our study was small, the findings are significant because they show children and adults in agricultural regions of the San Joaquin Valley of California continue to be exposed to pesticides and herbicides. This is despite efforts to decrease their use, said lead author of the study Deborah H. Bennett, an environmental health professor at the Department of Public Health Services at UC Davis School of Medicine, in a press release from UC Davis.

California is a heavily agricultural state that puts millions of pounds of toxic chemical pesticides on its crops each year.

In 2022, five of the states top six counties using the highest amount of pesticides  Fresno, Kern, Madera, San Joaquin and Tulare  were located in the San Joaquin Valley, according to California Department of Pesticide Regulation data.

The research team gave backpacks with air-collection tubes to 11 children and 31 adults living in three agricultural towns in the valley. The tubes, located on the shoulder straps of the backpacks, allowed air samples to be taken by the studys participants.

Each participant wore one of the backpacks eight to 14 hours a day for one to three days. The air samples were taken over a combined total of 92 days.

The researchers found that seven adults  22 percent  and one child were exposed to pesticide levels detectable by the sensors.

The pesticides they found included chlorpyrifos  used since the 1960s and associated with neurologic damage in children and sensitive people; the fungicide pyrimethanil; burprofezin, an insecticide; 1,3-dichloropropene, a parasitic worm-targeting pesticide; the fungicide penthiopyrad, used in the prevention of mold and mildew; and trifluralin, a grass and weed killer.

By the time the samples were collected, California had banned chlorpyrifos.

While the toxicity of some of the detected compounds has been shown through studies, the potential adverse effects of others on humans is unknown.

We need to expand community measuring and monitoring of chemicals routinely used in agriculture, Bennett said in the press release. New studies are also needed to evaluate the potential toxicity of the chemicals people in Californias agricultural communities are routinely exposed to.

Study participants acted as citizen scientists, wearing the sample-collecting backpacks while going about their everyday lives.

Many people in agricultural communities are very concerned about pesticide exposure, said study co-author Jane Sellen, co-director of Californians for Pesticide Reform, in the press release. They were happy to work with the scientists to collect this much needed data. Even with a small sample size, the results were alarming but not surprising.

The study, Personal air sampling for pesticides in the California San Joaquin Valley, was published in the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology.
The White House released a statement today outlining commitments that several AI companies are making to curb the creation and distribution of image-based sexual abuse. The participating businesses have laid out the steps they are taking to prevent their platforms from being used to generate non-consensual intimate images (NCII) of adults and child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

Specifically, Adobe, Anthropic, Cohere, Common Crawl, Microsoft and OpenAI said they'll be:

"responsibly sourcing their datasets and safeguarding them from image-based sexual abuse"

All of the aforementioned except Common Crawl also agreed they'd be:

"incorporating feedback loops and iterative stress-testing strategies in their development processes, to guard against AI models outputting image-based sexual abuse"

And "removing nude images from AI training datasets" when appropriate.

It's a voluntary commitment, so today's announcement doesn't create any new actionable steps or consequences for failing to follow through on those promises. But it's still worth applauding a good faith effort to tackle this serious problem. The notable absences from today's White House release are Apple, Amazon, Google and Meta.

Many big tech and AI companies have been making strides to make it easier for victims of NCII to stop the spread of deepfake images and videos separately from this federal effort. StopNCII has partnered with several companies for a comprehensive approach to scrubbing this content, while other businesses are rolling out proprietary tools for reporting AI-generated image-based sexual abuse on their platforms.
After slashing 1,900 jobs across Xbox and Activision earlier this year, Microsoft is laying off another 650 employees, according to an internal memo seen by The Verge. The cuts are again related to its Activision Blizzard acquisition and will mostly affect corporate and supporting functions, Xbox head Phil Spencer told employees.

"We have made the decision to eliminate approximately 650 roles across Microsoft Gaming... to organize our business for long term success," Spencer wrote. "No games, devices or experiences are being cancelled and no studios are being closed as part of these adjustments today."

Microsoft completed its $68.7 billion purchase of Activision Blizzard in October 2023, following a 21-month battle with regulators in the US and UK. To clear the deal with the UK's Competition and Markets Authority, Microsoft agreed to sell its cloud gaming rights to Ubisoft so that titles will appear on multiple game-streaming services.

Since then, the company has closed multiple game studios, including Redfall developer Arkane Austin, Tango Gameworks, Alpha Dog Games and Roundhouse Games.
Kate Moss' sister has reportedly been hospitalized after overdosing on Ozempic.

According to 'Page Six,' Lottie Moss revealed she had a seizure and admits that using the trendy weight loss drug simply isn't worth it. Now, she's warning fans about the dangers of using the injectable medicine.

The 26-year-old explained that the medication  typically used to control type 2 diabetes  has become popular in Hollywood when it comes to shedding pounds. Lottie started the prescription a few months ago, when she claimed she wasn't "feeling happy" about her weight.

"It was the worst decision I ever made, so this is a warning to everyone: Please, if you're thinking about doing it, do not take it. Like, it's so not worth it," Lottie said on an episode of her 'Dream On' podcast.

Lottie Moss in emergency hospital dash after Ozempic overdose: Model reveals horror side effects after taking drug despite weighing just 9st https://t.co/UWpx8gN8xw pic.twitter.com/Qo050TxfQb  Daily Mail Online (@MailOnline) September 12, 2024

During the show, Lottie  who's been in the modeling industry since she was 16  called the episode "My Ozempic Hell," describing her harrowing experience with her relationship with food, severe dehydration, and the seizure that landed her in the hospital.

Per the media outlet, the model had been taking the drug for two weeks after a friend offered it to her from a "below board" certified doctor. She later learned she had been injecting nearly twice the amount of the recommended dose for somebody at her current weight.

After regularly taking the incorrect amount, Lottie revealed that she became "so sick one day" that she could "not keep any water" or food down and described her face as flush with "no color in it." Her friend took her to the emergency room before she was bedridden for two days.

"As soon as I get into the room where I get seen by another nurse, I literally had a seizure from how dehydrated I was, which honestly was the scariest thing that's ever happened to me in my life," she expressed.

Lottie explained the feeling of her face "clenching up" and her whole body [being] tense. "Your hands clench up, and you can't move them, and it feels like you're gonna break your hand. It was honestly horrible," she added.

The OnlyFans model claimed she started the popular weight loss drug at around 132 pounds, before dropping down to about 117 pounds in less than two weeks.

"I would rather die any day than take it again. It made me feel so nauseous," she told fans.

Lottie Moss, real name Charlotte Moss, is a retired model and younger half-sister of legendary supermodel Kate Moss. She landed her first 'Vogue' cover at 18 years old. She's worked with 'Teen Vogue,' Calvin Klein, 'L'Officiel,' and more.
Jonathan Majors has set a high price for his autographs  and some fans are disappointed.

Majors will make an appearance at the Famous Monsters Fest at the Valley Forge Casino in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, Sunday, September 15th. The 'Creed III' star will host a meet-and-greet with fans.

The 35-year-old announced that he plans to charge $140 for autographs and $160 for photographs. Fans of Majors have taken to social media to lament about the price. One fan wrote, "I wouldn't get it if he was paying me $140." Another wrote, "Baby, you are not who you think you are."

Others, however, made jokes referencing the fact that Majors was recently replaced by Marvel. One commented, "Y'all won't let him act, he gotta get some bread from something lol."

The Marvel Cinematic Universe recast his role of Kang the Conqueror in 'Avengers: Kang of Destiny.' The supervillain, played by Majors, was first introduced in the Disney+ series 'Loki' as "He Who Remains" and later in 'Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania' (2023).

When the news was released, Majors remarked, "I'm heartbroken, of course. I love him. I love Kang. Dr. Doom is wicked, though,' per 'Deadline.' The actor was replaced after being charged for assaulting his ex-girlfriend of two years Grace Jabbari.

Following his conviction, the actor was sentenced to a year-long domestic violence program. If he failed to complete the year of mandated counseling, he would face jail time.

Majors reflected on other Marvel actors that have faced legal troubles but still kept their roles. "I think it's fair that Mr. [Robert] Downey is being and has been greeted with patience and curiosity and love, and that Mr. [Ezra] Miller has gotten the same treatment," he told 'TMZ.' They're being allowed to work their art and be creative at that level. I didn't really get that."
Harvey Weinstein has been indicted on new charges involving allegations from three victims who have come forward.

Two years after his conviction was overturned due to improper testimony, the disgraced film producer has been indicted in New York, according to 'PEOPLE.'

A Manhattan grand jury indicted Weinstein on Thursday for three alleged sexual assaults that reportedly took place in New York City. He could be arraigned as early as Sept. 18. Weinstein did not attend the hearing, but his lawyers appeared in court in his place.

"We don't know anything," Weinstein's lawyer, Arthur Aidala, said after the hearing, per 'NBC News.' "We don't know what the exact accusations are, [what] the exact locations are, [what] the exact timing is."

The 72-year-old is currently recovering from heart surgery which he underwent on September 9. The emergency procedure took place at Bellevue Hospital after he was transferred from Rikers Island  a prison island in the East River in the Bronx that contains the city's largest jail.

Representatives of Weinstein shared a statement about this procedure.

"We can confirm that Mr. Weinstein had a procedure and surgery on his heart today however cannot comment any further than that," they said, per the outlet. The procedure was completed in order to "alleviate the massive amount of fluid on his lung and heart."

In 2020, Harvey Weinstein was found guilty of first-degree criminal sexual assault and third-degree rape. He was sentenced to 16 years in prison after being convicted of rape in California, but his conviction was vacated. The new allegations that have come forward are in reference to crimes that Weinstein allegedly committed in New York.

A retrial for Weinstein is scheduled for November 12.

The former Hollywood mogul's sexual misconduct fueled the #MeToo movement in 2006.
Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay's daughter Holly announced her engagement to British Olympic gold medal swimmer Adam Peaty.

"I am marrying my best friend. I truly cannot put into words how I am feeling right now. I still [remember] how big my smile was the morning I got home from my first date with you," Holly, 24, wrote in an Instagram post Thursday, alongside photos of her engagement ring.

"Thank you for letting the little girl inside of me feel loved, seen, and happier than ever. I love you & I cannot wait to be your wife," Holly continued.

She also expressed her excitement about becoming part of Peaty's son George's life, adding, "I promise to always be there with you and George, I'm so [grateful] to be in his life and I cannot wait for more."

Holly ended her post by saying, "Everything is better with you. Everything has been better since you. Here's to forever."

The couple, who met in 2021 when Peaty and Holly's sister Tilly competed on 'Strictly Come Dancing,' have been together for three years. Tilly, 22, shared her excitement in the comments: "Couldn't be happier for you both!! I love you guys."

Peaty, 29, is a two-time Olympic champion, winning gold in the men's 100m breaststroke at both the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Olympics, and he earned a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Holly is one of six children Gordon Ramsay shares with his wife, Tana. The Ramsay family welcomed their youngest child, Jesse James, in November 2023.
Denver, CO  September 11, 2024. The majority of family caregivers for persons over age 65 struggle to care for aging loved ones without realizing that resources exist to make the caregiving journey easier. Being a caregiver is a stressful role that places caregivers in positions of physical, mental, and financial risk, also known as caregiver burden.

Opportunities exist for caregivers to participate in education, skills development, individual consultations, or support groups to help with the physical, emotional, and financial aspects of caregiving that weigh heavily on them. These include stress, burnout, frustration, exhaustion, family disagreements and drama, care refusals, poor health, and loss of income.

Just-Released Video Calls Attention to Reasons Many Caregivers Do Not Seek Resources

In this just-released video, caregiving expert Pamela D Wilson offers four reasons caregivers do not seek resources that offer solutions for day-to-day health and care problems. Individuals caring for their health experience similar concerns.

Awareness of these issuesincluding recognizing beliefs by some cultures that seeking support is shamefulcan help caregivers and persons with health issues choose differently to improve their health and care situations.

Caregivers Dealing With the Unexpected Experience Heightened Levels of Stress

Dealing with unexpected news is one of the most stressful parts of being a caregiver. Caregiving challenges grow when the time and tasks involved in managing elderly care needs for parents and other family members increase.

Caregiving often means receiving unexpected news about health conditions, financial matters like unpaid bills, and difficulties managing daily activitiesespecially when elderly loved ones have been independent all their lives.

Caregivers Face Competing Roles

Caregivers juggle competing roles of husband, wife, father, mother, career, student, sole or family income support, family caregiver, or friend. Having a full life and being a full-time caregiver are opposing roles.

The struggle of competing roles shifts when the practicalities around family or cultural caregiving expectations can no longer be ignored, especially when the caregiver's health and well-being are at risk.

At some point, exhausted or depressed caregivers must decide what matters most to them: their health, family, or retirement savings. This does not mean that caregivers abandon their responsibilities; they change how care is provided.

Resources Caregivers Need Most

Pamela D Wilson is an international caregiving expert with over twenty years of lived experience supporting caregivers and older adults. Through resources and education on her website, online webinar courses, YouTube Channel, 1:1 consultations, and speaking events, she provides practical, detailed step-by-step education, skills development, and an online support group to guide family caregivers and adults facing changes in health and uncertainty about the future.

Learn more about Pamela at www.pameladwilson.com.

CONTACT: Pamela D. Wilson +1 303-810-1816 Email: Inquiry_For_Pamela@pameladwilson.com

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After yanking Joe Biden off the ticket with a giant vaudeville cane, Kamala Harris has breathed new life into the Democratic party. Kamala opened her campaign with the politics of joy, replete with twerking rappers, sassy X clapbacks, and quirky Doritos videos. But, after weeks of pressure from the media, Kamala has finally posted her stance on the issues facing America, and at the debate on Tuesday night, she dove deeper into her policies than ever before. Finally, Gen Z voters have the opportunity to do what everyone least expects from them: weigh each presidential candidate from a policy perspective.

Until now, Ive been mystified as to why my generation, usually so quick to recognize inauthenticity, was falling for Kamalas cotton candy campaign. But Gen Z voters were immediately smitten with Kamala, whose light, albeit vapid rhetoric provided a reprieve from the political mudslinging of the last eight years. She threw concerts and posted goofy videos. Instead of engaging in contentious discussions, Kamala supporters could quip Brat Summer while retweeting Mark Hamill. It was light and fun, and after years of ugly politics, even her blatant pandering was a nice change.

By spoon-feeding young voters inoffensive content, Harris deflected their attention from her flip-flopping on issues and pushing radical policies like an unrealized capital gains tax. Her proxies dodged questions on air, claiming that she was too busy to sit down for an interview. And most young voters supported Kamala, with 58.7% of voters 18-34 viewing her favorably after the DNC in August.

But Kamalas actual ideas have been forced into the spotlight. As Harris gets serious, so should Gen Z.

Ive seen firsthand my generations BS detectors in action. We know when we can skip a hokey motivational speaker at a company event or skim the required readings. We traverse career fairs, collecting swag and acting interested as phony recruiters try to convince us that their company isnt a pyramid scheme. In other words, we dont drink the Kool-Aid.

Now that Harris policies are in the open, we should treat her with the same scrutiny. If Gen Z is really dissatisfied with the direction the company is going, per a Spring 2024 Harvard Youth Poll, then perhaps we should consider the fact that portions of her brand new Issues page were copied from the Joe Biden campaign site. Remember him? Hes the one who was in charge  or at least who seemed in charge  when that Harvard poll was taken earlier this year.

Additionally, 53% of Gen Z voters believe that there is a dire crisis happening on our southern border, a border that Kamala presided over as border czar. Do we really believe shes the best candidate to solve that problem?

Another driving factor behind Gen Zs discontent with the status quo is the economy. On that topic, Harris echoes Joe Bidens policies. Harris proposes a $25,000 first-time homebuyer handout, doubling down on Bidens $10,000 proposal. Harris policies also include expanding the Affordable Care Act, which has been the law of the land for the past 14 years (and passed while Joe Biden was Vice President). She touts her plan to raise the tax on long-term capital gains to 28%  in other words, 28% of what Gen Z makes in the stock market will go not to a home down payment but to the government. Do we really think that will help young people prosper?

I call on my generation to apply to Kamala Harris the same utility maximization we do in all areas of life. Now that shes dropped the TikTok-and-vibes charade, we have the chance to think critically about whether Kamala represents the change to the status quo, or whether shes just Joe Biden 2.0. It seems Kamala can buckle down to business when pressed. Can we?
When you set a record ag trade deficit for the third consecutive year, the decline isnt an aberration or a coincidence. It is, in fact, growing proof that a key element of your national ag policy is headed in the wrong direction.

And, according to the U.S. Department of Agricultures Aug. 27 Outlook for U.S. Agricultural Trade, Americas ag trade deficit continues to head in the wrong direction with gusto.

Specifically, The U.S. food and ag trade deficit will soar to a record $42.5 billion in the fiscal year opening Oct. 1, reported the Food and Environment Reporting Network, fueled by steadily growing consumer demand for imported produce, alcohol, coffee and sugar

Estimates now show that U.S. agricultural imports in FY 2025 are forecast at $212.0 billion, or $8.0 billion higher than revised FY 2024 estimates

Meanwhile, ag exports continue to fall: U.S. agricultural exports in FY 2025 are forecast at $169.5 billion, down $4.0 billion from the revised forecast of FY 2024, noted USDA.

The decline will be driven by lower-valued sales for U.S. ags Big Four. Soybean exports are projected down $1.5 billion corn exports are forecast to fall $900 million cotton exports are forecast $900 million lower [and] beef exports are forecast [to be] down $1.0 billion

The August trade outlook does include a few pleasant surprises. For example, USDA foresees a $1.2 billion rise in U.S. horticulture exports  mostly fresh and processed fruits and vegetables  to a record $41.5 billion.

Also, 2025 ethanol exports will maintain their record 2024 sales, pegged at 1.9 billion gallons and valued at $4.3 billion. Thats a small slice of good news for corn growers who have watched corn prices slide lower as 2024s big harvest comes into sight.

Even as U.S. ag exports continue their southbound sag, our key ag customers  Canada and Mexico  are holding on to their historical top spots, squeezing relative newcomer China back into third place. Canada is forecast to buy $28.9 billion of U.S. ag exports in 2025 and Mexico $28.2 billion.

China, on the other hand, will purchase an estimated $24 billion of U.S. farm and food goods in FY2025, down $3 billion from a year ago and down steeply from its best buying year, FY 2022, when it shelled out $36.4 billion for our ag exports.

USDA also recently dropped current, FY2024 ag exports to China, lowering them $700 million mostly (as) a result of continued strong competition from Brazil.

That realization  that many of Americas most loyal ag customers are slowly but steadily moving their business to lower cost, equally productive nations  is nothing new to longtime ag trade watchers.

Indeed, the net value of U.S. ag exports have been on the red side of the books in five of the last eight years. And the net positive years (all FYs)  2018, 2021 and 2022  add up to just a collective $22.6 billion surplus.

Meanwhile, the five (fiscal) years of net ag export losses (2019, 2020, 2023, 2024 and USDAs 2025 forecast) in the last eight equal a collective $95.1 billion. Thats a knee-buckling trend for the deeply trade-dependent U.S. ag sector.

Some policy pundits suggest the trend be countered with more Farm Bill money for trade promotion and market development. For Congress  already authorized to spend at least $1 billion per year on both efforts  to act on either, however, it first needs to act on the larger problem, passing a now two-year-delayed Farm Bill, two years when the ag trade deficit soared $73 billion.
By Tracy Turner

Ohio State University

COLUMBUS  The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences is intensifying its efforts to support farmers after the U.S. Department of Agriculture declared 23 Ohio counties as natural disaster areas this week due to severe drought. This federal designation enables farmers to access emergency loans and other federal aid programs.

Drought conditions that began in Ohio in mid-June have worsened throughout the summer. The majority of Ohio is now grappling with drought conditions that are wreaking havoc on local agriculture.

The recent stretch of hot temperatures combined with scant rainfall has resulted in at least 95% of the state affected by abnormal dryness or worse, with 31% in severe drought, 22% in extreme drought and 7% in exceptional drought, according to the Sept. 5 update from the U.S. Drought Monitor.

And Ohio is now experiencing its first exceptional drought in history, affecting 15 counties.

Farmers in the designated counties are now eligible for USDA emergency loans, which can be used to replace equipment, replant crops, cover living expenses or refinance debt. These loans are critical, as drought conditions continue to impact crops and livestock statewide.

The drought has placed unprecedented strain on farmers, and CFAES is here to offer both immediate and long-term assistance, said Chris Zoller, interim assistant director, agriculture and natural resources, Ohio State University Extension. Farmers can now access federal resources through the USDA, and CFAES will continue to provide research-based guidance to help them navigate this difficult time.

Response

CFAESs Drought Rapid Response Team, activated earlier in the summer, is working closely with the USDA, state agencies, and local farmers to assess the droughts impact and develop strategies for mitigation. The team holds weekly check-ins to monitor weather patterns, crop health, and water resources.

This drought is historic and challenging, said David Marrison, OSU Extension field specialist in farm management. These USDA assistance programs offer vital financial relief that will help our agricultural community recover and continue operating.

Farmers can also access other USDA Farm Service Agency programs, including the Livestock Forage Disaster Program and the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program, which provide compensation for grazing and crop losses.

These programs are critical for ensuring Ohios farmers can maintain their operations through one of the most challenging growing seasons in recent memory, Zoller added.

Widespread impact and urgency of relief. The drought has had widespread effects across Ohio, including dried-up ponds, low water tables, and stressed crops and livestock. Aaron Wilson, state climatologist and OSU Extension field specialist, highlighted the severity of the situation.

With this level of drought intensity, were seeing severe impacts  from early leaf drop in trees to heightened fire risk during harvest, said Wilson. Farmers are facing incredibly difficult conditions, and the USDAs disaster designations open the door for much-needed support.

Ohios corn and soybean crops have been particularly hard hit, with 58% of corn and 54% of soybeans rated fair to very poor, according to the Sept. 3 USDA crop progress report. Additionally, 91% of pastures and ranges are in fair to very poor condition.

Livestock producers are also facing tough decisions. Many farmers are hauling water daily, while others are dipping into winter hay reserves to feed cattle, said Garth Ruff, OSU Extension field specialist in beef cattle and livestock marketing.

Some may even be forced to cull herds due to dwindling water supplies and low forage availability, Ruff said.

Wilson warned that the droughts effects could worsen.

With above-normal temperatures and little rainfall forecasted, farmers must prepare for prolonged drought conditions, which could extend well into the fall, he said.

Guidance and resources for farmers. CFAES encourages farmers to visit its Drought Conditions and Resources webpage (https://kx.osu.edu/page/early-drought-response) for updated information on managing forage, irrigation strategies and soil conservation. OSU Extension specialists are available to provide consultations and on-the-ground support.

OSU Extension and CFAES faculty and staff understand the economic significance of this drought, as it hits at a time of lower commodity prices and higher input prices, Marrison said. We, along with our partners, like the Ohio Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency, Farm Bureau, and our commodity organizations, are committed to helping our farmers navigate todays challenges.

In short, we are family in the agricultural industry, and together, we will work to overcome this challenge using experience and wisdom gleaned from the droughts of 1998 and 2012 along with best financial and production practices and strategies of today.

Farmers interested in USDA emergency loans or disaster assistance programs should contact their local FSA office or visit the USDAs disaster assistance website.

For ongoing updates and resources related to agriculture, visit go.osu.edu/ohiodrought. For more information on drought preparedness and other drought impacts, visit climate.osu.edu/drought.
SULLIVAN, Ohio  Black River FFA has officially been honored with the 3-Star National Chapter Award  the highest level of recognition a chapter can receive from the National FFA Organization. The chapter couldnt be more proud of its members and advisor for their dedication and hard work.

Earning this award is a testament to the countless hours Black River FFAs members have invested in service projects, educational programs and agricultural initiatives. It also reflects the strong support and collaboration from its school and local community. The chapter would like to extend its deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed to this success.

At the National FFA Convention in October, two members of Black River FFA will receive recognition on stage.



PLYMOUTH, Ohio  Plymouth FFA received a grant to fund a program designed to help the Plymouth and Shiloh local communities. The Ohio FFA Foundation awarded the grant to the Plymouth FFA Chapter to support building sustainable relationships and programs that will benefit Ohio communities for years to come.

After FFA chapters submitted project proposals to the Ohio FFA Foundation, a total of 19 chapters received grants ranging from $1,000 to $4,000. As one of the grant recipients, the Plymouth FFA Chapter will work in collaboration with the Plymouth-Shiloh FFA Alumni, local hospitals, fire departments and first responders as members of the Plymouth FFA Chapter teach students about being prepared for emergency situations. Student drivers will learn basic safety and first aid skills and will also make their own emergency car kits. With the support of donations, the chapter hopes to expand upon its grant to give kits to community members as well.

Plymouth FFA President Katelyn Swingle and Vice President Kristen Swingle are spearheading this initiative.

For more information about the Plymouth FFA Chapters project contact its advisor Laura Ringler at lringler@plymouthk12.org or by calling the school at 419-687-8200 ext. 22107.



MILLERSBURG, Ohio  West Holmes FFA held its annual FFA Hog Roast on July 28 at Lake Buckhorn. Members and guests played cornhole and volleyball and swam in the lake. Many parents, members, supporters and incoming members attended. The pulled pork was prepared by Ben Hipp and members brought sides, salads and desserts.
British beef exports could 'cease overnight' to the European Union if the government does not intervene with impending EU deforestation regulations.

With a looming deadline of 1 January 2025, the meat sector has slammed the government for 'doing nothing' to prepare for the new export requirements.

The European Parliament adopted the tougher regulations in June last year, allowing 18 months for companies to adapt.

The anti-deforestation law applies to beef, soy, palm oil, coffee, cocoa, rubber, wood and derivatives, including leather and furniture.

However, the British Meat Processors Association (BMPA) said evidence suggested that the UK government was "actively washing their hands of responsibility" and instead leaving it up to the industry to deal with the law change.

Without government involvement, the UK would have to halt beef exports to the EU, meaning 90% of the 580m British beef export market would 'cease overnight'.

This would in turn create an 'open goal' for competitor beef producing nations such as New Zealand, Argentina and the US, the BMPA warned.

It would also immediately crash the price of UK livestock, putting many farmers out of business and causing long term damage to Britains food security.

BMPA CEO, Nick Allen said: Weve seen presentations from competitor countries like Argentina who have created impressive, government backed systems to comply with the new EU deforestation regulation.

"Theyre now poised to step in from day one to supply fully compliant beef into the EU and will be more than willing to take Britains slice of the market.

As a government keen on fostering growth, Labour must take this seriously. Weve written about the need for a joined-up, collaborative approach from government in our new Meat Industry Manifesto.

These new requirements are now part of EU law. Whether or not they choose to delay the 1 January deadline, we will have to comply and we will need government to play its part.

As all other countries inside and outside the EU are doing, the UK government would need to nominate a 'competent authority' to ensure full compliance with the new regulation. In the UK's case, that would likely be Defra.

The BMPA said British authorities should be talking to EU authorities to clarify the new regulations, communicate that to the industry and put the structure in place to manage compliance.

The body has written an urgent letter to Defra Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner laying out a solution that utilises existing UK traceability systems but, crucially, requires government to play its part.
Baroness Kate Rock, who led the Rock Review into farm tenancies, has been ordered by the Labour government to leave her role as non-executive director at Defra.

Baroness Rock said she felt "deep disappointment and, frankly, bewilderment" at the move, which was made by Defra Secretary Steve Reed.

Speaking in the House of Lords, she said: In opposition, Labour were a vocal advocate of tenant farmers and the Rock Review.

"It sends a worrying message to our vital tenant farming community that my sector expertise is not recognised by Steve Reed and his ministerial team as being a useful asset."

Defra's non-executive board members are senior figures from outside government, appointed for three year terms to provide challenge to government departments.

As set out in the Code of Practice, non-executive board members are appointed directly by the Defra Secretary and are not civil servants.

Baroness Rock was appointed to the role in May by the previous Conservative government.

In February 2022, she was appointed as chair of the Tenancy Working Group, commissioned by Defra to look at the future of agricultural tenancies.

The Rock Review, which issued numerous recommendations to the government to improve farm tenancies, was published in October 2022.
A long-awaited winter wheat variety, newly awarded full Group 1 milling status, and which could hold appeal for growers looking to reduce the risks of growing wheat for breadmaking, is being launched.

SY Cheer, the newest of only five Group 1 varieties on the 2024/25 AHDB winter wheat Recommended List (RL), has just been confirmed as a full Group 1 variety by UK Flour Millers.

As well as bringing quality grain for growers, SY Cheer has consistent yields and no major weaknesses to the common foliar wheat diseases, including plugging an important gap against rust.

Matthew Bull, seeds technical manager for the varietys breeder, Syngenta, said: The Group 1 winter wheat market hasnt had a new recommended variety since 2017, and was in desperate need.

We see SY Cheer as a quality wheat made simple and expect it to gain significant interest, both from growers and millers.

When grown for bread milling, its AHDB RL figure of 13% protein matches the threshold often required by millers.

"And its other quality characteristics on the independent AHDB RL, of 299 Hagberg and 79.5 kg/hl specific weight, far exceed the other typical requirements of 250 Hagberg and 76 kg/hl."

SY Cheer also brings disease resistance ratings of 7.4 against yellow rust and 6.0 against Septoria tritici on the AHDB RL, and 5.5 against brown rust.

This balanced foliar disease resistance profile underpins its high and stable yields; it has the highest untreated yield figure among Group 1 varieties on the current AHDB winter wheat RL.

Syngenta seeds portfolio marketing manager, Kathryn Hamlen, said the combination of quality, yield and disease resistance made SY Cheer a potential breakthrough variety for growers.

Over recent years the percentage of the UK wheat area planted with Group 1 varieties has dropped, she explained.

"Yet demand for Group 1 breadmaking wheat remains high. SY Cheer could reinvigorate the Group 1 market to help stabilise domestic production.

We know that weather extremes can make achieving grain quality specifications a gamble. The high quality of SY Cheer will hopefully bring reassurance to growers. The wet 2023 harvest illustrated the importance of a variety with an inherently high Hagberg.

Similarly, with unpredictable disease epidemics, its disease resistance ratings and high untreated yield should give reassurance. Rust can reduce both yield and quality.

Agronomically, Mrs Hamlen said SY Cheer had wide drilling date flexibility from mid-September to late January, and offered good lodging resistance with relatively long straw and medium maturity.

Overall, we see SY Cheer as a high quality variety for milling wheat growers to consider as part of their portfolio, she said.
Proposals for a new national park in Galloway have been criticised as being 'unsound' by farming and rural businesses in the region.

This is according to a survey of businesses by Scottish Land & Estates (SLE), which found an overwhelming lack of support for the new plans.

The region was chosen from a five-strong shortlist after a lengthy review of criteria, despite concern from rural and farming groups.

If given the official designation, Galloway will be the first national park in the UK in about 15 years.

Of the rural businesses, estates and farmers located within the proposed park boundaries, 91% told SLE they were opposed to the plans.

Amongst businesses in the wider south-west ripple area around the proposed boundaries, opposition stood at 67%.

Concerns surround the potential impact on the planning process, an increase in bureaucracy, livestock worrying, rural crime and the possible consequences for local food production.

Stephen Young, director of policy at SLE, said: What has become clear is that there is very little support from land-based businesses in Galloway and they are the ones who will be most affected by a new national park being formed.

In our view, the unsound proposals fail to demonstrate how the creation of this national park will deliver positive outcomes for people, jobs and nature.

There are already a number of designations in the area such as the biosphere and dark sky park plus organisations such as South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE), all of which are delivering results for wildlife, the environment and the economy.

"Why a national park is needed on top of that, and where it will deliver where others cannot, is as yet unclear."

NFU Scotland recently said that the creation of a new national park was 'unacceptable', a view it said was supported by 93% of the union's members.

Vice president, Alasdair Macnab said: I can reassure our farmers in the Galloway area that we will continue to support your opposition every step of the way.

It is clear that existing parks have failed to make a positive contribution to farming and crofting.

"The consultation process now starting must be transparent, credible and inclusive  which it has not been in Galloway to date.

In November, there will be a formal 12-week public consultation on the proposal.

It will look at the detailed arrangements for a national park, including its area, powers and governance.
Cuddling up to a dog can reduce symptoms of pain.

Dogs can ease physical pain

Boffins in Germany have discovered that the presence of a canine can minimise feelings of pain during recoveries from physical ordeals and is a more effective relief than having another human nearby.

Two experiments carried out by experts at Germany's Humboldt University involved more than 100 women placing their hands in icy water and found that the participants reported less pain in the company of dogs compared to other people.

Unsurprisingly, an even stronger reduction in pain was reported when the females were accompanied by their own pooches during the experiment.

Experts have theorised that dogs offer "unconditional" support for a person enduring pain whereas humans tend to "socially judge" in such situations.

The team said: "Participants accompanied by their dog reported less pain and showed lower physiological pain reactions, greater pain tolerance, and less intense facial displays of pain.

"Pet dogs may help individuals to cope with painful situations, especially if the individual in pain generally feels affectionate towards dogs."
Halle Berry is looking forward to being valued for more than her looks as she gets older.

Halle Berry wants to be valued for more than just her looks

The 58-year-old actress - who has daughter Nahla, 16, and son Maceo, 10, from previous relationships - isn't worried about her beauty starting to fade because praise for her appearance has always been a "hollow win" as she believes she has so much more to offer the world.

She told America's Marie Claire magazine: Ive always known that Ive been more than this face and more than this body.

So when that starts to go, maybe for the first time in my life, people will focus on the other aspects of me that I think are way more interesting.

It might feel good to have everybody look at you, but its always been a hollow win for me because I had nothing to do with how I came here looking.

I do have everything to do with the kind of mother that I am, the kind of partner that Ive been, the movies that Ive been a part of, the acting accolades Ive garnered over the years, my charity work. I do take ownership over those things that Ive worked really hard at, and if somebody finds value in those things that lights me up.

The 'Bruised' star - who is in a relationship with 54-year-old musician Van Hunt - believes women are judged much more unfairly than women and vowed to fight against ageism.

She added: "Age is just a number that they stick on us at birth.

"As women, we get defined by it way more than men do and sometimes it can debilitate us. It can trick us into thinking what were supposed to do.

"We have to kick that in the face and say, no, Im going to do what I can do as long as I feel good doing it! And that will be whatever I want it to be. I get to define that."

As she has got older, Halle has grown in confidence and no longer feels she has to impress people.

She said: Im now usually one of the oldest people in every room I walk in and thats a good feeling.

I dont have to be the dancing bear. I dont have to worry about appeasing everybody in the room, or care about everybody elses egos, or their insecurities, or give them what theyre wanting from me if its not what Im wanting to give them.

"My daughter says, dont ask mom, because shes got no f**** to give. Dont ask her unless you want the answer for real.
Sam Asghari has explained why he didn't read ex-wife Britney Spears' memoir.

Sam Asghari didn't feel the need to read Britney Spears' memoir because he was 'there'

The 30-year-old actor was married to pop megastar Britney, 42, from 2022 until 2023, and he filed for divorce from her two months after her tell-all tome 'The Woman In Me' was released.

Sam didn't feel the need to read the book, in which Britney referred to him as a "gift from God", because "he was there".

He told the new issue of The Hollywood Reporter: I did not read the book because I was there."

Referring to an NDA he is said to have signed, he added: If my life is private, its private. Thats something Im always going to respect, regardless of any agreement or not.

Its just the values that I have."

The book is being turned into a biopic and Sam recently insisted he will not "get involved" with the film.

Universal Pictures has secured the rights for a big-screen adaptation of the book, and Sam has given the project his blessing but doesn't want to star in it himself.

He told Access Hollywood: "I don't get involved with other people's projects creatively, but I think a lot of producers who are gonna be involved in it, they are gonna do justice by this amazing legacy that she had."

When the 'Jackpot' star and Britney started their relationship, the '...Baby One More Time' hitmaker had been under a conservatorship that gave her immediate family control of her multi-million-dollar fortune and various aspects of her life but that was terminated less than a year before she tied the knot with Sam.

Her parents did not attend the ceremony, and instead, the guest list was made up of A-listers like Madonna, Selena Gomez, and Paris Hilton

Despite the marriage lasting just over a year, Sam recently insisted he just wants the "best" for his ex-wife.

He told E! News: "You learn so much from being in relationships in general. I appreciate all the amazing experiences that I got.

"I'm always going to celebrate the past. and learn about the past and move on to the future.

"I wish her the best.

"She's an amazing person and a huge part of my life and I always appreciate the moments we had together."

It was recently revealed that the upcoming biopic could potentially be filmed in the house that Britney grew up in Kentwood, Louisiana before she shot to fame in the late 1990s.

The homeowner - who put the property on the market last year for $1.2 million - is also "willing to move out of the home for however long it takes to film" but expects to be financially compensated.
Prince Harry has hailed his two children as the best presents hes ever had.

Prince Harry has hailed his two children as the best presents hes ever had

The Duke of Sussex, 39, paid tribute to his son Archie, five, and three-year-old daughter Lilibet  who he has with his 43-year-old wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex  ahead of his 40th birthday on 15 September.

He told People: The best gift Ive ever been given is, without a doubt, my kids.

I enjoy watching them grow every single day, and I love being their dad.

Page Six previously has reported Harry is planning to celebrate his 40th with a party organized by his wife in Montecito, California, where the live.

The outlet and others have reported Harry will then enjoy a weekend getaway with his close friends in the mountains.

His comment about his children is rare as he and Meghan rarely speak publicly about their kids.

Former Suits actress Meghan did recently reveal her daughter Lilibet is growing up to be confident with a strong voice.

She told fans last month at a panel discussion called Afro-Descendant Women and Power: Voice of Equity: I know how it feels when you dont utilize your voice when you need to be heard or have something to say.

I encourage our daughter to do so  who, at three, has absolutely found her voice, and we are so proud of that.

Harry is not thought to be planning to spend his 40th with senior royals including his father King Charles and older brother Prince William, 43.

He has had a strained relationship with both since he and Markle quit their royal duties and moved to America in 2020.

The couple are said to have infuriated the royals by then sitting down for a tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey, 70, during which Meghan said an unnamed member of the royal family had questioned how dark her son Archies skin would be when he was born.

Harry also fuelled his rift with the royal family with the release of his memoir Spare in which he detailed his feuds with his father and brother.
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LOC: Kargil

Kesari

Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior

Bhuj: The Pride of India

Lakshya

Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil girl

Border

The Ghazi Attack

Shershaah

Sam Bahadur

A soldier may remain unsung but will never be forgotten, living on in the hearts of people till the end of time. Today we as a nation salute heroes who display immense valour, sacrifice and unwavering dedication of our armed forces. We must never forget our soldiers unwavering courage and offer a solemn tribute to the indomitable spirit of our soldiers who stood steadfast in the face of adversity to protect our nations sovereignty and integrity. The victories in several wars that the soldiers of the nation have fought not only commemorates a significant military triumph but also honours the enduring spirit of bravery, sacrifice and patriotism that defines our armed forces in Captain Vikram Batras words, Yeh Dil Mange More.War films have always held a special place in the heart of Indian cinema, offering a powerful blend of intense drama, heroic tales and deep patriotism. These films not only capture the gritty realities of war but also highlight the indomitable spirit of those who lay down their lives for the nation. From historic battles to modern-day conflicts, Hindi war films have depicted the courage and sacrifice of our soldiers with unparalleled intensity and emotion. Let us take a journey through some of the most iconic Hindi war films from LOC: Kargil to Sam Bahadur, that have not only captivated audiences but also left an indelible mark on the history of Indian cinema.A film that will tug at your heartstrings is this historical gem based on the Kargil War.is a film that will swell your hearts with pride showcasing the indomitable spirit of our armed forces. It is packed with action, emotions and is based on true incidents that occurred during the war. The film features Saif Ali Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt, Ajay Devgn, Suniel Shetty, Akshaye Khanna and Kareena Kapoor Khan.The filmwill send chills down your spine with its gripping action scenes and unwavering courage displayed by Havildar Ishar Singh, a soldier in the British Indian Army, who leads 21 Sikh soldiers in a fight against 10,000 Pashtun invaders, unfolding the greatest last stand wars of all time. Directed by Anurag Singh, the film features Akshay Kumar, Parineeti Chopra, Suvinder Vicky, Vansh Bhardwaj, Vikram Chauhan, Sandeep Nahar and Ajit Singh.Directed by Om Raut, thisnarrates the life story of Tanhaji Malusare, a military chieftain in the army of the Maratha king Shivaji who leads the charge to capture the strategically important Kondana fort guarded by the army of the fierce Rajput chieftain Udaybhan Rathod. Starring Ajay Devgn, Kajol, Saif Ali Khan, Padmavati Rao, Sharad Kelkar and Neha Sharma, the film definitely gives you some serious history lessons of an unsung warrior.The film traces the immense courage embodied in the women ofduring the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, the Bhuj air base is attacked and a race against time begins to rebuild the damaged airstrip. It narrates the story of IAF Squadron Leader Vijay Karnik striving to complete his mission and create history with the help of 300 women during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. Starring Ajay Devgn, Pranita Subhash, Ammy Virk, Nora Fatehi, Sonakshi Sinha and Sanjay Dutt, the film is directed by Abhishek Dudhaiya.Directed by Farhan Akhtar, the film is a fictional story based on the Kargil War of 1999. The film follows the life of an irresponsible and aimless youngster who joins the Indian Army only because his friend was doing so. However, over time he becomes focused and disciplined, finally fighting the Kargil War and emerging victorious as a true hero. The film, which motivated several young men to join the Army, completed 20 years last month. The film starred Hrithik Roshan, Preity Zinta, Amitabh Bachchan and Boman Irani.Another hero who made the country extremely proud at a very young age is Indian Air Force officer. During the Kargil War, she was the only woman from the Indian Armed Forces to fly into war zones. She transported supplies to troops and evacuated wounded soldiers. Janhvi Kapoor played the role of the brave Gunjan in the film giving us a glimpse of the heros bravery.Directed by J.P. Dutta, the film traces the 1971 war where along the border region of Longewala, a small battalion of Indian soldiers goes up against a large Pakistani strike force. It showcases how a band of 120 Indian soldiers in the Longewala region defend their post all night until they receive assistance from the Indian Air Force the next morning. The film stars Sunny Deol, Akshaye Khanna, Suniel Shetty, Jackie Shroff, Tabu, Pooja Bhatt, Puneet Issar and Sudesh Berry in lead roles.A film that sheds light on the military might of the Indian Navy,follows the story of a Pakistani submarine, Ghazi which plans to secretly attack Vizag port. For doing so, it has to get past Indian submarine S21. Almost on the verge of declaring war, the naval forces of India and Pakistan are involved in a deadly duel. The film stars a stellar cast ensemble including Rana Daggubati, Kay Kay Menon, Atul Kulkarni, Om Puri, Taapsee Pannu, Rahul Singh and Nassar.An unforgettable tale of valour, sacrifice and patriotism is one of Param Vir Chakra awardee Captain Vikram Batra. The soldier who fought till his last breath in the Kargil War was shot while dragging an injured soldier to safety. A brave leader and an inspiration to date, his code name during the war was. Sidharth Malhotra wonderfully portrayed Captain Vikram Batra on screen in the film which will make you even more proud of the nation you belong to.Directed by Meghna Gulzar, the film highlights the life journey of Sam Manekshaw, one of the most decorated officers in the Indian army, who has served for over four decades and has been fighting in five wars. He is the first army officer to be promoted to the rank of Field Marshal. The biopic stars Vicky Kaushal, Sanya Malhotra, Shantanu Srivastava, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Neeraj Kabi, Bobby Arora and Govind Namdeo in pivotal roles.Bollywood has masterfully depicted the valour, sacrifice and emotional depth of soldiers on the battlefield. These films not only showcase the intense action and strategic brilliance of war but also delve into the personal stories of those who fight, bringing to life their courage, honour, and the complex moral dilemmas they face.From classics like Border and Lakshya to more recent hits like Sam Bahadur and Shershaah, these films have left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. They serve as powerful reminders of the sacrifices made by our soldiers and the importance of unity and resilience in the face of adversity. Through these cinematic experiences, audiences are reminded of the profound impact of war on individuals and the nation, ensuring that the legacy of bravery and patriotism is never forgotten.Jai Hind!
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 11, 2024) - Lode Gold Resources Inc. (TSXV: LOD) (OTCQB: SBMIF) ("Lode Gold " or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has filed a Technical Report for its McIntyre Brook Project, located in the emerging Appalachian Gold Belt in New Brunswick. This National Instrument 43-101 (NI 43-101) technical report is to be used for Spin Co (Gold Orogen) and will form part of the submission later this month to the Exchange for listing.

UPCOMING EXPLORATION PLANS

Upon closing of the Fancamp joint venture, subject to TSX Venture acceptance, we will commence exploration on our McIntyre and Riley Brook projects with extensive soil sampling on Riley and commissioning of a V-TEM, magnetometer, and radiometric survey on both properties later in the year. Soil sampling and trenching are planned on the McIntyre Brook property culminating in a drill program early in the new year.

FILES 43-101 ON MCINTYRE BROOK

The updated Technical Report for McIntyre Brook, entitled "McIntyre Brook Property, northwestern New Brunswick, Restigouche County" was, prepared in accordance with NI 43-101: Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

The report is available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ and the Company's website (www.lode-gold.com). The McIntyre Brook Property, in conjunction with Fancamp's Riley Brook property, serves as the foundation for our Joint Venture with Fancamp, as announced in the August 26th News release. These properties, along with our Yukon properties, are integral to our proposed spin-off company, Gold Orogen.

The technical report outlines history and prior work on McIntyre Brook and recommends a Phase 1 program of helicopter VTEM survey and geophysical program on Northeastern part of property, systematic soil sampling, and with modern technology and data interpretation specifically for gold given new understanding with neighboring project results. A Phase 2 program proposed of 1,750m diamond drilling program following up targets generated from Phase 1.

ABOUT LODE GOLD

Lode Gold (TSXV: LOD) is an exploration and development company with projects in highly prospective and safe mining jurisdictions in Canada and the United States.

Its Golden Culvert and WIN Projects, Yukon, covering 99.5 km2 across a 27-km strike length, are situated in a district-scale, high-grade-gold-mineralized trend within the southern portion of the Tombstone Gold Belt. Gold deposits and occurrences within the Belt include Fort Knox, Pogo, Brewery Creek and Dublin Gulch, and Snowline Gold. A NI 43-101 technical report entitled "Technical Report on the WIN-Golden Culvert Property for Lode Gold" with an effective date of May 15, 2024 summarizing the work to date on these properties is available on the Company's profile on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and on the Company's website (www.lode-gold.com).

In New Brunswick, Lode Gold is one of the largest land package owners with 420km total between McIntyre Brook and Riley Brook. Its McIntyre Brook Project, New Brunswick, covering 111 km2 and a 17-km strike length in the emerging Appalachian/Iapetus Gold Belt, is surrounded by Puma Exploration's Williams Brook Project (5.55 g/t Au over 50m)1 and is hosted by orogenic rocks of similar age and structure as New Found Gold's Queensway Project. The Fancamp's Riley Brook is a 309 km2 package covering a 25 km strike of Wapske formation with its numerous felsic units. Previous exploration efforts have focused on just VMS-style mineralization hosted in the felsic intrusions, and many focused on the base metals - the Company is the first to focus on and assay for gold.

The Company is also advancing its Fremont Gold development project in the historic Mother Lode Gold Belt of California where 50,000,000 oz of gold has been produced. Fremont, located 500km north of Equinox Gold's Castle Mountain and Mesquite mines, has a Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") with an after-tax NPV (5%) of USD $217M, a 21% IRR, 11-year LOM, averaging 118,000 Oz per annum at USD $1,750 gold. A sensitivity to the March 31, 2023 PEA at USD $2,000/oz gold gives an after-tax NPV (5%) of USD $370M and a 31% IRR over an 11-year LOM. The project hosts an NI 43-101 resource of 1.16 MOz at 1.90 g/t Au within 19.0 MT Indicated and 2.02 MOz at 2.22 g/t Au within 28.3 MT Inferred. The MRE evaluates only 1.4 km of the 4 km strike length of the Fremont property which features five gold-mineralized zones. Significantly, three step-out holes at depth hit the mineralized structure, typical of orogenic deposits that often occur at depth. Fremont is located on 3,351 acres of 100% owned private land in Mariposa, the original gold rush county, and is 1.5 hours from Fresno, California. The property has year-round road access and is close to airports and rail. A planned V-TEM airborne geophysical survey to be flown over both properties.

Please refer to the Fremont Gold project NI 43-101 PEA technical report dated March 31, 2023, which is available on the Company's profile on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and on the Company's website (www.lode-gold.com). The PEA technical report has been reviewed and approved by independent "Qualified Persons" Eugene Puritch, P.Eng., FEC, CET, and Andrew Bradfield, P.Eng. both of P&E, and Travis Manning, P.E. of KCA.

QUALIFIED PERSON STATEMENT

The scientific and technical information contained in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Jonathan Victor Hill, Director, BSc (Hons) (Economic Geology - UCT), FAusIMM, and who is a "qualified person" as defined by NI-43-101.

ON BEHALF OF THE COMPANY

Wendy T. Chan, CEO & Director

Information Contact

Winfield Ding

CFO

info@lode-gold.com

+1-416-320-4388

Kevin Shum

Investor Relations

kevin@jeminicapital.com

+1 (647) 725-3888 ext. 702

Cautionary Note Related to this News Release and Figures

This news release contains information about adjacent properties on which the Company has no right to explore or mine. Readers are cautioned that mineral deposits on adjacent properties are not indicative of mineral deposits on the Company's properties.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

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 includes "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All statements included in this news release, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements including, without limitation, statements with respect to the use of proceeds, advancement and completion of resource calculation, feasibility studies, and exploration plans and targets. Forward-looking statements include predictions, projections and forecasts and are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "potential", "target", "budget" and "intend" and statements that an event or result "may", "will", "should", "could" or "might" occur or be achieved and other similar expressions and includes the negatives thereof.

Forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by management based on the business and markets in which the Company operates, are inherently subject to significant operational, economic, and competitive uncertainties, risks and contingencies. These include assumptions regarding, among other things: the status of community relations and the security situation on site; general business and economic conditions; the availability of additional exploration and mineral project financing; the supply and demand for, inventories of, and the level and volatility of the prices of metals; relationships with strategic partners; the timing and receipt of governmental permits and approvals; the timing and receipt of community and landowner approvals; changes in regulations; political factors; the accuracy of the Company's interpretation of drill results; the geology, grade and continuity of the Company's mineral deposits; the availability of equipment, skilled labour and services needed for the exploration and development of mineral properties; currency fluctuations; and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate and actual results, and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include a deterioration of security on site or actions by the local community that inhibits access and/or the ability to productively work on site, actual exploration results, interpretation of metallurgical characteristics of the mineralization, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, future metal prices, availability of capital and financing on acceptable terms, general economic, market or business conditions, uninsured risks, regulatory changes, delays or inability to receive required approvals, unknown impact related to potential business disruptions stemming from the COVID-19 outbreak, or another infectious illness, and other exploration or other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators, including those described under the heading "Risks and Uncertainties" in the Company's most recently filed MD&A. The Company does not undertake to update or revise any forward-looking statements, except in accordance with applicable law.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES.



___________________

1 See Puma Exploration Inc.'s news release dated September 15, 2021.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/223051

SOURCE: Lode Gold Resources Inc.
Highlights

Spanish Mountain Gold announces it has: (1) completed over 90% of the 5,000 m of planned drilling for its 2024 Exploration Program; assays are pending and (2) awarded a new Preliminary Economic Assessment with accompanying Mineral Resource Estimate that aims to define a low cost, low initial capital staged production strategy.

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 11, 2024) - Spanish Mountain Gold Ltd. (TSXV: SPA) (FSE: S3Y) (OTC Pink: SPAZF) (the "Company" or "Spanish Mountain Gold") is pleased to provide an update on its 2024 Exploration Program (the "Program") at its Spanish Mountain Gold Project (the "Project") near Likely, British Columbia.

The Program will drill a total of nine (9) NQ sized diamond drill holes positioned along the northwestern edge of the deposit. It will include down the hole surveying, oriented core and XRF analyser results which aim to maximize information to improve ore body knowledge and mineralization controls. The Program has achieved 4,478 metres drilled in 7 of 9 completed diamond drill holes since the last update on August 9, 2024 (Please see Figure 1). The Company anticipates results to be available in Q4, 2024.







Figure 1 - Drill locations and potential new mineralization domain extensions

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5231/223076_d0269b2404ab6869_001full.jpg

The Company is on course to achieve its goal of completing drilling before the end of September 2024. With each hole targeting the potential extension(s) of multiple newly identified zones of mineralization within and/or near the pit constrained resource, the Company diligently continues to gather new information that could potentially reduce waste strip, define high-grade geological controls and increase the scale of the Project.

Peter Mah, Spanish Mountain Gold's President, CEO and Director, comments, "We are excited to announce that once the summer fire restrictions were lifted in the region in early August, our team safely mobilized and, to date, achieved the drill plan on budget and schedule. In addition, the Company in collaboration with Hard Rock Diamond Drilling proudly achieved a carbon footprint reduction of approximately 70-80% utilizing renewable diesel to fuel the drills and equipment. Core logging and sampling has kept pace with the drills. The company anticipates receiving assay results from the Program through Q3 and Q4."

Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") Contract Award

The Company is pleased to announce it has awarded Ausenco with the contract as the lead for its PEA assessment of the Spanish Mountain Gold Project. The team will work directly with Spanish Mountain Gold to complete a PEA and combined NI 43-101 technical report which is expected to be completed by Q1 2025.

Director of Exploration

Spanish Mountain is pleased to announce the addition of Julian Manco as Director of Exploration, effective September 5, 2024. Mr. Manco brings a wealth of experience and will lead the Company's exploration efforts at its Spanish Mountain Gold Project.

Peter Mah, Spanish Mountain Gold's President and CEO, comments, "Julian brings a high level of varied precious metals work experience and a fresh view to our team. He has contributed to major discoveries, and we look forward to his leadership for similar contributions at Spanish Mountain Gold!"

Troy Gill, formerly Vice President, Exploration departed from the Company for personal reasons. Mr. Manco will assume the leadership of the geology and exploration functions.

Additional Updates

The Company is also pleased to announce the following updates:

Approximately 175 km of core has been relogged for the Project.

Relogging and sampling of all the outstanding 35 geotechnical sonic holes that were drilled for the prefeasibility infrastructure footprint but were not sampled has been completed. All precious metal assays and total element analysis for these holes are expected by early Q4. A portion of these holes are located over top of and near the Phoenix Zone.

Work on developing a new geological model covering the Project and potential mineralization extensions to the northwest progressed. The new model will be included in the technical report for the new Mineral Resource Estimate by Q1 2025.

Phase 1 & 2 structural geology review, analysis and 3D modelling has been completed with a draft report that is under review. The findings from this information are expected to be used to improve the controls and mineral resource modelling.

The initial Andritz simulations of the optimal power, grind and recovery options for 10 to 60 ktpd plant throughput and associated comminution circuits have been completed. This work will assist with the Whittle Enterprise Optimization models and ultimately the potential for staged production in the PEA. Andritz is currently working in collaboration with several coarse ore flotation OEMs to complete the remaining simulations.

Phase 1 & 2 coarse ore flotation metallurgical test work and associated flowsheet analysis has been completed and the Company expects a report to support new flowsheet options for the Project by early Q4. Coarse ore flotation is also expected to open up new and potentially lower cost options for tailings and water management solutions for the Project.

The Company is pleased to announce it has received the approval for load attraction funding assistance from BC Hydro to advance a new power line to its Project from the Stage 2 Facility Conceptual Design phase through execution. Transitioning to green energy at our proposed mining facility is a significant step forward in our commitment to sustainability and communities. By utilizing BC Hydro grid power, we can harness clean, renewable electricity to power our operations, reduce carbon footprint, reduce noise and minimize environmental impact.

Options Issuance

The Company announces it has granted 400,000 stock options exercisable at $0.17 per share to Mark Ruus, Chief Financial Officer of the Company under the terms of his employment agreement and the Company's stock option plan.

Qualified Persons

Julian Manco, MSc., P. Geo, Director of Exploration for Spanish Mountain Gold Ltd. and Peter Mah, B.A.Sc. M.A.Sc., P.Eng are the Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument 43-101 who reviewed and approved the contents, and verified the data disclosed in this news release.

About Spanish Mountain Gold Ltd.

Spanish Mountain Gold Ltd. is focused on advancing its 100%-owned Spanish Mountain Gold Project towards construction of the next gold mine in the Cariboo Gold Corridor, British Columbia. We are conducting an integrated Whittle Enterprise Optimization to identify the highest potential value-add improvements while increasing the understanding of the high-grade geologic controls and associated drill targets that could upgrade and expand the gold resource. We are striving to be a leader in community and indigenous relations by leveraging technology and innovation to build the 'greenest' gold mine in Canada. The Relentless Pursuit for Better Gold means seeking new ways to achieve optimal financial outcomes that are safer, minimize environmental impact and create meaningful sustainability for communities. Details on the Company are available on www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's website: www.spanishmountaingold.com.

On Behalf of the Board

"Peter Mah"

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

Spanish Mountain Gold Ltd.

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.

Forward Looking Statements

Certain of the statements and information in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information". Any statements or information that express or involve discussions with respect to expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "plans", "estimates", "intends", "targets", "goals", "forecasts", "objectives", "potential" or variations thereof or stating that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative of any of these terms and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements or information. The Company's forward-looking statements and information, including the statements of the number of meters planned and objectives of drilling under Program, are based on the assumptions, beliefs, expectations and opinions of management as of the date of this press release, and other than as required by applicable securities laws, the Company.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/223076

SOURCE: Spanish Mountain Gold Ltd.
Partners Group / Key word(s): Partnership

BlackRock and Partners Group establish strategic partnership to transform retail wealth access to private markets



12.09.2024 / 07:00 CET/CEST





New York, US; 12 September 2024

Firms to launch first-of-its-kind model portfolio solution streamlining retail wealth access to private equity, private credit, and real assets

Will enable advisors to deliver a one-stop multi-private markets portfolio managed by two global asset managers

Positions BlackRock and Partners Group to capture accelerating growth in private markets and managed models

BlackRock (NYSE: BLK) and Partners Group (SIX: PGHN) have teamed up to launch a multi-private markets model solution set to transform how retail investors access alternative investments. The solution will provide access to private equity, private credit, and real assets in a single portfolio - currently not available to the US wealth market - managed by BlackRock and Partners Group. This first-of-its-kind solution will empower advisors to offer a diversified alternatives portfolio with the simplicity, efficiency, and practice management benefits of a traditional public markets model.

The strategic partnership combines BlackRock's experienced alternatives team, operational expertise, and whole portfolio capabilities powered by Aladdin technology with Partners Group's long track record of innovation in bringing private markets to the wealth market, leveraging its extensive investment platform and portfolio management capabilities.

"We are simplifying how individual investors and advisors access private markets," said Mark Wiedman, Head of BlackRock's Global Client Business. "In a world where private markets are growing by USD 1 trillion or more every year, many financial advisors still find it too difficult to help their clients participate. We aim to crack that. With Partners Group, we are creating a single, managed account with unified portfolio construction and management. The result? Simplified, efficient access for financial advisors and their clients."

The solution will enable ease of access through a single subscription document versus requiring subscription documents for each underlying fund. It will feature robust operating procedures and risk management, including model rebalancing and comprehensive private markets asset allocation. Retail wealth investors will choose from three risk profiles to determine allocations to BlackRock and Partners Group funds, including BlackRock's private equity, private credit, and systematic funds and Partners Group's private equity, growth equity, and infrastructure funds.

"This separately managed account solution has the potential to revolutionize the wealth management industry, setting a new benchmark for institutional-quality programs that meet wealth investors' private markets portfolio needs," said Steffen Meister, Partners Group's Executive Chairman. "The financing of business has undergone a major transformation in recent decades with private markets playing a key role in the real economy, so it is vital that investors have access to private markets investments as part of a balanced portfolio."

Retail wealth investors are leading the adoption of private markets as they seek portfolios offering exposure to the companies and assets they cannot access via public markets and therefore the potential for uncorrelated returns. These investors allocated USD 2.3 trillion to private markets in 2020 and are expected to increase their allocations to USD 5.1 trillion by 2025 according to a Morgan Stanley/Oliver Wyman Study. Managed models also present a significant growth opportunity. BlackRock expects managed model portfolios to roughly double in AUM over the next five years, growing into a USD 10 trillion business.

Overall, BlackRock sees significant growth opportunity in US private wealth and is actively positioning the firm to become an integral, whole portfolio partner to advisors in an increasingly complex market. BlackRock's US Wealth Advisory business is a key growth-driver for the firm, generating a quarter of BlackRock's revenues in 2023.

Partners Group has accumulated more than two decades of leadership in managing private markets evergreen solutions since launching its first such product in 2001. The firm launched the first US private equity evergreen fund in 2009, which today remains the largest in the market with a total fund size of USD 15.5 billion. As of 30 June 2024, evergreen funds accounted for 30% of Partners Group's global AUM.

To learn more about the opportunity in private markets, read BlackRock and Partners Group's recent paper: Solving the private markets allocation gap: From products to portfolio construction .

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release, and other statements that BlackRock may make, may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act, with respect to BlackRock's future financial or business performance, strategies or expectations. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words or phrases such as "trend," "potential," "opportunity," "pipeline," "believe," "comfortable," "expect," "anticipate," "current," "intention," "estimate," "position," "assume," "outlook," "continue," "remain," "maintain," "sustain," "seek," "achieve," and similar expressions, or future or conditional verbs such as "will," "would," "should," "could," "may" and similar expressions.

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Media relations contact, Partners Group

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End of Media Release


Enrolment expected to be completed in the first half of 2025

Publication of study results on 52 patients anticipated at the end 2025

Regulatory News:

CARMAT (FR0010907956, ALCAR), designer and developer of the world's most advanced total artificial heart, aiming to provide a therapeutic alternative for people suffering from advanced biventricular heart failure (the "Company" or "CARMAT"), today announces that it has reached half of the enrolments targeted in the EFICAS study.

Continued momentum in the EFICAS study implants

The 26th Aeson implant recently carried out as part of the EFICAS study has enabled CARMAT to reach the half-way mark in the 52 recruitments targeted as part of this study carried out exclusively in France.

The continuing good momentum in implants testifies to the very encouraging spread of the therapy in France, and to its increasing adoption by the medical community. Of the 10 hospitals taking part in the study, 9 have already carried out at least one implant, and 8 at least two.

EFICAS is the largest study ever initiated by CARMAT. It is a key study both for obtaining reimbursement for Aeson in France, and for obtaining the "PMA" (marketing authorization for Aeson in the United States), which the Company anticipates for 2027 (subject in particular to the successful completion of the EFS study in the United States, the second cohort of which is anticipated to start in Q1 2025).

Significant scientific publications expected in 2025

The momentum in the EFICAS study allows the Company to anticipate the completion of the enrolment (52 patients) in the first half of 2025, and the publication of the study results1 at the end of 2025.

In addition, the Company anticipates in the first half of 2025, the publication in a scientific journal of the clinical results of Aeson in a cohort of 10 patients who have been on ECMO2 support prior to being implanted with Aeson. This publication aims to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of Aeson in high-risk patients.

CARMAT believes that these scientific publications will enable Aeson's clinical results to be widely disseminated within the medical community and will be a key factor for wider adoption of its therapy and for the Company's growth.

Stephane Piat, Chief Executive Officer of CARMAT, comments: "EFICAS is an essential study for scientifically objectifying the clinical results of Aeson on a large sample of patients, and thus facilitating their dissemination within the medical community. If the final results of the study confirm their interim results, their publication at the end of 2025 should contribute to a significant acceleration in the adoption of Aeson by European physicians.

We also anticipate another major scientific publication in the first half of 2025, focusing on the clinical results of Aeson in high-risk patients.

These publications should be a key catalyst for our growth in Europe, from next year onwards. They will also be decisive for our medium-term objectives, namely the access to the U.S. market, on the one hand, and ultimately, the approval of Aeson as a destination therapy, on the other."

About CARMAT

CARMAT is a French MedTech that designs, manufactures and markets the Aeson artificial heart. The Company's ambition is to make Aeson the first alternative to a heart transplant, and thus provide a therapeutic solution to people suffering from end-stage biventricular heart failure, who are facing a well-known shortfall in available human grafts. The world's first physiological artificial heart that is highly hemocompatible, pulsatile and self-regulated, Aeson could save, every year, the lives of thousands of patients waiting for a heart transplant. The device offers patients quality of life and mobility thanks to its ergonomic and portable external power supply system that is continuously connected to the implanted prosthesis. Aeson is commercially available as a bridge to transplant in the European Union and other countries that recognize CE marking. Aeson is also currently being assessed within the framework of an Early Feasibility Study (EFS) in the United States. Founded in 2008, CARMAT is based in the Paris region, with its head offices located in Velizy-Villacoublay and its production site in Bois-d'Arcy. The Company can rely on the talent and expertise of a multidisciplinary team of circa 200 highly specialized people. CARMAT is listed on the Euronext Growth market in Paris (Ticker: ALCAR ISIN code: FR0010907956).

For more information, please go to www.carmatsa.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

Name: CARMAT

ISIN code: FR0010907956

Ticker: ALCAR

Disclaimer

This press release and the information it contains do not constitute an offer to sell or subscribe, or the solicitation of an order to buy or subscribe, CARMAT shares in any country.

This press release may contain forward-looking statements about the Company's objectives and prospects. These forward-looking statements are based on the current estimates and expectations of the Company's management, and are subject to risk factors and uncertainties, including those described in its universal registration document filed with the Autorite des Marches Financiers (AMF) under number D.24-0374 and available on CARMAT's website, as updated in the Company's 2024 half-year financial report published today.

Readers' attention is particularly drawn to the fact that the Company's current financing horizon is limited to the end of September 2024 and that, given its financing requirements and outstanding dilutive instruments, the Company's shareholders are likely to experience significant dilution of their stake in the Company in the short term. The Company is also subject to other risks and uncertainties, such as the Company's ability to implement its strategy, the pace of development of CARMAT's production and sales, the pace and results of ongoing or planned clinical trials, changes in technology and the competitive environment, regulatory developments, industrial risks and all risks associated with managing the Company's growth. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release may not be achieved due to these or other unknown risk factors and uncertainties, or factors which the Company does not currently consider material and specific.

Aeson is an active implantable medical device commercially available in the European Union and other CE-marked countries. The Aeson total artificial heart is intended to replace the ventricles of the native heart and is indicated as a bridge to transplantation in patients with end-stage biventricular heart failure (Intermacs classes 1-4) who cannot benefit from maximal medical therapy or a left ventricular assist device (LVAD), and who are likely to benefit from heart transplantation within 180 days of implantation. The implant decision and surgical procedure must be carried out by healthcare professionals trained by the manufacturer. The documentation (clinician's manual, patient's manual and alarm booklet) must be read carefully to learn about the characteristics of Aeson and the information required for patient selection and proper use (contraindications, precautions, side effects) of Aeson. In the United States, Aeson is currently available exclusively as part of a feasibility clinical trial approved by the Food Drug Administration (FDA).

________________________________________

1 Results on 52 patients. The primary endpoint of the study is a support with Aeson at 6 months without disabling stroke or a heart transplant within 6 months.

2 ECMO Extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240911315128/en/

Contacts:

CARMAT

Stephane Piat

Chief Executive Officer

Pascale d'Arbonneau

Chief Financial Officer

Tel.: +33 1 39 45 64 50

contact@carmatsas.com

Alize RP

Press Relations

Caroline Carmagnol

Tel.: +33 6 64 18 99 59

carmat@alizerp.com

NewCap

Financial Communication

& Investor Relations

Dusan Oresansky

Jeremy Digel

Tel.: +33 1 44 71 94 92

carmat@newcap.eu
Mark Patrick leverages over 25 years' expertise across global fintech firms to drive CellPoint Digital's expansion in air, travel and hospitality sectors

LONDON, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- CellPoint Digital, a global pioneer in Payment Orchestration, today announced Mark Patrick as the new Chief Revenue Officer to lead CellPoint Digital's growth and expansion in travel and hospitality as demand for Payment Orchestration solutions surges in these industries. Mark will be replacing Greg Worch, who recently retired.

Based in the United States, Mark will be responsible for driving revenue growth with focus on the commercial aviation, hospitality and overall travel industry. He will report to Kristian Gjerding, the CEO of CellPoint Digital.

Mark's growth mandate is driven by the increased demand for Payment Orchestration solutions in CellPoint Digital's target industries. The global Payment Orchestration Platform market was valued at $1.1 billion in 2022 and it is anticipated to grow up to $10.1 billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 24.5% during the forecast period, according to McKinsey & Well Company market research. As more companies turn to Payment Orchestration to mitigate payment fragmentation and facilitate scalable growth (Bain & Company), they need a partner with expertise in Payment Orchestration and industry-specific experience in deploying these solutions. CellPoint Digital is ideally positioned to deliver on both.

Having held the role of Global Head of Payments at CellPoint Digital since 2019, Mark brings an in-depth understanding of the business. He joined CellPoint Digital from Intrapay, a fintech startup providing international cross-border payment services to clients in Europe and Asia Pacific, where he was Chief Operating Officer. Prior to that, he was Chief Executive Officer at GoSwiff (now PaySwiff), a mobile commerce firm headquartered in Singapore with global operations. Before GoSwiff, Mark was the GM and Regional Head of Ingenico (formerly Global Collect) ePayments business in the Asia Pacific region.

Kristian Gjerding, CEO at CellPoint Digital says: "We are pleased to see Mark Patrick take up a new role within CellPoint Digital. As Chief Revenue Officer, Mark oversees CellPoint Digital's revenue strategy and global business development teams as well as the development of a new account management function. This comes amidst growing demand from businesses seeking to streamline their digital payment capabilities while countering the major challenges they face with existing providers to deliver a seamless service."

Mark Patrick adds: "It has been a career highlight to be a part of CellPoint Digital's growth story and to stand at the forefront of optimising customers' path to purchase across digital channels. This business-critical issue will only grow in importance as consumers increasingly opt for alternative payment methods and demand friction-free payment experiences. As we continue to scale, this requires a new, digital-first approach to revenue generation and account management to ensure client satisfaction."

Advancing Payment Orchestration across Key Regions

CellPoint Digital's rapid growth and increasing market demand have necessitated a strategic expansion of their revenue team, with new hires across revenue and account management in key regions such as Europe, Latin America, and Asia-Pacific. This expansion is a direct response to the surging interest in Payment Orchestration across diverse industries and global markets.

Central to CellPoint's revenue strategy is showcasing the transformative benefits of Payment Orchestration to enterprises worldwide. CellPoint is committed to meeting the evolving needs of a growing client base. Payment Orchestration, a concept that encompasses the end-to-end management of all payment activities-from authorisation and routing to settlement and reporting-has proven invaluable for companies seeking to boost conversions in both direct and indirect sales channels while reducing transaction costs.

The platform's versatility and efficiency have driven strong demand, fueling CellPoint's expansion and reinforcing their position as industry leaders in the rapidly evolving payment technology landscape.

For more information about the CellPoint Digital or to speak with company executives, please get in touch with Steven Osei at steven.osei@cellpointdigital.com

About CellPoint Digital

CellPoint Digital is a fintech leader in payment orchestration. CellPoint Digital's main solution is a powerful Payment Orchestration Platform that optimises digital payment transactions from cards or alternative payment methods and accelerates the deployment of new payment options. Merchants can easily scale their own payment ecosystem across the world, unify the customer payment experience across their website, mobile apps and other channels, optimise the routing of each transaction, increase conversion rates and minimise payment costs. CellPoint Digital has offices in Copenhagen, Dallas, Dubai, London, Miami, Pune and Singapore. Visit www.cellpointdigital.com to learn more.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/cellpoint-digital-leader-in-payment-orchestration-appoints-mark-patrick-as-chief-revenue-officer-302246054.html
Fourth announces the release of Fourth iQ, the Artificial Intelligence for Hospitality. Fourth iQ is used by restaurant, pub and hotel chains to optimise their entire workforce and inventory operations to maximise profitability, increase productivity and enhance the experience of employees and customers.

"AI is transforming the technology landscape across industries and the hospitality sector will be no different. Fourth iQ marks a new frontier in how hospitality operators can easily embrace the transformative power of AI to maximise the profit of every location and create a competitive advantage," states Christian Berthelsen, Fourth's Chief Technology Officer.

Many of Fourth's customers are already benefiting from Fourth iQ to optimise their employee scheduling with AI-driven forecasting, including national chains such as PizzaExpress, Big Table Group and Stonegate. As part of the expanded capabilities offered by Fourth IQ, customers can now apply AI Forecasting to their inventory management operations to maximise the efficiency and profitability of their purchasing, stock management and prep. A further range of advanced Fourth iQ features will deliver new ways to increase profitability centrally across all locations and boost the productivity of general managers at each location.

Speaking ahead of the release, Fourth CEO Clinton Anderson explains the drivers behind developing Fourth iQ. "With 25 years in the hospitality game, we are acutely aware of the challenges our customers face profit margins are tight, as labour and food costs continue to rise; and the responsibility for driving efficiency is dependent on the decisions made by overburdened general managers who are often reliant on incomplete information and legacy technologies. Fourth iQ can overcome these challenges by using AI to generate 'the next best actions' informed by multiple data sources and defined goals; providing managers with real-time recommendations of how best to efficiently deploy labour, grow sales and reduce waste. It's an incredibly exciting time for Fourth and our customers."

In essence, Fourth iQ is a multi-faceted AI and Analytics capability that works across the entirety of restaurant chains' operations, including HR, scheduling, payroll and inventory management. Fourth iQ is embedded into Fourth's established suite of end-to-end solutions.

"A core aim of Fourth iQ is to create a 'profit engine' at the heart of our customers' operations," states Christian Berthelsen. He continues, "By creating a layer of intelligence across all locations in a restaurant chain, Fourth iQ produces what we call 'above store insights that drive in-store action', to ensure every opportunity to drive profitability and efficiency is identified and actioned, whether by managers or entirely automated."

The tangible benefits of Fourth iQ are already being realized by Fourth's customers; AI-driven forecasting has enabled PizzaExpress to increase their revenue forecasting accuracy by 25%. The same combination of AI forecasting and intelligent scheduling led to a 15% increase in sales and 22% reduction in over-scheduling for the 16 location Thai Leisure Group.

Enabling customers to easily bring AI into their tech stack is core to Fourth's vision for the industry. "In creating Fourth iQ, we are providing every hospitality business the simplest and most effective way to get started on their AI journey," says Christian Berthelsen. He continues, "Our underlying AI platform provides the infrastructure to securely integrate data sources and train AI, then put it to work via our solutions and apps. Our experienced implementation teams do all the heavy lifting, including configuring the AI within Fourth iQ to what makes your business unique. There really is no barrier to getting started today."

To learn more about Fourth iQ, visit the Fourth website. Additionally, The Fourth team will be at Hospitality Tech Expo on the 15-16 October and Hostech on the 22 October, where Christian Berthelsen, CTO, will be talking all things AI with customers and peers in the hospitality industry.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240912150953/en/

Contacts:

Nipul Chokshi

nipul.c@fourth.com
Demand for bespoke research and analytics solutions sees number of employees grow to more than 6,000

Acuity Knowledge Partners (Acuity), a leading provider of bespoke research, data management, analytics, talent and technology solutions to the financial services industry, has marked 18 months of majority ownership by funds managed by Permira with a period that has seen further, sustained growth. Acuity has added over 100 new clients across key markets, and expanded many existing client relationships over the past year. This is in addition to investing in strategic initiatives to further strengthen its market position and enhance its service offerings for its customers.

With a presence now spanning the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, Costa Rica, Sri Lanka, India, China, Australia and the United Arab Emirates, Acuity now supports 650 clients across the financial services spectrum including banking, asset management, private equity and venture capital, hedge funds, and consulting firms.

Acuity's growth has been further boosted by its 1st July 2024 acquisition of PPA Group, a technology-enabled service provider based in Germany and Switzerland. The acquisition enables Acuity to integrate its existing offerings with PPA's Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) technologies. These enable data extraction and formatting capabilities to expedite lending decisions. The move also enhances Acuity's presence in key European markets.

Acuity continues to focus on its Data and Technology Services (DTS) solutions, which harness AI, and machine learning digital engineering to help financial institutions streamline operations and drive growth. This initiative includes enhancing digital transformation services, supported by a global team of technologists and industry specialists.

Acuity is also furthering its commitment to leveraging AI and Large Language Model (LLM) capabilities for both clients and within the firm, with a notable milestone being the recent introduction of CreditPulse, its new credit risk governance solution. CreditPulse integrates generative AI to enhance risk identification and portfolio management for financial institutions.

"We are immensely proud of Acuity's successes in 2024, both expanding our client base and strengthening our global presence through strategic acquisitions and organisational changes," said Robert King, Chief Executive Officer, Acuity Knowledge Partners. "As we look forward to the rest of the year, we are excited about the continued integration of AI into our service offering in a way that delivers measurable results. We are making significant strides in helping our clients achieve new levels of productivity and insight."

Acuity now boasts over 6,000 highly skilled team members across its global network of offices. It has made several key leadership updates in 2024 to strengthen its global operations. Jon O'Donnell, previously a Managing Partner at IBM, has been appointed as the Chief Operating Officer, bringing his extensive experience in delivering technology services and solutions to financial institutions.

Joyce Church has also joined Acuity's executive leadership team as the Chief of Staff. She brings significant experience in driving operational excellence and growth from her prior roles in the private equity industry.

Doug Bowers, former CEO of the Banc of California, came on board as a new Senior Advisor, advising North American banking institutions on various offerings that Acuity can deliver, which are designed to make banks more effective and efficient.

Sumit Chhabra has been promoted to Chief Delivery Officer, focusing on maintaining and enhancing service delivery across global markets, and the development of new services. In addition, Chanakya Dissanayake has taken on a new role as Managing Director and Head of Delivery Strategic Initiatives, expanding his responsibility to drive growth across the service portfolio.

The firm also received the following industry recognitions in 2024:

Portfolio Management System of the Year in the Private Equity Wire European Credit Awards 2024

Best Performing Company 2024 in the Business Process Outsourcing Category at the Megabuyte50 Awards

iF Design Award 2024 in the Service Design Category for BEAT BankerHub

Recognised as a Gold Employer by the CFA Institute CFA Society India

Honoured with "Best CSR Project of the Year 2024" Award for its Digital Education Initiative

Featured amongst the Top 20 Employers by the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (AICPA CIMA) Sri Lanka

Avadhesh Dixit, Chief Human Resources Officer, Acuity Knowledge Partners added, "Acuity is dedicated to its mission of being a strategic and trusted partner to our customers and a great place to work for our employees. We are attracting and nurturing the best talent in all the markets we operate in. We will continue to provide a platform for everyone at Acuity to excel and set new industry benchmarks for the employee experience."

About Acuity Knowledge Partners

Acuity Knowledge Partners (Acuity) is a leading provider of bespoke research, data management, analytics, talent and technology solutions to the financial services sector, including asset managers, corporate and investment banks, private equity and venture capital firms, hedge funds and consulting firms. Its global network of over 6,000 analysts and industry experts, combined with proprietary technology, supports 650 financial institutions and consulting companies to operate more efficiently and unlock their human capital, driving revenue higher and transforming operations. Acuity is headquartered in London and operates from 16 locations worldwide.

Acuity was established as a separate business from Moody's Corporation in 2019, following its acquisition by Equistone Partners Europe (Equistone). In January 2023, funds advised by global private equity firm Permira acquired a majority stake in the business from Equistone, which remains invested as a minority shareholder.

For more information, visit www.acuitykp.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240912210613/en/

Contacts:

Media contact:

Stuti Das

Global Head of Communications and PR

Acuity Knowledge Partners

stuti.das@acuitykp.com
Asertia, the international real estate group behind market leaders Tinsa and Deyde DataCentric (Spain and Latin America); Persch Consult and on-geo (Germany); and Troostwijk (Netherlands), among others, unites its companies under a new group name: Accumin.

This strategic move brings together more than 1,500 employees from more than 20 companies in 14 countries, across 3 continents with a commitment to help their clients make the right Real Estate decisions.

Accumin offers global independent expertise combined with innovative software solutions and actionable intelligence that will help its clients and their customers See Value Clearly.

Asertia, owned by international private equity firm Cinven, has announced plans to reorganise and define more clearly its diverse range of products and services around the globe under a new brand Accumin

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240912996582/en/

James Cornell, Chairman and Global CEO of Accumin (Photo: Business Wire)

As one of the world's largest and most trusted real estate advisory companies with more than 40 years of experience, Accumin has one clear purpose: to empower people and businesses to grow by making the right Real Estate decisions and See Value Clearly. As part of redefining the group, Asertia combines its collective products and services under three core verticals to bring greater clarity on the group's capabilities: Value Advisory, Intelligence Software, and Risk Management. In addition to the three verticals, there will also be a new division called Home, which will primarily focus on bringing greater clarity and efficiency to help consumers make better real estate decisions as buyers, sellers and owners of real estate.

"Value is everywhere if you know how to look. In a world that is increasingly uncertain, our aim is to bring precision, clarity and innovation, and build trust with our clients, identifying opportunities and risks that might otherwise go unnoticed. This is an exciting phase of our present and future evolution as a combined group that demonstrates our overall capabilities in independent expertise and innovative intelligence and software solutions. Our purpose is to help our clients and their customers see value clearly, building upon our reputation as a company that clients can trust to provide them quality and independent, unbiased advice," said James Cornell, Global CEO of Accumin

To strengthen the company's strategic global vision, Accumin has named experts to lead its newly defined structure:

Maarten de Hass has recently joined as the Global Head of Value Advisory . Maarten has significant international Real Estate experience in multinational companies and brings with him years of working in consulting firms such as MVGM, Cushman, Deloitte and EY.

. Maarten has significant international Real Estate experience in multinational companies and brings with him years of working in consulting firms such as MVGM, Cushman, Deloitte and EY. Manuel Hurtado also recently joined as the Global Head of Intelligence . Coming from the strategy and technology consulting firm McKinsey, Manuel has been a key leader in their data and Gen AI area and has more than a decade of international experience in data strategy, digital transformation and analytics.

. Coming from the strategy and technology consulting firm McKinsey, Manuel has been a key leader in their data and Gen AI area and has more than a decade of international experience in data strategy, digital transformation and analytics. Johan Drost, current CEO of Troostwijk Group, a subsidiary of Accumin, has been appointed Global Head of Risk Management . Here Johan combines his background within banking and insurance to help build on Troostwijk's vast products and services from risk inspection to Real estate loss assessing and valuation for insurance purposes.

. Here Johan combines his background within banking and insurance to help build on Troostwijk's vast products and services from risk inspection to Real estate loss assessing and valuation for insurance purposes. Jose Rivera, current Group Head of Digital will lead the transversal, and newly created consumer-focused division and become Global Head of Accumin Home

"Our strength and our value lie in our integration of independent diverse perspectives from various countries, sectors, and disciplines, which gives us a global vision backed by local expertise, strengthening our ability to cut through complexity, providing value and clarity to our business customers and to the end consumer," adds Cornell. "By amplifying our human perspective with intelligence and software, we give clients greater control and confidence over Real Estate related decisions, which is what will be key to helping our clients and their customers see value clearly."

Today's repositioning of the group under the global brand of Accumin is the beginning of a wider unification in how the company presents itself, working together whilst respecting regulation to preserve independence and data protection between its subsidiaries. While the company envisions most of its companies to ultimately rebrand as Accumin, most subsidiaries will first pass through a transition period in which they will be endorsed "by Accumin" to respect the powerful reputation that the individual companies have built in their local markets.

As the group unites as one, Accumin transforms into an ecosystem of local and global expertise, harnessing the power of the diversity of its talent supported by intelligence and software, true to its name: the combination of knowledge, or acumen, and accuracy or precision, which are central to the value proposition the company offers for clients.

About Accumin

Accumin is one of the world's largest and most trusted independent real estate groups, offering diverse, global expertise in a powerful and innovative portfolio of tech-enabled solutions for real estate and property management backed by decades of experience. With innovative and complementary solutions for Value Advisory, Intelligence Software, and Risk Management, and an approach based on precision, independence and clarity, Accumin aims to help corporate clients and end consumers navigate uncertainty and make the right decisions.

With more than 1,500 employees in 14 countries across Europe, Latin America and Africa, and deep technical and local knowledge, Accumin has a clear commitment: to cut through complexity and help clients See Value Clearly.

Learn more about Accumin at www.accumin.com.

About Cinven

Cinven is a leading international private equity firm focused on building world-class global and European companies. Its funds invest in six key sectors: Business Services, Consumer, Financial Services, Healthcare, Industrials and Technology, Media and Telecommunications (TMT). Cinven has offices in London, New York, Frankfurt, Paris, Milan, Madrid, Guernsey and Luxembourg.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240912996582/en/

Contacts:

Accumin Global Communications

communications@accumin.com
The widest portfolio in the industry now includes Opticon Plus, an optimised anatomical shape

DIEBURG, Germany, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- POLYTECH, a leader in breast aesthetics, reconstruction and body contouring, introduces Opticon Plus, an innovative addition to its broad portfolio. Known for offering the widest range of products in the industry, POLYTECH's portfolio now includes this new implant, which sits between their anatomical forms Replicon and Opticon, providing surgeons with an option that features a base shape between the round Replicon base and the standard Opticon short oval base. Opticon Plus is available in both the MESMO microtextured surface and the POLYTECH Microthane, micro-polyurethane surface, catering to the growing demand for natural breast aesthetics.

Meeting Market Needs with Collaborative Innovation

The development of Opticon Plus is the outcome of a collaborative effort, driven by feedback from leading global plastic surgeons. "Opticon Plus was designed to offer a new anatomical option that complements our existing range, addressing specific needs that surgeons identified," stated Prof. Dr. Karsten Hemmrich, CEO of POLYTECH. "This implant is a result of direct input from the field, ensuring it meets the demands of both surgeons and patients."

Surgeons' Positive Response to Opticon Plus

The introduction of Opticon Plus has been met with enthusiasm from the surgical community. "Surgeons are confident that the new Opticon Plus will help them better tailor their approach to each patient, providing more individualised and natural-looking results," said Paul Mooney, POLYTECH's Head of Global Marketing.

Availability

Opticon Plus will be available in CE market countries starting from September 12th.

About POLYTECH

With a global footprint in over 80 countries, POLYTECH Health & Aesthetics combines pioneering innovation with precision craftsmanship to set highest standards in breast aesthetics, reconstruction and body contouring. Celebrating over 35 years of leadership, our extensive experience and millions of implants produced empower both patients and surgeons globally. Leading with B-Lite, the world's first lightweight implant, we offer solutions designed to provide long-term results and comfort, setting a new standard in patient care. Our portfolio, including our outstanding Microthane and Mesmo implants, offers the broadest range of aesthetic solutions, designed to achieve stable results and natural aesthetics.

Our POLYTECHconnect Academy and substantial investment in education ensure that we remain at the forefront of the field of plastic surgery, supported by our social media presence, the largest in breast aesthetics. We are proud to have been the first breast implant manufacturer receiving the CE mark, a testament to our 'Quality Made in Germany', reflected in our very high patient satisfaction rates. With the integration of the LipoGrafter technology into our portfolio, we offer comprehensive body contouring solutions, to cater to patients' diversity and offer long-lasting results.

At POLYTECH, our dedicated team embodies passion and extensive experience. We provide agile, diverse, and proven solutions that effectively respond to market demands in over 80 countries. Discover the synergy of innovation, education, and passion with POLYTECH.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2503082/OpticonPLUS.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/polytech-expands-portfolio-with-new-opticon-plus-breast-implant-302245338.html
Global technology service provider achieved a 27% reduction in scope 1 emissions in FY24 and a 17% reduction in scope 2 (market-based) emissions

Logicalis switched 11 operations to renewable energy in FY24, and is on track to switch to renewable energy across all global operations by 2030

Investments were also made in global community projects and employee training as part of its Responsible Business strategy

LONDON, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Logicalis, a global technology service provider, has announced significant progress towards its sustainability targets in the Logicalis Responsible Business Report 2024. The business reported a 27% reduction in scope 1 emissions since FY22, while market-based scope 2 emissions were reduced by 17%.

The latest report comes after Logicalis net-zero emissions targets were approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) earlier this year. The results contribute towards Logicalis target to reduce absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions 50% by 2030, while scope 1, 2, and 3 are aligned for reaching net-zero by 2050 or sooner.

Logicalis recognises that the environmental impact of its business extends beyond direct operations. The technology service provider is on track to ensure 85% of its suppliers by spend, covering purchased goods and services, will have science-based targets by 2028.

The business is also addressing scope 3 emissions by encouraging low-carbon travel and commuting. Partnering with climate group RouteZero, Logicalis' pilot achieved a 42% reduction in group travel emissions in FY24 (the figures represent a pilot group of 50 employees). Platforms offering smarter travel choices will now be extended across Logicalis operations.

Bob Bailkoski, Logicalis CEO, said: "We believe that organisations like ours have a vital role to play in addressing climate change. We are proud of the proactive steps that we have taken, we're evolving into the Responsible Business we envisioned and will continue to strive for better outcomes for all our stakeholders through increasingly Responsible Business practices. At Logicalis, we aim to make the world a better place and our commitment to becoming a net zero carbon organisation by 2050 is a significant part of that."

Logicalis also made advancements towards its target of switching 75% of global operations to renewable energy by 2025 and 100% by 2030. In FY24, 11 operations across the UK, Germany, Spain and Australia switched to renewable energy, with further operations across Portugal, Germany, Ireland and The Channel Islands set to make the switch in the next 12 months.

Charissa Jaganath, Head of Responsible Business at Logicalis, said: "One of the most significant challenges we face as a business is continuing to reduce our scope emission whilst also driving commercial growth. Despite this, sustainability remains a priority at Logicalis. We understand that there is an urgent need to reduce damage to our planet, which is why we regularly assess our progress to ensure we are on the right track and maintaining momentum. We will continue to do this whilst collaborating with our colleagues and partners to ensure we collectively contribute to a cleaner, healthier planet."

As part of its commitment to being a responsible business, in FY22 to FY24 Logicalis Invested over US$500 000 to support community projects, many of which aim to improve access to STEM education and technology skills for women and minority groups. In 2024, this work benefited 1400 people globally.

In addition, the business invested US$1.9 million in employee career development, training, and accreditations. This included mandatory Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) training for all employees, equipping them with practical and actionable steps to contribute towards Logicalis ESG goals.

To read Logicalis Responsible Business Report 2024, head to:

www.logicalis.com/our-responsible-business

About Logicalis

We are Architects of Change. We help organisations succeed in a digital-first world. At Logicalis, we harness our collective technology expertise to help our clients build a blueprint for success, so they can deliver sustainable outcomes that matter.

Our lifecycle services across cloud, connectivity, collaboration and security are designed to help optimise operations, reduce risk and empower employees.

As a global technology service provider, we deliver next-generation digital managed services, to provide our clients with real-time visibility and actionable insights across the performance of their digital ecosystem including; availability, user experience, security, economic performance and sustainability.

Our 7000+ 'Architects of Change' are based in 30 territories around the globe, helping our 10,000+ clients across a range of industry sectors create sustainable outcomes through technology.

Logicalis has annualised revenues of $1.8 billion, from operations in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific, and Africa.

It is a division of Datatec Limited, listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, with revenues of over $5.5 billion.

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Berlin Heals appoints proven cardiac rhythm management and heart failure leader John Brumfield as Chief Executive Office

BERLIN, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Berlin Heals Holding AG and its subsidiaries Berlin Heals GmbH and Berlin Heals Corp. which are developing a completely new and groundbreaking method for the treatment of Heart Failure, today announced the appointment of proven leader in cardiac rhythm management and heart failure, John Brumfield as Chief Executive Officer effective October 1, 2024.

"Brumfield is a talented medical device executive with a track record of bringing innovative technologies to market. With Berlin Heals' focus on a revolutionary treatment for heart failure, we are thrilled to have someone of Brumfield's cardiac rhythm and heart failure expertise leading the team at Berlin Heals," said Dr. Ulf Berg, Chairman of the Board. "Together with Brumfield's strategic and commercial expertise and Berlin Heals' outstanding team of innovators and technologists, Berlin Heals is now positioned to unlock the full potential of our new technology to change the therapeutic landscape for Heart Failure."

Mr. Brumfield is an executive with more than 20 years of experience building teams that bring novel, complex medical devices to market. Most recently, Mr. Brumfield served as the Global Vice President Marketing of Cardiac Rhythm Management at BIOTRONIK based in Berlin, Germany, where he led strategy and execution of the Cardiac Rhythm Management business unit. Prior to moving to Europe, Mr. Brumfield spent 10 years in Heart Failure at St. Jude Medical, later acquired by Abbott, where he held multiple positions. Most notably the strategic investments and acquisition of CardioMEMS, the commercial launch of CardioMEMS and the acquisition of Thoratec that rounded out a new Heart Failure Business Unit within Abbott. Prior to his decade leading product launches in Heart Failure, Mr. Brumfield held positions within the Cardiac Rhythm Management business at St. Jude Medical in the clinical and sales organizations. Prior to St. Jude Medical, Mr. Brumfield co-invented and launched a concussion and Alzheimer's testing technology called DETECT at the company Zenda Technologies, where he gained his first experience in conducting clinical trials, regulatory approval and commercial launch. While co-founding Zenda, Mr. Brumfield completed his Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology where he later returned to receive his Master in Business Administration.

"It is an honor to join this incredible team of innovators, engineers and scientists. The technology the team has created at Berlin Heals has the real potential to completely change the course of this debilitating disease," added Mr. Brumfield. "I've spent over two decades introducing new innovations in Heart Failure, Electrophysiology, Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery. However, nearly all these innovations have been focused on reducing symptoms or just slowing the progression of the disease, not reversing the disease. The preclinical and initial clinical data shown with the C-MIC system of Berlin Heals provide a solid foundation to build upon to bring this revolutionary technology to the patients who have no alternative. I am excited to join this talented executive leadership team as Berlin Heals enters this next phase."

"We are excited to welcome Mr. Brumfield to our leadership team at Berlin Heals. I look forward to leaning on his extensive commercial experience and strategic mindset. This is the right time to bring this level of experience to our team to prepare us for CE approval, commercial and operational build-out and entering the US Market with an FDA trial," said Marko Bagaric, Co-founder and Member of the Board of Directors.

"Mr. Brumfield brings a wealth of relevant experience in launching heart failure technologies in the US and around the world. We look forward to his addition to our leadership team and will draw on his extensive experience in the world of cardiac rhythm management as we continue to develop our next generation devices," added Dr. Felix Baader, Member of the Board of Directors.

Contact:

Marko Bagaric

info@berlinheals.com

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LONDON, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Emergn, the world's most trusted and respected leader in digital business services, is thrilled to announce the first phase of its latest innovation: 'Praxis by Emergn'. The state-of-the-art learning platform is designed to revolutionize the development of Product Management capabilities, offering a comprehensive and immersive experience for individual professionals eager to up skill and excel in their careers.

Emergn has unlocked its powerful Product Management learning system - previously reserved for corporate clients, and that has upskilled more than 30,000 people over the last decade - and made it accessible to all. Praxis by Emergn empowers individuals to sharpen their skills, master complex challenges, and seize new opportunities in the ever-changing field of product management.

But 'Praxis by Emergn' isn't just about learning theory; it's about mastering practice. The name itself is the Greek term from which the English word 'practice' derives. The platform equips the next generation of leaders with the essential tools and knowledge to stay ahead of industry trends and drive lasting impact for themselves and their organizations. From Discovery, to Delivery, to Strategy, Praxis provides a holistic toolkit that supports the journey towards becoming the Ultimate Product Manager.

It launches with the full Product Discovery pathway. This is followed by a weekly release of Product Delivery learning modules, starting end of September. The same process will then follow for Product Strategy.

Through Praxis, learners will understand and excel in delivering measurable value quickly, optimizing their team's flow of work, and crafting high-quality product experiences by rapidly integrating feedback. These are the core tenets of Emergn's VFQ (Value, Flow, Quality) approach, which underpins Praxis and is central to Emergn's market differentiation.

Why Choose Praxis?

Praxis is uniquely tailored for individual learning, catering both to seasoned product managers and to those who are interested in the discipline, perhaps as a next career move. This proven, work-based approach has been delivered by Emergn to more than 30,000 learners in the past decade. It is the premier approach to mastering Product Management.

Praxis offers a structured, personalized, and goal-aligned journey, reflecting Emergn's dedication to empowering product managers to scale their skills and accelerate their careers. Plus, with a subscription model, users receive continuous updates and new content, ensuring they remain at the forefront of the industry.

"I am incredibly excited to bring Praxis to the market," said Alex Adamopoulos, CEO of Emergn. "This launch represents a significant milestone in Emergn's mission to democratize access to high-impact learning tools and our VFQ framework. Our goal is to empower individuals to get to the heart of their customers' needs, transform their ideas into impactful solutions, and align product goals with organizational objectives. In short, to unlock their full potential and make the jump to becoming the Ultimate Product Manager."

Early Access Offer

To recognize this first phase of the launch, Praxis by Emergn has an Early Access Offer, with a monthly subscriber rate of 29, $29, or 29. This will be available for everyone signing up before Dec 31st, 2024, and will continue for their first six months. This special rate provides full access to the comprehensive library of tools, techniques and books, as well as the new Praxis AI Consultant.

To sign up for early access visit: https://praxis.emergn.com.

About Emergn

Emergn is a global digital business services firm with a mission to improve the way people and companies work. Forever. Emergn empowers the world's most respected businesses - including Fortune 500, FTSE 100, and Global 2000 companies - to transform their promising ideas into valuable digital products and customer experiences, faster than anyone else. Emergn's experts work with clients to transform their business in three ways:

Helping to better define their thinking, including shaping their product organization and clarifying and communicating their product strategy. Developing their people by delivering exemplary training in product management, modern ways of working, and leadership. Delivering their outcomes by building customer-centric products and customer experiences.

Emergn has invested more than a decade perfecting a game-changing philosophy for the world of work to transform businesses - Value, Flow, Quality (VFQ) - combining the best of Agile, Lean, design thinking and systems thinking, economics, psychology, and sociology. It is not just another methodology and instead takes investments clients have made in new ways of working and turns them into tangible results. This unique approach has been built to support enterprise-scale change and consists of the latest models, techniques, and tools for delivering work in an agile and effective way. Emergn has a strong presence in over a dozen countries, with its US headquarters in Boston and EMEA headquarters in London. visit Emergn's website and follow Emergn on LinkedIn and X.

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Media contact:

DGA Group

James Melville-Ross/Adam Davidson/Nishad Sanzagiri

+44 (0)7895 187727

emergn@dgagroup.com

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Translations are underway for the entire library of NCCN Guidelines for Patients to empower people with cancer and caregivers worldwide to make informed treatment decisions that are best for them.

PLYMOUTH MEETING, Pa., Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)-an alliance of leading cancer centers-and the NCCN Foundation proudly announce plans to make every book in the library of NCCN Guidelines for Patients available in Spanish; with select editions available in additional languages as well.

NCCN publishes the NCCN Guidelines for Patients library through funding from the NCCN Foundation. It now features more than 70 books with easy-to-understand information about prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, and supportive care for nearly every type of cancer. The patient guidelines are based on the continuously updated, evidence-based, expert consensus-driven recommendations from the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines) which are used by health care providers worldwide. They have been recognized with numerous awards as a trustworthy and user-friendly source of information for people with cancer.

The NCCN Guidelines for Patients are available to view or download for free online at NCCN.org/patientguidelines or via the NCCN Patient Guides for Cancer App. Non-English editions can also be found at NCCN.org/global. Printed books are available for a nominal fee via Amazon.

"Our commitment to making sure every patient guideline is available in Spanish showcases our dedication to ensuring everyone can access high-quality cancer care resources," said Gena Cook, Founder & CEO, Kaliper Health, Chair, NCCN Foundation Board of Directors. "Our work is already well underway, with at least 20 books available in Spanish right now, and more to come. We have a list of additional high-priority languages based on global population representation. We want to make sure this vital information is understandable for everyone who needs it worldwide, including non-English speakers with cancer within the United States."

All translations are completed by interpreters who specialize in medical texts and understand the nuances of healthcare information. In addition to Spanish, there are currently NCCN Guidelines for Patients available in:

Arabic

Chinese

French

Haitian

Hindi

Hmong

Italian

Japanese

Korean

Polish

Portuguese

Russian

Somali

Tagalog

Ukrainian

Vietnamese

"The NCCN Guidelines for Patients were accessed more than 1.4 million times last year with about a fifth of those users located outside the United States," said Crystal S. Denlinger, MD, Chief Executive Officer, NCCN. "We always strive to improve how we deliver crucial health guidance and expand the reach for any resources that can help us improve and facilitate quality, effective, equitable, and accessible cancer care worldwide."

Patrick Delaney, Executive Director, NCCN Foundation, added: "The NCCN Foundation is fortunate to be able to collaborate with a diverse group of international organizations who recognize the need for equitable access to cancer patient information. We are incredibly grateful for the philanthropic support that makes it possible for us to offer these essential resources free-of-charge for all who need them."

The NCCN website also features several resources for people facing cancer and caregivers, including live and recorded webinars, suggested questions to ask health care providers, links to advocacy and support groups, and much more. Visit NCCN.org/patients to learn more or go to NCCNFoundation.org to help support the mission.

About the National Comprehensive Cancer Network

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) is a not-for-profit alliance of leading cancer centers devoted to patient care, research, and education. NCCN is dedicated to improving and facilitating quality, effective, equitable, and accessible cancer care so all patients can live better lives. The NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines) provide transparent, evidence-based, expert consensus recommendations for cancer treatment, prevention, and supportive services; they are the recognized standard for clinical direction and policy in cancer management and the most thorough and frequently-updated clinical practice guidelines available in any area of medicine. The NCCN Guidelines for Patients provide expert cancer treatment information to inform and empower patients and caregivers, through support from the NCCN Foundation. NCCN also advances continuing education, global initiatives, policy, and research collaboration and publication in oncology. Visit NCCN.org for more information.

About the NCCN Foundation

The NCCN Foundation empowers people with cancer and their caregivers by delivering unbiased expert guidance from the world's leading cancer experts through the library of NCCN Guidelines for Patients and other patient education resources. The NCCN Foundation is also committed to advancing cancer treatment by funding the nation's promising young investigators at the forefront of cancer research. For more information about the NCCN Foundation, visit nccnfoundation.org.

Media Contact:

Rachel Darwin

267-622-6624

darwin@nccn.org

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Rise in demand for quick-service restaurants and fast-food chains and change in consumer lifestyles have fueled the market expansion. Technological advancements leading to energy-efficient and smart kitchen appliances have attracted buyers from various establishments, driving the sales of commercial cooking equipment. Moreover, growth in food safety regulations and hygiene standards has prompted establishments to upgrade their equipment. Furthermore, the expansion of the hospitality sector, including hotels and catering services, has boosted the market demand in recent years.

WILMINGTON, Del., Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Commercial Cooking Equipment Market by Product Type (Braising Pans/Tilting Skillets, Broilers/Char Broilers/Grills/Griddles, Cook-chill Systems, Fryers, Cookers, Ranges, Kettles, Steamers, Ovens and Others), and End Use (Full-Service Restaurants, Quick-Service Restaurants and Catering): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2024-2034". According to the report, the global commercial cooking equipment market size was valued at $13.7 billion in 2023, and is projected to reach $18.6 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 2.9% from 2024 to 2034.

Download Sample Pages of Research Overview: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/2365

Prime determinants of growth

Rise in demand in the foodservice industry, fueled by change in consumer lifestyles and increased dining out trends are the primary factor driving the growth of commercial equipment market. Technological advancements in cooking equipment, focusing on energy efficiency, automation, and smart features, are attracting businesses seeking to optimize operations. In addition, stringent food safety regulations and hygiene standards have prompted establishments to upgrade their equipment. The expansion of quick-service restaurants and cloud kitchens globally has boosted the demand for high-capacity, efficient cooking solutions. Moreover, growing awareness of sustainability has led to the adoption of eco-friendly equipment. Urbanization and the rise of the hospitality sector in emerging economies are creating new market opportunities. Furthermore, the increase in popularity of open kitchens in restaurants drives the demand for aesthetically pleasing, high-performance equipment. These factors collectively contribute to the rapid growth and evolution of the commercial cooking equipment market worldwide.

Report coverage & details:

Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 2024-2034 Base Year 2023 Market Size in 2023 $13.7 billion Market Size in 2034 $18.6 billion CAGR 2.9 % No. of Pages in Report 306 Segments Covered Product Type, End Use, and Region Drivers  Technological advancements and innovation  Increase in demand for energy-efficient appliances  Growth of the food service industry  Stringent food safety and hygiene regulations  Rise in adoption of smart kitchen equipment Opportunities  Rise in trend of cloud kitchens and food delivery services  Demand for customized and multifunctional equipment  Increased focus on sustainable and eco-friendly products Restraint  High initial investment costs  Maintenance and operational costs  Market saturation in developed regions

Buy This Research Report (308 Pages PDF with Insights, Charts, Tables, and Figures): https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/checkout-final/fc0c8c53e3d034a93f5832938747546d

The ranges segment led the market share in 2023.

By product type, the ranges segment held the highest market share in 2023 owing to their versatility and essential role in professional kitchens. Ranges, which combine ovens and stovetops, provide multiple cooking functions in a single appliance, which has made them essential equipment for a wide variety of cooking methods, from sauteing and boiling to baking and broiling. The ability of ranges to handle high volumes and intense usage makes them a staple in restaurants, hotels, and catering services. In addition, advancements in range technology, such as enhanced temperature control and energy efficiency, further boost the demand for this segment in the global commercial cooking equipment market.

The quick-service restaurant segment held the highest market share in 2023.

By end use, the quick-service restaurant segment held the highest market share in 2023 owing to its high demand for efficiency, speed, and consistency in food preparation. QSRs rely heavily on specialized equipment such as high-speed ovens, fryers, and griddles to deliver food quickly and maintain a high turnover rate. The need to serve a large volume of customers rapidly necessitates advanced cooking technologies that ensure fast cooking times without compromising quality. Moreover, QSRs often operate for extended hours, which further drives the demand for durable and reliable equipment. The rise of fast-food culture and the proliferation of global QSR chains further drive the dominance of this segment. Investment in cutting-edge, energy-efficient appliances also helps QSRs reduce operational costs and adhere to stringent health and safety regulations, which is expected to boost the growth of this segment in the coming years.

North America held the highest market share in 2023.

By region, North America held the highest market share in terms of revenue in 2023. The region has a well-established and growing food service industry, including a high concentration of restaurants, hotels, and catering services, which drives demand for advanced cooking equipment. Additionally, there is a strong emphasis on adopting the latest technologies and innovations, leading to higher investments in energy-efficient and smart kitchen appliances and equipment. Stringent food safety and hygiene regulations in the U.S. and Canada also necessitate regular upgrades and replacements of commercial kitchen equipment. Furthermore, the presence of leading manufacturers and suppliers in the region enhances market growth and availability of high-quality products. Lastly, the rise in trend of dining out and increase in popularity of various cuisines contribute to sustained demand for commercial cooking equipment in North America.

Key Players: -

Duke Manufacturing Co. Inc.

Electrolux

Dover Corporation

Illinois Tool Works (ITW), Inc.

Ali Group S.r.l.

Welbilt, Inc.

Middleby Corporation

Alto-Shaam, Inc.

Comstock-Castle Stove Co., Inc.

Atosa USA, Inc.

The report provides a detailed analysis of these key players in the global commercial cooking equipment market. These players have adopted different strategies such as new product launches, collaborations, expansion, joint ventures, agreements, and others to increase their market share and maintain dominant shares in different regions. The report is valuable in highlighting business performance, operating segments, product portfolio, and strategic moves of market players to showcase the competitive scenario.

Enquiry Before Buying: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/2365

Recent Industry Dev:

In March 2024, Garland introduced the XPress Grill to reduce energy consumption and enhance productivity in busy commercial kitchens. Its modular design allows for easy cleaning and maintenance, making it a valuable addition to any food service operation.

In January 2024, Henny Penny launched the latest generation of FlexFusion Combi Ovens. These ovens come with advanced humidity control and precision cooking capabilities, designed to optimize food quality and consistency. The new FlexFusion models are also equipped with enhanced data logging and remote monitoring features to help kitchen managers maintain peak performance.

In September 2023, Rational AG expanded its iCombi Pro line to offer products with features such as enhanced energy efficiency and more intuitive controls. The iCombi Pro ovens are known for their versatility and ability to adapt to various cooking methods, making them a staple in modern commercial kitchens. The new models also include improved self-cleaning functions and connectivity for smart kitchen integration.

In March 2023, Electrolux Professional introduced the SkyLine Cook and Chill system, which seamlessly integrates combi ovens and blast chillers. The system is designed to improve efficiency and food safety in professional kitchens by automating cooking and cooling processes.

In August 2022, Vulcan, a leading provider of commercial kitchen equipment, launched its K series heavy duty ranges to withstand the rigors of high-volume kitchens, offering precise temperature control and robust construction. The series includes multiple configurations to suit various cooking styles and kitchen layouts.

Explore AMR's Extensive ongoing Coverage on Consumer and Goods Domain:

Cookware Market Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2020-2030

Modular Commercial Kitchen Market Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032

900 Series Cooking Equipment Market Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032

Cooking Equipment Market Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032

Outdoor Cooking Table Market Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032

Kitchen Cooking Appliances Market Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032

Gut Hook Knives Market Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032

Electric Rice Cooker Market Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2019-2026

Household Appliances Market Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2024-2035

Range Hood and Cooktop Market Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2018-2030

France Cooking Equipment Market Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast

Japan Household Appliance Market Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast

About Us:

Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Wilmington, Delaware. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions." AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain.

Pawan Kumar, the CEO of Allied Market Research, is leading the organization toward providing high-quality data and insights. 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. 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.

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The surge in maritime transportation demand, driven by expanding global trade and e-commerce, significantly boosts the marine bunker oil market expansion. Concurrently, the expansion of LNG bunkering infrastructure supports the shift toward cleaner fuels, meeting stricter environmental regulations. Together, these factors enhance the availability and adoption of diverse fuel options, driving the growth and evolution of the marine bunker oil market.

WILMINGTON, Del., Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Marine Bunker Oil Market by Type (High Sulfur Fuel Oil, Low Sulfur Fuel Oil, Marine Gas Oil and Others), by Commercial Distributor (Oil Majors, Large Independent and Small Independent), and Application (Oil Tanker, Chemical Tanker, Gas Tanker and Others): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2024-2033". According to the report, the marine bunker oil market was valued at $151.0 billion in 2023, and is estimated to reach $280.7 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 6.5% from 2024 to 2033.

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Prime determinants of growth

The global marine bunker oil market has experienced growth due to several factors such as the growing shipbuilding industry trends and shift toward low sulfur & cleaner fuels. However, the high cost of compliance with low-sulfur requirements hinders market growth. Moreover, government incentives for cleaner fuel use opens avenues for the development of innovative, eco-friendly solutions present additional opportunities for the marine bunker oil market.



Report coverage and details:

Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 2024-2033 Base Year 2023 Market Size in 2023 $151 billion Market Size in 2033 $280.7 billion CAGR 6.5 % No. of Pages in Report 290 Segments Covered Type, Commercial Distributor, Application, and Region. Drivers Surge in maritime transportation demand

Expansion in offshore oil and gas exploration Opportunity Government incentives for cleaner fuel use Restraint High cost of compliance with low-sulfur requirements

Low Sulfur Fuel segment held the highest market share in 2023.

By type, the low sulfur fuel oil segment held the highest market share in 2023 and is estimated to dominate during the forecast period. This dominance is primarily driven due to International Maritime Organization's (IMO) 2020 regulations. These rules mandate that ships reduce sulfur emissions by switching to fuels with a maximum sulfur content of 0.5%. This shift away from high sulfur fuel oil (HSFO) to LSFO has been driven by the need to comply with these stringent environmental standards. LSFO's widespread adoption is also supported by its availability and compatibility with existing ship engines, making it the preferred choice for most of the global maritime fleet.

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Oil Majors segment held the highest market share in 2023.

By commercial distributor, the oil majors segment held the highest market share in 2023 and is estimated to dominate during the forecast period. This dominance stems from companies like Shell, BP, and ExxonMobil which control significant upstream oil production, refining, and distribution networks. This vertical integration allows them to offer competitive pricing and reliable fuel supply, crucial for large shipping companies. Their global presence and infrastructure enable them to serve major ports and shipping routes efficiently. In contrast, while large and small independents also play vital roles, especially in niche or regional markets, they often lack the scale and breadth of operations to compete directly with oil majors on a global scale.

Oil Tankers segment held the highest market share in 2023.

By application, the oil tankers segment held the highest market share in 2023 and are estimated to dominate during the forecast period. This dominance is due to the sheer volume of crude oil and refined petroleum products transported globally. Oil tankers are some of the largest vessels, requiring significant quantities of bunker oil for propulsion and operations. In addition, the oil trade's high demand and consistent activity ensure a steady and substantial consumption of bunker fuel. In comparison, chemical and gas tankers, while important, do not match the oil tankers' scale in terms of fuel usage. The robust global oil trade and the extensive fleet of oil tankers drive the dominance of this segment in the marine bunker oil market.

Asia-Pacific held the highest market share in 2023.

By region, Asia-Pacific held the highest market share in 2023. This leadership is primarily due to the region's extensive maritime trade activities and its strategic location along major shipping routes. Key ports such as Singapore, Shanghai, and Hong Kong serve as critical bunkering hubs, facilitating substantial fuel supply to the vast number of vessels traversing these routes. In addition, the rapid industrialization and economic growth in countries such as China and South Korea drive significant demand for marine bunker oils. The region's robust infrastructure and investment in port facilities further consolidate its dominance in the marine bunker oil market.

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Leading Market Players: -

bp p.l.c.

TotalEnergies

Neste

Shell Plc

Exxon Mobil Corporation.

LUKOIL

Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS)

Chevron Corporation.

Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited

Indian Oil Corporation Ltd

The report provides a detailed analysis of these key players in the global marine bunker oil market. These players have adopted different strategies such as new product launches, collaborations, expansion, joint ventures, agreements, and others to increase their market share and maintain dominant shares in different regions. The report is valuable in highlighting business performance, operating segments, product portfolio, and strategic moves of market players to highlight the competitive scenario.

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Singapore Bunker Fuel Market Size, Share, Competitive Landscape and Trend Analysis Report, by Type, Commercial Distributor and Application: Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2030

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US in-store media provider hires EMEA retail media expert to expand global footprint

INDIANAPOLIS, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Vibenomics, a Mood Media Company, today announced the appointment of Brendan Carey as Group Director of Retail Media, EMEA, marking the company's strategic expansion into the European focused (EMEA) markets. This key hire leverages Mood Media's extensive EMEA footprint, allowing Vibenomics to bring its innovative in-store media solutions to a broader international audience.

Carey will use his extensive experience in the ad tech and retail media sectors to spearhead Vibenomics' EMEA expansion and lead its efforts to replicate its U.S. success across key EMEA markets.

"Our expansion into EMEA represents a pivotal moment for Vibenomics and the retail media industry as a whole. We're bringing a proven, data-driven advertising solution that has transformed the in-store experience for retailers and brands across the U.S.," said Paul Brenner, SVP Global Retail Media and Partnerships. "Brendan's deep understanding of the EMEA retail landscape, proven track record in ad tech and his overall retail media knowledge make him the ideal leader to help retailers monetize their physical spaces more effectively while providing brands with unparalleled access to shoppers at the point of decision."

The Vibenomics platform, which hosts both audio and digital screen capabilities, offers a unique impressions based measurement model and seamless integration with marketplace technologies. As part of its EMEA strategy, Vibenomics is actively building strategic relationships with key industry players, including the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) and major media agencies.

"Vibenomics' move into EMEA is a natural progression of our global vision," said Malcolm McRoberts, CEO of Mood Media. "By leveraging Mood Media's extensive international presence and Vibenomics' cutting-edge technology, we're poised to lead a global shift in how brands connect with consumers in physical retail environments and transform the retail media landscape across these vital markets."

The company is currently in talks with several prominent EMEA Retail Media Networks and agencies to establish commercial partnerships, furthering its mission to digitize in-store media across the region.

For more information about Vibenomics and its EMEA expansion, please visit www.vibenomics.com.

About Vibenomics

Vibenomics, a Mood Media Company, is the leading in-store digital advertising provider. Our platform provides a single, all-in-one retail media network, empowering retailers to digitize their on-premise experience and advertisers to connect with customers via display, audio and experiential channels. Through a first-of-its-kind turnkey solution, this model delivers the ubiquity and revenue-generating capabilities needed to drive the next iteration of retail media. Acquired by Mood Media in 2023, Vibenomics works with hundreds of CPGs and more than 50 endemic and non-endemic categories today. The company plans to expand its retail locations to more than 500,000 worldwide. To learn more about Vibenomics, visit https://www.vibenomics.com.

Contact:

Abby Lewis

BLASTmedia for Vibenomics

317.806.1900 x 136

Abby@blastmedia.com

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COPENHAGEN, Denmark, September 12, 2024 - Bavarian Nordic A/S (OMX: BAVA), the vaccine manufacturer of MVA-BN, the only approved non-replicating smallpox and mpox vaccine (marketed as JYNNEOS, IMVAMUNE and IMVANEX) today provided an update of its supply and manufacturing activities in support of the ongoing mpox outbreak.

Since the declaration of mpox as a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS) by the Africa Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the subsequent declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by the World Health Organization (WHO), Bavarian Nordic has intensified the collaboration with global stakeholders to support the joint efforts to combat the mpox outbreak.

Importantly, thanks to donations from the European Commission, the U.S. government and Bavarian Nordic, the first doses of MVA-BN arrived last week in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the epicenter of the mpox outbreak. More than 250,000 doses have already been shipped, and further donations of more than 500,000 doses of MVA-BN have so far been pledged by other countries.

UNICEF and Africa CDC have indicated that there is an urgent need for sufficient vaccine to protect up to 1 million people in the high-risk areas of the DRC, while potentially up to 10-12 million doses could be required through 2025. Bavarian Nordic is committed to ensuring equitable access to its mpox vaccine, and in response to the current outbreak and the strong demand from governments and organizations, including HERA, Gavi, UNICEF and Africa CDC, the Company has prioritized the production of MVA-BN for the rest of the year to provide up to 2 million doses by year-end.

This decision has meant that certain existing orders for 2024 will be pushed out to 2025 to provide greater flexibility to fulfill additional urgent and imminent needs in other markets. While this will defer part of the planned revenue for 2024 into next year, new orders entered in the recent weeks will offset the deferred revenue, and thus the Company's financial guidance for 2024 remains unchanged.

These new supply contracts include multi-year agreements with countries across different continents, including countries who have pledged vaccines for Africa. In addition, Bavarian Nordic has responded to the UNICEF emergency tender, calling for the immediate supply of up to 2 million doses in 2024, and has ongoing discussions with other organizations and individual governments around the globe.

Bavarian Nordic has informed Gavi and UNICEF that by focusing the full capacity to address the current public health emergency, the Company could supply up to 13 million MVA-BN doses by the end of 2025, including 2 million in 2024. While this appears to be sufficient to meet the anticipated short- to medium-term demand as expressed by customers and partners, the Company continues to explore additional levers that could further expand the capacity. This includes looking to transfer manufacturing to other companies either in Africa or other parts of the world. Based on these early, but highly constructive discussions, together with further planned improvements in the manufacturing process, Bavarian Nordic has identified another 50 million doses that pending regulatory approvals and demand could be supplied during the next 12-18 months.

Paul Chaplin, President & CEO of Bavarian Nordic, said: "As the supplier of the only non-replicating mpox vaccine that has shown to be highly effective during an mpox outbreak, we have been working closely with all governments and organizations to support the international efforts to combat the latest public health emergency. Just as during the outbreak in 2022/23, we will support all requests for vaccine and have already secured agreements and submitted responses to the UNICEF tender that will hopefully secure more access to MVA-BN globally. We remain committed to the equitable access either through prioritizing our own capacity, accelerating planned improvements in the manufacturing process and by exploring ways to further expand capacity through partnerships around the globe. Once again Bavarian Nordic, through innovation and our commitment to improving and saving lives has stepped forward as an important part of the international community's response to the current public health emergency."

About Bavarian Nordic

Bavarian Nordic is a fully integrated vaccine company with a mission to protect and save lives through innovative vaccines. We are a global leader in smallpox and mpox vaccines, supplied to governments to enhance public health preparedness, and have a strong portfolio of vaccines for travelers and endemic diseases. For more information visit www.bavarian-nordic.com .

Forward-looking statements

This announcement includes forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside of our control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning our plans, objectives, goals, future events, performance, and/or other information that is not historical information. All such forward-looking statements are expressly qualified by these cautionary statements and any other cautionary statements which may accompany the forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances after the date made, except as required by law.

Contacts

Europe: Rolf Sass Srensen, Vice President Investor Relations, rss@bavarian-nordic.com , Tel: +45 61 77 47 43

US: Graham Morrell, Paddock Circle Advisors, graham@paddockcircle.com , Tel: +1 781 686 9600

Attachment
Micro Rover "TENACIOUS" Integrated into Lander, New Payload Customer Announced

To mark Japan's national Space Day, ispace, inc. (ispace) (TOKYO: 9348), a global lunar exploration company, announced today that its Mission 2, featuring the RESILIENCE lunar lander and TENACIOUS micro rover, is now planned to launch no earlier than December 2024.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240912960170/en/

An image of ispace's RESILIENCE lunar lander at a JAXA facility in Tsukuba, Japan. (Photo: Business Wire)

At the press conference, held at the Tsukuba Research Support Center in Tsukuba City, Ibaraki, Japan, ispace released multiple updates on the progress of the RESILIENCE lunar lander as well as Mission 2.

"I am very happy to announce that the RESILIENCE lander assembly and integration is complete, and we are on schedule for our planned launch no earlier than this December, the landing site has been decided, and preparations for Mission 2 are progressing steadily," said Takeshi Hakamada, Founder CEO of ispace. "As we have said all along, Mission 2 development and mission planning are being determined based on feedback from the lessons learned during Mission 1. We are encouraged by the support from our stakeholders, and the entire team is working towards the success of the mission. Never Quit the Lunar Quest."

RESILIENCE Lunar Lander Development Progress

Testing of the structure thermal model of the RESILIENCE lunar lander began in 2023, at the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)'s Tsukuba Space Center. Since May 2024, various tests of the RESILIENCE flight model have been conducted and successfully completed.

In August 2024, the TENACIOUS micro rover, which was developed and assembled by ispace EUROPE S.A., ispace's European subsidiary, was shipped from Luxembourg to Japan and integrated into the lander's payload bay.

RESILIENCE, having completed nearly all testing, will be prepared for shipping in the coming weeks to Cape Canaveral, Fla., from where it will be launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.

Mission 2 Landing site

In addition to RESILIENCE lander progress updates, ispace announced its primary landing site for Mission 2 will be near the center of Mare Frigoris (Sea of Cold), 60.5 degrees north latitude and 4.6 degrees west longitude, an expansive basaltic plain situated in the Moon's northern hemisphere.

The primary landing site was chosen along with multiple contingencies to ensure operational flexibility while maintaining scientific and logistical continuity. The site meets the technical specifications of the RESILIENCE lander as well as exploration objectives for the TENACIOUS micro rover, in addition to mission requirements of other payload customers. Careful consideration of the target site criteria included continuous sun-illumination duration and communication visibility from the Earth. A projected landing date has not yet been announced.

"Now thinking back on Mission 1, to the message 'Just Landed in our Hearts' that one of our engineers had given me after our first landing attempt on April 26, 2023, and with the thoughts of all of you who are counting on us, we confidently look forward to the launch of Mission 2," said Ryo Ujiie, CTO of ispace. "This is the next step for ispace and the RESILIENCE lander, leading to our second attempt to land on the Moon and explore beyond."

Final Payload Manifest

Today, ispace announced its final payload customer for Mission 2, from artist Mikael Genberg, a small red house framed in Swedish-style white known as the "Moonhouse," which will travel to the Moon. The Moonhouse is an artistic and epic story that Mikael has envisioned for 25 years. The story of the Moonhouse, a small red house on the surface of the Moon, will finally come to fruition with ispace leading to an iconic artwork filled with new possibilities and new ideas.

The Moonhouse is expected, after space travel in the payload bay of the RESILIENCE lander, secured in the front of the TENACIOUS rover, to be deployed on the Moon's surface.

"The Moonhouse is a fantastic project, and we are incredibly pleased to be part of finally realizing it. The vision of the artwork merges with our own; to expand our planet and future, and to extend the sphere of human life into space," said Julien-Alexandre Lamamy, CEO of ispace-EUROPE.

In addition to Moonhouse, the following five payloads have been integrated and are prepared for the launch of Mission 2:

Water electrolyzer equipment from Takasago Thermal Engineering Co., a HAKUTO-R corporate partner

A self-contained module for food production experiments from Euglena Co.

A deep space radiation probe developed by the Department of Space Science and Engineering, National Central University, Taiwan

A commemorative alloy plate modeled after "Charter of the Universal Century" and developed by Bandai Namco Research Institute, Inc.

ispace's TENACIOUS micro rover developed by ispace-EUROPE

Supporting Company Updates

As of September 2024, Tokyo Keiki Corporation, a manufacturer of cutting-edge infrastructure measurement, cognition, and control devices, has joined the HAKUTO-R program as a supporting company. Tokyo Keiki Corporation identified the space sector as a growth drivers of its long-term vision "TOKYO KEIKI Vision 2030" and intends to expand its business offerings. The two companies will collaborate on research and development of space equipment to contribute to the realization of a lunar economy.

About ispace

ispace, a global lunar resource development company with the vision, "Expand our planet. Expand our future.", specializes in designing and building lunar landers and rovers. ispace aims to extend the sphere of human life into space and create a sustainable world by providing high-frequency, low-cost transportation services to the Moon. The company has business entities in Japan, Luxembourg, and the United States with approximately 300 employees worldwide. For more information, visit: www.ispace-inc.com and follow us on X: @ispace_inc.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240912960170/en/

Contacts:

Andrew C. Ames

Global Communication Specialist

ispace, inc.

a-ames@ispace-inc.com
- ZT002 was safe and well tolerated in both biweekly and monthly dosing arms in patients with overweight or obesity with a tolerability profile aligned with the GLP-1RA class

- The open-label extension with ZT002 120 mg, once-monthly, showed 17.1% reduction in body weight at 30 weeks

BEIJING, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Beijing QL Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd. ("QL Biopharm" or the "Company"), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing innovative biologic drugs for the treatment of metabolic diseases, today announces Phase 1c clinical data for its lead drug candidate ZT002 was presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) Annual Meeting 2024, Madrid, Spain.

The presentation titled 'ZT002, a novel ultra long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist in adults with overweight or obesity: A randomized, placebo-controlled, multiple ascending dose phase 1c study' highlighted recent findings on QL Biopharm's lead drug candidate ZT002 - a novel ultra long-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) in development for obesity with monthly subcutaneous administration.

The study enrolled 28 overweight/obese patients in Part A in two cohorts. Eligible participants were randomly assigned to receive biweekly (Q2W) subcutaneous injections of ZT002 (dose escalated to 40 or 80 mg; n=10+10) or matched placebo (n=4+4) for a 12- or 14- week treatment period, in the 40 mg and 80 mg dose arms, respectively. The primary endpoints were safety and tolerability, and secondary endpoints were pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and immunogenicity. All endpoints were met. Following a 6-week off-drug period, for assessment of pharmacokinetics, Part A was followed by an open-label extension (Part B). In this extension patients from the ZT002 80 mg Q2W cohort voluntarily participated in an additional 12 weeks of treatment with a once-monthly (Q4W) administration of ZT002 120 mg (n=8). The primary endpoints were safety and tolerability, and secondary endpoints were pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and immunogenicity. All endpoints were met.

Key conclusions from today's presentation are outlined below:

ZT002 was considered safe and well tolerated across the investigated dose range, with a favorable tolerability profile aligned with the GLP-1RA class. The tolerability with both Q2W and Q4W dosing improved over time.

The majority of adverse events (AEs) were mild or moderate in severity, no serious AEs were reported in the ZT002 treatment groups.

Gastrointestinal (GI) treatment emergent adverse events were consistent with the GLP-1RA class; Most common treatment-related adverse events were nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, occurring primarily during dose escalation and decreasing once target dose was reached.

The GI AE profile of monthly dosing in Part B appeared similar to biweekly dosing in Part A

In Part A, ZT002 demonstrated statistically significantly higher weight reduction compared to placebo with 13.0% body weight reduction from baseline to 14 weeks with ZT002 80 mg Q2W (p<0.001 vs placebo 1.7% body weight reduction). 9.6% body weight reduction from baseline to 12 weeks with ZT002 40 mg Q2W (p<0.001 vs placebo 0.8% body weight reduction).

In Part B, a 17.1% body weight reduction from baseline was seen at 30 weeks, when further administering ZT002 120 mg once-monthly (after a 6-week off-drug period).

All doses of ZT002 showed improved cardiometabolic parameters including blood pressure, waist circumference, insulin sensitivity, lipids, and liver enzyme levels.

The results support further clinical investigation of ZT002 dosed monthly as a treatment for obesity. A Phase 2 program evaluating ZT002 for chronic weight management has been initiated in China and regulatory interaction is planned with U.S. FDA to advance the program outside China.

Dr. Zhang Xujia, Ph.D., Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of QL Biopharm said: "We are pleased to present data highlighting the potential of ZT002 and its promising clinical profile in obesity care. The additional advantage of monthly dosing simplifies life for patients living with obesity. We look forward to advancing the Phase 2 program for ZT002 in overweight and obesity and providing further updates in due course."

Abstracts are available on the EASD website here, and on the QL Biopharm website here.

NOTES TO EDITORS

About QL Biopharm

QL Biopharm is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel best-in-class peptide therapeutics for metabolic diseases. The Company leverages its proprietary E. coli manufacturing process enabling rapid and cost-effective scaling of manufacturing for high volume markets. The lead drug candidate, ZT002, is an ultra long-acting subcutaneously administered GLP-1 receptor agonist, currently in a Phase 2 study for obesity and in Phase 1 for type 2 diabetes. In Phase 1 studies, ZT002 demonstrated potential for once-monthly dosing with compelling weight loss and tolerability consistent with the GLP-1RA class. The Company is also advancing a broader portfolio of novel preclinical assets for the treatment of metabolic diseases, in addition to its biosimilar semaglutide program, currently in Phase 3. QL Biopharm is led by a team of pharma industry veterans with expertise in E. coli-based peptide manufacturing and the development of drugs for metabolic diseases. The Company is backed by leading professional life science investors.

For additional information, please visit https://qlbiopharm.com/

About EASD

The European Association for the Study of Diabetes e.V. (EASD) is a membership-based academic non-profit organization. It was founded in 1965 and its headquarters is based in Duesseldorf, Germany. The aims of the Association are to encourage and support research in the field of diabetes, the rapid diffusion of acquired knowledge and to facilitate its application.

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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.

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Advancements in Cybersecurity Technologies Drive Global Market Growth

PR Newswire

BOSTON, Sept. 12, 2024

Discover the Future of Cybersecurity: In-Depth Market Analysis and Technological Advancements for Strategic Decision-Making

BOSTON, Sept. 12, 2024 "According to the latest BCC Research study, the demand for "Cybersecurity: Technologies and Global Markets" is expected to grow from $229.3 billion in 2024 to $396.8 billion by the end of 2029, at a compound annual growth rate, or CAGR, of 11.6% from 2024 to 2029."

The report offers a comprehensive overview of the global cybersecurity market, detailing base year data from 2023 and projections from 2024 to 2029. It evaluates market revenue across various segments, including security type, solution type, deployment mode, organization size, and end-user industry, as well as by regions such as North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World. The report highlights key market trends and challenges, alongside developments in environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG), patents, and innovative technologies. Additionally, it covers funding trends for startups and provides an in-depth analysis of the competitive landscape, featuring profiles of leading companies and notable startups in the sector.

In today's interconnected world, the importance of staying updated with cybersecurity reports cannot be overstated. Recent high-profile incidents, including sophisticated ransomware attacks and significant data breaches, underscore the ever-present and evolving nature of cyber threats. These reports are essential for both businesses and individuals, providing critical insights into the latest vulnerabilities and emerging risks. By analyzing current cybersecurity trends and vulnerabilities, governments, organizations, and stakeholders can proactively identify weaknesses in their systems. This enables them to implement robust measures and strategies to protect their critical assets and sensitive information. In an era where digital threats are increasingly pervasive and complex, leveraging such reports is vital for enhancing overall cybersecurity resilience and mitigating potential risks effectively.

Please click here for more details on " The Global Market for Cybersecurity Technologies Report."

The following factors drive the global market for cybersecurity technologies:

Increase in Ransomware and Target-Based Cyberattacks: Ransomware attacks have surged worldwide, encrypting data and demanding ransoms. Critical sectors like infrastructure, healthcare, and finance are frequent targets, driving up the need for strong cybersecurity measures to protect against these disruptive threats.

Growing Digital Transformation Initiatives: As organizations adopt digital technologies like cloud services and IoT, new vulnerabilities emerge. Protecting data and networks becomes essential to address the cybersecurity risks introduced by these advancements.

Rising Number of Online Financial Transactions: The growth in online banking, e-commerce, and digital payments increases the risk of cyber threats to financial data. Robust cybersecurity is crucial for safeguarding transactions and maintaining trust in digital financial systems.

Adoption of E-Commerce and E-Governance: E-commerce and e-governance are becoming central to global trade and public services. With more transactions and services moving online, strong cybersecurity is vital to protect data and secure digital interactions.

Request a sample copy of the global market for cybersecurity technologies reports.

Report Synopsis

Report Metrics Details Base year considered 2023 Forecast Period considered 2024-2029 Base year market size $208.1 Billion Market Size Forecast $396.8 Billion Growth rate CAGR of 11.6% during 2024-2029 Segment Covered By Security Type, Solution Type, Deployment Mode, Organization Size, End-User Industry, and Region Regions covered North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World (RoW) Countries covered U.S., Canada, Mexico, Germany, U.K., France, Rest of Europe (Russia, Ukraine, Italy, and Spain), China, Japan, India, Rest of Asia-Pacific (South Korea, Taiwan, Australia), Brazil, Saudi Arabia, and Iran Key Market Drivers  Increase in ransomware and target-based cyberattacks  Growing digital transformation initiatives, such as cloud services, IoT devices, and remote work solutions  Rising number of online financial transactions  Adoption of e-commerce and e-governance

Key Interesting Facts About the global market for cybersecurity technologies:

Data Breach Costs:

In 2023, the global average cost of a data breach was $4.45 million, representing a 2.3% increase from the previous year.

The U.S., Middle East, Japan, Canada, and Germany were the top five regions with the highest average data breach costs.

Preferred Security Types:

Network and endpoint security are the most preferred security measures.

A survey by Key factor revealed that 98% of organizations struggle to secure their IoT and connected products.

Cyberattacks on IoT and connected products cost an average of $2.25 million per organization.

Cloud Security Adoption:

Companies are increasingly adopting cloud-based solutions due to their ease of implementation and lower maintenance requirements.

This trend has led to a higher demand for cloud security solutions.

Technological Advancements in Cybersecurity:

AI , ML, and automation play crucial roles in improving threat detection, response, and predictive analytics.

Technologies like blockchain and defensive AI enhance real-time threat detection and data integrity.

The global market for cybersecurity technologies report includes in-depth data and analysis addressing the following important queries:

1.What is the projected market size and growth rate of the cybersecurity market?

The global cybersecurity market was valued at $208.1 billion in 2023 and will reach $396.8 billion by 2029, with a CAGR of 11.6% during the forecast period i.e., 2024-2029.

2.What are the key factors driving the growth of the global cybersecurity market?

The key drivers for the market growth include: Increasing ransomware and target-based cyberattacks. Growing digital transformation initiatives. Accelerating online financial transactions. Rising adoption of e-commerce and e-governance.



3.By security type, which segment will dominate the market by the end of 2029?

The network security segment will dominate the market by the end of 2029 driven by their usage in monitoring the entire traffic on the network and identifying any malicious behavior observed within a network.

4.Which region has the highest market share in the global cybersecurity market?

In 2023, North America had the highest market share of 42.7% in the global cybersecurity market cybersecurity market. This growth is driven by stringent data privacy regulations, increasing cyber threats, and a high adoption rate of advanced technologies such as AI, IoT, and big data.

Some of the Key Market Players Are:

ACCENTURE

AMAZON.COM INC.

BROADCOM

CHECK POINT SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGIES LTD.

CISCO SYSTEMS INC.

CROWDSTRIKE HOLDINGS INC.

F5 INC.

FORTINET INC.

IBM

INTEL CORP.

JUNIPER NETWORKS INC.

MICROSOFT CORP.

OKTA INC.

ORACLE

PALO ALTO NETWORKS

RAPID7

SENTINELONE

THALES

TREND MICRO INC.

ZSCALER INC.

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Global Spatial Computing Market: This report provides a comprehensive overview of the global spatial computing market, analyzing current and future market potential through 2028. It details competitive dynamics, the relationship between the metaverse and spatial computing, and factors driving market trends, opportunities, and challenges. The report categorizes the market by offerings (hardware, software, services) and technologies (AR, VR, MR, IoT, AI, and more), and includes regional analyses for North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World. Market estimates are based on 2022 data with projections in constant U.S. dollars.

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Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 12, 2024) - Bayridge Resources Corp. (CSE: BYRG) (OTC Pink: BYRRF) (FSE: O0K) ("Bayridge" or the "Company") has completed Phase I exploration at the 11,142 ha Constellation uranium project in Canada's Athabasca Basin region.

The program was successful in highlighting several areas of anomalous spectrometer cps (counts per second) anomalies (see Figure 1), several of which were associated with the VTEM conductors identified from the Geotech VTEM survey flown earlier in the summer (see 2024-Jul-17 News Release). A total of 15 spot radiometric anomalies or anomalous zones were identified, largely associated with VTEM conductors or the boundaries of magnetic highs and magnetic lows, areas believed to be prospective for uranium mineralization.





Figure 1 Constellation Project Spectrometer Anomalies

(Readings in CPS or counts per second)



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"The series of radiometric occurrences, largely associated with VTEM conductors and boundaries of magnetic highs and magnetic lows, suggests Constellation is indeed prospective for uranium mineralization," commented President & CEO, Saf Dhillon. "As a result of our successful ground-truthing program, we have instructed our consultants to initiate a Level 2 Exploration Permit with the aim of commencing a fully funded maiden drilling program in H1 2025," he continued.

A crew of 5 personnel thoroughly prospected all five target zones identified from the VTEM survey utilizing hand-held RS-125 and RS-230 gamma-ray spectrometers. Fifteen new radioactive zones were identified from the ground reconnaissance program, with measurements ranging between 1000 CPS and 65,000 CPS. The majority of the radioactive showings are along NE-trending contacts between metasedimentary rocks (represented by magnetic lows) and granite (represented by magnetic highs), that are also proximal to VTEM conductors. A total of 43 rock samples were collected over the 15 radioactive zones and characterized by hydrothermally altered fractures, shears, pegmatites, and veins hosted in metasedimentary and foliated granite rock-types.

The Constellation property has favourable geology for basement-hosted unconformity-style uranium deposits. The regional geology and magnetics have defined structural lineaments trending NNW and ESE, which could represent structural conduits between the Archean granite inlier and graphitic metasediments that have been mapped on the property. These types of structural zones typically act as pathways for hydrothermal activity. Historical NE-trending conductors have also been outlined on the property but are under-explored and un-drilled. Strong EM conductors are proven targets associated with unconformity and basement-hosted uranium mineralization in and around the Athabasca Basin.1

Bayridge has the right to earn up to an 80% interest in Constellation through a series of cash payments, share issuances and exploration expenditures over the next 4 years. Constellation is located 60 km southwest of the Key Lake Mine, and is accessible via helicopter or float plane, with potential winter road access from Highway 914.

R. Tim Henneberry, P.Geo. (BC), and a Consultant and Advisor to the Company, is the Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 who has reviewed and approved the technical content of this release.

About Bayridge Resources Corp.

Bayridge Resources Corp. is a green energy company advancing its portfolio of Canadian uranium and lithium projects. The 1,337 ha Waterbury East project is located 25 km northeast of the Cigar Lake Mine in the northeastern Athabasca Basin region. Geophysical surveys have identified a 7km long conductivity corridor where mid-2000's drilling highlighted faulted and altered basement rock with local uranium enrichment. Large sections of this corridor remain untested. The 11,142 ha Constellation project is located 60 km south of the present-day Athabasca Basin edge in an area of significant exploration activity for basement hosted uranium. Historic airborne radiometric, electromagnetic, and magnetic surveys identified electromagnetic conductors associated with magnetic lows. The 4,413 ha Sharpe Lake project, located in the Red Lake Mining District of Northern Ontario, hosts peraluminous S-type muscovite bearing pegmatite bearing granites in contact with metasediments. Preliminary sampling has highlighted anomalous rare-element values, potentially indicative of lithium mineralization.

Forward-looking information

Certain statements in this news release are forward-looking statements, which reflect the expectations of management regarding the Company's exploration and drill campaign plans at Constellation, enhanced magnetic and electromagnetic anomalies at Constellation, undertaking drilling at Constellation without additional financing or dilution and potential uranium and lithium discovery for the Company's projects. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the statements. No assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will occur or, if they do occur, what benefits the Company will obtain from them. Except as required by the securities disclosure laws and regulations applicable to the Company, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.

The CSE has not reviewed, approved, or disapproved the contents of this press release.

1 The Company cautions that similar results on its Constellation Project are not implied.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/223058

SOURCE: Bayridge Resources Corp.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 12, 2024) - Group Eleven Resources Corp. (TSXV: ZNG) (OTC Pink: GRLVF) (FSE: 3GE) ("Group Eleven" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has commenced drilling at the Carrickittle West Prospect ("Carrickittle West"), Republic of Ireland. The prospect spans across the Company's 76.56%-owned Stonepark Project ("Stonepark") and the Company's contiguous 100%-owned PG West Project ("PG West"). The Company also provides an update on its Ballywire discovery.

Stonepark - Targeting Another Significant Zinc Discovery at Carrickittle West

Drill program of 4-5 holes at Carrickittle West totalling approx. 1,700m (hole depths of 350m to 550m) testing the southern margin of the Limerick Volcanic Complex (" LVC "), a prospective area of approximately 11km in strike-length

"), a prospective area of approximately 11km in strike-length Targets include areas of brecciation and mineralization seen in previous drilling, the Kilteely volcanic centre and the SW extensions of the Coonagh Castle Fault (first intersected by Group Eleven, see news release dated 16-Jun-2022)

Volcanic centre at Kilteely, covering 2km x 6km, is the focus of renewed attention by the Company given its potential association with zinc mineralization - the only other interpreted volcanic centre in the LVC is located adjacent to the Pallas Green deposit1 (only 5km north of Carrickittle West)

Ballywire - Next Drill Results Imminent on Growing Zinc-Lead-Silver Discovery

The two-rig drill program at the Ballywire discovery at PG West is progressing well

Ballywire drilling this year now totals 5,880m (including 3,475m reported to date and eight holes pending assay results), with the total for the year expected to range from 7,000m to 8,000m

pending assay results), with the total for the year expected to range from 7,000m to 8,000m Next assay results are expected to include three holes from NE step-outs (G11-3552-15, -16 and 17) and one hole from a SW step-out (testing the 'B' gravity anomaly; G11-2654-03)

"We are excited to start our long-awaited follow-up drill program at the Carrickittle West prospect," stated Bart Jaworski, CEO. "This program aims to provide us with critical information needed to further unlock value on this 'Pallas Green lookalike' target and hopefully make another discovery. At Ballywire, we look forward to providing the market with new drill results shortly. As stated previously, work announced to date suggests Ballywire is increasingly showing signs of a major zinc-lead-silver discovery."

Exhibit 1. Drill Targets at Carrickittle West Prospect (Stonepark Project and PG West Project)

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Note: Pallas Green MRE is 45.4 million tonnes of 8.4% Zn+Pb (7.2% Zn + 1.2% Pb), Inferred (Glencore, Dec-31-2023); Stonepark MRE is 5.1 million tonnes of 11.3% Zn+Pb (8.7% Zn and 2.6% Pb), Inferred (Apr-17-2018); Outline of volcanic centres ("VC") derived from Peter Strogen (1983)

Exhibit 2. Drill Results Pending at Ballywire Discovery, PG West Project

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Note: In addition to the above seven holes pending assays (locations in yellow), not shown above is G11-2654-03 testing the 'B' gravity anomaly (located approx. 325m SW of G11-468-01)

Exhibit 3. Regional Map of PG West (100% Interest) and Stonepark (76.56% Interest) Projects

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Notes to Exhibit 3: (a) Pallas Green MRE is owned by Glencore (see Glencore's Resources and Reserves Report dated December 31, 2023); (b) Stonepark MRE: see the 'NI 43-101 Independent Report on the Zinc-Lead Exploration Project at Stonepark, County Limerick, Ireland', by Gordon, Kelly and van Lente, with an effective date of April 26, 2018, as found on SEDAR; and (c) the historic estimate at Denison was reported by Westland Exploration Limited in 'Report on Prospecting Licence 464' by Dermot Hughes dated May, 1988; the historic estimate at Gortdrum was reported in 'The Geology and Genesis of the Gortdrum Cu-Ag-Hg Orebody' by G.M. Steed dated 1986; and the historic estimate at Tullacondra was first reported by Munster Base Metals Ltd in 'Report on Mallow Property' by David Wilbur, dated December 1973; and later summarized in 'Cu-Ag Mineralization at Tullacondra, Mallow, Co. Cork' by Wilbur and Carter in 1986; the above three historic estimates have not been verified as current mineral resources; none of the key assumptions, parameters and methods used to prepare the historic estimates were reported and no resource categories were used; significant data compilation, re-drilling and data verification may be required by a Qualified Person before the historic estimates can be verified and upgraded to be compliant with current NI 43-101 standards; a Qualified Person has not done sufficient work to classify them as a current mineral resource and the Company is not treating the historic estimates as current mineral resources. 'Rathdowney Trend' is the south-westerly projection of the Rathdowney Trend, hosting the historic Lisheen and Galmoy mines.

Qualified Person

Technical information in this news release has been approved by Professor Garth Earls, Eur Geol, P.Geo, FSEG, geological consultant at IGS (International Geoscience Services) Limited, and independent 'Qualified Person' as defined under Canadian National Instrument 43-101.

About Group Eleven Resources

Group Eleven Resources Corp. (TSXV: ZNG) (OTC Pink: GRLVF) (FSE: 3GE) is a mineral exploration company focused on advanced stage zinc exploration in the Republic of Ireland. Group Eleven announced the Ballywire discovery in September 2022. Key intercepts to date include:

3.3m of 12.5% Zn+Pb and 48 g/t Ag (G11-468-01)

10.8m of 10.0% Zn+Pb and 109 g/t Ag (G11-468-03)

10.1m of 8.6% Zn+Pb and 46 g/t Ag (G11-468-06)

10.5m of 14.7% Zn+Pb, 399 g/t Ag and 0.31% Cu (G11-468-12)

11.2m of 8.9% Zn+Pb and 83 g/t Ag (G11-3552-03)

29.6m of 10.6% Zn+Pb, 78 g/t Ag and 0.15% Cu (G11-3552-12) and

6.1m of 11.4% Zn+Pb, 85 g/t Ag (G11-3552-13)

The Company's two largest shareholders are Glencore Canada Corp. (17.6% interest) and Michael Gentile (17.0%). Additional information about the Company is available at www.groupelevenresources.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.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Such statements include, without limitation, statements regarding the future results of operations, performance and achievements of the Company, including the timing, content, cost and results of proposed work programs, the discovery and delineation of mineral deposits/resources/ reserves and geological interpretations. 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: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, postulate and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking 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, but not limited to, variations in the nature, quality and quantity of any mineral deposits that may be located. All of the Company's public disclosure filings may be accessed via www.sedar.com and readers are urged to review these materials, including the technical reports filed with respect to the Company's mineral properties.

1 Pallas Green mineral resource estimate totals 45.4 million tonnes grading 7.2% Zn and 1.2% Pb (Inferred; Glencore Reserve and Resource Report, 2023)

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/223064

SOURCE: Group Eleven Resources Corp.
Introduces next-level security and data sovereignty for enterprises in highly regulated industries in UK and Germany with plans for global expansion

Mitel, a global leader in business communications, today announced the next evolution of its hybrid unified communications (UC) portfolio with the Mitel Common Communications Framework, an open blueprint for interoperability that enables organizations to deploy a consistent communications experience across on-premises and customer, partner, or Mitel-hosted cloud models for customers requiring a more secured dedicated instance. With this introduction, the company is also launching Mitel Secure Cloud, a new offering designed for organizations seeking the highest level of security, compliance, and data and operational sovereignty. This strategic expansion underscores Mitel's ability to meet growing demand for flexible and secure hybrid communications deployment models, making the company a frontrunner to serve the largest segment of the business communications market for years to come.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240912721915/en/

Mitel's approach to UC allows organizations to mix and match private cloud, public cloud, and on-premises deployments in the same environment to best suit their operational needs. (Photo: Business Wire)

Hybrid UC deployment models are projected to dominate business communications, with 91% of enterprises prioritizing a hybrid approach to meet evolving business objectives such as enabling collaboration between remote workers and in-office teams, ensuring control over sensitive data, and resiliency for mission-critical services.* Mitel's hybrid portfolio addresses these needs by delivering a mix of cloud and on-premises capabilities tailored to each customer's specific needs, providing flexibility, scalability, and unmatched control.

"Too often, the market tries to box unified communications into on-premises or cloud solutions where cloud is synonymous with UCaaS, but that's an outdated mindset. The truth is, UC isn't about where it lives it's about what it delivers for the customer," said Eric Hanson, chief marketing officer for Mitel. "Cloud isn't one-size-fits-all, which is why our approach isn't just about selling a product; it's about delivering the right combination of hosting, features, service delivery, and integrations to solve real business problems. With a hybrid cloud model and Mitel's Common Communications Framework, we're making that possible for every customer, on their terms."

Mitel's Common Communications Framework: Flexibility First

Mitel's Common Communications Framework delivers on that promise, combining the simplicity of the cloud with enterprise-level scalability to create an ideal balance of flexibility and control for both existing and new customers. Mitel's approach to UC allows organizations to mix and match private cloud, public cloud, and on-premises deployments in the same environment to best suit their operational needs.

Key benefits include:

Future-proofs and Extends Investments: Enables organizations to maximize existing PBX investments while also tapping into their preferred cloud hosting model to support growth and evolving operational needs.

Enables organizations to maximize existing PBX investments while also tapping into their preferred cloud hosting model to support growth and evolving operational needs. Simplicity at Scale : Adaptable to support organizations of all sizes, from 250 to 10,000+ users, across one or multiple locations.

: Adaptable to support organizations of all sizes, from 250 to 10,000+ users, across one or multiple locations. Support for a Diverse Workforce : Common experience for frontline and back-office teams improves employee engagement and productivity, regardless of location.

: Common experience for frontline and back-office teams improves employee engagement and productivity, regardless of location. AI-Driven Solutions and Industry-Specific Integrations: Powerful AI innovations via Mitel's AI ecosystem and deep integrations with 200+ business applications help streamline workflows and boost productivity.

The approach has captured interest from customers looking to adopt cloud capabilities at their own pace, as well as organizations with complex workforce requirements such as a public sector entity that requires always-on control of emergency services calls plus flexible collaboration for mobile law enforcement needing to connect with dispatch centers and in-office administration.

Mitel Secure Cloud: Next-level Control and Sovereignty

The Mitel Secure Cloud offering takes the hybrid approach and common framework one step further by offering the highest standards of data and operational sovereignty and compliance in a managed service offering, providing greater control and peace of mind for enterprises in highly regulated industries or countries.

Key benefits include:

Security Sovereignty, Right-sized : Customers can mitigate security concerns with a dedicated instance and three levels of data, operational sovereignty and compliance, built to support even strict European regulatory requirements.

: Customers can mitigate security concerns with a dedicated instance and three levels of data, operational sovereignty and compliance, built to support even strict European regulatory requirements. Seamless Workflows : Secure integration with third-party cloud services and business applications allows customers to streamline operations while mitigating data risks.

: Secure integration with third-party cloud services and business applications allows customers to streamline operations while mitigating data risks. Expert Guidance: Global managed services teams offer deep experience to ensure Secure Cloud customers have a fit-for-purpose solution from day one to ongoing management.

"Security incidents are increasingly prevalent, and when layered with regulatory requirements, we're seeing growing customer concern around how to best mitigate the risks," added Anurag Agrawal, founder and chief global analyst at Techaisle. "In fact, 50% of organizations cite security, data privacy and regulatory compliance as the most important consideration when choosing a communications vendor and that number grows in highly regulated industries like financial services. Mitel Secure Cloud offers the ultimate option for organizations facing this kind of complexity, without requiring them to make trade-offs in terms of ease or productivity."

Mitel Secure Cloud is now available in the UK and will be available in Germany in Q4 of 2024. Mitel plans for continued expansion of the offering globally, with its next releases coming in additional European countries throughout the first half of 2025.

Building on Strategic Momentum

This announcement represents a key milestone in the rollout of the portfolio strategy Mitel announced earlier this year following the company's 2023 acquisition of Unify. The integration of Unify's expertise has played a key role in extending Mitel's Common Communications Framework, providing customers with vertically integrated and multimodal solutions that blend on-premises and cloud technologies to meet the demands of diverse industries.

"By bringing together the best of both cloud and on-premises communications into a true UC experience, we're empowering customers to engage with our portfolio in the way that best suits their needs," said Martin Bitzinger, senior vice president of product management at Mitel. "It's a testament to what unified communications can be when you put customer needs first. We believe it's a recipe for success for customers, our channel partners, and Mitel alike."

For more information on Mitel's hybrid communications and new Secure Cloud solution, visit https://www.mitel.com/solutions/business-need/hybrid-communications.

* According to a June 2024 global survey of 1,954 organizations conducted by Mitel and Techaisle

About Mitel

A global market leader in business communications powering more than two billion business connections, Mitel helps businesses and service providers connect, collaborate, and provide innovative services to their customers. Our innovation and communications experts serve business users in more than 100 countries. For more information, go to www.mitel.com and follow us on LinkedIn and X @Mitel.

Mitel is the registered trademark of Mitel Networks Corporation.

All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240912721915/en/

Contacts:

Mitel Public Relations

pr@mitel.com
Chinese premier encourages Saudi companies to continuously deepen presence in Chinese market

Xinhua) 10:44, September 12, 2024

Chinese Premier Li Qiang speaks at a meeting with representatives of the Saudi business community in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Sept. 11, 2024. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin)

RIYADH, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Wednesday urged Saudi companies to deepen their involvement in the Chinese market, and invest with greater confidence.

Li made the remarks in a meeting with representatives of the Saudi business community including Saudi Public Investment Fund, Saudi Arabian Oil Company, Saudi Basic Industries Corporation, ACWA Power, and the Ajlan &Bros Holding Group. Saudi Minister of Commerce Majid bin Abdullah Al-Qasabi, Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih, and representatives from the China-GCC (the Gulf Cooperation Council) joint investment commission also attended the meeting.

During the meeting, Li said that in recent years, under the strategic guidance of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the political relationship between China and Saudi Arabia has remained stable, their development strategies are well-aligned, and the practical cooperation between the two countries has yielded fruitful results, with economic and trade cooperation in particular maintaining a strong momentum.

Against the backdrop of accelerating changes in the world unseen in a century and insufficient momentum for global economic recovery, there is increasing instability and uncertainty in international economic and trade cooperation, and entrepreneurs are keenly interested in finding the next promising investment destinations, said the Chinese premier.

China is comprehensively advancing Chinese modernization by promoting high-quality development, continuously unlocking the demand of a large-scale market of over 1.4 billion people, Li said, adding that the country is steadily pushing forward the digital, intelligent, and green transformation and upgrading its industries.

Technological innovation in such fields as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and bio-medicine remains vibrant, which will create new economic growth drivers and foster numerous high-growth companies, Li said.

This will provide broader market opportunities and investment prospects for businesses from various countries, including Saudi Arabia, Li said, encouraging more Saudi enterprises to visit China and better share the dividends of China's development.

The China-Saudi Arabia economic and trade cooperation is facing many favorable conditions for further deepening, Li pointed out, adding that entrepreneurs from both countries should seize the opportunities and play a bigger role.

He encouraged Saudi companies to expand and strengthen cooperation with China in traditional sectors such as oil and gas, petrochemicals, infrastructure, and trade, while enhancing cooperation in emerging and future industries like the digital and green economies.

Furthermore, Li said, the Saudi companies should actively serve as bridges to enhance friendship and mutual understanding between China and Saudi Arabia, and advance the China-Saudi Arabia comprehensive strategic partnership to new heights.

The Chinese government is committed to building a top-tier business environment that is market-driven, law-based and internationally oriented, Li added.

China will further relax market access, fully lift restrictions on foreign investment in the manufacturing sector, accelerate the opening of service sectors like telecommunications, and provide robust support for foreign enterprises, helping them establish a stronger presence in the country and achieve success in China, said the Chinese premier.

Hailing China as an important economic and trade partner for Saudi Arabia, representatives from the Saudi business community said that, in recent years, bilateral trade has repeatedly reached new heights, two-way investment has grown rapidly, and practical cooperation has yielded fruitful results.

President Xi's successful state visit to Saudi Arabia in 2022 has injected strong impetus into the development of bilateral relations, and the Belt and Road Initiative closely aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, said the representatives.

The Saudi business community is optimistic about China's economic development prospects and full of confidence in development in China, and is poised to seize opportunities, continue investing in China, leverage complementary advantages, innovate cooperation models, and deepen cooperation in such areas as energy, new energy, finance, electric vehicles, and the digital economy, they said.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang has a meeting with representatives of the Saudi business community in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Sept. 11, 2024. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
GOTHENBURG, Sweden, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Heart Aerospace, the Swedish hybrid-electric airplane maker, today unveils its first full-scale demonstrator airplane, marking a major milestone in the development of its regional hybrid-electric aircraft, the ES-30.

Built almost entirely in-house at Heart's Gothenburg facilities, the demonstrator reflects the company's strategy to simultaneously develop both the design and production processes.

"Our industry is approaching a 30-year innovation cycle, and we have less than 25 years to decarbonize aviation. We need to develop new methods to get net zero aerospace technologies to market faster," says Anders Forslund, co-founder and CEO of Heart Aerospace. "It is a testament to the ingenuity and dedication of our team that we're able to roll out a 30-seat aircraft demonstrator with a brand-new propulsion system, largely inhouse, in less than two years. "

With a commanding 32-meter wingspan, the demonstrator, named Heart Experimental 1 (Heart X1), will serve as a platform for rigorous testing and development of Heart's ES-30 aircraft.

Initially, the HX-1 will be used for ground-based testing, focusing on charging operations, taxiing, and turnaround procedures. It is scheduled to undertake a fully electric first flight in the second quarter of 2025. In preparation for this flight, Heart will over the coming months, test critical systems by running hardware tests both on and off the airplane.

Development of the Heart X1 has been funded in part by grants provided by the Swedish Innovation Agency, Vinnova, highlighting the essential collaboration between government and industry that is needed to bring new aviation technologies to market.

"Developing innovative net-zero propulsion aerospace technologies demands a revolution in product development and manufacturing, much like what we've witnessed in the automotive and space industries," said Ben Stabler, Chief Technology Officer at Heart Aerospace.

Building on the experience of developing the Heart X1, Heart is now focused on creating a state-of-the-art aircraft manufacturing process that leans into the latest technologies in composite manufacturing and product lifecycle management, building a data-driven assembly line with high repeatability, automation and non-destructive inspection.

Heart's next step in developing the ES-30 is the building of a pre-production prototype, the Heart X2, which will further mature the design and production methods based on lessons learned from the Heart X1.

The Heart X2 is scheduled for a hybrid flight in 2026 and will demonstrate the company's Independent Hybrid propulsion system. In August, Heart Aerospace was selected for a $4.1 million grant by the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Fuelling Aviation's Sustainable Transition (FAST) program to develop the management system for the hybrid-electric propulsion.

This momentum will continue with the establishment of a pilot manufacturing plant to accelerate prototyping toward the manufacturing of a fully conforming aircraft, with Heart targeting type certification of the ES-30 by the end of the decade.

The ES-30 is a regional hybrid-electric airplane with a standard seating capacity of 30 passengers, which promises to deliver unparalleled sustainability and efficiency on short-haul routes. With an electric zero-emission range of 200 kilometres and an extended hybrid range of 400 kilometres.

For more details join our live stream presentation at 13.00 CET, September 12th.

Please find more images and video here.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Heart Aerospace

Email: press@heartaerospace.com

Phone: +46 728 889 610

Christina Zander

christina.zander@heartaerospace.com

About Heart Aerospace

At Heart Aerospace we work at the cutting edge of technology while contributing towards a sustainable future. Heart's mission is to decarbonize and democratize air travel. This mission is grounded in the outlook that electric air travel will become the new normal for regional flights and can be transformational in addressing the industry's key sustainability challenges. www.heartaerospace.com

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LONDON, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Matthijs Wilhelmus, CEO of BASI Systems, has been named twice in the 2024 CEO Awards, winning the title of "Best CEO in the Pilates Equipment Industry" & "Growth Strategy CEO of the Year - Netherlands".

The 2024 CEO Awards celebrate the most respected C-level executives globally across various sectors. Unlike many accolades that focus on company success, these awards spotlight the individual achievements of senior executives who drive their corporations forward. The goal is to recognise worthy individuals and inspire other business leaders to achieve similar success.

Matthijs Wilhelmus assumed the role of BASI Systems CEO in late 2023, transitioning from his position as a Board Member. With a background spanning diverse industries, he brings extensive experience in brand-driven growth. "We strive for perfection in everything we do at BASI Systems," said Wilhelmus. "I am honoured to win these awards, and see them as a recognition for the hard work of all our teams in building a future-ready organisation."

As a former professional athlete, Wilhelmus embodies a relentless pursuit of excellence and a refusal to accept the status quo. Recognising the rapid developments in the fitness and lifestyle wellness market, the organisation restructured in 2023 to better support its customers' business growth. This involved revamping the commercial team, increasing investments in marketing and innovation, and optimising operations processes.

Today, BASI Systems, with Wilhelmus as its award-winning CEO, collaborates with thousands of Pilates professionals worldwide, in more than 70 countries across 6 continents, blending tradition with innovation and contemporary science. Leveraging years of teaching experience and industrial engineering expertise, the company's equipment is renowned for its quality, functionality, and design.

Wilhelmus recognizes the pivotal role of leadership at BASI Systems, along with the transformative potential of assembling the right team. "At BASI Systems, individual development and company advancement are intertwined. By ensuring the right people are in the right roles, we create a roadmap for success and build a high-performing organisation," added Wilhelmus. "Winning is a collaborative endeavour".

Pilates has captivated enthusiasts worldwide for generations. Rooted in its ability to strengthen while harmonising body and mind via the core principles laid down by Joseph and Clara Pilates - breath, concentration, control, precision, centre and flow. BASI Systems remains at the forefront of this movement, delivering unparalleled Pilates experiences for more than a decade.

The leadership of Matthijs Wilhelmus is a testament to the company's commitment to innovation, excellence, and customer satisfaction. Driving growth and embracing competition in a rapidly growing and diversifying industry, BASI Systems continues to set Pilates industry standards as an equipment manufacturer revered by practitioners for its commitment to handcrafted quality and design.

For more information about BASI Systems, visit www.basisystems.com

Further information about the Business Worldwide CEO Awards can be found at https://www.bwmonline.com/2024-ceo-awards-winners/

About Business Worldwide Magazine

Business Worldwide Magazine is the leading source of business and dealmaker intelligence throughout the world. Our quarterly magazine and online news portal enables an established audience of corporate dealmakers to track the latest news, stories and developments affecting the international markets, corporate finance, business strategy and changes in legislation. This readership includes CEO/CFO - Banks, Corporate Lawyers and Venture Capital/Private Equity Companies to name a few.

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Hyundai Motor and GM to investigate joint product development, manufacturing and future clean energy technologies

Both companies to target improved efficiencies and increased competitiveness through collaboration

NEW YORK, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- General Motors (NYSE: GM) and Hyundai Motor Company (KRX: 005380 KS) have signed an agreement to explore future collaboration across key strategic areas.

GM and Hyundai will look for ways to leverage their complementary scale and strengths to reduce costs and bring a wider range of vehicles and technologies to customers faster.

Potential collaboration projects center on co-development and production of passenger and commercial vehicles, internal combustion engines and clean-energy, electric and hydrogen technologies.

The two leading global OEMs also will review opportunities for combined sourcing in areas such as battery raw materials, steel and other areas.

The framework agreement was signed by Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung and GM Chair and CEO Mary Barra.

Barra said a partnership between the two companies has the potential to make vehicle development more efficient by driving greater scale and supporting disciplined capital allocation.

"GM and Hyundai have complementary strengths and talented teams. Our goal is to unlock the scale and creativity of both companies to deliver even more competitive vehicles to customers faster and more efficiently," said Barra.

Hyundai and GM's flexibility and agility will allow both companies to explore the development of their shared capabilities.

"This partnership will enable Hyundai Motor and GM to evaluate opportunities to enhance competitiveness in key markets and vehicle segments, as well as drive cost efficiencies and provide stronger customer value through our combined expertise and innovative technologies," said Chung.

Following the signing of the non-binding Memorandum of Understanding, assessment of opportunities and progression towards binding agreements will begin immediately.

Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements: This press release and related comments by management may include "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements are any statements other than statements of historical fact. Forward-looking statements represent our current judgment about possible future events and are often identified by words such as "anticipate," "appears," "approximately," "believe," "continue," "could," "designed," "effect," "estimate," "evaluate," "expect," "forecast," "goal," "initiative," "intend," "may," "objective," "outlook," "plan," "potential," "priorities," "project," "pursue," "seek," "should," "target," "when," "will," "would," or the negative of any of those words or similar expressions. In making these statements, we rely upon assumptions and analysis based on our experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, and expected future developments, as well as other factors we consider appropriate under the circumstances. We believe these judgments are reasonable, but these statements are not guarantees of any future events or financial results, and our actual results may differ materially due to a variety of factors, many of which are described in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and our other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or other factors that affect the subject of these statements, except where we are expressly required to do so by law.

General Motors?(NYSE:GM) is a global company focused on advancing an all-electric future that is inclusive and accessible to all. At the heart of this strategy is GM's battery platform, which will power everything from mass-market to high-performance vehicles. General Motors, its subsidiaries and its joint venture entities sell vehicles under the?Chevrolet,?Buick,?GMC,?Cadillac,?Baojun and?Wuling?brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including?OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety and security services, can be found at?https://www.gm.com.

Hyundai Motor Company

Established in 1967, Hyundai Motor Company is present in over 200 countries with more than 120,000 employees dedicated to tackling real-world mobility challenges around the globe. Based on the brand vision 'Progress for Humanity,' Hyundai Motor is accelerating its transformation into a Smart Mobility Solution Provider. The company invests in advanced technologies such as robotics and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) to bring about revolutionary mobility solutions while pursuing open innovation to introduce future mobility services. In pursuit of a sustainable future for the world, Hyundai will continue its efforts to introduce zero-emission vehicles equipped with industry-leading hydrogen fuel cell and EV technologies.

More information about Hyundai Motor and its products can be found at:

http://worldwide.hyundai.com or http://globalpr.hyundai.com

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SHENZHEN, China, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The International Digital Energy Expo 2024 (IDEE) successfully convened at the Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Center, featuring 412 exhibitors and attracting 70,100 attendees. Themed "Smart and Digital Energy for Tomorrow," the expo, spanning 50,000 square meters, spotlighted new energy solutions and fostered global discussions on the future of digital energy.

This year's expo featured seven principal exhibition areas: Electric Power System, Energy Storage, New Energy, Core Components of Energy Storage,Digitalization in Energy, Energy Support Services, and International Pavilions. Prominent exhibitors such as Southern Power Grid and BYD were joined by tech giants like Huawei and Tencent showcasing their latest high-tech offerings. Huawei Technologies unveiled the Global Smart Microgrid Solution, which is touted as the world's first and largest intelligent photovoltaic solution to date. Tencent Cloud mentioned that Tencent leverages its digital technology advantages to provide a "1+7+N" intelligent platform for the new energy industry chain. BYD emphasized the importance of integrated microgrid solutions combining photovoltaic storage and charging stations for global energy development and carbon neutrality. Southern Power Grid introduced AI innovations in the power sector, focusing on AGI and the development of "Da Watt," an NLP model enhancing intelligent power applications.

In the opening ceremony, a significant highlight was the unveiling of Shenzhen's "Digital Pioneer City Construction Plan (2024-2030)". Shenzhen has made significant strides in digital energy infrastructure, building ten high-quality power supply zones and 550 supercharging stations, surpassing the number of gas stations. With a new energy vehicle penetration rate exceeding 70%, Shenzhen also conducted the world's first V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid) commercialization test, demonstrating its potential to address extreme weather conditions and enhance urban resilience.

The main forum, titled "Digital New Technology-The Future of New Energy," featured prominent guests from both China and abroad. Through keynote speeches and roundtable discussions, they shared insights on the new opportunities in digital energy development and actively explored new pathways for the digital transformation of the energy sector. Additionally, more discussions were conducted on themes such as the digital energy industry, new power systems, digitalization of new energy, energy storage technology, industrial investment and financing, and the global low-carbon industry, fostering knowledge exchange to advance global sustainability goals.

For more information about International Digital Energy Expo 2024 (IDEE), please kindly visit

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CHANGCHUN, China, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- To uphold the brand concepts of "Advanced, High-Tech and Stylish," the world's new luxury automotive brand, HONGQI, has dedicated itself to creating the high-end electric intelligent super architecture, and named it FMEs. Moreover, one of the three core technology platforms under this architecture, HONGQI TianGong Electric Platform, is set to debut at the Paris Motor Show 2024.

HONGQI TianGong is a brand-new modular electric platform that covers HONGQI's latest all-electric vehicles lineup. Due to its highly modular characteristics, HONGQI can develop different types of vehicles on the same architecture, significantly enhancing production efficiency and shortening the development cycle for new models.

The platform's core highlight lies in its highly integrated electric drive system. It adopts a 400V/800V voltage architecture, supporting both rear-wheel and four-wheel drive configurations. The CTB technology and the use of high-rate cells significantly extends the range of vehicles produced on this platform, typically reaching 500 to 800 kilometers. Furthermore, it greatly improves fast-charging capabilities, allowing the battery to charge from 10% to 80% in 20 minutes. Additionally, the smart thermal management system monitors battery temperature in real-time, ensuring the device always operates at the optimal temperature and improves battery safety.

In addition to the TianGong Electric Platform, HONGQI has also established two other core technology platforms under FMEs: HONGQI JiuZhang Intelligent System and HONGQI HongHu Hybrid Platform. These three platforms represent HONGQI's latest achievements in new energy vehicles, intelligent driving, and hybrid technology. They bring together all major breakthroughs and the latest results from 8 major technology domains and 115 key technology fields.

In the global market, new energy vehicles are gaining widespread recognition due to their superior performance and efficiency compared to fuel-powered vehicles. They also offer lower purchase cost, and more flexible refueling options than fuel-powered vehicles, meeting the diverse needs of users.

Now, HONGQI is actively responding to this trend with the strategy of accelerating the electrification of its models across the board. At the same time, HONGQI is expanding its presence in international markets through close collaboration with local partners, further enhancing its global competitiveness. Currently, HONGQI's overseas network spans 28 countries, with a total of 128 stores. The spare parts availability rate has reached 95%, and after-sales service capabilities are steadily improving.

Looking ahead, HONGQI will keep anchoring its efforts in innovative research and development of new energy technologies, and pushing technological advancements to continuously provide high-value product experiences to users. The promising future of new energy vehicles presents HONGQI with expansive growth opportunities, and the development of HONGQI TianGong Electric Platform proves its exceptional strength in the new energy field.

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STOCKHOLM, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Navamedic ASA (OSE: NAVA), a Nordic pharma company and reliable provider of high-quality products to hospitals and pharmacies, has partnered with Alex Therapeutics, a digital health provider of disease and drug companion apps, to aid in Parkinson's treatment management. The app will be developed by Alex Therapeutics to support patients on Flexilev, a prescription treatment for Parkinson's disease.

The new companion app provides medication management support that addresses the specific needs and challenges of people living with Parkinson's disease. The app complements the next generation dose dispenser, OraFID, containing Flexilev, offering a unique combination to support patients to adhere to precise and individualized treatment regimens.

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder associated with loss of motor skills and non-motor functions such as cognitive ability, which can make it difficult to manage treatments. Digital health tools provide an opportunity to support patients with functions such as reminders and treatment logs.

"We are excited to collaborate with Alex Therapeutics to enhance the lives of Parkinson's patients through the companion app. This partnership not only reflects our commitment to making the treatment more accessible and manageable, but also underscores our dedication to easing the burden that patients face in their day-to-day care," shares Kathrine Gamborg Andreassen, CEO of Navamedic.

CEO and Founder of Alex Therapeutics, John Drakenberg, states, "We are proud to partner with Navamedic to bring this tailored solution to the Parkinson's community. Our goal is to empower patients to manage their treatments effectively, for better symptom relief and improved quality of life."

The companion app is set to be launched in Sweden, Norway and Denmark in the coming year, with plans for further global expansion.

About Navamedic

Navamedic ASA is a Nordic pharma company and reliable provider of high-quality products, delivered to hospitals and through pharmacies, meeting the specific needs of patients and consumers by leveraging its highly scalable market access platform, leading category competence and local knowledge. Navamedic is present in all the Nordic countries, the Baltics and Benelux, with sales representation in the UK and Greece. Navamedic is headquartered in Oslo, Norway, and listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange (ticker: NAVA). Senidose is a fully owned subsidiary of Navamedic. For more information, visit: www.navamedic.com

About Alex Therapeutics

Alex Therapeutics is a digital health company based in Stockholm and Boston that partners with pharmaceutical companies to support people with treatment and disease-related mental health challenges through clinically validated companion apps. Alex Therapeutics specializes in oncology and rare diseases, which typically entail complex treatment regimes and psychological distress. The company has a strong regulatory team to support CE and FDA approval as well as clinical evidence generation for SaMDs. For more information, visit: www.alextherapeutics.com

Media Contacts

Navamedic

Kathrine Gamborg Andreassen, CEO

kathrine@navamedic.com

Alex Therapeutics

Meera Montan, Director of Growth

meera.montan@alextherapeutics.com

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

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Senior team additions will accelerate Pantheon's innovation and digital transformation capabilities, and enhance client servicing and distribution reach

Arnab Mazumdar joins as Partner in newly created role as Chief Data Innovation Officer, following 16 years at BlackRock

joins as Partner in newly created role as Chief Data Innovation Officer, following 16 years at BlackRock Christian D'Amico joins as Managing Director and Head of German Speaking Europe, through which he will oversee client servicing and business development activity in these key markets across the firm's suite of products

joins as Managing Director and Head of German Speaking Europe, through which he will oversee client servicing and business development activity in these key markets across the firm's suite of products Brian Hanson joins as Managing Director in the firm's US Private Wealth division, which has seen growing momentum in the $3.7bn AMG Pantheon Fund (P-PEXX)

Pantheon, a leading global private markets investor, is delighted to announce the appointment of Arnab Mazumdar as Partner and Chief Data Innovation Officer, as well as two new Managing Directors, Christian D'Amico and Brian Hanson, to continue to expand the firm's presence and reach in key global growth markets.

Mr. Mazumdar will spearhead and accelerate digital and data innovation across the firm. He will lead and evolve Pantheon's digital transformation strategy, including the firm's data capabilities and analytics. He joins Pantheon following 16 years at BlackRock, where he held several leadership positions, including Chief Digital Officer for BlackRock Private Markets and Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of the Multi-Asset Solutions Group, the firm's multi-asset private markets investment team.

Mr. D'Amico will serve as Head of German Speaking Europe. Within this role, he will oversee client servicing and business development across the firm's portfolio of solutions in private equity, private credit, infrastructure and real estate, encompassing traditional closed ended funds, individual customized accounts, and semi-liquid solutions targeting the private wealth channel, including the Pantheon Global Private Equity (PGPE) fund.

Finally, Mr. Hanson is Managing Director in the firm's US Private Wealth division, which oversees the AMG Pantheon Fund (P-PEXX), one of the largest registered private equity funds in the US with approximately $3.7bn in assets under management1

Kathryn Leaf, Partner, Co-Head of Investment and Incoming CEO at Pantheon, commented: "These new hires reflect our commitment to expanding Pantheon's established presence in key growth areas of the industry, and to continuing to put innovation at the heart of everything we do. I am delighted to welcome Arnab to the team to lead our digital and data transformation strategy. Additionally, as we continue to serve a wider range of clients in growing global markets, Christian and Brian bring added depth and expertise to our Investor Relations team."

About Pantheon

Pantheon* has been at the forefront of private markets investing for more than 40 years, earning a reputation for providing innovative solutions covering the full lifecycle of investments, from primary fund commitments to co-investments and secondary purchases, across private equity, real assets and private credit.

We have partnered with more than 650 clients, including institutional investors of all sizes as well as a growing number of private wealth advisers and investors, with approximately $67bn in discretionary assets under management (as of March 31, 2024).

Using creative approaches informed by our specialized experience and delivered by a global team of professionals based in offices across Europe, the Americas and Asia, we invest with purpose and lead with expertise to build secure financial futures.

Pantheon refers to the subsidiaries and subsidiary undertakings of Pantheon Ventures Inc. and AMG Plymouth UK Holdings Limited and includes operating entities principally based in the US (San Francisco and New York), UK (London), Hong Kong, Guernsey, Tokyo, Dublin and Singapore. Pantheon Ventures Inc. and Pantheon Ventures (US) LP are registered as investment advisors with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"); Pantheon Securities, LLC is a broker dealer registered with the SEC and is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority ("FINRA"). Pantheon Ventures (UK) LLP is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority ("FCA") in the United Kingdom. Pantheon Ventures (Guernsey) Ltd and a number of other Pantheon entities incorporated in Guernsey are regulated by the Guernsey Financial Services Commission. Pantheon Ventures (Asia) Limited is registered as a Type II Financial Instruments Business and Investment Advisory and Agency Business Operator with the Kanto Local Finance Bureau in Japan (KLFB). Pantheon Ventures (Ireland) DAC is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland ("CBI") and is an appointed representative of Pantheon Ventures (UK) LLP in respect of activities carried out in the United Kingdom. Pantheon Ventures (Singapore) Pte. Ltd holds a capital markets service licence from the Monetary Authority of Singapore ("MAS") to conduct fund management with accredited and institutional investors.

The AMG Pantheon Funds are distributed by AMG Distributors, Inc., a member of FINRA/SIPC.

This press release is not an offer of securities for sale. Securities may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration. 2024

1 As of June 30, 2024.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240911410687/en/

Contacts:

Pantheon

Brett Perryman, Global Head of Marketing and Communications

Tel: +1 212 205 2038 C: +1 917 703 3071 Email: Brett.Perryman@Pantheon.com
- Collaborative Innovation: Chasing Dreams in the Greater Bay Area

- Union of Chinese Contemporaries

- Promoting Youth Exchange between Two Sides of Taiwan Strait and Hong Kong-Macao

- Fostering Prosperity and Stable Development in Greater Bay Area



HONG KONG, Sept 12, 2024 - (ACN Newswire) - Themed "Collaborative Innovation: Chasing Dreams in the Greater Bay Area", the "Union of Chinese Contemporaries" 2024 Summit of young entrepreneurs from Macao, Guangdong, Hong Kong and Taiwan (the "Summit") opened in Hong Kong yesterday. Vice Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Leung Chun-ying, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region John Lee Ka-chiu, Chairman of the Guangdong Provincial Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and Party Secretary of Guangzhou Lin Keqing, Deputy Director of the CPPCC Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Overseas Chinese Committee Wang Rong, Vice director of the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council Pan Xianzhang, Vice Chairman of the Kuomintang Lien Sheng-wen, Director of the Sun Yat-sen Foundation Tang Bingquan, President of the Hong Kong Guangdong Chamber of Foreign Investors Stephen Tai Tak-fung attended and spoke at the opening ceremony.



Other officiating guests included Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR Zheng Yanxiong, Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the HKSAR Cui Jianchun, Vice Governor of Guangdong Province Deng Haiguang, Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs of HKSAR Erick Tsang Kwok-wai, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs of the HKSAR Alice MakSecretary of the Guangdong Provincial Committee Chen Wenming, Vice chairman of Straits Economic and Cultural Interchange Association Chu Ping-yu, President of Macau Youth Entrepreneur Association Li Juren, Honorary Chairman of Association of Taiwan Investment Enterprises on the Mainland Kuo Shan Huei KUO, Chief President of The Association of the Hong Kong Members of Guangdong's CPPCC Committees Eric Fok Kai-shan, Founder and executive vice chairman of Hong Kong Guangdong Youth Association Adam Kwok Kai-fai, Executive Vice President of the Hong Kong Guangdong Chamber of Foreign Investors, Vice President of The Association of the Hong Kong Members of Guangdong's CPPCC Committees Liu Yi Man.



In his speech, Leung Chun-ying, Vice Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, discussed the recent close collaboration between Hong Kong and the Mainland, and highlighted the advantages of Hong Kong in aiding the high-quality development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area ("Greater Bay Area"), emphasizing the importance of leveraging the city's role as an international hub for finance, shipping and trade, and using her strengths in talent, language, legal frameworks, institutional systems, taxation, finance, and international market promotion. He said Hong Kong will play a significant role in the development of the Greater Bay Area. He also hoped for future opportunities to engage with young entrepreneurs from the mainland and other regions, and to encourage young people to seize the great opportunities for national rejuvenation and work together to create a brighter tomorrow.



John Lee Ka-chiu, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, said in his speech, "The Summit today presents an important platform for cooperation and exchanges among outstanding young entrepreneurs from both sides of the Taiwan Strait, as well as from Hong Kong and Macao, facilitating and promoting mutual learning and understanding, which is of great significance. The Hong Kong SAR Government has been actively encouraging youth innovation and entrepreneurship, motivating young entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams and realize their ambitions in the Greater Bay Area. The Pearl River Delta region has been a key area for Taiwanese enterprises to expand their business in the Mainland, and many Taiwanese businesses have already integrated into the local industrial chains. I hope young entrepreneurs on both sides of the Taiwan Straits will seize the opportunity for achieving high-quality development through collaboration in the Greater Bay Area, work diligently, innovate boldly, and make new milestones in their careers."



Lin Keqing, chairman of the Guangdong Provincial Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and Party secretary of Guangzhou, commended the success of the exchange meeting. He said this year marks the fifth anniversary of the implementation of the "Outline Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area" and that in the past five years, under the strong leadership of the central government, Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao have pursued synergistic innovation, complementing each other's strengths. The Greater Bay Area has witnessed a surge of creativity, showing the vast potential of growing into a world-class bay area. The Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China has established systematic arrangements to comprehensively deepen reforms and such developments are bringing new and significant opportunities for Hong Kong and Macao to better integrate into overall national development, injecting fresh momentum into expanding cross-strait cooperation and exchanges, helping deepen cross-strait integration and development. Currently, Guangdong is studying and implementing the spirit of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, as well as the instructions in the important speeches of General Secretary Xi Jinping during his inspection of Guangdong. Construction of the Greater Bay Area presents the country with a significant opportunity for deepening reform and opening up, serving as a source of her high-quality development. Lin expressed hope that young entrepreneurs from Hong Kong, Guangdong, Macao, and Taiwan will actively seize the new major opportunities arising from the development of the country, better integrate into her new round of reform and opening up, and collaborate to create a vibrant chapter of pursuing dreams in the Greater Bay Area, achieve their aspirations and contribute to the bright future of national reunification and the great glory of national rejuvenation.



In his speech, Wang Rong, Deputy Director of the CPPCC Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Overseas Chinese Committee, emphasized that in recent years, collaborative innovation between Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao has deepened significantly, and that technological innovation has driven industrial advancement, leading to the emergence of new industries, new models, and new momentum, which in turn has fostered new forms of productivity. The Greater Bay Area has become a rising global hub for innovation and growth, and the innovative development of the Greater Bay Area has attracted active participation of many Taiwanese entrepreneurs. In doing so, they are integrating into the new wave of national reform and opening up, as well as the process of Chinese-style modernization, helping create new opportunities for integrated development across the Taiwan Strait.



In his speech, Lien Sheng-wen, Vice Chairman of the Kuomintang emphasized the infinite potential and charm of the Greater Bay Area. He believes the accumulation of talent pool in the Greater Bay Area is not limited to those from such fields as finance, trade, tourism, technology or industry, but also includes many other talent in the three places. More importantly, many young entrepreneurs dream about starting from scratch in the Greater Bay Area, investing in innovation and entrepreneurship, and ultimately creating outstanding enterprises.



In his speech, Tang Bingquan, Director of the Sun Yat-sen Foundation, said, "The Greater Bay Area currently embodies boundless business opportunities and vast prospects. I hope through this year's Summit, the young entrepreneurs from Guangdong, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan will see the new dynamics, new opportunities and information networks in the developing Greater Bay Area, and gain confidence in working together to foster innovative growth of the Area. I also hope to encourage more innovative enterprises and entrepreneurs to integrate and invest in the Greater Bay Area, and jointly build a world-class international bay area."



Stephen Tai Tak-fung, President of the Hong Kong Guangdong Chamber of Foreign Investors, Founding Chief President of The Association of the Hong Kong Members of Guangdong's CPPCC Committees, pointed out that the theme of this year's Summit, which is "Collaborative Innovation: Chasing Dreams in the Greater Bay Area", is in line with the spirit of the Third Plenary Session and of essence to the construction of the Greater Bay Area. He said the Greater Bay Area is a major national strategy personally planned, deployed, and promoted by General Secretary Xi Jinping, and has an important strategic position in the new development pattern of the country. He thus hopes young entrepreneurs can make the best of the platform the exchange meeting provides to deepen mutual cooperation, give full play to their advantages and make greater contributions to the high-quality development of the country.



Li Juren, President of Macau Youth Entrepreneur Association, said for young entrepreneurs from the four regions, it is a responsibility to anchor in the Greater Bay Area, which gives them a rare opportunity to integrate their strengths with those of the country to help her rejuvenate. He expects young entrepreneurs from various regions to learn from and inspire each other, drawing on and complementing each other's strengths. Through innovative cooperation, he aims to promote in-depth integration of urban agglomerations in the Greater Bay Area and together with all parties involved map out a grand blueprint for regional development.



Deng Daixian, Secretary General of Taiwan Straits Economic and Cultural Interchange Association, believes economic, trade and cultural ties are crucial to connecting the two sides of the Taiwan Strait. Division of labor and cooperation along industrial chains and comprehensive economic integration and development are in the common interest of enterprises and people from the four regions cross-strait. He hopes young entrepreneurs from Guangdong, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan can collaborate to complement each other's strengths, establish a comprehensive exchange and cooperation platform, and open a broader and brighter future for themselves by tapping the development momentum of the Greater China Economic Area.



This year's Summit gathered more than 400 young entrepreneurs from the two sides of the Taiwan Strait and the Hong Kong and Macau regions in Hong Kong to discuss cooperative development. It was an opportunity to establish an exchange and cooperation platform for promoting complementary advantages among the four regions, strengthening regional cooperation, and driving economic development in the Greater Bay Area. Representatives of young entrepreneurs from Guangdong, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan took part in the afternoon enterprise forums and roundtable dialogues, engaging in enthralled discussions and exchanges on popular topics such as digital intelligence and modern finance, sharing their work experiences and unique insights about their industries.



The Summit also arranged visits the following day for the participating young entrepreneurs to Hong Kong's landmarks in finance, innovation and technology, culture and art, including the HKMA Information Centre, the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong, Cyberport, West Kowloon Art Park, and the Palace Museum, allowing them to gain a deeper understanding of Hong Kong from multiple perspectives and further enhance exchanges and cooperation.



The Summit was jointly organized by the Hong Kong Guangdong Foreign Businessmen Association, the Political Consultative Conference Members Friendship Associations in Hong Kong and Guangdong, the Sun Yat-sen Foundation, the Guangdong Youth Federation, the Macau Young Entrepreneurs Association, the Macau Youth Federation, the Taiwan Straits Economic and Cultural Interchange Association, and the Taiwan Elite Association.



It was first held in 2016 and six sessions have taken place so far in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, and Guangzhou, participated by more than 40 youth organizations and more than 2,600 outstanding young entrepreneurs, playing the significant role of promoting exchanges and cooperation among young entrepreneurs from the four regions. The Summit has helped spread the notion that "both sides of the Taiwan Strait are one family/people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are all of the same family" and allowed sharing of successful "one country, two systems" experiences, while also fostering the peaceful development of cross-strait relations and contributing to the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and Macau.



About "Union of Chinese Contemporaries" - Summit of young entrepreneurs from Macao, Guangdong, Hong Kong and Taiwan



The aims of the "Union of Chinese Contemporaries" " Summit of young entrepreneurs from Macao, Guangdong, Hong Kong and Taiwan" are to implement General Secretary Xi Jinping's important thoughts on Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan affairs, promote the great spirit of Mr. Sun Yat-sen's "Rejuvenation of the Chinese Nation" and "the world is for the public," strengthen exchanges and cooperation among young entrepreneurs from both sides of the Taiwan Strait and the Hong Kong and Macau regions, foster the peaceful development of cross-strait relations, and ensure prosperity and stability in Hong Kong and Macau, and contribute to national strength and rejuvenation. It is jointly organized by the Sun Yat-sen Foundation, Guangdong Youth Federation, Friends of Hong Kong Association, Political Consultative Conference Members Friendship Associations in Hong Kong and Guangdong, Taiwan Straits Economic and Cultural Interchange Association, and Taiwan Elite Association, among others. Since its inaugural session in Taiwan in 2016, six sessions have taken place in Hong Kong, Macau, and Guangdong. More than 40 youth organizations and more than 2,600 young entrepreneurs from both sides of the Taiwan Strait and the Hong Kong and Macau regions have participated to date in the exchanges, establishing a platform for cooperation among young entrepreneurs. This year, the Mainland Affairs Council of Taiwan has again designated the event as a key project for national interchanges with Taiwan.







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DELRAY BEACH, Fla., Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Urban Air Mobility Market is estimated to be USD 4.6 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 41.5 billion by 2035 at a CAGR of 12.1% from 2024 to 2030 according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. The Platform Volumes are expected to grow from 61,479 units in 2024 to 519,370 in 2030 to 875,438 units in 2035. Rapidly developing cities and increased road congestion in large towns create a need for alternative transportation. UAM is one answer to the development of ways to cut congestion, with a fleet of options that take faster and more direct routes through the air. Growing populations in urban areas further develop the need for additional transportation infrastructure, making UAM an extremely attractive option for planners and developers alike. Besides, UAM vehicles, particularly eVTOL aircraft, are considered green machines, which correspond to combustion engine vehicles, to reduce emissions. Besides, the eVTOLs have been designed to keep noise lower than helicopters so as not to cause noise pollution in urban areas, which is a great concern.

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Browse in-depth TOC on "Urban Air Mobility Market"

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Urban Air Mobility Market Report Scope:

Report Coverage Details Market Revenue in 2024 $ 4.6 billion Estimated Value by 2035 $ 41.5 billion Growth Rate Poised to grow at a CAGR of 12.1% Market Size Available for 2020-2035 Forecast Period 2024-2035 Forecast Units Value (USD Million/Billion) Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends Segments Covered By solution, mobility type, platform architecture, range, mode of operation, end user Geographies Covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of World Key Market Challenge Cybersecurity concerns Key Market Opportunities Growing demand for shorter travel time and efficient transportation Key Market Drivers Rise in urban congestion

By solution, the platform segment is projected to hold a larger market share during the forecast period.

By solution, the platform segment is expected to hold the larger market share across the forecast period. The platform segment is expected to do this because of its significance in UAM systems, including all key technologies like eVTOL aircraft and related systems. Because these technologies are improving daily and many companies are entering the market, the requirement for advanced platforms is increasing. In the initial years of the development of UAM, much emphasis will be laid on the development and deployment of these enabling core technologies, which are critical for the launch of UAM services. This focus places them larger market share during the forecast period than infrastructure.

By mode of operation, the autonomous segment is expected to grow the most during the forecast period.

The segment of the autonomous system is anticipated to surge in the forecast period, as rapid development has been noted in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and sensor technology that upsurges its capability and safety. These technological improvements thus provide higher viability and efficiency in autonomous flight. Autonomous systems also reduce operations costs because there is no requirement for retaining pilots on board, thus reducing labor costs and operational simplification. Therefore, the capability of UTM to handle multiple flights with a minimum of human intervention supports scalability and prepares this capability for high demand in Urban Air mobility.

By end users, Ride Sharing Companies are projected to lead during the forecast period.

Ride-sharing companies are expected to be the leaders in the UAM market, as it is where demand for quick, easy urban transportation will be met. UAM presents a new interface: fast, straight aerial routes smoothly embedded into companies' core services. Their pre-established platforms, great customer bases, and experience with operations- especially in the management of on-demand services- make for a good platform where integration of the UAM solution can be affected. The already-standing infrastructure will enable these ride-sharing firms to scale and deploy air taxi services quickly by tapping into existing resources and networks by using proven capabilities of adaptability and innovation that have been expressed in the transportation sector. Also, experience in the Regulatory Environments and Building Customer Trust will be a basis for the adoption and acceptance of UAM; thus, having leading positions on the front line for leading the new market.

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North America holds the highest growth rate in the region for the Urban Air Mobility market.

Among the UAM markets, North America stands apart with its vast venture capital and private investments in technology and infrastructure. Because of this, the development and deployment of UAM industry solutions are going very rapidly. The development of necessary infrastructures like vertiports and charging stations is going fast, especially in major US cities and metropolitan areas, forming a strong backbone to support and scale up UAM services in this region. This dire need for options for more efficient transportation is greatly brought about by the high levels of congestion in these urban centers. UAM tends to meet this demand through aerial routes that are faster and more direct than any ground route will ever be, and which could eventually help alleviate road congestion-which makes the prospect quite promising for urban mobility. All these factors combined, along with a strong investment environment and continuous infrastructural development, make North America one of the front runners in the UAM market, with a high growth rate and considerable market share.

Urban Air Mobility Companies Lilium Aviation Gmbh (Germany), Archer Aviation Inc. (US), Eve Holdings, Inc. (Brazil), Airbus (France), and Ehang (China) are key players offering solutions applicable to and are keen on addressing key factors to reduce the urban congestion across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and the Rest of the World.

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About MarketsandMarkets

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MarketsandMarkets is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. We have the widest lens on emerging technologies, making us proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients.

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The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion of new revenue streams that are substituting existing revenue streams in this decade alone. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines - TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing.

Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we work with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies - helping them stay relevant in a disruptive ecosystem. Our insights and strategies are molded by our industry experts, cutting-edge AI-powered Market Intelligence Cloud, and years of research. The KnowledgeStore (our Market Intelligence Cloud) integrates our research, facilitates an analysis of interconnections through a set of applications, helping clients look at the entire ecosystem and understand the revenue shifts happening in their industry.

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VIENNA, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The OPEC Fund for International Development (the OPEC Fund) is significantly stepping up its development support with nearly US$1.2 billion in new funding since June. The latest projects approved by the Governing Board, which met for its 189th session today, support smallholder farmers and businesses, promote the construction of resilient infrastructure, provide clean water & sanitation solutions and increase climate resilience. Partner countries' reform programs will benefit from dedicated OPEC Fund loans.

OPEC Fund President Abdulhamid Alkhalifa said: "The OPEC Fund is ramping up its efforts with significant new financing approvals which underscore our commitment to transformative development. These investments in our partner countries will boost infrastructure and build resilience, delivering tangible benefits for the people and communities we serve."

The OPEC Fund's Governing Board approved the following new projects in today's meeting and since its last meeting in June 2024.

Public Sector Operations (in alphabetical order):

Armenia: A US$50 million policy-based loan will fund a joint World Bank program to support government efforts to foster climate change mitigation and adaptation, improve environmental management and energy efficiency, promote human capital development and strengthen governance.

Benin: A US$26 million loan will support the scaling up of investments in agriculture to enhance food security through the Horticulture Development Support Project in partnership with the International Fund for Agricultural Development. The project will reach 16,000 households and benefit nearly 100,000 smallholder horticulture farmers and family members, nearly half of whom are women and young people.

Colombia: A US$150 million policy-based loan will finance and help the implementation of the government's Decentralization and Biodiversity Support Program. It is promoting territorial development by strengthening institutions, improving environmental governance and enhancing biodiversity protection. The program is expected to benefit nearly 16.5 million people.

Cote d'Ivoire: A US$60 million policy-based loan for the Economic Transformation and Inclusive Governance Program (PATEGI) - Phase I will promote inclusiveness and governance in public finance management; improve competitiveness and boost the green transition in the transport and energy sectors. The program is being co-financed with the African Development Bank.

Democratic Republic of Congo: A US$30 million loan will improve access to potable water through the development of infrastructure in the Ubangi River basin, specifically in the North Ubangi province in Gbadolite and the rural areas of Mobayi-Mbongo, where access to drinking water is significantly lower (8 percent) than the national average (18 percent).

Honduras: A US$15 million loan will enhance food security by promoting resilient and sustainable agriculture in north-central Honduras. The project will benefit around 140,000 people, prioritizing women and youth.

Jordan: A US$100 million policy-based loan will support a joint World Bank program targeting human capital, which aims to improve the governance and effectiveness of education, health and social assistance. It will also promote climate resilience including safeguarding households from the adverse effects of rising temperatures.

Oman: A loan facility of up to US$392 million financing, consisting of two tranches (US$180 million and US$212 million), will support the Dibba-Lima-Khasab road project, a strategic investment covering a total length of 72km. The road will reduce travel times, improve traffic safety and boost tourism.

Tajikistan: A loan facility of up to US$100 million consisting of four tranches (US$25 million each) will support the Rogun Hydropower Plant Project, currently under construction on the Vakhsh River. The power plant will have an installed capacity of 3,780 MW, promoting energy security in the country and providing clean energy for the entire Central Asia region.

Private Sector and Trade Finance Operations (in alphabetical order):

Armenia: A US$10 million loan to a local bank will support on-lending to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and provide funds for green projects

Botswana: A US$40 million loan to a local development organization will promote economic diversification beyond the diamond industry and support non-mining sectors such as agribusiness, health, education, ICT, finance and energy.

Dominican Republic: A US$17.5 million loan to a local bank will promote on-lending to SMEs, including women-led businesses.

Regional Africa: A US$40 million loan to a regional development bank will support socio- economic development across four countries.

The OPEC Fund also approved four trade finance facilities in Mauritania (US$50 million), Senegal (US$47 million), Egypt (US$35 million) and Pakistan (US$25 million) to support the import of strategic commodities for development.

About the OPEC Fund

The OPEC Fund for International Development (the OPEC Fund) is the only globally mandated development institution that provides financing from member countries to non-member countries exclusively. The organization works in cooperation with developing country partners and the international development community to stimulate economic growth and social progress in low- and middle-income countries around the world. The OPEC Fund was established in 1976 with a distinct purpose: to drive development, strengthen communities and empower people. Our work is people-centered, focusing on financing projects that meet essential needs, such as food, energy, infrastructure, employment (particularly relating to MSMEs), clean water and sanitation, healthcare and education. To date, the OPEC Fund has committed about US$27 billion to development projects in over 125 countries with an estimated total project cost of more than US$200 billion. The OPEC Fund is rated AA+/Outlook Stable by Fitch and AA+, Outlook Stable by S&P. Our vision is a world where sustainable development is a reality for all.

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BEIJING, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- When walking into the assembly workshop of Shaanxi Blower (Group) Co., Ltd. (Shaangu Group), foreign media representatives applauded the Chinese company's green products and solutions in fostering green transformation at home and abroad.

On September 10, 11 executives and journalists from foreign media such as the Financial World (Spain), Curierul National (Romania), Delovoy Kazakhstan and Latin American News Agency (Cuba) toured Shaangu Group's assembly workshop in Lintong manufacturing park in Xi'an City, northwest China.

With many foreign flags hung overhead, some of the foreign media representatives expressed their excitement about this surprising "meeting" with their national flags, each of which stands for an export market of the system solutions for distributed energy and energy saving and environmental protection products of Shaangu Group.

Such a model factory of Shaangu Group featuring automated and smart workshops left a deep impression on Isaura Diez Millan, chief correspondent in China from Latin American News Agency, who said China has walked in the forefront of the world in bolstering energy transformation.

The foreign media representatives, accompanied by senior management staffs of Shaangu Group and its Indian affiliate, also paid a visit to the company's global operation center for smart distributed energy utilization solutions named "Energy Interconnection Island".

From top ceiling design to energy structure and tiered utilization of energy, Shaangu Group managed to maximize energy use efficiency for users via the "Energy Interconnection Island" system solutions and has currently developed the EISS4.0 system solutions for low-carbon and energy saving in smart cities construction.

During the tour, Serik Korzhumbayev, editor-in-chief of Delovoy Kazakhstan hoped for deeper cooperation between the company and Kazakhstan businesses as its advanced compressed-air energy storage devices and "Energy Interconnection Island" demonstrated the latest achievement of China's green energy industry.

Zhang Li, head of Shaangu Group's power production division, welcomed more foreign friends to visit the company to experience its endeavors to integrate deeper into the Belt and Road cooperation and provide global users with smart and highly efficient energy system solutions.

Shaangu Group is a Shaanxi Province-headquartered distributed energy system solutions provider and its related solutions and products have been in service in 100-plus countries and regions around the world.

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JACKSONVILLE, FL / ACCESSWIRE / September 12, 2024 / Leading hemp, wellness and energy products maker Urb, a wholly owned subsidiary of LFTD Partners Inc. ("LFTD Partners") (OTCQB:LIFD), announced that it has launched its new "Fly High" brand identity and Urb Miles loyalty program, at www.Urb.shop.

Fly High curates a portfolio of 14 premium cannabinoids and 10 terpenes homogenized into effect-based blends, and other products, including:

Skybites: 'True-Infused' Terpene gummies, featuring linalool, pinene, and citronellol terpenes, in addition to cannabinoids such as Delta 9, CBD, CBG, CBC and Delta 8. What sets our Skybites apart is the infusion of our unique 'True-Infused' Terpenes - a groundbreaking innovation in the world of edibles. Unlike traditional terpenes that are merely added for flavor or aroma, our True-Infused Terpenes are scientifically formulated and rigorously tested to enhance the potency, flavor, and overall effects of each bite, ensuring that you get the most out of every experience;

Aerovape 710 vapes, fueled with Pegasus Award Winning Delta 8 and Flash Frozen Live Resin, and other premium cannabinoids, such as THCV, THCB, Delta 10, H4cbd, THCP, THCH, HHC and HHCP;

The Mile High Aerovape 420 Max: the jumbo jet of disposable vapes, fueled with super cannabinoids THCP and THCB to boost your experience, and blended with Pegasus Award Winning Delta 8 and Flash Frozen Live Resin;

Flight Fuel cartridges, fueled with Pegasus Award Winning Delta 8 and Flash Frozen Live Resin, and other premium cannabinoids, such as HHC, HHCP, THCP, THCH, THCV, THCB, delta 10 and H4cbd;

Frequent Flyer Flower, featuring AAA grade THCA Indoor Exotic Flower grown in the most advanced coco coir soil;

The Jointcase, which contains five 0.7 gram prerolled indica and sativa joints that are Diamond-infused with THCA and CBG, delivering a sky-high experience even when you're on the ground; and

The Puff Puff Passport: the most unique rolling papers, made with natural flax plant fibers for a smooth and consistent burn. Each passport comes with 52 papers and filters.

And with the new Urb Miles loyalty program, Urb customers earn rewards with each purchase as well as bonus opportunities that can be redeemed as coupons toward future purchases. There are four membership Flight Tiers: Economy, Main Cabin, Premium, and First Class. With each order, a customer moves closer to reaching the next tier, and milestone bonuses are provided to the member when the member reaches a new tier.

"Urb's new Fly High brand identity has been in the works for eight months, and reflects our commitment to providing delicious, highest quality, fully lab tested, exciting products that let everybody Fly High and have the best tailored experiences!" said Nick Warrender, Urb's founder and CEO, and the Vice Chairman and COO of LFTD Partners.

About LFTD Partners Inc.

Publicly traded LFTD Partners Inc., Jacksonville, FL (OTCQB:LIFD) is the parent corporation of Lifted Made, Kenosha, WI (www.Urb.shop), which manufactures and sells hemp-derived and other psychoactive products under its award-winning Urb brand, hemp-free health and wellness gummies under its Mielos brand, and hemp-free energy gummies under its Rebel brand. Lifted Made is the worldwide, exclusive manufacturer and seller of Diamond Supply Co. (www.DiamondSupplyCo.com), and Cali Sweets hemp-derived products, and is the exclusive manufacturer and seller in the USA of hemp-derived products for a subsidiary of a large, publicly traded US marijuana company. LFTD Partners Inc. also owns 4.99% of hemp-derived beverage and products maker Ablis (www.Ablis.shop), and of craft distillers Bendistillery Inc. d/b/a Crater Lake Spirits (www.CraterLakeSpirits.com) and Bend Spirits, Inc., all located in Bend, OR. Please read LIFD's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission which fully describe our business and the Risk Factors associated therewith. Stay updated with our company news and product launches by subscribing to our newsletters at www.LFTDPartners.com and at www.Urb.shop.

Disclaimer

None of the statements contained herein have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, and none of the products manufactured or sold by Urb are intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Cautionary Notes Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this document are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such information includes the operations, financing, growth, performance, products, plans and expectations of LFTD Partners Inc. and Lifted Liquids, Inc. d/b/a Lifted Made and d/b/a Urb Finest Flowers. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause or contribute to these companies' actual operations, financing, growth, performance, products, plans or results of these companies differing materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of certain other factors, including the risk factors set forth in LFTD Partners Inc.'s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell common stock or any other securities of LFTD Partners Inc.

CONTACT:

Nicholas S. Warrender, Vice Chairman and COO of LFTD Partners Inc.

(224) 577-8148

CEO@urb.shop

www.LFTDPartners.com

SOURCE: LFTD Partners Inc.

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TD SYNNEX will now offer Plurilock's Critical Services

Plurilock also chosen as a cybersecurity service provider

Initial phase of a potential wider partnership into global operations

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 12, 2024) - Plurilock Security Inc. (TSXV: PLUR) (OTCQB: PLCKF) ("Plurilock" or the "Company"), a global cybersecurity services and solutions provider, announces a partnership with TD SYNNEX (NYSE: SNX), a leading global distributor and solutions aggregator for the IT ecosystem, to provide artificial intelligence ("AI") services in North America.

Under the terms of the partnership, Plurilock will provide AI-focused critical services and cybersecurity solutions for TD SYNNEX across their North American operations. The services and solutions provided may include, but are not limited to: security operations; offensive security and penetration testing; data and intellectual property protection and loss prevention; Zero Trust architecture and implementation; digital and AI transformation; and related advisory and governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) services. This represents the initial phase of a potential wider partnership, with the possibility of future expansion into the company's global footprint.

"TD SYNNEX is committed to uniting technology solutions that deliver business outcomes today and unlock growth for the future," said Joe Pittillo, Senior Vice President, Services at TD SYNNEX. "With Plurilock added as a service provider, we are able to enrich the breadth and depth of our AI services offerings in a critically important sector for our partners."

"AI has been embedded in our DNA since our inception over eight years ago as a cybersecurity company," said Ian L. Paterson, CEO of Plurilock. "As AI continues to become pervasive, our customers rely on Plurilock for expert advice and guidance. Being chosen to deliver critical services in this specialized area is a strong endorsement of our expertise and further validation of our efforts as we continue our mission to protect the world's leading companies from today's threats."

About TD SYNNEX

TD SYNNEX (NYSE: SNX) is a leading global distributor and solutions aggregator for the IT ecosystem. We're an innovative partner helping more than 150,000 customers in 100+ countries to maximize the value of technology investments, demonstrate business outcomes and unlock growth opportunities. Headquartered in Clearwater, Florida, and Fremont, California, TD SYNNEX's 23,000 co-workers are dedicated to uniting compelling IT products, services and solutions from 2,500+ best-in-class technology vendors. Our edge-to-cloud portfolio is anchored in some of the highest-growth technology segments including AI, cloud, cybersecurity, big data/analytics, IoT, mobility and everything as a service. TD SYNNEX is committed to serving customers and communities, and we believe we can have a positive impact on our people and our planet, intentionally acting as a respected corporate citizen. We aspire to be a diverse and inclusive employer of choice for talent across the IT ecosystem. For more information, visit www.TDSYNNEX.com, follow our newsroom or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

Copyright 2024 TD SYNNEX Corporation. All rights reserved. TD SYNNEX, the TD SYNNEX Logo, and all other TD SYNNEX company, product and services names and slogans are trademarks of TD SYNNEX Corporation. Other names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

About Plurilock

Plurilock sells cybersecurity solutions to the United States and Canadian Federal Governments along with Global 2000 companies. Through these relationships, Plurilock sells its unique brand of Critical Services-aiding clients with our expertise to defend against, detect, and prevent costly data breaches and cyberattacks.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the TSX Venture Exchange policies) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") related to future events or Plurilock's future business, operations, and financial performance and condition. Forward-looking statements normally contain words like "will", "intend", "anticipate", "could", "should", "may", "might", "expect", "estimate", "forecast", "plan", "potential", "project", "assume", "contemplate", "believe", "shall", "scheduled", and similar terms. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, actions, or developments and are based on expectations, assumptions, and other factors that management currently believes are relevant, reasonable, and appropriate in the circumstances. Although management believes that the forward-looking statements herein are reasonable, actual results could be substantially different due to the risks and uncertainties associated with and inherent to Plurilock's business. Additional material risks and uncertainties applicable to the forward-looking statements herein include, without limitation, the impact of general economic conditions, and unforeseen events and developments. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect the Company's forward-looking statements. Many of these factors are beyond the control of Plurilock. All forward-looking statements included in this press release are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as at the date hereof, and Plurilock undertakes no obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. Risks and uncertainties about the Company's business are more fully discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in its most recent Annual Information Form. They are otherwise disclosed in its filings with securities regulatory authorities available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/223071

SOURCE: Plurilock Security Inc.
Rexas Finance (RXS) Real world asset (RWA) tokenization platform, announces its recent launch. More so, the presale of RXS token began on September 8, 2024.

Real-world assets (RWA) are real-life commodities that are not electronic or digital. To note, RWA are tangible assets such as real estate, commodities, bonds, and machinery. Owing to their traditional nature, these assets are traded in markets that demand brokers, banks, and other legal entities to facilitate the transfer of ownership. However, these intermediaries elevate costs and time, complicating the management of assets and investments.

Rexas Finance (RXS): The Future of RWA Tokenization

RWA tokenization is creating more adoption among crypto users in recent days. Rexas Finance (RXS), a unique real world asset tokenization project bridges the gap between real world assets and the crypto industry.

Rexas Finance (RXS) helps users to tokenize all real world assets such as gold, real estate, and other commodities on a global scale. With Rexas, users can gain access to a world where asset liquidity and investment chances are boundless.

Key Features of Rexas Finance (RXS)

Crypto users can seamlessly invest in a wide range of real world assets. In addition, users can participate in fractional ownership of assets, making previous inaccessible investment choices available to global users. Let us dive into important features of Rexas Finance (RXS):

Rexas Token Builder: It helps to effortlessly tokenize the real world assets. Also, it helps users to eliminate the difficulty of blockchain coding, enhancing users to launch tokens in just few minutes.

Rexas Launchpad: Users can began funding with Rexas Launchpad. Moreover, this decentralized launchpad offers a secure and transparent ecosystem for token sales on many blockchain ecosystems.

Rexas GenAI: Users can harness the AI's power with Rexas GenAI to generate high-quality digital artworks. Moreover, it is ideal for creators seeking to venture into the NFT space.

Rexas DeFi: Rexas DeFi provides a powerful decentralized solution for cryptocurrency trading, enhancing users to effortlessly swap crypto across multiple networks.

Rexas Estate: Users can invest in real estate with Rexas, co-own real world properties and earn passive income in stable coins.

Rexas Treasury: The multi-chain yield optimizer enables users to earn compound interest on their crypto deposits.

The RXS presale began on September 8, 2024. Currently, Rexas Finance has raised over $300K in total. Moreover, the presale event allows early investors to engage and might turn into a revolutionary solution for RWA tokenization.

About Rexas (RXS)

Rexas Finance is the user's gateway to the future of asset management. Rexas enhances users to own or tokenize virtually any real-world asset, from real estate and art to commodities and intellectual property world-wide. With Rexas, users gain access to a world where asset liquidity and investment choices are boundless.

For More Details Visit:

Website: https://rexas.com/

Twitter: https://x.com/rexasfinance

Telegram: https://x.com/rexasfinance

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Contacts:

Media contact

Leo Gabriel

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

pr@rexas.com
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

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Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 12, 2024) - Renegade Gold Inc. (TSXV: RAGE) (OTCQX: TGLDF) (FSE: 070) ("Renegade" or the "Company") is pleased to report initial results from the second phase of drilling at its advanced Newman Todd Deposit (Table 1). Drilling to date has successfully increased mineralization at depth by an additional 500 m, confirming the deposit extends down from surface to just over 800 m. Of particular importance, the results have also increased the overall width of the structure by up to 100 m near surface and confirmed new high-grade corridors within the hanging wall of the Newman Todd Structure.

Highlights

Width of Newman Todd mineralization increased by up to 100 m near surface. Holes NT-24-017 and NT-24-018 specifically targeted an underexplored area in the footwall of the Newman Todd. The strong mineralization intersected by both holes from the east side of the Newman Todd Structure confirms a significant increase in the near-surface mineralization.

Hole NT-23-017 intersected 9.2 g/t Au over 2.7 m, 4.5 g/t Au over 2.5 m and 2.4 g/t Au over 18.0 m. These results add approximately 75 m width to the Newman Todd Structure in the shadow of previous drilling (Figures 1 and 2).

Hole NT-23-018 intersected 9.8 g/t Au over 1.5 m and 2.8 g/t Au over 8.5 m, including 8.1 g/t Au over 1.0 m and 3.4 g/t Au over 4.4 m (Figures 1 and 3). These results add approximately 100 m width to the Newman Todd Structure below previous drilling.

Results confirm significant down dip potential of the Newman Todd Structure. Hole NT-23-016 intersected 4.9 g/t Au over 2.5 m at approximately 650 m below surface. Previous drilling was limited to a single hole at 835 m depth (Figures 1 and 2).

Hole NT-24-016 encountered strong mineralization in the 400 m gap between historical drilling and hole NT-129, further increasing continuity of the current geological model.

Through ongoing analysis of the 2024 results, Renegade has identified significant geological parallels to other gold zones within the regional deformation fold corridor, which includes West Red Lake Gold's Rowan Deposit and Mount Jamie Zone. These insights will guide ongoing exploration at the Newman Todd Deposit and other prospective areas.

Nav Dhaliwal, President and CEO for Renegade, commented, "Renegade Gold's 2024 drilling at the high-grade Newman Todd deposit has been a huge success and it speaks to the quality of our technical team, as well as the incredible potential of the project. In just one program, we have extended mineralization by an additional 500 m in depth and 100 m in width and have identified a number of new mineralized areas. The rapid growth we're seeing at Newman Todd suggests we've only just begun to unlock the value of this project, and the team is now hard at work planning our next steps."

Figure 1. Plan map of the Newman Todd Project showing latest drill results with modelled gold mineralization projected to surface.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9850/223050_223acbc314fb883e_001full.jpg

Figure 2. Cross section A-A' at the Newman Todd Project looking east, showing recent step out drilling extending width of mineralization and at depth (NT-24-016 and NT-24-017).

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9850/223050_223acbc314fb883e_002full.jpg

Figure 3. Cross section B-B' at the Newman Todd Project looking east, showing recent step out drilling extending width of mineralization and at depth (NT-24-018).

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9850/223050_223acbc314fb883e_003full.jpg

Table 1. Newman Todd Drill Result Highlights

Hole ID Hole Length (m) Azimuth (deg.) Dip (deg.) From (m) To (m) Length (m) Au (g/t) NT-24-016 876.0 300 -72 700.0 702.5 2.5 4.9 NT-24-017 417.0 348 -51 196.4 198.9 2.5 4.5







252.5 255.2 2.7 9.2







280.7 298.7 18.0 2.4 Inc.





296.0 298.7 2.7 8.2 NT-24-018 590.0 10 -59 342.0 343.5 1.5 9.8







367.0 375.5 8.5 2.8 Inc.





367.0 368.0 1.0 8.1 and





371.1 375.5 4.4 3.4

About Newman Todd

The 100% owned Newman Todd deposit is located approximately 26 km west of Evolution's mining operations, just 1 km south of West Red Lake's Mount Jamie advanced deposit. The Newman Todd Zone (NTZ) is the dominant host for gold mineralization on the property and is interpreted to span across the property boundary, over 2 km. The NTZ structure varies in width from 60 to 160 m and is open to depth throughout and is host to multiple styles of mineralization, including multiple breccia vein systems and late high-grade quartz veining, often associated with visible gold.

Recent drilling has given strong confidence that the Newman Todd structure and associated HG gold structures continue beyond a depth of 700 m, beyond double of the previous drill horizon. Increased intercepts of gold mineralization in the HW of the NTZ support that gold mineralization is more widespread than historically thought.

QA/QC

Drill core is logged and sampled at a secure core processing facility in Red Lake, Ontario. Core samples from the drill program are cut in half using a diamond cutting saw with half sent for assay at SGS Laboratories Ltd. in Red Lake, Ontario. The other half is secured and retained at a secure storage facility. All samples are analyzed for gold using standard Fire Assay-AA techniques. Samples returning greater than 10.0 g/t gold are analyzed utilizing standard Fire Assay-Gravimetric methods. In addition to SGS internal QAQC procedures, certified reference materials, blanks and duplicates are routinely inserted into the sample stream as part of Renegades quality control/quality assurance program. Results are monitored regularly for contamination and accuracy.

The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Dale Ginn, P.Geo., the Executive Chair and director of the Company and a Qualified Person pursuant to National Instrument 43-101.

The Company also announces that further to its news release of August 8, 2024, it has closed its debt settlement transaction whereby the Company settled $576,348.29 worth of debt to an arm's length party by the issuance of 1,921,161 common shares of the Company at a deemed price of $0.30 per share. All common shares issued under the debt settlement are subject to a hold period expiring January 12, 2025.

About Renegade Gold Inc.

Renegade Gold Inc. is a growth focused company engaged in the business of acquisition, exploration and development of mineral properties located in the Red Lake Mining District of Northern Ontario. As part of its regional-scale consolidation strategy, the Company has assembled one of the largest prospective land packages in and around the Red Lake mining district in proximity to major mines and deposits, as well as along the Confederation Lake and Birch-Uchi greenstone belts. The recent completion of the acquisition of Pacton Gold Inc. extends the Company's ownership in Red Lake to over 89,600 hectares of prospective and diversified exploration properties with significant potential for gold and critical minerals on trend with the major structures hosting known gold occurrences in the Red Lake mining district today.

For further information, please contact:

Renegade Gold Inc.

Nav Dhaliwal

President, CEO and Director

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.

Cautionary Note regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts are "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "Forward-Looking Information") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words "anticipate," "significant," "expect," "may," "will" and similar expressions are intended to be among the statements that identify Forward-Looking Information. Forward-Looking Information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those implied by the forward-looking information. In preparing the Forward-Looking Information in this press release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including, but not limited to, assumptions that general business and economic conditions will not change in a materially adverse manner and all requisite information will be available in a timely manner. Factors that may cause actual results to vary materially include, but are not limited to, inaccurate assumptions concerning the exploration for and development of mineral deposits, currency fluctuations, unanticipated operational or technical difficulties, risks related to unforeseen delays, general economic, market or business conditions, regulatory changes, timeliness of regulatory approvals, the risks of obtaining necessary licenses and permits, changes in general economic conditions or conditions in the financial markets and the inability to raise additional financing. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this Forward-Looking Information. The Company does not assume the obligation to revise or update this Forward-Looking Information after the date of this release or to revise such information to reflect the occurrence of future unanticipated events, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/223050

SOURCE: Renegade Gold Inc.
Vancouver, BC, Sept. 12, 2024) (the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Serdar Donmez, a recognized geoscientist with decades of experience in uranium exploration and development, as Vice President of Exploration. Mr. Donmez will be working with the rest of Skyharbour's geological team based in Saskatoon.

As a highly experienced geoscientist with nearly two decades of expertise in uranium exploration and development, Mr. Donmez has played an active role in numerous grassroots and advanced uranium exploration projects in northern Saskatchewan and Zambia. Mr. Donmez has an Engineering Degree in Geology and is a registered Professional Geoscientist with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan.

During his 17-year tenure at Denison Mines Corp., Mr. Donmez was pivotal in advancing numerous uranium exploration and development projects. He was involved in various capacities with the Phoenix and Gryphon uranium deposits on Denison's Wheeler River project, from initial discovery to the completion of the Feasibility Study in 2023. As Resource Geology Manager, he was integral to the development of mineral resource estimates and NI 43-101 technical reports for several advanced exploration projects in the Athabasca Basin. Additionally, he was part of a team exploring the application of in-situ recovery mining techniques for high-grade uranium deposits in the Athabasca Basin.

Mr. Donmez's extensive experience in advancing Athabasca Basin uranium projects, particularly his work at the Phoenix and Gryphon deposits at Wheeler River, aligns very well with Skyharbour's exploration and drilling initiatives at its co-flagship adjacent Russell and Moore Lake projects. Recent drilling this year at both projects has identified high-grade, multi-percent sandstone-hosted uranium mineralization. With a fully-funded, 2,500m drill program already underway at Moore and an additional 4,000-5,000m drilling program scheduled for Russell this fall, Mr. Donmez's expertise will be invaluable in advancing these projects and unlocking further value going forward.

Mr. Donmez's deep understanding of the discovery process in the Athabasca Basin along with his experience in implementing innovative exploration and development techniques positions him to play a critical role in advancing both projects as the Company continues to make new discoveries and expand its resource base.

Jordan Trimble, President and CEO of Skyharbour stated: "Serdar brings an incredible wealth of experience to the Skyharbour technical team and has specific exploration and development expertise in the southeastern portion of the Athabasca Basin where our core projects are located. His many years of work at Wheeler River will prove to be invaluable at our Russell and Moore projects as we look to generate and expand on new discoveries as well as delineate high grade uranium resources in similar geological settings. The ability to attract such a talented and seasoned individual to the team is a testament to our portfolio of projects and multi-faceted strategy in the Athabasca Basin where Serdar will also be working to help manage and expand our prospect generator business."

Furthermore, in his most recent role, Mr. Donmez served as Vice President of Exploration at 92 Energy Ltd. until its acquisition by Atha Energy Corp. in April 2024. Following the acquisition, he transitioned to the role of Director of Exploration, where he helped in target generation for drilling programs at Atha's Angilak and Gemini projects in Nunavut and northern Saskatchewan.

Serdar Donmez, Vice President of Exploration of Skyharbour, stated: "I am thrilled to join the Skyharbour team, which has a proven track record in developing and advancing high-profile uranium exploration projects in the Athabasca Basin. Skyharbour's impressive portfolio includes flagship projects like Moore Lake and Russell Lake, where notable high-grade uranium mineralization has been discovered in multiple zones. I look forward to leading the technical team in advancing our exploration initiatives and demonstrating the substantial growth potential that exists within our projects."

About Skyharbour Resources Ltd.:

Skyharbour holds an extensive portfolio of uranium exploration projects in Canada's Athabasca Basin and is well positioned to benefit from improving uranium market fundamentals with twenty-nine projects, ten of which are drill-ready, covering over 580,000 hectares (over 1.4 million acres) of land. Skyharbour has acquired from Denison Mines, a large strategic shareholder of the Company, a 100% interest in the Moore Uranium Project which is located 15 kilometres east of Denison's Wheeler River project and 39 kilometres south of Cameco's McArthur River uranium mine. Moore is an advanced-stage uranium exploration property with high-grade uranium mineralization at the Maverick Zone that returned drill results of up to 6.0% U 3 O 8 over 5.9 metres including 20.8% U 3 O 8 over 1.5 metres at a vertical depth of 265 metres. Adjacent to the Moore Uranium Project is Skyharbour's recently optioned Russell Lake Uranium Project from Rio Tinto, which hosts several high-grade uranium drill intercepts over a large property area with robust exploration upside potential. The Company is actively advancing these projects through exploration and drill programs.

Skyharbour has joint-ventures with industry-leader Orano Canada Inc., Azincourt Energy and Thunderbird Resources (previously Valor) at the Preston, East Preston and Hook Lake Projects, respectively. The Company also has several active earn-in option partners including: CSE-listed Basin Uranium Corp. at the Mann Lake Uranium Project; CSE-listed Medaro Mining Corp. at the Yurchison Project; North Shore Uranium at the Falcon Project; and TSX-V listed Tisdale Clean Energy at the South Falcon East Project which is host to the Fraser Lakes Zone B Uranium and Thorium Deposit. In aggregate, Skyharbour has now signed earn-in option agreements with partners that total to over $33 million in partner-funded exploration expenditures, over $27 million worth of shares being issued and over $20 million in cash payments coming into Skyharbour, assuming that these partner companies complete their entire earn-ins at the respective projects.

Skyharbour's goal is to maximize shareholder value through new mineral discoveries, committed long-term partnerships, and the advancement of exploration projects in geopolitically favourable jurisdictions.

Skyharbour's Uranium Project Map in the Athabasca Basin:

https://www.skyharbourltd.com/_resources/images/SKY_SaskProject_Locator_2024-02-14_V2.jpg

To find out more about Skyharbour Resources Ltd..

SKYHARBOUR RESOURCES LTD.

"Jordan Trimble"

_________________________________

Jordan Trimble

President and CEO

For further information contact myself or:

Nicholas Coltura

Investor Relations Manager

?Skyharbour Resources Ltd.

?Telephone: 604-558-5847

?Toll Free: 800-567-8181

?Facsimile: 604-687-3119

?Email: info@skyharbourltd.com

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE CONTENT OF THIS NEWS RELEASE.

The securities offered have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, United States persons absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in the United States, nor in any other jurisdiction.
Grid Battery Metals Inc. (the "Company" or "Grid") (TSXV:CELL)(OTCQB:EVKRF)(FRA:NMK2) is pleased to announce that a reverse circulation drilling program is commencing on the Company's claim block at Silver Peak, Clayton Valley, Esmeralda County, Nevada. This strategic land package, covering approximately 2,300 acres (930 ha), directly adjoins the western portion of lithium producer Albemarle's (NYSE:ALB) evaporation ponds and is nearby Century Lithium Corp.'s (TSXV:LCE)(OTCQB:CYDVF) proposed 5,430-acre Angel Island Lithium Mine. The Company plans to drill several exploration holes to maximum depths of 1500 ft. in several strategic locations on the property during the month of September.

Mr. Tim Fernback, Company President and CEO comments "Even though lithium commodity prices are much lower from their earlier highs, the Clayton Valley area is booming again for lithium clay exploration and development. Our Clayton Valley Lithium Project is situated near Albemarle Corporation's (NYSE:ALB) Silver Peak Mine which is North America's only producing lithium brine mining operation. Our property is located immediately to the west of this existing lithium production facility. Additionally, our lithium property is near Century Lithium's (TSXV:LCE)(OTCQB:CYDVF) Angel Island lithium project, which recently released a Positive Feasibility Study detailing a 40-year mine life and an after-tax NPV8 of $3.01 billion . With our current exploration program in place, we will be able to lay the groundwork for a more significant exploration program budget and program in the future. We are excited about this opportunity in Nevada for our lithium clay project."

Mr. Fernback continues "The reverse circulation drilling program is expected to continue until early October. The Company should be able to immediately to identify the various clay and sediment layers and locations of water zones down to the older underlying basement rocks. Maximum estimated depths for these holes are 1500 feet. Samples for assay will include drill cuttings and collected water."

At the Clayton Valley Lithium Project, the reverse circulation drilling program will be performed by experienced mining contractor, Envirotech Drilling LLC and supervised by Rangefront Geological ("Rangefront") and our Company Qualified Person Steven McMillin P.G.

Proposed Drill Locations (Clayton Valley Lithium Project)

Mr. Steven McMillin P.G. comments "A major northeast fault interpreted from gravity bisects the claim block and is best apparent in the 500m slice even though the slice is below the basin floor. This suggests that the fault may be a fluid conduit at depth. Three drill holes in the south were selected by our team based on the combination of geophysics data and soil sample data that point to possible lithium accumulation within claystone and brine. The hole located at the north of the property has no significant soil signature as it is buried by alluvium, but it has a low-resistivity anomaly with a significant depth extent. A claystone dominant host for lithium is hypothesized at this location."

About Rangefront Geological

Elko Nevada-based Rangefront Geological has combined in-depth expertise with cutting-edge technology to provide mining consulting services, contract labor, field crew services,and vehicular support to the mining industry. With services available across North America, Rangefront works closely with its clients to provide high-quality mineral exploration services.

Qualified Person

Mr. Steven McMillin, P.G. is an independent qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical information contained within this news release.

About Grid Battery Metals Inc.

Grid Battery Metals Inc. is a Canadian based exploration company whose primary listing is on the TSX Venture Exchange. The Company's maintains a focus on exploration for high value battery metals required for the electric vehicle (EV) market.

www.gridbatterymetals.com.

About Texas Springs Property

The Company owns a 100% interest in the Texas Spring Property which consists of mineral lode claims located in Elko County, Nevada. The Property is in the Granite Range southeast of Jackpot, Nevada, about 73 km north-northeast of Wells, Nevada. The target is a lithium clay deposit in volcanic tuff and tuffaceous sediments of the Humbolt Formation. A Phase 1 exploration program at the Texas Springs Property (Fall 2023) yielded average lithium grades of 2010 ppm, applying a 1,000 ppm cut-off, and up to 5,610 ppm Lithium.

The Texas Spring property adjoins the southern border of the Nevada North Lithium Project - owned by Surge Battery Metals Inc. ("Surge") (TSXV: NILI, OTC: NILIF) and comprised of 725 mineral claims. Surge's first round of drilling identified strongly mineralized lithium bearing clays. The average lithium content within all near surface clay zones intersected in the 2022 drilling program, applying a 1000 ppm cut-off, was 3254 ppm. (Press release March 29, 2023). More recent results have shown higher grade lithium up to 8070 ppm on this property after initial drilling (Press release September 12, 2023). Our exploration results are on-trend with these results.

About Clayton Valley Lithium Project

The Company owns a 100% interest in 113 lithium lode and placer claims covering over 930 hectares in Clayton Valley. Clayton Valley is a down-dropped closed basin formed by the Miocene age Great Basin extension and is still active due to movement along the Walker Lane structural zone. As a result, the basin has preserved multiple layers of lithium bearing volcanic ash, resulting from multiple eruptive events over the past 6 million years including eruptions from the 700,000-year-old Long Valley Caldera system and related events. These ash layers are thought to contribute to the lithium brines extracted by Albemarle and are also likely involved in the formation of the exposed lithium rich clay deposits on the east side of Clayton Valley.

Volt Canyon Lithium Property

The Company owns a 100% interest in 80 placer claims covering approximately 635 hectares of alluvial sediments and clays located 122 km northeast of Tonopah, Nevada.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

"Tim Fernback"

Tim Fernback, President & CEO

Contact Information:

Email: info@gridbatterymetals.com

Phone: 604- 428-5690

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 may contain forward-looking statements which include, but are not limited to, comments that involve future events and conditions, which are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Except for statements of historical facts, comments that address resource potential, upcoming work programs, geological interpretations, receipt and security of mineral property titles, availability of funds, and others are forward-looking. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may vary materially from those statements. General business conditions are factors that could cause actual results to vary materially from forward-looking statements. It should be noted that results from any adjacent property(s) are not an indication of what may be found on the Company's property(s).

SOURCE: Grid Battery Metals Inc.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 12, 2024) - Fraser Mackenzie Accelerator Corp. (TSXV: FMAC.P) (the "Company" or "FMAC") is pleased to announce that it has closed the first tranche of its previously announced private placement of subscription receipts of the Company (the "Subscription Receipts"), consisting of the issuance of an aggregate of 12,292,923 Subscription Receipts at a price of C$0.107 per Subscription Receipt (the "Issue Price") for aggregate gross proceeds of C$1,315,342.76 (the "Offering"). The Offering was completed in connection with the previously-announced arm's length Qualifying Transaction (as such term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV")) (the "Qualifying Transaction") proposed to be completed by the Company and Forward Water Technologies Corp. ("FWTC"), further details of which may be found in the prior news releases of the Company, including the most recent news release of the Company dated July 22, 2024.

The Subscription Receipts were created and issued pursuant to the terms of a subscription receipt agreement dated September 11, 2024 (the "Subscription Receipt Agreement") between the Company and TSX Trust Company (the "Subscription Receipt Agent"), as subscription receipt agent. Upon the satisfaction and/or waiver of certain escrow release conditions (the "Escrow Release Conditions") specified in the Subscription Receipt Agreement at or before January 9, 2025 (the "Escrow Release Deadline") each Subscription Receipt will be deemed to be automatically converted, without payment of additional consideration or further action by the holder thereof, into one unit of the Company (each, a "Unit"). Each Unit consists of one common share in the capital of the Company (each, a "FMAC Share"), and one-half of a common share purchase warrant of the Company (each such whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to acquire one (1) Common Share at an exercise price of $0.15 for a term expiring on the third anniversary of the closing of the Qualifying Transaction. Upon completion of the Qualifying Transaction, each FMAC Share will be immediately exchanged for 0.95 (the "Exchange Ratio") common share of FWTC (after giving effect to FWTC's proposed 10 to 1 share consolidation), and each Warrant will be adjusted to entitle the holder to purchase common shares of the Resulting Issuer (as defined below) based on the Exchange Ratio at a purchase price of $0.1579 per share. The Company and FWTC are currently aiming to close the Qualifying Transaction on or about September 30, 2024, subject to the timely satisfaction of a number of customary closing conditions, all as more particularly described in the Company's management information circular dated August 23, 2024.

At the closing of the Qualifying Transaction, the Company will pay to certain finders (each, a "Finder") a fee comprised of: (a) a cash fee not exceeding 8.0% of the gross proceeds raised from subscriptions in the Offering from persons who participate in the Offering that were introduced to the Company by such Finder (the "Finder's Fee"), and (b) a number of compensation warrants (the "Finder Warrants") issued by the Company that equal to not more than 8.0% of the total number of Subscription Receipts issued to persons who participate in the Offering that were introduced to the Company by each Finder. Each Finder Warrant shall entitle the holder to subscribe for one Unit at the Issue Price for a period of twenty-four (24) months from the date that the common shares of FTWC (following the closing of the Qualifying Transaction) (the "Resulting Issuer") commence trading on the TSXV.

Upon closing of the Offering, the gross proceeds of the Offering were deposited in escrow with the Subscription Receipt Agent pending satisfaction and/or waiver of the Escrow Release Conditions in accordance with the provisions of the Subscription Receipt Agreement. Unless the requisite approval is obtained pursuant to and in accordance with the terms of the Subscription Receipt Agreement, if the Escrow Release Conditions are not satisfied and/or waived on or before the Escrow Release Deadline, each of the then issued and outstanding Subscription Receipts will be cancelled and the Subscription Receipt Agent will return to each holder of Subscription Receipts an amount equal to the aggregate Issue Price of the Subscription Receipts held by such holder plus an amount equal to the holder's pro rata share of any interest or other income earned on the escrowed funds (less applicable withholding tax, if any).

The proceeds of the Offering are expected to be principally used for corporate and administrative expenses of the Resulting Issuer.

Certain directors of FMAC subscribed for $100,000 of Subscription Receipts. The directors of FMAC who participated in the Offering are considered related parties for the purposes of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"), and their purchase of Subscription Receipts constitutes a "related party transaction" within the meaning of MI 61-101. FMAC is relying upon exemptions from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 pursuant to sections 5.5(b) and 5.7(1)(a), respectively - Fair Market Value Not More Than 25 Per Cent of Market Capitalization, on the basis that at the time the issuances were agreed to, neither the fair market value of the securities to be distributed to the FMAC directors, nor the consideration to be received for the securities, exceeds 25 per cent of FMAC's market capitalization. The Board of Directors of FMAC has, subject to the appropriate recusal of the interested directors, unanimously approved the issuances and no materially contrary view or abstention was expressed or made by any director in relation to the issuances. FMAC will not file a material change report in respect of the participation of the directors in the issuances at least 21 days before anticipated closing of the Offering issuance as FMAC wishes to close on an expedited basis for sound business reasons.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the securities described herein in the United States or in any other jurisdiction, nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act, or any state securities laws, and accordingly, may not be offered or sold in the United States except in compliance with the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities requirements or pursuant to exemptions therefrom.

About Fraser Mackenzie Accelerator Corp.

The Company is a "capital pool company" which completed its initial public offering on February 22, 2023. The FMAC Shares are listed for trading on the TSXV under the stock symbol FMAC.P. FMAC has not commenced commercial operations and has no assets other than cash. It is intended that the Qualifying Transaction, when completed, will constitute the "Qualifying Transaction" of FMAC pursuant to Policy 2.4 - Capital Pool Companies of the TSXV.

About Forward Water Technologies Corp.

Forward Water Technologies Corp. (TSXV: FWTC) is a publicly traded Canadian company dedicated to saving the earth's water supply using its patented Forward Osmosis technology. FWTC was founded by GreenCentre Canada, a leading technology innovation centre supported by the government of Canada. FWTC's technology allows for the reduction of challenging waste streams simultaneously returning fresh water for re-use or surface release. FWTC's mandate is to focus on the large-scale implementation of its technology in multiple sectors, including industrial wastewater, oil and gas, DLE, mining, agriculture and ultimately municipal water supply and re-use market sectors.

FWTC has immediate plans to treat brine from the direct lithium extraction (DLE) sector using is mobile pilot equipment this summer in conjunction with its partners. This project will establish FWTC's iFOTM technology as a valuable component in producing lithium carbonate from aquifer sourced brines for use in applications such as electric vehicle (EV) battery production.

In addition, FWTC has initiated early-stage R&D for the treatment of food and beverage process streams.

For more information, please visit www.forwardwater.com.

Cautionary Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of 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',' "will',' "estimates',' "believes': "intends" "expects" and similar expressions which are intended to identify forward-looking statements. More particularly and without limitation, this news release contains forward-looking statements concerning the Qualifying Transaction (including, without limitation, the anticipated timing of the completion thereof, the use of proceeds, and the satisfaction and/or waiver of the Escrow Release Conditions). Forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, and the actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, assumptions and expectations, many of which are beyond the control of the parties, including expectations and assumptions concerning (i) the Company, the Resulting Issuer, and the Qualifying Transaction, and (ii) the timely receipt of all required shareholder, court and regulatory approvals (as applicable), including the approval of the TSXV. Readers are cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking statements may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Parties. Readers are further cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, as such information, although considered reasonable by the respective management of the Company at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated.

The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release, and are expressly qualified by the foregoing cautionary statement. Except as expressly required by securities law, neither the Company nor FWTC undertakes any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Further Information

For more information concerning the Offering and the Qualifying Transaction, see FWTC and the Company's 's joint news releases dated May 14, 2024, June 18, 2024 and July 22, 2024 and the Company's management information circular dated August 23, 2024. The parties will provide further details in respect of the Transaction in due course by way of press release in accordance with the requirements of the CPC Policy.

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. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein.

Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for release, publication, distribution or dissemination, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, in or into the United States.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/223092

SOURCE: Fraser Mackenzie Accelerator Corp.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / September 12, 2024 / Galloper Gold Corp. (CSE:BOOM)(OTC PINK:GGDCF)(Frankfurt:W9F) (the "Company" or "Galloper") announces that its common shares have been made eligible for book-entry delivery and depository services of the Depository Trust Company (" DTC ") to facilitate electronic settlement of transfers of its common shares in the United States.

DTC eligibility simplifies the process of trading and can enhance liquidity of Galloper Gold's shares on the OTC Pink Markets where the stock is quoted under the symbol "GGDCF". The electronic method of clearing securities speeds up the receipt of stock and cash and thus accelerates the settlement process for investors and brokers, enabling the stock to be traded over a much wider selection of brokerage firms.

In addition to DTC eligibility on the OTC Pink Markets, Galloper is also now listed on Germany's Frankfurt Exchange as follows: ISIN:CA3638821015 | WKN:A3D4A5 | Symbol:W9F

Galloper Retains Bantr Media Inc. For Media And Strategic Services

Galloper is also pleased to announce that it has engaged Bantr Media Inc. (the "Consultant"), controlled by Ms. Danielle Fernandes, an arm's length party, for media and strategic services which may include on-camera and in-person interviewing, social media management, e-newsletter distribution, and event hosting, along with general corporate communications consulting and advisory services.

Mr. Hratch Jabrayan, Galloper CEO, commented: "Danielle is an integral part of the Galloper Gold brand that we intend to build out systematically in the weeks and months ahead. She has a keen understanding of the capital markets and brings a unique style and approach to generating awareness of Galloper to investors around the world."

The agreement with Bantr Media Inc. is in effect for an initial 10 months from its original effective date of March 1, 2024, and may be renewed by mutual agreement of the Consultant and the Company. The Company has agreed to pay the Consultant a total of CAD $100,000 cash in three instalments over the course of the agreement and has granted to the Consultant 400,000 stock options, each exercisable at a price of $0.12 for one common share of the Company and which will expire after 12 months from the date of issuance, all as previously disclosed in the Company's news release dated August 30, 2024. The stock options are subject to the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange, applicable securities laws, and the terms of the Company's equity incentive plan.

Bantr Media Inc.'s business address is 360 Bay St., #999, Toronto, ON, M5H 2V6. Bantr can be contacted by email at: danielle.fernandes@bantrinc.com or by phone at (416) 723-1175.

Danielle Saddles Up For Interview With Hratch

https://vimeo.com/1008635322/9317719599

Hratch Video Profile

https://vimeo.com/1007433600/031f977268

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Mr. Hratch Jabrayan

CEO and Director

Galloper Gold Corp.

Company Contact:

info@gallopergold.com

Tel: 778-655-9266

Investor Relations:

MarketSmart Communications

Tel: 877-261-4466

Acknowledgment - Newfoundland & Labrador Junior Exploration Assistance Program

Galloper Gold acknowledges the financial support of the Junior Exploration Assistance Program, Department of Natural Resources, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Galloper Gold Corp.

Galloper is focused on mineral exploration in the Central Newfoundland Gold Belt with its Glover Island and Mint Pond properties, each prospective for gold and base metals. The Glover Island Property consists of 532 mining claims totaling 13,300 hectares while Mint Pond consists of 499 claims totaling 12,475 hectares.

For more information please visit www.GalloperGold.com and the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The use of any of the words "anticipate", "plan", "continue", "expect", "estimate", "objective", "may", "will", "project", "should", "predict", "potential" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because the Company cannot give any assurance that they will prove correct. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, they involve inherent assumptions, risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements regarding the provision of services to be rendered by the Consultant, any renewal of the Company's agreement with the Consultant, and the exercise of any of the stock options granted to the Consultant and the timing thereof, if at all.

The forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, assumptions, estimates, forecasts, projections, analysis and opinions of management made considering its experience and its perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date that such statements are made, but which may prove to be incorrect. The material factors and assumptions used to develop the forward-looking statements contained in this news release include, but are not limited to: ?general business, economic and political conditions; the Company's ability to successfully execute its plans ?and intentions; and market competition.

The forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information, including, without limitation a downturn in general economic conditions; a decreased demand or price of precious and base metals; delays in the start of projects with respect to the Company's property interests; the uncertainty of government regulation and politics in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador regarding mining and mineral exploration; ?and the other risks described in the Company's publicly filed disclosure?.

Management has provided the above summary of risks and assumptions related to forward-looking statements in this news release in order to provide readers with a more comprehensive perspective on the Company's future operations. The Company's actual results, performance or achievement could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements and, accordingly, no assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits the Company will derive from them. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and, other than as required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: Galloper Gold Corp.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
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Cangzhou, a renowned city along the Chinese Grand Canal and considered the northern starting point of the ancient Maritime Silk Road, recently held a canal culture promotion event in the Netherlands, aiming to foster further exchanges and cooperation with Europe.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240912862084/en/

China's Cangzhou promotes its canal culture in the Netherlands recently, expecting further cooperation.(Source: Cangzhou Information Office)

Cangzhou is located in Northeastern China's Hebei Province, about 200 kilometers south of Beijing. The Cangzhou section of the Grand Canal spans 216 kilometers, making up about one-seventh of the total length.

"Cangzhou was born from the canal and has thrived because of it," said Guo Xinyao, Minister of Cangzhou's Publicity Department, at the event. "Cangzhou is also known as the hometown of Martial Arts and Chinese Acrobatics, boasting many famous tourist attractions and unique cuisine."

According to Guo, Cangzhou has already established close ties with the Netherlands and Europe. The city has opened a direct sea route to the Port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands. In addition, Cangzhou has hosted the China-Central and Eastern European Countries SME Cooperation Forum for five consecutive years and the China-UK Green Low Carbon and Remanufacturing Industry Development Conference three times.

Ed van der Feer, Secretary General of the Netherlands-China Association, said that canal culture connects Cangzhou with many Dutch cities. He expressed the association's desire for increased communication and exchanges with Cangzhou.

Robert van Gulik, a Dutch diplomat and a renowned sinologist famous for his work Celebrated Cases of Judge Dee, opened a window for Western audiences to better understand China. His granddaughter, Marie-Anne Souloumiac, Founder of Muzine Cultural Consulting and board member of the Royal Asian Art Society in the Netherlands, attended the event as well.

"I had a great chance to be born in a family with both Chinese and Dutch roots where the combination of East and West created a perfect blend and a ground for cultural innovation," Souloumiac said. "Together we can build bridges that connect our past with our future, our culture with our shared goals with a common vision for a better world."

"I really enjoyed this event," said Henny Eleonora, Foreign Ambassador of Cangzhou Kung Fu Association. "China is famous for Kung Fu, but few people know that Cangzhou is its birthplace. This event helped to raise awareness of Cangzhou's rich history."

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240912862084/en/

Contacts:

Cangzhou Information Office

Eason Zhou

Email: evisionsinfo@gmail.com
CAMBRIDGE, England, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Alchemab Therapeutics (Alchemab), a pharmaceutical company aiming to identify and develop naturally occurring therapeutic antibodies from resilient individuals, today announces that Jane Osbourn, OBE, FMEDSCI, PhD, Alchemab's Chief Scientific Officer (CSO), has succeeded Young Kwon, PhD as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and member of the Board.

As Co-Founder and CSO, Jane has led all aspects of Alchemab's platform development and drug discovery activities to date and brings to the CEO role more than 30 years of biopharmaceutical industry experience. Prior to co-founding Alchemab in 2019, Jane served as Vice President of R&D at MedImmune, the biologics arm of AstraZeneca, where she contributed to the development of antibody phage display technology and the discovery and development of several marketed antibody therapies including HUMIRA (adalimumab) and IMFINZI (durvalumab).

Jane, was awarded an Order of the British Empire (OBE) and Scrip's Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019 for services to drug discovery, development and biotechnology. She is a Venture Partner at SV Health Investors, has served as a Director of Babraham Bioscience Technologies, Cambridge Enterprise, the Crick Translational Advisory Group, and was Chair of the Board of Directors of the UK BioIndustry Association.

Alchemab Chair and Managing Partner at SV Health Investors, Kate Bingham, commented: "As the founding investors, we have been huge supporters of the highly innovative approach at Alchemab since its inception. We have been thrilled with Jane's leadership to date as CSO and look forward to backing her as CEO. It has been fantastic to support Alchemab's journey from a start-up occupying our incubator space, to a high growth company. Jane's knowledge of Alchemab and the wider industry is unparalleled, and her significant organisational and scientific expertise will play a critical role in driving the Company through its next stage of growth. We thank Young for his contribution to the success of Alchemab to date, and wish him all the best for his next role."

Jane Osbourn, incoming CEO of Alchemab, commented: "I have had the great pleasure of helping to lead the Company since the beginning. We have a fantastic team who have been integral to Alchemab's growth from a concept through to a robust and novel antibody identifying engine. With several novel targets and therapeutic antibodies in preclinical development, I am delighted to lead Alchemab as CEO through this next phase towards achieving our ultimate goal of discovering and developing ground-breaking treatments for patients."

Young Kwon, outgoing CEO of Alchemab, commented: "The time is right to hand over the reins to Jane to lead the Company as CEO. Jane has been my partner in growing Alchemab and has played a central role in establishing the Company's robust, well-tuned antibody discovery platform. I am very pleased to hand over to Jane whose scientific and organisational expertise will ensure the successful progress of Alchemab as it enters its next phase of growth."

About Alchemab

Alchemab studies the unique antibody response of resilient individuals to develop drugs based on naturally derived antibodies to prevalent, hard-to-treat diseases which do not have disease modifying therapies. Alchemab's platform integrates data mining of patient-derived immune responses with the latest multi-disciplinary drug discovery approaches to understand what keeps people well. The goal is to unlock nature's engineering and harness the incredible human immune system to find breakthrough drugs.

Alchemab's highly experienced team has broad expertise and capabilities across discovery and development. Through collaborations with world class institutions, Alchemab taps into large ecosystems and millions of patient samples which it analyses using advanced computational approaches.

Alchemab was founded in 2019 with seed funding from SV Health Investors and has raised in excess of $80 million to date from a blue chip syndicate of specialist investors. The company is headquartered in London, UK with labs in Cambridge, UK and Boston, US.

For more information, visit www.alchemab.com/.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/alchemab-appoints-co-founder-jane-osbourn-as-chief-executive-officer-302246437.html
Global Partnership to Improve Safety, Sustainability, and Efficiency in PBV Fleet Operations

TORONTO and SEOUL, South Korea, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Geotab Inc. (Geotab), Kia Corporation (Kia), and 42dot have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), initiating a global connected vehicle partnership. This strategic collaboration will integrate advanced data solutions with enhanced in-vehicle technology to deliver innovative systems that support safety, sustainability, and efficiency for fleets worldwide.

This partnership builds upon Kia's PBV business strategy - to offer software solutions seamlessly integrated with the vehicle, with FMS (Fleet Management System) as the core differentiating factor. Geotab and 42dot, Hyundai Motor Group's Global Software Center and fleet management system (FMS) provider, will collaborate to develop an AI-driven FMS, enabling Kia fleet customers to utilize advanced data insights.

Louis De Jong, Chief Revenue Officer at Geotab, stated, "by integrating our data insights and AI capabilities with Kia's automotive technology and 42dots's data expertise, customers will receive enhanced value for their operations including access to quality data insights that drive improved cost management, safety and sustainability. This exciting collaboration is advancing the connected mobility industry, ensuring fleets are well equipped to navigate today's challenges and tomorrow's opportunities."

The partnership will also include developing an in-vehicle application leveraging the MyGeotab platform and Kia's PBV In-Vehicle Display App Store. This will enhance the fleet's operations through route optimization as well as improve safety.

Sangdae Kim, Senior Vice President and Head of the PBV Business Division at Kia Corporation, said:

"Kia is partnering with Geotab and 42dot because this collaboration is essential to the strategic growth of Kia's PBV business. Together, Kia aims to offer the best-in-class fleet management solutions that not only optimizes fleet operations but also lay the foundation for PBV software capabilities. As we launch our first PBV next year, Kia will provide a total mobility solution including both connect-ready vehicles and FMS solutions to fleet customers for greater operational efficiency and safety."

Sangseok Lim, head of AEV Platform Engineering Division at 42dot, added: "By combining 42dot's vehicle data platform and intelligent fleet safety technology - based on autonomous driving and software-defined vehicles - we are creating an advanced FMS designed to meet both the current and future demands of fleet operators, ensuring their long-term success."

Geotab will also collaborate with Kia as an OEM-Geotab Cloud-to-Cloud data provider. This will enable customers to leverage OEM-embedded data without the need to install a separate device and prepare for the launch of Kia's PBV lineup, the PV5 and PV7 models. Europe will be the first region to benefit from the collaboration, where a co-branded FMS platform will be offered with the launch of Kia's first PBV models next year.

For more information about this partnership between Geotab, Kia, and 42dot, please visit https://www.geotab.com/partners/overview/

About Kia Corporation

Kia ( www.kia.com ) is a global mobility brand with a vision to create sustainable mobility solutions for consumers, communities, and societies around the world. Founded in 1944, Kia has been providing mobility solutions for more than 75 years. With 52,000 employees worldwide, a presence in more than 190 markets, and manufacturing facilities in six countries, the company today sells around three million vehicles a year. Kia is spearheading the popularization of electrified and battery electric vehicles and developing a growing range of mobility services, encouraging millions of people around the world to explore the best ways of getting around. The company's brand slogan - 'Movement that inspires' - reflects Kia's commitment to inspire consumers through its products and services.

For more information, visit the Kia Global Media Center at www.kianewscenter.com

About 42dot

42dot is a Mobility AI company leading Hyundai Motor Group's development of software-defined vehicles. 42dot leads the transition to focus on software and AI development, creating software-defined vehicles that deliver the latest updates for safe and user-centric mobility. 42dot also develops technologies for self-managed smart cities, where SDV technologies extend beyond vehicles into the urban environment. With SDV technology, vehicles and infrastructure can interact to share information in real-time, addressing mobility challenges. These technologies not only enable us to monitor and manage fleets but also to efficiently manage the movement of cities.

Website 42dot.ai

Linkedin linkedin.com/company/42dot

About Geotab

Geotab, the global leader in connected vehicle and asset solutions, leverages advanced data analytics and AI to enhance fleet performance, safety, and sustainability while optimizing costs. Backed by a team of industry leading data scientists, engineers and AI experts, we serve over 50,000 customers across 160 countries, processing billions of data points hourly from more than 4 million vehicles. Data security and privacy are at the forefront of all we do-trusted by Fortune 500 organizations and some of the largest public sector fleets in the world, we meet top cybersecurity standards. Geotab's open platform and diverse Geotab Marketplace offers hundreds of fleet-ready third-party solutions. Learn more at www.geotab.com and follow us on LinkedIn or visit Geotab News and Views .

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2503738/Image__Geotab__Kia__and_42dot_Join_Forces_to_Drive_the_Future_of_Fleet_Management.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/geotab-kia-and-42dot-join-forces-to-drive-the-future-of-fleet-management-302246416.html
Novatus Global Limited ("Novatus" or "the Company"), an award-winning provider of regulatory technology solutions to global financial institutions, today announced it has secured a $40 million investment from Silversmith Capital Partners, a Boston-based growth equity firm. Since its founding by industry veterans in 2019, Novatus has established itself as a trusted partner to many of the world's largest banks, asset managers, and financial institutions evidenced by revenue that has more than tripled over the trailing twelve months. The growth funding will enable Novatus to continue to invest deeply in the technology underpinning of its best-in-class SaaS platform while also expanding its geographic footprint, ensuring it maintains its reputation as the partner of choice for its clients.

Novatus enables its customers to meet their most complex, mission-critical regulatory and compliance requirements, be they government or industry-driven. Its flagship product, Novatus En:ACT, is a market-leading SaaS platform that ensures accurate, complete and timely reporting to satisfy the flood of ever-changing global regulations for which Novatus customers are responsible. En:ACT is a fully-scalable, cloud-native platform trusted by major global firms to reconcile both source systems and submission files and for all G20 transaction reporting regimes. In addition, Novatus offers expert-led advisory services, leveraging its SaaS solution and decades of industry experience, to help clients of all size and maturity solve their most complex compliance, risk management, ESG and organizational transformation challenges.

"We are delighted to partner with Silversmith as we embark on the next chapter of our growth journey. Silversmith shares our values and vision particularly our passion for building great products to make our clients' daily lives better, safer and more efficient," said Novatus Co-Founder and Partner, Andrew Hedley. "This investment will be used to double down on that commitment to innovation while also fueling our continued international expansion, particularly in North America following our successful entry into Australia last year. It is a real privilege to work with such brilliant people across our team and we are incredibly excited for the next chapter of growth."

"When we founded the company in 2019, we had a leg up on the market Andrew and I had both lived this problem first-hand. As a result, we wanted to provide a solution that would solve the complexity of transaction reporting in a novel way driven by powerful, automated underlying technology as opposed to human intervention," added Novatus Co-Founder and Partner, Matthew Ranson. "With deep experience in the GRC and regtech markets, Silversmith recognized the uniqueness of En:ACT in attacking the problem with fresh eyes and harnessing the massive innovation being driven by AI and machine learning. We look forward to working closely with Todd, Ned and the Silversmith team to achieve our vision of creating the single best platform of its type anywhere in the world."

"At Silversmith, our investment philosophy is quite simple to articulate, though much more difficult to implement identify great founders who have built solutions to real-life customer problems. While company building takes enormous effort and will, we've found over time that if you get that first part right, the rest tends to take care of itself," said Ned Kingsley, Principal at Silversmith. "We feel incredibly lucky to have found two such individuals in Andrew and Matt who have re-imagined the way to solve an increasingly important customer problem. We couldn't be more excited to support their continued growth alongside Maven Capital Partners."

"We are excited to continue our partnership with Novatus following the investment from Silversmith. We were originally attracted to the business due to its innovative, and technology-led approach in supporting clients meet their regulatory obligations," said Alan Robertson, Partner at Maven."Since Maven's initial investment, clients' adoption of the En:ACT platform has resulted in a 13-fold increase in annual recurring revenues and international expansion. We remain committed to supporting Novatus as they scale globally and further enhance their market-leading platform to continue to deliver for its clients. We believe in the future potential of the business and look forward to working with both Management and Silversmith in helping achieve the Company's ambitions."

As a part of the investment, Todd MacLean and Ned Kingsley have joined Novatus' Board of Directors. Wilson Sonsini Goodrich Rosati acted as legal counsel to Novatus on the transaction. Kirkland Ellis served as legal counsel to Silversmith Capital Partners and KPMG served as financial advisors. Burness Paull acted as legal counsel to Maven Capital Partners.

About Novatus Global Limited

Novatus Global, established in 2019 and headquartered in London, is a leading global provider of software and strategic advisory services, enabling the world's largest financial institutions to navigate their most complex regulatory and strategic challenges. Our expertise spans transaction reporting, risk, compliance, ESG, strategy, and data, delivering solutions that drive operational excellence and demonstrable regulatory compliance.

Our award-winning SaaS platform, Novatus En:ACT, enables firms to ensure accurate, complete, and timely transaction reporting across all global reporting regimes. Novatus Global pairs cutting-edge technology with unparalleled industry knowledge, ensuring clients meet evolving regulatory demands and mitigate risk effectively.

We are trusted by global institutions to meet their mission critical obligations, transform their transaction reporting, streamline operations, and achieve sustainable growth in an increasingly complex regulatory landscape.

About Silversmith Capital Partners

Founded in 2015, Silversmith Capital Partners is a Boston-based growth equity firm with $3.3 billion of capital under management. Silversmith's mission is to partner with and support the best entrepreneurs in growing, profitable technology and healthcare companies. Representative investments include ActiveCampaign, Appfire, Apryse, DistroKid, impact.com, Iodine Software, LifeStance Health, Onbe, and Webflow. For a full list of portfolio investments, visit www.silversmith.com. Follow the firm on LinkedIn.

About Maven Capital Partners UK LLP

Maven is one of the UK's leading private equity firms, specialising in investments in high growth British companies. With a focus on innovation and value creation, Maven partners with visionary entrepreneurs to build market leading businesses, supporting a range of transaction types, including management buyouts, growth capital, buy and build projects, equity value release and pre-IPO financing. www.mavencp.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240912506446/en/

Contacts:

Carolyn Kostelny

ckostelny@novatus.global

Kate Castle

kate@silversmith.com
-- Dr. Ananworanich most recently led influenza vaccine development at Moderna and brings more than 20 years of clinical and industry experience in infectious disease --

Leyden Laboratories B.V., (the "Company" or "Leyden Labs"), a biotechnology company working to free people from the threat of respiratory viruses by boosting mucosal immunity, today announced the appointment of Jintanat Ananworanich, M.D., Ph.D., as chief medical officer. Dr. Ananworanich, a physician with global experience fighting infectious disease, will oversee clinical development of Leyden Labs' portfolio of intranasal product candidates.

"We are very excited to announce the appointment of Dr. Ananworanich as the CMO of Leyden Labs. We are thrilled to add her incredible expertise to the team to further guide the development of our intranasal product candidates," said Koenraad Wiedhaup, co-founder and CEO of Leyden Labs.

To her role at Leyden Labs, Dr. Ananworanich brings more than 20 years of experience in infectious disease, most recently serving as Executive Director of clinical development at Moderna where she focused on influenza vaccine development programs. Prior to her time at Moderna, Dr. Ananworanich was Clinical Development Leader at the Bill and Melinda Gates Medical Research Institute where she championed numerous infectious disease endeavors. Throughout her career, her work has included critical research programs in HIV, respiratory syncytial virus, tuberculosis, influenza and coronavirus, with development programs spanning vaccines, biologics and small molecules.

Dr. Ananworanich commented, "I am honored to join Leyden Labs, a company at the forefront of employing the power of mucosal immunity to protect against known and unknown respiratory viruses. Viruses are responsible for a huge burden of death and disease worldwide, and we need medicines that could provide immediate protection against new viral threats. I am thrilled to join Leyden Labs' team of experts on the biology of the respiratory mucosa as we work together to free people from the threat of respiratory viruses."

Dr. Jaap Goudsmit, co-founder and CSO of Leyden Labs commented, "Dr. Ananworanich brings impressive breadth and immense depth in both clinical and development experience which will be instrumental as we advance our portfolio of intranasal product candidates through the clinic."

Dr. Ananworanich received her medical degree from Prince of Songkhla University in Thailand, following which she completed residency and fellowship training in the United States at University of Chicago and Baylor College of Medicine, respectively. Dr. Ananworanich completed her PhD with research on antiretroviral treatments for HIV at the University of Amsterdam. She currently serves as Professor of Internal Medicine in the Department of Global Health at The University of Amsterdam.

About Leyden Laboratories B.V.

Leyden Labs is working to free people from the threat of respiratory viruses. Leyden Labs is leveraging its mucosal immunity platform to develop a portfolio of candidates aimed at providing protection against influenza, coronaviruses, and other respiratory viruses through a new class of broadly protective nasal sprays. To learn more, visit www.leydenlabs.com.

Forward-looking statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements, which involve certain risks and uncertainties. These statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the terms "believe," "would," "could," "may," "will," "should," "anticipate," or "expect," as well as similar expressions, and include statements concerning the mechanism of action, profile, and timing of clinical trials, of CR9114. Leyden Labs cautions the reader that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and readers are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Leyden Labs' actual results and achievements may materially differ from those predicted by the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. Given these uncertainties, the reader is advised not to place any undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of publication of this press release. We expressly disclaim any obligation to publicly update the information in this press release, including any forward-looking statements, unless required by law or regulation.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240912791207/en/

Contacts:

Corporate Contact:

Leyden Laboratories B.V.

investors@leydenlabs.com

Media Contact:

Megan Prock McGrath

CTD Comms, LLC

media@leydenlabs.com
BERWYN, PA / ACCESSWIRE / September 12, 2024 / Chilean Cobalt Corp. (OTCQB:COBA) ("C3" or the "Company") is pleased to announce it has entered into a non-binding strategic partnership with Glencore AG, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Glencore plc (together, with its subsidiaries, "Glencore") and US Strategic Metals (together, with its subsidiaries, "USSM") to explore domestic United States ("US") downstream processing of cobalt and copper intermediate products from C3's La Cobaltera project in Chile.

On July 8, 2024, C3 announced a non-binding Letter of Intent ("LOI") with Glencore regarding an offtake agreement for cobalt and copper intermediate products, as well as a strategic partnership, for C3's La Cobaltera project in northern Chile. Today's announcement adds a non-binding processing LOI with USSM that builds upon this, with a three-way strategic partnership (the "Agreement") exploring collaboration on domestic US processing solutions with the objective of establishing an Americas-centric cobalt supply chain, connecting C3's La Cobaltera cobalt-copper project in Chile with USSM's integrated critical minerals processing site in Missouri, USA - which may include development of a dedicated processing line for La Cobaltera concentrate at USSM's site. This is expected to strengthen US critical minerals supply chains while providing a sustainable and traceable source of raw materials for the growing domestic lithium-ion battery manufacturing capacity and high-performance metal alloy markets. C3 and Glencore anticipate that the majority or full spectrum of cobalt and copper intermediate product stream will be shipped into the US and/or US Free Trade Agreement ("FTA") countries.

This Agreement works to satisfy C3 and USSM's own conditions precedent regarding both parties' potential strategic project financing from the Export-Import Bank of the United States ("EXIM Bank").

This Agreement will be subject to conditions precedent and contain standard termination rights, which are typical for an agreement and project of this nature. In any definitive agreement reached, all parties intend to include agreed upon responsible sourcing and sustainability provisions.

This press release does not constitute an offer or sale of, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, securities of the Company nor shall there be any sale of any securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

About Chilean Cobalt Corp.

Chilean Cobalt Corp. ("C3") is a US-based and US-listed critical minerals exploration and development company focused on the La Cobaltera cobalt-copper project, located in the past-producing San Juan District in northern Chile, one of the world's few primary cobalt districts known globally. C3 has a deliberate focus on building a dynamic and sustainable business with an emphasis on applying leading environmental stewardship, social engagement, and corporate governance practices to its strategy.

Safe Harbor Statement

This news release contains statements that involve expectations, plans or intentions (such as those relating to future business or financial results), and other factors discussed from time to time in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings. These statements are forward-looking and are subject to risks and uncertainties, so actual results may vary materially. You can identify these forward-looking statements by words such as "may," "should," "expect," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "intend," "plan", and other similar expressions. Examples of forward-looking statements include, among other, statements the Company makes regarding its ability to enter into a definitive agreement with Glencore and/or USSM for strategic partnership(s) as provided for in the LOI(s), ability to establish "Proven" or "Probable" Reserves, as defined by the SEC under Industry Guide 7, through the completion of a Definitive Feasibility Study for the minerals that the Company seeks to produce and the inherent risks of mining exploration, development, and processing operations that may negatively impact the business. Consequently, the Company's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors not within the control of the Company. The Company cautions readers not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. The Company disclaims any obligation subsequently to revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events.

CONTACTS:

Chilean Cobalt Corp.

Duncan T. Blount

Chairman & CEO

Duncan.Blount@chileancobaltcorp.com

SOURCE: Chilean Cobalt Corp.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Trans Canada Gold Corp. (TSX-V:TTG)(OTCQB:TTGXF) ("Trans Canada" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Company has now completed its eleventh full month of robust, steady oil production for the month of August 2024, with trucking and oil sales to Altex. The Company will release the August numbers in the coming days, once finalized. In October 2023, the Company successfully drilled and completed all multilateral legs of the Company's first multilateral well in the Sparky reservoir. Since drilling inception, the Croverro 7HZ Well has now produced over 60,000 barrels of consistent steady oil production.

Eleventh Month of Steady Oil Production: Trans Canada Gold Corp. has completed its eleventh consecutive month of steady oil production for August 2024, with sales to Altex. Since the drilling of its first multilateral well in the Sparky reservoir, the Croverro 7HZ Well has produced over 60,000 barrels of oil.

Successful Drilling of Second Multilateral Well: The Company successfully drilled its second multilateral well in the GP reservoir in August/September. With all legs completed, the operator, Croverro Energy Ltd., is now recovering drilling fluid, marking another significant step in Trans Canada's growth strategy.

The second multilateral well was just successfully drilled in August/ September and all legs were successfully completed in the GP reservoir. The Operator has finished battery construction and successfully completed the newly drilled multilateral well, and is currently recovering drilling fluid. Croverro Energy Ltd. under the terms of the agreement is the Operator.

The Company has acquired additional lands inside the Area of Mutual Interest ("AMI"), which will allow additional opportunity for multilateral wells. The lands are contiguous with our existing lands. The newly acquired lands, together combined with our existing lands have the oil resource potential in both the Sparky and GP producing zones.

Commented President & CEO Tim Coupland, "We have now hit eleven months of steady oil production and now exceeded over 60,000 barrels, showcasing production expertise in both the Sparky and GP reservoir sands in Lloydminster area. We are excited to be soon releasing our August production rates, once the final oil production numbers have been finalized with Croverro, and confirmed by Altex . With the new TMX pipeline now fully operational, oil prices are forecasted to remain high, which will allow the Company to pursue additional drilling opportunities and new property acquisitions."

ABOUT TRANS CANADA GOLD CORP. - OIL AND GAS PRODUCTION/REVENUE PRODUCING WELLS

The Company is a discovery focused Oil & Gas Resource Development and Mineral Exploration Company that is currently focused on developing and drilling its' production of conventional heavy oil exploration properties, increasing production capabilities, and increasing future oil production revenues through responsible exploration. The Company identifies, acquires and finances with its working interest partners, the ongoing development of oil and gas assets primarily situated in Alberta Canada. The Company has qualified Senior exploration management and Geological teams of professionals, seasoned in exploration production, field exploration and drilling. The Company currently works with Croverro Energy Ltd., who has demonstrated proficiency, expected of an experienced oil and gas technical team that has proven oil production, and revenue success with large multi-lateral wells currently under their supervision. The Company has the necessary manpower in place to develop its natural resource properties and manage its production properties. The Company is committed to minimizing risk through selective property acquisitions, and responsible exploration drilling, and maximizing long term petroleum and natural gas resource assets.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Tim Coupland, President and CEO

Trans Canada Gold Corp.

Tel: (604) 681-3131

astar@telus.com

www.transcanadagold.com

or

Christian Timmins, Director

Trans Canada Gold Corp.

Tel: (403) 597-3410

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider, (as the term is defined in the Policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: Trans Canada Gold

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Highlights

Historic Resource Estimate is of up to 2.9Mlbs U3O8 within 300-500 feet of the surface 1 .

Historic Drilling of 115 holes (102 by Phillips Minerals in the 1970s, 13 by Trigon Exploration in 2007).

Potential to double or triple historic estimate.

WOODLAND HILLS, CA / ACCESSWIRE / September 12, 2024 / TONOGOLD Resources Inc. (OTC PINK:TNGL) ("TONOGOLD" or the "Company") and its merger partner, JAG Minerals USA, Inc are pleased to provide an update on the historic resource estimates for their Marysvale Project, Southwestern Utah. This news release provides a detailed summary of the historic data and the future potential. Figure 1: Project and Process Mill locations.

1 Proctor, P.D. (pre-2000). Private Report on the Marysvale Uranium Project. (Referenced in the NI 43-101 report by Havenstrite and Hardy, 2006) Project Background The Marysvale Mining District, located in Southwestern Utah, has a rich history of exploration and production. The Company currently holds 20 lode mining claims in this district, strategically positioned adjacent to the historic Central Mining Area. This area produced an estimated 1.39 million lbs. of U3O8 at an average grade of 0.22% from more than 10 mines between 1949 and 19662. Figure 2: Marysvale Project over USGS deposits.

2 Geology and uranium-vanadium deposits of the La Sal quadrangle, San Juan County, Utah, and Montrose County, Colorado, Carter, W.D., and Gualtieri, J.L. USGS, PP 508, 1965 Historic Drilling The Marysvale Mining District has a rich history of exploration: Phillips Minerals (1970s): Conducted 102 drill holes across the district, providing substantial initial data on the mineralization.

Trigon Exploration (2007): Added 13 drill holes, which confirmed and expanded upon the data collected by Phillips Minerals. Notable Drill Intercepts: Hole 24-91: 88.0 ft @ 0.07% eU3O8 (equivalent U3O8)

Hole 24-105: 47.5 ft @ 0.13% eU3O8

Hole 24-28: 64.5 ft @ 0.09% eU3O8

Hole 24-20: 45.5 ft @ 0.12% eU3O8

Hole 30-4: 56.0 ft @ 0.07% eU3O8 Figure 3: Historic Drilling on Marysvale Property.

Historic Resource Estimate

The Proctor Report, prepared by Paul Dean Proctor, PhD., a professor of geology at Brigham Young University, provides a historical estimate of uranium reserves at the Marysvale Project based on drilling conducted by Phillips Uranium Company in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Although this estimate predates National Instrument 43-101 standards and current US SEC Regulation S-K reporting standard and is not compliant with modern requirements, it offers valuable insights into the potential size and grade of uranium deposits at the site.

Historical Estimate of Uranium Reserves

Total Estimated Reserves: At least 2.9 million lbs. U3O8.

Grade and Tonnage: 0.75 million tons at 0.075% U3O8 (1.125 million lbs. U3O8). 3.0 million tons at 0.03% U3O8 (1.8 million lbs. U3O8).

Depth: Mineralization occurs within 300-500 feet of the surface.

Potential for Expansion

Proctor suggests that additional potential uranium ore exists on the property, which could double or triple the current reserves. This is based on gamma ray (eU) anomalies detected over a large alteration system along a major northwest-trending fault zone.

Drilling Data

The Proctor Report references drill intercepts from Phillips Uranium Company's drilling program, including intervals such as "25 feet of 0.22% and 15 feet of 0.50% U3O8." These intercepts indicate significant primary uranium mineralization below the zone of secondary minerals.

Survey Data

A surface radiometric survey conducted by Phillips in 1981 detected areas of anomalous radiation (>200 counts per second), although the correlation with argillic alteration zones was imperfect. Locations of these anomalies remain unknown, but they indicate potential targets for further exploration.

Conclusion

The Proctor Report provides a detailed historical perspective on the Marysvale Uranium Project, highlighting significant uranium mineralization and the potential for resource expansion. Although the data predates modern standards, it underscores the importance of further exploration to fully realize the property's potential. The Company has not yet independently validated or confirmed the historic resource estimates under current reporting and disclosure standards.

Reference:

Proctor, P.D. (pre-2000). Private Report on the Marysvale Uranium Project. (Referenced in the NI 43-101 report by Havenstrite and Hardy, 2006)?

Geology and Mineralization

Favorable Geology: The property lies within the Cenozoic Marysvale volcanic field, astride the transition zone between the Colorado Plateau and the Great Basin.

Figure 4: Marysvale Geology with interpreted mineralization from historic drilling.

Mineralization Depth: Uranium mineralization occurs from the surface to a depth of approximately 500 ft in strongly clay-altered rhyolitic volcanics.

Structural Control: Mineralization is structurally controlled within fault blocks, making it favorable for both surface and underground mining methods.

Mineralization remains open-ended, suggesting further potential for resource expansion.

Figure 5: Outcrop sample SL06 field photo (RS-125 unit returned 45,200 cps).

Figure 6: Using the RS-125 to get elevated cps values on the tree for comparison against the surrounding counts.

Future Plan

Enhance the project's value by advancing the understanding and resource base through targeted drilling and gamma logging of 15-20 holes with geochemical analysis to define disequilibrium and test extensions. Update the NI 43-101 Technical Report with these findings, and strategically focus exploration efforts on delineating and expanding the known mineral inventory, emphasizing bulk tonnage supergene deposits and higher-grade vein deposits.

TONOGOLD CEO William Hunter stated: "During the 2023 geological field season JAG Minerals USA, Inc. was active in expanding its Uranium and Vanadium claims in Wyoming, Utah and Colorado. Specifically focused on claims that have detailed historic Uranium data and / or published resources open for potential expansion. Further, the areas need access to mills to process the mined Uranium products. This development is very positive to the combined Company and will be very positive for the Company in the recently announced transaction JAG Minerals USA, Inc.

Disclaimer Regarding Historic Estimates

The historical resource estimates provided in this release are based on data obtained and prepared by previous operators and have not been verified by either the Company or a qualified person as defined by NI 43-101 or in US SEC Regulation S-K and the rules promulgated thereunder regarding the reporting of historical resource estimates. These estimates are considered historical and do not conform to current NI 43-101 standards or to current US SEC reporting standards. A qualified person has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimates as current mineral resources or mineral reserves, and the Company is not treating these historical estimates as current mineral resources or mineral reserves. Further work, including drilling and analysis, is required to verify these historical estimates and upgrade them to meet NI 43-101 standards and current US SEC reporting standards.

This estimate was made prior to implementation of National Instrument 43-101 standards and prior to the implementation of current US SEC Regulation S-K and related reporting standards, and does not qualify as a resource or reserve, and thus, the historical estimate should not be relied upon.

Qualified person

Mr Andrew Hawker, BSc. Geol, MAIG, is a member of the Australasian Institute Geoscientists, is a consultant to JAG Minerals USA, Inc. and is a Qualified Person as defined in National Instrument 43-101. Mr Hawker is in charge of exploration programs and has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this news release.

Enquiries

For further information, please contact:

William Hunter

Interim CEO Tonogold Resources Inc

M: +1 203 856 7285

E: bhunter@tonogold.com

SOURCE: Tonogold Resources, Inc.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 12, 2024) - Battery Mineral Resources Corp. (TSXV: BMR) (OTCQB: BTRMF) ("Battery" or "BMR" or the "Company") is pleased to announce encouraging drill core assay results from the new 2024 underground exploration and in-fill drill program at the Punitaqui mine complex ("Punitaqui") in Chile.

Highlights

Assay results from drillholes (see Table 1) have returned with encouraging results as follows: Drillhole CM-24-11: 18.3 meters ("m") grading 2.6 percent ("%") copper total ("CuT") and 11 grams per tonne ("g/t") silver ("Ag") including 14.9m at 3.1% CuT & 13g/t Ag drilled as an infill hole delineated the extent of the mineralization intercepted in historic drillholes CM-0-19-05 and CM-0-19-07 CM-24-12: 6.4m grading 0.9% CuT and 5g/t Ag drilled as an extensional hole defined the northern strike extent of the planned extraction area CM-24-13: 23.1m at 2.0% CuT & 14g/t Ag drilled as an infill hole confirmed the extent of the mineralization intercepted in historic drillholes CM-0-19-05 and CM-0-19-07 CM-24-14: 1.5m at 0.6% CuT & 1g/t Ag and 2.9m at 0.5% CuT & 14g/t Ag drilled as an extensional hole confirmed the southern strike extent of the planned extraction area



The 2024 Cinabrio drill program is designed to confirm resources identified by previous drilling programs and expand these resources along strike and at depth. All holes reached target depth and have intersected the targeted shale-mudstone horizon that hosts the copper mineralization.

This phase of Cinabrio underground drilling targeted the Level 160 scheduled production area where 4 drillholes totaling 173.6 meters of diamond core drilling were completed (see Table 2 and Figure 1).

The four holes were designed to confirm the modelled geology, mineralization and probe the contact zone between the lower mineralized shale unit and the underlying andesites within and adjacent to the planned extraction area ( C M-24-11, C M-24-12. CM-24-13 and C M-24-14).

M-24-11, M-24-12. CM-24-13 and M-24-14). This drilling confirmed copper grades and better delineated the extent of the mineralization in the lower shale unit and footwall andesite within and adjacent to the planned extraction area.

These drill results have been added to the three-dimensional geology and resource models which BMR's mining engineers will use to update the current mine designs and optimize mining schedules.

As of mid-August, the Cinabrio-San Andres underground drill program had resulted in the completion of 31 drillholes / 1,300.4m including 18 holes / 770.2m at Cinabrio.

Drilling is ongoing and assay results for the remaining 11 Cinabrio drillholes are pending.

Battery Vice President of Exploration Peter Doyle stated, "These new, high-grade copper infill drill results not only confirm the copper grades predicted by our current geological model but also provide a more detailed understanding of the Level 160 target mineralization. The ongoing underground drilling continues to demonstrate encouraging results that highlight the potential of the Cinabrio mine."

During the current operational ramp-up period, the underground drilling program is focused on accessible targets within existing Inferred Resource to upgrade the resources to a higher resource category as well as targeting areas adjacent to Inferred Resource to potentially add new resources.

The 2024 drill plan allows for some flexibility in terms of timing and sequencing of target areas which permits the drilling to be shifted between the Cinabrio mine and the adjacent San Andres underground.

Cinabrio Mine

Sample assay results, reported herein, are from the second target tested as part of the underground drilling at Cinabrio. These four BMR drillholes are infill holes designed to verify and better delineate mineralization for the Level 160 target. Historic drillholes CM-0-19-05 and CM-0-19-07 drilled by Xiana Mining Inc. were both collared from a working above and to the north of the Level 160 planned production area and drilled sub-parallel the stratigraphy. Hole CM-0-19-05 intersected 1.2m at 0.5% CuT and 2.3g/t Ag from 30m and 4.4m at 1.9% CuT and 4.9g/t Ag. Drillhole CM-0-19-07 is interpreted to have drilled from the footwall andesite into the lower part of the overlying sedimentary sequence and then back into the footwall andesites. This hole intersected a mineralized zone in the shales in the lower part of the sedimentary sequence that yielded an intercept of 3m at 6.6% CuT and 46.9g/t Ag.

All four of the BMR drillholes were drilled from the footwall andesite upward through the TSU sedimentary unit and terminated at the old mine workings above the target area.

Drillhole CM-24-11 was designed to test the north-central part of the Level 160 planned production area. The drillhole encountered weakly mineralized andesite near the contact of the TSU sedimentary unit and then a well mineralized sequence of shales and sandstones near the bottom of the hole which was stopped prior to encountering an old underground working. Assay results reported included 18.3m grading 2.6% CuT and 11g/t Ag from 15.0m including 14.9m at 3.1% CuT & 13g/t Ag from 18.6m. The drill hole confirmed the presence of a significant zone of copper mineralization in the planned extraction area.

Drillhole CM-24-12 was planned to test the northern end of the planned extraction area. The drillhole encountered footwall andesite from 0m to 30.9m which was weakly mineralized at the top adjacent to the overlying TSU sedimentary sequence. From 30.9m to the bottom of the hole (44.0m), this drillhole encountered variably mineralized sandstones and shales. Assay intervals reported include 6.4m grading 0.9% Cu and 5g/t Ag from 34.9m. The drillhole confirmed the northern limit of mineralization within the planned extraction area.

Drillhole CM-24-13 tested the south-central part of the planned extraction area. The drillhole encountered footwall andesite from 0m to 13.3m which is well mineralized. From 13.3m to 27.1m the section intersected consisted of a sequence of mixed shales and andesitic volcanoclastics with variable mineralization. From 27.1m to the bottom of the drillhole (42.5m), the interval intersected well mineralized shales cut by an andesite dyke from 38.6m to 42.4m. Assay results include 23.1m at 2% CuT & 14g/t Ag from 12m. The drill hole confirmed the presence of a significant high-grade zone of mineralization in the planned extraction area.

Drillhole CM-24-14 was designed to test the southern extent of the planned extraction area. This drillhole intersected footwall andesite from 0m to 30.3m followed by a section of sandstones, shales and volcanoclastics from 30.3m to the bottom of the drillhole at 54.8m. The hole yielded two weakly anomalous intercepts; 1.5m at 0.6% Cu & 1g/t Ag from 17m and 2.9m at 0.5% CuT & 14g/t Ag from 44.5m. Drill hole CM-24-14 confirmed the southern margin of mineralization in the planned extraction area.

Figure 1: Cinabrio Drilling Hole Location Plan- Level 160

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6076/223068_a64f1aede49f2a75_002full.jpg

Table 1: Cinabrio Level 160 Significant 2024 Drillhole Intercepts

Drillhole

Number Downhole

Interval

From

(m) Downhole Interval

To

(m) Downhole Sample

Interval

(m) Sample

Estimated True Interval Width

(m) Total Copper

CuT

(%) Silver

Ag

(Grams per tonne)

(g/t) CM-24-11

Including 15.00 34.30 19.3 18.30 2.57 10.50 18.60 34.30 15.70 14.90 3.06 12.6 CM-24-12

including 30.90 44.00 13.10 9.30 0.69 4.00 34.90 44.00 9.10 6.40 0.87 4.90 CM-24-13

including 12.00 39.00 27.00 23.10 1.97 14.00 13.25 16.20 2.95 2.50 1.89 9.00 CM-24-14

and 16.96 19.25 2.29 1.50 0.58 0.80 44.45 49.00 4.55 2.90 0.45 13.90

Note: All Intercepts reported as estimated true widths intervals

Table 2: Cinabrio Level 160 - 2024 Drillhole Summary

Hole Number Collar UTM

Easting (m) Collar UTM

Northing (m) Collar Elevation (mASL) Depth

EoH

(m) Hole Inclination (Dip) Azimuth Hole

Type & Size CM-24-11 288607.63 6599531.45 177.89 34.30 27.26o N35.94oE Diamond HQ Core CM-24-12 288607.62 6599531.48 177.82 44.00 24.00 o N007.94oE Diamond HQ Core CM-24-13 288610.55 6599529.60 178.11 42.5 24.01 o N069.43oE Diamond HQ Core CM-24-14 288609.37 6599530.32 177.86 54.75 19.32 o N098.96oE Diamond HQ Core

Background - Cinabrio Deposit

The Cinabrio copper deposit mined by Glencore and Xiana Mining was the main ore source for the Los Mantos processing plant for over 10 years. Cinabrio is the largest deposit mined to date and is part of the Punitaqui project which is situated within a 25km long mineralized district that is a classic IOCG and manto style copper belt that is comprised of manto and structural controlled copper-silver veins.

On October 3, 2022, BMR published an NI 43-101 resource for Cinabrio at a 0.70 Cu% cut-off.

Indicated Sulphide Resource of 378,000 tonnes grading 1.55% CuT.

Inferred Sulphide Resource of 90,000 tonnes at 0.98% CuT

In addition, Indicated resources for Cinabrio potentially recoverable pillars at a 0.70 Cu% cut-off.

Undiluted Indicated resources of 1,027,000 tonnes at grading 1.51% CuT

Diluted Indicated resources of 1,312,000 tonnes at 1.27% CuT

Note: Scientific and technical information pertaining to the San Andres Resource was extracted from the Company's NI 43-101 "Technical report on Punitaqui Copper Complex Coquimbo, Chile" dated as of September 30,2022 with an effective date of August 16, 2022, prepared by Garth Kirkham (Kirkham Geosystems Ltd.) an Independent Qualified Person in accordance with NI 43-101.

The Cinabrio historic workings encompass about 700 vertical meters from the ridge-top oxide workings to the lowest level of underground development. Within the underground mine level development is spaced vertically at about a 30 meter interval.

The Cinabrio deposit is a tabular sedimentary horizon known as the "Targeted Stratigraphic Unit" ("TSU") within a volcanic sequence. This sedimentary horizon is variably mineralized and has a variable width ranging from 5m - 30m. It consists of an interlayered volcano-sedimentary sequence composed of dark colored laminated and unlaminated shales, volcanoclastic sandstone, conglomerates and breccias and tuff breccias. Most of the copper mineralization is hosted in the shale units within the TSU package. The horizon dips 40 to 50 degrees to the east.

Mineralization consists of veinlets and irregular disseminations in both the fine and coarse-grained clastic rocks and locally within the volcanic rocks above and below the host unit. The host horizon is also cut and offset by faults and dykes with a wide range of orientations.

Quality Control

Sample preparation, analysis and security procedures applied on the BMR exploration projects are aligned with industry best practice. BMR has implemented protocols and procedures to ensure high quality collection and management of samples resulting in reliable exploration assay data. BMR has implemented formal analytical quality control monitoring for all field sampling and drilling programs by inserting blanks and certified reference materials into every sample sequence dispatched.

Sample preparation is performed BMR Los Mantos Preparation Lab. Samples are dried then crushed to 70% < -2 millimeters and a riffle split of 250 grams is then pulverized to 85% of the material achieving a size of <75 microns. Sample pulps & rejects were then delivered to ALS Global - Geochemistry Analytical Lab in La Serana, Chile and sample analyses by ALS in Lima, Peru. ALS analytical facilities are commercial laboratories and are independent from BMR. All BMR samples are collected and packaged by BMR staff and delivered upon receipt at the ALS Laboratory. Samples are logged in a sophisticated laboratory information management system for sample tracking, scheduling, quality control, and electronic reporting. These prepared samples are then shipped to the ALS Laboratory in North Vancouver for analyses by the following methods:

ME-MS61: A high precision, multi-acid digest including Hydrofluoric, Nitric, Perchloric and Hydrochloric acids. Analysed by inductively coupled plasma ("ICP") mass spectrometry that produces results for 48 elements.

ME-OG62: Aqua-Regia digest: Analysed by ICP-AES (Atomic Emission Spectrometry) or sometimes called optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) for high levels of Co, Cu, Ni and Ag.

Certified standards are inserted into sample batches by ALS. Blanks and duplicates are inserted within each analytical run. The blank is inserted at the beginning, certified standards are inserted at random intervals, and duplicates are analysed at the end of the batch.

Qualified Persons

Peter Doyle, Vice President of Exploration and Michael Schuler, Chile Exploration Manager for Battery Mineral Resources Corp., supervised the preparation of and approved the scientific and technical information in this press release pertaining to the Punitaqui exploration drill program. Mr. Doyle and Mr. Schuler are qualified persons as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

Scientific and technical information pertaining to the Punitaqui Resource was extracted from the Company's NI 43-101 "Technical Report on Punitaqui Copper Complex Coquimbo, Chile" dated as of September 30,2022 with an effective date of August 16, 2022, prepared by Garth Kirkham (Kirkham Geosystems Ltd.) an Independent Qualified Person in accordance with NI 43-101.

All mineral resources have been estimated in accordance with Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy and Petroleum ("CIM") definitions, as required under NI 43-101. Cut-off grades are based on a price of US$3.50/lb copper, US$20/oz silver and several operating costs, metallurgical recoveries, and recovery assumptions, including a reasonable contingency factor.

Further Disclosure

The press release of the Company dated September 9, 2024 (the "September 9 Press Release") disclosed a loan (the "Loan") made by Weston Energy II LLC ("Weston II") to the Company in the principal amount of US$750,000 (approximately C$1,019,925). The September 9 Press Release inadvertently referred to the date of issuance of a previous loan made by Weston II on June 26, 2024. The Company wishes to clarify that the Loan is separate from the June 26, 2024 loan and represents new funds to the Company. The Loan was advanced on September 6, 2024. As disclosed in the September 9 Press Release, the Loan matures on December 5, 2024 and accrues interest at a rate per annum equal to eight percent (8%). The Loan is unsecured and no bonus securities were issued for the Loan. The proceeds from the Loan will be applied towards the operations at the Company's Punitaqui copper project in Chile.

The Loan is subject to acceptance by the TSX Venture Exchange.

Exchange Rates

All USD amounts for which CAD equivalent amounts are given in this news release were calculated at CAD/USD exchange rate of 1.3599, the exchange rate published by the Bank of Canada on September 10, 2024.

MI 61-101 Matters

Weston II is a "related party" to BMR pursuant to pursuant to Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). Prior to giving effect to the transactions disclosed in this news release, Weston II and its affiliates own or control (directly or indirectly) 107,578,740 BMR Common Shares on an undiluted basis and 193,011,575 BMR Common Shares on a diluted basis assuming conversion of all outstanding debentures (representing approximately 59.43% and 70.93%, respectively, of the outstanding BMR Common Shares).

The Loan constitutes a "related party transaction" for the purposes of MI 61-101. The Loan is exempt from the formal valuation requirements of MI 6-101 as BMR is not listed on a specified market that would require compliance with such formal valuation requirements (as set forth in Section 5.5(b) of MI 61-101). The Loan is further exempt from the minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 by virtue of the value of the Loan constituting less than 25% of the market capitalization of the Company, and being less than $2,500,000 in any case (as set forth in Sections 5.7(1)(a) and 5.7(1)(b) of MI 61-101).

About Battery Mineral Resources Corp.

Battery Mineral Resources' mission is to build a mid-tier copper producer and it has recently initiated mine and mill operations at the Punitaqui Mining Complex, a historic copper-gold-silver producer, in the Coquimbo region of Chile. Battery Mineral Resources is unique because it leverages the inherent value from its 100% owned subsidiary, ESI Energy Services Inc., a renewable energy equipment rental and sales company. Battery Mineral Resources' portfolio also consists of two cobalt assets and one graphite asset located in North America, South America and South Korea. The Company is focused on providing shareholders accretive exposure to copper and the global mega-trend of electrification while being focused on growth through cash-flow, exploration, and acquisitions in favorable mining jurisdictions.

Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

Forward Looking Statements

This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections of the Company on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and the parties have made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation, the ability of the Company to obtain sufficient financing to complete exploration and development activities, risks related to share price and market conditions, the inherent risks involved in the mining, exploration and development of mineral properties, the ability of the Company to meet its anticipated development schedule, government regulation and fluctuating metal prices. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Battery undertakes no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements contained herein, whether as a result of new information or future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/223068

SOURCE: Battery Mineral Resources Corp.
TwentyFour Income Fund - Result of Annual General Meeting

PR Newswire

LONDON, United Kingdom, September 12

TwentyFour Income Fund Limited

(a closed-ended investment company incorporated in Guernsey with registration number 56128)

LEI Number: 549300CCEV00IH2SU369

(The "Company")

12 SEPTEMBER 2024

RESULT OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

At the Annual General Meeting of the Company held today, all Resolutions set out in the Annual General Meeting Notice sent to Shareholders dated 23 August 2024 were duly passed.

Details of the proxy voting results which should be read along side the Notice are noted below:

Ordinary Resolution For Percentage In Favour 1 409,485,309 99.98 2 380,903,039 93.00 3 408,948,565 99.87 4 404,372,382 98.73 5 409,401,777 99.97 6 409,314,013 99.95 7 409,328,412 99.96 8 409,381,893 99.97 9 409,354,701 99.97 10 409,346,701 99.96 11 385,679,307 94.17 12 409,188,138 99.91 13 409,002,138 99.87 Extraordinary Resolution For Percentage in Favour 14 407,657,995 99.55 15 379,056,410 92.57

Note - A vote withheld is not a vote in law and has not been counted in the votes for and against a resolution.

The Extraordinary Resolutions were as follows:

Extraordinary Resolution 14

That, in substitution of all existing powers (but in addition to any power conferred on them by ordinary resolutions 12 and 13 above), the Directors be and are authorised generally and unconditionally in accordance with Article 6.7 of the Articles to exercise all powers of the Company to issue equity securities (as defined in Article 6.1.1(a)) for cash as if the members' pre-emption rights contained in Article 6.2 of the Articles did not apply to any such issue pursuant to the general authority conferred on them by ordinary resolutions 12 and 13 above (as varied from time to time by the Company in general meeting):

pursuant to an offer of equity securities open for acceptance for a period fixed by the Directors where the equity securities respectively attributable to the interests of holders of Ordinary Shares are proportionate (as nearly as may be) to the respective numbers of Ordinary Shares held by them but subject to such exclusions or other arrangements in connection with the issue as the Directors may consider necessary, appropriate or expedient to deal with equity securities representing fractional entitlements or to deal with legal or practical problems arising in any overseas territory, the requirements of any regulatory body or stock exchange, or any other matter whatsoever; and provided that (otherwise than pursuant to sub-paragraph (a) above) this power shall be limited to the allotment of equity securities up to an aggregate nominal value equal to 10 per cent. of the total number of shares in issue in the Company at the date of the passing of this extraordinary resolution, and provided further that (i) the number of equity securities to which this power applies shall be reduced from time to time by the number of treasury shares which are sold pursuant to any power conferred on the Directors by ordinary resolution 11 above and (ii) no issue of equity securities shall be made under this power which would result in Ordinary Shares being issued at a price which is less than the net asset value per Ordinary Share as at the latest practicable date before such allotment of equity securities as determined by the Directors in their reasonable discretion, and such power hereby conferred shall expire on whichever is the earlier of: (i) the conclusion of the annual general meeting of the Company to be held in 2025; or (ii) the date 15 months after the date on which this extraordinary resolution is passed (unless renewed, varied or revoked by the Company prior to that date) save that the Company may, before such expiry, make offers or agreements which would or might require equity securities to be issued after such expiry and the Directors may issue equity securities in pursuance to such offers or agreements as if the authority conferred hereby had not expired.

Extraordinary Resolution 15

That, conditional on extraordinary resolution 14 above having been passed, in substitution of all existing powers (but in addition to any power conferred on them by ordinary resolutions 12 and 13 and in addition to and without prejudice to the power granted by extraordinary resolution 14 above), the Directors be and are authorised generally and unconditionally in accordance with Article 6.7 of the Articles to exercise all powers of the Company to issue equity securities (as defined in Article 6.1.1(a)) for cash as if the members' pre-emption rights contained in Article 6.2 of the Articles did not apply to any such issue pursuant to the general authority conferred on them by the ordinary resolutions 12 and 13 above (as varied from time to time by the Company in general meeting):

pursuant to an offer of equity securities open for acceptance for a period fixed by the Directors where the equity securities respectively attributable to the interests of holders of Ordinary Shares are proportionate (as nearly as may be) to the respective numbers of Ordinary Shares held by them but subject to such exclusions or other arrangements in connection with the issue as the Directors may consider necessary, appropriate or expedient to deal with equity securities representing fractional entitlements or to deal with legal or practical problems arising in any overseas territory, the requirements of any regulatory body or stock exchange, or any other matter whatsoever; and provided that (otherwise than pursuant to sub-paragraph (a) above) this power shall be limited to the allotment of equity securities up to an aggregate nominal value equal to 10 per cent. of the total number of shares in issue in the Company at the date of the passing of this extraordinary resolution, and provided further that no issue of equity securities shall be made under this power which would result in Ordinary Shares being issued at a price which is less than the net asset value per Ordinary Share as at the latest practicable date before such allotment of equity securities as determined by the Directors in their reasonable discretion, and such power hereby conferred shall expire on whichever is the earlier of: (i) the conclusion of the annual general meeting of the Company to be held in 2025; or (ii) the date 15 months after the date on which this extraordinary resolution is passed (unless renewed, varied or revoked by the Company prior to that date) save that the Company may, before such expiry, make offers or agreements which would or might require equity securities to be issued after such expiry and the Directors may issue equity securities in pursuance to such offers or agreements as if the authority conferred hereby had not expired.

Enquiries:

Northern Trust International Fund Administration Services (Guernsey) Limited

The Company Secretary

Trafalgar Court

Les Banques

St Peter Port

Guernsey

GY1 3QL

Tel: 01481 745001

END
Intelsat, operator of one of the world's largest integrated satellite and terrestrial networks, successfully provided an innovative two-continent IntelsatOne IP hybrid service seamlessly delivering live, video content from the iconic Paris Summer Games to Brazil.

"Broadcasters and programmers are looking for reliable and cost-effective alternatives to contribute and distribute video feeds regionally and globally, inclusive of prominent, high-value content such as the Summer Games," said Pascale Fromont, vice president and general manager of Media, Intelsat. "With its inception in 2023, IntelsatOne IP is uniquely designed to increase the reach and flexibility of the Intelsat Global Hybrid Media Network, providing customers with more options for video distribution and contribution, and back-up and disaster recovery systems."

Intelsat demonstrated IntelsatOne IP as a disaster recovery service during the two-week Summer Games in Paris. To send the live video feeds to a Brazilian broadcaster, Intelsat delivered its secure reliable transport stream to the IntelsatOne IP point of presence (PoP) in Paris. From there, the video moved through the IntelsatOne IP terrestrial network to Intelsat's Rio de Janeiro PoP where it was delivered to the local production network. The customer reported lower latency and higher efficiency when compared to sending content through the public internet.

Fully integrated into Intelsat's hybrid terrestrial and satellite infrastructure, IntelsatOne IP provides a new global IP software video management layer to an existing, terrestrial fiber network. This provides media customers with more connectivity options in content distribution. The versatility of IntelsatOne IP allows customers to distribute content through a hybrid terrestrial-satellite connection, as well as provide a back-up or disaster recovery system.

To learn more about IntelsatOne IP, click here.

About Intelsat

Intelsat's global team of professionals is focused on providing seamless and secure, satellite-based communications to government, NGO and commercial customers through the company's next-generation worldwide network and managed services. Bridging the digital divide by operating one of the world's largest and most advanced satellite fleet and connectivity infrastructures, Intelsat enables people and their tools to speak over oceans, see across continents and listen through the skies to communicate, cooperate and coexist. Since its founding six decades ago, the company has been synonymous with satellite-industry "firsts" in service to its customers and the planet. Leaning on a legacy of innovation and focusing on addressing a new generation of challenges Intelsat team members now have their sights on the "next firsts" in space as they disrupt the field and lead in the digital transformation of the industry.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240912799751/en/

Contacts:

Melissa Longo melissa.longo@intelsat.com; +1 240-308-1881
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 12, 2024) - Hertz Energy Inc. (CSE: HZ) (OTCQB: HZLIF) (FSE: QE2) ("Hertz" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the start of exploration programs at the Harriman Antimony Property ("Harriman Property" or the "Property") comprised of 49 mineral claims (approximately 2,500 hectares) located in the Province of Quebec beginning the week on September 16, 2024.

The Harriman Property is an exploration stage antimony project located approximately 17 km northeast of the town of New Richmond in the Gaspe Region of Quebec (Figures 1, 2). The Gaspe Region is known for a variety of significant mineral deposits, most notably the Mine Gaspe Copper Mine, currently being developed by Osisko Metals. The Harriman Property benefits from good road access, hydroelectric power, port access, and nearby available manpower.

The Harriman Property is strategically located at the intersection of the major ENE trending Restigouche Fault and Grand Pabos Fault with a second order northeast-trending fault hosting numerous antimony and gold showings (Figure 3).

The Property was developed by compiling and reviewing historical antimony (Sb) and gold (Au) showings from the Quebec government geoscientific database known as SIGEOM. The Property area was defined by a series of four antimony showings, all hosted along a northeast-trending fault structure (Figure 4). Historical results from the nearby showings along the northeast-trending fault include 2.32% Sb, 3.36 g/t Au (Harriman-2), 43.75 Sb, 3.4 g/t Au (New Richmond), 4.8% Sb, 7.89 g/t Au and 15.35% Sb (Harriman-4 Sud) (source: SIGEOM).

The Harriman Property of Hertz includes the Harriman-4Sud showing returning 15.35% Sb and 0.07 g/t Au from a historical grab sample of a massive stibnite vein in altered sediments. The nearby Harriman Gold occurrence, located 300 m to the northwest, returned an assay of 22.4 g/t Au from a grab sample. These showings and much of the property have had limited previous exploration and has not had any historical drilling.

Hertz Energy will be mobilizing a team of geologist and technicians this month to the Harriman Project to undertake geological mapping and prospecting. The crew will focus in the area of favourable geology, particularly surrounding the historical showings as well as prospect for new antimony and gold showings.





Figure 1: Harriman Project Geology Map



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9656/223063_914a1942145a1a2d_002full.jpg





Figure 2: Harriman Project Airborne Magnetics Map



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9656/223063_914a1942145a1a2d_003full.jpg





Figure 3: Harriman Project - Structural context and mineral showings



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https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9656/223063_914a1942145a1a2d_004full.jpg





Figure 4 Harriman Project - Claim Map



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9656/223063_914a1942145a1a2d_005full.jpg

About Antimony-In Short Supply

In August, China announced antimony export restrictions which take effect on September 15, 2024 (source: Reuters, August 28, 2024) and are expected to have significant implications for the global antimony supply chain. China's announcement of antimony export restrictions has added fuel to a red-hot market and opens another potential flash-point with the West for control of critical minerals. Antimony is a little-known metal with multiple applications. Antimony's largest end-use is as a flame retardant, but it is also found in solar panels and batteries. The U.S. Department of the Interior has designated it a critical mineral because it is also essential for armour-piercing ammunition, infrared sensors, and precision optics.

Antimony prices have nearly doubled since the start of the year to a record $22,750 per tonne in part because of shrinking exports from major producers and a global deficit of the metal. China's exports are in medium-term decline due to higher demand from its solar energy sector, while Russian supply has been crimped by falling output and Western sanctions. The flow from other big producing nations such as Vietnam, Tajikistan, and Myanmar has been disrupted by the re-routing of shipments from the Red Sea due to Houthi attacks on shipping.

Analysts estimate the market was already looking at a 10,000-ton shortfall before China's export restrictions. These new controls are not targeted at any specific country but Chinese authorities can refuse licences to export to individual end-user companies or countries as they see fit.

Other Information on Antimony:

Ukraine War Is Depleting U.S. Ammunition Stockpiles, Sparking Pentagon Concern https://www.wsj.com/articles/ukraine-war-depleting-u-s-ammunition-stockpiles-sparking-pentagon-concern-11661792188

WASHINGTON-The war in Ukraine has depleted American stocks of some types of ammunition and the Pentagon has been slow to replenish its arsenal, sparking concerns among U.S. officials that American military readiness could be jeopardized by the shortage. https://www.wsj.com/articles/ukraine-war-depleting-u-s-ammunition-stockpiles-sparking-pentagon-concern-11661792188

China's Antimony Export Restrictions: The Impact on U.S. National Security

https://www.csis.org/analysis/chinas-antimony-export-restrictions-impact-us-national-security

i2a China Export Restriction Press Release - 20 August 2024

https://www.antimony.com/wpfd_file/i2a-china-export-restriction-press-release-20-august-2024/

How China's Antimony Ban Will Cripple the US Military

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbDOEg_Wy_0

Kal Malhi, CEO of Hertz Energy commented, "With the current conflicts around the world and the need for countries to stockpile their antimony reserves, there is a rush to develop antimony resources in North America. Hertz Energy's Harriman project is well located and high grade and Hertz is laser focused on deploying our capital and talented geological team to quickly develop the antimony potential at our Harriman Antimony project. Hertz Energy is well funded and currently has approximately $750,000 in flow thru capital to deploy on our mineral exploration projects and our team will be on the Harriman Project over the next weeks and we aim to identify drill targets and drill the property in the coming months in hopes to define an economic antimony deposit."

QUALIFIED PERSON STATEMENT

All scientific and technical information contained in this news release was reviewed and approved by Paul Teniere, P.Geo., Technical Advisor of Hertz Energy, who is a "Qualified Person" as defined in NI 43-101.

About the Company

The Company is a British Columbia based junior exploration company primarily engaged in the acquisition and exploration of energy metals mineral properties. The Company's lithium exploration projects include the AC/DC Lithium Project, and Snake Lithium Project in Jame Bay Quebec. The AC/DC Project is 26,500 hectares located in the renowned James Bay Lithium District in Quebec, Canada, just 26kms southeast of the Corvette Lithium Project owned by Patriot Battery Metals and is contiguous to Rio Tinto's Kaanaayaa project claims. The Company's Snake Lithium Project is also district scale and located amongst highly prospective projects held by other exploration companies. Hertz Energy's Harriman Antimony Project is its first Antimony property acquisition located in the Gaspe region of Quebec,Canada.

For further information, please contact Mr. Kal Malhi or view the Company's filings at www.sedarplus.ca.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Cautionary Statement Regarding "Forward-Looking" Information

This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this new release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/223063

SOURCE: Hertz Energy Inc.
ST. PETERSBURG, FL / ACCESSWIRE / September 12, 2024 / Duke Energy:

Grants will support 15 economic development organizations working to attract businesses to the state

The Duke Energy Foundation is investing $200,000 in grants to support 15 economic development organizations working to attract business to the state and bolster Florida's vibrant economy.

"Companies often consider establishing, expanding or relocating their operations to Florida because of the state's economic strength," said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. "It's a privilege to support innovative strategies that will build on that success and help ensure our economy continues to grow and thrive for generations to come."

The Orlando Economic Partnership will use a $20,000 grant to develop a tool that will compare Orlando's key business location factors to those of the 30 most populous large regions in the country.

"The Duke Energy Foundation's grant will allow us to have a tool designed to generate new business development leads, create jobs and drive investment in the Orlando region," said Neil Hamilton, Orlando Economic Partnership vice president of market intelligence. "Having access to this data will be invaluable to our economic development efforts, and we are confident it will attract new business opportunities and elevate Orlando's standing as a top metropolitan area."

Another grantee, the St. Petersburg Area Economic Development Corporation, will use $12,500 to increase awareness of the city as a business location - highlighting the Historic Gas Plant District - among site consultants.

"The Duke Energy Foundation grant will help the St. Pete EDC capitalize on this inflection point in our community's growth," said Mike Swesey, St. Petersburg Area Economic Development Corporation president and CEO. "We are poised to become one of the most desirable cities in the country for businesses, and this grant allows us to tell our story to key decision-makers. We are so fortunate to have the backing of Duke, who continually supports the economic growth that benefits our residents."

A complete list of grant recipients can be found below, with additional details available here.

City of Apopka

CareerSource Polk/Haines City Economic Development Council

Citrus County Board of County Commissioners

CORE Business Center

City of Deland

City of Eustis

Florida's Great Northwest

Hernando County Board of County Commissioners

Highlands County Board of County Commissioners

Nature Coast Business Development Council

Orlando Economic Partnership/Foundation for Orlando's Future

Pasco Economic Development Council

Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners

St. Petersburg Area Economic Development Corporation

Team Volusia Economic Development Corporation

For more information about the Duke Energy Foundation, please visit duke-energy.com/community/duke-energy-foundation/Florida.

Duke Energy Foundation

The Duke Energy Foundation provides more than $30 million annually in philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. The Foundation is funded by Duke Energy shareholders.

Duke Energy Florida

Duke Energy Florida, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, owns 10,500 megawatts of energy capacity, supplying electricity to 1.9 million residential, commercial and industrial customers across a 13,000-square-mile service area in Florida.

Duke Energy

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America's largest energy holding companies. The company's electric utilities serve 8.4 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 54,800 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky.

Duke Energy is executing an ambitious clean energy transition, keeping reliability, affordability and accessibility at the forefront as the company works toward net-zero methane emissions from its natural gas business by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions from electricity generation by 2050. The company is investing in major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including expanded energy storage, renewables, natural gas and nuclear.

More information is available at duke-energy.com and the Duke Energy News Center. Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook, and visit illumination for stories about the people and innovations powering our energy transition.

Media contact: Aly Coleman Raschid

Media line: 800.559.3853

View original content here.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Duke Energy on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Duke Energy

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/duke-energy

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Duke Energy

View the original press release on accesswire.com
With a focus on cybersecurity talent, UKG to more than double Irish workforce

UKG, a leading provider of HR, payroll, workforce management, and culture solutions and the largest U.S.-based private software company in the world, today announced the establishment of its newest Global Operations Hub in Kilkenny, Ireland. In partnership with the Irish government through IDA Ireland, a government agency under Ireland's Department of Enterprise, Trade, and Employment, UKG plans to hire approximately 200 new roles in the country, with a focus on cybersecurity, but also including customer success, research and development, and professional services.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240912831417/en/

''I am delighted to join with UKG today to welcome the launch of their newest Global Operations Hub in Kilkenny," said An Taoiseach Simon Harris, head of the Irish government. Left to Right: Michael Lohan, CEO, IDA Ireland Taoiseach Simon Harris, head of the Irish government Hugo Sarrazin, President, Chief Product and Technology Officer, UKG Richard Limpkin, VP. Multi-country Payroll Solutions, UKG Photo Credit: Iain White

''I am delighted to join with UKG today to welcome the launch of their newest Global Operations Hub in Kilkenny," said An Taoiseach Simon Harris, head of the Irish government. "This announcement will see the creation of 200 new jobs, adding to Kilkenny's growing success as a home to leading technology companies. Today's announcement is also a testament to the considerable talent and skills we have available in Ireland. I look forward to seeing the benefits UKG's investment will bring to Kilkenny and the wider South East Region in the years ahead.''

Located in southeastern Ireland, the historic city of Kilkenny is a thriving technology hub that specializes in cybersecurity and has a strong mix of innovative startups and global technology providers. UKG has operated in Kilkenny since the 2023 acquisition of multi-country payroll technology provider Immedis, which resulted in the launch of the UKG One View solution.

"We're on a mission to give every organization the opportunity to become a great place to work through technology built for all, and Kilkenny's vibrant technology community will provide key talent to help us achieve this goal," said Hugo Sarrazin, president, chief product and technology officer at UKG. "With more than 80,000 customers located around the world, our Irish team joins a robust security and network operations group that plays a vital role in safeguarding our solutions."

''I'm delighted that UKG, which is widely respected for driving innovation, has chosen Kilkenny, which is home to some of the best cybersecurity talent," said Michael Lohan, CEO of IDA Ireland. "Creating high value job opportunities in regional locations like Kilkenny is one of IDA's key strategic pillars. UKG's plan to create 200 jobs in the region is a testament to the strength of our technology community within Ireland's regions."

Recently named one of the World's Most Innovative Companies of 2024 by Fast Company, UKG is ranked third in the world among large companies in Foundry's Computerworld 2024 Best Places to Work in IT and was named 2024 Global Payroll Supplier of the Year by the Global Payroll Association. UKG solutions, including the UKG Pro suite and the UKG Ready suite, are regularly ranked as a Leader or #1 in key HCM industry reports and peer review sites, including the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Cloud HCM Suites and The Forrester Wave: Human Capital Management Q2 2023 report.

"With an incredible company culture and a commitment to transforming work for millions of people, UKG is a sought-after employer all over the world," said Richard Limpkin, Immedis co-founder and group vice president of multi-country payroll solutions at UKG. "In just a year, we've raised the bar for technology providers in Ireland and are proud to partner with the Irish government to anchor Kilkenny's thriving technology sector for years to come."

As part of its growing presence in the region, UKG is a top sponsor of the Cyber Ireland National Conference, taking place September 26th in Kilkenny. Mustapha Kebbeh, chief security officer at UKG, will be a featured speaker on the topic of addressing global cybersecurity through public-private partnerships.

Further expansion into the Ireland market follows the addition of Global Innovation Hubs in both Bulgaria and Uruguay, which support the development of award-winning UKG solutions and strategic products. UKG also maintains Innovation Hubs in Canada, India, and the U.S., where it hosts dual headquarters in Lowell, Massachusetts and Weston, Florida.

Supporting Resources

Learn more about UKG and why our purpose is people

Hear why UKG customers are Partners for Life

Follow UKG on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, X, and YouTube

About UKG

At UKG, our purpose is people. We are on a mission to inspire every organization to become a great place to work through HCM technology built for all. More than 80,000 organizations across all sizes, industries, and geographies trust UKG HR, payroll, workforce management, and culture cloud solutions to drive great workplace experiences and make better, more confident people and business decisions. With the world's largest collection of people data, work data, and culture data combined with rich experience using artificial intelligence in the service of people, we connect culture insights with business outcomes to show what's possible when organizations invest in their people. To learn more, visit ukg.com

Copyright 2024 UKG Inc. All rights reserved. For a full list of UKG trademarks, please visit ukg.com/trademarks. All other trademarks, if any, are property of their respective owners. All specifications are subject to change.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240912831417/en/

Contacts:

UKG Contact:

media@ukg.com
The partnership will bring multi-brand stores from Italy and France to the September 2024 COTERIE event, with the official support of the Camera Buyer Italia (CBI)

NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / September 12, 2024 / COTERIE New York, the biannual contemporary and advanced contemporary women's wholesale fashion event, today announces a new partnership with Modem, a platform providing working tools and resources dedicated to fashion and design, to bring together 13 prestigious international stores for the first edition of the International Guest Buyer program.

This initiative between COTERIE New York and Modem will host retailers from both Italy and France to encourage the development of commercial relationships between international buyers and brands at the show. The program has received the support from the Camera Buyer Italia (CBI).

The selection of Italian and French multi-brand stores set to attend the event to network and discover designers includes Al Duca d'Aosta, Bernardelli, Biffi, Chez Maman Rouen, Erlado, Julian Fashion, Mantovani, La Villa, MG8, Nugnes 1920, Residenza 725, Solis Boutique and Tessabit.

COTERIE New York will host over 750 contemporary and advanced contemporary women's fashion brands, with over 50 countries represented across the show floor showcasing products across apparel, footwear, accessories, swimwear and more. Coveted exhibiting brands will be on display from Farm Rio to Veja for Brazil; My Beachy Side and JUJU in Turkey; 7 For All Mankind, JADE Swim and Luna B in the U.S; all the way to brands like Pearl & Caviar in Greece.

"COTERIE is committed to supporting the international segment of the show now more than ever," says Kelly Helfman, President, MMGNET Group. "Investing in these types of partnerships opens the door for U.S and international brands to break into and gain exposure to global retailers. Bringing in new retailers and buyers helps us build a collaborative network that drives mutual growth in the industry."

"Since its inception in October 1997, Modem's main motivation has been to defend and promote emerging designer brands. Our main concern has been to encourage buyer activity during seasonal sales campaigns, with the hope of establishing new working relationships with designer brands," said?Ezio?Barbaro, founder of Modem.

To learn about the Sept. 22-24 event held at the Javits Center in New York, or to register to attend, please visit www.coteriefashionevents.com.

For the most up to date news and trends follow COTERIE New York on social @coterie_show.

About COTERIE New York:

COTERIE is the premier women's contemporary to advanced contemporary apparel, footwear, and accessories platform. Connecting emerging and established brands and designers to an elite list of domestic and international retailers, influencers, and media, COTERIE's first-class events build exclusive experiences that fuel discovery, commerce, and connectivity, while inspiring upmarket trends. For more information, please visit: https://www.coteriefashionevents.com

About MMGNET:

MMGNET is fashion's newest B2B ecosystem and the go-to industry resource, where industry professionals go to source the inspiration, connections, and opportunities they need to build business, network, and responsibly steward fashion forward. Through its extensive global reach, decades of unwavering industry expertise, world-class content programs, and a comprehensive portfolio of trade and industry event brands - including MAGIC, PROJECT, COTERIE, and SOURCING at MAGIC - MMGNET delivers year-round opportunities to learn, grow, connect, and discover. MMGNET Group is a subsidiary of Informa Markets (LON:INF). To learn more about MMGNET and the MMGNET Group portfolio of brands, please visit?www.mmgnetgroup.com.

Media Contact:

Informa Markets Fashion PR

FashionPR@Informa.com

SOURCE: MMGNET Group

View the original press release on accesswire.com
IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- HeyGears, a global innovator in 3D printing technology and solutions, is set to bring an exciting new option for 3D printing users with the upcoming launch of a new 3D printer in its UltraCraft Reflex series. While specific details remain under wraps until launch day, the new 3D printer is expertly designed for precision and speed, catering to the needs of designers, engineers, as well as 3D printing enthusiasts.

A Must-Watch Live Launch Event

HeyGears is inviting industry professionals and the 3D printing community to join the product launch event, which will be streamed on YouTube and Facebook on September 19, 2024, at 6:00 PM PDT. The event will offer a first look at the latest UltraCraft Reflex Series 3D printer, software updates, as well as newly developed resins, and provide insights into HeyGears' next steps in 3D printing.

What Could Be Next?

HeyGears is know for its dedication to advancing 3D printing technology, backed by over 9 years of experience in the industry, and this new addition to the UltraCraft Reflex series is no exception. Will it feature a larger print volume, an enhanced screen, or faster printing speeds? What innovative new materials are on the horizon? The full scope of its capabilities will be revealed during the streamed event, but one thing is clear: this printer is designed to meet the evolving needs of the 3D printing community.

Make an Appointment with Innovation

HeyGears invites everyone to mark their calendars and set reminders for this upcoming event. With innovation at its core, HeyGears aims to introduce features and functionality that will enhance the 3D printing landscape, and the Reflex Series new product launch will be the first chance to see them in action. In addition, HeyGears has prepared an exclusive launch event, giving participants the opportunity to win the latest 3D printer.

Set Your Reminders Now:

YouTube Reminder

Facebook Reminder

Launch Event

About HeyGears

HeyGears is known for bringing advanced technology into everyday applications. As a global innovator in light-curing 3D printing solutions, the company is dedicated to providing users with tools that support creativity and efficiency. This new printer is the latest example of this commitment, designed to expand the possibilities in 3D printing.

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As the automotive industry faces unprecedented growth and digital transformation, Bluepath Robotics showcases innovative robotic solutions at the Smart Manufacturing Automotive Summit in Detroit. With a focus on automation and strategic partnerships, the company is helping to shape the future of material handling and industrial automation.

Istanbul, Turkey--(Newsfile Corp. - September 12, 2024) - As the automotive industry experiences an exponential leap forward, Bluepath Robotics is at the forefront, driving the digital transformation of manufacturing processes. At the recent Smart Manufacturing Automotive Summit held in Detroit, Bluepath Robotics unveiled its cutting-edge robotic systems designed to meet the evolving needs of the automotive industry, positioning itself as a key player in the sector's future.





Bluepath Robotics showcases its cutting-edge autonomous mobile robots at the Smart Manufacturing Automotive Summit in Detroit



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The Summit, held on September 10, brought together industry leaders and innovators, and Bluepath Robotics stood out with its advanced solutions for industrial automation and material transport. The company's autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and traffic management software aims to revolutionize production processes, offering increased flexibility, efficiency, and speed in material handling operations across automotive factories.

"The automotive industry is undergoing a transformation unlike anything we've seen before," said Fehim Duzgun, Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) of Bluepath Robotics.

"At Bluepath, we are terrifically excited to play a role in shaping this transformation by providing our clients with advanced automation tools that not only meet today's demands but also prepare them for the future of manufacturing. The response we've received at the Smart Manufacturing Automotive event confirms that we are on the right track."





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Membership of NVIDIA Inception Program to Drive Digital Transformation

In addition to showcasing its innovative products, Bluepath Robotics also announced its participation in the NVIDIA Inception Program. This prestigious program, designed to support startups in the fields of AI and robotics, offers Bluepath Robotics access to critical resources to potentially accelerate its growth and market potential. The inclusion in this program marks a significant milestone for the company as it continues to push the boundaries of technology in the global market.

"Being part of the NVIDIA Inception Program is a tremendous opportunity for us," Duzgun added.

"It gives us access to world-class AI technologies and partnerships that will allow us to accelerate our innovations and bring even more advanced solutions to the automotive industry. Our aim is to lead the way in the field of industrial automation, and we're thrilled to have NVIDIA's support in this journey."

Founded in 2018 as an initiative by Ford Otosan, Bluepath Robotics began with a mission to address the future needs of factories. The company went on to develop flexible and cost-effective solutions in material transport through autonomous robots, which have since evolved to become essential tools for transforming factory and warehouse operations. With a wide range of customizable products, including autonomous mobile robots and facility communication software, Bluepath Robotics is poised to shape the future of industrial automation.





Fehim Duzgun, Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) of Bluepath Robotics



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Transition into a New Era of Digital Manufacturing

The company's appearance at the Detroit Summit reinforced its leadership in the sector. By addressing the current challenges and anticipating future needs in automotive manufacturing, Bluepath Robotics has positioned itself as a vital partner for businesses navigating the rapid expansion of the automotive industry.

As the demand for smarter, faster, and more flexible manufacturing processes grows, Bluepath Robotics is leading the change, providing industry professionals with the tools they need to meet these demands. With a focus on strategic collaborations and global partnerships, the company is helping the automotive industry transition into a new era of digital manufacturing.

About Bluepath Robotics

Bluepath Robotics specializes in providing autonomous mobile robots, traffic management systems, and advanced industrial automation solutions for the automotive and logistics sectors. Founded in 2018 with a vision to deliver flexible, efficient solutions, Bluepath is dedicated to shaping the factories and warehouses of the future. The company's products aim to enhance the efficiency, speed, and adaptability of industrial processes, particularly in the rapidly evolving automotive industry.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/223101

SOURCE: B2Press BV
Cantech announces speaker lineup for the 2024 Cantech Letter Investment Conference, featuring top industry experts and discussions on key tech investment trends and opportunities

Vancouver, British Columbia & Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 12, 2024) - Cantech Letter (the "Company" or "Cantech"), a Canadian online publication of technology focused news, analysis, and insights, is pleased to announce the speaker lineup for the 2024 Cantech Letter Investment Conference, which will take place on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at the Arcadian Loft in Toronto, ON. This year's conference promises to be an unparalleled gathering of Canada's most promising innovation sector companies, innovative startups, and influential investors, making it the premier event for technology investment in the country.

This year's conference will feature four engaging panel discussions, each moderated by a distinguished industry expert and featuring top analysts, fund managers, and executives from leading Canadian tech companies. The panels will provide insights into the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities within the tech sector, making this a must-attend event for anyone involved in technology investment.

Featured Panels and Speakers at the 2024 Cantech Letter Investment Conference:

"BUY, SELL, HOLD": Analyst Top Picks - moderated by Pardeep Sangha, President of Angad Capital, this panel features some of the top technology equity analysts in the country including Rob Goff, Ventum Financial; Gianluca Tucci, Haywood Securities; and Daniel Rosenberg, Paradigm Capital.

Artificial Irrelevance? How Canadian Techs are Building Intelligence and Purpose into AI Solutions - moderated by Brady Fletcher, President of Roth Canada, this panel features leading figures in the AI and technology space, including Dr. Alex Dobranowski, CEO of HEALWELL AI, a healthcare AI and data science company, Ali Tajskandar, CEO of Wishpond Technologies, a provider of AI-based digital marketing solutions, and Peter Whitehead, CEO of Light AI, an emerging healthcare AI company.

"Tech Trends and Top Picks": From Leading Canadian Fund Managers- moderated by Gabriel Leung, Equity Analyst at Beacon Securities, this panel brings together prominent Canadian fund managers, including Jason Donville of Donville Kent Asset Management and Jeffrey Tory of Pembroke Management, to discuss current trends and top investment picks in the technology sector.

Growth Through Acquisition in the Canadian Capital Markets - moderated by Michelle Goh, Principal and Managing Director Eight Capital, this panel will feature a discussion between leaders from actively acquisitive companies, including Hamed Shahbazi, CEO of WELL Health Technologies, and Farley Noble, Senior Vice President, Constellation Software.

These panels will provide attendees with invaluable insights into the trends shaping the future of the Canadian innovation sector. With such a distinguished lineup of speakers, the 2024 Cantech Letter Conference is set to be a valuable event for all investors.

Public companies are encouraged to reserve their spots today to ensure participation. Presenting companies and sponsors can contact our sales manager, Tara Whittet at tara@cantechletter.com or visit www.cantechletter.com/conference for more information.

This year's Cantech Letter Investment Conference is sponsored by:

Title Sponsors : TMX, Angad Capital

Platinum Sponsors : Cozen O' Connor, Winning Media

Gold sponsors : Beacon Securities, Eight Capital, Haywood Securities, Paradigm Capital, Roth Canada, Ventum Financial, NewsFile

Silver Sponsors : Pembroke Management, Donville Kent Asset Management, Amber Mac, Odyssey Trust, Purves Redmond Limited

About Cantech Letter Investment Conference

The Cantech Letter Conference is recognized as the foremost event for showcasing the latest advancements in the Canadian technology sector. With a strong focus on publicly listed companies, the conference offers a unique platform for these companies to highlight their achievements, demonstrate cutting-edge products, and engage directly with industry leaders, investors, and capital markets professionals. Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in one-on-one meetings with potential investors, fostering valuable connections that can drive growth and innovation.

About Cantech Media

For fifteen years, Cantech Media, the parent company of Cantech Letter, has been committed to the innovation sectors in the Canadian public markets. Cantech Letter gathers research from Canada's leading investment banks to provide individual investors with timely, expert voices in the space.

For more information, visit: www.cantechletter.com.

Cautionary & Forward-Looking Statements

All information presented in all forms at the Cantech Letter Conference or in press releases, videos, emails, or otherwise posted on our website, and the Cantech Letter Conference or YouTube channel (the "Media") is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities. Cantech Media, Angad Capital Inc. and the Cantech Letter Conference, and their representatives ("our," "us," and "we") are not licensed brokers, broker/dealers, market makers, investment bankers, investment advisers, analysts, or underwriters.

Any presentation on or at any of our Media is for informational purposes only and we do not recommend any company that may appear or present in any capacity on or at any of our Media. A company's actual results could differ materially from those described in any forward-looking statements or presentation on or at any of our Media. Information within presentations or communications may contain "forward looking" statements. Forward-looking statements are based upon expectations, estimates, and projections at the time the statements are made and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events to differ materially from those anticipated.

We receive cash compensation from presenters, sponsors, and participants who utilize our Media. We do not receive compensation for, and do not engage in, providing advice, making recommendations, issuing reports, or furnishing analyses on any of the companies, securities, strategies, or information presented.

We may buy and sell securities in any company mentioned and may profit in the event those securities rise in value. There are risks involved in any investment. We are not analysts and investing in securities is for individuals with high risk tolerance and not for the general public. We recommend you consult with a professional investment adviser, broker, or legal counsel before purchasing or selling any securities referenced on or at any of our Media.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/223128

SOURCE: Cantech Letter
H1 revenue of 409m under IFRS and 431m on an adjusted basis 1 up 13% vs H1 2023

up 13% vs H1 2023 Variable Cost Margin (VCM) of 98m and 121m on an adjusted basis 1 up 31% vs H1 2023; Adjusted 1 VCM margin of 28.0% (up 3.8 pts vs H1 2023)

up 31% vs H1 2023; Adjusted VCM margin of 28.0% (up 3.8 pts vs H1 2023) Adjusted 1 EBITDA of 59m (+36% YoY) ie. 13.7% of sales up 2.3pts vs H1 2023

EBITDA of 59m (+36% YoY) ie. 13.7% of sales up 2.3pts vs H1 2023 Free Cash Flow generation of 203m with a net cash position of 215m

2024 full-year revenue target of 1 billion confirmed on an adjusted basis

2024 full-year adjusted1 EBITDA margin increase now expected to be in the range of 100 to 200 bps (vs 50 to 100bps previously)

The following 2024 financial figures are presented under IFRS standards, and also in adjusted terms before some IFRS 15 non-cash adjustments. Details of these adjustments are provided at the end of this press release.

In m H1 2024 IFRS15 Adjustment1 H1 2024

Adjusted1 H1 2023 Change Adjusted Revenue 408.9 (22.2) 431.1 380.7 +13% EBITDA 36.9 (22.2) 59.1 43.5 +36% % of revenue 9.0% 13.7% 11.4% +2.3 pts Free Cash-Flow +203.0 - +203.0 121.9 +81.1m

(*) The audit procedures on the consolidated financial statements have been completed. The certification report is in the process of being issued.

Commenting on these figures, Thierry Gadou, Chairman and CEO of VusionGroup, said:

"The first half results confirm VusionGroup's excellent commercial performance, the improvement in margins and the solidity of its business model, with a strong improvement in its free cash flow generation.

This performance reaffirms our annual financial targets and allows us to raise our initial adjusted1 EBITDA margin target given the acceleration in the second half, particularly in the United States where the Walmart deployment is intensifying and where we recorded new successes over the summer. The second half promises to be excellent as announced and reinforces our objective of crossing the 1 billion mark in revenue on an adjusted basis and to further accelerate our growth in 2025.

Retail is entering a new era of acceleration of modernization and digitalization of physical stores. As the digital technology partner for retailers, VusionGroup is at the forefront of this transformation."

H1 revenue growth supported by record level in order intake

The Group's IFRS revenue reached 409 million in the 1st half, and 431 million on an adjusted basis1, up +13% compared to the 1st half of 2023, and in line with the guidance communicated during the presentation of the 2023 annual results.

In terms of geography, growth was driven by North America. In accordance with the forecasts announced, the breakdown of revenue in the 1st half is:

55% for EMEA, or 238 million, down 25% due to the planned and announced completion of the deployment phase of a major European customer. The resulting cyclical effect will only be temporary in 2024 as the many contracts signed in recent months in Europe will generate robust growth again in 2025. Excluding the effect of this roll-out in the finalization phase, the EMEA zone grew in the 1st half of the year. In addition, order intake increased in the region in the first half of the year, which reinforces our scenario of a rebound in activity in Europe from the second half of 2024.

45% for Americas and Asia-Pacific, or 193 million on an adjusted basis, up 206%, mainly driven by the United States, which will become the Group's largest market in 2024. Growth is expected to continue at a sustained pace in the coming quarters. This excellent momentum is driven by the acceleration of the pace of deployment at Walmart but also by the ongoing conclusion of several major new contracts.

Global order entries increased by 38% to 714 million in the first half of the year, and the level of orders reached a level of 1,146 million at the end of the 1st half on a 12-month rolling basis. This record figure is explained by the strong momentum of new contract signings in both Europe and the United States.

VAS2 Revenue

Revenue from software and recurring services3 reached 26.1 million in the first half of the year, up sharply (+28% compared to H1 2023). It represents nearly 60% of the total VAS revenues, the total amount of which stands at 44 million (-17% compared to H1 2023). Non-recurring services4 declined due to a difficult economic context where some retailers slowed down certain projects or internalized some services.

The VusionCloud installed base grew rapidly in the first half of the year to more than 21,000 stores and 110 million labels. This dynamic will accelerate in the coming quarters.

Ongoing profitability improvement driven by growth in the variable cost margin

Profit and Loss Statement *

In  millions H1 2024 IFRS15 adjustment1 H1 2024

Adjusted 1 H1 2023 Change Adjusted Change IFRS Revenue 408.9 (22.2) 431.1 380.7 +13% +7% Variable Cost Margin 98.3 (22.2) 120.5 92.2 +31% +7% % of revenue 24.0% 28.0% 24.2% +3.8 pts -0.2 pt Operating expense (61.4) (61.4) (48.7) +26% +26% % of revenue 15.0% 14.3% 12.8% +1.5 pt +2.2 pt EBITDA 36.9 (22.2) 59.1 43.5 +36% % of revenue 9.0% 13.7% 11.4% +2.3 pts Depreciation and amortization (26.0) (26.0) (15.5) +68% +68% Non-recurring or non-cash items (9.3) (9.3) (5.3) +75% +75% EBIT 1.6 (22.2) 23.8 22.7 +5% -93% % of revenue 0.4% 5.5% 6.0% -0.5 pt -5.4 pts Net Financial Result before Warrants Fair Value Revaluation** (10.0) (10.0) (0.5) N/A N/A Tax (3.1) 2.8 (5.9) (7.1) -17% -56% Net Result before Warrants Fair Value Revaluation (11.4) (19.4) 8.0 15.1 -53% Warrants Fair Value Revaluation** (13.0) (13.0) 76.4 Net Result (24.4) (32.4) 8.0 91.5 -91% -127% % of revenue - 1.8% 24.0% +1.3 pt -30 pts

(*) The audit procedures on the consolidated financial statements have been completed. The certification report is in the process of being issued

(**) The Walmart warrants fair value revaluation had a positive net impact in H1 2023 of 76.4m whereas in H1 2024 it has a negative impact of -13.0m according to IFRS rules.

Continuing the trend observed in 2023, the Group's profitability increased significantly in the first half of 2024 with an adjusted EBITDA of 59.1 million at 13.7% of sales, an improvement of 2.3 points of adjusted EBITDA margin compared to the first half of the previous year. This improvement comes from the improvement in the Variable Cost Margin (VCM).

The variable cost margin (VCM) thus amounted to 98.3 million in the first half of 2024, for a margin rate of 24% of turnover. On an adjusted1 basis, the VCM reached 120.5 million, compared to 92.2 million in the first half of 2023, an increase of +31%, and a VCM rate of 28.0% of turnover in the first half of 2024 compared to 24.2% in the first half of 2023, an increase of +3.8 points.

This improvement in the VCM rate is mainly the result of the Group's continued and growing R & D investments in customer-driven innovations with high added value and better profitability. The improvement also comes from economies of scale, generated by the Group's strong growth.

Operating expenses amounted to 61.4 million in the first half of 2024 compared to 48.7 million in the first half of 2023. As a percentage of turnover, operating expenses represent 14.3% of total revenue in the first half of 2024 compared to 12.8% in the first half of 2023. This increase is mainly linked to significant recruitment underway in central corporate functions and to support the strong growth in the United States.

Adjusted1 EBITDA amounts to 59.1 million in the first half of 2024, an increase of +36% vs. 43.5 million in the first half of 2023.

The adjusted1 EBITDA margin reached 13.7% of turnover in the first half of 2024 compared to 11.4% of turnover in the first half of 2023, an improvement of 2.3 points, mainly driven by the improvement of the VCM.

Depreciation and amortization expenses increased by +58% between the first half of 2023 and 2024, reaching 26.0 million (vs. 15.5 million in the first half of 2023). This increase is directly linked to the significant level of investments in R&D and innovation made by the Group, and particularly the amortization of the development costs for the new EdgeSense solution.

Non-recurring or non-cash items represent an expense of 9.3 million in the first half of 2024 compared to an expense of 5.3 million in the first half of 2023. In the first half of 2023 and 2024, these items mainly consist of, for respectively 4.4 million and 8.0 million, the non-cash IFRS 2 expense related to the performance share plans allocated to the Group's employees between mid-2021 and mid-2024. A higher number of performance shares distributed as well as a higher grant price on the latest grants resulted in an almost doubling of this particular IFRS 2 charge.

Operating income (EBIT) amounts to 1.6 million in the first half of 2024 and 23.8 million on an adjusted basis1, an increase of 5% compared to the first half of 2023 at 22.7 million. Despite a strong increase in EBITDA, operating income was negatively impacted over the period by the increase in depreciation and amortization and the non-monetary expense for performance share plans.

Financial Result

The financial result for the first half of 2024 is a loss of 23.0 million. As in the accounts for the first half of 2023, the financial result under IFRS standard includes the effect of the revaluation of the fair value of the Walmart stocks warrants.

Excluding this effect, the financial result for the first half of 2024 is a loss of 10.0 million. For the 1st half of 2023 it is a loss of 0.5 million. The cost of financing amounted to 6 million over H1 2024 and 4.5 million over H1 2023. The balance is consisting of exchange losses in H1 2024 and exchange gains in H1 2023.

Net Income

VusionGroup's net income for the first half of 2024 is a loss of 24.4 million. Adjusted net profit1 stands at +8.0 million compared to +15.1 million in the first half of 2023. This temporary decrease is mainly linked to the increase in depreciation and amortization expenses, a consequence of significant past investments made by the Group to develop innovative solutions, and particularly EdgeSense, the depreciation of which began at the end of 2023.

Capital Expenditure

R&D expenditure accounted for most of VusionGroup's capital expenditure. 2023 was the year during which the Group launched EdgeSense, a system that is set to revolutionize ESLs and become a key enabler of the digitalization of stores. The Group also launched VusionOX, the new secure IoT Cloud platform, based on the Bluetooth protocol. The powerful functionalities they provide retailers, consumers, and suppliers will profoundly change the market in the years to come.

The Group will continue to pursue investing in customer-driven innovations, allowing it to differentiate itself and attract new customers by offering best-in-class solutions on the market.

The other main investment item lies in industrial production lines, particularly for the new EdgeSense range, entirely pre-financed by customers.

Capital expenditure in m (*) H1 2024 H1 2023 R&D and IT expenditure 15.6 44.9 Of which EdgeSense (HW) 30.8 Industrial investments 59.4 1.6 Of which EdgeSense production lines financed by customers 54.5 0.0 Other 2.9 1.6 TOTAL CAPEX 77.9 48.0 EdgeSense production lines financed by customers 54.5 Self-financed CAPEX 23.4 48.0 As a % of Adjusted Revenue 5.4% 12.6%

(*) The audit procedures on the consolidated financial statements have been completed. The certification report is in the process of being issued

In the first half of 2024, the Group's capital expenditure reached 77.9 million compared to 48.0 million in the first half of 2023.

Within this 77.9 million, 54.5 million was capitalized for production lines and fully pre-financed by customers.

Self-financed capital expenditure thus amounted to 23.4 million over the first half of 2024, or 5.4% of turnover, in line with the Group's guidance for a ratio in a range of 5% to 7% through 2027.

Strong Free Cash Flow generation

The Group ended the first half of 2024 with a net cash position of 215 million, delivering an improvement of 188 million compared to the net cash position at year-end 2023.

Consolidated Cash Flow Statement

excluding impact of IFRS 16 (*)

(m) H1 2024 H1 2023 Adjusted EBITDA 59.1 43.5 Impact of IFRS 16 (1.8) (1.5) Capex (77.9) (48.0) Change in Working Capital 225.9 128.8 Tax (2.3) (0.9) Free Cash-flow 203.0 121.9 Net Financial Expense (8.9) (1.1) Share buy-back Acquisitions (1.5) (91.5) Impact of the changes in consolidation scope 4.7 Dividend (4.8) Other (0.1) 0.6 Change in Net Debt 187.7 34.5 Net Cash / (Debt) before IFRS16 214.9 (40.5) Cash 379.5 33.9 Debt (before impact of IFRS16) (164.6) (74.4)

(*) The audit procedures on the consolidated financial statements have been completed. The certification report is in the process of being issued

For the third consecutive semester, VusionGroup generated positive free cash flow. During H1 2024, it amounted to 203 million thanks to improved profitability, control of capital expenditure and stable operating working capital requirements at 15% of turnover as on December 31, 2023.

This cash generation was supported in the first half by customer down payments including the 100% pre-financing of production lines.

Excluding down payments and customer-financed Capex, the pro forma free cash flow generation is strong at approximately 24 million, or around 6% of turnover, with an EBITDA to cash conversion rate of 41%.

2024 Outlook and objectives

With an order book at an all-time high, VusionGroup confidently reiterates its objective of crossing the 1 billion mark in revenue on an adjusted basis, and to pursue a strong growth trajectory in 2025.

As expected, the Group's revenue growth will be more weighted towards the second half of the year.

Regarding the geographic distribution of annual sales, VusionGroup targets 50 to 60% of revenue to be generated in EMEA and 40 to 50% in Americas and APAC. The momentum of the latter should be supported by the strong growth expected in the United States this year.

Total VAS revenue is anticipated to reach around 120m, including 60m of recurring revenue.

After a significant improvement in its variable cost margin rate in the first half (+380 basis points), the Group confirms that it expects this trend to continue in the second half.

VusionGroup also confirms the continued improvement in its profitability with an adjusted1 EBITDA margin now expected to increase by 100 to 200 basis points over the whole year (compared to 50 to 100 basis points previously).

After generating positive free cash flow in the first half, the Group confirms its ambition to continue this positive trajectory in the second half of the year.

Finally, VusionGroup expects continued robust growth in its order intake, which is expected to reach an all-time high for the full year.

Note on the IFRS Restatements related to the new Walmart contract

Two IFRS restatements related to the new Walmart contract impact 2023 financial disclosures:

1. On June 2, 2023, at their Annual General Meeting, the Group's shareholders approved a grant to Walmart of 1,761,200 of stock warrants on the Group's shares. According to IFRS standards, the fair value of these warrants should be calculated. On June 2, 2023, the fair value of the warrants was established at 163m. A contract asset and a financial debt were thus recorded in the consolidated accounts for this amount.

The contract asset, which is a fixed amount, is amortized in proportion to the forecast revenue generated by the Walmart contract over the duration of the roll-out of the VusionGroup platform in Walmart stores. The reduced revenue impact is customary as the warrants will only have a potential dilutive effect, which was modeled and communicated during the allocation of the warrants in early June 2023. This does not impact the actual sales invoiced to Walmart. This restatement has no impact on the Group's cash flow. It impacts revenue and all of the Group's income statement lines, in the same proportion. This negative impact to the Group's IFRS accounts will continue until the end of the Walmart contract, in direct proportion to the sales generated by this contract.

The financial debt is subject to revaluation at each closing, depending on the number of exercisable warrants and the market price of VusionGroup shares. Any change is recorded as financial income in the Group's consolidated accounts. VusionGroup will continue to communicate at each closing the impact on revenue and net income of this IFRS restatement.

2. The impact of future price reductions indexed to the volumes agreed upon with Walmart from the first deliveries of electronic shelf labels (ESLs): The cost of the Group's hardware solutions is a function of the volume manufactured. A significant increase in volume might thus lead to lower cost. Therefore, it has been agreed with this customer that they will be granted price reductions in relation to the future sales volume to which they contribute. The IFRS standard (IFRS 15) requires prices to be averaged over the life of the contract. The application of this restatement in 2023 impacts reported revenue (IFRS) compared to the revenue invoiced, even though price reductions will only be granted if and when volumes will have reached certain thresholds. The application of this standard has a negative impact on revenue and all income statement lines, down to net profit.

Important Disclaimer

This press release contains unaudited financial data. The aggregates presented are those normally used and communicated on markets by VusionGroup. These statements include financial projections, synergies, estimates and their underlying assumptions, statements regarding plans, expectations and objectives with respect to future operations, products and services, and statements regarding future performance. Such statements do not constitute forecasts regarding VusionGroup's results or any other performance indicator, but rather trends or targets, as the case may be. No guarantee can be given as to the achievement of such forward-looking statements and information. Investors and holders of VusionGroup securities are cautioned that forward-looking information and statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, which are difficult to predict and generally beyond the control of VusionGroup, and that such risks and uncertainties may entail results and developments that differ materially from those stated or implied in forward-looking information and statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those discussed or identified in the public documents filed with the Autorite des Marches Financiers (AMF), the French Financial Markets Authority. Investors and holders of VusionGroup securities should consider that the occurrence of some or all of these risks may have a material adverse effect on VusionGroup. VusionGroup is under no obligation and does not undertake to provide updates of these forwardlooking statements and information to reflect events that occur or circumstances that arise after the date of this press release. More comprehensive information about VusionGroup may be obtained on its Internet website (www.vusion.com). This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy VusionGroup securities in any jurisdiction.

About VusionGroup

VusionGroup (ex- SES-imagotag) is the global leader in providing digitalization solutions for commerce, serving over 350 large retailer groups around the world in Europe, Asia and North America.

The Group develops technologies that create a positive impact on society by enabling sustainable and human-centered commerce. By leveraging its IoT & Data technologies, VusionGroup empowers retailers to re-imagine their physical stores into efficient, intelligent, connected, and data-driven assets. The Group unlocks higher economic performance, facilitates seamless collaboration across the value chain, enhances the shopping experience, creates better jobs, cultivates healthier communities, and significantly reduces waste and carbon emissions.

VusionGroup consist of six families of solutions which bring the full potential of IoT, Cloud, Data, and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to the service of the modernization of commerce: SESimagotag (ESL & Digital Shelf Systems), VusionCloud, Captana (computer vision and artificial intelligence platform), Memory (data analytics), Engage (retail media and in-store advertising), and PDidigital (logistics and industrial solutions).

VusionGroup supports the United Nations' Global Compact initiative and has received in 2023 the Platinum Sustainability Rating from EcoVadis, the world's reference of business sustainability ratings.

VusionGroup is listed in compartment A of Euronext Paris and is a member of the SBF120 Index.

Ticker: VU - ISIN code: FR0010282822

www.vusion.com

Investor Relations: Olivier Gernandt / +33 (0)6 85 07 86 81 / olivier.gernandt@vusion.com

Press contact: vusiongroup@publicisconsultants.com

Conference Call with Management on September 12th at 6pm CET

Click on this link to access the live webcast.

The slideshow as well as a replay of the event will be available on VusionGroup's investor website: https://investor.vusion.com/

Financial Calendar 2024

October 28, 2024 (after market close): Q3 2024 Sales

Glossary

EBITDA

The Group considers EBITDA to be a performance indicator that presents operating income before depreciation and amortization of fixed assets, adjusted for some items during the period that affect comparability with previous reporting periods. It also represents a good approximation of the cash flow generated by operating activities before taking into account investments and changes in working capital. Consequently, restatements include significant non-recurring items or items that will never lead to a cash disbursement.

Net Financial Debt / Net Cash

These indicators define, respectively, the Group's net financial debt or net cash position, calculated based on the following consolidated balance sheet items: (-) Loans (-) Current and non-current lease liabilities (IFRS16) (+) Cash and cash equivalents.

If the result is negative, the level of Loans and lease liabilities exceeds the level of Cash and Cash equivalents and is therefore considered net debt or net financial debt. If, however, the result is positive, then the level of Loans and lease liabilities is lower than the level of Cash and Cash equivalents and is considered Net Cash.

Change in Net Financial Debt / Net Cash

It is the change between the Net Financial Debt / Net Cash between 2 periods. It also corresponds to the Free Cash-Flow of the period.

Free Cash-Flow

The Group considers EBITDA to be a performance indicator that is calculated based on the following items: Adjusted EBITDA (-) Capital Expenditure (-) Change in Working Capital (-) Taxes.

Change in Working Capital

Change in working capital is calculated based on the following items from the consolidated balance sheet: (+) Receivables (gross value, before depreciation) (+) inventory and works-in-progress (gross value, before depreciation) (-) trade payables (+) current taxes (+) other current receivable (-) other debt and accrual accounts.

Order entries

Order entries represent the year-to-date cumulative value of ESL orders received from customers. These orders are valued based on negotiated selling prices, i.e. before any impact of IFRS 15. Order intake also includes year-to-date VAS revenues.

1 Adjusted data incorporate IFRS standards before adjusting for certain non-cash IFRS 15 adjustments related to the Walmart US contract, which began in Q4 2023. These adjustments only impact the Americas & Asia-Pacific region. Please see the detailed explanatory note at the end of this press release.

2 VAS: Software, services and non-ESL solutions

3 "Recurring VAS" revenue includes revenue generated by subscriptions to VusionCloud and its SaaS computer vision (Captana and Belive) and data analytics (Markethub and Memory) solutions, as well as contracts for recurring services.

4 "Non-recurring VAS" revenue includes the revenue generated by installation and non-recurring professional services; the sale of equipment such as Captana cameras, video rails and other screens used for retail media (Engage), as well as the sale of industrial and logistics solutions (PDidigital).

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BEK TV Host Named Best TV Personality

BISMARCK, ND / ACCESSWIRE / September 12, 2024 / BEK TV is proud to announce that, for the fourth consecutive year, it has been voted "Best Local TV Station" by the people in the Bismarck Tribune's prestigious Best of the Best contest. In addition, BEK TV host Lori Hinz was voted "Best TV Personality." Both recognitions are a testament to the network's dedication to delivering exactly what viewers have asked for. To learn more, visit BEK Buzz.

BEK TV 'Best of the Best' Winner Graphic

Since its inception, BEK TV has grown into a dynamic full-service network, delivering both News and Sports. BEK TV produces and broadcasts more than 400 high school, collegiate, and professional sporting events annually. It also broadcasts nearly 30 different news talk programs each week. Unlike corporate-driven networks, BEK TV never controls the messaging, but instead encourages its hosts and guests to discuss a variety of issues that people are talking about and that affect them most.

Lori Hinz's broadcast background spans more than 40 years. As host and Production Development Lead at BEK TV, she understands the importance of getting back to basics in television. "The corporate-driven model isn't what people want anymore; they don't trust it," she says. "When you prioritize financial gain over the truth, facts and actual events, you have no chance at making a genuine connection with your audience."

Hinz's involvement in BEK TV's special reports "China Conquest" and "America's Heartland" and her co-host role on "No Apologies" have allowed her to ask tough questions and dig deep into critical issues affecting communities across the country. "We seek to tell the stories that most other networks don't want to tell," she says. "Our amazing crew is unified in the goal of presenting the information and the truth that would otherwise go uncovered." To read more about Lori Hinz, visit BEK Buzz.

"We're proud of the diverse programming we provide and we're honored to be recognized for that," says Jordan Hassler, BEK TV Chief Operations Officer. "Our team's dedication to producing relevant, engaging, and uncensored content has resonated with our audience, and we'll continue that tradition."

BEK TV is one of the only locally-owned, non-corporate television broadcasting networks remaining in the country and produces more local content than any other television station in the Midwest. It broadcasts in North Dakota on over-the-air television and across the world via streaming on BEK TV+.

The concept behind BEK TV's programming is to provide a media service platform that is unscripted and uncensored. The majority of BEK TV hosts are untrained broadcasters who share their perspectives and views on topics and issues that people are talking about. The BEK network never controls the messaging.

Contact Information

Julie Skaret

BEK Media Relations

bekbuzz@bekbuzz.com

1.701-475-1318

Related Images

BEK TV 'Best of the Best' Winner Graphic Lori Hinz BOB Graphic

Lori Hinz BOB Graphic

SOURCE: BEK TV

View the original press release on newswire.com.
YOSEMITE VALLEY, CA / ACCESSWIRE / September 12, 2024 / Yosemite Clean Energy, LLC, a leading provider of sustainable energy solutions, proudly announces that it has been awarded a $300,000 grant from the USDA Forest Service Wood Innovation Fund. This funding will support Yosemite in conducting a feedstock analysis and a pre-engineering study to develop a wood waste biomass-to-biofuel gasification plant in the San Luis Valley, Colorado. The grant is made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). Yosemite is one of 171 projects nationally to receive funding, with $74 million in grants awarded to projects that support forest health and the wider forest economy, particularly those assisting rural communities.

Yosemite is developing the biofuels project in collaboration with federal USDA Forest Service managers, SEED (Sustainable Environmental Economic Development) Park International, and private lumber and timberland owners through a local business partnership model and working with local businesses and landowners. Yosemite brings value to woody biomass, incentivizing good forest stewardship at the local level, providing new jobs in the forest economy, and offering cost savings for land managers implementing forest fuel treatments that reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires. Yosemite uses proven Austrian-based gasification technology commercialized by Aichernig Engineering GmbH (Repotec) and partnered with Bioenergy Sustainable Technologies GmbH (BEST), which has over 20 years of commercial gasification development experience. The project will explore the most viable market in Colorado to produce carbon-negative hydrogen or alternative biofuels such as sustainable aviation fuels, methanol or renewable natural gas.

This grant represents the USDA Forest Service's recognition of Yosemite's commitment to shared ideals, supporting local industries to reduce fire risk while simultaneously meeting the federal government's decarbonization goals.

"It's great to get a nod from so many government funders, and we hope to keep momentum as we build out our company vision, especially for a project in Colorado," said Thomas Hobby, CEO of Yosemite Clean Energy.

The Colorado plant will use up to 100,000 bone-dry tons of wood biomass within the San Juan, Rio Grande, and Gunnison National Forests region. It will support local and federal forest land managers in reducing the threat of catastrophic wildfires, which have threatened many Colorado communities. Yosemite will support many forest fuel reduction projects across the region, helping to thin up to 5,000 acres per year. The Colorado San Luis Valley site is the latest addition to Yosemite's rapidly expanding list of projects, which includes several biomass-to-hydrogen facilities in California and the expansion and development of projects to co-produce RNG, hydrogen, SAF or other e-fuels. Yosemite's bottom-up approach and community-led philosophy aim to span a portfolio of locally owned projects across the United States.

The first flagship project, located in Oroville, California, is projected to be commissioned in 2027 and will produce carbon-negative hydrogen for use in the zero-emission heavy mobility sector, including heavy-duty trucks, buses, trains, cars, and ships. Yosemite's process captures carbon dioxide, sequestering a portion of the CO2 and utilizing a portion for alternative industrial uses within the food sector or e-fuel markets. Yosemite projects also help reduce open burning and lower particulate 2.5 emissions, directly benefiting public health.

Yosemite envisions a national network of biofuel production facilities linked via its "stump to pump" vertical integration, including hydrogen mid-stream and downstream fueling solutions and a network of hydrogen fueling stations operated by its subsidiary Yosemite Fuels (www.yosemitefuels.com).

Contact Information

Declan Maddern

Policy Analyst

declan.maddern@yosemiteclean.com

(805) 891-8711

SOURCE: Yosemite Clean Energy, LLC

View the original press release on newswire.com.
Salt Lake City, Utah--(Newsfile Corp. - September 12, 2024) - September marks National Preparedness Month, it's time to take stock of your readiness for emergencies and disasters. This month-long campaign is a crucial reminder that preparing in advance can help protect you, your loved ones, and your community. This year's theme, "Start a Conversation," encourages individuals to discuss preparedness with their families, friends, and neighbors. ReadyWise, a leader in emergency food and preparedness solutions, is joining the effort by offering special deals all month to help you take those essential first steps to get prepared. Throughout September, ReadyWise is making it easier than ever to get prepared with their National Preparedness Month Sale with a different emergency item available at 50% off every day.

Why Prepare Now?

The unexpected can strike at any moment, whether a natural disaster or a modern-day threat like cyberattacks that can disrupt power and essential services for weeks. Preparedness isn't just about storing supplies; it's about peace of mind and ensuring your household is ready for any situation. The Ready Campaign from Ready.gov emphasizes that having a plan and building resilience can save lives and reduce the chaos during a disaster. ReadyWise is committed to empowering people to take proactive steps toward preparedness, offering tools and resources to help you plan effectively.

Simple Steps to Start Your Preparedness Journey

Talking about potential disasters or emergencies isn't always easy. Many avoid these conversations, thinking they are protecting their loved ones from worry. However, taking small steps now can make a big difference later. ReadyWise urges everyone to take simple actions this September:

Make a Communication Plan: Start a conversation with your family so everyone is on the same page about what to do in an emergency.

Build an Emergency Kit: Begin with the basics - non-perishable food and water. ReadyWise recommends its 1-Month Emergency Food Kit and Water Drum.

Create Mini Disaster Kits for Your Car or Office: Emergencies can happen anywhere. ReadyWise suggests the 7-Day Emergency Dry Bag, a compact kit perfect for your car or workplace.

Take Advantage of Daily Deals: With 50% off a new emergency item each day, there are plenty of opportunities to build your kit affordably.

ReadyWise provides high-quality emergency food and preparedness solutions that empower people to face any situation confidently. From long-term food storage options to grab-and-go survival kits, ReadyWise offers a range of products designed to meet the needs of seasoned preppers and those just starting their preparedness journey.

ReadyWise Emergency Food

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9483/223054_14b6efec74eab961_001full.jpg

Get Prepared Today

This National Preparedness Month, ReadyWise urges you to join the conversation about preparedness. For more information, visit ReadyWise.com or contact our friendly product specialists at 800-820-1329.

About ReadyWise

Headquartered in Salt Lake City, ReadyWise provides a wide range of high-quality, easy-to-prepare emergency food and preparedness solutions. With a focus on quality, nutrition, and convenience, ReadyWise products are designed to help households be ready. For more information, visit https://readywise.com/

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/223054

SOURCE: ReadyWise, Inc.
Edmonton, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - September 12, 2024) - Peruvian Metals Corp. (TSXV: PER) (OTCQB: DUVNF) ("Peruvian Metals" or the "Company") is pleased to provide a corporate update regarding the annual financial statements and mineral processing at its 80% owned Aguila Norte Processing Plant ("Aguila Norte" or the "Plant") located in Northern Peru.

The Company filed its annual audited financial statements for 15 months ending March 31, 2024, on September 6th and first quarter interim financial statements for the 3 months ended June 30, 2024, on September 9th. Highlights for the 15 months ended March 31, 2024 show processing income of $1,230,788 compared to $910,3470 for the 12 months ended December 31, 2022. General and administrative expenses for the 15 months ended March 31, 2024, were $847,061 compared to $616,306 for the 12 months ended December 31, 2022. Excess cash was used to advance the Company's projects by spending $318,472 on exploration and evaluation costs during the 15 months ending March 31st, 2024, compared to $359,872 for the 12 months ended December 31, 2022. The Company is also pleased to highlight that current liabilities have been significantly reduced from $630,639 as of December 31, 2022, to $438,962 at June 30, 2024, a 43% reduction in debt.

During the first eight months of 2024, the Plant completed twelve mineral campaigns processing a total of 20,945 metric tonnes (mt). This year's production exceeded production levels of 2023 (19,126 mt) by 9.5%. The Company is delighted with this years' production at a time where significant new operations exist throughout Peru. The production of quality concentrates with an ideal location for miners gives Peruvian Metals a competitive advantage over other operations.

Jeffrey Reeder, CEO of Peruvian Metals, comments: "We are extremely pleased with our consistent production at Aguila Norte during 2024. We are also proud to show that the Company's financial position has significantly improved over the past 18 months showing a reduction in debt while advancing our projects with cash generated from our operations. The investment into San Maurizo Mines during the second quarter is also expected to strengthen the financial position of the Company. We fully expect that production levels will increase for the remainder of the year and expect another record year."

Peruvian Metals Corp. also announces, subject to regulatory approvals, a non-brokered private placement of up to 15,000,000 units ("Units") at $0.02 per unit to raise up to $300,000 in gross proceeds (the "Offering"). Each Unit consists of one common share of the Company and one-half non-transferable share purchase warrant. Each whole warrant will be exercisable to acquire one additional common share for a period of one year from the closing date of the Offering at a price of $0.05. The net proceeds of the Offering will be used to complete the purchase agreement for the Palta Dorada property, and for general working capital requirements, which includes development at the recently acquired Mercedes property. A finder's fee comprised of 6.0% cash commission and 6.0% broker warrants (on the same terms as the warrants) will be paid on a portion of the financing.

Jeffrey Reeder, P Geo, a qualified person as defined in National Instrument 43-101, has prepared, supervised the preparation or approved the scientific and technical disclosure contained in this news release.

About Peruvian Metals Corp.

Peruvian Metals Corp. is a Canadian Exploration, Mining and Mineral Processing company. Our business model is to provide toll milling services for clients and to produce high grade concentrates from mineral purchases. The Company continues to acquire and develop precious and base metal properties in Peru.

For further information on Peruvian Metals Corp. please visit www.peruvianmetals.com.

Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains certain "Forward-Looking Statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. We use words such as "might", "will", "should", "anticipate", "plan", "expect", "believe", "estimate", "forecast" and similar terminology to identify forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Such statements and information are based on assumptions, estimates, opinions and analysis made by management in light of its experience, current conditions and its expectations of future developments as well as other factors which it believes to be reasonable and relevant. Forward-looking statements and information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements and information and accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on such statements and information. Risks and uncertainties are more fully described in our annual and quarterly Management's Discussion and Analysis and in other filings made by us with Canadian securities regulatory authorities and available at www.sedar.com.While the Company believes that the expectations expressed by such forward-looking statements and forward-looking information and the assumptions, estimates, opinions and analysis underlying such expectations are reasonable, there can be no assurance that they will prove to be correct. In evaluating forward-looking statements and information, readers should carefully consider the various factors which could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements and forward-looking information.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/223088

SOURCE: Peruvian Metals Corp.
Washington, D.C.--(Newsfile Corp. - September 12, 2024) - Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump revealed their priorities for American agriculture in responses provided by their campaigns to a questionnaire distributed by the American Farm Bureau Federation.

Farm Bureau asked the Democratic and Republican presidential nominees to respond with their stances on several topics that directly affect farmers, ranchers and rural communities. Topics include crop insurance, taxes, labor and rural infrastructure.

"The challenges facing America's farmers and ranchers continue to mount, from falling commodity prices to stubbornly high supply costs," said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. "The next president will set the agenda for trade, regulatory reform, labor and sustainability. It is important that our members, and others in rural America, know where the presidential candidates stand on issues that will affect the vibrancy of their communities and their ability to pass farms to the next generation."

The questionnaire includes 14 questions. In addition to the topics listed above, it covers food system resiliency, regulatory reform, international trade, sustainability, energy and biotechnology.

The answers are presented unedited, to give members an unfiltered look at each candidate's platform. AFBF has invited candidates from both parties to respond to election questionnaires for more than 40 years. The survey responses are available now on FB.org/election2024.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/223105

SOURCE: American Farm Bureau Federation
Regulatory News:

ACTICOR BIOTECH (FR0014005OJ5 ALACT), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing glenzocimab, an innovative drug for the treatment of cardiovascular emergencies, announces, as part of its ongoing receivership proceedings (redressement judiciaire) concerning the Company, the launch of an open call for tenders until October 15, 2024, with a view to presenting a restructuring plan (plan de continuation), or failing that, to sell the business and assets (plan de cession) to one or more buyers.

The court-appointed administrator (administrateur judiciaire) has published an advertisement in the newspaper Les Echos (published on Friday, September 13, 2024) seeking new investors to provide a restructuring plan (plan de continuation, articles L.626-1 et seq. of the French Commercial Code), or failing that, potential buyers for the business and assets of the Company (plan de cession, articles L.642-1 et seq. of the French Commercial Code).

Interested parties wishing to respond to the call for tenders are invited to express their interest before October 15, 2024 at 12:00 pm

Responses should be sent by e-mail to the following addresses:

Marine Pace: m.pace@aj-2m.com

Roxane Brodin: r.brodin@aj-2m.com

For further information: acticor-biotech.com

Update on receivership proceedings and cash flow outlook

The Paris Commercial Court opened receivership proceedings on August 6, 2024, and will rule on the extension of these proceedings on October 3, 2024. The purpose of these proceedings is to enable the Company to assess all options for pursuing the development of its product, glenzocimab, and its search for financing and partners. This procedure also enables the Company, as announced on August 6, 2024, to finance its operations until January 2025.

Annual Ordinary and Extraordinary General Meeting on October 25, 2024, at 9:00am

The Company's Annual General Meeting will be held on Friday, October 25, 2024, at 9:00am at Acticor Biotech's head office in the Wojo Building, 82 avenue du Maine, 75014 Paris. At this meeting, shareholders will be asked to vote on the approval of the Company's financial statements and the renewal of directors' terms of office.

The notice of meeting, including the agenda and proposed resolutions, as well as the terms and conditions for attending and voting at the meeting, will be posted on the Bulletin des Annonces Legales Obligatoires "BALO" website (www.journal-officiel.gouv.fr/pages/balo/) on September 18, 2024.

Shareholders who are unable to attend the meeting in person may exercise their voting rights remotely, prior to the meeting:

by sending a proxy form to the Company,

or by postal vote, using the voting form available on www.acticor-biotech.com in accordance with the procedures set out in the advance notice to be published in the BALO on September 18, 2024.

Preparatory documents for this General Meeting will be available on request from the Company or can be consulted on the Company's website in the Investors section.

In accordance with applicable laws and regulations

all registered shareholders may, up to and including the fifth day before the Annual General Meeting, request the Company to send them the documents provided for in Articles L. 225-115 and R. 225-83 of the French Commercial Code. If expressly requested, these documents may be sent electronically. For holders of bearer shares, the exercise of this right is subject to the provision of an account registration certificate by their authorized intermediary;

all shareholders may consult the documents referred to in Articles L. 225-115 and R. 225-83 of the French Commercial Code at the Company's registered office.

Resumption of Acticor Biotech share listing

Acticor Biotech announces that the listing of its shares on Euronext Growth Paris will resume on Friday, September 13, 2024, at the opening of the markets. The Company will continue to keep the market informed of developments in the current receivership proceedings and calls on investors to follow closely future communications concerning its progress and any important decisions that may be taken in this context.

About ACTICOR BIOTECH

ACTICOR BIOTECH, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company founded in 2013 from the work of INSERM, is developing glenzocimab, a humanized monoclonal antibody fragment (fab) targeting the GPVI platelet receptor for the treatment of cardiovascular emergencies and acute thrombotic diseases.

The main clinical indication being evaluated is acute ischemic stroke, due to the strong need for safer treatments, particularly those that do not increase the risk of bleeding, and its high incidence. In three international clinical trials involving over 600 stroke patients, no significant impact on neurological improvement (mRS score at 3 months) was demonstrated, with the exception of a sub-population of patients with intracerebral haemorrhage, where mortality was significantly reduced by a factor of 3 (p=0.035) (Mazighi et al. 2024).

LIBERATE, a Phase 2 clinical trial in the acute phase of myocardial infarction (STEMI), is currently being recruited through an academic partnership with the University of Birmingham (UK). This study aims to demonstrate the efficacy of glenzocimab in reducing the size of myocardial infarction, a critical factor for long-term cardiac function.

In all, more than 800 subjects were included in the clinical trials, over 400 of whom were exposed to glenzocimab without safety concerns.

The use of glenzocimab in thrombotic diseases is covered by 3 patent families, with an expiry date in 2036 for the first family. ACTICOR BIOTECH also has the right to develop a biomarker for stroke patients.

Acticor Biotech is backed by a panel of European and international investors (Mediolanum farmaceutici, Karista, Go Capital, Newton Biocapital, CMS Medical Venture Investment (HK) Limited, A&B (HK) Limited, Anaxago, and the Armesa Foundation) and has been listed on Euronext Growth Paris since November 2021 (ISIN: FR0014005OJ5 ALACT).

For further information, visit: www.acticor-biotech.com

Disclaimer

This press release contains forward-looking statements with respect to Acticor Biotech and its business. Acticor Biotech believes that these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions. However, no assurance can be given that the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements will prove to have been correct, as they are subject to risks, including those described in the Universal Registration Document as filed with the Autorite des marches financiers on July 9, 2024, and to changes in economic conditions, financial markets and the markets in which Acticor Biotech operates. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are also subject to risks that are unknown to Acticor Biotech or that Acticor Biotech does not currently consider material. The occurrence of some or all of these risks could cause Acticor Biotech's actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240912684231/en/

Contacts:

ACTICOR BIOTECH

Gilles AVENARD, MD

CEO and Founder

gilles.avenard@acticor-biotech.com

Sophie BINAY, PhD

General Manager and CSO

Sophie.binay@acticor-biotech.com

NewCap

Mathilde BOHIN

Investor Relations

acticor@newcap.eu

T. : +33 (0)1 44 71 94 95

NewCap

Arthur ROUILLE

Media Relations

acticor@newcap.eu

T. : +33 (0)1 44 71 00 15
The consortium of venture capital funds consists of L'Oreal's venture capital fund BOLD, DeepTech Climate Fonds, and Evonik Venture Capital as lead investors, as well as Clay Capital, ICOS Capital and Liberset.

Abolis Biotechnologies also signed a tri-party agreement with L'Oreal Evonik to secure strategic projects from innovation to market.

Abolis Biotechnologies supports chemical companies and industries in their transition to a more sustainable production model, using micro-organisms to produce biobased equivalent or innovative products.

Abolis Biotechnologies, a company specializing in industrial solutions using microorganisms, today announced the closing of a 35 million financing round led by an international consortium of investors. This funding will fuel the company's expansion into global markets and accelerate its research and development efforts to bring innovative biomanufacturing and microbiome solutions to the market.

Key players supporting this strategic investment include industry leaders such as BOLD (L'Oreal's venture capital fund), Evonik Venture Capital as well as impact-focused funds including DeepTech Climate Fonds (Germany), Clay Capital (Singapore), ICOS Capital (Netherlands), and the transatlantic investment firm Liberset.

This funding will enable Abolis to scale its biomanufacturing operations, accelerate business development, develop its own line of products and expand the activities of Microbiome Studio, Abolis' business unit dedicated to deciphering and engineering microbial ecosystems.

"We are delighted to announce the successful closing of our fundraise with leading industrial partners and industry-focused investors. This strategic funding will fuel our continued growth trajectory, strengthening our position as a European leader in biomanufacturing and microbiome solutions," declared Cyrille Pauthenier, CEO of Abolis Biotechnologies.

The investment is accompanied by the signing of a new strategic industrial partnership between Abolis, L'Oreal and Evonik to bring selected innovations to market, for healthcare, cosmetic and chemical sectors.

"We are delighted to strengthen L'Oreal's collaboration with Abolis, which started in 2019, as a long-term partner of the Group at the forefront of sustainable biotechnology," shared Samantha Etienne, CEO of BOLD, L'Oreal's venture capital fund. "This investment highlights our belief in Abolis' potential to create a more sustainable future across various industries, including beauty. We are looking forward to collaborating with the talented Abolis team to support their continued growth and success."

"Biotechnology as a lever for sustainable transformation is a key component of Evonik's growth strategy," added Bernhard Mohr, Managing Director Evonik Venture Capital. "Abolis' competencies in strain development and metabolic engineering ideally complement the expertise of Evonik in fermentation processes, downstream processing and scale-up for commercial production. The strategic collaboration of our Business Line Care Solutions with Abolis and L'Oreal alongside our investment will facilitate the access to a wide range of markets, including cosmetics, nutrition and healthcare."

Beyond the industrial collaboration, this investment will enable Abolis to develop its own portfolio of innovative ingredients, which will be industrialized with partners.

"Our investment in Abolis marks an important milestone it's not only our first step into biotechnology but also our first venture outside of Germany. We're proud to play an active role in bridging top-tier strategic and financial investors within this strong consortium, helping to accelerate the remarkable work that Cyrille and his team have built over the years," acknowledged Tobias Faupel, Managing Director at DeepTech Climate Fonds.

"From the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries to food and agriculture, global commitments have been made by the largest brands to transition to biobased alternatives across their ingredient portfolios. Having monitored the synthetic biology sector for many years, it's clear the appetite and commercial buying power is there. But landing on the right solution, at the right price and with the ability to do so at scale has been out of reach for most. Abolis has taken a different path, embedding their platform as a trusted first port of call for motivated industry partners across sectors. They have demonstrated traction with key players, developing biobased ingredients that will pay dividends for human and planetary health. We're excited to support Abolis' growth in Europe, and help them make in-roads into Asia, where we have strong networks and demand is strong", detailed Matthieu Vermersch, co-founder of Clay Capital.

"Abolis is already a major success story in European industrial biotech, with a strong track record of strategic and financial performance, and an impressive client base. Icos Capital is proud to be part of this growth financing round, which should propel Abolis to the next level. Icos Capital, along with its corporate partners such as Nouryon and Buhler, looks forward to supporting Abolis on their journey to becoming a global market leader in green ingredients, facilitating the sustainability transition of the industry", said Peter van Gelderen, managing partner at Icos Capital.

"This is a strategic investment for LIBERSET. We are very proud to support Abolis' team as it expands across the Atlantic. This partnership illustrates our commitment to sustainable innovation and a greener future", concluded Damien Bourel, Co-Founder Managing Partner at Liberset.

Since its establishment in 2014, Abolis Biotechnologies previously raised 1.1 million and has since achieved significant growth through strategic partnerships with industry leaders. This new funding round enables Abolis Biotechnologies to enter a new phase of development by expanding its manufacturing platforms dedicated to serving its growing customer base. This expansion will involve the recruitment of talented professionals across all departments, in particular setting up an international Business Development team.

About Abolis Biotechnologies

Abolis is a French company delivering high-impact innovations in biotechnologies that supports industries in their transition to a more sustainable production model by building a better future in collaboration with Nature. Abolis provides tailor-made industrial solutions based on natural and modified micro-organisms. www.abolis.fr, www.microbiomestudio.com

About BOLD

BOLD, Business Opportunities for L'Oreal Development, is the global corporate venture capital fund of L'Oreal. Since its creation in 2018, BOLD has explored the frontier of beauty via strategic minority investments in promising startups across the beauty value chain. Its investment portfolio includes emerging brands as well as innovative companies in the domains of technology and biotechnology. www.lorealboldventures.com

About DeepTech Climate Fonds

The DeepTech Climate Fund (DTCF) invests up to 30 million in high-growth deep-tech and climate-tech companies in Germany and Europe. As an anchor investor and partner of long-term-oriented European investors, DTCF supports companies with extended development cycles and substantial financial needs in implementing sustainable growth strategies and actively contributes to expanding the technology ecosystem. Funded by resources from the German Future Fund and the ERP Special Fund, DTCF plans to invest up to 1 billion over the coming years to strengthen the European technology ecosystem. www.dtcf.de

About Evonik

Evonik is one of the world leaders in specialty chemicals. The company is active in more than 100 countries around the world and generated sales of 15.3 billion and an operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) of 1.66 billion in 2023. Evonik goes far beyond chemistry to create innovative, profitable, and sustainable solutions for customers. About 32,000 employees work together for a common purpose: We want to improve life today and tomorrow. www.evonik.com

About Clay Capital

Headquartered in Singapore, Clay Capital supports ambitious teams that are developing transformative solutions for a healthier, safer, and more regenerative agri-food system. Pioneers in making impactful investments in agrifood tech, Clay Capital is backed by significant institutional investors, including government-linked funds, supra-national entities, banks, insurance companies, and prominent families in the agrifood industry. www.claycapital.vc

About ICOS Capital

Icos Capital, based in the Netherlands, manages Climate Tech Venture Capital funds focused on accelerating sustainability through early growth stage investments in Europe and North America. The firm collaborates with leading corporations to foster industry decarbonization and sustainable transitions in Food Systems, Chemicals Materials, Industry Digitization, and Carbon Technology. The investment in Abolis is made from Icos' fourth sustainability fund under management that was launched in January 2024. www.icoscapital.com

About Liberset

With offices in the U.S. and Europe, LIBERSET is a transatlantic investment company focused on the growth of innovative companies fostering the industrial transition to sustainable manufacturing and decarbonization. Our investor base involves family-owned groups, family offices, experienced CEOs and entrepreneurs from sectors including farming, food, cosmetics, chemistry, energy, logistics and construction. LIBERSET is deeply committed to accelerating the transatlantic expansion of our portfolio companies while fostering global sustainable value creation, supported by our robust community of investors. liberset.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240912535772/en/

Contacts:

Press Contact:

Ulysse Communication

Bruno Arabian barabian@ulysse-communication.com +33 6 87 88 47 26

Nicolas Entz nentz@ulysse-communication.com +33 6 33 67 31 54
BEIJING, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A revolution in automotive intelligence, design and technical collaboration is revealed with the JIDU 07, the world's first premium AI sedan. The ultimate design expression of the world's first AI pure-electric sedan, the Robocar JIDU 07.

JIDU (known as 'Jiyue' in the Chinese market) is a technology-first mobility company producing AI-powered intelligent driving machines. Powered by Baidu's advanced technologies and enabled by Geely's SEA (Sustainable Experience Architecture) platform infrastructure, JIDU is pioneering AI mobility. The JIDU 07 marks a significant leap forward, combining world-class design with cutting-edge autonomous driving capabilities. With the launch of its second model, the JIDU 07, the company is redefining the future of mobility. This all-electric sedan sets new benchmarks in both design and technology, embodying the ultimate AI-powered robocar that is ready to be driven today. Never before has a new brand and its second car been launched with such an emotive concept and accelerated technological advancement - JIDU 07 embodies an ultimate AI-powered Robocar that is ready to be driven today.

Joe Xia, CEO of JIDU Auto: "The world's first intelligent sedan, offering an unparalleled AI driving experience. The JIDU 07 is paving the way for a new era in intelligent, autonomous mobility."

The JIDU 07 is an embodiment of sleek, futuristic design, featuring an ultra-aerodynamic body with a remarkably low drag coefficient of 0.249Cd. Its dimensions - 4953x1989x1480mm - combined with a 3013mm wheelbase, ensure a class-leading interior space. The design follows a minimalist approach, with physical controls kept to a minimum, encouraging users to interact with the car through SIMO, the vehicle's intelligent AI partner.

Built on the robust SEA platform, the JIDU 07 prioritizes safety with a torsional rigidity of 40,000 Nm/Deg and a roof capable of supporting up to 10.6 tons-equivalent to three adult elephants.

As the world's first intelligent sedan tailored for the AI era, the JIDU 07 integrates Baidu's bespoke ASD intelligent driving system, bringing forth a new level of AI-driven mobility.

Baidu's cutting-edge autonomous driving technology has enabled seamless navigation even in the most complex driving scenarios, with autonomous capabilities such as automatic gear shifting, lane changes, pedestrian avoidance, and unexpected left turns, autonomous point-to-point navigation, intelligent speed control, traffic light management, and more. It effortlessly navigates through high-speed viaducts and complex urban environments, making it a pioneer in intelligent driving.

On the powertrain front, the JIDU 07 is equipped with CATL's latest Qilin battery, offering an impressive range of up to 880km on the CLTC cycle. Its 800V silicon carbide technology delivers 530kW of power, enabling a top speed of 230km/h and acceleration from 0-100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds - placing the JIDU 07 in the upper echelon of high-performance electric vehicles.

This technical prowess is matched by its award-winning design. The elevated interior features a sleek silhouette created by the A-pillar with a striking 'Venus Curve' design. The extra-large "clamshell hood," class-leading AI intelligent interactive headlights, door handle-free design, and wide rear shoulders not only enhance its technological appearance, but also evoke the allure of the ultimate sportscar aesthetic.

The JIDU 07 has received international acclaim, including prestigious honors like the Red Dot and iF Awards, following in the footsteps of the JIDU 01.

These awards solidify JIDU's standing as a leader in automotive design innovation. In addition to its engineering artistry, the JIDU 07 enhances passenger comfort with an extended front space of 1025mm, rear seat legroom of 530mm, ventilated seats in both the front and rear, and a three-layer massage system targeting key pressure points to ensure the well-being of all passengers.

The vehicle's performance is further optimized by its all-aluminum suspension, which provides both handling precision and stability. JIDU's proprietary iRTD monitoring system enhances safety by processing data 500 times per second, while the Brembo braking system ensures superior stopping power.

This second model marks a major milestone for JIDU, underpinned by extensive investment in research and development. With over $20 billion invested in the project, supported by Geely's $87.5 billion investment in the SEA architecture and CATL's $8.7 billion commitment to advanced battery technologies, the JIDU 07 exemplifies a commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive innovation. Eric Li, Chairman of Geely Holding Group, affirms: "Leveraging the industry-leading SEA intelligent evolution architecture and Geely's renowned manufacturing system, JIDU Auto unveils the JIDU 07 today, a testament to JIDU's commitment to excellence. This exquisite and intelligent sedan is designed to deliver an unparalleled driving experience, setting new standards for performance and quality."

Robin Zeng, Chairman and CEO of CATL, adds, "Through Baidu's AI expertise and CATL's electrification mastery, we have empowered JIDU Auto to develop cutting-edge automotive robots." As the proud owner of the first JIDU 07, Zeng's endorsement reflects the confidence behind this groundbreaking model. The JIDU 07 isn't just a car - it's a vision for the future of mobility, blending AI-driven innovation with state-of-the-art design, and setting new benchmarks for the next era of mobility.

JIDU Auto is on a mission to revolutionize mobility, is dedicated to driving a future where technology is a force for positive change, with a focus on expanding into international markets based on consumer demand. Pre-orders for the all-new JIDU 01 and JIDU 07 will open globally soon, with first deliveries expected in the first half of next year.

*specifications and functionalities may defer in different markets

For more information, visit: www.jidu.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/premier-jidu-unveils-its-second-model--robocar-07-sedan-302246879.html
Accountant Partners opens a new office in Bakersfield, California, offering specialized small business accounting services to empower local entrepreneurs with tailored financial strategies.

BAKERSFIELD, CA / ACCESSWIRE / September 12, 2024 / In response to the growing demand for small business accounting services in Kern County, Accountant Partners is pleased to announce the opening of its newest office in Bakersfield, California. This expansion is significant in supporting local businesses, particularly as large brands increasingly target Kern County for its ample space and favorable business environment. With more than 50 distribution and fulfillment centers within 40 miles of Bakersfield, the area is becoming a hub of economic activity.

Bakersfield Small Business Accountant

Despite the wealth inequality among Bakersfield's residents, as highlighted by Cal State Bakersfield economist Richard Gearhart, the city has seen an influx of young professionals seeking affordable housing and opportunities to start families. This trend has positively impacted the local workforce, creating new prospects for small businesses.

As a Bakersfield small business accountant, Accountant Partners is committed to helping these businesses capitalize on these opportunities through expert financial guidance and support.

"We understand the unique financial challenges and opportunities that small businesses in Bakersfield face," said Allan Bayer, Managing Partner at Accountant Partners. "Our goal as a Bakersfield small business accountant is to provide local entrepreneurs with the tools and insights they need to achieve financial success and sustainable growth."

Accountant Partners invites Bakersfield's small business community to explore the benefits of expert accounting services tailored to their specific needs. With a focus on integrity, efficiency, and client success, the firm is dedicated to helping local businesses thrive in a competitive and evolving market. The firm's goal is to minimize tax burdens, potentially saving local businesses from $10,000 to $1 million, and helping them grow and compete.

For more information about working with a Bakersfield small business accountant, visit https://accountantpartners.com/small-business-accountant-bakersfield/ or contact Accountant Partners at (657) 300-6966.

About Accountant Partners:

Accountant Partners is a leading small business accounting firm helping business owners in Bakersfield, California, save up to $1 million per year in taxes through partner-level accounting, reporting, and strategic advisory. With 27 years of experience, Accountant Partners specializes in best-in-class tax minimization strategies, personalized advisory, and technology-driven efficiency.

Contact Information

JP Richards

Director of Communications

releases@drakedigital.com

844-703-0880

SOURCE: Accountant Partners

View the original press release on newswire.com.
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / September 12, 2024 / Young people from Manhattan to Mongolia are leveraging technology to address issues of climate change. Those most impacted are also the most incentivized to do something about it. Over 1 billion children - half of all children globally - are at an "extremely high risk" due to the impacts of climate change. Organizations that support young people, including UNICEF, are rallying their support around young innovators addressing the opportunities and the risks climate change poses for youth.

SAP is also committed to finding solutions to climate change and working across generations to make it happen. As the world's largest provider of enterprise application software, SAP plays a complementary role to organizations like UNICEF. With a unique ability to help the world's largest companies achieve more across their value chains and drive sustainability at their core, there is enormous potential to use SAP technology for good. Coupled with its technological expertise, there is also a long-standing commitment to accelerate solutions by connecting corporate financial and nonfinancial resources with the expertise of young innovators.

Air pollution is a complicating factor of climate change. On International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies, the world looks at this issue that is not locked within borders, making it difficult to address. It warms the global climate, exacerbating natural disasters and risking the health of millions of underserved people living in vulnerable areas.

In Mongolia, air pollution is particularly problematic as the country deals with rapid urbanization and a harsh climate. The country has a strong reliance on burning coal because it is inexpensive and readily available. Coal represents 90% of the energy used and is a huge economic export, creating jobs and wealth in a high-need country. Even though coal was banned in Mongolia's capital city in 2019, coal use has led to enormous levels of smog and mounting health risks for thousands of citizens. In a country known as the "Land of the Eternal Blue Sky," local youth like Enkhuun Byambadorj are not willing to accept this reality.

Enkhuun was just 17 when she co-founded Breathe Mongolia, an organization leveraging data and technology as a differentiator in solving pollution. With family members affected, she had deeply personal reasons to create tangible action. She quickly understood the value of leveraging technology to scale solutions to the masses and built a centralized source of air quality data for Mongolian communities. "These are all tech-based tools that we use to reach more audiences and more people than we could otherwise," she said. Today, with information available in English and Mongolian, Breathe Mongolia has become a go-to source for air quality data in the region.

With Climate Week on the horizon, taking place during the annual UN General Assembly, SAP will step forward to represent the value of working with young innovators like Enkhuun with GenU. GenU was founded in 2018 as part of UNICEF aiming to equip youth with the necessary skills and resources to participate in key conversations around pressing global issues.

When given the opportunity, youth bring an impressive passion for creating impact, coupled with a digital-first mindset, that allows decision-makers to channel new solutions. Breathe Mongolia is one of the millions of impact organizations operating globally and putting people and planet first. SAP wants to ensure its success and that of the more than 10 million social enterprises operating globally, many led by young people. Together with leading youth social impact partners like Generation Unlimited, ChangemakerXchange, and We Are Family Foundation (WAFF), SAP is hoping to close the opportunity gap and ensure that youth have the resources they need to innovate and fulfill their potential. This commitment for youth inclusion extends beyond Climate Week and UNGA. Throughout the year, SAP and its leadership team lead by example, involving expert young leaders in the company's innovation strategy and sustainability programs, opening doors that provide them with a seat at the table.

Whether you are attending Climate Week or participating virtually from home, every sector and individual has a role to play to combat issues like climate change. To better understand the challenges that youth face and the potential to incorporate youth voices in challenging projects, leverage The Possibilists global study on young changemakers and WAFF's global study on intergenerational collaboration.

If you are a young climate innovator based in North America or Sub-Saharan Africa, we also encourage you to check out resource support through Changemakers for the Planet.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from SAP on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: SAP

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/sap

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: SAP

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Agoura Hills, California--(Newsfile Corp. - September 12, 2024) - Cydcor, the global leader in outsourced sales and customer acquisition services, continues to embody its "people helping people" culture by raising $130,000 for Liberty Children's Home, a sanctuary for abused, abandoned, and neglected children in Belize. This impressive total was achieved through a series of fundraising efforts held throughout the year, including during the most recent National Conference, where $10,000 was raised.

Caption: Cydcor Liberty 2024

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10205/222958_6788ab1ef4dab8ff_001full.jpg

At its National Conferences, Cydcor and its network of independent sales offices came together to support Liberty Children's Home by raising money through the sale of company apparel, tickets for opportunity drawings, and butterfly pins-symbolizing Liberty Children's Home's philosophy of growth, hope, and new beginnings.

The funds raised will be used to purchase everyday essentials for the children at Liberty, including food, medical supplies, school supplies, clothing, and more. Additionally, monies raised have contributed to significant facility improvements at Liberty Children's Home, such as enhancing the kitchen, outfitting the daycare center, painting the entire facility, and providing essential medical supplies.

Cydcor also plans to host a holiday drive at the end of the year, collecting clothing, shoes, and toys for the children at Liberty Children's Home.

Cydcor's commitment to Liberty Children's Home is part of a broader philanthropic initiative that reflects the company's deep-rooted "people helping people" culture. In addition to financial contributions and volunteering in Belize, Cydcor regularly engages in a variety of local charitable activities, such as clothing and food drives for community organizations, painting a local Boys and Girls Club, and sponsoring the Spark of Love holiday toy drive.

"Philanthropy and giving back to our communities, both locally and globally, are at the heart of who we are as a company," said Cydcor CEO and President Vera Quinn. "We are incredibly proud of the ongoing support from our sales offices and leadership, and we remain committed to making a positive impact on the lives of those who need it most."

To date, Cydcor has raised over $130,000 for Liberty Children's Home, helping to ensure that the children continue to receive the care and support they need. The company's dedication to Liberty is a testament to its ongoing mission to give back to communities both locally and globally.

For more information about Liberty Children's Home, visit their website at https://libertychildrenshome.org. To learn more about Cydcor's community service initiatives, please visit www.cydcor.com, or follow the company on Instagram @cydcor.

About Cydcor

Cydcor provides customer acquisition solutions to Fortune 500 and emerging companies in a wide range of industries. Through a unique combination of in-person sales and digital marketing services, Cydcor has mastered the power of building relationships with consumers while leveraging technology to acquire, grow, and retain customers for its clients. Founded in 1994, the privately held company is based in Agoura Hills, California.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/222958

SOURCE: Cydcor LLC
A 138,000 sq. ft site for production of Made-in-America battery systems for heavy and light vehicles

Regulatory News:

Forsee Power (FR0014005SB3 FORSE), the expert in battery systems for light and heavy electric vehicles, announces the inauguration of its North American headquarters and its new industrial site in Columbus, Ohio. This modern site was designed to meet the growing needs of North American customers, whether in the heavy or light vehicle sector, meeting "Buy America" standards.

Strengthening Forsee Power's presence in North America

The inauguration of this site marks a key step in Forsee Power's expansion strategy. Located in Hilliard, in the Columbus metropolitan area, this 138,000-square feet (13,000 sqm) site will house the Company's North American headquarters as well as production and R&D operations. The site already accommodates 2 versatile assembly lines capable of producing 8 different models of battery systems and forecasts a production capacity of 3 GWh by 2028, that will be scalable. It will play a strategic role in the supply of battery systems for the heavy vehicles market (buses, trucks, non-road vehicles and trains) as well as for the light vehicle market (3 and 4 utility wheels, two-wheelers, recreational vehicles).

Meeting the local growing demand and creating local jobs

Forsee Power will help meet the growing demands of the North American electric vehicle market, while optimizing the local supply chain and meeting the requirements of U.S. federal vehicle funding program. By 2028, Forsee Power plans to recruit 150 employees to strengthen its local teams, delivering industry-specific training and collaborating with universities and schools to develop curricula in the battery system industry.

To get started quickly, Forsee Power duplicated production lines that already successfully operate in Europe and Asia. In addition, the Group is working on adapting new solutions specific to the American market. These developments will build a solid industrial base and stimulate innovation in the development of battery solutions tailored to the needs of North American customers.

Jay Deis, President of Forsee Power North America, is responsible for building the organization, production operations and product expertise necessary to support the development of the North American market. His strong experience in the automotive and commercial vehicle industry, acquired in international companies, will be a major asset for Forsee Power's success in the region.

Christophe Gurtner, Chairman and CEO of Forsee Power: "The opening of our new production site in Ohio is a crucial step in our expansion strategy in North America. Perfectly aligned with the US 2030 plan to reduce greenhouse gas pollution, our expertise and our ability to innovate in zero-emission solutions position us as a key player in supporting the decarbonization of transportation in North America

"Ohio offers a powerful combination of opportunity, innovation, and affordability that can't be found anywhere else, and our track record for helping companies succeed in the electric vehicle market can't be beat. We welcome Forsee Power to Ohio and appreciate the jobs and investment they're bringing here,"said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine who attended the ribbon cutting ceremony.

"A global leader in cutting-edge battery system technology, Forsee Power's move to Ohio is part of a wave of industrial onshoring and reshoring that has sparked a renaissance of the American Midwest, with Ohio leading the way," said JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef. "This is the result of teamwork from the local and state level and a commitment to shared success that is driving companies like Forsee Power to call Ohio home," declared J.P. Nauseef, President and CEO of JobsOhio.

About Forsee Power

Forsee Power is an industrial group specializing in smart battery systems for sustainable electric transport (light vehicles, off-highway vehicles, buses, trucks, and trains). A major player in Europe, Asia and North America, the Group designs, assembles, and supplies energy management systems based on cells that are among the most robust in the market and provides installation, commissioning, and maintenance on site and remotely. More than 3,500 buses and 140,000 LEV have been equipped with Forsee Power's batteries. The Group also offers financing solutions (battery leasing) and second-life solutions for transport batteries. Forsee Power and its 750 employees are committed to sustainable development and the Group has obtained the Gold medal from leading sustainability rating agency EcoVadis. For more information: www.forseepower.com @ForseePower

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240912515639/en/

Contacts:

Forsee Power

Sophie Tricaud

VP Corporate affairs

investors@forseepower.com

+336 4272 0891
LISBON, PORTUGAL / ACCESSWIRE / September 12, 2024 / Fasqon introduces a revolutionary solution for modern users, combining financial services and messaging in one secure AI-driven environment. In response to increasing regulatory measures and the growing need for privacy, Fasqon offers a game-changing platform for banking transactions and communications.

Global Challenges: Regulations, High Fees, and Data Breaches

In 2024, the financial sector faces new challenges: increased regulatory scrutiny, more data breaches, and higher transaction fees. More than 60% of users experience difficulties when conducting crypto-fiat transactions, and traditional banks cannot provide sufficient security and privacy. These problems are forcing users to seek new solutions to manage their finances and communications.

Fasqon: A Complete Solution for Secure Transactions and Communication

Fasqon offers a unified platform that eliminates the need to use multiple apps for financial management and communication. Key features include:

- Messenger with financial services integration: The platform allows users to upload invoices, automatically recognize the details, and make payments directly through the messenger. This eliminates the need to copy details and minimizes errors, ensuring fast and secure transactions.

- Bank card with seed phrase and a limit of up to 200 euros: The card provides anonymity and security, allowing users to conduct small transactions without complicated procedures and with minimal fees. This solution is particularly relevant in the context of strict regulatory control and high fees.

- Automated operations through AI: By using AI for invoice processing and transaction management, the platform can reduce processing time by up to 70%, making it an ideal solution for small and medium businesses and individuals.

- Direct P2P messaging and transactions: Avoiding the use of servers and third parties for data exchange ensures privacy and security, which is critical in an era of increasing cyber-attacks and data breaches.

The Power of the Fasqon Community: Uniting Users for Global Change

One of Fasqon's key strengths is its strong and vibrant user community, which actively supports and develops the platform. More than 15,000 Fasqon evangelists are united by the idea of security, privacy, and convenience in one application. The community actively participates in discussions about new features, offers ideas, and suggests improvements, making the platform not only user-friendly but also focused on real user needs.

Round B of Funding

With the current Series B funding, Fasqon aims to raise additional resources to expand its capabilities and scale into new markets. Its unique business model and innovative solutions have attracted the attention of strategic investors, including two major banks from Asia, which are interested in supporting the platform's development.

Fasqon is not just offering a product - it is an invitation to participate in creating a new standard of security and convenience in the world of financial technology.

Joining the Fasqon community means becoming part of a global movement to protect user rights and ensure transparency in financial transactions.

Future Key Steps and Strategic Initiatives for 2025

- Licensing in key European jurisdictions: Obtaining licenses in Portugal and the Czech Republic to ensure compliance and user protection.

- Integration with new partners: Expanding cooperation with local market operators for rapid expansion within countries.

- 1,000,000 users within a year of launch: Confidently scaling the product in the European and Asian markets.

Fasqon continues to grow and evolve; every user can be part of this success story. Join us and help shape the future of finance and communications:

linktr.ee/fasqon

linktr.ee/fasqon

Our contacts:

Sergii Latanskyi

Email: office@fasqon.com

Addresses:

- Rua dos Aranhas n. 51, sala 14, 9000-044, Funchal, Portugal

- Lagoas Park, Building 7 - 1st floor South, office 13, 2740-244 Porto Salvo, Portugal

SOURCE: Fasqon

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Panama City, Panama--(Newsfile Corp. - September 12, 2024) - On August 14, 2024, at the annual meeting of the shareholders of Flora Growth Corp. (the "Issuer"), the shareholders of the Issuer approved: (a) the December 15, 2023, issuance of 1,028,665 stock appreciation rights ("SARs") to Clifford Starke (the "Acquiror") and the; (b) the August 14, 2024 issuance of 575,319 SARs to the Acquiror. The SARs vest in 12 equal installments, subject to Issuer share price criteria, have a ten-year term, and a post-termination exercise price of one year (the "Acquisition").

Immediately before the completion of the Offering, the Acquiror owned an aggregate of 1,340,056 common shares of the Issuer, representing approximately 10.03% of the outstanding common shares of the Issuer. Immediately following the completion of the Acquisition, the Acquiror, on a fully-diluted basis assuming exercise of all options, warrants and SARs, the Acquiror holds an aggregate of 2,944,091 Common Shares, representing approximately 16.44% of the outstanding Common Shares of the Issuer on a fully-diluted basis.

In accordance with applicable securities laws, the Acquiror may, from time to time and at any time, acquire additional common shares, and/or other equity, debt or other securities or instruments (collectively, "Securities") of the Issuer in the open market or otherwise, and Acquiror reserves the right to dispose of any or all of its Securities in the open market or otherwise at any time and from time to time, and to engage in similar transactions with respect to the Securities, the whole depending on market conditions, the business and prospects of the Issuer and other relevant factors.

The head office address of the Acquiror is: PH Park Loft - Suite 2006, Via Porras 75, Panama City, Panama.

The Acquiror acquired the Shares for investment purposes, and has no present intention of acquiring additional Securities. Depending upon the Acquiror's evaluation of the business, prospects and financial condition of the Issuer, the market for the Issuer's Securities, general economic and tax conditions and other factors, the Acquiror may acquire more or sell some or all of the Acquiror's Securities of the Issuer.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/223147

SOURCE: Clifford Starke
Originally published by the San Diego Police Foundation

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / September 12, 2024 / The San Diego Police Foundation, a non-profit serving first responders of the San Diego Police Department, today announced it has received a grant from the Motorola Solutions Foundation, the charitable arm of Motorola Solutions.

Through this grant, the San Diego Police Foundation will provide funding for the Women in Blue Initiative, which advances best practices in policing by advocating for increased representation of women in law enforcement, particularly in leadership positions. Women in Blue represents a longstanding commitment to promoting and funding the recruitment of female officers and enabling access to training, mentoring, networking, and career advancement opportunities. One of these opportunities includes providing full scholarships for fifty SDPD personnel to attend the 2024 Women Leaders in Law Enforcement Conference (WLLE). Scholarship recipients include rising female law enforcement leaders and male colleagues interested in furthering the cause of women in policing. WLLE is a three-day conference and training symposium that brings together law enforcement professionals in a supportive and empowering environment, enabling them to learn from the knowledge and experience of others.

"The needle is moving," stated Sara Napoli, President, and CEO of the San Diego Police Foundation. "Since the inception of the Women in Blue Initiative, SDPD has increased the number of females sworn to nearly 17% and as a result, exceeds the national average of 12%. Yet, more effort and awareness are needed to achieve gender parity as police departments operate best when they reflect the communities they serve."

The Motorola Solutions Foundation, which has donated more than $100 million over the past 10 years, focuses its giving on three key areas: first responder programming, technology and engineering education and programs that blend the two. The Foundation has a long-standing commitment to supporting programs that benefit underrepresented and underserved populations and aims to partner with organizations that align to its values of accountability, innovation, impact, diversity and inclusion.

"Every day the San Diego Police Foundation makes a meaningful difference within the community, and the Motorola Solutions Foundation is honored to partner with them as they continue to expand their impact," said Karem Perez, vice president of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and executive director of the Motorola Solutions Foundation. "We are incredibly proud of the San Diego Police Foundation, the programs they have brought to life and the individuals they have positively affected."

For additional information on the Motorola Solutions Foundation grants program, visit: motorolasolutions.com/foundation-grant-partner.

For more information on the San Diego Police Foundation, visit: sd police foundation.org.

About the San Diego Police Foundation

Founded in 1998, the San Diego Police Foundation proudly supports the San Diego Police Department by cultivating positive community engagement and helping fund vital equipment and specialized training to ensure peace and safety for all.

About the Motorola Solutions Foundation

As the charitable and philanthropic arm of Motorola Solutions, the Motorola Solutions Foundation partners with organizations around the world to create safer cities and equitable, thriving communities. We focus on giving back through strategic grants, employee volunteerism and other community investment initiatives. Our strategic grants program supports organizations that offer first responder programming and technology and engineering education, and align to our values of accountability, innovation, impact, diversity and inclusion. The Foundation is one of the many ways in which the company is solving for safer communities. For more information on the Foundation, visit: www.motorolasolutions.com/foundation





View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Motorola Solutions on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Motorola Solutions

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/motorola-solutions

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Motorola Solutions

View the original press release on accesswire.com
IRAEmpire releases its latest Augusta Precious Metals review. Consumers can learn about the company's fees, gold IRA, services and more.

BURBANK, CA / ACCESSWIRE / September 12, 2024 / IRAEmpire is proud to release its Augusta Precious Metals review for 2024.

Ryan Paulson, Chief Editor at IRAEmpire.com says, "Seeing the recent surge in the popularity of gold IRA companies and investments, we thought it was vital to release this analysis."

Consumers interested in learning about gold IRA companies can sign up for this free checklist. Ryan highlights that the checklist has already helped hundreds of investors choose reliable gold IRA companies.

Augusta Precious Metals is a company specializing in precious metals investments, particularly gold and silver Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs). Founded in 2012 and based in Casper, Wyoming, the company has established itself in the precious metals industry.

The company's primary focus is on providing gold and silver IRAs, though they also offer direct purchases of precious metals for those who prefer to invest outside of retirement accounts. Augusta Precious Metals offers a range of IRS-approved coins and bullion, including American Eagles and Canadian Maple Leafs.

Furthermore. Augusta Precious Metals provides free one-on-one web conferences with economists to help potential investors understand the precious metals market. They also offer various educational resources, including videos that address common misconceptions and potential pitfalls in the industry.

Customer support is another area where Augusta Precious Metals aims to differentiate itself. The company provides lifetime account assistance, guiding clients through the investment process from account opening to portfolio management. This focus on customer service has contributed to the company's positive reputation, as evidenced by its A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

It's worth noting that Augusta Precious Metals has a minimum investment requirement of $50,000 for opening a gold or silver IRA.

Consumers can read the full Augusta Precious Metals review here.

Augusta Precious Metals specializes in offering gold and silver IRAs to consumers. A gold IRA allows consumers to invest in precious metals by using an individual retirement account. Also, it allows the investors to avail unique tax advantages while also getting the benefits of a precious metals investment.

To open an Augusta gold IRA, consumers would need to sign up for their free gold IRA kit. Then, they'd need to consult one of their representatives through a web conference who can guide them through the account opening process.

The account opening process takes around a week or two, depending on the paperwork. According to Augusta Precious Metals reviews, their team assists customers with almost all the paperwork to keep the process simple.

No matter which company you select, there will be a financial investment required. Prior to commencing, it is crucial to have a clear grasp of the fee structure. Otherwise, customers may find themselves in for an unpleasant surprise when they receive an item that doesn't meet their expectations. With Augusta's emphasis on education, finding product prices is a breeze.

It is important to note that there is a requirement to have a minimum account balance in order to open an IRA. Investors are required to initially fund their account with a minimum of $50,000. There are no maximum investment limits in place. When making larger purchases, it's important to verify your identity. Don't hesitate to reach out to your representative for assistance.

Augusta offers an account setup fee of just $50. In contrast, several of their rivals have prices that start at $150 or even higher. Accounts with balances below $100,000 are subject to an annual maintenance fee of $125. Once your account exceeds $100,000, the amount decreases to $75.

The custodian and storage fees will vary depending on the company and depository of your choice. Typically, the expected cost for custodianship is around $100 per year. In addition, there is an annual storage fee of $100. For individuals looking to include precious metals in their IRA, it is crucial to store them at a recognized storage facility. Additionally, it is necessary to have a custodian in place to oversee the management of the account.

Augusta Precious Metals' price protection program is an interesting development. They offer a 7-day guarantee so customers have the opportunity to secure a price while they are shopping.

Augusta offers a refund for the price difference if it drops within seven days. Unlike many other companies, most do not provide comparable offers to their customers. This action has the potential to pose a risk to the company, potentially leading to financial losses for Augusta. From a customer's perspective, this deal is advantageous, presenting a valuable opportunity for you.

If you choose not to keep the item you ordered, you can return it. Augusta offers a complete refund, ensuring that customers will be fully reimbursed for all of their expenses. If you're interested in making a return, it's essential to visit their website and carefully review their return policy.

Precious metals IRAs are subject to strict regulations set by the IRS. There are certain restrictions imposed by the IRS on your purchasing options, and they also require thorough documentation when opening an account. In addition, there are limitations on the storage of valuable metals.

After the setup process is complete, it is necessary to have a licensed custodian who will be responsible for overseeing your account. They fulfill a similar function to that of a conventional investment manager for a standard IRA. However, they do not make the investment decisions on your behalf. The custodian is responsible for maintaining and safeguarding your personal investments.

As a custodian, it is essential to collaborate with an accredited depository. Depositories are required to meet strict criteria related to insurance and security in order to obtain approval from the IRS.

They work with Equity Trust Company, GoldStar Trust Company and Kingdom Trust.

All three of these custodians are IRS-approved to hold precious metals in IRAs. They each offer secure storage options, typically through partnerships with approved depositories like the Delaware Depository.

Augusta Precious Metals works closely with these custodians to help their clients set up and manage their gold and silver IRAs. The company's lifetime customer support includes assistance in choosing and working with these custodians throughout the life of the IRA.

It's worth noting that while Augusta provides information and can assist with the setup process, the ultimate relationship is between the investor and the chosen custodian. Investors should review each custodian's specific fees, services, and policies when deciding which one to work with for their precious metals IRA.

About IRAEmpire

IRAEmpire.com is a retirement news and review website located in the United States that mostly focuses on Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs). The website, founded in 2021, provides extensive market updates, technical analyses, and expert evaluations tailored to the IRA industry. Their primary emphasis lies in providing guidance to individuals in making informed decisions about retirement planning, namely in the areas of retirement advisors, Gold IRAs, and Crypto IRAs.

The presence of user-generated material is a distinguishing feature of IRAEmpire.com. The website allows people to contribute their own assessments of financial firms and specialists, alongside expert reviews, so promoting a thorough and unbiased understanding of retirement planning choices.

IRAEmpire.com sets itself apart with its extensive and thorough research technique. The editorial team dedicates a substantial amount of effort, averaging over 200 hours per category, to conducting thorough research, analysis, and delivering sharp suggestions. To ensure integrity, fairness, and a transparent documentation of recent legal or ethical matters, this thorough procedure entails rigorous quality assessment of companies. Consumer visits, registrations, and service purchases serve as metrics for partner rankings. It is important to emphasize that IRAEmpire maintains rigorous editorial integrity, guaranteeing that its evaluations and opinions remain independent from its marketing and business development departments, in order to deliver impartial material.

In addition, IRAEmpire.com provides comprehensive guides and educational materials that cover a range of retirement plans, such as Traditional IRAs, SEP IRAs, Self-Directed 401(k)s, and Thrift Savings Plans (TSPs). The purpose of this information is to educate readers about the different categories of retirement plans and their distinct guidelines, advantages, and regulations.

Contact Information

Ryan Paulson

Chief Editor

ryan@iraempire.com

+18024878205

SOURCE: IRAEmpire.com

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 12, 2024) - Wedgemount Resources Corp. (CSE: WDGY) (OTCQB: WDGRF) ("Wedgemount" or the "Company"), is pleased to announce that it has closed the second tranche of its non-brokered private placement of convertible debenture units (a "Debenture Unit") of the Company at a price of $1,000 per Debenture Unit. The convertible debenture offering was over-subscribed. Under the second tranche, a total of 745 Debenture Units were sold for gross proceeds of $745,000. In total the Company has raised gross proceeds of $2,450,000 from the first and second tranche of Debenture Units (the "Offering").

Each Debenture Unit comprises $1,000 principal amount of unsecured redeemable convertible debenture and 2,941 common share purchase warrants (each a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to purchase one common share of Wedgemount (each a "Common Share") at a price of $0.30 until September 10, 2027.

The convertible debentures bear interest at a rate of 10% per annum, calculated and payable semi-annually in arrears, with the first payment being February 25, 2025, and maturing 36 months from the date of issuance. The principal amount of each convertible debenture will be convertible into Common Shares of the Company at a price of $0.17 at the option of the holder of a convertible debenture at any time prior to the close of business on September 10, 2027. On or after September 10, 2025, the convertible debentures issued under this tranche may be redeemed in whole or in part from time to time at the option of the Company at $1,050 plus accrued and unpaid interest.

Under the Offering, the Company paid finder's fees consisting of a total of 19 Debenture Units, equal to 5% of the number of Debenture Units sold under the tranche to investors identified by respective finders.

The convertible debentures are unsecured obligations of the Company and are subordinated in right of payment of principal and interest to all secured debt, and to all existing and future senior indebtedness of the Company, and senior to any of the Company's future debt that is expressly subordinated to the convertible debentures.

One insider of the Company participated in the second tranche of the Offering, acquiring 5 Debenture Units. As such, the closing of the Offering may constitute a related party transaction under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"), but is otherwise exempt from the formal valuation and minority approval requirements of MI 61-101 by virtue Sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101, as neither the fair market value of any securities issued to, nor the consideration paid by such person, exceeds 25% of the Company's market capitalization.

The net proceeds received by the Company from the Offering have been or will be used, as applicable, for the acquisition of the Huggy assets described in the Company's July 29, 2024 news release, continued optimization of the Company's operated oil and gas assets, and for general working capital.

The securities issued under the second tranche of the Offering are subject to a statutory four month and one day hold period, which expires on January 11, 2025.

Engagement of Financial Advisor

In respect of the Offering, the Company entered into a Financial Advisory Agreement with Canaccord Genuity dated September 6, 2024. Pursuant to the Financial Advisory Agreement, the Company issued 100 Debenture Units to Canaccord.

Canaccord Genuity is an independent, global, full-service investment bank, and has significant knowledge and exposure to the natural resource sector, which will be instrumental in Wedgemount's efforts to grow a stable and self-sustaining up-stream oil and gas business.

Marketing Arrangements

Wedgemount has entered into an agreement with Outside the Box Capital Inc. to provide marketing services to the Company including but not limited to planning content creation and assisting in enhancing awareness of the Company. The engagement runs from September 3, 2024, through January 3, 2025 at a cost to the Company of $75,000.

Wedgemount has also entered into an agreement with Proactive Investors North America Inc. to assist the Company in enhancing its online presence with the global investment community, as part of its strategy to increase general market awareness of the Company and its Texas based oil and gas operations. The engagement runs from August 21, 2024, to August 20, 2025 at a cost to the Company of $45,000.

Both marketing arrangements will be paid from the proceeds of the Offering.

About Wedgemount Resources Corp.

Wedgemount Resources is a junior oil & gas company focused on maximizing shareholder value through the acquisition, development and exploitation of natural resource projects in the southern USA.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

WEDGEMOUNT RESOURCES CORP.

Mark Vanry, President and CEO

Reader Advisory

This news release may contain statements which constitute "forward-looking information", including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs and current expectations of the Company, its directors, or its officers with respect to the future business activities of the Company. The words "may", "would", "could", "will", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect" and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company, or its management, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future business activities and involve risks and uncertainties, and that the Company's future business activities may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, availability of funds, personnel and other resources necessary to conduct exploration or development programs, successes of the Company's exploration efforts, availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. There can be no assurances that such information will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. The Company does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking information except as required under the applicable securities laws.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization of Canada 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/223174

SOURCE: Wedgemount Resources Corp.
Jus Mundi, a Paris, France-based legal AI company, raised $22M in Series B funding.

The round was led by Acton Capital and True Global Ventures, with participation from historic investors France-based C4 Ventures and US-based FJ Labs.

The company intends to use the funds to support R&D efforts to further develop its AI and expand beyond the 80 countries in which it currently has a presence.

Founded in 2019, Jus Mundi is a legal technology company dedicated to powering global justice through artificial intelligence. Through its proprietary AI technology, the company provides global legal intelligence, data-driven arbitration professional selection and business development services. Jus Mundi, which has additional offices in New York, London and Singapore, serves over 150,000 users from law firms, multinational corporations, governmental bodies and academic institutions in more than 80 countries.

The company also announced that it will launch Jus AI, its research and productivity assistant for global legal professionals, at IBA Mexico on September 16. More than 70 partnerships with legal institutions around the world fuel Jus AIs research, drafting and translation capabilities while users insights remain private. Jus AI has been piloted for several months, with more than 20 clients participating in the exclusive Jus AI Acceleration Program; they include DLA Piper, Reed Smith, Clyde & Co, Greenberg Traurig, Yulchon and Bredin Prat.

FinSMEs

12/09/2024
Kuopio, Finland, September 12th, 2024, Chainwire

Kampela, an innovative hardware startup, has successfully secured funding through a Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO) on the Polkadot network, marking a significant milestone as the first hardware project to be fully backed by a DAO in the Polkadot ecosystem. This achievement demonstrates the power of decentralized governance in supporting tangible technological innovations and opens new possibilities for hardware development in the blockchain space.

Kampelas device leverages NFC technology and operates without the need for wired charging or a battery, showcasing a novel approach to secure, user-centric hardware wallets. The companys innovative strategy consolidates both the design and production processes within a single integrated platform, enabling the delivery of highly differentiated solutions to the market.

Key Highlights:

 Funding secured through Polkadot Referenda #62, #370, and #886, totalling approximately 253,000 DOTs (around $1 million USD at current DOT price)

 Transparent, community-driven decision-making process

 Establishes a new model for supporting hardware innovation in the blockchain industry

 Battery-free operation powered exclusively by NFC during active use

 Secure NFC-only connectivity, eliminating vulnerable USB interfaces

Kirill, ex-CISO of Parity and Kampelas Co-Founder, stated, Not only is Kampela one of the very few fully open hardware wallets on the markets (you can get everything, up to the precise machining instructions for the casing, from our GitHub), but the project is also a brilliant example of the power of DAOs in the new, blockchain-enabled economy: the project was funded via the Polkadot Treasury (one of the biggest DAOs in the world right now), and it is thanks to this funding that our designs are so uncompromisingly open, free, and democratic.

The successful funding of Kampela through a DAO on the Polkadot network showcases how community-driven funding can fuel advancements in secure, user-centric devices. This achievement is expected to attract attention from blockchain enthusiasts, hardware innovators, investors interested in decentralized funding models, and Polkadot community members and stakeholders.

Kampelas hardware design features several enhanced security measures, including battery-free operation and secure NFC-only connectivity. The device remains completely powered down when not in use, deterring physical access or tampering, and its NFC-only communication provides an additional security layer compared to traditional USB interfaces.

With six hardware revisions conducted and 54 components in its design, Kampela represents a significant leap forward in blockchain hardware innovation. As the first fully DAO-funded hardware project in the Polkadot ecosystem, Kampela sets a new precedent for how hardware startups can leverage decentralized funding and governance to bring cutting-edge products to market.

For more information about Kampela and its innovative hardware wallet, readers can visit https://www.kampe.la/ or https://x.com/kampela_signer.

About Kampela

Kampela, a Finnish startup, is revolutionizing secure transaction management with its innovative NFC-powered hardware device. Operating without Bluetooth, USB, or batteries, it features an e-ink display and open-source design. Tailored for blockchain applications and backed by the Web3 Foundation and Polkadot Treasury, Kampela offers a sustainable, secure solution for digital interactions in decentralized systems.

Media Contact:

Viktoria

CMO [Telegram: @vikrpc ]

Contact

CMO

Viktoria

Kampela

[email protected]


Reshape Automation, a San Francisco, CA-based AI-powered solution transforming industrial automation from discovery to deployment, raised $5m in seed funding.

The round was led by Ironspring Ventures and included new investors Haystack, Supply Chain Ventures, Remus Capital, Expansion VC, and prominent angel investors including Amar Hanspal, former co-CEO of Autodesk, alongside existing investors Schematic Ventures and Bee Partners. In conjunction with the funding, Ty Findley, co-founder & General Partner of Ironspring Ventures, joined the Reshape Board of Directors.

Co-founded by Juan Aparicio and Carlos Vanegas, Reshape provides a platform that consolidates and analyzes process data, tracks requirements, and aggregates demand and supply for automation equipment and services. With its recommendation engine, transparent pricing, and AI agents, the platform accelerates adoption, boosts transparency, and reduces risk for manufacturers and supply chain companies.

With this new capital, the company will accelerate the development and deployment of its product suite, the Reshape Industrial Automation Hub. Under this umbrella, Reshape is announcing two new products: Reshape Insights and Reshape Planner, and integrating its existing Reshape Market, which now features hundreds of automation products and solutions with plans to add thousands in the coming years. Additionally, Reshape Services ensures that automation continues to deliver value well beyond installation. This suite of products empowers manufacturers and warehouse operators to increase visibility into their processes, optimize them, and build real ROI cases for automation.

FinSMEs

12/09/2024
Discussions revolved around recommendations to the 16th Finance Commission. State leaders pressed for a larger share of tax revenues from the central government and raised concerns over the rising use of cesses read more

Kerala's Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan speaks at the Conclave of Finance Ministers attended by five non-BJP ruled states. Image source: X.com/@pinarayivijayan

A one-day conclave of Finance Ministers from five opposition-ruled states took place in Keralas capital on Thursday (September 12).

The meeting, chaired by Kerala Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal, was attended by Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, Karnataka Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, and Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu.

Discussions revolved around recommendations to the 16th Finance Commission, which will decide the financial relations between the Centre and the States.

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State leaders pressed for a larger share of tax revenues from the central government and raised concerns over the rising use of cesses and surcharges by the Centre. Here are the key takeaways from the conclave:

1. Increase in states share of divisible pool: Finance Ministers from the five states called for the States share in the divisible pool of central tax revenues to be raised from the current 41 per cent to 50 per cent.

The divisible pool is the portion of gross tax revenue distributed between the Centre and States, excluding cesses and surcharges levied for specific purposes.

2. Cap on cesses and surcharges: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the cess and surcharge levied by the Centre was showing a rising trend and resulting in the shrinkage of states share in the divisive pool of taxes.

A cess is a type of tax imposed by the government for specific purposes, until the government is able to collect enough funds for that purpose. For instance, infrastructure cess is levied to generate funds for infrastructure projects across the country.

The Ministers proposed that any amount collected above a set cap should be included in the divisible pool and shared with the states. Karnataka Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda suggested a cap on the Centres cesses and surcharges at 5 per cent of gross tax revenue.

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3. Stop penalising states that perform well: The ministers asked the penalising of well-performing be stopped. The issue revolves around the devolution formula used by the Finance Commission of India, which determines how tax revenues collected by the central government are divided among the states.

States have argued that the current formula, which places significant emphasis on factors such as population and income inequality (favoring poorer states) disproportionately benefits less developed states, despite their poorer governance or performance on developmental metrics.

4. Declining revenue share for Tamil Nadu: Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu highlighted that the states share of the central tax pool has been steadily decreasing.

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Tamil Nadus allocation has dropped from 7.93 per cent under the Ninth Finance Commission to 4.07 per cent under the 15th Finance Commission. Thennarasu called for a reversal of this trend to ensure equitable treatment for all states.

5. Impact of GST on states fiscal autonomy: Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema raised concerns over the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime, stating that it has limited the fiscal autonomy of states.

Punjab has seen a considerable decline from its pre-GST revenue base. Im certain that other states also have faces losses. This is an issue which I hope the 16th Finance Commission will thoroughly consider, The Hindu quoted him as saying.

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Cheema urged the Finance Commission to review the losses incurred by states due to GST and ensure that states are compensated adequately.

6. Federal Balance of Power: Telangana Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka stressed the need for recalibrating the Centre-States financial relationship.

He called for a more equitable and federal approach, arguing that the current financial policies of the Centre were stifling the development of states and eroding their financial autonomy.

With inputs from agencies
As Typhoon Yagi ravaged Vietnam, it brought torrential rain that overwhelmed Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar, leading to deadly landslides and severe river flooding across Southeast Asia. Millions across the region are struggling, as homes remain flooded, power is cut off, and infrastructure lies in ruins read more

Tearing through Vietnam over the weekend with winds reaching up to 92 mph, the storm caused widespread devastation, particularly in the capital, Hanoi, where flash floods and landslides struck hard. AFP

Millions across Southeast Asia are struggling with the destruction left in Typhoon Yagis wake, as homes remain flooded, power is cut off, and infrastructure lies in ruins.

Tearing through Vietnam over the weekend with winds reaching up to 92 mph, the storm caused widespread devastation, particularly in the capital, Hanoi, where flash floods and landslides struck hard.

According to the governments disaster management agency, the death toll in Vietnam has climbed to 226, with 104 people still missing.

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As the storm ravaged Vietnam, it brought torrential rain that has overwhelmed Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar, leading to deadly landslides and severe river flooding.

Heres a closer look at how Typhoon Yagi has devastated Southeast Asia.

Thailand

Yagi, the most powerful storm to hit Asia this year, has caused widespread devastation across Thailand.

Floodwaters have surged into parts of Chiang Rai city, one of the largest urban areas in northern Thailand, submerging key roads and various parts of the city.

While some areas of the heavily affected Mai Sai district have seen floodwaters recede, many riverside communities remain submerged, according to district head Narongpol Kid-an, who spoke to Reuters.

We are rushing to bring out people trapped inside their houses, Narongpol said. There are still hundreds of people who need to be rescued.

Rescue operations, supported by Thai Navy SEAL special forces, are being carried out using boats and helicopters, he added.

Drone view shows a flooded area, following the impact of Typhoon Yagi, in the northern province of Chiang Rai, Thailand, September 12. Reuters

Local authorities are planning to use Thai Air Force helicopters to deliver food and water to approximately 3,000 stranded residents in Chiang Rais Ban Kwai Wua Dam area. An additional 200 people remain trapped in a school, waiting to be evacuated to a rescue centre, according to the provincial office.

Since mid-August, at least 33 people have died across Thailand due to rain-related incidents, including landslides. Nine of these fatalities occurred this week in two northern provinces hit by Typhoon Yagi, according to government reports.

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The situation is very delicate, Narongpol explained. When it rains, the water rises very quickly.

On Thursday, Thailands Office of National Water Resources issued flash flood warnings for 36 provinces, including the capital Bangkok, due to the ongoing heavy rainfall.

Myanmar

Typhoon Yagi has left has also caused severe flooding in Myanmar.

The deluge has impacted nearly 4,000 residents in Tachileik town in Shan state, Myanmar, with heavy rains affecting other regions, including Mandalay, Magway, Ayeyarwady, Chin, Kayin, and Rakhine, Vietnam+ reported.

Houses have been swept away by the floods, a resident of Tatkon township told Radio Free Asia. Were trapped in the village and cant go anywhere. Weve called rescue teams, but no one has come.

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Rail connections between Yangon and Mandalay have been suspended due to the severe flooding, the state-run newspaper Global New Light of Myanmar confirmed. Floodwaters have severely affected the low-lying capital Naypyidaw, with Taungoo also facing rising river levels.

With makeshift rafts, residents flee rising waters in Myanmar triggered by Typhoon Yagi. AFP

According to local media reports, rescue teams and firefighters have recovered seven bodies from submerged villages in the Mandalay region, the fire service reported on its Facebook page. This adds to the ten bodies found earlier in the same area on Wednesday.

Meteorologist Win Naing told Radio Free Asia that more flooding is likely in Myanmars southern delta region as water flows downstream along the Ayeyarwady River.

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Laos

Laos has also witnessed destruction as Typhoon Yagi struck the nation.

The worst-affected region is Luang Namtha Province, where flooding and landslides have caused significant property damage and left many residents stranded, Vietnam+ reported.

Videos and images circulating on social media show homes in Luang Namtha submerged, with belongings swept away by the floods. Many residents are trapped inside their houses, taking refuge on rooftops to escape the rising waters.

Aerial view of flood waters surrounding houses in Luang Namtha province, following heavy rains in the aftermath of Typhoon Yagi. After a deluge of rain brought by Typhoon Yagi, authorities in Laos said they had evacuated hundreds of people from 17 villages in northern Luang Namtha province as flood waters rose. AFP

In Sayaboury and Oudomxay provinces, large areas of agricultural land have been affected, forcing residents to seek safety in higher areas. In Namor district, Oudomxay, 11 villages have been impacted by flooding and landslides, leading to power outages.

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In response to the disaster, Laos has swiftly mobilised relief efforts to assist affected families.

As of September 12, authorities have reported at least one fatality in the country.

The Mekong River Commission, which oversees the vital waterway, issued a flood warning on Thursday for the historic city of Luang Prabang, according to AFP.

With input from agencies
The Union Cabinet has approved the extension of health coverage under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) to all citizens aged 70 years or above. This move will benefit six crore people across 4.5 crore families, as the Centre will now provide a Rs 5 lakh health coverage to all those eligible, irrespective of their income and background read more

The Union Cabinet has approved health coverage to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above irrespective of their income under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY). Representational image/PTI

For ageing citizens in India, there was a constant worry about their disease burden and the rising cost of managing their health. However, after Wednesday (September 11) those worries will be a thing of the past. Thats because the Union Cabinet cleared the expansion of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) to provide health coverage to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above irrespective of their income.

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Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw making the announcement on Wednesday said that this will be rolled out soon.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the scheme, writing on X, We are committed to ensuring accessible, affordable and top-quality healthcare for every Indian. This scheme will ensure dignity, care and security to six crore citizens!

What this means is that public healthcare in the country has changed drastically, providing those above the age of 70 a security net when it comes to health management.

But how will this work? Who is eligible for this scheme? How much will it cost? We answer all this and much more.

Whos eligible for the scheme?

As per the governments announcement, all senior citizens, who are 70 and above, are eligible under the scheme. They will get a health cover of Rs 5 lakh on a family basis. Moreover, those aged 70 and above belonging to families that are already covered under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana will receive a top-up of Rs 5 lakh per year for themselves. They wont have to share the cover with other members of the family.

The AB-PMJAY scheme, which began in 2018, is the worlds largest government-funded health insurance scheme. Currently, it serves 12 crore families and is viable to those who come from poor and vulnerable families, comprising the bottom 40 per cent of Indias population. It also covers 37 lakh ASHA workers across the country and their families for free healthcare benefits.

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As per the governments announcement, those who are covered under other public health insurance schemes like the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), Ayushman Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) may either continue their existing scheme or opt for AB-PMJAY.

Additionally, senior citizens of 70 years and above, who are under private health insurance policies or Employees State Insurance Scheme, will be eligible to avail benefits.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw also explained that if there are two senior citizens in the family, then the Rs 5 lakh coverage would be shared amongst them.

This is a big step towards ensuring the social security of senior citizens, especially as India transitions to nuclear families, he said.

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How many people would benefit?

The government said that the move to add those who are 70 and above will benefit 6 crore people across 4.5 crore families.

Eligible beneficiaries will be issued a new distinct card under the scheme, the government said.

The AB-PMJAY scheme, which began in 2018, is the worlds largest government-funded health insurance scheme. Representational image/PTI

What will be the cost of covering all above the age of 70?

Expanding the AB-PMJAY scheme to cover all those who are aged 70 and above will initially have an outlay of Rs 3,437 crore.

According to Vaishnaw, states will cover 40 per cent of the expenses. However, for hilly and northeastern states, the Centre will bear 90 per cent of the costs.

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Why is this significant?

Adding all those who are aged 70 and above to the Ayushman Bharat health scheme is significant for multiple reasons. Firstly, it is the first time that the government has covered an entire age cohort, irrespective of their economic status or any other factors.

Secondly, with this move, the Narendra Modi government has fulfilled one of its poll promises. In April when releasing its poll manifesto, Narendra Modi had announced that senior citizens above 70 years of age and the transgender community will be brought under the ambit of the Centres health scheme Ayushman Bharat Yojana.

In June, President Droupadi Murmu in an address to Parliament had said the government will provide free treatment to the elderly above 70 years of age under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. At the time, she had said, My government is going to take one more decision, all the elderly above 70 years of age will get the benefit of free treatment under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.

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Lastly, by expanding the scheme, the Centre is covering a larger base of people, especially the aged who need it the most. As per the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India, Indias population over the age of 60 is likely to rise from 8.6 per cent in 2011 to 19.5 per cent by 2050. According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the current elderly population of 153 million (aged 60 and above) is expected to reach a staggering 347 million by 2050.

This growing number of aged people will have a far-reaching impact on the countrys health systems. Hence, health insurance coverage to this big group of people is noteworthy.

However, while most have lauded the Centre for the expansion of the Ayushman Bharat health scheme, there are some who are of the opinion that it comes into play only when a patient is admitted to hospital. However, it does not apply to out-patient department (OPD) services that form the bulk of the medical services sought by people.

In fact, a study published in the International Journal of Preventive Medicine revealed that nearly 40-80 per cent of expenditure on health is on OPD services in the country, forcing people to spend large amounts of money from their own pockets.

With inputs from agencies
The four-member Polaris Dawn crew is on the cusp of script history as they are scheduled to conduct the worlds first private space walk. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will begin his two-day visit to Switzerlands Geneva, where he will meet his counterpart, Ignazio Cassis. Heres what else will happen today read more

The Polaris Dawn crew, led by billionaire Jared Isaacman and including non-astronauts Scott Poteet, Anna Menon, and Sarah Gillis, is poised to make history today with the first-ever private spacewalk. Image courtesy: SpaceX

Thursday, September 12, is shaping up to be a busy day with several significant events on the agenda.

Polaris Dawn crew will conduct the worlds first private space walk.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will begin his two-day visit to Switzerlands Geneva.

PM Modi to attend second Asia Pacific Civil Aviation Ministers Conference.

China is set to host the 11th Beijing Xiangshan Forum.

The bow-string arch bridge in Mumbai will partially open today.

Heres how the day will unfold

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Polaris Dawns historic spacewalk

The Polaris Dawn crew, led by billionaire Jared Isaacman and including non-astronauts Scott Poteet, Anna Menon, and Sarah Gillis, is poised to make history today with the first-ever private spacewalk.

This five-day mission is part of the Polaris Program, which aims to test and develop new space technologies. It is the first of three planned missions under the program. The crew lifted off on September 10 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from NASAs iconic Launch Complex-39A at the Kennedy Space Center.

(L to R): Anna Menon, Scott Poteet, Jared Isaacman and Sarah Gillis pose during training for the Polaris Dawn mission. Polaris programme

For the spacewalk, all crew members will don spacesuits, and the air will be completely vented from the spacecraft. According to The New York Times, The hatch will then be opened, and the inside of the spacecraft will become part of the vacuum of outer space.

However, only Isaacman and Gillis will exit the capsule to perform the spacewalk, while Poteet and Menon will stay inside to manage the umbilical cords and monitor readings, ensuring the operation runs smoothly.

EAM S Jaishankars Switzerland tour

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is set to conclude his six-day diplomatic tour with a visit to Switzerland.

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As per a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), The External Affairs Minister will meet with heads and representatives of international organisations with whom India is actively engaged. Given that Geneva hosts numerous UN bodies and global institutions, this visit holds significant diplomatic importance.

Jaishankar is also scheduled to meet the Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis to review the strong partnership between India and Switzerland and discuss new opportunities for enhancing bilateral ties, according to the MEA.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is set to conclude his six-day diplomatic tour with a visit to Switzerland.



Earlier in the trip, Jaishankar visited Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he participated in the First India-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Foreign Ministers Meeting.

Following this, he travelled to Berlin, Germany, for a two-day stop. During his time in Berlin, he met with German Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and took part in a debate with foreign policy and security experts, organised by the Munich Security Conference.



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Modi to attend Asia Pacific Civil Aviation Ministers Conference

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to attend the 2nd Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

During the event, Modi will address the conference and announce the adoption of the Delhi Declaration by all member states, aiming to enhance the regions aviation sector.

Organised by the Ministry of Civil Aviation in collaboration with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the conference will bring together Transport and Aviation ministers, regulatory authorities, and industry experts from across the Asia-Pacific region.

During the event, Modi will address the conference and announce the adoption of the Delhi Declaration by all member states, aiming to enhance the regions aviation sector. File image/ PTI

The discussions will focus on crucial challenges, including infrastructure development, sustainability, and workforce training, while encouraging stronger collaboration between public and private sectors

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Xiangshan defence forum in Beijing

China is set to host the 11th Beijing Xiangshan Forum starting today.

Co-hosted by the China Association for Military Science and the China Institute for International Strategic Studies, the forum will focus on discussions on security cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region to multipolarity and the global order, according to the forums official website.

This years forum will also explore the security of artificial intelligence and the beneficial use of emerging technologies.

According to China Daily, more than 500 representatives from over 90 countries and international organisations have confirmed their participation.

Wu Jiangang, an official from the forums organising committee, stated that the attendees include over 30 defence ministers and chiefs of staff, alongside more than 200 experts and scholars.

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PM Modi to meet with Indias Paralympians

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet and interact with Indias Paris Paralympic contingent at Lok Kalyan Marg in New Delhi today.

PM Modi had previously taken out time after finishing his official engagements in Brunei to call up and congratulate Indias Paralympic champions as India has now secured a historic performance in the Paris Paralympics by winning 20 medals.

India concluded their historic Paris Paralympics campaign with 29 medals, including seven gold, nine silver, and 13 bronze medals, marking the countrys best performance in the competitions history.

The bow-string arch bridge in Mumbai

The much-anticipated bow-string arch bridge, connecting the Mumbai Coastal Road with the Bandra Worli Sea Link, is set to partially open, according to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

Currently, the Coastal Road ends at Worli, but this new bridge will be a game-changer. Starting on September 12, vehicles will be able to drive directly onto the Bandra Worli Sea Link, bypassing the tedious detour at the Worli interchange, The Indian Express reported.

Interestingly, there will be no formal inauguration for the bridge but by the end of the year, the girder connecting the southbound lanes of the Sea Link to the Coastal Road is expected to be completed, marking a significant milestone in improving Mumbais connectivity.

With input from agencies
Iran has reportedly delivered short-range ballistic missiles to Russia, including the Fateh-110 and Zolfaghar systems. This move strengthens Moscows military capabilities while benefitting Tehrans strategic ambitions. The Islamic Republic hopes to secure advanced Russian technology like the Su-35 and S-400 systems in return, but the growing partnership risks straining Moscows relationships with Gulf nations read more

Then Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi speaks during the joining ceremony of ballistic missiles to the Armed Forces, in Tehran, Iran, August 22, 2023. Iran's Presidency via Reuters

Iran has reportedly delivered short-range ballistic missiles (CRBMs) to Russia, marking an escalation in Tehrans support for Moscows military efforts against the latters ongoing war in Ukraine.

United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed that Iran has sent these missiles, including the Fateh-110, Fateh-360 and Zolfaghar, which have ranges between 300 km and 700 km. This transfer is expected to provide Russia with vital military aid as it continues its assault on Ukraine.

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Is Iran supplying ballistic missiles to Russia

The US Department of the Treasury corroborated Blinkens claims, revealing that Russia received the first shipment of these Iranian missiles in early September 2024.

Satellite imagery from Maxar Technologies showed the Russian vessel Port Olya 3 which reportedly transported the missiles from Irans port of Amirabad to Russias Astrakhan, raising global concerns about this military partnership.

Reports suggest that Russia has yet to deploy these Iranian-made missiles in combat, although Moscow has already begun training its forces to use the systems.

The Fateh-110, capable of carrying a 500 kg payload, and the Zolfaghar, which can carry heavy warheads up to 700 km, are set to supplement Russias aerial and land-based assaults on Ukrainian territory.

Ukrainian officials, citing spokesperson Yurii Ihnat, have expressed concern that their current air defences are incapable of intercepting ballistic missiles such as the Iskander-M or the Fateh-110.

How does Iran benefit from sending ballistic missiles to Russia?

For Tehran, sending ballistic missiles to Russia has both immediate and long-term benefits. According to the Atlantic Council, Iran has sought advanced Russian military technology, including the Su-35 fighter jets and S-400 air defence systems, for years.

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While Moscow has been hesitant to transfer these technologies  partly due to its need to maintain relationships with Irans regional rivals like Saudi Arabia  Tehrans missile deliveries may now offer it significant leverage. A closer Russia-Iran military partnership could increase Tehrans chances of receiving such weapons and other advanced technologies.

According to an August report by researchers Hanna Notte and Jim Lamson from the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies, Iran could also be eyeing other weapons systems from Russia.

If Russia eventually supplies these technologies, it will be seen as proof of Irans increasing influence over Moscow. Iran is also interested in bolstering its space program, and there have been reports that Russia is sharing valuable space and nuclear-related information with Tehran.

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Russias dependency on Iranian military hardware has grown significantly since 2022, with Iran already supplying Russia with thousands of Shahed-136 drones. These drones played a critical role in Russias devastating attacks on Ukraines energy infrastructure, especially during the winter of 2022.

The addition of ballistic missiles gives Moscow the ability to target critical civilian and military infrastructure with even more precision and destruction.

How do Irans ballistic missiles help Russia?

The key advantage for Russia in using Iranian missiles lies in their cost-effectiveness. In its nationwide assaults, Moscow has used combinations of air-, land-, and sea-based systems, costing the Kremlin approximately $1.3 billion per offensive.

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The high cost of Russian missiles, ranging from $500,000 to $13 million per unit, has pushed Moscow to seek cheaper alternatives. The Fateh-110, priced at $110,000, and the Zolfaghar, at $150,000, allow Russia to launch large-scale strikes at a fraction of the cost.

By replacing its more advanced missile systems, such as the KH-101, Kalibr, and Kinzhal, with Iranian variants, Russia can conserve its high-value arsenal for strategic, high-profile targets. Moreover, these Iranian missiles, while less advanced, can still cause significant damage if Ukraines air defences are overwhelmed.

A photo shows a Fath-360 short-range ballistic missile. File Image/Iranian Army

As noted by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), these Iranian weapons are likely to be used against Ukraines energy, military, and civilian infrastructure in the coming months. Moscow will likely continue targeting Ukraines power grid during the winter, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis and putting immense pressure on the Ukrainian government.

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As Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson Ihnat warned, no air defence system can successfully intercept hundreds of incoming ballistic missiles. The US Patriot missile defence system, considered one of the best in the world, can only fire 16 interceptors at once, with each missile interceptor costing $3.7 million.

This economic disparity is a major reason Russia prefers the inexpensive Iranian missiles for ongoing strikes, particularly targeting Ukraines power grid during the colder months.

Does Russia risk its ties with Gulf nations by scheming with Iran?

While Iran benefits from increased military cooperation with Russia, it is not without risks. Russias relationship with key Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, could be affected if Moscow is seen as aligning too closely with Tehran.

Both Russia and Iran are under Western sanctions and must sell their oil at a discount. Should Saudi Arabia and other OPEC+ members view Russia as a firm Iranian ally, they might retaliate by increasing oil production, driving prices down  a scenario that would harm both Moscow and Tehran economically.

However, Irans strategy appears to be less about taking direct military action and more about empowering its proxies. Tehran has a history of using militias such as Hezbollah, the Houthis, and other Shia forces to pursue its geopolitical interests without direct involvement.

Also Read: How deadly are Fath-360, the missiles Iran reportedly sent to Russia?

Similarly, Russias war against Ukraine serves Tehrans broader agenda by diverting Western attention and resources away from Iran, reducing the focus on the Islamic Republics regional activities and nuclear ambitions.

A major concern for Iran is the potential outcome of the war in Ukraine. Should Russia lose the conflict, Tehran fears that the United States and its allies will turn their focus to confronting Iran more directly.

Consequently, Irans provision of drones and missiles can be seen as a strategic investment to prolong the war, ensuring that Western resources remain tied up in Europe rather than being redirected to the Middle East.

How has US and NATO reacted to the move?

In response to the missile deliveries, the US and its allies have imposed additional sanctions on Iran and Russia. The US Treasury announced sanctions against Iranian and Russian individuals, companies, and entities, including Iran Air, which has been involved in transporting weapons.

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

Iranian officials have repeatedly denied supplying ballistic missiles to Russia, with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi posting on X (formerly Twitter): Iran has NOT delivered ballistic missiles to Russia. Period.

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

Nonetheless, the sanctions have heightened diplomatic tensions. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry summoned Irans charge daffaires, warning of devastating and irreparable consequences for relations between Kyiv and Tehran if the reports were confirmed.

Will this move allow Ukraine to strike within Russia with US-supplied missiles?

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy continues to pressure Western allies for more air defence systems and to relax restrictions on using Western-supplied missiles against Russian targets.

The new missile deliveries also challenge Western policies regarding Ukraines use of long-range missiles against Russian territory. US and UK officials have been reluctant to grant Kyiv permission to strike inside Russia, fearing that such actions could escalate the war.

As US Secretary of State Blinken noted, Russias actions constitute a significant escalation in the war. The question now is whether this will push the US and its European allies to reconsider their stance on allowing Ukraine to strike deeper into Russian territory using Western-supplied weapons.

With inputs from agencies
Two of the four-member crew of SpaceXs Polaris Dawn mission  billionaire Jared Isaacman and SpaceX engineer Sarah Gillis  will attempt to undertake the worlds first privately managed spacewalk today (September 12). The first ever extravehicular activity was undertaken by Soviet cosmonaut Alexey Leonov in 1965. But nearly six decades later, the risk to life during a spacewalk remains very real read more

This image provided by SpaceX on Tuesday, shows a view of Earth and the Dragon capsule's Skywalker spacewalk platform shortly after the Polaris Dawn crew launched into orbit. SpaceX via AP

SpaceXs Polaris Dawn mission is set to make history today (September 12).

The mission which blasted off from Nasas Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Tuesday is set to undertake the first privately managed spacewalk in history.

Two of the four-member crew  billionaire Jared Isaacman, who is leading the mission and Sarah Gillis, a SpaceX engineer, will attempt the spacewalk.

But how dangerous are spacewalks? And what do we know about this one?

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Lets take a closer look:

Early spacewalks

First, lets take a look at spacewalks.

Spacewalks are known also known as extravehicular activity (EVA).

As per New Scientist, the first one was undertaken on March 18, 1965, by Soviet cosmonaut Alexey Leonov.

Leonovs spacewalk came in the backdrop of the space race between the United States and the Soviet Union.

Leonov, the pilot of the Soviet Unions Voskhod 2 mission, tethered himself to his capsule and ventured outside.

His spacewalk, which was filmed in colour, lasted just 12 minutes.

Leonovs spacewalk was followed just months later by US astronaut Ed White.

White, on June 3, 1965, stepped out of the Gemini spacecraft as it orbited the Earth, as per BBC.

The photo of Ed White, floating in space, would be one of the most iconic images of the space race and go on to inspire many to become astronauts. Image courtesy: Nasa

White, also tethered to his ship, would spend 23 minutes outside  nearly double Leonovs time.

The photo of White, floating in space, would be one of the most iconic images of the space race and go on to inspire many to become astronauts.

White, sadly, died just two years later along with two other astronauts in a launch pad fire during a test of the Apollo 1 spacecraft.

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But how dangerous are they?

The danger

Well, lets look at what Leonov had to go through.

Though his spacewalk lasted barely 12 minutes, his suit blew up in the atmosphere.

Leonov found himself unable to fit inside the airlock and had to resort to manipulating his suit  thus endangering his life  to make it more flexible.

Leonov also had to endure decompression sickness  injuries caused by a rapid decrease in pressure usually faced by scuba or deep sea divers.

White too faced issues  though not nearly as bad as Leonov.

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White was relying on an oxygen-jet gun to manoeuvred himself, but it quickly ran out of fuel.

White then had to carefully position himself using the tether, as per BBC.

Though astronauts aboard the International Space Station carry out spacewalks to make repairs regularly, the risk to life remains very real.

For example, in 2013, Italian astronaut Luca Parmitanos helmet began filling with water after a leak in his ventilation system.

Parmitano basically nearly drowned in space.

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I started going back to the airlock and the water kept trickling, Parmitano was quoted as saying by BBC.

It completely covered my eyes and my nose. It was really hard to see. I couldnt hear anything. It was really hard to communicate.

I couldnt breathe through my nose - I felt isolated and when I tried to tell ground that I was having trouble finding my way, they couldnt hear me, and I couldnt hear them either.

Instead of focussing on the problem - which was I may drown with the next gulp of air - I started thinking about solutions.

Parmitano somehow managed to make his way back to the airlock and to safety.

In 2001, Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield, making his first EVA, found himself suddenly blinded after fluid formed inside his helmet and covered his eyes.

Hadfield was told to dump the air out of his suit  and did so despite fearing the worst.

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Eventually, his tears got rid of the irritant  an anti-fogging agent  and Hadfield got back to business, as per BBC.

What do we know about the spacewalk?

Until now, spacewalks have only been made by government astronauts.

Isaacman will be the first member of the Polaris Dawn crew to attempt the privately managed spacewalk  followed by Gillis.

The two Polaris Dawn crew members will make the spacewalks separately.

The EVA is expected to last around two hours.

It is set to occur at an altitude of around 700 kilometres above the Earth.

The ISS, for reference, is around 400 kilometres above the Earth.

As per India Today, though the other two members of the crew  ex-US Air Force pilot Scott Poteet and mission specialist Anna Menon  are not making the walk, they too will be at risk.

This is because the Crew Dragon capsule lacks an airlock and will completely depressurise for the spacewalk.

Which means all four members will have to don their shiny, new spacesuits.

Isaacman and Gillis during their spacewalk will also test SpaceXs new spacesuits which come with in-built cameras, thermal management systems and heads-up displays.

(From L to R): Anna Menon, a SpaceX medical officer and engineer; Scott Poteet, a retired US Air Force lieutenant colonel; Jared Isaacman, the CEO of Shift4 Payments and an accomplished pilot; Sarah Gillis, a lead operations engineer at SpaceX. X/SpaceX

The company has spent the past few years building its EVA suit from its intravehicular activity (IVA) suit.

The astronauts, though, are more than equipped to make the spacewalk.

Isaacman previously went to space in 2021 in another Crew Dragon capsule.

Gillis, for example, has trained NASA astronauts for several operations including International Space Stations Dragon missions Demo-2 and Crew-1 and Inspiration4 mission in 2021.

Experts confident

Experts are confident that the spacewalk will be a success.

I know that they take safety very seriously, Leroy Chiao, a retired Nasa astronaut who has consulted for SpaceX, told Business Insider.

SpaceX knows a disaster would seriously impact commercial human spaceflight, if not kill it, Chiao added.

Ill be watching with great interest, Chiao said.

Abhi Tripathi, a former Dragon mission director at SpaceX, added that the spaceship was built with this mission in mind.

Tripathi said he doesnt envisage any any special risks for his former colleagues.

I feel very comfortable that theres maybe no better team in the world from a safety perspective than the folks that are trying to make sure every I is dotted and Ts are crossed at SpaceX, Tripathi concluded.

History awaits.

With inputs from agencies
Sitaram Yechury, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) general secretary, has passed away after battling a severe lung infection. Known as an affable leader, he took on Indira Gandhi during the Emergency. An advocate of coalition politics, the 72-year-old grew close to Congress Sonia and Rahul Gandhi later read more

Communist leader Sitaram Yechurys death has left a major void in Indian politics. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) general secretary passed away on Thursday (September 12) at the age of 72 after battling a severe lung infection.

His party has described his demise as a grievous loss for the Left, democratic and secular forces. Senior Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra have also condoled Yechurys death, with the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha calling him a friend.

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Lets take a look at the soft-spoken Yechurys political journey.

From Andhra to Delhi

Yechury was born on August 12, 1952 in Chennai into a Telugu-speaking Brahmin family. After completing his schooling in Hyderabad, he moved to Delhi for higher studies in 1969 as the Telangana agitation disrupted academic life, as per an Indian Express report.

Yechury, a Marxist, graduated in economics from Delhis St. Stephens College. He went on to join the newly established Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) for post-graduation.

It was in JNU that Yechurys political career began. He became the president of the Students Federation of India (SFI), a left-wing student organisation, in 1974. With this, Yechury broke the tradition of SFI presidents coming only from Kerala or Bengal.

Sitaram Yechury passed away at the age of 72. File Photo/PTI

Yechury joined the CPI(M) the next year. The party was born out of a split in the Communist Party of India (CPI) in 1964 after several leaders left the parent party over differences on various issues.

Taking on Indira Gandhi

Yechury resisted Indira Gandhis Emergency due to which he also had to go into hiding and was later arrested.

Gandhi, who was defeated in the Lok Sabha election, continued to hold her post as the JNU Chancellor. Yechury led the university students to march to her residence in 1977. An iconic picture of the incident shows him reading out a list of grievances against her  a chargesheet  and demanding her resignation as Gandhi stands next to the firebrand student leader.

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There were 500 of us. Her aide told us that only five of us can go in to meet her. But when we insisted, she herself came out. We read out our resolution against her which was full of litanies, but she heard stoically. I handed over the resolution to her and she took it politely too. Couple of days later, she resigned, Yechury recalled in an interview, as per The Hindu.

From Archives:

Sitaram Yechury, then President of JNUSU reading out the resolution demanding resignation of Indira Gandhi as Chancellor of JNU.



Lal Salam Comrade . Travel well. pic.twitter.com/9hAKQfAMpU  Arvind Gunasekar (@arvindgunasekar) September 12, 2024

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After the Emergency, he served as JNU Students Union president thrice between 1977 and 1978.

As per The Hindu, Yechury and his fellow Communist in JNU, Prakash Karat, played a pivotal role in making the university an impregnable Left bastion.

Rise in CPI(M)

In 1984, Yechury, a polyglot, became a special invitee to the CPI(M) Central Committee. Eight years later, he became the youngest member of the CPI(M) Politburo.

At the party congress of the CPI(M) in 1992, Yechury presented a resolution that said that the collapse of the Soviet Union and socialist countries of Eastern Europe did not invalidate Marxism-Leninism or the ideas of socialism, which has helped in uplifting the quality of human life and civilisation, as per the Indian Express report.

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The CPI(M)s electoral downfall began in 2009 when Karat was the general secretary. After the partys best performance of 43 Lok Sabha seats in 2004, it was reduced to just 16 in 2009.

In 2015, Yechury replaced Karat as general secretary. However, the electoral fortunes of the CPI(M) have failed to improve despite a change in leadership. His party currently has only four seats in the Lok Sabha and a 1.76 per cent vote share. There are four CPI(M) MPs in Rajya Sabha and a total of 78 assembly members, reported Hindustan Times.

Sitaram Yechury was elected CPI(M)s general secretary for a third term in 2022. File Photo/PTI

Yechury was elected CPI(M)s general secretary for a third term in 2022. He had offered to resign in 2018 after his bid for allying with the Congress for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections was rejected by the CPI(M) Central Committee.

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Yechury was a Rajya Sabha member from 2005 to 2017, with the party refusing to nominate him for a third term citing a two-term internal cap.

As the head of the international department of the CPI(M) for a long time, he was the face of the Indian Left to the world, as per Indian Express.

Advocate of coalition politics

Yechury, seen as a pragmatist, was in favour of joining hands with secular forces to avoid the splitting of anti-BJP votes.

His skills as a strategist often came to light during his nearly five-decade political career. He played a key role in forging an alliance to make the Janata Dals HD Deve Gowda the Prime Minister in 1996, as per Indian Express.

After the collapse of Deve Gowdas government, Yechury helped in making IK Gujral his successor.

In 2004, the Left bloc offered outside support to the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government under the prime ministership of Manmohan Singh. However, the CPI(M)-led Left withdrew support from the government four years later over the Indo-US civil nuclear deal.

Rahul Gandhis friend

Yechury was an advocate of friendly ties between the CPI(M) and Congress. He is credited with the CPI(M) developing an electoral understanding with the Grand Old Party in Bengal.

The affable leader was close to Congress MPs Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh had joked in 2022 that Yechury was a two-in-one general secretary. He is general secretary of the CPI(M) and general secretary of the Congress also. And sometimes his influence in the Congress is more than in the CPI(M).

Condoling the CPI(M) stalwarts death, Gandhi wrote on X, Sitaram Yechury ji was a friend. A protector of the Idea of India with a deep understanding of our country. I will miss the long discussions we used to have. My sincere condolences to his family, friends, and followers in this hour of grief.

Sitaram Yechury ji was a friend.



A protector of the Idea of India with a deep understanding of our country.



I will miss the long discussions we used to have. My sincere condolences to his family, friends, and followers in this hour of grief. pic.twitter.com/6GUuWdmHFj  Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) September 12, 2024

Yechury is survived by his wife Seema Chisti, the editor of The Wire, and his children Akhila and Danish.

With inputs from agencies
In South Korea, an increasing number of people are buying strollers for dogs and not babies. Data reveals that in 2023, 57 per cent of prams sold were those designed for pets. This is particularly worrying for officials as the country battles the worlds lowest birth rate read more

A woman pushes a stroller with a dog as she takes a walk in Seoul, South Korea. The sale of dog strollers has outpaced those of prams for babies. Representational image/Reuters

Dogs are considered mans best friend and it seems that South Korea is taking this far too seriously. Instead of having babies, South Koreans prefer to have canines, which has led to sales of dog strollers surpassing that of baby strollers for the first time in its history.

While some may think its funny, officials in South Korea are barking mad as it is yet another indicator of Seouls declining birth rate  the Asian country holds the honour of now having the worlds lowest fertility rates.

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We take a closer look at this phenomenon of South Koreas shrinking birth rate and rising pet rate.

A dog-stroller boom

A report from Gmarket, an e-commerce platform operator, in the country reveals that sales of pet strollers have exceeded those of baby strollers in 2023 and this trend continues this year too. In 2023, data showed that 43 per cent of the total number of strollers sold on the platform during the first three quarters were for human infants, while the remaining 57 per cent were strollers designed for animals, mainly dogs and cats.

The data shows a consistent trend  since 2021, the ratio of infant stroller sales is falling. That year the percentage fell to 67 per cent and it is now 43 per cent. Meanwhile, sales of pet strollers continues to rise  from 33 per cent in 2021 to 57 per cent this year.

Yoon Hyun-shin, head of Pet Friends, South Koreas largest online pet-commerce platform, also concurs with this data. In a Wall Street Journal report, he states that dog-stroller sales have quadrupled since 2019. Pet ownership is rising, and so is spending on pets as people choose them over children, Yoon said.

This is reflected through data provided by Koreas Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. Households with a pet have risen phenomenally  from 3.5 million in 2012 to a whopping six million in 2023.

Notably, strollers ferrying dogs have become a part of South Koreas daily landscape. One can often see men and women carrying their canine friends in snazzy pet carriers in different cities, especially in Seouls Forest Park.

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Strollers ferrying dogs have become a part of South Koreas daily landscape. Representational image/Reuters

A demographic emergency

The news of a boom in sales of pet strollers comes at a very crucial juncture in South Korea. The country has the lowest fertility rate in the world  the average number of children that would be born per woman was 0.78 in 2022 and 0.72 in 2023. The rate is well below the 2.1 figure needed to maintain a stable population.

The situation prompted South Koreas President Yoon Suk Yeol  who incidentally has no children of his own, but is a pet parent to at least 10 cats and dogs  to declare the plummeting birth rate a national emergency and announced the creation of a  Ministry of Low Birth Rate Counterplanning.

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We will mobilise all of the nations capabilities to overcome the low birth rate, which can be considered a national emergency, he said in May.

In South Korea, many couples opt for pet ownership rather than parenthood. This has resulted in the countrys birth rate to further decline. Representational image/Reuters

In fact, South Korean officials have come up with many schemes and methods to encourage the flagging fertility rate in the country. The government announced a financial incentive of 35 million (Rs 22 lakh) to 50 million won (Rs 31 lakh) to couples to have children. As per one report by The Guardian, the country has since 2006 spent over $270 billion in schemes for couples such as cash subsidies, babysitting services and infertility treatment.

Additionally, the BBC said that couples who have children would be given free taxis. There was also news that Seoul mayor Oh Se-hoon considered setting up a matchmaking programme on behalf of the city.

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No baby fever in South Korea

However, whats the reason behind the low birth rate in South Korea?

Most women in South Korea point to the countrys high cost of living and the potential harm having a child can have to their career as reasons for their choosing to be childless.

The countrys workhours dont help either; Korean work hours are notoriously long and many women say that they dont have time for anything else after they finish their work and return home. Moreover, the importance linked to ones job has been one of the reasons why people opt to not have children. Economist Lyman Stone told NPR, Theres a sense [in South Korea] that, particularly for men but increasingly for women as well, your contribution in the office is really what makes you a person of status and standing in society.

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South Koreas high cost of living and the potential career harm are the main reasons why many women are choosing not to have babies. Representational image/Reuters

The pressures of South Korean culture is another reason why people are refraining from having children. Jungmin Kwon, an associate professor at Portland State University in Oregon who specialises in East Asian popular culture, told DW that the pressures of South Korean society can be stifling.

According to many studies, significant factors include the cost and effort involved in childcare, she said. Korea is famous for its extensive private education market and it is difficult to go against an atmosphere in which it is taken for granted that parents will spend a lot of money on various private education programs from a young age in order to compete with other children.

South Koreas patriarchal nature is another factor why many women are opting out of motherhood. As Kwon notes, Many women do not want to constrain their lives by choosing not only not to have children, but also not to get married.

Instead, many of these women choose to own pets. Kang Seung-min in a Seoul suburb is one of those women. She has a brown poodle named Coco and speaking to Wall Street Journal, she said, I dont want to get married. Id rather spend money on my dog.

However, the decision by women not to have babies and have pups has unsettled some Korean politicians. South Korea labour minister Kim Moon-soo said last year: What I worry about is young people not loving each other. Instead, they love their dogs and carry them around. They dont get married, and they dont have children.

With inputs from agencies
Vietnam continues to reel from Typhoon Yagi, described as Asias most powerful typhoon this year, which made landfall on the weekend. Flash floods and landslides triggered by the storm have caused hundreds of casualties in the country. The capital Hanoi is reportedly grappling with the worst flooding in two decades read more

People carrying belongings wade in a flooded street in the aftermath of Typhoon Yagi, in Hanoi, Vietnam on September 12, 2024. AP

Typhoon Yagi has brought damage and destruction to northern Vietnam. As many as 197 people have died and over 125 are missing as the Southeast Asian country reels from flash floods and landslides.

Vietnams capital Hanoi continues to face the aftermath of Typhoon Yagi, described as Asias most powerful typhoon this year. Several districts in the capital continue to be flooded on Thursday (September 12) with the countrys weather agency reportedly predicting little change in the water levels of the engorged Red River over the next 24 hours.

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Typhoon Yagi batters Vietnam

Typhoon Yagi made landfall on Saturday (September 7) in Vietnam, packing winds of up to 149 kph. Yagi, which was earlier categorised as a super typhoon, was later downgraded to a tropical depression.

While it weakened on Sunday, it triggered a deluge of rainfall that led to landslides and river flooding.

A girl poses for a photo on a flooded street in Hanoi on September 11, 2024, as heavy rains in the aftermath of Typhoon Yagi brought flooding to northern Vietnam. AFP

As per BBC, the typhoon left 24 people dead across southern China and the Philippines before hitting Vietnam. It has also inundated parts of Laos, Thailand and Myanmar.

Nine people have been confirmed dead in northern Thailand, reported AFP.

Vietnam is the worst-affected with Yagi leaving hundreds dead and about 800 injured.

Impact on Hanoi

Several Hanoi districts remain inundated even though flood waters from the Red River have abated slightly.

In Hanois Tay Ho district, people were forced to cross streets covered in knee-deep muddy brown water, with some using small boats to get around, reported Associated Press (AP).

On Wednesday, thousands of people living in low-lying areas in Hanoi, near the swollen Red River, were evacuated as the waters surged to a 20-year high, according to the Reuters report.

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A boy sits in a floating basket as people wade through a flooded street following the impact of Typhoon Yagi, in Hanoi, Vietnam, September 11, 2024. Reuters

Power cuts were reported in some districts due to safety concerns, while a flood alert was declared for 10 of Hanois 30 administrative districts, as per BBC.

According to the United Nations childrens agency (Unicef), Yagi destroyed more than 140,000 homes across Vietnams 26 provinces.

This is the worst flood I have seen, Hanoi resident Tran Le Quyen told Reuters. It was dry yesterday morning. Now the entire street is flooded. We couldnt sleep last night.

The typhoon and its aftermath have led to the flooding of 200,000 hectares of rice and cash crop fields in the country.

High flooding water levels have flooded riverside and low-lying areas, eroded dykes and threatened parts of Hanoi and other northern provinces, Vietnams governments disaster management agency said in a report.

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People fish next to a submerged playground due to flood, following Typhoon Yagi in Hanoi, Vietnam on September 10, 2024. AP

Speaking to AFP, a farmer on the edge of Hanoi said his entire 1,800 square metre plantation of peach blossom was submerged, with all 400 trees destroyed.

It will be so hard for me to recover from this loss  I think I will lose up to $40,000 (Rs 33,58,434) this season. I really dont know what to do now, Im just waiting for the water to recede, the farmer said.

Hanoi is reportedly witnessing the worst flooding in two decades.

Landslides and intense floods continue to affect many areas north of the capital, as per state media.

I never thought my house would be under water this deep. My clothes and furniture are all under the water. Many things were floating around too but luckily I closed the doors so nothing was washed away, Hoang Van Ty outside his home in Thai Nguyen province told Reuters.

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A woman walks past a fallen tree following the impact of Typhoon Yagi, in Hanoi, Vietnam, September 8, 2024. Reuters

Clean-up efforts have begun in the province, which houses Samsung Electronics largest smartphone manufacturing plant in Vietnam, after flood waters receded in some areas.

ALSO READ: What is ecocide? Can harming nature become a crime like genocide?

Destruction in other areas

Dramatic visuals of a steel bridge collapsing in Phu Tho province over the Red River emerged on Monday, plunging 10 cars and trucks, along with two motorbikes, into the swollen river.

In mountainous Cao Bang province, a landslide swept a bus with 20 people into an inundated stream, reported AP.

A flash flood swept away an entire hamlet in the northwestern Lao Cai province on Tuesday, killing 46 people and leaving dozens missing. Authorities said Thursday the search for 55 missing people in Nu Village was on.

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Hoang Thi Bay, one of 63 survivors in Lang Nu, told AFP that she held on to a pillar to not get swept away.

I looked out of the window and saw a huge amount of land coming towards me, she said. I ran out to our kitchen, and clung tightly to a concrete pole. Our wooden stilt house was destroyed.

Lao Cai province is home to the popular trekking spot of Sapa. Landslides have blocked many roads in the province, Sapa tour guide Van A Po told AP. It is very scary, he said.

The typhoon blew off the roofs of several factories in Haiphong and Quang Ninh provinces, disrupting production.

Experts blame climate change for storms becoming more intense and destructive. Benjamin Horton, director of the Earth Observatory of Singapore, told AP that storms are getting stronger due to climate change, primarily because warmer ocean waters provide more energy to fuel the storms, leading to increased wind speeds and heavier rainfall.

As Vietnam grapples with the aftermath of Typhoon Yagi, several countries, including Australia, Japan, South Korea and the US, have promised aid.

With inputs from agencies
The Storm Shadow cruise missile is an air-launched projectile which weighs 1,300 kilos and is armed with conventional explosives. With a range of 250 kilometres, it is thought to be perfect for destroying reinforced bunkers and ammunition depots which Russia has constructed in its war against Ukraine. Kyiv cannot use these missiles outside its territory but it wants the restrictions lifted read more

Driven by a turbo-jet engine, the Storm Shadow missile is around five metres long and has a wingspan of three metres. Each missile costs around $1 million. Image courtesy: mbda-systems.com

Will Ukraine be allowed to fire Storm Shadow cruise missiles at Russia?

Ukraine is awaiting the answer from the US and UK.

The use of these weapons could allow Ukraine to strike deep within the heart of its neighbour.

Ukraine has been asking to be allowed to do so for weeks.

But whats the big deal about this missile? Could it be a game-changer?

Lets take a closer look:

What do we know about the missile?

The Storm Shadow cruise missile is an air-launched projectile.

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As per Al Jazeera, it is manufactured by MBDA Missile Systems.

This firm was launched in 2001 as a joint venture between the biggest missile companies in the United Kingdom, France and Italy.

The missile weighs 1,300 kilos and is armed with conventional explosives.

It is usually fired from the UKs Eurofighter Typhoon or Frances Rafale.

In France, it is known as the SCALP missile.

It has a range of 250 kilometres  the longest-range weapon in the hands of Kyiv yet and three times longer than any other missile.

As pe_r The Independent_, the missile is driven by a turbo-jet engine.

It is around five metres long and has a wingspan of three metres.

As per BBC, each missile costs around $1 million.

The Storm Shadow is usually fired from the UKs Eurofighter Typhoon or Frances Rafale. Image courtesy: https://www.mbda-systems.com/

The Storm Shadow after being fired goes nearly as fast as the speed of sound and gets close to the ground.

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It gets close to the ground before dropping even further and exploding.

As per Al Jazeera, it makes use of inertial navigation, GPS and terrain referencing to fly low  which stops it from being seen.

MBDA said the missile also makes use of an infrared camera to match up the target with a stored picture.

This is done to ensure a precision strike and minimal collateral damage.

As per The Independent, the missile, when it gets close to the target, then raises itself to a higher altitude.

It pierces the target on impact. Then, a delayed fuse triggers the main warhead.

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The Storm Shadow is thought to be perfect for destroying reinforced bunkers and ammunition depots  which Russia has constructed in its war against Ukraine.

MBDA said on its website says the SCALP is designed to meet the demanding requirements of preplanned attacks against high-value fixed or stationary targets such as hardened bunkers and key infrastructure.

The missile has already been deployed in Iraq, Libya and Syria, as per Al Jazeera.

It was first delivered to Ukraine in May.

However, Ukraine has been directed by the West to keep its use limited to only within its territory and land occupied by the Russians.

This is because some of Kyivs allies are afraid that an airstrike inside Russian territory could lead to the West being drawn into direct conflict with Russia.

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The British government has said its up to Ukraine how to use missiles supplied by the UK, as long as international law is upheld.

The United States, Ukraines biggest military backer, recently shifted its position, with the Pentagon saying that Ukraine could use longer-range missiles provided by the US to strike targets inside Russia if it is acting in self-defense.

Since the beginning of Russias 2022 invasion, the US had maintained a policy of not allowing Ukraine to use the weapons it provided to hit targets inside Russia for fear of further escalation.

Could it be a game-changer?

Perhaps not, but it could make life more difficult for the Russians.

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According to BBC, the missile has already been used to hit Russias Black Sea naval headquarters at Sevastopol.

Military analyst Justin Crump, a former British officer, told the outlet that the weapon has already performed extremely well for Ukraine.

Its no surprise that Kyiv has lobbied for its use inside Russia, particularly to target airfields being used to mount the glide bomb attacks that have recently hindered Ukrainian front-line efforts, Crump said.

The use of these weapons could allow Ukraine to strike deep within the heart of its neighbour. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy in July said long-range capability to destroy sites where Russian weapons are concentrated is key to Ukraines defence. Reuters

Ivan Klyszcz, a researcher at the Estonia-based International Centre for Defence and Security told Al Jazeera this missile is critical for Ukraines forces to disrupt Russian logistics and command and control.

SCALP attacks could help with Ukraines current approach to operations  namely, to advance slowly so as to protect its forces and reduce its own casualties as much as possible, Klyszcz added.

Little wonder than that Ukraine has been repeatedly asking for it to be allowed to use the weapons on Russian soil.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy in July said long-range capability to destroy sites where Russian weapons are concentrated is key to Ukraines defence.

I ask you to show your leadership in lifting restrictions on Ukraines use of Western weapons, Zelenskyy told Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

We need a decision about long-distance weapons, long range, to use it, Zelenskyy told BBC. We need it very much. Theyre targeting our hospitals, schools. We just want to answer exactly to the point where from they target us.

With inputs from agencies
Algerias elections have been carefully stage-managed behind the scenes over the years by the ruling elite and the military. But in a twist that seemed to defy logic, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has questioned the result of the polls he won. Nobody knows what happens next. But few believe Tebbounes victory will be overturned read more

In Algeria, everything was going as expected.

President Abdelmadjid Tebboune was all set to get a second term with opponents claiming fraud.

Then, something strange happened. Tebboun himself questioned the vote count.

Algerias elections have been carefully stagemanaged behind the scenes over the years by the ruling elite and the military.

The Algerias constitutional court has until next week to rule on the appeals from Tebbounes opponents.

But what happens next? Were in unchartered territory.

What happened?

Algerias National Independent Election Authority, or ANIE, published figures throughout election day showing a low turnout. By 5 pm on Saturday, the reported turnout in Algeria was 26.5 per cent  far fewer than had voted by that time in the election five years ago. After unexplained delays, it said provisional average turnout by 8 pm had spiked to 48 per cent.

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But the next day, it reported that only 5.6 million out of nearly 24 million voters had cast ballots  nowhere near 48 per cent.

It said 94.7 per cent voted to re-elect Tebboune.

His two challengers  Abdelali Hassani Cherif of the Movement of Society for Peace and Youcef Aouchiche of the Socialist Forces Front  won a dismal 3.2 per cent and 2.2 per cent of the vote, respectively.

Cherif, Aouchiche and their campaigns subsequently questioned how results were reported and alleged foul play including pressure placed on poll workers and proxy voting.

None of that surprised observers.

But later, Tebbounes campaign joined with his opponents in releasing a shared statement rebuking ANIE for inaccuracies, contradictions, ambiguities and inconsistencies, legitimising questions about the presidents win and aligning him with popular anger that his challengers had drummed up.

Cherif and Aouchiche filed appeals at Algerias constitutional court on Tuesday after their campaigns further rebuked the election as a masquerade.

Why Algerias voters simply dont turn out

Turnout is notoriously low in Algeria, where activists consider voting tantamount to endorsing a corrupt, military-led system rather than something that can usher in meaningful change.

Urging Algerians to participate in the election was a campaign theme for Tebboune as well as his challengers. Thats largely due to the legacy of the pro-democracy Hirak protests that led to the ouster of Tebbounes predecessor.

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After an interim government that year hurriedly scheduled elections in December 2019, protesters boycotted them, calling them rigged and saying they were a way for the ruling elite to handpick a leader and avoid the deeper changes demanded.

People walk past posters of Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, after the presidential elections results were announced and Tebboune being declared the winner of Algerias election, Sunday. AP

Tebboune, seen as the militarys preferred candidate, won with 58 per cent of the vote. But more than 60 per cent of the countrys 24 million voters abstained and his victory was greeted with fresh rounds of protests.

His supporters had hoped for a high turnout victory this year would project Tebbounes popular support and put distance between Algeria and the political crisis that toppled his predecessor. It appears that gambit failed after only 5.6 million out of 24 million voters participated.

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The Hirak protests

In 2019, millions of Algerians flooded the streets for pro-democracy protests that became known as the Hirak (which means movement in Arabic).

Protesters were outraged after 81-year-old President Abdelaziz Bouteflika announced plans to run for a fifth term. He had rarely been seen since a 2013 stroke left him paralyzed. The Hirak was jubilant but unsatisfied when Bouteflika resigned and top businessmen were charged with corruption. Protesters never coalesced around leaders or a new vision for Algeria, but called for deeper reforms to foster genuine democracy and remove from power members of what Algerians simply call the power  the elites from business, politics and the military thought to run the country.

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Hirak protesters rejected Tebboune as a member of the old guard and interpreted most of his early overtures as empty gestures meant to placate them.

Before, during and after Tebbounes election, protests continued. Then, COVID-19 hit and they were outlawed. Authorities continued to repress freedom of expression and imprison journalists and activists made famous by the pro-democracy movement, though protests restarted in 2021.

Figures from the Hirak denounced the 2024 election as a rubber stamp exercise to entrench Algerias status quo and called for another round of boycotts to express a deep lacking of faith in the system. Many said the high abstention rate in Saturdays election proved Algerians were still aligned with their criticisms of the system.

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Algerians dont give a damn about this bogus election, said former Hirak leader Hakim Addad, who was banned from participating in politics three years ago. The political crisis will persist as long as the regime remains in place. The Hirak has spoken.

What happens next?

Nobody knows.

But few believe the challenges could lead to Tebbounes victory being overturned.

Op-ed columnists and political analysts in Algeria have condemned ANIE, the independent election authority established in 2019, and its president Mohamed Charfi, for bungling elections that the government hoped would project its own legitimacy in the face of its detractors.

Hasni Abidi, an Algeria analyst at the Geneva-based Center for Studies and Research on the Arab World and Mediterranean, called it a mess within the regime and the elite and said it dealt a blow to both the credibility of institutions in Algeria and Tebbounes victory.

Some argue his willingness to join opponents and criticise an election that he won suggest infighting among the elite thought to control Algeria.

The reality is that this remains a more fragmented, less coherent political system than it ever has been or than people have ever assumed, said Riccardo Fabiani, International Crisis Groups North Africa director.

Why is Algeria important?

Though Tebboune will likely emerge the winner, the election will reflect the depth of support for his political and economic policies five years after the pro-democracy movement toppled his predecessor.

Algeria is Africas largest country by area. With almost 45 million people, its the continents second most populous after South Africa to hold presidential elections in 2024  a year in which more than 50 elections are being held worldwide, encompassing more than half the worlds population.

Thanks to oil and gas revenue, the country is relatively wealthy compared to its neighbors, yet large segments of the population have in recent years decried increases in the cost of living and routine shortages of staples including cooking oil and, in some regions, water.

The country is a linchpin to regional stability, often acting as a power broker and counterterrorism ally to western nations as neighboring countries  including Libya, Niger and Mali  are convulsed by violence, coups and revolution.

Its a major energy supplier, especially to European countries trying to wean themselves off Russian gas and maintains deep, albeit contentious, ties with France, the colonial power that ruled it for more than a century until 1962.

The country spends twice as much on defense as any other in Africa and is the worlds third largest importer of Russian weapons after India and China, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institutes Arms Transfers Database.

With inputs from agencies
Although it is not sure when the project will become a reality, the metro line from Bengaluru to Hosur will cover a distance of 23 km, with 11 km in Tamil Nadu and 12 km in Karnataka read more

A pro-Kannada activist said that by opposing the move to link Namma Metro with Hosur, the groups want to "protect Kannadigas in Karnataka." Representative image

Karnataka is mulling to connect Tamil Nadus Hosur with Bengaluru via metro, a first-of-its-kind inter-state metro in southern India. However, Kannada groups are not so psyched about the project as they fear it will invite more migrants into the countrys IT hub.

Pro-Kannada groups have always been apprehensive of outsiders who come to Bengaluru owing to their IT and other jobs. From making it mandatory for shopowners to put up Kannada signboards to demanding job reservations to Kannadigas, the administration and activist groups in the southern state have been pushing a pro-Kannada campaign for a while now.

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Will become easier for people to migrate

Narayan Gowda, president of a pro-Kannada group Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, told News18, We shouldnt link Namma Metro to Tamil Nadu. Already lakhs of people from Tamil Nadu have come here and built their lives. We are already seeing that in border areas like Attibele and Electronic City, we are seeing people from Tamil Nadu coming and working in big companies. If we link the metro to Tamil Nadu, it will become easier for more people to migrate and it will make the lives of Kannadigas difficult.

A pro-Kannada activist said that by opposing the move to link Namma Metro with Hosur, the groups want to protect Kannadigas in Karnataka.

We want to know why it is important to extend the metro to Hosur instead of Ramanagara or Bidadi in Karnataka. Tamil Nadu is very clear about its people and its state. Similarly, Karnataka has to understand the policies and programmes, said Sajith.

About the project

Although it is not sure when the project will become a reality, the metro line from Bengaluru to Hosur will cover a distance of 23 km, with 11 km in Tamil Nadu and 12 km in Karnataka.

Meanwhile, the Karnataka government has been hesitant about the project following the approval of a pre-feasibility study conducted by Tamil Nadu. They are reluctant to share the costs, particularly because the state is already experiencing a decline in investments, especially in the manufacturing sector, with businesses moving to Hosur.

Pro-Kannada groups also argue that the government should not go ahead with the project as the goal must be to safeguard Karnatakas interest.
Yechury was admitted to AIIMS Delhi last month after he complained of respiratory issues and was later diagnosed with acute respiratory tract infection. He was shifted to the intensive care unit soon after he was admitted to the hospital on August 19 read more

Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Sitaram Yechury passed away on Thursday at the age of 72.

Yechury was admitted to AIIMS Delhi last month after he complained of respiratory issues and was later diagnosed with acute respiratory tract infection. He was shifted to the intensive care unit soon after he was admitted to the hospital on August 19.

It is with profound grief that we announce the passing away of CPIM General Secretary, our beloved Comrade Sitaram Yechury, at 3.03 pm today, 12th September, at the AIIMS, New Delhi.

He was suffering from a respiratory tract infection which developed complications.  CPI (M) (@cpimspeak) September 12, 2024

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The veteran leader is survived by his wife Seema Chisti Yechury and two children.

Born on August 12, 1952, Yechury has played an influential role in shaping the CPI(M)s political framework.

Leaders pay condolences

From Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, leaders from across the country have paid their condolences to the late leader.

Sitaram Yechury ji was a friend. A protector of the Idea of India with a deep understanding of our country. I will miss the long discussions we used to have, Gandhi said.

Sitaram Yechury ji was a friend.



A protector of the Idea of India with a deep understanding of our country.



I will miss the long discussions we used to have. My sincere condolences to his family, friends, and followers in this hour of grief. pic.twitter.com/6GUuWdmHFj  Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) September 12, 2024

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CM Pinarayi said, Rising from the student movement, he led the party through difficult political phases as general secretary of the CPI(M) for nine years. Sitaram acted as a guide for the CPI(M) and the Left in general and for the Indian politics as a whole by forming precise positions in the leadership positions of the party.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said, Sad to know that Sri Sitaram Yechury has passed away. I knew the veteran parliamentarian that he was and his demise will be a loss for the national politics.
Known for his articulate and argumentative speeches and debates, Sitaram Yechury had friends from all spectrums of Indian politics. Rooted in Marxist political ideology, Yechury was pragmatic enough to stitch a partnership with the Congress for a stable central government read more

Veteran Marxist and affable across political spectrum in India, Sitaram Yechury, the Communist Party of India (Marxist), CPI-M, general secretary passed away on Thursday (September 12) at the age of 72. The steadfast CPM leader was undergoing treatment at Delhis AIIMS for a critical respiratory condition, his party said in a release on Tuesday (September 10). The 72-year-old leader developed an acute respiratory tract infection in the hospitals intensive care unit (ICU).

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Yechury was first hospitalised at AIIMS on August 19 for the treatment of a chest infection resembling pneumonia. Three days later, on August 22, Yechury posted a six-minute video on social media from the hospital, expressing his condolences to former West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadev Bhattacharya, who passed away on August 8.

The CPM general secretary since 2015, Yechury never assumed a role in any government though he came close to becoming a Union minister in 2004, when his party-led Left Front collaborated with the Congress-led coalition at the Centre. But his party ultimately decided to extend outside support to the first Manmohan Singh government (2004-09). The Left Front, however, withdrew support to the government in 2008 over the India-US nuclear deal.

A Telugu-speaker from Madras becomes Lefts voice in Delhi

Born on 12 August 1952 in Chennai (then called Madras), Yechury hailed from a Telugu-speaking Brahmin family. The family was mostly based in Hyderabad. His father, Sarveswara Somayajula Yechury, worked as an engineer, who worked for the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation, and his mother, Kalpakam Yechury, was a government officer. Yechury completed his schooling from Hyderabads All Saints High School before moving in the wake of the 1969 Telangana agitation to Delhis Presidents Estate School.

Excellent in his studies, Yechury topped the CBSE Higher Secondary Examination and joined Delhi Universitys prestigious St Stephens College, graduating with a BA (Hons) in Economics. His next step was pursuing a masters degree in Economics from Delhis Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), where his political journey began. His doctoral studies were interrupted by the political turmoil caused by the imposition of National Emergency by the Indira Gandhi government in 1975.

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At JNU, Yechury became a member of the Students Federation of India (SFI), affiliated to the CPM, in 1974. A year later, he became a member of the CPI(M).

During the Emergency, Yechury went underground, organising resistance against the Indira government that had turned into an authoritarian regime. His efforts to mobilise students against the government resulted in multiple arrests. Through those Emergency years, Yechury emerged as a symbol of defiance against authoritarianism. After the Emergency, he was elected President of the JNU Students Union.

Yechury and Prakash Karat were instrumental in transforming JNU into a Leftist bastion. By 1978, he had risen to become the All India Joint Secretary of the SFI, and later, its President. He continued to grow within the CPI(M), joining the Central Committee in 1984, the Central Secretariat in 1988, and the Politburo in 1992.

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In 1978, he was elected as SFIs all-India joint secretary, a role that saw his rise within the CPM structure. He was invited to the CPMs central Committee of the CPI(M) in 1984. Yechury was elected to the CPMs central committee in the XII Congress in 1985, to the central secretariat at the XIII Congress in 1988 and to the Polit Bureau at the XIV Congress in 1992. He left the SFI as its president in 1986.

Yechury as national politician

Yechurys ascent within the CPM was credited to his exceptional organisational skills and ideological conviction. A pragmatic leader, he was known for his efforts to build coalitions among the left-of-the-centre parties especially during the late 1990s and the decade of the 2000s to challenge dominance of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Indian politics.

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He played a key role in drafting the Common Minimum Programme (CMP) of the United Front government in 1996, after the Congress government led by PV Narasimha Rao was voted out. An amalgamation of smaller parties saw former Karnataka Chief Minister HD Deve Gowda become the prime minister, with the outside support of the Left Front.

Yechury would again play an instrumental role in the coalition-building exercise of 2004 when the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government of the BJP-led coalition was voted out but the Congress failed to secure a majority. The United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government of Manmohan Singh came to power and Yechury convinced the CPM to offer support to him from outside

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A nuke-deal supporter in the party opposing it

Yechurys political vision and pragmatic approach at times put him in conflict with party hardliners. This was most evident during the negotiations for the Indo-US nuclear deal  which Manmohan Singh had made a prestige issue and for which the US President George W Bush pressured his cabinet to get done  in 2007-08.

While the CPM and its ally the Communist Party of India (CPI) officially opposed the deal, Yechury thought it was the need of the hour. He supported the deal and Manmohan Singh on this agreement, however, he wanted to ensure that the Congress-led government addressed the CPMs concerns.

A Rajya Sabha tale

Yechury was first elected to the Rajya Sabha in 2005, representing West Bengal, and quickly became a prominent figure in the Upper House. Known for his articulate speeches and incisive critiques of government policies, he was an outspoken advocate for the marginalised and a champion of secularism. His second term in the Rajya Sabha concluded in 2017 as the CPM stalled his chances of another term despite him being the party chief at the time, having led the Left Fronts attack on the Narendra Modi government with a relentless campaign.

In the Rajya Sabha election, the Kerala unit of the CPM  controlled by CM Pinarayi Vijayan and Yechurys long-time party colleague Prakash Karat  denied him the party ticket from the southern state.

When the Congress offered to support him from West Bengal to keep a prominent anti-BJP voice in Parliament, Karat and Vijayan vetoed the proposal saying the party would not take support from the grand-old-party, its rival in Bengal and Kerala, for a Rajya Sabha seat. The Kerala unit also said that it was a general rule that no party leader would be nominated for more than two terms.

As the CPM general secretary

In April 2015, Yechury was elected the general secretary of the party, succeeding Prakash Karat. His leadership marked a shift towards a more inclusive and coalition-oriented approach within the party and outside in collaborating for a bigger national coalition.

He espoused the idea that broad alliances were the need of the hour to contest the BJPs election-winning machine at the national and regional levels. Despite internal opposition, Yechury showed commitment to this strategy.

Yechury is survived by his journalist wife Seema Chishti and daughter Akhila Yechury from his earlier marriage to Malini Mazumdar, the daughter of Left-wing activist Vina Mazumdar. Yechury lost his son Ashish Yechury to Covid-19 in 2021.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had invited agitating junior doctors for talks but they refused to join as they were not allowed to livestream the meeting read more

Amid deadlock in talks with junior doctors protesting over the Kolkata rape and murder case, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has offered to resign.

The junior doctors are agitating over the alleged rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkatas RG Kar Medical College last month. The Mamata government had invited a 15-member delegation of protesting doctors for talks at 5 pm at the state secretariat Nabanna for talks, but the doctors refused the invitation.

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The doctors refused to hold talks with Mamata as they were not allowed to livestream the meeting and the size of the delegation was limited to 15 whereas they wanted it to be 30. They continued to hold a protest near the states health department headquarters in Kolkata.

After the doctors did not turn for talks for more than two overs, Mamata in an address said all she wanted was justice and she was ready to resign.

I am ready to resign from my post for the sake of people. I dont want the chair, I want justice (for the deceased) and treatment for the people (patients), said Mamata in Bangla, as per PTI.

Mamata also offered an apology with folded hands and went on to request doctors to return to work to serve the people of the state.

VIDEO | "I hope that the people understand that they do not want justice... they want chair. I am ready to resign from my post for the sake of people. I don't want the chair, I want justice (for the deceased) and treatment for the people (patients)," says West Bengal CM Mamata pic.twitter.com/N3tqD1xz85  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 12, 2024

We waited for over 2 hours

In her address, Mamata said she waited for more than two hours to meet the delegation of junior doctors.

Mamata said that the invitation letter was sent only after receiving the confirmation and yet there has not been any communication from the doctors end for more than two hours. She stressed the doctors should come to the negotiating table with an open mind.

We wrote them a letter and they wrote us back assuring that they will come Only after receiving their confirmation, we invited them but its been two hours and there is no communication from them yet. We asked them to come with an open mind and talk about any issue. Solutions can only be found through dialogues, said Mamata, as per PTI.

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VIDEO | "We have been waiting for over two hours to meet our doctor brothers and sister who were invited here. We wrote them a letter and they wrote us back assuring that they will come... Only after receiving their confirmation, we invited them but it's been two hours and there pic.twitter.com/acJ1g6hlC9  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 12, 2024

Mamata further said that as the matter is in the court, it is not possible to livestream discussions related to it.
From Congress to NCP to CPI(M), opposition leaders did not hold back after a video of PM Modi performing puja alongside the Chief Justice went viral. Many have raised eyebrows at the functioning of the judiciary and raised doubts about whether CJI Chandrachud will deem fit to conclude future hearings read more

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday visited CJI DY Chandrachuds residence for Ganesh Chaturthi Puja, an image that was not received well by the Opposition who questioned the kind of message it sends across.

From Congress to NCP to CPI(M), opposition leaders did not hold back after a video of PM Modi performing puja alongside the Chief Justice went viral. Many have raised eyebrows at the functioning of the judiciary and raised doubts about whether CJI Chandrachud will deem fit to conclude future hearings.

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Okay.

After the festivities are over hopefully CJI will deem fit and be slightly freer to conclude the hearing on Maharashtra and the blatant disregard of Article 10 of the Constitution in Maharashtra.

Oh wait, elections round the corner anyway, it can be adjourned for another https://t.co/tw0C1Smr5s  Priyanka Chaturvedi (@priyankac19) September 11, 2024

However, this is not the first time a CJI has met a prime minister on a personal note.

When Manmohan Singh hosted CJI Balakrishnan

Back in 2009, former prime minister Manmohan Singh hosted the then-CJI KG Balakrishnan for an iftar party at his residence.

Sharing the images of the informal meeting on X, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala said, PM Manmohan Singhs Iftaar Party was attended by then CJI KG Balakrishnan, judiciary is safe! PM Modi attends Ganesh Puja at current CJI House - oh God Judiciary compromised.

2009- PM Manmohan Singh's Iftaar Party was attended by then CJI KG Balakrishnan- Sshhhh - Yeh Secular hai.. judiciary is safe!



PM Modi attends Ganesh Puja at current CJI House - oh God Judiciary compromised pic.twitter.com/vhkUdRRVHI  Shehzad Jai Hind (Modi Ka Parivar) (@Shehzad_Ind) September 12, 2024

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BJP hits back

Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, BJP MP Sambit Patra said, The leaders of the Opposition are doing politics over the Ganesh prayers offered by PM Modi at CJI Chandrachuds residence yesterday Should the different pillars of democracy not converge? Should they be enemies? Should they have no courtesies towards each other? This is the beauty of democracy that there are different behaviours while being on and off duty.

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#WATCH | Delhi: On Opposition leaders' criticism over PM Narendra Modi visiting CJI DY Chandrachud's residence for Ganesh Puja, BJP MP Sambit Patra says, "The leaders of the Opposition are doing politics over the Ganesh prayers offered by PM Modi at CJI Chandrachud's residence pic.twitter.com/yr3tcMW3sz  ANI (@ANI) September 12, 2024

Similarly, Union Minister Piyush Goyal said, I condemn the Oppositions reaction. People will not forgive the Opposition for doing such low-level politics over a religious function.
Two Indian Army officers, aged 23 and 24, undergoing Young Officers (YO) course at Infantry School in Mhow cantonment town were thrashed by 6-7 men when they were out on a night drive with their women friend near Jam Gate, along the Mhow-Mandleshwar Road in Madhya Pradesh read more

The Army officers and their female friends were brought to Mhow civil hospital in Madhya Pradesh, where a medical examination confirmed that one of the women was gang-raped. Representational Image

Two Indian Army officers, in their early 20s, were beaten and one of their women friends was allegedly gang-raped at gunpoint in Madhya Pradeshs Indore on Wednesday.

The two Indian Army officers, aged 23 and 24, were undergoing Young Officers (YO) course at the Infantry School in Mhow cantonment town, about 30 kms from Indore.

What happened?

In the early hours of Wednesday (September 11), the two Army officers along with their two women friends had gone out on a night drive.

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According to a report by PTI, around 2 am on Wednesday, a group of 6-7 men, armed with knives, sticks and pistols, approached the car and surrounded it near Jam Gate, along the Mhow-Mandleshwar Road in Madhya Pradesh. They then started beating up one of the officers and a female friend, who were sitting inside the vehicle.

Upon hearing the commotion, the other Army officer and the woman friend, who were on a hilltop, rushed down towards the spot.

Around 2:30 am, the Army officers were at this isolated stretch near an Army firing range when they were accosted by the accused persons, a report by The Indian Express quoted Indore Rural SP Hitika Vasal as saying.

The attackers snatched their wallets and other valuable items. One officer and his female friend were detained by the group and the other two were asked to bring Rs 10 lakh in ransom.

This gave the officer, who was told to get the money, a chance to rush within the mobile network range and inform his seniors at Mhow about the incident, who then alerted the police.

As per The Times of India, during this time, the group of armed men gang-raped the other woman at gunpoint.

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Moments later, a large police team reached the spot but the attackers had escaped into the forest by then.

Both the Army officers and their women friends were brought to Mhow Civil Hospital for medical examination and, as per doctors, there were signs of injuries on the officers bodies.

The medical report confirmed that one of the women was also gang-raped by the attackers.

Two arrested, hunt on for others

A ToI report quoted Additional Superintendent of Police Rupesh Dwivedi as saying that a total of six suspects have been identified so far. Two have been detained.

Indore Rural SP Hitika Vasal said of the two men, who have been arrested, one has a case of loot registered against him in 2016.

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This was not an organised gang. They saw these young people who had gathered at a night spot and decided to attack them. One person also had a pistol on him, Vasal was quoted as saying by The Indian Express.

As many as 10 Station House Officers are part of multiple police teams trying to ascertain the identity and whereabouts of the other accused.

Case filed under sections of BNS

On the basis of the complaint filed by the army officers, a case has been registered under sections 70 (gangrape), 310-2 (dacoity), 308-2 (extortion) and 115-2 (voluntarily causing hurt) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and under sections of the Arms Act based.
Roy is the ruling Trinamool Congress partys MLA from Sreerampur and is also the Chairman of Rogi Kalyan Samithi of RG Kar, the place where the junior doctors body was found on August 9 read more

The Central Bureau of Investigation on Thursday questioned TMC MLA Sudipto Roy over the rape and murder case of a 31-year-old doctor at Kolkatas RG Kar Medical College.

Roy is the ruling Trinamool Congress partys MLA from Sreerampur and is also the Chairman of Rogi Kalyan Samithi of RG Kar, the place where the junior doctors body was found on August 9.

Talking to PTI, a CBI officer said, He was present at the hospital soon after the news of the doctors death spread. We are questioning him about what he knows about the case.

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Sleuths of the central probe agency were also conducting a search operation at a nursing home belonging to Roy.

Meanwhile, doctors have been relentlessly protesting to seek justice for their colleague despite the Supreme Courts order to return to work. The Mamata-led government has also been trying to set up a meeting with the protesting doctors and has been urging them to resume work.

Earlier today, the Chief Secretary once again sent an email to the protesting doctors, inviting them to Nabanna for a discussion with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. This is the second time such a letter was addressed by Chief Secretary Manoj Pant. However, the demands put forth by the protestors including allowing a 30-member delegation and live telecasting of the meeting were denied by the government.

With inputs from agencies
The West Bengal government told the protesting junior doctors that it was ready to hold free and frank discussions over their demands but without any pre-conditions read more

Junior doctors in West Bengal's Kolkata continue their protest demanding justice for 31-year-old woman doctor who was raped and murdered at RG Kar Hospital on August 9. Source: PTI.

Junior doctors in Kolkata continued their agitation on Thursday as the West Bengal government rejected their demands for Chief Minister Mamata Banerjees presence and a live broadcast as preconditions for talks to resolve cease work protests demanding justice for rape and murder of a 31-year-old woman doctor in state-run RG Kar Hospital on August 9.

Ready for discussions with any pre-conditions

The West Bengal government told the protesting doctors on Wednesday that it was ready to hold free and frank discussions over their demands but without any pre-conditions.

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We want to hold free and frank discussions with the junior doctors with an open mind, but they have set some pre-conditions for the meeting. No meeting can be held with an open mind if conditions are set beforehand," West Bengals junior health minister Chandrima Bhattacharya said.

Bhattacharya further claimed that political forces might be influencing the doctors protests in Bengal.

The medics dismissed her claims as baseless and quipped that the protests would continue till their demands were met.

The minister, on behalf of the state government, urged the doctors to rejoin work by respecting the Supreme Courts direction.

Mamatas party leaders threatens protesting doctors

Meanwhile, leaders of the ruling party in the state  Trinamool Congress (TMC)  issued veiled threats to the agitating doctors by calling them anti-nationals and said the party might also conduct counter-protests against the agitating medics.

On Wednesday, around 3:20 pm, Chief Secretary Manoj Pant sent an email to the junior doctors, inviting them to the state secretariat  Nabanna  to hold discussions over their demands.

In response to the mail, the junior doctors highlighted five pre-conditions that they had set for the meeting and added a few more, including the CMs presence during the discussions and that the event be telecast live. They even mentioned that a 30-member delegation be allowed to go to Nabanna.

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Mamata upset with doctors conditions for meet

A report by The Telegraph quoted a source as saying that CM Banerjee was briefed by the chief secretary about doctors demand mail. The chief minister was upset with the contents of the email, the source said.

She told the chief secretary not to respond to the pre-conditions of the junior doctors as she felt that dialogues cannot be held on terms set in advance, the report quoted the source as saying.

The governments standpoint was conveyed to protesting junior doctors by the junior health minister during the news conference.

Bhattacharya claimed that the CM was eager to hold discussion with the junior doctors and therefore, an email was sent to them by the health secretary.

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Bhattacharya went on to urge doctors to resume duties, stressing the urgent need to restore healthcare services disrupted by the prolonged agitation.

We were quite hopeful that the doctors would participate in the meeting. But they did not. No meeting can be held with so many conditions. We waited for them to turn up with an open mind, but they did not take any proactive steps to resolve the situation, she further said.

Bhattacharya added that the doors for discussion remain open, but the government would not accept demands for a live broadcast or the CMs mandatory presence at the talks.

We will again request them to rejoin duties as per the Supreme Courts directive and show respect to it. They must not forget their responsibility in this noble profession. They must not fall prey to the political provocation, she said.

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The protesting junior doctors have been demanding justice for the woman doctor, who was raped and murdered in RG Kar Hospital on August 9.

They are also seeking enhanced security measures for women health professionals and the suspension of several government officials, including the Kolkata Police Commissioner and the state health secretary, for alleged mishandling of the case.

With inputs from agencies
Workers at Samsungs Sriperumbudur plant are on strike, demanding higher wages, reduced hours, and union recognition read more

Workers of a Samsung facility listen to a speaker during a strike to demand higher wages at its Sriperumbudur plant near the city of Chennai. Reuters

Tamil Nadus labour minister, CV Ganesan, is set to hold talks on Thursday (September 12) with officials of Samsung Electronics. The meeting, set to happen in Chennai, is an effort to resolve a strike that has disrupted operations at the South Korea-based companys Tamil Nadu consumer electronics plant for four days now.

The government is sincere to resolve (the strike), Tamil Nadus Labour Secretary K. Veera Raghava Rao told Reuters.

It was not clear which Samsung representatives would attend the meeting. Earlier this week, it had been reported that JB Park, the companys chief executive for Southwest Asia, had made a visit to Tamil Nadu along with senior officials, seeking to resolve the strike.

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Reason for Samsung workers strike

The protest by hundreds of workers at Samsungs Sriperumbudur plant near Tamil Nadus capital, Chennai, is one of Indias biggest incidents of industrial unrest in recent years.

The workers are demanding higher wages, a cut in working hours, equal pay for those with the same level of experience, and recognition of the labour union by Samsung.

The demonstrators, who have been sitting in a makeshift tent put up near the factory, have boycotted work.

A company spokesperson on Monday (September 9) said that Samsung India is actively engaged with workers to address any grievances they may have and comply with all laws and regulations.

Samsungs business hit before festive season

The plant at Sriperumbudur, which employs roughly 1,800 people, makes consumer appliances such as televisions, refrigerators and washing machines. The products made here contribute to roughly 20-30 per cent of Samsungs annual revenue of $12 billion in India.

The timing of the strike is noteworthy, given that it comes just ahead of the festive season in India which sees consumers stepping up both big-ticket and smaller purchases, especially consumer electronics.

Samsung India is the biggest player in countrys consumer electronics industry.

With inputs from Reuters
Rahul Gandhis politics, especially since CAA and so-called farmers protests, has stopped being funny; it has, over the years, become divisive, if not dangerous read more

Ignorance is bliss. It is a cliche. But when one talks of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, this is all one can think of. He, after all, seems to have made a habit of falling for his own lies, and then taking the discourse to a dangerously divisive level.

So, here comes one. Seeing a Sikh gentleman during one of his events in the United States, Rahul Gandhi gets interested. He asks the gentleman his name. And then he tells the audience that the fight in India right now is whether a Sikh can wear his turban or not

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This is where his ignorance comes into play. Rahul seems so confident in what he is saying that he doesnt even realise that the only time, post-Independence, Sikhs in India had to hide their turbans was when his own grandmother, Indira Gandhi, was shot dead by two of her Sikh bodyguards. Forget turbans, thousands got their kesh (hair), one of the Five Ks in Sikhism that a Sikh should always have, cut to hide their identity in the 1984 pogrom that saw more than 3,000 Sikhs brutally killed in three days of Congress-sponsored mayhem in the national capital  a pogrom which for Rahuls own father, Rajiv Gandhi, was just akin to the earth shaking after a big tree falls.

And Rahul is angry. Angry at being rejected electorally time and again. When added with his ignorance about India, it creates a deadly cocktail where he can say anything, absolutely baseless stuff, and wont even blink his eyes once. His ignorance and anger make him believe everything he is tutored about.

Rahul Gandhi similarly manifested, and proudly displayed, his ignorance when he flashed a copy of the Constitution soon after the Lok Sabha results. For, the only time the country saw its Constitution in abeyance was when his own grandmother, Indira Gandhi again, decided to impose Emergency in 1975.

But then why bother? Ignorance is bliss! Or, maybe he believes people in India have short memories!

This brings us to the question: How should one deal with a person who seems to know so little, or maybe he doesnt care? In normal times, the answer would be to just let it be. He, after all, provides the much-needed humour quotient to the otherwise cutthroat, unrelenting 24x7 political culture that the Modi-Shah duo has introduced in Indian politics. But, Rahul can no longer be ignored. One, he now occupies a constitutional position of being the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha.

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Meanwhile, something has drastically changed in Rahul Gandhis politics, especially since CAA and so-called farmers protests. His statements suddenly have stopped being funny; they have turned divisive, if not dangerous.

Rahul Gandhi must understand that every nation, including the United States, has problems. In fact, the innate deception in the US electoral system, as highlighted in the last few presidential polls, is astounding; even the American judiciary is accused of carrying political bias. But one doesnt find American politicians trashing the US system on a foreign platform. Moreover, if India has certain niggling issues pertaining to administration and governance, Rahul Gandhi as the countrys LoP, has the responsibility to deal with them. He also needs to understand that if India is not perfect  democratically, socially and economically  then a major part of blame rests with his own family and party.

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Criticising a party or an individual is one thing. But it is definitely not expected from a mainstream politician to summarily dismiss India, Indian democracy and the Indian story, especially from a foreign platform. It was equally unsettling to see Indias LoP having more good things to say about communist China than his own democratic India.

There are reports saying how certain groups with dubious, anti-India credentials, whether of the Khalistani or the Islamist kind, were on an overdrive during Rahuls US visit. He further added fuel to the fire by meeting known anti-India elements such as Ilham Omar, whose sympathies for Islamist Pakistan are well known. Some of these people belong to the mischievous toolkit gang covertly working on the infamous 3.5% Rule  perfected by Gene Sharp during the Cold War and after. For the uninitiated, Gene Sharp is credited by many to be indirectly responsible for more revolutions than anyone since Lenin or Mao. As per the 3.5% Rule, you dont need the majority to make a regime change in a country: All you need is a minuscule but highly committed minority  Gene Sharp believes only 3.5 per cent of the total population can do this.

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Gene Sharp, in his book The Politics of Nonviolent Action, lays stress on two points to initiate a regime change toolkit programme: One, the so-called protest should be non-violent, at least it should appear to be so, so as to take the moral high ground. Two, he formulates the technique of struggle, according to which he asks his followers to use symbolic colours, parades, vigils, banners written in English (to get global attention), mock awards, economic boycotts, divestment campaigns, and strikes, besides resorting to psychological interventions such as fasts.

One gets a deja vu-like feeling while reading the two points: Did we not see them happening in India on so many occasions in the past 7-8 years. So, why did they fail to deliver so far? One obvious reason is that India is genuinely a very large and diverse country for one idea to hold its imagination. It is near-impossible to stir the country with one agenda. Even Indira Gandhis Emergency saw two contrasting reactions: While the north completely rejected the Congress in the 1977 elections, the south went ahead with the GOP! This is where the toolkit that works well in countries like Ukraine, Egypt or even Bangladesh doesnt gather momentum in India.

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The second reason for the failure of these toolkits in India is quite interesting. These toolkits are perfected to do well in largely illiberal, undemocratic societies. But India has a thriving democracy with well entrenched liberal, plural values. Gene Sharp, while elaborating on this aspect, was categorical enough to say that one fundamental toolkit for regime change is to provoke the government of the day to overreact and resort to violence against orchestrated non-violent protests within the country. Gene Sharp invokes the term political jujitsu  using the stronger opponents energy against themselves, rather than confronting it head-on  to explain the phenomenon. Sharp writes, When the system largely characterised by political violence is actively, albeit non-violently, challenged, one can expect that the basic nature of that system will be more clearly revealed in the crisis than during less difficult times. The violence upon which the system depends is thus brought to the surface and revealed in unmistakable terms for all to see: it then becomes more possible to remove it.

India, being a democratic, liberal nation, both constitutionally as well as civilisationally, is prone to deal with protests with debates, discussions and deliberations, rather than confrontation and violence. This explains why even amid grave provocations amid the so-called farm protests and despite credible information about certain anti-national elements covertly supporting these agitations, the government never stopped talking and even rolled back the provisions that saw the opposition.

This, however, doesnt mean India should stop worrying about these undemocratic challenges. For a toolkit group that believes it just needs 3.5 per cent of the total population to uproot a government, its a risky proposition to ignore the alarming signals. The government should reach out to the Opposition, including the Congress, and come to a political consensus that political opposition cannot become an India-baiting exercise, especially on an international platform. One hears many voices, especially in the social media, to take legal actions against the Congress leader for his utterances in the US. This will be a self-goal. For, thats exactly what the toolkit gangs want India to do.

India has always had a healthy Government-Opposition relationship. Not long ago, PV Narasimha Rao had sent Atal Bihari Vajpayee to lead the nation at the United Nations. The gulf may have widened over the years, but it is still not big enough not to be bridged. There are, after all, many leaders in Opposition ranks who mean well and for whom Indias interest remains paramount.

Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
While Rahul positions his America trip as an extension of his political campaign at home, there are potential drawbacks to this strategy read more

Rahul Gandhi has gone to the United States and whipped up a storm back home. Two days have passed in his three-day trip, and already he has given BJP a bagful of ammunition to target him. During an interview with Edward Luce, the Washington DC-based Financial Times columnist and a Modi baiter whose unabashed fawning perhaps made even Rahul cringe in discomfort, Indias Leader of the Opposition made a series of controversial remarks that are unmoored from facts and represent rank distortion of reality. But thats not the only occasion where he made such comments.

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Rahuls itinerary also included a diaspora event in Virgina, addressing students at University of Texas in Dallas and meeting American lawmakers, members of think tanks and media persons in Washington DC. The programme was drawn up by Sam Pitroda, chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress. These foreign jaunts are meant to serve a very specific purpose for Rahul.

Long at the receiving end of a sustained campaign from the BJP about the lack of his intellectual acumen, Rahul and his advisors have figured out a way to combat the pejorative image of a simpleton. The idea is that India being a post-colonial society, these foreign trips and hobnobbing with western intellectuals and members of academia will somehow elevate Rahuls image back home and project him as a thinker. Sam certainly believes so.

Problem is, despite extensive tutorials on possible talking points, Rahul frequently exceeds his brief and conflates foreign platforms with domestic campaign trail. Discrediting Indian democracy while abroad, castigating Indias electoral process, belittling Indian institutions, projecting India as a deeply unequal society or mocking the prime minister before students at a foreign university may generate a few claps among the audience and headlines back home, but the behaviour is not only unbecoming of a senior politician who aspires for the top job, but immature and improper for the holder of a statutory post such as the LoP.

This isnt, of course, to say that India is without its share of problems. Levelling unhinged allegations and projecting domestic political rivalries on foreign soil, however, doesnt solve Indias problems, make India look strong or a mature democracy. It makes us look weak, divisive, and provides a handle to Indias adversaries, unless that is the plan.

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Indias democracy and electoral system is dynamic, robust and thriving. We are an oasis of democracy in a tough neighbourhood. Indias institutions, despite myriad challenges, are performing better than many of its western counterparts. In America, where Rahul was busy denigrating India, a former president was the target of an elaborate lawfare by political rivals to stop him from running for office. The Democrats weaponised the judiciary and dragged Trump through lower courts via trumped up charges before the plan was busted by the US Supreme Court.

Rahul should introspect. His party ran an insidious, relentless campaign against the reliability of Indias EVM system ahead of the 2024 general elections but miraculously all charges evaporated into thin air when it emerged that Congress has improved its tally. There is a limit to chicanery.

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While in America, Rahul cast aspersions on the sanctity of Indias electoral process, without providing any proof, and sought to undermine Indias autonomous institutions such as the Election Commission and even the judiciary. It was a torrent of misinformation and half-truths from the Leader of the Opposition.

He claimed that the BJP has captured all institutions, which seemed more of a self-projection from the leader of a party that made it a standard operating procedure to fill every institution with party loyalists, cronies and apparatchiks in its six-decade reign since the Independence and developed an intricate patronage-based network to run the administrative system.

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While speaking to Luce, Rahul alleged that the BJP is out to destroy the Constitution. It was ironic coming from the leader of a party that inflicted Emergency on India, the only time since Independence that Indias democratic credentials have taken a hit.

And it was more than a little paradoxical to hear Rahul wax eloquent on Indian Constitution, since it was he as the Congress boss who tore to shreds at a press conference in 2013 an ordinance passed painstakingly by the Manmohan Singh government in Parliament on convicted legislators, undermining the prime ministers authority in full public glare and embarrassing Singh just hours before he was scheduled to meet then American president Barack Obama in Washington DC.

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A man of priviledge since birth, Rahul of late has fashioned himself as a social justice warrior. His fixation on caste has reached such epic proportions that he even wants reservations in Miss India competitions. He reckons that Congresss good show during the general elections was owing to his personal charisma, and seems to believe that Congress managed 98 seats from almost a wipeout in 2019 due to his relentless focus on caste divisions.

The Congress strategy is to challenge the consolidation of Hindu votes through an overwhelming focus on caste divisions, and Rahul has been harping on caste inequalities and calling for a caste census to double down on that strategy. The Congress leader no doubt has hit a chord with a section of Indian populace who have been hard done by the K-shaped recovery post Covid, but highlighting Indias social inequalities on American soil is absurd.

As former foreign secretary Kanwal Sibal points out, In the US out of 759 billionaires only 9 are black. In aerospace engineering and general engineering at NASA less than 6% are blacks. Black Americans hold less than 1% of executive positions in Silicon Valleys leading companies. As of February 2024, eight Black CEOs led companies on the Fortune 500 list, which is 1.6% of the total. According to the 2023 Faculty Development and Diversity report, out of the 581 total tenured faculty members in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences in US universities only 6 percent of them identify as Black or African-American.

Social justice is an ongoing project for egalitarian societies, and little is to be gained from political posturing on foreign soil except conveying a sense that everything in India is bad. And in fact, Rahul ends up remarking that he doesnt want to live in an India where 90% of people lack access to opportunities. It is an unfortunate thing to say for an Indian politician, and an assertion unattached to facts, delivered sans data.

One may think that for a man aspiring to be the prime minister, such baseless denigration of the country on foreign soil may bring electoral consequences. That is not the case.

This is a zero-risk venture for Rahul. The only ones outraged by the Congress leaders comments at the moment are the urban middle class who already dont vote overwhelmingly for the Congress. The votebank that he pursues with his unhinged caste rhetoric couldnt care less about what Rahul says in America to an American audience. If the Modi government goes after him for doing this, that will give Rahul the opportunity to play victim and consolidate his base. He may even earn some new middle-class voters. It is a win-win strategy.

While Rahul is treating his America trip as an extension of domestic political campaign, there are some pitfalls to his strategy. One isnt sure who briefs Rahul before these foreign trips, but his preparation shows glaring gaps and lack of information. Rahul claimed that China does not suffer from unemployment issues unlike India, or even the US. This is plain wrong. The Biden administration has delivered excellent job growth and Kamala Harris is running on that platform. And while India does suffer from that problem, China is no better.

China last year suspended youth jobless data in August 2023 after record high readings. It migrated to a new system last December when it tinkered with the record-keeping process and excluded those pursuing higher education, but still its youth unemployment rate soared to 17 per cent in July, the highest since the new system came into effect. Not knowing such basic facts makes Rahul look incompetent.

Rahul also made outrageous claims at the diaspora event in Virginia that Sikhs in India are not going to be allowed to wear turban, sport a kada or go to Gurdwaras. The outlandish nature of the claim apart, such insidious narratives give Khalistanis a lifeline to validate their propaganda against India, and the Khalistanis didnt waste any time.

Canada and US-based Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the chief of banned Khalistani terror group SFJ (Sikhs for Justice), immediately came out with a statement, claiming that Rahul had justified SFJs global Khalistan Referendum campaign when he stated: Fight in India is whether a Sikh will be allowed to wear turban and kada, go to gurudwara and called the Congress leaders comments on existential threat to Sikhs in India not only bold and pioneering but is also firmly grounded in the factual history and also corroborates SFJs stance on the justification for Punjab Independence Referendum to establish Sikh homeland Khalistan.

This is unfortunate. An American think tank, Pew Research Center, in a widely cited survey in 2021 found that 95% of Sikhs are very proud to be Indian and a vast majority of 70% say a person who disrespects India cannot be a Sikh.

So why did Rahul make such a delusional claim? The charitable explanation is he was talking through his hat (though an LoP should know better) but Rahuls comments assume darker proportions when we know, ironically through the statement put out by Pannun, that during his diaspora address many pro-Khalistan Sikhs were in attendance.

Imagine a Khalistani operative who openly calls for dismemberment of India, endorsing Indias Leader of Oppositions statement! An even more worrying aspect is that Indias LoP delivered an address where Khalistani operatives were in attendance. This is a risk to national security, and it shows Rahul and the organizers in poor light.

But Rahul didnt stop there. He met a bunch of American lawmakers on Tuesday including Ilhan Omar. For the de facto leader of Indias grand old party to be even in the same frame as Omar is problematic. The Congresswoman from Minnesota is a bona fide Islamist radical. She was ousted last year from US House Foreign Affairs Committee for making antisemitic remarks against Israel.

Omar has a chequered history when it comes to India. She has introduced multiple anti-India and Hinduphobic resolutions, visited Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir in 2022 in a trip sponsored by Pakistan, has castigated India on the Hardeep Singh Nijjar issue and has generally been an anti-India busybody with a deeply antagonistic attitude towards Hindus. Rahul must have known that meeting such a lawmaker, whose visit to PoK triggered an acerbic response from the ministry of external affairs, would invite criticism at home.

What emerges from Rahuls pattern of behaviour is that he is hitting at every faultline of this nation, taking a go at widening every fissure that challenges national integration and is pandering to every anti-India front in an attempt to keep the Modi government on backfoot. Rahul and his advisors hope that if Modi is kept busy in a perpetual firefight  caste unrest, Khalistani insurgency, terrorism in Kashmir  it could then be easier for Congress to show Modi as incompetent and facilitate Rahuls road to power.

In doing so, however, the Congress dynast forgets that these small fires may not remain small, and if unrest spreads on these fault lines, it may harm Indias Indias territorial integrity, impact national security and make it a crown of thorn for him.
The confirmation from UNRWA came after officials and the Hamas-run Civil Defence agency noted that at least 14 people were killed when Israel struck the al-Jaouni school in Nuseirat refugee camp read more

Palestinians inspect the damage, following an Israeli strike at a tent camp in Al-Mawasi area, amid Israel-Hamas conflict, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip July 13, 2024. File Image: Reuters

As the ongoing Gaza crisis continues to escalate, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees said that six of its employees have been killed in a recent Israeli air strike on a school in Gaza. The agency said that it was the highest death toll among its staff in a single incident, raising concerns over the safety of volunteers in the conflict-stricken region.

The confirmation from UNRWA came after officials and the Hamas-run Civil Defence agency noted that at least 14 people were killed when Israel struck the al-Jaouni school in Nuseirat refugee camp. The school in Gaza was used as a shelter by thousands of displaced Palestinians, BBC reported.

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Meanwhile, the Israeli military noted that it carried out a precise strike on terrorists planning attacks from inside the school. The military of the Jewish nation insisted that it had taken strong measures to mitigate any harm to civilians.

The school targeted by Israel for the fifth time

Meanwhile, UNRWA mentioned that the Gaza school has been targeted for the fifth time in the past 11 months. On July 16, several people were reported to be killed after Israel said that it targeted several structures at the school. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said at that time that these structures were used by Hamas.

Following the incident, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters the UN condemned all air strikes that target civilians and those that also target UN facilities. Videos of the aftermath of the strikes on Wednesday showed hundreds of people inspecting the heavily damaged ground floor of one wing of al-Jaouni school, as well as the remains of an adjoining structure that appeared to have been destroyed.

Some of the other videos that are circulating online also showed ambulances bringing wounded men, women and children to the al-Aqsa hospital in the town of Deir al-Balah. A medical source at the al-Awda hospital in Nuseirat camp told the AFP that the bodies of nine, killed in the strike, were brought here.

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Six others had been taken to the al-Aqsa hospital. Meanwhile, the Palestinian Civil Defence spokesman Mahmoud Bassal eventually confirmed that the death toll now stands at 14. In a post on Telegram, the Palestinian agency noted that one of those killed in the strike was the daughter of one of the rescue workers, Momin Salmi, who was operating in the region.

Amid backlash, the IDF made it clear that they took measures to ensure that civilian lives were not harmed during the strike. Numerous steps were taken to mitigate the risk of harming civilians, including the use of precise munitions, aerial surveillance and additional intelligence, the Israeli forces said in a statement.

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This is a further example of the Hamas terrorist organisations systematic abuse of civilian infrastructure in violation of international law, the Israeli military furthered. Meanwhile, Gazas Hamas-run government media office called the Wednesday strike a brutal massacre. We call on all parties to the conflict to never use schools or the areas around them for military or fighting purposes, the UNRWA said after confirming the death toll.
Russia claims to have scored a string of victories in the Kursk region where Ukraine last month captured an area of over 1,000 square kilometres read more

Russia has launched a heavy attack on Eastern Ukraine, around the key logistical hub of Pokrovsk. Image used for representative purpose/Reuters

After pushing Ukraine on the backfoot in the Donbas region in the countrys east, Russia has now mounted a counter-offensive in the Kursk province.

Last month, Ukraine mounted a lightening incursion into Russias border province of Kursk and captured more than 1,000 square kilometres of land and dozens of settlements. Even though the offensive was initially hailed as a turning point in the war, the stated objective to ease the situation in other theatres of war by forcing Russian troops diversion from there towards Kursk did not materialise as Russia continued to press in Donbas region.

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In Donbas regions Donetsk province, Russia has moved dangerously close to the strategic city of Pokrovsk.

Now, Russia has launched a counter-offensive in Kursk as well where it has claimed to have scored a string of victories.

Russia claims recapturing 10 villages in Kursk

Russias Major General Apti Alaudinov has claimed that the military has recaptured at least 10 villages in Kursk.

The situation is good for us. A total of about 10 settlements in the Kursk region have been liberated, said Alaudinov, the commander of Chechnyas Akhmat special forces in Kursk, as per TASS news agency.

Separately, The Guardian reported that both pro-Russia and pro-Ukraine military bloggers have reported heavy fighting in Kursks areas occupied by Ukraine.

Russian forces are said to have pushed Ukraine to the east of the Malaya Loknya river south of Snagost, according to the newspaper.

Separately, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also confirmed at a press conference in Kyiv on Thursday that the Russians have launched counter-offensive actions, as per AFP.

While Zelenskyy did not provide details, he said the Kursk incursion was going in line with our Ukrainian plan.

Has Ukraines Kursk gamble backfired?

From the onset, the Kursk incursion had two broad motivations.

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One, the incursion intended to open another front inside Russia and ease the pressure in other theatres of war by forcing Russia to troops from those theatres to defend the new front inside own country.

Two, Kursks captured territory could be used a bargaining chip for a land-swap whenever the two sides negotiate in the future.

As Russia continues to press towards Pokrovsk, the first motivation stands defeated. Instead of Russia, it is Ukraine which ended up diverting 10-15,000 of best soldiers for the Kursk incursion, which meant that the rest of the theatres were deprived of the best soldiers.

Now, as Russia has started recapturing villages in Kursk, the second motivation is also losing its value.
As ministerial meetings began in Islamabad on Thursday to prepare for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit next month, Pakistan on Thursday said it was not sure about the level and mode of participation from India in the heads of state conference read more

As ministerial meetings began in Islamabad on Thursday to prepare for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit next month, Pakistan on Thursday said it was not sure about the level and mode of participation from India in the heads of state conference.

The SCO heads of state meeting would be held in Islamabad on October 15-16 for which leaders of member nations have already been formally invited, Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said at the weekly press briefing here.

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She said that the 23rd Meeting of the Ministers for Foreign Economic and Foreign Trade Activity of the SCO members began in Islamabad, and it was preceded by the meeting of the Commission of Senior Officials from September 10-11 to negotiate the documents to be adopted by the SCO members responsible for Foreign Economic and Foreign Trade Activities.

The two-day Ministerial Meeting is a regular annual mechanism of SCO and will make important contributions in the lead-up to the Head of State Meeting in Islamabad, she said.

As the process for the mega event kick-started, questions were asked if Prime Minister Narendra Modi would attend and whether his attendance would be in-person or in virtual mode.

Responding to one such question, the spokesperson said the Prime Minister of Pakistan had extended invitations to the Heads of government of all SCO member states. At this point, Im not aware of any communication from the Indian government regarding their representation, she said.

To another question, she said that the Indian Vice Minister of Commerce and Industry was attending virtually the 23rd Meeting of the Ministers for Foreign Economic and Foreign Trade Activity of the SCO members. Apart from India, the Vice Minister of the National Economy of Kazakhstan was attending virtually.

Those attending in person include representatives from Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Belarus, Iran, the Kyrgyz Republic, China and Russia. Baloch also said that the SCO can make important contributions to the development and security of this region and Pakistan remains committed to working within the context of SCO to find solutions for regional prosperity.

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The spokesperson also said that the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Arsenio Antonio Dominguez Velasco, arrived in Pakistan last night for a three-day visit, which is the first-ever visit to Pakistan by any Secretary General of IMO.

Secretary-General Velasco will hold meetings with Pakistans leadership and senior government officials in Islamabad and Karachi.

Pakistan holds the rotating chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of Government and in that capacity, it will be hosting the two-day in-person SCO Heads of Government meeting in October.

With nine member states - India, Iran, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyz, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan - the Beijing-based SCO has emerged as an influential economic and security bloc and one of the largest trans-regional international organisations. Belarus joined as the 10th member.
Turkish-American woman Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, a graduate of the University of Washington, poses wearing her mortarboard and keffiyeh in a family photograph taken at the University of Washington's 2024 commencement ceremony, in Seattle, Washington, US, on June 8, 2024. Reuters File

US President Joe Biden slammed the Israel Defence Force (IDF) over the fatal shooting of Turkish American protester Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, calling the whole incident totally unacceptable. In a statement released on Wednesday, the American Commander-in-Chief noted that Israel had acknowledged responsibility for Eygis death.

While he condemned the incident, the POTUS fell short of supporting the demands put by Eygis family and other human rights advocates for an independent inquiry into the shooting incident which took place during a protest in West Banks Beita.

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I am outraged and deeply saddened by the death of Aysenur Eygi, Biden said in a statement on Wednesday when the United States was recalling the horrors of the 9/11 terror attack. 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.

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. There must be full accountability. And Israel must do more to ensure that incidents like this never happen again," he added.

Eygis loved ones respond

In response to the statement, Hamid Ali, Eygis partner, said that Biden had not directly contacted the family to express his condolences. Ali renewed the calls for an independent inquiry over the matter.

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," he furthered.

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The statements from Biden and Ali came days after the IDF said that the results of the preliminary investigation showed that it is 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 to Israels admission, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that he would speak with senior Israeli officials.

Following the incident, Blinken demanded 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. However, neither the secretary of state nor the Biden administration offered any information regarding the changes they would demand from the Israeli officials to be taken under consideration.

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This is not the first time the death of an American national will go unprosecuted if that is the case. In 2022, the US brushed away demands for prosecution of the death of Palestinian American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh in Jenin.

Doubts over how Eygi was killed

Meanwhile, Vice President and Democratic Presidential nominee Kamala Harris has also called the shooting incident unacceptable. She insisted that the attack 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.

In one of the brief comments to the press, Biden suggested that Eygi was killed by a bullet that had ricocheted off the ground as Israeli forces fired at protesters who the IDF claimed had turned violent. However, the family members of the Turkish-American activist cited media reports and other research and maintained that they do not believe that the shooting incident was an accident.

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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 at that time. 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," the family concluded.
Biden has consistently emphasised building personal relationships as a key aspect of his foreign policy. The summit, held in his hometown, serves as a fitting conclusion to a partnership that has been integral to his strategy in the Indo-Pacific region. read more

The United States will host the leaders of Australia, India and Japan for a meeting of the Quad on September 21, according to a release from the White House.

The meeting comes as the president adjusted his agenda for the final months of his term, moving from re-election campaigning to concentrating on domestic and international policy issues including strengthening alliances and preparing for a transition to the next administration.

The President looks forward to welcoming Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, and Prime Minister Kishida Fumio of Japan, the White House said.

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This will be President Bidens first time hosting foreign leaders in Wilmington as presidenta reflection of his deep personal relationships with each of the Quad Leaders, and the importance of the Quad to all of our countries.

The Biden-Harris Administration has made elevating and institutionalizing the Quad a top priority, from the first-ever Quad Leaders Summit at the White House in 2021, to annual Summits since then. In recent years, Quad Foreign Ministers have met eight times, and Quad governments continue to meet and coordinate at all levels.

The Quad Leaders Summit will focus on bolstering the strategic convergence among our countries, advancing our shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific region, and delivering concrete benefits for partners in the Indo-Pacific in key areas, the White House in a statement, adding that these include health security, natural disaster response, maritime security, high-quality infrastructure, critical and emerging technology, climate and clean energy, and cybersecurity.

The next Quad Summit will be hosted by India.
China has also told electric vehicles (EV) manufacturers to not set up supply chains and large-scale facilities outside mainland China read more

China has told its electric vehicles (EVs) manufacturers to not invest in India, according to a report.

The Chinese regimes advisory to EV-makers comes at a time when they are looking to expand abroad and dominate the EV markets globally. The steady supply of cheap Chinese EVs has already battered domestic EV-makers in many markets abroad.

Despite such ambitions, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce has advised EV-makers against setting up expansive supply lines abroad and investing in India, according to the South China Morning Post.

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In a meeting with more than a dozen Chinese EV-makers, the commerce ministry said EV companies should not invest anything in India, as per The Post.

The sources told the newspaper that Chinese commerce ministry was concerned that the tensions in India-China relations could lead to Chinese businesses and products being boycotted by local authorities or consumers. The sources further said that the ministry also advised against investment in India over fears of Chinese EV technology being stolen.

The newspaper reported that such an advisory also extended to Turkey.

During the meeting, the Chinese commerce ministry advised EV-makers to only set up knock-down assembly lines abroad, according to the newspaper.

Such a set-up would involve producing the bulk of components in mainland China and shipping them abroad to just assemble them in facilities located close to consumption markets. This would mean that most of the production still happens in mainland China.

As of now, these are merely advisories and not formal orders. The newspaper noted these advisors are non-binding  at least on paper. Still, the advisory is a warning to EV-makers by the Chinese regime, said Chen Jinzhu, the Chief Executive of consultancy Shanghai Mingliang Auto Service.

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Chen told The Post, The instructions [by the ministry] are interpreted as a warning to the companies since they are now actively looking to raise manufacturing capacity in markets such as Southeast Asia and some European countries. It may cause some of the companies to slow down their overseas plant building pace.
Oleksandr Chalyi, a former deputy foreign minister of Ukraine, said that diplomacy had improved in recent months between China and Ukraine and that a meeting between Xi Jinping and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy was now possible read more

Noting Chinese efforts to help restore European security, Oleksandr Chalyi, a former deputy foreign minister of Ukraine, said 'now all of us in Ukraine are waiting for direct contacts between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President Xi Jinping.'

Chinese President Xi Jinping could meet his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy next month, a Ukrainian delegate said in Beijing on Thursday as China opened its biggest annual military diplomacy event amid simmering regional tensions.

Oleksandr Chalyi, a former deputy foreign minister of Ukraine, told one of the opening sessions of the three-day Xiangshan Forum that diplomacy had improved in recent months between Beijing and Kyiv, and that a meeting was now possible.

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Noting Chinese efforts to help restore European security, Chalyi said now all of us in Ukraine are waiting for some contacts, direct contacts between President Zelenskyy and President Xi.

Beijing has cast itself as neutral in Russias 30-month-old invasion of Ukraine, but maintains close strategic ties with Moscow and did not join a peace summit organised by Ukraine in June.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister met his Chinese counterpart in Beijing in late July as Zelenskyy plots another possible summit in November, this time with Russian participation.

Cui Hongjian, director of the Department of European Studies at the China Institute of International Studies, said on the sidelines of the forum that China was open to joining a future summit as it did not want its efforts to go to waste.

I think Chinas been very clear on this, we are willing to do anything that is conducive for peace, Cui said when asked about the prospect of a Xi-Zelenskyy meeting.

Ukraines small delegation of academics and former officials is among 90 countries and international organisations who have sent representatives to the highly choreographed forum, taking place September 12-14 in Beijing.

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Beijing is eager to promote itself as a responsible security player in international conflicts, despite being entangled in several territorial spats in its regional back yard. This years forum is themed Promoting Peace for a Shared Future.

The Philippines and China have exchanged accusations of intentionally ramming coast guard vessels in the South China Sea in recent months, while China made at least two territorial incursions into Japanese airspace and waters in August.

Beijing continues to send warplanes and ships into areas surrounding democratically governed Taiwan, which China considers its own territory, ignoring the objections of the government in Taipei.

Meanwhile, Western countries have expressed concerns over Chinas growing military cooperation with Russia and dangerous actions in the South China Sea. In July, China and Belarus held joint military drills just a few kilometres from the border of NATO member Poland.

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The US plans to send Michael Chase, the deputy assistant secretary of defence for China, Taiwan and Mongolia, to the forum. Chase is more senior than the US official who attended last year, though his rank is in line with historical norms.

US-China military tensions have somewhat stabilised in recent months because regular communications channels have reopened after an almost two-year hiatus, though nuclear talks were halted by Beijing in July.

There is some hope that Chases attendance could signal deeper working-level engagement with China amid regional disputes.

Rick Waters, former US State Department China coordinator and current China managing director at Eurasia Group, said that it was good the militaries were talking again but that questions remained.

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Its not enough to re-establish them. The question is, are they durable through periods of crisis?, he said.

Most Western countries are sending small, low-level delegations, preferring to discuss international security issues at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.

Other participants included the defence ministers of Belarus, the UAE, Vietnam, Singapore, Cambodia, Chile and the Maldives as well as a deputy Russian defence minister.

The forum contains several seminars on Asia-Pacific security, US-China relations and peace in the Middle East. The Gaza crisis is likely to dominate talks, the Western attendee said, with Chinas efforts to promote peace and advocate for Palestinians likely to find a receptive audience among some Global South delegations.

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Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun is expected to give a keynote speech at the opening ceremony on Friday. Dong, a former naval commander appointed in December after an anti-corruption purge in the armys top ranks, slammed Taiwan separatists at the Shangri-La Dialogue this year.

Responsible for Chinas military diplomacy but not part of the Central Military Commission, Chinas core military command body, Dong is viewed by Western military officials as a senior but powerless emissary who is not involved in power politics, the Western attendee told Reuters.

Last years forum was held without a defence minister, as Dongs predecessor, Li Shangfu, had been removed from his role and was undergoing a corruption probe. Li and his predecessor Wei Fenghe were both expelled from the Communist Party in June over corruption, and the offences they are accused of include bribery.
The commander of the 8200 unit, (Brigadier General) Yossi Sariel, has informed his commanders and subordinates of his intention to end his position, the Israeli army said in a statement read more

Demonstrators in Israel's Tel Aviv, calling for action to secure the release of Israeli hostages held captive since the Oct 7 attacks on Israel by Palestinian militants. AFP

The Israeli army said on Thursday that the head of an elite intelligence unit will resign over the failure to prevent Hamass October 7 attack.

The commander of the 8200 unit, (Brigadier General) Yossi Sariel, has informed his commanders and subordinates of his intention to end his position, the army said in a statement.

The officer will conclude his role in the near future.

The prestigious and secretive Unit 8200 is in charge of decoding and analysing intercepts and other signals intelligence.

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In the wake of October 7, Israels Military Intelligence Directorate was thrown into a crisis that led to its commander, Major General Aharon Haliva, announcing his resignation in April 2024.

The army said then that Haliva had asked to be relieved of his duties for the directorates failure to foil the October 7 attack.

Israeli media on Thursday broadcast a copy of Sariels resignation letter in which he asked for forgiveness for not fulfilling the mission we were entrusted with on October 7.

In June, public broadcaster Kan disclosed the existence of an intelligence brief prepared by Unit 8200 in September 2023 that warned military officials of Hamass preparations for the attack.

Kan said the Unit 8200 document included details of elite Hamas fighters training for hostage-taking and plans for raids on military positions and Israeli communities in southern Israel.

The October 7 attack resulted in the deaths of more than 1,205 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures.

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Included in that count are hostages who were killed in captivity.

Israels retaliatory offensive against Hamas has killed at least 41,118 people in Gaza, according to the territorys health ministry. The UN rights office says most of the dead are women and children.

Netanyahu has repeatedly refused to open an official inquiry into October 7 until the war in Gaza is over.
Lt. Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, the countrys home affairs adviser, on Tuesday, said that puja committees had been asked to stop playing any musical instrument and shut off sound systems read more

Durga Puja is right around the corner and while the festival is a spectacle in West Bengal, the minority Hindu population in Bangladesh also celebrates it. However, this year, Hindus in the country might have to play by some rules imposed by the new interim government under Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus.

The current administration in Indias neighbouring country has urged the Hindu community to pause Durga Puja-related activities like playing musical instruments five minutes before the time of azaan and during namaaz, according to a report by Times of India.

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Hindus in Bangladesh have been facing religious persecution after the country descended into political turmoil due to former prime minister Sheikh Hasinas alleged mismanagement and her subsequent ouster. Reports of attacks against Hindus put various minority rights groups on alert, with many from the community trying to flee Bangladesh.

The interim government, meanwhile, has downplayed the attacks on Hindus with Bangladesh governments Chief Adviser Yunus saying last week that the issue has been exaggerated.

Dont play music during namaaz, azaan

Lt. Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, the countrys home affairs adviser, on Tuesday, said that puja committees had been asked to stop playing any musical instrument and shut off sound systems.

Such activities need to cease during offering namaaz, and the pause will have to be followed from five minutes prior to azaan, Chowdhury said.

He said that the committees have agreed to do the same.

How will Bdesh celebrate Durga Puja this year?

Meanwhile, communal tensions in Bangladesh are not expected to hamper Durga Puja festivities as Chowdhury said the number of puja mandaps is expected to up this year.

As of now, a total of 32,666 mandaps will be set up across the country. Weve discussed how to ensure round-the-clock security at puja mandaps, the Home Affairs adviser said.

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Amid concerns of possible unrest during Durga puja, the interim government has warned potential troublemakers, pledging tough action against those disrupting communal harmony or targeting places of worship during the Hindu festival.

If anyone disrupts or harasses people at worship halls, we will not spare them. We will bring them under the law and ensure peace, Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain said during a visit to the Prematli Gaurang Bari Kalimandir in Godagari at Rajshahi district.

With inputs from agencies
Commentary: Philippines weaves web of lies to conceal infringements in South China Sea

Xinhua) 10:49, September 12, 2024

BEIJING, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- Recently, Philippine ships have been repeatedly intruding into the adjacent waters of Xianbin Jiao of China's Nansha Qundao in the South China Sea, attempting to deliver supplies to the Philippine coast guard vessel illegally anchored there.

Meanwhile, the current Philippine government is weaving a web of lies to seek international sympathy and support for its acts of infringement on China's sovereign interests.

The Philippines' true intention is to establish a long-term presence and occupy the reef, not monitoring China's "land reclamation" activities as it claimed. This is yet another deceitful act, similar to its trick at Ren'ai Jiao.

For a long time, the Philippines has been telling lies to disguise its infringements on China's territorial and sovereign interests.

Xianbin Jiao, which remains above water during the highest spring tides, is an inherent part of China's Nansha Qundao.

Manila officials had claimed that China dumped coral debris at Xianbin Jiao and caused massive coral bleaching and death in the area. Yet a survey report released by China in late August indicated that the coral reef ecosystem at Xianbin Jiao is generally healthy, with a high coverage of diverse species of reef-building corals.

In 1999, the Philippine military vessel BRP Sierra Madre was illegally "grounded" on Ren'ai Jiao, which is also part of China's Nansha Qundao. Despite repeated promises from the Philippines that it would tow the vessel away, the ship is still there 25 years later. The military vessel has become an utterly poisonous sting in the South China Sea that has already caused destruction to the local reef ecosystem.

Meanwhile, Philippine authorities always claimed that they were sending humanitarian supplies to the vessel, but the fact is that the Philippines has been sending construction materials, and even weapons and ammunition, to the illegally grounded vessel in order to repair and reinforce it on a large scale so that it can permanently occupy Ren'ai Jiao -- a blatant infringement on China's sovereignty.

Another day, another lie. The Philippines has not been shy about manipulating the truth and misleading the world.

The Philippine authorities have accused China of blocking its so-called "humanitarian mission" to re-supply the ship MRRV-9701, which has been illegally anchoring at Xianbin Jiao since April.

The truth is: there is no need for such missions, as the Philippine ship is fully operational and can leave Xianbin Jiao at any time.

Therefore, it is reasonable and legitimate for China to prevent the Philippines' resupply and crew-rotation attempts for MRRV-9701.

Moreover, it is the Philippine side that has been forcing the ship to illegally anchor within China's Xianbin Jiao, deliberately making its crew unable to reunite with their families for a long time.

Another sheer fabrication is the Philippines' claim that Chinese fishermen used cyanide in Huangyan Dao early this year, when in fact the Philippines is "a-thief-crying-stop-thief."

Filipino fishermen have long devastated the marine environment by poisoning fish with sodium cyanide, dynamite fishing and unleashing marine waste. Over a million kilograms of toxic sodium cyanide have been used to catch fish since its inception, according to Albaris Tahiluddin and Jurmin Sarri, both from the Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography of Mindanao State University, in their paper published in 2022.

All these facts strongly demonstrate that the Philippine government's purported concern for vessel personnel, fishermen's livelihoods, and the marine environment is merely a facade used to garner international sympathy, while their true intention is to encroach on Chinese territory and escalate tensions.

The Philippine side told a big lie when it called the so-called South China Sea arbitration award in 2016 "part of international law." The fact is that the Philippines' unilateral initiation of arbitration in 2013 contravened international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) dispute settlement mechanism. The arbitral tribunal in the South China Sea arbitration established at the Philippines' unilateral request had, ab initio, no jurisdiction, and the award rendered by it is illegal and void and has no binding force.

The logic of the Philippines' lies and extensive hype is simple: it is easy and cost-free to spread baseless rumors that are hard to verify, especially when backed by inflammatory statements from countries like the United States.

However, these fabrications can do nothing to justify the Philippines' infringements against China's sovereignty and territory. The Philippines should not underestimate the high price to be paid for challenging China and undermining regional security.

Any attempt to use the South China Sea issue for geopolitical speculations will prove futile. For the Philippines, the only correct choice is to withdraw its ships and personnel, and restore Xianbin Jiao to its uninhabited and facility-free state.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
NSA Ajit Doval conveyed to Chinese Foreign Minister in the meeting that peace and tranquillity in border areas and respect for the Line of Actual Control (LAC) are essential for return of normalcy in bilateral ties. read more

India and China agreed on Thursday to expedite the work with urgency and redouble their commitment to fully disengage from the remaining friction points in eastern Ladakh. This development came after talks between Indias National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in St. Petersburg, Russia, with a focus on resolving the prolonged border standoff.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Doval conveyed to Wang that peace and tranquillity in border areas and respect for the Line of Actual Control (LAC) are essential for the return of normalcy in bilateral ties,

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The Doval-Wang meeting took place in the Russian city on the sidelines of a conclave of national security advisors of the BRICS (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa) nations.

The MEA said the meeting between Doval and Wang provided an opportunity to review the recent efforts towards finding an early resolution of the outstanding issues.

The meeting gave the two sides an opportunity to review the recent efforts towards finding an early resolution of the remaining issues along the Line of Actual Control, which will create conditions to stabilise and rebuild bilateral relations, the MEA said.

Both sides agreed to work with urgency and redouble their efforts to realise complete disengagement in the remaining areas, it said in a statement.

The NSA conveyed that peace and tranquillity in border areas and respect for LAC are essential for normalcy in bilateral relations, the MEA said.

Both sides must fully abide by relevant bilateral agreements, protocols, and understandings reached in the past by the two governments, it said.

The MEA said the two sides agreed that the India-China bilateral relationship is significant not just for the two countries but also for the region and the world.

The two sides also exchanged views on the global and regional situation, it said.

The Doval-Wang meeting came two weeks after India and China held diplomatic talks during which they agreed to intensify contacts through diplomatic and military channels to find a resolution to the outstanding issues.

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The Indian and Chinese militaries have been locked in a standoff since May 2020 and a full resolution of the border row has not yet been achieved though the two sides have disengaged from a number of friction points.

The ties between the two countries nosedived significantly following the fierce clash in the Galwan Valley in June 2020 that marked the most serious military conflict between the two sides in decades.

India has been maintaining that its ties with China cannot be normal unless there is peace in the border areas.

The two sides have so far held 21 rounds of Corps Commander-level talks to resolve the standoff.

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With inputs from agencies.
In a desperate attempt to prevent tariffs, Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) manufacturers had floated proposals such as a minimum price and volume control read more

The European Union (EU) has rejected Chinese proposals to avoid tariffs on electric vehicles (EVs) made in China.

The EU has announced tariffs of up to 35 per cent on EVs imported from China. The vote to formally slap tariffs will be held on September 25.

Ahead of the vote, in a desperate attempt to prevent tariffs, Chinese EV manufacturers had floated proposals such as a minimum price and volume control. The EU on Thursday said the proposals have been rejected.

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The EUs tariffs on Chinese EVs are a result of concerns over Chinese imports flooding Europe. The EU has alleged that these imports, such as EVs and solar energy equipment, are artificially cheap as a result of Chinese subsidies and overproduction. The EU believes this gives these imports an unfair competitive advantage over European goods and companies and workers manufacturig them at risk.

EU Trade Spokesperson Olof Gill said on Thursday said the bloc reviewed Chinese proposals based on whether they would eliminate the injurious effects of the subsidies identified in our investigation, and whether these price undertakings could be effectively monitored and enforced and found that none of the offers met these requirements, according to Politico.

In a last-ditch effort to sway the EU, Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao will meet EU trade chief Valdis Dombrovskis on Sept. 19.

Even as the EU has announced tariffs, Gill said the bloc remained open to a negotiated solution with China.

The tariffs are not just being made on EVs by Chinese companies but on all EVs made in China  including by Tesla in its China factory. The main targets of the tariffs are BYD, Geely, SAIC, and Tesla. The tariffs range between 7.8 per cent and 35.3 per cent at the top of an existing 10 per cent, as per Euronews.

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As things stand, the SAIC attracts 35.3 per cent tariffs, Geely BYD 18.6 per cent, BYD 17 per cent, and Tesla 7.8 per cent, according to Euronews.
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party chief was diagnosed with liver cirrhosis in 2021 and is also battling arthritis, diabetes, and issues related to the kidneys, lungs, heart and eyes read more

Bangladeshs former prime minister Khaleda Zia was admitted to the hospital early on Thursday.

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party chief was diagnosed with liver cirrhosis in 2021 and is also battling arthritis, diabetes, and issues related to the kidneys, lungs, heart and eyes.

The 79-year-old leader arrived at the Evercare Hospital from her Gulshan residence around 1:40 am, BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan was quoted as saying by the Dhaka Tribune.

Her physician Professor AZM Zahid Hossain said, Per the medical boards decision, Madam (Khaleda) was brought to Evercare Hospital at night. The board has recommended several tests. The next course of her treatment will be determined after reviewing the test results.

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Zia, who has been a popular opposition voice during ex-Bangladeshi PM Sheikh Hasinas tenure, walked out of jail in August after her political rival fled the country.

She was acquitted in five separate cases, including one filed over allegations of celebrating a fake birthday and another for supporting war criminals.

According to a report by Prothom Alo, the BNP chairperson was advised to seek treatment abroad in 2021 but was not allowed to fly out by the Hasina government.

Zia served as the prime minister of Bangladesh from March 1991 to March 1996, and again from June 2001 to October 2006.

With inputs from agencies
India is one of the few nations with an open line of communication with both Russia and Ukraine and calls have mounted for Indias role in the conflicts resolution read more

Calls for Indias role as a peacemaker in the Russia-Ukraine War has increased in recent days.

India is one of the few nations with an open line of communication with both the sides in the conflict. Throughout the conflict, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is one of the few world leaders who have been in constant touch with both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Here we detail the recent timeline in which India has taken the centre-stage in efforts to bring the conflict to a resolution.

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This is not era of war

In September 2022, Modi told Putin in full view of the world that the war in Ukraine was unacceptable.

On the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Uzbekistan, Modi told Putin in public remarks before their meeting that this was not an era of war.

I know that todays era is not of war and I have talked to you many times over the phone on the subject that democracy and diplomacy and dialogue are all these things that touch the world, said Modi to Putin.

Modi further said, We will definitely get a chance to discuss how we can move onto the path of peace in the coming days, I will also get an opportunity to understand your point of view.

Two sides need to engage

In the historic visit to Ukraine last month, Modi told Zelenskyy that two sides need to engage with each-other.

Modi further told Zelenskyy that India had never been neutral in the conflict but had always been on the side of peace.

Modi further said that India was willing to help the two sides as a friend for the resolution of the conflict.

Modi also expressed Indias willingness to contribute in all ways possible for the conflicts resolution, said Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar at a press conference in Kyiv.

Modi reiterated Indias stand of dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, said Jaishankar.

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Previously, when Modi met Putin in July, he told him that the solution to the ongoing conflict could not be found on the battlefield. This was in line with Indias position since 2022 that advocates for talks to end the war instead of continued fighting.

Modi said the same ahead of his visit to Ukraine. In Poland, his first stop in the visit, Modi said, This is Indias firm belief that no problem can be solved on the battlefield. In any crisis, the loss of lives of innocent people has become the biggest challenge for the whole of humanity. We support dialogue and diplomacy for the early restoration of peace and stability. For this, India, along with its friendly countries, is ready to provide all possible support.

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Putin labels India as a peacemaker

Last week, Putin said that India was among the countries that could sincerely play the role of a mediator in the Russia-Ukraine War.

Addressing the Eastern Economic Forum at Russias Vladivostok, Putin said that Russia has never been closed to peace talks and referred to the talks that took place in the weeks following the invasion in 2022.

We respect our friends, partners, who, I believe, are sincerely interested in resolving all issues related to this conflict. This is primarily the Peoples Republic of China, Brazil, India. I am constantly in contact with our colleagues on this issue. And I have no doubt that the leaders of these countries, we have a trusting relationship with them, sincerely strive to help understand all the details of this complex process, said Putin.

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Separately, the Kremlin last week said that Modi can very well mediate between the two sides.

Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov last week told the media outlet Izvestia the existing highly constructive, even friendly relations Modi and Putin meant that Modi can lead the line on getting first-hand information from the participants in this conflict as he freely communicates with Putin, with Zelenskyy, and with the Americans.

Doval travels to Russia amid reports of an Indian peace proposal

National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval is currently in Russia for the meeting of the NSAs of the BRICS bloc. On the sidelines, Doval on Wednesday met his Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu, an old confidant of Putin. The PTI reported that the talks between Modi and Zelenskyy last month figured in the talks.

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Previously, the NDTV reported sources as saying that Doval was scheduled to meet top Russian officials and present a peace proposal outlined by Modi. The sources said the proposal would be presented to Putin.

After Modi returned from Kyiv last month, he held talks with Putin over phone and it was during that conversation that it was decided that Doval would travel to Russia for peace talks, according to NDTV.

India is willing to advise if they want, says Jaishankar

As Doval holds talks in Russia, Jaishankar said that India is willing to advise Ukraine and Russia if the two sides would want it.

At the same time, Jaishankar said the decision to talk has to come from the warring sides.

Jaishankar said, We dont think this conflict is going to be resolved on the battlefield. At some stage, theres going to be some negotiation. When there is a negotiation, the main parties - Russia and Ukraine - have to be at that negotiationIf you want advice, we are always willing to give it.

Jaishankar further said that it was essential to have Russia as part of talks as the discussions dont gain further movement otherwise, as per PTI.

" As far as India is concerned, its up to what the two parties want. We continuously talk to them, said Jaishankar, as per PTI.

Jaishankar further said, What is important for us is the reality of the conflict that is taking place today. So, we are always open to any step that is serious, thats impactful and that is in our view a step towards peace.
The global automotive industry, particularly the electric vehicle (EV) sector, is witnessing a seismic shift as China asserts its dominance. While Europe seeks to transition towards greener transportation, Chinese automakers, driven by innovative technology and aggressive market strategies, are rapidly expanding their presence. However, this expansion has not come without friction. The European Unions (EU) proposed tariffs on Chinese EVs have sparked a diplomatic and economic divide within Europe. Some nations push for punitive tariffs, while others, swayed by promises of Chinese investment advocate for compromise.

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As reported by Reuters, Chinas Commerce Minister Wang Wentao is set to visit Europe in the coming days to discuss the European Unions ongoing anti-subsidy investigation into China-made EVs. This visit comes as the EU prepares to vote on the imposition of additional tariffs on Chinese EVs. Wang is scheduled to meet with the European Commissions Executive Vice President and Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis on September 19, according to a spokesperson from the Chinese ministry during a regular news conference.

Chinas EV strategy: A two-pronged approach

Chinas strategy to dominate the EV market involves two key elements: leveraging its advanced domestic technology and expanding manufacturing capabilities abroad. According to reports, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) recently advised automakers to retain key technological knowledge within China, even as these companies establish foreign factories. This approach is designed to mitigate potential risks associated with regulatory and competitive pressures ensuring that China remains the hub of technological innovation in the EV space.

For instance, leading Chinese EV manufacturers like BYD and Chery are expanding their footprint by building factories in regions such as Spain, Turkey, and Hungary. This expansion aims to sidestep tariffs on Chinese-made EVs, particularly as Europe contemplates imposing significant duties on imported Chinese vehicles. BYDs planned factory in Turkey, with an annual capacity of 150,000 cars, exemplifies this approach. Turkeys customs-union agreement with the EU provides a strategic advantage for Chinese automakers to penetrate European markets, bypassing potential trade barriers.

Despite this international expansion, China has made efforts to ensure that critical components such as batteries and software remain domestically produced. A Bloomberg report highlighted Chinas reliance on knock-down kitssemi-assembled vehicles that are completed abroadas a means to maintain control over core technologies, reducing its dependence on potentially volatile foreign markets.

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Europes divided stance on Chinese EVs

The EUs response to the growing influx of Chinese EVs has been mixed, reflecting internal divisions. On one side, nations like France and Italy are advocating for hefty tariffs citing concerns over the competitive threat posed by cheaper Chinese vehicles. In July, a non-binding vote saw these countries support additional duties of up to 36.3 per cent on Chinese EV imports, as reported by DW. France and Italy voted in favour of the tariffs, while Germany, Finland, and Sweden abstained. Those in favour argue that without protective measures, European automakers, particularly those manufacturing internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, could face insurmountable challenges from low-cost Chinese alternatives.

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On the other side, countries like Spain and Hungary are adopting a more concilliatory approach. Spains Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez recently called for a reconsideration of the proposed tariffs, warning against igniting a trade war with China. Spains reluctance to endorse the tariffs stems from its dependence on Chinese investment. During a visit to China, Sanchez emphasised the need for diplomacy and bridge-building between the EU and China, highlighting the potential economic fallout that could affect Spanish industries, particularly agriculture.

Similarly, Hungary is wary of the EUs hardline stance. According to the Financial Times, Hungary has actively courted Chinese investment and is positioning itself as a European hub for EV manufacturing. BYDs planned factory in Hungary is expected to create thousands of jobs, solidifying Hungarys role in the global EV supply chain. This investment strategy aligns with Hungarys broader trend of supporting Chinese firms including its alignment with Chinas Belt and Road Initiative further deepening ties between the two nations.

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A balancing act for European nations

Chinas expanding presence in Europe presents a delicate balancing act for many European nations. Countries like France and Italy are grappling with the need to protect their domestic industries, which are struggling to compete with the cost-efficient production of Chinese EVs. French automakers, for instance, are already under pressure as traditional ICE vehicle sales decline amid the global shift towards electrification. The EV adoption rate in China, where electric vehicles accounted for over 50 per cent of total vehicle sales in August 2024, contrasts sharply with the slower transition seen in Europe. This disparity puts European manufacturers at a disadvantage, particularly as Chinese automakers like BYD and Li Auto scale up production and penetrate foreign markets.

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However, countries like Hungary and Spain view Chinese investment as an opportunity to boost local economies. Spain, for example, relies heavily on pork exports to China, a sector that could face retaliatory tariffs if the EU proceeds with its trade measures. Hungarys strategy of attracting Chinese EV manufacturers aligns with its broader goal of becoming a hub for lithium-ion battery production, a critical component in the global transition to electric mobility. As Europe grapples with this internal divide, the potential for a trade war with China looms large with possible repercussions for various industries beyond just automotive.

Chinas leverage

China is not standing idly by as the EU debates its tariff policies. In response to the EUs proposed tariffs, Beijing has launched its own anti-dumping investigations into European imports of pork and dairy. This move signals Chinas readiness to retaliate economically, particularly against countries like Spain, which exported 1.5 billion worth of pork to China in 2023. The ongoing negotiations between China and European nations underscore the high stakes involved in the tariff debate. Chinese automakers, meanwhile, have called on their government to impose tariffs on European gasoline-powered cars adding another layer of complexity to the situation.

Furthermore, Chinas strategic investments in Europes renewable energy and EV sectors provide significant leverage. For instance, during Sanchezs visit to China, a $1 billion deal was signed for Chinas Envision Group to build a green hydrogen plant in Spain. These investments underscore Chinas ability to forge economic ties that extend beyond EVs, making it more difficult for European nations to support punitive measures without risking broader economic fallout.

Broader geopolitical context.

Chinas expanding influence in Europes EV market must also be viewed within the broader context of China-EU relations. Chinese President Xi Jinpings call for Spain to play a constructive role in easing tensions between Brussels and Beijing reflects Chinas desire to prevent further escalation. With China accounting for 65 per cent of global EV sales in the first half of 2024, it remains a key player in Europes green transition. European countries, therefore, face a complex dilemma: how to foster their domestic EV industries while managing the risks of becoming overly dependent on Chinese technology and investment.

At the same time, Europes internal divisions weaken its collective bargaining power. The abstention of countries like Germany, Finland, and Sweden in the vote on EV tariffs highlights the fragmented nature of the EUs approach. Without a unified stance, Europe may struggle to negotiate effectively with China, leaving individual countries to pursue their own bilateral agreements, as seen in Hungary and Spain. Chancellor Olaf Scholzs support of Sanchez in rethinking the proposed tariffs further illustrates the complexities within the EUs internal dynamics.

A future of trade tensions or compromise?

As China continues to expand its EV footprint in Europe, the internal divisions within the EU are becoming increasingly apparent. While countries like France and Italy push for tariffs to protect their domestic industries, others like Spain and Hungary remain focused on fostering Chinese investment to boost local economies. The proposed tariffs on Chinese EVs have thus become a flashpoint in the broader debate over Europes economic and industrial future.
Washington and Beijing have clashed in recent months over Chinas increasingly assertive approach in disputed maritime regions, including the South China Sea read more

China will crush any foreign incursion into its sovereign territory including in the South China Sea, a senior Beijing military official said Thursday on the sidelines of a defence forum.We hope that the South China Sea will remain a sea of peace, Chinese army Lieutenant General He Lei told a small group of journalists including AFP at the Xiangshan forum.But, he added, if the United States moves its pawns behind the scenes, if it pushes countries to the front line, or if the United States itself ends up on the front line, then we in the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army will never have any patience.

We in the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army will resolutely crush any foreign hostile encroachment on Chinas territorial, sovereign and maritime rights and interests with firm determination, staunch will, strong capability and effective means, He said.

Washington and Beijing have clashed in recent months over Chinas increasingly assertive approach in disputed maritime regions, including the South China Sea.

In recent months, Chinese vessels have engaged in a series of high-profile confrontations with Philippine ships in the waters, which Beijing claims almost in its entirely despite an international court ruling that its assertion has no legal basis.

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On Thursday, Lieutenant General He said a resolution to those tensions depends on the United States.
A number of Chinese business leaders have disappeared in recent years after reports of detention by Chinese agencies read more

Chinese businessman Bao Fan has been missing since his detention last year (Photo: Reuters)

Bao Fan was once a rising star of Chinese business community. By 2021, he had amassed a fortune of $800 million.

Then, in 2023, Bao was detained by the Chinese anti-corruption body. He has not been seen in public since then.

Today, as Baos whereabouts remain unknown for more than a year, his wealth has fallen to just $50 million  a stunning fall of over 90 per cent.

Bao is only one of the many Chinese businesspersons and politicians who have mysteriously disappeared from public view after reports of their detention. Even his investment firm China Renaissance has no idea of his whereabouts.

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After Baos detention, Chinese regulators demanded a payment of $11 million from China Renaissance, as per companys filings reported by Financial Times.

People familiar with the matter told FT that Bao continues to be detention at the moment. Last week, China Renaissance said in a filing that it was not privy to and has no reliable information on the status of any investigation with which Mr Bao is in co-operation.

The newspaper reported that even as the regulators demanded the payment, they did not tell the company what it was for. This put the company in a crisis as it was not sure how to put the payment in its financial statements.

As the payment was sought without citing any violation shortly after Fans detention, it has been seen as a blatant demand of ransom. This leads to the question whether Communist Chinese regime has been abducting its businesspersons for ransom to fill its coffers.

The disappearing billionaires of China

Bao is only one of the many Chinese business leaders to mysteriously disappear.

As the Communist Party of China (CPC) rules with an iron fist, there is little doubt that this is the regimes policy with sanction from the highest level as one or two cases may be an exception but a yearslong trend has to be the CPCs policy.

In 2020, Jack Ma, the billionaire poster-child of Chinese e-commerce, irked the CPC and swiftly paid the price. For years, he was rarely seen or heard. He was hardly the first to meet such a fate.

In 2015, Guo Guangchang, hailed as Chinas Warren Buffett, disappeared. It was later learnt that he was part of a government investigation.

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In 2016, fashion mogul Zhou Chengjian disappeared and was later reported to have been in the custody of Chinese regime.

In 2017, Chinese-Canadian billionaire Xiao Jianhua was picked up by Chinese security personnel from Hong Kong. Five years later, in 2022, he was sentenced to 13 years in jail for corruption.

In 2021, real estate mogul Ren Zhiqiang reportedly disappeared after publishing an article slamming the Chinese regimes handling of the Covid-19 pandemic. He was later jailed for 18 years for corruption.

In 2023, Qu Dejun the Director and Co-President of real estate developer Seazen Group disappeared, according to Reuters.

Such disappearances send a chilling kind of feel through the rest of the market, said Nick Marro, the Lead Analyst for Global Trade at The Economist Intelligence Unit.

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Marro told CNBC, When someone like Bao Fan disappears, someone that high profile who suddenly vanishes without explanation, that inevitably sends a chilling kind of feel through the rest of the market. I mean, how can you feel like you can do business in a place where, you know, an important leader of the industry can suddenly disappear?
Putins comments came as Ukraine President pressed the West to provide more powerful weapons with fewer restrictions, as Russia continues its advance into eastern Ukraine. read more

Ukrainian President has been urging Western allies to not only allow their weapons to be used for strikes deep inside Russia but also supply Kyiv with more of the arms themselves.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that the West letting Kyiv use longer-range weapons to strike Russian targets would mean NATO would be at war with Russia.

Putin spoke as US and UK top diplomats discussed easing rules on firing Western weapons into Russia, which Kyiv has been pressing for, more than two and a half years into Moscows offensive.

This would in a significant way change the very nature of the conflict, Putin told a state television reporter. It would mean that NATO countries, the US, European countries, are at war with Russia, he said, adding If thats the case, then taking into account the change of nature of the conflict, we will take the appropriate decisions based on the threats that we will face.

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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.

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.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been urging Western allies to not only allow their weapons to be used for strikes deep inside Russia but also supply Kyiv with more of the arms themselves.

Ukraine has long urged partners to allow it to fire Western weapons at targets far into enemy territory, and those calls have grown louder as Russian airstrikes on Ukrainian energy installations, other infrastructure and residential buildings intensify.
Under Pakistans controversial blasphemy laws, anyone found guilty of insulting Islam or Islamic religious figures can be sentenced to death read more

A policeman opened fire inside a police station in the southwestern Pakistani city of Quetta on Thursday, killing a suspect held on accusations of blasphemy, a local official said.

The slain man was identified as Syed Khan. Police said he had been arrested the day before, after officers snatched him from an enraged mob that claimed he had insulted Islams Prophet Muhammad.

According to police official Mohammad Khurram, the officer involved in the fatal shooting has been arrested. Khurram did not provide further details.

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Killings of suspects while in police custody are rare in Pakistan, where accusations of blasphemy sometimes even just rumors are common and often spark rioting and rampage by mobs that can escalate into lynching and killings.

Under Pakistans controversial blasphemy laws, anyone found guilty of insulting Islam or Islamic religious figures can be sentenced to death though authorities have yet to carry out a death sentences for blasphemy.

In the case of Khan, the man killed on Thursday, local residents claimed he had used derogatory remarks against the prophet and went after him. After he was arrested, the mob surrounded the station, demanding police hand Khan back to them so they could kill him.

At one point, a man hurled a grenade at the station on Wednesday while a group of Islamists briefly blocked a key road in the city, demanding punishment for Khan. The crowd dispersed later in the day after officials managed to calm them down.

Pakistan has witnessed a surge in attacks on blasphemy suspects in recent years.

In June, a mob broke into a police station in the northwestern town of Madyan, snatched a man who was held there and then lynched him over allegations that he had desecrated Islams holy book, the Quran. The attackers also torched the station and burned police vehicles parked there. The slain man was a tourist staying at a hotel in town when the locals turned on him and accused him of blasphemy.

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Last year, a mob in the eastern Punjab province attacked churches and homes of Christians after claiming they saw a local Christian and his friend desecrating pages from a Quran. The attack in the district of Jaranwala drew nationwide condemnation, but Christians say the men linked to the violence are yet to be put on trial.

A policeman in 2011 killed a former governor of Punjab province after accusing him of blasphemy. That officer, Mumtaz Qadri, was later sentenced to death and hanged. However, support for him grew after his hanging, with tens of thousands attending his funeral in the garrison city of Rawalpindi. Many in Punjab still today considered him a martyr.

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Quetta, a conservative city in southwestern Pakistan is also the capital of the restive Balochistan province, where militant groups stage near daily attacks and where separatists have waged a decadeslong insurgency against the government in Islamabad.
The Sabina Shoal, which China refers to as Xianbin Reef, and Manila as Escoda Shoal, lies 150 km (93 miles) west of the Philippine province of Palawan, well within its exclusive economic zone read more

The Philippines will stick to its position on Sabina Shoal, it said on Thursday, even while exploring ways to ease tension in the area during frank and candid talks with China on managing disputes in the key waterway of the South China Sea.

The Southeast Asian nations sustained presence at the feature, aiming to monitor what it suspects to be Chinas small-scale reclamation activities has angered Beijing, turning the shoal into their latest flashpoint in the contested waters.

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During Wednesdays meeting of officials in Beijing, China vowed to firmly uphold its sovereignty and reiterated a demand for the immediate withdrawal of a Philippine coast guard ship anchored at the shoal since April.

I reaffirmed the Philippines consistent position and explored ways to lower the tension, Philippine Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Theresa Lazaro said on X, posting a picture of her handshake with Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong.

We agreed to continue discussions on areas of co-operation, especially on hotline mechanism, coastguard cooperation, and marine scientific and technological co-operation.

The two had a frank and candid exchange of views, the Philipine foreign ministry said in its statement.

The Sabina Shoal, which China refers to as Xianbin Reef, and Manila as Escoda Shoal, lies 150 km (93 miles) west of the Philippine province of Palawan, well within its exclusive economic zone.

The two nations have traded accusations of intentional ramming of each others vessels in a series of clashes last month, just after reaching a pact on resupply missions to a beached Filipino naval ship in the Second Thomas Shoal.

China claims sovereignty over most of the China Sea, overlapping into maritime zones of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam.

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In 2016 the Hague arbitration tribunal voided Chinas expansive and historical claims, a decision Beijing rejects.

The Philippine navy has said it has recently monitored 207 Chinese vessels, including maritime militia boats within the countrys EEZ, with dozens observed near Sabina Shoal.
One of the key highlights of the debate was the frequent mention of world leaders. While Trump lauded the Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Harris claimed that Russian President Vladimir Putin would eat Trump for lunch read more

Former US President Donald Trump (left) and Vice President Kamala Harris (right) at the presidential debate. AP

With over 67 million watching the showdown between Former US President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, the ABC News debate has managed to garner international attention as well. While some countries rejoiced candidates mentioned their leaders names, others hoped that they left their presidents name out of their mouths.

The telecast of the intense clash between the Republican and the Democratic presidential nominee has already surpassed the one between US President Joe Biden and Trump. One of the key highlights of the debate was the frequent mention of world leaders. While Trump lauded the Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Harris claimed that Russian President Vladimir Putin would eat Trump for lunch'.

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With their mention in the debate, it became obvious that both Hungary and Russia would react to the remarks. However, it was Trumps wonky performance which attracted major attention worldwide. So heres a look at how the world reacted to the performance of the former President at the debate.

Russia calls it a dog and pony show

Russian Foreign Minister Maria Zakharova described the televised debate as nothing more than a dog and pony show. To be honest, I dont know why this is big news, the Russian diplomat told Sputnik Radio when asked about Russias take on the matter.

Is it big news for us to see yet another show put on by people who clearly take no responsibility whatsoever for their words? she asked rhetorically.

Later, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov objected to Putins name being used as an instrument in the US domestic political struggle. Peskov said, The US as a whole, no matter which party the candidates are from, maintains a negative attitude, an unfriendly attitude towards our country.

Hungary rejoices in Orbans mention

Trump received stellar coverage by the Hungarian media after he praised the countrys Prime Minister Viktor Orban as one of the most respected men and a tough, smart and respected leader. Hungarian news outlet Magyar Nemzet reported the mention and ran a headline saying, Huge recognition!

Orban and Trump have a history of backing one another. The Hungarian premier endorsed Trump in 2016 and is backing the former presidents 2024 campaign.

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Hungarys Secretary of State for International Communication Zoltan Kovacs shared a clip of Trumps comment about Orban on X with a handshake emoji. However, The Guardian quoted a European diplomat as saying, Ironically, I dont think this alliance will help Orban or TrumpIt just shows how disconnected Trump is. No one in the US knows who this Hungarian politician is.

Things were not that pleasant for Trump in Germany

Germanys focus remained on what Trump said about the Nord Stream pipelines that supply gas from Russia to Europes biggest economy.

Germanys Foreign Office posted on X (formerly called Twitter), 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.

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Germany also took jabs at Trumps false claim regarding the immigrants in the United States. Parliamentarian and Chair of the Bundestags foreign affairs committee Michael Roth, praised Harriss debating skills, saying that she made Trump look like an ageing incumbent, old, angry and confused.

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, The Guardian quoted Roth as saying.

China distances itself

Despite China being mentioned numerous times, the country gave no official reaction to the debate. However, The Washington Post quoted a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson saying that Beijing would not comment on US domestic politics as it is opposed to making China an issue in US elections as well.

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While Trump claimed that he won the debate, reports are emerging that his campaign is currently in damage control mode. With the first debate garnering international attention, it is safe to say that the world will be closely watching the 2024 US Presidential Elections.
The passenger train, known as Phelophepa  or good, clean, health in the Sesotho language  had been in operation for 30 years -ever since South Africas break with the former racist system of apartheid read more

A healthcare worker stands at the door of the Phelophepa eye clinic carriage, in Tembisa, east of Johannesburg, South Africa. Source: AP.

What do you do when you are sick or need medical assistance? Most of us rush to a doctor, consult a physician or head to a nearby hospital. But in South Africa, most of people head to a train station. Wondering why?

In South Africa, there runs a passenger train that has been transformed into a mobile health facility.

But why dont people visit a doctor nearby?

This mobile clinic travels throughout South Africa for much of the year. On its journey, it provides medical attention to the sick, young and old who often struggle to receive the care they need at crowded local clinics.

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The passenger train, known as Phelophepa  or good, clean, health in the Sesotho language  had been in operation for 30 years -ever since South Africas break with the former racist system of apartheid.

With doctors, nurses and optometrists on board, the train chugs through some of the most rural villages, where residents struggle to get proper primary healthcare due to overcrowded and under-resourced clinics.

The Phelophepa train not only serves locals but also provides a safety net for travellers as it ensures those visiting remote areas access to basic healthcare services.

The Phelophepa train, is stationed at a station in Tembisa, east of Johannesburg, South Africa. Source: AP.

Each year, the Phelophepa train serves around 375,000 people, offering free healthcare to them which is in contrast to South Africas overstretched public health care system on which about 84 per cent of people depend upon.

No lines, treatment for free

This mobile clinic offers free treatment. Also, there are no long queues, no medicine shortages and nurses are not rude which is allegedly a pertinent challenge at the clinics that cater to patients in Tembisa, east of Johannesburg.

There we are not treated well, a report by The Associated Press quoted Thethiwe Mahlangu, a patient, as saying.

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We are made to sit in the sun for long periods. You can sit there from 7 am until around 4 pm when the clinic closes. When you ask, they say we must go ask the president to build us a bigger hospital, said Mahlangu, who was among hundreds who walked away satisfied with its services and already longing for the trains return next year.

A patient eyes are tested for lenses to be made for a new pair of glasses outside the Phelophepa eye clinic carriage, in Tembisa, east of Johannesburg, South Africa. Source: AP.

Another patient, Jane Mabuza, got a full health checkup along with dental services. She said she hoped the train would reach many other people.

Here on the train you never hear that anything has been finished, Mabuza said.

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Who operates this health train in South Africa?

The health train is run by the Transnet Foundation, a social responsibility arm of Transnet, the state-owned railway company.

It has grown from a single three-carriage operation over the years to two, 16-carriage trains. They address the booming population of South Africas capital of Pretoria and nearby Johannesburg, the countrys economic hub. One would spend two weeks in Tembisa alone.

The train began as an eye clinic in 1994, but soon started offering treatment of other health ailments.

As per the AP report, health care reflects the deep inequality of the country at large. Merely 16 per cent of South Africans are covered by health insurance plans that are beyond the financial reach of many in a nation with unemployment of over 32 per cent.

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The government started to address this gap from this year. In May, President Cyril Ramaphosa signed into law the National Health Insurance Act, which aims to provide funding so that millions of South Africans without health insurance can receive care from the better-provisioned private sector.

But the government has not mentioned, so far, how much it will cost and where the money will come from.
Days after fleeing Venezuela, Opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez on Thursday met Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.

Last week, Gonzalez arrived in Spain after securing an asylum in the country as longtime Venezuelan ruler Nicolas Maduro continued with his nationwide crackdown on dissent. Following a disputed election in July, Maduro unleased regime forces and armed supporters upon the Opposition figures and critics. Dozens have been killed and thousands have been detained.

As Spain, Venezuelas former colonial ruler, granted asylum to Gonzalez, tensions mounted between the two countries. The Maduro-controlled Venezuelan parliament has voted to suspend ties with Spain and the Spanish parliament passed a non-binding motion to urge the premier to recognise Gonzalez as the legitimate winner of the elections.

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In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Sanchez said Spain continued to work in favour of democracy, dialogue, and the fundamental rights of the brotherly people of Venezuela and added that he warmly welcomed Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia to our country.

Gonzalez thanked Sanchez at the meeting for his interest in the recovery of democracy and respect for human rights in our country, according to AFP.

In a separate statement issued after the meeting, Gonzalez also thanked Spains parliament for approving the motion as well as all the Spanish political forces that are actively fighting for his recognition as the winner of the July election, as per the agency.

My commitment to the mandate I have received from the sovereign people of Venezuela is unwavering, said Gonzalez.

Spain calls for democratic will to be reflected in Venezuela

Even as Spain stopped short of recognising Gonzalez as the legitimate winner of the election, Sanchez called for finding a way out that reflects the democratic will expressed at the ballot box by the Venezuelan people.

From a political point of view, the Spanish government has been clear since the elections were organised. We are doing something very important: working for unity in the European Union so that we can find a way out that reflects the democratic will expressed at the ballot box by the Venezuelan people, said Sanchez, as per AFP.

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Sanchez further said that granting asylum to Gonzalez was a gesture of humanity.

Gonzalez fled Venezuela after a court issued multiple summons in a case opened for his insistence that he was the real winner for the elections in July. He has been charged with usurpation of public functions, forgery of a public document, incitement to disobedience, sabotage, and association with organised crime, and faced imprisonment for up to 30 years, according to AFP.
Seal Team 6, the most elite US Navy commando unit that killed Osama bin Laden in 2022, has been planning and training for Taiwan conflict for over a year at Dam Neck read more

Seal Team 6 is a 'tier one' force and the most elite in the US military. Source: AP.

Security forces in the US are undergoing intense training but it isnt for the country, they are prepping up to help Taiwan from any possible invasion from China.

A report by Financial Times quoted people familiar with the developments as saying that Seal Team 6, the clandestine US Navy commando unit that killed Osama bin Laden in 2011, has been training for missions to support Taiwan if China tries to invade the democratic island which it claims as its territory.

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Seal Team 6 is a tier one force and is the most elite in the US military, alongside the Armys storied Delta Force.

Contingency preparations

As per the report, Seal Team 6, which is involved in US militarys most sensitive and arduous mission, has been planning and training for a Taiwan conflict for over a year at Dam Neck, its headquarters at Virginia Beach.

Preparations have intensified since 2021 when the US Indo-Pacific commander had warned that China could attack Taiwan in six years.

Though America has persistently believed that conflict with China is neither imminent nor inevitable, the US military has braced up contingency preparations as the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) continues to rampantly modernise to meet Xi Jinpings order that it has the capability by 2027 to attack or invade Taiwan by force.

China says it remains committed to peaceful reunification with Taiwan but has not ruled out the use of force. Last year, Xi told a European official that he believed that the US was trying to goad China into war.

Over recent years, the Pentagon has also increased the number of special forces in Taiwan for missions that involve providing training for the Taiwanese military.

As per the FT report, last week CIA director Bill Burns said that 20 per cent of his budget was devoted to China, a 200 per cent rise over three years.

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Also, recently, the head of US Indo-Pacific Command, Admiral Samuel Paparo, said that the US military would turn the Taiwan Strait into an unmanned hellscape if China was about to attack.

Paparo went on to say that it would involve unmanned submarines, ships and drones to make it harder for the PLA to launch an invasion across the strait, which separates Taiwan from China.

No surprise

That Seal Team 6 is planning for possible Taiwan-related missions should come as no surprise, the report quoted Sean Naylor, author of Relentless Strike, a book on Joint Special Operations Command who runs an online national security publication, The High Side, as saying.

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With the Pentagons reorientation over the past few years to focus on great power competition, it was inevitable that even the nations most elite counterterrorism units would seek out roles in that arena, for that path leads to relevance, missions and money, Naylor further said.

Why is the US helping Taiwan?

Under the Taiwan Relations Act, the US is committed to helping Taiwan in its self-defense efforts. Historically, the US has followed a policy of strategic ambiguity, avoiding mentioning if it would defend Taiwan. However, President Joe Biden has repeatedly indicated that the US forces would defend Taiwan in the event of an unprovoked attack by China.

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Taiwan is the most sensitive issue in US-China relations, and tensions over the island have been a critical part of backchannel discussions between US national security adviser Jake Sullivan and Chinas top foreign policy official Wang Yi, over the past year, the FT report quoted US and Chinese officials as saying.
The British government said that before the end of 2024, it would provide 242 million pounds of funding, including for humanitarian needs, and 484 million pounds in loan guarantees for World Bank lending to Ukraine read more

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy shakes hands with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the Fourth Crimea Platform Leaders Summit on September 11, 2024 in Kyiv, Ukraine. Source: REUTERS.

British foreign minister David Lammy said on Wednesday Britain would provide a further 600 million pounds ($781 million) of support for Ukraine as he visited Kyiv with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

The British government said it would provide 242 million pounds of funding, including for humanitarian needs, and 484 million pounds in loan guarantees for World Bank lending to Ukraine before the end of the year.

Britain has already committed 3 billion pounds a year of military support to Ukraine for as long as needed.

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Lammy said in a statement the latest funding would provide vital support to Ukrainians as they continue to endure relentless Russian attacks.

With the US, we stand firmly with Ukraine for as long as it takes, he said.

Britain said it would also deliver hundreds of additional air defence missiles, tens of thousands of more artillery ammunition rounds, and more armoured vehicles to Ukraine by the end of the year.
Trumps Tuesday remark that theyre eating the dogs, the people that came in, theyre eating the cats is the latest in a long line of lies about immigrants that have defined his political career read more

Haitian Americans said they fear for their safety after Donald Trump repeated a false and derogatory claim during this weeks presidential debate about immigrants in Ohio.

Haitian community leaders across the U.S. said the Republican candidates remarks about immigrants eating household pets during his debate with Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris could put lives at risk and further inflame tensions in the small city of Springfield, Ohio, where thousands of recent Haitian arrivals have boosted the local economy but also strained the safety net.

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We have to be careful where we go, said Viles Dorsainvil, 38, who says the Haitian community centre he heads in Springfield has received threatening phone calls. The hostility has prompted one friend working at an Amazon warehouse to consider leaving, he said.

He said that things are getting out of hand now; the way people are treating us, making bad comments about us, Dorsainvil said.

Trumps Tuesday remark that theyre eating the dogs, the people that came in, theyre eating the cats is the latest in a long line of lies about immigrants that have defined his political career. It followed a similar false claim spread by his running mate, U.S. Senator JD Vance of Ohio, on social media about Springfields new residents.

City officials say they have received no credible reports of anybody eating household animals. Karen Graves, a city spokesperson, said she was not aware of recent hate crimes targeting Haitian residents but that some had been victims of crimes of opportunity, such as property theft.

The Haitian Times reported opens new tab that some Haitian families in Springfield, Ohio, were keeping their children home from school, while other sources told the newspaper that they were subject to bullying, assaults and intimidation in front of their homes amid racist rhetoric amplified by social media.

The lie fed on frustrations of some in the western Ohio city, who say the 15,000 Haitians who have arrived in recent years to fuel the citys economy, have also stressed limited resources at local schools and health clinics and driven up rents.

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Tensions have increased since a Haitian driving without an Ohio license struck a school bus in 2023, killing 11-year-old Aiden Clark and injuring 26 other children.

People are getting really fed up, city resident Richard Jordan said at a city council meeting on Tuesday. Things are going to get ugly.

At that same meeting, Clarks father Nathan Clark criticized Trump and Vance for exploiting his sons death.

They can vomit all the hate they want about illegal immigrants, the border crisis, and even untrue claims about fluffy pets being ravaged and eaten by community members, Clark said. However, they are not allowed, nor have they ever been allowed, to mention Aiden Clark from Springfield, Ohio.

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Last month, a white supremacist was ejected from a city council meeting after he made threatening statements towards Haitian immigrants.

My heart fell

Ahead of the debate, billionaire Elon Musk amplified the lie further on his X social media platform, as did Republicans on the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee.

Guerline Jozef, who heads the national advocacy group Haitian Bridge Alliance, said her group had been trying to knock down the rumor before the debate.

When Trump mentioned it, my heart fell to the floor, she said. This has become a nationwide lie that people everywhere are repeating.

For Taisha Saintil, now an analyst with the immigrant advocacy group UndocuBlack Network, said Trumps remark brought back painful memories of being taunted when she arrived at a Florida elementary school in 2006.

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Some 1.1 million Haitian Americans live in the U.S., about half of whom are immigrants, according to the Census Bureau. Long established in Florida and New York, Haitian immigrants have recently been moving to states like North Carolina and California to pursue work, Jozef said.

Seeking work

Springfield officials say the majority of Haitian migrants are in the country legally, drawn by jobs at warehouses and factories. They have opened two restaurants and seven groceries, according to a city fact sheet.

While we are experiencing challenges related to the rapid growth of our immigrant population, these challenges are primarily due to the pace of the growth," city manager Bryan Heck said in a video on Wednesday.

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Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, a Republican, said on Tuesday the state is providing $2.5 million to help the new residents get vaccines and other health services, and state police are being brought in to help enforce traffic laws. He said President Joe Bidens administration should also provide aid to cities like Springfield that see a sudden increase in new migrants.

Trumps comments could energize his supporters to help him win over undecided voters, particularly aggrieved white voters who feel a sense of their own decline in this country, said Republican strategist Mike Madrid, founder of the anti-Trump Lincoln Project.

The attempts to dehumanize people is a long-proven strategy to work at a time when societys undergoing change, he said.

But that strategy risks spurring violence, Haitian American leaders said.

Democratic Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, the only Haitian-American in Congress, said Trumps rhetoric endangers Haitians across the country.

Weve heard these stereotypes for years about Haitian people, Black immigrants, doing all these things that we know arent true, she said.

Gepsie Metellus, who heads the Sant La Haitian neighbourhood centre in North Miami, said Trumps comment was viewed as a cheap political shot in her community but directly endangers those in Springfield.

This rhetoric has a way of turning out really badly, she said.
The father of 11-year-old Aiden Clark, who was killed last year when a minivan driven by an immigrant from Haiti collided with his school bus, urged former US President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator JD Vance to stop using his sons name for political gain. The comments from Clarks father came during a city commission meeting on Tuesday in Springfield, Ohio.

Aidens father Nathan Clark was addressing the forum alongside his wife Danielle. I wish that my son, Aiden Clark, was killed by a 60-year-old white man. I bet you never thought anyone would say something so blunt, but if that guy killed my 11-year-old son, the incessant group of hate-spewing people would leave us alone, the father said as per the report by Springfield News-Sun.

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Nathan went on to call out the names of politicians including Trump and Vance, who have been using his sons name for political gains. Bernie Moreno [the Ohio Republican senate candidate], Chip Roy [the Texas Republican representative], JD Vance and Donald Trump  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, he explained.

I will listen to them one more time to hear their apologies. To clear the air, my son, Aiden Clark, was not murdered. He was accidentally killed by an immigrant from Haiti. This tragedy has been all over this community, the state and even the nation. But dont spin this towards hate, he added.

Grieving father urges people to stop the hate

Nathans comments came after the Trump campaign mentioned Aidens death while propagating hateful and baseless rumours surrounding the Haitian immigrant community in the state. In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Vance alluded to Aidens death when he said that a Haitian migrant murdered a child."

In the same post, Trumps VP pick also repeated falsehoods surrounding Haitian immigrants eating local pets  a rumour brought up again by Trump during Tuesdays debate with Kamala Harris. Meanwhile, the Trump War Room, an X account used by the Trump campaign also claimed that Vice President and Democratic Presidential nominee Kamala Harris is refusing to take Aidens name.

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Did you know that one of the worst feelings in the world is to not be able to protect your child? Even worse, we cant protect his memory when hes gone. Please stop the hate," the father averred. In a statement to NBC News, following Clarks remark, a spokesperson from Vances team said that people should hold Harris and her open border policies accountable for the deaths of their children. The Clark family is in Senator Vances prayers," the spokesperson furthered.
BIllionaire Jared Isaacman, who is leading SpaceXs Polaris Dawn mission, completed the worlds first privately managed spacewalk on Thursday. He was quickly followed by SpaceX engineer Sarah Gillis. Though the spacewalk was only scheduled to last a half hour, it took an hour and 46 minutes. From the crew purging their suits to Isaacman and Gillis climbing out of the Crew Dragon capsule and back inside and sealing the hatch, heres how it all went down read more

Bllionaire Jared Isaacman, who is leading the Polaris Dawn mission, completed the worlds first privately managed spacewalk. AP

SpaceX did it.

The Elon Musk-run firm pulled off the first private spacewalk on Thursday during its Polaris Dawn mission.

Billionaire Jared Isaacman, who is leading the mission, completed the worlds first privately managed spacewalk.

Isaacman was followed quickly by SpaceX engineer Sarah Gillis.

While the visuals werent as thrilling as when Neil Armstrong walked on the Moon on July 20, 1969  nor did Isaacman have something as profound to say  but it was a big deal nevertheless.

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Until now, only government astronauts have made spacewalks.

But how did the spacewalk unfold? What went into making it a success?

Lets take a closer look:

How did it unfold?

Throughout Wednesday, the craft circled Earth at least six times in an oval orbit as shallow as 190 km and stretching out as far as 1,400 km.

This is the farthest in space that humans have traveled since the last US. Apollo mission in 1972.

The gumdrop-shaped spacecraft then began to lower its orbit into a peak 700-km position and adjust cabin pressure to ready for the spacewalk, formally called Extravehicular Activity (EVA), the Polaris program said on Wednesday.

The entire mission was streamed live on Twitter and YouTube.

The spacewalk officially kicked off with the all four members of the crew purging their suits.

Pure oxygen is going to start flowing to the crew suits, SpaceX communications manager Dan Huot explained to CNN before the mission. Thats when the EVA clock will start.

Though Scott Poteet, a retired US Air Force lieutenant colonel, and Anna Menon, a SpaceX medical officer and engineer were not making the walk, they too had to purge their suits ahead of the spacewalk.

(From L to R): Anna Menon, a SpaceX medical officer and engineer; Scott Poteet, a retired US Air Force lieutenant colonel; Jared Isaacman, the CEO of Shift4 Payments and an accomplished pilot; Sarah Gillis, a lead operations engineer at SpaceX. X/SpaceX

This is because the Crew Dragon capsule does not have an airlock.

Thus Menon and Poteet, who remained inside, also needed their suits to survive.

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The whole crew relying on their slim, SpaceX-developed spacesuits for oxygen, provided via an umbilical connection to Crew Dragon.

The suits were then pressurised and a check for leaks was conducted.

Nasa astronaut Mike Hopkins told CNN the leak check is extremely important part of the whole process.

You want to make sure that your suit is maintaining the pressure that it needs to.

The crew was then given the green light to vent the cabin  thus matching the pressure inside the craft to the vacuum outside.

Finally, Isaacman was told to open the Crew Dragon hatch.

SpaceX copies, you are go to open the hatch, ground control said, as per Scientific American.

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This didnt go smoothly.

It took Isaacman a few awkward tries before he finally got the hatch open.

He also had to manually pull it rather than simply pushing a button.

Isaacman then moved up the skywalker ladder installed inside the capsule and poked his head outside the capsule.

The live feed of the mission, broadcast on social media worldwide, also kept blacking out.

But cameras on board caught his silhouette, waist high at the hatch, with the blue Earth beneath.

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Back at home, we all have a lot of work to do. But from here, it sure looks like a perfect world," Isaacman said as the capsule soared above the South Pacific.

The first private spacewalking involved more stretching than walking.

This image made from a SpaceX video shows SpaceX engineer Sarah Gillis emerging from the capsule, Thursday Sept. 12, 2024. (SpaceX via AP)

Isaacman kept a hand or foot attached to it the whole time as he flexed his arms and legs to see how the spacesuit held up.

As per Scientific American, Isaacman at one point, with his feet firmly planted, let go of skywalker with his hands.

After roughly 10 minutes outside, Isaacman was replaced by SpaceX engineer Sarah Gillis to go through the same motions.

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Before heading out, Gillis reported seeing bulges in the hatch seal.

It might be bad for hatch closure after EVA complete, she said as per Scientific American.

Gillis bobbed up and down in weightlessness, no higher than her knees out of the capsule, as she twisted her arms and sent reports back to Mission Control.

Both Isaacman and Gillis had 3.6-meter tethers but did not unfurl them or dangle at the end unlike what happens at the space station, where astronauts routinely float out at a much lower orbit.

Poteet and Menon stayed strapped to their seats to monitor from inside.

Gillis finally climbed back inside the capsule, adjusted the seal bulges and closed the hatch.

The Crew Dragon began repressurising again.

Fifteen minutes later, air pressure within the capsule returned to normal, as per Scientific American.

The danger had passed.

Went by in blink of an eye

The spacewalk was scheduled to last only about 30 minutes, but the procedures to prepare for it and to finish took an hour and 46 minutes.

It marked a risky test of the new spacesuit designs and procedures for the capsule, among other things, in a mission meant to push the boundaries of what private companies can do in Earths orbit.

You only have so much time outside, you only have so many consumables, Michael Hopkins, a US Space Force colonel and former spacewalking NASA astronaut told Scientific American.

It is nice when youre out there once in a while to take a moment, look around, take in the view, absorb where you are.

It went by in the blink of an eye, said SpaceX commentator Kate Tice.

Congratulations streamed in after the spacewalk concluded at one hour and 46 minutes  or a full swing and then some around Earth.

Todays success represents a giant leap forward for the commercial space industry, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said via X.

Isaacman, 41, CEO and founder of the Shift4 credit card-processing company, has declined to disclose how much he invested in the flight.

This image provided by SpaceX on Tuesday, shows a view of Earth and the Dragon capsules Skywalker spacewalk platform shortly after the Polaris Dawn crew launched into orbit. SpaceX via AP

It was the first of three flights in a program hes dubbed Polaris; this one was called Polaris Dawn. For SpaceXs inaugural private flight in 2021, he took up contest winners and a cancer survivor.

Until Thursday, only 263 people had conducted a spacewalk, representing 12 countries. The Soviet Unions Alexei Leonov kicked it off in 1965, followed a few months later by NASAs Ed White.

What went into making it a success?

Practice, practice, practice.

The crew went extensive testing before the mission.

Gillis, who is SpaceX senior space operations engineer, is responsible for training astronauts on safety and flight operations.

She trained NASA astronauts for several operations, including International Space Stations Dragon missions Demo-2 and Crew-1 and Inspiration4 mission in 2021.

Isaacman previously went to space in 2021.

The mission, dubbed Inspiration4, raised over $240 million for St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital.

Isaacman is also a skilled pilot who has logged over 7,000 flight hours.

He also holds world records for speed-around-the-world flights.

Poteet, meanwhile, has over 3,200 flying hours and served as the Mission Director for Inspiration4.

Were going to do it as safely as we can, said Bill Gerstenmaier, vice president of build and flight reliability at SpaceX and former head of NASAs human spaceflight program was quoted as saying by Scientific American last month.

Weve got the right protocols and weve done the right testing to get ready to go.

Gerstenmaier was proven 100 per cent correct.

With inputs from agencies
A day after the presidential debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, Joe Biden was seen wearing a distinctive red MAGA hat with Trump 2024 written on it. The Trump campaigns War Room quipped that the US president donned the cap because his veep did so badly in the debate. Heres the truth read more

America is gearing up for the November election. On Tuesday night, the presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump set the tone. However, a day later, on September 11, the two were at a 9/11 memorial event along with Joe Biden. A picture has been going viral: It shows the US president wearing a MAGA (Make America Great Again) hat.

No, Biden has not switched sides. Whats the story behind the photo?

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Biden with Trump hat

The viral image of Biden wearing a MAGA cap was taken at an event held in Shanksville, Pennsylvania to commemorate the tragic 9/11 attacks. This sparked an online debate about whether Biden is extending his support to the Republican candidate this election season.

Also Read: Why Kamala Harris-Donald Trump debate wont decide presidential election

The videos and pictures showed him wearing a hat with the slogan Trump 2024. The Trump campaigns War Room rapid reaction account quipped that Biden had put the cap on because Kamala did so badly in last nights debate.

The story behind the image

The White House took to X to clarify the reason behind Bidens gesture. White House spokesman Andrew Bates in a post on X, At the Shanksville Fire Station, President Joe Biden spoke about the countrys bipartisan unity after 9/11 and said we needed to get back to that.

At the Shanksville Fire Station, @POTUS spoke about the country's bipartisan unity after 9/11 and said we needed to get back to that.



As a gesture, he gave a hat to a Trump supporter who then said that in the same spirit, POTUS should put on his Trump cap. He briefly wore it. https://t.co/7VKZnkVMY7  Andrew Bates (@AndrewJBates46) September 11, 2024

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He further clarified, As a gesture, he gave a hat to a Trump supporter who then said that in the same spirit, (Biden) should put on his Trump cap. He briefly wore it.

Biden, 81, who was replaced by Harris on the Democratic ticket after withdrawing from the race in July, has repeatedly characterised Trump as an existential threat to US democracy.

Several commenters noted that the episode came the day after a prime-time televised presidential debate between Trump and Democratic nominee Kamala Harris, in which the Republican told his opponent, Biden hates you.

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In reality, Trump is considered by neutral observers to have had a poor night, coming across as defensive, unprepared, and obsessed with the past and personal grievances.

What did Trump say at the debate?

At the heated debate just a day earlier, Trump had joked about sending a MAGA hat to Harris. But during the commemorative ceremony held for the September 11 attacks in New York City, the two leaders were seen playing nice, as per a news article by TMZ.

People watch the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris. AP

The event was also attended by Biden, whom Trump had ripped several times throughout the debate. Both kept it civil as well, the report says. Wearing commemorative blue ribbons, the leaders watched with other dignitaries as the names of the almost 3,000 victims of the attacks on the Twin Towers were read out.

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What do polls show?

Across three national polls conducted since the showdown on ABC, an average of 57 per cent of viewers said Harris turned in the better debate performance, while only 34 per cent said Trump came out on top.

With inputs from AFP
The 71-year-old was arrested back in August 2020 after he admitted to being an undercover FBI agent that he sold US secrets to China. Ma was a US citizen born in Hong Kong read more

- This image contained in the criminal complaint against Alexander Yuk Ching Ma shows a screenshot made from a video by an FBI undercover employee taken of Ma in January 2019 during a meeting. File Image: US Justice Department

Former CIA officer Alexander Yuk Ching Ma was sentenced to 10 years in prison for spying for the Chinese government. The 71-year-old was arrested back in August 2020 after he admitted to an undercover FBI agent that he sold US secrets to China. Ma was a US citizen born in Hong Kong.

The former official served in the CIA from 1982 to 1989. He eventually worked for the FBI at the later stage of his career. Part of his guilty plea agreement states that Ma must cooperate with prosecutors for the rest of his life, including by submitting to debriefings by US government agencies.

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The plea deal also requires the former agent to submit polygraph tests during those debriefings, the Associated Press reported. During the sentencing hearing on Wednesday, lawyers told the court that Ma has been cooperative throughout the process. The former spy has already taken part in multiple interview sessions with government agents.

How did he go about it?

Official told the court that Ma collaborated with a relative who was also a CIA agent. Both the officials used to supply secrets to intelligence officers who were employed by the Shanghai State Security Bureau. One of the meetings in Hong Kong which was recorded on tape showed Ma counting $50,000 which he received for sharing secrets.

In 2004, when Ma was living in Hawaii, he took a job at FBIs Honolulu office as a contract linguist. The federal agency was aware of his espionage activities and hired Ma as part of a ruse to monitor and investigate his activities and contacts, prosecutors told the court on Wednesday.

Mas collaborator in the whole operation was his brother, who died before he was prosecuted. Ma was eventually jailed for 10 years, as agreed with prosecutors, followed by five years of supervised release. Let it be a message to anyone else thinking of doing the same, FBI Honolulu Special Agent-in-Charge Steven Merrill said in a statement obtained by the Associated press. No matter how long it takes, or how much time passes, you will be brought to justice, the statement further reads.
The move came just days after Edmundo Gonzalez, recognised by the US and other countries as winner of the July 28 presidential election, fled to Spain after Maduros government issued a warrant for the opposition leaders arrest read more

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro addresses government loyalists gathered at the presidential palace in support of his reelection one month after the presidential vote, in Caracas, Venezuela, Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024. File Photo- AP

The Biden administration on Thursday imposed sanctions on 16 allies of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro over voter fraud in the countrys election and his governments ensuing crackdown on the political opposition, drawing a sharp response from Caracas, terming the move as a crime of aggression.

Maduros reelection claim has been rejected by the United States and other nations.

The US move to impose sanctions came just days after Edmundo Gonzalez, recognised by the US and other countries as winner of the July 28 presidential election, fled to Spain after Maduros government issued a warrant for the opposition leaders arrest.

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Reacting to the development on Thursday, Venezuela rejected, in the strongest terms, the new crime of aggression committed by the US.

Venezuela rejects, in the strongest terms, the new crime of aggression committed by the government of the United States of America against Venezuela seeking to ingratiate itself with a political class that has resorted to fascist and violent practices to overthrow, without success, the Bolivarian democracy, AFP quoted Venezuelas foreign ministry as saying in a statement.

Among those targeted by the US were Supreme Court President Caryslia Rodriguez, electoral council director Rosalba Gil and National Assembly Vice President Pedro Infante. The list includes others linked to the election as well as military and intelligence officials accused of post-election repression.

As part of the first punitive US measures in response to Maduros disputed reelection claim, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Washington was also imposing visa restrictions on an unspecified number of Maduro-aligned officials.

But the US stopped short of announcing any new actions against the OPEC members vital energy sector, which is already under heavy US sanctions, an omission that raises questions about the potential impact of the new measures.

President Joe Bidens administration is seeking to punish Maduro and his loyalists for what the US sees as reneging on the promise of a competitive democratic vote while also pressuring him into negotiations with the opposition.

The Treasury Department is targeting key officials involved in Maduros fraudulent and illegitimate claims of victory and his brutal crackdown on free expression following the election, as the overwhelming majority of Venezuelans call for change, Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo said in a statement.

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Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil said in a message on Telegram that his government rejected the new crime of aggression by the United States against Venezuela in imposing unilaterally coercive, illegitimate and illegal measures on officials of the state.

Demands for transparency

Election officials and Venezuelas top court have said Maduro, a Socialist who has been in power since 2013, won the election. The opposition said tallies collected by its observers show a resounding victory for Gonzalez.

Many democratic countries have condemned Maduro for claiming victory without providing proof, demanded full transparency, and accused him of tampering with the vote count.

Gonzalez, a 75-year-old veteran diplomat, flew to Spain seeking political asylum last weekend after Venezuelan authorities threatened to arrest him, accusing him of conspiracy and other crimes, charges that he denied.

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Venezuelans hopes for political change have largely faded with Gonzalezs flight, the post-election crackdown and the international communitys failure so far to take decisive action to loosen Maduros grip on power.

Washingtons cautious response, some US officials have said, reflects misgivings about actions that could spike global oil prices or inflict serious damage to Venezuelas already struggling economy, fearing that could spur an increased flow of Venezuelan migrants to the US-Mexico border.

Aides to Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, who has replaced him at the top of the Democratic ticket for the Nov. 5 US election, are wary about giving Republicans a further opening on the hot-button immigration issue.

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Asked whether the US was weighing future oil sector-related actions, including adding restrictions on US oil producer Chevrons operations in Venezuela, a senior US official told reporters a range of options were under consideration but did not provide details.

The new Treasury sanctions call for freezing any US assets held by the targeted officials.

However, there are questions about the effectiveness of such individual sanctions, given that Washington has already targeted more than 140 Venezuelan officials, including Maduro himself in 2017, and placed US visa bans on nearly 2,000 people.

The US official insisted the sanctions were an important step in an effort to pressure Maduro to make better decisions on Venezuelas political situation before the presidential inauguration in January.

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Washington, which rejected Maduros 2018 reelection as a sham, broadly eased sanctions on Venezuelas oil industry last October in response to a deal between Maduro and opposition parties. But in April the US reimposed the sanctions, accusing Maduro of failing to meet most of his electoral commitments.

With inputs from agencies
Russian President Vladimir Putin conveyed his invitation during a meeting with Indian NSA Ajit Doval. India is one of the few nations with an open line of communication with both sides in the Russia-Ukraine conflict read more

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his anticipation for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modis attendance at the upcoming BRICS summit in Kazan later this year and proposed holding bilateral talks during the event, Russian state media outlet TASS reported Thursday (September 12).

Putin conveyed his invitation during a meeting with Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval in St. Petersburg.

Indias Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the meeting, with spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stating, NSA Doval met with President Putin. He has other engagements in Russia.

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Calls for India as mediator

Earlier this month, Putin suggested that China, India, and Brazil could play a role as mediators in peace talks over the conflict in Ukraine.

We respect our friends, partners, who, I believe, are sincerely interested in resolving all issues related to this conflict. This is primarily the Peoples Republic of China, Brazil, India. I am constantly in contact with our colleagues on this issue. And I have no doubt that the leaders of these countries, we have a trusting relationship with them, sincerely strive to help understand all the details of this complex process, Putin had said.

The calls for India to play a role as a peacemaker in the Russia-Ukraine War have increased in recent days.

India is one of the few nations with an open line of communication with both sides in the conflict. Throughout the conflict, PM Modi has been one of the few world leaders who have maintained constant communication with both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Indias position on Russia-Ukraine war

In the Russia-Ukraine war, India has maintained a position of formal neutrality to protect its interests.

This has involved abstaining from key votes at the UN Security Council, General Assembly, and Human Rights Council that condemned Russias actions in Ukraine.

Additionally, India has refrained from openly criticising Moscow and Putin as the aggressors in the crisis.

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With inputs from agencies
There was another club called G7 and you wont let anyone else enter the club. So we went on to form our clubAs it started it gained a life of its own over the period of time. Others saw value in it as well, said Jaishankar at an event at the Global Center for Security Policy in Geneva read more

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday said that the BRICS originated when the G7 refused to admit new members and as the bloc evolved, it gained a life of its own and others recognised its value.

Speaking at the Global Center for Security Policy in Geneva, Jaishankar said, There was another club called G7 and you wont let anyone else enter the club. So we went on to form our clubAs it started it gained a life of its own over the period of time. Others saw value in it as well.

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#WATCH | Geneva Centre for Security Policy | When asked why BRICS and if it would expand, EAM Dr S Jaishankar says, "...There was another club called G7 and you won't let anyone else enter the club. So we went on to form our club...As it started it gained a life of its own over pic.twitter.com/rGUplLp1kM  ANI (@ANI) September 12, 2024

Talking about the future of the global order, Jaishankar credited the city of Geneva, which hosts many UN organisations, more than any other to really construct what is a world order.

VIDEO | "If we talk about the future of the global order, we talk about the changes, challenges and prospects, this is a city where perhaps... which has done more than any other to really to construct what is a world order. The fact that it hosts so many UN organisations itself pic.twitter.com/Qm3Za8I8xK  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 12, 2024

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If we talk about the future of the global order, we talk about the changes, challenges and prospects, this is a city where perhaps which has done more than any other to really to construct what is a world order. The fact that it hosts so many UN organisations itself is a testimony to those efforts, said the minister.

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Jaishankar also expressed optimism about the future of the Quad alliance and hoped that the Quad summit will be held in the US in the coming days.

#WATCH | Geneva: EAM Dr S Jaishankar says, "...We hope that in the coming days, we will have a Quad summit in the US...With the passage of time, there is an increase in reassurance in much of the Indo-Pacific, that it (Quad) is a net asset to the region..."



(Source: MEA/YouTube) pic.twitter.com/1UB3DcGJYD  ANI (@ANI) September 12, 2024

We hope that in the coming days, we will have a Quad summit in the USWith the passage of time, there is an increase in reassurance in much of the Indo-Pacific, that it (Quad) is a net asset to the region, Jaishankar added.

Jaishankar began his two-day visit to Switzerland on Thursday by paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi at his statue in Geneva.

He arrived in Geneva from Germany on the final leg of his three-nation tour that also took him to Saudi Arabia.

Started my visit to Geneva by paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi. In a world of polarisation and conflict, Bapus message of harmony and sustainability is more relevant than ever, he said in a post on X.

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Started my visit to Geneva by paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi.



In a world of polarisation and conflict, Bapu's message of harmony and sustainability is more relevant than ever. pic.twitter.com/BCoV350Y0q  Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) September 12, 2024

As part of his visit, Jaishankar will meet with heads and representatives of international organisations with whom India is actively engaged.

He will also meet the Swiss Foreign Minister to review the close partnership between the two countries and explore avenues to enhance the bilateral relationship further.

With inputs from agencies
At a debate at Londons Chatham House, the three declared candidates - Mamadou Tangara of Gambia, Shirley Botchwey from Ghana and Joshua Setipa of Lesotho - said they backed the idea of making amends for slavery and colonialism. read more

From the 15th to the 19th century, at least 12.5 million Africans were kidnapped, forcibly transported by European merchants and sold into slavery. Britain transported an estimated 3.2 million people, the most active European country after Portugal, which enslaved nearly 6 million. File Image- Reuters

All three candidates running to become the next secretary-general of the Commonwealth, a 56-nation club headed by Britains King Charles, said on Wednesday they supported reparations for transatlantic slavery and colonialism.

The Commonwealth evolved out of the British empire and is one of the worlds biggest international organisations, covering some 2.7 billion people. Members include Canada and India as well as 21 African countries, and Caribbean islands such as Barbados and Jamaica.

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Charles expressed deep sorrow over slavery in a speech to Commonwealth leaders in 2022 and last year gave his support to research that will examine the British monarchys links to slavery. However, Britain, like most colonial powers, has rejected calls for reparations.

Support for reparations: All three candidates running for Commonwealth Secretary-General support reparations for transatlantic slavery and colonialism.

Commonwealth overview: The Commonwealth is a 56-nation organization that evolved from the British Empire, and represents 2.7 billion people. Notable members include Canada, India, 21 African nations, and Caribbean islands such as Barbados and Jamaica.

Historical background:

The Commonwealths formation is tied to the British Empire, and reparations discussions stem from the legacy of colonialism and slavery.

King Charles remarks on slavery: In 2022, King Charles expressed sorrow over slavery and supported research into the British monarchys links to slavery.

Britains stance: Britain has consistently rejected calls for reparations, like many other colonial powers.

Upcoming election: The new Secretary-General will be elected in October during the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Samoa.

Candidate positions:

Shirley Botchwey (Ghana): Advocates for reparations and suggests that the Commonwealth could provide a common voice if member states request it.

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Joshua Setipa (Lesotho): Supports immediate Commonwealth action on reparations, emphasizing its role in facilitating difficult discussions.

Mamadou Tangara (Gambia): Fully supports reparations but believes member states should lead the conversations, with the Commonwealth acting as a facilitator.

Reparations beyond financial payments: Both Botchwey and Setipa stress that reparations involve more than financial compensation, including support for addressing climate change and building economic resilience.

Historical slavery impact: Between the 15th and 19th centuries, 12.5 million Africans were enslaved by European merchants, with Britain transporting 3.2 million people. Portugal enslaved nearly 6 million people, making it the most active European nation in the slave trade.

Growing momentum for reparations: The divisive issue of reparations is gaining traction, with some institutions and nations acknowledging historical wrongs.

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Previous statements by Botchwey: Botchwey has emphasized that admissions of guilt provide a foundation for demands for reparations.

Regional efforts on reparations: The Caribbean Community has a 10-point reparation plan, including debt cancellation. The African Union is developing a unified stance on reparations, led by Ghana.

UN support for reparations: Earlier this year, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for reparations to address centuries of exclusion and discrimination.
The Chinese-Brazilian proposal is  destructive, its just a political statement, Zelenskyy said in an interview posted on Wednesday by Brazilian media outlet Metropoles read more

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has dismissed a Chinese-Brazilian peace initiative for the war in Ukraine as destructive, and complained that Kyiv had not been involved in the process.

China and Brazil called in May for an international peace conference recognised by both Russia and Ukraine, involving equal participation of all parties, and what they called fair discussion of all peace plans.

The Chinese-Brazilian proposal is  destructive, its just a political statement, Zelenskyy said in an interview posted on Wednesday by Brazilian media outlet Metropoles.

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How can you offer here is our initiative without asking anything from us?

Zelenskyy said the initiative lacked respect for Ukraine and its territorial integrity, according to video footage posted by Metropoles, and that Russian President Vladimir Putin had to take steps to show he wants to end the war.

The Ukrainian leader said he had offered to discuss the proposals with China and Brazil.

Reuters reported in June that China had been trying to enlist developing nations to join the six-point initiative, issued before a Ukraine-led summit in Switzerland.

Putin said in May he backed Chinese peace proposals and suggested this month that China and Brazil, as well as India, could act as mediators in potential peace talks over Ukraine.

A 12-point plan put forward by Beijing earlier in the war received a lukewarm reception in Ukraine, and the United States said China was presenting itself as a peacemaker but reflecting Russias false narrative and failing to condemn its invasion.

Zelenskyys own proposals include a withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine, the restoration of Ukraines 1991 post-Soviet borders and bringing Russia to account for its actions.

He said he viewed Brazils government as more pro-Russian adding: It is necessary to remember that Russias love is temporary and Russias disrespect for the rule of law is permanent.
After the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 Qualcomm Reference Design (QRD) device surfaced in Geekbench listing, OnePlus 13 with the model number PJZ110, and Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 has surfaced in Geekbench listing.

This reveals better scores compared to the latest Apple A18 Pro chip, which was introduced in the iPhone 16 Pro earlier this week.

The single-core Geekbench score of 3216 and multi-core score of 10051 is better than the 2884 single-core and 8840 multi-core scores in the Qualcomm QRD device.

According to Geekbench listing, the Apple A18 has 3,409 single-core score and 8,492 multi-core score that are 18% better than the Apple A17 Pro chip, but the multi-core score is less than the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 4.

The listing also reveals Android 15 and 16GB of RAM for the phone. Earlier rumours revealed other specifications of the phone including a 6000mAh battery.

Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 configuration?

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 has 2 x prime cores clocked at 4.32GHz, 6 x performance core clocked at 3.53GHz, which will likely be the final clock speed. This uses Qualcomms self-developed Nuvia CPU architecture for the first time.

It has Adreno 830 GPU, and TSMCs 3nm process. UWB+NB-NTN+NPU, and AI has also been greatly been improved powering the next wave of flagship phones that will all boast AI, according to reports.

Xiaomi 15 and Xiaomi 15 Pro are said to be the first phones to use the chip, so we can expect the phones to be introduced in China as early as October, soon after the launch of the chip at the Snapdragon Summit 2024 that starts on October 21st.

Source 1, 2, 3
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.
Thu Thursday

86 /55

More sun than clouds. Highs in the mid 80s and lows in the mid 50s.
Spencer Price, left, holds up an American flag alongside his wife Miranda and their kids as a funeral procession that drove from Grand Junction through Palisade in remembrance of Colorado Department of Transportation employee Trent Umberger, who was killed along with CDOT coworker Nate Jones in a crash last week near Palisade.
September 10, 2024

By Matthew Olay, DOD News

Intel Agency's Director Discusses Organization's Post-Declassification Era

If you've never heard of the National Reconnaissance Office, you're not alone.

Established by the Defense Department in August of 1960 and tasked with the mission to "develop and operate the world's most capable and innovative overhead reconnaissance systems to collect intelligence for U.S. national security and to support disaster relief and humanitarian efforts," the very existence of the NRO was kept secret by the government until it finally declassified the organization in 1992.

"For a good 30 [or so] years, the NRO was very much a secret organization. You couldn't even say whether NRO [existed]," NRO Director Chris Scolese explained today during a fireside chat at the Global Aerospace Summit 24 in downtown Washington.

During the brief chat, Scolese discussed the NRO's mission, explaining how the organization partners with the U.S. intelligence community, DOD and international partners to acquire satellite intelligence that is then distributed to several different organizations.

"We look, listen and sense; and that gives us a global view," Scolese said. "We see the whole Earth all the time, and we make that information that we collect available to many organizations that serve a lot of different purposes."

In addition to providing information to intelligence community agencies and DOD to assist its warfighters, Scolese said that the NRO also provides information to numerous civil agencies.

"When there's a natural disaster, [the NRO is] there because we're looking from up above, and we can provide that information very quickly to the first responders that need it," Scolese said.

Noting that the fireside chat was taking place on the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Scolese mentioned that the NRO lost three people that day.

"And I'm sure many people in the audience a probably [also] know people who were either lost or know people who lost people; and that's one of the reasons that keeps us [at the NRO] working every day," Scolese explained.

He also added that NRO members realize the information they provide can prevent a future attack.

For all the NRO's successes, Scolese said there are challenges to operating in the space domain that the organization has to vigilantly stay on top of.

"The challenge we have is to stay ahead of the people, organizations and nations that want to keep us from delivering the information," Scolese said.

"So that requires us to constantly be innovating not only in technology a but we also have to innovate in our way of how we work with industry, how we work with academia a how we work with other departments a and other government agencies."

As the chat wound down, Scolese talked about how he views the quality of people working for and with the NRO as being the biggest benefit of the entire organization no longer being classified.

"Now that we're no longer secret, we can recruit a the best and brightest to come work with us," he said.

"Without them, we couldn't do the great things that we're doing each and every day."

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Former CIA Officer Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Conspiracy to Commit Espionage

Wednesday, September 11, 2024

For Immediate Release

Office of Public Affairs

Alexander Yuk Ching Ma, 71, of Honolulu, a former Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) officer, was sentenced today to conspiring to gather and deliver national defense information to the People's Republic of China (PRC).

Ma was arrested in August 2020, after admitting to an undercover FBI employee that he had facilitated the provision of classified information to intelligence officers employed by the PRC's Shanghai State Security Bureau (SSSB).

According to court documents, Ma worked for the CIA from 1982 until 1989. His blood relative (identified as co-conspirator #1 or CC #1 in court documents), who is deceased, also worked for the CIA from 1967 until 1983. As CIA officers, both men held Top Secret security clearances that granted them access to sensitive and classified CIA information, and both signed nondisclosure agreements.

As Ma admitted in the plea agreement, in March 2001, over a decade after he resigned from the CIA, Ma was contacted by SSSB intelligence officers, who asked Ma to arrange a meeting between CC #1 and the SSSB. Ma convinced CC #1 to agree, and both Ma and CC #1 met with SSSB intelligence officers in a Hong Kong hotel room for three days. During the meetings, CC #1 provided the SSSB with a large volume of classified U.S. national defense information in return for $50,000 in cash. Ma and CC #1 also agreed to continue to assist the SSSB.

In March 2003, while living in Hawaii, Ma applied for a job as a contract linguist in the FBI's Honolulu Field Office. The FBI, aware of Ma's ties to PRC intelligence, hired Ma as part of a ruse to monitor and investigate his activities and contacts with the SSSB. Ma worked part time at an offsite location for the FBI from August 2004 until October 2012.

As detailed in the plea agreement, in February 2006, Ma was tasked by the SSSB with asking CC #1 to identify four individuals of interest to the SSSB from photographs. Ma convinced CC #1 to provide the identities of at least two of the individuals, whose identities were and remain classified U.S. national defense information.

Ma confessed that he knowingly and willfully conspired with CC #1 and SSSB intelligence officers to communicate and transmit information that he knew would be used to injure the United States or to advantage the PRC.

In court documents and at today's sentencing hearing, the government noted that Ma was convicted of a years-long conspiracy to commit espionage, a serious breach of national security that caused the government to expend substantial investigative resources. The government also noted that Ma's role in the conspiracy was to facilitate the exchange of information between CC #1 and the SSSB, which consisted of classified CIA information that CC #1 had obtained between 1967 and 1983.

Under the terms of the plea agreement, Ma must cooperate with the United States for the rest of his life, including by submitting to debriefings by U.S. government agencies. At the sentencing hearing, government counsel told the court that Ma has been cooperative and has taken part in multiple interview sessions with government agents.

Ma has been sentenced to 10 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release.

Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department's National Security Division, U.S. Attorney Clare E. Connors for the District of Hawaii and Executive Assistant Director Robert Wells of the FBI's National Security Branch made the announcement.

The FBI's Honolulu and Los Angeles Field Offices investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ken Sorenson and Craig Nolan for the District of Hawaii, and Trial Attorneys Scott Claffee and Leslie Esbrook of the National Security Division's Counterintelligence and Export Control Section prosecuted the case.

Topic: National Security

Components: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

National Security Division (NSD)

USAO - Hawaii

Press Release Number: 24-1132



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September 10, 2024

Release

Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant

Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout:

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant today to express his grave concern for the IDF's responsibility for the unprovoked and unjustified death of American citizen Aysenur Eygi while she was attending a protest in the West Bank. The Secretary urged Minister Gallant to reexamine the IDF's rules of engagement while operating in the West Bank.

Secretary Austin also offered his condolences for the three Israeli civilians killed by a gunman at the Allenby Bridge Crossing. Secretary Austin reiterated the importance of reaching a ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza that secures the release of all the hostages and de-escalates hostilities in the region.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3901813/

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Press Gaggle by Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre En Route New York, NY

September 10, 2024

Aboard Air Force One

En Route New York, New York

5:28 P.M. EDT

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: All right. So, tomorrow, the president and the vice president will visit all three sites of the September 11th terrorist attacks to honor the 2,977 lives lost and to support the families and loved ones who still feel the pain of that horrible day.

In the morning, the president and the vice president will participate in a 9/11 commemoration ceremony at Ground Zero. And then they will tr-  they will travel to Shanksville, Pennsylvania, to participate in a Flight 93 wreath-laying ceremony in the afternoon. In the evening, the president and the vice president will participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Pentagon.

We can only  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  who were stolen from us way too soon. We

will continue to do everything in our power to ensure that an attack like this never happens again, and we will remain vigilant against all threats to the homeland and  and take action as necessary to keep Americans safe.

Today, a new report shows that nearly 50 million people have had coverage in the Affordable Care Act marketplace. That's one in seven Americans who have benefited from the peace of mind that comes with knowing that they can get the care they need when they need it.

Still, Republicans in Congress remain committed to taking us backwards by repealing the Affordable Care Act and taking that peace of mind away. In fact, they voted more than 50 times to repeal the law.

The Affordable Care Act is more popular than ever, and Affordable Care Act coverage is more affordable than ever. That's because President Biden and Vice President Harris have worked tirelessly to protect and build on the ACA. Now more Americans have health insurance than ever before, and Americans are saving an average of $800 per year on their premiums. The president and Vice President Harris remain focused on building on this progress.

And finally, the White House mourns the passing of James Earl Jones. His remarkable talents will not be forgotten. As President Biden said, "Through iconic characters, film, stage, commercials, radio, and more, his voice carried a sense of grace and dignity that commanded respect and demanded to be heard. His roles made us stop, stayed  stayed with us, and inspired us to reflect on everything from race and power, good and evil, to our place in the world."

The president and the first lady send their love and condolences to his family and everyone he inspired.

Darlene.

Q Thank you. Two questions.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Sure.

Q Earlier today, Congress awarded its highest honor to the 13 service members that were killed in the Afghanistan withdrawal. Is there anything that you'd like to add from the White House side? I know they  some of them already received Purple Hearts. But is there anything you want to  want to add?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Yeah. So, these Gold Star families have given more to our country than any family should be asked to give. Like the president said last month on the anniversary of that  of that tragic attack, and I quote, "These 13 Americans and the many more that were wounded were patriots in the highest sense."

I don't know if you remember this, but the president did sign the bill into law, posthumously awarding a Congressional Gold Medal in December of 2021. And the president and the first lady grieve with the families and respect them and wish them to know that we will continue to do everything we can to support them and to honor both their sacrifice and f-  and that of their fallen loved ones.

We with  we will, with all sincerity, meet this most sacred of obligations and continue to honor the sacrifices their loved ones made.

Q And on 9/11. Why is it important for both the president and the vice president to be at all three stops tomorrow?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: As I stated a little bit at the top, when I was talking about yesterday and what  it was tomorrow  pardon me, tomorrow  and what that day is going to look like, they want to honor the 2,977 lives that were lost on that tragic day and support the families and also their loved ones who are still  still feeling a horrible pain.

And so, they wanted to do that. They're  on this particular year, they're doing it together. And so, they want to make sure that they continue to lift up  as you remember, you know, one of the things that was said is that we will never forget, and this is definitely  when you think about 9/11, it's a moment, it's a day, obviously, 23 years ago, we will never forget.

Q Does it have anything to do with the fact that she is now a candidate for president?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I'm not going to get into politics. Tomorrow is not about politics. It's  it's about remembering those lives that were lost. And I'm just going to leave it there.

Q Thanks.

Q Did the president and vice president speak today? I know he mentioned, as he was leaving 

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Yeah. So, the president mentioned that, as you know, as he was leaving the White House today. On the South Lawn, he spoke to  he spoke to your colleagues, reporters on the South Lawn. And he mentioned that he  he spoke to the vice president earlier today; they had a conversation. Obviously, I'm not going to get into  into that conversation. It was a  into any private conversation that the president has.

But obviously, he wishes her luck. He's very proud of her. And I remind you all, one of the things that the president has said  said recently is that the best decision that he made was making then-Senator Kamala Harris his running mate, and he believes that t-  to this day.

Q Karine 

Q Did he give her any advice?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: (Laughs.)

Q Karine, the president also spoke to 

Q That was a real question. Sorry.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: No, no, it's a real question. No, no, I  no, it's a real question. I just am not going to d-  dive into their conversation. But it's a real question.

Q Has she asked him for advice?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I'm not going to get into it. I would  I would refer you to her campaign, anything that  that relates to her.

But go ahead.

Q So, the president said that the acc-  the shooting of the Turkish-American woman in the West Bank in Beita was apparently an accident and involved a ricocheting bullet. Do you have any further details? And there's been some question about why the president hasn't reached out to the family. Has he done that in the meantime?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Yeah. So, I'm going to start with your last question first. I don't have a  a call to read out to you o-  at this time.

But to your first question, he was referring  the first part of your question, he was referring to what the initial Israeli investigation concluded. And I think Secretary Blinken, while he was in  he's in London, and he talked about this earlier this morning.

They released the findings today and briefed the U.S. government. They've also announced a criminal investigation into the incident. And so, we will continue to stay in close contact with the Israeli and also the Palestin-  Palestinian authorities as we learn more about the circumta-  -stances that led  led to this  to this  to this death, this tragic death.

Q As a potential 

Q Blinken's 

Q  government shutdown looms, does the White House just have any, you know, comment, update kind of on maybe where things stand? Just can you provide any update on  you know, has Biden spoken with any congressional leaders on  on what's going on or 

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, look, I think I talked a little bit about this. As far as the White House, OM-  OMB and the Legis-  Leg Affairs Office has been in  in communication with senior  senior le-  well, House and  House and Senate leaders on this parti-  on this particular question that you asked me, on the need to  to pass a short-term CR to keep the government open without eroding our national defense, undermining our veterans and seniors, abandoning communities struck  struck by disaster, or threatening deva-  devastating  devastating across-the-board cuts to programs Americans count on.

So, we're coordinating with our Democratic leaders on this, on  on a short-term CR. This is  and you've heard us say this many times before. This is the part of their job that is, you know, the easy part of their job. They can get this done, keep the government open, do it in a bipartisan way. They've done it before.

The president is always in regular touch with  with congressional members on the Hill. I don't have anything to read out to you, but as you can  as you just heard from me, his senior leadership, including OMB, is in constant communication with House and Senate leadership.

And so, those conversations are going to continue. But they should do their job. They should do the basic part of their job, which is keep the government open.

Q Can we go back to 9/11 for just a second?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Sure.

Q So, after 9/11, there was a huge increase in crimes  hate crimes against people who were Muslim or were conceived or perceived to be Muslim.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Yeah.

Q You have been working on an Islamophobia strategy, which I keep asking about.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I know you do.

Q (Laughs.) What's the status on that? And are you  you know, we are seeing now, in this current environment, where there's so much tension around Gaza, both the rise in antisemitism but also a really notable increase in crimes against, you know, not just Muslims but anti-Palestinian hate crimes. Chicago 

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So 

Q Like in Chicago 

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Yeah.

Q  I think there was, like, a 200 percent increase 

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Yeah.

Q  in those incidents in Chicago, which is the largest Palestinian American community.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, to your question about Islamophobia strategy, I just don't have any news to make or anything to share at this time. We've been very clear: Any form of hate, hate speech, violence has no place  no place in our country, no place in any community.

And we are always ready to condemn that. And  and the president has, the vice president has  not just these past three and a half years, throughout their career. And we'll continue to do so.

And you're right. There's a sharp increase in antisemitism. We see an uptick in Islamophobia as well and this kind of violent rhetoric, hate speech against communities. And it's not okay. It's not okay. And we  we need to stop  it needs to stop.

That's why the president has had a national antisemit-  an anti  antisemitism strategy that we talked about, that we've laid out over the past year or so and  and also, obviously, anti-Islamophobia strategy as well.

And so, I don't have anything new to share on that  no news to make. But we are going to continue to condemn any form  any form of hate speech, any  you know, any violence that we see. It's no place in our  in our politics and certainly no place in this  in  in this country at all.

Q Can I follow up on Andrea's earlier question 

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Yeah.

Q  about Israel? The president said the bullet appeared to ricochet off the ground. How does a bullet ricochet off the ground, hit someone in the head? And secondly, there have been calls for an independent investigation 

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Yeah.

Q  into this. Where does  does the president support that? Is that going to happen?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, I'm not going to go beyond what the president said. He laid out the initial  he was talking about the initial part of the investigation. And so, we've been very clear that we  we wanted to see an investigation.

I'll  a couple of things that I really  I think gets into  into your question. Blinken called on the Israeli security forces to make fundamental changes to the way that they operate in the West Bank. That is something that we heard from Blinken earlier today. He also called it not  not acceptable.

And I think this is a really important quote here: "No one  no one should be shot and killed for attending a protest. No one should have to put their life at risk just to purely express their views." "The Israeli  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."

So, this is something I think that was incredibly powerful. And he had a moment  the secretary had a moment to actually address this. And so, certainly would refer you to those comment.

And so, I would just reiterate from here: The shooting that led to her death is unacceptable. It is unacceptable. And  and Israel  Israel has taken responsibility for this incident and opened a criminal investigation, which is important to note. And so, this is a welcome step. And so, we want to continue to see those steps moving forward.

Q Karine, now, I'm just confused.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Yeah.

Q I mean, if it  if they've opened a criminal investigation 

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Yeah.

Q  and Blinken is calling for changes in what they're doing 

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Yeah.

Q  then how was it apparently an accident?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I'm not going to get ahead of it. I'm really  I  I  there's initial investi-  initial readout of the investigation. That's what we were speaking to. That's what was shared.

And then I don't have anything to share beyond what you heard from Blinken, beyond what you heard from the president. And  and we've been just very, very clear about more changes need to be made.

And so, there's a criminal investigation, which is different than the investigation that the Israeli  Israeli government is  is calling on  is doing  I shouldn't say calling on, but is doing. And so, that's what we want to continue to see.

Q And so, you know, are there any ramifications if this was 

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I'm not 

Q You know, Blinken is calling for changes.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: Yeah.

Q The U.S. government has repeatedly said it does not believe that the U-  that Israel is engaging in war crimes. You know, are these  does this change anything for you in terms of conditioning military aid or  or any kind of message?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, there's an investigation going. We're going to let that process go  continue. There is no changes in our policy 

Q Does 

MS. JEAN-PIERRE:  and how we move.

Q Does the president find the Israeli investigation credible? Like, his comments leaving the South Lawn makes it sound like 

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: It was an initial  it was an initial report on the investigation. I don't have anything else to share. You heard from Secretary Blinken. And what we know is what happened to this young person, this young woman, was unacceptable  unacceptable. And I think that Blinken's comments earlier today was incredibly powerful and forceful and I think lays out exactly how  obviously, how this president feels and where we stand with this today.

Q Does the president plan to speak with Prime Minister Netanyahu anytime soon, or what does 

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: So, look, the president and  and the prime minister have spoken many times over the past several months. Certainly, they will continue to do so.

I don't have a call to read out to you. And when they  because they've known each other for decades, when they speak, they have an honest and frank conversation. That's because they have that relationship. Don't have anything else to  to read out.

Q Does he plan to call the family now 

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: We've got to sit down, guys.

Q  now that the investigation 

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I don't 

Q Okay.

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I don't have anything to read out on a call.

Q Thank you.

Q Is he at all  how does he feel about the debate going on tonight without him? Does he feel unhappy he's not there or happy he's not there?

MS. JEAN-PIERRE: I think I would refer you back to what the president said in the Oval Office and  and when he talked about passing the torch and the moment being now and how proud he was to do that and to pass it to the vice president. I just don't have anything else beyond that.

Thank you. We've got to sit down.

Q Thanks, Karine.

5:43 P.M. EDT

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September 11, 2024

Release

2024 United States-Republic of Cyprus Defense and Security Cooperation Dialogue

On September 11, 2024, at the third United States-Republic of Cyprus (ROC) Defense and Security Dialogue in Nicosia, Cyprus, the American and Cypriot delegations discussed ways to deepen our security cooperation and enhance regional stability and security.

Principal Director for Europe and NATO Policy Alton Buland led the U.S. delegation, which included representatives from U.S. European Command, U.S. Embassy Nicosia, and the New Jersey National Guard, the Republic of Cyprus' state partner. Brigadier General Charis Georgiou, head of the ROC's Minister of Defense's military staff, led the Cypriot delegation and hosted the dialogue.

The delegations reviewed joint progress in our security cooperation, highlighting growth in international military education and training, joint exercises, and the recent one-year anniversary of the ROC's joining the State Partnership Program. The delegations also discussed ways to further our security partnership in line with objectives under the U.S.-ROC Roadmap for Bilateral Defense Cooperation Efforts, signed on September 9, 2024.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3902245/

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IAF Helicopter Crashes in Rafah Area

IDF Press Release

September 11, 2024

11.09.24

Overnight, an Israeli Air Force "Yanshuf" helicopter, which was on a mission to evacuate an injured soldier to a hospital for medical treatment, crashed while landing in the Rafah area in Gaza.

An initial inquiry conducted indicates that the crash was not caused by enemy fire. The cause of the crash is still under investigation. There is no change to the IAF's operational activities.

Two IDF soldiers were killed as a result of the crash. Their families have been notified. Their names have not yet been cleared for publication and will be published later.

During the incident, seven additional soldiers were injured to varying degrees and were evacuated to a hospital to receive medical treatment. Their families have been notified.

Following the incident, the Commander of the Israeli Air Force, Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar, appointed an IAF investigative committee to examine the circumstances of the incident.

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House OKs bill strengthening PH coast guard

Philippine News Agency

By Filane Mikee Cervantes

September 11, 2024, 8:08 pm

MANILA -- The House of Representatives on Wednesday approved on second reading a measure seeking to strengthen the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in ensuring maritime safety, maritime security, and marine environmental protection.

During the plenary session, the chamber passed through voice voting House Bill 10841, which proposes policy and organizational reforms to make the PCG more responsive in its mandates.

The bill proposes the creation of a PCG Modernization Trust Fund which will be used to fund the modernization.

It also intends to beef up the force by increasing the minimum manning level of the PCG from the current one uniformed personnel per kilometer of coastline to three uniformed personnel.

It would also align the ranks, positions, pay, and benefits of PCG members to those of their counterparts in the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police.

The proposed law also seeks to create the Office of Coast Guard Attache, as well as the Coast Guard Internal Affairs Service to maintain accountability in government service. (PNA)

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AFP, Indian Armed Forces renew defense cooperation

Philippine News Agency

By Priam Nepomuceno

September 11, 2024, 9:21 am

MANILA -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Indian Armed Forces have renewed their commitment to a more robust defense cooperation.

The two sides held the 5th Joint Defense Cooperation Committee and the 3rd Service-to-Service Meeting on Tuesday in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, AFP public affairs office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said in a statement Wednesday.

"During the meeting, participants from both parties reviewed and assessed the progress and achievements since their last meeting, highlighting collaborative initiatives and future areas of focus," he added.

Participants from the AFP and their Indian counterparts shared insights and strategies to address the evolving security dynamics in the region, emphasizing the importance of maritime security and freedom of navigation, Trinidad said.

"The AFP and Indian Armed Forces aim to enhance operational coordination through joint exercises, training programs, and technology exchanges," he added.

Military relations between the Philippines and India are on a solid footing after the AFP acquired three batteries of the BrahMos cruise missile system which will be used for the Navy's shore-based anti-ship missile system.

Trinidad said these high-level discussions underscored the enduring commitment between the two nations, building on a relationship anchored by the 2006 Defense Cooperation Agreement and the 2017 Memorandum of Understanding on Defense Industry and Logistics Cooperation. (PNA)

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Did The September 11 Attacks Start And End U.S. 'Forever Wars'?

By Michael Scollon September 11, 2024

In the immediate aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks against the United States, Secretary of State Colin Powell gave assurances that America would deal with the tragedy by bringing those responsible to justice while protecting the world's democracies.

"They will never be allowed to kill the spirit of democracy," Powell said. "They cannot destroy our society. They cannot destroy our belief in the democratic way."

President George W. Bush, who won office in 2000 as a candidate who would be cautious about committing U.S. troops to foreign wars, quickly made fighting global terrorism a top policy, and set about establishing an international "coalition of the willing" to carry out the mission.

The U.S.-led invasion of Afghanistan had the primary goal of punishing the Al-Qaeda terrorist network, which had been given refuge in Afghanistan and carried out the deadly 9/11 attacks. And once on Afghan soil, Washington quickly ousted the Taliban regime accused of sheltering Al-Qaeda from power.

Costly Campaign

But the U.S. experience in Afghanistan ultimately ended in failure, and with the hard-line Taliban group back in power. The nearly 20-year war ended with immense costs in terms of lives lost and money spent. And it made the U.S. public and politicians on both sides of the aisle in Washington reluctant to get involved in "forever wars" that could not be won.

"More than $2 trillion spent in Afghanistan," U.S. President Joe Biden said on August 31, 2021, in announcing the official end of the United States' longest-ever war. "20,744 American servicemen and women injured, and the loss of 2,461 American personnel."

In explaining to the U.S. public that he was "not going to extend this forever war," Biden did not mention the estimated 70,000 deaths among Afghan security forces, more than 46,000 Afghan civilian deaths, and the deaths of more than 4,000 allied troops and U.S. contractors.

The withdrawal under Biden has become a lightning rod for debate ahead of the U.S. presidential election on November 5. Republican nominee and former President Donald Trump has blasted Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, who is running against Trump, for the "humiliation in Afghanistan," with much of the criticism centered on the chaotic last days of the withdrawal, when 13 U.S. soldiers and 170 Afghan civilians died in a bombing by the Islamic State-Khorasan extremist group.

Harris's campaign, meanwhile, has highlighted Trump's role as president in signing the 2020 deal with the Taliban that paved the way for the withdrawal and provided a "virtually impossible" deadline.

But experts who spoke to RFE/RL stressed that multiple U.S. administrations, beginning with Democratic President Barack Obama's from 2009 to 2017 -- had come to the realization that what had begun as a fight against terrorism had become an overly costly and potentially "forever" endeavor.

"It was an extremely expensive war in a place that was probably least important to the United States," said Vali Nasr, a professor of international affairs and Middle East studies at Johns Hopkins University. "It was a war that the United States started to destroy Al-Qaeda, which it did very quickly, then to dislodge the Taliban from Afghanistan, which it did, and then it became something much bigger, like how to establish a democracy and a functioning government in Afghanistan and sustain it."

The question asked by Obama, who initiated an exit strategy by reducing the number of U.S. troops in Afghanistan, and later Trump, was whether there was a compelling reason to stay.

The United States "was becoming committed to a forever war, or a forever presence at the tune of billions of dollars a year and tens of thousands of troops, in a condition that the threat from Afghanistan had declined and the strategic value of the country was declining," Nasr said.

And the economy and civil society established under the protection of the U.S. military, he says, was not something Afghanistan could sustain on its own.

"What the United States created is like a tree that never grew roots," Nasr said. "So, at some point you're going to say, 'I'm going to stop watering it, and I'm going to take my hand off from trying to forcibly keep it upright.'"

No Good Outcome

Rajan Menon, an emeritus professor of international relations at the City College of New York and director of the Grand Strategy Program at Defense Priorities, said that "no matter how long [the United States] had stayed, I don't see what a good ending could have been."

The minimal good outcome, Menon says, would have been "a stable country with a government that may not have been democratic, but which could be counted upon not to serve as a platform for terror and which would have a positive relationship with the United States."

But in attempting to realize that goal, what you are essentially "trying to do is engage in nation-building," Menon said. Even a "very, very powerful military machine" like the United States has difficulties pulling that off, he said, and there "are no pretty exits."

To avoid the chaotic type of withdrawal that took place in Afghanistan, Menon said, "you have to build institutions, political and military and civic in nature." Without that, "once you leave and remove the military protection, the institutions will start crumbling, and that is exactly what happened."

U.S. wars and democracy-building efforts were not isolated to Afghanistan during its nearly 20-year campaign there. There were others -- most notably the costly war in Iraq from 2003 to 2011 -- that former Secretary of State Powell argued was necessitated by an alleged Iraqi program to build weapons of mass destruction that was later determined to be nonexistent.

Prior to his death in 2021 just six weeks after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, Powell said that his arguments before the UN Security Council "was a great intelligence failure."

Baghdad and the United States, which sent troops back to Iraq in 2014 to help fight the Islamic State (IS) extremist group, are still trying to repair relations. According to the Soufan Center think tank on September 9, the two sides reportedly have reached an agreement to transition from the United States leading the effort against IS to a bilateral partnership.

'Forever' Ending?

So is the U.S. era of "forever wars" over?

Many of the unique circumstances that accompanied the Afghan invasion -- a direct attack on U.S. soil, counterterrorism becoming a focal point of U.S. policy, and the idea that nation-building is an effective solution -- are unlikely to repeat themselves, Nasr says.

And the mood in the United States amid a hotly contested election campaign could indicate that it will at least think twice.

With both Trump and Harris there is "a little bit of a backlash against the so-called forever wars...and I think the American public probably will be much less supportive" of involvement in them in the future," Menon said.

But Madiha Afzal, a fellow in the foreign policy program at Brookings, said in written comments that while "some of the lessons from the Afghanistan war" had started being discussed, particularly in the last couple of years of the conflict, "the disaster of the withdrawal...really focused the conversation in America on Afghanistan to be just about the withdrawal."

The larger discussion about the war, Afzal said, "has been entirely obscured," with much of the conversation becoming intensely partisan.

"I fear that the larger lessons of the 20-year war have been lost along the way," Afzal concluded.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/afghanistan- terror-america-9-11/33113409.html

Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Kosovo Indicts 45 Over Alleged Roles In 2023 Attack That Killed Police Officer

By RFE/RL's Kosovo Service September 11, 2024

Kosovar authorities have indicted 45 people over their alleged roles in an attack last year by ethnic Serbs that left one police officer dead in the village of Banjska.

Prosecutor Naim Abazi said on September 11 that among those indicted is Milan Radoicic, the fugitive former vice president of the Serbian List party accused of leading and organizing the September 2023 attack. He is believed to be in Serbia.

The names of the others indicted in the case have not been released.

Abazi said those indicted had different roles within their criminal group "ranging from organizing and directing terrorist activities to financing and money laundering."

He said the investigation had been the most complex that his office had ever conducted and required intensive investigation involving both national and international law enforcement agencies.

"We have conducted approximately 66 interviews with witnesses and defendants, analyzed around 120 electronic devices, about 1,266 weapons and other equipment, and obtained hundreds of documents containing critical evidence for this case," Abazi said.

Abazi thanked the United States and the European Union for cooperating with Kosovar authorities, which he said helped bring strong indictments against the 45 individuals.

"Given that the Republic of Kosovo unfortunately did not have laboratories available to examine most of this evidence and required international legal assistance from various countries, it can be said that this indictment was filed in an extremely short time frame," Ehat Miftaraj, executive director of the nongovernmental Kosovo Law Institute, told RFE/RL.

Miftaraj added that details on the indictment are still needed "to know whether the indictment also addresses acts related to state aggression against the Republic of Kosovo, or if it is solely about a well-organized criminal group led by Radoicic that carried out the actions specified in the indictment."

During the attack, around 30 ethnic Serb gunmen ambushed a police patrol in Banjska, a village near the border with Serbia, killing Sergeant Afrim Bunjaku, an ethnic Albanian Kosovar police officer.

The attackers then made a stand in an Orthodox monastery and exchanged fire with Kosovar forces. Three gunmen were ultimately killed.

Radoicic, who claimed the attack, stepped down from his position in the Serbian List party days after the incident.

Nenad Stefanovic, chief prosecutor of the Prosecutor-General's Office in Serbia, played down the indictment of Radoicic.

"From the perspective of the legal order of the Republic of Serbia, the indictment by the provisional institutions in Pristina against Milan Radoicic and others is of no importance," Radio Television of Serbia quoted Stefanovic as saying.

The attack came months after talks backed by Washington and Brussels between Kosovo and Serbia collapsed, and relations between the bitter neighbors and rivals have only deteriorated further.

Belgrade and its ally Russia still refuse to recognize Kosovo's sovereignty since a 2008 declaration of independence that followed a decade of UN administration after a bloody ethnically fueled war.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/kosovo-indicts- banjska-attack-suspects-radoicic/33116016.html

Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Joint Readout of the Consultations between Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell and European External Action Service Secretary General Stefano Sannino

US Department of State

Media Note

Office of the Spokesperson

September 11, 2024



The following is a joint readout released by the Deputy Secretary of State and EEAS Secretary General Sannino.

Begin text:

Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell and Secretary General Stefano Sannino met bilaterally to discuss a range of global security issues and shared priorities.

They commended the enduring strength of the transatlantic partnership and U.S.-EU close coordination and cooperation. They reaffirmed the joint commitment to supporting Ukraine's defense from Russia's war of aggression and its reconstruction. Russia must immediately and unconditionally end its unprovoked war of aggression, withdraw all its troops and military equipment from the entire territory of Ukraine in its internationally recognized borders, and pay for the damage it has caused to Ukraine. Together with international partners, the United States and the EU will continue to provide military, budget, humanitarian, and reconstruction support to Ukraine and its people for as long as necessary. The United States and EU underlined that they stand behind Ukraine's legitimate exercise of its inherent right for self-defense. Both sides expressed strong concerns regarding the increasing military support to Russia's war of aggression provided by China, the DPRK, and Iran and underlined their determination to appropriately react to such actions.

Deputy Secretary Campbell and Secretary General Sannino also discussed the situations in the Middle East, Sudan, Haiti, and Venezuela. They reiterated their support for Israel's security and the call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and release of all hostages; respect for international law; facilitation of humanitarian access to and within Gaza Strip; and a viable pathway towards peace that leads to a two-state solution. They also discussed the threats to broader regional peace, underlining inter alia the need to support the stability of Lebanon and on the Blue line, and of defending freedom of navigation in the Red Sea. The United States and the European Union remain deeply concerned about the unfolding crisis in Sudan and its catastrophic humanitarian impact.

End text.

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Treasury Targets Oil and LPG Smuggling Network That Generates Millions in Revenue for Hizballah

U.S. Department of the Treasury

September 11, 2024

WASHINGTON -- Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is sanctioning three individuals, five companies, and two vessels that are involved in smuggling oil and liquified petroleum gas (LPG) to generate revenue for Hizballah. The network, comprised of Lebanese businessmen and companies and overseen by a senior leader of Hizballah's finance team, has facilitated dozens of LPG shipments to the Government of Syria and channeled the profits to Hizballah. Illicit oil and LPG smuggling operations generate hundreds of millions of dollars for Hizballah and support the group's terrorist activities.

"Hizballah continues to launch rockets into Israel and fuel regional instability, choosing to prioritize funding violence over taking care of the people it claims to care about, including the tens of thousands displaced in southern Lebanon," said Acting Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Bradley T. Smith. "Treasury will continue to disrupt the oil smuggling and other financing networks that support Hizballah's war machine."

Today's action is being taken pursuant to counterterrorism authority Executive Order (E.O.) 13224, as amended. The U.S. Department of State designated Hizballah as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist group (SDGT) pursuant to E.O. 13224 on October 31, 2001.

HIZBALLAH FINANCE NETWORKS AND OPERATIONS

Treasury has taken consistent action to target individuals directly or indirectly involved in Hizballah's finance operations that provide critical revenue for the organization. Two prominent Hizballah officials involved in these efforts include Muhammad Qasir (Qasir) and Muhammad Qasim al-Bazzal (al-Bazzal), who manage a channel for transporting LPG and other oil distillates on behalf of Hizballah and directly receive payment for their sale. On May 15, 2018, OFAC designated Qasir pursuant to E.O. 13224, as amended, for acting for or on behalf of Hizballah as a critical conduit for financial disbursements from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF) to Hizballah. On November 20, 2018, OFAC designated al-Bazzal, an associate of Qasir, pursuant to E.O. 13224 for his support to Hizballah. OFAC has also taken a series of actions targeting Hizballah petroleum smuggling operations, including a January 31, 2024 action that targeted a Hizballah and IRGC-QF network that generated hundreds of millions of dollars' worth of revenue through the sale of Iranian commodities including petroleum, much of it to the Syrian government.

The network designated today includes another senior Hizballah finance team official, and two Lebanese businessmen providing a seemingly legitimate front to facilitate Hizballah's oil smuggling efforts. This network has facilitated dozens of LPG shipments to the Government of Syria, working with Syrian regime official Yasser Ibrahim, who was designated by the Department of State on August 20, 2020 for his role in corrupt business deals that benefitted Syrian President Assad.

HIZBALLAH OIL SMUGGLING NETWORK KEY FIGURES

As of late 2023, Hizballah official Muhammad Ibrahim Habib al-Sayyid (al-Sayyid) assumed responsibility for some of Hizballah's commercial businesses from al-Bazzal. Al-Sayyid previously travelled with al-Bazzal to Southeast Asia to coordinate potential oil deals in the region for Hizballah's finance team. He has also acted as an interlocutor between al-Bazzal and Lebanese businessman Ali Nayef Zgheib (Zgheib) on an oil project at a refinery site in Az-Zahrani, Lebanon.

Since at least late 2019, Zgheib, a petroleum chemistry expert, has advised and assisted Hizballah's finance team behind the scenes, and has met with Qasir and al-Bazzal to coordinate their activities. As a member of Hizballah's oil smuggling network, Zgheib secured storage tanks, likely for oil, on behalf of Hizballah. Senior Hizballah officials Qasir and al-Bazzal have made a profit from the LPG deals with Zgheib. Zgheib has met with at least one Hizballah-affiliated Lebanese Member of Parliament to discuss the financing of Hizballah oil projects and has also coordinated with Hizballah financier Muhammad Ibrahim Bazzi (Bazzi) regarding business negotiations. On May 17, 2018, OFAC designated Bazzi pursuant to E.O. 13224 for his support to Hizballah.

Lebanese businessman Boutros Georges Obeid (Obeid)is also involved in Hizballah's energy deals, and jointly owns several companies, described below, with Zgheib.

Al-Sayyid, Zgheib, and Obeid are being designated pursuant to E.O. 13224, as amended, for having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of, Hizballah.

ZGHEIB AND OBEID BUSINESS NETWORK

Zgheib and Obeid own and manage Heavy Oil Distribution Company S.A.L. (HODICO) and several subsidiaries that have been involved in Hizballah's energy deals, many of which have been coordinated by al-Bazzal. Zgheib serves as the Director of HODICO, while Obeid serves as the Chairman. Zgheib and Obeid also jointly manage Heavy Oil Distribution Company SAL Offshore (HODICO Offshore). Another HODICO subsidiary managed by Zgheib and Obeid, Heavy Industrial Fuels SAL HIF (HIF SAL), received a $1 million payment in 2022 from Yasser Ibrahim that was arranged by al-Bazzal, likely for LPG shipments to Syria.

Obeid is the primary owner of O.H.G. Holding SAL, another company within the HODICO group of companies, for which Zgheib serves as a director and member of the board. In 2020, Zgheib requested al-Bazzal's assistance to manage payments for O.H.G. Holding SAL, which had encountered difficulties in transferring payments.

HODICO and HIF SAL are being designated pursuant to E.O. 13224, as amended, for having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of, Hizballah.

HODICO Offshore is being designated pursuant to E.O. 13224, as amended, for being owned, controlled, or directed by, directly or indirectly, Obeid and Zgheib.

O.H.G. Holding SAL is being designated pursuant to E.O. 13224, as amended, for being owned, controlled, or directed by, directly or indirectly, Obeid.

LPG SHIPMENT VESSELS

European Lebanese International Trade S.A.R.L. (ELIT) is represented by al-Bazzal and was responsible for dozens of LPG shipments made by the LPG tankers ALPHA GAS (IMO: 8817693) and MARINA (IMO: 9005493) to Baniyas port in Syria for Hokoul SAL Offshore Company (Hokoul), which was designated on September 4, 2019, pursuant to E.O. 13224, for being owned or controlled by al-Bazzal. Since al-Bazzal procured the MARINA in 2020, he and other Hizballah officials received payments from Yasser Ibrahim and Hokoul for shipments made by the tanker. In early 2022, al-Bazzal reached an agreement to pay for the purchase of the ALPHA GAS vessel via Hokoul. ELIT was used by al-Bazzal to cover the operating expenses for the ALPHA GAS and MARINA; Bazzal was at one time owed approximately $4 million for shipments made by the tankers. Both vessels have transported LPG to Baniyas port in Syria for Hokoul since their acquisition.

ELIT is being designated pursuant to E.O. 13224, as amended, for having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of, Hizballah.

The ALPHA GAS and MARINA are being identified as property in which Hizballah has an interest.

SANCTIONS IMPLICATIONS

As a result of today's action, all property and interests in property of the designated persons described 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, individually or in the aggregate, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked. Unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC, or exempt, OFAC's regulations generally prohibit all transactions by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of designated or otherwise blocked persons.

Non-U.S. persons are prohibited from causing or conspiring to cause U.S. persons to wittingly or unwittingly violate U.S. sanctions, as well as 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, non-U.S. financial institutions and other persons that engage in certain transactions or activities with sanctioned entities and individuals may expose themselves to sanctions risk. The prohibitions include the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any blocked person, or the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person.

The power and integrity of OFAC sanctions derive not only from OFAC's ability to designate and add persons to the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons (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.

Click here for more information on the individuals and entities designated today.

Additional Treasury resources on countering the financing of terrorism:

###

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At least 30 children reportedly killed or injured in shelling of civilian areas in Sennar city, Sudan

UNICEF

Statement by Sheldon Yett, UNICEF Representative to Sudan

11 September 2024

PORT SUDAN, 11 September 2024 - "Earlier this week, at least 30 children were reportedly killed or injured when multiple shells hit Sennar city.

"These appalling attacks continue to cause great harm and suffering to children, as well as widespread damage and destruction to essential infrastructure children depend on. Last year, explosive weapons were responsible for more than half of all instances where children were killed or injured in Sudan, as documented by the United Nations.

"The violence against children and the attacks on civilian infrastructure must end. UNICEF repeats its calls to all parties to abide by their International Humanitarian Law obligations and take all feasible precautions to protect children.

"In 2023, Sudan witnessed the highest number of verified grave violations against children in more than a decade. An estimated 72 per cent of violations involved the killing and maiming of children, followed by recruitment and use of children by armed groups and sexual violence.

"In 2024, the UN continues to receive information of a shocking number of children being killed and maimed by heavy aerial bombardment, the use of artillery, and small arms fire. Girls have shouldered a particularly heavy burden, facing terrifying risks to their safety, including rape and other forms of sexual violence.

"The wave of atrocities unleashed upon the children in Sudan must stop."

#####



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Gaza: Six UNRWA staff killed in strikes on school sheltering displaced people

11 September 2024 - Six staff members with the UN agency that assists Palestine refugees, UNRWA, were killed in Gaza on Wednesday when two Israeli airstrikes hit a school-turned-shelter and its surroundings.

"This is the highest death toll among our staff in a single incident," UNRWA said in a post on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter.

At least 34 people were killed in the strikes, according to media reports.

UNRWA said the shelter manager and other team members were among the victims.

Killings 'totally unacceptable': Guterres

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres deplored the bloodshed.

"What's happening in Gaza is totally unacceptable," he wrote on X.

"These dramatic violations of international humanitarian law need to stop now."

Not a target

The UNRWA school in Nuseirat, located in the Middle Area of the Gaza Strip, was sheltering around 12,000 displaced people, mainly women and children.

This marked the fifth time that it had been hit since the conflict began 11 months ago.

Earlier on Wednesday the UN said the site had been previously deconflicted with the Israeli forces.

UNRWA called on all parties to the conflict to never use schools or the areas around them for military or fighting purposes.

"No one is safe in Gaza. No one is spared. Schools and other civilian infrastructure must be protected at all times, they are not a target," the tweet said.

'Endless and senseless killing'

UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini lamented the "endless and senseless killing, day after day" in Gaza.

Writing on X, he said at least 220 agency staff have lost their lives since the war began.

"Humanitarian staff, premises and operations have been blatantly and unabatedly disregarded since the beginning of the war," he said, warning that "the longer impunity prevails, the more international humanitarian law and the Geneva conventions will become irrelevant."

Polio campaign rolls on

Separately, the UN reported that health workers continue efforts to vaccinate young children in northern Gaza against polio, part of a wider campaign to defeat the disease, which can cause paralysis.

More than 81,600 boys and girls were vaccinated as of Tuesday, according to preliminary data from the World Health Organization (WHO).

Polio was detected in Gaza in June and UN agencies and partners launched a two-round campaign this month to provide over 640,000 children with two doses of novel oral polio vaccine type 2.

So far, nearly 528,000 children have been reached in the first round.

"More than 230 teams are on the ground trying to reach all children under the age of 10 with the first batch of the polio vaccination," UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said in New York, adding that "they will need to do this again in four weeks."

Health system in tatters

The campaign is taking place as Gaza's healthcare system remains in dire condition.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and partners said half of all essential medicines are not available in the enclave, while primary health centres are facing critically low levels of insulin.

Additionally, routine vaccinations to protect infants from tuberculosis, diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis, are also nearly exhausted.

West Bank military operation

The UN and partners also continue to support Palestinian civilians in the West Bank who have been affected by the 10-day Israeli security operation in Jenin and Tulkarm, as well as adjacent refugee camps.

This includes delivery of food and water, with OCHA coordinating efforts to provide additional assistance.

Over the weekend, the Office together with UNRWA and other humanitarian partners began assessing the needs of Palestinians affected by the operation.

Damage and displacement

More than 620 people, over a third of them children, remain displaced, and some 2,400 housing units have been damaged, with more than 100 rendered uninhabitable.

During the operation, more than 2.6 kilometres of water and sewage networks in the Tulkarm and Nur Shams refugee camps were bulldozed, severely hindering the delivery of essential services.

As a result, more than 33,000 residents have been coping with water cuts and sewage flooding over the past two weeks.

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UN firmly rejects allegations against agencies in Yemen

11 September 2024 - The United Nations on Wednesday firmly rejected allegations by the Houthis in Yemen that some UN agencies and partners have been "colluding to destroy" the country's education system.

Stephane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, dismissed the allegations, stating "such false statements are baseless, and further threaten the safety of staff and hinder our ability and our partners ability to serve the people of Yemen."

The allegations were made against the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and other humanitarian partners.

He reiterated that UN agencies have been working tirelessly to address the impact of the dire crisis in Yemen, where over the half the population - or about 19 million people - depend on humanitarian assistance and protection.

Protecting right to education

Since 2021, UNICEF and partners have been working to ensure quality education for Yemen's children through the Restoring Education And Learning (REAL) programme.

This national partnership - with the Ministry of Education, the World Bank, the Global Partnership for Education and others - has provided critical support, including paying regular incentives to over 40,000 teachers and rehabilitating more than 770 schools.

It also supplied schoolbags and educational materials to over half a million children, provided regular school meals to over 600,000 students, and supported over 9,000 teachers with professional training, among other investments.

"With over 4.5 million children out of school in Yemen, UNICEF calls on the Sana'a authorities to lead a constructive and collaborative approach, working together with all partners to address the pressing needs of all children," Mr. Dujarric said.

UN personnel must be protected

The UN Spokesperson further underscored that the safety of all United Nations personnel must be respected and assured.

More than three months have passed since the Houthis (also known as Ansar Allah) arbitrarily detained 13 UN personnel, in addition to members of civil society, national and international NGOs, as well as diplomatic missions.

Additionally, four UN staff detained in 2021 and 2023 remain in detention.

"The Secretary-General reiterates his call for the immediate and unconditional release of all UN personnel and partners, who are arbitrarily detained in Yemen," Mr. Dujarric said.

"In the meantime, those detained must be treated with full respect for their human rights, and they must be able to contact their families and contact their legal representatives," he added.

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Statement by the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Malick Fall, on the killing of scores of men and boys in Mafa, Yobe State

UNOCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

ABUJA, 11 September 2024 -- I am deeply disturbed by reports of the brutal killing of at least 128 men and boys in Mafa, in Yobe State's Tarmuwa Local Government Area (LGA), on 1 September.

The attack was perpetrated by a non-state armed group (NSAG), according to local authorities.

Many other people including women and children were also reportedly injured in the attack.

State Government authorities are verifying the numbers of the dead, injured and missing, with casualties suspected to be higher.

During the attack, the NSAGs reportedly also burnt down shelters, businesses and other property, and planted improvised explosive devices along roads leading to Mafa town.

On behalf of the United Nations in Nigeria, I convey my deepest condolences to the families that lost their loved ones and wish the injured a speedy recovery. The United Nations stands in solidarity with the people and the Government of Yobe State during this difficult time.

I condemn this heinous attack in the strongest terms and remind all parties to the conflict to adhere to their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect civilians from harm. The armed actors who perpetrated these attacks must be identified and brought to account - in compliance with international human rights law - as a first step towards reining in the impunity that feeds these attacks.

The deadly attack forced thousands of people to flee from Mafa to Babban Gida, the headquarters of Tarmuwa LGA, and to other neighbouring communities, with some people walking for hours in search of safety. Most of the displaced are seeking shelter in Babban Gida, and in the Nayinawa and Kalallawa communities of Damaturu LGA. Others fled to neighbouring Borno State, particularly to the areas of Gubio, Benisheik, Auno, Monguno, and Maiduguri.

The Yobe State Emergency Management Authority, in collaboration with the Nigerian Red Cross, is conducting a rapid needs assessment to inform the humanitarian response. The United Nations and the State Government are also planning a joint mission to Mafa and Babban Gida in the coming days.

The United Nations is on standby to provide assistance as needed.

END

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Six UNRWA colleagues killed in an UNRWA school hit in Nuseirat

UNRWA

11 Sep 2024

Just Tragic.

#Gaza Six @UNRWA colleagues killed today when two airstrikes hit a school and its surroundings in Nuseirat in the middle areas. This is the highest death toll among our staff in a single incident. Among those killed was the manager of the UNRWA shelter and other team members providing assistance to displaced people. Sincere condolences to their families and loved ones.

This school has been hit five times since the war began. It is home to around 12,000 displaced people, mainly women and children. No one is safe in Gaza No one is spared. Schools and other civilian infrastructure must be protected at all times, they are not a target.

We call on all parties to the conflict to never use schools or the areas around them for military or fighting purposes.

#CeasefireNOW

Background Information:

UNRWA is the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. The United Nations General Assembly established UNRWA in 1949 with a mandate to provide humanitarian assistance and protection to registered Palestine refugees in the Agency's area of operations pending a just and lasting solution to their plight.

UNRWA operates in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, The Gaza Strip, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.

Tens of thousands of Palestine refugees who lost their homes and livelihoods due to the 1948 conflict continue to be displaced and in need of support, nearly 75 years on.

UNRWA helps Palestine Refugees achieve their full potential in human development through quality services it provides in education, health care, relief and social services, protection, camp infrastructure and improvement, microfinance, and emergency assistance. UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions.

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Statement of Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) at the 162nd Session of the League of Arab States Council at the Ministerial Level

UNRWA

11 Sep 2024

CAIRO

Mr. Chair,

Secretary-General of the League of Arab States,

Excellencies,

The last 11 months of war have been excruciating for the people of Gaza.

Eleven months of re-living old traumas of forced displacement and family separation.

Eleven months of enduring new traumas of extreme hunger and the return of devastating diseases like polio.

Today, Gaza is a place that horrifies even the most seasoned humanitarians.

It is a wasteland, unfit for human life.

And yet, two million people remain trapped there.

Almost the entire population is now concentrated in approximately 10 per cent of this narrow strip of land.

Masses of desperate people live amid rivers of sewage and mountains of garbage, alongside rats, cockroaches, snakes and scorpions.

Every single person is exhausted, sick, and long past the limits of their endurance.

It is utterly inhumane.

Excellencies,

I fear that if this darkness continues, we may become de-sensitized to the suffering of civilians in Gaza and start turning our backs to their plight - the lack of empathy and compassion we heard about before.

And if it becomes tiring to hear about Gaza, how can we comprehend how exhausting it is to live there?

This crisis does not only affect Palestinians in Gaza.

It has implications for all of us.

Arab States were among the first to recognize this reality and act.

One of the most consequential actions has been your extraordinary political and financial support to UNRWA.

The Agency has received nearly US$ 200 million from Arab partners since the war began.

This has enabled UNRWA to function as the backbone of the humanitarian operation in Gaza, providing lifesaving assistance to millions, including by supporting an ongoing vaccination campaign to control the spread of polio.

Our efforts and solidarity must continue unabated.

More than 600,000 girls and boys are out of school and living in the rubble.

The region cannot afford to lose an entire generation, which would sow the seeds for more hatred and extremism.

Bringing children back to learning is a matter of urgency that should mobilise us all.

Palestine Refugees across the region are facing exceptional challenges and are counting on a continuation of your exceptional generosity.

Excellencies,

The Agency, UNRWA, is the target of relentless attacks.

In Gaza, 214 UNRWA staff have been killed.

More than two-thirds of our buildings have been damaged or destroyed.

In the occupied West Bank - which is gripped by escalating violence - UNRWA's operational space is shrinking.

Draft legislation in the Israeli Knesset seeks to evict the Agency from its premises of more than 70 years, revoke its privileges and immunities, and designate it as a terrorist organisation.

It is unprecedented and unconscionable that a UN Member State is attempting to designate a United Nations entity, which has a mandate from the General Assembly, as a terrorist organization.

But it is not only UNRWA that is under attack.

Across the occupied Palestinian territory, the United Nations and INGO staff are being phased out through the non-renewal of visas.

The campaign to dismantle UNRWA, and push out the broader humanitarian community, aims to strip Palestinians of their refugee status, and change, unilaterally, the long-established parameters for a political solution.

Excellencies,

I would like to conclude with three appeals.

First, I reiterate my call to Arab States to maintain their solidarity with UNRWA and provide the necessary financial and political support to the Agency.

Such solidarity is reflected in the Statement of Shared Commitments on UNRWA, an initiative spearheaded by Kuwait, Jordan and Slovenia, and signed by 123 Member States, including most Arab League States.

Second, I urge you to safeguard UNRWA's role now and in the context of a political transition.

A ceasefire in Gaza is imperative.

The Agency has a critical role to play during the inevitably long and painful transition that will follow.

The Agency's most striking advantage is in education and primary healthcare.

In the absence of a full-fledged state, only UNRWA can fulfill the learning and healthcare needs of Palestine Refugees.

Finally, the attempts to shut down and marginalize UNRWA must be rejected in the strongest political terms.

I appeal for your support in countering efforts to dismantle the Agency, to malign its reputation, and to end its operations in the occupied Palestinian territory.

These efforts are a threat not only to Palestine Refugees, but to the United Nations system, the multilateral order, and the prospects for a political solution.

Today, Palestinians face a more uncertain future than ever before.

We cannot fail in our collective endeavor to ensure a just and peaceful resolution of their plight.

Thank you.

Background Information:

UNRWA is the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. The United Nations General Assembly established UNRWA in 1949 with a mandate to provide humanitarian assistance and protection to registered Palestine refugees in the Agency's area of operations pending a just and lasting solution to their plight.

UNRWA operates in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, The Gaza Strip, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.

Tens of thousands of Palestine refugees who lost their homes and livelihoods due to the 1948 conflict continue to be displaced and in need of support, nearly 75 years on.

UNRWA helps Palestine Refugees achieve their full potential in human development through quality services it provides in education, health care, relief and social services, protection, camp infrastructure and improvement, microfinance, and emergency assistance. UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions.

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UNRWA Situation Report #135 on the situation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. All information from 6 - 10 September 2024, valid as of 10 September 2024 at 22:30 (local time)

UNRWA

11 Sep 2024

Key Points

The Gaza Strip

Ongoing strikes by Israeli Security Forces (ISF) continue, with aerial, land and maritime bombardments across the Gaza Strip, resulting in civilian casualties, displacement and the destruction of residential structures and public infrastructure.

UNRWA Commissioner-General posted a statement on his official X account that on 10 September, the Israeli Security Forces (ISF) stopped a UN convoy on its way to northern Gaza for more than eight hours 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. Due to this incident, we are not able to confirm whether the polio campaign will take place on 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.

According to OCHA humanitarian access remains severely hindered, as the denial of missions by the Israeli authorities within Gaza almost doubled in August, compared with July (105 vs. 53). In southern Gaza, despite an overall increase in planned humanitarian missions submitted to the Israeli authorities to facilitate, from 543 in July to 603 in August, the number of facilitated missions in southern Gaza dropped by 28 per cent, from 250 in July to 179 in August. In northern Gaza, the number of facilitated aid missions increased by 10 per cent, from 67 to 74. However, the number of missions denied access rose by 140 per cent, from 30 to 72. These trends have severely disrupted the delivery of life-saving assistance, including water, sanitation, and hygiene services, health care, and fuel urgently needed for the operation of health facilities.

According to FAO Analysis satellite imagery, almost 70 per cent of cropland across the Gaza Strip has been damaged. The decline in the health and density of the crops can be observed due to the impact of activities including razing, heavy vehicle activity, bombing, shelling and other conflict related activities.

According to UNICEF, the new school year was due to start across Gaza on 9 September, but it has not resumed as the conflict continues to impact children, teachers and schools. The first graders join 625,000 children who have already been denied an entire school year, and with the conflict still ongoing, face the high risk of a second year without education. During the war, nearly 70 per cent of UNRWA schools have been hit, some several times. Some have been flattened, many have been severely damaged. They now require reconstruction or major rehabilitation to be functional again. Before the war, UNRWA provided education to 300,000 boys and girls in the Agency's schools.

Humanitarian pauses across specific areas of the Gaza Strip have enabled the first round of the emergency polio vaccination campaign. Between 1 - 8 September, approximately 446,000 children were reached. The Polio vaccination campaign is being rolled out in phases, focusing on one zone at a time - starting in the middle area, shifting to the south, and finally to the northern governorates. As of 10 September, children have been reached in the middle, southern areas of the Gaza Strip and northern areas. UNRWA medical team relayed that they have reached more than 77,000 children in northern Gaza and Gaza City. The campaign is ongoing.

According to the UN, at least 1.9 million people (or nine in ten people) across the Gaza Strip are internally displaced, including people who have been repeatedly displaced (some, up to 10 times or more).

Several challenges stand in the way of collecting much needed humanitarian supplies from the Karem Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing point in southern Gaza. These include deteriorating law and order, war and insecurity, damaged infrastructure, fuel shortages and access restrictions. According to OCHA, between 1 and 31 August 2024, an average of only 69 humanitarian trucks entered the Gaza Strip per day. This is well below the pre-crisis average of 500 trucks per working day. Similarly, according to the latest INGO humanitarian access update, up to 10 INGOs continue to face delays and denials in allowing vital humanitarian supplies such as hygiene kits, dignity kits, medical supplies and devices, as well as food aid.

As of 10 September, the total number of UNRWA team members killed since 7 October is 214 .

. The latest information on supplies entering Gaza can be accessed through the below link:

Gaza Supplies and Dispatch Tracking | UNRWA

The West Bank, including East Jerusalem

The West Bank, including East Jerusalem update is now once a week.

According to OCHA, between 7 October 2023 and 2 September 2024, 652 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Separately, UNICEF confirmed that over 150 children have been killed in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, during the period, 7 October 2023 to 22 July 2024.

The large-scale ISF operation which started on 27 August in the northern West Bank, concluded early on 6 September, after nearly ten days of sustained military activity. The operation led to significant damage to civilian infrastructure, including the destruction of roads, water, electricity, and sewerage networks, and the demolition of homes. At least 39 Palestinians were recorded killed, including eight children, during the operation. Five of these fatalities occurred as the result of an ISF drone strike in Tubas on 5 September. UNRWA operations across the northern West Bank were severely affected by the operation, including the complete cessation of services in some areas.

A female foreign activist (US national) was shot and killed during a protest which escalated into clashes with the ISF in Beita, near Nablus, on 6 September. A Palestinian was also injured by live ammunition. On 8 September, a Jordanian truck driver shot and killed three Israeli security personnel at the Allenby Bridge (al-Karama/King Hussein crossing) between Jordan and the West Bank. The Jordanian citizen was shot and killed, the border crossing was closed in both directions until further notice.

Israeli settlers' violence and harassment were reported across the West Bank, including armed attacks on Palestinian communities in Masafer Yatta in the southern West Bank, Arab Al-Mleihat and Ras 'Ein al 'Auja in the central West Bank, and Mount Sbeih in the northern West Bank.

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Security Council Extends Sanctions Regime against Sudan, Unanimously Adopting Resolution 2750 (2024)

Meetings Coverage

Security Council

9721st Meeting (AM)

SC/15817

11 September 2024

The Security Council today extended sanctions against Sudan  including asset freezes, travel bans and an arms embargo  until 12 September 2025.

Unanimously adopting resolution 2750 (2024) (to be issued as document S/RES/2750(2024)) under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations, the 15-member organ decided to roll over those measures for another year, with a decision on their further renewal to be made no later than 12 September 2025.

After the adoption, the representative of the United States said that the people of Darfur continue to live in danger, desperation and despair. Every day they are faced with intensified fighting and restrictions on humanitarian aid, persistent human rights violations and mass displacement. "This adoption sends an important signal to them that the international community remains focused on their plight and is committed to advancing peace and security in Sudan and the region," he stated. Further, renewing the sanctions measures will restrict the movement of arms into Darfur and sanction individuals and entities contributing to or complicit in catalyzing activities in Sudan. "All of this is critical to helping end the escalating conflict, alleviate the humanitarian catastrophe and put Sudan back on the path to stability and security," he emphasized.

The representative of the United Kingdom noted the recent UN fact-finding mission's report of systematic human rights abuses by the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces. Both sides believe the solution to this conflict will be on the battleground, he observed, calling on States to refrain from enhancing either side's fighting capability and instead use their influence to bring them to the negotiating table. In that regard, he welcomed today's reaffirmation  through the resolution  of the need for the warring parties to protect civilians.

The representative of the Republic of Korea urged all warring parties and Member States to comply with the arms embargo and cease serious violations of international humanitarian law. With the conflict spreading across Sudan, "the Council should work together to take more concrete measures" to effectively implement the renewed sanctions, he stressed. Calling for the sanctions regime to be "responsive to the evolving situation on the ground", especially in light of the use of heavy weaponry and reports of sexual and gender-based violence, he advocated for "targeted measures" against those violating sanctions.

The representative of China said that his country supported the renewal of sanctions to help "stem the steady flow of illicit arms into the battlefield" and de-escalate the situation on the ground. Calling on the warring parties to put their countries' and people's interests first and respect international humanitarian law, he also voiced hope that Member States will observe the arms embargo while respecting Sudan's sovereignty and territorial integrity. "Sanctions are a means, not an end," he stressed, adding that the measures must neither replace diplomacy nor "become a tool of political pressurization in the service of some countries".

The representative of France condemned all violations committed in Sudan, regardless of the perpetrators, expressing concern about the atrocities of civilians in Darfur based on their ethnic affiliation. He called on all foreign actors to abstain from arming, financing or logistically supporting the parties.

The representative of the Russian Federation noted the complex situation surrounding El Fasher  the capital of Northern Darfur  where the Sudanese Armed Forces, with the support of the local population, continue to push back units affiliated with the Rapid Support Forces. Moscow believes these efforts by the Government of Sudan will help bring long-awaited stability and restore order. External humanitarian actions to assist Sudan must be purely constructive and only be coordinated with the central authorities. The unanimously adopted resolution aims to stop destructive influence. The use of unilateral coercive measures and pressure by some States against the Sudanese side is unacceptable when there is a Council decision like today's.

The representative of Sudan pointed to the ongoing attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure in Darfur, including medical facilities, carried out by the Rapid Support Forces militias using heavy artillery and weapons banned under international law. "It is no secret that the United Arab Emirates has a key role in the ongoing existence of this crisis," he stated, condemning Abu Dhabi's role in supporting the militias and accusing it of profiting from the illegal exploitation of gold in the region. Further, he called for "clear measures" against businesses and companies headquartered in the United Arab Emirates that seek to sabotage Sudan's economy.

In this context, he stressed the need for international pressure on the militias to compensate the Sudanese people for the losses they have inflicted through large-scale looting and widespread destruction. "All of this is considered by us as terrorism," he emphasized. Against this backdrop, he urged "targeted sanctions" against the militias and the State that sponsors and supports them. Highlighting the dire humanitarian conditions, including internal displacement and refugee crises, he called for greater assistance from UN agencies and for a "strategic plan for peace" that considers Sudan's concerns and will help exert pressure on the aggressors.

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All Parties to Sudan Conflict Used Heavy Weaponry in El Fasher, Committee Chair Tells Security Council, Noting Civilian Casualties and Mass Displacement

Meetings Coverage

Security Council

9722nd Meeting (AM)

SC/15818

11 September 2024

The ongoing conflict in Sudan has worsened the humanitarian crisis in Darfur and destabilized the region, the Security Council heard today from the head of the subsidiary body concerning that country, who also noted conflicting parties' use of heavy weaponry in the capital city of North Darfur.

The representative of the Republic of Korea, Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1591 (2005) concerning Sudan, briefed the Council on the Committee's work from 14 June to date. On 19 August, the Committee heard a presentation by the Sudan Panel of Experts on its interim report, which provided an overview of the deteriorating situation in El Fasher. There, all parties to conflict have used "heavy weaponry", resulting in civilian casualties, mass displacement and the destruction of critical civilian infrastructure. The Panel stated that, in addition to worsening the humanitarian crisis in Darfur, the conflict has destabilized the region.

The representative of Mozambique, also speaking for Algeria, Guyana and Sierra Leone, then underlined the need for accountability for crimes against civilians and violations of the arms embargo by both internal and external actors in Sudan. It is unfortunate that external actors continue to fuel the conflict and cause unimaginable suffering for that country's people, he said, urging consideration of how to address these negative interferences in accordance with the Council's arms embargo.

Citing the adoption of resolution 2750 (2024)  which occurred in the meeting directly preceding this one  as proof of the Council's ability to find common ground, he called on the organ to holistically support peacemaking and peacebuilding efforts in Sudan. And, when condemning violations of international law, it is also important to recognize positive steps taken to ease the suffering of civilians  such as Sudan's decision to reopen the Adre border crossing and the Dabbah Road. It is time that Sudan regains its status as a vibrant and prosperous African nation, he underscored.

The representative of the United Arab Emirates then took the floor to respond to a statement made in the previous meeting by the Sudanese representative  "whose legitimacy to represent the people of Sudan is questionable". That speaker's claims are "a cynical attempt to deflect attention from the failings of the Sudanese Armed Forces," he stressed.

Calling on the Sudanese Armed Forces to summon the political courage to negotiate with their enemy, he urged the warring parties to demonstrate strength for the sake of the Sudanese people  not by waging war, but by ending it. Attempts to drive a wedge between "our two nations" will not succeed, he added, emphasizing that his country "will remain a strong partner to the Sudanese people, with whom we share a historic bond".

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NAS JRB Fort Worth Reaches Milestone with New Squadron Operations and Flight Simulator Facility for F-35 Wing

US Navy

11 September 2024

From Staci Dunston

Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth will complete construction for a new two-story squadron operations and simulator facility this fall to support delivery of 5th generation fighters to the U.S. Air Force 301st Fighter Wing.

NAS JRB FORT WORTH, TEXAS -- A significant milestone in the modernization of the United States Air Force (USAF) Reserve Command (AFRC) was reached with the Military Construction (MILCON) of a new two- story squadron operations facility and simulator facility set to be complete fall, 2024 at Naval Air Station (NAS) Joint Reserve Base (JRB) Fort Worth. This completed project will support the delivery of 5th generation fighters to the 301st Fighter Wing, the USAF AFRC first stand-alone F-35 wing.

This project, consisting of over 55,000 square feet of new facility space, required coordination of multiple groups involving subject matter experts, engineers, trades, and occupants.

Civil Engineer Corps, United States Navy, Facilities Engineering and Acquisition Division Director Lt. Isaac Leskowat provided, "The prime contractor on the project is Conti Federal Services, and oversight is provided by the Fort Worth Office of Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Region Southeast. The USAF Reserve 301st Fighter Wing will be the end users of the facility. Also coordinating with multiple other agencies and offices for facility commissioning, ensuring specification and environmental compliance, as well as coordinating simulator installation with Lockheed Martin's team. There are more teams involved with the project to include the USAF program transition team that oversees the transition from the F-16 to the F-35. Coordination has been a critical piece of this project."

The construction project began with the development and requirement for design back in 2016. It was then awarded in September 2021 which involved the demolition of existing structures and the construction of the new facility space. Along with any construction project, challenges emerge.

"Every day is a challenge in construction, but it's about how you approach those challenges, and who you have in your corner on your team to address and overcome those challenges. The project started out with demolition of existing facilities and was immediately besieged by geotechnical issues and delays. Since then, the project team has overcome every manner of circumstance from severe weather damages, implementing enhanced security postures, overcoming design and construction conflicts, and managing schedules to mitigate mission impacts," said Leskowat.

The new facility will provide the 301st Fighter Wing with the necessary infrastructure to support the F-35 mission. The squadron operations facility will serve as the command and control center for the wing, while the simulator facility will provide pilots with the opportunity to train on the F-35 in a realistic simulated environment.

Upon the completion of this project, Leskowat shared his thoughts on what it does for the base and our community.

"This demonstrates the continual development of the capabilities at NAS JRB Fort Worth and truly highlights the relationship of the joint DOD tenants that make us successful day in and day out," Leskowat commented. "The personnel that come to work at the base, and the reservists who dedicate their time to serve their community, state, and nation are members of the community right here in Fort Worth, as well as surrounding areas. It is a great opportunity and privilege to ensure the highest level of combat readiness through the deployment of the F-35 and the development of the necessary competencies and proficiencies that follow."

NAS JRB Fort Worth is the first and finest joint reserve base, known for training and equipping air crews and aviation ground support personnel, while supporting missions such as airlift, aerial refueling, and global mobility, making it an integral part of national defense infrastructure.

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Threats in Indo-Pacific fuel debate over US nuclear redeployment

By Young Gyo Kim September 11, 2024

Threats from China, Russia and North Korea have fueled debate in Washington about whether the United States should consider redeploying tactical nuclear weapons to the Indo-Pacific region, with leading U.S. Senate members expressing opposing views.

Earlier in May, Republican Senator Roger Wicker, ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, put forward a military spending plan that included the idea of redeploying U.S. tactical nuclear arms that were withdrawn from South Korea more than three decades ago.

Another Republican, Senator James Risch, who is the ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, told VOA Korean last month in an email statement that the U.S. should "explore options for returning nuclear weapons to the Pacific theater for the purpose of strengthening extended deterrence."

The term "extended deterrence" refers to the U.S. commitment to respond in kind to a nuclear attack on South Korea.

Drawing a contrast, Democratic Senator Jack Reed, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, told reporters Monday in a phone conference that he didn't think that U.S. tactical nuclear weapons should be redeployed to the Korean Peninsula, adding that it could provoke a "major response from the Chinese."

Redeployment of nukes

The U.S. government has made it clear that the U.S. does not plan to redeploy its tactical nuclear weapons to the Korean Peninsula.

"We believe that the only effective way to reduce nuclear threats on the peninsula is by curbing the proliferation of nuclear weapons," a State Department spokesperson said in an emailed statement to VOA last week.

In 1991, the U.S. withdrew from South Korea all of its nuclear weapons, or about 100, according to some studies.

The U.S. has been closely watching the growing military cooperation among China, Russia and North Korea, especially in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. It has identified the three nations as threats to stability in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.

On August 22, the White House confirmed to VOA that a new "nuclear employment guidance" had been issued. The terms of the classified document are not public, but The New York Times quoted two senior administration officials as saying that it "seeks to prepare the United States for possible coordinated nuclear challenges from China, Russia and North Korea."

"The guidance issued earlier this year is not a response to any single entity, country, nor threat," White House National Security Council spokesman Sean Savett said in an email to VOA. "We have repeatedly voiced concerns about the advancing nuclear arsenals of Russia, PRC [China] and the DPRK [North Korea]."

Vipin Narang, who recently served as the acting assistant secretary of defense for space policy, said in an August forum held by the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies that the United States may need to seek "a change in the size or posture" of nuclear forces to deal with threats from China, Russia and North Korea.

Growing threats

In South Korea, there is growing uneasiness about the U.S. capability to protect South Korea from North Korea's advancing nuclear and missile weapons.

North Korea's state Korean Central News Agency on Sunday released a photo showing the country's leader, Kim Jong Un, inspecting a new 12-axle transporter erector launcher (TEL), which could be used to launch a new, longer missile to potentially attack the United States. The next day, in a speech celebrating the country's founding anniversary, Kim vowed to increase the number of nuclear weapons "exponentially."

Amid these geopolitical tensions, U.S.-based experts appear to be divided about whether the U.S. should redeploy tactical nuclear weapons to the Korean Peninsula.

Richard Lawless, former deputy undersecretary of defense for Asian and Pacific security, said the idea that South Korea would be intimidated by China, Russia or South Korea from even beginning a discussion on the subject with Washington "is failed logic."

"Many Americans continue to fail to appreciate the threat of North Korea and China, typically playing down the latter."

Robert Peters, a research fellow for nuclear deterrence and missile defense at the Heritage Foundation, told VOA Korean via email that he supported the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons to South Korea.

"I'm concerned about the credibility of our deterrent in the face of North Korean nuclear expansion and Chinese nuclear breakout," Peters said, adding that stationing nonstrategic nuclear weapons within the theater gives the U.S. president "far more optionality when crafting a deterrence message during times of acute crisis or conflict than if he or she could rely solely on strategic nuclear weapons."

Opposing views

But Bruce Klingner, a senior research fellow for Northeast Asia at the Heritage Foundation, said he was against redeploying U.S. tactical nuclear weapons.

"Placing such high-value weapons in a static, fixed bunker makes a very tempting preemptive target for North Korea," Klingner told VOA Korean on Tuesday via email. "During a crisis, it could even lower deterrence by making Pyongyang more likely to initiate a preemptive attack on the bunker prior to the weapons being deployed on mobile launch platforms."

Gary Samore, former White House coordinator for arms control and weapons of mass destruction during the Obama administration, said he didn't support the redeployment of U.S. nuclear weapons to South Korea.

"From a strictly military standpoint, the U.S. can enforce extended deterrence with nuclear-armed submarines and long-range bombers that North Korea cannot defend against," Samore told VOA Korean on Tuesday via email.

"Politically, redeployment of U.S. nuclear weapons in South Korea would be controversial with some Korean political parties and the Korean public and would increase tensions in the region, especially with China and North Korea, and even between South Korea and Japan," Samore said.

Sydney Seiler, who until last year was the national intelligence officer for North Korea on the U.S. National Intelligence Council, told VOA Korean via email Tuesday that "there is a consensus among [U.S. and South Korean] leaders and their senior national security advisers that such a redeployment is unnecessary at this time."

The Chinese Embassy in Washington told VOA in an email Tuesday that the Chinese "firmly oppose any country's attempt to use the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue to harm China's strategic security interests."

"It is hoped that the U.S. can abandon the cold war mentality and hegemonic logic, adopt a rational and responsible nuclear policy, stop nuclear sharing, extended deterrence, expanding nuclear alliance, and other negative moves, and play a constructive role in maintaining regional and global peace and stability," Chinese Embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu said Tuesday in a written statement via email, responding to an inquiry from VOA Korean.

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Israeli airstrikes kill 34 in Gaza, including at UN school

By VOA News September 11, 2024

Israeli airstrikes in Gaza overnight and into Wednesday hit a U.N. school sheltering displaced Palestinian families and two homes, killing at least 34 people, including 19 women and children, authorities reported.

The deadliest strike, on Wednesday afternoon, hit the U.N.'s Al-Jaouni Preparatory Boys School in central Gaza's Nuseirat refugee camp, killing 14 and wounding at least 18. The Israeli military said its intention was to hit Hamas militants planning attacks from inside the school.

Six staff members of UNRWA, the U.N. agency for Palestinians, which also operates the school, were among those killed in the strike on the school.

"This is the highest death toll among our staff in a single incident," the agency posted on X, formerly Twitter. "Schools and other civilian infrastructure must be protected at all times, they are not a target."

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres decried the bombing of the U.N. school. In a post on X, he wrote, "What's happening in Gaza is totally unacceptable ... These dramatic violations of international humanitarian law need to stop now."

At least 220 UNRWA staff have been killed since the beginning of the war.

Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA's chief, also said on X, "Humanitarian staff, premises & operations have been blatantly & unabatedly disregarded since the beginning of the war. The longer impunity prevails, the more international humanitarian law & the Geneva conventions will become irrelevant."

One of the children killed was the daughter of Momin Selmi, a member of Gaza's civil defense agency, which works to rescue the wounded and retrieve bodies after strikes, the agency said in a statement.

Tens of thousands of Palestinians driven from their homes by Israeli military offensives and evacuation orders have been living in Gaza's schools. The al-Jaouni school, one of many in Gaza run by the U.N. agency for Palestinians, has been hit several times over the course of the war, now in its 12th month.

Israel frequently bombs schools, saying they are being used by Hamas militants. It blames Hamas for the civilian casualties from its strikes, saying its fighters base themselves and operate within dense residential neighborhoods.

More than 90% of Gaza's school buildings have been severely or partially damaged in strikes, and more than half the schools housing displaced people have been hit, according to a survey in July by the Education Cluster, a collection of aid groups led by UNICEF and Save the Children.

In another attack earlier Wednesday, a strike hit a home near the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, killing 11 people, including six brothers and sisters.

A strike late Tuesday on a home in the urban Jabaliya refugee camp in northern Gaza killed nine people, including six women and children, according to the Gaza health ministry and the civil defense.

The war started with the shock Hamas attack on southern Israel last October that killed 1,200 people and led to the capture of about 250 hostages. Israel's subsequent counteroffensive has killed more than 41,000 Palestinians in Gaza, mostly women and children, although the Israeli military says the death toll includes thousands of militants.

Hamas has been designated a terror group by the United States, United Kingdom, European Union and others.

Meanwhile, Israel's military said Wednesday one of its helicopters crashed in the southern Gaza Strip, killing two Israeli soldiers and injuring seven others.

A preliminary investigation indicated the crash was not caused by enemy fire. The helicopter went down during a mission to evacuate an injured soldier in the Rafah area.

In the West Bank, an Israeli airstrike on Wednesday killed at least five people in the city of Tubas, according to Palestinian emergency officials.

The Israeli military reported conducting a strike targeting an "armed terrorist cell" in the same area.

In another part of the West Bank, the Palestine Red Crescent Society said Israeli forces detained five of the group's emergency responders. The group said the personnel were transporting a patient and evacuating several children from the Tulkarm refugee camp when the detentions took place.

Other Israeli strikes Wednesday targeted rocket launchers and other sites used by Hezbollah militants in southern Lebanon, as fears persist of a wider conflict in the region.

Death of an American

After the Israeli military acknowledged its fire probably killed a U.S. citizen activist in the occupied West Bank, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday called on Israel to make "fundamental changes" in its actions in the territory.

Blinken called the killing of Turkish American activist Aysenur Ezgi Eygi "unprovoked and unjustified."

"No one, no one should be shot and killed for attending a protest. No one should have to put their life at risk just for freely expressing their views," he said.

The Israel Defense Forces said, "Clearly, this has been a terrible mistake, and it is investigating the issue fully."

President Joe Biden called it an "accident." Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee for president in the November presidential election, said, "The killing of Aysenur Eygi is a horrific tragedy that never should have happened."

The Pentagon said late Tuesday that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin discussed Eygi's death in a phone call with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Austin urged Gallant to reexamine Israel's "rules of engagement while operating in the West Bank," the Pentagon said.

Eygi was shot in the head during a pro-Palestinian demonstration in the occupied West Bank last week.

Cease-fire effort

Blinken said Tuesday that the United States will continue working with Qatar and Egypt to bridge remaining gaps in a cease-fire deal to end the conflict in Gaza as soon as possible.

"More than 90% of the issues have been agreed, so we're down to a handful of issues, not even a handful of issues that are hard but fully resolvable in our judgment," Blinken told reporters during a joint news conference in London with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy.

Lammy, who recently returned from the United Arab Emirates, said the UAE is "showing some forward-leaning in their commitment" to security guarantees in post-war Gaza. He stressed the need for a pathway to a two-state solution, emphasizing that there can be no role for Hamas in post-war Gaza.

Some material in this report came from The Associated Press and Agence France-Presse.

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China, Philippines to discuss South China Sea dispute amid clashes

By Peh Hong Lim September 11, 2024

As China is set to host bilateral talks with the Philippines this month, their South China Sea dispute is expanding from sea to air, increasing the risk of military confrontation, analysts warn.

The Chinese Communist Party's People's Daily newspaper on Monday published an article warning that "China-Philippines relations stand at a crossroads" over the South China Sea dispute.

The warning came after Filipino Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo told reporters at a diplomatic reception on September 4 that Beijing will host the next round of the Bilateral Consultative Mechanism meetings designed to manage differences between the two countries.

Manalo did not say on which date the talks would start this month but expressed hope the two countries would discuss an incident in late August when coast guard ships from both sides collided at a disputed shoal. Both countries blame the other for the collision, though video released by the Philippine coast guard appears to show the Chinese coast guard ship ramming their vessel, BRP Teresa Magbanua.

It was the second such collision of their coast guard ships in August at the disputed atoll.

Vincent Kyle Parada, a former defense analyst for the Philippine Navy and a graduate student at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, says the frequency of the sea clashes is pushing the two sides to expand their operations to the air.

"Over the past few weeks, China has been actively working to disrupt resupply missions to the ship and crew, to the point that after one such failed attempt, the Philippine government announced that essential supplies reached critical levels," he told VOA Mandarin. "Manila did manage to resupply BRP Teresa Magbanua through a helicopter, signaling this potential shift."

Parada added, "This potential shift from maritime to aerial resupply emissions in the future is obviously a risk because China has also been escalating aerial operations in the South China Sea.

"Beijing would increase its aerial presence in the Spratlys and send fighter jets to its artificial islands for extended deployments. I think the goal there really would be to make aerial resupply emissions an incredibly dangerous policy option for Manila. That way, it limits Manila's ability to sustain a long-term presence in the disputed territories."

According to the latest data from the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs, the administration of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has lodged 176 diplomatic protests with the Chinese government, which claims almost the entire South China Sea, putting it in conflict with Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam.

Song Zhongping, a Chinese military expert and researcher at Xuanyuan (Hong Kong) Science and Technology Exchange Center, says any Chinese military moves in the airspace over the South China Sea are due to what he calls "illegal expansion" by the Philippines.

"Whether it's Scarborough Shoal, Second Thomas Shoal or Sabina Shoal, these are all China's sovereign territories," he told VOA Mandarin, repeating Beijing's claims. "If the Philippines wants to conduct patrols or resupply by air, this in itself is violating the security of China's airspace, and China will inevitably take certain measures to intercept it."

An article published on September 2 by the Beijing-based think tank South China Sea Strategic Situation Probing Initiative says since 2024, the Philippines has "repeatedly dispatched military aircraft to invade the islands and reefs of Spratly Islands and Macclesfield Bank" and also sent military aircraft to carry out airdrops and replenishment missions over the sea, indicating that "air intrusion is becoming another major path for the Philippines to cause trouble in the South China Sea."

The article warned that if the Philippines insists on carrying out an "air invasion," China will have to take corresponding measures, and "once there is friction or even collision, the consequences will be much more serious than the collision with a ship."

Su Tzu-yun, a research fellow and director at the Division of Defense Strategy and Resources in Taiwan, says China is more likely to take coercive actions in the air, making it difficult for the Philippines to defend its sovereignty.

"China may first take measures to interfere, as it does with the United States and Australian military aircraft, and it will scatter thermal flares to interfere so that Philippine helicopters may not be able to get close," Su told VOA Mandarin. "It may use jets to create turbulence, meaning it uses air from the jet tail to interfere with the Philippine helicopter when it's flying."

Su says Beijing is taking more aggressive interception actions, which greatly increase the risk of accidental conflict.

"The number of Chinese ships has increased. Second, coupled with the previous conflict between China and the Philippines in the sea, which caused injuries to Philippine coast guards, and now it threatens to use stronger means against the Philippine so-called aircraft, so it is moving the definition of gray zone operations closer to the direction of war."

Philippine National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro in August said the Philippines plans to purchase 40 new multirole fighter jets and mid-range missiles to strengthen its territorial defense, Reuters reported.

The U.S. in July repeated its commitment to the Philippines' security after China's increasingly assertive actions in the South China Sea. US reiterates 'ironclad' commitment to Philippines amid China actions in South China Sea.

Parts of the disputed South China Sea are believed to be rich in oil and gas, and the waters are an important transit point for trillions of dollars in annual shipping.

The Hague-based intergovernmental Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2016 unanimously ruled that China's claim to almost all the South China Sea had "no legal basis," which Beijing rejected.

Adrianna Zhang contributed to this report. Some information for this report came from Reuters.

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Afghanistan, Turkmenistan begin work on long-delayed gas pipeline

By Ayaz Gul September 11, 2024

Taliban-ruled Afghanistan and neighboring Turkmenistan on Wednesday marked the resumption of work on a long-delayed gas pipeline designed to run through the two countries, Pakistan and India.

The estimated $10 billion Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India, or TAPI, project is designed to annually transport up to 33 billion cubic meters of Turkmen natural gas from the southeastern Galkynysh field through the proposed 1,800-kilometer pipeline.

Prime Minister Mohammad Hassan Akhund of the de facto Taliban government traveled to the Turkmen border region of Mary and joined top leaders of the host country to inaugurate construction of a vital section of the TAPI project. It is intended to link the city of Serhetabat in Turkmenistan to Herat in western Afghanistan.

Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov joined and addressed the ceremony via video link. "This project will benefit not only the economies of the participating countries but also the entire region," he said.

Taliban authorities declared a public holiday in Herat, the capital of the province of the same name, to mark the occasion, with posters celebrating the TAPI project plastered across the border city.

Initially signed in the early 1990s to provide natural gas to energy-deficient South Asia, the TAPI project has faced repeated delays due to years of Afghan hostilities, which ended in 2021 when the then-insurgent Taliban recaptured power as all U.S. and NATO forces exited the country.

While Turkmen leaders Wednesday pledged to enhance bilateral ties between Ashgabat and Kabul and carry forward the TAPI project, experts remain skeptical that the gas pipeline will become operational soon. They cite funding issues, U.S.-led Western economic sanctions on Afghanistan and the international community's refusal to recognize the Taliban as the legitimate government over restrictions on Afghan women's rights.

Islamabad's persistent diplomatic and military tensions with New Delhi are also considered a significant obstacle to the materialization of the TAPI project.

According to officials of the participating countries, Pakistan and India, each one plans to purchase 42% of the gas exports, and Afghanistan will receive the rest. Kabul will also earn around $500 million in transit fees annually.

Pakistan's relations with Afghanistan deteriorated after the Taliban takeover over terrorism concerns. Islamabad complains that Kabul shelters and facilitates fugitive anti-Pakistan militants to orchestrate cross-border terrorist attacks from Afghan sanctuaries, charges the Taliban reject.

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International arms embargo on Darfur renewed as fighting rages

By Margaret Besheer September 11, 2024

The U.N. Security Council unanimously renewed for another year an arms embargo on parties in the Darfur region of Sudan, where the war between rival generals has intensified in recent months, exacerbating a dire humanitarian crisis.

Sudan's envoy welcomed the extension but urged the council to go further and sanction the entire Rapid Support Forces militia, the rival of the government-backed Sudanese Armed Forces.

"The militia, in its entirety, really needs to be listed, because it fulfills all the conditions," Ambassador Al-Harith Idriss Al-Harith Mohamed said. "There also needs to be an end to the financing of the militia."

The RSF as it is known, has captured most of Darfur, and a battle has been going on since May over North Darfur's capital, El Fasher, which is the only Darfuri regional capital not to have fallen to the RSF.

Sudan's military has repeatedly accused the United Arab Emirates of supplying the RSF with arms and ammunition smuggled in through neighboring Chad. The UAE strongly denies the accusations.

A report by a United Nations panel of experts earlier this year said there was substance to media reports that cargo planes originating in the UAE capital had landed in eastern Chad with arms, ammunition and medical equipment destined for the paramilitary group.

At the meeting, Sudan's envoy accused the UAE of profiting from his nation's natural resources, including gold and uranium, and he urged the Security Council to act.

"We are calling for clear measures to be taken against those who seek to sabotage the Sudanese economy  namely businesses and companies whose headquarters are in the UAE," Mohamed said.

"The repetition of baseless allegations does not make them true," Emirati Ambassador Mohamed Abushahab told the council. He urged the army, known as the SAF, to show "political courage" and participate in peace talks to end the war.

The SAF sat out U.S.- and Saudi-brokered talks in Geneva in August because the UAE was invited to participate.

The United States led the negotiations in the council on the renewal of the Darfur arms embargo, which was first put in place in 2004 during the genocide carried out by Arab Janjaweed fighters against non-Arab ethnic groups in Darfur. Janjaweed fighters make up elements of today's RSF.

"Renewing the sanctions measures will restrict the movement of arms into Darfur and sanction individuals and entities contributing to, or complicit in, destabilizing activities of Sudan," U.S. envoy Robert Wood said. "All of this is critical to helping end the escalating conflict, alleviate humanitarian catastrophe and put Sudan back on the path to stability and security."

The U.S. also has proposed that the Security Council sanction two RSF commanders, but their designation remains in limbo after Russia put a hold on it on August 31.

Rights groups said the embargo renewal did not go far enough and should include the whole of Sudan.

"The council should correct this failure as soon as possible and expand the arms restrictions to cover all of Sudan, to limit the flow of arms and curb widespread atrocities being committed in the country," said Human Rights Watch's Jean-Baptiste Gallopin.

Sudan is facing a massive humanitarian crisis as a result of the war between the rival generals that began in April 2023. More than 10 million people have fled their homes in search of safety, and last month, international monitors confirmed famine in North Darfur. Across the country, the United Nations says, 26 million people are in crisis levels of hunger.

Human rights violations are also rife. In June, the RSF and SAF were added to an annual U.N. blacklist for perpetrators of grave violations against children. They were named for violations committed last year, including the killing and maiming of children, for attacking schools and hospitals, and in the case of the RSF, for sexual violence and recruiting and using children in their ranks.

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Tigray leader reports talks with archrival Eritrea

By Mulugeta Atsbeha, Eskinder Firew September 11, 2024

The leader of Tigray People's Liberation Front Debretsion Gebremichael has reported previously undisclosed talks between his region and the leaders of Eritrea.

Speaking at a press conference in the regional capital Mekelle, Ethiopia, on Tuesday, Debretsion said the first round of talks took place about six months ago in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

He told reporters that Getachew Reda, the president of the Tigray Interim Regional Administration, represented the TPLF at the talks in Dubai.

Without indicating venue and date, Debretsion also said there have been subsequent meetings with the Eritrean leaders after the initial meeting in Dubai.

"This was decided by the TPLF Executive Committee," he said. "Accordingly, President Getachew Reda has engaged with Eritrea's leaders. This is something that I know and my party's Executive Committee knows."

He said the talks, which were aimed at creating peace between the two sides, had a positive result.

"The abduction of citizens, looting and other activities by the Eritrean forces has improved and eased as a result," he said.

He said the TPLF party's intention is to "make peace with all our neighbors, including the Fano forces and the Eritrean government."

"Based on this principle, Getachew met with the Eritrean leaders, which is known by the honorable prime minister and my part. But this is for a good cause and for peace," he said.

Debretsion indicated that Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has been encouraging them to engage in the talks. He adds that Getachew has also briefed the Ethiopian leader about the talks.

There has been no immediate reaction from Ethiopia prime minister's office, Eritrea and from IRA leader Getachew.

VOA's Horn of Africa Service has reached out to the Ethiopia prime minister's office and government communication service but has not received a response. Also, repeated attempts to get reaction from the Eritrea's ministry of information were not successful.

The governments of Ethiopia and Eritrea were allies during a deadly two-year war in Tigray that killed thousands. Human rights organizations and the United States have accused Eritrean and Ethiopian forces of committing war crimes during the war in Tigray, a charge the two governments denied.

In November 2022, the Ethiopian government and TPLF signed the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement in Pretoria, South Africa, committing to a permanent ending of fighting.

Tigray regional officials allege that Eritrean troops remain in parts of their region despite the Pretoria agreement's call for the withdrawal of foreign forces. The agreement called for the withdrawal of all foreign forces and non-Ethiopian National Defense Forces, referring to the Eritrean forces and Ethiopian militias allied with the Ethiopian government.

During his visit to Ethiopia, Hammer will review the implementation of the Pretoria Cessation of Hostilities Agreement on northern Ethiopia with the signatories, the State Department said in a statement.

"The United States remains committed to supporting the Ethiopian government and the Tigray Interim Regional Administration to achieve lasting peace, including through effective disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration for ex-combatants; an orderly and peaceful return of internally displaced persons; and advancing transitional justice and accountability," the statement read.

Hammer will also discuss with Ethiopian officials their efforts to advance dialogue to end violence in the Amhara and Oromia regions, it added.

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Political startups bleed support in India-administered Kashmir over suspected Delhi ties

By Muheet Ul Islam September 11, 2024

New political parties formed after the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir's special autonomy five years ago appear to be bleeding support ahead of the first regional elections since then. Analysts see perceived ties to the central government in New Delhi as a factor.

Typical of the trend is former lawmaker Noor Mohammad Sheikh, who recently resigned from the Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party, or JKAP, a political group he had joined a few years ago in Indian-administrated Kashmir.

Established in 2020 by Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, a businessman-turned-politician, and Ghulam Hassan Mir, a veteran politician from north Kashmir, JKAP aimed to build a bridge between the local population and New Delhi after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reduced the Himalayan region to a federally controlled territory in August 2019.

Bukhari and Mir successfully recruited over 50 politicians, including Sheikh, from various pro-India parties, giving JKAP a promising start. The party was expected to reshape the political landscape of the region by challenging the dominance of the two main parties  the National Conference, or NC, and the People's Democratic Party, or PDP.

"Bukhari took the initiative to engage with the government of India during a time of complete silence in the Kashmir Valley," Sheikh told VOA. "I chose to join the party because I believed I could represent my people when no one else was doing so."

JKAP, however, suffered an abrupt downfall after a disappointing performance during Indian general elections held earlier this year. With the announcement of the first assembly elections since Indian Kashmir became a union territory scheduled to begin September 18, JKAP began to unravel. Core members of the group started leaving one after another, causing the party to fragment.

"My workers did not support me, so I chose to leave the [JKAP] after three years," Sheikh said. "My supporters and I held a protest on August 5, and on that very day I decided to contest the election as an independent candidate."

Noor Ahmad Baba, a prominent Srinagar-based political analyst and professor, told VOA that the central government tried to reshape the politics in Kashmir from above by promoting new political groups in the region, but they couldn't push aside traditional parties, especially the NC.

"It's hard to achieve such goals in a country like India. Even a dictator wouldn't be able to do it. Over time, people have become more politically aware and can analyze things and respond accordingly," Baba said. "The parliamentary elections indicated that building a new political party takes time and sacrifices and cannot be imposed from above."

Multiple parties that formed after the region lost its semiautonomous status have faced similar challenges. The Democratic Progressive Azad Party, established by former Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad in September 2022, has lost over a dozen lawmakers, including co-founder Taj Mohiuddin.

Azad, once a close aide to India's opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, faced criticism from the locals who suspect that he, like lawmakers among other regional upstart parties, has a covert alliance with Modi's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.

The suspicion was fueled by Modi's praise for Azad following his exit from the Indian National Congress. Azad, however, dismisses these claims as attempts to undermine his new political role.

Similarly, the much longer established Jammu Kashmir Peoples Conference, or JKPC, led by separatist-turned-mainstream politician Sajad Lone, is losing ground. Many attribute its decline to Lone's alleged closeness to Modi.

Many politicians who left these upstart parties are now running as independent candidates. They say that elections attract "new combinations and shifting allegiances."

"I left JKPC for my own survival," Nizam Ud Din Bhat, a former lawmaker from north Kashmir's Bandipora district, told VOA. "My voters and workers wanted me to contest election from my home district as an independent candidate."

Muzamil Maqbool, another analyst and a political commentator, believes that public pressure has forced many individuals to run independently.

"People like the work done by some of these candidates but they do not like the political party they represented," he said.

"However, we cannot ignore the fact that these independent candidates could join hands with any leading political party in the assembly elections by October this year," he said. "Horse trading in politics is not a new thing and in Kashmir; it is often the only way for politicians to secure their future and survive."

Professor Baba believes that those who switched parties during tough times and aligned with New Delhi may face difficulties.

"People now understand that such individuals are motivated by a desire to cling to power," Baba said. "I believe it might cost them in the upcoming elections."

JKAP co-founder Hassan Mir told VOA that emotional politics played by other parties has impacted people for decades.

"Every political party is referred to by various names, but if the vision and agenda are clear, it's crucial to persuade people regardless of the labels attached," he said. "Some members departed because they sought power and realized we couldn't provide it while others left due to unmet expectations regarding their mandates."

Wasim Nabi contributed to this story.

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Statement from President Joe Biden on Aysenur Eygi

September 11, 2024

I am outraged and deeply saddened by the death of Aysenur Eygi. Aysenur was a recent U.S. college graduate. She was also an activist whose idealism led her to travel to the West Bank to peacefully protest the expansion of settlements. The shooting that led to her death is totally unacceptable.

Israel has acknowledged its responsibility for Aysenur's death, and a preliminary investigation has indicated that it was the result of a tragic error resulting from an unnecessary escalation. The U.S. government has had full access to Israel's 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 Aysenur'sdeath.

There must be full accountability. And Israel must do more to ensure that incidents like this never happen again.

The violence in the West Bank has been going on for too long. Violent extremist Israeli settlers are uprooting Palestinians from their homes. Palestinian terrorists are sending car bombs to kill civilians. I will continue to support policies that hold all extremists - Israelis and Palestinians alike - accountable for stoking violence and serving as obstacles to peace.

# # #

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Philippines, China Hold Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea

Republic of the Philippines - Department of Foreign Affairs

12 September 2024

BEIJING 12 September 2024 -- Philippine Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro had a frank and candid exchange of views with Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong on managing the situation in the West Philippine Sea, including in Escoda Shoal, during a meeting of the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism held in Beijing on 11 September 2024.

Emphasizing that Escoda Shoal is within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the Philippines, Undersecretary Lazaro reaffirmed the consistent position of the Philippines and explored ways to lower the tension in the area.

Both sides agreed to continue discussions on areas of cooperation, especially on hotline mechanisms, coast guard cooperation, and marine scientific and technological cooperation.

Both sides also reaffirmed the BCM as a forum for promoting maritime dialogue and enhancing bilateral cooperation while agreeing to continue engagement through diplomatic channels.

The last BCM, which led to a common Understanding on the Management of the Situation on the Ayungin Shoal, was held in Manila in July 2024. END

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Russo-Ukraine War - 11 September 2024 - Day 931

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A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While GlobalSecurity.org takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was suddenly and deliberately attacked by land, naval and air forces of Russia, igniting the largest European war since the Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" (SVO - spetsialnaya voennaya operatsiya) in Ukraine in response to the appeal of the leaders of the "Donbass republics" for help. That attack is a blatant violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Putin stressed that Moscow's goal is the demilitarization and denazification of the country. The military buildup in preceeding months makes it obvious that the unprovoked and dastardly Russian attack was deliberately planned long in advance. During the intervening time, the Russian government had deliberately sought to deceive the world by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

"To initiate a war of aggression... is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole." [Judgment of the International Military Tribunal]

The UK Ministry of Defence reported that on the 05 September 2024, the UK National Cyber Security Centre publicly assessed that the Russian Military Intelligence (GRU) Unit 29155 have been responsible for a series of offensive cyber operations targeting victims globally since at least 2020. At least some of the group's cyber operations have almost certainly been aimed at supporting the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Operations have included the 'WhisperGate' destructive wiper malware, which was used against Ukrainian targets in 2022. Other activity has included website defacements and network scanning for espionage purposes. WhisperGate was previously attributed to the Russian state; this new advisory specifically links the attack to GRU Unit 29155.

Unit 29155 is assessed to be responsible for attempted coups, sabotage and influence operations, and assassination attempts throughout Europe. Offensive cyber operations therefore mark a development in the capabilities of Unit 29155. This further highlights the value the Russian state places on cyberspace in the context of their invasion of Ukraine.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that since the beginning of the day, 93 combat clashes have taken place, 23 of which are currently ongoing. The Russian invaders launched five rocket strikes and 49 air strikes using 59 KABs, 625 kamikaze drones strikes and carried out 3,671 shelling to positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements using different types of weapons.

In the Kharkiv direction, the Russian occupiers throughout the day carried out three attacks near Gaty a, Lipciv and Pacific. Defense Forces units have successfully repelled twice the Russian opponent's offensive actions, another confrontation is ongoing. Previously, today Russian forces lost 108 occupiers killed and wounded, also Ukrainian soldiers destroyed two armored vehicles, two artillery systems, four automobile units and two special equipment units. In addition, six artillery systems, one armored vehicle and six units of Russian vehicles were damaged.

In the Kupyans komu direction, the Defense Forces repelled 16 attacks of the Russian opponent in the area of Lozova, Synkivka, Glushkivka, Stelmakhivka and Andriyivka, three confrontations are still ongoing, the situation is controlled.

Ten times Russian forces attacked in the Lyman direction, trying to advance towards the settlements of Makiyivka, Nevsky, Ternivka, Grekivka, Druzhalyubivka and Teverdohlibovoy, where Ukrainian defenders successfully repelled all attacks.

In the Sivers komu direction throughout the day, Ukrainian defenders successfully repelled one Russian attack in the area of Viymki.

With the support of aviation, Russian forces tried five times to bow in Ukrainian defense in the Toretsky direction. During the day, the Russian occupiers attacked the positions of Ukrainian defenders near the settlements of Toretsk, Nelipivka and Dachne.

In the Pokrovsky direction since the beginning of the day in the areas of settlements of Vozdvizhenko, Zelenogo Pola, Novooleksandrivka, Hrodivka, Novotroitsky, Novogrodivka, Selidovoye and Mykhailivka, Ukrainian troops repelled 30 Russian offensive and assault actions. According to preliminary data, the enemy has lost 276 live force today, including destroying two tanks, two artillery systems, two battle-armored vehicles, seven vehicles and two special Russian equipment units. Another tank, two battle armored vehicles and one Russian artsystem damaged.

In the Kurakhiv direction at this time of the day, there are 22 combat encounters. Zagarbniki remain active, trying to advance in the areas of Konstantinivka, Ukrainian and Georgievka. Currently, eight boezitknen .

In the Vremivs komu direction, currently Russian forces have carried out eight attacks in the direction of Vugledara. All of them have been checked off, the situation is under control.

In the Orihiv direction, Ukrainian troops repelled two Russian attacks near the small Tokmacka, the opponent was unsuccessful.

In the Pridniprovsky direction, the situation has not changed significantly, loss of positions and territories is not allowed. Ukrainian soldiers successfully stopped four assaults of Russian zagarbnikiv.



The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that in Liptsy and Volchansk directions, units of the Sever Group of Forces inflicted losses on formations of the 92nd Air Assault Brigade and 36th Marine Brigade of the AFU near Malye Prokhody and Grafskoye (Kharkov region). The AFU losses amounted to up to 180 troops and three motor vehicles. One ammunition depot was destroyed.

Units of the Zapad Group of Forces improved the tactical situation and inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the 44th, 116th mechanised brigades of the AFU, and 1st National Guard Brigade near Kolesnikovka, Vishnyovoye (Kharkov region), and Makeyevka (Lugansk People's Republic).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 460 troops, one U.S.-made Bradley infantry fighting vehicle, three motor vehicles, two Grad and one Croatian-made RAK-SA-12 MLRS launchers, a Polish-made 155-mm Krab self-propelled artillery system, a U.S.-made 155-mm M198 howitzer, two UK-made 155-mm FH-70 howitzers, a 152-mm D-20 gun, and a 122-mm D-30 howitzer. An Anklav-N electronic warfare station and four field ammunition depots were destroyed.

Units of the Yug Group of Forces engaged the 72nd Mechanised Brigade and 79th Air Assault Brigade of the AFU near Yelisavetovka and Katerinovka (Donetsk People's Republic). Two counter-attacks launched by enemy assault detachments were repelled.

The AFU losses amounted to up to 655 troops, an infantry fighting vehicle, three motor vehicles, a U.S.-made 155-mm M777 howitzer, a UK-made 155-mm FH-70 howitzer, a U.S.-made 155-mm M198 howitzer, a 152-mm Akatsiya self-propelled howitzer, three 152-mm D-20 guns, a 152-mm Msta-B howitzer, and a U.S.-made 105-mm M119 gun.

Units of the Tsentr Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and positions. Losses were inflicted on manpower and materiel of the 150th Mechanised Brigade, 68th Jaeger Brigade, 142nd, 144th infantry brigades of the AFU, 12th and 14th national guard brigades near Dzerzhinsk, Petrovka, Pokrovsk, Marinovka, Tsukurino, and Kleban-Byk (Donetsk People's Republic). Three counter-attacks launched by the AFU units were repelled.

The AFU losses amounted to up to 510 troops, two armoured personnel carriers, a Kozak armoured fighting vehicle, three motor vehicles, a 152-mm Msta-B howitzer, two 122-mm D-30 howitzers, and a 100-mm Rapira gun.

Units of the Vostok Group of Forces improved the tactical situation and inflicted losses on formations of the 72nd Mechanised Brigade of the AFU and 118th Territorial Defence Brigade near Dobrovolye and Novodonetskoye (Donetsk People's Republic). One counter-attack launched by an enemy assault detachment was repelled.

The AFU losses amounted to more than 110 troops, a tank, five motor vehicles, Polish-made 155-mm Krab and U.S.-made Paladin self-propelled artillery systems. One field ammunition depot was destroyed.

Units of the Dnepr Group of Forces inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the AFU 31st Mechanised Brigade, 36th Marine Brigade, and 39th Coastal Defence Brigade near Malaya Tokmachka (Zaporozhye region), Sadovoye, and Tyaginka (Kherson region).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 110 troops, 14 motor vehicles, a U.S.-made MLRS launcher, and a UK-made 155-mm FH-70 howitzer. An Anklav-N electronic warfare station and two field ammunition depots were destroyed.

Operational-Tactical Aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles, Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces destroyed a Khortitsa Operational-Strategic Group's forward command post, an ammunition depot, and engaged AFU clusters of manpower and materiel in 144 areas.

Air defence units shot down six U.S.-made ATACMS operational-tactical missiles, nine French-made Hammer guided aerial bombs, two U.S.-made HIMARS MLRS projectiles, and 57 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles.

In total, 642 airplanes and 283 helicopters, 31,398 unmanned aerial vehicles, 579 air defence missile systems, 17,986 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,452 combat vehicles equipped with MLRS, 14,438 field artillery guns and mortars, as well as 25,899 units of support motor vehicles have been destroyed during the special military operation.

The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation also reported that units of the Sever Group of Forces supported by Army Aviation and artillery fire repelled an enemy counter-attack towards Apanasovka, as well as thwarted the enemy's attempts to launch attacks in the direction of Cherkasskaya Konopelka, Borki, and Fanaseyevka.

As a result, the AFU losses amounted to up to 30 troops killed and wounded and ten AFU servicemen were taken prisoner; two tanks, an armoured fighting vehicle, and six motor vehicles were destroyed.

Air strikes, artillery fire, and actions of the troops inflicted fire damage on manpower and hardware clusters of the 22nd, 41st, 61st, and 115th mechanised brigades, 17th Tank Brigade, 80th, 82nd, and 95th air assault brigades, 1st Presidential Brigade, 1004th Security and Service Brigade, 103rd and 129th brigades near Borki, Byakhovo, Guyevo, Vichnyovka, Daryino, Zeleny Shliyakh, Kolmakov, Kositsa, Lyubimovka, Malaya Loknya, Makhnovka, Martynovka, Novaya Sorochina, Novoivanovka, Obukhovka, Orlovka, Snagost, and Uspenovka.

Operational-Tactical Aviation and Missile Troops delivered strikes at concentration areas in Sumy region of foreign mercenaries and reserves of the 22nd, 41st, and 54th mechanised brigades, 80th, 82nd air assault brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, 1st Presidential Brigade, 101st, 103rd, 106th, 107th, and 129th territorial defence brigades near Akhtyrka, Belopolye, Bititsa, Glukhov, Semyonovka, Stepanovka, Sumy, Svessa, Peschanoye, Pavlovka, Pustogorod, Radyanskoye, Rossoshi, Raki, and Yampol.

In the past 24 hours, the AFU losses amounted to more than 350 troops and 13 armoured vehicles, including three tanks, three armoured personnel carriers, seven armoured fighting vehicles, an artillery gun, two MLRS launchers, and 19 motor vehicles.

Since the beginning of hostilities in Kursk region, the Armed Forces of Ukraine have lost more than 12,200 troops, 96 tanks, 42 infantry fighting vehicles, 77 armoured personnel carriers, 656 armoured fighting vehicles, 401 motor vehicles, 90 artillery guns, 26 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.





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Xi Jinping Meets with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro SAnchez

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

Updated: September 09, 2024 23:55

On the afternoon of September 9, 2024, President Xi Jinping met with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro SAnchez, who is on an official visit to China, at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing.

Xi Jinping asked Pedro SAnchezato convey his regards to King Felipe VI. Recalling that China and Spain celebrated the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relationsalast year, Xi Jinping noted thataboth sides have maintained close exchanges and interactions at all levels and promoted high-quality cooperation in new areas.aNoting that next year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Spain comprehensive strategic partnership, Xi Jinping said the two sides should adhere to the original intention of establishing diplomatic relationsabased on mutual respect and equal treatment, take a holistic and long-term view, and continuously enrichathe comprehensive strategic partnershipabetween the two countries. Xi Jinping also called on both sides to build long-term and stable China-Spain relations with strategic resolveaand elevate bilateral relations to a higher level.

Xi Jinping stressed that reform and opening up is thearight development path that China has found through long-term practice, and it will be followedasteadfastly. The Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee laid out systematic plans for further deepening reform comprehensively to advance Chinese modernization, which will bring new opportunities for deepening and expanding cooperation between China and Spain. The two sides should give full play toaplatforms such as the Mixed Committee on Economy and Trade and the JointaCommissionaon Science and Technology to jointly promote development in high-tech fields such as artificial intelligence, digital economy and new energy to achieveamutual benefit and win-win results.aXi Jinping expressed the hope that Spain will continue to provide a fair, equitable, safe and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in the country.aHe urged joint efforts from the two sides to stay committed to inclusiveness and mutual learning, strengthen people-to-people and cultural exchanges in the fields of language education, youth, culture and tourism, and promote friendship between the two peoples. China appreciates Spain's active promotion of China-EUaexchanges and cooperation during its EU rotating presidency in the second half of last year.aAs next year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the EU, China is ready to work with the EUatoatake stock ofasuccessful experience in the development of bilateral relations andapush for steady progress in the development of China-EU relations in the direction of independence, helping each other succeed and benefits to the world.aXi Jinping expressed the hopeathat Spain will continue to play a constructive role in this regard.

Xi Jinping pointed out that in today's changing and turbulent world, China and Spain are both countries with a sense of responsibility and mission, and both advocate multilateralism and free trade. China is ready to expand cooperation with Spain in third-party markets in the Global South and strengthen communication and coordination in the United Nations, the G20 and other international organizations,aso asato inject more positive energy into world peace, stability and human progress.

Pedro SAnchezaconveyed cordial greetings from King Felipe VI to President XiaJinping.aHe said that he is glad to visit China again after one year, which shows the closeness of Spain-Chinaarelations.aSpain and China enjoy time-honored friendship, and have constantly developed and deepened the partnership on the basis of mutual respect. Pedro SAnchez said that during his visit, the two sides signed a number of cooperation agreements in green developmentaand other fields, demonstrating the huge potential and bright prospects of bilateral cooperation. He expressed the hope thatathe two sides will strengthen people-to-people and cultural exchanges and deepen cooperation in such fields as economy, trade and new energy vehicles. Spain is willing to provide a sound environment for Chinese enterprises. Both Spain and China are committed to safeguarding world peace and multilateralism. The world today faces multiple challenges such as turbulence, conflicts, poverty and climate change, which call for greater international cooperation and joint response. China is a key force in safeguardingaworld peace and development and plays an important, constructive role in resolving major international and regional issues.aThe Spanish sideaviews its relations with China from a strategic height, firmly pursuesathe one-China policy, is willing to be a trustworthy partner of China, and looks forward to further deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership between Spain and Chinaaand making greater contributions to the well-being of the two peoples, world peace and prosperity. Spain supports the principles of free trade and open markets, disagreesawith trade wars, and is willing to continue playing a positive role in promoting the soundadevelopment of EU-China relations.

The two sides also had an exchange of views on the Ukraine crisis,athe Palestinian-Israeli conflict, and other issues.

Wang Yi was present at the meeting.

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Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on September 9, 2024

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

Updated: September 09, 2024 20:26

At the invitation of Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman and the UAE's Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, from September 10 to 13, Premier Li Qiang of the State Council will travel to Saudi Arabia to chair the Fourth Meeting of the High-Level Chinese-Saudi Joint Committee and visit Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

At the invitation of Secretary of the Russian Federation Security Council Sergei Shoigu, as usual practice, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs Wang Yi will attend the 14th Meeting of BRICS High-Ranking Officials responsible for security matters/National Security Advisors in St. Petersburg, Russia from September 11 to 12.

CCTV: The FOCAC Beijing Summit was successfully held last week. Foreign Minister Wang Yi together with foreign ministers of the current and upcoming co-chairs of FOCAC met the press. Foreign Minister Wang said that the Summit sends a strong message of China and Africa seeking common development and demonstrates the firm determination of the Global South working together in solidarity. How do we understand the significance of FOCAC to China-Africa relations?a

Mao Ning: FOCAC was born at the turn of the century, becoming the first platform for institutional dialogue established by China and developing countries, and the first mechanism for multilateral cooperation between China and a whole continent. Over the past 24 years since its inception, FOCAC has held four summits, nine ministerial meetings and 17 senior officials meetings. It has become an important platform for collective dialogue between China and African countries, an effective mechanism for deepening practical cooperation and a pacesetter of South-South cooperation.

Since the inception of FOCAC, China-Africa relations have leapfrogged from "a new type of partnership" to "a new type of strategic partnership" to "a comprehensive strategic and cooperative partnership" and to "an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era," demonstrating growing strategic significance.a

China's trade volume with Africa and investment stock in Africa increased by over 20 times and 100 times respectively. Belt and Road cooperation produced fruitful outcomes. The ten cooperation plans put forward at the 2015 FOCAC Johannesburg Summit, the eight major initiatives identified at the 2018 FOCAC Beijing Summit, and the nine programs proposed at the 2021 FOCAC Ministerial Conference in Dakar were implemented smoothly. At this year's FOCAC Summit, the ten partnership actions were proposed, bringing China-Africa practical cooperation to a new level.

There have been a rich variety of cultural and people-to-people exchanges between China and Africa, which deepened mutual understanding between the Chinese and African people, and enhanced the traditional friendship. China has set up multiple cultural centers in Africa, established over 60 Confucius Institutes, and sent medical teams to over 40 African countries, who treated close to 300 million African patients. The two sides have witnessed inspiring stories of friendship in the new era.

At the new historical starting point, China will continue upholding the principle of sincerity, real results, amity and good faith and the principle of pursuing the greater good and shared interests. We will continue working with African members of FOCAC to implement the outcomes of the Summit and better benefit the people of both sides.

People's Daily: To follow up on your announcement that Director Wang Yi will attend the 14th Meeting of BRICS High-Ranking Officials responsible for security matters/National Security Advisors, can you share more information on that and China's expectation for the meeting?

Mao Ning: The 14th Meeting of BRICS High-Ranking Officials responsible for security matters/National Security Advisors will be held in St. Petersburg from September 11 to 12. As usual practice, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs Wang Yi will attend the meeting upon invitation. During the meeting, the Chinese side will exchange views with BRICS partners on the current international security situation and major international and regional issues, and make political preparation for the BRICS Summit.

The world today is marked by changes and instabilities and fraught with complex and severe security challenges. As an important platform for emerging markets and developing countries, BRICS has been committed to upholding world peace, promoting common development, practicing multilateralism, and working for more just and equitable global governance. This is the first meeting of BRICS High-Ranking Officials responsible for security matters/National Security Advisors following the historic expansion of BRICS. China looks forward to working with BRICS partners to consolidate BRICS strategic partnership, further enrich BRICS cooperation in political and security areas, provide new impetus for greater BRICS cooperation, and contribute to world peace and security.

aa

Hubei Media Group: During the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, President Xi Jinping announced that China will carry out an "action for a mine-free Africa." Could you share more details with us?

Mao Ning: Africa is among the regions most severely threatened by landmines and Africans have been beset by mines. For a long time, China has been actively committed to humanitarian assistance and cooperation in mine action, taken concrete actions to support Ethiopia, Angola, Eritrea, Chad and other countries in their capacity-building for mine action, and contributed to protecting local civilians and promoting socioeconomic development.

Peace and security cooperation is part and parcel of building an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era. During the FOCAC Beijing Summit, President Xi Jinping announced an "action for a mine-free Africa," a practical step by China to implement the Global Security Initiative in Africa. China stands ready to advance mine action cooperation with African countries through assistance supplies, personnel training and on-the-ground guidance to help Africa get rid of mines as early as possible and achieve secure, stable and sustainable development.

Polish Press Agency: Last week, Polish Foreign Minister RadosAaw Sikorski visited Malaysia, Singapore and the Philippines. In each of these countries, he stressed the importance of resolving disputes in the South China Sea, without resorting to violence, use of force or economic coercion. Regardless of its size, every country must respect the award of the arbitral tribunal and international law. What's China's comments?

Mao Ning: China stands for peacefully resolving disputes in the South China Sea through negotiation and consultation with countries directly concerned on the basis of respecting historical facts and observing international law. Regarding the so-called South China Sea arbitration, China has made its position clear multiple times. The award is illegal and null and void.

DPA: According to German media report, two German military vessels will transit through the Taiwan Strait in mid-September. What is the Foreign Ministry's comment?

Mao Ning: Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. We made our position clear on similar questions. The waters of the Taiwan Strait, from both shores toward the middle of the Strait, are China's internal waters, then territorial sea, then contiguous zone, and then exclusive economic zone. China respects countries' right to navigation in relevant waters in accordance with China's laws and international law, including UNCLOS. But we firmly oppose any act of provocation under the pretext of freedom of navigation by relevant countries that harms China's sovereignty and security.

Reuters: Malaysia's Foreign Ministry is conducting internal investigation into the leak of a diplomatic note sent by China's Foreign Ministry to the Malaysian Embassy in Beijing in February. This was reported by the Philippines' news outlet. It said that China had sent a two-page document to the Malaysian Embassy in Beijing in February, asserting that Kuala Lumpur's oil and gas exploration in the South China Sea infringed on China's sovereignty. Can MOFA confirm if China told Malaysia this?

Mao Ning: China is shocked by the news release by the Philippine media. This is apparently ill-motivated. We noted that Malaysia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a statement in response. China and Malaysia, as countries concerned in the South China Sea issue, have maintained close communication on properly addressing differences and disputes between the two sides, and have jointly made good contribution to the growth of China-Malaysia relations and regional peace and stability.

CCTV: The session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) was held recently in the Cameroonian capital, YaoundA. The session spoke highly of the progress in China-OIC cooperation in recent years. What's China's comments?

Mao Ning: On August 29 and 30, the 50th session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) commended the progress in China-OIC cooperation and looked forward to further advancing cooperation with China. China welcomes the statements.

China and the Islamic world share traditional friendship. Both sides firmly support each other in upholding respective core interests and enjoy fruitful results in their Belt and Road cooperation. China stands ready to continue working with Islamic states to implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative, and promote world peace, stability and sustainable development.

The OIC is a symbol of the solidarity of Islamic states and an important bridge to promote relations between China and Islamic states. China stands ready to continue deepening strategic communication with the OIC, conducting cooperation in various fields, and making continued progress of bilateral relations.

TV Asahi: Last weekend, Internet influencer "Ya Ren" (asianman) posted a video online, in which he was asked by a person accompanying Japanese tourists to make room for them to take pictures in the Yuanmingyuan Park. Ya Ren refused and the two sides quarreled. The video sparked heated online discussion. Many Japanese nationals in China expressed concerns. What is the Foreign Ministry's comment?

Mao Ning: I'm not familiar with the specifics you mentioned. I will not comment on personal conduct. But what I can tell you is that China is an open and inclusive country, and we do not have in place any discriminatory practice against any particular country.

Ukrinform News Agency: Indian media reported yesterday that National Security Adviser to the Prime Minister of India, Ajit Doval, this week will visit Moscow to discuss peace efforts aimed at resolving Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine. How will you comment on India's peace efforts, and can you share with us the Chinese government's next steps in seeking to resolve the conflict between Russia and Ukraine that has been continuing for two and a half years?

Mao Ning: On the Ukraine issue, we are committed to promoting talks for peace and support all efforts conducive to the peaceful settlement of the crisis. China will continue working with the international community to accumulate conditions for a political settlement.

Bloomberg: I just want to follow up on a question about the German plan to transit the Taiwan Strait. You said that the Taiwan Strait was internal waters and contiguous zone. Is that the whole of the Strait or is that just parts of the Strait? My question is, how much of the Strait is international waters from the Chinese perspective? And how much of it is internal waters and contiguous zones?

Mao Ning: The waters of the Taiwan Strait, from both shores toward the middle of the Strait, are China's internal waters, then territorial sea, then contiguous zone, and then exclusive economic zone. I think I already answered your question.

Shenzhen TV: On September 6, the US government released the so-called updated Hong Kong business advisory, warning that the Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the March 2024 Safeguarding National Security Ordinance further erode fundamental freedoms and protections for human rights in Hong Kong and that businesses should be aware that the risks they face in the PRC are now increasingly present in Hong Kong. What's China's comment?aa

Mao Ning: The so-called updated Hong Kong business advisory concocted by the US makes groundless attack against Hong Kong's national security laws and smears the business environment in Hong Kong. China firmly opposes and strongly condemns it. After the roll-out of the Law on Safeguarding National Security and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, Hong Kong enjoys better rule of law, a more favorable business environment and more consolidated foundation for long-term prosperity and stability. According to the latest report released by the Hong Kong SAR government, Hong Kong saw all-time high figures for the registration of both new local companies and non-Hong Kong firms in the first half of this year. The World Competitiveness Yearbook 2024 indicates that Hong Kong ranks fifth globally in competitiveness. In 2023, Hong Kong was the fourth receiver of foreign direct investment worldwide and the 10th largest exporter of merchandise trade.

The US needs to respect facts, respect China's sovereignty and the rule of law in Hong Kong, and stay prudent on issues related to Hong Kong.

Bloomberg: Just to follow up. Do you recognize that the center of the Taiwan Strait is international waters in which there is freedom of navigation for all nations? In your statement now on your understanding of the waters, you didn't actually say that it's international waters. So is the center of the Strait beyond 12 nautical miles on either side of the Strait international waters in which any nation can travel freely?

Mao Ning: Both sides of the Taiwan Strait are China's territory. The waters of the Taiwan Strait, from both shores toward the middle of the Strait, are China's internal waters, then territorial sea, then contiguous zone, and then exclusive economic zone. China respects countries' right to navigation in relevant waters in accordance with China's laws and international law, including UNCLOS. But we firmly oppose any act of provocation under the pretext of freedom of navigation by relevant countries that harms China's sovereignty and security.

Bloomberg: Your mention of the special economic zone makes that out to be having international legal basis in the sense of international waters. It's international waters first, and then it's also China's exclusive economic zone. Is it not?

Mao Ning: The UNCLOS clearly states the specific legal regime of the exclusive economic zone, which you may refer to.

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Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on September 11, 2024

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

Updated: September 11, 2024 18:48

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: I'd 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 Nam's 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 don't square with facts.a

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 Nam's 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 China's comment?

Mao Ning: We strongly deplore and firmly oppose the US's egregious move of manipulating Hong Kong-related issues in an attempt to contain Hong Kong's 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? What's 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.a

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.a

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 China's governance propositions. The application of AI in the military domain bears on world peace and security, and humanity's 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 China's 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.a

AFP: During today's presidential debate in the US, both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump mentioned US tariffs against China. Trump plans to raise the tariffs, and Harris didn't mention lifting the tariffs. What is China's 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.

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Exhibition brings Silk Road culture to universities in Taiwan

Xinhua) 10:51, September 12, 2024

TAIPEI, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- A touring exhibition is giving students at three universities in Taiwan the opportunity to experience the famous murals and other artworks from Dunhuang in northwest China's Gansu Province, home to the Mogao Grottoes and a cultural landmark along the ancient Silk Road.

The exhibition, organized by the Sheen Chuen-Chi Cultural & Educational Foundation, the Dunhuang Academy and the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation, opened on Sept. 6 at the Taiwan University of Arts and will later tour Dong Hwa University in Hualien and Feng Chia University in Taichung, before concluding its Taiwan run on Jan. 8, 2025.

The exhibition introduces visitors to the historical development of the Dunhuang grottoes covering a period of 1,000 years, as well as the materials used to paint the site's famous murals. Exhibits include replicas of musical instruments depicted in the murals and high-resolution printed replicas of the murals.

A highlight of the exhibition is its use of multimedia technology to animate the static murals, offering visitors a dynamic visual experience and allowing them to appreciate a fusion of ancient Chinese music and dance.

Organizers hope to attract young people and encourage them to learn about the culture of Dunhuang, and aim to build an appreciation for the preservation of Chinese cultural heritage among younger generations, said Shih Chin-wen, secretary-general of the Sheen Chuen-Chi Cultural & Educational Foundation.

The murals, musical instruments and other replicated items on display were created meticulously in Dunhuang before being transported to Taiwan, Shih said.

Organizers invited multiple scholars from the Dunhuang Academy to Taiwan to assist with the exhibition setup and provide guided tours. A series of specialized lectures will also be held during the exhibition's tour of Taiwan.

"We hope that through professional guided tours and lectures, visitors will gain a deeper appreciation of the beauty of Dunhuang -- beyond just the exhibition," Shih said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
US lawmakers ask Biden to end China trade 'loophole'

Critics say the 'de minimis' exception lets retailers sell clothes made with Uyghur slave labor to Americans.

By Alex Willemyns for RFA 2024.09.11 -- More than 100 U.S. lawmakers have written to President Joe Biden requesting an executive order to close a "loophole" they say is allowing clothing made with Uyghur slave labor to reach American shores.

The "de minimis" exception allows imports worth less than $800 to enter the United States without being subjected to tariffs or customs inspections.

Critics have labeled it a "loophole" that allows 4 million packages to pass without scrutiny through customs each day.

In particular, they accuse Chinese low-price online retailers like Shein and Temu of exploiting the exception to sell clothing made with Uyghur slave labor directly to Americans. The exemption has also been blamed for allowing fentanyl to be imported through the postal system.

A long-promised bill to end the exemption was promised as part of this week's high-profile "China Week" flurry of China-related legislation by House Speaker Mike Johnson, but in the end was not included.

In an open letter sent to Biden on Wednesday, 126 lawmakers from the Democratic Party said that in the absence of legislative action, the U.S. president should use the "broad discretion" granted to him by existing trade law to restrict what items are eligible for the exemption.

They ask Biden to "disqualify commercial shipments from de minimis treatment," so such items "no longer evade inspection, information disclosure requirements, or the requisite tariffs and taxes."

In a press conference Wednesday, Rep. Tom Suozzi, a Democrat from New York who leads the Congressional Uyghur Caucus, said that short of legislation, executive action was the only way to ensure laws like the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act can be properly enforced.

"Some very clever people from the Chinese Communist Party a have come up with ways to get around all the stuff that we've negotiated," Suozzi said, adding that Chinese online retailers "figured out how to use the new e-commerce systems" to skirt U.S. trade laws.

"They're under $800 and they come in through the mail, not through the ports of entry - nobody inspects it, nobody pays any tariffs," he said of the packages entering under the exemption.

"Nobody makes sure they're not being made with forced labor in the Xinjiang region," he said, where thousands of ethnic Uyghurs are believed to be trapped in factories producing everything from clothing to appliances.

Uyghur slave labor

Rep. Rosa L. DeLauro, a Democrat from Connecticut, said she believed it was "a near certainty" that clothing made with Uyghur slave labor was entering the United States under the exception.

DeLauro said the practice was also harming the U.S. textile industry, with Chinese brands that rely on slave labor "undercutting the competitiveness of many American industries - especially small clothing manufacturers - while enabling human rights abuses."

Lori Wallach, the director of the Rethink Trade program at the Washington-based American Economic Liberties Project, said it would be preferable to have legislation to close the loophole forever.

"But the good news is that Congress previously granted American presidents broad discretion and authority to determine what types of goods can enter using de minimis - explicitly, in a statute, and it did so to prevent unlawful imports," Wallach told the press conference.

Ending the ability of foreign retailers to send small packages directly to consumers would not "cut off" such imports, Wallach said, but would "force a different way" of doing business. Sellers would likely revert to container shipments that require advanced information to be filed with customs so items can "get pulled and inspected," she said.

The White House did not respond to a request for comment about whether Biden would comply with the lawmakers' request.

Logistical nightmare

Not all industry leaders are united against the exemption.

John Pickel, the senior director of international supply chain policy at the National Foreign Trade Council and a former trade official at the Department of Homeland Security, told Radio Free Asia that the "de minimis" provision was a necessary part of U.S. trade law.

Customs officials are already empowered to inspect goods shipped under "de minimis" if they believed the sender violated the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, he said, arguing the exemption was otherwise cost-saving for both government and consumers.

Removing it would require extensive further appropriations for customs officials to inspect more packages and collect duties, he said, and would cost consumers who would be forced to pay for the tariffs.

"I led the team that implemented the UFLPA at DHS, and I haven't seen any evidence of increased forced labor risk in the de minimis environment," Pickel said, pointing to a study that showed ending the exception would impose costs of up to $30 billion a year.

"Degrading de minimis would only raise import taxes on low-income consumers and small businesses and have no enforcement benefit at the border," he said. "Instead of focusing on de minimis, policymakers should be looking for ways to validate information received by the government across all shipment values and entry environments."

Edited by Malcolm Foster.

Copyright 1998-2024, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content September not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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Joint Press Release on the U.S.-EU Dialogue on China and Indo-Pacific Consultations

US Department of State

Media Note

Office of the Spokesperson

September 11, 2024

The following is a joint press release issued by the Deputy Secretary of State and EEAS Secretary General Sannino.

Begin text:

On September 9-10, 2024, Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell and European External Action Service (EEAS) Secretary General Stefano Sannino held the seventh high-level meeting of the U.S.-EU Dialogue on China and the sixth meeting of the U.S.-EU High-Level Consultations on the Indo-Pacific.

Deputy Secretary of State Campbell and Secretary General Sannino discussed recent U.S. and EU engagement with China and the trajectory of their respective bilateral relationships. As we continue to engage in robust competition with China, it remains important to keep open channels of communication. They reiterated their openness to continued substantive diplomacy with China both in areas of common interest and in areas of difference. They affirmed the importance of close coordination between the United States and the European Union in advancing shared objectives and democratic values and interests.

Deputy Secretary of State Campbell and Secretary General Sannino reiterated deep and increasing concern about China's exports of significant amounts of dual-use goods and items used by Russia on the battlefield against Ukraine, and China-based companies' continued involvement in sanctions evasion and circumvention. They recognized China's ongoing support for Russia's military industrial base is enabling Russia to maintain its illegal war against Ukraine, which poses a threat to transatlantic as well as global security and stability. They reiterated their expectation that China, as a Permanent Member of the UN Security Council, should act in support of international law, including the UN Charter, and recalled that any peace proposal in Ukraine must be based on the UN Charter and its principles, including respect for sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, and in line with continued efforts to uphold the international rules-based order.

The United States and European Union both recognized the importance of balanced and fair economic relations with China, and reiterated their commitments to rules-based, free and fair trade, and to ensuring a level playing field for their workers and companies. In this respect, the United States and the EU will both continue to actively address the challenges posed by China's non-market policies and practices, including overcapacity and economic coercion. Both sides confirmed their intention to continue de-risking by investing in their resilience and reducing dependencies and vulnerabilities in strategic sectors, which fosters resilience to economic coercion. They also confirmed the importance to advance the governance of critical and emerging technologies.

Deputy Secretary of State Campbell and Secretary General Sannino also discussed the human rights situation in China, including recent respective engagement with China on this subject. Both recognized the need for increased global awareness and decisive action to address continued human rights abuses by China, including in Tibet and Xinjiang. They underscored that China should effectively cooperate with the OHCHR, including towards the implementation of the recommendations of its assessment report on the human rights situation in Xinjiang, as well as with international human rights mechanisms. They noted in particular the many cases of unjust and arbitrary detentions and called upon China to release all unjustly and arbitrarily detained individuals. They committed to continue working on countering China's practice of transnational repression, which targets individuals around the world. They also committed to continue to share information concerning identifying and responding to foreign information manipulation and interference. Finally, they noted their concern over China's crackdown on Hong Kong's autonomy, independent institutions, and civil society and continued erosion of rights and freedom, including through the March 2024 enactment of legislation under Article 23 of the Basic Law.

The United States and the European Union underscored the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, which is indispensable to international security and stability. They called for the peaceful resolution of cross-Strait issues through dialogue. They urged China to act with restraint in the Taiwan Strait and around Taiwan. They expressed opposition to any unilateral attempt to change the status quo, in particular by force or coercion. They expressed support for Taiwan's meaningful participation in international organizations.

Both sides expressed serious concern about tensions in the East and South China Seas and reiterated their strong opposition to recent actions by China that endanger the safety of life at sea and infringe upon freedom of navigation. The two sides welcomed diplomatic efforts between the PRC and the Philippines, yet remained concerned about China's dangerous and escalatory actions against lawful Philippines aerial and maritime operations in the South China Sea. The principals recalled the June 14 Group of Seven Leaders' statement, which reaffirmed that there is no legal basis for China's expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea, and emphasized the universal and unified character of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the vital importance of all states remaining free to exercise their rights and freedoms consistent with this international legal framework. They reiterated that the award rendered by the Arbitral Tribunal on 12 July 2016 is legally binding upon the parties to those proceedings and forms a useful basis for peacefully resolving disputes between the parties. The United States and the European Union expressed their strong commitment to upholding peace, stability and international law in the region.

Deputy Secretary of State Campbell and Secretary General Sannino also held the sixth meeting of the High-Level Consultations on the Indo-Pacific. They discussed ongoing and mutual strong support of a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific, which is inclusive, prosperous, and secure, and protects shared principles including sovereignty, territorial integrity, and peaceful resolution of disputes, as well as respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, gender equality, and the rule of law. They shared their respective assessments of the geopolitical trends shaping the situation in the Indo-Pacific.

They discussed current challenges in Myanmar, highlighting the UN Special Rapporteur's June 26 report identifying banks assisting the military government and discussed means to further enhance coordination and assessment of restrictive measures. They also strongly condemned the DPRK's continued arms transfers to Russia and Russia's use of DPRK ballistic missiles in Ukraine. They discussed the value of U.S. and EU respective engagement with India on global challenges, on security, including in the maritime sphere, energy and connectivity in the Indo-Pacific. The United States and the European Union also discussed the latest developments in Bangladesh.

The two sides also discussed their further respective engagement and partnerships across the region. They reaffirmed the importance of U.S. and EU combined initiatives on regional connectivity, notably in the framework of the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGI) and the EU's Global Gateway. They confirmed their shared commitment to building clean energy connectivity across the Indo-Pacific, and planned to advance coordination on Vietnam and Indonesia through the Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETPs). In furtherance of this effort, the United States and EU are co-chairing a new development partners working group to further cross-border electricity in South Asia. They positively discussed the U.S. Smart and Secure Ports Program and EU Global Ports Safety Project, both supporting Indo-Pacific partners with port modernization, security, and safety, as well as their complementary programming to promote digital connectivity infrastructure and modernization in the Philippines.

They highlighted ongoing efforts to advance U.S.-EU cooperation on maritime security in the Indo-Pacific and underlined their intention to continue joint maritime security activities in the region. They confirmed the first-ever U.S.-EU roundtable discussion at U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. They reiterated their shared commitment to continue enhancing maritime domain awareness (MDA) in the Indo-Pacific and highlighted the concrete steps to deepen complementarity between the U.S. SeaVision and EU-funded IORIS systems. The United States and the EU will coordinate on maritime security trainings for partners and will explore the possibility of organizing a U.S.-EU Maritime Security Conference on the Indo-Pacific.

They discussed ongoing and increasing engagement in the Indian Ocean Region, including support for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and with the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).

They assessed the continued threat posed by the widespread use of foreign information manipulation and interference and committed to further joint work with Indo-Pacific partners and deepening support to build free and resilient information ecosystems. They also decided to explore future opportunities to continue supporting media practitioners in the region.

They discussed the success of the U.S.-EU-Japan Cybersecurity Week program in Tokyo and recommitted to continuing to explore activities in the context of the ASEAN Regional Forum to further enhance global cyber resilience and strengthen coordination on cyber capacity building in the Indo-Pacific region.

They noted progress made to support the Pacific Island countries (PICs) and Small Island States (and SIDS) by working through regional bodies such as the Pacific Island Forum (PIF) and affirmed their commitment to consider joint activities in support of the PICs and SIDS, including in the fields of blue economy, infrastructure, and climate resilience. They welcomed partner cooperation alongside Australia on upcoming investment opportunities to support the fishery sector in the Republic of Marshall Islands and across the Pacific Islands.

They reiterated our shared values and commitment to explore ways in the Indo-Pacific region to advance the human rights of all, including by preventing and combatting discrimination and violence against persons on the grounds of their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and sexual characteristics.

Deputy Secretary of State Campbell and Secretary General Sannino reaffirmed the intent of the U.S. Department of State and European External Action Service to continue close coordination on China and the Indo-Pacific and to hold the next round of talks in Washington in the first half of 2025.

End text.

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China ramping up transnational repression, Uyghur exiles in US say

By Kasim Kashgar September 11, 2024

Many exiled Uyghurs in the U.S. say China has ramped up transnational repression against them, using their relatives who still live in China to threaten them into silence abroad.

"I've been targeted online with fake accounts. a Chinese trolls even registered for a webinar using fake emails and posted my home address, saying, 'We are watching you,' " Elfidar Iltebir, president of the Uyghur American Association, a rights group, told VOA last week in a phone interview.

The harassment prompted her to increase her home security. Iltebir said the repression has intensified, especially over the past two years.

"People are afraid to come out and advocate, fearing for their families' safety," she said.

From 2017 to 2020, she said, nearly every Uyghur American had at least one family member detained in Xinjiang, spurring many to activism. But as China increased pressure on these exiles, many of them are thinking twice about their activist work.

She described a climate of fear within her organization. "Some of our supporters now ask if they can help behind the scenes, afraid to be seen publicly," Iltebir said. Chinese agents, sending messages through Uyghur relatives in Xinjiang, "tell us not to attend political or cultural events, not to join any organizations, to stay away from activists.

"They even dictate who to invite to weddings. I've seen community members receive these orders."

VOA reached out to the Chinese Embassy in Washington for comment on the allegations of transnational repression targeting Uyghur Americans. The embassy did not respond to multiple inquiries.

However, the FBI says it is aware of such activity targeting Uyghurs and other ethnic minority groups in the United States.

"Tactics and patterns morph with advancements in technology," the federal police agency said in a statement to VOA. "These acts - often identified as transnational repression (TNR) - represent severe violations of international norms, U.S. law, and individual rights and freedoms. TNR conducted by any government, against any person including Uyghur Americans, is unacceptable."

The agency says it has worked to raise awareness of the problem among state, local and university law enforcement partners and has conducted training to help vulnerable communities recognize repressive tactics and examples of transnational harassment. It also provides resources in 60 languages, including in Uyghur.

Iltebir detailed her organization's work with the FBI to support the estimated 10,000 to 15,000 Uyghur Americans in combating China's transnational repression.

China, Uyghurs and human rights

Uyghurs are a largely Muslim minority group. Approximately 12 million Uyghurs live in China's northwestern Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, where accusations of mass detention, forced labor and other human rights abuses have drawn global attention and condemnation.

In recent years, the U.S., U.N., European Parliament and rights organizations have condemned China or its policies in the Uyghur region. Some have accused Bejing of committing genocide and crimes against humanity.

Allegations include the arbitrary mass imprisonment of Uyghurs and other Muslim and Turkic groups, forced labor, forced sterilization, family separation and other abuses.

China denies any wrongdoing in the region, labeling the targeted Uyghurs as extremists, terrorists and separatists and justifying its policies as necessary measures to combat terrorism and separatism.

Fear and anonymity

Fear often keeps exiles from speaking out or enabling the media to confirm accusations.

One such U.S.-based Uyghur rights activist is a man who came to the U.S. for his education. He spoke to VOA on the condition of anonymity, fearing retaliation and increased harassment of his family members in Xinjiang.

In 2017, he said, his sibling and extended family were arbitrarily detained in Xinjiang.

"The only thing I was obsessed with was my academic work," he said, but the detentions forced him into activism.

After joining a Washington-based rights group advocating for human rights in China, including the Uyghurs, in 2019, he began receiving intimidating social media messages from Chinese authorities.

"I started receiving all sorts of intimidation from [Chinese] police through WhatsApp and other social media platforms," he recalled. "They even invited me to a third country to meet them there. I never agreed."

Despite the evolving nature of these tactics, he said, the harassment has never ceased.

"I have submitted details of these incidents to the FBI at least 15 times in the past and provided them with all the details of the communications I've received over the past few years," he said.

But ultimately, he said, the FBI can do nothing because the harassers are based outside the U.S.

However, the agency has taken legal action against China's transnational repression schemes in the U.S.

In a case last month, Wang Shujun of New York was found guilty of acting as a covert Chinese agent. The FBI said he supported transnational repression by posing as a member of a pro-democracy group while feeding Beijing information about its members.

Political response

"Chinese Communist agents should not be able to threaten and intimidate American residents without consequences, anywhere a especially and including here in the United States," said Republican U.S. Representative Chris Smith, chairman of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, in an email to VOA on Tuesday.

Smith emphasized that while the FBI has made efforts, "more can and must be done to stop transnational repression and abuse."

According to the FBI, China has long targeted diaspora communities, particularly what China describes as the "five poisons" - groups seen as threats to Chinese Communist Party rule, including Uyghurs, Tibetans, democracy activists, Falun Gong practitioners and Taiwanese independence advocates.

"The PRC has used proxies, including private investigators, to harass dissidents in the U.S.," the FBI told VOA.

Despite the challenges, Iltebir remains determined to speak out.

"We cannot be silenced. If we don't speak out, who will? Seeing non-Uyghurs stand with us inspires me to continue this fight for freedom, justice and human rights," she said.

Yihua Lee of VOA's Mandarin Service contributed to this report.

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Spain PM asks EU to 'reconsider' EV tariffs plan

By VOA News September 11, 2024

As he wrapped up a visit to China, Pedro Sanchez, Spain's prime minister, has asked the EU to "reconsider" its plan to impose tariffs of up to 36 percent on Chinese electric cars. He says Brussels and Beijing need to find a way to reach a "compromise."

"I have to be blunt and frank with you that we need to reconsider all of us, not only member states but also the Commission, our position towards this [imposing the tariffs]," Sanchez said, while speaking at an event at Mondragon Industrial Park in Kunshan, a city neighboring Shanghai.

In August, the EU announced a plan to levy five-year import duties of up to 36 percent on electric vehicles imported from China. On November 2, there will be a vote among EU members to decide whether Brussels will implement the tariffs on EVs.

The day after the EU announced the plans for the tariffs in August, Beijing announced a WTO probe into EU subsidies of some dairy products exported to China.

Beijing has also launched anti-dumping and subsidies investigations of the EU's brandy and pork exports.

In recent years, China and the EU have had disputes over a range of issues including trade, technology and national security.

Some fear the recent tit-for-tat actions between China and the EU may indicate a potential trade war breaking out.

"I think that we need to build bridges between the European Union and China and from Spain," said Sanchez. "What we'll do is to be constructive, and to try to find a solution, a compromise between China and the European Commission."

"The government of Spain wants to consolidate the growth of our trade relations and investment with China, with a focus on green and innovative industries and avoiding that trade and geopolitical tensions damage them," Sanchez said on Wednesday.

In an annual survey published Wednesday, the European Chamber of Commerce noted that "business confidence in China is at an all-time low."

According to the report, many European businesses are saying they do not think the return on China investments are worth the risks, alluding to China's weakened consumer demand and a politicized business environment.

Sanchez explained Wednesday that "it is undeniable that these [EU-China] relations need to be balanced."

As Sanchez concluded his visit to China, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store.

The two leaders agreed to set up green transition talks between Beijing and Oslo every two years, according to Chinese state media.

"Furthering China-Norway friendly cooperation is consistent with the will of the two peoples, the fundamental interests of the two countries, and a global trend of maintaining closer ties among countries to share weal and woe," said Xi, according to China's official Xinhua News Agency.

"Xi noted that the two countries' economies are highly complementary and have seen fruitful cooperation outcomes in various fields. He called on the two sides to expand practical cooperation in fields such as environmental protection, energy transformation, maritime affairs and shipping, agricultural and fishery products, and electric vehicles," the Xinhua report said.

Some material from this report was provided by Agence France-Presse, Reuters and AP.

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Xi Jinping Sends Congratulatory Message to DPRK's Top Leader Kim Jong Un on the 76th Anniversary of DPRK's Founding

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

Updated: September 09, 2024 15:32

On September 9, 2024, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to General Secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and President of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)aKim JongaUn on the 76th anniversary of the DPRK's founding.

Xi Jinping pointed out that over the past 76 years, under the leadership of the WPK, the people of the DPRK have united as one and promoted the vigorous development of various national causes.aIn recent years, Comrade General Secretary Kim JongaUnahas led the Party and people of the DPRK in thoroughly implementing the guiding principles of the WPK's Eighth Congress and all its plenary sessions and made a series of achievements in construction andadevelopment. XiaJinpingaexpressed his belief that under the leadership of the WPK headed by Comrade General Secretary, the people in the DPRK will surely win new and greater victories in advancing the cause of DPRK-style socialism.

Xi Jinping stressed that China and the DPRK are linked by mountains and rivers, and their traditional friendship has grown stronger over time.aThis year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the DPRKaand the "China-DPRK Friendship Year".aUnder the new circumstances in the new era, China will continue to view bilateral relations from a strategic and long-term perspective and is ready to deepen strategic communication, strengthen coordination and cooperation with the DPRK, and jointly maintain, consolidate and develop traditional friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries.aXi Jinping called on the two sides to jointly advance the socialism cause, so as to bring more benefits to the two peoples and make greater contributionsato promoting peace, stability, development and prosperity of the region and the world.



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IAF CONDUCTS SYMPOSIUM ON 'AIR DOMAIN AWARENESS' DURING EXERCISE TARANG SHAKTI 2024

India - Press Information Bureau

Ministry of Defence

Posted On: 11 SEP 2024 8:29PM by PIB Delhi

As part of Exercise Tarang Shakti, India's largest multinational air exercise aimed at enhancing interoperability and operational coordination among Friendly Foreign Countries (FFCs), the Indian Air Force (IAF) organized a multinational symposium on 'Air Domain Awareness' on 11th September, at Jodhpur. The theme of the symposium was "Collaborative Approach to Facilitate Air Domain Awareness Towards Enhancing Regional Security."

The event saw participation from over 50 delegates, representing 27 nations involved in Exercise Tarang Shakti. Air Marshal Surat Singh AVSM VM VSM, Director General Air (Operations), IAF, welcomed the participants and delivered the keynote address. International delegates shared their concepts of air domain awareness and discussed strategies to tackle challenges from both national and regional perspectives. The symposium fostered an open exchange of ideas among subject matter experts on emerging challenges related to air situational awareness and airspace management. Discussions focused on policy matters and technological solutions for effective information sharing.

The closing address was delivered by Air Vice Marshal PV Shivanand VM, Assistant Chief of Air Staff Operations (Air Defence).

***

JS/AS



(Release ID: 2053906)

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5th India-Philippines Joint Defence Cooperation Committee meeting held in Manila

India - Press Information Bureau

Ministry of Defence

Defence Secretary invites Philippines to partner with Indian defence Industry in co-development & co-production of equipment

Posted On: 11 SEP 2024 6:03PM by PIB Delhi

The fifth meeting of India-Philippines Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) was held in Manila on September 11, 2024. The meeting was co-chaired by Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane and his counterpart Senior Undersecretary, Ministry of National Defence of Philippines Mr Irineo Cruz Espino.

During the meeting, both sides exchanged wide-ranging discussions on bilateral as well as multilateral issues. The co-chairs reviewed the outcomes of third Service-to-Service interactions held on September 10, 2024, and expressed happiness at the overall enhancement in bilateral defence cooperation across all sectors.

The Defence Secretary appreciated the Self Reliance Defence Posture Act of the Philippines government for modernising its Armed Forces. He highlighted that India has also laid out a similar vision for 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'. Under this vision, the Indian defence Industry is continuously enhancing its manufacturing capabilities and is exporting equipment to the world, he added.

The Defence Secretary invited the Philippines to partner with the Indian defence industry in co-development and co-production of equipment. The Philippines also invited investments in long-term equity partnership towards promoting assured supply chains. It acknowledged and appreciated India's functioning and proven template of defence Industry indigenisation.

Both sides affirmed the commitment to support each other to achieve the goal of self-reliance in defence production. They appreciated the operationalisation of White Shipping Information Exchange and opening of defence wing at Embassy of India, Manila in near future.

While welcoming the Philippines as a coordinating country for India in ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting Plus, the Defence Secretary discussed ways and means to strengthen cooperation in multilateral forums. India and the Philippines have a vigorous and multifaceted relationship which has expanded into several strategic areas, including defence and security.

During the visit, the Defence Secretary also called on Secretary of National Defense, Philippines (Defence Minister of Philippines) Mr Gilbert Eduardo Gerardo Cojuangco Teodoro Jr. and conveyed the greetings of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh. Earlier, he was received with a full Guard of Honour at the headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The JDCC construct has been established under the ambit of the Memorandum of Understanding on defence cooperation between India and the Philippines signed in 2006. In the 75th year of diplomatic relations and 10 years of Act East policy, the co-chairmanship of JDCC is upgraded to Secretary-level.

*****

VK/SR/Savvy



(Release ID: 2053803)

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Iran Vows 'Proportionate' Response After Sanctions Over Alleged Missile Transfers To Russia

By RFE/RL September 11, 2024

Iran has vowed to deliver a "symmetric and proportionate" response after Britain, France, and Germany canceled air services agreements with Tehran and pledged to sanction its flag carrier, Iran Air.

The European trio, known as the E3, said in a joint statement on September 10 that they were taking the measures after confirming that Iran had transferred ballistic missiles to Russia.

Separately, the United States designated 10 individuals and six entities based in Iran and Russia, including Iran Air, over the alleged delivery of the ballistic missiles.

In a statement late on September 10, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani called the allegation "completely baseless and false."

"The actions of these three European countries is a continuation of the West's hostile policy and imposition of economic terrorism against the people of Iran," he said in a statement on Telegram.

"It will face a symmetrical and proportionate response."

In their statement, the E3 said the suspected delivery of ballistic missiles "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."

Iran has been hit with several tranches of sanctions since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 over Moscow's use of Iranian-made Shahed and Mohajer drones in the war.

Iran still denies that its drones are being used in the war and insists it is not taking sides in the conflict.

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.

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.

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 the bloc's members with "a substantial set of decisive and targeted measures" against Iran in response to the transfer, Stano said.

Andriy Yermak, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's chief of staff, said on September 10 that 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.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-response-european- us-sanctions/33115531.html

Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Pezeshkian In Iraq On First Foreign Trip As Iran's President

By RFE/RL's Radio Farda September 11, 2024

Iran's new president, Masud Pezeshkian, kicked off a three-day visit to neighboring Iraq on September 11 on what is his first foreign trip since taking office in late July.

Expanding relations with neighbors is Iran's state policy, and Pezeshkian has vowed to deliver.

Pezeshkian, who speaks fluent Kurdish, will also make history by becoming the first Iranian president to visit Iraqi Kurdistan.

While the government in Tehran has had good relations with the authorities in Irbil, ties have often been tested over the semiautonomous Iraqi region's hosting of outlawed opposition Iranian Kurdish groups.

Baghdad and Irbil recently started implementing a security agreement signed last year with Tehran to move the groups away from the border with Iran and disarm them.

"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," Pezeshkian said in Baghdad.

"We need to implement security cooperation agreements between the two countries in order to deal with terrorists and enemies," he added.

The neighbors have strong economic relations, and Iraqi Prime Minister Muhammad Shia al-Sudani told reporters during a joint news conference with Pezeshkian that the two countries signed 14 memorandums of understanding to boost relations.

Pezeshkian will also visit Basra, Iraq's economic hub, which Iran hopes to link to the town of Shalamcheh just across the border via rail as part of a larger railway project connecting Iran to Syria.

Pezeshkian and Sudani also discussed the war in Gaza, with the latter telling reporters at a joint press conference that both leaders opposed any expansion of the war between Israel and Hamas, which is designated as a terrorist organization by the United States and European Union.

With reporting by AFP and AP

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-pezeshkian- iraq-kurds/33116094.html

Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Gunmen kill Pakistan polio vaccinator and police guard near Afghan border

By Ayaz Gul September 11, 2024

Gunmen in northwestern Pakistan killed an anti-polio worker and a policeman guarding him Wednesday, the second attack on healthcare teams trying to carry out a national immunization campaign against the paralytic virus.

Area officials reported that the assailants targeted a polio team providing vaccine to children in the Bajaur district, bordering Afghanistan. The attack also injured a policeman.

No group immediately claimed responsibility for the deadly attack in one of the militancy-hit districts of Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

The start of the immunization campaign Monday was marred by a roadside bombing of a polio vaccination team in the province's South Waziristan district. That attack resulted in injuries to at least ten people, including three vaccinators and six police personnel.

An Afghanistan-based Islamic State affiliate known as Islamic State-Khorasan reportedly claimed responsibility for the deadly blast.

Militants in violence-affected districts often target polio vaccinators, suspecting them of spying on behalf of Pakistani security forces. Such attacks have killed dozens of vaccinators and police personnel escorting them in past years, mostly in areas near or adjacent to the Afghan border, dealing critical blows to polio eradication efforts.

On Monday, the Pakistan Polio Eradication Program said that the country of about 240 million is facing an "intense outbreak" of wild poliovirus this year, paralyzing 17 children so far nationwide. It reported that sewage samples tested positive in 66 districts for the highly contagious virus, threatening more children.

The program noted that the ongoing house-to-house campaign aims to vaccinate more than 33 million children under five in 115 districts nationwide.

Pakistan and Afghanistan, which reported nine paralytic polio cases so far in 2024, are the only two remaining polio-endemic countries globally.

Polio immunization drives in both countries, which share a nearly 2,600-kilometer border, have long faced multiple challenges, such as security and vaccine boycotts, which have set back the goal of eradicating the virus from the globe.

Officials at the World Health Organization have reported an improvement in Afghan vaccination efforts since the Islamist Taliban retook control of the country three years ago, ending years of nationwide hostilities and enabling polio teams to inoculate children in previously inaccessible areas.

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Ocean 2024 CPX: Baltic Fleet's naval helicopters hone skills in searching and destroying mock enemy uncrewed surface vehicles

11.09.2024

As part of the Ocean 2024 CPX, naval helicopters practised a set of tasks to search and detect uncrewed surface vehicles in the Baltic Sea.

The Baltic Fleet's Ka-27 helicopters made group training flights over the Baltic Sea and performed tasks to fight against uncrewed surface vehicles.

During the flight shift, the helicopter pilots made more than 10 joint sorties to the designated areas of the maritime training ground. The Ka-27PS and Ka-27P teams gradually performed the tasks to search for small-sized mobile targets, and, upon the detection of the mock enemy uncrewed surface vehicles, they hit the targets with large-calibre machine guns.

Up to ten crews of Ka-27P and Ka-27PS helicopters were involved in the flights.

According the training plan of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, formations and units of the Russian Navy started taking part in the Ocean 2024 strategic command post exercise, which will last until 16 September 2024. The exercise, which is one of the most important operational and combat training events of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation in 2024, is to be conducted in a bilateral format under the overall command of Admiral Aleksandr Moiseyev, the Commander-in-Chief of the Navy.

More than 400 warships, submarines and support vessels, over 120 naval aircraft, some 7,000 units of weaponry, military and special hardware, and more than 90,000 personnel participate in the drills, which take place in the waters of the Pacific and Arctic oceans, Mediterranean, Caspian, and Baltic seas.

The Ocean 2024 strategic command post exercise is aimed at checking the readiness of the senior staff of the Russian Navy to operate all-arms groups of forces in the areas of responsibility, to solve non-standard operational tasks, to make full use of high-precision weapons, advanced and modern weapons and military hardware in the practical part of the exercise, and to expand cooperation with the navies of partner countries to perform joint maritime missions.

Department for Media Affairs and Information

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Ocean 2024 CPX: Pacific Fleet's naval aviation masters evasive manoeuvre

11.09.2024

In Kamchatka, during the Ocean 2024 CPX, pilots of the separate mixed aviation regiment practised an evasive manoeuvre amid a mock air attack.

According to the scenario, the air defence unit was informed that the mock enemy was about to launch a massive missile and bombing raid on the home airfield.

The aircraft made sorties to the alert areas. Some combat vehicles during the exercise were transferred to operational airfields, where the pilots prepared to counter the 'adversary'.

According the training plan of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, formations and units of the Russian Navy started taking part in the Ocean 2024 strategic command post exercise, which will last until 16 September 2024. The exercise, which is one of the most important operational and combat training events of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation in 2024, is to be conducted in a bilateral format under the overall command of Admiral Aleksandr Moiseyev, the Commander-in-Chief of the Navy.

More than 400 warships, submarines and support vessels, over 120 naval aircraft, some 7,000 units of weaponry, military and special hardware, and more than 90,000 personnel participate in the drills, which take place in the waters of the Pacific and Arctic oceans, Mediterranean, Caspian, and Baltic seas.

The Ocean 2024 strategic command post exercise is aimed at checking the readiness of the senior staff of the Russian Navy to operate all-arms groups of forces in the areas of responsibility, to solve non-standard operational tasks, to make full use of high-precision weapons, advanced and modern weapons and military hardware in the practical part of the exercise, and to expand cooperation with the navies of partner countries to perform joint maritime missions.

Department for Media Affairs and Information

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Ocean 2024 CPX: Pacific Fleet's coastal missile regiment arrives on large landing ships in Chukotka to join naval strategic drills

11.09.2024

After being transported by Pacific Fleet's large landing ships from permanent bases to the shore of Chukotka Peninsula, coastal missile crews marched to the positioning areas during the Ocean 2024 strategic naval drills.

Servicemen trained organisation of a march outpost during the exercises.

In the designated area, the missile crews took positions to monitor the surface situation in the Pacific Fleet's area of responsibility. Technical units prepare missiles for fire battalion. They also trained to meet time standards.

Also, military personnel undergoes training on nuclear, biological, and chemical protection as well as on medical training, and special drills.

Particular attention is paid to practising the standards for repositioning and deployment.

According the training plan of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, formations and units of the Russian Navy started taking part in the Ocean 2024 strategic command post exercise, which will last until 16 September 2024. The exercise, which is one of the most important operational and combat training events of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation in 2024, is to be conducted in a bilateral format under the overall command of Admiral Aleksandr Moiseyev, the Commander-in-Chief of the Navy.

More than 400 warships, submarines and support vessels, over 120 naval aircraft, some 7,000 units of weaponry, military and special hardware, and more than 90,000 personnel participate in the drills, which take place in the waters of the Pacific and Arctic oceans, Mediterranean, Caspian, and Baltic seas.

The Ocean 2024 strategic command post exercise is aimed at checking the readiness of the senior staff of the Russian Navy to operate all-arms groups of forces in the areas of responsibility, to solve non-standard operational tasks, to make full use of high-precision weapons, advanced and modern weapons and military hardware in the practical part of the exercise, and to expand cooperation with the navies of partner countries to perform joint maritime missions.

Department for Media Affairs and Information

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PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

ROC Ministry of National Defense

2024/09/11

PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

1.Dateis

6 to 6 a.m. (UTC+8) Tuesday to Wednesday, Sep. 10-11

2.PLA activitiesis

21 PLA aircraft, 9 PLAN vessels and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 13 of the aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's central and southwestern ADIZ. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed CAP aircraft, Navy vessels, and coastal missile systems in response to the detected activities.







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PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

ROC Ministry of National Defense

2024/09/12

PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

1.Dateis

6 to 6 a.m. (UTC+8) Wednesday to Thursday, Sep. 11-12

2.PLA activitiesis

29 PLA aircraft, 8 PLAN vessels and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 20 of the aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's northern, central, and southwestern ADIZ. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed CAP aircraft, Navy vessels, and coastal missile systems in response to the detected activities.



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Blinken, Lammy On Joint Visit To Kyiv Hear More Pleas To Lift Restrictions On Weapons

By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service September 11, 2024

KYIV -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his British counterpart, David Lammy, announced new aid packages for Ukraine after arriving on September 11 in Kyiv on a joint visit that comes as Ukraine pushes its Western allies to drop restrictions that are keeping it from using long-range weaponry deep inside Russia.

Both Blinken and Lammy said the conflict had reached a "critical" juncture, with Russian forces maintaining attacks on Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region and continuing their use of missiles, glide bombs, and drones against Ukrainian cities.

Blinken announced more than $700 million in aid, much of it to bolster Ukraine's energy grid, while Lammy confirmed that his country would provide another 600 million pounds ($782 million) in assistance and loan guarantees.

As Blinken and Lammy arrived from Poland by train, there were reports that Russian forces have begun attacking Ukrainian troops and retaking territory in Kursk a little more than a month after Ukraine launched a surprise incursion into the Russian region.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has been pleading with Kyiv's allies for months to allow Ukraine to fire Western weapons, including long-range U.S. ATACMS and British Storm Shadows, deep into Russian territory to limit Moscow's ability to launch attacks.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha said he and Zelenskiy had had "detailed and productive" talks with Blinken and Lammy. Sybiha told reporters at a joint news conference that he and his two counterparts had discussed the supply of weapons and air defenses.

Zelenskiy last week told military and defense leaders they should not restrain his country's ability to battle the Kremlin's forces.

U.S. President Joe Biden said on September 10 that his administration is "working out" a way to lift the restrictions, though he gave no specifics.

Blinken said he would bring the discussion he had with Zelenskiy about missiles "back to Washington" to brief Biden, who is scheduled to meet British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on September 13. They will "no doubt" talk about the issue during that meeting, Blinken said.

He told the news conference that the United States has "adjusted and adapted as needs have changed, as the battlefield has changed. And I have no doubt that we'll continue to do that as this evolves."

Zelenskiy said he hoped to speak to Biden later this month, noting that U.S. military and financial support is crucial.

"We rely heavily on it, and frankly, we can't prevail without it," Zelenskiy said.

Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 20 Shahed-type suicide drones launched by Russia in the early hours of September 11, according to the Ukrainian armed forces.

The military said Russia fired 25 Shahed drones, an Iskander ballistic missile, two S-300 antiaircraft guided missiles, and six Kh-31p anti-radar missiles overnight.

The projectiles targeted the Kyiv, Kherson, Cherkasy, Sumy, Dnipropetrovsk, and Poltava regions.

Dnipropetrovsk Governor Serhiy Lysak said two people were wounded and hospitalized as a result of the Russian attack. He said the strikes also caused destruction and a fire in one of the businesses in the Kamian district.

There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage from the other regions.

Blinken said earlier that Russia is "ramping up its attacks on cities, on people, in particular targeting the energy infrastructure...all in advance of the coldest months," adding that the tactics are part of President Vladimir Putin's "winter playbook."

He told the news conference that $325 million of the more than $700 million in aid for Ukraine will help repair and restore Ukraine's power generation facilities, provide emergency backup power, and strengthen the physical security of energy infrastructure. About $290 million will go toward food, water, shelter, health care, and education programs for Ukrainians in need in the country and refugees outside the country. The remaining $102 million will be used for mine-removal activities, he said.

"Our support will not wane, our unity will not break," Blinken said. "Putin will not outlast the coalition of countries committed to Ukraine's success, and he is certainly not going to outlast the Ukrainian people."

With reporting by AP and AFP

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/blinken-lammy-arrive-in- kyiv-in-show-of-support-/33115740.html

Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Russian Forces Reportedly Attack Ukrainian Troops In Kursk, Claim Recapture Of Some Villages

By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service September 11, 2024

Russian forces have begun attacking Ukrainian troops in the Kursk region and have retaken some territory, pro-Moscow war bloggers and Ukrainian military analysts said on September 11.

The attacks, which some sources characterized as a counteroffensive, are against the western flank of Ukrainian forces that took control of part of the Kursk region after launching a surprise incursion into Russian territory last month.

Ukrainian open-source intelligence resource DeepState said on Telegram that the Russian military "began active assault operations, ferrying armored vehicles first across the Sejm, and then across smaller rivers."

It said another blow took place in the town of Korenevo, which DeepState said was lost recently.

The same information has been shared by the Rybar channel, which is connected to the Russian Defense Ministry.

Major General Apti Alaudinov, commander of the Akhmat special forces fighting in Kursk, said that Russian troops had gone on the offensive and taken back control of about 10 settlements, TASS reported.

"The situation is good for us," said Alaudinov, according to TASS. "We continue to hold off and eliminate the enemy in our direction here. Enemy forces have sustained very heavy casualties and are coming to realize that it would be hard to hold this land," Alaudinov was quoted as saying.

Some Russian fighters claim to have restored Russian control over the village of Snagost and several other settlements, but this has yet to be independently confirmed.

The Ukrainian side has not reported a change in the situation in the Kursk region.

The Russian attacks have not threatened the city of Sudzha, which is central to the logistics of the Ukrainian group in the Kursk region. Sudzha is 40 kilometers from the village of Snagost.

Ukraine's top military commander, Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskiy, said last week that Russia was planning a new attack on Ukraine from the Kursk region before the start of the incursion.

Syrskiy said that he considered the incursion a success because it reduced the threat of Russia carrying out the attack and took the fight to the enemy.

"We moved the fighting to the enemy's territory so that he could feel what we feel every day," he said in an interview with CNN.

Kyiv claims to have seized control of more than 1,200 square kilometers of Russian territory since its forces launched the incursion on August 6. According to Syrskiy, Moscow has transferred tens of thousands of troops to the region, including some of its best airborne assault units.

It was previously reported that the operation was aimed at improving Kyiv's position in the event of peace negotiations. Analysts also suggest that the operation is aimed at conveying to the Russians the seriousness of the unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.

With reporting by Reuters and TASS

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-kursk-russia-incursion- villages/33116286.html

Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Girkin's Wife Denies Jailed Russian Nationalist Fighting In Ukraine

By Current Time September 11, 2024

Miroslava Reginskaya, the wife of imprisoned Russian nationalist Igor Girkin (aka Strelkov), has rejected reports saying her husband was released and allowed to join the Russian troops fighting in Ukraine.

Reginskaya wrote on Telegram on September 11 that Girkin's request to be sent to fight in Ukraine had been rejected twice.

She cited a letter from her husband saying that in the rejection letters, officials wrote that "we do not need colonels."

Girkin was sentenced to four years in prison in January on a charge of making public calls for extremist activities.

In April, Reginskaya and Girkin's lawyers said the former leader of Kremlin-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine had received written consent from a Russian military unit that it would make him a commander of one of its platoons, adding that Girkin planned to join Russian troops fighting in Ukraine.

Russian law does not allow those convicted of extremism to sign contracts with the Defense Ministry, but several reports in recent weeks said Girkin might have been recruited from prison to the war in Ukraine.

The 53-year-old was arrested in July 2023 after strongly criticizing Russian President Vladimir Putin online for his handling of the Ukraine invasion. He accused the Kremlin leader of "cowardly mediocrity" and described him as a "nonentity."

He also called out then-Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu for making "mistakes" in the invasion and accused him and Putin of "incompetence."

Girkin last year even called on Putin to transfer power to "someone truly capable and responsible."

A former officer of Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB), Girkin has also argued for a total military mobilization to ensure Russian victory in the war.

Girkin was a key commander of the separatists in Ukraine's eastern Donbas region in 2014 and helped Russia occupy Ukraine's Crimea that year.

In November 2022, a court in the Netherlands sentenced Girkin and two other defendants to life in prison in absentia in the case of the 2014 shooting down of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 over Ukraine. All 298 people onboard died in the attack.

In February, international investigators said there were "strong indications" that Putin was personally involved in the incident.

The Boeing 777 flying from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur was blown out of the sky on July 17, 2014, over territory held by the separatists in eastern Ukraine.

The victims came from more than a dozen countries, although more than two-thirds were Dutch.

Russia has denied any involvement in the downing of the plane.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-girkin-strelkov- not-fighting-ukraine/33115997.html

Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal Before Their Meeting

US Department of State

Remarks

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Kyiv, Ukraine

September 11, 2024

PRIME MINISTER SHMYHAL: Dear Mr. Secretary Blinken, dear colleagues, first of all, I would like to thank to Biden-Harris administration, U.S. Congress, all U.S. people for such a strong support of my country during these dark times of our history, during this full-scale aggression. Thank you so much for all kind of support, especially military support, functional support, financial support, and humanitarian support, and all other - even the mental support of our refugees. All of us thank you so much for this.

So the main challenges which we have now, it's - once again, it's the situation in the air defense spheres, so we discussed this very deeply. We are grateful for additional complexes, Patriot complexes, additional air defense missiles. Thank you for perspectives of our cooperation in this sphere of air defense. Thank you for support us in energy sphere. We are waiting for a difficult, tough wintertime. We are sure - and we have this information - the Russians will continue their terroristic attacks on our civilian infrastructure, our energy infrastructure. We need to protect this, and we have the support from U.S. in a sense of additional equipment, generators, transformers, and all other needed equipment. Thank you so much for financial support of energy sphere. We cooperate with U.S. embassy, with your ambassador. Thank you so much. All the list of priorities are approved, and we move forward with this issue and it's very important for me as prime minister.

Thank you so much also for financial support. We had a first tranche - even $4 billion from U.S. to our budget and financing of our budget deficit. We also implement reforms and reform of our obligations. We will implement custom reform (inaudible) time. We will implement (inaudible) reform (inaudible) time, as we have agreed. And we hope that we will continue our financial cooperation. We had a good news from IMF today; we have statement of IMF. They finished fifth review and program of IMF is continuing in Ukraine. This is very good, like a pillar, financial pillar for our financial support from all G7 partners.

So on military, on financial, on energy sphere, thank you so much for your personal efforts. Thank you so much for support. Thank you so much to your country, to your people for this unwavering support of Ukraine during this hard time. Thank you.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Prime Minister, thank you very much as always. Very good to be able to spend time with you. I appreciate very much the discussion that we had. And simply put, I think you've seen again the determination on the part of the United States but also I was here, as you know, with Foreign Secretary Lammy from the United Kingdom - a shared determination along with many other countries to continue to strongly support Ukraine and really in two ways - one, to make sure that you have what you need to get through the immediate challenges being posed by the ongoing and even intensifying Russian aggression, but also to make sure that Ukraine is able to stand strongly on its own feet for a long time militarily, economically, democratically.

And I think the work that we're doing together in all the areas that you've just described will help accomplish both goals - dealing with the immediate threat, but also making sure that Ukraine emerges as a strong, independent country, increasingly integrated with the institutions of the Euro-Atlantic community, including the European Union and NATO. So I think the program we have together, that we're working together, is one for the immediate needs but also for Ukraine's future - the future that the Ukrainian people so clearly want. And as always, it's a pleasure working with you on this, and I'm also glad our teams are working so closely together.

So thank you for the good conversation this evening.

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Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and United Kingdom Foreign Secretary David Lammy at a Joint Press Availability

US Department of State

Remarks

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Kyiv, Ukraine

September 11, 2024

FOREIGN MINISTER SYBIHA: (Via interpreter) Minister, please. I am glad to greet in Kyiv my American and my British colleagues. This is the first meeting in my new position of minister of foreign affairs with Antony and David. This is the excellent format we had to a wonderful atmosphere - very productive talks, not just on the premises of the ministry of foreign affairs and also in the wings. And there were - there was a meeting with the President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as real allies. We had that meeting.

We are grateful to the U.S. and the UK for their unwavering support rendered to Ukraine, its territorial integrity, and sovereignty. That was a very busy day for both our guests and our state. It's very important that Antony and David participate in the fourth summit of the Crimean Platform. It's today. It started today. It's to be continued. Fair and sustainable peace is impossible without restoration of sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, and that includes the Crimea. Crimea is Ukraine.

Today on the 11th of September, we have a tragic anniversary for the American, U.S. people - the 23rd anniversary of terrible terrorist attacks against the U.S. I offered my condolences to the state - Secretary of State and through him to all the nation. We know the price of human life, and we know how loss hurts.

The principal topic we discussed was military capability and their reinforcement - air defense, F-16s, munition, drones, armored vehicles, and other equipment - everything that can work for victory.

And specifically I emphasized the necessity to make investment to buy military systems for the defenders of Ukraine that will support our defense industry and see the resources provided by our allies. The key mission is to strengthen the (inaudible) with all the necessary contributions. We have to remove all the obstacles and limitations with the use of British equipment, American equipment in the territory of Russia against military targets. We need also more decisiveness in downing Russian rockets, missiles, and drones over the territory of Ukraine. That will provide for sustainable peace and strong position of Ukraine.

The ballistic missiles provided by Iran to Russia was another issue. Enemies of the free world have no doubts; they provide unacceptable threats for Europe and Middle East. And under such conditions, we should not have any difference within the ranks of democracy. We have to be courageous and we have to be decisive. We have to increase sanctions against Russia and block all the loopholes and stop access Russia to any kind of resources to continue this war. The frozen assets should be used for support of Ukraine. Russia should pay. International rule provides all the grounds for the use, not just income and interests, but the assets themselves. We call upon our partners for decisive action.

We discussed economic resilience and energy security of Ukraine. We are grateful to the U.S. and the UK for the support of our energy sector, and for our colleagues on engagement of munition with chemical components and their use against our soldiers, and the necessity to have very severe collective action and clean response to that.

We discussed the second peace summit. We have relied upon the support of the U.S. and British diplomacy in expanding the coalition for a peace formula and the number of signatories. The peace formula has no alternative. We discussed specifically further integration of Ukraine, and accession to NATO. This is a priority and this is our steady course. We are approaching accession and membership of - in NATO for Ukraine is the necessary precondition for a sustainable and steady peace in Europe.

In closing, I would like to say that we observed a high awareness among our partners and their recognition of the fact that peace and victory in Ukraine are part and parcel (inaudible) of the future of Europe and all the world. This has been a very busy day. Now, I'm turning it over to Antony Blinken.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Well, Andrii, thank you very, very much; and thank you for your hospitality today but also thank you for the very good work we've been able to do today.

I was very pleased as well with David Lammy to be able to spend time with President Zelenskyy and other colleagues. And the foreign secretary and I came to Ukraine today to really hear from our partners how we can continue to work together to help Ukraine defend its people, defend its territory through the fall fighting season into the winter as Putin continues his vicious war of aggression, and also how to continue to set up Ukraine for success as a strong, independent country for the long term.

We're going to take what we learned back to President Biden in my case, and the prime minister in David's case. The two of them will meet in just a few days' time in Washington to discuss how our countries will continue to support Ukraine. And we'll also use what we learned to further rally support among many countries that are behind Ukraine. We'll be at the UN General Assembly in just a couple of weeks' time. We'll be meeting with many allies and partners as well who are in NATO, the G7, the compact of states that have signed bilateral security agreements with Ukraine. All of this is happening in the coming weeks.

It's important that the Ukrainian people continue to hear directly from us: We remain fully committed to Ukraine's victory - to not only ensuring that Ukraine can defend itself today, but can stand on its own feet strongly, militarily, economically, democratically, for many, many days ahead; to securing the path the Ukrainian people have chosen toward greater integration in the Euro-Atlantic community, including the European Union and NATO; to getting a just and lasting peace.

The bottom line is this: We want Ukraine to win. And we're fully committed to keep marshalling the support that it needs for its brave defenders and citizens to do just that.

Now, support for Ukraine will endure because it doesn't depend on any one country, any one party, any one election. Here today, the United States, the United Kingdom are united in support of Ukraine and its success. But we're united along with dozens of other countries, including the enduring coalition of more than 50 countries that have provided more than $100 billion in security aid to Ukraine since February of 2022, and continue to materially support Ukraine today.

Our message, our collective message to Putin is clear: Our support will not wane; our unity will not break. Putin will not outlast the coalition of countries committed to Ukraine's success, and he is certainly not going to outlast the Ukrainian people. They've never wavered in their belief that they and they alone will decide their future.

Now, we have challenging moments. This is a challenging moment as well, with an expansion of attacks from Russia pummeling Ukrainian cities, citizens, infrastructure with monstrous brutality. And now Putin is further empowering his aggression with the acquisition of Iranian ballistic missiles.

So we're working with urgency to continue to ensure that Ukraine has what it needs to effectively defend itself. At the NATO summit back in July, President Biden promised five strategic air defense systems, and dozens of tactical air defense systems. We've delivered on several of those strategic systems; we're fully working to meet the commitment in the coming weeks, and we'll continue to add to Ukraine's air defense systems. We've also supported and trained the F-16 program that is now flying over Ukraine. The United States continues to be the largest provider of security assistance to Ukraine, and to lead the international coalition in support of its defense.

As we're meeting here today, we're again seeing Putin dust off his winter playbook, targeting Ukrainian energy and electricity systems to weaponize the cold against the Ukrainian people. That's why today we're announcing $325 million in new funding to help repair Ukraine's energy and electric grid. And we'll rally additional support from the G7-plus countries when we have a meeting of the Energy Coordination Group in the next couple of weeks.

I'm also announcing today $290 million in new humanitarian support to help provide vital services like safe drinking water, food, shelter, medicine to millions of people in Ukraine and around the region who have been displaced by Putin's war. And finally, we're announcing $102 million in additional funding in humanitarian demining to help remove land mines are unexploded ordnance that Russia's left behind across Ukraine.

Now, support for Ukraine's defense and recovery is not only coming from Ukraine's partners. The United States and our G7 partners agreed to deliver $50 billion from Russia's frozen assets to pay for Ukraine's reconstruction and defense, and we're working to meet that commitment, to operationalize it. And we and our allies will continue to impose costs on countries that support Russia's war machine.

For all of these challenges, Ukraine has made remarkable progress on each of its key goals since I was last here, which was back in May. They've made progress militarily in standing up a strong, enduring capacity to deter and defend against aggression. At the July summit we declared that Ukraine's path to NATO membership is irreversible. And for the first time, NATO established a command dedicated to support Ukraine's membership.

Last time I was here, nine countries had completed bilateral security agreements with Ukraine. Now that number is 26 and counting, including of course the United States and the United Kingdom. That will provide a foundation of support for Ukraine's defense for years to come. And Ukraine's defense industrial base has grown sixfold in the last year alone. In the coming years, that's going to give Ukraine one of the most advanced defense industries in the world, and it will be able to take that to the global market and take global market share away from other countries like Russia, and also supply NATO Allies.

Ukraine's making economic progress. We've been taking steps to make it easier for investors and companies to do business here in Ukraine. For example, together with the private sector, we recently announced a first-of-its-kind $350 million war risk reinsurance facility. That's going to make it easier for companies to invest even as the war goes on.

And Ukraine continues to make progress on deepening its democracy. It's taken important steps, including the Rada recently passing a law to reform oversight of financial crimes; expanding the number of judges on the anti-corruption court; delivering prosecutions in high-profile corruption cases.

The active engagement and leadership on the part of Ukraine's engaged and committed civil society has been crucial to this progress. Now, more work needs to be done on reform. Ukraine needs to ensure investors in businesses that they're treated fairly and don't have to compete in a gray market. Ukraine needs institutions that are independent, effective, and free from political interference. That's crucial for the National Anti-Corruption Bureau, for its regulatory bodies and the boards of state-owned enterprises, and for the customs legislation that's currently before the Rada.

These and other reforms Ukraine is pursuing because it's in Ukraine's interests to do so. It's what the Ukrainian people want. It's also essential as Ukraine moves down the path to the European Union and to NATO.

The enduring commitment of the Ukrainian people is one of the main reasons that we're confident Ukraine will keep moving forward. No matter how great the obstacles thrown in their way, Ukrainians have demonstrated time and again that nothing can stand in the way of the people committed to shaping their own future.

MODERATOR: Foreign Secretary.

FOREIGN SECRETARY LAMMY: Well, thank you, Andrii, for welcoming me here to Kyiv. And thank you, Tony, for joining me on this important and historic visit. I last visited in May, and I return today at a vital time because we are united in our ironclad support for Ukraine. For two and a half years, you have bravely and fiercely defended yourselves against Russia's full-scale invasion, but as we heard today, Putin's ugly attempts to restore the Russian empire began much earlier with the illegal annexation of Crimea 10 years ago.

Putin claims he wishes to liberate Ukrainian civilians, but he denies the right of their nation to exist. He has sent in tanks and soldiers to enforce his diktat, and he inflicts horrors on Crimea and other regions of Ukraine under the Russian yoke, with stories of forced disappearances, sinister re-education camps, and torture. Putin's barbaric actions are the latest example of a very old and evil story.

One of my ancestors was taken from their home, enslaved, chained on a ship, and forced to work for the profit of a foreign empire. He knew only too well what imperialism was. No act of authoritarianism is ever exactly the same, but 80 years after Stalin deported the Crimean Tatars, 240 years after Catherine the Great annexed Crimea, Putin has revealed the same arrogance, the same greed, the same disdain for the rights of other individuals and nations. This is imperialism; this is fascism. And this week we have been reminded of how other authoritarian regimes are aiding Putin, with Iran going even further in support for Moscow by providing ballistic missiles, a significant and dangerous escalation.

Britain and the U.S. and our partners have responded quickly to Tehran's undermining of global security. Britain has sanctioned Iranian officials and entities as well as Russian entities and cargo ships involved in the transfer of weapons. And together, we've restricted Iran's air flights to Europe. This response is in keeping with our commitment to remain Ukraine's staunchest friend, and I'm proud of that commitment. I'm proud of Prime Minister Starmer's commitment to provide 3 billion in military aid every year that is needed in your fight.

And today I can confirm more than 600 million worth of support for Ukraine, including 242 million this financial year, for immediate humanitarian, energy, and stabilization needs, as well as support for reform, recovery, and reconstruction - plus we're confirming our intention to deploy $484 million worth of World Bank loan guarantees later this year. And the UK is speeding up military deliveries with air defense missiles, equipment of F-16 fighter jets, AS-90 self-propelled guns and spare barrels, military boats, and maritime guns having now been delivered. I can announce we will now also send hundreds of additional air defense missiles, tens of thousands of additional artillery ammunition rounds, and more armored vehicles to Ukraine by the end of the year.

But I am most proud of the unity we and our allies have shown in support for Ukraine, and that is why our joint visit today, the first joint visit of its kind for well over a decade, is such an important signal. Together, Britain and our allies are united in our commitment to Ukraine, to freedom, to victory, because we both recognize what is at stake here: not just the liberty of Ukraine but the security of Europe and the security of the West, and indeed the very principles that underpin the UN Charter on which rests the international order as it stands, which has brought peace and prosperity to so many. It's good to be with you here; it's good to stand with you.

Thank you very much.

MODERATOR: Thank you, excellencies. We'll now take a few questions, starting with Michael Birnbaum from WaPo. I only have one microphone, so a

QUESTION: Thanks very much. Michael Birnbaum from The Washington Post. Mr. Secretary, Mr. Foreign Secretary, a question about ATACMS. How - and long-range missile Storm Shadows - how worried are you at this point about managing escalation with Russia based on your conversations today, and does the Ukrainian desire to use ATACMS, Storm Shadows, long-range missiles against the Kerch bridge that connects Crimea to mainland Russia make sense to you strategically? And what's your personal view of whether Ukraine needs this long-range capability of striking into Russian territory, especially now that, as you say, Iran has facilitated Russia's ability to strike more deeply into Ukraine?

And Mr. Foreign Minister, former President Donald Trump was asked a couple times last night at the debate whether he was committed to Ukrainian victory. He said he wanted the war to end as quickly as possible, but he didn't say yes to victory. I wanted to ask what you made of that and what kind of plans you are making in case there is a change in U.S. policy sometime soon. Thanks a lot.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Michael, thank you very much. I'm happy to - happy to start. First, we had a very good discussion today with the foreign minister, with President Zelenskyy, with his whole team about the situation on the battlefield, Ukraine's objectives, and what it needs to succeed going forward. And among other things, we discussed long-range fires, but a number of other things as well. And as I said at the outset, I'm going to take that discussion back to Washington to brief the President on what I heard. I know that David is doing the same, and both of our bosses know that no doubt will discuss this when they meet later this week, actually. on Friday in Washington.

Just speaking for the United States, from day one, as you heard me say, we have adjusted and adapted as needs have changed, as the battlefield has changed, and I have no doubt that we'll continue to do that as this evolves. You referenced escalation. Of course that's one of the factors that we always consider, but it's certainly not the only factor and it's not necessarily a dispositive factor. We have provided, as you know, extraordinary support to Ukraine over these more than two years - not just training, not just money, but among our most sophisticated weapon systems, again tied to what their needs are, tied to what can make them most effective. And I think the track record is there. We're determined to ensure that they have what they need to succeed.

And when it comes to escalation, you made the point yourself we've seen Russia now pursue and indeed escalate its attacks inside Ukraine on civilians, on energy infrastructure, as well as on the Ukrainian military that's defending its country. And we've now seen this action of Russia acquiring ballistic missiles from Iran, which will further empower their aggression in Ukraine. So if anyone is taking escalatory action, it would appear to be Mr. Putin and Russia.

I'll leave specific targets and questions for the experts. And of course, I don't have personal views, I have professional views in my capacity as Secretary of State, and I'll be sharing what we've learned on this trip with the President in the coming days.

FOREIGN SECRETARY LAMMY: The escalator here is Putin. It is Putin who has escalated this week with the shipment of ballistic missiles from Iran, and we're seeing this new axis - Russia, Iran, North Kore; we urge China not to throw their lot in with this group of renegades, renegades in the end that are costing lives here in Ukraine. So it's been very important for me to be here with Secretary Blinken to meet, to listen, to learn, to strategize, yes, and to be able to inform the UK prime minister as we head out to Washington for further discussions.

I'm also reminded that as we head into the autumn, we have the UN General Assembly, where we're meeting with allies and parts of global majority countries also to ensure that we have that support for Ukraine as we head into the late autumn and the winter. We have the G20, other forums, and we've wanted to talk about how we build on those opportunities going forward and how we put Ukraine in the best possible position as they head into a winter. And that has been the basis of the discussion.

But let us be clear: We've not just talked about military support. We've talked further about sanctions. We've talked further about the humanitarian needs. We've had a detailed conversation about energy because of horrendous Russian attacks on energy supplies here in Ukraine. So this has been a breadth of conversation across the board about very strong allies and about our commitment. The UK commitment is not just for this winter. We're talking about a hundred-year partnership because we stand with Ukraine for the long haul.

FOREIGN MINISTER SYBIHA: (Via interpreter) I fully agree with the partners' take on the escalation, and let me add on my own part that I remember very well when, before any kind of principal decision for supply of some new type of equipment or new batch of equipment, we would also review the issue of escalation. Still the decisions would be made. We had enough willpower and enough strength in our partners to take such decisions. After the Kursk operation of the Ukrainian military, we can say clearly that we have crossed the line of this fear of escalation.

Now, about possible outcome of the presidential election in the U.S., we will without any doubt have a new president of the United States, but we believe in steadfast support from the U.S. nation, the American nation. We believe strongly into bipartisan support, and we clearly believe and we are convinced that fair, comprehensive, sustainable peace in Ukraine is also a strategic interest for the United States of America. And that will be maintained, because we are here to protect our joint values, common values of democracy, and we believe that strategic democratic leadership of the U.S. is here to stay.

QUESTION: Emma Murphy from ITV News. If I could pose a question to you, Foreign Secretary, and also you, Secretary of State, with regard to President Zelenskyy's comments today. He said that he would like to see a strong decision on the use of long-range missiles into Russia. How confident are you that you can take a message back to your superiors that will convince them of the need for that and get over divisions within your own governments potentially about the risk of escalation?

And also, Mr. Foreign Secretary, could I ask how important it is to Ukraine on the battlefield that the long-range missiles are allowed?

FOREIGN SECRETARY LAMMY: Well thank you for the question. We've had detailed conversations today with President Zelenskyy. We recognize that Ukraine is on the front line of the fight for freedom, and also that over these last few weeks we've seen a tremendous loss of life of innocent men, women, and children here in Ukraine. And I and the Secretary of State, we dedicate ourselves to supporting Ukraine at this particular time.

President Zelenskyy expressed gratitude and thanks for Britain's 3-billion-a-year commitment that will continue for as long as this fight is needed. He expressed thanks for the milestone of the International Fund for Ukraine - 1 billion that we are committed to. And he's grateful for the new package of military support, ammunition, Brimstone missiles, AS-90 artillery guns that we are providing. We are concerned about the attacks on Ukraine's energy. We are concerned about these glide bombs; we are concerned about the drones. We're very concerned about the escalatory action that we're seeing from Iran particularly. We've looked at the breadth of things today. And as we've said, of course, I go back to Keir Starmer able to assist him with some of the operational detail that we've learned from the Ukrainians today. You wouldn't expect me to go into detail about that at this press conference because I am not prepared to give Putin the advantage. But as the closest of allies, we look forward to discussions we will have not just on Friday but discussions I suspect that will go on over the next few weeks as we head also to the UN General Assembly.

MODERATOR: (Off-mike.)

QUESTION: Good evening. The public broadcaster of Ukraine - Valeria Pashko. So Minister Sybiha mentioned the Ukrainian path to NATO. So is it possible that Allies are ready to invite Ukraine to join NATO maybe this year? And one more - so the coalition within NATO is being formed to shoot down drones and missiles over Ukraine. Maybe there is a discussion between - I don't know - Great Britain and the U.S. and Germany. And I think the last one - are you ready to invest in Ukrainian production of drones, maybe missiles as well? Thanks a lot.

FOREIGN SECRETARY LAMMY: Just to be clear, the United Kingdom is already investing in Ukrainian production of drones. And what I saw on my last trip to Ukraine was a amazing civilian - what we would call a blitz spirit, evoking the Second World War - ordinary people committed to the war effort here in Ukraine. It's humbling, it's moving to see people doing all they can to prevent this Russian aggression. Britain are supportive of Ukraine's ambitions in relation to NATO and the security guarantees that they necessarily need. And that's why we work very hard with our allies to get that irreversible pathway language into the text that we were able to agree back in July, just as the new labor government came to power. And we will continue, of course, to discuss these things with our allies.

And the other issue, of course, that Secretary Blinken has raised today is the continued need to work with Ukraine on these fundamental reform issues that make its pathway to the European Union and to NATO more achievable in the medium term.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: And really just to reiterate what the foreign secretary said, NATO allies came together, made clear that Ukraine's path to NATO is irreversible, and now Ukraine is moving down that path. I mentioned a few moments ago that for the first time in NATO's history, it has stood up a dedicated command whose purpose is to help [Ukraine] move down the path to membership. And that command is up and running, and we have a representative here in Ukraine, so all of that is moving forward. And it's important that as that moves forward, Ukraine continue to move forward on the necessary reforms. But we see that on track and moving forward.

With regards to the defense industrial base, I mentioned as well a moment ago Ukraine's defense industrial base has increased six times over the last couple of years. That's the result of tremendous investment that a number of us have made. I think what's so important about that is that it also sets up Ukraine for the long term. Because one measure of success, one measure of Ukraine's success is going to be its capacity to stand strongly on its own feet militarily as well as economically and democratically.

And militarily, these investments in the defense industrial base, the production of what it needs to defend itself not just today but for many years to come, is the best way to guarantee that there's not a repeat of Russia aggression, that Ukraine has the capacity to deter aggression and, if necessary, to defend against it. We're also taking steps besides making direct investments ourselves, as the foreign secretary alluded to. We're also trying to make it easier for the private sector to do more in Ukraine even in the midst of the Russian aggression. Some of the risk insurance is critical to that, and we've set up a facility to do that. I think companies around the world see Ukraine as a very attractive place for investment, even with the ongoing aggression, because of Ukrainian capacity - and that includes the defense industrial base.

Deputy Secretary of State Verma was just here a few days ago bringing members of the American private sector with him, including from the defense industry, and we expect things to come out of that.

So all of this is moving forward. And again, I just want to emphasize there are two goals in mind: make sure that Ukraine has what it needs now to deal with the ongoing Russian aggression, but also make sure that it has what it needs to have an enduring success, to be a strong, independent country, increasingly integrated with the institutions of the Euro-Atlantic community, including the European Union and including NATO.

FOREIGN MINISTER SYBIHA: (Via interpreter) I would like to commend your question. As to the necessity to shoot down Russian missiles and drones over Ukraine, we already have some incidents of a violation of airspace of neighboring countries by Russia, NATO countries, and we think that Russia, by doing that, is testing the decisiveness and unity of NATO. That's why we need to have this firm answer of the Allies to such a provocative and escalation by Russia, who are - more often target the targets close to the border with NATO, the targets close to the nuclear power stations in Ukraine, and they also target our underground storages, which are close to the western borders of Ukraine.

Our security agreement signed by Zelenskyy and Tusk, there was a paragraph saying that practical phase of consultations among allies about shooting down missiles over Ukraine - we think this would be a good and right step towards that. Today I had conversation with the general secretary of NATO, and I thanked him for his position as to this issue.

Secondly, you asked about our path towards NATO and speed to achieve that. I was next to Zelenskyy to - when he was in the bunker after February 24th, and on the second day, President Zelenskyy made a decision to file the petition to join the European Union, just to give you an idea to understand the spirit was in the air. At that time, the Russian troops were right next to Kyiv. We had - we could hear the artillery shooting. But out of strategic considerations, he made a decision. On the fourth day he prepared all the paperwork and we filed that petition, and in four months we achieved that - so having done the home assignment and meeting the requirements.

That's why we need a quick and historical decisions as to bringing Ukraine - as to bringing Ukraine's membership in NATO closer. If there is a political will, we are ready to become NATO member today.

Thank you.

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Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and UK Foreign Secretary Lammy

US Department of State

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

September 11, 2024

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy today in Kyiv. Secretary Blinken reiterated the United States' enduring support for Ukraine in the face of Russia's war of aggression. The three reviewed upcoming diplomatic engagements, including at the UN General Assembly in New York, and discussed the importance of nations across the world supporting Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity and the principles of the UN Charter. They also discussed Ukraine's continued progress toward NATO and EU membership and ongoing efforts to attract investment and strengthen institutions in support of Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic path.

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Secretary Antony J. Blinken, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy Before Their Meeting

US Department of State

Remarks

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Mariyinsky Palace

Kyiv, Ukraine

September 11, 2024

PRESIDENT ZELENSKYY: It's a big pleasure, first of all, to see you, Secretary Blinken, Secretary Lammy, your teams. We highly appreciate for your coming. Thank you so much that you decided to participate. Our Crimean Platform is so important, especially this year, 80 year since Crimean Tatars been deported from their native land. Thank you for this participation.

And of course, using this opportunity, I want to discuss with you a lot of things which - on which we count very much. But first of all, thanks to your president, President Biden, and Congress bipartisan support. We're very thankful for your support, huge support. And also we are very thankful to United Kingdom for your support. Both your countries have been leaders of supporting from the very beginning of full-scale war. Thank you so much.

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Mr. President, thank you very, very much. And it's always so good to see you and to see all of our colleagues. I'm delighted particularly to be here with David - the United States, the United Kingdom, united for Ukraine. And not just our two countries - dozens of other countries that continue to support Ukraine's success, Ukraine's victory.

And we're here to continue our work with you, to hear from you about how you see the months ahead, and what we can do to continue to strengthen our support for Ukraine going forward. So thank you, Mr. President, for having us today.

PRESIDENT ZELENSKYY: Thank you.

FOREIGN SECRETARY LAMMY: Mr. President, it's wonderful to be back here in Ukraine and to be here as the UK foreign secretary on this occasion, and to be here with my good friend Tony Blinken. This is the first time in well over a decade that a secretary of state from the U.S. and a foreign secretary of the UK have traveled together, and that is to reiterate our complete support for the Ukrainian struggle.

We come here at a critical moment. I express my deep condolences on behalf of the British people for the horrendous civilian loss of life over the last few weeks. And we come here too where we see Russia relying on its friend Iran for ballistic missiles that would contribute to a greater loss of life here in Ukraine.

So we come in a deep spirit of friendship - at a critical moment, we understand, for Ukraine - to hear, to listen, to strategize on the coming months, with our determination that Ukraine must win this fight against Russian aggression and imperialism at this moment in time.

PRESIDENT ZELENSKYY: Thank you so much.

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Secretary Antony J. Blinken at 4th Crimea Platform

US Department of State

Remarks

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Mariyinsky Palace

Kyiv, Ukraine

September 11, 2024

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thank you very much. Mr. President, it's so good to see you; colleagues, leaders, fellow ministers.

Crimea teaches us a lot. Crimea shows the future Putin seeks for all of Ukraine. Crimea shows Ukrainian resilience, and what drives it. And Crimea shows what we partners of Ukraine - and nations committed to defending international rules and rights - what we must do to respond to Russia's relentless war of aggression.

Crimea is a reminder that Putin didn't launch his invasion in February 2022 - but over a decade ago, in February 2014. At the time, some argued that if only Ukraine were to hand over Crimea, Putin would be satisfied, and the threat of Russian aggression would subside.

Putin's aggression since that time have punctured that myth - demonstrating that he will never be sated with just part of Ukraine. He wants all of it. He's said so openly; he's said he wants to reconstitute Russia's empire, end Ukraine's very existence. And here, we should take Mr. Putin at his word. Like autocrats before him who believed they had the right to withdraw borders by force, Putin's appetite grows as he eats.

Crimea is also an alarming illustration of how Russia governs the territory that it seizes. In Crimea, Russian occupiers have eradicated the free and independent press. They have arbitrarily detained, tortured, disappeared human rights defenders, journalists, and other civil society activists who dare to document Russia's abuses or criticize its purported annexation.

They have repressed non-Russian culture, language, religion - including that of Crimean Tatars - and destroyed non-Russian cultural heritage sites. They have repeatedly held sham elections at gunpoint. They forcibly transferred children and compelled them to participate in Russian re-education programs.

Crimea is not an isolated case - it's a blueprint. This is how Russia governs every part of Ukraine that it occupies. And it's what we can expect Putin would do whenever and wherever he seizes Ukrainian territory.

This in turn is a big part of the reason why Ukrainians fight. They know the world that awaits them if Putin were to succeed in absorbing Ukraine into Russia.

But the story of Crimea is not just the story of what Russia has done. Crimea is also the story of Ukrainian tenacity, ingenuity, perseverance. Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion, Ukraine has sunk or damaged nearly a third of Russia's fleet, pushing Russia back from the Black Sea - feats that Ukraine achieved without a fleet of their own. Ukraine has reopened a maritime corridor, once again allowing its grain to feed the world. And now, with long-range missiles supplied by its partners, Ukraine is effectively targeting Russian military assets in Crimea.

Finally, Crimea is about much more than what Ukrainians are fighting against. Crimea is about what Ukrainians are fighting for.

In Crimea - and in all of Ukraine - Ukrainians fight for the inalienable right of people to choose their own future, and to have their human rights respected. They fight for the right of nations to have their sovereignty, their territorial integrity, their independence respected - principles at the very heart of the United Nations Charter.

And when the United States and so many other partners stand with Ukraine, we not only help affirm those rights for Ukrainians, we help affirm them for all nations - and for all people.

That's why we are proud to join Ukraine in reaffirming, today and every day: Crimea is Ukraine.

Thank you.

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Volodymyr Zelenskyy Met with the US Secretary of State and the UK Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs

President of Ukraine

11 September 2024 - 21:33

Volodymyr Zelenskyy Met with the US Secretary of State and the UK Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a joint meeting with the United States Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, and the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, David Lammy, who came on a visit to Ukraine.

The Head of State emphasized the importance of this signal - steady and strong support for Ukraine from the leading partners and commended the personal participation of high-ranking US and UK officials in the Fourth Summit of the International Crimea Platform.

"First of all, I would like to express my deep gratitude for the strong support of our country to President Joseph Biden and the Congress - for the bipartisan support. We are also very grateful to the United Kingdom for your support and leadership on many security issues. Both of your countries have been leaders in supporting Ukraine since the very beginning of the full-scale war," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

The President informed about the situation on the frontline and the priority needs of the Defense Forces. He also stressed that it is important for Ukraine to receive permission to use long-range weapons provided by the United States and other partners as soon as possible.

During the meeting, the parties also discussed the prospects of cooperation in the defense industry within the framework of the signed bilateral security agreements. The Head of State noted that the focus should be on joint production in Ukraine.

In addition, he thanked Antony Blinken for the sanctions package adopted the day before against Iran in connection with the supply of ballistic missiles to Russia.

The President also noted the effective defense cooperation with the United Kingdom, which allows our warriors to defend Ukraine on land and at sea. The Head of State expressed gratitude for the new defense package announced at the Ramstein meeting last week.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy and David Lammy discussed the implementation of the security agreement and approved further steps towards the conclusion of a new bilateral agreement on the transition to a stronger and deeper partnership.

The President stressed the importance of increasing the UK's sanctions pressure on Russia and its satellites. In particular, he expressed gratitude for the introduction of new sanctions against Iran and the Russian shadow fleet and aerospace forces.

The Head of State also noted the participation of the United States and the United Kingdom in the first Peace Summit. Special attention was paid to the preparation of the Second Summit, which is a very important platform for the restoration of a just peace for Ukraine.

The parties discussed future contacts between state leaders in the framework of the UN General Assembly session in New York this month and coordinated approaches to joint events on the sidelines of the General Assembly session.

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Office of the President Hosted a Meeting with NATO Assistant Secretary General for Operations

President of Ukraine

11 September 2024 - 18:57

Deputy Heads of the Presidential Office Ihor Zhovkva and Roman Mashovets held a meeting with NATO Assistant Secretary General for Operations Tom Goffus.

On the instructions of the President of Ukraine and the Head of the Presidential Office, Ihor Zhovkva and Roman Mashovets discussed the progress in the implementation of the agreements reached at the Washington Summit of the Alliance this July.

The Deputy Heads of the Presidential Office highly commended the decision of NATO countries to allocate financial assistance to our country worth EUR 40 billion next year and stressed the need for its timely delivery, taking into account the situation on the battlefield.

The parties paid special attention to further concrete steps of the Alliance aimed at implementing recent initiatives to establish a new NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU) mission and to launch the NATO-Ukraine Joint Analysis, Training and Education Center (JATEC).

In addition, during the meeting, they discussed ways to improve interoperability and coordination of partners' actions, and to strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities, primarily for protecting the skies from Russian missile attacks.

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Crimea Platform Truly Strengthens Ukraine in Every Sense - the President

President of Ukraine

11 September 2024 - 18:35

More than 60 participants joined the Fourth Summit of the International Crimea Platform. This was announced by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the press conference with President of Lithuania Gitanas NausAda, Prime Minister of Croatia Andrej PlenkoviA and Prime Minister of Latvia Evika SiliAa.

The Head of State noted that thanks to the Crimea Platform, it was possible to regain and strengthen the world's attention to the Russian occupation of Ukrainian Crimea.

"Now, thanks to the Crimea Platform, thanks to all our diplomatic efforts, thanks to the resistance of our people, our warriors, we are clearly forcing Russia to face reality, specifically, international law, the power of global solidarity, as well as the need to restore full justice for Ukraine and, ultimately, a lasting peace for our entire land and all our people," the President said.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked all the partners who are effectively helping to counter Russian aggression and bring real peace closer.

"The Crimea Platform truly strengthens Ukraine in every sense, especially on the diplomatic level. Russia must see and it definitely sees that the world does not stop moving towards the restoration of justice," the Head of State said.

Gitanas NausAda stressed that Lithuania will never recognize the occupation of Ukrainian territories and will always demand that Russia withdraw its troops.

"We also support the establishment of a special international tribunal to prosecute those responsible for the crime of aggression," the President of Lithuania stated.

Andrej PlenkoviA assured Ukraine of further support, including assistance in the energy sector, demining, treatment of military personnel, and recreation for Ukrainian children.

"And, of course, something that not many other countries can offer you, which is the experience of our state prosecutors, our judges, our specialized police units in investigating war crimes," he said.

The Prime Minister of Latvia noted that all foreign leaders came to personally participate in the Fourth Summit of the International Crimea Platform to reaffirm: Crimea is Ukraine, and Russia will lose this war.

Evika SiliAa also announced the third military aid package since the beginning of the year. It will include armored vehicles and drones.

"We are deeply convinced that Ukraine's future lies in a just peace, security and prosperity among other allies and partners in the Euro-Atlantic community," she concluded.

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We Will Not Leave Anything or Anyone in Captivity - President at the Fourth Summit of the International Crimea Platform

President of Ukraine

11 September 2024 - 18:04

Ukraine will return all temporarily occupied territories and all citizens of our country. This was stated by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the Fourth Summit of the International Crimea Platform.

"We will not leave anything or anyone in captivity. I would like all our citizens in Ukraine and in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine to hear this - no matter where you are now, and no matter how difficult it is for you. This is part of our morality. Ukraine does not trade its land and does not abandon its people," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

The President emphasized that Ukraine knows, remembers and fights for each of the Crimean prisoners of Russia, for all civilians and military, adults and children who are in captivity or temporary occupation.

He urged the states of our region, especially the Muslim societies of TArkiye and Azerbaijan, to show their leadership and help resist injustice and abuse. Volodymyr Zelenskyy also asked the countries working to implement the Peace Formula to convince their partners who have so far held back from cooperation.

"True peace must have no alternatives. No frozen occupations! No people left behind in captivity! No repressions forgotten and thus seemingly forgiven by the world," he stressed.

Participants observed a minute of silence in memory of all Ukrainians who were killed by the Russian war, died in Russian captivity, occupation, or during deportation.

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Ukraine Does Not Trade Its Land and Does Not Abandon Its People - Speech by the President at the Fourth Summit of the International Crimea Platform

President of Ukraine

11 September 2024 - 17:57

Dear attendees, dear participants, guests, our partners, friends!

Thank you very much for being with us today.

Mr. Mustafa Dzhemilev, all representatives of the Mejlis!

Dear Crimean Tatar people! All our Ukrainian people!

Today we have Nariman Dzhelyal with us. A man who is well known in Ukraine. The Deputy Chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people. By the way, he is a participant of our First Summit of the Crimea Platform. Like many other people whose hearts belong to Crimea and Ukraine, the Russian occupiers tried to deprive him of his home and captured Nariman as a prisoner. They captured him and kept him behind bars for almost three years. But Ukraine does not forget its prisoners and it has not forgotten Nariman Dzhelyal. We freed him, brought him home, brought him back to Ukraine, and gave him back his freedom. And this is not just about one person. This is about our fundamental policy. The policy of our state, the policy on Crimea. The policy on all our temporarily occupied territory and on all our Ukrainian citizens who have been deprived of their freedom by Russia. We will not leave anything or anyone in captivity. I would like all our citizens in Ukraine and in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine to hear this - no matter where you are now, and no matter how difficult it is for you. This is part of our morality. Ukraine does not trade its land and does not abandon its people. And when we work with the world for a just end to this war, we remind them not only of the land that now - temporarily - bears the occupier's tricolor, but also of people's fates that cannot be left destroyed. We in Ukraine do not forget many people. And today at the Memorial I remembered many of them, we remembered them. And we must do it all the time: remind the world, remind the loved ones and families of our prisoners that we know, we remember, and we fight for them. We remember Server Mustafayev, Leniye Umerova, Amet Suleymanov, Tofik Abdulhaziiev, Vladyslav Yesypenko, and all other Crimean prisoners - prisoners of Russia.

And the same way we remember all our people - civilians and military, adults and children - who are now in Russian captivity, or who may not be behind bars, but who are unfortunately forced to go through the humiliation of occupation - one of the greatest abuses for any free person. This is the evil that should have remained forever in the distant past, but which Russia has brought to this time, taking human lives. I ask everyone present here to observe a minute of silence to honor the memory of our people who were killed by the Russian war, who were killed by Russia in captivity, in occupation, during deportation.

Thank you.

Dear friends!

Every our citizen, all our people on all the temporarily occupied Ukrainian land, all our people who are in captivity and waiting for their release, should see the most important thing - our Ukrainian flag. To see it, to feel freedom, because they will be liberated. And also, our whole country deserves reliable, guaranteed security; and the occupier must inevitably be held accountable for all the crimes of war. All this should be a just end to the war. I want to thank all those who make this happen, who fight and work for Ukraine, for their native home. I thank all our partners - those who are present, and those who are helping us, but are not here now. Those who are really with us all the time, supporting us; and I urge everyone not to waste time, and not to miss opportunities. And I appeal to the members of the Crimea Platform: we need maximum support to bring people back from captivity and to stop all Russian abuses.

Why are Crimean Tatars persecuted in the occupied Crimea? Why have there been 10 years of repression against Muslims and many others who just want to live their lives freely? Why are most of the people in Russian captivity brutally tortured? We cannot turn a blind eye to all this. And I urge, first of all, the states of our region, and these are Muslim societies - both TArkiye and Azerbaijan -please, show your leadership and help us stand up against injustice and abuse. You need to be heard. We desperately need your voices. Especially to counter the evil that Russia is doing to the Crimean Tatar people. And we urge the countries that are working to implement the Peace Formula - and there are already almost a hundred countries from all parts of the world: convince your partners who are still holding back from working with us - convince them that true peace must have no alternatives. No frozen occupations! No people left behind in captivity! No repressions forgotten and thus seemingly forgiven by the world. When we remember the victims of the deportation of the Crimean Tatar people and today, we opened the Memorial in Kyiv that will preserve the memory of this crime against the people, we affirm that no crime of the occupier should remain unanswered. When we insist on a just end to the war, when we remind the world that the occupation of our Crimea was the beginning of this war, we fight for international law and the security of every nation. When our warriors liberate the Black Sea from Russia's military presence, we prove to everyone in the world that there are no omnipotent aggressors. And when our Ukrainian drones and missiles, our warriors, deprive the occupier of its tranquility, we all feel that tranquility will definitely return to Ukraine and for Ukraine. And we all want peace together. We all need security together. So, we all have to work together to advance Ukraine's victory - a truly lasting peace. I am confident: we will be able to achieve this - to achieve real peace, just peace, and above all lasting peace. We see it. And we will see, I am sure, a free Crimea.

I want to thank you all once again for always standing with Ukraine! Glory to all our warriors, to all our people!

Glory to Ukraine!

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Humanitarian Demining, Post-War Recovery and Reconstruction of Energy Facilities: the President of Ukraine Met with the Prime Minister of Croatia

President of Ukraine

11 September 2024 - 17:36

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with Prime Minister of Croatia Andrej PlenkoviA in Kyiv.

The Head of State thanked the Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia for his personal participation in the Fourth Summit of the International Crimea Platform and in the unveiling of the Memorial to the Victims of the Crimean Tatar Genocide.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy also praised Croatia's support in countering Russian aggression and expressed gratitude for the 11th military assistance package announced during the visit.

"We are very grateful for your support since the beginning of this invasion. We count on you, especially when it comes to political issues, on our path to the EU and NATO. We are grateful to your people for helping the refugees," the President said.

The leaders discussed humanitarian demining of contaminated territories. The Head of State commended Croatia's leading role in this process and thanked for the initiative to hold donor conferences on mine clearance.

During the meeting, special attention was paid to post-war recovery and reconstruction of energy infrastructure.

The President thanked Croatia for the targeted assistance for the restoration of Ukraine's energy sector, including the new tranche of energy assistance in the amount of EUR 5 million, as well as for the help in the treatment and rehabilitation of Ukraine's defenders and their families.

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Laws Hold Power When People Take Action - President's Speech at the "United for Justice" Conference

President of Ukraine

11 September 2024 - 15:21

Mr. Prosecutor General,

Distinguished guests!

Ladies and gentlemen!

Honorable participants and guests of the "United for Justice" conference!

The word "justice" sounds different in various languages around the world, but it should be understood the same way everywhere, without confusion. Every nation recognizes how precious justice is. In any country that truly respects human life and international law, justice must prevail. I want to emphasize: in every country, regardless of how its national laws are written, what international treaties it has ratified, or whether the Rome Statute has come into force there. Justice unites people. And it does so because the pursuit of justice is fundamental to our shared human culture. Right now, this very pursuit of justice is what unites us and everyone working alongside us to protect lives and our country from Russia's attacks. As of today, there are at least 137,000 reasons for us to continue this work and see it through. 137,000 - that is the number of war crimes committed by Russia so far - the ones we know about. Crimes against peace and humanity, against our state, against our people. Crimes against Ukraine and Ukrainians. 137,000. And that means there must be no fewer verdicts. Bucha, Yahidne, Mariupol, Olenivka - dozens of these horrific images, dozens of terrifying moments in Ukrainian cities and villages, hundreds and thousands of other places of Russian war crimes... There is probably no country that hasn't heard of what the occupier has done on our land and against our people. And it must be ensured that in every country, they know the occupier will be held accountable for all of it. Because justice knows no borders. It should be equally valued everywhere - Europe, America, Asia, Africa, Australia. Everywhere human life and human dignity must be protected. There can be no exceptions to this in any country, and in particular, this applies to countries that can still be visited by the number one terrorist of the modern world, a war criminal and author of the brutal genocidal war that is currently being waged against Ukraine. The world has countless conventions, thousands of pages of declarations, and the Rome Statute functions, by the way, for over 100 countries around the world. The Rome Statute must work. But recently, an exception was made for Putin in Mongolia. And this is not just someone else's responsibility - it is the responsibility of the entire world to stop the degradation of the legal system, to prevent the destruction of the norms that still remain. The legal system must function in such a way that the Rome Statute, and particularly the warrant issued by the International Criminal Court against the top Russian criminal, genuinely restricts him and already ensures his isolation. I thank my colleagues, I thank Prosecutor Khan and his colleagues who have worked on this. I thank all of you. Because this is how societies respond to criminals - they isolate them. And this is how we must respond to Putin - by putting pressure on him, isolating him, and forcing him to end the war and seek peace. There are countries where the Rome Statute is in force, and there are countries that have not ratified the Rome Statute. These are global players. In a few months, the G20 Summit - a major event - will be held in Brazil. We've heard signals from the Brazilian government that they planned to invite Putin. But to make this happen, they would have to bypass the law, violate the legal system, and once again ignore the Rome Statute. Shouldn't there be consequences for that?

Ladies and gentlemen!

Justice never comes about on its own from the words in laws or through ratification alone. Laws hold power when people act to protect the law, enforce the law, and uphold the power of the law. This is the essence of our cooperation - this is why we are united in the pursuit of justice. Each and every one of you who helps bring the Russian state, the Russian political and military leadership, and Russian war criminals to justice. Together, we must achieve one shared outcome - we in Ukraine, and all of us with our partners around the world: a sense that justice has prevailed, and that every person who suffered from this aggression knows that this evil did not go unpunished.

I want to thank all of you for today's gathering. I thank everyone around the world who cares about justice. Thank you to everyone present.

Glory to Ukraine!

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Volodymyr Zelenskyy: Russia Has Committed at Least 137,000 War Crimes Against Ukraine and Ukrainians

President of Ukraine

11 September 2024 - 15:14

As of today, there are reports of 137,000 war crimes committed by Russia. This was stated by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the "United for Justice" conference.

In his speech, the President specifically reminded the audience of the terrorist attack in Olenivka, the mass killings of civilians in Mariupol and Bucha, and the torture of Ukrainians in Yahidne.

"There is probably no country that hasn't heard of what the occupier has done on our land and against our people. And it must be ensured that in every country, they know the occupier will be held accountable for all of it. Because justice knows no borders. It should be equally valued everywhere - Europe, America, Asia, Africa, Australia," the President noted.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy pointed out that the world has numerous conventions, and over 100 countries have ratified the Rome Statute, which must be upheld.

"But recently, an exception was made for Putin in Mongolia. And this is not just someone else's responsibility - it is the responsibility of the entire world to stop the degradation of the legal system, to prevent the destruction of the norms that still remain. The legal system must function in such a way that the Rome Statute, and particularly the warrant issued by the International Criminal Court against the top Russian criminal, genuinely restricts him and already ensures his isolation," the Head of State emphasized.

He also mentioned that in a few months, the G20 Summit is scheduled to take place in Brazil. Ukraine has heard signals from the Brazilian government about plans to invite the Russian dictator. If this happens, it would signify another disregard for the Rome Statute.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged the international community to unite for the sake of justice and to hold the aggressor state and its political and military leadership accountable.

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President's Speech at the Opening of the Memorial to the Victims of the Crimean Tatar Genocide

President of Ukraine

11 September 2024 - 12:26

Dear Ukrainians,

Dear Crimean Tatar people,

Honored participants of the Fourth Summit of the International Crimea Platform, our distinguished guests: President of Lithuania Gitanas Nauseda, Prime Minister of Croatia Andrej Plenkovic, Prime Minister of Latvia Evika Silina,

Dear President of the Senate of the Parliament of the Czech Republic, Mr. Vystrcil, President of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova, Mr. Grosu, esteemed Mr. Dzhemilev, representatives of the diplomatic corps, our warriors.

Dear attendees, ladies and gentlemen!

Today, we stand at a special place.

Not long ago, this was the Square of the Chekists. And none of you need an explanation of who they were. In your countries, you know and remember their terrible, utterly horrific crimes. The crimes and atrocities of the Soviet totalitarian regime as a whole.

How they killed, tortured, and carried out violent deportations.

Today, we are here together to commemorate one of the most tragic events in Ukraine's history - the tragedy of the Crimean Tatar people. Genocide and deportation. The evil, absolute evil, perpetrated by the Soviet regime, including the Chekists themselves, in 1944. Today, at this site, we are unveiling a memorial to honor the memory of the victims of the genocide of the Crimean Tatar people, the genocide of the Crimean Tatars. And as a symbol that tyrants and dictators will always be defeated.

We are unveiling this memorial at a time when history is repeating itself, when Crimea has once again become a battlefield for freedom, dignity, and the right to live - to live on one's own land.

This memorial is not just a tribute to the past. It is a symbol that we do not forget, and we will not forgive. Thousands of Crimean Tatars were forcibly removed from their homes, thousands perished along that long, dreadful journey, somewhere in foreign lands. They were torn from their native soil, but their roots grew in the hearts of their descendants, in each of us. We stand here today to tell the world: Crimea is Ukraine! Crimea is our home! We must move forward until the invaders leave our home.

Today is a special day. We are unveiling this memorial during the Fourth Summit of the International Crimea Platform. It is a symbol of our unity and determination to restore justice. This is so important! We see how Russian occupation has once again brought grief to Crimea. Today, our brothers and sisters - Crimean Tatars, Ukrainians, activists, all brave people - are in Russian prisons for telling the truth, for not submitting to the occupier. Leniye Umerova, Server Mustafayev, brothers Aziz and Asan Akhtemov, and hundreds more descendants of those previously deported are now facing persecution again. But the occupiers will not break us, just as they did not break those who were deported in 1944.

Crimea is not just a territory. It is part of our soul, it is the land where our people lived in peace, in harmony with their culture, their language, their traditions. We are not just fighting for the return of Crimea - we are fighting for the restoration of justice, for the opportunity for every Crimean to return home to their Crimea, free from Russia and fear.

Today, we are unveiling Ukraine's national memorial commemorating the tragedy of the Crimean Tatar people. And one day, a similar memorial will undoubtedly appear in our free Crimea. This is a symbol of unbreakable will. It reminds us of the three tragic stages in the history of the Crimean Tatar people: the annexation of Crimea by the Russian Empire in 1783, the deportation in 1944, and the occupation in 2014. But at the same time, it gives us hope - hope for the future. We are confident that Crimea will be free. This is our common task, and the whole world stands with Ukraine in this struggle today.

Memory compels us to act. The Peace Formula plan is also the plan for the return of Crimea. It is the plan to restore the rights of the Crimean Tatar people, the rights of Ukrainians, and the rights of all those who live on this land. We believe this memorial will become a place where Ukrainians and our allies gather - all who share our fight for our Ukrainian Crimea, all who embrace the philosophy of memory, the memory of past tragedies so they will not be repeated in the future, all who have no doubt: Crimea is Ukraine!

Glory to Ukraine!

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US announces over $700 million in new aid to Ukraine

By By Nike Ching September 11, 2024

The United States announced more than $700 million in new aid to Ukraine, including support for the country's energy sector, as Russia targets its infrastructure. The package also includes assistance for humanitarian efforts and demining work.

On Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy made a rare joint visit to Kyiv ahead of Friday's bilateral meeting at the White House between U.S. President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss continued support for Ukraine.

In Kyiv, Blinken announced $325 million to help repair Ukraine's energy and electric grid amid ongoing Russian attacks, along with nearly $290 million in humanitarian aid for essential services such as safe drinking water, food, shelter and medicine. Additionally, he unveiled $102 million for demining efforts to remove landmines and unexploded ordnance left by Russian forces across Ukraine.

"Support for Ukraine will endure because it doesn't depend on any one country, any one party, any one election," Blinken told reporters at a joint press conference with Lammy and Ukraine's new foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha.

"We've seen Russia now pursue and indeed escalate its attacks inside Ukraine, on civilians, on energy infrastructure, as well as on the Ukrainian military that's defending its country," Blinken said.

"Today, I can confirm more than A600 million worth of support for Ukraine, including A242 million this financial year for immediate humanitarian, energy and stabilization needs, as well as support for reform, recovery and reconstruction. Plus, we're confirming our intention to deploy $484 million worth of World Bank loan guarantees later this year," said Lammy, the British foreign minister.

He added that the United Kingdom is speeding up military deliveries with air defense missiles, additional artillery ammunition and more armored vehicles to Ukraine by the end of this year.

Concerns about escalation have so far limited Kyiv's use of Western long-range weapons to strike targets inside Russia.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had called for "strong decisions" and reiterated his request for permission to use long-range missiles against Russia.

Sybiha, Ukraine's foreign minister, speaking through a translator, said that his country needs "a firm answer" from allies to counter Russia's provocations and escalations. He cited the increasing Russian attacks on Ukraine's nuclear power stations and targets near the border with NATO members.

U.S. and British officials suggested that Russian President Vladimir Putin has already escalated the war on Ukraine by seeking ballistic missiles from Iran.

Drone warfare

On Wednesday, Ukraine's military said it shot down 20 of 25 drones that Russian forces used in overnight attacks targeting multiple Ukrainian regions.

The intercepts took place over the Cherkasy, Dnipropetrovsk, Kherson, Kyiv, Poltava, and Sumy regions, Ukraine's air force said.

There were no immediate reports of casualties or major damage.

Russia's defense ministry said it shot down a Ukrainian drone over the Belgorod region.

Officials in Belgorod also reported a freight train derailment that happened after "the intervention of non-authorized people." The local office of Russia's national rail operator said in a statement that 11 empty carriages and a locomotive derailed.

The latest fighting came as Blinken and Lammy traveled Wednesday to Ukraine for talks with senior officials.

"I think it's a critical moment for Ukraine in the midst of what is an intense fall fighting season, with Russia continuing to escalate its aggression," Blinken said Tuesday.

A change in restrictions?

U.S. President Joe Biden indicated Tuesday that the United States may be moving to lift its restrictions on Ukraine's use of long-range weapons in its war with Russia.

The U.S. steadfastly has been unwilling to supply or sanction Ukraine's use of U.S.-supplied weapons that could strike deep into Russia, for fear of escalating the conflict.

Some of Ukraine's allies have supplied Kyiv with such weapons, but the countries supplying the weapons have imposed restrictions on how and when the weapons can be used.

In response to a question Tuesday about whether the U.S. would lift restrictions on Ukraine using long-range weapons against Russia, Biden said his administration is "working that out now."

Earlier Tuesday, Blinken also indicated in an interview with Sky News that there could be a U.S. shift in its stance on allowing Ukraine to use long-range missiles in Russia.

"We never rule out. But when we rule in, we want to make sure it's done in such a way that it can advance what the Ukrainians are trying to achieve," Blinken said.

Some information for this story came from Agence France-Presse and Reuters.

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Chicago, IL, Sept. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Working with Specialdocs Consultants, a pioneer in concierge medicine practice conversions and management, highly respected OB/GYN physicians Manisha Patel, DO & Kathleen Rausch, MD, are transforming womens healthcare. At Physicians for OBGYN Care, their new concierge medicine practice in Reston, VA, the doctors combine more than four decades of collective experience with a patient-centered, personalized approach to care for women from adolescence through menopause.

"In an era of increasingly impersonal medicine, its a real privilege to help Drs. Patel and Rausch realize their vision of remarkable care driven by the vital patient-physician connection that has long inspired our concierge medicine model, says Specialdocs CEO Terry Bauer.

The difference at Physicians for OBGYN Care is evident, with readily available appointments and unrushed visits. There is ample time to manage complex issues and life stage concerns while also focusing on an individualized plan for proactive wellness. Importantly, patients are ensured of 24/7 availability to the doctors who know them best, a benefit of concierge medicine that provides peace of mind and minimizes the need to seek urgent and ER care.

I want my patients to feel supported and cared for throughout their healthcare journey from their teenage years to pregnancies to the challenges of menopause, says Dr. Patel The rewards of building a powerful, long-term relationship with patients over a lifetime is immeasurable. Im grateful to be able to offer and sustain this level of care at our concierge practice.

A full range of womens healthcare services is available, including preventive screenings, adolescent gynecology, contraception guidance, fertility assistance, and menopause support. Drs. Rausch and Patel share a passion for providing expert, empathetic obstetrical care, including high-risk pregnancies, with a commitment to be present at every patient delivery. Patients commend the doctors for their dedication and compassion through challenging times.

As patient M.M. relates: We had the most incredible birth experience with Dr. Patel and Dr. Rausch. From our first appointment, Dr. Patel asked thoughtful questions, answered all of ours, and made sure we felt taken care of after a difficult journey to get pregnant. They took every precaution with my pregnancy, were thorough and never missed a beat. I felt my baby and I were in spectacular hands.

Agrees mother-to-be J.H.: I love and trust Dr. Patel and am so appreciative of all shes doing to guide me through my first pregnancy. At every visit, she clearly informs me of my next steps, and what to expect at this stage. Additionally, shes very forward-thinking in taking the initiative to proactively recommend screenings or a course of action I can take to prevent issues from happening.

Another patient. K.M., describes Dr. Patel as a member of our family. She was the bright light throughout one of the most difficult experiences of our lives and worked so diligently on our behalf. She went well beyond simply caring for my daughter at her appointments, but reached out to other professionals she would need, such as pediatricians and therapists, to ease the process for her. Even months after the birth, she continued to check in on her. My daughter and I plan to stay with Dr. Patel for as long as she practices.

About the Doctors

Manisha Patel, DO is a board-certified osteopathic physician with over 20 years of experience specializing in Obstetrics and Gynecology. After graduating from Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, she completed her residency at St. John Detroit Riverview Hospital and further refined her skills through a fellowship with the American College of Osteopathic Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Kathleen Rausch, MD, FACOG brings 25 years of experience to Physicians for OBGYN Care. After graduating from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, she completed her residency at Albany Medical Center in New York, where she served as Chief Resident. Dr. Rauschs distinguished career includes chairing the OB/GYN department at Reston Hospital Center and serving on its Medical Board.

Physicians for OBGYN Care, is located at 1800 Town Center Drive, Suite 222, Reston, VA 20190. For more information: call (571) 250-5502 or visit the website at https://physiciansforobgyn.com/

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HONOLULU, Sept. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

What:

Attorney General Anne Lopez and the Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) will announce the Maui Wildfire Phase Two Report findings and present a science- and evidence-based analysis of the state and countys response. The presentation highlights key findings and analysis about weather, fuel, and infrastructure conditions; describes communications, incident management, fire suppression and evacuation efforts; and details the impact of the fire on Lahainas built environment.

When:

Friday, September 13 at 10 a.m. HST

Where:

Territorial Building, 425 King St., Honolulu

If attending in person, please allow 30 minutes of extra time as you will be required to check in outside at the front steps. You will be escorted to the news conference room. (Advance RSVP is requested. See further instructions below.)

Who:

Attorney General Anne Lopez

Steve Kerber, Ph.D., PE, Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) vice president and executive director (FSRI is part of the UL Research Institutes)

Derek Alkonis, FSRI research program manager

Ciara W.K. Kahahane, Deputy Attorney General, (lead attorney coordinating investigation)

Details: This event is for invited guests and media only. Credentialed members of the media are invited to participate in person. For media unable to attend in person, the news conference will be livestreamed on the Department of the Attorney General Facebook page. Cable viewers on Oahu will be able to tune in via Olelo Channel 55. Anyone can view the channel on its website here and through its Facebook and YouTube channels. (A link to a clean feed will be provided by Olelo to the LIVEU Hawaii broadcast pool. National outlets can contact their LIVEU representative and ask to connect to the LIVEU Hawaii broadcast pool).

All journalists are asked to RSVP. Those attending remotely may send questions in advance or submit them during the news conference via text (use the contact information for Toni Schwartz below).

Media planning to attend should send your name and news organization by 4 pm Thursday (9/12) to Toni.E.Schwartz@hawaii.gov.

Note: Parking is limited to metered parking and nearby parking structures. Please plan to arrive 30 minutes early to account for parking time, front entrance security screening and escort, and equipment setup.
NEW ORLEANS, Sept. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until October 15, 2024 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Sprinklr, Inc. (NYSE: CXM), if they purchased the Companys securities between March 29, 2023 and June 5, 2024, inclusive (the Class Period). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.



Get Help

Sprinklr investors should visit us at https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nyse-cxm/ or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options.

About the Lawsuit

Sprinklr and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.

On June 5, 2024, the Company disclosed disappointing financial news including significantly reduced growth expectations, cutting fiscal year 2025 projections an additional three percent, down to 7% annual growth, due to reduced customer retention in the Companys core business and macro headwinds.

On this news, the price of Sprinklrs shares fell from a closing price of $10.84 per share on June 5, 2024 to $9.20 per share on June 6, 2024, a decline of more than 15% in the span of one day.

The case is Boshart v. Sprinklr, Inc., No. 24-cv-06132.

About ClaimsFiler

ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations.

To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com.
Celebration, Sept. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Celebration, Florida -

Tropic Residential has announced the launch of its website, TropicResidential.com, which aims to become a key resource for news, information, and real estate listings across Florida. The new site offers a wide range of services to help home buyers and sellers navigate the Florida real estate market.

One of the main features of TropicResidential.com is its advanced real estate search tool. This tool allows users to filter properties based on various criteria such as location, price, and size. It is designed to simplify the home-buying process by making it easier for users to find properties that meet their specific needs.

Apart from its robust search capabilities, TropicResidential.com includes a curated list of featured properties for sale. These listings highlight homes with unique features or great value and are regularly updated to provide the latest opportunities for potential buyers.

The website also has a real estate news section that provides current articles and insights on topics like buying a house with bad credit, the cost of buying a house in Florida, and tips for selling a home faster. The news articles aim to inform and educate visitors about the complexities of the Florida real estate market.

Mark Sanchez, CEO of Tropic Residential, expressed his excitement about the new site. "We are thrilled to introduce TropicResidential.com," said Sanchez. "Our goal is to provide valuable resources and tools to help both buyers and sellers make informed decisions in the fast-paced Florida real estate market."

The contact services offered through the site make it easy for clients to connect with Tropic Residential's team. Whether they need advice, have questions, or want to schedule a viewing, users can reach out via phone or email. This direct communication underscores the company's commitment to offering personalized support throughout their customer's real estate journey.

Additionally, the site's user-friendly design and detailed property listings aim to improve the overall experience for those buying or selling homes in Florida. Featuring a powerful search tool, curated listings, insightful news articles, and accessible contact services, TropicResidential.com positions itself as a valuable one-stop resource for every stage of the real estate process.

For more information, further details, and press inquiries, visit Tropic Residential's website.

The Florida real estate market is known for its variety, with a wide range of properties available in different locations. Tropic Residential's new website aims to reflect this diversity by offering tools and information that cater to various needs and preferences. Whether buyers are looking for homes in bustling city centers like Orlando or more peaceful residential areas, TropicResidential.com provides the means to find suitable options.

Sanchez added, "Our team of seasoned real estate professionals brings years of experience in the Florida market. We are dedicated to making TropicResidential.com an essential resource for anyone involved in buying or selling real estate here. The launch of our website is just the first step; we plan to continually update and expand our offerings to serve our clients better."

Tropic Residential plans to use TropicResidential.com to bridge the gap between traditional real estate services and modern digital expectations. With detailed listings, comprehensive search functionality, and continually updated news articles, the site aims to be a useful tool for navigating the Florida real estate market.

The launch of TropicResidential.com represents a significant milestone for the company as it looks to establish itself as a leader in the Florida real estate industry. By providing valuable resources and easy access to expert advice, the site is positioned to help clients make well-informed decisions, leading to smoother and more efficient real estate transactions.

This new platform marks a considerable step forward in Tropic Residential's mission to offer superior real estate services and support to the Florida market. Through its user-focused design and comprehensive offerings, TropicResidential.com aims to provide users with the information and tools needed for successful real estate ventures.

###

For more information about Tropic Residential, contact the company here:



Tropic Residential

Mark Sanchez

407-557-3067

press@tropicresidential.com

1420 Celebration Blvd #294

Kissimmee, FL 34747
Hepsor, together with its partner Elysium Investments, has acquired a development project consisting of 11 properties in downtown Toronto's High Park area.

High Park is one of Toronto's most sought-after residential areas, offering abundant greenery, excellent recreational opportunities, and convenient access to public transportation. The development area is planned to feature a high-rise building with rental apartments in two towers, which will help alleviate Toronto's growing housing shortage.

The High Park development is the fourth similar project in Toronto in which Hepsor has taken a position in the last 18 months. At the same time, High Park is the first project where Hepsor plans to include Estonian private capital investors.

The total investment value of the property and the first phase of the project is approximately 60 million euros (about 89 million CAD), of which High Park Limited Partnership, established for the project's development, will invest approximately 8.5 million euros (about 12.5 million CAD). In the first phase of the project, the zoning of the area will be changed, and planning activities will be carried out to allow for the future construction of a residential rental building. The first phase is expected to last 24-30 months.

To date, Hepsor's residential development portfolio in Toronto includes positions in four different development projects. During October, the fifth transaction under the same program is expected to be completed, which, when added, would mean that Hepsor and its partners are working on plans for approximately 2,500 new apartments in Toronto.

In addition to participating in residential developments, Hepsor is actively seeking opportunities for the development of warehouse and logistics spaces in the vicinity of both Toronto and Montreal.

Hepsor's Chairman of the Board, Andres Parloja, commented: "Entering the High Park development was another step in implementing Hepsor's strategic plan. In the spring of 2022, we decided that part of our business should be outside the European economic area and away from the Russian border. We chose the dynamic and rapidly developing Canadian market. We plan to continue expanding our positions in Canada to the extent possible and are constantly looking for new and interesting investment opportunities."





Henri Laks

Member of the Management Board

Phone: +372 5693 9114

Email: henri@hepsor.ee
NANJING, China, Sept. 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In recent years, Jiangsu has been leveraging its rivers, lakes, and seas to forge a cultural and tourism development space across the province, encompassing "Two Corridors, Two Belts and Two Zones." In September, supported by "Charm of Jiangsu" Global Communication Center, special editions on the themes of World-Class Ecological and Cultural Tourism Zone along Taihu Lake (https://tuce.zboec.com/2024/8-7thkyw/), World-Class Ecological and Cultural Tourism Zone along Hongze Lake (https://tuce.zboec.com/2024/8-21hzhe/), and World-Class Coastal Ecotourism Corridor (https://tuce.zboec.com/2024/8-21bhe/) was launched, inviting readers from all over the world to explore Jiangsu's water-infused stories. To better showcase charming Jiangsu as a world-renowned tourist destination, the much-loved "Charm of Jiangsu" travel guide, Jiangsu Glimpses focuses on the beautiful scenery of these six regions.



A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link.

Jiangsu was built by water and till now, flourishes by it. The Yangtze River running from east to west, the Grand Canal from north to south, the wide and open seashores, and the gentle and pleasant lakes constitute a unique cultural landscape in Jiangsu where rivers, lakes and seas converge. Jiangsu's global fame is inseparable from its waters. Around 1,200 years ago, during the Tang Dynasty, the esteemed monk Jianzhen embarked on his journey to Japan via the Grand Canal and then the Yangtze River. And about 700 years ago, the merchant Marco Polo from Venice, Italy came a long way to Jiangsu, traversing both the land and maritime Silk Roads, later documenting his travels in the famous The Travels of Marco Polo.

Some 600 years ago, Admiral Zheng He's fleet set sail from Liujiagang at the mouth of the Yangtze River, embarking on voyages to the west oceans, fostering friendly exchanges along the way and leaving behind many historical anecdotes. Around 400 years ago, Xu Xiake, who was born in Wuxi, known as the "Pearl of Taihu Lake," compiled his more than 30-year travelogue across China, Travels of Xu Xiake, with over 600,000 words, making him a renowned travel KOL in China. About 400 years ago, the Italian missionary Matteo Ricci arrived in Huai'an, a city located by the shores of Hongze Lake. He shared similar praises for Huai'an as his fellow countryman Marco Polo.

Take a stroll along the shores of Taihu Lake in Suzhou, a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art. Savor the culinary delights of Huai'an and Yangzhou, both Cities of Gastronomy, located by the banks of Hongze Lake. Capture the breathtaking scenes of migratory birds gathering and the unique tidal trees at the Migratory Bird Sanctuaries along the Coast of Yellow Sea-Bohai Gulf of China in Yancheng, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. Admire the adorable animals like the milu deer, spoon-billed sandpiper, red-crowned crane, Yangtze finless porpoise, and black-faced spoonbill. Treat the taste buds to local seafood delicacies such as the sandfish of Lianyungang, Taihu Lake's "Three Whites," Qintong's "Eight Fresh Delicacies," Yangcheng Lake's hairy crabs, Xuyi crayfish, and Gaoyou double-yolk eggs. Jiangsu eagerly invites visitors to explore the beautiful waters of Jiangsu with Jiangsu Glimpses, where people will experience stunning landscapes, mouthwatering flavors, rich cultural heritage, and a vibrant lifestyle -- leading to endless delightful discoveries.

Source: "Charm of Jiangsu" Global Communication Center
Vivoryon Therapeutics N.V. Reports H1 2024 Progress Marked by Compelling Kidney Function Data and Execution of Strategy to Advance Varoglutamstat in Kidney Disease

Primary focus is developing varoglutamstat, a Phase 2 investigational medicine with potential to improve kidney function in patients with kidney disease





Statistically significant benefit of varoglutamstat on prospectively defined key kidney function endpoint (eGFR 1 ) and significant reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokine pE-CCL2 observed in VIVIAD Phase 2b AD study





) and significant reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokine pE-CCL2 observed in VIVIAD Phase 2b AD study Substantially higher treatment benefit of varoglutamstat on eGFR observed in post-hoc diabetes subgroup 2 triggering plans to advance varoglutamstat into Phase 2 study in DKD 3





triggering plans to advance varoglutamstat into Phase 2 study in DKD Gained further insight into AD results through clear evidence of differences between kidney and AD outcomes from PK/PD analysis and new target occupancy information





Management to host a conference call today at 3:00pm CEST (9:00am EDT)





Vivoryon to host a virtual Kidney Disease KOL (Key Opinion Leaders) webcast on Monday, September 30 at 3:00 pm CEST (9:00 am EDT) to elaborate on varoglutamstats potential in kidney disease with an emphasis on DKD





Halle (Saale) / Munich, Germany, September 12, 2024 - Vivoryon Therapeutics N.V. (Euronext Amsterdam: VVY; NL00150002Q7) (Vivoryon), a clinical stage company focused on the discovery and development of small molecule medicines to modulate the activity and stability of pathologically altered proteins, today announced financial results for the six-month period ended June 30, 2024, and provides a corporate update. The report is available on the Companys website https://www.vivoryon.com/financial-information/.

The VIVIAD Phase 2b study showed outstanding results in improving kidney function and we made strong progress during the first half of 2024 in forging a new development strategy for varoglutamstat in diabetic kidney disease (DKD), said Frank Weber, MD, CEO of Vivoryon. In parallel, we advanced pharmacokinetic and biomarker analyses which demonstrate a strong dose response of varoglutamstat on kidney function improvement. Furthermore, as we continue the evolution of our understanding of the Alzheimers disease (AD) VIVIAD results, we have generated the first evidence that varoglutamstat activity is required in the cells of the brain  not only in the cerebrospinal fluid - to stop the pathological process of pE-Abeta production. He concluded, The VIVIAD data demonstrate varoglutamstat has an excellent safety and tolerability profile, provide strong support for our understanding of the potential of QPCTL inhibitors in inflammatory and fibrotic diseases and lay the foundation for our strategic shift towards kidney disease based on the outstanding effect we observed on eGFR.





H1 2024 and Post-Period Updates

Strategic shift towards a focus on inflammatory and fibrotic diseases

A significant positive effect of varoglutamstat on kidney function observed in the VIVIAD Phase 2b study in AD underpins the strategic shift to inflammatory and fibrotic diseases. In April 2024, Vivoryon announced this strategic shift following the announcement in March 2024 that the VIVIAD Phase 2b study did not achieve its primary and key secondary endpoints in early AD.

The VIVIAD protocol prospectively specified measurement of kidney function by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), a primary endpoint in many development programs of kidney disorders, and additional biomarkers, in order to further investigate this potential activity.

Key priorities now include:

Preparing for a proposed Phase 2 clinical study for varoglutamstat in diabetic kidney disease (subject to additional funding and/or partnership);

Concluding VIVIAD Phase 2b clinical study program and in-depth analysis;

Analyzing the data of the VIVA-MIND Phase 2 clinical study with varoglutamstat in the U.S. in early AD by year end 2024;

Continuing to actively pursue potential business development and financing opportunities.





Varoglutamstat Mechanism of Action

Post-translational modification occurs both physiologically and in disease settings and it is a crucial process to functionalize proteins. Many different post-translational modifications are catalyzed by enzymes that have become known drug targets, e.g. kinases, proteases, or methylases.

Pyroglutamate (pE) formation, a specific post-translational modification catalyzed by the glutaminyl cyclase enzymes QPCT and QPCTL, has emerged as a central element in different diseases including neurodegenerative, inflammatory and fibrotic diseases as well as cancer.

Varoglutamstat is a highly potent oral small molecule inhibitor of human QPCT and QPCTL, designed to prevent inflammatory and fibrotic processes by blocking pyroglutamate formation on key disease drivers.

QPCTL inhibition has demonstrated robust evidence of efficacy in animal models of inflammatory and fibrotic disorders such as glomerulonephritis and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).





Varoglutamstat  VIVIAD kidney function results (total study population)

Varoglutamstat 600mg BID increased eGFR over the treatment period up to 96 weeks in patients with early AD, indicating a potential benefit of varoglutamstat on kidney function. The treatment effect in the overall VIVIAD study population was 3.4mL/min/1.73m2/year (p<0.001; varoglutamstat n=141 / placebo n=117).

Further sensitivity and subgroup analysis has shown this effect is observed across the range of eGFR levels at baseline in the study, and when assessed using a set of diverse and validated methods for calculating kidney function.

Additionally, the Company has explored the effect of varoglutamstat on levels of pyroglu-CCL2 (pE-CCL2), a pro-inflammatory cytokine. Persistent, low grade inflammation is considered a hallmark feature of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Results showed a significant and dose-dependent reduction in pE-CCL2 in the serum of VIVIAD patients following treatment with varoglutamstat. This demonstrates the effectiveness of varoglutamstat in inhibiting systemic intracellular QPCTL and strongly supports an anti-inflammatory effect.





Significant effects of varoglutamstat in diabetes subgroup2

Analysis of eGFR in a subgroup of patients with diabetes 2 in the VIVIAD Phase 2b study reveals a substantially higher treatment effect 4 of >8mL/min/1.73m2/year (p=0.02; varoglutamstat n=20 / placebo n=12) compared to the overall VIVIAD study population where the treatment effect was 3.4mL/min/1.73m2/year (p<0.001; varoglutamstat n=141 / placebo n=117).

in the VIVIAD Phase 2b study reveals a substantially higher treatment effect of >8mL/min/1.73m2/year (p=0.02; varoglutamstat n=20 / placebo n=12) compared to the overall VIVIAD study population where the treatment effect was 3.4mL/min/1.73m2/year (p<0.001; varoglutamstat n=141 / placebo n=117). Promising additional effects were observed in the diabetes subgroup in varoglutamstat treated patients including a reduction in liver transaminases, mild weight loss, and a reduction in diastolic blood pressure.

Data revealed that the positive effect on kidney function in the diabetes subgroup appears to be independent of any change in glycemic control (HbA1C remained steady over the period for the varoglutamstat group).

A reduction of the plasma concentration of the inflammatory and fibrosis inducing pE-CCL2 (p=0.004) was observed in the varoglutamstat arm, indicating a strong anti-inflammatory effect.

Varoglutamstat was well-tolerated at the dose tested (up to 600mg twice daily) and there were no meaningful differences in adverse events observed in renal and metabolic system organ classes versus placebo or the total population.





Proposed Clinical Development Plan in Diabetic Kidney Disease (DKD)3

Despite advances in the standard of care for DKD, there remains a significant unmet need for new therapies to stabilize kidney function and prevent disease progression.

Vivoryon plans to start a Phase 2 study in DKD that is intended to include patients with disease stages more advanced than those observed in the VIVIAD Phase 2 study, enabling an expansion of the overall target patient population. The Company envisages a placebo-controlled study of up to approximately 120 subjects with stage 3b/4 DKD. These subjects would be randomized 1:1 to varoglutamstat 600mg twice daily or placebo, on top of standard of care medications. Key endpoints are planned to include eGFR slope analysis, measures of albuminuria (UA(p)CR), inflammation and fibrosis-related biomarkers, as well as safety.

Vivoryon is evaluating business development and financing opportunities, to further explore the potential of varoglutamstat and QPCT/L inhibitors in kidney disease in both large indications, such as DKD, and in certain rare diseases that impact kidney function, such as Fabry disease and Alport Syndrome.





Varoglutamstat  early Alzheimers disease (AD)

Vivoryon has continued its in-depth analysis of the VIVIAD data. Findings to date continue to confirm there is no consistent effect of varoglutamstat up to 600mg BID on cognition and function, including in high exposure patients. Results from pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic and biomarker data, including an assay for measuring pE-Abeta forms, suggests that intracellular QPCT may play a greater role in driving clinical outcomes in AD. Data from VIVA-MIND, anticipated by the end of 2024, is expected to contribute to the overall dataset informing varoglutamstats development strategy in AD.





Corporate Development Updates

In March 2024, Kugan Sathiyanandarajah and Professor Dr. Morten Asser Karsdal stepped down from Vivoryons Board of Directors. They had been appointed as Non-Executive Directors in June 2023.

In March 2024, Anne Doering, CFA, assumed the role of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Vivoryon, following her previous position as Chief Strategy & Investor Relations Officer.

Vivoryon held its 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Friday, June 21, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. (CEST) in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The shareholders approved all items on the agenda of the meeting. The full agenda and all relevant documents are available on the Companys website (https://www.vivoryon.com/2024-annual-general-meeting/). Agenda items of particular note include the reappointment of Dr. Michael Schaeffer, Chief Business Officer, as executive director as well as the amendment to the Companys articles of association with regard to, among other changes, the decrease of the nominal value of the shares in the capital of the Company to EUR 0.01 from EUR 1.00, which was implemented on September 5, 2024.





Financial Results for the First Half of 2024

Revenues were zero in the six months ended June 30, 2024, as well as in the six months ended June 30, 2023.

Research and development expenses increased by EUR 4.0 million to EUR 10.3 million in the six months ended June 30, 2024, compared to EUR 6.3 million in the six months ended June 30, 2023. This increase was largely attributable to the increase in clinical development costs from the VIVIAD and VIVA-MIND studies as well as early investments into kidney related research.

General and administrative expenses were EUR 3.5 million in the six months ended June 30, 2024, compared to EUR 4.4 million in the six months ended June 30, 2023. The decrease of EUR 0.9 million was largely attributable to higher non-executive board compensation in 2023.

Net loss for the six months ended June 30, 2024, was EUR 13.6 million, compared to EUR 10.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2023.

The Company held EUR 15.3 million in cash and cash equivalents as of June 30, 2024, compared to EUR 28.6 million, which includes cash and cash equivalents and term deposits within financial assets, as of December 31, 2023. Cash utilization for the first six months of 2024 reflects the intensive investment period in VIVIAD and VIVA-MIND, both of which are expected to meaningfully ramp down in the second half 2024 as both studies approach their conclusion.





Outlook & Financial Guidance

As published on April 24, 2024, the Company expects, on the basis of its most recent financial and business plan, that its existing cash and cash equivalents will be sufficient to fund its operating plans, excluding any additional financings, into the second quarter of 2025.

This cash runway guidance reflects the shift in focus of research and development resources towards inflammatory and fibrotic disorders, such as of the kidney, and an overall reduction in cash utilization including the ramp down of spending on VIVIAD as it approaches its conclusion, the discontinuation of VIVA-MIND, the discontinuation of VIVALONG preparation activities given the developments of VIVIAD and VIVA-MIND, as well as the streamlining of manufacturing costs and programs for API development.

The viability of the Company beyond the second quarter of 2025 is dependent on its ability to raise additional funds to finance its operations which also depends on the success of its research and development activities such as those focusing on exploring opportunities in kidney disease.





Conference Call and Webcast

Vivoryon will host a conference call and webcast today, September 12, 2024, at 3:00 pm CEST (9:00 am EDT). A Q&A session will follow the presentation of the first half 2024 results.

A live webcast and slides will be made available at: https://www.vivoryon.com/news-and-events/presentations-webcasts/



To join the conference call via phone, participants may pre-register and will receive dedicated dial-in details to easily and quickly access the call via the following website: https://register.vevent.com/register/BIb82f5f65fffe4d5faaade135258da32a



It is suggested participants dial into the conference call 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time to avoid any delays in attendance.

Approximately one day after the call, a slide-synchronized audio replay of the conference will be available on: https://www.vivoryon.com/news-and-events/presentations-webcasts/







Virtual Kidney Disease Key Opinion Leaders Event on September 30, 2024

Vivoryon will host a virtual Kidney Disease KOL (Key Opinion Leaders) conference call and webcast on Monday, September 30, 2024, featuring expert presentations by seasoned KOLs followed by a Q&A session on the standard of care and existing medical need, market development and commercial potential in kidney disorders, as well as evidence generation and statistical principles in kidney disease drug development, with special emphasis on diabetic kidney disease.

Featured speakers:

Tobias B. Huber, MD - Chair of the Center of Internal Medicine and Director of the III. Department of Medicine - University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Germany. Acting as Medical Advisor for clinical study design. Research collaboration with Vivoryon focusing on pre-clinical and mechanistic activities relating to varoglutamstat and the role of QPCT/L on kidney function.

- Chair of the Center of Internal Medicine and Director of the III. Department of Medicine - University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Germany. Acting as Medical Advisor for clinical study design. Research collaboration with Vivoryon focusing on pre-clinical and mechanistic activities relating to varoglutamstat and the role of QPCT/L on kidney function. Florian Jehle - CEO of Vifor-FMC Renal Pharma. Acting as Industry Expert Advisor to Vivoryon in the kidney field including strategic business and commercial advice.

- CEO of Vifor-FMC Renal Pharma. Acting as Industry Expert Advisor to Vivoryon in the kidney field including strategic business and commercial advice. Kevin Carroll, PhD - CEO, KJC Statistics. Acting as statistical analysis expert, providing and calculating statistical read-outs and advising on clinical study statistical aspects.





Conference call details

Date: September 30, 2024

Time: 3:00 pm CEST / 9:00 am EDT



A live webcast and slides will be made available at: https://www.vivoryon.com/news-and-events/presentations-webcasts/



Please register to join the conference call via the following website:

https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/b8g57xvh/



###





Vivoryon Therapeutics N.V. Financial Statements

Unaudited Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Loss for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 and 2023

For the six months

ended June 30, in kEUR, except for share data 2024

(unaudited) 2023

(unaudited) Research and development expenses (10,308) (6,259) General and administrative expenses (3,501) (4,433) Operating loss (13,809) (10,692) Finance income 303 258 Finance expenses (53) (327) Finance result 250 (69) Result before income taxes (13,559) (10,761) Income taxes  45 Net loss for the period (13,559) (10,716) Items not to be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss Remeasurement of the net defined benefit pension liability 39 (9) Total other comprehensive profit / (loss) 39 (9) Comprehensive loss (13,520) (10,725) Loss per share in EUR (basic and diluted) (0.52) (0.44)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed interim financial statements.

Vivoryon Therapeutics N.V.

Unaudited Condensed Statements of Financial Position as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (audited)

in kEUR June 30,

2024

(unaudited) December 31,

2023

(audited) ASSETS Non-current assets Property, plant and equipment 31 40 Intangible assets 904 941 Right-of-use assets 9 36 Total non-current assets 944 1,017 Current assets Financial assets 74 10,165 Other current assets and prepayments 701 1,085 Cash and cash equivalents 15,272 18,562 Total current assets 16,047 29,812 TOTAL ASSETS 16,991 30,829 Equity Share capital 26,067 26,067 Share premium 135,671 135,671 Other capital reserves 14,817 13,599 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (217) (256) Accumulated deficit (162,358) (148,799) Total equity 13,980 26,282 Non-current liabilities Pension liability 1,287 1,353 Provisions long-term 12 12 Total non-current liabilities 1,299 1,365 Current liabilities Trade payables 1,465 2,894 Lease liabilities 10 38 Other liabilities 237 250 Total current liabilities 1,712 3,182 Total Liabilities 3,011 4,547 TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 16,991 30,829

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed interim financial statements.

Vivoryon Therapeutics N.V.

Unaudited Condensed Statements of Changes in Shareholders Equity for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023

in kEUR Share

capital Share

premium Other

capital reserves Accumulated other

comprehensive

loss Accumulated deficit Total

equity January 1, 2024 26,067 135,671 13,599 (256) (148,799) 26,282 Net loss for the period     (13,559) (13,559) Remeasurement of the net defined benefit pension liability    39  39 Comprehensive loss    39 (13,559) (13,520) Proceeds from the issuance of common shares       Transaction costs of equity transactions       Share-based payments   1,218   1,218 Exercise of share options       June 30, 2024 26,067 135,671 14,817 (217) (162,358) 13,980 January 1, 2023 24,105 113,382 9,656 (180) (120,457) 26,506 Net loss for the period     (10,716) (10,716) Remeasurement of the net defined benefit pension liability    (9)  (9) Comprehensive loss    (9) (10,716) (10,725) Proceeds from the issuance of common shares 1,786 23,214    25,000 Transactions costs of equity transactions  (2,095)    (2,095) Exercise of share options   2,305   2,305 Share-based payments 71 472    542 June 30, 2023 25,962 134,973 11,961 (189) (131,173) 41,534

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed interim financial statements.

Vivoryon Therapeutics N.V.

Unaudited Condensed Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023

For the six months ended

June 30, in kEUR 2024

(unaudited) 2023

(unaudited) Operating activities Net loss for the period (13,559) (10,716) Adjustments for: Finance result (250) 69 Depreciation and amortization 73 79 Share based payments 1,218 2,305 Foreign currency gain (loss) from other items than cash (25) (59) Deferred income tax  (45) Other non-cash adjustments 19 (33) Changing in: Financial assets (4) (8,938) Other current assets and prepayments 383 (2,036) Pension liabilities (66) (13) Trade payables (1,429) (1,252) Other liabilities (13) 306 Interest received 353 51 Interest paid  (1) Cash flows used in operating activities (13,300) (20,283) Investing activities Purchase of plant and equipment  (9) Proceeds from sale of financial assets 10,000  Cash flows used in investing activities 10,000 (9) Financing activities Proceeds from the issuance of common shares  25,000 Capital raising costs  (2,095) Proceeds from exercise of share options  542 Payment of lease liabilities (28) (47) Cash flows provided by financing activities (28) 23,400 Net increase in cash and cash equivalents (3,328) 3,109 Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of period 18,562 26,555 Effect of exchange rate fluctuation on cash held 38 (82) Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 15,272 29,582

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed interim financial statements.





About Vivoryon Therapeutics N.V.

Vivoryon is a clinical stage biotechnology company focused on developing innovative small molecule-based medicines. Driven by its passion for ground-breaking science and innovation, the Company strives to change the lives of patients in need suffering from severe diseases. The Company leverages its in-depth expertise in understanding post-translational modifications to develop medicines that modulate the activity and stability of proteins which are altered in disease settings. The Company has established a pipeline of orally available small molecule inhibitors for various indications including Alzheimers disease, inflammatory and fibrotic disorders, including of the kidney, and cancer. www.vivoryon.com.





Vivoryon Forward Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, those regarding the business strategy, management plans and objectives for future operations of Vivoryon Therapeutics N.V. (the Company), estimates and projections with respect to the market for the Companys products and forecasts and statements as to when the Companys products may be available. Words such as anticipate, believe, estimate, expect, forecast, intend, may, plan, project, predict, should and will and similar expressions as they relate to the Company are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance; rather they are based on the Managements current expectations and assumptions about future events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. The forward-looking statements involve a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties and other factors could materially adversely affect the outcome and financial effects of the plans and events described herein. The Companys results of operations, cash needs, financial condition, liquidity, prospects, future transactions, strategies or events may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements and from expectations. As a result, no undue reliance should be placed on such forward-looking statements. This press release does not contain risk factors. Certain risk factors that may affect the Companys future financial results are discussed in the published annual financial statements of the Company. This press release, including any forward-looking statements, speaks only as of the date of this press release. The Company does not assume any obligation to update any information or forward-looking statements contained herein, save for any information required to be disclosed by law.





For more information, please contact:

Investor Contact

Vivoryon Therapeutics N.V.

Dr. Manuela Bader, Director IR & Communication

Tel: +49 (0)345 555 99 30

Email: IR@vivoryon.com



Media Contact

Trophic Communications

Valeria Fisher

Tel: +49 175 8041816

Email: vivoryon@trophic.eu



1Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), a validated measure of kidney function, was calculated as a slope analysis across two years taking all available data into account.

2Diabetes subgroup defined as patients having at baseline either medical history of diabetes (type 1 or 2) and/or comedication with drugs used in diabetes and/or untreated with an HbA1c > 6.5%.

3The timing and execution of the planned Phase 2 study is subject to additional funding / partnership.

4Treatment effect  the between-group difference in eGFR slope between varoglutamstat and placebo.

Attachment
12 September, Cairo/Oslo: Scatec ASA has signed a USD denominated 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company (EETC) for a 1 GW solar and 100 MW/200 MWh battery storage hybrid project in Egypt, the first of its kind in the country.

This will be the first hybrid solar and battery project in Egypt and demonstrates Scatecs strong position as one of the largest renewable energy producers in the country. We are pleased to have entered the PPA with Egyptian Electricity Transmission Company. We will now finalise land lease agreements, grid connection agreements, and financing, and prepare for construction of the project, says Scatec CEO Terje Pilskog.

Scatec has signed a mandate letter with several development financing institutions for concessional financing and expects to reach financial close with the lenders and start construction of the solar and BESS hybrid project in the first half of 2025. Scatec will provide Engineering, Procurement & Construction (EPC), Asset Management (AM) and Operations & Maintenance (O&M) services for the project.

For further information, please contact:



For analysts and investors: Andreas Austrell, VP IR, phone: +47 974 38 686, andreas.austrell@scatec.com

For media: Meera Bhatia, SVP External Affairs & Communications, phone: +47 468 44 959, meera.bhatia@scatec.com



About Scatec

Scatec is a leading renewable energy solutions provider, accelerating access to reliable and affordable clean energy in emerging markets. As a long-term player, we develop, build, own, and operate renewable energy plants, with 4.7 GW in operation and under construction across four continents today. We are committed to grow our renewable energy capacity, delivered by our passionate employees and partners who are driven by a common vision of Improving our Future. Scatec is headquartered in Oslo, Norway and listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol SCATC. To learn more, visit www.scatec.com or connect with us on LinkedIn .

This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act
TORONTO, Sept. 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Giyani Metals Corp. (TSXV:EMM, GR:A2DUU8) ("Giyani" or the "Company"), developer of the K.Hill battery-grade manganese project in Botswana ("the Project" or "K.Hill"), announces that effective September 12, 2024, Charles FitzRoy has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer and President, replacing Danny Keating who is leaving the Company to pursue other opportunities.



Charles FitzRoy was appointed Head of Corporate Development & Strategy at Giyani in October 2023 where has been directly managing all OEM and off-taker relationships, which he first developed from his experience in the lithium sector. He is an experienced mining executive having previously been CEO of the lithium explorer/developer Bradda Head Lithium, which Charles took public on AIM and subsequently listed on the OTCQB and the TSX-V. During his tenure at Bradda Head, he led successful raises on the equity markets in Canada and the UK and also raised funds through the sale of a royalty. Charles brings a wide range of experience across the metals and mining sector having held positions at CMOC, Citi, BlackRock and Arden Partners. He holds degrees in Geology (BSc Hons) and Metals & Energy Finance (MSc) and is a fellow of the Geological Society and a professional member of MIMMM. Charlie also brings additional management experience from his five years of service in the British Military.

Mark Burnett, interim non-executive chairman of the board of directors, commented:

"We are very excited to appoint Charles as CEO at an important time for the Company. Since he joined the Company last year, the Board has been impressed with his strategic decision making and vision for the Company. He assumes the role as CEO with Giyani on a strong footing going forward, as we're on track to deliver the Demonstration Plant in Q4 this year and are progressing the DFS concurrently, for project financing in 2025."

Mr. FitzRoy commented:

"This is a very exciting time for Giyani as we look to finalize the delivery of the Demonstration Plant in Q4 and begin narrowing our focus towards commencing negotiating potential off-take agreements with key partners this year. There is much work to be done but we believe we have the right team to continue to advance the Company and K.Hill towards being a dominant producer of battery grade manganese in Africa. I look forward to working with the team on the ground in Botswana to progress the project towards the next phase."

About Giyani

Giyani is focussed on becoming the dominant western-world producer of sustainable, low carbon high purity battery grade manganese for the electric vehicle ("EV") industry. The Company has developed a proprietary hydrometallurgical process to produce battery grade manganese (HPMSM), a lithium-ion battery cathode precursor material critical for EVs.

The Company has secured US$26m in financing from two strategic partners, ARCH Sustainable Resources Fund LP1 and the Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa2, as it aims to progress the K.Hill battery-grade manganese project in Botswana to construction by building and operating the Demonstration Plant and completing a Definitive Feasibility Study by H1 2025.

Additional information and corporate documents may be found on www.sedarplus.ca and on Giyani Metals Corp. website at https://giyanimetals.com/.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Giyani Metals Corp.

Mark Burnett, Non-Executive Chair

Contact:

Charles FitzRoy

Chief Executive Officer

cfitzroy@giyanimetals.com

+1 (289) 291-7632



Neither the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV") nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

The securities described herein have not been registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any state securities laws, and accordingly, may not be offered or sold to, or for the account or benefit of, persons in the United States or "U.S. persons," as such term is defined in Regulation S promulgated under the U.S. Securities Act ("U.S. Persons"), except in compliance with the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities requirements or pursuant to exemptions therefrom. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the Company's securities to, or for the account of benefit of, persons in the United States or U.S. Persons.

Forward Looking Information

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical fact, that address events or developments that Giyani expects to occur, are "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "does not expect", "plans", "anticipates", "does not anticipate", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential", "scheduled", "forecast", "budget" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could", "should" or "might" occur.

Such statements include without limitation: the Company the ongoing construction, commissioning and operation of the Demo Plant, installation of additional Process Modules, design and finalization of the lab, and timing thereof, completion and timing of the DFS or at all.

All such forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of the relevant management as of the date such statements are made and are subject to certain assumptions, important risk factors and uncertainties, many of which are beyond Giyani's ability to control or predict. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based on estimates and assumptions that are inherently subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. In the case of Giyani, these facts include anticipated operations in future periods, planned exploration and development of its properties, and plans related to its business and other matters that may occur in the future. This information relates to analyses and other information that is based on expectations of future performance and planned work programs.

Forward-looking information is subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause actual events or results to differ from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking information, including, without limitation: inherent exploration hazards and risks; risks related to exploration and development of natural resource properties; uncertainty in Giyani's ability to obtain funding; commodity price fluctuations; recent market events and conditions; risks related to the uncertainty of Mineral Resource calculations and the inclusion of Inferred Mineral Resources in economic estimation; risks related to governmental regulations; risks related to obtaining necessary licences and permits; risks related to Giyani's business being subject to environmental laws and regulations; risks related to the Company's mineral properties being subject to prior unregistered agreements, transfers, or claims and other defects in title; risks relating to competition from larger companies with greater financial and technical resources; risks relating to the inability to meet financial obligations under agreements to which they are a party; ability to recruit and retain qualified personnel; and risks related to the Company's directors and officers becoming associated with other natural resource companies which may give rise to conflicts of interests. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect Giyani's forward-looking information. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in the forward-looking information or statements.

Giyani's forward-looking information is based on the reasonable beliefs, expectations and opinions of the Company's respective management on the date the statements are made, and Giyani does not assume any obligation to update forward looking information if circumstances or management's beliefs, expectations or opinions change, except as required by law. For the reasons set forth above, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. For a complete discussion with respect to Giyani and risks associated with forward-looking information and forward-looking statements, please refer to Giyani's continuous disclosure documents which are filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.
Marks first EMA submission for nipocalimab, an investigational treatment that binds with high affinity and specificity to block FcRn and reduce levels of autoantibodies

Filing based on the Phase 3 Vivacity-MG3 programme, the first registrational study results in the class demonstrating sustained disease control over 24 weeks in antibody-positive adult patients: anti-AChR+, anti-MuSK+, anti-LRP4+

BEERSE, BELGIUM, Sept. 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Janssen-Cilag International NV, a Johnson & Johnson company, today announced the submission of the Marketing Authorisation Application (MAA) to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) seeking first approval of nipocalimab for the treatment of people living with generalised myasthenia gravis (gMG).

The application included data from the Phase 3 Vivacity-MG3 study which showed that outcomes for a broad population of antibody-positive participants who received nipocalimab plus standard of care (SOC) were superior compared to those who received placebo plus SOC.1 The primary endpoint of the study measured improvement in the Myasthenia Gravis - Activities of Daily Living (MG-ADL)a score from baseline over 24 weeks and study participants included anti-AChR+, anti-MuSK+, and anti-LRP4+b antibody-positive adults, which account for approximately 95 percent of the gMG patient population, making Vivacity-MG3 the first registrational study to demonstrate sustained disease control in these subtypes.1,2 Safety and tolerability were consistent with other nipocalimab studies.3,4,5,c

We are encouraged by the potential of nipocalimab to provide sustained disease control for people living with generalised myasthenia gravis, a chronic, life-long disease, said Bill Martin, Ph.D., Global Therapeutic Area Head, Neuroscience, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine. The filing for approval of nipocalimab represents an important step forward as Johnson & Johnson continues to push the boundaries of research to develop innovative solutions to treat autoantibody-driven diseases, building on decades of expertise in neuroscience and immunology. We look forward to working with the EMA in their review of the data supporting the submission.

Nipocalimab is the first FcRn blocker to demonstrate sustained disease control measured by improvement in MG-ADL when added to background SOC compared with placebo plus SOC over a period of six months of consistent dosing (every other week).1,6,d

Editors notes:

MG-ADL (Myasthenia Gravis  Activities of Daily Living) provides a rapid clinical assessment of the patient's recall of symptoms impacting activities of daily living, with a total score range of 0 to 24; a higher score indicates greater symptom severity.7 Positive patients include anti-acetylcholine receptor positive antibody (AChR+), anti-muscle specific tyrosine kinase positive antibody (MuSK+) and/or anti-low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 4 positive antibody (LRP4+).1 The overall incidence of adverse events (AEs), serious adverse events (SAEs) and AEs leading to discontinuation were similar to that in the placebo plus SOC group. Specifically, 81.6 percent of patients (n=80) treated with nipocalimab plus SOC experienced AEs, closely matched by 82.7 percent (n=81) in the placebo plus SOC group. Serious AEs were reported by 9.2 percent of patients (n=9) in the nipocalimab plus SOC group compared to 14.3 percent (n=14) in the placebo plus SOC group.1 Patients who received nipocalimab plus current SOC had a mean change of -4.70 [standard error (SE) 0.329]. Patients on placebo plus current SOC had a mean change of -3.25 (SE 0.335); difference of least-squares (LS) means -1.45 [0.470]; P=0.002.1

About Generalised Myasthenia Gravis (gMG)

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoantibody disease in which autoantibodies target proteins at the neuromuscular junction, disrupt neuromuscular signalling, and impair or prevent muscle contraction.8,9 In MG, the immune system mistakenly attacks proteins at the neuromuscular junction, e.g., anti-acetylcholine receptor [AChR], anti-muscle-specific tyrosine kinase [MuSK] or anti-lipoprotein-related protein 4 [LRP4], that can block or disrupt normal functioning, preventing signals from transferring from nerves to muscles.10 The disease impacts between 56,000 and 123,000 people in Europe and an estimated 700,000 people worldwide.8,11 The disease affects both men and women and occurs across all ages, racial and ethnic groups, but most frequently impacts young women and older men.12 Roughly 50 percent of individuals diagnosed with MG are women, and about one in five of those women are of child-bearing potential.13,14,15

Initial disease manifestations are usually ocular but in 85 percent or more the disease generalises (gMG), which is characterised by fluctuating weakness of the skeletal muscles leading to symptoms like limb weakness, drooping eyelids, double vision and difficulties with chewing, swallowing, speech, and breathing.9,16,17 Although gMG may be managed with current SOC therapies, research is needed to develop new treatments for those who may not respond well enough to or tolerate these options.9

About the Phase 3 Vivacity-MG3 Study

The Phase 3 Vivacity-MG3 study was specifically designed to measure sustained efficacy and safety with consistent dosing in this unpredictable chronic condition where unmet need remains high. Antibody positive or negative adult gMG patients with insufficient response (MG-ADL 6) to ongoing standard of care (SOC) therapy were identified and 199 patients, 153 of which were antibody positive, enrolled in the 24-week double-blind placebo-controlled trial.18,19 Randomisation was 1:1, nipocalimab plus current SOC (30 mg/kg IV loading dose followed by 15 mg/kg every two weeks) or placebo plus current SOC.19 Baseline demographics were balanced across arms (77 nipocalimab, 76 placebo).19 The primary endpoint of the study was mean change in MG-ADLb score from baseline over Weeks 22, 23 and 24 in antibody-positive patients. A key secondary endpoint included change in Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis (QMG) score, which is a 13-item assessment by a clinician that quantifies MG disease severity. Long-term safety and efficacy were further assessed in an ongoing OLE phase.18

About Nipocalimab

Nipocalimab is an investigational monoclonal antibody, purposefully designed to bind with high affinity to block FcRn and reduce levels of circulating immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies, while preserving immune function without causing broad immunosuppression.20 This includes autoantibodies and alloantibodies that underlie multiple conditions across three key segments in the autoantibody space including Rare Autoantibody diseases, Maternal Foetal diseases mediated by maternal alloantibodies and Prevalent Rheumatology. 18,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28 Blockade of IgG binding to FcRn in the placenta is also believed to prevent transplacental transfer of maternal alloantibodies to the foetus.29

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have granted several key designations to nipocalimab including:

EU EMA Orphan medicinal product designation for HDFN in October 2019

U.S. FDA Fast Track designation in haemolytic disease of the foetus and newborn (HDFN) and warm autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (wAIHA) in July 2019, gMG in December 2021 and foetal neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT) in March 2024

U.S. FDA Orphan drug status for wAIHA in December 2019, HDFN in June 2020, gMG in February 2021, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) in October 2021 and FNAIT in December 2023

U.S. FDA Breakthrough Therapy designation for HDFN in February 2024

About Johnson & Johnson

At Johnson & Johnson, we believe health is everything. Our strength in healthcare innovation empowers us to build a world where complex diseases are prevented, treated, and cured, where treatments are smarter and less invasive, and solutions are personal. Through our expertise in Innovative Medicine and MedTech, we are uniquely positioned to innovate across the full spectrum of healthcare solutions today to deliver the breakthroughs of tomorrow, and profoundly impact health for humanity.

Learn more at www.janssen.com/emea.

Follow us at www.linkedin.com/jnj-innovative-medicine-emea.

Janssen-Cilag International NV and Janssen-Cilag Limited are both Johnson & Johnson companies.

Cautions Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding product development and the potential benefits and treatment impact of nipocalimab. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations of future events. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from the expectations and projections of Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Janssen Biotech, Inc., Janssen-Cilag International NV, Janssen-Cilag Limited and/or Johnson & Johnson. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: challenges and uncertainties inherent in product research and development, including the uncertainty of clinical success and of obtaining regulatory approvals; uncertainty of commercial success; manufacturing difficulties and delays; competition, including technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges to patents; product efficacy or safety concerns resulting in product recalls or regulatory action; changes in behaviour and spending patterns of purchasers of health care products and services; changes to applicable laws and regulations, including global health care reforms; and trends toward health care cost containment. A further list and descriptions of these risks, uncertainties and other factors can be found in Johnson & Johnsons Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, including in the sections captioned Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements and Item 1A. Risk Factors, and in Johnson & Johnsons subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Copies of these filings are available online at www.sec.gov, www.jnj.com or on request from Johnson & Johnson. None of Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Janssen Biotech, Inc., Janssen-Cilag International NV, Janssen-Cilag Limited nor Johnson & Johnson undertakes to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information or future events or developments.

# # #

References

1 Antozzi, C et al., Efficacy and Safety of Nipocalimab in patients with Generalized Myasthenia Gravis- Top Line Results from the Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Phase 3 Vivacity-MG3 study. 2024 European Academy of Neurology Congress. June 2024.

2 J&J Data on file (RF-421587). Approximate incidence of seronegativity in generalised myasthenia gravis (gMG). Date of preparation: June 2024.

3 Kenneth J. Moise Jr., et al. Nipocalimab in Early-onset Severe Hemolytic Disease of the Fetus & Newborn. N Engl J Med. 2024; DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa2314466.

4 Efficacy and safety of nipocalimab, an anti-FcRn monoclonal antibody, in primary Sjogrens disease: results from a Phase 2, multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study (DAHLIAS). Late-breaking presentation at European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) Annual Meeting; June 1215, 2924. LBA0010

5 Guptill et.al. Vivacity-MG: A Phase 2, Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study to Evaluate the Safety, Tolerability, Efficacy, Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, and Immunogenicity of Nipocalimab Administered to Adults with Generalized Myasthenia Gravis (2157). Neurology Journals. April 13, 2021. https://doi.org/10.1212/WNL.96.15_supplement.2157

6 Johnson & Johnson EMEA. Nipocalimab pivotal Phase 3 trial demonstrates sustained disease control in FcRn class for a broad population of myasthenia gravis patients. Available at: https://www.janssen.com/sites/www_janssen_com_emea/files/jj_emea_ean_nipocalimab_press_release_final.pdf. Last accessed: September 2024.

7 Wolfe GI Myasthenia gravis activities of daily living profile. Neurology. 1999;22;52(7):1487-9. doi: 10.1212/wnl.52.7.1487.

8 Chen J, Tian D-C, Zhang C, et al. Incidence, mortality, and economic burden of myasthenia gravis in China: A nationwide population-based study. The Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific. 2020;5(100063). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lanwpc.2020.100063.

9 Bacci ED et al. Understanding side effects of therapy for myasthenia gravis and their impact on daily life. BMC Neurol. 2019;19(1):335.

10 Wiendl, H., et al., Guideline for the management of myasthenic syndromes. Therapeutic advances in neurological disorders, 16, 17562864231213240. https://doi.org/10.1177/17562864231213240. Last accessed: September 2024.

11 Bubuioc A, et al. The epidemiology of myasthenia gravis. Journal of Medicine & Life (2021). Jan-Mar;14(1):7-16. doi: 10.25122/jml-2020-0145

12 National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Myasthenia Gravis. Available at: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/myasthenia-gravis. Last accessed: September 2024.

13 Ye, Yun et al. Epidemiology of myasthenia gravis in the United States. Frontiers in neurology vol. 15 1339167. 16 Feb. 2024, doi:10.3389/fneur.2024.1339167

14 Dresser, Laura et al. Myasthenia Gravis: Epidemiology, Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations. Journal of clinical medicine vol. 10,11 2235. 21 May. 2021, doi:10.3390/jcm10112235.

15 Johnson & Johnson Data on file. (RF-430993). MG: Proportion of Diagnosed Patients who are People of Child-bearing Potential (POCBP). Date of preparation: May 2024.

16 Bever, C.T., Jr, Aquino, A.V., Penn, A.S., Lovelace, R.E. and Rowland, L.P. (1983), Prognosis of ocular myasthenia. Ann Neurol., 14: 516-519. https://doi.org/10.1002/ana.410140504

17 Gilhus N. E, et al. Myasthenia Gravis. Nat Rev Dis Primers. (2019) 5(30): DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41572-019-0079-y

18 ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04951622. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04951622. Last accessed: September 2024.

19 Antozzi, C et al., Nipocalimab in Generalized Myasthenia Gravis: Results from a Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Phase 3 Study. Abstract at 2024 European Academy of Neurology Congress. June 2024.

20 Ling LE., et al. M281, an antifcrn antibody: Pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and safety across the full range of IGG reduction in a firstinhuman study. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics., 2018;105;4:10311039. https://doi.org/10.1002/cpt.1276.

21 ClinicalTrials.gov. NCT03842189. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03842189. Last accessed: September 2024

22 ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05327114. Available at: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05327114 . Last accessed: September 2024

23 ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04119050. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04119050 . Last accessed: September 2024.

24 ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05379634. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05379634 . Last accessed: September 2024.

25 ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05912517. Available at: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05912517 . Last accessed: September 2024

26 ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT06028438. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06028438 . Last accessed: September 2024.

27 ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04968912. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04968912 . Last accessed: September 2024.

28 ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04882878. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04882878 . Last accessed: September 2024.

29 Roy S, Nanovskaya T, Patrikeeva S, et al. M281, an anti-FcRn antibody, inhibits IgG transfer in a human ex vivo placental perfusion model. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2019;220(5):498 e491-498 e499.

CP-475639

September 2024
IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Syntiant Corp., the recognized leader in low power edge AI deployment, today announced it has received a Memorandum of Success from the U.S. Department of Defenses (DoD) Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) for successfully completing a prototype of a rapidly tunable autonomous sensing capability. Specifically, the company demonstrated compute-efficient AI-based automatic target recognition (ATR) combined with a rapid retraining capability for unmanned vehicles (UxVs) operating in disconnected, denied, intermittent and/or limited (DDIL) communications environments.



As part of the U.S. Navys Project Overmatch, the DIU in collaboration with the Naval Information Warfare Systems Command (NAVWAR), selected Syntiant as part of a Commercial Solutions Opening to identify vendors that could address the challenges of UxVs operating in data restricted environments. Project Overmatch is tasked with delivering the connective infrastructure to support a U.S. Navy hybrid fleet, ensuring seamless integration and communication across naval assets.

Syntiant is committed to supporting DoD missions at sea, on land, in the air and in space, said Ethan Wais, general manager of federal at Syntiant. The DIU success memo underscores the effectiveness of Syntiants deep learning solutions and our ability to successfully demonstrate deployment-grade AI at the edge, alongside rapid model retraining from forward-deployed locations. Whether working with large legacy ISR platforms, small form-factor unmanned systems, or even smart radios, we look forward to working with our U.S. government partners to deploy AI on SWaP-constrained [size, weight and power] edge platforms across the DoD enterprise.

Syntiants prototype demonstrated a host of key attributes necessary for widescale deployment across a heterogeneous U.S. Navy fleet of UxVs, including:

Production-grade AI models that deliver high accuracy and run entirely at the edge.

Ability to quickly tune and update algorithms in the field with minimal additional data.

Compatibility across a broad range of edge compute architectures, including arm CPUs, NVIDIA GPUs and Qualcomms Hexagon processors.

Class-leading compute efficiency enabling AI on very low-power hardware.

Small model size to enable rapid deployment to edge platforms over limited bandwidth.



With Syntiants technology, the United States Navy will be able to deploy an edge AI solution across a diverse fleet of vehicles that will help maintain maritime domain awareness more efficiently and effectively, helping achieve its goals for mission autonomy, said U.S. Navy Lt. Commander and DIU Program Manager, Al Williams. Syntiants solution can also run on many Navy platforms, eliminating the need to develop custom AI models, enabling wide scalability and lowering costs.

Syntiants selection as an approved DoD vendor is available online by visiting the DIU Commercial Solutions Catalog.

About Syntiant

Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Irvine, Calif., Syntiant Corp. is a leader in delivering hardware and software solutions for edge AI deployment. The companys purpose-built silicon and hardware-agnostic models are being deployed globally to power edge AI speech, audio, sensor and vision applications across a wide range of consumer and industrial use cases, from earbuds to automobiles. Syntiants advanced chip solutions merge deep learning with semiconductor design to produce ultra-low-power, high performance, deep neural network processors. Syntiant also provides compute-efficient software solutions with proprietary model architectures that enable world-leading inference speed and minimized memory footprint across a broad range of processors. The company is backed by several of the worlds leading strategic and financial investors including Intel Capital, Microsofts M12, Applied Ventures, Robert Bosch Venture Capital, the Amazon Alexa Fund and Atlantic Bridge Capital. More information on the company can be found by visiting www.syntiant.com or by following Syntiant on X @Syntiantcorp or LinkedIn .

Media Contact:
BALTIMORE, Sept. 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Acorn Energy, Inc. (OTCQB: ACFN), a provider of remote monitoring and control solutions for backup power generators, gas pipelines, air compressors and other mission critical assets, will hold its 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders at 2:00 PM ET on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 at 2800 Quarry Lake Drive, Suite 130, Baltimore, Maryland 21209. Investors who register in advance may access the meeting via Zoom. To register to attend the meeting please contact Acorns Assistant Secretary by email at AcornMeeting@gmail.com .

Annual Meeting Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88107503358

Telephone number: 1-646-558-8656

Meeting ID: 881 0750 3358

Registered participants will be admitted to the meeting from the Zoom waiting room at approximately 1:55 PM ET.

Following the formal portion of the meeting, management will answer questions submitted by shareholders. Questions may be submitted to ACFN@catalyst-ir.com prior to and during the meeting. Voting or technical issues can be addressed to AcornMeeting@gmail.com .

About Acorn ( www.acornenergy.com ) and OmniMetrixTM ( www.omnimetrix.net )

Acorn Energy, Inc. owns a 99% equity stake in OmniMetrix, a pioneer and leader in Internet of Things (IoT) wireless remote monitoring and control solutions for stand-by power generators, gas pipelines, air compressors and other industrial equipment. OmniMetrix serves tens of thousands of commercial and residential customers, including over 25 Fortune/Global 500 companies, supporting cell towers, manufacturing plants, medical facilities, data centers, retail stores, public transportation systems, energy distribution and federal, state and municipal government facilities and residential backup generators.

OmniMetrixs proven, cost-effective solutions make critical systems more reliable and also enable automated demand response electric grid support via enrolled backup generators.

Follow us

X: @Acorn_IR and @OmniMetrix
MONROE TOWNSHIP, N.J., Sept. 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ocean Power Technologies, Inc. (NYSE American: OPTT) (OPT or the Company), a leader in innovative and cost-effective low-carbon marine power, data, and service solutions, today announced that it has been awarded a follow-on contract valued at $1M as a subcontractor to EpiSci after the successful 12 month demonstration of its autonomous surface vehicle technologies during the Mission Autonomy Proving Grounds (MAPG) as part of Project Overmatch.



With this award, OPT will continue to ruggedize and enhance its operational capability of its autonomous maritime technologies to support the U.S. military and its allies. This should enable a system of systems (SoS) commercial off-the-shelf offering that will penetrate the maritime environment with scalable and attritable, full spectrum, unmanned solutions. The first set of exercises have already been concluded, leading to immediate revenue recognition.

Philipp Stratmann, CEO of Ocean Power Technologies, commented, "We are thrilled to have been awarded this contract, which is a testament to the strength and innovation of our technology. We believe our participation in Project Overmatch has been a pivotal step in demonstrating how our solutions can significantly enhance the operational capabilities of the U.S. Navy."

For additional details on Ocean Power Technologies and their involvement in Project Overmatch, please visit www.oceanpowertechnologies.com.

ABOUT OCEAN POWER TECHNOLOGIES

OPT provides intelligent maritime solutions and services that enable safer, cleaner, and more productive ocean operations for the defense and security, oil and gas, science and research, and offshore wind markets, including Merrows, which provides AI capable seamless integration of Maritime Domain Awareness Systems across platforms. Our PowerBuoy platforms provide clean and reliable electric power and real-time data communications for remote maritime and subsea applications. We also provide WAM-V autonomous surface vessels (ASVs) and marine robotics services. The Companys headquarters is in Monroe Township, New Jersey and has an additional office in Richmond, California. To learn more, visit www.OceanPowerTechnologies.com.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This release may contain forward-looking statements that are within the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are identified by certain words or phrases such as "may", "will", "aim", "will likely result", "believe", "expect", "will continue", "anticipate", "estimate", "intend", "plan", "contemplate", "seek to", "future", "objective", "goal", "project", "should", "will pursue" and similar expressions or variations of such expressions. These forward-looking statements reflect the Company's current expectations about its future plans and performance. These forward-looking statements rely on a number of assumptions and estimates that could be inaccurate and subject to risks and uncertainties, including the potential continuing success with our partner, EpiSci, in connection with MAPG, the delivery of customer services, the conversion of potential customers to contracts and the realization of the potential revenue thereunder. Actual results could vary materially from those anticipated or expressed in any forward-looking statement made by the Company. Please refer to the Company's most recent Forms 10-Q and 10-K and subsequent filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for further discussion of these risks and uncertainties. The Company disclaims any obligation or intent to update the forward-looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release.
Dublin, Sept. 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "2,000 Largest Property Developers Germany [2024]" database has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

This database contains real estate developers actively realizing construction projects in Germany, mostly as property developers.

Excellent depth of detail: development focus (residential, office, retail, logistics, hotel, etc.), size ranking from A to E, regional focus, contact details, management, etc.

Suitable for serial letters: list contains columns for formal salutation, title, first and last name of the management.

You will get free updates for at least 12 months.

Germany's Most Important Real Estate Project Developers

Real Estate project developers manage and initiate real estate projects of various sizes. German real estate developers buy land plots as well as properties with development potential. This overview of the top 300, top 800 or top 2,000 real estate project developers from Germany gives a good insight into this booming but opaque industry.

Exclusive Database for the German Market

The list offers thousands of data points on the largest real estate project developers and provides information on, among other things, what asset classes are being developed (residential, office, retail, logistics, elderly care, hotels). It also includes a wide range of contact details (address, e-mail, telephone, management). Thus, the database is of great value for real estate investors in Germany, brokers, consultants, construction companies and many other players in the real estate industry.

Map of the Players

There is a heavy concentration of developers in the South and North-West of Germany. Furthermore, there are also many development firms in important German real estate markets like Hamburg and Berlin.

Detailed Information: Ranking, Asset Classes, Contact Details

The list is the starting point for any in-depth research in the German real estate project development market. A ranking from "A" to "E" helps to identify the most important developers. "A" property developers are active in several German cities and in some cases internationally. Some of the developed projects have a volume >100M. The e-project developers on the other hand are often only regionally active and focus on residential developments.

The real estate project developer list offers a cross-section of the entire industry: separate columns contain the development focus. This ranges from residential and office to hotels, retail and healthcare properties. Also useful are the contact details, which are included such as the names of the managing directors, e-mail, postal address and telephone.

Property Sales, Lead Generation, Market Research and Land Sales

Real estate agents and property owners use the list to sell plots and properties. Real estate project developers are always interested in acquiring buildings with development potential and land plots.

Development potential for such developers arises in various situations: dilapidation, additional buildable area, revaluation, need for renovation, etc. Plots of land are always relevant for new projects. In addition, the list is a helpful starting point for lead generation for brokers, suppliers of the construction industry, internet companies, advertising agencies and others.

Development Focus: Residential Real Estate

More than 800 of the top 1000 project developers are active in the residential property sector. Different types of buildings are developed for different occasions: condominiums for sale, residential complexes for global sale to institutional investors, memorial buildings, micro apartments, etc. In most cases the project developers are specialized in certain areas. This can be the purchase of apartment buildings with a need of renovation. These are then developed into high-quality condominiums and resold to private individuals. Other property developers purchase plots of land, demolish the remaining building stock and resell the newly created properties as a whole.

Development Focus: Office Properties

The second most common asset class for project developers is office properties. Here, too, there are different characteristics. Some real estate developers are building office skyscrapers in Frankfurt's banking metropolis, while others are building office parks in rural areas. Buildings in other asset classes are also frequently purchased and then restructured and developed into office properties.

The transaction types vary: sometimes properties are resold as part of a global sale, but in other cases they are simply held in the company's standing portfolio.

Select Companies Featured Include:

Bauwert

Garbe Immobilien-Projekte

ACCUMULATA Real Estate

ACTIV Group

Bauwerk Capital

German Real Estate

6B47 Real Estate Investors

For more information about this database visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/peexh7

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.

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Meet Attorney Ross Quient

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Melmed Law Group is pleased to announce Ross Quient as an attorney at the firm. Ross Quient specializes in representing employees in California in state and federal courts, as well as in mediation and arbitration. His practice focuses on wage-and-hour claims, harassment , discrimination , wrongful termination , retaliation , and whistleblower cases . Ross has notably secured substantial settlements for Melmed Law Group clients, including $4,517,263.

Education:

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Cal State Fullerton University

Trinity Law School, Juris Doctor

Court Admissions:

State Bar of California

U.S. District Court, Eastern District of California

Born and raised in West Chester, New York, Ross earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Cal State Fullerton University in 2005. Before attending law school, Ross worked on several political campaigns, where he developed a strong commitment to advocating for justice. During law school, he clerked for Administrative Law Judge Helen Hesse and was honored with the Deans Award for Criminal Procedure. After completing his legal education, Ross opened his own employment law practice, where he honed his skills in fighting for employees' rights, before joining Melmed Law Group.

Ross is admitted to practice in all California state courts and the United States District Court for the Central District of California. His dedication to zealously representing and fighting for his clients is a testament to his commitment to justice and equality in the workplace.

For more information about Ross Quient and Melmed Law Group, please visit www.melmedlaw.com.

About Melmed Law Group: Melmed Law Group is a leading employment law firm based in Los Angeles, California. The firm specializes in representing employees in cases involving workplace harassmen t, discrimination , wrongful termination , wage theft, and other employment-related matters. Founded by Jonathan Melmed, the firm is committed to protecting the rights of workers and achieving justice for those who have been wronged by their employers.

Media Contact: Paniz Rad

Phone: (310) 824-3828

Email: paniz@melmedlaw.com

Website: www.melmedlaw.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7fe55822-8c62-4d6a-b2f2-53198f2f082c
SHANGHAI, Sept. 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Keegan McGregor from Canada has been awarded the coveted title of World Class Global Bartender of the Year 2024 at the worlds biggest cocktail competition, celebrated in Shanghai this year. Competing against finalists from 44 regions around the world, spanning six continents, Keegan McGregor was named as the ultimate winner by an international line-up of industry legends, during the annual celebration of global cocktail culture.



Keegan of Highwayman Bar stood out amongst the other competitors by presenting a series of signature serves that celebrated community, sustainability and innovation, to earn a place at the Global Final, hosted in one of the most historic and famous cities in the world, Shanghai. The World Class competition, hosted by Diageo, sets to challenge and inspire the next generation of bartenders through a spirited contest where they are rewarded for pushing their creativity, storytelling and techniques to the next level.

Themed Future Legacy, this years event proved that the future of bartending has never been more exciting, with the discovery of unique flavour combinations and cocktail concepts that are reflective of the vibrancy seen in the best bars around the world.

As part of his journey, the winner showcased how Scotch Whisky can come alive and elevate a new generation of serves using technology, with a bespoke Johnnie Walker Blue Label serve. He was also challenged to create a duo of drinks reimagining both his home city and Shanghai featuring indigenous ingredients alongside Don Julio tequila. For his home city, Halifax, Nova Scotia, he showcased his take on a dish called Hodge Podge  a stew with local harvested vegetables  and took elements of that to create a twist on a classic eggnog. A Ketel One vodka challenge saw Keegan tasked with creating a cocktail initiative that supports the growth of the hospitality community in his neighbourhood in Halifax. He also created three pioneering gin cocktails with Tanqueray No. TEN, which took the judges on a journey through bartending history and into the future, with each drink paying tribute to an industry legend.

The Singleton challenge was about designing an ingeniously theatrical Single Malt Scotch whisky serve, blending taste with sound. The culmination was The Shanghai Showdown final challenge, which saw Keegan along with seven other finalists create an immersive bar pop-up experience that transcended the boundaries of bartending and set the tone for the future of cocktail culture.

Some of the industrys most respected and awarded talent, including Agostino Perrone, Director of Mixology at Londons Award-Winning Connaught Bar, Ryan Chetiyawardana, mastermind of the Mr Lyan empire, Julie Reiner from NYC hot-spots, Miladys and Clover Club, alongside an elite team of bartenders and bar owners from behind some of the worlds most celebrated bars formed the judging panel throughout the week.

Keegan McGregor, World Class Global Bartender of the Year 2024, said:

My World Class journey started six years ago, so its a really special experience to be recognized as the World Class Global Bartender of the Year 2024. The camaraderie amongst the competitors this week has been both inspiring and has kept me going. The biggest piece of advice I was given was to be myself and thats exactly what I did.

Kevin Delaney, Global Senior Brand Manager of World Class, said:

World Class has gone from strength to strength over the last 15 years and grown a reputation as a hotbed of trends and a pinnacle of bar culture. This year's program truly feels like the culmination of a decade and a half of learning and growth for our program and global hospitality community. Shanghai is a unique meeting of traditional and modern and the city set the scene for an incredible week of creativity, professionalism, and hospitality at its best. Diageo has long been committed to celebrating the best of this wonderful industry and tonight we celebrate this years winner but also everyone who has been part of World Class over the last 15 years. I couldnt be prouder of Keegan and can't wait to be a part of this exciting new chapter of his journey as World Class Global Bartender of the Year.

Cocktail lovers and industry experts travelled from across the globe to be part of an innovative and dynamic three-week programme of highlights. The World Class Cocktail Festival, accompanying the competition, showcased the best of Shanghai and the surrounding areas cocktail and bar scene with over 100 venues activating with unique events and menus. Special guest shifts were held at Shingo Gokans host of award-winning Shanghai bars, Speak Low, Sober Company and The Odd Couple; Coa Shanghai, a Mexican-inspired cocktail bar specialising in agave spirits and cocktails; Hope & Sesame Guangzhou, ranked No.14 in Asias 50 Best Bars; Epic, an award-winning cocktail bar by Cross Yu, showcasing Shanghai Local Culture and Disco Era, and Japanese-influenced Suzu Bar, Shanghai. Last years World Class global winner, Jacob Martin, also hosted a guest shift at the luxury Mandarin Oriental hotel, in nearby Guangzhou.

World Classs international cohort of industry experts did more than judge challenges and takeover the citys bar scene, they also participated in the first-ever World Class Mentorship program and contributed to Industry Forum. This consisted of seminars, workshops, and group discussions, focussed on discussing the industrys hottest and most discussed topics of the moment, which are faced by global hospitality businesses and professionals in every region. These included Vibe Architecture with Julie Reiner, Adrian Michalcik, Shelley Tai and Ervin Trykowksi, which immersed attendees in the essential elements of constructing a sensory landscape that perfectly complements consumer offering. Content is Queen with Jing Zhang, Global Editor-in-Chief of Jing Daily, Kaitlyn Stewart of @likeablecocktails and Giuliana Pe Benito, Global Culture Manager for World Class and Tanqueray, was hosted by Gillian Cook, Global Head of Culture for Diageo Luxury. Together, they looked at the unique solutions today's content creators bring to the challenges in luxury brand building and reaching audiences in the digital age.

NOTES TO EDITORS

For more information, please contact worldclass@thestory.co.uk

ABOUT KEEGAN MCGREGOR

Born and raised in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Keegan fell in love with hospitality while touring Canada, after studying Classical music in New Brunswick.

Keegan has the simple goal of always making sure his customers have a warm welcome - feeling like theyve been invited into his house for a kitchen party and have the right drink in hand. He continuously strives to help grow the pub-dominated market by educating his customers and peers, and bringing more attention to the world of spirits. This year was Keegans third time competing in World Class Canada.

ABOUT WORLD CLASS

World Class is on a mission to inspire people to drink better and create unforgettable experiences in the process. Whether at home or in a bar, World Class encourages consumers to think and care about what, where and how they drink, and in doing so, discover the best of cocktail culture.

World Class has supported, trained and inspired over 400,000 bartenders across the globe for the past fifteen years, while partnering them with the world's finest spirits. World Class is the authority on the global drinks industry for information on the latest drinks, trends, cocktail recipes and industry insight.

ABOUT WORLD CLASS INDUSTRY FORUM

World Class is a global gathering of the worlds most respected and celebrated talent, and through the World Class Industry Forum initiative, the conversations that spark creativity are nurtured. The Industry Forum is providing a platform that unifies the community and encourages leading voices to share insights, discuss impact and build a lasting legacy for those in the industry. From the introduction of technology infused mixology to vibe architecture, the art of curating an emotional connection for guests, the community remains committed to transforming cocktail culture and delivering next level experiences for each and every cocktail lover. This years World Class Industry Forum also saw a brand-new one-on-one mentorship programme introduced, offering the finalists the opportunity to receive dedicated time and bespoke guidance from some of the industrys world-leading talent, including the World Class Hall of Fame.

ABOUT DIAGEO

Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands across spirits and beer categories. These brands include Mortlach, Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, J&B and Buchanans whiskies, Smirnoff, Ciroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray, and Guinness. Diageo is a global company, and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEO). For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com. Visit Diageos global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice. Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5302bd3b-3121-4749-99a0-d84cd2c29e3c

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bb19c4c7-6bed-4a57-8899-d93b778cba83

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1a0c8e48-d3c5-4f97-b664-7f1111d36491
TORONTO, Sept. 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Animal Protection Party of Canada calls for Prime Minister Trudeau to remove Diane Lebouthillier from her role as Fisheries Minister. Canadians deserve ministers more committed to integrity and respect for science than political expediency, says Party Leader, Liz White.

White is reacting to a September 10th report by Radio-Canadas Patrick Butler about a briefing note clearly explaining that staff with the Department of Fisheries recommended that the Minister keep the moratorium on northern cod in order to prevent a further decline in the population of fish. They also recommended that the current quota be maintained and not increased, and that she keep in place the 'stewardship fishery' meaning that fishing should be prioritized for inshore and Indigenous fishers and not for offshore and international fleets.

Disturbingly, the Ministers staff instead recommended increasing the cod quota for the commercial fishery in order to score a 'political victory. Contrary to past claims from the current Liberal government that they value science and environmental sustainability, the Fisheries Minister chose political pandering at the risk of further damage to the cod fish population, in dire decline caused by decades of over-fishing.

"We condemn this crass willingness to allow further damage to the cod population, and the entire north Atlantic eco-system, in a blatant attempt to get a political win, says White. "The lack of integrity and responsibility for short-term political gain is so extreme that the Fisheries Minister must be removed from cabinet and replaced with an MP who has a deeper commitment to environmental responsibility. We urge all Atlantic region MPs to place a greater value on the eco-system of their region and environmental responsibility for our children and our childrens children.

Prime Minister Trudeau has tried to position his government as leaders in climate change action, apparently valuing science over political expediency. Yet, his Fisheries Minister has taken an action at clear odds with that principle. The Prime Minister has taken action on a number of animal issues, including a ban on cosmetic animal testing in Canada. The Animal Protection Party urges him to take a stand on this critical issue and protect the already diminished cod population from further commercial exploitation.

Barry MacKay, Animal Protection Party General Manager and conservationist adds, When something creates a catastrophic situation, a person wise enough to be a Minister of the Crown ought not to do it again. But that is exactly what Minister Lebouthillier has done. By raising the quota on cod in the north Atlantic, against scientific advice and that of many fishers, she is dragging Canada back to the very thing that caused one of the great environmental and economic calamities of the 20th century for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador. Lebouthillier has to go.

Barry Kent MacKay, General Manager

barry@animalprotectionparty.ca | 905-472-9731
FORT WILLIAM FIRST NATION, Ontario, Sept. 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Wataynikaneyap Power is pleased to announce the energization of Sachigo Lake First Nation. The northern Ontario community was connected to the provincial power grid on November 2, 2023. At about 645 km north of Thunder Bay, Sachigo Lake First Nation is one of the Wataynikaneyap Power transmission systems most northern communities.



Sachigo Lake Chief Simon Tait remarks, On behalf of Sachigo Lake community members, including Elders, youth, and land keepers, we are so pleased to celebrate the communitys connected to the provincial power grid. With this connection, we are no longer constrained by the limits of the diesel generators.

Wataynikaneyap Power is majority-owned by an equal partnership of 24 First Nations, in partnership with Fortis Inc. and other private investors, to build and operate the line that brings light, a $1.9 billion dollar infrastructure project. The 1,800 km Wataynikaneyap Power transmission system will ultimately connect 17 remote First Nations to the Ontario power grid, removing their reliance on diesel-generated electricity. Many of these generators are at capacity and not able to connect to new infrastructure.

Sachigo Lake was the eighth First Nation energized by the provincial power grid through the Wataynikaneyap Power transmission system. As of May 2024, all Wataynikaneyap Power assets are energized, with four communities awaiting grid connection.*

Margaret Kenequanash, CEO of Wataynikaneyap Power, remarks, We are so pleased to be celebrating with Sachigo Lake First Nation today. This has been a remarkable journey, which started over 30 years ago. We have followed the Chiefs mandate to bring cleaner, more reliable power to remote First Nations, with First Nation-led and majority owned infrastructure on the Homelands.

Sachigo Lake First Nation is located on the north shore of Sachigo Lake and is accessible only by air or ice road during the winter. The Wataynikaneyap Power transmission system connects the Sachigo Lake community distribution system to the Ontario grid through a total of 760 km of transmission line and six substations, originating from its Dinorwic Substation just east of Dryden, Ontario. Sachigo Lake will continue to be served by Hydro One Remote Communities Inc. for the local distribution of electricity.

On September 12, 2024, Sachigo Lake invited Wataynikaneyap Power, Opiikapawiin Services, government, and other stakeholders to celebrate this momentous occasion in the community.

Congratulations Sachigo Lake First Nation! Now that daily power needs are being met, we can all focus on looking to future opportunities, instead of band-aid solutions, Eliezar Mckay, First Nation LP Board Chair, remarks.

This is a huge accomplishment for the community, and all 24 First Nation majority owners of the transmission system, says Frank Mckay, Board Chair for the Wataynikaneyap Power General Partnership (WPGP). Miigwech to all our service providers and partners who supported our vision!

Fortis congratulates Chief Simon Tait and Sachigo Lake First Nation on the communitys connection to the main electricity grid in Ontario, said David Hutchens, President and CEO, Fortis Inc. Todays electrification ceremony is a symbol of the importance of the Wataynikaneyap Power transmission system, allowing First Nations in Northwestern Ontario access to stable, reliable power while also reducing harmful emissions associated with prior use of diesel engines for power generation.

The Wataynikaneyap Power transmission system is the largest First Nations-led grid connection project in Canada. Todays celebration marks an end to Sachigo Lake First Nations reliance on expensive diesel-generated electricity. The completion and energization of the transmission line to the First Nation will provide the community with clean, safe, and reliable energy that will have a significant effect on the wellbeing of community members. Thanks to First Nations leaders, work continues and will support the reduction of diesel dependency and improve access to cleaner, more reliable energy, states the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor).

Ontario needs to generate, store, and transmit more power as we face unprecedented growth. It is a priority for our government to expand and connect clean and affordable energy to some of the most remote northern communities, helping improve the quality of life of First Nation communities as we work to displace all diesel generators with clean electricity, said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Electrification, who was in attendance. We are proud to support Wataynikaneyap Power and Sachigo Lake First Nation in the largest Indigenous-led energy project in our province's history that will connect northern communities to clean and reliable energy, unlocking jobs and opportunity for generations to come.

About Wataynikaneyap Power

Wataynikaneyap Power is a licensed transmission company majority-owned by a partnership of 24 First Nations in partnership with Fortis Inc. and other private investors, regulated by the Ontario Energy Board. FortisOntario Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Fortis Inc., acts as the project manager through its wholly owned subsidiary, Wataynikaneyap Power PM Inc. The 24 First Nations also established Opiikapawiin Services to lead the community engagement and participation for Wataynikaneyap Power LP. To connect remote communities to the electrical grid, Wataynikaneyap Power is developing, managing construction, and operating approximately 1,800 kilometres of transmission lines and 22 substations in northwestern Ontario. For further information, please visit: www.wataypower.ca.

About First Nation Limited Partnership

First Nation Limited Partnership (FNLP) is a partnership of 24 First Nations in Northwestern Ontario working together to connect 17 remote communities currently powered by diesel generation stations. FNLP was established in 2015 to be the ownership and control of the participating First Nations interest in Wataynikaneyap Power LP. The 51% interest in Wataynikaneyap Power LP is equally owned by each of the 24 First Nation communities and FNLP will maintain their ability to increase their ownership to 100% over time.

About Fortis

Fortis is a well-diversified leader in the North American regulated electric and gas utility industry with 2023 revenue of $12 billion and total assets of $69 billion as of June 30, 2024. The Corporation's 9,200 employees serve utility customers in five Canadian provinces, ten U.S. states and three Caribbean countries. Fortis shares are listed on the TSX and NYSE and trade under the symbol FTS. Additional information can be accessed at www.fortisinc.com, www.sedar.com, or www.sec.gov.

About Opiikapawiin Services

Opiikapawiin Services LP (OSLP) was established by a partnership of 24 First Nations in Northwestern Ontario. OSLP is primarily responsible for administering projects and programs for Wataynikaneyap Power PM through a service agreement, relating to community engagement, community readiness, education & training, business readiness, stakeholder engagement, communications, and capacity building. OSLP also supports the First Nation Partnership in the management of its investment in Wataynikaneyap Power. For additional information, please visit: www.oslp.ca

Media Contacts

Kristine Carmichael, Director of Corporate and Customer Services

FortisOntario Inc.

(905) 994-3637

Kristine.Carmichael@fortisontario.com Mary Kita, Manager, Communications

Wataynikaneyap Power

(807) 631-7503

Mary.Kita@wataypower.ca

* Wataynikaneyap will continue to work with McDowell Lake First Nation, the 17th community, with the goal of becoming grid connected in the future.
PASO ROBLES, Calif., Sept. 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery is honored to once again play a central role in televisions most celebrated evening as the Official Wine Partner of the 76th Emmy Awards. Throughout the 2024 Emmys season, JUSTIN wines will be exclusively poured, allowing nominees and guests to enjoy a selection of JUSTINs most acclaimed wines. JUSTINs flagship ISOSCELES, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Rose, will be available at all events leading up to the highly anticipated Emmy Awards telecast.



Immediately following the live telecast, JUSTIN will proudly invite award winners into the prestigious Winners Circle at the Governors Gala, where they will toast with a special pour of ISOSCELES, the iconic blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot, as they await their personalized Emmy statuette. Each winner will be presented with a custom-engraved bottle of the JUSTIN 2021 ISOSCELES to commemorate their achievement, alongside their Emmy.

We are incredibly proud to be part of televisions biggest night, toasting the remarkable talent and creativity that define this industry," said Steve Myers, President of JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery. "It is a privilege to share our award-winning wines with this years exceptional nominees and winners, adding a touch of Paso Robles elegance to the celebrations and creating memorable moments that will be cherished for years to come.

For more than 40 years, JUSTIN has been heralded for its excellence in New-World Bordeaux-style winemaking by combining traditional Old-World methods  like hand-harvesting and small-barrel aging in French oak  with New World technology. Rich in fossilized limestone, JUSTINs soil is perfectly suited to create big, Bordeaux-style reds from the hills of Central California. Paso Robles distinctive microclimate allows the grapes to develop intense flavor while creating great structure. This quality is demonstrated by the exceptionally balanced JUSTIN ISOSCELES and JUSTIN Cabernet Sauvignon, Americas #1 luxury Cabernet.

We are truly honored to have JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery as our wine partner. Each season, we look forward to celebrating with their extraordinary selection of wines, said Maury McIntyre, President and CEO of the Television Academy. JUSTIN brings exceptional craftsmanship and passion for winemaking to our celebrations and their superb varietals will undoubtedly enhance the guest experience at each of our key events this year.

As the excitement builds for the 2024 Emmy Awards, JUSTIN invites wine enthusiasts, industry professionals, and television aficionados alike to join in the celebration. Follow JUSTIN on social media at @JUSTINWine or visit JUSTINWine.com for exclusive updates, behind-the-scenes content, and a glimpse into the perfect pairing of exceptional wine and outstanding television.

Hosted by Eugene Levy and Dan Levy, the 76th Emmy Awards will broadcast live from the Peacock Theater at L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, (8:0011:00 p.m. EDT/5:008:00 p.m. PDT) on ABC and stream the next day on Hulu.

About JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery

The pioneer of Paso Robles, CA, JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery was founded in 1981 and is known for crafting world-class wines using Bordeaux grape varieties, including the iconic ISOSCELES blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot. The Vineyard Estate features a tasting room, luxury five-star accommodations at The JUST INN, and a restaurant  making it one of the only wineries on the Central Coast to offer all three amenities. The JUSTIN Tasting Room offers lunch, while The Restaurant at JUSTIN offers a MICHELIN-Starred, multi-course fine dining experience Thursday through Sunday. JUSTIN also has a second tasting room conveniently located in the heart of Downtown Paso Robles. In addition to its stellar hospitality, JUSTIN consistently receives top honors around the world, establishing itself as a leader in New World Bordeaux-style winemaking. JUSTIN wines are available through fine wine retailers and restaurants throughout the United States, or directly from the winery via JUSTINs tasting rooms, online store, or to members of the exclusive JUSTIN Wine Society wine club. To discover more about JUSTIN, visit www.justinwine.com. To learn more about our corporate social responsibility work, visit https://csr.wonderful.com/.

MEDIA CONTACT

Meg Magee

Meg.magee@wonderful.com

310-210-1097
Riverside, CA, Sept. 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Attorney Zulu Ali, founder and principal of the Law Offices of Zulu Ali & Associates, LLP ( https://zulualilaw.com ), the largest Black-owned law firm in Californias Inland Empire, has been selected Criminal Defense Litigator of the Year for 2024 by the American Institute of Trial Lawyers (AIOTL).

Membership in AIOTL is by invitation-only. The professional organization is comprised of trial attorneys who exemplify the highest standards of practice in each field. Chosen through a combination of peer nominations and independent research, each lawyer is a leading representation of ethical and exceptional practice. As such, the AIOTL serves as a comprehensive and objective database of the most qualified legal professionals in the country.

The Litigator of the Year award is reserved for less than .03% of lawyers. Recipients are leaders in their fields and possess outstanding levels of skill, knowledge, and experience. Attorney Ali earned this recognition through years of dedication to his clients and his practice.

A former police officer and U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Attorney Ali earned a juris doctorate in law (J.D.) from Trinity International University; a degree with a focus on African studies from Regents College through a consortium with Tennessee State University; and is a doctoral candidate (D.B.A.) researching pan-African and Black social entrepreneurship at California Southern University.

Attorney Alis law firm focuses on representing persons accused of crimes, immigrants, and persons seeking civil justice in state and federal courts. Ali is on the list of counsel at the African Court of Justice and Human Rights in Tanzania, Africa and the International Criminal Court at The Hague, Netherlands.

He served as Director of the American Committee for United Nations Oversight, an advocacy group that lobbied the United Nations for police reform in 2015. He is the Director of the Linda Reese Harvey Stop & Frisk Youth Leadership Academy, which mentors and trains at-risk youth to deal with police encounters ( https://stopfriskacademy.com/ ); Director of the Southern California Veterans Legal Clinic ( https://zulualilaw.com/?page_id=1539 ), a legal clinic offering no cost legal services to military veterans; and a member of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. ( https://iotaphitheta.org/leadership ) serving on the international governing body (Grand Council) as General Legal Counsel.

Attorney Ali, a distinguished biographee of Marquis Whos Who and a recipient of the Neilson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021 ( wwlifetimeachievement.com/2021/06/21/zulu-ali/ ), received the Marquis Whos Who Humanitarian Award for 2022. In 2017, he was recognized as one of the most influential African American Leaders in Los Angeles by the National Action Network founded by Reverend Al Sharpton.

In 2022, Attorney Ali, along with his daughter Attorney Whitney Ali, were recognized as two of the Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD), Law and Justice Edition. MIPAD is a global civil society initiative in support of the International Decade for People of African Descent, proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly resolution 68/237 ( https://www.mipad.org/files/MIPAD-ANNOUNCEMENT-2022-Online-Version.pdf )

He has been honored as one of the Top 100 Lawyers in his area by the National Black Lawyers and National Trial Lawyers; a Top 10 Lawyer by the American Academy of Trial Attorneys, American Institute of Legal Counsel, American Jurist Institute, and Attorney & Practice Magazine; and Rue Ratings Best Lawyer in America.

He is the founder and CEO of 10 Nubian Queens & 5 Kings Media ( 10nubianmedia.com/), a mass media production company focusing on black family and social justice content in film, radio, theater, music, and book publishing.

Additionally, Ali is the host of the radio talk show Justice Watch with Attorney Zulu Ali ( https://www.justicewatchradio.com/ ), which broadcasts from NBC Radio studio in Redlands, California; and he is a member of the National Black Radio Hall of Fame (Chicago chapter).

A devoted family man, Ali has been married to his wife (Charito) since 1986, has four adult children (Christine, Whitney, Ashley, and Lynda), four grandchildren (Amayah, Tye, Izem, Amina, and Nasira), and resides in Southern California with his family.

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WASINGTON, D.C., Sept. 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- This week, Moms for America (MFA), a Missouri-based national conservative advocacy group that focuses on pro-family issues, flooded Capitol Hill in meetings discussing their opposition to the dangerous EATS Act, H.R. 4417/S. 2019, that would hand American pork and other production over to Chinese multi-national conglomerates like Smithfield, and the global meat cartel. MFA also recogized Members of Congress for their outstanding legislative accomplishments in the 118th Congress.

The so-called (Ending Agriculture Trade Suppression) EATS, led by Sen. Roger Marshall, R-KS, and Rep. Ashley Hinson, R-IA, is backed by the National Pork Producers Council and their largest member, Smithfield, who owns one in every six sows in America, and whose purchase was financed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in 2013. Moms For America is opposed to the EATS Act because it would upend state rights and cede greater control of Americas agriculture over to China.

President Bidens Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack, D-IA, along with U.S. House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn GT Thompson, R-PA, supports including EATS Act language in the upcoming Farm Bill, and Thompson included a version of the bill in his Farm Bill that passed the Committee in May. Its inclusion is opposed by more than 2,000 diverse opponents that include Moms For America, Farm Action, Competitive Markets Action, the Organization of Competitive Markets, the American Grassfed Association, and three of the nations top American-owned pork producers Heritage Foods, Niman Ranch, and Clemens Food Group/Hatfield Meats.

Smithfields EATS Act is the greatest threat to food safety and security that Moms across America have seen in half a century, said Kimberly Fletcher, president and founder of Moms for America. Ensuring we prevent the Chinese Communist Party from further consolidating food production in the U.S. is a critical component of our legislative agenda, and this globalist-backed federal power grab by the swamp must be defeated at all costs.

Congress must do everything in its power to help strike the Hinson-Marshall EATS Act language included in the House Farm Bill that would decimate producers across the U.S., and nullify countless state and local laws designed to protect small and midsized farmers, said Marty Irby, president and CEO at Competitive Markets Action and Capitol South, LLC, who represents Moms for America on Capitol Hill. This radical assault on American family farmers by the global meat cartel and Members of Congress who support them should have every farmer, mother, and American voter up in arms.

In March, 10 U.S. House Republicans, led by House Freedom Caucus (HFC) champion Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-FL, sent a letter that included HFC chairman Bob Good, R-VA, to Thompson and Ranking Member David Scott against the nullification of Prop 12 that followed a similar October 2023 letter to Thompson and Scott signed 16 House Republicans led by front-liner Rep. Andrew Garbarino, R-NY.

To date, 230 bipartisan Members of Congress have vocalized their opposition to the nullification of state laws by Thompson and Rep. Ashley Hinson, R-IA, and Sen. Roger Marshall, R-KS, who continue to champion the assault. 171 bipartisan Members of the House sent a letter to Thompson and Scott in August of 2023 and 31 U.S. Senators sent a similar letter to Senate Agriculture Chairman Debbie Stabenow, D-MI, and John Boozman, R-AR, last August. Unfortunately, Boozman, included the nullification of state agriculture laws in his farm bill outline released earlier this year.

Other kitchen table issues Moms for America will be discussing include foster care, fiscal debt, commodity checkoff program reform, and their opposition to the digital dollar, DEI standards, and men competing in womens sports.

Founded in 2004, Moms for America is a national, non-profit 501c3 educational corporation rooted on the principles of liberty and virtue our nation was founded on, and focused on promoting these principles, values, and virtues in the home and family, particularly through the women and mothers of America. To learn more about Moms for America, please visit momsforamerica.us. You can follow MFA on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

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MONTREAL, Sept. 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gildan Activewear Inc. (GIL: TSX and NYSE) announces today that Glenn J. Chamandy, President & Chief Executive Officer and Rhodri J. Harries, Executive Vice-President, Chief Financial and Administrative Officer will participate in a fireside chat and one-on-one meetings with investors at the 28th Annual Scotiabank Back to School Conference in Toronto on Wednesday, September 18, 2024.



About Gildan

Gildan is a leading manufacturer of everyday basic apparel. The Companys product offering includes activewear, underwear and socks, sold to a broad range of customers, including wholesale distributors, screenprinters or embellishers, as well as to retailers that sell to consumers through their physical stores and/or e-commerce platforms and to global lifestyle brand companies. The Company markets its products in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Latin America, under a diversified portfolio of Company-owned brands including Gildan, American Apparel, Comfort Colors, GOLDTOE, and Peds.

Gildan owns and operates vertically integrated, large-scale manufacturing facilities which are primarily located in Central America, the Caribbean, North America, and Bangladesh. Gildan operates with a strong commitment to industry-leading labour, environmental and governance practices throughout its supply chain in accordance with its comprehensive ESG program embedded in the Company's long-term business strategy. More information about the Company and its ESG practices and initiatives can be found at www.gildancorp.com.




Spring Hill, FL, Sept. 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- With great anticipation and ceremonial shovels in hand, Pace Center for Girls, Hernando celebrated a momentous occasion on September 9 as they broke ground on their expansive new facility. Once the building is completed, Pace Hernando can expand its enrollment beyond the current capacity of 50 girls and extend its reach by sending therapists into the community. The renderings showcase 12,265 square feet in new classrooms, comprehensive social services spaces, and multipurpose spaces to accommodate the growing population and support girls diverse learning and social service needs.

We are building for the future of our girls. The facility and Pace model is designed specifically and intentionally to address the changing needs of girls. We wanted to ensure girls in Hernando County had an environment that reflected the quality of care they receive at Pace, said Mary Marx, President and CEO of Pace Center for Girls. We are deeply grateful to every individual and organization whose collective efforts and contributions will make this new center in Hernando County a safe and supportive environment.

The plans, in the works since 2021, culminated with a ceremony of 50 people marking the symbolic start of construction. Pace executives and volunteers were joined by local community leaders and government officials including Agricultural Commissioner and former Florida Senate President Wilton Simpson.

With the centers expanded capacity to support up to 130 girls annually, the contributions of federal funding and private fundraising underscore the significance of collaboration and community support. The projects $5.9 million cost was helped by $3.5 million in state funding thanks to the dedicated efforts of Commissioner Simpson and the legislative delegation.

Simpson was acknowledged at the groundbreaking for his steadfast advocacy and support of Pace's mission, recognizing the profound impact of the organization in shaping the lives of young women across the state.

One of the greatest obligations we have as a society is to ensure our children have access to opportunities. For so many girls across our state, Pace has been a driving force behind changing the trajectory of girls lives, said Simpson.

Since establishment in 2018, Pace Hernando has provided over 680 girls year-round academic services, counseling, life-skills training, career preparation and more. The new building represents a significant leap forward in continuing to fulfil this mission, offering expanded mental health and therapeutic resources and support.

We cannot do this important work without the support of our community, who believe in our mission and share our vision for a brighter future for all girls, said Kimberly Buford, Executive Director of Pace Hernando.

The new facility is projected to open its doors in Summer 2025, ushering in a new era of empowerment and opportunity for girls in Hernando County. In the interim, Pace Hernando will continue its vital services at their current location, ensuring uninterrupted support for the girls and families they serve.

###

About Pace Center for Girls

Founded in 1985, Pace provides free year-round middle and high school academics, case management, counseling, and life skills development in a safe and supportive environment that recognizes and deals with past trauma and builds upon girls individual strengths. Dedicated to meeting the social, emotional, and education needs of girls, Pace has a successful and proven program model that has changed the life trajectory of more than 40,000 girls and is recognized as one of the nations leading advocates for girls in need. For more information on Pace Center for Girls, visit www.pacecenter.org.

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FARMINGDALE, N.Y., Sept. 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DAddario , the world-renowned manufacturer of musical instrument accessories, is marking its 50th anniversary with a series of special offerings that highlight the companys rich history and enduring legacy.



Our anniversary is a testament to our dedication to providing musicians with the tools and accessories that inspire their highest level of performance, said Jim DAddario, Founder & Chairman, DAddario. Weve created these special offerings to invite our customers, partners, and employees to share in our celebration, as we remain grateful for their ongoing support. As we look to the future, we look forward to continuing to inspire and empower musicians for many more generations.

While the DAddario brand celebrates 50 years, the familys string-making tradition dates back over 400 years. To share this incredible journey, DAddario has launched a scrollable digital timeline on its website. This immersive retrospective offers visitors a glimpse into the companys evolutionfrom its humble beginnings in Italy, crafting strings from sheep intestines, to becoming a global leader in the music accessories industry. In just minutes, visitors can explore generations of knowledge and innovation that define DAddarios story.

As part of the celebration, DAddario is also releasing a limited-edition line of vintage-inspired merchandise that reflects the look and feel of the brand that musicians first fell in love with. The collection includes T-shirts, hats, and other memorabilia that connect long-time players as well as a whole new generation, to the brands iconic visual identity.

Additionally, DAddario is releasing a limited edition 50th Anniversary Collectors tin featuring the original packaging of Phosphor Bronze (acoustic) and XL (electric) strings, paying tribute to the brands very first groundbreaking strings.

D'Addario has also launched a multi-episode documentary series titled  Jims Corner . In this series, Jim DAddario sat down for 50 hours of interviews, offering an in-depth oral history of the company that will preserve the companys story for future generations. Jims unique brand of storytelling captures his relentless pursuit of innovation that has driven D'Addarios growth and leadership in the music industry.

The anniversary celebrations will culminate with  A World-Class Evening of Classical Guitar , a special concert being held at Guild Hall in East Hampton on Saturday, Sept. 28. The event revives a DAddario tradition from the 1970s, when Jim and Janet DAddario established their original classical guitar concert series. This years concert is featuring legendary classical guitarists who have long been connected to DAddario, including Paco Pena, Ben Verdery, and Badi Assad, and emerging icons Xuefei Yang and the Davisson Duo. The event highlights DAddarios ongoing support for musicians across the globe.

For more information on DAddarios 50th anniversary celebrations, please visit daddario.com .

About DAddario

DAddario & Company, Inc. is a global leader in the manufacturing of musical instrument accessories, including strings, drumheads, reeds, and more. Founded in 1974, DAddario is committed to innovation, quality, and supporting musicians worldwide. With a rich history and a forward-looking vision, DAddario continues to set the standard for excellence in the music industry.

Contact:

Nicole Fuchs

nicole.fuchs@digennaro-usa.com
CRANBURY, N.J., Sept. 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The American Journal of Managed Care (AJMC), the leading peer-reviewed journal dedicated to issues in managed care, is proud to announce that Lisa Rotenstein, M.D., MBA, has been honored with the 2024 AJMC Seema S. Sonnad Emerging Leader in Managed Care Research Award. The award was presented during AJMCs Patient-Centered Oncology Care conference on September 12, 2024.



The award was established in 2015 in honor of the late Seema S. Sonnad, Ph.D., a former associate editor of AJMC. Dr. Sonnad was a mentor to emerging researchers and her influence inspired this award. The award celebrates emerging leaders who embody her innovative spirit and leadership in managed care research. This recognition serves as a tribute to Dr. Sonnads significant contributions and lasting impact on the field.

Dr. Rotenstein is an assistant professor at the University of California at San Francisco (UCSF), where she also serves as a practicing primary care physician. Her dedication to patient care is matched by her commitment to enhancing health care systems through both research and operational leadership. As the medical director of ambulatory quality and safety at UCSF Health, she plays a pivotal role in ensuring the highest standards of care and patient safety in ambulatory settings. Her work offers unique insights into the complexities of managed care and has earned her local and national recognition. Additionally, Dr. Rotensteins findings have been published in top medical journals such as JAMA, JAMA Internal Medicine and Health Affairs.

Dr. Rotenstein embodies the very essence of a pioneering leader in managed care research, said Mike Hennessy Jr., president and CEO of MJH Life Sciences, the parent company of AJMC. Her unwavering commitment to advancing health care through groundbreaking research, coupled with her exceptional talent for turning insights into transformative strategies, is nothing short of extraordinary. We are certain that her contributions will not only shape the future of managed care, but also set a new standard of excellence for others in the field to aspire to.

The research and quality improvement efforts that Dr. Rotenstein has led have been fundamental in advancing population health and value-based care. During her previous role as medical director for population health at Brigham and Womens Hospital, she established and evaluated a primary care transitions clinic. This clinic, designed to serve patients recently discharged from the hospital or emergency department, was shown to significantly reduce emergency department revisits and rehospitalizations.

The award committee was impressed by the breadth and strength of her research output, as well as her dedication to presenting her findings at conferences and institutions. In addition, the committee appreciated her advocacy to promote diversity and mentor the next generation of clinicians and researchers  a cause that was very important to Dr. Sonnad.

It is a privilege to receive this award in Dr. Sonnads honor, said Dr. Rotenstein. Informed by Dr. Sonnads legacy and impact, I look forward to the continued pursuit of health services research and pragmatic implementation approaches that improve care delivery for our patients and workplace experiences for our workforce.

About The American Journal of Managed Care

The American Journal of Managed Care (AJMC) is a multimedia, peer-reviewed, MEDLINE-indexed journal that keeps industry leaders on the forefront of health policy by sharing digital research relevant to decision-makers. Other brands in the AJMC family include The American Journal of Accountable Care and Evidence-Based Oncology. These comprehensive multimedia brands bring together views from payers, providers, policymakers and other industry leaders in managed care. AJMC is a brand of MJH Life Sciences, the largest privately held, independent, full-service medical media company in North America dedicated to delivering trusted health care news across multiple channels.

Media Contact:

Julia Paradizova

MJH Life Sciences

jparadizova@mjhlifesciences.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/10aec79e-434f-4da5-992b-1e433f065d7d
Newark, Sept. 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The AIOps (Artificial Intelligence for IT Operations) market is experiencing significant growth, driven by advancements in AI, increasing IT complexities, and the rising need for automated IT operations management. According to market research from various reports, the AIOps market is projected to expand across multiple industries, with key drivers including the demand for enhanced operational efficiency, real-time data analysis, and proactive problem-solving capabilities.



Get a Free Sample Research Report: https://www.thebrainyinsights.com/enquiry/sample-request/13827



The global AIOPs market generated USD 25.24 billion revenue in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 23.81% from 2024 to 2033. The market is expected to reach USD 213.66 billion by 2033.

Market Introduction: AIOps solutions use machine learning and analytics to improve IT operations, driving automation and enhancing decision-making processes. The AIOps industry aims to tackle challenges related to big data, complex IT systems, and service management.



Recent Developments: Recent trends involve increased mergers and acquisitions, innovations in AI-driven analytics platforms, and cloud-based AIOps solutions. This technological innovation is helping organizations streamline IT operations, reduce downtime, and improve security.



Market Drivers: The major drivers of the AIOps market include the growing complexity of IT infrastructure, the need for managing large volumes of IT data, and the increased adoption of cloud computing. The demand for quicker root cause analysis and predictive analytics also fuels growth.



Market Restraints: A significant challenge includes the high cost and complexity associated with integrating AIOps solutions into existing IT frameworks. Additionally, data privacy concerns and a lack of skilled professionals can slow down adoption rates.



Market Opportunities: The market presents opportunities through the growing trend of digital transformation across industries and the increasing shift to cloud and hybrid environments. AI advancements and the need for seamless IT operations will further expand AIOps' adoption.



Report Scope and Segmentation -



Report Coverage Details Market Size Revenue (USD Billion) Market size value in 2023 USD 25.24 Billion Market size value in 2033 USD 213.66 Billion CAGR (2024 to 2033) 23.81% Forecast 2024-2033 No. of Pages 238 Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Company Profiles, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors and Latest Trends Segments Covered Component, Deployment, Application, Organization Size, and Industry Verticals Regions Covered The regions analyzed for the market are Asia Pacific, Europe, South America, North America, and Middle East & Africa. Furthermore, the regions are further analyzed at the country level.

Browse Detailed Summary of Research Report with TOC: https://www.thebrainyinsights.com/report/aiops-market-13827



Recent Market Advancements:



May 2023: Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has partnered with Google Cloud to launch a new initiative powered by generative AI. Through this collaboration, TCS aims to accelerate its clients' growth and transformation efforts. TCS Pace Ports, located in key cities like Pittsburgh, New York, Toronto, Amsterdam, and Tokyo, will serve as co-innovation hubs for these joint efforts.



April 2023: Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) introduced the next generation of HPE Aruba Networking Central. This update offers enhanced business benefits such as streamlined factory operations, personalized customer interactions, a reduced environmental footprint, and improved omnichannel retail experiences. The advanced features enable businesses to automate processes, customize services, support sustainability, and offer seamless shopping across in-store, mobile, and online platforms.



Regional Segmentation Analysis: North America leads the AIOps market due to advanced technological infrastructure and early adoption of AI solutions. Europe and the Asia-Pacific regions are also witnessing rapid growth, driven by increasing digitalization efforts across sectors like finance, healthcare, and retail.



For more detailed insights, you can explore reports from The Brainy Insights and similar sources that cover the market trends comprehensively.



About the report:



The global Hyper Personalization market is analysed based on value (USD trillion). All the segments have been analysed on a worldwide, regional, and country basis. The study includes the analysis of more than 30 countries for each part. The report offers an in-depth analysis of driving factors, opportunities, restraints, and challenges for gaining critical insight into the market. The study includes porter's five forces model, attractiveness analysis, raw material analysis, supply, demand analysis, competitor position grid analysis, distribution, and marketing channels analysis.



About The Brainy Insights:



The Brainy Insights is a market research company, aimed at providing actionable insights through data analytics to companies to improve their business acumen. We have a robust forecasting and estimation model to meet the clients' objectives of high-quality output within a short span of time. We provide both customized (clients' specific) and syndicate reports. Our repository of syndicate reports is diverse across all the categories and sub-categories across domains. Our customized solutions are tailored to meet the clients' requirements whether they are looking to expand or planning to launch a new product in the global market.



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TORONTO, Sept. 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Petrolympic Ltd. (TSX.V:PCQ) (OTC:PCQRF) (the Company) is pleased to announce a drilling program on the Vauquelin-Rayon dOr Property (the Property). The Property consists of 37 mining claims totaling 2,129 hectares located 30 km east of the city of Val-dOr, Quebec, on the eastern extension of the world-famous Cadillac Break within the Val-dOr Mining Camp (see Figure 1 below).

The Rayon dOr gold zone was previously discovered by drilling on the northwest side of Gueguen Lake. The auriferous mineralization is associated to both disseminations, veins and veinlets of sulphides (mostly pyrite and pyrrhotite) within altered and fractured zones. The most significant values obtained at shallow depth were: 12.74 g/t Au / 3.96 m (DDH 1), 3.83 g/t Au / 3.08 m (DDH 6W-C-5) and 3.37 g/t Au / 3.44 m (DDH V-89-75).

In 2023, a drilling program extended the mineralized zones of Rayon dOr over a distance of 100m towards the southeast. Two strongly altered, sheared and fractured zones reaching thicknesses of more than 20m are injected with numerous quartz-carbonate-tourmaline veins mineralized with 1 to 10% disseminated pyrite and locally traces of chalcopyrite returned 0.62 g/t Au /7.5m and 2.14 g/t Au /9m including 6.25 g/t Au /3m respectively (VAU-23-10).

Approximately 200m south of Rayon d'Or, a quartz-carbonate-tourmaline-pyrite vein returned 5.48 g/t Au over 1m along with a tourmaline-pyrite vein intersected deeper along the hole which returned an intersection of 0.52 g/t Au over 3m (VAU-23-03). This mineralized zone was extended approximately 450m towards the SE with hole VAU-23-18 returning an intersection of 0.52 g/t Au over 6m associated with a wide sheared and fractured zone injected of quartz-carbonate-tourmaline-pyrite veins containing up to 10% pyrite with locally thin semi-massive pyrite zones. The best IP anomaly detected in 2022 is located along this NW-SE IP axis, 200m towards the southeast and is promising for a future exploration program in this area (Figure 2).

Approximately 900m southeast of Rayon dOr and close to the east side of Gueguen Lake previous diamond drill hole #82-6 intersected a 10 m wide fractured and mineralized zone which returned a gold intersection of 2.06 g/t Au / 1.83 m, including 3.08 g/t Au / 0.61 m.

The southeast extensions of the gold bearing structures of the Rayon dOr deformation corridor were also evidenced during a prospecting and biogeochemical sampling program carried out on the central and eastern parts of the Property. Anomalous gold, copper and zinc values coincide with mineralized structures localized using Magnetic and Induced Polarization Resistivity (Mag-IP) surveys in the southeastern extension of Rayon d'Or and in the southeast portion of the property where a complementary IP survey is proposed.

The 2024 drilling program was designed to test priority targets provided by IP-Resistivity surveys east of Gueguen Lake and to localize the lateral extension of the known Rayon dOr gold mineralized zones and new gold bearing structures discovered during the 2022-2023 exploration program.

The previous drilling campaign therefore located large, highly deformed and mineralized zones crossing the Vauquelin property and increased the possibility of discovering interesting gold zones similar to those already defined on neighboring properties. This structural context is similar to that of the Chimo mine owned by Cartier Resources and located less than 5 km south of the Property (Figure 1). Like on the Vauquelin-Rayon dOr Property, mineralization at Chimo includes numerous gold zones associated with structures present in three (3) deformation corridors (Cartier Resources web site).

Probe Gold recently reported significant growth in Gold Resources for all Val-dOr east properties where Gold resources are now totalling 6,728,600 ounces Measured and Indicated (M&I) and 3,277,100 ounces Inferred along all trends and deposits (Press Release of 2024, September 5).

Eldorado Gold Corporation has exercised its option to acquire from Sparton Resources an initial 75% (seventy five percent) interest in the Bruell gold project, east of Val DOr, Quebec (April 22, 2024 GLOBE NEWSWIRE). This gold project is located approximately 5km to the north of Vauquelin property.

Petrolympic is a gold exploration company with projects located in Quebec. The Province of Quebec has consistently ranked as one of the worlds best mining jurisdictions.

Qualified Person

Andre Tremblay, Ing.- geo., M.Sc.A. is the Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the geological information reported in this news release.

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATIONS SERVICES PROVIDER HAVE REVIEWED OR ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

For further information, please contact:

Mendel Ekstein,

President and CEO Petrolympic Ltd.

T: 845 656-0184

E: exis@petrolympic.com

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

Certain information contained or incorporated by reference in this press release, including any information regarding the proposed acquisition, constitutes "forward-looking statements." All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based on a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, geological and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance. Known and unknown factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Such factors include but are not limited to: economic and global market impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, fluctuations in market prices, exploration and exploitation successes, continued availability of capital and financing, changes in national and local government legislation, taxation, controls, regulations, expropriation or nationalization of property and general political, economic, market or business conditions. Many of these uncertainties and contingencies can affect our actual results and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, us. Readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. All of the forward-looking statements made in this press release, or incorporated by reference, are qualified by these cautionary statements. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.



Figure 1  Location of Petrolympics Rayon dOr-Vauquelin Property in the Cadillac Break corridor within the Val-dOr Mining Camp.





Figure 2  Location of the drill holes, IP and zones investigated during the 2023 campaign in Rayon dOr.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3d4e02c1-a0fa-4069-ab49-244b8b25659f

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6b241528-a49a-4fcd-b43e-fffe99350c33
September 11 - Pampa Metals Corp. ("Pampa Metals" or the "Company") (CSE:PM / FSE:FIR / OTCQB:PMMCF) is pleased to provide an update on the integration and interpretation of historic data and the property wide upside potential at the Piuquenes Cu-Au Project, San Juan, Argentina.

Key Findings from Electrical Geophysical Data Integration:

Key data sets used to-date include a 2016 Offset Pole-Dipole Induced Polarization-Resistivity survey ("IP") and a Natural Source Magneto-Telluric (gDAS24) survey ("MT").

Inversion models of this data have been evaluated in 3D, in conjunction with the preliminary 3D geological model currently being finalized.

Chargeability data suggests a northeast trend to the Piuquenes system (refer Figures 1 4)

Piuquenes Central is marked by a prominent annular chargeability anomaly, with the highest chargeability zones peripheral to the currently defined mineralization (refer Figure 4), consistent with a peripheral pyritic zone associated with not yet well defined phyllic alteration.

The mineralized zone at Piuquenes Central is also defined by a moderate chargeability zone (refer Figure 4) interpreted to be associated with the low pyrite, high chalcopyrite mineralized core of the system.

A similar, although buried, chargeability feature is evident in the 3D inversion models along the north-east Piuquenes Central trend (refer Figure 1). This is considered a highly promising target for a separate mineralized center.

The Piuquenes Central area is also defined by a central resistivity high, with the Piuquenes East target displaying a similar scale anomaly (refer Figure 3).

The Piuquenes Central porphyry is well defined by the deep looking Magneto-Telluric data as a pipe-like zone of high resistivity extending upward from a large, high-resistivity feature (refer Figure 2): It is tentatively interpreted that the deep resistivity feature could represent an underlying large-scale intrusion and the pipe-like high resistivity feature the mineralized porphyry complex extending upward from that deep intrusion The currently defined mineralized zone at Piuquenes Central occurs on the margin of the pipe-like resistivity feature; the other margin of the high features and several other similar responses in the 3D inversion model remain untested

This clear definition of the Piuquenes Central and Piuquenes East systems by IP, resistivity and MT data implies that electrical geophysics will be an extremely useful first pass targeting tool for additional porphyry centres within the broader Piuquenes tenement package. Outside the Piuquenes Central - Piuquenes East area, most of the tenement package has not been subject to electrical geophysics (refer Figures 3, 4 5).



Click Image To View Full Size

Figure 1: Chargeability Inversion Model - Potential NE Plunge & Buried Target Area



Click Image To View Full Size

Figure 2: MT Inversion model - Potential NE plunge & large, pipe-like high-resistivity feature.

Current Activities

The Company is finalizing a preliminary 3D geological model, and grade and lithology interpretation of the Piuquenes Central porphyry Cu-Au deposit.

The Company also continues to integrate historical geophysical datasets, including the recently recovered ground magnetic data currently being modelled.

Targeting and planning for the 2024/25 field season is nearing completion and will include further drill evaluation at Piuquenes Central, where the Company recently reported 801m @ 0.40% Cu, 0.51 g/t Au, 2.87 g/t Ag, including 518m @ 0.53% Cu, 0.73 g/t Au, 3.45 g/t Ag (refer 17 June 2024 News Release). The Initial drill testing of Piuquenes East, field mapping to advance several other nearby targets, and further geophysics (if required) will also form part of the 2024/24 field season program.

Key in-country technical hires are anticipated in the short-term.



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Figure 3: Central resistivity high - Piuquenes Central and Piuquenes East target

Joseph van den Elsen, Pampa Metals President and CEO commented: "The integration and interpretation of historic electrical geophysical data has further validated the Piuquenes project as a Company making asset. High-grade copper and gold remain open at Piuquenes Central, with an apparent north-east trend evident, and Piuquenes East represents a standalone, undrilled, outcropping porphyry target. We are now focused on the integration of the recently recovered magnetic survey and finalization of our 3D model, in order to more fully define approaches and targets for the upcoming 2024-25 field season. During this field season, we will delineate the size and grade potential of the first deposit, concurrently drill test Piuquenes East, and further explore the potential for a cluster of deposits through surface exploration and possibly geophysics."



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Figure 4: Prominent annular chargeability anomaly, highest zones peripheral to currently defined mineralization



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Figure 5: Piuquenes Project Tenure

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD INVESTOR CONTACT

Joseph van den Elsen | President & CEO Joseph van den Elsen | Joseph@pampametals.com

ABOUT PAMPA METALS

Pampa Metals is a copper-gold exploration company listed on the Canadian Stock Exchange (CSE:PM), Frankfurt (FSE: FIR), and OTC (OTCQB: PMMCF) exchanges.

In November 2023, the Company announced it had entered into an Option and Joint Venture Agreement for the acquisition of an 80% interest in the Piuquenes Copper-Gold Porphyry Project in San Juan Province, Argentina.

Qualified Person

Technical information in this news release has been approved by Mario Orrego G. Mr. Orrego G. is a Geologist, a Registered Member of the Chilean Mining Commission and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Orrego G. is a consultant to the Company.

Neither the CSE nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENT

This news release contains certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical fact, that address events or developments that Pampa Metals expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will" or "may" occur. These statements are subject to various risks. Although Pampa Metals believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guaranteeing of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements.

Copyright (c) 2024 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.
Vancouver, September 12, 2024 - Sienna Resources Inc. (TSXV: SIE) (OTC Pink: SNNAF) (FSE: A1XCQ0) ("Sienna" or the "Company") wishes to update the shareholders on some lithium developments that recently occurred in the Clayton Valley of Nevada. September 10, 2024 SLB (formerly Schlumberger) announced that "SLB today announced it has proven its solution for sustainable lithium production at scale at its demonstration plant in Clayton Valley, Nevada, to accelerate responsibly-sourced lithium products to marketThe proprietary integrated solution combines SLB's subsurface expertise with surface engineering of advanced technologies that include direct lithium extraction (DLE). It produces lithium 500 times faster than conventional methods while using only 10 percent of the land. Operating at approximately one tenth the size of a commercial-scale facility, the plant reached a verified recovery rate of 96% lithium from brineIn proving this solution at its pilot plant, SLB completed specific technical milestones allowing it to fully qualify under the earn-in agreement with Pure Energy Minerals Ltd. and, at its option, may acquire 100% ownership interest in the Clayton Valley Project" Sienna has property right inside of the Pure/SLB's Clayton Valley Project (see map) located in the deepest section of this basin. Sienna Resources' management cautions that past results or discoveries on properties in proximity to Sienna Resources may not necessarily be indicative of the presence of mineralization on the company's properties.

Sienna Resources Ownership Map

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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Jason Gigliotti, President of Sienna Resources Inc. stated, "We would like to congratulate the SLB and Pure teams for many years of hard work finally coming to fruition. This is a watershed moment for the Clayton Valley itself, as this marks the true entrance of SLB into the lithium space. Sienna has been holding its Clayton Valley Deep Basin Lithium Projects for many years watching the developments on this project primarily, as Sienna shares the deepest part of this basin with SLB. SLB still has a road ahead, but this moment is clearly a turning point for development within this basin. We look forward to now moving this project much higher up in the Sienna project priority list."

Recently, Sienna announced (September 4, 2024) that it has significantly increased its acreage on the Stonesthrow Gold Project in Saskatchewan now consisting of approximately 31,718 contiguous acres prospective for gold directly bordering Ramp Metals Inc. Ramp announced (June 17, 2024) multiple zones of gold mineralization, including 73.55 grams per tonne gold and 19.50 grams per tonne silver. Ramp has just announced a strategic investment led by Eric Sprott. Sienna Resources' management cautions that past results or discoveries on properties in proximity to Sienna Resources may not necessarily be indicative of the presence of mineralization on the company's properties.

On May 23, 2024 Sienna acquired Case Lake West Cesium and Spodumene Pegmatite Project in the Larder Lake Mining division of Ontario, Canada, roughly 100 km north of Kirkland Lake, NE Ontario. This project consists of approximately 2,200 contiguous acres prospective for Cesium and Spodumene Pegmatites directly bordering Power Metals Corp's Case Lake cesium and pegmatite swarm discovery. On May 22, 2024 Power Metals announced "WORLD-CLASS CESIUM RESULTS UP TO 18.13% AT CASE LAKE." This was very exciting news regarding this growing cesium district. Sienna management cautions that past results or discoveries on properties in proximity to Sienna may not necessarily be indicative of the presence of mineralization on the company's properties.

About Sienna Resources Inc.

Sienna has significantly increased acreage of the "Stonesthrow Gold Project", consisting now of approximately 31,718 contiguous acres prospective for gold. Sienna has also recently acquired the "Case Lake West Cesium and Spodumene Pegmatite Project" in Larder Lake Mining division of Ontario, Canada roughly 100 km north of Kirkland Lake, NE Ontario. This project consists of approximately 2,200 contiguous acres prospective for Cesium and Spodumene Pegmatites. Sienna has also just acquired the 10,357 acre "Uranium Town Project" bordering Denison Mines Corp., the now 23,134 contiguous acre "Dragon Uranium Project" bordering Cameco Corp. and the 55,440 acre "Atomic Uranium Project" in the world renowned Athabasca Basin of Saskatchewan. Also, Sienna recently expanded the "Elko Lithium Project" in Elko County, Nevada. This project consists of approximately 1840 contiguous acres directly bordering Surge Battery Metals' "Nevada North Lithium Project" in Elko County, Nevada who announced the highest grade lithium deposit in the USA. Sienna is also one of the larger landholders in Clayton Valley Nevada. Sienna's Clayton Valley projects include the Blue Clay Lithium Project, the Silver Peak South Project, and the Clayton Valley Deep Basin Lithium Project. Clayton Valley is home to the only lithium production in North America, being Albemarle Corp's Silver Peak deposit. This project is also near Tesla Motors Inc.'s Gigafactory in Nevada. On March 18, 2021, Schlumberger New Energy Venture announced the development of a lithium extraction pilot plant through its new venture, NeoLith Energy in a strategic partnership with Pure Energy. The deployment of the pilot plant will be in Clayton Valley, Nevada, USA. The NeoLith Energy sustainable approach uses a differentiated direct lithium extraction (DLE) process to enable the production of high-purity, battery-grade lithium material while reducing the production time from over a year to weeks. Results from this pilot plant are expected in 2024 and could have a significant impact on the brine prospects within Clayton Valley Nevada as Sienna is located in the deepest section of this brine deposit.

Qualified Person:

Mr. Frank Bain, PGeo, a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical disclosure contained within this news release.

"Jason Gigliotti"

President, Director

Sienna Resources Inc.

Statements in this news release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical, and consist primarily of projections - statements regarding future plans, expectations and developments. Words such as "expects", "intends", "plans", "may", "could", "potential", "should", "anticipates", "likely", "believes" and words of similar import tend to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release include uncertainty of exploration and development plans regarding the property; commodity price fluctuations; political or economic instability and regulatory changes; currency fluctuations, the state of the capital markets; uncertainty in the measurement of mineral reserves and resource estimates; the Company's ability to attract and retain qualified personnel and management; potential labour unrest; reclamation and closure requirements for mineral properties and the availability of capital to fund the Company's projects, as well as other risks and uncertainties identified under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's continuous disclosure documents filed on SEDAR. You are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive of all factors and assumptions which may have been used. The Company cannot assure you that actual events, performance or results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements, and management's assumptions may prove to be incorrect. These forward-looking statements reflect current expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date hereof and the Company does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's beliefs, expectations or opinions should change other than as required by applicable law. For the reasons set forth above, you should not place undue reliance on 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 press release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/223080
VANCOUVER, September 12, 2024 - Giant Mining Corp. (CSE: BFG | OTC: BFGFF | FWB: YW5) ("Giant Mining" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it is preparing for the planned 16-hole reverse circulation ("RC") drilling program at the Majuba Hill Porphyry Copper Deposit ("Majuba Hill"), a copper, silver, and gold project located in Pershing County, Nevada.

As previously announced, the Company has engaged Boart Longyear Limited ("Boart Longyear"), a global leader in drilling services, based in Elko, NV, to conduct this significant drilling program. The RC drilling campaign is designed to drill up to 12,800 feet (3,901 meters) across 16 strategic holes. The contract with Boart Longyear allows for flexibility in the execution of the project, enabling the Company to adjust the scope of the drilling as needed to achieve optimal results.

David Greenway, CEO of Giant Mining Corp., stated, "Engaging Boart Longyear for our RC drill program at Majuba Hill is a crucial step in advancing our exploration efforts. This program is designed to build on the results of our recent core drilling and provide the necessary data to enhance our resource estimates. We are eager to see the potential insights and results this program will yield as we continue to advance the Majuba Hill project."

Drilling will focus on the drill targets which are designed to infill and expand the mineral potential at Majuba Hill. This drill program is laid out to expand known mineral zones and identify new areas of mineralization. By concentrating on these specific targets, the drilling program will provide the additional drill holes needed to expand and verify the continuity of the copper mineralization.

This drilling is essential for refining the geological model of Majuba Hill, significantly enhancing Giant Mining's resource evaluation efforts. The data collected from this program will enable the company to update its resource estimates with greater precision, ultimately contributing to the advancement and economic assessment of the project. By exploring and defining the mineral potential, the Company aims to optimize the development strategies for Majuba Hill, aligning with our commitment to creating shareholder value through meticulous exploration and resource management.

Furthermore, assays are currently pending for MHB-30 one of the recently completed holes in the core drilling program. MHB-30 core samples have been sent to ALS Global Services ("ALS Labs") in Elko, Nevada, for complete assaying. MHB-31 core is in the final stages of sawing at Woods Process Services in preparation for sending the samples to ALS Labs for analysis.



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Figure 1: MHB-30 Copper Mineralized Fragments in Magmatic-Hydrothermal Breccia

The recent core drilling intersected magmatic-hydrothermal breccia bodies in core holes MHB-30 and MHB-31, as can be seen in Figures 1 and 2. Drill hole MHB-31 drilled in the gap zone between whittle pits 13 and 43 as shown on Figure 2.



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Figure 2: MHB-31/9.5 meters (31 feet) Copper Mineralized Fragments in Magmatic-Hydrothermal Breccia



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Figure 3: Giant Mining planned drill holes in green and grade domain with recent and historic drill holes.

About Boart Longyear

Established in 1890, Boart Longyear is the world's leading innovative provider of drilling services, manufacturer of productivity-driven drilling equipment and performance tooling, and developer of orebody-data technology, revolutionizing the future of mineral development. With a rich heritage of more than 133 years in operation, the Company continues to build value for customers worldwide.

Boart Longyear also has a substantial presence in aftermarket parts and service, energy, mine dewatering, oil sands exploration, production drilling, and down-hole exploration. Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, the Company operates in 26 countries with close to 6,000 employees at the end of 2023.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by E.L. "Buster" Hunsaker III, CPG 8137, a non-independent consulting geologist who is a "Qualified Person" as such term is defined under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43- 101").

About Giant Mining Corp.

Giant Mining Corp. is engaged in the identification, review and acquisition of latter stage copper and copper/silver/gold assets. This is in direct response to the growing worldwide demand and lack of supply for precious metals fueled by the Green New Deal in the US and most other developed nations with similar programs aimed at addressing climate change. Such programs are heavily reliant on silver, gold and especially copper to produce Electric Vehicles and other renewable power sources, as well as building infrastructure to provide clean and affordable electricity.

The flagship project is the Majuba Hill copper, silver and gold District located 156 miles (251 km) outside Reno, Nevada, USA. Management has been mandated to focus on safe, mining friendly jurisdictions where government regulations are supportive of mining operations.

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.

On Behalf of the Board of Giant Mining Corp.

"David Greenway"

David C. Greenway

President & CEO

For further information, please contact:

E: info@giantminingcorp.com

P: 1 (604) 499-6791

VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE DETAILS

www.giantminingcorp.com

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Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains certain statements that may be deemed "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 Giant Mining Corp. believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in forward looking statements. Forward looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of Giant Mining Corp. management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by law, Giant Mining Corp. undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.

###

Copyright (c) 2024 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.
Coquitlam, September 12, 2024 - Nord Precious Metals Mining Inc. , (TSXV: NTH) (OTCQB: CCWOF) (Frankfurt: 4T9B) (the "Company" or "Nord" or "Nord Precious Metals"), interprets potential presence for native silver in the calculated head silver grades from metallurgical testwork for the Miller Creek tailings. This may indicate that the historic sonic drill silver assays, as reported for silver only, of the unreleased raw data may be even higher.

As part of a metallurgical test program, a sample of the tailings is taken before the test program begins which is called a head assay. The calculated head assay is determined from the concentrates and tailings that are produced. A mass balance is calculated in every metallurgical test program so that the silver assay taken before the test program is started equals the silver assay produced when the test program is completed. In each of the metallurgical tests, the calculated head assays were generally higher than the head assays indicating that when a head assay is taken, it does not represent all the contained silver. Hence the difference is likely attributed to the presence of native silver. This will be more evident in the subsequent metallurgical testwork news release that is to follow shortly.

Unreleased Miller Creek Raw Head and Calculated Head Silver Assays Highlights:

Average historic unreleased head silver assay in 8 metallurgical tests graded 213 grams per tonne silver.

Average historic unreleased calculated head silver assays in 8 metallurgical tests graded 282 grams per tonne silver.

Average silver assay grade increase is 32 percent.

Potential Higher Silver Grades in Miller Creek Tailings

The potential of higher silver grades in the Miller Creek tailings can be confirmed by assaying the screened coarser portion of the tailings which will be presented in a news release early next week. Including the critical mineral assays makes the historic tailings potentially worthy of reprocessing prior to deposition underground for ground control at the Castle Mine.

Qualified person

The technical information in this news release was approved and prepared under the supervision of Mr. Matthew Halliday, P.Geo., (PGO), President and COO of Nord Precious Metals, a qualified person accordance with National Instrument 43-101.

About Nord Precious Metals Mining Inc.

Nord Precious Metals Mining Inc. (formerly Canada Silver Cobalt Works Inc.) recently discovered a major high-grade silver vein system at Castle East located 1.5 km from its 100%-owned, past-producing Castle Mine near Gowganda in the prolific and world-class silver-cobalt mining district of Northern Ontario. The Company has completed a 60,000 m drill program aimed at expanding the size of the deposit with an update to the resource estimate underway.

In May 2020, based on a small initial drill program, the Company published the region's first 43-101 resource estimate that contained a total of 7.56 million ounces of silver in Inferred resources, comprising very high-grade silver (8,582 grams per tonne un-cut or 250.2 oz/ton) in 27,400 tonnes of material from two sections (1A and 1B) of the Castle East Robinson Zone, beginning at a vertical depth of approximately 400 meters. Note that mineral resources that are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. Please refer to the Nord Precious Metals (previously Canada Silver Cobalt Works) Press Release May 28, 2020, for the resource estimate. Report reference: Rachidi, M. 2020, NI 43-101 Technical Report Mineral Resource Estimate for Castle East, Robinson Zone, Ontario, Canada, with an effective date of May 28, 2020, and a signature date of July 13, 2020.

The Company also has: (1) 14 battery metals properties in Northern Quebec where it completed a 16,000-metre drill program on the Graal property, which was spun out into Coniagas Battery Metals Inc. in March 2024 (Nord owns 35% of the outstanding shares of Coniagas); and (2) St. Denis-Sangster lithium project - 260 square kilometers of greenfield exploration ground with numerous pegmatites focussed along a significant volcanic sedimentary rock - Archean granite contact near Cochrane, Ontario contiguous to Power Metals' Case Lake Lithium properties.

Nord Precious Metal's flagship silver-cobalt Castle mine and 78 sq. km Castle property feature strong exploration upside for silver, cobalt, nickel, gold, and copper. With underground access at the fully owned Castle Mine, an exceptional high-grade silver discovery at Castle East, a pilot plant to produce cobalt-rich gravity concentrates, a processing facility (TTL Laboratories) in the town of Cobalt, and a proprietary hydrometallurgical process known as Re-2Ox (for the creation of technical-grade cobalt sulphate as well as nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) formulations), Nord Precious Metals is strategically positioned to become a Canadian leader in the silver-cobalt space. More information is available at www.nordpreciousmetals.com.

"Frank J. Basa"

Frank J. Basa, P. Eng.

Chief Executive Officer

For further information, contact:

Frank J. Basa, P.Eng.

Chief Executive Officer

416-625-2342

or:

Wayne Cheveldayoff,

Corporate Communications

P: 416-710-2410

E: waynecheveldayoff@gmail.com

Caution 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 may contain forward-looking statements which include, but are not limited to, comments that involve future events and conditions, which are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Except for statements of historical facts, comments that address resource potential, upcoming work programs, geological interpretations, receipt and security of mineral property titles, availability of funds, and others are forward-looking. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may vary materially from those statements. General business conditions are factors that could cause actual results to vary materially from forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information in this news release or other communications unless required by law.

Copyright (c) 2024 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.
VANCOUVER, September 12, 2024 - Fitzroy Minerals Inc. (TSXV: FTZ, OTCQB: FTZFF) ("Fitzroy Minerals" or the "Company") is pleased to announce a significant expansion of the copper-in-soil anomalies at the Polimet Gold-Copper-Silver Project, Chile (the "Project" or "Polimet"). These soil geochemistry results delineate two continuous trends of 2.0 km and 1.9 km, respectively, plus a further five other anomalies 400 m to 1,000 m in length. In total, the survey delineated 6.9 km of copper anomalies, many of which are open along strike, including a 450 m wide zone with high copper concentrations at the southern end of one grid, in an area where there is no prior indication of surface mineralization. The soil survey expanded on the test grids previously reported by the Company May 14, 2024. A further soil survey is now being planned to follow up on high-potential areas. Copper is a direct mineral indicator at Polimet, which hosts a high-grade gold-copper-silver epithermal system.

Highlights:

6.9 km total strike-length of copper-in-soil anomalies shows that Polimet hosts a large system.

Two continuous trends of copper-in-soil anomalies identified, each approximately 2 km-long.

Copper anomalies and mineralizing trend still open, with significant expansion potential.

Merlin Marr-Johnson, President and CEO of Fitzroy Minerals, commented, "The Polimet Project continues to deliver excellent results. The mineral potential of Polimet is really highlighted by the new copper-in-soil anomalies, and these have barely been tested. Strong anomalies over multiple kilometres, and new and unexpected trends being recognized are apparent. The copper anomalies are important because Polimet is an Au-Cu-Ag system and the strongest copper anomalies are clearly direct indicators for where to drill for gold. We plan to further expand the soil survey grids to cover all priority areas on the concessions, and we will back it up with geophysical surveys and mapping as well. Given these results, and the significant infrastructure advantages of the area, Polimet is shaping up to be a priority drill target."

Polimet Gold-Copper-Silver Project, Chile

A geochemical soil survey was completed at the Polimet Gold-Copper-Silver Project in the El Bronce Epithermal District. In total, 606 soil samples (approximately 2 kg each) were collected in seven grid areas that expanded on the existing dataset, of 194 samples. The total number of soil samples taken by Fitzroy Minerals is 800. In this round of sampling the highest sample assay was 993 ppm copper (0.1% Cu). Of the 800 samples, 24% are over 150 ppm Cu and 11% are over 200 ppm Cu.

The sampling was carried out over interpreted vein features, mappable from float, outcrop, soil colour, and remote sensing lineation studies. The aim of the soil sampling exercise was to identify geochemical trends to assist with continued exploration. The survey used the vendor-owned, fully-equipped, sample preparation laboratory and a bench-mounted XRF analyser that was worked in a controlled environment by a trained XRF operator.

Figure 1. Polimet concessions and soil geochemistry grid location map.

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Observations

The soil survey picked up several continuous and discontinuous anomalies. Two continuous anomalous trends are evident. One striking north-northeast measures 2.0 km-long, and a second, striking north-northwest is 1.9 km-long. In addition, there are a further five minor trends that Fitzroy Minerals has identified, measuring between 400 m and 1,000 m in different directions. When added together, these five discontinuous trends equate to a further 3.0 km of anomalies (with the same background and threshold levels).

Figure 2. Polimet soil geochemistry trends and soil anomalies map.

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Figure 2 shows that several anomalies are still open in different directions. These include a 1 km-long anomaly in the northwest that is open to the west, a 400 m-parallel trend in the centre of the area that is open to the north and to the south, and a 450 m-wide anomaly with high Cu values in the southeast of the surveyed area. This southeast anomaly is in an area where there is no previous indication of surface mineralization.

In addition to the raw copper data in soils, the geochemistry correlates well with colour anomalies identified in the field and aerial images. Figures 3 and 4 show soil geochemistry versus recorded soil colour and also albite anomalies from ASTER imagery. The colour of the soil samples are logged when the sample is dry, using a reference colour sheet. Strong colour anomalies (white) represent more intense hydrothermal alteration. The ASTER imagery albite anomalies also represent hydrothermal alteration.

Figure 3. Soil colour anomalies vs geochemistry. Figure 4. ASTER albite vs geochemistry.

Discussion on the Importance of Elevation in the El Bronce Epithermal System

The El Bronce gold deposit is located about 13 km to the north of Polimet. A 1991 paper by Camus et al1 noted that El Bronce is an "epithermal vein system that contains 25 metric tons of gold, 105 metric tons of silver and 16,000 metric tons of copper." This critical paper contains a section on Mineral Zoning at El Bronce, which informs the exploration strategy developed by Fitzroy Minerals at Polimet.

Camus et al. (1991), write that four mineral zones can be recognized in typical ore shoots at El Bronce (Figure 5). The uppermost Zone A is characterized by stockwork zones with veinlets filled with barren chalcedonic quartz and carbonates. Zone B consists of quartz, barite, carbonates, pyrite, base metals, and sub-economic gold and silver. Zone C consists of quartz, pyrite, sphalerite, chalcopyrite, carbonates, and economic values of gold and silver. Zone D is a lower zone with sub-economic gold and silver values, and no base metals present.

At El Bronce, Zone C, which is the principal 'ore interval' according to Camus et al. (1991), ranges from 1,000 m to 1,600 m above sea level. Zone B, which contains base metals but sub-economic gold and silver values according to Camus et al. (1991), ranges from 1,600 m to about 1,850 metres. Fitzroy Minerals is working to establish the vertical controls on economic mineralisation at Polimet, a key factor in the planning of future exploration programs.

Figure 5. Vertical zoning model of El Bronce epithermal system (Camus et al., 1991).

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The working hypothesis used by Fitzroy Minerals is that copper mineralization will mark the presence of a fertile gold-bearing epithermal system over a wide vertical range. It is also expected that gold and silver values will be higher in the Zone C mineral zone, which is potentially 1,000 m to 1,600 m above sea level. Drilling by Fitzroy Minerals will help to establish these boundaries more accurately. Soil samples taken by Fitzroy Minerals show copper anomalies at elevations of above 1,900 metres.

The soil survey carried out by Fitzroy Minerals covers an elevation range from 1,350 m to 1,950 m above sea level. In general, the area to the northwest is at lower elevation and the higher elevations are in the central and southern areas. Figure 6 shows the survey area, with the 1,600 m contour marked in white, and elevations below 1,600 m highlighted in blue green. Fitzroy Minerals notes that the old gold workings (located within the red circle) are at elevations just under 1,600 m and that there are important copper anomalies at elevations above 1,600 metres. The open anomaly in the south, for example, is at a height of approximately 1,700 metres.

Figure 6. Soil geochemistry and elevation (1,600 m contour marked in white, shaded blue green below).

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Sample Preparation and XRF Process

Rigorous QA/QC procedures were followed during sample collection and preparation. The survey team used trowels and bags when sampling, cleaning the equipment between sample collection. For each sample, the location, date, time, depth, and other relevant information was recorded. For each sample a photograph was taken showing the GPS coordinates, the bagged sample, and the sample site.

In the sample preparation procedure, the following steps were taken:

Log and record Sample ID. Assess to see if sample is wet or dry. Dry any wet samples by placing individually in a stainless-steel tray in an oven. Return dried sample to sample bag. Weigh dry sample. Gently roll and check bagged samples to ensure soil lumps are broken down. Transfer the sample to a stainless-steel tray. Pass the sample through a clean Riffle Splitter that feeds into two clean stainless-steel trays. Return the contents of one of the two trays to the sample bag. Pass the other tray through the Riffle Splitter again. Return the  sample to the original sample bag and add the other  sample to a new bag. Weigh the  soil sample. Add the  sample to the vibrating screens and separate the size fractions, recording the time required to separate. Take multiple readings of the fine-fraction (80#) using the XRF analyser, recording the average. Carry out regular calibration checks of the XRF analyser using known reference materials.

XRF Analyser versus Laboratory ICP Results

On May 14, 2024, Fitzroy Minerals reported that the XRF soil geochemistry results had an average variance of 8% from check ICP assays. Fitzroy Minerals continues to calibrate the XRF analyser to further reduce variance in results. Fitzroy Minerals will carry out check assays on a selection of the 606 samples taken in the most recent survey.

Fitzroy Minerals sees significant time and cost advantages of continuing to use these established XRF geochemical soil survey methods. The maps show that the method works well. Importantly, mineralization at Polimet is expected to be best developed at elevations between 1,000 metres and 1,600 metres above sea level and concentrated in high-grade pay-shoots. Pay-shoots in the epithermal mineralization of the El Bronce Epithermal District are structurally controlled. The surface elevations at Polimet range from 1,600 metres up to 1,850 metres, which makes measurement of copper concentrations in geochemical soil surveys a particularly useful tool.

In combination with geophysics and geology, Fitzroy Minerals will develop drilling targets over the coming months. The planned geophysical program may include a selection of induced polarisation, spectral analysis, and magnetometry surveys. In terms of geology, the focus will be detailed structural mapping. The combined results of the structural mapping, the soil geochemistry, and the geophysics will guide the drilling program at Polimet later in the year. Given the infrastructure benefits of Polimet and the indications of a strong hydrothermal system, it is now anticipated that the first Fitzroy Minerals drilling program will be at Polimet.

Qualified Person

Dr. Scott Jobin-Bevans (P.Geo., Ph.D.), a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and independent geological consultant to the Company, has reviewed and verified the technical information provided in this news release.

About Fitzroy Minerals

Fitzroy Minerals is focused on exploring and developing mineral assets with substantial upside potential in the Americas. The Company's current property portfolio includes the Caballos Copper and Polimet Gold-Copper-Silver projects located in Valparaiso, Chile, and the Taquetren Gold project located in Rio Negro, Argentina, as well as the Cariboo project in British Columbia, Canada. Fitzroy Minerals' shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol FTZ and on the OTCQB under the symbol FTZFF.

On behalf of Fitzroy Minerals Inc.

Merlin Marr-Johnson

President and CEO

For further information, please contact:

Merlin Marr-Johnson

mmj@fitzroyminerals.com

+1 604-505-4554

For more information on Fitzroy Minerals, please visit the Company's website: www.fitzroyminerals.com

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to or for the account or benefit of a U.S. person (as defined in Regulation S under the United States Securities Act) unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

Neither 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.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This news release includes certain statements and information that constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements and forward-looking information specifically include, but are not limited to, statements that relate to the completion of the Offering and the timing and pricing in respect thereof, the use of proceeds of the Offering, and timely receipt of all necessary approvals, including any requisite approval of the Exchange.

Statements contained in this release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainty affecting the business of the Company. Such statements can generally, but not always, be identified by words such as "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "intends", "estimates", "forecasts", "schedules", "prepares", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. All statements that describe the Company's plans relating to operations and potential strategic opportunities are forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws. These statements address future events and conditions and are reliant on assumptions made by the Company's management, and so involve inherent risks and uncertainties, as disclosed in the Company's periodic filings with Canadian securities regulators. As a result of these risks and uncertainties, and the assumptions underlying the forward-looking information, actual results could materially differ from those currently projected, and there is no representation by the Company that the actual results realized in the future will be the same in whole or in part as those presented herein. the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update forward-looking statements or information except as required by law. Readers are referred to the additional information regarding the Company's business contained in the Company's reports filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events, or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that could cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. For more information on the Company and the risks and challenges of its business, investors should review the Company's filings that are available at SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca)

The Company provides no assurance that forward-looking statements and information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements or information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. The Company does not undertake to update any for-ward looking statements, other than as required by law.

1 Camus, F., Boric, R., Skewes, M.A., Castelli, J.C., Reichhard E., and Mestre, A., 1991. Geologic, structural, and fluid inclusion studies of El Bronce epithermal vein system, Petorca, central Chile: in Econ. Geol., v86, pp.1317-1345.

Copyright (c) 2024 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.
Its a fairly common practice: When they purchase goods or services, states and cities offer preferential bidding treatment to businesses that are in whole or in part owned by women or minority group members. Leaving aside any political issues revolving around this process, its a field in which a widely acceptable social policy can run head on into management problems. Its a meeting point of legal considerations, practical considerations, and the need to have good data for both justifying public policy and for implementing it as well, says professor Maureen Berner of the School of Government at the University of North Carolina.The first big problem goes to the very core of this policy: Are the businesses actually owned by women or members of minority groups? Or are they just Potemkin companies that look one way on the outside and another on the inside?Heres a case in point. A Philadelphia prison contractor received nearly $200 million from the city, which believed it was handing 40 percent of a contract over to a female-owned business. It turned out that the prison contractor had only paid a subcontractor for the use of its name and then, according to, gave the work to companies that do not meet the citys standards for minority-, female- or disabled-owned vendors.This kind of activity, which is probably a national problem, according to Amy Kurland, Philadelphias inspector general, represents the kind of loophole thats easy for businesses to climb through. The general contractor is happy because it is likelier to get the business from the city or state. The minority business also likes it because its getting money for nothing. Neither one is really an injured party.That doesnt mean there isnt one. The victim, says Kurland, is the unidentified minority- or women-owned business that didnt get the job.Also harmed are taxpayers who may not see their tax dollars used for the best contractor -- but rather for the one that stretched the law in order to camouflage itself as a woman- or a minority-owned company. In Philadelphia, for example, the prison contractor issue cost the city some $400,000.It wouldnt seem tricky to figure out if a company meets the local definition of a woman- or minority-owned business. But as it turns out, it is. For one thing, some cities and states accept certification from other cities or states, which may or may not have similar laws in place to govern the selection of eligible firms. Philadelphia and others dont do their own certification; they rely on other entities. That in and of itself is a problem, Kurland says. We dont know what kind of research goes into seeing if it really is a woman-owned company, but you cant do everything.Theres even a wrinkle that seems to echo a Gertrude Stein-like take on government management: When is a business really a business? If a company uses a minority-owned subcontractor exclusively as a pass-through -- to purchase inventory and then hand it over to the parent firm, for example -- then is the subcontractor really the kind of integral part of the business to which these laws apply?Ultimately, nobody likes to decertify a company. Its messy work at best, and can allow for the perception -- if not the reality -- that a city or state is trying to maintain a status quo of hiring too few women- and minority-owned businesses -- exactly the problem that these programs were put in place to avoid.In the wake of past problems, Washington state is tightening up its certification process, in part by having more central control. The steps the state is taking include making sure that it is following the right regulations, collecting the correct evidence, ensuring that one person is not making that decision and putting an appeal process in place, says Chris Liu, the director of the states Office of Minority and Womens Business.Naturally, governments need a great deal of data to be effective in running a program aimed at helping women and minorities in this way. Unfortunately, this can sometimes be like building a sailboat without a sail. Local governments frequently dont have enough staff, time, money or computer systems. For example, some simply rely on the expected percentage of women- and minority-owned participation in projects, rather than the actual figures. According to a recent audit in Pittsburgh, the city doesnt actually look at anything beyond predictions of those percentages and doesnt examine whether the goals are met.The lack of clear, legal definitions as to how these programs need to be structured is another fly in the ointment. In a seminal 1989 U.S. Supreme Court case, Richmond, Va.s existing system for allocating bids to women- and minority-owned businesses was shuttered. The court said the city couldnt demonstrate that its program met compelling interests in controlling discrimination. Thats a reasonable standard. Unfortunately, the legal requirements the courts have laid out, which could help Richmond and other cities meet that standard, can often be burdensome and vague.When it comes to determining discrimination and appropriate remedies, explains Berner of the University of North Carolina, There are no consistent definitions because there is no consistent, well established system.
Honda, Renault could be fined for F1 budget breaches

It is possible Formula 1 engine suppliers Honda and Alpine (Renault) will be fined for breaching last year's budget cap.

Pierre Gasly, Italian GP 2024

 Alpine

In a statement, the sport's governing body, the FIA, said every team successfully complied with the complex cost limit rules last year.

However, with separate cost restrictions now also applying to engine manufacturers, both Honda (HRC) and Alpine (Renault) were found to have committed procedural breaches .

The statement, however, clarified that neither have exceeded the cost cap level , and both acted at all times in good faith and are currently cooperating ... to finalise the matter .

In 2021, Red Bull was found to have broken the cap as well as committing procedural breaches - offences McLaren CEO Zak Brown said at the time constitute cheating .

But the FIA sounds likely to go easy on Honda and Alpine this time around due to the nature of the breach , and the complexities of the brand new rules applying to engine manufacture.

It is therefore the FIA's intention to propose to these two PU manufacturers to settle their respective breaches by means of an Accepted Breach Agreement or ABA.

According to Auto Motor und Sport, the agreement will involve the manufacturers admitting wrongdoing, waiving the right to appeal, and agreeing to the penalties.

It is difficult to say how severe the sanctions will be, correspondent Tobias Gruner explained. The FIA can impose a fine or sporting penalties, such as reducing test bench times, he added.

Gruner predicts that only fines will apply for Renault and Honda's breaches.

(GMM)
Newey aims fire at British F1 media, Sky coverage

Adrian Newey has aimed fire at the role played in Formula 1 by "the British media".

Adrian Newey Press Conference

 Aston Martin Racing

The 65-year-old is British himself, and he is switching from Milton-Keynes based Red Bull to Silverstone-based Aston Martin next year - having also designed all of his title-winning F1 cars on British soil.

However, he insists British journalists and outlets are often not fair to prominent non-British players in the paddock.

From the outside I'm not sure people fully appreciate and understand Max (Verstappen), just like they didn't with Sebastian (Vettel), Newey told the High Performance podcast.

Because. first of all, there's a sort of demonisation that both of them suffered at times which I think is very unfair. Maybe that's also a little bit of the British media, if I'm honest.

And Newey aimed particular ire at the way the British broadcaster Sky covers the grands prix.

Sky have a huge influence around the world, he said. "Their viewing is truly international but their coverage is quite nationalistic, dare I say, and that can have an influence.

It's this thing that now with journalism typically, there is that trend to sort of either put people on a pedestal or knock them down.

Meanwhile, on the topic of quadruple world champion Vettel, Newey was asked if he thinks the retired German might actually be in the running to return to F1 next year with Audi-owned Sauber.

Sebastian called me recently, he answered. He is currently travelling through Norway in his motorhome. Personally, I don't see a comeback. He is enjoying his life, said Newey.

He has left racing behind and is now doing other things - good for him.

(GMM)
New York subscribers got exclusive early access to this story in Eating New York, a newsletter featuring food news and advice straight from our critics mouths. Sign up here to get it in your inbox. The counter at Brooklyns new Veselka outpost. Photo: Courtesy of Veselka

Against punishing odds, Ukraine endures. So does Veselka. The Ukrainian-Polish restaurant has been in New York, in one form or another, for 70 years, most of them on Second Avenue in the East Village, many of them 24 hours a day. It is a potent symbol of perseverance through hospitable and inhospitable eras alike. It may not be the most authentic restaurant of its kind in the city, and I cant claim beyond doubt that its the best, but I dont know of any more identifiably, durably Ukrainian institution in New York than Veselka.

The original Second Avenue Veselka was a regular haunt during my attemptedly misspent Manhattan youth, where I went in the dark hours of the morning to imitate the punk-rock gods who had done so before me. (Richard Hell, one of the greatest of the 77 punks, included Veselka on a map of local treasures in one of his romans a clef, Godlike.) In reality, the rank-and-file Veselkites could be more peanut gallery than rogues gallery  Lynn Yaeger once wrote about the shabby guy across from me who had amputated fingers and seemed to always be there when she went for a midnight snack of vegetable soup and rye bread to go with her early edition of the next days New York Times  but if they were freaks, they were our freaks. I wouldve been as proud to be a diner on Arnie Charnicks Veselka mural as I could have been to be a Broadway baby caricatured at Sardis.

Ive left my punk phase behind  you can only sneeze out your septum ring so many times before you get the message  but Id like to think I havent changed, not on the inside. And Veselka, to its credit, hasnt either. Its old frenemy, Kiev, a competing Ukrainian restaurant just down Second Avenue, cycled through owners and trends (at one point, it had a quasi-Asian-fusion run), but Veselka is Veselka is Veselka, even as it has explored, with mixed success, new locations. (A Bowery Veselka in the 2010s was a flop; a few Veselka pop-ups were temporary.) At its newest location, which opened this past spring in a former car wash on Lorimer Street in Williamsburg, things are much as they ever were. The architecture is a bit more dinette than it is on Second Avenue, but a new Charnick still beams down from a wall.

There may be more traditional Ukrainian restaurants, but theres a particular comfort that Veselkas symphonically beige specialties offer, at least to this wizened fan. Look at the $25 Meat Plate. The stuffed cabbage comes in a slightly gluey mushroom gravy, and even if the pierogi (two potato, two braised beef), boiled as wool, dont look like much on the plate, theyre heavyweight comfort in two steaming bites, swiped through sour cream (good) or applesauce (with its sharper acid tang, even better), an afternoon nap waiting to be born. Real countrymen would probably opt for the hot borscht, but for sprightlier freshness, I prefer the cold, somewhere between soup and a chilly salad, with floating tendrils of beet, cucumber, and hard-boiled egg in a Manic Panicmagenta broth thickened, I learned from The Veselka Cookbook, with both buttermilk and half-and-half.

Its a cheerful sight to see a grab bag of New York types in this Veselka as at the other: two students sipping lime rickeys, a woman placating a couple of screaming kids with finger food, an older man and his younger companion ordering potato and cheese pierogi (This is his first time having Ukrainian food, the older man told the waitress). These are uncheerful days for Ukraine, of course, yet Veselka hasnt forgotten where it comes from. It is now in the hands of Jason Birchard, a grandson of its founder, and the Ukrainian flag flies. Since the war began, the restaurant has raised $500,000 for the effort, one bowl at a time. Slava Ukraini.
An up to 20% tax on vapes and other nicotine products, free bus passes for people without transportation, and $7 million to get construction started on a new Simon Sanchez High School campus in Yigo will all be up for senators consideration at an upcoming legislative session.

Also up for consideration are measures to extend drivers license terms to eight years, and reserve the old Department of Public Health and Social Services building in Mangilao for DPHSS use once again.

Bill 193-37 would impose a 10% excise tax on vapes and e-cigarettes in the first year, and ramp it up to 20% in the second year of the tax. The bill would define those products as electronic nicotine delivery systems, ENDS, for the purposes of taxation.

Some 40% of ENDS taxes would go towards the Department of Revenue and Taxation for enforcement, and the other 60% will go to Guam Memorial Hospital for operations, maintenance, and vendor payments.

Sen. Joe San Agustin is Bill 193-37s main sponsor, and introduced it to cover a loss of millions of dollars from tobacco taxes after people switched to vaping.

Speaker Therese Terlajes Bill 286-37, meanwhile, would create free, 30-day bus passes for people who need transportation to avail of government services.

The Guam Regional Transit Authority would create the passes, and provide them as needed to the Guam Department of Education, Department of Public Health and Social Services, Guam Housing and Urban Renewal Authority, Guam Behavioral Health and Welfare Center, and the Judiciary.

A sum of $7 million would go to the Guam Department of Education to help kickstart the construction of a new Simon Sanchez High School campus, and a leasing of a temporary campus, if Bill 321-37 becomes law.

Sen. Roy Quinata introduced the bill, which eyes $7 million from excess tax revenue GovGuam collected in fiscal 2024.

Vice Speaker Tina Muna Barnes Bill 295-37, which seeks to allow GovGuam to post legally required public notices on digital media platforms, failed to make the agenda after an objection.

The speaker is expected to announce a date for the September session to begin.

Other bills up for consideration:

Bill 222-37, to reserve the old Mangilao Public Health building for Public Healths use. The building is now eyed as a nursing annex for Guam Community College, while Public Health continues to rent office space.

Bill 174-37, creating eight-year drivers licenses in line with the Real ID Act. Current license terms are limited to five years.

Bill 124-37, to update application rules for new insurance companies looking to do business on Guam.

Bill 247-37, which would update the CHamoru Land Trust Commission.

Bill 249-37, to allow the Guam Environmental Protection Agency to hire environmental lawyers.

Bill 293-37, to make it a crime for prison inmates to be found under the influence of alcohol and illegal drugs, and add jail time to their sentence if convicted.

Bill 327-37, to authorize the Guam Ancestral Lands Commission to extend a lease with AT&T for an undersea cable landing station for 45 years.

Bill 328-37, relative to the procedures for judicial review of decisions made by the public auditor.

Bill 334-37, to resolve outstanding legal issues with leases issued by the CHamoru Land Trust Commission.

Bill 338-37, creating an instructional alcohol tasting license.
Acting on what he said were new information that his office received, Sen. Frank Blas Jr. is now seeking information from the Department of Administration on multiple demands by the federal government for repayment of grant monies by GovGuam because of questionable and unallowable costs.

The Republican legislative minority leader sent a Freedom of Information Act request Wednesday to DOA Director Edward Birn, asking for copies of all Demand for Payment letters that GovGuam received from any federal agency or entity from Oct. 1, 2020 to present.

Blas said several sources, which he declined to disclose, provided him with copies of letters indicating there may be millions of dollars in repayments to federal entities that are at stake.

The senator has plenty of questions.

What did we spend it on, what was it used for, and how are we gonna pay this back? There are no provisions in the budget act to cover repayments, he said.

Separately, Blas has recently urged oversight chairman Sen. Dwayne San Nicolas to expedite an oversight hearing on at least $32 million in grant funding that the Federal Emergency Management Agency could ask the Guam Homeland Security/Office of Civil Defense to repay because of questioned and unallowed costs over the past few years.

The questioned and unallowed costs were first confirmed by the Office of Public Accountability in response to a whistleblower complaint, and disclosed to senators in a public hearing in June.

In an interview with the PDN after the hearing regarding the reimbursement of questioned costs from 2015 to 2022, OCD Administrator Charles Esteves said FEMA could ask for zero back, or ask for all of it. I dont know.

A scheduled informational hearing by San Nicolas committee on the GHS/OCDs questioned costs was postponed this week.

His chief of staff, Isaiah Aguon, on Tuesday declined to explain the reason for the delay.

If we cant secure one date before the end of the month, Sen. San Nicolas intends to call for an oversight hearing on GHS/OCD in October, which were still waiting for next months schedule, Aguon said.

But Blas had this to say: Take a look at the public hearing room because its been empty.

He said hes aware that GHS/OCD is working with FEMA to bring down the potential $32 million in reimbursements.

Even if you were able to cut that in half, thats still a lot of money, Blas said, But more so, how did we get ourselves in this position to begin with?

Meanwhile, regarding the new revelations, Blas said they absolutely call for an oversight hearing.
Superior Court of Guam Judge Elyze Iriarte dismissed the claims of eight students with special needs against Education Superintendent Erik Swanson and the Guam Education Board.

But claims brought forward by two other plaintiffs in the jointly filed lawsuit will still proceed to trial, Iriarte ordered.

Parents of two special needs students in the Guam Department of Education, identified in court documents as L.A. and G.D., filed the lawsuit in August 2023 on the heels of Typhoon Mawar and public controversy about poor conditions at local schools.

The lawsuit asked the court to order GDOE to fix alleged unsafe and unsanitary conditions at Agueda Johnston Middle School and Oceanview Middle School.

It also alleged other failures to comply with the Every Child Is Entitled to an Adequate Public Education Act, like alleged failures to provide a certified teacher for student L.A.

This past January, the parents of eight more GDOE students  all minors with special needs  joined in on the lawsuit.

But Iriarte on Tuesday ordered that the additional eight claims must be dismissed because of a failure to follow proper procedure in bringing the claims forward.

Her decision followed motions made by attorneys for Swanson and the education board to dismiss the eight claims because they failed to exhaust their administrative claims.

According to the order, none of the eight additional plaintiffs filed a claim under the Government Claims Act before suing, which Guam law requires.

The Government Claims Act is a process where people harmed by GovGuam negligence can file a claim for compensation with the Office of the Attorney General.

Both L.A. and G.D., through their attorneys with the Guam Legal Services Corp., had filed a claim with the AGs office prior to their suit, the order states. They sued after the AGs office and GDOE failed to respond to correspondence.

Because of that, L.A. and G.D. can bring their suit forward to trial.

Though attorneys for the plaintiffs argued that moving forward through the Government Claims Act would be futile, Iriarte rejected the arguments.

Plaintiffs here have not shown that either the OAG or GDOE had made it clear that administrative review would be futile. In fact, the record reflects no statement from either body. Plaintiffs have furnished hearsay statements, she ruled.

Iriarte further ruled that plaintiffs cannot bring forward claims on behalf of other students in a similar situation.
A 42-year-old man has been accused of stealing almost $12,000 in items from a visitor at a hotel pool, according to a magistrates complaint filed in Superior Court.

Zigzag Hallucky, 42, also known as Zigzag Harlucky, was charged Thursday with theft of property as a second-degree felony.

At 9:15 p.m. Tuesday, police were called to Dusit Beach Resort in Tumon, where a guest reported items had been taken from a stroller in the hotels pool area. The visitor said she left her belongings in the stroller as she was eating dinner, and later it appeared as though someone had gone through her bags.

Upon closer inspection, she learned that several items were missing from the bags: a Fuji camera and lens, a gold necklace, three pearl necklaces, silver earrings and a pink gold bracelet. The total value of items was estimated at $11,823.

Hotel security called Guam Police Department, and officers reviewed surveillance footage that showed a man in a white shirt with a black bear in the center walking toward the stroller in the pool area and later concealing what appeared to be the guests bag, the complaint stated.

Workers at the hotel told police they recognized the man from previous encounters.

At 9:05 p.m. Wednesday, police were called to remove homeless people from the entryway of the Grand Plaza in Tumon. Officers recognized Hallucky from the surveillance footage, and they noted he was still wearing the same clothes as in the video.

Hallucky denied being in the area and later told police he didnt steal anything.

He was arrested at 9:30 p.m.
Southern High School in Santa Rita-Sumai has failed its health inspection and school officials will have to correct all the violations before the school can get a sanitary permit needed to reopen, according to a report issued by the Department of Public Health and Social Services on Thursday.

The southern campus earned 57 demerits equating to a D grade, following a three-day inspection that started on Aug. 20, Public Health reports state.

Public Health rules state more than 41 demerits is a failing grade.

GDOE spokesperson Tes Reyes-Burrier said Thursday that the campus is still on track to meet the school districts target of reopening on or before Sept. 30.

Another inspection is likely early next week, and work at the school is close to done, she said.

Southern High School had not seen the same level of volunteer support that the other schools have, Reyes-Burrier noted.

The Santa Rita-Sumai campus, which had more than 1,000 students last school year, is the only Guam Department of Education high school still waiting for a sanitary permit required to open, as of this week.

Southern High is also the only GDOE school so far to fail a health inspection, following the state of emergency declared for the district on Aug. 7.

There hasnt been an inspection at Southern High School since December 2022, Public Health reports show. The campus failed that inspection also, with 60 demerits.

Rubbish, in disrepair

A new 30-page inspection report for the school details rubbish and overgrown vegetation on school grounds, improper ventilation, moisture, and temperatures in a number of classrooms, and restrooms not kept clean and in good repair.

For seven classrooms and six storage rooms at Southern High, inspectors noted that all areas, facilities, and equipment are not clean, not safe, in unsanitary condition and in disrepair, reports show.

There are also a number of items cited which school officials for the past several weeks have been airing, may not necessarily impact the health and safety of kids, like walls and ceilings that are not the right color, or improper lighting in different areas.

Education Superintendent Erik Swanson last week confirmed that a health inspection of the Southern High campus had been halted and would have to be restarted, though he did not say that the campus failed inspection.

Swanson has pointed to the sheer size of the campus, which has over 50 restrooms, as a challenge to getting it ready to pass an inspection.

With more capacity than students, several areas of the Santa Rita-Sumai school are expected to be cordoned off and shut down, according to Swanson.

SORT not at Southern

As work at Southern High School continues, the governors School Opening Readiness Task Force, SORT, is no longer assisting at the campus, Adelup spokesperson Krystal Paco-San Agustin told the Pacific Daily News Thursday.

She said SORT teams were going to the campus this weekend to deal with demerits scored on sinks and water fountains, but were asked by GDOE and Southern High School leadership not to.

They advised us that the Seabees would be there and that the only further assistance theyd need from us was to fill the pool, she said.

The Naval Construction Force, commonly known as the Seabees, were on site at Southern High School, along with Joint Region Marianas support, GDOEs Reyes-Burrier told the PDN.

With Southern High School nearly ready for inspection, SORT support shifted to Inarajan Middle School and J. Q. San Miguel Elementary School, Reyes-Burrier said.

Inarajan Middle, J.Q. San Miguel, Southern High and Price Elementary School are the last GDOE schools waiting for an inspection as of Thursday.

SORT met on Wednesday for updates on the three schools besides Southern High, Paco-San Agustin said.

Many of the outstanding repairs require materials. At JQ San Miguel Elementary, we need 1,000 ceiling tiles and 70 doors that need to be repaired or replaced. These materials need to be provided by DOE. Also their air conditioner repairs are to be done by a contractor, she said.

Paco-San Agustin said the Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency, Guam Fire Department, Guam Energy Office, Guam Housing and Urban Renewal Authority, and Department of Agriculutre have spent hundreds of hours already helping at Southern High.

Work included painting, debris and vegetation removal, tree cutting, and storage room cleaning, along with any other requests from staff.

Education oversight chairman Sen. Chris Barnett said Southern High School staff and GDOE facilities and maintenance personnel continue to work hard to correct deficiencies at the campus.

But he said staff at the school had told him there should be more support from the Leon Guerrero administration. Barnett said legislative staff have been at Southern High for weeks, helping.

Many of the staff and teachers I spoke to at the school are wondering why we arent seeing all hands on deck for our southern students the way they have seen at other schools across the district, Barnett said.

The governors SORT team had helped initially, but Southern High needed the same help the Department of Public Works gave to Okkodo High School and George Washington High School to get kids back to face-to-face learning, the senator added.
Angel R. Sablan is the current director of the Department of Parks and Recreation and a former longtime executive director of the Mayors Council of Guam. He is also currently vice chairman of the Guam Education Board.
A serene evening walk with her beloved dog turned into a nightmare for an elderly North Fort Myers woman last week, when an alligator emerged from a nearby pond and sank its teeth into her causing significant injuries to her arm and wrist.

But there was no way that gator was getting her dog.

Just before the alligator attacked on the evening of Sept. 5, the woman, who has been identified as Del Boppel, 84, a resident of the Julia Mobile Home and RV Park, told NBC News, it all happened so fast, she didnt have time to think. But she did have the instinct to toss her small Shih Tzu, Queen, up in the air, to keep her away from the alligators jaws  and then she punched at the alligator.

It was like a torpedo, she told the news outlet. Ive never seen anything moving that fast in all my life  That alligator took off like 35 miles an hour and Im not joking.

Queen was uninjured in the attack and Boppel is recovering from her injuries.

Speaking to GulfLive, Lauren Claerbout, a spokesperson for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, said commission officials, the Lee County Sheriffs Office and Lee County Emergency Medical Services all responded to the scene and a contracted nuisance alligator trapper removed a 73 alligator.

The victim was transported to the hospital to be treated for her injuries, Claerbout said but added that, Serious injuries caused by alligators are rare in Florida.

In fact, the likelihood of a Florida resident being seriously injured during an unprovoked alligator incident is roughly only one in 3.1 million.

According to the commissions latest data, over the last decade, Florida has averaged eight unprovoked bites each year  bites that were serious enough to require professional medical treatment. And from 1948 to 2022, there have been 453 unprovoked bite incidents in Florida, of which 26 were fatal.

While rare, Claerbout said Floridas wildlife commission places the highest priority on public safety and administers a Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program called SNAP.

Through SNAP, she said they work to proactively address alligator threats in developed areas while conserving alligators in areas where they naturally occur.

In Florida, mature female alligators average between six and nine feet in length, with mature male alligators ranging between six and twelve feet but some are even larger with the state record going to a 14 foot, 3-1/2 inch male, from Lake Washington in Brevard County. And the heaviest alligator, also a male nearly 14-feet long and weighing in at 1,043 pounds, was found in Orange Lake in Alachua County.

The FWC recommends certain precautionary measures near alligators, whether they are in or near the water, to reduce the chance of attack.

Keep pets on a leash and away from the waters edge. Pets often resemble alligators natural prey.

Swim only in designated swimming areas during daylight hours and without your pet. Alligators are most active between dusk and dawn.

Never feed an alligator. Its illegal and dangerous. When fed, alligators can lose their natural wariness and instead learn to associate people with the availability of food. This can lead to an alligator becoming a nuisance and needing to be removed from the wild.

And though it goes without saying, Claerbout said, always keep a safe distance if you see an alligator.

Anyone with concerns about an alligator can call FWCs toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286), and a contracted nuisance alligator trapper will be dispatched to resolve the situation.
During a post-storm news conference on Thursday, Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry praised the resilience of his states residents, calling them the toughest people on earth, and extended his gratitude to the countless individuals who offered their prayers of protection after Hurricane Francine made landfall as a Category 2 storm Wednesday.

Today, I am just elated that those prayers worked, Landry said. As of right now, we have no reports of any storm-related fatalities, and we want to keep it that way.

That said, he advised residents to check on friends and neighbors to make sure they are secure, adding that the worst of times brings out the best of Louisianas people.

Local shelters reportedly housed about 500 residents overnight  and approximately 311 still remain. But no patients from the states hospitals or nursing homes required evacuation.

Louisiana roadways closed

The storm did cause its share of damage throughout the state, leaving many of Louisianas roadways currently closed. Louisiana State Police Col. Robert Hodges said officials will continue removing downed branches, trees and debris throughout the day, and encouraged everyone to stay off the roads until further notice, unless its an emergency.

Electrical outages

Around 355,000 residents are still without power  but thats down by almost 100,000 from the storms peak, when approximately 450,000 people lost electricity.

Officials said electrical outages are still in the assessment phase, as crews continue to survey damage and restore service. Luckily, they report, the bulk of damage appears to be due to vegetation, related to trees and limbs  and not structural damage, which would take longer to address.

Louisianas recovery phase

Now focused on the recovery phase, Louisiana U.S. Sen. John Kennedy pledged the state will get the money it needs to rebound.

Theres always something to be grateful for, but that is cold comfort to our people who sustained damage, and we did have damage, a lot of wind, a lot of water and loss of power, Kennedy said. We will get the money that we deserve from the federal government to help. Thats why we pay taxes, whether its in the form of public assistance, infrastructure repair, personal assistance or mitigation grants.

However, Kennedy also said that the damage would have been much worse if not for the investment that taxpayers have made in flood protection throughout the state

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell echoed Kennedys sentiment, adding that the amount of money invested in resilience and flood mitigation efforts paid off during this storm.

But she said, shes aware there is damage out there yet unseen and over the coming days, Criswell will join the governor and other officials to visit local communities in order to assess the storms impacts and determine what type of additional federal assistance might be needed. She also advises residents with damage to their homes to take photos and call their insurance agency now.

The pre-landfall emergency declaration that President Biden approved at the governors request will allow us to continue to support those lifesaving efforts and make sure that the governor has what he needs, and his team needs, to support the immediate response efforts today, Criswell said. My role here today is to really see firsthand what those impacts are to these communities and hear from the people that have been impacted, so we know what type of additional assistance they may need as we go forward.
Francine weakened into a tropical depression Thursday morning over south-central Mississippi, soaking the state and its neighbors in heavy rain after it slammed into the Louisiana coast Wednesday evening as a dangerous Category 2 hurricane.

Despite moving out of the area, flooding and several threats still linger across southern Louisiana. Plus, hundreds of thousands are still without power in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. There were no immediate reports of deaths or injuries.

More than 350,000 customers were without power across Louisiana on Thursday morning, while about 32,000 in Mississippi and 23,000 in Alabama were in the dark, according to according to utility tracker PowerOutage.us.

There are still several flood warnings in effect, covering the following rivers and creeks:

Wolf River

Biloxi River

Tchoutacabouffa River

Hobolochitto Creek

East Hobolochitto Creek

Pearl River

Tangipahoa River

Tchefuncte River

Bogue Falaya River

Francine continued to weaken into a tropical depression Thursday morning, with maximum sustained winds dropping to 35 mph by 10 a.m. CT, according to the National Hurricane Center. A tropical storm is reclassified as a tropical depression when its maximum winds dip below 38 mph.

The system is expected to continue weakening and become a post-tropical cyclone later Thursday before slowing down and moving over central and northern Mississippi through early Friday.

Francine is expected to continue weakening and become a post-tropical cyclone later Thursday before slowing down and moving over central and northern Mississippi through early Friday.Courtesy National Hurricane Center

While all storm surge warnings and watches and warnings along the coast have been canceled, focus now shifts to the aftermath of the storm.

The National Weather Service in New Orleans urged caution after the storm and offered these tips:

If you evacuated, only return home when directed its safe to do so.

Remain vigilant, as hazards remain: heat, downed power lines, floodwaters and more.

Clean up safely: Dont push yourself, and check on neighbors.

Only use generators outdoors, 20-plus feet from your home.

Prepare for the likelihood that help and communications may not be available.

Francine made landfall Wednesday at 5 p.m. CT as a Category 2 hurricane in Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana, about 30 miles south-southwest of Morgan City. Sustained winds of 100 mph battered a fragile coastal region that has not fully recovered from a series of devastating hurricanes in 2020 and 2021.

The system then moved at a fast clip toward New Orleans, lashing the city with torrential rain.

News footage from coastal communities showed waves from lakes, rivers and Gulf waters thrashing seawalls. Water poured into city streets in blinding downpours. Oak and cypress trees leaned in the high winds, and some utility poles swayed.

By early Thursday, water was receding in Jefferson Parish, where streets flooded, but canals were still high, parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng said in a social media post. Pumps that operated through the night could not keep up with the storm, causing sewer system problems, she said.

She asked residents to give the parish time to clear the streets, noting that the hazards after a storm can sometimes be more dangerous than the storm itself.

As the sun rose in Morgan City, residents gathered tree branches that were strewn across their yards, where water rose almost to their doors.

Sheriffs deputies helped evacuate dozens of people, including many small children, who were trapped by rising water Wednesday evening in Thibodaux. Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre said deputies also rescued residents in the Kraemer community.

The sixth named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, Francine drew fuel from exceedingly warm Gulf of Mexico waters.

In addition to torrential rains, there was a lingering threat of spinoff tornadoes from the storm Thursday in Florida and Alabama.

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry said the National Guard would fan out to parishes affected by Francine. The Guard has food, water, nearly 400 high-water vehicles, about 100 boats and 50 helicopters to respond to the storm, including for search-and-rescue operations.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Update 10:57 p.m. CT, Wednesday Sept. 11: Francine has weakened to a tropical storm but still has the potential to bring life-threatening storm surge, strong winds and heavy rainfall to Louisiana and Mississippi.

###

Hurricane Francine has been downgraded to a Category 1 storm but is still packing a punch as it moves inland in southern Louisiana.

The storm is bringing with it a significant flash flood threat, the National Weather Service in New Orleans said. Theres also a tornado threat for the area.

Heavy rain, storm surge flooding, damaging winds and tornadoes will be possible through Thursday morning, forecasters said.

A tornado warning was issued in southwestern Hancock County in Mississippi as a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located near Shoreline Park moving northwest at 35 mph.

The probable path for Hurricane Francine is shown within the cone, valid at 7 p.m. CT on Sept. 11, 2024.Courtesy National Hurricane Center

As of 8 p.m. CT, Francines center was located about 50 miles west-southwest of New Orleans, according to the latest update from the National Hurricane Center.

Francine, which made landfall in Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana, is moving northeast at near 17 mph. This

general motion should continue, taking the system across

southeastern Louisiana Wednesday night and across Mississippi Thursday and Thursday night.

Heavy rains and gusty winds are spreading across metropolitan New Orleans. An observation in Lakefront Airport reported sustained winds of 37 mph with a gust to 49 mph. Conditions are expected to continue to deteriorate Wednesday evening.

Significant flash flooding threat continues as Francine pushes inland. Stay off the roads and continue to shelter in place! We still have a ways to go before we are out of the woods! https://t.co/Bn27E1xkL4  NWS New Orleans (@NWSNewOrleans) September 12, 2024

Maximum sustained winds are now near 75 mph with higher gusts. Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 40 miles from the center of the storm, and tropical storm-force winds extend outward up to 140 miles.

Rapid weakening is expected, and the system is forecast to become post-tropical Thursday night or Friday.

Power outages in Louisiana topped 190,000 hours after landfall, spread widely across southeast Louisiana. Blackouts affected the majority of homes and businesses in coastal parishes nearest where the storm came inland as well as their inland neighbors, according to the tracking site poweroutage.us.

The National Hurricane Center and officials urged residents to stay sheltered overnight as the hurricane churned inland. The storms projected path includes New Orleans, where forecasters said the storms eye could pass through.

Despite the shelter-in-place warning, some bars in the New Orleans French Quarter are keeping their doors open, even if the lights go out.

The latest rainfall forecast from the National Hurricane Center, valid at 7 p.m. CT on Sept. 11, 2024, shows where the heaviest rain is expected to fall from Hurricane Francine now that the storm is moving inland.Courtesy National Hurricane Center

Much of Louisiana and Mississippi could get 4 to 8 inches of rain, with the possibility of 12 inches in some spots, said Brad Reinhart, a senior hurricane specialist at the hurricane center.

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry said the National Guard would fan out to parishes impacted by Francine. They have food, water, nearly 400 high-water vehicles, about 100 boats and 50 helicopters to respond to the storm, including for possible search-and-rescue operations.

President Joe Biden granted an emergency declaration to help Louisiana secure expedited federal money and assistance. Landry and Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves also declared states of emergency.

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.

Storm surge

The peak storm surge forecast for Francine from the National Hurricane Center, valid at 4 p.m. CT on Sept. 11, 2024. The worst of the surge is expected to be between Burns Point and Port Fourchon.Courtesy National Hurricane Center

A storm surge warning remains in effect for the Vermilion-Cameron Parish line in Louisiana to the Mississippi-Alabama border, including the Vermilion Bay, Lake Maurepas and Lake Pontchartrain.

The deepest water will occur along the immediate coast near and to the east of where landfall occurred, where the surge will be accompanied by large and dangerous waves. Surge-related flooding depends on the relative timing of the surge and the tidal cycle and can vary greatly over short distances.

The tides are going up and they will be continuing to go up throughout the rest of tonight. Please stay away from the lakefront! Stay at home and shelter in place until Francine passes. pic.twitter.com/ZbuGMYCTon  NWS New Orleans (@NWSNewOrleans) September 12, 2024

Storm surge is not expected to pose a threat to the risk reduction system levees. However, there may be some overtopping of local levees, forecasters said.

The water could reach the following heights if the peak surge occurs at the same time as high tide:

Burns Point, Louisiana, to Port Fourchon, Louisiana: 5 to 10 feet.

Port Fourchon to the mouth of the Mississippi River: 4 to 7 feet.

Mouth of the Pearl River in Louisiana to Ocean Springs, Mississippi: 4 to 6 feet.

Lake Pontchartrain: 4 to 6 feet.

Ocean Springs to the Mississippi-Alabama border: 3 to 5 feet.

Intracoastal City, Louisiana, to Burns Point: 3 to 5 feet.

Lake Maurepas: 3 to 5 feet.

A storm surge warning means there is a danger of life-threatening inundation from rising water moving inland from the coastline beginning Wednesday for the indicated locations.

Other warnings and watches

A hurricane warning is in effect for the Louisiana coast from the Vermilion-Cameron line eastward to Grand Isle. A hurricane warning means that hurricane conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area.

A hurricane watch is in effect for Lake Maurepas and Lake Pontchartrain, including metropolitan New Orleans. A hurricane watch means that hurricane conditions are possible within the watch area.

A tropical storm warning is in effect for the Louisiana coast from Cameron to the Vermilion-Cameron line; East of Grand Isle, Louisiana, to the Alabama-Florida border; and at Lake Maurepas and Lake Pontchartrain, including metropolitan New Orleans. A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area.

A tornado watch has been issued for much of southeastern Louisiana and the entire Mississippi coast until 11 p.m. CT. According to the National Weather Service, 807 schools, 85 hospitals, and more than 2.5 million people are under the tornado watch. The watch begins south of Abbeville, Louisiana and extends to the Alabama-Mississippi border.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.




Francine has weakened to a tropical storm but still has the potential to bring life-threatening storm surge, strong winds and heavy rainfall to Louisiana and Mississippi.

As of 10 p.m. CT, Francines center was located about 35 miles west-northwest of New Orleans, according to the latest update from the National Hurricane Center.

Francine, which made landfall in Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana, is moving northeast at near 16 mph. A slower north-northeastward motion is expected during the next couple of days, taking the system across southeastern Louisiana Wednesday night and across Mississippi Thursday and Thursday night.

Francine is now downgraded to a tropical storm. Please do not underestimate the impacts though, heavy rainfall causing widespread flooding, damaging winds and isolated tornadoes are still occurring. Continue to stay put and shelter in place! pic.twitter.com/b2wNPOCP87  NWS New Orleans (@NWSNewOrleans) September 12, 2024

Maximum sustained winds are now near 70 mph with higher gusts. Tropical storm-force winds extend outward up to 140 miles. Gusts to hurricane-force have been occurring in the New Orleans area.

Rapid weakening is forecast, and Francine is expected to

become a tropical depression by late Thursday and a post-tropical cyclone Thursday night or early Friday.

The storm is expected to push northward through Mississippi on Thursday, with widespread rains in the coming days bringing potential flash flooding to cities including Jackson, Mississippi; Birmingham, Alabama; Memphis, Tennessee; and Atlanta. It also raised the threat of spin-off tornadoes.

The probable path for Hurricane Francine is shown within the cone, valid at 10 p.m. CT on Sept. 11, 2024.Courtesy National Hurricane Center

Power outages in Louisiana topped 261,000 hours after landfall, spread widely across southeast Louisiana. Blackouts affected the majority of homes and businesses in coastal parishes nearest where the storm came ashore as well as their inland neighbors, according to the tracking site poweroutage.us.

The National Hurricane Center urged residents to stay sheltered overnight Wednesday as the weakening hurricane churned inland toward New Orleans.

Despite the shelter-in-place warning, some bars in the New Orleans French Quarter are keeping their doors open, even if the lights go out.

The sixth named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, Francine drew fuel from exceedingly warm Gulf of Mexico waters, strengthening to a Category 2 storm with winds exceeding 96 mph hours in the hours before landfall in Terrebonne Parish, about 30 miles southwest of Morgan City.

Still dangerous, the storm began weakening as it rushed inland. Three hours after landfall it barely remained a hurricane, with top sustained winds down to 75 mph.

The latest rainfall forecast from the National Hurricane Center, valid at 7 p.m. CT on Sept. 11, 2024, shows where the heaviest rain is expected to fall from Hurricane Francine now that the storm is moving inland.Courtesy National Hurricane Center

Much of Louisiana and Mississippi could get 4 to 8 inches of rain, with the possibility of 12 inches in some spots, said Brad Reinhart, a senior hurricane specialist at the hurricane center.

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry said the National Guard would fan out to parishes impacted by Francine. They have food, water, nearly 400 high-water vehicles, about 100 boats and 50 helicopters to respond to the storm, including for possible search-and-rescue operations.

President Joe Biden granted an emergency declaration to help Louisiana secure expedited federal money and assistance. Landry and Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves also declared states of emergency.

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 amid expectations the storm would cross the state.

Storm surge

As Francine has moved inland, the National Hurricane Center has tweaked its peak storm surge forecast, valid at 10 p.m. CT on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024.Courtesy National Hurricane Center

A storm surge warning is in effect for Avery Island, Louisiana, to the Mississippi-Alabama border, including the Vermilion Bay, Lake Maurepas and Lake Pontchartrain.

The storm surge warning west of Avery Island has been discontinued.

A storm surge warning means there is a danger of life-threatening inundation, from rising water moving inland from the coastline.

The deepest water will occur along the immediate coast near and to the east of where landfall occurred, where the surge will be accompanied by large and dangerous waves. Surge-related flooding depends on the relative timing of the surge and the tidal cycle and can vary greatly over short distances.

Storm surge is not expected to pose a threat to the risk reduction system levees. However, there may be some overtopping of local levees, forecasters said.

The water could reach the following heights if the peak surge occurs at the same time as high tide:

Burns Point, Louisiana, to Port Fourchon, Louisiana: 5 to 8 feet.

Port Fourchon to the mouth of the Mississippi River: 4 to 6 feet.

Mouth of the Pearl River in Louisiana to Ocean Springs, Mississippi: 4 to 6 feet.

Lake Pontchartrain: 4 to 6 feet.

Ocean Springs to the Mississippi-Alabama border: 3 to 5 feet.

Intracoastal City, Louisiana, to Burns Point: 3 to 5 feet.

Lake Maurepas: 3 to 5 feet.

Other warnings and watches

As Francine moves inland, the hurricane center has made changes to warnings and watches.

The hurricane warning from Intracoastal City to Grand Isle has been downgraded to a tropical storm warning. All hurricane watches have been discontinued. Hurricane and tropical storm warnings west of Intracoastal City have been discontinued.

A tropical storm warning is in effect for the following locations:

Intracoastal City, Louisiana, to the Alabama-Florida border.

Lake Maurepas and Lake Pontchartrain, including metropolitan New Orleans.

The Storm Prediction Center also has issued a tornado watch until 6 a.m. ET Thursday for portions of southeast Louisiana, southern Mississippi, southwest Alabama, the Florida Panhandle and along coastal waters.




Haiti - FLASH : Rain of denials in favor of the Haitians of Springfield





Since Monday, in Springfield, Ohio, the Haitian community has been living in fear and anxiety after malicious rumors https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-43185-haiti-news-zapping.html , echoed both in the mouths of certain elected officials and a certain press in the USA, were spread about Haitians. They are unfairly accused of having stolen, brutalized and consumed domestic cats and ducks, they are also held responsible for the insalubrity in the city among other accusations.



The administration of Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has formally denied these allegations. He has taken new measures to help Springfield cope with the influx of Haitian migrants (13% of the population). He notably announced the allocation of an envelope of 2.5 million dollars and the deployment of additional troops in the city



The police authorities of Springfield declared that they had not received any complaints on this subject and categorically deny these allegations.



The Ministry of Haitians Living Abroad (MHAVE) denounces a discriminatory campaign threatening the lives of Haitian nationals in Springfield and is committed to supporting these compatriots.



The Repatriated and Refugee Support Group (GARR) deplores that American officials can peddle these harmful, racist and xenophobic ideas, endangering the lives of several thousand Haitians living in Ohio. The GARR recalls that the Haitian community in the United States is made up of hard workers, people who strive daily to earn their living in dignity by supporting their families in Haiti and contribute to the development of the United States.



White House denounces false claims about Haitian immigrants as "dangerous" that Haitian immigrants attack pets could escalate into anti-immigrant violence.



National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said, "This kind of misinformation is dangerous because there will be people who believe it, no matter how ridiculous and stupid it is."



According to the White House, "These rumors about pets in Springfield began going viral over the past weekend, based in part on comments from residents at public hearings and a fourth-hand story posted in a Facebook group devoted to crime. By Monday, they were being embraced by supporters of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump [...]"



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-43185-haiti-news-zapping.html



S/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - News : Zapping...





Antonio Guterres rejects the idea of blue helmets in Haiti

Antonio Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, has rejected the idea of converting the Security Support Mission in Haiti into a Peacekeeping Mission (blue helmets) saying that it would not be the "best solution" for a country struggling with armed gangs and a serious humanitarian crisis. He described the situation in Haiti as scandalous because of the difficulty in mobilizing the necessary funds for the Multinational Security Support Mission.



Council of Ministers postponed

The Council of Ministers that was to be held on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, has been postponed to Friday, September 13, a source close to the Government informs. The appointment of members of the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP), the establishment of the truth commission, a fourteenth month of salary for civil servants for the start of the school year are, among other items on the agenda of this Council of Ministers.



2 men kidnapped by pirates in the harbor of PAP

On Tuesday, September 10, in the harbor of Port-au-Prince, armed pirates aboard a motorboat boarded a container ship belonging to the international company Crowley and kidnapped two Filipino crew members on board before leaving with their hostages



September 11 attack

"Today, we commemorate and pay tribute to those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. We will never forget them. And we will never forget that when an enemy tried to divide us, our country united. We have remained unite," declared the United States Embassy in Haiti. Let us recall that 23 years ago to the day, at 8:46 and 9:03, two airliners hijacked by members of Al-Qaeda hit the twin towers of the World Trade Center causing 2,977 deaths including 2 Haitians.



Duckens Nazon unsatisfied

The striker Duckens Nazon author of a hat-trick against Sint Maarten, beaten [6-0] https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-43173-haiti-flash-league-of-nations-haiti-crushes-sint-maarten-[6-0]-video.html , always very demanding of himself, is not fully satisfied with his performance, believing that he could have done even better. Nevertheless, he is delighted with the team's victory, which won both games of this gathering and took the lead in the group. "This is perfectly in line with the objectives set : to move up to League A and qualify for the Gold Cup," Nazon said.



Haiti at the Yale Peace Fellows Program

On a visit to the United States, Transitional Presidential Advisor Laurent Saint-Cyr is currently hosted by the prestigious Yale University to participate in the launch of the Yale Peace Fellows Program, a program of excellence dedicated to resolving international conflicts. This program will specifically address the issue of insecurity in Haiti, thus aiming to address the fundamental causes of this deep malaise and to propose concrete and lasting solutions.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















China, Egypt to implement consensus, deepen cooperation

Xinhua) 11:09, September 12, 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 Youssef Alaa El-Deen, secretary general of the Egyptian National Security Council, in St. Petersburg, Russia, Sept. 11, 2024. (Xinhua/Cao Yang)

ST. PETERSBURG, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- During a meeting in Russia's St. Petersburg on Wednesday, Chinese and Egyptian government representatives agreed to further implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state and deepen cooperation.

Meeting with Youssef Alaa El-Deen, secretary general of the Egyptian National Security Council, Wang Yi, director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, noted that Chinese President Xi Jinping and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi have provided strategic guidance for China-Egypt relations, which has served as a strong political guarantee for mutual trust and unity between the two countries.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that China is willing to implement the key agreements between the two heads of state, deepen all-around mutually beneficial cooperation and push bilateral relations toward the goal of building a China-Egypt community with a shared future in the new era.

Wang pointed out that Egypt, as a major developing country with significant influence in the Arab, African, and Islamic worlds, is welcomed as a new BRICS member attending this year's meeting of the BRICS high-ranking officials responsible for security matters and national security advisors for the first time.

China is ready to collaborate with Egypt and other BRICS partners to steadily advance greater BRICS cooperation, create an important platform for South-South cooperation, and safeguard the common interests of developing countries while defending international fairness and justice, Wang said.

Wang expressed appreciation for Egypt's contribution to the success of the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing and stated China's willingness to work with Egypt and other African countries to build an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era, implement the ten partnership actions for modernization, and help Africa accelerate its development and revitalization.

El-Deen expressed his pleasure in Egypt's participation in the BRICS mechanism for the first time as a full member and thanked China for its valuable support. He affirmed the strong mutual trust and solid relations between Egypt and China.

Egypt is committed to advancing the Belt and Road Initiative and expanding practical cooperation under the guidance of the two countries' leaders, he said, adding that Egypt will continue to actively engage in the FOCAC and the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum, and explore ways to strengthen trilateral cooperation with China and its African partners.

Both sides exchanged views on the Gaza conflict and the Ukraine crisis. El-Deen spoke highly of China's efforts in promoting reconciliation among Palestinian factions and commended China's efforts to mediate and promote peace talks.

Both sides expressed their willingness to work together in calling for a ceasefire and end to hostilities in Gaza as soon as possible and seeking a fundamental and permanent solution to the Palestinian issue. They also agreed to enhance communication and collaboration on the Ukraine issue to jointly promote a political resolution to the crisis.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Finlands recent proposal to prevent Russian citizens from purchasing property within its borders was covered in an article by Euronews on September 3.

Here is a selection of what the international press has published about Finland in the last week:

The article gives details of the proposal aimed to strengthen Finlands national security in light of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

The proposed ban would apply to Russian citizens living in any EU country and dual citizens with Russian nationality, and it could be extended to other countries seen as security threats.

The Finnish government already has some measures in place to block property purchases deemed risky for national security, but the new proposal would significantly broaden these powers. Led by Defence Minister Antti Hakkanen, the move is in response to a surge in suspicious Russian-owned properties in Finland, including fortified properties and hotels with helipads near sensitive infrastructure. The government has been closely monitoring these sites, concerned about potential threats to infrastructure.

Before the ban can take effect, it must go through parliamentary approval and expert consultations. Finland has witnessed an increase in suspicious real estate transactions involving Russian citizens. Some of these properties, such as loss-making hotels or heavily fortified buildings, are located near critical infrastructure. The Finnish government has ramped up surveillance of these properties, fearing they could be used for activities that undermine national security or be part of broader covert operations.

The article highlights that Finlands defence policy now involves tighter collaboration with its EU and NATO partners, particularly in the areas of intelligence sharing, security technology, and joint defense initiatives.

Original story was published by Euronews on 03.09.2024 and can be found here.

Finlands Fortum uses US nuclear fuel to cut Russia dependence

Fortums recent move to reduce its reliance on Russian nuclear fuel was covered in an article by Reuters on September 2. Fortum has now transitioned to fuel provided by U.S.-based Westinghouse Electric for its Loviisa Nuclear Power Plant. The article looks at the move in the light of Finland's broader strategy, to strengthen its energy independence, especially after Russias invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Fortum had previously depended on nuclear fuel from TVEL, a subsidiary of Russias state-owned Rosatom, but began seeking alternatives following the conflict, which raised concerns about the security and reliability of Russian energy supplies.

Fortums Loviisa plant, which contributes approximately 10% of Finlands electricity, has successfully loaded fully Western nuclear fuel for the first time during its annual maintenance in August 2024.

For the first time in Loviisas history, we have fully Western fuel, Fortums head of nuclear generation Petra Lundstrom told Reuters, adding it included uranium, the fuel assemblies and also the enrichment process originating from Western sources, without providing further details.

This significant shift ensures that Finland has a stable, secure, and Western-aligned energy source moving forward. The transition is viewed as critical for Finlands energy security, particularly after the country joined NATO in 2023, a move that further strained relations with Russia and heightened concerns over potential fuel supply interruptions.

Despite the switch, Fortum will continue to honor its existing contracts with Russias TVEL, which are set to run until 2027 and 2030. This cautious approach reflects the complexities involved in fully transitioning away from Russian nuclear fuel, especially given Russias continued dominance in parts of the nuclear supply chain, such as uranium conversion and enrichment.

Original story was published by Reuters on 02.09.2024 and can be found here.

Mint of Finland closing down amid falling demand for coins

Mint of Finlands decision to close its operations by the spring of 2025 was covered in an article by Coin World on September 6. The article describes how the closure will impact the production of coins for Finland and several other nations.

Mint of Finland has been a significant exporter of coinage. The closure comes after the completion of current contracts, with no new offers being accepted. All employees will lose their jobs once the mint shuts down.

The closure Is attributed to changes in global payment methods and deteriorating business conditions. The mint had been actively involved in striking circulation coins for several countries, including Guatemala, Colombia, and Mozambique, among others. It had secured contracts to produce 400 million 1-quetzal coins for Guatemala and 370.5 million peso-denominated coins for Colombia, which were set to be completed between 2023 and 2025.

The decision follows the sale of the division responsible for creating coin blanks earlier in January 2024, which was meant to refocus the company on coinage production.

Original story was published by Coin World on 06.09.2024 and can be found here.

Finnish berry execs on trial for human trafficking, court expects 6-month proceedings

This article about the trial of Vernu Vasunta, CEO of the Finnish berry company Kiantama, and his Thai business partner, Kalyakorn Durian Phongpit, around aggravated human trafficking in Finland was published in ScandAsia on September 4. The article emphasizes the wider impact these trials could have on the industry, given the previous labor issues within Finlands berry-picking industry.

The executives are facing 62 counts of human trafficking, where the charges stem from the alleged exploitation of Thai berry pickers during the 2022 harvest season. Prosecutors claim the workers were recruited under false pretenses and subjected to forced labor and inhumane conditions, with debts accumulated due to inflated costs for flights, visas, and food.

The trial, expected to last six months, highlights the complexity and seriousness of the case. Prosecutors are seeking 3-4 year prison sentences for both defendants, a 100,000-euro fine for Kiantama, and the forfeiture of 230,000 euros to the Finnish state, which is said to represent the proceeds of the crime.

This case is part of a larger investigation into labor practices in Finlands berry-picking industry. In a related trial, Jukka Kristo, former CEO of Polarica, faces 77 charges of aggravated human trafficking, with Phongpit also implicated. These trials are seen as pivotal in addressing concerns about the exploitation of foreign workers in Finlands agricultural sector, potentially leading to reforms in how workers are treated.

Original story was published by ScandAsia on 04.09.2024 and can be found here.

HT
Thanks to the Biden-Harris American Rescue Plan, twenty states are now providing these critical services to individuals experiencing mental health or substance use disorders

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), approved New Hampshires Medicaid State Plan Amendment for community-based mobile crisis intervention teams to provide services for people experiencing a mental health or substance use disorder crisis. New Hampshire is now able to connect Medicaid-eligible individuals in crisis to a behavioral health provider 24 hours per day, 365 days a year. Importantly, this approval marks 20 states and the District of Columbia that have expanded access to community-based mental health and substance use services under a new Medicaid option created by the Biden-Harris American Rescue Plan.

Expanding access to mental health and substance use care  especially for those in crisis  is a top priority for the Biden-Harris Administration, said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. I applaud New Hampshire for making mobile crisis care and other community-based supports available to its residents. I encourage more states to do the same. These resources save lives and improve health.

Mobile crisis services meet people where they are, providing essential mental health and substance use disorder services when people need them most, said CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure. I applaud New Hampshire on this policy because we know that meeting people in crisis where they are, with access to a behavioral health specialist 24 hours per day, can help save lives, This is especially poignant during National Recovery Month to offer support, celebrate those working through recovery, and highlight treatment and recovery practices.

The Biden-Harris Administration has made addressing the nations mental health crisis a top priority, and this new option gives states an opportunity to support community-based mobile crisis intervention teams to provide services for individuals with Medicaid. Mobile crisis intervention teams aim to provide rapid response, individual assessment, and crisis de-escalation by trained behavioral health professionals and paraprofessionals. The multidisciplinary team provides screening and assessment; stabilization and de-escalation; and coordination with and referrals to health, social, and other services, as needed. This helps states better integrate behavioral health services into their Medicaid programs  a cornerstone of the sustainable, public health-focused support networks our communities need.

Providing fast, appropriate care to someone in crisis may reduce the need for costly inpatient services, and this new option will help New Hampshire expand access to behavioral health professionals as the initial contact for someone in crisis. New Hampshire can now receive Medicaid funding for mobile crisis response crisis planning, directly connecting people to specialized services, referring ongoing supports, and following-up check-ins for individuals experiencing a mental health or substance use disorder crisis.

In addition to New Hampshire, the following states, as well as the District of Columbia, have received approval to implement this provision through a State Plan amendment: Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and West Virginia.

Todays announcement is the latest in HHSs ongoing efforts to support President Bidens whole-of-government strategy to transform mental health services for all Americans - a key part of the Presidents Unity Agenda. For more information on New Hampshires approval, visit Medicaid.gov.
OCR takes enforcement action against San Juan Capestrano Hospital to strengthen access to health services and ensure effective communication for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing

Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Office for Civil Rights (OCR) announced the issuance of a Letter of Finding and Notice of Violation against the San Juan Capestrano Hospital, following a thorough investigation, for violating disability civil rights laws when it failed to provide a patient with a sign language interpreter, under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (Section 504) and Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (Section 1557), laws which prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability.

Effective communication during mental health evaluations is critical to ensure appropriate care and treatment for every patient. Patients who are deaf or hard-of-hearing must receive the same level of communication as patients without auditory disabilities, said OCR Director Melanie Fontes Rainer. OCR will continue to rigorously enforce the laws and regulations in strengthening access to health services for individuals with disabilities to ensure equity and nondiscrimination in health care and human services.

Section 504 prohibits discrimination based on disability in any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance from HHS, while Section 1557 does the same with respect to certain health programs and activities. Collectively, Section 504 and Section 1557 prohibit any entity that receives Federal financial assistance from discriminating against qualified individuals with disabilities and requires an entity to take steps to ensure that communication with individuals with disabilities through the use of appropriate auxiliary aids and services is as effective as communication with others. OCR finalized important updates to the rules implementing Section 504 and Section 1557 this spring.

OCR received a complaint alleging the Hospital discriminated against a patient on the basis of disability by failing to provide a sign language interpreter for a court-ordered psychiatric evaluation at the Hospital, which denied the patient an equal opportunity to participate in or benefit from the Hospitals programs and services because of the disability. As a result of its investigation, OCR determined that:

The patient was a qualified individual with a disability who used sign language as her primary form of communication;

The patient needed a sign language interpreter to communicate effectively with others;

The Hospitals use of handwritten notes, gestures, and lip reading was insufficient given the complexity of the communications required to perform a psychiatric evaluation and the centrality of communication to such an evaluation;

The Hospital failed to take appropriate steps to ensure that communication with the patient was as effective as communication with persons who are not deaf or hard-of-hearing; and

The Hospital failed to provide auxiliary aids and services where necessary to provide effective communication and afford the patient an equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from the Hospitals services.

OCRs determination advises the Hospital to contact OCR within thirty days and enter into a Settlement Agreement within sixty days. The Settlement Agreement outlines the actions that the Hospital must take to remedy the violations. If compliance has not been secured through a Settlement Agreement negotiation, the HHS division that has disbursed federal funding to the Hospital may take potential action. This action may ultimately result in limitations on continued receipt of HHS funds.

Click to read the Letter of Finding / Notice of Violation: https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-providers/compliance-enforcement/examples/disability/san-juan-capestrano-hospital-lof/index.html.

This action is just the latest in a series of efforts OCR has made to advance and protect the civil rights of people with disabilities. This includes the announcement of the Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 final rule and the Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act final rule.

For more information on Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and how it protects individuals with disabilities, visit: https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-individuals/disability/index.html.

For more information on the nondiscrimination provisions in Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act, visit: https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/for-individuals/section-1557/index.html.

If you believe that you have been discriminated against in programs or activities that HHS directly operates or to which HHS provides federal financial assistance, you may file a complaint for yourself or someone else at: https://www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/filing-a-complaint/index.html.

Follow HHS OCR on X (formerly Twitter) at @HHSOCR.
By now, it has become clear in more ways than one that the ongoing civil war in Myanmar has had ripple effects in Northeast India, which shares a 1640 km-long land border with the strife-torn country.

Recently, the spillover became apparent in yet another manner when the chief minister of Mizoram, Lalduhoma, speaking at a diaspora event in the US, urged Chin armed groups in Myanmars Chin State to work amicably with the Arakan Army (AA), a powerful ethnic Rakhine armed group from neighbouring Rakhine State.

The suggestion sparked a bitter response from the Chin National Front (CNF), the dominant armed group in Chin State. Why did the Mizoram CM comment on what Chins in Chin State should do? Why is the CNF unhappy about that?

Mizo-Chin affinities

The Mizoram CM, who belongs to the Zoram Peoples Movement (ZPM) party and took charge last December following a historic election, made the suggestion for Chin-Rakhine detente at what his office referred to as a Chin Community Meeting Programme in Indianapolis.

To a lay observer, Lalduhomas remarks might seem unwarranted. But, a closer look at its ethno-political context says otherwise. The Mizo and the Chin share a deep fraternal relationship. Both belong to the Zo ethnic super-group whose historical legacies transcend the colonial-era border between India and Myanmar.

Since the 2021 coup in Myanmar, Mizoram has continued to firmly support the Chin refugees who have crossed the border for shelter or seek emergency medical aid. It is no secret, moreover, that Chin political workers and civil society representatives have historically shuttled across the unfenced Mizo-Chin international border for official and unofficial engagements.

Therefore, Lalduhoma, as the high political representative of the Mizos, has some locus standi to comment on Chin affairs. His request has drawn the CNFs ire not because a Mizo CM commented on Chin affairs on foreign soil, but because of the Chin armed groups own hostile relationship with the Arakan Army (AA).

Chin factionalism

The CNF, which currently dominates the Chinland Council (CC), a newly-formed coalition of Chin revolutionary groups, sees the AA as an intruder in Chin State. These anxieties deepened as the AA, in recent months, gradually occupied large swathes of territory in southern Chin State after pushing out the Myanmar military.

The AA has also joined hands with the Chin Brotherhood (CB), another Chin revolutionary coalition comprising, among others, local anti-junta armed groups known as Chin Defence Forces (CDF). This strategic alliance, combined with other differences, has soured relations between the CNF-led CC and the CB. The CNFs sharp response to Lalduhomas remarks should be seen in that distinct context.

What seems to have particularly irked the group is the CMs claim that the AA is stronger than the Chins and has large numbers of troops. In a media statement, the groups vice-chairman, Sui Khar, responded to this by arguing that the AAs strength in itself should not dictate the Mizoram governments position. Lalduhoma's assessment, therefore, appears to have hit the CNF's perception of its own relative strength.

Historically, further, the CNF and affiliated organisations have enjoyed warm relations with successive governments in Aizawl and influential Mizo civil society organisations, such as the Young Mizo Association (YMA). It has also looked to Mizoram for broader political patronage. That is perhaps why the group feels betrayed by Lalduhomas remarks.

The logic of the remarks

There are three possible interrelated reasons why Lalduhoma made the suggestion.

One, the Centre, which sees the Mizoram government as an interlocutor for engagement with Chin armed groups, might have nudged the CM to encourage the CNF and affiliated groups to fix their relations with the AA and associated Chin rival factions.

This is largely because intra-Chin and Chin-Rakhine disunity have complicated New Delhis strategic outreach to western Myanmar following the juntas loss of control over large parts of the borderlands. This outreach is largely aimed at stabilising the border areas so that India can resume work on the high-stakes Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit and Transport Project (KMMTTP) that passes through northern Rakhine and southern Chin States.

Two, the CB  CNFs rival Chin faction  might have lobbied with the Mizo political class in Aizawl to legitimise its own alliance with the AA and get unimpeded access to cross-border supply routes. This is important because since June, the Central Young Lai Association (CYLA), a Lai volunteer organisation based in southern Mizorams Lawngtlai district, has been trying to block supplies to southern Chin State and Rakhine State where the CB and AA mostly operate. The CYLA shares the CNFs hostile perception of the AA as an anti-Chin force.

Three, Lalduhoma might want to project himself as a conflict mediator and by extension, a force for good in the broader Mizo-Chin community. This would not just elevate his own status in the region, but also position him as an alternative to K Vanlalvena, the sole Rajya Sabha MP from his rival party, Mizo National Front (MNF), who visited southern Chin State and met the AA for talks in February.

Interestingly also, the Mizoram-based Zo Reunification Organisation (ZORO) already hosted talks between the two rival Chin factions on August 21. The CMs peacemaking suggestions could be seen in that same spirit.

Cross-border stability

Both Aizawl and New Delhi seek a stable cross-border environment to manage the adverse fallouts of the Myanmar crisis in India. To that end, both would want to have stable relations with the Chin and Rakhine groups who control most of the borderlands today including the official trading checkpoint at Zokhawthar.

Stable relations, however, can only be achieved by minimising the internal friction between various revolutionary forces across western Myanmar. But, the CNFs embittered response to Lalduhoma shows that this wont come easy.

Angshuman Choudhury is a researcher and writer from Assam, and currently a joint PhD candidate in Comparative Asian Studies at the National University of Singapore and Kings College London. The views expressed are personal
This week is a great time for spiritual reflection, cultural celebration, and planetary transit. This week, the Pitru Paksha, the ten days considered sacred to honor the ancestors will commence. Landing in the Ashwin month, this fortnight is ideal for doing puja to offer peace and blessings to the ancestors souls. At the same time, the joyous and colorful festival of Onam will be celebrated in full swing, particularly in the southern state of Kerala. Another large-scale festival is the immersion of Lord Ganesha statues, which signifies the conclusion of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival. Last but not the least; the Suns transit in Virgo adds fresh energy. Let's explore this weeks Panchanga in detail for New Delhi, NCT, India. Get weekly Panchang to determine auspicious and inauspicious time for performing day-to-day tasks based on the prevailing planetary position.

Shubh Muhurat This Week

According to Vedic Astrology, the odds of accomplishing a task successfully are significantly enhanced if they are carried out during an auspicious muhurta. An auspicious muhurta provides us with the best outcome possible according to our destiny if we execute the work in harmony with the cosmic timeline. That is why it is essential to take muhurta into account while commencing any auspicious work. This weeks Shubh Muhurat for various activities is as follows:

Vivah Muhurat : No auspicious Marriage Muhurat is available this week.

: No auspicious Marriage Muhurat is available this week. Griha Pravesh Muhurat : No auspicious Griha Pravesh Muhurat is available this week.

: No auspicious Griha Pravesh Muhurat is available this week. Property Purchase Muhurat : Auspicious property purchase Muhurat is available this week on September 13, Friday (06:05 AM to 09:35 PM) and September 19, Thursday (08:04 AM to 05:15 AM, Sep 20).

: Auspicious property purchase Muhurat is available this week on September 13, Friday (06:05 AM to 09:35 PM) and September 19, Thursday (08:04 AM to 05:15 AM, Sep 20). Vehicle Purchase Muhurat: Auspicious muhurta is available this week on September 15, Sunday (06:12 PM to 06:07 AM, Sep 16) and September 16, Monday (06:07 AM to 03:10 PM).

Upcoming Planetary Transits This Week

In Vedic astrology, planetary transits are particularly crucial since they are the principal way of anticipating changes and advances in life. Planets move on a daily basis and go through several nakshatras and Rashis in the process. It assists in comprehending the nature and characteristics of events as they occur. Here are the upcoming transits this week:

Venus enters Chitra Nakshatra on September 13 (Friday) at 03:00 AM

Sun enters Uttara Phalguni Nakshatra on September 13 (Friday) at 09:44 AM

Mercury enters Poorva Phalguni Nakshatra on September 14 (Saturday) at 06:50 AM

Sun transits Virgo sign on September 16 (Monday) at 07:52 PM

Venus transits Libra sign on September 18 (Wednesday) at 02:04 PM

Upcoming Festivals This Week

Parsva Ekadashi (September 14, Saturday): Parsva Ekadashi will be observed on 14th September 2024, which is Lord Vishnus special day. During Chaturmas, Lord Vishnu shifts to his other side while lying down. They are known to fast, pray, and even ask for blessings for business success and spiritual progress.

Vamana Jayanti (September 15, Sunday): Vamana Jayanti is observed on Bhadrapada Shukla Dwadashi, which is the birth anniversary of Lord Vishnus Vamana avatar. This day is dedicated to his avatar in human form to vanquish the demon king Bali and bring back order to the world.

Bhuvaneshvari Jayanti (September 15, Sunday): On September 15, Bhuvaneshvari Jayanti is observed on Bhadrapada Shukla Dwadashi to pay devotion to the Goddess Bhuvaneshvari  the mother of the universe. She represents the universe's energy, shield and knowledge.

Onam (September 15, Sunday): The harvest festival of Kerala, Onam, will be celebrated on 15th September with the Sun in Leo and Shravana Nakshatra. The festival of King Mahabalis return is celebrated with flowers, food and other boat races. Onam is all about prosperity, unity and cultural identity.

Kalki Dwadashi (September 15, Sunday): Kalki Dwadashi is the day when people worship Kalki  the future avatar of Lord Vishnu, who is believed to arrive at the end of Kali Yuga to restore righteousness in the world. People abstain from food and water and offer puja and chant for protection, blessings, enlightenment and victory of the spiritual force over evil.

Vishwakarma Puja (September 16, Monday): Vishwakarma Puja falls on Kanya Sankranti, 16th September 2024. It is dedicated to Lord Vishwakarma, who is the deity of architects and artisans. Employees, craftsmen, and mechanical engineers pay obeisance to their instruments and equipment for dexterity, creativity, and wealth.

Ganesh Visarjan (September 17, Tuesday): The Ganesh Visarjan will be done on the Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturdashi, which is the day of bidding a final goodbye to Lord Ganesha after the Ganesh Chaturthi festival. Bath in water is performed by devotees with the idols of Ganesha, which indicates that Ganesha goes back to Mount Kailash. The occasion symbolises the elimination of barriers, happiness, and the expectation of his arrival the following year.

Purnima Shraddha (September 17, Tuesday): Purnima Shraddha, which falls on September 17, 2024 (Bhadrapada, Shukla Purnima), is a day dedicated to performing the Shraddha ceremony to offer food and other necessities to the ancestors. The devotees do tarpan to get blessings and peace for the souls of their dear ones who passed away, and pind daan is also offered. It is important to ones spiritual advancement and the family's welfare during the Pitru Paksha.

Pitrupaksha Begins (September 18, Wednesday): Pitrupaksha begins on September 18, 2024, and ends on October 3, 2024. It is a 16-day ritual to pay reverence to the forefathers. On this occasion, tarpan and pind daan are offered to the spirits of the ancestors so they can pray for their souls. These offerings help bring blessings, balance, and spiritual development to the families.

Chandra Grahan (September 18, Wednesday): A partial Chandra Grahan will be observed on September 18, 2024, on Purnima night. During this kind of partial lunar eclipse, people are advised to fast, pray, and meditate. It is considered to be a favorable period for introspection, purification of the soul, and asking for a boon for spiritual progress.

Bhadrapada Purnima (September 18, Wednesday): This is another important Hindu festival. It is a full moon day in Bhadrapada. Devotees offer prayers, pay homage to Lord Vishnu, and fast to attain wealth and spiritual enlightenment. It also marks the beginning of Pitru Paksha, the 16-lunar days where people offer prayers and perform rituals to their ancestors.

Ashwina Begins in North (September 19, Thursday): Ashwina month will commence in northern India on September 19, 2024. This is the beginning of the holy month of Ashwina, which is associated with religious fasting and feasting, such as Navratri and Durga Puja. This is the period for prayer, abstaining from food, and celebrating goddess power or the feminine force.

Inauspicious Rahu Kalam This Week

According to Vedic astrology, Rahu is an inauspicious planet. During the transition of planets, the time under the influence of Rahu should be avoided to do any auspicious work. Doing Puja, Hawan or Yagya to propitiate auspicious planets during this time is interfered with by Rahu due to its malefic nature. It is important to consider Rahu Kaal before starting any new work. By doing so, the possibility of achieving desired results is increased. Following are the timings of Rahu Kalam for this week:

September 13: 10:44 AM to 12:17 PM

10:44 AM to 12:17 PM September 14: 09:11 AM to 10:44 AM

09:11 AM to 10:44 AM September 15: 04:53 PM to 06:26 PM

04:53 PM to 06:26 PM September 16: 07:39 AM to 09:11 AM

07:39 AM to 09:11 AM September 17: 03:19 PM to 04:51 PM

03:19 PM to 04:51 PM September 18: 12:15 PM to 01:47 PM

12:15 PM to 01:47 PM September 19: 01:46 PM to 03:18 PM

Panchanga is a calendar used in Vedic astrology to determine the auspicious and inauspicious time for performing day-to-day tasks based on the prevailing planetary position. It comprises five elements - Vaara, Tithi, Nakshatra, Yoga and Karana. The essence of the Panchanga is the inter-relationship between the Sun (our soul) and the Moon (mind) on a daily basis. Panchanga is used for different branches of Vedic astrology such as natal, election, prashna (horary), religious calendars, and to understand the energy of the day. The day of our birth panchanga depicts our emotions, temperament, and nature. It can provide more insight into who we are and how we feel. It can amplify the effect of the planets and endow us with additional characteristics that we may not understand only based on our natal chart. Panchanga is the life force energy that nourishes the birth chart.

----------------------

Neeraj Dhankher

(Vedic Astrologer, Founder - Astro Zindagi)

Email: info@astrozindagi.in, neeraj@astrozindagi.in

Url: www.astrozindagi.in

Contact: Noida: +919910094779
Bajaj Housing Finance IPO allotment is likely to be finalised today (September 12) after record subscription of 3 lakh crore for the 6,560-crore issue. The issue saw strong demand from institutional and non-institutional investors overtaking Coal India Ltd and Mundra Port IPOs which witnessed 2 lakh crore in subscription amounts. Bajaj Housing Finance IPO saw unprecedented demand, with a subscription of  3 lakh crore for its  6,560-crore issue. The allotment is expected today, after being oversubscribed 63.61 times, highlighting strong investor interest.

On the last day of bidding, Bajaj Housing Finance IPO was subscribed over 63.61 times with bids for more than 4,628 crore shares against 72.75 crore shares on offer. Non-institutional investors subscribed their portion 41.51 times, Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIBs) quota received over 209 times subscription while Retail Individual Investors (RIIs) got over 7 times subscription.

Here's how you can check allotment status for Bajaj Housing Finance IPO:

Investors can check the allotment status on the official website of the registrar or on the BSE for Bajaj Housing Finance IPO. Here's how you can Bajaj Housing Finance IPO allotment status on IPO registrar's website which is KFin Technologies:

Read more: Airbnb funds multilingual resources to combat human trafficking

Step 1: Open link to the registrar using this URL (https://evault.kfintech.com/ipostatus/).

Step 2: Select company from dropdown menu.

Step 3: Enter details- PAN, Application number or DP client ID.

Step 4: Click on Submit button

Step 5: Allotment status can be seen on the screen.

Here's how you can check Bajaj Housing Finance IPO allotment status on BSE

Step 1: Open Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) website.

Step 2: Click on Investors.

Step 3: From the dropdown menu, click on 'Status of Issue Application'.

Step 4: Click on Application Status Check and select Equity in the issue type.

Step 6: Fill in the details and click on Search to view the status.

Bajaj Housing Finance shares will be listed on BSE and NSE on 12 September. Net proceeds from the IPO will be used by the company to meet future capital needs.
As Indian businesses in Bangladesh, including Adani Group, sought clearance of dues, Muhammad Yunus-led interim government is set to review the deals, Indian Express reported after Adani Group requested the Bangladesh government to expedite clearance of $800 million that the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) owed for power supply. Bangladesh's interim government plans to scrutinize contracts with Indian firms like Adani Group, as they seek to expedite the clearance of $800 million owed for power supply, ensuring compliance with local laws.(Reuters)

Citing a senior government official the report claimed that Bangladesh wants to check the terms of the contract and the prices being paid for the power supply.

There will be scrutiny of Indian businesses like the Adani business what kinds of contracts have been signed, what are the terms and conditions, one cannot have a foreign company not follow the law of the land, the report quoted the unnamed official as saying.

Other than Adani Power, Indian firms including PTC India, NVVL Ltd and Semcorp Energy India supply power to Bangladesh.
Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy triggered a massive debate after he shared his thoughts on parenting. The tech boss had earlier sparked a row when he advocated for a 70-hour work week for the youth. At an event in Bengaluru earlier this week, Narayana Murthy said that parents are responsible for creating a disciplined environment at home for children to study. He said that parents cannot be watching movies while expecting children to focus on their studies. Narayana Murthy's comments on parenting stirred controversy, emphasizing parental responsibility in fostering study environments. (PTI)

He said, If the parents are going and seeing movies and then telling children, no, no, you study, (that wont work)."

Narayana Murthy also shared how he and his wife dedicated over three and a half hours each day to reading with their children, Akshata and Rohan Murty, during their school years.

Social media users reacted to his remarks with one commenting, But if parents work for 72 hours as you recommend, then when will they devote time to kids?

Another said, "Yeah right! Parents should also work on improving their calculas and organic chemistry knowledge in their late 30s and early 40s. Narayana Murthy should also walk the talk and learn Go Lang at this age and code for 70 hours every week."

A third sarcastically wrote, Parents and kids should stop watching movies and resolve support tickets for 70 hours per week on the night shift at a low salary.

A user also wrote, It's unrealistic to expect every parent to dedicate hours to reading or studying with their kids, especially in today's world where many parents are juggling jobs, household responsibilities, and more. Not all families have the same resources or time. Imposing this ideal on everyone is out of touch with the reality most parents face.

Earlier, Narayana Murthy controversially suggested that young people should be prepared to work 70 hours a week to improve Indias work culture. He had then said, "I used to be in the office at 6:20 am and leave office at 8:30 pm and worked six days a week. During my entire 40-plus years of professional life, I worked 70 hours a week. When we had a six-day week - till 1994 - I used to work at least 85 to 90 hours a week. That has not been a waste.
Brian Niccol, the CEO of Starbucks who gets a base salary of $1.6 million annually, attributes his success to a cliche piece of career advice, which he started following in his 20s. It is Believe in yourself. Brian Niccol, named the chairman and chief executive officer of Starbucks on Aug. 13, 2024, is shown during an interview on June 9, 2015, in New York. (Mark Lennihan/AP)

I know its a cliche, but you absolutely have to believe in yourself and have the grit to not give up, when it at first might not be going your way, he said in a May 2024 Miami University commencement speech in Oxford, Ohio.

Also Read: Ex-Deloitte employee says she is happy to be laid off: 'Felt burnt out, lost myself'

The 50-year old CEO who was called a dream hire and a hall of fame restaurant CEO after being chosen at Starbucks said he carries a beat-up notebook" with him to track the progress of his career goals.

Whatever it is you need to do to keep yourself focused on your goal, do it, and believe you can do it, Niccol said, adding that intuition and believing in the gut helped him a lot to become successful.

Also Read: Narayana Murthy slammed for his parenting advice: Not all families can do this

There will be times in your career when your gut will be tingling, a CNBC Make It report quoted him as saying. Make space for that instinctive intelligence and take action. Trust your instincts.

Niccol also said his confidence and a five-word phrase made him stand apart from the other candidates in line for Starbuck's CEO role.

What was the five-word phrase that made Brian Niccols stand apart from the other candidates?

Mellody Hobson, the former Starbucks chair, who ceded her position to Niccol, revealed in a CNBC interview that the phrase was "I know what to do".

Also Read: Mark Zuckerberg may soon be world's richest person. In 2024, he earned
Seven persons were killed when a 400-year-old wall of Rajgarh Fort adjacent to a house collapsed on Thursday due to heavy rainfall in Madhya Pradeshs Datia town, an official said. The incident took place at around 4 am in Khalkapura area. (Representative file photo)

Expressing grief over the incident, state chief minister Mohan Yadav announced a compensation of 4 lakh each to the family of the deceased.

Also Read: Unidentified woman murdered, partially burnt body found in Ghaziabad

Datia superintendent of police (SP) Virendra Kumar Mishra said, A loud sound was heard at around 3:30am on Thursday by locals. When they came out, they saw that the wall of the fort had collapsed. Two people buried under the debris were immediately rescued. They were rushed to the hospital. Seven bodies were taken out from the debris in the rescue operation which lasted for nine hours.

Heavy rain wreaks havoc in MP

In northern and central Madhya Pradesh, schools have been shut in 12 districts due to heavy rainfall.

As many as 30 villages in Dabra town, people are stranded in the floods and authorities including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are pressed into rescue operations.

A team of 60 people is coming from Hyderabad in a special air force plane to rescue people in Dabra. The NDRF team will airlift the people by helicopter. The local administration has already evacuated 400 people stranded in the floods, said Ruchika Chauhan, collector, Gwalior.

In Narmadapuram, the Narmada river is overflowing seven feet above the danger mark.

CM Yadav on Thursday morning held a high-level meeting where it was decided that leaves of state government officers and employees remain cancelled.
Kalimullah Lone, 35, is the face of a significant shift in the electoral landscape of Jammu and Kashmir: Return of the banned Jamaat-e-Islami to the election arena after 37 years during which it doggedly propagated poll boycotts and a separatist ideology. A PhD in computer science from National Institute of Technology, Srinagar, and the son of a veteran Jamaat leader, Lone is one of the dozen-odd Jamaat-backed candidates in the assembly elections. A contestant from Langate, the home constituency of Baramulla MP Engineer Rashid, Lone spoke to Hindustan Times on the reasons behind the Jamaats turnaround, mood on the ground and his poll pitch. Edited excerpts: Kalimullah Lone, 35, is a Jamaat-e-Islami backed candidate contesting the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections from Langate, the home constituency of Baramulla MP Engineer Rashid. (Waseem Andrabi/HT)

What led to Jamaat-e-Islamis decision to change its anti-election stance of 37 years and field or back independent candidates in this assembly election in J&K?

Its the result of a lot of churning within the organisation since it was banned by the Centre after the 2019 events (abrogation of Article 370 and bifurcation of J&K). However, the decision to contest the elections was not taken in a month or two.

The 1987 assembly election was a turning point in Kashmirs recent history. That election, which the Jamaat contested, was widely seen to be rigged in favour of the National Conference. That angered people and triggered an era of violence in which Kashmiri Pandits were forced to migrate, while over 70% of the Jamaats 3,500 members were killed either by security forces or unidentified gunmen. There was a huge trust deficit in the fairness of holding polls and formed the basis of the Jamaats anti-election stand.

Our organisation never called for a mass poll boycott. Only its cadres were told not to participate in elections for the past 30 years.

How has that trust deficit been addressed?

Though there has been a debate within the Jamaat on taking part in the elections since 2008, a majority was against participation. Things changed after the 2019 ban. In 2021, a channel opened between the government and the Jamaat with the help of intermediaries. A five-member panel of the Jamaat, comprising senior members, including my father Ghulam Qadir Lone, had talks with the government that assured us on the fairness of the elections in Jammu and Kashmir. That laid the ground for addressing the trust gap.

The victory of a jailed candidate, Sheikh Abdul Rashid, popularly known as Engineer Rashid, against established mainstream leaders, such as Omar Abdullah and Sajjad Lone, from Baramulla came as a proof of fair and free polls and firmed up the Jamaats move to field its independent candidates because it cant contest directly due to the ban. Since the ban, Jamaats properties worth 5,000 crore have been seized. It has been facing an existential crisis. A lot is at stake. For us, participation in elections is a new beginning.

What has changed in J&K since 2019?

Nothing has changed. Things are worse. Unemployment is at its peak. There are no recruitments in the government. People of J&K are in a worse situation than ever before. After the Jamaat was banned, there has been a rise in the number of drug addicts in Kashmir. Nobody is talking about the drug problem, which is so serious that it has reached our homes.

How many Jamaat-backed candidates are in the fray?

In the first two phases, there are seven Jamaat-affiliated contestants in the fray. That may go up in the third phase. Also, the Jamaat may support some other independents.

What is the Jamaat candidates poll plank?

Article 25 of the Indian Constitution gives liberty to practise and preach your religion. The ban on the Jamaat is denial of that right. Kashmiri culture is under threat from outside influence promoted by the government in the name of cultural diversity. Then, we have a whole lot of local issues to talk about, including drugs, unemployment and scarcity of electricity and irrigation water.

Is Article 370 an election issue?

Not for the Jamaat. It may be an issue for other political parties. We will never get it back. This is unachievable. We cant fool people.

Does the separatists electoral outing also reflect the new ground realities in the Valley?

It may or it may not. Violence by any side was never the way forward. There were so many cases of innocent people getting killed by security agencies, but justice was denied for years. Now, people have chosen the democratic way to express their protest and demands. My campaign is centered on peace, progress and prosperity.

What is your view on the return of Kashmiri Pandits?

They are very much part of Kashmirs social fabric and must come back to their native places but not to the segregated colonies that the government has set up in Baramulla. Only the government is creating an impression about their insecurity.

Will the Jamaat stick to electoral politics irrespective of the assembly poll outcome?

This is not a test balloon. Its a new beginning. We have moved beyond the strategy of poll boycott. We may or may not win this time because we are fighting elections after such a long gap and at a short notice. There will be a lot of other complexities associated with us. But we will only go through this process in a democratic way without violating any norms of the country. This decision (of electoral politics) is full and final regardless of the outcome on October 8. This election will form the base for us to stand on our feet to contest the panchayat elections later this year.

Both the NC and Peoples Democratic Party have accused New Delhi of propping independent candidates with separatist backgrounds to split their votes?

Because they are feeling insecure and have nothing else to say. We draw our strength from the people.

What is your reading of the mood on ground?

People want change. They showed three months ago by electing Engineer Rashid as an MP while he was in jail.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday collected the dental impression of Sanjay Roy, prime accused in the rape and murder of a trainee doctor in RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, to use it as an evidence, people aware of the development said. The case came to light on August 9, when the body of the woman postgraduate trainee doctor was found in a seminar hall. (HT file photo)

A team of the federal agency also questioned Roy, who is now lodged in the Presidency correctional home, on Wednesday.

His swab and dental impression were collected by the federal agency in the jail, said a person aware of the development.

A sample of dental impression was used as evidence for the first time in the Delhi gang-rape case of December 16, 2012.

Also Read: Shall I grant bail to rape accused Sanjay Roy?: Kolkata court gets angry over CBI lawyers absence. TMC reacts

Meanwhile, a team of CBI officials on Thursday questioned Sudipto Roy, Trinamool Congress (TMC) legislator from Sreerampore.

Sudipto is also the chairman of the RG Kar Hospitals patients welfare committee.

The case came to light on August 9, when the body of the woman postgraduate trainee doctor was found in a seminar hall at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital (RGKMCH). The following day, the main accused Sanjay Roy was arrested.
Panic erupted at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on Thursday after an unattended bag was discovered on the premises, prompting the deployment of a bomb disposal squad and sniffer dogs. A suspicious bag was found near RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.

The suspicious bag was found near an area where junior doctors have been protesting since August 9, though the spot was empty at the time as protests have moved to Swasthya Bhavan in Salt Lake, the headquarters of the West Bengal health department.

Visuals shared by news agency ANI showed a bomb disposal squad along with sniffer dogs investigating the site.

Police confirmed that no incriminating objects had been found so far.

"The bomb disposal squad is inspecting the bag," a police official said.

Further details are awaited.

Doctors protest in Kolkata

Protests outside Swasthya Bhavan, which began on September 10, have drawn thousands of junior doctors from across the state. They are demanding justice for their deceased colleague and sweeping reforms in the healthcare system.

The protesters' key demands include the arrest of those responsible for the crime, the resignation of the police commissioner and state health secretary, and disciplinary action against former RG Kar principal Sandip Ghosh.

Also Read | No Live telecast, 15-member delegation: Bengal govt to doctors for 5pm meet with CM Mamata Banerjee

The healthcare sector in West Bengal has been significantly impacted by the protests, with junior doctors cease-work affecting services across the state. The West Bengal government invited the doctors for discussions, but they have been insisting on the presence of chief minister Mamata Banerjee and that the meeting be broadcast live for transparency.

On Thursday, West Bengal Chief Secretary Manoj Pant issued a fresh invite for talks at 5pm to end the impasse over the RG Kar hospital medic's alleged rape and murder.

While the government accepted the doctors' demand for Mamata Banerjee's presence at the meeting, it rejected their prerequisite of a Live telecast of the talks.

"The meeting shall not be Live telecast. However, the same can be recorded to maintain transparency. This will serve the purpose intended from your end, while also maintaining the sanctity of the proceedings, ensuring that all discussions are accurately documented," the Chief Secretary stated in his letter.
LUCKNOW Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday accused the BJP and government officials of involvement in a major land scam in Ayodhya, saying the ongoing land-related theft in the holy city was part of a broader pattern of corruption facilitated by those in power. Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav with party secretary general Ram Gopal Yadav during the press conference over the Ayodhya land scam, at the party office, in Lucknow on Thursday. (ANI Photo)

Officials and BJP members are engaged in loot... there will be no development where there is theft. If they can commit such theft at a sacred place like Ayodhya, imagine how much more is happening in other districts of UP. I thank our party leaders for exposing the dark reality, Yadav said addressing a press conference here.

They increased the circle rate once the plots were bought by their own people. We have registry copies of all officials who bought plots. Usually, no one can dare to look at land that is used by the defence, but now BJP has sold the land used for firing range. In order to take revenge from people of Ayodhya, they even changed the railway alignment, which previously did not affect the land of the poor or their businesses. The SP stands with the people of Ayodhya. We will make Ayodhya a world class city when our party comes to power in 2027... will give compensation above from the circle rate to people of Ayodhya, said Yadav.

On chief minister Yogi Adityanaths statement that the SP and Akhilesh Yadav were looking for caste and PDA in criminals...the SP chief said: There is not much difference between a mathadheesh and a mafia.

Speaking to the media, former minister in the erstwhile SP government, Pawan Pandey, who also hails from Ayodhya, said, After the Supreme Courts decision, there has been loot and black marketing of plots in Ayodhya at the behest of BJP people. There was a land reserved for military firing practise in Ayodhya, but unfortunately plotting is being done on it by BJP people while some big industrialists have been given land there. People are surprised how land used for military firing practise has been sold to industrialists. BJP leader Ved Prakash Gupta and former MLC CP Shukla have bought many plots in Ayodhya.

Political leaders and officers have become property leaders in Ayodhya. The use of land has been changed. Before 2024 Lok Sabha elections, there was a proposal for a new railway line in Ayodhya and not many houses were coming in the way of it. After the BJP lost the election in Ayodhya, the course of the proposed railway line has been changed and now around 200-250 houses, shops, etc. are coming in its way, alleged Pandey.

He added, There is a Baba who had taken land from Dalits...there was an order to register case against him but nothing was done. Instead, some senior officials took land from the Baba (Mahesh Jogi) and changed the course of the new railway line. I have all papers that prove the loot by big industrialists in Ayodhya.

Meanwhile, SP leader of opposition in UP Assembly Mata Prasad Pandey said, Poor people are caught by the police...their hands are tied up and then they are shot in the leg and the police claims they have done an encounter. Only poor are shot in encounters, but surprisingly no one from the police gets hurt in encounters.

BJP has made UP an encounter capital, says Akhilesh

Akhilesh Yadav also hit out at the BJP government over the alleged encounters in the state, saying a pattern has been set.

A pattern of encounters has been set under BJP rule: pick someone first, then make up a story of a fake encounter, then show fake pictures to the world, then after the murder, when the family members tell the truth, pressurise them with various kinds of pressure and temptations.... the SP chief stated in a post on X.

Today, atrocities are at an all-time high in the state. Everyone knows that all encounters are fake and everyone knows Mangesh Yadav (Sultanpur encounter) was picked up from his house by STF people. Interestingly, the police official wore a slipper during the encounter. The BJP has made UP a capital of fake encounters. If they had brains, they wouldnt have done encounters while wearing slippers.

No one knew BSP was going to call off alliance: SP chief

Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday said no one had any clue that the 2019 SP-BSP alliance was coming apart and that he had dialled the BSP chief Mayawati to know why the tie-up ended.

He was replying to a query on media reports about a booklet being given to Bahujan Samaj Party workers in which it was written that 2019 alliance between SP and BSP was called off after Akhilesh stopped taking calls.

The SP chief said, The moment BSP called off the alliance after 2019, I was in Azamgarh and some BSP people were also there on the stage. No one knew this was coming...

...
Mumbai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the residence of Chief Justice of India Dhananjay Chandrachud for Ganesh Darshan has ignited controversy in Maharashtra, as the hearing and verdict on Shiv Sena MLA disqualification and party name-symbol cases have been pending for over nine months. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud's house and attended 'Ganpati Poojan' (PTI Photo) (PTI)

The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) expressed dissatisfaction over the delay and raised concerns about protocol. Sanjay Raut, a Member of Parliament, said, "This visit of PM to CJI home is against the protocol. There were doubts in the mind of people about why Supreme Court delaying the hearing and order on cases against Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and his supporter MLAs in the Shiv Sena MLAs disqualification case. This visit by PM to CJI's home has given more room for the doubts."

Raut further questioned the integrity of the judicial process, asking, "How can they expect justice from SC in such situation?" He noted that the Chief Justice himself had previously ruled against the appointment of a whip by Chief Minister Shinde and criticised the assembly speaker's decision as not adhering to the established framework. Despite this, Raut pointed out that there had been no progress in the matter, with only hearing dates being announced for months.

In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Raut shared a photo of Modi performing a pooja at the Chief Justice's home, stating, "Constitution has been burnt by its own lamp. No decision on MLAs disqualification case for two years. SC took cognizance of rape case in West Bengal but kept silent on the Maharashtra case. Tarikh pe Tarikh on Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal bail plea. Try to understand the chronology."

BJP leader Kirit Somaiya rebuked the criticism from the Thackeray faction. "When Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited Lalbaugcha Raja, the leaders of Thackeray faction objected to it. Now PM Modi visited CJI Chandrachud's home for Ganesh darshan and again Thackeray faction leaders are objecting to it. They are insulting Lord Ganesh," Somaiya said.

Naresh Mhaske, a Shiv Sena MP aligned with Chief Minister Shinde's faction, also criticised Raut for questioning the Chief Justice. "We should feel proud that in the form of Dhananjay Chandrachud, a Marathi manoos is CJI of India. However, Raut has questioned his integrity. It's an insult to Marathi pride. I condemn Raut for doing so," Mhaske remarked.
Mumbai: In a dramatic turn of events, Bhagyashri Atram, daughter of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) minister Dharamraobaba Atram, joined the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) on Thursday, setting the stage for a potential electoral battle against her own father. Dharamraobaba Atram is a four-time MLA and the states food and drugs administration (FDA) minister. HT Photo

The move signals a rebellion within the Atram family, with Bhagyashri likely to contest from the Aheri assembly constituency in the Maoist-affected Gadchiroli districtthe same seat her father represents. This development could lead to an unprecedented father-daughter face-off in Maharashtra's upcoming state assembly elections.

The Atrams, descendants of tribal royalty, have long been influential in state politics. Dharamraobaba Atram, once considered a close ally of NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar, shifted his allegiance to Ajit Pawar during the party split last June, subsequently securing a position as Minister for Food and Drugs Administration.

Bhagyashri's decision to join the NCP (SP) was marked by a large gathering attended by state NCP (SP) chief Jayant Patil and senior leader Anil Deshmukh, former home minister. The event was part of the state-wide 'Shiv Swarajya Yatra', a campaign launched in anticipation of the assembly polls.

At the public rally, Patil elaborated on Bhagyashri's motivations: "Bhagyashri used to meet us and expressed her discontent against her father's decision. She was also concerned over the issues the constituency continues to face even after her father became a minister."

He added, "She and her followers have decided to again work for Pawar saheb. It's time for all of us to work to strengthen Pawar saheb once again."

Bhagyashri, no novice to politics, has been active for over a decade. She previously served as president of the Gadchiroli Zilla Parishad in 2011 and contested the 2014 assembly elections from the Gadchiroli constituency on an NCP ticket, albeit unsuccessfully.

The rift within the Atram family draws parallels to another royal family disputethat of the Kolhapur lineage. Congress MP Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, a descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, has been embroiled in a bitter tussle with his son, Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati, who recently formed a new party, Swarajya Sangathana, to contest the assembly elections.

In a conversation with Hindustan Times on 8 September, Bhagyashri had hinted at her political intentions: "I am planning to contest the upcoming elections from the Aheri assembly seat. I will not be able to disclose more about it as of now."

As Maharashtra's political landscape continues to evolve, the Atram family drama adds another layer of intrigue to the upcoming electoral contest, potentially redefining familial and political loyalties in the region.
The Manipur government on Thursday lifted the suspension of internet via broadband connections in five ditricts namely Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnpur, Thoubal and Kakching district, officials said. The mobile internet data however remains suspended. (PTI photo)

The suspension of mobile internet data however remains in place.

The state government decided to keep suspension of mobile internet data as there are still apprehensions of having spread of disinformation and false rumours, through various social media, for facilitating and/or mobilization of mobs of agitators and demonstrators, which can cause loss of life and/or damage to public/private property by indulging in arson/vandalism and other types of violent activities for which the control mechanism is still poor, an order released by commissioner (home) N Ashok Kumar.

Also Read: Internet banned in Manipur for 5 days; schools to remain closed till Thursday

The decision was taken after the Manipur government reviewed the temporary suspension/curbing of internet and mobile data services including Lease Lines, VSATS, Broadbands and VPN services in these five districts as the internet ban affected people across professions.

The Manipur government on Tuesday banned internet for five days as there is apprehension that some anti-social elements might use social media extensively for transmission of images, hate speech and hate video messages inciting the passions of the public which might have serious repercussions for the law-and-order situation in the strife-torn state.

An order issued by the Home department on Tuesday said, In exercise of the powers conferred under Rule 2 of Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017, having satisfied that the above situation is likely to cause serious disturbances to the peaceful co-existence and maintenance of public order, do hereby order temporary suspension/curbing of internet and mobile data services including Lease Lines, VSATs, Broadbands and VPN services in the territorial jurisdiction of the State of Manipur for five days with effect from 3:00 pm of September 10 till 3:00 pm of September 15 subject to confirmation by the competent authority within 24 hours except for those cases whereby state Government has exempted and allowed for whitelisting.
A piquant situation prevails in the Hindi heartland state of Uttar Pradesh. Students at a Sanskrit secondary school in Prayagraj (HT File Photo)

It is unclear which board or commission will undertake appointment of regular teachers in 403 government-aided Sanskrit Degree colleges and 570 Sanskrit secondary schools of the state.

On March 28, 2018, after amending the U.P. Board of Secondary Sanskrit Education (Appointment and Conditions of Service of Heads of Institution, Teachers and other employees of the Institutions Rules, 2009), the state government had given the right to recruit regular

teachers in government-aided Sanskrit schools to the Uttar Pradesh Secondary Education Service Selection Board (UPSESSB).

In 2019, the secondary education department even sent a requisition for appointing 1,282 teachers in Sanskrit secondary schools.

Similarly, the responsibility of appointing teachers in Sanskrit colleges of the state was given to the Uttar Pradesh Higher Education Service Commission (UPHESC).

Both these institutions have now merged with the Uttar Pradesh Education Service Selection Commission (UPESSC) formed last year by the Yogi Adityanath government.

On the issue, chairperson of the newly formed commission, Prof Kirti Pandey said, The new commission has not got the responsibility of appointing Sanskrit teachers till now.

In such a situation, the question in the minds of aspirants as well as the officials handling these Sanskrit institutions is how and who selects regular teachers in these institutions.

Due to the delay in the appointments, teachers are being selected on a contract basis in government-aided Sanskrit secondary schools from 2019.

The situation can be gauged from the fact that almost half the posts of regular teachers are lying vacant in Sanskrit schools and colleges. According to a report presented in the meeting held by the state government on March 17, 2023, out of the 2,085 posts of teachers created in government-aided Sanskrit secondary schools, 1,064 teachers were working, and 1,021 posts were vacant. Likewise, out of the 570 posts created for principals, 307 were lying vacant.

Out of 403 posts of Principals in Sanskrit colleges, 249 were lying vacant and out of 1,889 posts of teachers, 929 posts were lying vacant.

Founder president of Voice of Teachers, an association of Sanskrit teachers in the state, Rajesh Mishra says, The state government needs to end this uncertainty and make clear which body will undertake the recruitment of teachers and principals in government-aided Sanskrit degree colleges and secondary schools of the state. It also needs to initiate the recruitment process in these institutions in the interest of the students.
Choosing a global university to pursue your dream course can be a challenging task! When it comes to medical studies, one must ensure that the institution they are seeking admission to not only offers the course that suits their interest but also is highly ranked among its peers. Study abroad: 5 universities to consider if planning to pursue a PG degree in medicine.

Several young medics today aspire to travel abroad for postgraduate studies. However, the question remains: How does one choose from the list of best universities? To make the process simpler, we have listed out the worlds top five universities for medical studies based on QS Rankings by Subject 2024, the PG medical courses they offer, and the process of admission. Check the institutions below:

1. Harvard University

Ranked the number one institute for Life Sciences and Medicine by QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024, Harvard University in Cambridge, United States continues to be a dream institute for medical aspirants worldwide. The university had achieved a score of 98.8 in the QS Rankings.

The selection process into the Harvard Medical School (HMS) comprises an evaluation of applications by a Committee on Admissions based on a variety of criteria - from an applicants academic records and MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) scores to their extracurricular activities, research, and community-service experiences in the field of health care.

Apart from several other courses, the HMS is known for the following Masters Degree programs:

Master of Science in Bioethics

Master of Medical Sciences in Biomedical Informatics

Master of Medical Sciences in Clinical Investigation

Master of Science in Clinical Research

Master of Science in Clinical Service Operations

Master of Medical Sciences in Global Health Delivery

Master of Science in Healthcare Quality and Safety

Master of Medical Sciences in Immunology

Master of Science in Media, Medicine, and Health

Master of Medical Sciences in Medical Education

Master of Medical Sciences in Therapeutic Sciences

To know about the cost of each course, click on this link.

2. University of Oxford

The University of Oxford in the United Kingdom is another institution of repute among top global universities. It secured a 2nd rank in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024. Oxford University provides multiple courses in clinical medicine. These are full-time courses spanning a year. The courses are as follows:

Genomic Medicine MSc (Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine)

International Health and Tropical Medicine MSc. (Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine).

Modelling for Global Health MSc (Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine).

To be selected, candidates must meet the course-specific requirements for admission to the University of Oxford. Eligible candidates will also get scholarship opportunities.

For more information, visit the official website at ox.ac.uk.

Also read: QS Rankings By Subjects 2024: Top Indian institutes for Engg, Medical, Arts, Science

3. Johns Hopkins University

The Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, United States secured the 3rd rank in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024, with an overall score of 93.6. The School of Medicine under Johns Hopkins University offers a range of Masters Degree programs in Medicine. These are as follows:

Anatomy Education, MS

Applied Health Sciences Informatics, MS

Clinical Anaplastology, MS

Health Sciences Informatics-Research, MS

Medical and Biological Illustration, MA

Medical Physics, MS

For more information on the admission process, visit jhu.edu/admissions.

Also read: How to prepare students beyond academics for Ivy League success, how do these top colleges evaluate applicants

4. Stanford University

Ranked 4th in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024, Stanford University in the United States was founded almost 150 years ago. The University offers a range of Masters of Science courses through the School of Medicine. These are as follows:

Bioengineering (MS)

Biomedical Data Science (MS)

Clinical Informatics Management (MS)

Community Health and Prevention Research (MS)

Epidemiology and Clinical Research (MS)

Health Policy (MS)

Human Genetics and Genetic Counseling (MS)

Laboratory Animal Science (MS)

Translation Research and Animal Medicine (MS)

The admission process consists of six steps comprising of application submission, evaluation of application, decision by admission committee, responding to admission offer, verification of documents, and matriculation.

To know more, visit the official website at gradadmissions.stanford.edu.

Also read: CAT 2024 registration ends tomorrow, apply at iimcat.ac.in

5. University of Cambridge

The University of Cambridge located in Cambridge, United States was ranked 6th in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024. Some of the Masters Degree Programs offered by the University are as follows:

Health, Medicine and Society, MPhil

History and Philosophy of Science and Medicine, MPhil

Genomic Medicine, MPhil

Genomic Medicine, MRes

Medical Science (Medicine), MPhil

Stem Cell Medicine, MPhil

Biological Science (Veterinary Medicine) by thesis, MPhil

Veterinary Science, MPhil

Medical Science (Psychiatry), MPhil

The admission process generally involves checking the application deadlines, registering on the applicant portal, contacting references added by applicants, indicating college preferences, applying for funding, paying the application fee, submitting an application, and appearing for an interview if selected.

For more information, visit the official website at postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk
The Delhi High Court on Thursday issued notice to suspended IAS trainee Puja Khedkar on an application moved by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), claiming that she made an incorrect assertion in her petition that she was not served the order of cancellation of candidature. As per UPSC, the communication regarding cancelling Khedkar's candidature was communicated to her on her registered mail ID. The commission said she falsely submitted before the Delhi High Court earlier that the press release dated July 31, 2024, was not officially communicated to her. (File image)

UPSC stated that communication regarding cancelling her candidature was communicated to her on her registered mail ID. So she falsely submitted before the Delhi High Court earlier that the press release dated July 31, 2024, was not officially communicated to her.

UPSC stated that it is the same e-mail ID through which she had requested an extension of time on July 25, for submitting her reply to the Show Cause Notice. It leaves no room for any doubt that the petitioner had been served with the speaking order dated July 31, 2024, yet she made a false statement in the affidavit, stating that she had not been served with the order and that she came to know of it through a press release only.

Also read: IIT Madras, Ford join hands to train next generation of young drivers, to educate students on road safety

There is little doubt in concluding that the conduct of Puja Manorama Dilip Khedkar amounts to "perjury", and the intent behind making the false statement naturally appears to be an attempt to obtain favourable orders on the basis of the false statement, stated UPSC.

The bench of Justice Jyoti Singh, after noting down the submissions, issued notice to the Puja Khedkar and listed the matter for hearing on November 26, 2024.

The counsels who appeared on behalf of the UPSC application are Naresh Kaushik Sr Adv, Vardhman Kaushik Adv, Nishant Gautam Adv, Mayank Sharma Adv, Anand Singh Adv, and Vinay Kaushik Adv.

Also read: UPTAC 2024 special round seat allotment result for B.Tech, MBA, MCA out at uptac.admissions.nic.in, links here

On August 7, the same bench of the Delhi High Court granted liberty to suspended trainee IAS Puja Khedkar to approach the appropriate forum to challenge the cancellation of her candidature. During the hearing, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) had assured the Court that it would provide Puja Khedkar with the order cancelling her candidature within two days.

The bench of Justice Jyoti Singh disposed of Puja Khedkar's plea and clarified that it has not examined or expressed any opinion on the merits of the case.

Also read: Study abroad: Planning to pursue PG in medicine at a top global university? Here are 5 universities you can consider

Senior Advocate Indira Jaising represented Khedkar and has referenced a press release in the proceedings and stated that she is specifically requesting two actions, the formal delivery of the cancellation order and the quashing of the press release related to the cancellation.

Puja Khedkar had moved Delhi High Court challenging Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) decision to cancel her candidature.

On July 31, the UPSC, through a press statement, stated that it had decided to cancel the provisional candidature of Puja Khedkar, who was facing accusations of cheating and forgery. The UPSC found Puja Khedkar violating rules and debarred her from all future exams and selections.

The UPSC stated that it has carefully considered the request of Puja Manorama Dilip Khedkar, and to meet the ends of justice, she was granted time till 3:30 pm on July 30, 2024, to enable her to submit the response to the Show Cause Notice.

A separate bench of the Delhi High Court is presently also examining the Puja Khedkar plea seeking a bail plea and has granted interim protection from arrest on the case.

Puja Khedkar recently filed an anticipatory bail application in relation to a FIR registered against her for allegedly "faking her identity to fraudulently avail attempts beyond permissible limit" in civil services examination.

Recently, Delhi Police registered a FIR based on a complaint filed by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) against Puja Manorama Dilip Khedkar.
Many celebrities visited television personality and model Malaika Arora after her father, Anil Mehta, died on Wednesday. Her ex-boyfriend Arjun Kapoor and friends-actors Kareena Kapoor and Karisma Kapoor were also seen arriving at Malaika's father's home during the day to offer their heartfelt condolences. All of them were spotted leaving the place late at night. (Also Read | Malaika Arora issues first statement after her father's death) Arjun Kapoor and Malaika Arora were spotted outside her father, Anil Mehta's house.

Arjun helps Malaika to her car

In a clip, Arjun Kapoor was seen exiting the gate with Malaika behind him. He then escorted her to her car. Malaika was seen leaving her father's house with her son Arhaan Khan. Her sister Amrita Arora also left with her husband, Shakeel Ladak. Arjun also helped Kareena and Karisma Kapoor to their car.

Malaika shared a statement about her dad's death

On Wednesday evening, Malaika shared an official statement on Instagram on behalf of her family after the death of Anil. "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. With gratitude, Joyce, Malaika, Amrita, Shakeel, Arhaan, Azaan, Rayyan, Casper, AXL, Duffy and Buddy," read the statement.

Many celebs visited Malaika

Several other celebrities, including Saif Ali Khan, Chunky Panday, and his daughter Ananya Panday also visited Malaika. The Khan family, including her ex-husband, Arbaaz Khan, also visited Malaika on Wednesday. Sohail Khan, along with his parents, Salim Khan and Salma Khan, were seen entering her father's residence as photographers gathered around.

Police on death case

Earlier in the day, Mumbai Police had said that the death of Malaika's father, "prima facie," looks like a suicide, and all angles in the case are being investigated. DCP Crime Branch, Raj Tilak Roshan, informed the media that the body of the deceased was sent for post-mortem. He added that the teams of police and forensics are carrying out the investigation.

Malaika was not at home when her father died. The actor-model was reportedly in Pune and rushed back to Mumbai soon after learning about the incident.
Kareena Kapoor postpones her Mumbai event

Kareena was reportedly set to be a special guest at an event at Lido Cinemas on Juhu Tara Road in Mumbai on September 12. However, the event has now been postponed.

Kareena is also gearing up for the release of her film The Buckingham Murders, directed by Hansal Mehta. It also features Ranveer Brar, Rukku Nahar, and Ash Tandon, and is set to hit theatres on September 13.

Several Mumbai Police officials were present on the spot as Malaika Arora and her sister Amrita Arora as well as other celebs reached her father's home in Bandra on Wednesday. Kareena Kapoor, who is a very close friend of Malaika and Amrita, was one of the celebs spotted. (Pic: Varinder Chawla)

More about Kareena's bond with the Arora sisters

Kareena, who has been friends with Malaika and her sister Amrita for many years, is often seen with them at parties. Together with Kareena's sister, actor Karisma Kapoor, they are known for being one of Bollywood's most famous BFFs. After Anil Mehta's death, both Kareena and Karisma rushed to be by Malaika and Amrita's side.

After dropping in at Malaika and Amrita's parents' home in Mumbai's Bandra on Wednesday afternoon, Kareena was by their side the whole day, and was spotted leaving late at night.

Kareena, Karisma, Amrita and Malaika, along with actor Arjun Kapoor and Malaika's son Arhaan Khan were photographed as they left Anil Mehta's home in their separate cars. Malaika was not at home when her father died; she was reportedly in Pune and rushed back to Mumbai soon after learning about his death.

More about Anil Mehta's death

Earlier on Wednesday, Mumbai police had said that the death of Malaika's father, "prima facie," looked like suicide, and all angles in the case were being investigated. DCP Crime Branch, Raj Tilak Roshan, informed the media that the body of the deceased had been sent for post-mortem, and added that the teams of police and forensics were carrying out the investigation.

Discussing suicides can be triggering for some. However, suicides are preventable. A few major suicide prevention helpline numbers in India are 011-23389090 from Sumaitri (Delhi-based) and 044-24640050 from Sneha Foundation (Chennai-based).
It has been reported that Kevin Spacey is demanding $100,000 to move out of his Baltimore home, although it was sold to someone else. Back in July, Spaceys 9,000-square-foot, five-floor condo in a gated community was foreclosed on and auctioned off. This happened after the actor fell behind in payments because he had no work following #MeToo accusations. Kevin Spacey accused of trying to extort $100K to move out of Baltimore home which was bought by real estate investor (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali, File)(AP)

Real estate investor Sam Asgari (no relation to Britney Spears ex-husband Sam Asghari) reportedly purchased the property for $3.24 million. He has now accused Spacey of extorting money from him. He asked me for $100,000 to leave the property on November 17 and I said no but he said that was his final offer, Asgari told New York Post. Hes saying Im bullying him to play the sympathy card. He wants to use the negative publicity to paint himself as the victim. Well, I dont plan to be a victim of his.

Asgari added, Were going to fight and were fight him legally. If he overstays I will sue him for every day hes stayed.

Hes not giving any reason for why he wont leave

Asgari revealed that he already has to pay $40,000 a month for the homeowners fees, taxes, utility bills and other charges. Spacey reportedly tried to block the original sale of the property last week. He paid $5.65 million for the home in 2017.

Emails in the court filings showed that Asgari had offered to pay Spacey $50,000 if he moved out by September 15. Spaceys camp has said that he could stay until February as long as he did not interfere with the sale. Spacey has accused Asgari of bullying him and trying to force him out of the home.

Asgari and his broker are allegedlt not allowed to get past the gatehouse to access the property. Asgaris associate, Compass real estate broker Sam Sheibani, said that even though they have tried to remain cordial, Spacey isnt.

Hes not giving any reason for why he wont leave, like hes homeless or something, Sheibani said. Its really odd. On what planet is it OK for you to hold someones property and demand crazy money if they want to get it back? It really feels like extortion now, like hes holding onto the property for ransom.

Legally, however, Spacey is not squatting. Following a foreclosure auction, the court has to approve the sale before the highest bidder officially signs the deed. This process can take several months. During this time, the former homeowner can stay at the property. A buyer, however, can offer a payoff for the ex-homeowner to leave quickly  known as a cash-for-keys offer.
* 'Shogun' leads Emmys drama race, 'The Bear' seeks comedy repeat

Shogun enters as favorite for best drama

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The Bear poised for second straight comedy series honor

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Baby Reindeer leads best limited series contenders

By Lisa Richwine and Danielle Broadway

LOS ANGELES, Sept 12 - Which series will succeed three-time winner "Succession" as television's best drama? Emmy voters will reveal their selection on Sunday at a red-carpet ceremony where historical epic "Shogun" enters as the favorite.

The story set in feudal Japan already has collected a record number of Emmys for a single season of a television series. "Shogun" picked up 14 trophies at the Creative Arts Emmys, a precursor event that recognizes guest actors and crafts such as cinematography and production design.

In the comedy race, tension-filled Chicago restaurant tale "The Bear" is poised to grab its second straight series honor. It scored 23 nominations, the most for a comedy in a single year.

Both shows debuted on the FX cable network, setting up a big night for owner Walt Disney, which will broadcast the downtown Los Angeles awards show live on ABC.

"Schitt's Creek" father-son duo Eugene and Dan Levy will host the ceremony, just eight months after the last Emmys. The 2023 honors were handed out in January 2024 because of strikes by Hollywood writers and actors.

With the Roy family saga "Succession" concluded, Sunday will bring a new winner of best drama, the night's top award.

"Shogun," a remake of a popular 1980s miniseries, is the clear favorite. The show, in both English and Japanese, earned praise for its lavish sets and costumes, and a retelling from the Japanese characters' viewpoints. The 1980s version centered around an English sailor who was shipwrecked in Japan.

Stars Hiroyuki Sanada and Anna Sawai are in the running for top acting honors.

"Shogun is a huge undertaking, a sweeping epic that took years and years to make," said Clayton Davis, senior awards editor at Hollywood publication Variety. "It'll be a huge night for that."

Competing with "Shogun" is the final season of "The Crown," Netflix's drama about the British royal family.

Elizabeth Debicki is seen as the frontrunner for supporting drama actress for her portrayal of Princess Diana in the days before her death.

COMEDY SHOWDOWN

"The Bear," winner of best comedy in January, appears likely to win again in that category, according to awards watchers, despite a debate about whether the story of family dysfunction and stressful kitchen conditions should qualify as a comedy.

Jeremy Allen White, who plays Chef Carmen "Carmy" Berzatto, and co-star Ebon Moss-Bachrach are expected to win best comedy actor and supporting actor as they did in January.

At that ceremony in January, Ayo Edibiri of "The Bear" was named best supporting comedy actress. Now she is competing as a lead actress, pitting her against "Hacks" star Jean Smart, who has won two Emmys for her role as septuagenarian comedienne Deborah Vance.

"Hacks," from HBO, is viewed as the one show with a shot at defeating "The Bear." Due to the timing of past seasons, the pair have never competed with each other at the Emmys, and the just-completed third season of "Hacks" was widely regarded as its best.

"I think 'The Bear' still has the juice to eke it out," said Joyce Eng, senior editor at awards website Gold Derby.

Other comedy contenders include ABC's "Abbott Elementary" and "Only Murders in the Building" on Hulu.

"Baby Reindeer," about a bartender stalked by a customer, leads the field vying for best limited series. Scottish comedian and star Richard Gadd has said the Netflix show is based on his real-life story, although a defamation suit argues the stalker's behavior is exaggerated.

Rivals for limited series include Netflix's psychological thriller "Ripley," FX's "Fargo" and HBO's "True Detective: Night Country," starring lead actress nominee Jodie Foster.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Having proved his versatility in various roles and genres, it is not surprising that Malayalam star Tovino Thomas would want to attempt a triple role in a period film that blends folk tale and real life. Ajayante Randam Moshanam (Ajayans second theft), directed by Jithin Lal sees Tovino play the roles of Kunjikelu, Maniyan and Ajayan who lived in three different time periods but are closely connected due to one aspect. Also read: Tovino Thomas says only Malayalam film industry being targeted post Hema Committee report: 'It is hurtful' Ajayante Randam Moshanam (ARM) turns out to be a landmark for Tovino Thomas.

The plot

The story begins with Kunjikelu, a Kalaripayattu warrior who lived in the village of Haripuram in the 1900s. Kunjikelus fame abounds because of the fact that he rescued the sacred Chiyothi Vilakku (Chiyothi Lamp) from those who had come to pillage the Edakkal kingdom. The King asks him what he wants as a reward for this and Kunjikelu asks that he be allowed to install the lamp in a temple in Haripuram so people of all caste can worship the deity. His wish is granted and he returns triumphant but sadly the Chiyothi Vilakku remains inaccessible to the lower castes.

It is then that we are introduced to Maniyan, a well-known thief whom the entire village of Haripuram is up in arms against. Maniyan has extraordinary skills in thievery and ability to escape the clutches of the law. Though the village people, especially the upper castes, try to catch him, its in vain and when Maniyans grandson, Ajayan, is born he, unfortunately, carries the tag of being a potential thief thanks to his legacy. Ajayan, unlike his grandfather, is a simple electrician and runs Radiant Electronics. He lives at home with his mother (Rohini) and is in love with Lakshmi Nambiar (Krithi Shetty), an upper caste girl from a wealthy family. But things take a turn when Sudev Varma (Harish Uthaman) comes to Haripuram and the Chiyothi Vilakku is at stake once again. What happens to Ajayan? How is his life connected to Sudev and the sacred lamp?

The verdict

Tovino Thomas has tried to choose a challenging film as his 50th and the big question is whether Ajayante Randam Moshanam (ARM) is the right landmark film for him. Mammootty and Mohanlal have played triple roles in their films and while Tovinos ambition must be rightly applauded, how much did Jithin Lal and Sujith Nambiar deliver?

Sujith Nambiar, who has written the screenplay, has created a melange of action, fantasy and drama in ARM and provided a lot of scope for Tovino to showcase a range of acting skills. While the films main theme is caste discrimination

As a star, Tovino has been amped up in the movie and scenes visually  for instance, the first shot of him we see captures the actor riding majestically on a horse, while in another scene, Tovino throws open the door of his humble hut with a captivating daunting and menacing look.

However, the screenplay flows back and forth between time periods and this can get a little confusing for the audience. Moreover, the pace of the film is slow and the high points in the film are limited to Maniyan, who clearly scores in terms of screen presence.

The screenplay feels dull at certain points as a result. And ARM being Jithin Lals debut feature film, would be another the reason why the film faltered in its execution. The movie doesnt keep the audience engaged throughout due to its simple storyline that didnt incorporate compelling twists and turns.

About performances

With regard to performances, ARM rests on Tovino Thomas shoulders and he really is the star of the film. His performance as Maniyan outdid the other two roles and it shows that Tovino can essay the role of a negative character with aplomb. He seemed to really enjoy this role as well.

Each of the three roles saw Tovino exhibit a different set of characteristics and mannerisms and full props to him for his skills. Basil Joseph, as always, delivered and the rest of the cast including Krithi Shetty, Rohini, Aju Varghese and others did what was required of them.

Aishwarya Rajesh didnt have much to do in this film. Harish Uthman though doesnt come across as a compelling villain and one feels a different actor could have had more powerful impact in the film. Technically, the cinematography by Jomon T John stands out but the songs by Dhibu Ninan Thomas dont. Thomas BGM however did work well in the film. Tovino Thomas shines in ARM but the execution is, unfortunately, flawed.
* Prince Harry turns 40 on Sunday with eyes focused on his future

Plans private party in southern Californian home

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Media speculation on state of mind, possible return

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Close sources say he is focused on family and projects

By Michael Holden

LONDON, Sept 12 - Britain's Prince Harry will turn 40 in California on Sunday, thousands of miles away from his royal roots, with no sign that distance is dimming interest in King Charles' younger son.

With his Netflix documentaries, his charity work, his legal battles with the British tabloid press and his rift with the rest of the royals, Harry is rarely out of the spotlight.

The prince will mark his 40th birthday with a private celebration at his Montecito home in southern California, where he lives with his American wife Meghan, 43, and their two children.

The milestone has prompted a slew of media stories and speculation back in Britain about what his future career might hold and whether he might return to the active royal duties.

In one lengthy article, the Sunday Times quoted unnamed friends saying Harry was at an unhappy crossroads in his life with one former adviser quoted as saying: "All he does is spend time looking back."

But sources close to the prince said Harry was looking to the future with excitement and a list of projects, including another Netflix special, this one about the elite world of professional polo.

Later this month he will attend events in New York for Travalyst, his initiative to make the travel industry more sustainable, and for The Diana Award, the charity set up in honour of his late mother Princess Diana.

'IT'S STILL DANGEROUS'

In a recent ITV documentary, Harry said his concern about his immediate family's security - he is involved in legal action against the British government after his police protection was taken away - meant he would not return home, especially amid hostility from the tabloid press.

"It's still dangerous, and all it takes is one lone actor, one person who reads this stuff to act on what they have read, and whether it's a knife or acid, whatever it is, and these are things that are of genuine concern for me," he said.

Critics blame him for the negativity, saying he was the one who chose to talk about the rift with his father, the king, and elder brother Prince William on TV and in his memoir "Spare", while living off his royal background.

Supporters counter that he has come under pressure because of his self-declared mission to hold newspaper bosses to account.

He has already successfully sued the Mirror group of newspapers over phone-hacking and other allegations, and is still involved in lawsuits against Rupert Murdoch's British newspaper group and the publisher of the Daily Mail and MailOnline.

Harry has acknowledged his media battles have contributed to his family rift and, as it stands, there appears to be no sign of this healing.

"Reports suggest that whilst Charles would be open to a return of some sort on the part of his son and daughter-in-law, William absolutely wouldn't be open to that," Anna Whitelock, Professor of the History of the Monarchy at City, University of London, said.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
The trailer for Koratala Sivas Jr NTR, Saif Ali Khan and Janhvi Kapoor-starrer Devara: Part 1 dropped recently. While the trailer received mixed reviews, one particular review by two YouTubers made actor Vishwak Sen criticise them. (Also Read: Jr NTR, Vishwak Sen, Kalki 2898 AD producers donate to Andhra Pradesh, Telangana rain relief) Vishwak Sen was angry that the YouTubers criticised Jr NTR-starrer Devara: Part 1's trailer.

Vishwak Sen on Devara trailer review

On an Instagram page titled Telugu Memes, a compilation of a live YouTube video hosted by a page called Ragadi was posted. In it, the YouTubers discussed the drawbacks of Devara: Part 1s trailer. They even discussed the potential twist in the film, with one of them criticising how Jr NTR looks in the trailer and pointing out that the scene in which he rides a shark wasnt good either.

Vishwak reacted to the video on Instagram, commenting, Na Peru karab cheyyadanike puttadu veeedu, fist goda ki support lekunda 2 mins kurcho nuvvu, tharvatha, cinema ni, audience ni uddariddu kani. Kaaalthundhi naku kani, already kalipoyyina face needi em cheddam, nuvve matladali andham gurinchi. (This man exists to ruin my name. You first sit without taking the support of a wall for 2 minutes, later, you can discuss how to make better cinema for the audience. Just looking at your face makes me mad, so you should be the last one to talk about someones looks.)

He also clarified that if hes not wrong the person he was lashing out against is also named Vishwak, hence his statement.

A screen grab of Vishwak Sen's comments on the post.

For the unversed, Vishwak is a self-proclaimed fan of Jr NTR. The latter also shares a good relationship with him, claiming that Vishwak and Siddhu Jonnalagadda will take the Telugu film industry forward.

He once said at an event, I always believed that Vishwak Sen and Siddhu would play a very instrumental role in taking the industry forward with fresh ideas and content. And looking at them both today, I feel very proud. We need daredevils like these to take the industry to the next level.

About Devara: Part 1

Jr NTR plays the titular role and Varadha in the film, Saif plays Bhaira, and Janhvi plays Thangam. Three songs  Fear Song, Chuttamalle, and Daavudi  composed by Anirudh Ravichander have already been released and met with mixed reactions. The first part of Devara will be released in Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada and Hindi on September 27.
Actor Rajesh Puris recent trip to Delhi turned out to be a harrowing experience when he escaped a kidnapping, sharing that he was being conned on the pretext of being invited for an 'event' in Delhi. Also read: Rajesh Puri, Abhinav Chaturvedi recall working on Hum Log Rajesh Puri is not planning to file a case.(Instagram)

Plan to kidnap him

In an interview with The Times of India, the actor revealed when he reached Delhi for the so-called event, he was taken to Meerut. He shared that he was paid 35,000 in advance and his flight tickets too were booked. He even recorded a video for the event, and shared some pictures for the event. But he never got a formal invite from the event team despite him asking for it multiple times.

When he reached Delhi, he was greeted by two men at the Delhi airport, following which he sat in the car

'The new car had no license plate, and the driver wore a mask, which raised my suspicions. 'They then started heading toward Meerut, and when I asked why, they gave vague responses. Thats when I realised something is wrong. I mentioned my strong connections in Delhi to make them uncomfortable. They offered me to eat at a dhaba when we were 12 kms away from Meerut, he said.

When he got anxious, he asked them about his whereabouts, and at that time he was told that he was being kidnapped.

Escaping a nightmare

To escape the plan, he made kidnappers believe that he had strong connections in Delhi which left them uncomfortable. After a few hours, the kidnappers dropped him at the border, where he called his brother in law to pick him up.

He also claimed that he even got a call from one of the kidnappers that night.

This guy told me that their car was being followed by armed men, and that I was being taken to a remote location where they planned to demand a ransom of 1 or 2 crore rupees, added the actor.

He is still not over the bad incident, and is not planning to file a case. He has shared that his lawyer friends have advised him to stay away from the incident, and fears that it may irk the kidnappers.

Rajesh is known for working on projects such as Hum Log, Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro, and Saath Nibhaana Saathiya.
Nikki Garcia, the estranged wife of professional dancer Artem Chigvintsev, has officially filed for divorce. This action comes less than two weeks after Chigvintsev was arrested on domestic violence charges. The couple, who share a 4-year-old son named Matteo, have been navigating a tumultuous period in their married life, and this legal move signifies a clear separation of their paths. Nikki Garcia has filed for divorce from Artem Chigvintsev following his recent arrest on domestic violence charges. (pic- Instagram)

Nikki Garcia files for divorce

According to TMZ, former WWE star Nikki Garcia (formerly known as Nikki Bella) filed for divorce in Napa Valley, California, on Wednesday, September 11. Just a month earlier, DWTS pro-Artem Chigvintsev, who is no longer part of the show, was arrested on charges of corporal injury to a spouse.

Also read: Patrick Mahomes refuses to endorse after Donald Trump praised wife Britanny, Taylor Swift backs Kamala Harris

Hours after the arrest, a source told the outlet that Garcia had contacted a divorce lawyer and was later seen without her wedding ring boarding a private jet with their child. While the news surprised many fans, friends of the couple werent as shocked. Sources close to the pair revealed that their marriage had always been volatile. Notably, the police have not yet disclosed the name of the victim involved in the incident.

Nikki Garcia and Artem Chigvintsev signal the end of their marriage

The power couple, married for two years, are reportedly heading toward a rocky end to their union. On August 29, Artem Chigvintsev was arrested in Napa Valley and booked into Napa County Jail with a $25,000 bail, reports PEOPLE. He was released in less than an hour. According to reports and the call records, Artem was the first to call 911, alleging that Nikki hit him with a shoe.

Also read: Kamala Harriss meme-worthy debate reactions to Trumps dog-eating comment win trends: She mastered

However, it should be noted that Nikkis name was not mentioned in the official documents. At the time, a representative for Garcia told PEOPLE, This is a private matter, and Nikki asks for privacy for her and her family at this time.

Following the domestic violence incident, Nikki Garcia reportedly moved out of the home she shared with Artem Chigvintsev and stopped wearing her wedding ring, signalling the end of their marriage. Artems actions also spoke volumes: he was seen erasing and then restoring his wifes name on his Instagram bio, fueling rumours of separation.

Less than a week after the alleged altercation, Garcia made her first public appearance at Netflixs Joey Chestnut vs. Kobayashi: Unfinished Beef hot dog eating contest. Im so happy to be here, Nikki told the crowd, putting on a brave face for the event. However, fans were quick to notice her emerald engagement ring and wedding band missing in the frame.
Actor Anupria Goenka was excited to share screen space with actor Rahul Bose in the upcoming film, Berlin, but admits that shooting an intimate scene with the 57-year-old actor made her feel uncomfortable. Also read: Aashram actor Anupriya Goenka: My pursuit has been to choose the right creators and content Anupriya Goenka will be seen sharing screen space with Rahul Bose in Berlin.

Why so intimate

In a recent interview with News18, she shared that Rahul, who was mostly chatty on sets, was very quiet on the day the steamy scene had to be shot. It was because the actor was shy and was trying to keep a calm composure.

"We werent technically filming, just posing for some photos. I cant tell you how shy he was, and I loved watching him like that! The fan girl in me quickly turned into someone who was teasing him," Anupria said.

The 37-year-old added, The pictures turned out beautifully, even though it was an uncomfortable situation."

She also admitted that she was also nervous, and tried hard to look confident. In the interview, Anupria also revealed that she had a huge crush on Rahul while growing up, and getting to work with him was a big deal for her.

About Berlin

The spy thriller is set against the backdrop of the 1990s in New Delhi. Directed by Atul Sabharwal, Berlin features an ensemble cast including Aparshakti Khurana, Ishwak Singh, Rahul Bose, Anupria Goenka, and Kabir Bedi. It promises to be a tale of undercover activities, deceit, and moral ambiguity. Produced by Zee Studios and Yippee Ki Yay Motion Pictures, Berlin will be streaming on ZEE5.

The story revolves around three main characters whose lives are about to collide in unexpected ways. Ishwak is seen as a deaf-mute young man accused of being a foreign spy. Aparshakti is seen as a sign language expert tasked with unlocking the secrets hidden in silence. Anupria essays the role of an agent, with Rahul in the role of an intelligence officer, fighting not just external threats but also the shadows within his own agency.
Emily in Paris season 4 part 2 review: Breaking up a breezy binge like this Lily Collins-starrer into two parts releasing across two months didn't make too much sense initially. The two parts are narratively alike, but also quite different. Emily is torn between two men, two cultures, two states of mind across both parts  but the last five episodes amp up the scale, and in turn, the magnitude of her dilemma. She's not only stuck between two men, two cities, and two countries, but also between work and life, growth and stability, and past and future. Emily in Paris season 4 part 2 review: Lily Collins visits Rome

(Also Read  Emily in Paris actor Lucien Laviscount on why Alfie keeps getting his heart broken: Theyre all figuring it out')

Emily tries to strike a work-life balance this season

Tying up of loose ends

Thankfully, creator Darren Star hits the accelerator on where it left part 1. The narrative isn't as obsessed with the love triangle between Emily, Gabriel, and Camille, as a lot of developments happen on that front in the very first episode. Tying up those loose ends does take one full episode, but it doesn't feel stale thanks to the visual palette. Paris at the time of Christmas looks like a dreamland, even sans snowfall. Emily skating with Gabriel on thin ice isn't only an omen, but also the warm sweater-y hug we needed as an early holiday present and as a familiar start to the world we've consumed for four seasons.

Some old characters give way to new ones  there's Genevieve, Sylvie's American stepniece who's hired at Agence Grateu as a potential threat to Emily. Will she turn Emily into the Emily from The Devil Wears Prada, and project herself as the Anne Hathaway to Sylvie's Meryl Streep? But like the rest of her life, her professional rival infiltrates her personal life as well, by bonding beyond work hours with Gabriel. Then there's also Marcello (Eugenio Franceshini), the Italian stallion she chances upon when Gabriel abandons her once. These two new characters shake things up in the Emily ecosystem, which now is no longer limited to just Paris. Enter: Rome.

Emily finds a new purpose in Rome

Roman holiday

It's clear that when a new country is introduced in a show called Emily in Paris, it's sure to take an unexpected detour. The Vespas with muted colours sauntering across quaint bylanes dotted by open cafes and centuries-old monuments are a much-needed stark contrast to the bustling streets of Paris, populated by packed cafes and sharp turns. Emily also feels Paris is more orderly, which complements her inherent facility for planning and organisation. But Rome is probably what she needs to grow  to ruin with age, yet hold on to a certain grace and lived-in wisdom. Now that she's kissed in front of the Eiffel Tower, maybe it's time to sit back and admire the cracks in the Colosseum.

The variance lies in not only the topography, but also the cultures. A casual workplace discussion between Emily and her colleagues leads to a debate about which country's coffee is better. Emily proclaims she's a Starbucks girl as she likes to spruce up her macchiato with caramel. Her French co-workers judge her and then argue that Italian espresso is strong, whereas the France's Cafe au lait is subtle so that it goes well with food. The debate is synonymous of Emily's dilemma  whether to stick to the subtle pleasures of her life in Paris or demand more drama in Rome. Like her, Gabriel is a workaholic, but Marcello is an ambitious businessman with a slow way of life, a lifestyle that fascinates Emily.

Work-life balance

Emily's conflicts now transcend men, and also revolve around the blurred lines between her work and life. Blending both in a cocktail and gulping it down gave her the high she needed to conquer France amid the culture shock. But now that she's achieved what she had to in one country, is it time for her to relocate again? Or has she just found her footing in France and should continue to milk it? Hopping countries isn't really her idea of growth, but does it make sense to do that if where she's heading allows her to keep a healthy work-life balance? She doesn't want to evolve into her boss, who has not blurred, but obliterated, the lines between life and work ever since she started her company. But would she be content with the slow life that's seducing her?

One learning that Emily is surely working towards is to master the language as much as she's imbibed the culture of a place. After Gabriel claims that their communication gap has to do with her language constraint as much as it's to do with his closed approach, she makes sure to download an Italian course on Duolingo while wooing Marcello. She wants them to speak the same language  whether it's literal, of love, or of life. Becoming Emily in Rome is pretty much like a change in her DNA, and also that of the show. Like the city that wasn't built in a day, the show also holds great promise because it refuses to settle down  and remains a thriving, enticing work-in-progress.

Emily in Paris season 4 part 2 is streaming now on Netflix India.
Having grown up in Bihar, actor Pankaj Tripathi tells us he did not celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi in a big way until he moved to Mumbai. In Bihar, Ganesh Chaturthi isnt celebrated the way it is in Maharashtra. My mum would fast, we would perform puja aarti and that was that. My memories of the festival are from the past 10 years, the actor shares, adding, When my daughter was little, she used to cry on the day of visarjan because Bappa was going away. Judd gaya hoon iss utsav se. Ek tarah se yeh mera karm bhoomi ka tyohaar hai. It was my karm bhoomi Mumbai that brought me to Ganpati Bappa. A photo of actor Pankaj Tripathi and his wife Mridula Tripathi celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi

Also Read: Ganesh Chaturthi has always been special, says Amar Upadhyay

While he hasnt been able to celebrate the entirety of Ganesh Chaturthi with his family in the past, the 47-year-old is staying home for all seven days of the festival, which began on September 7, this year: Until the year before last, I would have professional commitments and could only partake in the festivities on the days of sthapana and visarjan. [This year] script readings and everything else is happening at home.

What do Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations look like in the Tripathi household? The actor replies, Nearly 50 people come over for lunch or dinner every day and eat with us on banana leaf plates. Our celebrations have now become a celebration for all our loved ones. We make homemade prasad for Bappa and people can come for darshan any time of the day. Yeh tyohaar sabko jodta hai.

Also Read: Rakul Preet Singh on celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi with Jackky Bhagnani after wedding: Firsts are always special

Tripathi also feels strongly about ensuring that his familys festivities are environmentally conscious. We have an eco-friendly murti; the visarjan takes place at a small pond near our home, he says and asserts, Humare sanskriti mein suraj, paani, dharti, sab ki puja hoti hai. Our festivals are the worship of nature and ecosystems.

This festive season is a particularly loaded one for Tripathi, who lost his brother-in-law Rajesh Tiwari, in a car accident earlier this year. Iss saal parivarik roop se hum emotional peeda mein the, toh yeh utsav mujhe lagta hai usse overcome karne mein madad karega. Yeh jeevan hai jo humein sikhata hai ki aagey chalte rehna hai, emotional utar chadav aata rehta hai, he wraps up.
New Delhi, The Delhi High Court on Thursday asked the trial court not to pass a final order on framing of charges till September 23 in connection with the case of alleged larger conspiracy behind the 2020 northeast Delhi riots. 2020 Delhi riots case: HC asks trial court not to pass order on charges till Sep 23

The high courts order came while hearing a plea by riots accused Devangana Kalita seeking direction to the police to provide her certain videos and WhatsApp chats in two cases, including one under the anti-terror law Unlawful Activities Act, related to the communal violence during the 2020 protests against the CAA and NRC.

The counsel for respondent appears through video conferencing and submitted that he does not have the case file with him and seeks adjournment. The counsel for the petitioner opposes the prayer for adjournment on the grounds that arguments on framing of charges are ongoing and this petition pertains to supply of unrelied/relied documents under section 207 of CrPC.

Considering the submissions made, the matter be listed for arguments on September 23. Till then the trial court may continue with the arguments on charge but no final order be made, Justice Neena Bansal Krishna said while dictating the order.

During the hearing, Kalitas lawyer submitted that the petitioner was seeking the documents including, the videos and chats to prove her innocence.

The lawyer said the video, which was in her favour and would show her innocence, was not being provided to her by the prosecution.

However, the counsel for the Delhi Police contended that her petitions were not maintainable and said he would be able to address the court on the issue on the next date as today he was held up before the trial court which was hearing arguments on framing of charges in the same case.

Kalita's counsel had earlier submitted that the Delhi Police had commissioned certain persons to record the protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act and National Register of Citizens in February 2020 and the footage should be supplied to her before the trial court proceeds to hear the arguments on the framing of charges.

"Those videos will demonstrate that from February 22 to 26 , we were protesting peacefully. The videos will demonstrate that.. I want to exercise my valuable right of discharge ," he said.

"The case against me is murder. I am said to be part of a group of protestors under the Jafrabad flyover. Selective screen grabs have been taken... The videos exist. I say it is exculpatory. Provide me the videos," he had contended.

Besides the video footage, the lawyer has also sought the "entire WhatsApp chat" of a group, "selective extracts" of which were allegedly being used against the petitioner.

Kalita, Natasha Narwal, Jamia Coordination Committee members Safoora Zargar, former A councillor Tahir Hussain and several others have also been booked under various FIRs in relation to the riots in North-East Delhi, which had left 53 people dead and over 700 injured in February 2020.

Kalita, Sharjeel Imam, Khalid Saifi, Umar Khalid and others have been accused of being the "masterminds" behind the violence that took place at a time when the then US president Donald Trump and other dignitaries were in the national capital.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Six people were arrested in Mandya district for their alleged involvement in a female foeticide racket that was busted last year, an officer said adding that a total of 36 people have been arrested so far. The accused used to charge between  25,000 to  75,000 for each abortion, an official said, adding that the accused had performed at least 3,000 abortions since 2020. (File photo)

District superintendent of police (SP) Mallikarjun S Baladandi said that the six accused were arrested on Tuesday. They have been identified as N Ramakrishna and B Guru from Bannur, Somesekhar from Mysuru, Naveen HK from Hiremarali village in Pandavapur taluk, Shankara GN from KR Nagar, and Jabbar from Haralahalli in Pandavapur taluk.

He said: A case was registered at Pandavapur, Bellur, and Melukote police stations concerning the discovery of the foetus and the murder last year. Ramakrishna, Guru, and Somesekhar, who were working in Mysuru, were involved in the illegal abortions case. Two scanning machines were seized from Ramakrishna.

Over the past year, a total of 36 people have been arrested, he said.

The case came to the fore on October 15 last year when the Bengaluru police busted a female foeticide racket. During the investigations, an illegal gender scanning centre operating from a jaggery-making unit in Hullenahalli, Mandya district, was revealed. To date, three cases have been registered in Mandya district.

The accused used to charge between 25,000 to 75,000 for each abortion, an official said, adding that the accused had performed at least 3,000 abortions since 2020.

In connection with the case, three doctors were arrested along with 12 other people, who were involved in running the foeticide racket. Besides, a Pandavapura health department ambulance driver was arrested on May 6, who was involved in illegal scanning and abortions conducted at his official quarters.

Following the arrest of six more people on Tuesday, local MLA of Sarvodaya Karnataka Party from Melukote assembly constituency, Darshan Puttannaiah said: A foeticide racket has been uncovered in the Dudda area, which has been ongoing for the past year. Thanks to the diligent work of the police, the accused have been apprehended.

These heinous acts are leading to a decrease in the number of female. The government must take stringent action to stop these killings, and the police should continue their investigation to arrest all those involved, he added.
Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said on Thursday that the 16th Finance Commission should factor in the rising trend in surcharges and cesses levied by the Union government and suggested that states should receive 50% from tax devolution  higher than the 41% recommended by the 15th Finance Commission. Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan. (X)

Vijayans comments came while inaugurating a conclave of finance ministers from five non-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ruled states -- Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Punjab and Telangana -- hosted by Kerala to discuss issues related to the 16th Finance Commission, a constitutional body set up every five years to decide on the share of central taxes between the Centre and the states.

The finance ministers of these participating states agreed with Vijayan that states need to receive more funds from the Centre.

Vijayan said that, as per Article 270 of the Constitution, surcharges and cesses are excluded from the divisible pool of taxes shareable with the states and suggested that they should be part of total tax collected by the Centre so that it can be part of the devolution formula.

In the last decade, the surcharges and cesses have shown a rising trend and now comprise around one-fifth of the gross tax revenue of the union. Its direct consequence is the shrinkage of the divisible pool of the taxes, Vijayan said.

Kerala, he underlined, had demanded from the 15th Finance Commission that the preceding share of taxes to be distributed to the state need to be raised to 50% of the net proceeds considering the persisting vertical fiscal imbalance between taxing powers and expenditure obligations of the Centre and the states.

The 15th Finance Commission had recommended 41% of the tax funds collected by states to be paid to the states, one percentage point less from the recommendation of 14th Finance Commission. Currently, the 16th Finance Commission is visiting states to seek suggestions on devolution of funds and is expected to submit its report to the central government by early 2025.

CM Vijayan, whose administration went to the Supreme Court in December last year claiming that the Centre was limiting its borrowing capacity, argued that states like Kerala which have taken extra efforts to improve health, education and demographic indicators must not face falling tax share.

Our share in taxes has fallen from 3.05% in the 11th Finance Commission to 1.92% in the 15th Finance Commission, the chief minister said.

Telangana finance minister Bhatti Vikramarka said, The Centres growing reliance on cesses and surcharges not shared with states has soared to over 28% of the Centres gross tax revenue. This significantly diminishes the resources available to states.

To be sure, the concerns of southern states and those with higher per capita incomes having to sacrifice their share in central taxes because of the equity and population weightage principle arent being aired for the first time. The 15th Finance Commission, which was chaired by NK Singh, had to take these into account.

In an interview to HT in 2021, Singh acknowledged the complexity of the issue, stating, Adequacy is a subjective norm. The best way this [concerns of southern states] would have been addressed is a situation would have been addressed is a situation where we hadnt used population as a criteria at all. But then I explained you would have had other kind of choices.

He elaborated on the commissions approach: Instead of saying adequately addressed, let me say reasonably mitigated, or responsibly mitigated.

Singh highlighted the commissions efforts to balance these concerns: You could say that we have tried to in some ways redress this in a manner we considered appropriate. In spite of what we did as we had done, to mitigate this, it turned out to be that many of the states would have had a huge yawning resource deficit.

Krishna Byre Gowda, Karnataka revenue minister, said: What we are seeking here is a quest for justice because we are those who contribute enormously to the cause of the union through creation of jobs and opportunities.

Punjab finace minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that while the introduction of GST was a landmark reform, it has limited the fiscal autonomy of the states.

The conclave, presided over by Kerala finance minister KN Balagopal, was attended by finance ministers and top officials from the participating states.
Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury, 72, who was known as an affable and accommodative Leftist and arguably the most popular face of his party in recent times, died on Thursday, New Delhis All Indian Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) confirmed. In the 1970s, Sitaram Yechury rose to fame when he stopped the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi from attending a JNU event. (HT PHOTO)

AIIMS professor in charge (medical cell) Rima Dada said Yechury, who was admitted to the hospital on August 19, was suffering from pneumonia. The family has donated his body to AIIMS, New Delhi, for teaching and research purposes, said Dada in a statement.

Yechury rose through the ranks starting his political career as a student leader at the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) around 50 years back and became the CPI(M) chief in 2015. During his tenure, the party got into a pre-poll alliance for the first time with Congress and other Opposition parties to form the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) last year.

A CPI(M) parliamentarian was elected for the first time from Rajasthan in the 2024 national polls even as the party and the wider Left bloc failed to gain lost ground, particularly in West Bengal which they ruled for 34 years. The party has no assembly or Lok Sabha seats in Bengal anymore. It also lost power in Tripura after 25 years in 2018. CPI(M) now has four lawmakers each in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha and 78 assembly members.

Yechurys political clout, however, endured in the Opposition camp despite CPI(M)s shrinking base. In the 1970s, he rose to fame when he stopped the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi from attending a JNU event and read out the students demand for her resignation in her presence.

Yechury, however, forged a strong bond with former Congress president Sonia Gandhi and the leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi much to the annoyance of some CPI(M) and Congress leaders. When Congress leader Jairam Ramesh facetiously dubbed Yechury as CPI(M) general secretary for Congress at a press conference, Sonia Gandhi reprimanded her colleague for putting Yechury in trouble.

Yechury was the first non-Congress leader Sonia Gandhi called after she met President APJ Abdul Kalam in May 2004 ahead of the formation of the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government as she wanted to meet then CPI(M) chief Harkishen Singh Surjeet. Sonia Gandhi would break the news at Surjeets residence that she would not be the Prime Minister. Earlier this year, Yechury, who was also present there, told HT what happened. Surjeet, down with fever, jumped up from a cot: Kya bol rahi hai tu [what are you saying?]. And then at her request, he started calling up alliance leaders to muster support for Manmohan Singh.

Born in 1952 in Chennai, Yechury left his studies midway at Nizam College in Hyderabad and shifted to Delhi where he earned all-India first rank in the Central Board of School Education Class 12 exam in 1970. He studied economics at St Stephens College and JNU, where he first met Prakash Karat, a fellow communist.

Yechury and Karat were members of the UPA-Left coordination committee that met regularly in vain to hammer out differences over the India-US nuclear deal. But unlike the ideologically rigid Karat, Yechury opposed the idea of the Left, which had 60 lawmakers in the 543-member Lok Sabha, withdrawing support from the Congress-led government.

Yechury maintained the Left should not withdraw support from a secular government. He argued that the Left would be unable to claim credit for its interventions for successes such as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act and Right to Information Act. Weeks later, when he was at an Indian embassys party in Moscow, the Indian ambassador broke the news: Congratulations, your party has decided to allow us to go to the IAEA [International Atomic Energy Agency in connection with the nuke deal]. Yechury called Karat from the ambassadors official telephone to ask how the party arrived at the decision.

The Lefts decision to withdraw support was a blow to moderates such as Yechury. A day after the Congress-led government won the trust vote after the withdrawal in July 2008 against the Left and the BJP, external affairs minister Pranab Mukherjee had only one visitor in his officeYechury.

An ardent admirer of Surjeet and Jyoti Basu, Yechury accompanied the two leaders, P Rammurthy and M Basavapunnaiah to China. At the breakfast table on the first day, Yechury spoke to each of them in their native languagesHindi, Bengali, Tamil, and Telugu. The next day, when Yechury arrived for breakfast, Basu declared, This man [Yechury] is dangerous. He is talking in four different languages and although we are sitting here, none of us can understand what he is saying to others.

On his first trip to Cuba, Yechury accompanied Basu to meet Fidel Castro. In their late evening meeting, a curious Castro asked Basu about Indias coal production and steel capacities. Basu, not the best one on statistics, fumbled. Castro turned to Yechury, Young man, I can understand Basu is an aged person and might not remember these figures. But you should have known it. Yechury said when he went to Havana again, he carried a book of Indian statistics.

Known as an endearing person, Yechury never shied away from parties, meeting people across the ideological divide, or embracing the best of the capitalist West. In his column Left Hand Drive for HT, he referred to Michael Jackson and Ustad Ali Akbar Khan in October 2009 and said: This should also help settle, once again, the age-old philosophical battle between materialism and idealism by moving further to establish that the mind is the highest form of matter.

Yechury loved his 2019 Oxford Union lecture and remained an admirer of Mahatma Gandhi. He was not his usual self since losing his son, Ashish, during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021. Yechury retired from the Rajya Sabha four years earlier with House leader Arun Jaitley paying a rich tribute to his contemporary on the Communist leaders last day as a parliamentarian on August 10, 2017. On a personal note, I have had the privilege of probably knowing him [Yechury] longer in this House and earlier than most others. We were contemporaries in the university. He went from Delhi University to Jawaharlal Nehru University.

Jaitley said they literally grew up within their organisations together. From students organisations, we migrated into the political parties. I have seen him [Yechury] almost grow, with every passing day, within his organisation.

Jaitley recalled that Yechury always had the same enthusiasm that he had during his student days. He [Yechury] is ready to stand up and participate in almost every debate, making his views known. On a serious note, if I may say so, he has made an extremely valuable contribution as a Parliamentarian to almost every debate in which he has participated.

Jaitley said some contributions raise the level of the debate in the House and, unquestionably, Yechury, in every debate that he participated, raised the level of that debate, and others who participated along with him had to measure up to the same standard.

Rajya Sabha remained Yechurys favourite place. There, he would often tell the Chair: The colour of the Rajya Sabha is red and that of the Lok Sabha is green because if the Lok Sabha green lights any faulty bill, the Rajya Sabha must show it the red light.
New Delhi: India has gone from being an aviation exclusive to an aviation inclusive country in the last ten years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday, calling it a transformation in the airline industry that is focussed on connecting people, culture and prosperity. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the 2nd Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation, as Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu looks on, at the Bharat Mandapam, in New Delhi on Thursday. (ANI)

Modi was speaking at the 2nd Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation which had delegates from 29 countries and eight international organisations, including the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), among attendees.

There was a time when air travel was exclusive only to a few... the weaker of middle class people could opt for air travel only in the case of an emergency but today, the situation in the country has changed, today we have flights in our tier 2 and 3 cities as well, Modi said.

The high-level conference had ministers, heads of civil aviation authorities and key stakeholders coming together to address the current challenges in the APAC region.

The two-day conference ended with Modi announcing unanimous passing of the Delhi Declaration, a comprehensive framework aimed at enhancing regional cooperation, addressing emerging challenges, and fostering sustainable growth within the civil aviation sector.

Civil aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu said: Delhi declaration is a resounding roadmap that was shaped by years of discussions across various platforms the declaration aims to enhance safety and security by advancing the ICAO global aviation safety plan, global air navigation plan and global aviation Security PlanThe provisions contained within this document will serve as a guiding beacon, taking a leap from the Beijing Declaration of pre-Covid times, steering us towards a future defined by inclusive growth and enhanced regional collaboration.

The conference discussions guide us to focus on strategies to ensure the aviation sector is equipped with a skilled workforce and make careers in the aviation industry lucrative for the younger generations, he added.

Praising the regional connectivity scheme- Udey Desh ka Aam Nagarik (UDAN), Modi appealed to delegates of other countries to study the success of the scheme that made India aviation inclusive and has made air travel affordable to the lower middle class.
Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party of a land scam worth billions of rupees in Ayodhya. Yadav claimed that BJP and government officials were involved in the scam, and demanded an immediate and thorough investigation into the matter. Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav addresses a press conference, at party headquarters, in Lucknow of Uttar Pradesh, Thursday, Sept 12, 2024. (PTI Photo/Nand Kumar)(PTI)

While addressing a press conference at the SP headquarters in Lucknow, Akhilesh Yadav alleged that the ongoing land-related theft in the holy city was part of a broader pattern of corruption facilitated by those in power.

In July, the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister had accused the state government of selling land to outsiders in Ayodhya. He had demanded that a probe be launched by central agencies in these land deals.

He latched on to a news report in The Indian Express to attack the Yogi Adityanath-led dispensation.

Officials and BJP members are engaged in loot and where there is theft, there will be no development. I thank our party leaders for exposing the dark reality of the looting in Ayodhya, the SP chief said on Thursday. "If they can commit such theft in a sacred place like Ayodhya, imagine how much more is happening in other districts of Uttar Pradesh," he added.

Yadav said the farmers in Ayodhya who wanted to donate the land for a good cause were denied compensation when the circle rate was raised. He also alleged the involvement of BJP and government officials in illegal activities.

"When poor and naive individuals had their land taken and handed over to others, the circle rate in Ayodhya was raised. Isn't this a loss of revenue?" he asked.

"I am pleased that we have received copies of the land registry involving the BJP officials. The defence land, which was meant for artillery practice, was also sold off by the BJP members. They even changed the railway alignment, which previously did not affect the land of the poor or their businesses," Yadav alleged.

Hitting out at the BJP, Akhilesh said, Is this their definition of 'zero tolerance' for corruption? The slogan they promoted seems to mean enriching their own people. While the common people were unaware of the future value of their land, officials and BJP members knew all along.

(With inputs from PTI)
Eight men armed with pistols, knives, and sticks thrashed two trainees at Mhows Army War College, allegedly raped one of the two female friends accompanying them, and looted their money after surrounding their car parked at a firing range near Chhoti Jam in Madhya Pradeshs Indore district early on Wednesday, two police officer said on Thursday. Investigators said they have arrested two of the accused and formed 10 teams to nab six others. (Getty Images)

Additional police superintendent Rupesh Dwivedi said one of the two women told them she was not raped after gaining consciousness late on Wednesday even as media reports suggested she was gang-raped. The accused kept the woman and a 23-year-old trainee army officer separately. The woman said she was thrashed but not raped, said Dwivedi.

Deputy inspector general Nimish Agrawal said they cannot underplay the incident and have filed a case on the complaint of one of the trainee officers under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhitas Section 70 (gang-rape), 310-2 (dacoity), 307-2 (extortion) and 115-2 (voluntarily causing hurt) and under the Arms Act as the accused carried illegal arms. The statement of [the] woman [allegedly gang-raped] will be registered on Thursday.

Investigators said they have arrested two of the accused and formed 10 teams to nab six others. They added the two trainee army officers at Mhow Army College had hired a car for a walk with their two female friends. Investigators said the eight men surrounded the car from all sides at the firing range.

Agrawal said the attackers thrashed both the trainee army officers and the women and looted their money. The attackers held one officer and one of his female friends hostage and sent the other woman and the officer to get 10 lakh. The officer rushed to his unit and informed the commanding officer, who informed the police. He said the accused fled the spot when the police arrived there.
Ayushman Bharat health cover: The Union cabinet has approved health coverage for senior citizens on Wednesday under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana. According to union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the scheme will benefit close to six crore senior citizens. The Narendra Modi-led Union cabinet approved health coverage for senior citizens under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana.( HT PHOTO/ Hindustan Times)(Hindustan Times)

Eligible beneficiaries will get a cover up to 5 lakh under the scheme. The scheme is expected to benefit around 4.5 crore families in India.

Also Read: Ayushman Bharat fraud case: ED raids Himachal Pradesh Cong MLA, CMs associate

Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the scheme with a post on X saying, We are committed to ensuring accessible, affordable and top-quality healthcare for every Indian. This scheme will ensure dignity, care and security to six crore citizens!

Also Read: President Murmu makes big announcement on Ayushman Bharat scheme. Details here

Take a look below to find out who all are eligible for the scheme under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana.

Eligibility

All senior citizens - who are 70 and above are eligible under the scheme. They get a health cover of  5 lakh on a family basis.

5 lakh on a family basis. Additionally, senior citizens who belong to families already under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana scheme, get an additional top up of  5 lakh on their health insurance, which is entirely for themselves and does not need to be shared with their family.

Also Read: Punjab private hospitals, clinics turn away Ayushman Bharat patients over pending bills

Senior citizens with private health insurance can also avail of this scheme

However, senior citizens covered under other public health insurance schemes such as the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) and Ayushman Central Armed Police Force (CAPF), have to make a choice between their existing insurance scheme or the Ayushman Bharat scheme.

All eligible beneficiaries will be issued a distinct card to avail the scheme.

According to the government, Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana scheme is the is the world's largest publicly funded health insurance programme.

Under the programme, a health cover of 5 lakh is provided to every eligible family annually and serves close to 55 crore individuals and 12.34 crore families in India.
West Bengal chief secretary Manoj Pant on Thursday issued a fresh appeal to junior doctors protesting over the alleged rape and murder of a female doctor, urging them to attend a meeting with chief minister Mamata Banerjee at 5pm. Kolkata: Junior doctors during their second day of 'dharna' over the RG Kar Hospital rape and murder incident, near Swasthya Bhawan, in Kolkata, Wednesday, Sept 11, 2024.(PTI)

The state government, however, rejected the doctors' demand for a live telecast of the meeting but agreed to allow the discussion to be recorded for transparency. In his letter, Pant also restricted the delegation size to 15 doctors, while confirming Mamata Banerjee's presence at the talks aimed at resolving the ongoing impasse.

"The meeting shall not be Live telecast. However, the same can be recorded to maintain transparency. This will serve the purpose intended from your end, while also maintaining the sanctity of the proceedings, ensuring that all discussions are accurately documented," the Chief Secretary stated in his letter.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) hit out at the government's refusal to live telecast the meeting, expressing scepticism over its offer to record the meeting for transparency.

Well, the WB Govt couldnt preserve vaginal swab of the rape and murder victim of RG Kar Medical College & Hospital. They couldnt even produce the challan, a mandatory document before a body is sent in for post-mortem, and they expect the Junior Doctors to trust them? BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya posted on X.

Also Read | Unattended bag at Kolkata's RG Kar Hospital sparks panic, bomb squad called in

The doctors have been staging a sit-in outside the West Bengal Health Departments office in Salt Lake, demanding justice for their colleague, whose body was discovered with injuries on August 9 at RG Kar Medical College. Their agitation, which has paralysed healthcare services at state-run hospitals, is now in its 34th day.

Despite the governments invitation to talks on Wednesday, the doctors had insisted on chief minister Mamata Banerjee's presence and the live broadcast as preconditions.

"We will continue our agitation and cease work. But, we did not want to continue this. The state government is not open to holding any meeting with us. And, we want to make it clear that there is no politics behind our stir," PTI had quoted one of the protesting doctors as saying.

Follow LIVE updates on Kolkata rape-murder case

The junior doctors have called for increased security for female healthcare workers, along with the suspension of several officials, including the Kolkata Police Commissioner, for alleged mismanagement of the case.

The investigation into the alleged rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital is being handled by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on the orders of the Calcutta high court.
In a dramatic escalation of tensions in West Bengal, Governor CV Ananda Bose on Thursday announced his decision to socially boycott chief minister Mamata Banerjee, citing widespread public outcry over the ongoing RG Kar Medical College crisis. West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose speaks on RG Kar hospital incident, in Kolkata, Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024.(PTI)

The impasse, which centres around the rape and murder of a female trainee doctor, has led to a prolonged strike by junior doctors, significantly impacting healthcare services in the state.

Also Read | Mamata Banerjee says ready to resign as junior doctors protest stalemate continues

Governor Bose, in a strongly worded statement, expressed his dismay over the handling of the situation by the state government and the police.

"In solidarity with the Bengal society, I resolve that I will socially boycott the chief minister," he declared. Socially boycott means I will not be sharing any public platform with the chief minister nor will I participate in any public program which involves the chief minister.

The governor said he would fulfil his constitutional obligations, but his engagement with Banerjee would be limited to those duties.

"My role as Governor will be confined to the constitutional obligations which I have discharged in respect of the chief minister. Nothing more, nothing less," he said.

Also Read | Never sought Mamatas resignation': Doctors blame Bengal govt over failed meet to resolve RG Kar stalemate

RG Kar stalemate

The RG Kar impasse, now in its 33rd day, has paralyzed healthcare services across state-run hospitals, with junior doctors continuing their strike despite a Supreme Court directive to resume duties. Banerjee, visibly frustrated, addressed the media on Thursday, saying she was "ready to resign" for the sake of the people and the victims of the alleged crime at RG Kar Medical College.

"I also want the victims to get justice, but this is not the way," Banerjee said, lamenting that the striking doctors had refused to engage in talks with her.

She waited for over two hours for the doctors to arrive at the state secretariat, Nabanna, but the talks failed to materialise as the protesters insisted on live-streaming the meetingsomething Banerjee said was not possible due to the matter being sub judice.

"For the sake of the people, I am ready to resign," she said, apologizing to the public for the continued deadlock. "I thought the junior doctors would engage in talks for the sake of the patients and on humanitarian grounds."

Despite Banerjees overtures, the agitating doctors, who reached the gates of the secretariat, refused to enter for the scheduled talks. They demanded the meeting be live-streamed, accusing the government of opacity. Banerjee countered by offering to record the meeting and provide the footage with the Supreme Court's permission.

Following LIVE updates on RG Kar impasse

The crisis has resulted in the deaths of 27 patients and affected nearly 7 lakh people, according to Banerjee. "I too want justice for the victims, but the doctors must rejoin work following the SC verdict," she urged, stressing that her government had shown restraint by not taking action against the striking doctors.

Banerjee also suggested that "external instructions" might be influencing the junior doctors' refusal to negotiate. "Many tried to malign our government even on social media... They want the chair. I am ready to resign from my post for the sake of the people. I don't want the chair," she said.
An MLA from the Bharatiya Rashtra Samiti (BRS) offered sarees and bangles to his former colleagues who defected to the ruling Congress party after the state assembly elections. Outraged by his remark, women members of the Congress asked for his immediate apology, news agency PTI reported. BRS MLA P Kaushik Reddy said he wanted to send sarees and bangles as gifts to the defectors. (India news24*7 (X))

P Kaushik Reddy said he wanted to send sarees and bangles as gifts to the defectors. He also offered to send these via courier to their residences. "If the defected MLAs have any shame or guts, they should first resign from their posts and face fresh elections. I will be sending each of them saris and bangles. They should wear them and move in public," he said during a press conference on Wednesday.

Also read | BRS leader K Kavitha withdraws plea in Delhi HC calling CBI arrest as illegal

Congress leader B Shobha Rani said Reddy insulted women with his disrespectful comments. In response to sarees and bangles, Rani took off her footwear and warned the BRS MLA over his remarks.

"A woman is the President of the country. It was a woman, Sonia Gandhi, who granted Telangana state. Women were at the forefront of the Telangana struggle. Kaushik Reddy has insulted women with his rubbish talk. If he insults women again, he will have to face this (footwear)," warned Rani, who is also the chairperson of the Telangana State Women's Cooperative Development Corporation.

Other Congress leaders asked Kaushik to send sarees and bangles to BRS president and former Telangana chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao and the party's Working President K T Rama Rao, for starting the culture of defections in the state.

Also read | Revanth Reddy regrets comments on BRS leader Kavithas bail day after SC rebuke

They also vouched to launch a police complaint against the BRS MLA and asked the Telangana State Women's Commission to take cognisance of Reddy's comments. Several women leaders from the ruling party also urged the Speaker to suspend him from the Assembly.

Ten MLAs from the opposition BRS have joined the Congress party after the latter won 64 seats in the 2023 state assembly elections. The victory propelled the party to power after a decade long rule by the BRS.

BRS MLAs KP Vivekanand and Kaushik Reddy met the Secretary of the state assembly and asked him to place the disqualification petition against three defectors before the Speaker. They also demanded that the Speaker fix a schedule to hear disqualification pleas as ordered by the Telangana High Court.

(With inputs from PTI)
Greater Noida Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday pitched India as the best global destination to nurture an ecosystem for semiconductors and stressed on the resilience of supply chains as he sought to boost investments in domestic manufacturing of a component that sits at the intelligent core of a dizzying array of items, from vacuum cleaners to smartphones to cars. Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the inauguration of SEMICON India 2024, in Greater Noida, on Wednesday. (HT Photo)

Modi was speaking at the inauguration of the SEMICON India 2024  a three-day conference to showcase Indias semiconductor push that envisions making the country a global hub  at the India Expo Mart in Greater Noida.

Indias reform focussed government, its growing manufacturing base, and its aspirational market that is aware of technological trends are the three dimensions unique to India that make the country best suited to enable an ecosystem for semiconductor manufacturing, Modi said.

Indias semiconductor sector is on the brink of a revolution, with breakthrough advancements set to transform the industry, Modi said. Todays India inspires confidence in the world When the chips are down, you can bet on India.

Modis comments came at a critical time for the semiconductor manufacturing industry globally, which is undergoing a churn due to mounting tensions between the US and China. Prominent chip makers such as Taiwan are potentially caught in the crosshairs, opening up opportunities for countries such as India that have dramatically ramped up their capacities to build domestic supplies of semiconductors.

This is the right time to be in India. You are at the right place at the right time. In 21st-century India, the chips are never down, Modi said.

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 added.

Around 250 companies took part in SEMICON. Firms that participated along with their chief executives included US Micron, Synopsys, Cadence, Jacobs, Teradyne, Applied Materials, and Lam Research; Taiwans PSMC; Netherlands NXP Semiconductors; Belgiums IMEC; Japans Renesas, Tokyo Electron, Rapidus, HSR, and Advantest; and Indias CG Power, Kaynes Technology, Tata Electronics, and Infineon.

Modi reiterated Indias ambition  to make the country a semiconductor powerhouse. He talked about Indias semiconductor mission under which the government offers 50% financial support to companies to set up chip-manufacturing facilities.

Indias semiconductor ecosystem is a solution not just for Indias challenges but also for global challenges, he said. Indias semiconductor industry is equipped with special diodes where energy flows in both directions

Modi spoke about the importance of supply chains, 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.

In recent years, global markets have been roiled by chip shortages, with companies around the world, including the US, seeking to boost their domestic semiconductor manufacturing facilities.

The PM 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. Resilience of the supply chain is very important, he said. India is working to create the same in different sectors of the economy.

He stressed on the need to set up the entire ecosystem, from chemicals to gases.

HT reported on September 11 that Modi, in his roundtable discussion with top global semiconductor business leaders, said that India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) 2.0 would focus more on developing the supply chain for semiconductors by concentrating on raw materials, gases, equipment, lead frames, substrates, and chemicals.

Under ISM 1.0, which was launched in December 2021 with an outlay of 76,000 crore (about US$10 billion in 2021), the government has so far approved one fabrication unit (or fabs, which actually make the chips) and four ATMP (assembly, testing, marking, and packaging) units, which develop the end products using chips made by fabs, with a combined investment of 1,52,307 crore or US$18.15 billion.

Three ATMP units (by Micron, CG Power and Kaynes Semiconductor) are located in Sanand in Gujarat and another (by Tata Semiconductor Assembly and Test Private Limited) in Morigaon in Assam. The sole fab (by Tata Electronics) unit is in Dholera in Gujarat.

Modi explained that Indias semiconductor policy provides financial support for front-end fabs, display fabs, semiconductor packaging and other critical components of the supply chain. Our dream is that every device in the world will have an Indian-made chip, he said, echoing his statement made from the ramparts of Red Fort on August 15.

Indias electronics sector is currently valued at over $150 billion.

Modi said that Indias goal is to increase the value of the electronics sector to $500 billion and create six million jobs in the sector by 2030. This growth, he said, would directly benefit Indias semiconductor sector. Our goal is that 100% of electronic manufacturing should happen in India. India will make semiconductor chips and the finished product too, he said.

He explained that while industries invest and create value, the government provides stable policies and ease of doing business. The PM said that India provides an integrated ecosystem drawing parallels with an integrated circuit used in the semiconductor industry and highlighted the much-discussed talent of Indias designers.

Indias contribution to the world of designing is 20% and is growing continuously, Modi said, adding that India is creating a semiconductor workforce of 85,000 technicians, engineers and R&D experts. India is focused on making its students and professionals industry ready, the PM remarked, recalling the first meeting of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation, which aims to give new direction and energy to Indias research ecosystem. He also mentioned a special research fund of 1 lakh crore.

Modi and multiple semiconductor CEOs who spoke at the inauguration talked about the multiplier effect of the semiconductor industry  how for every person hired directly in the semiconductor industry, multiple people are hired in related industries, thereby increasing employment.

Hidetoshi Shibata, CEO of Japans Renesas Electronics Corporation that has partnered with CG Power for its AMTP unit in Sanand, said that the pilotline was already under construction.

CEO of Dutch company NXP Semiconductors, Kurt Sievers said the company would double its research and development efforts to more than $1 billion.

Modi said that the Covod-19 pandemic and wars showed that no industry was immune to supply chain disruptions. Resilience in supply chains is crucial, he said as he posited India as a resilient and trustworthy partner.

He said that India was chosen as vice chair of the Indo-Pacific Economic Frameworks Supply Chain Council and is a key partner in the QUAD Semiconductor Supply Chain Initiative. He said that agreements were signed with Japan and Singapore, and India was deepening cooperation with the United States in the semiconductor sector.

Speaking about the relationship between technology and democratic values, the PM said that the positive power of technology was amplified when combined with democratic values. He also cautioned that the withdrawal of democratic values from technology results in harm.

Highlighting the uniqueness of Indias aspirational and tech-oriented society, the PM said that the meaning of chips in India was not just limited to technology but is a medium to fulfil the aspirations of millions of citizens. Underlining that India is a huge consumer of such chips, PM Modi emphasised that the worlds finest digital public infrastructure was built upon it. Recalling the pandemic that hobbled global banking systems, Modi said that banks in India were running efficiently.

Be it Indias UPI, Rupay Card, Digi Locker or Digi Yatra, multiple digital platforms have become a part of the everyday life of the people of India, he noted.

To become self-reliant, the PM said India was increasing manufacturing in every sector, making green transition on a large scale and the demand for data centres was also increasing. He noted that India was one of the largest importers of mobile phones a decade ago but today, it is the worlds second-largest producer and exporter of mobile phones. He cited Indias rapid progress, particularly in the 5G handset market, and stated that India is now the second-largest market for 5G handsets globally, just two years after the roll-out of 5G.
The Chhattisgarh government is expected to announce in the next two months a new surrender policy for Maoists focussed on establishing rehabilitation camps in Left-wing insurgency-hit districts for skill development training for three years, officials familiar with the matter said. An official said the new policy will also have a provision for offering  10,000 financial assistance monthly. (HT PHOTO/Representative)

Union home minister Amit Shah last month said that the state government was working on the new policy as he visited Chhattisgarh. He said India would be free from Maoist violence by March 2026 and that the fight against the Maoists was in its final phase.

An official said the new policy will also have a provision for offering 10,000 financial assistance monthly for three years. Although similar efforts have been made previously, this new plan will focus on a more structured and rigorous rehabilitation process, said the official, who did not want to be named. He added the district administrations will establish rehabilitation camps for vocational and skill development training under the policy.

The official said the beneficiaries would stay for the full three-year term unless they secured employment earlier. Skill development centres already operate under a government of India scheme, providing training as blacksmiths, barbers, etc, ensuring that participants gain practical skills for livelihood opportunities, said the official.

A second official said that the new surrender policy will also focus on an immediate grant of 5 lakh for higher-ranked Maoist cadres like State Committee, Regional Committee, Central Committee, and Politburo members and 2.5 lakh for middle and lower-ranked cadres.

He said the money would be kept in fixed deposits, which may be withdrawn after completion of three-year training, subject to good behaviour certificated by designated authorities.

An additional director general level officer, representatives of the state home department, police, and central armed police forces will be part of the screening-cum-rehabilitation committee.

A third official said that the new policy will be on the lines of the Union home ministrys guidelines issued in August 2022 to all Maoist-affected states. The guidelines said the government of India will provide 60% of reimbursement for the expenditures incurred on rehabilitation of surrendered Maoists under the Security Related Expenditure (SRE) Scheme subject to a ceiling of 5 lakh for higher ranked Left-Wing extremist (LWE) and 2.5 lakh for lower rank cadres. It said a 10000 monthly stipend will be paid for a maximum period of 36 months to the surrendered Maoists while undergoing training in rehabilitation camps.
Communal tensions gripped Nagamangala town in Karnataka's Mandya district on Wednesday after clashes erupted between two groups during the Ganpati procession, news agency PTI reported. The incident took place when devotees from Badarikoppalu were carrying Ganesh idols for immersion.(PTI)

The incident reportedly took place when devotees from Badarikoppalu were carrying Ganesh idols for immersion. As the procession was passing through the main road, stones were thrown at it, allegedly from near a mosque, India Today reported.

Several Hindu youths then placed the Ganesha idol in front of the police station and staged a protest seeking justice. A group also set fire to a few shops and torched tyres to express their outrage, further escalating tensions, reported Deccan Herald.

Videos shared on social media also showed the two throwing stones at the each other.

Also Read | Eid procession in Navi Mumbai may be postponed if it coincides with visarjan day

Senior officers from the police and revenue departments rushed to the scene to pacify the crowd and defuse the situation.

Subsequently, the police declared a high alert in the area, and Section 163 of Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (anorder issued in urgent cases of nuisance or apprehended danger) was imposed to bring the situation under control.

The Times of India reported that the Ganesha idols have been temporarily placed near a temple as devotees demand the arrest of those who disturbed the procession.

The incident in Karnataka comes days after six minors were arrested in Gujarat's Surat after they allegedly pelted stones at a Ganesh pandal, resulting in clashes.

Union minister reacts

Union minister HD Kumaraswamy condemned the violence in Nagamangala town and blamed the ruling Congress government for it.

He alleged this incident happened due to the appeasement of one community by the Congress.

"I strongly condemn the incident that took place during the Ganesha immersion procession in Nagamangala, Mandya district. It is a failure of peace and order in the town that the miscreants of a community deliberately indulged in violence by targeting the devotees, who were walking peacefully in the procession of God Ganapati, throwing stones and slippers at the public and policemen, exploding petrol bombs and brandishing swords, " the minister, who is also Mandy Lok Sabha member, wrote on X.
New Delhi A division bench of the Delhi high court on Wednesday upheld an order passed last month by a single judge, directing embattled budget airline SpiceJet to ground three engines and returning them to lessors Team France 01 SAS and Sunbird France 02 SAS. SpiceJet has announced low fare tickets. (AFP File Photo)

The bench, led by justice Rajiv Shakdher, observed that preventing the lessors from exercising their contractual rights at a stage when the airlines financial condition is weak could result in loss of assets and money.

The bench, also comprising justice Amit Bansal, looked at records showing that SpiceJet was in default and had neither paid past nor current dues. SpiceJet, the court said, violated an agreed interim arrangement for payment of dues, and that the terms included the airline would have to ground the engines, which could be repossessed by the lessors in case of a breach.

The fact that the financial condition of SpiceJet is weak is evident from its conduct and the stand taken on its behalf in court, which is that it is attempting to infuse funds through loans and/or equity. In the position in which SpiceJet is at this juncture, Team France and Sunbird France could well end up both without its engines or the monies due under the engine lease agreements. The repossession and export of subject engines upon a termination event occurring is a contractual right conferred upon Team France and Sunbird France under the engine lease agreements, the bench said in a 33-page verdict.

As alluded to above, if Team France and Sunbird France are prevented from exercising their contractual rights at this stage, they could possibly lose both their assets, i.e., the engines, and the money. Clearly, in the facts and circumstances of the case, there has been no failure of justice, it added.

In August, the Indian regulator Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had placed SpiceJet under enhanced surveillance with immediate effect that entailed increased spot checks and night surveillance to ensure the safety of the airlines operations.

SpiceJet approached the division bench against a single judges August 14 order directing that the three engines be grounded and returned to the lessors, ruling that the airline was a defaulter and had no legal and contractual right to continue using the engines.

In its 21-page order, justice Manmeet PS Arora had said that SpiceJet was erratic in making payments to the lessors, and thus directed the airline to re deliver the engines within 15 days from the date of the order. It further directed the airline to offer prior inspection of engines to lessors through their authorised representatives at the Delhi airport within seven days.

The August 14 order was passed in an application filed by the lessors seeking to restrain the airline from operating the three engines, claiming that SpiceJet paid a sum of $8.36 million, leaving the total outstanding dues as on date at $9.41 million.

SpiceJet was represented before the division bench by senior advocate Amit Sibal, and the lessors were represented by senior advocate Rajshekhar Rao.

Sibal contended that the court did not have the jurisdiction to entertain the suit filed by lessors seeking repossession of their engines as the parties, as per the terms of the engine lease agreement, had irrevocably agreed to submit themselves to the jurisdiction of the competent court in England. He also argued that the single judge erred in ignoring that both contractual and non-contractual obligations in relation to the lease agreements were to be governed by UK laws.

Rejecting the contention, the court ruled that a harmonious reading of the clauses revealed that the parties forged an asymmetric jurisdiction clause that allowed the lessors to sue to lessee (SpiceJet) both in England and in courts in a country where the leased engine were located.

A SpiceJet spokesperson said: Our operations continue as normal and remain completely unaffected. We are currently reviewing the court order.
The Tamil Nadu government has directed all colleges to set up an internal complaints committee and a complaint box for anonymous reporting after alleged sexual assault and harassment cases were reported at two private schools in Krishnagiri and a sexual harassment case in a government college in Trichy. Collectors, superintendents of police have been told to hold quarterly meetings with schools and principals to review security measures (File photo)

Chief secretary N Muruganantham has recommended mandatory background checks before recruiting teachers and non-teaching staff in all government, government-aided and private education institutes.

This action comes after fake NCC camps were busted in two schools recently in Krishnagiri where an accused had posed as a trainer to sexually assault minors.

A meeting was conducted last week with bureaucrats, police and district officials where about a 100 principals were asked to undertake an infrastructure audit of lighting, restrooms and security in hostels, an official familiar with the matter said. They have also been asked to choose and train two girl students in colleges to listen to complaints of their peers and help them escalate it.

We want to emphasise that we have zero tolerance to sexual harassment in education institutions, said a senior government official who wished to remain anonymous.

We have instructed management to display helpline numbers for women (181), install CCTVs at strategic locations, but we are also moving beyond that to sensitise school and college managements and bring awareness. We have also instructed education institutions to have a female staff compulsorily during activities such as NCC where trainers from the outside are brought in. They have also been instructed to have such staff while taking students out of the campus for competitions and tours.

District collectors and superintendents of police have been instructed to hold quarterly meetings with schools and principals to review the functioning of ICC and security measures.

The state is also mulling the expansion of a two year-old initiative called the Police Akka in Coimbatore where a woman police officer was assigned to each of the districts 71 colleges after students expressed reservations about complaining to their management and going directly to police stations.

Child rights experts say that implementation of existing protocols is key to preventing sexual crimes against children. ICC comes under Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) 2013, which is for women and not children, so we need a Child Protection Policy in education institutions, says A Devaneyan, co-convener, Tamil Nadu Child Rights Watch.

Two years ago, the state government came up with a child safeguarding policy and now they have introduced more measures. Adding more and more measures on paper is not going to bring any change. The measures have to be put in practice, monitored and swift action has to be taken if they are not followed so it will serve as a deterrent.

On August 19, Sivaraman was arrested for posing as an NCC trainer at the camp and raping a 12-year-old girl and sexually assaulting 11 others. As many as 41 students, including 17 girls, participated in the fake NCC camp.

Sivaraman, a Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) functionary, died by suicide on August 23. He had allegedly raped the survivor on the night of August 8 at the camp. Following the crime, the state government launched a Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT), led by the Social Welfare Department Secretary Jayashree Muralidharan.

A special investigation team (SIT) team led by senior IPS officer K Bhavaneeswari took over the case. Since then, the two teams have been conducting enquiries across the district. During the investigation, it came to light that the deceased accused had conducted another fake NCC in a private school in the same district earlier in January. In total, 11 staff members, including the school principal, were arrested for not reporting the crime. A 14-year-old girl of class 9 said that she was sexually assaulted by the accused in January.

On August 28, a student from the National Institute of Technology (NIT) in Tamil Nadus Trichy was allegedly sexually harassed by an electrician who was called to fix a Wi-Fi connection on campus. Based on her complaint that he entered her hostel room and removed his clothes, the police arrested him on August 29 amidst wide scale protest on campus.

The complainant and the protesting students had said that the hostel warden had shamed the victim when she complained. The warden apologised to the students and the management promised to be sensitive and increase security on campus.
India's richest woman and chairperson of OP Jindal Group Savitri Jindal (74) filed her nomination papers from the Hisar seat to contest as an independent candidate in the Haryana assembly election. India's richest woman Savitri Jindal (File)(ANI)

Savitri made the move after the ruling BJP denied her a ticket and fielded its minister Kamal Gupta from Hisar. Hisar which is my family, is saying that the election has to be fought. I have to obey their wishes. I cant say no. To honour their feelings, I will certainly contest the election, Savitri said according to The Indian Express report.

The former Congress MLA made the move to pacify supporters who were upset after the BJP denied her the seat. When asked whether she rebelled against her party, she claimed she never joined the BJP officially. Her son Naveen Jindal is currently a BJP MP from the Kurukshetra Lok Sabha constituency. Naveen had quit the Congress and joined the saffron party ahead of the 2024 general elections. Days later, Savitri followed her son to join the party.

She claimed she did not discuss her plans with her son and is only doing what the people of Hisar want from her in her last electoral battle. I have been in the public for the past 20 years to serve them. I should be given one chance to serve the public. Otherwise too, this is my last election. I want to complete unfinished works of Hisars public, she told The Indian Express.

Being the only woman on the Forbes list of top 10 richest Indians, Savitri entered politics after her husband and Jindal Group founder OP Jindal's death. After winning a by-poll from Hisar in 2005, she served as a minister for nine years under Bhupinder Singh Hooda-led Congress government but lost the assembly election in 2014 to the incumbent state minister and BJP candidate Kamal Gupta.

Also read | Haryana council of ministers recommends dissolution of Vidhan Sabha

The billionaire woman claimed she had not resigned from Congress and there were no talks with any other party. She also claimed to have good relations with Hooda saying, He is my elder brother. When I entered politics, I was new. Since the beginning, he has taught me everything."

Savitri has declared assets worth 270.66 crore in her nomination papers, a growth of over 200% from 113 crore declared during the 2014 assembly elections.
The Congress Thursday released its fourth list of five candidates for the Haryana assembly polls. It fielded a journalist, who recently joined the party, from Rania, taking the total number of candidates declared so far to 86. Congress supporters with Congress flags ahead of a rally.(File)

This list came just a few hours after the Congress declared its third list of 40 candidates, fielding party MP Randeep Surjewala's son Aditya Surjewala from Kaithal.

The party fielded Parimal Pari from Ambala Cantt, its youth leader Sachin Kundu from Panipat Rural, Satbir Dublain from the Narwana (SC) seat and Rohit Nagar from Tigaon.

Journalist Sarva Mitra Kamboj recently joined the Congress in the presence of former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda and the party's state unit chief Udai Bhan. He has been fielded from the Rania seat in Sirsa district.

Energy and Jails Minister Ranjit Chautala, who recently quit the BJP after being denied a ticket from Rania, represented the seat when he was an Independent MLA. He had quit the membership of the Vidhan Sabha before joining the BJP ahead of the Lok Sabha polls to contest from Hisar, in which he was unsuccessful.

The Congress is yet to name candidates for four seats, including Uklana.

The party had engaged in seat-sharing talks with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for the Haryana polls which hit a deadlock following hard bargaining from both sides. Since then, AAP has released multiple lists of its candidates.

Some Congress leaders had expressed reservations over a tie-up with the Arvind Kejriwal-led party.

Thursday is the last day of filing of nominations.

The Congress last week declared 32 candidates for the polls, fielding former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda from Garhi Sampla-Kiloi, state unit chief Udai Bhan from Hodal and wrestler Vinesh Phogat from Julana.

The party had first released a list of 31 candidates and a little later, said in a statement that the CEC had approved the candidature of Balbir Singh from the Israna (SC) constituency.

It declared nine candidates on Sunday. The party has renominated all its 28 MLAs. Besides Hooda, Bhan, and Phogat, the Congress has also fielded Mewa Singh from Ladwa to take on Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini.

Assembly elections in Haryana will be held on October 5 and the counting of votes will be undertaken on October 8.
The father of a junior doctor, who was allegedly raped and murdered at RG Kar hospital in Kolkata, have accused the West Bengal government of attempting to cover up the truth, alleging that both the hospital and the department conspired to hide the real circumstances and expressed dissatisfaction with the ongoing investigation. Doctors display placards during a protest dharna over the RG Kar Hospital rape and murder incident in Kolkata.(PTI)

Over a month after his daughter's death, the father is still upset about the unanswered questions around what happened. I cant sleep, several questions have been bothering us. Who will answer them and when, if the government itself is only trying to underplay the incident and hide things. Why should I not feel a conspiracy after this? The Indian Express quoted the father as saying in its report.

He said the condition she was found in clearly showed the nature of the crime. Imagine being surrounded by doctors and police, who are supposed to be experts, and yet we were told she apparently committed suicide, the father said.

The victim's family also claimed that the government is using the Durga Puja festivities to distract attention from the case by focusing on the celebrations.

"After a month of our daughters death, the chief minister (Mamata Banerjee), is trying to divert attention from the case by urging everyone to return to festivities. This is a deliberate ploy to deflect scrutiny from the investigation, the father said in the interview.

The family also said the Central Bureau of Investigation, which took over the probe has indicated potential evidence tampering.

There are more than one person involved, I expect the CBI to book people who are part of larger conspiracy. The college principal, her department people, they are involved," said victim's father.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has said it continues to face roadblocks to conclude the probe and connect all the dots that led to the brutal crime.
Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari on Thursday pitched for ramping up production of the locally made light combat aircraft (LCA Mk-1A) to meet the air forces growing requirements as well as cater for potential exports, suggesting that the defence and aerospace industry could play an important role in charting the way forward. LCA is set to emerge as the cornerstone of IAFs combat power in the coming decade and beyond. (PTI photo)

The issue is matching production capacity with our requirements, Chaudhari said at a media briefing at the conclusion of Tarang Shakti 2024, the largest multilateral air combat exercise to be hosted by India, at the Jodhpur airbase.

His comments come at a time when the LCA Mk-1A programme is moving at a sluggish pace and IAF is concerned about the possible risks a delay in the induction of new fighter planes could pose to its combat effectiveness. It has flagged the hot-button issue to the manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), calling for timely execution of the 48,000-crore contract for 83 fighters.

We could diversify and have multiple production lines for the aircraft. How to go about it is a challenge that the industry needs to address and come up with a solution. It could be some kind of public-private partnership, a joint venture or any model currently available with the industry, and HAL needs to take the lead on this, the IAF chief said.

Also Read:Deal for 97 more LCA Mk-1As by year-end, say officials

To be sure, HAL has set up a new production line in Nashik for LCA Mk-1As to meet IAFs growing needs. The state-run firm says it can build 16 LCA Mk-1As every year in Bengaluru, and the Nashik line will help it ramp up production to 24 jets.

The defence ministry could award HAL a contract for 97 more LCA Mk-1As worth 67,000 crore by the year-end to strengthen the air forces capabilities.

LCA is set to emerge as the cornerstone of IAFs combat power in the coming decade and beyond, as previously reported by HT.

IAF, the worlds fourth largest air force, is expected to operate around 350 LCAs (Mk-1, Mk-1A and the future Mk-2), with a third of those already ordered, some inducted, and the rest figuring prominently on the air forces modernisation roadmap and expected to be contracted in the coming years.

The performance of LCA Mk-1 (the first variant) at Tarang Shakti was exemplary, he said. The first phase of the exercise was held at the Sulur airbase in Tamil Nadu in August. Chaudhari had then said LCA, the smallest fighter in the Tarang Shakti drills, showed size does not matter as it executed a variety of blue force and red force (friendly and hostile) missions along with bigger and modern global fighter jets.

The second and final leg of Tarang Shakti began in Jodhpur on August 30. Seven global air forces, including those from the US, Australia, the United Arab Emirates and Greece, deployed their air assets for the exercise.

IAF has already inducted 36 of the 40 LCA Mk-1s ordered earlier. These are in the initial operational clearance (IOC) and the more advanced final operational clearance (FOC) configurations -- the first variants of LCA.

The LCA Mk-1A on order is an advanced variant.

A question mark hangs over HALs ability to meet the delivery timeline of the 83 LCA Mk-1As on order. Many in the air force are sceptical about the LCA Mk-1A deadlines being met, and one of the main reasons for that is the lingering delay in the supply of the F404 engines to HAL by US firm GE Aerospace.

However, there is a sliver of hope for HAL.

GE Aerospace has conveyed to HAL that it will start delivering two engines per month for the LCA Mk-1A project November 2024 onwards, officials aware of the matter said. The single-engine Mk-1A will be a replacement for the IAFs Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 fighter.

HAL plans to create a new vertical to push exports as it pursues opportunities to sell LCA and helicopters to several countries. It has proposed setting up the vertical under a CEO-ranked officer who will report directly to the chairman of the company.
India wants to become a powerful nation for the welfare of the whole world and not to intimidate people living in other countries, Union minister Rajnath Singh said on Wednesday. Union home minister Rajnath Singh flags off the Jal Mitti Rath Yatra for Rashtra Raksha Mahayajna at India Gate in New Delhi on Wednesday.(PTI Photo)

Waving a saffron flag, the home minister kicked off the rath yatra from the India Gate lawns that would collect soil and water for a week-long Vedic yagya in March here.

Describing it as an extraordinary rath yatra, Singh, also said this event was not to gain any power, but for nation-building and a fully-secured and prosperous India.

The Rashtriya Raksha Mahayagya is slated to be held from March 18-25 on the lawns outside the Red Fort, involving over 1,100 priests.

He said that the governments aim was not to make India prosperous, solely to become a rich or a strong and powerful country, adding, we want to do it for global welfare.

If we want to become strong, it is not so to strike terror in the hearts of people living in other countries. We want to make such a prosperous India, a country whose cultural heritage is intact. An India which takes the place of Vishwa Guru (world leader), Singh said.

We want to keep the countrys integrity intact not just for the welfare of the people of India, but for the welfare of the entire world, he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also envisaged a New India by 2022 that seeks to end poverty, unemployment, raise awareness towards sanitation, end discrimination on the basis of caste, religion and other factors, he said.

The purpose of the event is to see the nation become strong, proud, self-reliant and prosperous and its cultural heritage remain intact.

The minister asserted that the message of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (world is one family) has emerged from the land of India and even foreign scholars have praised the Indian culture.

And, this cultural heritage will remain intact if the nation remains one and unified, he said.

For the yagya in March, soil and water brought from Doklam, where troops of India and China were locked in a standoff, and Poonch, located near the Line of Control (LoC), and the Wagah border, and the Char Dhams (four pilgrimage sites), will be used in raising the structures.

The biggest characteristic of this yatra is that people will go to the borders of our country and the Char Dhams, and bring water and soil for the yagya to be held in March, Singh said.

BJP MP Maheish Girri said, once again this event will ensure that the voice of the Vedas and the nation will resonate in the same breath.

Singh said, There is always some cosmic ruler, governing the world. This is for that cosmic ruler. And, people must come forward and extend support for this event.
Kolkata rape-murder case highlights: West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee addresses a press conference regarding the recent alleged rape and murder of a medic at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, in Kolkata, Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024.

Kolkata rape-murder case highlights: Stalemate continued between protesting junior doctors and the state government as medics refused to attend the meeting again citing the latter's refusal to allow a live telecast. I am ready to resign from the Chief Minister of West Bengal. I am not concerned about the post. I want justice, I am only concerned about justice getting served, said Mamata Bannerjee....Read More

She said talks over a sub-judice case cannot be streamed live, adding that the government could have shared the recorded footage with the protesting doctors with the permission of the Supreme Court.

Defying a Supreme Court order and pleas from the state government to resume work, junior doctors continue to hold sit-in protests outside the health ministry headquarters Swasthya Bhavan in Kolkata.

Minister of state for health, Chandrima Bhattacharya said the government remained open to discussion but suggested that "political forces" might be influencing the protests. Agitating doctors dismissed her claims as baseless and asserted that the protests would continue until their demands are met.

The Mamata Banerjee-led government has faced flak for its handling of the case, with accusations of tampering with evidence, bribery and more from the opposition and the victim's parents. Protestors have demanded that the chief minister step down along with police chief Vineet Goyal.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is carried out a search operation in connection with financial irregularities at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital at several places in Kolkata and its suburban areas. The ED also conducted searches at the residence of former principal of the medical college Dr. Sandip Ghosh's father Satya Prakash Ghosh.

The Supreme Court is set to hear the matter on September 17, with the CBI filing a fresh report on the investigation into the case.

Follow live updates here
A group of junior doctors agitating over the alleged rape and murder of a female colleague reached the West Bengal state secretariat, Nabanna, for crucial talks in the presence of chief minister Mamata Banerjee to resolve the impasse. The delegation, comprising 30 medics, defied the state governments mandate to limit the number to 15, reported PTI. Sticking to their original demand, 30 medics went to Nabanna instead of 15 people as mandated by the state government.(ANI / video screengrab)

They reached the venue at around 5:25pm, 25 minutes past the scheduled start of the meeting. The junior doctors were seen waiting outside the Nabanna Sabhaghar, the meeting venue, until 5:45 p.m. as they completed entry formalities, according to the report.

While leaving for Nabanna, the doctors made it clear that they would not settle for anything less than a live stream of the talks, a demand that had been previously rejected by the state chief secretary.

Earlier in the day, West Bengal chief secretary Manoj Pant had issued a fresh appeal for the junior doctors to attend the meeting with chief minister Banerjee at 5 pm. The state government had, however, rejected the demand for a live telecast, offering instead to record the proceedings to ensure transparency. Pants letter also limited the delegation size to 15, which was met with resistance from the protesting doctors.

"The meeting shall not be Live telecast. However, the same can be recorded to maintain transparency," Pant stated in his communication to the doctors.

As of the latest reports, no final decision has been reached regarding the live streaming of the meeting.

The refusal to allow a live stream drew criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Amit Malviya, BJP IT cell head, took to social media to express scepticism over the government's offer to record the meeting. "Well, the WB Govt couldnt preserve vaginal swab of the rape and murder victim of RG Kar Medical College & Hospital. They couldnt even produce the challan, and they expect the Junior Doctors to trust them?" Malviya posted on X.

Also Read | RG Kar rape-murder case: CBI collects dental impression of prime accused Sanjay Roy

The junior doctors have been staging a sit-in outside the West Bengal Health Departments office in Salt Lake, demanding justice for their colleague, whose body was found with severe injuries on August 9 at RG Kar Medical College. Their protest has significantly disrupted healthcare services at state-run hospitals.

What are their demands?

The doctors are calling for increased security measures for female healthcare workers and the suspension of several officials, including the Kolkata Police Commissioner, accusing them of mishandling the case.

The investigation into the alleged rape and murder of the 31-year-old trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College is currently being overseen by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), following orders from the Calcutta High Court.

With PTI inputs
Efforts to resolve the deadlock between agitating junior doctors and the West Bengal government stalled on Thursday after the doctors refused to engage in talks with chief minister Mamata Banerjee unless their demand for a live-streamed meeting was met. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee addresses a press conference amid a stalemate with protesting doctors over their slew of demands over RG Kar Hospital rape and murder incident, at Nabanna, Howrah, Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024.(PTI)

The doctors, who have been protesting against the alleged rape and murder of a female colleague at RG Kar Medical College, reached the venue around 5:25 pm, remaining outside the gates for over an hour in a tense standoff with government officials.

Mamata Banerjee, who had agreed to meet the doctors as part of ongoing efforts to end their strike, waited inside the venue for over an hour. Despite assurances from the state government that the session would be recorded for transparency, the doctors insisted on a live telecast of the proceedings.

The state's chief secretary Manoj Pant had earlier conveyed that live streaming was not feasible, but promised to provide a full video recording of the meeting.

"The chief minister has been waiting for over an hour and a half. We have tried to explain to the doctors that their demand for a live stream cannot be met, but we are ready to document the entire session. There should be a limit to such demands," Pant told reporters, urging the doctors to reconsider their stance.

Follow LIVE updates on Kolkata rape-murder case

The meeting was supposed to address the doctors' grievances over the handling of the case involving the death of their colleague. The body of the 31-year-old trainee doctor was found with severe injuries on August 9, sparking outrage among the medical community and leading to a state-wide protest that has severely disrupted healthcare services at government hospitals.

What Mamata Banerjee said on stalemate

CM Mamata Banerjee, visibly frustrated but conciliatory, expressed her willingness to forgive the protesting doctors despite the impasse.

I tried thrice to hold talks with the junior doctors to end the RG Kar stalemate. I am still saying that I will not take any action against them for not coming and making us wait for two hours. I will forgive them because being elders, it is our responsibility to forgive our younger ones, Banerjee said.

Also Read | RG Kar rape-murder case: CBI collects dental impression of prime accused Sanjay Roy

Banerjee also offered an apology to the people of Bengal for the continued crisis. "I apologise to the people of Bengal who expected an end to the RG Kar impasse todayI am ready to resign from my post for the sake of people. I don't want the chair, I want justice (for the deceased) and treatment for the people (patients)," the chief minister added.

With PTI inputs
After an attempt to resolve the medic unrest in Kolkata failed once again, agitating doctors on Thursday pointed the blame at the West Bengal government for its rigidness to not allow the live streaming of the meeting. The protestors also said they never sought chief minister Mamata Banerjee's resignation, as offered by her, over the rape and murder of a junior doctor in Kolkata last month. Kolkata: Junior doctors shout slogans as they sit on a dharna after the police stopped their protest march towards Swasthya Bhawan over the RG Kar Hospital rape and murder.(PTI)

The doctors said that Mamata Banerjee, through her remarks, was attempting to blame the medics for the impasse over the RG Kar issue, and that their cease work agitation would continue until their demands were met.

The chief minister's remarks are unfortunate. We wanted the talks to take place. However, the state administration was adamant about not allowing live streaming of the meeting. Our demands are justified. We wanted live streaming for the transparency of the meeting, one of the agitating doctors said, reported PTI.

The talks were scheduled for 5pm in the presence of chief minister Mamata Banerjee, as demanded by the protesters. The CM waited for more than two hours to meet the agitating junior doctors. However, the meeting did not take place as scheduled.

The protesting doctors refused to hold any talks with the West Bengal government unless their demand for the live telecast of the meeting was met.

We had never asked for her resignation and are neither here to press for it. We are here with our demands for the sake of justice for the murdered doctor of RG Kar Hospital. We wanted to resolve this issue. We are extremely unhappy that the talks did not take place. But we will still wait for a response from the administration, the agitating doctor said.

Meanwhile, another protestor said that they never sought Mamata's resignation over the matter. She said that not even the parents of the victim doctor have demanded the chief minister's resignation.

This is not our aim at all, our aim is justice (for the murdered RG Kar hospital doctor). Nowhere in our five demands have we demanded her resignation. Our demand is clear. We want those creating hurdles in the path of justice to be brought under the purview of law. Not even the parents of the victim have demanded her resignation, she said.

This comes after CM Mamata Banerjee said on Thursday that she is ready to resign and leave the post for the sake of the people, expressing her disappointment over the junior doctors' refusal to meet.

(With inputs from PTI)
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday criticised the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government for failing to meet their 100-day agenda. Kharge said the Modi government has betrayed the youth citing the NEET paper leak case. (Mallikarjun Kharge | Facebook)

As the current ruling dispensation completes 95 days, Kharge listed seven pointers ranging from the Union Budget to the ongoing Manipur conflict questioning the government.

Your government brought an anti-people Budget to break the backbone of the poor and middle class, he wrote on his official X (formerly Twitter) account.

It has been 16 months, Manipur is burning and Pradhan Mantri ji, you have no time to even look at the state, he said.

Kharge also wrote about the terrorist attacks that took place in Jammu and Kashmir.

Terrorist attacks took place in Jammu and Kashmir, especially in Jammu, where many bravehearts of the Indian Army were martyred, he wrote.

Questioning the government, Kharge also shed light on the SEBI chairperson row.

The fresh expose of the Modi-Adani Mega Scam and the acts of omission and commission by the SEBI Chairperson cannot be buried under the rug, anymore, he said.

Also Read: Institutional integrity of SEBI as robust market regulator tarnished by PM: Kharge

Continuing his criticism, Kharge said the Modi government has betrayed the youth citing the NEET paper leak case.

He also raised the issue of airport roof leaks, railway security, and floods-induced damage across states and cities in the country.

Whether it is the NEET paper leak scam or the stampede scenes proving massive unemployment, the Modi Govt has betrayed the youth, everyday. Be it the statue of revered Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Maharashtra, the roof of the airports, the new Parliament or Lord Ram Temple in Ayodhya, expressways, bridges, roads, tunnels, whatever you have claimed to have built, they all had flaws, he said.

Railway security has been in serious peril. Cities are flooded and states have not been provided adequate relief, he wrote.

Kharge also mentioned the Waqf Bill was sent to the joint parliamentary committee (JPC) owing to pressure from the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc alliance parties.

Credit to the people and the INDIA parties, you had to hand over the Waqf Bill to JPC, forced to take a U turn in the UPS and support the Constitution on Lateral Entry he said.
India's national security advisor Ajit Doval met Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday at the Konstantinovsky Palace, where he conveyed a message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding his recent visit to Ukraine. Doval informed Putin that Modi had expressed a desire to brief the Russian leader about his talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. NSA Ajit Doval in a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

He was keen to brief you about his visit to Ukraine and his meeting with President Zelenskyy, Doval told Putin. He wanted me to come especially and personally to brief you about the talks. The conversation was in a very close formatonly the two leaders. I attended the conversation.

Also Read | NSA Ajit Doval holds talks with Russian counterpart in St Petersburg

The meeting between Putin and Doval took place during the Indian NSAs visit to Russia for the BRICS National Security Advisors' conference. Putin used the occasion to propose a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Modi on October 22, during the upcoming BRICS Summit in Kazan, to discuss the outcomes of their previous discussions and to outline future prospects.

During the conversation, President Putin noted the successful development of the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia and stressed the importance of security issues in bilateral relations, thanking the Indian Side for maintaining dialogue in this area, according to a readout from the Kremlin.

Also Read | BRICS NSAs meet: Ajit Doval calls for joint efforts against terrorism, digital threats

Dovals visit comes after Modi's diplomatic efforts to address the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. During his trip to Kyiv in August, Modi shared interesting ideas with Zelenskyy that had been discussed during his July meeting with Putin. Doval, who accompanied Modi on both the Russia and Ukraine visits, is deeply involved in these peace initiatives, which aim to find a solution to the conflict.

In the last few days, there have been calls for India's potential role in pushing peace talks between Russia and Ukraine as New Delhi has good relations with both nations.
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has held wide-ranging talks with his Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu in St Petersburg and discussed important issues of "mutual interests" amid fresh calls for India's possible role in finding a solution to the Ukraine conflict. Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu, right, shakes hands with Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, second left, at the meeting of BRICS and BRICS Plus High-Level Security Officials in St. Petersburg, Russia, on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024.(AP)

The Doval-Shoigu meeting on Wednesday evening took place on the margins of a conclave of national security advisors of the BRICS (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa) nations.

It is understood that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv on August 23 figured in the talks between the two NSAs.

"Both sides reviewed progress in bilateral cooperation and discussed important issues of mutual interest," the Indian embassy in Russia said on the talks between Doval and Shoigu.

Also Read | India can use its position to convince Russia to join peace talks: Ukraine envoy

Doval's visit to Russia comes two-and-half weeks after Prime Minister Modi paid a high-profile trip to Ukrainian capital Kyiv.

In his talks with Zelenskyy, Modi said both Ukraine and Russia should sit together without wasting time to end the ongoing war and that India was ready to play an "active role" to restore peace in the region.

The prime minister said India was on the side of peace since the beginning of the conflict and he would even like to contribute personally for a peaceful resolution of the crisis.

Also Read | Russia an essential part of talks on Ukraine conflict: Jaishankar

Modi's nearly nine-hour visit to Ukraine, the first by an Indian prime minister since its independence in 1991, came six weeks after he held summit talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.

In the last few days, there has been calls for India's potential role in pushing peace talks between Russia and Ukraine as New Delhi has good relations with both the nations.

On Saturday, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni following her talks with Zelenskyy said India and China can play a role in finding a solution to the dragging conflict.

Russian President Putin, speaking at a panel discussion at the Eastern Economic Forum in the Russian city of Vladivostok last Thursday, named India, Brazil and China as possible intermediaries that could play a role in resolving the conflict.

"First of all, it is the Chinese People's Republic, Brazil and India -- I am in contact with my partners and I have no doubt that the leaders of these countries -- and we have relations of trust and confidence with one another -- will be really interested and provide a helping hand," he said.

His remarks came in response to a question on possible countries that can act as a mediator between Russia and Ukraine.

India has been maintaining that the conflict in Ukraine must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.
India's national security advisor Ajit Doval held talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Saint Petersburg, Russia, on Thursday. The meeting, held on the sidelines of a BRICS national security advisors' conclave, discussed border issues between the two countries. National security advisor Ajit Doval attends a meeting of BRICS high-ranking officials responsible for security matters / national security advisors in Saint Petersburg on September 12. (Photo by Kristina Kormilitsyna / POOL / AFP)

The top officials discussed outstanding issues along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) to stabilise and improve India-China relations, the ministry of external affairs said in a statement.

The meeting gave the two sides an opportunity to review the recent efforts towards finding an early resolution of the remaining issues along the Line of Actual Control, which will create conditions to stabilize and rebuild bilateral relations, the statement read.

The ministry said both sides agreed to work with urgency and redouble their efforts towards full disengagement in disputed areas.

ALSO READ- NSA Ajit Doval briefs Putin on PM Modi's Ukraine peace efforts in one-on-one meeting

Doval said that peace and respect for the LAC are crucial for normalising relations. Both sides must fully abide by relevant bilateral agreements, protocols, and understandings reached in the past by the two Governments, the statement said.

They also discussed global and regional matters, agreeing that the India-China relationship is important for both countries and the world.

Ajit Doval in Russia, meets President Putin

NSA Ajit Doval is in St Petersburg to attend a conclave of national security advisors of the BRICS (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa) nations.

The summit of the grouping will be held in the Russian city of Kazan from October 22-24. Modi is set to attend the summit.

ALSO READ- Biden to host Quad summit in Delaware on September 21

Doval is in Saint Petersburg for a BRICS national security advisors' conclave. The BRICS summit is scheduled to take place in Kazan from October 22-24, with Prime Minister Modi expected to attend.

Earlier on Thursday, NSA Doval met with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Putin praised the growth of the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. Putin stressed the "importance of security issues in bilateral relations, thanking the Indian side for maintaining dialogue in this area," a Russian readout on the Putin-Doval meeting said.

He also proposed a bilateral meeting with PM Modi on October 22 during the BRICS summit to review the outcomes of recent agreements when Modi visited Russia in July.
In an apparent criticism of Congress MP Rahul Gandhi's comments in the United States, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Thursday said there is nothing more condemnable and intolerable than such remarks. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar . (PTI Photo)

Addressing the participants of the third batch of the Rajya Sabha Internship Programme, Dhankhar said if one was a true Indian, they would never side with the enemies of the nation.

The vice president did not name anyone in his address.

Dhankhar said, I am pained and disturbed that some people in position have just no idea of Bharat. They have no idea of our Constitution, they have no idea of our national interest... I am sure your heart must be bleeding at what you see.

He said people have given supreme sacrifice in getting freedom. "Mothers have lost their sons, wives have lost their husbands. We can't ridicule our nationalism," he said.

"How painful that one who holds a constitutional position is doing just the reverse of it. Nothing can be more condemnable, despicable and intolerable than that you become part of enemies of the nation," the vice president added.

His remarks come a day after BJP attacked Rahul Gandhi for holding a meeting with US lawmaker Ilhan Omar.

The BJP alleged that Gandhi was indulging in "dangerous and mischievous" activities by reaching out to people abroad who are known for their anti-India stand.

In a press conference at the National Press Club in Washington on Tuesday, Gandhi slammed the Narendra Modi government over its handling of the conflict with China, telling reporters that it is a disaster that 4,000 square kilometres of Indian territory is occupied by troops from the neighbouring country.

However, Gandhi said that his party broadly agrees with the NDA government on major foreign policy issues, including relations with the US, no talks with Pakistan unless terrorism ends and concerns over extremist elements in Bangladesh.

While speaking about China, "Well, if you call having Chinese troops in 4,000 square kilometres of our territory handling something well, then maybe. We've got Chinese troops occupying land the size of Delhi in Ladakh. I think that's a disaster. Media doesn't like to write about it."

(With inputs from PTI)
Roadshow for China Int'l Supply Chain Expo held in Dusseldorf

Xinhua) 11:19, September 12, 2024

DUSSELDORF, Germany, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- A roadshow of the second China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) was held here on Wednesday, attended by nearly 130 representatives from German and Chinese business associations, enterprises and media organizations.

Ren Hongbin, chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), highlighted that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Germany. He noted that while the bilateral relationship remains robust and cooperation across various fields continues to deepen, economic and trade cooperation remains a cornerstone.

Ren expressed hope that both nations' businesses would leverage their respective strengths to explore mutually beneficial opportunities, enhance investment cooperation, and become key partners in global supply chains. He also encouraged German companies to actively participate in the upcoming second CISCE and contribute to building a stable global supply chain.

Du Chunguo, Chinese Consul General in Dusseldorf, emphasized the solid foundation and enormous potential of China-Germany cooperation. He pointed to significant opportunities for collaboration in traditional sectors such as machinery and automotive, as well as emerging areas like green transformation, digitalization, and artificial intelligence.

China is not only a participant and beneficiary of this cooperation but also a staunch defender and contributor. Du called on the German business community to actively participate in the expo to engage with China's development opportunities.

"China's supply chain system is comprehensive, agile, and flexible," said Andreas Schmitz, chairman of the Dusseldorf Chamber of Commerce and Advisory Committee chairman of the Germany-China Economic Association. He emphasized that both the German and Chinese business communities should seize opportunities for collaboration in trade, investment, innovation, and technology.

During the event, representatives from Chinese and German companies shared successful case studies of supply chain collaboration. Zhongzhan Group promoted the second CISCE and signed relevant agreements with the Germany-China Economic Association.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Row PM Modi's visit to CJI Chandrachud's house: Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders and senior Supreme Court lawyers have raised concerns about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud's residence for Ganpati Puja, questioning the impact on judicial transparency. Prime Minister Narendra Modi attends 'Ganpati Poojan' at the residence of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, in New Delhi.(PTI)

Wearing a traditional Maharashtrian cap, PM Narendra Modi joined the Chief Justice of India and his wife at their residence in New Delhi on Wednesday. They were seen performing the aarti and offering prayers before Lord Ganeshas idol.

Raising concerns over the visit, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said such interactions between constitutional authorities and political leaders could undermine trust in the judiciary, especially in a case involving the Maharashtra government that is being heard by the CJI.

He said the CJI should recuse himself from the case to avoid any appearance of bias.

The Prime Minister visited the Chief Justice's residence and they performed aarti together. Our concern is that when the custodians of the Constitution meet with political leaders in this manner, it raises doubts. Our case in Maharashtra, which involves the current government, is being heard before the Chief Justice and the Prime Minister is part of it. We are concerned about whether we will get justice. The Chief Justice should consider recusing himself from this case, said Sanjay Raut.

He added that during Ganpati Utsav, people traditionally visit each other's homes, but he did not have information on how many homes the prime minister had visited so far. He also mentioned that there were many celebrations in Delhi, including at their Maharashtra Sadan.

Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi posted on X, hoping that after the festivities, the Chief Justice would focus on finishing the hearing on Maharashtra's political situation.

Okay. After the festivities are over hopefully CJI will deem fit and be slightly freer to conclude the hearing on Maharashtra and the blatant disregard of Article 10 of the Constitution in Maharashtra. Oh wait, elections round the corner anyway, it can be adjourned for another day, wrote Priyanka Chaturvedi.

Meanwhile, Supreme Court lawyer Prashant Bhushan said CJI Chandrachud allowing Modi to visit him at his residence for a private meeting sends a troubling message about the judiciary's independence and its role in safeguarding citizens' rights and ensuring government accountability.

Shocking that CJI Chandrachud allowed Modi to visit him at his residence for a private meeting. Sends a very bad signal to the judiciary which is tasked with the responsibility of protecting fundamental right of citizens from the executive & ensuring that the govt acts within bounds of Constitution. That is why there has to be an arms length separation between the executive & judiciary, Bhushan wrote on X.

Lawyer and activist Indira Jai Singh said the Chief Justice of India has undermined the separation of powers between the executive and judiciary.



Chief Justice of India has compromised the separation of powers between the Executive and Judiciary. Lost all confidence in the independence of the CJI . The SCBA must condemn this publicly displayed compromise of Independence of the CJI from the Executive, she wrote on X.






Veteran Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Sitaram Yechury passed away on Thursday at the age of 72. The CPI(M) general secretary had been receiving treatment for a severe respiratory infection at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi. CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury (File Photo)

Several political leaders took to social media platform X to express their heartfelt condolences.

Leader of Opposition and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi described Yechury as the "protector of the idea of India with a deep understanding of our country". I will miss the long discussions we used to have. My sincere condolences to his family, friends, and followers in this hour of grief, Gandhi wrote.

NCP (SP) leader Sharad Pawar said Yechury will always be remembered as an important voice of the left parties in India. His experience made it possible for him to hold the post of General Secretary of the CPI-M party for two consecutive terms. It has to be said that this is the biggest loss of the leftist ideology. The voice of labour, workers and farmers' rights was lost with the departure of Yechury. Sitaram pays a moving tribute to Yechury, Pawar posted on X.

BSP chief Mayawati described his death as "extremely sad". He was a skilled MP and a sociable person. My deepest condolences to his family and all his loved ones. May God give them all the strength to bear this sorrow, she posted on X.

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee termed his demise a loss for national politics. Sad to know that Sri Sitaram Yechury has passed away. I knew the veteran parliamentarian that he was and his demise will be a loss for the national politics. I express my condolences to his family, friends and colleagues, Banerjee wrote on X.

Aam Aadmi Party Sanjay Singh described Yechury as a leading leader who mobilised everyone against communalism. (Yechury) has said goodbye to the world, but he will always remain alive in the voice of the poor, labourers and the oppressed, his departure is an irreparable loss for Indian politics. Red Salute to Comrade @SitaramYechury ji with a bowed head, Singh posted on X.

Congress MP Karti Chidambaram said he was deeply saddened and added that Yechury's journey was marked by relentless dedication to his principles. He made a lasting difference & inspired countless individuals. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family @seemay, friends & all who were touched by his work. May his memory be a source of comfort & inspiration during this difficult time, Karti wrote on X.
Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, on Thursday said the attack on two Indian Army officers and the alleged gangrape of their female friend in Madhya Pradesh's Indore district was a disgrace to the entire society. He added that law and order in Bharatiya Janata Party-ruled states is almost non-existent.



The Army officers were beaten and one of their two female friends was raped by unidentified men, while the group was on a picnic in Indore district on Wednesday night. Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi. (ANI)

The violence against two army soldiers and the rape of their female companion in Madhya Pradesh is enough to shame the entire society. Law and order in BJP ruled states is almost non existent - and, the negative attitude of BJP Government towards the day by day increasing crimes against women is extremely worrying, said Rahul Gandhi in a post on X (formerly Twitter)

He said that the audacity of the criminals reflects the administration's failure and the unsafe environment, which restricts the freedom and aspirations of India's daughters.



This audacity of the criminals is a result of the total failure of the administration and the unsafe environment prevailing in the country due to this is a restriction on the freedom and aspirations of the daughters of India, Gandhi added.

Badgonda police station in-charge Lokendra Singh Hirore said the officers, aged 23 and 24, who were undergoing Young Officers (YO) course at the Infantry School in Mhow cantonment town, had gone out for a picnic on Tuesday along with their two female friends.

Police say that six to seven people arrived at the picnic spot on Mhow-Mandleshwar road around 2am on Wednesday and began assaulting one of the officers and a female friend who were sitting in their car.

Both the society and the government should be ashamed and think seriously  how long will they turn a blind eye to the responsibility of protecting half the population of the country! the Lok Sabha MP added in his post.
Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachuds home to attend a Ganesh Puja has triggered a political controversy and sparked divisions within the legal community. Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the home of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud in New Delhi on Wednesday. (PTI)

While some leaders from the Opposition and lawyers on Thursday questioned the propriety of such a meeting, especially given the ongoing cases involving the government, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and a section of legal voices dismissed the criticism as unwarranted, terming the event a private affair.

The controversy escalated after Opposition leaders, particularly from the Shiv Sena (UBT), raised concerns about the implications of the meeting on the judiciarys independence. Member of Parliament Sanjay Raut expressed fears that the meeting might affect the ongoing Maharashtra case being heard by CJI Chandrachud. Our case of Maharashtra... the hearing is going on before CJI Chandrachud, so we have doubts if we will get justice because the PM is the other party in the case, Raut remarked.

Similarly, another Shiv Sena (UBT) MP, Priyanka Chaturvedi, took a jibe at the timing of the visit. She posted on social media, questioning whether the CJI would now prioritise the pending Maharashtra case, hinting that elections were around the corner in the state and alleging a delay in justice.

RJD leader Manoj Jha echoed these sentiments, arguing that institutional independence is paramount and must not only exist in principle but be seen in practice.

Responding to the uproar, BJP leaders condemned the Oppositions criticism.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal accused the opposition of indulging in appeasement politics and attempting to malign both PM Modi and CJI Chandrachud. He contended that the event was nothing more than a religious celebration, and questioning it revealed a bias against Hindu rituals.

BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya further said that such interactions between heads of state and judiciary are not new, recalling the presence of former CJI KG Balakrishnan at Iftar parties hosted by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Malviya argued that the same critics who lauded secularism during those events were now unjustly targeting a religious ceremony.

HT reached out to former CJI Balakrishnan, who refrained from commenting on the specific episode but defended the practice of constitutional heads attending social and religious events together. Responding to a specific query about his presence at an Iftar party hosted in 2009 by the then PM Manmohan Singh, the former CJI said, There is no problem in attending such Iftar parties.

The legal fraternity, however, remained split on the implications of the PMs visit to the CJIs residence. Senior advocate Indira Jaising criticised the meeting, accusing the CJI of compromising judicial independence and blurring the lines between the executive and judiciary. Similarly, lawyer Prashant Bhushan pointed to the Judicial Code of Conduct, which advises judges to remain aloof, arguing that the CJIs participation in a public religious event with the Prime Minister was a clear violation of this code.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, who is also the president of the Supreme Court Bar Association, found fault not with the CJI but with PM Modis decision to publicise the meeting. Describing CJI Chandrachud as a man of great personal integrity, Sibal expressed concern over the release of the video, which he felt stirred unnecessary speculation. The Rajya Sabha MP added: There is going to be an election in Maharashtra. In that context, it was not the opportune time for the PM to have made a spectacle out of a private ceremony. My view is it was best that it should have been avoided.

On the other hand, several legal voices defended the CJIs actions, arguing that such social interactions should not be viewed with suspicion. Senior advocate Sidharth Luthra remarked that a mere meeting between the PM and CJI at a social occasion should not be the basis to test judicial independence or the conduct of propriety. He added that meetings between heads of different constitutional branches are routine and should not be grounds for questioning judicial independence.

Former Supreme Court judge Ajay Rastogi, echoing Luthras sentiments, downplayed the controversy, noting that both the PM and the CJI regularly interact in various public forums.

What suspicion can be drawn if CJI visits PM or PM visits CJI just to have puja at somebodys residence? Rastogi asked, adding that judicial integrity is not compromised by such interactions. He added: After a judge who has remained in office for over 20 years, it is difficult to imagine that he will be influenced with one meeting.
The Supreme Court on Thursday set stringent standards for authorities imposing preventive detention, making it mandatory to furnish all relevant documents and statements to the person being detained, in a significant ruling that bolsters personal liberty. The decision emphasised the constitutional guarantee of personal freedom, and stressed the necessity for detainees to be provided with a fair and effective opportunity to challenge detention orders. (ANI)

The decision, delivered by a bench headed by justice Bhushan R Gavai, emphasised the constitutional guarantee of personal freedom, and stressed the necessity for detainees to be provided with a fair and effective opportunity to challenge detention orders.

The bench, which also comprised justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and KV Viswanathan, ruled that the failure to supply all relevant documents and statements, especially in a language the detainee is conversant with, hampers their right to effectively contest the detention and, by extension, the constitutional right of effective representation.

Emphasising that the liberty of an individual is paramount and should be guarded zealously, the judgment set a high bar for detaining authorities, obliging them to not only inform detainees of the grounds of their detention but also ensure that all essential materials are provided in a comprehensible format. It further highlighted that authorities must guard against arbitrary actions and ensure that the rights of individuals under preventive detention are respected at every stage.

The 60-page judgment, authored by justice Gavai, held that the processes governing such detentions must adhere strictly to constitutional safeguards and that the prison authorities as well as the competent authority in the central government are obligated to decide a detainees representation with utmost expedition.

In the matters pertaining to personal liberty of the citizens, the Authorities are enjoined with a constitutional obligation to decide the representation with utmost expedition. Each days delay matters in such a case, asserted the bench.

The ruling came in response to a preventive detention order under the Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act, 1974 (COFEPOSA), upheld by the Kerala high court. The Supreme Court overturned this decision, citing significant procedural lapses that violated the detainees right of effective representation under Article 22(5) of the Constitution.

Drawing on the concept of personal liberty, the judgment cited Joy Adamsons classic Born Free to underscore the sanctity of individual freedom. It underlined that while preventive detention laws allow for curbing liberty, courts must ensure that such rights are not arbitrarily suspended. The right to personal liberty and individual freedom is paramount and cannot be taken away without following the procedure prescribed by law, said the bench.

Central to the courts decision was the requirement for detaining authorities to provide detainees with all materials relied upon when passing detention orders, regardless of whether the detainee had prior knowledge of such materials.

All such material which has been relied upon by the detaining authority while arriving at its subjective satisfaction must imperatively be supplied to the detenue. Failure to do so hampers the detainees right to make an effective representation, as guaranteed under Article 22(5), the court held.

In this particular case, Appisseril Kochu Mohammed Shaji, the detainee, had not been provided with a key witness statement, nor had he received translations of important documents in Malayalam, his native language at the time of his detention in August 2023.

The top court criticised these lapses as prejudicial, rendering the detention order legally unsound. While it may not be necessary to provide every document referenced in a passing or casual manner, the bench emphasised, all critical documents that inform the detaining authoritys decision must be furnished to the detainee.

The court also condemned the delay by prison authorities in handling Shajis representation. The representation, filed in September 2023, took over nine months to reach the central government.

Such a callous and casual approach is a denial of the protection conferred by the Constitution, said the judgment, adding that the detention order was liable to be quashed on this ground alone.

Holding that authorities must ensure detainees representations are transmitted and decided with utmost expedition, the bench decried the negligence of prison authorities, and noted that in the present technological age, documents could have easily been sent via email or tracked through speed post.

By the time Shajis representation was reviewed, nearly nine months had passed. Even then, the central government and the detaining authority delayed the decision by 27 and 20 days, respectively, after the representation was called from the prison authorities.

The court reprimanded the prison authorities for their thoroughly callous handling of Shajis case. It lamented that Shajis constitutional right to have his representation decided swiftly had been breached, reminding authorities that they are under a constitutional obligation to act with promptitude in matters concerning personal liberty.

The case arose from a March 2024 judgment by the Kerala high court, which affirmed a preventive detention order issued under the COFEPOSA Act. The high court had dismissed the habeas corpus petition filed by Shajis wife, rejecting the argument that the failure to supply a key witness statement, coupled with the fact that the detainee did not receive Malayalam translations of the documents, violated Shajis right to make an effective representation. The high court noted that Shajis involvement in illegal foreign currency dealings was clear from the evidence presented, and the detention was legally justified even without relying on the statement of a witness whose testimony was not provided to him.

The Supreme Court, however, took a contrary view, holding that such procedural lapses significantly prejudiced the detainee and violated Shajis rights under Article 22(5) of the Constitution, which obligated the detaining authorities to communicate the grounds of detention and afford them the earliest opportunity of assailing such orders of detention. It noted that non-supply of the statement of a witness was a major lacuna that rendered the detention order bad in law.

By an order on July 31, the bench had ordered Shajis immediate release, while the detailed judgment on Thursday provided the legal reasoning for this directive.
New Delhi, The Supreme Court said Thursday it will consider listing low-cost airline SpiceJet's plea challenging a Delhi High Court verdict grounding three aircraft engines for defaulting on payments to lessors. SC to consider SpiceJet's plea against Delhi HC order grounding 3 aircraft engines

A bench comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra asked the counsel for the airline to send an e-mail seeking an urgent hearing of its plea against the high court verdict of September 11.

"Please circulate the e-mail," the CJI said, adding that the appeal may be listed.

A division bench of the Delhi High Court on Wednesday held that the carrier had violated an agreed interim arrangement for payment of dues and upheld an order of a single-judge bench asking the low-cost airline to ground the three engines for defaulting on the payments.

The single-judge bench of the high court had on August 14 directed SpiceJet to ground three engines by August 16 and hand them over to their lessors Team France 01 SAS and Sunbird France 02 SAS.

A high court bench of Justices Rajiv Shakdher and Amit Bansal refused to interfere with an August 14 order of the single-judge bench to ground the three aircraft engines and hand them over to the lessors, and disposed of SpiceJet's appeals against it.

SpiceJet had challenged the August 14 order of the single-judge bench.

"The appeals are emblematic of the adage that fools create assets and wise men use them. The use of a lessor's assets without recompense, on agreed terms, by the lessee often leads to consequences which disrupt the interests of both sides," the high court said.

After the HC verdict, a SpiceJet spokesperson said, "Our operations continue as normal and remain completely unaffected. We are currently reviewing the court order."

The high court said the record revealed that SpiceJet was in default, and past and current outstanding dues remain unpaid.

"At the risk of repetition, it must be stressed that SpiceJet has violated an agreed interim arrangement for payment of dues, which included a term that upon breach, it would ground the engines that Team France and Sunbird France could then repossess," it said.

The bench said the second condition also stood fulfilled as the engines being depreciable assets would be of little use to the lessors if they were used without recompense.

"The fact that the financial condition of SpiceJet is weak is evident from its conduct and the stand taken on its behalf in court, which is that it is attempting to infuse funds through loans and/or equity.

"The position in which SpiceJet is at this juncture, Team France and Sunbird France could well end up both without its engines or the monies due under the engine-lease agreements. Therefore, compensation in terms of money does not seem probable from the point of view of Team France and Sunbird France," it said.

It said if the lessors are prevented from exercising their contractual rights at this stage, they could possibly lose both their assets, the engines and the money.

The single judge had passed the order on pleas moved by the lessors seeking a direction to SpiceJet to hand over the possession of the three engines on the termination of the lease agreements.

It was stated in the pleas that following the termination, the plaintiffs had directed the airline to ground and re-deliver the engines and pay all outstanding dues, but the carrier had failed to do so.

"It is, however, clarified that the defendant will remain liable for making payments, which it undertook in an order dated May 29, 2024, towards the admitted outstanding of USD 4.8 million and towards the weekly payments arising on account of the use of the engines under the aegis of this court.

"The return of the engines does not absolve the defendant from its liability for the payments, which have admittedly fallen due, and to that extent, the plaintiff is entitled to recover the said amount from the defendant through execution of the order dated May 29, 2024," the court had said.

It had said that SpiceJet is a "defaulter and has no legal and contractual right to continue the use of the engines".

In its response to the applications, the airline's counsel had submitted that after filing the suit, the defendant made a payment of USD 7.18 million between December 14, 2023 and May 24, 2024.

The counsel had said after the settlement terms were recorded before the court in May, the airline made a payment of USD 1.48 million and as of August 12, there was an admitted default to the extent of USD 2.67 million towards the outstanding amount.

He had said while the defendant admits that there has been a default, it is making its best endeavour to regularise these defaults and sought an extension of time until September 30 to clear the dues.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
The Supreme Court will deliver on Friday its judgment on the petitions filed by Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal against his arrest by the Central Bureau Investigation in the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy case. Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal. (File Photo)

A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan had reserved its judgment in the case on September 5.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convener challenged the August 5 decision of the Delhi high court, which upheld his arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and refused to entertain his plea for bail because Arvind Kejriwal did not go to the trial court first.

During the last hearing, the court had observed that that its judgment would be carefully framed to obviate demoralising subordinate judiciary while contributing to the evolution of criminal law.

Whatever judgment we pass, we will make sure our institution is not demoralised in any manner...its the duty of the constitutional court to contribute to the development of law...not to apply law in a regressive manner, the bench had said.

The comment came after CBIs counsel warned the court against setting a precedent that might demoralise the subordinate courts; but the bench assured him that the Supreme Courts ruling would carefully consider the integrity of all judicial institutions.

The day had witnessed intense exchanges between senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Kejriwal, and additional solicitor general (ASG) SV Raju, who defended CBIs actions.

Arvind Kejriwal has been in custody since March 21 following his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate in the same case, apart from a 21-day interim bail in May granted by the Supreme Court for Lok Sabha elections campaigning.

On July 12, the Supreme Court granted interim bail to Arvind Kejriwal in the ED case, acknowledging that he had spent over 90 days in incarceration. Still, he continued to remain in custody due to his arrest by CBI on June 26 in the excise policy matter.
Protest over Shimla mosque: Representatives of the a Muslim welfare committee on Thursday submitted a memorandum to the Shimla Municipal Corporation Commissioner Bhupender Kumar Attri and asked the civic body to seal the unauthorised portion of the structure at Sanjauli, adding that it would demolish that part itself in accordance with a court order. Representatives of Masjid committee submit a memorandum to the Shimla Municipal Corporation Commissioner Bhupender Kumar Attri over the alleged illegal structure in a mosque, at Sanjauli in Shimla, Thursday.(PTI)

The panel comprises the Imam of the mosque and members of the Waqf board and the mosque management committee, news agency PTI reported.

A delegation of the committee made the request in a representation to Bhupendra Attri and said Muslims living in the locality are permanent residents of Himachal Pradesh and it was taking the step to preserve harmony and brotherhood.

Also Read | Shimla: Police barricades tossed around as clashes erupt over 'illegal' mosque

We have sought permission from the Shimla municipal commissioner to demolish the unauthorised part of the mosque situated in Sanjauli, PTI quoted member of the welfare committee Mufti Mohammad Shafi Kasmi as saying.

The Imam of the Sanjauli mosque said, "There is no pressure on us, we have been living here for decades and this decision has been taken as a Himachali. We want to stay in peace and brotherhood should prevail."

Attri confirmed receipt of the representation.

Members of the Dev Bhoomi Sangarh Committee who had given the protest call against the unauthorised construction in the mosque welcomed the move.

Also Read | Gathering of five or more barred in Shimlas Sanjauli after protest call over mosque construction

"We welcome the move of the Muslim community and would be the first to hug them for taking this initiative in the larger interest," member of the samiti Vijay Sharma said.

The development comes a day after protesters demanding the demolition of an illegal portion of a mosque in Shimla's Sanjauli area clashed with security personnel on Wednesday, breaking barricades and pelting stones as police used water cannons and baton charged to disperse them. About 10 people including police and women were injured.

Himachal Pradesh minister Vikramaditya Singh said the government was seriously concerned over escalation of the situation and keeping a close watch on all the developments.

"We are in touch with the central leadership and Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and myself have talked to party president Mallikarjun Kharge and party in-charge Rajiv Shukla and they are also concerned that there was no deterioration in law and order situation," he said.

Raising slogans of Jai Shri Ram and Hindu Ekta Zindabad, hundreds of protesters gathered at the Sabzi Mandi Dhalli and marched towards Sanjauli market, defying prohibitory orders and ignoring warnings by the administration. They broke barricades erected near the Dhalli tunnel while another crowd gathered at Sanjauli Chowk.

As the protesters gathered on the call of some Hindu groups entered Sanjauli and broke a second barricade near the mosque, police baton charged and used water cannons to disperse them.

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.

They said several school managements were awaiting directions from the district administration to send the children back home.

(With inputs from PTI)
The Rajya Sabha (in Indias old Parliament building, in use till last year), had a red carpet, and the Lok Sabha a green one. Sitaram Yechury of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), was fond of remarking that this was because if the Lok Sabha green-lights any faulty bill, the Rajya Sabha must show it the red light. Yechury at the CPI(M) office in Delhi in 2016. (Raj K Raj/HT Photo)

Yechury, who was in the Rajya Sabha between 2005 and 2017, did his best to ensure the Upper House of Indias Parliament did this, even if it meant going against the tide.

Yechury, who died on Thursday, aged 72, at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences after contracting a respiratory tract infection -- the first CPI(M) chief to die in office -- was used to arguing for what he believed was right, even if it meant expressing a view contrary to his partys.

For instance, he maintained that the Left should not withdraw support from a secular government (the United Progressive Alliance) in 2008. He argued that the Left would be unable to claim credit for its interventions for successes such as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act and Right to Information Act. When the party decided to still withdraw support, it was a blow to moderates such as Yechury. And a day after the Congress-led government won the trust vote after the withdrawal of support, then external affairs minister Pranab Mukherjee had only one visitor in his office, Yechury.

He rose through the ranks, starting his political career as a student leader at the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) -- theres an iconic image of him, then a doctoral student , reading out a charter of demands to Indira Gandhi at the time of the Emergency, demanding her resignation -- and became the CPI(M) chief in 2015. It was under him that the party got into a pre-poll alliance for the first time with Congress and other Opposition parties to form the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) last year.

During his tenure, the Left bloc won two consecutive assembly elections in 2016 and 2021 in Kerala, a state that has changed government every five years since 1981. A CPI(M) parliamentarian, Amra Ram, was elected for the first time from Rajasthan in the 2024 national polls even as the party and the wider Left bloc failed to gain lost ground, particularly in West Bengal, which it ruled for 34 years. The party has no assembly or Lok Sabha seats in Bengal anymore. It also lost power in Tripura after 25 years in 2018. CPI(M) now has four lawmakers each in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha and 78 legislators.

Sitaram had become the general secretary of the party in its sunset. The CPI(M)s intellectual base had eroded and the party was full of bureaucrats instead of sharp political minds, said Dipten Raychowdhury, an analyst of Left politics.

Yechurys political clout, however, endured despite CPI(M)s shrinking base. He forged a strong bond with former Congress president Sonia Gandhi and the leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, much to the annoyance of some CPI(M) and Congress leaders. When Congress leader Jairam Ramesh facetiously dubbed Yechury as CPI(M) general secretary for Congress at a press conference, Sonia Gandhi reprimanded her colleague for putting Yechury in trouble.

Sitaram Yechury ji was a friend. A protector of the Idea of India with a deep understanding of our country. I will miss the long discussions we used to have. My sincere condolences to his family, friends, and followers in this hour of grief, Rahul posted on X.

Yechury was the first non-Congress leader Sonia Gandhi called after she met President APJ Abdul Kalam in May 2004 ahead of the formation of the Congress-led UPA government as she wanted him to set up a meeting with CPI(M) chief Harkishen Singh Surjeet. It was during this meeting that she first communicated her decision not to be Prime Minister, and nominate Manmohan Singh to the post instead. Earlier this year, Yechury, who was also present there, told HT what happened. Surjeet, down with fever, jumped up from a cot: Kya bol rahi hai tu [what are you saying?]. And then, at her request, he started calling up alliance leaders to muster support for Manmohan Singh.

Born in 1952 in what was then Madras, Yechury and his family moved to Hyderabad, then Delhi, where he ranked first in the Central Board of School Education Class 12 exam in 1970. He had a way with languages. Once, he accompanied Surjeet, Jyoti Basu, and two other leaders P Rammurthy and M Basavapunnaiah to China. At breakfast, he spoke to Surjeet in Hindi, Basu in Bengali, Rammurthy in Tamil, and Basavapunnaiah in Kannada, prompting Basu to comment: This man [Yechury] is dangerous. He is talking in four different languages and although we are sitting here, none of us can understand what he is saying to others.

He was a brilliant student who secured a first class in both his undergraduate and post-graduate degrees in economics. He joined the student movement in Jawaharlal Nehru University in 1974 and became a leader of the Students Federation of India. He was thrice elected as President of the JNU Students Union within a span of two years, a CPI(M) statement said.

He went on to study economics at St Stephens College and JNU, where he first met Prakash Karat, a fellow communist.

Yechury and Karat were members of the UPA-Left coordination committee that met regularly to hammer out differences over the India-US nuclear deal. But unlike the ideologically rigid Karat, Yechury was against the Left, which had an all-time high of 60 lawmakers in the 543-member Lok Sabha, withdrawing support from the Congress-led government.

But he was no pushover.

In 2019, armed with the Supreme Courts direction and a one-way ticket, Yechury was the first outsider to enter Srinagar on August 30, 2019, weeks after the effective abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of J&K into two Union territories.

Several other leaders including the Congresss Rahul Gandhi and former J&K CM Ghulam Nabi Azad had triedand failed  to enter Jammu & Kashmir. The politicians who managed to arrive at the Srinagar airport were sent back even as the UT stayed under curfew.

Yechury spent more than six hours with his ailing comrade and former lawmaker Md Yusuf Tarigami over two days and refused state hospitality. After I met Tarigami at his residence, I wanted to meet his doctor. The cops were impatient to take me back to the airport. I showed them a copy of the SC order that I was allowed to ascertain Tarigamis whereabouts and medical condition, Yechury later told HT.

Among the people he deeply admired were Mahatma Gandhi and Fidel Castro. He met the latter on his very first visit to Cuba with Basu. In their late evening meeting, a curious Castro asked Basu about Indias coal production and steel capacities. Basu fumbled at which point, Castro turned to Yechury and said: Young man, I can understand Basu not remembering these figures. But you should have known it. Yechury said, recollecting this story to HT, that when he went to Havana again, he carried a book of Indian statistics.

And in his sessions with younger members of his party, Yechury often taught them about Mahatma. We tell our comrades how Mahatma Gandhi had the intelligence to identify issues that could rouse the people. It required a genius to make a historic movement out of salt and undertake a Dandi March (1930). Salt is something so essential to everybodys life and it galvanized an entire movement. He also had a trait that was acceptable to the common people as well as the incumbent Indian capitalist class. It shows his entire purpose was to unite everybody, Yechury told HT during the celebrations of 150th anniversary of Gandhi in 2019.

He had retired from the Rajya Sabha two years earlier, in 2017. Then House leader, the late Arun Jaitley of the BJP spoke of his contemporary fondly: On a personal note, I have had the privilege of probably knowing him (Yechury) longer in this House and earlier than most others. We were contemporaries in the university. He went from Delhi University to Jawaharlal Nehru University.

Jaitley added: He always has the same enthusiasm which he had during his student days. He is ready to stand up and participate in almost every debate, making his views known. On a serious note, if I may say so, he has made an extremely valuable contribution as a Parliamentarian to almost every debate in which he has participated. There are some contributions which raise the level of the debate in the House and, unquestionably, Mr. Sitaram Yechury, in every debate that he participated, raised the level of that debate, and others who participated along with him had to really measure up to the same standard.

But Yechury was not the same after he lost his son, Asish Yechury, to Covid-19, in 2021. He is survived by his wife Seema Chishti, a journalist and editor, daughter Akhila and son Daanish.

His passing may well mark the end of an era for the communists.

Democratic socialism has lost its most ardent champion and secularism its most passionate voice. To a friend of friends with a heart of gold I offer farewell in utter and disconsolate grief, former diplomat and governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi said.
The family of veteran Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Sitaram Yechury has donated his body to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi for teaching and research purposes, following his death earlier today. CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram died at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on Thursday.(PTI)

Yechury, aged 72, passed away at 3:05 pm after battling a severe respiratory infection, AIIMS confirmed.

The family has donated his body to AIIMS, New Delhi for teaching and research purposes, AIIMS said in a release.

The CPI(M) general secretary had been receiving treatment at AIIMS since August 19, where he was admitted for a pneumonia-like chest infection. Despite being placed in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and monitored by a team of doctors, Yechurys condition worsened in recent days.

It is with profound grief that we announce the passing away of CPIM General Secretary, our beloved Comrade Sitaram Yechury, at 3.03 pm today, 12th September, at the AIIMS, New Delhi, CPI(M) said on X.

We thank the doctors, nursing staff and the Director of the Institute for the excellent treatment and care extended to Comrade Yechury.

How donation of body helps medical and research purposes

Body donation is a selfless act that benefits the future of healthcare and medical progress. While medical students and professionals use donated bodies to study human anatomy in detail, surgeons and medical practitioners use donated bodies to practice new techniques, refine existing procedures, and develop safer surgical methods.

Scientists and researchers use donated bodies to explore diseases, study the effects of medical conditions on different organs, and develop new treatments or medications.

Condolences pour in

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi condoled the demise of Sitaram Yechury and said he was a protector of the idea of India with a deep understanding of the country.

"Sitaram Yechury ji was a friend. A protector of the Idea of India with a deep understanding of our country," Gandhi said in a post on X.

"I will miss the long discussions we used to have. My sincere condolences to his family, friends, and followers in this hour of grief," he said.

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee expressed grief over Yechury's death and extended her condolences to his family, friends and party colleagues.

"Sad to know that Sri Sitaram Yechury has passed away. I knew the veteran parliamentarian that he was and his demise will be a loss for national politics. I express my condolences to his family, friends and colleagues," Banerjee posted on X.

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra called Yechury's passing away a profound loss for all of us.

His years of service and devotion to our country is worthy of the greatest respect. Most of all, he was an inherently decent human being who brought a sense of balance and gentleness to the harsh world of politics. May his soul rest in peace and may his loved ones find the strength and courage to face this tragedy, she posted on X.
The Supreme Court is set to deliver its judgment on Friday on Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwals petitions challenging his arrest and demanding bail in connection with the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy case. This decision, awaited since the court reserved its verdict on September 5, is expected to have wide ramifications on both the legal and political landscape. Kejriwals legal team, led by senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, challenged his arrest by the CBI. (Arvind Kejriwal | Facebook)

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convener has challenged the August 5 decision of the Delhi high court, which upheld his arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and refused to entertain his plea for bail because Kejriwal did not go to the trial court first.

During the previous hearing, a bench of justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan underscored that the judgment would contribute to the evolution of criminal law while ensuring that it does not demoralise the subordinate judiciary. The courts observation came after CBI warned that a decision in Kejriwals favour might set a precedent that could undermine the authority of subordinate courts. The bench, however, stressed that its ruling would be framed in a way that preserves the integrity of all judicial institutions.

In a series of recent judgments, the top court reaffirmed the principle that bail should be the norm, with jail being an exception, even in cases involving stringent laws like the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The apex court has also urged lower courts to exercise caution when staying bail orders, highlighting the importance of upholding personal liberty.

On Monday, the Supreme Court ruled in a landmark judgment that a person already in custody for one offence can still seek anticipatory bail for a different offence, asserting that the right to personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution must be safeguarded unless specifically restricted by law. In another order on the same day, the court underscored that an accused is entitled to a fair and speedy trial, as guaranteed by Article 21, and that the legal process should not be allowed to turn into a form of punishment.

Also Read:Delhi court extends Kejriwals custody till Sept 25, grants bail to AAP MLA Pathak

Kejriwals legal team, led by senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, challenged his arrest by CBI contending that procedural safeguards under the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) were breached. Kejriwal has remained in custody since June 26, after his arrest by CBI, despite previously being granted bail in a related case by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

Singhvi argued that the CBIs decision to arrest Kejriwal was unwarranted, particularly given that for two years since the registration of the case in 2022, the investigative agency had not found it necessary to take such action. Kejriwals legal team highlighted that his arrest, allegedly for non-cooperation, did not meet the requirements under Sections 41 and 41A of the CrPC, which demand sufficient cause and prior notice before arrest.

Arguing for the CM on September 5, Singhvi underscored the Supreme Courts ruling in the Manish Sisodia case, where the top court granted bail and emphasised that it would be unfair to send Sisodia back to the trial court for bail, as doing so would amount to playing a snake and ladder game.

In response, additional solicitor general (ASG) SV Raju defended CBIs actions, asserting that the federal agency followed proper procedure under CrPC. He pointed out that Kejriwal chose to bypass the trial court and directly approach the high court, arguing that this is not the regular course and accused Kejriwal of seeking special treatment.

According to Raju, Kejriwal should have adhered to the legal process like any ordinary citizen, and his decision to approach higher courts prematurely was evidence of him acting as if he were a special and extraordinary person.

In his closing argument on September 5, Singhvi questioned the grounds for the arrest, particularly the accusation of non-cooperation. How does non-cooperation amount to grounds for arrest? he asked, emphasising that Kejriwal was not a hardened criminal and that his arrest was neither justified nor necessary.

Raju rebutted by insisting that Kejriwals arrest was fully justified based on new evidence uncovered during the investigation. Raju also highlighted that Kejriwal had allegedly influenced decisions in Punjab linked to the excise policy, revealing a broader nexus of corruption that warranted continued detention.

The CBI case is premised on Kejriwals alleged involvement in the formulation and execution of the Delhi excise policy 2021-22, which was later scrapped over allegations of irregularities and corruption, followed by a probe ordered by the Delhi lieutenant governor.

Although Kejriwal did not hold any official ministerial portfolio, CBI has contended that all critical decisions in the formulation of the policy were taken at his, in connivance with the then deputy chief minister and minister of excise, Manish Sisodia.

Kejriwal approached the Supreme Court on August 12, two days after the top court granted bail to Sisodia in the related probed by CBI and ED. In his petition, Kejriwal relied heavily on the Sisodia verdict, in which the top court held that the former deputy CMs long incarceration of 17 months and his continued detention in a case where there was no hope of trial ending anytime soon impinged on his fundamental right to liberty and speedy trial under Article 21 of the Constitution.
Ten major political parties have opted to retain their parliamentary offices in Samvidhan Sadan  the old Parliament building  even as the Telugu Desam Party will shift to a new address in the new Parliament House. The allotments, as the memorandum suggests, will be valid for the 18th Lok Sabha. (ANI)

Even as the new Parliament building has been built less than a year ago and has all modern facilities, an Opposition MP indicated that the existing offices are more convenient and many leaders dont want to quit the office rooms associated with the party for a long time.

An office memorandum issued by the Lok Sabha Secretariats estate and heritage management branch listed the 10 parties opting for Samvidhan Sadan as Samajwadi Party, Janata Dal (United), YSR Congress Party, Aam Aadmi Party, Shiv Sena (UBT), Nationalist Congress Party, Rashtriya Janata Dal, Communist Party of India (Marxist), Biju Janata Dal and the Shiv Sena (Shinde).

The allotments, as the memorandum suggests, will be valid for the 18th Lok Sabha and it has been done under the directions of Speaker Om Birla. HT has a copy of the memorandum.

Under the latest arrangement, Samajwadi Party has been allotted three office rooms130 and 126-18&llon the third floor of the Samvidhan Sadan. The SP is the fourth-largest party in Parliament with 41 MPs and got a bigger space.

Similarly, JDU, which has 16 MPs in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha will have Rooms 135 and 136 in Samvidhan Sadans third floor, close to the SP office.

TDP, the BJPs ally at the Centre and in Andhra Pradesh, has been allotted a room on the first floor of the new building. The AAP and the BJD have ground floor rooms in the old building. The other parties mentioned in the circular have retained their offices on the third floorwhich accommodates most of the party offices in the old building.

To be sure, the list doesnt mention the BJP, Congress and the Trinamool Congress offices. According to an official in the Lok Sabha, These parties are not shifting to the new building and will retain their old offices.
Two young Indian Army officers were beaten and one of their two women friends was allegedly raped by unidentified men when the four were out on a picnic in Madhya Pradesh's Indore district on Wednesday, news agency PTI reported, citing the police. The Army officers, who were undergoing Young Officers (YO) course at the Infantry School in Mhow cantonment town, had gone out for a picnic on Tuesday along with their two female friends.. (REPRESENTATIVE PIC)

Badgonda police station in-charge Lokendra Singh Hirore said the officers, aged 23 and 24, who were undergoing Young Officers (YO) course at the Infantry School in Mhow cantonment town, had gone out for a picnic on Tuesday along with their two female friends.

Around 2am on Wednesday, a group of 6-7 people arrived near the picnic spot on Mhow-Mandleshwar road and started beating up one of the officers and a female friend, who were sitting in the car, reported PTI.

Upon hearing the commotion, the other officer and the woman, who were on a hilltop, reached the spot.

Also Read | IAF Wing Commander accused of rape by woman Flying Officer; FIR registered

According to The Times of India, which cited the complaint filed by one of the officers, the attackers held the pair they had attacked in the car hostage at gunpoint.

They also asked the other officer to bring 10 lakh in ransom. Subsequently, the officer managed to use this opportunity to inform his seniors in Mhow who, in turn, alerted the police. A police team was dispatched to the area, but by then, the attackers had escaped the area.

The Army officers and their female friends were brought to Mhow civil hospital, where a medical examination confirmed that one of the women was raped.

The Times of India reported that a case has been registered under sections 70 (gangrape), 310-2 (dacoity), 308-2 (extortion) and 115-2 (voluntarily causing hurt) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and under sections of the Arms Act based on the complaint filed by the officer.

Additional superintendent of police Rupesh Dwivedi told the newspaper that six suspects have been identified so far. Of them, two have been detained.

Indore Rural SP Hitika Vasal told The Indian Express that one of those detained has a case of loot registered against him in 2016.

We arrested two men. One of them has a case of loot registered against him in 2016. This was not an organised gang. They saw these young people who had gathered at a night spot and decided to attack them. One person also had a pistol on him, Vasal said.
The Union Cabinet has approved the PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-Drive) Scheme with an outlay of 10,900 crore for two years and a Payment Security Mechanism (PSM) of 3,435.33 crore under PM-eBus Sewa in a boost to electrification of vehicles. The Union heavy industries ministry will implement the scheme and provide subsidies. (X)

3,679 crore will be provided as subsidies for purchasing e-two wheelers, e-three wheelers, e-ambulances, e-trucks, and other emerging electric vehicles (EVs) under the PM E-Drive scheme. In a statement, the government said the scheme will support 2.479 million e-2Ws, 316000 e-3Ws, and 14,028 e-buses.

The heavy industries ministry will implement the scheme and provide subsidies to both the buyer and manufacturer e-vouchers through a dedicated portal. 4,391 crore has been earmarked for public transport agencies to procure 14,028 e-buses. The demand aggregation will be done by CESL [Convergence Energy Services Limited] in the nine cities with more than 40 lakh [four million] population namely Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Surat, Bangalore, Pune, and Hyderabad. Intercity and Interstate e-buses will also be supported in consultation with states, the statement said.

States and cities will be prioritised for public buses based on their compliance with guidelines for the scrapping of old vehicles. As many as 22,100 fast chargers for e-4 Ws, 1800 for e-buses, and 48,400 for e-2W/3Ws will be installed with the allocation of 2000 crore to reduce the range anxiety of EV buyers.

The scheme will also incentivise the adoption of electric trucks with an allocation of 500 crore and for modernising testing agencies for the EV ecosystem with an outlay of 780 crore.

Pawan Mulukutla, WRI India executive programme director for integrated transport, clean air, and hydrogen, said the Cabinets approval reiterates Indias ambitious decarbonisation target in the transport sector by deployment of 50,00060,000 e-buses in the coming years through schemes such as National Electric Bus Programme and the PM-eBus Sewa. This was essential to make the project more bankable and ensure further participation of the private players, and who were otherwise wary of delayed payments or defaults. This will ultimately result in lowering of the cost of operations due to greater competition, he said.

Under the PM-eBus Sewa scheme, 10,000 air-conditioned electric buses will be provided to tier-2 and tier-3 cities under a public-private partnership model. The government told Parliament that 541 crore was allocated in the vote-on-account for the scheme for bus operations and allied infrastructure in 75 cities as of August.

Industry players and policy observers have advocated for PSM as a guarantee through which electric bus suppliers/operators will be paid on time as most transport undertakings under the state governments are financially unhealthy and often delay payments to contractors. A similar mechanism by Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited is in place for solar power generation projects.
Security forces have recovered a cache of arms and ammunition from a forest area in the Keran sector in Kupwara district along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir. A cache of arms ammunition and explosives including AK 47 rounds, hand grenades, RPG rounds, material for Improvised Explosive Devices and other war-like stores was recovered from the Keran sector of Kupwara.

Based on specific intelligence inputs, a joint operation by the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police was launched in Keran Sector, Kupwara, the Srinagar-based Chinar Corps of the Indian Army posted on X.

The arms were recovered days before Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit Jammu and Kashmir to campaign for Bharatiya Janata Party candidates in the upcoming assembly election. Modi will visit the Union territory twice  first on September 14, followed by his second visit to on September 19.

Searches in the indicated area have 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 and other war-like stores, it said.

The Indian Army said the recovery is significant considering the prevailing security situation and upcoming events.

It is a shot in the arm for the security forces, the Army added.

Meanwhile, two terrorists were killed in an encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district on Wednesday, the Indian Army said.

In a post on X, the Rising Star Corps of the Indian Army said, "Two Terrorists Neutralised in the Ongoing Operation at Khandara #Kathua by Troops of Rising Star Corps. Operations in progress."

Earlier on Wednesday, BSF said that one of its personnel sustained injuries following an unprovoked firing from Pakistan in the Akhnoor sector of Jammu and Kashmir near the International Border.

The BSF said in a statement that the unprovoked firing from across the border occurred around 2:35 am on Wednesday, and it was befittingly responded by its troops.

"One BSF personnel sustained injuries in the firing from the Pakistani side. Troops are on high alert," stated the BSF, which guards the India-Pakistan border.
Sandip Ghosh, former principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, has been implicated in a case of financial irregularities by the Central Bureau of Investigation. However, this is not his first run-in with corruption charges. Former RG Kar medical college principal Sandip Ghosh has faced corruption charges since 2020 (PTI Photo) (PTI)

Even before his stint as principal of RG Kar medical college, Sandip Ghosh faced charges of misuse of funds in 2020 for allegedly taking unsanctioned trips, reported The Times of India.

Sandip Ghosh, who is currently in judicial custody and also being probed by the enforcement directorate, faced an investigation by the state health department on charges of corruption after whistleblowers alleged that he made questionable hospital purchases, mistreated colleagues, amassed personal property and took trips using siphoned funds.

However, the inquiry report in 2020, ended up being inconclusive. People also complained about Sandip Ghosh to the state vigilance department.

However, the probe was discontinued, the charges were dropped and soon after, he was promoted to principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

According to a Times of India report, the first complaint against Ghosh was filed in February 2020, alleging that he made an unsanctioned trip to Dubai and that hospital suppliers paid for his travel. He was also charged with dodging government orders on hospital procurement to make money, along with Ma Tara and Biplab Singha, both of whom have been arrested by the CBI.

Ghosh refuted the claims and said that his passport showed that he had not made a trip to Dubai at all. In the same period, Ghosh, who was the vice-principal and superintendent at Calcutta National Medical College, was accused of running a private practice, which is illegal for high-ranking officials.

The state asked the principal of Calcutta National Medical College to investigate but he stated it would be difficult to give an unbiased opinion as he worked with Ghosh. A report on the allegations against Sandip Ghosh did not reveal much as none of the charges were properly investigated.

The report said about Sandip Ghosh's private practice, that it was legal to operate, since he did not avail his non-practising allowance.
External affairs minister S Jaishankar on Thursday dismissed arguments that BRICS is unnecessary, and said he was amazed by the insecurity felt by developed nations about the group, which includes China, Russia, and other six countries. External affairs minister S. Jaishankar during a meeting with Ambassador Jean-David, in Geneva, Switzerland.(X/ S Jaishankar)

Speaking at the Global Centre for Security Policy in Switzerland's Geneva, Jaishankar said if the G7 can exist alongside the G20, there is no reason why BRICS cannot.

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Why there is opposition to BRICS? Jaishankar asks

Why the club? Because there was another club! It was called the G7 and you will not let anybody else into that club. So, we go and form our own club, Jaishankar said in the conversation with French ambassador Jean-David Levitte.

He questioned why there is opposition to BRICS, especially when groups like the G7 continue to exist alongside the G20. Jaishankar said if the G7, a group of advanced economies, can remain intact despite the presence of the G20, then BRICS, a coalition of emerging economies, should also be allowed to exist.

I'm still struck by how insecure the North is when you speak about the BRICS. Somehow, something seems to get under people's skin, he added.

ALSO READ- Doval-Wang Yi meeting: India, China agree to work with 'urgency' on LAC disengagement

BRICS gained a life of its own: Jaishankar

BRICS, which represents 27% of global GDP, was initially formed by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, with South Africa joining later. In January 2024, five more nationsIran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, UAE, and Ethiopiabecame members, expanding the bloc's influence.

EAM Jaishankar said that BRICS has grown organically as countries recognized its value. Unlike other groups that may have geographical or historical ties, BRICS is unique in its diversity.

BRICS gained the life of its own over a period of time as others saw value in it as well, he said.

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It's actually a very interesting group, because, if you look at it, typically, any club or any group has either a geographical contiguity or some common historical experience, or, you know, very strong economic connect, EAM added.
West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday said she was willing to resign for the sake of justice after a tense two-hour standoff between the state and protesting doctors, ratcheting up the political controversy over the grisly rape and murder of a doctor in Kolkata last month. West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee (PTI)

Banerjee also indicated that the protesters were politically motivated and wanted her chair, not justice for the 31-year-old doctor at Kolkatas RG Kar Hospital on August 9.

Her comments came after a delegation of junior doctors  who have struck work now for over a month  reached the state secretariat for talks with the chief minister, but sat outside the auditorium for two hours because the government didnt agree to their demand of live-streaming the negotiations.

I am even willing to resign for the sake of the people. I dont want the chief ministers post. I want the people to get justice, Tilottama (a reference to the rape victim) to get justice and for the common people get medical treatment, Banerjee said in a dramatic press conference.

A 34-member team of junior doctors reached the state secretariat at around 5.25pm on the invitation of the chief secretary to hold talks with the chief minister. Banerjee waited in the auditorium from 4.50pm to 7pm, but the doctors refused to enter over a demand of live-streaming the proceedings. The government said it couldnt live-stream the talks because the Supreme Court was hearing the matter and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is hearing the case.

The doctors later said they never demanded the resignation of the chief minister, or her chair.

We were hurt by this statement. We didnt go there to hold discussions about her chair. We went there to demand justice and to discuss our five demands, said a protesting doctor.

The developments came on a day the state health department sent a letter to all government-run medical colleges asking for a list of junior doctors who resumed duty after the Supreme Courts order. This created a furore with senior doctors saying they would join the strike if punitive action was taken against junior doctors.

Doctors across the state have been on strike since August 9 demanding justice for the junior doctor who was raped and murdered in RG Kar Hospital last month. The incident has triggered a nationwide uproar.

The doctors have five demands  justice for the murdered doctor; action against all officials responsible for alleged tampering of the evidence; action against former RG Kar Hospital principal Sandip Ghosh; the resignation of Kolkata police commissioner Vineet Goyal; and the creation of a safe environment for doctors in medical colleges and hospitals in West Bengal.

In its last hearing on the case, the Supreme Court asked the doctors to return to work by 5pm on Tuesday. But the agitators have defied the deadline, saying their demands hadnt been met.

In her press conference, Banerjee largely struck a conciliatory tone but in the end, lashed out at what she called were political elements who were obstructing talks with the government.

We have tolerated many canards and falsehoods. Our government has been humiliated and maligned. People came out for justice but they dont know that there is a political colour diverting it...They dont want justice, they want the chair, she said.

She sought to apologise to the people of West Bengal, noting that 27 people had died due to lack of health care facilities, and around 700,000 people were affected.

We have been waiting for over two hours, hoping that reason would guide the junior doctors...I apologise to the people, who expected that the issue would be resolved today, she said. I waited for three days for them to come, but they did not come... violated the SC directive.

The body of the second-year postgraduate student, who was allegedly raped and murdered inside a seminar hall of the hospital, was found on August 9. The crime took place at the third-floor seminar hall of the chest department late at night and police later said that multiple lacerations and wounds were found on her body.

A 31-year-old civic volunteer with the police, Sanjay Roy, was arrested the next day in connection with the case and was sent to 14-day police custody. But by then, the crime had left Kolkata stunned and prompted sweeping protests by doctors who struck work and womens groups demanding safety.

The investigation was later handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which later arrested Sandip Ghosh on corruption charges.

Since the gruesome crime, protests have swept Kolkata as agitators have alleged a string of missteps by the state administration and actions by Ghosh and the city police to tamper with evidence. The government has denied all allegations.

There are around 93,000 registered doctors in West Bengal out of which around 7500 are junior doctors. Hundreds of junior doctors have been holding a sit-in outside the Swasthya Bhavan, the headquarters of the state health department, since Tuesday defying the deadline.

The first efforts of negotiation began on Tuesday afternoon when state health secretary NS Nigam sent an email to the protesting doctors. But the talks broke down after the protesters demanded the health secretarys resignation. Then on Tuesday, chief secretary Manoj Pant wrote to the doctors, inviting a team of 12-15 members but didnt mention whether the chief minister would chair the meeting. The doctors responded stating that they would send a team of 30 members, demanded that the proceedings of the meeting with the government be telecast live to maintain transparency, and asked that the chief minister be present.

Pant sent a second letter on Thursday afternoon, inviting the protesters for talks at 5pm at Nabanna, the state secretariat.The government said the team should comprise 15 doctors and that there would only be video recording of the proceedings, no live-streaming.

The junior doctors reached Nabanna with a team of more than 30 doctors while sticking to their demand of live-streaming. We want an open discussion. If the Supreme Courts hearing can be streamed live, the chief ministers administrative meetings can be streamed live, then why not this meeting? There is nothing to hide, Aniket Mahata, a protesting doctor, said before the meeting.

But once they reached Nabanna, it became clear that a stand-off was in the offing. For over two hours, Banerjee waited inside the auditorium at the state secretariat with state junior health minister Chandrima Bhattacharya. Seating arrangements were already made for the doctors and Banerjee to preside over the meeting.

At least three video cameras were set up to record the proceedings. Outside the auditorium top bureaucrats including the chief secretary and home secretary and senior police officers, including the director general of state police, negotiated with the doctors team.

In her press conference, Banerjee explained her stance.

The Supreme Court is hearing the case and CBI is investigating it. It is a subjudice case. There is a protocol. We agreed to record everything to maintain transparency. Three video cameras were set up. We could have shared the recordings with both the apex court and the doctors, Banerjee said.

The doctors came to Nabanna but never attended the meeting. I forgive them. Some of them were willing to join the meeting. But instructions were coming from outside not to go for negotiations, she added.

She said that, in February, the Uttar Pradesh government invoked the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) banning strikes by government employees for six months.

I dont support emergency. I dont support ESMA. I wont do that. I would urge the chief secretary, home secretary and DG of police to hold talks with the doctors if the latter want. I tried my best. I tried my best to sit with the junior doctor, she said.

She said that the government had not initiated any disciplinary action and kept the door open for further talks. The junior doctors, too, said that they were willing to hold discussions but added that the strike will continue.

We are ready to hold talks. We have faith in the chair and the building and thats why we will wait. Our intentions are good. Even the chief ministers intention is good, said a junior doctor.
The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) on Wednesday suspended the product PresVu produced by Entod Pharmaceuticals after the company failed to respond to the queries on the product for which the DGCI says no approval was granted. DCGI suspended PresVu after the company failed to respond to the queries.(Freepik)

"Taking serious note of the unauthorised promotion of the product, PresVu (1.25% Pilocarpine w/v) by M/s Entod Pharmaceuticals Ltd, after getting permission from CDSCO to manufacture and market, the regulator has suspended their permission till further order. The unauthorised promotion in press and over social media had raised doubt on its unsafe use by patients and safety concerns for the public. The promotion raised concern about its use like OTC drugs, whereas it is approved as a prescription only drug," the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said in a statement.

ALSO READ: DCGI suspends Entods marketing approval for PresVu eye drops amid misuse concerns

ANI reached out to the representative of the company regarding comments on suspension of product but received no response.

Earlier, ENTOD Pharmaceuticals had denied making any unethical or false presentation of facts to the media or public on PresVu eye drops.

Nikkhil K Masurkar, CEO, Entod Pharmaceuticals, said in a statement, "We at ENTOD Pharmaceuticals hereby declare that we have not made any of the unethical or false presentation of facts to the media or public when it comes to Presvu Eye drops. All facts disclosed to the media are strictly on the basis of the approved indication for treatment of presbyopia in adults and the phase 3 clinical trial data generated by us."

The company further mentioned that the opinions and claims printed in news reports do not represent ENTOD Pharmaceuticals, "Some of the opinions and claims printed in news stories do not represent that of ENTOD Pharmaceuticals or any of its spokespeople. The widespread media interest in such a therapy has been unprecedented and has led to sensationalization of the story."

However, the top official source from drug regulatory to ANI said that claims made by the company are unethical and a false presentation of facts. The company had been asked for an explanation for the false representation.

ALSO READ: Entod eye drops licence junked for misleading claims, overselling

Claims made by ENTOD Pharmaceuticals during the launch

The company during the launch claimed, "PresVu is the first eye drop in India specifically developed to reduce dependency on reading glasses for individuals affected by presbyopia, a common age-related vision condition that typically impacts those over 40. Presvu has also been applied for a patent for this invention in terms of its formulation and the process. The proprietary formula not only gets rid of reading glasses but also helps the patient lubricate their eyes as a side benefit."

"PresVu is the result of years of dedicated research and development. This DCGI approval is a major step forward in our mission to transform eye care in India. PresVu is more than just a product; it's a solution that stands to improve the lives of millions by offering them greater visual independence. We take pride in our commitment to innovation and in providing healthcare solutions that are both accessible and affordable," said Nikkhil K Masurkar, CEO of ENTOD Pharmaceuticals.

ALSO READ: Expert opinion: Can this new made-in-India eye drop actually help you get rid of your glasses?

Imperfect and temporary solution

However, medical experts termed it an "imperfect and temporary solution".

"Pilocarpine eye drops have been used for glaucoma treatment since at least 75 years . They constrict your pupil, causing a pinhole effect, helping you to read. It is an imperfect and temporary solution for reading problems. Spectacles are perfect solutions," said Dr Charu Mithal, Senior Consultant, Dept. of Ophthalmology, Max Hospital Saket, New Delhi.

"Medical science has been advancing over the years. There are many trials that keep coming on the market from time to time. Some are very effective and safe, and sometimes they are very unsafe and very impractical. This drop, PresVu claims to clear your near vision, or what we call Presbyopia, which is the ability to read up close without glasses. This drop is nothing but pylocarpin in a different concentration," explained Dr Samir Sud, co-founder and director of Sharp Sight Eye Hospitals.

"Pilocarpine, how it works is that it causes constriction of your pupil and gives a pinhole effect. When the pupil has a pinhole effect, we can see distance and near without glasses. So that's how it functions. But like I said earlier, pilocarpine has some serious complications, so we don't know that after this trial, when it goes into masses, how it will behave in the eye, whether it will be safe or unsafe," Dr Samir Sud added further.

Dr Tushar Grover, Associate Consultant, Department of Ophthalmology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, said, The drops recently introduced for correction of presbyopia are essentially pilocarpine eye drops at a relatively lower concentration. The molecule by itself is not new, and has been around for decades and used for treatment of glaucoma.
Gum disease is a condition that most adults suffer from, all over the world. It starts when bacteria inside the mouth forms a sticky film, which leads to inflammation of the gums. It is painful in nature and can restrict our consumption of all food items. When left untreated, gum disease can take severe form, and even cause tooth loss and other chronic conditions such as heart diseases and diabetes. However, a recent study, led by Professor Shigeki Kamitani, Osaka Metropolitan University, stated that coconuts and citrus fruits can combine to combat gum diseases. The study stated that coconuts and citrus fruits can combine to combat gum diseases. (Unsplash)

ALSO READ: Gum disease and arthritis: How bacteria in your mouth could be hurting your joints

Current treatments of gum diseases:

Usually, the treatments available for gum diseases involve harsh chemicals that often make patients refrain from using them. However, with this study, gum disease treatment can offer gentler oral products for better healing. The study states that in citrus fruits, there is a modified version of a natural compound called prunin which can help in fighting gum diseases.

The study found a substance called prunin laurate, or Pru-C12  it is usually prepared by combining prunin with lauric acid, a type of fat found in coconut oil and breast milk. This combination can target the bacteria that causes gum diseases, without affecting human cells. Professor Shigeki Kamitani from Osaka Metropolitan University, in a media release stated that Pru-C12 is tasteless, hypoallergic, and can be an effective antimicrobial solution in the future.

ALSO READ: Gum disease linked to build-up of Alzheimer's plaque formation: Study

How does Pru-C12 protect gum?

Pru-C12 doesnot kill bacteria  instead it prevents the bacteria from forming biofilms. Biofilms are forts that bacteria build around themselves that makes it difficult for us to eliminate them. By preventing the formation of biofilms, Pru-C12 makes it easier for us to keep our teeth and gums healthy. The study also demonstrated that Pru-C12 showed no toxic effects on human cells  even when higher doses of it was used to kill bacteria. Hence, Pru-C12 can be a healthy alternative to the harsh chemicals used to manage gum diseases.

ALSO READ: Gum disease heightens risk of mental illness, heart conditions: Study

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Hair loss or alopecia is one of young people's main concerns these days. Losing hair growth and experiencing hair loss can be very challenging - it can cause significant emotional distress. People also tend to use several hacks to retain hair growth  while some may work, most fail. However, did you ever think that maybe the cure to baldness is hiding in your spice rack? A study conducted by researchers at Yokohama National University has suggested that a compound found in cinnamon  cinnamic acid  can have promising results to promote hair growth. The research suggested that a compound found in cinnamon  cinnamic acid  can have promising results to promote hair growth, (Representational Image)

ALSO READ: Nutrition tips: How to make your hair stronger and thicker

Cinnamic acid's impact on hair growth

However, simply eating cinnamon may not help in regenerating hair growth. The study suggested that a lot more scope of research is there in this space. The study added that oxytocin can stimulate hair growth by targeting a receptor called OXTR in hair follicles. However, oxytocin is a large molecule and cannot penetrate the skin  making it a poor choice for hair loss treatments. This is where cinnamic acid is a complete win for hair growth  it can mimic oxytocins hair-growth effects and can increase OXTR expression.

In a statement, Junji Fukuda, the studys corresponding author and a professor with the universitys Faculty of Engineering added that this study can help in developing hair growth treatments that usually target oxytocin.

ALSO READ: Busting hair care myths: Separating fact from fiction for gorgeous locks

How much cinnamic acid can trigger OXTR expression?

To determine the effects of cinnamic acid on hair growth, the researchers treated human scalp with various doses of cinnamic acid. It was observed that at doses up to 500 g/mL, cinnamic acid triggered OXTR expression and other key genes related to hair growth. However, high doses can damage the cells.

ALSO READ: Rainy season beauty hacks: Top skincare, haircare, diet tips to manage skin breakouts and hair frizz during monsoon

The researchers added that while more research is required in this space, it is known that cinnamon contains important compounds that can help in improving hair growth. Hence, the next time we catch a whiff of cinnamon in our drink or food, we should appreciate it. With a little bit of work, we can also include it in our hair case routine.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Mahlangu woke early on a chilly morning and walked through her busy South African township, where minibuses hooted to pick up commuters and smoke from sidewalk breakfast stalls hung in the air. Her eyes had been troubling her. But instead of going to her nearby health clinic, Mahlangu was headed to the train station for an unusual form of care. The Phelophepa health train offers essential medical services in South Africa(AP photo)

A passenger train known as Phelophepa  or good, clean, health" in the Sesotho language  had been transformed into a mobile health facility. It circulates throughout South Africa for much of the year, providing medical attention to the sick, young and old who often struggle to receive the care they need at crowded local clinics. For the past 30 years  ever since South Africa's break with the former racist system of apartheid  the train has carried doctors, nurses and optometrists on an annual journey that touches even the most rural villages, delivering primary healthcare to about 375,000 people a year.

How the Health Train Provides Hope to Patients Like Mahlangu

The free care it delivers is in contrast to South Africa's overstretched public health care system on which about 84% of people rely. Health care reflects the deep inequality of the country at large. Just 16% of South Africans are covered by health insurance plans that are beyond the financial reach of many in a nation with unemployment of over 32%. Earlier this year, the government began to address that gap. President Cyril Ramaphosa in May signed into law the National Health Insurance Act, which aims to provide funding so that millions of South Africans without health insurance can receive care from the better-provisioned private sector.

But the law has been divisive. The government has not said how much it will cost and where the money will come from. Economists say the government will have to raise taxes. Critics say the country cant afford it and warn that the system  yet to be implemented  will be open to abuse by corrupt officials and businessmen. They say the government should fix the public healthcare system instead. For Mahlangu and others who look to the train for a rare source of free treatment, the situation at local health clinics is one of despair.

Patients Eagerly Await the Health Trains Return

Long lines, shortages of medicines and rude nurses are some of the challenges at the clinics that cater for thousands of patients a day in Tembisa, east of Johannesburg. There we are not treated well, Mahlangu said. We are made to sit in the sun for long periods. You can sit there from 7 a.m. until around 4 p.m. when the clinic closes. When you ask, they say we must go ask the president to build us a bigger hospital.

The health train has grown from a single three-carriage operation over the years to two, 16-carriage trains. They are run by the Transnet Foundation, a social responsibility arm of Transnet, the state-owned railway company. When the train began in 1994, many Black people in South Africa still lived in rural villages with little access to health facilities. It was a period of change in the country. The train began as an eye clinic, but it soon became clear that needs were greater than that.

Now both trains address the booming population of South Africa's capital of Pretoria and nearby Johannesburg, the country's economic hub. One would spend two weeks in Tembisa alone. The major metros are really struggling, said Shemona Kendiah, the train's manager. But the traveling clinic is far from the solution to South Africa's healthcare problems.

Public health expert Alex van den Heever said there have been substantial increases in the healthcare budget and the public sector employment of nurses and doctors since the country's first democratic government in 1994. The health department's budget in Gauteng province, which includes Pretoria and Johannesburg, has grown from 6 billion rand ($336 million) in 2000 to 65 billion ($3.6 billion) rand now.

But van den Heever accused the African National Congress, the ruling party since the end of apartheid, of allowing widespread corruption to undermine the public sector, including the health care system. This has led to a rapid deterioration of performance," he said. For South Africans who have witnessed the decline firsthand, it can be a relief when the health train pulls into town.

Mahlangu  with her new pair of glasses  was among hundreds who walked away satisfied with its services and already longing for the train's return next year. Another patient, Jane Mabuza, got a full health checkup along with dental services. She said she hoped the train would reach many other people. Here on the train you never hear that anything has been finished, she said.
Every day, thousands of tourists visit the Greek island of Santorini, the majority arriving on cruise ships. As the amount of visitors continues to rise, pressure is mounting on the island's infrastructure. Tourists watching and photographing the sunset in Oia on the island of Santorini (Sofia Kleftaki/DW )

Tourists on massive cruise ships disembark at Santorini's Old Harbor. There is something very dramatic about the contrast between the imposing cruise ships and the small harbor bay.

Although it's almost 6:00 p.m., the temperature is still over 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit). A little stand opposite the entrance to the Santorini cable car is selling water to tourists in need of refreshment.

ALSO READ: Greece: Tourism boom leads to new restrictions and fees. Is your favorite island affected?

The quickest way to Fira, the picturesque capital of the island, is to take the cable car. The only problem is that the cable car has just six carriages, each capable of carrying a maximum of six people.

The cable car also only departs once every 15-20 minutes. The tourists wait patiently for almost an hour in the scorching heat. The line is hundreds of meters long.

Mass tourism in the Mediterranean

Overtourism is a growing problem all over Europe's Mediterranean region.

A number of places are particularly affected, such as the Spanish island Mallorca, parts of Croatia's Adriatic coast and Kotor in Montenegro.

But of all the European holiday destinations, Greek islands, specifically Santorini, suffer most from mass tourism.

Santorini in the Cyclades is world famous for its white, blue-domed buildings and magnificent sunsets.

ALSO READ: Too many people, not enough management: A look at the chaos of 'overtourism' in the summer of 2024

Day-trippers overwhelm Santorini

A return trip on the cable car costs 12 ($13.25). Everyone inside the carriage is calm and relaxed, and the view outside is breathtaking.

A young couple takes photos. Others prepare their cameras and check their equipment. The trip lasts less than three minutes.

The calm dissipates as soon as the cable car arrives at the top of the hill. Tourists pour out of the cable car, intent on exploring Fira. In next to no time, the town's narrow, winding streets and alleys are thronged with people.

The chaos is a far cry from the calm of the cable car. Everyone is in a hurry; the daytrippers from the cruise ships have only a limited amount of time on the island but several items to tick off their Santorini bucket list.

Flora Danasi's shop is directly opposite the cable car exit. The daytrippers from the cruise ships are an essential source of revenue for her, especially this season.

Compared to recent years, the number of visitors booking accommodation on Santorini and staying for several days has dropped considerably. Hotels and accommodation report that bookings are down almost 30% this season.

"The difference between this year and the last two years is enormous," Danasi tells DW. "On days where no cruise ships dock, the island feels empty, and I don't do any business."

ALSO READ: Can responsible travel curb overtourism woes?

Residents feel sidelined

Just a few streets away from the cable car, the crowd of tourists comes to a complete standstill.

There are too many daytrippers for Anastasia Vazeou, who works in a clothes shop in Caldera. Vazeou grew up in Santorini and still lives there, but she feels sidelined as a resident.

"We have been advised to spend as little time as possible outside at peak cruise tourist times," Vazeou tells DW. "It is sad and extreme. Are tourists more important? There are too many people. It's just too much for such a small island."

Vazeou also works as a receptionist. The guests tell her about endless waiting times and hours of standing in line. "It seems as if it's now a case of quantity before quality here on Santorini," she says.

Noise, litter and pollution

The masses of people visiting the island also make for an unpleasant experience for the visitors.

Mona Isazad, a lecturer in Ireland, is on vacation with her husband in Santorini. In addition to the unique landscapes and the pretty white houses, she will take home memories of a very different aspect of her Santorini vacation.

"As a tourist, I feel that the island is overcrowded," she says. "There are people everywhere, especially in Oia and Fira."

Isazad and her husband have noticed that there is a lot of litter lying around.

"Also the rubbish seems to be an issue due to the masses. Maybe Greece should think of a way of limiting the daily amount of people on the island and some other measures to preserve nature, like Venice is doing," she says.

People working in the hotel sector also complain about the noise. "From 8:00 in the morning until 1:00 in the afternoon, the alleys are full of groups of tourists. You can hardly move. Like sardines in a tin," says Stavros Koukouvelis, describing the hordes of tourists who descend on Oia in the northwest of the island.

Koukouvelis has been working in Oia for 16 years. The village is a tourist hotspot because it is such an ideal spot for enjoying the sunsets. The apartments he manages in the village are directly on the narrow street that leads to the viewing point.

"The cruise ship tourists are destroying quality tourism. Even two ships cause a problem for us," says Koukouvelis.

Travelers pay almost 400 per night for these apartments and often complain about the noise caused by the crowds of tourists outside their doors.

New limits from 2025 onwards

The challenges that come with cruise tourism on Santorini are nothing new. It was one of the main issues for Mayor Nikos Zorzos during his first term in office from 2011 to 2019.

A 2018 study conducted by the University of the Aegean showed that Santorini can cope with up to 8,000 cruise ship tourists a day as long as their arrival is staggered over the whole day.

Based on this study, a berth allocation system for cruise ships was introduced in 2018. It worked well, Zorzos tells DW. "But the number of visitors was exceeded considerably again and again this year."

Zorzos says that this is not only frustrating for the locals, but also puts huge pressure on the island's infrastructure and is exhausting for the tourists themselves, especially in hot weather.

The mayor says that the daily limit of 8,000 visitors will be re-introduced in 2025. "This year, we were at least able to limit the number of days on which several cruise ships visited Santorini at the same time," he says.

Now in his second term, Zorzos is also concerned about construction on the island and the over-supply of accommodation. "This irrational development of the island must stop. Santorini does not need even a single room more," says the mayor. "It's just destroying the unique landscape that has made our island world-famous."

The island on social media and in reality

It's 6:00 p.m. in Oia, and the sun is still beating down. The streets are jam-packed with visitors on their way to the viewing point to watch the sunset. The crowd moves at snail's pace.

The streets are so narrow at some points that tourists moving in the opposite direction have to wait for several minutes. Hardly a word of Greek is being spoken.

On arrival, they swarm around like ants, vying for the best spot. Two Greek musicians are sitting on a white step playing Greek music on a guitar and a bouzouki.

Most of the tourists don't even notice them, so busy are they with their smartphones, filming their next Insta story and trying to get the perfect photo of the blue-domed buildings, sea and sunset. Everyone wants good photos with as few people as possible  ideally without anyone at all.

As the sun sets, the hustle and bustle subsides. Just minutes after the sun goes down, the viewing point is completely deserted. The musicians play on regardless.
Neither the Dalit community nor Dalit politics are homogeneous. Both have various colours, shades, and voices. Even during BR Ambedkar's time, Dalit politics and opinions were represented by different leaders, and in multiple directions. Noida, India- April 14, 2024: People seen on the occasion of the 133th birth anniversary of Dalit icon BR Ambedkar at Rashtriya Dalit Prerna Sthal, sector 95, in Noida, India, on Sunday, April 14, 2024. (Photo by Sunil Ghosh / Hindustan Times) (Hindustan Times)(HT_PRINT)

BR Ambedkar, Palwankar Baloo, Jagjeevan Ram, Annabhau Sathe, Swami Achootanand, and Ajodhya Prasad Dandi, among others, represented Dalit opinion in the first few decades of the 20th century. Interestingly, all these leaders appeared at different times within the first half of the 20th century and provided a base for the rise and growth of the Dalit movement in India. Most emerged from numerically larger communities within Dalits, which had moved qualitatively towards education  such as Mahar and Harijan. The other communities in the Scheduled Caste (SC) list haven't produced leaders who held sway over the larger Dalit politics. The few from these communities who had leadership potential could not acquire national influence. Masuriya Din from the Pasi community, Badri Balmikanand from the Valmiki community in Uttar Pradesh, and Bhola Paswan Shastri and Yasoda Devi from the Paswan communities from Bihar are notable.

Since Dalit politics in pre- and post-colonial India remained largely dominated by leaders of the numerically-dominant communities such as Mahar, Chamar, Pasi, and Paswan, the Dalit movement, as well as the larger Indian political discourse, was centred on these voices. Thanks to political visibility and other reasons like the spread of education and the competition for the benefits of development and social justice-related resources, the numerically large communities dominated policy formulation and political opinion. Slowly, however, social tensions due to the unequal distribution of social justice and developmental resources started becoming apparent. The smaller Dalit communities started expressing their angst against the dominance of the larger communities in courts and various other forums. Popular voices from the smaller communities began to assert the need for sub-classification, with the provision of "quota within quota" for the relatively more deprived communities among the SCs.

The recent Supreme Court ruling allowing the state governments to make sub-classifications in reservation must be seen against this backdrop. This has sparked a furore among sections of Dalit politics. Most parties and politicians connected to the larger communities, such as Mayawati and the Bahujan Samaj Party, Chandrashekhar Azad and the Bhim Army, and Chirag Paswan and the Lok Janshakti Party, oppose this verdict. However, Jitan Ram Manjhi and the Hindustani Awam Morcha, and various activist groups connected to castes such as Valmiki, Musahar, Dhobi, Koree, Madiga in Andhra Pradesh-Telangana, and Matang, Mang, and Chambhar in Maharashtra have hailed the apex Court ruling.

Since the larger communities dominate Dalit politics, their pressure has forced national parties such as the Congress to keep silent on the issue. However, the party's leaders in the states, such as Siddaramaiah in Karnataka and Revanth Reddy in Telangana, have supported this verdict  given the growing political assertion of non-dominant Dalit castes in their states. The Court ruling has met enthusiastic support in Tamil Nadu, which had already enacted sub-classification legislation in the interest of Dalit groups such as the Arundhatiyars.

Due to constant pressure from Dalit leaders belonging to dominant Dalit communities, the National Democratic Alliance government has never been able to legislate a creamy-layer limit for SC reservations. It doesn't explicitly oppose sub-classification of the SCs or a creamy layer for SC reservation.

How will the issue affect the larger Dalit politics? First of all, castes in favour of sub-classification may get cleaved away from Dalit political outfits led by dominant Dalit communities. A competitive political contest may emerge in Dalit politics, fragmenting it into two blocks  castes that have benefited the most from affirmative action and the more disadvantaged castes. There have been many calls for leaders from non-dominant Dalit groups to quit and oppose the BSP and the Bhim Army. There is another dimension to this appeal: To support only those political parties who vocally support the sub-classification issue.

So, it will weaken the politics of Mayawati, Paswan, and others while opening up possibilities for the rise of smaller Dalit communities within the larger Dalit politics. It may foster the so-called rainbow alliances of smaller Dalit parties. This, in turn, would mean a reorientation of Indian democracy towards smaller social groups. This new configuration may be echoed in the national political parties that will speak about the most marginalised, disadvantaged communities. Leaders of the second- or third-largest Dalit communities, such as Valmiki in Punjab, Madiga in Telangana, Matang in Maharashtra, and Musahars in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, will likely become more weighty voices in Dalit politics.

This moment in Dalit politics could also mean a churn outside the communities by, for instance, forcing the media to highlight the opinions of leaders from communities that have remained unheard in the mainstream so far. How this heteroglossia of Dalit aspiration provides a new form and life to Dalit politics remains to be seen.

Badri Narayan is director, GB Pant Social Science Institute. The views expressed are personal
'Believe me, the present spontaneous outpouring of public anger is against this unchecked overbearing attitude of the favoured few and the corrupt.'- these lines from TMC MP Jawhar Sircar's resignation letter perhaps most aptly sums up the current mood of Kolkata reeling from street protests even after a month has been passed since the brutal rape and murder of the RG Kar Hospital intern. Hence, even a light-hearted suggestion from chief minister Mamata Banerjee to return to festivity aka 'Utsabe firun' has been met with strong reactions from the educated Bengali public. West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee addresses a press conference regarding the recent alleged rape and murder of a medic at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, in Kolkata, Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024.(PTI)

The intensity of the relentless protests has sent ripples through TMC's rank and files and the party is currently grappling for a counter strategy to neutralise the movement. The TMC leadership and its IT Cell have tried to push back on the protesting junior doctors, with state's lawyer Kapil Sibal in the Supreme Court claiming 23 patients have already died due to lack of medical attention. They have also sought to discredit the protests saying BJP and Left are fanning the unrest. They have attempted to corner the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which took over the probe following the Calcutta high court order, for still not filing the chargesheet. By bringing the Aparajita Act, the state has tried to project a proactive image of looking to fix the larger issue. But nothing seems to have worked in their favour or changed the public mood so far.

Also Read | Mamata cabinet decides to set up 5 more fast track POCSO courts in Bengal

Night after night, different urban pockets of Bengal including the capital city Kolkata, which are electoral strongholds of the ruling TMC, are witnessing spontaneous rallies and protests seeking justice. From IT professionals in Rajarhat to the humble rickshaw pullers in College Street, the civil society uprising has touched people from different strata of the society up in unison with the battle cry of 'justice for RG Kar'. The participation of women in these rallies has been much higher than run-of-the-mill political congregations. Videos are flooding social media with three generations of families including the infirm going out together to voice their protest. The thoroughfares are blocked, and people are taking hours to get back home, but none complaining.

While demanding justice for the victim, these protest marches have been largely anti-governmental in mood. With just months after a resounding victory in the Lok Sabha polls, this civil society uprising against the TMC has definitely put Mamata Banerjee in terrible discomfort as she seems to be drowning in political quicksand.

Also Read: Suffered patiently: TMC MP Jawhar Sircar decides to quit Rajya Sabha over Kolkata doctor's rape-murder

Not only about RG Kar:

As the retired IAS and Rajya Sabha MP Jawhar Sircar mentions in his scathing letter, these protests are not merely about the omissions and commissions of the state machinery in the RG Kar fiasco. Rather it has become a rallying point for people to vent their frustration about wide-scale corruption which has been unearthed not only in the health department but earlier in education scam, cow smuggling and ration scam, to name a few. No less than TMC's national general secretary Partha Chatterjee was hauled up to jail after wads of cash were recovered from the apartment of his alleged accomplice. TMC's reaction to all these scams tumbling out of their closet has been boilerplate. The party has removed functionaries from their posts after their position had become untenable, and subsequently claimed to have zero tolerance for corruption. Also, TMC has sought to downplay the litany of scams by highlighting their impressive electoral performance in essence branding it as people's hallmark of support against what they claim is a political witch hunt. However, merely cobbling up a favourable voting block in a first-past-the-post electoral system especially where the main opposition party doesn't really have a leader of Mamata's stature is no guarantee that the party would be immune to public unrest. From Sheikh Sajahan to Tajmul aka JCB, there have been multiple reports of local strongmen who seem to run roughshod over not only political adversaries but even common people.

Jawhar Sircar in his letter expresses disappointment at Mamata Banerjee for not doing enough to clean up the mess in governance, particularly lack of action against institutionalised corruption and being aloof to the doctors' protest. He had wondered why the CM was not directly communicating with the protestors. Now after over a month, Mamata has given overtures to the protesting doctors to come for a discussion. It remains to be seen how that plays out. However, this protest could have been nipped in the bud if the administration had been awake to what was brewing on the ground and showed a modicum of empathy. Sircar, a former culture secretary, resigned from the plum post of Rajya Sabha member protesting against the TMC government's rather inept handling of the fiasco. Several missteps by the hospital management and the police in the initial hours and later by the state government have meant that there are grave allegations of possible cover-up. While conspiracy theories have flown thick and fast, some already debunked and others gaining credence owing to selective leak of CCTV footage among other pieces of evidence, the RG Kar protest has coalesced and become much larger than getting justice for the hapless murdered lady.

The unanswered questions

Now, if one looks back at both the Singur and Nandigram movements, which catapulted Mamata Banerjee to power, ending 34 years of Left rule, the then leadership was misguided by poor inputs from ground zero and shoddy handling of protests including opening fire at agitators. At its core, it was an example of the breakdown of trust between the political executive and their biggest stakeholder, the general public. Sircar's letter alludes to a similar issue here where he fears that it is already too late and even the correct steps taken by the government are dealt with disdain and mistrust. The TMC line of defence in the entire issue has been that Kolkata Police had cracked the case within a day, and CBI hasn't done anything substantial since then. It fails to give any convincing answer to the serious allegations levelled by the victim's parents regarding the tearing hurry by the administration to conduct postmortem of the body, alleged pressure exerted by police and political leaders to cremate the body, of being coerced to say they weren't offered money on camera. Till the time, these questions are not being answered satisfactorily, the protests are unlikely to die down.

So far, there has been no probe initiated about whether corruption in hospitals, which Sandip Ghosh has now been accused of, is widespread or only confined to RG Kar. The junior doctors have alleged that a so-called 'North Bengal lobby' of doctors is unleashing massive corruption in conducting medical exams in the state. There has been no order of probe regarding that. How a group of men could breach police barricades and ransack RG Kar Hospital remains unanswered. Whether the police on that fateful night were really hyperactive in cremating the body remains a matter of speculation. There is no clarity regarding who ordered then-principal Sandip Ghosh's transfer to Calcutta Medical after being forced out by the high court. The civil society-led movement has been asking these questions but to no avail.

Mamata Banerjee, after the 2019 Lok Sabha election, which saw a meteoric rise of BJP in the state, undertook a massive outreach programme with 'Didi ke Bolo', where people could call in and air their grievances regarding any local issue. This simple gesture significantly helped TMC supremo blunt the tide of anti-incumbency which was aiding BJP's growth in the state. It is perhaps now time for a rebranded Didi ke Bolo ( Tell your CM). The demand of the hour is honest introspection and thorough clean-up of the moth-eaten system which has eroded public trust. The rumbles within TMC are growing only louder. The only saving grace for Didi is that the next assembly election is still a couple of years down the line. So there is time to get the house in order. But as the Left found out to its peril, cosmetic changes without structural upscaling can crumble the edifice in a flash. People may or may not get back to festivities, but it is time for Mamata to get back to the drawing board.

Arghya Prasun Roychowdhury is Editor at HT Bangla. The views expressed are personal.
Coworking space provider 315Work Avenue has leased an additional 56,000 square feet of office space in International Tech Park Pune (ITPP) to take its overall space take-up in the facility to 1 lakh square feet, the company said in a statement. The flexible office space provider had earlier leased 44,000 square feet in ITPP. 315Work Avenue leases additional 56,000 square feet office space in Pune(315Work Avenue)

315Work Avenue now has a total of 12,000 seats across six centres spread around 0.6 million square feet in Pune with real estate developers like Ascendas, Panchshil and Raheja.

Also Read: Smartworks leases 6.13 lakh sq ft office space in Pune for a starting rent of 4.44 crore per month

Developed by Ascendas-Singbridge, ITPP is a 2.5 million square feet tech park, located in the IT hub of Kharadi in the North Eastern corridor of the city.

Punes coworking market has seen significant growth during the last few years, led by a burgeoning young population, the presence of large tech corporates, and the proliferation of numerous startups, said 315Work Avenue founder Manas Mehrotra.

Also Read: Led by Bengaluru, flexible office space supply touches 58 mn sq ft by H1 2024

315Work Avenue currently handles a portfolio of around 2.5 million square feet including about 50,000 seats across multiple locations in Bengaluru, Chennai, Mumbai and Pune. The company is also looking to spread its geographical footprint in Delhi-NCR and Hyderabad besides strengthening its presence in the current markets, the statement said.

Rising trajectory of flexible office segment across India

According to a June 2024 report by property consultancy Colliers, the flexible office space segment across the top-6 cities in India registered its highest ever quarterly demand in the April-June period at 2.6 million square feet. Bengaluru and Delhi-NCR alone accounted for 65% of this demand.

Also Read: After Awfis, three major co-working firms mull Initial Public Offering in 2025: Sources

Flex operators have already leased about 4.4 million square feet of space in H1 2024, underscoring the occupiers continued preference for flex spaces, said Vimal Nadar, who is a senior director and head of research at Colliers India.
Bollywood actor, director and producer Ajay Devgn, has renewed a lease agreement for two commercial units spanning 1,500 sq ft in Andheri area of Mumbai for a monthly rent of 4.16 lakh, according to property registration documents accessed by Proptstack Bollywood actor, director and producer Ajay Devgn, has renewed a lease agreement for two commercial units spanning 1,500 sq ft, in Andheri area of Mumbai, for a monthly rent of  4.16 lakh.

The two units were leased by Ajay Devgn to Saraswat Co-operative Bank Limited for a period of five years between December 2018 to December 2023. The leave and license agreement now has been renewed for another five years between December 2023 to December 2028, according to the documents.

The transaction was registered on August 9 for which a stamp duty of 78,500 and registration of 1,000 was paid, the documents revealed.

The monthly rental for the first three years is 4.16 lakh. This will increase to 4.57 lakh in the next two years. The security deposit made for the transaction is 12.72 lakh, the documents showed.

Also Read: Kangana Ranaut buys 407 sq ft office space in Mumbai's Andheri for 1.56 crore

The two commercial units are located on the ground floor of Shlok House in Andheri west area of Mumbai.

A query sent to Ajay Devgn and Saraswat Bank did not get any response.

Ajay Devgn's commercial real estate portfolio

Earlier this month, Ajay Devgn was in the news for leasing out a commercial office space spanning 3,455 square feet in Mumbai for a monthly rent of 7 lakh, according to registration documents accessed through proptech platform Square Yards showed.

Also Read: Mumbai real estate: Ajay Devgn rents out 3,455-square feet office space for 7 lakh per month

The said office space is located in the Signature Tower on Veera Desai Road in Andheri West. Terms of the deal also include parking space for three cars, as per the documents. Ajay Devgn also owns a total of five units in the building acquired in April 2023, for a combined price of 45.09 crore.

Why do Bollywood stars invest in commercial units?

Several other Bollywood celebrities reportedly own office units in Mumbai, including Amitabh Bachchan, Sara Ali Khan with mother Amrita Singh, Kartik Aaryan and Manoj Bajpayee.

Also Read: WeWork India renews lease for 1.4 lakh sq ft office space in Mumbai at 2.25 crore rent per month

Earlier this year, veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan had purchased three office units spanning a carpet area of 8,429 square feet for nearly 60 crore in the Signature Tower. This added to the four units purchased by Big B in the same building last year for nearly 29 crore.

Several Bollywood stars have been in the news in the last few months for either purchasing commercial properties in Mumbai or for leasing them out to earn high rental yields.

According to CBRE India, commercial assets like offices, retail, and warehouses usually have gross yields (investment returns annually) in the range of 6-10% in metro cities of India. Grade-A office spaces in Mumbai offer an average yield in the range of 6-8%. Likewise, retail assets can offer yields of up to 9.5% prime locations in Mumbai
Tenants in Bengaluru have for the last few years struggled to cope with the ever-changing demands of landlords, some of whom have gone to the extent of checking profiles of tenants on LinkedIn. Redditor narrates tragic story with landlord in Bengaluru; personal data leaked (Representational photo)(Unsplash)

There have also been instances wherein property brokers have allotted appointments to tenants for interviews with the landlords forcing many of them to remark that cracking a rental interview may be tougher than getting through ajobinterview.

A social media user once offered to sell his left kidney in an X post, in zest, to fund the security deposit demanded by landlords in Bengaluru. The dark humour masked the story of a long and unsuccessful house hunting journey in the city.

In a property-starved rental housing market, landlords call the shots. Time and again, those looking for rental accomodation in the IT capital have taken to social media to share their experiences with Bengaluru landlords and their notorious demands.

Also Read: Netizens discuss a case of 38,000 rent for unfurnished 1 BHK in Bengaluru, post goes viral on Reddit

In a recent case of yet another distasteful experience with Bengaluru landlords, a social media user was asked to share documents beyond the usual requirement - passport, company ID, letter of appointment and three months salary slips. Following a reluctant submission of the said documents, the landlord jacked up the security deposit initially demanded from the individual. The matter did not conclude there.

The individual took to Reddit to share her story.

...I again got (a) call from the broker and he said to transfer the security deposit of X amount which was double of what I was told and agreed to earlier. I confronted him and he said, you earn X amount of salary, it should not be an issue for you. I was shocked that (the) owner shared all my details with this broker and later I got (a) call from the first broker that I contacted and he also knew all the details, the social media user wrote.

The owner is not replying to my texts now and neither picking my calls. All the brokers involved are asking for double the security deposit and more brokerage, the Redditor added.

Bizarre demands of Bengaluru landlords

Last year, an X post about a Bengaluru tenant being rejected for not securing 90% marks in class 12 went viral on social media. The X user named Shubh had shared the screenshots of the conversation between the tenant and the landlord, which showed that the tenant was refused an apartment as he had scored only 75% marks in class 12.

Other social media users took to the comments section to discuss the deepening checks. One user wrote, I have submitted lesser documents for interviews, what is this renting process?!

Also Read: Relocating from Noida to Bengaluru? Here are 5 things you should know before renting an apartment in the city

Time and again, those looking for rental accommodation in Bengaluru have taken to social media to narrate their experiences with landlords in the IT capital.

In another incident, an engineer, sharing his experience, wrote: "Moving to Bangalore, and house owner asked for our LinkedIn profiles." He added, "what level of behaviour is this?"

Yet another X user wrote: "Peak Bangalore moment. After having Google, JP Morgan in our portfolio, still couldn't impress the flat owner."

Bengalurus rental housing market

According to an Anarock report, Bengaluru recorded the highest rental yield amongst the top-7 cities in India during the first quarter of the ongoing calendar year at 4.45%.

Rental yield refers to the percentage of a propertys value received over a year through rental earnings.

Also Read: Bengaluru tops list of cities with highest rental yield of 4.45% in Q1 2024; Mumbai second with 4.15%

According to August data sourced from proptech platform Square Yards, average rent of a 924 - 1,906 square feet apartment in Bellandur is around 47,000. Meanwhile, a 1,000-2,800 square feet residential unit in Koramangala commands a rental fee 48,000 on an average. Other areas like Hebbal and Whitefield charge about 27,000 and 39,000 respectively, as per average calculation.
Birla Estates, the real estate venture of the Aditya Birla Group, has acquired a land parcel in Kalwa near Mumbai for 537.42 crore. The land parcel spread across 24.5 acres has been bought from Hindalco Industries Limited, according to the property registration documents accessed by SquareYards. Birla Estates, the real estate venture of the Aditya Birla Group, has acquired a land parcel in Kalwa near Mumbai for  537.42 crore, (Picture for representational purposes only)(Pexels)

The land is located in Kalwa along the Thane-Belapur Road having close proximity to Thane, Mumbai and other satellite cities in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).

There are several developers that are active in the Thane real estate market. These include Rustomjee Group, Hiranandani, Raymond, Oberoi Realty, Lodha among others.

The transaction in Kalwa was registered on September 4. A stamp duty of 37.61 crore has been paid for the transaction as also a registration charge of 30,000, the documents showed.

A query sent to Birla Estates did not get any response.

"This is further to our intimation dated July 15, 2024, wherein it was informed that Board of directors of Hindalco Industries Limited approved a proposal of sale of land situated at Kalwa, Maharashtra to M/s. Ekamaya Properties Private Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of M/s Birla Estates Private Limited. It is hereby further informed that on September 4, 2024, the Company has duly signed and registered definitive agreements for selling above land parcel," Hindalco Industries Limited said in a regulatory filing on September 5.

We are witnessing leading developers strategically positioning themselves across key markets, acquiring significant land parcels. This aligns with the growing demand for office spaces as well as residential apartments in gated communities as homebuyer preference has shifted towards projects that offer a range of amenities and open spaces. These high-value deals in the market clearly signal profitable opportunities for developers in both residential and commercial sectors, said Anand Moorthy, co-founder and CBO, Capital Market and Services, Square Yards.

Also Read: Mumbai real estate: Saugata Gupta of Marico and family purchase 36.4 crore apartment in Mumbai's Worli

On September 10, Century Textiles and Industries Limited (CTIL) had announced that it has acquired the ownership rights of approximately 10-acre leasehold land parcel in Worli, Mumbai, from Nusli Wadia for 1100 crore and expects 14000 crore from the real estate development on the site.

Also Read: Century Textiles buys 10-acre land in Mumbai from Nusli Wadia for 1100 crore for real estate development

Birla Estates Private Limited is a 100% wholly owned subsidiary of Century Textiles and Industries Limited is the real estate venture of the Aditya Birla Group.

The company is headquartered at Mumbai and currently has regional offices in NCR, Bengaluru and Pune and also has a well- established commercial portfolio with 2 grade-A commercial buildings located in Worli, Mumbai, with around 6 lakh square feet of leasable area. It develops premium residential housing in key markets. It is developing land parcels both through outright purchases as well as asset-light Joint Ventures apart from developing its own land parcels.

The company has a project pipeline worth 45,000 crore in gross development value (GDV), K T Jithendran, MD and CEO, Birla Estates had said in November 2023. The company in November 2023 had announced plans for the second phase launch of Birla Niyaara.

Also Read: Birla Estates acquires prime land in Malabar Hill

Other real estate deals in MMR

Automobile manufacturer Mahindra and Mahindra Limited had sold a 20.5 acres land parcel in Mumbai's Kandivali area for 210 crore, according to property registration documents by CRE Matrix.

Real estate developers and entities sealed approximately 101 separate land deals in fiscal year 2023-24, cumulatively accounting for nearly 2,989 acres across the country, according to data shared by Anarock.
Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority has received more than 68,000 applications for the MHADA lottery 2024 that it launched last month. More than 2000 affordable homes in the price range of 29 lakh to 6.82 crore are on offer under the scheme, sources told HT.com. Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority has received more than 68,000 applications for the MHADA lottery 2024 that it launched last month.( (Photo by Pramod Thakur/ Hindustan Times) (Hindustan Times))

Following the announcement, MHADA had received nearly 30,000 applications as of August 29 that doubled within two weeks to over 68,000 applications.

This is because MHADA decided to reduce prices of 370 affordable homes by 10% to 25% on August 29.

According to the data shared by MHADA, 68,651 applications have been submitted so far and 49,284 applicants have paid the earnest money deposit (EMD) required to be paid for the apartments as of September 11.

Also Read: MHADA lottery 2024: As many as 2,000 affordable homes up for grabs in Mumbai

The MHADA lottery 2023 had received more than 1 lakh applications for over 4,000 affordable homes that were up for sale in Mumbai.

Apartment prices

MHADA lottery 2024 has on offer apartments in the price range of 29 lakh to 6.82 crore. Most units in the higher income group (HIG) are being offered in the range of 1 crore and 6 crore plus. The homes are located in areas like Andheri, Antop Hill, Juhu, Goregaon, Tardeo, Vikhroli, Powai among several others.

Also Read: MHADA slashes prices of 370 affordable homes in Mumbai by 10% to 25%, extends registration deadline to September 19

The costliest among them is a unit worth 6.82 crore in south Mumbai's Tardeo area measuring over 1,500 sq ft. This apartment is located on a higher floor, is ready-to-move, and the building overlooks the Mahalaxmi Racecourse and faces the sea.

Also Read: CIDCO lottery 2024: More than 900 affordable homes in the range of 26 lakh to 2 crore for sale in Navi Mumbai

How to apply for the MHADA lottery 2024?

According to MHADA officials, the application procedure for MHADA lottery 2024 is completely online and homebuyers can keep a track of lottery related updates on https://housing.mhada.gov.in/

The last date for applying in the MHADA lottery 2024 is September 19.
Being able to access credit quickly can make all the difference in a fast-paced world such as ours. If you're facing an unexpected expense of a golden investment opportunity, being held back by lengthy credit card approval processes is the last thing you need. Thankfully, the Bajaj Finserv RBL Bank Credit Card is designed to put substantial purchasing power in your hands with remarkable speed and ease. Instant Credit Card Approval by Bajaj Finserv

Why traditional credit approval methods are failing to keep up

Traditional credit approval methods are increasingly falling short of meeting modern consumers' needs. The old way of obtaining a credit card often feels like navigating a bureaucratic maze. Applicants find themselves drowning in paperwork, providing countless documents to prove their creditworthiness. Even after jumping through these hoops, there's no guarantee of approval, leaving many frustrated and empty-handed.

Moreover, the waiting game associated with traditional credit card applications can be excruciating. Days or even weeks may pass before you hear back about your application status. In a world where financial opportunities can arise and disappear in the blink of an eye, such delays are more than just inconvenient  they're potentially costly.

Experience speedy approvals with Bajaj Finserv RBL Bank Credit Cards

The Bajaj Finserv RBL Bank Credit Card shatters outdated norms, offering a refreshingly streamlined approach to credit approval. Gone are the days of extensive documentation and nerve-wracking waiting periods. With this innovative financial product, you can secure a high-limit credit card with astonishing speed and minimal fuss.

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Standout features and benefits of the Bajaj Finserv RBL Bank Credit Card

Here's why this co-branded credit card is a game-changer in personal finance:

Earn redeemable points on virtually every swipe, with accelerated rewards on online transactions and select categories. It's like getting a little something extra with each purchase.

Jump-start your rewards with up to 4,000 points as a welcome bonus.

Say goodbye to fuel surcharges, saving you up to Rs. 1,200 yearly. Your road trips just got a bit more budget-friendly.

Enjoy complimentary access to domestic airport lounges. Transform layovers from tedious to tranquil.

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Withdraw cash from ATMs interest-free for up to 50 days. It's like a short-term loan without the strings attached.

Score discounts and 'buy 1, get 1' offers on BookMyShow. Date night just got more affordable.

Generate your PIN through a quick call or app download. From approval to spending in no time flat.

Pay rent using your credit card

One of the most innovative uses for your new Bajaj Finserv RBL Bank Credit Card is the ability to pay rent using a credit card. This feature transforms one of your largest monthly expenses into an opportunity for financial flexibility and rewards accumulation. Instead of watching a significant chunk of your bank balance disappear at the start of each month, you can leverage your credit card to smooth out your cash flow.

By paying rent with your Bajaj Finserv RBL Bank Credit Card, you're essentially giving yourself an interest-free loan for the duration of your billing cycle. This breathing room can be invaluable for managing other expenses or even investing short-term for additional returns.

Perhaps the most powerful aspect of using your credit card for rent payments is the ability to convert these large transactions into EMIs. If you're facing a particularly tight month, or if you'd simply prefer to spread the cost of rent over time, you can easily convert your rent payment into manageable monthly instalments. This feature provides a safety net, ensuring you're never caught off guard by rent due dates.

Credit card advantages for everyday expenses and beyond

The advantages of credit cards extend far beyond rent payments, touching nearly every aspect of your financial life. With the Bajaj Finserv RBL Bank Credit Card, your everyday expenses become opportunities to save and earn. From grocery runs to dining out, and from online shopping sprees to travel bookings, every swipe brings you closer to significant savings.

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Travel enthusiasts will find the Bajaj Finserv RBL Bank Credit Card particularly rewarding. Beyond the complimentary airport lounge access, you'll enjoy travel insurance coverage and the ability to book flights and hotels with ease. The card's high credit limit ensures you can make travel arrangements without worrying about maxing out your card or juggling multiple payment methods.

Practical tips for prudent credit card use

To truly maximise the benefits of your Bajaj Finserv RBL Bank Credit Card, consider these tips for responsible credit use:

Monitor your credit utilisation: Aim to use no more than 30% of your credit limit. This approach not only helps maintain a healthy credit score but also ensures you always have credit available for emergencies or opportunities.

Aim to use no more than 30% of your credit limit. This approach not only helps maintain a healthy credit score but also ensures you always have credit available for emergencies or opportunities. Pay in full when possible: While the EMI option is fantastic for large purchases, paying your balance in full each month for smaller expenses helps avoid interest charges. This strategy maximises the interest-free period on your purchases.

While the EMI option is fantastic for large purchases, paying your balance in full each month for smaller expenses helps avoid interest charges. This strategy maximises the interest-free period on your purchases. Leverage reward categories: Plan your spending to align with accelerated reward categories. For example, save major online purchases for times when you can earn bonus points, multiplying your rewards.

Plan your spending to align with accelerated reward categories. For example, save major online purchases for times when you can earn bonus points, multiplying your rewards. Set up automatic payments: Never miss a due date by scheduling automatic payments from your bank account. This simple step protects your credit score and helps avoid late fees.

Never miss a due date by scheduling automatic payments from your bank account. This simple step protects your credit score and helps avoid late fees. Use EMIs strategically: For large purchases, calculate whether using the EMI feature makes financial sense. Sometimes, the peace of mind of smaller payments outweighs a slight interest cost.

For large purchases, calculate whether using the EMI feature makes financial sense. Sometimes, the peace of mind of smaller payments outweighs a slight interest cost. Track your rewards: Regularly check your reward point balance and understand their expiration dates. Set reminders to redeem points before they expire, ensuring you don't leave value on the table.

Regularly check your reward point balance and understand their expiration dates. Set reminders to redeem points before they expire, ensuring you don't leave value on the table. Utilise the interest-free cash withdrawal: When you need quick cash, remember you can withdraw from ATMs interest-free for up to 50 days. Just be sure to repay before the grace period ends to avoid interest charges.

When you need quick cash, remember you can withdraw from ATMs interest-free for up to 50 days. Just be sure to repay before the grace period ends to avoid interest charges. Review your statement regularly: Monthly statement reviews help catch any unauthorised charges quickly and give you a clear picture of your spending habits, allowing for better budgeting.

Apply for the Bajaj Finserv RBL Bank Credit Card in just a few steps

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Visit the official Bajaj Finserv website and locate the credit card application section.

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Remember, this streamlined process requires minimal documentation, making it one of the fastest ways to obtain a high-limit credit card in India.

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These digital activation methods mean you can start enjoying your card's benefits within minutes of receiving it. No need to visit a branch or wait for snail mail  your path to enhanced financial flexibility is just a few taps or a quick call away.

Bajaj Finserv RBL Bank Credit Card represents a new era of financial empowerment. It offers the flexibility and rewards to enhance every aspect of your financial life. So, apply for your Bajaj Finserv RBL Bank Credit Card today to enjoy instant credit, high limits, and unparalleled benefits.

Disclaimer: This article is a paid publication and does not have journalistic/editorial involvement of Hindustan Times. Hindustan Times does not endorse/subscribe to the content(s) of the article/advertisement and/or view(s) expressed herein. Hindustan Times shall not in any manner, be responsible and/or liable in any manner whatsoever for all that is stated in the article and/or also with regard to the view(s), opinion(s), announcement(s), declaration(s), affirmation(s) etc., stated/featured in the same. The article does not constitute financial advice.
iPhone 16 Pro is Apples latest flagship smartphone with all the bells and whistles, competing directly with top-tier rivals like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. And if you are in the marker for a new flagship phone, apart from the iPhone, Samsungs Galaxy series is typically the go-to choice for most consumers, aside from perhaps the Google Pixel line. Given this, its only natural to compare one of the most important features of both the iPhone 16 Pro and the Galaxy S24 Ultratheir camera systems. Both devices come equipped with cutting-edge cameras, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Lets break them down to see which one might better suit your needs. iPhone 16 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra come with top-end optics.(Samsung, Apple)

Also Read: iPhone 16 Pro failed to impress you? Heres what we know about iPhone 17 Pro

iPhone 16 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: Zooming Ability

For the telephoto lens, both the iPhone 16 Pro and the iPhone 16 Pro Max now feature the 5x tetraprism zoom lens (120mm) that first debuted with the iPhone 15 Pro Max. This puts them on a level playing field with the Samsung S24 Ultras 5x lens. However, there are significant differences in the sensors themselves.

The iPhone 16 Pro has a 12MP sensor, allowing for digital zoom up to 25x, while the S24 Ultra surpasses this with a 50MP 5x sensor, enabling hybrid digital zoom up to 100x, producing fairly usable images around the 10x-20x range. Additionally, the S24 Ultra has another telephoto lens in the form of a 10MP 3x shooter, covering the focal range between the 1x and 5x lenses.

Also Read: iOS 18 releasing on Monday, but iPhone users can stick to iOS 17 for a while

iPhone 16 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: Battle of Wide and Ultra-Wide Shooters

For the main wide camera, the iPhone 16 Pro is equipped with a 48MP Fusion camera that outputs images in both 24MP and 48MP, offering excellent detail. Apple also uses the same sensor to provide optical-quality 2x zoom images at 12MP. As for the ultra-wide, the device now features a brand-new 48MP shooter, an upgrade from the previous 12MP sensor, which allows for greater detail in landscape and macro shots.

On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra boasts an impressive 200MP primary camera, capable of ultra-detailed shots in 200MP mode, although it defaults to 12MP using pixel-binning technology. For ultra-wide shots, the S24 Ultra has a 12MP shooter with a 113-degree field of view. That said, both phones have highly advanced primary and ultra-wide cameras, and you cant go wrong with either one.

Also Read: IIT graduate with 100 crore salary was fired by Musk, now has his own AI firm

iPhone 16 Pro: The Ideal Choice for Video Thanks to ProRes Log In 4K 120FPS

iPhones have long been known for their superior video capabilities, and with the iPhone 16 Pro, Apple takes things a step further with 4K 120FPS video recording. Yes, you can even record in ProRes Log. This is a significant benefit for videographers and content creators, as they no longer need to sacrifice resolution in favour of frame rates to slow down footage. You still get all the traditional video modes: 4K 60FPS, 4K 24FPS, 4K 30FPS, and more.

The Galaxy S24 Ultra is no slouch when it comes to video recording, even offering 8K recording. It can shoot in 4K 120FPS as well, but the same is not available in Log format, which somewhat limits the extent to which you can tweak the footage in post-production. In fact, Log recording isn't available at all.
A Chinese dentist performed a complex procedure on a man that resulted in his death. As per reports, in a single day, the surgeon pulled 23 teeth from the man and placed 12 implants. On September 2, the man's daughter, Shu, from Jinhua, Zhejiang province in eastern China, shared about the incident on social media, which brought the incident to light. She said that her father surnamed Huang, underwent lengthy treatment on August 14 at Yongkang Deway Dental Hospital, after which he felt persistent discomfort. China: The doctor employed the "immediate restoration" method, which involved extracting 23 teeth and placing 12 implants in a single treatment. (Unsplash)

According to the signed consent form, the doctor employed the "immediate restoration" method, which involved extracting 23 teeth and placing 12 implants in a single treatment. The surgeon, surnamed Yuan, has five years of expertise and specialises in various dental procedures, reported The South China Morning Post. (Also Read: Man's hoarse voice leads to discovery of massive heart condition, 15-hour surgery saves him)

"I never thought my dad would pass so quickly. He did not even get the chance to drive the new car we bought him," Shu said to the news outlet.

On September 3, an official from the Yongkang Municipal Health Bureau reead, "Since there was a 13-day gap between the tooth extractions and his death, we are still investigating the cause." A few days later, on September 6, a clinic staff member told the outlet that they would not be commenting on the case and that since it had been handed down to a lawyer, they would provide official updates only. (Also Read: Cockroach enters sleeping man's nose, what happened next will leave you shocked)

According to Xiang Guolin, head of the Dental Medicine Centre at Wuhan's Hospital of Universal Love, there is no official regulations for how many teeth can be taken at once, but the limit is usually 10. He shared, "Extracting 23 teeth is quite a lot. It requires a clinic and dentist with sufficient qualifications and experience. Its also essential to consider the patients physical capacity to handle such an extensive procedure."
A Kerala-based investor has divided opinion on social media by helping his domestic worker open a Zerodha account to invest in stocks. Investor Sudheep said that he helped his domestic worker open a demat account on Zerodha, which she then used to invest a little over 1 lakh in various stocks. While some people supported him for empowering the less-privileged by showing them newer avenues of investment, others were of the opinion that investing in stocks is a risky move. A Kerala man says his domestic worker invested  1 lakh in stocks(Representational image)

Sudheep, whose X bio states that he is not a SEBI-registered investment advisor, shared a screenshot of his domestic workers investment portfolio on the social media platform X. It shows that she invested a total of 1,05,970 in various small and mid-cap stocks. The current value of her holdings is 1,28,462.

I helped my maid open a demat account through Zerodha. She invested 1 lac last month. Now current value at 1.28 lacs, Sudheep wrote on X (formerly Twitter). He said that the portfolio saw an increase of almost 30% in a month and added: Empowering the non-empowered by giving them knowledge to invest.

Take a look at his post below:

His post has been going viral on X, where it has collected over half a million views already.

Empowerment or risk?

However, the post proved to be a very polarising one. Many people criticised the investor for suggesting small and mid cap stocks, which are generally considered more risky compared to large-cap stocks.

A guy getting her maid to invest in small & micro cap stocks & calling it 'help', wrote one X user.

This is why one should always ask a SEBI registered advisor for advice. Since she is a maid, I am assuming 1 lakh is her life savings. This guy put all of that in a small cap without thinking about risk appetite of her maid, another wrote.

Several people pointed out that the domestic worker should have been advised to invest her money in mutual funds as a safer investment option.

Investor clarifies

The Kerala-based investor explained that his domestic worker has money saved elsewhere too. She has 7-8 lakh in Fixed Deposits..and some gold also, he wrote on X. Her income, he assumed, is between 20,000 to 40,000 a month.

I don't know what so many people here are crying for.. Sudheep wrote on X. I have been in the market for 16 years. I know the risks and rewards. The lady has been working with us for the last 20 years...So let her also taste some bull run...and equity make some money. Let everyone make money, he said.

He also had a response for people asked why he did not recommend mutual funds.

I am not a mutual fund guy the Kunnur man wrote. SIPs give like 10 percent over long term percent. She is already above 60. So be quiet... I know what I am doing, he added in a follow-up post.
With the first-ever spacewalk by non-professional astronauts on Thursday, a trailblazing private crew made history and significantly advanced the commercial space sector. Leading the way is fintech billionaire Jared Isaacman's SpaceX Polaris Dawn project, which launched early on Tuesday from Florida's Kennedy Space Center, taking humans farther into space than any human has gone in the previous 50 yearsthat is, since the Apollo program. (Also Read: Tech billionaire undertakes 1st private spacewalk from SpaceX capsule) Fintech billionaire Jared Isaacman attempts spacewalk at 1,400 km altitude(SpaceX)

Here are 10 things you need to know about this spacewalk:

1. This walk includes four crewmembers- Isaacman, Gillis, pilot Scott Kidd Poteet and SpaceX employees Sarah Gillis and Anna Menon.

2. At 1012 GMT, the elliptical orbit of their Dragon spaceship was lowered to a maximum of 430 miles and a minimum of about 120 miles. At that point, pure oxygen started to enter their suits, officially initiating their extravehicular activity (EVA).

3. Anticipated to last over two hours, this first spacewalk test consisted more of stretching than walking. Isaacman flexed his arms and legs to test the durability of the new spacesuit, but he never removed his hand or foot from it. For added stability, the hatch had a walker-like structure, reported AP.

4. After spending roughly fifteen minutes outside, Sarah Gillis, an engineer for SpaceX, took Isaacman's position and went through the identical procedures. With her knees at the highest point of her capsule, Gillis bobbed up and down in weightlessness while she twisted her arms and reported back to Mission Control.

5. The accomplishment marks the most recent in a long line of successes for Elon Musk's SpaceX, which was established in 2002. It was once written off by traditionalists, but it has since developed into a force to be reckoned with, revolutionising the space business, reported AFP. (Also Read: SpaceX rocket lifts off with crew set to attempt first commercial spacewalk)

6. The primary goal of the spacewalk is to test the new SpaceX suits, which the firm designed in-house and intends to employ on a variety of missions to Earth orbit and beyond.

7. As per the official website of Polaris Dawn, "The crew will be the first crew to test Starlink laser-based communications in space, providing valuable data for future space communications systems necessary for missions to the Moon, Mars and beyond."

8. While in orbit, the crew will undertake scientific research aimed at improving both human health on Earth and our understanding of human health during future long-duration space trips.
The newly formed interim government in Bangladesh has urged the Hindu community to halt Durga Puja-related activities, particularly music playing, for during azaan and namaz. Bangladesh's interim government's chief adviser, Muhammad Yunus.(Reuters)

Home affairs adviser Lt Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said puja committees have been asked to keep musical instruments and sound systems switched off and that they have agreed.

"Such activities need to cease during offering namaz, and the pause will have to be followed from five minutes prior to azaan," Chowdhury was quoted as saying by The Times of India on Tuesday.

Also Read | Bangladesh plays spoilsport, bans Padma Hilsa export to India before Durga Puja

He made the announcements after a meeting on the law and order situation in the country ahead Durga Puja, the largest religious festival of the Hindu community in the country.

Chowdhury also said a total of 32,666 puja mandaps will be erected across the country this year. Of these, 157 mandaps will be in Dhaka South City and 88 in North City Corporations, reported Dhaka Tribune.

Last year, the number of the puja mandop was 33, 431, he added, pointing out that the number will exceed this year.

Chowdhury also assured of security during the festival, starting from the time of of the making of the idols.

Also Read | BSF jawans along Bangladesh border learn beekeeping to keep intruders at bay

"We have discussed how to ensure round-the-clock security at the puja mandaps. Measures will be taken to facilitate celebration of puja without any hindrance and prevent the evil activities of miscreants," he was quoted as saying by Dhaka Tribune.

Muhammad Yunus calls for communal harmony



Meanwhile, in an address to the nation, Bangladesh's interim government's chief adviser, Muhammad Yunus, called for communal harmony in the country. "We are a nation of communal harmony. No one shall do any act that destroys religious harmony," The Times of India quotes him as saying.

No one should take the law into their own hands. If someone takes the law into his own hands and creates a chaotic environment in society, we will definitely bring him under punishment.
US President Joe Biden will host the fourth in-person Quad Leaders Summit in Wilmington, Delaware, on September 21, the White House announced Thursday. The summit will bring together Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia, and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan. Leaders of Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) from left to right, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, U.S. President Joe Biden, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.(AP)

It will also be the last gathering of all the current leaders of the Quad alliance, as both Biden and Japan's Fumio Kishida are stepping down from office. Biden recently announced that he will not run again for a second stint at the White House. Kishida also made his plans clear of not seeking re-election as the head of the Liberal Democratic Party.

HT reported on Sunday about Prime Minister Modi's upcoming US visit for the Quad Summit.

The upcoming summit will focus on strengthening strategic alignment among the four nations and advancing a shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Discussions will cover key areas, including health security, disaster response, maritime security, infrastructure development, emerging technologies, climate change, clean energy, and cybersecurity.

"The Quad Leaders Summit will focus on bolstering the strategic convergence among our countries, advancing our shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific region, and delivering concrete benefits for partners in the Indo-Pacific in key areas," White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement.

India is set to host the next Quad Leaders Summit.

In July, foreign ministers from the Quad nations held wide-ranging talks in Tokyo, focusing on strengthening cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. In a clear message to China, the ministers reaffirmed their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, pledging to work towards a region free from "coercion" and where no country dominates others.

The foreign ministers also announced plans to expand the Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA) program to the Indian Ocean, a key step in enhancing monitoring of the region's strategic waters.
* Death toll in Vietnam from typhoon impacts rises to 226, as pressure eases in Hanoi

Parts of Hanoi to remain inundated, but pressure eases

*

Death toll rises to 226, with more than 100 missing

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Search under way for 55 missing in flash flood in YenBai village

*

Countries sending aid to Vietnam

By Khanh Vu, Minh Nguyen

HANOI/THAI NGUYEN, Sept 12 - The death toll in Vietnam from typhoon Yagi and the landslides and flash floods it triggered rose to 226 on Thursday, the government's disaster agency said, as flood pressure eased in the capital Hanoi.

The Southeast Asian country is reeling from the impact of Typhoon Yagi, the strongest storm to hit Asia this year, which made landfall in Vietnam's northeastern coast on Saturday.

More than 100 people remain missing, while some 800 people have been injured, the agency said in a report.

Several districts in capital Hanoi remained flooded on Thursday, but the weather agency late in the day said flood pressure had eased, while flash floods and landslides continued to affect areas across northern Vietnam.

The city earlier evacuated thousands of people living near the swollen Red River as its waters rose to a 20-year high.

"There's a lot of heartbreak in the city and there was a lot of concern going into the evening," said charity Blue Dragon Children's Foundation co-CEO Skye Maconachie. "Many people who barely had anything have lost everything."

The government's weather forecast agency said late on Thursday that the river had peaked in Hanoi and begun to subside.

North of Hanoi, landslides and severe floods are still affecting several areas, state media reported.

"I never thought my house would be under water this deep," said Hoang Van Ty outside his home in Thai Nguyen province.

"My clothes and furniture were all under the water. Many things were floating around too but luckily I closed the doors so nothing was washed away."

55 PEOPLE MISSING IN FLASH FLOOD

Thai Nguyen province is home to Samsung Electronics' largest smartphone manufacturing plant in Vietnam. Flood waters have also receded in some parts of the province where clean up efforts are now taking place while residents are having their submerged TVs and motorbikes repaired.

"I only have this one motorbike to go to work with, but it was flooded so I have to bring it here to have it fixed," said 36-year-old Thai Nguyen resident at a motorbike repair shop. "I can only go to work once it's fixed."

Repair man Nguyen Van Truong said his shop had fixed 60 motorbikes over the past two days, with 20 more waiting.

"We are a bit overwhelmed, very overwhelmed actually," Truong said. "I'm tired form the hard work but people need transport means to smoothly get everything back to normal.

In Lao Cai province, authorities on Thursday were rushing to search for 55 people missing in a flash flood that swept Nu Village on Tuesday, Vietnam News Agency reported.

The flash flood killed 46 people and injured 17 others in the village, the agency reported, adding that 300 soldiers and 359 local officials are joining the search and rescue effort.

The landslides and floods have inundated more than 200,000 hectares of rice and cash crop fields across northern Vietnam, the disaster management agency said.

The typhoon has also disrupted power supplies and blown off roofs of several factories in Haiphong and Quang Ninh provinces, halting production.

Several countries, including Australia, Japan, South Korea and the U.S., have said were sending aid to Vietnam.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
By Divya Rajagopal Denzel Washington and sons bring haunting family drama to screen

TORONTO, Sept 11 -

Award-winning actor Denzel Washington joined his two sons on the red carpet this week at the Toronto screening of "The Piano Lesson," a collaboration that tells a story of an African-American family and its legacy.

Denzel Washington was executive producer of the Netflix movie, and his son Malcolm directed the feature, his first. His other son, John David, plays one of the lead roles.

Adapted from the Pulitzer Prize-winning play by August Wilson, 'The Piano Lesson' is a story about a disagreement between a brother and sister about what to do with an heirloom piano carved by a great-grandfather that is haunted by a ghost from the family's enslaved past.

"We wanted to make a movie that gave audiences who did not know there was a story like this access to it and open a window to this story," said Malcolm Washington, who also directed a Broadway staging of the play that starred his brother.

The brother, played by John David Washington, wants to sell the piano to buy the land where his ancestors worked as slaves. For the sister, played by Danielle Deadwyler, it is an irreplaceable connection with the past. Samuel L. Jackson plays their uncle who tries to mediate.

The film, set in Pittsburgh in 1936, is the third adaptation by Denzel Washington from the 10-part 'Pittsburgh Series' of plays by Wilson, following "Fences" and "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom."

"The Wilson estate came to me 10 years ago and allowed me to take charge, or to shepherd, the making of these August Wilson plays," he said.

He told reporters at the Toronto International Film Festival that his team intends to make all of them into films, and discussions about the work on the next movie had already begun, although he declined to reveal the title.

Deadwyler, whose acting credits include 2021's "The Harder They Fall" told Reuters that it was a gift to be able to work with Malcolm Washington.

"From our first conversation, I realized we are similar in ideas, themes and modalities of arts are integral to how we are reared," she said. "We came in over-prepared and we did the play."

Netflix Inc

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ATLANTA  Georgia's state House speaker says lawmakers in 2025 will consider new policies to foster student mental health, detect guns and encourage people to safely store guns after a school shooting killed four at a high school northeast of Atlanta. Georgia Republican leader seeks policy changes after school shooting but Democrats want more

But Republican Jon Burns of Newington is stopping short of Democratic demands that include universal background checks, a mandate to safely lock up guns and a red flag law letting the state temporarily take guns from someone in crisis.

The proposals made Thursday by Burns are the first policy response to the Sept. 4 shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder.

While House Republicans have already made significant investments to strengthen security in our schools, increase access to mental healthcare, and keep our students safe, I am committed to not only continuing this work but pursuing additional policies that help ensure a tragedy like this never happens in our state again, Burns wrote.

The gambit by the Republican leader comes as he tries to protect his partys 102-78 majority in the state House in Novembers elections. Arguments over gun policy could influence a handful of competitive seats in Atlantas northern suburbs, including three held by Republican incumbents.

At least one of those vulnerable Republicans, state Rep. Deborah Silcox of Sandy Springs, said in a statement Thursday that she would go further than Burns, backing universal background checks.

A spokesperson for Republican Gov. Brian Kemp, who called the shooting our worst nightmare," said Kemp would review any proposals, but said the investigation is still turning up new information. A spokesperson for Republican Lt. Gov Burt Jones said he is preparing a response.

Teachers Richard Aspinwall, 39, and Cristina Irimie, 53, and students Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo, both 14, died in the shooting. Nine others were injured  seven of them shot.

Democrats have been slamming Republicans, arguing the violence is an outgrowth of the GOP loosening Georgia's gun laws.

What makes this more devastating than it already is is knowing that we had the policy tools to prevent this tragedy from ever happening in the first place, Rep. Saira Draper of Atlanta said Friday as she and fellow Democrats demanded a special legislative session on gun violence. And that we did not use them because my Republican colleagues chose to gamble with our childrens lives rather than face the wrath of the gun lobby.

Investigators say the shooting was carried out by 14-year-old Colt Gray, charged as an adult with four counts of murder. Authorities charged his 54-year-old father, Colin Gray, with second degree murder, involuntary manslaughter and cruelty to children. Investigators allege Colin Gray gave his son access to a semiautomatic AR-15-style rifle when he knew the teen was a danger to himself and others.

Burns said he wants to consider information sharing among police, schools and mental health workers, a nod to the fact that Colt and Colin Gray were questioned in 2023 by a Jackson County sheriff's deputy over an online post threatening a school shooting. Jackson County Sheriff Janis Mangum has said her office didn't find enough evidence to bring charges. It's unclear if Colt Gray's earlier schools were notified about the threats.

We are aware that a breakdown in communication between school systems and law enforcement officials allowed the shooter's prior history to slip through the cracks upon his transfer to Apalachee High School, Burns wrote.

The speaker also said he wants to expand mental health care for students. The state's voluntary Apex program steers students toward counseling. The program covered 540,000 of Georgia's 1.75 million students in 2022-2023, about 31%.

Burns also wants to examine ways to catch guns before they enter schools. Some schools are using camera systems and artificial intelligence to try to detect guns instead of metal detectors.

The speaker proposes increasing penalties for threats against schools, saying he wants to crack down on copycat threats seen since the shooting. Criminal penalties would apply only to those charged as adults, and most threat makers have been arrested as juveniles.

Finally, Burns said House Republicans would again promote safe firearm storage. The House passed legislation this year to create a state income tax credit of up to $300 for the purchase of gun safes, trigger locks, other security devices or the costs of courses on safe firearms handling. The Senate preferred a bill exempting gun safes and other safety devices from state sales tax. Both bills failed after the chambers couldn't agree.

Democrats gained little traction on legislation that would have created a misdemeanor crime for negligently failing to secure firearms accessed by children. Rep. Michelle Au, a Johns Creek Democrat, has promised to bring back that measure.

The speaker said he's open to other proposals, saying the House will examine every reasonable idea and solution to protect and defend the most vulnerable among us  our children  while also protecting the right and privilege of our citizens to protect their families and property.

Burns argued that previous school safety efforts reduced the toll at Apalachee, helping pay for wearable panic buttons that alerted authorities and school resource officers who responded.

State lawmakers and Kemp earlier approved multiple rounds of one-time security grants, totaling $184 million.

The budget that began July 1 includes more than $100 million in ongoing funding, enough to provide $47,000 a year to each public school for safety. Schools can use that for chosen security purposes, though Kemp has said he wanted it to help underwrite a security officer for each school.

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By Hyonhee Shin North Korea fires short-range missiles in first launch in two months

SEOUL -North Korea fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles off its east coast on Thursday, South Korea's military said, the first such launch in more than two months.

The missiles lifted off from Pyongyang at around 7:10 a.m. and travelled about 360 km before plunging into the sea, the Joint Chiefs of Staff said, without specifying how many were fired.

"We strongly condemn North Korea's missile launch which is a clear provocation that seriously threatens peace and stability on the Korean peninsula," it said in a statement.

Japan's defence ministry said at least two ballistic missiles from North Korea flew more than 350 km, to an altitude of about 100 km.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who last week visited Seoul to reconfirm ties with South Korea ahead of his upcoming resignation, said Tokyo strongly condemned the launch and lodged a protest against North Korea.

"We continue to make utmost efforts for monitoring and cooperate with the U.S. and South Korea," Kishida said.

The suspected missile appeared to have landed outside Japan's exclusive economic zone and there had been no reports of damage, Japanese media reported.

North Korea last fired a missile on July 1, when it claimed to have successfully tested a new tactical ballistic missile capable of carrying a 4.5-ton super-large warhead.

The latest launch came days after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un pledged to produce "exponentially" more nuclear weapons and ensure they were ready for use "at any given time."

Kim late last month oversaw a test of an upgraded 240 mm rocket launcher system which "proved its superiority in mobility and strike concentration". He also inspected new "suicide drones" and called for the development of artificial intelligence for unmanned vehicles.

North Korea has also been sending balloons carrying trash across the border into the south over the last few days, a campaign kicked off in May in retaliation for anti-Pyongyang leaflets flown into the country using inflatables by South Korean activists.

North Korea faces accusations of supplying Russia with weapons including drones and ballistic missiles to be used in the war in Ukraine.

Ukraine and the United States, among other countries and independent analysts, say that Kim is helping Russia in the war by supplying rockets and missiles in return for economic and other military assistance from Moscow.

Moscow and Pyongyang have denied the accusations.

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Prince Harry has no plans to return to royal life, despite recent rumours suggesting otherwise. Several friends of the Duke of Sussex have debunked claims from a Mail on Sunday report that suggested Harry had been inquiring about a part-time royal role. Despite speculation about a royal comeback, Prince Harry is content in California with his family. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth, File)(AP)

This person believes there is a real chance Harry could even carry out very low-key royal duties again one day, one pal told Daily Mail.

According to sources close to the prince, Harry is content with his life in California, where he is raising his family with Meghan Markle. People also reported that those familiar with the couple were surprised by the claims, noting that the 39-year-old is happy in the US and focused on his new life away from the royal spotlight.

ALSO READ| Prince Harry scrapped his birthday plan last minute due to Kate Middleton

Prince Harry has studied all the articles written about him: Expert

Helena Chard, a British broadcaster and photographer, told Fox News, Over the years, Prince Harry has studied all the articles written about him.

He still obsesses over his public image here in the U.K. He is on a mission to change public perception, desperate to be seen in glowing lights rather than the constant negative PR whirl that surrounds him.

Prince Harry is interested in turning his public image around, Chard added

But, several Royal experts agree that Harry is unlikely to rejoin the royal family, despite his concerns about his public image in the United Kingdom. Like royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams believes that Harry wont be returning to royal life. He told Fox News Digital, The royal family, understandably, dont trust him.

Expect more quasi-royal overseas tours as these seem successful. Meghans upcoming Netflix program is pivotal as they desperately need the contract, which expires next year.

ALSO READ| Prince Harry's visa drugs case records to remain confidential as US court rules

Their future is in the U.S., not the U.K.. But they obviously have to monetize their royal connections to survive,  he added.

One of Harry's old pals also presented same thought with Fox News: He believes if Harry comes back to the UK with zero fuss, and does zero publicity and attends very mundane events, he could prove himself and win over the British public again.
MANILA -Relations between Manila and Beijing have soured under Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, with Manila pivoting back towards the United States which supports the Southeast Asian nation in its maritime disputes with China. Rift deepens between the Philippines, China over South China Sea

Here is a timeline of key events this year that have escalated tensions between the Philippines and China:

JAN 3 - The Philippines and the United States carry out their second joint patrol in the South China Sea as China conducts similar activity with its naval and air forces in the disputed waterway.

MARCH 5 - The Philippines calls out China for its coast guard's "reckless" and "illegal" actions that led to a collision between a Chinese and Philippine ship, damaging the latter and injuring some of its crew, during a resupply mission for troops at the Second Thomas Shoal. China says the Philippine vessels illegally intruded into waters adjacent to the shoal.

MARCH 20 - China says the United States must refrain from "stirring up trouble" or taking sides on the South China Sea issue, after U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said a security deal with the Philippines extended to attacks on the Philippine coast guard.

MARCH 24 - China's coastguard says it had taken measuresagainst Philippine vessels carrying out a resupply mission for troops at the Second Thomas Shoal. The Philippines decried the moves, including the use of water cannon that damaged its ship and injured its crew, as "irresponsible and provocative".

RIL 7 - Defence forces of the U.S., Japan, Australia conduct "maritime cooperative activity" in the Philippines' EEZ in the South China Sea.

RIL 11 - The United States Army deploys its ground-based Typhon missile system as part of joint military drills with the Philippines, the first deployment of its mid-range capability in the Indo-Pacific.

RIL 16 - The Philippines deploys its coast guard patrol ship, Teresa Magbanua to Sabina shoal to monitor what it suspects to be to be small-scale reclamation activities by China, which denies the accusation.

RIL 30 - Philippines accuses China's coast guard of harassment and of damaging two of its boats in a disputed area of the South China Sea, rejects Beijing's position that it had expelled those vessels from the hotly contested Scarborough shoal.

MAY 10 - The Philippines' national security adviser calls for the expulsion of Chinese diplomats over an alleged leak of a phone conversation with a senior Filipino navy official.

MAY 15 - A civilian flotilla of Philippine vessels sails towards Scarborough shoal to assert Manila's maritime rights and to hand out supplies to fishermen anchored on the contested shoal.

MAY 20 - Philippines challenges China to open Scarborough shoal to an independent third-party after it accused Beijing of destroying the shoal's marine environment.

MAY 22 - A Philippine navy admiral accuses the Chinese embassy in Manila of recording a phone call without his consent and denies forging a deal with Beijing to ease tensions in the South China Sea.

JUNE 15 - Philippines files a claim with the United Nations for an extended continental shelf in the South China Sea.

JUNE 17 - A Philippine sailor loses a finger after what its military describes as "intentional-high speed ramming" by the Chinese Coast Guard to disrupt a resupply mission for troops stationed on the Second Thomas Shoal. China disputes Manila's account, saying the necessary measures taken were lawful and professional.

JULY 2 - Philippines and China agree to "restore trust" and "rebuild confidence" to better manage maritime disputes during high-level talks on managing disputes in the South China Sea hosted by Manila.

JULY 8 - Philippines and Japan sign landmark military pact allowing deployment of forces on each other's soil in the face of what they see as China's increasingly assertive stance in the region.

JULY 17 - Philippines and China agree to set up new lines of communication to improve their handling of maritime disputes.

JULY 22 - Philippines and China reach a "provisional arrangement" for resupply missions to a beached Filipino naval ship in Second Thomas Shoal.

JULY 27 - The Philippines completed unimpeded a resupply trip to its troops at a disputed South China Sea shoal, the first such mission under a new arrangement with China aimed at cooling tensions.

JULY 30 - The United States pledges funding of $500 million for the Philippines' military and coast guard in a big show of support for Manila as it faces Chinese actions in the South China Sea.

AUG 2 - Philippines and Japan hold first joint military exercises in the South China Sea.

AUG 9 - The Philippines and Vietnam, which have faced off with Beijing in the South China Sea, hold first-ever joint coast guard exercise

AUG 10 - Philippines accuses China's Air Force of carrying out "dangerous manoeuvres" by dropping flares in the path of a Philippine air force aircraft conducting a routine patrol over the Scarborough Shoal.

AU6 19 - Philippines and China accuse each other of ramming vessels and performing dangerous manoeuvres near Sabina shoal.

AUG 24 - Philippines calls on Beijing to "immediately cease all provocative and dangerous actions" after accusing it of "unjustifiably" deploying flares from China-occupied Subi Reef on Aug. 22 while a Manila aircraft was conducting patrols.

AUG 25 - Philippines and China clash near Sabina Shoal over what Manila says was a resupply mission for fishermen.

AUG 27 - Top U.S. admiral says U.S. ships could escort Philippine vessels on resupply missions in the South China Sea, but such an option requires consultation between the treaty allies.

AUG 31 - Philippines and China exchange accusations of intentionally ramming coast guard vessels near the Sabina Shoal, their fifth maritime confrontation in a month.

SEPT 12 - Philippines says it will stick to its position on Sabina Shoal, even while exploring ways to ease tension in the area during "frank and candid" talks with China on managing disputes.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
MANILA, Sept 12 - Relations between Manila and Beijing have soured under Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, with Manila pivoting back towards the United States which supports the Southeast Asian nation in its maritime disputes with China. Rift deepens between the Philippines, China over South China Sea

Here is a timeline of key events this year that have escalated tensions between the Philippines and China:

JAN 3 - The Philippines and the United States carry out their second joint patrol in the South China Sea as China conducts similar activity with its naval and air forces in the disputed waterway.

MARCH 5 - The Philippines calls out China for its coast guard's "reckless" and "illegal" actions that led to a collision between a Chinese and Philippine ship, damaging the latter and injuring some of its crew, during a resupply mission for troops at the Second Thomas Shoal. China says the Philippine vessels illegally intruded into waters adjacent to the shoal.

MARCH 20 - China says the United States must refrain from "stirring up trouble" or taking sides on the South China Sea issue, after U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said a security deal with the Philippines extended to attacks on the Philippine coast guard.

MARCH 24 - China's coastguard says it had taken measures against Philippine vessels carrying out a resupply mission for troops at the Second Thomas Shoal. The Philippines decried the moves, including the use of water cannon that damaged its ship and injured its crew, as "irresponsible and provocative".

RIL 7 - Defence forces of the U.S., Japan, Australia conduct "maritime cooperative activity" in the Philippines' EEZ in the South China Sea.

RIL 11 - The United States Army deploys its ground-based Typhon missile system as part of joint military drills with the Philippines, the first deployment of its mid-range capability in the Indo-Pacific.

RIL 16 - The Philippines deploys its coast guard patrol ship, Teresa Magbanua to Sabina shoal to monitor what it suspects to be to be small-scale reclamation activities by China, which denies the accusation.

RIL 30 - Philippines accuses China's coast guard of harassment and of damaging two of its boats in a disputed area of the South China Sea, rejects Beijing's position that it had expelled those vessels from the hotly contested Scarborough shoal.

MAY 10 - The Philippines' national security adviser calls for the expulsion of Chinese diplomats over an alleged leak of a phone conversation with a senior Filipino navy official.

MAY 15 - A civilian flotilla of Philippine vessels sails towards Scarborough shoal to assert Manila's maritime rights and to hand out supplies to fishermen anchored on the contested shoal.

MAY 20 - Philippines challenges China to open Scarborough shoal to an independent third-party after it accused Beijing of destroying the shoal's marine environment.

MAY 22 - A Philippine navy admiral accuses the Chinese embassy in Manila of recording a phone call without his consent and denies forging a deal with Beijing to ease tensions in the South China Sea.

JUNE 15 - Philippines files a claim with the United Nations for an extended continental shelf in the South China Sea.

JUNE 17 - A Philippine sailor loses a finger after what its military describes as "intentional-high speed ramming" by the Chinese Coast Guard to disrupt a resupply mission for troops stationed on the Second Thomas Shoal. China disputes Manila's account, saying the necessary measures taken were lawful and professional.

JULY 2 - Philippines and China agree to "restore trust" and "rebuild confidence" to better manage maritime disputes during high-level talks on managing disputes in the South China Sea hosted by Manila.

JULY 8 - Philippines and Japan sign landmark military pact allowing deployment of forces on each other's soil in the face of what they see as China's increasingly assertive stance in the region.

JULY 17 - Philippines and China agree to set up new lines of communication to improve their handling of maritime disputes.

JULY 22 - Philippines and China reach a "provisional arrangement" for resupply missions to a beached Filipino naval ship in Second Thomas Shoal.

JULY 27 - The Philippines completed unimpeded a resupply trip to its troops at a disputed South China Sea shoal, the first such mission under a new arrangement with China aimed at cooling tensions.

JULY 30 - The United States pledges funding of $500 million for the Philippines' military and coast guard in a big show of support for Manila as it faces Chinese actions in the South China Sea.

AUG 2 - Philippines and Japan hold first joint military exercises in the South China Sea.

AUG 9 - The Philippines and Vietnam, which have faced off with Beijing in the South China Sea, hold first-ever joint coast guard exercise

AUG 10 - Philippines accuses China's Air Force of carrying out "dangerous manoeuvres" by dropping flares in the path of a Philippine air force aircraft conducting a routine patrol over the Scarborough Shoal.

AU6 19 - Philippines and China accuse each other of ramming vessels and performing dangerous manoeuvres near Sabina shoal.

AUG 24 - Philippines calls on Beijing to "immediately cease all provocative and dangerous actions" after accusing it of "unjustifiably" deploying flares from China-occupied Subi Reef on Aug. 22 while a Manila aircraft was conducting patrols.

AUG 25 - Philippines and China clash near Sabina Shoal over what Manila says was a resupply mission for fishermen.

AUG 27 - Top U.S. admiral says U.S. ships could escort Philippine vessels on resupply missions in the South China Sea, but such an option requires consultation between the treaty allies.

AUG 31 - Philippines and China exchange accusations of intentionally ramming coast guard vessels near the Sabina Shoal, their fifth maritime confrontation in a month.

SEPT 12 - Philippines says it will stick to its position on Sabina Shoal, even while exploring ways to ease tension in the area during "frank and candid" talks with China on managing disputes.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
By Pavel Polityuk, Yuliia Dysa and Tom Balmforth Ukraine says Russia hit grain vessel near NATO member Romania

KYIV -Ukraine accused Russia on Thursday of using strategic bombers to strike a civilian grain vessel in a missile attack in Black Sea waters near NATO member Romania, escalating tensions between Moscow and the military alliance.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said the vessel carrying Ukrainian grain to Egypt had been hit overnight by a Russian missile just after it left Ukrainian territorial waters. There were no casualties, he said.

The U.S. ambassador to Ukraine "strongly condemned" the attack and said Russia was responsible. A United Nations spokesperson said the incident was a "stark reminder" of the threats still faced in the Black Sea by civilian vessels.

There was no immediate comment from Russia.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said the strike was "a brazen attack on freedom of navigation and global food security". Ukraine's navy said Russian Tupolev Tu-22 bombers had fired a number of cruise missiles at 11:02 p.m. local time on Wednesday.

It was the first time a missile has struck a civilian vessel transporting grains at sea since the start of Moscow's invasion in February 2022. Some vessels have been damaged during Russian attacks on Ukrainian ports where they were moored.

The incident comes as Zelenskiy has been trying to court the Global South, including countries such as Egypt - the destination of the grain according to Ukraine - and convince them to join the West in supporting Ukraine in the war.

The strike coincided with discussion over whether NATO allies will allow Ukraine to make deeper strikes into Russia, a step Moscow has warned will elicit a response. The West has accused Iran of a major escalation by supplying ballistic missiles to Russia.

British maritime security company Ambrey said in a note that a Saint Kitts and Nevis-flagged bulk carrier had been struck by a Russian-launched missile after leaving the Ukrainian port of Chornomorsk in Ukraine's Odesa region.

The vessel sustained damage to its port side, including a cargo hold and a crane, it said.

The Navy identified the vessel as the Aya bulk carrier.

U.S. Ambassador Bridget Brink wrote on X: "We strongly condemn Russias attack on a commercial cargo ship in the Black Sea last night. This escalatory attack is a blatant violation of international law that threatens global food security."

U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said attacks on civilian vessels and port infrastructure "are prohibited under international law and must stop.

"Ensuring the safety and sustainability of agricultural exports passing through the Black Sea remains critical for supporting global food security and keeping global prices under control."

Ship tracking data showed the vessel's last reported position was off the Romanian port of Constanta. The vessel's Athens-based manager, VRS Maritime Services, could not be immediately reached for comment.

STRONGER WHEAT PRICES

Traders said the incident had contributed to stronger wheat prices by adding to concern over tightening supply in the Black Sea export zone. U.S. futures rose as much as 2% to hit a two-month peak. [GRA/]

Zelenskiy posted images showing the twisted metal of a damaged crane and other damage.

An industry source told Reuters the strike had taken place not far from the mouth of the Danube river. Dmytro Pletenchuk, spokesman for Ukraine's navy, told Reuters the vessel was in Romania's maritime economic zone.

A country's maritime economic zone is an area that extends beyond its territorial waters.

Romania's Naval Authority said the vessel had not been in its territorial waters and that its assistance had not been requested in any way.

Zelenskiy, writing on X, said: "Wheat and food security should never be targets for missiles."

Ukraine is a major global grain exporter that has had to battle Russia in the Black Sea to revive its exports through its sea ports since Russia's invasion imposed a de facto blockade.

The exports were revived later that year - albeit with smaller volumes - from the three ports of greater Odesa under a deal mediated by the U.N. and Turkey that broke down last year.

In August 2023, Ukraine established its own shipping corridor - without Russia's blessing - after using naval drones and long-range weapons to strike back at Russia's Black Sea Fleet and push its vessels away from the west of the sea.

The shipping corridor hugs the western coast of the Black Sea before exiting Ukrainian waters and south past Romania and Bulgaria.

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By Michelle Nichols UN chief says lack of accountability on UN staff killings in Gaza 'unacceptable'

UNITED NATIONS - A lack of accountability for the killing of United Nations staff and humanitarian aid workers in the Gaza Strip is "totally unacceptable," U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told Reuters in a wide-ranging interview on Wednesday.

Guterres also said that establishing a U.N. peacekeeping force would not be the "best solution" for Haiti, where armed gangs have taken over much of the capital and expanded to surrounding areas, fueling a humanitarian crisis with mass displacements, sexual violence and widespread hunger.

Ahead of the annual meeting of world leaders at the U.N. General Assembly later this month, Guterres summed up the past year as "very tough, very difficult."

It has been dominated by the war in Gaza, which began just two weeks after leaders left New York following last year's assembly when Palestinian Hamas militants killed 1,200 people and took about 250 hostages in a cross-border rampage into Israel, according to Israeli tallies.

Describing Israel's retaliation against Hamas in Gaza - where local health officials say some 41,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war began - Guterres said there have been "very dramatic violations of the international humanitarian law and the total absence of an effective protection of civilians."

"What's happening in Gaza is totally unacceptable," he said.

The Israeli military says it takes steps to reduce the risk of harm to civilians and that at least a third of the Palestinian fatalities in Gaza are militants. It accuses Hamas of using Palestinian civilians as human shields, which Hamas denies.

Nearly 300 humanitarian aid workers, more than two-thirds of them U.N. staff, have also been killed during the conflict, according to the U.N. Guterres said there should be an effective investigation and accountability for their deaths.

"We have courts, but we see that the decisions of courts are not respected, and it is this kind of limbo of accountability that is totally unacceptable and that requires also a serious a serious reflection," Guterres said.

The top U.N. court - the International Court of Justice - said in July that Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories and settlements is illegal and should be withdrawn. The 193-member U.N. General Assembly is likely to vote next week on a draft resolution that would give Israel a six-month deadline to do so.

Guterres said he has not spoken with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu - who has long accused the U.N. of being anti-Israel - since the deadly Hamas attack in Israel on Oct. 7 last year. The pair met in person at the U.N. a year ago and Guterres said he would do so again - if Netanyahu asked.

"I have not talked to him because he didn't pick up my phone calls, but I have no reason not to speak with him," Guterres said. "So if he comes to New York and he asks to see me, I will be very glad to see him."

When asked if Netanyahu planned to meet with Guterres on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly, Israel's U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon said that Netanyahu's schedule hasn't been finalized yet.

HAITI 'SCANDAL'

Guterres' described the current state of the world as "chaotic." He said the conflict in Gaza and Russia's war in Ukraine were "stuck with no peaceful solutions in sight."

When asked about Western accusations that North Korea and Iran are now providing Russia with weapons, Guterres said: "Any expansion of war in Ukraine is an absolutely dramatic development."

Iran has rejected the Western accusations, while North Korea has denied the allegations against it. U.N. sanctions monitors said in April that debris from a missile that landed in the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv on Jan. 2 was from a North Korean Hwasong-11 series ballistic missile.

In Haiti, a U.N.-backed international force has been slow to deploy - after Haiti asked for help in 2022 - and lacks funds. The United States wants the U.N. Security Council to ask the U.N. for a plan to transition the force into a U.N. peacekeeping operation.

"I don't think peacekeeping is the best solution in a situation like this ... peacekeeping means to keep the peace, and that's not exactly the situation we have Haiti," Guterres said. "I find it a scandal that it has been so difficult to mobilize funds for such a dramatic situation."

TRUMP LOOMS

Guterres' first five-year term as secretary-general coincided with the U.S. presidency of Donald Trump, who cut funding to the international body, calling it weak and incompetent. Trump is again the Republican president nominee and will face off against Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris in the Nov. 5 election.

"We are ready to work in all circumstances in defense of the values of the charter and of the values of the U.N.," Guterres said when asked if the world body had a contingency plan for a possible second Trump administration.

During his first term in office Trump also withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Agreement, an international pact to fight climate change, and Trump's campaign said he would do it again if he wins in November. The U.S. is currently a full participant in the accord after President Joe Biden swiftly rejoined in 2021.

"It will survive. But, of course, it will probably survive severely undermined," Guterres said of a second withdrawal from the pact by a potential Trump administration. Guterres has long pushed for stronger action to fight climate change.

With abortion rights a key topic in the U.S. election, Guterres said the U.S. voice was "obviously very important" at the United Nations when it came to the issue of women's sexual and reproductive rights as well as health.

Under Trump's presidency, the U.S. opposed long-agreed international language on women's sexual and reproductive rights and health in U.N. resolutions over concern that it would advance abortion rights.

Trump also cut funding in 2017 for the U.N. Population Fund because his administration said it "supports, or participates in the management of, a program of coercive abortion or involuntary sterilization." The U.N. said that was an inaccurate perception.

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President Joe Biden was caught on camera putting on a red Trump hat during a visit to a fire station in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The president marked the 23rd anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. He met with first responders. Biden shocks netizens as he wears red Trump hat during Shanksville visit (@CollinRugg/X)

Im proud of you now, you old fart, the Trump supporter who gave Biden the Trump 2024 hat told the president, the viral video shows.

Video of Biden wearing the hat went viral. The White House later claimed that he tried on the hat in the spirit of bipartisanship.

Thanks for the support, Joe!

Sharing a photo of Biden donning the hat, White House senior deputy press secretary Andrew Bates wrote on X, At the Shanksville Fire Station, @POTUS spoke about the country's bipartisan unity after 9/11 and said we needed to get back to that. As a gesture, he gave a hat to a Trump supporter who then said that in the same spirit, POTUS should put on his Trump cap. He briefly wore it.

Many social media users flocked to the comment section of the above post, with one saying, Omg Joe is MAGA now!!! Trump 2024 is the way! See, Trump was right. Joe Biden does hate Kamala Harris, one user joked, while another said, I didnt expect this, but at this point nothing is phasing me. One wrote, Its probably the best decision hes ever made in his life!

The X account Trump War Room shared a photo too, captioning it, Thanks for the support, Joe!

During the presidential debate against Kamala Harris, Trump mused about sending one of his trademark red Make America Great Again hats to the Democratic nominee. Everything that she believed three years ago and four years ago is out the window. Shes going to my philosophy now, Trump said. In fact, I was going to send her a MAGA hat. Shes going to my philosophy.

Biden has time and again accused the former president of posing a threat to the foundation of the country. Too much of whats happening in our country today is not normal, Biden said in September 2022. Donald Trump and the MAGA Republicans represent an extremism that threatens the very foundations of our republic.
Vivian Wilson, Elon Musks daughter, again publicly slammed her father and called him a heinous incel in a new TikTok video following a bizarre comment the Tesla boss made toward pop star Taylor Swift. Elon Musk's trans daughter, Vivian Wilson fires back at her father's hurtful comments, says she's 'disowned' him.(Thread/vivllainous/File Image)

Fine Taylor  you win  I will give you a child and guard your cats with my life, Musk posted last night, which many found to be creepy and inappropriate. Earlier that day, Swift had posted a lengthy statement on Instagram endorsing Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz for the 2024 presidential race.

ALSO READ| Elon Musk's offer to give child to Taylor Swift leaves netizens shocked, declares will guard your cats with

Vivian says her father is the problem in her life

The 20-year-old, who came out as transgender in 2022, shared her thoughts on Instagrams Threads: The timing for the Taylor Swift endorsement of Kamala Harris honestly could not have been better. Cant wait to see the Swifties at the polls! Vote blue.

Then, turning her attention to Musks peculiar post, she added, Also, yes, I saw the tweet. Heinous incel nonsense is in fact heinous incel nonsense.

Wilson elaborated on her disdain for Musks words, calling them abhorrent and urging others not to tolerate such behaviour in a second post. That much is obvious and if you dont see how then youre part of the problem, she wrote.

I would just like to say to my audience members, dont let people talk to you like that. Its disgusting, its belittling and incredibly sexist. You deserve better.

Wilson, who has distanced herself from the SpaceX CEO, said, I really am not the biggest fan of this subject. I am my own person with my own name after all. However, I just feel like that had to be said even if its incredibly self-evident. Cheers.

ALSO READ| Elon Musk doesn't think ABC was fair to Trump, has mild change of heart for Harris

Musk previously spoke about his strained relationship with Vivian

Just in July, Musk expressed in an interview that he believed his daughter had been killed by the woke-mind virus and that he felt tricked into allowing her medical gender transition.

Vivian had legally filed to change her name and gender, stating that she no longer wished to be associated with Musk in any way and disowned him. Musk shares Vivian with his ex-wife Justine Wilson.
The judge overseeing the Georgia election interference case against Donald Trump and others on Thursday tossed out three counts in the indictment  including two counts brought against the former president  saying that they lie beyond the state's jurisdiction. Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks during a presidential debate with Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris at the National Constitution Center, Tuesday, Sept.10, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)(AP)

The against Trump and others who are appealing an order allowing Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis to continue prosecuting the case is on hold while that appeal is pending. But Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee issued orders Thursday based on motions filed by two defendants, Shawn Still and John Eastman, who are not part of that appeal, meaning the case against them is not paused.

The judge in March had thrown out six counts of the indictment, a ruling that prosecutors are appealing. Even with a total of nine counts quashed, 32 counts remain, including an overarching racketeering charge brought against all of the defendants.

ALSO READ| Donald Trump's former FBI official warns the ex-prez could be a Russian asset

Georgia judge rules against prosecution in Trump election case

At issue in Thursday's ruling are two counts having to do with the filing of a document with the federal court in Atlanta that declared that Trump had won the state of Georgia and 16 Republicans who signed the document were the duly elected and qualified electors from the state.

One of the counts charges three of those Republicans, including Still, with filing false documents. The other charges Trump and others, including Eastman, with conspiracy to file false documents.

McAfee wrote that punishing someone for filing certain documents with a federal court would enable a state to constrict the scope of materials assessed by a federal court and impair the administration of justice in that tribunal to police its own proceedings. He conclude that those two counts must be quashed as beyond the jurisdiction of this State.

Judge cites federal perjury statutes in dismissing charge

The third count charges Trump and Eastman with filing false documents, saying they knowingly and unlawfully filed a a lawsuit with the federal court in Atlanta while having reason to know that the document included at least one materially false" statement about the 2020 election in Georgia.

ALSO READ| From Elon Musk to Azealia Banks: Celebrities endorsing Donald Trump for the US presidential elections

McAfee cited case law that says complaints filed in federal court fall within the scope federal perjury statutes and said the charge must be quashed.

A spokesman for Willis said prosecutors are reviewing the order and declined to comment.

Buddy Parker, a lawyer for Eastman, in an email applauded McAfee's findings. Steve Sadow, Trump's lead attorney, also celebrated the ruling, saying in an email that Trump and his Georgia legal team have prevailed once again."
The debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump drew a stunning viewership, far surpassing the 51 million who watched the June debate between Trump and President Joe Biden. This high-stakes Philadelphia showdown, moderated by David Muir and Linsey Davis, was the first face-to-face meeting between Harris and Trump, tackling hot-button issues like abortion, immigration, war, crime, and the 2020 election results US Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris (R) shakes hands with former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump during a presidential debate at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Wednesday. (AFP)

67 Million tuned in for Harris-Trump debate

The political arena sizzled as Democratic hopeful Kamala Harris and Republican heavyweight Donald Trump went head-to-head for the first time since Biden bowed out following his debate debacle with Trump in June. This Harris-Trump clash drew an estimated 67.1 million viewers across 17 TV networks, smashing the old record of 51 million viewers by a huge margin according to Nielsen data.

Also read: Kamala Harris wore Nova earphones disguised as pearl earrings during debate? Trump supporters make wild claims

Hosted by ABC News and broadcast widely the debate had viewers on the edge of their seats to see how the new Democratic candidate would do against the former president as it was predicted to be the real game changer of her presidential campaign. The debate also became a hot trend on microblogging site Twitter as it captured the top trends of the day followed by Taylor Swift endorsing Kamala Harris and the aftermath.

Decline in debate viewership over the years

Even though Tuesday's debate got one of the biggest crowds in recent memory, it was way down from what we usually see during elections. CNN says that the Kamala Harris vs. Donald Trump debate pulled in an estimated 67.1 million people, which was less than the 73 million who watched the first Trump-Biden debate back in 2020. This drop is just one of many, with the 2016 debate between Hillary Clinton and Trump hitting a record high of 84 million viewers.

Also read: Patrick Mahomes refuses to endorse after Donald Trump praised wife Britanny, Taylor Swift backs Kamala Harris

The way people watch TV and use social media has changed a lot, and this has made it harder to keep track of who's watching and how they're watching. The usual ways of measuring this, like Nielsen's, don't really show the big picture when it comes to shows like TikTok, where a lot of Gen Z people tuned in for debate and highlights.

On the day of the debate, ABC led with 19 million viewers, followed by NBC with over 10 million and Fox News with more than 9 million. ABC mentioned that this debate was the most-watched on any network in at least 16 years, and over 7 million people tuned in on the different streaming services owned by Disney.

Who won the debate between Trump and Harris?

A CNN survey found that people watching the debate liked Kamala Harris a lot more, with a clear lead of 63-37. Meanwhile, a YouGov survey showed she was ahead of Donald Trump by 43-28 among people who could vote. Even Fox News pundits conceded that Harris outperformed Donald Trump.

The excitement just got bigger when Taylor Swift backed Harris, but we're still not sure who really came out on top. The official surveys of people who weren't sure yet are still pending and could take a few days to show if either candidate did a better job changing how people feel about them.
The U.S. secretary of state said Thursday that the United States will continue to press Israel to do more to spare humanitarian sites in the Gaza Strip, a day after an Israeli airstrike on a U.N. school complex sheltering displaced Palestinians killed 14 people, including six U.N. staffers. Israel-Hamas war latest: Blinken says US will keep pressing Israel to spare Gaza humanitarian sites

Meanwhile, Turkey announced its own investigation into the death of a Turkish American activist who was shot and killed by Israeli forces last week while protesting settlements in the occupied West Bank. And a Syrian pro-government media outlet and an opposition war monitor said an Israeli strike hit a car in southern Syria on Thursday, killing two people.

The Health Ministry says more than 41,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since the Israel-Hamas war began. It does not differentiate between fighters and civilians in its count. The war has caused vast destruction and displaced about 90% of Gazas population of 2.3 million, often multiple times.

Hamas-led militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, in their Oct. 7 attack that sparked the war. They abducted another 250 and are still holding around 100. Around a third of them are believed to be dead.

Here's the latest: 4 killed in car explosion in Israel as gang violence surges in Arab communities

Medics say four people were killed and eight others injured when a car exploded Thursday in central Israel, an incident described as criminal that comes as gang violence surges within Israels Arab communities.

The deadly car blast in the city of Ramle set off a wave of anger against Israeli security forces, whom residents accuse of failing to fight the escalating internal gang wars and gun violence affecting Palestinian citizens of Israel.

Israels far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, sought to deflect blame Thursday, claiming that Israels attorney general refused his request to place suspects in pre-trial detention. As he arrived at the crime scene to speak with residents, he was drowned out by angry hecklers. Scuffles between victims family members and police erupted outside the hospital where the injured were being treated.

Critics say that Ben-Gvir, who has been convicted of anti-Arab incitement and supporting a Jewish terrorist organization, has done little to fulfill his campaign promises of fighting violent crime in Arab communities. Palestinian citizens of Israel accuse authorities of prioritizing fighting crime in Jewish areas and neglecting Palestinian ones. On Wednesday, two other residents were killed in the same city. Its unclear if the two incidents in Ramle were related.

Israeli police pledged to take the case seriously and hunt down the perpetrators.

We will not let go of any criminal or anyone that is trying to hurt innocent civilians, police Chief Dani Levi said. Israeli airstrike kills 3 in southern Lebanon, officials say

BEIRUT  Lebanons Health Ministry says an Israeli airstrike on southern Lebanon killed three people, including a child.

The ministry says the Thursday night airstrike on the southern village of Kfar Joz also wounded three people.

The Lebanon-Israel border has been witnessing daily exchanges for nearly a year as Lebanons militant Hezbollah group says its backing up its ally Hamas in Gaza.

More than 500 people have been killed by Israeli strikes in Lebanon since Oct. 8, most of them fighters with Hezbollah and other armed groups but also more than 100 civilians. In northern Israel, 23 soldiers and 26 civilians have been killed by strikes from Lebanon. Israeli military says Hamas brigade in Rafah has been dismantled

JERUSALEM  The Israeli military said Thursday that it has completed the destruction of Hamas brigade in the city of Rafah, the southernmost city of Gaza.

The military said in a statement that Israel had killed 2,000 militants and destroyed 13 kilometers of underground tunnel routes dug deep under the area. It also said that it had killed over 250 militants in Rafahs western Tel al-Sultan district in recent weeks, including the commander of the battalion and most of the chain of command.

Israel began its operation in Rafah in early May, forcing more than a million Palestinian civilians to flee the city. The Israeli offensive over the past 11 months has killed 40,000 Palestinians in Gaza, according to the enclaves health authorities that do not distinguish between civilians and militants. Top Israeli intelligence commander has resigned, the military says

JERUSALEM  The Israeli military says that a top Israeli intelligence commander has announced his resignation, the second such senior figure to step down amid the fallout from Hamas devastating Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel last year.

In a statement Thursday, the Israeli military said that Brig. Gen. Yossi Sariel, leader of Israels vaunted military intelligence Unit 8200, notified the army of his plans to step down and leave his post in the near future. The military confirmed to The Associated Press that he resigned over the security failure of the Oct. 7 attack.

Earlier this year, the head of Israeli military intelligence, Maj. Gen. Aharon Haliva, announced his resignation over his role in the armys stunning failure to anticipate or quickly respond to the deadliest assault in Israels history.

On Oct. 7, Hamas militants blasted through Israels border defenses, rampaged through communities unchallenged for hours, and killed 1,200 people, most of them civilians, while taking roughly 250 hostages into Gaza.

The attack set off the war against Hamas in Gaza, now in its 11th month.

The 8200 divisions long-held reputation as a formidable spy unit that produced some of the countrys top high-tech entrepreneurs and chief executives has suffered since its apparent failure to detect the Hamas-led attack. Israeli military says it has killed two Hezbollah militants in southern Syria

JERUSALEM  The Israeli military said Thursday that its warplanes struck and killed two Hezbollah militants in southern Syria, the latest in a series of attacks on the Iran-backed Shiite group near the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.

The military identified one of those killed as Ahmed al-Jabr. It accused al-Jabr of conducting militant operations in the Syrian province of Quneitra near the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights.

Hezbollah did not announce the deaths of any militants Thursday. But a Syrian pro-government radio, Sham FM, and an opposition war monitor, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, reported that an Israeli strike hit a car in southern Syria, killing two people in the village of Khan Arnabeh.

Israel has frequently carried out such airstrikes over the past months on the edge of the Golan Heights, captured by Israel during the 1967 Mideast war and annexed in 1981.

Israel says it is targeting Iran-linked militants. Israel has vowed to stop Iranian entrenchment in Syria, where thousands of Iran-backed fighters are deployed. Syria is a key route for Iran to send weapons to Lebanons Hezbollah group.

The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has escalated throughout the past 11 months of the Israel-Hamas war, largely along Israels tense northern border with Lebanon.

Hezbollah on Thursday claimed several attacks on northern Israel and the Israeli military reported air raid sirens set off by the militant groups explosive drones falling in open areas. The Israeli military also said it intercepted a suspicious aerial target that crossed from Lebanon into Israeli territory. Medical teams in Gaza wrap up their final day of a polio vaccination campaign

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip  The World Health Organization says medical teams in Gaza are wrapping up the final day of an emergency polio vaccination campaign following the discovery of the territorys first-known case of the illness in more than 25 years.

Dr. Rik Peeperkorn, the U.N. health agencys representative, told reporters in a news conference from Gaza that the health workers had reached more than an estimated 552,000 children under the age of 5. They used a new oral polio vaccine targeting the specific type of polio seen in Gaza, which is a mutated strain that originated in an older oral vaccine.

Peeperkorn said WHO and its partners have yet to do a final analysis of how many children were actually covered, but added that it was more than expected. On Wednesday, Palestinian health officials said more than half a million Gaza children have been vaccinated.

We are quite confident that we reached an enormous amount of children in this short time, Peeperkorn said, referring to the four-day vaccination campaign. He said authorities were aiming to cover more than 90% of children in this immunization round and in the second one, to be held next month. Blinken says U.S. will continue to press Israel to do more to spare humanitarian sites in Gaza

WARSAW  U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken says the United States will continue to urge Israel to do more to spare humanitarian sites in the Gaza Strip after an Israeli airstrike on a U.N. school complex sheltering displaced Palestinians killed six U.N. staffers.

When asked on Thursday at a news conference in the Polish capital about Israels bombing of the school complex in central Gaza the day before, Blinken told reporters that we need to see humanitarian sites protected.

Thats something we continue to raise with Israel, he said.

Wednesday's strike on the U.N.-supported al-Jaouni Preparatory Boys School in Nuseirat refugee camp, in central Gaza, killed at least 14 people, including two children and a woman, hospital officials said. Among those killed were six staffers from the U.N. Palestinian refugee agency, known as UNRWA, the main U.N. relief agency in Gaza.

UNRWA described the strike as the deadliest single incident for its staff members. Among those killed at the school, it said, were the manager of the shelter and others working to help the thousands of displaced people taking refuge there, including teachers.

The head of UNRWA, Philippe Lazzarini, said at least 220 UNRWA staffers have been killed in Gaza since Israels military offensive began in response to Hamas deadly Oct. 7 attack on Israel.

The Israeli military said it was targeting Hamas militants planning attacks from inside the school.

Blinken blamed Hamas for continuing to hide its fighters among civilians and said the bombing underscores the urgency" of reaching a cease-fire in the embattled territory. WHO says the Emiratis have evacuated nearly 100 wounded and sick Palestinians from Gaza

CAIRO  The World Health Organization says the United Arab Emirates has evacuated nearly 100 critically wounded and sick Palestinians from Gaza, including cancer patients, for medical treatment in the Gulf Arab state.

The U.N. health agency said on Thursday that a total of 252 Palestinians from Gaza, including 97 patients and their relatives, flew the previous day to Abu Dhabi in the UAE from the Ramon airport in Israel.

It was the biggest exit of Palestinian medical patients in Gaza through Israel since the war began.

WHO said that the patients, among them 45 children and 52 adults, were suffering from severe injuries or critical conditions such as brain tumors and amputations. It was the second such evacuation flight that the UAE has coordinated to provide advanced medical care to Palestinians.

With few exceptions, Israel has barred Gazas Palestinians from entering Israel throughout the war.

Gaza has been completely sealed off since May, when Israeli forces captured the Gaza side of the border with Egypt, including the Rafah crossing between Egypt and the coastal strip, leading to its closure. A UN report says Palestinian economy is in free fall since the Israel-Hamas war erupted

GENEVA  The Palestinian economy is in free fall, the United Nations reported on Thursday, with production in Gaza plunging to one-sixth of its level before Israeli forces began a blistering military response to the Oct. 7 attack on Israel.

The report from the U.N. Trade and Development also warned of rapid and alarming economic decline in the West Bank, citing expanded Israeli settlements, land confiscations, demolition of Palestinian buildings and violence by settlers as dampening economic prospects.

Economic output in Gaza plunged to just over $221 million in the half-year, including the last quarter of 2023 and first quarter of 2024  the last quarter for which figures are available  or about 16% of the total figure for the same half-year period in 2022 and 2023, when the total was just over $1.34 billion, the agency said.

The Palestinian economy is in free fall, Pedro Manuel Moreno, the agencys deputy secretary-general, told reporters and urged the international community to "address the humanitarian crisis and lay the groundwork for lasting peace and development.

That would include a comprehensive recovery plan for Palestinian areas, more international aid, the lifting of Israels blockade on Gaza, as well as the release of revenue and withheld funds for Palestinians retained by Israel, he said. Israel will revoke press accreditations for Al-Jazeera reporters working in the country

JERUSALEM  The Israeli body that accredits journalists said on Thursday that it will revoke the press cards of Al-Jazeera reporters working in the country.

The move comes after Israel shut down the Qatar-based broadcasters local operations in May. Authorities already prevent Al-Jazeera broadcasts and block its websites.

Israel accuses Al-Jazeera of incitement and threatening national security over its coverage of the war in Gaza.

Nitzan Chen, the director of the Government Press Office, said the use of GPO cards in the course of the journalists work could in itself jeopardize state security at this time of military emergency.

Al-Jazeera denies the allegations and has accused Israel of trying to silence its coverage.

With several correspondents reporting from inside Gaza, the channel has provided round-the-clock coverage of the war since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack that ignited it. Its coverage has focused on civilian casualties in Gaza, and it often airs Hamas videos and statements in their entirety.

Israeli strikes have killed four Al-Jazeera reporters since the start of the war. The government office said the revocation of the press cards would be subject to a hearing. It will apply to Al-Jazeera journalists and broadcasters but not producers or photographers. Turkey launches its own probe into the killing of Turkish American activist in the West Bank

ANKARA, Turkey  Turkeys justice minister says his country is investigating the death of a Turkish American activist shot and killed by Israeli forces last week while protesting settlements in the occupied West Bank.

The 26-year-old activist from Seattle was taking part in a demonstration against settlements in the Palestinian territory when she was fatally shot last Friday. Israel is investigating the killing of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi and its military later said she was likely shot indirectly and unintentionally by soldiers.

Turkish Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc said on Thursday that the Ankara chief prosecutors office was leading the Turkish probe. He also called on U.N. agencies, including the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, to investigate.

Tunc said Turkey would present its findings to a U.N. court overseeing a genocide case against Israel filed by South Africa over the war in Gaza.

We will take every judicial step for our martyred daughter, Aysenur, Tunc said.

Meanwhile, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said Eygis body was likely to be brought to Turkey on Friday. Her burial is scheduled to take place in the Aegean coastal town of Didim, in western Turkey, in line with her familys wishes. An uncle of the slain Turkish American activist says the US should protect the rights of its citizens everywhere

DIDIM, Turkey  An uncle of the Turkish American activist killed by Israeli forces during a protest in the occupied West Bank said the United States needs to protect the rights of its citizens everywhere.

Ali Tikkin also welcomed Vice President Kamala Harriss remarks about the shooting that killed Aysenur Ezgi Eygi in which the U.S. vice president said the activist's death was unacceptable and demanded complete accountability for it.

The U.S. should protect the rights of its citizens and follow them to the end, said Tikkin, who is married to Eygis aunt.

He spoke on Thursday in the Turkish Aegean coastal town of Didim, where Eygi is expected to be buried, describing the 26-year-old from Seattle as a free-spirited person who began traveling the world on her own at an early age.

Even at the age of 18 or 19, she went to different countries of the world on her own. First she started traveling out of curiosity. Later she took part in organizations by the United Nations, he said. She was sensitive to events happening around the world.

The Israeli military said this week that Eygi was likely shot indirectly and unintentionally by soldiers. But Tikkin stressed that her family believes she was deliberately targeted by Israeli soldiers.

There was no error or accident," he said. I think it was a message to the world. An airstrike hits a car in southern Syria, killing 2 people, pro-government media and a war monitor say

BEIRUT  A Syrian pro-government radio and a war-monitoring group say an Israeli strike hit a car in southern Syria, killing two people. The Sham FM didnt give further details on the Thursday morning strike on the village of Khan Arnabeh, near Syrias Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition war monitor, also reported that two people were killed in the airstrike, without giving further details.

There was no immediate comment from Israel, which has carried out such airstrikes over the past months on the edge of the Golan Heights, captured by Israel during the 1967 Mideast war and annexed in 1981. Israel says it is targeting Iran-linked militants.

Israel has vowed to stop Iranian entrenchment in Syria, where thousands of Iran-backed fighters are deployed. Syria is a key route for Iran to send weapons to Lebanons Hezbollah group.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Joe Biden posed with a group of children donning pro-Donald Trump attire in a photo op at a Pennsylvania firehouse on Wednesday, September 11. The president appeared awkward as he stood in the middle of about 16 kids, many donning shirts in support of Trump. Biden was in Shanksville to commemorate the 23rd anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Joe Biden poses with kids wearing pro-Trump shirts in Pennsylvania (@bennyjohnson/X)

The photo was shared on X by conservator influencer Benny Johnson. In the picture, some of the children are seen wearing shirts with Trumps face plastered on the front. One of the shirts has a photo of Trump in Terminator sunglasses with Ill be back written on it.

After the wreath-laying ceremony at the memorial for United Airlines Flight 93, the president brought beer and pizza to the firehouse. The plane was hijacked by Al Qaeda terrorists and crashed in rural Pennsylvania instead of hitting the target that was intended, when the cockpit was stormed by passengers.

Johnson shared the photo with the caption, Photo of Joe Biden looking absolutely shook surrounded by Pennsylvania kids rocking Trump and MAGA gear. Zoom in. The shirts on these kids are incredible. Love this energy.

Is it me or is MAGA making him look more alive?

Many flocked to the comment section, with one joking, Is it me or is MAGA making him look more alive? They are all happy that Biden is out of the running, you can see the joy on their faces! another user joked, while another said, The kids with their Trump shirts omg.

So hes a donald fan now?? one user asked, while another said, Absolutely awesome!!! lol Best thing I've seen all day. One user wrote, The fact that he took the picture with them gains juuusstttt a LIL bit of respect. Just a little.

At the fire station, Biden was also caught on camera putting on a red Trump hat. Im proud of you now, you old fart, the Trump supporter who gave Biden the Trump 2024 hat told the president, the viral video shows. The White House later said that the president briefly wore the hat in the spirit of bipartisanship.
Donald Trump ally Laura Loomer is under fire over a post about Kamala Harris Indian heritage, which has been blasted as racist. The post, which includes cultural stereotypes, was shared by Loomer in response to a post Harris had shared about visiting her grandparents in India when she was a child. Laura Loomer under fire for extremely racist post about Kamala Harris Indian heritage (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, Photographer: Elijah Nouvelage/Bloomberg)

In Harris post, the vice president wrote that when she visited her grandparents in India as a young girl, her grandfather would take her on morning walks and discuss the importance of fighting for equality and fighting corruption. Harris grandfather was a retired civil servant who was involved in the movement to win Indias independence, she wrote.

My grandmother traveled across Indiabullhorn in handto speak with women about accessing birth control. Their commitment to public service and fight for a better future live on in me today, Harris added in the Grandparents Day post.

Laura Loomers post blasted as racist

Sharing Harris post, Loomer,a right-wing activist, wrote, If @KamalaHarris wins, the White House will smell like curry & White House speeches will be facilitated via a call center and the American people will only be able to convey their feedback through a customer satisfaction survey at the end of the call that nobody will understand.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) was quick to take to X to rebuke Loomer over the racist post. This is appalling and extremely racist. It does not represent who we are as Republicans or MAGA, Greene wrote. This does not represent President Trump. This type of behavior should not be tolerated ever. @LauraLoomer should take this down.

Several netizens blasted Loomer in the comment section too, with one saying, Thats very racist. Ok very unnecessary and racist. You arent helping Trump at all, one user wrote, while another said, Why do you always have to resort to racism. You do not help anything silly. One user wrote, Hey Laura, Your racism is showing.. and this is one of many of the reasons Trump is going to lose.. Supporters like you! Another said, Damn thats a really racist thing to say. Thats a bad look.

Harris mother, the late Shyamala Gopalan, was Indian-American. Her father, Donald Harris, is Jamaican-American. Gopalan, who was Tamil Indian-American, died in 2009. Harris has always identified as both Black and Indian in an attempt to recognise both her parents heritage as part of her identity.
Although Sunita Williams is still stuck in space for her 59th birthday on September 19, her interstellar ride, Boeing's Starliner, returned to Earth this past weekendempty. The commercial spacecraft's smooth sailing culminated with its descent at White Sands Space in New Mexico on Friday night/Saturday morning (EDT). NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore (R) and Suni Williams, wearing Boeing spacesuits, depart the Neil A. Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building at Kennedy Space Center for Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida to board the Boeing CST-100 Starliner spacecraft for the Crew Flight Test launch , on June 5, 2024. (AFP)

NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore were the first people to launch on the capsule on June 5 for a mission that was initially meant to last not more than eight days. However, the faulty spacecraft, riddled with helium leaks and malfunctioning thrusters, was ultimately ruled out as the duo's ride back home. The US space agency, prioritising the astronauts' safety, eventually announced they would hitch a ride on a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule in 2025.

Bullseye landing of Boeing's Starliner faced some failures

Shortly after the uncrewed Starliner landed on New Mexico soil on Saturday, NASA's commercial crew program manager Steve Stich hailed it a bullseye landing. Nevertheless, its descent wasn't one without failure. The government agency ultimately confirmed that another thruster had malfunctioned during its downward climb, and the capsule also encountered a temporary blackout of its guidance system during reentry.

Also read | God of Chaos Friday 13th astronomic scare in the making: Giant asteroid could hit Earth despite previous negations

NASA's core value: Commitment to safety

Ultimately standing by their original decision not to have Wilmore and Williams on board the Boeing capsule, Steve Stich affirmed, I think we made the right decisionAll of us feel happy about the successful landing. But then there's a piece of us, all of us, that we wish it would have been the way we had planned it.

Ken Bowersox, NASAs Space Operations Mission Directorate, echoed the sentiment: Even though it was necessary to return the spacecraft uncrewed, NASA and Boeing learned an incredible amount about Starliner in the most extreme environment possible.

In late August, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson foregrounded the organisations commitment to safety after opting for SpaceX as the sole rescuer for Williams and Wilmore in February 2025. Spaceflight is risky, even at its safest and most routine. A test flight, by nature, is neither safe, nor routine. The decision to keep Butch and Suni aboard the International Space Station and bring Boeings Starliner home uncrewed is the result of our commitment to safety: our core value and our North Star.

Addressing the present-day picture of the Starliners safe landing over the weekend, Stitch said, I think its always challenging to look back in retrospect.

The commercial crew program manager explained that the decision to greenlight an uncrewed flight was based on the information they had at the time, including their understanding of the thrusters and the available modelling.

Also read | Tech billionaire undertakes 1st private spacewalk from SpaceX capsule | VIDEO

Now that the Starliner capsule has landed safely, did NASA have second thoughts about its decision?

He admitted that if their model had accurately predicted what they witnessed on Saturday morning, their initial call would have been easier to arrive at. However, they didnt have that level of certainty.

Even though he acknowledged that it was tough for him and the team after seeing a successful flight, the Starliners return to Earth was ultimately a test flight. Stich continued, We didn't have full confidence in the thruster performance, and that's why we chose to proceed with an uncrewed test flight."

While Williams and Wilmore are set to go live on September 13 for a news conference from the ISS, Boeings future on the Starliner front remains uncertain. Bank of America aerospace and defence analyst Ron Epstein told The New York Times that theres no surety whether the company will have another opportunity to bring astronauts to space. Plus, we would not be surprised if Boeing were to divest the manned spaceflight business, given its capsules recent history of multiplying delays and cost overruns.
A lawsuit brought by the conservative think tank The Heritage Foundation over Prince Harry's visa status has been terminated, per a Newsweek report. The Heritage Foundation's lawsuit over Prince Harry's visa status has been terminated. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth, File)(AP)

Earlier this year, Judge Nichols requested to review Prince Harrys visa records privately, and lawyers for President Joe Bidens administration confirmed in April that they had complied with this request.

The case centred around the Duke of Sussex's admissions in his memoir, Spare, where he openly discussed his use of illegal substances such as cocaine, marijuana, and magic mushrooms. Of course...I had been doing cocaine around this time. At someone's country house, during a shooting weekend, I'd been offered a line, and I'd done a few more since, he wrote.

ALSO READ| Prince Harry and Meghan Markle hit with huge property tax for their US residency

Heritage Foundation seeks to expose Prince Harry's immigration status

Heritage argued that these admissions this fact alone makes him inadmissible to live and work in the United States. The organization filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), seeking to make Harrys visa documents public.

Heritages lawyers wrote: [The case] comes about in the main because HRH [His Royal Highness] voluntarilyand for immense profitadmitted in writing to the elements of any number of controlled substance violations. The Duke of Sussex did so despite the fact that it is widely known that such admissions can have adverse immigration consequences for non-citizens and despite employing preeminent legal advisors on both sides of the Atlantic.

On the other hand, government attorneys maintained that disclosing Harrys visa records would violate his privacy, arguing, The records are particularly sensitive because releasing them, even in part, would reveal Prince Harry's status in the United States, which Prince Harry has not disclosed. They also stressed that the records would reveal the types of documents that Prince Harry used to travel to the United States, his admission status, and any immigration, or non-immigration, benefits that he may have sought under FOIA rules.

When did Prince Harry's lawsuit get dismissed?

Court records reveal that the case was officially terminated on September 9, following several sealed orders issued by Judge Carl J. Nichols in Washington, D.C. However, the exact reasoning behind the case's dismissal, as well as whether Harry's visa documents will remain confidential, remains unclear.

ALSO READ| Prince Harry, Meghan blasted as Netflix drops new project POLO teaser after Kate's candid update: Youre disgusting

Kyle Brosnan, chief counsel for The Heritage Foundation's Oversight Project, told Newsweek, Prince Harry repeatedly admitted to using illegal drugs in his memoir. This fact alone makes him inadmissible into the United States. He explained that the lawsuit was meant to answer whether Harry received preferential treatment when entering the country.

It appears the judge has ruled, and that ruling is under seal. We know nothing about how the judge ruled. No one should read into the order, or the fact that it is under seal. We have always said this case is unique and opinions can be initially sealed in such cases. We will continue to monitor the situation.
It looks like The Simpsons might have had yet another eerie prediction up their sleeves! After Donald Trump dropped a wild claim during his presidential debate with Kamala Harris, accusing Haitians of "eating dogs and cats," fans of the iconic yellowheads couldn't resist issuing their version of the story. social media was flooded with memes, as viewers connected the outlandish statement to the fictional Springfield. Could Trumps bizarre comment have been straight out of a Simpsons script? Fans certainly think so. Simpsons fans claim Donald Trumps dog-eating claim was predicted years ago

Theyre eating the dogs, theyre eating cats-Donald Trump

On Tuesday, both Democratic and Republican candidates clashed on ABC, debating multiple pressing issues ranging from immigration to the economy. But what really had viewers doing a double-take was Trump dishing up a wild whopper, feeding into JD Vances outlandish claim that Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, were snatching pets for dinner.

Trump served this claim hot, with his usual flair, only for the ABC host to quickly grill and debunk it leaving Harris with another meme-worthy expression. Yet, faster than you could say "Simpsons deja vu," social media was roasting the bizarre comment, with memes spreading like wildfire!

Also read: Bluetooth earring company responds to Kamala Harriss debate allegations; offers Trump to

In Springfield, theyre eating the dogs. The people that came in. Theyre eating the cats, Trump claimed. Theyre eating  theyre eating the pets of the people that live there. And this is whats happening in our country, and its a shame, he went on.

Did Simpsons foresee Trumps dog-eating accusation?

The "eating dogs and cats" meme quickly took over social media, with users sharing pictures of their pets' reactions. One X user joked that Donald Trump must think he's living in The Simpsons. In an episode from 1997, Homer Simpson is offered a beer by a friend and enjoys it, describing it as "cold, refreshing, and something" he can't quite put his finger on.

Also read: Harris-Trump debate tv viewership explodes, blowing Bidens numbers with huge margin

However, the next scene reveals the Red Tick Beer brewery is actually making beer with dogs swimming in the liquid! Homer even suggests adding more dogs to improve the taste.

Is Santas Little Helper ok?

The joke didnt stop at the prediction. Ever since Trump brought up Springfield, jokes about The Simpsons' made-up hometown shot up on the internet, especially calling out the family's dog, Santa's Little Helper. During the debate, Trump claimed he had seen TV reports about pets being eaten, saying: People on television say, 'My dog was taken and used for food,' so maybe the city manager said that, and maybe thats something worth saying.

IN SPRINGFIELD THEYRE EATING THE DOGS, one person commented with the picture of Simpsons beloved doggo. Another user also joined the trend with the same quote but this time Simpsons cat Snowball II also appeared alongside Santa's Little Helper.

The BBC show Have I Got News For You also took to their X to share a hilarious take on the viral meme sharing a picture of Homer Simpson and his dog, captioning it, US Presidential debate: After Trump says folks in Springfield are eating dogs, people are worried about where he's been getting his info from.

Despite the Republican's claim, which, like many of his actions, seems straight out of The Simpsonsfrom failed assassination attempts to running for presidentABC News moderator David Muir quickly fact-checked him. Muir corrected Trump, stating: "ABC News reached out to the city manager, who confirmed there have been no credible reports of pets being harmed, injured, or abused by anyone in the immigrant community.
By Simon Lewis US grants Egypt $1.3 billion in military aid, overriding rights conditions

WASHINGTON, Sept 11 - The Biden administration is overriding human rights conditions on military aid to Egypt, a State Department spokesperson said on Wednesday, granting the U.S. ally its full allocation of $1.3 billion this year for the first time during this administration, despite ongoing concerns over human rights in the country.

The announcement comes as Washington has relied heavily on Cairo - a longstanding U.S. ally - to mediate so far unsuccessful talks between Israel and Hamas on a ceasefire deal to end the war in Gaza.

Of the $1.3 billion in U.S. foreign military financing allocated to Egypt, $320 million is subject to conditions that have meant at least some of that sum has been withheld in recent years.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken told Congress on Wednesday that he would waive a certification requirement on $225 million related to Egypt's human rights record this year, citing "the U.S. national security interest," the spokesperson said by email.

"This decision is important to advancing regional peace and Egypts specific and ongoing contributions to U.S. national security priorities, particularly to finalize a ceasefire agreement for Gaza, bring the hostages home, surge humanitarian assistance for Palestinians in need, and help bring an enduring end to the Israel-Hamas conflict," the spokesperson said.

Democrat Chris Murphy, who chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Committee's Middle East subcommittee, said Washington had previously withheld military aid from Egypt on human rights grounds while maintaining its strategic relationship with the country.

"It's no secret that Egypt remains a deeply repressive autocratic state, and I see no good reason to ignore that fact by waiving these requirements," Murphy said.

Cairo has remained a close regional ally of Washington despite accusations of widespread abuses under President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's government, including torture and enforced disappearances.

Sisi denies there are political prisoners in Egypt. He says stability and security are paramount and authorities are promoting rights by trying to provide basic needs such as jobs and housing.

The war in Gaza, sparked by the Oct. 7 attacks by Palestinian militants on southern Israel, has increased Washington's reliance on Cairo for diplomatic efforts like the ceasefire talks. Much-needed humanitarian aid for Palestinians in Gaza also enters from Egypt.

CONTINUED DETENTIONS

Blinken issued a similar waiver on the human rights conditions last year but withheld a portion of the military aid over Egypt's failure to make "clear and consistent progress" on the release of political prisoners.

This year, he determined that Egypt had made sufficient efforts on political prisoners to release $95 million tied to progress on the issue, the spokesperson said.

They cited Egypt's efforts to draft legislation to reform pretrial detention and the broader penal code, its release of some political prisoners and a move to end travel bans and asset freezes associated with foreign funding for nongovernmental organizations.

Rights groups have questioned how effective the draft legislation on pretrial detention would be for ending abusive practices and say some human rights lawyers remain under travel bans.

Seth Binder, director of advocacy for the Washington-based Middle East Democracy Center, said that while about 970 prisoners had been released since last September, at least 2,278 Egyptians were arbitrarily arrested over the same period, according to data collected by the center and Egyptian human rights groups.

There's no reasonable assessment where one could say there's been progress on the human rights situation in Egypt. It remains a huge crisis, Binder said, pointing to the tens of thousands of political prisoners still held in the country.

The State Department spokesperson said Washington was continuing "a rigorous dialogue with the Egyptian government on the importance of concrete human rights improvements that are crucial to sustaining the strongest possible U.S.-Egypt partnership."

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
This column is a part of Republic of Distrust, a series about the loss of trust in American institutions and what can be done to restore it. Yes, We Can Rein In a Rogue President

Bob Bauer has seen the presidency up close, both from working in the Obama administration as general counsel and serving as President Joe Bidens personal lawyer. He now thinks the office is broken, a reality made plain by four years of Donald Trump, who proved that the presidency is susceptible to the whims of whoever has the title.

In After Trump: Reconstructing the Presidency, Bauer and his co-writer Jack Goldsmith, who served in President George W. Bushs administration, outline more than 50 proposals for fixing the presidency. The duo also heads the Presidential Reform Project, a bipartisan group dedicated to shoring up the norms and laws governing the presidency. I reached out to Bauer for his views on what a second Trump presidency might mean for the already fraying constraints on the presidency, what Biden could do while still in power and what path to reforming the office will remain open no matter who holds it.

Nia-Malika Henderson: You wrote a book called After Trump when, in fact, there might be another Trump presidency?

Bob Bauer: We may see another Trump administration, but I certainly hope not. Hes made it very clear that he has a particular vision and understanding about what presidential authority is. Whether he says he is going to be a dictator just on day one, whatever day one may mean. Or laying out all sorts of claims for what he can do on his expressed belief that Article II permits him to do whatever he wants to do. So his rhetoric and the outlook it reflects have taken us in pretty extreme directions.

NH: But as you point out in your book, the excesses of the executive branch have been bipartisan.

BB: The path to the point we have reached was developed before he got to office. The left and the right, Democrats and Republicans, have an opportunistic view of presidential power. Were terrified of it when its in the hands of the other side. Were more than happy to exercise it creatively and aggressively when the power is in our own hands. For institutional reform to be successful, the Democrats and Republicans, left and right, must come together around some responsible understanding about executive power. The presidency as an institution badly needs reform, and that is partly because of expectations of the presidency that are always inflated and to which presidential candidates tend to cater. We need to build new guardrails and shore up those that are failing. Donald Trump is a case apart, but there is a whole background of disregarding guardrails around the institutions exercise of that authority that has brought us a little bit closer to the day when Trump can make these claims plausible, at least to a portion of the electorate.

NH: You and your co-author lay out 50 reforms in your book. Do you see any progress on what you propose?

BB: Our background assumption is that reform is hard. And institutional reform is very, very hard. Particularly in the polarized political atmosphere, we have to expect that progress is going to come in bits and pieces as you build coalitions around very specific reform initiatives. What weve tried to do is pick up a piece that we think is manageable and can attract bipartisan support and move us in the direction of more general institutional reform. But there are 50 reforms in the book and I will not live to see most.

NH: You did see progress on the Electoral Count Act, which was signed into law in January 2023.

BB: Yes, thats a model that we are attempting to follow for Insurrection Act reform. I dont know of anybody who doesnt agree that the Insurrection Act, which authorizes virtually unconstrained presidential deployment of troops in the homeland, is a bad piece of legislation. It has inscrutable terms, apparently open-ended grant of authority, no place whatsoever for Congress. In superintending how a president acts under that statute, its hard to imagine anybody seriously defending the way that statute has been put together and left sitting on the books. So, at the invitation of the American Law Institute, we brought Ds and together, left and right together, and we tried to lay out principles that people out to be able to agree on: restrictions on the grounds for which the president could claim authority and a process for congressional involvement, which would include, among other things, the ability to set time limits on any domestic military deployment. We had a unanimous outcome. There was no dissent within the group about whether this was the right map for reform.

NH: What other reforms are important to make?

BB: There are conversations that are taking place about the National Emergencies Act, the ability of the president under a whole array of statutes to proclaim emergencies, some of which stay on the books for decades after theyve been proclaimed. This effort does have bipartisan support on the Hill. How fast it moves to congressional consideration is another question. But there again, the question is, what level of accountability do we introduce into the exercise of presidential authority? How long can an emergency last without Congress having to approve its continuation? There are emergencies, by the way, that were declared in the 1970s that are still on the books.

NH: Is there something that Biden can do right now to safeguard the presidency from abuse?

BB: Im a firm believer in adding internal executive branch reforms to the agenda. Its true that a president who comes into office and whos hellbent on overturning them can do that. But whether its protecting against the politicization of the civil service and the Department of Justice, which is on the Trump agenda, we have to be laying down markers. And the advantage of laying down markers is that if theyre there and if somebody wants to walk away from them, itll be clear they walked away from them. And theyre going to have to provide a public defense. So, you have at least boxed them into the requirement of providing an explanation. Yes, they could be overturned by someone committed to overturning them, but they should have to overturn them. They should be forced into that posture. Another example are the opinions that the Department of Justices Office of Legal Counsel issued during the Bush administration in support of its counter-terrorism policies that take a completely unnecessarily expansive view of presidential war power. These opinions are lying on the desk waiting for someone to use them. Repeal them  have them reconsidered by the OLC and repeal.

NH: Biden could do that by himself tomorrow, right?

BB: Correct. Biden could, the president, any president could direct the attorney general to order the Office of Legal Counsel to reconsider those opinions. They rest on such tenuous authority that any such serious reconsideration would result in their rescission. Something else the attorney general could do is shore up the ethical requirements within the department that govern how attorneys in the Department of Justice respond to political pressure. Now, somebody could say, why would they supplement the ethics code? Why would a tightening of those requirements make a difference? Well, once again, youre trying to shore up norms. Youre trying to create an environment in which people can point to something and say, Im not able to accept that argument. Im not able to comply with that directive because it puts me in violation of the codes that bind me as a member of the Department of Justice legal staff. You want to create those, if you will, rocks on which people could stand. Jack and I have written letters to the Department of Justice and invited action to be taken. And it hasnt been.

NH: Why do you think it hasnt been taken? Is it just easier to leave it at the status quo?

BB: Sometimes an administration becomes very concerned, particularly under genuine policy pressures, about taking actions that might curb its authority. So someone might say, I dont think we should take these OLC opinions off the table. Well never use them. But why would we do that? Why would we handicap ourselves?

NH: But still, you sound very hopeful.

BB: There is progress here and there in fits and starts. I think there is a recognition of the issue. If a Trump-like president occupies the office, whether its Donald Trump or someone else and the Congress is in the hands of a party that is subservient to that kind of president, this whole reform process is going to become much more difficult. We arent worried that Joe Biden will not sign laws around this. And there are enough members of Congress in both the House and the Senate on both sides of the aisle that we can work with. But yes, it could take a dark turn depending on who occupies the Oval Office and what the majorities in the House and Senate look like.

With assistance from Elaine He and Carolyn Silverman.

This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners.

Nia-Malika Henderson is a politics and policy columnist for Bloomberg Opinion. A former senior political reporter for CNN and the Washington Post, she has covered politics and campaigns for almost two decades.

/opinion

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
By Michelle Nichols What is the UNGA and what will world leaders talk about?

UNITED NATIONS, Sept 11 - Every September world leaders travel to New York to address the start of the annual United Nations General Assembly session.

The six days of speeches to mark the beginning of the 79th session will start on Sept. 24.

WHO SPEAKS WHEN?

When the United Nations was formed in 1945 following World War Two, there were originally 51 members. That has since grown to 193 members. Leaders of two non-member observer states - known at the U.N. as the Holy See and the State of Palestine - and an observer member, the European Union, can also speak.

It is tradition for Brazil to always be the first member state to speak. This is because in the early years of the world body Brazil stepped up to speak first when other countries were reluctant to do so, say U.N. officials.

As host to the U.N. headquarters in New York, the United States is the second country to address the General Assembly.

From there the list is then based on hierarchy and generally a first come, first served basis. Heads of state speak first, followed by deputy heads of state and crown princes, heads of government, ministers, and lower-ranked heads of a delegation.

This year some 87 heads of state, three vice-presidents, two crown princes, 45 heads of government, eight deputy heads of government, 45 ministers, and four lower-ranked heads of a delegation are currently due to address the General Assembly.

Last year fewer than 12% of those to stand at the lectern were women.

HOW LONG WILL THEY SPEAK?

Leaders are asked to stick to a voluntary 15-minute time limit.

According to U.N. records, one of the longest speeches made during the opening of a General Assembly was by Cuban leader Fidel Castro in 1960 - he spoke for about four and a half hours. More recently, Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi spoke for more than one and a half hours in 2009.

WHAT WILL THEY TALK ABOUT?

Each high-level gathering to mark the start of the annual General Assembly session has a theme, which leaders tend to briefly reference before moving on to talking about whatever they want.

This year's theme is: "Leaving no one behind: acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations."

Some other topics likely to be spoken about by leaders include:

THE WAR IN GAZA

With the civilian death toll in Gaza ballooning to more than 41,000 people according to local health officials and the humanitarian situation deteriorating, many leaders are expected to call for a ceasefire in the war between Israel and Palestinian militants Hamas.

The conflict started nearly a year ago with the deadly Hamas attack on civilians in Israel on Oct. 7 - two weeks after world leaders had finished meeting at the last U.N. General Assembly.

After Israel began retaliating against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, the General Assembly on Oct. 27 called for an immediate humanitarian truce. It then overwhelming demanded an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in December.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu - who has long accused the U.N. of being anti-Israel - and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas are both scheduled to address the General Assembly on Sept. 26.

UKRAINE

Many world leaders are likely to call for an end to Russia's roughly two-and-a-half year war in Ukraine.

The General Assembly adopted six resolutions on the conflict in the first year - denouncing Moscow and demanding it withdraw all its troops. A resolution in October 2022 - condemning Russia's "attempted illegal annexation" of four regions in Ukraine - won the greatest support with 143 states voting yes.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is due to address the General Assembly on Sept. 25.

While Russian President Vladimir Putin virtually addressed the General Assembly in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, he has not physically travelled to New York for the event since 2015. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is instead due to speak to the General Assembly on Sept. 28.

CLIMATE

As the world struggles to hold global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, leaders of smaller island nations and other states most affected by climate changes are likely to use their speeches at the General Assembly to again make impassioned pleas for action.

U.N. SECURITY COUNCIL REFORM

Many world leaders - particularly from Africa and key powers including Brazil, Germany, India, and Japan - are likely to call for reform of the 15-member U.N. Security Council, which is charged with maintaining international peace and security.

It is an issue that has long been discussed by the General Assembly, but has gathered steam in recent years after Russia invaded Ukraine and then used its Security Council veto to block any action by the body. The United States has also long been criticized for shielding its ally Israel from council action.

Reform ideas include expanding the council's membership - through adding more permanent veto powers or short-term elected members - to better reflect the world and limiting the veto, currently held by the U.S., Russia, China, Britain and France.

Any changes to the Security Council membership is done by amending the founding U.N. Charter. This needs the approval and ratification by two-thirds of the General Assembly, including the Security Council's current five veto powers.

SUMMIT OF THE FUTURE

Before the leaders begin addressing the General Assembly, a two-day Summit of the Future will be held on Sept. 22-23. U.N. member states are currently negotiating three documents they hope to adopt on Sept. 22 - a pact for the future, a declaration on future generations and a global digital compact.

Speaking to Reuters on Wednesday, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said it was "absolutely essential" to ambitiously use the summit to come up with "adequate governance for the world of today."

He argued for reform of the 15-member U.N. Security Council, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund and for global governance of artificial intelligence and other emerging challenges.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
China will "crush" any foreign incursion into its sovereign territory including in the South China Sea, a senior Beijing military official said Thursday on the sidelines of a defence forum.

Washington and Beijing have verbally sparred over China's increasingly assertive approach in disputed maritime regions, including the South China Sea.

In recent months, Chinese vessels have engaged in a series of high-profile confrontations with Philippine ships in the waters, which Beijing claims almost in their entirety despite an international court ruling that its assertion has no legal basis.

Speaking to a small group of journalists including AFP at the Xiangshan forum, Chinese army Lieutenant General He Lei said: "We hope that the South China Sea will remain a sea of peace."

But, he said, "if the United States moves its pawns behind the scenes, if it pushes countries to the front line, or if the United States itself ends up on the front line, then we in the Chinese People's Liberation Army... will never have any patience".

"We in the Chinese People's Liberation Army will resolutely crush any foreign hostile encroachment on China's territorial, sovereign and maritime rights and interests with firm determination, staunch will, strong capability and effective means," He said.

On Wednesday, China and the Philippines held what they called "candid" talks on South China Sea issues, in particular over a disputed reef that has become a hotspot for recent bilateral clashes.

"Both sides agreed to continue discussions on areas of cooperation, especially on hotline mechanisms, coast guard cooperation, and marine scientific and technological cooperation," a readout from the Philippine foreign ministry said.

And on Thursday, Lieutenant General He said a resolution to tensions between Beijing and Washington over the issue "depends on the United States".

He also confirmed that US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Michael Chase would attend this week's Xiangshan forum in Beijing.

"I hope that during his visit, during his meetings here, Michael Chase will listen more to the voices of China and the Chinese military," he said.

"The message we are sending to the United States is that we want the two countries and armies to be partners, to be friends, we want to pursue China-US relations featuring win-win cooperation," he said.

"We want the United States to make more contributions to regional and world peace, security and stability," he added.

Scores of delegates were in the Chinese capital Thursday for the Xiangshan forum, dubbed China's answer to Singapore's annual "Shangri-La" meeting.

It is set to host more than 500 representatives from over 90 countries and international organisations, organisers have said.

Official speeches are expected on Friday, when the forum's opening ceremony will take place and top military representatives from Russia, Pakistan, Singapore, Iran, Germany and others will participate in roundtable discussion.
A wildfire ravaging the hills near Los Angeles had swelled in size by over 1,000 percent by Wednesday, torching dozens of homes and prompting a state of emergency.

The Bridge Fire is one of three out-of-control blazes that have erupted around the United States' second-biggest city, fueled by a punishing heat wave and fanned by gusting winds.

Authorities issued widespread evacuation orders as the fire tore through the towns of Wrightwood and Mt Baldy, destroying at least 33 homes, several cabins, and racing through a ski resort.

"We live in the canyon so that fire was coming right in there, and you couldn't take anything out of there," local resident Jenny Alaniz emotionally told broadcaster KTLA.

"I got the dogs out. Our house is gonna burn," she sobbed.

An AFP journalist in Wrightwood witnessed the aftermath of the fire, where the charred shells of buildings and vehicles stood shrouded in smoke.

The fire broke out early Sunday afternoon in Angeles National Forest north of Los Angeles, and initially remained fairly small.

But by Wednesday afternoon it had roared to 49,000 acres (20,000 hectares), fueled by thick brush that carried the flames into the San Bernardino County community of Wrightwood and the Mountain High ski resort.

Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said three people -- including one of his deputies -- were trapped by the fire in a remote area near Mt. Baldy.

He said thick smoke and blocked roads were hampering the rescue effort.

"Our air rescue crew is working to hoist them out once the smoke clears, and LA County Fire is also trying to get a four-by-four vehicle to get them out," Luna told reporters.

He said all three were understood to be in good health.

Southeast of Los Angeles, the Airport Fire continued to grow Wednesday, racing through vegetation and damaging several homes.

Cal Fire, the statewide fire agency, said seven people had been hurt in the blaze, which has now charred more than 22,000 acres (8,900 hectares).

The blaze erupted on Monday and began racing up canyons and hillsides, including Santiago Peak, which is home to radio and television broadcast towers, though the fire appeared to have left them undamaged.

The flames were also hurtling downslope toward Lake Elsinore, with video from the area showing some structures and vehicles consumed by fire.

Dramatic photographs taken by an AFP journalist show towering walls of flame.

Northeast of Los Angeles, the Line Fire has now burned nearly 35,000 acres.

A number of mountain communities were ordered to evacuate, in an area popular with tourists, and several major access roads were blocked.

Police in San Bernardino County have arrested a man in connection with the fire.

Justin Wayne Halstenberg, 34, from Norco was detained late Tuesday on suspicion of starting the blaze.

California Governor Gavin Newsom, who has declared a state of emergency in response to the fires, visited the command post at the Line Fire on Wednesday.

"California is deploying every available resource to combat these devastating fires, and we'll continue to work in lockstep with federal and local partners in this herculean effort," he said.

More than 5,700 emergency personnel are responding to the three fires, his office said, along with dozens of aircraft and over 500 fire engines.

"We are deeply grateful to all the heroic firefighters and first responders... working 24/7 to keep Californians safe," Newsom said.

A persistent heat wave that has gripped much of southern California for a week was easing Wednesday, and officials were hopeful that lower temperatures might make the battle against the fires easier.

Wildfires are a natural part of the wilderness cycle and are not unusual in California and other parts of the US West at this time of year.

But after two relatively mild fire years, 2024 is shaping up to be significant.

A couple of very wet winters generated abundant growth of vegetation, which has now dried out after a long, hot summer, leaving behind lots of fuel.
The signing of Ramada Encore by Wyndham Labasa, Damodar City marks the first hotel for the brand in Fiji and the first for Wyndham Hotels & Resorts on Vanua Levu.

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world's largest hotel franchising company with approximately 9,200 hotels in more than 95 countries, announced the signing of Ramada Encore by Wyndham Labasa, Damodar City with the Damodar Group. This signing marks the entry of the Ramada Encore brand in Fiji and the first property in the Wyndham system to be located on the island of Vanua Levu, offering more diversified travel options for travelers in Fiji.

With bustling international ports and airports, coupled with its breathtaking natural environment, Fiji stands as one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in the Asia-Pacific region. According to Visa's Asia Pacific Destination Forecasts 2023-2025: FIJI, the country is expected to attract 1.13 million international visitors by the end of 2024. As demand for international visitors traveling to Fiji continues to pick up, it is predicted that Fiji will draw in 1.32 million visitors by the end of 2025.

"The signing of Ramada Encore by Wyndham Labasa, Damodar City reinforces our commitment to growing our global footprint and our overarching dedication to our Owner First approach, helping our owners succeed. Together, with Damodar Group, we're making hotel travel possible by bringing new hotels to stunning destinations where we know our guests want to go." - Matt Holmes, VP, Business Development Southeast Asia & the Pacific Rim, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

"Fiji is a magical destination with a flourishing tourism segment. This new hotel will fuse together style and convenience, allowing business and leisure travelers to experience the beautiful Labasa region. Ramada Encore by Wyndham Labasa, Damodar City will perfectly cater to the needs of both local and international guests seeking high quality accommodations with the world renown Fijian hospitality." - Div Damodar, CEO, Damodar Group

In line with the growth in Fiji, Ramada Encore by Wyndham Labasa, Damodar City stands as the newest addition to Fiji's flourishing hospitality sector and will be the only internationally branded hotel in Labasa. The 40-room hotel will cater to both corporate and leisure travelers, with high-quality and generously sized rooms, meeting and conference facilities and extensive food and beverage options. Located within Damodar City, which has already established itself as the main commercial and retail precinct within Labasa, the hotel will offer easy access to a wide variety of retail and food and beverage options, in addition to the brand-new cinema complex.

Ramada Encore by Wyndham is created for business and leisure travelers looking to explore the world with locations in top destinations throughout Latin America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Ramada Encore by Wyndham Labasa, Damodar City is scheduled to open later this year, catering to both business and leisure travelers seeking quality accommodations and genuine Fijian hospitality.

For more information on development opportunities with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, please visit https://development.wyndhamhotels.com/.
Vignette Collection Mallorca - Finca Banyols joins a pipeline of six Spanish Luxury & Lifestyle properties.

IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), one of the world's leading hotel companies, will introduce its Vignette Collection brand to Spain following an agreement with Prevario Banyols [Owner] and Hotel Collection International - HCI [Management].

Vignette Collection Mallorca - Finca Banyols illustrates IHG's growth in Spain, adding to our presence with nine Luxury and Lifestyle hotels in the country. The hotel joins a growing portfolio of Vignette Collection properties around the world, which is set to reach 100 hotels in 10 years, bolstering IHG's luxury and lifestyle portfolio, one of the world's largest.

Poised to open in the first half of 2025, the 45-guestrooms property will be located in the historical destination of Alaro, Mallorca - the largest of Spain's Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea.

Vignette Collection Mallorca - Finca Banyols, surrounded by vineyards and olive trees will provide distinctive cuisine offering a causal restaurant, stylish bar and a signature fine-dining restaurant. The hotel will also feature spa treatment rooms and one indoor and one outdoor pool, as well as substantial events space.

Vignette Collection is IHG Hotels & Resorts' first collection brand and represents a curation of distinct hand-picked hotels, each offering one-of-a-kind stays in destinations to remember. The hotel will join a global portfolio of 24 open Vignette Collection properties, each unique in their identities yet united by the vision to offer a more authentic way to travel, backed by the reassurance of IHG's trusted reputation and leading loyalty offer.

(Mrs) Willemijn Geels, Vice President, Development, Europe, IHG Hotels & Resorts, commented: "It is thanks to the trust of our partners Prevario Banyols and Hotel Collection International, who believe in IHG's diverse portfolio and the power of our enterprise - that we can bring the first Vignette Collection property to Spain. As one of our key growth markets in Europe, we are thrilled to see our continued expansion in the country through new brands in new locations.

As our luxury conversion brand, Vignette Collection introduces a new offering to Spain which allows owners to retain the independent identity and character of their hotels, whilst providing guests with a one-of-a-kind stay. I look forward to seeing Vignette Collection Mallorca - Finca Banyols join our growing Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio in Europe and further accelerate the presence of our brands in the region."

Vignette Collection appeals to owners of world-class independent Luxury & Lifestyle hotels seeking to quickly benefit from IHG's powerful technology and revenue systems, operational expertise and loyalty offer, without the need for high upfront costs or compromise on a property's unique character, style or name. For Luxury & Lifestyle travellers, it meets an increasing appetite for one-of-a-kind stays.

Antonio Juan Baker Schreyer owner of Prevario Banyols, said: "We are delighted to be partnering with IHG to bring the first Vignette Collection property to Spain and provide guests with an immersive and personalised experience.

Finca Banyols is our first hotel and for that reason we wanted IHG, which has built a reputation for creating exceptional luxury destinations around the world, which is why we were confident in bringing the Vignette Collection to Spain."

Since launching in 2021, Vignette Collection has rapidly expanded. In Europe, Vignette Collection Mallorca - Finca Banyols joins a pipeline of eight Vignette Collection properties and three open including Vignette Collection Casa da Companhia and Vignette Collection Lisbon Convent Square in Portugal, and The Halyard Liverpool, Vignette Collection in the UK.

*Numbers as at 30 June 2024
Steve is an experienced sound system designer and industry educator with over 20 years of experience. He has supported the delivery of major audio installation projects at iconic venues such as Wembley Stadium, The Royal Albert Hall and most recently The Gasvaerks, Copenhagen. His vast industry experience and renowned technical knowledge has assisted in the success of live performances at eminent live events such as Glastonbury and Download Festivals, West End and Broadway productions such as Warhorse, Starlight Express and Come From Away, and innovative touring concerts such as Bjorks Cornupia tour, where Steve led the system design and implementation of this ground-breaking d&b Soundscape deployment. At d&b audiotechnik Steve initially led the d&b Education and Application Support team in the UK and created a industry-respected training program. He is now Head of Education & Application Support for Europe, Middle East and Africa, leading a team of highly skilled engineers, technical application trainers and industry educators to support the regions partners and end-users
To unlock new areas of growth, hospitality entrepreneurs and managers around the world are launching new concepts that break with conventions. From a Japanese hotel that doubles as a fashion label to a Parisian Cafe that produces its own music, these concepts are blurring the lines between media, retail, and hospitality. At the same time, technology, consumer behaviors, and deregulation are also forcing hoteliers, restaurateurs, and service providers to review the fundamentals of their value proposition and go beyond their traditional role as a provider of "places to sleep and eat". This is a time of great opportunity for hospitality and F&B businesses, and this course will help you understand these opportunities and seize them with a confident hand, allowing you to create and implement successful new concepts for existing businesses or new ventures.

Why take this course ?

Design and develop a successful hospitality concept - from the strategic and creative level down to the day-to-day operations.

Understand how existing hotels, restaurants, cafes, bars, and private clubs can be turned around with a strong concept

Youri Sawerschel - Senior Lecturer

Youri Sawerschel is the Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Creative Supply, a creative consultancy present in Zurich and Paris. Solicited for his creative thinking skills, Youri has been involved with projects focused on creating, launching and managing brands in Europe, China and the Middle-East. He has worked with brands as diverse as Kempinski Hotels, UBS, EPFL and Mondelez. Youri is also the author of dozens of articles on the topics of brand strategy, storytelling and entrepreneurship and is a lecturer at ESSEC Business School in Paris, at EHL Hospitality Business School and at Geneva School of Business (HEG). Youri graduated from the Ecole des Arts Decoratifs in Geneva and holds a Bachelor from EHL Hospitality Business School.

This event is organized by EHL Graduate School
New York Citys Safe Hotels Act is designed to address critical safety concerns for hotel workers and guests, but its sweeping regulations are raising concerns about the impact on the citys hospitality sector. Introduced by Councilmember Julie Menin, the bill seeks to enhance safety protocols in hotels by requiring panic buttons for employees, direct employment for essential staff, and a mandatory hotel licensing system overseen by the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP). While the intent of the legislation is to close gaps in worker and guest protection, the financial and operational costs it could impose on hotels have drawn sharp criticism.

Safety First: The Acts Core Provisions

The Safe Hotels Act mandates that hotel staff, including housekeepers and front desk workers, must be directly employed by the hotel, eliminating the flexibility of outsourcing. This shift aims to increase accountability, as directly employed staff are seen as more integral to hotel operations and safety compliance. Additionally, panic buttons are to be provided for workers in isolated roles, particularly those at risk of harassment or violence while working alone in guest rooms or corridors. These safety measures come in response to high-profile incidents, such as the tragic 2021 murder at the Umbrella Hotel in Queens, and are intended to make hotels safer environments for both workers and guests.

Furthermore, the bill seeks to combat human trafficking by prohibiting hourly-rate hotels, a known avenue for illicit activity. By tightening control over hotel operations, the bills supporters argue that the industry can reduce the risks of crime and misconduct.

Economic and Operational Concerns

Despite the good intentions behind the legislation, the hotel industry has expressed deep concerns about the financial burden these new regulations could impose. Small, independently owned hotels, which often rely on outsourced labor to manage costs, could face operational challenges under the requirement to hire full-time staff. This loss of flexibility could lead to job cuts or reduced services, as operators struggle to balance safety regulations with shrinking profit margins.

For larger hotels, the cost of complianceparticularly the requirement to upgrade security systems and employ full-time workerscould still be significant. But for smaller properties, the potential closure due to non-compliance or excessive costs is an even more immediate threat. The hospitality sector, already weakened by the economic fallout from COVID-19, could find itself facing new hurdles just as it begins to recover.

The hotel industry is also wary of the licensing requirement, which places hotels under the regulatory purview of the DCWP. This new oversight adds another layer of compliance in an already heavily regulated industry. Critics argue that the potential for subjective decisionssuch as whether a hotels noise levels are acceptable or whether security measures are adequatecould create instability. Licensing decisions could theoretically be influenced by third-party pressures, creating a precarious situation for hotel operators who may lose their licenses over disputes that have little to do with actual safety.

Could the Act Make NYC Uninvestable?

Industry experts warn that the Safe Hotels Act could make New York City an unattractive market for future hotel investment. Investors may be reluctant to finance projects in a city where hotels are subject to increasingly stringent regulations that could disrupt operations or lead to closures. The prohibition of hourly-rate hotels, though aimed at curbing human trafficking, may also affect budget hotels that cater to low-income residents and travelers, inadvertently pushing vulnerable populations further into the margins.

For an industry that contributed over $74 billion to New York Citys economy in 2023 alone, the consequences of stifling growth and investment could be profound. If smaller hotels are forced to shut down or if future developments are discouraged, the long-term health of the hospitality sector could be at risk. This is especially concerning as New York Citys tourism industry continues to recover from the financial devastation of the pandemic.

Finding a Balanced Solution

There is no question that hotel safety needs to be improved, and the Safe Hotels Act is an attempt to address valid concerns. However, the implementation of such regulations must be balanced with the operational realities faced by hotels. A more flexible approach could allow hotels, particularly smaller ones, to adopt safety measures in ways that suit their financial capacities. The act could also consider phased implementation timelines to ease the financial burden and allow hotels time to adapt.

New York Citys hotel industry is diverse, and a one-size-fits-all approach may not be the most effective way to ensure safety. As the legislation moves forward, lawmakers must carefully consider its broader economic impact. The Safe Hotels Act, in its current form, risks undermining the very industry it seeks to regulate. If New York City is to remain a competitive, thriving destination for travelers, it must find a way to protect workers and guests without driving hotels out of business.

In the end, the safety of hotel workers and guests should not come at the cost of making New York City uninvestable for future development. A compromise must be reachedone that ensures safety while supporting the hospitality industrys ongoing recovery and growth.
The 19th meeting of the Committee (CTS) brought together the elected members of the Committee from Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Europe and the Americas. A total of 140 leading policymakers and experts reflected in-depth on pathways for balancing growth and prosperity with inclusiveness and sustainability. Over the course of two days, special Thematic Sessions focused on the key sustainability challenges posed as the sector continues to grow, with an expected 35 billion domestic, same-day and international visitors expected to travel annually by 2030.

UN Tourism Executive Director Zoritsa Urosevic emphasized the significance of the meeting, noting, "This is the first time that the committee has met for two days to reflect and deeply discuss strategic topics for a science based global tourism agenda, its sustainability, and future resilience."

William Rodriguez, Costa Rica's Minister of Tourism, added, "Costa Rica is honored to host the representatives of the UN Tourism's Committee on Tourism and Sustainability. We see it as a great challenge to lead discussions on issues that are so relevant to the environmental, social, and economic future of the member countries, always striving for tourism to follow a model of sustainable, inclusive, and innovative management, as promoted by our country."

Towards Collective and Consistent Actions

The Committee on Tourism and Sustainability put the spotlight on the key sustainability-related challenges facing tourism today, drawing on the expertise of the experts and committee members under the leadership of Costa Rica. Structured in five thematic sessions, the discussions focused on:

The Future of Tourism : The Committee addressed the critical balance between growth and sustainability in the tourism sector, emphasizing the importance of fostering well-being and prosperity for local communities. Discussions centered on the pathways needed to ensure tourism drives economic growth and cultural enrichment while navigating the challenges of a rapidly evolving world.

: The Committee addressed the critical balance between growth and sustainability in the tourism sector, emphasizing the importance of fostering well-being and prosperity for local communities. Discussions centered on the pathways needed to ensure tourism drives economic growth and cultural enrichment while navigating the challenges of a rapidly evolving world. Climate Action and Circularity : Ahead of COP29, participants welcomed UN Tourism communication that tourism is included for the first time in the COP29 climate conference action agenda. Discussions also covered progress achieved implementing the Glasgow Declaration, including the measurement and mitigation of tourism's related greenhouse gas emissions, adaptation to climate change impacts, and explored future actions.

: Ahead of COP29, participants welcomed UN Tourism communication that tourism is included for the first time in the COP29 climate conference action agenda. Discussions also covered progress achieved implementing the Glasgow Declaration, including the measurement and mitigation of tourism's related greenhouse gas emissions, adaptation to climate change impacts, and explored future actions. Nature-Positive Tourism : Reaffirming a shared commitment to nature-positive practices, including ecosystem restoration and protection, and centering nature in tourism policies. The session highlighted the opportunities presented by nature-positive tourism, particularly for emerging destinations, in line with the work of the Nature Positive Tourism Alliance.

: Reaffirming a shared commitment to nature-positive practices, including ecosystem restoration and protection, and centering nature in tourism policies. The session highlighted the opportunities presented by nature-positive tourism, particularly for emerging destinations, in line with the work of the Nature Positive Tourism Alliance. Green Claims and Certifications: The Committee discussed the current challenges and important political discussions related to certification systems, particularly in light of the European Commission's directives. The importance of consistent standards was highlighted, recognizing the unique contexts of individual destinations.

Taking Inspiration from Global Good Practice

In discussing the balance between destination development, resource use, biodiversity, and cultural heritage preservation, the CTS presented several examples of positive solutions from diverse destinations. Costa Rica's Social Progress Index (SPI) was included in discussions on ensuring tourism's growth aligns with nature-positive principles and inclusive prosperity. Fiji's process to transpose the Climate Change Act into tourism policies and operations was highlighted. Iceland was also presented as an example of smart tourism management, balancing growth with sustainable development and reducing the sector's ecological footprint.

A Call to Action: Join Us at COP16 and COP29

The Committee concluded with a strong call to action, urging all nations to join in taking these crucial discussions to the global stage. The upcoming COP16 of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and COP29 of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) will be pivotal moments for integrating tourism strategies into broader environmental and climate agendas. These conferences represent critical opportunities to align our sector's efforts with global sustainability goals.

The Committee invites countries to unite at these key forums, ensuring that tourism plays a central role in shaping a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient future for our planet.
The Hague  Hotelschool The Hague announces insights from its first Yearly Outlook report, revealing that international business travel has fully recovered, surpassing pre-pandemic levels by 2% in 2024. This recovery marks a significant milestone for the global hospitality industry. In combination with key trends such as extended stays, shifts in accommodation preferences, and the rise of sustainable travel practices taking center stage. Authored by Jeroen Oskam, Director of the school's Research Centre, the report offers strategic insights for industry leaders entering a phase that is different from pre-pandemic times, driven by new developments in business travel.

The school is proud to present a new series of Yearly Outlook studies, developed by the Research Centre. This highly anticipated report provides the global community of hospitality professionals with critical insights into emerging trends and developments, with a particular focus on the future of business travel. Business travellers play a pivotal role within the tourism industry, contributing significantly to international travel, GDP, and business revenues.

In light of recent disruptions and evolving challenges, this forward-looking study aims not only to reflect on the past but, more importantly, to anticipate future developments and uncertainties in the realm of business travel. By doing so, it offers strategic insights to help hospitality leaders navigate the ever-evolving landscape of the industry.

Key findings from the Yearly Outlook include:

Recovery of International Travel: By 2024, international travel arrivals have surpassed 2019 levels by 2%, signalling a full recovery in the sector. In Amsterdam, there was a 13% decrease in business traveller numbers, offset by an increase in the average length of stay from 2.34 to 2.71 days. Notably, more business travellers opted for 3-star accommodations, marking a shift in preferences.

By 2024, international travel arrivals have surpassed 2019 levels by 2%, signalling a full recovery in the sector. In Amsterdam, there was a 13% decrease in business traveller numbers, offset by an increase in the average length of stay from 2.34 to 2.71 days. Notably, more business travellers opted for 3-star accommodations, marking a shift in preferences. Future of Business Travel: The report outlines a baseline scenario that predicts a sustainable, personalised, and seamless business travel experience by 2035. This future will likely be driven by AI integration, shifts in travel patternssuch as an increase in short-haul trips, longer stays combining business and leisureand a growing focus on sustainability.

The report outlines a baseline scenario that predicts a sustainable, personalised, and seamless business travel experience by 2035. This future will likely be driven by AI integration, shifts in travel patternssuch as an increase in short-haul trips, longer stays combining business and leisureand a growing focus on sustainability. Potential Disruptors: The study also analyses several potential disruptors to these trends. These include socio-political shifts that could reverse sustainability efforts, risks associated with AI-assisted travel, the decline of less attractive business destinations, and the impact of global geopolitical tensions.

The Yearly Outlook provides practical recommendations for hospitality professionals and tourism policymakers. These recommendations focus on building resilience, anticipating changes in business travel preferences, leveraging AI and technological advancements, and promoting sustainable practices within the industry.

By sharing this report with our industry partners, we aim to provide the hospitality community with timely, relevant, and strategic insights into the future of business travel, said Jeroen Oskam, Director of the Research Centre at Hotelschool The Hague. We believe this knowledge will empower industry leaders to prepare for and adapt to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

For more information or to read the Yearly Outlook, please click HERE or visit www.hotelschool.nl/yearly-outlook

About Hotelschool The Hague

Hotelschool The Hague is one of the oldest independent hotel schools in the world, with two campuses, one in The Hague and one in Amsterdam, and more than 2850 students and 250 employees. The school offers a four-year Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality Management, a Fast-Track Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality Management, a 13-month Master of Business Administration in International Hospitality Management, a Master in Leading Hotel Transformation, and a Professional Doctorate Programme in Leisure, Tourism & Hospitality.

Hotelschool The Hague has been voted the best public hotel school in The Netherlands since 2014 and ranks among the top hospitality management schools worldwide according to QS World University Rankings.

The school is the proud founder of the Sustainable Hospitality Challenge, an international student competition that aims to enhance the evolution of sustainable hospitality.

The school invites industry stakeholders to engage in research within the realm of international hospitality management, with emphasis on the evolution of sustainability and digitalisation initiatives.

Graduates of Hotelschool The Hague hold management positions in the hospitality industry worldwide. www.hotelschool.nl

Nina de Graaf

Hotelschool The Hague

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Marriott Bonvoy recently officially launched its 2024 Taste of Wonders F&B marketing campaign in Greater China with the debut of a food documentary titled Taste of Wonders, Flavors of North and South. Developed in collaboration with renowned Chinese documentary director Chen Xiaoqing, the film explores the vibrant people and culture behind Chinese cuisine, and centers around the Chinese word Xian, which means both fresh ingredients and delicate flavor. As part of the campaign, over 300 Chinese restaurants across Greater China will create themed menus based on Seasonal Cuisines, Wine/Tea Pairing, Home Style Dishes and Local Menu Co-Creation.

Exploring Connections: Fresh Food, Seasonal Emblems and Hometown Memories Taste of Wonders, Flavors of North and South delves into the emotional connections people have with food. Director and advisor to the campaign Chen Xiaoqing commented, Our ancestors took inspiration for the word Xian from the harvests of the land, lakes and seas. This single word represents not only a rich history, but also a philosophy about the cyclical rhythm of natures four seasons and their association with peoples longing for home.

I am thrilled to once again team up with director Chen Xiaoqing to take food enthusiasts on a culinary journey through the vast and diverse landscape of China, expressed Michael Malik, Chief Operations Officer, Greater China at Marriott International. We have always strived to provide top-notch dining experiences tailored to local palates. In today's dining scene, there is a growing emphasis on freshness and seasonality. In 2024, 'Taste of Wonders' will spotlight our Chinese restaurants, leveraging our distinct Chinese cuisine brands and talented chefs to offer guests multi-faceted dining experiences. We hope to be a favorite dining destination where connect diners with one another.

With the launch of the campaign, over 300 Marriott Bonvoys Chinese restaurants will center around the theme of "Xian and invite guests to embark on a cross-country voyage of food discovery.

A "Taste of Wonders, Flavors of North and South" launch dinner was hosted at the newly opened Renaissance Beijing Haidian Hotel. The dinner was orchestrated by 7 young and talented chefs from Marriott Bonvoy hotels in Greater China, drew inspiration from the Xian concept and presented a culinary journey that condensed flavors of the South to the North.

About Marriott Bonvoy

Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott Internationals award-winning travel program and marketplace, gives members access to transformative, eye-opening experiences around the corner and across the globe. Marriott Bonvoys portfolio of more than 30 extraordinary hotel brands offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable destinations in the world. Members can earn points for stays at hotels and resorts, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, as well as through everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for experiences including future stays, Marriott Bonvoy Moments, or through partners for luxurious products from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques. With the Marriott Bonvoy app, members enjoy a level of personalization and contactless experience that allows them to travel with peace of mind. To enroll for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy, visit marriottbonvoy.com. To download the Marriott Bonvoy app, go here. Travelers can also connect with Marriott Bonvoy on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.

A Gathering of Tastemakers to Highlight the Future of Dining

In accordance with the campaign launch, Marriott International also held the first F&B Inner Circle Panel to discuss the latest insights on the food & beverage industry. Four of Chinas leading F&B critics including Xiao Kuan, Huang Ke, Hou Decheng, and Qin Chao were invited to engage in an in-depth dialogue with Marriott International representatives. The session unpacked the cutting-edge trends and perspectives shaping the current industry landscape, shedding light on the groups localization strategy for catering moving forward.
Radisson Hotel Fairview Heights - St. Louis in Fairview Heights, Illinois - Image Credit Choice Hotels

Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) further expanded its upscale portfolio with the opening of the Radisson Hotel Fairview Heights - St. Louis in Fairview Heights, Illinois. With nearly 10,000 square feet of meeting spaces and amenities including a heated indoor pool, state-of-the art fitness center, and on-site bar and restaurant, the property is ideal for business and leisure travelers alike who are planning a visit to the St. Louis area.

Conveniently located near downtown St. Louis, the newest Radisson is less than 30 minutes from both St. Louis Lambert International Airport and St. Louis Downtown Airport and offers easy access to popular attractions like the iconic Gateway Arch, Busch Stadium, St. Louis Aquarium and the Budweiser Brewery Experience. The four-story, 119-room hotel offers a clean and modern nature-inspired design and a variety of thoughtful features and services designed to provide guests with a harmonious stay. All guest rooms have a dedicated ergonomic work area, free WiFi, a flat screen TV, refrigerator and microwave, and sofa beds are offered in the hotel's larger suites.

Choice Hotels, with a franchise-first focus and an industry-leading retention rate, has been committed to providing its hotel owners with the support they need to succeed since it launched the country's first hotel chain in 1941. Today, Choice offers franchisees a suite of cutting-edge cloud-based solutions, including the choiceEDGE central reservation platform and Your Key to Profit, a mobile-friendly platform with profitability tools like G3, a revenue management resource to help franchisees effectively manage room rates, distribution channels, and inventory. Additionally, Choice University, the most widely awarded learning program in the hospitality industry, delivers customized and always evolving learning and development resources. From pre-opening to grand opening and every day forward, Choice provides hotel owners with best-in-class resources to help them maximize the return on their investment.
Massimo Brancaleoni - Image Credit Kempinski

The luxury hospitality group Kempinski Hotels announced the arrival of Massimo Brancaleoni as of 1 November 2024. Amanda Elder steps down to pursue other opportunities.

An Italian national, Massimo Brancaleoni, who most recently held the position of Senior Vice President Sales and Revenues at Silversea Cruises, brings over 25 years of commercial experience to his new role as Chief Commercial Officer. He has a proven track record of leading large teams and developing profitable global sales strategies. Massimo spent a significant part of his career, a total of 20 years, with the cruise ship company Costa Crociere. He began as Pricing & Revenue Management Director, and then progressed to become Vice President Asia Pacific Operations, Vice President Worldwide Sales Services and was later promoted to Senior Vice President Global Sales. Throughout his various positions, he worked in locations such as Paris, Genoa, Hong Kong, Madrid, Miami and Monaco.

Brancaleoni was educated at the University of Economics in Genoa and the IESE Business School in Barcelona. Since 2022, he has been a guest lecturer in the Economics of Cruise, Ferry and Yachting Industries at Universita degli Studi di Genova.

We are thrilled to welcome Massimo, a seasoned tourism leader with an international background and immense strategic expertise. With his in-depth knowledge in Pricing & Revenue Management, Commercial Planning and Operations as well as in Digital Transformation, he will be a great asset to Kempinski in shaping the growth and success as we move into a new era, states Barbara Muckermann, Chief Executive Officer Kempinski Group. At the same time, we thank Amanda Elder for her incredible commitment to our company over the past nine years and her outstanding motivational and inspiring leadership. We wish her only the best of success for her future and look forward to welcoming her again as a guest in one of our hotels around the globe.

I am very honoured to join Kempinski Hotels at this exciting point in time, says Massimo Brancaleoni on his appointment. As the company is working on a new global strategy and will be reviving the brand over the coming years, I am more than happy to be part of this journey and to shape the future of this iconic luxury hotel group as we move forward.
Marina Inn & Suites Chalmette-New Orleans - Image Credit HVS

HVS Brokerage & Advisory announces the sale of the 130-key Marina Inn & Suites Chalmette-New Orleans, located at 5353 Paris Road, Chalmette, Louisiana 70043.



The property, built in 1985, was purchased by AMAL Hospitality, based in Port Lavaca, Texas, from Marina Motel, Inc., based in Chalmette, Louisiana.



Raymi Anderson, Partner of Marina Motel, Inc., commented, Were very appreciative of Matt and Andrews work to ensure the successful sale of our hotel. Their determination to find the right buyer and assist them in securing proper financing was instrumental, especially given the challenges we faced with the market conditions. Thanks to the HVS teams dedication, we were able to confidently close this chapter and embark on our next story.



The property is favorably located adjacent to the Gulf Outlet Marina Boat Launch, which connects to Bayou Bienvenue and Lake Borgne, ideal for leisure water activities. Furthermore, the property is situated along Paris Road/State Highway 47 and is within ten miles of New Orleans, offering easy access to multiple demand generators in the area and positioning it as an attractive option for business and leisure travelers visiting the region. Leisure demand generators include the French Quarter District, Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, Bourbon Street, the National World War II Museum, the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, the Gulf Coast, and Sabine Lake.



Our team is thrilled to announce the successful closing of the Marina Inn & Suites. It was a privilege to work with the seller, whose family has owned and operated this property since its construction in 1985. We leveraged our expertise in the Louisiana market and our team's nationwide reach, which enabled us to connect the right out-of-state buyer to this deal. We are gratified by the outcome of this deal and look forward to seeing the buyers success, said Matt Almy, Senior Associate of HVS Brokerage & Advisory.



HVS Brokerage & Advisory team members Matt Almy, Andrew Frosch, Fadi Rawashdeh, and Kyle Peterek participated in this transaction, while Eric Vincent Guerrero, a Louisiana-licensed real estate broker, served as the broker of record.
Kimpton Rockefeller Center Hotel to Open Late 2025 - Image Credit IHG Hotels & Resorts



Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants expands its New York City presence in partnership with Extell Development Company

Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts' luxury and lifestyle portfolio, today announces plans for a new boutique luxury hotel in New York City. Marking the brand's third hotel in the market, Kimpton Rockefeller Center will serve as a stylish gateway to quintessential New York from the heart of one of the city's most sought after destinations. Developed in partnership with Extell Development Company, the hotel is set to open in late 2025.

Perfectly positioned at Rockefeller Center's doorstep with a bird's eye view of the bustling plaza below, the 33-story hotel will be brought to life by New York City-based SLCE Architects and interior design studio INC Architecture & Design. In addition to expansive, coveted views of the city skyline, the design-forward hotel will feature 529 guest rooms and inspired social spaces, including two full-service restaurants, a lobby lounge and a rooftop bar. Additional amenities will include a fitness center and two spaces to host unique meetings and social gatherings. The hotel will also offer several beloved Kimpton perks and programs, along with pet-friendly policies.

Leanne Harwood, SVP, Managing Director for Luxury & Lifestyle Americas at IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: "New York City has always been one of the world's most exciting destinations, and we're thrilled to be expanding Kimpton's presence in this important market with Extell Development Company. With its unparalleled location in the center of the city, Kimpton Rockefeller Center will welcome guests with an inspiring boutique luxury setting while opening the door to the endless expansive experiences the destination has to offer."

Located on 48th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, Kimpton Rockefeller Center will provide travelers with an ideal launch point for exploration. Those seeking to experience classic New York can easily stroll to some of the city's most notable landmarks, including Radio City Music Hall, Central Park, St. Patrick's Cathedral, the Theater District, or indulge in premier shopping along Fifth and Madison Avenues. Kimpton Rockefeller Center's location also provides guests with unparalleled access to the city's vast transportation system, making it convenient to traverse Manhattan and beyond whether traveling for business or leisure.

Elysa Goldman, Senior Vice President, Development at Extell Development Company, said: "We are thrilled to be working with Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants and the opportunity to bring our experience developing some of the best commercial and hospitality developments, as well as city-defining skyscrapers, to the new Kimpton Rockefeller Center. Offering the best in the business of real estate, hospitality and service, Extell and IHG are creating what will be one of the finest hotels with a robust food and beverage program as well as iconic views of Rockefeller Center and the city skyline in one of New York City's most visited neighborhoods."

There are 75 Kimptons open globally with an additional 57 properties scheduled to open in the next three to five years across exciting destinations, such as Riviera Maya, Lisbon, Riyadh and Brisbane.* Kimpton Rockefeller Center will be the third Kimpton hotel in New York City, joining Kimpton Hotel Theta and Kimpton Hotel Eventi.
Williamstown Select Board OKs Cannabis, Cable Deals

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass.  The Select Board on Monday voted to update its host community agreement with the one cannabis dealer in town and signed on to a new 10-year agreement with Spectrum to provide cable television service to residents.

The three-year HCA with Silver Therapeutics, which opened its doors in the Williamstown Shopping Plaza in 2019, lapsed some time ago, Town Manager Robert Menicocci told the board, but the town and the retailer were waiting for new guidance from the state's Cannabis Control Commission.

"We were a little concerned with putting together host agreements kind of mid-air while [the CCC was] telegraphing changes they were going to make in terms of impact fees and the nature of what our host agreement needs to be like," Menicocci said. "We have been waiting and waiting on them for some time to draft what was promised to us of a model host agreement.

"And we wanted to give ourselves a little more time to digest that model host agreement, because there were some concerns municipalities had raised in general around what the commission had put forward."

Menicocci said that when early adopters, like Williamstown, formed the first HCAs in the wake of 2016's state referendum decriminalizing pot, there was more autonomy for municipalities. Now the CCC is attempting to create a structured regulatory environment similar to that in place for alcohol licenses.

Silver Therapeutics needs to renew its state license in December, prompting the town to renew the local agreement that retailers need to have in place, Menicocci said.

"We feel it's reasonable to move ahead with the host agreement at this point  continue to work with [Josh Silver], continue to work with our Legislature around the refinements that will come out of the control commission," Menicocci said.

The agreement the board saw on Monday included some modifications suggested by town counsel that deviate from the current state model HCA. But those modifications were acceptable to Silver, the proprietor, who attended Monday's meeting via Zoom.

"We feel like we want to get a little something out of this," Menicocci said. "There is still some risk the commission might say no. If they do, we will come back and present a new version that is more in line with the exact elements of the model agreement.

"We feel it's important to not hold Josh up but also to express to the commission that there are some subtleties that we care about."

Silver told the Select Board that the deviations from the state model were acceptable to him as a business owner.

"They're not what I consider really strong business points," Silver said of the modification. "They have to do with reporting to the town. They have to do with notifying with respect to the change of managers. All things I have no problem doing."

That said, Silver said the CCC has been rejecting those types of changes in other host community agreements he has worked on around the state  forcing them to come back to their respective municipalities for approval.

Uncertainty at the CCC was noted in Monday's meeting, which came just before news broke that the chair of the commission had been fired

"As Josh said, there is a lot of churn," Menicocci said of the state body. "We don't know what to expect there. This [agreement] is a reasonable place to begin the conversation."

The Select Board voted 4-0-1 to approve the HCA with Jeffrey Johnson abstaining.

The board voted 5-0 to OK the new cable agreement, which includes a small concession to the town.

Menicocci said that although most of the complaints his office receives about the cable service relate to ever increasing prices, that is not part of the license that allows Spectrum to operate in town.

The one thing the town could negotiate was how the cable operator funds the local "Public, Educational and Governmental Access Channel," known locally as Willinet.

Spectrum had initially offered to fund Willinet at a rate of 5 percent of the company's gross revenue in town plus a $70,000 capital allotment, to allow the local station to acquire equipment.

"Then they came back and said we're not doing capital anymore," Menicocci said. "They were OK doing a percentage but not the capital piece."

After "a lot of back and forth," the town and cable company reached the accord the board approved on Monday. In it, Spectrum will give the one-time $70,000 capital allotment, and Willinet will be funded at a rate of 4.5 percent of the cable revenue for the first three years, 4.75 percent in years four, five and six and 5 percent in the final four years of the contract.

Menicocci said change may yield roughly the same net contribution to the local station, but the structure of the deal does give the town a little protection against an industry-wide trend of cable customers "cutting the cord" and switching to less costly streaming services.

"To the extent you get money today  with falling subscribership, it's better to get that money up front," he said. "Subscribership could fall off a cliff."

In other business on Monday, the Select Board:

 Authorized Menicocci to draw up regulations for the board's approval that would create an unfenced area for off-leash dogs in the Spruces Park on Main Street, possibly bringing some resolution to an issue on the board's plate for months. After hearing from Andrew Hogeland that the town had definitive guidance about the difficulty of creating a park in areas of the park designated as priority Authorized Menicocci to draw up regulations for the board's approval that would create an unfenced area for off-leash dogs in the Spruces Park on Main Street, possibly bringing some resolution to an issue on the board's plate for months. After hearing from Andrew Hogeland that the town had definitive guidance about the difficulty of creating a park in areas of the park designated as priority habitats by MassWildlife's Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program, the board opted to allow off-leash activity in an area Hogeland identified that mostly uses the road network of the former mobile home park.

 Heard concerns from Conservation Commission Chair Philip McKnight about a draft regulation for memorial donations (trees, benches, plaques, etc.) on town property. The Select Board's most recent draft limited donations to gifts honoring individuals, specifically excluding organizations in an attempt to avoid having to consider gifts honoring groups that might be controversial. McKnight said he wants to have organizations included as possible honorees and would suggest the same when the Con Comm meets on Thursday. McKnight emphasized in his comments that the commission has absolute authority over the lands under its care, custody and control (Margaret Lindley Park, for example). That prompted Select Board members to assure him that the process of developing regulations was meant to be cooperative, with both the Select Board and Con Comm agreeing to regulations that would apply to public land under their respective control.

 Appointed Barbara Halligan, a resident of nearly 30 years and an elementary school teacher, to the Community Preservation Committee.
China, Brazil agree to strengthen political mutual trust

Xinhua) 11:20, September 12, 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 Celso Amorim, special advisor to the president of Brazil, in St. Petersburg, Russia, Sept. 11, 2024. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China/Handout via Xinhua)

ST. PETERSBURG, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- China will work with Brazil to strengthen strategic cooperation and deepen mutual political trust, said Wang Yi, director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, in a meeting with Celso Amorim, special advisor to the president of Brazil, in Russia's St. Petersburg on Wednesday.

The two sides held talks in regard with bilateral relations on the sidelines of a meeting of the BRICS high-ranking officials responsible for security matters.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, noted that China and Brazil are vital stabilizing forces and major developing countries, and will contribute more to the world's peace, stability and development.

China is ready to further boost strategic collaboration with Brazil, improve political mutual trust, broaden mutually beneficial cooperation, and elevate bilateral ties to new highs, Wang said.

For his part, Amorim stated that Brazil and China have maintained close communication, consolidated mutual trust and effective collaboration.

Brazil is willing to work with China to prepare for the next stage of important high-level interactions between the two countries and to promote the further development of bilateral relations, Amorim said.

The two sides expressed the willingness to join hands with BRICS partners to make common voices and safeguard common interests, so as to achieve more outcomes of greater BRICS cooperation.

The two officials also exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis, saying more countries are welcome to get united and gather more international consensus to stop war and promote peace.

Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, meets with Celso Amorim, special advisor to the president of Brazil, in St. Petersburg, Russia, Sept. 11, 2024. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China/Handout via Xinhua)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Thursday 12 September 2024, 12:39

Rachele Mussolini has decided to leave Brothers of Italy, abandoning the party of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to join Forza Italia. The news was confirmed by Repubblica. Let's discover who the most voted councilor of the Capitoline assembly is: her relationship with Benito Mussolini, her political career, and her stance against the fascist salute. Everything you need to know.

Rachele Mussolini, who she is

Rachele Mussolini was born on May 25, 1974 (she is 50 years old) in Rome. She is the daughter of Romano Mussolini, one of the sons of Benito Mussolini, and Romano's second wife, Carla Maria Puccini. She is the half-sister of the more well-known Alessandra Mussolini, who is the daughter of Romano's first marriage. Despite the notable and heavy surname for Italian politics, Rachele has always tried to build an independent career. She commented: "I learned to live with it since I was a child. At school, they pointed at me, but then Rachele emerged. The person prevails over the surname." The surname is the same as her grandmother's, Donna Rachele, Benito's wife, and she considers it a great gift received from her father.

Political Career

Rachele Mussolini entered politics as a city councilor in Rome, elected with a civic list supporting Giorgia Meloni in 2016 during the Virginia Raggi era. Moving to Brothers of Italy, she was re-elected with strong support in the 2021 elections, where she received the most votes among the candidates for the City Council of the capital. She built her career on issues related to the suburbs and social needs, trying to distance herself from the historical weight of her surname, while acknowledging the difficulty of doing so. After her confirmation, she expressed: "It repays the work I have done in the five years in the City Council in opposition with my colleagues from Brothers of Italy, with whom we have shared many battles always and only in the interest of the city and in a non-instrumental way." She also held the position of vice president of the Control, Guarantee, and Transparency commission of Rome Capitale.

Political Positions

Rachele Mussolini has always focused on local issues, particularly improving the quality of life in Rome, social policies, and supporting families in difficulty. She has often intervened on issues related to historical memory, trying to maintain a line of distance from past ideologies linked to fascism.

Against the Roman Salute

Rachele Mussolini has repeatedly indicated that she has never supported gestures like the Roman salute: "I am 50 years old and it has never occurred to me to do it. My father didn't like that gesture either. When someone greeted him like that on the street, noticing the physical resemblance to the Duce, he would feel embarrassed, almost annoyed. It was so far from his way of being."

Divergences with Brothers of Italy

"I would have already removed the flame symbol from the party's emblem." This is how Rachele Mussolini commented on the symbol of Brothers of Italy, which recalls that of the Italian Social Movement. This also shows her desire not to share nostalgias related to her family's fascist past. Another important issue for her is ius scholae: "It was the line of my party until a few years ago." A move that will spark debate, especially considering the unwritten rule among center-right allies that would prevent "transfers" between parties of the same coalition.
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Get our free weekly email for all the latest cinematic news from our film critic Clarisse Loughrey Get our The Life Cinematic email for free Get our The Life Cinematic email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy

Kate Winslet has explained why she thinks model and war photographer Lee Miller took her infamous picture in Nazi dictator Adolf Hitlers bathtub.

Winslet, 48, stars as Miller, in her new film Lee. She consulted with the late photojournalists son to get into character for the film, as part of a passion project which has taken her nearly a decade to complete.

Miller took the picture in Hitlers bathroom on the same day that the Fuhrer killed himself along with his family as the Allies closed in on them at the end of the Second World War.

In the picture, the model sits in the tub soaping her shoulder with a portrait of Hitler visible in the background, while on the mat next to her is a pair of dirty boots.

Listen, at that stage of things they had not changed their clothes for six weeks, she told BBC Radio 4 on Thursday (12 September). This is true. They hadnt changed their clothes for six weeks, and they hadnt touched hot water for six weeks, ok?

The Oscar-winning actor explained Miller had walked into the horrors of the Holocaust as she arrived in the Dachau concentration camp to bear witness to the atrocities.

The photographer then drove to Munich, where she knew the address of Hitlers apartment in Prinzregentenplatz, (Like Downing Street, people know where it is, she added).

There was a guy on the door keeping guard, Winslet continued. Lee using her wiles would have bribed him with a carton of cigarettes or half a bottle of brandy. She was very, very good at finding the things that she really needed to keep her going.

open image in gallery Winslet recreated the image for her new movie Lee' ( Sky Original/LEE )

When Miller arrived inside the apartment, Winslet said there was an entire regiment in there having a party.

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Then they discovered there was a bathroom. There are many photographs of other people using that bathroom  soldiers, GIs having a shave.

I myself can perfectly well see how as a woman in that situation where she hadnt had any clean knickers for six weeks, can you imagine turning that tap on and going Ah its hot water?

open image in gallery The film has been a passion project for Winslet who has been working on it for nearly a decade ( Getty Images )

I think there was something in her that thought it would be logical to take a bath.

Winslet added that the team decided that Miller would have realised at that moment, This is a photograph that no one else is going to get, or even think or even dare to take.

She commended the photographers bravery as she said, Lee had that in her, she was a risk taker. She really was. She took chances.
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Robert De Niro has revealed he confronted heiress Elisabeth Murdoch over her father Ruperts media empire, telling her: You can still love your father, but you can tell him he is wrong for what he is doing to this country.

The pair reportedly met at a dinner party in 2022.

In a Wall Street Journal article about the Murdochs succession battle, the publication reports that the confrontation left 56-year-old Elisabeth visibly shaken.

De Niro, 81, said he later telephoned her to apologize for his outburst. I called Elisabeth and told her I was sorry. I saw how upset she was and felt badly about that.

Rupert Murdochs sprawling media empire includes Fox News, The Wall Street Journal, the New York Post, The Times, The Sunday Times and The Sun, along with other newspaper and TV outlets.

His family is said to be currently involved in a battle over money and power. In July, The Independents Chris Blackhurst wrote: When is $2bn not enough? When youre James Murdoch and its given to you by your father, Rupert.

open image in gallery Robert De Niro, Elisabeth Murdoch and Rupert Murdoch ( Getty )

Blackhurst continued: Jamess lack of gratitude has earned him the sobriquet the troublesome beneficiary among Ruperts lawyers. Presumably, the 93-year-old mogul has a less understated, not so polite, phrase of his own for his younger son. Certainly, Logan Roy from Succession would have one, if his son Kendall were behaving in such a fashion.

Its impossible not to compare the latest machinations within the Murdoch dynasty with the hit TV series. As in Succession, the Murdochs feuding involves glamorous lifestyles and mind-boggling sums  with $2bn handed to each of Ruperts six children in 2019  and show-stopping scenes, such as his daughter Elisabeth reportedly hurling a string of expletives at the old man in December last year, when he told her and her sister Prudence of his plan to rewrite the terms of the family trust so that favoured son Lachlan would secure control of the media empire.

De Niro is an outspoken Democrat supporter who earlier this year clashed with pro-Donald Trump protesters outside the former Presidents hush money trial.

De Niro said that Trump wants to destroy not only the city but the country and eventually he could destroy the world, adding that Trump would never leave if he wins another term as President in November and that Americans can kiss these freedoms goodbye that we all take for granted.
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No modern cultural commentator can be accused of bias when it comes to Anand Tuckers The Critic. Its set in the Thirties, a time in which work lunches were long and extravagant, city-living on a newspaper salary was easy, and actors and directors banged at your door seeking reappraisal. Today? Critics are only faced with disgruntled comic book fans with pocketfuls of slurs. None hold the same power or respect as they once did.

And The Critic  adapted by Notes on a Scandals Patrick Marber from a novel by former Independent film critic Anthony Quinn  is, ultimately, a story about power. I wouldnt expect relatability in this case, but I do expect substance. Here, its largely absent. Ian McKellen luxuriates in the role of Jimmy Erskine, longtime theatre critic at The London Chronicle, whose position is threatened after the death of his former editor and mentor, whos been replaced by his more conservative son, David Brooke (Mark Strong). To save his own skin, Jimmy manipulates the actor hes always written about with disdain, Nina Land (Gemma Arterton), into a scheme that begins with blackmail and ends with murder.

Its a darkly comic premise, making use of the old cinematic conceit of the critic as some kind of egotist puppet master, with little regard for mere mortal laws and moralities. When Ninas mother, Annabel (Lesley Manville), tries to strike up a casual conversation with Jimmy, under the guise of an average theatregoer, he storms up to the manager and cries, I must be protected from the general public!

Its a juicy part for McKellen, exactly the kind of legendary thespian who makes a barb about Nina seemingly not knowing how to walk sound like a three-course meal. But he also seems to be the only one who actually sees Jimmy as a person, and not merely a narrative device. Marbers previous work, including the 2004 adaptation of his play Closer, indulged in terribly compromised people before. But he also seemed to care enough about his characters  it ensured we understood the boundaries of their psychic distress.

Jimmy is gay. His lover, Tom Tunner (Alfred Enoch), is also his live-in secretary. If any of this becomes too public, both his job and security are at risk. The whole world, too, seems as if its growing more cruel. On the streets, the fascist Blackshirts have grown bolder. The Critic, though, never really engages with the power dynamics at play here. It doesnt sincerely grapple with Jimmys relationship with a much younger Black man in his direct employment, or that the tool he deploys against his enemies is a woman, or that gendered violence becomes a key point in the story. All we come to understand about Jimmy lies in McKellens smaller choices, in the delicate way he signals a shift in mood, in which a provocative smile might curdle into something closer to bitterness.

open image in gallery Two stars! Ian McKellen in the dreary slog The Critic ( Sean Gleason )

The rest is plain melodrama, amped up by the way cinematographer David Higgs turns London into a fog-choked proscenium, never quite real in its existence. David Brookes icy sister Cora (Romola Garai) and her portrait artist husband Stephen (Ben Barnes) weave their own secrets into the story, and the film slows to a crawl as it methodically unpacks each. None of it is quite as compelling as it needs to be. David begs of Jimmy, tone it down the unpleasantness, the extravagance. The Critic would have benefited from the exact opposite.

Dir: Anand Tucker. Starring: Ian McKellen, Gemma Arterton, Mark Strong, Ben Barnes, Alfred Enoch, Romola Garai, Lesley Manville. 15, 95 mins.

The Critic is in cinemas from 13 September
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Colin Farrell has dazzled critics with his mesmerizing performance as the eponymous villain of Maxs Batman spin-off series,The Penguin.

The eight-episode limited drama, which debuts on the streamer next week, follows the supervillains transformation from disfigured nobody Oswald Cobblepot to Gotham mob boss The Penguin.

The Irish actor first played the role in Matt Reevess 2022 gritty superhero epic The Batman starring Robert Pattinson as the caped crusader.

As described by The Independents Nick Hilton, the show walks in the footsteps of televisual classics such as The Sopranos and Boardwalk Empire, naturally, but also evokes Succession.

Hilton wrote that he found Farrells performance as Penguin to be good, but expressed disappointment in the fact that the Irish actor is unrecognisable, caked in layers of prosthetics and a fat suit.

Farrell is a leading man, with leading man good looks, he argued in his three-star review. I dont quite understand the logic of hiring and then hiding him, rather than just casting someone a better physical match for the character.

NPRs Glen Weldon, on the other hand, found Farrells physical transformation and decision to use a Brooklyn accent thicker than bolognese amusing. That was a big swing, and it was pretty funny, he wrote, declaring the series one of 2024s best shows.

If you skipped The Penguin, youd be making a big mistake, and missing out on one of the best television series of the year, Weldon said.

open image in gallery Colin Farrell leads Maxs The Penguin as the titular mob boss ( HBO )

Writing for Variety, Aramide Tinubu similarly commended Farrell and creator Lauren LeFranc for a mesmerizing take on the Batman universe.

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A masterful examination of criminality, the show is twisted, disturbing and deeply enthralling, Tinubu praised.

SlashFilms Chris Evangelista was equally impressed by Farrells excellent portrayal, writing that Farrell and his co-star Cristin Milioti, who plays Penguins only daughter, make The Penguin worth watching.

A superhero spinoff series serving as a Trumpian allegory at all is worth appreciating, Ben Travers wrote for IndieWire, as is Farrell burying his disarming charms behind 50 pounds of latex without concealing his considerable talents.

The Hollywood Reporters Daniel Feinberg also found Milioti and Farrells character dynamic to yield the actors best work. However, he noted that the interplay viewers will crave peaks far too early.

The Penguin is unbeatable when compared to other comic book adaptations on television, Jacob Fisher raved in a five-star review for Discussing Film. Colin Farrell easily places his interpretation of the Penguin into the conversation of the best live-action comic book villains of all time, delivering a layered performance that makes the audience sympathize with him almost every episode before punching you in the heart with a monstrous evil act.

Farrell is set to play Cobblepot again with Reeves confirming to SFX magazine via Deadline, that the actor will be in The Batman Part II, explaining: There are details that actually connect right into the way the next movie begins, and the way that Oz [Oswald] enters that world as we hand the baton back to Batman, and Batman is on another case.

The Penguin will be available to stream on Max in the US on September 19 and on Sky Atlantic in the UK the following day.

Want to watch The Penguin while travelling abroad? Then you'll need a VPN to stream this show. Discover the UK's best VPN deals today. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are, and also with the terms of their service provider.
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A flurry of Simpsons memes have erupted on social media in response to a bizarre and wildly false statement about pets made by Donald Trump during his first presidential debate with Kamala Harris on Tuesday.

In a claim that was almost immediately debunked by ABC News moderator David Muir, Trump said: In Springfield, theyre eating the dogs. The people that came in. Theyre eating the cats. Theyre eating  theyre eating the pets of the people that live there. And this is whats happening in our country, and its a shame.

Trump was referring to a racist rumour spread by his running mate JD Vance that Haitian immigrants in the city of Springfield, Ohio had been abducting pets and eating them, causing chaos in the town. Springfield Police Division said it was aware of the rumours but has no information to support them.

As a stunned Harris looked on in disbelief, Muir interjected and corrected the former president, adding: ABC News did reach out to the city manager there. He told us there had been no credible reports of specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals within the immigrant community.

Trump protested and said that he had seen stories on TV about pets being eaten adding: People on television say, My dog was taken and used for food, so maybe he said that and maybe thats a good thing to say for a city manager.

Given that Trump referenced a city named Springfield, it wasnt long before a frenzy of jokes about the fictional hometown of the Simpsons started to appear online with many nods towards the familys dog, Santas Little Helper.

IN SPRINGFIELD THEYRE EATING THE DOGS, wrote one person on X/Twitter along with a picture of the cartoon pooch.

Another X/Twitter user quoted Trump but this time also included an image of the Simpsons cat Snowball II.

open image in gallery ( X/Twitter )

The account for the BBC show Have I Got News For You, chimed in with an image of Homer Simpson and his dog writing: US Presidential debate: After Trump claims people in Springfield are eating dogs, theres concern about where hes been getting his news from.

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The classic old man yells at cloud meme also made an appearance.

open image in gallery ( X/Twitter )

Elsewhere, an edit of the We Put The Spring in Springfield song from Bart After Dark has deservedly gone viral.

In another instance of the Simpsons appearing to predict the future, a clip from the 1997 episode The Springfield Files was shared featuring the Red Tick Beer brewery showing that they make their beverage using dogs.

Speaking about peoples habit of The Simpsons foreseeing major news events, such as the start of the Ukraine-Russia war, showrunner Al Jean told The Hollywood Reporter that The Simpsons long-running history of predicting such events is sadly more the norm than it is the prediction.

In terms of predictions, there are two kinds we have: the trivial, like Don Mattingly getting in trouble for his hair in Homer at the Bat. And then there are predictions like this, Jean said. I hate to say it, but I was born in 1961, so 30 years of my life were lived with the spectre of the Soviet Union.

So, to me, this is sadly more the norm than it is the prediction. We just figured things were going to go bad.
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In the pantheon of comic-book villains, only the Joker, Lex Luthor and Magneto are more instantly recognisable than The Penguin. The waddling low-level goon turned gangland supremo, and Batman antagonist, cuts a striking silhouette. But the latest depiction, by Irish heartthrob Colin Farrell in Matt Reevess 2022 blockbuster The Batman, took the character in a different direction. Less silly, more scary. Its a role that Farrell reprises, now, in Sky Atlantics new thriller, The Penguin.

Gotham, a city famous for its disorder, is in even more disarray. Poverty is rife and crime is on the rise, and while, for some, this is a living nightmare, for others its an opportunity. Among them is Oswald Oz Cobb (Farrell), known by his pejorative nickname, The Penguin. After the assassination of mob boss Carmine Falcone (something that, apparently, happened in The Batman), a power vacuum has opened up. Its a situation that Oz, Falcones former chief lieutenant, throws dynamite into when he impulsively murders Falcones son and heir Alberto (Michael Zegen). What Oz didnt count on, however, was Albertos little sister Sofia (Cristin Milioti) being released from Arkham Asylum, where she had been serving time for a spot of serial killing. Now shes out, seeking both answers and revenge.

The last thing we need is a goddamn gang war! proclaims Johnny Vitti (Michael Kelly), the underboss of the Falcone dynasty. And yet, thats what they get. The Falcone clan vs the Maronis, their upstart rivals, with Oz in the middle, playing both sides. This is a world in which caped vigilantes are refreshingly absent  just criminal activities, unmolested by masked moralisers. But what is familiar is the dynamics of power. Its a set-up that walks in the footsteps of televisual classics such as The Sopranos and Boardwalk Empire, naturally, but also evokes Succession (which Falcone child will come out on top? Or will the unheralded outsider scoop the gig?) and House of Cards. Thats an awful lot of prestige to shove into the Batman universe.

The trick of a show like The Sopranos was to set proceedings in the unfamiliar world of New Jersey mobsters but make the interpersonal and emotional drama intensely familiar. Unhappy families, alike in their unhappiness (as Tolstoy didnt quite say). The Penguin has to pull off a double trick. Firstly, it has to smuggle influences from TVs Golden Age into a comic book narrative, and then it has to sneak some human poignancy into that mix. Its a Matryoshka doll of narrative planning, and, like those carved icons, the more layers you have, the smaller the final doll. And thats an issue for The Penguin: by the time we reach any psychological resonance, its buried under a bunch of supervillain guff and lashings of Godfather riffs. Im gonna run this city, Pingu declares, slurping a slushie, a bodega Bugsy Siegel.

Of course, most people wont be watching The Penguin as anything more than a Batman spin-off. In this sense, its more akin to Todd Phillipss Joker than the rest of the caped crusaders world. Farrells Penguin is very human: flawed but ambitious, unappealing but confident. The Oscar-nominated actor gives what I suspect is a good performance, but hes unrecognisable, caked under layers of prosthetics and a fat suit. Farrell is a leading man, with leading man good looks. I dont quite understand the logic of hiring and then hiding him, rather than just casting someone a better physical match for the character. It feels like hes taking food out of the mouths of Paul Giamattis children. Milioti, meanwhile, is a great TV actor: she nails Sofias mad eyes, but the character feels broader than the rest of the gangsters. Yet, as a duo, there is some balance. People underestimate you, Sofia tells Oz. But not me. Ive always known you were capable of more.

The vision that showrunner Lauren LeFranc has extracted from Matt Reevess The Batman is more grown-up than Bruno Hellers Gotham, which covered similar territory on Channel 5. You just need to look at the emo character design of Robin Lord Taylors Penguin to appreciate that. The Penguin offers a different vision  different too to Danny DeVitos seminal performance  and one that will appeal to comic book aficionados who prefer the grime of Gotham to the multicoloured Marvel miasma. But the inmates of Arkham arent the only ones who are straightjacketed. Comic book adaptations cannot truly serve both their native audience and televisual snobs. For better or worse, they always default to their home camp, and The Penguin is no different.
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A Chinese man who had 23 teeth extracted and 12 implants put in during a single continuous procedure died two weeks later of a suspected heart attack, reports said.

The man, identified only by his surname Huang from Zhejiang Province, went in for the procedure on 14 August at the Yongkang Dewei Dental Hospital.

Thirteen days later, he died from a cardiac arrest, according to a social media post by his daughter, surnamed Shu, reported the South China Morning Post.

I didnt expect that my dad would pass away so fast and I didn't even have time to drive the new car I bought him, his daughter wrote.

She said Mr Huang suffered constant severe pain in his teeth after the surgery, which is also known as immediate restoration.

The Yongkang Municipal Health Bureau said it was investigating the case due to the nature of the surgery followed by Mr Huangs death days after, according to local news reports.

Since there was a 13-day gap between the procedure and Huangs death, we are still investigating the cause, the bureau said.

Staff at the Dewei hospital told local news agencies that in a surgery like this, the doctor decided how many teeth can be extracted in one go after an in-person consultation with the patient and after a close study of the patients medical history.

The staff explained that in the case of front teeth, they can be extracted and implanted the same day with no risk, but back teeth require at least three to four months of recovery between the extraction and implantation process.

Mr Huangs consent form for the surgery allegedly showed that his molars were implanted on the same day they were extracted, which went against usual medical protocol.

Public records accessed by local media show that the dentist who performed the surgery has five years of experience and specialises in root canals, impacted wisdom tooth removal, and full dentures.

The SCMP quoted a clinic staff member as saying: We will not be responding to this matter now as it has been handed over to our lawyer. If there are any updates, we will issue a statement; however, the investigation is ongoing.

Xiang Guolin, head of the Dental Center at Wuhan Fourth Hospital, told Jimu news that it was unusual for a single surgery to extract 23 in one procedure when the norm is to do no more than 10-12.
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A father who has never met his newborn son is among six Indian nationals set to be released from serving in the Russian army, nervously awaiting their clearance to fly home after being sent back from the front line of Vladimir Putins war against Ukraine.

The families of the men confirmed to The Independent that they have been released from duty and are now waiting for the completion of their paperwork in Moscow before they can board flights back to India, in a process that is being coordinated by the Indian government.

In total, almost 100 Indian men, some as young as 22, have ended up on the front lines in Ukraine. The Independent previously reported how many feel they were tricked into serving with the Russian military after being promised safe, secure jobs in Russia and other countries.

The identities of the men being released from duty are Azad Yousuf Kumar, Mohammad Sufiyan, Sameer Ahmad, Abdul Nayeem, Kamal Singh and Syed Ilyas Hussain, The Independent has learnt.

Mr Kumar, who is from the Indian federal territory of Jammu and Kashmir, told The Independent that they are currently lodging in a hotel in Moscow and waiting for their final documents before they board their flight to Delhi.

The Indians who have been released pose for a picture with Raja Pathan, a YouTuber who assisted them in securing their release ( Supplied to The Independent )

We all are extremely happy. The nightmare that we have endured here will only end once we board the flight to India and land at the airport, he said over the phone from Moscow.

Mr Kumar said he dug trenches for the Russian army after being lured into the country on 14 December. He alleges that he was duped by a YouTuber who promised him a job in Dubai.

His brother Sajjad Ahmad said Mr Kumar would finally meet his son, who was born after his deployment with the Russian army, for the first time.

They have escaped death, he said.

Tejpal Singh from Punjab is among eight people who have already died in Russia ( Supplied )

At least 91 Indian nationals have ended up serving Russia on the front line, and of those, eight have died so far, according to Indias foreign ministry.

The Indian government has come under sustained pressure to secure their release after their families spoke out about their plight, and the issue was raised by prime minister Narendra Modi during a visit to Moscow in July. Mr Modis government only confirmed the recruitment of Indian citizens in Russia after media reports highlighted the grim conditions in which they were working.

The family of Sameer Ahmad, a resident of Karnataka, confirmed the release of the 23-year-old, who was conscripted after he landed in Russia on 15 December.

Mohammad Mustafa, his brother, said Mr Ahmad would be home soon after a long struggle.

We are elated, but at the same time sad about the Indian brothers who have already died there. This day has come after almost eight months of struggle that involved filing for appeals with the government, coordination, and additional financial expenses, Mr Mustafa said.

Mohammad Sufiyan, 22, who has been stuck in Russia for the last nine months, also confirmed his release to The Independent.

His brother, Salman Zahoor Sayyed, said his family are relieved but will celebrate only when he returns to India. It is a sigh of relief. We had lost hope for his return after the challenges we faced, but we are extremely happy now and just waiting for his return, he said.

Mr Sayyed said they have spent around Rs200,000 (1,826) during their efforts to get him released, taking flights to Delhi and to Hyderabad to request an intervention from the government.

Mr Sayyed first raised the matter with the MP Asaduddin Owaisi after the issue of Indians conscription in the Russian army came to light.

The government helped but it was too late, he said. It is because of the media and Owaisi that our brothers are returning.

He said that Raja Pathan, a YouTuber from Punjab who is living in Russia and briefly served in the army himself, assisted them in securing the release and became their point of contact.

The Independent understands that more people will be released in the coming days.

Russia promised an early release of all Indian citizens fighting in its army following prime minister Modis visit to Moscow.

Mr Modi strongly raised the issue of early discharge with Mr Putin, the Indian foreign ministry has said.

Indian foreign minister S Jaishankar told parliament in August that 91 Indians had been recruited to the Russian army and eight of them had died. He said others were seeking early discharge.

Among those killed was Tejpal Singh from Punjab, whose family told The Independent they had spent months trying to secure the return of his remains. Hemil Ashvinbhai Mangukiya, from Gujarat, and Mohammad Asfan, Ravi Moun, Harshal Anantrao Desale, Jishan Ashpak Pinjari, Jia Firoj Pinjari and Malik Gulamgous Mohammad Yakub have been identified as the others who have died.

Earlier this week, Vikramjit Sahney, another MP, confirmed that Russia is repatriating 15 Indian nationals and said that the contract for the remaining 69 is being invalidated, according to The Times of India.

The government is yet to confirm the release of the Indian nationals.
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A police officer shot and killed a man accused of blasphemy inside a police station in the south-western Pakistani city of Quetta, a local official has said.

The dead man was identified as Syed Khan.

Khan had been arrested the day before, after officers snatched him from an enraged mob that claimed he had insulted Islams Prophet Mohammed. Local residents claimed he had used derogatory remarks against the prophet and went after him.

After he was arrested, the mob surrounded the station, demanding police hand Mr Khan back to them so they could kill him.

At one point, a man hurled a grenade at the station on Wednesday while a group briefly blocked a key road in the city, demanding punishment.

The crowd dispersed later in the day after officials managed to calm them down.

According to police official Mohammad Khurram, the officer involved in the fatal shooting has been arrested. Mr Khurram did not provide further details.

Killings of suspects while in police custody are rare in Pakistan, where accusations of blasphemy - sometimes even just rumours - are common and often spark rioting and rampage by mobs that can escalate into lynching and killings.

Under Pakistans controversial blasphemy laws, anyone found guilty of insulting Islam or Islamic religious figures can be sentenced to death - though authorities have yet to carry out a death sentences for blasphemy.

Pakistan has witnessed a surge in attacks on blasphemy suspects in recent years.

Local residents look at a spot where a Muslim mob lynched and burned a man over allegations that he had desecrated Islam's holy book, the Quran, in Madyan in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Friday, June 21, 2024 ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

In June, a mob broke into a police station in the north-western town of Madyan, snatched a man who was held there and then lynched him over allegations that he had desecrated Islams holy book, the Koran.

The attackers also torched the station and burned police vehicles parked there. The killed man was a tourist staying at a hotel in town when the locals turned on him and accused him of blasphemy.

Last year, a mob in the eastern Punjab province attacked churches and homes of Christians after claiming they saw a local Christian and his friend desecrating pages from a Koran.

The attack in the district of Jaranwala drew nationwide condemnation, but Christians say the men linked to the violence are yet to be put on trial.

A policeman in 2011 killed a former governor of Punjab province after accusing him of blasphemy. That officer, Mumtaz Qadri, was later sentenced to death and hanged.

However, support for him grew after his hanging, with tens of thousands attending his funeral in the garrison city of Rawalpindi. Many in Punjab still today considered him a martyr.

Quetta, a conservative city in south-western Pakistan is also the capital of the restive Balochistan province, where militant groups stage near daily attacks and where separatists have waged a decades-long insurgency against the government in Islamabad.
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Malaysian authorities rescued more than 400 children who were suspected of being sexually abused at charity homes allegedly run by an Islamic business organisation, the countrys top police official said.

Police arrested around 171 Islamic teachers and caretakers during raids at 20 care homes across two Malaysian states, inspector-general of police, Razarudin Husain, said.

Police said the charity homes in western Malaysias Selangor and Negri Sembilan areas were run by Islamic business organisations allegedly with links to a banned religious sect, Malaysia-based Al-Arqam.

According to police, children between the ages of one and 17 have been rescued. There were 201 and 201 girls.

The raids were conducted following reports filed this month of alleged neglect, abuse, sexual harassment and molestation of children, Mr Razarudin told a press conference on Wednesday. He did not say who wrote the reports.

Police said the homes were run by Global Ikhwan Services and Business (GISB), a business group that operates supermarkets and laundromats in multiple countries, including Indonesia, Singapore, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, France, Australia and Thailand.

Mr Razarudin said preliminary police investigations found that the rescued minors were children of Malaysian GISB employees, who were sent to the homes shortly after they were born, before being subjected to multiple forms of abuse.

The victims were allegedly sodomised by adult guardians and later taught to sodomise other children at the homes, he said.

They were punished using heated metal objects when the victims commit mistakes and the suspects touched the victims body parts by claiming it was part of the religious medical treatment, he added.

GISB denied the sexual abuse allegations and said it did not manage the charity homes.

It is not in our policy to plan and carry out actions that are against Islamic and national laws," the company said, adding that it would file a police report and demand an investigation.

GISB is believed to be linked to the now-defunct Al-Arqam religious sect, which was outlawed by the government in 1994. GISB has acknowledged the link but now describes itself as an Islamic conglomerate based on Muslim practices.

According to the website, the business was founded by Ashaari Mohamad, who led the Islamic sect Al Arqam. The group underwent a series of rebranding since Mohamad died in 2010.

The firm previously hit the headlines for being linked to the controversial Obedient Wives Club, a group that urged wives to avoid marital problems by fulfilling their husbands sexual desires like prostitutes.

"The children and religious sentiments were also used to gain public sympathy and raise funds for the organisation," Mr Razarudin said. "What we have seen is the indoctrination of children using religious tools in a harmful way."

The rescued minors were sent for health checkups and documentation, Mr Razarudin said.

The case was being investigated under laws covering sexual offences against children and human trafficking.

According to the Statistics Department, child sexual crimes have marked a 9.5 per cent increase from 2021 to 2022. It said there were 1,621 reported cases, from 1,481 cases in 2021 with rape cases marking the highest increase.
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A popular pet-friendly restaurant in the Philippines was criticised for allegedly discriminating against mongrels after a woman claimed they denied entry to her mixed-breed rescue dog.

In a Facebook post on 8 September, Lara Antonio described visiting the Balay Dako restaurant, meaning big house in the local dialect, and allegedly being turned away by the staff because she had brought along her Aspin, Yoda.

Aspin comes from the words asong Pinoy, which translates to Filipino dog but is commonly used to refer to mongrels  when a dog is of mixed breed.

Ms Antonio said she had eaten before at Balay Dako with Yoda. However, this time she was allegedly cited guidelines stating that small-medium sized dogs only and big dogs are not allowed.

She claimed the staff told her Yoda didnt fit the medium-sized requirement and asked her what breed he was, leading her to suspect the dog wasnt being allowed because of his mongrel status.

I have a weird gut feeling immediately, so instead of Aspin, I said mixed breed, she wrote.

As Ms Antonio continued to push for clarity, she was allegedly told that only dogs under 15kg were allowed in after she said Yoda weighed about 18kg.

Continuing to push for answers, Ms Antonio asked to see the guidelines in writing.

Unable to find anything about weight in their guidelines, she said the manager showed her pictures of permitted dogs. They included golden retrievers she claimed were bigger than Yoda.

Finally, she claimed the manager told her the only dogs allowed were shih tzus and labradors.

open image in gallery The guidelines showed to Ms Antonio by the Balay Dako staff ( Lara L Antonio/Facebook )

So dont say youre pet friendly and let labradors in but not my aspin. Im asking where it is in the website that says up to 15kg only. And theres none. she cant show me because it doesnt exist, she wrote.

There has to be clear guidelines. But dont look at my dog, ask what her breed is and then tell me theres a 15kg rule and then say, The only dogs we allow are shih tzus and labradors????? Labradors are literally 20kg and above.

TLDR: Balay Dako is not pet friendly to big dogs or Aspins. Dont bother going.

After Ms Antonias post generated attention, Balay Dako released a statement saying: We sincerely apologise for the recent misunderstanding regarding our pet policy. As a company that loves animals, we understand the importance of accommodating pets. However, we must also consider factors such as spacing and the safety of all our guests. We are currently reviewing our policy to ensure it is clear, fair, and balances the needs of both pet owners and non-pet owners.

The restaurant said that it would take further steps to ensure that our staff are being trained and guided to understand and implement our policies effectively.

Balay Dakos statement was met with criticism, as people said the language was vague and accused them of not addressing the discrimination against Yodas mixed breed status.

This needs to be cleared up because it is equal parts disappointing and ironic that a Filipino restaurant with a Filipino name is seemingly pet friendly to breeds like Shih Tzus and Labradors but not to Asong Pinoys, said Inka Magnaye, a content creator.

Dont call it an apology when they didnt apologise at all. They even made it worse by insinuating that aspins are unsafe. This is a PR strategy, not an authentic apology, said another.

The Philippine Animal Welfare Society, Paws, in a comment on Balay Dakos apology, said: You still did not directly address the issue about Yoda, the Aspin. In your apology letter, you specifically stated However, we must also consider factors such as spacing and the safety of all our guests. Can you enlighten us then, what factors were considered why Yoda was not allowed entry to your premises.

Spacing and safety, what about these two factors apply to Yoda?

This issue is about Yoda, the Aspin. It would be clearer if you could address your apology letter to the furparents if indeed you are apologetic about this misunderstanding as you have stated.

As the incident continued to get more attention, Ms Antonio made a further two posts on her social media and claimed Balay Dako had not reached out to her to offer any sort of apology, although she said the intent behind her original post was to warn anyone who wanted to bring their dogs to this establishment that theyre not as pet-friendly as they advertise they are.

Ms Antonio described her relationship with Yoda and how adopting her got her more involved in animal welfare.

I found Yoda when I was in my early 20s  shes the first dog I raised as a young adult with my own working girl money. Shes my first rescue and her love is actually what made me so much more active with animal welfare groups, she wrote on Facebook.

She has taught me so much about life and love. And for her whole life, and for the rest of her life (except maybe the first four months when we didnt have her), she has only known love and will only know love.

I wrote that post about that restaurant last Sunday out of frustration  out of anger, knowing in my heart that she was sent away because shes an Aspin, using some arbitrary rule they couldnt even defend.

The Independent has reached out to Ms Antonio and Balay Dako for comments.
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Pope Francis called on Singapores government to pay fair wages to over a million foreign workers as he arrived in the global financial hub on the final leg of his 12-day Asia-Pacific tour.

The pope arrived on Wednesday afternoon, travelling from one of the worlds poorest countries, East Timor, to one of the richest.

On Thursday, he was driven to the National Stadium where more than 50,000 people were waiting to attend a papal mass, the climax of the pontiffs historic tour before he returns to Rome on Friday.

The pope received a grand welcome at the stadium, where people had started arriving hours earlier.

Some people took selfies with him while many were overcome with emotion during the rare encounter with the Vatican leader.

open image in gallery Catholic faithful attend a mass led by Pope Francis at the National Stadium in Singapore on 12 September 2024 ( AFP via Getty )

Singapore celebrated the popes arrival by unveiling a new hybrid orchid named for him, the "Dendrobium His Holiness Pope Francis. Presented during an official welcome ceremony, the orchid exudes a serene and pure beauty of ivory white petals with a pink tinge at the centre, according to the National Parks Board.

Francis began his official programme on Thursday by meeting president Tharman Shanmugaratnam and prime minister Lawrence Wong before addressing state officials and the diplomatic corps at the National University of Singapore.

He marveled at Singapore's modern skyscrapers that seem to rise from the sea and the commitment of its government to providing public housing and quality education and healthcare to its people.

But he urged public officials to beware of rewarding excellence at all costs, a reference to Singapores highly competitive work and educational culture.

I would like to highlight the risk entailed in focusing solely on pragmatism or placing merit above all things, namely the unintended consequence of justifying the exclusion of those on the margins from benefiting from progress, he said.

open image in gallery Pope Francis gestures to the Catholic faithful as he arrives to lead a holy mass at the National Stadium in Singapore on 12 September 2024 ( EPA )

open image in gallery Christians follow Pope Francis presiding over a mass 'In Memory of the Most Holy Name of Mary' celebrated by the Archbishop of Singapore on 12 September 2024 ( AP )

In a common appeal from the first Latin American pope ever, Francis called especially for dignified pay and conditions for migrant workers, who have helped build Singapore into one of the worlds advanced economic powerhouses.

These workers contribute a great deal to society and should be guaranteed a fair wage, Francis said.

Singapore has no minimum wage policy for locals or foreigners.

Singapore is the last stop of the popes 12-day tour which is the longest and farthest of his papacy after earlier stops in Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and East Timor.

The economic disparities were obvious upon arrival as Francis landed in Singapores high-tech airport aboard the lone aircraft belonging to Aero Dili, the national carrier of East Timor, where around 42 per cent of its people live below the poverty line.

Singapore has long been touted as a success story with its transformation from a colonial port lacking natural resources into a financial and trade power in just a few decades since its independence from Malaysia in 1965. The former British colony 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.

open image in gallery Faithful react during the arrival of Pope Francis for the holy mass Mass on 12 September 2024 ( EPA )

open image in gallery Pope Francis presides over a mass with devotees at the National Stadium in Singapore on 12 September 2024 ( Reuters )

Foreigners account for over a third of Singapores workforce and more than 250,000 are migrant workers from Pakistan, Bangladesh and other poorer Asian countries.

Most work in construction, shipping and maintenance jobs, helping support Singapores trade-reliant economy.

Human Rights Watch noted in a report last year that foreign migrant workers in the city state face labor rights abuses and exploitation through exorbitant debts owed to recruitment agents, non-payment of wages, restrictions on movement, confiscation of passports, and sometimes physical and sexual violence. It said foreign domestic workers are excluded from many key labour protections, such as limits on daily work hours and sick leave and annual leave protections.

Francis is visiting Singapore to encourage its Catholics, who make up about 3.5 per cent of the population of just under 6 million, while highlighting Singapores tradition of interfaith coexistence. According to a 2020 census, Buddhists make up about 31 per cent of the population, Christians 19 per cent and Muslims 15 per cent, while about a fifth of the population claimed no religious belief whatsoever.

After the Mass, he will preside over an interfaith youth event Friday morning before returning to Rome.
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Sabrina Carpenter surprised fans when she kissed an alien during her 2024 Video Music Awards performance.

The 25-year-old pop star descended to the VMAs stage sitting atop a glittery swing as she sang the lyrics to her hit single Please Please Please from her blockbuster Short N Sweet album. Once she landed, she launched straight into her newest single Taste while she was joined by backup dancers dressed as astronauts and aliens.

Before she continued into her smash hit Espresso, Carpenter indulged in a quick makeout session with one of her alien backup dancers. The kiss referenced her recent music video for her single Taste, in which she kissed fellow Disney alum, Jenna Ortega, and paid homage to the film Death Becomes Her.

However, people werent quick to understand the reference, with many fuming with jealousy or cracking jokes.

Oh she was going INNNNN, one person wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

Meanwhile, someone else added: Makes history as first woman to make out [with] an alien.

Shes so f***ing iconic for that, another commented.

An alien is getting more action from a bad b**** than I ever could, one person joked.

Sabrina Carpenter making out with an alien at the VMAs wasnt on my 2024 bingo card, another wrote.

Carpenter made her VMAs debut last year during the award ceremonys official pre-show, performing her singles Feather and Nonsense from her album emails i cant send. Before she was topping the charts, Carpenter played Maya Hart on Disney Channels Girl Meets World and later starred in several Netflix original movies, including Work It and the Tall Girl franchise.

This year, the pop star was nominated with seven nominations, including Artist of the Year and Best Pop Artist. She received additional nods for categories including Song of the Year and Best Editing for Espresso, and Best Direction, Best Art Direction and Song of the Summer for Please Please Please.

Fellow artists such as Billie Eilish, Doja Cat, Camila Cabello, Shawn Mendes, Eminem, Lenny Kravitz, Benson Boone, Teddy Swims, Chappell Roan, Anitta, and GloRilla are set to also take the stage in some of the most highly-anticipated sets of the night. Katy Perry also performed a show-stopping, career-spanning medley of her biggest hits as she was honored with this years Video Vanguard Award.

Rapper Megan Thee Stallion is hosting the show, marking her first time being tasked with hosting an awards show of this caliber.

You can find all of the winners from the 2024 MTV VMAs here.
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August Wilson s The Piano Lesson deals profoundly with ancestry and heritage, which makes it all the more fitting that the new film adaptation, produced by Denzel Washington and directed by his son Malcolm, is a family affair.

The Piano Lesson, which premiered Tuesday at the Toronto International Film Festival, is the third in Washingtons ongoing project to bring Wilsons plays to the screen. It follows Fences and Ma Raineys Black Bottom and, like those films, features several powerhouse performances, including Danielle Deadwyler as Berniece and John David Washington, Malcolms older brother, as Berniece's bother Boy Willie.

In 1930s Pittsburgh, Boy Willie has arrived at his sisters home with plans to sell a family heirloom, a piano engraved by their ancestors who took it from their enslaver. In the tortured family drama that ensues, Berniece, Boy Willie and others (the cast includes Samuel L. Jackson, Michael Potts and Ray Fisher) wrestle with the haunting shadow of slavery and the weight of family legacy.

There are so many legacies tied into this, says Malcolm Washington. I think its part of our duty when youre in the position to make a film like this to honor that and uphold it. Were here because so many people fought and sacrificed and acted to give opportunity for the next generation. This film and the story of it, ultimately, is much bigger than my family.

Malcolm, 33, was sitting alongside his older brother and Deadwyler a few hours before the premiere of The Piano Lesson, which Netflix will release Nov. 8 before it streams Nov. 22. As the interview was wrapping up, Denzel Washington burst into the room.

It really all started with me, Denzel jokingly declared as the other three howled with laughter. Then I had two sons, and the next thing I knew I was out of work!

Denzel, joined by his producing partner Todd Black, said it was his sons idea that he might direct The Piano Lesson. A 2022 Broadway production had run of Wilsons Pulitzer Prize-winner with much of the same cast, including John David.

Malcolm said he had a take, recalls Denzel. He said, Let me put something together. So he made a little short. I looked at it like, Whoa, OK. You want to make the movie? This is great, make the movie.

Yet Malcolm didnt immediately go for it. He told his father: Let me see if I see the movie first. He began working on a treatment and ultimately co-authored the script with Virgil Williams ( Mudbound ).

At first, I was like, See the movie? But I get it now, says Denzel. Hes a real filmmaker. He took his time, and he didnt just jump in.

While John David, the 40-year-old star of BlacKkKlansman and Tenet, has firmly established himself as his own leading man in Hollywood, Malcolm, an alum of the American Film Institutes directing program, is just stepping into the spotlight. He knew what he wanted, says Black. And he wasnt afraid to reach out to people who knew more than he knew.

During the making of The Piano Lesson, Denzel largely kept his distance to let Malcolm work. Still, his passion for Wilsons plays pervaded throughout the production.

Hes such a fan of August Wilson and its such an important part of his legacy to continue telling Augusts stories, Malcolm says. His main thing with all of us was to keep that focus: Were here to honor one of our greats.

The Piano Lesson is a Washington family production in other ways, too. Malcolm and John Davids mother, Pauletta Washington, plays the role of Mama Ola. The movie is dedicated to their mother.

I started with a clear idea of this is about fathers and sons, Malcolm says. As we were shooting, I just really started to see this mother-daughter story, and my mom is such an inspiration for me. I always saw my mom as tied into the Berniece story.

Malcolm's sisters are also involved. Olivia Washington plays Mama Ola as a young woman, and Katia Washington is an executive producer. Ironically, their father, Denzel, is almost the only one in the family not in the movie. But Malcolm, wanting everyone in the family somehow represented within the film, asked his father to participate with a brief voice recording.

Am I in it? Denzel says. I recorded something. I didnt get credit. Did I get credit? I dont think so!
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Thethiwe Mahlangu woke early on a chilly morning and walked through her busy South African township, where minibuses hooted to pick up commuters and smoke from sidewalk breakfast stalls hung in the air.

Her eyes had been troubling her. But instead of going to her nearby health clinic, Mahlangu was headed to the train station for an unusual form of care.

A passenger train known as Phelophepa  or good, clean, health" in the Sesotho language  had been transformed into a mobile health facility. It circulates throughout South Africa for much of the year, providing medical attention to the sick, young and old who often struggle to receive the care they need at crowded local clinics.

For the past 30 years - ever since South Africa's break with the former racist system of apartheid  the train has carried doctors, nurses and optometrists on an annual journey that touches even the most rural villages, delivering primary healthcare to about 375,000 people a year.

The free care it delivers is in contrast to South Africa's overstretched public health care system on which about 84% of people rely.

Health care reflects the deep inequality of the country at large. Just 16% of South Africans are covered by health insurance plans that are beyond the financial reach of many in a nation with unemployment of over 32%.

Earlier this year, the government began to address that gap. President Cyril Ramaphosa in May signed into law the National Health Insurance Act, which aims to provide funding so that millions of South Africans without health insurance can receive care from the better-provisioned private sector.

But the law has been divisive. The government has not said how much it will cost and where the money will come from. Economists say the government will have to raise taxes. Critics say the country cant afford it and warn that the system  yet to be implemented  will be open to abuse by corrupt officials and businessmen. They say the government should fix the public healthcare system instead.

For Mahlangu and others who look to the train for a rare source of free treatment, the situation at local health clinics is one of despair.

Long lines, shortages of medicines and rude nurses are some of the challenges at the clinics that cater for thousands of patients a day in Tembisa, east of Johannesburg.

There we are not treated well, Mahlangu said. We are made to sit in the sun for long periods. You can sit there from 7 a.m. until around 4 p.m. when the clinic closes. When you ask, they say we must go ask the president to build us a bigger hospital.

The health train has grown from a single three-carriage operation over the years to two, 16-carriage trains. They are run by the Transnet Foundation, a social responsibility arm of Transnet, the state-owned railway company.

When the train began in 1994, many Black people in South Africa still lived in rural villages with little access to health facilities. It was a period of change in the country. The train began as an eye clinic, but it soon became clear that needs were greater than that.

Now both trains address the booming population of South Africa's capital of Pretoria and nearby Johannesburg, the country's economic hub. One would spend two weeks in Tembisa alone.

The major metros are really struggling, said Shemona Kendiah, the train's manager.

But the traveling clinc is far from the solution to South Africa's healthcare problems.

Public health expert Alex van den Heever said there have been substantial increases in the healthcare budget and the public sector employment of nurses and doctors since the country's first democratic government in 1994. The health department's budget in Gauteng province, which includes Pretoria and Johannesburg, has grown from 6 billion rand ($336 million) in 2000 to 65 billion ($3.6 billion) rand now.

But van den Heever accused the African National Congress, the ruling party since the end of apartheid, of allowing widespread corruption to undermine the public sector, including the health care system.

This has led to a rapid deterioration of performance," he said.

For South Africans who have witnessed the decline firsthand, it can be a relief when the health train pulls into town.

Mahlangu  with her new pair of glasses  was among hundreds who walked away satisfied with its services and already longing for the train's return next year.

Another patient, Jane Mabuza, got a full health checkup along with dental services. She said she hoped the train would reach many other people.

Here on the train you never hear that anything has been finished, she said.

___

For more news on Africa and development: https://apnews.com/hub/africa-pulse

___

The Associated Press receives financial support for global health and development coverage in Africa from the Gates Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.
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European Union regulators said Thursday they're looking into one of Google's artificial intelligence models over concerns about its compliance with the bloc's strict data privacy rules.

Ireland's Data Protection Commission said it has opened an inquiry into Google's Pathways Language Model 2, also known as PaLM2. It's part of wider efforts, including by other national watchdogs across the 27-nation bloc, to scrutinize how AI systems handle personal data.

Google's European headquarters are based in Dublin, so the Irish watchdog acts as the company's lead regulator for the bloc's privacy rulebook, known as the General Data Protection Regulation, or GDPR.

The commission said its inquiry is examining whether Google has assessed whether PaLM2's data processing would likely result in a high risk to the rights and freedoms of individuals" in the EU.

Large language models like PaLM2 are vast troves of data that act as building blocks for artificial intelligence systems. Google uses PaLM2 to power a range of generative AI services including email summarizing. The company did not respond to a request for comment.

The Irish watchdog said earlier this month that Elon Musk's social media platform X has agreed to permanently stop processing user data for its AI chatbot Grok. The platform did so only after the watchdog took it to court the month before, filing an urgent High Court application to get X to "suspend, restrict or prohibit" processing of personal data contained in public posts by its users.

Meta Platforms paused its plans to use content posted by European users to train the latest version of its large language model after apparent pressure from the Irish regulators. The decision "followed intensive engagement" between the two, the watchdog said in June.

Italy's data privacy regulator last year temporarily banned ChatGPT because of data privacy breaches and demanded the chatbot's maker OpenAI meet a set of demands to resolve its concerns.
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A decade of Tory austerity has left the NHS in critical condition with some of the worst cancer survival rates in the Western world, according to a damning independent report.

A rapid review of the health service, completed in nine weeks, has found that many of its staff are disengaged and that there are distressingly high levels of sickness absence.

The author of the report, Ara Darzi, a surgeon and an independent peer, blamed choices made by the last government for the damage to the health service, and said it would take more than five years to fix.

Sir Keir Starmer is expected to respond to the findings on Thursday by blaming the Tories while also making clear that the NHS must reform or die.

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.

In his report, Lord Darzi described a disastrous 2012 shake-up by Conservative health secretary Andrew Lansley as a calamity without international precedent.

In the last 15 years, he continued, 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.

Lord Darzi said Britain 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.

Other key findings from the report include the following:

Comparisons of cancer survival rates reveal that Britain is substantially worse than its European neighbours as well as the USA, Australia and Canada

The NHS has made no progress whatsoever on improving early cancer diagnosis for nearly 10 years

The programme to build 40 new hospitals would not have been needed if investment in healthcare had matched that of other nations since 2001

In almost all NHS services, access to care has declined and long waits for care have become normalised

Children are being let down by services and are waiting too long for mental health treatment and physical healthcare

Despite there being enough dentists in Britain, not enough want to do NHS work

Too much cash has been allocated to hospitals instead of community care services

Patients are struggling to see their GP despite doctors seeing more patients than ever

Sir Keir is expected to point the finger of blame at the Tories, saying that the situation is unforgivable.

Prime minister Keir Starmer will pledge to reform the NHS ( House of Commons )

In a damning portrait of the lack of funding allocated to hospital buildings, the report found mental health patients being accommodated in Victorian-era cells infested with vermin, with 17 men sharing two showers, and parts of the NHS operating in decrepit Portakabins.

Lord Darzi said he was appalled to find that mental health patients continue to be housed in Victorian asylums where patients face infestations of mice and cockroaches.

Of the programme to build 40 new hospitals, which the new Labour government has shelved pending a review, the report found that if the NHS had invested the required 37bn, these hospital improvements would have been made by 2019.

NHS lags behind health services in other countries in its capital spending ( Lord Darzi report )

The peer also warned of worsening levels of long-term illness, with the prevalence of mental health conditions rising the most. The report states that at the start of 2024, 2.8 million people were economically inactive as a result of long-term sickness.

In 2012, under Conservative health secretary Andrew Lansley, the health service underwent a major restructure aimed at encouraging greater market competition.

Andrew Lansley pictured at a cabinet meeting with the then prime minister David Cameron ( PA Archive )

As part of his recipe for reform, Lord Darzi says the government must re-engage staff and re-empower patients and make care closer to home.

There is a need to drive productivity in hospitals by re-engaging staff, discharging patients on time, and investing in buildings and equipment, he said.

Although the report was not commissioned to review social care, Lord Darzi said that differing funding models are driving the most expensive outcome with people spending time in hospital when there is no medical reason for them to be there.

He said the dire state of social care means that 13 per cent of hospital beds are occupied by patients who are awaiting care in more appropriate settings.

NHS Confederation chief executive Matthew Taylor said: The government has taken the first necessary step in diagnosing the problem, and the task now is to move to identifying the prescription. He said that the first task of ministers must be to help the NHS avoid a winter crisis, given the financial crisis that is engulfing the service.

In addition, Mr Taylor called for emergency funding in the upcoming Budget to boost staff and capacity in social care, and for long-term funding increases.

Victoria Atkins MP, the shadow health secretary, said: We will review this report carefully, but it appears that Labour have missed an opportunity to put together meaningful plans for reform.

The Labour government will be judged on its actions. It has stopped new hospitals from being built, scrapped our social care reforms, and taken money from pensioners to fund unsustainable pay rises with no gains in productivity. [Labour] need to move from rhetoric to action.
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Canadian Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre said Wednesday his party plans to put forward a no-confidence motion at the earliest possible opportunity in hopes of bringing down Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus Liberal government.

Poilievre called on New Democratic Party leader Jagmeet Singh to support the motion and trigger an election.

Will Jagmeet Singh sell out Canadians again? Poilievre said at a news conference in Ottawa. Its put up or shut up time for the NDP.

Singh refused to say if his party would support the Conservatives.

Ive said on any vote we will look at the vote and well make our decision, Singh said during a party caucus meeting in Montreal. Well make a determination of what is in the best interests of Canadians. Unlike Pierre Poilievre who wants to play games, we actually want to get things done for Canadians.

Singh shrugged off Poilievres demand for an answer before two byelections Monday.

I say directly to Pierre Poilievre Im not going to listen to you, said Singh.

Just last week the NDP withdrew from a supply-and-confidence agreement with Trudeau's minority Liberal government that helped keep it in power. The deal, reached in 2022, meant the NDP would support the federal government on no-confidence votes in exchange for progress on shared priorities.

We made a decision that we can no longer continue the agreement, Singh said Wednesday. Now were back in a standard minority government where were going to make a decision based on every vote that is in front of us.

The next Canadian federal election is scheduled for October 2025.

The Liberals currently have 154 seats in the 338 Canadian House of Commons. The Conservates hold 119 and the NDP 24. The Bloc Quebecois, a party based only in Quebec and is devoted to Quebec sovereignty, has 32 seats.

Canadas Parliament is schedule to resume sitting Monday.

Bloc Quebecois Leader Yves-Francois Blanchet has said his party is willing to support the government if the Liberals agree on issues like increased support for seniors and granting Quebec more powers in immigration matters.

Most polls show the Conservatives well ahead of the Liberals with the NDP sitting third. Trudeau is also very unpopular among many voters.

Speaking at a caucus retreat in Nanaimo, B.C., Trudeau was asked about comments from Alexandra Mendes, a Quebec Liberal MP, who said in a French-language interview that many of her constituents believe he should step down as party leader.

In a democracy people we have all sorts or different perspectives and thats important that we have that, including in the Liberal Party, he said. The reality is, all of us are focused on what to do to make sure that Canadians are being supported and are feeling confident over the future.

Trudeau said his government will continue to introduce programs that help Canadians like dental care for seniors and childcare.

In June, the Liberals suffered a major upset in a byelection losing a seat in Toronto the party had held for three decades.

Two more byelections will be held Monday in Montreal and Winnipeg.

Trudeau was asked if those elections would be a referendum on his leadership.

All byelections are very important, he said. Its a moment where voters can actually show they are worried. But at the same time, they can show their ambition for the future.

Poilievre also attacked Trudeau for appointing Mark Carney, a former governor of both the Bank of England and Bank of Canada, to act as chair on a task force on economic growth.

Poilievre called Carney an unelected phantom finance minister.

If you are going to be pulling the strings, you should be on the floor of the house of Commons, he said.
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Francine weakened to a tropical storm late Wednesday after striking Louisiana as a Category 2 hurricane that blacked out more than 275,000 homes and businesses, sent storm surge rushing into coastal communities and raised flood fears in New Orleans and beyond as drenching rains spread over the northern Gulf Coast.

The storm was forecast to be downgraded to a tropical depression Thursday as it churned northward over Mississippi, the National Hurricane Center said. Some 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) of rain were possible in portions of Mississippi and neighboring states, forecasters said, warning of the potential threat of scattered flash flooding as farflung as Jackson, Mississippi; Birmingham, Alabama; Memphis, Tennessee; and Atlanta.

Francine slammed the Louisiana coast Wednesday evening with 100 mph (155 kph) winds in coastal Terrebonne Parish. battering a fragile coastal region that hasnt fully recovered from a series of devastating hurricanes in 2020 and 2021. It then moved at a fast clip of 17 mph (26 kph) toward New Orleans, pounding the city with torrential rains overnight.

There were no immediate reports of deaths or injuries. TV news broadcasts from coastal communities showed waves from nearby lakes, rivers and Gulf waters thrashing sea walls. Water poured into city streets amid blinding downpours. Oak and cypress trees leaned in the high winds, and some utility poles swayed back and forth.

Its a little bit worse than what I expected to be honest with you, said Alvin Cockerham, fire chief of Morgan City about 30 miles (50 kilometers) from where the storm's center made landfall. I pulled all my trucks back to the station. Its too dangerous to be out there in this.

Power outages in Louisiana topped 362,546 a few hours after landfall, spread out widely across southeast Louisiana, according to the tracking site poweroutage.us.

Sheltering at her mother's home just outside Morgan City, Laura Leftwich said blasts of wind had swept away two large birdhouses outside. She had a generator powering an internet connection so she could video chat with friends, holding her computer to a window to show them water overflowing in the street.

If the storm had been any more intense, I wouldn't have the guts to look outside, said Leftwich, 40. Its a little scary.

The sixth named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, Francine drew fuel from exceedingly warm Gulf of Mexico waters, strengthening to a Category 2 storm before landfall.

In addition to torrential rains, there was a lingering threat of spin-off tornadoes from the storm Thursday.

Much of Louisiana and Mississippi could get 4 to 8 inches (10 to 20 centimeters) of rain, with the possibility of 12 inches (30 centimeters) in some spots, said Brad Reinhart, a senior hurricane specialist at the hurricane center.

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry said the National Guard would fan out to parishes impacted by Francine. They have food, water, nearly 400 high-water vehicles, about 100 boats and 50 helicopters to respond to the storm, including for possible search-and-rescue operations.

Since the mid-19th century, some 57 hurricanes have tracked over or made landfall in Louisiana, according to The Weather Channel. Among them are some of the strongest, costliest and deadliest storms in U.S. history.

Morgan City, home to around 11,500 people, sits on the banks of the Atchafalaya River in south Louisiana and is surrounded by lakes and marsh. Its described on the citys website as gateway to the Gulf of Mexico for the shrimping and oilfield industries.

President Joe Biden granted an emergency declaration to help Louisiana secure expedited federal money and assistance. Landry and Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves also declared states of emergency.

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.

___

Cline reported from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Associated Press writers Kevin McGill in New Orleans, Curt Anderson in St. Petersburg, Florida, and Russ Bynum in Savannah, Georgia, contributed to this story.
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Scientists studying the bones of Ice Age children have challenged what we know about puberty.

Teenagers from 25,000 years ago went through similar stages as modern-day adolescents, the study found. This challenges the view that todays children are entering puberty earlier, scientists have said.

Researchers analysed the ancient Ice Age bones of 13 people aged between 10 and 20.

They found most of these young people entered puberty by 13.5 years, reaching full adulthood between 17 and 22 years old.

This indicates these Ice Age adolescents started puberty at a similar time to teenagers in modern and wealthy countries, the researchers said.

Dr Mary Lewis from the University of Reading inspecting the skeletal remains of Romito 2 found in southern Italy

Professor April Nowell, a paleoanthropologist at the University of Victoria in Canada, said: Today, we have this sense that adolescents are entering puberty super early.

Its either because there are hormones in the milk or there are chemicals in the environment but actually our Ice Age teenagers are entering puberty at roughly the same age as teens today.

And what that showed us is that, in fact, instead of our teens today being really anomalous, they are actually following a blueprint for when humans enter puberty that goes back thousands of years.

For the study, published in the Journal Of Human Evolution, the researchers analysed specific markers in the bone associated with adolescence using techniques developed by Mary Lewis, from the University of Reading, to determine the age and sex of young people based on their bones.

One of the skeletons, called Romito 2, belonged to a 16-year-old male who lived in what is now southern Italy around 11,000 years ago and had a form of dwarfism.

His voice would be deeper, much like an adult male, and he would have been able to father children although he may still have appeared quite youthful with fine facial hair, the researchers said.

Prof Nowell said: By analysing specific areas of the skeleton, we inferred things like menstruation and someones voice breaking.

Reconstruction of Romito 2, a 16-year-old teenager with a form of dwarfism who lived 11,000years ago in southern Italy (Olivier Graveleau)

The team said the findings also shed light on the lives of these ancient people.

Prof Nowell said: What we learned about teenagers (who lived) 25 to 40,000 years ago is that they were incredibly active members of their community.

They were hunting, fishing and gathering and really helping their community to survive.

She added: It can sometimes be difficult for us to connect with the remote past but we all went through puberty even if we experienced it differently.

Our research helps to humanise these teens in a way that simply studying stone tools cannot.
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Marmoset monkeys have been found to use specific calls to name each other, a behaviour previously thought to exist only in humans, dolphins and elephants.

Naming other individuals in a population is a highly advanced cognitive ability seen in only a select group of social animals, with even some of the closest evolutionary relatives of humans such as non-human primates lacking it altogether.

Now, scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery that marmoset monkeys are part of this select list of only four animals.

The monkeys appear to use specific calls, called phee-calls, to name each other, according to the study which was published on Thursday in the journal Science.

Mother and daughter marmosets Bhumi and Belle ( David Omer's Lab )

Scientists recorded natural conversations between pairs of marmosets as well as interactions between monkeys and a computer system. The monkeys tended to use phee-calls to address specific individuals.

They also found a marmoset could discern when a call was directed at it, and responded more accurately when it was.

These calls are not just used for self-localisation, as previously thought. Marmosets use these specific calls to label and address specific individuals, study co-author David Omer from Hebrew University said.

Monkey helps remove lice from puppy in Mati, Davao Oriental, Philippines

Family members within a marmoset group were found using similar vocal labels to address different individuals as well as similar sound features to code different names.

This appears similar to the use of names and dialects in humans, researchers said.

Name learning appears to happen even among adult marmosets who are not related by blood.

Baby marmoset monkey ( David Omer's Lab )

Scientists said marmosets may be learning both vocal labels and dialects from other members of their family group.

They suspect that the unique behaviour may have evolved to help marmosets stay connected in their dense rainforest habitat where visibility is often limited.

Having names for each other may be helping them maintain their social bonds and keep the group cohesive.

Marmosets live in small monogamous family groups and take care of their young together, much like humans do, Dr Omer said.

These similarities suggest that they faced comparable evolutionary social challenges to our early pre-linguistic ancestors, which might have led them to develop similar communicating methods.
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A Soyuz spacecraft carrying two Russians and an American blasted off Wednesday for an express trip to the International Space Station.

The space capsule atop a towering rocket set off at 1623 GMT from Russias manned space launch facility in Baikonur, Kazakhstan, and was scheduled to dock with the space station three hours later, in contrast to some missions that last for days.

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

The blast-off 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 NASAs Tracy Dyson, Mike Barratt, Matthew Dominick, Jeanette Epps, Butch Wilmore, and Suni Williams, and Russians Nikolai Chub, Alexander Grebenkin, and Oleg Kononenko.
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The Sudanese government accused the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday of providing weapons to its rival paramilitary force and prolonging the 17-month war. The UAE called the allegations utterly false and baseless and accused the government of refusing to negotiate peace with its enemy.

Their latest clash came during a U.N. Security Council meeting where its 15 members voted unanimously to extend an arms embargo in Sudans vast western Darfur region  a key battleground of the rival forces  until Sept. 12, 2025.

Sudan plunged into conflict in mid-April 2023, when long-simmering tensions between its military and paramilitary leaders broke out in the capital, Khartoum, and spread to Darfur and other regions. More than 13 million people have been forced to flee their homes, the country is engulfed in a humanitarian crisis, and the head of the U.N. World Health Organization said Sunday that over 20,000 people have been killed.

Sudanese Ambassador Al-Harith Mohamed accused the UAE of providing the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, known as the RAF, with heavy weapons, missiles and ammunition  and of profiting from this war through the illegal exploitation of gold.

As evidence, he cited a recent weapons shipment that went through Chad to the RSF. He said Chad's recently reopened Adre border crossing for humanitarian aid was being abused to get weapons to the paramilitary force. He also claimed that a European bullion market has confirmed that the UAE is profiting from Sudanese gold.

The Sudanese envoy called for a new examination of arms export policies to the UAE, and called for targeted sanctions against the RSF and countries that support the paramilitary force.

The UAEs ambassador, Mohamed Abushahab, who rushed to the council chamber to respond, called Sudans claims a cynical attempt to deflect attention from the failings of the Sudanese Armed Forces", or SAF.

He accused its military of showing zero political courage, using starvation as a weapon of war, and refusing to heed calls to end the war and come to the negotiating table.

To end this conflict, the SAF must take the vital step of participating in the peace talks and summon the political courage to negotiate with their enemy, Abushahab said.

Sudan's military boycotted negotiations in Geneva, Switzerland, last month aimed at spurring humanitarian aid and starting peace talks despite international pleas that it take part. The RSF sent a delegation to Geneva.

In July, global experts said that starvation at a massive camp for displaced people in Darfur had grown into famine. And experts from the Famine Review Committee warned that about 25.6 million people  more than half of Sudans population  will face acute hunger.

U.S. deputy ambassador Robert Wood told the council that people in Darfur live in danger and desperation and despair, and face intense floods, restrictions on humanitarian aid, persistent human rights violations and mass displacement every day.

Adoption of the resolution extending the arms embargo in Darfur sends an important signal to them that the international community remains focused on their plight and is committed to advancing peace and security in Sudan and the region, Wood said.

Some countries sought but failed to have the arms embargo extended throughout Sudan.

Human Rights Watchs Jean-Baptiste Gallopin called the councils failure to extend sanctions a missed opportunity that should be corrected as soon as possible to limit the flow of arms and curb widespread atrocities being committed in the country.

The Security Council meeting followed last Fridays release of the first report by U.N. backed human rights investigators who also called for the expansion of the arms embargo to the entire country and urged the creation of an independent and impartial force to protect civilians in Sudans war.

The fact-finding team, created by the Geneva-based Human Rights Council, blamed both sides for war crimes including murder, mutilation and torture and warned that foreign governments which arm and finance them could be complicit. It also accused the paramilitary RSF and its allies of crimes against humanity, including rape, sexual slavery and persecution on ethnic or gender grounds.

Two decades ago, Darfur became synonymous with genocide and war crimes, particularly by the notorious Janjaweed Arab militias, against populations that identify as Central or East African. Up to 300,000 people were killed and 2.7 million were driven from their homes.

It seems that legacy has returned, with the International Criminal Courts prosecutor Karim Khan saying in late January there are grounds to believe both sides are committing possible war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide in Darfur.

We urgently call on states to refrain from enhancing either sides fighting capability, Britains deputy ambassador James Kariuki told the council. Instead, those who have influence with the parties must use it to bring them to the negotiating table.
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Three former officers charged in the beating death of Tyre Nichols did not comply with Memphis Police Department training policies when they punched, kicked and hit the 29-year-old motorist after a January 2023 traffic stop, a police lieutenant testified Thursday.

Lt. Larnce Wright offered the testimony during the federal trial of Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley and Justin Smith, which began Monday.

Also Thursday, jurors for the first time watched footage of Nichols being beaten from a police pole camera and body worn cameras. Wright trained the three men and their two former colleagues, Emmitt Martin and Desmond Mills Jr., who already have pleaded guilty to civil rights violations in the case.

RowVaughn Wells, Nichols mother, left the courtroom when the violent, expletive-filled video was shown. She has said she has not watched any of the videos of the attack since they were publicly released last year.

The officers can be heard on body camera footage repeatedly giving Nichols orders such as give me your hands and lay down, while issuing threats such as, Im going to baton the f--- out of you. Nichols was on the ground, with officers holding his arms, for much of the video.

Prosecutor Kathryn Gilbert repeatedly asked Wright if the officers were complying with departmental policies and training during the beating.

No maam, Wright said, adding that other officers should have intervened to stop the beating. Wright said an officer has a duty to physically intervene or call a supervisor to the scene if the officer sees another officer using more force than necessary.

The lieutenant said the officers should have used armbars, wrist locks and other soft hands tactics to handcuff Nichols, rather than punching and kicking him and hitting him with a baton.

That wasnt necessary if the goal is to get him in handcuffs, Wright said.

Wright also noted that the officers kept ordering Nichols to give them his hands, when they already had them, and kept hitting him when Nichols was not a threat.

I dont understand the command, give me your hands, when they already had his hands, Wright said.

Wright said officers are trained to use only use force necessary to safely bring a person into custody, and to only match the force used by that person. Wright said police cannot use force as punishment.

A prosecutor said Wednesday that the officers were punishing Nichols for fleeing a traffic stop and that they just stood around during crucial minutes when Nichols' heart stopped, when they could have helped him.

Bean, Haley and Smith have pleaded not guilty to charges that they deprived the Nichols of his rights through excessive force and failure to intervene, and obstructed justice through witness tampering. Martin and Mills, who pleaded guilty, are expected to testify for prosecutors.

Nichols, who was Black, died Jan. 10, 2023, three days after the beating. Police video shows the five officers charged, who also are Black, beating Nichols as he yells for his mother about a block from her home. Video also shows the officers milling about and talking as Nichols struggles with his injuries.

Rachael Love, a nurse practitioner, testified Wednesday that Nichols had no pulse for 25 minutes until it was restored at the hospital.

An autopsy report shows Nichols died from blows to the head and that the manner of death was homicide. The report describes brain injuries, and cuts and bruises on his head and other areas.

All five officers belonged to the now disbanded Scorpion Unit crime suppression team and were fired for violating Memphis Police Department policies.

They were also charged with second-degree murder in state court, where they pleaded not guilty, although Mills and Martin are expected to change their pleas. A trial date in state court has not been set.

Wells told reporters Wednesday that she hope for three guilty verdicts and for the world to know her son wasnt the criminal that theyre trying to make him out to be.

___

Associated Press reporter Jonathan Mattise contributed from Nashville, Tennessee.
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British counter terror police have joined an investigation into the sudden death of a Telegraph journalist who presented an award-winning podcast on Ukraine.

David Knowles, 32, who worked on the successful weekday podcast Ukraine: The Latest, died while on holiday in Gibraltar on Sunday after suffering a suspected cardiac arrest.

The Royal Gibraltar Police has confirmed detectives have asked UK Counter Terrorism Policing for specialist support as they investigate the circumstances around the sudden death.

Detectives said they had made the request due to counter terror polices existing capability and their experience of dealing with international enquiries, however they said there are no specific concerns at this time about his death.

A postmortem examination is due to be carried out on Thursday and specialist officers are supporting the journalists family.

In statement, detectives in the British overseas territory said: The Royal Gibraltar Police is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the sudden death of 32 year British National David Knowles on Sunday 8th September, whilst holidaying in Gibraltar.

His Majestys Coroner in Gibraltar has been informed and a Coroners investigation is underway. Next of Kin for the deceased have been informed and a specialist RGP family liaison officer has been appointed. Arrangements have been made for a post-mortem examination to be conducted today.

A policing mutual aid request for specialist support was submitted to UK policing, although there are no specific concerns at this time with regard to the death.

Following the RGPs mutual aid request, detectives from UK Counter Terrorism Policing have been appointed to provide support to the RGP investigation, due to their existing capability and their experience of dealing with international enquiries.

Mr Knowles worked at The Telegraph since 2020, first as deputy head of social media and then head of social media until June 2023 when he became head of audio development.

His podcast on the Russia-Ukraine war was described as a runaway success with almost 100 million downloads.

Mr Knowles was last year added to a list of people banned from entering Russia, alongside many other UK journalists because of their work covering the conflict.

A spokesman for his family said: We note the statement from the RPG today about David, particularly the assertion that there are no specific concerns at this time with regard to the death.

We do not wish to say anything further while the authorities continue their investigations and ask that the familys privacy be respected.

Paying tribute this week, The Telegraphs editor Chris Evans said: David was exuberant and innovative. He was passionate about the cause of the Ukrainian people and their attempts to repel the Russian aggressor.

Without his enthusiasm, the Ukraine podcast would not have been half as successful. He was also a gentle, sensitive man who inspired deep affection among his colleagues.

A counter terrorism policing spokesperson confirmed they had received a request for assistance from the Royal Gibraltar Police.

Due to the existing capability and experience of dealing with international enquiries, support to the RGP is being provided by officers from counter terrorism policing, a spokesman added.

Primacy for the investigation remains with RGP and any further enquiries in relation to this should be directed to them.
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Senior managers at the hospital where Lucy Letby murdered seven babies and attempted to kill a further seven have apologised for the significant delay in alerting police to concerns over the now-convicted nurse.

The former bosses at the Countess of Chester Hospital also accepted communication with the bereaved families could have been better.

On the fifth day of the Thirlwall Inquiry, which is looking at the circumstances around the 34-year-olds offences, Kate Blackwell KC introduced and read parts of a statement issued on behalf of four of the senior bosses.

They are former medical director Ian Harvey, former director of nursing Alison Kelly, former chief executive Tony Chambers and former director of people and organisational development Susan Hodkinson.

Their statement revealed how they first became aware of colleagues concerns over Letby at the end of June 2016 - but due to a lack of evidence from their own inquiries, Cheshire Police were not informed until May 2017.

Initial inquiries did not prove anything beyond Letby being on shift at the same time of the deaths, with neo-natal unit manager Eirian Powell judging the killer as being a good and competent nurse, senior managers said.

Lady Justice Thirlwall is chairing the inquiry into the deaths at Liverpool Town Hall ( POOL/AFP via Getty Images )

However, Letby was removed from duties on the ward from 30 June 2016 as a precaution - and she would never return to the same role.

Speaking to the inquiry on Friday morning, Ms Blackwell said the hospital bosses felt they needed to investigate the matter to gain potential evidence of wrongdoing before contacting Cheshire Police.

Ms Blackwell said: This was a cause of a significant delay in contacting the police and for this, they [the managers] are truly sorry.

But the reviews were commissioned in good faith, not to conceal the truth but to uncover it... on the issue of when such matters should be properly brought to the police in a hospital setting, guidance is overdue and such recommendations as the inquiry sees fit will be well appreciated.

Ms Blackwell also addressed concerns from the families over a lack of communication, which was raised on Thursday by a solicitor representing seven groups of relatives after it earlier emerged in the inquiry that they were never aware of a link to a particular nurse.

Peter Skelton KC said some families were kept in the dark over the collapses of babies and the concerns, and investigations that were being undertaken.

Ms Blackwell told Fridays inquiry: [The issue of communication] has caused hurt and anxiety - and for this, the senior managers are deeply sorry.

Lucy Letby was given 14 whole-life sentenced following her convictions ( PA Wire )

This was not done with the intention to deliberately attempt to cause anguish, nor was it to involve a conspiracy of dishonesty. At the time they believed they were providing the right level of information, they wanted to make sure that what they were saying was accurate.

In hindsight, they could and should communicated far better than they did.

A written statement on behalf of the four senior managers showed how the first suspicions over Letby were handled, with bosses initially becoming aware of concerns following the deaths of two babies on 23 and 24 June 2016.

The increase in deaths on the neo-natal unit was also already under the radar of Mr Harvey and Ms Kelly.

But a review found some of the deaths involved very sick babies that may have contributed to the number, the managers said in a statement.

A further meeting on the issue in July 2016 highlighted Letby had been on shift when a number of the deaths occurred, but because she was a specialist practitioner she was more likely to be looking after the sickest infants, the managers said in their statement.

Her bosses also raised no performance issues with her, and she was judged as being a diligent nurse with excellent standards.

Despite concerns, Cheshire Police were not alerted to Letby until May 2017. She was arrested in July 2018 ( Getty Images )

Despite further concerns raised by colleagues in September 2016, the senior managers said a visiting review team from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health also did not raise concerns over Letbys involvement in the deaths.

However, as revealed earlier in the inquiry, some members of the team claimed they were not alerted to the nurse before their arrival. They were also told by Mr Harvey that junior doctors had nicknamed Letby Nurse Death.

In March 2017 the police had still not been alerted, with the hospital trust seeking legal advice on approaching the police.

In hindsight, whilst done with the best intentions, this was unhelpful and led to a delay, the hospital bosses said in their statement to the inquiry.

The inquiry further heard from a legal representative at the Care Quality Commission, which carried out a routine inspection at the hospital including the neo-natal unit, in February and March 2016.

Jenni Richards KC, speaking on behalf of the CQC, said it was only told about concerns over Letby by the hospital following the publication of the report, and then on suspicions of criminal activity after police had been told.

An opening statement was also provided to the inquiry on behalf of NHS England on Friday morning. Jason Beer KC, who represented the body, said it took too long for the hospital to contact Cheshire Police.

The inquiry continues on Monday.
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The Scottish and UK governments have pledged a 100 million support package for Grangemouth after bosses at Petroineos announced Scotlands only oil refinery is to close, with the loss of 400 jobs.

The company confirmed to staff at the site on Thursday that the refinery will close in the second quarter of 2025  with it then switching to become an import only terminal for fuels.

That could see the number of staff employed at Grangemouth drop from the current total of 475 to 75 over the next two years.

UK energy secretary Ed Miliband said it is deeply disappointing that Petroineos has confirmed its previous decision  announced in October 2023  to close the refinery.

Gillian Martin, acting net zero and energy secretary for the Scottish government, said it will be a challenging time for the workforce, and she vowed ministers will support every worker affected by this decision.

Petroineos had said last year that the ageing site faces significant challenges due to global market pressures and the energy transition  with Grangemouth accruing average daily losses of 500,000 US dollars (380,000) a day over the last week.

UK energy secretary Ed Miliband ( PA Wire )

In the wake of the company confirming its closure plans, the two governments announced 20 million of joint funding  with this coming on top of 80 million investment as part of the Falkirk and Grangemouth Growth Deal.

The money will go to help support the local community and invest in local energy projects to create new opportunities for the area.

Ministers at Holyrood and Westminster have pledged immediate career support for workers, while Project Willow, which was set up and funded by the Scottish and UK governments to look at future prospects for the site, is said to have identified three credible options.

This could mean Grangemouth transitions to focus on either low carbon hydrogen, clean efuels or sustainable aviation fuels.

In a statement on Thursday, the company confirmed: Petroineos has today announced its intention to cease refinery operations at Grangemouth and transition to a finished fuels import terminal and distribution hub during the second quarter of 2025, subject to consultation with employees.

Acting Scottish energy secretary Gillian Martin ( PA Wire )

Mr Miliband said: It is deeply disappointing that Petroineos have confirmed their previous decision to close Grangemouth oil refinery.

We will stand with the workforce in these difficult times, that is why we are announcing a package of investment to help the workforce find good, alternative jobs, invest in the community and serve a viable industrial future for the Grangemouth site, with potential for future support from the National Wealth Fund.

Unlike in the past, the government is working in lockstep with the Scottish government across every front.

Workers and their families should be in no doubt this is a government that stands with workers, trade unions and businesses to fight for jobs and investment in Scotland.

Ms Martin said the Scottish government is working very closely with the UK government, adding they have together communicated our disappointment to Petroineos today.

While she said the Scottish government would have preferred for refining to continue as long as possible, Mr Martin added a significant package of support has been put in place which combines immediate help for affected workers and a long-term contribution to ensure that Grangemouth continues to thrive in the future.

She added: We are clear that there should be a just transition for the refinery site and we remain committed to bringing forward low-carbon opportunities that will sustain skilled jobs across the wider area for many years to come.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham ( PA Archive )

Scottish secretary Ian Murray said: I understand this is a worrying time for the workers at the refinery and the UK government is working closely with the Scottish government and Petroineos to ensure they are being supported.

Both governments have invested in Project Willow to examine how Grangemouth remains an energy hub in Scotland. The enhanced 100 million Falkirk and Grangemouth Growth Deal announced today will help ensure the long-term future of the site  a key part of our journey to clean energy by 2030.

We remain committed to working together looking at how we can help the area build on its skilled workforce and local expertise to boost economic growth.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: This is an act of industrial vandalism, pure and simple.

This dedicated workforce has been let down by Petroineos and by the politicians in Westminster and Holyrood who have failed to guarantee production until alternative jobs are in place.

This is now the last chance for this Labour government to show whether its really on the side of workers and communities.

The road to net zero cannot be paid for with workers jobs.

The government must put its money where its mouth is to ensure the jobs are safeguarded. This is the only refinery left in Scotland and it must remain.

PA
We oldies all remember the terrorist takeover of Irans London embassy at 16 Princes Gate. This started on Wednesday 30 April 1980. There was just one member of the Mets diplomatic protection group (DPG) guarding the embassy, PC Trevor Lock. His only weapon was a revolver. As he was having a coffee in the vestibule between the inner and outer front doors, men armed with submachine guns blasted their way in.

I was a fresh young MP, just 12 months in the Commons. Margaret Thatcher was in her first year as prime minister. For the first time for an incident of this kind, there was live coverage of the siege by every British TV channel  BBC One, BBC Two, and ITV, who all interrupted their normal schedules.

In the 44 years since the siege, there have been feature films and scores of books on the drama. But none compares with the depth and excellence of Ben Macintyres book. With his well-deserved reputation for covering the murky world of espionage and security, and the trust he has engendered within the special forces and the intelligence agencies, he has gained unrivalled access to many of the key participants in the drama who are still alive.

The result is the definitive account of what happened. Despite my clear recollection of the events, Macintyres narrative is so gripping that I literally could not put the book down.

The SAS rescue itself took roughly the time it takes to cook a hard-boiled egg  just 11 minutes. The SAS men who went into the embassy building were as well prepared as any special forces in the world. But the risks of failure were still very high.

Despite covert microphones and other surveillance devices, the hostages were not where the rescuers expected them to be. The atmosphere in the building was thick from the explosives the soldiers had used to gain access, and from CS gas. Some of the troops gas masks did not seal properly. The rope of the team leader abseiling down the embassy walls snagged, leaving him dangling 10ft above his landing point.

Macintyre says the siege cemented Margaret Thatchers reputation for resolute action ... and her determination never to negotiate with terrorists ( Getty )

It all could have gone horribly wrong. Just six days before the London siege began, a rescue operation by equally well-trained US special forces to rescue 52 American diplomats and others taken hostage in Tehran had ended in abject failure, further damaging president Jimmy Carters already weakened authority.

It was the killing by the terrorists of one of the hostages  an Iranian diplomat  that triggered the full SAS assault. Once it began, all the remaining hostages survived. Five of the terrorists were killed; the sixth, Fowzi Badavi Nejad, was charged and convicted of murder. He spent 27 years in a UK jail, and was released in 2008.

Nejad and his collaborators were part of an Arab minority living in the oil-rich southwest of Iran. Their separate identity, and language, had been ruthlessly suppressed by the previous monarchical regime. This minority had played a significant role in the protests that led to the end of the Shahs, and the inauguration of the Islamic Republic, in early 1979. But its new supreme leader, Ruhollah Khomeini, suppressed them too, so some took to terrorism against the new Republic.

Macintyre quotes General Sir Michael Rose, the SAS commander who gave the order for the assault, as saying: The Iranian embassy siege was the worst thing that ever happened to the SAS ... up to then, the SAS was unheard of. The siege was the beginning of the end of that old SAS world. They were a public organisation.

An armed police officer waits outside the Iranian embassy on 30 April 1980 ( Getty )

It was the live TV coverage of the successful operation by the SAS that brought them so spectacularly into the public consciousness. But that old world was about to end anyway.

In the decades preceding the early Eighties, there was the most intense secrecy surrounding the secret security apparatus of the British state. In the jargon, even the existence of MI5, MI6, GCHQ, and the special forces was never officially averred. None were subject to any statutory authority. But between 1984 and 1994, all this changed. First, phone tapping was given a legal base, then the intelligence and security agencies. This consisted of independent judicial commissioners, and a special parliamentary committee appointed to oversee their work.

Macintyre says that the gripping finale of the siege cemented Margaret Thatchers reputation for resolute action ... and her determination never to negotiate with terrorists. If the SAS assault had ended in disaster, as had that of the US special forces a few days before, it would certainly have damaged Thatchers reputation. But refusing to negotiate with terrorists had been, and remains, a longstanding British policy. The success of the assault did nothing to shift the Conservatives poll ratings, which had gone negative in late 1979 and stayed there until the outbreak of the Falklands war in April 1982.

In Iran, the siege and its end proved a disaster for the Arab minority. Some of the dissidents who had been imprisoned were then summarily executed. The repression of this population was tightened.

Ruhollah Khomeini became supreme leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran in early 1979 ( Getty )

For their London spectacular, these Arab Iranian terrorists were trained by intelligence agents of Saddam Hussein in Iraq. They provided the cash, the guns, the false passports and the planning. Saddam was viscerally opposed to the theocracy of Khomeini, and saw him as a threat to his own regime, given the disenfranchised majority Shia population in Iraq over which he presided.

Four months after the siege, Iraq began an unprovoked war against Iran. With Western and Soviet support and weapons, Saddams aim was to collapse the regime of his neighbour. The war lasted nearly eight years, cost millions of lives on both sides  and had the opposite effect from that intended. It strengthened Khomeini, and the rule of the imams, and entrenched the military, security and intelligence apparatus of the Iranian state under the direct control of the supreme leader.

That theocratic regime is still in place today. Iran does elect a president, and has a parliament (the Majlis). But how much real power the elected government has, especially over defence, policing, and foreign policy, depends on how much the supreme leader judges it should be allowed for the regime to stay on top. The regime controls who can stand for election, and sometimes resorts to comprehensive ballot-rigging.

After the hardline president Ebrahim Raisi was killed in a helicopter crash in May this year, fresh presidential elections resulted, unexpectedly, in the election of a relatively moderate candidate: Masoud Pezeshkian, a cardiac surgeon. He has talked about measures to encourage foreign investment, and to help the economy recover from the desperate situation it is in; he has spoken of lifting restrictions on the internet, and of easing the interference in peoples private lives  and is trying for a better relationship with the International Atomic Energy Agency over Irans nuclear programme. But it is unlikely that he will be given the freedom he needs.

As for 16 Princes Gate, it still houses Irans embassy. Today, instead of one, there are two members of the DPG standing guard outside, armed with submachine guns as well as pistols. They have not needed to draw their weapons since 1980.

The Siege: The Remarkable Story of the Greatest SAS Hostage Drama by Ben Macintyre is published by Viking, 25
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The bearskin hats worn by soldiers outside Buckingham Palace now cost more than 2,000 each, new figures show.

Animal rights activists trying to get real fur out of the bearskin caps worn by King's Guards took aim at the cost of the ceremonial garb.

The price of the caps soared 30% in a year to more than 2,000 pounds apiece for the hats made of black bear fur, the Ministry of Defense said in response to a freedom of information request by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).

Stop wasting taxpayer pounds on caps made from slaughtered wildlife and switch to faux fur today, the group said in a statement.

A luxury fake fur maker has offered to supply the army with free faux bear fur for 10 years, PETA said.

The military said it was open to exploring alternatives if they pass muster in durability, water protection and appearance. But "no alternative has met all those criteria to date, a ministry spokesperson said in a statement.

The distinctive tall black hats, worn by guards in bright scarlet tunics, are seen by millions who watch the regular changing of the guard ceremony at the palace. They also appear at other royal events including the annual Trooping the Color ceremony honoring the monarchs birthday in June.

Japans Emperor Naruhito, escorted by Britains King Charles III inspect the honour guard ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

The cost of the caps rose from 1,560 pounds ($2,035) each in 2022 to 2,040 pounds ($2,660) in 2023, the ministry said. More than 1 million pounds ($1.3 million) was spent on them in the past decade.

The price went up because of a contract change for fur that comes from bears killed in licensed hunts in Canada, the military said. Each cap requires one bear pelt, PETA said.

PETA, hich has been pushing for more than two decades to scrap the fur hats, said each cap requires one bear pelt. The group claimed that the defense department is propping up the cruel Canadian bear-hunting industry.

The ministry denied that charge and said if it stopped buying the pelts, it would not reduce the numbers of bears being killed.

Parliament debated the issue in July 2022 after an online petition with more than 100,000 signatures called for using fake fur in the caps.

This hunting involves the violent killing of bears, with many bears being shot several times, Martyn Day, then a Scottish National Party member of Parliament, said at the time. It seems undeniable, therefore, that by continuing to purchase hats made from the fur of black bears the MOD is funding the suffering of bears in Canada by making the baiting and killing of those animals and the sale of their pelts a profitable pursuit for the hunters.

Day said a poll at the time found 75% of the U.K. population found real bearskins were a bad use of taxpayer money and supported replacing the hats.

He noted that the late Queen Elizabeth II had ceased buying fur for her wardrobe.

Earlier this year, Queen Camilla, wife of King Charles III, pledged to buy no more fur products.
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Dozens of people protested outside of a court in London as the trial of a British Asian woman charged with a hate crime over a satirical placard begins.

Marieha Hussain, 37, was seen carrying a sign depicting the then prime minister Rishi Sunak and former home secretary Suella Braverman as coconuts at a pro-Palestine demonstration last November and was charged with a racially aggravated public order offence.

Campaigners say that her protest is a legitimate means of criticising right-wing politicians. Expressions like coconut and c**n have been used as insults within Black and Asian communities to describe other people from minoritised communities who are perceived as being sympathetic with racist agendas  implying that the person is brown on the outside but Eurocentric on the inside.

Outside Westminister Magistrates Court on Thursday morning, protesters raised concerns about freedom of speech being under attack, as three Metropolitan Police officers looked on.

Dr Asim Qureshi, the Research Director at Cage, the advocacy group, told The Independent: This case is ridiculous. In 24 years of doing this work, I have never seen a case as ridiculous as this one.

We have to understand freedom of speech in the UK is being extremely racialised and there are limits to what you can say, as a person of colour, before the law is instrumentalised against you.

He compared Ms Hussains placard to a 2002 column by former prime minister Boris Johnson, who used the racist term piccaninnies to describe Black people, as well as the term watermelon smiles. Mr Johnson later defended the column as satire.

So, we know that from the most senior positions of government down to the everyday street racism, that there is, for us as people of colour, a two-tiered system of the way in which freedom of expression is permitted.

Ms Hussain, whos nine months pregnant, was sacked from her job as a teacher following the police probe into her.

The Buckinghamshire resident attended the demonstration on 11 November 2023, along with thousands of people in central London, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Protesters outside Westminister Magistrates Court on Thursday ( Nadine White/The Independent )

Speaking to the crowd, lawyer Shola Mos-Shogbamimu said: Let us be very clear here that this persecution against Marieha is an abuse of prosecutory power  that is what it is.

I do not see white people being prosecuted for calling other white people gammons.

But the law that is meant to protect us, Black and brown people, is now being used against us? I think the hell not. Shame on the Met Police, shame on the CPS, shame on the politicians in this country.

Ms Hussain appeared at Wimbledon Magistrates Court on 26 June and pleaded not guilty to the charge against her.

This case is the latest example of a people of ethnic minority heritage being investigated by the police for using intra-communal language to describe right-wing politicians and public figures political views.

This week, The Independent revealed that the UKs first professor of Black studies, Professor Kehinde Andrews, is facing a criminal investigation over a video in which he called conservative commentator Calvin Robinson a house N***o.

Speaking to the protest in London outside on Thursday, he said: We have to defend our right to speak, we have to defend our right to language.

He said that the authorities seemed comfortable with the Black Lives Matter protests and similar anti-racism movements.

But when the anti-racism gets a bit uncomfortable, makes you think a little bit, challenges you... nah, they want none of it. Then youve got to be arrested and charged.

Inside the court, Ms Hussain, 37, pleaded not guilty to a racially aggravated public order offence.

Prosecutor Jonathan Bryan said the term coconut was a well-known racial slur which has a very clear meaning.

Defending, Rajiv Menon KC said the placard was not abusive, but a political criticism of the then prime minister Mr Sunak and then-home secretary Ms Braverman.

Mr Bryan said Ms Hussain, of Brands Hill Avenue, High Wycombe, had crossed the line between legitimate political expression and moved into racial insult.

Defending, Mr Menon said the humorous and satirical placard was clearly a hand-drawn image.

In a prepared statement read out to the court by the prosecution, Ms Hussain said she had attended the pro-Palestine protest with her family.

She said in the statement: The march progressed very slowly and in the course we passed many police officers who did not suggest that anything provocative or disturbing was taking place.

At no stage did anyone on the march suggest that the posters were an expression of hate to anyone in society.

She said the placard was in opposition to an exceptional manifestation of hatred towards vulnerable or minority groups emanating from the home secretary and supported by the prime minister.

She added in the statement: I find it astonishing it could be conceived as a message of hate.

Metropolitan Police communications manager Chris Humphreys told the court that images such as that of the placard came to the attention of the police service if the forces social media account was tagged in the post.

He added that the Metropolitan Police actively monitors accounts that frequently post protest-related images.

Mr Menon told the court that the image of the placard had been posted by a Twitter/X account with the username Harrys Place.

He asked Mr Humphreys: Are you aware that Harrys Place is a secretive political blog headquartered in Washington DC that has a particular interest in opposing any criticism of the Israeli state?

Mr Humphreys replied: I know Harrys Place is an anonymous political blog.

The trial continues.
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The Royal Navy is celebrating after its warship intercepted a narco-sub for the first time.

Roughly 160 million of cocaine was seized by Portsmouth-based HMS Trent as it was being trafficked across the Caribbean Sea.

The Navy worked alongside the US Coast Guard (USCG) and a US maritime patrol aircraft to seize the semi-submersed vessel while it was 190 nautical miles south of the Dominican Republic.

The operation seized 2,000kg of cocaine, bringing HMS Trents haul of narcotics in eight operations in seven months to nearly 750 million worth.

160 million of cocaine being trafficked across the Caribbean Sea ( MOD/Crown Copyright2024/LPhot Matt Bradley/PA Wire )

The ships commanding officer Commander Tim Langford said: It has been a busy yet rewarding eight months for Trent whilst deployed to the Caribbean and this latest seizure reinforces the utility of the Royal Navys offshore patrol vessels in the delivery of this vital tasking.

My skilled team and our embarked USCG law enforcement detachment fought challenging conditions to interdict this semi-submersible  rarely seen in the Caribbean  and were rewarded with another record haul.

These operations are a team effort and require involvement from every single member of my crew irrespective of their usual role  they can be extremely proud of what they have achieved.

Cocacine seized from a narco-sub in the Caribbean Sea is weighed by a member of the crew aboard Royal Navy patrol ship HMS Trent ( MOD/Crown Copyright2024/LPhot Matt Bradley/PA Wire )

A Royal Navy spokesman said: This eighth drugs bust took place on August 26, just 72 hours after Trents last successful interdiction in which 462kg of cocaine worth 37 million was seized.

About 90 nautical miles north of where they stopped the narco-sub, a high-speed night-time pursuit by Trents sea boats saw two suspects and 12 bales of drugs seized, ready to be handed over to US authorities.

Having seized 9,459kg of drugs  worth nearly 750 million  Trent surpasses HMS Argyll as the best hunter of smugglers in the Royal Navy this century, smashing the frigates 620 million running total (including busts in the Caribbean during patrols in 2014).

These successful interceptions disrupt transnational criminal organisations (TCO) and underscore the Royal Navys vital role in maintaining maritime security and upholding international law both at home and abroad.

This role is more important than ever with the flow of drugs to Europe and the UK, where an estimated 117 tonnes is consumed per year, grows significantly.

The operation taking place ( MOD/Crown Copyright2024/LPhot Matt Bradley/PA Wire )

HMS Trent, which has 50 specialists in disaster relief operations on board, will now continue patrols in the Caribbean to support British Overseas Territories during hurricane season.
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The police have launched an investigation after a Black woman was racially abused on the tube in front of her family, The Independent can reveal.

On Saturday afternoon, Ama - who didnt want her surname to be published - along with her 11-year-old daughter and husband, was returning from a pro-Palestine demonstration and boarded a tube on the Piccadilly Line from Gloucester Road.

A group of four people - two men and two women - entered the densely packed carriage at South Kensington and began talking loudly and making jokes about Gaza, pointing at the many people in the carriage who were wearing keffiyeh scarves and holding placards.

One of the men then kicked one of the keffiyeh-wearing passengers in the behind as he was leaving the carriage which, prompted fellow passengers, including Ama, to take out their phones and begin filming.

The clan became louder and started to yell racist abuse, Ama, who said she is still shaken by the experience, told The Independent.

As soon as they came onto the tube, it was clear they were looking for aggression, she said. I dont know what they wanted but they were violent, vile and shouting abuse at everyone in the carriage.

The guy was ranting about Gaza with a mocking and threatening tone. I couldnt make out everything he was saying, but I heard him say kill and Gaza at one point. I felt humiliated and angry, but I didnt want to just do nothing which is why I started to film.

( Supplied )

Ama was shocked when one of the men lunged at her when he realised that she was recording his groups behaviour - and slapped her phone out of her hand.

Amas husband, whos white, was not targeted in this way, she added.

I became afraid for my daughter who was also wearing a keffiyeh but was seated away from me and my husband and kept filming because they were becoming more threatening, she said.

One of the women began to show the finger to me and other passengers and shouted Stop filming!.

I felt particularly threatened because I was physically surrounded by this group of people, and, as a Black woman, they clearly targeted me.

It was striking to me that they appeared to be middle-class, middle-aged white people (...). They didnt look like the kind of stereotype of racists that people might have.

The mum-of-one, who is French, explained that she decided to quit Paris for London in hopes of residing in a city that, in her view, isnt rife with overt racism.

Im still shaken, she continued.

Am I safe in London? Is this behaviour acceptable? Is the police going to do something? London - for us non-white, French people - appears to be a haven in terms of race relations. In Paris, racism is more overt.

We really thought we had found a home in London with less blatant racism.

Amas daughter is also traumatised by the assault, fearing that she could have been physically targeted as well.

I'd like for me and my family to be safe, Ama said.

Id like to be free to march, to have political opinions in London. I'd like to be able to live in a society where racist violence is not the norm. I don't want my daughter to be afraid to take the tube, have political opinions and just be mixed-race.

The family were on a high after attending last weekends demonstration in support of Palestine.

We came back from this march feeling full of positive energy, Ama said.

We want to encourage our daughter to think about justice, inequality here and around the world - and the freedom of Palestine is a very important issue, one of the main issues of our time.

The British Transport Police has confirmed that it is looking into the matter.

Officers are investigating a report of a racially aggravated assault on board a Piccadilly Line underground service that occurred around 4 pm on 7 September, a spokesperson said.

Anyone with information who is yet to get in touch can do so by texting 61016 or calling 0800 405040 quoting reference 410 of 7 September.
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Prince Harry is said to be heading off on a lads holiday with his closest mates to mark his milestone 40th birthday.

The Duke of Sussex, who turns 40 on Sunday (15 September), will have a reported low-key celebration on the day itself with his wife Meghan Markle and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

Harry told People magazine ahead of his birthday: The best gift Ive ever been given is, without a doubt, my kids. I enjoy watching them grow every single day, and I love being their dad.

The Express reports that the upcoming birthday trip will be to Californias Montecito Peak, which is notably part of the famous Cold Spring Trail and close to the mansion Harry shares with his family.

The Cold Spring Trail has lots of streams and pools which people regularly take a dip in, a source told the outlet. But there are also lots of snakes and other wildlife to contend with, like large cats.

Harry and his friends will truly experience the outdoors as they take on one of the long hikes. Lets hope hes taking an experienced guide with him.

The getaway comes amid Harrys alleged attempts to reconnect with his old friends in the UK, The Sun reports.

A source told the outlet: Harry is feeling more and more isolated in California, which is why he has been reconnecting with old friends back home.

Harry is said to be celebrating entering his fifth decade with his family at their California mansion before embarking on a lads holiday with close friends. ( Getty Images )

The insider added: The Colombia trip also really highlighted how Meghan is comfortable stepping into the spotlight, while Harry cuts a very sulky, unhappy figure in the background.

He wants to carve out a way back into royal life back in the UK and is seeking counsel from old friends and associates.

While the exact guest list for the trip is not known, it is unlikely that Harrys older brother Prince William will be included.

The pairs relationship has grown increasingly strained since Harry stepped down as a working member of the royal family in 2020 and gave several tell-all interviews before releasing his bombshell memoir Spare about his time within the institution last January.

Despite no longer being a working royal, Harry still enjoys promoting charitable causes on quasi-royal tours. ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

Harry after his birth with his parents, the now King Charles and the late Princess Diana. ( PA )

A friend previously told The Times: I think he misses being over here [in Britain] desperately and wants to be admired more.

Anyone who knows him feels hed rather be top of the pops here with everyone loving him, as they do with William and Kate.

Harry, who was famed for his party-loving ways, is said to live a much more low-key life now that he is married.

The Independent has reached out to a representative for the Sussexes for comment.
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The US is considering easing restrictions on long-range missiles being used by Ukraine so that they can hit targets deep inside Russia, a decision which would also free up the use of British-made Storm Shadow cruise missiles.

Kyiv has made renewed pleas at high-level talks over the issue, with Ukraine calling it crucial for its defences against Russias invasion. US secretary of state Antony Blinken, UK foreign secretary David Lammy and president Volodymyr Zelensky discussed the issue at a meeting in Kyiv on Wednesday, with Mr Blinken saying the war has entered a critical moment.

Prime minister Keir Starmer and Joe Biden will no doubt talk about the use of long-range missiles, including more Storm Shadow cruise missiles, in Washington on Friday, Mr Blinken said.

Until now the Storm Shadow missiles have been limited to Russian targets operating inside Ukraine, as well as in occupied Crimea. The missiles were likely used in the largest Ukrainian attack on the headquarters of Russia s Black Sea fleet last year at Sevastopol.

While the UK  and France, which also uses a variant of Storm Shadows  are said to be supportive of using such missiles deep inside Russia, Kyiv is said to be waiting for permission from Washington, given US systems are key to the launch and targeting of long-range missiles.

The US, which has provided Ukraine with the longest-range version of ATACMS, a ballistic missile that can travel 190 miles, has remained hesitant for the firing of long-range missiles into Russia over fears of a reaction from Moscow that could escalate the conflict. They are believed to be particularly concerned that Russia could respond by deploying nuclear weapons.

Britains foreign secretary David Lammy and US secretary of state Antony Blinken walk to board a train for Kyiv on Wednesday ( via REUTERS )

But that position appears to be shifting, with Russia acquiring ballistic missiles from its ally Iran. Tehran has formally denied exporting missiles to Moscow, while the Kremlin has said it is deepening cooperation with allies.

Joe Biden said the US is also working out how best to ease restrictions on Ukraines use of its ATACMS long range missiles.

British Storm Shadow missiles have a range of more than 150 miles and can be fired by Ukrainian aircraft. Kyiv has long lobbied for permission to hit deep inside Russian soil via the western long-range missiles.

Storm Shadow cruise missile is on display during the Paris Air Show in Le Bourget, north of Paris, France ( AP )

Manufacturer MBDA has said that the missile, which is fired from an aircraft, carries a range of around 155 miles and is designed to evade detection despite flying low after being launched.

By contrast, the US-supplied Himars missiles currently used by Ukraine only have a range of around 50 miles. ATACMS have a range of around 190 miles.

Powered by a turbo-jet engine, the 1,300kg Storm Shadow travels at speeds of more than 600mph, is just over five metres long and has a wingspan of three metres.

After launch, the weapon, equipped with its own navigation system, descends to a low altitude to avoid detection before locking on to its target using an infra-red seeker.

On final approach the missile climbs to a higher altitude to maximise the chances of hitting the target.

Detonation of ammunition caused by a fire at a military training field in the Kirovsky district in Crimea ( Getty images )

On impact, it penetrates the target before a delayed fuse detonates the main warhead.

The UK first confirmed it would supply Ukraine with Storm Shadow missiles in May last year. Then defence secretary Ben Wallace had touted that the weapons would give Ukraine the best chance of defending itself.

Just last week, former defence secretary Grant Shapps pushed actively for allowing Ukraine to hit Mr Putins targets inside Russia issuing a simple ultimatum. He also urged French, American and German partners to follow Britains lead in supporting Ukraines response.

Ukraine has deployed Storm Shadow missiles on several occasions during the war. In June last year, the then-defence secretary Ben Wallace told parliament that the missiles were already having a significant impact on the battlefield.

Storm Shadow missiles have also been used by British and French air forces in the Gulf, Iraq and Libya.
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Disgraced Tory donor Frank Hester gave the Conservative Party 5m just days before Rishi Sunak called the general election, it has emerged.

The Tories faced widespread calls in March to hand back money given to them by the business tycoon after he was alleged to have said that Diane Abbott  Britains first Black female MP  made him want to hate all Black women and that she should be shot.

Despite Mr Sunak eventually condemning the remarks as racist, newly published Electoral Commission data shows Mr Hesters Phoenix Partnership firm donated a further 5m to the Conservatives on 17 May  just five days before Mr Sunak called the election, months earlier than widely expected.

Rishi Sunak called the general election on 22 May ( Lucy North/PA )

It takes the total which Mr Hester has donated to the Tory party to more than 20m over the past two years, making him the partys largest donor.

Ms Abbott told The Independent she was shocked that the Tories are taking money from Frank Hester, when even they admitted his remarks were racist, adding: They should be ashamed. It demonstrates that they are not serious about opposing racism and it may also mean they are desperate for money.

In a statement following reporting of his remarks, Mr Hester said in a statement that he accepts that he was rude about Diane Abbot in a private meeting several years ago but his criticism had nothing to do with her gender nor colour of skin.

It added: The Guardian is right when it quotes Frank saying he abhors racism, not least because he experienced it as the child of Irish immigrants in the 1970s. He rang Diane Abbott twice today to try to apologise directly for the hurt he has caused her, and is deeply sorry for his remarks.

He wishes to make it clear that he regards racism as a poison which has no place in public life.

Diane Abbott said Frank Hesters remarks were alarming ( Dominc Lipinski/PA )

Ms Abbott previously described his remarks as frightening, saying: I live in Hackney, I dont drive, so I find myself, at weekends, popping on a bus or even walking places, more than most MPs. I am a single woman and that makes me vulnerable anyway. But to hear someone talking like this is worrying.

She added: For all of my career as an MP I have thought it important not to live in a bubble but to mix and mingle with ordinary people. The fact that two MPs have been murdered in recent years makes talk like this all the more alarming.

The sum donated on 17 May dwarfs the total raised by the Conservatives from other donors in the weeks after the 4 July election was called, with just 30 donors giving a total of 1.2m, according to Sky News. That compared with 275 donors in 2019 who gave a total of 19.4m, which was down a third from the 2017 election.

According to the Electoral Commission, the Conservative Party received 16.1m in the three months to June, compared with 28.5m given to the Labour Party and 5.7m to the Lib Dems.

The Phoenix Partnership  a healthcare software firm  first donated more than 150,000 in February and March 2023, before following this up with 5m in November and a further 5m in January, prior to the 5m donated in May.

Mr Hester also personally donated 5m in May 2023, and in November the firm gifted Mr Sunak the use of a helicopter for a political visit, valued at 15,900.

Shortly after Mr Hesters comments were reported, The Independent revealed that Ms Abbott had filed a complaint with the Metropolitan Polices parliamentary liaison and investigations team, which was later passed to West Yorkshire Police as a result of the meeting having taken place in Horsforth, Leeds.

The force said in March that officers were working to establish the facts and to ultimately ascertain whether a crime has been committed, and a spokesperson said on Thursday that its enquiries were ongoing.
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Sir Keir Starmer has vowed to take on any opposition to radical changes in the NHS, saying difficult and unpopular changes are needed before it receives a penny more from the government.

The prime minister said the health service required major surgery, not sticking plasters and that fixing it could take a decade or more.

Risking anger from unions, he said he was not prepared to spend more money while the system was paying huge sums to agency workers, adding: We have to fix the plumbing before we turn on the taps.

Im not prepared to see even more of your money spent on agency staff who cost 5,000 a shift, on appointment letters which arrive after the appointment, or on paying for people to be stuck in hospital just because they cant get the care they need in the community, he said.

As he was speaking, ministers announced a clampdown on junk food advertising in a bid to cut obesity rates and reduce the burden on the NHS. From October next year, online adverts will be banned altogether while TV ads will be shown only after the 9pm watershed.

Keir Starmer said his 10-year plan would include changing the NHS to a neighbourhood health service ( Isabel Infantes )

But critics questioned how far Labour was prepared to go. Former Tory health minister Lord Bethell told The Independent: You cannot be serious about prevention and rule out a sugar tax on the same day.

Sir Keirs comments, in a speech to the Kings Fund think tank, following a damning independent review that found the NHS in critical condition with some of the worst cancer survival rates in the Western world.

Completed in nine weeks by Ara Darzi, a surgeon and an independent peer, it blamed choices made by the last Conservative government and warned the health service would take years to fix.

Government sources denied the reforms would mean more privatisation, saying the Darzi report was clear about the amount of money the NHS is currently spending badly and in the wrong places.

The PM said public money should not be spent paying agency workers 5,000 a shift ( Getty )

Health secretary Wes Streeting has previously announced plans to use the private sector to help cut NHS backlogs, and hit out at middle-class lefties who oppose the move, saying they risk putting ideological purity ahead of patient care.

Earlier on Thursday, Mr Streeting said the doctors union, the British Medical Association (BMA), should stop sabre-rattling and work with ministers.

An unnecessary threat of action from the organisations GPs would harm patients, he said.

Leading scientist Professor Sir John Bell also hit out at doctors in the BMA, saying they had been a major drag on reform of healthcare.

Setting out a broad vision for reform, Sir Keir said his 10-year plan would include changing the NHS to a neighbourhood health service.

This would mean more tests, scans, healthcare offered on high streets and town centres, improved GP access, bringing back the family doctor, offering digital consultations for those that want them, virtual wards and more patients safely looked after in their own homes where we can deal with problems early before they are off work sick and before they need to go to hospital.

He also pledged to drive up productivity in hospitals, giving them more of a role in preventing sickness.

The Darzi review found widespread issues across the health service ( PA )

He said that increased use of technology, including to speed up test results in A&E, was one area where improving service was not about piling in more money year after year.

He also pledged to continue the last Tory governments hospital-building programme.

But while he warned it was not possible to build an NHS for the future without fixing social care, there was little detail on how that could be achieved.

He said: Reform does not mean just putting more money in so, hear me when I say this, no more money without reform.

He said he was "genuinely shocked" when he learned how many young children are admitted to hospital every year to have rotten teeth removed  something that is preventable.

I know some prevention measures will be controversial but Im prepared to be bold even in the face of opposition, he said.

Former Tory minister Dame Harriett Baldwin criticised Sir Keirs comments in the wake of his cuts to winter fuel payments for millions of pensioners, saying the move would hurt bed capacity over the winter to come in our NHS.

And Liberal Democrat health spokesperson Daisy Cooper warned that the elephant in the room is that we cannot reform our NHS without reforming social care.

But Sir Julian Hartley, the chief executive of NHS Providers, which represents trusts, said the NHS was down but not out.

As the prime minister said today, we cant go on like this. To build an NHS fit for the future, the NHS needs to work differently and go further and faster to improve care for patients.

Sarah Woolnough, chief executive of Kings Fund, said the government now needs to develop a detailed strategy for reform. That plan will need to model how greater investment to primary and community services will be implemented.
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The governments crime prevention minister has allegedly had her purse stolen at an annual conference for senior police chiefs.

Dame Diana Johnson gave a speech on Tuesday warning of an epidemic of antisocial behaviour, theft and shoplifting as part of the annual Police Superintendents' Association conference, which was held at the Chesford Grange hotel, near Kenilworth.

Serving to underscore her warning, it emerged on Thursday that Dame Dianas purse had allegedly been stolen around the time of her speech at the four-star hotel.

A Warwickshire Police spokesperson told The Independent: Were investigating a report of the theft of a purse at a hotel on the B4115 in Kenilworth. The theft occurred some time between 11.00-13.15 on Tuesday. Enquiries are ongoing.

A 56-year-old man from Coventry has been arrested on suspicion of burglary and has since been released on bail while enquiries continue.

Dame Diana was billed to speak at the conference between 12:45pm and 1:45pm, during which time she admitted that the Home Office does not yet know where 13,000 local police officers promised in Labours manifesto will come from.

Before they were elected, the party pledged to take back our streets by deploying 13,000 more neighbourhood police, PCSOs and special constables to patrol communities.

But Dame Diana told those gathered at the event that she could not give specifics over whether the officers will be new recruits or existing staff.

The policing minister was speaking at the event at the Chesford Grange hotel on Tuesday ( Google Maps )

While the Office for National Statistics Crime Survey for England and Wales suggests that theft has fallen consistently to five times lower than a peak of more than 11 million incidents in 1995, police data suggests that reports of shoplifting and theft from the person increased significantly over the past year.

There were 443,995 shoplifting offences recorded by the police in the 12 months to March, representing a 30 per cent increase upon the previous year after hitting a 20-year high, while theft from the person offences increased by 17 per cent, rising to 131,453 recorded crimes.

The Independent has approached the Home Office for comment.
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Sir Keir Starmer defiantly stared down a threat of retaliation by Vladimir Putin as he flew out to Washington DC for talks with Joe Biden on the Ukraine war.

The prime minister and the US president are believed to be on the cusp of allowing Kyiv to open up a new front in the war with Russia by using Western Storm Shadow long-range missiles.

But in a message apparently timed for when Sir Keir and his entourage were over the Atlantic on their way to the US, President Putin said such a move would mean that Russia would be at war with Nato.

So this is not a question of allowing the Ukrainian regime to strike Russia with these weapons or not. It is a question of deciding whether or not Nato countries are directly involved in a military conflict, Mr Putin told Russian state TV.

But a determined prime minister told journalists on the flight: First, to reiterate, it was Russia who started this in the first place. They caused the conflict, theyre the ones who are acting unlawfully. And Ukraine obviously has the right to self-defence.

Prime minister Keir Starmer has travelled to Washington to meet with US president Joe Biden at the White House ( PA Wire )

That is why we have been providing training and capability. And, you know, there are obviously further discussions to be had about the nature of that capability.

What I want to do is make sure that those discussions, tactical discussions, are set in the proper strategic context of the situation in Ukraine. And there are, equally, tactical issues in relation to the Middle East, which need to be set in a context which is strategic, not just tactical.

Overnight, in a move which appeared desgned to try to put the UK on the back foot, Russia upped the ante by revoking the accreditation of six British diplomats in Moscow, accusing them of spying. The Foreign Office has described Russias accusations against the diplomats as completely baseless.

The bilateral summit has been carefully choreographed with foreign secretary David Lammy and US secretary of state Antony Blinken making a joint visit to Kyiv this week. It is understood that the prime minister and the president want to thrash out a long-term victory plan for Ukraine.

Mr Lammy and Mr Blinken went to hear the case from Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky and other senior Ukrainian politicians for allowing Ukraine to use the long-range Storm Shadow missiles against Mr Putins forces.

While no public announcement will be made on the decision, the use of the missiles, which have a maximum range of 155 miles, is going to top the discussions at the summit in Washington.

Sir Keir also insisted that the meeting was about an overarching strategy rather than individual tactics. He made it clear that he wanted a long-term approach that can survive the US presidential election and a potential change of policy agenda by Donald Trump.

He said: We are key allies with the US, and very, very closely aligned, particularly on issues like Ukraine and the Middle East.

There are really important developments likely in the next few weeks and months, both in Ukraine and the Middle East, and therefore a number of tactical decisions [will need] to be taken.

Vladimir Putin has threatened war against Nato ( AP )

Im very keen that those tactical decisions are made within a strategic context. And quite often when we have international meetings, quite often in the margins of other meetings, there isnt enough space, in my view, for the strategic discussion. So this is essentially to have that strategic discussion with a key ally.

And as you know, the two secretaries of state, [Mr] Blinken and David [Lammy], went to Ukraine over the last few days. Theyre obviously with us to report into the process on a really important joint trip, actually.

Its really to have that strategic discussion so that the tactical decisions that will be made are not just one-off tactical decisions made as a series of iterative decisions, but actually within a strategic context.

Mr Lammy has already announced that the UK will be giving Ukraine another 600m in aid to help fight the war on top of the 3bn a year for as long as needed, confirmed by the prime minister in July.

Kyiv has supplies of the Anglo-French missiles but currently does not have permission to fire them at targets in Russia.

Mr Zelenskys government has been pleading for the ability to extend the war further into Russia as a means of counterattacking and preventing further advances from Mr Putins forces.

During the extended meeting in the White House, the prime minister and the president will also discuss the urgent need for a ceasefire deal and the release of all hostages in the Middle East.

This follows disagreement behind the scenes over the UKs decision to suspend 30 of 350 arms export licences to Israel because of legal advice regarding the potential that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) may be in violation of international humanitarian law.

According to Downing Street, the session will focus on strategy and how progress can be made towards the long-term resolution of both conflicts.

The hope is that the decisions made will be future-proofed, so that they are able to stand whatever the outcome of the US presidential election, with Trumps support for Ukraine in question.

David Lammy and Antony Blinken meet with Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday in Kyiv ( Getty )

The discussions on Storm Shadow missiles follow a significant escalation in the war on Ukraine after it was also confirmed this week that Iran has transferred ballistic missiles to Russia  bolstering Mr Putins capacity to continue his illegal war.

On the topic of the Middle East, Sir Keir and Mr Biden will discuss the devastating loss of life in Gaza and how urgent progress can be made towards the release of all hostages a ceasefire deal on both sides, while avoiding regional escalation at all costs.

The meeting is also expected to touch on a wider range of global issues, including advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific and strengthening US-UK cooperation to secure supply chains and increase climate resilience.

The president and the prime minister agree that the two governments should be using the strength of the US-UK relationship to deepen cooperation on shared global challenges.

The visit is Sir Keirs second trip to Washington DC since winning the election on 5 July. His previous visit came in his first full week as prime minister, when he travelled to the US to mark Natos 75th anniversary. During that trip, he was forced to defend Mr Biden amid calls for the president to step down as the Democratic candidate for Novembers election.

Since then, President Biden has given way to Kamala Harris, his vice-president, who is now the Democratic candidate, and this visit is set to be a final official encounter between the two men before a change of administration.

Sir Keir will not be meeting Ms Harris so close to the US election, but instead plans to hold a breakfast meeting with business figures in Washington before seeing the president.

The prime minister said Ms Harris will not be in Washington because she will be campaigning in swing states, as you would expect.
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The government did not carry out an assessment of predicted death and illness rates among pensioners by axing the universal winter fuel payment, the prime minister has admitted.

His statement flies in the face of official claims earlier this week that one had been conducted.

Answering a parliamentary question, energy minister Miatta Fahnbulleh said her department had assessed the effect the change would have on pensioners living in fuel poverty.

Sir Keir blamed the 22bn black hole in public finances for having to cut the payment ( House of Commons )

On Tuesday, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero refused to say when the document would be published, promising only that it would be in due course.

The prime minister has come under intense pressure this week to publish an assessment of the effects of the controversial policy, which involves means-testing winter fuel payments for the first time.

Around 10 million people  all but the poorest pensioners  will have the payment, worth about 300, taken away, and there are fears that low-income households who are just above the threshold will suffer.

At Prime Ministers Questions on Wednesday, Sir Keir Starmers predecessor, Rishi Sunak, accused him of hiding the effects of taking away the benefit.

Sir Keir blamed the 22bn black hole in the public finances left by Mr Sunaks government for having to cut the payment.

Downing Street had refused to comment for days on whether an assessment had been carried out.

But when Sir Keir was asked on Thursday about showing the public the impact assessment, he said: The impact will be mitigated by, obviously, pension credit, by the housing benefit

When he was asked again, he said: By ensuring there isnt a report on my desk which somehow were not showing that Im not showing  as simple as that.

Appearing to confirm reports there is no impact assessment, he added: There isnt a report on my desk.

He insisted it was not actually true he needed an impact assessment, saying: Because youve done it in a different way.

I know you think theres a report on my desk but there isnt one.

He declined to answer a question on whether he was comfortable not having one.

Keir Starmers deputy spokesperson said the only assessment made before the policy announcement was a standard legal one of potential equalities impacts, The Guardian reported.

Asked to confirm that there had been no wider assessment to try to establish how many affected pensioners could thus be at risk, she said: Thats right.

The paper said the spokesperson said the focus was instead on encouraging eligible pensioners to seek help.
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Stormonts leaders have insisted their call for a fairer model for Northern Ireland is not a case of reaching out a begging bowl to the Treasury.

First Minister Michelle ONeill, deputy First Minister Emma Little Pengelly and Finance Minister Caoimhe Archibald were in London on Thursday for a meeting with Chancellor Rachel Reeves to press for an enhanced formula for calculating the amount of Government money allocated to the devolved Executive.

Ms ONeill accused previous Conservative governments of decimating public services in Northern Ireland.

She expressed concerns that Labour was set to continue with an austerity agenda and urged a change of direction.

The Sinn Fein vice president said the four-party powersharing coalition in Belfast was united in its demand for improved funding for Stormont.

It is about whats right, she said. This is about standing up for good public services. This is about investment in our health services, about investment in our education system, its about whats right for the public that we represent.

We as an executive are determined to transform our public services, but for 14 years theyve been decimated by the Tories. For 14 years, theyve been really brought to their knees. And that needs to be reformed. That needs to be changed. So Labour need to change policy, change tack.

She added: Were not here, absolutely not here, with a begging bowl. Were here for what is right and what is fair, and a fair funding model. We have been underfunded for many, many years. Its now time to turn that picture around.

Ms Little Pengelly said it was offensive to portray their calls for more funding as begging.

She said people and businesses in Northern Ireland paid taxes like anywhere else in the UK and they deserved to have properly funded public services in return.

We will unashamedly stand up for the people of Northern Ireland, said the DUP MLA.

I think the references to begging bowl is actually very offensive to the people and the businesses of Northern Ireland, all of whom pay their taxes just like anyone else, and all of whom absolutely deserve to have the fair funding formula to have the public services that they need.

The Treasury has recognised Northern Ireland has those additional needs for a range of issues. It is also recognised that we have been underfunded for a number of years. So, thats the challenge that were putting to the Chancellor.

These decisions are political choices. She references a 22 billion black hole (in the UKs finances), but the Labour Government has also announced 25 billion worth of expenditure. So what were asking this Labour Government to do is to step up, defend public services, invest in public services.

Do not be balancing the books on the backs of pensioners and hard-pressed families who are the least capable in this country and across this United Kingdom to pay for it.

Do the right thing. Stand up for public services and invest in our public services.

On Monday, Ms ONeill and Ms Little Pengelly launched a programme for government identifying nine key priority areas for the administration in the remaining two and half years of the current Assembly mandate.

Both made clear that delivering all the objectives would require enhanced funding for the region.

Northern Irelands public services are facing intense financial pressure.

On Tuesday, Ms Archibald urged Executive colleagues to take urgent action to rein in spending after revealing that departments are currently overcommitted by 767 million.

She said the administration was expecting around 500 million in extra funding from the UK Government following next months Budget through the Barnett funding model used to distribute money to the devolved regions.

But she highlighted that would still leave the Executive facing a funding gap of around 267 million.

Ms Archibald said there would be grave consequences if the administration overspent its budget, as she warned that failure to balance the books by the end of the financial year would see the Government withdraw a previous offer to write off 559 million worth of debt owed to the Treasury.

The Sinn Fein Finance minister accompanied Ms ONeill and Ms Little Pengelly to Thursday afternoons meeting with the Chancellor at the Treasury.

She described the discussion with Ms Reeves as useful but declined to be drawn on whether the Chancellor had made any fresh financial commitments to Stormont.

I think we recognise the scale of the challenge facing the new Labour Government and the mess that they have inherited from the Tories  after 14 years of austerity our public services are crying out for investment, she said.

So I and my colleagues took the opportunity to impress upon the Chancellor the need to use the upcoming budget to invest in public services and public sector workers.

We took the opportunity to have a useful discussion with the Chancellor across a whole range of issues. We as an Executive are committed to putting our finances on a stable footing and to transforming our public services. To do that is going to require investment, both in terms of public services but also in terms of infrastructure.

Speaking to reporters as they arrived at the Treasury, the first and deputy first ministers were asked would they be prepared to offer to introduce new revenue-raising measures in Northern Ireland as part of any deal to improve the funding model for the region.

Ms Little Pengelly said it would be unacceptable to introduce more charges or taxes on people in Northern Ireland before improvements were made to public services.

The people of Northern Ireland do generate revenue, she said.

They do that week in and week out, as do the businesses and as do many others. And, therefore, what were asking for is for that fair funding formula. I think everybody recognises, not just in Northern Ireland but across the United Kingdom, that our public services have been absolutely starved of funding over the last number of years and it requires that investment.

To actually ask people to pay more right now for poorer public services than they were even five or 10 years ago to us is unacceptable.

What we want to say to people is that we have that programme, an ambitious programme of investment, of reform, that were going to improve public services. We have a plan. Weve just released our programme for government, which has that ambition, but we need those resources to invest to improve those public services before we can start to talk about those types of issues.

Ms ONeill said the Executive would play its part when it came to achieving a sustainable budget in the future.

Thats our commitment, she said.

But what we absolutely need, and whats crucial if were going to actually fix and turn this picture around and actually fix our public services, is a proper investment package to transform our health system, to transform our education system.

We want to have this good, constructive engagement with the Treasury, but we need this model to be right. We have been underfunded for far too long. Now is the time to actually fix whats been wrong.

The ministers said they would also continue to urge the UK government to reverse the decision to means test the winter fuel allowance for pensioners.

The policy change is to be replicated by the Stormont Executive as the cost of continuing with a universal payment for pensioners would have to be found from with its own coffers.

Were not going to give up, were going to push that case very hard, Ms ONeill said of the Governments cut to the fuel allowance.

Therell be a lot of older people wholl be sitting this winter worrying about how theyre going to either heat their homes or put food on their table. Its a dire situation. Its a very poor place for the Labour Government to start. So we will make that case very strongly today. Were not going to give up.

Ms Little Pengelly said she would be robust with the Government on the issue.

We believe that this was the wrong decision. Its really disappointing that this is one of the first decisions that the Labour Government has decided to make, she said.

Im not sure the Chancellor is in the position to listen Gavin Robinson

Earlier, DUP leader Gavin Robinson expressed doubt that Ms Reeves was in listening mode with regard to the calls for better funding for Stormont.

Mr Robinson said it was right that the ministers advance the argument.

He told the BBCs Good Morning Ulster programme: They clearly have a responsibility around sustainability of budgets and finance but they are right to highlight the fact that Northern Ireland has been completely denuded of sustainable and fair funding for our public services.

That doesnt ignore the challenges that we have before us here in Northern Ireland but it is fair that those are appropriately reflected with the Chancellor in London.

But Im not sure the Chancellor is in the position to listen.

She has just stripped 300 out of every pensioners pocket in the United Kingdom and she has done that to placate trade union barons on pay deals and other pet projects.

Following the meeting, a UK Government spokesman said: Weve been clear that tough decisions must be taken to restore economic stability and address the 22 billion hole in the public finances left by the last government.

This is a challenge facing the whole of the UK including Northern Ireland, where a 3.3 billion package has been provided to the Executive to support choices that stabilise public finances and transform public services.

We are committed to working with the Executive on our shared priorities, to fix the foundations of our economy and make every part of the United Kingdom better off.
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To Ruth Breeden, whose job is to assemble Ram trucks in this Detroit suburb, a simmering dispute between the United Auto Workers union and Stellantis isn't merely about whether her employer will reopen a distant factory in Illinois. To her, the standoff is a danger sign for all UAW workers.

Belvidere, Illinois, is the site of an assembly plant that Stellantis had pledged to reopen under a contract it forged last year with the union. But the company, which reported poor sales and earnings this year, has delayed the reopening given what it calls unfavorable market conditions." Stellantis says it will eventually meet its commitment to reopen the plant.

Yet no date has been given for the company to restart the factory or to open a new battery plant and a new parts warehouse, both which were also promised in the contract agreement that ended the UAW's strike against Stellantis last year. At stake are about 2,700 jobs.

Breeden and other union members say they fear that Stellantis will break other commitments in other states, eventually jeopardizing their jobs.

Its the whole company, she said at a union rally last month in front of her factory in Sterling Heights. Who knows which plant is next?

Anxious and angry about Stellantis' delay, union leaders have threatened to strike, a move that could extend beyond Stellantis. Labor experts say its two Detroit-area rivals, Ford and General Motors, are watching as they weigh their own strategies, including whether to move future production sites out of the United States and away from the UAW.

Detroit automakers have been expanding production in Mexico for years. And after last fall's strikes shut down a Ford truck plant, its CEO warned that the company would have to rethink where it builds new vehicles.

There's plenty of history of the U.S. manufacturing sector moving its operations to low-wage countries," said Bob Bruno, a labor and employment relations professor at the University of Illinois. It seems reasonable to me for the UAW to be concerned about not opening here, not investing here, but beginning to move operations someplace else as the company looks at essentially how they can build their cars for the cheapest cost.

In February 2023, the last Jeep Cherokee small SUV rolled off the line at the Belvidere Assembly Plant, about an hour northwest of Chicago, and 1,350 workers were laid off. Stellantis had plans to shutter the factory for good.

A few months later, Belvidere emerged as an issue in the UAW's first direct election of its officers in the wake of a bribery-and-embezzlement scandal involving the union's previous leadership. Shawn Fain, who won the UAW presidency, demanded that Belvidere be reopened.

After the six-week strike against all three Detroit automakers last fall, each company signed a new contract with the UAW. Under the deal with Stellantis, it agreed to reopen the Belvidere assembly plant in 2027, with plans to build up to 100,000 electric and gas-powered midsize pickups annually.

It also agreed to open a parts distribution hub in Belvidere this year and an electric-vehicle battery factory with 1,300 workers in 2028. In all, the company pledged $18.9 billion of U.S. investments during the contract, which runs until April 2028.

So promising was the prospect of reopening Belvidere that it drew a celebratory visit from President Joe Biden and a pledge of $335 million in federal dollars to revamp the 5-million-square-foot plant, which began building vehicles in 1965.

A year later, there's no parts hub and no definitive plan to open the assembly and battery plants. Stellantis' vague pledge to eventually open the facilities sounded the alarm among the union members.

If they violate this, what are they going to violate moving forward? asked Kevin Gotinsky, who leads the UAW's talks with Stellantis.

On Wednesday, Stellantis did announce that it would spend roughly $400 million to revamp three Michigan factories to build electric vehicles or parts. Breedens plant will receive about $235 million of the money, which was included in the UAWs contract.

Still, Breeden said she fears that the company's CEO, Carlos Tavares, who talks frequently about cutting costs, wants to move more production to low-wage Mexico. The company already builds Ram pickups in Saltillo, Mexico. She fears that Stellantis might decide to move some production there and away from her plant.

"The truth is Stellantis doesn't want to invest in America," Fain said in a recent UAW video.

Tavares has told reporters that one reason Stellantis needs to slash costs is so it can make electric vehicles  which cost roughly 40% more to build than gas-powered cars do  affordable to typical customers.

Breeden's friend Jazmine Johnson, who has spent a decade with the company helping build Jeep SUVs, shares Breeden's concerns. Both say they're willing to strike.

Youve got to be ready to fight, Johnson said.

In the end, experts say, the Belvidere matter could end up in court.

Tavares has taken the unusual step of singling out the Sterling Heights Ram plant for criticism for encountering problems with trucks that were built there but not yet shipped. The company has also complained about high absenteeism among workers at Stellantis' U.S. factories.

Local union officials counter that Stellantis has made a high number of temporary hires who have caused much of the absenteeism. Fain also argues that Stellantis' management has tended to buy poorly made low-cost parts.

In August, Stellantis stopped producing older Ram pickups at a plant in Warren, Michigan, and laid off up to 2,400 workers. It was the latest sign that Stellantis' U.S. workers face an uncertain future, said Marick Masters, business professor emeritus at Wayne State University who follows labor issues.

I think the apprehension workers have is well-founded, he said.

Stellantis said it stands by its commitment to Belvidere under the contract it signed with the UAW. But it said it needs the delay so it can afford to remain competitive and preserve U.S. factory jobs.

It is critical that the business case for all investments is aligned with market conditions and our ability to accommodate a wide range of consumer demands, Jodi Tinson, a Stellantis spokeswoman, said in a statement.

Tinson said the company isn't violating its commitments, noting language in a letter detailing investments that's part of the UAW contract. The letter said Stellantis and the UAW agree that investment and jobs in North America are contingent upon plant performance, changes in market conditions, and consumer demand continuing to generate sustainable and profitable (sales) volumes."

Maite Tapia, an associate professor at Michigan State Universitys School of Human Resources and Labor Relations, noted that language in union contracts is often intended to appease both parties.

The union could sell the agreement to their members," Tapia said, because it has clear language about investment and reopening Belvidere, whereas the employer was fine with it as well, given this broad clause that could potentially give them the right not to invest.

The UAW counters that its contract with Stellantis authorizes it to strike over plant closures and broken investment promises.

Stellantis, which has been slow to shift its production toward increasingly popular lower-cost vehicles, has struggled this year. Its U.S. sales fell nearly 16% in the first half of the year. Profits tumbled 50%. As a result, the company's inventory reached nearly 400,000 as of July, the highest level in the industry.

Still, overall U.S. sales of new vehicles rose 2.4% in the first half of the year. The union argues that GM and Ford are doing well and that Stellantis would be, too, if not for poor management by Tavares.

Fueling the angst on U.S. assembly lines is a statement made in February by Ford's CEO Jim Farley, who said his company would rethink where it builds vehicles. Farley sounded that warning after the UAW's 2023 strikes shut down Ford's largest and most profitable plant, which makes heavy-duty trucks in Louisville, Kentucky. In July, Ford said it would revamp a factory in Ontario to build the same trucks.

Before last year's strikes, Farley said, Ford continued to make pickups in the United States despite higher labor costs and competitors that had opened plants in Mexico. The CEO said he was particularly upset that the union strike shut down the Louisville plant.

Fain, the union president, scoffed at the notion that Detroit's automakers will be compelled to move production out of the U.S. because of the new contract and a more aggressive union. He complained that over the past 20 years, the companies have closed or sold 65 factories during a period where the UAW was more cooperative.

That's hundreds of thousands of jobs that cost us, Fain said in an interview with The Associated Press. So don't talk to me about your commitment to the American worker when that's your traditional history."

In the meantime, the standoff with Stellantis over Belvidere has led the UAW to threaten to strike as early as October.

We expect them to honor the commitment they made, Fain said. If they dont, we put language in this agreement so that we can hold them accountable. And we're going to."

____

Associated Press Writer Josh Boak contributed to this report from Chicago.
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To Ruth Breeden, who assembles Ram trucks in this Detroit suburb, a simmering dispute between the United Auto Workers and Stellantis isn't merely about whether her employer will reopen a distant factory in Illinois. To her, the standoff is a danger sign for all UAW workers.

Stellantis had pledged to reopen the factory in Belvidere, Illinois, under a contract it forged last year with the union. But the feopening was delayed given what the company calls unfavorable market conditions."

Stellantis says it will eventually reopen the plant. But no date has been given to restart it or open a new battery plant and a parts warehouse, both of which were also promised in the contract that ended the UAW's strike against Stellantis last year. At stake are over 2,700 jobs.

Breeden and other union members fear that Stellantis will break other commitments, jeopardizing their jobs.

Its the whole company, she said at a union rally last month near her factory. Who knows which plant is next?

Union leaders have threatened to strike, a move that could extend beyond Stellantis. Labor experts say its two Detroit-area rivals, Ford and General Motors, are watching as they consider strategies that include whether to move future production out of the U.S.

Detroit automakers have been expanding production in Mexico for years. And after last fall's strikes shut down a Ford truck plant, its CEO warned the company would rethink where it builds new vehicles.

There's plenty of history of the U.S. manufacturing sector moving its operations to low-wage countries," said Bob Bruno, a labor and employment relations professor at the University of Illinois. It seems reasonable to me for the UAW to be concerned about not opening here, not investing here."

In February 2023, the last Jeep Cherokee SUV rolled off the assembly line in Belvidere, about an hour northwest of Chicago, and 1,350 workers were laid off. Stellantis had planned to close the factory.

After six-week strikes against all three Detroit automakers last fall, each company signed a new contract with the UAW. Stellantis agreed to reopen Belvidere Assembly in 2027, with plans to build up to 100,000 electric and gas-powered midsize pickups annually.

It also agreed to open a parts hub in Belvidere this year and an electric-vehicle battery factory with 1,300 workers in 2028. In all, the company pledged $18.9 billion of U.S. investments during the contract, which runs until April 2028.

So promising was the prospect of reopening Belvidere that it drew a celebratory visit from President Joe Biden and a pledge of $335 million in federal dollars to revamp the 5-million-square-foot plant.

A year later, there's no parts hub and no definitive plan to open the assembly and battery plants, setting off alarms among union members.

On Wednesday, Stellantis said it would spend roughly $400 million to revamp three Michigan factories to build electric vehicles or parts. Breedens plant will receive about $235 million of the money, which was included in the contract.

Still, Breeden fears that CEO Carlos Tavares, who talks frequently about cutting costs, wants to move more production to low-wage Mexico, where the company already builds Ram pickups.

"The truth is Stellantis doesn't want to invest in America," UAW President Shawn Fain said in a recent video.

Tavares has said that one reason Stellantis needs to slash costs is to make electric vehicles  which cost roughly 40% more to build than gas-powered cars do  affordable to typical customers.

Experts say the Belvidere matter could end up in court.

In August, Stellantis announced that it would stop making older Ram pickups at a plant in Warren, Michigan, and it will lay off up to 2,400 workers. It was the latest sign that Stellantis' U.S. workers face an uncertain future, said Marick Masters, business professor emeritus at Wayne State University.

Stellantis said it stands by its commitment to Belvidere, but said it needs the delay so it can afford to remain competitive and preserve U.S. factory jobs.

It is critical that the business case for all investments is aligned with market conditions and our ability to accommodate a wide range of consumer demands, Stellantis said in a statement.

The company noted language in a letter detailing investments that's part of the contract. It says Stellantis and the UAW agree that investment and jobs in North America are contingent upon plant performance, changes in market conditions, and consumer demand continuing to generate sustainable and profitable (sales) volumes."

Maite Tapia, associate professor at Michigan State Universitys School of Human Resources and Labor Relations, noted that language in union contracts is often intended to appease both parties.

The UAW counters that its contract authorizes strikes over plant closures and broken investment promises.

Stellantis, which has been slow to shift to increasingly popular lower-cost vehicles, has struggled this year. Its U.S. sales fell nearly 16% in the first half. Profits tumbled 50%.

Still, overall U.S. new-vehicle sales rose 2.4% through June. The union argues that GM and Ford are doing well and that Stellantis would be, too, if not for Tavares' poor management.

Fueling angst on assembly lines is a February statement by Ford CEO Jim Farley, who said his company would rethink where it builds vehicles. Farley sounded that warning after the 2023 strikes shut down Ford's largest and most profitable plant, which makes heavy-duty trucks in Louisville, Kentucky. In July, Ford said it would revamp a factory in Ontario to build the same trucks.

Before last year's strikes, Farley said, Ford kept making pickups in the United States despite higher labor costs and competitors that build them in Mexico.

Fain scoffed at the notion that Detroit automakers will move production out of the U.S. because of a more aggressive union. He complained that over the past 20 years, automakers have closed or sold 65 factories during a period when the UAW was more cooperative.

That's hundreds of thousands of jobs that cost us, Fain said.

In the meantime, the standoff with Stellantis over Belvidere has led the UAW to threaten to strike in October.

We expect them to honor the commitment they made, Fain said. If they dont, we put language in this agreement so that we can hold them accountable. And we're going to."
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Four Black rights activists were convicted Thursday in Florida federal court of conspiring to act as unregistered Russian agents.

Jurors deliberated all day Wednesday and returned the guilty verdicts late Thursday morning, the Tampa Bay Times reported. The conspiracy charges carry up to five years in prison. No sentencing date has been set.

All four of those convicted are or were affiliated with the African Peoples Socialist Party and Uhuru Movement, which has locations in St. Petersburg, Florida, and St. Louis.

They include Omali Yeshitela, the 82-year-old chairman of the U.S.-based organization focused on Black empowerment and the effort to obtain reparations for slavery and what it considers the past genocide of Africans. Also convicted were Penny Hess, 78, and Jesse Nevel, 34, two leaders of branches of the groups white allies. A fourth defendant, Augustus C. Romain Jr., 38, was kicked out of the Uhurus in 2018 and established his own group in Atlanta called The Black Hammer.

Yeshitela, Hess and Nevel had also been charged with the more serious crimes of acting as agents of a foreign government, but jurors found them not guilty of those charges.

Attorneys finished their closing arguments late Tuesday. The trial had been scheduled to last a month but moved quickly, concluding after a week of testimony.

Prosecutors said the defendants knowingly partnered with the Russian government to help the Kremlin sow political discord and interfere in U.S. elections.

Defense attorneys argued that Aleksandr Ionov, who runs an organization known as the Anti-Globalization Movement of Russia, concealed from the Uhurus his relationship with Russian intelligence. The attorneys also called the government's case dangerous for the First Amendment and asserted that the government was trying to silence the Uhurus for expressing their views.

Three Russians, two of whom prosecutors say are Russian intelligence agents, are also charged in the case but have not been arrested.

Although there are some echoes of claims that Russia meddled in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, U.S. District Judge William Jung previously has said those issues were not part of this case.

Prosecutors have said the group's members acted under Russian direction to stage protests in 2016 claiming Black people have been victims of genocide in the U.S. They also alleged that the members took other actions for the following six years that would benefit Russia, including opposition to U.S. policy in the Ukraine war.

The defense attorneys, however, have said that despite their connections to the Russian organization, the actions taken by the African People's Socialist Party and Uhuru Movement were aligned precisely with what they have advocated for in more than 50 years. Yeshitela founded the organization in 1972 as a Black empowerment group opposed to vestiges of colonialism around the world.
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Watch as unionised Boeing workers, who produce the plane makers strongest-selling jet, are scheduled to vote on whether to accept a new contract, or consider striking for better terms.

The vote on Thursday 12 September is critical for the company which is under pressure to ramp up production of its 737 MAX jet.

A potential strike starting on Friday would be a big early blow to new CEO Kelly Ortberg, who was brought on last month to restore faith in the planemaker after a door panel blew off a near-new 737 MAX jet in mid-air in January.

Starting from 5am PT, roughly 30,000 workers who produce Boeings 737 MAX, 767 and 777 jets in the Seattle and Portland areas will vote on their first full contract in 16 years.

Polling will close at 6pm PT and the result will be announced this evening, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) said. If a strike is sanctioned, it could start at midnight.

The proposed deal includes a general wage increase of 25 per cent, a $3,000 signing bonus and a pledge to build Boeings next commercial jet in the Seattle area, provided the program is launched within the four years of the contract.
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Federal prosecutors believe disgraced CIA officer and serial predator Brian Jeffrey Raymond is simply too dangerous to be allowed back into society in the next 30 years, arguing that a sentence exceeding the standard term is the only way to properly punish such an extraordinary case of wanton abuse.

He was someone I trusted, in view of his position, one of Raymonds targets said in a sealed victim impact statement which was partially revealed for the first time in a sentencing memo quietly filed by the US government late last month.

Another victim said the veteran CIA man appeared kind and educated and worked for an agency that is supposed to protect the world from evil, according to the memo, which says Raymond falsely tried to paint at least one of his victims as psychologically unstable. At one point in the case, he floated the notion that he couldnt have done everything he was accused of because he suffers from erectile dysfunction .

Under the courts usual guidelines, taking into consideration Raymonds lack of criminal history and other mitigating factors, the recommended sentencing range would be 235 months to 293 months, or 19.5 years to 24.4 years, the sentencing memo states.

Yet, in this instance, the applicable guideline range does not appropriately capture the defendants conduct and an upward variance is warranted, the memo says. Only a sentence of 30 years properly addresses the defendants relentless victimization of women.

Brian Jeffrey Raymond used his government-leased apartment in Mexico City to commit scores of sexual assaults, according to prosecutors. ( FBI )

Raymond, 48, pleaded guilty last November to drugging and sexually assaulting 28 women in five countries over a 14-year-period, memorializing his crimes by taking hundreds of photographs and videos of himself assaulting them while they were blacked out. He will also be required to pay the victims $10,000 each, according to the memo. Raymond met most of his victims on dating apps, according to prosecutors. One victim, however, was a woman prosecutors said Raymond had known for more than 20 years.

Raymond was most recently stationed in Mexico City , where he worked out of the US Embassy, under diplomatic cover. His sickening spree first came to the attention of authorities in the fall of 2020 when local police responded to reports of a naked, hysterical woman desperately screaming for help from the balcony of an apartment leased by the US government. Raymond, who insisted to police the encounter had been consensual, quickly claimed diplomatic immunity and returned to the states. He was arrested October 9, 2020, outside a gym in Southern California , where he had been living with his parents after abruptly quitting the CIA.

When Raymond is eventually let out of prison , he will be on supervised release for the rest of his natural life, according to the sentencing memo  which further exposes the sickeningly casual way the intelligence operative objectified his prey.

CIA officer Brian Jeffrey Raymond worked out of the US Embassy in Mexico City, under diplomatic cover ( Google )

In March 2020, Raymond texted a friend identified as Witness-1 in the sentencing memo, Bad start to the Colombian date. She [planned] to come by Uber but said she had a problem with Uber so had to drive her own car. Grrrr. That means she probably will drink very little. Not ideal.

In May 2020, the memo says Raymond texted Witness-1, so last night was a success. She was decent enough looks wise. About what I was expecting and at 26 was still f***able. But after 30, who knows. But she was cool and we had a nice time so it worked out. TBD if I will see her again.

And after the incident with the naked, hysterical woman on Raymonds balcony, he suggested to others that she was mentally unwell and could not be believed, the sentencing memo states. On May 31, 2020, it says Raymond texted Witness-1, [I]t was totally consensual we started to have sex but there will be no evidence of forced entry.

[I]t will be her word against mine and there will be evidence of sex but no bruises or violence, Raymond messages, according to the memo.

When it came to his victims accusations, CIA officer Brian Jeffrey Raymond told a friend he knew it would her word against mine, according to prosecutors ( FBI )

Under questioning by law enforcement a few days later, Raymond said that he hope[s] shes okay mentally.

[M]aybe she takes medication and the wine triggered a reaction, Raymond suggested, the memo states.

Attorney Howard Katzoff, who suddenly and inexplicably took over from Raymonds previous defense counsel last November in what Katzoff described in court filings as somewhat unusual circumstances, did not respond on Tuesday to The Independents request for comment. The circumstances under which the switch occurred remain unclear.

A CIA spokesperson told The Daily Beast at the time of Raymonds arrest, CIA condemns in the strongest terms the crimes committed by former Agency officer Brian Jeffrey Raymond. A source close to the case said the spy agency took internal action after the accusations against Raymond, and that he resigned immediately.

Raymonds sentencing is scheduled to take place in Washington, DC, federal court on September 18 and 19, before US District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly.
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The high-profile trial of Idaho murders suspect Bryan Kohberger will be moved to the capital city of Boise in a major win for the defense after the team successfully argued that a fair trial could not take place in Latah County, where the killings took place.

Idahos Supreme Court made the ruling on Thursday. District Judge Steven Hippler will be taking over the trial in Ada County, which is about a six-hour drive away from Moscow.

Kohberger is accused of murdering Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin at their off-campus home in Moscow, Idaho, on November 13, 2022.

On Monday, District Court Judge John C. Judge granted the motion to move the trial, but the location was left up to Idahos highest court.

Judge cited the safety and security of those involved in the case, including victims families, jurors, and the Latah County community, stating that, The Latah County courthouse itself poses significant issues for a trial of this length and magnitude.

Bryan Kohbergers motion to move his high-profile trial out of Moscow was granted on Monday ( AP )

In a hearing last week, Kohbergers attorneys argued that there was a mob mentality surrounding the case in Latah County after they surveyed potential jurors who said there would likely be a riot and theyd burn the courthouse down if he is not found guilty.

Prosecutors accused Kohbergers team of using flawed survey data in its requests to move the trial, and argued the victims families will be affected if the case is moved.

The order cites extensive negative publicity surrounding Kohberger as reason for moving the trial.

Kohbergers name and picture have been associated with terms like murderer, evil, killer, and stalker, when individuals hear that name there is a negative association, according to the order.

This impact is greater in Latah County because of the saturation of the extensive media coverage.

Kohbergers high-profile case is not the first to be moved to Boise in recent years.

The severed trials of Lori Vallow and her husband Chad Daybell were both moved to Boise and took place at the Ada County Courthouse, despite arguments from prosecutors who claimed holding the trial in Fremont County would save costs.

Both Vallow and Daybell were found guilty of murdering Vallows two children  Joshua JJ Vallow and Tylee Ryan  and Daybells first wife, Tammy Daybell. Vallow was sentenced to life in prison and Daybell was sentenced to death.

Ethan Chapin, 20, Madison Mogen, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Kaylee Goncalves, 21, were killed on November 2022 ( Instagram )

Police said they linked Kohberger to the murders that rocked the college town through DNA found on a knife sheath, cell phone data, an eyewitness account, and his white Hyundai Elantra.

Kohberger, who was a criminology Ph.D. student at nearby Washington State University at the time of the murders, was charged with four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary.

A not guilty plea was entered on his behalf. If convicted, he could face the death penalty.

Kohberger is set to stand trial in June 2025.
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A 34-year-old has been arrested in connection with a 30,000-acre fire raging in southern California.

Justin Wayne Halstenberg from Norco, California was arrested on Tuesday by the San Bernadino County Sheriffs Department. He is ineligible for bail, according to public records.

Police say Halstenberg has been identified as the suspect who started a fire in the area of Baseline Road and Alpin Street in the city of Highland, also known as the Line Fire.

Halstenberg has been charged with arson and possession of flammable material in connection with the 30,000-acre Line Fire. He is set to appear in court on Thursday.

The Line Fire has been scorching the Los Angeles area since September 5. The blaze is 14 percent contained as of Wednesday afternoon as it threatens 65,000 buildings, including homes.

The Line Fire rages on in San Bernadino County. A 34-year-old now faces arson charges in connection with the destructive blaze threatening tens of thousands of buildings ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

More than 3,100 firefighters are on the front lines battling the destructive blaze. At least three firefighters have been injured.

Nearly 10,000 nearby structures are under evacuation orders as of Wednesday as smoke chokes residents.

Sammy Baig, a pizza store owner in Highland, California, told The San Bernadino Sun he had to send his employees home earlier this week due to the smoke.

Meanwhile, two other blazes are burning through California.

The largest blaze, the Bridge Fire, began on Sunday in Angeles National Forest  30 miles outside of Los Angeles. The uncontained fire has scorched nearly 50,000 acres and destroyed dozens of homes as of Wednesday.

The uncontained Bridge Fire is burning 30 miles outside of Los Angeles ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

Thousands are now under evacuation orders.

We really didnt even have time to think, resident Stephanie Beck told ABC News of the evacuation orders. It was just throw everything in the car and go.

The cause of the Bridge Fire is still unknown.

Another uncontained blaze, the Airport Fire, was sparked Monday in Orange County. While the fire has burned just over 3,000 acres, it threatens some 10,000 buildings, including homes.

At least five firefighters and two residents have been injured, Cal Fire reported.
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A teenager was shot in the face by a property owner after he hopped over a fence and trespassed while looking for a place to take homecoming photos, according to authorities.

The shooting unfolded on Tuesday when the 17-year-old boy and his friend told investigators they were looking for a cool place in Conifer, Colorado, to take the snaps.

The Jefferson County Sheriffs Office said that the two teens claimed they hopped the fence and looked for the homeowner but couldnt find anyone there.

They said they then returned to their car to write a note to the owner seeking permission to take photos on the property.

At that moment, the sheriffs office said a man pulled up next to them, got out, and fired his gun through the windshield of their car, striking one of the boys in the face.

The suspected shooter was identified as Brent Metz, a 38-year-old member of Mountain View Town Council.

The sheriffs office said police had received a 911 call from Metzs girlfriend reporting two trespassers on her property. She had also called her boyfriend  who also owns the property  and told him about the incident.

When officers arrived on the scene, they found the 17-year-old bleeding heavily from his face, with the other teen applying pressure to his wounds with a t-shirt, Denver7 reported.

Metz was also on the scene and the weapon used in the shooting was found inside his truck, the sheriffs office said.

He was arrested for first-degree assault, two counts of felony menacing, illegal discharge of a firearm and two counts of reckless endangerment. A judge set his bond at $5,000.

Criminal defense lawyer Tyrone Glover told Denver7 it is categorically unreasonable to me that you think you can shoot a kid in the face through a car window because theyre outside of your property.

Unless there was a threat of serious bodily injury  maybe there was, we dont necessarily know at this point  but the facts are as Jeff Co have said  I dont see any excuse, he added.

Colorado has a Make My Day law, which allows residents to use deadly force against an intruder inside their home.

According to authorities, the shooting took place on a public road outside of the parameters of Metzs private property.

When contacted for comment by The Independent, the Mountain View town administrator said the town does not have any comments or statements at this time about the incident.
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Colin Gray, the father of Apalachee High School shooting suspect Colt Gray, has filed a motion to be separated from the other inmates in jail after getting an incalculable number of threats.

Gray is accused of giving his son an AR-15-style firearm as a Christmas gift last year, months after the FBI interviewed the father and son over threats he allegedly made online about school shootings.

That gun was allegedly used in the attack at the Georgia school on September 4 that killed two students and two teachers.

Gray is charged with four counts of involuntary manslaughter and is being held without bond at the Barrow County Detention Center.

In the motion 11Alive obtained from the Superior Court of Barrow County, Grays attorneys have asked for him to be separated from the general population for safety reasons.

Colin Gray says hes received an incalculable number of threats in prison ( AP )

It is certain that those feelings of anger and retribution manifested in the collective psyche, of both the public and the community at large are not also represented in the individuals currently incarcerated with the Defendant at the Barrow County Detention Center, the motion states.

In fact, so many lives in the community of Barrow County have been touched in unfathomable ways, it would be reckless to assume there are NO inmates, either currently or in the near future, being housed in the Barrow County Detention, who wish to harm the Defendant.

The attorneys stated that due to the nationwide national media coverage, Gray has received an incalculable number of threats.

Gray made his first appearance in court on September 6. It is unknown when a ruling will be made on the motion.

The motion comes one week after the attack allegedly carried out by Colins 14-year-old, Colt.

Colt Gray was also taken into custody and has been charged as an adult with four counts of felony murder for the killings of fellow students, Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo, both 14, and high-school teachers Richard Aspinwall, 39, and Cristina Irimie, 53.

Colin Gray, left, and his son, Colt Gray, have both been charged in relation to the deadly shootings at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, on September 4 ( Barrow County Sheriff's Office via AP )

Colt was reportedly obsessed with school shootings, and investigators quizzed him last year over online threats hed made about one.

His dad owned up to having guns in the family home, telling an investigator in FBI audio footage last year: Theres nothing nothing loaded. But they are [in the house]. We actually do a lot of shooting, we do a lot of deer hunting. He shot his first deer this year.

And when authorities searched the suspects bedroom at his home, they found documents believed to be written by him that referenced the 2018 massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida, where Nikolas Cruz killed 17 people and wounded 17 others. Law enforcement sources told The New York Times the teen was obsessed with the shooting.

More charges are expected against Colt Gray, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
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A Florida teen is facing charges for murdering his mother after a heated argument - just a year after he was arrested and accused of shooting his dad dead.

Collin Griffith, 17, was arrested by the Polk County Sheriffs Office on Sunday in connection to his mothers death.

Around 6 p.m., deputies responded to a home in Auburndale, Florida, after Griffith called 911 to say he and his mother got into a fight. He then said his mom lunged at him with a knife, but fell on it, resulting in a stab wound to her neck, according to the sheriffs office.

His unnamed mother was pronounced dead at the scene.

Griffith was uncooperative with deputies and asked to speak to a lawyer at the scene, according to authorities. Investigators determined there were inconsistencies between his 911 call and the evidence.

Collin Griffith, 17, was accused of murdering his mom on Sunday in Florida. He was previously charged in connection to his fathers shooting death in Oklahoma in 2023, but those charges were later dropped. ( Polk County Sheriffs Office )

Witnesses also said they saw Griffith and his mom arguing earlier in the day. They also saw him grab his mom by the hair and drag her in their home, according to authorities. The mom reportedly pleaded with him to let me go.

The teens grandmother also said there were previous incidents of confrontations between Griffith and his mom.

Griffith was arrested for the shooting death of his father in Oklahoma in February 2023, the grandmother revealed. Those charges were later dropped, but its unclear why.

The teen was arrested and charged with first-degree murder, kidnapping and violation of a contact order. He had been arrested in November on a domestic battery charge with his mother being the alleged victim.

Collin Griffith is a violent predatorhe has now killed both his father and his mother. We will hold him accountable in Polk Countywe will do everything we can to keep him separated from civil society, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said in a statement.
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The mother of the teen gunman accused of killing four people in a mass shooting at a Georgia high school has written an open letter to the victims families, claiming her son was not a monster.

Marcee Gray, the mother of 14-year-old Colt Gray, said she would personally never forgive myself for the nightmare that unfolded at Apalachee High School, in Barrow County, last week.

If I could take the place of Mason and Christian, I would without a second thought, Marcee Gray wrote in the letter shared with CNN, referring to the two 14-year-olds killed in the mass shooting on September 4.

She later added her heart breaks for the two teachers who gave their lives while in the service of teaching and protecting our children. The teachers have been identified as Richard Aspinwall, 39, and Cristina Irimie, 53.

Marcee Gray, the mother of Colt Gray, said she would never forgive myself for the horrific events that occurred last week at the Apalachee High School ( Ben Hill County Sheriff's Office )

We are all in a living nightmare right now, and I will personally never forgive myself for what has happened, 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.

Gray had received a text the morning of the shooting from her son that read: Im sorry mom, the suspects grandfather previously told CNN.

Colt Gray, 14, has been charged with four counts of murder and will face trial as an adult ( Barrow County Sheriffs Office/Reuters )

She had reportedly called the school at 9:50 a.m.  around 30 minutes before police responded to the scene  to warn of an extreme emergency. She had been told by a school counselor that her son had been making references to school shootings.

Colt Gray has been charged with four counts of murder and will face trial as an adult, according to prosecutors. If convicted, he could spend up to life in prison.

His maternal grandfather, Charles Polhamus, 81, said that his grandson was a good kid before he spent his formative years with a dysfunctional dad who was a screamer and a hollerer. He described Colin Gray as evil.

Colin Gray has also been charged with four counts of manslaughter, two counts of second-degree murder, and eight counts of cruelty to children over the incident

Spending 11 years with that son of a b**** screaming and hollering every day  it can affect anybody, he told the New York Post.

Colin Gray  who, according to investigators, gave his son the AR-15-style rifle that was used in the shooting  has been charged with four counts of manslaughter, two counts of second-degree murder, and eight counts of cruelty to children.
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Gary Ridgway, also known as the Green River Killer, was suddenly transferred from the Washington State Penitentiary in Walla Walla to the King County Jail in Seattle on Monday, but the reason for the unexpected move remains a mystery.

Ridgway, 75, is currently serving 49 life sentences for the 49 women he murdered between 1982 and 1998 in the Pacific Northwest.

According to the King County Prosecuting Attorneys Office, Ridgway was booked at 10:42 a.m. Monday on an institutional hold by the King County Sheriffs Office.

This marks Ridgways first time back in Seattle in 21 years. But authorities have not said why the killer was transported across the state.

Since Gary Ridgways arrest in 2001 pertaining to the Green River murder investigation, the KCSO continues to actively investigate potentially related cases, KCSO spokesperson Brandyn Hull told KOMO News in a statement.

Gary Ridgway, also known as the Green River Killer, was suddenly transferred from the Washington State Penitentiary to King County Jail, marking his return to Seattle in 21 years ( King County Jail )

The news of the sudden move shocked many of the victims families, including Donna Hurley, the mother of Lori Anne Razpotnik, a 15-year-old who was killed by Ridgway in 1983.

It just sent a wave of nausea through me, Hurley told KOMO.

My heart goes out to those detectives and those families who are waiting on this parasite. Hes going to face his own final judgment. And I prefer to leave that in a higher powers hands.

Hurleys daughter, previously known as Bones 17, was only discovered last year after authorities were able to use DNA evidence to identify her, nearly 40 years after her remains were found in Auburn, Washington.

Lori Anne Razpotnik, a 15-year-old who was killed by Ridgway in 1983, was identifed in 2023 ( King County Sheriffs Office )

Hurley told KOMO News she thinks there is a possibility that Ridgway is working with authorities to unearth victims whove never been found or identified.

If people think (victims loved ones) dont carry this in their hearts every day, theyre wrong, she said. Its affected a lot of lives.

In January 2024, the remains of his last known victim were identified as 16-year-old Tammie Liles of Everett, Washington but officials say there are other unsolved cases that may be connected to the infamous murderer.

Liles had previously been identified as one of Ridgways victims by matching her dental records to remains discovered near Tigard, Oregon, in 1988.

Ridgway later led authorities to the second set of Liles remains in southern King County in 2003. However, the partial remains found at that time were labeled Bones 20, due to an inability to confirm identity.

In 2024, the remains of his last known victim were identified as 16-year-old Tammie Liles of Everett, Washington  but officials say there are other unsolved cases that may be connected to him ( King County Sheriffs Office )

Investigators took a DNA sample from that second set of remains and uploaded it to a national law enforcement database to search for matches at the time, but none were found.

In 2022, the Sheriffs Office contracted with Othram, a Texas-based genetic genealogy company that specializes in forensic DNA work.

Othram built a DNA profile for the unknown victim and the companys in-house forensic genetic genealogy team tentatively identified her as Liles. Investigators then got a DNA sample from her mother and confirmed the match.

Ridgway, pictured in 2003, is serving 49 life sentences, with out the possibility of parole, for killing 49 women from 1982 to 1998 ( Getty Images )

Ridgeway was long a suspect in the Green River killings  so called because the first victims were found in the waterway, which runs through suburbs south of Seattle.

Detectives were unable to prove his role until 2001, when advances in DNA technology allowed them to link a saliva sample they had obtained from him in 1987 to semen found on several victims.

Ridgeway does not face the death penalty as Washington State officially abolished the punishment in April 2023, but hes currently serving 49 life sentences without the possibility of parole.
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Disgraced film producer Harvey Weinstein has been indicted on new criminal charges in New York just days after he was rushed to hospital to undergo emergency heart surgery, according to prosecutors.

Assistant District Attorney Nicole Blumberg said on Thursday morning that a grand jury had handed down an indictment against the convicted sex offender.

Details of the indictment are unclear as the documents remain sealed with the DA planning to consolidate all the charges into one superseding indictment, Deadline reported.

Prosecutors had informed the defense just prior to being present in court this morning, Blumberg said.

Weinsteins next court hearing is set for September 18.

The Independent has emailed the DAs office for more information.

The new charges arrive days after the 72-year-old disgraced media mogul was rushed from Rikers Island prison on Monday to Bellevue Hospital in Manhattan due to a massive amount of fluid in his lungs.

On Tuesday, a spokesperson for Weinstein, told the PA news agency that he was in stable condition after emergency heart surgery.

Weinstein was found guilty in 2020 of rape and sexual assault in New York.

Harvey Weinstein in court in Manhattan in July. He has now been hit with new charges ( Getty Images )

But his conviction was overturned in April by a state appeals court, which argued the court had made egregious errors by allowing prosecutors to call witnesses whose allegations were not related to the charges at hand.

A retrial has been tenatively scheduled for November 13.

Lindsay Goldbrum, a lawyer for the six women who accused Weinstein, called the decision to overturn his conviction a leap backward for the rule of law and said it could deter future sexual assault survivors from coming forward. To all victims of sexual assault who are re-traumatised by todays ruling, I am so sorry, she told NBC News at the time.

Ashley Judd, the first actor to accuse Weinstein publicly of sexual assault, called the appeals courts decision unfair to survivors.

Weinsteins lawyer Arthur Aidala, on the other hand, praised the appeals court decision. Todays legal ruling is a great day for America because it instills in us the faith that there is a justice system, that a judge... will say: I dont care who the defendant is, if its a former president of the United States, or the most storied Hollywood producer of our generation. The law applies to everyone, Aidala said in April.

Despite his New York conviction being tossed, the Hollywood mogul is still serving a prison sentence following a separate rape and sexual misconduct conviction in Los Angeles. In that case, he was sentenced to 16 years in prison in February 2023.

Weinstein filed an appeal against the California conviction in June. He continues to deny that he ever raped or sexually assaulted anyone, maintaining that the sexual activity was consensual.

The new indictment marks the latest saga in the prolific film producers catastrophic fall from grace. Weinstein was once considered one of Hollywoods most powerful producers, known for his Oscar-winning films including Pulp Fiction, Shakespeare in Love, and Gangs of New York.

But in 2017, his image shifted from Hollywood mogul to prolific sex offender as several high-profile celebrities accused him of rape and sexual abuse  a shift that prompted the #MeToo movement.
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A Colorado dentist charged with killing his wife by poisoning her shakes upped the ante on his criminality from behind bars while awaiting trial, prosecutors say.

James Craig, a father of six living in the Denver suburbs, has been in custody since March 2023 in connection to the death of his wife, Angela Pray Craig  who died from cyanide and tetrahydrozoline poisoning, according to the coroners report.

A shackled and handcuffed Craig, his growing grey hair tied up in a ponytail above his orange jumpsuit, appeared Wednesday in a Colorado court for a preliminary hearing on an amended perjury charge.

Angela Craig had been repeatedly hospitalized before her death on March 18, 2023. Witnesses came forward after connecting her symptoms to the effects of poisoning by potassium cyanide, which dental practice employees noticed Craig had delivered to the office.

Investigators also discovered the dentist had been having an affair with a Texas orthodontist, who went public hours before his preliminary hearing last year to say shed met Craig just weeks before his wifes murder and had no inkling of his nefarious alleged intentions.

James Craig had googled murder methods on a work computer, ordered cyanide to his office and told staff not to open it, among other damning missteps, investigators have said.

He was back in court this week for his latest legal development, not for the murder charge, but for alleged perjury and allegations of a scheme to try and cover up the alleged murder.

During the hearing, prosecutors detailed a letter discovered in April 2023  just weeks after his arrest  in the mailroom of Arapahoe County Detention Facility. A mailroom employee contacted police detective Bobbi Olson after opening a letter that had been returned to its sender, Craig, at the facility.

Addressed to William and Becca, the letter had been sent to the mailing address of a man who had briefly been incarcerated in the same wing of the detention center as Craig, Olson testified on Wednesday.

James Craig, who is accused of using poison to kill his wife, was back in a Colorado court on Wednesday for a hearing. ( AP )

The letter outlined how Craig would complete dental work for the inmates mother, which could cost up to $60,000, Olson testified. It also laid out a plan where the inmate would find one or two attractive 25- to 45-year-old females to participate in a scheme seemingly designed to exonerate Craig, instead indicating his murdered wife had somehow framed him.

After the inmate found the other women, they would agree to say theyd met Craig through him in 2021, then had an affair on and off for about a year with the dentist, the detective testified.

The women would then claim that, in the spring or summer of 2022, theyd received a phone call or a zoom from James Craig and Angela where James allegedly called the affair off, Olson continued.

Then, around the 2022 holidays, the woman was supposed to say she received a call from Angela saying that she caught James cheating again and that she was going to divorce him  and ask if the female would help frame James ... in the sense of an assault or an attempted homicide or something.

The letter included a description of Angela Craig so the women could accurately describe her, the detective testified  since they were agreeing to say theyd seen her in a video call. The letter specified that these women would be asked to testify to the story, Olson said.

While the inmate never received the letter, he said in a later interview with Olson that Craig had asked him while they were incarcerated together to fabricate a witness, she testified.

The inmate said he told Craig hed think about the offer  but told the detective he knew falsifying a witness was a felony so he did not want to partake in it, she testified Wednesday.

Craigs defense counsel pointed out that the inmate never agreed to any scheme and also that hed offered details of his 10-second jailhouse conversation with Craig, as the inmate was a fugitive on another warrant.

The detective told the court handwriting samples had been sent to the lab but investigators were still awaiting results.

Judge Shay Whitaker found on Wednesday that prosecutors had met the burden of proof and set an arraignment date on the amended perjury charge for October 15.

Craigs murder trial is scheduled to begin on December 2.
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Officials have insisted they will find the suspect of a mass shooting on a Kentucky interstate "dead or alive," after nearly one week of searching for him in the wilderness.

Efforts resumed on Thursday to track down Joseph A Couch, 32, who allegedly opened fire on vehicles travelling along the I-75 near exit 49 on Saturday at around 5:30pm.

Now, five days following the shooting, which sent five people to hospital with gunshot wounds, the search has made use of helicopters and drones equipped with infrared technology and special response teams and trained dogs, according to NBC News.

"Dead or alive, it's our job to find him," Kentucky State Police (KSP) trooper Scottie Pennington told reporters at a press conference on Tuesday.

Officials have also asked the public not to approach Couch if spotted, as he is considered armed and dangerous, and to report tips of any sightings of the suspected gunman.

Joseph A Couch is still at large after being accused of shooting five in Kentucky on Saturday night ( Laurel County Sheriffs Office )

Initially led by Laurel County Sheriff's Office (LCSO), the KSP is now spearheading the search.

Pennington also urged residents in the areas surrounding exit 49  where they still believe Couch to be  to keep their doors locked, check their home security systems, and even "suspend activities" such as hunting.

The area where authorities believe alleged Kentucky shooter Joseph A Couch to be hiding has been described as very unforgiving ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. )

Reporters at the press conference asked questions regarding Couch's welfare, considering he has supposedly been in the "very unforgiving terrain with dense vegetation, cliffs, and mountains for five days now.

Noting the hotter Tuesday weather, Pennington said, "I hope he doesn't have water, I hope he doesn't have food."

He added, "I hope he's worn out and basically going to walk out of the woods."

The suspected gunman's arrest warrant has revealed he allegedly sent a text vowing to "kill a lot of people" to an unidentified woman before the shooting started on Saturday.

In one text message, sent less than 30 minutes before allegedly opening fire from a cliff ledge next to exit 49, the warrant claims Couch wrote, Ill kill myself afterwards

The warrant states that the woman called 911 after receiving the alarming messages, and later showed police screenshots of the text on Sunday morning, according to CBS News.

Saturdays shooting is not the only one to rock Kentuckians over the last five days, after Samuel White, 75, was shot and killed on Tuesday following an argument at a logging yard in Wayne County.

After a search in the woods, KSP detained the suspected murderer, 66-year-old Willard Upchurch, who is now being held at Wayne County Detention Center, according to WKYT.

If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch. If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you
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A burger restaurant in Portland has been broken into eight times in the space of just two years, sparking concerns from the owner over police shortages in the area.

Dicks Primal Burger restaurant in Woodstock was burglarized three times in just three months in 2022 and has been targeted at least another five times since.

The latest break-in came on Friday, the fast food restaurants owner Liam Pelot told KGW News.

Pelot said that each incident has cost the business around $700 in damages, including paying to replace smashed-up glass doors and windows.

Portland police told the local news outlet that other incidents involved two laptops and an entire safe being stolen.

Pelot told KGW News that, while the business survived the Covid-19 pandemic, he is concerned about the criminal activity now impacting the burger joint.

Surveillance footage shows thieves breaking into the burger joint ( KGW News )

He has blamed a lack of police staffing in Portland for the spate of break-ins.

It really affects us from a state of mind. Its just feeling powerless, feeling like we just dont get the support from the city and from the police. I know they are doing the best that they can, he told KGW News.

Footage shows one of the eight break-ins at Dicks Primal Burger in two years ( KGW News )

The folks in the city just need to agree that there is a problem. Stop pretending that it will fix itself or it is going to go away, and kind of set politics aside.

The Independent contacted Portland Police Bureau, Dicks Primal Burger and the City of Portland mayor for comment.
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A 20-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly going on a deer killing spree after multiple animal carcasses were found dumped across Cody, Wyoming.

Joshua Tamirat Wielhouwer was arraigned on Tuesday on a string of 18 wildlife-related charges including nine counts of unlicensed taking of a big game animal and nine counts of wanton destruction of a big game animal, according to documents from Park County Fifth Judicial District Circuit Court.

In total, one fawn, two bucks, and six does were found dead with broadhead hunting arrow wounds.

The carcasses were found scattered across Park County Complex, 15th Street, and Alger Avenue, in Cody between August 27 and September 4, according to court documents.

One of the dead does was discovered floating in a pond, reported Cowboy State Daily.

The deaths were something of a mystery in the local community.

Then, at around 10pm on September 4, Wyoming Game and Fish Game Warden Spencer Carstens and another warden spotted the suspect while patroling near the Park County Complex, according to the affidavit, seen by the outlet.

Joshua Wielhouwer, 20, seen in mugshot following his arrest over the deer killing spree ( Park County Sheriffs Office )

The pair said they heard a sound consistent with a shot from a compound bow and saw a man wielding a bow and shining a light on the ground.

According to the affidavit, they chased the man but lost him. A deer carcass was allegedly found close to where the man had been spotted.

An arrest warrant was issued on September 6 and three days later  on September 9  Wielhouwer turned himself into authorities,The Powell Tribune reported.

Wielhouwer remains in custody on $36,000 bail ahead of a trial slated for February 6.

Each of the 18 charges carry a one-year jail term along with a fine of up to $10,000.

The killings have sparked outrage in the local community as Codys mule deer are a beloved feature of the Wyoming town ( Outdoors With Travis/YouTube )

The killings have sparked outrage in the local community as Codys mule deer are a beloved feature of the Wyoming town.

Avid hunter Jim Zumbo told CSD the deer killings were despicable: Nine deer, thats serious.

While it is legal to hunt deer within municipal limits in Wyoming, there are strict stipulations that hunters must hold a license, can only usually kill one deer per year, and any attempt to keep the meat is illegal.
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He was a lawyer with a two-syllable name, a colourfully complicated personal life and a Rasputin-like grip on United States politics  especially in New York.

The very mention of Roy Cohn during his four decades of headline ubiquity could spark anything from anger to hatred to fear; his shadowy legend persists nearly 40 years after the death of a man dubbed a new strain of sonofabitch  by his own autobiography co-author, no less.

Now those that missed Cohns infamous antics the first time around will meet him in a new film, The Apprentice, by director Ali Abbasi, which will be released in theaters in October. Pop culture darling Jeremy Strong from Succession stars as Cohn, the Joseph McCarthy lieutenant who created the blueprint that Donald Trump followed all the way to the presidency.

Director Ali Abbasis new film, The Apprentice, debuted at Cannes earlier this year and is set for theatrical release next month  starring Jeremy Strong as political power-player Roy Cohn and Sebastian Stan as Donald Trump

The Deadline announcement earlier this year, near the films Cannes debut, called the first Trump biopic a mentor-protege story; the summary on the festival site explained that it charts a young Donald Trumps ascent to power through a Faustian deal with the influential right-wing lawyer and political fixer himself. A teaser still of the film shows the pair in the back of a town car, Strong as Cohn fixing his steely eyes on Sebastian Stan, who plays Trump.

Trumps name inspires a range of emotions mirroring those elicited by any mention of Cohn. The future 45th president was guided and represented by the Bronx-raised lawyer during his ascent through the ranks of New York business and society; one need only give a cursory read of Cohns eponymous memoir to see Trumpisms.

The word losers? Its on the third page of Chapter One. Lousy? Its on Page 37.

Donald Trump is Roy Cohn, Matthew Tyrnauer, director of the 2019 documentary Wheres My Roy Cohn, said in an interview with NPR the year of his films release.

He completely absorbed all of the lessons of Cohn, which were attack, always double down, accuse your accusers of what you are guilty of, and winning is everything, Tyrnauer continued. And Trump absorbed these lessons and has applied them in every aspect of his life and career.

Cohn is played by Successions Jeremy Strong, left, in a still from director Ali Abbasis new film The Apprentice, playing at the Cannes Film Festival this month ( APPRENTICE PRODUCTIONS ONTARIO INC./PROFILE PRODUCTIONS 2 APS/TAILORED FILMS LTD. 2023 )

Cohn worked on his eponymous memoir with journalist Sidney Zion, who notes a point of order after Chapter 11  when the book turns from Roy Cohn telling the Roy Cohn Story to me telling Roy Cohn stories as the lawyer faded with illness.

Even before Cohn gleefully recounted within the books pages his legal battles against indictments  (sound familiar?)  he also took a stab at imagining his own obituary on the same opening page. He used words like notorious, explorer and writer.

Cohn rightly predicted that most obituaries would recall him as McCarthy Investigations Aide  because, years before Cohns tutelage of Trump, he first became a household name and tabloid staple through his pivotal role in one of Americas greatest witch-hunts.

The McCarthy hearings may have launched Cohn into adversarial infamy, but his shrewd and manipulative brand of power-brokering had its roots far earlier. The only child of a well-connected Bronx judge and doting Jewish mother, Cohn wrote in his memoir that virtually every heavy hitter in politics, law, the judiciary made it to our apartment while I was growing up.

Roy Cohn shakes hands with infamous Sen. Joseph McCarthy; the young and rising New York lawyer served as chief counsel during the infamous anti-Communist hearings and witch-hunts, making him a headline staple ( INTERCONTINENTALE/AFP via Getty )

Looking back on it now, I guess I always took for granted that Id be around powerful people; it was normal, which may help explain why in this way at least my life never changed, he continued.

In that way, as well, his life was unusual from the start  and he made quick work of ensuring the continuation of that markedly different streak. Cohn finished high school early and completed both undergraduate and law degrees before the age of 20  still too young to be eligible to pass the bar exam. Once he did, however, he finangled a job as an assistant US attorney in New York. He made a name for himself as ambitious and fiercely clever by prosecuting such high-profile anti-Communist cases as the Rosenbergs, the couple convicted in 1951 of spying for the Soviet Union and subsequently sent to the electric chair.

Cohns brand of anti-Communism, as his New York Times obituary would one day describe it, soon landed him a job as chief counsel to Sen. Joseph McCarthys investigations subcommittee, which further thrust him into the national spotlight amidst the crusades of the day  though not always for favourable reasons.

Cohns very close friendship with a good-looking heir and unpaid committee consultant, David Schine, fueled not only rumours of homosexuality but allegations of a vendetta against the military because he was attempting to get Schine special Army favours.

Mr. Cohn, Mr. Schine and Senator McCarthy, all bachelors at the time, were themselves the targets of what some called reverse McCarthyism, The Times wrote in its Cohn obituary. There were snickering suggestions that the three men were homosexuals, and attacks such as that by the playwright Lillian Hellman who called them Bonnie, Bonnie and Clyde.

A Studio 54 regular who flaunted flamboyant romances while living in a closet with neon lights, as Zion put it, Cohn died from AIDS without ever admitting that he was gay (or suffering from the disease, for that matter.)

Cohn spent significant time with David Schine, a handsome and unpaid McCarthy hearings consultant; his relationship with the young man sparked significant rumours ( Getty Images )

The fact of my controversiality exists and always will, Cohn wrote years 15 earlier, on the first page of his first book: A Fool For A Client: My Struggle Against the Power of a Public Prosecutor.

Cohn was known to hang around beautiful women but ignore them; he at one point nurtured some type of relationship with Barbara Walters. But he also brought young attractive men along to high-society and political soirees, and regularly threw parties at his Upper East side townhouse and property in Greenwich, Connecticut. They attract a chorus line of judges, mayors, elected and party officials, monsignors and priests, publishers, gossip columnists, writers, models, actors, landlords, businessmen, celebrities, reads a 1978 profile of him in Esquire by Ken Auletta. The piece notes that at a party held that spring, Trump (still referred to as a builder in the piece) toasted host Cohn.

Tyrnauer, who interviewed relatives and associates of the lawyer for the documentary, pointed to Cohns hypocrisy as another major reason for the malevolent reputation.

He and McCarthy were also going after gay people in the government, Turnauer told NPR in 2019. Cohn himself was a closet homosexual, yet he and McCarthy conspired to ruin many gay peoples lives because they were accusing them of disloyalty. And this hypocrisy and this bare-knuckle win-at-all-costs philosophy  which, I will add, he passed on to his great student, Donald Trump  is what caused people to consider Roy Cohn to be an evil person.

Cohns well-heeled and wide-ranging social circle  with clients from the mob to the Catholic archdiocese  all turned a blind eye to his personal life, focusing instead on the lawyers formidable and sustained courtroom success. Many of those victories involved beating charges levelled against himself; Cohn was indicted time and time again, and the IRS went after him for decades. After he was charged in 1969 with bribery, extortion, blackmail and conspiracy, Cohn went to trial and delivered his own closing statements after his attorney had a heart attack.

It tells you something about Roys Machiavellian reputation that there are those who believe the heart attack was feigned so Roy could offer his own summation, Ken Auletta wrote in the 1978 Esquire profile.

Director Matt Tyrnauers 2019 documentary Wheres My Roy Cohn charts the origins and dealings of Roy Cohn, labeled evil through many throughout the decades

The advantage of defending himself, however, was clear: Since Roy had not been called as a witness in the trial, he was now free to offer his own testimony without being cross-examined. For two days, without a note, Roy delivered an eloquent seven-hour summation, ending with a protestation of love for America. Tears streamed down Roys and the jurors cheeks.

He was found not guilty on all counts.

Cohns quick-witted eloquence may have never filtered down to his friend Trump, but the two were instead bonded by an anti-establishment love of loopholes, chicanery, favours and gymnastics around the truth  and the legal. When Trumps organisation was being sued in the 1970s by the federal government for racial discrimination in housing, other lawyers told the future president You have a good case, but its a sticky thing, Trump told Esquire. Cohn, on the other hand, told him: Oh, youll win hands down!

Trump also turned to him with his most important case, the Trump Tower tax abatement, and Roy gave it everything, Zion wrote near the end of Roy Cohn.

Through it all, however, Cohns career was tinged by a sinister bent in the eyes of many.

If you were in his presence, you were in the presence of evil, one interviewee says in Wheres My Roy Cohn?  the 2019 documentary which took its name from Trumps reported utterings bemoaning a lack of an attack-dog attorney.

Decades after his 1978 Esquire piece about Cohn, Auletta called the lawyer the worst human being Ive ever profiled.

Telling a 2022 podcast Cohn was beyond flawed, he added: He was evil in some ways, and yet he was brilliant.

Cohns relentless McCarthyism and ruthless death penalty prosecution of the Rosenbergs forever tainted him in some circles; in others, it was the lawyers representation of mobsters, perceived guilty parties or twisting of the truth that made him anathema.

Cohn, pictured in a still from 2019 documentary Wheres Roy Cohn, was considered evil by many for what director Matt Tyrnauer labelled hypocrisy and this bare-knuckle win-at-all-costs philosophy ( AP/REX/Shutterstock )

In the end, there were not throngs of friends who remained loyal to Cohn as the lawyers star fell. Not only did he contract HIV in the 1980s, but his famed tussles with governmental prosecutions were no longer going in his favour.

There were other troubles, stemming from legal dealings that many of Mr. Cohn s fellow lawyers considered shady, the New York Times detailed in his obituary. It was four of these cases that led to his disbarment.

In one of the cases, a Florida court found that Cohn had tricked a dying multimillionaire into changing his will. When that case and others eventually led to his disbarment, Cohn lashed out, claiming a smear campaign against him.

I like to fight. You might want a nice gentle fight, but once you get in the ring and take a couple of pokes, it gets under your skin. Roy Cohn

That kind of combativeness came naturally to Mr. Cohn, who once said: My scare value is high. My area is controversy, the obituary quoted him. My tough front is my biggest asset. I dont write polite letters. I dont like to plea-bargain. I like to fight. You might want a nice gentle fight, but once you get in the ring and take a couple of pokes, it gets under your skin.

Cohn ultimately, however, lost fights on simultaneously crushing fronts. He was disbarred in June 1986 and died just weeks later  from what he maintained until the end was liver cancer.

It mattered little to Mr. Cohn that he was called a legal executioner by Esquire, that the American Lawyer magazine labeled him an an embarrassment and that the National Law Journal pronounced him an assault specialist, The Times wrote in its August 1986 obituary.

He shrugged off such criticism  in fact, he seemed to cherish the celebrity that Senator McCarthy maintained even long after his death, and did not mind sharing that limelight, the Times wrote.

It included Cohns response when asked about his own part in making McCarthyism a household word.

I sleep well at night, Cohn told his hometowns historical paper of record. I wont be saying please forgive me on my deathbed.
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A conservative political analyst sparked a heated conversation on CNN after refusing to give a straight answer about Donald Trumps debunked conspiracy theory targeting Haitian migrants.

The exchange happened during a CNN panel on Wednesday, during which participants discussed the debunked right-wing claim that Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio are eating pet cats and dogs. The unfounded claim, which Trump and his running mate JD Vance have amplified, appears to have originated from a post describing a fourth-hand account on a Springfield Facebook group.

There is no evidence to support the theory and city officials have rejected the claim.

Things became heated when political commentator Ana Navarro asked Scott Jennings, a conservative political analyst, his thoughts on the theory.

He was amplifying a conspiracy theory that I think you would agree puts a target on the backs of Haitian immigrants and that it is based on racism, Navarro told Jennings during the Wednesday night panel. Would you agree on that?

Scott Jennings and Ana Navarro speak during a CNN panel on Tuesday. Jennings did not give a straight answer when Navarro asked him about Donald Trumps racist conspiracy theory that Haitian migrants in Ohio are eating pets ( CNN )

Anti-Black racism, to be more pointed, panelist Nina Turner added.

Jennings went silent and Navarro continued: Do you think that if there were 20,000 Scandinavians that had been sent to Springfield that your people would be saying that theyre eating cats and dogs and geese?

Im not going to answer for him, for his memes, for anything else, Jennings responded.

Im asking you, Navarro clarified, do you think that is based in racism?

Im not going to answer, I dont know, Jennings said.

That was a long pause, Scott, host Abby Phillip responded, referring to his earlier silence.

Because I dont know the answer, he continued. Im not going to sit here and answer for somebody. I dont talk to Donald Trump about what the motivations are.

The Independent has contacted Jennings for comment.

The baseless conspiracy theory has been a key topic in the political sphere this week. Trump even tried to promote the claim during his debate with Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday but was quickly fact-checked by the moderators.

ABC News did reach out to the city manager there, moderator David Muir said. He told us there had been no credible reports of specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals within the immigrant community.

Well, Ive seen people on television. People on television say, My dog was taken and used for food, so maybe he said that and maybe thats a good thing to say for a city manager, Trump responded, continuing to peddle the false claim.
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A Minnesota restaurant owner confronted Donald Trump Jr on his podcast, claiming he lost half his customers after publicly supporting the former president.

Trump Jr. was reading live chat messages on his political podcast Triggered when restaurant owner Allen Brenycz confronted him. Brenycz told Trump Jr. that he lost half his customers after purchasing a digital billboard supporting the former president.

I have a digital billboard on the highway in Minnesota, Brenycz wrote. I need a repost from you for my pin post. Ive lost half my business since publicly supporting.

Brenycz appeared to be referring to a GoFundMe he launched to gather funds for the billboard.

As many of you know after coming out and advertising for a political figure I am alienating a good percentage of customers, he wrote on the GoFundMe, which had received $329 as of Tuesday evening.

Many folks voting with feelings will just simply refuse to patronize my business because of my support, Brenycz continued.

Trump Jr. told the restaurant owner hed try to check that out.

I havent seen it, but if I can find the post, I will check it out, appreciate the support, the former presidents son said.

Brenycz restaurant is in Minnesota, where vice presidential contender Tim Walz serves as governor. Vice President Kamala Harris leads Trump 51 percent to 44 percent in Walzs home state, according to a poll released Monday by Morning Consult.

Harris is ahead of Trump in national polls as well. The vice president has a 2.8-point lead over her Republican opponent, according to an average of national polls, collated by FiveThirtyEight on Tuesday.

These numbers could change though as Harris and Trump face off during their first debate on Tuesday night.

The debate has high stakes for both candidates, The Independent previously reported.

Harris must keep up the spike in enthusiasm among Democrats since Joe Biden dropped out of the race, while Trump will seek to stop that momentum in its tracks and make up lost ground.
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Trump insiders reportedly said that the former president did more to prepare for the debate with Vice President Kamala Harris than he did ahead of his showdown with President Joe Biden.

Even some conservative commentators have admitted that former President Donald Trump had a bad night on Tuesday, as he let Harris, who remained very much on the offensive throughout the debate, get under his skin.

Trump repeatedly fell for Harriss bait, ranting about debunked rumors that Haitian migrants are stealing and eating pets in Ohio and growing visibly angry when she made a jab about the size of his rallies, claiming supporters have been leaving out of exhaustion and boredom.

As soon as he left the stage, Trump began asking aides and advisers how he had performed during the debate, according to CNN. Several of them praised him to his face and said he did a great job, but in private, their assessments were not so rosy.

Those close to Trump describe the debate as either a draw or a loss, with a number of them telling CNN that they were stunned that the former president was unable to stay focused on his talking points, which had been in the works for weeks.

Trump actually did more prep ahead of his meeting with Harris than he did for the debate with Biden, allies told the network.

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump visits the Shanksville Volunteer Fire Company in Shanksville, Pa., Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. Allies of the former president have said Tuesdays debate was at best a draw and at worst a loss ( AP )

Many in Trumps inner circle were surprised that the former president didnt question why Harris hadnt acted more forcefully on her election promises during her last three and a half years in office until his closing statement.

Several Trump allies have since said that the debate was a missed opportunity, but theyve already begun downplaying its importance, saying that it wont eat into his support in swing states like Pennsylvania, where the debate took place.

While Trump hasnt committed to a second debate, his allies told CNN that they believe hell ultimately agree to take on Harris yet again.

Meanwhile, Trump appeared on Fox News on Wednesday morning, claiming that the debate was rigged against him, with Harris and the moderators ganging up on him.

The Harris campaign was quick to challenge Trump to another debate following Tuesdays showdown, but the former president appeared to hesitate while speaking on Fox & Friends.

Id be less inclined to because we had a great night. We won the debate. We had a terrible a terrible network, he said.

They lost very badly, the first thing they did is ask for a debate, he added. They always ask for a rematch.

People are just starting to give me credit for having a GREAT DEBATE, Trump wrote on Truth Social on Wednesday night. The Voters and Voter Polls showed it, but the Fake News Media wasnt giving the credit that was due. Now they are seeing the results with independent Voters, Evangelicals, and more  and saying, WOW!

But the polls appear to be showing the opposite. In fact, three snap polls following the debate found that Harris won by a combined margin of 23 percentage points.

Polls conducted by CNN, YouGov, and SoCal Strategies revealed that Harris won by an average of 57 to 34 percent.
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A former top FBI official has warned that Donald Trump could be a Russian asset if he wins the 2024 election, saying the Republican presidential candidates approach to Vladimir Putin raises some very serious questions.

Former FBI deputy director Andrew McCabe, who was fired by Trump in 2018, was asked on a podcast whether there is a possibility Trump is a Russian asset.

He responded: I do.

I dont know I would characterize it as [an] active recruited knowing asset in the way people in the intelligence community think of that term, he told the OneDecision podcast.

But I do think that Donald Trump has given us many reasons to question his approach to the Russia problem in the US.

McCabe also said the Republican presidential nominee has a fawning admiration for Russian dictator Putin in a way no other president has.

In the past, Trump has wildly claimed Putin would never have gone into Ukraine if he were president and has touted his very good relationship with him several times.

A former FBI official warns Trump could be a Russian asset if he wins the election. Trump is pictured with Putin in 2018 ( AP )

Putin wouldve never gotten into Ukraine, but thats just on my relationship with him, he said last year.

My personality over his. I was the apple of his eye and I would say, Dont ever do it. It was tough stuff there but he would have never done it.

McCabe told the podcast that these kinds of comments all raise significant questions about the former president when it comes to his stance on Russia.

His approach to interacting with Vladimir Putin, be it phone calls, face to face meetings, things that he has said in public about Putin all raise significant questions about why he has this attitude and acceptance of Putin and off-handed comments of support to Putin, he told OneDecision.

McCabe also questioned Trumps stance on the USs support for Ukraine in the war against Russia as well as his attitude towards Nato, which he said raises some very serious questions about why Trump seems so much more accepting and supportive and has this fawning admiration for Vladimir Putin in a way that no other president  Republican or Democrat  ever has.

Former FBI deputy director Andrew McCabe (testifying in 2017) has said Trump could be an asset to Russia if he wins the election ( Getty Images )

It may just be from a fundamental misunderstanding of this problem set, he continued.

Thats always a possibility, and I guess the other end of that spectrum might be that there is some kind of relationship or a desire for a relationship of some sort.

When he took office in 2016, Trumps relationship with Russia loomed over his presidency and the Mueller Inquiry was launched to investigate allegations his campaign had colluded with Russian intelligence operatives.

Special counsel Robert Mueller ultimately concluded that Russia did interfere with the 2016 election but did not establish that members of the Trump campaign conspired or coordinated with the Russian government in its election interference activities. The inquiry did however find hundreds of contacts between the Trump campaign and Russian officials during the 2016 campaign season.

During Tuesday nights debate in Philadelphia, Trump refused to say whether a Ukraine victory over Russia was in Americas best interests.

Instead, he said: I think its in the USs best interest to get this war finished and just get it done. Negotiate a deal.

Kamala Harris, meanwhile, argued she had contributed to preserv[ing] the ability of Zelensky and the Ukrainians to fight for their independence, adding: Otherwise, Putin would be sitting in Kyiv with his eyes on the rest of Europe.

The candidates were asked about the war in Ukraine during Tuesdays debate ( AP )

Speaking on the podcast, McCabe also warned that violence and unrest could sweep the US if Trump loses the election in November.

I do have very serious concerns about what will happen in this country first if Trump loses a close election, he said. I think we could be in for a very unstable time here in the country we could have the possibility of violence and unrest.

The former FBI official touched on the legal ordeal he himself endured after he was fired by Trump in 2018 in what he claims was a politically motivated move by the then-president.

I know what it feels like to be targeted by Donald Trump. I know what it feels like to be on the receiving end of a campaign political vendetta, he said.

McCabe was the subject of a criminal investigation, which spanned more than a year, after he was fired by Trump.

The probe began following a referral from the Justice Departments inspector general, which said McCabe repeatedly lied about having authorised a subordinate to leak information to the media.

In 2020, the Justice Department closed the case against McCabe, declining to seek charges.
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Sean Hannity's opening monologue on Fox News suddenly went dark just as he was getting into the swing of an anti-immigrant rant.

Hosting his show on Wednesday night, Hannity took aim at Vice President Kamala Harris falsely claiming that she had allowed over 11 million illegal immigrants to enter the US.

I pray to God I'm wrong, he said, while touting unfounded claims that migrants with known terror ties from Iran, Syria, Egypt, Afghanistan, China, Russia, and Venezuela, are "scheming future terror attacks on our homeland.

Claiming Harris and President Joe Biden will have blood on their hands, the conservative host began playing a montage of Harris speaking at campaign events.

The illegals that Kamala wants to decriminalize, provide free housing, healthcare, eduction, now tax payer-funded   Hannity said, before he was cut off and his feed turned black.

Viewers were left with just clips of the Democratic presidential nominee smiling as she addressed rally crowds.

Fox News host Sean Hannity was in the middle of an anti-immigrant rant ( Fox News )

After two minutes of commercials, Hannity suddenly reappeared on screen, saying something knocked us off the air.

He then said that the technical issue must have been caused by a left-wing radical, liberal conspiracy  before quickly clarifying for the idiots in the media that will print that tomorrow, that he was only joking.

Hannitys anti-immigrant rhetoric echoes that made by many Republicans and right-wing figures, who have made a concerted effort to blame the Biden administration, and specifically Harris  who they branded the border czar  for the rise in immigration at the USs southern border.

The unauthorized immigrant population in the US rose from 10.5 million to 11 million in 2022, according to the most recent data from the Pew Research Center.

A technical glitch plunged Hannity into darkness ( Fox News )

While the Biden administration has come under fire for the rise in immigration, it was Republicans  at Trumps bidding  who blocked a bipartisan border bill which would have clamped down on the number of migrants able to claim asylum at the US-Mexico border back in May  with 42 Senate GOP members voting against it.

Harris has promised to revive the border bill if elected in November as immigration shapes up to be one of the biggest issues this election cycle.
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One of the wildest conspiracies to come out of Tuesday night's debate between presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump was that the vice presidents pearl earrings were actually bluetooth earpieces.

Now, the company which manufactures the bluetooth earrings at the heart of the baseless theory has hilariously weighed in on the saga.

We do not know whether Mrs Harris wore one of our products. The resemblance is striking and while our product was not specifically developed for the use at presidential debates, it is nonetheless suited for it Icebach Sound managing director Malte Iversen told Just the News on Wednesday.

The company director went on to take a jab at Trump, claiming that to ensure a level playing field for both candidates, the company is working on a male counterpart that it will soon be able to offer it to the Trump campaign.

The choice of color is a bit challenging though as orange does not go well with a lot of colors, Iversen added, roasting Trump over his well-known shade and seeming penchant for fake tan.

MAGA supporters have become obsessed with the earrings Kamala Harris wore to Tuesdays debate, baselessly claiming they were bluetooth earpieces ( AFP via Getty Images )

The statement finished: Currently, we are unfortunately out of stock and also busy preparing a lawsuit against a big Chinese tech company breaching our patents. We are talking to investors in order to ramp up operations accordingly and are confident that we will ship again very soon.

One of the rules of the ABC News debate, besides the candidate's microphones being turned off when it wasnt their turn to answer questions, was that Trump and Harris could not use earpieces to get backstage feedback from their campaign teams.

However, following the event on Tuesday night, Trump supporters zoomed in on Harriss gold and pearl earrings, claiming  with zero evidence  that they were bluetooth earpieces.

Donald Trump has long been mocked for his orange appearance ( AP )

Well it appears Harris cheated using audio earrings that are earphones. So that makes Trump the winner, wrote one X user.

The conspiracy was instantly debunked.

Harriss earrings are in fact a design from luxury jewelry brand Tiffanys HardWear collection, according to a website tracking the Democratic presidential candidate's style.

Some Harris supporters have said that the earrings worn by the vice president were nearly identical to a pair previously sold by Tiffanys ( Tiffany & Co )

Harris has been seen wearing the same earrings prior to the debate and also wore them the morning after to a memorial ceremony marking the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

But that hasn't satisfied some, who have now turned to criticizing her for wearing earrings that retail for $800.

I see some single women who can't pay their bills and are struggling, said one person on X.

Kamala Harris has given us high grocery prices. Those people making $15.00/hr would love to be able to afford $800 earrings.

Others disagreed, with one writing: Youre right, for one of the biggest nights of her professional life, Harris shouldve accessorized from Claires.
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MAGA stalwart Marjorie Taylor Greene called out far-right agitator Laura Loomer on Wednesday, accusing the failed congressional candidate of racism and misrepresenting the Republican party for a post about Kamala Harris featuring racist stereotypes about South Asians.

On September 8, in response to a post from Harris featuring photos from a childhood visit to India, Loomer, a self-proclaimed proud Islamophobe who was once kicked off Twitter for anti-Muslim remarks, claimed:If @KamalaHarris wins, the White House will smell like curry & White House speeches will be facilitated via a call center and the American people will only be able to convey their feedback through a customer satisfaction survey at the end of the call that nobody will understand.

This is appalling and extremely racist, Georgia Representative Greene said in response on X. It does not represent who we are as Republicans or MAGA. This does not represent President Trump. This type of behavior should not be tolerated ever.

Loomer then fired back, calling Greene a raging anti semite and claimed her post was a funny joke about Kamala Harris using her Indian mom as a way to dodge questions.

Both women, in fact, have long been accused of spreading hate, accusations that havent stopped either from getting praise from Donald Trump.

Loomer has made hateful remarks about Representative Ilhan Omar, who was born in Somalia, and once called for a new ridesharing service that didnt allow Muslims.

The far-right personality unsuccesffuly ran for Congress in Florida in 2022, and has been praised by Donald Trump on multiple occasions.

She even flew with Trump to Tuesdays presidential debate, and was with him the following day.

Loomer flew with Trump to Tuesdays presedential debate ( REUTERS )

Greene has her own history of inflammatory remarks, including spreading conspiracies about 9/11, the Parkland shooting, and claiming before she was elected that a prominent Jewish banking family used a space laser to start fires in California.

She also accused congresswomen Omar and Rashida Tlaib, both of whom are Muslim, of not being really official members of Congress because they didnt take their oaths of office over a Bible.

I really want to go talk to these ladies and ask them what they are thinking, and why they are serving in our American government, Greene said. They really should go back to the Middle East.

Greenes history of inflammatory claims prompted Democrats to strip her of her committee assignments in 2021.

Greene is a longtime ally of Trump, and regularly appears at his campaign rallies, including an event in June where she compared the former president to Jesus Christ.

Trump, for his part, regularly taunts Harris over her heritage, intentionally misprouncing her name and accusing Harris  whose father is from Jamaica, who attended an HBCU, and who pledged one of the nations largest Black sorrorities  of only suddenly deciding to turn Black.
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Megyn Kelly, the political commentator and former Fox News anchor, was offended that mega pop star Taylor Swift announced she would endorse Kamala Harris and praised Tim Walzs position on LGBT+ issues.

Kelly exasperatedly read Swifts endorsement post live on her podcast The Megyn Kelly Show on Tuesday evening, declaring that the pop star should prepare to kiss your sales to the Republican audience goodbye.

But the podcast host became irate when she read Swifts one-line sentence commending Walz for standing up for LGBTQ+ rights, IVF, and a womans right to her own body.

Oh my God, Kelly said raising her hands to her temples before embarking on a tangent about gender-affirming medical care for minors.

So this woman is fine with his plan to take custody of the children from parents, who dont want them to chop off their body parts, and put them in Minnesota court custody so the body parents can be chopped off and they can be sterilized outside the custody of their parents, Kelly said.

The podcast host was seemingly referencing the trans refuge law that Walz signed into law last year.

The legislation was aimed at protecting transgender people who are seeking gender-affirming care in the state. It prevents out-of-state subpoenas, arrest warrants or extradition requests for people from other states who seek treatment in Minnesota.

Walz is a longtime supporter of the LGBT+ community

Neighboring states like North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa and Nebraska have all outlawed gender-affirming care for minors.

But the law also permits a court of the state to take temporary emergency jurisdiction over a child across state lines if they have been unable to obtain gender-affirming health care, which is often misunderstood.

The law does not remove children from the custody of parents who do not want their children to receive gender-affirming care. Rather, it allows courts to intervene in conflicts between parents and children about whether the child should receive gender-affirming care across state lines.

( SOCIAL MEDIA WEBSITE via REUTERS )

An example of this is if there is a dispute between two parents, one who lives in Minnesota and one who lives in Florida, and they disagree about whether the child should receive gender-affirming care. If there is a possibility that one parent will move their child to Florida, where minor gender-affirming care is illegal, a Minnesota judge can hear the dispute.

However, Kelly watered down the policy to allow minors to chop off their body parts and be sterilized without parental consent.

Im allowed to criticize Taylor Swift and I dont give a s*** who gets upset, Kelly said. This is disgusting. If she wants to vote Harris-Walz, she can do it all she wants but to say the reason shes doing it is because of Tim Walzs stance on LGBT F you, Taylor Swift.

Kelly went on to accuse Swift and her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, of pushing harmful medical procedures onto young people calling them the epitome of elite snobs with gazillions of dollars.

She criticized Kelce for appearing in Pfizer commercials for a Covid and flu vaccine and repeated claims that the vaccine causes heart problems in young men.

While some people who have received the vaccines have reported myocarditis, or inflammation of the heart muscle, and pericarditis, inflammation of the outer lining of the heart, that side effect is extremely rare
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Mike DeWine, the Republican governor of Ohio, rejected Donald Trump and JD Vances claims that Haitian immigrants are eating pets in Springfield, saying he trusts local officials who have asserted there is simply no evidence of it.

While speaking with CBS News on Wednesday evening, DeWine was asked whether or not the conspiracy theory, amplified by the former president during the presidential debate, was true.

The internet can be quite crazy sometimes, DeWine said, refering to how the baseless rumors initially began online.

The mayor of Springfield says No theres no truth in that. They have no evidence of that at all so I think we go with what the mayor says, he knows his city, he added.

Claims that the citys large community of Haitian immigrants were abducting and then eating cats and eating dogs have recently been used by far-right members of the Republican Party to push anti-immigration policies and rhetoric.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine appeared on CBS News on Wednesday night to discuss the false claims that Haitian immigrants in Springfield are eating pets ( CBS News /YouTube )

But on Tuesday evening, the former president brought those accusations into the national  and international  spotlight by boldly repeating them.

Both the mayor of Springfield and the city commissioner have said there are no credible claims or evidence that Haitian immigrants are eating pets, assertions DeWine said people should trust.

Springfield, the 12th-largest city in Ohio, has seen a massive increase in Haitian immigrants, welcomed into the United States under protected status, over the last few years.

While many have positively contributed to the citys workforce, the community has also had to address the inherent challenges that come with adding 15,000 to 20,000 new residents, like managing health care, education, and more.

DeWine said the state has already allocated resources to Springfield to help pay for more childhood vaccinations, primary health care, and training for drivers  but insisted the federal government should contribute as well.

I think the federal government has to start looking at places like this and treat it like you would a natural disaster, DeWine said on Wednesday.

The governor said residents of Springfield are concerned about the challenges he named but they recognize that Haitian immigrants are working very hard to try and provide for their families.

DeWine did not directly comment on Trumps decision to promote rumors on the national stage.

The Independent has reached out to DeWines office for further comment.
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As Senator John Cornyn of Texas refused to answer a question about former president Donald Trumps racist remarks about Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio eating pets, a dog passed by him in the basement of the Senate.

Cornyn has spent past few years yammering about immigration and the border, going as far as to say the US-Mexico border is on fire. But when asked about the bizarre racist conspiracy theory propagated by his colleague Senator JD Vance of Ohio and mentioned onstage by Trump as he debated Kamala Harris on Tuesday night, Cornyn dithered.

If you have a serious question, Im happy [to answer], Cornyn told The Independent.

The former presidents meltdown at his debate against Vice President Kamala Harris could not be defended. A snap poll from CNN conducted by SSRS showed that 63 percent of registered voters thought Harris won the debate. Harris baited Trump by talking about his crowd sizes, which led to him ranting first about his rallies before pivoting to the conspiracy theory.

Republicans know they cannot defend such behavior.

Trumps words can be called nothing more than racist bile. They are the types of words that would inflame hate crimes against migrants from Haiti. Republicans would rather not talk about it. So they instead will attack the press.

Initially, Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa brushed off a question about the remarks. When reminded that Trump is her partys nominee for the general election, she took exception.

Excuse me? Excuse me? Ernst asked The Independent.

Senator James Lankford, the architect of the border bill that Trump eventually killed earlier this year, said he had not seen the full debate.

I've heard bits and pieces of the story. I know nothing about that story, he told The Independent. I'm not trying to obfuscate. I've just not tracked that Ohio story at all.

Lankford has fashioned himself as a policy wonk who cares deeply about solving immigration at the border. He has taken video selfies at the border to make himself seem like a brave explorer on fact-finding missions.

He either does not care enough to learn about his colleague Vances conspiracy theories or he is lying. Either is a poor reflection on the man.

Meanwhile, Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin engaged in some good, old-fashioned whataboutism.

It's amazing you guys are all concerned about that, as opposed to  what about the rapes, the murders? he told The Independent.

Senator Todd Young of Indiana, one of the few Republicans who does not support Trump, brushed off reporters and preferred not to answer questions at all.

Elsewhere, Senator Lindsey Graham, a critic-turned-ally of Trump, played coy.

I dont know where that came from, he said, when asked about the Ohio story. Graham had spent the night before the debate in the spin room for Trump, but even he could not defend that particular tale.

Senator Katie Britt of Alabama wound up being one of the few Republicans who would talk at length about the subject, but didnt want to address the pet-eating claims directly.

I think we've got to make sure that securing the border is a priority of the next president, she told The Independent. And I was disappointed that last night we didn't get into a policy discussion about how to do that.

Senator Susan Collins of Maine, who endorsed Nikki Haley and told The Independent earlier this year that she would not support anyone after Haley dropped out, mostly deflected when asked as she went into an elevator.

I was surprised, Collins, who voted to convict Trump for his actions on January 6, told The Independent, of hearing the Ohio story.

Senator Ted Cruz, one of the more verbose Republicans, who nonetheless faces a tough re-election in Texas, refused to answer a question, saying he told Fox News host Sean Hannity all he needed to say.

I talked about the debate last night on Hannity and also today's podcast is entirely on that issue, he said. Earlier this week, Cruz had posted a meme of two cats hugging, saying: Please vote for Trump so Haitian immigrants dont eat us with multiple laughing emojis. But the moment he had to answer for it outside the right-wing media sewer, he had nothing to say.
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A tense confrontation erupted late Tuesday evening in the spin room on the sidelines of the presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump in Philadelphia.

While many reporters and campaign surrogates were beginning to file out of the room (or had already done so), a handful remained from both parties, huddling in small groups with journalists. Most were relative C-list names, though a few Republican senators remained to stump for Trump, including Marco Rubio.

One of the other Republicans lingering late in the hall was Stephen Miller, a former White House official thought to have been the architect of Trumps more draconic immigration policies during the ex-presidents four years in Washington. Miller is one of Trumps closest loyalists  he has been with Trump since 2016, and was one of the few to survive all four years of Trumps presidency in the White House. One of his final acts in the office was drafting the speech his boss gave to a crowd of rioters before they stormed the Capitol on January 6.

But what he was possibly most famous for during the Trump presidency was his fiery temper, which came out in interviews with journalists and quickly got him kicked out of his unofficial role selling the strictest of Trumps immigration policies on cable news.

That temper was on display Tuesday evening when a red-faced Miller, growing irate and repeatedly shouting, got in the face of a journalist for Colombias Nuestra Tele Noticias (NTN24) who questioned him about Trumps tall tale of the night  the ex-presidents baseless claim that Haitian immigrants were eating family pets in a small town in Ohio. The claim has roots in racist caricatures of the so-called third world, and as ABC moderators pointed out Tuesday evening is not supported by any actual, tangible police reports, law enforcement statistics or any other credible source.

Do you have ANY remorse for the dead children?! Do you care at all about the dead children? Miller shouted, as the reporter calmly responded, Absolutely.

Why are you yelling at me? the confused reporter responded at one point.

Stephen Miller loses cool with reporter while refusing to answer question

Miller would go on to repeatedly list the names of victims of crimes committed by migrants in the US illegally. The Trump campaign has highlighted such crimes, such as the murder of Laken Riley, while falsely claiming that illegal migrants commit such acts at higher rates than other communities. Trump himself frequently claims this is because Central and South American countries are emptying their prisons and sending convicts to the US  a false charge.

Trump was confronted onstage by the moderators of Tuesdays debate regarding the lack of evidence for his claim about migrants eating the dogs in Ohio; he was only able to repeat that hed seen someone on television making the claim. That moment did not sit well with his campaign, and surrogates including Miller angrily accused ABCs journalists of working on behalf of the Harris campaign with the fact-checking during the debate.

Vivek Ramaswamy, one of Trumps two former opponents-turned-allies who showed up to the debate, echoed some of Millers anger as he lambasted ABCs David Muir for setting [Harris] up with softball questions.

But Trumps former advisor Anthony Scaramucci  one of several former Trump White House communications officials who have roundly denounced him since leaving his employ  told reporters after the debate Tuesday that his ex-boss was merely out of his element.

I saw a guy that was not prepared for [Harris]. She was very well-prepared. She had a very good narrative to tell. She had an expansive idea of where she wants to go with the country. He wasnt prepared for that. So he was going to certain dogwhistles that he uses, he said.
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After his widely panned performance at his first and potentially final debate against Kamala Harris, Donald Trump demanded that the news network that hosted the matchup have its license revoked.

Trump, still fuming just hours after Tuesdays late-night debate, called into Fox News to blame the ABC News moderators and the network and suggested he wont want to do another debate at all.

To be honest, theyre a news organization. They have to be licensed to do it. They ought to take away their license for the way they did that, he told Fox & Friends on Wednesday morning, referencing moderators real-time fact checks of several false claims, including conspiracy theories about immigrants stealing and eating pets and after birth abortions.

It was three-to-one. It was a rigged deal, he said.

Hours later, in an email through his campaigns primary fundraising arm, he wrote I love ABC News.

I dont know that I want to do another debate, he told Fox & Friends. Id be less inclined to because we had a great night, we won the debate, we had a terrible, terrible network  They should be embarrassed.

He claimed he won the debate 92 to seven and that it was maybe my best debate.

Trump also suggested that he believed Harris was being fed her answers.

Kamala doesnt do any shows.  Thats not fair to the public because they dont know what theyre getting. But they saw last night what they had. They had a rigged show with somebody who maybe even had the answers, he said.

Donald Trump speaks during a debate with Kamala Harris in Philadelphia on September 10. ( AP )

I watched her talk, and I said, you know, she seems awfully familiar with the questions, and you get pretty good at that stuff after a while, but when I saw how totally rigged that was, I take a look at it and I watch, and I say, You know, you have to get out there, and one of the things I did was I said, Lets do this show at  what time is it  6:30 in the morning, and its an honor to do it, but you have to go out and you have to do the shows, you have to go out and do media.

Trump has repeatedly publicly threatened to somehow revoke broadcast licenses of news organizations that aired or published critical coverage as he wages his crusade against the media.

With all of the Fake News coming out of NBC and the Networks, at what point is it appropriate to challenge their License? Bad for country! he wrote in 2018, in response to a story about his push to increase the nations nuclear arsenal.

In September of last year, he suggested that Comcast  the parent company of NBC and MSNBC  should be investigated for Country Threatening Treason because of its coverage of Russian interference in his 2016 campaign. One month later, he publicly questioned why CBS News should get free public airwaves after it broadcast an interview with President Joe Biden.

MSNBC (MSDNC) uses FREE government approved airwaves, and yet it is nothing but a 24 hour hit job on Donald J. Trump and the Republican Party for purposes of ELECTION INTERFERENCE, he wrote the following month.

Our so-called government should come down hard on them and make them pay for their illegal political activity. Much more to come, watch! he added.

Trump  who lashed out at journalists as fake news and enemy of the people more than 2,000 times in his presidency  has also demanded that journalists should be thrown in jail for not revealing their sources, and has reportedly privately weighed using federal law enforcement to investigate publishers.

In the Trump-allied Project 2025 plans for the next Republican presidents administration, the authors write that public broadcasting outlets like PBS and NPR are designed to suppress conservative views and should be defunded, and that an administration should re-evaluate its relationship with the media, including potentially dissolving the White House press corps.

Trump has also filed lawsuits against The New York Times and CNN in apparent attempts to gut long-standing Supreme Court precedent that limits the ability of public officials to sue for defamation.
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Jimmy Kimmel said Donald Trump has his running mate JD Vance to thank for the worst moment of any debate ever where he peddled a wild lie about migrants eating pets.

I had a liberal elite day today, Kimmel said on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Wednesday, before immediately trolling Trump for his litany of false claims during and leading up to the political face-off against Kamala Harris.

I woke up, I ate a big cat for breakfast, and then I had a baby  then I had an abortion right after that. Then I went to pick up my kids from their mandatory transgender surgery operations after school, and now I'm back here spreading Marxist propaganda on TV.

The GOP presidential candidate made numerous wild, false claims during the debate, with one standing out in particular: a debunked claim that Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, are eating pet dogs and cats.

In Springfield, theyre eating the dogs. The people that came in. Theyre eating the cats. Theyre eating  theyre eating the pets of the people that live there. And this is whats happening in our country, and its a shame, Trump proclaimed in his odd rant.

Kimmel roasted Trump over the comments, calling it maybe the worst moment of any debate ever and blaming Trump's running mate for putting it on the Republican presidential candidate's radar in the first place.

JD decided, I'm going to make this the centrepiece of every stump speech, Kimmel said.

Donald Trump made a series of lies on the debate stage on Tuesday night ( Getty Images )

Then it wiggled its way into Trump's little brain and now this imbecile is forced to defend it constantly.

Vance had stirred up baseless rumor on social media prior to the debate.

The falsehood appears to have originated from a Springfield Facebook group warning residents that family pets, such as cats and dogs, were being carved up and eaten, and advising locals to be cautious of the Haitian community.

Ohio officials have since debunked the claims, saying there has been no credible reports of such occurrences.

The late-night show host played a clip of CNN's Kaitlan Collins grilling the Ohio senator about his and Trump's responsibility to not promote false information.

In the clip, which went viral, Collins noted to Vance that if someone calls your office and says they saw Bigfoot, that doesnt mean they saw Bigfoot.

Vance responded: It's a totally fair point, but nobodys calling my office and saying that they saw Bigfoot.

The Jimmy Kimmel Live! host joked well, not yet they arent  before reading out the phone number for Vances office to his audience.

But if you did want to call JD Vance and say you saw Bigfoot, he added, to applause from his audience. The direct line to his office is (202) 224-3353.

Jimmy Kimmel says Donald Trump has his running mate JD Vance to thank for the worst moment of any debate ever ( Jimmy Kimmel Live )

With the phone number flashing up on the screen, he continued: But please don't, he's very busy. Last night he got a bunch of calls saying the sprinkles on Baskin Robbins ice cream makes you gay.

Kimmel sarcastically once again urged his viewers to not call (202) 224-3353 to report a Bigfoot sighting.

The false claims about migrants in Ohio wasnt Trumps only lie on Tuesday night when he came face-to-face with Harris for the first time  prompting a few fact-checks from ABC News moderators Linsey Davis and David Muir.

He also peddled the lie that Democrats support abortion after birth  while throwing Vance under the bus over his comments on abortion.

When asked if he would veto a national abortion ban if it were to cross his desk should he win the election, Trump refused twice to give a straight answer.

Davis pointed out that Vance claimed Trump would veto it, to which he responded: Well I didn't discuss it with JD in all fairness.
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It is a practice that's about as American as apple pie  accusing minority communities of engaging in bizarre or disgusting behaviors when it comes to what and how they eat, a kind of shorthand for saying they don't belong.

The latest iteration came at Tuesday's presidential debate, when former President Donald Trump spotlighted a false online tempest around the Haitian immigrant community of Springfield, Ohio. He repeated the groundless claim previously spread by his running mate, JD Vance, that the immigrants were stealing dogs and cats, the precious pets belonging to their American neighbors, and eating them. The furor got enough attention that officials had to step in to refute it, saying there was no credible evidence of any such thing.

But while it might be enough to turn your stomach, such food-based accusations are not new. Far from it.

Food-related scorn and insults were hurled at immigrant Chinese communities on the West Coast in the late 1800s as they started coming to the United States in larger numbers, and in later decades spread to other Asian and Pacific Islander communities like Thai or Vietnamese. As recently as last year, a Thai restaurant in California was hit with the stereotype, which caused such an outpouring of undeserved vitriol that the owner had to close and move to another location.

Behind it is the idea that youre engaging in something that is not just a matter of taste, but a violation of what it is to be human, says Paul Freedman, a professor of history at Yale University. By tarring Chinese immigrants as those who would eat things Americans would refuse to, it made them the other.

Former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks to members of the press in the spin room following a presidential debate with US Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris ( AFP via Getty Images )

Other communities, while not being accused of eating pets, have been criticized for the perceived strangeness of what they were cooking when they were new arrivals, such as Italians using too much garlic or Indians too much curry powder. Minority groups with a longer presence in the country were and are still not exempt from racist stereotypes  think derogatory references to Mexicans and beans or insulting African Americans with remarks about fried chicken and watermelon.

Theres a slur for every almost every ethnicity based on some kind of food that they eat, says Amy Bentley, professor of nutrition and food Studies at New York University. And so thats a very good way of disparaging people.

That's because food isn't just sustenance. Embedded in human eating habits are some of the very building blocks of culture  things that make different peoples distinct and can be commandeered as fodder for ethnic hatred or political polemics.

We need it to survive, but its also highly ritualized and highly symbolic. So the birthday cake, the anniversary, the things are commemorated and celebrated with food and drink, Bentley says. Its just so highly integrated in all parts of our lives.

And because theres specific variations of how humans do those rituals, how they eat, how they have shaped their cuisines, how they eat their food, she adds, It can be as a theme of commonality ... or it can be a form of distinct division.

JD Vance spread the false claim that immigrants were stealing dogs and cats, the precious pets belonging to their American neighbors, and eating them ( PA Archive )

It's not just the what. Insults can come from the how as well  eating with hands or chopsticks instead of forks and knives, for example. It can be seen in class-based bias against poorer people who didn't have the same access to elaborate table settings or couldn't afford to eat the same way the rich did  and used different, perhaps unfamiliar ingredients out of necessity.

Such disparagement can extend directly into current events. During the Second Gulf War, for example, Americans angry at France's opposition of the U.S. invasion of Iraq started calling french fries freedom fries. And a much-used insulting term in the United States for Germans during the first two world wars was krauts  a slam on a culture where sauerkraut was a traditional food.

Just what was wrong with the way urban immigrants ate? Donna R. Gabaccia wrote in her 1998 book, We Are What We Eat: Ethnic Food and the Making of Americans. In reviewing attitudes of the early 20th century and its demands for 100% Americanism, she noted that sauerkraut became victory cabbage" and one account complained of an Italian family still eating spaghetti, not yet assimilated.

Revelers gather to attend the parade for the Chinese New Year The Dragon in the Chinatown neighborhood of Manhattan ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Such stereotypes have persisted despite the fact that the American palate has significantly expanded in recent decades, thanks in part to the influx of those immigrant communities, with grocery stories carrying a wealth of ingredients that would baffle previous generations. The rise of restaurant culture has introduced many diners to authentic examples of cuisines they might have needed a passport to access in other eras.

After all, Bentley says, when immigrants migrate to a different country, they bring their foodways with them and maintain them as they can. ... Its so reminiscent of family, community, home. Theyre just really material, multisensory manifestations of who we are.

Haitian food is just one example of that. Communities like those found in New York City have added to the culinary landscape, using ingredients like goat, plantains and cassava.

So when Trump said that immigrants in Springfield  whom he called the people that came in  were eating dogs and cats and the pets of the people that live there, the echoes of his remarks played into not just food but culture itself.

And even though the American palate has broadened in recent decades, the persistence of food stereotypes  and outright insults, whether based in fact or completely made up  shows that just because Americans eat more broadly, it doesn't mean that carries over into tolerance or nuance about other groups.

Its a fallacy to think that, Freedman says. Its like the tourism fallacy that travel makes us more understanding of diversity. The best example right now is Mexican food. Lots and lots of people like Mexican food AND think that immigration needs to be stopped. Theres no link between enjoyment of a foreigners cuisine and that openness.
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Attorney General Merrick Garland told staff at the Department of Justice that the agency will not be used as a political weapon as Donald Trump campaigns on a message of political persecution with barely veiled threats to turn the government into a tool of retribution.

In an at-times emotional speech to Justice Department staff on Thursday, Garland defended a promise that we will not allow this Department to be used as a political weapon, and that the agencys norms are a promise that we will not allow this nation to become a country where law enforcement is treated as an apparatus of politics.

The Justice Departments public servants do not bend to politics and will fiercely protect the independence of this Department from political interference in our criminal investigations, Garland said.

His remarks follow attacks from the Republican presidential candidate and his allies who have accused Garland and President Joe Biden of weaponizing the Justice Department to criminally prosecute him in two cases under special counsel Jack Smith.

Attorney General Merrick Garland told staff on September 12 that the agency will not be used as a political weapon ( EPA )

Trump was criminally charged for his efforts to reverse his election loss in 2020, and for allegedly withholding reams of classified documents after leaving office, then obstructing efforts to get them back.

But another special counsel, Robert Hur, has separately investigated Biden for his own withholding of classified documents from his time as vice president, though Hur ultimately decided against charging the president

His son Hunter Biden, however, pleaded guilty last week to tax fraud charges brought by a third special counsel, David Weiss.

The Justice Departments investigation into Democratic Senator Bob Menendez also yielded guilty verdicts for corruption and bribery.

Yet, Trump continues to baselessly insist that the department is singling him out, and that the multiple criminal investigations and lawsuits against him are the product of a Biden-directed scheme to derail his election chances.

In a lengthy post on his Truth Social and X accounts on Saturday, Trump threatened long term prison sentences for Lawyers, Political Operatives, Donors, Illegal Voters, & Corrupt Election Officials he accused of cheating in the 2020 and 2024 elections.

Trumps campaign called Garlands latest remarks disgraceful.

Garland has done tremendous damage to a once great institution, according to Trumps communications director Steven Cheung.

Using phony charges to interfere with the presidential election on behalf of the Democrat Party has to be stopped and those driving these Hoaxes have to be held accountable, he said.

Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith is prosecuting a case against Donald Trump for his allegedly criminal attempts to subvert his 2020 election loss ( AFP via Getty Images )

In his remarks on Thursday, Garland rebuked the dangerous escalation of conspiracy theory-driven attacks against the agency and its staff.

Over the past three and a half years, there has been an escalation of attacks on the Justice Departments career lawyers, agents, and other personnel that go far beyond scrutiny, criticism, and legitimate and necessary oversight of our work, he said.

These attacks have come in the form of conspiracy theories, dangerous falsehoods, efforts to bully and intimidate career public servants by repeatedly and publicly singling them out, and threats of actual violence, he added.

It is dangerous and outrageous that you have to endure them, he said.

Less than two months before Election Day, Garland stressed that federal prosecutors and agents may never make a decision regarding an investigation or prosecution for the purpose of affecting any election or the purpose of giving an advantage or disadvantage to any candidate or political party.

Trumps attacks and attempts to undermine confidence in elections have appeared to fuel threats to poll workers and election officials at the local level, far from the work of federal prosecutors.

More than a third of local election officials have reported threats, harassment or abuse due to their jobs, according to a 2024 survey from the Brennan Center for Justice at the New York University School of Law.

Since 2020, the Justice Department has recorded an unprecedented spike in threats against the public servants who do administer our elections, Garland said earlier this month.

In a democracy, people vote and argue and debate  often loudly  in order to achieve the policy outcomes they desire, he said in remarks before a meeting with the Justice Departments Election Threats Task Force on September 4.

And the Justice Department will continue to relentlessly protect the rights of all Americans to peacefully express their opinions, beliefs, and ideas, he added. But the promise of our democracy is that people will not employ violence to achieve their preferred outcomes.
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Donald Trump whispered a surprise two-word compliment to Kamala Harris about her debate performance when the pair found themselves face-to-face yet again hours later at Ground Zero.

In what marks only their second time ever meeting in person, the two candidates were reunited on Wednesday morning as they both attended the 9/11 memorial ceremony in New York City.

The political rivals cordially shook hands  while President Joe Biden stood close by and former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg appeared to play mediator.

Trump then cupped his hand around Harriss ear and offered her a surprising compliment on her debate performance.

Good job, he said, according toThe Daily Beast.

The compliment marked a shift in relations from less than 12 hours earlier.

At the start of the presidential debate in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Tuesday night, the vice president immediately strode over to her Republican rival, put out her hand, and offered him well-wishes. Nice to see you. Have fun, he replied.

Donald Trump and Kamala Harris shook hands for a second time in 12 hours at Ground Zero ( REUTERS )

But the civil start spiraled as Trump spewed his usual attack lines and lies, including false claims that Harris wants to do transgender operations on illegal aliens that are in prison and that Haitian migrants are eating pet dogs and cats in Ohio.

Harris, meanwhile, was seen laughing at the outrageousness of some of his remarks.

Following the debate, Trump declared that the event was rigged and unfair because it was three on one  while boasting that it was his best debate ever and that he won.

The former president gazed up at the sky as others bowed their heads at Ground Zero ( Getty Images )

Meanwhile, Republican allies, veteran GOP pollster Frank Lutz and an ABC News flash poll of viewers say Harris actually won the debate.

Even prior to the debate, Trump was known for his name-calling of Harris, including having called her weak, dumb as a rock, lazy or  in one bizarre moment  beautiful like former first lady Melania Trump.

But the former presidents rare compliment on Wednesday was quickly undermined when he was snapped inappropriately winking and smiling at photographers and gazing up at the sky while others bowed their heads at the ceremony, which commemorated the loss of thousands of lives in the September 11 2001 terrorist attacks.

Trump was also heckled for his lack of attendance at the New York memorial event other years.

Where were you for 20 years? Ive been here. Where were you? one person called out.
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Karl Rove, the Republican political consultant and deputy chief of staff in the George W Bush administration, has pulled no punches in an op-ed saying that Donald Trumps debate against Kamala Harris was a train wreck for him.

Calling Trumps debate performance catastrophic, he goes as far as to say that he was crushed by a woman he previously dismissed as dumb as a rock.

Writing in The Wall Street Journal, Rove says the former presidents performance was far worse than anything Team Trump could have imagined and Trump was visibly rattled as Harris launched rocket after rocket at him.

Rove notes that according to an analysis by The New York Times, Harris spent 46 percent of her time on the attack, while Trumps attacks only amounted to 29 percent of his time.

Debates arent won on defense, he wrote.

Going deeper, Rove writes that Trump was bested by his emotions when he must have known Harris would try and get him to lose his cool.

He took the bait almost every time she put it on the hook, offering a pained smile as she did, Rove said. Rather than dismissing her attacks and launching his strongest counterarguments against her, Mr Trump got furious.

Former president Donald Trump speaks to members of the media following his presidential debate with Vice President Kamala Harris. Karl Rove has now slammed Trump over his debate performance. ( EPA )

Things only got worse as her attacks continued, says Rove, noting: He gripped the podium more often and more firmly. He grimaced and shook his head, at times responding with wild and fanciful rhetoric.

Trump failed to deliver the short, deft replies and counterpunches that would have been effective, the political consultant writes, and the former president failed at his most important task of tying Harris to President Joe Bidens failed policies.

Offering his opinion of Trumps demeanor, Rove says: It matters how debating candidates carry themselves. There, it was no contest. Ms Harris came across as calm, confident, strong and focused on the future. Mr Trump came across as hot, angry and fixated on the past, especially his own.

Karl Rove reviews the latest polling on Donald Trump since the latters felony conviction in June 2024 ( Fox News )

Further, he says of Harris: She mastered the split screen, projecting confidence and wordlessly undercutting him by smiling while shaking her head as he spoke.

It is this impression, he writes, that will help many undecided and swing voters make up their minds. Others will have wanted to learn something new and reassuring about the candidates, and Harris, he says, provided them with plenty.

He took the bait almost every time she put it on the hook, Rove said after Trumps at-times bizarre performance during the debate. ( AFP via Getty Images )

In conclusion, Rove writes that while the debate will have an effect on the election, it is probably not as much as the Harris campaign hopes for, nor the Trump team fears.

But theres no putting lipstick on this pig, says Rove. Mr Trump was crushed by a woman he previously dismissed as dumb as a rock. Which raises the question: What does that make him?

In a rare move, widely interpreted as a realization the debate had not gone well, Trump appeared in the spin room afterward, usually the preserve of campaign officials and surrogates, and spoke with the media.

He claimed it was his best debate ever.
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In the lead-up to last nights debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, many hosts on Russian TV were predicting that the former president would leave Philadelphia the victor, airing mocking clips of the vice president and repeating critical lines from the likes of Fox News.

Now, with many regarding Tuesdays debate as a clear Harris win, some Russian channels have been left scrambling to explain what happened.

Their explanations have ranged from subterfuge to biased moderators, according to an analysis and translations from Russia analyst and Daily Beast columnist Julia Davis.

State TV host Vladimir Solovyov joined many on the right in hammering the debate moderators for real-time fact-checking, including debunking Trumps baseless claim that Haitian immigrants in Ohio are eating peoples pets.

Russian TV commentators blamed bias, sabotage, and Trumps own performance for a poor showing in the debate ( AFP via Getty Images )

Why would he do that? I thought he was supposed to be unbiased, Solovyov said.

Others on Russian TV claimed Trump had been sabotaged or disadvantaged.

Some, however, argued the debate performance was in fact Trumps own responsibility.

She [Kamala Harris] managed to lure Trump into every trap she set up for him... I wish I hadnt watched that, a panelist from the Russian International Affairs Council, Alexey Naumov, reportedly said.

One notable Russian TV appearance came from Dimitri Simes, a foreign policy expert and former Trump campaign adviser, who has been accused of breaking U.S. sanctions while working for a Russian state TV network.

Simes, who has denied wrongdoing, offered his best guess about the details of Trumps plans on the war in Ukraine, one of the areas where the former president was vague on Tuesday.

Simes told one program that the former president would tell Ukraine to concede to all of Putins demands and threaten to cut off U.S. aid if he didnt.

Back in the U.S., Trump was offering explanations of his own, simultaneously claiming debate host ABC was a terrible network and claiming he won the night.

Id be less inclined to because we had a great night, Trump told Fox News when asked if there would be a second debate. We won the debate.

Potential voters dont seem to agree.

A snap CNN poll after the debate found 63 percent believe Harris won the debate, a sentiment shared by a variety of commentators, including from The Independent.

Pop star Taylor Swift also endorsed the Harris campaign the night of the debate, adding further momentum to the Democratic side, even as it enraged conservative commentators like Megyn Kelly.

In perhaps the ultimate sign that things werent quite well in GOPland, Trump himself went into the spin room on Tuesday night, a duty usually reserved for campaign aides and surrogates looking to put an after-the-fact gloss on whatever actually happened during the debate.
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Donald Trump has revealed he will not participate in a third presidential debate this election cycle.

Trump declared, THERE WILL BE NO THIRD DEBATE in a Thursday afternoon post on his social media platform Truth Social.

When a prizefighter loses a fight, the first words out of his mouth are, I WANT A REMATCH, Trump wrote. Polls clearly show that I won the Debate against Comrade Kamala Harris, the Democrats Radical Left Candidate, on Tuesday night, and she immediately called for a Second Debate.

KAMALA SHOULD FOCUS ON WHAT SHE SHOULD HAVE DONE DURING THE LAST ALMOST FOUR YEAR PERIOD, he added. THERE WILL BE NO THIRD DEBATE!

Harris, meanwhile, called for a second round during a North Carolina campaign rally on Thursday afternoon: We owe it to the voters to have another debate.

Trumps decision comes two days after he faced Harris in their first debate on Tuesday night.

On Wednesday, Trump took to Truth Social insisting he won the face-off.

People are just starting to give me credit for having a GREAT DEBATE, he wrote. The Voters and Voter Polls showed it, but the Fake News Media wasnt giving the credit that was due. Now they are seeing the results with independent Voters, Evangelicals, and more  and saying, WOW!

However, according to a CNN flash poll, 63 percent of registered voters who tuned in believe Harris won.

Donald Trump will not participate in a third presidential debate this election, he said on social media ( EPA )

Those in Harriss circle are already reacting to the news. At long last we discover his spirit animal. The Chicken, David Plouffe, a senior adviser for Harriss campaign, wrote on X.

This isnt the first time Trump has lashed out in the 48 hours since his debate with Harris. Just hours after their face-off, Trump called into Fox News to say ABC News should have their broadcast license revoked over the debate.

To be honest, theyre a news organization, Trump said. They have to be licensed to do it. They ought to take away their license for the way they did that.

The former president is likely referring to the moderators fact-checking throughout the debate.

Moderator Linsey Davis called out Trumps baseless claim that Democrats want to legalize killing babies. When Trump made reference to his racist conspiracy theory that Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio are eating pets, moderator David Muir noted that city officials have debunked the claim.

Trump had previously challenged President Joe Biden to a second debate after their chaotic show-down earlier this summer.

Im offering Joe the chance to redeem himself in front of the entire world, the former president said after their June debate.
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Nathan Clark, an Ohio man who lost his 11-year-old son Aiden in a bus crash last year, stood before the Springfield City Commission meeting on Tuesday, begging Donald Trump, JD Vance and other morally bankrupt politicians to stop using his sons tragic death for political gain.

You know, I wish that my son, Aidan Clark, was killed by a 60-year-old white man, Clark began while standing next to his wife and mother of their son, Danielle Clark. If that guy killed my 11-year-old son the incessant group of hate-spewing people would leave us alone.

Clark told those at the meeting that former president Donald Trump, Senator JD Vance, Representative Chip Roy and Ohio Senate candidate Bernie Moreno had all spoken his sons name and used his death for political gain.

This needs to stop now they can vomit all the hate they want about illegal immigrants, the border crisis and even untrue claims about fluffy pets being ravaged and eaten by community members. However they are not allowed nor have they been allowed to mention Aiden Clark from Springfield, Ohio, Clark said.

Last August, Aiden was killed in a bus crash when a car, driven by Haitian immigrant Hermanio Joseph, veered into the path of the school, colliding with it and sending the bus off the side of the road. At least 20 other schoolchildren were injured.

Nathan Clark and Danielle Clark hold up a shirt that says Live Like Aiden at the Springfield City Commission meeting on Tuesday ( City of Springfield, Ohio - Government / YouTube )

Joseph, who was in Springfield under protected immigration status, was sentenced to at least nine years in prison on charges of first-degree felony involuntary manslaughter and fourth-degree felony vehicular homicide.

As the Clark family tried to grieve the loss of their son, some conservative politicians quickly capitalized on the incident to espouse anti-immigration rhetoric and criticize President Joe Bidens border policies.

On Tuesday, Vance wrote on X that a child was murdered by a Haitian migrant who had no right to be here and criticized Vice President Kamala Harris for bragging about giving amnesty to thousands of Haitian migrants.

In response to Clarks speech, Luke Schroeder, a spokesman for Senator Vance, said, Kamala Harris should apologize to the angel mothers who testified before Congress yesterday. Will she apologize to Tammy Nobles, Alexis Nungaray, or Anne Fundner? They hold her and her open borders policies accountable for the deaths of their children. The Clark family is in Senator Vances prayers.

On Monday, an X account run by the Trump campaign posted a side-by-side photo of Aiden next to Joseph claiming the 11-year-old was killed on his way to school by a Haitian migrant and criticized Vice President Kamala Harris for refusing to say the childs name.

My son Aiden Clark was not murdered, Clark said on Tuesday. He was accidentally killed by an immigrant from Haiti.

The Independent has asked the Trump campaign for any response on Clarks speech.

Kansas Senator Roger Marshall also used a photo of Aiden to criticize President Joe Bidens border policies.

On Tuesday, Clark encouraged others to live like Aiden and stop spinning the incident towards hate.

In order to live like Aiden you need to accept everyone, choose to shine, make the difference, lead the way and be the inspiration, Clark said.

But Trump would invoke Springfields name during the presidential debate on Tuesday night to claim that dangerous immigrants are violently taking over the towns and destroying our country while promoting his anti-immigration policies.

The former president repeated a debunked claim that the community of Haitian immigrants in Springfield are abducting and eating peoples pets  specifically dogs and cats.

There is no evidence that this claim is true. Both the Springfield Police and the Springfield City Commissioner have confirmed there have been no credible reports of this.

Did you know one of the worst feelings in the world is to not be able to protect your child? Even worse we cant even protect his memory when hes gone. Please stop the hate, I said to Aiden that I would try to make a difference in his honor. This is it, Clark said at the end of his speech.
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Someone at the Republican National Committee should slip JD Vance a biography of his running mate because he doesnt seem to know how Donald Trump has marketed himself for decades.

After the former president decisively lost the presidential debate against Kamala Harris  as Fox News host Neil Cavuto put it  followed quickly by a ringing endorsement of the Democratic ticket by Taylor Swift, Republicans have been left trying to find a positive spin on the one-two punch.

Step forward vice presidential nominee and Ohio senator Vance, who sat down for an interview with Martha MacCallum, also of Fox News.

Referencing the endorsement of the Harris-Walz ticket by Swift  perhaps the most influential recording artist in the world  MacCallum asked Vance how the campaign would speak to women voters who care about what she thinks.

The Ohio senator replied: We admire Taylor Swifts music, but I dont think most Americans, whether they like her music or not, are going to be influenced by a billionaire celebrity who I think is fundamentally disconnected from the interests and the problems of most Americans.

Given that Trump has spent more than 40 years cultivating an image as a billionaire celebrity, who as a politician is often characterized as being out of touch with most Americans, only running to return to the White House out of self-interest, and whose economic platform benefits billionaires to the detriment of the majority of the population, this was  to put it mildly  tone-deaf.

JD Vance made the tone-deaf remarks during an interview with Fox News host Martha MacCallum ( Getty Images )

In his two months as Trumps running mate, Vance has already caused the Trump campaign headaches with uncovered audio about childless cat ladies, a toe-curlingly awkward interaction at a donut store, and for publicizing a disproven fringe conspiracy about immigrants eating pets that Trump then repeated before a national audience to widespread ridicule.

Indeed, Swifts endorsement post on Instagram even took a direct shot at Vance, when she signed off the reasoning for her choice of candidate with: With love and hope, Taylor Swift, Childless Cat Lady.

Vice President Kamala Harris, President Joe Biden, former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, former President Donald Trump and Senator JD Vance of Ohio at the September 11 commemorations 2024 ( AP )

The Ohio senator made the comments on Fox while in New York City for the September 11 commemorations at which he appeared alongside Trump, Harris, and President Joe Biden.

Later in the day, Harris, Biden, and Trump (separately) also visited Shanksville, Pennsylvania, the sight of the Flight 93 National Memorial, with the president and vice president continuing to a wreath-laying ceremony at the Pentagon in Virginia.

Vance remained in New York and was later seen joined by his wife Usha taking a walk in Central Park.

Ohio senator and Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance and his wife Usha Vance pictured walking in Central Park while in New York City for the September 11 commemorations ( The Independent )

The couple were spotted, surrounded by their Secret Service detail, walking near the Bethesda Fountain.

Earlier, Vance attended the Cantor Fitzgerald Relief Fund Charity Day 2024 which commemorates the 658 employees of the company who perished on September 11.

Ohio senator and Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance and his wife Usha Vance taking a walk in New Yorks Central Park ( The Independent )

Other celebrity ambassadors appearing on the trading floor included Bill Clinton and daughter Chelsea, Kenan Thompson, Neve Campbell, Rob Gronkowski, and Busy Philipps.
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The Australian defence ministry has stripped multiple serving and former military commanders of their honours over alleged war crimes in Afghanistan.

Richard Marles, the defence minister, announced the decision on Thursday, four years after a report exposed evidence of torture and unlawful killings of 39 Afghan civilians by Australian troops between 2005 and 2016.

The Brereton Report, released in 2020 after a four-year investigation, revealed that 25 Australian Special Air Service Regiment and Commando Regiment soldiers were involved in the unlawful killings.

The allegations which are the subject of the Brereton Report are arguably the most serious allegations of Australian war crimes in our history," Mr Marles told parliament.

This will always be a matter of national shame.

The minister did not give a number but the Australian Associated Press reported that up to nine commanders will lose their medals.

Investigator Maj Gen Paul Brereton had recommended holding commanders to account by reviewing the awards of those in command positions in the Special Air Service Regiment between 2008 and 2012.

Mr Marles wrote to the commanders about the medals they had received for their service during the time the war crimes allegedly occurred.

He did not specify to the parliament how many he had written to or identify their ranks, citing privacy concerns.

The decision was condemned by Australian SAS Association chair Martin Hamilton-Smith as a betrayal of the courage and sacrifice of soldiers in Afghanistan.

"The government's decision overlooks the courageous leadership of these young officers on the battlefield based on unproven allegations that somewhere in a remote village unseen and unknown to these commanders, an unlawful act might have occurred on their watch," Mr Hamilton-Smith said.

The defence minister said the officers werent stripped of their medals for wrongdoing. "No one is suggesting they knew what happened, were aware of it or didn't act  that's not the issue," he told reporters.

Mr Marles stressed that the majority of the Australian defence personnel deployed to Afghanistan between 2001 and 2021 had given "sacred service".

Opposition lawmaker Andrew Hastie, who as an SAS captain commanded troops in Afghanistan in 2013, said political leaders and the military hierarchy should also be held accountable for war crimes.

"I believe that our troops were let down by a lack of moral courage that went up the chain of command all the way to Canberra  including in this House," Mr Hastie said, referring to the House of Representatives.

"I want to be clear: those who are alleged to have shed innocent blood are alone responsible for that. I do not say this to absolve or condemn anyone," Mr Hastie added.

He was not decorated for his service in Afghanistan and therefore was not among the officers stripped of their medals.

No Australian veteran has been convicted of a war crime in Afghanistan so far. But a whistleblower and former army lawyer, David McBride, was sentenced in May to almost six years in jail for leaking to the media classified information that exposed allegations of Australian war crimes.

Mr McBride, a former military lawyer, pleaded guilty to three charges of stealing and unlawfully sharing more than 200 documents classified as secret.

David McBride pleaded guilty to three offences including stealing commonwealth information and passing that on to journalists at ABC News ( The Project/YouTube )

ABC used the information provided by Mr McBride in 2017 as the basis for its investigative series The Afghan Files, which provided an unprecedented insight into alleged war crimes committed by the countrys forces.

In 2023, former SAS trooper Oliver Schulz became the first of the veterans to be charged with a war crime for shooting dead a noncombatant in a wheat field in Uruzgan province in 2012.

A civil court also found Australia's most decorated living war veteran Ben Roberts-Smith likely unlawfully killed four Afghans when he was an SAS corporal. He has not been criminally charged.

Additional reporting by agencies.
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Emmanuel Macrons wife has been awarded 8,000 (6,750) in damages after two women falsely accused her of being transgender.

Brigitte Macron, 71, became the subject of online conspiracy theories spread by the far-right after YouTubers Amandine Roy and Natacha Rey made the allegation in December 2021.

Roy, a self-proclaimed spiritual medium, interviewed Rey for hours in the video where they alleged the French presidents wife had once been a man.

The video - claiming to have uncovered a state lie - went viral just weeks before the 2022 French presidential election and even caught on in the US before the November midterm elections.

Ms Macron said in a 2022 interview that at first she had ignored the falsehoods, but eventually decided to tackle them head-on after they affected her parents and family.

The false claims went viral just weeks before the 2022 French presidential election

The video claimed Ms Macron had been born as Jean-Michel Trogneux and had later changed her name and gender. Mr Trogneux, who is actually Ms Macrons brother, participated in the trial.

He was also awarded 5,000 (4,000) in damages. Emmanuel Macron addressed the false claims for the first time in March this year, telling reporters they had hurt him and impacted his private life.

The hashtag #JeanMichelTrogneux entered the top trends on Twitter in France just days after the video was posted.

It was used more than 66,000 times on Twitter. It was the most discussed topic on the social media platform for days and several users bought into the theory.

It comes as Ms Macron made her Netflix debut playing herself in the hit series Emily in Paris. The shows star, Lily Collins, told Elle magazine the idea came to her and the programme creator Darren Star when they met the first lady at the Elysee Palace in December 2022.

It was not the first time a powerful female figure was hit by false claims of being transgender fuelled by internet conspiracy theories.

Michelle Obama, the former first lady of the US and Jacinda Ardern, the prime minister of New Zealand, have both been accused of being transgender.
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Specialist military divers are currently searching the sunken Bayesian yacht for clues as to why it sunk in a freak storm off the coast of Siciliy, killing seven passengers.

British tech tycoon Mike Lynchs boat had been moored near the port of Porticello on 19 August when it sank during the early hours of the morning, and is now lying 50 metres below the surface of the water.

About six divers from the Italian navys Comsubin unit are investigating the superyacht for electronic equipment, which includes data storage and CCTV and to see if doors were left open during the storm.

The Bayesian yacht is being examined by specialist divers and sonar robots ahead of attempts to raise it from the sea bed ( costanostrayachtsupply.com/PA Wire )

A source close to the investigation told The Times: The investigating magistrate has asked Comsubin to investigate so he can check statements made by the crew of the yacht.

Three crew members including the yachts captain are under investigation, with plans being discussed to raise the yacht from the ocean bed to assist enquiries.

Sources close to New Zealander James Cutfield, 51, the captain, told the Italian newspaper Corriere Della Sera that is living through the darkest days of his life.

Among those killed were Mr Lynch and his 18-year-old daughter Hannah, who had been due to begin studying at Oxford University in September, as well as four other family friends and associates.

Captain James Cutfield is among the three crew members under investigation ( Facebook )

Jonathan Bloomer, the international chairman of Morgan Stanley Bank; his wife Judith, a psychotherapist; Christopher Morvillo, a US lawyer; and his wife Neda, a jewellery designer also died in the sinking.

Also killed was the yachts chef, Recaldo Thomas, whose body was recovered floating near the wreckage.

According to the authorities, efforts to raise the yacht will be made by the vessels owner, UK company Revton, which is controlled by Mr Lynchs widow Angela Bacares.

They have reportedly employed the Genoa-based diving company Drafinsub to use sonar and a submersble robot to examine the yacht to discover the best plan to raise it.

It is likely to take two to three days to complete, with 18,000 litres of fuel having to be syphoned from the yachts tanks in order to avoid any spillage.
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Russian forces knocked out power and water to a rail hub in northern Ukraine and severed water supplies to the eastern town of Pokrovsk on Thursday, causing disruption behind front lines as they try to advance on the battlefield.

More than 2-1/2 years since Russias invasion, the war in Ukraine is at a critical juncture, with Moscow regularly pounding Ukrainian infrastructure as its troops try to complete the capture of the whole of Ukraines eastern Donbas region.

The United States says Iran has supplied hundreds of ballistic missiles to Russia in a major escalation. Moscow has warned the West against greenlighting deep strikes into Russian territory with Western weapons, warning it would respond.

Russian forces have been gaining ground in parts of east Ukraine including Pokrovsk, whose capture could enable Moscow to open up new lines of attack and complicate Ukrainian logistics in the east.

Donetsks regional governor said a filtering station had stopped working because of heavy fighting, severing the water supply to Pokrovsk. He said it would be impossible to fix soon and renewed calls to civilians to flee the town.

Relatives show each other hand hearts next to an evacuation train to Western Ukraine, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, at a railway station in Pokrovsk ( REUTERS )

The situation is difficult and it wont get better soon. So I again call on you to evacuate! the official, Vadym Filashkin, wrote in a statement on the Telegram messaging app.

The town, which straddles several important roads that pass through the Donetsk region and has a rail line, has also lost supply of electricity and gas used for cooking and heating, local authorities said.

A map of Pokrovsk:

Russian momentum has slowed in the areas nearest Pokrovsk, but Moscows forces have pressed south from that line of attack, closing in on the nearby town of Ukrainsk, open-source intelligence reports by Ukraines Deep State analysts indicate.

Ukrainian emergency service workers and police evacuate civilians from the village of Ukrainsk, close to the front line in the direction of Pokrovsk, in Ukrainsk, Ukraine on August 24 ( Anadolu via Getty Images )

Ukraines military said their forces on the nearby Kurakhiv front, which includes Ukrainsk, were continuing to hold back Moscows troops. Russia tried to break through Kyivs lines in the area 23 times over the last day, it said.

Some Russian military bloggers said Moscows forces had almost taken control of Ukrainsk, which had a pre-war population of more than 10,000. There was no immediate update from Russia on its advance in the area.

After months on the back foot in the east, Kyivs forces launched a surprise incursion into Russias Kursk region last month, rapidly making progress in an attempt to seize the initiative in the war and divert Russian forces from the east.

Ukrainian servicemen operate a Soviet-made T-72 tank in the Sumy region, near the border with Russia ( AFP/Getty )

Russia has kept up its offensive pressure in the east though, and a Russian commander said on Wednesday his forces had taken back control of about 10 settlements in Kursk region in a counterattack.

Ukraine has not commented on the Russian assertions and Reuters could not independently verify the battlefield reports.

The city of Konotop, a rail hub in Sumy region which Kyiv used as a staging ground for its cross-border incursion, reported heavy damage from an overnight Russian drone attack.

A map of Konotop:

Local officials said at least 14 people had been hurt in an attack that significantly damaged energy infrastructure and cut electricity to the settlement.

Rescuers were working to restore power in the town, which had a pre-war population of about 83,000. Regional officials said there were 10 explosions during the attack and Mayor Artem Semenikhin said the power system was in critical condition.

At the moment, energy workers are doing everything they can to provide electricity to the hospital and the water supply system, he said early on Thursday.

The strike on Konotop was part of a broader Russian attack using 64 drones, the air force said. It shot down 44 of them over nine different regions, it said.

Such attacks have become almost nightly occurrences since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.

Though Ukraine is heavily outgunned and lacks a large arsenal of long-range missiles, it has tried to take the fight back to Russia by launching hundreds of drones at it.

Semenikhin said the authorities in Konotop did not know when the power would be restored and they planned to supply water on hourly basis.
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Nato countries will be at war with Russia if the United States allows Ukraine to use long-range missiles deep inside Russian territory, Vladimir Putin has warned.

The Russian president claimed the programming of Western missiles would have to be done by Nato military personnel - bringing the organisation into direct confrontation with the Kremlin.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has pleaded with allies for months to allow his military to fire long-range US ATACMS and British Storm Shadow missiles inside Russian territory.

Follow updates here

On Thursday, it was reported US president Joe Biden was considering lifting restrictions on Kyiv using British missiles inside Russia.

Zelensky met with US secretary of state Antony Blinken and UK foreign secretary David Lammy in Kyiv on Wednesday, where he said a strong decision was needed on the use of long-range missiles ( Getty Images )

When asked about the possibility of long-range missiles being used inside Russia, Mr Biden said his administration was working that out now.

Mr Putin told Russian state media on Thursday: It would mean that Nato countries, the US, European countries, are at war with Russia.

If thats the case, then taking into account the change of nature of the conflict, we will take the appropriate decisions based on the threats that we will face.

Britain has supplied Ukraine with Storm Shadow missiles, which have a range of about 155 miles, three times the range of the missiles Ukraine has used up to now, but it cannot use them to fire at key targets inside Russia.

British Storm Shadow missiles have a range of about 155 miles. Kyiv wants to use them to strike deep inside Russian territory

Meanwhile, the US has provided Ukraine with the longest-range version of ATACMS, a ballistic missile that can travel 190 miles.

But it has remained hesitant over allowing the firing of long-range missiles into Russia over fears Moscow could respond by deploying hypersonic nuclear weapons.

However, ahead of a joint UK-US press conference in Kyiv on Wednesday, US secretary of state Antony Blinken said the US had from day one been willing to adapt its policy as the situation on the battlefield changed.

Mr Blinken said he and UK foreign secretary David Lammy would report back to their bosses  Joe Biden and Keir Starmer  after their visit to Ukraine.

Mr Biden is likely to discuss Ukraines use of missiles with Mr Starmer when they meet in Washington on Friday.

UK prime minister Keir Starmer and his foreign secretary David Lammy board a plane bound for Washington, where they are expected to discuss Ukraines use of long-range missiles with US president Joe Biden ( Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire )

This week, Russian forces started a counteroffensive along Kurks western edge just over a month after Ukraine launched an audacious cross-border incursion into the region.

The Institute for the Study of War (IsW), a US-based think tank, said Mr Putins troops had taken back several settlements over the past 48 hours.

The size, scale, and potential prospects of the 11 September Russian counterattacks in Kursk Oblast are unclear and the situation remains fluid as of this report, the IsW said.

Several Russian military bloggers claimed that Russian forces launched the mechanised counterattack from the north near Korenevo and that Russian forces quickly advanced into Snagost.

It cited available visuals and said Russian forces were operating in company-sized units and may be using elements of more combat-experienced units to conduct counterattacks.

Kyivs forces, in response, are fighting back and have initiated new attacks in the west of Snagost, the Washington-based think-tank added.
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Donald Trump boasted of a very good relationship with both Volodymyr Zelensky and Vladimir Putin on Friday as he hosted the Ukrainian leader for a meeting at his New York City skyscraper.

The former president also repeated a bizarre boast that he could, if re-elected in November, negotiate an end to the nearly three-year Russian war against Ukraine.

Trump, who was impeached in 2019 for using American defense assistance to pressure Zelensky to launch sham investigations into President Joe Biden and his son, was being briefed on Kyivs latest plan for victory against Putin.

We have a very good relationship, he told reporters as he stood with Zelensky. And I also have a very good relationship, as you know, with President Putin. And if we win, I think were going to get it resolved very quickly, he said.

Zelensky quickly interjected: I hope we have more good relations between us.

Zelensky said he and Trump share a common view that the war ... has to be stopped, and Putin cant win and Ukrainians have to prevail.

And I want to discuss with you the details of our plan, he added.

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump meets with Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky at Trump Tower, Friday 27 September in New York ( AP )

For his part, Trump said he and Zelensky have had a great relationship, citing Zelenskys decision to deny that Trump had exerted any pressure on him during the July 2019 phone call in which hed linked sending Javelin anti-tank missiles to Zelenskys announcement of investigations into the Bidens.

So we're going to sit down just discuss it, and if we have a win, I think long before January 20, before I would take the presidency ... I think that we can work out something that's good for both sides. It's time, he said.

Trump had previously cancelled plans to meet with the Ukrainian leader after Zelensky sparked GOP outrage by visiting the Scranton Army Ammunition Plant in the battleground state of Pennsylvania over the weekend.

He reversed course late Thursday after Zelenskys meeting with Harris, during which the Democratic presidential nominee told Zelensky that her support for Kyivs defense is unwavering.

In what appeared to be a veiled swipe at Trump and his Republican allies, Harris admitted to Zelensky that there are some in the US who would instead force Ukraine to give up large parts of its sovereign territory, who would demand that Ukraine accept neutrality, and would require Ukraine to forgo security relationships with other nations.

These proposals are the same as those of Putin, and let us be clear: They are not proposals for peace. Instead, they are proposals for surrender, which is dangerous and unacceptable, she said.

Zelensky has been in the United States for the UN General Assembly, where on Wednesday he warned world leaders that Russian President Vladimir Putin is attempting to break the Ukrainian spirit by targeting his countrys energy infrastructure. He also cautioned against accepting purported peace deals that would be negotiated without Ukraine having a say.

Any parallel or alternative attempts to seek peace are, in fact, efforts to achieve an out instead of an end to the war, he said, adding later that he was skeptical of the true interest behind a recent push by China and Brazil to foster an end to the conflict.

When some propose alternatives, half-hearted settlement plans, so-called sets of principles, it not only ignores the interests and suffering of Ukrainians ... it not only ignores reality, but also gives Putin the political space to continue the war, he said.

Earlier in the week, Zelensky also toured a Pennsylvania plant where munitions destined for his armed forces are being made. That visit drew anger from Republicans, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, who called for Zelensky to fire the Ukrainian ambassador to the US in response. Johnsons outrage was supposedly due to no Republicans being invited along to the tour of the plant, though White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre dismissed it as a political stunt by the GOP at a press conference on Thursday afternoon.
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The deaths of six UN workers in an Israeli strike on a school in Gaza has been described as appalling by David Lammy, the UK foreign secretary.

The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (Unrwa) said its employees were killed in the strike in central Gaza. The UN school, housing about 12,000 displaced people, mostly women and children, has been attacked at least five times since Israel launched an air and ground offensive in Gaza last October, Unrwa said.

Reports of six Unrwa staff members being killed in an Israeli strike are appalling, Mr Lammy said. My thoughts are with their families and all those who continue to carry out lifesaving work. Aid workers must be able to do their jobs safely.

Simon Harris, the prime minister of Ireland, said: We must ensure accountability for those who perpetrate war crimes. I look forward to extending my condolences in person to UN secretary general [Antonio] Guterres when I visit the UN later this month. I again call for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages and unimpeded access to aid in Gaza.

The attack on Wednesday on the al-Jaouni Preparatory Boys School in the Nuseirat refugee camp was the deadliest ever for its staff, Unrwa, said. The Civil Defence agency in Hamas-run Gaza said a total of 18 people had been killed, with a number of others injured.

The senior deputy director of Unrwa affairs in Gaza, Sam Rose, told Al Jazeera that staff at the agency are despairing.

Staff in the offices are in shock. The scale and the rapidity of the incidents are just too difficult for us to get our head around sometimes, he said.

The Israeli military claimed its strike targeted a Hamas command and control centre in Nuseirat as part of its war inside Gaza. Israel has repeatedly accused Hamas of using civilian buildings and infrastructure in Gaza, without providing any evidence.

Civil defence teams and civilians carry out search and rescue work after an Israeli attack on a UN school sheltering displaced Palestinians in Gaza ( Anadolu via Getty )

Unrwa director Philippe Lazzarini said: Humanitarian staff, premises and operations have been blatantly and unabatedly disregarded since the start of the war. In July, 16 people were killed in a strike at the school, according to Palestinian officials. The Israeli military said it had targeted several structures at the school used by Hamas fighters.

Mr Guterres expressed his outrage at the strike, saying: Whats happening in Gaza is totally unacceptable. These dramatic violations of international humanitarian law need to stop now.

Responding to that condemnation, Israels ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, said: It is unconscionable that the UN continues to condemn Israel in its just war against terrorists, while Hamas continues to use women and children as human shields, he said.

The war in Gaza was triggered when Hamas launched an attack inside Israel on 7 October, killing around 1,000 people and taking 250 hostages. In response, Israel has bombarded Gaza from the air and ground. More than 41,000 Palestinians have been killed in the offensive, health officials in the strip have said. It has also displaced nearly 90 per cent of the territorys 2.3 million population, many multiple times.

People search for survivors after the airstrike on the school in central Gaza ( Anadolu via Getty )

The UNs Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said in August that 280 aid workers were killed in 33 countries in 2023, and this year may be on track for an even deadlier outcome. It added that more than half of last years deaths occurred in the first three months of the Israeli war on Gaza.

In another attack on Wednesday an Israeli airstrike on a home near the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, killed 11 people, including six brothers and sisters aged 21 months to 21 years.

In the occupied West Bank, Israeli soldiers conducted raids in several towns backed by airstrikes, killing at least eight people. One airstrike killed five people the military said were militants threatening its troops. A second strike on a car killed at least three people, Gazas health ministry said.
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SpaceX, back at home we all have a lot of work to do, but from here, Earth sure looks like a perfect world.

The words uttered by Jared Isaacman as he stepped out on the worlds first commercial spacewalk might not join similar phrases spoken by astronauts: they are unlikely to join the ranks of one small step for a man or Houston, weve had a problem.

But Mr Isaacman  like Neil Armstrong and Jack Swigert before him  will go down in history as a pioneer of humanitys exploration of space. His mission is unlike theirs in many ways, but he too is now a pioneer.

Jared Isaacman was already a funder and participant in the first fully commercial spaceflight, in SpaceXs Inspiration4 mission in 2021. He was launched into orbit, flew for three days and then splashed down into the ocean.

But now he is also the first ever person to take part in a commercial spacewalk, as part of the Polaris Dawn mission this week. That saw him shot into space, up to heights of 1,400km away from the Earth, and then conduct a spacewalk  which is more formally referred to as extravehicular activity, or EVA  from the SpaceX capsule that carried him there.

Mr Isaacman did not get into space like those other pioneers that went before him. His space career did not come after a glittering career in the air force or as a scientist, for instance.

Instead, his journey into space really starts when he was just 16, in 1999, when as a high-school dropout he founded a company then called United Bank Card and began life as its chief executive.

He is still the CEO of that company. But it has changed dramatically: now known as Shift4 Payments and calling itself a global leader in financial technology, it processes more than 260 billion dollars in payments each year, it says, and it has made Mr Isaacman a billionaire.

He took the company public in 2020. His net worth is now thought to be more than $2 billion.

The money from that success has taken Mr Isaacman repeatedly to the skies. He is qualified to fly aircraft including military jets, and has set record in them for travelling around the world.

He has also combined those interests. As well as running Shift4, he founded Drake International, which leases fighter jets that previously flew with the military.

But much of the world came to know Mr Isaacman in 2021, when he announced his Inspiration4 mission with SpaceX. While he paid for the trip, he gave away the other three seats in the craft: one went to professor and science communicator Sian Proctor, one to healthcare worker and cancer survivor Hayley Arceneaux and another went to Christopher Sembroski, whose friend won the seat in a charity raffle but had to give it away because he did not satisfy the weight restrictions.

SpaceX does not disclose what it charges for its space tourism trips, and Mr Isaacman has not said how much he has spent on the journeys. But it is likely to be in the hundreds of millions.

Mr Isaacman has used the trips not only to bolster his flight credentials, but also as charity exercises. Inspiration4 raised more than $250 million for St Jude Childrens Research Hospital.

He still lives in New Jersey  where he grew up  with his wife and two daughters. His partner, Monica, grew up in the same town  and seemingly shares his interest in flying and other daredevil pursuits, though she has not yet taken part in a mission to space.
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A billionaire floated in space in the first ever private spacewalk on Thursday  a major milestone for space tourism, and for SpaceX, which aims to make humanity an interplanetary species.

Businessman Jared Isaacman, 41, stepped out of his capsule while hundreds of miles from Earth, attached to a tether and watched on a live feed.

Back at home, we all have a lot of work to do, he said as he left through the freshly opened hatch, the world visible beneath him. But from here, Earth sure looks like a perfect world.

Until now, spacewalks  which are more formally known as extra-vehicular activities, or EVAs  have only been conducted by professional astronauts. Mr Isaacman financed his private flight through a deal with Elon Musks SpaceX, which follows a similar deal that saw him undertake the first ever fully commercial spaceflight in 2021.

He flew alongside Anna Menon and Sarah Gillis, two SpaceX engineers. They were joined by Scott Poteet, a retired US Air Force lieutenant colonel who served as the missions pilot.

As part of the spacewalk, Mr Isaacman and Ms Gillis each left the spacecraft through the hatch for about 15 minutes, during which they tested the movement and other characteristics of SpaceXs suits, stretching to see whether they could move around properly. SpaceX hopes versions of the suit could one day be used for trips to Mars and elsewhere.

Ms Menon and Mr Poteet stayed in the spacecraft during the spacewalk. The four left on Tuesday, before dawn, on board a SpaceX rocket that fired them further from the Earth than any human has been since the Apollo programme.

:: Follow our live coverage of the mission here

Before the spacewalk began, the capsule was completely depressurised, with the whole crew relying on their slim, SpaceX-developed spacesuits for oxygen, provided through a cord connection to Crew Dragon.

The spacewalk was scheduled to last only about 30 minutes, but the procedures to prepare for it and to finish it safely lasted about two hours. It was meant to test the new spacesuit designs and procedures for the capsule, among other things.

All four members of the Polaris Dawn crew wore SpaceXs new spacewalking suits to protect themselves.

It is the Elon Musk-led companys latest and riskiest bid to push the boundaries of commercial spaceflight.

Martin Barstow, professor of astrophysics and space science at the University of Leicester and director of strategic partnerships at Space Park Leicester, said: The first commercial spacewalk is a very exciting event. It demonstrates how the capability of commercial space companies is growing.

Partnerships between these companies, including SpaceX, will be the model for how human space exploration is conducted in the future.

Writing on X, formerly Twitter, Nasa administrator Bill Nelson said: Todays success represents a giant leap forward for the commercial space industry.

Mr Isaacman, a pilot and the billionaire founder of electronic payments company Shift4, is bankrolling the Polaris mission, as he did his Inspiration4 flight with SpaceX in 2021.

He has declined to say how much he is paying, but the missions are likely to cost hundreds of millions of dollars, based on Crew Dragons price of roughly $55m (42m) a seat for other flights.

Additional reporting by agencies
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Irelands data watchdog has launched an investigation into Googles AI model.

The Data Protection Commission (DPC) said on Thursday that it has commenced a statutory inquiry into Google under Section 110 of the Data Protection Act.

The probe involves examining whether Google complied with any obligations to undertake an assessment, under GDPR laws, prior to processing the personal data of EU/EEA data subjects in developing its AI Model, Pathways Language Model 2 (PaLM2).

The DPC said that a Data Protection Impact Assessment, where required, is of crucial importance in ensuring peoples rights and freedoms are considered and protected when processing of personal data is likely to result in a high risk.

The DPC probe is examining cross-border processing, which means it involves either the processing of personal data on a controller or processor in more than one European Union country, or the processing of personal data which takes place in one EU location but which substantially affects or is likely to substantially affect data subjects in more than one member state.

The investigation follows a request from the Irish watchdog for social media site X, formerly known as Twitter, to suspend processing its user posts to train its AI chatbot Grok.

In August, the DPC welcomed the decision by X to suspend processing while they examine its compliance with GDPR.
If Ukraine is allowed to use long-range Western-provided missiles against targets inside Russia, it would mean the direct participation of Nato countries in the conflict, Vladimir Putin said on Thursday 12 September.

Western long-range precision weapons can only be used with intelligence data from Nato satellites and flight assignments entered by Nato military personnel, he claimed.

Therefore, we are not talking about allowing the Ukrainian regime to strike Russia with these weapons or not. We are talking about making a decision about whether NATO countries are directly involved in the military conflict or not, Mr Putin said.

He added that the decision would change the very nature of the conflict.

This will mean that Nato countries, the United States, and European countries are fighting against Russia.
Apple expects $10bn hit to earnings after EU tax ruling

Company said it was disappointed with decision of European court

Apple CEO Tim Cook pictured at the companys latest product launch in California on Monday. Photo: Getty

John Burns Wed 11 Sep 2024 at 03:30

Apple has declared that it will take a $10bn (9.07bn) earnings hit in its fourth fiscal quarter, after the European courts ruling that it must pay 13bn in back taxes to Ireland.
As Igor Balaka writes to me, he can see plumes of smoke across Kharkivs skyline, as more Russian missiles rain down. In 2022, I had the honour of introducing Mr Balaka, as part of a deputation from the Ukrainian Realtors Association, at the KPMG Irish Independent Property Excellence Awards.
In response to demand for warehouse space, two lots have been launched on the lettings market  one in Athlone and the other in north Dublin.

In the latter case, M7 Real Estate is seeking a tenant for a refurbished 20,672 sqft facility: Unit 8, Century Business Park in Finglas. Its accommodation includes two floors of offices totalling 3,880 sqft with the remainder in warehouse space. It is about to be refurbished to a BER B1 rating. Works include window replacement, new doors, M&E, sanitary fittings and upgraded office accommodation. The warehouse has an eaves height of 11 meters with two dock levellers and a standard level access door.

Knight Frank is quoting a rent of 16 per sqft. Century Business Park is adjacent to the M50/M2 motorway at Junction 5 and close to Dublin Airport.

The Athlone lot is the former 79,000 sqft Flancare facility in Blyry Business & Commercial Park. This warehouse is fully racked to accommodate 9,500 pallets which would provide capital savings for third party logistics operators. The building is also equipped with LED lighting, PV solar panels, forklift charging and a CCTV system.

Its warehouse has a clear internal height of 9.2m and is served by seven dock levellers and three level access doors. A three-storey office area also accommodates a canteen and boardroom. Externally, there are generous trailer and car-parking areas.

Kevin McHugh of letting agents Harvey is quoting an annual rent of 575,000, equating to 7.28 per sqft.
Chief executive says Dublin passenger cap will lead to jets being based abroad

The ongoing delivery delays at Boeing will hit Ryanairs growth again next year, according to group chief executive Michael OLeary.

We are still struggling with delivery delays from Boeing. Its hampered our traffic and schedule growth this year, he said.

It will hamper it next year as well. Its just something we have to work our way through. We are hopeful of getting 50 aircraft this winter from Boeing, or before peak summer 2025.

Mr OLeary said Ryanair still has engineers at Boeings facilities in Seattle and Wichita as the aeroplane maker continues to struggle with deliveries.

Boeing have yet to catch up with their monthly production targets, and its the failure to catch up with monthly production targets thats hampering our growth, Mr OLeary added.

The Ryanair boss said he would like to base some of the new aircraft he expects to take delivery of by next summer in Dublin. However, he said because of the passenger cap at Dublin Airport, any growth would go elsewhere.

Releasing quarterly results in July, Boeing said its commercial unit delivered 92 jets in the three months to the end of June.

Ryanair Group CEO Michael O'Leary. Photo: Getty

The divisions revenue totalled $6bn in the period, and its operating margin was -11.9pc. That margin primarily reflected lower aircraft deliveries and expected higher costs, the manufacturer said.

Boeing had a backlog of more than 5,400 aircraft on their order books at the end of the second quarter, valued at $437bn. The company this week said it delivered 40 aircraft last month, which compared to just five delivered in August last year.

We have quality control engineers on the ground in Wichita, where they make the hulls and fuselages, and also in Seattle, where they finish off the planes, said Mr OLeary.

The quality of whats being produced is now top-class

They believe that the management changes over the last 12 months have seen significant improvements in the quality of the fuselages being brought to Seattle, he added.

Theyre now defect-free. Previously, they were moving fuselages with defects to be rectified in Seattle. The quality of whats being produced is now top-class, according to the Ryanair boss.

During summer, Mr OLeary questioned the quality of some of the Max jets that Ryanair took delivery of after the Covid pandemic.

We were getting aircraft with lots of little bits and problems, said Mr OLeary at the time.

On post-Covid aircraft that we had taken delivery of, the quality of the aircraft on delivery was shoddy.

When we take in a new aircraft here, we do a thorough examination for about 48 hours. Post-Covid, those examinations and repairs were taking us between seven and 10 days, he said.

Ryanair is Boeings biggest customer in Europe. Since production improved at Boeing, he said post-delivery inspection times were back down to 48 hours.

Last month, Mr OLeary told the Reuters news agency that there was a risk Ryanair would take delivery of just 20 to 25 of the 737 Boeing Max jets it has on order before next summer, compared with the 29 that are scheduled for delivery.
Xi urges continuous efforts to conserve ecology in Yellow River basin

Xinhua) 13:17, September 12, 2024

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits a section of the Yellow River to learn about local measures to promote ecological conservation in the Yellow River basin, in Lanzhou, northwest China's Gansu Province, Sept. 11, 2024. Xi on Wednesday afternoon inspected Lanzhou, capital city of northwest China's Gansu Province. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

LANZHOU, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, has called for continuous efforts to promote ecological conservation and high-quality development in the Yellow River basin.

Xi made the remarks when inspecting a section of the Yellow River near the Zhongshan Bridge in Lanzhou, capital of northwest China's Gansu Province on Wednesday afternoon.

Advancements should be made year after year to ensure the implementation of policies for promoting ecological conservation and high-quality development in the Yellow River basin, he said.

Protection is a precondition of development, and lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets, Xi stressed, expressing the confidence that the Yellow River will be even more beautiful in the future.

During the inspection, Xi was briefed on efforts made by local authorities to promote ecological conservation in the Yellow River basin, and chatted with residents and tourists enjoying leisure time on the banks of the Yellow River.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits a section of the Yellow River to learn about local measures to promote ecological conservation in the Yellow River basin, in Lanzhou, northwest China's Gansu Province, Sept. 11, 2024. Xi on Wednesday afternoon inspected Lanzhou, capital city of northwest China's Gansu Province. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits a section of the Yellow River to learn about local measures to promote ecological conservation in the Yellow River basin, in Lanzhou, northwest China's Gansu Province, Sept. 11, 2024. Xi on Wednesday afternoon inspected Lanzhou, capital city of northwest China's Gansu Province. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits a section of the Yellow River to learn about local measures to promote ecological conservation in the Yellow River basin, in Lanzhou, northwest China's Gansu Province, Sept. 11, 2024. Xi on Wednesday afternoon inspected Lanzhou, capital city of northwest China's Gansu Province. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits a section of the Yellow River to learn about local measures to promote ecological conservation in the Yellow River basin, in Lanzhou, northwest China's Gansu Province, Sept. 11, 2024. Xi on Wednesday afternoon inspected Lanzhou, capital city of northwest China's Gansu Province. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits a section of the Yellow River to learn about local measures to promote ecological conservation in the Yellow River basin, in Lanzhou, northwest China's Gansu Province, Sept. 11, 2024. Xi on Wednesday afternoon inspected Lanzhou, capital city of northwest China's Gansu Province. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, talks with the crowd while visiting a section of the Yellow River in Lanzhou, northwest China's Gansu Province, Sept. 11, 2024. Xi on Wednesday afternoon inspected Lanzhou, capital city of northwest China's Gansu Province. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, waves to the crowd while visiting a section of the Yellow River in Lanzhou, northwest China's Gansu Province, Sept. 11, 2024. Xi on Wednesday afternoon inspected Lanzhou, capital city of northwest China's Gansu Province. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Tax Appeals Commission said lodgments to farmers accounts totalled 1.99m

A retired farmer has been left with an off the scale 364,513 bill for income tax and Vat after losing a battle with the Revenue Commissioners.

It follows a decision by the Tax Appeals Commission (TAC) to uphold the Revenue Commissioners assessments against him.

Across 2013, 2014 and 2015, the farmer declared a combined income of 493,443  but the TAC found that lodgements to his accounts during that time in fact totalled 1.99m.

In 2018 and 2019, Revenue raised the combined income tax and Vat assessments of 401,709  made up of 154,427 in Vat and 247,282 in income tax  for the 2013 to 2015 period.

Revenue issued the assessments after concluding that the farmer had understated his income for certain years, and had sold agricultural products including silage wrap on which he had not charged Vat.

At the TAC hearing, the farmer told the commission that he appealed the Revenue assessments as they were off the scale altogether. He said: No one knew what they were about.

Today's News in 90 Seconds - September 12th

The farmer said that he keeps suckler cows, and families have to live off that. Its unheard of to even audit a man in that situation, he maintained.

The man had three different explanations for the difference between his declared income and lodgements to his accounts.

The first explanation was that his only income was from the sale of cattle, with a small amount of fertiliser contract work in 2015.

The second explanation was that he allowed his bank account to be used by two individuals as a facilitation arrangement, from which he obtained no monetary benefit. The third explanation was that he was a bulk buyer and distributor of agricultural supplies for other farmers.

However, Appeal Commissioner Simon Noone found none of the three explanations explained the very significant difference between his declared income and the lodgements to his accounts.

Upholding the amended Revenue assessment of 364,513, Mr Noone said he was satisfied that the farmer failed to explain the substantial discrepancy between his declared income and the transactions into and out of his accounts.

Mr Noone stated that he did not accept the farmers explanation of his involvement in the purchase and sale of wrap. The appeal commissioner added that he found the farmers evidence to be vague, extremely general in nature, and contradictory.
Central Bank will shut its consumer protection unit from next January

Gabriel Makhlouf, Governor of the Central Bank of Ireland (CBI), is to be called before the Oireachtas Finance Committee to explain the banks high-handed decision to disband its consumer protection unit.

Committee chairman John McGuinness said he was surprised to read in the Irish Independent that the CBI is disbanding its consumer protection division from next January.

The director of the unit is moving to another job, and will not be replaced.

It is high-handed of the Central Bank not to consult on this

I am surprised by that decision as it came without any notice and was not flagged to the committee, said Mr McGuinness.

He said he had asked the clerk of the powerful Oireachtas committee, which holds finance firms and regulators to account, to contact the CBI to seek a date for a hearing involving Mr Makhlouf and his senior team.

It is high-handed of the Central Bank not to consult on this or see other points of view before making this decision. They have a lot of explaining to do, he said.

John McGuinness chairs the Oireachtas Finance Committee. Photo: Collins

The Fianna Fail TD added that the rationale behind the CBIs decision to close the consumer protection directorate and redistribute 169 staff to other divisions needs to be explained.

And he questioned how effective the banks consumer protection unit has been in protecting consumers from financial harm.

I would much prefer to see a stand-alone consumer protection body outside of the Central Bank. I was never convinced the Central Bank was the place for it, Mr McGuinness said.

The CBI insists it is not downgrading its consumer protection activities

Earlier this week, Fianna Fail MEP Billy Kelleher said the idea that the CBI will not have a dedicated consumer protection unit is unacceptable and must be reversed immediately.

Mr Kelleher is a member of the parliaments Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee (Econ), which deals with financial consumer protection issues at EU level.

This is a bad move by the Central Bank. For years, I have been highly critical of the Central Banks commitment to consumer protection, the MEP said.

The CBI insists it is not downgrading its consumer protection activities and is instead redistributing the 169 consumer protection staff to other divisions.

This will see them moving to the likes of the banking and payments directorate and the insurance directorate, where they will continue to have responsibility for consumer protection, but will operate as part of an integrated team.

Colm Kincaid is stepping down as the CBI director of consumer protection and wont be replaced. He took up the role in August 2021.

Asked if the reshuffle will weaken the role of consumer protection at the bank, the regulator insisted consumer protection is a core part of its mandate.

The Central Bank said: The changes to our supervisory approach announced in July, in line with our strategy, are about ensuring we can continue to deliver on that mandate in the future  so that consumers of financial services are protected in a changing and increasingly complex and interconnected financial landscape. The changes will come into effect at the start of January 2025.

It said although its organisational structure was changing, its statutory mandate remains unchanged.
New tenants had average rises of 8.1pc a year imposed on them, and the national average rent for a new tenant is now 1,612 a month, up by 121 a month from a year ago

Thousands of renters are being hit with increases in their accommodation costs that breach rental cap rules.

The Residential Tenancies Board denied it is taking a softly-softly approach to non-compliance with rental pressure zone (RPZ) rules after it commissioned a study to try to get a handle on why so many landlords are increasing rents beyond what they are allowed under rental cap rules.

Under the law, rents in RPZs are not supposed to rise more than 2pc a year.

These rental limits cover 83pc of the country, with Carrigaline in Cork and Galway County set to be added to the list of rent pressure zone areas.

A study commissioned by the Residential Tenancies Board of rent increases for sitting tenants found that 26pc of those looked at breached the 2pc limit for rent increases.

The Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) study looked at 153,000 properties to see what changes there have been in the last two years in rents.

It found that one in four of them, or almost 40,000 properties, saw increases of more than 2pc a year.

Some of the properties are not in rent pressure zones, but most of them are covered by the legal requirement to limit rent rises to 2pc a year.

The ESRI study found that more than 10,000 of the sitting tenants whose rental agreements were inspected experienced rent rises of more than 8pc a year.

Tenants in non-rental pressure zone areas were more likely to see a big rise in their rents, the study found.

The findings are based on registration details inputted by landlords when registering with the Residential Tenancies Board, and do not include landlords who are not registered.

However, the Residential Tenancies Board insisted that increases in annual rents of more than 2pc do not necessarily indicate non-compliance with the RPZ legislation.

The State regulator for the rental sector said there could be an element of rounding up in the figures.

The higher-than-allowed rent rises could also be due to cumulative rises being imposed by the landlords, when there were not previous increases.

The higher rent rise could also be allowed after refurbishment work was carried out on the property.

If substantial works have been carried out, landlords are permitted to increase the rent beyond 2pc.

The newly-appointed director of the RTB, Rosemary Steen, insisted the state body takes non-compliance with rental cap rules seriously.

It will now write to those landlords who are raising rents more than the cap.

Where there is deliberate and ongoing non-compliance, we will be using our full powers to investigate and sanction non-compliant landlords, she said.

Fines of up to 15,000 can be imposed by the RTB on landlords found to be breaking the rules.

Ms Steen denied the board was going easy on landlords who are not abiding by the rental rules.

We are not in any way taking a softly-softly approach, Ms Steen said. She stressed that the vast majority of landlords were imposing rental rises of 2pc or less.

The latest rental index produced by the RTB for new tenancies and for existing tenancies shows average annual increases well in excess of 2pc.

The rental index, covering the first three months of this year, shows that existing tenants were hit with average rises of 6pc compared with last year.

The national average rent for a sitting tenant is now 1,391 a month.

More than a third of existing tenants in Dublin are paying more than 2,000 a month.

New tenants had average rises of 8.1pc a year imposed on them.

The national average rent for a new tenant is now 1,612 a month, up by 121 a month from a year ago.

Half of new tenants in Dublin are paying more than 2,000 a month.

Sinn Fein housing spokesperson Eoin O Broin has called on the RTB to ramp up enforcement of Rent Pressure Zone rent caps.

He said it was clear there a significant number of landlords who are not compliant with the rules.
The Irish Data Protection Commissioner has launched a cross-border investigation into whether Google is complying with GDPR in developing its AI systems

Google may be in regulatory trouble for using EU citizens personal data to train its AI systems.

Irelands Data Protection Commissioner (DPC) has announced that it has opened an investigation into the tech giant, questioning whether its AI activities are compliant with GDPR.

The Irish regulator says it will investigate whether Google complies with EU privacy law when it hoovers up and analyses personal data to train its AI systems. Google recently embedded its Gemini AI assistant into the latest Pixel 9 smartphones.

The move comes just weeks after the Irish DPC got X to permanently halt its Grok AI from sucking up personal data from Europeans social media posts for the purpose of training its own systems.

Earlier this year, Meta announced that it would not release some of its multimodal AI services in Europe because of uncertainty over whether EU privacy law allows it.

The standoff between the EU and AI services came to a head this week when Apple launched its new iPhone 16 smartphones, holding back some of the phones central new features from the EU because of regulatory issues around AI.

The DPC said that the new cross-border probe into Google is made under Irelands Data Protection Act.

The statutory inquiry concerns the question of whether Google has complied with any obligations that it may have had to undertake an assessment, pursuant to Article 35 of the GDPR prior to engaging in the processing of the personal data of EU/EEA data subjects associated with the development of its foundational AI model, Pathways Language Model 2 (PaLM 2), the regulator said.

A data protection impact assessment, where required, is of crucial importance in ensuring that the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals are adequately considered and protected when processing of personal data is likely to result in a high risk.

A Google spokesperson said: "We take seriously our obligations under the GDPR and will work constructively with the DPC to answer their questions."
A new IT outage wont allow AIB customers make credit card payments through credit card terminals. The outage has lasted most of working day on Thursday.

AIB Merchant Services is continuing to investigate the disruption in service to multiple products and services, the bank said in a statement this afternoon.

Our AIB Merchant Services are experiencing technical issues that may be impacting merchants ability to accept cards and outbound settlement funds Progress is being made to fully resolve the issue and services are beginning to be restored.

Some traders have contacted the Irish Independent saying that the outage is hurting their business.

I have six locations currently affected, one business owner told the Irish Independent.

Several customers and traders have posted similar stories on social media.

"This is causing big disruption to our business this morning, wrote one.

"[Our] business is currently at a standstill, wrote another.

Merchant services affects third party credit card terminals such as Clover, which are papular with small businesses as a way to take payments quickly form credit cards.

A spokesperson for the bank said that the outage is the result of a wider European issue.

"AIB is not experiencing technical issues today, the spokesperson said.

"AIB MS, a joint venture with Fiserv, is aware of a technical issue with some processing services which stems from a wider European issue. They are working urgently to resolve the issue and will update the clients as soon as they can.

AIB says that updates on the outage will be provided on its dedicated merchant services web page, Aibms.com.

There have been no complaints about the outage affecting online credit card payments.
Three serving gardai have appeared before Limerick District Court, charged in connection with an investigation surrounding the alleged squaring away of fixed charge notices (FCNs) for motoring offences.

It brings to eight the total number of gardai arrested and charged as part of the GNBCI investigation into the alleged quashing of motoring tickets.
Private Alan James Harte takes part in Battlegroup certification exercises at Gormanston Camp in Co Meath. Photo: PA

Irish soldiers are preparing for the likelihood of deployment next year as part of an EU battlegroup amid increased political instability around the world.

The Government approved the participation by the Defence Forces in a German-led EU battlegroup this year and next year.

Its purpose includes acting as an initial entry force to stabilise a situation pending the deployment of a follow-on force, to support an established peace operation in difficulty, and to respond to humanitarian crises.

The group can be deployed 6,000km from Brussels, a region which stretches from the Balkans to the Sahel region of Africa.

This will be the eighth occasion the Defence Forces have participated in an EU battlegroup, though it has never been deployed before.

The EU Battlegroup 2025 is a two-year programme which will be on standby for the entirety of next year.

There will be 174 personnel from the Defence Forces in the battlegroup, as well as members from Austria, Croatia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Sweden.

The group carried out a certification exercise at the Gormanston Camp in Co Meath yesterday where they simulated manning a perimeter and looking after access and entry points into a base.

Lieutenant Colonel Donal Burke said there was an increased likelihood of deployment this time. He said the group was different from a peacekeeping mission as the battlegroup prepares for all spectrum of crisis management events.

Were very much focused on the peace enforcement because its the harder end of the spectrum, he said.

Were part of the European Union rapid deployment capacity. This has three main differences to previous battlegroups. One is the timescale. We are on a standby period for 12 months. Previously it was six months.

The second main difference is the number of personnel. Previous battlegroups were 1,500 personnel, this battlegroup can scale up to 5,000 personnel.

And the third difference is the political emphasis. There is a clear focus on the European Union being able to operationalise its foreign policy.
Irish patients are losing out because the countrys two dental schools take so many students from outside Europe, resulting in a shortage of graduates working in Ireland, the Irish Dental Association has said.

More than one-third of dental students in the last academic year in Trinity College Dublin were non-EEA (European Economic Area) entrants, who pay tuition fees of more than 45,000 a year.

Of the 53 dental students in University College Cork last year, 25 came from outside the EEA.

The association said yesterday there needed to be a cap of 20pc on non-EEA students for the next academic year for dentistry studies in Ireland, falling to 10pc in the short term. Universities also needed to be properly funded to stop them having to cross-subsidise with income from private fees, it said.

Association president Dr Rory Boyd said: The current model of producing dental graduates is unsustainable and Irish patients are suffering the consequences of the shortage of dentists. We need to see significant investment in our dental schools from government to increase the number of Irish and EEA dental graduates to meet patient demand.

Today's News in 90 Seconds - September 12th

The 45,000 a year paid by non-EEA students to train in Trinity or UCC is used to cross-subsidise Irish dental students due to the years of under-resourcing of our Irish dental schools, Dr Boyd said.

He added: The Department of Higher Education relies on this funding model to reduce its overall expenditure in Irish dental schools and more broadly across the university system.

Non-EEA graduates usually return to their country of origin to practise dentistry rather than working in Ireland.

Irish students who achieve the incredible feat of 625 points in their Leaving Cert are having to face a lottery for acceptance into the dentistry courses in TCD and may well face the same in UCC before long, Dr Boyd said.

The association pointed to the shortage of dentists in Ireland across both the Public Dental Service (PDS) and in private practice. The PDS has 74 fewer dentists than it did in 2009, a 23pc decline.

A survey found 63pc of dental practices struggled to recruit a dentist within the past 12 months.
Irish language groups and campaigners have staged a protest at Belfast Grand Central after the new transport hub was unveiled without dual-language signage.

Last Sunday, Translink began its phased opening of its new 340 million transport hub in Belfast city entre with bus services relocating from Great Victoria Street station.

It marked the launch of the biggest public transport centre on the island of Ireland.

Train services from the station are also set to launch at a later date.

However, Translink, Northern Irelands public transport provider, has seen a backlash due to a lack of Irish language signs in the station, with local activists calling on the company to add bilingual displays.

Today, members of the Irish language community, local groups and schools staged a protest at the new transport hub, calling upon Northern Ireland Infrastructure Minister John ODowd to direct Translink to install dual language signs in the station.

The protest included unveiling a large Dream Dearg banner across the floor of the new station.

Eoghan O Gairmile, spokesperson for An Dream Dearg, said: We were bitterly disappointed to see the new Grand Central station launched on Monday without any dual-language provision.

"The Irish language community has been engaging with Translink and the Department of Infrastructure (DfI) since 2022 to ensure dual-language signage was factored into the design phase as early as possible, to avoid any future retrospective costs of adding additional signage.

"Translink have continuously deflected and ignored their obligations in providing dual-language provision. First of all they told us they couldnt do anything without direction from a Minister, then when the Minister advised them to go ahead, they told us they couldnt do so without an Irish language commissioner, he added.

Belfast City Council previously passed a motion calling on Translink to make comprehensive dual-language signage and provision throughout the new station upon its completion.

"In addition to that Ministerial advice, we had Belfast City Council passing a motion in favour of bilingual signage at weavers cross and local and national language groups lobbying both Translink and the Department, Mr O Gairmile added.

We are clear that the current English-only approach is in direct contravention of the European Charter for Regional Minority Languages, which has been adopted in Policy by DfI, and which also applies to Translink as a public service provider.

"Given the time already afforded to Translink, the amount of statutory, political and community support given to them to implement a dual-language approach, and their ultimate decision to exclude Irish from all of their core signage, we believe the only way to ensure that approach is not overturned is through a Ministerial Directive. Language rights are not up for debate.

"Translink should not have a veto to exclude the rights of an entire section of this community. The Minister must now intervene and ensure this multi-million monolingual monolith is transformed into an all-island beacon of equality based on mutual respect for both the Irish language and the English language, side by side.

In response to the protest, a Translink spokesperson said: We look forward to working with the Irish and Ulster Scots language commissioners when they are appointed by Stormont; and we continue to work closely with local communities to ensure that all aspects of the areas diverse culture is recognised and highlighted as part of the ongoing arts and heritage programme.

Irish is used as part of the multi-lingual welcome signage which is already in place at the station and we continue to engage with all interested parties with regards to signage at Belfast Grand Central Station.

In a statement, Department for Infrastructure spokesperson said: Minister ODowd is committed to the visibility and promotion of Irish Language across public services and in our society. He is continuing to engage with Translink in relation to Irish language signage at Grand Central Station and is confident that the matter can be resolved.

Speaking at the official opening, Mr ODowd said he was disappointed the issue was not resolved, but was confident it would be.

Im engaging with Translink in regards to that matter and Im confident we will find a resolution to it, the Sinn Fein MLA said.

The building will be fully open in terms of the plazas and infrastructure outside by April 2025 and I believe well have it resolved before then.

Its a statement about the future; to me it sends out a clear signal that Belfast is a modern, European city, and that we as a society are moving forward.

So, its main purpose is obviously to provide transport facilities for both rail and bus, but I think theres a wider significance than that, not only in Belfast, but across the north.
The Indo Daily: You will die in prison  My life-changing time as an Iranian state hostage
Private grinds could reinforce educational inequality in Ireland as students whose parents have higher income jobs are much more likely to benefit, new research into shadow education in Ireland and Germany has found.

Participation in grinds is much higher in Ireland, with students from more privileged socioeconomic backgrounds more likely to attend private tuition outside school.

Over half (55pc) of Irish students use grinds in their last year of school compared to just 16pc to 20pc of their peers in Germany, with those whose parents have higher status jobs and higher income levels more likely to take part in private tuition outside school.

Female pupils are more likely than their male peers to enrol in grinds while maths is the most sought-after subject for private tuition, the report found.

The use of private supplementary tuition  known as shadow education  is becoming increasingly common in both countries, with researchers finding that medium-achieving students here enrol in grinds to increase their chances of doing well and securing a university place.

In contrast, grinds are used in Germany to help lower-achieving students maintain the grades needed to progress and avoid being held back a year in school.

Grinds benefit more advantaged families in both countries and are likely to reinforce educational inequality, with the lowest achieving students in Ireland also the least likely to take up grinds.

Students from a migrant background are also less likely to engage in private tuition in Ireland, while the same gap does not exist in Germany.

ESRI researchers also analysed whether there was a different in the grade point average or results achieved by students who engage in private tuition outside of school and those who do not.

While they found there are some positive benefits of shadow education to lower-achieving students, there is little, if any, gains in grades in Ireland for middle- and higher-achieving students if they participate in grinds.

Grinds in Ireland focus on preparing students for the Leaving Certificate, which is described by researchers as a high-stakes upper secondary exam, and aimed at just maintaining academic performance in Germany.

Research found that the use of grinds is socially selective in Ireland and focuses on securing better access to a place in higher education while it is much less socially differentiated in Germany, instead concentrating on ensuring a student can keep up with academic work in order to avoid being held back a year.

Lower-achieving young people from more advantaged families are much more likely to be able to take part in private tuition to avoid educational failure.

(Grinds) may be used an opportunity to enhance learning. Being mostly fee-paying, however, it may place an additional financial burden on those families who want to ensure better academic outcomes for their children, researchers said.

Grinds could lead to the reinforcement of educational inequality, with researchers adding that grinds and other private tuition can be used as one of a number of strategies used by more privileged families to secure an educational advantage.
A man has been arrested following a barricade incident in which the Gardas armed tactical unit were deployed.

The incident began this morning after gardai arrived at the property in Rathmines to detain the suspect in relation to an alleged threat to kill made against a woman.

The suspect, who is aged in his 30s, barricaded himself into his house and also made references to having a firearm.

Armed units were called to the scene along with trained negotiators while the surrounding area was cordoned off.

Later this morning members of the Emergency Response Unit (ERU), the specialist tactical unit, were deployed to the scene and subsequently arrested the man.

He is currently being detained on suspicion of making threats to kill at a Dublin garda station.

An initial search of the property did not result in any firearm being recovered and gardai believe the claim by the man that he was armed with a gun was false.
Mary Lou McDonald said she will not be leaving any of her estate to Sinn Fein because she believes she has done enough for the party.

The Sinn Fein leader was speaking about the almost 44,000 bequeathed to her party by Kilkenny man Michael Dollard.

Speaking at the launch of Sinn Feins childcare policy, Ms McDonald said she did not know Mr Dollard and had no idea why he decided to leave a significant sum of money to the party in his will.

She said his mystery political donation was a testament to the support Sinn Fein has around the country.

Some people make that decision, others dont. Peoples wills, their last hopes and desires as to what should be done with their money, their resources, should be a matter for themselves, she said.

Im not planning on bequeathing (to Sinn Fein) whatever few quid I have myself to be honest with you - Ive done my stretch, she added.

Mr Dollard left a twelfth of his estate to Sinn Fein registered to Parnell Street in Dublin. The electoral laws in Ireland ban political parties from receiving any individual donation of more than 2,500.

However, Sinn Feins Northern Ireland office is also registered to Parnell Street, which allows them to circumvent laws in the South.

There is no limit on donations a party in Northern Ireland can accept, though donations of more than 7,500, or smaller contributions from the same benefactor that exceed the limit when combined, must be reported.

Fianna Fail and Fine Gael have previously been forced to refuse political donations left to their parties in wills.

Sinn Fein also received a controversial 4m political donation from reclusive English millionaire William Hampton which was also processed the partys operation in the North.

I would hope that maybe the other political parties would have an awakening or an enlightenment, and actually organise themselves nationally, Ms McDonald said.

Our Ireland is partitioned. I regret that. There are two jurisdictions. Sinn Fein is a national organisation which runs across the island, and we abide and play within the rules and the law, she added.

Sinn Fein spokesperson Pearse Doherty said the money left to them in Northern Ireland must be spent in the jurisdiction.

Mr Doherty said he would have no problem with Fianna Fail and Fine Gael setting up offices in the North so they could receive and spend money there.
Party leader Simon Harris with Fine Gael colleagues at the Tullamore Court Hotel in Co Offaly. Photo: Eamonn Farrell

Asylum-seekers will have to make a financial contribution towards the cost of their accommodation and other services provided by the State under plans being considered by the Government.

Government leaders are expected to consider significant changes to the international protection system in the coming weeks that would require asylum-seekers to make contributions based on their circumstances.

Taoiseach Simon Harris is anxious to introduce reforms, especially in situations where asylum-seekers are working and living in state-provided accommodation for longer than six months.

A number of EU countries, including Germany, France, Spain and the Netherlands, have introduced systems that require asylum-seekers who are working to make payments for the supports they receive.

Speaking at a Fine Gael meeting in Tullamore, Co Offaly, yesterday, Mr Harris said: We will, in the coming weeks, consider further changes to the supports available to those seeking asylum in this country.

Justice Minister Helen McEntee was asked what specific measures the Taoiseach was referring to, but she said changes needed to be discussed with other government parties before being disclosed. Thats something that well have to work through with our colleagues in government. Its discussions that well have here today during our sessions as well, Ms McEntee said.

Today's News in 90 Seconds - September 12th

However, asked whether the changes referred to by Mr Harris meant reductions to supports, Ms McEntee said: There is nothing specific thats been set out. We are here to make sure that we can work together to have the right structures, the right policies, the right plans in place to be able to provide support for as many people as possible while also making sure that if changes need to be made, that we can be flexible in that regard.

Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys is understood to have been sceptical of any further cuts for migrants coming from her department, as it has already made a number of reductions for Ukrainian refugees and brought in a means test for asylum-seekers.

Migration will also be a key election manifesto issue, the Tullamore think-in was told. Mr Harris is understood to have emphasised to colleagues the importance of housing asylum-seekers in public housing on public land.

He said supports for migrants were constantly being kept under review by the Government.

It comes as he revealed a special accommodation project group that manages housing of migrants will be set up as part of the Governments latest efforts to tackle the immigration crisis.

The group will be focused on progressing all aspects of the development and opening of a small number of larger sites.

Meanwhile, the first asylum-seekers are due to be housed at tents in Thornton Hall, north Co Dublin, later this month. The site was previously earmarked for a super prison.

The Government hopes to accommodate up to 1,000 male asylum-seekers at a portion of the site.

Mr Harris said resources for community engagement teams would be expanded and a new communications campaign would be rolled out from the end of the month.

We understand the very legitimate concerns people have and we have to work with communities to address the very basic questions they have, he said. We must not allow those who want to work with us to fall for the misinformation and disinformation. We have a responsibility to address their issues.

Separately, the Taoiseach strongly suggested electricity credits would feature in next months Budget.

Mr Harris said one of the Budget 2025 priorities would be helping working families with bills, including energy, transport and rent.

In Budget 2023, the Government gave every household in the country a 600 credit to be deducted from their electricity bills. Last year, households received 450 off bills in three separate electricity credits.

The Government has been torn on whether to include the popular credits in this years Budget, despite electricity prices coming down in recent months.

Infrastructure was a major talking point throughout the day at the think-in, with Fine Gael members calling for timelines of delivery to be shortened.

There was an acknowledgment that the delivery of projects such as schools, hospitals and housing was taking too long.

Issues facing farmers were also discussed, particularly how to support those in the sector as it approached an environmental crossroads.

Mr Harris did little to deter increasing speculation of a November election, refusing to tell media whether the country would go to the polls this year or next.

The Taoiseach said his position hasnt changed and reiterated the Government would go to full term.

Unless the opinions of the other [Coalition] parties have changed, my position is clear in relation to this, he said.
Mary Lou McDonald said she is "doing alright" after a "very tough year" during which her father died and her husband was diagnosed with cancer.

The Sinn Fein leader (55) was also recovering from a hysterectomy at the time that her husband, Martin Lanigan, was diagnosed with bowel cancer.

"I've had a very eventful and very tough year or so. And sometimes that just happens in life," Ms McDonald said, speaking on Virgin Media Televisions Ireland AM today.

Ms McDonald added: "We buried our father five weeks ago. So anybody who has lost their Da knows that's a very hard thing."

The Sinn Fein president described the bereavement as a "a game changer", adding: "I loved my Da, but we had a complicated relationship.

"He was a complicated person. My parents have been separated for most of my life. So it's kind of a strange thing, Ms McDonald said.

Today's News in 90 Seconds - September 12th

"You lose your father, so you have the grief of that," she said, adding that "it is not a straightforward grief, if that makes sense".

Ms McDonald appeared on Ireland AM in September last year following a hysterectomy, in which he had her womb and ovaries removed, in what she described at the time as a "fairly significant surgery" last summer.

On Thursday, Ms McDonald revealed for the first time publicly that her husband, Mr Lanigan, whom she married in 1996 and has two children with, had become seriously ill.

"Im very conscious that for so many people in their lives, you are going along, doing your work, youre managing things and then life just throws curveballs at you. And in my case, several of them happened at one time, she said.

She referenced recovering very well from her hysterectomy last year, after which she and her family decided to take a small break away.

"And literally between packing the case to come home and arriving at the airport, Martin got really really sick, she said.

"I didnt know what it was, but I knew it was serious because he is the type of Irish man who it wouldnt matter what was wrong would say sure Im grand, everything's grand.

"But he wasnt okay.

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Mr Lanigan was rushed to an emergency room in Biarritz in France, following the help of an Irish woman, a nurse, who was in the airport at the time and was travelling to London.

"She agreed with me that he was not good and he couldnt get on the flight. So he went to the hospital, Ms McDonald said.

"They saved his life, His bowels had burst.

While there, Mr Lanigan went through very serious surgery, during which medical professionals discovered a tumour, subsequently leading to him receiving a colorectal cancer diagnosis.

"So I ended up spending several weeks in the Basque country in France, with him in intensive care and hospital, and all of the thing of him getting home and the worry of would I get him home? Ms McDonald said.

"So it was one of those moments in life where literally everything got turned upside down.

Despite her own ongoing hysterectomy recovery at the time, Ms McDonald said her only concern was for her husband.

"I hadnt spoken about it. I havent spoken about it really publicly at all because I was still trying to process it, she said.

"What does this mean? How serious is this? Will he recover?

"Anybody that know it, knows a cancer diagnosis is a game changer for the individual but also for the family. And that was the case for our family.

"Im talking about it now because he is one of the lucky ones.

"And his prognosis is good and for that I am eternally, eternally grateful.

Mr Lanigan, who works for Gas Networks Ireland, is in hospital this week for a procedure but is doing well, Ms McDonald said.

She added that as a family and as an individual she feels all the stronger for going through what has been an incredibly difficult year.

She stressed that her personal experience has given her a new appreciation for those who care for people across our hospital systems and people who care for loved ones and family members in their home week after week, year after year.

"I think as a society we really need to in a much more profound way, recognise that and support that, she said, adding that her personal experience has now become part of her political agenda.

Following the interview, Ms McDonald wrote on X that all families go through tough times but our friends and community never let us go through it alone.

Thats what makes Ireland such a great country, she added.
Director of Dublin Zoo Dr Christoph Schwitzer said losing two elephants was hard on the team.

All Dublin Zoo Asian elephants are now healthy after an outbreak of the EEHV virus over the summer. Photo: Patrick Bolger

The director of Dublin Zoo has said they are quietly hopeful for elephant calves in the future, as a male elephant has finally joined the herd since the virus outbreak during the summer.

All Asian elephants in the herd at Dublin Zoo have been given a clean bill of health following an outbreak of elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV) this summer which led to the deaths of two young elephants.

An eight-year-old Asian elephant named Avani and a seven-year-old elephant named Zinda both died due to the disease, with all others in the herd also testing positive for the virus.

Now, the staff are relieved that the remaining elephants are healthy, and are thankful that so many contributed to saving them.

Aung Bo, who arrived in Dublin Zoo in June, has now finally joined the herd.

He seems to be having a lot of fun. Five days ago, we let him in with the three females. There was a bit of pushing and shoving initially, there was lots of excitement in the females as well, director of Dublin Zoo Dr Christoph Schwitzer said.

Asha in particular took to him very well. Shell be the one who is coming into oestrus (in heat) quite soon, and Id say we are quietly hopeful for elephant calves in the future again.

We certainly want to continue our very successful breeding programme. Weve bred nine calves here over the last 15 years or so, and thats a very good track record.

Im very hopeful that we can continue that into the future. Dublin Zoo-born elephants are living in Australia, in America, in continental Europe and hopefully there are more too.

Aung Bo originally came from Holland, and he was in Cologne for a while as well as London. Once a bull has sired enough offspring in one place, he moves on, and thats the same in the wild. Hell move on to another herd and father some offspring elsewhere.

Dr Schwitzer said that the staff are relieved now because the elephant habitat had been turned into an intensive care unit.

He described the situation as bittersweet with the loss of two elephants, but theyre thankful the remaining ones are alive and well.

Dublin Zoo resident vet Dr Emma Flynn said staff put in thousands of hours treating the elephants.

It was hard on the team. We lost two relatively young elephants, a seven and an eight year old and thats terrible, thats tragic, he said.

Ultimately, lots of treatment was going on, and it was physically and mentally exhausting. Now we are out of this, and we can just breathe a sigh of relief.

It was really, really hard going but to come out the other side and to see them all doing so well and to see Aung Bo integrated into the herd, it does lift your heart a little bit

We are now at a stage where we can finally say we are all out of the woods. We have four elephants now. Weve got Aung Bo from Chester Zoo, and we have our three females, Dina, Samiya and Asha.

We can say we saved the remaining elephants, they all tested positive at different stages and its a bit like Covid and how some people test positive and die.

Other people dont get a single symptom. Its also an age-related thing, so this virus affects younger elephants, its much more deadly to them compared to the older elephants.

One silver lining in all of this, is when we went to the press, there were a lot of people who actually wrote in and said we are seeing the situation there at Dublin and we might be able to help  we talked with a few scientists who researched different areas of biology, animal health and biochemistry.

It came with some very good thoughts from their own research that may well in the future lead to a more effective treatment for this virus, which would be absolutely brilliant.

Director of Dublin Zoo Dr Christoph Schwitzer said losing two elephants was hard on the team.

Dublin Zoo resident vet Dr Emma Flynn also thanked the public for their support, which was a huge source of strength and morale to the zoo team as they navigated one of the toughest periods the zoo has ever faced, according to the zoo.

We ate here, we slept here. We put in hundreds and thousands of hours during the time the elephants had the disease. Unfortunately, we had lost two young elephants. We saved Samiya, and Asha and Dina are doing well, Dr Flynn said.

It was really, really hard going but to come out the other side and to see them all doing so well and to see Aung Bo integrated into the herd, it does lift your heart a little bit.

What weve learned here will further our understanding and hopefully the research done here will lead to some treatments that can help towards managing the disease someday.
Chef Seaneen Sullivan: We need a minister for food  controversially, I dont think the lower Vat rate will save us, the whole system is broken

The L Mulligan Grocer co-owner on the recent spate of restaurant closures, lockdown in Australia and being a reformed lawyer

Seaneen Sullivan. Photo: Al Higgins

Aoife Rooney Thu 12 Sep 2024 at 03:30

Seaneen Sullivan is a chef and co-owner of L Mulligan Grocer in Stoneybatter, Dublin. Originally from Belfast, she lives with her partner Niamh and their rescue lurcher Manannan Mac Lir in Dublin 7.
Firefighters mark the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Centre in New York City. Photo: Reuters

What was going on, I wondered, as I passed my local fire station this week only to see the building bedecked with American flags, the Stars and Stripes all a-flutter in the morning breeze.
After serving four years in prison for fraud, Fyre Festival founder Billy McFarland is inviting people back to the Caribbean for an encore. They wont seriously consider going, will they?

The year was 2017 and the most sought-after festival tickets in the world went on sale.

Entrepreneur Billy McFarland and music star Ja Rule conceived the concept of the Fyre Festival.

Backed by a slick marketing campaign that featured the likes of Bella Hadid, Hailey Baldwin and Kendall Jenner, the hype for the festival ensured that all tickets sold out.

Located on Pablo Escobars former private island, the stage was set for some of the world's most popular music acts to perform.

Just one problem. There wasnt a stage and there were no big acts booked.

The Caribbean Island descended from paradise into Lord of the Flies, with hundreds of people stranded with no beds, no food and no water.

Organiser McFarland was eventually sent to prison for multiple convictions following the festival.

Now, in 2024, he is a free man and has announced that tickets are on sale for Fyre Festival II. He says the initial pre-sale of tickets have already sold out.

Kevin Doyle is joined on the Indo Daily by Irish Independent journalist Tessa Ndjonkou to examine how Billy McFarland has gone from jail time to selling tickets for the Fyre Festival rerun. They also ask why and how the convicted fraudster still has a willing audience today.
The windfall should be spent on key infrastructure projects according to one Cork representative

A Cork North-West TD has called for the Apple tax windfall to be spent on key infrastructure such as the Cork to Limerick motorway and developing disability facilities.

Earlier this week, the European Court of Justice ruled that tech company Apple must pay around 13 billion in taxes it underpaid between 2003 and 2014, plus interest of over another billion, to the Irish State.

Cork North-West TD Michael Moynihan called for the sizeable sum to be allocated towards projects like the Cork to Limerick motorway.

13 billion is an enormous amount of money. It could help accelerate the delivery of badly needed critical infrastructure projects right across the country, Deputy Moynihan said.

I know the Government will carefully consider what is the best course of action to take with this revenue and my party colleague the Minister for Finance will be engaging over the coming weeks on the matter.

I am calling for the revenue to be used to deliver essential infrastructure, particularly the M20 to connect Cork and Limerick.

The Fianna Fail TD said the M20, which is planned to be 80km, is set to coast around 2 billion and he believes it should be completed as soon as humanly possible.

It is a genuinely game-changing infrastructure project, the opportunities it would provide by connecting the second and third largest cities in the country as well as towns such as Buttevant and Charleville along the route cannot be ignored, Deputy Moynihan said.

The TD said the windfall would also be invaluable for future-proofing disability facilities.

The building of capacity and modernising facilities for people with disabilities across the country is critical infrastructure, Deputy Moynihan said.

Over the last number of years, the same level of investment in this capacity has not been there and this area has been slow to get investment because of different regulations and hoops people must go through.

By allocating some of the 13 billion towards future proofing disability facilities, we would ensure that we are providing for the most vulnerable in society.
The candidate called for the Government to properly fund education ahead of Budget 2025

Sinn Fein General Election candidate for Cork North-West Nicole Ryan has said that a new report has highlighted how the Government has failed to adequately fund schools on an ongoing basis.

A report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) released earlier this week found that Irelands spend per primary school student was eight per cent below the OECD average while teachers work hours and class sizes exceeded the OECD average.

Speaking on Thursday, Ms Ryan said that the failure of Fianna Fail and Fine Gael to adequately fund schools has resulted in oversized classes, overworked teachers and schools struggling to cover the cost of their pupils education.

Despite schools and parents pleading for a properly funded school system, the Government has failed to invest, Ms Ryan said.

This report has found that OECD countries spend on average 1.4% of their GDP on primary education, however Ireland ranks last with a spend of just 1.1%.

Ms Ryan said successive governments have for years ignored Sinn Feins call for fair class sizes, which are vital for all children, and especially those with special educational needs, to reach their educational potential.

The crisis in our schools will deepen until the government begin to properly fund the education system, Ms Ryan said.

Budget 2025 is an opportunity for this government to invest in our children and wake up to the reality of the pressures facing Irelands schools due to the continued failure of Fianna Fail and Fine Gael.
The timetable changes have led to frustration and delays for commuters. Pic: Stock image

Irish Rail has announced adjustments to its new timetable, implemented last month, following complaints of delays and overcrowding on some Dublin commuter services.

The changes will come into effect from Monday, September 16, for services on the Maynooth and Drogheda to Dublin lines.

The new timetable was introduced on August 26 and led to a lot of anger and frustration for commuters who complained of frequent overcrowding and punctuality issues on certain services.

A spokesperson for Irish Rail said the latest adjustments, effective from Monday, will improve punctuality.

As with all major timetable changes, we closely monitor its implementation to identify any issues that may impact service performance, they said.

We apologise to customers for the punctuality issues since the implementation of the new timetable on Monday, August 26, with timing issues leading to congestion in the Connolly Station area.

Having analysed these issues, and in consultation with the NTA, we will implement a number of time changes from Monday, September 16, which will improve punctuality for our customers, they added.

These adjustments will involve changes, mainly of between 3 and 7 minutes, on a range of services on the Maynooth and Drogheda lines, with some minor changes on other routes to and from Connolly Station.

As part of the changes, some services that previously terminated at Grand Canal Dock will now terminate at Connolly. One Dart service currently operating to and from Malahide will change to operate to and from Howth. No other changes will be made to Dart times or services.

Minor changes will also be made to one M3 Parkway Commuter service, Sligo services, and an additional stop at Grand Canal Dock on one Rosslare service.

Earlier this week, Senator Lorraine Clifford-Lee said the new Irish Rail Northern Commuter Line timetable was causing upset and frustration for commuters travelling from Balbriggan, Skerries, Rush, and Lusk.

Rather than improving matters, she said the new timetable had provided a worse service for the people of north county Dublin,

The Fianna Fail Senator cited a range of issues, from heavily delayed trains and changes at Connolly Station, to dangerously crowded platforms and longer journey times.

The new timetable for the Northern Commuter Line has resulted in chaos for commuters travelling from Balbriggan, Skerries, Rush, and Lusk, she said.

People who rely on trains to get to work and college each morning are facing delayed trains, the need to change to a connecting Dart, overcrowded trains and platforms, large gaps in service during rush hour, and trains that no longer align with school times for secondary school students.

The stated aim of the new timetable is to improve punctuality across the network, ensuring a more reliable service for daily commuters. But according to those using the Northern Commuter Line, it has done the opposite.

I have been engaging with commuters on issues ranging from late trains to fewer direct services and overcrowded trains and platforms, she added.
Synge Street pupils Aditya Joshi and Aditya Kumar, winners of the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition in 2022. Pic: Chris Bellew

Synge Street CBS, the Dublin school renowned for educating past taoisigh, presidents, and other high-profile figures, is set to make history by welcoming girls for the first time.

The Christian Brothers Secondary School, which has operated as a single-sex institution for over 160 years, will accept girls from September 2026 in response to the changing needs of Dublin 8.

From that date, Synge Street CBS will become a co-educational Gaelcholaiste.

Until now, it had only offered education to boys through English. However, the neighbouring primary school, Bunscoil Sancta Maria Synge Street, has been offering Irish-medium education to boys and girls since 2017.

Gerry Bennett, Chief Executive of the Edmund Rice Schools Trust (ERST), said the change in the schools status has come about with the support of the Department of Education and a consultation process with the school community.

ERST is excited to respond to the changing needs of Dublin 8 by agreeing to Synge Street CBS becoming a co-educational Gaelcholaiste from September 2026, he said.

Gerry Bennett Chief Executive, Edmund Rice Schools Trust

This development will mean that, from that time, there will be a Gaeltacht campus on the site comprising Synge Street CBS and Bunscoil Sancta Maria, Synge Street.

The school on Synge Street will join the other eight all-Irish schools within the trust. These include four Gaelcholaisti and four Gaelscoileanna, and support will be provided to students and staff during the transformation.

Synge Street CBS will remain a vibrant community, embracing diversity and inclusivity among staff, students, and parents, while continuing its commitment as an Edmund Rice School to being respectful, being responsible, and being ready, Mr Bennett added.

It will continue its strong academic tradition, as evidenced by its many successes at the Young Scientist Exhibition over the years.

Synge Street CBS has produced several notable alumni, particularly in the fields of arts, politics, and science. Among its most famous former students is Gay Byrne, the late broadcaster who hosted The Late Late Show for decades.

Former taoiseach Liam Cosgrave and Irish revolutionary Harry Boland also attended the school.

The Minister for Education, Norma Foley, welcomed the announcement from Synge Street CBS, saying it was great news for the local community.

I am conscious there has long been a demand for a Gaelcholaiste in Dublin 2, 4, 6, and 8, and I am delighted that we now have one in the heart of Dublin 2, she said.

This will increase the provision for Irish-medium education at post-primary level in the wider south Dublin city area. This announcement marks a new era for Synge Street CBS, a school with a deep-rooted history in its community.

Synge Street pupils Aditya Joshi and Aditya Kumar, winners of the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition in 2022. Pic: Chris Bellew

I would like to thank the patron body, ERST, for working with the Department of Education and expressing their interest in exploring this transition to a co-educational, Irish-medium Gaelcholaiste, she added.

The Department of Education also noted that, since the introduction of the Irish stream at Bunscoil Synge Street in 2017, enrolments have risen by 42pc, reflecting the growing interest in Irish-medium education within the community.

Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon also welcomed the news.

For the last three years, teachers, parents, and children from Dublin 2, 4, 6, and 8 have gathered outside Leinster House calling for a Gaelcholaiste for the south inner city, he said.

While I have concerns over the patronage, I would like to sincerely congratulate the campaign on their hard work and on this news.

Social Democrats councillor Jen Cummins also said she was delighted that more children and families would have access to education through the Irish language.

Over the last number of years, there has been an increase in the number of people learning Irish, and this school opening is a great addition to the development of the Irish language in our city, she said.
Galway City Council is seeking to become a pilot for a new tourism tax which would benefit both residents and visitors, a local councillor explained.

The motion was put forward at a recent Galway City Council meeting by Labour Councillor Helen Ogbu who suggested the council should initiate research into the feasibility of becoming a government pilot for the implementation of a tourism tax as there is currently no national legislation on it.

The Galway East councillor explained that the tax, which is already in place in many European cities, would be imposed on short-term stay accommodation and the funds would then be directed to improve the citys facilities.

Cllr Ogbu told the Irish Independent: Tourism tax is not something new, so why should we not look into it, why should we not research it?

Galway is a tourism hub, the number of tourists we have is growing. We have the right infrastructure and amenities to continue growing our popularity as a tourist destination.

The tax would be collected through the hotels and the B&Bs, and [the money raised] could be invested directly into local services that would benefit both residents and visitors as well.

During the meeting, the motion was widely supported by the elected members, but some raised concerns the tax might send the wrong message to tourists.

However, Cllr Ogbu believes this would not be the case and added that just a 1pc tax on short-term stays would hugely benefit the city.

She said: The tourists will understand, its for them to have an enjoyable stay, its for us to provide the right facilities and amenities for them when theyre coming to Galway. I dont think anybody would question that.

What Im proposing is looking at a 1pc tax.

I think most of us are people who travel and visit other cities, paying the tax doesnt deter us to go to those cities. In Belgium for example, in Brussels I think its 4.50 per day.

If we have the right facilities and infrastructure that will encourage more people to come. If you go to a place, you love it, you have the right amenities, the right infrastructure, youre going to send the message, youre going to be an ambassador for that city.
Galways Aran Islands RNLI has rescued three kayakers who were caught by offshore wind off Kilronan pier, in Inis Mor.

The alarm was raised on Tuesday, September 10, when the three kayakers were reported overdue.

Aran Islands RNLI explained the volunteer crew were initially requested to launch their all-weather lifeboat at 2pm for a medical evacuation from Inis Mor to Ros a Mhil.

However, while the crew had assembled in the Cill Ronain lifeboat station, a member of the public approached the station and alerted the crew that two people were overdue from their kayaking trip around the bay and they had lost communication with them and also with a member of the team who had gone to help them.

The kayakers had been able to radio the kayak rental to let them know that they had been blown ashore. A member of the kayak team went to retrieve them, however with the strong wind, was unable to bring them back to Cill Ronain harbour.

The lifeboat proceeded to launch for a search in the bay for the kayakers. Weather was fair with slight seas and a north westerly, force 6 wind and clear skies.

The crew onboard the lifeboat had spotted the people in the kayaks a half mile away from Cill Ronain pier. They were struggling to paddle against the wind and were being blown ashore onto the rocks.

The volunteer crew safely transferred all three people and their kayaks onboard and were transferred back to Cill Ronain harbour. Although tired, all were in good spirits and happy to be back on land.

Once the lifeboat was back in Cill Ronain, the lifeboat was stood down and Rescue 115 was tasked to take over the medical evacuation.

Speaking following the call out, Aonghus O hIarnain, Aran Islands RNLI Coxswain said: This was a good outcome that could have been a different story. When kayaking, remember to always bring the correct equipment and tell someone else where youre going and when youll be back. This is exactly what happened today, the kayakers carried a means of communication and were able to alert someone to the fact they were in difficulty. With a person on shore knowing they were overdue, this allowed for the alarm to be raised promptly and for us to go to their aid. Should you get into difficulty or see someone in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.
But Macbees, as it is now, might never have come about if it wasnt for a retail swerve by founder Mary McBride. A trained pharmacist, she had been offered a space on New Street, Killarney to open a chemist shop. But having grown up above a drapery  and learning the trade since the age of 5 when she sold her first customer a pair of nylon stockings  she decided to swap dispensing medicine bottles for dressing mannequins, and has never looked back since.

Now in a much larger premises down the street, with the very first recruit still a valued member of the dedicated Macbees team, the business is run by Marys daughter Aoife and Doranne Hickey. It has grown to become a bastion of style, championing Irish labels and always seeking out new talent to add to its edit of more than 60 established and emerging fashion brands.

At the anniversary event on 12th October, Celia Holman Lee will be hosting a retrospective fashion show, which will include a curated selection of archival Macbees pieces from designers such as Louise Kennedy, John Rocha, Kenzo, Christian Lacroix and many more, modelled by Macbees cherished customers themselves.

All of this will be alongside a showcase of the teams favourite looks for AW24 to include Stine Goya, Essentiel Antwerp, Celia B, AndTate and Roisin Linnane and so much more with models from the Holman Lee Agency.

Guests will be invited to enjoy the show while sipping delicious drinks served by the duo behind Valentia Island Vermouth in the flower-filled boutique.
Call for University Hospital Kerry to provide safer A&E space for elderly

Fine Gael councillor proposes dedicated A&E space for elderly patients at University Hospital Kerry, citing concerns over long wait times, lack of privacy, and exposure to disruptive behavior

University Hospital Kerry

Stephen Fernane Kerryman Thu 12 Sep 2024 at 11:54

Creating a separate and safer space for elderly people at University Hospital Kerrys accident and emergency department has been proposed by Fine Gael Councillor Angie Baily.
A research team at the University of Limerick has made a major discovery by designing molecules that could revolutionise computing.

The researchers at ULs Bernal Institute have discovered new ways of probing, controlling and tailoring materials at the most fundamental molecular scale.

The results have been used in an international project involving experts worldwide to help create a brand-new type of hardware platform for artificial intelligence that achieves unprecedented improvements in computational speed and energy efficiency.

The research has just been published in world leading scientific journal Nature.

The UL team, led by Damien Thompson, Professor of Molecular Modelling at UL and director of SSPC, the Research Ireland Centre for Pharmaceuticals, in an international collaboration with scientists at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and Texas A&M University, believe that this new discovery will lead to innovative solutions to societal grand challenges in health, energy and the environment.

Professor Thompson explained: The design draws inspiration from the human brain, using the natural wiggling and jiggling of atoms to process and store information. As the molecules pivot and bounce around their crystal lattice, they create a multitude of individual memory states.

We can trace out the path of the molecules inside the device and map each snapshot to a unique electrical state. That creates a kind of tour diary of the molecule that can be written and read just like in a conventional silicon-based computer, but here with massively improved energy and space economy because each entry is smaller than an atom.

This outside-the-box solution could have huge benefits for all computing applications, from energy hungry data centres to memory intensive digital maps and online gaming.

To date, neuromorphic platforms  an approach to computing inspired by the human brain - have worked only for low-accuracy operations, such as inferencing in artificial neural networks. This is because core computing tasks including signal processing, neural network training, and natural language processing require much higher computing resolution than what existing neuromorphic circuits could offer.

This discovery addresses a long-standing challenge in neuromorphic computing  a brain-inspired approach to computing that has struggled with low accuracy in tasks like neural network training and natural language processing.

The UL teams work delivers high precision and efficiency, achieving an impressive 4.1 tera-operations per second per watt (TOPS/W), a breakthrough that could unlock new applications for AI technology, from data centres to gaming.

Project lead at IISc Professor Sreetosh Goswami said: By precisely controlling the vast array of available molecular kinetic states, we created the most accurate, 14-bit, fully functional neuromorphic accelerator integrated into a circuit board that can handle signal processing, AI and machine learning workloads such as artificial neural networks, auto-encoders, and generative adversarial networks.

Most significantly, leveraging the high precision of the accelerators, we can train neural networks on the edge, addressing one of the most pressing challenges in AI hardware.

Further enhancements are coming, as the team works to expand the range of materials and processes used to create the platforms and increase the processing power even further.

The team is now focused on enhancing their platform further, aiming to integrate it into everyday items like clothing, food packaging, and building materials to create a new era of energy-efficient computing embedded in daily life.
Golf

All Ireland medal joy for Louise and Antoinette at Headfort

Greenislands Louise Noble shot the round of her life to claim silver and Castlebars Antoinette Starken saw her hard work pay off with the bronze after two nail-biting finishes to the All-Ireland Womens Silver and Bronze Medal finals at lovely 
A new festival featuring short films and folk music in the heart of Strandhill hit the right note recently after showcasing a diverse cultural lineup from local and international talent.

With an array of ticketed and free events, the festival featured films from award-winning directors, world-class folk musicians, and heritage workshops, bringing together a remarkable selection of talent in its first year.

It was Founded by filmmaker Vincent Monahan and musician Stephen ODowd.

We wanted to create an event that would both add to the community here in Strandhill, but also provide a different festival experience for visitors from further afield.

With our own backgrounds we felt that combining film, folk music and folk traditions seemed to strike the right balance for creating something unique, that was also of the place and yet offered something fresh

We were delighted that the event sold out in its first year and are feel very grateful to live in an area with such great community support. We were also delighted that local filmmakers Peter Clyne and Alice Rose Ward came on board the festival team and brought great energy and experience as we set about organising the event.

The festival was supported by local businesses including Shells Cafe, Sarah McGowan Physio, The Venue Bar and Restaurant, Strandhill Surf School, and Brees Bar.

A huge thank you to all of our sponsors and to our venues St Annes Church, Brees Bar and Dollys Cottage for being so supportive, they really helped to make it so special.

There were both ticketed and free workshops and screenings throughout the day, with music heard everywhere as you moved through the day. The free workshops in the 200-year old heritage cottage Dollys Cottage was lovely way to start the day in the sunshine.

Peter Crann hosted the Crankie Island Workshop. A Crankie box is a vintage, pre-electric cinema-like device that scrolls illustrations to visually accompany music or stories. Outside the cottage Coleman Cogan was there with his majestic shire draft horses to teach people about horse drawn farming. A rolling screening of local interest films then played through the day for passers-by.

For the main programmes of films, St Annes Church was transformed into a cinema for the day.

Vincent Monahan, who curated the programmes, said: Programme one was themed as local, coastal and rural, which also included local filmmakers and local interest films. This selection really reinforced the talent in the area and showcased Sligo as a destination for film productions. This included films that reflected aspects of rural Ireland, the local surf community, the Spanish Armada and a beautiful childrens film shot entirely in Strandhill.

This film, A Bedouin Dream, directed by Tom Johnson, was commissioned by RTE Kids as part of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) Drama Exchange, and highlighted Sligo as a location both in terms of natural beauty and accessibility/proximity to a wide variety of nature landscapes.

Tom said: After having spent so many memorable holidays in Strandhill, it was a real honour to get to shoot our film, A Bedouin Dream there.

Strandhill itself is a wonderful location, with the dunes serving as a (hopefully) convincing backdrop for a scene in the Middle Eastern desert! Everything else we needed was in close proximity, with a picturesque woodland just up the road and no shortage of interior locations. In fact, we joked that all our unit moves could be done on foot. We were lucky to get to work with several talented local crew members, including our Production Designer Chan Kin, Costume Designer Amy OHara, and Locations Team Kieran Hennessy and Cara Higgins. I look forward to returning to Sligo to shoot another film at some point in the future.

Programme two featured a diverse showcase of new Irish and international fictional short films, which brought laughter, tears and maybe even a new perspective.

From the award-winning Irish language Bean Feasa by Daniel Butler from the Donegal Gaeltacht, the winner of Best Drama and Best International Film at the Fastnet Film Festival Ticker by Thom Petty, which beautifully explored masculinity in the older generation, and a stunning animated short called A Wind and the Shadow from BAFTA nominated Kris Kelly.

This hand painted film took over three and a half years to complete and provided a really special experience when screened in the church setting. He said it was an absolute pleasure to screen A Wind and the Shadow in Strandhill, a great line up of films and a wonderful festival atmosphere.

Finally, the only feature film of the festival was the standout Gleann from director Jessie Gilbert. A meditation on the impermanence and beauty of life, this was a love letter to a changing rural valley in Kerry and a very poignant film to end the days screenings.

Music was heard throughout the whole day, led by the Curley family who set the tone for the day, Jessie Whitehead on fiddle, followed the brilliant HONAS (Hugh ONeill) and DJ Pedro, all creating a great atmosphere in the festival hub, Brees Bar.

For the main event in St Annes Church, music lovers were treated to a concert by renowned uilleann piper Leonard Barry and his accomplished peers Seamie ODowd, Andy Morrow and Katie Cullen Verhauz, with support from family duo Dee and Lughaidh Armstrong.

After which the festival concluded with an unforgettable music session including world class musician John Doyle in Brees Bar. The festivals success has already sparked discussions about making it an annual event, with plans to grow the programme next year.

For more information, or if you would like to get in contact, please visit www.strandhillfilmandfolkfestival.ie
As the war in Gaza and attacks on the West Bank by Israel continue, members and supporters of the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign in Sligo will hold a vigil outside the General Post Office, on Saturday afternoon next, 14th September commencing at 3pm.

Speaking to The Sligo Champion, campaign spokesperson, Ms Aine Daly said:

On Saturday we will gather to express our collective horror at the genocidal war Israel continues to inflict on the people of Palestine and to call for the United States to end its support for this barbarism.

Some 40,000 people have been killed by the Israeli regime including 14,000 children.

Thousands are missing. Tens of thousands are maimed or injured. Gaza lies in ruins. Famine and disease prevail and yet Israels genocidal assault goes on.

We need to see the Occupied Territories Bill and the Illegal Israeli Settlements Divestment Bill enacted at the soonest possible time and Ireland also needs to ensure that the Israeli regime is held to account and sanctioned for its ongoing campaign of genocide and its gross violations of international law in Gaza and the West Bank. she said.

This is the latest in a number of vigils held by the group in Sligo since the war began.
Expensive day in court for woman who was initially issued a litter fine of 150 on foot of a cigarette butt being discarded by the driver of her car

A woman was convicted and fined a total of 1,185 at Waterford District Court on Monday, September 9, in relation to penalties associated with a cigarette butt being discarded from her car.

The woman was initially issued a litter fine of 150 on foot of a cigarette butt discarded by the driver of her car. However, after failing to pay the fine or engage with Waterford City and County Council, a prosecution under the Litter Pollution Act was initiated.

Judge Staunton, on convicting the woman said it was a clear case of someone failing to engage with the local authority, resulting in the initial fine being increased. The woman, who did not attend the court, was fined 200, and legal fees and costs of 985 were awarded against her.

Niall Kane, Senior Executive Engineer in Waterford City and County Council, welcomed the ruling, saying, cigarette butts are the most common form of litter in both Waterford and indeed the world, with an estimated 4.5 trillion cigarette butts discarded every year.

Over 50pc of litter items identified in surveys carried out by Waterford City and County Council are cigarette related. Cigarette butts are made of plastic cellulose and can take up to 13 years to decompose in the environment.

When they are not placed in a bin, they can wash down drains and end up in our rivers and seas, adding to the problems of microplastics and posing a real danger to people, wildlife, and marine life, added Mr Kane.
From the lack of Primary Healthcare infrastructure and the need for a northern relief road in Gorey town, a Fine Gael General Election candidate, has highlighted some of the urgently needed changes to be made in the north Wexford/ south Wicklow area.

Brian Brennan, a previous owner of the Arklow Bay Hotel and the Brennan Hotel Group for over 20 years as well as being the founder of the Ireland Sri Lanka Orphanage Fund was recently selected to run for the new Wexford Wicklow constituency in the next General Election.

I have witnessed over the years Gorey becoming one of the most popular towns in Ireland to live in. However, as this population surge continues, we need to ensure that the infrastructure supporting this develops in parallel so we can cater for the increase in demand. A failure to plan here, really is a planning to fail scenario, he said.

The recent census highlighted Gorey as one of the fastest growing towns in Ireland due to its ease of access to Dublin by road and rail, as well as its tourist and visitor infrastructure and agricultural base, but Mr Brennan says it needs investment to continue to drive it forward.

Speaking on this, Mr Brennan said due to the difficulty in finding a GP and dentist in the town, some residents have to commute to other parts of the country to obtain basic services that should be available in the town.

Mr Brennan believes that Gorey urgently needs the provision of a Primary Healthcare Centre where a lot of these services as well as all the additional supporting services could be delivered from.

Services in Wexford, Wicklow Town, Enniscorthy and Arklow are being used to support the needs of the people of Gorey which is not acceptable. The people of the north of County Wexford need local services due to the substantial increase in population locally and that the current plans for the north of the county will serve as a dampener to the local development, in much the same way as the lack of Sewage Treatment facilities stalled the development of Arklow. Additionally, the failure to plan for the growth of Gorey has led the town to be choked by traffic and the town urgently needs the planned Northern Relief Road to be built without further delay. Free moving traffic will aid the development of the local economy and the retention of quality employment in the area, he said. Mr Brennan has been working with the relevant local and national authorities and elected representatives to push for the development of a Primary Healthcare Centre in Gorey and a northern relief road to support the development goals of the area.

During the local elections, he recognised that one of the biggest issues was access to healthcare and the development of a primary healthcare centre to supplement the already stretched current medical services in the town.

The local population of over 35,000 when you take in Courtown and Riverchapel, this facility is urgently needed. As Gorey and its surroundings expand with all these new Housing Developments, we must ensure we have the road and public transport capacity to meet the additional need.

"I look forward to working with the stakeholders including the residents and local and national representatives. We have the planned northern relief road to address the serious issues, I want to add my support to bring this plan to reality and as such, it will address, I believe, the serious issues on the Ballytegan Coolishall road, he said.
Three Wexford men Jamie Connick, Liam Roche and Daniel Kearns are part of a group of 18 young people travelling to Lyon, France this week to compete as Team Ireland at the 2024 World Skills event.

The World Skills competition will see over 1,500 competitors from more than 71 countries and regions around the world demonstrate their skills across 62 skills areas. Team Ireland will compete in areas including industrial mechanics, beauty therapy, carpentry, food and hospitality, cybersecurity and construction.

Irelands team was announced by Taoiseach Simon Harris and Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research Innovation and Science, Patrick ODonovan TD at Government Buildings, Dublin.

Jamie Connick is from Crosstown, Co Wexford and will be competing in Automobile Mechanics after beating off tough competition at the national skills competition to make the World Skills event. Jamie attended Limerick ETB and South East Technological University (SETU). His employer is JA Boland Wexford where he is an apprentice automobile mechanic.

Liam Roche is from Wexford Town and is a student at SETU in architectural technology and a BIM practitioner. He is competing in digital construction.

Daniel Kearns is also from Crosstown and will be competing in metal fabrication. He is an apprentice at Kent Stainless and completed his phase 2 at Waterford and Wexford ETB and his phase 6 training at Munster Technological University (MTU).

Jamie said: I am beyond proud to be representing my country, county and myself at an international level. When I began my career as an automobile technician, I had no idea that a few short years later I would be able to compete at such a high level as WorldSkills competitions demand. Since my WorldSkills journey began in the national skills competition last September I have learned and gained new skills that will stay with me throughout my future career.

Liam Roche from Wexford.

Liam said: To get the opportunity to compete in something I am so passionate about with others from around the world who share that passion is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The expertise and training I am receiving from my expert Gordon Chisholm in SETU Waterford and my work in Mahon Fox Architects Wexford is incredible.

Daniel said: I am delighted to be part of Team Ireland for this years World Skills competition in Lyon. It is a huge honour to represent my country in my skill area. The training experience has been a once in a life time opportunity where the skills, knowledge and drive to perform to my best will stay with me for life. 12 weeks of intense training at MTU cork with Eamon Buggy in preparation for the competition has been so valuable to me by learning and upskilling in my trade, its an experience that I will never forget.

Minister ODonovan said: By competing at this very experienced level, Team Ireland is also showcasing the range and diversity of skills careers and Apprenticeships available in Ireland. We hope that this will inspire todays youth to explore the multiple career pathways available now through Further Education, Apprenticeships and Higher Education.

Team Ireland competed for the first time in 1957 and has competed at every international competition since then winning 63 Gold medals, 53 Silver medals, 80 Bronze Medals and 174 Diplomas/Medallions of Excellence with 732 Team Ireland competitors. In 2016 Ireland Skills adopted the global branding to become WorldSkills Ireland.
Twelve concerts taking place over the five days

In less than three weeks, some of the world's finest international and Irish pianists will arrive in New Ross for the return of the New Ross Piano Festival.

From Wednesday, September 27 to Sunday, September 29, the festival will host a series of concerts showcasing a diverse array of talent, spanning classical, jazz, contemporary and beyond.

Recently named one of the 'Top Classical Music Festivals in Europe for 2024' by BBC Classical Music, this year's festival will see twelve concerts over the five days. The 2024 festival promises to be a long weekend of unforgettable performances, with over 2,000 visitors expected to enjoy the outstanding acoustics of St. Mary's Church.

An exciting new format has been introduced this year; for the first year ever, two concerts will take place on both Friday and Saturday nights, allowing each to have a more specific individual artistic focus.

As part of the festivals ongoing commitment to supporting emerging talent, it will open on Wednesday, September 25, with its 'Young Pianists concert', providing up-and-coming artists a platform to showcase their skills and creativity.

Continuing the theme of young people, secondary students will attend a free recital from multi award-winning Dublin pianist Eoin Fleming on Friday, September 27. At only 24 years of age, Eoin has performed in some of the world's most prestigious venues, including Carnegie Hall.

Paul Lewis and Steven Osborne, regarded as two of Britain's finest pianists, are coming to play in New Ross this month. They will present a beautifully powerful set of both solo and duet performances on the Friday and Sunday of the festival, which includes a programme of Schubert, Bauer, Monk and more.

Dublin International Piano Competition winner Yukine Kuroki from Japan will perform an unmissable Coffee Concert' on the Saturday that promises to charm audiences with the music of Liszt and Prokofiev, while Leeds competition winner Sofya Gulyak will highlight the music of Chopin and Bach on Sunday, September 29.

Irish artists include the festival's Artistic Director Finghin Collins, who will give a romantic programme that will feature Clara and Robert Schumann as well as marking the Stanford centenary. Belfast-born Michael McHale will perform a lighter concert, including his own arrangement of Irish melodies and American jazz standards, on Thursday, September 26.

In addition to world class performances, this year's festival will offer attendees the opportunity to engage with artists in a free, collaborative masterclass with Steven Osborne on Saturday, September 28.

Bringing the September festival to a close, one of Europe's finest trios, Trio Rodin will perform their adaptation of Bernstein's West Side Story and extracts from Piazzolla's Four Seasons in Buenos Aires.

Commenting on this year's programme, Artistic Director Finghin Collins said: "We are very excited to present such distinguished artists in New Ross this year. Over the past 18 years, the town has become synonymous with piano performances of the highest quality for audiences of all ages to enjoy. We have carefully curated a line-up that promises to be a celebration of the piano, featuring a range of world-class performances in an intimate setting."

He added: "So whether you're a seasoned pianist, a devoted listener, or simply curious to explore the magic of the piano, there's a great musical and visitor experience for everyone to discover and enjoy at New Ross this September".

For tickets and festival information visit: www.newrosspianofestival.com
The group employs approximately 20 people in Co Wexford

The group, which employs approximately 20 people in Wexford, includes several nationally renowned businesses, working across employment, fencing, government and training.

FRS Farm Services and FRS Fencing have locally based personnel in Wexford, while FRSs Turas Nua has offices in Enniscorthy, Gorey, New Ross and Wexford. Other FRS businesses also active in Wexford include FRS Recruitment, FRS Training, FRS Contract Services, Herdwatch, the leading farm management app and WrkWrk, the temporary employment service.

On a national basis, FRS Co-Op employs 2,000 people across the group and has a turnover of circa 100 million. Originally founded in 1980 as National Co-op Farm Relief Services (NCFRS), it has since grown its operations in Wexford and around the country, being active all across Ireland.

Speaking about the rebrand, Colin Donnery, Group CEO of FRS Co-Op said: We want all customers, clients, colleagues, friends and stakeholders in Wexford to know about our new name and what it represents. Since it was formed in 1980, co-operation with our colleagues and neighbours has been central to everything we do in FRS. Weve always had deep roots in our local communities, in Wexford and anywhere else that we are active. We know that we grow better together, a belief that is ingrained in everything we do. That is why we wanted the co-op aspect of our business to be more prominent in our new branding.

Mr Donnery said the company's mix of local and national experts, combined with an eye on innovation, allow it to work effectively with communities. Whether it is through recruitment and employment support, through training, through innovative agri technologies or services, we believe FRS Co-Op is a business which exists to make a difference, a positive difference to the lives of those who work for us, who work with us and to the communities in which we all live. As we move forward under our new FRS Co-Op brand, we expect to see those contributions shine through even brighter in the years ahead.

We also will continue to provide all the services we have up to now. FRS Farm Services will continue to help more than 2,000 farms around the country, including many in Wexford, every day. FRS Fencing, Irelands leading fencing provider delivered 2.5 million metres of fencing for their customers last year and will continue to support farms, homes and businesses across the county and around the country. Turas Nua will continue working to help the unemployed in Wexford to find jobs, and we will continue to build the expertise and support offered through FRS Training, FRS Recruitment, FRS Contract Services, WrkWrk, Herdwatch and more.

This is an exciting time for FRS Co-Op in Wexford and beyond as we look to build on the considerable achievements weve made over the last 40-plus years, knowing that our strength has always been the relationships and connections weve made in Wexford and beyond. We know we can get more done by working together and growing together with our colleagues, our customers and our communities in Wexford and across Ireland. Its what weve always done. Its the FRS Co-Op way, said Mr. Donnery.
Speaking at the official opening of the new building on Thursday afternoon Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee said today is an important day for Wexford.

The sod was officially turned on what was previously regarded as a rough waste of ground next to the Maudlintown GFC in November 2022. However, the women behind the refuge, the Ministers and the councillors saw the potential, and the government invested 6.4 million to create a "safe harbour that would work directly with women and children facing abuse across the county.

The new state of the art building contains a total of 12 family units, including a fully accessible disability unit. It replaces the existing four-unit facility in the town, which is no longer fit for purpose. Each unit in the new facility contains a bedroom, kitchen/living area, and bathroom, and can accommodate a family of one mother and her children.

Standing on the steps of the impressive building, Minister McEntee said the opening of the refuge is a beacon shining the way forward as the government tackles the issue of domestic abuse.

"I am absolutely delighted to be down here in Wexford to open this state of the art Wexford Womens refuge. It has been mine and this governments ambition to make sure that any woman and child who needs accessible accommodation, a refuge, has the support. This refuge is the first to be delivered under the Zero Tolerance Strategy and is part of a really ambitious plan that we have to double the number of spaces over the lifetime of this strategy, she said.

Published in 2022, the Zero Tolerance Strategy is the government's most ambitious plan to date, requiring the whole of government and community effort to create an Ireland where gender-based violence is not tolerated and which includes an overall 363 million investment to improve services nationwide.

"Today is a good story, a really positive story. This is a 6.5 investment  not in just bricks and mortar but in the women and children who need our help, Minister McEntee continued.

"This did not just happen, this came about through blood, sweat and tears, and many hours, days, weeks, months, and years of hard work from so many people. Domestic and sexual violence is an epidemic that has been brushed under the carpet and not dealt with for far too long, but we are saying enough by bringing it to the fore and treating it as the issue that it should be, she added.

Minister of State for the Department of Justice James Browne described the event as a powerful moment for women in the community who have experienced abuse and have persevered.

"I want to begin by acknowledging the survivors that are with us today and those who cannot be with us. Those who are standing strong after enduring abuse; your courage and your resilience is an inspiration to every one of us, he said.

He described the building as not just a refuge, but a beacon of hope for those seeking sanctuary in their darkest hours and represents the kind of change that is needed in society.

The idea that the support centre is a safe harbour was also shared by Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Pip Breen.

"A safe harbour is something you find, but you would like to move on with your life. It is important that the people who come here have their safe harbour and then they go to sea again, he said.

Mayor George Lawlor was credited by board member Jessica O'Connor for getting the project over the line, and he admitted that it required resilience and copious amounts of prodding to get the worthwhile work done.

"Let this moment be a reminder that we are all part of a much large movement  a movement that says no to violence, that champions equality, and believes in the right of every woman to live free from fear, he said.

Chairperson of the Womens Refuge since its inception in 2002, Vicky Barron, gave the final evocative and stirring speech of the occasion, highlighting with startling facts how prevalent the issue of violence and abuse against women is within the country.

Domestic violence is unacceptable and an abuse of human rights. Last year we learned that 52 per cent of women surveyed have experienced sexual violence at least once in their life. No needs to mean no, she said.

She said to signify the change they hope will be brought about by the new centre, they have changed their logo to represent a dandelion.

"The dandelion is a humble plant, but it is a symbol of hope, healing, and resilience in many cultures around the world. Dandelions will grow anywhere and generate quickly. They are symbolic of the survivors of domestic and gender-based violence. It is also called the lion's tooth and what a brave and courageous animal the lion is, similar to our survivors, she concluded.

Women in need of support and assistance are encouraged to contact the refuge on a free and confidential helpline at 1800 220 444.
The Enniscorthy community was saddened following the death of respected church organist Mary Elizabeth Baker on Sunday, August 25.

Ms Baker, of Rosslare and formerly Enniscorthy, had dedicated years of her life to providing music to the congregation in St Aidans Cathedral.

Ms Bakers life was touched by tragedy, as her late son Captain Michael Baker passed away when their Air Corps helicopter crashed in Tramore following a rescue mission, 25 years ago in 1999.

The team onboard the Rescue 111 had successfully responded to a call from the Irish Coast Guard that a boat had become lost at sea in the dense fog at 8 p.m.

She also lost her three-year old son John to a heart defect in 1980.

Her daughter Antoinette Baker, a music teacher living in Cork, described her mother as a dedicated musician who would travel great lengths to play.

"I used to play in the Cathedral and she began after I did. She would play most weekends in Enniscorthy, even after she moved to Rosslare. When we lived in Enniscorthy she would cycle from Carley's bridge. She would also be in and out of schools to help out with the junior choirs, she said.

She said that unlike other Irish people, her mother was a very direct and straight-talking woman.

She was very outgoing. I think Irish people tend to beat around the bush, but she was very direct and would tell you if she did not want to do something, she added.

One of her favourite memories, is how her mother loved to drink hot chocolate.

"She just loved hot chocolate. We would get it and she would gulp it right down - she was always on the go, she laughed.

Friends and neighbours took to RIP.ie to leave their condolences, commenting on her remarkable contribution to music.

One mourner wrote: Mary played the organ for the school choir at Scoil Mhuire Rosslare for many years, a wonderful lady.

Another wrote: It was a joy to hear her playing on the cathedral organ especially at Christmas, such a talented lady.

Another read: We have fond memories of listening to Mary practising her piano. She was a dedicated musician and gave much pleasure throughout her life with her gift.

A further tribute read: May she rest in peace, enjoying the music of the angels.

Mother of Tom, Antoinette, Cormac and the late Michael and John, Granny Mary to Isabel and Michael, she will be sadly missed by her family, son-in-law Joe Twomey, Toms partner Dawn Kirwan, Cormacs partner Barbara Claffey, relatives and friends.
The Tinahely community has come together to raise 1,045 towards a spectacular new mural themed around local natural heritage and biodiversity.

Organised by Tinahely Tidy Towns and co-funded by the arts office in Wicklow County Council under Creative Wicklow funding, the mural is located on the side of Tinahely Pharmacy and is being created by talented artist Lar Griffin, who has worked on murals all over Wicklow, including Baltinglass and Kiltegan.

The mural will feature red kites, woodpeckers, acorns and oak leaves, squirrels and the fritillary butterfly, while representing Tinahelys location on the Wicklow Way, beside one of the oldest oak forests in Ireland, Tomnafinnoge Woods, as a haven for walkers and nature lovers.

A Tidy Towns mural subcommittee, including Lucy Moller, Anthony Murphy and John Mullen, collaborated with Lar in designing the mural, which was started during Heritage Week and is expected to be completed in the coming days.

Praising all those who have donated to help fund the mural and Lar for lending his artistry to the project, Lucy Moller said that the excitement in the community is palpable as the project nears completion.

This is the first mural organised by Tinahely Tidy Towns, and we wanted a centrepiece mural that celebrates our natural heritage, biodiversity and our town centre, Lucy said.

The mural will feature key elements of our local natural heritage and biodiversity and will be a beautiful addition to our town. The yellow man walking sign that marks the Wicklow Way is also part of the mural.

Thank you to Lar Griffins Art for the beautiful work he is creating to celebrate our towns natural heritage, and to Geoffrey Dunne, the owner of Tinahely Pharmacy, who gave us the use of his gable wall as our mural canvas.

This mural is a Tinahely Tidy Towns project, for which we have received support from Wicklow Co Councils Arts office. The rest of the funding comes from donations, and we have received some incredibly generous donations from people in our community and we cant thank everyone enough.

Thank you to the very talented Lar Griffin for working on this for us. Thank you to everyone who has donated to our mural fundraiser so far, and thank you to the Wicklow County Arts Office for helping us with funding and to Geoffrey Dunne for the wall space!

We are nearly there now, and so grateful for the donations, which have supported our celebration of our natural heritage in the town with this fab mural, and also supported a talented local artist.

To help fund the mural, visit gofund.me/16dd0b00
Two Wicklow SuperValu stores have been nominated in this years Edward Dillion & Santa Rita Estates SuperValu Off Licence of the Year Awards, which will take place at Athlones Sheraton Hotel.

SuperValu Arklow and SuperValu Pettitts Bray are among 28 finalists - selected from over 220 SuperValu stores - who will battle it out to be a winner in four award categories, including most improved store, small/medium store format, large store format and Champions League format.

Hosted by RTEs Shay Byrne, guests on the night can look forward to a cocktail reception tasting some of Edward Dillions best-loved brands, including Hennessy and Bacardi rum, followed by an evening of laughter and delicious food paired with Santa Rita wines.

The winners of this years Edward Dillon & Santa Rita Estates SuperValu Off Licence of the Year Award will enjoy an exclusive trip to Chile, visiting the home of Santa Rita Estates and the city of Santiago.
Lucy Mooney making a presentation to Fr. James Prendiville of a painting of Hollywood by Michelle Lenehan along with Bishop Eamonn Walsh.

St Kevin's Catholic Church in Hollywood was packed last month for a special mass organised to thank Fr James Prendiville for his remarkable service of 27 years as the curate in the scenic west Wicklow village.

The mass was celebrated by Bishop Eamonn Walsh.

Parishioners past and present gathered to show their appreciation for the popular Kerry man and to pay tribute to the wonderful service he had given to the parish over the years.

Fr Prendiville, known locally as Fr Jimmy, was a key figure in securing the new Hollywood Community Centre as well as a new school hall for Hollywood.

He was also responsible for starting the local pilgrimage walk from Hollywood to Corragh for the annual mass that takes place at the Mass Rock. Fr Prendiville was also a prime mover in starting the Hollywood Fair which proved hugely successful when it ran from 2011 to 2019.

Paying tribute to Fr Jimmy, Bishop Walsh joked that so much loving care for Wicklow people had never before been given by any Kerry man.

Reflecting on Fr Prendiville's career as a priest, which included 10 years in Chile, Bishop Walsh said it was a truly remarkable life of priestly service stretching back almost 70 years. Concelebrating the mass with Bishop Walsh and Fr Jimmy were parish priest Fr Joe Connolly and Fr Willie Walsh from Donard.

The choice of hymns for the mass was inspired by Fr Prendiville's devotion to Our Lady. The organist was Sean Callinan and the choir was led by Mary O'Callaghan.

At the end of the mass a number of people paid tribute to Fr Jimmy and a painting of St Kevin's Church was presented to him on behalf of the parish. After the mass refreshments were served in the nearby school hall where people had an opportunity to express their thanks to Fr Jimmy in person.
The heritage centre and parish grounds in Ashford will be transformed into a hive of activity on Saturday, September 21, for the annual Ashford and District Beekeepers Association honey festival.

Last years festival attracted over 3,500 people.

Beekeepers belonging to ABKA are currently harvesting their honey in preparation for the big day, and while the Irish bees and their delicious honey are the main theme of the festival, there will be something for all the family to enjoy.

You can see the bees close at hand in the observation hives, and chat to local beekeepers who are always happy to answer any questions you may have. An information stand will also be available for those who are aspiring beekeepers and require some info on how you can make a start.

ABKA member Jess Doolan said: The fact that our bees have produced some delicious honey this year, despite the Irish summer weather mix of sunshine, cold, mist and rain, is testament to why conservation of our native Irish honey bee, Apis Mellifera Mellifera (AMM) is so important.

Like us, they can survive whatever the weather throws at us and thrive in the sunshine when it comes. They have had thousands of years to build up resistance after all! Since the ice age, they have acclimatised to our particularly changeable, oceanic climate.

Our native black honey bees can conserve honey for their own use in harsh weather and when the sun does shine they forage madly to collect all the nectar necessary to produce surplus quantities of honey for us to enjoy.

"They have been particularly active on the ling heather this August, when for three weeks they have foraged to bring in beautiful heather honey. Every September, our beekeepers bring their locally harvested honey for you to taste and buy at this popular annual community event.

There will be plenty of free activities for youngsters to enjoy, including face painting, a quiz hunt and interactive bee rhyme session. Visitors can also enjoy some great refreshments and tray bakes, barista coffee, burgers and strawberries and ice cream.

Stallholders will provide plants, flowers, organic produce, handmade soaps and oils, candles, wood craft and bee supplies.

Keynote speaker will be Dr Abigail Ruth Freeman, director of Science Foundation Ireland, and a regular contributor to Pat Kenny's Newstalk radio show. The Wicklow Heritage Barn Owl project will also be represented.

Schools across Wicklow are taking part in the honey festivals art and poetry competition and one of the highlights of the festival is the display of the wonderful artwork. Winners of each category will be announced on the afternoon of the festival, which causes great excitement amongst the talented young entrants.

Entrance is free and the doors open at 11am until 4pm.
Our beauty expert shares her must-have products for the new season

As Im writing, rain is pouring down outside, my cosy lights are on, I have a candle lit, and fluffy slippers have been deployed for the first time in months. Autumn is well and truly here. Sure, there are many whod say we didnt have a summer, but theres an air of change about the place.

Usually, I dont mind the changing seasons. Each one has its own charm and special events to look forward to. This year, though, Ive been struggling to get excited about watching the shortening days and autumn colours, so today Im going to employ a strategy which never fails to get me going: Im going to think about autumn beauty products.

Maison Margiela Replica perfume in Autumn Vibes

l) Maison Margiela Replica perfume in Autumn Vibes (from 75 via brownthomas.com)  There is no denying that this fragrance smells a) beautiful and b) like autumn. Woody, spicy and earthy, its designed to replicate the experience of being in a forest with leaves crunching beneath your feet. Somehow, it does just that.

Prada Beauty Tinted Lip Balm in Maple

2) Prada Beauty Tinted Lip Balm in Maple (45 via brownthomas.com)  Pradas latest venture into beauty has resulted in some truly beautiful products, including this tinted lip balm. Maple is a nutty brown with beautiful warmth which reminds me of the make-up looks favoured by the models of the 1990s. Moisturising and comfortable, this will care for your lips as the weather cools and the wind blows, all while delivering gorgeous colour. As youd expect from one of the worlds leading design houses, the packaging is sleek and chic  I wont be without this for the next few months.

Chanel Lip and Cheek Balm

3) Chanel Lip and Cheek Balm (48 via arnotts.ie)  Our skin tends toward dryness in the colder months, so its handy to have a product in your bag or pocket that will restore a little moisture to the face. Chanels Lip and Cheek Balm will give the cheek a healthy flush as well as hydration, delivering a fresh and youthful appearance. This little guy is available in six shades, but for autumn, I lean toward Berry Boost, which looks beautiful on most skin tones.

Dove Summer Revived Gradual Tanning Mousse

4) Dove Summer Revived Gradual Tanning Mousse (13.99 via mccauley.ie)  Theres nothing wrong with pale skin, but I do find it hard to say goodbye to the teensy tan I acquire over the summer. I simply dont have it in me to maintain a proper tanning routine, so a gradual tan product like this one is ideal. It requires very little prep or maintenance  you simply apply it like a moisturiser. Aside from a natural-looking glow, this mousse also moisturises the skin beautifully, delaying the onset of my natural winter husk.

Home Moment Turf Candle

5) The Home Moment Turf Candle (32 via thehomemoment.com)  Look, Im not sure why candles frequently get lumped into the beauty category but I love telling people about them so Im going to take advantage of it. This Irish candle smells like a cosy weekend afternoon spent reading a really good book with the fire on (or cedarwood, patchouli and soil, according to the label), and will evoke all the best autumnal feelings.

Lost in translation

Theres a lot of buzz about polynucleotides these days via what some people are calling the salmon sperm facial. Polynucleotides stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, leading to plumper, smoother and younger-looking skin. A polynucleotide treatment sees them being injected into the face, with the area under the eyes being a popular place due to its effectiveness in smoothing the area. So, why do some people call it a salmon sperm facial? Well, because polynucleotides are primarily derived from salmon sperm. Still beats snail slime, as far as Im concerned.

Something old

LOreal Pariss True Match Nude Plumping Tinted Skin Serum

LOreal Pariss True Match Nude Plumping Tinted Skin Serum (19.99 via boots.ie) may have about five words too many in its name, but its also in my top five most recommended complexion products. While the name may not say so, this is a foundation. Yes, it feels like a serum, but it delivers beautiful light-to-medium coverage with ease. Actually, I think you can achieve full coverage thanks to the beautiful way this product layers and blends. If you have dry skin, youll love the presence of 1pc hyaluronic acid and the overall formula of this product, which never clings to areas of texture. This makes it a dream for older skin, but honestly, its great at any age. According to the brand, the sheer, blendable nature of this formula means the nine shades should work across many skin tones, but there will be people wholl struggle to find a match. Still, most people will love this foundation, which doesnt even cost a bomb!

... Something new

HUDA Beauty

Huda Beauty is the massively successful cosmetics line by Huda Kattan, an American make-up artist and influencer with 4.2 million Instagram followers. Kattans beauty style leans into what some would call a full beat, aka a face of heavy and flawless make-up, but the brands latest launch is a step away from that. Easy Blur foundation (36.16 via cultbeauty.com) is a serum-like foundation designed to smooth and even the complexion with medium-to-full coverage, while still delivering a natural finish. Kattan recently apologised for a production mistake which led to some of the darker shades of this foundation being mislabelled but has generally been much celebrated for the brands approach to inclusive shade ranges. Unfortunately, Kattan, an Arab-American born to Iraqi parents, has received a more mixed response to her support of Palestine. Kattan is unconcerned about those who may boycott the brand though, saying, I dont want blood money.
Mariasella Harun (40) was surrounded by the otters when they jumped out of a drain.

A group of wild otters viciously attacked a woman jogging in an inner-city park in Malaysia.

Mariasella Harun (40) was chased down and mauled by eight of the mammals yesterday morning in Tanjung Aru, in the northern Sabah state of Borneo island.
Britain's police and crime minister had her bag stolen at a conference for senior and midranking police officers where she spoke about the growing problem of theft and shoplifting.
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 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.
An American billionaire has started the first private spacewalk in a bid to venture further than anyone since Nasas Apollo Moon missions.

Tech entrepreneur Jared Isaacman launched into space on Tuesday from Cape Canaveral in Florida on board a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket for the Polaris Dawn mission, along with a pair of SpaceX engineers and a former Air Force Thunderbirds pilot.
The widespread deforestation believed to have been caused by the Rapa Nui people to build the towering Easter Island statues did not result in the populations catastrophic collapse as held by a popular theory, according to a new study.
My biggest gift to my father is to continue to tell his story daughter of Irish priest Pat Rice who was kidnapped and tortured in Argentina
Irish soldiers tell families they may not be able to come home at end of tour as Israel digs in around UN base in Lebanon
Since 1963, The Independent has helped create a great community!

Since our founding in September of 1963, The Independent has been dedicated to giving Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin, and Sunol readers the news they need to be in-the-know about what's going on in the Tri-Valley region.
India-New Zealand Bilateral Relations: A Strategic Partnership

India and New Zealand enjoy a long-standing, cordial relationship, with diplomatic ties dating to 1950. Initially, the two countries set up a Trade Commission that was later elevated to a High Commission in 1952. Today, the two countries engage across various sectors, including trade, education, and culture, overcoming geographic distance to build a mutually beneficial partnership.

As the fifth-largest economy globally and the most populous country, Indias significance in New Zealands trade landscape is on the rise. Recognizing this, the latter aims to strengthen ties with India, focusing on expanding trade and fostering deeper engagement in political, cultural, and economic areas.

Efforts to boost economic relations have seen cooperation between the private sector and New Zealand government agencies, with focus areas including horticulture, animal health in agriculture, education, and improving business relationships.

Although New Zealand and India entered Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations in 2010, the last formal discussions occurred in February 2015, and no current negotiations are underway.

Advancing bilateral relations

In April 2024, India and New Zealand held discussions to enhance their bilateral relationship during the 11th Joint Trade Committee (JTC) meeting. Both nations identified vast untapped potential for cooperation and agreed to expand their trade relations. The focus was on establishing a comprehensive economic framework, fostering collaboration in key sectors like agriculture, food processing, forestry, and pharmaceuticals. Improving the quality, storage, and transportation of kiwi fruit and bolstering the dairy sector were key points of discussion.

The meeting also addressed issues like market access, non-tariff barriers (NTBs), and sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures on products such as grapes, okra, and mangoes. Both countries agreed to resolve these issues through constructive dialogue within the existing JTC framework. Additionally, discussions on a Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) for organic products and simplifying vehicle approvals were also undertaken.

In a report published by the India New Zealand Business Council (INZBC) in June 2024, Patrick Rata, New Zealands High Commissioner to India, discussed strengthening bilateral ties with India by fostering high-level engagements, advancing trade, and enhancing collaboration across diverse sectors. This includes dialogues on defense, economic partnerships, and people-to-people connections.

Rata is said to have engaged with Indian government officials, business leaders, and associations like the India Oceania Business Association to promote New Zealands interests.

Strategic importance of IPEF for India and New Zealand

On June 6, 2024, India, alongside other Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) members, participated in a ministerial meeting in Singapore, where significant agreements were signed. These included the Fair Economy Agreement and the IPEF Agreement, signed by New Zealands Trade Minister Todd McClay, and the Clean Economy Agreement, signed by Climate Change Minister Simon Watts. This followed New Zealands signing of the Supply Chain Agreement in November 2023.

While Indias presence at the first annual IPEF Clean Economy Investor Forum represented its ambition on sustainable infrastructure and climate technology, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) sent an investment mission with top climate tech companies and sustainable investors from New Zealand. The forum seeks to encourage collaboration between emerging climate tech companies and investors, and Indias growing market for clean energy and sustainable technologies make it a crucial global partner.

New Zealand has a strong presence in this domain, with several of its companies named in HolonIQs Indo-Pacific Climate Tech 100, a list that includes promising start-ups from the region.

Four agreements were reached during the forum and have now entered the Parliamentary Treaty Examination process in New Zealand. Once the review is completed, and New Zealand ratifies the agreements, they will take effect after 30 days following the ratification. This will further deepen Indias collaboration with New Zealand and other IPEF members.

What is the IPEF?

The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity or IPEF was launched on May 23, 2022, by leaders from 14 Indo-Pacific nations, including India, to enhance regional cooperation. Collectively, these 14 countries accounted for 40 percent of global GDP in 2021, emphasizing the strategic importance of Indias participation.

Led by the U.S., this initiative was formalized in a joint statement issued by leaders from the member countries, signaling the start of negotiations across four key pillars:

Trade, Supply chains, Clean economy, and Fair economy

In September 2022, the initial scoping phase was completed, and India joined the broader negotiations across IPEFs four pillars. Various rounds of negotiations took place between December 2022 and November 2023, with India actively engaged in discussions that align with its interests in the region.

Indias economic engagement with the Indo-Pacific is crucial, as over half of its exports go to this region, and it is home to a significant portion of the worlds population. India has a vested interest in helping shape a stable and economically integrated Indo-Pacific order, promoting inclusivity and sustainability.

India-New Zealand trade relations: An overview

Indias trade relations with New Zealand have experienced fluctuations in recent years. While Indias exports to New Zealand grew steadily between 2019 and 2023, they saw a slight decline in 2024. Meanwhile, imports from New Zealand have faced sharper fluctuations, particularly in commodities such as dairy products, iron and steel, and fruit.

India-New Zealand Trade Figures Year-on-Year (Value in US$ Million) Trade 2019-2020 2020-2021 2021-2022 2022-2023 2023-2024 Indias exports to New Zealand 378.55 486.25 487.60 547.84 538.33 Growth % 28.45 0.28 12.35 -1.74 Indias import from New Zealand 521.83 381.53 374.84 477.74 335.07 Growth % -26.89 -1.75 27.45 -29.86 Total 900.38 867.78 862.44 1,025.58 873.40 Growth % -3.62 -0.62 18.92 -14.84

Source: Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, GoI

Indias Exports to New Zealand (Value in US$ Million) Commodity 2022-2023 2023-2024 Growth % Fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertabrates. 16.97 13.55 -20.19 Articles of apparel and clothing accessories, not knitted or crocheted. 18.00 18.12 0.69 Mineral fuels, mineral oils and products of their distillation; bituminous substances; mineral waxes. 88.80 54.97 -38.10 Other made up textile articles; sets; worn clothing and worn textile articles; rags 33.78 36.60 8.35 Natural or cultured pearls,precious or semiprecious stones,pre.metals,clad with pre.metal and artcls thereof;imit.jewlry;coin. 22.77 18.49 -18.82 Nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery and mechanical appliances; parts thereof. 33.40 34.70 3.88 Pharmaceutical products 52.71 67.51 28.08 Vehicles other than railway or tramway rolling stock, and parts and accessories thereof. 22.33 17.26 -22.69 Miscellaneous edible preparations. 5.93 8.71 47.00 Glass and glassware. 3.51 5.71 62.47 Coffee, tea, mate and spices. 8.60 11.01 28.02 Products of animal origin, not elsewhere specified or included. 1.42 3.21 126.54 Wool, fine or coarse animal hair, horsehair yarn and woven fabric. 1.15 4.88 325.49

Source: Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, GoI

Indias Imports from New Zealand (Value in US$ Million) Commodity 2022-2023 2023-2024 Growth % Iron and steel 35.03 39.12 11.69 Mineral fuels, mineral oils and products of their distillation; bituminous substances; mineral waxes. 94.51 49.24 -47.91 Pulp of wood or of other fibrous cellulosic material; waste and scrap of paper or paperboard. 119.03 14.18 -88.09 Albuminoidal substances; modified starches; glues; enzymes. 25.31 23.26 -8.11 Aluminium and articles thereof. 31.09 39.86 28.21 Dairy produce; birds eggs; natural honey; edible prod. Of animal origin, not elsewhere spec. Or included. 1.26 0.57 -54.53 Edible fruit and nuts; peel or citrus fruit or melons. 34.19 29.97 -12.34 Meat and edible meat offal. 1.83 1.89 3.09 Nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery and mechanical appliances; parts thereof. 26.63 10.18 -61.79 Optical, photographic cinematographic measuring, checking precision, medical or surgical inst. And apparatus parts and accessories thereof; 11.04 12.59 14.01 Wood and articles of wood; wood charcoal. 5.52 9.67 75.33 Wool, fine or coarse animal hair, horsehair yarn and woven fabric. 38.69 38.41 -0.71 Organic chemicals 3.75 6.47 72.44

Source: Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, GoI

Surge in services trade

In the services sector, trade between India and New Zealand has grown significantly. In the June 2024 quarter, New Zealand exported services worth US$228.52 million to India, while imports from India amounted to US$95.89 million.

Indias Top Service Exports to New Zealands (June 2024 Quarter) Top services Description Value (NZD) 1 Travel 58,286,152 2 Telecommunications, computer, and information services 15,886,000 3 Other business services 11,987,000 4 Insurance and pension services 3,861,432 5 Government services, n.i.e 2,033,812 6 Charges for the use of intellectual property n.i.e. 418,000

Source: New Zealand International Trade

Indias Top Service Imports from New Zealand (June 2024 Quarter) Top services Description Value (NZD) 1 Travel 202,622,388 2 Government services, n.i.e 10,359,136 3 Telecommunications, computer, and information services 576,000

Source: New Zealand International Trade

New Zealands Opening Doors to India policy

New Zealands efforts to strengthen ties with India have been ongoing, with the Opening Doors to India policy launched in 2011 as part of the NZ Inc. India Strategy. This strategy aimed to secure an FTA with India, but despite 10 rounds of negotiations between 2010 and 2015, progress has stalled. Key challenges in securing the FTA include structural differences in the two countries political economies, with sticky issues being New Zealands dairy exports and Indias high tariffs on agricultural products.

India-New Zealand double tax treaty

The India-New Zealand Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) treaty was signed in 1986, with an aim to promote cross-border trade and investment by providing tax relief and fostering economic cooperation between India and New Zealand.

Under the DTAA, both countries agree on specific tax rates for different types of income, such as dividends, interest, royalties, and capital gains. It ensures that taxpayers are either exempt from tax in one country or receive tax credits to avoid being taxed twice. The agreement also includes provisions to prevent tax evasion and ensure transparency in tax matters.

Recipient Country Withholding Tax Rates (%) on Certain Types of Income New Zealand Dividend Interest Royalty Fee for technical services (10) 15 10 10 10

Source: Income Tax Department, GoI

Strengthening ties through high-level visits

High-level diplomatic exchanges have played a critical role in advancing India-New Zealand relations. Most recently, Indian President Droupadi Murmu visited the country in August 2024. New Zealands engagements have been equally significant, such as Prime Minister John Keys state visit in 2016 and Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters visit in March 2024.

Scope of collaboration beyond trade

Despite the challenges in trade negotiations, there are several other areas where the two countries can collaborate. During the March 2024 visit of New Zealands Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister to India, defense and maritime cooperation were identified as potential growth areas.

Regional security in the Indo-Pacific, naval visits, peacekeeping efforts, and collaboration in the South Pacific were also discussed as avenues for deepening ties. New Zealand has expressed interest in expanding its defense and bilateral engagements with India, aligning its approach to India more closely with that of Australia.

India-New Zealand recognizing lost business opportunities

In 2024, New Zealand Trade Commissioner and Consul General for India and South Asia, Graham Rouse, spoke on the growing opportunities for New Zealand tech companies in India. At a panel discussion organized by the INZBC, the trade commission noted that as India rapidly evolves into a digital economy, the potential for collaboration is vast, however, New Zealand businesses require a nuanced understanding of the local ecosystem.

Rouse also highlighted Indias significant digital transformation, noting the countrys large internet user baseover 880 million peoplecoupled with the highest smartphone data consumption globally. This shift has transformed India from an agrarian economy to one driven by technology and services, with the services sector now contributing three times more to GDP than agriculture. These factors present substantial opportunities for tech companies in New Zealand.

According to recent research from New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) and Brand Finances Global Soft Power Index, Indias perception of New Zealand is improving, with its natural beauty, community values, and sustainability efforts resonating strongly. However, there is still room for New Zealand to promote its leadership in science, innovation, and technology more confidently and unlock greater business potential in India.

Conclusion

India and New Zealand are at a critical juncture in their bilateral relationship. While trade negotiations face hurdles, such as for agrimarket access, both countries have plenty of scope for commercial and economic collaboration across sectors like defense, healthcare, and the digital economy. As India continues to rise in global prominence, New Zealand has recognized the need to strengthen its ties with India, laying the groundwork for a multifaceted partnership that extends beyond trade.
Image Credit: File photo from Wallpaper Cave

Mumbai/IBNS: India's largest private sector lender, HDFC Bank, is negotiating with major global banks to offload loans totaling up to Rs 8,400 crore ($1 billion) as part of its strategy to reduce the size of its credit portfolio and improve its credit-to-deposit ratio, reports Bloomberg, citing its sources.

HDFC Bank is reportedly in talks with Barclays Plc, Citigroup Inc., and JPMorgan Chase & Co., among others, while ICICI Bank Ltd. is also involved in these discussions, according to the report.

The sale of these loans is expected to be conducted through pass-through certificates, although the final terms are still being negotiated.

JPMorgan declined to comment, and HDFC, Barclays, Citi, and ICICI did not respond to Bloomberg's requests for comment.

Indian lenders face increasing regulatory pressure to improve their credit-to-deposit ratios, which measure the proportion of deposits that are lent out.

HDFC Bank aims to enhance this ratio, which has deteriorated in recent years as credit growth has surpassed deposit growth.

In addition to the global loan sale, HDFC Bank is also negotiating with local asset management companies to sell up to Rs 10,000 crore of loans.

The bank previously sold a Rs 5,000 crore loan portfolio to an undisclosed buyer in June.

As of March, HDFC Banks credit-to-deposit ratio was 104 percent, up from 85 percent to 88 percent in the previous three fiscal years, according to ICRA Ltd, a Moodys Ratings unit.

This increase followed HDFC Banks merger with mortgage lender Housing Development Finance Corp. last year.

The banks gross advances reached Rs 24.9 lakh crore as of June 2024, marking a 52.6 percent increase from the previous year.

Indian bank deposits grew by 11 percent annually through August 23, which is slower than the 14 percent growth in loans, according to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), according to the Bloomberg report.

The central bank has noted that this gap between deposit and credit growth could potentially lead to structural liquidity issues in the banking system, as per reports.
Image by Avishek Mitra/IBNS

Kolkata/IBNS: West Bengal junior doctors, who are on ceasework demanding justice for RG Kar rape-murder victim, spent the consecutive two nights outside the state Health and Family Welfare department's office Swasthya Bhavan after the government refused to accept the conditions given by the protesters for a discussion.

West Bengal junior health minister Chandrima Bhattacharya on Wednesday evening said that they are ready for talks with the doctors in an "open mind" but not under the wrap of conditions and demands.

Bhattacharya even accused the protesters of playing politics over the issue citing their email to the government at 3:50 am, well thought-out delayed responses and setting of conditions and demands.

The five demands in a nutshell are justice for the victim, disciplinary action against now arrested ex-RG Kar principal Sandip Ghosh, resignation of Commissioner of Police Vineet Goyal and two other top police officers, enhancing security at hospitals and elimination of the alleged threat culture.

The doctors have cleared a delegation of at least 30 members should be allowed in the meeting, which will have to be broadcasted live for people of the state to watch.

The protesters have said Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who as per Bhattacharya waited till 7:30 pm on Tuesday for the meeting, will have to be present in the meeting.

However, the junior doctors claimed they had received the first email from the principal secretary of the health department and there was no mention that the Chief Minister was waiting at her office, Nabanna.

The junior doctors began their sit-in protest on Tuesday after they were denied an entry into Swasthya Bhavan to hand over deputation demanding resignation of some of the top officials.

On Tuesday evening, the health department shot an email to the junior doctors inviting them to participate in a meeting with a senior government representative.

The doctors rejected the proposal claiming it was "insulting" to them as the email came from the principal secretary of the state Health and Family Welfare department, who is one of those people whose resignation is among the demands by the protesters.

"The email has come from the health secretary and this is insulting to us," the protesting doctors said.

The junior doctors, who raised slogans throughout the night, on Tuesday refused to resume work by 5 pm, the deadline which was set by the Supreme Court.

The top court had said the government will be free to take action against the protesters post 5 pm on Tuesday.

Some of the senior doctors have claimed they are backing the juniors and they would respond appropriately if the government takes any action against the protesters.

The state's counsel, advocate Kapil Sibal had claimed during Monday's hearing that 23 patients have died due to the junior doctors' ceasework.

In the previous hearing held last month, the CJI had urged the junior doctors to resume work restraining the government from any action against them.

(Images by Avishek Mitra/IBNS)
Photo courtesy: Narendra Modi X handle

New Delhi/IBNS: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's participation at Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud's Ganpati Puja has stirred a row with the opposition leaders questioning the independence of the judiciary.

The CJI and his wife were seen welcoming Modi to their residence in a video.

The event of the PM's presence at the CJI's residence came amid a massive protest against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over the RG Kar rape and murder for justice with the anger now directed against the Supreme Court. The case is being heard by the CJI with the hearing developments and postponements outraging the protesters in Kolkata who are largely from the civil society besides the doctors. The protesting junior doctors in Kolkata also defied the CJI's deadline to join duty or face the state government action.

"Joined Ganesh Puja at the residence of CJI, Justice DY Chandrachud Ji. May Bhagwan Shri Ganesh bless us all with happiness, prosperity and wonderful health," PM Modi shared in a post.

Joined Ganesh Puja at the residence of CJI, Justice DY Chandrachud Ji.



May Bhagwan Shri Ganesh bless us all with happiness, prosperity and wonderful health. pic.twitter.com/dfWlR7elky  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 11, 2024

The Prime Minister was seen wearing a traditional Maharashtrian cap. He even performed aarti of the Lord Ganesha with DY Chandrachud and his wife.

Taking a dig, Shiv Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi wrote on X, "Okay. After the festivities are over hopefully CJI will deem fit and be slightly freer to conclude the hearing on Maharashtra and the blatant disregard of Article 10 of the Constitution in Maharashtra. Oh wait, elections round the corner anyway, it can be adjourned for another day."

Okay.

After the festivities are over hopefully CJI will deem fit and be slightly freer to conclude the hearing on Maharashtra and the blatant disregard of Article 10 of the Constitution in Maharashtra.

Oh wait, elections round the corner anyway, it can be adjourned for another https://t.co/tw0C1Smr5s  Priyanka Chaturvedi (@priyankac19) September 11, 2024

Countering Chaturvedi, Shehzad Poonwalla, the spokesperson of the Prime Minister's Bharatiya Janata Party, said, "Attending Ganesh Pooja is no crime. On many occasions judiciary and politicians share stage On auspicious functions, marriages, programs - but if PM attends it at house of CJI , Uddhav Sena MP doubts integrity of CJI & SC. Congress ecosystem attacks SC like Rahul Gandhi did in past Its shameful contempt of court & abusing judiciary."

Attending Ganesh Pooja is no crime

On many occasions judiciary and politicians share stage



On auspicious functions, marriages, programs - but if PM attends it at house of CJI , Uddhav Sena MP doubts integrity of CJI & SC. Congress ecosystem attacks SC like Rahul Gandhi did in pic.twitter.com/ALwORw10GE  Shehzad Jai Hind (Modi Ka Parivar) (@Shehzad_Ind) September 12, 2024

Separation of powers between executive and judiciary compromised?

Senior advocate and former Additional Solicitor General, Indira Jaising, slammed CJI Chandrachud for "compromising" the separation of powers between the executive and judiciary.

Advocate Jaising wrote on X, "Chief Justice of India has compromised the separation of powers between the Executive and Judiciary. Lost all confidence in the independence of the CJI . The SCBA must condemn this publicly displayed compromise of Independence of the CJI from the Executive."

Chief Justice of India has compromised the separation of powers between the Executive and Judiciary. Lost all confidence in the independence of the CJI . The SCBA must condemn this publicly displayed compromise of Independence of the CJI from the Executive @KapilSibal https://t.co/UXoIxVxaJt  Indira Jaising (@IJaising) September 11, 2024

Senior advocate Prashant Bhushan said on X, "Shocking that CJI Chandrachud allowed Modi to visit him at his residence for a private meeting. Sends a very bad signal to the judiciary which is tasked with the responsibility of protecting fundamental right of citizens from the executive & ensuring that the govt acts within bounds of Constitution. That is why there has to be an arms length separation between the executive & judiciary."
Image by Avishek Mitra/IBNS

Kolkata/IBNS: The senior doctors from various organisations in West Bengal have threatened to go on a ceasework if the state government takes any measure like suspension against their juniors who are not joining duty since August 9 demanding justice for the RG Kar rape-murder victim.

Addressing a press conference, the senior doctors said, "We are completely backing the junior doctors' demand. The state government should take positive steps to schedule a meeting with junior doctors. Any step like suspension against the junior doctors will compel us to go on ceasework."

"The five demands by the junior students are justified. The suspension of officials during an ongoing probe is not an unprecedented scenario in the face of public outrage. An impartial probe is impossible with them being in posts."

Senior doctors addressing press conference from outside Swasthya Bhavan | Photo courtesy: Screenshot grab

West Bengal junior doctors have spent the consecutive two nights outside the state Health and Family Welfare department's office Swasthya Bhavan after the government refused to accept the conditions given by the protesters for a discussion. They are camped outside the state health office for about two days.

West Bengal junior health minister Chandrima Bhattacharya on Wednesday evening said that they are ready for talks with the doctors in an "open mind" but not under the wrap of conditions and demands.

Bhattacharya even accused the protesters of playing politics over the issue citing their email to the government at 3:50 am, well thought-out delayed responses and setting of conditions and demands.

The five demands in a nutshell are justice for the victim, disciplinary action against now arrested ex-RG Kar principal Sandip Ghosh, resignation of Commissioner of Police Vineet Goyal and two other top police officers, enhancing security at hospitals and elimination of the alleged threat culture.

The doctors have cleared a delegation of at least 30 members should be allowed in the meeting, which will have to be broadcasted live for people of the state to watch.

The protesters have said Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who as per Bhattacharya waited till 7:30 pm on Tuesday for the meeting, will have to be present in the meeting.

However, the junior doctors claimed they had received the first email from the principal secretary of the health department and there was no mention that the Chief Minister was waiting at her office, Nabanna.

The junior doctors began their sit-in protest on Tuesday after they were denied an entry into Swasthya Bhavan to hand over deputation demanding resignation of some of the top officials.

On Tuesday evening, the health department shot an email to the junior doctors inviting them to participate in a meeting with a senior government representative.

The doctors rejected the proposal claiming it was "insulting" to them as the email came from the principal secretary of the state Health and Family Welfare department, who is one of those people whose resignation is among the demands by the protesters.

"The email has come from the health secretary and this is insulting to us," the protesting doctors said.

The junior doctors, who raised slogans throughout the night, on Tuesday refused to resume work by 5 pm, the deadline which was set by the Supreme Court.

The top court had said the government will be free to take action against the protesters post 5 pm on Tuesday.

Some of the senior doctors have claimed they are backing the juniors and they would respond appropriately if the government takes any action against the protesters.

The state's counsel, advocate Kapil Sibal had claimed during Monday's hearing that 23 patients have died due to the junior doctors' ceasework.

In the previous hearing held last month, the CJI had urged the junior doctors to resume work restraining the government from any action against them.

(Images of junior doctors' march to Swasthya Bhavan by Avishek Mitra/IBNS)
Image Credit: Avishek Mitra/IBNS

Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Secretary Manoj Pant on Thursday made a renewed appeal to junior doctors protesting the brutal rape and murder of a female colleague, asking them to attend a meeting with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at 5 p.m.

While the state government declined the doctors' demand for a live telecast of the meeting, it did agree to have the discussion recorded for transparency.

In his letter, Pant also limited the delegation strength to 15 doctors, confirming that Mamata Banerjee would be present at the talks to help resolve the ongoing standoff.

"The meeting shall not be Live telecast. However, the same can be recorded to maintain transparency. This will serve the purpose intended from your end, while also maintaining the sanctity of the proceedings, ensuring that all discussions are accurately documented," the Chief Secretary stated in his letter.

The doctors have been holding a sit-in protest outside the West Bengal Health Departments office in Salt Lake, seeking justice for their colleague, whose body was found with gruesome injuries on August 9 at RG Kar Medical College.

The protest, which has disrupted healthcare services at state-run hospitals, has now entered its 34th day. Earlier, the doctors had rejected the health secretary's proposal to hold talks with a 10-member delegation. Following this, they received another invitation for negotiations, this time from the chief secretary.

The demonstrations, ongoing for over a month, have severely affected medical services throughout West Bengal. On Monday, the Supreme Court issued an ultimatum for the junior doctors to return to work by 5 pm on Tuesday.

In an email to the Chief Minister on Tuesday, the West Bengal Junior Doctors' Front outlined six main points they want discussed. They also criticized the governments email, calling it an "insult," as it was sent from the Health Secretarys ID, one of the officials whose resignation they are demanding.

The doctors' key demands include a faster investigation and trial, action against Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital; the removal of Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal, and action against DCP North and Central.

They are also calling for improved security at all hospitals and government healthcare centres and an end to the "culture of threats" against doctors.

In response, West Bengal Chief Secretary Manoj Pant invited a "delegation of 12-15" representatives instead of the "25-35 representatives" initially requested by the protesting doctors, who argue that their demand reflects the interests of several medical institutions across the state.
A Marxist stalwart, Sitaram Yechury was the General Secretary of the CPI-M and a member of its powerful Politburo. (Photo courtesy: Wikipedia Creative Commons)

New Delhi/IBNS: Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) General Secretary and former Rajya Sabha MP, Sitaram Yechury, passed away on Thursday at the age of 72 after a prolonged illness, a statement by his party confirmed.

Yechury was receiving treatment in the intensive care unit at AIIMS, Delhi, for an acute respiratory tract infection. In recent days, he had been on respiratory support, under the care of a multidisciplinary team of doctors.

"It is with profound grief that we announce the passing away of CPIM General Secretary, our beloved Comrade Sitaram Yechury, at 3.03 pm today, 12th September, at the AIIMS, New Delhi. He was suffering from a respiratory tract infection which developed complications," CPI-M posted on its X handle.

Born on August 12, 1952, in Chennai, Yechury was a key figure in Indian politics, known for his strategic acumen in coalition politics and his steadfast commitment to Marxist principles.

Our beloved comrade #SitaramYechury, General Secretary of CPI(M), passed away at AIIMS today.



Red Salute to Comrade Sitaram Yechury! pic.twitter.com/COrcQSuj3A  CPI (M) (@cpimspeak) September 12, 2024

Yechury took over as the CPI(M) General Secretary from Prakash Karat in 2015.

Political Career

His political career began in 1974 when he joined the Students' Federation of India (SFI), the student wing of CPI-M. He quickly rose through the ranks, serving as President of the Jawaharlal Nehru University ( JNU) Students' Union three times and later becoming the All-India President of the SFI. He was also arrested during the Emergency.

Yechury went to school in Hyderabad at the All Saints High School till his tenth standard. He later joined Presidents Estate School, New Delhi and achieved the All-India first rank in the Central Board of Secondary Education Higher Secondary Examination. He studied B.A. (Hons.) in Economics at St. Stephen's College, Delhi and then did his M.A. in Economics, from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), achieving first class in both.

Sitaram Yechury during a visit to the campus of his alma mater JNU. He was an M.A. in Economics from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). (Photo courtesy: Official FB)

In 1984, Yechury was elected to the CPI(M)'s Central Committee and became a permanent invitee. By 1992, he had ascended to the Politburo, a position he held for over 30 years.

From 2005 to 2017, Yechury served as a Rajya Sabha Member from West Bengal. He was elected General Secretary of CPI(M) in 2015, a position he was re-elected to in 2018 and 2022.

He learned political strategy under the guidance of the late Harkishan Singh Surjeet, who played a key role in coalition governance during the National Front government of V. P. Singh and the United Front government of 1996-97, both of which were supported by the CPI(M) from outside.

Yechury further honed his political skills when the Left parties supported the first UPA government, often influencing Congress-led policy decisions.

He played a pivotal role in discussions with the government over the Indo-US nuclear deal, which eventually led the Left parties to withdraw support for the UPA-I government due to Karats firm stance.

Sitaram Yechury ji was a friend.



A protector of the Idea of India with a deep understanding of our country.



I will miss the long discussions we used to have. My sincere condolences to his family, friends, and followers in this hour of grief. pic.twitter.com/6GUuWdmHFj  Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) September 12, 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the Marxist veteran's demise, decsribng him as the 'Leading light of the Left'. Modi said Yechuri set the mark as an effective Parliamentarian.

Saddened by the passing away of Shri Sitaram Yechury Ji. He was a leading light of the Left and was known for his ability to connect across the political spectrum. He also made a mark as an effective Parliamentarian. My thoughts are with his family and admirers in this sad hour. pic.twitter.com/Cp8NYNlwSB  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 12, 2024

Sitaram Yechury's eldest son Ashish Yechury died of COVID-19 in Delhi in April 2021.

Yechury was married to journalist Seema Chisti, who is one of the editors of The Wire, and formerly the Delhi editor of BBC Hindi Service. He was previously married to Indrani Mazumdar and has a daughter too from his first marriage.
Image Credit: Pixabay

Indore: Two Army officers were assaulted, and one of their two female friends was gang-raped by armed attackers while on a picnic in Indore district, Madhya Pradesh, on Wednesday, media reports said.

The incident occurred when the two Major-rank officers, who were undergoing training at the Army War College in Mhow Cantonment, went to the Jam Gate area for a picnic with two female friends, according to the police report, according to an India Today report.

The attackers held one officer and one of the women as hostage, and sent the other officer and woman away to collect a ransom of Rs 10 lakh for their release, the report said, citing police sources.

The officer who was released contacted his Commanding Officer (CO), who then alerted the police.

When the police arrived, the attackers fled.

The victims were taken to Mhow Civil Hospital for medical examination, where doctors found signs of injuries on the officers.

The medical report also confirmed that one of the women was gang-raped.

A case was registered under sections of the Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) related to robbery, dacoity, rape, and the Arms Act.

Indore Police arrested two suspects and formed ten teams to capture the remaining accused, the report said.

"We received information that four people, two men and two women, were attacked and robbed at Jam Gate by six people. We immediately dispatched our team and arrested two suspects. The complainant also mentioned that the accused had done something inappropriate to his female friend," SP Rurla of Indore, Hitika Vasal, was quoted as saying by India Today.

"An FIR has been registered in connection with the case, 10 teams were constituted to solve the case and two accused were detained. We have also identified four other people involved in the case," she said.

Efforts are underway to nab the four accused. And they will be caught at the earliest, she stated.

The woman's statement is yet to be recorded, once it happens, further action will be taken, Hitika Vasal added, according to the report.
Photo courtesy: X/ShehzadPoonawalla/PM Modi

New Delhi/IBNS: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused the Opposition of 'double standards' for targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his attendance at the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations at Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud's home.

To counter the opposition's allegation over the independence of the judiciary, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla shared an old picture of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh hosting an iftar party at his residence in 2009, which was attended by then Chief Justice of India KG Balakrishnan among others.

"2009- PM Manmohan Singh's Iftar Party was attended by then CJI KG Balakrishnan- Sshhhh - Yeh Secular hai.. judiciary is safe. PM Modi attends Ganesh Puja at current CJI House - oh God Judiciary compromised (sic)," said Poonawalla in his tweet.

2009- PM Manmohan Singh's Iftaar Party was attended by then CJI KG Balakrishnan- Sshhhh - Yeh Secular hai.. judiciary is safe!



PM Modi attends Ganesh Puja at current CJI House - oh God Judiciary compromised pic.twitter.com/vhkUdRRVHI  Shehzad Jai Hind (Modi Ka Parivar) (@Shehzad_Ind) September 12, 2024

Shehzad Poonawalla shared pictures from India Today archives, which show Manmohan Singh and then Congress President Sonia Gandhi welcoming several dignitaries.

Also read: Modi's attendance at CJI Chandrachud's Ganesh Puja draws flak from Opposition and advocates, BJP defends PM

Former Chief Justice of India KG Balakrishnan, ex-Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao, and Ambassadors of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan were also present at the event.

Earlier, the BJP had criticised the opposition leaders questioning PM Modi's visit to Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud's home, saying it was restricted to Ganpati Puja celebrations and was a "part of our culture".

The CJI and his wife were seen welcoming Modi to their residence in a video.

The event of the PM's presence at the CJI's residence came amid a massive protest against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over the RG Kar rape and murder for justice with the anger now directed against the Supreme Court.

The CJI is hearing the case. However, the developments in the same have outraged the protesters in Kolkata comprising the civil society and the doctors. The protesting junior doctors in Kolkata also defied the CJI's deadline to join duty or face the state government action.

"Joined Ganesh Puja at the residence of CJI, Justice DY Chandrachud Ji. May Bhagwan Shri Ganesh bless us all with happiness, prosperity and wonderful health," PM Modi shared in a post.

Joined Ganesh Puja at the residence of CJI, Justice DY Chandrachud Ji.



May Bhagwan Shri Ganesh bless us all with happiness, prosperity and wonderful health. pic.twitter.com/dfWlR7elky  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 11, 2024

The Prime Minister was seen wearing a traditional Maharashtrian cap. He even performed aarti of the Lord Ganesha with DY Chandrachud and his wife.

Taking a dig, Shiv Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi wrote on X, "Okay. After the festivities are over hopefully CJI will deem fit and be slightly freer to conclude the hearing on Maharashtra and the blatant disregard of Article 10 of the Constitution in Maharashtra. Oh wait, elections round the corner anyway, it can be adjourned for another day."

Okay.

After the festivities are over hopefully CJI will deem fit and be slightly freer to conclude the hearing on Maharashtra and the blatant disregard of Article 10 of the Constitution in Maharashtra.

Oh wait, elections round the corner anyway, it can be adjourned for another https://t.co/tw0C1Smr5s  Priyanka Chaturvedi (@priyankac19) September 11, 2024

Separation of powers between executive and judiciary compromised?

Senior advocate and former Additional Solicitor General, Indira Jaising, slammed CJI Chandrachud for "compromising" the separation of powers between the executive and judiciary.

Advocate Jaising wrote on X, "Chief Justice of India has compromised the separation of powers between the Executive and Judiciary. Lost all confidence in the independence of the CJI . The SCBA must condemn this publicly displayed compromise of Independence of the CJI from the Executive."

Chief Justice of India has compromised the separation of powers between the Executive and Judiciary. Lost all confidence in the independence of the CJI . The SCBA must condemn this publicly displayed compromise of Independence of the CJI from the Executive @KapilSibal https://t.co/UXoIxVxaJt  Indira Jaising (@IJaising) September 11, 2024

Senior advocate Prashant Bhushan said on X, "Shocking that CJI Chandrachud allowed Modi to visit him at his residence for a private meeting. Sends a very bad signal to the judiciary which is tasked with the responsibility of protecting fundamental right of citizens from the executive & ensuring that the govt acts within bounds of Constitution. That is why there has to be an arms length separation between the executive & judiciary."

Shocking that CJI Chandrachud allowed Modi to visit him at his residence for a private meeting. Sends a very bad signal to the judiciary which is tasked with the responsibility of protecting fundamental right of citizens from the executive & ensuring that the govt acts within https://t.co/mstxulCI2P  Prashant Bhushan (@pbhushan1) September 12, 2024




Photo courtesy: Avishek Mitra/IBNS

Kolkata/IBNS: Agitating junior doctors have vowed to continue their 'ceasework' after a much-anticipated meeting with Mamata Banerjee failed to take place on Thursday following the medics' insistence on live-streaming of the proceedings which the CM refused citing the sub-judice nature of the case.

Speaking to the media, one of the junior doctors said: "We are utterly disappointed with what the Chief Minister said. We wanted the talks to happen and will continue to hope for talks as we believe solutions can come only through dialogues."

"The CM said we are like her brothers and sisters but she also said there is politics behind our agitation. We simply demand justice for our sister who was brutally raped and murdered as well as want to clean the healthcare system that is marred by corruption. We also want our safety at work. Until these demands are met, we will continue our ceasework."

The Chief Minister earlier in the evening waited for two hours for the meeting which was scheduled to take place at 5 PM in Nabanna and then addressed the media as well as the people at large from Nabanna.

Honble CM @MamataOfficial waits for junior doctors for 1.5 hours, but the deadlock continues. How much longer will Bengals healthcare system be held hostage?#RGKarProtest pic.twitter.com/iJUu5DRJgj  Nilanjan Das (@NilanjanDasAITC) September 12, 2024

Mamata said she is ready to resign if needed as she does not hanker for power, but will not be able to accept the junior doctors' insistence on a sub-judice case or their refusal to treat patients who are dying. "I will forgive them still," she said, urging the doctors to join work while alleging that politics is at play in their adamance too.

She then went on to say: "They do not want justice, they want the chair."

Also read: Junior doctors vows to continue ceasework after talks with Mamata Banerjee fails

The doctors are on a cease work demanding justice over the gruesome rape and murder of a junior doctor in the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital last month, an incident that triggered an unprecedented protest in West Bengal.

The delegation of 32 to 34 doctors camped outside the state secretariat Nabanna refused to enter and meet with the Bengal Chief Minister till live streaming is allowed.

What Mamata Banerjee said after the junior doctors refused to go to the meeting room or enter Nabanna for not allowing live streaming:
Photo courtesy: x.com/DrSJaishankar

Geneva: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated on Thursday that there has been "some progress" in resolving the boundary issue with China, underscoring that about 75 percent of the "disengagement" challenges have been addressed, media reports said.

Speaking at an interactive session at the Global Centre for Security Policy, an independent think tank in Geneva, Switzerland, where he is attending bilateral meetings, Jaishankar added that a more significant concern remains the growing militarization along the frontier, NDTV reported.

Jaishankar said the Galwan Valley clashes of June 2020 affected the "entirety" of India-China ties, asserting that "One cannot have violence at the border and then say the rest of the relationship is insulated from it".

"Negotiations are going on. We made some progress. I would say roughly you can say about 75 percent of the disengagement problems are sorted out," he said, adding "We still have some things to do."

Relations between India and China have reached a historic low, with both countries' militaries maintaining their positions since the Ladakh standoff began in May 2020.

The disengagement process commenced in February 2021 and has continued since then.

According to Jaishankar, around 75% of the disengagement issues with China have been resolved.

During his visit to Switzerland, he is set to meet with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Diplomatic and military talks between the two nations are ongoing.

"We hope that if there is a solution to the disengagement and there is a return to peace and tranquility, then we can look at other possibilities," Mr Jaishankar said.

Partial disengagement occurred from Galwan, Hot Springs, and Gogra in July 2020, while complete disengagement was achieved from the north and south banks of Pangong Lake in February 2021.

Despite this progress, Chinese forces remain entrenched in the Depsang Plains in northeastern Ladakh, showing no signs of withdrawal.

The Line of Actual Control (LAC), which spans approximately 3,500 km and includes China-occupied Tibet, remains a significant point of contention. India has stated that normalization of relations with China is contingent upon establishing peace in the border regions.

"The basis obviously for a good relationship, I would say even for a normal relationship, was that there would be peace and tranquility in the border. After things started to take a better turn in 1988, we had a series of agreements which stabilised the border," Jaishankar said.

Regarding Chinas unilateral alterations to the status quo along the LAC, Mr. Jaishankar said, "What happened in 2020 was in violation of multiple agreements for some reasons which are still entirely not clear to us; we can speculate on it."

"The Chinese actually moved a very large number of troops to the Line of Actual Control at the border and naturally in response, we moved our troops up. It was very difficult for us because we were in the middle of a Covid lockdown at that time," he said.

Describing the development as very dangerous and referring to the Glawan clashes, Jaishankar said, "Now we could see straight away that this was a very dangerous development because the presence of a large number of troops in these extreme heights and extreme cold in near proximity could lead to a mishap. And that's exactly what happened."

"We have now been negotiating close to four years and the first step of that is what we called disengagement which is their troops go back to their normal operating bases and our troops go back to their normal operating bases and where required we have an arrangement about patrolling because both of us patrol regularly in that border as I said it is not a legally delineated border," Jaishankar said.
Photo courtesy: Videograb from X/@BengalGovernor

Kolkata/IBNS: West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose Thursday called Mamata Banerjee "Lady Macbeth" in a video message, that was released by his office, stating that there is violence everywhere in the state and that he would "socially boycott" the chief minister.

His video message came hours after a much-anticipated meeting of the agitating junior doctors with Mamata Banerjee failed to take place in Nabanna following the medics' insistence on live-streaming of the proceedings which the CM refused citing the sub-judice nature of the case.

"In my assessment, the Government has failed in its duty towards society and the victim's parents. The Home Minister has failed in her responsibility to maintain the law and order. The Health Minister has failed in her duty to contain the liquidation of the medical system."

For information of the staff of Raj Bhavan: pic.twitter.com/Yp4JJJ4uCO  Raj Bhavan Media Cell (@BengalGovernor) September 12, 2024

"It is an irony that the health minister happens to be the home minister. The home minister happens to be the chief minister. The chief minister is protesting instead of protecting, who is Lady Macbeth of Bengal," Bose said.

He said there is violence everywhere in West Bengal be it in the cities, towns, villages, or hospitals.

Slamming the Bengal CM, Bose said: "I will socially boycott the Chief minister. Socially means I will never share any stage with the Chief Minister. I will not attend any meeting where the Chief Minister is present."

"I will take proactive steps against her for violating Constitutional provisions. My role as the Governor will be confined to the Constitutional obligations," the Governor said.

"I stand committed to the Constitution, the people of Bengal, the parents of the victim of RG Kar, and the people who are fighting for justice," he said.

The Governor also expressed anguish over the state government ignoring his advice to take action against Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal.

The protesting doctors have blamed the Kolkata Police Chief for lapses in handling the probe into the rape-murder of a fellow medic at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College.

Also read: Junior doctors vow to continue ceasework after talks with Mamata Banerjee fail to take place

The investigation was handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation following directions from the Calcutta High Court.

The Chief Minister earlier in the evening waited for two hours for the meeting which was scheduled to take place at 5 PM and then addressed the media as well as the people at large from Nabanna.

Honble CM @MamataOfficial waits for junior doctors for 1.5 hours, but the deadlock continues. How much longer will Bengals healthcare system be held hostage?#RGKarProtest pic.twitter.com/iJUu5DRJgj  Nilanjan Das (@NilanjanDasAITC) September 12, 2024

Mamata said she is ready to resign if needed as she does not hanker for power, but will not be able to accept the junior doctors' insistence on a sub-judice case or their refusal to treat patients who are dying. "I will forgive them still," she said, urging the doctors to join work while alleging that politics is at play in their adamance too.

She then went on to say: "They do not want justice, they want the chair."

The doctors are on a cease work demanding justice over the gruesome rape and murder of a junior doctor in the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital last month, an incident that triggered an unprecedented protest in West Bengal.

The delegation of 32 to 34 doctors camped outside the state secretariat Nabanna refused to enter and meet with the Bengal Chief Minister till live streaming was allowed.
Photo courtesy: X/@RusEmbIndia

Moscow/IBNS: National Security Adviser Ajit Doval Thursday met Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the BRICS National Security Advisers' meeting.

In images shared by the Indian Embassy in Russia, the two were seen exchanging a handshake and engaging in discussion.

 On September 12, #Russia's President Vladimir Putin had a meeting with Ajit Doval, National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister of #India, at the Konstantinovsky Palace in #StPetersburg.



 https://t.co/vFQ64S4vMq#RussiaIndia #DruzhbaDosti pic.twitter.com/KxcD9aciDG  Russia in India  (@RusEmbIndia) September 12, 2024

Doval's visit to Moscow is aimed at arriving at a resolution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, media reports said.

This comes two-and-a-half weeks after Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited both Russia and Ukraine and met its leaders Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky.

Shortly after his trip to Ukraine and his meeting with President Zelensky, the Prime Minister spoke to President Putin over the phone on Aug 27.

During Wednesday's meeting, Putin reportedly expressed his hope that PM Modi will travel to Russia's Kazan next month to attend the annual BRICS summit.

Putin also proposed to hold a bilateral meeting with PM Modi on Oct 22 on the sidelines of the BRICS summit to discuss the outcomes of joint work on the implementation of the agreements reached during his visit to Moscow and to outline prospects for the near future, the Russian Embassy said in a statement released on Telegram.

"We are waiting for our good friend (Narendra) Modi and best regards to him," the Russian media quoted Putin as saying in the meeting.

On Wednesday, Doval held wide-ranging talks with his Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu in St Petersburg and discussed important issues of "mutual interests".

It is understood that PM Modi's talks with the Ukrainian President on Aug 23 cropped up in the talks between the two NSAs.
Schools-turned-shelters run by UNRWA have suffered serious damage in strikes (file). Photo Courtesy: UNRWA

Six staff members with the UN agency that assists Palestine refugees, UNRWA, were killed in Gaza on Wednesday when two Israeli airstrikes hit a school-turned-shelter and its surroundings.

This is the highest death toll among our staff in a single incident, UNRWA said in a post on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter.

At least 34 people were killed in the strikes, according to media reports.

UNRWA said the shelter manager and other team members were among the victims.

Killings totally unacceptable: Guterres

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres deplored the bloodshed.

What's happening in Gaza is totally unacceptable, he wrote on X.

These dramatic violations of international humanitarian law need to stop now.

Not a target

The UNRWA school in Nuseirat, located in the Middle Area of the Gaza Strip, was sheltering around 12,000 displaced people, mainly women and children.

This marked the fifth time that it had been hit since the conflict began 11 months ago.

Earlier on Wednesday the UN said the site had been previously deconflicted with the Israeli forces.

UNRWA called on all parties to the conflict to never use schools or the areas around them for military or fighting purposes.

No one is safe in Gaza. No one is spared. Schools and other civilian infrastructure must be protected at all times, they are not a target, the tweet said.

Endless and senseless killing

UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini lamented the endless and senseless killing, day after day in Gaza.

Writing on X, he said at least 220 agency staff have lost their lives since the war began.

Humanitarian staff, premises and operations have been blatantly and unabatedly disregarded since the beginning of the war, he said, warning that the longer impunity prevails, the more international humanitarian law and the Geneva conventions will become irrelevant.

Polio campaign rolls on

Separately, the UN reported that health workers continue efforts to vaccinate young children in northern Gaza against polio, part of a wider campaign to defeat the disease, which can cause paralysis.

More than 81,600 boys and girls were vaccinated as of Tuesday, according to preliminary data from the World Health Organization (WHO).

Polio was detected in Gaza in June and UN agencies and partners launched a two-round campaign this month to provide over 640,000 children with two doses of novel oral polio vaccine type 2.

So far, nearly 528,000 children have been reached in the first round.

More than 230 teams are on the ground trying to reach all children under the age of 10 with the first batch of the polio vaccination, UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said in New York, adding that they will need to do this again in four weeks.

Health system in tatters

The campaign is taking place as Gazas healthcare system remains in dire condition.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and partners said half of all essential medicines are not available in the enclave, while primary health centres are facing critically low levels of insulin.

Additionally, routine vaccinations to protect infants from tuberculosis, diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis, are also nearly exhausted.

West Bank military operation

The UN and partners also continue to support Palestinian civilians in the West Bank who have been affected by the 10-day Israeli security operation in Jenin and Tulkarm, as well as adjacent refugee camps.

This includes delivery of food and water, with OCHA coordinating efforts to provide additional assistance.

Over the weekend, the Office together with UNRWA and other humanitarian partners began assessing the needs of Palestinians affected by the operation.

Damage and displacement

More than 620 people, over a third of them children, remain displaced, and some 2,400 housing units have been damaged, with more than 100 rendered uninhabitable.

During the operation, more than 2.6 kilometres of water and sewage networks in the Tulkarm and Nur Shams refugee camps were bulldozed, severely hindering the delivery of essential services.

As a result, more than 33,000 residents have been coping with water cuts and sewage flooding over the past two weeks.
Photo Courtesy: Pixabay

A former Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) officer has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for conspiring to gather and deliver national defence information to the Peoples Republic of China (PRC).

The former officer was identified as Alexander Yuk Ching Ma, 71, of Honolulu.

"Ma was arrested in August 2020, after admitting to an undercover FBI employee that he had facilitated the provision of classified information to intelligence officers employed by the PRCs Shanghai State Security Bureau (SSSB)," US Department of Justice said in a statement.

According to court documents, Ma worked for the CIA from 1982 until 1989.

"His blood relative (identified as co-conspirator #1 or CC #1 in court documents), who is deceased, also worked for the CIA from 1967 until 1983. As CIA officers, both men held Top Secret security clearances that granted them access to sensitive and classified CIA information, and both signed nondisclosure agreements," the statement said.

As Ma admitted in the plea agreement, in March 2001, over a decade after he resigned from the CIA, Ma was contacted by SSSB intelligence officers, who asked Ma to arrange a meeting between CC #1 and the SSSB.

"Ma convinced CC #1 to agree, and both Ma and CC #1 met with SSSB intelligence officers in a Hong Kong hotel room for three days. During the meetings, CC #1 provided the SSSB with a large volume of classified U.S. national defense information in return for $50,000 in cash. Ma and CC #1 also agreed to continue to assist the SSSB," the statement said.

In March 2003, while living in Hawaii, Ma applied for a job as a contract linguist in the FBIs Honolulu Field Office. The FBI, aware of Mas ties to PRC intelligence, hired Ma as part of a ruse to monitor and investigate his activities and contacts with the SSSB. Ma worked part time at an offsite location for the FBI from August 2004 until October 2012.

As detailed in the plea agreement, in February 2006, Ma was tasked by the SSSB with asking CC #1 to identify four individuals of interest to the SSSB from photographs. Ma convinced CC #1 to provide the identities of at least two of the individuals, whose identities were and remain classified U.S. national defense information.

Ma confessed that he knowingly and willfully conspired with CC #1 and SSSB intelligence officers to communicate and transmit information that he knew would be used to injure the United States or to advantage the PRC.

In court documents and at the sentencing hearing, the government noted that Ma was convicted of a years-long conspiracy to commit espionage, a serious breach of national security that caused the government to expend substantial investigative resources.

"The government also noted that Mas role in the conspiracy was to facilitate the exchange of information between CC #1 and the SSSB, which consisted of classified CIA information that CC #1 had obtained between 1967 and 1983," the statement said.

Under the terms of the plea agreement, Ma must cooperate with the United States for the rest of his life, including by submitting to debriefings by U.S. government agencies.

At the sentencing hearing, government counsel told the court that Ma has been cooperative and has taken part in multiple interview sessions with government agents.
One of the highly anticipated K-dramas in recent times is Knock Off. Featuring actors like Kim Soo Hyun and Jo Bo Ah in lead roles, the series is all set in the 1990s, depicting the Asian financial crisis, also known as South Korea's IMF crisis. The plot of the show is all about a man who changes from an ordinary office worker to becoming the king of the global counterfeit market. Though the release date of the show has not been announced yet, here's an update for all those eagerly waiting for the series. OTT platform Disney+ has revealed the first look of the show. In the first look, actor Kim Soo Hyun can be seen as his character of Kim Sung Joon. There are also looks shared of the characters from the show; have a look:

What to expect from Disney K-drama Knock Off?

The most anticipated show Knock Off is said to be releasing next year on OTT platform Disney+ Hotstar. The show that is already generating buzz on social media with its first look is expected to deliver a story that will surely explore the dark side of the economic crisis, highlighting the lengths to which people will go to survive and thrive in desperate times. Knock Off is a must-see for K-drama enthusiasts since it features seasoned performers, emerging stars, and a well-crafted plot.

Also Read: The Diplomat season 2 OTT release date Netflix: When to watch this Keri Russells show

Cast and crew

Other than Kim Soo Hyun, the star cast of Knock Off will have Jo Bo Ah, who will play a special judicial police officer in the upcoming show. Actor Yoo Jae Myung will also be there, playing the father of Kim Sung Joon.

There will also be a special role played by actor Lee Jung Eun.

For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.


After winning an Emmy for his comedy special in 2023, Vir Das has now become the first Indian to host Emmy Awards! In addition to sharing the exciting news about Emmy Awards 2024 on Instagram, the comedian expressed gratitude to everyone for their love and support. All of his supporters are going gaga over this since he has made history by serving as the host. In addition, Vir Das, the host of the worldwide award event, will bring his brilliant sense of humor and extraordinary communication skills to the table.

Taking to Instagram, he shared the news with the caption, Thanks to your support, an Indian Emmy Host. I cant wait to host the @iemmys this year! Crazy. Thank you for having me. Tremendously honoured and excited!.

Bollywood supports Vir Das

As soon as Vir Das shared the announcement on his social media, the post was flooded with comments. Not just his fans, but also people from Bollywood started to praise him. Hrithik Roshan commented saying, Wow. Thats amazing. Very well done.

Shefali Shah wrote, Thats super cooooollllll. Congrats.

Dia Mirza went on to add, This is absolutely amazing.

In addition, he was given a lot of support by Sharib Hashmi, Sumona Chakravarti, Zoya AKhtar, Kriti Sanon and many others.

When he got an Emmy for Netflix special titled Landing

As mentioned above, he won an Emmy in 2023 for his Netflix comedy special titled Landing. In the standup comedy, which was his fourth project for the streamer, Vir Das went into great detail about his early years in India, the perils of outrage (as he puts it), and discovering his role in the world.

For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.


Bollywood actor Parineeti Chopra who has been in England for most parts of this year is finally back to Mumbai. After a long hiatus, Parineeti Chopra surprised her fans and friends. The paparazzi were elated to see her in Filmcity. Parineeti, who was heading for a shoot, dazzled in a Barbie pink off-shoulder dress. In a gorgeous below knee length dress, Pari truly made many hearts skip a beat.

Take a look.

She paired her dress with simple nude heels and silver earrings. She came out of her vanity van for a quick photo session. Parineeti opened her hair which was done up in beautiful curls.

The actor, who was last seen in Chamkila, has been taking sometime off from Bollywood and enjoying the slow living in United Kingdom. Two weeks ago, Parineeti showed us a beautiful landscape from London.

Holding a cup of coffee and enjoying a scenic beauty, Parineeti can be seen having a good time in UK. Early this year, Pari, as she's fondly called by her fans and followers, expressed her interest in working in the UK.

In an interview with the Eastern Eye, Parineeti Chopra said she would consider working outside of the Indian Film Industry. Well, looks like Parineeti would be following the footsteps of her elder cousin sister, Priyanka Chopra. Infact, there were reports of family rift after Parineeti Chopra was not seen in Priyanka's brother Siddharth's wedding sparking speculations.

Fans wondered if she was pregnant or if there was a family dispute, however as per reports, Parineeti had prior commitments in London.

Parineeti Chopra is married to AAP leader and politician Raghav Chadha. The two tied the knot in September, 2023. Well, we are loving Parineeti in India and would like to see more of her on-screen and off-screen. What about you? Tell us in the comment section below.

For more such stories on celebs and fashion, follow us on Indiatimes Lifestyle
Indian actor Urvashi Rautela is usually mocked online for claiming to be creating history. Whether it's being first Indian actress to be called at Paris Olympics 2024 or being crowned as the youngest most beautiful woman in the Universe 2018, Urvashi makes sure to always mention her titles with pride. Infact, internet users find her Instagram bio a bit strange where she claims to have won multiple titles. Look at some of the entertaining reactions on Reddit.

But did that stop Urvashi from wearing or acknowledging these titles with pride? Nope. Last night, Urvashi walked for fashion designer Robert Naorem at the Global India Couture Week. She walked the ramp wearing a red Manipuri dress called the potloi and real gold jewellery.

Sharing many videos from last night, Urvashi wrote how she's the first Indian woman to wear a 24K real gold Potloi queen dress as a showstopper in the entire history ever. Don't believe us, take a look.

Credit: Urvashi Rautela/Instagram

Urvashi Rautela stole the show with the beautiful red attire. She even folded her hands in a namaste and truly mesmerised the audience. The border of the dress seemed to be made of real and pure gold.

Potloi dress is basically a traditional attire worn by the ladies in the North East region of India. It is usually worn at cultural occasions and at important celebrations. The outfit is teamed with extensive jewellery to make it look fuller.

Urvashi's fashion designer Robert Naorem is from Manipur himself and loves contributing towards the fabrics and textiles of the state. Global Indian Couture Week was held at Gurugram, Haryana.

Well, what do you think of her self acclaimed 'I, Me, Myself' titles? On the work front, Urvashi was last seen in a hilarious cameo role in Ananya Panday's wen show Call Me Bae. You can watch the series on Amazon Prime.




Aishwarya Rajesh, the talented actress known for her impressive work in Tamil, Malayalam, and Telugu films, is not only celebrated for her acting but also for her amazing friendships.

Aishwarya Rajesh's girl gang brings friendship goals to life

With a remarkable career that includes standout roles in films like the recently released Dear, Pulimada (2023), and World Famous Lover (2020), Aishwarya has proven her acting chops time and again. Her talent has earned her four South Indian International Movie Awards, two Filmfare Awards South, and a Tamil Nadu State Film Award.

But Aishwarya Rajesh isnt just about accolades; shes also a fantastic friend. Recently, she took to Instagram to share a heartwarming glimpse of her girl squad. The actress posted a story featuring herself with her actor friends Ritu Verma, known for her role in the Tamil action comedy Mark Antony, and Meenakshi Chaudhary from the film GOAT.





The trio was all smiles, capturing a fun night out together. Aishwarya captioned the post with About last night, showing off their genuine camaraderie and the joy they share.

Since making her debut with the 2011 Tamil film Avargalum Ivargalum, Aishwarya has appeared in over 30 films, extending her talent to Malayalam and Hindi cinema as well. Her latest Instagram post is a delightful reminder that while her professional achievements are notable, her strong friendships are equally inspiring.
Ahmedabad-based entrepreneur Pritesh Lakhani recently took to X to vent his frustrations about the difficulties of hiring freshers who expect a Rs 30k monthly salary and weekends off. While highlighting that many graduates come armed with degrees, Lakhani emphasised that the real problem lies in the lack of essential skillsa concern that often goes unspoken. However, his post didn't sit well with many, sparking a heated debate online.

Lakhani, who is building an ONDC-like infrastructure for B2B transactions in the MRO (Maintenance, Repairs & Operations) sector in India, recently took to X to express his frustration about hiring fresh graduates.

He was responding to a post showing youth unemployment levels by education in India, highlighting that the highest unemployment rates were among the most educated ones - graduates.

Lakhani commented that the government's figures don't capture the full extent of the problem, saying, "Reality will be much more worse than this."

Its a government figure. Reality will be much more worse than this.



Its been more than a month. We couldn't hire 4 freshers. Their expectations are to get a 30K salary. Won't do field work. Principal/Dean of a reputed college in Ahmedabad said no students of our college will https://t.co/FiqQby92D2  Pritesh Lakhani (@priteshlakhani) September 8, 2024

However, it were his next remarks that really struck a nerve with people.

He shared that, despite over a month of searching, his company has struggled to hire four freshers because their expectations include a Rs 30k salary, no fieldwork, and cushy corporate setups with laptops and weekends off.

He even mentioned that a principal from a well-known Ahmedabad college refused to let students apply for sales jobs requiring fieldwork.

Lakhani lamented, "No one is talking about skills. Looks like people are going to run their houses on degrees."

While his concerns about the gap between education and skills may be valid, his comments have sparked controversy, with many arguing that entrepreneurs like him, who offer non-competitive salaries, are partly to blame for making corporate careers challenging for job seekers.

How did people respond?

On Reddit, a thread discusses his post and asks whether it's unreasonable for graduates to expect a Rs 30k/month salary and weekends off.

Posts from the indianworkplace

community on Reddit

Some commenters hit back, suggesting that if Lakhani wants "servants," colleges are not the right places to look.

Others accuse employers of trying to "squeeze the employees dry while milking money."

However, a different perspective argues that sales roles are unique. "Most sales jobs work on incentive plans," one commenter explains. "You have a salary but you can make more than your salary just in commissions and incentives when you get good at sales. It should go without saying that most sales happen on weekends."

Another commenter criticises the mindset of many Indian startups: "This is why most Indian start-ups fail. Founders are selfish as hell and only focus on making money in the short-term, they forget that employees are the reason why the business functions and treat them like slaves."

What's your opinion on this? Do you think graduates are asking for too much, or is the issue more complex?

For more information on exams, results and careers, please visit Indiatimes Education.
Sitaram Yechury, the general secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and a former Rajya Sabha member, passed away at the age of 72 after battling a prolonged illness. Yechury, who had been receiving treatment for an acute respiratory infection, was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, and had been under intensive care. For several days, he was on respiratory support, receiving care from a team of specialists.



Yechurys death marks the end of an era in Indian politics, as he played a significant role in shaping the course of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the nation's political landscape.

Sitaram Yechury ji was a friend.



A protector of the Idea of India with a deep understanding of our country.



I will miss the long discussions we used to have. My sincere condolences to his family, friends, and followers in this hour of grief. pic.twitter.com/6GUuWdmHFj  Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) September 12, 2024

Sitaram Yechurys personal life

Sitaram Yechury was married to Seema Chisti. Before Seema, Yechury was married to Indrani Mazumdar, the daughter of Vina Mazumdar. From this marriage, he has a son and a daughter. His daughter, Akhila Yechury, holds a degree in history and teaches at the University of Edinburgh and the University of St. Andrews. Sadly, his son, Ashish Yechury, passed away from COVID-19 on April 22, 2021, at the age of 34. Yechury's maternal uncle is Mohan Kanda, a former Chief Secretary of Andhra Pradesh.

Early Political Journey of Sitaram Yechury

Sitaram Yechury began his political journey in the 1970s, joining the Students' Federation of India (SFI) in 1974. He quickly rose through the ranks and became a full-fledged member of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) in 1975. His early political career was marked by activism during the Emergency, during which he was arrested for his outspoken opposition to the government.

Yechury's political acumen was shaped under the mentorship of senior CPI(M) leader Harkishan Singh Surjeet. Surjeet played a pivotal role in the coalition politics of the National Front government led by V. P. Singh, and later, the United Front government of 1996-1997, both of which were supported by the CPI(M) from the outside.

Leadership and Role in National Politics

Yechury took over as the general secretary of the CPI(M) in 2015, succeeding Prakash Karat. During his tenure, he played an instrumental role in key political decisions, particularly when the Left parties were in alliance with the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government. His expertise came to the forefront during discussions on the Indo-US nuclear deal, where he represented the party in high-level talks with the government.

Under his leadership, the CPI(M) maintained its stance on critical national issues and continued to influence policy decisions. His ability to negotiate and apply pressure on the Congress-led government made him a vital player in national politics, especially during the first UPA government.

Contributions to the CPI(M) and the Left Movement

Throughout his political career, Sitaram Yechury remained dedicated to the principles of Marxism and socialism. His deep understanding of the political landscape, both nationally and globally, helped him shape the partys approach in the modern world. Yechury's leadership ensured the CPI(M)'s relevance in Indian politics, despite the challenges posed by changing political dynamics.

One of Yechurys key moments was his involvement in the party's decision to withdraw support from the UPA-I government over the Indo-US nuclear deal, a decision driven by his predecessor Prakash Karats firm stance. Despite this, Yechury's diplomatic skills often came into play, making him one of the partys most prominent figures in dealing with national politics.

Sitaram Yechury's Background

Born on August 12, 1952, in Madras (now Chennai), Sitaram Yechury grew up in a Telugu-speaking family. His father, Sarveswara Somayajula Yechury, was an engineer, and his mother, Kalpakam Yechury, worked as a government officer. Yechury spent his formative years in Hyderabad, later moving to Delhi, where his academic brilliance shone. He completed his higher secondary education at President's Estate School, securing the first rank in the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) examinations.

Yechury pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from St. Stephen's College, Delhi, and went on to complete his master's degree from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). Although he began a Ph.D. in Economics, his studies were cut short by his arrest during the Emergency.

Sitaram Yechurys Literary Contributions

Apart from his political career, Yechury was also a prolific writer. He authored several books on Indian politics and Marxist ideology. Some of his notable works include:

What is This Hindu Rashtra?: On Golwalkar's Fascistic Ideology and the Saffron Brigade's Practice (1993)

Pseudo Hinduism Exposed: Saffron Brigade's Myths and Reality (1993)

Caste and Class in Indian Politics Today (1997)

Socialism in a Changing World (2008)

Left Hand Drive: Concrete Analysis of Concrete Conditions (2012)

Modi Government: New Surge of Communalism (2014)

Legacy of Sitaram Yechury

Sitaram Yechury's passing is a great loss to Indian politics, particularly to the CPI(M), where he spent decades contributing to the growth of the Left movement. As the CPI(M) general secretary, Yechurys leadership was characterized by a commitment to the working class and the marginalized, a vision he carried throughout his political life.

Yechurys legacy will live on in the hearts of party members and his contributions to Indian politics will be remembered as a significant chapter in the history of the Communist Party of India (Marxist).

Here are people sending condolences on X (former Twitter):

A thorough gentleman and a man of unwavering conviction. Travel well #SitaramYechury.

Indian politics shall miss you and the values you lived for. pic.twitter.com/n8la7e33yX  Pawan Khera  (@Pawankhera) September 12, 2024

A humble tribute to Shri Sitaram Yechury Ji, a blend of gentleness, civility, and firmness, who upheld the ideals of political integrity.

#SitaramYechury



,     ,                pic.twitter.com/y0HKitXs27  Wg Cdr Anuma Acharya (Retd) (@AnumaVidisha) September 12, 2024

Absolutely stunned & heartbroken at the untimely demise of #sitaramyechury sir. He was a towering figure of progressive politics & a mentor to so many young people. My deepest condolences to his family, we join you in this time of grief. Lal salaam comrade, rest in power!  pic.twitter.com/aPYoMYDlaE  Swara Bhasker (@ReallySwara) September 12, 2024

For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.


A full-blown political war of words has erupted over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the residence of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, where he took part in the Ganpati Puja celebrations on Wednesday.

Modi visits CJI's residence

In a video circulating on social media, Justice Chandrachud, who is set to retire in November 2024, and his wife Kalpana Das, can be seen welcoming the PM at their residence.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits the residence of CJI DY Chandrachud and Ms Kalpana Das to participate in Ganesh Chaturthi Pooja@narendramodi #SupremeCourtOfIndia #CJIDYChandrachud pic.twitter.com/6F4exwOFOF  Bar and Bench (@barandbench) September 11, 2024

The CJI, who hails from Maharashtra, where Ganesh Puja is a major festival, was seen offering prayers along with his wife and the Prime Minister, marking the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Puja.

"Joined Ganesh Puja at the residence of CJI, Justice DY Chandrachud Ji. May Bhagwan Shri Ganesh bless us all with happiness, prosperity, and wonderful health," the PM also said in a post on X.

Joined Ganesh Puja at the residence of CJI, Justice DY Chandrachud Ji.



May Bhagwan Shri Ganesh bless us all with happiness, prosperity and wonderful health. pic.twitter.com/dfWlR7elky  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 11, 2024

The move has, however, been criticised by the opposition, who also raised questions about the CJI's impartiality.

Head of executive, PM Modi, met head of judiciary, CJI Chandrachud, to celebrate Ganpati festival right before Maharashtra Elections.



In a functioning democracy, Executive and Judiciary are supposed to maintain distance.



But we dont have a functioning democracy so its Okay. pic.twitter.com/eTCFPBC9Wa  Nehr_who? (@Nher_who) September 11, 2024

Shocking that CJI Chandrachud allowed Modi to visit him at his residence for a private meeting. Sends a very bad signal to the judiciary which is tasked with the responsibility of protecting fundamental right of citizens from the executive & ensuring that the govt acts within https://t.co/mstxulCI2P  Prashant Bhushan (@pbhushan1) September 12, 2024

'Why CJI's residence, and nowhere else?'

"How many people's houses has the Prime Minister visited so far? I don't have the information. The Ganesh festival is celebrated in many places in Delhi, but the Prime Minister went to the Chief Justice's house, and the Prime Minister and the Chief Justice together performed the Aarti," Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said.

Raut further said that the Chief Justice should recuse himself from hearing the case related to which faction is the 'real Shiv Sena', as his 'relations' with the head of the central government are 'openly visible'.

'Question on CJI's independence'

Senior lawyer Indira Jaising said the Chief Justice of India has compromised the separation of powers between the executive and the judiciary.

"Lost all confidence in the independence of the CJI. The SCBA (Supreme Court Bar Association) must condemn this publicly displayed compromise of independence of the CJI from the executive," she said in a social media post.

For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.
A Kerala-based investor has sparked debate on social media for assisting his domestic helper in opening a Zerodha account to invest in equities. Sudheep, an investor, assisted his domestic helper in opening a Zerodha demat account. She subsequently invested little more than 1 lakh in several companies.

While some people applauded him for uplifting the underprivileged by introducing them to new economic opportunities, others believed that investing in stocks was a hazardous move.

Who invested money for her maid?

I helped my maid open a demat account through zerodha..

She invested 1 lac last month..

Now current value at 1.28 lacs



Almost 30 percent a month.



Empowering the non empowered by giving them knowledge to invest.



Yesterday's screenshot..would have gone up again today pic.twitter.com/dkyjJzmM8V  Opportunistinvestor (@Sudheep8531) September 11, 2024

Sudheep, whose X bio claims that he is not a SEBI-registered investment advisor, posted a screenshot of his domestic worker's investment portfolio to the social networking platform X. She invested 1,05,970 in several small and mid-cap stocks. The current value of her possessions is 1,28,462.

I helped my maid open a demat account through Zerodha. She invested 1 lac last month. Now current value at 1.28 lacs, Sudheep wrote on X (formerly Twitter). He said that the portfolio saw an increase of almost 30% in a month and added: Empowering the non-empowered by giving them the knowledge to invest.



How did people on the internet react?

His post has become popular on X, with over half a million views already. However, the post sparked strong reactions. Many others criticized the investor for recommending small and mid-cap equities, which are normally regarded as riskier than large-cap stocks.

If you geniunely want to enpower them then you should've started with mutual funds, not SMALL CAPS... They probably have this as their only savings... Stock investing is not this easy, and if done without adequate knowledge can wipe out your life savings.  Harsh Jain (@Saangharsh) September 11, 2024

Please sign a security bond stating any losses incurred will be compensated with principal amount returned by you. I don't think you can call this as a 'help' since direct equity investment that too on micro caps is termed as very high risk investment.  ThirdEye (@3rdEyeDude) September 11, 2024

I too once told my maid that she should start investing with small amount in Sukanya for her daughters.. She start giving n number of excuses.. I dropped the idea to guide her... Knowledge is not for everyone... But happy to see your maid understand...  Swasti MJ (@SwastiMJ) September 11, 2024

How is this giving "them" the knowledge to invest? Your investing her money in her trading a/c is not empowering.

Does she know what stocks mean, how the markets work, what these companies do, their profiles, management, fundamentals, the risks, even the meaning of "investing"?  Nneha Chamaria (@NehamsChamaria) September 11, 2024

That's why rbi is worried that tradition bank FD customers are on decline as more people sending money to stock market rather than FD  Changyan (@Changya29646500) September 11, 2024

Also read: Watch: Zerodha CEO Nithin Kamath joins colleagues in exciting push-ups challenge

What do you think about this? Tell us in the comments.

To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending.
The legendary Tribute in Light returned on Wednesday night to commemorate the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The art project was visible within a 60-mile radius of Lower Manhattan from dusk on Wednesday, September 11 until daybreak the following day.

How did New York City remember 9/11?

Credit: Udit Guleria | Tribute in Light shines in New York City

The twin light beams, designed to mimic the original Twin Towers, have become a common emblem of New Yorkers' fortitude in the aftermath of the attacks.



"With more than 100 million Americans born since 9/11 or too young to remember that tragic day, it's imperative that we inspire a new generation by sharing the unity and resilience of our collective response. Tribute in Light's twin beams reach high into the night sky to remind everyone of who and what we lost -and found --23 years ago," said Beth Hillman, 9/11 Memorial & Museum President and CEO.



The Tribute in Light was first unveiled six months after 9/11, in March 2002, as rescue, recovery, and relief efforts at Ground Zero proceeded.

What did people on the internet share?

People on the internet shared visuals of the beaming tribute from New York City. Many people shared beautiful images and videos of the event. Have a look at some here.

Quite a different perspective when you are up close to the Tribute in Light as it is illuminated on the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks over lower Manhattan in New York City, Wednesday evening #newyork #nyc #newyorkcity #tributeinlight #neverforget pic.twitter.com/ePBMsUPbEH  Gary Hershorn (@GaryHershorn) September 12, 2024

Tribute in Light

As the 23rd anniversary of the 911 terror attacks on America approaches, NYC tests the lights in Lower Manhattan. #NeverForget pic.twitter.com/3oxfYlueyp  Dan Martland (@DanTVusa) September 6, 2024

9/11 Memorial mit dem Tribute in Lights pic.twitter.com/R2JI2xcvry  NewYorkCity.de (@NewYorkCityDE) September 12, 2024





What happened on September 11, 2001?

As per reports, United Airlines Flight 175 took off from Boston for Los Angeles. The aircraft has 51 passengers, nine crew members, and five hijackers. Four minutes later, flight attendant Betty Ann Ong informs ground officials of the hijacking.

At 8:20 a.m., American Airlines Flight 77 departs from Dulles outside Washington, DC for Los Angeles, with five hijackers on board. At 8:42 a.m., United Flight 93 took off from Newark, New Jersey, bound for San Francisco, with four hijackers aboard.

Four minutes later, Flight 11 crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center, killing all occupants. Seventeen minutes later, at 9:03 a.m., Flight 175 crashed into the South Tower of the World Trade Center.

What do you think about this? Tell us in the comments.



To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending.
This mid-September brings a stretch of bank holidays, spanning from September 13 to 18, due to regional festivals and the weekend. Many banks across India will remain closed for up to six consecutive days. However, these holidays vary by state, so it's important to confirm your local bank holidays to avoid inconvenience. You can check with your local bank branch or stay updated via app notifications.



List of Bank Holidays from September 13 to 18

Heres a state-wise breakdown of bank holidays from September 13 to 18:

Date Event State September 13 (Friday) Ramdev Jayanti / Teja Dashmi Rajasthan September 14 (Saturday) Second Saturday / Onam All India / Kerala September 15 (Sunday) Sunday / Thiruvonam All India / Kerala September 16 (Monday) Eid-e-Milad All India September 17 (Tuesday) Indra Jatra Sikkim September 18 (Wednesday) Sree Narayana Guru Jayanti Kerala

In addition to these, the following weekend also has a long holiday in some regions:

Date Event State September 21 Sree Narayana Guru Samadhi Kerala September 22 Sunday Pan-India September 23 Heroes' Martyrdom Day Haryana

At the end of the month, banks will also remain closed on:

September 28: Fourth Saturday

September 29: Sunday

Plan Your Bank Visits in September 2024

In total, there will be at least 14 bank holidays in September 2024, including weekends. Banks will be closed on the second and fourth Saturdays, as well as Sundays, in addition to holidays for religious and regional events. To avoid any disruptions, it's best to plan your bank visits, particularly during this busy period.

Online Banking is Always Available

Even when banks are closed, you can still access their services through online banking platforms and mobile apps. These services remain operational even on bank holidays unless otherwise specified. ATMs are also available for cash withdrawals during holidays.

Past Bank Holidays in September 2024

Some bank holidays in September have already passed, including:

September 1: Sunday

Sunday September 7: Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi September 8: Sunday

How Are Bank Holidays Decided in India?

Bank holidays in India are determined by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in collaboration with state governments. They consider national holidays, religious festivals, and regional customs. These holidays are announced on the RBI's official website and shared with banks and other financial institutions.

The holidays fall under three categories:

Negotiable Instruments Act Holidays: Related to cheques and promissory notes.

Related to cheques and promissory notes. RTGS Holidays: Affecting real-time gross settlement.

Affecting real-time gross settlement. Account Closing Days: When banks close their accounts at the end of the financial period.

These holidays impact banking transactions, so it's important to stay informed about upcoming holidays in your state.

Stay Updated for Upcoming Bank Holidays

To ensure a smooth banking experience, always check your state's bank holidays and make use of online banking services during closures. Bank holidays from September 13 to 18 can affect various services, so plan to avoid delays.

By staying informed, you can manage your banking needs even during periods of extended holidays.

For the latest and more interesting financial news, keep reading Indiatimes Worth. Click here
At the 2024 launch of new Apple products Congolese activists protested the use of child labor in cobalt mines that were used in Apple phones and other devises. They also linked up the exploitation and profiting from genocide in Palestine by Apple.

At the 2024 launch of a new Apple phone, a march and rally was held at the Apple worldheadquarters in Cupertino, California connecting the struggle in Palestine against genocide and the slave labor of children in the cobalt mines in the Congo. Congolese activist Xavian talked about these connections between Apple and child labor in the Congo benefiting Apple and also Israel billionaire Don Gertner. The US has sent troops to the Congo as well to keep in place a corrupt government that benefits from the exploitation and slavery of children in the mines. The US also organized the assassination of Patrice Lamumba a leader of the Congolese people in order to continue to control and exploit the resources of the Congo.This action at Apple took place on September 9, 2024Additional Media:On Apple 2024 Launch Protest Against Corporate Crimes From The Congo To PalestineAfter 3 Years, Namibian Rossing Miners Fight Continues Against Chinese National Nuclear Corp.FiringUnion Busting & Class Struggle in Namibia with MUN Rossing Branch Secretary George MartinNamibian MUN Rossing Miners Leadership Win Labor Board Ruling Against Stalling By China Owned CNNCNamibia Mine Workers Union Rossing Leaders Report On CNNC & Letter To Chinese President Xi-JinpingProtest At New York Namibian UN Mission: Rehire 9 Rossing Mine Leaders!.Stop Harassing Lawyer Hewat Beukes!Rehire Namibian Mine Union Leaders & Hands Off Lawyer Hewat Beukes! Rally At SF China ConsulateThe Attack On Namibian Labor Lawyer Hewat Beukes & The Namibian Working ClassThe Union Busting War On Namibian WorkersThe Union Busting War On Namibian Workers Namiibia Karibib Best Cheer marble processing plant strike enters third dayStriking employees of Best Cheer company block entrances to premises at KaribibMarble factory workers want improved conditionsAdditional Information:Additional Info:Production of Labor Video Project
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) says its National President, Joe Ajaero, did not shun the invitation of the Department of State Services (DSS).

According to a Wednesday statement, Benson Upah, NLCs spokesperson, posited that Ajaero is a law-abiding citizen.

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He noted that it is not in his character to disregard invitations from law enforcement agencies.

On Monday, Ajaero was arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport in Abuja while he was about to board a flight to the United Kingdom (UK).

Amid the reactions trailing the arrest, the presidency said Ajaero is not above the law in Nigeria, adding that the NLC president failed to honour the summons of the law enforcement agencies.

Upah who urged members of the public to disregard the report that Ajaero failed to honour the invitation of the secret service added that days before the arrest, the NLC president interacted with the DSS director-general on a courtesy visit.

We would like to set the records straight as follows: In the days preceding his arrest, the congress president had a discussion with the DG DSS on a courtesy visit.

READ ALSO: Ajaeroll Undergo Medical Test To Ensure Health Wasnt Compromised  NLC

A director in the agency later called the general secretary of the congress on the need to fix a date for the courtesy visit.

The general secretary, however, explained to him that he would not be available until Friday (September 13). The said director assured him they would give congress leadership a notice of not less than 48 hours for the visit.

The DG DSS last spoke with Comrade Ajaero on Saturday night, during which Ajaero told him he would be travelling the next day, Sunday, adding that the courtesy visit would be paid after his return on Friday, September 13.

The congress president, however, missed his flight on Sunday and had it rescheduled to Monday, September 9th. It was on that Monday morning he was picked up by the operatives of the DSS in a watch list operation on behalf of a sister agency.

We want to reaffirm that Joe Ajaero is a law-abiding citizen heading the biggest pan-Nigerian organisation with an illustrious history of patriotism and will certainly not snub the DSS.

He is a trade unionist of international repute who serves on the executive boards of world federations of trade unions. His constituency goes beyond Nigeria.

It is not in his character to disregard invitations and precedents (his honouring the police invitation) attest to this, the statement read.
The Imo State Police Command has taken into custody five individuals suspected of carrying out kidnappings in the Obinze, Avu, and Ihiagwa communities.

This comes just as the police reported rescuing a kidnap victim after an operation in August.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Force Public Relations Officer Muyiwa Adejobi named the suspect as Umaru Usman, Tukur Yau, Musbau Sabo, Abdul Ibrahim, and Jubrin.

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He said, In recent happenings, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Imo State Command, have recorded several milestones of operational success in the fight against all forms of crime in the state, particularly kidnapping.

Some of these achievements include the arrest of five suspects linked to kidnappings in Obinze, Avu, and Ihiagwa, and the rescue of the kidnapped victim.

The suspects identified as Umaru Usman, 40, from Mauree in Sokoto; Tukur Yau, 25, from Dawakinkudur in Kano State; Musbau Sabo, 18, from Warsaw LGA in Kano State; Abdul Ibrahim, 30, from Sokoto State; and Jubrin Idris, 35, from Sokoto State, were arrested on August 21, 2024, in Avu, Imo State.

READ MORE: Delta: Man Kills Mother, Sets Body Ablaze, Makes Away With Her Car

Adejobi further stated that the police captured a suspected robber named Nwauba Alex with a locally produced firearm while attempting to rob several residents at gunpoint.

Another groundbreaking achievement was the arrest of one Nwauba Alex, a 25-year-old male from Ezza LGA, Ebonyi State on August 21, 2024.

The suspect was arrested while attempting to rob two residents at gunpoint near Aladinma Primary School, Owerri. Recovered from the suspect were one locally made pistol, two rounds of live ammunition, and torches, he stated.
Five persons have been apprehended by the Oyo State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for alleged illegal mining in the state, the command announced on Wednesday in Ibadan.

Augustine Padonu, the states NSCDC Commandant, made this announcement as the suspects were being paraded.

He stated that the Commands personnel successfully intercepted the suspects with two trucks filled with solid minerals suspected to be lithium powder, weighing around 60 tonnes.

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According to Padonu, the products were loaded from Ilenla in Kishi, Oyo State, and were scheduled for sale in Ogere, Ogun.

The commandant stated that the suspects were operating from illegal mining locations and lacked an operation licence, royalties, a purchase and processing licence, and a haulage receipt.

READ MORE: Delta: Man Kills Mother, Sets Body Ablaze, Makes Away With Her Car

On Friday, at about 2100 hours, our vigilant monitoring team intercepted two DAF trucks with registration numbers BDJ 64 XE and ARP 201 XB at the Ibadan Toll Gate of Lagos-Ibadan expressway.

The trucks were loaded with solid minerals suspected to be lithium powder weighing about 60 tonnes, he said.

The NSCDC officer stated that the suspects will be arraigned in court after the investigations were completed.

He remarked that the NSCDC in Oyo State remains committed to cleansing the state of criminal elements.

We urge the good people of Oyo State to continue providing NSCDC and other security agencies with information that will aid our efforts in maintaining law and order, Padonu said.

He guaranteed that the command would work relentlessly to protect the nations substantial mineral resources and ensure that all mining activities were carried out in accordance with the law.
No fewer than six suspects, including a notorious kidnapper and five armed robbers, have been arrested by the operatives of Kaduna state police command, in two separate operations across the state.

Disclosing the report on Thursday, the commands spokesman, ASP, Mansir Hassan, in a statement released to the public, revealed that the suspects were apprehended following intelligence-led operations by the Operation Fushi Kada operatives.

Hassan stated that in the first operation, five armed robbers were nabbed along the Karji/Sabon Tasha axis on September 10, after a fierce gun battle.

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He added that one of the suspects, identified as Christopher Bobai, aka, Baban Dodo, was neutralised during the exchange with police.

He said that the operatives recovered one English-made pistol, one locally-made pistol, a Nigerian Army camouflage uniform, three cutlasses, four pairs of jungle boots, six SIM cards, two sets of black uniforms, and two jungle caps.

The statement read: On the 10th of September 2024, the Operation Fushi Kada operatives led by the Commander, acting on technical and credible intelligence intercepted a notorious armed robbery syndicate along the Karji/Sabon Tasha axis of Kaduna State.

READ MORE: Pharmacy Council Shuts Down 666 Medicine Stores In Kaduna

During the operation, the armed robbers engaged the police in a fierce gun battle. However, due to the superior firepower of the Police, Five suspects were arrested, while one suspect, Christopher Bobai, also known as Baban Dodo, sustained serious injuries while attempting to flee. He was confirmed dead by a medical Doctor.

The suspects arrested include: one Gideon Martins (Male), aged 32, one Joy Gideon (Female), aged 29, one Joshua Gama (Male), aged 45, one Umar Usman (Male), aged 24, one Bashir Yusuf (Male), aged 21.

All the suspects confessed to the crime and are cooperating with the police to apprehend other gang members still at large.

The following exhibits were recovered from the suspects: One English-made pistol, One locally-made pistol, Nigerian Army camouflage uniform, Three cutlasses, Four pairs of jungle boots, Six SIM cards, Two sets of black uniforms, Two jungle caps.

In the same vein, On 11th September 2024, Acting on credible intelligence, about the movement of a suspected kidnapper, Police operatives swiftly mobilized and successfully apprehended one Saidu Inusa, also known as Haske, a 29-year-old resident of Burinta, Bishini Ward in Kachia Local Government Area, Kaduna State.

During interrogation, he confessed to his involvement in multiple kidnapping operations across the State. An AK-47 rifle was recovered from the suspect.


The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has thwarted an attack by terrorists on the Department of State Services (DSS) facilities in Niger State.

A counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, Zagazola Makama, said the air force deployed Tucano jets after intelligence about the planned ambush by the suspected terrorists on the DSS assets in the Shiroro Local Government Area.

Makama said the airstrikes killed many bandits, noting that the two operatives of the DSS died during the shootout.

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READ ALSO: NAF Kills Notorious Terrorist Kingpin, Five Others In Kaduna

The bodies of at least 28 bandits have been recovered, with many more scattered across the area.

In addition to the human toll, several weapons and motorcycles used by the bandits have been recovered by security forces.

Two DSS personnel paid the supreme price during a gun battle with the bandits, the publication said on Wednesday.

Theres been no statement on the incident by NAF authorities.
The operatives of the Ondo State Police Command have arrested a driver, for killing two students of the Federal Polytechnic, Ile-Oluji.

It was gathered that the fatal accident, which occurred along the Akure-Ondo Expressway on Wednesday evening, claimed the lives of the victims, identified as Chukwu Athanasius and Oladokun Oyindamola.

INFORMATION NIGERIA learnt that the two students were on a motorcycle when they were hit by a speeding Toyota Camry and died at the scene.

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The incident was confirmed in a statement released to the public by chairman of the National Association of Nigerian Students Joint Campus Council, Ondo State Chapter, Oluwarotimi Tobiloba Joshua, on Thursday.

READ MORE: Amotekun Apprehends 21 Suspected Criminals In Ondo

The statement reads: This loss is a heavy blow to the Ondo State student community.

The tragic deaths of Chukwu Athanasius and Oladokun Oyindamola remind us of the fragility of life. These were young individuals with promising futures, and their loss is deeply felt.

Also confirming the arrest of the driver to the newsmen, the Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Funmilayo Odunlami, disclosed that the suspect is now in police custody, adding that bodies of the students have been taken to a morgue.

She said: The bodies of the victims have been deposited at the morgue, and the driver of the vehicle is now in police custody.
Yoruba socio-cultural organization, Afenifere, has posited that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is turning into a dictatorial leader.

The National Publicity Secretary of the group, Justice Faloye, made this statement on Wednesday.

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Faloye described President Tinubus administration since May 29, 2023, as a colossal failure, accusing it of harassing perceived opponents.

According to the group, the economy has completely collapsed under the present administration, with outspoken critics being arrested and detained.

READ ALSO: Hardship: Tinubu Indifferent About Long-Term Effect Of Spending Public Funds Recklessly  Afenifere

We have criminalization of protest under Tinubu, where peaceful protesters are threatened, harassed, attacked, arrested, and detained unjustly. What do you call all these other than fascism?

Even the international community has accused Tinubu of criminalizing peaceful protests in a democratic dispensation and condemned the trend.

This is unacceptable. This is not democracy anymore. We are sliding into fascism.

We have urged President Tinubu to heed the advice of Professor Wole Soyinka regarding fascism, the group said.

Afenifere also revealed plans to create a political group to challenge the ruling government in the 2027 general election.
Salihu Lukman, a former National Vice Chairman (North West) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has knocked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over his Renewed Hope agenda.

According to him him, he is ready to challenge any party member, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, over the lack of progress on the Renewed Hope Agenda.

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Lukman who made these comments during an interview on Channels TVs Politics Today on Wednesday, criticized the current state of governance under Tinubu, stating that conditions have worsened with an increase in ungoverned spaces.

He explained that his critical stance is motivated by his concern for Nigerias future.

READ ALSO: You Were Part Of The Failure  APC Slams Lukman Over PDPs 16 Years Better Than Partys 9-Year Reign Comment

If we elect leaders based on promises they made, for example, the main promise of Asiwaju is Renewed Hope. Things are contained there. You read it. I am ready to challenge anybody, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to let them produce evidence of delivery based on that document of Renewed Hope. Nothing has been delivered, Lukman said.

His criticism of Tinubu, he said, was not influenced by ethnic or regional bias, as some have suggested.

I feel agitated when people begin to reduce this thing to a regional issue. I fought Abdullahi Adamu when he was the national chairman. For goodness sake, he is from the north. If I wanted to play that ethnic card, I would keep quiet. I would have been on the National Working Committee, maybe with all the privileges. There are privileges.

Lukman emphasized that his stance is not about personal survival or holding a political position but rather about a genuine commitment to the countrys progress.

I made that conscious choice. That is because I didnt come from a background where my mission in politics is about survival. As a person, I believe I can survive without holding a political position.
The outside of Main Line Health Riddle Hospital in Media, Pa., on Tuesday, March 26, 2024. Read more

Two Philadelphia-area companies landed on Fortunes list of the best large workplaces in the health-care industry for 2024, one of which did so for the first time.

The list of 45 top large health workplaces, published Thursday, took into consideration over 185,000 employee survey responses, including their insight on company culture, from companies with at least 1,000 employees. The surveys are administered by Great Place to Work, a workplace consultancy.

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Main Line Health, based in Radnor, was a new addition to the list this year, coming in at No. 45.

We are thrilled to be ranked one of the nations top workplaces in health care, said Pam Teufel, senior vice president and chief human resources officer for Main Line Health.

The nonprofit health system, founded in 1985, has five hospitals among its network and serves Philadelphia and its western suburbs.

Each of our more than 13,000 employees is an important contributor to providing the highest level of care to our patients, said Teufel. We focus every day on providing an environment where our people feel valued and motivated so that they can thrive in their careers. It means so much to be recognized for our efforts.

Siemens Healthineers, a company that develops healthcare technology and medical products, came in at No. 42, down from No. 31 in 2023. While Siemens global headquarters is in Germany, its U.S. operations are based in Malvern.

This honor could not be possible without each of our employees collectively demonstrating our commitment to a unique and inclusive culture, David Pacitti, president and head of the Americas for Siemens Healthineers, said.

Fortunes list of best small and medium sized health-care workplaces, which must have between 10 and 999 employees, includes two Philadelphia-area companies this year: Philadelphia-based veterinary network IndeVets at No. 10 and Mount Laurel-based Array Behavioral Care at No. 46.
An image from 1/6: The Graphic Novel, which asks readers to consider what would have happened if the Jan. 6 insurrection was successful. Read more

Starting this week, high schools across Pennsylvania will be receiving copies of a serialized graphic novel that asks students to consider a question: What would have happened if the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection had been successful?

The creators of 1/6: A Graphic Novel say theyre mailing copies to every public high school in Pennsylvania  about 750 schools  along with public libraries. The goal, they say, is to convey the risks facing American democracy, and what people can do about it.

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Its very evident to me, the forces that led to that insurrection  the white supremacy, disinformation  those things are all very still much with us, said Alan Jenkins, a Harvard Law professor who authored the graphic novel with Gan Golan.

A comic book fan, Jenkins wanted to write about the insurrection in a widely accessible way, rather than a law review article read by tens of people who already agree with me. Backed by the Kettering Foundation, a pro-democracy research foundation, the creators decided to focus their outreach on Pennsylvania because its one of the top states for book bans, Jenkins said  even as it is the birthplace of our democracy.

 READ MORE: Pennridge ordered to produce library records, pay legal fees for dad challenging book removals

Jenkins said high schools will receive the first two issues of 1/6  a name he hopes will convey the significance of the day, not unlike the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

The novel imagines what would have happened had Capitol Police Officer Eugene Goodman not managed to lure the mob away from the Senate chambers, Jenkins said.

The first issue depicts a society controlled by armed militias who take over a TV network  declaring it to be an enemy of freedom. At a patriots parade, a speaker blasts the thugs and criminals from Black Lives Matter while adherents repeat white nationalist slogans, with the phrases Blood and Soil and I will not be replaced in word bubbles. Dissidents work covertly, avoiding the militias enforcing curfew while transporting Electoral College ballots  the last evidence of our democracy.

In the second issue, readers are taken through events leading up to and including Jan. 6  starting with the 2017 Unite the Right rally organized by white supremacists in Charlottesville, and former President Donald Trumps comments that there were very fine people on both sides.

Also featured are Trumps remarks to the Proud Boys to stand back and stand by, his refusal to disavow the QAnon conspiracy group, and the infamous November 2020 news conference at Four Seasons Total Landscaping in Northeast Philadelphia, where Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani refused to concede that President Joe Biden had won the election.

It also describes how more than 60 challenges by Trump to election results were thrown out by courts; Trumps call to Georgias Republican secretary of state, directing him to find 11,780 votes; and the events of Jan. 6, including rioters overwhelming Capitol police and shouting: Hang Mike Pence!

The end of the issue notes how the panels in the graphic novel have different borders, depending on whether the events depicted are documented, based on legal documents, sworn testimony, or news reporting; speculative, portraying events that have been substantiated, but with the specific words or setting unknown; or fictional.

Were quite clear about which is which, Jenkins said, noting that schools will also receive an action guide produced with the Western States Center that lays out facts about the insurrection, the numbers of election deniers who won in the 2022 midterms, and increases in reported hate crimes, threats to public officials, and politicians banning books  a hallmark of authoritarianism.

Numerous area school districts did not respond to requests for comment Wednesday about whether they would add the book to their libraries, or how they would use it; one suburban district official noted that a book submitted to the district would likely have to undergo a review by a committee of librarians and administrators before being added to libraries.

 READ MORE: Pennridge ordered to produce library records, pay legal fees for dad challenging book removals

A spokesperson for the Philadelphia School District, Christina Clark, said the district does not ban books. Schools determine which books are in their libraries, unless there is a specific initiative that is led or funded by the district, Clark said in a statement.

Given that many high schoolers seek out information in popular culture and social media, where often the algorithms prevent them from getting different points of view, Jenkins said he hopes to reach them with a medium they understand.

Jenkins said the story  which will include still-unreleased third and fourth issues  is told with empathy, with characters including a MAGA voter who loses his son at the insurrection, and is asking tough questions about whether he did the right thing. Other characters include a journalist, a congressional staffer, and a first responder.

In a purple state, where battles have been waged over library books and parent accusations that schools are indoctrinating children, Jenkins expects there could be pushback. But he plans to work with educators and groups like the NAACP of Philadelphia to get the book to as many people as possible  and hopefully, he said, spur dialogue.

Its possible the book will get banned, but were ready for that, he said. We think the truth always is stronger than censorship.

Staff writer Kristen A. Graham contributed to this article.
Stills taken from a social media livestream during the Jan. 6 Capitol riot show two men in surgical masks and hoodies who investigators have identified as Philip and David Walker. Prosecutors say this image, included in court filings, captures the moments before they attacked a New York Times photographer. Read more

Two brothers from the Philadelphia suburbs have been charged with attacking a New York Times photographer, shoving her to the floor, and stealing her cameras during the Jan. 6, 2021 assault on the U.S. Capitol.

Federal agents arrested Philip Walker, 52, of Upper Chichester, and David Walker, 49, of Delran, Burlington County, at their homes Thursday  more than three years after the attack. Both face federal felony counts including robbery, assault and destruction of property, the most serious of which threaten to send them to prison for up to 15 years.

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It was not clear from court dockets whether they had retained attorneys.

But in a Jan. 14, 2021, FBI interview, Philip Walker admitted he had breached the Capitol building on Jan. 6 and had been involved in a physical confrontation, according to court filings.

He told investigators at the time that he believed the person hed scuffled with was a member of antifa and that hed taken the persons camera and later threw it in a body of water on his way home to Pennsylvania.

 READ MORE: A new graphic novel about Jan. 6 is being sent to every Pa. public high school

Though neither the victim nor the news organization she worked for was identified in court papers supporting the Walkers arrests, the photographer in question  Erin Schaff  wrote about her assault in the Capitol Rotunda that day just hours after it occurred.

She said her assailants became enraged after they saw her press pass and realized she worked for the Times.

They threw me to the floor, trying to take my cameras, she wrote. I started screaming for help as loudly as I could. No one came. People just watched. At this point, I thought I could be killed, and no one would stop them.

Schaff later said that she retreated to then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosis suite, which had been overrun by intruders, and that she was later mistaken by police for one of the rioters because her assailants had also stolen her press badge.

Prosecutors did not explain Thursday why it took more than three years after Philip Walkers admission to charge him and his brother with the assault or their participation in the riot, which caused more than $3 million in damage, left scores of officers injured, and threatened the peaceful transfer of presidential power.

Court records reveal investigators first received tips that Philip Walker had been inside the Capitol that day as early as Jan. 7 of that year.

 READ MORE: Philly Proud Boy who stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6 with the groups top leaders sentenced to 100 days behind bars

Agents subsequently reviewed his cell-phone location data, security camera video, and footage posted to social media that they say showed both men  dressed in surgical masks, dark hoodies, and jackets  shoving Schaff to the floor of the East Rotunda Stairs.

They grabbed her camera, took off running, and when she attempted to follow them to retrieve her equipment, David Walker shoved her again, according to the affidavit of probable cause for his arrest.

The document says he again engaged in a physical altercation with Schaff before making his way back outside the building but did not specify the details of that encounter.

Agents later interviewed one of the Walkers former employers and an unidentified witness who said they had spoken to David Walker after he returned home from Washington on Jan. 6.

He was stressed and concerned about being arrested, the witness told agents, according to the arrest affidavit.

 READ MORE: Supreme Court Jan. 6 ruling: How a Pennsylvania cops challenge upended hundreds of Capitol riot cases and may end up helping Trump

Since 2021, the Justice Department has charged more than 1,500 people  including more than 100 Pennsylvania residents and 42 from New Jersey  with playing a role in attack.

Their ranks include Alan Byerly, a Berks County man who was sentenced to three years in prison in 2022 for attacking an Associated Press photographer.

A spokesperson for the Times said in a statement Thursday that the news organization was grateful to authorities for their persistence in pursuing justice in this case.

Independent, fact-based journalism is a cornerstone of democracy and attacks against reporters should be a grave concern to anyone who cares about an informed citizenry, it read.
From left, Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, President Joe Biden, Michael Bloomberg, Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, attend the 9/11 Memorial ceremony on the 23rd anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura) Read more

SHANKSVILLE, Pa.  Former President Donald Trump remained insistent that he won his Philadelphia debate with Vice President Kamala Harris as both candidates returned to Pennsylvania to commemorate the anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks with visits to the Flight 93 National Memorial.

Following the previous nights debate, Harris and Trump appeared together earlier in the day at a 9/11 memorial ceremony in New York City alongside President Joe Biden and Trumps running mate, Sen. JD Vance (R., Ohio). The two presidential contenders had a very polite exchange, Trump told reporters.

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They then returned to Pennsylvania for separate visits to Shanksville to mark the 23rd anniversary of the attack with visits to the memorial displaying the names of passengers and crew members who lost their lives when United Flight 93 crashed near the Western Pennsylvania town.

The memorial visits came less than 24 hours after a debate where Trump spread debunked claims about Haitian migrants eating pets in Ohio and repeatedly strayed off message when baited by Harris, prompting concerns from some Pennsylvania Republicans. But Trump contended Harris desire for a second debate was proof he had won the contest.

When you win, you dont necessarily want to do it a second time, Trump said. Its like a fighter. A fighter has a big fight and gets knocked out or loses the fight. The first thing he says is, We want a rematch.

Trump was more disciplined on the solemn day than the previous evening, but that restraint was undercut by his decision to travel to the memorials with Laura Loomer, a right-wing influencer and former congressional candidate who has previously spread conspiracy theories about 9/11, including last year when she called the attack an inside job.

 READ MORE: Laura Loomer, who promoted a 9/11 conspiracy theory, joins Trump for ceremonies marking the attacks

Both Trump and Harris made staggered stops at the Shanksville Volunteer Fire Department. Outside the firehouse, Trump claimed he won the debate according to every poll, despite widespread criticism of his performance. Early national polls suggest that a majority of voters believe Harris won the 105-minute debate.

Trump said hes still deciding whether hell participate in another one, hosted by either NBC or Fox News. Another presidential debate is scheduled for Sept. 25, to be hosted by NBC, but Trump said his team hasnt determined it he will do it.

The former president made two stops in Somerset County to meet with families of the victims killed on Flight 93 when it crashed on Sept. 11, 2001, following its hijacking, and with first responders. He had a warm welcome in the county, which the former president won by 57 percentage points, or about 23,000 votes, in the 2020 election.

His motorcade passed more than a dozen Trump signs on the 30-minute drive to and from the John Murtha Johnstown-Cambria County Airport. And dozens of residents stood outside their homes or workplaces to wave flags and welcome him to the area.

Trump met with about 100 supporters and first responders in the fire hall, posing for selfies and signing hats, after he got a brief tour of the firehouses homemade Flight 93 Memorial.

Attendees chanted USA! and Fight! while Trump milled around the room.

Earlier in the day, Biden and Harris visited the same firehouse, where Biden donned a Trump hat at one point  an image promoted on social media by Trumps campaign.

Andrew Bates, a White House spokesperson, posted on X that Biden put on the hat after speaking about national unity.

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 said.

Staff writers Emily Bloch and Julia Terruso contributed to this article.
'Mom principal' Zhang Guimei: I send them out of the mountains, and they keep me in the world

People's Daily Online) 13:55, September 12, 2024

Over the past 10 plus years, Zhang Guimei has guided more than 2,000 girls out of a mountainous area into universities and a broader world.

As the principal and a teacher of Huaping Senior High School for Girls, China's first public high school that provides free education for female students, Zhang is more like a mother figure to the girls in this school.

Students in Huaping Senior High School for Girls, China's first public high school that provides free education for female students, dance during class-break setting-up exercises in Huaping county, Lijiang city, southwest China's Yunnan Province. (People's Daily Online/Li Faxing)

"Make sure all girls in the mountains have access to education"

The Huaping Senior High School for Girls, located in Huaping county, Lijiang city, southwest China's Yunnan Province, has a clean and tidy campus nicely decorated with lush flowers and green vegetation.

The school's motto "Strong, Diligent, Generous, Kind, Polite, Unpretentious" is prominently fixed to the front of the teaching building.

It is hard to imagine that over 10 years ago, this place was a barren mountain.

"The teaching building was built after clearing the mountain, and a deep ditch was filled in to create the playground where the children play," Zhang said.

Photo shows the teaching building of Huaping Senior High School for Girls, China's first public high school that provides free education for female students, in Huaping county, Lijiang city, southwest China's Yunnan Province. (People's Daily Online/Liu Wei)

Established in 2008, the school once faced a difficult situation at the initial stage of its operations. Due to the harsh environment and students' fragile academic base, many teachers resigned and left the school within one month, and the students suffered from low morale, Zhang recalled.

"I was almost desperate at that time," she said.

A turning point came from a chance discovery. As she organized all the teachers' profiles, Zhang found that out of the eight teachers who stayed, six were members of the Communist Party of China (CPC). The discovery gave Zhang confidence.

She then gathered the teachers and reviewed with them the oath CPC members take when they join the Party, and sang soul-stirring and heartening songs like "Ode to Heroes" and "Ode to the Red Plum Blossoms" with students, effectively arousing the sense of mission in teachers and inspiring the entire school to forge ahead with the strength of faith.

In 2011, all 94 students from the school who participated in the country's college entrance examination, known as the Gaokao, were admitted to universities.

This further strengthened Zhang's original intention of running a girls' senior high school: to make sure that all girls in the mountains have access to education and to guide girls toward a bright future through education.

Zhang Guimei, the principal of Huaping Senior High School for Girls, China's first public high school that provides free education for female students, checks student meals at the school. (People's Daily Online/Zhuang Zhibin)

In an effort to help more impoverished students receive a school education, Zhang has embarked on a long journey of home visits, knocking on doors one by one to persuade families, saying, "We don't charge a penny for senior high school" and "Just bring your junior high school exam registration number and you will be enrolled."

Despite mobility difficulties due to illness, Zhang persisted in walking, riding motorcycles, and even horses on rugged mountain roads to visit students.

During this period, she broke her ribs twice and fainted from exhaustion while in the process of bringing back girls who dropped out of school due to various difficulties.

Today, the situation of inaccessible roads and water in the local mountains has improved, and local girls and families are more confident and joyful, which is the most gratifying change Zhang has seen during her many years of home visits.

"I told students that the roads are now accessible, and they no longer have other worries, so it's time to study hard. They said, 'Teacher, I know. I will study hard so as to build roads for others in the future,'" Zhang recalled.

"I like it best when the children call me 'mom.'"

"Girls, wake up!" "Get moving, be active!" "Remember the spirit of our school: Be indomitable and tenacious"... With a small speaker in her hand, Zhang always awakens a new day at Huaping Senior High School for Girls.

She has devoted herself to the school, working wholeheartedly from 6 a.m. to midnight to accompany students for morning reading, classes, class-break setting-up exercises, and meals.

In addition to their studies, Zhang also pays great attention to the girls' physical and mental development.

"Not just textbook knowledge, we need to help them learn all kinds of good behavioral habits and learn them quickly. In order to keep up with the times, we also need to learn about various 'trends,'" she said.

During the class-break setting-up exercises of the school, several hundred girls joyfully dance fashionable dances, and sing heartening songs in unison.

"At first, they were off-key no matter what they sang. I thought, I can't let them go to college still unable to carry a tune. So we have specifically arranged for teachers to teach them music from the first year, cultivating their taste comprehensively," Zhang said.

The school has also choreographed dances for songs, according to Zhang, who proudly told People's Daily Online that her girls can dance beautifully to "Climbing the Mountain in Spring", which is a song popular in China this year.

Zhang Guimei, the principal of Huaping Senior High School for Girls, China's first public high school that provides free education for female students, in Huaping county, Lijiang city, southwest China's Yunnan Province. (People's Daily Online/Li Faxing)

Zhang's selfless dedication and love to students provides them with a strong sense of security, and in turn the students repay her with respect and deep affection.

Zhang remembers vividly how she was moved when the girls brought a cake with the word "Mom" written on it to her on her birthday.

"I heard everyone shouting 'Happy Birthday' so loudly that the whole building resonated with the joyful sounds. It's hard to imagine that scene," Zhang recalled with a smile on her face.

"Actually, I like it best when the children call me 'mom.' A teacher imparts knowledge and teaches students life principles, but a mother brings up her children and provides love and warmth for them. So, even though being called 'mom' is a bit heavy, I am willing to take on the role. As long as they can grow up healthily, knowing that there is always someone supporting them from behind, that is enough," Zhang said.

"Even if it costs my life, it's worth it."

Zhang has always had a simple and understated style. She typically wears a black cloth jacket, jeans, and soft cloth shoes, with the only pop of color being the CPC emblem pin she always wears on her chest.

On June 29, 2021, Zhang was awarded the highest honor of the CPC, the July 1 Medal, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Introducing herself to the crowd at the venue, she said, "My name is Zhang Guimei. I'm an ordinary teacher."

Zhang is proving the power of education through her actions, and Huaping Senior High School for Girls has become a place where the dreams of local girls living in mountainous area begin.

New students of Huaping Senior High School for Girls, China's first public high school that provides free education for female students, take part in military training in the school. The school is located in Huaping county, Lijiang city, southwest China's Yunnan Province. (Photo courtesy of integrated media center of Huaping county)

The girls who have graduated from the school are serving in various roles across the country - some are in the military, some are police officers, some are teachers... realizing the value of their lives in different industries.

At the same time, more and more students are returning to their hometown to contribute to its development, illuminating more people with the spirit of their school.

Since moving from the northeast region of China to the mountainous area of western Yunnan at the age of 18, Zhang, who is now 67 years old, has dedicated nearly 50 years to education.

She candidly told People's Daily Online that in the quiet of the night, when she was tormented by illness, she felt unbearable loneliness and despair sometimes. But the thought of her students gave her strength, because she "couldn't bear to leave them."

"I send them out of the mountains, and they keep me in the world. I believe that living is not just about existing, but about providing strength to those in need," Zhang said.

She feels rewarded to be able to do something for the children in the mountainous area, and watch them grow and continuously contribute to society.

"As a CPC member, even if it costs my life, it's worth it," she said.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
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The SS United States at Pier 82 on the Delaware River in Philadelphia on Sept. 8. Read more

The instructions a federal judge gave the stewards of the SS United States were clear: Have a plan to move the 990-foot ship from Pier 82 in front of the South Philadelphia Ikea store by Sept. 12, or else.

But a day before the deadline, the ships stewards, the SS United States Conservancy, once again asked the court to move the deadline, to Dec. 5.

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The ship has already skirted the scrapyard on more than one occasion but finding a second life for the 990-foot vessel has been a series of false starts and stops. Ideas to turn it into time-share condos or reconfigure it for a cruise line have failed to materialize because of a lack of financing.

The latest existential threat to the ship is a 2021 rent dispute between its stewards and landlord Penn Warehousing. The pier operator wanted to double the daily berth rate to $1,700, the conservancy opposed, and Penn Warehousing sought to evict. The issue landed in court, where U.S. District Judge Anita B. Brody told the conservancy it had to face the music.

Youre not entitled to be at the pier forever, Brody told a conservancy attorney in August as she declined a request for more time at the pier.

Since that hearing, the conservancy entered a tentative purchase agreement with Floridas Okaloosa County. The county wants to transport the vessel to the states warm gulf waters and sink it to create an artificial reef along Northwest Floridas Destin-Fort Walton Beach shores.

But that tentative agreement has not been ratified, with County Administrator John Hofstad citing a wrinkle with pier operators as part of the delay, a claim the conservancy echoes in Wednesdays court filings.

In court documents, the conservancy says Penn Warehousing insisted on the county making a $3 million payment  an amount floated as a penalty should the ship remain at Pier 82 by the deadline  during a meeting with officials.

Craig Mills, an attorney for Penn Warehousing, confirmed the parties last spoke at the end of August, when they discussed short-term leasing options until Okaloosa County could move the ship. He said his client has remained largely in the dark on the conservancys efforts to comply with the deadline.

Penn Warehousing remains perplexed and frustrated at the Conservancys apparent refusal to comply with the Courts directive, which is depriving it of the opportunity to open Pier 82 to a commercial customer that will bring good-paying union jobs and considerable tax revenues to the City and the Philadelphia Regional Port Authority, said Mills in a statement.

We will seek the appropriate relief from the Court if, as is now inevitable, the vessel remains at Pier 82 after September 12.

A spokesperson for the conservancy could not be reached for additional comment.

Here are the options on the table  some more feasible than others.

Reef it

Okaloosa Countys Tourist Development Department was all in on acquiring the boat, committing $9 million  including $5 million in contributions from partners  to towing, transporting, and reefing the vessel. Documents show the department aims to make the county the dive capital of the state of Florida and artificial reef capital of the United States.

The tentative purchase agreement that outlined these details, however, was wholly contingent upon approval of this Agreement by the Board [of Okaloosa County Commissioners] on or before September 4.

That did not happen. A spokesperson for the county did not respond to requests for comment ahead of the Sept. 12 deadline and had on past occasions declined to comment until the deal was finalized.

Mills said another county had expressed interest in reefing the ship but didnt say which one.

It was previously reported that Escambia County, Okaloosas neighbor, had expressed interest in the ship but couldnt vote on the matter before the agreement between Okaloosa and the conservancy was signed.

Temporary berth

This has been the best-case scenario in the short term for the conservancy, which has been vocal about how it doesnt see reefing the ship as an ideal solution. By finding a temporary home, the conservancy could pursue a white knight who would help it redevelop the ship into a mixed-use destination that could include a museum commemorating the former Queen of the Seas.

In court documents, however, the conservancy has described finding a temporary berth as nearly impossible, with the Philadelphia Navy Yard, the Virginia Port Authority, the Maryland Port Authority, the North Carolina State Ports Authority, the South Carolina Ports Authority, and the Georgia Ports Authority having no room for the ship.

A title transfer or the scrap heap

As of Wednesday, there was no hearing set to revisit the conservancys plans, but Brody had previously floated the idea of transferring ownership of the ship to Penn Warehousing if the vessels stewards couldnt sort something out. Penn Warehousings attorneys have said acquiring the ship is not their ideal solution but they would accept it if the conservancy didnt make progress in getting the ship out of Pier 82.

If no deal is struck between the conservancy and another home, it opens the door for the ship to be scrapped for metal.

Brody is slated to hear the conservancys motion asking for a deadline extension on Friday.
Dr. Rusk grew up in Brookfield, Mo., and "adopted Midwestern values, including love of community," his family said. Read more

John M. Rusk, 88, formerly of Ardmore, celebrated psychiatrist, former chair of the Department of Psychiatry at Bryn Mawr Hospital, director of the hospitals Youth and Family Center, codirector of training for general psychiatry residents at Temple University, and clinical associate professor of psychiatry at Thomas Jefferson University, died Wednesday, Aug. 28, at the Quadrangle retirement community in Haverford of complications after a fall. He had been living with lymphoma.

The son of Dr. Howard Rusk, renowned as the father of rehabilitation medicine, Dr. John Rusk fashioned his own long and prestigious medical career in Ardmore and Philadelphia. Over more than five decades, from his medical school graduation in 1962 to his retirement in 2015, Dr. Rusk treated children and adults with all sorts of mental health concerns, and taught and mentored other doctors and students.

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He was head of psychiatry at Bryn Mawr Hospital from 1987 to 1996 and director of its Youth and Family Center from 1977 to 2000. In the 1960s, he worked with adults at the old Institute of Pennsylvania Hospital and children at St. Christophers Hospital for Children. He also practiced privately for decades in Ardmore.

Gentle and nonjudgmental, Dr. Rusk was an expert in child and adolescent psychiatry, and general psychiatry, and fiercely dedicated to his patients, many of whom he treated throughout their entire lives, his family said in a tribute. He was also curious and engaging, and he taught and mentored residents at what is now Temples Lewis Katz School of Medicine from 1970 to 1980, and psychiatry fellows and students at what is now the Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Jefferson.

He joined the U.S. Public Health Service after medical school, traveled to Arizona, and treated patients for two years at the Hopi Reservation. He always wanted to learn more and experience new things, said his son Matthew.

Dr. Rusk graduated from what is now the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and completed an internship at the defunct Philadelphia General Hospital. In 2008, he was named Practitioner of the Year by the Philadelphia Psychiatric Society.

He was especially sensitive, he told The Inquirer in 1991, to the tremendous stress and frustration that mental health problems present, and said in an article about adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: These are people who are able to function in life because they are highly intelligent and hardworking. But they may do this with an enormous cost to themselves.

John Michael Rusk was born Oct. 4, 1935, in St. Louis. His family moved from Brookfield, Mo., to New York, and he graduated from Scarsdale High School, and earned a bachelors degree in Chinese history at Harvard University in 1957.

He met Philadelphia native Anne Straus at Harvard, and they married in 1957, and had daughters Valerie and Natalie, and sons Andrew and Matthew. They lived in West Philadelphia, Ardmore, and Haverford. His wife died in 2023.

Filled with wanderlust, Dr. Rusk and his wife made many memorable trips to Europe, Asia, and elsewhere, and, so interested in history and culture, he pored over detailed guidebooks to places he would never visit. At home, his favorite place was the dining room table. There, surrounded by family, he would talk, listen, and laugh long after the dishes were cleared away.

He was generally calm and soft-spoken, his family said, and they likened him to a courtly country doctor. He was a funny people person who played practical jokes, and he liked to try out new restaurants, especially with Asian cuisine.

He was a practical and pragmatic role model, and he told his family he was deeply gratified by the growth and success he saw in his patients and colleagues. He loved to talk to people, said his son Matthew. He never said anything bad about anybody. He just enjoyed being around people.

In addition to his children, Dr. Rusk is survived by four grandchildren, a brother, and other relatives.

A private celebration of his life is to be held later.

Donations in his name may be made to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 4301 Wilson Blvd., Suite 300, Arlington, Va. 22203.
Gov. Josh Shapiro takes the stage ahead of U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and Gov. Tim Walz at a rally in Philadelphia's Liacouras Center on August 6, 2024. Read more

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro will kick off Vice President Kamala Harris campaigns Fighting for Reproductive Freedom bus tour in Philadelphia at 11 a.m. Sunday.

The popular Democratic governor will headline the Old City event alongside Hadley Duvall, a Kentucky reproductive-rights advocate whose stepfather sexually abused and impregnated her as a child. Duvall has been making stops across the country.

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Sundays rally will be the first event Shapiro headlines for Harris since the vice president passed him over as a running mate in favor of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, but hes been a regular presence on the campaign trail and a top surrogate for her in recent weeks.

The governor spoke in support of Harris last month at the Philadelphia rally where she introduced Walz as her running mate and later delivered a prime-time speech at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. This week, he was among the prominent Democrats in the spin room for Harris at Tuesday nights debate, and notably the only Pennsylvanian.

Sundays event kicks off the Pennsylvania leg of a nationwide Harris campaign bus tour focusing on one of the Democrats top issues, reproductive rights. The campaign plans to make more than a dozen stops across Pennsylvania next week and has said it hopes to reach voters in both parties with the effort.

Our campaign is hitting the road to meet voters in their communities, underscore the stakes of this election for reproductive freedom, Harris campaign manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez said in a statement.

The Nov. 5 election will be the first presidential contest since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022 and states across the country enacted abortion bans.

Harris has promised to reinstate federal abortion protections and in Tuesdays debate aggressively challenged former President Donald Trumps record as the president who appointed three of the six justices who issued the ruling.

Harris invoked stories of women denied medical care for miscarriages or life-threatening pregnancies because of state laws, and incidents of children pregnant by incest forced to cross state lines to obtain an abortion.

I think the American people believe that certain freedoms, in particular the freedom to make decisions about your own body, should not be made by the government, she said.
FILE - South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem speaks prior to remarks from Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally, March 16, 2024, in Vandalia, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean, File) Read more

Pet talk is overtaking the presidential campaign.

First, we heard a little-remembered 2021 interview in which Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vances criticize prominent Democrats as childless cat ladies. Then on Tuesday, Taylor Swift endorsed Kamala Harris by pointing out she lives with felines, not kids.

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After that, former President Donald Trump falsely told the world in his debate with Vice President Kamala Harris Tuesday that immigrants in Ohio are eating cats and dogs.

And Thursday evening, Republican South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem  who infamously wrote in her book that she shot her 14-month-old puppy  will speak at a Trump-sponsored town hall in Morgantown, Berks County, along with North Dakota Gov. Doug Bergum, also a Republican.

The odd confluence of animal-related events has been noticed.

Pennsylvanians who care about animal welfare could hold that against Trump, Philadelphia Democratic strategist J.J. Balaban said Thursday. As a famous Berks County native said, karma is a cat.

The native he referenced is Swift, whos from West Reading.

Spokespeople for Noem, Trump, and Harris were not immediately available to comment..
Pennsylvania, and Philadelphia in particular, did not get a ton of mention from Vice President Kamala Harris or former President Donald Trump on the debate stage Tuesday night, despite the events location at the National Constitution Center.

And when the conversation did turn to the Keystone State, a crucial battleground that could likely determine the outcome of the presidential election, it was about frequently discussed topics like fracking or the economy. Until Harris name-dropped Pennsylvanias Polish American community.

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Harris pressed Trump on international relations, namely the NATO alliance, Trumps relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Russias war on Ukraine. She said that if Trump was still in the Oval Office, Putin would invade the rest of Europe, starting with Poland. With this, Harris took the opportunity to reach a very specific demographic in the critical battleground state.

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 in one of her harder-hitting lines of the evening.

Its not often that Polish Americans  specifically those in Pennsylvania, where 5% of people say they have Polish ancestry  get a shout-out on the national debate stage, but the moment showed that Harris appeared to have done her homework in the hope of grabbing the attention of more than 700,000 Polish Americans in the commonwealth, a group that is consistently civically engaged.

Michael Blichasz, president of the Polish American Cultural Center in Philadelphia, said he was pleased to hear the vice president mention Polish American Pennsylvanians, a historically reliable voting bloc for Democrats, though Republicans have also lobbied for their votes.

 READ MORE: The five kinds of places that win you Pennsylvania

Back in 2012, Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney attempted to appeal to Polish American voters in part by making a visit to Poland.

Polish Americans are not a community that gets a lot of publicity, Blichasz said. However, the people in politics know that the Polish people come out and vote. They know that because they contact us on a regular basis to urge people to come out and vote.

Polish Americans are dependable voters because of their beliefs in the independence offered in the United States, Blichasz said.

They believe in the United States of America as one of the great places that has welcomed them for centuries, not just recently, Blichasz said.

Nationwide, there are roughly 8.2 million people with Polish ancestry, according to census data, and the heritage ranks fifth in Pennsylvania behind German, Irish, Italian, and English. There are about 12,000 Polish immigrants in Pennsylvania. In Philadelphia, the Polish American community is largely concentrated in Bridesburg.

Harris rhetorical question to Trump emphasized the importance of achieving peace in the Eastern European countries, Blichasz said, calling Putins invasion of Ukraine sinful. But Blichasz also said he feels that if Trump was in office during the start of the war, some conflicts could have been prevented, a claim that the former president has also repeated.

He would have got the people together before something happens, Blichasz said, adding that he believes both Harris and Trump could bring peace and prosperity to Eastern Europe.

Ultimately, Polish Americans are going to vote for the person who presents positive ways to make America the best it can be, Blichasz said.
Could Western Pennsylvania be Midwestern after all? We take a look. Read more

Nearly 10% of Pennsylvanians believe they live in the Midwest.

They are 100% wrong.

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Despite this disorienting finding from Middle West Review and Emerson College Polling, the U.S. Census Bureau tells us the commonwealth is very much a Mid-Atlantic state, close kin to New Jersey and New York  and not so much Illinois and Nebraska.

Before dismissing roughly 1.3 million Keystone citizens as being cartographically impaired, however, consider that lots of other folks seem to think the state is Midwestern, too.

We tend to hear this canard more frequently this time of year, when election talk links swing-state Pennsylvania to Rust Belt sisters Michigan and Wisconsin as part of the so-called blue wall of traditionally Democratic-leaning states, worth an invaluable 44 Electoral College votes come Nov. 5.

Then there are those who say that if Pennsylvania isnt officially Midwestern, certainly the western portion of the state is, at least culturally.

Pittsburgh is more like Ohio than Philadelphia, says Steel City real estate agent Mark McClinchie on YouTube. His evidence? We say pop, not soda. And, a person named Kristen that he included on his video enthused: Theres nothing Mid-Atlantic about Pittsburgh. People are kind, loyal, and stuck in their ways.

More hot-dish than hoagie, could the geographically left side of Pennsylvania be Midwestern after all? We take a look:

First of all, who says Pennsylvania is in the Midwest?

Discussing Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris on the New York Times podcast The Daily on July 22, Peter Baker, the newspapers chief White House correspondent, said: There is a concern by a lot of Democrats about how she will play in some of these Midwestern states like Michigan and Wisconsin and Pennsylvania that are so key to the election.

Likely an inadvertent slip of the tongue, his mislocation nevertheless lends credence to this whole Pennsylvania-is-not-really-where-we-think-it-is thing.

I absolutely hear that Pennsylvania is in the Midwest quite often, said sociologist Michael Glass, director of the urban studies program at the University of Pittsburgh. Youll see it on social media as well.

Quoting an article from the Age, a Melbourne newspaper, @glografik posted on X, [Former President Donald] Trump is  losing his edge among white women  the very group that helped propel him to office in 2016, particularly in the Midwest battlegrounds of Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan.

A poster on the r/PoliticalDiscussion subreddit wondered, What is the likelihood that the Midwest states of MI, WI and PA will remain swing states ?

Come to think of it, what states are considered the Midwest and the Mid-Atlantic?

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the 12-state Midwest region comprises two divisions. Theres the East North Central division of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin; and the West North Central division of Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota.

Some folks will quibble: Im from Minnesota, communication professor David Kahl Jr. of Penn State Behrend in Erie said. People say Ohio is almost the Midwest, but I dont consider it to be. At all.

As for what constitutes the Mid-Atlantic  it gets tricky.

The Census Bureau lists just three Mid-Atlantic states: Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York. It places eight states in the South Atlantic division: Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia. The District of Columbia is also in that group.

But the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says the Mid-Atlantic comprises the three states listed by the Census Bureau, as well as Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia. And the U.S. General Services Administration declares that the region is Pennsylvania, Delaware, West Virginia, and just parts of Maryland, New Jersey, and Virginia. To confuse matters further, the U.S. Geological Survey lists even more states, including parts of New England.

What can make things more exasperating is the Federal Reserve Banks decision to cleave Pennsylvania into East Coast-Midwest categories, placing Philadelphia in one district and Pittsburgh as well as 19 Western Pennsylvania counties in the Cleveland district.

Thus, from a federal vantage, Pennsylvania becomes both a Mid-Atlantic and Midwestern state.

So, do people in Western Pa. really feel like theyre in the Midwest?

Echoing the Emerson survey, a Bloomberg poll from 2019 asked, Where is the Midwest? Around 35% of Pittsburgh residents said they think they wake up in it each morning.

Put together a group of Western Pennsylvania students, said Villanova University geography professor Frank Galgano, then give them maps and ask them which state they most closely identify with. Theyd say Ohio every time.

Galgano, the executive director of the Pennsylvania Geographical Society, once lived in Western Pennsylvania. My friends think Im a weasel for moving here to Philadelphia, he said.

People who live in Mercer County on the Ohio border get their TV broadcasts from Youngstown, not Pittsburgh, according to J.J. Balaban, a Democratic strategist who has lived in Erie, Pittsburgh, and now South Philadelphia.

As it happens, Patagonia, Mercer County, is 2,254 feet from the Ohio state line, and 370.2 miles from Philadelphia.

Calling Pennsylvania Midwestern sounds weird to someone in Bensalem, he said, but its not strange to someone in Waynesburg [in Greene County].

Its also incongruous, Balaban and others say, to consider Pittsburgh to be a Mid-Atlantic metropolis on the same list as Philadelphia, Newark, and New York. What do they have in common?

In the Pittsburgh area, people speak rhapsodically of living a quieter, friendlier life in their town than many could in East Coast Philly.

In line at the Giant Eagle supermarket here in Pittsburgh, said Pitt history professor Lara Putnam, director of the schools Global Studies Center, you learn about everyones health problems. People do oversharing with strangers in a beautiful way.

Journalists tend to label places such as Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania more American than enclaves of East Coast elites like Philadelphia, said Matt Jordan, director of the Penn State News Literacy Initiative, which, according to its website, helps students and citizens distinguish reliable journalism from the noise that often overwhelms and divides us.

Avoiding their labels as unofficially Midwestern or Mid-Atlantic, many Pittsburgh-area citizens consider themselves to be part of yet another classification:

We live in Appalachia, said Glass of Pitt, binding us to a region stretching from eastern Kentucky to Upstate New York.

Called the Paris of Appalachia by author Brian ONeil, Pittsburgh is the largest city in the Appalachian region, an urban counterpoint to a richly historic rural area.

Ultimately, said Galgano, three elections from now, Pennsylvania may no longer be a swing state, garnering the attention it now gets at election time.

And nobody will remember whether it was ever believed to be part of the Midwest at all.

Staff writer Gillian McGoldrick contributed to this article.
In this 2023 file photo, Philadelphia Councilmember Kendra Brooks speaks during a rally about raising the minimum wage. She is authoring legislation to bolster protections for workers facing retaliation. Read more

It was just a few months ago that City Council members voted in favor of a budget deal that slightly cut funding to the citys Office of Worker Protections, which enforces Philadelphias relatively progressive labor laws like banning wage theft.

They did so despite a push from the bodys progressive members to increase funding to the office by $2.6 million.

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Now, a majority of Council members say they agree the office needs more money  and they may press for it as soon as this fall.

Also this week: Council wants the administration to delay the property tax appeal deadline to next year, and there were dozens of electricians in City Hall on Thursday. Lets break it down.

What was this weeks highlight?

Support for worker legislation and more funding: Eleven Council members representing a majority of the 17-member body joined the Pennsylvania Domestic Workers Alliance on Thursday to express support for forthcoming legislation bolstering protections for workers facing retaliation.

The legislation, which is being authored by Councilmember Kendra Brooks, of the Working Families Party, will be introduced in the coming weeks. But Brooks said the citys labor laws are toothless without an adequately funded office to enforce them.

Typically, adjusting funding for Councils priorities happens every year in the spring around budget proposal time. But Brooks said this fall is our chance to make things right, suggesting she will push to add funding to the office during whats called the midyear transfer process.

 READ MORE: Advocates worry that Parkers labor budget will hamper investigations into workplace violations

The show of support Thursday for Brooks and the domestic workers was notable because it came from members beyond the progressive cohort. Danny Bauder, president of the influential Philadelphia AFL-CIO, was also there.

Ive been with you before. Im with you now, Councilmember Curtis Jones Jr. said. Ill be with you in the vote in the future.

What else happened this week?

Council wants to delay property tax appeal deadline: Lawmakers are urging Mayor Cherelle L. Parkers administration to delay the deadline for homeowners to appeal their 2025 property assessments. Currently, the deadline to file an appeal is Oct. 7. But notices of new assessments were sent in August, months later than is typical.

Councils resolution, championed by Councilmember Rue Landau, wants the administration to accept late appeals through March 31.

A new initiative to ensure vote-by-mail access: Philadelphia is launching a program to ensure voters who live in nursing homes have access to vote by mail this November. Councilmember Nina Ahmad, who represents the city at large, introduced legislation recognizing the Platinum Voters initiative that shes leading in partnership with the city commissioners, who oversee elections.

Through the program, the city commissioners will work with Ahmad and district-level Council members to distribute mail ballot applications directly to nursing homes and long-term care facilities in their areas. Commissioners will then coordinate with nursing home staff to collect the applications.

Who was there?

A sea of electricians: The proposed 76ers arena wasnt on the agenda Thursday, but dozens of union workers packed the galleries overlooking Councils chambers anyway.

By the start of the meeting, just 12 hours after Parker held a high-profile town hall about the arena, members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 98 had packed the chambers. Their business manager, Mark Lynch, sat in the front row alongside a handful of the unions top leaders.

 READ MORE: Sixers arena town hall: Chinatown feared for its survival, union leaders touted jobs

Local 98, long one of the most politically powerful unions in the state, is a key supporter of the arena project.

A handful of opponents of the Sixers proposal, wearing no arena in Chinatown T-shirts, were also in Council on Thursday. The dueling displays are likely to be mainstays in Council this fall as lawmakers prepare to consider legislation enabling the controversial project.

Quote of the week

Patients are waiting up to 16 hours  16 hours  for an assessment at our city-run facilities. People are opting out of recovery because that window is just too long. Were failing them. Councilmember Quetcy Lozada

That was City Councilmember Quetcy Lozada, who spoke in Council about her takeaways from a recent hearing on improving access to addiction treatment beds in the city. She introduced legislation Thursday to reconvene Councils Special Committee on Kensington to study best practices in substance-use disorder outreach and investigate the current outreach models the city uses.
In this 2023 file photo, teenagers work out on the basketball court at the Dendy Recreation Center. The Pew Charitable Trusts found that as the share of Black residents increased in a given neighborhood, the amount of money the city invested in that areas public spaces decreased. Read more

Philadelphia officials spent a disproportionate amount of taxpayer dollars on public spaces in neighborhoods that are relatively whiter and wealthier than the rest of the city, according to a report released Thursday that examined a decades worth of data.

The study, conducted by the Pew Charitable Trusts, found that from 2011 to 2022 those neighborhoods saw more than 2.5 times the investment per capita than areas considered to be historically disadvantaged. The researchers found that as the share of Black residents increased in a given neighborhood, the amount of money the city invested in that areas public spaces decreased.

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Pews report  which was requested by former Mayor Jim Kenneys administration  laid into stark relief how and where the city has allocated money to build and upgrade its physical infrastructure. And it showed that neighborhoods that have seen decades of economic disinvestment also received comparatively fewer taxpayer dollars for government-owned spaces like parks and health centers.

There was a notable outlier: the Rebuild program. That project, which was launched under Kenney in 2017 and is considered one of his defining achievements, was established to upgrade city parks, libraries, and recreation centers in an equitable manner. According to Pew, neighborhoods considered to be the most disadvantaged saw 20% more investment under the program than the citywide average.

 READ MORE: Mayor Kenneys plan to rebuild rec centers and libraries was a legacy-making project beset by delays

Katie Martin, the project director at Pews Philadelphia Research and Policy Initiative, said that finding shows that when city officials are intentional about allocating resources to communities in need, it has a measurable impact.

When city officials are deliberate in considering equity while making their choices about spending, she said, you do see a difference in outcomes.

Pew analyzed demographic data from the U.S. Census, as well as the citys capital fund spending and commitments from fiscal years 2011 to 2022. Researchers scored a neighborhoods potential disadvantage by combining measures like income, race, age, and immigration.

They found that over the time period, the city invested $802 per capita  but that the amount varied widely in different parts of the city.

For example, census tracts with the highest share of white residents saw $964 invested per person, compared with $474 in those with the smallest share of white residents. And the areas with the highest median income received $1,236 in investment per person, compared with $717 in the area with the lowest incomes.

One key reason is that many of the citys largest buildings and cultural institutions, such as museums and City Hall, are costly and are concentrated in Center City, where the numbers of white and wealthy residents are relatively high.

But the researchers findings were still consistent, even when they only analyzed smaller city spaces, like playgrounds and neighborhood library branches. Investment was still generally lower in more disadvantaged neighborhoods.

Martin said the good news for the city is that strong data can provide leaders with insights to improve. She said Philadelphia is, to her knowledge, just the second major city, behind Baltimore, to study its capital spending in this way.

Equity in capital budgeting is important, she said. These are the rec centers, the libraries, the firehouses. This is the way that Philadelphians interact with their government. They provide the services their communities rely on.
Philip Pulley outside a courtroom in 2022 following lawsuits over the partial collapse of his Lindley Tower apartments in Philadelphia's Logan section. Read more

Philip C. Pulleys legal and financial troubles keep piling up.

Days before Pulley was expected to plead guilty to federal charges of double voting in two elections, and while hes still facing state-level charges for voter fraud in a third election, real estate companies affiliated with the notorious Philly-area landlord have been hit with a $60 million lawsuit over seven defaulted mortgages.

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Fannie Mae, a government-controlled mortgage financier, filed a federal lawsuit Monday in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania alleging that Pulley-affiliated companies defaulted on the mortgages for properties in Philadelphia and Delaware County.

The lawsuit claims that the Pulley-affiliated real estate companies owe $59 million on loans that range from just over $6 million to nearly $14 million. The companies owe an additional $1.2 million in interest, which grows daily by roughly $6,600.

Pulley, who is the guarantor of the loans, took out the mortgages through a web of curiously named business entities  some with references to the devil.

For example, the $6.7 million mortgage for a Fern Rock property was secured in partnership with R3Rascals L.P., a company owned 98% by Pulley, 1% by DeVil Management Corp., and 1% by Pulleys wife, Devra Pulley.

The nearly $14 million mortgage for an apartment building on Wissahickon Avenue was secured in partnership with My2Boys L.P., which is 99% owned by Pulley and 1% by Satan Management Corp. An Allens Lane property involves a partnership with Our2Girls L.P. and Lucifer Management Corp.

 READ MORE: Philadelphia landlord who was registered to vote in two states now faces a third voter fraud charge

Pulley did not respond to requests for comment. Nor did Fannie Mae.

Pulley, 62, who splits his time between a gated estate in Montgomery County called Stonewall Manor and a waterfront house in Lighthouse Point, Fla., has a reputation among tenants, ex-employees, and city lawyers as someone who runs his apartment complexes on the cheap.

Last year, the Pennsylvania Attorney Generals Office filed a consumer-protection suit against Pulley and his companies, accusing them of deplorable conduct for managing buildings with substandard living conditions and retaliating against tenants who complain. That case is ongoing.

In an unusual twist, the law caught up with Pulley this summer for entirely unrelated reasons.

Last month, federal prosecutors charged him with election fraud, double voting, and falsely registering to vote. Pulley is accused of voting more than once in the 2020 and 2022 elections, using a fake Social Security number to register to vote in Philadelphia while already registered in Montgomery County and in Broward County, Fla. In 2022, he allegedly voted in both Philadelphia and Montgomery County.

(Pulley was expected to plead guilty in a Philadelphia federal courtroom Thursday, but the hearing was postponed to the end of the month.)

 READ MORE: Landlord in Mount Airy and North Philly fined tenants $5,000 for complaining about sewage and infestations, AGs suit says

Two weeks after his federal indictment, the state Attorney Generals Office charged Pulley with voting in both Philadelphia and Montgomery Counties in the 2023 election.

A review of voting records by The Inquirer found that Pulley appears to have also double voted in the 2021 election. He has not been charged in connection with that election.

Pulley made the news in 2022 after his Lindley Tower apartments in North Philadelphia partially collapsed, and he has faced city lawyers more than 300 times over the last decade for code violations, unpaid taxes and utilities, and other issues related to his apartments. City officials are now seeking to demolish Lindley Tower.

In April, tenants rallied against him outside City Hall with a Philip Pulley Slumlord Bully sign. They were joined by Councilmember Nicholas ORourke, who described his behavior as stone cold negligence.

Last month, a Florida contractor who worked on a boat dock at Pulleys Florida home sued Pulley and his wife in Broward County, alleging that they failed to pay a balance of $22,250 for the work.
As the weather begins to warm up this spring, were reminding drivers that there is likely to be increased animal activity on our roads  especially in our regions, she said, adding that sounding the horn may help deter animals from crossing the road.
Liabilities are rapidly increasing for telecom companies, with cyber risk being a significant concern, said Mercado. As they expand into remote or hazardous areas, insurance can help manage these risks. Business interruption is also a concern, as it can greatly impact profits and earnings, making it especially important for capital-intensive telecom operations.
Longstanding strata issues

The brokers that were willing to talk to IB said these strata issues have existed for a long time. They were relieved that the ABC had exposed them. Some also expressed respect for what industry veteran Kelly has personally done for the wider insurance industry but said his firms business model of vertical integration is too open to manipulation. They said other firms in the strata sector have the same vertically integrated business model and are responsible for similar abuses.
The new legislation, aimed at preventing genetic discrimination, has been widely embraced by the insurance, legal, medical, and health advocacy sectors, which have long argued that such measures are essential for protecting consumer rights and promoting genetic testing for preventive health care.
DeCarlo started his career at Crum & Forster before moving to The London Agency, now part of Chubb, as chief financial officer. He later became a founding partner of Royal Specialty Underwriting, where he served as executive vice president and CFO.
The practice of sending mysterious checks to residents and waiting for them to be separately billed by the volunteer ambulance company rather than following the law and paying the provider directly causes confusion and delays for all involved.
Catherine Gill, CEO of LifeScienceRisk, had this to say about the key arrival: I am excited that Tom is joining the LifeScienceRisk organization. He is a talented and exceptional life science underwriter. Toms passion, client centricity, and leadership will help accelerate the growth and expansion into the international life sciences market.
The ARP specified that any recoveries, whether made before or after payment under the policy, should first be applied to any excess loss incurred by the policyholder, with the insurer entitled to reimbursement for its payout thereafter.
According to a report from Adam Watkins, head of marine and energy at Swiss Re, the industry is at a crucial moment for evaluating ongoing changes. While some patterns remain consistent with the past, new trends are emerging that are shaping the future of the sector.
Vermont has failed to complete many actions in its five-year hazard mitigation plan aimed at reducing the risk from natural disasters such as flooding, according to a new report from the state auditors office.

The plan is developed by Vermont Emergency Management every five years to identify natural hazards facing the state, create steps to reduce risk and serve as a resource for state agencies and others to carry out those actions, the report released on Tuesday states. But just a third of the 96 actions, and half of the priority actions in the 2018 plan, had been completed by last year, according to the audit.

The growing frequency and power of extreme weather events makes it clear - Vermont needs to do more to proactively ready our communities to reduce the danger to Vermonters lives and property, state auditor Doug Hoffer said in a statement.

Eric Forand, director of Vermont Emergency Management, said Friday that the hazard mitigation plan is more of an aspirational plan for goals for the future than the state emergency management plan, which has specific steps to take during an emergency response.

Given that structure, youre not necessarily going to meet them all in that timeframe that youd expect. Theres things that come up: COVID, real floods, certain priorities change, certain resources arent there, you have to manage, and adapt and overcome, he said.

Vermont had 21 federally declared disasters between 2011 and 2023, including floods, winter storms and the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the report. Heavy rains caused violent flooding in parts of Vermont twice this summer, damaging and destroying homes and washing away roads and bridges. The first flooding came on the one-year anniversary of the catastrophic flooding t hat inundated parts of the state last year.

States create the plans to qualify for certain federal disaster funding and hazard mitigation grants, the report states. Because many of the actions in the Vermont 2018 plan have not been completed, it is unclear how effective the plan has been in reducing the states risk from natural disasters, states the report, which makes recommendations for how to address the shortcomings.

Staff turnover and the COVID-19 pandemic were noted by the state as some of the reasons for the incomplete actions.

Vermont missed opportunities to reduce risk including when a priority action to develop sample building standards for resilient design and construction wasnt completed, the report states.

If this action had been completed, it could have served as a resource for communities affected by recent floods to rebuild in ways that would help them better withstand future floods, the report states. Another uncompleted step that led to missed opportunity was the development of an inventory of critical headwater and floodplain storage areas that would help to reduce flooding, the report states. That goal is in progress and is now part of the 2023 plan, the report states.

In Montpelier and Barre, two communities hit hard by flooding, some state lawmakers said Friday that they are gravely concerned over the lack of progress.

The findings in this report are shocking and deeply troubling, state Rep. Conor Casey, a Democrat from Montpelier, said in a statement. Weve experienced devastating floods in 2023 and 2024, and the fact that so many critical actions to improve our flood resilience were left unfinished is unacceptable. Vermont can no longer afford to be unprepared.

They are urging the governor, if reelected, to prioritize disaster mitigation in the next state budget and state leaders to make sure there is better oversight and communication among the agencies responsible for disaster preparedness and mitigation.

Photo: This image made from drone footage provided by the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets shows flooding in Montpelier, Vt., Tuesday, July 11, 2023. (Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets via AP)

Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Natural Disasters Flood Vermont Risk Management
Carlos Quiles says he was seriously injured in May 2022 when the Uber he was traveling in crashed into two parked cars in Queens  after the driver lost control of his Toyota while trying to clear a fly or some other obstruction from his windscreen.

Quiles, who required surgery on his left shoulder, said he is still waiting for payments from American Transit Insurance Co., which underwrote the drivers policy. His lawyer has been negotiating with the New York-based insurer for almost two years, while Quiles has posted about his predicament on the companys Yelp and Google Review pages  complaining about the Kafkaesque way they dealt with his claim.

From the very beginning, it was a nightmare, said Quiles, who works as a trauma emergency room nurse at Brookdale Hospital in Brooklyn. Each and every time you call, its at least 30 minutes hold time. And they either hang up on you or they transfer you to someone else.

Hes far from alone in being frustrated by American Transit, the largest insurer of commercial taxis and rideshare vehicles in the city with a market share of more than 60%. The insurer, also known as ATIC, is being sued in federal court by Uber Technologies Inc. for a consistent pattern of failing to honor coverage for ride-share drivers in New York City who get into accidents.

NYCs Top Taxi Insurer Is Insolvent, Risking Transit Chaos

Uber alleges that those delays caused 23 lawsuits to be brought against it and its drivers over crashes involving bodily injuries between May and August 2023.

ATIC attorneys have denied the allegations, and the suit is ongoing, but the company faces financial challenges. The insurer posted more than $700 million in losses in the second quarter, breaching thresholds that require state regulators to intervene.

New Yorks Department of Financial Services told Bloomberg it has been working with the company and other stakeholders to address these longstanding financial issues, and protect drivers, passengers and the stability of the New York livery insurance market.

Christopher Ryan, ATICs chief financial officer, and other company representatives did not respond to email and telephone requests for comment. Baker, McEvoy and Moskovits, who work for ATIC and represent the taxi driver in the Quiles case, didnt return calls.

Uber Sues Drivers Insurer Alleging Its Claims Practices Have Fueled Tort Litigation

If the company cant find an infusion of capital, it risks not being able to pay out claims or insure drivers. That would threaten the citys transportation ecosystem, which relies on more than 117,000 cabs to ferry people around the city. Even if another firm steps in, drivers premiums would likely increase.

Drivers insured by ATIC typically pay annual premiums of $4,000 to $6,000, depending on their experience, accident claims and different actuarial calculations  rates that competitors say are not commensurate with the risk.

Dawood Mian, who owns a fleet of cars and authors the AutoMarketplace Substack, said that if ATIC needed to adjust premiums, owners and drivers could be forced to pay 30% more a year, straining an industry that has been buckling for years under the pressure of rising expenses, including gas, maintenance and competition.

Update: NYCs Largest Cab Insurer Ordered to Explore Sale After Losses

The industry is still reeling after many drivers fell into crushing debt to buy Medallions, a city-issued license to operate cabs, before values collapsed.

Last Wednesday, drivers gathered outside City Hall to protest against Uber and Lyft after they started locking out some of its rideshare drivers mid-shift in an attempt to fight a minimum wage rule, leading to decreased earnings.

Today, thousands of Uber & Lyft drivers will rally at City Hall, then march on Ubers NYC headquarters to demand a real solution to the lockout crisis.

And if Uber, Lyft and the mayor wont listen, next month were going on strike. https://t.co/G0HU42nnOW

 NY Taxi Workers (@NYTWA) September 4, 2024

One of the big issues is theres fundamentally a cap to what drivers can afford, said Mian. If you charged a driver on average, lets say $8,000, many drivers just simply cannot make that work.

ATIC was co-founded by Edward McGettigan, Sr. in 1972. His son and other relatives have worked there or served on the board. Its now run by Ralph Bisceglia, who joined ATIC in the 1980s, and remains very much a family-owned and run firm. Adrian Bisceglia is currently listed as the companys chief product development officer, and various Bisceglia relatives also have been on the board.

When Bisceglia joined the firm in the 1980s, it was relatively small, but even as early as 1986, state regulators were describing the company as insolvent by $6 million, according to a state examination report obtained by Bloomberg.

The gap between its liabilities and assets has only grown  but has continually been a source of contention between ATIC and accountants. Since at least 2021, a third-party actuary hired to review the companys regular financial statements filed with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners has insisted the firms reserves are insufficient, an opinion the companys executives disagreed with.

Tim Zawacki, a senior analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence, who has covered the industry for 25 years, said the companys reserves have been considered deficient for decades, but its escalated as ATIC has had to grapple with bigger claim sizes driven by larger settlements as well as jury and arbitration awards.

If ATIC cant keep insuring drivers, the New York taxi industry could face huge issues, said Zawacki. If they manage to keep operating, they will likely have to raise premiums. Insurance will be available but it may be available at a price that many drivers and companies are unwilling or unable to pay, he said.

Meanwhile, Quiles says he is still waiting for his settlement. He was out of work for six months because of the injuries and received two disability payments from ATIC of less than $4,000 each over the period. But he is still waiting for insurance payments.

He says he still feels the impact from the injuries to this day, and is interviewing for less physically demanding roles.

My attorney filed a lawsuit and all they keep doing is pushing everything back, he said, noting that he has been waiting for about two years. They have an attorney, they just go to court and they continue to delay, delay, delay, delay.

Top photo: Pedestrians cross a street past traffic in the Midtown neighborhood of New York, US, on Saturday, June 17, 2023. New York Citys congestion pricing plan for the central business district is expected to get final approval this month. Photographer: Michael Nagle/Bloomberg.

Copyright 2024 Bloomberg.

Topics New York
Lehigh Valley Health Network has agreed to a $65 million settlement of a class action with patients and employees affected by a 2023 ransomware attack that exposed personal and medical information including nude photos of patients.

Every settlement class member is to receive payment, ranging from $50 to $70,000; with the maximum going to those had their hacked nude photos published online.

Lawyers for the class at Saltz Mongeluzzi Bendesky law firm said the settlement is believed to be the largest of its kind, on a per-patient basis, in a healthcare data breach-ransomware case. They commended LVHN for its efforts in reaching the agreement.

LVHN had refused to pay the undisclosed amount of ransom demanded by the hackers, a decision the plaintiffs argued amounted to the healthcare company putting its own financial concerns before the concerns of patients.

The lawsuit was filed in March 2023 on behalf of an estimated 135,000 patients and employees of the health system, more than 600 of whom the lawyers said had their personal medical-record photos hacked and posted on the internet, according to the law firm.

Naked images of breast cancer patients were published on the hacker groups data leak site, along with medical questionnaires, passports, and other sensitive patient data such as drivers license numbers, Social Security numbers, medical diagnosis/treatment information, and lab results.

According to the class complaint, the February 6, 2023 data breach was far more consequential than most because it resulted in disclosure of more than personally identifiable information and protected health information. LVHN cancer patients receiving treatment were photographed in the nude and those images stored on LVHNs network were stolen by the hackers as part of the data breach.

No Ransom Payment

LVHN was told by the hackers that they had these images and if LVHN refused to pay their ransom demand, the hackers would release these sensitive images publicly. LVHN needed to act with serious consideration of the consequences that would befall these patients if those images were released on the internet where they can stay forever. LVHN made the knowing, reckless, and willful, decision to let the hackers post the nude images of Plaintiff and others on the internet, the complaint alleged.

The complaint said that while LVHN was publicly patting itself on the back for standing-up to these hackers and refusing to meet their ransom demands, the hospital was consciously and intentionally ignoring the real victims and that rather than acting in their patients best interest, LVHN put its own financial considerations first.

LVHNs response is in line with advice from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), which advises against paying ransoms. The FBI says payment encourages further attacks and does not guarantee that payment will put an end to the extortion or that stolen data will be deleted.

LVHNs investigation of the cyber attacks found that cyber-hackers, ALPHV, also known as BlackCat, were responsible for the attack. ALPHV has become notorious for launching cyber attacks against academia and healthcare institutions and demanding ransom payments. It is believed to be associated with Russia.

LVHN President and CEO Brian A. Nester said that a Lackawanna County physician practice appeared to be the epicenter of the attack. LVHN includes 31 hospitals, 28 health centers, 20 ExpressCARE locations, and other physician practices, pharmacy, imaging, home health, rehabilitation, and lab services in 10 eastern Pennsylvania counties.

BlackCat Warning

On March 4, 2023, the hackers posted a public message to LVHN warning that if it did not meet their ransom demands they would publicly post stolen data, including nude photos of cancer patients receiving treatment. The message from BlackCat read:

We have been in your network for a long time and have had time to study your business. In addition, we have stolen your confidential data and are ready to publish it. We have the data of your client base of patients, namely their passports, personal data, questionnaires, nude photos and the like. Our blog is followed by a lot of world media, the case will be widely publicized, and will cause significant damage to your business. Your time is running out. We are ready to unleash our full power on you!

After LVHN refused the ransom demand, ALPHV posted stolen data from LVHN on the dark web. As ALPHV had warned it would do, ALPHV posted nude photographs of the lead plaintiff, who went by Jane Doe in the case, as well other cancer patients.

After LVHN continued to refuse to give into the hackers, on March 10, ALPHV uploaded additional patient data and photos and threatened to leak more every week until the ransom was paid.

Targeted Sector

The lawsuit claimed that LVHN knew or should have known of the serious risk and harm that would occur from a data breach, especially since the healthcare sector is among the most targeted by hackers. A Verizon data breach report found that the healthcare industry has been he most impacted by data breaches of any industry for 10 years in a row.

But the Pennsylvania healthcare company failed to adequately secure its confidential information, the suit alleged.

The Court of Common Pleas has scheduled a November 15, 2024, final fairness hearing to determine if the settlement should receive final approval. If approved, the lawyers said funds should be distributed early next year. Those who have been notified they are in the class are not required to take any action to receive compensation.

Topics Lawsuits Cyber
Taiwan financial conglomerate Taishin said it would raise its offer for peer Shin Kong by 25% to about T$222.4 billion ($7 billion), in a deal that would be Taiwans biggest-ever financial services industry merger.

Taishin and Shin Kongs long-mooted tie-up, announced last month, has had to contend with an unexpected rival bid from CTBC Financial to acquire Shin Kong, though the target says it views Taishin as its preferred bidder.

Taiwans financial services industry tends to be quite domestically focused, and Taishin and Shin Kong hope that by merging they can expand their footprint and become a more globally competitive firm while building long-term value.

Update: Taiwans CTBC Financial Plans to Buy Rival Shin Kong

Taishin will offer 0.672 common shares and 0.175 preferred shares per Shin Kong share for a 100% stake in the revised all-share deal, sweetening the pot from the 0.6022 common share swap offered previously, Taishin and Shin Kong said late on Wednesday.

The offer would convert to T$14.18 per Shin Kong share based on Wednesdays closing prices, 25% more than was originally offered, Taishin said, although slightly less than the T$14.55 per share offered by CTBC for a 51% stake through a mix of shares and cash.

Our offer applies to 100% of Shin Kong shareholders, while CTBCs offer is for only 51% of shares. What price would the remaining 49% of shareholders be able to get from CTBC (or the market) for their shares? Taishin President Welch Lin told reporters. Thats a major uncertainty.

A merger between Taishin and Shin Kong would make it the islands fourth-largest financial firm, with estimated combined assets of about T$8.3 trillion.

CTBC declined to comment on Taishins raised offer.

Gaining control of Shin Kong would make CTBC Taiwans largest financial firm with estimated combined assets of T$13.46 trillion, slightly above the T$13.27 trillion held by Cathay Financial.

Taishin shares fell 1.9% on Thursday morning, while Shin Kong was down 1.1%, underperforming a 3% rise in the broader index .TWII. CTBC was trading 0.6% lower.

(Reporting by Faith Hung; editing by Ben Blanchard and Jamie Freed)
Swiss insurer Baloise said on Thursday it plans to boost return on equity and will consider share buybacks after activist-investor Cevian Capital this week revealed it held more than 9% of the companys stock, becoming its top stakeholder.

Baloise said in a statement that its new targets include a return on equity of 12% to 15%, cash remittance of more than 2 billion Swiss francs ($2.34 billion) in the period 2024-2027, and a higher cash payout ratio of 80% or more.

Following careful analysis of our business activities, we have identified substantial potential for raising efficiency along with related cost savings and opportunities for growth in all our business units, CEO Michael Mueller said.

To unlock as much of this potential as possible, we are launching our refocusing strategy in which the emphasis is on the performance of our core business and its ability to generate value.

The company said it will look into launching an initial share buy-back program next spring.

Cevian revealed its substantial holding in Baloise on Monday, prompting demands from shareholders that the Swiss insurer should shake up its portfolio and boost returns.

Baloise was setting out its future plans as it reported that profit attributable to shareholders for the first half of 2024 rose by 6.9% to nearly 220 million francs.

Still, business volume dipped by 0.9% year-on-year to 5.29 billion francs due to unfavorable currency effects, it added.

($1 = 0.8533 Swiss francs)

(Writing by Dave Graham; editing by Rachel More and Sherry Jacob-Phillips)

Topics Carriers
In its latest court filing to keep alive a lawsuit against start-up Dellwood Insurance, American International Group said its new competitor failed to explain why the suit cannot go on.

AIG argued in a brief filed yesterday in U.S. District Court in New Jersey that Dellwood strained to argue that AIG could not continue with a lawsuit against Dellwood after earlier dropping claims against three of its executivesall former AIG employees.

Dellwood in June filed to dismiss the case on the res judicata doctrine. Dellwood asserted that since AIGs actions against Dellwood included similar allegations as the claims against the individual executives, the suit could not stand. Originally, AIG individually named Michael Price, Kean Driscoll and Thomas Connolly in the lawsuit. Each were employed with AIG before starting E&S insurer Dellwood. Price and Driscoll are CEO and CUO, respectively, of Dellwood, launched in March for wholesale brokers with an eye on small- and middle-enterprise risks. Connolly is Dellwoods CFO.

But the doctrine, AIG said, is only applied to subsequent cases, not to bar claims in the same case. AIG called Dellwoods arguments quixotic.

No matter how hard Dellwood tries to spin it otherwise, the voluntary dismissal of the former executives was not an adjudication of the merits of AIGs claim in their favor, AIG said. The company continued to allege Dellwood and its executives stole confidential information and trade secrets later used in Dellwoods business plans, while violating employment agreements with AIG.

AIG furthermore used the filing to fire back at other Dellwood contentions, including that AIG was using the court system to beat down a fledgling startup.

With all due respect to Dellwoods ambitions, the reality is that, as one of the worlds leading insurance companies, AIG vies against myriad competitors, virtually all of them more significant than Dellwood, lawyers for the company wrote. AIG, however, will not tolerate any company misappropriating its confidential information and assets to unfairly compete.

Dellwood in its filing to dismiss also had claimed AIG makes it very difficult for employees to leave the company for other industry jobs, even referencing lyrics from the Eagles song Hotel California: You can check out at any time you like but you can never leave.

AIG said the insurance industry is filled with individuals at other companies who spent significant time at AIG, adding that the critical difference in this case is that the former executives who founded Dellwood were bad leavers who breached duties they owed to AIG.

Returning to Hotel California, AIGs counsel pointed out that the song is not about trapping guests, but is a metaphor depicting the plight of those who, like Dellwood and its principals, have made poor decisions and engaged in other problematic behavior

The case is American International Group Inc. v. Dellwood Insurance Group, U.S. District Court, District of New Jersey, No. 24-04456.

Topics AIG
U.S. utilities faced a near 70% jump in cyberattacks this year over the same period in 2023, according to data from Check Point Research, underlining the escalating threat to a critical infrastructure.

The utilities and power infrastructure across the U.S. are becoming increasingly vulnerable as the grid expands rapidly to meet surging demand for power and assets are digitalized.

Utilities are low-hanging fruit for cyberattacks because many of them use outdated software, said Douglas McKee of cybersecurity firm SonicWall.

To date, the attacks have not crippled any U.S. utility, but industry experts warn a coordinated attempt could be devastating, impacting essential services and causing substantial financial losses.

There were 1,162 cyberattacks on average through August this year, compared to 689 in 2023, Check Point data showed.

The energy sector is considered to be more vulnerable to such attacks. In May 2021, fuel pipeline operator Colonial Pipeline was forced to shut down its entire network due to one of the biggest cyberattack incidents on the energy industry.

More recently, U.S. oilfield services firm Halliburton disclosed that an unauthorized third party had accessed and removed data from its systems.

The utilities industry depends on IoT and ICS (Internet of Things and Incident Command System) technology, which are not as advanced in their cyber defenses as the software used by Apple or Microsoft, McKee said.

Compliance with regulations such as the North American Electric Reliability Corps (NERC) Critical Infrastructure Protection, which safeguards bulk power systems from cyber threats, only provide a minimum standard or protection, experts said.

The expansion of the grid, including incremental interconnections to new customers like Gen-AI data centers, is creating more potential points of attack.

Earlier this year, NERC said the number of susceptible points on the U.S. electrical networks has been increasing by about 60 per day.

Several major U.S. companies have suffered ransomware attacks in recent years, including UnitedHealth Groups UNH.N Change Healthcare unit in February.

If an equivalent attack occurred that was on the scale of Change Healthcarethe impact could be completely devastating, said Kevin Kirkwood, chief information security officer at Foster City, California-based cybersecurity provider Exabeam.

Even breaches that do not directly compromise critical infrastructure could lead to significant financial losses, said Wayne Tung, managing director at Sendero Consulting.

The average cost of a data breach in the energy sector reached a global high of $4.72 million, IBM reported in 2022.

Historically, election years also fuel heightened malicious cyber activity.

With the upcoming U.S. election, we can expect a surge in cyberattacks on critical infrastructure, including utilities, energy grids, and communication networks, said Nataliia Zdrok, Senior Threat Intelligence Analyst at Binary Defense.

Topics USA
Sentry Insurance said it is buying nonstandard auto insurer The General from American Family Insurance for about $1.7 billion to mark the largest acquisition in the companys 120-year history.

Sentry will pay $1.1 billion in cash and assume liabilities and required capital to up the total transaction to $1.7 billion. American Family acquired The General in 2012 when it bought PGC Holdings Corp. and its subsidiaries for $239 million.

Mutual insurer Sentry of Stevens Point, Wisconsin said it is known for business insurance but also has a nonstandard auto, motorcycle, and off-road vehicle insurer in its Dairyland brand, serving customers through its independent-agent network. The purchase of Nashville-based, direct-to-consumer (DTC) The General brings together two of the strongest brands in the nonstandard auto industry, said Pete McPartland, chairman and CEO of Sentry.

Sentry said the brands will operate independently during the integration process. The 1,300 or so employees from The General will join Sentrys workforce of 5,000 on January 1, and will continue to be based in Nashville.

Weve found a strategic and cultural fit in Sentry, where the growth and momentum that The General has will continue, said American Family Insurance CEO Bill Westrate. Were confident that Sentrys expertise, strong reputation in this market and employment culture will not only continue to serve The Generals customers well but will also ease the transition for The Generals employees.

The transaction is expected to close by the end of the year, pending regulatory approvals.

Related: AM Best: Adverse Results Linger For Nonstandard Auto

Late in August, American Family Insurance Groups Main Street America Insurance said it will stop offering personal lines insurance in favor of a commercial lines strategy.

Topics Mergers & Acquisitions Carriers Auto
Francine knocked out power to nearly half a million homes and businesses and canceled hundreds of flights across the US South after coming ashore as a hurricane.

The storm has weakened to a tropical depression with winds of 35 miles (55 kilometers) per hour as it approached Jackson, Mississippi, the National Hurricane Center said in an advisory Thursday. Francine, which had winds of 100 mph when it made landfall Wednesday, is forecast lose strength throughout the day.

Continued weakening is forecast, the hurricane center said. Francine is expected to become a post-tropical cyclone later today.

More than 470,000 homes and businesses were without power in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama as of 7 a.m. local time, according to PowerOutage.us. About 80 flights have been canceled at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, adding to the 240 that were grounded in the region Wednesday, FlightAware.com said.

Francine came ashore in Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana, a sparsely populated area southwest of New Orleans.

Photo: Houma, Louisiana, in the evening on Sept. 11.

Copyright 2024 Bloomberg.
EverPeak Insurance, a workers compensation insurer that specializes in hard-to-place industries and small businesses, has recently expanded into South Carolina.

Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Vlad Stojanovic said the move will help address the difficulties that some employers face in finding affordable coverage. The insurer said it already has signed up 387 employers in the state.

The announcement came one day after EverPeak, a relatively new branch of Pinnacol Assurance, said it also has moved into Arizona. EverPeak launched in May of this year and has expanded rapidly across the country.

Topics Workers' Compensation South Carolina
A Florida home inspector allegedly used the same stock photographs in more than 200 home and wind-mitigation inspections, costing Citizens Property Insurance Corp. more than $88,000, the state Department of Financial Services said after the man was arrested.

Jasiel Mena, formerly a licensed inspector and head of Mena Home Inspections Corp. in Spring Hill, Florida, was charged last week with fraud. An investigation by DFS investigators found that Mena had been hired to provide dozens of four-point and wind-mitigation inspections for Citizens in 2017, 2018 and 2019.

But Mena may not have actually inspected the homes in Hernando, Hillsborough, Pasco, Lee, Pinellas, Charlotte and Polk counties. He re-used some of the same photographs that purported to show that many of the homes had measures in place to minimize damage from windstorms, Floridas chief financial officer said in a statement Thursday.

That resulted in lower premiums for the homes, cheating Citizens of more than $42,000 in premium revenue, DFS said. The scheme also forced Citizens to reinspect every property at a cost of $38,000. In addition, the alleged fraud exposed Citizens to potential claims and losses from storms.

The reported photo fraud also cut the other way, DFS explained. Some of the stock photos did not show actual mitigation work that had been done on some homes. After new inspections, Citizens refunded those homeowners about $7,000.

Menas wind inspections predated and were not related to the My Safe Florida Home program, which provides matching grants for homeowners to retrofit their homes in return for premium discounts. It was unclear if Mena made inspections for other insurance carriers.

Investigators determined that Mena had acted alone, DFS said. Florida Secretary of State records show that Mena also owns or manages a dumpster company in Spring Hill.

Mena was booked into the Hernando County Jail Sept. 4. If convicted, he could face up to five years in prison.

Topics Florida
Meister Joins Sertis as SVP, Distribution Partnerships

Sertis, headquartered in Reno, Nevada, appointed Kurt Meister as senior vice president, distribution partnerships.

Meister has more than 36 years of experience in the insurance industry, including underwriting leadership, program management and broker relations. Previous roles include chief sales officer at Distinguished Programs; senior vice president, specialty division business development and marketing director at Distinguished Specialty; vice president, hospitality division P&L leader at National Specialty Underwriters; and senior vice president at Aon.

Mast Joins Alliant as SVP, Employee Benefits Group

Chris Mast joined Alliant Insurance Services, headquartered in Irvine, California, as senior vice president, producer within its employee benefits group serving expanding operations in the Rocky Mountain region.

Mast has more than 20 years of experience in consulting employers across various industries. Before joining Alliant, Mast served as a health practice leader at Mercer and as executive director, actuarial and analytics at Consortium Health Plans.

Venbrook Names Oakes Executive Vice President

Venbrook Group LLC, headquartered in Woodland Hills, California, named Christina Oakes as executive vice president of the companys private risk practice division with the opening of a new West Coast office.

Oakes has more than 12 years of insurance industry experience. Most recently, Oakes was a personal risk specialist at USI. In her new role, she will be building out the practice and crafting risk management solutions for the companys Private Risk client group of high and ultra-high-net-worth individuals. She will be based in Los Angeles.

Topics Alliant Employee Benefits
Westfield Center, Ohio  September 5, 2024  Westfield Bank has announced the addition of three new top producers to its agency banking business vertical. The new hires include Mike Strakhov, serving in the role of SVP, agency banking market leader and both Morgan Harriss and Ross Haskett, each serving in the role of VP, agency banking commercial loan officer.

Westfield Bank takes pride in our longstanding relationships in the insurance industry and our proven track record of empowering agency owners around the country, said Michael Toth, chairman and CEO of Westfield Bank. Mike, Morgan, and Ross will greatly complement our agency banking team.

Were thrilled to welcome Mike, Morgan, and Ross, three talented and experienced banking professionals who will bolster our teams insurance expertise and capabilities, said Mike Wagar, SVP, agency banking and specialty lines leader at Westfield Bank. These additions will strengthen our competitive position, expand our capabilities and relationships, and bring new opportunities to the agencies we serve.

Over the years, Westfield Bank has established itself as a highly reputable leader in the insurance industry. Were excited for the opportunity to join a team with great experience and a deep commitment to meeting the financial needs of agency owners, said Strakhov.

Strakhov comes to Westfield Bank with more than 35 years of insurance and banking experience, most recently serving at Live Oak Bank as the head of insurance, accounting, tax & law industry lending teams. In his leadership role, Mikes relationships and expertise will open the door to new opportunities to develop agency relationships.

Harriss has over 15 years of banking experience, 10 of which are focused on lending to insurance agencies, becoming a respected lender in the industry. She brings a wealth of knowledge, client relationships, and a commitment to delivering financial solutions for agencies to achieve their goals.

Haskett has 10 years of banking experience and joined the insurance lending vertical in 2018. Prior to that, he worked in a variety of areas across the bank in both sales and support roles for the insurance lending team bringing a wide range of experiences and significant relationships to his current role as a lender.

About Westfield Bank

Since its founding in 2001, Westfield Bank has become one of the leading financial institutions in Northeast Ohio. Westfield Bank provides comprehensive personal, business, and agency banking products and services.

A testament to the positive work culture and efforts in attracting, developing, and retaining top talent, Westfield Bank was honored with a 2023 NorthCoast 99 Award by ERC. The award recognizes the top 99 employers in Northeast Ohio that make a notable difference in the lives of their employees and the economic vitality of their communities. Additionally, the Bank was awarded a Top Workplaces 2023 award from The Plain Dealer and cleveland.com for the fourth year in a row. A workplace that embraces creative thinking, the importance of collaboration, and encourages an innovative mindset are signature to the work philosophy at Westfield Bank and the work environment that supports a positive work-life balance for employees.

Supported by Westfield Insurance, one of the nations 50 largest property and casualty insurance groups, Westfield Bank has grown to manage more than $2 billion in assets. The groups motto  Sharing Knowledge. Building Trust.  is lived out each day by employees across Northeast Ohio.

Learn more at westfield-bank.com

Media Contact:

Christine Van Ausdale

SVP, Marketing & Communications Director

330-661-6285

ChrisVanAusdale@westfield-bank.com

Topics Mergers & Acquisitions
I pride myself on many things: my great taste in music, my outrageous sense of humour, my winning personality, and my saintly humility (as Im sure you can tell).

Along with those qualities, I take great pride in my ability to worm my way out of a night out, whenever necessary. I know, I know. Im young and free.

My evenings should consist of tequila shots, kissing the wrong boys, letting my hair down on some dance floor, and staying out late enough to catch the sunrise. And I love a night out as much as the next girl, but I have my limits. Sometimes, I need a night off.

Huddling in a squat-adjacent student kitchen, sharing one chair between eight people, while peculiar cocktails are concocted with whatever was on offer for Tesco club card members that day, requires a very particular attitude.

An attitude I dont always have the mental capacity to muster. You have to pretend the overflowing bin bag in the corner isnt emitting some sort of radioactive odour.

The flatmate attempting to warm their pot noodles over the heat of a flickering lamp, must be left to do so in peace. All while the organisms growing in the fridge are left to multiply.

To get through the pre-stage of the night out takes at least six of those mystery cocktails.

And considering students would be liable to use last nights bath water as a mixer, Id rather take a night off the rocket fuel, from time to time. My body is a temple after all.

And this is before youve even been exposed to 40-somethings throwing shapes (their backs out) in the club. We all know how I feel about that. Stealing the innocence of our young people.

There are a few things I can do to save myself from the treachery, when I find myself needing a night out detox. Ive become quite an expert on this stuff.

Sure, you could try good old fashioned honesty about being tired and having a 9am lecture the following day. But you need to remember your audience.

These are students. They dont have a serious job to hold down or mouths to feed.

Excuses such as having a 9am start the following morning are not going to compute. Those arent reasons to skip the night out.

In fact, your pounding head will be the perfect excuse to miss that 9am lecture. You tear up a dance floor and have a reason to lie in, the following morning. The logic may be flawed, but in the mind of a student, thats the 9am lecture problem solved.

You want to come up with something that your nightclub-addicted peers cant argue with.

If youve got to rely on public transport to get there, youve always got the old my bus was cancelled to fall back on. Knowing Dublin Bus and Bus Eireann, youre probably not lying.

And you cant be expected to trek to a night out in the inevitably miserable weather.

If theres one thing to be said about the relentless rain we experience, at the very least, its a great excuse to stay in.

What if its not raining, you ask? Were in Ireland. Stop asking stupid questions.

You may prefer the road less travelled, the excuse less excused. In that case, Ive got to have dinner with my grandad is a personal favourite.

Whos going to question you on it, tell you to leave the guy to his own devices, reject the man that supplied you with 5notes and secret chocolate bars for the first 18 years of your existence? Congrats!

Peg the kettle on, throw an episode of The Office on, youve got yourself a quiet night in.

If those fail, the cost of the night out alone should be excuse enough. Sorry, I cant afford the 10 pints, 15 cocktails, 20 nightclub entry, and 50 taxi tonight.

Sold my first-born for last weeks nightclub extravaganza. There are some pot noodles and a lukewarm lamp with my name on them at home. Might run myself a bath, while Im at it.

Get a head start on tomorrows cocktails. Because youre in college, you can only get away with missing nights out for so long.

Youll have to get comfortable on that eighth of a chair. Eventually.
A Second World War project which involved training pigeons to pilot bombs has won this year's spoof Nobel peace prize.

The Ig Nobel gongs  awarded annually by the science humour magazine the Annals of Improbable Research  celebrate unusual areas of research that "make people laugh, then think".

Professor Burrhus Frederic Skinner, a psychologist at the University of Minnesota in the US, received the posthumous gong for his work on Project Pigeon, where he was able to teach pigeons to guide missiles with some success.

But the project never took flight because of scepticism from the US military and government officials.

However, Prof Skinner stood by the research, writing in a summary of the project published in 1960: "Call it a crackpot idea if you will. It is one in which I have never lost faith."

BF Skinner's Project Pigeon experiment. This involved training pigeons to pilot bombs. Picture: BF Skinner /PA Wire

The anatomy prize went to a team of scientists in France who wanted to investigate whether hair on the heads of most people in the Northern Hemisphere swirled in the same direction  clockwise or anticlockwise  as those from the Southern Hemisphere.

Study author Khonsari Roman, professor of maxillofacial surgery at the Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital in Paris, said: "As a whole, clockwise whorl are considerably more common all over the world.

"Nevertheless, counter-clockwise whorls seem to be more prevalent in the Southern Hemisphere."

He said there is may be an "unknown mechanism" that leads to clockwise whorls in general but the team does not yet know why people in the Southern Hemisphere are more likely to have anticlockwise swirls.

The chemistry award was won by a research team who used a lab technique to separate drunk and sober worms, while US-based scientists Fordyce Ely and William E Petersen were awarded the biology prize for exploding a paper bag next to a cat standing on the back of a cow with aim to understand more about how and when cows spew their milk.

The two found that cows temporarily stopped ejecting milk when frightened.

An international team of scientists led by academics in Germany picked up the prize for probability, which involved more than 350,000 coin-flipping experiments totalling 650 hours and using 44 different currencies.

The team found that when people flip a coin it "wobbles" in the air, making it more likely to land on the same side it started.

Other awards presented at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Boston, US, on Thursday, included the physiology prize for discovering that many mammals are capable of breathing through their anus and the physics prize for demonstrating the swimming abilities of a dead trout.

James C Liao, professor of biology at the University of Florida in the US, said in 2004 he discovered that fish swim in a flag like flapping motion when towed behind a cylinder and wanted to see if dead fish did the same.

He said: "The dead fish experiment was a quick way to show that just the shape, slime and flexibility of a (dead) fish is enough for it to harness energy to hold position behind the cylinder and even move forward (by accelerating its body against its own drag)."

Prof Liao said that his work could help design better fish passages to help with their migration.

Speaking about the award, he said: "I feel surprised and honoured that it (the research) has been recognised after all these years.

"I'm excited for more people to find out about it, because on the surface the experiment sounds ridiculous, but then as you understand it more, the implications of this curiosity-based science discovery are far-ranging and can also improve on things that humans hold dear."

The world's oldest person Jiroemon Kimura is celebrated by Kyotango City Mayor Yasushi Nakayama as he celebrated his '116th birthday' at his home on April 19, 2013 in Kyotango, Japan. Photo by Kyotango City Government via Getty Images

Meanwhile, the demography gong went to Dr Saul Justin Newman, senior research fellow at University College London, who discovered some people with the longest lives hailed from places that had poor recordkeeping.

Dr Newman said he became interested in investigating data on humans who live longer than most after debunking two scientific papers about extreme human ageing.

He said: "I found that extreme age records appear to be dominantly errors.

"These errors are apparent from unusual patterns in individual cases, scientific studies and entire populations.

"For example, the world's oldest man, Jiroemon Kimura, has an extraordinary number of biographical anomalies and has three reported birthdays: one that seems to have been forged, one that was a typographic error inserted by demographers, and one that is supposedly real."

Dr Newman said these anomalies are even larger when analysed across populations.

He said: "Reaching extreme ages is predicted by higher rates of poverty, higher rates of old-age poverty, not having a birth certificate, and amazingly, by having fewer 90-plus year olds in a region, that is, the more 90 year-olds there are in a region, the fewer 105-year-olds."

Dr Newman said many of these people live in regions known as "blue zones" such as Okinawa in Japan, Sardinia in Italy and Loma Linda in California, where it is claimed that people live longer and healthier lives than the average person.

He said: "These regions called blue zones, including Okinawa, seem to have been exploited to sell cookbooks and culturally appropriated lifestyle advice that is contradicted by independent data."

Dr Newman said Okinawa was promoted as a region that largely eats vegetables and sweet potato but added "none of the lifestyle claims seems to hold up".
The construction of a new dental school in Cork must become a national priority, the Government has been told, amid warnings of a 20m funding crisis in Ireland's dental schools.

The Irish Dental Association called for the core funding crisis to be addressed, and for a cap to be imposed on the number of foreign students who can study dentistry here, as figures show that almost half of the total student intake at the countrys two dental schools  UCC and Trinity  was from outside the EU or European Economic Area (EEA).

Most non-EEA graduates leave Ireland after qualifying to practice elsewhere.

Trinitys dental student intake for 2023/24 was 48 students, 16 of whom (or 35%) were non-EEA students.

UCCs dental student intake for the same year was 53, 25 of whom (47%) were non-EEA students.

Dental schools are using these foreign students, who pay over 45,000 a year to train, to cross-subsidise Irish dental students due to the years of under-resourcing of the dental schools, the association said.

Its surveys have found that 63% of dentists here struggle to recruit associate dentists, while the HSEs public dental service has 74 (23%) fewer dentists employed than in 2009.

The current model of producing dental graduates is unsustainable and Irish patients are suffering the consequences of the shortage of dentists, said Dr Rory Boyd, president of the Irish Dental Association.

We need to see significant investment in our dental schools from the Government to increase the number of Irish and EEA dental graduates to meet patient demand.

Irish students who achieve the incredible feat of 625 points in their leaving certificate are having to face a lottery for acceptance into the dentistry courses in TCD and may well face the same in UCC before long.

Disappointing for maximum points students

Not only is it extremely disappointing for the Irish students who achieve maximum points and cannot select their first choice of dentistry, it is an unacceptable loss of potential dentists that are badly needed here in Ireland."

The association called for proper funding and a cap on foreign student numbers as has been proposed in Australia - starting at 20% of all places and decreasing to 10% over the next three years.

Compounding these problems, it said funding has also been withdrawn from the planned new dental school at UCC.

Sean ODriscoll, the chairperson of UCCs governing authority, said while work to address its deficit led to a pause on major capital projects earlier this year, the construction of a new dental school in Cork must become a national priority.

One of the projects that has priority status as far as UCC is concerned is the dental hospital, which is in a dreadful condition, he said.

I have been to see it and it is nothing to be proud of. There is a huge anomaly in terms of the funding of the dental hospital in Cork and the dental hospital in Dublin.

The 2014 Quigley Report demonstrated the inequity of state funding going into the dental hospital in Dublin and into the dental hospital in Cork. This is something that has to be a national priority.
Irelands media regulator has begun a crackdown on the worlds leading social media giants hosting illegal content in a move that could lead to fines worth billions of euro.

Coimisiun na Mean has given companies including Meta, YouTube and X, formerly Twitter, four weeks to tell it how they are fulfilling their obligations, before it takes further action.

A third of 130 valid complaints made so far to Coimisiun na Mean under landmark EU legislation relate to difficulties reporting illegal content online, such as cyberbullying and other harmful content.

Under the European Digital Services Act, companies who breach their obligations can eventually be fined up to 6% of their global annual turnover.

In the case of Facebook and Instagram owner Meta, it made revenues of $134bn last year so any potential fines could stretch into billions of euro.

Social media companies including Meta, TikTok, Youtube, Linkedin and X have been issued with formal requests by the regulator to provide comprehensive detail on their approach for users to report illegal content they see on their platforms as well as details on how they can be contacted.

Voiced concern

The regulators Online Safety Commissioner Niamh Hodnett had previously voiced concern that people are not reporting harmful or illegal content online due to reporting fatigue because of the lack of action by social media platforms.

She insisted Coimisiun na Mean will hold the tech sector to account.

"We are going to start seeing the needle move in the right direction towards a safer internet experience," she promised.

The 130 valid complaints which have so far been logged with Coimisiun Na Mean under the Digital Services Act, have either been referred to it by other EU regulators or by users in Ireland.

As these tech giants have their EU headquarters in Ireland, it falls to the Irish regulator to ensure they abide by their legal obligations.

From here, Coimisiun na Mean can issue a compliance notice directing platforms to address shortcomings that may be identified in their systems and processes.

If no improvements are forthcoming, it can open a formal investigation. From that investigation, it can then choose to impose sanctions if it is found the social media giants are not in compliance including hefty fines, which are returned to the Exchequer.

It added it is reviewing 12 platforms in all: TikTok, X, YouTube, Meta, LinkedIn, Temu, Pinterest, Shein, Etsy, Dropbox, Hostelworld and Tumblr.

Persistent issues

There have been persistent issues around the dangers of illegal and harmful content on social media in Ireland.

Following the Dublin riots last November where concerns were raised about hate-filled content spreading online, Minister for Justice Helen McEntee told the Dail shed been informed by gardai that while some social media companies were engaging and taking down these vile posts as they came, others were not and she singled out X in this regard.

They didnt engage, she said. They did not fulfil their own community standards. The claim was subsequently disputed by X.

In the wake of the steps now being taken by Coimisiun Na Mean, Ms Hodnett added: We are committed to using the full range of powers available under our Online Safety Framework to hold platforms to account for keeping people safe online.

We are working towards a digital landscape where adults and children can go online without fear of being harmed by the content or behaviour they come across.
A survivor of sexual abuse at a religious-run school in Dublin has called on the State to issue an apology to victims and survivors and called on other victims and survivors to come forward.

A total of 2,395 allegations were made against 884 teachers, priests, and others in 308 schools across Ireland in the Government's long-awaited report into sexual abuse at religious-run boarding and day-schools, published at the beginning of the month.

In the wake of the scoping report's publication, gardai said they have been contacted more than 160 times in relation to allegations of historical abuse in the country's religious-run schools.

David Ryan, who suffered sexual abuse on the campus of Blackrock College in Dublin during the 1970s, says he has not yet read the report but is planning to do so in his own time.

Speaking to RTE, Mr Ryan said he would continue to work to see other alleged victims and survivors get the justice they deserve.

At the start of this month, Education Minister Norma Foley confirmed that, following a strong recommendation from the scoping inquiry, a commission of investigation would be established into historical sexual abuses in day and boarding schools run by religious orders.

More than half of those accused of abuse in the scoping inquiry are known to be deceased. Many victims have also died without seeing justice or redress, including David's brother, Mark.

David Ryan called for the commission of investigation to be completed as quickly as possible.

"I never know when I'm going to go, I would like this before I go, for my sake, and for Mark's."

He also called for a State apology.

There's more people that have been hurt, severely hurt. And the pain is still there, we're all suffering still.

"It'll never go, it'll always be there. But I'm able to cope with it better, there are dark days still, there certain anniversaries, certain dates that will trigger it."

'National trauma'

Meanwhile, Taoiseach Simon Harris said the scoping inquiry report had "unleashed a national trauma".

He thanked David Ryan and his late brother Mark for their courage in coming forward.

Referencing the Ryan report  an expansive inquiry into child abuse at residential institutions for children run by the Catholic Church between 1936 and 1999; the Cloyne report  which scrutinised child protection practices in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Cloyne and how it dealt with complaints against 19 priests made from 1996; the Murphy report  which investigated how Church and State authorities handled allegations of child abuse against 46 priests over a period from 1975 to 2004; and the mother and baby home report, Mr Harris said with the publication of each, "we're getting further insight into this group cruelty that existed in our country and a cruelty that so many people must have known about".

Speaking on Morning Ireland, Mr Harris said there was a need for an apology and atonement.

Asked if there would be a formal State apology, the Taoiseach said: I cant see a scenario where there isnt a State apology.

And I want to say today as Taoiseach: "I am so sorry and I feel such a deep sense of sorrow, hurt, anger and disgust  and we will get this right.
An Irish man arrested in Portugal on Tuesday has been found dead in his prison cell.

The 29-year-old was arrested and detained in Albufeira on Tuesday following an alleged assault on his partner.

The National Guard in Albufeira said that the woman, also aged 29, was attacked with a knife.

The woman reportedly remains in a critical condition in hospital.

The pair are understood to have travelled to the coastal city in Portugal's southern Algarve region earlier this week.

The police said that the man was being held in Albufeira and was found dead inside his cell on Wednesday. Emergency services were called immediately but he was declared dead at the scene.

The circumstances of the death inside the cell are being investigated by the Policia Judiciaria.

A spokesperson said the Department of Foreign Affairs is aware of the case and is providing consular assistance.

"As with all consular cases, the Department does not comment on the detail of individual cases," the spokesperson said.
The Taoiseach has said his thoughts are with the staff of the UN after six of its aid workers were killed in an Israeli attack on a school in Gaza.

The United Nations Palestinian refugee agency, UNRWA, has said six of its staff were killed in two air strikes which hit a school in central Gaza.

Since last October, more than 220 UNRWA staff have been killed in Gaza.

The workers died following an attack on a school where thousands of displaced Palestinians were sheltering.

Mr Harris said: Earlier this week, we saw shots fired at a UN convoy distributing polio vaccines to protect children in Gaza, with staff threatened by Israeli military forces.

We must never allow this to be normalised or take for granted the risks humanitarian workers take with their own lives to help others.

We are deeply grateful for the work that they do and Ireland will continue to stand with the UN and with UNRWA as it carries out its vital work.

We must also ensure accountability for those who perpetrate war crimes.

I look forward to extending my condolences in person to UN Secretary General [Antonio] Guterres when I visit the UN later this month.

I again call for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages and unimpeded access to aid in Gaza.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin said there is an obligation to protect humanitarian workers after six UNRWA staff were killed by an Israeli strike.

I condemn the Israeli air strikes that killed six UNRWA staff in Gaza, Mr Martin said in a statement.

Humanitarian workers take exceptional risks to provide vital food and aid supplies to people.

There is an obligation to protect them.
The family of a 16-year-old girl who died at University Hospital Limerick (UHL) almost two years ago has said a major report into her death must be published immediately.

Aoife Johnston, from Co Clare, died on December 19, 2022, at UHL after suffering from meningitis-related sepsis and was left for more than 16 hours without antibiotics  a vital treatment to help save her life.

Aoife Johnston, 16, from Shannon, Co Clare, died in UHL on December 19, 2022. Picture: File

An inquest held earlier this year gave a verdict of medical misadventure. An investigation into her death has also been completed by former chief justice Frank Clarke.

Speaking on RTEs Drivetime programme, family solicitor Damien Tansey said the Johnston family considers the report into her death to be superficial. They accused the HSE of failing their family again.

Mr Tansey said there were significant limitations and restrictions on Mr Clarkes mandate when conducting the report.

The solicitor also said there was an inability for Mr Clarke to make findings of fact or to make adverse findings.

Mr Tansey said the report should be published without redactions and that the family had written to the HSE chief executive to say they would make the report public if the HSE does not.

Calls to publish the report were echoed by the Irish Hospital Consultants Association.

Its full publication, in consultation with the Johnston family, is an important next step," a spokesperson said.

Following the inquest verdicts, the HSE CEO Bernard Gloster apologised to Ms Johnstons family.

HSE CEO Bernard Gloster apologised to Aoife Johnstons family. Picture: Arthur Ellis

On behalf of the HSE, I, again, would like to express our heartfelt sympathy to Aoifes family and friends for the pain and suffering they experienced because of Aoifes death while in our care, he said.

"I want to take this opportunity to restate for the record today our unequivocal apology to them, conscious that no words of mine will take away their pain.

In that same statement, he said that once he received the Clarke report, he would consider the next steps.

In response to Mr Tanseys appearance on Drivetime, the HSE said that it urged him to engage with it to discuss the publication of the report.

When it came to publishing the report, the HSE said that Mr Gloster had committed to doing so in an appropriate format which takes into account the HSEs obligations to all parties involved.

It added that the report would be published later this month in a responsible and lawful format.
A 35-year-old Blarney woman charged with possession of heroin for sale or supply was charged on Wednesday with a new drug-related offence arising out of the same alleged incident.

Detective Sergeant Ruairi McGovern formally arrested Amy Forrest, of Causeway House, Station Road, Blarney, County Cork, and charged her before the sitting of Cork District Court.

The detective later testified that she made no reply to the charge against her.

Amy Forrest was already charged with possession of Diamorphine (heroin) and having that drug for the purpose of selling or otherwise supplying to others at Redforge Road, Blackpool, Cork, on August 24, 2023.

The new charge alleges that she did possess articles, namely a mixing agent consisting of a paracetamol and caffeine mixture in circumstances giving rise to a reasonable inference that the article was in your possession for a purpose connected with the commission, preparation, facilitation or instigation of a drug trafficking offence.

Det Garda McGovern said the Director of Public Prosecutions directed that the case should proceed by indictment, either to trial by judge and jury or for a signed plea of guilty followed by sentencing at Cork Circuit Criminal Court.

Defence solicitor Joseph Cuddigan said he required time to advise the accused on matters relating to a signed plea of guilty should that arise.

On the application of Sergeant Dave Delea, Judge Mary Dorgan adjourned the case until October 2.

There was no garda objection to the accused being remanded on bail until that date.
The father of a two-week-old baby girl is being hailed a hero after risking his life to save an elderly neighbour whose house was engulfed in flames.

The local community in Mahon, Cork, has been heaping praise on Kelvin Cassells, whose bravery undoubtedly helped save his neighbour's life.
Several serving and former Australian military commanders have been stripped of medals over allegations of war crimes committed during the Afghanistan war, defence minister Richard Marles confirmed on Thursday.

Holding commanders to account for alleged misconduct of Australian special forces between 2005 and 2016 was recommended by major general Paul Brereton in his war crime investigation.

He found around 25 Australian Special Air Service Regiment and Commando Regiment troops were involved in the unlawful killings of 39 Afghans.

The allegations which are the subject of the Brereton Report are arguably the most serious allegations of Australian war crimes in our history, Mr Marles told parliament.

When you command a unit... you accept the responsibility of that unit in terms of what failings occur.

Mr Marles wrote to commanders of those troops about medals they had received for their service during the periods war crimes allegedly occurred. He did not specify to parliament how many he had written to or identify their ranks, citing privacy concerns.

The removal of medals was condemned by Australian Special Air Service Association chairman Martin Hamilton-Smith as a betrayal of the courage and sacrifice of soldiers in Afghanistan.

The governments decision overlooks the courageous leadership of these young officers on the battlefield based on unproven allegations that somewhere in a remote village unseen and unknown to these commanders, an unlawful act might have occurred on their watch, Mr Hamilton-Smith said in a statement.

Mr Marles later explained the medals were not stripped because of the officers wrongdoing.

No one is suggesting they knew what happened, were aware of it or didnt act  thats not the issue, he told reporters.

But the issue is that when you command a unit, you will receive often the benefits and the accolades of what that unit does irrespective of whether youve personally been right there in the front line and commensurately, you accept the responsibility of that unit in terms of what failings occur.

Had we known what had occurred, would the medals have been granted?

No Australian veteran has been convicted of a war crime in Afghanistan.

But David McBride, a whistleblower and former army lawyer, was sentenced in May to almost six years in jail for leaking to the media classified information that exposed allegations of Australian war crimes.

In 2023, former SAS trooper Oliver Schulz became the first of these veterans to be charged with a war crime. He is accused of shooting dead a noncombatant in a wheat field in Uruzgan province in 2012.

Also last year, a civil court found Australias most decorated living war veteran Ben Roberts-Smith likely unlawfully killed four Afghans when he was an SAS corporal. He has not been criminally charged.
Former Peru president Alberto Fujimori has died in the capital Lima aged 86, his daughter has confirmed.

Mr Fujimoris decade-long presidency began with triumphs righting Perus economy and defeating a brutal insurgency only to end in a disgrace of autocratic excess that later sent him to prison.

Governing with an increasingly authoritarian hand from 1990 to 2000, he was pardoned in December from his convictions for corruption and responsibility for the murder of 25 people. His daughter Keiko Fujimori said in July he was planning to run for Perus presidency for the fourth time in 2026.

The former university president and mathematics professor was the consummate political outsider when he emerged from obscurity to win Perus 1990 election over writer Mario Vargas Llosa.

President Alberto Fujimori waves to supporters at the government palace in July 1990 after taking over the presidency (AP)

Over a tumultuous political career, he repeatedly made risky, go-for-broke decisions that alternately earned him adoration and reproach.

He took over a country ravaged by runaway inflation and guerrilla violence, mending the economy with bold actions including mass privatisations of state industries. Defeating fanatical Shining Path rebels took a little longer but also won him broad-based support.

His presidency collapsed just as dramatically.

After briefly shutting down Congress and elbowing himself into a controversial third term, he fled the country in disgrace in 2000 when leaked videotapes showed his spy chief, Vladimiro Montesinos, bribing lawmakers.

The president went to Japan, the land of his parents, and famously faxed in his resignation.

He stunned supporters and foes alike five years later when he landed in neighbouring Chile, where he was arrested and then extradited to Peru. He had hoped to run for Perus presidency in 2006, but instead wound up in court facing charges of abuse of power.

He became the first former president in the world to be tried and convicted in his own country for human rights violations. He was not found to have personally ordered the 25 death-squad killings for which he was convicted, but he was deemed responsible because the crimes were committed in his governments name.

Perus former president Alberto Fujimori, centre, is driven out of prison by one of his lawyers, accompanied by his son Kenji, left, after his release in December 2023 (AP)

His 25-year sentence did not stop Mr Fujimori from seeking political revindication, which he planned from a prison built in a police academy on the outskirts of Lima.

His congresswoman daughter tried in 2011 to restore the family dynasty by running for the presidency, but was narrowly defeated in a runoff. She ran again in 2016 and 2021, when she lost by just 44,000 votes after a campaign in which she promised to free her father.

After a long battle with cancer, our father, Alberto Fujimori, has just departed to meet the Lord, she said in a statement on X on Wednesday. We ask those who loved him to accompany us with a prayer for the eternal rest of his soul.

He is survived by his four children. The oldest, Keiko, became first lady in 1996 when his father divorced his mother, Susana Higuchi, in a bitter battle in which she accused Fujimori of having her tortured. The youngest child, Kenji, was elected a congressman.

Fujimori was born on July 28 1938, Peruvian Independence Day, and his immigrant parents picked cotton until they could open a tailors shop in downtown Lima.

In December, Perus Constitutional Court ruled in favour of a humanitarian pardon granted to Mr Fujimori on Christmas Eve in 2017 by then-president Pablo Kuczynski.

Wearing a face mask and getting supplemental oxygen, he walked out of the prison door and got in a sport utility vehicle driven by his daughter-in-law.

The last time he was seen in public was on September 4, leaving a private hospital in a wheelchair.

He told the press that he had undergone a CT scan and when asked if his presidential candidacy was still going ahead, he smiled and said Well see, well see.
US secretary of state Antony Blinken is wrapping up a three-nation, Ukraine-focused European tour in Poland after hearing repeated appeals from Ukrainian officials to use Western-supplied weaponry for long-range strikes inside Russia.

Mr Blinken travelled to Warsaw on Thursday after spending a day in Kyiv with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, during which they pledged to bring the Ukrainian requests to their leaders.

President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer are to meet in the United States on Friday amid signs both Washington and London are growing more receptive to allowing the Ukrainians to use their arms to hit targets deeper inside Russia than previously approved.

Antony Blinken, Volodymyr Zelensky and David Lammy (Leon Neal/PA)

Nato member Poland, which shares a border with Ukraine, has been supportive of the Ukrainians and Mr Blinken is likely to hear further requests for easing weapons-use restrictions from Polish President Andrzej Duda, Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski.

On Wednesday, Mr Blinken and Mr Lammy announced that the United States and Britain had pledged nearly 1.5 billion dollars in additional aid to Ukraine during their visit to Kyiv.

Mr Blinken announced more than 700 million dollars in humanitarian aid, while Mr Lammy confirmed that his country would provide another 782 million dollars in assistance and loan guarantees.

Much of the effort was aimed at bolstering the energy grid that Russia has repeatedly pounded ahead of an expected difficult winter.

Ukraines wish list is long and non-military assistance is certainly on it, but Ukrainian officials made clear their most important ask is for easing restrictions on where Western weapons can be used.

Air-raid sirens sounded repeatedly during the visit, causing delays in their schedule and forcing them to cancel a wreath-laying ceremony.

Mr Blinken said he would bring the discussion with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky about the missiles back to Washington to brief the president and that Mr Biden and Sir Keir will no doubt talk about the issue when they meet in Washington.

Speaking for the United States, we have adjusted and adapted as needs have changed, as the battlefield has changed. And I have no doubt that well continue to do that as this evolves, Mr Blinken told a news conference.

His language was very similar to that which he used in May, shortly before the US green lit Ukrainian use of US weapons just inside Russian territory.

The diplomatic visit unfolded as Russias bigger and better-equipped army bears down on Ukraines eastern Donetsk region and conducts aerial attacks on cities across the country using missiles, glide bombs and drones that claim many civilian casualties.

But relations between Ukraine and its Western partners have been increasingly strained by Kyivs repeated appeals for the Wests authorisation to use long-range weapons from the United States and other allies to strike targets deeper inside Russia.

That issue took on added urgency after Russias latest reported acquisition of ballistic missiles from Iran, but Western leaders have so far baulked at Ukraines request, fearing that, if granted, it could escalate the war.

Mr Biden has allowed Ukraine to fire US-provided missiles across the border into Russia in self-defence, but has largely limited the distance they can be fired.

Mr Zelensky said he hoped for changes to those limitations.

Lets count on some strong decisions, at least, he said. For us, its very important.
Kamala Harris embarked on a drive to exploit her strong debate performance on Thursday, as the Democratic presidential nominees campaign pledged to intensify efforts to persuade voters in battleground states deemed essential to winning the White House.

Meanwhile, her opponent Donald Trump  whose debate performance has been criticized even by some of his supporters  said that he would refuse to debate Harris again. There will be no third debate, he said in an angrily worded post on his Truth Social social media platform.

Basking in her debate win, the US vice-president travelled to the crucial swing state of North Carolina for rallies in Charlotte and Greensboro before heading north to Pennsylvania, another vital piece of the electoral battleground, where she is set to hold two more events on Friday.

Harris is locked in a knife-edge contests with Donald Trump across seven swing states that have become focal points in the campaign to win Novembers poll. When Joe Biden was the Democratic nominee, Trump had established a firm lead in many of these states but Harris has now clawed back the gap and re-energized her partys chances.

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris shake hands before the start of an ABC News presidential debate at the National Constitution Center, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

For his part, Trump  who has insisted he won Tuesdays debate with Harris in Philadelphia, despite widespread doubts among his supporters  headed to Arizona, another state where the candidates are neck-and-neck, and which was narrowly won by Biden in the 2020 presidential election.

While most recent surveys have shown Harris with a narrow but consistent nationwide lead, Novembers election result will almost certainly rest on which candidate prevails in the seven battleground states  with Michigan, Wisconsin, Georgia and Nevada also seen as vital.

Seeking to capitalize on her decisive debate victory Tuesday night against Donald Trump, Vice President Kamala Harris is hitting the campaign trail to extend her momentum and further crystallize for voters the choice in the election that her debate performance made clear, stated a memo from the Harris campaign released on Thursday.

Read More The takeaways from the Kamala Harris-Donald Trump US presidential debate

The memo said campaign staff had spent Wednesday poring over the 105-minute debate in a search for key moments that could be used for television and digital adverts that would be targeted at swing states.

It also pledged that Harris  who has been criticised for avoiding the media since becoming the Democrats nominee  would hold a series of interviews with local media in battleground states. That includes a scheduled meeting in Georgia next week with the National Association of Black Journalists, which hosted Trump in August in an encounter that turned into a public relations disaster for the Republican nominee.

Harris won broad praise for her display at Tuesday nights debate, in which she was viewed as successfully baiting and laying traps for Trump  who, in turn, veered repeatedly off-message with broadsides about crowd sizes at his campaign rallies and a baseless rant about immigrants.

Some Trump supporters blamed his sub-par showing on the influence of Laura Loomer, a noted conspiracy theorist, who travelled with him to the debate and had promoted a false rumour about Haitian immigrants eating pet cats and dogs, which the ex-president then repeated in the midst of the encounter.

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump visits the Flight 93 National Memorial alongside Gordon Felt, brother of Edward Felt, a passenger on Flight 93, on the 23rd anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks in Shanksville, Pa., Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Jared Wickerham)

Authorities in Springfield, Ohio, where the practice was said to have been taking place, have dismissed the story  which appeared to have been spread on far-right internet forums and for which there is no evidence.

But in a sign of its continuing fallout, police were reported to have evacuated Springfield city hall on Thursday following a bomb threat.

Harris had demanded another debate with Trump and her campaign trolled him by posting the entire first event on X in the form of an ad  reflecting its confidence that she won the contest decisively. A snap CNN poll conducted immediately afterwards bore out that belief, with 63% of viewers seeing her as the victor.

But Trumps social media post  in which he ranted often in all caps about a variety of issues and claimed to have won the debate  appeared to scrap any hope of a rematch. KAMALA SHOULD FOCUS ON WHAT SHE SHOULD HAVE DONE DURING THE LAST ALMOST FOUR YEAR PERIOD. THERE WILL BE NO THIRD DEBATE!, he said referring to the first debate as his face off with Biden and his contest with Harris as the second debate.

An estimated 67.1 million people watched the debate  nearly 16 million more than saw Trumps contest with Biden in June.

Immediately after Tuesdays event, Harris was endorsed by the pop megastar Taylor Swift, an announcement which prompted reportedly more than 337,000 people to visit a voter registration link that the singer posted on her Instagram account, according to the General Services Administration.

There was also fresh woe on Thursday for Trump when Alberto Gonzales, a former attorney general under George W Bush, became the latest Republican to endorse his opponent, invoking the Republican nominees incitement of the 6 January 2021 attack on the US Capitol when he was president.

As the United States approaches a critical election, I cant sit quietly as Donald Trump  perhaps the most serious threat to the rule of law in a generation  eyes a return to the White House, Gonzales said in a statement. For that reason, though Im a Republican, Ive decided to support Kamala Harris for president.

He added: Trump failed to do his duty and exercise his presidential power to protect members of Congress, law enforcement and the Capitol from the attacks [on January 6].
What is ISO/UNDP PAS 53002?

The ISO/UNDP guidelines for the SDGs (ISO/UNDP PAS 53002) are a guidance document to help organizations contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They have been developed in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to provide organizations with a unified approach to systematically manage and optimize their impact on sustainable development across various operational aspects.

Why are the ISO/UNDP guidelines for the SDGs important?

Those guidelines are crucial for promoting a holistic approach to sustainable development, enabling organizations to contribute positively to the SDGs. They provide a structured framework to maximize positive impacts and reduce negative ones, particularly for vulnerable groups. Through proactive measures and by embedding sustainable development into business operations and decision-making processes, they ensure a balanced approach to economic, social, and environmental sustainability.

Who are they for?

The guidelines are relevant to organizations in all sectors. They are aimed at top level decision-makers who can use them to determine how to make a tangible positive impact based on their own unique circumstances.

Benefits

Aligns organizational strategies with sustainable development goals

Aligns organizational strategies with Enhances stakeholder engagement and societal contribution

Enhances Improves sustainability reporting and transparency

Improves Supports risk management related to sustainability issues

FAQ
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken says the United States will continue to press Israel to do more to spare humanitarian sites in the Gaza Strip, a day after an Israeli airstrike on a U.N. school complex sheltering displaced Palestinians killed 14 people there, including six U.N. staffers
1371138342::cfb49c8e-2422-11e5-99a3-d7f5c6e8b241

A weekly review of the best and most popular stories published in the Imperial Valley Press. Also, featured upcoming events, new movies at local theaters, the week in photos and much more.
09/12/2024

JACKSONVILLE  Jacksonville State University (Jax State) will observe Constitution Day on Tuesday, September 17, by welcoming the Supreme Court of Alabama for a special oral argument session. The event will be held on the 11th floor of Houston Cole Library and will provide students and the campus community with a unique opportunity to witness the judicial process up close.

Attendees are encouraged to arrive early, allowing time for security clearance. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. The event begins with a welcome at 9:30 a.m., followed by oral arguments starting at 10:00 a.m. No entry or exit will be permitted once the arguments have commenced.

The Supreme Court of Alabama is honored to return to the beautiful hills of Jacksonville State University to host a special oral argument session on Constitution Day, September 17, said Chief Justice Tom Parker. Our Justices love bringing the halls of justice to the halls of Alabamas universities. It is our hope that JSU students will be inspired by seeing their state judicial branch in action, and likewise consider their own contribution to public service, be it as a lawyer, judge, or in some other capacity.

Jax State President Dr. Don Killingsworth emphasized the event's educational value, saying, "We are honored to welcome the Alabama Supreme Court back to Jax State. The presence of the state's highest Court on our campus provides an educational experience for our students that extends beyond textbooks and classrooms. This event offers them a front-row seat to the judicial process, where they can witness the real-world application of the principles that support our legal system."

The Court will hear arguments in SC-2023-0784: Shymikka Griggs, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated v. NHS Management, LLC. NHS Management provides administrative services for nursing and rehab centers and was the victim of a 2021 cyberattack that exposed personal information, including Social Security numbers and health data. Griggs, a former employee, alleged that her data was accessed and sold, resulting in identity theft and financial harm. The circuit court dismissed her case. In her appeal, Griggs seeks to have the Alabama Supreme Court reverse the circuit courts dismissal. Two issues are involved: (1) Does Griggs have standing to bring her claims, and (2) did she state a claim on which relief could be granted?

Each side will have an equal amount of time to present its oral arguments. Following the oral arguments, Chief Justice Tom Parker will present a special lecture titled "Blackstone's Commentaries and the Foundations of American Law" at 11:30 a.m., also on the 11th floor of Houston Cole Library. The lecture will explore the influence of Sir William Blackstone on the American Founding and will be of particular interest to students considering law school. A Q&A session will follow, and the lecture will conclude by 12:25 p.m. Please note that no entry or exit will be permitted during the lecture, and attendees should plan to stay for the entire duration.

More Information
By Elif Selin Calik | 

( Middle East Monitor )  The world of activism was shaken by the tragic news of Aysenur Ezgi Eygis death at the hands of Israeli forces in the West Bank. Her demise has sparked a renewed conversation about the Occupation of Palestine, the struggles of the Palestinian people, and the role of international activists who stand with them. Eygi, a committed Turkish-American activist, was more than just a participant in protests; she embodied the global solidarity that has long fuelled the resistance against oppression in the region. Her life, words, and ultimate sacrifice bring to light the harrowing reality of the conflict and the urgent need for international intervention.

Aysenur Ezgi Eygi: A voice for the voiceless

Born in Turkiye, Eygi was deeply rooted in her faith, and her activism was a reflection of her commitment to the principles of justice, equality and submission to Allah. In her writings, she emphasized the importance of the ummah, the global Muslim community, as a collective entity that transcends national borders and personal struggles. The ummah is important, I need to support my journey in full submission to Allah, she once wrote, revealing the spiritual foundation of her activism. Her unwavering belief in the power of the Muslim community to effect change, coupled with her determination to stand against oppression, made her a prominent figure in the pro-Palestinian movement in Turkiye.

Her commitment took her to the frontlines of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, where she witnessed the daily horrors faced by Palestinians under Occupation. It was in the West Bank where she met her tragic end, killed by Israeli forces while peacefully advocating for human rights. Her death has now become a rallying cry for activists around the world, highlighting the grave dangers faced by those who dare to challenge the Israeli Occupation.

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict: A brief historical overview

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is one of the longest and most contentious in modern history. Its roots can be traced back to the early 20th century when the region, then part of the Ottoman Empire, became the focal point of competing nationalist movements. The establishment of Israel in 1948 led to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, an event known as the Nakba, or catastrophe. Since then, the conflict has been marked by wars, Intifadas and ongoing military Occupation.

The West Bank, where Eygi was killed, has been under Israeli military Occupation since the Six-Day War in 1967. Despite numerous international resolutions calling for Israel to withdraw and end its Occupation, the situation has only worsened over the years. The construction of illegal Israeli settlements, the fragmentation of Palestinian Territories, and the severe restrictions on movement have turned life in the West Bank into a daily struggle for survival.

Human Rights violations in the Occupied Territories

The human rights violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (oPt) are well-documented. According to a 2021 report by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), over 5,300 Palestinians were injured by Israeli forces in the West Bank that year alone. The UN Human Rights Council has repeatedly condemned Israels actions, particularly the excessive use of force against civilians and the systematic expansion of illegal settlements. The situation has been described by many as a form of apartheid, with Israel implementing a system of segregation that denies Palestinians basic rights and freedoms.

The killing of activists like Aysenur Ezgi Eygi further exposes the dangers faced by those who seek to shed light on these injustices. Human rights defenders, both Palestinian and international, are often targeted by Israeli forces. The UN has reported numerous cases of activists being detained, harassed and even killed while documenting human rights abuses in the region. The targeting of activists is a clear violation of international law, yet accountability remains elusive.

UN facts and numbers on the conflict

The United Nations has consistently called for an end to the Israeli Occupation and the establishment of a two-state solution, but progress has been slow. According to UN data:

As of 2022, there are approximately 475,000 Israeli settlers living in over 250 illegal settlements in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.

More than 5.7 million Palestinian refugees are registered with the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), most of whom are descendants of those displaced in 1948.

In 2023 alone, over 200 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces, including women and children.

Despite international calls for restraint, the cycle of violence continues, with civilians on both sides paying the highest price. The UNs repeated condemnations of Israeli actions, including the expansion of settlements and the use of excessive force, have largely been ignored, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.

The global response and Eygis enduring legacy

The death of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi is a stark reminder of the cost of standing up for justice in the face of overwhelming force. Her lifes work, however, has not been in vain. In Turkiye and beyond, her legacy as a passionate advocate for the Palestinian cause continues to inspire new generations of activists. She is remembered not only for her bravery but also for her deep sense of responsibility toward the ummah and her unwavering commitment to the principles of Islam.

Internationally, Eygis death has sparked renewed calls for accountability. Human rights organisations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have condemned her killing and urged the global community to take stronger action to protect activists in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. There is also growing pressure on the United Nations to take more decisive action, with some calling for sanctions against Israel for its continued violations of international law.

Aysenur Ezgi Eygis tragic death in the West Bank has left a void in the global activist community, but her legacy lives on. Her words, Ummah is important, I need to support my journey in full submission to Allah, resonate with the countless individuals who continue to stand against oppression and injustice. Her life serves as a reminder that the fight for Palestinian liberation is not just a local struggle but a global one, requiring the solidarity and support of people from all walks of life.

In her memory, the world must redouble its efforts to bring peace and justice to Palestine, ensuring that the sacrifices of activists like Eygi are not in vain. The international community must act swiftly and decisively to hold Israel accountable for its actions and to protect those who risk their lives in the pursuit of justice.

The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Middle East Monitor or Informed Comment.

Via Middle East Monitor
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 12, 2024) - Doubleview Gold Corp. (TSXV: DBG) (OTCQB: DBLVF) (FSE: 1D4) ("Doubleview" or the "Company") is pleased to announce an update on work at its Hat property in Northwestern British Columbia. The wholly owned Hat Project hosts a large copper-gold-cobalt porphyry-type mineral deposit that was discovered in 2014 and has since been explored by technical surveys and drilling, 79 diamond drill holes with a total length of 36,579.88 metres.

In the 2024 season, Doubleview has drilled more than 5,300 m in 8 drill holes. This drill campaign is directed to the Lisle Zone where an initial Mineral Resource Estimate ("MRE-V1"), prepared by independent consultants, reported an indicated resource of 150 million tonnes (Mt) and an inferred resource of 477 Mt at 0.2% copper equivalent ("CuEq**") cut-off grade* as well as a scandium potential of an estimated 300 to 500Mt at an average grade of 40ppm. The MRE-V1 figures are: indicated resource of 1.353 billion pounds (Blb) of CuEq at 0.408% CuEq, which includes 733 million pounds (Mlb) of copper, 28 Mlb of cobalt, 929 thousand ounces of gold and 2 million ounces of silver and inferred resource of 3.619 Blb of CuEq at 0.344% CuEq, which includes 1.945 Blb of copper, 91 Mlb of cobalt, 2.328 million ounces of gold and 7.575 million ounces of silver.

For more information on this MRE-V1, please see the Company's news release dated July 25, 2024.

* Parameters used to calculate cut-off grade:

Au price US$/oz: 1,900; Ag price US$/oz: 24; Cu price US$/lb: 4; Co price US$/lb: 22; Au recovery: 89.0%; Ag recovery: 68.0%; Cu recovery: 84.0%; Co recovery: 78.0%; Mining cost US$/t (OP): 2.5; Processing Cost US$/t: 6; G&A Cost US$/t: 2

** Copper Equivalent Calculation

CuEq in % = ([Ag grade in ppm] *24*0.68/31.1035 + [Au grade in ppm] *1900*.89/31.1035 + 0.0001* [Co grade in ppm] *22*0.78*22.0462 + 0.0001* [Cu grade in ppm] *4*0.84*22.0462)/(4*22.0462*0.84). Scandium is not part of the copper equivalent calculation.

Current drilling will increase data density to promote the MRE-V1 to higher levels of confidence for inclusion in a follow up MRE ("MRE-V2").

Accompanying photographs illustrate sections of high-grade sulphide and magnetite mineralization, a common type of mineralization for the Hat deposit that has repeatedly been observed during the present drill campaign.

H072, depth: 383m, massive chalcopyrite; H072 was designed to penetrate between H034 and H031.

H073, depth: 284.5m, strong potassic alteration (red-orange colour) and strong magnetite. H072 was designed to increase data density between H012 and H071.

H075, vertical hole, depth: 230.4m, massive chalcopyrite. H075 was designed to better define lithology and mineralization of drill holes H073 and H074.

H075, depth: 231m, chalcopyrite.

H076, depth: 29.5m. H076 is probing the zone between H012 and H031.

H077, depth: 144.4m, pyrite, chalcopyrite and magnetite. H077 was designed to test the area between H052 and H19.

H077, depth: 278.2m, potassic alteration, chalcopyrite.

Farshad Shirvani, President & CEO of Doubleview stated: "We are encouraged by the strength of the sulphide mineralization that confirms our geologic and mineralization model. As always, observations provide further clues to help us understand the genesis and formation of the Hat deposit."

Drill cores from the recently completed drill holes display numerous intervals of massive mineralization and textures and alteration that may be related to nearby intrusive rock formations that may be the source of the Hat deposit's mineralizing fluids.

Hole # East, UTM Z9 North, UTM Z9 Elevation (m) Depth (m) Azimuth Dip Number of samples



H072 347865.9 6453951.5 956.5 761 212 75 426 H073 347865.9 6453951.5 956.5 771 225 85 441 H074 347865.9 6453951.5 956.5 609 262.1 85 355 H075 347865.9 6453951.5 956.5 537 0 90 344 H076 347865.9 6453951.5 956.5 660 262.1 75 367 H077 347865.9 6453951.5 956.5 531 300 75 311 H078 347865.9 6453951.5 956.5 708 120 75 434 H079 347865.9 6453951.5 956.5 732 120 57 415

Samples of all cores are being prepared at the Hat camp and forwarded to an independent ISO-certified analytical laboratory for assaying. All standard QA/QC protocols are being observed. Significant assay results will be released when received from the laboratory.

Doubleview maintains a website at www.doubleview.ca.

Qualified Persons:

Erik Ostensoe, P. Geo., a consulting geologist, and Doubleview's Qualified Person with respect to the Hat Project as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed, and approved the technical contents of this news release. He is not independent of Doubleview as he is a shareholder in the company.

About Doubleview Gold Corp

Doubleview Gold Corp., a mineral resource exploration and development company, is based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and is publicly traded on the TSX-Venture Exchange [TSX-V: DBG], [OTCQB: DBLVF], [Frankfurt: 1D4]. Doubleview identifies, acquires and finances precious and base metal exploration projects in North America, particularly in British Columbia. Doubleview increases shareholder value through acquisition and exploration of quality gold, copper and silver properties and the application of advanced state-of-the-art exploration methods. The Company's portfolio of strategic properties provides diversification and mitigates investment risks.

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.

Certain of the statements made and information contained herein may constitute "forward-looking information." In particular references to the private placement and future work programs or expectations on the quality or results of such work programs are subject to risks associated with operations on the property, exploration activity generally, equipment limitations and availability, as well as other risks that we may not be currently aware of. 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.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 12, 2024) - Spark Energy Minerals Inc. (CSE: SPRK) (OTC Pink: SPARF) (FSE: 8PC) ("Spark" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that, further to its news release of August 30, 2024, it has entered into a definitive securities exchange agreement (the "SEA") dated September 10, 2024 with Latam Energy Acquisition Corp. ("Latam") and each of the shareholders of Latam (the "Latam Shareholders"), pursuant to which the Company has agreed to acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of Latam (the "Latam Shares") from the Latam Shareholders in exchange for 20,000,000 common shares of the Company (the "Consideration Shares") to be issued pro rata at a deemed price of $0.07 per share for a total deemed consideration of $1,400,000 (the "Transaction"). Latam holds the rights to significant lithium assets in Brazil, mostly adjacent to Spark's current assets in Mineas Gerais.

In connection with the closing of the Transaction (the "Closing"), it is expected that Mario Drolet will resign from the Company's board of directors and Michael Stier, Chief Executive Officer of Latam, will be appointed to fill the vacancy. Mr. Stier commented "I am happy to be announcing this monumental step forward for our company. With the signing of a definitive agreement for the acquisition, we are joining forces with a remarkable partner that holds significant lithium assets in Brazil. Together, I believe we are poised to harness the potential of our combined assets with the goal of driving value and sustainable growth for our stakeholders."

The Closing is expected to occur on or before October 15, 2024, or such other date upon which the Company and Latam mutually agree.

Closing of the Transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including the approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange, satisfactory due diligence investigations, and no material adverse change happening with respect to either party prior to the closing date.

Eugene Hodgson, CEO of Spark Energy Minerals, stated: "This acquisition marks a significant milestone for Spark Energy Minerals as we continue to expand our presence in Brazil's lithium sector. By joining forces with Latam Energy, we are strengthening our position in one of the world's most promising lithium regions. This strategic move aligns perfectly with our mission to become a key player in the battery metals market and create long-term value for our shareholders."

About Latam Energy Acquisition Corp.

Latam Energy Acquisition Corp., is a Canadian company focused on the exploration and discovery of energy metal minerals in Latin America. Latam has the rights to a portfolio of lithium assets complementary to the Company's portfolio in the well-known lithium district of Minas Gerais in Brazil (See regional map below). These lithium assets are held within Brazil's Lithium Valley initiative and include the Joaima lithium project and the Vertex lithium project.

According to the Government of Minas Gerias, the municipalities included in the Lithium Valley host the largest national lithium reserve, a mineral used in various applications, with the most important being the manufacturing of long-lasting batteries for electric vehicles and energy storage. This area play is anchored by Sigma Lithium, a multi-billion-dollar mining company with a 77Mt resource at 1.40% Li2O and a 25 year mine life at two lines of process capacity1.

The regional geology is represented by meta-mafic and ultramafic rocks, biotite gneiss and schist. In addition to these rocks, late-oregenic S-type granitoid rocks which accompanied the genesis of the Aracuai orogen are also present which are prospective for both lithium-cesium-tantalum (LCT) bearing pegmatites and spodumene rich pegmatites (SRP) as evidenced by the well known deposits and related occurences of this mineralization style across the Eastern Brasil Pegmatite Province (EBPP).

The Joaima lithium project consists of 12 mineral tenements totaling approximately 21,165 Ha located in the north/northeast region of the state of Minas Gerais, part of the Lithium Valley. It is approximately 670 km from the capital, Belo Horizonte, and access is via paved roads, passing through Teofilo Otoni (highway BR-116) or Curvelo-Aracuai (highway BR-367) in the Jequitinhonha River basin.

Map of Joaima Lithium Project Tenements

List of Joaima Lithium Project Tenements

The Vertex lithium project consists of 8 mineral tenements totaling approximately 8,135 Ha located in close proximity to Sigma Lithium's green production operation as well as other notable projects including Lithium Ionic, Pilbara Minerlas and Atlas Lithium.

Map of Vertex Lithium Project Tenements

List of Vertex Lithium Project Tenements

Minas Gerais, Brazil Pegmatite Province Regional Map

Scientific and technical information disclosed in this document has been reviewed and approved by Jonathan Victor Hill BSc Hons, FAUSIMM, a Qualified Person consistent with NI 43-101.

About Spark Energy Minerals Inc.

Spark Energy Minerals, Inc., is a Canadian company pursuing battery metals and mineral assets with substantive interests in Brazil. The Company has acquired significant assets in Brazil's Lithium Valley,one of the world's most prolific mining regions, that is gaining recognition as a world leader in lithium and rare earth mineral discoveries.

Spark Energy Minerals News  11-09-2024 | Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statement Disclaimer

Spark Energy Minerals News  11-09-2024 | Certain statements contained in this release may constitute "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" (collectively "forward-looking information") as those terms are used in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and similar Canadian laws. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words "could," "intend," "expect," "believe," "will," "projected," "estimated", "anticipates" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Company's current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Actual future results may differ materially. In particular, this release contains forward-looking information relating to the businesses of the Company and Latam, the respective assets of the Company and Latam, financing and certain corporate changes. The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof, and the Company is not obligated 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. Certain statements contained in this release may constitute "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" (collectively "forward-looking information") as those terms are used in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and similar Canadian laws. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words "could", "intend", "expect", "believe", "will", "projected", "estimated", "anticipates" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Company's current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Actual future results may differ materially. In particular, this release contains forward-looking information relating to the businesses of the Company and Latam, the Company's properties, Latam's properties, and certain corporate changes. The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof and the Company is not obligated 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.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 12, 2024) - Renegade Gold Inc. (TSXV: RAGE) (OTCQX: TGLDF) (FSE: 070) ("Renegade" or the "Company") is pleased to report initial results from the second phase of drilling at its advanced Newman Todd Deposit (Table 1). Drilling to date has successfully increased mineralization at depth by an additional 500 m, confirming the deposit extends down from surface to just over 800 m. Of particular importance, the results have also increased the overall width of the structure by up to 100 m near surface and confirmed new high-grade corridors within the hanging wall of the Newman Todd Structure.

Highlights

Width of Newman Todd mineralization increased by up to 100 m near surface. Holes NT-24-017 and NT-24-018 specifically targeted an underexplored area in the footwall of the Newman Todd. The strong mineralization intersected by both holes from the east side of the Newman Todd Structure confirms a significant increase in the near-surface mineralization.

Hole NT-23-017 intersected 9.2 g/t Au over 2.7 m, 4.5 g/t Au over 2.5 m and 2.4 g/t Au over 18.0 m. These results add approximately 75 m width to the Newman Todd Structure in the shadow of previous drilling (Figures 1 and 2).

Hole NT-23-018 intersected 9.8 g/t Au over 1.5 m and 2.8 g/t Au over 8.5 m, including 8.1 g/t Au over 1.0 m and 3.4 g/t Au over 4.4 m (Figures 1 and 3). These results add approximately 100 m width to the Newman Todd Structure below previous drilling.

Results confirm significant down dip potential of the Newman Todd Structure. Hole NT-23-016 intersected 4.9 g/t Au over 2.5 m at approximately 650 m below surface. Previous drilling was limited to a single hole at 835 m depth (Figures 1 and 2).

Hole NT-24-016 encountered strong mineralization in the 400 m gap between historical drilling and hole NT-129, further increasing continuity of the current geological model.

Through ongoing analysis of the 2024 results, Renegade has identified significant geological parallels to other gold zones within the regional deformation fold corridor, which includes West Red Lake Gold's Rowan Deposit and Mount Jamie Zone. These insights will guide ongoing exploration at the Newman Todd Deposit and other prospective areas.

Nav Dhaliwal, President and CEO for Renegade, commented, "Renegade Gold's 2024 drilling at the high-grade Newman Todd deposit has been a huge success and it speaks to the quality of our technical team, as well as the incredible potential of the project. In just one program, we have extended mineralization by an additional 500 m in depth and 100 m in width and have identified a number of new mineralized areas. The rapid growth we're seeing at Newman Todd suggests we've only just begun to unlock the value of this project, and the team is now hard at work planning our next steps."

Figure 1. Plan map of the Newman Todd Project showing latest drill results with modelled gold mineralization projected to surface.

Figure 2. Cross section A-A' at the Newman Todd Project looking east, showing recent step out drilling extending width of mineralization and at depth (NT-24-016 and NT-24-017).

Figure 3. Cross section B-B' at the Newman Todd Project looking east, showing recent step out drilling extending width of mineralization and at depth (NT-24-018).

Table 1. Newman Todd Drill Result Highlights

Hole ID Hole Length (m) Azimuth (deg.) Dip (deg.) From (m) To (m) Length (m) Au (g/t) NT-24-016 876.0 300 -72 700.0 702.5 2.5 4.9 NT-24-017 417.0 348 -51 196.4 198.9 2.5 4.5 252.5 255.2 2.7 9.2 280.7 298.7 18.0 2.4 Inc. 296.0 298.7 2.7 8.2 NT-24-018 590.0 10 -59 342.0 343.5 1.5 9.8 367.0 375.5 8.5 2.8 Inc. 367.0 368.0 1.0 8.1 and 371.1 375.5 4.4 3.4

About Newman Todd

The 100% owned Newman Todd deposit is located approximately 26 km west of Evolution's mining operations, just 1 km south of West Red Lake's Mount Jamie advanced deposit. The Newman Todd Zone (NTZ) is the dominant host for gold mineralization on the property and is interpreted to span across the property boundary, over 2 km. The NTZ structure varies in width from 60 to 160 m and is open to depth throughout and is host to multiple styles of mineralization, including multiple breccia vein systems and late high-grade quartz veining, often associated with visible gold.

Recent drilling has given strong confidence that the Newman Todd structure and associated HG gold structures continue beyond a depth of 700 m, beyond double of the previous drill horizon. Increased intercepts of gold mineralization in the HW of the NTZ support that gold mineralization is more widespread than historically thought.

QA/QC

Drill core is logged and sampled at a secure core processing facility in Red Lake, Ontario. Core samples from the drill program are cut in half using a diamond cutting saw with half sent for assay at SGS Laboratories Ltd. in Red Lake, Ontario. The other half is secured and retained at a secure storage facility. All samples are analyzed for gold using standard Fire Assay-AA techniques. Samples returning greater than 10.0 g/t gold are analyzed utilizing standard Fire Assay-Gravimetric methods. In addition to SGS internal QAQC procedures, certified reference materials, blanks and duplicates are routinely inserted into the sample stream as part of Renegades quality control/quality assurance program. Results are monitored regularly for contamination and accuracy.

The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Dale Ginn, P.Geo., the Executive Chair and director of the Company and a Qualified Person pursuant to National Instrument 43-101.

The Company also announces that further to its news release of August 8, 2024, it has closed its debt settlement transaction whereby the Company settled $576,348.29 worth of debt to an arm's length party by the issuance of 1,921,161 common shares of the Company at a deemed price of $0.30 per share. All common shares issued under the debt settlement are subject to a hold period expiring January 12, 2025.

About Renegade Gold Inc.

Renegade Gold Inc. is a growth focused company engaged in the business of acquisition, exploration and development of mineral properties located in the Red Lake Mining District of Northern Ontario. As part of its regional-scale consolidation strategy, the Company has assembled one of the largest prospective land packages in and around the Red Lake mining district in proximity to major mines and deposits, as well as along the Confederation Lake and Birch-Uchi greenstone belts. The recent completion of the acquisition of Pacton Gold Inc. extends the Company's ownership in Red Lake to over 89,600 hectares of prospective and diversified exploration properties with significant potential for gold and critical minerals on trend with the major structures hosting known gold occurrences in the Red Lake mining district today.

For further information, please contact:

Renegade Gold Inc.

Nav Dhaliwal

President, CEO and Director

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.

Cautionary Note regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts are "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "Forward-Looking Information") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words "anticipate," "significant," "expect," "may," "will" and similar expressions are intended to be among the statements that identify Forward-Looking Information. Forward-Looking Information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those implied by the forward-looking information. In preparing the Forward-Looking Information in this press release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including, but not limited to, assumptions that general business and economic conditions will not change in a materially adverse manner and all requisite information will be available in a timely manner. Factors that may cause actual results to vary materially include, but are not limited to, inaccurate assumptions concerning the exploration for and development of mineral deposits, currency fluctuations, unanticipated operational or technical difficulties, risks related to unforeseen delays, general economic, market or business conditions, regulatory changes, timeliness of regulatory approvals, the risks of obtaining necessary licenses and permits, changes in general economic conditions or conditions in the financial markets and the inability to raise additional financing. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this Forward-Looking Information. The Company does not assume the obligation to revise or update this Forward-Looking Information after the date of this release or to revise such information to reflect the occurrence of future unanticipated events, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.
Moroccan cyclist rides to China, impressed by development stimulated by BRI along the route

People's Daily Online) 14:26, September 12, 2024

Ibn Battuta, a renowned Moroccan explorer in the 14th century, journeyed to China along the ancient Silk Road, forging connections between China, the Arab world, and Africa. At the age of 70, Moroccan cyclist Karim Mosta, driven by his fascination with China, decided to retrace the steps of the great explorer.

In February 2024, Mosta set off on his bicycle from Casablanca, Morocco, embarking on a 200-day-long journey that spanned 15 countries. He arrived in Beijing just before the opening of the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.

Karim Mosta journeys to China along the Silk Road. (Photo courtesy of the interviewee)

"I followed in Ibn Battuta's footsteps all the way to Beijing. While it took him 27 years of work and travel with various stops, I managed to complete the journey in just seven months," Mosta said.

"I undertook this adventure to explore the world, discover China, and the 15 countries I passed through, and to demonstrate to the young people of China and Morocco that all of this is achievable," he expressed.

With the goal of promoting people-to-people exchanges between China and Morocco, Mosta cycled through several Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) partner countries. Along the way, he witnessed the impressive development stimulated by BRI.

"It's truly amazing! The Chinese people have accomplished such a monumental feat from Kyrgyzstan to Kashgar, Xinjiang, ensuring smooth travel for people and trucks. The world is undergoing significant transformations, and I have been fortunate to witness many of them. I am thrilled to have traveled along the Silk Road to China," said Mosta.

"Morocco and China share a close bond. Upon arriving in China, I felt immense joy. It was truly amazing! The Chinese people showed me great care and kindness. I crossed the Gobi Desert, and at every stop along my journey, people were quick to lend a helping hand when they learned I had cycled from a distant place," he said.

Karim Mosta poses for a picture with a statue of Ibn Battuta, a renowned 14th-century Moroccan explorer, at the Quanzhou Maritime Museum in Quanzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province. (Photo/Quanzhou Evening News)

Mosta also visited the Quanzhou Maritime Museum in Quanzhou city, southeast China's Fujian Province. After posing for a picture with a statue of Ibn Battuta at the museum, Mosta said with excitement, "It's a great honor for me!"

Standing before the statue of Ibn Battuta, who was a witness to Quanzhou's illustrious history, Mosta mentioned that Moroccans are familiar with this city thanks to the statue. "Although I haven't had the chance to explore yet, I plan to visit Quanzhou with my wife."

The journey created beautiful memories for Mosta.

Karim Mosta takes pictures at the Quanzhou Maritime Museum in Quanzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province. (Photo/Quanzhou Evening News)

In north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, he was captivated by the innovative windbreak and sand control methods, such as the expansive saxaul trees, and wind and solar power generation facilities.

In Datong city, north China's Shanxi Province, he explored the ancient city wall and marveled at the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Yungang Grottoes. In Beijing, he wandered along the city's central axis, immersing himself in the rich historical and cultural tapestry that defines Beijing's unique allure.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 11, 2024) - Lode Gold Resources Inc. (TSXV: LOD) (OTCQB: SBMIF) ("Lode Gold " or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has filed a Technical Report for its McIntyre Brook Project, located in the emerging Appalachian Gold Belt in New Brunswick. This National Instrument 43-101 (NI 43-101) technical report is to be used for Spin Co (Gold Orogen) and will form part of the submission later this month to the Exchange for listing.

UPCOMING EXPLORATION PLANS

Upon closing of the Fancamp joint venture, subject to TSX Venture acceptance, we will commence exploration on our McIntyre and Riley Brook projects with extensive soil sampling on Riley and commissioning of a V-TEM, magnetometer, and radiometric survey on both properties later in the year. Soil sampling and trenching are planned on the McIntyre Brook property culminating in a drill program early in the new year.

FILES 43-101 ON MCINTYRE BROOK

The updated Technical Report for McIntyre Brook, entitled "McIntyre Brook Property, northwestern New Brunswick, Restigouche County" was, prepared in accordance with NI 43-101: Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

The report is available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ and the Company's website (www.lode-gold.com). The McIntyre Brook Property, in conjunction with Fancamp's Riley Brook property, serves as the foundation for our Joint Venture with Fancamp, as announced in the August 26th News release. These properties, along with our Yukon properties, are integral to our proposed spin-off company, Gold Orogen.

The technical report outlines history and prior work on McIntyre Brook and recommends a Phase 1 program of helicopter VTEM survey and geophysical program on Northeastern part of property, systematic soil sampling, and with modern technology and data interpretation specifically for gold given new understanding with neighboring project results. A Phase 2 program proposed of 1,750m diamond drilling program following up targets generated from Phase 1.

ABOUT LODE GOLD

Lode Gold (TSXV: LOD) is an exploration and development company with projects in highly prospective and safe mining jurisdictions in Canada and the United States.

Its Golden Culvert and WIN Projects, Yukon, covering 99.5 km2 across a 27-km strike length, are situated in a district-scale, high-grade-gold-mineralized trend within the southern portion of the Tombstone Gold Belt. Gold deposits and occurrences within the Belt include Fort Knox, Pogo, Brewery Creek and Dublin Gulch, and Snowline Gold. A NI 43-101 technical report entitled "Technical Report on the WIN-Golden Culvert Property for Lode Gold" with an effective date of May 15, 2024 summarizing the work to date on these properties is available on the Company's profile on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and on the Company's website (www.lode-gold.com).

In New Brunswick, Lode Gold is one of the largest land package owners with 420km total between McIntyre Brook and Riley Brook. Its McIntyre Brook Project, New Brunswick, covering 111 km2 and a 17-km strike length in the emerging Appalachian/Iapetus Gold Belt, is surrounded by Puma Exploration's Williams Brook Project (5.55 g/t Au over 50m)1 and is hosted by orogenic rocks of similar age and structure as New Found Gold's Queensway Project. The Fancamp's Riley Brook is a 309 km2 package covering a 25 km strike of Wapske formation with its numerous felsic units. Previous exploration efforts have focused on just VMS-style mineralization hosted in the felsic intrusions, and many focused on the base metals - the Company is the first to focus on and assay for gold.

The Company is also advancing its Fremont Gold development project in the historic Mother Lode Gold Belt of California where 50,000,000 oz of gold has been produced. Fremont, located 500km north of Equinox Gold's Castle Mountain and Mesquite mines, has a Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") with an after-tax NPV (5%) of USD $217M, a 21% IRR, 11-year LOM, averaging 118,000 Oz per annum at USD $1,750 gold. A sensitivity to the March 31, 2023 PEA at USD $2,000/oz gold gives an after-tax NPV (5%) of USD $370M and a 31% IRR over an 11-year LOM. The project hosts an NI 43-101 resource of 1.16 MOz at 1.90 g/t Au within 19.0 MT Indicated and 2.02 MOz at 2.22 g/t Au within 28.3 MT Inferred. The MRE evaluates only 1.4 km of the 4 km strike length of the Fremont property which features five gold-mineralized zones. Significantly, three step-out holes at depth hit the mineralized structure, typical of orogenic deposits that often occur at depth. Fremont is located on 3,351 acres of 100% owned private land in Mariposa, the original gold rush county, and is 1.5 hours from Fresno, California. The property has year-round road access and is close to airports and rail. A planned V-TEM airborne geophysical survey to be flown over both properties.

Please refer to the Fremont Gold project NI 43-101 PEA technical report dated March 31, 2023, which is available on the Company's profile on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and on the Company's website (www.lode-gold.com). The PEA technical report has been reviewed and approved by independent "Qualified Persons" Eugene Puritch, P.Eng., FEC, CET, and Andrew Bradfield, P.Eng. both of P&E, and Travis Manning, P.E. of KCA.

QUALIFIED PERSON STATEMENT

The scientific and technical information contained in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Jonathan Victor Hill, Director, BSc (Hons) (Economic Geology - UCT), FAusIMM, and who is a "qualified person" as defined by NI-43-101.

ON BEHALF OF THE COMPANY

Wendy T. Chan, CEO & Director

Information Contact

Winfield Ding

CFO

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+1-416-320-4388

Kevin Shum

Investor Relations

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+1 (647) 725-3888 ext. 702

Cautionary Note Related to this News Release and Figures

This news release contains information about adjacent properties on which the Company has no right to explore or mine. Readers are cautioned that mineral deposits on adjacent properties are not indicative of mineral deposits on the Company's properties.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

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 includes "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All statements included in this news release, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements including, without limitation, statements with respect to the use of proceeds, advancement and completion of resource calculation, feasibility studies, and exploration plans and targets. Forward-looking statements include predictions, projections and forecasts and are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "potential", "target", "budget" and "intend" and statements that an event or result "may", "will", "should", "could" or "might" occur or be achieved and other similar expressions and includes the negatives thereof.

Forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by management based on the business and markets in which the Company operates, are inherently subject to significant operational, economic, and competitive uncertainties, risks and contingencies. These include assumptions regarding, among other things: the status of community relations and the security situation on site; general business and economic conditions; the availability of additional exploration and mineral project financing; the supply and demand for, inventories of, and the level and volatility of the prices of metals; relationships with strategic partners; the timing and receipt of governmental permits and approvals; the timing and receipt of community and landowner approvals; changes in regulations; political factors; the accuracy of the Company's interpretation of drill results; the geology, grade and continuity of the Company's mineral deposits; the availability of equipment, skilled labour and services needed for the exploration and development of mineral properties; currency fluctuations; and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate and actual results, and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include a deterioration of security on site or actions by the local community that inhibits access and/or the ability to productively work on site, actual exploration results, interpretation of metallurgical characteristics of the mineralization, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, future metal prices, availability of capital and financing on acceptable terms, general economic, market or business conditions, uninsured risks, regulatory changes, delays or inability to receive required approvals, unknown impact related to potential business disruptions stemming from the COVID-19 outbreak, or another infectious illness, and other exploration or other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators, including those described under the heading "Risks and Uncertainties" in the Company's most recently filed MD&A. The Company does not undertake to update or revise any forward-looking statements, except in accordance with applicable law.

___________________

1 See Puma Exploration Inc.'s news release dated September 15, 2021.
VANCOUVER, BC, Sept. 12, 2024 /CNW/ - Nevada King Gold Corp. (TSXV: NKG) (OTC: NKGFF) ("Nevada King" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Company has completed the acquisition (the "Acquisition") of an option to purchase a 100% undivided interest in the property known as the Silver Park property (the "Property"). Silver Park is located within the Atlanta Project boundary, totals approximately 24 hectares, and is comprised of three contiguous patented land parcels described as the Summit lode mining claim, the Sam Tilden lode mining claim, and the Roadside lode mining claim in Lincoln County, Nevada.

Cal Herron, Exploration Manager of Nevada King, commented: "This option agreement secures third-party land within the Atlanta claim package that was not previously controlled by Nevada King and, importantly, adds further patented (private) ground to the Atlanta Project. Private land, as opposed to BLM (US government) land, offers increased flexibility for permitting and siting of mine/mill infrastructure in the event of a future possible mining scenario at Atlanta."

Silver Park Overview:

Silver and gold mineralization were discovered at Silver Park in 1869. Production began in 1871 and two mills had been built by 1872. Very minor undocumented production, primarily silver, was mined from several shafts and drifts around the property, but high-grade silver values proved to be shallow and did not generally extend to depths much deeper than 10m. In 1975, extensive shallow rotary drilling was conducted in the Silver Park area, which defined a small zone of near-surface mineralization. Silver Park mineralization is hosted in northeast and north trending zones within the Ely Springs Dolomite with shallow supergene enrichment along fractures, bedding planes, and joints.

Terms of the Option:

In connection with the Acquisition, Nevada King entered into an option for purchase and sale dated July 30, 2024 (the "Option Agreement") with Ofor Silver, LLC ("Ofor Silver"). As consideration for the option under the Option Agreement, the Company has today issued to Ofor Silver, 100,000 common shares of the Company (the "Consideration Shares") at a deemed value of $0.41 per Consideration Share (being the closing price of the Consideration Shares on the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV") on July 29, 2024, the last trading day prior to execution of the Option Agreement) for aggregate consideration of $41,000. The issuance of the Consideration Shares remains subject to TSXV final approval and other customary conditions and filings.

The Option Agreement provides that Nevada King may purchase a 100% undivided legal interest in the Property from Ofor Silver by paying Ofor Silver the sum of US$75,000 before July 30, 2034.

Ofor Silver is at arm's length to Nevada King. No finders fees or commissions are payable by the Company in connection with the Acquisition.

About Nevada King Gold Corp.

The Atlanta Mine is a historical gold-silver producer with a National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") compliant pit-constrained resource of 460,000 oz Au in the measured and indicated category (11.0M tonnes at 1.3 g/t) plus an inferred resource of 142,000 oz Au (5.3M tonnes at 0.83 g/t). See the NI 43-101 Technical Report on Resources titled "Atlanta Property, Lincoln County, NV" with an effective date of October 6, 2020, and a report date of December 22, 2020, as prepared by Gustavson Associates and filed under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca).

Resource Category Tonnes (000s) Au Grade (ppm) Contained Au

Oz Ag Grade (ppm) Contained Ag

Oz Measured 4,130 1.51 200,000 14.0 1,860,000 Indicated 6,910 1.17 260,000 10.6 2,360,000 Measured + Indicated 11,000 1.30 460,000 11.9 4,220,000 Inferred 5,310 0.83 142,000 7.3 1,240,000

The scientific and technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Calvin R. Herron, P.Geo., Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101.

Please see the Company's website at www.nevadaking.ca.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward Looking Information

This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "potential", "possible", and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results "will", "may", "could", or" should" occur or be achieved. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, including, without limitation, statements regarding receipt of the final approval of the TSXV with respect to the issuance of the Consideration Shares, are forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by Nevada King, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and the parties have made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation, the ability to complete proposed exploration work, the results of exploration, continued availability of capital, and changes in general economic, market and business conditions. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release concerning these items. Nevada King does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by applicable securities laws.
Vancouver, British Columbia, September 12, 2024 - TheNewswire: Inflection Resources Ltd. (CSE: AUCU / OTCQB: AUCUF / FSE: 5VJ) (the "Company" or "Inflection") is pleased to provide an update on its recently completed Regional Ambient Noise Tomography (ANT) survey in New South Wales, Australia conducted under Phase I of the Exploration Agreement with AngloGold Ashanti Australia Limited (AngloGold Ashanti) announced on June 14, 2023.

Summary Highlights:

Fleet Space Technologies (Fleet Space), in partnership with Inflection, completed a regional ANT survey with its end-to-end exploration solution, ExoSphere, covering 1,800 Km of Inflection exploration licenses, all of which are included under the AngloGold Ashanti Agreement.

Results from the ANT survey have been modelled to identify seismic features up to five km in depth.Previously unrecognised large-scale faults and zones of high seismic velocity were identified representing potentially large intrusions at depth.

Integration of the ANT data in combination with all other datasets including airborne magnetics and gravity has led to the identification of four new priority targets.

Priority targets are currently being assessed in conjunction with AngloGold Ashanti for potential higher resolution, target specific, ANT surveys with the goal of defining large scale drill targets.

The Company also announces it has raised $922,125 through the exercise of share purchase warrants. This capital will be used for new business opportunities and for general working capital.

Alistair Waddell, Inflections President and CEO, states: "We are very pleased with the results of the regional ANT survey which is helping us rapidly to reduce the search space of our district scale land package and vector towards potential new porphyry style mineralization. We believe this cutting-edge ANT technology is an important new exploration tool as it provides a homogeneous, primary dataset that when combined with regional gravity and magnetic surveys is greatly assisting with the prioritisation of different areas for drill testing. This survey has generated a number of new, previously unrecognised target areas for follow-up higher resolution ANT surveys and/or drill targeting.

Conducting the worlds largest real-time ANT copper survey with Inflection in the Macquarie Arc is a seminal moment in the history of exploration. ExoSpheres hyper-scalable, real-time 3D imaging is rapidly enhancing our understanding of the geology, opportunity zones and data-driven targeting potential in the Macquarie Arc and other copper systems worldwide, added Flavia Tata Nardini, CEO & Co-Founder of Fleet Space Technologies. Were proud to contribute to Inflections pioneering exploration program as part of Phase I of the Exploration Agreement with AngloGold Ashanti and unlock new insights that could define the course of exploration in the region and beyond.

Regional Ambient Noise Tomography Survey

Inflection, together with Fleet Space completed an approximate 1,800 Km ANT survey using the companys end-to-end mineral exploration solution, ExoSphere, across Inflections 100% owned projects in New South Wales (Figures 1 and 2). The aim of the survey was to collect large, homogeneous, multimodal, 3D subsurface primary data to identify belt-scale architecture, including large intrusive centres and potential cross-arc structures. Cross-arc structures are widely considered important in the Macquarie Arc and in other volcanic arcs elsewhere as they are known to vector fluid flow and often influence the emplacement of large-scale intrusive bodies and mineral systems.

The outputs of the survey have been applied to Inflections evolving interpretation of the covered, northern extension of the Macquarie Arc to prioritise the existing targets and generate new ones. 3D seismic velocity and 2D depth slices from the survey suggest the presence of larger batholiths at depth, manifesting as velocity highs and major crustal faults manifesting as velocity lows (Figure 1). Large intermediate to felsic batholiths or causative intrusive complexes are important in other copper-gold porphyry systems in NSW such as at Newmonts Cadia mine complex and Evolution Minings Northparkes mine complex.

The ANT data has been analysed in conjunction with regional aeromagnetic, gravity and Inflection drill data, which defined the following high priority targets, detailed below and shown on Figure 1. Follow up work on these targets is currently being planned in conjunction with AngloGold Ashanti which may involve higher resolution, target specific ANT surveys or direct drill testing.

Duck Creek Phase II Designated Project:

Target 102:

Strong, high seismic velocity zone  Approximately 6 x 6 kilometres. Located approximately 23 km south of the northern Duck Creek Zone. Zone of coincidental high aeromagnetic response. Zone of low Bouguer Gravity response, consistent with an intermediate to felsic large intrusion at depth.



Duck Creek Phase II Designated Project:

Target 104: Moderate seismic velocity zone  Approximately 3 x 3 kilometres. Spot aeromagnetic high. Northwest oriented structural corridor defined in modelled aeromagnetic data.



Phase I Regional Recon Program:

Target 103 (Canonba): Strong high seismic velocity zone  Approximately 4 x 4 kilometres. Zones of aeromagnetic high. Tourmaline-biotite-magnetite hydrothermal alteration identified in volcaniclastic host rocks and monzonites in nearby Canonba drill holes CANDH003 and CANDH004. Zone of Bouguer Gravity low.



Phase I Regional Recon Program:

Target 105 (Myallmundi) Large zone of high velocity  Approximately 8 x 40 kilometres with a zone of discrete (5 x 4 km) lower seismic velocity consistent with zones of hydrothermal alteration. Monzodiorite to quartz-monzonite intrusions present in Inflection drill holes indicative of multi-phase intrusive activity. Intense sericite-biotite-magnetite alteration present in Inflection drill holes suggestive of a porphyry proximal environment.



Figure 1: ANT data -400mRL (elevation) - Depth slice of the ANT velocity anomaly model.

Figure 2: Map showing the location of the Regional ANT survey in New South Wales.

Warrants and Additional Capital

The Company has raised gross proceeds of $922,125 through the exercise of 6,147,500 share purchase warrants priced at $0.15 per common share. The funds will be used for new business opportunities and for general working capital.

Carron Project - Queensland

Inflection completed a total of eight drill holes on the project, testing eight separate targets spread over approximately 23 km interpreted to represent Croydon style vein-hosted gold mineralization. Despite intercepting numerous zones of quartz veining under a blanket of sedimentary cover as modelled, the Company has elected to cease further work on the project based on a lack of any significant gold or multi-element geochemistry.

Qualified Person and Sampling Quality Control:

The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Mr. Carl Swensson (FAusIMM), a Qualified Person (QP) as defined in National Instrument 43-101  Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

About Inflections NSW Projects

The Company is systematically exploring for large copper-gold deposits in the northern interpreted extension of the Macquarie Arc, part of the Lachlan Fold Belt in New South Wales. The Macquarie Arc is Australias premier porphyry copper-gold province host to Newmonts Cadia deposits, Evolution Minings Cowal and Northparkes deposits plus numerous exploration prospects including Boda, the discovery made by Alkane Resources.

The Company uses cost-effective mud-rotary drilling to cut through unmineralised post-mineral sedimentary cover before transitioning to diamond core drilling once the prospective basement is reached. It is well documented that mineralised bodies elsewhere in the belt, in particular porphyry and intrusive related systems have large district-scale alteration and geochemical halos or footprints surrounding them. The Company typically completes a series of short diamond drill holes into the basement bedrock with multiple data points gained from alteration and mineral geochemistry which is then used to vector additional deeper holes. This is a proven exploration methodology in the covered segments of the Macquarie Arc having been directly responsible for the discovery of the Northparkes and Cowal deposits.

About Inflection Resources Ltd.

Inflection is a technically driven copper-gold focused mineral exploration company listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol AUCU and on the OTCQB under the symbol AUCUF with projects in Australia. For more information, please visit the Company website at www.inflectionresources.com.

Inflection is part of the NewQuest Capital Group which is an entrepreneurial, discovery-driven investment group that builds value through the incubation and financing of early-stage mineral exploration projects globally. Further information about NewQuest can be found at www.nqcapitalgroup.com

On behalf of the Board of Directors

Alistair Waddell

President and CEO

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For further information, please contact:

Brennan Zerb

Investor Relations Manager

+1 (778) 867-5016

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Forward-Looking Statements

This news release includes certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein including, without limitation, statements regarding future capital expenditures, amount of drilling, receipt of the maximum amount of available grant funding, anticipated content, commencement and cost of exploration programs in respect of the Company's projects and mineral properties, AngloGold Ashantis anticipated funding of the Minimum Commitment and timing thereof, 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. Often, but not always, forward looking information can be identified by words such as "pro forma", "plans", "expects", "may", "should", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", "believes", "potential" or variations of such words including negative variations thereof, and phrases that refer to certain actions, events or results that may, could, would, might or will occur or be taken or achieved. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such risks and other factors include, among others, statements as to the anticipated business plans and timing of future activities of the Company, including the Company's exploration plans. the proposed expenditures for exploration work thereon, the ability of the Company to obtain sufficient financing to fund its business activities and plans, delays in obtaining governmental and regulatory approvals (including of the Canadian Securities Exchange), permits or financing, changes in laws, regulations and policies affecting mining operations, the Company's limited operating history, currency fluctuations, title disputes or claims, environmental issues and liabilities, as well as those factors discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's prospectus dated June 12, 2020 and other filings of the Company with the Canadian Securities Authorities, copies of which can be found under the Company's profile on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com. 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, except as otherwise required by law.
Vancouver, British Columbia, September 12, 2024  79 Resources Ltd. - CSE:SNR -(79 Resources or the "Corporation" or the Issuer) is pleased to provide a corporate update.

Appointment Notice

The Issuer reports that Mr. Jordan Harris has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation effective September 12, 2024.

Mr. Harris is a geoscientist with expertise in spatial analysis of mineral deposits, including their exploration settings. He has worked with various junior mineral exploration companies, both publicly traded and privately held, including by way of the successful execution of field operations and geospatial mapping projects. Recent geological work has concentrated on gold and critical mineral exploration in Canada, including experience in multiple gold districts such as the Shabandowan and Beardmore-Geraldton greenstone belts of Northwest Ontario, the Abitibi greenstone belts of Quebec/Ontario, the James Bay region of Quebec, and the Tintina gold belt in Yukon.

Mr. Harris has managed multiple exploration programs and is expected to enhance the Issuers corporate activities with a comprehensive set of geological and management skills. He holds a Bachelor of Science (Geology)(Honours) from the University of Ottawa and is published in the Journal of Geochemical Exploration.

In order to facilitate the appointment of Mr. Harris as Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation, Mr. Ryan Kalt has resigned his officer roles, effective September 12, 2024, having previously served as the Chief Executive Officer and Corporate Secretary of the Corporation. 79 Resources extends its appreciation to Mr. Kalt for his efforts, noting in particular that he performed his past roles for the Corporation without any cash compensation.

In connection with Mr. Kalt specifically vacating the Corporate Secretary office, Mr. Nicholas Koo, the Corporations Chief Financial Officer, has added the position to his existing role, also effective September 12, 2024.

Mr. Kalt, a Control Person (as that term is defined by the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange), continues to serve as Chairman of the Corporation.

Project Acquistion

Subject to certain customary closing conditions, the Corporation additionally reports that it has entered into a purchase-and-sale agreement dated September 11, 2024 (the Agreement) whereby it intends to acquire a group of mining claims (the Claims) located in northern Saskatchewan from Calgary-based Kalt Industries Ltd. (the Vendor). Under the Agreement, the Corporation will provide cash consideration of $170,254.66, being an amount that is equal to the cash sum that the Vendor first paid as staking fees to the Government of Saskatchewan during 2024 for the Crown to grant the Claims. A pre-existing two percent royalty on the Claims will be assumed by the Issuer. Closing of the Agreement is scheduled to occur on or before September 30, 2024.

The Claims comprise a group of 140 individual mining claims totalling 282,951 hectares (hereafter the Rottenstone Project), which the Corporation views as providing it with an early-stage grassroots project in the broader region of Saskatchewan where other listed juniors are exploring for precious and base metals (as example, see news release by Ramp Metals Inc. dated June 17, 2024).

Exploration plans (which would remain subject to funding availability) and technical information related to the Rottenstone Project will be provided in the ordinary course, with the Corporation first looking to close its purchase of the Claims and then evaluate funding opportunities.

The Issuer has a favourable view of Saskatchewan, where it currently holds its existing Preston North Uranium Project.

Financing Update

The Corporation reports that it intends to close its previously announced $0.05 unit financing (the Financing), which is expected to consist of up to one million units (see news releases dated August 16, 2024 and September 3, 2024) on or about September 16, 2024.

If closed, proceeds of the Financing will be used for working capital purposes, including the provision of incremental funds now required for the purchase of the Rottenstone Project.

About 79 Resources Ltd.

79 Resources is a Vancouver-based junior mining exploration company. Traded on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol SNR, the Corporation seeks to acquire, explore and develop mineral exploration projects. For additional information, please visit www.79resources.com.

The Corporation is subject to various risks and uncertainties, including those risks and uncertainties set out in public filings made by the Issuer, such public filings and other important disclosures available through SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and the Corporations Disclosure Hall on the CSE (https://thecse.com/listings/79-resources-ltd/#disclosure).

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

Ryan Kalt

Chairman of the Board

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Tel: 604.687.2038

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. Some of the forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words. Statements that are not historical in nature, including the words "anticipate," "expect," "suggest," "plan," "believe," "intend,", intention "estimate," "target," "project," "should," "could," "would," "may," "will," "forecast" and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to a successful closing of the purchase of the Claims, any funding, prerequisites or regulatory approvals that may relate to the Agreement or the Claims including, without limitation, the closing, if any, of the Financing, and additionally the Corporations ability to sustain itself as a going-concern and/or a publicly listed entity and/or retain project-level interests. Actual results may differ materially from those currently expected or forecast in such statements.

Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
TORONTO, Sept. 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Wesdome Gold Mines Ltd. (TSX:WDO, OTCQX:WDOFF) (Wesdome or the Company) today announces the appointment of Ronald Jono Lawrence as Senior Vice President, Exploration and Resources effective January 1, 2025.

Anthea Bath, President and CEO, commented: We are thrilled to welcome Jono to Wesdomes senior leadership team. With an exceptional track record in mineral exploration and resource expansion, combined with his extensive global technical expertise in both greenfield and brownfield exploration, Jono will play a critical role in advancing our strategic initiatives and maximizing the value of our assets. His leadership and technical insight, particularly in Orogenic greenstone belts, will significantly enhance our ability to achieve high-quality reserve replacement and drive resource growth.

Mr. Lawrence brings over 30 years of extensive exploration experience across multiple regions, including Africa, Australia and Asia. He joins Wesdome following his role as Executive Vice President, Exploration at Endeavour Mining, where he spearheaded significant resource expansions, contributing to a 9 million ounce increase in indicated ounces from 2022 to 2024.

Prior to his tenure at Endeavour, Mr. Lawrence held various senior positions, including Exploration Manager for Randgold Resources at the Kibali Gold Mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo. His previous experience includes leadership roles in gold and copper exploration projects with Pan Australia, Medusa Mining and African Metals across Laos, the Philippines, and Africa, respectively.

Mr. Lawrence holds a Bachelor of Applied Science (Honours) in Geology from the Queensland University of Technology and an MBA from the Australian Institute of Business.

About Wesdome

Wesdome is a Canadian-focused gold producer with two high grade underground assets, the Eagle River mine in Ontario and the Kiena mine in Quebec. The Companys primary goal is to responsibly leverage this operating platform and high-quality brownfield and greenfield exploration pipeline to build Canadas next intermediate gold producer.

For further information, please contact:

Raj Gill, SVP, Corporate Development & Investor Relations

Trish Moran, VP, Investor Relations

Phone: +1 (416) 360-3743

E-Mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

To receive Wesdomes news releases by email, please register on the Company website at www.wesdome.com
On June 10, 2024, a jury in Florida, USA, delivered a landmark ruling in the fight for justice for the crimes committed during Colombias armed conflict, holding Chiquita Brands International liable for 38 million dollars in damages. The verdict found that Chiquita, the multinational and internationally renowned banana company, failed to act as a reasonable business person and provided substantial assistance to the United Self-Defence Forces of Colombia (AUC, for its Spanish acronym), a paramilitary organization designated as a terrorist group by the United States. This financing, carried out for profit, contributed to a wave of crimes and human rights violations, including the murder of hundreds of civilians.

The Chiquita case is rooted in a series of lawsuits filed by victims of the AUC, a right-wing paramilitary armed group that played a crucial role in the decades-long Colombian armed conflict. The war involved multiple actors, including the government, leftist guerrilla groups such as the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), and right-wing paramilitary organizations such as the AUC. The plaintiffs, survivors and relatives of victims, alleged that Chiquitas support for the AUC contributed to a campaign of violence, including murder, displacement and land dispossession in Magdalena and Uraba regions in northwestern Colombia. A US-based company, Chiquita operated in these regions from the late 1980s until the mid-2000s, when the war was at its most violent stage.

Initially, the lawsuits were condensed into one case involving thousands of plaintiffs and known as Multidistrict Litigation, which sought redress under federal statutes addressing human rights violations committed outside the United States, such as the Alien Tort Statute and the Torture Victim Protection Act. This Act grants federal district courts jurisdiction over any civil action where an alien sues for a tort committed in violation of the law of nations or of a treaty of the United States. However, these claims were either dismissed or are under appeal. A rarity of the case was that it ultimately was litigated under Colombian tort law with interpretations based on US legal standards. It also involved multiple sources of evidence from a Colombian transitional justice mechanism known as Justice and Peace, a special procedure set in 2005 to judge paramilitary commanders.

Chiquitas role in the Colombian conflict exposed

Chiquita Brands International, originally known as the United Fruit Company, has a controversial legacy tied to colonialism, significant human rights abuses, and political interference in Latin America. Founded in 1899, the United Fruit Company became a powerful player in the banana trade, wielding immense influence over the economies and politics of several countries. In Colombia, the company was allegedly implicated in the infamous banana massacre of 1928, where violent repression of striking workers resulted in several deaths, highlighting the companys brutal labour practices. Its role in Guatemala was equally heinous, where its lobbying efforts led to the CIA-backed coup in 1954, overthrowing the democratically elected government of Jacobo Arbenz, who had implemented agrarian reforms threatening the companys monopolistic control.

In Florida, the trial exposed Chiquitas role in the Colombian war, the payments, and the logistical support it provided to the AUC, including gasoline and transportation for weapons. The companys defence argued that these payments were made under duress from the AUC. Chiquita portrayed itself as a victim of extortion and an exemplary corporate actor that maintained stability in the regions where it operated, asserting that its payments were necessary to survive in a highly volatile environment. However, the plaintiffs, which represented only nine families selected among thousands of victims, presented detailed and heart-wrenching evidence and testimonies of the violence inflicted by the AUC and Chiquitas role in it.

The trial itself was considered a bellwether trial, setting the stage for all the other cases and acting as a barometer in anticipation of the complex litigation to follow. The jury was tasked with deciding whether Chiquitas actions constituted a failure to act as a reasonable businessperson and whether the companys support contributed substantially to the violence caused by the AUC.

This was not Chiquitas first clash: the Florida cases background was marked by Chiquitas 2007 plea agreement with the US Department of Justice (DOJ), where the company admitted to financing the AUC between 1997 and 2004. Chiquita agreed to pay a 25 million dollar fine, implement a business ethics program, and serve five years of probation. The DOJs investigation uncovered that Chiquita made over 100 payments, totalling more than 1.7 million dollars, to the AUC through its Colombian subsidiary, Banadex. This critical evidence underscored the financial ties between Chiquita and the paramilitary group and provided a robust foundation for the civil trial in Florida. However, it is essential to highlight that this previous criminal conviction in the United States did not present a path toward compensation for victims or justice in Colombia.

Members of Colombian paramilitary organisations on patrol in Medellin in 2002, shortly before their demobilisation and the numerous revelations about their crimes. Photo :  Fernando Vergara / AFP

A complex web of complicity unravelled

The six-week trial in Florida was an intricate legal battle, showcasing the complexities of proving corporate complicity in human rights violations in armed conflict contexts. Central to the case was demonstrating that Chiquitas payments and support to the AUC were not only deliberate but significant enough to impact the violence committed by the paramilitaries. The plaintiffs, whose family members were assassinated by the AUC, faced the formidable task of proving that the AUC killed their loved ones and connecting the payments to the atrocities committed.

The evidence presented in court was extensive and compelling. The plaintiffs legal team assembled a robust case that included testimonies from survivors, victims and experts of the Colombian conflict, analysis of the so-called Chiquita Papers and detailed accounts of violence in the banana-growing regions. These documents and testimonies painted a clear picture of Chiquitas involvement in financing a terrorist organization. On the other hand, in its efforts to portray itself as a model corporate actor, Chiquita heavily relied on its Rainforest Alliance (RFA) certification to demonstrate exemplary compliance with environmental and labour standards, presenting it as a near-perfect benchmark and as evidence of responsible corporate behaviour.

A crucial aspect of the trial was the battle of experts, where expert testimonies significantly shaped the jurys understanding of the conflict and Chiquitas involvement (see our second article on this topic).

A new era of corporate accountability litigation

Holding Chiquita liable for 38.3 million dollars in damages sets a precedent for future cases involving corporate complicity in human rights abuses in contexts of armed conflict. This issue has often been ignored or challenging to address for transitional justice, despite being at the centre of understanding how conflict is fuelled and how armed groups are financed to sustain the incredibly exorbitant cost of war. The trials outcome also opens two critical discussions.

The first one concerns the issue of impunity in Colombia and the years-long investigations by the prosecutors office, which have not yet yielded any meaningful outcomes. Immediately after the verdict, President Gustavo Petro publicly posted the following questions: Why was the US justice system able to determine that Chiquita Brands financed paramilitarism in Uraba? Why couldnt the Colombian justice system? The Colombian case continues to move forward against Chiquita executives, and the Florida case has certainly pushed prosecutors to accelerate the process in Colombia.

The second issue is about the impact of this verdict on the field of transitional justice, a matter of particular importance. Corporate support for serious human rights violations committed by armed groups in Colombia remains the missing link in transitional justice. Non-judicial mechanisms, like the Truth Commission that concluded in 2022, alongside judicial processes such as the Justice and Peace initiative and land restitution efforts, have aimed to address corporate involvement in the conflict, as outlined by Bernal-Bermudez and Sanchez. However, significant gaps in holding corporate actors accountable still persist. For this reason, the fact that these proceedings are taking place in the US justice system can serve as support, as it highlights corporate complicity in Colombias transitional policy  as also seen in the case of the American coal company Drummond Ltd.

Although the Chiquita verdict is rare in the fight against corporate impunity, it also emphasizes the importance of continued advocacy and legal action to ensure that corporations are held accountable for their role in human rights violations. The Chiquita case is a critical example of the intersection between corporate behaviour, legal accountability, and transitional justice.

A rogue attorney and other challenges ahead

The case serves as a reminder of the need for rigorous documentation and reporting in such cases. Despite the victory, legal issues have been raised concerning the compensation caps, and the judge in the case has postponed subsequent bellwether trials involving other victims in this complex litigation. Chiquita also announced it would appeal the decision, which could take up to two years.

In addition to the ongoing legal proceedings, recent developments also highlighted fairness issues in the victims settlements. A controversial settlement was reached by attorney Paul Wolf, where families of victims, also involved in this complex litigation, were to receive a mere 1,300 dollars per victim. At the same time, Wolf stood to collect over 4 million dollars in fees. This stark disparity in compensation has sparked outrage, with Colombian President Gustavo Petro condemning it as an insult to the value of Colombian lives. Affecting around 2,500 victims, this settlement contrasts sharply with the landmark 38.3 million dollars verdict that awarded millions to the nine plaintiffs, raising questions about the adequacy and equity of legal resolutions and the unethical behaviour of individual attorneys. Wolf, who was not even part of the trial, has previously been accused of going rogue, casting a shadow over this hard-won victory and complicating the path for justice and accountability.

A significant moment in the pursuit of justice for victims of corporate-sponsored violence, the Chiquita trial challenges traditional views of corporate responsibility where impunity is the norm. It highlights the need for continued vigilance in ensuring that such companies are held accountable for their actions. Hopefully, the trials outcome will have far-reaching implications for future cases and the broader discourse on corporate accountability and transitional justice.

Recommended reading Lessons from the Chiquita Trial (2): The Battle of Experts
Whats happening in Israeli prisons and military camps? How has Israel investigated allegations of serious abuse against Palestinian detainees? What role is the judicial system playing? Our partners at Asymmetrical Haircuts Janet Anderson and Stephanie van den Berg have invited Tal Steiner from Public Committee Against Torture in Israel. And its a damning report.

It is currently alleged that since the attack by Hamas on October 7 last year, the number of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisons has doubled. It is up to 10,000, including 40% administrative detainees  an unprecedented situation. Extreme overcrowding, shortage of food, security and medical assistance, systematic abuse by prison guards seem to be the norm. And in military camps, weve seen things weve never seen before, says Steiner. This is the crisis we are facing. Provisional detention, access to a lawyer and to a judge: all protections have deteriorated. The laws build the ground for abuse. And it amounts to forced disappearance, according to her.

Out of 1450 cases of torture complaints filed in the past 20 years, zero have led to an indictment. And that was before October 7. This is the scale of impunity Israel awards people committing torture, Steiner says. Its just horrific. Individual complaints are and will be filed, she warns. It gives a chance to the national justice system to do better. And it serves the purpose of proving that the domestic system is not ready to act. But Steiner expresses her disappointment that treatment of prisoners does not appear among the grounds of the arrest warrants asked by the ICC prosecutor. We need international intervention to stop these violations.
The International Criminal Court on Thursday postponed in absentia hearings to confirm charges against fugitive Ugandan warlord Joseph Kony, saying a "new date will be announced at a later stage."

Kony, 63, has been wanted by the Hague-based ICC since 2005 for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity following a three-decade reign of terror by his Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) rebel group across several African nations.

The ICC announced five months ago it would hold hearings in October to confirm 36 counts against Kony, whose current whereabouts are unknown.

"The Pre-trial Chamber... decided to postpone the commencement of the confirmation of charges hearing... to a new date, which will be announced at a later stage," the court said in a statement.

"The hearing was postponed following the Defence, Prosecution, and Office of the Public Counsel for Victims' observations on and proposals for the date of the confirmation of charges hearing," the ICC said.

The judges added it "noted the circumstances of the proceedings", notably that Kony's lawyers were only appointed in June as well as the range of the prosecution's allegations.

Kony's court-appointed lawyer Peter Haynes last month asked the judges to shelve the October hearings.

The lawyer warned the hearings risked wasting "time and money" should his client not appear in court in person.

It was not even known whether the rebel leader was in fact still alive, he said.

Former altar boy Kony founded the LRA in the 1980s with the aim of establishing a regime based on the Ten Commandments.

The group launched a rebellion against Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni that spread to Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan.

It killed more than 100,000 people and abducted 60,000 children who were forced to become sex slaves, soldiers and porters.
The South Korean drama Queen Woo is currently the subject of public scrutiny, as it is speculated that the explicit scenes between the lead actors Jung Yumi and Ji Chang Wook have been performed by their stunt doubles.

Fans initiated the discussion as they noticed the end credit stating that a stunt double was used for Jung Yu Mi.

The actual explicit scene involves a topless Jung Yu Mi, which attracted certain attention and raised questions about whether the actress performed the scene or was her stunt double.

WOY TERNYATA KDM QUEEN WOO RATEDNYA 19+  TAPI DI INFO APP KUNING RATEDNYA 21+ TERUS DI TEASER BARUNYA JI CHANG WOOK DAN JEON JONGSEO ADA BED SCENE???? 



TAYANG BESOK BTW pic.twitter.com/TvTwikNWMV  K-Drama Menfess (@kdrama_menfess) August 28, 2024

"It seems like that scene was done with a stunt double," one viewer said on social media. "There was no need to go fully naked."

SEE: Game of Thrones' Coded? 'Queen Woo' Criticized for Excessive Sex Scenes and Weak Plot

The ongoing discussion has broadened to include the use of stunt doubles in South Korean productions, raising questions about their methods of utilization. According to available information, using stunt doubles in such scenes is not a common but an acceptable practice. However, the current case can be deemed controversial due to how the situation is handled and the cast's involvement.

During a press conference for the drama, Jung Yumi shared, "I was initially worried about the nude scenes. It was a completely new experience for me, but these scenes are important for maintaining tension and driving the plot forward."

The production team did not issue a statement directly addressing the already popular rumor, and neither the actors Yung Yumi nor Ji Chang Wook commented on the situation in question.

The decision to remain silent in the situation has led to the exaggerated spread of false information, and the K-drama stars' silence on the matter has only fueled speculation.

The currently trendy drama follows the story of a queen who needs to outsmart her enemies while being torn apart by love for the king. The plot and the efforts of the stars have been highly praised by the fans.

However, its production cost has been questioned as the drama had a price of 30 billion KRW but features "multiple scenes of vulgarity and nudity."

SEE: Is 'Queen Woo' Based on a True Story + Who Did She End Up With? A Look at Historical Accuracy in the New K-Drama

What can you say about the story? Share your comments below





Kdramastars own this.





This article was written by:





Rovelyn Barba






Thursday, September 12, 2024 - A 17-year-old student, Naledi "Nalz" Nkosi, has died after she was poisoned by unknown persons at her school in South Africa.

The grade 10 learner at MOM SEBONENE Secondary School in Duduza, Tsakane, Gauteng was poisoned on 5 September 2024.

She passed away due to her severe injuries on September 9.

The Pan Africanist Students Organisation (PASO) in a statement of solidarity on Wednesday, September 11, condemned the incident and demanded a thorough investigation.

"We, the Pan Africanist Students Organisation (PASO), are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Naledi Nkosi "Nalz", a former student of Mamellong Comprehensive School and currently a grade 10 learner at MOM SEBONI Secondary School in Duduza," the statement read.

"Our hearts go out to her family, friends, and the entire student community during this difficult time.

"We condemn the alleged poisoning that led to her passing and demand a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death. No student should ever have to face harm or violence, especially in a place of learning.

"We stand in solidarity with the students and staff of Mamellong Comprehensive School and MOM SEBONI Secondary School, and offer our deepest condolences to Naledi's family.

"May her memory inspire us to continue fighting for a safer, more just, and equitable society for all, your struggle is our struggle and your pain is our pain. Rest in Power, Naledi "Nalz" Nkosi."








Thursday, September 12, 2024 - A pretty lady who reportedly infiltrates youth-led protests to snitch for the National Intelligence Service (NIS) and State House Operatives has been unmasked.

Her name is Warida and she has been in the frontline during most of the protests, including the anti-finance bill protests.

Reports indicate that she works closely with the Statehouse Communication team and NIS.

According to social media personality George T. Diano, who was among those arrested for organizing anti-finance bill protests, they have nicknamed her Kimenyi for being a snitch.

Earlier today, she joined a group of youthful Kenyans who staged protests at Hillside Academy School in Endarasha, Nyeri, to push for the speedy search of over 70 allegedly missing pupils as well as justice for the 21 who died in an inferno last week.

She was allegedly there to snitch for security agencies while masquerading as a protester.





















The Kenyan DAILY POST.








Wednesday, September 11, 2024 - Thousands of passengers are currently stranded at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) after workers from the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) went on strike to protest the planned lease of the airport to the Indian firm, Adani Group.

The objective of the strike is to stop the Kenyan government from handing over JKIA to Adani and to resolve long-standing disputes relating to collective bargaining agreements, Kenya Aviation Workers Union Secretary-General Moss Ndiema said Wednesday.

If the two issues are addressed, then the strike ends immediately, he said by phone.

Under the terms of the build-operate deal, Adani's company is expected to upgrade Kenya's busiest airport, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

The agreement includes the construction of a second runway and a new passenger terminal, aiming to modernize the airport's infrastructure and increase its capacity.

However, the deal has sparked controversy, with KAA workers protesting the planned lease, citing concerns over job security and control of key national assets.

President William Ruto's government has defended the controversial deal with the Adani Group, insisting that Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) is stretched beyond its capacity and in urgent need of modernization.

In the deal, the Adani Group is expected to invest Sh 250 billion.

However, allegations have emerged that President William Ruto and his close associates are set to receive Sh 25 billion in kickbacks from the transaction, a common practice in Kenya's controversial public-private partnerships

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Thursday, September 12, 2024  President William Rutos government has dissociated itself from a fundraiser organized by Friends of Baba, a group campaigning for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in his quest to become the next African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson.

In a statement yesterday, Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Singoei maintained that the government was not in any way associated with the fundraiser.

This is after it emerged that requests had been forwarded to leaders and Kenyans, requesting them to attend the fundraiser seeking to raise money to bolster Railas AU campaign.

The PS, who coincidentally is one of the leaders appointed by Ruto to lead Railas campaign, announced the Secretariat in which he sits, is not associated in any way with the lobby group.

"We disassociate the Secretariat of the Campaign of H.E. Raila Odinga from this fundraising effort, Singoei announced.

Invitation letters show that the lobby had extended invitation letters to various leaders to the fundraiser set to be held at a popular luxury hotel in Nairobi on Sep 18, 2024.

"Friends of Baba exclusively invites you to a fundraiser dinner with H.E Raila Odinga. A night dedicated to his visionary leadership as he embarks on his journey to becoming the next African Union Commission Chair, the invite read in part.

The lobby has been campaigning for Raila on social media identifying itself as a group made up of African leaders and current and former diplomats coming together to support Raila Odinga's candidacy for AUC Chairmanship.

The lobby also indicated in the invite their bank details for those who wished to contribute to the cause. The dress code for the event was also specified as well with attendees required to don African wear.

However, the PS did not comment on whether the Secretariat recognized the lobby group or its efforts to push for Raila's candidacy.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Thursday, September 12, 2024 - Detectives from the Transnational Organized Crimes Unit and the Anti-Narcotic Unit, acting on information from the public, raided Mutete Flats in Athi River, Machakos County and arrested Teresia Mwikali in connection with narcotics trafficking.

The officers recovered two greenish gunny sacks and four packages of greenish dry plant material, which are suspected to be cannabis.

In addition to the suspected drugs, the search also uncovered empty gunny sacks, polythene papers, a debit card, and a weighing scale.

The suspect has been detained at Muthaiga Police Station and is expected to face charges at the JKIA Law Courts.





In another separate incident, detectives intercepted a red motorcycle (KMGA 434P) and conducted a search leading to the discovery of 50 rolls of dry plant material wrapped in khaki papers and two bundles of loose dry plant material wrapped in old newspapers, all suspected to be cannabis.

These items were found stuffed in a yellowish gunny bag held by a pillion passenger namely John Hero Komora, 31.

All three occupants of the motorcycle have been arrested and are currently in custody, awaiting arraignment.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Thursday, September 12, 2024 - Former Presidential Candidate Mohammed Abduba Didas family has called on President William Rutos government to intervene and secure his release from a U.S. jail where he is serving a 7-year sentence.

Dida was convicted in 2021 in Illinois after being found guilty of stalking and threatening his estranged American wife.

Court records showed that Dida was jailed in July 2021 after he was also found guilty of violating a restraining order that his wife had obtained.

While addressing Didas conviction, the latters family claimed that Dida unknowingly went against the restraining order leading to his imprisonment.

According to Didas kin, the presidential candidate happened to visit a prayer centre that was close to the estranged wife's home without the knowledge that it was an offense as per United States laws.

He visited a nearby mosque to pray and unfortunately the mosque also happened to be around the area where he was not supposed to be because Mama Lila also frequently visited the mosque, commented Didas family member.

We are praying for him, trying to find a way of visiting him and find another lawyer and be able to help him.

During the presser, Didas family claimed that the intervention by Rutos administration was the only way the former presidential candidate could get his freedom.

The family members, who spoke to the press, further revealed that plans were underway to visit Dida in prison.

The former presidential aspirant, who turns 50 years old in November this year, is currently under detention at the Big Muddy Correctional Centre in the state of Illinois.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Thursday, September 12, 2024 - A toy company founder who sold his $79 million Miami mansion to Jeff Bezos for less than the asking price is now suing his realtor for not disclosing that the Amazon billionaire was the buyer, thereby making him sell at a discount.

Leo Kryss, the co-founder of Tectoy, a Brazilian toy and electronics company, says real-estate brokerage Douglas Elliman misled him and at one point specifically denied that his neighbour, Bezos was the buyer.

In May 2023, Kryss listed the luxury, seven-bedroom house in Indian Creek Village  which has a wine cellar, library, theatre and pool  for $85 million.

A month later Bezos spent $68 million on a 2.8-acre property next door. Soon after Kryss received an offer for his home below the asking price.

According to a lawsuit filed in the circuit court of the 11th Judicial Circuit in Miami-Dade County, Kryss asked Elliman specifically if Bezos was behind the offer.

Jay Parker, Ellimans CEO for the Florida region, called Kryss personally to say that Bezos was not the buyer and that the purchaser wouldnt pay more than $79 million, WSJ reported. This was later found not to be the case after Kryss had agreed to sell the property at a 7.1 per cent discount.





In reliance upon Mr Parkers affirmative representations regarding the identity of the potential and ultimate buyer of the home, Kryss was induced to reduce the sale price of the home by millions of dollars, the suit stated.

But for these misrepresentations and in reliance upon the Brokers duties to deal honestly, fairly, and with due care towards TAM, Kryss would not have reduced the purchase price or sold the Home for $79,000,000.

In the complaint, Kryss said that it was highly material to the negotiations and the decision on the eventual sales price to know whether Bezos was attempting to anonymously acquire the home in order to assemble it with the adjoining property.

The fact that Bezos already owned the property next door made it significantly more valuable to Bezos than to other potential buyers the suit stated.

Elliman received a 4 per cent commission on the sale  worth more than $3 million, according to the complaint.





In a statement, Dana Clayton, representing Kryss said: Douglas Elliman failed to fulfill their duties to our client.

The facts, as set forth in our complaint, speak for themselves; they knew or should have known who the ultimate beneficial purchaser was and misrepresented that very important fact to our client.

The lawsuit seeks damages in excess of $750,000 arising from the brokers breach of contract, breach of its duties and negligent misrepresentations regarding the identity of the potential and ultimate purchaser of the home.

Jeff Bezos, the Amazon.com founder, is currently the third richest man in the world, with an estimated net worth of $197.6 billion, according to Forbes.




Thursday, September 12, 2024  COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli has called out former Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen, accusing him of ignorance.

Speaking at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) where aviation industry workers were staging a protest over the Adani takeover deal, Atwoli revealed that Murkomen ignored his calls.

This, he said caused the whole situation to boil over as players in the industry felt that their concerns were not being heard.

Atwoli claimed he reached out to Murkomen to advise him on how to handle the Adani deal, which has faced widespread rejection from stakeholders in the aviation sector.

"I called the previous CS for Roads and Transport, Murkomen, with a view of trying to educate and advise him to meet with the workers and explain the Adani issue to them. But unfortunately, our Ministers are arrogant they don't take calls unless they are from businessmen and employers," Atwoli recounted.

He blamed President William Ruto over the mess at JKIA, saying he appointed incompetent people.

On Wednesday, activity and business came to a standstill at JKIA as staff made good their threat to shut down operations.

The staffers started staging their strike at midnight and sustained the momentum through to Wednesday mid-day.

This culminated in long queues at the facility, and canceled and delayed flights, sparking outrage from Kenyans across the board.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Thursday, September 12, 2024 - Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga surprised everyone yesterday after he picked his successor in ODM.

Raila, through the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Central Management Committee, appointed Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyong'o to take over the reins of the ODM party in an acting capacity as Baba heads to the African Union Commission (AUC).

Nyongo will act on behalf of Raila as chairperson of the party committee.

ODM in a statement revealed that the decision was reached following a closed-door meeting chaired by the former Prime Minister to deliberate on internal party affairs.

According to Secretary General, Edwin Sifuna, such regular meetings allowed the political outfit to review the current state of affairs as an institution founded on the values of democracy.

"There is therefore no need for the sort of speculation, innuendo and propaganda that surround our meetings," Sifuna revealed.

This is a big blow for the younger generation like Embakasi East MP Babu Owino who had announced his bid to replace Baba as ODM Party leader.

The party further designated the party deputy leaders, Kisii Governor Simba Arati and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi to resolve party wrangles in Kilifi County.

According to Sifuna, the two deputy party leaders would work jointly with the party's National Organizing Secretary Ahmed Abdisalan to address the matter.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Thursday, September 12, 2024 - Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has opposed the proposed takeover of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) by Adani Enterprises.

Speaking in Kiambu on Wednesday, Kalonzo Musyoka stated that Kenyans have unanimously rejected the Adani Group's takeover of JKIA, labeling it a corruption cartel.

The people of Kabete have said no to Adani, no to corruption, and no to the KK dictatorship, and we agree. We are with and for the people of Kenya, Musyoka stated.

The proposed deal, a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) between Adani Enterprises and the Kenyan government, is intended to revamp JKIA, one of East Africas busiest airports.

However, concerns over the involvement of foreign entities and corruption have sparked public outrage from opposition leaders and citizens.

The deal is worth Sh 250 billion and Adani will operate the airport until the year 2054

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Thursday, September 12, 2024 - Brian Mwangi was one of two people who died on the spot when the Range Rover he was traveling in crashed into the rear of a stationary truck along Thika Road in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Unconfirmed reports suggest that the Range Rover was speeding along the highway before the tragic incident.

Brians death was announced on social media by Susan Kihara Muratha through an emotional post.

Susan requested Kenyans to continue praying for the family, adding that meetings to plan the burial were ongoing

The ill-fated car belonged to the NCBA Bank Ngong branch manager who also died on the spot.

The senior bank manager was behind the wheel when the accident occurred.

Reports indicate that Brian was on his way home from doing a setup in church when he met his death.

























The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Thursday, September 12, 2024 - Fast-rising city lawyer and activist Morara Kebaso has claimed that President William Ruto plans to start his own airline to compete with the state-run Kenya Airways.

Kebaso alleges that Ruto has already purchased 6 Boeing planes, raising concerns about a potential conflict of interest.

Kebaso also claimed that the six multi-billion planes are being insured by London-based Loyd Group.

I have received information that President William Ruto may have bought 6 Boeing aircrafts in an attempt to start an airline.

"If you are a Kenyan living in London, kindly access information from a company called Loyds of London because they are the ones who were given the deal of insuring the 6 Boeing planes.

"Don't take this information lightly. It's serious, Kebaso wrote on X.

Morara's revelation comes a day after Kenya Airport Authority (KAA) workers went on strike over the planned Sh 250 billion takeover of JKIA by the Adani Group.

Unconfirmed reports suggest that Adani has already paid the Sh 250 billion for the JKIA takeover, with some funds allegedly being used by the government to purchase Boeing planes, which will be registered under Ruto.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Thursday, September 12, 2024  The race to replace former Prime Minister Raila Odinga as ODM Party leader just got better after Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino declared interest in the position.

In a statement, Babu Owino noted that his intent to succeed Raila had been informed by the Party leader's decision to vie for the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson position.

According to him, ODM needed a leader who would help push the ideals of the opposition party should their leader be elected at the AU during the 2025 elections.

"The person to replace Baba is one who will beat Ruto in 2027 and thats me," read the statement in part.

"I, therefore call on the Central Management Committee of the ODM Party to consider my strong desire to serve this prominent institution as its Party Leader in order to bring the rebirth now required to move it to the next level of engagement for the renewal of Kenya and the fundamentals of leadership."

Further, the legislator also listed some of the reforms he would undertake in the party should he become the party leader.

For starters, Babu indicated that he would be keen on working on a manifesto that would address the needs of the youth who are the majority in the country.

The MP also noted that the party needed to be revamped as they prepare for the next elections in 2027.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Thursday, September 12, 2024  The jobs of Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba and Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang are now hanging in the balance.

This is after Elimu Bora Working Group (EBWG) and Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) called for their immediate resignation following the demise of at least 21 pupils at the Hillside Endarasha Academy fire tragedy in Nyeri.

In a statement, the lobby groups accused the two government officials, alongside others in Nyeri, of failing to fulfill the mandate to which they were appointed to undertake.

According to EBWG, CS Ogamba, and Kipsang failed to protect the affected pupils in the Hillside tragedy by ensuring that schools across the country were safe.

"Education CS Ogamba, PS Kipsang, and the Ministrys Quality and Standards Assurance Team in Nyeri must resign and take full responsibility for this disaster," the lobby groups stated.

"Those responsible for inspecting the school and ensuring safety standards must be held accountable," the commission added.

KHRC also demanded swift action against the Hillside Endarasha school administration of the Hillside Endarasha Academy because the incident occurred under their watch.

The Ministry of Education was further pushed to provide the affected parents with all relevant information concerning the tragedy, including the students safety and whereabouts.

KHRC revealed that it was in the final stages of preparing a petition against those found culpable of negligence and failure to enforce proper safety standards that led to the deaths of these students.

The statement by the lobby group came barely an hour after CS Julius Ogamba ordered the mandatory inspection of all schools across the country.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Thursday, September 12, 2024 - National Assembly Chief Whip Silvanus Osoro has hit out at Kenyans criticising the governments plan to partner with Adani Holdings in the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement aimed at modernizing Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

Speaking on Wednesday, Osoro, who is also South Mugirango Member of Parliament, expressed frustration with the public outcry, stating that a modern airport is necessary for the country.

The lawmaker urged Kenyans to suggest alternative investors, adding that those against the deal shouldn't be noisy without solutions.

"You want & deserve a modern airport. You do not want to pay taxes. GOK does not want to add you a burden through further borrowing. PPP is legal.

"Get us another investor then to facelift the airport. We can't be a noisy lot with no solutions," Osoro wrote.

The Adani Holdings deal has raised concerns about job losses, the potential privatization of public assets, and the involvement of a foreign entities in such a sensitive sector.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Thursday, September 12, 2024 - Former Uasin Gishu gubernatorial aspirant, Zedekiah Bundotich Kiprotich, also known as Buzeki, has advised President William Ruto's chief economic advisor, Moses Kuria, following his suggestion on how the government could tax 16 million Kenyans in the informal sector.

Moses Kuria argued that while 3 million Kenyans in the formal sector contribute Sh 500 billion in income taxes annually, 16 million Kenyans in the informal sector only contribute Sh 10 billion.

The former Public Service Cabinet Secretary emphasized that the disparity between Kenyans in the formal and informal sectors should be the focus of debate to address the government's massive budget deficit.

In a swift response, businessman Buzeki, a prominent businessman, urged Moses Kuria to provide Kenyans in the informal sector with affordable loans to help them start businesses, which would, in turn, expand the tax base.

Buzeki stated that if the Kenya Kwanza Alliance government provides small-scale traders with Sh 100 billion in affordable loans within 24 months, the government will begin reaping the benefits.

This is a screenshot of what Buzeki told Moses Kuria.







The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Thursday, September 12, 2024 - State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed has refuted claims that a section of Members of Parliament from the ODM party skipped a meeting convened by President William Ruto at State House.

This is after a local media house alleged that ODM lawmakers skipped the meeting which was convened on Monday, raising concerns over the broad-based government and the presidents relationship with ODM Leader Raila Odinga, considering that the meeting came after Rutos working tour of Nyanza.

However, in a swift response, the State House spokesman claimed that the reports were not true.

According to Hussein, the president hosted a section of lawmakers at State House for an informal lunch after inspecting an affordable housing project in Nairobi.

He noted that the State House lunch meeting was not a formal one, as reports suggested.

"On Monday, 9th September 2024, President William Ruto inspected the progress of the 4,054-unit Kibera Soweto East Zone B Affordable Housing Project in Nairobi County.

"After the event, the MPs in attendance accompanied the President to State House for an informal lunch. There was no formal meeting as suggested," Hussein explained.

He further added that the State House communicates or invites MPs or any other individuals and groups through official channels only.

After the meeting on Monday, Ruto was pictured with some ODM leaders at State House, Nairobi, including Makadara MP George Aladwa.





The Kenyan DAILY POST




Thursday, September 12, 2024 - The mother to Bradley Marongo, better known as Gen Z Goliath, has accused him of abandoning his family after newfound fame.

Bradleys mother, Monica Marongo, claims that her son has stopped answering her calls.

She visited Nairobi a week ago hoping to meet him but he was not available.

She accused her son of being consumed by city life and the attention he has been getting to the point of neglecting his family.

He has since abandoned his village wife and gotten a new girlfriend.

Monica blamed Bradleys managers for misleading him.

Bradley no longer picks up my calls and is very busy with his managers.

"We talked on Monday last week but we differed on several issues.

"His managers do not want him to talk to me or give me anything.

"I was in Nairobi but Bradley never visited me. I was told he was given a house and three months rent, she said.

She wants her son to build her a house in the village and once she gets a place to call home, she wont bother him anymore.

Once I get a place to call home I will not bother him anymore. I am the one who suffered when Bradley was growing up, she said.

Last week, comedian-turned-politician Felix Oduor, popularly known as Jalango, advised Bradley to seize opportunities while his newfound popularity is still fresh.

Right now, hes endorsed by a car company, a barbershop, and Bata.

"But I hope those managing his brand can secure more sustainable contracts.

"We dont want to see Bradley back on the streets. He needs to understand how big his brand is and make sure hes making money.

"Any deal that comes his way, he should take, Jalango said.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Thursday, September 12, 2024 - State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed and ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna have clashed over reports Raila Odingas MPs snubbed a meeting with President William Ruto on Monday.

The exchange has exposed underlying tensions between key political figures, raising questions about the dynamics of ODMs cooperation with the Kenya Kwanza government.

According to reports, several ODM MPs had boycotted a State House meeting with the President, citing internal discontent within the party following Raila Odinga's political truce with Ruto.

However, taking to his social media, Hussein refuted the claims, labelling them as inaccurate.

There was no formal meeting as suggested, Hussein wrote.

He clarified that the President had inspected a housing project in Kibera on Monday, and that the few MPs who were present had only joined the President for an informal lunch afterward, he asserted.

State House communicates or invites MPs or any other individuals or groups through official channels only.

But the response from State House did not sit well with Senator Edwin Sifuna, who swiftly dismissed the spokesperson's statement.

You are lying, Sifuna retorted, making it clear that he and other ODM lawmakers had deliberately avoided the event.

The President has no powers to convene members of ODM, Sifuna continued, accusing Ruto of overstepping his authority.

I found the invitation disrespectful as it perpetuates nefarious political ends, Sifuna stated.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Thursday, September 12, 2024 - The government of President William Ruto has maintained that only the Adani Group can help Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) grow and expand.

This comes moments after the aviation workers called off their strike after reaching an agreement with the government over the Adani deal.

In a statement released on Wednesday evening, the state maintained a partnership with the Adani Group was necessary because of the growing traffic at JKIA.

"JKIA requires urgent expansion due to increasing passenger and cargo traffic, with current numbers exceeding its design capacity," the statement read.

The government anticipates a surge in passengers and cargo at the JKIA in the next 30 years but insists it is impossible to sustain plans to expand the airport without the intervention of a private investor.

Kenya's main airport handles an estimated 8.6 million travellers annually, which is more than its 7.9 million capacity.

The government anticipates the figures could explode in the coming years.

The proposed expansion is estimated to cost over KSh 260 billion - a figure that the Kenya Kwanza government insists is impossible to fund alone, especially after the controversial Finance Bill was tossed out.

Earlier, government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura sought to quell an online onslaught from irate Kenyans, saying the Adani deal was in its infancy stages.

For the better part of Wednesday, operations at the JKIA were at a standstill as workers downed their tools in protest of the proposed deal.

Part of the reason aviation workers resorted to industrial action was because of the government's apparent ingenuity over the Adani deal.

The Kenyan DAILY POST
As a fourth-year medical student applying to neurosurgery residency, my rotation in neurosurgery has been one of the most intense and rewarding experiences of my medical education. The days are long, the cases complex, and the learning curve steep, but every day reaffirms my passion for the specialty. Here is a glimpse into a typical day on my neurosurgery rotationa day that starts before the sun rises and is filled with learning, patient care, and anticipation.

4:30 a.m.: The start of a long day

The alarm goes off at 4:30 a.m., and I quickly get ready, knowing that every minute counts. I grab a quick breakfast and coffee, then head to the hospital in the dark, quiet hours of the early morning. On the way, I mentally review the list of patients I saw yesterday, thinking about their cases, surgeries, and any updates I need to know. I arrive at the hospital by 5:00 a.m. and immediately log in to review overnight notes, lab results, and imaging studies for our post-op and critically ill patients. Preparation is crucial in neurosurgery, and I know that I need to be ready to answer questions and provide updates during morning rounds.

5:30 a.m.: Pre-rounds: checking on patients

By 5:30 a.m., Im on the neurosurgery floor, moving from room to room. I check on our patients, review their vital signs, assess their incision sites, and speak with the nursing staff to get any overnight updates. I take time to talk to each patient, making sure they are comfortable and understand their care plan. Neurosurgery can be daunting for patients and families, and Ive learned that a little extra time spent explaining the next steps or simply listening can make a big difference in easing their concerns.

6:30 a.m.: Morning rounds: learning from every encounter

Morning rounds start at 6:30 a.m. sharp. The neurosurgery teamcomprising the attending, residents, physician assistants, and medical studentsgathers to discuss each patient in detail. As a medical student, I am expected to present the patients I have seen, summarize their history, recent events, and current status, and anticipate potential complications or next steps in care. The attending often asks probing questions to test our understanding and critical thinking, challenging us to apply our knowledge to real cases. I take notes, absorbing every bit of information and feedback, knowing that this is where I learn the most.

8:00 a.m.: The operating room: observing precision and expertise

By 8:00 a.m., we move to the operating room. Today, I am assigned to observe a craniotomy for a patient with a brain tumor. I change into scrubs, scrub in, and prepare to stand for several hours. The OR is a place of intense focus, where every movement is calculated, and every decision is critical. As the surgery begins, I try to absorb every detailthe anatomy, the surgical steps, the reasoning behind each maneuver. Im often called upon to assist with simple tasks, like retracting tissue or holding instruments, and I pay close attention to the dynamics of the team, noting how the neurosurgeon communicates with the scrub techs, residents, and anesthesiologists.

12:00 p.m.: Lunch and learning: seizing every opportunity

Around noon, there is a brief break for lunch, which often doubles as a teaching session. The attending or a senior resident might review the morning cases, discuss surgical techniques, or provide insights into the latest research and guidelines. These informal learning sessions are invaluable, offering perspectives that I wouldnt get from textbooks alone. I ask questions, eager to soak up as much knowledge as possible from those who have been through this journey before.

1:00 p.m.: Clinics and consults: understanding the continuum of care

After lunch, I head to the neurosurgery clinic, where I see patients with a range of conditionsnew referrals, pre-operative assessments, and post-operative follow-ups. This is a different pace from the OR, but it is just as important. I observe how the attending communicates complex information to patients, balancing honesty with empathy. I assist in examining patients, review imaging, and help formulate treatment plans. I realize that being a neurosurgeon is not just about performing surgeries but also about understanding the broader context of patient carefrom diagnosis and decision-making to follow-up and rehabilitation.

4:00 p.m.: Afternoon rounds: reviewing postoperative patients

By late afternoon, its time for another round of patient visits. We check on postoperative patients, assess their recovery, and adjust their care plans as needed. Im often asked to update charts, follow up on lab results, or communicate with the patients family. This is another chance to learn from residents and attendings, who discuss the rationale behind each decision and teach me to think like a neurosurgeon.

6:00 p.m.: Wrapping up: reflecting on the days lessons

By 6:00 p.m., the day is winding down, but there is still more to do. I spend time reviewing my notes, reading up on conditions or procedures I encountered, and preparing for the next days cases. I realize that in neurosurgery, learning never truly ends; there is always more to study, more to understand, and more to master. As I leave the hospital, I am tired but grateful. Each day is a reminder of why I chose this patha journey filled with challenges, but also immense rewards.

Conclusion: the privilege of learning in neurosurgery

Reflecting on a day in neurosurgery, I feel privileged to be part of this specialty. Its a field that demands constant growth, critical thinking, and a deep commitment to patient care. Every day is different, and every day is an opportunity to learn from some of the best in medicine. As I prepare to apply to residency, I am excited to continue this journey, knowing that each step brings me closer to becoming the neurosurgeon I aspire to be.

Mustafa Farooq is a medical student.
As a U.S. health care writer and patient advocate for almost 30 years, I read a lot. Recently, some of that reading is in court transcripts of doctors being persecuted out of medicine or into jail by various prosecutors and their hired experts. I use the term persecuted intentionally. I believe that medical experts in many court or Medical Board proceedings are simply hired guns  clinical predators hired for large sums of money to tell stories whose details they do not themselves understand.

Most judges and juries  and media reporters  understand even less.

No lawyer likes to ask questions to which they dont already know the answers. But sometimes, one must explore a witnesss qualifications rigorously  and the Judges qualifications as well. In my view, no judge or jury is competent to assess the credibility of a witness who testifies against a doctor unless both the witness and the judge understand not only the content of the medical literature but also its major weaknesses.

This principle was demonstrated glaringly in a two-year-old conference of the Florida Society for Interventional Pain Physicians (FSIPP), where I was invited to speak. Beginning my lecture, I asked an audience of about 100 doctors and nurse practitioners a series of questions for a show of hands. The last question was, How many of you have recent training in the evaluation of clinical trials and study protocols?

No hands went up.

As I suggested to the audience, You realize, of course, that without this exposure, when you read only the abstract of a published clinical paper, you have no idea whether the authors or peer reviewers knew what they were doing. You lack the skills to check their work.

You could have heard a pin drop as I continued with my lecture.

This reaction is similar to what I have heard separately from journalists whom I have challenged on the grounds that studies they have lauded in their summary articles are rather frequently biased or wrong on basic science or methodology.

Problems with scientific peer review

Even experts can fall victim to the burdens of their reading workloads or publication deadlines. They scan an abstract and come away believing incorrectly that they have done their duty of due diligence. However, we now know that the peer review process is failing in medical literature just as it is in psychology and psychiatry  and even physics. This failure is a dimension of what we call the replication crisis, and relatively few judges or journalists are even aware of the problem.

In many areas of science, when widely praised studies are repeated by different investigators, results are different from the first time around. Even in studies where the same outcomes are observed, results are frequently weaker or more ambiguous than in the original. Expectation bias and investigators professional self-interest are likely involved in such failures. Also operating are the persistent biases of journal editors and peer reviewers, without whose approval nothing gets published.

This might be a modern example of Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds, by Scottish journalist Charles Mackay, first published in 1841.

A reliable rule of thumb in such matters is the GIGO law: garbage in, garbage out. Huge numbers of papers in all areas of modern science now suffer from weak or unexamined assumptions, flawed methods, bias, and cherry-picked research. Many published papers, for instance, ignore the quality of studies that are combined for meta-analysis.

And if you write about health care and dont know what meta-analysis is, then you might be part of the problem.

Without probing the actual knowledge of expert witnesses, judges and juries cannot know whether they are hearing generally accepted principles and practiceseven when clinical literature is quoted. Neither can journalists.

For a doctor who treats pain with opioid pain relievers, these errors can result in profound miscarriages of justice. U.S. physicians have reported being targeted by drug enforcement agencies and medical boards for prescribing opioids, even when they have done so legitimately for chronic pain management. Doctors have experienced raids, had their medical records seized, and faced public scrutiny, which has led to the ruin of their practices and even patient suicides. Some have been denied adequate representation by law enforcement pre-trial asset seizures.

Questions for medical experts and answers

Thus, I suggest a few pertinent questions for any subject matter expert who testifies against a doctor concerning prevailing practice on opioid pain relievers  and for judges and journalists as well.

Questions: How many patients have you treated for pain during your career? How many of them died from all causes while under your care?

Answers: Patients treated for severe chronic pain often face higher mortality rates compared to the general population. Chronic pain can be associated with an increased risk of death, particularly from causes such as cancer, diseases of the circulatory and respiratory systems, and suicide. None of these factors is a consequence of the use of prescription opioid drugs approved for use by the U.S. FDA.

Questions: How many patients have you discharged or referred to an addiction specialist after they complained of inadequate pain care? Is this typical of other practitioners in your field? How do you know? What is the nature of opioid dependence? Are you familiar with the term pseudo-addiction?

Answers: Opioid dependence in medical practice is a purely physical reaction in which patients who have been treated with opioid pain relievers may experience withdrawal symptoms if they are tapered too rapidly off their medications. The concept reflects fundamental principles of pharmacology that were well-established in the 1970s.

Dependence is not addiction.

Pseudo-addiction is an affliction of doctors, not patients. It reflects a misinterpretation of patient requests for better pain control. This misperception is complicated by institutional bias introduced by legal counsels who are loathed to risk practice exposure to censure on the grounds of violating dose limits in poorly researched government prescribing guidelines.

Question: In your opinion, how frequently do patients treated for pain by a doctor die of a prescription drug overdose?

Answer: The incidence of overdose-related mortality in clinical patients is too low to confidently estimate within confounds imposed by poor doctor training and limited observation times in clinical encounters. Moreover, definitive large-cohort studies indicate that combined near-term incidence of suicide events or hospitalization for overdose in clinical patients treated with opioids is on the order of 2 percent or less.

In all probability, opioids are actually innocent bystanders in the causation of these tragedies.

As noted by the Director of the U.S. National Institute on Drug Abuse, unlike tolerance and physical dependence, addiction is not a predictable result of opioid prescribing. Addiction occurs in only a small percentage of persons who are exposed to opioids  even among those with preexisting vulnerabilities.

Dr. Volkow is also on record questioning the prevailing emphasis on abstinence only policies in the treatment of addiction.

Question: What are the best indicators in a patients medical records that they may experience bad outcomes from pain treatment using prescription opioids?

Answer: A history of attempted suicide, hospitalizations for overdose, or severe psychiatric disorders are four to twenty times more significant in risk of near-term overdose or suicide than treatment with opioids.

Question: Is there a widely accepted consensus standard of opioid prescribing that definitively limits dose levels due to patient risks?

Answer: No, there is not. The 2022 U.S. CDC Clinical Practice Guideline is not a consensus standard for the treatment of pain. The CDC itself indicates that its guidelines are intended as recommendations to guide clinicians in making informed, patient-centered decisions about pain care, including opioid therapy

Indeed, CDC guidelines are widely rejected by practicing clinicians on multiple grounds:

Weak medical evidence and gross over-emphasis on risk and non-consensual tapering of legacy patients, many of whom have been stable for years on high-dose opioid therapy.

Anti-opioid bias, cherry-picked research, and faulty methodology, including scientifically unjustifiable claims that non-opioid approaches, including non-pharmacological approaches, are preferable to opioids  in the absence of trials that demonstrate any such thing.

Failure to address or embrace the implications of highly variable opioid metabolism between individuals due to genetics  a failure reflected in almost all published drug trials.

Conclusions

However uncomfortable this reality may be for medical boards, prosecutors, judges, or political decision-makers, there is presently no consensus standard by which a doctors prescribing practices can be determined to lie outside usual and accepted conditions of practice. The central and arguably only pertinent judgment of potential benefits and harms for each patient is the doctors clinical experience and training.

The misinformed or biased testimony of a paid professional witness is simply not enough.

If a doctor or pharmacist harms patients through inattention, negligence, or unprofessional conduct, medical boards and boards of pharmacy are charged with revoking their licenses. If a doctor prescribes or a pharmacist dispenses large volumes of opioids in the absence of face-to-face doctor-patient relationships, medical testing, and ongoing patient monitoring, we recognize indicators for referral to law enforcement. (In the U.S., pill mills are thankfully rare these days due to better State oversight.)

But de-licensing clinicians, placing them on probation, or sending them to jail for occasional errors in record keeping is simply ludicrous. Government overreach has grossly criminalized the practice of medicine in the U.S. It is past time for such overreach to end, and political interference in the practice of evidence-based medicine should also end.

Even in cases in which prescribing practices are questionable, the burden of proof must be on law enforcement to demonstrate beyond a shadow of a doubt that the doctor knew they were prescribing narcotics outside the usual course of professional practice. Unless evidence is verified for harms suffered by patients due to dangerous behavior on the part of a doctor, there can be only one legally or ethically justified outcome in prosecutions of clinicians: Case dismissed!

Richard A. Lawhern is a patient advocate.
By David Young, PA

John Finucane has rejected any suggestion his family has received preferential treatment with the granting of a public inquiry into his fathers murder.

Mr Finucane, a Sinn Fein MP for north Belfast, was responding to criticism voiced by unionist politicians of the UK governments decision to establish an independent inquiry into the shooting of solicitor Pat Finucane by loyalist paramilitaries in 1989.

Several unionist parties have questioned why the Finucane family has secured a potentially expensive public inquiry into their loved ones killing, while hundreds of other families bereaved during the Troubles have failed to obtain similar investigations in their cases.

Mr Finucane, also a solicitor, said the treatment of his family over the 35 years since his fathers death could not be described as preferential.

I have to say I hear the term preferential treatment, and if you can indulge me on this, its very difficult to square that with the experience that my family have been through for over 35 years, he said.

Pat Finucane. Photo: Handout/PA.

First of all, the state targeted and set in place, set in motion events that meant my father was murdered in front of all of us as we had our dinner.

The term collusion was dismissed, not just dismissed when I was growing up, but to utter those words you were viewed in a certain light and, to be quite frank about it, it was dangerous at times to make allegations of collusion against the state in the aftermath of my fathers murder.

Every single bit of progress weve had as a family has had to be fought for. Its never been handed to us.

Weve had to fight in courts, domestic and international.

My mother has not only had to deal with being a widow and raising three young children, but she has had to travel the world to gain support, which we were lucky enough to have.

And every single bit of progress over a painful 35 and a half years has been hard fought and I would be very slow to describe that as preferential treatment.

He added: We were given a commitment nearly 20 years ago now that if a judge of international standing felt that there should be an inquiry, then the relevant government would have that inquiry.

The Irish government lived up to their commitment.

The British government lived up to their commitment in all other cases, bar one, and that was my fathers murder, and we have had to fight tooth and nail every step of the way, at times in the face of being insulted by people within the British government and outside of the British government.

So, I think you could forgive me and my family for saying that today is not something that we look at as preferential treatment.

The Ulster Human Rights Watch (UHRW) said that probes into legacy cases sent to the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR) should be treated with the same thoroughness as the Finucane public inquiry.

UHRW advocacy manager Axel Schmidt said: Equality between victims and survivors of the Troubles, particularly for victims of terrorism, requires nothing less than the same treatment from the ICRIR as that given to the Finucane family by way of a public inquiry.

Mr Finucane said his family would also support other bereaved relatives who were striving for truth and justice.

I will also say that throughout 35 years, it began with my mum, and its carried on through all of us, we have always been clear that truth and justice applies to every single person who was unfortunate enough to be hit by our conflict and our past, and that is without partiality, without any equivocation, we have been consistent in that, he said.

So, any other family that continues to fight for truth and justice will have our support and we know what its like when the system is put in place to frustrate you and prevent you from getting answers.
Irelands largest gathering of visitor attraction operators is set to take place in Kilkenny, with the 7th annual AVEA (Association of Visitor Experiences and Attractions) Conference planned for October 13 to 15 at the Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel.

AVEA is the collective voice of the sector, with members ranging from the Guinness Storehouse to Fanad Lighthouse, and provides a strong voice in tourism for businesses operating as Visitor Attractions and Visitor Experiences that entertain and engage visitors in Irish heritage and culture.

Speaking of the upcoming conference Catherine Flanagan CEO at AVEA says, This year the owners and operators of Irelands leading visitor attractions will gather to discuss how the industry can drive further visitor numbers and future-proof their businesses under the theme of Innovation - Agility  Inclusion. Several experts in each of these areas will share their expertise and knowledge with our conference delegates as we continue to work towards innovation, how to be more agile and inclusive as an industry. Delegates will take part in guided Learning Journeys, visiting Kilkenny attractions including the Butler Gallery, St Canices Cathedral, and Kilkenny Castle.

The conferences leadership panel will include Tourism Ireland CEO Alice Mansergh, Failte Irelands Jenny De Saulle, Chief Executive at Irish Tourism Industry Confederation Eoghan O Mara Walsh, CEO at Tourism Northern Ireland John McGrillen.

In addition to the leadership panel, the international speakers include Ciaran Connolly founder of ProfileTree, Laura Magee, CEO, of Thoroughbred Country, Nik Wyness, Head of Marketing, the Tank Museum, Dorset, Alison Bowyer, Executive Director, Kids in Museums, Eleanore Hutch and Kat Riddell, Diageo Brand Homes, Kathryn Havelock, Board Member, VocalEyes, Michael Faley, Sector Lead for Travel, Google, Gary Farrington, Senior Partner Manager EMEA, Expedia Group, Rachel Kuhn, Senior Director, BOP Consulting and Anne O'Donoghue, CEO, Irish Heritage Trust.

Visitor numbers to Irelands leading visitor attractions in 2023 are still lagging behind pre-pandemic times says Irelands Association of Visitor Experiences and Attractions (AVEA) based on its most recent industry survey.

Figures just published in the industry research survey by AVEA detail that some 18.1 million visitors enjoyed a visit to an Irish visitor experience or attraction during 2023; this compares to significantly more than in 2022 but still well below 22.9 million visitors in 2019. The 2023 figure is 6% below the 2019 total however AVEA members noted that it was a strong performance given that Irelands inbound tourist numbers in 2023 were still about 35% below that recorded in 2019, showing that the domestic visitor market is hugely valuable for AVEA members.

Given this reliance on the domestic visitor market, CEO of AVEA Catherine Flanagan says, There is no doubt that, while the pandemic is in the rear-view mirror, we are still in a period of transition. 2023 was considered the first full year of tourism where aviation connectivity was restored to pre-pandemic levels; however, the staycation market segment is still one that is of vital importance to Irelands visitor attractions.

AVEA member visitor attractions employ over 6,400 people and generated an estimated 362 million in revenues in 2023, a very high proportion of which flowed into their local economies in wages and purchasing of goods and services. Staff costs account for the largest share of operating costs at 49%, a proportion that is forecast to increase significantly as the ripple effect of successive changes to wage legislation take hold. There was an increase of just over 5% in average ticket prices to enter attractions reaching a median of 11.32, net of VAT and on the other hand, the average retail spend per head fell by 8% to 4.70 while the majority of survey respondents also experienced an increase in insurance premiums, the average being about 12%.

Catherine says, Benchmarked internationally, Irish visitor attractions provide excellent value for money, and it is clear from our findings that our median yield is extremely modest. Our challenge, as year-round businesses that operate in a highly seasonal sector, is to increase visitor numbers year-round, and external factors are making this extremely difficult. Costs are up significantly. The current VAT rate exacerbates this and it is certainly proving to be a barrier for our sector. We are dealing with increased costs of doing business on all fronts which must be balanced against the value proposition that attractions can offer to visitors living in a cost of living crisis.

A highlight of the conference is sure to be the Gala Dinner at St Canices Cathedral, which expects to welcome over 150 of Irelands tourism leaders. St Canices will be showcasing the illuminated Book of Ossory, which is on display in its new home for the first time in its 700-year history.

For details on the upcoming AVEA conference see www.avea.ie
The Taxpayers Union released:

The New Zealand Taxpayers Union can report through an Official Information Act that Metlink has paid $1,300,245 dollars (inc. GST) for a project to install seven toilets in Wellington, exclusively for the use of bus drivers. The locations of the toilets include Houghton Bay, Darlington Road, Wilton, Mairangi, Lyall Bay, Highbury and Karori.

Taxpayers Union Communications Officer, Alex Emes, said:

This latest waste story is another example of government failing to deliver on the basics. Spending a penny is one thing, but spending 130 million pennies for just seven toilets takes the biscuit.

At an average cost of over $185,000 per toilet, it makes you wonder  are the seats made of gold? While looking after bus drivers is important, that money could have surely gone further if spent better.
China to send 44 national medical teams to assist underdeveloped areas in 2024

Xinhua) 16:39, September 12, 2024

BEIJING, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- China will send 44 national medical teams to provide services in its central and western regions annually beginning this year, more than doubling the number from last year, according to the National Health Commission.

The teams, each consisting of at least five members, will work in 17 provincial-level regions including Xinjiang and Xizang for no less than three weeks, the commission said.

Priority will be given to the previously-disadvantaged, remote areas, areas with significant ethnic minority populations or areas with weaker medical capacity, it noted.

Their services will include disease diagnosis and treatment, health education, medical staff training, guidance on clinical techniques and the establishment of telemedicine networks.

This initiative focuses on ensuring quality medical services are made more accessible to people in the regions, the commission said.

In 2011, China sent the first batch of 19 national medical teams to assist underdeveloped areas in 18 provincial-level regions.

By the end of 2023, a total of 199 teams with more than 1,300 medical personnel had participated in the program, the commission said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
JPMorgan China Growth & Income plc (LON:JCGI  Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week low during mid-day trading on Monday . The stock traded as low as GBX 185.08 ($2.42) and last traded at GBX 185.26 ($2.42), with a volume of 102676 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at GBX 188.20 ($2.46).

JPMorgan China Growth & Income Price Performance

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 4.74, a current ratio of 2.19 and a quick ratio of 11.22. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of GBX 200.85 and a 200-day simple moving average of GBX 215.01. The firm has a market cap of 153.42 million, a PE ratio of -160.35 and a beta of 0.47.

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JPMorgan China Growth & Income Announces Dividend

The firm also recently announced a dividend, which was paid on Monday, September 2nd. Shareholders of record on Thursday, July 18th were paid a GBX 2.76 ($0.04) dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, July 18th. This represents a yield of 1.27%. JPMorgan China Growth & Incomes payout ratio is -956.52%.

About JPMorgan China Growth & Income

JPMorgan China Growth & Income plc is a close-ended equity mutual fund launched and managed by JPMorgan Funds Limited. The fund is co-managed by JPMorgan Asset Management (UK) Limited. It invests in the public equity markets of the Greater China region. The fund seeks to invest in stocks of companies operating across diversified sectors.

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Sentry Investment Management LLC cut its holdings in UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH  Free Report) by 17.0% in the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund owned 4,714 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock after selling 965 shares during the period. UnitedHealth Group comprises about 1.1% of Sentry Investment Management LLCs holdings, making the stock its 15th biggest position. Sentry Investment Management LLCs holdings in UnitedHealth Group were worth $2,401,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. VitalStone Financial LLC lifted its stake in UnitedHealth Group by 600.0% in the second quarter. VitalStone Financial LLC now owns 70 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock valued at $36,000 after purchasing an additional 60 shares during the last quarter. Evernest Financial Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of UnitedHealth Group by 3.5% during the 2nd quarter. Evernest Financial Advisors LLC now owns 3,515 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock worth $1,790,000 after acquiring an additional 120 shares during the period. SP Asset Management LLC lifted its holdings in UnitedHealth Group by 4.6% during the second quarter. SP Asset Management LLC now owns 119,156 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock valued at $60,681,000 after purchasing an additional 5,237 shares during the last quarter. Biltmore Family Office LLC purchased a new position in shares of UnitedHealth Group in the second quarter worth about $284,000. Finally, Studio Investment Management LLC boosted its holdings in UnitedHealth Group by 6.6% in the 2nd quarter. Studio Investment Management LLC now owns 8,045 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock worth $4,097,000 after buying an additional 497 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 87.86% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

UNH has been the subject of several recent research reports. UBS Group lifted their price target on UnitedHealth Group from $640.00 to $680.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, July 18th. Truist Financial raised their price objective on shares of UnitedHealth Group from $600.00 to $640.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 17th. Morgan Stanley boosted their price target on shares of UnitedHealth Group from $595.00 to $615.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 17th. Argus upped their target price on UnitedHealth Group from $570.00 to $600.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 17th. Finally, Baird R W raised UnitedHealth Group to a strong-buy rating in a report on Thursday, May 30th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, eighteen have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $614.17.

Insider Activity at UnitedHealth Group

In related news, CAO Thomas E. Roos sold 2,851 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, July 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $569.88, for a total transaction of $1,624,727.88. Following the sale, the chief accounting officer now owns 29,501 shares in the company, valued at approximately $16,812,029.88. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. In other UnitedHealth Group news, EVP Erin Mcsweeney sold 1,500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, July 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $579.03, for a total transaction of $868,545.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 7,785 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,507,748.55. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, CAO Thomas E. Roos sold 2,851 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, July 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $569.88, for a total transaction of $1,624,727.88. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 29,501 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $16,812,029.88. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.33% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

UnitedHealth Group Stock Performance

UNH stock opened at $599.04 on Wednesday. The company has a market cap of $553.17 billion, a P/E ratio of 36.62, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.66 and a beta of 0.58. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.67, a current ratio of 0.88 and a quick ratio of 0.88. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $562.99 and its 200-day moving average price is $516.05. UnitedHealth Group Incorporated has a 1 year low of $436.38 and a 1 year high of $607.94.

UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:UNH  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, July 16th. The healthcare conglomerate reported $6.80 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $6.66 by $0.14. The company had revenue of $98.86 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $98.73 billion. UnitedHealth Group had a net margin of 3.66% and a return on equity of 26.55%. The firms revenue was up 6.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $6.14 EPS. On average, equities analysts forecast that UnitedHealth Group Incorporated will post 27.69 earnings per share for the current year.

UnitedHealth Group Announces Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, September 24th. Stockholders of record on Monday, September 16th will be issued a $2.10 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Monday, September 16th. This represents a $8.40 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.40%. UnitedHealth Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 51.34%.

UnitedHealth Group Company Profile

(Free Report)

UnitedHealth Group Incorporated operates as a diversified health care company in the United States. The company operates through four segments: UnitedHealthcare, Optum Health, Optum Insight, and Optum Rx. The UnitedHealthcare segment offers consumer-oriented health benefit plans and services for national employers, public sector employers, mid-sized employers, small businesses, and individuals; health care coverage, and health and well-being services to individuals age 50 and older addressing their needs; Medicaid plans, children's health insurance and health care programs; and health and dental benefits, and hospital and clinical services, as well as health care benefits products and services to state programs caring for the economically disadvantaged, medically underserved, and those without the benefit of employer-funded health care coverage.

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Want to see what other hedge funds are holding UNH? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH  Free Report).

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Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Limited (ASX:BEN  Get Free Report) insider Richard Fennell acquired 40,497 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, September 2nd. The stock was purchased at an average price of A$11.87 ($7.91) per share, with a total value of A$480,699.39 ($320,466.26).

Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Stock Performance

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Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Increases Dividend

The firm also recently declared a Final dividend, which will be paid on Sunday, September 29th. Investors of record on Sunday, September 29th will be issued a dividend of $0.33 per share. This is a positive change from Bendigo and Adelaide Banks previous Final dividend of $0.32. This represents a yield of 2.74%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Sunday, September 1st. Bendigo and Adelaide Banks dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 75.86%.

Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

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Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Limited provides banking and financial products and services to retail customers and small to medium sized businesses in Australia. The company operates through Consumer, Business and Agribusiness, and Corporate segments. It offers a range of products and services, including personal and business banking, financial planning, commercial mortgages and unsecured loans, investment products, insurance, and superannuation.

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Botswana Diamonds plc (LON:BOD  Get Free Report) rose 7.9% during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as high as GBX 0.30 ($0.00) and last traded at GBX 0.30 ($0.00). Approximately 1,002,239 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 35% from the average daily volume of 1,553,550 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 0.28 ($0.00).

Botswana Diamonds Price Performance

The firm has a market capitalization of 3.60 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -11.00 and a beta of 0.80. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of GBX 0.33 and a 200-day moving average price of GBX 0.34.

About Botswana Diamonds

(Get Free Report)

Botswana Diamonds plc explores for and develops diamond properties in Botswana, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. The company's flagship property is the Thorny River/Marsfontein property located in South Africa. It also explores primarily in the Kalahari region of Botswana. Botswana Diamonds plc was formerly known as Botswana Exploration plc and changed its name to Botswana Diamonds plc in October 2010.

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Camden Property Trust (NYSE:CPT  Free Report) had its price objective increased by Evercore ISI from $115.00 to $116.00 in a report released on Monday, Benzinga reports. They currently have an in-line rating on the real estate investment trusts stock.

CPT has been the topic of several other reports. Royal Bank of Canada lowered Camden Property Trust from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating and set a $122.00 target price on the stock. in a report on Monday. Wedbush boosted their price target on Camden Property Trust from $118.00 to $131.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Monday, August 5th. Wells Fargo & Company upgraded Camden Property Trust from an underweight rating to an equal weight rating and boosted their price target for the company from $104.00 to $127.00 in a report on Monday, August 26th. The Goldman Sachs Group assumed coverage on Camden Property Trust in a report on Wednesday, September 4th. They issued a neutral rating and a $139.00 price target on the stock. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price target on Camden Property Trust from $104.00 to $112.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Monday, June 17th. Fourteen equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $120.25.

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Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Camden Property Trust

Camden Property Trust Stock Performance

CPT stock opened at $122.53 on Monday. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $116.72 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $107.10. The company has a current ratio of 0.37, a quick ratio of 0.37 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.72. The firm has a market cap of $13.05 billion, a PE ratio of 30.03, a P/E/G ratio of 4.59 and a beta of 0.90. Camden Property Trust has a 1-year low of $82.81 and a 1-year high of $127.23.

Camden Property Trust (NYSE:CPT  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, August 1st. The real estate investment trust reported $0.40 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.67 by ($1.27). The business had revenue of $387.15 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $384.76 million. Camden Property Trust had a return on equity of 7.98% and a net margin of 25.64%. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $1.70 earnings per share. As a group, research analysts forecast that Camden Property Trust will post 6.77 earnings per share for the current year.

Camden Property Trust Announces Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, July 17th. Shareholders of record on Friday, June 28th were given a dividend of $1.03 per share. This represents a $4.12 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.36%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, June 28th. Camden Property Trusts dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 100.98%.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Camden Property Trust

Institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Sanctuary Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Camden Property Trust in the second quarter valued at approximately $1,257,000. Coronation Fund Managers Ltd. grew its position in shares of Camden Property Trust by 52.8% in the second quarter. Coronation Fund Managers Ltd. now owns 93,100 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $10,158,000 after purchasing an additional 32,182 shares during the last quarter. Graham Capital Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Camden Property Trust in the second quarter valued at approximately $2,541,000. Truist Financial Corp grew its position in shares of Camden Property Trust by 3.4% in the second quarter. Truist Financial Corp now owns 18,105 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $1,975,000 after purchasing an additional 599 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Waterfall Asset Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Camden Property Trust in the second quarter valued at approximately $818,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 97.22% of the companys stock.

About Camden Property Trust

(Get Free Report)

Camden Property Trust, an S&P 500 Company, is a real estate company primarily engaged in the ownership, management, development, redevelopment, acquisition, and construction of multifamily apartment communities. Camden owns and operates 172 properties containing 58,250 apartment homes across the United States.

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DEUTZ Aktiengesellschaft (OTCMKTS:DEUZF  Get Free Report) and Tennant (NYSE:TNC  Get Free Report) are both industrials companies, but which is the superior business? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their risk, dividends, profitability, valuation, institutional ownership, earnings and analyst recommendations.

Institutional and Insider Ownership

14.8% of DEUTZ Aktiengesellschaft shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 93.3% of Tennant shares are owned by institutional investors. 2.6% of Tennant shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term.

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Profitability

This table compares DEUTZ Aktiengesellschaft and Tennants net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets DEUTZ Aktiengesellschaft N/A N/A N/A Tennant 8.76% 22.23% 11.71%

Valuation and Earnings

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio DEUTZ Aktiengesellschaft N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Tennant $1.26 billion 1.37 $109.50 million $6.02 15.11

This table compares DEUTZ Aktiengesellschaft and Tennants top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Tennant has higher revenue and earnings than DEUTZ Aktiengesellschaft.

Analyst Ratings

This is a summary of recent ratings and recommmendations for DEUTZ Aktiengesellschaft and Tennant, as provided by MarketBeat.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score DEUTZ Aktiengesellschaft 0 0 0 0 N/A Tennant 0 0 2 0 3.00

Tennant has a consensus price target of $106.00, indicating a potential upside of 16.20%. Given Tennants higher probable upside, analysts plainly believe Tennant is more favorable than DEUTZ Aktiengesellschaft.

Summary

Tennant beats DEUTZ Aktiengesellschaft on 8 of the 8 factors compared between the two stocks.

About DEUTZ Aktiengesellschaft

(Get Free Report)

DEUTZ Aktiengesellschaft develops, manufactures, and sells diesel and gas engines in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia Pacific, and the Americas. The company operates through Classic and Green segments. It offers hybrid, all-electric, and hydrogen drives, including mobile rapid charging stations and related services. In addition, the company provides compact engine systems and engine accessories. The company products are used in various applications, such as construction equipment, agricultural machinery, material handling equipment, stationary equipment, commercial vehicles, rail vehicles, and other applications. DEUTZ Aktiengesellschaft was founded in 1864 and is headquartered in Cologne, Germany.

About Tennant

(Get Free Report)

Tennant Company, together with its subsidiaries, designs, manufactures, and markets floor cleaning equipment in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. The company offers a suite of products, including floor maintenance and cleaning equipment, detergent-free and other sustainable cleaning technologies, aftermarket parts and consumables, equipment maintenance and repair services, and asset management solutions. It provides business solutions, such as financing, rental, and leasing programs, as well as machine-to-machine asset management solutions. The company offers its products under the Tennant, Nobles, Alfa Uma Empresa Tennant, IPC, Gaomei, and Rongen brands, as well as private-label brands. Its products are used in retail establishments and distribution centers; factories and warehouses; and public venues, such as arenas and stadiums, office buildings, schools and universities, hospitals and clinics, and other environments. The company markets its products to contract cleaners and businesses through direct sales and service organizations, as well as through a network of authorized distributors. Tennant Company was founded in 1870 and is headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota.

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Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF (CBOE:AAAU  Get Free Report) shares hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Monday . The company traded as high as $24.91 and last traded at $24.79, with a volume of 1002794 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $24.69.

Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF Trading Down 0.2 %

The businesss 50 day moving average is $24.19 and its 200 day moving average is $23.17.

About Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF

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The Goldman Sachs Physical Gold ETF (AAAU) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the LBMA Gold Price index. The fund tracks the gold spot price, less expenses and liabilities, using gold bars held in a vault in Perth, Australia. Investors can redeem their shares for gold coins and small bars. AAAU was launched on Jul 26, 2018 and is managed by Goldman Sachs.

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GUD (OTCMKTS:GUDHF  Get Free Report) and Douglas Dynamics (NYSE:PLOW  Get Free Report) are both consumer cyclical companies, but which is the superior stock? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their analyst recommendations, dividends, valuation, profitability, risk, earnings and institutional ownership.

Valuation and Earnings

This table compares GUD and Douglas Dynamicss top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

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Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio GUD N/A N/A N/A C$0.42 13.92 Douglas Dynamics $573.92 million 1.08 $23.72 million $1.17 22.97

Douglas Dynamics has higher revenue and earnings than GUD. GUD is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Douglas Dynamics, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Analyst Recommendations

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score GUD 0 0 0 0 N/A Douglas Dynamics 0 1 1 0 2.50

This is a summary of recent recommendations and price targets for GUD and Douglas Dynamics, as reported by MarketBeat.com.

Douglas Dynamics has a consensus target price of $28.00, suggesting a potential upside of 4.17%. Given Douglas Dynamics higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe Douglas Dynamics is more favorable than GUD.

Dividends

GUD pays an annual dividend of C$0.36 per share and has a dividend yield of 6.1%. Douglas Dynamics pays an annual dividend of $1.18 per share and has a dividend yield of 4.4%. GUD pays out 85.3% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. Douglas Dynamics pays out 100.9% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. Douglas Dynamics has raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years. GUD is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and lower payout ratio.

Insider and Institutional Ownership

16.5% of GUD shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 91.8% of Douglas Dynamics shares are held by institutional investors. 2.5% of Douglas Dynamics shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a stock is poised for long-term growth.

Profitability

This table compares GUD and Douglas Dynamics net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets GUD N/A N/A N/A Douglas Dynamics 5.03% 13.38% 5.02%

Summary

Douglas Dynamics beats GUD on 11 of the 13 factors compared between the two stocks.

About GUD

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GUD Holdings Limited, through its subsidiaries, manufactures, imports, distributes, and sells automotive products in Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, South Korea, France, and the United States. It operates through Automotive, Auto Pacific Group (APG), and Davey segments. The Automotive segment offers automotive and heavy-duty filters for cars, trucks, and agricultural and mining equipment; automotive electrical and lighting products; and fuel pumps and associated products and accessories for the automotive after-market. The APG segment manufactures and markets towing, trailering, functional accessories, and associated products for the automotive aftermarket and original equipment manufacturer customers. The Davey segment provides pumps and pressure systems for household and farm water; water transfer pumps; swimming pool products; spa bath controllers; and pumps and water purification equipment. The company was incorporated in 1958 and is based in Altona North, Australia.

About Douglas Dynamics

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Douglas Dynamics, Inc. operates as a manufacturer and upfitter of commercial work truck attachments and equipment in North America. It operates through two segments, Work Truck Attachments and Work Truck Solutions. The Work Truck Attachments segment manufactures and sells snow and ice control attachments, including snowplows, and sand and salt spreaders for light trucks and heavy duty trucks, as well as various related parts and accessories. The Work Truck Solutions segment primarily manufactures municipal snow and ice control products; provides truck and vehicle upfits where it attaches component pieces of equipment, truck bodies, racking, and storage solutions to a vehicle chassis for use by end users for work related purposes; and manufactures storage solutions for trucks and vans, and cable pulling equipment for trucks. This segment also offers up-fit and storage solutions. It also provides customized turnkey solutions to governmental agencies, such as Departments of Transportation and municipalities. The company sells its products under the FISHER, SNOWEX, WESTERN, TURFEX, SWEEPEX, HENDERSON, BRINEXTREME, and DEJANA brands. It distributes its products primarily to professional snowplowers who are contracted to remove snow and ice from commercial and residential areas. The company was founded in 1948 and is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

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iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF (BATS:HEFA  Get Free Report)s stock price reached a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Monday . The stock traded as high as $34.56 and last traded at $34.39, with a volume of 1950106 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $33.90.

iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF Stock Performance

The company has a market cap of $6.67 billion, a PE ratio of 16.31 and a beta of 0.62. The businesss 50-day moving average is $34.70 and its 200 day moving average is $34.79.

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Institutional Investors Weigh In On iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF

A number of large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in HEFA. TIAA Trust National Association raised its holdings in shares of iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF by 26.6% in the second quarter. TIAA Trust National Association now owns 1,889,848 shares of the companys stock valued at $67,194,000 after acquiring an additional 396,558 shares in the last quarter. Prime Capital Investment Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF by 212.0% in the 2nd quarter. Prime Capital Investment Advisors LLC now owns 1,854,984 shares of the companys stock valued at $65,954,000 after purchasing an additional 1,260,530 shares during the last quarter. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC lifted its stake in iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF by 1,066.3% during the 1st quarter. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC now owns 1,340,721 shares of the companys stock worth $46,764,000 after acquiring an additional 1,225,766 shares in the last quarter. Valeo Financial Advisors LLC raised its position in iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF by 63.8% in the 2nd quarter. Valeo Financial Advisors LLC now owns 488,128 shares of the companys stock valued at $17,355,000 after purchasing an additional 190,154 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Farther Finance Advisors LLC raised its holdings in shares of iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF by 2.8% in the 2nd quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 377,512 shares of the companys stock valued at $13,462,000 after purchasing an additional 10,403 shares in the last quarter.

iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF Company Profile

The iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF (HEFA) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in total market equity. The fund tracks a market cap-weighted, USD-hedged index of large- and mid-cap stocks from developed countries outside the US and Canada. HEFA was launched on Jan 31, 2014 and is managed by BlackRock.

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iShares North American Natural Resources ETF (BATS:IGE  Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week high on Monday . The company traded as high as $43.37 and last traded at $42.68, with a volume of 52920 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $42.48.

iShares North American Natural Resources ETF Stock Performance

The firm has a market cap of $593.19 million, a P/E ratio of 9.97 and a beta of 0.59. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $44.16 and its 200 day simple moving average is $44.24.

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Institutional Investors Weigh In On iShares North American Natural Resources ETF

Large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Rothschild Investment LLC bought a new position in iShares North American Natural Resources ETF in the 2nd quarter worth $1,483,000. Nations Financial Group Inc. IA ADV grew its stake in iShares North American Natural Resources ETF by 4.7% in the 2nd quarter. Nations Financial Group Inc. IA ADV now owns 30,731 shares of the companys stock worth $1,352,000 after acquiring an additional 1,384 shares in the last quarter. Family Firm Inc. grew its stake in iShares North American Natural Resources ETF by 79.6% in the 2nd quarter. Family Firm Inc. now owns 481,471 shares of the companys stock worth $21,185,000 after acquiring an additional 213,332 shares in the last quarter. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC boosted its stake in shares of iShares North American Natural Resources ETF by 3.6% during the first quarter. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC now owns 9,943 shares of the companys stock valued at $447,000 after purchasing an additional 350 shares in the last quarter. Finally, BNP Paribas Financial Markets lifted its position in iShares North American Natural Resources ETF by 0.5% during the first quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets now owns 101,088 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,548,000 after acquiring an additional 500 shares during the last quarter.

About iShares North American Natural Resources ETF

iShares North American Natural Resources ETF, formerly iShares S&P North American Natural Resources Sector Index Fund (the Fund), is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of U.S.-traded natural resource-related stocks as represented by the S&P North American Natural Resources Sector Index (the Index).

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Extra Space Storage (NYSE:EXR  Free Report) had its target price increased by KeyCorp from $172.00 to $178.00 in a report issued on Monday morning, Benzinga reports. They currently have an overweight rating on the real estate investment trusts stock. KeyCorp also issued estimates for Extra Space Storages Q3 2024 earnings at $2.06 EPS, Q4 2024 earnings at $2.04 EPS, FY2024 earnings at $8.12 EPS, Q1 2025 earnings at $2.05 EPS, Q2 2025 earnings at $2.13 EPS, Q3 2025 earnings at $2.15 EPS, Q4 2025 earnings at $2.16 EPS and FY2025 earnings at $8.49 EPS.

A number of other equities analysts have also weighed in on EXR. Wells Fargo & Company upped their target price on Extra Space Storage from $160.00 to $175.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, July 26th. Evercore ISI upped their target price on Extra Space Storage from $166.00 to $167.00 and gave the stock an in-line rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 28th. Truist Financial upped their target price on Extra Space Storage from $152.00 to $167.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Friday, August 16th. StockNews.com raised Extra Space Storage from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 23rd. Finally, Scotiabank upped their target price on Extra Space Storage from $159.00 to $169.00 and gave the stock a sector underperform rating in a research report on Thursday, August 22nd. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have given a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $168.36.

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Extra Space Storage Price Performance

Extra Space Storage Dividend Announcement

Shares of EXR opened at $176.02 on Monday. Extra Space Storage has a 52-week low of $101.19 and a 52-week high of $179.23. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.76, a quick ratio of 0.20 and a current ratio of 0.20. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $166.77 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $152.94. The firm has a market cap of $37.27 billion, a PE ratio of 39.20, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.53 and a beta of 0.86.

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 30th. Shareholders of record on Monday, September 16th will be paid a $1.62 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Monday, September 16th. This represents a $6.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.68%. Extra Space Storages dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 144.32%.

Insider Buying and Selling at Extra Space Storage

In other Extra Space Storage news, CEO Joseph D. Margolis sold 7,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, July 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $152.58, for a total value of $1,144,350.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 31,690 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,835,260.20. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other Extra Space Storage news, CEO Joseph D. Margolis sold 7,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, July 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $152.58, for a total value of $1,144,350.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 31,690 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,835,260.20. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, EVP William N. Springer sold 2,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, August 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $175.33, for a total value of $350,660.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 11,919 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,089,758.27. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 12,323 shares of company stock worth $1,994,709 in the last quarter. 1.36% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in EXR. Norges Bank bought a new position in shares of Extra Space Storage during the 4th quarter worth $1,022,811,000. Boston Partners bought a new position in shares of Extra Space Storage during the 1st quarter worth $130,554,000. Capital Research Global Investors grew its stake in shares of Extra Space Storage by 111.4% during the 4th quarter. Capital Research Global Investors now owns 1,537,317 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $246,478,000 after acquiring an additional 810,158 shares during the period. Janus Henderson Group PLC grew its stake in shares of Extra Space Storage by 2,244.2% during the 1st quarter. Janus Henderson Group PLC now owns 597,729 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $87,824,000 after acquiring an additional 572,231 shares during the period. Finally, Canada Pension Plan Investment Board grew its stake in shares of Extra Space Storage by 43.7% during the 1st quarter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board now owns 1,557,135 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $228,899,000 after acquiring an additional 473,559 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 99.11% of the companys stock.

About Extra Space Storage

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Extra Space Storage Inc, headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, is a self-administered and self-managed REIT and a member of the S&P 500. As of December 31, 2023, the Company owned and/or operated 3,714 self-storage stores in 42 states and Washington, DC The Company's stores comprise approximately 2.6 million units and approximately 283.0 million square feet of rentable space operating under the Extra Space, Life Storage and Storage Express brands.

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Lithia Motors, Inc. (NYSE:LAD  Get Free Report) shares traded down 7.1% during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The company traded as low as $256.07 and last traded at $256.50. 204,864 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 17% from the average session volume of 246,867 shares. The stock had previously closed at $276.20.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several equities research analysts have commented on LAD shares. Wells Fargo & Company upped their target price on shares of Lithia Motors from $266.00 to $302.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Friday, August 2nd. Guggenheim upgraded shares of Lithia Motors from a neutral rating to a buy rating and set a $338.00 price objective for the company in a research report on Friday, August 9th. StockNews.com downgraded Lithia Motors from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Tuesday, August 13th. The Goldman Sachs Group boosted their target price on Lithia Motors from $300.00 to $335.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, August 2nd. Finally, Bank of America raised their price target on Lithia Motors from $320.00 to $330.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Monday, July 22nd. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating and six have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $326.00.

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Lithia Motors Stock Performance

The company has a fifty day moving average price of $274.78 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $271.63. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.26, a current ratio of 1.19 and a quick ratio of 0.30. The company has a market capitalization of $7.40 billion, a P/E ratio of 7.97, a PEG ratio of 0.27 and a beta of 1.64.

Lithia Motors (NYSE:LAD  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 1st. The company reported $7.87 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $7.09 by $0.78. Lithia Motors had a return on equity of 13.84% and a net margin of 2.52%. The company had revenue of $9.23 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $9.29 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $10.91 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 13.8% on a year-over-year basis. Equities analysts forecast that Lithia Motors, Inc. will post 28.89 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Lithia Motors Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, August 23rd. Stockholders of record on Friday, August 9th were given a dividend of $0.53 per share. This represents a $2.12 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.79%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, August 9th. Lithia Motorss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 6.26%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In related news, Director Sidney B. Deboer sold 11,938 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, August 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $290.86, for a total transaction of $3,472,286.68. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 46,129 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $13,417,080.94. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. In other news, Director Shauna Mcintyre sold 306 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, August 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $289.65, for a total value of $88,632.90. Following the transaction, the director now owns 1,922 shares in the company, valued at $556,707.30. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, Director Sidney B. Deboer sold 11,938 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, August 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $290.86, for a total value of $3,472,286.68. Following the sale, the director now owns 46,129 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $13,417,080.94. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Corporate insiders own 1.79% of the companys stock.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Lithia Motors

Large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Blue Trust Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Lithia Motors by 83.6% in the second quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 134 shares of the companys stock valued at $34,000 after purchasing an additional 61 shares during the last quarter. Rise Advisors LLC increased its stake in Lithia Motors by 80.2% in the 1st quarter. Rise Advisors LLC now owns 191 shares of the companys stock valued at $57,000 after buying an additional 85 shares during the last quarter. McClarren Financial Advisors Inc. increased its stake in Lithia Motors by 12,500.0% in the 2nd quarter. McClarren Financial Advisors Inc. now owns 252 shares of the companys stock valued at $64,000 after buying an additional 250 shares during the last quarter. Kapitalo Investimentos Ltda bought a new position in shares of Lithia Motors during the 4th quarter worth approximately $67,000. Finally, Point72 Asia Singapore Pte. Ltd. purchased a new position in shares of Lithia Motors in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $80,000.

About Lithia Motors

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Lithia Motors, Inc operates as an automotive retailer worldwide. It operates in two segments, Vehicle Operations and Financing Operations. The company's Vehicle Operations segment sells new and used vehicles; provides parts, repair, and maintenance services; vehicle finance; and insurance products.

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Tidewater Inc. (NYSE:TDW  Get Free Report)s share price fell 6% during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as low as $69.02 and last traded at $69.02. 500,015 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 41% from the average session volume of 849,567 shares. The stock had previously closed at $73.40.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several brokerages have issued reports on TDW. StockNews.com lowered shares of Tidewater from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Wednesday. Raymond James boosted their price target on shares of Tidewater from $133.00 to $138.00 and gave the company a strong-buy rating in a report on Thursday, August 8th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Tidewater presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $111.25.

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Tidewater Price Performance

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.56, a quick ratio of 1.82 and a current ratio of 1.90. The companys 50 day moving average price is $90.45 and its 200 day moving average price is $93.11. The company has a market cap of $3.73 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 27.96 and a beta of 1.13.

Tidewater (NYSE:TDW  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, August 6th. The oil and gas company reported $0.94 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.72 by $0.22. Tidewater had a net margin of 12.77% and a return on equity of 18.04%. The company had revenue of $339.20 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $331.85 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $0.46 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 57.8% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities research analysts predict that Tidewater Inc. will post 4.4 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Tidewater declared that its Board of Directors has initiated a stock buyback program on Tuesday, August 6th that authorizes the company to buyback $13.90 million in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization authorizes the oil and gas company to reacquire up to 0.3% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock buyback programs are generally an indication that the companys leadership believes its shares are undervalued.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky acquired a new position in Tidewater during the 2nd quarter worth about $1,241,000. Quarry LP acquired a new position in Tidewater during the 2nd quarter worth about $27,000. NewEdge Advisors LLC lifted its position in Tidewater by 190.7% during the 2nd quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 15,562 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $1,482,000 after purchasing an additional 10,209 shares during the period. Creative Planning lifted its position in Tidewater by 51.8% during the 2nd quarter. Creative Planning now owns 6,921 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $659,000 after purchasing an additional 2,363 shares during the period. Finally, Susquehanna Fundamental Investments LLC lifted its position in Tidewater by 342.5% during the 2nd quarter. Susquehanna Fundamental Investments LLC now owns 15,638 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $1,489,000 after purchasing an additional 12,104 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 95.13% of the companys stock.

About Tidewater

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Tidewater Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides offshore support vessels and marine support services to the offshore energy industry through the operation of a fleet of marine service vessels worldwide. It provides services in support of offshore oil and gas exploration, field development, and production, as well as windfarm development and maintenance, including towing of and anchor handling for mobile offshore drilling units; transporting supplies and personnel necessary to sustain drilling, workover, and production activities; offshore construction, and seismic and subsea support; geotechnical survey support for windfarm construction; and various specialized services, such as pipe and cable laying.

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V2X, Inc. (NYSE:VVX  Get Free Report) Treasurer Michael James Smith bought 416 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, September 6th. The shares were bought at an average price of $48.00 per share, with a total value of $19,968.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the treasurer now directly owns 16,131 shares in the company, valued at approximately $774,288. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink.

V2X Price Performance

Shares of VVX opened at $48.41 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.15, a quick ratio of 1.10 and a current ratio of 1.10. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.52 billion, a PE ratio of -372.38 and a beta of 0.60. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $50.58 and a 200 day simple moving average of $47.73. V2X, Inc. has a 52-week low of $37.04 and a 52-week high of $58.25.

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V2X (NYSE:VVX  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, August 6th. The company reported $0.83 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.84 by ($0.01). V2X had a negative net margin of 0.30% and a positive return on equity of 11.69%. The company had revenue of $1.07 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.02 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $1.01 EPS. The firms quarterly revenue was up 9.6% compared to the same quarter last year. Sell-side analysts predict that V2X, Inc. will post 4.12 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On V2X

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Systematic Financial Management LP lifted its holdings in shares of V2X by 152.7% in the second quarter. Systematic Financial Management LP now owns 279,486 shares of the companys stock valued at $13,404,000 after purchasing an additional 168,886 shares in the last quarter. Algert Global LLC bought a new stake in V2X in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $259,000. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company lifted its stake in V2X by 6.9% in the 2nd quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company now owns 7,225 shares of the companys stock valued at $347,000 after acquiring an additional 468 shares in the last quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC boosted its position in V2X by 13.6% during the 2nd quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 83,967 shares of the companys stock worth $4,027,000 after acquiring an additional 10,046 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Sei Investments Co. grew its stake in shares of V2X by 243.3% during the 2nd quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 73,653 shares of the companys stock worth $3,532,000 after acquiring an additional 52,197 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 95.18% of the companys stock.

A number of research analysts recently issued reports on VVX shares. Royal Bank of Canada restated an outperform rating and set a $55.00 price objective on shares of V2X in a report on Wednesday, August 7th. JMP Securities reissued a market outperform rating and issued a $65.00 price target on shares of V2X in a report on Friday, May 17th.

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About V2X

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V2X, Inc provides critical mission solutions and support services to defense clients worldwide. It offers a suite of integrated solutions across the operations and logistics, aerospace, training, and technology markets to national security, defense, civilian, and international clients. The company was incorporated in 2014 and is headquartered in Mclean, Virginia.

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Volta Finance Limited (LON:VTA  Get Free Report)s stock price traded down 0.9% during trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as low as GBX 5.23 ($0.07) and last traded at GBX 5.23 ($0.07). 109 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 97% from the average session volume of 3,281 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 5.27 ($0.07).

Volta Finance Stock Performance

The companys fifty day simple moving average is GBX 5.23 and its 200 day simple moving average is GBX 5.15. The company has a current ratio of 19.19, a quick ratio of 15.15 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.18. The stock has a market capitalization of 1.91 million, a P/E ratio of 0.06 and a beta of 0.87.

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Volta Finance Increases Dividend

The company also recently declared a dividend, which was paid on Friday, August 2nd. Shareholders of record on Thursday, July 18th were issued a 0.15 ($0.16) dividend. This represents a yield of 2.79%. This is an increase from Volta Finances previous dividend of $0.14. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, July 18th. Volta Finances dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 0.67%.

Volta Finance Company Profile

Volta Finance Limited is a closed-ended fixed income mutual fund launched and managed by AXA Investment Managers Paris SA The fund invests in the fixed income markets of Europe and the United States. It primarily invests in corporate credits, sovereign and quasi-sovereign debt, residential mortgage loans, CDOs, ABS, leveraged loans, automobile loans, and debt interests in infrastructure assets.

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By Park Han-sol

Marc Glimcher, who has spent the last four decades in the family business of running Pace, one of the worlds most influential mega-galleries, is not afraid to acknowledge the art worlds core paradox  the tension between the ideals of transcendent creativity and the hard realities of commerce.

Artists are creating something thats purely of the spirit, but were hoping someone will actually spend money on it. And thats because money is a symbol of reality, while art represents something beyond it. Were essentially trying to exchange one for the other, the CEO told The Korea Times during his visit to Seoul for the gallerys headline exhibition, Correspondence: Lee Ufan and Mark Rothko, timed to coincide with Frieze Seoul.

Art is a metaphor for our ability as human beings to find value in something that has zero utility or material worth, he continued. In other words, its value is revealed in our willingness to spend money on something that doesnt do anything in the practical sense  money that could otherwise be used for tangible necessities like a car, a home or food. Yet, we still do it anyway because we perceive a unique worth in it  a worth that influences our relationships, affects our emotions and even confers status.

So, the fact that people prize art so highly as a society and are inclined to overpay for it is woven into the very fabric of what art is, he noted, saying, The money part is baked in, Its part of the dynamic.

But this doesnt mean Glimcher sees todays art market as free of glaring problems.

The issue with the art world right now is that it has spent too much time focused on money and business and too little on the actual art, he remarked.

The contemporary art market has experienced unprecedented growth over the past two decades, fueled by rapid globalization, technological advancements and the rise of one mega-city after another opening up to the art world. However, this unchecked expansion has also led to a shift in perspective  art as a final product is increasingly seen as just another asset class within the vast impersonal realm of macroeconomics, while its spiritual essence is virtually removed from the equation.

And now we have a new generation of collectors, many of whom are not getting the magic the way the last generation did. And they are getting skeptical, he added. Its important for us not to forget what were dealing with: the essential spirit of humanity. Thats why we can make a sales pitch in the first place  because these artists are doing something transcendent.

Asian art market

New York-headquartered Pace Gallery  which represents well over 100 big-name artists and estates, including Mark Rothko, Agnes Martin, Alexander Calder, Yoshitomo Nara and Lee Ufan  made its first overseas expansion in Beijing in 2008, a rare step for a Western gallery at the time.

Although challenging business conditions eventually led to the closure of its mainland China space 11 years later, the dealer continues to operate actively in Hong Kong. In 2017, it became one of the first international galleries to break into the Seoul market. And just this month, it announced the grand opening of its three-story Tokyo branch in the citys Azabudai Hills.

The CEO emphasized that establishing a physical presence in key Asian cities, where a growing number of collectors with purchasing power are gradually reshaping the global art market, is a core aspect of Paces ethos.

You cant just do it by remote control or through a broad distribution network. Cultural histories are extremely local and contained. To have influence  and to be influenced by these communities and artists  it was essential for us to make this move.

He observed that the fresh ambition of rising collectors in the region, whether he was in Seoul, Tokyo or Taipei, felt reminiscent of the American collectors in the 1970s and 80s.

And Id like to point out that the Korean art market has not just been about money; this isnt everybody buying something simply to flip it. Its more about whose museum is bigger, whose collection is more impressive, who just got that incredible piece, or whos funding this ridiculous exhibition. Believe me, the money aspect here is so refreshing compared to when its all about investment, Glimcher continued.

With China and Hong Kong admittedly becoming less attractive to the art world, Seoul has emerged as a promising new magnet.

This is among very few cities where it makes sense to have an art gallery. Ive witnessed the ambitions of private collectors, museums, curators, the biennials and the artist community grow. Everywhere I go in the world, I say, if you want your art world to thrive, look at Korea. The model is there. And Ive certainly seen Tokyo taking notice of whats happening in Korea, he said.

Therefore, in Glimchers eyes, everything his gallery does in Seoul  whether its hosting blockbuster shows featuring over 100 of Naras ceramic works or creating rare dialogues between masters like Rothko and Lee  is about tapping into that previously unnoticed passion and building relationships that go beyond commerce.

Our job is to stand between the artists and the collectors and facilitate their dance. And when everybody gathers, you've got to turn up the music.

While the arrival of Frieze Seoul is often seen as the most prominent sign of the citys ascent in the global art scene, Glimcher stressed that a more tangible indicator of Seouls status as an art hub is the substantial influx of major international galleries.

In addition to Pace, powerhouse dealers like Gladstone, Thaddaeus Ropac, White Cube, Perrotin, Lehmann Maupin and Tang Contemporary Art have established a foothold in Seoul over the past eight years, injecting new energy into a primary market that was once dominated by solid local players. This year, the city welcomed even more newcomers, including Massimodecarlo, which has branches in Milan, London, Paris and Hong Kong, and Berlin-based Meyer Riegger.

There are six cities on planet Earth with a large number of international galleries: New York, London, Paris, Los Angeles, Hong Kong and Seoul. Thats it, he said.

So what Seoul has is a really rare phenomenon. This is a big deal. Sure, a fair is a wonderful way to bring everybody together, but you dont see a Rothko show like ours at an art fair. Likewise, Ropacs Frieze booth will be nice, but his Sean Scully show [at his gallery] will be amazing. Galleries are trying to connect and show theyre here for a reason, not just to be carpetbaggers.
By Lee Kyung-min

Woori Bank said Thursday that it had scrapped its decades-long practice of morning group exercise on Sept. 2 in the first move to reform the long-troubled corporate culture defined by chain of command.

Advancing the latest effort of the beleaguered lender are a slew of employee misconduct and embezzlement, all part of an overarching questionable lending and business practices.

Observers say the move will be reduced to nothing more than an empty gesture unless backed by a drastic overhaul of the longstanding cronyism-oriented appointment of the groups outside directors.

Its a problem left unaddressed, unscrutinized and unaccounted for, Lee In-ho, former Seoul National University professor of economics, said.

Every time a new chairman of a financial holding firm assumes control, the first change that follows is the makeup of the outside directors, whose votes are crucial to the potential third term reign of the new head, Lee said.

The recommendation committee can vote the chairman in, in an all-but-foregone conclusion. Sometimes not including the CEO of the groups bank  the income generator of at least 95 percent of the groups revenue  on the board makes headlines. That speaks volumes about how insulated the reign of the current chair can be.

The oversight function and responsibilities of board directors remain essentially defective, as highlighted by their long-criticized procedure of rubber stamping the decision engineered by the chair, he added.

The criticism of the board concerning the failure to hold the chairman accountable is nothing new. But the recent scandals have definitely amplified the long-troubled practice at one of the countrys five most powerful holding firms.

Meanwhile, the scrapping of the morning routine follows a survey of Woori employees from Aug. 14 to 22. Over 88 percent of the respondents agreed to canceling the morning exercise, citing inefficiencies.

The collective move garnered significant support from branch employees, many of whom were forced to participate in the morning exercise.

Woori Bank plans to outline 100 key tasks to reform the organization and boost productivity.

Wooris card subsidiary will streamline and simplify the workflow to remove unnecessary meetings and written report submissions.

The bank will also revamp its credit evaluation procedures to facilitate transition to digital, contactless transactions for corporate borrowers.
By Lee Kyung-min

Food prices at highway rest areas rose sharply over the past four years, data showed Thursday.

Data from Korea Expressway Corp., a transport ministry-supervised organization, showed that the average price of udon, or thick noodle soup, was 6,623 won ($5.03) as of July this year, up 21.4 percent from 5,455 won in 2020. The same dish cost 5,890 won in 2021, 6,285 won in 2022 and 6,526 won in 2023.

The ministry-run company released the data at the request of Rep. Ahn Tae-jun of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea, who serves on the National Assembly's Land Infrastructure and Transport Committee.

The data contained changes in the prices of the top 10 menu items at highway rest areas from 2020 to 2024.

The average price of tonkatsu, or pork cutlet, came to 10,653 won as of July, up 21.3 percent from 8,779 won over the same period.

The popular food was the only item among the top 10 sellers to exceed an average price of 10,000 won.

Korea's rice dish bibimbap stood at 9,650 won, up 17.6 percent from 8,207 won over the same period.

The price increases in these three menu items are pronounced, given that the cost of living index that includes dining-out costs increased about 17.2 percent in July from four years earlier.

Prices of other popular menu items increased by a range of between 4.7 percent and 13.2 percent.

Instant noodle prices jumped to 4,885 won, up 11.2 percent from 4,392 won, while the price of hot dogs came to 4,151 won, up 11.4 percent from 3,725 won.

A cup of Americano was sold at a price of 4,507 won as of July, up 13.2 percent from 3,981 won, while a cup of latte was priced at 4,919 won, up 4.7 percent from 4,696 won.
Ancient Greek physician's legacy revisited amid ongoing medical standoff

By Kang Hyun-kyung

KOS ISLAND, Greece  The picturesque Greek island of Kos, part of the Dodecanese chain in the southeast Aegean Sea, holds a notable connection to modern-day Korea. Kos is the birthplace of Hippocrates, the ancient Greek physician revered as the "father of medicine." His legacy has recently gained renewed attention in Korea amid the nation's ongoing medical crisis, which has sparked debate over doctors' ethics.

Like in many countries, all medical school graduates in Korea take the Hippocratic Oath, named after him. Consequently, Koreans, including medical students, are well aware of the famous Greek healer.

Koreas medical school craze has also led many Koreans to learn about Hippocrates and his contributions to medicine.

Medicine is the most popular field of study for high school students in Korea. Each year, top students with the highest GPAs and test scores compete to enter medical schools. The profession is highly sought after due to its prestige, fulfillment, and financial rewards. Doctors are highly respected, enjoy substantial incomes, and benefit from strong job security. Additionally, there is no mandatory retirement age for those practicing medicine.

On the small Greek island of Kos, which is roughly one-sixth the size of Koreas southern resort island of Jeju, Hippocrates legacy still lives on, even though thousands of years have passed since his death.

The globally known ancient Greek physician is a source of pride for the locals.

A taxi driver who goes by the first name Antonios said he is a proud Greek, possessing a great deal of admiration for his over-achieving ancient ancestors. He said Hippocrates made him even more proud to be a resident of Kos Island, stressing that two historic sites  the Plane Tree of Hippocrates and the ruins of the Asklepion, where the ancient Greek doctor treated patients and taught his students  constantly attract tourists.

Ironically, these historic sites are tucked away near the bustling, thriving commercial district of the port of Kos. The district is crowded with back-to-back restaurants, bars and souvenir shops. In the marina district, dozens of ferries go back and forth, carrying tourists, mostly Europeans, for day trips to nearby Greek islands.

A sculpture of Hippocrates stands in a small park in front of a centuries-old, leafy Plane tree. Some of his famous words, highlighting his natural approach to treating diseases and the importance of preventive medicine, are engraved on the sculpture in both Greek and English. One inscription reads, "Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food."

Born on Kos Island around 460 B.C., Hippocrates was an innovative physician. According to the Kos Municipal Government website, he acquired extensive knowledge about nature, climate, regional lifestyles, and prevalent diseases during his 12 years of exploration in neighboring regions and countries, including Thrace, Thassos, Macedonia, and Egypt.

In the article titled Health Care Practices in Ancient Greece: The Hippocratic Ideal, co-authors Christos F. Kleisiaris, Chrisanthos Sfakianakis, and Ioanna V. Papathanasiou argue that Hippocrates made significant contributions to modern medicine by asserting that medical practice should be based on detailed observation, reason, and experience to establish diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment.

Obviously, after Hippocrates, there was no longer a mixture of superstition, magic, religious views and empirical treatments examined by priest-physicians, and medicine became a real science through accumulating experience, the article states.

Hippocrates set the stepping stones for the foundations of medicine, developing medical terms and definitions, protocols and guidelines for the classification of diseases, which are considered the gold standards for the diagnosis, management and prevention of diseases.

To people outside of Greece, Hippocrates is best known for the oath named after him, which physicians swear to when they enter the profession. The Hippocratic Oath emphasizes the integrity of the physician, highlighting a patient-first approach as a fundamental and uncompromising value.

I shall charge only for my professional services and shall not profit financially in any other way as a result of the advice and care I render my patients, the oath reads. I shall work with my profession to improve the quality of medical care and to improve the public health, but I shall not let any lesser public or professional consideration interfere with my primary commitment to provide the best and most appropriate care available to each of my patients.

The local municipal government of Kos hosts an annual event to commemorate Hippocrates and his legacy. Every October, the Municipality of Kos, in collaboration with the Hippocratic Foundation, organizes two weeks dedicated to Hippocrates, Petros Pikionis, director of tourism at the island's government, said. This event attracts medical professionals, academics and students from around the world who participate in various activities, including authentic Hippocratic Oath ceremony and its reenactment. The ceremony took place in Asklepion

Peter Andreadis, a staff member of the Peridis Family Resort, said the fact that Kos is the hometown of the ancient Greek physician certainly helps the island attract foreign tourists.

Kos is a friendly island. We have nice beaches. Plus, we have Asklepion which is the worlds first hospital where Hippocrates treated patients, he said, adding that there are many more attractions to explore on the island.

He said Kos is very popular among European travelers, particularly those from Scandinavian countries, as well as the Dutch, and people from the United Kingdom and Ireland.

They come here with their families and stay for one or two weeks. Some visit here year after year, he said.

The Hippocratic Oath has sparked debate in Korea amid a prolonged dispute between the Yoon Suk Yeol government and the nation's doctors. The conflict arose after the government proposed gradually increasing medical school admissions quotas to meet the growing demand for doctors, driven by the countrys rapidly aging population. The standoff has persisted with neither side showing signs of compromise, resulting in a significant impact on patient care. Emergency patients are struggling to find hospitals equipped to treat them, as several understaffed facilities have been unable to admit them.

In Korea, the essence of the Hippocratic Oath, which emphasizes doctors' dedication and selfless commitment to patients fighting for their lives, seems to have been overshadowed.

What would the ancient Greek physician say about the dire medical situation in Korea if he were alive?

Some blame doctors for what they perceive as self-serving and short-sighted collective actions aimed at protecting their own interests at the expense of patient health. Critics accuse doctors of disregarding patients' needs, alleging that they have failed to uphold their commitment to prioritize patient care above all else, as stipulated by the Hippocratic Oath.

Doctors, meanwhile, defend their actions.

Asking for anonymity, one doctor referenced Hippocrates' insightful observation on medical training, encapsulated in the aphorism "Ars longa, vita brevis," which translates to "art is long, life is short."

He meant that mastering medical skills takes time and dedication, he said. In Korea, aspiring doctors struggle to remain focused on their training due to the ongoing dispute.

The government and doctors have been at odds, with neither side showing signs of compromising. Medical students are taking leaves of absence, and trainee doctors are quitting in response to the government's abrupt decision to increase medical school admissions quotas.

The doctors strike signals that the good old days of cheap and quick medical services are over, he said. Korea was able to provide effective medical services at competitive prices because doctors were willing to work under bad working conditions. But this will not be the case any longer.
By KTimes

The Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism said Wednesday it is recruiting participants in their 40s for its group dating temple stay program called "I'm Going to the Temple."

The program's name playfully references the popular matchmaking show "I'm Solo." While "I'm Going to the Temple" was previously targeted at singles in their 20s and 30s, it is now open to those in their 40s.

Eligible participants for this round must be unmarried men and women born between Jan. 1, 1975, and Dec. 31, 1984.

From the applicants, 10 men and 10 women will be selected to join a 1-night, 2-day temple stay at Hwagye Temple in Gangbuk District, Seoul, from Nov. 5 to 6.

Since 2012, the Jogye Order has been hosting "Meeting Temple Stay" programs to facilitate encounters between men and women.

The event held in July and August at Naksan Temple in Yangyang County, Gangwon Province, was fiercely competitive, being oversubscribed 70 times, resulting in a total of six couples.

An official from the temple said, "We've received many requests for opportunities for those in their 40s, so we prepared this special program. This time, the event will not be open to the media."

Interested participants in their 40s can apply via a Google Form linked in the announcement section of the Korean Buddhist Foundation for Social Welfare website (www.jabinanum.or.kr) from Sept. 12 to 20.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, a sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.
North Korea fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles toward the East Sea on Thursday, the South Korean military said, a week after Pyongyang warned that South Korea and the United States will have to pay a "dear price" for their joint drills.

"The North Korean missiles flew about 360 kilometers and landed in the East Sea," the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said. It said it detected the missiles launched from the Pyongyang area at 7:10 a.m., but it did not provide any further details.

The distance, if fired southward, is sufficient to affect major South Korean cities such as Seoul and Daejeon as well as key military facilities in Gyeryong and Gunsan. The launches are known to have involved about three to four missiles.

The South's military condemned the latest launch as a "provocative act" that gravely threatens the peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula and vowed stern response.

"While closely monitoring North Korea's various activities under a firm combined defense posture between the South Korea and the United States, we will maintain overwhelming capabilities and posture to respond to any provocation," the JCS said.

On July 1, the North fired two ballistic missiles. One of them was short-range, while the other failed and fell inland.

The latest launches came after the North said last week that the South and the U.S. will have to pay a "dear price" for what it called "provocative war" drills after the two countries carried out the joint summertime exercise Ulchi Freedom Shield.

The North has long denounced joint military drills between the South and the U.S. as rehearsals for an invasion and used them as a pretext for provocations. The allies have said their military exercises are defensive in nature.

JCS spokesperson Col. Lee Sung-jun said in a regular briefing that the North may have fired the missiles in protest of recent South Korea-U.S. exercises or they could be performance tests for missiles to be exported to Russia.

The launches also took place as large-scale naval drills between Russia and China kicked off earlier this week.

Hong Min, a senior research fellow at the Korea Institute for National Unification, said the launches could be a separate form of protest from North Korea against the U.S. during the Russia-China drills.

Thursday's launch also came hours after North Korea sent another batch of suspected balloons containing trash toward the South on Wednesday night, according to the JCS.

Around 20 balloons were floated but they failed to cross the Military Demarcation Line, it added. No balloons were floating in the air as of Thursday morning.

North Korea has sent thousands of balloons carrying trash into the South since late May in retaliation against anti-Pyongyang leaflets sent across the border by North Korean defectors and activists in South Korea.

In response to the balloon launches, the South's military has been blasting daily anti-North Korean propaganda broadcasts through loudspeakers on the border since July 21. (Yonhap)
Prime Minister Han Duck-soo on Thursday strongly denounced a "blacklist" of emergency room doctors drawn up to name and shame those not participating in the walkout by junior doctors, vowing to take stern action against those responsible.

The list contains personal information and malicious comments about emergency room physicians who chose to treat patients rather than join their colleagues staying away from the job since February in protest of the government's medical school admissions quota hike.

"The blacklist is a mockery and insult to the medical staff who take care of patients and a cowardly act that effectively strips individuals of their free will," Han said during a central disaster response meeting. "It is a very serious criminal act. The government will not tolerate it."

Over 30 people have been referred to the prosecution for their involvement in the blacklisting of doctors working in emergency rooms, according to the health ministry.

"Law enforcement authorities should sternly and swiftly investigate the case," Han said. "I also ask the medical community to actively engage in efforts to correct the inappropriate behaviors of some doctors."

Han reiterated the appeal for the medical community to join a consultative body with the government, ruling and opposition parties, and doctors' group to discuss the medical school admissions quota and other medical reform measures.

"If the medical community presents a scientific, reasonable plan on the medical school quota and policy plans, the government is ready to discuss it with an open-minded attitude," Han said.

A majority of trainee doctors have left their workplaces since February in protest of the government's plan to drastically increase the medical school admissions quota beginning next year.

The prolonged strike has raised concerns about potential disruptions in medical services during the upcoming five-day Chuseok holiday, which begins Saturday.

To address concerns, the government has designated Sept. 11-25 as a special period and set up an emergency task force to manage the situation of emergency medical centers across the country. (Yonhap)
Korea on Thursday declared a special emergency medical response period for two weeks in September and said it would use all available resources to ensure services, as a strike by young doctors increases strains on the medical system.

The government will also temporarily raise the fees doctors receive from health insurance around a national holiday period next week to "repay the dedication of the medical professionals even a little," Prime Minister Han Duck-soo told a televised briefing.

This includes raising by 3.5 times the examination fees specialists doctors receive at regional emergency medical centers, responsible for severe emergency patients, Han said.

Korea's health ministry said last week it was deploying military doctors to assist in some hospital emergency rooms due to a shortage of medical staff, but disputed a warning by some physicians that the system was on the verge of collapse.

Thousands of trainee doctors, including interns and resident doctors, walked off the job in February to protest against a plan to lift medical student numbers by 2,000 a year to meet what the government projects will be a severe shortage of doctors.

Hospitals which had relied on trainee doctors across multiple medical disciplines have had to turn away patients at emergency rooms, citing a shortage of staff, while existing doctors have experienced heavier workloads, the government said.

"Many of the remaining people are complaining of fatigue. However ... we are by no means in a situation where we have to worry about medical collapse," Han said.

About 8,000 medical clinics and hospitals will be open nationwide daily during next week's Chuseok, one of Korea's largest holidays, Han said.

This compares to about 3,600 clinics and hospitals that opened per day during lunar New Years' holidays earlier this year, he added.

Han also urged the public to go to local clinics depending on severity of symptoms instead of flocking to large hospitals during the holidays. (Reuters)
The Nuclear Safety and Security Commission (NSSC) on Thursday granted a construction permit for two new nuclear reactors on the east coast of Korea, eight years after the application was submitted.

At its regular meeting, the NSSC approved proposals from Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) to build the Shin-Hanul 3 and 4 reactors in Uljin, located about 224 kilometers southeast of Seoul.

The approval marked the first construction permit for nuclear reactors issued since 2016, when authorities gave the green light for the Saeul 3 and 4 reactors in Ulsan.

The application for Shin-Hanul 3 and 4 was submitted in January 2016, but the project was suspended in 2017 due to the previous Moon Jae-in administration's shift in energy policy.

The review process resumed in July 2022 after the current Yoon Suk Yeol administration announced the resumption of the project.

"The construction approval is in line with the Yoon Suk Yeol administration's energy policy, which reverses the previous government's nuclear phase-out policy," Sung Tae-yoon, the presidential chief of staff for policy, said in a briefing.

"It paved the way for restoring the nuclear energy ecosystem, which was on the verge of collapse, and help the nuclear industry regain a momentum."

The construction of Shin-Hanul 3 and 4 is set to begin Friday, with a goal of completing them in 2032 and 2033, respectively, Sung said.

The two new units will be 1,400-megawatt pressurized water reactors, similar to four other operating reactors, including Saeul 1 and 2.

The NSSC said that it confirmed the safety of the new reactors based on reviews of previous reactors and by examining design differences, particularly the latest technical standards applied to the new units.

The Korea Institute of Nuclear Safety also inspected the construction site and found no geological risks that would impact safety, according to the commission.

The NSSC said that it will thoroughly verify the safety of the nuclear power plants through pre-use inspections and performance tests of the reactor facilities.

Korea currently operates 26 nuclear reactors, with Saeul 3 and 4 still under construction.

In 2023, Korea's nuclear plants generated 180,494 gigawatt hours of electricity, accounting for 30.7 percent of the country's total power output, according to the KHNP. (Yonhap)
PM denies emergency medical system is near collapse

By Kwak Yeon-soo

The government has once again urged the medical community to engage in dialogue and participate in a consultative body to address the ongoing medical crisis, which stemmed from a dispute over the Yoon Suk Yeol administrations plan to increase medical school quotas.

In a nationally televised briefing on Thursday, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo urged doctors' groups to join a four-way discussion body that includes the government, as well as ruling and opposition parties. He emphasized that within this framework, doctors would have the opportunity to share their opinions on necessary improvements to achieve medical reform.

If the medical community presents a scientific and reasonable plan on the medical school quota hike plan and other relevant policies, the government is ready to discuss it with an open-minded attitude, Han said.

"We are waiting for the medical circle to resolve misunderstandings (about government policies) and become a partner for medical reform."

However, the government said that the increased admissions quota for 2025 is irreversible as universities have already begun accepting applications for medical schools.

Since students have already begun applying and the admission rate is already high, its hard to change the admission guideline for 2025. However, we are open to discussing the option of postponing the quota hike planned for 2026, Han said.

He dismissed media reports and patients' claims that the emergency medical system is on the verge of collapse, stating that approximately 8,000 medical clinics and hospitals will be open nationwide daily during the Chuseok holiday. This figure is more than double the 3,600 clinics and hospitals that were open during the Lunar New Year holiday in February, according to Han.

I would be lying if I said our health care system isnt in crisis. Many of the remaining medical professionals are complaining of fatigue. However, we are not in a situation where we have to worry about medical collapse, Han said.

To better reward hospitals and medical professionals for their services, the government will temporarily raise the fees that doctors receive from health insurance around the Chuseok holiday. Consultation fees for specialists at regional emergency medical centers, which handle critical emergency cases, will be raised to 3.5 times the usual rate.

Meanwhile, the government vowed to take stern action against those responsible for drawing up and circulating a so-called blacklist of emergency room doctors, calling it an inexcusable crime.

The blacklist reportedly includes personal information and malicious comments about emergency room doctors who chose to treat patients instead of joining their colleagues by leaving their jobs since February to protest the government's increase in medical school admissions quotas.

We wont tolerate insults to the medical professionals who have decided to return to emergency rooms and look after patients. We will hunt down and punish those responsible for these cowardly acts, Han said.

Han later met with ruling People Power Party (PPP) Chairman Han Dong-hoon at a high-level party-government meeting to discuss ways to facilitate the launch of the four-way consultative body.

The PPP chief reiterated his position that the consultative body should be established before the Chuseok holiday and encouraged as many doctors' groups as possible to join.

"As I mentioned before, there are no restrictions on the agenda as long as stakeholders are willing to engage in dialogue. We can keep the door open and allow more doctors' groups to participate," Han said.

The prime minister echoed the view, saying, The longer we delay the reform, the higher the cost. The government is eagerly waiting for trainee doctors to resolve misunderstandings and return to duty.
Korea and the Philippines discussed ways of enhancing cooperation Thursday on supply chains and such various industry sectors as shipbuilding and electric vehicles based on their envisioned bilateral free trade deal, Seoul's industry ministry said.

The discussion was made during the third economic and trade cooperation committee meeting held via teleconferencing, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.

It was attended by Korea's Deputy Trade Minister Yang Byeong-nae and Allan Gepty, assistant secretary of the Southeast Asian country's industry ministry.

During the meeting, the two sides vowed efforts for bringing into force their free trade pact signed last year swiftly.

They agreed to boost cooperation on supply chains of key raw materials and to continue consultations for detailed measures.

Also on the table was how to work more closely on the shipbuilding and offshore wind power sectors, as well as the Philippines' development of electric buses and other eco-friendly vehicles.

The Philippines expressed hope for stronger ties with Korea about energy security and net-zero goals, the ministry said.

Two-way trade came to $13.7 billion last year, with some 300 Korean companies operating in the Philippines, government data showed. (Yonhap)
Both nations will institutionalize cooperation across various areas: presidential office

By Anna J. Park

President Yoon Suk Yeol will make an official state visit to the Czech Republic from Sept. 19 to 22, aiming to establish a nuclear alliance between the two countries, the presidential office said Thursday.

This visit marks the first official trip by a South Korean president to the Czech Republic in nearly nine years. The last visit was made by former President Park Geun-hye in December 2015.

"Through this official visit to the Czech Republic, President Yoon will convey Team Koreas firm commitment to successfully completing the nuclear power project to the Czech Republic," Kim Tae-hyo, the first deputy director of the National Security Office (NSO), said during a briefing at the presidential office in Seoul, Thursday.

Yoon's visit to the Czech Republic follows the Czech government's decision in July to select Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power as the preferred bidder for the $17.3 billion Dukovany nuclear power plant project.

"As South Koreas top salesperson, President Yoon will actively engage in sales diplomacy to ensure that our companies secure the nuclear power project," the NSO First Deputy Director Kim added.

The South Korean president's visit aims to strengthen the strategic partnership between South Korea and the Czech Republic, extending beyond the nuclear power project.

During the two-day itinerary in the country, Yoon will engage in discussions with Czech leaders to establish a comprehensive cooperative relationship encompassing nuclear power, science and technology, education and human exchange.

On the first day of the visit, Yoon will hold a one-on-one summit with Czech President Petr Pavel, where they will explore ways to strengthen bilateral ties, followed by a joint press conference.

Later that evening, the South Korean president and the first lady will attend an official dinner hosted by President Pavel, which will include representatives from both nations, along with prominent political and business figures.

The following day, Friday (local time), Yoon will participate in a Korea-Czech Business Forum alongside President Pavel. This forum is co-hosted by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), the Czech Chamber of Commerce, and the Confederation of Industry of the Czech Republic.

Yoon is also scheduled to visit a nuclear power facility in the country and is expected to sign several MOUs to institutionalize cooperation across various sectors between the two countries.

Accompanying him is a South Korean economic delegation of approximately 50-60 companies, including large corporations, medium-sized enterprises and small businesses. Conglomerate moguls like Doosan Chairman Park Jeong-won, Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung are said to be joining the business delegation to the Czech Republic.

In the afternoon of the second day of the visit, Yoon is slated to hold a small-group meeting and a working luncheon with Prime Minister Petr Fiala.

"Following this, President Yoon and Prime Minister Fiala will attend a signing ceremony for MOUs aimed at institutionalizing cooperation between the two countries in various fields, including nuclear power, trade, investment, advanced technologies, and supply chains. They will also make a joint press statement," Kim Tae-hyo, the first deputy director of the National Security Office, told reporters at the presidential office in Seoul, Thursday.

Yoon will also meet with Marketa Pekarova Adamova, speaker of the Czech Chamber of Deputies, and Milo? Vystr?il, president of the Senate, to deepen Korea-Czech relations at the parliamentary level.

In the evening, the South Korean president and the first lady will attend a dinner and meeting with the Korean community, concluding the second day of their visit to the Czech Republic. They will depart for South Korea on Saturday, September 21.

The NSO's First Deputy Director Kim highlighted that the Czech Republic is an important ally of South Korea that shares the same values of freedom, human rights and the rule of law, and has been closely cooperating on international security issues, including the North Korean nuclear issue, and support for Ukraine.

"As we approach the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 10th anniversary of the strategic partnership between South Korea and the Czech Republic next year, this visit will serve as an opportunity to elevate bilateral cooperation to a new level," NSO First Deputy Director Kim further noted.

Kim added that this visit is expected to firmly establish a nuclear alliance between South Korea and the Czech Republic, and could pave the way for a global nuclear alliance partnership between the South and the U.S. in the international nuclear market.
The government will accelerate efforts to verify the lists received from Japan of Korean passengers killed in a controversial 1945 sinking of a Japanese vessel, to help with victims' compensation, a Seoul official said Thursday.

Last week, Japan gave Korea 19 cases out of some 70 documents related to the passenger lists of the Ukishima Maru that sank in waters after an explosion in August 1945.

The ship was transporting back home many Koreans who had been forcibly mobilized for wartime labor, as Korea was liberated from Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule.

Korea had requested Japan to provide the lists amid controversy over the cause of the sinking and Japan's reluctance to disclose them, after the existence of the lists was revealed despite years of denial by Tokyo.

"We are putting the focus on relieving the victims from their suffering," a foreign ministry official said on condition of anonymity.

"We don't know how long exactly the analysis is going to take, but we will do our best for the victims and bereaved families," the official said.

The official stressed that the government will continue to consult with Japan to obtain the rest of the documents. In May, Tokyo revealed during a lower house session that there are approximately 70 documents related to the passenger lists.

"As Japan has promised to provide (the remainder), we expect that they will follow through," the official added.

The ship, which belonged to the Japanese Navy, had departed from a port in the Aomori Prefecture en route to Busan on Aug. 22, 1945, and was to make a port call in Kyoto two days later, but it sank in the water after an explosion in the lower part of the hull.

Japan had announced that the ship hit an underwater mine and 524 out of 3,700 passengers were killed in what it called an accident.

But the bereaved family members of the Korean victims claim more than 3,000 lost their lives, out of as many as 8,000 people aboard, and have charged that Japan intentionally blew up the ship.

Japan, for many years, had not acknowledged the passenger lists existed and insisted that they were lost in the sinking.

The lists provided to Seoul show the names of the passengers filed prior to and on the day of the ship's departure, according to the foreign ministry.

An additional analysis is required to identify and verify the personal information, but some of the materials contain specific details, such as the countries of birth and birth dates. (Yonhap)
Adm. Rob Bauer calls Russia-NK partnership 'concerning development'

By Lee Hyo-jin

Whether South Korea will provide lethal weapons to Ukraine is a sovereign matter for the nation to decide on its own, according to Adm. Rob Bauer, chair of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Military Committee, as the Russia-Ukraine war drags on for nearly 1,000 days.

He made the comments as the South Korean government continues to uphold its position of providing only humanitarian and financial aid to Ukraine, despite increasing calls from Kyiv and other governments for the provision of lethal weapons.

"Every nation that contributes to support Ukraine does that within the political framework of that nation, within what is legally accepted and possible. So NATO does not have an opinion on what nations give or not give, because that is the sovereign decision of a nation," Bauer said in an interview with The Korea Times in Seoul, Wednesday. The interview took place during his participation in the annual Seoul Defense Dialogue (SDD).

"Whether South Korea delivers lethal aid to Ukraine is a decision of South Korea and no one else," the Dutch admiral added.

Although South Korea continues to provide only non-lethal aid, officials in Seoul indicated in June that they might reconsider this stance in response to a military agreement signed between Russia and North Korea.

Bauer also said that South Korea is part of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG), an alliance of 50 nations supporting the defense of Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of the South's role in the group.

"In regular meetings, Ukraine tells the 50 nations that participate in that group what it needs. And that is not only weapons, but it's all kinds of things. South Korea knows what Ukraine needs now," he said.

Regarding the recent military pact between Russia and North Korea, Bauer noted that the specifics of the agreement are not well-known, but described it as a "concerning development." He suggested that the pact could include security guarantees, ammunition supplies, military technology transfers, or a combination of these elements.

"Until fairly recently, the world agreed that North Korea was on its own. But that very isolated nation is suddenly now needed by Russia, and is therefore opening up and is actually able to demand things from Russia that they were not able to demand two years ago," he said.

Bauer said that Russia, a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council, is no longer insisting that North Korea behave. He added that Russia may lack both the capacity and willingness to control North Korea's military provocations.

When asked about NATO's support to South Korea in countering threats from the Russia-North Korea partnership, Bauer highlighted the distinction between military and political support.

"As NATO is a regional security organization, the alliance, in terms of military operations and the use of military forces, is unlikely to be outside the NATO territory, unless based on, for example, a U.N. mandate.

"But politically, you already see things what the (NATO) secretary general says, or statements on what North Korea is doing to condemn the fact that they launch their missiles in a dangerous way," he said, indicating NATO's strong political support for South Korea in the face of North Korean threats.

Bauer's attendance at the SDD, an annual security forum hosted by South Korea's Ministry of National Defense, comes as the Asian nation and NATO have notably expanded their partnership in recent years. This was his second visit to Seoul as NATO's military chief, following his first trip in April 2022.

The Individually Tailored Partnership Programme (ITPP) signed between South Korea and NATO in July 2023 has laid the groundwork for cooperation between the two, the admiral said. The agreement focuses on areas such as counterterrorism, women, peace and security, arms control, and climate change.

In addition, the two sides signed an agreement in July for the mutual recognition of military airworthiness certification for South Korea's domestically manufactured aircraft. This marks the first such deal NATO has made with an Asian country.

"This is a very practical example of where we have an agreement which helps to ease the cooperation. I expect that in the coming years, we will look for more opportunities to deepen the cooperation," Bauer said.
Korean Medical Association declares war against late-term abortions

By Jung Min-ho

Fresh legal challenges are emerging for police as they investigate a woman and her abortion doctor on suspicion of murdering a nine-month-old fetus during a medical procedure to end the pregnancy.

According to police on Monday, the remains of the fetus were cremated by the doctor, who asserts that the fetus was already deceased inside the woman's body during the procedure performed at a clinic in the capital area.

Police said they found the cremation certificate in which the abortion doctor stated stillbirth as the reason for the decision to cremate.

After the case gained attention through a YouTube video posted by the woman, the physician has been under investigation as a murder suspect by police since earlier this month.

Experts say that the revelation that the remains have already been cremated will pose challenges for investigators in proving their case in court.

In any murder case, finding the cause of death through an autopsy is crucial, a lawyer told The Korea Times. With the remains already gone, it will be very challenging.

In 2019, the Constitutional Court ruled that an abortion ban is unconstitutional, meaning that performing an abortion is no longer a criminal offense. However, without subsequent legislation to clearly define the permissible limits of the procedure, the issue remains in a legal gray area.

Experts say the doctor could be convicted of murder, but only if investigators uncover sufficient evidence proving that the fetal termination was completed outside the woman's body.

Given that an abortion procedure isnt performed alone, eye-witness accounts from nurses or other medical workers who participated in it would be important to establish the facts, said another lawyer. Even without direct evidence, the doctor could still be found guilty of murder if there are convincing grounds that the fetus was born alive.

Medical experts suggest that an abortion at such a late stage might have been performed by inducing labor, which can be legally defined as a live birth and, therefore, a murder after birth.

This was the case in an incident that occurred in March 2019, a few weeks before the ruling by the Constitutional Court. An abortion doctor was indicted on charges of killing a 34-week-old after putting the live baby in a bucket of water following an abortion procedure. Eventually, he was sentenced to three years and six months in prison.

The details of this years case are still unclear, including whether the same method was used for the procedure and, if so, whether the fetus came out alive.

At a press conference at its headquarters in Seoul, Monday, the Korean Medical Association described the case as a shocking incident and vowed to take disciplinary action against the doctor in question.

To eradicate unethical medical practices that should not be performed by any doctors, we declare war against crime, Choi Anna, the organizations spokeswoman, said. The Korean Medical Association will lead the effort to prevent abortions brutally conducted on savable babies.
By KTimes

"Fresh!" "Absolutely top-notch!"  These aren't restaurant reviews on a popular food portal site, but posts from a prostitution review site with over 40,000 members.

Here, women involved in prostitution are rated as "high," "medium" or "low," with hundreds of reviews posted daily.

Just as multiple franchise restaurants are listed on delivery platforms, various prostitution establishments partner with these sites to advertise women, with visitors leaving reviews.

The police recently arrested and forwarded charges against a man in his 30s (online alias "Black Owl") who specialized in posting prostitution reviews, but major review sites continue to operate with tens of thousands of users. Minors can easily access these sites without any age verification process.

Easy access, no age verification

Prostitution review sites can be accessed with just a few simple search terms on portal sites as the membership registration process is lax.

On all five prostitution review sites visited by the Hankook Ilbo, users could register without any adult verification or even providing a phone number.

Some sites even used names similar to well-known domestic delivery or travel platforms to promote themselves. Inside these sites, slang terms for various types of prostitution establishments, such as "XXCafe" or "XX Room," were rampant. One site saw 249 reviews posted in just one day.

The reviews generally included the name of the establishment and detailed accounts of prostitution experiences. The appearance, body and behavior of sex workers were described explicitly and graphically. Users used coded terms like "F" (face), "B" (body), "T" (talk) and "P" (play) to rate their experiences in a crude manner.

Many posts included nude photos that appeared to be professionally taken, and some review posts even had videos of sexual acts, attracting hundreds of comments.

One user has been posting steadily since 2017, writing 424 reviews. "Black Owl" also frequently posted video reviews using a high-end camera, with police confiscating up to 5 terabytes of video footage.

Users post reviews to earn points, which can be redeemed for coupons to use at prostitution establishments. Most sites offer coupons for discounts or free services, sponsored by the establishments.

An industry insider said, "Members who use coupons are required to write reviews, creating a structure where reviews are continuously reproduced."

Crackdowns face challenges

Despite the severity of the situation, where review postings directly lead to more prostitution, crackdowns are difficult.

While the Act on the Punishment of Acts of Arranging Sexual Traffic allows for the punishment of those advertising prostitution, there are no specific regulations against sharing reviews. Only when it is confirmed that illegal photos or videos have been posted can they be punished under the Sexual Violence Crimes Act.

Shutting down these sites would be the fundamental solution, but this is challenging to achieve in a short time. Police have to request for a site to be blocked by the Korea Communications Standards Commission, which can take months if evidence gathering is difficult.

Even if a site is blocked, most simply change their web address slightly and continue operating. They use tactics like adding numbers to the end of the site name, such as "OOO52.com," and relaunch each time a block is imposed.

A police official said, "During the investigation after a block request, they can change domains, host servers overseas or use ghost accounts and foreign names, making it even harder to identify suspects."

Experts warn that additional sex crimes could occur on these review sites. "Prostitution review sites are fundamentally based on the illegal trade and objectification of sex," said Lee Eun-eui, a lawyer who has handled many sex crime cases. "They can lead to other crimes, such as the distribution of illegal videos, as seen in the 'Black Owl' case. There is an urgent need for measures to block these sites more quickly."

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.
The Supreme Court upheld life imprisonment Thursday for a man who went on a stabbing spree in Seoul last year that left one person dead and three others wounded.

Cho Seon, 34, was indicted for stabbing a 22-year-old man multiple times to death and attempting to kill three other men with a weapon near Seoul's Sillim Station in July last year. All victims were complete strangers to him.

Cho had initially told investigators that he wanted to hurt happy-looking people out of his sense of inferiority, but later claimed that he was mentally incompetent to discern things and make decisions, an argument seen as aimed at seeking leniency.

On Thursday, the top court finalized life imprisonment for him, saying the sentence cannot be seen as unfair and there were no violations in the defendant's rights to a fair trial.

Prosecutors had demanded the death penalty for him.

Cho's stabbing spree, followed by another similar fatal random stabbing rampage in Bundang, south of Seoul, two weeks later, shocked the nation and led to a flurry of online posts threatening copycat crimes. (Yonhap)
By Jung Min-ho

An appellate court has convicted a man of aiding and abetting a stock price manipulation scandal involving Deutsch Motors, a ruling that could bring legal and political challenges for first lady Kim Keon Hee, who faces similar allegations.

The Seoul High Court on Thursday found the accomplice, surnamed Son, guilty of knowingly ignoring the fraud attempt and using his bank account to gain profits from it. He was given a six-month prison sentence suspended for one year for the charges.

With his conviction, political calls to indict Kim on the same charges are expected to mount, given that three of her accounts were also confirmed previously to have been used in their market manipulation attempts between December 2009 and December 2012.

The court also upheld the convictions of major players in that case, including Kwon Oh-soo, former head of Deutsch Motors, a BMW car dealer in Korea, for using insider information to induce purchases of the companys stocks.

Kwon received a three-year prison sentence suspended for four years. He was also fined 500 million won ($372,939). It was heavier than the lower court's two-year term, suspended for three years.

Son was found not guilty of charges of being involved in the market manipulation in the first trial held on Feb. 10, 2023.

A panel of judges at the Seoul Central District Court dismissed the prosecutions allegation that he was among those who colluded for unlawful gains.

The district court said evidence was not sufficient to corroborate his direct involvement in those stock price manipulation attempts, even though he might have been aware that those attempts were taking place. The fact that Son lost money in the process was also factored into the not-guilty verdict.

After the ruling, the prosecution decided to indict him on the additional charge of aiding and abetting the crimes as they were preparing for hearings at the appeals court.

The first lady was accused of allowing the stock-price manipulators to use her bank accounts. Yet the prosecution has not decided whether to indict her.

Political pressure for her to be indicted is expected to increase. The opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) has been pushing to pass a bill to appoint a special counsel to investigate the case.

However, the efforts by lawmakers of the majority party have so far been unfruitful. Their first such attempt was vetoed by President Yoon Suk Yeol in January. Nevertheless, they havent given up, with another such bill expected to reach the National Assemblys plenary session in the coming weeks.

"It's time for first lady Kim Kun Hee to face justice," Rep. Jo Seoung-lae, the party's chief spokesman, said at the Assembly after the ruling. "The DPK will use all means necessary to realize 'the equality before the law,' including the appointment of a special prosecutor."

The first lady has been embroiled in several other controversies, including one in which she received a Christian Dior handbag worth about 3 million won ($2,250) and other expensive gifts from a Korean American pastor in late 2022 during the early phase of Yoons term.

The alleged corruption case is currently under the review of the deliberation committee at the Supreme Prosecutors Office regarding whether to indict her and the pastor.
By Kim Se-jeong

Online commerce platforms, such as Coupang and Naver, faced public backlash earlier this week after featuring advertisements for the sale of puppies on their sites.

The ads showcased various breeds of puppies, accompanied by photos and prices. Sellers claimed that the puppies would be shipped from China at no extra charge, in boxes equipped with food and water.

As public outrage grew, the platforms were forced to remove the ads.

"Is it okay to deliver a live animal like that?" a man was quoted saying in a report by a Korean online news outlet.

Care, an animal rights group, filed a police report against the companies, Tuesday, accusing them of violating animal rights laws.

"Once again, the animals fall victim to illegal sales involving Coupang,"an official at Care said.

According to Korean law, selling pet dogs requires special permission, and sellers must deliver the animals directly to buyers rather than using a delivery service, or hire a licensed animal transporter.

Speaking to Hankyeoreh, a Korean news outlet, Coupang said no actual transactions took place and that it will strictly monitor illegal sales.
By Lee Sun-ho

On Sept. 4, I visited the U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, to celebrate Chuseok (Korean Harvest Festival) at the Morning Calm Center, thanks to an invitation from Lt. Gen. Christopher C. LaNeve, commanding general of the Eighth Army. This visit marked my second trip there this year, following my attendance at the Eighth Army's Change of Command Ceremony at Barker Field on April 5. Consequently, I was already acquainted with the faces of the newly appointed general and his wife.

The cultural festival was thoughtfully scheduled well before the five-day Chuseok long weekend, which runs from Sept. 14-18 this year, including Chuseok Day on Sept. 17. This timing was intended to avoid the mass exodus from Seoul that typically occurs during the holiday. We were also fortunate with the weather, enjoying a gentle autumn breeze amidst what has been the worst heat wave ever recorded in the country.

The sequence of the special cultural evening events held inside the American military community arranged by the Eighth Army was, I noticed, beguilingly organized by reflecting Koreas traditional customs, folklore legacies and heritage to the best of my knowledge.

Approximately 250 military and local civilian guests in formal Korean or American ceremonial attire were gathered in the three enlarged banquet rooms, named Rose, Sunflower and Lavender, on the second floor of the Morning Calm Center. Many American participants were colonels and some were master sergeants, seemingly who are assigned to different units under the command of LaNeve.

Aside from fancy-looking full military uniforms, some participants wore traditional colorful Korean ceremonial attire (hanbok), irrespective of Americans or Koreans. Among them, Mrs. LaNeve worn "dangeui" (a jade-green, royal-wear robe of a lady) on which a golden dragon is attached with tied red-color (for a woman whose husband is alive) coat strings, and the outstanding costume marked her out as the queen of the ceremony, with whom I took a snap. Asan City Mayor Park Gyeong-gwi and his wife also wore hanbok alike, and the mayors full dress received much attention from participants, because he was the only male who wore the eye-feasting white hanbok.

Among the food and beverages offered, even "soojeonggwa" (fruit punch made of honey, dried persimmons, pine nuts and cinnamon), "songpyeon" (rice cakes) and "yakbap" (rice desserts) were included to stimulate the appetites of guests.

I was wondering whether family names like LaNeve and LaCamera would originate from France or Spain. Gen. LaNeve kindly taught me the right origin from Italy, as I learned from him during social hours.

Optional games including "tuho" (pitch-pot) let sport-loving participants to enjoy good occasions to experience the original taste and fragrance of traditional Korean games. The seven-man Eighth Army rock band featured musical performances to celebrate Chuseok and entertain guests.

I would like to extend my appreciation to soldiers and families of the Eighth Army to their gracious hospitality and friendly welcome to the gorgeous Chuseok cultural ceremony at the garrison aside from their disciplined role and duties of a regional safeguard for local people. The strong bond and over 74-year-long inheritance for the versatile ties between the Eighth Army and Koreans have been ordained by fate. Blessed and long lives for all of us!

The writer (wkexim@naver.com) is a freelance columnist living in Seoul.
By Park Jae-hyuk

HD Hyundai and Hanwha will participate in the worlds largest gas technologies show again this year to compete for a dominant position in terms of decarbonizing technology.

Both companies said Thursday that they will open their exhibition booths at the Gastech 2024 industry conference in the U.S. city of Houston between Sept. 17 and 20.

HD Hyundai will send Vice Chairman Chung Ki-sun, who attended Gastech 2023 in Singapore, as well as executives and employees in charge of sales, research and development and engineering, so that they can introduce the companys eco-friendly technologies to global shipping firms and ship classification societies.

Last year, Chung attended the event from the beginning of the technologies show.

Hanwha Group Vice Chairman Kim Dong-kwans participation in Gastech 2024 remains uncertain, although he made a surprise visit to the previous years event venue.

On a 420-square-meter exhibition booth, HD Hyundais affiliates will display miniatures of their next-generation liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier, floating storage regasification unit (FSRU) and liquefied carbon dioxide carrier.

The business group is supposed to obtain 16 certifications for its digitized and eco-friendly vessels from ship classification societies.

It also plans to sign several memorandums of understanding with global companies.

Through continuous investments and development of technologies, we will create a sustainable energy ecosystem for the future, an HD Hyundai official said.

Hanwha Group will display a miniature of an LNG carrier powered by an ammonia-fueled gas turbine, which was introduced in January by the groups vice chairman during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

The conglomerate plans to finish the development of the carbon emission-free vessel by 2028.

Hanwha Ocean, the groups shipbuilding unit, will also introduce its liquefied hydrogen carrier and various other eco-friendly vessels.

Hanwha Power Systems and Hanwha Engine will emphasize that the two companies and Hanwha Ocean can create a synergy effect for decarbonization.

Hanwhas three marine engineering and energy affiliates will work together to establish a value chain for carbon emissions-free vessels, a Hanwha Ocean official said.

Through the development of the worlds best carbon emissions-free ship, we will take the leadership in the shipbuilding and marine engineering market.
A geological phenomena associated with earthquakes and volcanoes could be influencing the evolution of lifeforms.

The Ngamugawi wirngarri was discovered by palaeontologists in the Devonian Gogo Formation in Western Australia. Source: Flinders University

The discovery of ancient remains from a primitive fish in outback Australia has helped reveal a new understanding about the creation of life on Earth. Scientists took the fossilised remains of this new species Ngamugawi wirngarri and those of similar coelacanth fish and compared changes in their evolution to world-changing geological events.

While most people associate tectonic plate movements with earthquakes, volcanoes and the creation of mountains, the researchers now believe they could also accelerate changes in evolution. While that may sound complicated, the basics of the theory are simple  during heightened tectonic activity, new habitats are formed and this forces even the most conservative species to adapt and change.

While it's known that events like meteor strikes and climate change led to mass extinctions, the new discovery helps shed light on the creation of new lifeforms. It's hoped the process could inform our understanding of rapid changes in other species that led to the creation of modern humans.

A rendering of the Ngamugawi wirngarri and its fossilised skull. Source: Flinders University/J.Long

How old is the ancient fish?

The discovery was made by a team of researchers from Australia, Canada and Europe, and published in the journal Nature Communications.

The Ngamugawi wirngarri specimen, which was unearthed in remote Western Australia and was named using the local Indigenous Gooniyandi language, is significant because it helps provide an important link between primitive coelacanth fish and more modern forms. Its changes appear to have formed during the Devonian Period (359-419 million years ago) when major tectonic movements were occurring.

Our analyses found that tectonic plate activity had a profound influence on rates of coelacanth evolution. Namely that new species of coelacanth were more likely to evolve during periods of heightened tectonic activity as new habitats were divided and created lead author and Flinders University palaeontologist Dr Alice Clement said.

A modern coelacanth on display at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. Source: Getty

Why the fish discovery is important to our understanding of human evolution

While the Kimberley regions Gogo Formation is covered in dry rocky outcrops today, if we look back 380 million years, it was a vibrant tropical reef that was home to at least 50 species of fish. Today it is one of the best-preserved landscapes of fossilised fish and invertebrates on Earth.

Important parts of modern anatomy found in humans, including the jaw, teeth, hearts, lungs and genitals began to evolve in other species 540 to 350 million years ago while the region was flourishing.

Flinders University Professor of Palaeontology John Long said by studying ancient fish that lived around the area, like the Ngamugawi wirngarri, researchers can learn about human evolution.

"The work done on these ancient fishes has told us a lot about the early beginnings of the line of animals leading to humans, [and] eventually how these fishes equiped themselves for the invasion of land with the capability of breathing air," he said.

There were around 175 species of coelacanth around the world, but most vanished 66 million years ago at the end of the Cretaceous Period. Today there are just two species and they have remained largely unchanged for 400 million years.

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Nvidia CEO hints at switching suppliers from TSMC

By Nam Hyun-woo

Samsung Electronics faces an urgent need to enhance its foundry manufacturing yield for artificial intelligence (AI) processors as Nvidia has suggested the possibility of moving orders away from Taiwans TSMC, citing sustained strong demand for its chipsets.

During a Goldman Sachs technology conference in San Francisco, Wednesday (local time), Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang told the audience that TSMCs agility and their capability to respond to our needs is just incredible, but if necessary, of course, we can always bring up others.

Shrugging off concerns about AI chip demand, Huang said demand for Nvidia's Blackwell chips is "so great," and that Nvidias suppliers are doing their best to keep up with it.

At the same time, he noted that Nvidia could switch suppliers if necessary, due to concerns like rising geopolitical tensions in Taiwan. However, he warned that such a change might "result in lower-quality products."

Nvidia is outsourcing the physical production of most of its advanced AI processors to the world's largest foundry, TSMC, rather than to other foundries, including the second-largest, Samsung Electronics.

Last year, Samsungs foundry secured Nvidias orders for 8-nanometer-based chips like the Tegra for automobiles and the RTX-3000 graphics processing unit (GPU) in 2020. However, it has not been successful in securing orders for more advanced AI processors, such as the H series or Blackwell, which require more advanced manufacturing processes.

The question, as Huang noted, is the quality. Samsung's foundry is scrambling to improve its manufacturing yield, which refers to the ratio of good and error-free units to the total number of units produced. But the number is not improving as fast as Samsung hopes.

Samsung's foundry struggled with a 3-nanometer process yield that remained in the single digits until the first quarter of this year, resulting in delays in supplying engineering samples for its own Exynos 2500 chipsets.

Domestic analysts assume that Samsung managed to improve the yield to nearly 20 percent in the second quarter, but this is still insufficient for mass production, which requires a yield of at least 60 percent.

Against this backdrop, Samsung appears to be struggling to secure foundry orders. According to industry officials, the company has recently adjusted its plans for installing equipment in its newest fab, P4 in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, to prioritize the production of advanced DRAM memory, such as high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips, first.

The fab was initially scheduled to start with equipment installation for NAND, followed by foundry and then DRAM products. However, this order has been altered due to sluggish foundry orders. There are rumors that Samsung may decide to use P4 exclusively for manufacturing memory chips, given the stable demand for high-bandwidth memory (HBM) and other advanced memory products used in AI servers.

In this context, Samsungs investment in its plant in Taylor, Texas, is facing questions. The company initially planned to use the plant to mass produce 4-nanometer chips starting next year, but has postponed this plan until 2026. While the yield for the 4-nanometer process is reportedly stable, Samsung is struggling to secure orders from fabless companies.

As a result, there is also speculation that Samsung might shift its focus to 2-nanometer chips instead of 4-nanometer ones to secure orders for more advanced products in the future. However, reports indicate that the company is also facing challenges in improving the manufacturing yield for the 2-nanometer process, as well as the 3-nanometer process.

One of the core reasons of Samsung foundrys cumulative losses is the low yield, a semiconductor industry official said. The company managed to stabilize its yield for the 4-nanometer process, but has not done that yet in more advanced processes, such as second generation 3-nanometer or 2-nanometer processes.

Samsung does not disclose the separate earnings of its foundry business, but market observers estimate that the company has incurred approximately 1.5 trillion won ($1.12 billion) in operating losses during the first half of this year.

Samsungs achievements in the HBM business still falls short of what should be expected from a brand like Samsung, and its foundry division is still struggling with losses, Eugene Investment & Securities analyst Lee Seung-woo said. As a result, the operating profit for Samsungs semiconductor business in the third quarter of this year is expected to decline to 5.5 trillion won.
India's metals-to-oil conglomerate Vedanta has urged the government to press Japan and Korea to change their trade pacts to eliminate their import duties on nickel sulfate used in EV batteries, a source aware of the matter said.

Vedanta and some smaller firms turn nickel ores imported primarily from Australia, Indonesia and Turkey into nickel sulfate before shipping it to Korea, Japan and other countries.

The company, part of London-headquartered Vedanta Resources and led by billionaire Anil Agarwal, has petitioned India's government to amend the "rules of origin clause" in New Delhi's Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) with Japan and Korea.

Nickel sulfate shipments to Japan and Korea attract 3.9 percent and 5 percent import taxes respectively; a change in the "rules of origin clause" in CEPAs would eliminate the tariffs on the shipments of the EV battery material from India, according to the source.

The source declined to be identified as he was not authorized to talk to the media.

India's trade ministry and Vedanta did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comments.

India, the world's third-biggest carbon emitter, has identified nickel as "critical" to meet the country's ambition for cleaner technologies in sectors such as transport.

But unlike Japan and Korea, India's electric vehicle (EV) market is still in its nascent stage.

Vedanta has cited India's weaker demand for nickel sulfate as a reason behind its push to sell the EV material to countries such as Japan and Korea, where consumption of nickel sulfate is strong.

Korea accounts for the bulk of India's nickel sulfate exports. New Delhi sells smaller quantities of nickel sulfate to Belgium, Bangladesh, and the United Arab Emirates.

While Vedanta produces about 8,160 metric tons of nickel sulfate annually, India's own demand is around 2,500 metric tons, according to the source. (Reuters)
Daelim Warehouse displays K-fashion to increasing tourists

By Ko Dong-hwan

Musinsa has turned a symbolic decades-old warehouse in eastern Seoul's Seongsu-dong into its latest offline shop for young fashion lovers, according to the countrys leading select fashion platform, Thursday.

With its first select shop in one of the citys trendiest neighborhoods, the company is looking to attract more foreign customers with local brands that represent the countrys authentic K-fashion.

Musinsa Store Seongsu@Daelim Chango is built on the site of Daelim Warehouse, a rice mill built in the 1970s. The store preserves the warehouses original building materials and construction methods, leaving them exposed for visitors to see. Old bricks with uneven cement and rusty steel beams supporting a gabled ceiling overwhelm the single-story shops 704-square-meter space inside and out.

The warehouse turned into an art gallery in 2016. It created buzz and became popular, building a reputation as a unique space where the past and the present coexist. A Musinsa official said that it was this gallery that has signaled the rise of Seongsu as it is now.

Musinsa rented the venue and started renovating the space in June. The company wanted to extend the places history and heritage to create synergy with the store's modern decorations. It left the warehouses original signboard outside the shop to preserve its origin. It borrowed the M shape from the warehouses gabled roof and used it for the shops logo. A large-scale media facade (21 meters wide, 7 meters high) inside also left intact two original openings in the warehouse that pose as passages connecting two halls.

The companys third offline select shop in the country came as Seongsu has proven to be a rising hotspot among foreign tourists. According to Tourism Data Lab, an online open-source platform run by Korea Tourism Organization, the total expenditures by foreigners in Seongsu from January to July registered 38 billion won ($28 million), up 84 percent from the previous year. Taking into account customers in Seongsu who made purchases with credit cards during the same period, Korean women in their 20s were found to be the biggest consumer group, at 16.9 percent.

Musinsa said that K-fashion is gaining increasing attention from tourists. At Musinsa Store Hongdae in western Seoul, 30 percent of visitors from January to August were foreigners. Some 85 percent of over 100 brands in the companys offline select shops are domestic brands, a reason the company purports to promote K-fashion.

Musinsa Store Seongsu will become a K-fashion mecca, the official said. A tax refund kiosk and leaflets, digital signs in English, Japanese and Chinese were all prepared to help foreign shoppers.
By Park Jae-hyuk

The heads of major Korean conglomerates will participate in a business delegation visiting the Philippines and Singapore from Oct. 6 to 9 on the occasion of the Korea-ASEAN Summit in Laos next month.

The visit will take place three weeks after Korean business leaders accompany President Yoon Suk Yeol on his visit to the Czech Republic between Sept. 19 and 22.

Samsung Electronics Executive Chairman Lee Jae-yong is expected to visit both the Philippines and Singapore. The Philippines is home to Samsung's R&D facility and Samsung Electro-Mechanics' factory, while Singapore houses Samsung Electronics Southeast Asian headquarters.

SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won and Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Chung Euisun will reportedly participate in a business forum in Singapore.

Last November, Chung met with Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong during a ceremony to celebrate the completed construction of the Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center in Singapore.

Hanwha Group Vice Chairman Kim Dong-kwan is said to be planning to visit Singapore, where Hanwha Ocean established a subsidiary to acquire a local offshore plant company.

Last September, he visited the country to encourage the shipbuilders employees, who introduced their companys eco-friendly technologies at the Gastech industry conference, the worlds largest gas technologies show.

HD Hyundai Vice Chairman Chung Ki-sun, who also attended Gastech in Singapore last year, will likely visit the Philippines, where HD Hyundai Heavy Industries runs a shipyard in Subic Bay.

The shipbuilder also has a track record in receiving orders to maintain, repair and overhaul the Southeast Asian countrys naval ships.
Korea's media regulator said Thursday it has launched an investigation into Agoda's business practices over allegations the global e-travel platform inflicted damage on its customers.

The Korea Communications Commission (KCC) suspects Agoda, a Singapore-based online hotel booking platform, of using a reservation and refund system that could arouse confusion in its users.

Last year, 324 requests for damage relief were made in connection to the platform, according to data compiled by the Korea Consumer Agency.

The KCC can impose a financial penalty of up to 1 percent of Agoda's yearly revenue if it confirms any legal violation. (Yonhap)
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. (AP)
Chinese leader Xi Jinping will visit Russia next month for a summit of the BRICS bloc of developing economies, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi confirmed Thursday, a move that comes as Moscow and Beijing seek to counter the Wests global influence.

Xi's visit to Russia will be his second since the Kremlin sent troops into Ukraine in February 2022. China claims to take a neutral position in the conflict, but it has backed the Kremlins contentions that Russia's action was provoked by the West, and it continues to supply key components needed by Moscow for weapons production.

Wang Yi met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg Thursday and the two hailed ties between the two countries. The Chinese foreign minister said that Xi happily accepted Putin's invite to attend the BRICS summit in the Russian city of Kazan in October.

Putin, in turn, announced that the two will also sit down for a bilateral meeting in Kazan and discuss various aspects of the Russia-China relations, which are developing quite successfully and in all directions.

Xi last visited Russia in March 2023 and Putin reciprocated with his own trip to China in Oct. that year. The two leaders have since also met in Beijing in May, where Putin took the first foreign trip of his fifth presidential term, and in Kazakhstan in July .

After launching what the Kremlin insists on calling a special military operation in Ukraine, Russia has become increasingly dependent economically on China as Western sanctions cut its access to much of the international trading system. Chinas increased trade with Russia, totaling $240 billion last year, has helped the country mitigate some of the worst blows from the sanctions.

Moscow has diverted the bulk of its energy exports to China and relied on Chinese companies to import high-tech components for Russian military industries to circumvent Western sanctions.

The two countries have also deepened their military ties in the last two years.

The BRICS alliance was founded in 2006 by Brazil, Russia, India and China, with South Africa joining in 2010. It has recently undergone an expansion and now includes Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates. Saudi Arabia has said its considering joining, and Azerbaijan and Malaysia have formally applied.

BRICS has a stated aim to amplify the voice of major emerging economies to counterbalance the Western-led global order. Its founding members have called for a fairer world order and the reform of international institutions like the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. (AP)
Japan's leadership race kicked off Thursday with a record nine candidates including the surfing son of a former prime minister and an arch-nationalist vying to be the first woman premier.

Whoever wins the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leadership vote on Sept. 27 will succeed unpopular Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, whose three-year term was tarnished by scandals and unease over rising prices.

The contest comes as Japan beefs up defense spending and cooperation with fellow U.S. allies to counter China and as the world's fourth-largest economy struggles with a slow-burn demographic crisis.

The conservative LDP has governed almost uninterrupted for decades and holds a majority in parliament, meaning the winner is essentially guaranteed to become premier.

Leading the polls are Shinjiro Koizumi, 43, a former environment minister and the son of ex-premier Junichiro Koizumi, and veteran former defense minister Shigeru Ishiba, 67.

"I want to change the politics of Japan, left behind by the changing times," Koizumi said as the candidates each made a campaign speech at the LDP headquarters.

His pledges include labor market deregulation, making political funds more transparent, and to "settle issues that have been debated for years" such as allowing married couples to have separate surnames.

Meanwhile, Ishiba, highlighting regional tensions, referred to North Korea's ballistic missile test on Thursday morning.

"They are not doing this as a joke," he said, arguing of the need to build an organization like NATO in East Asia.

Prominent women

Also in the running are two prominent women  still a rarity in Japanese politics and business.

Hard-right Sanae Takaichi, 63, is a regular visitor to the Yasukuni shrine to Japan's war dead  including those convicted for war crimes committed during Japan's brutal occupation of China and Korea.

Japan's economic security minister, Takaichi promised to "make the LDP a party that the Japanese people can believe in."

And although her support within the party is limited, Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa, 71, is seen as a deft leader who aspires to mentor younger female politicians.

Outspoken reformist Taro Kono, 61, is also a candidate, as is Toshimitsu Motegi, dubbed the "Trump whisperer" for his handling of the former U.S. president in tough trade talks.

Others include chief cabinet secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi and former economic security minister Takayuki Kobayashi, the only other candidate under 50 along with Koizumi.

In his emotional speech on Thursday, Koizumi also described meeting his birth mother for the first time this year.

Snap polls predicted

Displayed outside its party headquarters on Thursday was a large poster reading "The Match" with black-and-white photos of previous leaders.

Speculation is rife in local media that the winner will call a snap election for as soon as late October or early November.

The main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party is also in the midst of its own leadership contest.

The LDP race is seen as the most open in years, with Kishida having pushed many of the party's powerful factions to disband following a damaging slush fund scandal.

"A healthy degree of policy debate has been taking place as the LDP seeks renewal," said analyst James Brady from consultancy firm Teneo.

"Most candidates are making generous spending promises, while some oppose planned tax hikes," he wrote in a note.

LDP presidents are in office for three years and can serve up to three straight terms.

The opinion polls are only a rough guide, since only LDP lawmakers and regional party representatives have a vote following a series of public debates among the candidates. (AFP)
A Chinese company is building an epic piece of infrastructure at the world famous spot above Kelingking Beach  but not everyone is happy about it.

Even more tourists are expected to visit famous Kelingking Beach when the new project is complete. Source: Instagram

If there was ever a symbol of the dramatic change taking place in Bali  this would have to be it. And despite furious backlash from tourists as well as local groups, the project is well and truly underway.

With the help of a Chinese company, local Balinese authorities that preside over the world-famous Kelingking Beach are erecting a controversial feature at the secluded spot which is known for attracting Instagram influencers in droves.

To date, visitors have had to scale a long, steep and somewhat precarious set of stairs to reach the sand from the top of the cliffside resort above. But now work is underway on a 182-metre viewing platform and glass elevator to provide easy access down to the sand.

The local government expects it to be a boon to the already popular tourist site, considered one of the leading attractions of the island of Nusa Penida. But not everyone is happy about the project.

Online, travellers have expressed dismay about it obstructing the pristine panoramic views of the cliffs that overlook the beaches below, while others have raised fears it will see them overrun with tourists  most of whom currently don't trek all the way down to the sand.

When video was posted online recently, appearing to show that land had been cleared and a foundation had been set for another project above Kelingking Beach, locals slammed the images, urging the government to "stop destroying Bali".

A Chinese company has been enlisted to build the controversial project. An artist's impression shows the 182-metre viewing platform and glass elevator. Source: ABC

"You could give me $100 million and I still would never ever ride on that elevator," Niluh Djelantik, a newly elected senator and prominent social media activist in Bali told the ABC.

"Kelingking Beach is beautiful the way it is, and for some people, enjoying it means they have to put some effort in to hike down to see the beauty at the bottom," she added.

However, others are supportive of the ambitious project, pointing to the jobs it will create.

The divide reflects the increasingly thorny issue of overdevelopment on the island. Earlier this year, Indonesias tourism minister Santiago Uno said he wanted to make Bali "the worlds first choice" for tourism. But at the same time, this week the government flagged a likely moratorium on building any more hotels, villas and nightclubs in certain parts of the island  a ban that could be in place for a decade.

The government has previously said about 200,000 foreigners lived in Bali, contributing to problems such as crime, overdevelopment and competition for jobs.

Government figures show 2.9 million foreign visitors arrived through Bali airport in the first half 2024, making up 65 per cent of total foreign arrivals in Indonesia by air.

There were 541 hotels in Bali in 2023, the figures show, up from 507 in 2019.

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NewJeans bared their hearts and soul for their fans Bunnies in their explosive live broadcast.

On the night of September 11 (KST), the 5th-gen girl group sent the K-pop industry into a whiplash with their shocking revelations about HYBE's alleged mismanagement, Min Hee Jin's legal battle, the group's future amid the conflict, and more.

"It's been hard to see many people who have worked with us continue to suffer from unfair demands and pressure even after our CEO was dismissed," Hyein began, explaining the reason they decided to do the live stream.

The member added that it frustrated them to just watch the situations unfold, and expressed worries on NewJeans' future.

The NewJeans member revealed that they were worried about how the people would react to their live broadcast, and feared that spectators would allege former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin as the one who instructed them to do so. Minji added that they couldn't say everything because of their contractual issues.

NewJeans during their livestream:



 Min Heejin is not only the person who produces our music but someone who makes NewJeans who we are () she is integral to NewJeans identity and we all feel that she is irreplaceable. pic.twitter.com/qY52Ej9FWq  Kpop Charts (@kchartsmaster) September 11, 2024

READ ALSO: NewJeans Danielle Emotionally Speaks Out Regarding Min Hee Jin's Dismissal: 'I'm Going Through A Rough Time'

"This [live stream] was prepared because we five members genuinely wanted to express our thoughts," Hyein clarified.

During the broadcast, Haerin revealed the "unfair" and "incomprehensible" incidents even after their debut in 2022. She talked about the members' leaked private records like medical information and documentation during their trainee days, and that the company didn't have proactive measures to address it.

NewJeans told us THEMSELVES they are not coerced, groomed, or brainwashed by anyone to share their story. Please respect their courage in speaking out and stop spreading that false portrayal pic.twitter.com/IcyddN7mLT   (@nwjns1) September 11, 2024

"It was hard to understand how our company, which is supposed to protect us, failed to manage and allowed such information to be leaked," Haerin said, adding that HYBE hasn't done anything about the issue despite relaying their concerns to the company.

"Then, in the midst of all this, our CEO was dismissed, and we're left wondering whom we can trust and rely on," she added. "We've come to the conclusion that if we don't speak out about this now, no one will know what we're going through."

Member Hanni then spoke on the creative production and media content that they, Min Hee Jin, and the creative staff worked hard on, only to be breached by HYBE.

"They infringed our content," Hanni stated. "Content that not only we worked really hard on, but also our staff who spent endless hours to produce and release them solely for our fans."

Minji also talked about certain incidents that make her and her co-members doubt if HYBE really cares about NewJeans, saying that there were clear signs the company doesn't.

"If they really care about us, they should stop saying that they prioritize the artists and instead let us do the music we love in an environment where we can be genuinely happy," Danielle said.

NewJeans went on to say that the way HYBE is operating at present is dishonest and wrong, and demanded the company to reinstate Min Hee Jin and stop interfering. They also asked the company to stop harassing the former ADOR CEO.

"HYBE just comes across as an inhumane company. What can we possibly learn from a company like this?" Minji said.

The live broadcast ended with NewJeans giving HYBE and its founder Bang Si Hyuk a deadline on restoring "ADOR to its original state" by the 25th.

After concluding their live stream, their YouTube channel was deleted.

Check NewJeans live stream full transcript HERE.

RELATED ARTICLE: NewJeans Minji Vents Frustration Amid ADOR-HYBE Conflict: 'Why Do We Need to Suffer?'
Paris Hedger told her supporters about the devastating blow she and her sisters received about their mum after her surgery. Source: TikTok

A young Aussie who developed a rare and life-threatening condition after an incident with a horse on holiday, had only narrowly survived a risky surgery to save her life to be dealt yet another devastating blow.

Paris Hedger, 20, told Yahoo News Australia she and her family are experiencing an "exceptionally hard" time after a complication during the 10-hour surgery to fix her blood pressure condition left her with a hypoxic brain injury. What's more, a week later she was confronted with the devastating news that her mum Karen, a popular bridal hair and makeup artist in Adelaide, had died suddenly.

The young woman, who flew to Melbourne for the surgery, now faces a long road to recovery without the support of her mum.

Speaking of the moment the news of her mum's death was broken to her, she told Yahoo, "My dad came into my room all shaken up and was in a panic," she said, adding she was confused about her mum's whereabouts. My Dad then said 'who is going to tell her' and he started to cry'." It was a social worker who eventually broke the gut-wrenching news to her.

Karen Hedger leaves behind her three beautiful children: Keischa, Paris, and Charlie and partner Aaron. Source: Supplied

"I didn't believe them at first, I thought it was all some bad dream or joke. It was the hardest thing I've ever had to hear," she said.

Karen, mum to three beautiful daughters Keischa, Paris, and Charlie was found by her partner Aaron unconscious in their bed with no pulse and not breathing on August 20. "She passed away at home, where my two sisters and mum's partner Aaron, had to unfortunately witness the whole thing unfold," Hedger said.

"The coroner has since contacted the family confirming that the cause of death was due to her mitral valve prolapse, causing her heart to go into ventricular fibrillation."

Young Aussie faces long recovery after holiday injury

While Hedger is grieving the loss of her mum, she is also attempting to recover from the brain injury that has her struggling to walk, talk and even eat.

Doctors believe the blood pressure condition, known as chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), was brought on when she flew on a long-haul flight to the US weeks after a horse kicked her leg in Vanuatu in November last year. It's understood the injury impacted her blood pressure and has had a cascading impact on her health ever since.

After being kicked by the horse (left), Hedger has been in and out of hospital with health complications caused by blood clots. Source: Supplied/TikTok

The surgery in Melbourne saw medics "drain all the blood" from her body in the hope of locating and removing hundreds of blood clots inside her lungs. But a complication meant surgeons had to go back and perform a second surgery due to a bleed around her heart.

I never expected to be here and especially without my mum.Paris Hedger

"I was in a medically induced coma for two days and I cant remember any of it," she said. "I dont even remember the morning of the surgery. I dont remember going under or anything." In a video posted to social media she said "waking up was hell" and she was unable to talk, move, drink or swallow.

"I lost 10 kilos which I am trying to gain back now," she explained. Speaking through tears from the brain injury rehab centre in Adelaide, she said it was "the worst time of our lives. I just dont believe what is happening".

Hedger said that the brain injury, which has left her struggling to speak, is "the most annoying thing in the world", adding "I know what want to say I just cant get it out. Its the most annoying thing."

Brave Aussie faces long rehab journey

As for the future, Hedger faces "a lot of rehab", and she and her family are trying to take things "one day at a time".

For her mum's funeral on Thursday, Hedger says she is determined to speak at the service. She says the one thing getting her through is the support from her social media followers and all those that have donated to her GoFundMe.

"We are so overwhelmed with support and the outreach has been insanely positive," Hedger said.

Hedger's heart has become enlarged due to her compromised breathing ability. Source: Supplied

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The U.S. is divided when it comes to state and federal marijuana policy, but recent political developments could move the country toward greater acceptance of cannabis. Both major presidential candidates have signaled support for a proposed federal policy change that would reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug. Public approval of marijuana has grown significantly, and so has the number of states where its legally sold in stores. Several additional states will decide this fall whether to join 24 states and Washington, D.C., in legalizing the drug for recreation. A total of 38 states allow medical use of marijuana.
Officers pummeled Tyre Nichols because he fled, a form of 'run tax,' prosecutor says

Three former Memphis police officers charged in the beating death of Tyre Nichols stood by his body and laughed after pummeling him in an attack caught on video
Hospitals across the country remain under pressure with NSW nurses striking this week over pay and working conditions.

Patients at Sydney's Blacktown Hospital are reportedly being made to sleep on the floor as the emergency department continues to buckle under pressure. Source: 7News

Confronting images show the dire state of a busy Sydney hospital, with many patients reportedly forced to sleep on the floor as the emergency department continues to struggle and the state government comes under pressure from health workers.

Patients visiting Blacktown's new emergency room claim they're being made to wait for hours, sometimes up to 12, before receiving care. It's an issue Shadow Health Minister Kellie Sloane said "needs to be addressed".

"Something is going very wrong at the moment at Blacktown emergency department," she said on Wednesday.

NSW Premier Chris Minns admits "theres a major stress on our public hospitals". "We want to do better when it comes to health outcomes," he added.

His comments come as images obtained by 7News show the conditions patients and nurses are dealing with. One image reportedly shows a woman who arrived by ambulance at 10am one morning last month. She is pictured laying on the emergency room floor at 8.30am. Hours passed before she was eventually able to move.

A family member of the woman told 7News the emergency room was "inundated beyond belief" and that she was one of "several other patients" forced to sleep on the floor.

A nurse working at the hospital claims it's a 'common occurrence'. Source: 7News

Meanwhile, others reportedly claimed they "had nothing to eat" and one was left for "five hours with no oxygen".

A nurse who works at the hospital reportedly claimed it is a "common occurrence".

Frustrated nurses go on strike

On Tuesday, NSW nurses and midwives walked off the job, striking for 12 hours after a demand for a 15-per cent rise was rejected as hospitals, including emergency departments, remain under pressure.

NSW Premier Chris Minns copped an earful from one exasperated nurse live on radio on Tuesday. She, like many of her colleagues, admitted she was at breaking point.

"I am beyond exhausted," she said, calling in to to 2GB's Ben Fordham show to voice her concerns.

"It is about the money, but we have so many more important things that we have to fight for as well. It's not safe anymore  for nurses and for patients  you need to walk through a NSW hospital to see that for yourself."

However, defending the government's stance on the matter, Minns said it's simply not within the state budget to cater to a 15 per cent increase over three years  which he explained would equate to over $6.5 billion  that he said would open the flood gates for police, teachers and other public sector employees to come "knocking at my door".

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Two pardalotes were discovered using a pool noodle for a nest. Source: Heather Linwood

An Aussie farmer has made an odd, feathered discovery inside an old pool noodle stored inside her shed. And her stunning photos of a nesting pair of native pardalotes have become a sensation online, drawing comments from fascinated wildlife enthusiasts around the world.

It's a choice they have made, for reasons only known to them. As I live in rural Victoria and there are plenty of natural opportunities, a perplexed Heather Linwood told Yahoo News from her property near Wangaratta in the states northeast. One [pardalote] was supervising while the other one was pecking pieces out of the noodle trying to make the hole bigger to make a nest in.

Linwood explained she found the birds had entered her shed on Monday. She was initially concerned their efforts could be fruitless as the pool noodle was unsecured, and she posted a series of pictures of the birds on social media, later telling Yahoo she felt a little overwhelmed by all the interest it received, with her posts receiving hundreds of responses offering conflicting advice.

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Often they nest on the ground, it looks like shes used that material before, maybe she knows its waterproof, one bird enthusiast quipped. Clever little bird probably making its own pool room! another joked. Aww so cute. I wish we had these in the UK, someone else said.

Related: Couple's 'surprising' find inside Crocs after overseas holiday

The pardalotes were photographed excavating the end of a pool noodle to create a nest. Source: Heather Linwood

Bird lovers concerned about nesting site

The birds appear to be striated pardalotes, a species that is relatively common, but seldom seen by humans. That's because they feed around the tops of trees, eating insects and their larvae, and only occasionally feed around the ground. It is only during breeding season that they regularly venture lower, as they create nests in tree hollows and tunnels in the ground.

Linwood later confirmed she often sees inventive birds make use of all sorts of quirky items around her farm. I've had nests made on a push bike, in amongst horse harnesses and even a pardalote looking to make a nest in a round bale of hay that had a hole in it made by the hay forks, she said.

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But some respondents were concerned in this case the bird hadnt made the right choice. Looks like a disaster waiting to happen. Id take the noodles down and give her a nest box, a US-based bird lover suggested.

Ive heard of birds nesting in crazy places like rosellas in rabbit borrows, but this is weird. Theyll probably realise its a mistake and move on in due course, a man in NSW said.

Clever solution to pool noodle nesting problem

After weighing up the advice, Linwood made a clever decision to fashion a solution that respected the pardalotes choice of nesting location but also gave them some security.

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She now has a bird box with a pool noodle entrance that she is starting to take an interest in, she said. Theyre more than happy where they are. I'm more than happy for them to stay. I'm on a farm so I don't mind their little bit of mess.

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On 11 September protests continued in various parts of Mexico a day after the senate approved controversial reforms of the judiciary, designed to introduce the election of judges and magistrates.

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On 11 September Argentinas chamber of deputies maintained a presidential veto of a bill that would have increased pension payments, sparking public protests.

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On 11 September the president of Brazils lower chamber of congress,(Progressistas, PP), signalled that he would support the bid of federal deputyto assume the house presidency next February.

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The Chinese government has reportedly asked local automobile brands in the country to not make any automotive-related investments in India. In a bid to protect know-how of the Chinese EV or electric vehicle industry, manufacturers have also been told to keep advanced EV-related technology restricted to the home country.

According to a report in Bloomberg, officials from China's Ministry of Commerce had held a meeting with representatives from Chinese automobile brands in July in which it was communicated that they should not make automobile-related investments in India. The report cites people familiar with the matter as source.

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While China is the world's largest car market and automobile manufacturer, India too has raced ahead to become the third-largest vehicle market in the world, behind the United States. Exports of automobiles and automobile-related components from India has increased manifold in recent years. And while there is still a sizeable gap between China and India in terms of both domestic sales and exports, asking Chinese automobile brands to not make investments in India may signal Beijing's threat perception from the market in the world's biggest democracy.

Also Read : Why Chinese are buying fewer cars than before

It isn't just about a China vs India contest, however, when it comes to automobiles. Several Chinese companies have grown exponentially in recent years with the likes of BYD now challenging Tesla. While local market has been booming for some time, Chinese companies have been looking at setting up manufacturing bases beyond borders. BYD is already present in India and offers three models currently. Its sphere of influence extends to South-east Asia, Latin America and African regions as well. Chery Automobile too is looking at more plants in Europe. But recent announcements of tariff hikes on China-made EVs in Europe and in the United States have come as a potential threat to these brands. Closer home in India, the government's EV policy is likely to extensively scrutinise applications from automotive companies from countries that share a land border with India.

But can the charge of Chinese EVs be halted?

Scale is a great ally of Chinese EV companies while incentives and subsidies from the Chinese government also helps keep manufacturing costs low. This then allows brands to make EVs locally and sell them on foreign soil at prices that global rivals cannot exactly compete against. Not at present anyway.

The other crucial factors also helping Chinese manufacturers are the tech-loaded components in their offerings while gradually improving quality of their automobiles that have elevated the trust quotient on Made-in-China products in recent times.

Check out Upcoming EV Cars in India, Upcoming EV Bikes in India.

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A Monroe County man accused in the fatal May shooting of another man outside a bar has been located and taken into custody in Utah, state police announced.

Matthew Herberto Morales, 30, of Pocono Pines is charged with felony criminal homicide; felony possession of a prohibited firearm; and felony firearm not to be carried without a license. A warrant for his arrest in May was filed at the office of District Judge Jamie Levy and Morales was deemed a fugitive. Authorities then described him as armed and dangerous and sought the publics help in finding him.

Salt Lake Police Department in Salt Lake City, Utah, shortly before 1 a.m. Aug. 10 were dispatched to a night club, at Exchange Place and State Street, for a reported shots fired outside the venue. Investigators then found Morales with eight gunshot wounds and he was taken to the University of Utah Hospital for surgery.

Morales has remained in critical condition, Pennsylvania State Police in Stroudsburg said.

State police announced this week Morales has since been identified as the homicide suspect in the Monroe County incident and remains hospitalized in custody of the U.S. Marshals Service, pending extradition back to Pennsylvania.

In the Monroe County incident, investigators just after 10:45 p.m. May 24 were called to My Place Bar & Grill, along Milford Road in Middle Smithfield Township, for reported gunfire. They found 35-year-old Henry Koroma of Scranton, Lackawanna County, and formerly of Monroe County, struck by the shots, state police said.

Koroma was taken to Lehigh Valley Pocono Medical Center for treatment and later was pronounced dead at the hospital by the Monroe County Coroners Office. Monroe County Coroner Thomas A Yanac Jr. ruled the death a homicide.

Authorities have not released any possible motives in the incident. The shooting over Memorial Day weekend remains under investigation by the Monroe County District Attorneys Office, Pennsylvania State Polices Troop N Major Case Team and the Monroe County Coroners Office.

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Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com.
The trial of a man charged in the fatal stabbings of four University of Idaho students will be held in Boise, roughly 300 miles from where the crimes occurred, the Idaho Supreme Court announced Thursday.

The Idaho Supreme Courts order appointing a new judge and transferring the trial set for June 2025 comes in response to a ruling from 2nd District Judge John Judge, who said extensive media coverage of the case, the spreading of misinformation on social media and statements by public officials made it doubtful that Bryan Kohberger could receive a fair trial in university town of Moscow, Idaho.

Kohberger faces four counts of murder in the deaths of Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves, and prosecutors have said they intend to seek the death penalty if he is convicted. The four University of Idaho students were killed some time in the early morning hours of Nov. 13, 2022, in a rental house near the campus.

The ruling means that all hearings and other proceedings in the case will now be held at the Ada County Courthouse in Boise, before 4th District Judge Steven Hippler. The Boise building is much larger than the courthouse in Moscow, with bigger courtrooms, space for overflow seating and a larger security area for screening visitors. It also has protected routes for sensitive witnesses to enter and leave the courtroom  something that Judge had noted the Latah County courthouse lacked.

The judge also ordered Kohberger to be transferred to Ada County.

Kohbergers defense team sought the change of venue, saying strong emotions in the close-knit community and constant news coverage would make it impossible to find an impartial jury in the small university town where the killings occurred.

But prosecutors opposed the switch, arguing that any problems with potential bias could be resolved by simply calling a larger pool of potential jurors and questioning them carefully. They noted the inconvenience of forcing attorneys, witnesses, family members of the victims and others to travel to a different city.

The right to a fair trial and impartial jurors is enshrined in the U.S. Constitution, and it is not uncommon for a trial to be moved to a new location in an effort to protect those rights.

Kohberger, a former criminal justice student at Washington State University, opted to stand silent when asked to enter a plea in the case last year, and so a not-guilty plea was entered on his behalf by the judge.

Authorities have said that cellphone data and surveillance video shows that Kohberger visited the victims neighborhood at least a dozen times before the killings; that he traveled in the region that night, returning to Pullman, Washington, along a roundabout route; and that his DNA was found at the crime scene.

His lawyers said in a court filing he was merely out for a drive that night, as he often did to hike and run and/or see the moon and stars.

Police arrested Kohberger on Dec. 30, 2022, at his parents home in Monroe County, where he planned to spend winter break. Kohberger had graduated from Northampton Community College in Bethlehem Township with an associates degree in psychology in 2018 and received a bachelors degree in 2020 from DeSales University in Upper Saucon Township, where he completed graduate studies in June 2022.

By REBECCA BOONE

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After holding meetings in Easton neighborhoods, Easton City Councilman Frank Pintabone believes he received substantial and helpful feedback from residents.

He also noticed a common concern  traffic and parking issues.

In June, Pintabone announced he would host constituent meetings in the neighborhoods. He hosted meetings on College Hill and the West Ward in July. The Downtown one was in August, and South Side residents met with the councilman this month.

Pintabone said the meetings went great with a better turnout than he expected. The meetings were allotted for an hour, but some lasted two and a half hours.

He said 25-30 people attended in the West Ward, and close to 20 attended in College Hill and South Side, respectively. Turnout for his Downtown meeting was slightly lower than that.

He said many residents brought up traffic, parking and speeding issues. Pintabone said he was able to provide information and context of issues brought up at the meetings, plus explain the efforts City Council is making to implement these concerns.

Regarding speeding concerns, some residents suggested using stop signs to tackle the issue, he said. It is illegal in Pennsylvania to install stop signs without permission from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, and the city must gather data to gain approval. If a resident tells him about a speeding issue on a certain block, he works with Dave Hopkins, the citys director of public works, to conduct a traffic study to gather this data.

He said the residents came to the meetings with ideas and opinions that made sense. He took these discussions and ideas to Mayor Sal Panto Jr., who will speak with city directors to determine implementation of these ideas.

Im looking forward to seeing what the mayor and his administration come back with, Pintabone said.

While there were common themes, he said, there were also discussions unique to each neighborhood. College Hill expressed the desire to better their relationship with Lafayette College, while West Ward residents discussed park improvements. Residents in South Side brought up code issues and tree-fruiting issues.

In Downtown, residents were concerned about large events that close off streets and slow down traffic. Many residents also discussed new apartments being built, concerned that rates are unaffordable.

For me, it was learning some things theyre dealing with, some things they like to see, some things they like or dislike, Pintabone said. It was also them learning so we can have the discussion. There was no yelling, there was no arguing. It was really learning from everybody. Everybody got a chance to learn, myself included.

Pintabone has enjoyed this type of outreaching within the community since he sat on Easton Area School Districts school board in 2011, he said. He said people may have a perception that the government doesnt listen to its residents. He said he wants to listen and help solve issues.

I just like to try to get out to people. I like being out in the community, he said. I know its difficult for residents, with everything going on, to come to council meetings, sit through a whole meeting depending on whats on the agenda, and wait for public comment.

Pintabone said he is shooting for more constituent meetings in the late winter/early spring.
The newest work along Eastons Karl Stirner Arts Trail is being installed this week ahead of weekend events celebrating its creator.

The large piece, titled No More Milk and Cookies, is by internationally acclaimed artist Chakaia Booker, who is the arts trails 2024-25 artist-in-residence.

Its being installed with the aid of a skid-loader and excavator on the trails Movie Hill, near the dog park toward the Bushkill Drive access point.

Seen in an iPhone panoramic photo, installation has wrapped up for the day on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, of sculptor Chakaia Booker's "No More Milk and Cookies" along the Karl Stirner Arts Trail in Easton, on Movie Hill near the dog park toward the Bushkill Drive access.Kurt Bresswein | For lehighvalleylive.com

The sculpture will remain for at least two years, according to a news release from trail contributor Dave Block.

Bookers piece dates from 2003 and is made of reclaimed rubber tires and wood. It measures 14 1/2 feet high by 28 feet long and 24 feet deep.

It was included in exhibitions at Storm King Arts Center in Mountainville, New York, in 2004, then in 2010 at the deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum in Lincoln, Massachusetts, the release states.

A chicago.gov profile of Booker tied to a 2016-18 exhibition of six of her sculptures in the Windy Citys Millennium Park describes her as a Newark native who received a bachelors in sociology from Rutgers University and a master of fine arts from the City College of New York. Bookers website states she lives in New York City and works there, as well as in Allentown.

The artist Chakaia Booker is photographed by Alexandre Ayer  Diversity Pictures.Courtesy photo | For lehighvalleylive.com

A panel discussion celebrating Booker and her sculpture being exhibited in Easton is scheduled for 4 p.m. Sunday in Landis Cinema at Lafayette Colleges Buck Hall, 219 N. Third St. A reception is scheduled to follow at the sculpture, with the rain site to be in Buck Hall.

This weekends events include the unveiling of the piece, according to Lafayettes director of community-based teaching, Jim Toia, who is also executive director of the nonprofit Karl Stirner Arts Trail Inc.

The 1 3/4-mile-long trail winds along Bushkill Creek, connecting the base of College Hill at Lafayettes Downtown Easton arts campus to the redeveloped Simon Silk Mill residential-and-commercial complex along North 13th Street. Its named for the late Easton sculptor Karl Stirner, who played an early role in establishing the citys arts community.

Additional events planned with Booker during her residency include a public workshop scheduled for noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12 at the base of Movie Hill, with a rain location of the Ahart Family Arts Plaza between Buck Hall and the Williams Visual Arts Building along North Third Street. The workshop is designed to turn collected and found objects and materials into new creations through hammer, nails, screws, ties and glue, with assistance from Lafayette students and Phillipsburg and Easton Area high school students in Toias Community-Based Teaching Program.

Saying goodbye to a Karl Stirner Arts Trail contributor

Easton artist Paul Deery is seen in August 2015, around the time he submitted "Water Way" as the winning entry in a contest for a sculpture along the Karl Stirner Arts Trail in Easton.Rudy Miller File Photo | For lehighvalleylive.com

The Easton community recently lost Karl Stirner Arts Trail contributor Paul Deery, who created the Water Way stone work toward the North 13th Street access. Deery died Aug. 26 at home on Eastons College Hill, according to his obituary. He was 53.

He excelled in his livelihood as a professional landscaper, artistically shaping earth, plants, trees, and rocks on main streets and side streets throughout his community. He advocated for his employees, assuring living wages and the best working conditions, states a memoriam to Deery at karlstirnerartstrail.org.

Lafayette hosted a celebration of Deerys life this past Sunday in Colton Chapel, according to a Facebook post promoting the gathering from Downtown Eastons Connexions Gallery.

Paul Deery's sculpture called "Water Way" is seen in May 2017 along the Karl Stirner Arts Trail in Easton.Rudy Miller File Photo | For lehighvalleylive.com

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Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com.
PHILADELPHIA  Vic Fangio provided a blunt answer Wednesday when asked about his decision to make Nakobe Dean a starting inside linebacker ahead of Devin White, a decorated veteran who received $3.5 million in guaranteed money as a free agent during the offseason.

I just think from the start of training camp to the end, he won the job, Fangio said.
A young Killeshin dairy farmer has scooped two prestigious awards at the annual 2024 FBD Macra Young Farmer of the Year held in Killenard.

Martin OReilly, aged 25, was named the winner of the Dairy category and also won the Macra Agricultural Skillnet Biodiversity Young Farmer of the Year award at the awards held at the Heritage Hotel in Killenard.

The competition aims to recognise and reward the top young farmers in the country. Entrants are judged according to criteria including farm business initiative and innovation, levels of farm efficiency and enterprise quality, farm safety and environmental protection awareness, and agricultural knowledge.

Martin was pleased and surprised to be recognised for his work on a farm which has been in the family for four generations.

I was delighted and honoured especially to win the biodiversity prize which I was surprised by, he said.

He said the strong competition from other dairy farmers for the young dairy farmer award.

He told the Leinster Express / Laois Live that he jointly operates a 72-head spring calving heard with his mother Kathleen on free-draining dry ground. The mother and son partnership began in 2019 on the passing of his father Eamon.

The Killeshin man says the farm, which is near the Carlow border, had been stocked with British Friesan cows but was now moving to Holstein - British Friesan cross.

We are now in the top 3% in Ireland for herd fertility and in the top 10% for herd Economic Breeding Index, he said.

Martin, who has a degree in Agriculture from SETU Waterford, sees sustainability, the environment, as well as rules and regulations as challenges but he adds that this requires farmers to do their research and stay up to date.

While dairy incomes have dropped, Martin reveals a mindset that belies his age when it comes to dealing with less revenue and higher costs.

Every year is different and you just have to adapt to change, he said.

While there is talk that farming is not attracting young people, Martin is happy with his choice.

Everyone is different and you either like it or hate it and there is no in-between really.

Entering the Macra FBD Young Farmer Awards was also an ambition for Martin but it's not the only award he has entered. He was inspired to enter after making the final of the National Dairy Awards in 2024 where he finished in the top four.

He said entering awards has helped him build a network of friends and contacts around Ireland. He says entering the awards has been added motivation.

Christopher Cahill from Co Cavan was named the 2024 FBD Young Farmer of the Year. Christopher is a 30-year-old dairy farmer and a graduate of the Sustainable Agriculture Masters degree from UCD.

The other category winners: were David Melody originally from Clare but farming in Kilkenny was named Runner Up and won the Career Farm Management category; Sarah Kelly of Sligo was named Best Young Entrant; Seamus Leahy won the Other Enterprises category.

The other finalist was Jamie Hannon, a sheep farmer from Sligo. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Pictured: The finalists at The Heritage in Killenard.

Elaine Houlihan, Macra National President said the FBD Young Farmer of the Year Awards recognises and celebrates the talent, dedication and hard work of young farmers and has always showcased the very best of Irish farming. She congratulated the winners and finalists.

It is our young farmers who are the future of farming in this country and these awards ensure that the future of farming has its night in the spotlight, she said at the awards.

Ballinakill man and IFA President Francie Gorman said the energy and vision shown by the entrants is very encouraging for the future.

There is a wealth of talent in farming and were delighted to be part of this competition with Macra. I hope those who took part will consider a leadership role in the future. They are already very accomplished with their own farm enterprise.

From here, we would like to see them contribute outside the farm gate. Its very rewarding and its an opportunity to shape the future for their families and their communities, he said.

Tomas O'Midheach, CEO, FBD Insurance, congratulated the winner and participants and said he was proud to maintain FBD's long-standing partnership with Macra na Feirme.

 We take great pride in supporting initiatives that celebrate the remarkable achievements of young farmers and their vital contributions to the farming community. We hope these awards will continue to inspire the next generation to build strong, sustainable farm businesses for the future, he said.

The awards were presented on Tuesday, September 10. This year marked the 26th anniversary of the awards.
Brendan Gleeson is encouraging people across Laois to get behind a 2.4million national fundraising drive for 24 Hospice and specialist palliative homecare providers that make up Together For Hospice, The National Hospice Movement.

The iconic actor is asking the public to get brewing ahead of next months Bewleys Big Coffee Morning for Hospice, which has raised 45.3million for frontline Hospice care since 1992.

This years event takes place on September 26  but supporters can host or attend one on a date that suits them, with every cent raised locally going to their local Hospice.

Both of Gleesons parents spent their final days in St Francis Hospice in Dublin, which is set to begin work on a new 24 single-room in-patient unit, at a cost of 29 million.

Im aware that Im in the final chapters but youre just trying to keep the creaky bits moving as well as possible, said the Oscar-nominated actor as he officially launched the fundraiser in Bewleys Cafe, Dublin in August.

A great quote shared with me years ago was good health is a golden crown which only those who are ill can see, so the person who is sick is seeing how glorious it is.

I try to keep an eye on the crown and as long as Im motoring around alright, I appreciate life.

Gleeson said there is a huge need for developments like those at St Francis Hospice, which will give families added privacy in their loved ones final days. The Midlands is now the only area in the country which does not have an in-patient hospice unit, as approval is awaited from the Minister for Health on a site since February.

I am asking everyone in Laois on September 26, or whenever suits them, to organise, support or donate to a coffee morning, wherever it might be held.

Mary Delaney, Chairperson of the Laois Hospice Foundation, said they were "delighted" to join Bewleys Big Coffee Morning for Hospice, one of Together For Hospices longest and most loved fundraisers which is now in its 32nd year raising funds for hospice services across Ireland.

It is a chance to celebrate our coffee morning hosts, who give so selflessly of their time and energy in their local communities. This ongoing, unwavering support is invaluable and funds vital services and quality initiatives, enhancing care for patients living with life-limiting illness, Mary said.

Jason Doyle, Managing Director at Bewleys Ireland, said the company was immensely proud to again support the event, now in its 32nd year making it the countrys most successful and longest charity partnerships.

Bewleys as an iconic Irish brand, was founded on the principle of caring for people and communities, which ties in perfectly with the ethos of Together For Hospice.

We encourage everyone to host a coffee morning to help support the incredible, and often unseen, work that hospices nationwide carry out every day.

The ethos at the heart of Together For Hospice is whatever is raised locally stays locally. Local funds raised go directly to each local Hospice service to innovate, build new facilities, develop new services and deliver quality improvements and extra benefits for patients and their family members.

Those interested in registering to host a coffee morning on Thursday, September 26 (or on a date that suits you) can call 0818 995 996, or register online at hospicecoffeemorning.ie.

If you cannot host or attend a coffee morning, you can make a donation at hospicecoffeemorning.ie/donate.

READ NEXT - Young Laois man wins on the double at national awards
A young Irishman has been found dead inside a prison cell in Portugal.

The 29-year-old man was arrested on Tuesday following an alleged assault on a woman who was well known to him.

The National Guard in Albufeira said that the woman, also aged 29, was attacked with a knife.

She was taken to hospital for treatment to her injuries.

The police said that the man was being held in Albufeira and was found dead inside his cell.

Emergency services were called immediately but he was declared dead at the scene.

Police said that the circumstances of the death inside the cell are being investigated.

A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs said it is aware of the case and providing consular assistance.

As with all consular cases, the Department does not comment on the detail of individual cases, the statement added.
With Gasgoo Daily, we will offer daily important automotive news in China. For those we have reported, the title of the piece will include a hyperlink, which will provide detailed information.

VOYAH COURAGE to make debut at Turin Motor Show

The global version of the VOYAH COURAGE new energy SUV (known as the Zhiyin in China) is set to debut at the Turin Motor Show on September 13. Sources indicate that the top-spec variant of this model could exceed 50,000 in price (approximately 400,000 yuan).

Photo credit: VOYAH

BYD launches Yuan UP in Brazil

On September 5, BYD launched the Yuan UP (known locally as BYD YUAN PRO) in Brazil. The vehicle combines stylish design, cutting-edge technology, and environmental consciousness, aiming to attract young consumers and support Brazil's green transition.

Doongfeng Motor ships light-duty trucks to Americas

Dongfeng Motor's light-duty trucks remain in high demand across the Americas, said the company. Recently, a shipment of 1,000 vehicles departed from Shanghai, marking the second large-scale delivery from Dongfeng Motor to the region in three months. The orders include a wide range of vehicles, from micro trucks to 18-tonne models, tailored to meet local logistics needs.

Li Autos 500th expressway supercharging station comes online

Chinese new energy vehicle maker Li Auto recently announced the launch of its 500th supercharging station along expressways, marking a significant milestone in the company's charging infrastructure expansion.

Tencent Maps launches Intelligent Driving Map 8.0 integrated solution

At the 2024 Tencent Global Digital Ecosystem Summit, Tencent Maps launched its new Intelligent Driving Map 8.0, a cabin-driving integration solution that enhances functionalities and services for both human-driven and autonomous driving modes.

iMotion tops off new R&D, manufacturing headquarters in Suzhou city

On September 10, autonomous driving solution developer iMotion Automotive Technology (Suzhou) Co., Ltd. reached a significant milestone with the topping off of its new R&D and manufacturing headquarters.

SGMW's Baojun Yunhai new energy SUV hits market

On September 10, SAIC-GM-Wulings Baojun brand officially put the Yunhai intelligent SUV onto the market. The new model offers a total of four variants in both all-electric and plug-in hybrid electric powertrains, with prices ranging from 109,800 yuan to 133,800 yuan.

NETA Auto forms strategic partnerships in Mexico with BBVA, EMA, local dealers

On September 10, Chinese new energy vehicle brand NETA Auto signed strategic partnership agreements with BBVA Mexico, the Electro Mobility Association (EMA) of Mexico, and several local dealerships, respectively, the company announced on Wednesday.
Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin Denis Nulty has assured the public that "our schools today are safe places" following the publication of the Report of the Scoping Inquiry into Historical Sexual Abuse in Day and Boarding Schools Run by Religious Orders.

The Bishop said he is "appalled at the depravity of abuse outlined" in it.

"Like everyone, I have been reading through the Report of the Scoping Inquiry into Historical Sexual Abuse in Day and Boarding Schools Run by Religious Orders and I am appalled at the depravity of abuse outlined in that report.

"It is not easy reading. Behind every sentence, paragraph and page is someone who as a child suffered hugely in the very place where they should have felt safe. I commend the survivors and their families who showed extraordinary courage in coming forward to share their story.

"While we have become accustomed to reports in recent years, it is worthwhile to bring all of them together to help us appreciate and seek to respond to the extent and seriousness of this epidemic that has plagued Irish society for far too long. Church schools should always lead by word and above all by example on how to look after children in their care and particularly children with special needs.

"I realise schools in the diocese, at both Primary and Post Primary level, feature in the Report. I know this is very upsetting to current staff, students and families. As Bishop, I want to assure everyone of the robust safeguarding protocols that permeate every aspect of school life today.

"I also know for survivors and victims, the assurance of these safeguarding protocols, by no means lessens the pain and suffering caused in the past. I know that apologies can be just empty words to those who have experienced such trauma and to their families who are their constant companions on this difficult journey. However I want to express heartfelt sorrow and to promise that as Bishop I will do my utmost to ensure that the work of safeguarding continues to be a priority in our diocese. The Diocese supported the work of the Scoping Inquiry and will continue to do so.

"Our schools today are safe places but we must continue to be vigilant to ensure policies and procedures which have been put in place for the safeguarding of children will continue to be fully implemented.

Anyone with concerns is invited to speak with the Diocesan Designated Liaison Person on 085 8021633.
The search is officially underway to find the An Post Bookshop of the Year for 2024. The category is now back for the fourth year running in the An Post Irish Book Awards, the annual literary event that celebrates and promotes Irish writing to the widest range of readers possible.

The An Post Bookshop of the Year category acknowledges the vital role played by independent bookshops and local branches of bookshop chains in helping their local communities to find and enjoy their titles of choice. Previous winners include Kennys Bookshop and Art Gallery, Galway in 2021, Bridge Street Books, Wicklow in 2022, and last years winner, Halfway Up the Stairs in Greystones.

Bookshop customers can visit https://www.anpost.com/bookshopoftheyear to submit a nomination for their own personal favourite bookshop and outline the reason for their choice. Readers can also enter by scanning the QR code on posters within their preferred bookshop and following the instructions. Everyone who votes will be entered into a draw to win 1 of 3 100 One4all vouchers.

Nominations for the An Post Bookshop of the Year will close at midnight on Monday, September 23. The 12 bookshops around Ireland who receive the most online votes will then be longlisted and invited by the judges to enter a written submission. Mystery shoppers will also visit the 12 shops as part of the judging process.

Following this, a shortlist of six shops will be finalised for the An Post Bookshop of the Year and they will be officially announced on October 24. The overall winner will be presented with their trophy at the An Post Irish Book Awards ceremony on November 27 in the Convention Centre Dublin. The winner will receive a trophy along with a prize worth 15,000 from An Post Commerce.

Larry Mac Hale, Chairperson of the An Post Irish Book Awards, said: Bookshops hold a key place in communities throughout Ireland, acting as important cultural and social spaces for many. We introduced this category to honour the meaningful contribution that bookshops and booksellers make to their local area and the wider Irish book industry. We encourage everyone to support and vote for their favourite local bookshop in the An Post Bookshop of the Year category.

Now in its 19th year, the An Post Irish Book Awards celebrate and promote Irish writing to the widest range of readers possible. The initiative brings together a vast community passionate about books  readers, authors, booksellers, publishers and librarians  to recognise the very best of new and established Irish writing talent and 2024 will be no different.

Dawn Behan, Chair of Bookselling Ireland, said: Irish bookshops are at the heart of our communities, playing a valuable role in Irelands literary landscape. Every day, booksellers use their knowledge and enthusiasm to foster a love of reading, particularly championing Irish books and writers. Im delighted that the An Post Bookshop of the Year category provides an opportunity for voters to recognise and celebrate the work of their local bookshop, connecting books and readers.

Categories in the An Post Irish Book Awards include Novel of the Year, Childrens (Junior and Senior), Cookery, Crime Fiction, Popular Fiction, Non-fiction, Sports, Short Story, Poetry, Teen and Young Adult and Irish Language. A television programme will be broadcast on RTE One television in December, culminating in one of the 2024 winning titles being announced as the An Post Irish Book of the Year 2024.

Garrett Bridgeman, Managing Director of An Post Mails & Parcels said: The success of Irish bookshops is due to the positive relationships they have with their customers  both in Ireland and all over the world. They take care of them by offering great in-store experiences, and seamless ecommerce offerings. Bookstores are incredibly important to local communities and connecting customers worldwide, and we are thrilled to once again sponsor this very special award category, to celebrate bookshops and booksellers and the incredible contribution they make across the country.
Irish premier Simon Harris said his thoughts are with the staff of the UN after six of its aid workers were killed in an Israeli attack on a school in Gaza.

The United Nations Palestinian refugee agency, UNRWA, has said six of its staff were killed in two air strikes which hit a school in central Gaza.

Since last October, more than 220 UNRWA staff have been killed in Gaza.

The workers died following an attack on a school where thousands of displaced Palestinians were sheltering.

Just Tragic.#GazaSix @UNRWA colleagues killed today when two airstrikes hit a school and its surroundings in Nuseirat in the middle areas.This is the highest death toll among our staff in a single incident. Among those killed was the manager of the UNRWA shelter and other  UNRWA (@UNRWA) September 11, 2024

Mr Harris said: Earlier this week, we saw shots fired at a UN convoy distributing polio vaccines to protect children in Gaza, with staff threatened by Israeli military forces.

We must never allow this to be normalised or take for granted the risks humanitarian workers take with their own lives to help others.

We are deeply grateful for the work that they do and Ireland will continue to stand with the UN and with UNRWA as it carries out its vital work.

We must also ensure accountability for those who perpetrate war crimes.

I look forward to extending my condolences in person to UN Secretary General (Antonio) Guterres when I visit the UN later this month.

I again call for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages and unimpeded access to aid in Gaza.

Irish deputy premier Micheal Martin said there is an obligation to protect humanitarian workers after six UNRWA staff were killed by an Israeli strike.

I condemn the Israeli airstrikes that killed six @UNRWA staff in Gaza. Humanitarian workers take exceptional risks to provide vital food and aid supplies to people. There is an obligation to protect them.  Micheal Martin (@MichealMartinTD) September 12, 2024

I condemn the Israeli air strikes that killed six UNRWA staff in Gaza, Mr Martin said in a statement.

Humanitarian workers take exceptional risks to provide vital food and aid supplies to people.

There is an obligation to protect them.
The Taoiseach is to emphasise his commitment to strengthening North-South co-operation as he chairs a meeting with the Northern Ireland Executive on Friday.

First Minister Michelle ONeill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly are among the members of the Executive attending the plenary meeting of the North South Ministerial Council at Dublin Castle.

Taoiseach Simon Harris is leading the Irish Cabinet during proceedings, the second such meeting of the council since the restoration of the Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive in early February.

The last plenary meeting was held in Armagh in April.

Discussions are to focus on areas of mutual interest and ongoing co-operation through restored North-South bodies.

Mr Harris and Tanaiste Micheal Martin welcomed the Northern Ireland leaders as they arrived at Dublin Caste.

Mr Harris said he was delighted to host his first plenary meeting of the North South Ministerial Council as Taoiseach.

This is, of course, the second meeting of the council that has taken place since the institutions have been restored in Northern Ireland and were looking forward to extending a very warm welcome to members of the Northern Ireland Executive to Dublin today, he said.

Mr Harris said they will have much to discuss.

Including around the New Decade New Approach commitments, including around economic issues, and also topics around climate change and biodiversity as well, he said.

I think this meeting takes place in a difficult geopolitical time but against a very positive background in terms of north-south relations, and indeed in terms of British-Irish relations, because of course only last Saturday I had the pleasure of hosting the British Prime Minister in Farmleigh in Dublin where we agreed a reset of Anglo-Irish relations, but also a work programme in terms of what that reset looks like, and today, from a north-south dimension, its an opportunity to explore practical areas of collaboration.

Mr Martin said: We have just concluded the institutional meeting of the North South Plenary Council, which is a meeting held annually by the Minister for Foreign Affairs in the Republic and the First Minister and deputy First Minister of the Northern Ireland Executive.

This has been the first meeting since 2020.

It was a very cordial, constructive meeting where we reviewed the Joint Secretary report, which reveals very significant activity in terms of north-south co-operation within the bodies and of course, under the Shared Island initiative, the significant investments that are taking place with Narrow Water Bridge and with the Ulster Canal research projects, the investment in Magee (university) in terms of student services, teaching services and so forth.

Earlier, in a statement, Mr Harris said he intends to use the opportunity to emphasise my commitment, as Taoiseach, to strengthening North-South consultation, co-operation and action.

In recent months, we have seen milestones reached on a number of North-South and all-island projects, such as the Narrow Water Bridge and the Ulster Canal, he said.

There is an opportunity now through political engagement across government with Northern Ireland Executive counterparts, to identify where further we can more effectively improve day-to-day life and opportunity on this island through practical North-South co-operation.
Leitrim Animal Welfare have launched an online fundraiser to build vital funding ahead of the winter months, as they say costs are "skyrocketing".

In a post online, the animal rescue centre said that the price of equipment and supplies are "raising across the board", from veterinary care to diesel for transport, electricity, cleaning supplies, and food.

In the past few weeks alone, multiple rescue centres nationwide have been forced to close their doors due to the overwhelming costs and lack of funding.

"We are determined not to be next, but we need your help to stay operational," Leitrim Animal Welfare said in the online fundraiser.

Since the end of August, the Leitrim Animal Welfare have taken in 133 dogs, each requiring medical care, food, and shelter.

Heartbreakingly, the rescue centre have had to turn away 122 surrender requests due to lack of space, resources, or funds to care for them.

"Every dog that comes through our doors is wormed, microchipped, vaccinated, and neutered or spayedan essential part of the care we provide, but a significant expense," a spokesperson for Leitrim Animal Welfare said.

"As we move into winter, the situation is only worsening. With darker evenings and colder weather, calls for dog surrenders and reports of abandonment are increasing. We fear this could be the most difficult year for rescues in Ireland".

The rescue centre is calling on Leitrim locals to support in any capacity by donating or sharing their fundraiser.

Those wishing to donate can do so via online fundraiser here.

READ NEXT - PICTURES: Delight in Leitrim at sod-turning for 1.2 million development
On September 3rd, estate agents from across Ireland, including Mervyn Lloyd from Mohill, Co. Leitrim, joined forces at Leinster House to advocate for urgent changes to Irelands outdated property conveyancing system. Mervyn Lloyd, a board member of the Institute of Professional Auctioneers & Valuers (IPAV), and his colleagues are pushing for the Sellers Legal Pack for Property Buyers Bill 2021a piece of legislation designed to speed up property transactions and tackle inefficiencies that currently cost buyers and sellers time and money.

Irelands property conveyancing laws, some of which date back to 1881, have long been criticized for being slow and outdated. On average, it takes four months to complete a property sale, leaving many buyers vulnerable to issues like expired mortgage approvals and unexpected legal complications. According to Mervyn Lloyd and his fellow estate agents, these delays are responsible for a significant number of failed property sales each year. Some estimates suggest that up to one-third of properties on the market are unsaleable due to unresolved legal or planning problems.

The Sellers Legal Pack Bill seeks to overhaul the system by ensuring that sellers prepare a complete set of legal documentssuch as property deeds, planning approvals, and compliance certificatesbefore putting their property on the market. This upfront transparency would drastically reduce delays, making the buying process more efficient and potentially cutting the average conveyancing time by up to 50%.

The bill has widespread backing from industry leaders. Pat Davitt, IPAVs Chief Executive, stressed that the current system is no longer fit for purpose. This legislation will protect buyers from wasting time and money on properties that turn out to have legal complications, Davitt explained. It will bring transparency to the process, similar to what we already see in public auctions and online sales, where buyers can access all the information they need before placing a bid.

The proposal has received support from many prominent estate agents across the country. A recent survey revealed that 32% of properties currently on the market had significant legal or planning defects, meaning they couldnt be sold without further work. Ken MacDonald of Hooke and MacDonald described the bill as a dramatic improvement that would modernize the entire conveyancing process, ultimately reducing costs for buyers. Keith Lowe of DNG echoed these sentiments, noting that an efficient system would provide confidence to both buyers and sellers, ensuring transactions can be completed on time without unexpected legal roadblocks.

Public sentiment also favors reform. A September 2023 Ireland Thinks poll found that 73% of consumers who had dealt with the conveyancing process reported issues, and 77% supported the introduction of the Sellers Legal Pack. The bill would also safeguard mortgage approvals, which typically last just six months, by ensuring properties are fully ready for sale when they hit the market.

According to sources from the Institute of Professional Auctioneers & Valuers (IPAV), with nearly 2,000 estate agents supporting the bill, the message is clear: the current system is broken, and the Sellers Legal Pack for Property Buyers Bill 2021 is the key to fixing it. Now, all eyes are on lawmakers to act swiftly and modernize Irelands property market, making it more efficient and transparent for all involved.
Leitrim County Council have issued approval for a a major remodel of a historic building in Drumshanbo.

The Shed Distillery applied in July to convert Drumshanbo Methodist church into what they described as an "event space", with permission granted by the Council for the remodelling on Thursday.

The application, submitted by the popular distillery on Friday 19th July, is set to change the use of the building from a church to a "community cultural event space", and will involve refitting the interior of the protected structure and adding external signage.

The church is located less than 300 metres from the Shed Distillery, as is expected to be incorporated into the main site as another attraction.

The Methodist church, which was built in 1860, held its final sermon in December 2023, and was eventually sold in April 2024 due to dwindling attendance and no resident minister.

Plans to repurpose the church have been widely welcomed by locals, as the building has remained out of use since the beginning of the year.

Leitrim local and Irish dancer Edwina Guckian said in a post online that the planned refurbishment was "the best news", and praised Shed Distillery Managing Director and Founder Patrick J Rigney.

"I really hope it comes through. Thanks for your great vision, Pat and the Shed team," Edwina said.

North Connaught Methodists said the proceeds of the sale of the church building in Drumshanbo were used to purchase an apartment that "can provide much needed student accommodation for those taking 3rd level courses in Sligo".

The approval for the proposed work is expected to provide a significant boost to the local area of Drumshanbo, as the distillery has brought major business to the town through tours and production of their popular Drumshanbo Irish gin.

The Shed Distillery remains one of Ireland's most popular tourist sites in the county, conducting roughly 25,000 tours and bringing in profits of 15.3 million in 2023.

The planned work in the church itself will include works to the exterior of the building comprising of cleaning, redecoration and replacement of non-original rainwater goods to "restore the character of the structure".

Upgrades will also be installed to the mechanical and electrical services throughout the site, and external signs advertising the site will also be installed.

The new owners of the church have said that they intend to retain the original features of the building, and also hope to restore the church organ, which was installed in the church in 1910.

READ MORE - Leitrim Animal Welfare launches urgent fundraiser for support ahead of winter months
Irish Rail have advised customers that a number of changes will be made to train schedules around Ireland on Monday 16th but none in Leitrim.

These changes are amendments to a new timetable that the service implemented in August which led to significant delays around the capital.

The changes which are aimed at improving the punctuality of the services across the country will not affect the departure times in Sligo station, according to Irish Rail.

In August, The Bloombridge Station was added as a stop for all trains heading from Sligo to Dublin. In Bloombridge, travellers now have the option to take the Luas green line which runs into the city centre.

In addition, there are plans to expand the capacity of the Sligo to Dublin route by adding more carraiges to the line.

The current round of changes will not affect the train times or services at Dromod station in Leitrim.

During a national public consultation, which received 1,930 submissions, Irish Rail was told about concerns that there would not be significant staff in Sligo to implement the changes to the line made in August. Irish Rail have said that they are not aware of any staffing issues there.

We apologise to customers for the punctuality performance since the implementation of the new timetable on Monday 26th August last, with timing issues leading to congestion in the Connolly Station area, the company said on their website

READ MORE: Leitrim Animal Welfare launches urgent appeal for support ahead of winter months
Beijing (Gasgoo)- On September 10, SAIC-GM-Wulings Baojun brand officially put the Yunhai intelligent SUV onto the market. The new model offers a total of four variants in both all-electric and plug-in hybrid electric powertrains, with prices ranging from 109,800 yuan to 133,800 yuan.

Photo credit: SGMW

Notably, the Yunhai lineup comes standard with an advanced intelligent driving system based on Chengxing Platform 7V computing power solution and Chengxing Intelligent Driving 2.5 software from Zhuoyu Technology (former DJI Automotive).

The carmaker said the Baojun Yunhai is the industry's first model to feature a mid-level computing two-stage end-to-end model in mass production. This approach transforms traditional multi-neural network perception tasks into a unified perception network. Additionally, the prediction and decision-making model, which was originally rules-based, now integrates neural networks with rules for safety assurance, forming a two-stage end-to-end system that handles all driving tasks.

Photo credit: Zhuoyu

The Chengxing Intelligent Driving 2.5 software used by the new model includes a nationwide intelligent driving map based on standard definition base maps. Coupled with an optimized navigation map and an integrated model for prediction and decision planning, the Baojun Yunhais system enhances preemptive judgments for smoother and safer lane changes, merging, and exit maneuvers at high speeds.

The Baojun Yunhai also features Zhuoyus unique binocular three-in-one perception network, which combines dynamic and static target recognition with an occupancy network enhanced by stereo vision. This system provides superior generalization capabilities compared to traditional monocular systems, even approaching the performance of LiDAR, significantly improving safety in diverse and unforeseen scenarios.
Pan American Silver Reports Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources as at June 30, 2024





Pan American Silver Corp. (NYSE: PAAS) (TSX: PAAS) ("Pan American" or the "Company") reports its estimated mineral reserves and mineral resources as at June 30, 2024. Proven and probable mineral reserves are estimated to contain approximately 468.0 million ounces of silver and 6.9 million ounces of gold. Measured and indicated ("M&I") mineral resources (excluding proven and probable ("P&P") reserves) are estimated to total approximately 1,148.0 million ounces of silver and 15.5 million ounces of gold. Inferred mineral resources are estimated to total approximately 366.0 million ounces of silver and 9.4 million ounces of gold. The updated mineral reserves and mineral resources estimates are reported net of the sales of the MARA, Agua de la Falda and Morococha properties, as announced in the Company's news release dated July 31, 2023. The divestment of these non-core, non-producing assets is largely responsible for a decrease in mineral reserves and mineral resources compared to 2023.

"Our exploration efforts have successfully replaced mine production and expanded mineral reserves at Jacobina, La Colorada, Huaron and Minera Florida. In addition, infill and extensional drilling at the Jacobina mine has increased inferred mineral resources by over 1.2 million ounces of gold, highlighting the significant exploration potential of the deposit and the opportunity to replace mineral resources and mineral reserves in the future," said Christopher Emerson, Pan American's Vice President of Exploration and Geology. "At the La Colorada Skarn project, estimated indicated mineral resources have grown substantially to 309 million ounces of silver due to higher tonnage and higher grades, with the inferred mineral resource now estimated at 59 million ounces of silver. Zinc and lead contained within the skarn deposit have also increased since our last resource update."

In 2024, Pan American plans to complete over 360,000 metres of drilling across its portfolio of mines, focused on near-mine exploration for mineral reserve replacement.

Consolidated Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves, as at June 30, 2024 (1,2,3)

Segment Category Tonnes (millions) Ag (g/t) Contained Ag (Moz) Au (g/t) Contained Au (koz) Silver Segment(4) Proven Reserves 13.3 278 119.1 0.68 135.1 Probable Reserves 32.5 293 306.2 0.49 444.6 Proven and Probable Reserves 45.8 289 425.2 0.52 579.7 Gold Segment(5) Proven Reserves 80.3 13 17.6 1.14 2,952.9 Probable Reserves 99.8 16 25.2 1.05 3,360.3 Proven and Probable Reserves 180.1 14 42.7 1.09 6,313.1 Total Segments(6) Proven Reserves 93.7 75 136.6 1.11 3,088.0 Probable Reserves 132.3 124 331.4 0.92 3,804.8 Proven and Probable Reserves 225.9 105 468.0 1.00 6,892.8

(1) See table below entitled "Metal price assumptions used to estimate mineral reserves and mineral resources as at June 30, 2024".

(2) Please refer to the complete mineral reserve and mineral resource tables at the end of this news release for more information.

(3) This summary table does not include base metal grades or contents. Please refer to the Reserves & Resources page on Pan American's website for a more complete table, including zinc, lead and copper grades and contents.

(4) Silver Segment mineral reserves comprised of Escobal, La Colorada, Huaron, San Vicente, and Cerro Moro.

(5) Gold Segment mineral reserves comprised of Jacobina, Shahuindo, El Penon, Timmins, Minera Florida, La Arena, and Dolores.

(6) Totals may not add up due to rounding. Total average grades of each metal are with respect to those mines that produce the metal.

Consolidated Mineral Resources, as at June 30, 2024 (1,2,3,4)

Segment Category Tonnes (millions) Ag (g/t) Contained Ag (Moz) Au (g/t) Contained Au (koz) Silver Segment(5) Measured Resources 20.7 159 105.6 0.63 65.2 Indicated Resources 425.4 73 1,002.7 0.47 276.9 M&I Resources 446.1 77 1,108.4 0.50 342.2 Gold Segment(6) Measured Resources 271.8 21 17.8 0.62 5,431.2 Indicated Resources 704.7 26 21.8 0.43 9,751.0 M&I Resources 976.5 24 39.6 0.48 15,182.2 Total Segments(7) Measured Resources 292.4 82 123.5 0.62 5,496.4 Indicated Resources 1,130.1 71 1,024.5 0.43 10,027.9 M&I Resources 1,422.6 72 1,148.0 0.48 15,524.3

(1) See table below entitled "Metal price assumptions used to estimate mineral reserves and mineral resources as at June 30, 2024".

(2) Mineral resources are reported exclusive of mineral reserves.

(3) Please refer to the complete mineral reserve and resource tables at the end of this news release for more information.

(4) This summary table does not include base metal grades or contents. Please refer to the Reserves & Resources page on Pan American's website for a more complete table, including zinc, lead and copper grades and contents.

(5) Silver Segment mineral resources comprised of Navidad, La Colorada Skarn, Escobal, Huaron, La Colorada, Manantial Espejo, Cerro Moro, San Vicente, and Joaquin.

(6) Gold Segment mineral resources comprised of Jacobina, La Arena II, La Pepa, El Penon, Minera Florida, La Bolsa, Lavra Velha, Pico Machay, Timmins, Shahuindo, Vogel, Gold River, Whitney, Marlhill, Dolores, and La Arena.

(7) Totals may not add up due to rounding. Total average grades of each metal are with respect to those mines that produce the metal.

Consolidated Inferred Mineral Resources, as at June 30, 2024 (1,2,3,4)

Segment Category Tonnes (millions) Ag (g/t) Contained Ag (Moz) Au (g/t) Contained Au (koz) Silver Segment(5) Inferred Resources 130.0 78 327.8 0.61 304.3 Gold Segment(6) Inferred Resources 254.0 21 38.2 1.12 9,118.4 Total Segments(7) Inferred Resources 384.0 61 366.0 1.09 9,422.8

(1) See table below entitled "Metal price assumptions used to estimate mineral reserves and mineral resources as at June 30, 2024".

(2) Mineral resources are reported exclusive of mineral reserves.

(3) Please refer to the complete mineral reserve and mineral resource tables at the end of this news release for more information.

(4) This summary table does not include base metal grades or contents. Please refer to the Reserves & Resources page on Pan American's website for a more complete table, including zinc, lead and copper grades and contents.

(5) Silver Segment inferred mineral resources comprised of Navidad, La Colorada, La Colorada Skarn, Huaron, San Vicente, Escobal, Cerro Moro, Manantial Espejo and Joaquin.

(6) Gold Segment inferred mineral resources comprised of Jacobina, Gold River, El Penon, Arco Sul, Minera Florida, Whitney, Pico Machay, La Arena II, Timmins, La Pepa, Lavra Velha, La Bolsa, Vogel, Shahuindo, Dolores, and La Arena.

(7) Totals may not add up due to rounding. Total average grades of each metal are with respect to those mines that produce the metal.

Mineral reserve and mineral resource highlights for the 12-months ended June 30, 2024:

The successful divestment of non-core, non-producing properties - MARA, Morococha and Agua de la Falda - in 2023 reduced the consolidated P&P mineral reserves by 89.9 million ounces of silver and 5.2 million ounces of gold. After adjusting for a full year of production, the significant exploration success at many of our operations and other parameters, the consolidated mineral reserves at June 30, 2024, are estimated to total 468.0 million ounces of silver and 5.2 million ounces of gold.

Consolidated M&I silver mineral resources increased from an estimated 959.0 million ounces to an estimated 1,148.0 million ounces. The increase in M&I silver mineral resources is mainly due to the increase in indicated resources at the La Colorada Skarn project more than offsetting the sales of MARA and Morococha. Consolidated M&I gold mineral resources decreased from an estimated 17.5 million ounces to an estimated 15.5 million ounces, largely due to the sales of the MARA and Agua de la Falda properties.

At the La Colorada Skarn project, estimated indicated mineral resources significantly increased to 308.7 million ounces of contained silver with higher tonnage, higher silver and base metal grades, and improved geological confidence.

At Jacobina, exploration more than replaced mine production with new mineral reserves, marking the eighth consecutive year of full replacement of production. New gold inferred mineral resources estimated at over 1.2 million ounces were also added, including 495 thousand ounces at Maricota, a new zone north of Morro do Cuscuz. See the Company's news releases dated June 17, 2024 and December 5, 2023, for further information on Maricota.

At El Penon, mineral resources and mineral reserves were added to the southeast of the current mining zones in major veins like Pampa Sur and Pampa Campamento, as well as in silver rich structures like Tostado Sur and others. Future exploration will continue to target converting the large inferred mineral resource to mineral reserves and to discovering new veins on the mine's extensive land position.

At La Colorada, the eastward extensions of the veins, described in previous news releases, contributed to a net addition to silver P&P mineral reserves.

At Minera Florida, 103.7 thousand ounces of P&P gold mineral reserves and 864 thousand ounces of P&P silver mineral reserves were added, more than replacing mine production.

At Huaron, P&P silver mineral reserves increased by 1.7 million ounces, more than replacing mine production, with the Horizonte zone alone adding 2.7 million ounces of new P&P silver mineral reserves.

At Timmins, exploration has been focused on the Whitney joint venture project, with more than 20,500 metres of drilling completed over the 2021 to 2023 period, contributing to an updated estimate for indicated gold mineral resources of 93.6 thousand ounces and inferred gold mineral resources of 574.0 thousand ounces (based on a 100% interest). Pan American is now focused on further exploratory and confirmation drilling of the project. See the December 5, 2023 news release for more information on the Whitney project.

A detailed summary of the silver and gold mineral reserves and mineral resources as at June 30, 2024 is provided in the tables at the end of this news release.

LA COLORADA SKARN MINERAL RESOURCE UPDATE

Approximately 73,000 metres of exploration and infill drilling have been completed since the last mineral resource update, including high-grade intercepts reported in previous news releases. The drilling has resulted in a significant increase in estimated mineral resources and higher silver and base metal grades. It also improved a large portion of mineral resources from the inferred category to indicated. The tables below illustrate the improvements and the highlights include:

A 53% increase in indicated mineral resources to an estimated 265.4 million tonnes.

Improvement in silver, zinc and lead grades by 10%, 2% and 4%, respectively, for the indicated mineral resource category.

A 69% increase in contained silver to 308.7 million ounces in indicated mineral resources. Contained silver in inferred mineral resources is estimated at 58.6 million ounces.

A 56% increase in contained zinc to 7.6 million tonnes and a 60% increase in contained lead to 3.6 million tonnes in indicated mineral resources.

Addition of 125.5 million ounces of silver, 2.7 million tonnes of zinc and 1.4 million tonnes of lead to indicated mineral resources.

Exploration and resource infill drilling is ongoing with additional drill rigs completing condemnation and hydrogeological work. Engineering work continues with geotechnical studies required for sub level caving ("SLC") and reviewing the updated mineral resource and mining shapes to optimize mineral extraction.

Next steps include further infill drilling, additional analysis of alternative mining methods, optimizing throughputs, preparing capital and operating cost estimates, as well as advancing discussions with potential project partners.

La Colorada Skarn Estimated Mineral Resource as at June 30, 2024

Classification Tonnes (millions) Zn (%) Pb (%) Ag (g/t) Indicated 265.4 2.85 1.37 36 Inferred 61.7 2.55 0.95 30

Notes:

The effective date of the mineral resources estimate is June 30, 2024. Estimation and reporting of mineral resources were carried out in accordance with Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum ("CIM") guidelines. Mineral resources have been classified into indicated and inferred confidence categories. Mineral resources have reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction demonstrating sufficient spatial continuity of mineralization constrained within a potentially mineable shape. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. No mineral reserves are reported at this time for the La Colorada Skarn project. Prices used to report mineral resources were: $22.00 per ounce of silver, $2,800 per tonne of zinc and $2,200 per tonne of lead. An estimated NSR (in US$/t) was calculated using metallurgical recoveries of 84.9% Ag, 84.3% Pb and 93.7% Zn with mineral concentrate qualities of 61% Pb in lead concentrate and 59% Zn in zinc concentrate, obtained from metallurgical testing. Estimates for transport, payability and refining/selling costs, based on experience and long-term views of the marketing, treatment and refining of these types of mineral concentrates, were included. Reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction were assessed by determining the total in-situ tonnes and metal grades constrained inside volumes that are based on a SLC mining method considering operating and sustaining capital cost estimates of $45/t. To determine the constraining SLC shapes, an initial elevated cutoff value of $50/t NSR was applied. Then geotechnical, geometry and caving rules were applied to ensure practical mining shapes were achieved. The resulting constraining shapes were then considered to be practical mining outlines. The tonnes and grades are inclusive of the must-take low grade material within the volume. No other mining recovery, ring recovery, dilution or mineral losses have been applied. This mineral resource estimate was prepared under the supervision of, or was reviewed by, Christopher Emerson, FAusIMM, Vice President Exploration and Geology, who is a Qualified Person as that term is defined in NI 43-101. Grades are shown as contained metal before mill recoveries are applied. The Company has undertaken a verification process with respect to the data disclosed in this news release. A total of 376 diamond drill holes with a total length of 314,930 metres were used in the geological interpretation and resource estimate. Several old historic drill holes were included in the modeling. Drilling of the La Colorada Skarn deposit has been completed from both surface and underground drill platforms. All drill hole samples used in the mineral resource estimate have been previously reported in news releases dated October 23, 2018, February 21, 2019, May 8, 2019, August 1, 2019, October 30, 2019, February 13, 2020, August 4, 2020, May 12, 2021, November 10, 2021, February 24, 2022, May 9, 2022, November 1, 2022, May 2, 2023, December 5, 2023, and April 7, 2024.

MINERAL RESERVES AND MINERAL RESOURCES TABLES

Consolidated Pan American Mineral Reserves as at June 30, 2024(1)

Property Location Classification Tonnes (millions) Ag (g/t) Contained Ag (koz) Au (g/t) Contained Au (koz) Silver Segment Escobal Guatemala Proven 2.5 486 39.5 0.42 34.2 Probable 22.1 316 225.0 0.34 243.8 La Colorada Mexico Proven 3.2 305 31.4 0.20 20.5 Probable 5.8 296 55.2 0.19 35.3 Huaron Peru Proven 6.2 173 34.4 -- -- Probable 3.5 163 18.2 -- -- San Vicente (95%)(2) Bolivia Proven 0.9 329 9.8 -- -- Probable 0.5 250 4.3 -- -- Cerro Moro Argentina Proven 0.4 272 3.9 5.58 80.4 Probable 0.6 200 3.6 9.31 165.5 Total Silver Segment(3) 45.8 289 425.2 0.52 579.7 Gold Segment Jacobina Brazil Proven 24.0 -- -- 1.84 1,420.0 Probable 30.3 -- -- 1.79 1,742.3 Shahuindo Peru Proven 39.8 8 10.5 0.52 660.4 Probable 44.7 5 7.2 0.28 398.6 El Penon Chile Proven 0.8 208 5.5 5.46 145.4 Probable 4.0 131 16.7 3.99 507.4 Timmins Canada Proven 5.4 -- -- 2.79 481.4 Probable 4.4 -- -- 2.74 386.2 Minera Florida Chile Proven 1.2 23 0.9 3.25 128.7 Probable 1.8 22 1.3 3.18 188.0 La Arena(4) Peru Proven 8.0 -- -- 0.41 103.7 Probable 14.7 -- -- 0.29 137.8 Dolores Mexico Proven 1.2 16 0.6 0.35 13.3 Probable -- -- -- -- -- Total Gold Segment(3) 180.1 14 42.7 1.09 6,313.1 Total Gold and Silver Segments(3) Proven + Probable 225.9 105 468.0 1.00 6,892.8

(1) See table below entitled "Metal price assumptions used to estimate mineral reserves and mineral resources as at June 30, 2024".

(2) This information represents the portion of mineral reserves attributable to Pan American based on its ownership interest in the operating entity as indicated.

(3) Totals may not add up due to rounding. Total average grades of each metal are with respect to those mines that produce the metal.

(4) Pan American has entered into an agreement to sell its interest in La Arena S.A., which owns the La Arena gold mine and the La Arena II copper-gold project; see the news release dated May 1, 2024 for further details.

Pan American Silver Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources as at June 30, 2024 (1,2)

Property Location Classification Tonnes (millions) Ag (g/t) Contained Ag (koz) Au (g/t) Contained Au (koz) Silver Segment Navidad Argentina Measured 15.4 137 67.8 -- -- Indicated 139.8 126 564.5 -- -- La Colorada Skarn Mexico Indicated 265.4 36 308.7 -- -- Escobal Guatemala Measured 2.3 251 18.6 0.23 16.7 Indicated 14.2 201 91.6 0.20 93.0 Huaron Peru Measured 1.3 196 8.3 -- -- Indicated 1.8 162 9.4 -- -- La Colorada Mexico Measured 0.4 231 2.7 0.11 1.2 Indicated 2.1 181 12.2 0.27 18.4 Manantial Espejo Argentina Measured 0.3 164 1.7 2.40 24.7 Indicated 1.0 149 4.9 2.79 91.5 Cerro Moro Argentina Measured 0.1 226 0.9 5.48 21.4 Indicated 0.5 347 5.5 4.50 70.7 San Vicente (95%)(3) Bolivia Measured 0.7 180 4.1 -- -- Indicated 0.3 203 1.8 -- -- Joaquin Argentina Measured 0.1 360 1.5 0.28 1.2 Indicated 0.4 351 4.2 0.28 3.4 Total Silver Segment(3) 446.1 77 1,108.4 0.50 342.2 Gold Segment Jacobina Brazil Measured 39.7 -- -- 1.70 2,175.1 Indicated 55.1 -- -- 1.58 2,796.0 La Arena II(4) Peru Measured 152.2 -- -- 0.25 1,246.1 Indicated 554.3 -- -- 0.23 4,042.7 La Pepa (80.0%)(3) Chile Measured 47.1 -- -- 0.61 922.8 Indicated 52.3 -- -- 0.49 824.3 El Penon Chile Measured 1.6 166 8.3 5.25 262.2 Indicated 3.8 112 13.8 3.44 423.1 Minera Florida Chile Measured 1.9 17 1.1 3.26 202.6 Indicated 4.1 19 2.5 3.54 467.6 La Bolsa Mexico Measured 10.8 10 3.5 0.70 242.8 Indicated 10.6 8 2.7 0.54 184.3 Lavra Velha Brazil Indicated 4.5 -- -- 1.96 282.1 Pico Machay Peru Measured 4.7 -- -- 0.91 137.5 Indicated 5.9 -- -- 0.67 127.1 Timmins Canada Measured 1.1 -- -- 2.48 85.5 Indicated 1.3 -- -- 2.76 114.2 Shahuindo Peru Measured 8.8 7 2.0 0.38 108.5 Indicated 6.8 6 1.2 0.34 74.2 Vogel Canada Indicated 2.2 -- -- 1.75 125.0 Gold River Canada Indicated 0.7 -- -- 5.29 117.4 Whitney (83.27%)(3) Canada Measured -- -- -- -- -- Indicated 0.6 -- -- 3.77 77.9 Marlhill Canada Indicated 0.4 -- -- 4.52 57.4 Dolores Mexico Measured 3.0 30 2.9 0.41 39.4 Indicated 0.6 73 1.5 1.40 28.8 La Arena(5) Peru Measured 0.9 -- -- 0.29 8.7 Indicated 1.4 -- -- 0.19 8.9 Total Gold Segment(4) 976.5 24 39.6 0.48 15,182.2 Total Gold and Silver Segments(4) Measured + Indicated 1,422.6 72 1,148.0 0.48 15,524.3

(1) See table below entitled "Metal price assumptions used to estimate mineral reserves and mineral resources as at June 30, 2024".

(2) Mineral resources are reported exclusive of mineral reserves.

(3) This information represents the portion of mineral resources attributable to Pan American based on its ownership interest in the operating entity as indicated.

(4) Totals may not add up due to rounding. Total average grades of each metal are with respect to those mines that produce the metal.

(5) Pan American has entered into an agreement to sell its interest in La Arena S.A., which owns the La Arena gold mine and the La Arena II copper-gold project; see the news release dated May 1, 2024 for further details.

Pan American Inferred Mineral Resources as at June 30, 2024 (1,2)

Property Location Classification Tonnes (millions) Ag (g/t) Contained Ag (koz) Au (g/t) Contained Au (koz) Silver Segment Navidad Argentina Inferred 45.9 81 119.4 -- -- La Colorada Mexico Inferred 12.4 235 93.8 0.19 74.4 La Colorada Skarn Mexico Inferred 61.7 30 58.6 -- -- Huaron Peru Inferred 5.2 165 27.5 -- -- San Vicente (95%)(3) Bolivia Inferred 1.6 213 11.0 -- -- Escobal Guatemala Inferred 1.9 180 10.7 0.90 53.7 Cerro Moro Argentina Inferred 0.7 168 3.6 6.98 149.8 Manantial Espejo Argentina Inferred 0.5 106 1.8 1.49 25.2 Joaquin Argentina Inferred 0.2 280 1.4 0.25 1.2 Total Silver Segment(4) 130.0 78 327.8 0.61 304.3 Gold Segment Jacobina Brazil Inferred 57.1 -- -- 1.77 3,249.5 Gold River Canada Inferred 5.3 -- -- 6.06 1,027.4 El Penon Chile Inferred 18.4 48 28.6 1.38 816.4 Arco Sul Brazil Inferred 6.2 -- -- 3.08 614.2 Minera Florida Chile Inferred 5.4 15 2.7 3.03 531.2 Whitney (83.27 %)(3) Canada Inferred 4.0 -- -- 3.75 477.7 Pico Machay Peru Inferred 23.9 -- -- 0.58 445.7 La Arena II(5) Peru Inferred 66.8 -- -- 0.21 445.2 Timmins Canada Inferred 3.5 -- -- 3.37 382.5 La Pepa (80.0%)(3) Chile Inferred 20.0 -- -- 0.46 296.1 Lavra Velha Brazil Inferred 4.7 -- -- 1.56 238.0 La Bolsa Mexico Inferred 13.7 8 3.3 0.51 224.6 Vogel Canada Inferred 1.5 -- -- 3.60 168.8 Shahuindo Peru Inferred 17.3 4 2.1 0.21 115.8 Dolores Mexico Inferred 0.9 56 1.6 1.65 45.8 La Arena(5) Peru Inferred 5.3 -- -- 0.23 39.6 Total Gold Segment(4) 254.0 21 38.2 1.12 9,118.4 Total Gold and Silver Segments(4) Inferred 384.0 61 366.0 1.09 9,422.8

(1) See table below entitled "Metal price assumptions used to estimate mineral reserves and mineral resources as at June 30, 2024".

(2) Mineral resources are reported exclusive of mineral reserves.

(3) This information represents the portion of mineral resources attributable to Pan American based on its ownership interest in the operating entity as indicated.

(4) Totals may not add up due to rounding. Total average grades of each metal are with respect to those mines that produce the metal.

(5) Pan American has entered into an agreement to sell its interest in La Arena S.A., which owns the La Arena gold mine and the La Arena II copper-gold project; see the news release dated May 1, 2024 for further details.

Metal price assumptions used to estimate mineral reserves and mineral resources as at June 30, 2024

Mine Category Ag US$/oz Au US$/oz Cu US$/t Pb US$/t Zn US$/t Escobal All categories 20.00 1,300 2,204 2,424 La Colorada Reserves 20.00 1,700 8,000 2,100 2,600 Resources 22.00 1,850 9,000 2,200 2,800 La Colorada Skarn Resources 22.00 2,200 2,800 Huaron Reserves 20.00 1,700 8,000 2,100 2,600 Resources 22.00 1,850 9,000 2,200 2,800 San Vicente All categories 20.00 1,700 8,000 2,100 2,600 Cerro Moro Reserves 21.00 1,850 Resources 23.00 1,950 Navidad All categories 12.52 1,100 Manantial Espejo Resources 22.00 1,700 Joaquin Resources 22.00 1,700 Jacobina Reserves 1,700 Resources 1,850 Shahuindo Reserves 20.00 1,700 Resources 22.00 1,850 El Penon Reserves 20.00 1,700 Resources 22.00 1,850 Timmins West Reserves 21.00 1,850 Resources 23.00 1,950 Bell Creek Reserves 21.00 1,850 Resources 23.00 1,950 Whitney Resources 1,950 Minera Florida Reserves 21.00 1,850 2,100 2,600 Resources 23.00 1,950 2,200 2,800 La Arena Reserves 21.00 1,850 Resources 23.00 1,950 La Arena II All categories 1,500 8,816 Dolores Reserves 21.00 1,850 Resources 23.00 1,950 La Pepa Resources 1,650 La Bolsa All categories 14.00 825 Lavra Velha Resources 1,650 Pico Machay All categories 700 Vogel Inside pit 1,150 Below pit 1,150 Gold River Resources 1,200 Marlhill Resources 1,125 Arco Sul Resources 1,250

General Notes with Respect to Technical Information

All mineral reserves and mineral resources have been estimated in accordance with the CIM Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, adopted by the CIM Council, as amended (the "CIM Standards") and reported in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 ? Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). Mineral resources are reported exclusives of mineral reserves.

Pan American does not expect these mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates to be materially affected by metallurgical, environmental, permitting, legal, taxation, socio-economic, political, and marketing or other relevant issues.

The Company has undertaken a verification process with respect to the data disclosed in this news release. The mineral resources and mineral reserves databases comprising drilling and, in some cases, surface and underground sampling, have been compiled at each of the Pan American mine sites by the qualified staff. All the assay data used in the resource evaluation provided by each of the mines has been subjected to the industry standard quality assurance and quality control ("QA/QC") program including the submission of certified standards, blanks, and duplicate samples. The results are reviewed monthly by management. The results of the QA/QC samples submitted for the resource databases demonstrate acceptable accuracy and precision. The Qualified Person is of the opinion that the sample preparation, analytical, and security procedures followed for the samples are sufficient and reliable for the purpose of these mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates. Pan American is not aware of any drilling, sampling, recovery or other factors that could materially affect the accuracy or reliability of the data reported herein.

Quantities and grades of contained metal are shown before metallurgical recoveries.

Technical information contained in this news release with respect to Pan American has been reviewed and approved by Christopher Emerson, FAusIMM., Vice President of Exploration and Geology, and Martin Wafforn, P.Eng., Senior Vice President Technical Services and Process Optimization, who are each Qualified Persons for the purposes of NI 43-101.

Pan American Silver Corp. is authorized by The Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of the Province of British Columbia to engage in Reserved Practice under Permit to Practice number 1001470.

About Pan American

Pan American Silver is a leading producer of silver and gold in the Americas, operating mines in Canada, Mexico, Peru, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina. We also own the Escobal mine in Guatemala that is currently not operating, and we hold interests in exploration and development projects. We have been operating in the Americas for three decades, earning an industry-leading reputation for sustainability performance, operational excellence and prudent financial management. We are headquartered in Vancouver, B.C. and our shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange and the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "PAAS".

Learn more at panamericansilver.com

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Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements and Information

Certain of the statements and information in this news release constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian provincial securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements or information. Forward-looking statements or information in this news release relate to, among other things: estimated mineral reserve and mineral resource information; estimated mine life and any anticipated changes related thereto; the extent of, and success related to any future exploration or development programs; expectations that metallurgical, environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-economic, political, marketing or other issues will not materially affect estimates of mineral reserves and mineral resources; expectations regarding planned drilling in 2024, including that it will be focused on near-mine exploration; expectations regarding mineral reserve replacement; and expectations with respect to future work to be conducted at the La Colorada Skarn project.

These forward-looking statements and information reflect the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant operational, business, economic and regulatory uncertainties and contingencies. These assumptions include: the accuracy of our mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates and the assumptions upon which they are based; ore grades and recoveries are as anticipated; prices for silver, gold, and base metals remaining as estimated; currency exchange rates remaining as estimated; capital, decommissioning and reclamation estimates; prices for energy inputs, labour, materials, supplies and services (including transportation); all necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals for our operations are received in a timely manner; and our ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws. The foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive.

The Company cautions the reader that forward-looking statements and information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release and the Company has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: fluctuations in silver, gold and base metal prices; fluctuations in prices for energy inputs, labour, materials, supplies and services (including transportation); fluctuations in currency markets (such as the PEN, MXN, ARS, BOB, CLP, BRL, GTQ and CAD versus the USD); operational risks and hazards inherent with the business of mining (including environmental accidents and hazards, industrial accidents, equipment breakdown, unusual or unexpected geological or structural formations, cave-ins, flooding and severe weather); employee relations; relationships with, and claims by, local communities and indigenous populations; our ability to obtain all necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals in a timely manner; changes in laws, regulations and government practices in the jurisdictions where we operate, including environmental, export and import laws and regulations; legal restrictions relating to mining; risks relating to expropriation; diminishing quantities or grades of mineral reserves as properties are mined; increased competition in the mining industry for equipment and qualified personnel; and those factors identified under the caption "Risks Related to Pan American's Business" in the Company's most recent form 40-F and Annual Information Form filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and Canadian provincial securities regulatory authorities, respectively. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, described or intended. Investors are cautioned against undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. Forward-looking statements and information are designed to help readers understand management's current views of our near and longer term prospects and may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not intend, nor does it assume any obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, changes in assumptions, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by applicable law.

Cautionary Note to US Investors Regarding References to Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources

Unless otherwise indicated, all reserve and resource estimates included in this news release have been prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 and the CIM Standards. 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. Canadian standards, including NI 43-101, differ significantly from the mineral property disclosure requirements of the SEC (the "U.S. Rules"), and reserve and resource information included herein may not be comparable to similar information disclosed by U.S. companies. In particular, and without limiting the generality of the foregoing, this news release uses the terms "measured resources," "indicated resources" and "inferred resources" as defined in accordance with NI 43-101 and the CIM Standards. Mineralization described using these terms has a greater amount of uncertainty as to its existence and feasibility than mineralization that has been characterized as reserves. Accordingly, U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that any measured mineral resources, indicated mineral resources, or inferred mineral resources that the Company reports are or will be economically or legally mineable. Further, "inferred mineral resources" have a greater amount of uncertainty as to their existence and as to whether they can be mined legally or economically. Under Canadian securities laws, estimates of "inferred mineral resources" may not form the basis of feasibility or pre-feasibility studies, except in rare cases. While the above terms under the U.S. Rules are "substantially similar" to the standards under NI 43-101 and CIM Standards, there are differences in the definitions under the U.S. Rules and CIM Standards. Accordingly, there is no assurance any mineral reserves or mineral resources that the Company may report as "proven mineral reserves", "probable mineral reserves", "measured mineral resources", "indicated mineral resources" and "inferred mineral resources" under NI 43-101 would be the same had the Company prepared the reserve or resource estimates under the standards adopted under the U.S. Rules.

11 september 2024 at 21:10

News published onand distributed by:
Skyharbour Appoints Athabasca Basin Veteran, Serdar Donmez, as Vice President of Exploration





Vancouver, BC, Sept. 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Skyharbour Resources Ltd.'s (TSX-V: SYH ) (OTCQX: SYHBF ) (Frankfurt: SC1P ) (the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Serdar Donmez, a recognized geoscientist with decades of experience in uranium exploration and development, as Vice President of Exploration. Mr. Donmez will be working with the rest of Skyharbour's geological team based in Saskatoon.

As a highly experienced geoscientist with nearly two decades of expertise in uranium exploration and development, Mr. Donmez has played an active role in numerous grassroots and advanced uranium exploration projects in northern Saskatchewan and Zambia. Mr. Donmez has an Engineering Degree in Geology and is a registered Professional Geoscientist with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan.

During his 17-year tenure at Denison Mines Corp., Mr. Donmez was pivotal in advancing numerous uranium exploration and development projects. He was involved in various capacities with the Phoenix and Gryphon uranium deposits on Denison's Wheeler River project, from initial discovery to the completion of the Feasibility Study in 2023. As Resource Geology Manager, he was integral to the development of mineral resource estimates and NI 43-101 technical reports for several advanced exploration projects in the Athabasca Basin. Additionally, he was part of a team exploring the application of in-situ recovery mining techniques for high-grade uranium deposits in the Athabasca Basin.

Mr. Donmez's extensive experience in advancing Athabasca Basin uranium projects, particularly his work at the Phoenix and Gryphon deposits at Wheeler River, aligns very well with Skyharbour's exploration and drilling initiatives at its co-flagship adjacent Russell and Moore Lake projects. Recent drilling this year at both projects has identified high-grade, multi-percent sandstone-hosted uranium mineralization. With a fully-funded, 2,500m drill program already underway at Moore and an additional 4,000-5,000m drilling program scheduled for Russell this fall, Mr. Donmez's expertise will be invaluable in advancing these projects and unlocking further value going forward.

Mr. Donmez's deep understanding of the discovery process in the Athabasca Basin along with his experience in implementing innovative exploration and development techniques positions him to play a critical role in advancing both projects as the Company continues to make new discoveries and expand its resource base.

Jordan Trimble, President and CEO of Skyharbour stated: "Serdar brings an incredible wealth of experience to the Skyharbour technical team and has specific exploration and development expertise in the southeastern portion of the Athabasca Basin where our core projects are located. His many years of work at Wheeler River will prove to be invaluable at our Russell and Moore projects as we look to generate and expand on new discoveries as well as delineate high grade uranium resources in similar geological settings. The ability to attract such a talented and seasoned individual to the team is a testament to our portfolio of projects and multi-faceted strategy in the Athabasca Basin where Serdar will also be working to help manage and expand our prospect generator business."

Furthermore, in his most recent role, Mr. Donmez served as Vice President of Exploration at 92 Energy Ltd. until its acquisition by Atha Energy Corp. in April 2024. Following the acquisition, he transitioned to the role of Director of Exploration, where he helped in target generation for drilling programs at Atha's Angilak and Gemini projects in Nunavut and northern Saskatchewan.

Serdar Donmez, Vice President of Exploration of Skyharbour, stated: "I am thrilled to join the Skyharbour team, which has a proven track record in developing and advancing high-profile uranium exploration projects in the Athabasca Basin. Skyharbour's impressive portfolio includes flagship projects like Moore Lake and Russell Lake, where notable high-grade uranium mineralization has been discovered in multiple zones. I look forward to leading the technical team in advancing our exploration initiatives and demonstrating the substantial growth potential that exists within our projects."

About Skyharbour Resources Ltd.:

Skyharbour holds an extensive portfolio of uranium exploration projects in Canada's Athabasca Basin and is well positioned to benefit from improving uranium market fundamentals with twenty-nine projects, ten of which are drill-ready, covering over 580,000 hectares (over 1.4 million acres) of land. Skyharbour has acquired from Denison Mines, a large strategic shareholder of the Company, a 100% interest in the Moore Uranium Project which is located 15 kilometres east of Denison's Wheeler River project and 39 kilometres south of Cameco's McArthur River uranium mine. Moore is an advanced-stage uranium exploration property with high-grade uranium mineralization at the Maverick Zone that returned drill results of up to 6.0% U 3 O 8 over 5.9 metres including 20.8% U 3 O 8 over 1.5 metres at a vertical depth of 265 metres. Adjacent to the Moore Uranium Project is Skyharbour's recently optioned Russell Lake Uranium Project from Rio Tinto, which hosts several high-grade uranium drill intercepts over a large property area with robust exploration upside potential. The Company is actively advancing these projects through exploration and drill programs.

Skyharbour has joint-ventures with industry-leader Orano Canada Inc., Azincourt Energy and Thunderbird Resources (previously Valor) at the Preston, East Preston and Hook Lake Projects, respectively. The Company also has several active earn-in option partners including: CSE-listed Basin Uranium Corp. at the Mann Lake Uranium Project; CSE-listed Medaro Mining Corp. at the Yurchison Project; North Shore Uranium at the Falcon Project; and TSX-V listed Tisdale Clean Energy at the South Falcon East Project which is host to the Fraser Lakes Zone B Uranium and Thorium Deposit. In aggregate, Skyharbour has now signed earn-in option agreements with partners that total to over $33 million in partner-funded exploration expenditures, over $27 million worth of shares being issued and over $20 million in cash payments coming into Skyharbour, assuming that these partner companies complete their entire earn-ins at the respective projects.

Skyharbour's goal is to maximize shareholder value through new mineral discoveries, committed long-term partnerships, and the advancement of exploration projects in geopolitically favourable jurisdictions.

Skyharbour's Uranium Project Map in the Athabasca Basin:

https://www.skyharbourltd.com/_resources/images/SKY_SaskProject_Locator_2024-02-14_V2.jpg

To find out more about Skyharbour Resources Ltd. (TSX-V: SYH) visit the Company's website at www.skyharbourltd.com .

SKYHARBOUR RESOURCES LTD.

"Jordan Trimble"

_________________________________

Jordan Trimble

President and CEO

For further information contact myself or:

Nicholas Coltura

Investor Relations Manager

?Skyharbour Resources Ltd.

?Telephone: 604-558-5847

?Toll Free: 800-567-8181

?Facsimile: 604-687-3119

?Email: [email protected]

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE CONTENT OF THIS NEWS RELEASE.

The securities offered have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, United States persons absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in the United States, nor in any other jurisdiction.

This release includes certain statements that may be deemed to be "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that management of the Company expects, are forward-looking statements, including the Private Placement. Although management believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements, include market prices, exploration and development successes, regulatory approvals, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Please see the public filings of the Company at www.sedar.com for further information.

12 september 2024 at 07:30

News published onand distributed by:
Ranchero Announces Closing of the Sale of Its Mexican Subsidiary





VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Sept. 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ranchero Gold Corp. ("Ranchero" or the "Company") (TSX.V:RNCH) is pleased to announce that further to its press release of August 21, 2024 the Company has closed the sale of its wholly-owned subsidiary Minera y Metalurgia Paika, S.A. de C.V. ("Paika"), to an arm's length party purchaser.



Going forward, the Company will focus its efforts on continuing to explore the Pinchi Lake nickel project as well as opportunistically looking at new projects.

About Ranchero Gold

Ranchero is an exploration and development company currently focused on the Pinchi Lake Nickel Project (the "Pinchi Project"). Ranchero can earn a 100% interest in the Pinchi Project, consisting of six mineral claims totaling 3,917 hectares, situated approximately 15 to 30 km northwest of Fort St. James and 120 km northwest of Prince George in central British Columbia.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Company:

Jesus Noriega

Interim Chief Executive Officer and Director

For further information, please contact:

Jesus Noriega

Interim Chief Executive Officer and Director

52 1 (662) 437 8520

[email protected]

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.

12 september 2024 at 08:15

News published onand distributed by:
British Airways set for a record-breaking summer of flights from North America to London





British Airways will operate more flights per week from North America to London in Summer 2025 than ever before

to in Summer 2025 than ever before The airline operates more flights between the US and UK than any other European carrier

British Airways is the only European airline to offer a First class cabin on flights between America and London

NEW YORK, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- British Airways will operate a record number of flights between North America and London for Summer 2025, offering more than 400 direct flights per week during its busiest weeks.

The airline operates from 26 US cities non-stop to London, offering more flights across the pond than any other European carrier, and is the only European airline to offer a luxury First class cabin across the Atlantic to London. Its increased summer schedule includes the following additions to London Heathrow (LHR) per week, which are available to book now on ba.com:

Miami, Florida (MIA): An additional seven flights per week, bringing the total to 14 flights per week and becoming a twice-daily service year-round. The airline will also be opening a brand-new lounge in Miami in 2025, featuring its new lounge design concept

(MIA): An additional seven flights per week, bringing the total to 14 flights per week and becoming a twice-daily service year-round. The airline will also be opening a brand-new lounge in in 2025, featuring its new lounge design concept Austin, Texas (AUS): An extra six flights per week, bringing the total to 13 services per week. Having celebrated 10 years of flying from Austin to London earlier this year, the expansion offers even more flexibility for both business and leisure travelers between these vibrant cities

(AUS): An extra six flights per week, bringing the total to 13 services per week. Having celebrated 10 years of flying from to earlier this year, the expansion offers even more flexibility for both business and leisure travelers between these vibrant cities Las Vegas, Nevada (LAS): An extra three flights per week during peak months, bringing the weekly total to 10

(LAS): An extra three flights per week during peak months, bringing the weekly total to 10 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (PIT): The popular route will increase from six to seven flights per week, becoming a daily service for the first time since the route was introduced

(PIT): The popular route will increase from six to seven flights per week, becoming a daily service for the first time since the route was introduced Washington DC (IAD): An increase of 7 flights per week, bringing the total to 21 flights per week

(IAD): An increase of 7 flights per week, bringing the total to 21 flights per week Vancouver (YVR): An increase of up to 7 flights per week to London Heathrow, bringing the total to 14 flights per week during peak summer. Coupled with the airline's daily flight to London Gatwick, customers in Vancouver can choose from three flights per day to London from June to September

Neil Chernoff, British Airways' Chief Planning and Strategy Officer, commented on the upcoming changes: "We continue to grow our network and these additional services across the US reflect the growing demand for travel to and from London. We are committed to providing our customers with greater choice and convenience, and we are excited to offer more opportunities for them to experience our world-class service."

In the last decade, British Airways has launched six new routes from cities across the US including Austin in 2014, New Orleans in 2016, Nashville in 2018, Pittsburgh in 2019, Portland, Oregon, in 2022, and most recently Cincinnati in 2023.

By booking with British Airways, customers can enjoy a family of flexible fares, price points and cabins to suit their needs. The airline offers a unique and original British Airways service, including luxury wines and restaurant-style fine dining in its premium cabins, and complimentary food and drinks on all long-haul flights.

Additional global route network updates

Elsewhere on British Airways' global route network, a third daily flight from London to Delhi (DEL) has also been added, bringing the total number of flights to India up to 63 per week across five destinations. Flights from Cancun (CUN) to London Gatwick (LGW) will also grow from six per week to seven, becoming a daily service next summer, and a second daily flight has been added from Heathrow to Florence (FLR).

New services to Kuala Lumpur (KUL) and Jeddah (JED), both launching in November 2024, will continue into the summer 2025 season, along with frequency growth in Riyadh (RUH).

For the Winter 2024 season, the airline's direct route from London Gatwick to Bangkok (BKK) will return on 28 October 2024, operating three times per week to the Thai capital. The service will increase to up to five times per week between January and March 2025.

Customers flying on British Airways-operated flights to Doha (DOH) are now being offered the option to travel in the airline's First cabin, with one of the twice-daily flights from Heathrow being operated on a Boeing 787-10 aircraft.

British Airways is currently on sale. For more information and to book flights, visit ba.com.

About British Airways' flight network

As the UK's national flag carrier, British Airways serves more than 190 destinations across more than 65 countries, including routes with its partnership airlines. The airline proudly offers customers flights to more destination from London than any other carrier.

British Airways customers have access to one of the world's most extensive flight networks, both domestically and internationally, offering flights to and from central airports at convenient times. It operates out of four major London airports: London Heathrow, London Gatwick, London City and London Stansted, and serves up to 26 cities in the US alone.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2504132/British_Airways_Boeing_777_300.jpg

SOURCE British Airways

12 september 2024 at 10:00

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FarmWise & RDO Equipment Co. Form Exclusive Partnership to Revolutionize Precision Weeding in Specialty Crops





FarmWise and RDO Equipment Co. announce a partnership to sell and support AI-powered weeding technology for U.S. vegetable growers.

SALINAS, Calif. and FARGO, N.D., Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- FarmWiseTM, a leader in smart farming implements, and RDO Equipment Co., a dealer of intelligently connected agriculture, construction, environmental, irrigation, positioning, and surveying equipment from leading manufacturers, including John Deere, announce an exclusive partnership to deliver FarmWise's Vulcan precision weeding and cultivation implement to vegetable growers in the Southwest regions of the United States.

FarmWise has established a strong reputation for cutting-edge, AI-powered weeding solutions for vegetable growers. Vulcan, the company's latest product, has proven to be a key resource to combat constrained and increasingly costly hand labor on the farm by combining precision weeding with unmatched productivity. Taylor Farms and Barkley Farms are two of the leading produce companies in the Southwest that have adopted Vulcan as part of their farming operations. With this agreement, RDO will bring Vulcan to more growers within existing and new regions as an exclusive sales and field support partner to FarmWise.

"We are excited to join forces with RDO, a company that embodies the same vision and relentless focus on their customers. This partnership takes FarmWise's commercial and customer support capabilities to the next level and reinforces RDO's leadership in the adoption of productivity-enhancing technologies", says Tjarko Leifer, CEO of FarmWise.

"For Taylor Farms, Vulcan builds on the foundation of success we have experienced working with FarmWise since 2019. We purchased our first Vulcan last December and today run two of them. We have weeded over 2,500 acres already this season. We are seeing strong value in our fields and expect Vulcan to be a significant part of our operations going forward because it helps address labor challenges in today's agriculture", says Ted Taylor, president of agricultural operations at Taylor Farms.

"When we learned about FarmWise's Vulcan implement and its learning AI that can improve cultivating efficacy for different crops in varying field conditions, our team saw that this product fit perfectly into our commitment to helping growers do more with less without decreasing their longstanding history of quality," says Richard Arias, RDO's vice president of southwest agriculture." Our product specialists are excited to work alongside growers to mechanize weed management that reduces hand labor and costs to optimize weed control in their fields and improve crop uniformity and yield."

Leveraging RDO's long history of effective customer support and large service network, Vulcan is poised to expand its offerings for current and new specialty crops. FarmWise and RDO are committed to continuing to develop chemical-free weed removal options that provide farmers with real savings.

About RDO Equipment Co.

Founded in 1968, RDO Equipment Co. sells and supports intelligently connected agriculture, construction, environmental, irrigation, positioning, and surveying equipment from leading manufacturers, including John Deere, Vermeer, and Topcon. With more than 80 locations across the U.S. and partnerships in Africa, Australia, Mexico, and Ukraine, we deliver creative solutions so our customers can grow and build the world. https://www.rdoequipment.com

About FarmWise

FarmWise Labs, Inc. can save farmers $200 or more dollars per acre by leveraging its proprietary AI platform in some of the most challenging and high-value use cases on the farm. The company sells its technology to farmers through Vulcan, a tractor-pulled implement that mechanically removes weeds with high precision, reliability, and speed. https://farmwiselabs.com

SOURCE FarmWise Labs

12 september 2024 at 11:00

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Federal government and partners invest in Prince Edward Island's public transportation





CHARLOTTETOWN, PE, Sept. 12, 2024 /CNW/ - New and refurbished vehicles equipped with accessible features will improve operations and transportation services after a combined investment of more than $1.2 million from the federal and provincial governments along with the City of Charlottetown, the Town of Stratford, the Town of Cornwall, and Pat and the Elephant.

With this funding, Charlottetown, Stratford and Cornwall have repaired and updated their existing transit fleet, which will allow them to maintain their existing service coverage as they transition to electric vehicles. These improvements will help enhance transit operations in the three communities.

In addition, Pat and the Elephant received funds to help replace five gas operated vans. The new vehicles support the organization's mission of providing accessible transportation to Islanders who need it. Three of the new vans will be hybrid models with charging equipment. All of the new vans are equipped with medical stretchers for non-emergency transport. This means more people will be able to get to appointments, transition between care facilities, home, and doctors' appointments in PEI and off the Island.

Quotes

"We are proud to partner with the province and Pat and the Elephant to deliver real, tangible improvements to public transit in Charlottetown, Cornwall, and Stratford. These investments are not just about upgrading vehicles; they're about building a more sustainable, inclusive, and reliable transit system that serves the evolving needs of our communities."

Sean Casey, Member of Parliament for Charlottetown, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

"The demand for transportation infrastructure is growing and funding partnerships are critical to the health and wellbeing of our residents and environment. By providing reliable and accessible public transit, Island residents can connect with the services they need to support their quality of life and support sustainable, healthy and vibrant communities in PEI."

Hon. Ernie Hudson, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, Prince Edward Island

"We are very excited about the implementation of these fleet updates for the public transit system and how it has benefitted ridership in the Capital region. Enhancing public transit is a top priority for our growing communities, and the City of Charlottetown is very proud to support this initiative, which will make travelling more reliable and dependable for not only residents but visitors and tourists alike."

His Worship Philip Brown, Mayor of Charlottetown

"For almost 50 years, Pat and the Elephant has provided reliable and welcoming service to residents who need transportation support. Five new accessible vans will keep our services strong now and in the future. The addition of stretchers will offer peace of mind for people needing non-emergency travel."

Margaret Shanahan, Pat and the Elephant Manager

"The Town of Cornwall is proud to be a part of this move forward with our transit system and partners including Pat and the Elephant, the Province of PEI, Charlottetown and Stratford to meet the growing needs of our residents and make a more inclusive transit system."

Her Worship Minerva McCourt, Mayor of the Town of Cornwall

"The Town of Stratford is experiencing strong transit ridership growth with a need to continue to service and expand our system by which investments into the fleet such as today's announcement are both necessary and positive. As more residents make the transition to public transit we need to ensure that the fleet is ready and available to service our community. We thank the federal and provincial governments, and our tri-municipal partners in the T3 Transit system, for this financial investment."

His Worship Steve Ogden, Mayor of the Town of Stratford

Quick Facts

The federal government is investing $519,578 through the Public Transit Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The Government of Prince Edward Island is investing $404,191 , the capital area municipalities are contributing $57,512 , and Pat and the Elephant is contributing $231,414 .

through the Public Transit Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Infrastructure Program. The Government of is investing , the capital area municipalities are contributing , and Pat and the Elephant is contributing . This stream supports the building, expansion, and upgrading of urban and rural transit networks.

Investments in public transit help Canadians get where they need to be, create new manufacturing and construction jobs, reduce pollution, and make life more affordable.

Including today's announcement, 10 infrastructure projects under the Public Transit Infrastructure Stream have been announced in Prince Edward Island , with a total federal contribution of more than $12.5 million and a total provincial contribution of more than $10.5 million .

, with a total federal contribution of more than and a total provincial contribution of more than . Public transit investments are a key priority for the federal government.

Since 2015, the federal government has committed over $30 billion for public transit and active transportation projects. These historic investments have resulted in close to 2000 projects across the country.

for public transit and active transportation projects. These historic investments have resulted in close to 2000 projects across the country. In 2021, the government announced significant public transit funding that includes billions in support for zero emission buses, rural transit solution, active transportation, and support for major projects to accelerate the expansion of large urban transit systems that many Canadians depend on every day.

Under the Investing in Canada Plan, the federal government is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada's rural and northern communities.

Plan, the federal government is investing more than over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and rural and northern communities. The new Canada Public Transit Fund (CPTF) will provide an average of $3 billion a year of permanent funding to respond to local transit needs by enhancing integrated planning, improving access to public transit and active transportation, and supporting the development of more affordable, sustainable, and inclusive communities.

a year of permanent funding to respond to local transit needs by enhancing integrated planning, improving access to public transit and active transportation, and supporting the development of more affordable, sustainable, and inclusive communities. The CPTF supports transit and active transportation investments in three streams: Metro Region Agreements, Baseline Funding, and Targeted Funding.

We are currently accepting Expression of Interest submissions for Metro-Region Agreements and Baseline Funding. Visit the Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada website for more information.

Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada helps address complex challenges that Canadians face every day?ranging from the rapid growth of our cities to climate change, to environmental threats to our water and land.

The funding announced today builds on the federal government's work through the Atlantic Growth Strategy to create well-paying jobs and strengthen local economies.

Associated Links

Investing in Canada: Canada's Long-Term Infrastructure Plan

https://housing-infrastructure.canada.ca/plan/icp-publication-pic-eng.html

Public Transit Infrastructure Stream

https://housing-infrastructure.canada.ca/plan/pti-itc-eng.html

Federal infrastructure investments in Prince Edward Island

https://housing-infrastructure.canada.ca/plan/prog-proj-pe-eng.html

Strengthened Climate Plan

https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/climatechange/climate-plan/climate-plan-overview.html

Pat & The Elephant

https://patandtheelephant.org/

Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn

Web: Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada

SOURCE Department of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

12 september 2024 at 14:35

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Brigitte Macron at the Arena Paris Sud for the Paralympic Games, September 4, 2024. GONZALO FUENTES / REUTERS

Two women who spread a rumor online that French First Lady Brigitte Macron was a transgender woman were ordered two women to pay damages on Thursday, September 12, by the Paris Criminal Court for defamation.

They received a suspended fine of 500 and were ordered to pay a total of 8,000 in damages to the wife of the French president and 5,000 to her brother Jean-Michel Trogneux, both plaintiffs at the trial held last June. Macron, who was absent from the trial, was not present for the decision either.

The two women spear a theory that has resurfaced regularly on social media since the election of Emmanuel Macron in 2017, according to which Brigitte Macron, nee Trogneux, never existed, but that her brother Jean-Michel took on this identity after undergoing a sex change.

Read more Subscribers only France's first lady, her brother and an outrageous fake news story

The claim went viral just weeks before the 2022 presidential election. Posts spread on social media claiming that the first lady, formerly Brigitte Trogneux, had never existed and that her brother Jean-Michel had changed gender and assumed that identity.

A wide audience

The two women played a major role in propagating the theory in 2021, conducting a long "interview" lasting over four hours in which the first, Amandine Roy, a self-proclaimed spiritual medium, interviewed the second, Natacha Rey, presented as a "self-taught independent journalist," on her YouTube channel, about the discovery of the "deception," "scam" and "state lie" they claimed to have uncovered.

In the four-hour interview broadcast on YouTube, the two women showed photos of Brigitte Macron and her family, talked about surgeries she had undergone, claimed she was not the mother of her three children, and gave personal information about her brother.

"It's not a victory, it's a normal application of the law," Jean Ennochi, Macron's lawyer, told Agence France-Presse (AFP). At the hearing in June, he had insisted on the "enormous" damage caused by this fake news, which he said spread "all over" the world. "In view of all these reprisals," from now on, "we are systematically pursuing" legal action he said, with legal proceedings underway "in France and abroad."

Following the YouTube video, their rumor reached a wide audience, going as far as audiences in the US, where the fake news went viral among the far right, during the middle of the 2021 presidential campaign. Several female politicians around the world have been the victim of transphobic rumors, including former US First Lady Michelle Obama, current US Vice President Kamala Harris and former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.

Rey was ill during the trial, but did not manage to have it postponed.
A demonstration in support of Traore and the withdrawal of French armed troops from Burkina Faso, Ouagadougou, January 20, 2023 OLYMPIA DE MAISMONT / AFP

It's a sensitive affair, one being closely monitored by the French government and causing quite a stir in the secretive world of the Directorate-General for External Security (DGSE), France's foreign intelligence agency. For more than nine months, four of its agents have been held in Burkina Faso by the anti-French junta of Captain Ibrahim Traore  a "hostage situation," according to several official French sources, in which no sign of resolution has yet appeared.

The four men were arrested in Ouagadougou on December 1, 2023, 48 hours after their arrival. They had been sent there as part of a cooperation with Burkina Faso's National Intelligence Agency (ANR), which has continued despite high tensions between the West African country and France since Captain Traore seized power in a coup in September 2022. Suspected of espionage and destabilizing his regime, they were arrested by members of Burkina Faso's Directorate of State Security (DSE).

Although their superiors assured them that everything was in order and their arrival was expected by their Burkinabe partners, the four agents had not followed procedure to the letter. They were equipped with diplomatic passports, but on arrival they presented themselves with e-visas, rather than proper diplomatic visas with a note verbale. However, colleagues and foreign diplomats had done the same to come to Ouagadougou, without it posing a problem until then.

From 2023 Subscribers only French foreign intelligence agents detained in Burkina Faso

For around 10 days, the four French agents were held incommunicado and interrogated by the DSE. Their situation was compounded by another procedural error: the duty phones they were given on arrival had not been "cleaned," as they are supposed to be between rotations. Some contained photos of sensitive sites in the Burkinabe capital and contacts in sensitive areas of the country. While some sources in Paris do acknowledge a "series of errors," all are convinced that this situation is a pretext being used by the junta to damage relations with France  and break them off for good.

Russia's role

On December 17, 2023, the DGSE closed its post in Ouagadougou and repatriated the dozen or so agents working there. Behind the scenes, the role played by Russia is raising questions. Thanks to the rapprochement between Captain Traore and Moscow, some 20 agents from the GRU, Russia's foreign military intelligence agency, arrived in Burkina Faso in November 2023 to collaborate with the ANR, effectively instituting an improbable  and impossible  cohabitation between French and Russian services. "The Russians probably whispered to the Burkinabes: 'it's them or us'," said one French security source.

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Beijing (Gasgoo)- Chinese new energy vehicle maker Li Auto recently announced the launch of its 500th supercharging station along expressways, marking a significant milestone in the company's charging infrastructure expansion.

Photo credit: Li Auto

As of 6:00 PM on September 11, Li Auto operates supercharging stations, covering 445 expressway service areas and 58 expressway entrances across 24 provinces in China, ensuring connectivity across key cities in four major economic regions.

Li Autos expressway 5C supercharging facility offers a charging speed of 500 km in 12 minutes, with peak power reaching 520 kW per charger. In urban areas, it delivers 500-km range in 25 minutes, with a peak power of 250 kW per charger. The supercharging stations also feature efficient 800V power delivery, lightweight charging guns weighing only 3.3 kg, minimal noise, and ample parking spaces.

Additionally, each parking space at Li Auto's 5C supercharger stations is equipped with an independent camera system that enables automated vehicle detection, ground lock deployment, and safety issue reporting. Real-time operational and charging data are transmitted to the cloud for backend analysis and issue identification.

As of September 10, Li Auto has built a total of 765 supercharging stations across China, comprising 503 along expressways and 262 in urban areas, with a total of 3,588 charging piles. By the end of 2024, Li Auto plans to expand its network to over 2,000 supercharging stations and 10,000 charging piles, aiming to achieve over 90% coverage in core areas of first, second, and third-tier cities, and over 70% coverage on national expressways.
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GARDAI have arrested a man following a complaint made over anonymous poison-pen letters addressed to individuals in the senior ranks of University of Limerick (UL).

Limerick Live revealed that gardai were investigating the latest scandal to hit the university last April.

A source in UL, at that time, confirmed that anonymous letters were addressed to a large number of senior officials in UL and the letters made reference to at least one staff member.

The letters were all copies of each other. Thankfully, someone had the good sense to stop them before they were widely circulated. They made nasty and unreasonable comments against people in here. To do something like that and not even put your name to it is just cowardly, said the source.

Another source at UL confirmed the incident, saying, It is something that should not have happened and its of course very upsetting for anyone targeted in a campaign like that".

The allegations contained in the letters were absolute rubbish anyway. All these things, of course, go through a process and it was ultimately confirmed that the letters didnt disclose anything that required action by UL, said the source regarding the incident which dates back to mid-2023.

Limerick Live learned that at least one of the people, who was mentioned in the anonymous letters, made a formal complaint to gardai.

A garda spokesperson told Limerick Live this week: An Garda Siochana in Limerick is conducting a criminal investigation into alleged harassment of a member of staff at an educational establishment in Munster.

The spokesperson said as part of this investigation, An Garda Siochana recently arrested an individual. Limerick Live understands it occurred last week.

They were released without a charge and a file has been sent to the DPP. An Garda Siochana does not comment on the details of ongoing investigations, said the garda spokesperson.

When contacted by Limerick Live about the arrest, a spokesperson for University of Limerick declined to comment.

READ MORE: BREAKING: Limerick jobs boost as Eli Lilly confirm 150 new positions

Gardai are conducting a second enquiry in relation to UL - possible fraud over the acquisition of 20 homes in Rhebogue.

Limerick Live broke the story in April that UL made a possible fraud referral to gardai over the Rhebogue acquisition which saw the institution overpay by 5.2m for 20 homes.

It is understood that the view was formed that in all the circumstances a referral to An Garda Siochana under Section 19 of the Criminal Justice Act 2011 is appropriate.

That section places a legal obligation on you to report to An Garda Siochana, information relating to possible frauds which you know or believe might prevent the fraud being committed, or secure the apprehension, prosecution or conviction of a person involved in fraudulent activity".

In March, Chancellor Brigid Laffan told UL staff that the fact that this overspend had occurred so soon after a similar overspend on the former Dunnes Stores site was "completely shocking and alarming".

In the same month, the Higher Education Authority instructed the college's governing authority to review the purchase of the houses.

The university remains without a president after Kerstin Mey resigned in June.
A HOTEL room trashed in Ennis by a "berserk" Limerick man was like the Oasis family home after Christmas Day a court has heard.

At Ennis District Court, solicitor for Gary Benn (33) of Maher Close, Limerick, Daragh Hassett made his comment after Mr Benn pleaded guilty to causing 1,500 worth of criminal damage to hotel room furnishings at the Auburn Lodge hotel, Gort Rd in Ennis on the night-early morning of January 29/January 30, 2022.

Sgt John Burke of Ennis Garda Station told the court that items damaged included the room television, chandelier, bedside locker, lamps and cups.

Mr Hassett said that the room was like the Oasis family home after Christmas Day in a reference to the rocky relationship over the years between brothers, Noel and Liam.

Read Also: Suspended sentence for two Chinese nationals who arrived at Shannon Airport with no passports

Judge Alec Gabbett told the court that Mr Benn faces jail for the criminal damage after hearing that he has a bad record of 80 previous convictions.

Judge Gabbett told Mr Hassett: Be under no illusions - I am seriously considering a custodial sentence for your client. As I see this, unless the Probation Service tells me differently, this man is facing a custodial sentence.

Mr Hassett said that Mr Benn - who is a working Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) driver - is very sorry for what occurred.

Judge Gabbett said that Mr Benn went berserk and asked Mr Hassett what was behind it.

Mr Hassett said that Mr Benn was drunk, very angry and had a blazing row with another party. Mr Benn isnt facing any other charge from the incident in the bedroom.

Mr Hassett said that the hotel is out of pocket and will need to be compensated. He said that Mr Benn will work to put the money together.

Sgt Burke said that Mr Benn has 80 previous convictions including nine for criminal damage.

Judge Gabbett asked: Does he carry out criminal damage for a living? This is now number 10.

Judge Gabbett ordered that Mr Benn engage with the Probation Services for a report to be put before the next court hearing into the case.

Judge Gabbett has also ordered Mr Benn to pay the 1,500 compensation to the hotel and has given him until January 8th to produce the money for Ennis District Court that day and further remanded him on bail to that date.
TALKS are ongoing with a view to opening a school of veterinary medicine at the University of Limerick (UL).

It comes after a delegation of animal care professionals held meetings with the colleges top brass.

Dr James Quinn and Dr Ian Fleming, who have decades of experience as vets, are part of the Veterinary Working Group for Reform in Irish Veterinary Education.

They met with Peter Hayes, a professor of rural general practice at ULs medical school, as well as Mayor John Moran, in order to gain political support.

READ MORE: Limerick woman recognised for 'living her life with no limits'

The pair say 320 new vets are needed each year - at present just 80 are graduating annually from the only veterinary course in the country at University College Dublin.

What brought us to this campaign is the realisation there are huge numbers of Irish students studying veterinary education mainly in eastern Europe - Poland for example. The country is only producing a quarter of the number of vets we need annually, Mr Quinn said.

Mr Fleming warned of a huge ageing issue, especially in rural Ireland.

He said a quarter of vets in these settings are now agwed 60 years and over.

A number of colleges responded to a call by the Higher Education Authority seeking expressions of interest in building capacity across several areas  including veterinary medicine.

The two vets believe UL can lead the way.

We badly need a new veterinary school and UL is ideally situated geographically as youre in the rich Golden Vale so you have all that dairy going on. Dairy is the key industry of Irelands food business and its key to veterinary. So its important we have the correct location, said Dr Fleming.

Its foreseen that UL will be able to offer 90 places per year if it starts up a school of veterinary medicine.

Of these, 10 spots would be reserved for students from Northern Ireland, Dr Fleming said.

Dr Quinn added: We are very aware there is a huge amount of support in the medical school for this. These are realists who know where this is going to. UL is a research-based university. This will open more channels for this. Youve a cohort of industry in Limerick around this with the pharmaceutical and biosciences end of stuff. It will be really suitable for it.

As we have seen in biopharmacy and finance, big name companies may be attracted to Limerick to take advantage of local graduates, the vets argue.

Dr Fleming said: You could have an animal biotech hub in Limerick and the associated industries like youve seen with other sectors.

Dr Quinn praised ULs plans to diversify the entry pathways to veterinary courses, should a school open here.

He said often academic points do not always guarantee the best veterinary students, and there is quite a high professional departure rate of newly qualified vets.

Being a vet can be a very rewarding profession, said Dr Fleming.

Its not about the pocket. Its a vocational business where the reward is in the work you do for both the client and the animal.

It is always challenging. Every day is a new day, and the reward is getting through that day. Empathy is a key issue. Without this, its hard to survive in this profession, he said.

A UL spokesperson confirmed talks are ongoing, and because of this, they cannot comment further at this time.
A SUBSIDIARY firm of University of Limerick (UL) has expressed concerns over a new development beside its own homes in a city estate.

As previously revealed by Limerick Live, Silvergrove Developments are seeking permission from council to build 25 apartments in two-and-three storeys next to Drominbeg Square in Rhebogue.

UL has already stated there is no association between the new development and the 20 neighbouring homes which the college bought for 12.5m.

READ MORE: Vehicles destroyed after blaze breaks out at Limerick garage

Also developed by Silvergrove, these homes were occupied with college students despite the fact permission was only in place for residential use.

This stipulation means they cannot be used for student houses.

Now, the Plassey Trust Company, linked to UL, has joined 19 other groups and individuals in writing to council over the planning application.

In the letter - headed by Plassey Trust Company - it confirms that Plassey Trust is the owner of the land to the north of the development site.

The development is described as suitable for older persons and/or persons with disabilities, but it is not clear if this in fact forms the actual basis of the development. This needs to be clarified, the firm stated.

The presence of an outdoor terrace in the new development has sparked fears among locals that students could be housed there also.

But the planning file contains a commitment to allocate five of the apartments to council tenants.

Meanwhile, Plassey Trust CLG has also expressed concerns at the size of the apartments.

The proposal is to introduce higher rise structures in a dense configuration with flat roof horizontal lines which will be in stark variance with his established character.

The nearness to the estate road will exacerbate this contrast as there is no room to landscape and soften the higher and harder lines of what is proposed, the firm added.

Concern was also raised at what was described as an apparent insufficiency of car parking spaces.

It pointed out up to 50 people could live in the new development, yet only 10 car parking spaces are planned.

The local authority has requested further information from the developer, which has six months to formally respond.
Abbey Tauchen |

Lincoln University has announced the appointment of Dr. Lisa Joyner as the interim executive director for health and well-being. Dr. Joyner brings a wealth of experience in higher education leadership, student affairs and health promotion. She assumed the position on Sept. 3, 2024.

Dr. Joyner earned her Doctor of Social Work from the University of Southern California. She also holds a Master of Arts and a Bachelor of Arts from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas.

Before joining Lincoln University, Dr. Joyner served as the vice president for student success and student life at the University of Houston-Downtown. In this role, she advanced the university's mission by creating a comprehensive student experience that extended beyond the classroom. She led a team of more than 100 staff members across 17 departments, including Student Health, Counseling Services and the Basic Needs Center. Her innovative approach included launching initiatives such as the Collegiate Recovery Program and the Peer Health Education Program, aligning them with the university's broader strategic goals.

Before her role at the University of Houston-Downtown, Dr. Joyner was the dean of students at Arizona State University, where she provided strategic leadership to over 2,000 professional and 10,000 student employees.

Dr. Joyners experience also includes her tenure at UC San Diego Health System, where she served as the director of health promotion services, interim assistant vice chancellor for student wellness and chief well-being officer. She led numerous health and well-being initiatives, including creating the first Collegiate Recovery Program and opening residential communities for students in recovery. Her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic was particularly noteworthy, as she spearheaded efforts to safely return students to campus and developed innovative solutions like COVID-19 vending machines, which gained national recognition.

As Lincoln University's executive director for health and well-being, Dr. Joyner will oversee the development and implementation of programs that promote the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of students. She will work closely with faculty, staff and community partners to foster a culture of care.

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Lisa Joyner to Lincoln University of Missouri.
Beijing (Gasgoo)- On September 12, GAC Hino and Zhiyuweike (Chongqing) Technology Co., Ltd. (AI DRIVE) signed a strategic cooperation agreement in Guangzhou. Leveraging both companies' strengths in new energy vehicles, electric drive and control systems, intelligent connectivity, and manufacturing, they will integrate their supply chains, drive technological innovation, and enhance product offerings.



Signing ceremony; photo credit: GAC Hino

AI DRIVE specializes in scenario-based solutions for new energy and intelligent connected commercial vehicles, focusing on developing cutting-edge technology and forward-thinking products. The company will provide professional support in the development of new energy vehicle products, intelligent driving systems, and V2X technologies, working closely with GAC Hino to refine valuable products and improve market competitiveness.

Photo credit: GAC Hino

This collaboration comes at a pivotal time as the commercial vehicle industry rapidly transitions to greener alternatives. AI DRIVE and GAC Hino will utilize their combined industry resources and expertise in the new energy ecosystem to offer more efficient, green, and intelligent transport solutions. The partnership aims to contribute to a sustainable low-carbon economy while setting new benchmarks in the commercial vehicle industry.
LUs School of Nursing is now accepting applications for the Spring 2025 Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. Aspiring nurses seeking a rewarding healthcare career are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity. The application deadline is September 24, 2024, at 5 p.m.

LU's BSN program equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful nursing career. Enrollment is limited to 30 students per semester, ensuring a personalized and focused learning experience. Graduates are prepared to excel in diverse healthcare settings, with an emphasis on leadership, community engagement, and a commitment to nursing excellence.

The program provides a strong foundation in nursing practice, with LU's dedicated faculty committed to guiding students toward success. In response to the growing demand for highly skilled nurses, the BSN program takes a proactive approach to addressing the national nursing shortage by preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and fully approved by the Missouri State Board of Nursing, LUs BSN program upholds the highest standards of quality education. Graduates meet the program's objectives, which align with the Essentials of Baccalaureate Nursing Education for Professional Practice (AACN, 2008), ensuring they possess the skills and competencies needed to excel in various healthcare environments.

Applications are welcome from current Lincoln University pre-nursing students and transfer students from other institutions. For detailed information about admissions criteria, prerequisite requirements, and application instructions, visit LU's BSN program page.

A distinctive feature of the BSN program is the cohort structure, where students begin and progress together as a cohesive group. This approach fosters a strong sense of community, collaboration, and mutual support, which aids in the development of essential teamwork and leadership skills.

Prospective students interested in joining the Spring 2025 cohort should submit their applications and three letters of reference using the nursing program's designated forms by the deadline. A non-refundable application fee of $25 applies.

For more information or to register for an information session, call (573) 681-5421 or email HonseV@LincolnU.edu.
European Union regulators said Thursday they are investigating Google's artificial intelligence (AI) model, Pathways Language Model 2 (PaLM2), to determine if it complies with the region's stringent data privacy laws.

The inquiry, initiated by Ireland's Data Protection Commission (DPC), forms part of broader efforts by national regulators across the EU to assess how AI systems manage personal data.

Also Read | Apple, Google Lose Multibillion Dollar Court Fights With EU

As Google's European operations are headquartered in Dublin, the Irish DPC serves as the tech giant's lead authority under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the EU's strict data privacy framework. The commission stated that the investigation will focus on whether Google properly evaluated whether PaLM2s data processing presents a high risk to the rights and freedoms of individuals in the EU.

PaLM2 is a large language model that underpins various AI-powered services provided by Google, such as email summarisation and other generative AI functions. These models rely on vast amounts of data to perform tasks, raising concerns about how they handle and process personal information. When approached, Google declined to comment on the ongoing inquiry.

This investigation into PaLM2 reflects a wider trend in Europe, where regulators are increasingly scrutinising the practices of major tech companies regarding AI and data privacy. Earlier this month, the Irish DPC announced that Elon Musk's social media platform X had agreed to cease using user data to train its AI chatbot, Grok. This decision came after the DPC took legal action, filing an urgent High Court application to prevent X from processing user data contained in public posts without consent.

Similarly, Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, suspended plans to use content from European users to train its latest language model. This move followed extensive discussions with Irish regulators, highlighting the pressure tech giants face in ensuring compliance with EU data laws.
Bangalore (Karnataka) [India], September 11: Another important milestone for Bangalore-based, bootstrapped company Credvest . Established in 2018, the firm deals with real estate management solutions, catering to land acquisition, business development, product fitment, go-to-market strategies, sales support, and customer services on behalf of developers. The company has catered to 4,000+ customers in just the last year, helping them fulfill their needs to buy homes. This growth is now being solidified by their latest acquisition of Weown , a pioneer in Bangalore's real estate landscape for over 12 years. With WeOwns 2,500+ community members, 20+ projects under their umbrella worth Rs. 2000 Cr, and approximately 2.3 million sq ft managed, this acquisition adds significantly to Credvests portfolio of ongoing real estate projects. Suman Naidu, Chairman of Credvest Group, commented: This acquisition is another step towards establishing our vision of providing people with what they need or desirea lifestyle through residential purchases or investments. We at Credvest, wish to add more value to their success through our mindful approach to marketing and sales. Through Credvest, the turnaround time for units sold reduces by 60%, thanks to our data-driven strategies for each micro-market. This acquisition also represents a strategic expansion for Credvest, allowing the company to deepen its roots in Bangalores real estate market while expanding its influence across the region including Hyderabad and Telangana. Siddharth Renganathan, Co-Founder of Credvest, commented: "With this acquisition, Credvest aims to strengthen relationships with developers and builders across diverse micro-markets. Our strategic approach not only enhances the reputation of our real estate partners but also accelerates the sale of their inventory at record-breaking speeds." By integrating Weowns existing relationships with Credvests innovative, data-driven approach, the company aims to enhance its offerings and deliver even greater value to developers.

Saurabh Kothari, Chief Business Officer of Credvest, remarked on the company's impressive trajectory, saying, "I'm truly amazed by the precision in their decision-making. Their growth has been nothing short of remarkablequadrupling in sizeand yet it's been achieved with such strategic finesse. As a bootstrapped company, they are outpacing even well-funded competitors by rapidly and decisively doubling down on every opportunity."



Credvest enhances its partners' brand value by deploying dedicated teams and fostering seamless collaboration across advisory, business development, product fitment, marketing, sales, and CRM departments to meet developer demands and consumer needs efficiently and on time.



Niranjan Rao Reddyshetty, Managing Director of Weown, commented: With this strategic move, Weown is now in the best possible hands within the industry. I've long admired Credvests rapid scale and growth which theyve achieved in such a short time. Theyve not only added substantial value to their real estate partners but have also ensured the happiness and satisfaction of their employees and customers throughout the journey. We are confident that this acquisition will only elevate our success to new heights!



With a strong foundation and a vision for the future, Credvest is poised to continually raise the bar in customer experience, technological integration, project execution, and market innovation.



The Credvest Ecosystem

The success lies within the ecosystem Suman has rightfully created within the Credvest Group. The cycle starts with advisory services on market fitment for the project. Once agreed upon, developers have access to capital and resources for construction through Parking Capital. While one side caters to developmental growth in the micro-market, the other helps consumers earn passive income through investing in lucrative NCD models in Parking Capital. The system is so tightly integrated that consumers in this 27 trillion real estate market find the right homes through Credvest and their prop-tech platform called Grahm.Ai, where the services and experience of home buying are made hassle-free. Not just that, they also help make houses into homesthroughtheir interior design firm, Aiti Interierus. Their approach to understanding the micro-market has also helped them identify high-end commercial zones and cater to varied consumer segments with their F&B brandsSuvaii: The Pandyan Legacy, Vanamo: Global Eats and Caffeinery, Navathanyam, and Tanjore Tiffins.
India is set to pull up global e-commerce giant Amazon for alleged violations of competition law, under tighter rules that allow levying penalties based on a conglomerate's global turnover.

The investigation wing of the Competition Commission of India (CCI) has confirmed charges of anti-competitive behaviour by Amazon Seller Services Pvt. Ltd, and the Commission will shortly issue a notice to the marketplace, two people aware of the development said, setting the stage for the final adjudicating order.

The Director General of Investigation (DG) attached to the Commission recently submitted its report confirming the charges, the persons said on the condition of anonymity.

Notice to Amazon

CCI, which comprises the chairperson and three members who adjudicate on cases, is in the process of sending the findings to Amazon, and will grant the company a hearing before issuing the final order with penalty, said one of the persons quoted above.

Penalty would be decided under the amended competition law providing for a maximum penalty of 10% of global turnover of the enterprise," said the first person quoted above.

Amazon declined to offer a comment. Queries emailed to CCI on Wednesday morning seeking comments remained unanswered.

Also read | Local customer base of global digital firms central to CCIs new merger control

Under the Competition Act amendment last April, CCI is empowered to levy a penalty of up to 10% of the average of the turnover or income for the three preceding financial years on companies entering into anti-competitive deals or abuse their market dominance. Turnover is defined as the global turnover from all products and services of the enterprise.

Case from 2020

A similar case currently making its way through the CCI proceedings is of Flipkart Internet Pvt. Ltd.

The cases against Amazon and Flipkart were triggered based on a complaint filed by a Delhi-based trade association, which prompted CCI to order an investigation in January 2020. The companies challenged the probe in the Karnataka High Court and subsequently in the Supreme Court; in August 2021, the apex court allowed the probe to continue.

The issues investigated include whether the e-commerce firms have preferred sellers; whether these sellers have a direct or indirect nexus with the platforms; and whether exclusive product launches of mobile phones, alleged preferential treatment to a few sellers and discounting practices affected competition in the market. The law prohibits agreements between parties at different stages in a value chain, including exclusive supply arrangements that stifle competition.

Experts pointed out that the provision to levy high penalty should be exercised judiciously, and only where the gravity of the violation justifies it.

Significant shift

Imposing a penalty of up to 10% of a company's global turnover marks a significant shift in India's competition law enforcement, serving as a strong deterrent against anti-competitive practices. However, while such a high penalty can effectively curb market abuse, it should be applied judiciously and reserved for clear, egregious violations," said Sonam Chandwani, managing partner at law firm KS Legal & Associates.

Overuse could stifle market dynamism and innovation, deterring companies from engaging in fair competitive strategies. The key lies in balancing the need for stringent enforcement with a nuanced approach that considers the broader economic impact and encourages healthy competition," said Chandwani.

Also read | CCI questions iPhone maker's dominance on iOS and App Store

The law stipulates that the CCI must share a non-confidential report of the DG's findings to the parties and give them at least four weeks to respond, said K. Narasimhan, advocate at Madras High Court. The CCI takes these submissions into account and engages with the parties before sharing the notice with the fine, Narasimhan said.

It must be noted that the DG does not have the power to levy a fine. Considering the dynamism in the Indian retail market and the smaller presence of online compared to offline retail and the gradual shift towards an omni-channel retail, it would be tough to establish dominance, leave alone abusing it," said Narasimhan.

How can Flipkart and Amazon, which are part of online retail, which is only 5-7% of total retail market in India, dominate the larger 90-92% organized retail?" said Narasimhan.

Chandwani of KS Legal & Associates also said that for the first application of the revamped penalty provision, the Competition Commission must ensure it sends a clear message without appearing arbitrary, fostering a fair marketplace rather than deterring legitimate business practices.
Amazon India has created more than 1.1 lakh seasonal jobs ahead of the upcoming festival season to ensure fast and reliable deliveries, the company said in a statement on Thursday. Several direct and indirect jobs have been offered in cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow, and Chennai, it said.

Amazon's commitment to create over 1 lakh seasonal employment opportunities across India is a commendable step towards bolstering the nation's workforce during the festive period, the company statement quoted Union Minister of Labour and Employment Mansukh Mandaviya as saying.

It is encouraging to see the company hiring a significant number of women and persons with disabilities for these roles while prioritising the well-being of its associates through initiatives focused on their safety, healthcare, and educational support, the minister added.

Amazon has hired thousands of women and around 1,900 persons with disabilities, the company said.

Also Read | Amazon India to cut down its selling fees by 12% ahead of festive season

"We are committed to providing customers across every serviceable pin-code in India with fast and reliable deliveries this festive season. To meet this goal, we have hired over 1.1 lakh additional people to strengthen our fulfillment and logistics network and ensure we can handle the increased demand seamlessly, Abhinav Singh, VP of Operations, Amazon India said.

Other initiatives Amazon India has also introduced initiatives such as Project Ashray which offers dedicated resting points for delivery associates in cities such as Delhi NCR, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.

Sushruta is a welfare programme which provides healthcare support to truck drivers through early detection, diagnosis, and health camps in selected regions.

The Pratidhi Scholarship provides scholarships to associates' children for quality education. Additionally, Amazon India said it provides various amenities to its employees such as onsite medical facilities.

Also Read | Amazon India sets up 4 disaster hubs, offers aid within 72 hours amid floods

The e-commerce platform held Samriddhi camps to ensure enrollment of employees in government programmes such as the E-Shram portal and Health ID under PM Jan Aarogya Yojana. Additionally, it also provides social security benefits through provident funds and insurance protection against accidents and injury.
Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) is set to expand its presence in the renewable energy sector through two new joint ventures. The state-owned company's Board of Directors has approved partnerships with Sembcorp Green Hydrogen India Pvt. Ltd. and GPS Renewables Pvt. Ltd., respectively.

The company said in an exchange filing on Thursday, September 12, that the Board of Directors approved the two joint ventures.

The joint venture with Sembcorp Green Hydrogen India aims to develop, build, and operate renewable energy and green hydrogen projects across India, including selling renewable energy and green hydrogen.

Agreements subject to approvals Both agreements are subjected to approval by regulators.

Entering into a joint venture agreement with Sembcorp Green Hydrogen India Pvt. Ltd (SGHIPL) in the domain of Renewable Energy and Green Hydrogen, subject to regulatory approvals from NITI Aayog, DIPAM etc, the exchange filing noted.

Bharat Petroleum aims to construct, operate and maintain compressed biogas plants across India, including the sale of compressed biogas and its derivatives.

Also Read | Prime minister Modi calls for international cooperation on green hydrogen

Entering into a joint venture agreement with M/s. GPS Renewables Pvt. Ltd (GPS) for setting up of Compressed Biogas (CBG) plants across India, subject to regulatory approvals from NITI Aayog, DIPAM etc, the exchange filing said.

BPCL will have a 50 per cent shareholding in both joint ventures.

According to the exchange filing, BPCL aims to transition to energy and achieve its net zero targets through these joint ventures.

Also Read | Mozambique LNG project to resume this year: BPCL CMD

In the previous quarter, Q1FY25, BPCL reported a 73.3 per cent dip in its net profit. The public sector companys net profit was at 2,841.55 crore in the April-June quarter compared to a profit of 10,644.30 crore in the same quarter the previous year.

On August 21, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin laid the foundation for Sembcorps Green Ammonia plant in Tuticorin. According to reports, the plant costs around 36,000 crore.
Adjudication of offences related to the Companies Act and the Limited Liability Partnership Act will entirely be in virtual mode from 16 September, marking a big shift in the way officials of the ministry of corporate affairs enforce compliance.

Under the Companies (Adjudication of Penalties) Amendment Rules, 2024, all proceedings by registrars of companies (RoCs) and regional directors will now take place in electronic mode and only through the e-adjudication platform developed by the government.

This includes issuing of notices, filing of replies, documents and evidences, holding of hearings, attendance of witnesses, passing of orders, and payment of penalty.

The move, an effort to improve ease of doing business and efficiency in governance, eliminates the requirement of physical interface between officials and company representatives.

With about 180,000 new companies and about 70,000 limited liability partnerships getting added to the official registry every year, policy makers expect e-adjudication to make governance simpler given that virtual decision-making has become the norm in the post-pandemic world.

E-adjudication is being implemented through the revamped MCA-21 platform, built by LTIMindtree Ltd, a Larsen & Toubro group company.

At present, the authorities communicate with company officials through physical letters, although some officials also email scanned copies of letters for fast delivery.

Once the new system is rolled out, adjudication on violations are expected to get fast-tracked, enabling businesses to spend less time and resources on these matters, including on travelling for physical hearings and proceedings.

The system will take care of authentication of documents, recording of statements and other legal proceedings involved in adjudication.

Ease of doing business Introducing e-adjudication is a significant shift towards digitalisation in corporate compliance and governance processes and enables ease of doing business in India, said Sandeep Sehgal, partner-tax, at AKM Global, a tax and consulting firm.

Such e-adjudication will effectively result in faster dispute resolutions, reduced costs for corporations, and lesser administrative burden due to reduced paperwork for all the stakeholders involved, said Sehgal.

After two rounds of decriminalisation of the Companies Act in 2019 and 2020, more than four dozen procedural lapses and breaches were brought under the adjudication of RoCs, enabling inhouse processing of cases without having to go to over-burdened tribunals and courts.

The e-adjudication platform aims to simplify adjudication, improve stakeholder experience using technology and reduce the time taken by professionals for appearing before officials, explained Noorul, partner at law firm Lakshmikumaran and Sridharan.

It will promote transparency and accountability, allowing for effective tracking of the adjudication timeline. It will also contribute to a smoother and more accessible experience for companies and professionals, enhancing overall ease of doing business, said Noorul.

Companies can be encouraged to address issues of non-compliance remotely from their offices, benefiting their in-house legal teams to appear and complete the adjudication process. Overall, this initiative aligns with the governments goal to implement e-adjudication across various departments, said Noorul.
General Motors and Hyundai Motor are exploring a partnership that could mean savings on items like steel and electric-vehicle battery materials or even result in the joint development and production of vehicles, the companies said Thursday.

The American and Korean automakers are looking for additional scale as they navigate a costly transition from internal combustion engines to EVs.

The automakers have entered a nonbinding agreement to discuss ways to develop vehicles together, including gas-engine models, as well as electric and hydrogen-powered cars.

The two companies declined to elaborate on the potential partnership, which would be the first of its kind between GM and Hyundai, saying more details would be released if legal agreements are finalized.

GM and Hyundai have complementary strengths and talented teams," GM Chief Executive Mary Barra said in a news release. Our goal is to unlock the scale and creativity of both companies to deliver even more competitive vehicles to customers."

GM, which still relies on gas-powered trucks and sport-utility vehicles for the bulk of its profits, has delayed several EV projects and is now planning to add new hybrid models in North America after deciding to forgo this technology late last decade.

The automaker still believes in an all-electric future" and is rolling out several new battery-powered models this year, which the company hopes eventually will turn a profit.

In recent years, GM executives have emphasized the need to cut costs amid more stringent regulations on vehicle emissions and competitive pressures from China and elsewhere.

We look at the global threats that are out there. The way you can be competitive is (to) make great vehicles at an efficient price, and that means we need to continue to strive for efficiencies," GM Chief Financial Officer Paul Jacobson said at an investor event in June.

Hyundai and its partner carmaker, Kia, have become the second-largest seller of EVs in the U.S. behind Tesla. Together, they accounted for 10% of all EVs sold through July, according to research firm Motor Intelligence. Kia isnt currently part of the partnership discussions with GM, a Hyundai spokesperson said.

View Full Image A partnership with GM could help Hyundai expand its presence in the U.S. Photo: Bing Guan/Bloomberg News

In August, Hyundai said it was maintaining its target of selling two million EVs globally by 2030, in contrast with many car companies who have pulled back on their targets amid tepid consumer demand for battery-powered vehicles.

A partnership with GM could help Hyundai expand its presence in the U.S. Hyundai Chief Operating Officer Jose Munoz has said the company hasnt been able to produce enough EVs because of a lack of factory space. The Korean carmaker has also missed out on some tax credits for EV buyers because it doesnt produce them in the U.S.

Hyundai and Kia are building a new factory in Georgia that is due to open near the end of 2024, which will allow the sibling automakers to produce an additional 300,000 vehicles a year.

Partnerships between automakers arent unusual.

GM in 2020 announced an alliance with Japanese automakerHonda Motor that entailed wide-ranging cooperation, from engineering underlying vehicle components to purchasing parts. That partnership ended up with a more limited scope, however.

Honda earlier this year released a pair of electric SUVs, the Honda Prologue and Acura ZDX, that were developed on GMs Ultium EV platform and assembled by GM. The automakers scrapped plans to develop less-expensive EVs for later this decade.

Honda is now building its own EV plant in Ohio and hasnt announced additional models with GM. The two companies confirmed they still collaborate on hydrogen fuel-cell technology.

Write to Christopher Otts at christopher.otts@wsj.com and Sean McLain at sean.mclain@wsj.com
India's purchases of coking coal - essential for steel production - from Russia have surged in recent months, as the sanctions-hit country sells the ingredient at a significant discount to other large suppliers.

Imports of coking coal from Russia have grown 53% year-on-year between January and August this year, making the country the third-largest supplier of the fuel, behind Australia and the United States, data from BigMint, a market intelligence firm, showed.

Read this | India to import Russian coking coal via Iran's Chabahar port

A trade source said, requesting anonymity, that the largest buyers of Russian coking coal are JSW Steel and government-owned Steel Authority of India Ltd (Sail). JSW accounted for nearly half of the imports of Russian coal, while Sail accounted for 13% in the eight months through August.

On average, coking coal from Russia is available at a discount of 15-20% to other sources, according to BigMint. However, with a steep decline of coking coal prices across the markets, discounts may change, analysts at BigMint said in response to Mints queries.

The lower cost of Russian coal is the key reason for buying from Russia, said a senior industry executive on the condition of anonymity as trade with Russia is a geopolitically sensitive issue.

Mills are changing their charge mixture to blend in a higher blend of coal from Russia to reduce cost, this person said.

According to the BigMint data, India's imports of Russian coking coal stood rose to 5.2 million tonnes during January to August 2024, from 3.4 million tonnes in the corresponding period last year.

Despite the recent spike, a further surge in imports of the fuel could be capped as Russian coking coal is of a relatively poor quality compared to Australian supplies and companies like Tata Steel avoid trade with Russia following its war with Ukraine.

And this | Steelmakers to be given incentives to use domestic coking coal

Australia continues to be the largest supplier of coking coal to India, accounting for more than half of the total inbound shipments of the fuel. However, the country continues to cede market share to Russia  which now commands a 12.6% share. The US accounts for about 14% of coking coal supplies to India.

Price volatility of Australian coal, higher discounts offered by Russia and alternative options from the US have quickly led to changes in the market share of the countries.

India continues to be one of the top coking coal importers worldwide, with imports of 41.3 million tonnes during the first eight months of this calendar year, an increase of 12% from the year-ago period.

Major Indian steel makers such as JSW Steel, SAIL and JSPL sought to increase their stocks of Russian coking coal during this period. The trade source cited earlier said that during January-August 2024, JSW imported 2.45 million tonnes of Russian coking coal, a 65% y-o-y rise while imports by Sail rose to 0.66 million tonnes, a 30% increase.

Tata Steel, on the other hand, continues to rely on supplies of the fuel from Australia, the biggest source of coking coal for India over the years, and the US, increasing its imports from the two countries by 19.8% and 27.4%, respectively. On the other hand, JSW Steel has reduced its imports of the feedstock from Australia and the US by 25.2% and 10%, respectively.

State-run Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd has also reduced its dependence on Australian and American feedstock by 19.4% and 17.6%, respectively, even as Jindal Steel and Power Ltd seeks to substitute expensive coking coal with cheaper pulverized coal injection (PCI), a sort of high-quality thermal coal, from Russia in smaller quantities. Its imports from the country rose to 1.09 million tonnes. Imports from Australia for PCI coal for JSPL have reduced by 29.2% y-o-y to 0.09 million tonnes.

Six years ago, Australia accounted for 81% of the coal shipments to India, Russia had a 3% market share, and the US accounted for 8%, data from BigMint showed.

Also read | Centre to auction another 50 commercial coal blocks in FY25
New Delhi: Kaynes Technologys subsidiary, Kaynes Semicon, will focus on completing and scaling its chip assembly and test facility in Sanand, Gujarat, with no immediate plans to venture into semiconductor fabrication, according to chief executive Raghu Panicker.

Were right now focusing on completing our outsourced assembly and test (OSAT) facility that weve been approved for by the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM)," Panicker said in an interview with Mint.

The plant is costing us 4,000 crore ($475 million) to set up, and this itself will take 18 to 24 months to complete fully and make it operational. Right now, we dont have any plans to venture into a fab project, at least in the near term. Well start with chip manufacturing through OSATs, and then slowly see how we can scale up," he said on the inaugural day of Semicon India 2024.

On 2 September, the Centre formally approved Kaynes Semicons OSAT proposal. Once fully operational, the facility will produce 6 million chips per day in the next two years.

This was the fifth formal approval by the ISM under the Centres production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for domestic semiconductor manufacturing. So far, the largest project is a greenfield chip fab being set up by Tata Electronics in technology partnership with Taiwans Powerchip Semiconductor (PSMC), which is tipped to become operational in 2026.

Barring this, India has also approved US memory maker Microns assembly, testing, marking and packaging plant in Sanand, Gujarat in June last year. The other two projects include Tata Semiconductor Assembly and Test (TSAT) Private Limiteds OSAT facility in Assam, as well as a second OSAT plant in Gujarat by the homegrown CG Power and Japans Renesas.

Kaynes OSAT announcement has worked positively for the company. In 10 days since the announcement, the stock has risen 12% to 5,135 apiece.

Kaynes Technology went public in November last year, listing at a 32% premium at the time. Its share price has increased nearly 7x since listing, and 2.5x in the past one year, driven by its growing electronic manufacturing market share.

We have been expanding our electronics manufacturing services (EMS) play, and are a benefactor of the Centres new production-linked incentives (PLI) scheme for IT hardware. Were locally making PCs for one of India's top five PC brands right now," Panicker said.

Also read | India to roll out fresh chip incentives package, receives US partnership

Tapping local market

The top executive further said the company is working with a mix of brands. We currently have 30% domestic clients and 70% global firms. The local demand is expected to come from companies such as Ola and the likes. There is a good amount of business available to address within the local market from private companies, and thats what were looking to tap into," he added.

Panicker also said that the company may look to tap the Centres design-linked incentive (DLI) scheme for semiconductor design as well. We will apply for the DLI scheme if we get into semiconductor design at some point. But, for now, were sticking with scaling up the OSAT plant and our EMS vertical, through which were now benefactors of two central PLI schemes."

We currently have 30% domestic clients and 70% global firms. The local demand is expected to come from companies such as Ola and the likes.

Kaynes statement comes as India gears up to attract and approve more semiconductor projects. On Thursday, Mint reported that a new incentive scheme estimated to be $15 billion ( 1.25 trillion) has been pitched for Cabinet approval.

On Monday, Akash Tripathi, chief executive of ISM, said that approximately 20 fresh proposals are currently with the Centre for evaluation, and a number of these projects are expected to be approved in the near future.

If approved, they will compete with Kaynes, Tata SAT, and the CG Power-Renesas joint venture, all of which are seeking a slice of the country's chip testing and assembly market.

Also Read: Speedy execution holds the key to the success of Indias semiconductor thrust
Gooding & Co.



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Auction giant Christies just bought classic car auction specialist Gooding & Co. for an undisclosed sum. It must have been a heck of an undisclosed sum because Gooding really rakes in the money on its auctions.

The recent Pebble Beach auctions, for instance, brought in $109 million with an 82% sell-through rate, including $14 million for an Alfa 8C and $5 million for a Ferrari 333 SP Evoluzione. Gooding & Co. auctioned a 1962 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider at Amelia Island last year for $18,045,000.

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Christies hadnt had an automobile (you cant say car when talking about Christies) auction component since 2007 when it pulled out of that business segment after it was forced to halt the sale of a 1939 Auto Union Type D V12, which it believed won the 1939 French Grand Prix but then discovered it had, in fact, finished sixth. It was a bit of a scandal, but Christies addressed the situation properly.

Cars (automobiles) are all Gooding & Co. does, and its folks are experts at it. So the deal makes sense.



When we founded Gooding & Company 21 years ago, we built it on the pillars of integrity, quality, and passion within the collector car market, said David Gooding. I am proud of our tremendous growth within this industry, and I am confident that our acquisition by Christies is the next step in our continued development as a global market leader in this space. I look forward to working with Guillaume and the Christies team to achieve the next evolution of the Gooding & Company brand.



Guillaume would be Guillaume Cerutti, CEO of Christies, who was also happy with the deal.

John keeble - Getty Images

Christies has long admired Gooding & Company and their way of doing business, he said. The legacy that David Gooding and his team have built over the past two decades is well admired by collectors internationally and we could not be more honored to welcome them into the Christies family. We are confident that the combination of resources will provide many opportunities for significant global growth.

Story continues

Exactly what to expect next was not spelled out in the announcement, but its a fair assumption that there will be more than the current Gooding auctions at Amelia, Pebble, and London. (You might even assume theyll be hiring more personnel, so consider dusting off the resume.)

Christies was founded in 1766, and describes itself as a world-leading art and luxury business with a physical presence in 46 countries throughout the Americas, Europe, Middle East, and Asia Pacific, and flagship international sales hubs in New York, London, Hong Kong, Paris, and Geneva.

Gooding, meanwhile, is headquartered in Santa Monica, California. It was founded in 2003 by David Gooding and his wife Dawn Ahrens. David Gooding basically grew up in the fabulous Harrahs Collection in Reno, Nevada, where his father worked. That was before the sprawling 1000-plus collection was broken up.

From there he went to, ironically, Christies, where he worked for 11 years and oversaw the auction at Pebble Beach. Then he was president of RM auctions for three years before founding his own company 21 years ago. Gooding & Co. is generally considered one of the highest of the high-brow automotive auction houses.

Christies is pretty high-brow, too, in the world of art and real estate. Christies auctions span more than 80 art and luxury categories, at price points ranging from $500 to over $100 million, the company says.

So when it comes time to part with the Duesenberg, or the Bugatti, or both, you know whoexcuse mewhom to call.
Ola founder Bhavish Aggarwal has ambitious plans to position India as a leader in both AI and electric vehicles (EVs).

In an exclusive interview at the Business Today India@100 summit, he shared his roadmap for transforming India into a global hub for artificial intelligence through his new venture, Krutrim and expanding Ola Electric's Li-ion cell production to 100 GWh over the next decade.

Ola Electrics stock, which recently debuted on the Indian market, has already doubled in value, signalling strong investor confidence.

Also Read | Karnataka news: Ola Electric condemns arson attack in Kalaburagi store

'Tesla is for the West, Ola is for the rest Aggarwal envisions Ola Electric as a critical player in solving global challenges like climate change but with a focus on the developing world. He contrasts Olas mission with Tesla's, emphasising that while Tesla caters to a billion rich people, Ola targets the remaining seven billion.

Tesla is for the West, Ola is for the rest, he stated during the interview. According to Aggarwal, Ola is committed to creating products tailored for India, including two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and small cars, all powered by cutting-edge battery technology from their giga factorythe first of its kind in India, as per the report.

Krutrim and the AI Revolution Aggarwals ambitions extend beyond the EV sector. With Krutrim, he aims to build Indias AI tech stack, challenging the dominance of global tech giants. We have been using global technologies for too long without realising the implication, he told Business Today.

He pointed out that while India generates 20 percent of the worlds data, only 10 percent of it is stored in the country. Its colonialism all over again, Aggarwal said, stressing the importance of retaining data sovereignty and building Indias own AI infrastructure.

Aggarwal sees Krutrim as a significant opportunity to develop India's own AI technology infrastructure. He said that India relied on foreign technologies for far too long without fully understanding the consequences. Despite benefiting from the global IT services boom, which is part of a $30-trillion tech industry, Indias IT services market cap is only $300 billion, a mere 1 percent of the global tech landscape.
It might be getting easier for individual investors to tap in to the opaque world of private markets.

BlackRock plans to offer wealthy investors a way to access areas such as private equity and private credit in an attempt to build a new revenue stream. The asset manager is joining with private-equity firm Partners Group to create a so-called model portfolio that wealth advisers could use to help clients invest in a variety of private-market offerings in one fell swoop.

The move is the latest push by BlackRock, which made its name managing publicly traded stocks and bonds, into the more lucrative business of private investments. Private funds tend to charge investors higher fees and are harder to sell than publicly traded investments. But investors are increasingly looking for ways to access the growing sector.

BlackRock and Partners Group see an opportunity in bringing private markets to individuals in a simplified way.

Theres currently a zoo of documents for financial advisers, who know they should be doing more in private markets, but dont know enough and, frankly, are a little worried about using individual products," said Mark Wiedman, head of the global client business at BlackRock.

Institutional investors such as pension funds and sovereign-wealth funds have ramped up their exposure to private markets over the past several decades as a way to diversify and potentially collect higher returns. As growth in that market has slowed, private-equity firms such as Blackstone, Apollo Global Management and KKR have launched a slew of products targeting wealthy individuals, who tend to have little to no exposure to private markets.

Other traditional asset managers have also teamed up with private-markets specialists. State Street and Apollo on Tuesday announced a partnership to launch an exchange-traded fund and other products focused on private credit.

BlackRock remains a relatively small player in private markets, but it has spent billions this year on acquisitions to beef up its offerings. It agreed to buy private-market data-provider Preqin and Global Infrastructure Partners, which invests in assets such as gas pipelines and data centers.

The private-markets model portfolio from BlackRock and Partners will be available early next year to advisers and wealth-management clients who are qualified," meaning they have at least $2.2 million in net worth excluding their primary residence. An individual who wants a 10% allocation to private markets could do so through a single investment.

The firms didnt yet have details on the products fees.

Model portfolios, or preset investment templates for financial advisers, have soared in popularity in recent years, collecting trillions in assets. BlackRock alone manages $131 billion in such portfolios.

Partners was an early mover in private wealth, and launched the first U.S. private-equity fund aimed at individuals in 2009. Still, as a Swiss firm, it isnt as well known in the U.S. as its competitors. By joining forces with BlackRock, which has roughly 30,000 wealth advisers using its model portfolios, Partners hopes to extend its reach.

Wiedman and Partners CEO Dave Layton said they hatched the idea for the product when they ran into each other on a plane from Los Angeles to San Francisco earlier this year.

Layton, who had just attended the Milken Institute Global Conference, told Wiedman he was concerned about the amount of resources his competitors were rapidly plowing into private wealth.

We have seen a real, incredible push by many of our peers to pivot into a space where weve been for a long time," Layton said.

Write to Miriam Gottfried at Miriam.Gottfried@wsj.com and Jack Pitcher at jack.pitcher@wsj.com
US-based short seller Hindenburg Research alleged that Swiss authorities have frozen more than $310 million in funds across several Swiss Bank accounts linked to the money laundering and securities investigation of Adani Group, according to the firm's social media post on platform X, on September 12.

Swiss authorities have frozen more than $310 million in funds across multiple Swiss bank accounts as part of a money laundering and securities forgery investigation into Adani, dating back as early as 2021, said the US-based short seller in its post on platform X, on Thursday night.

Hindenburg, in its post, cited a Swiss media outlet, Gotham City, claiming that an order from the Federal Criminal Court (FCC) revealed that the Geneva Public Prosecutor's office was investigating the alleged wrongdoing of the Adani Group conglomerate well before activist investors from Hindenburg Research made its first accusations.

Also Read | Mauritius-based FPIs named in Hindenburg report challenge new SEBI norms

The report also alleged that more than $310 million belonging to a frontman working for billionaire Gautam Adani is sequestered (hidden) in six Swiss banks. The report also mentioned that the Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland (OAG) took over the investigation after the case was revealed in front of the press.

The short seller mentioned that the alleged frontman invested in opaque BVI/Mauritius & Bermuda funds, which nearly just own Adani group's stocks, citing the court records released by the Swiss criminal court, reported in the local Swiss media outlet.

Also Read | Hindenburg alleges Sebi chief owned stakes in offshore funds linked to Adanis

Prosecutors detailed how an Adani frontman invested in opaque BVI/Mauritius & Bermuda funds that almost exclusively owned Adani stocks, according to newly released Swiss criminal court records reported by Swiss media outlet, said Hindenburg Research in its post on platform X.

This comes as the latest development in the Adani-Hindenburg Saga, which originated from the original Hindenburg report on the Adani Group named as Adani Group: How The Worlds 3rd Richest Man Is Pulling The Largest Con In Corporate History. The short-seller released the report on January 24, 2023.
Indian conglomerate Vedanta announced plans to ramp up its nickel and nickel sulphate production to capitalize on the increasing demand for electric vehicle (EV) battery materials in Northeast Asia. The company disclosed this development on September 12 in a statement to Reuters.

"Vedanta Nico plans to expand its capacity for nickel and nickel sulphate production going forward," the company said, referring to its dedicated business unit for these materials, as quoted by Reuters.

Also Read | Vedanta to progress from asset manager to asset owners, says chairman Anil Agarw

However, the statement did not provide specific production or investment figures.

While Japan and South Korea have advanced EV markets, Indias remains in its early stages. Citing weaker domestic demand, Vedanta has urged the Indian government to negotiate changes to trade agreements with Japan and South Korea to eliminate their import duties on nickel sulphate, a key component in EV batteries.

Also Read | Govt set to clear 10,900 cr for rechristened electric vehicle subsidy scheme

Vedanta, part of London-based Vedanta Resources and led by billionaire Anil Agarwal, aims to leverage rising demand for nickel products in Northeast Asia. The company sees a strategic opportunity in exporting nickel sulphate to the region, as highlighted in its statement: We also see a great opportunity for nickel sulphate (a high value integral product used in battery production) in the North East Asian region, which can play an important role in driving the growth of India's exports.

Nickel's role in India's growth The move aligns with Indias broader ambition to increase its exports, with a goal of reaching $1 trillion by 2030, up from $437 billion in the 2023/24 fiscal year.

Nickel has been identified as a "critical" resource in India's push towards cleaner technologies, particularly in transportation, as the country aims to reduce its carbon emissions. Prime Minister Narendra Modis government has launched several initiatives, including a $1.3 billion program to promote EV sales and local production of EVs and batteries.

Despite these efforts, EVs accounted for just 7% of the 23.8 million vehicles sold in India last year.
Several partners who have left venture capital firms in the past year to start off on their own are finding it hard to raise capital as they struggle to convince investors who currently favour the public markets that fetch them higher returns.

LPs (limited partners) are very satisfied at this moment with the delivery of returns that are taking place in the public markets," said Sanjay Nayar, former CEO of KKR India, who retired to start his own early-stage fund, Sorin Investments, which closed its maiden fund in May. If the stock markets give 25% returns and private about 15%, they wouldn't see much scope here given that it's illiquid and highly risky. Therefore, they are also hedging and allocating to private markets, but at a slower pace."

Venture capital funds are managed by general partners or GPs, while limited partners or LPs invest in them.

However, Anup Jain, former managing partner of Orios Venture Partners, said a correction in the public markets is imminent. Jain, along with Rajiv Suri, quit Orios at the same time last year and is in the process of raising the first fund for their new VC firm.

I would expect a sell-off at some point of time based on the US election results," Jain said. While the pool of domestic retail money is definitely there, it is currently making the most of the stock market rally."

Funds such as Sorin have been able to raise capital in a quicker time frame as the bulk of the commitments came from domestic pools of capital including the Nayar and Banga family offices. Many have, however, struggled or are taking longer to close as they navigate the intensely competitive fundraising arena.

Apart from slower allocations to the private markets, many LPs have a policy of not backing first-time fund managers. Over the years, LPs have chosen to consolidate their funds and invest large sums in fewer managers.

Niche opportunities

Prominent members who have departed VC firms to launch their own funds include Nexus Sameer Brij Verma, Peak XVs Piyush Gupta, Lightspeeds Vaibhav Agrawal, and Premji Invest's Atul Gupta, according to recent media reports. These fund managers did not respond toMint's request for comments till press time.

According to experts, fund managers leave to take advantage of niche opportunities that emerge from the proliferation of startups. Other reasons include internal conflicts and fairness issues in their previous firms and corporate governance lapses in portfolio companies that could hurt their track record.

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This is not the first time that partners have left to branch out on their own. About two decades ago, cross-border funds such as Helion, Nexus, Accel, Sequoia India (now Peak XV Partners), Matrix Partners and Lightspeed came into existence when the countrys venture capital landscape was an unexplored frontier. This was also when domestic funds Kae Capital, Orios Ventures and Blume Ventures took shape.

Over the next decade, fund managers from Helion broke away to start on their own with Stellaris Ventures and Fireside Ventures. In the past two years, fund managers have left firms such as Nexus, Peak XV, Lightspeed, Matrix and Orios.

Such departures came largely as the number of startups looking for funding grew exponentially. As the market matured, many new general partners (GPs) created niche opportunities by devising sector- or stage-specific funds, Alok Goyal, founding partner of Stellaris Venture Partners explained.

Goyal was among the early investors to leave VC firm Helion and start Stellaris. He added that the deal pipeline of funds has almost tripled over a span of five years.

However, such opportunities are rarely the sole trigger for investors to leave the security of their established firms to chart out on their own. Often, exits have occurred due to internal conflicts.

In every VC firm, it's well known that there are usually one or two rainmakers. If a founding partner, who is the majority owner of both profit share and carry, isnt one of these key players it calls for a fairness-driven reset on the commercials between the partners going forward," Jain said.

Rainmakers are people who bring in clients, money, or prestige to a firm because of their contacts and associations. Typically, VC firms keep up to 20% of the profit from fund exits, while the remaining amount is returned to limited partners. Additionally, fund managers receive a 2% annual management fee from the committed fund corpus.

Detrimental effect

"On top of this, when there is an attempt to undermine even existing agreements and work on multiple other businesses alongside, it speaks to a mismatch on fundamental values," he said, adding that such behaviour is often the cause of exits or fallouts of rainmakers from "promoter-mindset" firms.

These challenges are aggravated when there are corporate governance lapses in portfolio companies that may have a detrimental effect on the track record of the investor and the firm. It also complicates the process of raising an additional round of funding.

In the past two years, there have been corporate governance issues with Indian startups such as Byjus, GoMechanic, Trell, BharatPe, Zilingo and Mojocare, leading to significant backlash for their investors.

The track record of a firm is a closely watched parameter and determines the tenacity and the decision-making abilities of an investor. It includes metrics such as the internal rate of return, distributions to paid-in capital (a measure of investment performance), multiple on invested capital (the value or performance of an investment relative to its initial cost), and the loss ratio, which reflects the number of companies funded by an investor that have shut down or failed to secure additional funding.

With track records carrying so much weight, investors tied to prominent VC firms or big-ticket deals are in the perfect position to strike out on their own, sparking a wave of others following suit. But this could be the point when the wheels often start to come off.

There have been instances when fund managers find themselves in a knot because their former employers prohibit them from using their past track record. In 2019, Everstone Capital took legal action against a former employee for attempting to leverage their track record even before launching their first fund.

Such metrics are keenly observed by LPs who have become picky in a market that is already small and dominated by a small pool of about 100 high net worth individuals or investors. This is based on the premise that fund managers have had abysmal exits with very little gains for LPs. To be sure, LPs favour experienced managers who have left prominent VC firms or dealt with high-profile deals.

Typically, LPs are also privy to the people in different funds who are performing exceptionally and are willing to back such managers," said Ankur Mittal, co-founder of Inflection Point Ventures.

Track record

However, the real troubles begin when fund managers must prove their track record all over again.

VC funds' (support) provide tremendous opportunities for senior management to identify, fund and continue to work with new startups and founders... However, fund management is a different beast. Amid fundraising, deal sourcing, investments, post-deal support, investor relations, and working on exit, the learning curve can be steep," Mittal said.

After raising the first round, proving ones track record in venture investing could include short-term metrics like the number of up rounds, investors said. Up rounds are levels of financing when a companys worth increases from its previous valuation.

The only real measure of success is cash in, cash out. Thats why we focus on metrics like DPI and TVPI (total value to paid-in capital). Until cash is fully delivered to LPs, nothing is proven," added Goyal. While successive fundraising rounds are a challenge, many firms ultimately falter because of internal conflicts among team members.

Teams do not separate just because of performance; it could just be that the team members have different visions for the fund. Like founders in a startup, GPs might decide to part ways to realise their vision and continue separately, and this cycle continues," Goyal said.
Influential Jeep and Ram dealers are pushing their parent company to take more-drastic action to reverse steep market-share losses, adding to pressure on management to reinvigorate sales in the U.S.

In a letter from a dealer advisory group sent to Stellantis Chief Executive Carlos Tavares on Wednesday, the retailers argued that the CEO caused a sharp sales pullback through disastrous choices." The letter was viewed by The Wall Street Journal.

The car retailers called on Tavares to spend more money on customer promotions to clear out bloated inventories.

Stellantis, the parent company of Jeep, Ram, Dodge and Chrysler, didnt immediately respond to a request for comment.

The letter was addressed to Tavares and signed by four Stellantis dealers who serve on an elected advisory committee. It also was sent to Stellantis Chair John Elkann on Wednesday, people familiar with the matter say. Elkann heads the holding company of Italys Agnelli family, which holds about a 15% stake in Stellantis, according to FactSet.

Dealers for months have complained to management behind closed doors about vehicles being priced too high, driving away price-conscious customers and leading to lackluster sales as rivals offer more discounts. Some Jeep and Ram retailers have said the companys strategy has left too many older models sitting on lots.

Stellantiss market share in the U.S. fell to 8.5% through the first half of the year, from 10.4% in the prior-year period, according to Cox Automotive. That is a significant loss in industry terms and was the most of any car manufacturer in the market over that period.

The company said when reporting first-half results in July that it would likely slash prices for its cars and cut production, as part of efforts to clear older models from dealer lots. Finance chief Natalie Knight told analysts that the company would be cutting output by 100,000 units as part of efforts to match demand and reduce inventory.

Stellantis has recently paused output of its most popular Jeep vehicles, the Wrangler and Grand Cherokee, The Wall Street Journal reported last week. Production has since resumed.

Stellantis and other automakers raised starting prices for cars and trucks and cut back on financing deals and rebates for customers in the past several years, after supply chain snags limited supply. That helped Stellantis post profit margins in 2023 that exceeded that of rivals and helped drive up its stock price.

Analysts say the company has lagged behind other carmakers in adjusting as vehicles became more available. The letter from dealers sent Wednesday said that reckless short-term decision-making to secure record profits" had triggered the market-share losses.

Your own distribution network, your dealer body, has been left in an anemic and diminished state," the dealers said in the letter.

Bloomberg earlier reported on the letter.

Car retailers have previously called upon Stellantis management to offer up more cash rebates and other incentives to consumers, which help sell cars but can dent the automakers profit.

The letter called for the company to get manufacturing plants back to full capacity after clearing out inventory, despite the high cost the company would incur.

The dealers also cited what they described as fallout from Tavaress decisions in the market, including a declining stock price, layoffs and executive departures. U.S.-traded shares of Stellantis are down about 35% this year.

Stellantis has trimmed its U.S. workforce several times this year, including up to 2,450 job cuts announced last month connected to ceased production of a Ram truck model.

Write to Ben Glickman at ben.glickman@wsj.com
Vedanta Aluminium plans to significantly boost the share of value-added aluminium products in its portfolio from 55% now to over 90%, as part of the mining companys broader push to tap into Indias fast-expanding construction and electric vehicle markets.

This shift will also help boost margins significantly, said John Slaven, chief executive of Vedanta Aluminium, in an interview with Mint.

We go from 55-60% of our mix as value-added products to 85...90...95%. That will enable us to go from $250 per tonne to $350 and higher as a net effective premium," Slaven said, as he prepared to launch two value-added aluminium products in the Delhi-National Capital Region on Wednesday.

Vedanta Aluminium, currently a subsidiary of the Anil Agarwal-led Vedanta Ltd, produced 2.37 million tonnes of raw metal in 2023-24, which was roughly more than half of Indias total production. Its value-added products include components used in construction or in the automotive sector such as ingots, slabs, or rods.

(Vedanta Aluminium will become an independent listed company following a six-way demerger of the main entity, which, according to Slaven, is expected shortly.)

With aluminium prices expected to rise due to the increasing cost of setting up capital-intensive smelters, businesses are likely to demand premiums, Slaven said.

My considered view is that prices will go up in the medium to long term," he said, adding that Vedanta Aluminium, which produces over half of Indias aluminium, was well-positioned to benefit from this trend through its focus on high-margin, value-added products.

The price of raw aluminium traded on the London Metal Exchange, a global benchmark for prices, has risen roughly 10% over the past year to about $2,350 per tonne. Since value-added aluminium products undergo additional processes, they have a higher price than raw aluminium.

EVs driving aluminium demand

India, the worlds third-largest aluminium market, consumes about 5 million tonnes of the metal annually, driven primarily by the construction sector. Demand from the electrical sector is also growing significantly, Slaven said, adding that this was proving to be a major driver of growth".

Slaven also highlighted the growing impact of electric vehicles, particularly four-wheelers, on the aluminium industry.

I think (electric) four-wheelers is where we expect to see the largest growth. Theres more (aluminium) content per vehicle than in a two-wheeler. And then also, as the four-wheelers become electrified, theres more aluminium per EV than there is per IC(internal combustion) engine," he explained.

Aluminium, a highly recyclable material, is a key component in manufacturing electric vehicles primarily because it is lighter than steel, which allows for higher efficiency and distance per charge.

Indias push to promote wider use of electric vehicles is expected to further boost demand for aluminium. On Wednesday, the government launched the PM E-Drive Scheme with a 10,900 crore outlay over two years to promote the manufacturing and adoption of electric vehicles, particularly e-buses, e-trucks, and hybrid ambulances.

A green wave

Slaven added that Vedanta Aluminium was focused on developing capacity to manufacture more aluminium products, including green aluminium, to meet growing demand from global and Indian construction and automotive sectors.

The automotive industry is very focused on green (aluminium), as is the packaging industry, consumer electronics, so anything where consumers are making choices about what is considered sustainable versus not," Slaven explained, highlighting the increasing demand for environmentally friendly aluminium.

To keep pace with this expected surge in demand, Vedanta Aluminium plans to expand its production capacity from 2.37 million tonnes to 3.1 million tonnes by ramping up operations at its Bharat Aluminium Co. (BALCO) facility.

The company is particularly focused on selling to the rapidly growing Indian market. Slaven expressed confidence that domestic consumption of aluminium will double in the coming years, and emphasized the financial benefits of prioritizing local sales over exports.

Our profitability of selling to the domestic market is much greater than the export market. We dont have to pay seaborne freight, we dont have to pay import tariffs, thats before CBAM, etc. So its much more profitable to sell domestic, and we want to be supporting the growth of the Indian market," Slaven said. We think its going to be a real boost to the overall top line as well, as we sell more domestically."

Both aluminium and steel will fall under the European Unions upcoming Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which is forcing Indian metals companies to secure renewable energy deals to reduce their net carbon emissions to avoid penalties.

Also read | EU's carbon border tax poses a big challenge for Indian businesses

Currently, green aluminium constitutes about 6% of Vedanta Aluminiums total production. Slaven said the company aims to increase this to 30% by 2030, powered by the 1.37 gigawatts of renewable energy it has already contracted.

Additionally, Vedanta Aluminium plans to raise its topline revenue by increasing aluminium production by 10% at its two mines in Chhattisgarh and Odisha, he said.

Vedanta demerger: the last major hurdle

Asked about the timeline for Vedantas demerger, Slaven said it is expected to be completed within a few months, pending approval of the companys application by the National Company Law Tribunal. Vedanta announced it plans to demerge into six independent companies in September last year.

Also read | Vedanta demerger: Key lenders signal green light after months of deliberation

NCLT process is underway. It will culminate in a meeting with the shareholders and also with the lenders to get the approvals of both of those stakeholder groups," Slaven said. That process typically takes four months or so. We filed probably about a month ago now, so that was the last sort of major hurdle."

On the demergers potential impact on Vedanta Aluminiums financials, the CEO said it would allow the company to take a more focused approach with an independent board, as well as help investors make more focused investments.

Because we are now a sector within the Vedanta portfolio, it enables us to really establish an independent identity, our own strategic direction determined by an independent board of directors, a dedicated management team," he said. That also enables investors to determine whether they want to invest in aluminium, oil and gas, power, base metals. They may have different perspectives on those commodities at different points in time."
JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America plan to limit and more closely track young bankers hours following a Wall Street Journal investigation that detailed a dangerous culture of overwork on Wall Street.

JPMorgan will now cap junior investment bankers hours at 80 a week in most cases, people familiar with the matter said. Meanwhile, Bank of America is implementing a new timekeeping tool that requires junior bankers to go into more detail about how their time is spent, other people familiar with the matter said.

The changes come after the Journal investigation, based on conversations with more than three dozen current and former bankers, revealed that junior bankers at Bank of America were routinely instructed to lie about their hours to avoid exceeding hourly limits.

The question of how much to work junior employees has divided Wall Street for decades. Each year, thousands of young people start entry-level jobs in investment banking, attracted by the industrys reputation for turning hard workers into millionaires. But many of them said consistent bouts of working long hours are not only mentally grueling but also hazardous to their health.

The death of a 35-year-old Bank of America associate who had been working multiple 100-hour weeks prompted an outcry in the banking industry about employee protections being ignored. Leo Lukenas III had been working on a team completing a $2 billion deal. An autopsy found he died of a blood clot that formed in a coronary artery.

The weekly cap on hours at JPMorgan, a first for the bank, is the same as the New York state limit for hours of medical residents. The bank plans to make exceptions in certain cases, such as a live deal.

Young bankers at JPMorgan already have a protected window from 6 p.m. Friday to noon Saturday and a guarantee of one full weekend off every three months. The bank, like most of its peers, has long monitored bankers hours through self-reported time sheets.

A sample 80-hour workweek could entail six days working from roughly 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., with short breaks for meals, bankers say, or 11 hours a day for seven straight days. Young bankers have been known to put in 120 hours a week or more in the thick of a time-sensitive project.

JPMorgan Chief Executive Jamie Dimon said in May the bank was asking what can we learn from" Lukenass death. Senior bankers have been communicating the new guideline to staff in recent weeks, some of the people familiar with the matter said.

Bank of America had already capped young bankers hours, but the Journal found that the guidelines were routinely violated and in some cases bosses told direct reports to lie about how much they were working. Shortly after the Journals investigation was published, the bank told employees to alert superiors or the human-resources department if they were being pressured to lie about their hours, the Journal reported at the time.

In recent days, Bank of America unveiled a new tool in the companys timekeeping software that requires U.S.-based junior investment bankers to log their hours daily rather than weekly, people familiar with the matter said. They will also be required to detail which deals they are working on when, and which senior bankers are overseeing the assignments, the people said. Junior staff can also gauge how much capacity they have for more work on a scale from 1 to 4.

The new reporting tool will go live next week, the people said. It was being developed before Lukenass death.

We successfully piloted this improved technology platform earlier this year to help our team more efficiently serve our investment banking clients," a spokesman for the bank said.

The death over a decade ago of a Bank of America intern in London who had logged long hours at the office prompted some soul-searching in the industry. But enforcement of protective guidelines put in place by many banks has been inconsistent over the years.

At Goldman Sachs, junior bankers famously protested their working conditions in 2021 when the banks deal business was booming. A person close to the bank said Goldman doesnt plan to change its policies in the near-term but will continue to keep an eye on juniors hours.

Here are the protections in place for most analysts and associates, the two main levels of junior bankers, at some of the big investment banks:

Bank of America

Human resources is flagged when hours worked exceed 80 a week, and intervenes after prolonged periods above that limit to mandate time off.Protected weekend day of no work, with no specific time frame.

JPMorgan Chase

80-hour weekly cap on hours with exceptions for certain circumstances, such as a live deal.Pencils down" period between 6 p.m. Friday and noon Saturday, with exceptions.In the U.S., one protected full weekend off every three months, plus protected holidays with guaranteed time off.

Goldman Sachs

No formal cap on hours worked.Protected Saturday" of no work between 9 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. Sunday, with certain exceptions.

Morgan Stanley

No formal cap on hours worked. No protected weekend time off.

Write to Alexander Saeedy at alexander.saeedy@wsj.com
New Delhi: India is the place to invest for those looking to diversify or get out of countries that dont share the values of the United States, Eric Garcetti, the US Ambassador to India, said, as he hailed the south Asian nation's democracy and its rapidly growing economy.

He was replying to a question on whether US-based businesses were looking at pulling out of China, and diverting investments to India.

Speaking on the sidelines of an event hosted by the Milken Institute in collaboration with the United States Mission in India on Wednesday, Garcetti pointed out why long-term investors in the US are seeking investment opportunities in India.

It is a democracy with the fastest-growing economy, brilliant human capital and a great relationship with the United States: If I was an investor, that makes a very clear case, he added.

During 2018-2022, US-based public pension funds and university endowments had invested nearly $146 billion in Chinese entities, according to a January 2024 report by Future Union, a non-profit group led by venture capitalist Andrew King.

At the same time, at least 14 pension funds with investments in Chinese stocks have been reducing their stakes since 2020, according to Bloomberg reports. The California Public Employees Retirement System and New York State Common Retirement Fund are among the biggest pension investors that cut their exposure to China for a third straight year.

Pension funds in the US have been paring exposure to China as US president Joe Biden's administration continues to restrict investment in Chinese entities. The White House issued an executive order on 9 August 2023, creating an Outbound Investment Program, to reduce the US funding to critical emerging technologies in China.

In 2023, about 40% of the biggest global funds selected India as the most attractive market. India beat all emerging market countries with its National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) and Gati Shakti Initiative, according to the Official Monetary and Financial Institutions Forum (OMFIF), a London-based think-tank that surveyed the 50 largest public pension funds and 50 biggest sovereign funds in the world.

On the contrary, less than a quarter chose China (23%), Brazil (23%) or Mexico (15%), while none selected Indonesia, South Africa or other emerging markets.

Indias improved governance and information sharing appealed to global investors, said the OMFIF report. No surveyed fund, however, had a positive outlook on China or expected relatively higher returns from the market, with 73% citing regulation and geopolitics as the main deterrents. India became the top choice among all emerging countries.

Garcettis comments came a week after the US Consulate General Mike Hankey announced that the US Mission to India is working with the Indian government and NIIF to bring a delegation of top five public pension funds and non-profit groups representing all 50 states of the US to scour the investment space in India.

The US embassy, all the consulates and the US department of treasury, are jointly working on this mission to meet Indian political leaders and businesses.

India's current account deficit has altered for the better over the last 10 years, said Sanjiv Aggarwal, the chief executive and managing director of NIIF. The major risk that international investors used to see, which is that of currency depreciation, is not significant anymore.

Analysts feel India offers an array of opportunities for such funds looking for stable returns.

As pension funds seek to secure long-term, stable returns for retirees, India offers an exciting array of opportunities, said Amit Kumar Singh, professor, department of commerce and business, Delhi School of Economics. The Indian government's policies around the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme, especially focused around electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy, are a major investment prospect.

The pension funds are likely to face many challenges in the Indian market such currency fluctuation risks, bureaucratic delays and land acquisition delays, etc, which may be a hurdle to investments, Singh said. Additionally, cultural and operational differences with local firms can also complicate and increase competition for high-quality investment opportunities.

To successfully capitalize on India's growth potential, US pension funds must thoroughly understand and strategically manage the challenges, he said.

Also read | Washington ready to discuss preferential trade deal with India: US Ambassador

At the event, Garcetti also spoke about avenues for US-India partnership. The ambassador encouraged Milken Institute, the Los Angeles-based think-tank, to set up an office in India and establish a more permanent presence.

The invite-only event was attended by executives from several global investment firms and associations including Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America (TIAA), Cambridge Associates and the Temasek group.

The Milken event was held amid the US pension roadshow, Building Financial Futures, an effort by the US Mission in India to promote long-term US institutional investment into India.

A US delegation consisting of the top five American pension funds are visiting New Delhi, Benguluru and Mumbai to explore investment opportunities in the country. The representatives will meet experts from various sectors, including technology, banking and financial sector, government officials and private equity. The delegation together manages assets of over $1.8 trillion.

Through the roadshow, the US-based investors are looking for opportunities to diversify their supply chains, Garcetti said.

The funds are looking to invest in infrastructure, renewable energy and decarbonisation, manufacturing, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, ports and aviation, among others.
BEIJINGThe U.S. and Chinese militaries are taking tentative steps to re-engage diplomatically after a two-year freeze in relations, seeking to dial back the risk of confrontation while tensions simmer over Beijings activities in the South China Sea and its support of Russia.

Jump-starting talks between military leaders has been a priority of the Biden administration, but one that has previously faced stiff resistance in Beijing.

In the past few weeks, U.S. officials have netted long-sought meetings with senior Chinese military officials including Gen. Wu Yanan, whose command includes operations in the South China Sea. Wu is also expected to participate in a military conference in Hawaii this month, a senior U.S. defense official said Thursday.

The Pentagon, meanwhile, has dispatched Michael Chase, deputy assistant secretary of defense for China, Taiwan and Mongolia, to attend the Xiangshan Forum, an international security conference in Beijing that began Thursday. The conference offers a rare venue in which senior defense officials from China, the U.S., Russia and other powers convene as they push competing visions of global security.

The bottom line is that were going to keep open lines of communication because thats important for preventing competition from veering into conflict," the U.S. defense official said.Chinas Defense Ministry didnt respond to a request for comment.

Military ties between the U.S. and China froze after a visit to Taiwan by then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D., Calif.) in August 2022 led Beijing to cut off several communication channels with the U.S. A summit between President Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in California in November opened the door for the revival of working-level ties.

While the White House has presented recent meetings themselves as progress in stabilizing ties, inside the talks officials have dug in their heels and publicly shown no signs of backing down on issues each view as core security concerns, according to official readouts.

When Gen. Zhang Youxia, a vice chairman of the Communist Partys Central Military Commission, which commands the Chinese armed forces, met with U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan last month, he accused the U.S. of military collusion" with Taiwan and demanded that the U.S. stop selling weapons to the island.

Sullivan, meanwhile, told Zhang that the U.S. would persist with American military operations in the South China Sea despite Chinas objections. The U.S. has also sought to reinforce security ties with allies, including a move announced in July, to set up a new military command in Japan to better coordinate operations.

View Full Image Gen. Zhang Youxia, a vice chairman of the Communist Partys Central Military Commission, meets with White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan, in Beijing. Photo: Ng Han Guan/Reuters

Before the Biden-Xi summit last year, Beijing had rebuffed American efforts at engagement by taking the stance that it didnt believe in communications between the countries militaries just for the sake of it.

China has tended to postpone or cancel exchanges as a diplomatic signaling mechanism, the U.S. defense official said. Theyre not doing that right now, but its certainly always possible that they would do that again in the future," the official said.

Chinese officials have described Taiwan as the most sensitive issue in U.S.-China relations. Beijing views the island democracy as part of its territory and hasnt ruled out using its military to take control of it.

Washington is obligated under U.S. law to provide Taiwan the means to defend itself, though the U.S. has traditionally maintained what officials describe as strategic ambiguity" on whether it would intervene if Beijing attacks the island.

In the South China Sea, the face-off between China and U.S. ally the Philippines has emerged as the most immediate flashpoint. The U.S. has pledged to defend its ally if the territorial disputes ever escalate into armed confrontation. The risk of conflict has been growing in recent months as Chinese and Philippine vessels faced off in the vicinity of two disputed shoals, including clashes that erupted as Beijing tried to stop Manila from resupplying a remote outpost that hosts a small detachment of marines.

Given what Washington views as growing assertiveness by Beijing, the head of the U.S. militarys Indo-Pacific Command said last month that the U.S. would be open to considering escorting Philippine vessels in the South China Sea.

For Beijing, improving communication with the Pentagon means one less thing to worry about when faced with challenges such as tepid economic growth at home and mounting trade pressures from abroad, said Dylan Loh, an assistant professor at Singapores Nanyang Technological University who studies Chinas foreign policy.

Resuming military-to-military ties is a low-hanging fruit that does not cost China much, bearing in mind that the absence of such dialogue was actually an aberration not the norm," Loh said.

View Full Image A sailor on board a Philippine navy ship. A standoff between the U.S. ally and China has emerged as a possible flashpoint. Photo: Ezra Acayan/Agence France-Presse/Getty Images

View Full Image Chinese coast guard ships seen from a Philippine coast guard vessel in disputed waters in the South China Sea. Photo: Jam Sta Rosajam Sta Rosa/Agence France-Presse/Getty Images

At the same time, Beijing sees the risks in not having channels of communication at the military-to-military level," such as misunderstandings over each others intentions in moments of confrontation or crisis, he said.

Chase is the most senior U.S. official since 2019 to attend the Xiangshan Forum after it was suspended for several years during the Covid-19 pandemic. A lower-level U.S. delegation participated last year, when Beijing restarted the event.

Countries with friendlier ties to China typically send higher-ranking officials to the forum, such as their defense ministers. A Russian deputy defense minister is leading Moscows delegation, according to a list of attendees reviewed by The Wall Street Journal. Ukraine is represented by its defense attache in Beijing.

Western defense chiefs have preferred to attend another security conference, in Singapore, the Shangri-La Dialogue. At this years event, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austinmet with Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun and reaffirmed plans to reopen direct lines of communication between their militaries.

As Russias war in Ukraine grinds on, U.S. officials object to Chinas support for Moscows military industry. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell said this week that China is providing components to help build Russian weapons in exchange for submarine technology.

Shortly before Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Moscow and Beijing declared a no limits" partnership in a pact aimed at the U.S.

The U.S. defense official on Thursday described the partnership as a major challenge, but said Washington had also observed growing signs of competition between the countries, for example as they jockey for influence over North Korea.

There do also seem to be some limits to that partnership," the official said.

Write to Brian Spegele at Brian.Spegele@wsj.com and Chun Han Wong at chunhan.wong@wsj.com
Brian Foreman's all-electric Ford 150 Lightning is powering his home for four hours each night to ease stress on the power grid. Brian Foreman

Virtual power plants aggregate homeowners' rooftop solar, battery storage, and electric vehicles.

State energy agencies and utilities tap the energy to prevent power outages during extreme weather.

Homeowners can get paid between several hundred dollars to $10,500 in one year to enroll in VPPs.

A growing number of homeowners are getting paid to leverage their rooftop solar, battery storage, and electric vehicles to help prevent power outages and clean up the grid.

Their at-home renewable energy is being networked together to form "virtual power plants" in states like California, Vermont, Texas, and Utah, where energy agencies and utilities are tapping these resources to meet peak electricity demand during extreme weather. These VPPs are lowering costs and keeping dirtier "peaker" gas plants, which are typically used during emergencies, offline. In exchange, homeowners are paid anywhere from a few hundred dollars to up to $10,500 in one year, depending on the program.

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GoodLeap, which finances and develops software for sustainable home energy systems, launched its own VPP program this summer in California by aggregating 200 of its customers' batteries. The storage capacity is made available to a state-wide grid support program run by the California Energy Commission. So far, the batteries have helped alleviate six "stress" events since July, including during heat waves, GoodLeap said. The company offered customers up to $350 this year for participating, and GoodLeap gets paid by the state program at varied monthly rates.

While versions of VPPs have existed for years  including utilities adjusting thermostats and water heaters to conserve energy  what's new is the rising adoption of home solar panels, battery storage, and EV chargers that can send power back to the grid. The extra capacity is critical at a time when extreme heat and storms are causing more power outages and electricity demand is surging from data centers and a US manufacturing boom.

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The Energy Department estimated that between 2023 and 2030, the US will have to add enough power capacity to meet more than 200 gigawatts of peak demand, which is comparable to about 200 nuclear power plants. At least 10% to 20% of that demand could be met by VPPs, which have a lot of untapped potential across the US, all while saving some $10 billion in annual grid costs.

"We're still in the single-digits, in terms of the percentage of homeowners that have solar and battery storage in the US," Dan Lotano, GoodLeap chief strategy officer, told Business Insider. "So as utility rates continue to rise and technology costs are driven down, I'm bullish about where this market can go. And now we've added another value bucket to homeowners that they couldn't access beforehand."

GoodLeap's entry into VPPs trails behind its competitor in the home energy market, Sunrun. The company already has 16,200 customers enrolled in the California Energy Commission's program, which launched in 2022. Sunrun has aggregated enough battery capacity to match a natural gas "peaker" plant or take the entire city of Santa Monica off the grid, according to Chris Rauscher, Sunrun's head of grid services and VPPs. Sunrun in California auto-enrolls customers who are paid $100 a year, while ensuring that batteries maintain at least 20% charge in case people need backup power.

"We have been called on all summer long," Rauscher said.

Sunrun is also working with three owners of the all-electric Ford F-150 Lightning in Maryland to test its ability to power homes during peak summer demand to ease pressure on the grid. The truck owners are customers of Baltimore Gas and Electric Company.

Brian Foreman is one of the early adopters. In late June, after several months of Ford and Sunrun troubleshooting software, the battery in Foreman's Ford-150 started powering his home from the peak hours of 5pm to 9pm each night. Foreman said he paid $9,200 for the installation of a bidirectional power system, and now earns $500 a month for participating in the pilot this summer through September.

"I feel like I'm playing a part in making the grid more resilient," Foreman told BI.

Some utilities are warming up to leveraging VPPs for several reasons. In 2020, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which oversees interstate electricity markets, required power grid operators to develop plans for integrating homeowners' rooftop solar, batteries, EVs, and energy-smart devices into the market. Many utilities are also struggling to meet renewable energy targets, in part because it takes a long time to build big infrastructure projects in the US and hook them up to the power grid.

"It's really hard to build utility-scale solutions," Sunrun CEO Mary Powell told BI last month. "I long ago said we went from NIMBY to BANANA, which is 'build absolutely nothing anywhere near anyone.'"

"I think all arrows point to innovation," Powell added. "Let's leverage technologies that are more cost-effective because they're paid for by the customers that are installing them."

Before leading Sunrun, Powell was president and CEO of Green Mountain Power, Vermont's largest utility. The utility's energy supply is already 100% carbon-free, including renewable and nuclear power, and it's been a trailblazer in VPPs since 2015. That year, Green Mountain Power started subsidizing some customers who installed backup battery power as long as they shared it during peak demand.

The program has grown to more than 4,000 batteries with a capacity of nearly 70 megawatts  or similar to a larger gas power plant in the state, according to Kristin Carlson, vice president of strategy and external relations at Green Mountain Power. The utility has saved about $3 million annually in recent years, which is passed onto all customers. Homeowners can get up to $10,500 upfront to buy and install their own batteries, or $5,500 for two Tesla Powerwalls, as long as they participate in the VPP for 10 years.

"Because we are able to use our virtual power plant, we're not having to purchase expensive and often dirty power from the regional grid," Carlson said. "We've been able to retire two fossil-fuel-powered peaker plants. That's cut carbon emissions."

Read the original article on Business Insider
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed a 1-crore penalty on HDFC Bank for violating guidelines related to the conduct of recovery agents. This penalty has drawn attention to the often aggressive tactics used by recovery agents and reminded lenders of their obligations to follow the RBIs code of conduct, Moneycontrol reported.

Violation of RBI timings guidelines The RBI found that HDFC Bank's recovery agents had contacted borrowers outside the permissible hours, between 7 am and 7 pm. Contacting borrowers beyond these hours, particularly after 7 pm and before 7 am, is against the regulations. The penalty underscores the importance of respecting customer privacy and adhering to the rules, even if the borrower is struggling with loan payments, the report said.

Key rights for borrowers against recovery agents Right to Verify Agent Identity With rising fraud cases, borrowers should protect themselves by verifying the identity of recovery agents. Before engaging with a recovery agent, always check their ID card to confirm the bank or financial institution authorizes them. Ensure that their details match and are officially recognized to collect outstanding dues.

Right to Privacy Recovery agents are required to maintain confidentiality regarding your debt. They cannot disclose your debt details to third parties or discuss it publicly. If an agent breaches this privacy, borrowers can file a complaint with the bank or take legal action.

Right to Humane Treatment Recovery agents must treat borrowers with dignity, respect personal space, and avoid harassment. They are only allowed to contact borrowers between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. If these guidelines are violated, borrowers can take legal action, supported by records of harassment or inappropriate behaviour.

Steps to Manage Loan Defaults If you have defaulted on a loan, there are steps you can take to manage the situation and avoid aggressive recovery methods.

Communicate with Your Bank Inform your bank about your financial difficulties as soon as possible. This transparency can help recovery agents understand your circumstances and prevent miscommunication. Proactively working with the bank can also demonstrate your intent to resolve the issue.

Consider Loan Restructuring Borrowers have the option to restructure their loans, which can provide a more manageable repayment schedule. Before agreeing to restructure, carefully review the terms to ensure they meet your financial situation.
For influencers banking on a barrage of partnerships to enhance income during the festival period, there is a sobering reality. Companies are increasingly demanding exclusivity and avoiding creators who promote multiple brands.

Classic Legends, the maker of Jawa motorcycles, is seeking long-term contracts with creators like Harish Solanki, who has 233,000 followers on his Instagram handle @kalakaar_moto_trails. Although he hasnt signed a contract yet, Solanki told Mint he is considering the option as he himself rides a Jawa.

Also read | Influencers ready for a festive haul of brand tie-ups

Short-term contracts are better for creating hype around new launches or promotional offers but long-term partnerships with influencers build more consumer trust, said Shardul Verma, the marketing lead at Jawa.

The selective approach of brands narrows options for influencers during the festival season, a period they rely on to boost earnings. Companies, too, set aside higher budgets for digital marketing to benefit from creators appeal. The approach will have a lasting impact on India's influencer marketing that, according to Ficci-EY estimate, is expected to swell to 34 billion by 2026 from 19 billion in 2023.

Traditional ad mentality

"Brands have transitioned to influencer marketing but haven't switched from the traditional ad mentality of having filmstars and other celebrities signed for ads on long-term contract basis, for which they would get royalties for that duration, so it would make sense to them," said Raghav Sharma, who has a combined YouTube and Instagram following of 282,800 on his handle @raghav_sharmaaaaa.

As influencers, they don't give us any royalty, they pay us for one video and may expect us to keep four grids free of any promotional content, which essentially means no other brand deal in about a month," he said. Sharma, who earns 80% from brand endorsements, is not comfortable with just collaborating with one brand and reducing his avenues of income.

Companies feel they need a more rigorous approach to brand partnerships in a cluttered online landscape. They meticulously examine a creator's past collaborations and want them to promote their products to stand out.

"Forging exclusive relationships with relevant influencers is essential for brands to stand out in todays competitive landscape," said Piyush Jalan, co-founder of the audio electronic brand G0VO. "We have seen these collaborations resonate with our audience and helped us strengthen our presence and engagement online."

Gains of consistent promotion

And the shift towards exclusivity goes beyond just avoiding competitor promotion, according to Avi Kumar, chief marketing officer of gifting company Ferns N Petals (FNP). If an influencer consistently promotes the same product, consumers believe it is part of the creators lifestyle and are more likely to buy.

"It's about fostering deeper, more authentic relationships. When influencers work exclusively with a brand, their endorsements feel genuine, which builds trust with their audience," Kumar said. We prioritize long-term partnerships that allow influencers to immerse themselves in our brand, creating more thoughtful, cohesive content."

Also read | Zerodhas referral stoppage exposes the dark side of influencer marketing

Yet, long-term contracts do not hurt all influencers alike.

"We have seen long-term contracts with smaller influencers are more one-sided and in favour of a brand. The brand enjoys greater power in such contracts and is able to impose greater demands on the influencers," said Vinay Joy, partner at law firm Khaitan & Co. In contrast, established or well-known influencers have more bargaining power, so their contracts are heavily negotiated and on a more even basis."

Joy, who negotiates one long-term contract between a brand and an influencer every two months, says the duration can go from three months to three years, but generally ranges from 6 months to a year for most of his clients.

Influencers budgeted

He said companies will be selective as marketing budgets are increasingly being dedicated to influencers, rising to be on a par with celebrity endorsements, he said. "For this festive season, any influencers who pick up a brand are likely to be restricted from working with a competing brand in the same category."

Some influencers argue more brand collaborations should be a positive sign for companies.

"Working with more brands should be a green light for them that other brands are putting their faith in a creator," says Naman Kapoor, who posts comedy content on his Instagram channel, having 125,000 followers. For him, 95% of average monthly income, ranging 1-2 lakh, comes from brand collaborations. But he also advised creators "shouldn't be too spammy" and take a prudent call on how often they want to integrate brands with their content.

Also read | Why people buy stories financial influencers peddle

Making that distinction may appear obvious but is not an easy choice for every creator.

"A barrage of deal display in a short duration of time takes away the novelty of association. And not doing enough in your 'prime' is not a prudent call," said Harikrishnan Pillai, CEO and Co-Founder of digital marketing agency TheSmallBigIdea. A creator should choose brands and frequency smartly to maximize output and maintain longevity. However, it's easier said than done."
Secretary at the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Pankaj Jain, said on Thursday that oil companies will consider cutting fuel prices if crude oil remains low for an extended period.

With the rise in fuel demand, India wants increased output from the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), its allies, and Russia, the Oil Secretary added. India imports most of its oil from Russia, followed by Iraq and Saudi Arabia. According to a report by Reuters, India is the world's third-largest oil importer and imports over 80% of its oil from abroad.

Global crude oil prices International crude oil prices hit a 33-month low on Tuesday, September 10. The benchmark crude futures sank below $70 a barrel for the first time since December 2021. This came after the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies (OPEC+) cut the global oil demand forecast for 2024 and 2025.

Also Read | Drop in oil price may act as a tailwind for IndiGo

OPEC in its monthly report on Tuesday stated that the oil demand in the world will rise by 2.03 million barrels per day (bpd) in 2024, slightly lower from last month's forecast for growth of 2.11 million bpd. Oil prices declined due to low global demand and expectations of oil oversupply with the Libya deal and group output. The report also said that the output fell in August due to unrest in Libya.

Also Read | Govt slashes windfall tax on petroleum crude to 1,850/tonne

In the case of India, the state-run oil companies had previously cut oil prices by 2 per litre in March ahead of the announcement of the Lok Sabha elections date.
Mumbai: Real estate and construction firms are giving out incentives to blue-collared workers to retain them on site this festive season. This is happening on the back of a severe manpower crunch in these industries, as a host of factors weans the workers away to other sectors.

This year onwards, we are coming up with an incentive programme in which the worker or a team will get compensated if they complete their task before time and stay back at the project sites during festive season," said Megha Goel, chief human resources officer of Godrej Properties Ltd, adding that the industry is facing a manpower crunch for construction workers, architects, and sales executives who can work on affordable to luxury projects".

Manoj Gaur, chairman of Credai (Confederation of Real Estate Developers Associations of India) estimated that there is at least a 25% shortage of manpower in the sector at this time. Companies are offering incentives for additional shifts, target-based incentives, and contractors are paid more if they manage to finish work in fewer days," Gaur said.

Hiranandani Group's managing director Niranjan Hiranandani said there is a shortage of at least 1,000 workers in his projects, including carpenters, bar benders, and plumbers. Fifteen years ago, if I needed 100 skilled workers, I got 500, and now if I need 100, there are barely 20 skilled who meet the criteria," he said.

In July, infrastructure and construction firm Larsen & Toubro (L&T) had highlighted the manpower shortage when it said that it needs about 45,000 engineers and labourers. We would at the moment, including attrition, need 20,000 engineers on the IT and IT-enabled services (ITes) business, and another 25,000-30,000 labourers for L&T group," S.N. Subrahmanyan, chairman and managing director of L&T had said in a press meet.

Whats sending workers away

Weather and safety concerns, poor living conditions and better compensation from sectors like quick commerce and logistics are deterrents to join the realty sector.

The major chunk of workforce in the blue-collared profiles come from Odisha, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, and Rajasthan. They get paid 13,000-18,000 a month, but would prefer a quick commerce, delivery, logistics job over construction work," said Aditya Narayan Mishra, CEO of CIEL HR Services, a recruitment firm.

Also read | Workforce crisis hits construction & infra firms like L&T, KEC, HCC

Another factor at play is that workers do not have the skill sets that new projects demand, making them look at Israel and the Middle East for jobs. The new projects need work done on aluminium and steel, and we lack that. Besides summers, the winter months become difficult for work because of the pollution and labour movement gets restricted," said Gaur.

The boom that is looking for workers

The real estate market has seen a sharp turnaround since the pandemic on the back of rising sales and property prices, lower unsold stock, aggressive land-buying and project launches.

The boom is not limited to metro cities but has galloped into tier-II and tier-III towns as well. Mint wrote in July that residential property sales in tier-II cities saw higher growth in FY24, led by higher demand for better quality homes. About 52 small cities grew 26% in sales last fiscal year compared to a 21% rise in the top eight metros, according to Liases Foras, a consultancy firm.

Also read | How to obtain a Dubai Golden Visa through real estate investment

Meanwhile, recruiters who work with the real estate and construction firms as vendors are hosting job fairs in villages to get the workforce. We look for diploma holders, graduates from industrial training institutes (ITIs), and search through job sites that have a larger reach for white collared jobs in the sector," said Mishra of CIEL HR Services.
Bengaluru-based electronics manufacturing startup Zetwerk aims to start making servers locally next financial year and is expanding its laptop production capacity in the country to contract-manufacture the devices for global brands, co-founder Rahul Sharma said.

The company, set up in 2018 and which counts IndiGo co-founder Rakesh Gangwal among its investors, is nearing partnerships with entities from Taiwan, Japan and South Korea for venturing into making automotive electronic parts and charging infrastructure for electric vehicles (EVs) and electronics used in defence equipment. It will begin with providing the new facilities in India soon as it aims to create the partnerships within the next six months.

Our mission is to be in the major segments across the industry and use the Make in India opportunity in the electronics space which we feel is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Supply chains move every few decades, this time theyre moving to India, and we want to leverage this with the help of government policies to become one of the companies that is able to create a name for itself in the space," Sharma told Mint in an interview.

Also read | Zetwerk charts 1,000 crore game plan for electronics manufacturing

In the next two quarters, MoUs (memorandums of understanding) with global firms from Korea, Japan and Taiwan will be signed, through which we will get into new sectors of automotive and defence electronics. In the next financial year, were looking at making servers locally and we will also expand our laptop manufacturing capacities. Discussions with brands for laptops are already on," he added.

The contract manufacturer operates four of its own manufacturing units, besides subcontracting production of mobile phones and laptops to other suppliers. It is an original design manufacturer for TVs, tablets, personal computers, hearables and wearables. It recently expanded its manufacturing facilities through a strategic partnership with electronics manufacturing services firm Smile Electronics to launch three facilities making information technology (IT) hardware in Bengaluru, Chennai and one in Andhra Pradesh, which is expected to come up early next year.

Automotive electronics will include components for EVs and charging infrastructure for state-run oil companies Indian Oil Corp. Ltd and Hindustan Petroleum Corp. Ltd, while defence electronics will be components used in manufacturing of defence hardware.

Read more | IndiGo co-founder Rakesh Gangwal invests $20 million in Zetwerk

Sharma added that investment into diversification into new segments would be part of the 1,000 crore earmarked by the company for expanding into electronics across segments. Expecting its revenues to grow by 20-30% in fiscal year 2024 (FY24) versus FY23, Sharma said the company was well-funded with a healthy mix of debt and equity and therefore would not need fresh investments for sometime. The company has raised $650 million till date, including a recent $20 million round from Gangwal.

However, the company could tap into the fresh set of incentives being planned by the government for manufacturing of electronics components. Incentives through the phased manufacturing programme and production-linked incentives (PLI) would help startups, but the incentives should be given in proportion to the investment and efforts being put in by the company," he said.

Zetwerks manufacturing facilities in the US, Mexico and Europe will complement India factories, enabling it to export to global markets.
The Union governments recent approval for 730 new FM radio stations across 234 cities and towns in India has drawn rumbling noises from certain quartersIndias music industry.

The expansion, part of the third phase of Indias FM Radio Policy, is intended to increase local content, generate employment, and bolster governmental outreach in underserved areas, with an estimated reserve price of 784.87 crore.

Music labels, however, are sceptical, citing limited advertising volume and revenues from small cities and towns, and ongoing disputes over radio royalties with the industry fighting to be adequately compensated for their content.

The news hasnt created much buzz within the music industry given that it is unlikely to result in great monetary benefits for labels, or in turn, music creators," said a senior executive at a music label on condition of anonymity.

The executive pointed out that under Section 31 D of The Copyright Act, 1957, different rates apply to radio versus television broadcasting, often resulting in inadequate compensation for music labels.

According to the Ficci EY report 2024, only 4% of the music industrys total revenue comes from syndication (which includes both radio and TV).

This has resulted in negligible payments for labels even though barter arrangements like artiste access and fan greet-and-meet events could help with marketing and promotional campaigns of songs," the executive added.

Also read | Vikram Mehra of Saregama: The music maker

A conflict of rights

The longstanding conflict between radio broadcasters and music creators was underscored by a Bombay High Court ruling in May 2023 that mandated FM stations to compensate composers and lyricists for any copyrighted music they air.

Yet, a second music label executive said, the fight on royalties from radio broadcasters continues. This is because radio stations have been paying only about 2% of their net revenue to the rights holders.

Also, advertising volume from such small markets would be much lower and the benefit at best, incremental," this executive said, also speaking anonymously.

Also read | Its time to chuck old copyright rules

Besides, private radio platforms arent supportive of non-film or new music and typically wait for such songs to gain traction on social media such as YouTube, Instagram, or Facebook before airing them, he added.

We would appreciate more support for newer content, as the current approach doesnt significantly help the industrys growth," Taurani said.

That said, music industry experts, including Taurani, believe the expansion of private FM radio stations to be a positive development. Besides making more platforms available to promote music, the initiative presents growth opportunities for radio stations, especially in small towns and cities, to promote local brands, creating mutually beneficial partnerships.

This could offer scope for more people to consume content and tap towns where there arent enough channels dedicated to regional language music yet," said Ankit Sahni, an intellectual property and media tech lawyer.

Also read | Film producers rope in music labels as partners to cut the cost of acquiring retro songs

HT Media Ltd, the parent of Mint, owns Hindi radio channels Fever FM and Radio Nasha.
House Democrats called on President Biden to end a U.S. trade provision that has been boon for Chinas e-commerce companies and drawn criticism from some who argue that the rule is an unfair and potentially dangerous loophole.

A majority of Democrats in the House of Representatives signed a letter sent Wednesday that called for quick executive action to address what is known as the de minimis provision in U.S. trade law, which lets shipments valued at $800 or less enter the country with relatively little scrutiny.

Until recently, the de minimis program operated mostly to allow individuals to avoid paperwork and tariffs on low-value gifts sent from abroad and souvenirs brought back after travel, and it isnt appropriate for the commercial packages entering the U.S., the 126 lawmakers who signed the letter wrote. The group includes Rep. Rosa DeLauro, (D., Conn.) and Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D., Ore.).

Massive direct-to-consumer e-commerce platforms and the exponential growth of e-commerce traffic has resulted in a dangerous mismatch," the Democratic lawmakers said. They said that disqualifying commercial shipments from de minimis treatment is one measure that could help thwart bad actors.

The number of parcels entering that way has ballooned to more than one billion annually by some measures as e-commerce giants with roots in China such as Temu and Shein have experienced meteoric growth.

A House committee report published in 2023 says Shein and Temu alone likely account for nearly a third of de minimis shipments. Temu and Shein have both said they dont depend on the de minimis provision for their success.

Critics, including members of both parties, claim that de minimis allows importers to potentially circumvent a U.S. crackdown on goods made with China-based forced labor. Critics also allege de minimis provides a conduit for dangerous contraband such as fentanyl to enter the U.S. amid the deluge of packages.

Backers of keeping the status quo on de minimis argue that the provision lets U.S. consumers and businesses source goods more cheaply and with less red tape.

American consumers, who are united in their concern about rising costs, should take notice that proposals to degrade de minimis are a regressive tax increase, ultimately passed to consumers and small businesses," said John Pickel, the senior director of international supply chain policy at the National Foreign Trade Council. The business group includes Amazon.com and shippers FedEx and DHL on its board.

Research released this week by the American Action Forum think tank estimated that annual costs to U.S. consumers and taxpayers could go up by between $8 billion and $30 billion if the rule were eliminated.

Despite support from some business interests, a steady drumbeat of lawmakers, including Republican and Democratic China hawks, have called for executive action and legal changes.

Different groups of lawmakers have put forward legislative proposals to change de minimis, but those efforts have stalled, DeLauro said.

One Republican member who has introduced his own de minimis reform bill, Rep. Greg Murphy of North Carolina, said there is bipartisan consensus on passing a strong de minimis bill but disagreement on what it looks like, adding he that is hopeful for progress in Congress.

Blumenauer, who has proposed his own bill on the issue, said he is hopeful Congress will pass legislation, but that the Biden administration should act.

We shouldnt roll the dice on what maybe will get through when the administration has the capacity to take action," Blumenauer said.

Write to Richard Vanderford at Richard.Vanderford@wsj.com
China's $1.7 trillion brokerage industry is in soup amid major regulatory crackdown on investment bankers. The latest series of harsh clampdown on investment bankers came heavily on the countrys dealmakers after state-backed brokerages recently asked many of their investment bankers to hand over their passports and seek permission before taking up any business or personal travel, reported Hindustan Times. This was in response to directives issued by the Chinese regulators.

Amid President Xi Jinpings years-long common prosperity campaign, a total of 8,700 investment bankers across 147 brokerages were forced to take big pay cuts and conform to other tightening measures. A significant number of these professionals engage in capital market activities, such as IPOs and subsequent share sales, reported Hindustan Times.

Since last month, Chinese authorities reportedly detained over three top investment bankers from different securities firms. According to sources, the regulators are screening initial public offerings (IPOs) and other capital-raising activities. There are fears that bankers could be called in for questioning at any time.

Also Read | China Banks Trim Deposit Rates to Bolster Record-Low Margins

In addition to tightening approvals for overseas trips, the brokerages issued directives to employees that they require approval if they want to resign. Furthermore, approved for business travel will be undertaken jointly with a co-worker, while activities outside pre-approved itineraries would be restricted.

These stringent regulatory measures have cast uncertainty on the future of China's brokerage industry and domestic capital market activities, which have already experienced a significant slowdown amid faltering economy.

Also Read | Majority of WTO members reject China-backed investment facilitation plan

Official figures reveal that the total revenue for securities firms in the nation reached 203.3 billion yuan in the first half of the year, marking a 9% decrease from the previous year. Besides this, Chinese companies raised a total of 76.4 billion yuan in onshore listings this year, which marks 88% slump from a peak recorded two years ago.
Tolins Tyres IPO: After the end of three days of subscription on 11th September 2024, Tolins Tyres IPO allotment status has become public now. Those who have applied for the mainboard public issue need not move outside of their home as they can check Tolins Tyres IPO allotment status online by logging in to the BSE website  bseindia.com or at the official website of its registrar  Cameo Corporate Services Limited. The official website of the Tolins Tyres IPO registrar is cameoindia.com.

Tolins Tyres IPO GMP today Meanwhile, shares of Tolins Tyres Limited are still under the radar of the primary market bulls. According to stock market observers, shares of Tolins Tyres Limited are available at a premium of 29 in the grey market today. This means Tolins Tyres IPO GMP today is 29.

Tolins Tyres IPO allotment links As mentioned above, after the announcement of Tolins Tyres IPO allotment status, applicants will be able to check their application status online by logging in at the BSE website or at the official website of Cameo Corporate Services Limited. For more convenience, applicants can log in at the direct BSE linkbseindia.com/investors/appli_check.aspxor at the Cameo Corporate Services linkipo.cameoindia.com.

Tolins Tyres IPO allotment status check BSE To check one's allotment status online, a bidder can log in at the direct BSE link  bseindia.com/investors/appli_check.aspx and follow the below-mentioned step-by-step guide:

1] Login at direct BSE link  bseindia.com/investors/appli_check.aspx;

2] Select 'Equity' in the issue type;

3] Write Application Number or PAN Number, whichever you have;

4] Click on 'I'm not a robot' and

5] Click on the 'Search' button.

Your Tolins Tyres IPO allotment status will appear on your computer monitor or cell phone display.

Tolins Tyres IPO details

Tolins Tyres IPO allotment status Cameo Corporate To check one's allotment status online, a bidder can log in at the direct Cameo Corporate Services link  ipo.cameoindia.com and follow the below-mentioned step-by-step guide:

1] Login at the direct Cameo Corporate Services Limited link  ipo.cameoindia.com;

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3] Select Either of the three: Application Number, PAN Number, DP ID;

4] Enter Value;

5] Fill Captcha; and

6] Click on the 'Submit' button.
Annie (Mascarene) was amongst three elected women in an Assembly of 120 representatives, the other two were Accamma Cherian and Devaki Gopidas. Together these three trailblazers advocated for a variety of issues, including colleges for women, expansion of public libraries, improvement of food and agricultural production, and development of the coastal area of Travancore State. As freedom fighters who were jailed several times, all three of them had experienced horrid conditions in the prisons for women. It moved them to strive for better facilities for female inmates.

As a representative of the Travancore Assembly, Annie was sworn in as a member of the Constituent Assembly on 29 December 1948, two years after the proceedings of the framing of the Constitution had started. Given her legal expertise, Annie was nominated to the select committee on the Hindu Code Bill, alongside other prominent members such as Hansa Mehta, Ammu Swaminathan, Renuka Ray, Durgabai Deshmukh, and Begum Qudsia Aizaz Rasul. Most of Annies arguments as a member of the Constituent Assembly stemmed from her political experience in the Travancore State Congress and the Travancore Legislative Assembly. She channelized her learnings from her activism years, which was aided by the legal grounding received while reading and teaching law at Maharajas College.

While discussing the powers given to the Centre to manage the functions of the Election Commission, Annie stressed that a true democracy required giving power to the people: I am a believer in the right of the people of the province to elect their representatives independent of any control, supervision and direction of any power on earth. I believe that to be democracy. If the Centre is to think that expediency demands that they should supervise and control the election, as one sitting in the Provincial Legislature I can see in the Centre as many delinquencies as they see in us.

Also read: Achieving mastery in a world of workday distractions

She was keenly aware of the Assemblys role in shaping the nation, and was unwilling to sacrifice the future for convenience in the present. She was determined in ensuring that the rudimentary principles of democracy they were working on were for the days to come, for generations, for the nation. Annie dwelled on the subject of amendments even in her final speech before the adoption of the Constitution. She suggested amending the Constitution, if needed, after attaining the full stature of a nation. Tapping into her extensive knowledge of legalities, Annie drew parallels with various countries. She spoke about the US constitution and how long it took to frame to get it to its final shape. Even Australias was revised repeatedly.

'The Fifteen: The Lives and Times of the Women in Indias Constituent Assembly', by Angellica Aribam & Akash Satyawali, Hachette India, 320 pages, Rs.799

Annie also talked about the need for a strong Centre, especially during the early days of founding a country: If at the beginning of a state, a nation is faced with so many political, economic and social problems, there should be a strong Centre, so that power could radiate through all the parts. The Centre should not be so strong as to kill the autonomy of the local governments. But we have not got any such power concentrated in the Centre to kill the autonomy in the States. To the members who criticized the Constitution for giving too much power to the Centre, she said, There are provisions in the Constitution to amend it and if the Centre is too strong we need not fear because when the nation has attained full stature and we can stand on our own legs, we can amend the Constitution and distribute powers equally.

Also read: Franz Kafka and the truth we are afraid of

While Annie participated in the proceedings of the Constituent Assembly with total commitment, she also multi-tasked as the minister of health and power in the new Travancore-Cochin government headed by Chief Minister T.K. Narayana Pillai. She was the first woman minister in the Travancore-Cochin Legislative Assembly after the merger of the two provinces in July 1949. Unfortunately, six months later, Annie and two other colleagues were made to resign in order to make room for new members in the Cabinet. Following this Annie parted ways with the Congress and contested the first Lok Sabha election as an independent candidate from Thiruvananthapuram. (People) supported her formidable stance against corruption, fighting even her own political colleagues, as evidenced by the overwhelming number of votes she received. Her closest rival was her former boss and former chief minister T.K. Narayana Pillai, a candidate of the Socialist Party. Annie bagged 1,16,617 votes, winning by a margin of 68,117 votes. The defeat forced a demoralized Pillai out of politics.

While congratulating the Speaker of the House on the first day of parliament in May 1952, Annie drew attention to the handful of women in the House, precisely saying, On behalf of those few ladies here, I hope that you will give us sufficient protection and opportunities for expressing our opinion in this House. She believed that women had not been given their political due in independent India. Only around 5 per cent members elected to the House of 489 members were women.

In 1952, Annie advocated strongly against the Preventive Detention Act in parliament. This was a colonial law that gave power to the police to arrest anyone on the vague premise that they might commit a crime in the future. Her time in prison had shaped her views on individual freedom. When she pointed out that the discussions in the House were dominated solely by male speakers, she was met with ridicule, with some members questioning the existence of female detenus.

Bent on being heard, Annie then brought up her own extensive experience in detention. If I had known anything in life, if I am familiar with anything in life it is detention, detenus, detention camps, police and lock-up. That is why, Sir, I said that this Act and deliberations on this Act should not be the monopoly of men. In her fiery speech, she used her considerable knowledge of the law to support her argument, We have law based on equity, justice and good conscience and we want to have a law that will command obedience to the fundamental canons of justice. I wish to say this Detention Act violates all these rules of equity, conscience, justice and obedience to law.  Despite her strong remarks, no reforms were made.
PHOENIXBackpage.com co-founder Michael Lacey surrendered to the U.S. Marshals Service Wednesday at the federal courthouse in downtown Phoenix to begin his five-year prison sentence after he was found guilty of a single felony count of international concealment money laundering.

Lacey founded Backpage with late business partner and friend James Larkin. The controversial classified website featured advertisements for sex workers and erotic services, which attracted the attention of prosecutors who allege Lacey and Larkin knowingly facilitated sex trafficking.

"Jim was told by every lawyer that he consulted with that the ads on Backpage were legal, Lacey said in an interview with local news outlet AZ Family. "We didnt think we were doing anything wrong. We thought the ads were legal. We were instructed by the attorneys that the ads were legal. And we always cooperated with the government."

AZ Family reporter Morgan Loew gives credence to this claim by referring to a damning Government Accountability Office (GAO) report that was published in 2021 about the enforcement of the controversial anti-trafficking law FOSTA-SESTA.

In that report, GAO auditors found that law enforcement agencies like the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) faced greater barriers in tracking down legitimate cases of sex trafficking.

"[Gathering] tips and evidence to investigate and prosecute those who control or use online platforms has become more difficult due to the relocation of platforms overseas, platforms use of complex payment systems, and the increased use of social media platforms," notes the GAO.

"When we were cooperating with the government, there were hundreds of rescues of underage people who had snuck through the system," explained Lacey in the AZ Family interview.

However, prosecutors in the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Arizona were not swayed by these facts, and chose to characterize Backpage as a "prostitution website."

After he was sentenced to five years by a federal judge, Lacey was given until September 11 to surrender himself.

Sex workers' rights groups and civil liberties organizations have raised concerns about the persecution of Backpage.com on several grounds.

For example, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Arizona filed an amicus brief in May 2019 in support of Lacey and Larkin in the first federal trial that resulted in a mistrial.

"The court should hold the government to its burden to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendants knew that specific advertisements in question solicited illegal conduct: it should not to open the door to criminal liability merely for providing an online forum where others might have posted improper content," ACLU said at the time.

Sexual freedom activism NGO Woodhull Freedom Foundation continues fighting the constitutionality of FOSTA-SESTA.
"Get 12% assured returns on a monthly basis!"

Earn 120% annual returns with zero risk!

These are some of the classic hooks used by fraudsters to lure unsuspecting investors with promises of extraordinary returns. Sadly, these scams often target regions with low financial literacy, like the Northeastern parts of India.

Recently, Guwahati Police arrested several individuals who scammed people out of thousands of crores. These fraudsters, disguised as stock market experts, convinced people to invest with them by promising guaranteed high returns.

Lets take a closer look at some of the tactics these scammers use, and most importantly, how you can safeguard yourself from falling into their trap.

Depositing money into individual accounts The first red flag is when these so-called experts ask you to deposit money into individual bank accounts instead of creating an investment account. These people will claim that direct payments will bypass middlemen and reduce fees which makes it sound appealing. However, when they take money in their personal accounts, it makes it easier for them to disappear with your money easily.

Hence, it is essential to verify the credibility of the financial institution and ensure you're paying into a legitimate account.

Before transferring any money, do thorough research on the company or individual youre dealing with. A quick search for reviews, complaints, or negative experiences could save you from being scammed. Remember, legitimate companies will never ask you to make payments into an individuals bank account.

Also Read | How to stay protected from pig butchering financial scams? Here are 7 key steps

Promises of 10-12% monthly returns One of the most common tactics used by scammers is guaranteeing high monthly returnsoften as much as 10-12%. They also mention that they dont have to take any of the risk associated with stock market and trading. Investments that promise high returns with little to no risk are almost always fraudulent.

However, most of us are aware that every investment including low risk investment options carry risk.

Hence, it is important to ask detailed questions about where the money will be invested and how such returns will be generated. Be especially cautious if the answers seem vague or overly complex.

Large investment amounts Fraudsters often ask for large sums of money, presenting the opportunity as a once-in-a-lifetime chance that is only available to serious investors. This sense of exclusivity and urgency is a deliberate tactic to make you feel pressured into acting quickly. You may be told that the opportunity is only available to a limited number of people, increasing the fear of missing out (FOMO).

In such cases, its vital to take a step back and assess the situation logically. Ask why this opportunity requires such a large amount of money and compare it with similar investment opportunities. If others dont require such a high commitment, this should raise concerns. Avoid making decisions in haste, especially when large sums of money are involved.

Pressure tactics to create urgency Scammers know that creating a sense of urgency can lead people to make impulsive decisions. By using phrases like limited-time offer or act now before its too late, they put pressure on investors to act quickly without fully understanding the investment. The fear of missing out can push individuals to make hasty decisions, often leading them straight into a scam.

It's important to remember that legitimate investment opportunities don't require immediate decisions. Take your time to review the investment, consult with trusted financial advisors, and weigh the pros and cons carefully. If the opportunity is genuine, it will still be available after you've done your research. Scammers, on the other hand, rely on people rushing into decisions.

Showcasing fake success stories Another common tactic is showcasing fake success stories of people who have supposedly made substantial profits. Fraudsters will often provide glowing testimonials from people who dont even exist or who are actually part of the scam. These stories are designed to make you believe that others have profited, encouraging you to follow suit.

Its essential to verify any success stories by asking for documentation, credentials, and contact information that can be cross-checked. If you're unable to fact-check these individuals, you should be extremely cautious.

Flashy lifestyles as a lure These people often use images of a luxurious lifestyle to attract investors. They may flaunt expensive cars, exotic vacations, and lavish homes to create the illusion that their investment strategy leads to extraordinary wealth.

And, who doesnt want that?

Instead of focusing on the lifestyle being portrayed, focus on understanding the investment itself. How does it generate returns? What is the risk involved? Analyzing the investment on its merits, rather than being dazzled by the promise of luxury, will help you avoid falling into this common scam.

Preying on human weaknesses: Greed and vanity These people are skilled at preying on human weaknesses, particularly greed and vanity. They know their victims trigger points and focus on that.

If you find yourself eager to show off your supposed future investment gains, it may be a sign that youre being manipulated.

Its essential to remain level-headed when considering any investment opportunity. Dont let emotions cloud your judgment. Instead, always research the opportunity and consult a financial expert to ensure its legitimate.

In conclusion, the best way to protect yourself from financial scams is to remain vigilant. Always conduct thorough research before making any investments, follow your instincts, and seek out reviews from credible sources. If youre ever in doubt, consult a professional financial advisor before transferring any money.
When Harshit Sharma needed a nasal surgery, he faced a stark choice: pay S$17,000 (around 10 lakh) in Singapore, or just 50,000 in India. Despite having health insurance, the uncovered costs in Singapore were too high, prompting him to travel to Bhopal for the procedure.

I couldnt breathe from one side of the nose. The surgery would have cost nearly 10 lakh. When I discussed the issue with a doctor based in Bhopal, he told me he would do it for 50,000," he said.While I had a private health plan in Singapore, the uncovered expenses would be 1-2% of the bill. Considering the family support and cost, I decided to do it in India during my next visit."

His wife, Prabhjot Kaur, an associate director at a Singapore-based wealth management firm, also faced a similar situation when she needed root canal treatment. The treatment along with the travel cost of going back to India was cheaper than getting it done here."

Highlighting the steep living costs in Singapore, wherein even routine medical treatments are significantly higher than in India, the couple has decided to maintain their Indian health insurance policy to manage their costs effectively, despite living in Singapore for the past seven years. In 2022, the couple paid a premium of 22,000 for two years with a 5 lakh coverage in India. Our next premium is due this November. This year, we will add our two-year-old son to the policy."

In Singapore, both of them have an employer health plan as well as a private insurance coverage.I have a separate policy, for which I pay S$2,000 per annum. My wife and son are covered by a different plan that costs S$3,500 per annum. The total coverage of the plans is S$1 million," said Harshit.

View Full Image Mint

The couple is on an employment pass in Singapore and is seeking permanent residency. We applied for it in 2021, but it got rejected. We are doing the paperwork to apply for it again."

Why Singapore?

While the pay package in Singapore is higher in Indian rupee terms, experts said expenses can be 300-400% higher than in India. The World Banks Purchasing Power Parity index revealed that what 1 lakh would buy in India require 2.56 lakh in Singapore.

World Banks Purchasing Power Parity index shows what  1 lakh can buy in India would require  2.56 lakh in Singapore.

Before coming to Singapore, I was earning nearly 15 lakh per annum. My Singapore salary initially was enough to apply for employment pass. Frankly, I didnt make a comparison, expecting a better lifestyle. We could save money for ourselves and send some to India for investments," said Harshit.

The couple allocates about 25% of their salaries to household expenses, including S$9,600 annually for house help and a S$300 monthly government levy. An additional 20% goes to rent, 30% to investments, 10% to leisure and travel, and the remaining 10% to taxes. We are managing expenses smartly to live comfortably here. Moreover, every appreciation of the Singapore dollar against the rupee helps us save more. S$1 was equal to 46 when we moved here and it is now 64," said Prabhjot.

Also Read: This NRI couple in Melbourne wants to move back for family and affordability

They had the option to move to the US or Australia, but chose Singapore for its proximity to India. We are close to our family. It takes almost the same time to reach our home from Singapore as travelling from metro city in India to our hometown," they said.

Managing investments

When the couple moved to Singapore in 2017, they had no mutual fund investments. After settling in, Harshit started investing through Upwardly (acquired by Scripbox) for MFs and Zerodha for stocks.

When I started in 2017, the market was at its peak. It crashed in 2018 and was volatile, followed by the covid crash in 2020. I was not worried, stayed put to add more to my investments. Our portfolios are doing great now," he said.

Harshit also maintains two endowment policies from LIC, with an annual premium of 1.4 lakh. These policies will mature around 2044. I understand the internal rate of return in the policies is low and I should get rid of them, but somehow, I have been dodging it."

The couple invests 20% of their salaries in Singapore. We invest in either unit trust funds or exchange-traded funds." Besides, they also contribute to Supplementary Retirement Scheme (SRS), a voluntary savings plan, offering tax deductions. Funds in SRS do not earn interest. We have to deploy it in financial products by ourselves."

We are smartly managing our expenses to live comfortably here. Moreover, every appreciation of the Singapore dollar against the Indian rupee helps us save more.

Withdrawing funds from SRS before 10 years attracts a hefty penalty for all expats. Funds can be withdrawn in full after 10 years, but once permanent residency status is obtained, withdrawal is only permitted at 63, the retirement age in Singapore. Besides, they also benefit from a tax deduction for levy paid to the government for hiring house help. The double of the levy can be claimed as tax deduction. Its available to female taxpayers only. My wife gets a deduction of S$7200 per year for the same." The insurance premium also offers tax deduction.

Gaps in financial planning

The Sharmas do not have term insurance, though Prabhjot has a small amount through her employer. Their investments are not tied to specific financial goals. If we have a money query we discuss it with the respective relationship managers of Scripbox and Bank of Singapore for India and Singapore investments," said Harshit.

They are unsure about goal-based financial planning, especially as they have not yet obtained permanent residency, without which costs for buying a house and school education are up to 60% higher. We have to spend S$800 per month on school fees while locals pay S$300. The cost of private school is S$1,500-2,000 and international schools charge $2,000 onwards."

We have no plans to go back to India in the near future as we have excelled in our careers here. So, while saving for retirement, childs education and buying a house are our key financial goals, we cant compute until clarity emerges on the PR status," said Harshit.

Also read: How to obtain a Dubai Golden Visa through real estate investment
(Bloomberg) -- The most important dynamic driving the outlook for aluminum prices is the surging cost of a key raw material needed by smelters, according to Trafigura Group.

Prices for alumina  refined from raw mined ores and smelted into aluminum  have spiked 50% this year, to the highest since March 2022, driven by production disruptions at alumina plants and rising demand from aluminum smelters.

Meanwhile, aluminum prices are little changed year-to-date on the London Metal Exchange. Smelters that dont have their own alumina supply are facing growing commercial strain.

Its the most important thing in the market right now, and anyone whos not looking at it needs to start looking, Henry Van, a senior analyst at Trafigura, told delegates at a Fastmarkets aluminum conference in Athens. This is really, really terrible for aluminum producers worldwide.

If high alumina prices persist for long enough, smelters may start cutting back production, Van said, though Trafiguras base-case assumption is that supply imbalances this year will be resolved, reducing some of the risk.

I think its more likely that the pressure will ease, Van said. Wed need to see sustained pressure on these smelters for another year for cuts to happen.

But rival metals trading house Concord Resources Ltd.  which runs an alumina refinery in Louisiana  warned that high prices and the shortfall in supply may persist for longer than many in the industry expect.

The spike in prices was not well anticipated, and the alumina market is much tighter than is popularly appreciated, Concords head of research, Duncan Hobbs, told delegates. I think prices can hold higher for longer, certainly than the forecasts that Ive seen.

The biggest risk to Concords bullish view is if China uses its spare alumina-production capacity to fill the supply gap, Hobbs said. But the countrys alumina output has only grown marginally so far this year, despite a huge commercial incentive, he added.

Why is China not turning out more alumina, if these capacity numbers are correct, Hobbs asked. I would venture that every alumina refinery today is focusing as hard as it can to push every ton out the door.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
A row erupted in the Opposition circles after Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Chief Justice Chandrachud's residence in New Delhi on Wednesday, September 11, evening to attend Ganpati Puja celebrations on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi. As a video and pictures of PM Modi performing puja at CJI's residence emerged, an enraged Opposition and some lawyers of the Supreme Court reacted sharply to it, saying it compromised the separation of powers between the executive and the judiciary. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut suggested that the Chief Justice should recuse himself from a case involving the conflict between Shiv Sena UBT and the Eknath Shinde-led faction.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has, however, hit out at the Opposition, calling their reactions reckless and baseless aspersions on the highest court.

A video, shared by news agency ANI, showed CJI Chandrachud and his wife Kalpana Das were seen welcoming PM Modi at their house. PM Modi also shared a picture of the Ganpati Puja at the CJI's home.

He said, Joined Ganesh Puja at the residence of CJI, Justice DY Chandrachud Ji. May Bhagwan Shri Ganesh bless us all with happiness, prosperity and wonderful health, triggering reactions.

OPPOSITION REACTS Sanjay Raut said, Ganpathi festival is going on, people visit each other's houses. I don't have info regarding how many houses PM visited so far...but PM went to CJI's house and they together performed 'Aarti'...if a custodian of the Constitution meets politicians, it can create doubt in the minds of people.

Our case of Maharashtra...the hearing is going on before CJI Chandrachud so we have doubt if we will get justice because PM is the other party in the case. In our case, other party is the central govt...Chief Justice should distance himself from this case because his relation with the other party in the case is openly visible. Will CJI Chandrachud be able to give us justice in such a situation? We are getting dates after dates and an illegal govt is going on.The CJI who is supposed to give us justice, with him PM has such a bond so yesterday a doubt was formed in the minds of Maharashtra, he said.

Party MP Priyanka Chaturvedi also highlighted that elections are coming in Maharashtra and the case may get adjourned, suggesting a bonhomie between the prime minister and the Chief Justice of India.

After the festivities are over hopefully CJI will deem fit and be slightly freer to conclude the hearing on Maharashtra and the blatant disregard of Article 10 of the Constitution in Maharashtra. Oh wait, elections round the corner anyway, it can be adjourned for another day, she said.

Senior lawyer Indira Jaising said the Chief Justice of India has compromised the separation of powers between the executive and the judiciary. Lost all confidence in the independence of the CJI. The SCBA (Supreme Court Bar Association) must condemn this publicly displayed compromise of Independence of the CJI from the executive, she said in her post on X.

HOW DID BJP REACT? Hitting back, BJP national general secretary (Organisation) BL Santhosh said though left liberals have started crying over the prime minister attending the event at the CJI's residence, "it was not socialising but a devoted Ganapathi Pooja".

"Started crying! Civility, cordiality, togetherness, co travellers in nations journey are all an anathema to these left liberals. Also it was not socialising but a devoted Ganapathi Pooja is very hard to digest. SCBA is not a moral compass. Take deep breath once," Santhosh said in a post on X reacting to Jaising's comments.

Shiv Sena Rajya Sabha MP Milind Deora also flayed the critics and said it's unfortunate to see "reckless commentary" on PM Modi's visit to the CJI's residence for Ganapati Aarti. "When verdicts favour them, the opposition praises the Supreme Court's credibility, but when things don't go their way, they conveniently claim the judiciary is compromised," he charged in a post on X
The Congress party on Wednesday released its third and fourth list candidates for the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections. The third list had 40 names while the fourth list comprised 5 names for the October 5 polls.

Aditya Surjewala, son of party Member of Parliament (MP) Randeep Surjewala is also in the list. Aditya will contest from Kaithal seat.

Also Read | Haryana News: AAP announces third list of 11 candidates for assembly elections

The names in the third list include former deputy chief minister Chander Mohan from Panchkula, former minister Nirmal Singh from Ambala City, Rahul Makkar from Hansi, Manisha Sangwan from Dadri, Jagdish Yadav from Kosli and Lakhan Kumar Singhla from Faridabad.

Aditya Surjewala will contest from Kaithal. His father Randeep Surjewala has been an MLA from Kaithal. Hisar MP Jai Prakashs son, Vikas Saharanw ill contest from Kalayat while Ambala MP Varun Chaudhary's wife, Pooja Chaudhary, will contest from Mulana (SC), a seat previously held by Varun Chaudhary.

The party fielded Parimal Pari from Ambala Cantt, Sachin Kundu from Panipat Rural, Satbir Dublain from Narwana (SC), Sarva Mitra Kamboj from Rania and Rohit Nagar from Tigaon in the fourth list.

86 candidates releases so far In all, the Congress has so far released candidates for 86 of the 90-assembly seats of Haryana elections. The four seats remaining are Sohna, Bhiwani, Narnaund, and Uklana with September 12 being final day for filing nominations.

On September 8 released its second of 9 candidates for the Haryana assembly elections. The party fielded Ashok Arora from Thanesar, Kuldeep Sharma from Ganaur, Brijendra Singh from Uchana Kalan, and Mohit Grover from Gurugram.

On September 6, the Congress released its first list of 31 candidates for Haryana Assembly elections 2024. The party had fielded newly-inducted Olympian wrestler Vinesh Phogat from Julana seat.

Congress and Aam Aadmi Party failed to finalise a seat-sharing arrangement for the Haryana polls and are contesting as rivals.

BJP released names too BJP also released its third list of three candidates for the Haryana Assembly elections. The saffron party has fielded Rohtash Jangra from Sirsa, Kanwar Singh Yadav from Mahendragarh and Satish Fagna from Faridabad NIT.

Th BJP has fielded candidates for all 90 seats of Haryana now.
Mamata Banerjee has offered to resign as the West Bengal chief minister as the deadlock with the protesting junior doctors persists over the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. The protesting doctors, who were supposed to hold talks with the Bengal government in the presence of Mamata Banerjee, refused to proceed further unless their demand for live streaming of the meeting was met. For peoples sake, I am ready to resign; I also want justice for murdered RG Kar hospital doctor, Mamata Banerjee said.

The talks were to be held at 5 pm at the secretariat but the delegation of the protesters stayed put at the gates, while Mamata Banerjee waited inside. Media channels later aired a video of the chief minister and some other officials waiting at the secretariat.

Addressing a press conference later, Mamata Banerjee said the government waited for over two hours but received no communication from the doctors.

I will still not take any action against agitating junior doctors, will forgive them since we are elders - Mamata Banerjee

We have been waiting for over two hours to meet our doctor brothers and sisters who were invited here. We wrote them a letter and they wrote us back assuring that they will come. Only after receiving their confirmation, we invited them but it's been two hours and there is no communication from them yet. We asked them to come with an open mind and talk about any issue. Solutions can only be found through dialogues, Mamata Banerjee said.

The chief minister said, I tried thrice to hold talks with junior doctors to end RG Kar stalemate.

Mamata Banerjee also apologised to the people of Bengal for the impasse that has disrupted the medical services across the city. I apologise to Bengal people who expected an end to RG Kar impasse today," she said, adding, Twenty- seven people died, 7 lakh patients suffering because of junior doctors' cease work, she said.

After Mamata Banerjee's statement, the agitating doctors said, We did not seek CM Mamata Banerjee's resignation, we want solution to RG Kar stalemate. We are unhappy that talks over RG Kar impasse with CM Mamata Banerjee did not take place.
Veteran CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury passed away on Thursday at the age of 72 after a prolonged illness. The senior politician had remained in a critical condition for the past few days after being admitted to AIIMS New Delhi on August 19 for treatment of a pneumonia-like chest infection. The news has prompted an outpouring of grief with politicians across party lines mourning his demise.

It is with profound grief that we announce the passing away of CPIM General Secretary, our beloved Comrade Sitaram Yechury, at 3.03 pm today, 12th September, at the AIIMS, New Delhi. He was suffering from a respiratory tract infection which developed complications. We thank the doctors, nursing staff and the Director of the Institute for the excellent treatment and care extended to Comrade Yechury. Details of public viewing and homage will be informed, the CPI(M) said in a statement on X.

Yechury was admitted to AIIMS New Delhi on August 19 for treatment of a pneumonia-like chest infection. A statement from his party on Tuesday said that he remained in the ICU for treatment of an acute respiratory tract infection. Reports quoting sources indicated on Wednesday that Yechury was under oxygen support with his condition being monitored by a multidisciplinary team of doctors. His condition had been listed as critical but stable at the time.

Sitaram Yechury ji was a friend. A protector of the Idea of India with a deep understanding of our country. I will miss the long discussions we used to have. My sincere condolences to his family, friends, and followers in this hour of grief, wrote Rahul Gandhi on X.

The CPI(M) leader  a significant member of the opposition INDIA bloc  was seen among the political mentors of Gandhi.

I am deeply saddened by the tragic demise of veteran CPM leader, Sitaram Yechury ji. We had many years of working relations in the Parliament. Extending my deepest condolences to his family, colleagues and admirers, wrote Union Minister Kiren Rijiju.

"Saddened to hear abt the passing of Sitaram Yechury who was a colleague in Parliament with me some years ago. My deepest condolences to his family and supporters, added former Union Minister and BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar.

Sad to know that Sri Sitaram Yechury has passed away. I knew the veteran parliamentarian that he was and his demise will be a loss for the national politics. I express my condolences to his family, friends and colleagues, wrote West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

Deeply saddened by veteran CPI-M leader, Sitaram Yechury Ji's passing. He was a stalwart who rose from the ranks to become one of the most respected voices in Indian politics. He was known for his intellectual take on issues, and connection with the people at the grassroots level. His insightful debates with leaders across the political spectrum earned him recognition beyond his party. My heartfelt condolences to his family, comrades, and followers. May his soul rest in peace, added Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu.

Also Read | West Bengal govt calls agitating doctors for meeting at 5 pm, CM to attend

The leader, who started from the student's union of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) as a member of the Students' Federation of India (SFI) and went on to become a member of the Central Committee of the CPI(M) in 1984, got elected to the Politburo in 1992.

He served as a Rajya Sabha MP for 12 years, from 2005 to 2017. He became the fifth general secretary of the CPI(M) at the 21st party congress in Visakhapatnam on April 19, 2015, and took over from Prakash Karat.
Kolkata doctor rape-murder case: The impasse between protesting resident doctors and the West Bengal government over the resumption of duty continued. On Wednesday, the West Bengal government dismissed junior doctors' demands for Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's presence and a live broadcast as prerequisites for negotiating an end to their month-long strike and standoff over the alleged rape-murder of a female medic at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Additionally, the meeting of principals and directors from all state medical colleges and hospitals, scheduled by the CM for Thursday, has been postponed to next week due to "urgent emergency work" at these institutions.

Latest updates on Kolkata doctor rape-murder case 1)The doctors requested that the meeting be broadcast live and a delegation of 30 representatives be allowed to attend.

2)Dr. Arnab Mukhopadhya called for a transparent discussion with West Bengal's Minister of State for Health, Chandrima Bhattacharya, regarding the RG Kar Medical College incident amid ongoing protests by doctors in Haryana. On Thursday, he emphasised that while all channels for discussion remain open, their demands for certain conditions are not unreasonable.

3)Weve seen that the state government organized a public meeting with MoS Health Chandrima Bhattacharya, who expressed a desire for an open dialogue. We are also waiting for that discussion, and we have requested it be broadcast live to ensure transparency. While he claims to be disheartened, he is in an air-conditioned room while we continue our protest, Dr. Mukhopadhya told ANI. Our conditions for discussion are fair, and we will persist with our protest.

4)Earlier, protesting doctors from RG Kar Medical College clarified their refusal to accept West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's invitation for talks at the state secretariat aimed at resolving their work stoppage. Dr. Aqeeb told ANI, The email we received yesterday was from the principal secretary, stating it was a closed-door meeting with senior government officials. We declined because we are opposed to closed-door discussions.

5)Addressing the ongoing protests by the junior doctors, Trinamool Congress leader Kunal Ghosh said that the demand for justice is valid and we want CBI to finish its investigation and the culprits will be given the death penalty. "We want CBI to finish its investigation and the culprits will be given the death penalty," he said.

6)The father of the deceased trainee doctor from Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College criticized West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her lack of action in the case. He told ANI, "We are not satisfied with the CMs handling of the situation, which is why we sought the CBIs involvement. She has not taken any effective steps. While police have arrested Sanjay Roy, we believe more individuals from the department are involved. The case is not just about one person."

7)On Wednesday, CBI officers conducted a new round of questioning with Sanjay Roy, the accused in the RG Kar hospital case. The interrogation took place at the Presidency Correctional Home.

8) TMC leader Chandan Mukhopadhyay criticised the protesting medics for ignoring the Supreme Court's directive to return to work

9)On Monday, the Supreme Court instructed the protesting resident doctors to return to work by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, assuring them that no adverse actions would be taken upon their resumption.

Our conditions for discussion are fair, and we will persist with our protest.

10)On August 9, a trainee doctor was raped and murdered at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, with her body discovered in a semi-naked state in the hospitals seminar hall. The incident ignited widespread outrage nationwide, prompting doctors to protest and demand enhanced workplace safety.

-With agency inputs
New Delhi: On a July afternoon, a group of armed men entered the emergency entrance of Delhis Guru Tegh Bahadur (GTB) Hospital in east Delhi. They swiftly made their way up to the fourth floor and entered surgery ward number 24. One of them pulled out a gun and shot five rounds of bullets into a patient, even as he was being attended to by a doctor. The doctor, pursuing her first-year post-graduation in general surgery, crawled under one of the ward beds as all hell broke loose. A police investigation revealed the killing was a case of mistaken identity in a feud between two of Delhis criminal gangs. The killers were targeting a rival gangster admitted to the same ward. The police nabbed seven men.

Four days earlier, on 20 July, when a woman died after childbirth in the gynaecology ward, a mob of 50 armed people belonging to the victims family stormed the premises of the hospital, vandalizing property and attacking doctors in the casualty labour ward. Some doctors made a narrow escape. The hospital filed an FIR against the patients family.

So, on 9 August when a junior doctor was brutally raped and murdered in Kolkatas R G Kar Medical College, sending tremors throughout the country, GTB rocked. It shook us to the core. It shook our belief in the profession because this could be us," says RDA president Dr Rajat Sharma, a second-year postgraduate student in community medicine. Sharma and an army of doctors and medical workers from prominent institutions joined a nationwide protest demanding justice for the victim and safer workplaces for the medical community. He was one of the 21 young doctors named in an FIR for protesting in front of Nirman Bhawan.

Last month, the Supreme Court took suo motu cognisance of the widespread protests impacting medical services and set up a 10-member national task force to make recommendations on ensuring safe working conditions for medical professionals and preventing violence against them.

While suggestions are pouring in from stakeholders, young medics told Mint what they endure in their professions and what it would take to make them feel safe again.

Vulnerable all along

According to a study by the Indian Medical Association (IMA), over 75% of doctors have faced violence of some kind at the workplace. Every doctor who works in the emergency department has faced verbal violence, a paper published in the Indian Journal of Psychiatry in 2019 notes, adding that Indian doctors face more violence than their western counterparts. Less than 20% of doctors felt safe during night shifts, revealed an online survey conducted by the IMA last month.

The R G Kar case touched a collective raw nerve because it made us realize that we were vulnerable all along. And that nobody has our back," says Dr Christianez Ratna Kiruba, an internal medicine physician at Satribari Christian Hospital, Guwahati.

Patient harassment takes many forms. A resident doctor specializing in general medicine recalls how she was stalked and filmed by a patients attendant in GTBs emergency ward recently. A physical scuffle and sexist abuses followed when she asked for the video to be deleted. The man walked out, scot-free.

GTB saw a slew of student protests this year, demanding metal detectors, CCTV cameras, panic buttons installed in each ward and a control room for security supervisors, who would be able to swing into action in case of emergencies. According to the mandate, a third of the guards are required to be ex-servicemen. But in reality, the guards are unarmed and few in number.

There are no promises from the administration so far. We know its a fund crunch," says a student, on condition of anonymity, complaining about the apathy of the Delhi Government. We are a 1,700-bed public hospital thats unable to offer quality care. Would you believe that weve run out of rubber gloves and basic meds like Pantop," a resident doctor reveals in embarrassment, referring to a commonly prescribed antacid. Its easy to see why were at the receiving end of patient angst," she says, inside one of the hospitals duty rooms on the seventh floor. The poorly ventilated room had no lock, CCTV camera or emergency phone line. This reporter walked in without a single security check. Several attempts by Mint to seek an official response from Dr Asmita Rathore, medical director of GTB, went unanswered due to permissions she needed from higher authorities".

View Full Image RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata. (Hindustan Times)

Violence and safety were the two primary concerns raised by Supreme Court advocate Tanvi Dubey, representing the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) and the National Federation of Resident Doctors of AIIMS, who moved the top court seeking interim protection of doctors.

Even as the Indian Medical Association called for hospitals to be declared as safe zones with airport-like security", Dubey is confident that the Supreme Courts judgement will act as a bible in terms of the measures we have to take to make hospitals a safer workplace".

In the days leading up to the court hearings, she was sent photos and evidence from several remote parts of India, of medical colleges and government hospitals where one would be afraid to spend even ten minutes". Urgent repairs apart, she appealed for CCTV cameras and separate toilets and duty rooms for men and women. The doctors she represents cant overstate how lacking India is in the basics.

Nearly all duty rooms in government medical facilities are unisex. Women doctors have to share them with their male colleagues and always keep one eye open when they catch a nap between 24-48-hour shifts.

The R G Kar case touched a collective raw nerve because it made us realize that we were vulnerable all along. Dr Christianez Ratna Kiruba

There should be a provision of separate resting rooms and duty rooms in each department for male doctors and female doctors and nurses; and a gender-neutral common resting space, note the terms of reference given to the national task force by the union health ministry.

A senior faculty member at Purulia Government Medical College, West Bengal, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said that the college doesnt have separate toilets for men and women. We have requested the administration for years, but this isnt seen as a priority," she said over the phone. Recently, a story on News18 Bangla showed the colleges security workers getting drunk outside the public toilet, while on duty. The college is yet to take action. Multiple attempts to reach the principal seeking an official response went unanswered.

This is directly because of neglect and low investment in public healthcare, says Dr R.V. Asokan, president of the Indian Medical Association (IMA). The money budgeted for health isnt commensurate with the needs of this country and our rate of expansion."

Keeping it internal

Infrastructure and security are the easier measures to fix. The part that requires real work is building robust institutional mechanisms to protect victims of sexual harassment. While the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act2013 can be found displayed at the reception of most medical institutions, few women have the courage or faith to knock on the doors of the internal complaints committee.

The joke is that the internal complaints committee exists to keep all complaints internal. Their involvement is to keep the reputation of the institution intact," says Kiruba.

Infrastructure and security are the easier measures to fix. The part that requires real work is building robust institutional mechanisms to protect victims of sexual harassment.

At one of New Delhis premier government medical colleges, a senior professor teaching endocrinology has allegedly been a sexual predator for years. He makes women feel uncomfortable by asking them inappropriate questions about breasts during their viva in the name of quizzing them about mammary glands. He has groped a few. And because your grades are literally in his hand, women choose to remain silent," says a recent MBBS graduate, on condition of anonymity.

Another consultant in surgery is notorious for his sexually explicit tactics. He would call junior female doctors to his room to harass them and even molest patients during surgery.

Things dont escalate into a complaint. When theres already a culture of ragging, it isnt easy to speak up," she says.

An Instagram page called @ucdome has become a popular platform for sharing instances of sexual harassment and violence suffered by medics on duty. Managed by eight PG students from the University College of Medical Sciences (UCMS), Delhi University, the page has 16,200 followers and 2,660 posts based on anonymous responses from medics across India. It has seen a surge in traction in the wake of RG Kar.

View Full Image A screenshot of the Instagram page, @ucdome where medics share instances of sexual harassment and violence. (Instagram)

The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act mentions clearly that it is the duty of the employer to provide awareness about institutional redress. The employer has a huge role to play in making a victim feel supported to seek justice. That even women supervisors dont offer timely support is a matter of great concern," says Dubey, who also brought this issue to the apex courts notice. In her interaction with resident doctors associations across the country, she couldnt find a single medical institution that had a strong internal complaints committee in place with a proper call facility.

Even top-end private sector medical facilities, known to have better surveillance systems, buckle when it comes to dealing with internal complaints. One of Indias best-ranked multi-speciality tertiary care hospitals, located in southeast Delhi, was quick to swing into action after the RG Kar incident. They put out safety policies and emergency contacts. They promised to issue the women staff ID cards with panic buttons installed, which can be worn around the neck. Security personnel were trained to respond within 10 seconds of pressing the button. The management promised duty rooms with biometric entrances for women. When the Indian Medical Association called for an all-India strike, the doctors dutifully marched to Lady Hardinge Hospital in solidarity.

Medical institutions dont see that by protecting a sexual predator they are putting the lives of many more young doctors, interns, nurses and patients at risk.

And yet, recently, when a senior resident doctor approached the medical superintendent to lodge a sexual harassment complaint, she was turned away. The complaint was regarding a senior surgeon who made it a habit of passing sexist remarks, ignoring her discomfort, which she made explicit to him verbally and in writing. The female superintendent offered to change my unit. She acknowledged that he has a history of sexual assault. Yet, it was made clear to me that he was too important for the hospital to lose. He brings the patient flow, the income and the connections," she said, in a phone conversation. When she tried to gather signatures to escalate the matter, only one senior resident mustered the courage to put her name to it. Her male colleagues refused and said, Arrey, Sir aise hi hain".

These are the same people who were out protesting on the streets but cant stand up to support a woman at their own workplace. Why is my discomfort ignored until I get raped or murdered?" she asks.

We are appalled. We are angry. We are uncomfortable," states a formal email sent this week to the medical superintendent, reviewed by Mint, which details the casual sexism, inappropriate physical touch and vulgar conversations the women were subjected to. The letter makes their refusal to work with him clear. The hospital finally promised to look into the matter.

The medical profession is seeing a feminization in India. Dr Asokan

But justice is a tough ask in these sanitised corridors. Medical institutions dont see that by protecting a sexual predator they are putting the lives of many more young doctors, interns, nurses and patients at risk. The medical community never saw its #MeToo moment. It is a can of worms waiting to be opened, say many.

In medicine, we learn early to not wear our gender on our sleeve," says Kiruba. She recalls the time a pregnant colleague was made to feel like she was the weakest link in the team. A second one suffered an active miscarriage while on duty and kept quiet for fear of making her womanly" needs known.

The medical profession is seeing a feminization in India," says Dr. Asokan. The truth is, healthcare in India has never had more women be a part of it. But are we doing enough to make them feel at home?

The recent violence and brutality have pushed women to the edge, and not just those in the medical profession. The protests in West Bengal have snowballed into an unprecedented wave, led by women from all walks of life, demanding workplace safety. From young and old medics, ASHA workers, gig workers, factory workers, call centre employees and software professionals, they all stand united in their demand for safer cities with no night curfew.

As singer Arijit Singh asks in his protest anthem for RG Kar: Aar Kobey? When will it be, if not now?

Shriya Mohan is an independent journalist.
The West Bengal chief secretary Manoj Pant issued a fresh invitation of agitating doctors on Thursday, calling for a meeting at 5:00 pm. The delegation of doctors has been restricted to 15 people and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is slated to attend the proposed talks. Junior doctors in Kolkata began a sit-in protest outside the state health department office this week alongside a cease-work agitation over the the rape and murder of a trainee medic.

The invitation was welcomed by the protesting doctors who hailed the government's positive response to demands for Banerjee to attend the talks.

We stick to our demand for live telecast of meeting with Bengal government. We have nothing to hide from people. Will go with 30-member delegation for meeting with Bengal govt instead of 15, attend talks with open mind, the agitating junior doctors said following the invitation.

The protesters defied a Supreme Court order earlier this week to insist that their agitation would continue till demands were met. The agitators have also turned down earlier calls for discussion with the state government  insisting that the language of the invitation was downright insensitive.

Meanwhile the Mamata Banerjee-led government appears to have made some concessions after initially rejecting calls for the CM to attend the talks. The missive on Thursday however turned down their demand for a live broadcast as a preconditions for resolving the impasse. The government however said that it would allow a recording of the event for transparency.

CM has requested, but they (protesting doctors) did not respond. On behalf of the government, a second letter has been issued by the Chief Secretary, but they did not respond... Our appeal is that please continue the protest but in a different way. Because lakhs of poor people who are dependent on government health machinery are being deprived, said TMC leader Kunal Ghosh.

Healthcare services at state-run hospitals have remained crippled for more than a month amidst the cease work agitation by the junior doctors.

"We will continue our agitation and cease work. But, we did not want to continue this. The state government is not open to holding any meeting with us. And, we want to make it clear that there is no politics behind our stir," one of the protesting doctors told PTI.

Minister of State for Health Chandrima Bhattacharya had on Wednesday said the government remains open to discussions, but suggested that "political forces" might be influencing the protests. This had led to a quick rebuttal from the medics, who dismissed the claims as baseless.
AMSTERDAM, NetherlandsLawmakers have asked the Dutch national government to investigate allegations of abuse in the local pornography industry, reports wire service Algemeen Nederlands Persbureau (ANP) via the English language news outlet NL Times.

ANP reports that the Cabinet will initiate an investigation into industry abuse allegations after a group of lawmakers in the Tweede Kamer officially requested it.

The Tweede Kamer, or the House of Representatives, is the lower the house of Dutch Parliament.

Heeding this request, Dutch Minister of Justice and Security David van Weel directed the Research and Data Centre agency to investigate claims of abuse. This is to be the second investigation in the Dutch adult industry. According to ANP, the minister's agency in 2023 probed the industry but found no specific cases of abuse.

However, recent high-profile journalism exposes revealing alleged criminal activity have prompted the request for another, more intensive investigation. This new call also comes as the new national government is angling to raise the legal age for sex work to 21.
Madhya Pradesh news: A get-together of friends for a picnic turned out to be tragic in Madhya Pradesh's Indore district after two Indian Army officers were assaulted and one of their two female companions was raped by unidentified men, PTI reported, citing the police.

The two officers, aged 23 and 24, had gone out for a picnic on Tuesday along with two female friends. According to Badgonda police station in-charge Lokendra Singh Hirore, the Indian Army officers were undergoing a Young Officers (YO) course at the Infantry School in Mhow cantonment town. The assailants held the woman officer and her companion in the car hostage at gunpoint, The Times of India reported, citing the complaint filed by one of the officers.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday. Seven unidentified men reportedly arrived near the picnic spot on Mhow-Mandleshwar road at around 2 am. They started beating up one of the officers sitting in a car and also the women, ANI quoted Lokendra Singh Hirore as saying.

The second officer and her friend were on a hilltop when they heard the cries. They rushed to the spot and informed their seniors about the incident. Police were informed about the incident and promptly arrived at the site where the pair was attacked. However, the miscreants fled the spot before the police could get hold of them. The police officer further informed that all four victims were taken to Mhow Civil Hospital for medical examination at around 6.30 am. Doctors reported sexual assault of one of the women and signs of injuries on the officers' bodies.

Also Read | Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka express anguish over Ujjain rape case

Indore Rural SP Hitika Vasal said that a case was registered under sections 70 (gangrape), 310-2 (dacoity), 308-2 (extortion) and 115-2 (voluntarily causing hurt) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and under sections of the Arms Act. He further informed that personnel from four police stations fanned out and launched a manhunt.

Six of the seven suspects, who demanded a ransom of 10 lakh, have been identified. We arrested two men. Hitika Vasal added, One of them has a case of loot registered against him in 2016, reported The Indian Express.
Part of a busy Mumbai road outside the famous Siddhivinayak Temple collapsed on Thursday morning. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation on social media platforms, with many Mumbaikars lashing out at the BMC. The incident also took on a political tone, with members of the Shiv Sena (UBT) accusing the Eknath Shinde government of corruption.

Visuals shared online showed the front left tyre of a steel grey car stuck within the newly created 3 feet by 5 feet crater as locals recorded videos on their mobile phones. Traffic police officials worked with locals to pull the car out of the crater, and other cars were briefly diverted. The incident took place around 11.30 a.m. at the busy Kismat junction on Veer Savarkar Marg in Dadar West.

A civic official said that the local ward staff and employees from their roads department have been sent to the scene, and the damaged portion of the road is being repaired.

The incident appears to have sparked fear in the hearts of several social media users, while others seemed resigned to such instances. Shocking but not shocking anymore, said one X user New fear unlocked! read another alarmed post. Kismat ka khel, jibed a third  an apparent play on the cave-in at Kismat junction.

Also Read | RJD chief Lalu Prasad undergoes angioplasty at Asian Heart Institute in Mumbai

Others highlighted the 59,954.75 crore annual budget announced by the BMC earlier this year and called for the civic body to be held accountable. Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation  the richest civic body in India  is responsible for keeping roads in a motorable condition within the city. Social media users have since dubbed the road cave-in a stark reminder of the crumbling infrastructure in Mumbai with many levelling corruption charges.

Highest corrupt practices in road construction are going on in all civic bodies, opined one X user. Fresh roadwork every year, same issues every monsoon. Wheres the accountability? It's clear municipal scams are draining public funds, but no one seems to care, added a second.

"The fact that a part of the road caved in on a busy junction like Kismat is appalling and unacceptable. It's fortunate that no one was injured, but the authorities need to be held accountable for their negligence. The BMC and road maintenance authorities have failed to ensure the safety of citizens, and this is a clear example of their incompetence. Immediate action must be taken to repair and maintain our roads to prevent such incidents in the future, opined a third.

Also Read | Good news for Mumbaikars! Now drive from Marine Drive to Bandra in just 10 mins
The Supreme Court will deliver its verdict on Friday on pleas filed by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. In his petition, the AAP's national convenor sought bail in the excise policy case. He also challenged the Delhi High Court's order upholding his arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in a corruption case stemming from the alleged excise policy scam.

A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan will deliver the judgement on September 13, news agency ANI reported. The Supreme Court had reserved the verdict on September 5 after hearing counsels representing Kejriwal and CBI.

What happened during SC hearing? Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, appearing for the CBI, objected to Kejriwal for not approaching the trial court for bail. Kejriwal had directly approached the Delhi High Court for bail and then moved to the Supreme Court.

"He approached the high court without going to the Sessions Court. This is my preliminary objection. On merits, trial court could have seen it first. High Court was made to see merits and it can only be in exceptional cases. In ordinary cases, sessions court has to be approached first," ASG reportedly told the bench.

The CBI's counsel said Kejriwal seems to be an "extraordinary person" who requires different approach. "He is an influential political personality. All other 'aam aadmis' have to go to session court," ASG said. He further said that if Kejriwal comes out on bail, witnesses will turn hostile.

Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for Kejriwal, had told the bench that the Supreme Court had released him twice  once in May to campaign for election and second time he was granted interim bail in the case registered by the Enforcement Directorate in the excise policy case.

Singhvi said the CBI arrested Kejriwal on June 26 even though no arrest ever happened in two years. He called it a case of insurance arrest. Singhvi further emphasised that Kejriwal is not a threat to society; he is not a hardened criminal.

The Supreme Court was hearing plea of Kejriwal against his arrest and a separate plea seeking bail in the case.

On August 5, the Delhi High Court upheld the arrest of the Chief Minister as "legal." It had dismissed Kejriwal's plea challenging his arrest, saying it was only after sufficient evidence was collected and sanction was obtained in April 2024 that the CBI proceeded with further probe against him.

The high court had said there was no malice in the acts of the CBI, which demonstrated how Kejriwal could influence witnesses who could muster the courage to depose only after his arrest.

It had said Kejriwal is not an ordinary citizen but a distinguished recipient of the Magsaysay Award and the convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party.

"The control and the influence which he has on the witnesses is prima facie borne out from the fact that these witnesses could muster the courage to be a witness only after the arrest of the petitioner, as highlighted by the special prosecutor," it had said in it's order.

Kejriwal was arrested by the ED on March 21, 2024, in connection with a money laundering probe relating to alleged irregularities in the now-cancelled Delhi excise policy 2021-22.

On June 26, 2024, AAP Chief Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the CBI while he was in custody of the Enforcement Directorate in the excise case.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah wrote to the chief ministers of eight states regarding the unfair devolution of taxes by the Union government. In a post on X on Wednesday, Siddaramaiah said, "I have written to the chief ministers of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Haryana, and Punjab regarding the unfair devolution of taxes by the Union government."

Siddaramaiah alleged that states with higher gross state domestic product (GSDP) per capita, "like Karnataka and others, are being penalized for their economic performance, receiving disproportionately lower tax allocations".

Also Read | Sixteenth Finance Commission constitutes advisory council

"This unjust approach undermines the spirit of cooperative federalism and threatens the financial autonomy of progressive states," Siddaramaiah said.

He took social media to inform that he invited the chief ministers of eight states to a conclave in Bengaluru. The aim is "to collectively deliberate on the issues of fiscal federalism at a juncture when the Finance Commission needs to make a directional shift and create incentives for growth and better tax mobilization".

Also Read | Telangana govt seeks 50% share in central taxes from 16th Finance Commission

"As you are aware, the 16th Finance Commission has begun its deliberations. The previous Finance Commissions have laid excessive emphasis on equity at the cost of efficiency and performance. As a result, states with higher GSDP per capita and higher contribution to the gross tax revenues of the union are progressively receiving lower shares of the central fiscal transfers," the Chief Minister said in the letter.

"The taxpayers of states, which are net donors to the divisible pool, also expect a fair share of their taxes to come back to them. The Finance Commission, therefore, needs to carefully balance equity with efficiency and performance," the letter reads.

"States with strong contribution to the country's GDP and Gross Tax Revenue, help build the nation in more ways than one. Therefore, there is an urgent need to balance equity with efficiency and performance for a stronger Union, both politically and economically. It is, therefore, important that states which are receiving smaller shares in horizontal devolution, compared to their contributions to the Gross Tax Revenues of Union, need to articulate a coordinated set of proposals before the Commission," CM Siddaramaiah stated in his letter.

Also Read | The 16th Finance Commission faces some daunting challenges
Senior Congress leaders paid tribute to Sitaram Yechury on Thursday after the CPI(M) lost a prolonged battle with pneumonia. Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi recalled his pivotal role in UPA-1 while Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi said he would miss long discussions with his friend.

I am very saddened by the passing away of Sitaram Yechury ji. We had worked closely together during 2004-08 to begin with and the friendship that had been established then continued till his very endHe played a pivotal role in UPA-1 and more recently contributed enormously to the emergence of the INDIA group in the run up to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Sonia Gandhi said.

The senior Congress leader also lauded his uncompromising commitment to the values of the Indian Constitution and his fierce determination to protest the country's diversity.

He was fierce in his determination to protect Indias diversity and was a powerful champion of secularism. He was, of course, a life-long communist but that faith was anchored in democratic values. Indeed, his twelve-year stint in Parliament was memorable and left his indelible mark, she said.

Sitaram Yechury ji was a friend. A protector of the Idea of India with a deep understanding of our country. I will miss the long discussions we used to have. My sincere condolences to his family, friends, and followers in this hour of grief, wrote Rahul Gandhi on X.

The passing away of Shri Sitaram Yechury is a profound loss for all of us. His years of service and devotion to our country is worthy of the greatest respect. Most of all, he was an inherently decent human being who brought a sense of balance and gentleness to the harsh world of politics. May his soul rest in peace and may his loved ones find the strength and courage to face this tragedy, added his sister and fellow Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.

Meanwhile Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge penned a letter to Seema Chisti Yechury  the wife of the late Rajya Sabha MP  to voice his condolences.

His commitment and leadership will always be remembered and cherished. We extend our thoughts and prayers to your family during this difficult time of loss. We understand that such moments of personal grief are incredibly painful, and no words can truly ease the sorrow, Kharge wrote.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge writes a letter to Seema Chisti Yechury

Sitaram Yechury began his politicial career in the student's union of Jawaharlal Nehru University as a member of the Students' Federation of India. He would eventually go on to become a member of the Central Committee of the CPI(M) in 1984 before being elected to the Politburo in 1992. He served as a Rajya Sabha MP for 12 years  from 2005 to 2017. He took over from Prakash Karat as the fifth general secretary of the CPI(M) in April 2015.
In today's (September 12, 2024) top news, Shree Tirupati Balajee shares will make stock market debut today, PM Modi will attend aviation conference today in Delhi; the Polaris Dawn team will attempt to conduct the first-ever commercial spacewalk and more.

1. Shree Tirupati Balajee shares to list Shree Tirupati Balajee IPO listing date is today, September 12. The shares are set to be listed on both the stock exchanges, BSE and NSE. Check out what experts and Shree Tirupati Balajee IPO GMP today signal about the share listing price.

2. PM Modi will attend aviation conference today in Delhi Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the 2nd Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation on September 12, 2024 at 4 PM at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. He will also address the gathering on the occasion.

3. SpaceX's Polaris Dawn crew's historic spacewalk The Polaris Dawn team will attempt to conduct the first-ever commercial spacewalk around 12 pm on September. On September 11, Polaris Dawn and Dragon reached 1,400 km above Earth  the farthest humans have traveled since the Apollo program over 50 years ago.

4. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will visit Geneva External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will travel to Geneva, Switzerland for an official visit from 12-13 September, 2024. During the visit, EAM will meet with heads and representatives of international organizations with whom India is actively engaged," the Ministry of External Affairs said.

5. Karnataka HC extends stay on trial court proceedings against CM in MUDA case till Sept. 12 The Karnataka High Court had adjourned to September 12 the hearing on Chief Minister Siddaramaiahs petition challenging the legality of Governor Thaawarchands sanction for his prosecution in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) case.

7. J&K Assembly Election: Ghulam Nabi Azad set to begin his election campaign

In Jammu and Kashmir, the Chairman of the Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP), Ghulam Nabi Azad announced that he is ready to resume his Assembly election campaign after recovering from health issues. Reports claimed that the DPAP Chief will begin campaigning for the party candidates in South Kashmir and the Chenab Valley starting from September 12.

8. Rape-accused Prajwal Revanna's case to be heard Rape accused and suspended JD(S) MP Prajwal Revanna filed a bail petition on September 9. The high court posted the application as well as two of his anticipatory bail applications in other cases, for September 12, news agency ANI reported.

9. Paytm parent One 97 Communications to hold its 24th AGM One 97 Communications Ltd, the parent company of digital-first payments giant Paytm, announced that it would conduct its 24th annual general meeting (AGM) on September 12, 2024, through video conferencing. The upcoming AGM's agenda includes considering and adopting Paytm's audited standalone and consolidated financial statements for FY24, and reports of the Board of Directors and Auditors, among other things.

10. Rohit Sharma & Co to assemble in Chennai for India vs Bangladesh Tests

A week before the India vs Bangladesh Test series starts, players in contention to make the squad will assemble in Chennai. The 1st Test, which will be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on September 19, and the preparatory camp for the 2-match series will be held on September 12, according to ESPNcricinfo.
West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose announced a social boycott of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday amid continued protests over the rape and murder of a Kolkata doctor. The development came soon after the CM offered to resign during a meeting with the agitating junior doctors.

I will socially boycott the Chief Minister in solidarity with the Bengal society. Socially boycott means I will not be sharing any public platform with the Chief Minister nor will I participate in any public program which involves the Chief Minister. My role as Governor will be confined to the constitutional obligations which I have discharged in respect of the Chief Minister. Nothing more, nothing less, he said.

Bose said that he was deeply pained by the allegations levelled against the Kolkata Police Commission and reiterated his commitment to the Constitution of India, people of West Bengal, parents of victim and those protesting for justice.

The governor dubbed Banerjee the Lady Macbeth of West Bengal who held the waters of Hoogly river but could not cleanse her tainted hands. He also accused the state Home Minister of failing to restore the law and order situation in the state.

The Health Minister miserably failed to contain the liquidation of the medical system in the state. It is irony that the Health Minister happens to be the Home Minister. The Lady Macbeth of West Bengal holds the waters of Hoogly but cannot cleanse the tainted hands. The Home Minister is CM and CM is protesting instead of protecting. There is violence in the street, hospital, and cities, the Governor said.

Meanwhile Banerjee met with the protesting doctors on Thursday evening and apologised to the people of West Bengal for the continued deadlock.

"We have tolerated a lot of canards and insults for the last 33 days. For the sake of the people, I am ready to resign. I also want the victim to get justice, but this is not the way. I thought the junior doctors would engage in talks for the sake of the patients and on humanitarian grounds. We have been waiting for over two hours, hoping that reason would guide the junior doctors... I apologise to the people who expected that the issue would be resolved today," she said.
National Security Advisor (NSA) of India Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks in St Petersburg of Russia on the sidelines of the the meeting of BRICS high-ranking officials responsible for security matters and agreed to fully abide by relevant bilateral agreements, protocols, and understandings reached in past.

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the two sides agreed that the bilateral relationship between India and China is significant not just for two countries but also for region, world.

During the talks with Chinese foreign minister, NSA Doval conveyed that peace, tranquility in borders areas, respect for the Line of Actual Control (LAC) essential for normalcy in ties.

Both sides agreed to work with urgency and redouble their efforts to realize complete disengagement in the remaining areas. NSA conveyed that peace and tranquility in borders areas and respect for LAC are essential for normalcy in bilateral relations, the external affairs ministry said in a press release.

The meeting gave the two sides an opportunity to review the recent efforts towards finding an early resolution of the remaining issues along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), which will create conditions to stabilize and rebuild bilateral relations," it said.

The two sides also exchanged views on the global and regional situation.

Earlier in the day, Ajit Doval also met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and exchanged a handshake. The Russian Embassy in India shared pictures on X and said, "On September 12, Russia's President Vladimir Putin had a meeting with Ajit Doval, National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister of India, at the Konstantinovsky Palace in St Petersburg."

Russia is holding the BRICS chairmanship for the year 2024. BRICS is an informal group of states comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, with new members Egypt, Iran, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Ethiopia joining the grouping in 2023. NSA Doval had participated in the 13th BRICS NSA meeting in Johannesburg in July 2023.
In Karnataka's Mandya district, authorities imposed prohibitory orders declared a holiday declared for educational institutions on Thursday following communal clashes that broke out during Ganpati Visarjan, sparked by allegations of stone pelting, as per Karnataka Home Minister G Parmeshwar.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in a post on X said, The stone pelting that took place at Nagamangala in Mandya district at the time of Ganesha discharge is an act of miscreants which threatens the peace and tranquillity of the society.

Condemning the communal violence, he said that action will be taken against those who are trying to divide the country on religious grounds, regardless of caste or religion.

Police took 52 people into custody after the stone pelting incident during the Ganpati immersion procession on Wednesday, reported ANI .

. Karnataka Home Minister said Thursday, Yesterday's Nagamangala incident shouldn't have happened. Fortunately, no injuries have happened. The situation is under control. During the procession, there was stone pelting.

Also Read | Karnataka news: Clashes erupt in Nagamangala during Ganpati visarjan

The mob set vehicles on fire in response to the verbal arguments and stone pelting. Parmeshwar added, SP, IGP at the spot. There is peace now. In response to verbal arguments, the stone pelting took place. I request that you not give publicity to such an incident. 52 arrested from both the groups.

The Superintendent of Police in Mandya, Mallikarjun Baladandi, told the news agency ANI that the violence erupted when the Ganapati procession halted to dance in front of a Dargah for five to seven minutes.

Also Read | Siddaramaiah forms committee to review scams, including those during BJP govt

Subsequently, individuals from another group approached and asked the procession to move on, leading to a verbal exchange. Mallikarjun Baladandi mentioned that the police intervened to diffuse and resolve the situation between the two groups.

Participants in the Ganpati procession protested in front of the Nagamangala station and blamed the police for discontinuing their procession.

Also Read | Karnataka news: Ola Electric condemns arson attack in Kalaburagi store

However, SP Mallikarjun Baladandi stated that the police permitted the Ganesh procession to continue with the immersion ritual.

While the police officials tried to convince the group, many from opposing sides gathered and began throwing stones at each other again.

This prompted the police to interfere again as the violent mob set shops and bikes on fire.

According to the police, seven bikes and six small shops were torched, while 15 bikes and a car were damaged during the whole incident.

Inspector General of Police of South Division, MB Boralingaiah South Division, said, Prohibitory orders were imposed in Mandya district's Nagamangala after a group of miscreants set shops on fire, and two police staff were injured.

Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H D Kumaraswamy took to social media platform X to condemn the incident. The Lok Sabha MP representing Mandya district said, It is the proof of 'failure of law and order' in the town that the miscreants of a community deliberately raised a ruckus by targeting the devotees who were walking peacefully in the procession of God Ganapati, throwing stones and slippers on public and policemen, exploding petrol bombs and brandishing swords.

He blamed failure of local police after thugs of the community allegedly oppressed peacefully protesting devotees demanding protection in front of police station.
(Bloomberg) -- Norfolk Southern Corp. fired Chief Executive Officer Alan Shaw following an investigation into claims he was involved in an inappropriate workplace relationship, a sudden downfall just over two years after he took the helm.

Shaw was terminated for cause, effective immediately, the railroad said Wednesday in a statement. Norfolk appointed Chief Financial Officer Mark George to replace Shaw as CEO.

The departure comes shortly after Norfolk said its board had hired a law firm to conduct an independent investigation into allegations of conduct by Shaw that was inconsistent with the companys code of ethics and company policy.

Norfolks shares were unchanged in after-hours trading following the announcement.

Shaw, who started in Norfolks finance department in 1994, became CEO in May 2022 with a plan to move the company away from the precision scheduled railroading strategy that was pioneered by late executive Hunter Harrison and has been widely adopted across the company.

His plans for change were upended by a train derailment last year that spilled toxic chemicals in East Palestine, Ohio, which unleashed a torrent of criticism from lawmakers along with proposals to introduce more safety regulations. The company agreed to a settlement with residents in May.

Shaw had previously prevailed in a campaign by activist shareholder Ancora Holdings Group to replace him and other leaders of the railroad. The investor faulted Norfolks response to the derailment and criticized the companys performance. While Shaw won a shareholder vote in May to keep his job, investors opted to replace three members of the companys 13-person board with Ancora-backed candidates.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
LOS ANGELESBanksieTV on Wednesday announced that media personality and content creator, Banksie, will be returning to host the AWsummit Awards Show on Thursday in Bucharest, Romania. Veteran executive Stefan Muehlbauer will co-host the show.

I am honored to be hosting the AWAummit awards once again! Banksie says. Sharing the stage with Stefan to recognize the best in the industry will be great.

In addition to her role as host, Banksie will also be moderating three panels throughout the summit. These discussions will cover topics including the future of content creation, the landscape of digital studios, and strategies for industry success.



Formerly known as Lindsey Banks, Banksie is an adult industry veteran with more than 10 years of experience in camming, hosting red carpets and awards shows. She has represented top brands such as Pornhub, Fleshlight, Flirt4Free, and LoyalFans.
OSAKA, Japan (AP)  Visitors to Tokyo and Kyoto might not realize it, but Osaka  one of Japans biggest and oldest cities, known more as a business hub than a tourist destination -- is gearing up to host next years World Exposition.

The city has been plastered with the Expos red-and-blue Myaku-Myaku mascot for months and is abuzz with preparations. For many here, the excitement is mixed with nostalgia for the last World Expo hosted by Japan, back in 1970.

There are doubters, especially outside Osaka. Construction costs are turning out to be exponentially higher than expected. Preparations have been marred by political and business infighting. And many Japanese, jaded after Tokyos difficult experience hosting the Olympics during the COVID pandemic, question whether the idea of a World Expo is still relevant.

But in Osaka, many older residents say such events are more necessary than ever.

Many retain vivid memories of the 1970 Expo. They remember schoolchildren attending multiple times, particularly those from the Osaka area. There were long lines to see the moon rocks on view at the U.S. pavilion; prototypes of electric cars; displays featuring the first ethernet cables (LAN); and the introduction of Western foods like yogurt and baguettes.

It was a time when traveling abroad was still a dream for most, and Expo 70 was a rare chance for ordinary Japanese to hear live performances by bands from around the world, and visit a huge array of pavilions representing various nations and interests.

Mostly, though, the enduring impact was the chance for personal interactions with international pavilions and visitors.

My experience as an interpreter at World Expo 70 was transformative, says Takahiro Shinyo, who went on to join the Japanese foreign service, serve as a Japanese ambassador to Germany, and is now a visiting professor at Kwansei Gakuin University, just outside Osaka.

It opened my eyes to the power of international cooperation and the potential of human ingenuity, he says.

And while a lot has changed since 1970, he says World Expos remain just as relevant today.

The value of direct interpersonal contact that World Expos facilitate cannot be replicated online, he says. The face-to-face interactions, the exchange of ideas, and the shared experiences that take place at these events contribute to a deeper understanding and appreciation of our global community.

As in 1970, this World Expo is being staged in Osaka just a few years after the Olympics were held in Tokyo. But while the 1964 Olympics were an enormously successful and popular event at the time, the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, held during the pandemic, were considered a disappointment to many Japanese.

World Expos happen every five years, and last up to six months. The most recent, in 2020, was in Dubai.

The upcoming Expo in Osaka is scheduled for April 13-Oct. 13, 2025, with the theme Designing the Future of Our Lives. Organizers anticipate 28.2 million visitors, over 3 million of them from other countries. Nearly 5 million tickets have already been sold.

The Expo will be held on an island built off the coast of western Osaka using the same technology as at nearby Kansai International Airport, which floats in Osaka Bay. The fair promises multiple prototypes of flying cars, and spokeswoman Sachiko Yoshimura said organizers hope visitors could even take a flying car from the airport to the Expo.

That said, organizers say their emphasis is not on cutting-edge technology as much as international cooperation.

This Expo is not just a showcase of industry. Its about having all the nations come together and unite as one, said Yoshimura, in a glassed-in office near the top of a skyscraper overlooking the site of the upcoming event.

Although the grounds of World Expo 2025 have begun to open up for limited tours of the construction site, the general public can get a sense of the impact of a World Exposition in Osaka by visiting ExpoCity, the site of the 1970 World Expo. It features an immersive Expo 70 Pavilion, including the still-intact Steel Pavilion, and galleries of Expo '70 memorabilia like uniforms worn by World Expo hostesses.

Visitors to ExpoCity can climb inside the nearby Taiyo no To (Tower of the Sun) sculpture, a symbol of Expo '70 and designed by Japanese artist Taro Okamoto. There is also a playground, a lake with paddle boats and, nearby, Expo Restaurant, which sells what are billed as the same style meals served at that fair.

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Pro-Khalistani elements were present at Rahul Gandhis event in Virginia on Tuesday, Government sources said as reported by News18. The sources noted that representatives from Baba Makhan Shah Gurdwara in Richmond Hill attended the event which is known for its involvement in anti-India protests.

In addition to this, the sources also revealed that the same gurdwara had also held an event to support and congratulate protesters after the Modi government had repealed three controversial farm laws.

Accoring to the sources, Last year, this gurdwaras representatives protested at Times Square against the Indian government arresting separatist Amritpal Singh. They took out a car rally from Baba Makhan Shah Gurdwara to Times Square in New York. The same group raised anti-India slogans and billboards at Times Square were also used for the same purpose, as quoted by News18.

What was Rahul Gandhi's remark on Sikh community in India When asking the name of a turbaned person in the gathering, Gandhi said, "The fight is about whether a Sikh is going to be allowed to wear his turban in India or a kada in India. Or he, as a Sikh, is going to be able to go to a gurdwara. That's what the fight is about. And not just for him, for all religions.

The BJP came down heavily on Gandhi over his remarks in the United States about Sikhs, saying the Congress leader is trying to create a "dangerous narrative" by speaking on "sensitive issues" abroad.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday, September 12, that Moscow has discharged 35 Indians from the Army services since Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the country in July. During PM Narendra Modi's visit to Moscow, Russia had promised to discharge any Indians who had been falsely induced to join its Army and then forced into active combat in Ukraine.

The ministry spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, said 50 more Indian nationals are fighting in the Russian Army and the Central government was trying to get them discharged as soon as possible.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, Since PM Modi visited Russia in July, 35 Indians have been discharged from the Russian Army. Before the PM's visit 10 Indian nationals were discharged. Around 50 Indian nationals are still with the Russian Army, and we are trying our best to get them discharged as early as possible.

Earlier on September 10, Rajya Sabha MP Vikramjit Sahney had informed Parliament that Russia had decided to discharge 12 Indian nationals, including some from Punjab, from its Army.

Back in July, a top Russian diplomat had said it was hoping for a quick resolution of the issue relating to India's call for return of Indians recruited into the Russian Army.

Russia's Charge d'affaires Roman Babushkin said Moscow never wanted the Indians to be part of its Army and their number is insignificant in the context of the conflict. "We are on the same side with the Indian government on the issue. We hope that the issue will be resolved soon," he said, adding, Let us be very clear, we have never wanted Indians to be part of the Russian Army. You would never see any announcement by Russian authorities on this.
Sitaram Yechury, Communist Party of India (Marxist) veteran and former Rajya Sabha member, breathed his last on Thursday, September 12, at AIIMS Delhi following a prolonged illness. Sitaram Yechury, admitted to AIIMS on August 19 for treatment of a pneumonia-like chest infection, was being treated for an acute respiratory tract infection at the ICU. He had remained in a critical condition for the past few days. Politicians from all parties are expressing their condolences on social media to mourn the loss of a friend, a gentleman, and an unrepentant Marxist.

PM Narendra Modi said Sitaram Yechury was a leading light of the Left and was known for his ability to connect across the political spectrum. In a post on X, PM Modi said, "Saddened by the passing away of Shri Sitaram Yechury Ji.He also made a mark as an effective Parliamentarian. My thoughts are with his family and admirers in this sad hour. Om Shanti.

Remembering Sitaram Yechury as a friend, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi said the CPI(M) leader was a protector of the Idea of India with a deep understanding of our country. He further said, I will miss the long discussions we used to have. My sincere condolences to his family, friends, and followers in this hour of grief.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also took to social media to condole Sitaram Yechury's demise and said, Sad to know that Sri Sitaram Yechury has passed away. I knew the veteran parliamentarian that he was and his demise will be a loss for the national politics. I express my condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said, Sitaram Yechury - a very fine human being, a multilingual bibliophile, an unrepentant Marxist with a pragmatic streak, a pillar of the CPM, and a superb Parliamentarian with a wonderful wit and sense of humour - is most sadly no more. Salaam Tovarish. You have left us much too early but you enriched public life immeasurably and will not be forgotten."

Deeply saddened by veteran CPI-M leader Sitaram Yechury Ji's passing. He was a stalwart who rose from the ranks to become one of the most respected voices in Indian politics. He was known for his intellectual take on issues, and connection with the people at the grassroots level. His insightful debates with leaders across the political spectrum earned him recognition beyond his party. My heartfelt condolences to his family, comrades, and followers. May his soul rest in peace, Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu tweeted.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said, I am deeply saddened by the tragic demise of veteran CPM leader, Sitaram Yechury ji. We had many years of working relations in the Parliament. Extending my deepest condolences to his family, colleagues and admirers.

Congress leader Pawan Khera said, A thorough gentleman and a man of unwavering conviction. Travel well #SitaramYechury. Indian politics shall miss you and the values you lived for.

ABOUT SITARAM YECHURY The leader, who started from the student's union of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) as a member of the Students' Federation of India (SFI) and went on to become a member of the Central Committee of the CPI(M) in 1984, got elected to the Politburo in 1992.

He served as a Rajya Sabha MP for 12 years, from 2005 to 2017. He became the fifth general secretary of the CPI(M) at the 21st party congress in Visakhapatnam on April 19, 2015, and took over from Prakash Karat.
Heavy rain in the early hours of Thursday, September 12, led to waterlogging in various parts of Delhi, disrupting traffic across the city. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for the capital city, warning of significant traffic disruptions.

The IMD has forecast moderate to heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds throughout the day. Cloudy skies are expected to prevail in Delhi, and the city's weather will remain cool.

Temperatures have dropped, with the maximum and minimum expected to be around 23C and 26.81C, both lower than usual for this time of year. According to an India Meteorological Department official, the highest temperature for the day is likely to hover around 30C.

Areas such as Green Park, Indira Gandhi International Airport, South Extension, and Minto Bridge reported rainfall early in the morning.

What routes to avoid as per IMD in Delhi? Waterlogging and traffic jams have been particularly severe on Rohtak Road, affecting the carriageway from Nangloi to Tikri Border. The Delhi Traffic Police have advised commuters to avoid Mundka and seek alternative routes.

The weather also caused disruptions on Wednesday, with moderate rainfall leading to similar waterlogging and traffic jams. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of major traffic issues, potential power outages, and damage to vulnerable structures today.

The city recorded 6 mm of rainfall in the 24 hours leading up to 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, with an additional 2.4 mm recorded between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Weather conditions are expected to improve by September 13, with light rain predicted. Clearer skies are anticipated by September 15.
Journalist-author Nishtha Gautam has shared her frustration about ongoing harassment on LinkedIn despite her professional and personal privileges. She explained that the sexual harassment began innocently enough with a connection request, followed by polite messages.

However, this soon escalated into a series of inappropriate direct messages. Although she tried to ignore them, the situation worsened when the same man, named Tulsi Kumar, started leaving comments on her Instagram.

Ill be 39 in exactly 10 days. Im a mother of two daughters21 and 15. I have all the privileges that you can countcaste, class, religion, skin colour, education everything. My LinkedIn profile is for everyone to see and assess my professional standing, she wrote on LinkedIn. Yet, Im utterly helpless and I dont know anymore when this will stop. The screenshots are self explanatory.

Nishtha expressed anger at the behaviour of men online and criticised those who claim "not all men" are like that.

Not all men tribe, sit down. Unless YOU wake up to such bullshit from random stranger women in your professional accounts inbox routinely, dont even think of making your case, she wrote.

Also Read | Malayalam actor Charmila accuses producer of sexually abusing her 27 years ago

She also voiced her frustration with LinkedIns lack of adequate reporting tools for harassment. According to her, digital safety measures are inadequate.

Digital safety, my foot! Its a disgusting world where women can be made to feel like shit even within the safety of their homes by stranger men, she concluded.

LinkedIn users react Nishtha Gautams online community stood by her.

Creeps like these, who shamelessly use 'Tulsi' in their names need to be deweeded the way they understand. Sorry you had to go through this, but yes, this is a violation of your privacy, and a crime - digital abuse... Report him to be caught & faced with a punishment he deserves, wrote one LinkedIn user.

Also Read | Woman claims mental health firm fired her for liking post on LinkedIn

Your openness in sharing this experience, while painful, also sheds light on a critical issue that far too many women face in digital spaces. The fact that this behavior persists despite all the social and professional progress we've made is maddening, and its understandable why you feel so frustrated and violated, wrote another.

LinkedIn issues statement People expect their experience on LinkedIn to be professional and free of harassment. Our Professional Community Policies include detailed examples of what kind of content isnt allowed and are clear that harassment, including unwanted romantic advances, does not belong on LinkedIn. Thats why we invest in technology and our teams of experts to keep LinkedIn a professional place that every member of the global workforce can trust," LinkedIn said in its statement.

Weve also added an optional advanced safety feature that detects harmful messages. When enabled, this feature allows LinkedIns automated machine learning models to detect likely harmful content, like sexual harassment, within messages and hide it. These updates make it easier for members to report and our team to act. Learn more about how to turn on the setting here, LinkedIn said.
Prince Harry has appeared quite miserable recently, according to Royal Family biographer Angela Levin. She thinks Harry has been left in an insignificant position, even within his relationship, suggesting that Meghan Markle treats him poorly.

Levin has pointed out how, during filming in Colombia and Africa, Harry seemed sidelined and not involved. However, she is also surprised to discover that Harry is reaching out to his former friends in an attempt to reconnect with his family.

Also Read | Kate Middleton slammed for doing a Meghan Markle in latest video

You could say Harry is not even the spare to his wife. Hes almost nothing. She (Meghan) treats him horrendously. If you look at the filming of them in Colombia and Africa, he is not asked anything. Hes pushed out of the way, The Sun quoted Levin as saying.

I was completely and utterly astonished to learn that Harry is trying to call in his old friends to help him get back within his own family, Levin added.

Harry has been feeling increasingly lonely in California and has started reaching out to old acquaintances in the UK, sources revealed to the publication. His recent trip to Colombia apparently emphasised how Meghan thrives in the public eye while Harry seemed withdrawn and unhappy, the source said.

As per The Sun, Harry is exploring ways to re-engage with the Royal Family and is consulting with former friends and advisers for guidance. However, those around him acknowledge that repairing the damage he has caused will not be easy.

He wants to carve out a way back into royal life back in the UK and is seeking counsel from old friends and associates, the source said.

Accusations in Spare In his 2023 memoir Spare, Harry openly criticised his family, accusing William of physically confronting him during an argument. He also claimed that William described Meghan as "difficult", "rude" and "abrasive", and that Kate Middleton, William's wife, was unfriendly towards her.
US President Joe Biden is slated to host Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other Quad leaders in his Delaware residence next weekend. This will be the first time that the POTUS  in office till January  hosts foreign leaders in Wilmington since assuming the top post. The White House reiterated that the upcoming meeting and venue was a reflection of his deep personal relationships with each of the Quad Leaders and the importance of the grouping.

The Quad Leaders Summit will focus on bolstering the strategic convergence among our countries, advancing our shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific region, and delivering concrete benefits for partners in the Indo-Pacific in key areas. These include health security, natural disaster response, maritime security, high-quality infrastructure, critical and emerging technology, climate and clean energy, and cybersecurity, read a statement issued by press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.

Also Read | Russia releases 35 Indians from Army after PM Modis Moscow visit

The Quad or Quadrilateral Security Dialogue is a diplomatic partnership between India, USA, Australia and Japan that is committed to supporting an open, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific. The meeting next week will see Modi and Biden coming together with Australian PM Anthony Albanese and his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida.

The outgoing President has been spending more time in his home state since dropping his bid for reelection in July.

Joe Biden was the first American president to host a summit of the so-called Quad leaders in 2021, with annual summits since then, as the U.S. looked to pivot its foreign policy focus to the Indo-Pacific region to counter China. Meanwhile Quad Foreign Ministers have also met eight times in recent years as the four governments continue to coordinate at all levels.

India, which was scheduled to host QUAD this year, would host the summit next year. QUAD leadership summit is an initiative of Biden and is one of the key foreign policy legacies for the outgoing American president.
SpaceX Polaris Dawn's four-member crew is all set to attempt first-ever private, or commercial, spacewalk around 2:30 pm (Indian Standard Time) on Thursday, September 12. The mission is dubbed the riskiest mission yet for Elon Musk's SpaceX.

This is this first time that a private crew will conduct a spacewalk in space. Only government astronauts with several years of training have done spacewalks in the past.

If all goes well, the spacewalk by the private astronauts on Thursday will scrip history, testing a new line of spacesuits.

The spacewalk will be conducted by Jared Isaacman and Sarah Gillis, two members of the four-person Polaris Dawn mission, Space.com reported. It will last around two hours, SpaceX and Polaris Dawn representatives reportedly said.

When and where to watch SpaceX crew's spacewalk? The spacewalk is slated to begin around 2:30 pm pm IST at 700 km (435 miles) in altitude. One can watch it LIVE directly via the company, SpaceX. The coverage will begin around 2:20 pm IST. WATCH here 

As part of the spacewalk, two astronauts will venture outside Crew Dragon, while the other two remain inside. Isaacman and Gillis do so sequentially, not simultaneously, and each will remain outside for 15 to 20 minutes, Isaacman had said during a prelaunch press briefing on August 26.

"Dragon and the Polaris Dawn crew have completed six orbits of Earth at ~1,400 km. Over the next five hours, Dragon will perform four burns to lower itself to an orbit of ~190 x 742 km in preparation for Thursdays spacewalk," SpaceX said in a post on X on Wednesday.

Polaris Dawn launched at 2:53 pm (IST) on September 10 in Florida with four private crew members - Jared Isaacman, Scott Kidd Poteet, Sarah Gillis, and Anna Menon. SpaceX's Falcon 9 launched the Polaris Dawn, Dragons 14th human spaceflight mission.

The four crew members of Polaris Dawn mission.

Also Read | NASA reassigns astronauts for SpaceX Crew-9 Mission ahead of September launch

Aim of historic SpaceX's private spacewalk The main goal of the spacewalk is to test the new SpaceX suits.

At approximately 700 km above Earth, the SpaceX Extravehicular Activity (EVA) suit, upgraded from the current intravehicular (IVA) suit, will support the Polaris Dawn crew in the vacuum of space during the first-ever commercial astronaut spacewalk.

Polaris program's website explains that building a base on the Moon and a city on Mars will require millions of spacesuits. "The development of this suit and the execution of the spacewalk will be important steps toward a scalable design for spacesuits on future long-duration missions as life becomes multiplanetary," it added.

Meanwhile, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) said their researchers will soon benefit from a suite of experiments flying aboard a new fully-commercial human spaceflight mission, "strengthening future agency science as we venture to the Moon, Mars and beyond".

The research will help NASA scientists better understand how exposure to space conditions affects the human body.

SpaceX Dragon astronauts' achievements so far: 'Break's Apollo's record' The Crew Dragon spacecraft throughout Wednesday circled Earth at least six times in an oval-shaped orbit as shallow on one end as 190 km. Polaris Dawn and Dragon reached 1,400 km above Earth  the farthest humans have travelled since the last US Apollo mission (1972) over 50 years ago.

With this, Mission Specialist Sarah Gillis and Mission Specialist and Medical Officer Anna Menon "became the first two women to have travelled this far in space!"

Elon Musk also posted, Dragon astronauts are now further from Earth than any humans in over half a century!!

Meanwhile, Mission Commander Jared Isaacman passed the torch to the NASA Artemis crew, saying "hes looking forward to their upcoming flight," an X account of Polaris posted.

Polaris Dawn is also the first mission to test Starlink laser-based communications, using the Plug and Plaser inside Dragons trunk to communicate with Starlink satellites throughout the mission.

According to the company, the Polaris Dawn crew -- Jared, Kidd, Sarah, and Anna -- called their families on Earth. The calls were "conducted over Starlink connections and preparing a special message for fans later in the mission before settling in for a good nights sleep ahead of tomorrows world-first commercial spacewalk".

https://x.com/PolarisProgram/status/1833987094219309426
The interim government of Bangladesh has asked the Hindu community to pause Durga Puja celebrations, especially music, during the time of azaan and namaz.

Retired Lt Gen Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, an adviser on home affairs, mentioned that puja organisers were advised to turn off musical instruments and sound systems during these periods, and they have complied with the request, The Times of India reported.

Such activities need to cease during offering namaaz, and the pause will have to be followed from five minutes prior to azaan," TOI quoted Chowdhury as saying. Bengalis in India and Bangladesh will celebrate Duga Puja 2024 from October 9.

According to Chowdhury, puja organisers have been requested to stop music and sound during azaan and namaz, and the organisers have consented. This year, 32,666 puja pandals will be set up nationwide, including 157 in Dhaka South City and 88 in the North.

In 2023, there were 33,431 pandals. The number is, however, expected to surpass that figure, TOI reported while citing the Puja Celebration Parishad.

Chowdhury mentioned that there would be constant security at the puja pandals. He stated that steps would be taken to ensure a smooth celebration and to stop troublemakers from disrupting it.

The search for Durga Puja on Google is trending high:

No hilsa export to India on Durga Puja 2024 Farida Akhter, an adviser for the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, earlier revealed that Bangladesh would not send hilsa (ilish) fish to India for Durga Puja.

She also mentioned that the government had decided against bringing in foreign meat to safeguard the interests of domestic farmers.

Also Read | Bangladesh bans Padma hilsa export to India ahead of Durga Puja, prices to rise
Credit: Nightcap

Shannon Sharpe confirmed Wednesday night on his podcast Nightcap that he did in fact engage in a sexual encounter while streaming on Instagram Live earlier in the day.

Around midday, videos flooded social media of screen recordings of Sharpes Instagram Live, in which viewers could hear a voice that sounded like Sharpes and noises that hinted he was making love. Soon after, a message appeared on Sharpes Instagram Stories claiming that he was hacked.

In a live reaction on Nightcap with co-host Chad Johnson, Sharpe acknowledged his slip up and said it was a staffer named Jordan who posted the hacking claim, which Sharpe deleted.

Im disappointed in myself. I let a lot of people down, Sharpe said. This was not staged. I came in, I threw my phone on the bed, engaged in an activity. I did not know IG Live. Ive never been on IG Live. Ive never turned IG Live on, so I dont know how it works.

While Sharpe tried to make light of the situation somewhat on Nightcap, he was clearly very uncomfortable and ashamed. Sharpe said he spoke with all of his representatives and bosses after he realized the miscue, as well as his family. The ESPN and Club Shay Shay host admitted to crying earlier in the day in the aftermath.

Im embarrassed. Someone that is extremely, extremely private. And to have one of your most intimate details, the audio heard for the entire world to hear, Sharpe said. People count on Shannon, there are a lot of people who count on Shannon to be professional at all times.

Earlier in the week, Sharpe critiqued Johnson for his lack of professionalism after showing up late for an episode. That made his Instagram accident all the more embarrassing.

To his credit, Johnson kept the professionalism joke up throughout the episode, while giving his analysis of Sharpes performance.

Weve got to work on your cardio, because you was breathing heavy, Johnson said. You shouldnt be breathing that heavy.

The silliness actually started right away, when Shannon Sharpe opened the show with an advertisement for Ro, a mens sexual health company that sponsors Nightcap.

The live Nightcap reaction to Shannon Sharpes explicit IG Live on Wednesday starts with an ad for mens sexual health company Ro pic.twitter.com/WbabhUp4Ox  Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) September 12, 2024

On a more serious note, Sharpe was clearly jarred by watching his career flash before his eyes. In 2021, Paul Pierce was fired by ESPN after he was seen smoking with scantily clad women dancing on Instagram Live. But given Sharpes recounting of conversations with executives at ESPN and The Volume and others in his inner circle, it seems he is safe professionally.

Sharpe is notoriously private, which he emphasized multiple times Wednesday night on Nightcap.

I try not to put myself in situations, because I know how I am, Sharpe said. Im trying to be as private as I possibly can, and in trying to be private, I made a huge, it wasnt a mistake. An error in judgment, or whatever it was.

As for how he will operate in the future, Sharpe said he learned one lesson and one lesson only.

Oh Im going to repeat that act, but the phone gon be in the car, Sharpe said. Thats the only lesson Im thinking about.

While the mess may end after Wednesday, its safe to say Shannon Sharpe will never live this one down.

[Nightcap on YouTube]
New York:Disgraced ex-movie mogul Harvey Weinstein has been indicted on additional sex crimes charges in New York ahead of a retrial in his landmark #MeToo case, Manhattan prosecutors said at a court hearing Thursday.

The indictment will remain under seal until Weinstein is arraigned on the new charges, which could happen as early as Sept 18. Assistant District Attorney Nicole Blumberg disclosed in court that the indictment charges Mr Weinstein with additional crimes and that multiple accusers are prepared to testify against him.

Weinstein, 72, is recovering from emergency heart surgery Monday at a Manhattan hospital to remove fluid on his heart and lungs and was not at Thursday's hearing.

Prosecutors retrying Weinstein's overturned rape conviction disclosed last week that they had begun presenting to a grand jury evidence of up to three additional allegations against Weinstein, dating as far back as the mid-2000s.

They include alleged sexual assaults at the Tribeca Grand Hotel, now known as the Roxy Hotel, and in a Lower Manhattan residential building between late 2005 and mid-2006, and an alleged sexual assault at a Tribeca hotel in May 2016.

Because the indictment is under seal, it was not known whether the new charges involved some or all of the additional allegations.

We don't know anything," Weinstein's lawyer, Arthur Aidala, said outside court. We don't know what the exact accusations are, the exact locations are, what the timing is."

In April, New York's highest court overturned Weinstein's 2020 conviction on rape and sexual assault charges involving two women and ordered a new trial. Weinstein's retrial is tentatively scheduled to begin Nov. 12.

Prosecutors said they would seek to combine any new charges with ones previously brought against Weinstein so that they could be tried together. Weinstein's lawyers oppose that, arguing that prosecutors were seeking to bolster their original case with additional charges involving other accusers.

Aidala said Weinstein's defence team won't be ready to go to trial in November on the new charges. By law, he said, they'll have 45 days to file court papers challenging the prosecution's request to try the original and new indictments at the same time, pushing the fight into the weeks before a possible trial.

Weinstein's new charges come after prosecutors in Britain announced last week that they would no longer pursue charges of indecent assault against Weinstein, who was the most prominent villain of the #MeToo movement in 2017 when women began going public with accounts of his behavior.

Weinstein, who co-founded the film and television production companies Miramax and The Weinstein Company, has long maintained that any sexual activity was consensual.

Also Thursday, Judge Curtis Farber granted a defense request to have the ailing Weinstein remain at Bellevue Hospital indefinitely instead of being moved back to the infirmary ward at New York City's Rikers Island jail complex. Farber also ordered Weinstein's attending physician at Rikers Island to testify at a closed-door hearing about the ex-studio boss' health issues.

Weinstein's surgery Monday came after his third trip to Bellevue Hospital to have fluid drained, Farber said. He has a variety of maladies requiring medication and treatment that causes him to retain water in his arms, legs, abdomen and around his heart, and he needs constant monitoring to ensure the buildup of fluids isn't deadly, the judge said.

If Mr Weinstein dies because no one has taken the authority to stop what may be the death of Mr Weinstein because of this back-and-forth transfer from one institution to another, it would be a miscarriage of justice to say the least, Weinstein's lawyer Barry Kamins told Farber. It would be a travesty of justice.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's office had signaled for months that new charges were imminent against Weinstein, who was once one of the most powerful people in Hollywood, having produced films such as Pulp Fiction and The Crying Game.

In July, prosecutors told a judge they were actively pursuing claims of rape that occurred in Manhattan within the statute of limitations. They said some potential accusers who were not ready to come forward during Weinstein's first New York trial had indicated they were now willing to testify.

In vacating Weinstein's conviction, New York's Court of Appeals ruled that the trial judge, James M Burke, unfairly allowed testimony against him based on allegations from other women that were not part of the case. Burke is no longer on the bench.

Prosecutors have said one of the accusers in that case, Jessica Mann, is prepared to testify against him again. It's unclear if the second accuser, Mimi Haley, would participate. Her lawyer, Gloria Allred, declined to comment.

The Associated Press does not generally identify people alleging sexual assault unless they consent to be named, as Haley and Mann did.

Weinstein, who had been serving a 23-year sentence in New York when his conviction was quashed, was convicted in Los Angeles in 2022 of another rape.
By Karen Braun

NERVILLE, Illinois, Sept 11 - Fresh government estimates for the U.S. corn and soybean crops are notorious for jolting the grain market and sometimes changing overall sentiment.

That is not the most probable outcome on Thursday as crop pegs are already very large, but corn may have an easier path to potential supply excitement versus soybeans given the recent fundamentals.

On average, analysts expect the U.S. Department of Agriculture on Thursday will peg U.S. corn yield at 182.4 bushels per acre, down from 183.1 in August and well ahead of last years record of 177.3 bpa.

That would be an unusually light change from the August yield, as an adjustment closer to 2 bpa has been seen in the past few Septembers, on average. But the trade rarely suffers a complete miss on the September corn yield, which fell outside the range of guesses just twice in the last two decades.

However, analysts are working with a tight margin for error as their corn yield guesses span just 3 bpa, the narrowest for this report in at least two decades. The highest estimate of 183.5 bpa is very close to USDAs August yield, and this is an area to watch for a possible surprise.

U.S. soybean yield is seen unchanged from August at 53.2 bpa. In the last few years, September soy yield varied by about 1 bpa versus August, on average.

Analysts have left wiggle room with soy yield given the 2.9-bpa range of estimates, well above average. The top guess of 54.9 offers extra coverage on the high side.

It is interesting to note that USDAs September corn yield has not come in below the average trade guess since 2015. USDAs soy yields were also above the trade averages in every September from 2013 through 2021, but they were below expectations in the last two years.

PRODUCTION FOCUS

The trades corn and soy yield expectations for Thursday are higher than its pre-August report predictions, suggesting increasing comfort in the huge targets.

Recent weather could be an obstacle, however, as last month was the Midwests driest August since 2013 and much of the area has remained very dry so far this month.

The crops avoided excessive heat this summer, but both this week and next week will feature temperatures well above normal. This could prevent some of the later-planted corn ears from filling kernels to their full potential, possibly shaving yields.

USDA last month revised planted and harvested corn and soybean areas, so acreage-driven production surprises might be less likely this month.

However, USDA last month unexpectedly increased soybean plantings by 1 million acres versus the June estimate, a move that was abnormally large and directionally atypical. This is an item to monitor on Thursday for any possible changes.

CORN VERSUS BEANS

Lofty crop expectations reduce the chances that a surprisingly low production number on Thursday could change the bearish market tone, though it might be easier to ignite optimism in corn rather than soybeans.

When USDA issued its first official 2024-25 estimates in May, U.S. corn ending stocks were seen rising 4% from 2023-24 and soy stocks were pegged up 31%.

But trade estimates for Thursday suggest 2024-25 U.S. soy ending stocks surging 66% on the year versus a more modest 8% increase for corn.

Export demand is friendlier for U.S. corn right now versus soybeans. Corn export sales for 2024-25, which began Sept. 1, are on a relatively normal pace.

But soybean sales are sluggish compared with USDAs export targets, putting upward pressure on already ample ending-stock estimates. It is unclear if the agency is prepared to make export cuts at this early stage if the crop size is not reduced.

Chicago corn and soybean futures have eased over the last week but remain a bit above last months contract lows. Thursdays data could give traders a feel for whether those lows will hold or if new ones are on the way in the coming weeks. Karen Braun is a market analyst for Reuters. Views expressed above are her own.
Donald Trump said he is not inclined to have another debate with Kamala Harris after initially suggesting several additional matchups to supplement Tuesdays forum.

I am not inclined to do it because I won the debate by a lot, the former president said Wednesday morning in an interview on Fox News, contradicting analysts who said the vice president had bested him. I dont know that I want to do another debate.

Still, hours later, Trump said he hadnt completely ruled out another matchup, adding that he had potential broadcast venues in mind if he ultimately decided to move forward with a second contest.

I would do NBC. Id do Fox too but, right now, we have to determine whether or not we want to, Trump told reporters in Pennsylvania, during a stop to mark the anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

The scattershot approach epitomized the former presidents hasty effort to recover from a showdown that saw him largely on the defensive and distracted. The Republican nominee headed to the media spin room shortly after the debate, posted repeatedly on his social media channels through the night, and then appeared early Tuesday morning on the conservative network to declare victory and complain that media coverage had been unfair.

While Trump insisted to Fox that Harris request for additional debates suggests she lost their showdown, public opinion polls and betting markets indicate the Democratic candidate had the better night.

The losing person, the fighter, the debater, they always ask for a rematch. I won the debate, Trump said.

Trump said that if Fox News did host a second contest, that it shouldnt be moderated by Martha MacCallum and Bret Baier because the pair were critical of his performance on the stage in Philadelphia.

Earlier: Kamala Harris Baits Trump Into a Debate on Her Terms

A month ago, Trump floated three debates with Harris, which included the one held on Tuesday with ABC News and debates to be hosted by Fox News and NBC News.

The Harris campaign previously said it would only commit to additional debates if Trump showed up to Tuesdays event  and has rejected a debate hosted by Fox. Immediately following the forum, the Harris campaign said the vice president was ready for a second debate.

Fact Checks

Tuesdays debate carried added significance as polls forecast a razor-edged race. A New York Times/Siena College poll on Sunday showed Trump led Harris nationally by a point.

Trump had repeatedly railed against Tuesdays moderators from ABC News for fact-checking various claims the former president made  including noting that there were no credible reports of immigrants eating animals in Springfield, Ohio, and that abortions couldnt take place after a baby is born.

During the debate, the candidates sparred over numerous topics, including abortion, the economy and the border. A CNN exit poll showed 63% of people who watched the forum said Harris won.
There are lies, damned lies and pet-eating immigrants. In the first and probably last debate between US presidential candidates Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, the former president repeatedly raised alarm over immigrants. In his view, they are swarming across the southern border in their millions, looking to harm Americans, steal their jobs, feast on state benefits, swamp cities and lay waste to America.

Never mind that the US has rising wages and record low rates of joblessness. This has been the core theme of Trumps campaign. And to drive home the cultural gulf between incomers and Great Againers, as his fan base may be called, Trump used the stage to air a canard, popular on right-wing social media, that immigrants were caught eating the pet dogs and cats of folks in Springfield, Ohio. The moderator, thankfully, called it out.

At one level, this is an example of Trumps unique brand of weird" claims. At another, it articulates and seeks to exploit collective anxieties that settled communities have about new groups that move in. And this is an angst that goes beyond divisive rants in US politics.

The recent gains that the anti-immigrant Alternative for Deutschland made in German provincial elections, the rise of the far-right National Rally in France in European Parliament polls and the growing appeal in Britain of Reform UK, a party that wants drawbridges drawn high, all point to migration rising as a potent political issue in many parts of the world.

Academics who study relocation say that the proportion of the global population that lives in a country other than that of their birth has barely budged from 3% of the total over the past century. They also hold that the extent of internal migration within countries is far greater.

Averages can mislead. In the US, the foreign-born population stood at 13.9% in 2022. That figure is 30% and 23% for more welcoming countries like Australia and Canada.

Europe was the destination for waves of refugees from West Asia and North Africa after the Arab Spring in the wake of Americas second invasion of Iraq, rise of the Islamic State and its offshoots, ouster of Libyan strongman Gaddafi and the eruption of civil wars in Syria, Yemen, Somalia, Ethiopia and Sudan.

While it is true that Europes stagnant or dwindling populations need immigrants to keep their economies humming, the resultant departure from cultural homogeneityvariously interpreted as Islamization, an assault on Christendom, a cause of crime and a threat to modern social valuesand the insecurities it spawns often trump economic rationality. The diversity of minds that led the Wests own emergence, it seems, is mostly forgotten.

In India, 28% of people live away from their place of birth. Of them, 12% are inter-state migrants, according to Census data. The Economic Survey 2017-18 estimated a higher proportion of migrants. Urbanization drives up numbers. Hindi, Oriya and Bengali speakers move to southern and western states, whose natives find their ways and customs alien even when they share a religion.

Migration also tends to push up the cost of housing. Proactive policy must zone states for new towns, step up town planning, open rental markets wider and provide public housing. The politics of tolerance and acceptance, rather than of othering and division, is vital for harmony. In time, migration will create prosperity, but we must not let scare-mongers mislead electorates and hobble our quest for humanand nationalsolidarity.
Indias agrarian society is at a crucial juncture, seeking to balance traditional livelihoods with modern market dynamics. When compounded by the unpredictable impact of climate change, the uncertainties multiply. With more than half the countrys population depending directly or indirectly on agriculture, prosperity and economic growth in the rural sector becomes vital.

The average land holding being just about a hectare, nearly 90% of farmers are smallholders and solutions that work for large-holding farmers may not be effective for them. Therefore, urgent policy refinements are needed to ensure peoples economic independence and a prosperous rural India.

Also read: An invisible groundwater crisis needs greater visibility

These must include climate resilience, water conservation and sustainable practices to navigate an important transformation.

A significant first step is to recognize that much of agriculture depends on women. With employable young men migrating to urban areas, land tilling and allied businesses in the rural sector are increasingly being shouldered by women. Based on my travels through rural India, I am delighted to note the immense potential of womens contribution to agriculture.

They excel at it and actively organize themselves, assuming leadership and charting their paths. As a slow and steady phenomenon, the feminisation" of agriculture, explicitly brought out in the Economic Survey 2017-18, is now being factored into policy-level thinking.

The full potential and economic autonomy of women farmers could be unlocked if we take measures to ease their currently restricted access to knowledge, finance and markets.

While enhancing the agricultural output of small-scale farms has many pieces of a jigsaw puzzle that must fall in place, the largest chunk pertains to water securitythe right quantity, at the right time and in the right place. This is not just another problem, but a pressing issue. Water is the flip side of climate change; almost every aspect of it, be it global warming, rising ocean levels or the onslaught of floods and droughts, is linked to water in one way or another.

Water security for agriculture is not just about enhancing overall supply. As we have seen over the past few decades, enhancing year-round supply has led to gross over-extraction of groundwater, and the consequences are there for all to see. A starting point would be to accept and reinforce the knowledge passed on for generations that Indias agricultural sector is mainly rain-fed, with all the vagaries of monsoon rainfall.

This renders it susceptible to water scarcity and unpredictable precipitation patterns. Incorporating water conservation strategies, such as collecting rainwater, using effective irrigation technologies (like drip and sprinkler systems) and managing watersheds, is crucial to preserve soil moisture and sustain long-term agricultural output.

Underlying all these is the need to recharge groundwatera slow process, but without which we will run the risk of overconsuming, much like spending on a credit card. The bill to repay will follow shortly. These water-efficiency-linked measures will help enhance crop yields by ensuring that crops receive sufficient moisture throughout their growth cycles.

A recent unveiling by the Prime Minister of 109 high-yielding, climate-resilient and bio-fortified crops is a commendable step. So is the call for regenerative agriculture practices, which, simply put, re-invigorate the soil for higher productivity.

These efforts must be accompanied by the availability of contemporary technology and information. Weather forecasts and real-time data can assist farmers make well-informed plantation and harvest choices, and hence help them minimize losses caused by unpredictable factors.

Initiatives taken by Hindustan Unilever Foundation (HUF) have shown how para-agricultural professionals and local cadres can improve productivity by offering technical support and promoting more effective farming methods. Water management practices built into these programmes are expected to enhance the resilience of rural populations to climatic shocks.

India has a large young population, too, well set to reap a demographic dividend. Unless farming is financially rewarding and exciting, the youth will not be attracted to it. Nothing hooks the youth more than the sense that they are at the cutting-edge of technology.

There are opportunities to bring startup-type technology into agriculture and allied fields such as horticulture, animal husbandry and fisheries. These include using Internet of Things-based sensors, micro-geo maps and fine water management methods. The spread of tech-enabled activities in villages can keep the youth engaged throughout the year, and not just during the traditional kharif and rabi cultivation cycles.

Much thought at the highest levels is needed to make rural India a powerhouse. A comprehensive approach that factors in the active inclusion of women in the economic cycle, makes it exciting for the youth to stay in their villages and fosters startup thinking would be crucial.

All this would ensure that each rural community is water secure and water-wise, with an understanding that while the supply and conservation of water must be enhanced, it must also be used efficiently for greater economic prosperity. The recently concluded World Water Week focused on water cooperation for peace and securitywhich we all need to reflect on.

The author is the CEO of Hindustan Unilever Foundation and the co-chair of the FICCI Water Mission.

These are the authors personal views.
Kashmiri Member of Parliament (MP), Sheikh Abdul Rashid said on Thursday said that he would support the INDIA bloc candidates in the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections if the opposition promises to restore Article 370 of the Constitution whenever they come to power at the Centre.

Popularly known as Engineer Rashid, the Baramulla MP, was released on interim bail on Wednesday from Tihar jail to campaign for the elections in the Union Territory.

"If INDIA alliance assures us that it will restore Article 370 when it comes to power in Delhi, I will tell every candidate of mine to pledge each vote of their supporters for them," Rashid, who won the Lok Sabha elections against National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah, told reporters in Kashmir on Thursday, news agency PTI reported.

The Article 370 that have special status to Jammu and Kashmir was abrogated in August 2019.

Rashid was released on interim bail by a court on Wednesday. He said if India has to achieve the dream of being a global power, it will have to address the Kashmir issue. "If India has to be Vishwaguru, Kashmir has to be resolved. If you (Modi) have a better solution, please tell us. You are saying that the other side (of Kashmir) wants to join this side. It may be true as well but how do we find out?" he asked.

Rashids Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) has fielded 34 candidates in the assembly elections. His younger brother, Khurshid Ahmad Sheikh, is also a candidate from Langate seat in north Kashmirs Kupwara district. Rashid, who has been in jail since 2019 in a terror-funding case, has been an MLA from Langate seat twice.

The firebrand politician, who is facing charges of terror funding, said if he is being branded as a separatist for talking about resolution of the Kashmir issue, then the entire north Kashmir region was secessionist as they have voted for him.

"I want to make it clear that we are neither enemies of India, nor agents of Pakistan. We are agents of our conscience. Modi has snatched everything from us on August 5, 2019  illegally and unconstitutionally," he said.

The three-phased polls in the Union Territory end on October 1 and the results will be declared on October 8. He said Article 370 will not be restored by making statements inside the comfort of homes.

"How will 370 come back? You will have to protest at Lal Chowk and be ready to be hit by batons. But they (National Conference and PDP) cannot do it. When Amit Shah said no one can give back the statehood to Jammu and Kashmir except the BJP government, they did not even dare to say we will fight for it. It does not mean one has to be violent. Gandhiji did it through non violence," he added.

Rashid said that National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah was aware in advance that the Centre is going to revoke Article 370. "The vote for me was not emotional outpouring. It was against Modi's Naya Kashmir. It was a vote for work that I had done in Langate (assembly segment) on human rights and development," he said, adding he had secured only 600 votes less than the runner up candidate in the 2019 assembly elections.

The MP also predicted that both Peoples Conference president Sajad Lone and Omar Abdullah will lose the assembly elections from both seats that they are contesting. While Lone is contesting from Handwara and Kupwara segments, Abdullah is a candidate from Ganderbal and Budgam seats.

Fifty-seven-year-old Rashid was in the news during the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 when he defeated former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah by over two lakh votes in the Baramulla seat in north Kashmir.

If INDIA alliance assures us that it will restore Article 370 when it comes to power in Delhi, I will tell every candidate of mine to pledge each vote of their supporters for them.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is vacillating and that the country is suffering the terrible consequences of its inactions as it completes 95 days in power.

Modi took oath as PM for the third term on June 9, 2024. Having failed to get a simple majority in Lok Sabha elections 2024, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had to rely on its NDA to stay in power at the Centre. The Modi government completed 95 days on Wednesday.

Even before the elections, you had loudly trumpeted the 100-day agenda. 95 days are over, your coalition government is vacillating. Let's do a little recap," Kharge said in a post on X on Thursday list out what he called inactions of the Modi government.

Modi had reportedly set in motion the exercise to prepare the 100-day agenda for the third government, even before starting his campaign for Lok Sabha elections, 2024. He even held meetings before the results were out on June 4, on wide range of topics, including brain-storming session to review the agenda.

No one knows what your agenda for 100 days was. But in 95 days, the country is suffering the terrible consequences of your inactions, Kharge said. Eventually the BJP ended with 240 seats while the NDA got 293. The Congress-led Opposition's INDIA bloc ended up with 234 seats, including 99 seats of the grand-old party.

On Wednesday, Kharge suggested that BJP leaders would have been in jail had the opposition INDIA bloc won 20 more seats in the general elections, as he mounted a frontal attack on the Centre over various issues. They (BJP) used to say 400 paar, 400 paar. Where is your 400 paar gone? They could get only 240 seats. Had we won 20 more seats, they would have been in jail. They deserve to be in jail," Kharge told an election rally in Anantnag, Kashmir without naming anyone.

The seven inactions of Modi government listed by the Congress president on Thursday include, anti-people Budget, terrorists attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, violence in Manipur, Modi-Adani Mega Scam, NEET paper leak and U-turns on Lateral Entry and Waqf Bill, among others.

Kharge's 7 inactions of Modi Govt 1-Your government brought an anti-people Budget to break the backbone of the poor and middle class.

2-Terrorist attacks took place in Jammu and Kashmir, especially in Jammu, where many bravehearts of the Indian Army were martyred.

3- It has been 16 months, Manipur is burning and Pradhan Mantri ji, you have no time to even look at the state.

4-The fresh expose of the Modi-Adani Mega Scam and the acts of omission and commission by the SEBI Chairperson cannot be buried under the rug, anymore.

5-Whether it is the NEET paper leak scam or the stampede scenes proving massive unemployment, the Modi Govt has betrayed the youth, everyday.

Even before the elections, you had loudly trumpeted the 100-day agenda. 95 days are over, your coalition government is vacillating.

6- Be it the statue of revered Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Maharashtra, the roof of the airports, the new Parliament or Lord Ram Temple in Ayodhya, expressways, bridges, roads, tunnels, whatever you have claimed to have built, they all had flaws. Railway security has been in serious peril. Cities are flooded and states have not been provided adequate relief.
Politics in Japan can be a staid affair. The race to become the governor of Tokyo, which reached its climax on July 7th, was anything but that. Fifty-six candidates, many of them eccentrics, traded barbs. Pets featured on election posters; so, in one case, did pornography. A candidate dressed as the Joker from Batman spouted nonsense on national television. Another took off her clothes.

In the end Koike Yuriko, the incumbent governor, bagged herself a third term with some 43% of votes. Yet it was the second-place finisherIshimaru Shinji, an outspoken but little-known former bankerwho stole the headlines. Up to now, Japanese voters have seemed curiously unmoved by the kinds of social-media-fuelled populism that have upturned politics in other countries. That no longer seems so true.

Most people expected that the race would be a head-to-head between Ms Koike, a former national legislator for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Saito Renho from the Constitutional Democratic Party (CDP), the main liberal opposition (who goes by just her given name). Both Ms Koike and Renho gained fame as television newsreaders before they entered politics. Yet relative obscurity was no obstacle for Mr Ishimaru. His brief political careerfour years as mayor of Akitakata, an unremarkable town in Hiroshimadid not produce any noteworthy achievements. His candidacy was not backed by any political party.

Instead, the 41-year-old used social media, especially YouTube and TikTok, to convey his messages. On YouTube Mr Ishimaru broadcast to around 300,000 subscribers, compared with 3,000 for Ms Koike and 10,000 for Renho. A video that showed him berating a snoozing council member in Akitakata went viral. He promised to clear out power-hungry politicians and mocked journalists from mainstream media. In a post-election appearance he accused an interviewer of asking stupid questions while a crowd of supporters cheered. Mr Ishimaru mastered an important social-media skill, says Michael Cucek of Temple University in Tokyo. He appeared to speak the truth to power when in fact just spouting negative nonsense.

For years voters in Japan have seemed to be mired in apathy. The LDP has dominated politics for a decade. Turnout at elections has declined. But Mr Ishimarus strong showing suggests both that there is appetite for change, and that social media can indeed provide a path for outsiders. According to one exit poll he snatched 42% of the votes of people aged 18-29, compared with 27% for Ms Koike and 15% for Renho. Most politicians say they care about young people, but I dont think they mean it, says Kiyono Misato, a 28-year-old who voted for Mr Ishimaru. She thought Mr Ishimaru would be different.

Japanese voters are fed up with existing politics and feel growing mistrust, reckons Uchiyama Yu, a political scientist at the University of Tokyo. Social-media rabble-rousers such as Mr Ishimaru will find it more difficult to make a dent in national elections than in local ones. They find it much harder to impress older, rural voters than young ones in cities. But that will not stop them from trying. After the election, Mr Ishimaru told journalists he may contest the seat in parliament that is currently held by Kishida Fumio, Japans unpopular prime minister.

Ms Koikes victory, at least, is a relief for the LDP. But by-elections for the Tokyo assembly were held the same day as the vote for governor, and in those the LDP won just two seats out of nine. The results are very severe, says Mutai Shunsuke, an LDP politician in the national parliament. Mr Kishidas approval rating may be as low as 16%, according to polling by Jiji, a newswire. Rivals are preparing to challenge his leadership at a party vote due in September.
On August 31st a Chinese cutter rammed the largest patrol ship of the Philippine coast guard, punching a hole in its side. It was the latest attempt by China to force the Teresa Magbanua to leave Sabina Shoal, where it has been stationed since April. No one was injured. But the incident is part of an emerging new pattern of escalation and confrontation in the South China Sea, particularly around the Spratly Islands. According to one account, Wang Yi, Chinas top diplomat, warned Jake Sullivan, Americas national security adviser, that China would not accept a Philippine presence at Sabina, during their meeting near Beijing on August 27th-28th. The evidence points to a novel phase in the struggle for the South China Sea, featuring push back against China by some South-East Asian countries. Whether China and America can safely contain the nerve-shredding contest is far from clear.

A major redrawing of the map of the South China Sea began when Xi Jinping came to power in 2012. In the subsequent three years China built seven new bases in the Spratly Islands, three of them with large airfields, on rocks and reefs otherwise contested by the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Taiwan (see map). These bases now play host to a large, permanent presence of Chinese troops, ships and aircraft, as well as advanced intelligence capabilities. Before, the most elaborate constructions built by any country consisted of short airfields on some islands or outposts on stilts atop the coral reefs.

View Full Image (The Economist)

China has placed great rhetorical weight on its vague claim to that part of the South China Sea (ie, nearly all of it) which falls within its nine-dash line". Sometimes the dashes move around on official maps; occasionally a tenth dash is added next to Taiwan. Yet despite the vociferousness of Chinas claims and the ambiguity of its supposed boundary, an uneasy status quo emerged over the past half decade or so.

On any given day one or more Chinese coast guard ships and anywhere between a few and a few dozen maritime militia" vessels (typically large fishing vessels) have been stationed at disputed rocks and reefs throughout the sea. Until recently their remit has usually been limited. The vast bulk of commercial shipping activity, including container flows on some of the worlds busiest sea-lanes, has been unaffected. Chinas military and law enforcement have notionally been preoccupied with a smaller goal: preventing energy exploration and fishing within the area.

Even then their enforcement has been lacklustre: a ban by China on fishing in the South China Sea every summer (formally to help replenish stocks) has not been seriously applied. The American navy has maintained the practice of sailing through the islands on freedom of navigation" operations, challenging Chinas claims to the area, having renewed such operations in 2015. Yet the number of such sailings has tailed off and China has issued mainly routine objections to them. Meanwhile the Philippines and sometimes Vietnam urged the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to issue fresh statements of concern, to little effect. Dont say it too loud, but for an epicentre of a superpower contest, the South China Sea was often surprisingly placid.

Compared with that, the squalls in this new phase of the confrontation threaten to become a storm. The Philippines, Vietnam and Malaysia have begun to rebuff China more forcefully. In order to grasp this dynamic, it is important to consider the relative tension levels across the area. Calmest of all are the Paracel Islands. China has occupied their entirety since seizing them from Vietnam in a battle in 1974. On the largest of the 130 islands, China has an airfield which has hosted combat aircraft.

More tense is Scarborough Shoal, a single isolated lagoon. Its proximity to Manila, the capital of the Philippines, arguably makes it the South China Seas most strategically important feature. Before 2012 Philippine vessels plied the lagoons rich fisheries, and the Philippine navy would expel Chinese vessels that tried to do the same. But that year, Chinese coast guard vessels forced the Philippine ships out. Brazenly, China has controlled it since.

View Full Image (The Economist)

Most fraught of all are the Spratly Islands. The Chinese construction of large bases from 2013 to 2016 was on reclaimed land there. As a result the islands are now where the push back is most fulsome. Since 2022 Vietnam has been dredging and reclaiming land on features that it occupies: it has now built up about half as much land as China has reclaimed (see chart), and appears to be constructing a large airfield. The Chinese government has remained silent on this matter. Malaysia has sought cosy relations with China and tolerated Chinese ships in the waters it claims as its exclusive economic zone. It has also turned a blind eye or worse to fleets carrying sanctioned Iranian oil that transfer it to China-bound vessels. Even so, Malaysia depends on energy revenues and as a result has restarted oil and gas exploration off the coast of Borneo, close to the Spratlys, in the face of Chinese objections.

The biggest push back is coming from the Philippines. President Ferdinand Bongbong" Marcos has directed his officials to shine a spotlight on Chinese activity in the Spratlys, including within the Philippines 200 nautical-mile (370.4km) exclusive economic zone. Of particular note has been Chinas mission to prevent resupply of a Philippine Navy vessel, the Sierra Madre, which was grounded in 1999 on Second Thomas Shoal. Last year the Philippines began using coast guard ships to escort construction materials to the Sierra Madre to reinforce its rusting hull. China responded and by June 2024 had successfully blocked resupply of the Sierra Madre for four months. The small platoon of Philippine marines guarding her had begun to run out of food and water. Finally, when the Philippine navy mounted an attempt on June 17th, Chinese coast guardsmen armed with axes boarded the Philippine dinghies as they reached the shoal and disarmed the sailors by force. (The Philippine sailors followed orders not to fight back, but one lost a thumb.)

In July China and the Philippines stepped back from a bigger confrontation, chastened at least for now. Chinese diplomats accepted a long-standing invitation from the Philippines to fly to Manila for talks. In the negotiations that followed, they agreed to provisional arrangements" which would allow regular resupply of the Sierra Madre. Under the agreement, China will inspect" the resupply missions from a distance of several hundred metres to ensure that they are not bringing in construction materials. But Philippine officials say that the Sierra Madre has nonetheless been stabilised with concrete and wont float away (or fall apart) anytime soon. All in all, a tentative victory for the Philippines.

Elsewhere, however, tensions are growing, not least at Sabina Shoal, where Chinese ships rammed the Teresa Magbanua. Philippine officials say that they sent their ship to the shoal because they had seen signs that China was preparing to build something there. But they are playing a risky game. The Philippines had no continuous presence at the lagoon before April, so it is changing the status quo, which China abhors. Nor is it clear that American alliance guarantees to the Philippines apply at Sabina Shoal, as they almost certainly do at Second Thomas Shoal. Under a mutual defence treaty, America commits to meet the common dangers" should there be an attack on a Philippine public vessel; but while the Sierra Madre is fixed to Second Thomas Shoal with cement, Teresa Magbanua is afloat and so might be removed.

The narrow significance of the Sabina incident is that it could yet spark a military encounter at sea. China might make more aggressive attempts to bully the Philippines out of the shoal. The broader implications go far beyond a few rocks and ships, since such an encounter would test Americas appetite to come to the aid of the Philippines: risking American lives and treasure over an uninhabited shoal would be unpopular in Washington. Yet if the Philippines retreats it is unlikely to get the shoal back. That would trigger memories of its loss of Scarborough Shoal in 2012, and prompt questions in Manila about the reliability of its bigger treaty ally.

The past few months therefore offer two starkly different visions of how the South China Sea will operate in the 2020s and beyond. One, based on the Sierra Madre episode, points to the sea being a contested zone where all parties nonetheless are capable of de-escalating and developing common understandings around flashpoints. The other vision can be found at Teresa Magbanua: a constantly shifting set of mini-confrontations in which China seeks to enforce its will on the sea and South-East Asian countries push back. When the repelling is carried out by formal allies, it puts America in a horrible dilemma: does it back them up or urge them to back down? China will watch like a hawk what happens next. So will other American allies in Asia and beyond.

 2024, The Economist Newspaper Ltd. All rights reserved.

From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com
China is aiming to loosen Elon Musks lock on reusable launch vehicles  and close a yawning technology gap with the US.

Beijing is turning to aerospace startups and state-owned enterprises alike to develop an edge in rockets that can be used dozens of times to lift satellites into low-Earth orbit.

One company trying to meet that challenge isLandSpace Technology Corp.,whoseZhuque-3 reusablerocket successfully completed a 10 kilometer (6.2 mile)vertical takeoff and landing returntest flightat the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centeron Wednesday.According to Chinese state media, it markeda significant breakthrough in Chinas commercial space industry and was a crucial step toward achieving high capacity, low cost, high frequencyand reusability in future space launches.

Another startupin the wings isDeep Blue, a closely held firm thats also planning to test a reusable rocket as soon as this week. A successful demonstration would bringit too one step closer to providing the type of regular orbital deployment service offered by SpaceXs reusable Falcon 9 rockets.

Huo Liang, the chief executive officer ofJiangsu Deep Blue Aerospace Technology Co.,said SpaceX is setting the pace for the rest of the space industry. Their rockets are now flying routinely, and repeatedly executing commercial missions,whereas China has not yet mastered this technology.

While Chinas space program has matched NASA with multiple landings on the moon and Mars, it hasnt kept pace by developing rockets that can be used again and again. Its not alone. Most other Asian, European and Russian craft also rely on single-use launch vehicles, giving Musks SpaceX a near-monopoly on the global market.

Jeff Bezos Blue Origin LLChas comeclose with itsreusable New Shepard rocket, which makes sub-orbital missions taking passengers to space for a few minutes. His bigger New Glenn rocket, designed to deliver satellites to orbit and fly a minimum of 25 times, is expected to debut in November, four years behind schedule.

Since 2017, SpaceX has been reusing the boosters of its rockets, enabling it to offer lower-cost launches at rapid intervals and build out its network of more than 6,000 satellites for its worldwide Starlink internet service.

That gives it  and the US  a huge cost advantage over single-use rockets, allowing a steady cadence of launches year-round.

Chinese companies saytheyre on the cusp of a sustained breakthrough, with rockets like Deep Blues Nebula-1 or similar prototypes under development. Much as the country has come to dominate manufacturing in many other industries, mass production of rockets is yet another target for conquest. The goal is not just to match SpaceX, but to beat it at its own game.

Deep Blue plans an orbital launch by next year as it works out the kinks in its rocket.

A reusable Chinese rocket, when it happens, will be significantly less expensive than a Falcon 9, said Carter Palmer, lead analyst for space systems with Forecast International, a Sandy Hook, Connecticut-based aerospace and defense market research firm.

Mountainside Crash It may be a while before that happens.

Even if Chinas rocket makers succeed with initial tests, speedy deployment of reusable rockets will take time and multiple test cycles. And there have been many setbacks as companies tinker with their technology, such asa test in June, when Beijing Tianbing Technology Co., also known as Space Pioneer, crashed a rocket into a mountainside 1.5 kilometersfrom the launch pad.

EuropesAirbus SE-Safran SAjoint ventureArianeGroup, Japans Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd.and Americas United Launch Alliance, a joint venture between Boeing Co.and Lockheed Martin Corp., are struggling to come up with their own reusability strategies. Those would allow more launches and help amortize the cost and build time for each rocket.

Mitsubishi Heavy aims to eventually introduce a reusable launch vehicle but were not at the stage of developing anything concrete right now, CEO Seiji Izumisawa told Bloomberg Television on June 21.

For China, its a matter of civicpride and national security. President Xi Jinpings government wants a healthy commercial space industry that can serve domestic needs and compete against the US for customers and influence  around the globe.

Theyre going to offer that up as one of the benefits of being on Chinas side in this great power competition: You dont have to rely on the United States for these sorts of things,said Oriana Skylar Mastro, center fellow at Stanford Universitys Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies.

Beijing also wants a counterweight to SpaceXs increasingly ubiquitous Starlink, which has played a prominent role in conflict zones such as Ukraine and is bringing reliable internet service to much of the underdeveloped world. China needs reusable rockets to build satellite networks in low-Earth orbitand other projects, from a lunar research base to an orbital solar power station, said Peter Garretson, senior fellow in defense studies at the American Foreign Policy Council.

All of those plans require a tremendous ability to move mass in the solar system at scale and you cant do that economically without reusable launch, he said. Reusability is an absolute linchpin in Chinas space economic development plan.

Gobi Desert Test LandSpace and Deep Blueare justseveral Chinese companies vying to emulate Musk by developing reusable rockets.

Subsidiaries of state-owned China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp. (CASC) and China Aerospace Science and Industry Corp. (CASIC) conducted similar tests earlier this year. One took place in the Gobi Desert in June under the auspices of CASCs Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology, which has an ambitious 2025 target for a first flight to space with a reusable rocket.

Beijing-based LandSpacehas said commercial flights will start in 2025. Other Chinese companies working on reusable rockets include Galactic Energy Aerospace Technology Co. and Orienspace, which expects to launch its reusable Gravity-2 rocket by early 2026, co-CEO Yao Song told Bloomberg in February.

LandSpace, Galactic Energy and Orienspace didnt respond to requests for comment. The two state-owned enterprises also didnt respond.

To be sure, Chinas deep pockets are buoying its space industry. The government spent as much as $14 billion on its space program last year, according to the CIAs World Factbook, with much of that going to state-run enterprises such as CASC and CASIC. Private Chinese space companies are subsidized via investments by government-backed funds and use of publicly funded launch facilities. In February, the government announced the opening of a reusable rocket technology center in Beijing to help startups.

In terms of the importance, take a look at other countries or adversaries. Where are they investing?Theyre investing in space,Tim Keating, Chief Strategy Officer for Sierra Space, told the US Chamber of Commercesannual aerospace summit in Washington on Wednesday. In fact, I think Chinas in front of us. You look at the investment and you know that its not being placed just for someones health. So I would say thats the one telltale sign that we have a problem.

Deep Blue in July announced it raised nearly 1 billion yuan ($141 million) from Chinese investors such as a government-backed high-tech zone in Wuxi, a city near Shanghai. Rival Orienspace in January raised about 600 million yuan in a funding round that included another local governments fund. And Galactic Energy last December said it raised 1.1 billion yuan from local investors.

But whileChinas government has been very supportive of the sector, it remains to be seen if the country can nurture a national champion capable of beating SpaceX at its own game, said Jianwei Li, managing partner of Zhencheng Capital, a Chinese venture capital company in Beijing thatan investor in Deep Blue.

Every company says they want to be Chinas SpaceX, but lets be realistic, Li said. Everyones not doing that well.
Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert swung and missed on a softball question from CNBC on Monday when she failed to denounce the racism and homophobia her players face online day to day.

The player, fan, and media backlash to Engelberts gaffe has been resounding, with longtime ESPN commentator Sarah Spain going so far as to say Engelbert is part of the problem if she cant stand up for her players.

In the opening segment of her podcast Good Game on Wednesday, Spain argued that Engelberts surface-level dismissal of the hateful rhetoric on social media was not enough, that she failed in her answer, and that she is part of the issue herself.

Perhaps Cathy Engelbert as a leader, if this is the way she views this problem, is part of the issue, Spain explained. If Engelbert is too distanced from the actual experience of the players to recognize the severity of this, which includes death threats  she might feel like her answer was comprehensive enough. It clearly wasnt.

Spain criticized Engelbert and the WNBA league office for not having a plan to counter the nasty tone of discussion online about rookie rivals Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, and for not listening to her players before it reached a boiling point.

After months of threats, insults, and nastiness, Spain said players cant be expected to simply tune out the noise.

It sounds simple, but when so much of your economic opportunity as a league, so much of the conversation around the league, and frankly, so much of life for young people takes place online, so simply say dont read the comments  is not enough, Spain said.

Engelbert clarified her comments in a fairly succinct post on X on Tuesday.

During a recent media interview, I was asked about the dark side of social media and online conversation about WNBA rivalries and race. To be clear, there is absolutely no place for hate or racism of any kind in the WNBA or anywhere else.  Cathy Engelbert (@CathyEngelbert) September 11, 2024

And while Engelbert missed the low bar of denouncing the hate speech her players are victim to, Spain wants to hear a concrete plan for weeding out that kind of chatter and protecting players from real-life ramifications of it.

This answer was a fail. It was incomplete, Spain said. The simplistic idea of denouncing racism, homophobia, sexism, yeah absolutely. Start with that. But ultimately, the question here for Cathy and the larger question for the league is what do you plan to do about his? How do you get ahead of it? Not just how do you respond to it, but how are you preventative or how are you collective in your efforts to make sure it doesnt get fostered by anyone in the media, by fan bases.

The WNBA has often evolved and thrived not because of its leadership, but in spite of it. Time and time again, it has been the players who have championed themselves and pushed the league forward to enact change. And this is just the latest example.https://t.co/JmhAcqSRqn  Lyndsey DArcangelo  (@darcangel21) September 11, 2024

For a league led by women, many of whom are Black and many of whom are part of the LGBTQ community, Spain believes support for the players is a non-negotiable for Engelbert.

Instead, Spain sees Engelbert avoiding the leadership and empathy that are needed from a commissioner in favor of simply focusing on the business.

Cathy needs to care as much about this issue, and she needs to make that clear when she does interviews like this and when shes making decisions about the league moving forward, Spain argued.

Given that the WNBA players association and many individual athletes came out strongly against Engelberts answer after her appearance on CNBC and Engelbert rephrased herself, this may be the start of a new path forward. Or, it may create even more internal friction around the bumpy entry of Clark and Reese into the league even as the business around the WNBA erupts.

[Good Game with Sarah Spain]
Microsoft's suite of its productivity software was down for more than 16,000 users on September 12, reported the news agency Reuters, citing outage tracking website Downdetector.com on Thursday.

The latest Microsoft outage comes nearly two months after a faulty software update from the cybersecurity service provider CrowdStrike, which affected 8.5 million Windows devices. It made operations in multiple industries, ranging from airlines, banks, and healthcare, come to a standstill, according to the report. Microsoft shares are trading 0.46 per cent lower at $421.08 since opening, as of 10:44 a.m. (EDT).

We're investigating an issue where users may be unable to access multiple Microsoft 365 services," said Microsoft in a social media post on platform X, quoted in the report.

Microsoft did not immediately respond to queries about the nature and cause of this outage or when it expects a recovery. According to the agency report, its Azure cloud platform stated on platform X that it was investigating customer reports of a potential issue connecting Microsoft's services from AT&T networks.

The telecom operator AT&T did not immediately respond to a request for comments on the development. After the incident report topped at around 23,000 for Microsoft 365, there were signs of issues ebbing. Some people on social media said that Microsoft's services were up and running, according to the agency report.

Nearly 4,000 users reported issues with AT&T services, and more than 16,500 users stated that they were having problems accessing Microsoft's 365 products as of 9:12 A.M. (ET), according to Downdectector, an agency that tracks outages through the collection of status reports from various sources, including user-submitted errors on its platform, as per the agency report on Thursday. The Microsoft 365 productivity software suite includes Word and Excel, among other widely used tools.

We've worked with the third-party internet service provider (ISP) and confirmed that a change within their managed-environment resulted in impact. The ISP has reverted the change and we're now seeing signs of recovery," said Microsoft in its service dashboard, as per the agency report.

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Apples recent launch of the iPhone 16 lineup has sparked excitement globally, with the Its Glowtime event drawing significant attention. However, even before the dust settles on the iPhone 16, rumors about the next iterationthe iPhone 17are already swirling, offering potential buyers plenty to consider before making their next big purchase.

According to a report by MacRumors, the iPhone 17 series is expected to deliver notable enhancements. These upgrades actually might be worth waiting for Apples next lineup of the number series devices.

Enhanced Cameras

As per MacRumors, one of the standout features across all four models of the iPhone 17 is could be an upgraded 24MP front-facing camera. In contrast, the iPhone 16 models are equipped with a 12MP front camera, making this a considerable leap in selfie quality. As pointed out by industry analysts Ming-Chi Kuo and Jeff Pu, this upgrade may be a compelling reason for photography enthusiasts to hold off on upgrading just yet.

For those eyeing the Pro models, the rumored improvements are even more pronounced. MacRumors highlights that the iPhone 17 Pro Max is expected to feature a 48MP Telephoto camera, a significant upgrade from the 12MP lens found in the iPhone 16 Pro models. This enhancement could offer dramatically better zoom and detail, making it a major selling point for anyone who relies heavily on their phones photography capabilities. While it remains unclear if the smaller iPhone 17 Pro will also receive this upgrade, the possibility of it being reserved for future models, such as the iPhone 18 Pro, adds to the anticipation.

Faster Performance and Bigger RAM

In terms of performance, MacRumors reveals that the iPhone 17 Pro Max will likely include 12GB of RAM, a substantial increase from the 8GB found in the iPhone 16 Pro Max. This boost in memory could lead to improved multitasking and enhanced Apple Intelligence features, making the device even more capable of handling complex tasks and heavy workloads.

Sleek looks and new device

Design changes are another reason to wait for the iPhone 17 lineup. The publication adds that the iPhone 17 Pro Max is rumored to feature a slimmer Dynamic Island, thanks to adjustments in the Face ID hardware. This design refinement could enhance the overall look and feel of the device, giving it a more polished appearance.

Perhaps the most intriguing rumor is the potential launch of a completely redesigned iPhone 17 model, which might be marketed as the iPhone 17 Air. The report suggests this version will be significantly thinner and could sport a 6.6-inch display. With a standard A19 chip, a single rear camera, and Apples own 5G modem, this model is expected to cater to users looking for a sleek, high-performance device. While the details around this model remain somewhat unclear, the prospect of a thinner, more streamlined iPhone is sure to catch the attention of design-focused consumers.

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Although it is difficult in the current environment to speak out against the Woke Mob and the Government, we have serious to Issues that cannot be overlooked our freedom is at stake. Contracting liberties, the elimination of cash from society, and the increasing government control over every facet of our life. We are about to enter a very dangerous decade while government expenditures and taxes grow wild all around.



With more wars and less work toward long-lasting peace, the world is also seeing an alarming increase in strife. Governments appear more focused on inflating tensions than on diplomacy; the world community looks the other way. These disputes are still another indication of a system out of hand, the Industrial Military Complex is now the Uniparty around the world.



It is the eyes of our children we see the importance of the future, I have said this many times and when you think of the future in those terms its importance becomes clear. The legacy we leave behind makes it very evident the importance of our activities. But how can we guarantee a future reflecting the liberties we value now?



Cash: A Foundation of Freedom

The direction toward a cashless society marks a change in power as much as a technological one. Cash is a pillar of our independence and not only a means of trade. Eliminating currency gives the government far too much power. It provides access to before unheard-of monitoring of our expenditure, tracking of every purchase, and even control of our spending location.



Taxations Spiraling and Spendings Effect

Government expenditure and tax are tightly entwined. Taxes increase along with the unbridled government expenditure that sometimes lacks value when most required. Governments have to reconsider their priorities and allocate funds to the areas that really countreal education and healthcarereducing and reordering.



Artificial intelligence and robotics are fast changing in this age, and untrained immigrants are swarming Western nations. Unchecked expansion and migration are straining already taxed social services and infrastructure even further. As citizens, we have to advocate changes that give long-term welfare of our countries top priority over satisfying political correctnesss demands.



Backing Free Speech: X and Elon Musk

Apart from these social and financial problems, the fight for free expression is becoming into a defining fight of our era. Under Elon Musks direction, platforms like X (previously Twitter) front lines of this struggle are X provides a forum dedicated to maintaining the marketplace of ideas at a time of growing censorship and corporate/government control over narratives.



If we are to have any hope of upholding our right to express divergent opinions, Elon Musks attempts to keep X free from censorship must be backed. Though there is constant opposition to free expression, we may keep questioning the status quo and demand responsibility from those in authority by use of venues like X.



The Hazard of Silence

Expressing reasonable concerns in this combustible environment makes it easy to be tagged with slights like racist, fascist, bigot, or some other phobe. These labels are weapons meant to stifle opposition and stop open discussion. Still, we have to advocate for the next generation more than ever. Should we neglect this, who will? This is not a Black Vs White or any other segment of the community against another, this is Good Vs Evil.



The future is on line and our voices count. Real threats are those presented by the elimination of cash, unbridled taxes, unfettered immigration, and world strife. But just as real is our capacity to speak up, rebel, and safeguard a future worth inheriting.



Though it is difficult, raising your voice is absolutely vital. For our freights, for our children, for the future.

I call on all my brothersblack, white, Asian, Muslim, Buddhist, gay, straightto stand united in the preservation of what is good and the defeat of what is evil.

Shayne Heffernan
South Chattanooga is about to undergo some big changes soon, thanks to a $20 million grant the city is receiving. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded the grant to the city, and today, officials celebrated the accomplishment.
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
A man who held a screwdriver to the neck of a primary school principal during an armed robbery has had the final 18 months of his four year, six month sentence activated after he was found to be in breach of the conditions of his suspended sentence.



James Cranny (41), of 14 Meadowcrest, Boyle, Co Roscommon, was sentenced in March 2021 for holding up five members of the board of management at St Josephs National School on August 27, 2020.



Mr Cranny, who had travelled from Dublin, had consumed a cocktail of drugs and was desperate for more drugs at around 7pm, so he entered the school, where a meeting was taking place, and said this is not a joke, I want 800.

Also read: Man receives suspended sentence after Longford hit and run that left woman with catastrophic injuries



During the course of the armed robbery, he produced a screwdriver and held it to the neck of the school principal. When she said she had no money, he turned his attention to another person present, who gave the accused 100 and guided him to the door.



In March 2021, Judge Keenan Johnson sentenced Mr Cranny to four years and six months in prison, suspending the final 18 months subject to a number of conditions, including that he keep the peace and be of good behaviour for a period of ten years-post release.



He was also ordered to submit himself to the supervision of the probation service for a period of 18 months post-release, and complete, to the satisfaction of the probation service, a residential drug treatment course within 18 months of his release.

Also read: Longford Gardai disrupt planned cannabis grow farm



Finally, he was ordered to refrain from the consumption of alcohol and illicit substances for the period of the suspended sentence.



However, Mr Cranny came before the Circuit Court having breached those conditions and Judge Kenneth Connolly proceeded to activate the suspended sentence.

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Primary school teachers are calling for substantially increased investment in primary and special schools in the forthcoming budget.



The Irish National Teachers Organisation has set out three key areas of investment which are urgently needed to support primary education  lower class sizes, higher school funding and more assistant principals. As other nations boldly invest in their education systems the question arises: why dont we?

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Irish class sizes currently average 22.8 and remain well above the EU average of 20 pupils per class. We are confident that by the government committing to a two-pupil reduction, Irish class sizes would no longer be the highest among our European neighbours.



Indeed, in Longford some 1,649 pupils sit in an overcrowded class of 25 pupils or more. This is simply untenable.

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We believe that these overcrowded classrooms restrict teachers ability to deliver a modern curriculum and as a consequence, limit pupils potential for future academic success. To provide more dynamic learning spaces similar to those across Europe, it is imperative that the Irish government matches the EU average class size of 20. This will also better enable teachers to identify and support students who need extra help or assistance in order to thrive.



We must also ensure our schools are adequately funded. This would bring an end to the dreaded parent contributions and the never ending need to fundraise for basic expenditure in schools. It would, rightly so, ensure the focus of our schools remained where it should be  on teaching and learning. Many other countries surpass us in educational funding relative to their GDP. The message is clear. We must spend much more on the education system in Ireland.

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For a school, or any organisation to blossom, strong leadership is a must. The austerity period stripped back the middle management teams in primary and special schools. Assistant principals who supported school principals and led on key initiatives in schools have been unavailable since 2009. Reinstatement of these roles is essential. Assistant principals play a crucial role in delivering essential programmes and embedding educational reforms which directly affect the well-being and education of our pupils. The inadequate supports and lack of leadership opportunities which are essential in nurturing a rewarding lifelong career in education are also, we believe, key contributory factors to Irelands acute teacher shortages.

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As government wrestles with a litany of spending requests from an array of interests, its time to take a step back and recognise the importance of primary education. Our unions three budget asks are not just fiscal measures. If delivered they would lay the foundation for the future of Irelands primary education system, which is vital for the success of all areas of Irish life. Teachers want to do their jobs well. Its time they got the investment and support they need to do just that. Lets seize this critical moment and make primary education a high priority.

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Longford people are being urged to include a gift to a good cause in their will by charity group My Legacy.

The call was made after a new survey found over a third of Irish people would leave a little something extra to charity if tax breaks were available to beneficiaries.

Published in advance of International Legacy Giving Day on September 13, the poll was carried out by Red C on behalf of My Legacy.

It reports that only 27% of over 18s in Ireland have made a will, with only 14% of those saying they have included a charitable gift from their estate.

However, 35% of respondents said they would consider a bequest to charity if it meant there was a tax break available.

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Niall OSullivan, Chairperson of My Legacy, stated the report shows a strong public interest to know and understand more about both the process of making a will, and including a gift to charity.

"My Legacy represents over 90 Irish charities and public support is crucial to their services," he said. "We know that Ireland is one of the most generous nations in Europe and the report states that 40% of people regularly support a charity."

However, Mr O'Sullivan said that figure jars significantly with the current low uptake of legacy giving, especially compared with the UK, where pro rata, people leave three times as much in their wills to charities.

"This demonstrates the huge potential to increase legacy giving in Ireland. In our pre-Budget 2025 submission, My Legacy is calling on the Government to incentivise and encourage legacy giving," he added.

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The nationally representative survey of 1,007 adults, which was carried out online between August 6 and August 11 this year, also found that health-related charities benefit the most from the Irish publics generosity, with 68% of respondents saying they regularly support organisations like the Irish Heart Foundation and Irish Cancer Society.

Childrens charities are next, with just over half (56%) donating to this sector, while a similar number (51%) donated to homeless groups.

The survey also shows Ireland remains a nation of pet lovers, with 45% helping animal charities with cash donations, while 44% say they prefer to give to humanitarian organisations.

Red C also report that the main reason that 39% of respondents said they would include a gift for charity would be to support the work of an organisation close to their heart, while 27% said it would be to honour the memory of a loved one  with the same figure saying they would want to give something back to their community.

As part of My Legacy Month, umbrella group My Legacy is encouraging people to make a will.

It says there are three simple steps involved, which consist of firstly making an appointment with a solicitor to discuss personal wishes and decisions for the future.

Niall O'Sullivan

The second step is looking after loved ones as a will provides for those close to you, assigns guardians, protects assets, and can help reduce inheritance tax.

My Legacy also said people should consider a legacy gift to charity if they have a cause close to your heart, include a gift to that charity in their will.

A gift may be big or small and is tax free to the charity.

My Legacy Month, the charitys annual awareness campaign to encourage people to include a legacy gift in their will for a charity thats important to them, runs throughout September.

For more information about Will-making and legacy giving, visit www.mylegacy.ie.
A new study has revealed Ireland's favourite pizza toppings with Pepperoni taking first place.

Dutch lifestyle magazine Dailybase analysed the number of monthly searches in Ireland for 50 different pizza topping.

1. Pepperoni

Pepperoni has an average of 681.67 monthly searches in Ireland. The cured meat is a type of salami, made from pork or a combination of pork and beef. Paprika and chilli are the main spices found in pepperoni, but it can also contain black pepper, garlic, and mixed herbs.

2. Anchovy

Anchovy has 460.83 average monthly searches. A small, oily fish, anchovies are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, making them highly beneficial for both your body and your brain. Their salty, umami packed flavour makes them a bold but tasty pizza topping.

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3. Mozzarella

Mozzarella is searched for an average of 277.50 times a month. Made of cow or buffalo milk, this semi-soft cheese is known for its subtle flavour and stretchy texture when melted. It is the main component of the classic Margherita pizza.

4. Nduja

In Ireland, Nduja has an average of 215.83 monthly searches. It is a spicy, spreadable sausage from Italy that has gained worldwide popularity in the last few years. Combined with a drizzle of hot honey, this duo adds the perfect amount of heat and sweetness to your pizza.

5. Pesto

Pesto is searched for, on average, 194.17 times a month. Pesto is a paste made of crushed basil leaves, pine nuts, parmesan or pecorino cheese, garlic, and oil. It can be used as a base to your pizza or placed on top with other toppings.

Daniel de Voer, chief editor of Dailybase, has commented on the findings: "One of the reasons why pizza is so popular is how versatile it can be; you can completely customise your toppings to fit your tastes and create a pizza unique to you.

"It is fascinating to discover which toppings are the most popular in each country. We can see plenty of influence from different cuisines across Europe, not just from Italy, such as the Mediterranean with the additions of feta, olives, and fish and even Turkish food, like doner meat making the list in some areas.

"With summer in full swing, if there's a topping on the list you haven't tried before, now is the perfect time to see what the hype is about."
Irelands data watchdog has launched an investigation into Googles AI model.

The Data Protection Commission (DPC) said on Thursday that it has commenced a statutory inquiry into Google under Section 110 of the Data Protection Act.

The probe involves examining whether Google complied with any obligations to undertake an assessment, under GDPR laws, prior to processing the personal data of EU/EEA data subjects in developing its AI Model, Pathways Language Model 2 (PaLM2).

The DPC said that a Data Protection Impact Assessment, where required, is of crucial importance in ensuring peoples rights and freedoms are considered and protected when processing of personal data is likely to result in a high risk.

The DPC probe is examining cross-border processing, which means it involves either the processing of personal data on a controller or processor in more than one European Union country, or the processing of personal data which takes place in one EU location but which substantially affects or is likely to substantially affect data subjects in more than one member state.

The investigation follows a request from the Irish watchdog for social media site X, formerly known as Twitter, to suspend processing its user posts to train its AI chatbot Grok.

In August, the DPC welcomed the decision by X to suspend processing while they examine its compliance with GDPR.
The Secret Salon is thrilled to host a special event this Saturday, September 14th.

The event, which starts at 2.30pm will feature Dr. Aoife from Always Aesthetics Cavan and will focus on hair and skin treatments. Dr. Aoife will conduct a live demonstration of PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma), a leading hair loss treatment.

Attendees will gain valuable insights into hair loss and thinning issues and explore innovative medical treatments designed to address these concerns.

Dr. Aoife, who practices at Cavan General Hospital, combines her medical expertise with a deep passion for cosmetic treatments. Having personally experienced the challenges of thinning hair, she understands the impact it can have on confidence and is dedicated to helping others through her work.

At the event, Dr. Aoife will introduce a range of treatments, including Hair Filler Injection, Biotin injections and Biotin Scalp Infusion, Amino Acid Scalp Infusions, Niacinamide Scalp Infusions, and lastly the very famous Plasma Rich Platelet Therapy which will be on display at this special event on Saturday.

The course of treatment will vary from individual to individual and will be based on ones current hair status and goals.

In conjunction with the proper vitamin and nutritional supplementation, they believe they can aid all in both your Hair and Skin Journey. Aoife is very excited to be extending her services to The Secret Salon in Longford and will be hosting monthly clinics at The Secret Salon going forward.

This June, The Secret Salon in Longford proudly marked its first anniversary.

Founded by the esteemed Yvonne Diffley, the salon has quickly become a local favorite. With over 18 years of experience, Yvonne is well-known for her expertise in the hair industry, including her award-winning work in color techniques, particularly blonde shades. Her skills extend to all aspects of cutting and coloring.

Located at Grafton Court in the heart of Longford, The Secret Salon offers a state-of-the-art environment with convenient parking.

The salon features a selection of top brands, including Alfaparf Milano Colour, Eleven Australia, as well as the innovative K18 and ColorWow lines. Each product has been carefully chosen by Yvonne to ensure the highest quality for clients' hair care.

Over the past year, The Secret Salon has offered a comprehensive range of services, from everyday styling and cutting to bridal hair and specialized color treatments.

The salon has also recently expanded its offerings to include hair extensions. For special occasions, The Secret Salon collaborates with makeup artist Daneka Wilson to provide complete hair and makeup services.

In line with industry advancements, The Secret Salon now features a convenient online booking system in partnership with the Irish company Barespace, allowing clients to easily book and manage their appointments.

Everyone is invited to this special event to benefit from a free consultation with Dr. Aoife and to experience the salons vibrant atmosphere.

As Yvonne and her team look forward to a busy season in the remainder of 2024, clients are encouraged to book in advance to secure their appointments.

The Secret Salon extends heartfelt thanks to all who have supported them during their first year and looks forward to many more successful years ahead.

It is advisable to book in advance to secure an appointment in The Secret Salon.

Book your appointment now: https://booking.barespace.app/thesecretsalon/ or call 085 781 1119.

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The Secret Salon

6 Midland Court,

Longford, N39 D438 085 781 1119

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Local News

By Chris Boyle Published: September 11 2024

"Each year, we must honor the memories of the fallen heroes who put their lives on the line for their fellow New Yorkers," Governor Hochul said.

Governor Kathy Hochul today signed legislation to support 9/11 victims in New York City. Legislation S.7586A/A.8131A authorizes former Port Authority police officer Anthony Vavaro, a member of the New York State Local Police and Fire Retirement System, to be deemed to have died as the natural and proximate cause of an accident sustained in the performance of duty. Officer Vavaro died in a car accident on September 11, 2022, while travelling to a September 11th memorial ceremony in Manhattan. Legislation S.8411/A.8868 authorizes an application by Lieutenant Paul Adams widow, without being time barred, for conversion of his disability retirement benefit to an accidental death benefit for victims of the 2001 World Trade Center disaster on his behalf. Legislation S.9251A/A.10021A renames the bridge on State Route 9 crossing the Ausable River in Peru (Clinton County) as the Captain Christopher J. Garrow Memorial Bridge.

"We will never forget the horrors of the 9/11 terrorist attacks  and each year, we must honor the memories of the fallen heroes who put their lives on the line for their fellow New Yorkers," Governor Hochul said. This legislation will ensure these victims are remembered and their families are supported.

Legislation S.7586A/A.8131A authorizes former Port Authority police officer Anthony Vavaro, a member of the NYS Local Police and Fire Retirement System, to be deemed to have died as the natural and proximate cause of an accident sustained in the performance of duty. Officer Vavaro died in a car accident on September 11, 2022, while travelling to a September 11th memorial ceremony in Manhattan.

State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton said, Thank you to Governor Kathy Hochul for signing my bill to give accidental death benefits to Anthony Varvaro's family into law. I was incredibly proud to carry this legislation and pass it unanimously in the Senate with 38 co-sponsors. Anthony Varvaro is remembered as an active member of the community, a legendary sportsman, and a dedicated service member of the Port Authority Police. The tragic loss of Anthony two years ago today was one that struck the North Shore of Staten Island deeply. His life reflects that of a hometown hero who, through talent and virtue, became a star in his community, state, and country. While we cannot return him to his wife and four children, it is imperative that his family has the support they need and deserve.

Legislation S.8411/A.8868 authorizes an application by Lieutenant Adams widow, without being time barred, for conversion of his disability retirement benefit to an accidental death benefit for victims of the 2001 World Trade Center disaster on his behalf. Lieutenant Adam was deployed as an officer to Ground Zero and developed a sustained illness due to his service.

Assemblymember William A. Barclay said, The courageous first responders of 9/11 worked around the clock, in extremely dangerous and chaotic conditions, to help our nation at its most vulnerable time. Paul was only 54 years old when he passed away, leaving behind a wife and two children. The benefits that will now be provided to his family are only a fraction of a debt that can never be fully repaid. In the immediate aftermath of the attacks, no one knew the extent of what our emergency responders were being exposed to or the long-term consequences it would have on their health. Lieutenant Adam is a hero who made the ultimate sacrifice and he will never be forgotten. I want to thank Governor Hochul for signing this legislation. We must honor those who exhibited immense selflessness and bravery in the face of unspeakable danger.

Legislation S.9251A/A.10021A renames the bridge on State Route 9 crossing the Ausable River in Peru (Clinton County) as the Captain Christopher J. Garrow Memorial Bridge. Captain Garrow was a veteran of the State Police who participated in search and recovery efforts at the World Trade Center site and later succumbed to cancer in 2023.

State Senator Daniel G. Stec said, When our nation needed him after the September 11 terrorist attacks, Captain Christopher Garrow put his health and life on the line. For that service and sacrifice, we owe him a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid. Id like to thank the governor for signing legislation into law that renames his hometown Carpenters Flats Bridge in his honor. In renaming it after Captain Garrow, we can pay tribute to his heroism and his loved ones, and ensure his memory endures.

Assemblymember Billy Jones said, As we remember the thousands of lives lost on September 11, 2001, and the many lives lost since, I am proud that the bill I sponsored to name the Carpenter Flats Bridge in the Towns of Ausable and Peru in memory of Captain Christopher Garrow, who lost his life due to cancer from his service at Ground Zero, was signed into law today. Captain Garrow gave the ultimate sacrifice, and soon everyone who drives across that bridge will see his name and remember his service to the North Country and our country. My thoughts go out to his loved ones on the 23rd anniversary of the attacks, and I hope that this news provides some comfort while we remember the lives lost due to these acts of terrorism.
Local News

By Chris Boyle Published: September 12 2024

She continues to serve as the Religious School Director at Port Jewish Center in Port Washington and Temple Beth El of Huntington.

Lauren Chizner, a Jewish educator for almost 30 years, came aboard in September 2024 as Sid Jacobson JCCs Director of Jewish Life and Learning.

She continues to serve as the Religious School Director at Port Jewish Center in Port Washington and Temple Beth El of Huntington, where she shares her deep passion for Judaism.

Lauren earned a joint masters degree in Jewish Education and Jewish Communal Service from Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion in Los Angeles. Prior to her current roles, Lauren spent six years as the Director of Education at Temple Beth El of Great Neck, and served as an Educational Consultant for SAJES (now known as The Jewish Education Project), working with congregations across Long Island.

In addition to operating out of synagogues, Lauren worked eighteen summers as the Director of Jewish Life at URJ Crane Lake Camp, where she brought Judaism to life for all campers and staff. Lauren was also the liaison for all Israeli staff at camp.

Lauren has had the privilege of serving as the administrator for Project Understanding, a non-profit grassroots organization on Long Island, founded by Roger Tilles and the late Fr. Tom Hartman. Project Understanding has provided a vehicle for Catholic and Jewish high school students to gain a greater knowledge of their own and each other's religion through experiences on Long Island. The program culminates in a journey to Israel.
An Avon man was charged Tuesday with threatening to set off a bomb at a bank if the teller didnt give him money, police said.

Joseph Emmanuel, 30, was charged with armed robbery and making bomb threats, police said. He was arraigned in Quincy District Court on Tuesday.

At around 9:44 a.m. on Thursday, Randolph police went to Citizens Bank at 50 S. Main St. after receiving a report of a bank robbery and bomb threat.

Emmanuel passed a note to a teller that said he had a bomb he would detonate if the teller didnt give him money, police said.

Following the banks policy, the teller set off a silent alarm as they gave Emmanuel an undisclosed amount of money, police added.

Randolph police said they set up a perimeter outside of the bank. At the same time, the Massachusetts State Polices Bomb Squad and the FBI Bank Robbery Task Force were notified.

Police said the Citizens Bank employees described the suspect and told them where he was in the bank. Emmanuel left the bank with envelopes containing cash and was arrested by the Randolph police.

The bank and the parking lot were deemed safe by the Massachusetts State Police and Bridgewater Police Bomb Detection K9s, police said. No explosives were found.

This is an example of incredible police work by our officers who responded quickly to arrest the suspect before he could even leave the scene, Randolph Police Chief Anthony Marag said in a statement. I would like to thank our law enforcement partners who responded to the scene to assist us. Im glad that there was a safe outcome for all involved today.
A former Norfolk County corrections officer is among five people facing drug charges in connection with smuggling Suboxone strips into the Norfolk County Correctional Center in Dedham, according to the Norfolk County Sheriffs Office.

In mid-July, 40-year-old Saugus resident Jean Guirand  the former corrections officer  was approached by 25-year-old Boston resident Dante Clark  an inmate at the jail and another defendant in the case  who asked if Guirand would be willing to bring something in for him, according to a press release from the sheriffs office. At the time, Guirand was a probationary corrections officer who had been hired in April following a successful background check, screening and training period.
Former Massachusetts State Sen. Dean Tran was convicted of 23 criminal charges by a federal jury on Wednesday tied to a scheme to fraudulently obtain pandemic-era unemployment benefits, prosecutors announced.

Tran, a Republican who represented Worcester and Middlesex in the upper chamber from 2017 to January 2021, was arrested in November 2023 and charged with 25 counts of wire fraud and three counts of filing false tax returns.

Prosecutors say Tran applied for pandemic unemployment benefits when his term in the legislature ended, despite the fact that he had already taken a job as a paid consultant at a New Hampshire-based automotive parts company. While working as a consultant, Tran earned $30,120 in pandemic unemployment benefits, according to acting U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts Joshua S. Levys office.

Tran was also accused of hiding more than $50,000 in income he earned from the consulting job on his 2021 federal income tax return. Prosecutors say Tran also concealed thousands of dollars in rental income from tenants of a Fitchburg rental property from 2020 to 2022.

In June, prosecutors charged Tran and his sister with trying to cover up a sham job offer from the sisters company to Tran.

Tran has faced a litany of other legal troubles.

He was charged with stealing a gun from a constituent in July 2022 and indicted on ethics charges in September 2023 related to his campaign work in 2018 and 2020. He also sued sued Gov. Maura Healeys administration in 2022, claiming the administration was politically targeting him.
Karen Read filed an appeal with the states highest court after a judge last month denied a motion to dismiss two of three charges as a second trial looms in January.

Read, 44, of Mansfield, was charged with the murder of her Boston police officer boyfriend, John OKeefe, 46. Her first trial ended in a mistrial due to a hung jury on July 1.

The appeal with the Supreme Judicial Court was filed on Wednesday and the docket file noted that documents are temporarily impounded.

Read is represented by one of her trial attorneys, David Yannetti and Alan Jackson, as well as Martin Weinberg and Michael Pabian. Jackson is listed as an out-of-state attorney.

Days after the mistrial, jurors began contacting members of Reads defense team, and in affidavits submitted to the court, her attorneys say jurors reached a unanimous decision of not guilty on two of three counts and argued those counts should be dismissed from a second trial.

Reads attorneys argued that retrying Read on those two counts (second-degree murder and leaving the scene of an accident causing injury or death) would violate her double jeopardy rights.

Judge Beverly Cannone did not find those arguments convincing and wrote in her order denying the motion that any agreement among the jurors ... cannot be considered acquittals for purposes of double jeopardy.

The only unanimous act of the jury here was their representation to the Court that they were at an impasse, Cannone wrote, noting that there was no open and public verdict affirmed in open court rendered in this case.

The Norfolk County District Attorneys office, for its part, said, We believe that the judges decision is consistent with almost 200 years of case law.

We are moving forward to trying this case January 27, David Traub, a spokesperson for the office, wrote in an email on Aug. 23, the day of Cannones decision.

The next hearing in Reads case is a pre-trial conference slated for Jan. 14.
Bridgewater police and detectives arrested and charged a man suspected of possessing child sexual abuse material, Chief Christopher Delmonte announced.

Kevin Benson, 50, of Bridgewater, was arrested Wednesday after a month-long investigation, Delmonte said in a statement.

Benson was charged with possession of child pornography, distributing material of a child in the nude and distributing material of a child in a sexual act.

At around 9 a.m. on Wednesday, police detectives with the help of WEB Task Force Officers and members of the Massachusetts State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Unit, searched Bensons home and arrested him, the statement read.

The month-long investigation started when police received information about Benson possessing and distributing child sex abuse material, police said. Then Bridgewater police received an online tip that suggested a social media account owned and distributed child sexual abuse material files.
The Natrona County Planning and Zoning Commission on Tuesday rejected a proposal that would have disallowed mining on much of the face of Casper Mountain.

Currently, mining is allowed on land zoned mountain residential under a conditional use permit. Gregg Wergers request would have removed that possibility.

About 15 people spoke in favor of the request, but the board ultimately voted 4-1 against it. The Planning and Zoning Commission passes its recommendation to the Natrona County Board of Commissioners.

Werger told the board the conditional use wasnt in previous iterations of the zoning resolution but managed to show up in the one adopted in 2022.

Mysteriously, that C was put in there, Werger said referring to how the conditional use is noted in a table in the zoning regulations. I believe that was put in there and no one even noticed it.

He said people werent given a chance to object to the change, either.

Ross Ridge Road resident Jason Knopp backed the proposed change.

Theres currently 220 wells that are directly underneath this MR-1 zoned residential living area, Knopp said. If you were to allow mining along the face of this mountain, thats 240 people that rely on the water ... It doesnt go around, it doesnt come up from the ground, it comes from the top of the mountain.

I think its pretty clear why were all opposed. To remove the C from this. Its its a water issue. In my case it would be a dust issue, Kelly Walsh told the board. I have family that lives on the Wolf Creek and theyre opposed to it. Im opposed to [mining].

I dont understand why the mining company thinks its all right to build a lake up there to get to catch all this water that everybody else in this room is dependent upon, Walsh said. We dont need a lake up there. We dont need a fishing hole up there. What we need is to protect the streams and the water that comes off of the Casper Mountain

William Shughart said Coates Road cant support trucks that would be associated with mining.

This was not paved with cement underneath it, Shughart said. It was not paved four inches thick. You take the big trucks, if theyre going to run up and down the road, itll be destroyed within a very short period of time. It was built for residential, not mining.

Greg Vineyard, who lives on Coates Road, said he built his home in 1975.

 Took me two years to develop enough water to sufficiently provide for our home. Its fragile. Terribly fragile, Vineyard said. And we are grateful for the water thats provided for us. Its just a shame that our the water resource can be threatened in this day and age.

Prism Logistics CEO Kyle True, whose company seeks to create a gravel mine on a section of School Trust land on Coates Road, told the board that there are several reasons to not change the current zoning. He said the measure could be considered a taking as those who want to develop extractive industries on their land would be prohibited from doing so.

There are well over a dozen, maybe 15 ranches in this area, True said. Ive spoken to four private property owners who would like our company, Prism Logistics, to come and develop their gravel resource. When we can, there is an interest of people in doing so.

True said theres already plenty of regulation, including the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, to oversee the permitting process.

True said quality gravel isnt something thats easily found elsewhere.

Ive looked all over this county. Its a challenge to find gravel suitable for the countys needs. In our county, I can find you sand easily. I can find you clay very, very easily. I could find dirt, I could find shale. But this, the foothills of Casper Mountain, which are MR1, are the remaining resource in our county of significant aggregate. So if we make this off limits, then well be bringing things in from Douglas, from, from much further away and thats just going to raise all of our costs.

Interim County Planner Shawn Gustafson said the staff recommended denying the amendment.

Gustafson said extractive industries are not permitted by right in any zoning district within the county.

The process allows a variety of beneficial factors to be addressed on a case-by-case basis while considering potential deterrents and negative consequences, the staff report stated.

Board member Sabrina Kemper, in attendance via phone, asked who has the authority to propose an amendment to a zoning resolution.

Deputy county attorney Jared Holbrook said such requests can come from county commissioners, the planning and zoning commission, planning staff or any resident.

Board members Chad McNutt, Ray Schulte, Kemper and chairman Hal Hutchinson voted to keep with the staff recommendation, and agreed that the existing process allows flexibility without sacrificing private property rights.

The lone dissenter was Robert Grant, who said the conditional use didnt belong in the zoning resolution.

In other business, the planning and zoning board:

Approved a request by Patrick Klein for a zone change from Light Industrial to Urban Mixed Residential. The property is located at 3335 Plateau Street in the Northridge Subdivision, lots 33 & 35.

Approved a request by Erick and Jessica Heide for a zone change from urban agriculture to Suburban Residential 1. The property is located at 1390 Bryan Stock Trail in the Durnell Family Exemption Subdivision, lot two.

Approved variance requests by Harmoni Towers for setback requirements on two Verizon cell towers that require a setback of twice the height of the towers. One 220-foot tower will be located on the west side of I-25 at the intersection with Highway 387. The other 199-foot tower will be located southeast of Highway 220 in the Bessemer Bend area.

Existing zoning regulations allow for such variances, if a Wyoming Licensed Engineer has designed the tower with break point technology.
A Plymouth man suspected of stalking women online as part of a campaign that included posting personal information and digitally altered photos, as well as using artificial intelligence-driven chatbots to pretend to be people, was arrested on Wednesday, Acting United States Attorney Joshua Levys office announced.

James Florence Jr., 36, was charged by criminal complaint with one count of cyberstalking, Levys office said in a statement. After his initial appearance in federal court in Boston, Florences next hearing is scheduled for Sept. 16.

From 2017 to the day of his arrest, Florence made several social media accounts and email addresses used to harass and threaten a victim anonymously, Levys office said. Florence met the person through a mutual friend and had attended parties at the persons old home between 2015 and 2017.

Later in 2017, he used anonymous social media accounts to post photos of the victim, including photos of her in her underwear taken at her old home, on several different websites, Levys office said. Images were digitally altered to show the person as nude or semi-nude.

Florence "posted the victims personally identifiable information on these accounts and on numerous websites  including her personal email addresses, home address, professional contact information, account passwords and even a list of colors she had previously dyed her hair, in order to dox her, the statement read.

Additionally, Florence set up several AI-driven chatbots using this information to mimic human conversation using text or voice interactions with unknown users of those platforms, Levys office said.

The victim then received threatening messages from social media and email accounts set up by Florence, along with harassing and extorting communications ... from users who messaged the victims as a result of Florences posts encouraging them to do so, the statement read.

He would taunt her to create accounts in her name, use her likeness and tag them with phrases like Accept It Your Exposure Is Permanent Slut and Enjoy Your Exposure You Naughty Bimbo. You Belong To The Internet, the statement read.

Florence posted photo collages to the website ladies.exposed, which encouraged users to post them elsewhere, Levys office said.

The womans name, image and other personal information was shared across at least 13 websites, with 27 unique accounts used to harass, impersonate and cause her substantial emotional distress, the statement continued. She received at least 60 text messages, emails, or calls from unknown senders addressed to the victim discussing her image and information posted online through August 2024.

The defendants alleged actions represent a chilling window into the dangers of online harassment and cyberstalking in the digital age, Levy said in the statement. Using advanced technology to manipulate, torment, and publicly humiliate someone for years is not just reprehensible, it is criminal. No one should have to endure the kind of relentless harassment and devastating psychological toll that we allege this victim has bravely endured.

The charge of stalking by electronic means provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000.
A Dartmouth woman pleaded guilty in federal court in Boston to embezzling about $440,000 from two of her employers between 2017 and 2023, Acting United States Attorney Joshua Levys office announced Wednesday.

Jasmyne Botelho, 41, pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud, Levys office said in a statement. She was indicted by a federal grand jury in May and is expected to be sentenced on Dec. 18.

Botelho stole at least $280,000 from her employer between September 2017 and April 2020, Levys office said. She directed payments meant for the companys vendors to bank accounts she controlled.

She would use company funds to pay off personal credit cards and an auto loan, the statement read. Botelho then falsified her employers books and records to have it look as though these payments were sent to legitimate vendors instead of her.

Then between May 2022 and December 2023, she inflated her payroll from a second employer by $160,000, Levys office said. She hid her scheme by manipulating the employers payroll and accounting software to hide her payroll, along with fake reimbursements Botelho paid herself.

The charge of wire fraud provides a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000.
The Revere teachers union is calling for district leaders to take action after a teacher at Revere High School got a deep cut while breaking up a fight between students Wednesday morning.

Revere Teachers Association (RTA) Co-President Michelle Ervin saw the fight as it happened outside of her classroom, she said during a press conference Wednesday afternoon. It broke out in a hallway around 10 a.m. as the next class period was beginning.

Ervin went to close her classroom door and saw that several staff members were already trying to break up the fight, which soon moved into another classroom, she said. She then tried to keep other students away from the brawl.

The union confirmed that three videos of the fight that were shared on social media were genuine. The union was unsure of how many students were involved in the fight or how the teacher was cut, but the videos appear to show two male students fighting against school staff to continue a physical brawl against one another.

Revere police said that no weapons were involved in the fight, WCVB reported. Revere Public Schools and Revere police did not respond to a request for comment on the incident Wednesday afternoon but said they planned to speak at a press conference later in the day.

At the teachers request, the union has not identified the teacher who was cut, but he issued a statement which was shared by the union Wednesday afternoon.

I stepped in because its the right thing to do. In a previous employment, I worked in de-escalating high stress situations. Even with that experience and background, I could not de-escalate that fight, he said in the statement.

After the fight, Ervin was shaken up by the chaotic incident and began crying, she said.

We need to do something about this. It happened, and I happened to be right there. Its so frustrating to see these students and my colleagues getting hurt, she said. I havent had a minute to really decompress about anything because right afterwards I had to go back to class, and I had to be a teacher in front of my students.

The fight is not the first to happen at Revere High School since the beginning of the school year, which began less than a month ago. Prior to this incident, a school administrator had his head slammed into a locker during a fight, WCVB reported.

During the press conference, union Co-President Jane Chapin described the students at the high school as being in crisis.

This is not an isolated incident. There is a trend, she said.

The union is pushing for changes that it believes will help the situation as it continues negotiating a new contract with Revere school administrators, Chapin said. Right now, the unions members are working without a new contract and are still pretty far apart from district leaders on some issues, she said.

Some of the unions proposals include creating a safety task force and hiring more educators, bilingual social workers and guidance counselors, Chapin said. Revere city councilors also recently proposed adding metal detectors at the school, WBZ-TV reported.

We need help. I dont want another one of my colleagues to bleed when they go to work, Ervin said.
Editors note: The article has been updated to include a section at the end highlighting the data collected through reporting the story.

The end of affirmative action in higher education is having a different effect on highly selective institutions and state and community colleges, according to early data obtained by MassLive.
A judge in Georgia on Thursday tossed two of the criminal charges against former President Donald Trump in the Peach States 2020 election interference case.

Fulton County Judge Scott McAfee also dismissed one count against allies of the former president, Reuters reported.

McAfee ruled Thursday that state prosecutors lacked the authority to bring those charges, which are related to the filing of false court documents, the wire service reported.

The judge allowed the balance of the case to go ahead, including eight charges against Trump, Reuters reported.

The Republican presidential nominee and 14 co-defendants have pleaded not guilty to racketeering and other offenses tied to what prosecutors have said was an effort to overturn Trumps narrow loss in Georgia in 2020.

The case has been on hold since June while a Georgia appeals court considers whether the lead prosecutor, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, should be disqualified over alleged misconduct tied to a romantic relationship she had with a former top deputy, Reuters reported.
(*This story was updated at 3:01 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, with additional reporting.)

A U.S. Senate panel will vote next week on whether to slap Steward Health Cares subpoena-defying CEO Ralph de la Torre with contempt charges for bailing on a Capitol Hill hearing probing the companys financial collapse.

The Thursday announcement by the Senates Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee came after the panel heard about two hours of testimony from witnesses who explained how shortchanging by Stewards private equity owners demoralized staff and harmed patients health.

In a joint statement, the committees chairperson, U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and its ranking Republican, U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, of Louisiana, said they had been hopeful that ... de la Torre would comply with our bipartisan subpoena.

Since he did not, we have no choice but to move forward and pursue both civil enforcement of the subpoena and criminal charges against Dr. de la Torre, the two lawmakers said.

The lawmakers said the committee will pursue both civil and criminal contempt actions against de la Torre.

The Steward boss, who has made national headlines for living a high-flying lifestyle while the Dallas-based company plunged into bankruptcy, already signaled through an attorney he did not plan to attend.

On Thursday, he was as good as his word. And in a display of political theatre, lawmakers briefly kept a seat open for him until other witnesses were called to testify.

His defiance prompted Bay State Democratic U.S. Sens. Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren to announce last week they planned to pursue the contempt actions.

The resolution would have to clear the committee and get a positive vote from the full Senate before it could be enforced.

If approved, the criminal contempt resolution would refer the case to the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia for prosecution, they said.

Taking to X before the hearing, Markey said lawmakers could not allow CEOs like Dr. de la Torre and wealthy private equity executives to treat our health care system as their own personal piggy bank.

We have got to make sure that what happened at Steward never happens again, he said.

In a separate statement, Warren observed that a congressional subpoena is a legal order, not an optional invite.

Dr. de la Torre must be held in contempt of Congress for his refusal to show up, and held accountable for the damage hes done to patients, workers and communities in Massachusetts and across the country, she said.

Witnesses who appeared before the Senate panel on Thursday described Steward, where chronic understaffing and long wait times were the norm, as health care terrorists with a pathological lack of concern for anyone but themselves.

Ellen MacInnis, a nurse and union leader at St. Elizabeth's Medical Center in Brighton., testifies before the U.S. Senate's Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee during a hearing on Capitol Hill on Thursday. The panel took testimony on conditions at Steward's hospitals in Massachusetts and other states (U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee/Screen Capture).U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee/Screen Capture

Its the moral injury that occurs when youre unable to do the one and only thing you want to do, and thats keep patients safe, Ellen MacInnis, a nurse and union leader at St. Elizabeths Hospital in Brighton, told the committee.

But for the greed of Steward, in the way they deliberately  and it almost feels malicious  deprived me and my colleagues [of supplies and equipment] Im just worn out, MacInnis, who sits on the board of the Massachusetts Nurses Association, told lawmakers.

Audra Sprague, a nurse and union leader who worked at Nashoba Valley Medical Center in Ayer until it closed last month, said employees received very little notice of the companys plan to shutter the facility.

Her answer came in response to a question by U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-N.H., who noted that Southern New Hampshire Medical Center in Nashua, N.H., likely will absorb patients from the now-closed hospital in Ayer, just 18 miles over the border.

The American people deserve to hear answers directly from [de la Torre] on the horrific mismanagement of steward health care, Hassan said.

Two more Steward-owned facilities, Carney Hospital in Dorchester and New England Sinai Hospital in Stoughton, also have closed this year.

Sprague, like MacInnis, slammed Stewards management of her hospital, saying she had witnessed, personally, myself, some firsthand devastating effects of the companys practices of reducing overhead to financially benefit their stakeholders and their CEO.

Those reductions were done without [regard] for the patients and the impact on the patients in their care and the family and our staff, she continued.

Under Steward, essential resources began to dwindle. Repairs that once would have been done immediately were put off and delayed, she said.

Last week, a federal bankruptcy court in Texas gave Steward the green light to sell six of its Massachusetts-based facilities.

Judge Christopher Lopez ruled that Boston Medical Center can buy St. Elizabeths Medical Center and Good Samaritan Medical Center, The Boston Globe reported.

The judge also authorized Lifespan Health Systems acquisition of St. Annes Hospital and Morton Hospital, and Lawrence General Hospitals purchase of Holy Family Hospital, the newspaper reported.

Steward previously announced that it had reached purchase agreements for Good Samaritan Medical Center in Brockton and St. Elizabeths Medical Center in Brighton, MassLive previously reported.

The Healey administration also announced the takeover deals for Rhode Island-based Lifespan Corporation and Lawrence General Hospital for its respective Steward properties.

Gov. Maura Healeys office has said that UMass Memorial Health could convert Nashobas shuttered emergency room into an urgent care facility.
Marjorie Decker remains the incumbent state representative of the 25th Middlesex District after Thursdays recount.

Cambridge election officials spent eight hours at the Russell Youth Community Center recounting votes after Deckers challenger Evan Mackay filed for a recount last Friday, the Boston Globe reported Thursday.

MacKay, who uses they/them pronouns, initially declared victory the night of Sept. 3 after they had a 40-vote lead over Decker. Decker advanced with her own 41-point lead, according to unofficial results on Wednesday.

Decker did not pick up any more votes, with three votes tossed, which kept the margin at 41, the Globe wrote.

I just wanted to say to all of you how grateful I am for your confidence in me and the confidence in the work that we do together, Decker said to supporters, the Globe wrote. Im excited to continue serving our community.

Decker will not face a challenger for her seat in November.

Ballots from all 15 precincts were counted, the newspaper reported. Volunteer election observers and the candidates attorneys were in the room to watch the counters.

Decker, her son and her husband met with supporters at the community center, while MacKay did not attend the recount, according to the Globe.

Decker served 14 years on the Cambridge City Council before she was elected to the Legislature.

She worked as a teacher and then was executive director of the Equal Justice Coalition before joining the City Council in 1999. Gun safety, tackling climate change, labor and worker rights and maternal health and reproductive rights are among her areas of focus, according to her website.

A Cambridge resident, MacKay is also a pro-democracy organizer and a Harvard teaching fellow, according to their profile on Ballotpedia.

They also are a Cambridge LGBTQ+ Commissioner and the former president of the Harvard Graduate Students Union, according to their campaign website.
(*This column was updated at 3:29 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, with additional reporting.)

To hear former President Donald Trump tell it, Americas streets and communities are so riddled with crime and violence that you cant step outside without taking your life in your hands.

As is so often the case, the facts are a bit more complicated and nuanced. But well get into that in a moment.

First, lets explore what Trump said during his nationally televised, 90-minute face-off with Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday night.

All over the world, crime is down  all over the world except here, Trump said as he responded to a question about immigration, arguing, without evidence, that other countries had sent criminals across the border in the thousands.

Scaring voters is a time-honored rite of American politics. And Trump rode a dystopian wave of grievance and fear into office in 2016.

It did not work in 2020 when Trump lost to President Joe Biden. But that has not stopped the Republican nominee from sticking to the same playbook this year.

On Tuesday, reverting to type, Trump remained defiant when ABC moderator David Muir asserted that FBI data show that crime is down. The former president claimed that was a fraud.

And one group, according to Trump, largely are responsible: The migrants and asylum-seekers who are now living in communities across the nation, including Massachusetts.

You see whats happening with towns throughout the United States. You look at Springfield, Ohio, you look at Aurora in Colorado. They are taking over the towns. Theyre taking over buildings, Trump said.

Theyre going in violently. These are the people that [Harris] and Biden let into our country, and theyre destroying our country, Trump continued, repeating a line of attack thats a feature of his stump speeches. Theyre dangerous. Theyre at the highest level of criminality, and we have to get them out.

There are a couple of problems with those claims.

First, they dehumanize migrants and asylum-seekers, most of whom are working and paying taxes, are living right next door to you, and often are fleeing the most desperate of conditions.

Also, the twin notions of being welcoming and securing the border need not be mutually exclusive, one Massachusetts lawmaker said this week.

Were a richer society, culturally and economically, because new people come here to build new lives and contribute, U.S. Rep. Jake Auchincloss, D-4th District, told WBURs Radio Boston program on Wednesday. We welcome our new Bay Staters, and we want to make sure that they are successful here.

Read More: Taylor Swift endorses Kamala Harris for president after debate ends

We also need, of course, [the] rule of law at the border and in the way that we process asylum claims, the Newton Democrat said.

The second is that its untrue that migrants commit crimes at a greater rate than native-born Americans.

Decades of data show the opposite is true.

As a group, immigrants have had lower incarceration rates than the US-born for 150 years, a cadre of researchers at Stanford and Northwestern universities and the National Bureau of Economic Research, wrote in a 2023 white paper.

Since 1960, immigrants today are 60% less likely to be incarcerated than native-born whites, that same research concluded.

Separate research by the Cato Institute, a libertarian think tank in Washington D.C., found that illegal immigrants in Texas were 26% less likely than native-born Americans to be convicted of homicide. The tally among legal immigrants was even higher  at 61%, the Cato researchers found.

There is a caveat, however. The FBIs crime statistics also are incomplete, given that they measure only crimes reported to law enforcement  some crimes, such as rape, are historically greatly underreported  and not every law enforcement agency reports its statistics, according to an analysis by FactCheck.org.

That has been the case for decades, the same analysis concluded.

On Thursday, Trumps campaign released a statement arguing that crime is way up, under Harris and President Joe Biden.

The statement pointed to data compiled by the U.S. Justice Departments Bureau of Justice Statistics, which examined crime victimization in 2023.

The data "throw[s] a dagger straight through the heart of claims to the contrary by Democrats and their Fake News allies, Trumps campaign said in a statement.

The bureaus data found that there were 22.5 victimizations per 1,000 people aged 12 and older in 2023, which was similar to the 2022 rate.

The data included rape or sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault, and simple assault.

The last three decades saw an overall decline in the rate of violent victimization, from 1993 (79.8 per 1,000) to 2023, according to the analysis.

While the 2023 rate was higher than those in 2020, when Trump was in the White House; and 2021, the first year of Bidens presidency, it was not statistically different from five years ago, in 2019, when Trump also was in the White House.

And the percentage of persons age 12 or older who experienced at least one violent victimization declined from 1.51% in 2022 to 1.36% in 2023, the report also found.

Still, Trumps crime claims point to broader perception problems when it comes to public safety. Its one of those issues, like the economy, where perception can, and often does  pardon the pun  trump reality.

In other words, if you think crime is out of control, or you think the economy is horrible, then youre not going to be persuaded otherwise.

Like a lot of Americans, the former president is a voracious cable news consumer. And if all you do is watch TV news, then the chances are pretty good you also think its the Wild West out there.

About 70% of Americans get their crime news from local news outlets, according to data the Pew Research Center released last month.

Pews researchers found a clear link between the amount of local crime news that people consume and their sense of security.

Americans who consume local crime news most often (regardless of the source) also are the most likely to say they are concerned about crime in their community affecting them or their family, Pews researchers found.

The same research also found that 71% of Americans often got crime news from friends, family or their neighbors, creating a feedback loop of fear and paranoia.

And thats true even if the data show that violent crime nationwide has decreased nationwide, and may be at a 50-year low, according to NPR.

This is not to say that were not without our challenges, either here in Massachusetts or elsewhere, as flare-ups in Springfield, Dorchester and Mattapan remind us.

Harris and her fellow Democrats are betting that voters want to turn the page on Trumps American Carnage in 2024.

In a 50-50 country, its a tough sell. But its not impossible.
Gov. Maura Healeys latest pick for the Superior Court bench won praise from the Governors Council on Wednesday for her career of public defense work in Central Massachusetts.

Sarah Hamilton, whom Healey nominated in August, has spent her entire legal career with the Committee for Public Counsel Services, first as a staff attorney in Worcester and Fall River, then as senior trial counsel for the Western Region.

A double graduate of Northeastern University, Hamilton told councilors she was the first college graduate in her family and recalled the impression left on her by one Northeastern professor -- former Gov. Michael Dukakis.

When I spoke with him about law school, he pushed me to pursue a career in public interest law, Hamilton told councilors. And hes the person who first told me what a public defender was, and explained that I could have a legal career devoted to public service where I helped real people with real problems.

Worcester attorney Maura Tansley, a partner at Tansley Halloran, and Worcester County prosecutor Paul Bolton voiced their support for Healeys pick.

Its great to see a public defender elevated to the bench, especially one who has support from the district attorneys office, Worcester Councilor Paul DePalo said. And weve been waiting for a woman on Superior Court in Worcester for quite some time, so thats an added bonus of this nominee.

Hamilton raised at least one set of eyebrows on account of her age.

First of all, youre 42, said Councilor Marilyn Petitto Devaney. OK, almost 30 years youll be on the bench. How are you going to keep yourself up to par, and up with everything?

Hamilton said developments in case law, developments in science and technology, and opportunities in the legal profession such as mentoring can all help her stay engaged.

Serving the public has been a priority of my professional life. For me, being an associate justice of the Superior Court will be the ultimate act of public service to the commonwealth and to my community in Worcester in particular, she said.
BOSTON  When it comes to health, Wednesday was not a good day for the Red Sox bullpen.

The team placed lefty reliever Brennan Bernardino on the IL with left elbow inflammation, while activating fellow lefty Cam Booser from the IL to take his spot on the active roster.
BOSTON  With help from Tyler ONeill, the Red Sox remain alive in the American League wild card playoff chase.

ONeills 10th-inning, walk-off, three-run homer carried the Red Sox over the Baltimore Orioles, 5-3, Wednesday night. The homer gave the Sox their second straight series win as the teams homestand came to a close.

The victory kept the Sox four games behind Minnesota in the race for the third and final wild card spot.

Its still there, said manager Alex Cora of his teams chance to qualify for the postseason. The Red Sox now head out for their second-to-last road trop of the year, set to play four games in New York, followed by three in Tampa Bay.

The Red Sox are not alone in their pursuit of the Twins, who held off the Los Angeles Angels Wednesday night. Theyre also a game behind the streaking Detroit Tigers, who again beat Colorado at home.

The Red Sox also have to contend with the Seattle Mariners, who beat San Diego Wednesday night to remain tied with the Sox in the standings.

On Thursday, the Mariners will again host the Padres as the Sox take on the Yankees in New York. Kansas City, Minnesota and Detroit are all idle.

The Wild Card leaders:

1. Baltimore Orioles 83-64 (.565) + 4.5

2. Kansas City Roiyals 80-67 (.544) + 1.5

3. Minnesota Twins 78-68 (.534)

Others in the race:

4. Detroit Tigers 75-71 (.514) - 3

5T. Red Sox 74-72 (.507) - 4

5T. Seattle Mariners 74-72 (.507) - 4
Before attempting a spicy food challenge at The Big E, youll be asked to sign a waiver stating you know what youre subjecting yourself to, including potential embarrassment, tears, and regret, all in the name of hot sauce glory.

The Lone Star Challenge from 13 Stars Hot Sauce is designed to publicly challenge peoples taste buds.

The challenge is to eat one chocolate star. Only, that chocolate star is crafted from the planets most scorching peppers, Ocean State Pepper Companys Devils Dust. It measures 1.2 million Scoville Heat Units (SHU).

The scale measures it as fiery hot, which is four levels above hot.

Every single person that ends up eating it, I can remember their face, said 13 Stars Hot Sauce founder Sean Maloney.

The challenge started at The Big E, one of the largest fairs in the country, four years ago as a way to bring in crowds and tell them about 13 Stars Hot Sauces mission.

13 Stars Hot Sauce was started by Sean Maloney and helps other veterans.Sean Maloney

A portion of all items sold through 13 Stars Hot Sauce is added to its project fund to help veterans and first responders. When the funds are big enough, money is given to a partnered non-profit.

But for every $20 chocolate star purchased, it directly helps supports Pets for Vets, which pairs veterans with shelter dogs. The dogs provide the Veteran with unconditional love and support, easing stress, depression, loneliness and anxiety, the website states.

Its my favorite day of the year when we get to go cut a check towards them, Maloney said.

Maloney understands all of this on a personal level. He served for the United States Air Force and was deployed to Djibouti, Africa and Germany. And he has dealt with his own post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Read more: Hot sauce prompts chats about mental health for veteran at The Big E

He uses the hot sauce to raise awareness about these issues and to start conversations about mental health with other veterans.

[This] is my purpose in life. Thats the simplest way I can put it, Maloney said. Its an absolute blessing every day being able to be an advocate for those individuals, help other individuals get to that mental health that they need ... and at least get you towards those right resources, so you can get the absolute help that you need and deserve.

Although its a serious topic, Maloney still brings fun to what he does.

Hes offered to spice up fairgoers Connecticut and Maine potatoes with his hot sauce called Big Red One, which he does for his own baked potato every year.

And hell be continuing to challenge people to attempt to eat the chocolate star.

The waiver commits people to eating the entire star, no running, no hiding, no quitting halfway.

People are also asked to film the attempt and post it on social media to help continue to raise awareness.

Sweat, tears, and screams are highly encouraged, the waiver reads, later adding that there is a chance you call out for your mom.

And theres a chance to win a year supply of hot sauce.

13 Stars Hot Sauce was started by Sean Maloney and helps other veterans.Sean Maloney

Maloney remembers one man who had no reaction on his face to eating the chocolate.

Hes like, Its hot. Its not that bad. OK, thanks for your time, Maloney recalled. We do a quick picture. And then he went on his way.

Three minutes later, he came back to Maloneys booth.

He exclaims it was the hottest thing hes ever eaten as he was drooling and almost unable to speak  but he was laughing. His wife behind him, Maloney said, was also laughing.

This is why we do it. This is why we do this, Maloney said, remembering the joy it brought the entire group.

The challenge will be at the 13 Stars Hot Sauce booth in the Rhode Island building at The Big E in West Springfield from Sept. 13-29.

Those who are nervous about the taste might consider first stopping at the 4-H milk booth in the Mallory building to bring a glass of milk with you.

Good luck, hero. May the spice be ever in your favor, the waiver reads.
Fall is fast approaching and so too are the vibrant colors seen on trees across America.

With all of the forecast maps released in recent weeks, one new interactive one gives users a chance to see the exact timing of when leaves change colors and reach their peak.

Issued by SmokyMountains.com, forecasters used a refined data model that depends on a combination of factors, including historical temperature and precipitation, forecast temperature and precipitation, the type of tree known to be prominent in that geographic region, the historical trends in that area, and user data, according to a statement.

Forecasters started to implement input from users through an online form where they report on the fall foliage in their region in 2022. The following year, SmokyMountains.com then let users submit photos with their reports.

Its been instrumental in helping us fine-tune our data collection for this year, forecasters said about their 2024 map.

The maps weekly forecasts show how fall colors should appear each Monday. On Sept. 16, most of New England should be in the minimal, patchy or partial categories, with leaves in all of Massachusetts appearing patchy.

Fall foliage estimate on Sept. 16. Courtesy of SmokyMountains.com.SmokyMountains.com

This should intensify by Sept. 23, with parts of Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont being at near peak. All of Massachusetts should have partial color on the leaves, along with the northern halves of Connecticut and Rhode Island. Closer to the south coast of New England, Connecticut and Rhode Island should have patchy fall colors.

Fall foliage estimate on Sept. 23. Courtesy of SmokyMountains.com.SmokyMountains.com

Those same parts of Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont that were near peak should hit their peak on Sept. 30. Massachusetts is expected to be near peak by this point.

Fall foliage estimate on Sept. 30. Courtesy of SmokyMountains.com.SmokyMountains.com

Aside from the south coast and the easternmost end of Maine, all of New England should see fall foliage reach its peak by Oct. 7.

Fall foliage estimate on Oct. 7. Courtesy of SmokyMountains.com.SmokyMountains.com

By Oct. 14, fall foliage on the south coast and Maines eastern edge should finally reach their peak. The rest of New England is expected to be past peak by then.

Fall foliage estimate on Oct. 14. Courtesy of SmokyMountains.com.SmokyMountains.com

One week later, all of New England should be past the peak.

Fall foliage estimate on Oct. 21. Courtesy of SmokyMountains.com.SmokyMountains.com

Fast forward to Nov. 18, most of the United States is expected to be well past seeing peak fall colors. Around the Gulf of Mexico, in Texas, Louisiana and Florida will be at near peak, while further inland those states, along with Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia, should hit their respective peaks.

Fall foliage estimate on Nov. 18. Courtesy of SmokyMountains.com.SmokyMountains.com

Some forecasts show chances for fall colors to not be so vibrant in New England this year. AccuWeather predicted that colors could be dull in hues of brown and yellow. The companys forecast suggested Massachusetts may not see colorful leaves until mid-October, while southern New England may not see peak fall foliage until later in the month.
Wildfires from the west have left a hint of a smoky smell and hazy skies over Massachusetts.

While skies do not resemble the smoke billowed from Canada during last years wildfires, WCVB-TV meteorologist Cindy Fitzgibbon told the news station on Thursday that the haze is coming from fires as far west as California.

Weve got some wildfire smoke in over our skies here in southern New England [on Thursday], she said. But [Friday], it may get just a little bit thicker, so a bit more haziness to the otherwise bright sky.

Despite this, the air quality across the Bay State remains good, according to AirNow.

Four massive wildfires have burned within 100 miles of Los Angeles: the Joshua Fire, at over 30 acres near the town of Littlerock; the Airport Fire, at over 23,40 acres near Lake Elsinore; the Line Fire, at over 37,200 acres east of San Bernardino; and the Bridge Fire, at over 51,160 acres in the Angeles National Forest northeast of Glendora, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, or Cal Fire.

The Bridge Fire has not been contained, while 18% of the Line Fire has been contained, Cal Fire reported. The Joshua Fire has also not been contained, and 5% of the Airport Fire was contained.

Following a heat wave that saw 104 degrees hit Downtown Los Angeles, fire officials hope the drop in temperatures helps with battling the fires, the Los Angeles Times reported.

The conditions are improving a little bit  at least weather-wise, Bryan Lewis, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Oxnard, told the Times.

Less wind and higher humidity should translate to better firefighting conditions, for sure, Lewis added.

The Bridge Fire, which started Sunday, remains a threat. The fire has so far destroyed 20 homes in Wrightwood, Mt. Baldy Village and other communities, with 1,000 structures still under threat, the Times wrote.

Across the United States, wildfires have burned thousands of acres in several states, including Arizona, Oregon, Idaho and Montana, according to the National Interagency Fire Center.
The African Development Bank must expand its support for female entrepreneurs, as well as young innovators and business creators, to reduce poverty and tackle the lack of jobs in Africa, according to young African entrepreneurs.

The African youth business representatives were speaking during a panel discussion on the topic Our world, our experience, organised shortly after the launch of the Banks 60th anniversary celebrations.

Jean-Francois Yao, Regional Policy Advisor in charge of Institutional Partnership at the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), praised the Banks new approach, which now factors in humanitarian emergencies to development issues.

The African Development Bank is already doing great things in the humanitarian domain and for a raft of organisations that help to reduce human suffering, and we congratulate them for that, said Yao. He went on to reiterate that the Banks first action with the ICRC, conducted after the signing of a letter of intent in 2019, had made it possible to launch a pilot project empowering women in the Sahel. This project has provided support for vulnerable women and widows affected by the crisis in the Sahel, particularly in Chad, Mali and Niger, and has transformed the lives of numerous people.

A Malian woman who sold doughnuts received 200,000 CFA francs, said Yao. This enabled her to develop her business, then to make fruit juice, and today she works in second-hand clothing. She was able to buy a plot of land and begin building her own house. She has also been able to send at least three of her six children to a private school.

He expressed his satisfaction with the results of this groundbreaking partnership, which was bolstered in 2023 by a memorandum of understanding. This memorandum has made it possible to launch a humanitarian project in South Sudan that will benefit a million internally displaced people. Although the Banks and the ICRCs activities run in parallel, the two institutions have found a shared starting point from which they can implement a development-humanitarian nexus, and they plan to sign a framework agreement in the near future to further strengthen this partnership.

In the opinion of the private sector representatives, the Banks actions need to be clearer and more visible. Better still, the Bank must increase and diversify its operations to develop the private sector, which is the principal provider of employment.

Christelle Essim Egue, Lamin Barro and Stephane Aka-Anghui, who all operate in the Ivorian private sector, shared their experiences of working with the Bank Group and their vision for the institution over the next decade.

Previously, I produced 500 packets of doughnuts a day; today, I produce 60 packets per minute, said a visibly proud Christelle Essim Egue, an Ivorian entrepreneur and founder of Pam Holding, a firm specialising in the production of doughnuts and natural pepper. With the Banks support, we were able to create other products.

Courtesy of the Banks Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA) initiative, which supports women entrepreneurs continent-wide, Christelle received 40 million CFA francs in financing from AFAWA via the pan-African bank ECOBANK. Today, her company is flourishing, and she is preparing to open a new factory and diversify her business by investing in palm oil production. For her palm oil plant, she will need to raise 500 million CFA francs and may turn to the Bank for support.

Lamin Barro, meanwhile, an innovator and developer of IT solutions, and the CEO of Etudesk, a start-up specialising in online training, has previously partnered with the African Development Bank. The Bank called on his companys services to support 200 young innovators in Egypt. In Cote dIvoire, his start-up helps more than 800 people  in public institutions, local and pan-African companies, and subsidiaries of multinational corporations  in the sphere of technological innovation.

Praising the Banks Innovation and Entrepreneurship Lab initiative, the young up-and-coming entrepreneur stressed that the Bank must help young Africans to create and innovate. He added: One of my dreams is to see an incubator or innovation centre in every university in Cote dIvoire, and even in Africa. We can promote education entrepreneurship i.e. setting up ones own business while still at university. He went on to emphasise that Africa must stand up and be counted when it comes to technological developments such as artificial intelligence, blockchains, etc. As far as this CEO is concerned, the Bank must increase its presence on social media to encounter young people with whom it can co-develop projects.

Pointing out that Cote dIvoires private sector generates 500,000 jobs a year, Stephane Aka-Anghui, Executive Director of the General Confederation of Businesses in Cote dIvoire (CGECI), is calling for a special partnership with the Bank hinged on a shared objective: to industrialise Africa, create jobs and promote start-ups and innovation among young people.

The Ivorian government wants to create eight million jobs by 2030, he stated.

This can only happen if we create a large number of businesses. If we start one million businesses, they can generate 10 million jobs.

The CGECI, which has more than 4,000 companies in Cote dIvoire under its umbrella, provides more than 80 percent of the countrys tax revenue. It has already benefited from support from the Bank to help businesses structure themselves better and take advantage of the common market of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The CGECI hopes to develop other initiatives with the Banks assistance, such as the national champions programme and the CGECI Academy, an initiative that provides support to start-ups.

Following a stirring speech from Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President and Chairman of the Boards of Directors of the African Development Bank Group, at the launch of the institutions 60th anniversary festivities, Aka-Anghui asked him to find the time to come and deliver a similarly inspiring message to Cote dIvoires business leaders, to encourage them to become true champions for Africa.
Railway operator Lobito Atlantic Railway exported its first shipment of copper from the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the U.S. in August 2024, strengthening Africas contribution to the growing global demand for the critical mineral.

With the global copper supply gap projected to reach 10 million metric tons by 2030, African projects are poised to play a crucial role in addressing the shortfall.

As such, the upcoming Critical Minerals Africa (CMA) 2024 summit  the premier meeting platform for African energy projects and global investors  will showcase lucrative prospects across the continents copper value chain. A dedicated panel discussion at CMA 2024 will provide updates on ongoing projects aimed at expanding African production while fostering economic growth and supporting the global energy transition.

The Critical Minerals Africa 2024 summit on November 6  7 serves to position Africa as the primary investment destination for critical minerals. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energy 2024 conference on November 4  8, offering delegates access to the full scope of energy, mining and finance leaders in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)  the worlds third-largest copper producer  in partnership with Canadian firm Ivanhoe Mines , commissioned the Phase 3 concentrator at the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex last month. The expansion is set to boost the mine and the countrys annual copper output by 150,000 tons. Ivanhoe Mines also restarted production at the high-grade Kipushi zinc-copper mine in July 2024, increasing the DRCs copper output by 140,000 tons.

Chinese miner CMOC is undertaking a $2.5 billion third-phase expansion at the Tenke Fungurume and Kinsafu Mines, with aims to double copper production in the DRC over the next four years. Meanwhile, Swiss company Glencore is implementing advanced technologies to enhance exploration and production at its KTO Copper and Cobalt Mine near Kolwezi, with a target of increasing production to 300,000 tons per annum.

Zambia (https://apo-opa.co/3XA3Zax)  Africas second-largest copper producer  has set a target to increase production to 3 million tons by 2030, leveraging strategic partnerships with global investors. The country is maximizing its copper value chain through a series of projects in partnerships with global firms such as Galileo Resources, Tertiary Minerals, Vedanta Resources, Jubilee Metals, KoBold Metals and Xtract Resources. In July 2024, Ivanhoe Mines (https://apo-opa.co/4d0hxRk) resumed production at the Mopani Mine  following 30 years of project maintenance  adding up to 140,000 tons of copper and zinc concentrate to Zambias total annual output.

In addition to the DRC and Zambia, countries including Zimbabwe, South Africa, Mauritania, Namibia and Morocco are also advancing projects rollout. At this years CMA 2024 summit, African policymakers, industry stakeholders and global investors will discuss ongoing efforts to position the continent as a leader in critical copper production
Glo-Djigbe Industrial Zone announced the first export of Made in Benin ready-to-wear clothing for the prestigious American brand, U.S. POLO ASSN.. A world-renowned brand, U.S. POLO ASSN. offers a wide range of clothing, accessories, travel goods, watches and shoes, available in over 130 countries.

This first shipment represents a significant step forward in the integration of GDIZ into the global supply chains of the ready-to-wear sector. The collaboration, which is expected to generate volumes of more than one million pieces over the next few years, is being carried out in partnership with INCOM S.P.A., which holds the licence for U.S. Polo Assn. on the European market. All garments shipped from GDIZ are destined for the European market via INCOM S.P.A.

Aimed at the Italian market, this first shipment includes a range of high-quality garments designed to U.S. POLOs exacting standards, including:

Hooded sweatshirts ;

Polos;

T-shirts.

This partnership with U.S. POLO ASSN. follows several other shipments already made for international brands such as the American brand The Childrens Place (TCP) and the French brand KIABI. The confidence shown by these international brands has strengthened GDIZs position as a key player in textile production in Africa.

Mr Letondji Beheton, Managing Director of the Societe dInvestissement et de Promotion de lIndustrie (SIPI-Benin), expressed his enthusiasm at this important milestone:

This first export of Made in Benin clothing for U.S. Polo Assn. is not only a source of pride for GDIZ, but also for Benin as a whole. It is a testament to our growing capacity to produce high-quality textiles that meet international standards. We are delighted to see Benin take a significant step forward in the global ready-to-wear industry, highlighting our commitment to excellence and sustainable development.

Francesco Gozzini, Production Director of INCOM Italy, underlined the importance of this partnership:
Senator Lisa Chambers has spoken out following negative media reports about the Mayo county town of Castlebar.

The Fianna Fail General Election candidate for Mayo responded to recent negative reports by emphasising the town's many strengths and opportunities.

"Castlebar is a vibrant town that offers a high quality of life to all who live and work here. It's a place that we, as residents, are proud to call home, and it has so much to offer in terms of amenities, services, and infrastructure, she commented.

Senator Chambers added: I want to focus on the positive aspects that make Castlebar a standout town, not only in Mayo but across the country.

Pointing to Castlebar's designation as a university town, Ms Chambers highlighted ATU Mayo's higher education opportunities and academic hub for both Mayo and the wider region.

In addition to its educational offerings, Castlebar is home to Mayo University Hospital who provide essential medical services to the people of Mayo while also being one of the town's major employers, supporting jobs and boosting the local economy.

Furthermore, the Fianna Fail Senator called attention to the towns recreational and leisure facilities, such as Lough Lannagh.

The leisure complex at Lough Lannagh provides top-tier amenities for sports, fitness, and family activities, complementing the area's natural beauty.

Ms Chambers also mentioned the TF Royal Theatre, which hosts a diverse range of performances and events, making the town a cultural destination in its own right.

Referring to the Switcher.ie Work-Life Balance Index report published earlier this year, Senator Chambers reiterated that Castlebar is recognised as the best place to live in Ireland for work-life balance.

The study ranked Castlebar first out of 50 towns and cities, based on factors such as local amenities, housing affordability, access to green spaces, and good connectivity.

"Castlebars top ranking for work-life balance is a testament to the quality of life it offers. With affordable housing, low crime rates, excellent schools, and plenty of leisure activities, Castlebar is not just a place to live but a place where families can thrive, continued Senator Chambers.

The same report also named Castlebar as the third-best place in Ireland for families due to its welcoming environment, vibrant retail scene, and easy access to services and green spaces.

Senator Chambers concluded: "Despite recent negative portrayals in the media, Castlebar is a town with immense potential and a bright future. I encourage everyone to see Castlebar for what it isan exceptional place to live, work, and enjoy life."
Mayo County Council has this week launched a third-level scholarship in memory of former Irish Language Officer, Oonagh Bean Ui Shuilleabhain (Ni Cheilleachair). Ms Ui Shuilleabhain was well known in the county for her commitment to increasing engagement with the Irish language and for promoting access, inclusion and creative opportunities for communities across Mayo.

She sadly passed away back in 2017, aged just 36, after a battle with cancer.

This new scholarship aims to provide financial support to a student who is involved in the promotion of the Irish language, or who are active in the Irish-language arts. Full-time students from PLC to PhD level may apply, provided they are from Mayo or are currently living in the county. Applications are encouraged from students of all disciplines, not just those who are pursuing Irish-language courses. The successful awardee will receive a 3,000 bursary for 2024 funded by Creative Ireland, as well as a perpetual trophy and development support from Mayo County Council.

Joanne Grehan, Director of Services at Mayo County Council said: Throughout all her work, Oonagh maintained a strong focus on inclusion and on making sure that opportunities to engage with the language were open to all members of the community. Oonagh was also a champion of the arts and understood the value of creative mediums such as song, drama and literature for fostering engagement with the Irish language. We are delighted to launch this scholarship which celebrates her enormous contribution and encourages Mayo students to continue with this important work.

Fionnuala Nic Phaidin, Oifigeach Gaeilge (Irish Language Officer) at Mayo County Council said:

Students across Mayo are doing excellent work promoting the language through involvement in community groups, teaching sean-nos singing, producing literature and poetry, and taking active roles in college societies. This is a unique opportunity for these students to receive recognition and support for their contributions and to further develop their skills.

Austin Vaughan, County Librarian and Creative Ireland Co-ordinator for County Mayo said:

The Irish language and Irish language-based arts are an integral part of Mayo's culture and creativity. This scholarship embodies Oonagh Ui Shuilleabhains passion for the Irish language and her commitment to nurturing a love of the Irish language and creativity in Mayo.

Further details on this scholarship are available at www.mayo.ie/Gaeilge/ScolaireachtChuimhneachain.

Applications will close on Monday, October 14, 2024.

Pictured above the launch of the Oonagh Bean Ui Shuilleabhain (Ni Cheilleachair) Memorial Scholarship at Mayo County Library are members of Oonaghs family, along with Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council and Council staff.

Back row, from left: Austin Vaughan, Mayo County Librarian; Skyler Kelleher (niece); Ita Kelleher, Sean Kelleher, Siobhan Kelleher (siblings) agus Fionnuala Nic Phaidin, Irish Language Officer;

Front, from left: Ann Marie McGing, Arts Officer; Caoimhin O Suilleabhain (husband); Cllr John OHara, Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council; Pat Kelleher (father) and Joanne Grehan, Director of Services, Mayo County Council.
A Mandan man was sentenced to three years in prison after he pleaded guilty to federal drug and weapons charges Wednesday.

Blake Boatwright will receive credit for 15 months already served since his case was transferred from state court to federal court in August 2023. His maximum federal prison sentences could have reached 15 years on the weapons charge and 20 years on the drug charge, with fines up to $1.25 million.

Upon his release from prison, Boatwright will spend three years on supervised release.

Boatwright was originally charged in June 2023 after he was arrested at a Bismarck hotel by officers who responded to a call of a suspicious odor coming from a room, according to an affidavit. The room was allegedly registered to Boatwright, who consented to a search by police. Authorities said they discovered nearly 300 suspected fentanyl pills, meth, drug paraphernalia, nearly $5,000 in cash, a 9 mm pistol and two phones.

The case was transferred to federal court when federal authorities became involved, according to court records. Since that transfer to federal prosecution, Boatwright has been cooperative with federal authorities, defense attorney Robert Quick said. The extent of that cooperation was not disclosed at Wednesday's sentencing hearing.

U.S. District Judge Daniel Traynor encouraged Boatwright, an admitted high school dropout, to take advantage of educational and drug treatment programs during his prison term.

"In the age of fentanyl, it's only a matter of time until you're a dead man," Traynor told Boatwright.
Supercharge your Business with AI is this years theme of the annual Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Digital West Conference.

The free event is due to take place in ATU Mayo campus (Castlebar) on Friday, October 11, from 8.30am-1.30pm.

Organised by ATUs School of Business in partnership with Castlebar Chamber, ATU iHub and the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Mayo, the free conference will be opened by the President of the Atlantic Technological University, Dr Orla Flynn, and addressed by the Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation, Dara Calleary TD.

The annual conference attracts leaders, innovators and tech enthusiasts from home and abroad as well as ATU students, staff and graduates.

This years theme will dive into AI technology's crucial role in enhancing business operations and driving growth. Attendees will gain valuable insights from a stellar line-up of keynote speakers, engage with compelling success stories, and witness a live demonstration showcasing practical AI applications.

Keynote speakers include Dr Muslim Syed (ATU), Muireann Fitzmaurice, and Brian Hanely.

Event organiser and ATU Assistant Lecturer Anne Conlon commented: It has always been a very successful event and this year it is exciting to bring it back to an in-person event on a much bigger scale with opportunities for more engagement for businesses and students.

Meghann Drury-Grogan, Head of Department of Enterprise and Technology, School of Business, ATU Galway-Mayo said they are looking forward to not only welcoming post-graduate students in Digital Media and Marketing, but also undergraduate students.

She added: This is an impactful event for our ATU Galway and Mayo students to make new connections as we bring a perspective on AI and digital technologies in the west of Ireland and beyond.

The conference will feature a dynamic segment called LightBulbs Talks, where business leaders share ten-minute stories on how AI has revolutionised their operations.

These first-hand accounts will provide actionable insights and inspire attendees to explore AI solutions within their organisations.

Tickets for the event are free, but limited. You can secure your place by booking on the Digital West Conference website now.

For more information, please see the conference website.
by Adam Buckman , Featured Columnist, September 12, 2024

Kamala Harris adopted just the right demeanor to come out on top of the debate Tuesday night with Donald Trump.

The expression on her face as she regarded the spectacle of her opponent reminded me of a quotation from the novel To Kill a Mockingbird.

It came when the lawyer Atticus Finch was explaining to his children why Bob Ewell, the gutter-dwelling witness from the books race-infused trial, had it in for Judge John Taylor, who presided over the case.

John made him look like a fool, Atticus said. John looked at him like he was a three-legged chicken or a square egg.

Kamala Harris did much the same thing, looking at Trump as if he was a square egg. In the process, she scored a visual victory in the televised debate.

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When he ranted and seemed to struggle to express himself, she had a look on her face like the one in the screenshot above.

It projected an image of superiority over Trump. It broadcast that she was the rational one of the two who had it together in ways that he did not.

As she listened and stared, I imagined a comic-strip thought-balloon over her head with words such as Can you believe this guy? or Is he really saying that?

Many of us watching at home felt the same way at moments such as when Trump said immigrants were eating dogs and cats, and putting the nations house pets in peril.

He was citing a story, now debunked, that newcomers to the town of Springfield, Ohio were using cats and dogs as a source of protein.

Theyre eating the dogs -- the people that came in -- theyre eating the cats! he said in the debate. Theyre eating the pets of the people that live there, and this is whats happening in our country!

Another thing that is noteworthy about the Harris debate demeanor strategy is that it worked so well when the two were seen side-by-side in a split screen, although in actual fact they were positioned far apart on the debate stage.

Her expression in the split-screen shots looked as if she and Trump were standing side by side as she shot him her expressions of disbelief bordering on pity.

In contrast to Harris, Trump came across as unglued. At one point, and possibly at other points as well, he invoked the names of the Fox News stars he apparently likes best -- Hannity, Ingraham, Jesse Watters -- as sources of information that would refute a Harris claim.

It was as if the former president prepared for the debate by watching Fox News every evening.

Actually, Trump seemed wholly unprepared and inarticulate. Some years back, that is not how the TV Blog would have described a Trump performance on TV.

For example, plenty of TV Blogs here praised him for his dominance in debate settings, especially in the 2016 campaign when he vanquished the other GOP hopefuls one by one.

More recently, he won the June 27 debate with Joe Biden because Biden, 81, appeared hesitant and confused, a possible symptom of his advancing age.

But what of Trumps age and confusion? In all the attention paid to Bidens senior moments, scant attention has been paid to Trumps age of 78, as if he has somehow avoided the cognitive consequences of old age.

Maybe his performance in the debate Tuesday night indicates that he is having the same kinds of senior symptoms that forced Biden out of the running.
by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, September 11, 2024

Meta Platforms must face accusations that it violated Washington, D.C.'s consumer protection law by allegedly designing Facebook and Instagram in ways that would addict young users, a judge ruled this week.

The decision, issued by District of Columbia Superior Court Judge Neil Kravitz, stemmed from a lawsuit brought in October by D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb. He alleged that Meta developed and implemented features that induce childrens extensive, compulsive, and harmful social media use, and that the company misled the public by claiming its services are safe for young people.

For years, Meta has publicly claimed that its top priority is well-being and that its platforms are safe and age-appropriate platforms for children. However, Meta has known these claims are misleading and continually chooses to maximize profits without limits over the health and safety of children, Schwalb alleged.

Schwalb took issue with several Meta features that allegedly were addictive, including algorithmic recommendations, videos that disappears after 24 hours (supposedly creating a sense of urgency in children), push notifications and automatic scrolling.

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Meta urged Kravitz to throw out the lawsuit at an early stage of the proceedings. The company argued that its design decisions are protected by Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which immunizes companies from liability for material posted by users, and the First Amendment, which prohibits the government from suppressing lawful speech.

Meta specifically contended that Section 230 doesn't just protect companies from lawsuits over the content, but also from liability for organizing and displaying that content.

Kravitz rejected Meta's argument, writing that Section 230 only immunizes social media companies from liability for harms arising from particular third party content published on their platforms, but not from liability regarding the organization and display of that material.

Kravitz also refused to dismiss the lawsuit on free speech grounds, writing that the case centers on Meta's design features, and not the subject matter or viewpoint of the content on the platform.

The lawsuit is one of numerous pending cases that take aim at social media platforms over the way they deliver content to teens. Tech companies typically argue in those cases that they are protected by both Section 230 and the First Amendment.

Judges across the country have come to different conclusions in those matters.

For instance, U.S. District Court Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in the Northern District of California ruled last year that Section 230 protected Meta, Google, TikTok and Snapchat from some claims in a lawsuit alleging that the companies designed their services to be addictive and then served teens potentially harmful material -- such as filtered photos that promote unrealistic beauty standards.

Rogers specifically said Section 230 immunized the social media platforms from liability for claims regarding recommendation algorithms, but she allowed other claims to move forward -- including claims that the platforms should label photos with filters.

Also, earlier this week a federal judge in Utah blocked a law that would have required platforms to disable push notifications and refrain from automatically playing content on minors' accounts, among other restrictions. U.S. District Court Judge Robert Shelby said in that matter that the law likely violates the First Amendment.
by Colin Kirkland , September 11, 2024

Stemming from a proposal made by U.S. Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy at the start of the summer, 42 attorneys general demanded on Tuesday that Congress require cigarette-like Surgeon General warning labels on social-media apps to help raise awareness surrounding an ongoing mental health crisis among children, teens and young adults.

As state Attorneys General, we sometimes disagree about important issues, but all of us share an abiding concern for the safety of the kids in our jurisdictions  and algorithm-driven social media platforms threaten that safety, the attorneys general said in a letter to Congress.

The letter addresses much of what Murthy wrote in his recent New York Times op-ed, in which he stated that social-media use may double the risk of anxiety and depression symptoms and require a warning label to curb overuse and remind parents that they have not been proven to be safe.

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Based on evidence from tobacco studies, Murthy believes that warning labels can increase awareness and change behavior.

Everyone needs to know the risk associated with these social media platforms, New York Attorney General Letitia James said in a statement. The Surgeon General's recommendation is a strong first step in that direction, and I hope warning labels will be implemented swiftly to raise more awareness about this issue.

According to the Digital Wellness Lab, nearly half of adolescents say social media makes them feel worse about their bodies. The majority of teens are on Instagram, with 8% saying they use the app almost constantly,and a Gallup poll shows that the average daily use among younger users, last summer, was almost 5 hours.

Recently, a number of countries have taken aim at major social-media companies for allegedly harming younger users, and in response are considering new age limits on social media access, including Australia, which says it is trialing several methods for age verification.

Last year, dozens of states also filed lawsuits against major social media companies for taking advantage of younger users. In October 2023, 33 attorneys general accused Meta of misleading the public about the substantial dangers of its Facebook and Instagram apps, which they said violated the federal children's privacy law for monetary gains.

In addition to the states' historic efforts, this ubiquitous problem requires federal action  and a surgeon general's warning on social media platforms, though not sufficient to address the full scope of the problem, would be one consequential step toward mitigating the risk of harm to youth, the attorneys general continued.
by Ray Schultz , September 11, 2024

The Spectator, in a deal that breaks it off from the Telegraph, at least temporarily, has been sold to the British hedge fund billionaire Paul Marshall for a reported price of 100 million pounds sterling.

In May, The Spectator and Telegraph were put in play when Jeff Zucker and the venture company Redbird abandoned an attempt to buy them.

There was resistance in the country to a foreign entity taking over a British newspaper and legislation to ban this was soon passed, BBC reports.

Marshall said around that time that he was interested in the properties, and he is now in the running to also acquire Telegraph. Other contenders include Rupert Murdochs News UK and former UK Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi, BBC continues.

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Also in the running is Dovid Efune, owner of The New York Sun, and a group of U.S. investors, according to Financial Times. It is.not clear if this will also run afoul of British law.

Meanwhile, Spectator chairman Andrew Neil announced he would resign immediately, apparently believing that hedge fund ownership could create conflict of interest, BBC adds.

Zucker is the former CEO of CNN and earlier was chief executive of "The Apprentice," the show starring Donald Trump.
by Ray Schultz , September 11, 2024

A group of U.S. senators have raised antitrust concerns about generative AI in a letter sent to the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission.

We write to highlight the risks that new generative artificial intelligence (AI) features pose to content creators, including journalists who report local news, and to urge you to investigate whether the design of these features violates the antitrust laws, wrote Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Richard Durbin (D-IL), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Tina Smith (D-MN).

The letter continues, It is crucial that we ensure that big tech platforms do not misappropriate content from journalists and other content creators, leading to less local news reporting and credible sources of information, along with lower levels of competition, investment, innovation in the digital marketplace.

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The News/Media Alliance supports the request.

This latest overreach by AI companies contributes to an existing problem in which, for years, tech platforms practices in the online marketplace have prevented news publishers from monetizing their content, forcing many publishers out of business, says Danielle Coffey, president & CEO of the News/Media Alliance.

Coffey continues, The tech platforms have regularly introduced more and more features that keep users on their platforms without having to click through, but they have not compensated the original creators of the content they are using. Publishers must be paid fairly for the use of their content, and AI companies that do not seek proper authorization or pay creators for their content must be held accountable.
by Teresa Buyikian , September 11, 2024

(In light of last nights debate, to clarify: Two Bitch Bourbon is NOT made from actual dogs).

Two Bitch Bourbon just signed probably one of the most apropos sponsorships ever, all for the love of dogs.

The family-owned-and-operated distiller has been named the national bourbon sponsor for the American Kennel Club, the official registry of purebred dog pedigrees in the United States. The timing could not be more perfect; September is both AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Month and National Bourbon Heritage Month.

According to the announcement, Two Bitch will be featured at various AKC events and promotions throughout the coming year, highlighting both the brand and the message of responsible pet care. The company has also developed a new affiliate fundraising program which benefits dog rescue organizations and shelters. Participating organizations can earn a revenue share from online sales generated by their supporters.

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"This new program aligns seamlessly with our long-standing commitment to supporting dog-related causes, further reinforcing our dedication to the canine community," said Joe Luby, co-founder of Two Bitch Bourbon, in the announcement. The AKC sponsorship and program will be promoted on the brands social channels.

Two Bitch Bourbon was founded in 2016 in Eureka, NV by Joe and Lauren Luby, who named the brand for their two rescue Dobermans, Miss Scarlett and Sage. The premium bourbon, available only online for delivery to 30 states, produces several distinct varieties; Eureka Gold, Small Batch with Bite, Single Barrel Select and Pack Leader Reserve. prices range from $55.99 to $134.99.

The distiller also offers a selection of Two Bitch dog branded merchandise online, including a Bourbon Boujee Buddy dog toy, etched bourbon glasses, hats, candy, T-shirts, aprons and even an Authentic Two Bitch Bourbon Handcrafted Barrel Cabinet, made from a repurposed cask, for $1500.
by Les Luchter , September 11, 2024

PHOTO CREDIT: Images taken at The Well in partnership with Stay Studio. Photographer: Daniel Seung Lee

Is The Well, with five locations in New York, Connecticut, Florida and Central America, a health club? A fitness center? Or something else entirely?

The Well is not just a gym, a yoga studio, a spa, a restaurant or retail space, Co-Founder/Chief Creative Officer Kane Sarhan tells Marketing Daily. We are your one-stop-shop for wellness, and offer something for everyone.

To get that point across, The Well has launched its first major brand campaign and largest marketing effort to date as it marks its fifth anniversary this month.

Called Center Your Wellness, the campaigns ads, running largely in paid digital, feature five paired images under such phrases as Self Love, Work/Life Balance, Put Presence Over Presents, Couples Therapy and Keep Cool Under Pressure. Out-of-home is also part of the marketing mix.

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In Couples Therapy, an image of a duo holding hands is shown on the left with the word couple, while an image on the left, under therapy, shows that theyre hooked up to an I.V. infusion.

Another ad shows a keyboard on the left, with the text Work/Life, paired with a woman doing yoga on the right and the text, balance.

Each image shows a different modality offered at The Well New York, Sarhan explains. In the past, we've highlighted our beautifully designed spaces and our wide variety of classes and services. This new campaign, however, brings visual storytelling to life as we show how our members make the most of their membership, and encourage prospective members to imagine a life centered around wellness.

The campaign is designed to encourage busy urbanites to rethink what a life centered around wellness could look like, Sarhan explains, speaking to those in high-stress professions and to people who are generally go, go, go. In a city that doesn't miss a beat, we are showing people there is always space in the day for wellness.

Further, we find digital advertising to be invaluable in the way it garners brand awareness in our key markets, Sarhan says. Results will be measured through metrics such as engagement rates, membership sign-ups, social media interactions, and overall brand awareness.

The campaign was created in partnership with Stay Studio, with photography by Daniel Seung Lee.
by Danielle Oster , September 11, 2024

Book bans may seem an unusual topic for a tourism campaign, but then Seattle isnt a typical city.

A continuation of the #Bookmarked campaign launched by Visit Seattle and agency partner PB& last year to celebrate the citys rich literary history, the campaign tackles the issue by celebrating local authors whose works have been targeted for censorship, and highlighting the citys effort to promote freedom of expression.

Seattles literary roots go deep. This is a city where many authors come to write, PB& founder Brit Fero told Marketing Daily, citing the creative writing workshops of the Hugo House organization, the citys world-class library, and its status as one of just two U.S. cities designated as a Unesco City of Literature.

Unfolding across three episodes leading up to Banned Book Week (Sept. 22-28), the campaign shares excerpts of banned books by local authors Jewell Parker Rhodes (Ghost Boys), Shawn David Hutchinson (Brave Face), and Jonathan Eviason (Lawn Boy) read by notable Seattle residents: writer/LGBTQ+ activist Dan Savage, actor Jeremy Rudd, and artist/activist Angelina Villalobos.

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Visit Seattle worked with agency partner PB& on the campaign, as well as partnering with Atlantic: Rethink for production. Campaign videos will run across media channels owned by The Atlantic, as well as on YouTube and Visit Seattles social channels. On Sept. 29, Visit Seattle will also conduct a session as part of a festival hosted by TheAtlantic addressing freedom of expression.

The issue is a pressing one. According to the American Library Association (ALA) Office for Intellectual Freedom, there were 4,240 unique book titles challenged in 2023, a 65% increase from the previous years total.

ALA president Emily Drabinski noted in a statement that, as in preceding years, book bans and challenges primarily targeted books focused on LGBTQ+ individuals and people of color. Of the ALAs list of the 10 most challenged books in 2023, eight included LGBTQ+ content among the reasons for the challenges.

Appropriately, such stories are central to Visit Seattles campaign as well, and each spot ends with the message, In Seattle, your story matters, which serves the additional function of promoting the citys inclusive culture. Seattle has always been a welcoming, accepting, progressive city. And yet some of our authors are found on several of those banned books list, Fero said. We saw that as an opportunity tocelebrate the values of this city as an accepting and inclusive place. Both travel and literature expand our minds.

The campaigns intended audience is a group PB& describes as Advenculturists, 200% more likely to be members of book clubs and 40% more likely to read books at least twice a week.

That group of travelers is primarily 25-54, Fero explained, highly educated and affluent, are more likely to travel, and tend to tie travel into their many other interests.

As with the preceding #Bookmarked effort, the campaign is part of a wider effort to broaden perceptions of Seattle beyond coffee, rain, and the space needle.

Fero said the campaigns success was being monitored through content consumption metrics with a particular emphasis on watch time  as well as general favorability and perspective shift, whether its reaching the intended audience, and if it succeeds in driving interest to visit Seattle.
by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, September 12, 2024

The Federal Communications Commission is asking a federal appellate court to uphold its new open internet order, which prohibits broadband providers from blocking or throttling traffic, and charging higher fees for prioritized delivery.

That order, passed earlier this year, reclassified broadband as a telecommunications service -- a move that allowed the FCC to impose common carrier rules comparable to those that govern telephone providers. During the Trump era, the FCC classified broadband as an information service; information services are not subject to common carrier rules.

In papers filed Wednesday with the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals, the agency argues broadband neatly fits the Congress's definition of telecommunications, as spelled out in the Telecommunications Act of 1996. That statute defines telecommunications as the transmission of information of the user's choosing, without change in the form or content.

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The most natural reading of the Communications Act, as applied to how broadband operates and is offered today, is that broadband offers telecommunications service, the FCC contends.

The agency goes on to analogize broadband carriers to delivery companies like DoorDash and GrubHub.

Just as those companies pick up and deliver customers orders from restaurants, broadband providers offer transmission to and from user-selected websites and applications, the FCC argues. These companies do not make or alter the food they deliver.

The FCC's papers come in response to a challenge to the open internet order brought by lobbying groups including USTelecom--The Broadband Association, NCTA--The Internet & Television Association and CTIA--The Wireless Association.

They say the FCC lacked authority to issue the order, arguing that the decision to categorize broadband as a telecommunications service is the type of major policy move that requires unambiguous authorization by Congress.

Earlier this year, a three-judge panel of the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals temporarily blocked the new rules from going into effect, ruling that the broadband providers are likely to succeed with their legal arguments.

The FCC counters in its new papers that the recent decision to categorize broadband as a telecommunications service is consistent with legislators' intentions.

The Congress that passed the 1996 Act would not find it surprising for broadband to be regulated as telecommunications service, the agency says.

Advocacy groups including Free Press and Public, which support the net neutrality rules, are seeking to intervene in the lawsuit. On Wednesday, those groups filed a proposed brief in defense of the regulations.

Net neutrality proponents have argued for years that the regulations will help prevent cable companies and telecoms from thwarting competition from streaming video companies, as well as from censoring material.

But cable companies and telecoms counter that classifying broadband telecommunications service will discourage innovation, and also pave the way for a host of additional restrictions -- including rules that would regulate prices.

Several states, including California, currently have their own version of net neutrality laws.

The California measure not only prohibits broadband providers from blocking or throttling traffic, and charging higher fees for fast lane service, but also bars providers from exempting their own video streams from consumers' data caps.

The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld that law in 2022.
Highlights: WHO has recognized loneliness as a global health threat, affecting people of all ages across regions

Loneliness increases the risk of serious conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and dementia

Governments must prioritize social connection and mental health to address this growing public health issue

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WHO declares loneliness a health threat, and other health stories you need to know this week



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Loneliness can be as harmful to your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. #medindia #lonelinesscrisis

Loneliness can be as harmful to your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. #medindia #lonelinesscrisis

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Health Risks of Loneliness

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Global Loneliness Crisis Across Countries

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Public Health Interventions to Combat Loneliness

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WHO Commission on Social Connection



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WHO declares loneliness a health threat, and other health stories you need to know this week - (https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2023/11/who-lonelines-health-priority-weekly-health-roundup/) WHO Commission on Social Connection - (https://www.who.int/groups/commission-on-social-connection)

The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially declared loneliness a significant global public health issue, likening its negative health effects to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. This declaration follows growing awareness of the physical and mental health risks associated with loneliness, exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic, which caused widespread isolation and disrupted social connections worldwide (). Loneliness significantly increases health risks, making it a global public health threat:Older adults experiencing loneliness have a 50% increased risk of developing dementia.There is a 30% heightened risk of heart disease or stroke associated with loneliness.Loneliness is often associated with higher rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide.Loneliness is a universal issue affecting both developed and developing nations. However, the prevalence and consequences differ across regions:According to the U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, loneliness impacts one in four older adults in the U.S., with similar numbers across Europe. In these regions, urbanization and the breakdown of community structures are driving factors.A significant 12.7% of adolescents in Africa experience loneliness, compared to just 5.3% in Europe. Challenges such as unemployment, insecurity, and the digital divide contribute to social isolation, especially among the youth. African Union youth envoy Chido Mpemba emphasizes that the issue is intertwined with broader challenges like climate change and peace.Countries like Japan have recognized the severity of loneliness, especially among older populations. Japan appointed Ayuko Kato as the Minister of Loneliness to tackle the increasing isolation rates among its elderly population. In Japan, this issue is linked to declining birth rates and aging populations, leaving many elderly individuals without close family support.Governments and public health authorities worldwide need to implement targeted interventions to address loneliness and its profound impact on health. Key public health strategies include:Public health campaigns should raise awareness about the health risks of loneliness. These efforts can educate the public on recognizing loneliness in themselves and others, encouraging open conversations and reducing the stigma associated with social isolation and mental health issues.Investment in community centers and social activities tailored for all age groups is essential. These programs provide opportunities for social engagement, particularly for older adults, thereby fostering connections that help mitigate loneliness.For populations in remote or underserved regions, public health agencies should invest in digital tools and technologies that promote social interaction. Bridging the digital divide will ensure vulnerable populations can access virtual communities, health services, and support systems.Similar to initiatives in Japan and the UK, public health officials or ministers focused on loneliness can coordinate nationwide efforts, ensuring collaboration between health, education, and technology sectors to address social isolation holistically.Increasing access to mental health resources is critical. Governments should invest in counseling, therapy, and community-based mental health programs to support individuals experiencing loneliness and isolation.By prioritizing these interventions, governments can take significant steps in reducing the public health burden of loneliness, improving mental and physical health outcomes globally.Thechaired by Dr. Vivek Murthy and Chido Mpemba, will work for three years to assess and address the problem across different regions. Global cooperation will be essential in developing effective strategies, sharing best practices, and ensuring that no country is left behind in addressing this growing health concern ().Loneliness transcends borders, age groups, and social classes. It has become a global health threat, contributing to a range of physical and mental health problems. By fostering social connections, creating supportive environments, and prioritizing mental health, governments worldwide can take a stand against the rising loneliness epidemic.Ending Social Isolation is a Public Health Imperative. Let's Start Today!Source-Medindia
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Indian and Australian health leaders to develop One Health program



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India and Australia unite to combat antibiotic resistance with cutting-edge research! #globalhealth #medindia

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One Health Approach to Address Global Health Threats

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Strengthening Disease Surveillance and Vaccine Development

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Tackling Zoonotic Diseases and Antimicrobial Resistance with One Health Solutions

Indian and Australian health leaders to develop One Health program - (https://www.sydney.edu.au/news-opinion/news/2024/09/09/indian-and-australian-health-leaders-to-develop-joint-one-health.html/)

The University of Sydney has committed AU$100,000 to strengthen its long-standing collaboration with the Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI). This funding will bolster research efforts aimed at addressing critical global health challenges, including antibiotic resistance and the increasing threat of infectious diseases.(This initiative builds on a 15-year partnership, initially focused on training public health professionals, and will now encompass broader areas of concern. The expanded collaboration will center on disease surveillance, antimicrobial resistance , vaccine innovation, and continued education for emerging health professionals.A team from the Universitys Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute recently visited India to discuss new avenues of collaboration, with a particular focus on One Health an integrated approach that connects human, animal, and environmental health. The One Health concept is becoming increasingly important in global health strategies, recognizing that the health of people, animals, and ecosystems are deeply intertwined. Issues like zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and environmental degradation are not isolated problems; they demand a holistic strategy that the One Health framework provides.By leveraging cross-disciplinary expertisefrom veterinary science to human medicinethe partnership between the University of Sydney and PHFI aims to develop innovative solutions that address health challenges at the intersection of these three domains. One Health initiatives will include surveillance of emerging diseases that affect both humans and animals, as well as the development of novel vaccines to combat prevalent zoonotic diseases.PHFI, established in 2006, has emerged as a key institution for public health research and capacity building in India, training a new generation of health professionals. Combined with Indias expertise in pharmaceutical manufacturing, this collaboration is expected to elevate India's role as a global leader in public health.By uniting our resources, we are positioning ourselves to address major public health issues like infectious disease outbreaks and antibiotic resistance, said Associate Professor Shailendra Sawleshwarkar from the University of Sydney.Professor Antoine van Oijen added, Our collaboration with PHFI is perfectly aligned to make substantial contributions to One Health, especially as global health challenges increasingly require interdisciplinary solutions.The strengthened partnership is expected to foster impactful research and innovative health solutions that will not only benefit India and Australia but also contribute to the global public health landscape.Source-Medindia


New #intranasal nanoparticle #vaccine offers protection against major #COVID-19 strains. #medindia

Intranasal Nanovaccine: Effective Against Major COVID-19 Strains

Nanovaccine Targets Potential Future Coronavirus Strains

Nanoplatform Based Intranasal Vaccines: Current Progress and Clinical Challenges- (https:pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsnano.3c10797)

A novel nano vaccine that promises to provide universal protection against all major Covid-19 variations and may provide protection against future coronavirus mutants was created by researchers at the Wuhan Institute of Virology in China.This breakthrough, reported in the peer-reviewed journal ACS Nano, could address the ongoing need for vaccines that provide broad-spectrum protection in the face of the constantly evolving virus. Despite the international scrutiny and claims linking the Covid-19 pandemic to a lab in Wuhan, the Chinese government has continued to support the research efforts of the Wuhan Institute.The new intranasal nanoparticle vaccine combines coronavirus epitopes (immune-triggering antigens) with the blood protein ferritin. The vaccine has effectively protected against several strains in mice tests, including Delta, Omicron, and WIV04, an early strain from Wuhan. While current vaccinations have reduced the spread and death rates of Covid-19, none provide complete protection against all forms.Researchers believe that this nano vaccine has the potential to prevent infection from future mutant strains. The vaccine targets conserved epitopes of existing neutralizing antibodies, providing long-term protection.The institute has published over 230 articles on Sars-CoV-2 since 2020, continuing its work amid discussions about the virus's origins despite the controversy surrounding the lab leak theory. Covid-19 is still a threat, although its global impact has lessened.Researchers warn that a new pandemic or subsequent outbreak could arise from the emergence of new variations. Similar coronaviruses have been responsible for major outbreaks, such as the 2003 Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).Source-Medindia
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Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam



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Over 70% success in treating drug-resistant TB in Tamil Nadu! #tubelimination #medindia 

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Tamilnadu in TB Management

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Challenges in Screening for TB Among Diabetics

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TN ALLIES Impact Report and the Differentiated Care Model

Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam - (https://spc.tn.gov.in/makkalai-thedi-maruthuvam//)

In a significant public health initiative, the Tamil Nadu government plans to screen 80 lakh people diagnosed with diabetes for tuberculosis (TB). This extensive effort will be part of the Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam programme, targeting high-risk individuals for mandatory TB screening. Health Secretary Supriya Sahu outlined this initiative during the Tamil Nadu State Dissemination Meeting of REACH ALLIES, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with organizations such as REACH and its TB Champions programme to ensure effective outreach.(Tamil Nadu has made considerable progress in TB case notification and treatment outcomes in recent years. As of the second quarter of 2024, the case notification rate stood at 124 per 1,00,000 population, reflecting the state's improved detection efforts. The treatment success rate is currently 85%, but the state aims to raise this to 96%-97%, according to Ms. Sahu.The treatment of drug-resistant TB remains a challenge across many states; however, Tamil Nadu has managed to improve its treatment success rate for this difficult form of TB to over 70%.Nutritional support is a crucial area in the fight against TB, and Tamil Nadu's government has allocated 2.1 crore to provide such aid to 13,933 TB patients. Ms. Sahu highlighted that community engagement and the use of cutting-edge medical technology are essential components in making the National TB Elimination Programme successful.Dr. T.S. Selvavinayagam, Director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, discussed the logistical challenge of screening the 80 lakh individuals diagnosed with diabetes who have been identified and listed. He stressed the importance of TB champions in capacity-building and advocacy, given the scale of the task.The TB Champions movement, initiated in 2019, has grown from a small group of 200 to a robust network of 30,000 individuals. These champions play a pivotal role in India's efforts to combat TB, according to Stephane Laroche, Regional Controller for USAID/India, USAID/Sri Lanka, and Maldives. The TB Champions provide vital advocacy, capacity-building, and support for individuals affected by TB.The Health Secretary also released the TN ALLIES Impact Report during the event. The project, implemented in 15 districts across four statesChhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Tamil Naduaims to improve TB care through a community-led monitoring approach. The Community Accountability Framework (CAF) used by the project has resulted in improved care and services at 82 TB units in six districts.The ALLIES project also introduced the Differentiated Care Model, which screens newly diagnosed TB patients for both clinical and social vulnerabilities, including factors like alcohol use, smoking , malnutrition, anemia, and migration. A press release noted that three out of four TB patients were found to have at least one of these vulnerabilities.Actor and TB survivor Suhasini Maniratnam was among the notable attendees at the meeting, along with various health officials, including Director of Medical and Rural Health Services Dr. J. Rajamoorthy, and State TB Officer Asha Frederick.This concerted effort aims to enhance TB treatment success rates, provide support to vulnerable populations, and strengthen Tamil Nadus fight against TB, with an ultimate goal of achieving TB elimination.Source-Medindia
A Canadian man accused of shooting up an electrical substation in northwestern North Dakota last year has pleaded guilty to that crime and also to one in South Dakota the year before -- actions federal authorities say caused a total of at least $1.7 million in damage.

Cameron Monte Smith pleaded guilty Wednesday in federal court in Bismarck to one count of destruction of an energy facility in North Dakota and one count of destruction of an energy facility in South Dakota. He faces up to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $250,000 on each count.

Smith, 49, was accused of being in the country illegally and firing shots into the Wheelock Substation near Ray on May 13, 2023, knocking out power to an estimated 243 people. A substation helps regulate the flow of electricity through a distribution system. Damage is estimated at $1.2 million, according to court documents.

Smith also was accused of firing shots a transformer and pumpstation of the Keystone Pipeline near Carpenter, South Dakota, in July 2022, disrupting operations of the pipeline that moves Canadian oil through the eastern Dakotas to Illinois and Texas. Damage is estimated at just under $500,000.

Prosecutors say in court documents that the damage estimates are preliminary. A plea agreement filed with the court includes Smith paying restitution.

The Wheelock Substation is owned by Basin Electric Power Cooperative and Mountrail-Williams Electric Co-op. Its surrounded by an 8-foot-high barbed wire fence. FBI Special Agent Daniel Lewis wrote in an affidavit that law officers who investigated the shooting recovered about five empty .450 Bushmaster cartridge cases outside the fence, and determined that about 15 bullets had damaged the substation.

A .450 Bushmaster is a high-powered rifle sometimes used for hunting big game. Smith also allegedly had a 9 mm Sig Sauer pistol.

Federal court documents dont touch on a possible motive. Documents in state court -- where Smith was initially charged before the case was transferred to federal court -- say officers observed DAPL and other unspecified symbols spray-painted in the rocks outside the substation -- marks that the property owners said were not there before the incident. DAPL references the Dakota Access oil pipeline that was opposed by many Native American tribes and environmentalists.

Smith was arrested at a Williston hotel after the shooting. Authorities say they recovered a .450 Bushmaster rifle, magazines and ammunition, along with the pistol, in a dumpster in the city. They say they also found a rifle case and more ammunition in an SUV that Smith allegedly drove to the substation.

Smith also used a .450 Bushmaster rifle at the Keystone Pipeline site in South Dakota, according to court documents. The plea agreement calls for him to forfeit the gun and ammunition.

Prosecutors also agree to dismiss charges against Smith of being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

A 2008 Homeland Security report listed Smith's address as Unionville, Ontario, Canada, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. It wasn't immediately clear why Homeland Security had a report on him 16 years ago. Authorities say he had a Canadian passport when he was arrested in North Dakota last year and told immigration officials he was a Canadian citizen. Theres no evidence he legally entered the U.S., according to the FBI, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement earlier put a detainer on him, meaning he could be deported. The plea agreement also notes that.

Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 16. Court documents indicate Smith will serve his sentences for the two incidents at the same time. A judge will need to accept the plea deal and determine the length of the sentence under federal sentencing guidelines.

This defendant deliberately and very violently attacked our nations energy infrastructure, North Dakota U.S. Attorney Mac Schneider said in a statement. Our law enforcement partners put an end to those attacks, and this guilty plea provides a measure of accountability for the defendants actions and extensive damage he caused."

South Dakota U.S. Attorney Alison Ramsdell added that Smith "will now be subject to serious time in federal prison.

Defense attorney Kevin Chapman noted that Smith's plea is conditional, and that he reserves the right to appeal a judge's earlier denial of part of a motion to suppress evidence that the defense maintains was based upon illegal searches and seizures, and led to Smith being a suspect.
Stand up comedian and actor Vir Das is going places as he has now become the first Indian to host International Emmy Awards.

Taking to Instagram, Vir shared the news with his fans and followers as he wrote, Thanks to your support, an Indian Emmy Host I cant wait to host the @iemmys this year! Crazy. Thank you for having me. Tremendously honoured and excited!

Check out the post below:

Reacting to the announcement, Hrithik Roshan wrote, Wow. Thats amazing. Very well done.

Kriti Sanon wrote, Thats so amazing!! Zoya Akhtar commented, Of course you are.

Check out the responses below:
An active-duty soldier -- who was separated from the service a day before the FBI arrested him Tuesday at an Army base in Hawaii -- was charged for repeatedly striking a police officer with a flag during the Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot, according to court records released this week.

Alexander Cain Poplin, 31, was arrested at Schofield Barracks this week after the FBI received a tip a month after the riot implicating the former soldier in the assault. Poplin was not in the military at the time of the riot, but later joined the Army after earlier service in the National Guard, Army officials said.

An Army official told Military.com on Thursday that Poplin was separated from the service a day before his arrest despite being apprehended on the base. The Justice Department charged him with three misdemeanor offenses, including entering restricted grounds, disorderly conduct and engaging in physical violence.

Read Next: Amid Struggle to Build Subs, Navy Gives Company Running Ads and Website a $1 Billion Contract

"Pvt. Alexander Cain Poplin served in the Army National Guard as a 91J quartermaster and equipment repairer from December 2012 to December 2018, and obtained the rank of specialist," Bryce Dubee, a spokesperson for the Army, told Military.com on Thursday. "He later began active-duty service as an 11B infantryman in April 2023 and was assigned to the 25th Infantry Division in September 2023. Pvt. Poplin has had no deployments during his military service."

Dubee would not comment on the nature of Poplin's separation, citing Privacy Act concerns.

Poplin had been on the FBI's radar since February 2021, according to court records. Army officials did not immediately respond to questions about how Poplin was able to join the active-duty military while under investigation, but it appears that the FBI did not identify him as a soldier until this summer, court records indicate.

Through video and images, the FBI observed Poplin at the Capitol wearing a black jacket, beanie, medical mask and an Army-camouflage backpack. Throughout the day, he was observed carrying multiple flags, including a blue Trump 2020 flag, court records said.

Court documents allege that Poplin repeatedly struck a Metropolitan Police Department officer with a blue flag that afternoon. Footage from body-worn cameras and open-source video captured the assault, the Department of Justice said in a release Wednesday.

"Court documents say that Poplin's alleged actions at the Lower West Plaza contributed to the chaos as rioters confronted law enforcement officers who were defending the Capitol," the release said.

After the riot, court records allege that Poplin boasted about the assault on social media, stating that "we beat their f---ing ass and stood for something" and "we took our house back."

The listed attorney for Poplin was unavailable to comment about her client's arrest this week after Military.com called her office Thursday.

The George Washington University Program on Extremism previously reported that more than 100 Jan. 6 defendants had known military connections, to include veterans, National Guardsmen and a handful of active-duty service members. According to the program, that accounts for 12% of defendants involved in the riot.

Related: 5th Active-Duty Service Member Arrested on Jan. 6 Charges
For the first time in a half century, new high-voltage power lines are set to cross into Michigan, snaking up the center of the state.

As a pair of major transmission line projects stretching some 95 combined miles seek the go-ahead from state regulators, residents have another chance to give input. The Michigan Public Service Commission has scheduled a virtual public hearing on the proposed lines from 6-9 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 3.

The development of the projects by Michigan Electric Transmission Co., a subsidiary of ITC Michigan, has rankled residents along the route, who face the prospect of 100-foot steel poles and 345-kilovolt wires running through their farm fields, backyards and businesses. Many are pushing back on the lines, citing potential impact on the environment, their property values and their livelihoods.

Meanwhile, ITC says it is striving to minimize overall human and environmental impact from the projects, and it has adjusted them based on resident feedback.

Read more: Were just getting bulldozed: Michigan power line projects spark pushback

Boosters claim the transmission development will save Michigan power customers billions, harden the grid against climate change-fueled storms and provide a key stepping stone on the path away from fossil fueled-based electricity and toward greater use of renewables like wind and solar.

The $850-million projects have been hailed as the largest energy transmission upgrades in Michigan history, supported by top state leaders like Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

The southernmost line is slated to run roughly 55 miles from the Indiana border in Branch Countys Gilead Township north to a new substation to be built in Clarence Township in Calhoun County. The second line is set to span nearly 40 miles from Oneida Township in Eaton County, west of Lansing, to a substation in New Haven Township in Gratiot County.

The Public Service Commission must approve or deny the routes, with transmission developers submitting both proposed and alternate pathways. Both projects have been consolidated into one case before regulators, with several property owners legally intervening in the proceedings.

Approval means a clear pathway for developers to seek 200-foot easements for the project from landowners via eminent domain, providing compensation in exchange, under the law.

The two projects come as a result of a larger upgrade process for long-range transmission, the superhighway that carries electricity over extended distances before it reaches the distribution system, the portion of the grid that carries power at lower voltages directly to homes and businesses.

The Midcontinent Independent System Operator, or MISO, the regional grid operator for the Midwest, greenlit the development as part of a $10.3 billion in new transmission lines across several states, meant to reduce the risk of blackouts and connect sprawling solar and wind farms to centers of demand as coal-fired power plants are decommissioned.

Read more: $10B in new Midwest high-voltage lines to aid renewable energy generation

The Biden Administration is pouring billions into transmission development across the nation, as officials worry insufficient upgrades could delay clean energy adoption and efforts to slash emissions. MISO plans future phases of high-voltage power line improvements, meaning Michigan may see more projects in the coming years.

The October public hearing on the ITC projects can be accessed via online livestream or phone. Participants may join with the hearing link or by dialing 248-509-0316 and entering the conference ID 752540610# when prompted, officials said.

Written comments can also be submitted via the online case docket for the power line applications.
Smore Michigan, please.

Summer is ending, but that doesnt mean its time to stop exploring or showing your love for the Great Lakes State. With fall colors around the corner, its a perfect time to gear up and give back to the great outdoors with These Goods, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

These Goods are Good for Michigan products include clever sweatshirts and other apparel, unique axes from Motor City Axe, gift boxes of iconic Michigan food brands, lighthouse items, Saugatuck Brewing Companys Rainbow Rodeo IPA, coffee, eco-friendly bug repellent, stickers and more.

For every purchase, These Goods partners give a portion of proceeds to DNR-managed programs, places and initiatives, such as youth education, green initiatives, habitat preservation or, sometimes, specific locations near and dear to their staff, officials said.

Traverse City-based Great Lakes Proud is the official merchandise partner for Michigans state parks, trails and waterways. So far, the collection includes T-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, cozies, mugs, key chains, decals and stickers.

One T-shirt says Tahquamenon Phenomenon, with a sketch of the Upper Tahquamenon Falls. Another T-shirt features a smore, but the marshmallows are in the shape of Michigan; its called Smore Michigan Please. Both designs are available on cozy hooded sweatshirts.

Find These Goods here.
LANSING, MI - Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced criminal charges for 11 pro-Palestinian protesters linked to rallies on the University of Michigan campus in Ann Arbor.

The 11 charged are mostly students or alumni, Nessel said in a Sept. 12 statement. Nessels office got involved after Washtenaw County Prosecutor Eli Savit and university President Santa Ono supported her offices review, she said.

There were 35 protesters that Nessels office investigated, with the 11 coming from the month-long encampment on the universitys Diag that ended with a police sweep on May 21.

Free speech considerations were taken, Nessel said, but the charges were ultimately about violent and criminal behavior by protesters.

The right to free speech and assembly is fundamental, and my office fully supports every citizens right to free speech under the First Amendment, Nessel said in a statement. However, violent and criminal behavior, or acts that trample on anothers rights, cannot be tolerated. I hope todays charges are a reminder to everyone who chooses to assemble, regardless of the cause, that the First Amendment does not provide a cover for illegal activity.

Tahrir Coalition, the student organization that seeks the universitys divestment from Israel due to the ongoing war in Gaza, did not respond to a request to comment.

The Israel-Hamas war has sparked protests around the world. It began when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel on Oct. 7, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting around 250 people. Gazas Health Ministry says Israels offensive has killed more than 40,000 Palestinians in Gaza, according to the Associated Press.

The university confirmed the 11 individuals were charged by Nessels office regarding the May encampment, recommending that any questions be sent to her office.

U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Detroit, criticized Nessels decision to file charges.

The AG failed to deliver justice for the victims of the Flint Water Crisis but has time to bring frivolous charges that only serve to silence those speaking out against a genocidal apartheid regime? This shameful attack on students rights will fail. Follow the Consutution, Tlaib wrote on X.

Nessels office looked into police body camera footage, police reports, Onos statement on ending the encampment, communications between university officials and the universitys fire marshal, a dispersal order by the universitys Division of Public Safety and Security, university bylaws on protests, cell phone videos and photos, social media posts and surveillance footage from protests across campus and at the homes of regents.

Read more: Fake corpses, bloody toys placed by Gaza protesters at University of Michigan regents homes

The university warned protesters at the encampment 11 times that they were violating university policy, adding that officials intended to remove the approximately 60 tents, Nessel said. The encampment went up in April just weeks before graduation ceremonies, drawing upwards of 200 people.

The university fire marshal assessed the encampment in May, finding fire and safety hazards such as a generator and overloaded electrical devices, Nessel said.

The densely placed tents with no egress pathways and the highly combustible nature of the tent materials and other furnishings have made this encampment highly susceptible for a fire to occur and inescapable for any occupants to flee in the event of a fire. If a fire were to occur within this encampment, the human casualty rate would be catastrophic, the fire marshal said, according to Nessels statement, adding that the nearby fire hydrant by Shapiro Library was vandalized so much it was no longer serviceable.

After protesters refused to address these concerns after meeting with the fire marshal, dozens of university officers in riot gear approached the encampment at 5:38 a.m., May 21 to read a dispersal order. After the order was read again, the officers moved through the encampment in a wall formation with shields and batons, Nessel said.

Read more: See police clear the Gaza encampment at University of Michigan

The officers path was repeatedly blocked by demonstrators placing and throwing chairs, tables, and other items within the encampment into the path of the police. Police moved from the south entrance of the encampment, beginning at 5:48 a.m., to North University by 6:15 a.m., according to Nessel.

Multiple protesters physically obstructed officers and pushed against their bodies, Nessel said.

Two protesters were charged with misdemeanor trespassing, Nessel said. Seven more were also charged with trespassing, as well as resisting and obstructing a police officer, a maximum two-year felony, Nessel said.

There were dozens of demonstrators in this encampment that morning who promptly obeyed the officers on the scene and dispersed, Nessel said in a statement, adding that the ones seeing felony charges made direct physical contact with officers.

The police must be allowed to do their jobs, to secure public safety without unnecessary risks of harm or violence, and these laws are in place to prevent such risks, Nessel said. All students should know, whether on- or off-campus, in a sanctioned demonstration or an unpermitted encampment, disobeying the lawful commands of law enforcement is a crime, and especially so when you use physical force to counter a police action.

The two additional people charged were an alumnus and someone not affiliated with the university, Nessel said. These people saw charges for separate incidents at an April 25 counterprotest on the Diag. The alum received a misdemeanor disturbing the peace charge for kicking over protester flags, as well as misdemeanor ethnic intimidation, Nessel said.

The other individual took multiple flags from protesters and broke two of them, leading to two misdemeanor charges for malicious destruction of personal property, Nessel said.

A college campus should be a place where the exploration and sharing of ideas and opinions is able to flourish, but conviction in your ideals is not an excuse for violations of the law, Nessel said in a statement. A campus should not be lawless; what is a crime anywhere else in the city remains a crime on university property.

No charges came from the March 25 disruption by protesters at the Honors Convocation inside Hill Auditorium, nor an April 22 protest outside the universitys Museum of Art. One individual was arrested by local police from the April 22 protest, but it is not clear if those charges were referred to Nessels office.

Protesters placed fake corpses and bloody toys in front of eight regents homes around 6 a.m., May 15, according to the university student organization Tahrir Coalition. Nessels office is still investigating these incidents, she said.

The charges were filed in 15th District Court in Washtenaw County, though none of the defendants have been arraigned at this time, Nessel said. The university should also review its protest, freedom of speech and student safety policies, as well as should enforce rules in a content-neutral way, she added.

The fall semester started with more conflict between protesters and officers. Four protesters were arrested on Aug. 28 while participating in a die in, which involved protesters lying on the Diag ground to simulate the people who have died in the ongoing war in Gaza.

If you would like more reporting like this delivered free to your inbox, click here and signup for our weekly newsletter: Michigan Schools.

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OTTAWA COUNTY, MI  A Ravenna woman suffered serious injuries late Wednesday, Sept. 11, after her vehicle left the road and struck a culvert.

The 33-year-old womans injuries are not life-threatening, Ottawa County sheriffs deputies said.

The crash happened around 10:45 p.m. on Eighth Avenue south of Roosevelt Street in Wright Township. The woman was driving south on Eighth Avenue when her GMC Yukon left the road to the right, went into a deep ditch and struck a culvert.

Wright-Tallmadge firefighters got the driver out of her vehicle and treated her at the scene before she was taken to Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital for serious injuries, police said.

The driver was not using a seat belt, police said.
PORTAGE, MI -- Firefighters rescued a man after a 10-foot-deep, 3-foot-wide fiber optic cable trench collapsed on him in Portage on May 31.

Following an investigation into the incident, the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) on July 12 fined the mans employer, Southfield-based Internattional Inc., $72,460 for five safety violations.
KALAMAZOO, MI -- A business started by a 10-year-old in Kalamazoo earned a $25,000 grant from the state of Michigan.

Layla Wallace based Laylas Cool Pops business off of a fourth grade economics project in 2015. Now 19 years old, she is studying business at Western Michigan University, her motto -- eliminating homelessness one sweet at a time -- hasnt changed.

I want to take care of my community as best as possible, Wallace said. I feel like thats my responsibility, and thats why I created this business.

The Portage Central High School graduates personal success is tied to what her business can provide to the community -- be that jobs for young people, donations or housing.

Since Laylas Cool Pops started in 2015, more than $20,000 has been donated to Kalamazoo organizations that provide housing and resources for people experiencing homelessness, said Luchara Wallace, Laylas mom and business partner.

Each year since 2018, Laylas Cool Pops has employed one to three interns -- all between the ages of 13 and 21, her mother said.

The Black-owned business also funded the purchase of a four-unit apartment in the Vine neighborhood that Layla rents to low-income families and individuals through her nonprofit, Sweets4Homeless.

The mother-daughter team was thrilled when the city approached them with the opportunity to apply for a $25,000 Match on Main grant from the state.

The City of Kalamazoo chose Laylas Cool Pops for the Match on Main program because it exemplifies our mission of fostering economic development, community engagement and youth empowerment, the city said in its application.

Laylas matched the grant with a $35,450 private investment, Neighborhood Business & Special Projects Coordinator Jerrid Burdue said.

The money will support the renovation of a commercial kitchen space at 4213 S. Westnedge Ave. and allow the teen to hire part-time employees, Luchara Wallace said.

She said they currently fulfill orders in their home kitchen, operating primarily on special orders. A few items are offered online that can be shipped, including assorted cookie pops and pretzel rods for $24. The bakery can also ship bags of puppy chow (for humans) for $12 each.

Special orders of cupcakes, or the chocolate and sprinkle-covered cookie and cake pops run $2 or $3 per treat.

Right now, we cant accept or even advertise a lot of our orders because we dont have the capacity to receive all of that new traffic, Luchara Wallace said. Completing this renovation will allow us to be able to expand our capacity.

Work on the vacant building began Monday, Sept. 10, Layla Wallace said, and should take about two weeks to complete.

Puppy Chow from Laylas Cool Pops.Photos provided by Luchara Wallace

In addition to providing job opportunities for Kalamazoo youth and raising money for those in need, Layla Wallace plans to offer kitchen space to other small businesses in the future.

Our commitment has always been to reach back and pull people forward, her mother said. We know how fortunate that weve always been, and so we want to be able to do that for other businesses.

While the WMU student wants the Kalamazoo business to thrive, she said she might not always be around to run it. Her dream is to live in New York City and work for Pepsi.

When I started the business, I didnt know anything, Layla Wallace said. Im taking courses that are helping me develop my business, teaching me the fundamentals of how to function, develop and grow.

A look outside Laylas Cool Pops, at 4213 S Westnedge Ave, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. Devin Anderson-Torrez | MLive.com

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https://www.businessinsider.com/us-accuses-china-supporting-russia-military-exchange-submarine-missile-tech-2024-9

The US accused China of helping Russia's military in a deal that gets it secret submarine and missile tech

Hannah Abraham Sep 11, 2024, 7:16 AM EDT

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Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) and Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) shake hands during a bilateral meeting on May 16, 2024 in Beijing, China.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and China's leader Xi Jinping shake hands during a bilateral meeting in Beijing, China. Contributor/Getty Images

The US accused China of providing "very substantial" support for Russia's defense industry.

US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell said China's support includes non-dual-use technologies.

Russia and China are also conducting joint naval exercises amid rising pressure from the US.

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The US said China is providing "very substantial" support for Russia's "war machine" in exchange for secret Russian military tech.

In a meeting with reporters in Brussels on Tuesday, US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell accused China of supplying equipment that advances Russia's military.

"These are not dual-use capabilities," Campbell said, according to the Financial Times. "These are component pieces of a very substantial effort on the part of China to help sustain, build, and diversify various elements of the Russian war machine.

Campbell said Russia is, in turn, aiding China in areas it has historically been hesitant to show support in, such as submarine, aeronautic, and missile technologies.

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He also urged Europe to take get tougher on Russia, saying that simply making it clear that "certain financial institutions" are being watched more carefully would have "significant consequences."

The US has previously accused China of providing support in the form of dual-use components for Russia's military industry.

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It has said China is supplying Russia with equipment such as chips and integrated circuits, which can be used to produce weapons. In response, China has said it is not a party to the Ukraine war and that there should be no interference with trade between China and Russia.

However, Campell's comments are the first time a US official has said China is directly providing lethal aid to Russia against Ukraine.

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China has consistently maintained that it has an "impartial" stance in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Analysts say that China is performing a balancing act. It is backing the Russian invasion to dent US global power while also seeking to maintain the trading ties with Europe its economy depends on.

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW), a US think tank, said that reports of more direct Chinese support for Russia come against the backdrop of the Russia-led "Okean-2024" international naval exercises.

China has provided three ships, one vessel, and 15 aircraft for the exercises, which have been described as the largest navy drills in the post-Soviet era.

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"Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the start of Okean-2024 on September 10 and accused the US of placing pressure on Russia and the PRC, necessitating the conduct of joint naval exercises," the ISW said.
KALAMAZOO, MI -- Western Michigan University President Edward Montgomery will retire next summer.

The university announced in a Thursday, Sept. 12 news release, that Montgomery would retire on June 30, 2025.

A search for the universitys next president will begin this fall, the university said.

Montgomery has served as the universitys president since Aug. 1, 2017. His employment contract with the university ends in late June, the release said.

Montgomery has been the leader WMU needs during a pivotal point in the universitys history, Shelly Edgerton, chair of WMUs Board of Trustees said in the release.

Western owes him a deep debt of gratitude for his insightful, courageous and principled leadership as he skillfully guided the institution, Edgerton said.

WMUs enrollment had been on a decline for years when Montgomery joined the university. Two years into his tenure, the COVID-19 pandemic posed an added challenge to the universitys future.

Montgomery oversaw the acquisition of the $550 million empowering futures gift, the largest donation to a public university in national history, according to the Chronicle of Higher Education.

RELATED: How a Michigan college is using $200M to become a mecca for minority, poor students

Since the gift was announced, the university has seen increases in the number of incoming freshman to the university and the rate of enrollment decline shows initial signs of slowing.

Montgomery also announced on Thursday the university had the highest retention in university history in fall 2024 at 81.1%.

Prior to joining WMU Montgomery was dean of the McCourt School of Public Policy and Georgetown Public Policy Institute, according to his LinkedIn.

Montgomery also held prominent roles in the Clinton and Obama administrations previously, serving as deputy secretary of labor under Clinton and as a member of Obamas auto task force.

Information about the universitys search for a new president will come out in the coming weeks, the release said.

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SAGINAW, MI  A Saginaw man has filed a lawsuit against a local hospital where he used to work, alleging two female coworkers spent years racially and sexually harassing him. When he repeatedly brought his complaints to his superiors, they brushed him aside and eventually fired him, he alleges.

William E. Sheard, 48, on Sept. 6 filed his suit against MyMichigan Medical Center Saginaw/Ascension St. Marys in U.S. District Court in Bay City. He is seeking damages of more than $75,000.
MIDLAND, MI  In the back of the Midland Mall management offices, Jordan Dice sits in a half-lit room with four computer monitors facing him. Four monitors may seem like a bit much, but for someone with as many irons in the fire as the 34-year-old Hampton Township native has, its not surprising.

The mall, where Dice spends much of his time these days, was the first of several attention-grabbing purchases he made in the last year and a half. He nabbed it for more than $5 million in an online auction in March 2023. His portfolio expanded with the purchase of the historic St. Laurent Brothers candy and nut shop in downtown Bay City a year ago. And last month, he spent nearly $1 million to buy the shuttered State Theatre on Washington Avenue.

Speaking with MLive/The Bay City Times recently in that back office, Dice recounted the unique circumstances that led him to pull the trigger on each of those big-ticket purchases. He also talked about his life before he owned these businesses across Midland and Bay counties, a humbler beginning when, as a teen, he would go diving in golf course waterways, fishing for golf balls he could sell at a profit, before launching his first company as a teenager.

An enterprising teen

It was 2004. Dice, then 14, started what he calls his first real business with StarNet Wireless, a local internet service provider in Bay City that quickly grew to serve more than 1,200 subscribers and earned its first $1 million in sales within a few years.

I started that to be a wireless internet company, and then I quickly branched into other forms of the internet, particularly at that time, DSL, where you could use the phone lines with a more modern technology, Dice said.

Back then, I was selling high-speed internet for $19.99 a month. And it was like one (megabyte). I mean, that was fast (at the time). They were getting off dial-up, you know, back then where it was so slow.

While focusing primarily on the Tri-Cities, Dice said his internet would eventually find its way to other corners of the state, as well, including Detroit, Lansing and Grand Rapids. His customers were primarily residential, people looking for internet at their homes. But he started to service business before long, too. One of the first businesses that went to Dice for internet was Short Freight Lines in Bay City.

Thats what sort of got me into technology and such, he said.

Prior to launching his internet business, Dice worked for his dads company. He dropped out of the seventh grade to enroll in college and begin his career at DICE Corp.

His father, Cliff Dice, founded what became DICE Corp. out of the basement of his house in Bay Countys Hampton Township in 1985. The company became a world leader in automation software for the alarm and security industry.

When he decided to leave his fathers company and go it alone in the business world, he was 14 with $7,000 to his name. It was enough to get his internet business off the ground and served as the foundation for what he has accomplished 20 years later.

Ive never had partners or investors or anything, Jordan Dice said. Just worked real hard. I made sure to find a way to make profit and save where I could and build up cash so I could do other things like I now do today.

Jordan Dice hired his first employee at 15. Despite his early success, being a young business owner posed unique challenges.

I couldnt drive, so I would catch rides either on the Bay Metro bus or, if I had employees...sometimes Id have to catch rides with employees, he said with a laugh.

Before his internet company, Jordan Dice was earning money in less conventional ways.

When I was between 10 and 12 years old, we lived around the corner in the country out in Hampton Township from where the Bay County golf course is, Jordan Dice recalled. So, I would go and pick golf balls out of ditches and in the woods, and sometimes at night I would go diving in the ponds...and I would take in hundreds and hundreds of golf balls, you know, basically every couple days.

Being the analytical person he is, Jordan Dice taught himself how to make an inventory of his golf ball stock. Using his Windows 95 computer and an early version of Microsoft Excel, he laid out his inventory in a spreadsheet, counting each ball and organizing his list by brand.

I knew what I had, I knew what rates were, what I could charge, you know, like I could get $12 a dozen for Nike balls and $10 for Titleist and $7 or $8 for Pinnacles, he said.

Then he would find his customers.

The front nine was on one side of the road, and the back nines on another side. So, theyd have to cross Arms Road there, and I would sit right there, and by the time they were done with the front nine, they were typically getting low on their balls.

And as a younger child, Jordan Dice learned a thing or two by helping his mother and grandmother at Easterseals fundraisers and walkathons at the Hampton Mall in Essexville.

In time, he said, he learned how to improve his outreach efforts. While some groups would sit by the door and wait for people to come to them, Jordan Dice said he wasnt afraid to approach people, give them his pitch, and earn their donation.

I thought, well, I need to have a pitch. Like, I need to approach people. So I made sure that everybody coming through that door heard my pitch and what I was fundraising for, he said. And that started working well. I started getting a lot of donations. Most people were only raising several hundred to $1,000 for these walkathons. I got as high as $6,000 that I brought in one year.

After the internet business, Jordan Dice tried his hand at starting a trucking business. It was the one venture he said he didnt stick with.

I gained mechanical experience. I would service my own trucks, and I started learning how to dig into, you know, motors and do oil changes and things like that, he said.

It was a very challenging business. I cant say I really made anything from that business, but I learned a lot from it.

Real estate was Jordan Dices next calling, and he still maintains his license today. Its allowed him to benefit in more ways than one when making investments.

Ive been able to make commission on all my own deals, he said. So, whether it be from buying my own house to this mall, St. Laurent Brothers, now the State Theatre, Ive been getting a real estate commission out of each of those deals, I get to share the listing brokers commission.

Jordan Dice today

Jordan Dice still runs the internet business he started as a teen. He said it has dwindled over the years as his focus has shifted to other things, but he still has about 40 to 50 of those original customers and works closely with them. Hes also operated other tech companies, like IPtelX, an alarm company.

He said he played investor during the COVID-19 pandemic, seeing stocks being sold at their lowest. He bought a lot of them up when others were panic selling due to the pandemics effect on the economy.

With all of this going on, Jordan Dice said he averages at most five hours of sleep a night and pulls all-nighters once or twice a week when a new project requires it. He tries to catch up on sleep during the weekends, if time permits.

In his personal life, Jordan Dice is married and has one daughter and a stepson. He has a strong interest in local history, something that has played at least a small role in his recent Bay City purchases.

He joked he remains invested in finding the historic tunnels beneath the city, part of local lore dating back to the Prohibition Era.

I think one of the things that I enjoy most is when I started, it was all technology. Thats what I ran: technology businesses. And then when I brought real estate into that, I diversified my interest level, Dice said.

Today, I have the most amount of diversity. I mean, its very cool to, in one day of work, be able to not only touch real estate and very large real estate, like in the case of this mall, but to be, giving input in driving our vision for St. Laurent Brothers and the theater and still be involved in my technology businesses to a degree where Im involved in meetings and advice and feedback there.

Whats next for Dice?

Jordan Dice said its hard to tell what the future holds. He doesnt have immediate plans to acquire anything new  his hands are full as it is with his current assets.

But hes said that before, he joked. Then he ended up being the highest bidder on the State Theatre in Bay City.

I do think I need to stay focused at this point, he said. I think that too much at once can go the other way. I definitely have my hands full with these three. I think Im going to try to focus real hard for the next year and make these three things as successful as possible.

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A new series shares the stranger-than-fiction story of a gifted small-town tailor, AJ Pratt, who built a fabulously successful drug and fashion empire in the heart of Sin City. The Tailor of Sin City premieres Thursday, Sept. 12, at 10 p.m. ET on Sundance TV.

Watch the new series for free with trials from Philo and DIRECTV Stream. You can also watch it on Sling with the Hollywood Extra add-on for $6/month.

About the show:

Meet gifted small-town tailor, AJ Pratt, a 1970s fashion icon turned cocaine kingpin caught between his loyalties to the mob, the Colombian Cartel, the FBI and his seven wives. This is the mostly true story of his rise and fall. But because AJ knew how to keep a secret, the people who knew him best are giving an attempt to piece together what really happened.

In the premiere, The Star From the Sticks small-town tailor AJ Pratt catches the attention of the Kansas City Mob. They move him to Las Vegas, where hes plugged into the star-studded scene, designing for celebrities, politicians and mobsters. While there, he learns a valuable lesson about respect.

Tune in to watch The Tailor of Sin City premiere tonight, Sept. 12, at 10/9c on Sundance TV.

Where to watch:
Watkin Jones Plc (LON:WJG  Get Free Report)s share price hit a new 52-week low during mid-day trading on Monday . The stock traded as low as GBX 26.05 ($0.34) and last traded at GBX 27.70 ($0.36), with a volume of 1232919 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at GBX 26.68 ($0.35).

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Separately, Jefferies Financial Group reissued a hold rating and issued a GBX 50 ($0.65) price target on shares of Watkin Jones in a research report on Monday, July 29th.

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Watkin Jones Price Performance

Insiders Place Their Bets

The company has a market capitalization of 69.68 million, a P/E ratio of -226.25 and a beta of 1.43. The businesss 50-day moving average is GBX 44.63 and its two-hundred day moving average is GBX 45.23. The company has a quick ratio of 1.55, a current ratio of 2.44 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 51.35.

In other Watkin Jones news, insider Alan Giddins purchased 157,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 22nd. The stock was bought at an average cost of GBX 32 ($0.42) per share, with a total value of 50,240 ($65,698.97). Insiders own 9.40% of the companys stock.

About Watkin Jones

(Get Free Report)

Watkin Jones Plc engages in the development and the management of properties for residential occupation in the United Kingdom. The company operates through four segments: Student Accommodation, Build to Rent, Affordable Homes, and Accommodation Management. It is involved in the development of purpose-built student accommodation, build to rent accommodation, and residential housing property; and management of student accommodation and build to rent/private rental sector property.

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Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT  Get Free Report) shares dropped 0.6% on Thursday . The company traded as low as $115.59 and last traded at $115.87. Approximately 407,871 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 93% from the average daily volume of 5,819,070 shares. The stock had previously closed at $116.60.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

ABT has been the topic of a number of research analyst reports. The Goldman Sachs Group started coverage on shares of Abbott Laboratories in a research note on Thursday, May 30th. They issued a buy rating and a $121.00 price target on the stock. Royal Bank of Canada restated an outperform rating and issued a $125.00 target price on shares of Abbott Laboratories in a report on Tuesday, June 4th. Edward Jones lowered shares of Abbott Laboratories from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, July 30th. Evercore ISI dropped their target price on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $125.00 to $120.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, July 2nd. Finally, Citigroup boosted their target price on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $119.00 to $127.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, August 22nd. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Abbott Laboratories presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $121.80.

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Abbott Laboratories Stock Up 0.1 %

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33, a quick ratio of 1.18 and a current ratio of 1.68. The company has a market cap of $203.05 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 36.18, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.83 and a beta of 0.72. The stocks fifty day moving average is $108.70 and its two-hundred day moving average is $108.69.

Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, July 18th. The healthcare product maker reported $1.14 earnings per share for the quarter, topping 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 company had revenue of $10.38 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $10.37 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $1.08 EPS. The firms revenue was up 4.0% compared to the same quarter last year. Sell-side analysts predict that Abbott Laboratories will post 4.66 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Abbott Laboratories Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, August 15th. Shareholders of record on Monday, July 15th were given a $0.55 dividend. This represents a $2.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.88%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, July 15th. Abbott Laboratoriess payout ratio is 68.54%.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Abbott Laboratories

Institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Vienna Powszechne Towarzystwo Emerytalne S.A. Vienna Insurance Group grew its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 6.8% during the 2nd quarter. Vienna Powszechne Towarzystwo Emerytalne S.A. Vienna Insurance Group now owns 12,193 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $1,267,000 after acquiring an additional 774 shares during the period. SS&H Financial Advisors Inc. grew its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 9.1% during the 2nd quarter. SS&H Financial Advisors Inc. now owns 17,633 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $1,832,000 after acquiring an additional 1,475 shares during the period. Cannon Financial Strategists Inc. bought a new position in shares of Abbott Laboratories during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $453,000. Heritage Wealth Management Inc. bought a new position in shares of Abbott Laboratories during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $1,603,000. Finally, Cim LLC grew its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 7.3% during the 2nd quarter. Cim LLC now owns 16,850 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $1,906,000 after acquiring an additional 1,140 shares during the period. 75.18% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

About Abbott Laboratories

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Abbott Laboratories, together with its subsidiaries, discovers, develops, manufactures, and sells health care products worldwide. It operates in four segments: Established Pharmaceutical Products, Diagnostic Products, Nutritional Products, and Medical Devices. The company provides generic pharmaceuticals for the treatment of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, irritable bowel syndrome or biliary spasm, intrahepatic cholestasis or depressive symptoms, gynecological disorder, hormone replacement therapy, dyslipidemia, hypertension, hypothyroidism, Meniere's disease and vestibular vertigo, pain, fever, inflammation, and migraine, as well as provides anti-infective clarithromycin, influenza vaccine, and products to regulate physiological rhythm of the colon.

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Adient plc (NYSE:ADNT  Get Free Report)s share price reached a new 52-week low on Tuesday . The stock traded as low as $19.94 and last traded at $20.21, with a volume of 162159 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $21.17.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several research analysts recently weighed in on ADNT shares. Bank of America cut their price target on shares of Adient from $42.00 to $40.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Monday, July 22nd. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reiterated a hold rating and issued a $24.00 target price on shares of Adient in a research note on Tuesday. Barclays dropped their target price on shares of Adient from $29.00 to $24.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, August 8th. Wolfe Research assumed coverage on Adient in a research report on Thursday, September 5th. They issued a peer perform rating for the company. Finally, BNP Paribas raised shares of Adient from an underperform rating to a neutral rating and set a $26.00 price target on the stock in a report on Monday, July 1st. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have given a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Adient currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $27.25.

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Adient Stock Performance

The company has a quick ratio of 0.87, a current ratio of 1.08 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.08. The companys 50-day moving average is $23.13 and its two-hundred day moving average is $27.39. The company has a market capitalization of $1.70 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.27, a PEG ratio of 0.54 and a beta of 2.16.

Adient (NYSE:ADNT  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, August 6th. The company reported $0.32 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.62 by ($0.30). Adient had a net margin of 0.50% and a return on equity of 6.34%. The business had revenue of $3.72 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.82 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $0.98 earnings per share. The firms revenue was down 8.4% on a year-over-year basis. Equities analysts anticipate that Adient plc will post 1.77 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Creative Planning lifted its stake in Adient by 44.2% in the second quarter. Creative Planning now owns 15,417 shares of the companys stock worth $381,000 after acquiring an additional 4,728 shares during the period. Algert Global LLC purchased a new stake in Adient in the second quarter worth $227,000. Susquehanna Fundamental Investments LLC lifted its stake in Adient by 85.8% in the second quarter. Susquehanna Fundamental Investments LLC now owns 152,940 shares of the companys stock worth $3,779,000 after acquiring an additional 70,611 shares during the period. D. E. Shaw & Co. Inc. lifted its stake in Adient by 86.3% in the second quarter. D. E. Shaw & Co. Inc. now owns 1,133,901 shares of the companys stock worth $28,019,000 after acquiring an additional 525,280 shares during the period. Finally, Dark Forest Capital Management LP lifted its position in Adient by 1,922.1% during the second quarter. Dark Forest Capital Management LP now owns 148,520 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,670,000 after buying an additional 141,175 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 92.44% of the companys stock.

Adient Company Profile

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Adient plc engages in the design, development, manufacture, and market of seating systems and components for passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and light trucks. The company's automotive seating solutions include complete seating systems, frames, mechanisms, foams, head restraints, armrests, and trim covers.

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Altman Advisors Inc. lifted its position in EOG Resources, Inc. (NYSE:EOG  Free Report) by 0.7% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 12,731 shares of the energy exploration companys stock after purchasing an additional 85 shares during the quarter. Altman Advisors Inc.s holdings in EOG Resources were worth $1,603,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Riverview Trust Co bought a new position in EOG Resources in the second quarter valued at approximately $27,000. MFA Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of EOG Resources in the 2nd quarter valued at about $28,000. Gladius Capital Management LP bought a new position in shares of EOG Resources in the 2nd quarter worth about $30,000. Sachetta LLC acquired a new position in EOG Resources during the 4th quarter worth approximately $33,000. Finally, Triad Wealth Partners LLC acquired a new position in shares of EOG Resources during the second quarter valued at about $35,000. 89.91% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

Several research firms have weighed in on EOG. Wolfe Research assumed coverage on EOG Resources in a research report on Thursday, July 18th. They issued a peer perform rating on the stock. Truist Financial cut their target price on shares of EOG Resources from $136.00 to $130.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a report on Monday, July 22nd. Scotiabank decreased their price target on shares of EOG Resources from $155.00 to $150.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a research note on Friday, July 12th. Citigroup raised their target price on shares of EOG Resources from $124.00 to $130.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, May 24th. Finally, Susquehanna cut their price target on shares of EOG Resources from $159.00 to $158.00 and set a positive rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, September 4th. Thirteen research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, eight have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, EOG Resources has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $143.95.

EOG Resources Price Performance

Shares of EOG opened at $117.82 on Thursday. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $126.21 and a 200-day simple moving average of $126.17. EOG Resources, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $108.94 and a fifty-two week high of $139.67. The company has a market capitalization of $67.71 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.31, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.01 and a beta of 1.28. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.11, a quick ratio of 1.89 and a current ratio of 2.12.

EOG Resources (NYSE:EOG  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 1st. The energy exploration company reported $3.16 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.98 by $0.18. EOG Resources had a net margin of 30.33% and a return on equity of 25.42%. The company had revenue of $6.03 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $6.07 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $2.49 EPS. EOG Resourcess quarterly revenue was up 8.1% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that EOG Resources, Inc. will post 12.2 earnings per share for the current year.

EOG Resources Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, October 31st. Shareholders of record on Thursday, October 17th will be given a $0.91 dividend. This represents a $3.64 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.09%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, October 17th. EOG Resourcess payout ratio is 28.75%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other EOG Resources news, COO Jeffrey R. Leitzell sold 4,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, August 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $126.48, for a total transaction of $505,920.00. Following the sale, the chief operating officer now directly owns 35,058 shares in the company, valued at $4,434,135.84. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed 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 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 transaction, the chief operating officer now directly owns 35,058 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,434,135.84. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, Director Charles R. Crisp sold 6,500 shares of EOG Resources stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, August 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $125.60, for a total transaction of $816,400.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 60,892 shares of the companys stock, valued at $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. Corporate insiders own 0.30% of the companys stock.

About EOG Resources

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EOG Resources, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, explores for, develops, produces, and markets crude oil, natural gas liquids, and natural gas primarily in producing basins in the United States, the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and internationally. The company was formerly known as Enron Oil & Gas Company.

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Altria Group (NYSE:MO  Free Report) had its target price increased by UBS Group from $39.00 to $41.00 in a research note released on Monday morning, Benzinga reports. They currently have a sell rating on the stock.

MO has been the topic of a number of other research reports. Bank of America upped their target price on shares of Altria Group from $52.00 to $57.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, September 4th. Barclays raised their target price on Altria Group from $43.00 to $45.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a research report on Monday. Argus upgraded Altria Group to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, May 31st. StockNews.com raised Altria Group from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Friday, June 28th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus upped their target price on shares of Altria Group from $50.00 to $54.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, August 1st. 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 stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $49.67.

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Altria Group Trading Down 1.7 %

Shares of MO stock opened at $53.15 on Monday. Altria Group has a 12 month low of $39.06 and a 12 month high of $54.95. The company has a market capitalization of $91.29 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.12, a P/E/G ratio of 3.10 and a beta of 0.65. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $50.62 and a two-hundred day moving average of $46.29.

Altria Group (NYSE:MO  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, July 31st. The company reported $1.31 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.35 by ($0.04). The firm had revenue of $6.21 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.39 billion. Altria Group had a negative return on equity of 232.55% and a net margin of 42.25%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 14.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the business earned $1.31 earnings per share. Sell-side analysts predict that Altria Group will post 5.1 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Altria Group Increases Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, October 10th. Stockholders of record on Monday, September 16th will be issued a dividend of $1.02 per share. This represents a $4.08 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 7.68%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, September 16th. This is a boost from Altria Groups previous quarterly dividend of $0.98. Altria Groups dividend payout ratio is presently 85.36%.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Delta Investment Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Altria Group by 2.9% in the 2nd quarter. Delta Investment Management LLC now owns 7,064 shares of the companys stock valued at $322,000 after purchasing an additional 198 shares in the last quarter. Scarborough Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of Altria Group by 18.5% during the 2nd quarter. Scarborough Advisors LLC now owns 1,283 shares of the companys stock worth $58,000 after buying an additional 200 shares during the last quarter. Hollencrest Capital Management boosted its stake in Altria Group by 0.3% in the second quarter. Hollencrest Capital Management now owns 76,595 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,489,000 after buying an additional 203 shares in the last quarter. SP Asset Management LLC grew its position in Altria Group by 2.5% in the second quarter. SP Asset Management LLC now owns 8,211 shares of the companys stock valued at $374,000 after acquiring an additional 204 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Certuity LLC raised its stake in Altria Group by 1.6% during the second quarter. Certuity LLC now owns 13,664 shares of the companys stock worth $622,000 after acquiring an additional 213 shares in the last quarter. 57.41% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Altria Group Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Altria Group, Inc, through its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells smokeable and oral tobacco products in the United States. The company offers cigarettes primarily under the Marlboro brand; large cigars and pipe tobacco under the Black & Mild brand; moist smokeless tobacco and snus products under the Copenhagen, Skoal, Red Seal, and Husky brands; oral nicotine pouches under the on! brand; and e-vapor products under the NJOY ACE brand.

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Some Catholics are preparing to appeal the closure of several churches in Western New York to the Vatican, arguing that the Buffalo Dioceses actions are not in accordance with canon law.

A grassroots organization called Save Our Buffalo Churches already has met via a videoconference call with canon lawyer Philip C.L. Gray to discuss possible appeals.

Gray is president of the St. Joseph Foundation, a Hopedale, Ohio, nonprofit that aids lay Catholics in protecting their rights under canon law.

They treated us all like franchises. Oh, were just going to close you. Canonically speaking, you cant do that. It has to be a grave situation. If your buildings are in deplorable condition. If you are not meeting your income to support your parish, then you close, said Tom Puchalski of the Town of Tonawanda. But theyre closing parishes left and right.

Puchalskis church, Blessed Sacrament in Tonawanda, is among about 70 churches across eight counties that diocese officials announced on Tuesday would be closed between Oct. 1 and June 1, 2025.

Puchalski said the Save Our Buffalo Churches group has representatives so far from about 15 parishes across the diocese and welcomes more.

Buffalo Diocese announces full list of church closures The diocese currently has 196 worship sites that include 160 parishes and 36 secondary worship sites. After the changes, the diocese will have 79 parishes and 39 secondary worship sites open.

The number of church closures was reduced by the diocese from 89 that were announced in June, following a review of 52 alternative plans submitted by parishes and families of parishes. Bishop Michael W. Fisher said the latest closures were final decisions and would not be reviewed further.

The closings are necessary because of an intensifying priest shortage, declining Mass attendance and weakened finances in many parishes, according to the diocese, which is working through a Chapter 11 bankruptcy and a settlement with 900 sex abuse claimants that may end up costing tens of millions of dollars.

Parishioners reacted with a mix of sadness, frustration and anger.

Bob OConnor of Hamburg accused diocese officials of dishonesty in its restructuring plans.

OConnors church, St. Bernadette in Orchard Park, was on the dioceses initial closure list, but will now remain open as a secondary worship site of SS. Peter & Paul parish in Hamburg.

As such, St. Bernadette will no longer function as an independent parish, and the use of the church will be determined by the leadership of SS. Peter & Paul.

In a letter Wednesday to diocese officials, OConnor described the secondary worship site status for churches as a devious and duplicitous way to temporarily placate thousands of devout Catholics who are losing the churches they built and maintained.

The dioceses final plan, he added, turns one of the areas strongest parishes into a glorified meeting hall.

Without our organizations, committees, food pantry, social activities, religious education, etc., you have gutted our church, and it will fade away, he said.

The announcement on Tuesday confirmed the worst fears of Cindy Vance, a parishioner for more than 60 years of Blessed Sacrament Church in Andover, Allegany County.

The parish will merge with Immaculate Conception parish in Wellsville, with Blessed Sacrament Church slated to be closed and sold.

They say its just a building. It isnt a building. Its a family, said Vance. We all know each other. We all see each other every Sunday, and were all going to go in different directions when they close the doors.

Vance said the parish has plenty of money and parishioners take care of the buildings and grounds without any paid staff aside from the priest who is shared with several other parishes.

The dioceses justification for the closure was that Andover was in reasonable driving distance to Wellsville, while other churches were farther away.

Trustees of Immaculate Conception presented a counterproposal to a diocese committee that was reviewed and rejected.

Because the diocese required counterproposals to result in the same number of churches remaining open as the original recommendations, the process did nothing but pit us against each other, said Vance. We all fight individually to keep our church open; therefore, we suggested that we close another church in our vicariate, which is not good for the family unit that theyre trying to develop.

Its very distressing the way this was handled by the diocese, she added.

Kevin Deese, who attends Holy Cross Church on Buffalos West Side, questioned the fairness of the counterproposal process.

Several parishes propose alternatives to Buffalo Diocese's recommended church closures A diocese committee is in the process of reviewing at least 30 alternatives to closing various churches, with a series of meetings to discuss the counterproposals. Those meetings with pastors and parish representatives began last week and will continue through Thursday.

In the initial recommendations, Holy Cross, which has a large Hispanic population and offers a Spanish Mass, was slated to remain open. But diocese officials reversed course in the final plan, closing Holy Cross and keeping open SS. Columba & Brigid, which also offers a Spanish Mass but is located on the East Side close to Larkinville and downtown. SS. Columba & Brigid initially was recommended to be closed and submitted a counterproposal to stay open.

Deese said hes not aware of the stance of the Holy Cross parish leadership, but because the parish initially was safe, he wonders why they shouldnt be able to submit an alternative proposal now.

Suddenly, were thrown under the bus, with this last, supposedly final list, said Deese, who volunteers as cantor in the parish. Where was the pastoral shepherding, at all, in this process?

Blessed Sacrament Church in Tonawanda submitted a 21-page counterproposal that disputed much of the financial data the diocese had used in scoring five parishes within family 17.

Its just amazing, because every justification they gave us (to close Blessed Sacrament), we proved their data wrong, said Puchalski.

The counterproposal also argued that because Blessed Sacrament has the largest campus and most ample parking among the five churches, it should remain open.

Save Our Buffalo Churches has a website, saveourbuffalochurches.com, and is inviting parishioners from across the diocese to join in their efforts to appeal church closings, Puchalski said.

Ive been to other parishes, too. These people at St. Tommies, I was at the Labor Day Mass, and theyre like, we dont want to go to St. Teresas. Theres too many stairs. These are older women. Their parking is horrendous at St. Teresas. I mean, theyre just ready to cry, he said. And people from St. Andrews, after they closed the church, I talked to people there and they said, You know what, were going to leave the Catholic Church because enough is enough already. 
Asbury Automotive Group, Inc. (NYSE:ABG  Get Free Report)s stock price dropped 4.2% on Tuesday . The company traded as low as $212.43 and last traded at $213.93. Approximately 21,467 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 88% from the average daily volume of 174,519 shares. The stock had previously closed at $223.21.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several research firms have recently commented on ABG. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price target on shares of Asbury Automotive Group from $230.00 to $265.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Tuesday. Morgan Stanley lifted their target price on Asbury Automotive Group from $185.00 to $190.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 14th. StockNews.com lowered Asbury Automotive Group from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Monday, August 12th. Finally, Stephens initiated coverage on Asbury Automotive Group in a report on Thursday. They issued an equal weight rating and a $216.00 price target on the stock. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating and three have given a hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $225.25.

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Asbury Automotive Group Stock Performance

The firm has a market capitalization of $4.33 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 7.81 and a beta of 1.16. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $238.42 and a 200-day moving average price of $228.96. The company has a quick ratio of 0.45, a current ratio of 1.25 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.05.

Asbury Automotive Group (NYSE:ABG  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Friday, August 2nd. The company reported $6.40 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $7.31 by ($0.91). The business had revenue of $4.20 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.31 billion. Asbury Automotive Group had a return on equity of 17.93% and a net margin of 2.51%. The companys revenue was up 17.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $8.95 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that Asbury Automotive Group, Inc. will post 27.06 earnings per share for the current year.

Insider Activity at Asbury Automotive Group

In related news, major shareholder Impactive Capital Lp sold 8,353 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, August 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $225.63, for a total transaction of $1,884,687.39. Following the sale, the insider now owns 2,008,649 shares of the companys stock, valued at $453,211,473.87. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In other Asbury Automotive Group news, major shareholder Impactive Capital Lp sold 8,353 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, August 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $225.63, for a total value of $1,884,687.39. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 2,008,649 shares in the company, valued at $453,211,473.87. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, CEO David W. Hult sold 500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, August 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $227.18, for a total transaction of $113,590.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 56,834 shares of the companys stock, valued at $12,911,548.12. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.53% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Institutional Trading of Asbury Automotive Group

Large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Arizona State Retirement System lifted its position in shares of Asbury Automotive Group by 1.0% during the 2nd quarter. Arizona State Retirement System now owns 5,141 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,171,000 after acquiring an additional 51 shares during the last quarter. Oak Associates Ltd. OH lifted its holdings in shares of Asbury Automotive Group by 1.4% during the second quarter. Oak Associates Ltd. OH now owns 3,648 shares of the companys stock valued at $831,000 after purchasing an additional 51 shares during the last quarter. Janus Henderson Group PLC boosted its position in shares of Asbury Automotive Group by 0.5% in the 1st quarter. Janus Henderson Group PLC now owns 10,980 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,588,000 after purchasing an additional 60 shares during the period. Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund increased its stake in Asbury Automotive Group by 0.3% in the 1st quarter. Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund now owns 24,680 shares of the companys stock worth $5,819,000 after purchasing an additional 62 shares in the last quarter. Finally, SummerHaven Investment Management LLC increased its stake in Asbury Automotive Group by 2.2% in the 2nd quarter. SummerHaven Investment Management LLC now owns 3,030 shares of the companys stock worth $690,000 after purchasing an additional 66 shares in the last quarter.

About Asbury Automotive Group

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Asbury Automotive Group, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an automotive retailer in the United States. It offers a range of automotive products and services, including new and used vehicles; and vehicle repair and maintenance services, replacement parts, and collision repair services.

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Barclays upgraded shares of ASOS (OTCMKTS:ASOMY  Free Report) to a strong sell rating in a report published on Tuesday morning, Zacks.com reports.

Separately, Berenberg Bank upgraded ASOS to a strong-buy rating in a report on Thursday, September 5th.

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ASOS Trading Down 0.8 %

ASOS Company Profile

ASOMY opened at $5.52 on Tuesday. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $4.72 and a 200 day simple moving average of $4.59. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.53, a quick ratio of 0.64 and a current ratio of 1.51. ASOS has a 12 month low of $4.11 and a 12 month high of $5.73.

(Get Free Report)

ASOS Plc operates as an online fashion retailer in the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Sweden, the Netherlands, Denmark, Poland, and internationally. It offers womenswear and menswear products. The company sells its products under the ASOS Design, ASOS Edition, ASOS Luxe, ASOS 4505, Collusion, Reclaimed Vintage, Topshop, Topman, Miss Selfridge, HIIT, AsYou, Dark Future, UNRVLLD/SPPLY, Crooked Tongues, Daysocial, Actual, and Weekend Collective brands, as well as through third-party brands.

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Atlas Arteria Limited (OTCMKTS:MAQAF  Get Free Report)s stock price was down 1.4% during trading on Monday . The stock traded as low as $3.55 and last traded at $3.60. Approximately 910 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 69% from the average daily volume of 2,927 shares. The stock had previously closed at $3.65.

Atlas Arteria Stock Down 15.0 %

The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $3.45 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $3.46.

Atlas Arteria Company Profile

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Atlas Arteria Limited owns, develops, and operates toll roads. It holds a 31.14% of interest in the APRR and A79 and 31.17% interest in the ADELAC located in France; 100% interest in the Warnow Tunnel located in Rostock, Germany; 66.67% interest in the Chicago Skyway situated in Chicago and 100% interest in the Dulles Greenway located in Virginia, United States.

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Australian Strategic Materials Ltd (ASX:ASM  Get Free Report) insider Rowena Smith acquired 58,227 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, September 5th. The shares were acquired at an average cost of A$0.64 ($0.42) per share, for a total transaction of A$36,974.15 ($24,649.43).

Australian Strategic Materials Stock Performance

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 8.47, a current ratio of 2.89 and a quick ratio of 5.71.

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Australian Strategic Materials Company Profile

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Australian Strategic Materials Ltd operates as an integrated producer of critical metals for advanced and clean technologies in Australia. The company holds interest in the Dubbo Project that contains light and heavy rare earths, zirconium, niobium, and hafnium located in central-western New South Wales.

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Shares of Azul S.A. (NYSE:AZUL  Get Free Report) were up 3.3% during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The company traded as high as $2.21 and last traded at $2.16. Approximately 393,662 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 79% from the average daily volume of 1,864,790 shares. The stock had previously closed at $2.09.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of analysts recently issued reports on AZUL shares. HSBC lowered Azul from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $2.70 price objective on the stock. in a research note on Thursday, September 5th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft cut their price objective on shares of Azul from $8.00 to $6.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, August 13th. Barclays decreased their target price on shares of Azul from $10.00 to $4.50 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Monday, August 19th. Morgan Stanley began coverage on shares of Azul in a report on Friday, May 24th. They issued an equal weight rating and a $7.40 price target for the company. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut shares of Azul from an overweight rating to a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, July 10th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have issued a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $8.23.

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Azul Price Performance

The firms 50 day simple moving average is $3.94 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $5.48. The firm has a market capitalization of $893.73 million, a P/E ratio of -0.87 and a beta of 1.97.

Azul (NYSE:AZUL  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Monday, August 12th. The company reported ($1.23) earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($0.60) by ($0.63). The company had revenue of $800.65 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $791.43 million. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned ($0.81) EPS. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that Azul S.A. will post -1.39 EPS for the current year.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Azul

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of AZUL. Coronation Fund Managers Ltd. lifted its stake in Azul by 9.5% in the second quarter. Coronation Fund Managers Ltd. now owns 27,341 shares of the companys stock worth $109,000 after acquiring an additional 2,380 shares during the period. Signaturefd LLC raised its stake in Azul by 35.9% in the second quarter. Signaturefd LLC now owns 10,649 shares of the companys stock worth $43,000 after buying an additional 2,812 shares in the last quarter. Inspire Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in Azul by 19.4% in the first quarter. Inspire Advisors LLC now owns 18,699 shares of the companys stock worth $145,000 after buying an additional 3,042 shares during the period. Sanctuary Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of Azul during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $51,000. Finally, Dynamic Technology Lab Private Ltd raised its position in shares of Azul by 46.4% in the 4th quarter. Dynamic Technology Lab Private Ltd now owns 68,004 shares of the companys stock worth $659,000 after acquiring an additional 21,549 shares in the last quarter. 0.82% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Azul Company Profile

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Azul SA, together with its subsidiaries, provides air transportation services in Brazil and internationally. As of December 31, 2023, the company operated approximately 1,000 daily departures to 160 destinations through a network of 300 non-stop routes with an operating fleet of 183 aircraft and a passenger contractual fleet of 189 aircraft.

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Bank of Ireland Group plc (OTCMKTS:BKRIY  Get Free Report) saw a significant increase in short interest in August. As of August 31st, there was short interest totalling 18,600 shares, an increase of 564.3% from the August 15th total of 2,800 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 53,700 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.3 days.

Bank of Ireland Group Trading Up 1.5 %

Bank of Ireland Group stock traded up $0.17 during mid-day trading on Thursday, hitting $10.91. The company had a trading volume of 21,890 shares, compared to its average volume of 37,470. Bank of Ireland Group has a 12-month low of $8.38 and a 12-month high of $11.73. The companys fifty day moving average is $11.03 and its 200-day moving average is $10.69.

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Bank of Ireland Group Cuts Dividend

The company also recently announced a dividend, which will be paid on Friday, November 22nd. Stockholders of record on Friday, October 11th will be paid a dividend of $0.243 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, October 11th.

Bank of Ireland Group Company Profile

Bank of Ireland Group plc provides various banking and financial products and services. It provides current and savings accounts, and business deposits and accounts; personal, car, home improvement, graduate, motor finance, and student loans, as well as overdrafts; and business and farming loans, green business, insurance premium finance, invoice finance, hire purchase, and leasing services.

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Boyd Gaming Co. (NYSE:BYD  Get Free Report) declared a quarterly dividend on Tuesday, August 20th, Wall Street Journal reports. Stockholders of record on Sunday, September 15th will be given a dividend of 0.17 per share on Tuesday, October 15th. This represents a $0.68 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.16%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, September 13th.

Boyd Gaming has a payout ratio of 10.2% indicating that its dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings. Research analysts expect Boyd Gaming to earn $6.67 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $0.68 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 10.2%.

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Boyd Gaming Stock Performance

NYSE:BYD opened at $58.87 on Thursday. The stock has a market capitalization of $5.59 billion, a P/E ratio of 10.57, a P/E/G ratio of 8.69 and a beta of 1.57. The company has a current ratio of 0.83, a quick ratio of 0.79 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.70. Boyd Gaming has a 12-month low of $49.34 and a 12-month high of $68.46. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $58.13 and a 200 day moving average price of $58.51.

Insiders Place Their Bets

Boyd Gaming ( NYSE:BYD Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, July 25th. The company reported $1.58 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.49 by $0.09. The business had revenue of $967.50 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $909.49 million. Boyd Gaming had a return on equity of 34.29% and a net margin of 13.32%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 5.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $1.58 earnings per share. Equities research analysts forecast that Boyd Gaming will post 6.25 EPS for the current fiscal year.

In related news, Chairman Marianne Boyd Johnson sold 73,130 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $60.23, for a total value of $4,404,619.90. Following the sale, the chairman now owns 1,423,498 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $85,737,284.54. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. In other news, Chairman Marianne Boyd Johnson sold 73,130 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $60.23, for a total transaction of $4,404,619.90. Following the completion of the sale, the chairman now directly owns 1,423,498 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $85,737,284.54. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, Director Christine J. Spadafor sold 1,242 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, August 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $60.36, for a total transaction of $74,967.12. Following the transaction, the director now owns 1,096 shares in the company, valued at approximately $66,154.56. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 27.94% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several research analysts have issued reports on BYD shares. Macquarie cut their target price on shares of Boyd Gaming from $72.00 to $68.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, July 26th. Morgan Stanley raised Boyd Gaming from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and raised their price target for the stock from $66.00 to $74.00 in a report on Wednesday, September 4th. Stifel Nicolaus increased their price objective on Boyd Gaming from $65.00 to $67.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Friday, July 26th. Raymond James started coverage on Boyd Gaming in a research report on Tuesday, May 21st. They set an outperform rating and a $67.00 price target on the stock. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada cut their target price on shares of Boyd Gaming from $337.00 to $308.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Thursday, May 16th. Seven analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Boyd Gaming has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $90.75.

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About Boyd Gaming

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Boyd Gaming Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a multi-jurisdictional gaming company in Nevada, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. The company operates through Las Vegas Locals, Downtown Las Vegas, Midwest & South, and Online segments.

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Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG  Get Free Report)s share price traded up 0.7% on Thursday . The stock traded as high as $56.24 and last traded at $56.16. 2,050,550 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 86% from the average session volume of 14,846,371 shares. The stock had previously closed at $55.79.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of brokerages have recently issued reports on CMG. Wedbush reiterated an outperform rating and set a $58.00 target price on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill in a research report on Thursday, August 29th. Piper Sandler reduced their target price on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill from $61.00 to $56.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, July 25th. StockNews.com lowered shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, July 4th. Stifel Nicolaus reiterated a buy rating and set a $70.00 target price on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill in a research report on Wednesday, August 14th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets reduced their target price on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill from $57.00 to $55.00 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, July 25th. Ten analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eighteen have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $62.36.

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View Our Latest Analysis on CMG

Chipotle Mexican Grill Price Performance

The companys 50-day moving average price is $54.54 and its 200-day moving average price is $80.85. The company has a market cap of $77.15 billion, a P/E ratio of 59.59, a P/E/G ratio of 2.24 and a beta of 1.25.

Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE:CMG  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, July 24th. The restaurant operator reported $0.34 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.32 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $2.97 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.94 billion. Chipotle Mexican Grill had a net margin of 13.23% and a return on equity of 44.01%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 18.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $12.65 earnings per share. On average, equities research analysts predict that Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. will post 1.08 EPS for the current year.

Insider Activity

In other news, insider Curtis E. Garner sold 17,394 shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $54.68, for a total value of $951,103.92. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 358,300 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $19,591,844. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Insiders own 1.02% of the companys stock.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. American Century Companies Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill by 4,732.3% during the 2nd quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 20,177,309 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $1,264,109,000 after buying an additional 19,759,754 shares during the last quarter. Legal & General Group Plc lifted its stake in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill by 5,209.5% during the 2nd quarter. Legal & General Group Plc now owns 10,935,669 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $685,128,000 after buying an additional 10,729,706 shares during the last quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA lifted its stake in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill by 5,930.8% during the 2nd quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 10,310,132 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $645,930,000 after buying an additional 10,139,174 shares during the last quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp lifted its stake in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill by 4,816.1% during the 2nd quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 8,356,173 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $523,514,000 after buying an additional 8,186,198 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Marshall Wace LLP lifted its stake in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill by 76,617.6% during the 2nd quarter. Marshall Wace LLP now owns 5,904,952 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $369,945,000 after buying an additional 5,897,255 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 91.31% of the companys stock.

About Chipotle Mexican Grill

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Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, owns and operates Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurants. It sells food and beverages through offering burritos, burrito bowls, quesadillas, tacos, and salads. The company also provides delivery and related services its app and website. It has operations in the United States, Canada, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

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Clipper Realty Inc. (NYSE:CLPR  Get Free Report) was down 1% during trading on Monday . The stock traded as low as $4.75 and last traded at $4.84. Approximately 51,405 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 31% from the average daily volume of 74,661 shares. The stock had previously closed at $4.89.

Clipper Realty Trading Up 3.0 %

The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $4.25 and a 200-day simple moving average of $4.21. The company has a market capitalization of $82.17 million, a PE ratio of -14.63 and a beta of 1.33.

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Clipper Realty (NYSE:CLPR  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 1st. The company reported ($0.06) EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.10 by ($0.16). The firm had revenue of $37.35 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $35.80 million. Clipper Realty had a negative return on equity of 85.95% and a negative net margin of 2.54%. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $0.13 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts predict that Clipper Realty Inc. will post 0.31 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Clipper Realty Dividend Announcement

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Clipper Realty

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, August 22nd. Shareholders of record on Thursday, August 15th were issued a dividend of $0.095 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, August 15th. This represents a $0.38 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 7.44%. Clipper Realtys payout ratio is currently -108.57%.

A number of institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Marshall Wace LLP acquired a new stake in shares of Clipper Realty in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $38,000. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. boosted its stake in Clipper Realty by 286.6% in the 4th quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 11,591 shares of the companys stock worth $62,000 after buying an additional 8,593 shares during the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its position in Clipper Realty by 0.7% during the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 735,024 shares of the companys stock worth $3,550,000 after purchasing an additional 5,470 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Hsbc Holdings PLC raised its position in shares of Clipper Realty by 25.6% in the 2nd quarter. Hsbc Holdings PLC now owns 24,770 shares of the companys stock worth $87,000 after buying an additional 5,054 shares during the period. 37.57% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About Clipper Realty

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Clipper Realty Inc (NYSE: CLPR) is a self-administered and self-managed real estate company that acquires, owns, manages, operates, and repositions multifamily residential and commercial properties in the New York metropolitan area, with a portfolio in Manhattan and Brooklyn.

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COPT Defense Properties (NYSE:CDP  Get Free Report) COO Britt A. Snider bought 1,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, September 10th. The shares were acquired at an average price of $29.41 per share, for a total transaction of $29,410.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the chief operating officer now directly owns 2,000 shares in the company, valued at $58,820. The purchase was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink.

COPT Defense Properties Stock Performance

Shares of CDP opened at $29.33 on Thursday. COPT Defense Properties has a 1-year low of $22.20 and a 1-year high of $30.05. The company has a market capitalization of $3.30 billion, a P/E ratio of -27.16, a P/E/G ratio of 2.76 and a beta of 0.99. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.56, a current ratio of 3.17 and a quick ratio of 3.17. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $28.16 and its 200 day simple moving average is $25.53.

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COPT Defense Properties (NYSE:CDP  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Monday, July 29th. The company reported $0.31 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.64 by ($0.33). COPT Defense Properties had a negative net margin of 15.75% and a negative return on equity of 7.52%. The company had revenue of $187.34 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $166.11 million. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $0.60 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 10.7% compared to the same quarter last year. Sell-side analysts forecast that COPT Defense Properties will post 2.57 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

COPT Defense Properties Announces Dividend

Institutional Trading of COPT Defense Properties

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, October 17th. Stockholders of record on Monday, September 30th will be given a dividend of $0.295 per share. The ex-dividend date is Monday, September 30th. This represents a $1.18 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.02%. COPT Defense Propertiess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently -109.26%.

Hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Fifth Third Bancorp increased its stake in COPT Defense Properties by 1.0% in the 2nd quarter. Fifth Third Bancorp now owns 58,401 shares of the companys stock worth $1,462,000 after purchasing an additional 574 shares during the period. Arizona State Retirement System lifted its holdings in shares of COPT Defense Properties by 1.9% during the second quarter. Arizona State Retirement System now owns 31,508 shares of the companys stock valued at $789,000 after purchasing an additional 578 shares during the last quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp boosted its position in shares of COPT Defense Properties by 5.1% in the 2nd quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp now owns 19,981 shares of the companys stock worth $500,000 after purchasing an additional 967 shares in the last quarter. Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC raised its stake in COPT Defense Properties by 12.5% during the second quarter. Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC now owns 9,342 shares of the companys stock valued at $233,000 after buying an additional 1,037 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Bailard Inc. boosted its holdings in COPT Defense Properties by 6.7% in the second quarter. Bailard Inc. now owns 17,400 shares of the companys stock worth $436,000 after acquiring an additional 1,100 shares in the last quarter.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several brokerages have commented on CDP. Evercore ISI lifted their price objective on shares of COPT Defense Properties from $28.00 to $33.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 31st. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their price objective on COPT Defense Properties from $33.00 to $32.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Wednesday. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price objective on shares of COPT Defense Properties from $26.00 to $31.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, September 4th. Truist Financial increased their price objective on COPT Defense Properties from $27.00 to $31.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Thursday, August 29th. Finally, Wedbush increased their price target on shares of COPT Defense Properties from $28.00 to $33.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Monday, August 5th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, COPT Defense Properties presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $30.00.

View Our Latest Report on COPT Defense Properties

COPT Defense Properties Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

COPT Defense, an S&P MidCap 400 Company, is a self-managed REIT focused on owning, operating and developing properties in locations proximate to, or sometimes containing, key U.S. Government (USG) defense installations and missions (referred to as its Defense/IT Portfolio). The Company's tenants include the USG and their defense contractors, who are primarily engaged in priority national security activities, and who generally require mission-critical and high security property enhancements.

Further Reading

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Shares of Desarrolladora Homex (DHOXY) (OTCMKTS:DHOXY  Get Free Report) traded down 13.3% during mid-day trading on Monday . The company traded as low as $0.38 and last traded at $0.39. 51,600 shares were traded during trading, an increase of 1,087% from the average session volume of 4,346 shares. The stock had previously closed at $0.45.

Desarrolladora Homex (DHOXY) Price Performance

The companys 50-day moving average price is $0.39.

About Desarrolladora Homex (DHOXY)

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Desarrolladora Homex, SAB. de C.V. (Homex) is a vertically integrated home development company. The Company is engaged in the development, construction and sale of entry-level housing in Mexico. The Company is engaged in the development, construction and sale of middle-income housing in Mexico. Homex operates in Mexico.

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StockNews.com lowered shares of DHT (NYSE:DHT  Free Report) from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note published on Monday morning.

Separately, Stifel Nicolaus boosted their target price on DHT from $12.00 to $13.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, July 24th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has issued a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, DHT presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $14.67.

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DHT Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE DHT opened at $10.63 on Monday. The company has a current ratio of 2.87, a quick ratio of 2.33 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.36. The company has a market capitalization of $1.71 billion, a P/E ratio of 10.12 and a beta of -0.36. DHT has a 12 month low of $8.60 and a 12 month high of $12.80. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $11.04 and a 200-day moving average of $11.37.

DHT (NYSE:DHT  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Monday, August 12th. The shipping company reported $0.27 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.28 by ($0.01). The business had revenue of $103.70 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $102.75 million. DHT had a return on equity of 15.19% and a net margin of 27.45%. The firms revenue was down 8.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $0.35 earnings per share. As a group, equities research analysts predict that DHT will post 1.14 EPS for the current year.

DHT Cuts Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, August 30th. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 23rd were issued a $0.27 dividend. This represents a $1.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 10.16%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, August 23rd. DHTs dividend payout ratio is 102.86%.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Quarry LP grew its holdings in DHT by 2,494.6% in the 2nd quarter. Quarry LP now owns 3,866 shares of the shipping companys stock valued at $45,000 after buying an additional 3,717 shares in the last quarter. National Bank of Canada FI grew its holdings in DHT by 150.0% in the 4th quarter. National Bank of Canada FI now owns 5,000 shares of the shipping companys stock valued at $50,000 after buying an additional 3,000 shares in the last quarter. Headlands Technologies LLC acquired a new position in DHT in the 1st quarter valued at $51,000. Summit Securities Group LLC acquired a new position in DHT in the 2nd quarter valued at $78,000. Finally, Point72 Hong Kong Ltd acquired a new position in DHT in the 2nd quarter valued at $80,000. 58.53% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

DHT Company Profile

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DHT Holdings, Inc, through its subsidiaries, owns and operates crude oil tankers primarily in Monaco, Singapore, and Norway. The company also offers technical management services. As of March 15, 2024, it had a fleet of 24 very large crude carriers. The company was incorporated in 2005 and is headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda.

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Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:DLR  Get Free Report) declared a quarterly dividend on Wednesday, August 7th, RTT News reports. Investors of record on Friday, September 13th will be paid a dividend of 1.22 per share by the real estate investment trust on Monday, September 30th. This represents a $4.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.08%. 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. Research analysts expect Digital Realty Trust to earn $7.08 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $4.88 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 68.9%.

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Digital Realty Trust Stock Up 1.1 %

Shares of DLR stock opened at $158.42 on Thursday. 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 $49.49 billion, a PE ratio of 44.01, 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 $151.51 and its 200-day simple moving average is $146.67.

Insider Activity at Digital Realty Trust

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.

In other Digital Realty Trust news, Director Jean F. H. P. Mandeville sold 600 shares of Digital Realty Trust stock in a transaction on Thursday, August 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $150.26, for a total transaction of $90,156.00. Following the sale, the director now owns 9,055 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,360,604.30. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. 0.17% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several research firms have commented on DLR. Wells Fargo & Company upped their price target on shares of Digital Realty Trust from $155.00 to $170.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, July 23rd. The Goldman Sachs Group started coverage on Digital Realty Trust in a research report on Monday, July 1st. They set a buy rating and a $175.00 price target for the company. Royal Bank of Canada upped their price objective on Digital Realty Trust from $144.00 to $160.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Monday, June 3rd. Barclays lifted their target price on shares of Digital Realty Trust from $123.00 to $130.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a report on Wednesday, July 24th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus raised their price target on shares of Digital Realty Trust from $165.00 to $175.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, July 12th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have issued a hold rating, ten have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Digital Realty Trust has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $154.00.

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Digital Realty Trust Company Profile

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Digital Realty brings companies and data together by delivering the full spectrum of data center, colocation, and interconnection solutions. PlatformDIGITAL, the company's global data center platform, provides customers with a secure data meeting place and a proven Pervasive Datacenter Architecture (PDx) solution methodology for powering innovation and efficiently managing Data Gravity challenges.

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Dycom Industries, Inc. (NYSE:DY  Free Report)  Research analysts at Zacks Research boosted their Q3 2025 earnings estimates for Dycom Industries in a research note issued to investors on Wednesday, September 11th. Zacks Research analyst A. Gupta now forecasts that the construction company will earn $2.47 per share for the quarter, up from their previous forecast of $2.35. The consensus estimate for Dycom Industries current full-year earnings is $7.97 per share. Zacks Research also issued estimates for Dycom Industries Q4 2025 earnings at $1.04 EPS, FY2025 earnings at $8.09 EPS, Q1 2026 earnings at $1.52 EPS, Q2 2026 earnings at $2.50 EPS, Q3 2026 earnings at $2.77 EPS, Q4 2026 earnings at $1.77 EPS, FY2026 earnings at $8.56 EPS, Q1 2027 earnings at $2.27 EPS and Q2 2027 earnings at $2.58 EPS.

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Several other equities analysts have also recently weighed in on the stock. Wells Fargo & Company raised their price target on shares of Dycom Industries from $185.00 to $200.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 17th. KeyCorp boosted their price target on shares of Dycom Industries from $195.00 to $200.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, August 22nd. B. Riley increased their price objective on shares of Dycom Industries from $205.00 to $208.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, August 22nd. Craig Hallum lifted their target price on Dycom Industries from $145.00 to $190.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, May 23rd. Finally, StockNews.com cut Dycom Industries from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, July 26th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, six have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Buy and an average target price of $199.57.

Dycom Industries Stock Up 3.2 %

Shares of Dycom Industries stock opened at $185.05 on Thursday. The firm has a market cap of $5.38 billion, a PE ratio of 23.85, a P/E/G ratio of 1.81 and a beta of 1.41. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $177.63 and its 200 day simple moving average is $160.73. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.81, a quick ratio of 3.25 and a current ratio of 3.44. Dycom Industries has a 52-week low of $78.42 and a 52-week high of $196.34.

Dycom Industries (NYSE:DY  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, August 21st. The construction company reported $2.46 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.26 by $0.20. The business had revenue of $1.20 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.20 billion. Dycom Industries had a net margin of 5.37% and a return on equity of 22.28%. The firms revenue was up 15.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $2.03 EPS.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Dycom Industries news, VP Jason T. Lawson sold 856 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, July 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $174.48, for a total transaction of $149,354.88. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now owns 6,937 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,210,367.76. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Company insiders own 4.28% of the companys stock.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Dycom Industries

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Ironwood Investment Management LLC grew its position in shares of Dycom Industries by 0.4% during the 2nd quarter. Ironwood Investment Management LLC now owns 14,625 shares of the construction companys stock worth $2,468,000 after purchasing an additional 58 shares in the last quarter. Somerset Trust Co lifted its position in shares of Dycom Industries by 1.6% during the 2nd quarter. Somerset Trust Co now owns 4,448 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $751,000 after acquiring an additional 68 shares during the period. Thompson Davis & CO. Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Dycom Industries by 2.9% during the 1st quarter. Thompson Davis & CO. Inc. now owns 2,675 shares of the construction companys stock worth $384,000 after purchasing an additional 75 shares in the last quarter. Arizona State Retirement System increased its position in shares of Dycom Industries by 1.0% in the second quarter. Arizona State Retirement System now owns 8,145 shares of the construction companys stock worth $1,375,000 after purchasing an additional 82 shares during the period. Finally, Inspire Advisors LLC raised its stake in Dycom Industries by 1.3% in the second quarter. Inspire Advisors LLC now owns 7,059 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $1,191,000 after purchasing an additional 90 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 98.33% of the companys stock.

About Dycom Industries

(Get Free Report)

Dycom Industries, Inc provides specialty contracting services to the telecommunications infrastructure and utility industries in the United States. The company offers engineering services to telecommunications providers, including the planning and design of aerial, underground, and buried fiber optic, copper, and coaxial cable systems; wireless networks in connection with the deployment of macro cell and new small cell sites; and program and project management and inspection personnel.

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Edwards Lifesciences (NYSE:EW  Free Report) had its price objective lowered by Barclays from $90.00 to $80.00 in a report published on Monday morning, Benzinga reports. Barclays currently has an overweight rating on the medical research companys stock.

Several other research firms also recently weighed in on EW. Canaccord Genuity Group lowered their price target on shares of Edwards Lifesciences from $85.00 to $77.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, July 25th. Royal Bank of Canada lowered their price target on shares of Edwards Lifesciences from $101.00 to $85.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, July 25th. Stifel Nicolaus lowered their price objective on shares of Edwards Lifesciences from $85.00 to $70.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, July 25th. Evercore ISI lowered their price objective on shares of Edwards Lifesciences from $91.00 to $76.00 and set an in-line rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, July 25th. Finally, StockNews.com downgraded shares of Edwards Lifesciences from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, July 25th. Fifteen equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, eleven have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $80.81.

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Edwards Lifesciences Price Performance

Shares of Edwards Lifesciences stock opened at $68.25 on Monday. The stock has a market capitalization of $41.11 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 29.42, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.79 and a beta of 1.13. The company has a fifty day moving average of $73.32 and a 200-day moving average of $83.72. Edwards Lifesciences has a 52-week low of $58.93 and a 52-week high of $96.12. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.08, a quick ratio of 2.87 and a current ratio of 3.71.

Edwards Lifesciences (NYSE:EW  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 24th. The medical research company reported $0.70 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.69 by $0.01. The business had revenue of $1.63 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.65 billion. Edwards Lifesciences had a net margin of 24.55% and a return on equity of 22.35%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 6.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $0.66 earnings per share. Equities research analysts expect that Edwards Lifesciences will post 2.7 EPS for the current year.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other Edwards Lifesciences news, VP Donald E. Bobo, Jr. sold 5,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, September 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $66.77, for a total value of $333,850.00. Following the sale, the vice president now owns 46,936 shares in the company, valued at $3,133,916.72. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In other Edwards Lifesciences news, VP Donald E. Bobo, Jr. sold 5,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, September 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $66.77, for a total value of $333,850.00. Following the sale, the vice president now owns 46,936 shares in the company, valued at $3,133,916.72. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, VP Daveen Chopra sold 1,250 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $69.95, for a total transaction of $87,437.50. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now owns 29,333 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,051,843.35. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 16,250 shares of company stock valued at $1,218,138 over the last three months. Corporate insiders own 1.29% of the companys stock.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Edwards Lifesciences

A number of institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Cim LLC grew its holdings in shares of Edwards Lifesciences by 1.4% during the second quarter. Cim LLC now owns 186,769 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $17,252,000 after buying an additional 2,641 shares during the last quarter. Sanctuary Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Edwards Lifesciences during the second quarter valued at approximately $8,917,000. New Century Financial Group LLC grew its holdings in shares of Edwards Lifesciences by 34.2% during the second quarter. New Century Financial Group LLC now owns 3,579 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $331,000 after buying an additional 912 shares during the last quarter. Heartland Bank & Trust Co purchased a new stake in shares of Edwards Lifesciences during the second quarter valued at approximately $586,000. Finally, SPC Financial Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Edwards Lifesciences during the second quarter valued at approximately $213,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 79.46% of the companys stock.

About Edwards Lifesciences

(Get Free Report)

Edwards Lifesciences Corporation provides products and technologies for structural heart disease and critical care monitoring in the United States, Europe, Japan, and internationally. It offers transcatheter heart valve replacement products for the minimally invasive replacement of aortic heart valves under the Edwards SAPIEN family of valves system; and transcatheter heart valve repair and replacement products to treat mitral and tricuspid valve diseases under the PASCAL PRECISION and Cardioband names.

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Shares of Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY  Get Free Report) were down 0.2% on Tuesday . The stock traded as low as $904.55 and last traded at $906.53. Approximately 426,719 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 86% from the average daily volume of 3,044,267 shares. The stock had previously closed at $908.27.

Analyst Ratings Changes

LLY has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. Berenberg Bank lifted their target price on Eli Lilly and Company from $1,000.00 to $1,050.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 14th. Morgan Stanley reissued an overweight rating and issued a $1,106.00 price objective on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research report on Tuesday, August 27th. Bank of America increased their target price on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $1,000.00 to $1,125.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Friday, August 9th. Evercore ISI upgraded shares of Eli Lilly and Company to a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, September 5th. Finally, Truist Financial restated a buy rating and set a $1,000.00 price objective (up from $892.00) on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research note on Tuesday, June 25th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seventeen have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $961.76.

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Eli Lilly and Company Price Performance

The company has a current ratio of 1.11, a quick ratio of 0.87 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.74. The company has a market capitalization of $875.22 billion, a P/E ratio of 135.62, a P/E/G ratio of 2.73 and a beta of 0.42. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $896.20 and a 200 day moving average price of $831.11.

Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 8th. The company reported $3.92 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate 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 during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $9.83 billion. On average, equities analysts predict that Eli Lilly and Company will post 16.51 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Eli Lilly and Company Announces Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, September 10th. Investors of record on Thursday, August 15th were paid a $1.30 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, August 15th. This represents a $5.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.56%. Eli Lilly and Companys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 76.58%.

Insider Buying and Selling at Eli Lilly and Company

In other news, major shareholder Lilly Endowment Inc sold 210,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on 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 transaction, the insider now owns 96,943,810 shares of the companys stock, valued at $91,109,731,514.20. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Insiders have sold a total of 661,900 shares of company stock valued at $604,721,602 in the last three months. 0.13% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Eli Lilly and Company

Institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Norges Bank bought a new stake in Eli Lilly and Company in the 4th quarter valued at about $5,992,890,000. Swedbank AB acquired a new stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company in the first quarter valued at approximately $932,797,000. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 1.6% in the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 72,745,011 shares of the companys stock valued at $56,592,709,000 after buying an additional 1,133,810 shares during the period. Wulff Hansen & CO. boosted its stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 90,438.0% in the second quarter. Wulff Hansen & CO. now owns 937,068 shares of the companys stock valued at $848,403,000 after buying an additional 936,033 shares during the period. Finally, GQG Partners LLC grew its position in Eli Lilly and Company by 20.2% during the first quarter. GQG Partners LLC now owns 3,848,886 shares of the companys stock worth $2,994,280,000 after buying an additional 648,094 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 82.53% of the companys stock.

About Eli Lilly and Company

(Get Free Report)

Eli Lilly and Company discovers, develops, and markets human pharmaceuticals worldwide. The company offers Basaglar, Humalog, Humalog Mix 75/25, Humalog U-100, Humalog U-200, Humalog Mix 50/50, insulin lispro, insulin lispro protamine, insulin lispro mix 75/25, Humulin, Humulin 70/30, Humulin N, Humulin R, and Humulin U-500 for diabetes; Jardiance, Mounjaro, and Trulicity for type 2 diabetes; and Zepbound for obesity.

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AvalonBay Communities (NYSE:AVB  Free Report) had its price objective increased by Evercore ISI from $223.00 to $225.00 in a report issued on Monday, Benzinga reports. They currently have an in-line rating on the real estate investment trusts stock.

Several other analysts also recently issued reports on the company. Piper Sandler upped their price target on AvalonBay Communities from $230.00 to $255.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, August 2nd. UBS Group increased their price target on AvalonBay Communities from $210.00 to $228.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, July 18th. Morgan Stanley boosted their price objective on shares of AvalonBay Communities from $203.00 to $209.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, May 14th. Scotiabank upped their price objective on shares of AvalonBay Communities from $218.00 to $229.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a report on Monday, August 26th. Finally, Truist Financial lifted their target price on shares of AvalonBay Communities from $213.00 to $230.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, August 27th. Thirteen equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $218.94.

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Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on AVB

AvalonBay Communities Price Performance

Shares of AVB opened at $229.95 on Monday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.71, a quick ratio of 2.03 and a current ratio of 2.03. The firm has a market cap of $32.70 billion, a PE ratio of 34.22, a PEG ratio of 3.03 and a beta of 0.97. The firms 50 day moving average price is $212.99 and its 200 day moving average price is $198.57. AvalonBay Communities has a twelve month low of $160.45 and a twelve month high of $230.31.

AvalonBay Communities (NYSE:AVB  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 31st. The real estate investment trust reported $1.78 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $2.71 by ($0.93). The business had revenue of $726.04 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $718.49 million. AvalonBay Communities had a net margin of 29.61% and a return on equity of 7.16%. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $2.66 EPS. As a group, research analysts expect that AvalonBay Communities will post 11 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Insider Transactions at AvalonBay Communities

In other AvalonBay Communities news, SVP Keri A. Shea sold 2,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $207.17, for a total value of $414,340.00. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now directly owns 4,383 shares in the company, valued at $908,026.11. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this link. In related news, SVP Keri A. Shea sold 2,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $207.17, for a total transaction of $414,340.00. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now owns 4,383 shares in the company, valued at approximately $908,026.11. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, CIO Matthew H. Birenbaum sold 5,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, August 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $208.90, for a total transaction of $1,044,500.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive now owns 65,967 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $13,780,506.30. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.42% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Opal Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of AvalonBay Communities during the second quarter worth $32,000. Versant Capital Management Inc raised its holdings in AvalonBay Communities by 1,877.8% during the 2nd quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc now owns 178 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $37,000 after purchasing an additional 169 shares during the last quarter. BROOKFIELD Corp ON acquired a new position in AvalonBay Communities during the 1st quarter valued at about $39,000. Pinnacle Bancorp Inc. boosted its stake in shares of AvalonBay Communities by 50.0% in the 1st quarter. Pinnacle Bancorp Inc. now owns 225 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $42,000 after purchasing an additional 75 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV grew its position in shares of AvalonBay Communities by 38.8% during the 2nd quarter. Massmutual Trust Co. FSB ADV now owns 261 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $54,000 after buying an additional 73 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 92.61% of the companys stock.

About AvalonBay Communities

(Get Free Report)

As of December 31, 2023, the Company owned or held a direct or indirect ownership interest in 299 apartment communities containing 90,669 apartment homes in 12 states and the District of Columbia, of which 18 communities were under development. The Company is an equity REIT in the business of developing, redeveloping, acquiring and managing apartment communities in leading metropolitan areas in New England, the New York/New Jersey Metro area, the Mid-Atlantic, the Pacific Northwest, and Northern and Southern California, as well as in the Company's expansion regions of Raleigh-Durham and Charlotte, North Carolina, Southeast Florida, Dallas and Austin, Texas, and Denver, Colorado.

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United Microelectronics (NYSE:UMC  Get Free Report) and BE Semiconductor Industries (OTCMKTS:BESIY  Get Free Report) are both computer and technology companies, but which is the superior investment? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their dividends, risk, earnings, institutional ownership, profitability, valuation and analyst recommendations.

Dividends

United Microelectronics pays an annual dividend of $0.35 per share and has a dividend yield of 4.0%. BE Semiconductor Industries pays an annual dividend of $1.96 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.6%. United Microelectronics pays out 50.0% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. BE Semiconductor Industries pays out 82.0% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. United Microelectronics is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and lower payout ratio.

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Analyst Ratings

This is a summary of recent ratings and recommmendations for United Microelectronics and BE Semiconductor Industries, as provided by MarketBeat.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score United Microelectronics 0 1 2 0 2.67 BE Semiconductor Industries 0 0 0 0 N/A

Earnings & Valuation

United Microelectronics currently has a consensus price target of $8.90, indicating a potential upside of 1.71%. Given United Microelectronics higher probable upside, research analysts clearly believe United Microelectronics is more favorable than BE Semiconductor Industries.

This table compares United Microelectronics and BE Semiconductor Industriess top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio United Microelectronics $7.25 billion 3.03 $1.95 billion $0.70 12.50 BE Semiconductor Industries $626.45 million N/A $191.66 million $2.39 50.79

United Microelectronics has higher revenue and earnings than BE Semiconductor Industries. United Microelectronics is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than BE Semiconductor Industries, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Institutional and Insider Ownership

5.1% of United Microelectronics shares are held by institutional investors. 8.0% of United Microelectronics shares are held by company insiders. Comparatively, 1.6% of BE Semiconductor Industries shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a stock is poised for long-term growth.

Volatility and Risk

United Microelectronics has a beta of 1.18, indicating that its share price is 18% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, BE Semiconductor Industries has a beta of 1.75, indicating that its share price is 75% more volatile than the S&P 500.

Profitability

This table compares United Microelectronics and BE Semiconductor Industries net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets United Microelectronics 23.90% 14.80% 9.41% BE Semiconductor Industries 28.56% 38.81% 18.45%

Summary

United Microelectronics beats BE Semiconductor Industries on 8 of the 14 factors compared between the two stocks.

About United Microelectronics

(Get Free Report)

United Microelectronics Corporation operates as a semiconductor wafer foundry in Taiwan, Singapore, China, Hong Kong, Japan, the United States, Europe, and internationally. The company provides circuit design, mask tooling, wafer fabrication, and assembly and testing services. It serves fabless design companies and integrated device manufacturers. The company was incorporated in 1980 and is headquartered in Hsinchu City, Taiwan.

About BE Semiconductor Industries

(Get Free Report)

BE Semiconductor Industries N.V. engages in the development, manufacture, marketing, sale, and service of semiconductor assembly equipment for the semiconductor and electronics industries in China, the United States, Malaysia, Ireland, Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Other Asia Pacific and Europe, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Die Attach, Packaging, and Plating. The company's principal products include die attach equipment, such as single chip, multi-chip, multi module, flip chip, thermal compression bonding, fan out wafer level packaging, hybrid and embedded bridge die bonding, and die sorting systems; and packaging equipment, including conventional, ultra-thin, and wafer level molding, as well as trim and form, and singulation systems. It also provides plating equipment, such as tin, copper, and precious metal and solar plating systems, as well as related process chemicals; and tooling, conversion kits, spare parts, and other services. The company's principal brand names include Datacon, Esec, Fico, and Meco. It offers its products primarily to multinational chip manufacturers, assembly subcontractors, and electronics and industrial companies. BE Semiconductor Industries N.V. was incorporated in 1995 and is headquartered in Duiven, the Netherlands.

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Franklin U.S. Mid Cap Multifactor Index ETF (BATS:FLQM  Get Free Report) shares hit a new 52-week high on Monday . The stock traded as high as $53.76 and last traded at $53.33, with a volume of 62821 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $53.05.

Franklin U.S. Mid Cap Multifactor Index ETF Price Performance

The firm has a market cap of $641.78 million, a PE ratio of 16.96 and a beta of 0.90. The companys 50 day moving average price is $52.93 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $52.05.

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Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in FLQM. Cetera Investment Advisers bought a new position in shares of Franklin U.S. Mid Cap Multifactor Index ETF in the first quarter worth about $10,548,000. Raymond James & Associates grew its holdings in shares of Franklin U.S. Mid Cap Multifactor Index ETF by 119.1% in the second quarter. Raymond James & Associates now owns 342,750 shares of the companys stock worth $17,580,000 after purchasing an additional 186,321 shares during the last quarter. Commonwealth Equity Services LLC grew its holdings in shares of Franklin U.S. Mid Cap Multifactor Index ETF by 119.2% in the second quarter. Commonwealth Equity Services LLC now owns 216,678 shares of the companys stock worth $11,113,000 after purchasing an additional 117,829 shares during the last quarter. LPL Financial LLC grew its holdings in shares of Franklin U.S. Mid Cap Multifactor Index ETF by 6.2% in the second quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 1,839,793 shares of the companys stock worth $94,363,000 after purchasing an additional 107,556 shares during the last quarter. Finally, CWM LLC grew its holdings in shares of Franklin U.S. Mid Cap Multifactor Index ETF by 12.5% in the second quarter. CWM LLC now owns 761,015 shares of the companys stock worth $39,032,000 after purchasing an additional 84,455 shares during the last quarter.

Franklin U.S. Mid Cap Multifactor Index ETF Company Profile

The Franklin U.S. Mid Cap Multifactor Index ETF (FLQM) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the LibertyQ US Mid Cap Equity index. The fund tracks a US-listed mid-cap equity index that selects and weights constituents based on four factors: quality, value, momentum, and volatility. FLQM was launched on Apr 26, 2017 and is managed by Franklin Templeton.

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Graphic Packaging Holding (NYSE:GPK  Get Free Report) declared a quarterly dividend on Thursday, August 1st, Wall Street Journal reports. Stockholders of record on Sunday, September 15th will be given a dividend of 0.10 per share by the industrial products company on Saturday, October 5th. This represents a $0.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.38%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, September 13th.

Graphic Packaging has increased its dividend by an average of 10.1% annually over the last three years. Graphic Packaging has a payout ratio of 13.8% meaning its dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings. Equities analysts expect Graphic Packaging to earn $2.90 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $0.40 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 13.8%.

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Graphic Packaging Stock Performance

Shares of GPK opened at $29.01 on Thursday. The stock has a market capitalization of $8.91 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.13, a P/E/G ratio of 5.13 and a beta of 0.83. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.75, a quick ratio of 0.58 and a current ratio of 1.45. Graphic Packaging has a 1 year low of $20.07 and a 1 year high of $30.66. The companys fifty day moving average is $28.19 and its two-hundred day moving average is $27.75.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Graphic Packaging ( NYSE:GPK Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, July 30th. The industrial products company reported $0.60 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.56 by $0.04. The business had revenue of $2.24 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.27 billion. Graphic Packaging had a net margin of 7.93% and a return on equity of 30.74%. The businesss revenue was down 6.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $0.66 earnings per share. On average, sell-side analysts predict that Graphic Packaging will post 2.66 earnings per share for the current year.

Several analysts have recently commented on GPK shares. Robert W. Baird raised their price target on Graphic Packaging from $30.00 to $36.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, July 31st. Stifel Nicolaus started coverage on Graphic Packaging in a research note on Tuesday, July 9th. They issued a buy rating and a $35.20 target price on the stock. StockNews.com raised Graphic Packaging from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, August 1st. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price target on shares of Graphic Packaging from $21.00 to $24.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a report on Wednesday, July 31st. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada restated an outperform rating and set a $35.00 target price on shares of Graphic Packaging in a research report on Wednesday, September 4th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating and seven have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $31.15.

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Insider Buying and Selling

In other Graphic Packaging news, CEO Michael P. Doss sold 49,183 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $27.91, for a total transaction of $1,372,697.53. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 1,909,576 shares of the companys stock, valued at $53,296,266.16. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. In related news, CEO Michael P. Doss sold 86,374 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, August 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $28.05, for a total transaction of $2,422,790.70. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 2,123,202 shares in the company, valued at approximately $59,555,816.10. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, CEO Michael P. Doss sold 49,183 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, August 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $27.91, for a total transaction of $1,372,697.53. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 1,909,576 shares of the companys stock, valued at $53,296,266.16. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Corporate insiders own 1.20% of the companys stock.

About Graphic Packaging

(Get Free Report)

Graphic Packaging Holding Company, together with its subsidiaries, designs, produces, and sells consumer packaging products to brands in food, beverage, foodservice, household, and other consumer products. It operates through three segments: Paperboard Manufacturing, Americas Paperboard Packaging, and Europe Paperboard Packaging.

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HHM Wealth Advisors LLC trimmed its position in shares of Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (NYSEARCA:VWO  Free Report) by 8.6% during the second quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 2,918 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 275 shares during the quarter. HHM Wealth Advisors LLCs holdings in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF were worth $128,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Other hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Biltmore Family Office LLC boosted its stake in shares of Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 7.2% in the 2nd quarter. Biltmore Family Office LLC now owns 6,347 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $278,000 after buying an additional 427 shares during the last quarter. Jordan Park Group LLC lifted its holdings in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 1.4% during the second quarter. Jordan Park Group LLC now owns 500,829 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $21,916,000 after acquiring an additional 6,843 shares during the period. Studio Investment Management LLC boosted its position in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 13.1% in the second quarter. Studio Investment Management LLC now owns 22,749 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $995,000 after purchasing an additional 2,628 shares during the last quarter. Headlands Technologies LLC bought a new position in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF in the 2nd quarter valued at $199,000. Finally, Gryphon Financial Partners LLC increased its position in shares of Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 22.8% during the 2nd quarter. Gryphon Financial Partners LLC now owns 12,907 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $565,000 after purchasing an additional 2,400 shares during the last quarter.

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Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF Stock Performance

Shares of NYSEARCA:VWO opened at $43.97 on Thursday. Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF has a fifty-two week low of $37.46 and a fifty-two week high of $45.72. The companys 50-day moving average is $44.18 and its 200 day moving average is $43.25. The company has a market capitalization of $79.59 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.50 and a beta of 0.80.

Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF Company Profile

The Fund seeks to track the performance of the FTSE Emerging Markets All Cap China A Inclusion Index, that measures the return of stocks issued by companies located in emerging market countries.

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Idaho Trust Bank purchased a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI Hong Kong ETF (NYSEARCA:EWH  Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund purchased 26,418 shares of the exchange traded funds stock, valued at approximately $404,000.

Other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Barings LLC raised its stake in shares of iShares MSCI Hong Kong ETF by 10.2% during the 2nd quarter. Barings LLC now owns 479,046 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $7,329,000 after acquiring an additional 44,269 shares in the last quarter. Upper Left Wealth Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI Hong Kong ETF during the 2nd quarter valued at $226,000. McAdam LLC acquired a new position in iShares MSCI Hong Kong ETF during the 2nd quarter valued at about $196,000. Raymond James & Associates increased its position in iShares MSCI Hong Kong ETF by 3.4% during the 2nd quarter. Raymond James & Associates now owns 290,072 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $4,438,000 after buying an additional 9,584 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Jane Street Group LLC raised its stake in iShares MSCI Hong Kong ETF by 1,870.8% in the first quarter. Jane Street Group LLC now owns 556,353 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $8,651,000 after buying an additional 528,123 shares during the last quarter. 50.59% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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iShares MSCI Hong Kong ETF Stock Performance

Shares of EWH stock opened at $15.76 on Thursday. iShares MSCI Hong Kong ETF has a fifty-two week low of $14.64 and a fifty-two week high of $18.11. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $15.57 and its 200-day simple moving average is $15.97.

iShares MSCI Hong Kong ETF Company Profile

iShares MSCI Hong Kong Index Fund, formerly Shares MSCI Hong Kong ETF, (the Fund), is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of publicly traded securities in the Hong Kong market, as measured by the MSCI Hong Kong Index (the Index).

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Shares of Interfor Co. (OTCMKTS:IFSPF  Get Free Report) shot up 0.1% during mid-day trading on Monday . The stock traded as high as $12.33 and last traded at $12.33. 313 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 99% from the average session volume of 22,192 shares. The stock had previously closed at $12.32.

Interfor Price Performance

The firms 50 day moving average is $12.16 and its 200-day moving average is $13.20.

Interfor Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Interfor Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, produces and sells wood products in Canada, the United States, Japan, China, Taiwan, and internationally. It offers decking, fascia and board, framing, v-joint paneling, fineline paneling, and siding products, as well as appearance, structural, studs, timbers, and machine stress related products.

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Stock analysts at Wells Fargo & Company began coverage on shares of Invesco (NYSE:IVZ  Get Free Report) in a research report issued to clients and investors on Thursday, Briefing.com reports. The brokerage set an underweight rating and a $16.00 price target on the asset managers stock. Wells Fargo & Companys price objective would suggest a potential upside of 1.33% from the stocks previous close.

IVZ has been the subject of several other research reports. StockNews.com cut shares of Invesco from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Saturday, August 31st. Barclays initiated coverage on Invesco in a report on Tuesday, August 27th. They issued an equal weight rating and a $18.00 price objective for the company. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lifted their target price on Invesco from $16.00 to $17.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, August 15th. Royal Bank of Canada increased their price target on Invesco from $16.00 to $17.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research note on Thursday, July 25th. Finally, Evercore ISI lifted their price objective on shares of Invesco from $17.00 to $18.00 and gave the company an in-line rating in a research note on Tuesday, August 20th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eleven have given a hold rating and one has given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $16.98.

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Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on IVZ

Invesco Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE IVZ opened at $15.79 on Thursday. The company has a quick ratio of 5.80, a current ratio of 5.80 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.68. The firms 50-day moving average price is $16.35 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $15.77. Invesco has a 52-week low of $12.48 and a 52-week high of $18.28. The stock has a market capitalization of $7.10 billion, a P/E ratio of -21.05, a P/E/G ratio of 1.08 and a beta of 1.44.

Invesco (NYSE:IVZ  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, July 23rd. The asset manager reported $0.43 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.40 by $0.03. Invesco had a positive return on equity of 8.41% and a negative net margin of 1.73%. The business had revenue of $1.09 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.09 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $0.31 EPS. The businesss revenue was down .4% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Invesco will post 1.65 earnings per share for the current year.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Invesco

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Family Firm Inc. purchased a new stake in Invesco during the second quarter valued at about $28,000. Sentry Investment Management LLC acquired a new position in Invesco in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $30,000. Quarry LP acquired a new position in Invesco in the 4th quarter worth approximately $37,000. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC raised its stake in Invesco by 182.0% during the 4th quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 2,462 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $44,000 after purchasing an additional 1,589 shares during the period. Finally, Fidelis Capital Partners LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Invesco in the first quarter valued at $52,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 66.09% of the companys stock.

Invesco Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Invesco Ltd. is a publicly owned investment manager. The firm provides its services to retail clients, institutional clients, high-net worth clients, public entities, corporations, unions, non-profit organizations, endowments, foundations, pension funds, financial institutions, and sovereign wealth funds.

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A number of firms have modified their ratings and price targets on shares of National Bank of Canada (TSE: NA) recently:

9/6/2024  National Bank of Canada had its price target raised by analysts at CIBC from C$134.00 to C$135.00.

8/29/2024  National Bank of Canada had its price target raised by analysts at BMO Capital Markets from C$115.00 to C$125.00.

8/29/2024  National Bank of Canada had its price target raised by analysts at Canaccord Genuity Group Inc. from C$113.00 to C$123.00.

8/29/2024  National Bank of Canada had its price target raised by analysts at CIBC from C$122.00 to C$134.00.

8/29/2024  National Bank of Canada had its price target raised by analysts at Cormark from C$122.00 to C$128.00.

8/29/2024  National Bank of Canada had its price target raised by analysts at Jefferies Financial Group Inc. from C$119.00 to C$126.00.

8/29/2024  National Bank of Canada had its price target raised by analysts at Royal Bank of Canada from C$113.00 to C$116.00.

8/29/2024  National Bank of Canada had its price target raised by analysts at Scotiabank from C$120.00 to C$129.00.

8/29/2024  National Bank of Canada had its price target raised by analysts at TD Securities from C$123.00 to C$129.00.

8/20/2024  National Bank of Canada had its price target lowered by analysts at CIBC from C$124.00 to C$122.00. They now have an outperform rating on the stock.

8/20/2024  National Bank of Canada had its price target raised by analysts at Cormark from C$121.00 to C$122.00. They now have a market perform rating on the stock.

8/19/2024  National Bank of Canada had its price target lowered by analysts at Scotiabank from C$123.00 to C$120.00.

8/12/2024  National Bank of Canada had its price target lowered by analysts at Jefferies Financial Group Inc. from C$121.00 to C$119.00. They now have a hold rating on the stock.

8/8/2024  National Bank of Canada had its price target raised by analysts at TD Securities from C$121.00 to C$123.00.

8/6/2024  National Bank of Canada had its price target raised by analysts at Desjardins from C$116.00 to C$118.00. They now have a hold rating on the stock.

National Bank of Canada Stock Performance

Shares of TSE NA traded down C$0.22 during midday trading on Thursday, reaching C$127.58. 469,932 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,719,632. National Bank of Canada has a 52-week low of C$84.27 and a 52-week high of C$128.24. The stock has a market capitalization of C$43.43 billion, a PE ratio of 12.42, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 17.04 and a beta of 1.12. The businesss fifty day moving average price is C$116.33 and its two-hundred day moving average price is C$113.33.

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National Bank of Canada (TSE:NA  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, August 28th. The financial services provider reported C$2.68 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of C$2.50 by C$0.18. National Bank of Canada had a return on equity of 15.18% and a net margin of 34.50%. The firm had revenue of C$2.98 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of C$2.95 billion. Analysts predict that National Bank of Canada will post 10.7004292 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

National Bank of Canada Announces Dividend

Insider Buying and Selling at National Bank of Canada

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, November 1st. Shareholders of record on Monday, September 30th will be paid a dividend of $1.10 per share. This represents a $4.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.45%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, September 27th. National Bank of Canadas dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 42.84%.

In other news, Senior Officer Lucie Blanchet sold 8,800 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, June 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$107.59, for a total value of C$946,792.00. In related news, Senior Officer Lucie Blanchet sold 8,800 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, June 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$107.59, for a total value of C$946,792.00. Also, Director Yvon Charest acquired 325 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, August 19th. The stock was acquired at an average price of C$117.24 per share, with a total value of C$38,103.00. Company insiders own 0.20% of the companys stock.

National Bank of Canada provides financial services to individuals, businesses, institutional clients, and governments in Canada and internationally. It operates through four segments: Personal and Commercial, Wealth Management, Financial Markets, and U.S. Specialty Finance and International. The Personal and Commercial segment offers personal banking services, including transaction solutions, mortgage loans and home equity lines of credit, consumer loans, payment solutions, and savings and investment solutions; various insurance products; and commercial banking services, such as credit, and deposit, investment solutions, international trade, foreign exchange transactions, payroll, cash management, insurance, electronic transactions, and complimentary services.

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Jinxin Technology (NAMI) plans to raise $9 million in an initial public offering (IPO) on the week of September 23rd, IPO Scoop reports. The company plans to issue 1,900,000 shares at $4.00-$5.00 per share.

In the last 12 months, Jinxin Technology generated $53.5 million in revenue and $11.8 million in net income. The company has a market cap of $291 million.

Craft Capital Management, WestPark and R.F. Lafferty & Co. acted as the underwriters for the IPO.

Jinxin Technology provided the following description of their company for its IPO: (Incorporated in the Cayman Islands) We are an innovative digital content service provider in China. Leveraging our powerful digital content generation engine powered by advanced AI/AR/VR/digital human technologies, we are committed to offering our users high-qualityA digital content services through both our own platform and the content distribution channels of our strong partners. We currently target K-9A students in China, with core expertise in providing them digital and integrated educational content, and plan to further expand our service offerings to provide premium and engaging digital contents to other age groups. We were the largest digital textbook platform and a leading digital educational content provider for K-9A students in China, both in terms of revenue in 2022, according to Frost & Sullivan. We collaborate with leading textbook publishers in China and provide digital version of mainstream textbooks used in primary schools and middle schools. Our digital textbooks primarily cover Chinese and English subjects used in K-9A schools in China. We also create and develop digital self-learningA contents and leisure reading materials in-house. Our AI-generatedA content technology enables our comprehensive digital contents to deliver an interactive, intelligent and entertaining learning experience. Textbooks have been the primary teaching instrument for most children. Access to an advanced and intelligent version of textbook is becoming a rising demand, particularly among K-9A students who are at early stage of learning and forming an efficient learning style. There are currently over 150A million K-9A students in China while the digitization rate of textbook remains relatively low. Since our inception in 2014, we have built expertise in creating digitized, interactive and intelligent textbooks that we believe improve K-9A studentsa learning experience. Previously, CDs were the most common learning equipment used by K-9A students to assist with studying textbook in China. We are committed to replacing outdated learning materials and equipment with our intelligent, interactive digital products and resources, and eventually cultivate a fresh and innovative learning style. We are authorized by major Chinese textbook publishers to digitize their proprietary textbooks, and design and develop the digital version. Besides digital textbooks, leveraging our deep insights in Chinaas childhood education sector and our technological strength, we also provide digital self-learningA materials and digital leisure reading materials, catering to the evolving and diversified needs of potential users. We have strong in-houseA content development expertise in digitized materials, amusement features, video and audio effects as well as art design. Our products and contents are imbued with the rich operational know-howA and deep understanding of Chinaas childhood education sector, which we believe make our digital contents highly compelling to our users. We distribute digital contents primarily through (i) our flagship learning app, Namibox, (ii) telecom and broadcast operators and (iii) third-partyA devices with our contents embedded. We launched our interactive and self-directedA learning app Namibox in 2014, to provide users an integrated entry point to our digital textbooks, self-learningA materials and leisure reading materials. Users can access various free contents, subscribe to advanced contents and choose to become premium members through our membership programs. In addition, we partner with all mainstream Chinese telecom and broadcast operators to tap into their large user base. Our partnered telecom and broadcast operators broadcast our various programs to end users through their respective platforms, distribute our educational contents to interested users and share certain percentage of revenues with us. Through networks of our partnered telecom and broadcast operators, individual users gain easy access to our digital contents through TVs or mobile devices. Furthermore, we cooperate with well-knownA hardware manufacturers, such as manufacturers of digital pads and intelligent TVs, and pre-installA our programs in such devices directly. The integrated distribution channels empower us to increase our brand awareness in a cost-efficientA manner, grow our user base sustainably and improve our contents continuously based on usersa real time feedbacks. Our business has evolved significantly since inception and we have never stopped reimagining and innovating our products and digital contents. We are doing this not only to cater to, but influence, the learning habits and lifestyles of our users, to fulfill their goals and enrich their lives. With innovative and high-qualityA educational contents, we have built a trusted and well recognized brand, as well as a large user base throughout China. Since our inception, our Namibox app has amassed over 79A million cumulative downloads and more than 39A million registered users as of DecemberA 31, 2023. The high-frequencyA interactions we have with users and our unique access to a large amount of mission-criticalA learning data further provide us deep insights in K-9A education sector. Fueling all of these great achievements are our technologies. We deploy advanced digitization technologies, AI technologies and big data analysis to provide superior user experience. We also deploy advanced AI technologies that power various teaching and voice assessment tools, all to improve the learning effectiveness for children. Leveraging our proprietary digital content generation engine, we are able to consistently refine and upgrade our educational contents, as well as to intelligently recommend content to our users, continually improving user experience. We have realized steady growth with healthy financial performance since inception. Despite negative impacts caused by regulatory changes in the online education industry in 2021, our registered users increased from 29.9A million as of DecemberA 31, 2021 to 35.3A million as of DecemberA 31, 2022, and further to 39.5A million as of DecemberA 31, 2023. In addition, we recorded net income of RMB55.1A million and RMB83.5A million (US$11.8A million) in 2022 and 2023, respectively. Note: Net income and revenue are for the year that ended Dec. 31, 2023. (Note: Jinxin Technology Holding Company unveiled the terms for its IPO  1.88 million American Depositary Shares  orA 1,875,000 ADS  at a price range of $4.00 to $5.00  to raise $8.46 million, according to an F-1/A filing dated Aug. 19, 2024. Each ADS represents 33.75 million ordinary shares. Background: Jinxin Technology filed its F-1 on Aug. 10, 2023, and its confidential IPO documents on March 24, 2023.) .

Jinxin Technology was founded in 2014 and has 93 employees. The company is located at Floor 8, Building D, Shengyin Building, Shengxia Road 666 Pudong District, Shanghai 201203 Peopleas Republic of China and can be reached via phone at +86 21-5058-2081 or on the web at http://www.namibox.com/.

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Johnson Investment Counsel Inc. boosted its stake in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM  Free Report) by 1.3% in the 2nd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 389,951 shares of the semiconductor companys stock after acquiring an additional 4,860 shares during the quarter. Johnson Investment Counsel Inc.s holdings in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing were worth $67,777,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Sanders Capital LLC boosted its position in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 3.5% during the 4th quarter. Sanders Capital LLC now owns 44,527,327 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $4,630,842,000 after acquiring an additional 1,501,548 shares during the last quarter. Capital World Investors increased its stake in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 1.7% in the 1st quarter. Capital World Investors now owns 42,061,083 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $5,722,410,000 after purchasing an additional 704,804 shares during the period. Fisher Asset Management LLC increased its stake in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 1.4% in the 4th quarter. Fisher Asset Management LLC now owns 31,060,369 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $3,230,279,000 after purchasing an additional 422,976 shares during the period. Capital International Investors grew its position in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 40.2% in the 1st quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 19,695,714 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $2,679,602,000 after buying an additional 5,643,949 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Van ECK Associates Corp grew its position in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 4.3% in the 2nd quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp now owns 18,167,165 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $3,157,635,000 after buying an additional 750,971 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 16.51% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

Several equities research analysts recently weighed in on the company. Barclays lifted their price target on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from $150.00 to $170.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, June 5th. TD Cowen boosted their target price on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from $130.00 to $170.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Thursday, July 18th. Sanford C. Bernstein boosted their price target on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from $150.00 to $200.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, June 20th. Needham & Company LLC upped their price objective on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from $168.00 to $210.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Monday, July 15th. Finally, Susquehanna reiterated a positive rating and set a $250.00 price objective on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a research report on Wednesday, August 14th. One analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $200.00.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Stock Performance

Shares of TSM opened at $170.18 on Thursday. The company has a quick ratio of 2.21, a current ratio of 2.47 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.26. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $169.09 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $156.07. The stock has a market cap of $882.62 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 32.42, a PEG ratio of 0.92 and a beta of 1.14. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited has a 52 week low of $84.01 and a 52 week high of $193.47.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (NYSE:TSM  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, July 18th. The semiconductor company reported $1.48 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.37 by $0.11. The firm had revenue of $20.82 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $20.33 billion. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing had a return on equity of 25.54% and a net margin of 37.85%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 34.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $1.14 earnings per share. On average, analysts expect that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited will post 6.45 EPS for the current year.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Increases Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 9th. Investors of record on Thursday, December 12th will be paid a dividend of $0.4871 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, December 12th. This is a positive change from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings previous quarterly dividend of $0.49. This represents a $1.95 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.14%. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings dividend payout ratio is presently 32.57%.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Profile

(Free Report)

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures, packages, tests, and sells integrated circuits and other semiconductor devices in Taiwan, China, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Japan, the United States, and internationally. It provides a range of wafer fabrication processes, including processes to manufacture complementary metal- oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) logic, mixed-signal, radio frequency, embedded memory, bipolar CMOS mixed-signal, and others.

Further Reading

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TSM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM  Free Report).

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Johnson Investment Counsel Inc. lifted its position in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (NYSEARCA:IVV  Free Report) by 2.8% during the second quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund owned 1,321,468 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 35,552 shares during the period. iShares Core S&P 500 ETF makes up approximately 7.6% of Johnson Investment Counsel Inc.s investment portfolio, making the stock its biggest holding. Johnson Investment Counsel Inc.s holdings in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF were worth $723,147,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of IVV. Proffitt & Goodson Inc. grew its holdings in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 21.2% during the second quarter. Proffitt & Goodson Inc. now owns 103 shares of the companys stock worth $56,000 after buying an additional 18 shares in the last quarter. Global Trust Asset Management LLC grew its stake in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 5.3% during the 2nd quarter. Global Trust Asset Management LLC now owns 379 shares of the companys stock worth $207,000 after acquiring an additional 19 shares during the period. Independence Bank of Kentucky grew its stake in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 0.9% during the 1st quarter. Independence Bank of Kentucky now owns 2,134 shares of the companys stock worth $1,122,000 after acquiring an additional 20 shares during the period. Unionview LLC grew its stake in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 0.6% during the 1st quarter. Unionview LLC now owns 3,293 shares of the companys stock worth $1,731,000 after acquiring an additional 20 shares during the period. Finally, MTM Investment Management LLC grew its stake in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 6.9% during the 2nd quarter. MTM Investment Management LLC now owns 308 shares of the companys stock worth $169,000 after acquiring an additional 20 shares during the period.

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iShares Core S&P 500 ETF Stock Performance

IVV stock opened at $557.35 on Thursday. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $552.57 and a 200-day moving average of $534.45. The company has a market capitalization of $480.94 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.23 and a beta of 0.99. iShares Core S&P 500 ETF has a fifty-two week low of $411.02 and a fifty-two week high of $568.24.

About iShares Core S&P 500 ETF

iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (the Fund) is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Standard & Poors 500 Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of the large-capitalization sector of the United States equity market.

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Jupiter Asset Management Ltd. bought a new position in shares of First Horizon Co. (NYSE:FHN  Free Report) during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor bought 4,234,548 shares of the financial services providers stock, valued at approximately $66,779,000. Jupiter Asset Management Ltd. owned approximately 0.77% of First Horizon as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

A number of other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its stake in First Horizon by 1.1% during the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 57,574,002 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $886,640,000 after buying an additional 627,730 shares in the last quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp raised its position in First Horizon by 13.6% during the second quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 32,389,497 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $510,782,000 after purchasing an additional 3,870,946 shares in the last quarter. LSV Asset Management lifted its stake in First Horizon by 5.2% during the second quarter. LSV Asset Management now owns 14,025,838 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $221,187,000 after purchasing an additional 692,100 shares during the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP boosted its holdings in shares of First Horizon by 10.1% in the 4th quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 9,641,140 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $136,526,000 after purchasing an additional 883,503 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Norges Bank bought a new position in shares of First Horizon in the 4th quarter valued at $86,487,000. Institutional investors own 80.28% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

Several analysts recently weighed in on FHN shares. Raymond James downgraded First Horizon from a strong-buy rating to an outperform rating and set a $18.00 price objective for the company. in a research report on Thursday, July 18th. Royal Bank of Canada raised their price target on shares of First Horizon from $18.00 to $19.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, July 18th. Jefferies Financial Group upped their price objective on shares of First Horizon from $17.00 to $18.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 3rd. Robert W. Baird restated a neutral rating and issued a $16.00 target price on shares of First Horizon in a research report on Tuesday, August 6th. Finally, StockNews.com upgraded shares of First Horizon from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, July 20th. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $17.31.

First Horizon Stock Down 1.5 %

Shares of NYSE:FHN opened at $15.26 on Thursday. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $15.96 and a 200 day simple moving average of $15.37. First Horizon Co. has a 12-month low of $10.08 and a 12-month high of $17.46. The firm has a market cap of $8.34 billion, a P/E ratio of 10.67, a P/E/G ratio of 3.11 and a beta of 0.88. The company has a quick ratio of 0.95, a current ratio of 0.95 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.14.

First Horizon (NYSE:FHN  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 17th. The financial services provider reported $0.36 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.37 by ($0.01). The company had revenue of $1.28 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $819.82 million. First Horizon had a return on equity of 8.84% and a net margin of 14.03%. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $0.39 earnings per share. Analysts predict that First Horizon Co. will post 1.46 earnings per share for the current year.

First Horizon Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 1st. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 13th will be paid a $0.15 dividend. This represents a $0.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.93%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, September 13th. First Horizons dividend payout ratio is 41.96%.

First Horizon Company Profile

(Free Report)

First Horizon Corporation operates as the bank holding company for First Horizon Bank that provides various financial services. The company operates through Regional Banking and Specialty Banking segments. It offers general banking services for consumers, businesses, financial institutions, and governments.

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Jupiter Asset Management Ltd. increased its stake in shares of W.W. Grainger, Inc. (NYSE:GWW  Free Report) by 42.9% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 68,686 shares of the industrial products companys stock after purchasing an additional 20,605 shares during the quarter. Jupiter Asset Management Ltd.s holdings in W.W. Grainger were worth $61,971,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in GWW. Brevan Howard Capital Management LP grew its holdings in shares of W.W. Grainger by 119.5% during the 4th quarter. Brevan Howard Capital Management LP now owns 2,364 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $1,959,000 after acquiring an additional 1,287 shares in the last quarter. Janus Henderson Group PLC grew its stake in W.W. Grainger by 36.6% in the first quarter. Janus Henderson Group PLC now owns 9,506 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $9,664,000 after purchasing an additional 2,548 shares in the last quarter. UBS Group AG increased its position in W.W. Grainger by 6.0% in the 4th quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 108,933 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $90,272,000 after purchasing an additional 6,197 shares during the last quarter. ORG Partners LLC raised its stake in shares of W.W. Grainger by 1,201.6% during the 2nd quarter. ORG Partners LLC now owns 833 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $748,000 after purchasing an additional 769 shares in the last quarter. Finally, State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System lifted its holdings in shares of W.W. Grainger by 11.2% during the 1st quarter. State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System now owns 59,822 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $60,857,000 after buying an additional 6,042 shares during the last quarter. 80.70% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Insider Activity at W.W. Grainger

In related news, SVP Matt Fortin sold 511 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, June 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $915.20, for a total transaction of $467,667.20. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now directly owns 1,848 shares in the company, valued at $1,691,289.60. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. 9.50% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of equities analysts recently commented on the company. Erste Group Bank restated a hold rating on shares of W.W. Grainger in a report on Friday, June 14th. Royal Bank of Canada dropped their price target on shares of W.W. Grainger from $978.00 to $972.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, August 2nd. StockNews.com lowered shares of W.W. Grainger from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, May 29th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their target price on shares of W.W. Grainger from $1,000.00 to $1,015.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, August 2nd. Finally, Baird R W cut W.W. Grainger from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, May 29th. Ten research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $1,014.11.

Read Our Latest Research Report on W.W. Grainger

W.W. Grainger Stock Performance

GWW opened at $988.64 on Thursday. 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 stocks 50 day moving average price is $956.07 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $954.45. The firm has a market capitalization of $48.51 billion, a P/E ratio of 27.30, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.88 and a beta of 1.16. W.W. Grainger, Inc. has a 12-month low of $674.41 and a 12-month high of $1,034.18.

W.W. Grainger (NYSE:GWW  Get Free Report) last announced 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. The business had revenue of $4.31 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.35 billion. W.W. Grainger had a net margin of 10.86% and a return on equity of 53.25%. W.W. Graingers revenue was up 3.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $9.28 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts forecast that W.W. Grainger, Inc. will post 38.71 earnings per share for the current year.

W.W. Grainger Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Sunday, September 1st. Stockholders of record on Monday, August 12th were given a dividend of $2.05 per share. This represents a $8.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.83%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, August 12th. W.W. Graingers dividend payout ratio is currently 22.64%.

About W.W. Grainger

(Free Report)

W.W. Grainger, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, distributes maintenance, repair, and operating products and services primarily in North America, Japan, the United Kingdom, and internationally. The company operates through two segments, High-Touch Solutions N.A. and Endless Assortment. The company provides safety, security, material handling and storage equipment, pumps and plumbing equipment, cleaning and maintenance, and metalworking and hand tools.

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Qsemble Capital Management LP raised its stake in Lockheed Martin Co. (NYSE:LMT  Free Report) by 9.9% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 4,559 shares of the aerospace companys stock after acquiring an additional 412 shares during the period. Qsemble Capital Management LPs holdings in Lockheed Martin were worth $2,130,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. GAMMA Investing LLC increased its position in Lockheed Martin by 130.0% in the second quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 3,572 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $1,668,000 after buying an additional 2,019 shares during the period. Morningstar Investment Services LLC increased its holdings in shares of Lockheed Martin by 99.6% in the 4th quarter. Morningstar Investment Services LLC now owns 147,811 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $66,697,000 after acquiring an additional 73,774 shares during the period. Brevan Howard Capital Management LP lifted its position in Lockheed Martin by 414.2% in the 4th quarter. Brevan Howard Capital Management LP now owns 7,121 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $3,228,000 after purchasing an additional 5,736 shares during the last quarter. New Mexico Educational Retirement Board boosted its stake in Lockheed Martin by 20.5% during the 1st quarter. New Mexico Educational Retirement Board now owns 14,097 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $6,222,000 after purchasing an additional 2,400 shares during the period. Finally, American National Bank increased its stake in shares of Lockheed Martin by 26.8% in the first quarter. American National Bank now owns 36,577 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $16,638,000 after purchasing an additional 7,731 shares during the period. 74.19% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several equities analysts have recently issued reports on LMT shares. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upgraded Lockheed Martin from a hold rating to a buy rating and boosted their price objective for the stock from $540.00 to $600.00 in a research report on Friday, July 26th. Barclays boosted their price target on Lockheed Martin from $480.00 to $505.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 30th. Susquehanna raised their price target on Lockheed Martin from $540.00 to $565.00 and gave the company a positive rating in a report on Wednesday, July 24th. Wells Fargo & Company upped their price objective on shares of Lockheed Martin from $483.00 to $525.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Wednesday, July 24th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their target price on shares of Lockheed Martin from $518.00 to $560.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, July 25th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have assigned a hold rating, eight have given a buy rating and two have issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $553.43.

Lockheed Martin Trading Down 0.9 %

Lockheed Martin stock opened at $566.96 on Thursday. The firm has a market cap of $135.14 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.74, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.55 and a beta of 0.47. Lockheed Martin Co. has a 1 year low of $393.77 and a 1 year high of $578.73. The firms 50 day moving average price is $530.69 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $481.95. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.10, a quick ratio of 1.07 and a current ratio of 1.24.

Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, July 23rd. The aerospace company reported $7.11 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $6.45 by $0.66. Lockheed Martin had a return on equity of 95.03% and a net margin of 9.48%. The business had revenue of $18.12 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $17.05 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $6.73 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 8.6% on a year-over-year basis. On average, research analysts predict that Lockheed Martin Co. will post 26.65 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Lockheed Martin Announces Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 27th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, September 3rd will be issued a $3.15 dividend. This represents a $12.60 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.22%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, September 3rd. Lockheed Martins payout ratio is 46.10%.

Insider Transactions at Lockheed Martin

In related news, insider Timothy S. Cahill sold 3,975 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, July 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $515.36, for a total value of $2,048,556.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 8,877 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,574,850.72. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. 0.17% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Lockheed Martin Company Profile

(Free Report)

Lockheed Martin Corporation, a security and aerospace company, engages in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration, and sustainment of technology systems, products, and services worldwide. The company operates through Aeronautics, Missiles and Fire Control, Rotary and Mission Systems, and Space segments.

Further Reading

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Mammoth Resources Corp. (CVE:MTH  Get Free Report) shares hit a new 52-week low on Monday . The stock traded as low as C$0.01 and last traded at C$0.01, with a volume of 2000 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at C$0.02.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Separately, Fundamental Research set a C$0.16 price target on Mammoth Resources and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday, June 28th.

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View Our Latest Stock Report on MTH

Mammoth Resources Price Performance

About Mammoth Resources

The company has a current ratio of 0.04, a quick ratio of 5.53 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.14. The stock has a market capitalization of C$1.01 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -1.50 and a beta of 1.98. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of C$0.01 and a 200 day moving average price of C$0.02.

(Get Free Report)

Mammoth Resources Corp., an exploration stage company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, and evaluation of mining properties in Mexico. It holds a 100% interest in the Tenoriba property consisting of four concessions, including Mapy, Mapy 2, Mapy 3, and Fernanda covering a land package of totalling 5,333 hectares located in the Sierra Madre precious metal belt in southwestern Chihuahua State, Mexico.

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Manulife Financial Co. (TSE:MFC  Get Free Report) (NYSE:MFC)s share price hit a new 52-week high on Thursday . The stock traded as high as C$37.71 and last traded at C$37.54, with a volume of 140987 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at C$37.50.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several equities research analysts have recently commented on the company. National Bankshares upped their price objective on Manulife Financial from C$38.00 to C$43.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 31st. Dbs Bank raised Manulife Financial to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Thursday, August 8th. TD Securities increased their target price on shares of Manulife Financial from C$40.00 to C$41.00 in a report on Friday, July 12th. Royal Bank of Canada lifted their price target on shares of Manulife Financial from C$38.00 to C$39.00 in a report on Friday, August 9th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group reduced their price objective on shares of Manulife Financial from C$43.00 to C$42.00 in a research note on Thursday, July 18th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating, seven have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Manulife Financial presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of C$39.18.

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Manulife Financial Trading Up 0.4 %

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 49.60, a current ratio of 36.68 and a quick ratio of 2.58. The stock has a market cap of C$67.03 billion, a PE ratio of 15.96, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 12.56 and a beta of 1.05. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of C$36.09 and a two-hundred day moving average price of C$34.67.

Manulife Financial (TSE:MFC  Get Free Report) (NYSE:MFC) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, August 7th. The financial services provider reported C$0.91 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of C$0.88 by C$0.03. The business had revenue of C$12.88 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of C$12.27 billion. Manulife Financial had a return on equity of 10.41% and a net margin of 17.34%. Sell-side analysts forecast that Manulife Financial Co. will post 4.0413943 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Manulife Financial Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, September 19th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, August 21st will be given a dividend of $0.40 per share. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, August 21st. This represents a $1.60 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.25%. Manulife Financials dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 68.09%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, Director Matthew Lyman Macinnis sold 6,708 shares of Manulife Financial stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, August 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of C$34.67, for a total value of C$232,566.36. In related news, Director Matthew Lyman Macinnis sold 6,708 shares of Manulife Financial stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$34.67, for a total transaction of C$232,566.36. Also, Director Tin Ku sold 2,166 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, September 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$37.45, for a total transaction of C$81,116.70. Following the transaction, the director now owns 253 shares in the company, valued at C$9,474.85. Insiders sold 68,821 shares of company stock valued at $2,455,596 in the last three months. Corporate insiders own 0.03% of the companys stock.

About Manulife Financial

(Get Free Report)

Manulife Financial Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides financial products and services in the United States, Canada, Asia, and internationally. The company operates through Wealth and Asset Management Businesses; Insurance and Annuity Products; and Corporate and Other segments. The Wealth and Asset Management Businesses segment offers investment advice and solutions to retirement, retail, and institutional clients through multiple distribution channels, including agents and brokers affiliated with the company, independent securities brokerage firms and financial advisors pension plan consultants, and banks.

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Mogo Inc. (TSE:MOGO  Get Free Report) shares fell 5.7% on Wednesday . The company traded as low as C$1.49 and last traded at C$1.50. 41,966 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 55% from the average session volume of 27,092 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$1.59.

Mogo Stock Down 5.7 %

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 111.91, a current ratio of 3.39 and a quick ratio of 3.99. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is C$1.86 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is C$2.23. The company has a market cap of C$36.42 million, a PE ratio of -2.17 and a beta of 3.33.

About Mogo

(Get Free Report)

Mogo Inc operates as a digital finance company in Canada, Europe, and internationally. The company's digital solutions help build wealth and achieve financial freedom. It provides MogoTrade, a stock trading app; Moka; and MogoMoney that provides online personal loans. The company also offers digital loans and mortgages; and operates a digital payments platform that powers next-generation card programs for both global corporations and fintech companies in Europe and Canada.

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Nicholas Investment Partners LP grew its position in shares of MGIC Investment Co. (NYSE:MTG  Free Report) by 10.0% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 726,914 shares of the insurance providers stock after buying an additional 66,027 shares during the quarter. MGIC Investment makes up about 1.6% of Nicholas Investment Partners LPs investment portfolio, making the stock its 8th biggest position. Nicholas Investment Partners LP owned 0.27% of MGIC Investment worth $15,665,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the company. Vest Financial LLC raised its stake in shares of MGIC Investment by 22.7% during the second quarter. Vest Financial LLC now owns 1,073,756 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $23,139,000 after buying an additional 198,553 shares during the last quarter. American Century Companies Inc. raised its position in shares of MGIC Investment by 1.5% during the 2nd quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 3,395,208 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $73,167,000 after acquiring an additional 50,307 shares during the last quarter. United Services Automobile Association lifted its stake in shares of MGIC Investment by 9.2% in the 2nd quarter. United Services Automobile Association now owns 21,497 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $463,000 after purchasing an additional 1,807 shares during the period. Quest Partners LLC boosted its position in shares of MGIC Investment by 906,600.0% in the 2nd quarter. Quest Partners LLC now owns 9,067 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $195,000 after purchasing an additional 9,066 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Acadian Asset Management LLC boosted its position in shares of MGIC Investment by 89.2% in the 2nd quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC now owns 300,968 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $6,480,000 after purchasing an additional 141,888 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 95.58% of the companys stock.

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MGIC Investment Stock Down 2.8 %

Shares of MTG stock opened at $24.38 on Thursday. MGIC Investment Co. has a 52-week low of $16.30 and a 52-week high of $25.93. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13, a quick ratio of 1.11 and a current ratio of 1.11. The stock has a market cap of $6.50 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.38, a PEG ratio of 1.33 and a beta of 1.28. The firms 50-day moving average is $23.88 and its 200-day moving average is $21.87.

MGIC Investment Increases Dividend

MGIC Investment ( NYSE:MTG Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 31st. The insurance provider reported $0.77 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.62 by $0.15. MGIC Investment had a return on equity of 14.97% and a net margin of 63.19%. The business had revenue of $305.28 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $301.02 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $0.68 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 5.0% on a year-over-year basis. Sell-side analysts predict that MGIC Investment Co. will post 2.76 EPS for the current year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, August 22nd. Shareholders of record on Thursday, August 8th were given a dividend of $0.13 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, August 8th. This is an increase from MGIC Investments previous quarterly dividend of $0.12. This represents a $0.52 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.13%. MGIC Investments dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 20.00%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

MTG has been the subject of a number of recent analyst reports. UBS Group upped their price target on MGIC Investment from $21.00 to $22.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, May 22nd. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods upgraded shares of MGIC Investment from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and increased their target price for the stock from $24.00 to $25.00 in a report on Monday, June 3rd. Roth Mkm boosted their price target on shares of MGIC Investment from $24.00 to $30.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, August 2nd. BTIG Research boosted their price objective on MGIC Investment from $22.00 to $25.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Monday, August 5th. Finally, Barclays raised their target price on shares of MGIC Investment from $21.00 to $23.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Friday, August 2nd. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $24.33.

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MGIC Investment Company Profile

(Free Report)

MGIC Investment Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides private mortgage insurance, other mortgage credit risk management solutions, and ancillary services to lenders and government sponsored entities in the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Guam. The company offers primary mortgage insurance that provides mortgage default protection on individual loans, as well as covers unpaid loan principal, delinquent interest, and various expenses associated with the default and subsequent foreclosure.

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Nicholas Investment Partners LP bought a new position in iShares China Large-Cap ETF (NYSE:FXI  Free Report) in the second quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor bought 132,501 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,444,000. Nicholas Investment Partners LP owned 0.08% of iShares China Large-Cap ETF at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Comerica Bank lifted its position in shares of iShares China Large-Cap ETF by 482.8% during the 1st quarter. Comerica Bank now owns 10,263 shares of the companys stock valued at $247,000 after acquiring an additional 8,502 shares during the last quarter. Signaturefd LLC lifted its position in shares of iShares China Large-Cap ETF by 55.1% during the 2nd quarter. Signaturefd LLC now owns 18,000 shares of the companys stock valued at $468,000 after acquiring an additional 6,398 shares during the last quarter. Cetera Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of iShares China Large-Cap ETF during the 1st quarter valued at $494,000. Banco Santander S.A. lifted its position in shares of iShares China Large-Cap ETF by 106.0% during the 2nd quarter. Banco Santander S.A. now owns 114,000 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,963,000 after acquiring an additional 58,650 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Asset Dedication LLC acquired a new stake in shares of iShares China Large-Cap ETF during the 2nd quarter valued at $39,000.

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iShares China Large-Cap ETF Price Performance

Shares of NYSE:FXI opened at $25.72 on Thursday. iShares China Large-Cap ETF has a one year low of $20.86 and a one year high of $29.53. The firms fifty day moving average is $25.96.

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NINE MASTS CAPITAL Ltd bought a new stake in shares of KB Financial Group Inc. (NYSE:KB  Free Report) in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor bought 36,000 shares of the banks stock, valued at approximately $2,038,000.

A number of other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in KB. Thornburg Investment Management Inc. grew its holdings in shares of KB Financial Group by 1.7% during the second quarter. Thornburg Investment Management Inc. now owns 14,239 shares of the banks stock worth $848,000 after buying an additional 242 shares in the last quarter. American Century Companies Inc. grew its stake in KB Financial Group by 7.1% during the 2nd quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 511,542 shares of the banks stock valued at $28,958,000 after acquiring an additional 33,900 shares in the last quarter. Ballentine Partners LLC grew its stake in KB Financial Group by 8.2% during the 2nd quarter. Ballentine Partners LLC now owns 22,322 shares of the banks stock valued at $1,264,000 after acquiring an additional 1,695 shares in the last quarter. Caprock Group LLC raised its holdings in KB Financial Group by 84.4% in the 2nd quarter. Caprock Group LLC now owns 17,608 shares of the banks stock valued at $997,000 after acquiring an additional 8,057 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Acadian Asset Management LLC lifted its stake in KB Financial Group by 3.9% in the 2nd quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC now owns 267,625 shares of the banks stock worth $15,146,000 after purchasing an additional 10,014 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 11.52% of the companys stock.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

Separately, StockNews.com upgraded KB Financial Group from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, August 27th.

KB Financial Group Stock Down 4.3 %

Shares of NYSE:KB opened at $58.73 on Thursday. KB Financial Group Inc. has a 52-week low of $36.57 and a 52-week high of $67.40. The stock has a market cap of $23.70 billion, a P/E ratio of 7.33, a PEG ratio of 0.43 and a beta of 0.99. The business has a fifty day moving average of $62.44 and a two-hundred day moving average of $57.03. The company has a quick ratio of 1.67, a current ratio of 1.67 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.33.

KB Financial Group (NYSE:KB  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, August 14th. The bank reported $3.06 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.70 by $0.36. KB Financial Group had a net margin of 12.13% and a return on equity of 7.29%. The firm had revenue of $3.18 billion during the quarter. On average, research analysts expect that KB Financial Group Inc. will post 9.4 earnings per share for the current year.

KB Financial Group Profile

(Free Report)

KB Financial Group Inc provides a range of banking and related financial services to consumers and corporations in South Korea, the United States, New Zealand, China, Cambodia, the United Kingdom, Indonesia, and internationally. The company operates through Retail Banking, Corporate Banking, Other Banking Services, Credit Card, Securities, Life Insurance, and Non-Life Insurance segments.

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NET Power Inc. (NYSE:NPWR  Get Free Report) major shareholder Npeh, Llc sold 60,022 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, September 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $7.60, for a total transaction of $456,167.20. Following the sale, the insider now owns 129,307 shares in the company, valued at approximately $982,733.20. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Large shareholders that own 10% or more of a companys shares are required to disclose their transactions with the SEC.

Npeh, Llc also recently made the following trade(s):

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On Wednesday, September 11th, Npeh, Llc sold 21,155 shares of NET Power stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $7.28, for a total transaction of $154,008.40.

On Friday, September 6th, Npeh, Llc sold 66,825 shares of NET Power stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $7.88, for a total transaction of $526,581.00.

On Wednesday, September 4th, Npeh, Llc sold 83,325 shares of NET Power stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $8.10, for a total value of $674,932.50.

NET Power Stock Up 2.3 %

Shares of NPWR opened at $7.11 on Thursday. NET Power Inc. has a 1 year low of $6.57 and a 1 year high of $17.62. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $8.73 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $9.72.

Analyst Ratings Changes

NET Power ( NYSE:NPWR Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Monday, August 12th. The company reported ($0.06) earnings per share for the quarter. The company had revenue of $0.24 million for the quarter. On average, analysts forecast that NET Power Inc. will post -0.4 EPS for the current year.

Separately, Barclays dropped their price objective on NET Power from $13.00 to $11.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, August 14th.

View Our Latest Stock Report on NET Power

Institutional Investors Weigh In On NET Power

Large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Greenlight Capital Inc. boosted its position in shares of NET Power by 5.5% during the 4th quarter. Greenlight Capital Inc. now owns 2,992,110 shares of the companys stock valued at $30,220,000 after acquiring an additional 155,000 shares during the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its position in NET Power by 65.1% during the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 2,424,662 shares of the companys stock valued at $27,617,000 after purchasing an additional 956,134 shares during the last quarter. Encompass Capital Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of NET Power in the 2nd quarter worth $20,537,000. Marshall Wace LLP grew its stake in shares of NET Power by 226.9% in the 2nd quarter. Marshall Wace LLP now owns 583,688 shares of the companys stock worth $5,738,000 after buying an additional 405,128 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Khrom Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of NET Power by 9.6% in the 2nd quarter. Khrom Capital Management LLC now owns 440,596 shares of the companys stock worth $4,331,000 after buying an additional 38,500 shares during the last quarter. 53.62% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

About NET Power

(Get Free Report)

NET Power Inc operates as a clean energy technology company. The company invents, develops, and licenses clean power generation technology. NET Power Inc was founded in 2010 and is headquartered in Durham, North Carolina.

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Oxford Industries, Inc. (NYSE:OXM  Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week low on Monday . The company traded as low as $81.98 and last traded at $82.53, with a volume of 194217 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $83.57.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of brokerages have recently commented on OXM. Citigroup lowered their target price on Oxford Industries from $94.00 to $92.00 and set a sell rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, June 13th. Telsey Advisory Group restated a market perform rating and issued a $110.00 price objective on shares of Oxford Industries in a research report on Thursday, September 5th. Finally, UBS Group cut their target price on shares of Oxford Industries from $101.00 to $91.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Thursday, September 5th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have given a hold rating and one has given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $100.60.

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Read Our Latest Stock Report on Oxford Industries

Oxford Industries Stock Performance

The company has a market capitalization of $1.31 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 33.85 and a beta of 1.53. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $93.28 and a 200 day simple moving average of $101.07. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.03, a current ratio of 1.32 and a quick ratio of 0.68.

Oxford Industries (NYSE:OXM  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, June 12th. The textile maker reported $2.66 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $2.70 by ($0.04). The company had revenue of $398.18 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $404.81 million. Oxford Industries had a net margin of 2.62% and a return on equity of 23.78%. Oxford Industriess revenue was down 5.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $3.78 EPS. On average, analysts anticipate that Oxford Industries, Inc. will post 8.8 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Insider Activity

In other news, EVP Thomas E. Campbell sold 17,540 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, June 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $99.91, for a total transaction of $1,752,421.40. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 24,865 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,484,262.15. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Company insiders own 5.70% of the companys stock.

Institutional Trading of Oxford Industries

Several large investors have recently made changes to their positions in OXM. 1620 Investment Advisors Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Oxford Industries in the second quarter worth about $28,000. Quest Partners LLC acquired a new position in shares of Oxford Industries during the 4th quarter valued at about $36,000. Quarry LP grew its holdings in shares of Oxford Industries by 4,650.0% in the second quarter. Quarry LP now owns 475 shares of the textile makers stock valued at $48,000 after purchasing an additional 465 shares during the period. Natixis acquired a new stake in Oxford Industries during the first quarter worth about $109,000. Finally, SG Americas Securities LLC purchased a new position in Oxford Industries during the first quarter worth about $137,000. 91.16% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About Oxford Industries

(Get Free Report)

Oxford Industries, Inc, an apparel company, designs, sources, markets, and distributes products of lifestyle and other brands worldwide. The company offers men's and women's sportswear and related products under the Tommy Bahama brand; and women's and girl's dresses and sportswear, scarves, bags, jewelry, and belts, as well as children's apparel, swim, footwear, and licensed products under the Lilly Pulitzer brand.

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Perritt Capital Management Inc grew its position in Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO  Free Report) by 22.6% in the second quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 10,637 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 1,962 shares during the period. Perritt Capital Management Incs holdings in Altria Group were worth $485,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

Other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the company. Maryland Capital Advisors Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Altria Group by 154.4% during the first quarter. Maryland Capital Advisors Inc. now owns 575 shares of the companys stock valued at $25,000 after purchasing an additional 349 shares in the last quarter. BNP Paribas acquired a new stake in Altria Group during the 1st quarter worth approximately $27,000. MFA Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new stake in Altria Group during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $27,000. Pineridge Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Altria Group in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Finally, Westend Capital Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Altria Group during the first quarter valued at $29,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 57.41% of the companys stock.

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Altria Group Stock Performance

Shares of MO opened at $53.15 on Thursday. The firm has a market cap of $91.29 billion, a PE ratio of 11.12, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.10 and a beta of 0.65. Altria Group, Inc. has a 52-week low of $39.06 and a 52-week high of $54.95. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $50.62 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $46.29.

Altria Group Increases Dividend

Altria Group ( NYSE:MO Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, July 31st. The company reported $1.31 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.35 by ($0.04). The company had revenue of $6.21 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.39 billion. Altria Group had a net margin of 42.25% and a negative return on equity of 232.55%. The firms revenue was up 14.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $1.31 EPS. Research analysts predict that Altria Group, Inc. will post 5.1 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, October 10th. Stockholders of record on Monday, September 16th will be paid a $1.02 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Monday, September 16th. This is an increase from Altria Groups previous quarterly dividend of $0.98. This represents a $4.08 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 7.68%. Altria Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 85.36%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of research firms recently weighed in on MO. Bank of America increased their price objective on Altria Group from $52.00 to $57.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, September 4th. Barclays increased 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. Stifel Nicolaus lifted their price objective on Altria Group from $50.00 to $54.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, August 1st. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Altria Group from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Friday, June 28th. Finally, Argus raised shares of Altria Group to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, May 31st. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $49.67.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Altria Group

About Altria Group

(Free Report)

Altria Group, Inc, through its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells smokeable and oral tobacco products in the United States. The company offers cigarettes primarily under the Marlboro brand; large cigars and pipe tobacco under the Black & Mild brand; moist smokeless tobacco and snus products under the Copenhagen, Skoal, Red Seal, and Husky brands; oral nicotine pouches under the on! brand; and e-vapor products under the NJOY ACE brand.

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Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated their hold rating on shares of Remy Cointreau (OTCMKTS:REMYF  Free Report) in a report released on Monday morning, MarketBeat reports.

Remy Cointreau Stock Performance

Shares of OTCMKTS:REMYF opened at $70.38 on Monday. Remy Cointreau has a 12 month low of $70.38 and a 12 month high of $132.30. The companys fifty day moving average price is $78.41 and its 200 day moving average price is $90.56.

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Remy Cointreau Company Profile

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Remy Cointreau SA, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the production, sale, and distribution of liqueurs and spirits. The company operates through Remy Martin, Liqueurs & Spirits, and Partner Brands segments. It offers liqueurs, brandy, gin, single malt whisky, rum, wine, and champagne primarily under the Cointreau, Metaxa, St-Remy, Mount Gay, Bruichladdich, Port Charlotte, Octomore, The Botanist, Westland, LOUIS XIII, and Domaine des Hautes Glaces brands.

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Rentokil Initial (LON:RTO  Get Free Report) had its price objective cut by analysts at Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft from GBX 550 ($7.19) to GBX 465 ($6.08) in a report released on Thursday, Digital Look reports. The firm presently has a buy rating on the stock. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschafts price target suggests a potential upside of 24.90% from the stocks previous close.

A number of other research firms have also recently weighed in on RTO. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reissued a neutral rating and issued a GBX 500 ($6.54) target price on shares of Rentokil Initial in a research note on Tuesday, July 2nd. Royal Bank of Canada reissued an outperform rating and issued a GBX 570 ($7.45) target price on shares of Rentokil Initial in a research note on Wednesday, July 31st.

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Rentokil Initial Stock Performance

Insiders Place Their Bets

LON RTO opened at GBX 372.30 ($4.87) on Thursday. The stock has a market cap of 9.34 billion, a P/E ratio of 2,482.00, a PEG ratio of 0.84 and a beta of 0.55. The companys 50-day simple moving average is GBX 468.51 and its 200 day simple moving average is GBX 450.79. Rentokil Initial has a twelve month low of GBX 369.80 ($4.84) and a twelve month high of GBX 615.40 ($8.05). The company has a quick ratio of 1.76, a current ratio of 1.04 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 116.58.

In other news, insider Sally Johnson acquired 2,493 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, June 26th. The shares were purchased at an average cost of GBX 462 ($6.04) per share, with a total value of 11,517.66 ($15,061.67). Insiders own 1.10% of the companys stock.

Rentokil Initial Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Rentokil Initial plc, together with its subsidiaries, provides route-based services in North America, the United Kingdom, rest of Europe, Asia, the Pacific, and internationally. It offers a range of pest control services for rodents, and flying and crawling insects, as well as other forms of wildlife management for commercial customers.

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Rice Hall James & Associates LLC lessened its position in Skyline Champion Co. (NYSE:SKY  Free Report) by 1.4% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 29,374 shares of the companys stock after selling 414 shares during the quarter. Rice Hall James & Associates LLC owned 0.05% of Skyline Champion worth $1,990,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in SKY. Norges Bank bought a new stake in shares of Skyline Champion in the 4th quarter worth about $34,476,000. Victory Capital Management Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Skyline Champion by 46.0% in the 2nd quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. now owns 669,895 shares of the companys stock worth $45,385,000 after acquiring an additional 211,099 shares during the last quarter. Burgundy Asset Management Ltd. lifted its holdings in shares of Skyline Champion by 22.7% in the 4th quarter. Burgundy Asset Management Ltd. now owns 736,477 shares of the companys stock worth $54,691,000 after acquiring an additional 136,071 shares during the last quarter. Forge First Asset Management Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Skyline Champion in the 1st quarter worth about $9,398,000. Finally, Vaughan Nelson Investment Management L.P. lifted its holdings in shares of Skyline Champion by 15.0% in the 1st quarter. Vaughan Nelson Investment Management L.P. now owns 808,487 shares of the companys stock worth $68,730,000 after acquiring an additional 105,330 shares during the last quarter.

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Skyline Champion Trading Up 0.5 %

NYSE:SKY opened at $87.46 on Thursday. Skyline Champion Co. has a one year low of $52.12 and a one year high of $93.67. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.02, a quick ratio of 1.57 and a current ratio of 2.33. The firm has a market cap of $5.04 billion, a P/E ratio of 34.43 and a beta of 1.57. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $82.21 and a 200-day simple moving average of $78.67.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Skyline Champion ( NYSE:SKY Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, August 6th. The company reported $0.91 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.69 by $0.22. Skyline Champion had a net margin of 6.45% and a return on equity of 13.07%. The business had revenue of $627.80 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $600.39 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $0.89 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 35.1% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities analysts anticipate that Skyline Champion Co. will post 3.01 EPS for the current fiscal year.

SKY has been the subject of several analyst reports. Barclays raised their target price on shares of Skyline Champion from $68.00 to $85.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Monday, August 12th. Royal Bank of Canada lifted their price objective on shares of Skyline Champion from $68.00 to $82.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a report on Thursday, August 8th. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Skyline Champion from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Thursday, August 8th. Craig Hallum decreased their price objective on shares of Skyline Champion from $88.00 to $84.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Thursday, May 23rd. Finally, Wedbush reiterated a neutral rating and set a $64.00 price objective on shares of Skyline Champion in a report on Wednesday, August 7th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and one has assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $78.75.

View Our Latest Analysis on SKY

Insider Activity

In other news, insider Timothy Mark Larson sold 3,500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, June 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $71.98, for a total value of $251,930.00. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 48,800 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,512,624. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. In other news, Director Michael B. Berman sold 3,496 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, August 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $82.34, for a total transaction of $287,860.64. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 8,099 shares in the company, valued at approximately $666,871.66. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, insider Timothy Mark Larson sold 3,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, June 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $71.98, for a total value of $251,930.00. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 48,800 shares in the company, valued at $3,512,624. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last quarter, insiders sold 167,136 shares of company stock worth $14,834,183. 6.90% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Skyline Champion Profile

(Free Report)

Skyline Champion Corporation produces and sells factory-built housing in North America. The company offers manufactured and modular homes, park models RVs, accessory dwelling units, and modular buildings for the multi-family and hospitality sectors. It builds homes under the Skyline Homes, Champion Home Builders, Genesis Homes, Athens Park Models, Dutch Housing, Atlantic Homes, Excel Homes, Homes of Merit, New Era, Redman Homes, ScotBilt Homes, Shore Park, Silvercrest, and Titan Homes brands in the United States; and Moduline and SRI Homes brand names in western Canada.

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Sentry Investment Management LLC reduced its stake in shares of Capital One Financial Co. (NYSE:COF) by 17.0% in the second quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The institutional investor owned 1,804 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 370 shares during the period. Sentry Investment Management LLCs holdings in Capital One Financial were worth $250,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Coldstream Capital Management Inc. increased its holdings in Capital One Financial by 1.3% in the 2nd quarter. Coldstream Capital Management Inc. now owns 6,263 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $867,000 after acquiring an additional 80 shares during the last quarter. Andra AP fonden grew its position in shares of Capital One Financial by 22.8% during the second quarter. Andra AP fonden now owns 164,300 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $22,747,000 after purchasing an additional 30,500 shares in the last quarter. Choreo LLC increased its holdings in shares of Capital One Financial by 1,173.1% in the second quarter. Choreo LLC now owns 36,003 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $5,018,000 after purchasing an additional 33,175 shares during the last quarter. Prudential PLC lifted its position in shares of Capital One Financial by 40.8% in the second quarter. Prudential PLC now owns 6,807 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $942,000 after buying an additional 1,974 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Quest Partners LLC boosted its stake in Capital One Financial by 793,300.0% during the second quarter. Quest Partners LLC now owns 7,934 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,098,000 after buying an additional 7,933 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 89.84% of the companys stock.

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Insider Buying and Selling

In other Capital One Financial news, CEO Kevin S. Borgmann sold 61,532 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, August 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $132.86, for a total transaction of $8,175,141.52. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 40,934 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,438,491.24. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In related news, CEO Kevin S. Borgmann sold 61,532 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, August 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $132.86, for a total transaction of $8,175,141.52. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 40,934 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,438,491.24. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, insider Robert M. Alexander sold 30,742 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, July 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $150.00, for a total value of $4,611,300.00. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 73,734 shares in the company, valued at approximately $11,060,100. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 1.30% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Capital One Financial Stock Down 1.1 %

Shares of NYSE:COF opened at $136.46 on Thursday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.00, a current ratio of 1.00 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.81. The businesss 50 day moving average is $141.51 and its 200 day moving average is $140.50. The stock has a market cap of $52.11 billion, a P/E ratio of 10.69, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.10 and a beta of 1.44. Capital One Financial Co. has a 52-week low of $88.23 and a 52-week high of $153.35.

Capital One Financial (NYSE:COF  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, July 23rd. The financial services provider reported $3.14 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $3.28 by ($0.14). Capital One Financial had a return on equity of 9.31% and a net margin of 9.01%. The business had revenue of $9.51 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $9.57 billion. During the same period last year, the company earned $3.52 earnings per share. The firms revenue was up 5.5% compared to the same quarter last year. Sell-side analysts predict that Capital One Financial Co. will post 13.1 EPS for the current year.

Capital One Financial Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, August 23rd. Investors of record on Monday, August 12th were issued a dividend of $0.60 per share. This represents a $2.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.76%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, August 12th. Capital One Financials payout ratio is 18.79%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several brokerages have recently issued reports on COF. BTIG Research initiated coverage on Capital One Financial in a report on Friday, June 7th. They set a neutral rating on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price objective on shares of Capital One Financial from $148.00 to $155.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, July 8th. Evercore ISI reduced their target price on shares of Capital One Financial from $155.00 to $154.00 and set an in-line rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, June 25th. Jefferies Financial Group raised shares of Capital One Financial from a hold rating to a buy rating and increased their price target for the company from $145.00 to $165.00 in a report on Thursday, June 6th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada reiterated a sector perform rating and issued a $150.00 target price on shares of Capital One Financial in a report on Thursday, July 25th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, thirteen have issued a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Capital One Financial currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $145.89.

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About Capital One Financial

(Free Report)

Capital One Financial Corporation operates as the financial services holding company for the Capital One, National Association, which engages in the provision of various financial products and services in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. It operates through three segments: Credit Card, Consumer Banking, and Commercial Banking.

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Singapore Airlines Limited (OTCMKTS:SINGY  Get Free Report) was the target of a significant decline in short interest during the month of August. As of August 31st, there was short interest totalling 400 shares, a decline of 80.0% from the August 15th total of 2,000 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 77,200 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.0 days.

Singapore Airlines Trading Up 0.9 %

Shares of OTCMKTS SINGY traded up $0.09 during mid-day trading on Thursday, reaching $9.78. 74,595 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 35,034. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $9.75 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $9.72. Singapore Airlines has a 52 week low of $8.62 and a 52 week high of $10.99.

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Singapore Airlines Increases Dividend

The business also recently announced a dividend, which was paid on Thursday, September 5th. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 2nd were paid a $0.5132 dividend. This is a boost from Singapore Airliness previous dividend of $0.13. The ex-dividend date was Friday, August 2nd. Singapore Airliness payout ratio is presently 117.21%.

About Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines Limited, together with subsidiaries, provides passenger and cargo air transportation services under the Singapore Airlines and Scoot brands in East Asia, the Americas, Europe, Southwest Pacific, West Asia, and Africa. It operates through The Full-Service Carrier, The Low-Cost Carrier, and Engineering Services segments.

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Storebrand ASA (OTCMKTS:SREDF  Get Free Report) was the target of a large decrease in short interest during the month of August. As of August 31st, there was short interest totalling 152,300 shares, a decrease of 76.0% from the August 15th total of 634,600 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 0 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently  days.

Storebrand ASA Stock Performance

Shares of SREDF remained flat at $10.53 during trading hours on Thursday. The companys 50-day moving average is $10.53 and its two-hundred day moving average is $9.84. Storebrand ASA has a 1 year low of $8.41 and a 1 year high of $10.53.

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Storebrand ASA Company Profile

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Storebrand ASA provides insurance products and services in Norway, the United States, Japan, and Sweden. It operates through four segments: Savings, Insurance, Guaranteed Pension, and Other. The Savings segment offers retirement savings, defined contribution pensions, asset management, and retail banking products.

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Tokuyama Co. (OTCMKTS:TKYMY  Get Free Report)s share price fell 1% during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The company traded as low as $9.00 and last traded at $9.00. 1,181 shares traded hands during trading, an increase of 472,300% from the average session volume of 0 shares. The stock had previously closed at $9.09.

Tokuyama Price Performance

The company has a current ratio of 2.10, a quick ratio of 1.40 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $9.04 and a 200-day simple moving average of $9.14.

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Tokuyama (OTCMKTS:TKYMY  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Friday, July 26th. The company reported $0.19 EPS for the quarter. Tokuyama had a return on equity of 7.20% and a net margin of 6.08%. The company had revenue of $529.37 million during the quarter.

About Tokuyama

Tokuyama Corporation produces and sells various chemical products in Japan. The company operates through six segments: Chemicals, Cement, Electronics and Advanced Materials, Life Science, Eco Business, and Others. The Chemicals segment offers caustic soda, soda ash, calcium chloride, sodium silicate cullet, sodium bicarbonate, purified, vinyl chloride monomer, polyvinyl chloride resin, propylene oxide, methylene chloride, and chloroform.

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Trilogy Metals Inc. (TSE:TMQ  Get Free Report) was down 1.4% on Monday . The company traded as low as C$0.64 and last traded at C$0.69. Approximately 13,400 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 43% from the average daily volume of 23,333 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.70.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Separately, TD Securities cut Trilogy Metals from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a C$0.75 target price on the stock. in a report on Thursday, July 11th.

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Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Trilogy Metals

Trilogy Metals Trading Up 1.4 %

The stocks 50 day moving average is C$0.77 and its two-hundred day moving average is C$0.69. The company has a market capitalization of C$112.39 million, a PE ratio of -6.36 and a beta of 1.34. The company has a quick ratio of 5.25, a current ratio of 30.42 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.02.

Trilogy Metals (TSE:TMQ  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, July 10th. The company reported C($0.01) earnings per share for the quarter, meeting the consensus estimate of C($0.01). As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Trilogy Metals Inc. will post -0.07 EPS for the current fiscal year.

About Trilogy Metals

(Get Free Report)

Trilogy Metals Inc, a base metals exploration company, engages in the exploration and development of mineral properties in the United States. The company explores for copper, cobalt, lead, zinc, gold, and silver properties. It principally holds interests in the Upper Kobuk mineral projects that include the Arctic, which contains polymetallic volcanogenic massive sulfide deposits; and Bornite that contains carbonate-hosted copper  cobalt deposits covering an area of approximately 448,217 acres located in the Ambler mining district in Northwest Alaska.

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USA Compression Partners (NYSE:USAC  Get Free Report)s stock had its sector perform rating restated by equities research analysts at Royal Bank of Canada in a research report issued on Thursday, Benzinga reports. They currently have a $26.00 price objective on the oil and gas companys stock. Royal Bank of Canadas price target would indicate a potential upside of 18.13% from the companys current price.

A number of other research analysts have also recently issued reports on USAC. StockNews.com cut USA Compression Partners from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Thursday, July 11th. Mizuho raised USA Compression Partners from an underperform rating to a neutral rating and boosted their price objective for the stock from $23.00 to $26.00 in a report on Thursday, May 30th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and one has given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, USA Compression Partners has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $26.50.

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Read Our Latest Analysis on USA Compression Partners

USA Compression Partners Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE:USAC traded up $0.12 on Thursday, hitting $22.01. The stock had a trading volume of 6,850 shares, compared to its average volume of 389,139. USA Compression Partners has a twelve month low of $21.06 and a twelve month high of $28.47. The firms 50 day moving average price is $22.68 and its 200-day moving average price is $24.28. The company has a market capitalization of $2.27 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 53.68 and a beta of 1.32.

USA Compression Partners (NYSE:USAC  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, August 6th. The oil and gas company reported $0.21 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.17 by $0.04. USA Compression Partners had a negative return on equity of 40.62% and a net margin of 9.77%. The business had revenue of $235.31 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $232.86 million. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that USA Compression Partners will post 0.82 EPS for the current year.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other news, insider Eric D. Long sold 1,786 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, August 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $22.81, for a total transaction of $40,738.66. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 307,026 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $7,003,263.06. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. In other news, insider Eric D. Long sold 1,786 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, August 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $22.81, for a total transaction of $40,738.66. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 307,026 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $7,003,263.06. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, insider Eric D. Long sold 21,396 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, August 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $22.27, for a total transaction of $476,488.92. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 1,786 shares of the companys stock, valued at $39,774.22. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last three months, insiders sold 2,799,565 shares of company stock valued at $64,374,037.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On USA Compression Partners

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in USAC. Sanctuary Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in USA Compression Partners during the 2nd quarter valued at $204,000. Sunbelt Securities Inc. lifted its holdings in USA Compression Partners by 12.2% during the 2nd quarter. Sunbelt Securities Inc. now owns 4,445 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $105,000 after purchasing an additional 485 shares during the last quarter. Custom Index Systems LLC acquired a new stake in USA Compression Partners during the 2nd quarter valued at $1,329,000. GraniteShares Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in USA Compression Partners by 14.3% during the 2nd quarter. GraniteShares Advisors LLC now owns 81,336 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $1,930,000 after purchasing an additional 10,146 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of USA Compression Partners by 252.1% during the second quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 44,596 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $1,058,000 after buying an additional 31,930 shares in the last quarter. 47.77% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

About USA Compression Partners

(Get Free Report)

USA Compression Partners, LP provides compression services under term contracts with customers in the natural gas and crude oil industries in the United States. The company engineers, designs, operates, services, and repairs its compression units; and maintains related support inventory and equipment.

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Wellington Shields & Co. LLC increased its stake in shares of Blackstone Mortgage Trust, Inc. (NYSE:BXMT  Free Report) by 98.0% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 4,555 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after purchasing an additional 2,255 shares during the quarter. Wellington Shields & Co. LLCs holdings in Blackstone Mortgage Trust were worth $79,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other large investors have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Norges Bank bought a new position in shares of Blackstone Mortgage Trust during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $38,747,000. Cibc World Markets Corp bought a new position in Blackstone Mortgage Trust in the 4th quarter valued at $1,222,000. BNP Paribas Financial Markets grew its position in Blackstone Mortgage Trust by 54.2% in the 4th quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets now owns 260,466 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $5,540,000 after acquiring an additional 91,526 shares during the last quarter. Quadrature Capital Ltd grew its position in Blackstone Mortgage Trust by 229.8% in the 1st quarter. Quadrature Capital Ltd now owns 49,743 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $990,000 after acquiring an additional 34,659 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Transcend Capital Advisors LLC grew its position in Blackstone Mortgage Trust by 160.0% in the 2nd quarter. Transcend Capital Advisors LLC now owns 69,264 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $1,207,000 after acquiring an additional 42,623 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 64.15% of the companys stock.

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Insider Buying and Selling at Blackstone Mortgage Trust

In other Blackstone Mortgage Trust news, Director Timothy Steven Johnson purchased 57,050 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, August 2nd. The stock was bought at an average cost of $17.50 per share, for a total transaction of $998,375.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the director now owns 423,251 shares in the company, valued at approximately $7,406,892.50. The purchase was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In other news, CEO Katharine A. Keenan sold 4,508 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, June 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $17.53, for a total value of $79,025.24. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 182,960 shares in the company, valued at $3,207,288.80. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, Director Timothy Steven Johnson acquired 57,050 shares of Blackstone Mortgage Trust stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 2nd. The stock was purchased at an average price of $17.50 per share, with a total value of $998,375.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the director now owns 423,251 shares of the companys stock, valued at $7,406,892.50. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. Over the last ninety days, insiders acquired 83,050 shares of company stock worth $1,448,135 and sold 6,502 shares worth $114,741. 0.93% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

BXMT has been the topic of several research analyst reports. JMP Securities reaffirmed a market perform rating on shares of Blackstone Mortgage Trust in a research report on Tuesday, July 23rd. Wolfe Research started coverage on Blackstone Mortgage Trust in a research report on Tuesday, June 25th. They issued a peer perform rating on the stock. BTIG Research reissued a buy rating and set a $23.00 price target on shares of Blackstone Mortgage Trust in a research report on Friday, July 19th. Wells Fargo & Company dropped their price target on Blackstone Mortgage Trust from $20.00 to $19.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, July 25th. Finally, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods restated a market perform rating and set a $18.00 price objective on shares of Blackstone Mortgage Trust in a research note on Tuesday, June 18th. Seven investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $19.58.

View Our Latest Stock Analysis on BXMT

Blackstone Mortgage Trust Price Performance

Shares of NYSE BXMT opened at $18.43 on Thursday. The stock has a market capitalization of $3.20 billion, a P/E ratio of 614.33 and a beta of 1.49. Blackstone Mortgage Trust, Inc. has a 1-year low of $16.53 and a 1-year high of $23.67. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $18.11 and a 200 day moving average price of $18.39.

Blackstone Mortgage Trust (NYSE:BXMT  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 24th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.51 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.47 by $0.04. The firm had revenue of $466.15 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $131.87 million. Blackstone Mortgage Trust had a positive return on equity of 10.16% and a negative net margin of 7.98%. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $0.75 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that Blackstone Mortgage Trust, Inc. will post 1.94 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Blackstone Mortgage Trust Cuts 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 $0.47 dividend. This represents a $1.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 10.20%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, September 30th. Blackstone Mortgage Trusts dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 6,266.67%.

About Blackstone Mortgage Trust

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Blackstone Mortgage Trust, Inc, a real estate finance company, originates senior loans collateralized by commercial properties in North America, Europe, and Australia. The company originates and acquires senior floating rate mortgage loans that are secured by a first-priority mortgage on commercial real estate assets.

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Police and the FBI have accused a 15-year-old Buffalo Schools student of making a threat on social media to shoot up a school, and those who arrested the teen reported they did so Wednesday night in a Sycamore Street home where they also found a loaded shotgun, ammunition and 14 pounds of marijuana.

The online threat was made on the social media platform Discord more than a week ago, but the FBI was first notified of the post Wednesday by a person in the Atlanta area. The FBI Atlanta field office notified its Buffalo office at 7.p.m., after federal agents traced the source of the threat to Buffalo, City Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia said during a Thursday afternoon press conference.

The person who made the post threatened to shoot up a kindergarten class, but was not more specific, said Mark Grimm, assistant special agent in charge of the Buffalo FBI office.

Obviously, this is a very concerning post, Gramaglia said.

Law enforcement agents obtained an Extreme Risk Protection Order that included a search provision, allowing them to search a house identified by law enforcement as being pertinent to the threat made.

Violence in McKinley reverberates across Buffalo Schools, safety again at forefront The stabbing of a 15-year-old student in a McKinley High School hallway was a reminder of how dangerous acts by a small minority of students in one school has ramifications for the entire district population. Regardless of title or rank, no one is untouched.

City police and FBI agents said they found the 15-year-old at the house and charged him with one count of making a threat of mass harm, a misdemeanor.

Officers discovered the shotgun along with ammo and pot, and as a result charged the teens 18-year old brother with criminal possession of cannabis, a felony, and failure to safely store firearms, a misdemeanor. Both live in the home where the search occurred, authorities said. The Buffalo News is not naming either of them because of the 15-year-olds age.

While the search was being conducted, a tactical shotgun was recovered that was loaded that matches the image that was the shotgun in the image of the social media post, as well as bedding that is in the house of the 15-year-old, Gramaglia said.

The 15-year-old is a student in the city school district, Gramaglia said, but his brother is not.

Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael Keane said the older teen was arraigned in Buffalo City Court and released. He is due back in court later this month. The charges against him are not eligible for bail, Keane said.

The 15-year-old will be received in Family Court, the DA said.

Grimm said he and his law enforcement partners encourage people to always report posts that are concerning.

Keeping people safe and saving lives is our number one priority, he said, which is why the FBI and Buffalo Police Department take all these threats extremely seriously.

Gramaglia thanked his law enforcement partners for their cooperation and said they were able to act swiftly after becoming aware of the threat.

Buffalo Public Schools spokesperson Jeffrey Hammond thanked police for their swift work in a statement in response to questions from The Buffalo News.

Thankfully, the law enforcement system worked, and the threat was not towards a specific school, Hammond said in the emailed statement. The Buffalo Public Schools also thank the Buffalo Police Department and the FBIs Buffalo office for working diligently to alleviate this threat.

Teen stabbed at McKinley told police he threw the first punch The teenager stabbed in McKinley High School earlier this week told a Buffalo police detective he initiated the confrontation by throwing a punch at the person he says stabbed him in the stomach in July.

The arrests came two days after a 15-year-old student was stabbed and another arrested inside McKinley High School.

A teen accused of the stabbing was charged with first-degree assault and unlawful possession of a weapon by a person under 16. He was released from custody Tuesday and is required to wear an ankle monitor and refrain from contacting or going near the teen police say was stabbed three times, including once in the neck.

That teen was taken to Oishei Childrens Hospital in serious condition with what police called injuries that werent life threatening.

Students in Buffalo Public Schools started the new school year last Thursday.
Y.D. More Investments Ltd lifted its stake in shares of SentinelOne, Inc. (NYSE:S  Free Report) by 27.4% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 42,780 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 9,202 shares during the period. Y.D. More Investments Ltds holdings in SentinelOne were worth $901,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other large investors also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. American Century Companies Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of SentinelOne by 3.6% during the second quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 42,646 shares of the companys stock worth $898,000 after acquiring an additional 1,470 shares during the period. Malaga Cove Capital LLC bought a new stake in SentinelOne in the 2nd quarter valued at $679,000. Arizona State Retirement System grew its holdings in SentinelOne by 16.2% in the 2nd quarter. Arizona State Retirement System now owns 75,491 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,589,000 after buying an additional 10,547 shares in the last quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. increased its position in SentinelOne by 12.7% during the 2nd quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. now owns 33,944 shares of the companys stock worth $715,000 after buying an additional 3,836 shares during the period. Finally, National Bank of Canada FI lifted its holdings in shares of SentinelOne by 92.7% during the second quarter. National Bank of Canada FI now owns 4,158 shares of the companys stock worth $85,000 after buying an additional 2,000 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 90.87% of the companys stock.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several analysts have weighed in on S shares. UBS Group dropped their price objective on shares of SentinelOne from $29.00 to $27.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Friday, May 31st. BTIG Research upped their target price on SentinelOne from $28.00 to $30.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 28th. Robert W. Baird lifted their price target on SentinelOne from $25.00 to $29.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Monday, August 26th. Baird R W raised SentinelOne to a strong-buy rating in a report on Monday, July 15th. Finally, Canaccord Genuity Group raised SentinelOne from a hold rating to a buy rating and reduced their price objective for the company from $28.00 to $23.00 in a research note on Tuesday, June 4th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have assigned a hold rating, eighteen have given a buy rating and two have assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $27.96.

SentinelOne Trading Up 1.2 %

Shares of SentinelOne stock opened at $21.91 on Thursday. The company has a market cap of $6.95 billion, a P/E ratio of -21.48 and a beta of 0.67. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $22.34 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $21.98. SentinelOne, Inc. has a 1-year low of $14.33 and a 1-year high of $30.76.

SentinelOne (NYSE:S  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, August 27th. The company reported $0.01 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The firm had revenue of $198.94 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $197.32 million. SentinelOne had a negative return on equity of 15.42% and a negative net margin of 38.91%. The companys revenue was up 33.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned ($0.26) earnings per share. Equities research analysts forecast that SentinelOne, Inc. will post -0.73 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Insider Transactions at SentinelOne

In other news, insider Ric Smith sold 99,502 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, July 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $20.10, for a total transaction of $1,999,990.20. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 639,834 shares of the companys stock, valued at $12,860,663.40. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In other SentinelOne news, CEO Tomer Weingarten sold 60,864 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, July 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $20.54, for a total transaction of $1,250,146.56. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 1,119,312 shares in the company, valued at approximately $22,990,668.48. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, insider Ric Smith sold 99,502 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, July 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $20.10, for a total transaction of $1,999,990.20. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 639,834 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $12,860,663.40. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 481,431 shares of company stock valued at $10,281,703 in the last 90 days. 5.60% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

SentinelOne Company Profile

(Free Report)

SentinelOne, Inc operates as a cybersecurity provider in the United States and internationally. Its Singularity Platform delivers an artificial intelligence-powered autonomous threat prevention, detection, and response capabilities across an organization's endpoints, cloud workloads, and identify credentials, which enables seamless and autonomous protection against a spectrum of cyber threats.

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China directs its carmakers not to make auto-related investments in India
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'Too much security cover for Amarnath Yatra': Farooq Abdullah questions Centres normalcy claim
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Auto stocks drive Nifty 50 to new all-time high as investors cheer PM E-Drive scheme
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September 12, 2024 / 19:04 IST

European Central Bank chief Christine Lagarde said Thursday a report written by her predecessor Mario Draghi calling for sweeping reforms to boost the EU economy was "severe" but "just".

"It's a formidable report in that it poses a diagnosis which is severe but which is just in our view," Lagarde said. The structural reforms proposed by Draghi "could be extremely helpful for Europe to be stronger," she added.
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Tamil Nadu: Samsung workers to continue strike after talks end without deal
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MC Odd Lot: Director of listed yarn trader sends in handwritten resignation on torn-out sheet of paper
Manish M. Suvarna is Senior Correspondent at Moneycontrol. He writes on the Indian money markets, RBI, Banks and NBFCs. He tweets at @manishsuvarna15. Contact: Manish.Suvarna@nw18.com
Preeti Kulkarni is a financial journalist with over 13 years of experience. Based in Mumbai, she covers the personal finance beat for Moneycontrol. She focusses primarily on insurance, banking, taxation and financial planning
The driver who pleaded guilty to killing a bicyclist and injuring two others on South Park Avenue in 2022 withdrew her plea Thursday, two weeks after a judge said she couldnt honor her commitment to give the driver six months in jail and five years of probation.

Carmen Martin was given the chance to reconsider her guilty plea two weeks ago, when Erie County Judge Susan M. Eagan said she changed her mind after reading victim impact statements filed in the case. Eagan was required to offer Martin the chance to withdraw her plea after pulling back on her sentencing pledge.

Buffalo woman pleads guilty in 2022 collisions with three bicyclists that killed one A Buffalo woman who struck and killed a bicyclist and injured two others while driving on South Park Avenue in 2022 pleaded guilty Friday to criminally negligent homicide and third-degree assault.

Martin, 35, of Buffalo, pleaded guilty June 21 to criminally negligent homicide and two counts of misdemeanor assault for the June 17, 2022, series of crashes on South Park near Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino.

Jury selection for her trial has been scheduled to begin Oct. 21.

Sara Rogers, a jazz musician who practiced music therapy and worked with children, was the third bicyclist Martin hit. She was pronounced dead at Buffalo General Medical Center.

Jazz musician Sara Rogers killed by car while riding bicycle Friday, a little before 9 p.m., Sara Rogers was riding a bike along South Park Avenue near the Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino when a Chrysler sedan that was traveling westbound hit her, according to Buffalo police.

With Martins plea withdrawn, the two felony charges that were dropped as part of the plea have been reinstated. Those are charges that accuse her of hiding a known medical condition in learners permit applications to the state Department of Motor Vehicles.

If she stuck with her guilty plea without the judges sentencing commitment, Martin would have faced a sentence of between 1 and 4 years in prison.

During an Aug. 29 court appearance, the judge did not reveal any details about what information in the impact statements made her change her mind.

Buffalo woman charged with killing bicyclist, lying to DMV about medical condition Carmen Martin, 34, pleaded not guilty at her arraignment Monday night before State Supreme Court Justice M. William Boller, prosecutors said in a news release.

I have a fuller picture of the injuries that occurred on that day and the losses that these families continue to live with and will live with forever, Eagan said that day.

Martin was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the crashes, according to prosecutors. She suffers from a medical condition, but the District Attorneys Office has not said what it is.
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As Mumbai suburban rents soar, experts call for key housing policy changes
Souptik Datta Reports on Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai. Btw, curiosity never kills the cat. You can reach me on souptik.datta@nw18.com
Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme for senior citizens: What is the eligibility criteria? How much will it cost?
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Jaishankar says 75% of India-China disengagement problems resolved but points out 'bigger issue'
Jokingly called 'a very dangerous person' by Jyoti Basu, Sitaram Yechury was fluent in the many tongues of Indian politics
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Kolkata murder: Bengal govt calls protesting doctors for meeting at 5 pm; no live telecast
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Morning Scan: All the big stories to get you started for the day
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PM Modi and other prominent leaders mourn death of CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury
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A protector of the idea of India: Rahul Gandhi fondly remembers Sitharam Yechury
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Supreme Court to deliver verdict on Arvind Kejriwal's bail plea on September 13
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Timeline of Kolkata rape & murder case: From gruesome incident to massive protests
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Will India help end Russia-Ukraine war? How New Delhi emerged as the peacemaker
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At a September 4 meeting, Oliver Blume, CEO of the German auto giant Volkswagen, told a gathering of 25,000 company workers: There are no more cheques coming from China. Blumes reference to Volkswagens woes in China, as it battled falling market share in a market it had assiduously built and eventually found itself dependent upon, was sharply indicative of how important Chinese markets, manufacturing and consumption were to the globe.

The Volkswagen saga isnt just about rising labour
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J&K assembly election is turning out to be a battle of proxies
One of the most persistent and tragic trends of 2024 has been the frequency of pedestrians and bicyclists being killed after being hit by a motor vehicle.

On Wednesday, it happened again.

An eighth grader at Grand Islands Veronica E. Connor Middle School died after being hit by a vehicle Wednesday night, according to Grand Island School Superintendent Brian Graham.

In a statement posted to Facebook Thursday afternoon, the district identified the student as Leah Mayer.

Leah was selfless, a loyal friend, and a constant source of positivity, said the statement that was signed by Graham. Her energy seemed to glow from within, and she was known as a voice for others, always ready to stand up and support those around her. Her presence will be missed dearly, but her spirit will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Leah was hit on South Parkway near Broadway, Graham said in an earlier post on the districts Facebook page.

The crash happened at about 8 p.m. Wednesday, the Erie County Sheriffs Office. When deputies arrived on the scene, they "took over lifesaving efforts being performed by a witness to the incident," the Sheriff's Office said in a news release.

Deputies continued CPR and used an automated external defibrillator until volunteer firefighters and Twin City Ambulance arrived, according to the Sheriff's Office.

Our hearts go out to the students family, friends, and all those touched by this terrible loss, Graham said in the earlier post. As a close-knit community, we share in the profound sorrow that comes with such a tragedy, and we stand together in offering our support and care.

The district made grief counselors available at William Kaegebein Elementary, the middle school and the high school beginning Thursday, Graham said.

South Parkway  the road that runs from near the I-190 into Beaver Island State Park  was closed between Love and Fix roads and reopened shortly after 1 a.m. Thursday, according to a Sheriffs Office spokesman.

It was not clear where in that intersection the crash occurred. A bicycle path runs parallel to the parkway where it crosses Broadway. Kaegebeins property runs between Love and Broadway.

Between November and early March, at least 12 pedestrians in Erie County died after being hit by the drivers of motor vehicles.

More recently, two recent crashes in the Town of Tonawanda took the lives of two young people.

On May 27, 6-year-old Carmella Lopez died after being hit by a van driver on Canterbury Lane.

On July 23, 15-year-old Kenmore East High School student Luke Guetti was killed in a crash with the driver of a pickup at the intersection of Woodstock Avenue and Yorkshire Road.

Town officials this week said in the wake of that fatality that they planned to make that intersection, which has stop signs only for people traveling east or west on Yorkshire, into a four-way stop.
Danish Khan is the editor of Technology and Telecom. He was previously with the Economic Times and has tracked the sector for 13 years.
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XI'AN/LANZHOU, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, inspected the city of Baoji in northwest China's Shaanxi Province and the city of Tianshui in neighboring Gansu Province.

Xi visited the two cities from Tuesday afternoon to Wednesday morning.

In Baoji, he visited Baoji Bronze Ware Museum and an ecological park along the Weihe River to learn about the local efforts to enhance the protection and use of cultural relics as well as the ecological conservation of the Weihe River, the largest tributary of the Yellow River.

In Tianshui, Xi went to the Fuxi Temple, a local apple production base and the Maijishan Grottoes to learn about the protection and preservation of local cultural heritage and the development of the modern specialty fruit industry in mountainous areas.

The Fuxi Temple is dedicated to Fuxi, a mythical ancestor of the Chinese nation.
New York is in the grip of a traffic safety crisis, and Erie County is at its epicenter with the deadliest roads in the state.

Statewide traffic fatalities surged 25.8% from 2019 to 2022, even while road usage declined. Erie County reported 59 traffic deaths in 2022, a rate higher than any other New York region.

State and local lawmakers can reverse this alarming trend by embracing the transformative potential of autonomous vehicles (AVs). With testing already underway in Buffalo, Erie County could lead the state in AV deployment, paving the way for safer roads across New York.

Its easy to understand the safety advantages that driverless cars have over human drivers. AVs cant drive drunk and theyre never distracted. They have sensors capable of continuous monitoring on all sides and maintain high accuracy even in bad weather. And, of course, they always follow the speed limit.

In New York, that kind of safe, distraction-free driving can save lives. Autonomous vehicles are getting better safety results than human drivers. Research from my organization, Chamber of Progress, shows that replacing only 1.3% of vehicles with AVs could prevent 10 deaths and 1,671 injuries yearly in New York. And thats just the conservative scenario.

Across five years, New York could save over 500 lives if just 13% of human-driven vehicles were replaced with AVs. Distributed proportionally across New Yorks population, thats 75 lives saved in Erie County alone.

With thousands of lives at stake, New York lawmakers face a consequential choice: to support a technology that could address rising traffic fatalities or stick with the status quo.

Thankfully for New Yorkers, there are some AV champions in Albany. This year, legislation was introduced to enable statewide AV deployment. These bills have a real shot at passage during the next session.

Theres also legislation that would hamstring AV deployment, like S.7758, which requires a human operator to be present in all driverless trucks. This requirement would be as if someone with a pacemaker was required to hire a full-time EMT to stand nearby with a defibrillator. Its expensive, its inefficient, and it disincentivizes the adoption of a proven, life-saving technology.

With New York lawmakers at a fork in the road, its time for Buffalo to step up. Local legislators can take a page from Phoenixs book, which has championed AVs by establishing dedicated testing grounds and upgrading road signage.

For travelers in Erie County and beyond, Buffalos leadership could be life-saving.
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1/11 For those with an adventurous spirit and a thirst for solitude, these ten remote destinations offer unparalleled escapes from the ordinary. Each location is known for its extraordinary beauty and isolation, promising a unique experience for the intrepid traveler. Heres a closer look at these secluded havens: (Image: Canva)

2/11 1. Tristan da Cunha, South Atlantic Ocean | Nestled in the South Atlantic, Tristan da Cunha is the most remote inhabited archipelago on Earth. Its volcanic landscapes, breathtaking cliffs, and a close-knit community offer a tranquil retreat where natures beauty reigns supreme. The isolation ensures a serene escape from modern life, perfect for those seeking solitude.(Image: Canva)

3/11 2. Pitcairn Islands, Southern Pacific Ocean | With fewer than 50 residents, the Pitcairn Islands are a hidden tropical gem in the Southern Pacific. Surrounded by crystal-clear waters and lush, untouched landscapes, this remote paradise is ideal for travelers in search of tranquility and a unique adventure.(Image: Canva)

4/11 3. Easter Island, Chile | Famous for its mysterious Moai statues, Easter Island is one of the worlds most isolated inhabited islands. Located in the southeastern Pacific, its remoteness enhances the mystique of its ancient monuments and stunning volcanic scenery, offering a compelling destination for history and nature lovers alike.(Image: Canva)

5/11 4. Ittoqqortoormiit, Greenland | Situated in Greenlands remote northeast, Ittoqqortoormiit provides an authentic Arctic experience. Surrounded by icy wilderness and dramatic fjords, this isolated settlement is perfect for those eager to explore extreme environments and observe unique Arctic wildlife.(Image: Canva)

6/11 5. AmundsenScott South Pole Station, Antarctica | At the southernmost point on Earth, the AmundsenScott South Pole Station offers a rare opportunity to witness the Antarctic landscape. The extreme conditions and remote location make it a challenging yet rewarding destination for those interested in polar exploration. (Image: Wikipedia)

7/11 6. Socotra Island, Yemen | Known for its otherworldly landscapes and distinctive flora, Socotra Island is a remote haven in the Arabian Sea. Its unique biodiversity and isolation create a surreal environment that fascinates nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike.(Image: Canva)

8/11 7. Oymyakon, Russia | As the coldest inhabited place on Earth, Oymyakon in Siberia endures temperatures that plunge below -50C. Its extreme cold and isolation attract those intrigued by the harshest climates and the resilience of human life in such severe conditions.(Image: Wikipedia)

9/11 8. The Changtang, Tibet | The Changtang Plateau in Tibet features stunning high-altitude landscapes with minimal human presence. This remote region offers breathtaking views, unique wildlife, and an unparalleled sense of isolation, ideal for adventurous travelers seeking solitude in nature.(Image: Canva)

10/11 9. Longyearbyen, Norway | Located on the Svalbard archipelago, Longyearbyen is one of the northernmost settlements globally. Its Arctic surroundings and isolation provide a unique adventure for those seeking to experience life in extreme latitudes.(Image: Canva)
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A digital content creator and pastor who graduated just days ago has been found murdered following a hijacking in Delft.Marshall Ganyau, 30, was pictured smiling in his graduation gear after completing his studies in theology in Zimbabwe last month.It would be his last post to social media, followed by rest-in-peace messages from friends, family, acquaintances and followers of his digital creation platform Bhoo Here TV.Ganyau was visiting an acquaintance in Delft on September 7 when he was ambushed and abducted by three men, who bundled him into his car at gunpoint before driving off with him to Philippi.Ganyau's brother Elvis Chibvuri said their nightmare began with struggling to open a case due to the fears of a witness who saw his brother being bundled into the car.After the family contacted the tracking company, Ganyau's Audi was located in Philippi, where the suspects had already begun stripping it. The car was taken to Bellville South but the hijackers evaded the police."We have been trying to get to the mortuary to see his body, but we have to wait for the police and then the family can begin the funeral preparations," said Chibvuri."Marshall was a content creator and a pastor as well and he had just arrived in Cape Town from Zimbabwe last week."He went to meet with someone in Delft. According to a witness, he got out of the car and went to the person he wanted to see. They were having a conversation opposite a shop."A woman said that three men approached him with a gun, took his car keys, pushed him into the car and drove off with him."When she saw what happened she called a relative as she knows the family. My uncle contacted the tracker company and within one hour they found the car in Philippi, where they were starting to strip it, but Marshall was not to be found."Chibvuri said without evidence that his brother had been hijacked, the family managed to open a missing person's case and began searching hospitals and mortuaries.Sadly, Ganyau's body was found on Monday at Salt River Mortuary. Chibvuri said their family was devastated.Police spokesperson FC van Wyk said they were awaiting feedback from the relevant police station.The hijacking comes just days after Police Oversight and Community Safety MEC Anroux Marais offered her condolences to the family, friends and Neighbourhood Watch colleagues of Clinton Treu, who was killed in Elsies River during an attempted hijacking.Marais earlier revealed that a total of three attempted hijackings were recorded within the space of a week last month.
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by Staff reporter

Armed with explosives, machetes, and wearing balaclavas, a seven-member gang targeted Eureka Junior School in Banket around 2 a.m. on Tuesday, marking the second such raid in two years.The robbers believed the school was holding a large sum of cash after parents had gathered the previous day to pay fees. However, the school had adhered to police and government advice to avoid keeping large amounts of cash on the premises.Frustrated, the gang managed to steal only a small amount of cash and some groceries. After confronting security guard Nelson Newera, the criminals broke into the school's strong room, hoping to find money where examination papers were kept.They used explosives to blow open a safe but found just US$80, according to school administrator Wilson Kambanje. A laptop worth US$400 was destroyed in the explosion, which also shattered several windows."We believe this is the same gang that attempted to rob us in 2022 but failed," Kambanje said. In the first attempt, the robbers were unable to open the safe."After the first incident, we became more cautious and now take all cash to the bank. We also encourage parents to deposit fees directly into the school's bank account," he added.Frustrated after finding no more money in the safes, the gang raided the boardroom, stealing groceries, including cooking oil, rice, and mealie meal, valued at around US$500, which were intended for the school's boarding students.According to police, at around 3 a.m., the gang proceeded to a teacher's house in Banket's Kuwadzana township, where they forced their way into her bedroom. Armed with a rifle, two knives, and a pistol, they tied her hands with shoelaces and assaulted her, demanding money. The teacher handed over US$1,600.The robbers also tied up another occupant and threatened to kill him while demanding more valuables. They stole various items, including groceries, a Samsung TV, an Acer laptop, an Open View decoder, and a white SDX Mazda Double Cab (AAX 8072), which they used to load the stolen goods before fleeing.National Deputy Police Spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Blessmore Chishaka confirmed the raids and said investigations are ongoing.
Former President Donald Trump in the spin room on the day of his debate with Vice President Kamala Harris, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Sept. 10, 2024.
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Over 30,000 youths from across Zimbabwe are set to gather at the Great Zimbabwe Monument in Masvingo on Sunday, where President Mnangagwa will launch the inaugural Munhumutapa Day. This event celebrates the country's progress towards achieving its Vision 2030 goal of becoming an upper-middle-income society, driven by the President's "brick-upon-brick" approach using local resources.Munhumutapa Day, commemorating Zimbabwe's rich history, will be observed annually on September 15, rotating across the countrys 10 provinces. This date also marks President Mnangagwa's birthday, and the launch coincides with his 82nd birthday. The Great Zimbabwe Monument, a symbol of Zimbabwean resilience, serves as an ideal backdrop for the event, as it was once the capital of the Munhumutapa Empire.The Zanu-PF National Youth League, which organized the event, honors President Mnangagwa's leadership and his vision of prosperity through the "Nyika Inovakwa Nevene Vayo" mantra. John Paradza, Deputy Secretary of the Youth League, confirmed that preparations are complete for the launch, where President Mnangagwa will also celebrate his recent appointment as SADC chairperson.The day's festivities will include the launch of the Munhumutapa Youth National Housing Project, benefiting Zimbabwean youth with fully serviced housing stands. The program aims to improve infrastructure while reinforcing the countrys development goals.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Illegal gold panners are reportedly sneaking into the closed Vumbachikwe Mine in Gwanda, Matabeleland South, to extract gold, NewsDay has learned.Last Saturday, one of the panners was struck by a falling boulder while inside the mines central shaft.Matabeleland South police spokesperson, Inspector Loveness Mangena, confirmed the accident but was unable to provide details as she was en route to Harare. She directed inquiries to her deputy, Assistant Inspector Stanford Mguni, who was also unavailable due to being out of office since Monday.Vumbachikwe Mine has been closed since October 2022, following a dispute with employees over unpaid salaries.A resident of the mine compound, speaking anonymously, revealed that panners were gaining access to the mine after allegedly bribing security guards and workers."On Saturday, a man, who is not employed at the mine, was hit by a boulder after entering the central shaft," the source said, adding that police were called to rescue the injured panner.It is also alleged that a former employee was caught using a hoist to transport gold panners into the mine shafts."Theres a lot happening here, with people from outside sneaking in to pan for gold," the source added, claiming that former workers were stripping the mine of its equipment and vandalizing the infrastructure.When contacted, Vumbachikwe Mine spokesperson Robert Mukondiwa declined to comment, stating he was not at the mine. He indicated that the situation would be better addressed with an in-person visit.Mukondiwa had previously stated that the mines operations had not been significantly affected by the various challenges it was facing.
News / National

by Staff reporter

The remains of South African freedom fighters buried in Zimbabwe during the anti-apartheid struggle are set to be repatriated to their homeland. These fallen heroes were part of the broader regional effort to dismantle apartheid, and Zimbabwe became their final resting place after supporting various liberation movements across southern Africa.Godfrey Nyaruwanga, an official from the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe (NMMZ), described the exhumation and repatriation as a crucial step in preserving the shared history between Zimbabwe and South Africa."This process reaffirms the unity between our two nations, which have long stood together against colonialism," he said."Zimbabwe is demonstrating that the bond between us remains strong and unwavering."He emphasized that the repatriation is more than a symbolic gesture, serving as a reminder of the shared history and sacrifices of both nations.Zimbabwe has taken a leading role in the process, managing the legal requirements such as securing exhumation permits, export permits, and burial orders. Some graves may contain historically significant artefacts, adding to the importance of the exhumation.The Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage is overseeing the operation, while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is coordinating with South Africa to ensure the process stays on track. Should any delays occur, Zimbabwe will communicate with South Africa about potential extensions.The remains are scheduled to be transported to South Africa by the South African Defence Force on September 24, 2024. The exact number of fallen heroes to be repatriated has yet to be confirmed.
In a move that has left the whole nation holding its breath, the Zimbabwean Cabinet has resolved to drastically cut its workforce, a decision driven by the deepening economic crisis and the shrinking tax base.

The decision, made during a time of immense pressure on government finances, reflects the stark reality of a nation grappling with a shrinking economy and dwindling revenue streams. The government, heavily reliant on tax revenue due to a lack of donor support, is struggling to manage its recurrent expenditure.

The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA), tasked with collecting taxes, is facing a daunting challenge in meeting its revenue targets. The decline in the revenue base, exacerbated by a contracting economy, company closures, and rising job losses, has placed immense strain on ZIMRAs ability to fulfil its mandate.

Confirmation of this drastic measure came from the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere. He stated that the Cabinet approved the move, which follows a comprehensive job appraisal exercise conducted by the Public Service Commission across 21 government ministries.

The job evaluation exercise, designed to assess the composition and value of roles within the government, revealed a number of concerning trends. Dr Muswere highlighted key findings, including:

Violation of job evaluation principles: The advancement via grade system, where a job maintains its grade despite changes in duties, was found to be in violation of established job evaluation principles.

The advancement via grade system, where a job maintains its grade despite changes in duties, was found to be in violation of established job evaluation principles. Functional Duplication: The exercise uncovered instances of overlapping roles and responsibilities within and across various ministries, indicating unnecessary duplication of effort.

The exercise uncovered instances of overlapping roles and responsibilities within and across various ministries, indicating unnecessary duplication of effort. Imbalance in Managerial Roles: The evaluation highlighted a disproportionate number of managerial positions compared to non-managerial roles, suggesting potential inefficiencies.

The evaluation highlighted a disproportionate number of managerial positions compared to non-managerial roles, suggesting potential inefficiencies. Prevalence of Dead-End Jobs: The existence of a significant number of dead-end jobs for specialists was identified, indicating a lack of career progression opportunities.

These findings will lead to a comprehensive review of staffing levels across all government ministries at both national and local levels. The government plans to rationalise its workforce, implement upskilling and reskilling programs for employees, and introduce a new compensation framework and salary structure based on the principle of equal pay for equal work.

Dr Muswere emphasized that consultations are underway to ensure that the optimisation and rationalisation of the workforce align with the national Vision 2030 and the governments commitment to leaving no one behind.

Economists, recognizing the gravity of the situation, have voiced their support for the governments decision. Professor Gift Mugano, a respected economist, told Business Times: Its a deepening economic crisis which we are witnessing. The rate of informalisation and the rate of increase in the cash economy, which has been explained by the sudden decline in the contribution of intermediated money transfer tax [IMTT], has gone down to 3.4%, according to the Treasury during the Mid-Term Review.

He further explained: That was a very practical dipstick to show you the extent to which the informal sector has grown and how the cash economy is dominating the market. This means that the government is losing Value Added Tax in the process. Also, corporate tax has gone down to 10% on average from 15%.

Persistence Gwanyanya, another prominent economist and member of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Monetary Policy Committee, echoed these concerns. Given the high levels of informalisation of the economy, revenue performance is heavily affected. More worrying is the fact that as informalisation increases, the tax burden is carried by a few formalised business entities, which is not a good sign. Those that are formalised will continue to carry an increased burden due to the fact that they are being overtaxed and carrying the cross of everyone in the economy. Following a high informalisation rate, our economy is proving to be more vulnerable to external shocks.

Dr. Prosper Chitambara, a renowned economist, agreed that the worsening economic crisis made job losses inevitable. The rationalisation of the staff is the way to go as there are a lot of opportunities to eliminate wastage or duplication within the civil service. It helps the government to enhance the efficiency of spending to improve fiscal sustainability and creates savings for the government to redeploy to other productive sectors of our economy, he said.

The Cabinets decision to cut jobs, while undoubtedly a difficult one, is seen by many as a necessary step to address the pressing economic challenges facing Zimbabwe.

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Weve been so fortunate as to have another new donor offer to turbocharge this fundraiser So if you havent found time to donate yet, please avail yourself of this double your donations challenge!

This backers challenge for this fundraiser is matching the next 50 donations of $100 (and multiples of $100 like $300) up to his match total. Make this magnimous offer a sparkling success by going to our donation page now!

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Every morning, I peruse Naked Capitalism for independent analysis I find indispensable to understand what is going on around the world and within our own declining U.S. Empire. I appreciate the diversity of information resources found in the daily Links, and the convenience of finding so many sources in one place. And I appreciate the intelligent and often humorous comments made of Naked Capitalism subscribers, without the personal invective that pervades some other websites  thank you for the moderation. I often forward links and copies of articles to some of my friends to give them a different perspective. I also wanted to thank you personally for the articles you have written on the potential ending scenarios for Project Ukraine and the sharing of your personal knowledge about global finance  much appreciated!

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As readers who have been following the very long running story of the litigation against fund management giants KKR and Blackstone and other relevant parties, including importantly their leaders, such as Henry Kravis and Steve Schwarzman, the defendants have so far kept what started out as a 2017 suit from getting to discovery. The very high level version of the allegations is that KKR and Blackstone violated Kentuckys very strong fiduciary duty obligations in misrepresenting the potential risk and returns of customized hedge funds of funds they set up and managed for Kentucky Retirement Systems, the states public pension funds.

Wed pointed out from literally the very first post on this site that hedge funds were a poor investment option, particularly for public pension funds, since they dont outperform traditional investment strategies. Hedge funds of funds do even worse by having a second layer of fees (as in the investor is paying not just the hedge fund fees but also a second set of fees for the manager who chooses a group of hedge funds).

Kentucky Retirement Systems had originally performed a study when it first realized the severity of its underfunding problem, which remains on of the worst in the US. Yet a few years later, it nevertheless decided to take the plunge, apparently at least in part due to the tender ministration of consultants who were not independent (a fiduciary duty violation). These funds, with cute names like Daniel Boone, were sold as the implausible combination of low risk and high return, managed to underperform so severely that holding cash in a bank account would have provided better returns. Yet the managers collected hundreds of millions in fees.

Our status report comes in the form of two court filings embedded below, the response of the plaintiffs to an appeals court filing and the underlying writ by the defendants. But lets first discuss, again at a high level, how things got here.

The original filing, Mayberry v. KKR, was a derivative suit. The most common type of derivative suit is one filed by shareholders, to assert rights actually held by management and/or the board who are failing to use them to protect shareholder interests (the plaintiffs have to demonstrate demand futility as in the parties who should have asserted their rights have not or can be expected never to despite efforts of the plaintiffs). The original suit wound up at the Kentucky Supreme Court and was dismissed due to lack of standing as a result of unfavorable precedents after the initial suit was filed. The standard had become that members of a defined benefit could not be deemed to have suffered a particularized (concrete) loss until the pension fund has actually paid them less than the plan was obligated to provide. Mere losses to the fund that seem certain to result in an eventual shortfall did not cut it.

But the plaintiffs counsel reconstituted the suit and achieved a major win in May. From our post then:

It now seems like an eternity ago, but the latest big play in the long-running Kentucky Retirement Systems case, with the centerpiece a deeply underfunded pension fund reaching for return, was the Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron rousing himself to enter the case on behalf of allegedly all potential plaintiffs. This was despite the previous AG having filed a motion supporting the effort by the legal team lead by Michelle Lerach, with her formidable and controversial husband, one-time top securities litigator Bill Lerach, and a cast of other able lawyers to obtain damages from some of the biggest names in finance, KKR, Blackstone, PAAMCO (a one-time affiliate of bond giant Pimco), their top execs (!!!) and many co-conspirators and enablers. The basis for action was over fiduciary duty breaches and other bad conduct in the sale and management of custom hedge funds. For those of you following this saga, the case was originally Mayberry v. KKR. Mayberry v. KKR then went to the Kentucky Supreme Court, which tossed it due to lack of standing as a result of an intervening Federal appeals court and a Supreme Court decisions that took place after the initial filing. In the case of intervening decisions, plaintiffs are usually allowed to replead their cases. But then came another effort to throw a spanner. As it became clear that the plaintiffs were not going to go away easily even after their Kentucky Supreme Court defeat, Attorney General Daniel Cameron got out of bed. In July 2020, he intervened on behalf of the plaintiffs, shamelessly reworked the original plaintiffs filings (this was done with the cooperation of one of the original lead attorneys. Anne Oldfather, whose loyalties were seen as questionable from the outset). He later asserted he would fully occupy the field, as in represent the state (which is backstopping the funds), Kentucky Retirement Systems, and its beneficiaries. Kentucky Retirement Systems bleated, pointing out it was one of the state agencies that got to pick its own counsel and had not authorized Cameron to act on its behalf. The core legal team sought to file a reconstituted case, which kept some of the original plaintiffs, the ones who had hybrid so-called Tier 3 plans (both defined benefit and defined contribution components) and added other Tier 3 plaintiffs. Defined contribution plan members have a substantial body of precedent allowing them to sue over losses to their plan assets, even if they have not started withdrawing funds. That solved the earlier standing problem. Admittedly these beneficiaries represent a much smaller amount of total Kentucky Retirement System funds, but the fact of harm was presumably enough to get to discovery. At the end of December 2020, the trial court court rejected nearly all efforts to replead the case except the above mentioned Tier 3 claims (now called Taylor v. KKR) The defendants then successfully sued to have [trial court judge Philip] Shepherd removed from the case because he had touted his tough position on the Mayberry v. KKR cases in his re-election campaign (Shepherd recused himself in May 2022). The defendants no doubt believed a more conservative judge would prove to their advantage. It appears not to have occurred to them that a competent judge, regardless of his ideological bent, would not blindly accept what the coastal con artists financiers were selling out of deference to their status. Judge [Thomas] Wingate has finally issued orders on the extremely large number of motions to dismiss, nearly all by differently-situated defendants. The magnitude of that task, plus getting his arms around the very very large body of past filings, presumably accounted for the substantial delay. The compact orders are well reasoned. They seem even more credible by rejecting the idea that the Attorney General could properly represent the Tier 3 plaintiffs, and denying the motions to dismiss of the hugely powerful defendants, KKR, Blackstone, PAAMCO, and private equity kingpins Henry Kravis, George Roberts, Steve Schwarzman, and Tomlinson Hill personally. Needless to say, the fact that the Tier 3 plaintiffs have gotten a discovery green light further complicated the Attorney Generals life.who by the way is no longer Daniel Cameron, who left office earlier this year, leaving the hot mess of this not-completed gambit on his successor, Republican Russell Colemans desk And finally keep in mind that everyone close to the case understands what the real leverage is. Its exposing the chicanery of the big ticket, supposedly reputable private equity leaders and getting deeply into the economic and commercial relationship of their top leaders to their firms.

Now to the latest developments. The defendants went immediately to the appeals court even though there had been no trial court decision. They had also done that with original Mayberry v. KKR filing.

Normally, what is called an interlocutory appeal, which is an appeal made before the underlying court has heard the case and issued its decision, is as far as I can tell, generally looked upon dimly in most US courts. However, Kentucky procedure provides what appears to be an unrestricted right to try that gambit. You can find it under Rules of Appellate Procedure and is referred to as RAP 60 in the filings below.

The plaintiffs (who are now defendants in this appeal, but we will continue to call them plaintiffs, or Real Parties in Interest) pick their way though the RAP 60 filing in the first embedded document below. You can see what a confection of motions practice this case continues to be. One of the tactics in the filing by the KKR and its fellow travelers is to repeatedly misrepresent prior rulings and facts of the case. I hope some of you will read through the filing, but hes a sampling of how the Tier 3 plaintiff counter the bogus claims made by the hedge fund big boys:

The Attorney General can adequately represent the Tier 3 plaintiffs. No, he cant. Any recoveries by him go to the Kentucky general fund, while recoveries by the Tier 3 plaintiffs would go to the Kentucky Retirement Systems. The Tier 3 plaintiffs are in a defined benefit plan, and hence per the earlier rulings have no business being back in court. No, their plan has a defined benefit component and a defined contribution component, and they have suffered losses in the defined contribution part as a result of the hedgies poor management. The Tier 3 case is a derivative case. No, it asserts direct claims. Blackstone, KKR and their executives argue they will suffer irreparable harm if the case proceeds. This is a ludicrous assertion given the very high bar for irreparable harm. In fact, KKR and Blackstone have both said in publid filings that no outstanding suit will have a material impact on them. As for the named defendants personally, their staggering wealth (described in the filing) argues otherwise.

And let us not forget that these very determined efforts to prevent discovery are to block digging into the details behind bad facts like these:

Now, sadly, the rich fund managers may get lucky and get assigned to an appeals court judge who due to lack of patience with the fact and legal arguments may come down on their side. But Judge Wingate wrote very careful and detailed ruling to try to forestall that sort of thing. So stay tuned.
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Miracle Japan penguin found two weeks after escape Channel News Asia

Self-medicating gorillas may hold new drugs clues BBC

Soft Landing? New Left Review

Top US Fed official broke central banks trading rules, watchdog says FT

Climate

Water

Syndemics

China?

Myanmar

Making Sense of the Mess in Myanmars Shan State The Irrawaddy

India

One-Way Traffic London Review of Books

Africa

Instability in Somalia Endangers the Entire Horn of Africa Black Agenda Report

Syraqistan

Dear Old Blighty

New Not-So-Cold War

2024

California considers first-in-the-nation phone discounts for undocumented immigrants Politico

Haitian immigrants fleeing unrest and facing exploitation find Alabama is the best place to live AL.com

Our Famously Free Press

My Youtube Channel Deleted for Hate Speech Larry Johnson

9/11

Police State Watch

Digital Watch

As major web browser makers snuggle up to AI, these skeptical holdouts remain The Register

Groves of Academe

In the spirit of libearal inquiry: New faculty guidelines from Barnard College at Columbia University. Professors are not allowed to post signs on their door "that support a geopolitical view or perspective". When talking about "geopolitical views or perspectives", faculty must talk about both sides. pic.twitter.com/ol39ppYIWJ  Layla  (@itslaylas) September 11, 2024

Supply Chain

What keeps shipowners up at night? Splash 247

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Why America Should Drop Its Obsession With Being No. 1 Foreign Policy

Class Warfare

The Aral Sea Volcano Cafe

Antidote du jour (Charles J Sharp):

See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here.
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Yves here. We had flagged early on that Russia has significant market share in many key commodities and supplies, such as neon, and that Russia could restrict supplies to obtain leverage. In keeping, there was some (depending on the writer) worried or angry commentary on the fact that the US is reliant on Russian uranium at the start of the Special Military Operation. This article recaps a Bloomberg report on some remarks by Putin, which indicate hes asked his bureaucrats to study the question and see if bans or restrictions on Western buys would be a net plus for Russia. From Bloomberg:

Russian President Vladimir Putin asked the government to consider if it makes sense to limit exports of some commodities like nickel, titanium and uranium in retaliation for western sanctions. Russia is the leader in strategic raw materials reserves like uranium, titanium, nickel, Putin said during the meeting with the government, shown on TV. Since western sanctions limit exports of some Russian commodities like diamonds, maybe we should also think about restrictions, he said. Such limits should not harm Russia, he said. While the London Metal Exchange in April banned delivery of new Russian nickel and aluminum following sanctions imposed by the US and UK, Russia sells most of its output to end users. The US this year also banned imports of Russian uranium and newly produced nickel, copper and aluminum. I am not saying that this needs to be done tomorrow, but we could think about certain restrictions on supplies to the foreign market not only of the goods I mentioned, but also of some others, Putin said.

The US passed legislation that implemented a ban that became effective on August 11, 2024, making the Putin musing look like trying to close the barn door after the horse is in the next county. (As an aside, note the hyperbolic spin in the headline, with Putin signaling that hes considering the idea and the move depicted as emotional, revenge, as opposed to retaliation). But the law has a loophole through which you can drive a truck. From the Department of Energy:

Recognizing that in the near term, implementing the ban could disrupt the operations of nuclear reactors, the law authorizes the Secretary of Energy, in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Commerce, to waive the prohibition and permit the import of Russian uranium if an applicant can show that it has no alternative viable source of uranium or that such imports are in the national interest. Any waiver by the Secretary of Energy is subject to annual aggregate limits and will terminate on or before January 1, 2028.

An article at Heritage explained that the real issue is enrichment capacity, and that weaning the US off Russian supplies depends on private investors stepping up and funding the increase of capacity. From Heritage:

The U.S. gets about 19% of its electricity from 93 commercial nuclear power reactors, which are powered by uranium. Although uranium is an abundant mineral worldwide, the ability to enrich it for use in nuclear power plants is far more limited. Russia controls around 46% of global enrichment capacity, while the U.S. controls only 9.5%. But America is the largest consumer of fuel-grade uranium, known as low-enriched uranium, or LEU. That means the United States can produce only around 20% of its LEU requirements domestically. The remaining requirements come from enrichment facilities in the United Kingdom, Germany and the Netherlands. Around 25% comes from Russia. Promptly after the invasion, Mr. Biden stopped oil imports from Russia. Now, Washington has acted to ban uranium imports. The legislation has three key parts. It bans the import of LEU from Russia or any Russian entity, prevents black market imports by banning LEU that is determined to have been exchanged with, swapped for, or otherwise obtained to circumvent the ban, and lasts until 2040. A long-term ban is critical because expanding enrichment is time-consuming and expensive. Investors wont expand capacity to make up for Russian supply if the ban may be terminated or waived, making low-cost Russian LEU available again to U.S. buyers. While growing demand for non-Russian uranium fuel had already prompted Americas sole domestically located commercial enricher to expand capacity, a long-term ban on Russian imports is necessary to provide the market certainty required to justify investment in a broader expansion in the sector.

Heritage then calls out two problems with the bill. One is the waiver we flagged, which it contends will undermine certainty about domestic demand. The second is that the authorities need to get out of the way and be as permissive as possible as far as approvals for enrichment and uranium mining are concerned.

Even though nuclear power is more important to Frances energy mix than for the US (France exports electricity), it makes much less use of Russian uranium. EDF uses about 8,000 tons of uranium a year, and from what I can tell, only 153 tons comes from Russia. A chart in a 2023 article in Le Monde on Frances uranium sources in Africa doesnt include Russia as a material source:

Having said that, for reasons of space, your humble blogger will not attempt to profile what countries might be squeezed if Russia restricts exports to Collective West members for some or all of the other commodities where Russia is a major supplier. If Russia does move ahead, one can expect to see analyses using more current data than what we published in 2022.

By Alex Kimani, a veteran finance writer, investor, engineer and researcher for Safehaven.com. Originally published at OilPrice

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 cant 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.
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Jessica Wapner is a widely published journalist, writer, and producer. She is the author of The Philadelphia Chromosome and Wall Disease, and the reporter and co-host of the podcast One Click.

On a sweltering day in July 2023, a ragtag group of data wonks sat around a table at U Zlateho Tygra, or the Golden Tiger, a historic bar in Pragues Old Town. A mild sense of outrage hung in the air between jokes about who among them looked the most Medieval. The group was discussing the issue of manipulated images and fabricated data in scientific publishing. Soon someone was passing around a phone showing a black-and-white image with clear traces of tampering. After a couple more rounds, the group made its way across the ornate cobblestone roads. They brimmed with frustration that, until now, had largely been shared only online. Its a toxic dump, an Italian scientist known to the group by his pseudonym, Aneurus Inconstans, said about science. Its not about curiosity anymore, its just a career.

These are the sleuths, as the media often refer to them. They are a haphazard collection of international acquaintances, some scientists and some not, from the United States, Ukraine, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and elsewhere, who are dedicated to uncovering potential manipulation in the scientific literature.

Those present in Prague, and others who couldnt make the trip, have different strengths and interests. Some are into exposing statistical skullduggery; others are into spotting manipulated images. Some are academics sticking to their field; others more general-interest vigilantes. But all of them are entrenched in an ongoing battle at the heart of science, in which the pressure to publish and the drive for fame and profit have thrown countless images and statistics into question, sometimes cracking pillars of research in the process. The issue is spread across many fields of science, though some have suffered more than others. The biggest paper in Alzheimers disease is a fake, Inconstans said en route from the bar as the sun set over Old Town. He was sharing an opinion that all the other sleuths had already heard.

In 2023, a group of data wonks gathered in Prague to discuss a disturbing issue: manipulated images and fabricated data in scientific publishing. Part of that group is pictured here, from left to right: David Bimler, Charles Piller (a journalist who attended a portion of the meeting), Nick Brown, Sholto David, Patrick Starke, Leonid Schneider, Markus Zlabinger, Elisabeth Bik, and Kevin Patrick. Visual: Courtesy of Elisabeth Bik

The paper in question, published in Nature in 2006, lent credence to a theory that the proliferation of a type of amyloid protein causes Alzheimers disease. The amyloid cascade hypothesis, which had all but taken over Alzheimers research, has led to billions of dollars going into researching anti-amyloid therapies to slow the diseases progression.

But a decade and a half later, some sleuths noticed problems with crucial images in that paper. Core data appeared to be fake. Scientists in the field debated about the importance of the paper after the concerns emerged. Some believed that a landmark finding supporting the hypothesis was now unreliable. Others insisted the paper had never been used as proof.

No one could deny, though, that thousands of other publications had cited the research. And, in the sleuths eyes, the papers popularity made investigating any tampering that much more important. Part of what we need to do, especially when youre looking at papers that have been cited, many of them hundreds, and a few of them, thousands, of times, is to make it easier for people to recognize the problems, said Matthew Schrag, a neurologist who treats Alzheimers patients and conducts research on the disease at Vanderbilt University. A correction or a retraction would have served that need and kept with the protocols of science.

Instead, the questions raised about the work revealed cracks that have been slowly eating away at scientific integrity for years. And the sleuths asking those questions would find themselves not just seeking a minor correction but fighting for a greater truth. In a text message to Undark, one man who long went by the pseudonym Smut Clyde before outing himself as David Bimler, a retired perceptual psychologist from New Zealand, wrote:  We are all idealists and united by a wish for the ideals of science to be more like what they used to be.

Whether they can do anything about it, though, is another question.

The Prague group had come together at the invitation of Kevin Patrick, a financial adviser in the Seattle area. Unlike the other guests at the Golden Tiger  which, in addition to Bimler and Inconstans, included Elisabeth Bik, well-known for her skill at identifying tampered images, and several others  Patrick didnt have a scientific background. Though his investing work occasionally required him to pay attention to drug stocks, he says general curiosity years later led him to discover Retraction Watch, a website for tracking problematic and unreliable papers. As he recalls, Retraction Watch soon led him to PubPeer, a site for discussing published research, where he saw example after example of tampered images.

Following some sleuths posts on X, then known as Twitter, got Patrick wondering if he could spot the patterns that people like Bik are so adept at finding. Patrick trained himself and practiced by asking other sleuths on X to weigh in on his suspicions. I do have a lot of down time, he said. Eventually he started posting on PubPeer under a pseudonym assigned by the website, partly to protect his finance work and partly because he thought that authors would not take his comments seriously if they knew he was not a scientist. (On X, he uses the name Cheshire.)

One day in 2021, Patrick noticed that a paper hed called out on PubPeer for having problematic images a couple years prior had been retracted. It was exciting to be part of the sleuthing world. He started looking at more papers, and, because that retracted paper was Alzheimers research, he continued in that vein. Soon he was looking at images showing bands of color  some in grayscale, some in fluorescent green or pink  representing the proteins present in samples. Patrick thought the background looked artificially altered. He saw that some sleuths had spotted similar issues in other papers by the same author. One of them was the 2006 paper.

Patrick rarely understands the science hes looking at. Im not even that interested, he said. But he enjoyed developing his knack for noticing visual patterns. Divorced and empty-nested, he also liked the online camaraderie. For years, Cheshire, Smut Clyde, Inconstans, and others occupied a fringe corner of the internet that remained frustratingly under the radar considering the amount of questionable images they were routinely uncovering, most often in the biosciences. (In cases where the sleuths havent gone public, Undark is using their pseudonyms, rather than their real names, in keeping with how they are known in the scientific community.) The sleuths bonded over their discoveries, their commitment to scientific accuracy, and, for some, the pushback they received from authors and sometimes journal editors who did not always welcome questions raised about their work.

The problematic 2006 Nature paper was a particularly high stakes finding. Spotted at a time of reckoning for Alzheimers research  a 2019 expose by late STAT journalist Sharon Begley chronicled the disproportionate attention given to research directed by the amyloid cascade hypothesis and lent additional weight to a quietly growing belief that the hypothesis was either incomplete or simply wrong  the problematic images would further erode the foundation on which decades of work, costing billions of dollars, had been based.

Thats largely because Patrick wasnt the only person to notice the issue.

Alzheimers disease was first reported in 1906. A German psychiatrist named Alois Alzheimer watched a patient progress from paranoid to aggressive to confused and, upon her death, found strange plaques and tangles in her brain. More cases followed and Alzheimers disease became an official diagnosis in 1910. It is the most common form of dementia, an umbrella term for a variety of cognitive impairments for which age is a primary risk factor.

In 1984, two scientists discovered that a protein called amyloid beta, or A, was the main component of amyloid plaques. This discovery led to the notion that amyloid beta is behind the formation of tangles that kill neurons, and are the hallmark of Alzheimers disease. For many researchers, the amyloid cascade hypothesis, or ACH, brought about a major sense of optimism for helping to solve the mystery of Alzheimers disease and carved a potential path to treatment: Stop amyloid beta and thus stop the decline, maybe even reverse it.

The theory tantalized industry and researchers alike. A biotechnology company named Athena Neurosciences and pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly and Company produced mice containing a mutated version of the human gene for amyloid; their brains became filled with plaque and the animals lost their memory capacity. A breathless report in The New York Times said the tiny Athena could become the mouse that roared, for this landmark achievement, which was potentially worth a billion dollars a year if it led to an effective Alzheimers drug. Soon, scientists, pharmaceutical companies and grant funders went all in on the ACH.

Not everyone fell in line. Matthew Schrag, the Vanderbilt neurologist, was among the skeptics. Schrag, who holds both a medical degree and a Ph.D., had joined Vanderbilts Memory and Alzheimers Center and launched his own research lab in the mid-2010s. His training included a stint in the Department of Cell Biology at Yale. There, Schrag was captivated by the rigorous adherence to the scientific method.

Nonconformity, too, was in Schrags blood. His grandfather was an atheist whose father had left the Mennonite Church. Schrags parents had home-schooled him and his siblings in a small town in Washington. As his career progressed, his commitment to careful science brought him to his own rebellious stance: The ACH was wrong.

When the 2006 Nature paper came under wider scrutiny in 2022, Schrag already believed the evidence against the ACH was far more persuasive than anything in its favor. For one thing, the plaques considered to be a hallmark of the disease also occur in people without it. Also, research had not shown that a build-up of amyloid was a necessary precursor to memory impairment in humans.

Moreover, the decades of research dominated by the ACH had failed to reverse, stop, or even meaningfully slow the progress of the disease. Not a single clinical trial confirmed that targeting amyloid beta could stop or even dramatically slow the progress of the disease. Nonetheless, pharmaceutical companies forged on to move new candidates forward, but nothing panned out.

Not everyone agreed that these facts disproved the causative role of amyloid beta. What Schrag saw as disproof others saw as the necessary and incremental process of understanding the pathology of Alzheimers disease. This was simply science at work.

The refusal of the field at large to concede the wrongness of the amyloid cascade hypothesis deepened Schrags concerns about an underlying problem. A suspicion that Schrag had long been harboring took root: Alzheimers treatment wasnt stuck because of bad drugs. It was stuck because of bad science.

In 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved an A-targeted drug called aducanumab in a controversial decision that prompted the resignation of three scientists involved with the review process. This might be the worst approval decision that the FDA has made that I can remember, Harvard Medical School professor Aaron Kesselheim, one of the resigning researchers, told The New York Times.

Biogen, the drug maker, had stopped clinical trials early because it had failed to show a benefit. But the investigators then analyzed a larger dataset to show a positive impact among patients who received higher doses. The FDA advisory committee strongly recommended against approval of the drug, but the agency went against that advice, granting the drug accelerated approval based on the fact that aducanumab destroys amyloid plaques  not because it slows the disease. Billy Dunn, head of the FDAs Office of Neuroscience at the time, left in 2023 and joined the board of Prothena, a drug company with several Alzheimers drugs in the pipeline. (Dunn did not respond to a request for comment forwarded from Undark by Prothenas senior director of corporate communications Michael Bachner.) Researchers like Schrag feared the approval would keep the focus on what he saw to be a dead-end hypothesis.

He spoke up. We had been hoping for a recalibration of the field, he told The Washington Post in 2021, following the approval. The proof of efficacy just isnt there, he told National Geographic.

Statements like these put Schrag on the radar of two scientists, one a neuroscientist and biotechnology entrepreneur, the other a cardiologist in academia, who suspected foul play in the development of another experimental Alzheimers drug called simufilam, made by the pharmaceutical company Cassava Sciences. Jordan Thomas, an attorney known for his whistleblowing lawsuits, asked Schrag to review the published studies for a consulting fee of $18,000. His investigation found that several key images appeared to have been manipulated to show a benefit. He also flagged that the researchers claimed simufilam altered human brain tissue that had been previously frozen, which seemed extremely hard to believe. (In an email, Craig Boerner, media director at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, noted that Schrags investigative work is independent of his employment at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.)

These discoveries rattled Schrag. The major problems he saw led him to doubt on the authors other studies, many of which involved patients. I felt that academically I couldnt let that stand, he said. (In a statement posted on its website in August 2021, Cassava asserted that allegations made against the company regarding data and image manipulation were false and misleading.)

When it came to assessing the integrity of a study, Schrag was particularly focused on the images. The editing techniques used to place politicians in places where they arent and to make celebrities look perfect on magazine covers are also ideal for scientists who need to show results where none exist. Sections of a microscopic image can be copied and pasted elsewhere in the frame. Dimming and brightening in grayscale can eliminate errant data from Western blots, a basic lab technique to separate and identify the proteins present in cell or tissue samples that ultimately results in an image in which the protein contents appear as rows of thick black dashes. Images of neurons can be copied, rotated, and placed nearby, creating a fake result. Photoshop and other tools can make a drug look like its hitting a target, or a protein appear important to a disease. It can make a failed study look successful.

But going any further with his forensic investigations would require a reliable method for analyzing images. Schrag needed to find some figures that other sleuths had already flagged for manipulation to validate his approach. So, in 2022, he turned to PubPeer and searched for Alzheimers studies that had the kind of images he was trying to tackle. The probe returned a few papers, which in turn led him to the 2006 Nature publication.

It reported on a version of amyloid beta called A*56, asserting that mice with excessive amounts of this protein became unable to recall information about their surroundings that they previously knew  not unlike a person with dementia who can no longer find their way home from the supermarket. The study was led by a postdoctoral neuroscientist at the University of Minnesota named Sylvain Lesne, who was working in well-known researcher Karen Ashes lab. The results of their experiment had been celebrated as evidence for the amyloid cascade hypothesis. Here, the believers said, was support for the theory that excess amyloid leads to cognitive impairment.

Scientists track how many times a paper is cited by others because its a rough indication that the finding was noteworthy. The Lesne paper was cited more than 2,300 times. And the images were the crux of the results. They revealed the presence of A*56 in the impaired mice. The Western blots and other figures were the evidence.

Schrag told the federal government about his concern  after all, the work had been supported by the National Institutes of Health  and he also told Nature. Then he told Science magazine, which asked a few experts in image analysis if they agreed with Schrags conclusions. They did. In July 2022, the magazine published a story by Charles Piller on both the simufilam research and Lesnes paper. Schrags appearance in Science was how Patrick first came to interact with him, a connection that bridged the fringe world of the sleuths with the more accepted world of academia. Their mutual commitment to scientific integrity became a joint mission. Were not cranks, Schrag said. Were not people hiding in a basement somewhere and just creating trouble on the internet.

The expose was widely covered in the media, but action to correct the scientific record would not come swiftly.

Scientific fraud has existed for as long as people have stood to benefit from it. In the early 1980s, Harvard Medical School heart researcher John Darsee faked data in animal research on heart attack treatments. Beginning in the early 1990s, Japanese researcher Yoshitaka Fujii, an anesthesiologist, fabricated more than 170 papers. And Massachusetts anesthesiologist Scott Reuben fabricated data in at least 21 studies dating back to the 1990s, several of which highlighted the benefits of pain medications made by Pfizer, which had supported much of his research.

In 2016, Bik, the well-known image sleuth, who holds a Ph.D. in microbiology, co-authored a study showing that nearly 800 of 20,621 papers she and her colleagues examined contained problematic figures. Most of these did not seem like not innocent errors; a 2012 study found that two thirds of all retractions are due to misconduct, not mistakes.

To the sleuths who congregate on PubPeer and on X  Bik, Patrick, and many others, sometimes including Schrag  this fakery is emblematic of how science has departed from its original purpose of understanding the natural world. Academic research requires funding and funders want proof that they are making a wise investment. Young investigators have to produce results to win grants and job offers. Senior faculty need to preserve their labs and reputations.

Jana Christopher, an image analyst for the Federation of European Biochemical Societies, which publishes several journals, says she has seen the effect of the pressure to publish on scientists. People are going to try and be fast, she said. People are maybe being bullied in their work environment into working faster, coming up with desired results in a certain timeframe. I think in some labs, the atmosphere can be quite toxic and people are not necessarily protected from that in the right way.

Many people concerned about scientific integrity see the big egos of star scientists as a contributing factor. Bik called out the work of French physician and microbiologist Didier Raoult after noticing he was listed as the senior author on a paper stating that hydroxychloroquine  a drug prescribed for autoimmune conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis  could be used as a treatment for Covid-19. Raoult and Bik subsequently traded barbs on social media and elsewhere over her criticism of this work, and of Raoults wider publication record. (In response to a request to Raoult for comment, his fellow researcher and frequent co-author, Philippe Brouqui, forwarded a letter that he said had also been sent to Science magazine, in which Raoult defended himself against critiques by Bik and others.)

Schrag places much of the blame on the scientific publishing industry. Journals are self-managed, and little oversight exists to address suspected misconduct. And when someone catches problems with published data, the journals are not responsible for identifying whether they stemmed from deliberate misconduct. Meanwhile, the publications profits have come under increasing scrutiny. Nature charges around $11,400 to publish a study as open access, even though, by one estimate, it costs at most around $1,000 to move a study from submission to publication. Elsevier, which owns 2,900 journals, reported more than $3.5 billion in revenue for 2022. As Schrag and others see it, the profit coupled with the lack of regulation creates an imbalance that favors abundant publishing but not the time-consuming process of reviewing potential errors.

In an email to Undark that Katie Baker, communications director for publishing and research services at Springer Nature, asked be attributed to a spokesperson, the publisher noted that the article processing charge reflects the costs of publishing a paper in Nature or a Nature research journal. Simply, the review and editorial process involved in steering papers from submission to publication requires time and expertise that add up to a significant expense.

The fraught dynamics dont end here. Boris Barbour, a neuroscience researcher and organizer of PubPeer and Adam Marcus, a co-founder of Retraction Watch, both noted that universities often seem reluctant to investigate allegations of misconduct. Universities are charged with investigating any allegations of misconduct made against the researchers they employ. The Office of Research Integrity, the U.S. agency that oversees much federally funded science, has proposed new rules aimed at giving ORI more insight into the process and findings of campus investigations. But identifying a researcher engaged in misconduct could risk losing federal funding, as well as tarnishing the institutions reputation.

Even when journals and academic institutions are diligent about uncovering bad practices, the investigation can be stonewalled by authors, say journal editors. Sarah Jackson, executive editor at the Journal of Clinical Investigation, said sometimes authors fail to provide the necessary source material to confirm the published data, or become unreachable. I still see every range of response from senior investigators, she said.

When the City University of New York investigated the work of neuroscientist Hoau-Yan Wang, who collaborated with Cassava on the research of simufilam, the report produced stated that Wang failed to provide a single piece of original material, responding that crucial records had been thrown away during a Covid-19 cleaning frenzy.

Many journals have taken steps to cope with image tampering, but not enough, it seems, to staunch the problem. And these days, says Barbour, the slight improvements were seeing from the journals are exposing how bad institutions are.

The consequences for speaking up are worrisome, says Barbour. Young scientists who spot something awry risk ending their careers for calling out the boss. A lawyer for Raoult accused Bik of harassment and blackmail after she flagged issues with many of his papers. In April 2021, one of Raoults colleagues also posted a screenshot on X that revealed Biks home address, as she and Barbour were listed as the subjects of a legal complaint. Likewise, Purdue University biologist David Sanders went public with allegations of potential image manipulation in some articles by famed cancer researcher Carlo Croce. In response, Croce sued Sanders and The New York Times for defamation, and the Board of Trustees at The Ohio State University, his employer, for inappropriately removing him from an appointment as department chair. (Croce lost the cases against Sanders and The New York Times, and last year, a court ordered a local sheriff to seize and sell Croces property, to pay more than a million dollars in outstanding legal fees. Croce won an appeal on the initial ruling against him in the third case, which is currently still open.) In general, the whole environment is incredibly structurally hostile to criticizing work, said Barbour.

For the crowd at the Golden Tiger and Schrag, the only way to restore integrity to research is by drawing attention to the problems, no matter the cost, no matter who listens, and no matter who they upset.

The first PubPeer comments on Lesnes Alzheimers paper appeared in January 2022, six months before Science reported Schrags findings of image manipulation. I have concerns about supplementary figure 4, a comment said in the neutral language enforced on the site. The figure showed a Western blot. Several such images in the paper showed dark bands affirming the presence of A*56 in Alzheimers-like mice. Readers of the study saw the images as further support for the ACH when it was first published.

Now, 16 years after the paper was published, another comment  Schrag says all of those that appeared that January were posted by him  flagged that several bands appeared to have been copied and pasted. More PubPeer comments flowed in. One flagged splice marks in figure 1, also a Western blot, signaling that the image appeared to have been cut to add or remove rows of bands. Other comments pointed out issues with additional figures.

In June 2022, Karen Ashe, Lesnes supervisor and the senior author on the paper, responded to some of the PubPeer comments. Ashe was, and remains, a highly regarded neuroscientist. In 1996, she pioneered research to genetically engineer mice that overproduced amyloid beta and developed dementia-like symptoms. She is recognized as a leading scholar in Alzheimers research. And though Lesne was listed as first author, she had overseen his research of A*56 and was responsible for the validity of the paper.

PubPeer users noted Ashes willingness to answer questions about the paper. She provided several original images that had been submitted to Nature and said that the anomalies in the images were introduced during the publishing process, an explanation Bik found plausible for some figures since converting them to a publishable format requires digital processing that can lead to subtle but meaningful changes. But issues with other images remained.

A week before the Science story came out broadcasting the problems that Schrag and others had noticed, Nature attached a note to the online version saying that the journal had been alerted to concerns regarding some of the figures and was investigating them. Other questions on PubPeer flagged additional issues. Bik spotted what appeared to be outright duplications in one figure; a magnified view highlighted an area that seemed to have been copied and pasted, which would make the entire image untrustworthy.

PubPeer users have raised concerns about manipulated images on several of Lesnes other papers, including one that, according to a comment from Bik, appeared to use a figure lifted straight from another paper. (Ashe declined to comment for this story. Lesne did not respond to Undarks requests for comment.) Schrag hoped for a swift retraction. Its absolutely critical, he said, emphasizing that as a field, we need to take a stand for correcting clearly erroneous data. The 2006 paper, Schrag believed, was undoubtedly wrong.

Staff charged with evaluating such complaints insist the slow pace is not their fault. Springer Nature, which publishes more than 3,000 journals, received about 1,600 such queries in 2022. Tim Kersjes, who leads the resolutions team within the publishers research integrity department, acknowledged that investigations can take a long time. Ideally a concern comes in, we investigate it, and we can retract two weeks later, he said. But in practice thats impossible. Kersjes said that authors dont always respond to emails or send explanations that require further review. Marcus noted that the peer review process isnt geared toward catching images for signs of tampering or other types of misconduct. Jackson, at the Journal of Clinical Investigation, said that the fact that some scientists are willing to fake their data caught publishers off guard.

The growing cadre of sleuths see the matter differently. They are catching problems that, in some cases, they say should never should have made it past a first review. Jana Christopher quickly spotted issues when she reviewed the images Schrag had flagged in Lesnes paper and the simufilam studies, though she emphasized that image-screening experts and automated tools were not widely available at the time the Lesnes paper was published.

The sleuths and other science integrity watchdogs rankled the publishing industry initially. We certainly had journals tell us basically, go fuck off, we dont have to answer to you said Marcus. That doesnt happen quite so much anymore. Still, editors remain wary of PubPeer, which has increasingly become a forum for catching misdeeds rather than discussing new discoveries, which was its initial purpose.

Weve seen some folks that have taken it on as a personal mission, that they are on a crusade to root out fraud, said Jackson. Those individuals may feel like the journal is beholden to them personally and they dont always respect that there has to be a process for investigating these things. Universities may also have trepidation about engaging with individuals who call out their researchers on PubPeer or in direct correspondence to the institution. Researchers are well aware that these types of allegations, whether substantiated or not, can be career-ending, said Kate Gallin Heffernan, a lawyer who works with institutions on misconduct investigations. She says that even when a researcher provides a satisfactory response, an exchange on PubPeer or X can leave a stain.

Nevertheless, the scientific literature appears to be riddled with unreliable studies. A New Yorker profile of Bik noted that of the 782 papers shed found to have problematic images in her 2016 analysis, at most 10 had been resolved by the authors disproving her concerns. An analysis by Nature found that a record 10,000 papers were retracted in 2023. PubPeer users uncovered possible issues with images in papers co-authored by former Stanford University president Marc Tessier-Lavigne that made headlines in 2023. (Though Tessier-Lavigne stepped down as president, an investigation commissioned by the universitys board of trustees exonerated him of research misconduct.)

A 2021 analysis of PubPeer comments found that two-thirds of the comments on the site center on image anomalies, and most of these studies pertain to health and medicine. In other words, they may directly affect peoples lives. Some journals have begun to use AI to scan submissions for image issues. Two entrepreneurs in Austria created ImageTwin for this purpose, and the U.S. federal government also provides resources for accessing and using image scanning software. But even Markus Zlabinger, who co-founded ImageTwin, emphasized that their software is a starting place that helps editors know when to take a closer look. A person must always make the final call, he said.

The sleuths vary in their approach toward the publishing industry. Some can appear aggressive. Leonid Schneider, whose website For Better Science, has chronicled egregious issues  such as a paper mill that appears to be behind hundreds of publications discovered by Bik, Smut Clyde, and others  tends to make harsh accusations. Another sleuth, who uses the pseudonym Claire Francis, has antagonized journals with frequent messages demanding action. You are complicit in fraud, Claire Francis told one staffer in correspondence about a corrected paper. Entire pieces have been written about how to handle anonymous whistleblowers like Claire Francis. Bik takes a more neutral approach, preferring to work with publishers and not as their adversary. She tags authors on social media only when they are towering figures in their fields, preferring to protect vulnerable young researchers from the mean-spirited rebukes that X tends to attract.

Regardless of how each express it, though, many of the sleuths share the same outrage. They are frustrated and angry at the sheer amount of research misconduct and the extent to which researchers may get away with manipulation or faking data because journals and universities dont take a stand. Others emphasize that tackling these issues is simply part of the job of a scientist.

In Sciences July 2022 report on the Lesne scandal, Schrag said he allowed the publication to use his identity because he believes science has to be candid and transparent. But that ideal doesnt mean hes escaped repercussions. He says he was subpoenaed to provide documents for an investor lawsuit against Cassava, which, by his count, resulted in tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees and required a significant investment of time. He says when Cassava also subpoenaed him for documents, a foundation called the Scientific Integrity Fund stepped in to help with his legal expenses. He had stood up for the cause of research integrity and fought a pharmaceutical Goliath, and now he was dealing with the aftermath. You can lose even if you win, right? he said.

The losses have been emotional too. His work outing dubious papers led to the identification of problematic images on his own CV. An early mentor, Othman Ghribi, allegedly manipulated images in a few published studies theyd co-authored. After hearing about the alleged manipulations and confirming them for himself, Schrag said he knew he had to alert the journals and ask for retractions. I think there is a time to stand up and say Yep, even though its somebody I really care about, we cant have this in our business, he said.

Regardless of the debates over how important the Lesne study has been to Alzheimers research, the tampered images and lack of closure to Natures investigation became, to many, emblematic of just how damaged science has become.

The matter finally came to a head in mid-2024. In May, Ashe posted a response to Schrags June 2023 analysis of a replication study she conducted. She acknowledged the misrepresentation of data, but also maintained her conviction that experiments she and colleagues had conducted and written up in a March 2024 paper had reproduced the main findings of the original work. A correction, rather than a retraction, would keep the scientific record accurate.

Schrag, though, maintained that the new results did not support the original conclusion. Bik also called for a retraction on the simple grounds that the paper contained tampered work and was therefore unreliable, regardless of what the replication experiment had found. Finally, Ashe informed PubPeer that the editors at Nature had not agreed to the correction and therefore she and all other authors except Lesne had decided to retract the 2006 paper.

On June 24, 2024, about two and a half years after the first concerns appeared on PubPeer, Nature retracted the study. Undark asked representatives at Nature about this time frame. In an email that Michael Stacey, head of communications for journals with Springer Nature Group asked to be attributed to a spokesperson, he wrote: Our investigations follow an established process, which involves consultation with the authors and, where appropriate, seeking independent advice from peer reviewers and other external experts. Other factors, such as awaiting the outcome of institutional investigations, where appropriate, can also impact the length of time an investigation takes. The University of Minnesota, meanwhile, concluded its own review of the paper with no findings of research misconduct.

Schrag believes that the amyloid cascade hypothesis would have faded from view long ago if science had more integrity. I think its become much more of a political entity than a scientific one, he said.

In January 2023, the FDA approved another amyloid-targeting drug, lecanemab, under its Accelerated Approval pathway. Study participants who took the drug for 18 months had moderately less cognitive decline compared to patients who took the placebo, according to the results published in Alzheimers Research & Therapy in late 2022.

But to Schrag, the entry of lecanemab onto the market underscored how dire it is that the field moves on from targeting amyloid beta, he said. The hypothesis, he said, is wrong. A growing number of researchers agree, though many  including Schrag  say that amyloid is probably one component of a disease with many contributing factors. In January 2024, Biogen announced that it would stop developing and marketing aducanumab, the controversial 2021 approval, to focus its resources on lecanemab. In July 2024, the FDA approved donanemab, which also targets amyloid. Multiple patients on both the lecanemab and donanemab clinical trials experienced brain swelling or bleeding. Three patients on the lecanemab trial died.

The sleuths have continued to flag issues with long upheld research. Toward the end of 2023, Schrag, Bik, Patrick, and Columbia University neuroscientist Mu Yang sent a lengthy dossier to the NIH detailing problems with the work of famed stroke researcher Berislav Zlokovic. Bik knows the complaint may not much yield much. After all, toward the end of 2023, CUNY halted its investigation of Hoau-Yan Wang, the Alzheimers researcher who led many studies of simufilam. (CUNY would not comment on the status of its investigation  noting only that Wang is on administrative leave  though a federal grand jury indicted him this summer on charges of fabricating and falsifying data in grant applications.) And regarding the University of Minnesotas review of the 2006 Nature paper, a spokesperson told Undark that there were no findings of research misconduct pertaining to these figures, but could not share more detail due to state law.

Asked about the universitys conclusion, Bik was incredulous. I dont understand how you can come to that conclusion, she said. In my professional opinion and that of several others, these photos have been altered. Bik added that the findings seemed to signal that the issues surrounding the now-retracted paper were not a big deal.

But it was, she said. It was a big deal.

Still, the sleuths are tenacious in their cause. After gathering in Porto, Portugal, in July 2024, they are now planning a third summer summit in Krakow, Poland.

UPDATE: This article has been updated to clarify the nature of allegations made by Purdue University biologist David Sanders regarding instances of potential image manipulation in some articles by cancer researcher Carlo Croce.

Jane Reza contributed reporting for this story.
21 False claims & hoaxes by Kamala Harris that ABCs debate moderators did not fact check

Vice President Kamala Harris issued a slew of false claims and hoaxes that ABC debate moderators did not fact check during Tuesdays debate against former President Donald Trump.

(Article by Alana Mastrangelo republished from Breitbart.com)

Here are 21 false claims and hoaxes that Harris uttered on live television, in front of millions of Americans:

1. Very fine people hoax

Harris claimed Trump called neo-Nazis in Charlottesville very fine people, a widely known hoax that Democrats continue to repeat, despite it being debunked for years by numerous outlets, including by the left-wing fact checking website Snopes.

2. Project 2025 hoax

Harris accused Trump of wanting to implement Project 2025. This is false. Trump has repeatedly stated that he has nothing to do with it and hasnt even read it.

Trump promptly corrected Harris on the debate stage, saying, I have nothing to do  as you know, and as she knows, better than anyone  I have nothing to do with Project 2025. I havent read it, I dont want to read it, purposely. Im not going to read it.

I have nothing to do [with it], Trump added. Everybody knows Im an open book. Everybody knows what Im going to do: cut taxes very substantially, and create a great economy like I did before.

3. False claims on Trump trade deficit

Harris claimed the Trump administration resulted in a trade deficit that was one of the highest weve ever seen in the history of America. This is patently false.

The trade deficit climbed to around $653 billion in Trumps final year as president, in part because of depressed global demand for U.S. goods and services and a U.S. economy that recovered sooner than most other developed economies.

But the trade deficit never rose to the levels seen under former President George W. Bush or the Biden-Harris administration.

4. Putin can do whatever the hell he wants

Harris claimed that Trump told Russian President Vladimir Putin that he could do whatever the hell he wants and go into Ukraine. This is false. Trump never told Putin he could do whatever the hell he wants, and he never told Putin he could invade Ukraine.

To add insult to injury, this false claim is also coupled with stark gaslighting, given that Putin appears to be doing whatever he wants during the Biden-Harris administration  such as invading Ukraine  and not during the Trump administration.

5. Dictator on day one hoax

Harris claimed that Trump wants to be a dictator on day one. This is false. Trump has never said this.

Oddly, Harris attempted to justify her false claim by making another false claim (the aforementioned erroneous claim coupled with gaslighting), which was that the 45th president told Putin he could do whatever the hell he wants.

Remarkably, Harris failed to mention that Putin has actually been doing whatever he wants during the Biden-Harris administration.

6. Blaming botched Afghanistan withdrawal on Trump

In another example of never before seen levels of gaslighting, Harris blamed her and Bidens disastrous Afghanistan withdrawal on Trump.

After being asked point blank, Do you believe you bear any responsibility in the way that withdrawal played out? Harris segued to talking about Trumps communications with the Taliban, suggesting that the Biden-Harris administration is not responsible for its own botched Afghanistan withdrawal.

This is not the first time Harris falsely claimed Trump is responsible for her and Bidens botched Afghanistan withdrawal. Last week, her campaign tried to blame it on Trump  even though it happened seven months after he left office  claiming he didnt give the Biden-Harris administration any plans on what to do.

7. Putin would be sitting in Kyiv

Harris claimed Putin would be sitting in Kyiv with his eyes on the rest of Europe if Trump were president. This is false.

Russia under Putin invaded neighbors during the George Bush, Barack Obama, and Joe Biden administrations, but never during the Trump administration.

8. Bloodbath hoax

Harris also repeated the bloodbath hoax, falsely claiming that Trump called for a bloodbath if he lost the election.

This is a long-debunked hoax, as Trump was referring to the car industry.

9. Abortion monitor hoax

Harris claimed that Trump wanted an abortion monitor. This is false. Trump has never said anything like that.

This is not the first time Harris has used this false statement. Breitbart News fact-checked this claim when she made it at the Democratic National Convention. Notably, Harris has never provided the basis for her claim, which is calculated to scare voters, but is simply fictitious.

While making this claim, Harris also uttered another false claim that Trump seeks to implement a national abortion ban. Trump has repeatedly stated that he would not sign a federal abortion ban. Additionally, abortion is not a federal issue. It is a state issue.

10. Rental property hoax

Harris claimed that Trump refused to rent property to black families. This is false.

The claim has been made for years, but it has never been proven. In 2016, the Associated Press did a fact checked on the claim, reporting that Trump and his father settled a government lawsuit about it with no admission of fault.

11. Central Park Five execution hoax

Harris claimed that Trump called for the execution of the Central Park Five. This is false.

Trump never specifically called for the execution of the Central Park Five defendants. Breitbart News fact-checked this claim when Democrats made it at their convention last month.

12. Suckers and losers hoax

Harris alluded to the suckers and losers hoax by claiming that Trump had disparaged the military, including the fallen. This is false.

The false claim that Trump called dead soldiers suckers and losers is a familiar hoax that has also been repeated by President Joe Biden. It stems from a report by the left-wing Atlantic, which has never been directly corroborated, and has been refuted by many eyewitnesses.

13. False fracking claims

Harris claimed she never called to ban fracking. This is false, as she explicitly called to end fracking when running for president in 2019.

14. False oil production claims

Harris claimed that the Biden-Harris administration ramped up oil production. This is false. The Biden-Harris administration has actively worked to curb domestic oil production.

Early in the administration, Biden ordered the secretary of the Interior Department to halt new oil and natural gas leases on public lands and waters, and review existing permits for fossil fuel development. In 2023, the Biden-Harris administration canceled oil leases sold by the Trump administration in the Alaskan wildlife refuge and blocked new drilling.

15. National Sales Tax

Harris accused Trump of proposing a national sales tax. This is false. President Trump has not proposed a national sales tax.

During the debate, Harris referred to a Trump sales tax and claimed it would add 20 percent to the cost of goods. She was likely referring to Trumps proposal to raise tariffs on imports.

But tariffs are paid by companies that import goods from abroad and not by consumers. They are not a sales tax.

16. Distorting unemployment figures

Harris claimed that Trump left us the worst unemployment since the Great Depression. This is false, as unemployment was 6.4 percent in January 2021, not far from full employment, when Trump left office.

17. I was raised middle-class

Harris claimed she had a middle-class upbringing, saying,  I was raised as a middle-class kid, and I am actually the only person on this stage who has a plan that is about lifting up the middle class and working people of America.

This is mostly false. Harris had a rich Canadian upbringing, growing up in Westmount  a majority English neighborhood in the French province of Quebec.

Amusingly, Harris made her middle-class claim while completely dodging the question, Do you believe Americans are better off than they were four years ago?  and again, ABC moderators never brought her back on track to the question at hand.

18. Terminating the Constitution

Harris claimed that Trump wants to terminate the U.S. Constitution. This is false. Trump does not want to terminate the Constitution and has refuted this lie himself.

Her claim likely stems from Trumps reaction in 2022 to a bombshell New York Post report that the Democrat Party colluded with what was then known as Twitter to suppress the Hunter Biden laptop story ahead of the 2020 presidential election.

The Fake News is actually trying to convince the American People that I said I wanted to terminate the Constitution, Trump said in a 2022 Truth Social post. This is simply more DISINFORMATION & LIES, just like RUSSIA, RUSSIA, RUSSIA, and all of their HOAXES & SCAMS.

What I said was that when there is MASSIVE & WIDESPREAD FRAUD & DECEPTION, as has been irrefutably proven in the 2020 Presidential Election, steps must be immediately taken to RIGHT THE WRONG, Trump added.

19. Sold us out to China

Harris claimed that Trump sold us out to the Chinese government with policies that ended up selling American chips to China. This is false.

The Trump administration blocked the takeover of an American semiconductor maker by a Chinese investor, restricted exports to Chinas top chipmaker, and largely limited sales to China and even to third countries who do business with Chinese companies considered a national security threat, such as the telecommunications company Huawei.

In another example of blatant gaslighting, the Biden-Harris administration reportedly started greenlighting third party suppliers to sell chips to Huawei in 2021.

20. Not one troop in any war zone

Harris claimed there are currently no active-duty troops in any combat zone anywhere around the world for the first time this century. This is false.

There are currently active duty U.S. troops deployed to Iraq and Syria who have been under frequent attack by Iran-backed militia forces over the past year. There are also thousands of active-duty U.S. sailors deployed to the Middle East who are facing attacks by drone strikes and missiles fired by the Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen. Earlier this year, three U.S. soldiers were killed on the border of Syria by Iran-backed forces.

21. Taking guns away

Harris claimed that she and her running mate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) are not taking anyones guns away. This is false. Harris has campaigned on banning AR-15s and other guns that Democrats label assault weapons.

Just last month, during their first campaign event together, Harris and Walz pushed for a ban on AR-15s and other guns.

While ABCs debate moderators Linsey Davis and David Muir failed to fact-check the plethora of false claims and hoaxes uttered by Harris, they frequently tried to fact-check Trump, with Muir even bizarrely fact-checking a joke the 45th president had previously made.

Read more at: Breitbart.com
Draft of Alberta Bill of Rights cements parental rights as God-given

The United Conservative Party (UCP), the ruling party of the Canadian province of Alberta, is set to introduce a new provincial Bill of Rights that includes a provision cementing parental rights as "God-given."

The draft bill was reportedly crafted in secret by a small group of UCP members of the provincial Legislative Assembly who were consulting with lawyers. The Bill of Rights contains a section titled "Freedom of parents to make informed decisions concerning the health, education, welfare and upbringing of their children."

This section outlines that the "Government of Alberta, on behalf of its citizens," must recognize that the "freedom of parents to raise their children is sui generis  independent from legislation, not flowing from it  it precedes government." (Related: Maines pro-LGBT Democratic governor signs law allowing 16-year-olds to receive cross-sex hormones without parental consent.)

The proposed legislation highlights the duty of the government to respect familial boundaries until children reach the age of majority. It further states that the government should not infringe upon parental rights based on religious or social standing or fiscal status, provided that parents are meeting the basic needs of their children.

"No officer or agency of the government, including any subdivisions, shall infringe on a parents freedoms except as demonstrably necessary on a case-by-case basis as provided by law, such steps to be narrowly tailored to meet a compelling government interest by the least restrictive means," the draft stated. "Remedial provisions shall be provided for the intentional interference of parental freedoms by governments, organizations or individuals."

Furthermore, the bill is expected to contain various other pro-freedom proposals, including enshrining the "right to life" from conception and guaranteeing citizens the right to medical informed consent and the right to refuse vaccinations.

Draft of Alberta Bill of Rights still subject to change

UCP leader and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has yet to clarify her position on the parental rights policies of the bill.

In 2023, Smith promised to enhance the provincial Bill of Rights to enshrine protections for Albertans who choose not to be vaccinated, strengthen gun owners' rights and safeguard free speech. This pledge was part of a broader commitment to defend individual freedoms in Alberta.

Smith has also supported pro-family policies earlier this year to protect children from "life-altering" surgeries, including gender-affirming procedures and restrict exposure to transgender ideology in schools and other public institutions.

"When it comes to the balancing of the parental rights with kids growing into adulthood, I dont think that theres anything wrong with parents wanting to protect their childs innocence as long as possible on issues of sexuality. I think that thats a good instinct," Smith said in January.

However, her stance on the traditional nuclear family has revealed a divide within conservative circles.

In fact, in a recent interview with psychologist Jordan Peterson, Smith called for conservatives to "modernize" their view of the nuclear family to include non-traditional structures, such as same-sex couples seeking to raise children. In other words, the new "Bill of Rights" draft version remains subject to change.

Watch the video below about new studies highlighting the potential serious permanent harms from using puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones for people suffering from gender dysphoria.

This video is from the The HighWire with Del Bigtree channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Trump plans to criminalize GENDER TRANSITION surgery on minors without parental consent if elected.

Theyre taking our kids: NY Democrats vote to separate children from parents, allow them to take drugs and get vaccinated without parental consent.

Idaho bans trafficking minors across state lines for abortion without parental consent.

Utah becomes first state to require parental consent for children to use social media.

Oregon to become sanctuary state for children to get abortions, sex changes without parental consent.

Sources include:

LifeSiteNews.com

EdmontonJournal.com

Brighteon.com
Alberta proposing bill to protect health care workers from being compelled to euthanize patients

Alberta is gearing up to introduce a new piece of legislation that promises to protect the rights of health care workers and hospices when it comes to euthanasia and assisted suicide. The proposed "Alberta Bill of Rights" seeks to ensure that medical professionals and facilities have the freedom to opt out of providing these services based on personal conscience.

A draft of the proposed legislation has revealed a key section dedicated to safeguarding health care workers from being mandated to participate in the nationwide euthanasia program known as Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD). This section is part of a broader emphasis on "freedom of informed consent and the right to make personal decisions," which also includes the right to refuse vaccinations and other medical procedures.

The draft states: "Health care professionals and private hospice facilities have the right to freedom of conscience when deciding whether to recommend or participate in providing medical assistance in dying." This language clearly separates the responsibilities of health care providers from those of end-of-life care  reinforcing the principle that medical care should focus on healing rather than hastening death. (Related: Insanity: Canadian women seeking help for suicidal thoughts receives suggestion to commit ASSISTED SUICIDE.)

The proposed bill is part of a broader push by the United Conservative Party (UCP) to enshrine personal health rights into provincial law. Alongside protections against being compelled to assist in euthanasia, the bill is expected to include the right to refuse vaccinations. This move follows the widespread controversy during the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, where vaccine mandates were implemented in various regions, including Alberta.

Alberta Premier and leader of the UCP Danielle Smith has been a vocal advocate for personal medical choice. She has pledged that the new Bill of Rights will include amendments that ensure that Albertans have the right to make their own health decisions without fear of coercion or discrimination. This stance stems from concerns about how people were treated during the pandemic  particularly those who chose not to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

While the draft of the Bill of Rights is still subject to change, sources within the UCP indicate that it is being crafted by a small group working closely with legal experts and elected officials. The hope is that the final version will remain true to the draft's intent  providing robust protections for both health care workers and patients.

Canada working to expand MAiD to allow mentally ill people to be euthanized

The timing of Alberta's proposed legislation is particularly noteworthy, as it coincides with federal discussions on expanding MAiD to include individuals suffering solely from mental illness  a move that has been delayed until 2027 following significant pushback from various groups.

Smith's support for these measures is part of a larger effort to enhance personal freedoms in Alberta. Earlier, she had proposed adding protections for vaccination status directly into the Alberta Human Rights Act. However, after receiving advice that this was not the appropriate legislation for such protections, Smith assured Albertans that a more suitable law would be introduced.

Smith has publicly affirmed her commitment to these issues, stating that she believes every individual has the right to make their health assessments and decisions. She has promised that the updated Bill of Rights will reflect these values  providing a legal framework that upholds the rights of all Albertans.

As Alberta prepares to introduce this Bill of Rights, the province may set a precedent for how medical freedom and personal choice are balanced with state mandates. This legislation could have significant implications not just for health care workers and patients in Alberta, but also for the broader conversation on medical ethics and personal autonomy in Canada.

Watch this video about a fact-checked debate regarding euthanasia policy in Canada.

This video is from the Daily Videos channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Anti-euthanasia group vows to keep fighting Trudeau governments plan to include mentally ill people in ASSISTED SUICIDE program.

Op-ed: EUTHANASIA of your, healthy women in the Netherlands a warning to Canada.

Disabled Canadian man reveals hes been offered EUTHANASIA multiple times by hospital staff.

Aussie scientist promotes ASSISTED SUICIDE in Scotland using DIY death pods.

Sources include:

LifeSiteNews.com 1

LifeSite.News.com 2

Brighteon.com
CDC wants to inject BABIES with COVID-19 shots  but they arent licensed for kids under 12

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) wants babies to get doses of the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine. However, no COVID-19 vaccine is licensed for children under the age of 12.

According to the public health agency's guidance issued on Aug. 30, children as young as six months old should get injected with either two doses of the 2024-2025 Moderna COVID-19 vaccine or three doses of the 2024-2025 Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.

For the latest Moderna injection, the CDC recommends that babies get the first dose at six months and the second dose a month after the first. For the latest Pfizer shot, the agency advises that the first dose should be given at six months. The second dose should be given three weeks after the first, and the third dose should be given at least eight weeks after the second.

Following the CDC's guidance, nine-month-old babies must have been injected with the COVID-19 vaccine to be considered "up to date" with their vaccination. But the problem is that both the latest versions of the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines are not licensed for use on children under 12. This is because the Food and Drug Administration only granted emergency use authorization (EUA) for the new vaccines.

Children's Health Defense (CHD) CEO Mary Holland remarked that the CDC is "absolutely misleading" the public by asserting that COVID-19 vaccines granted EUA are safe and effective. This is because EUA vaccines are not held to the same safety or efficacy standards as licensed vaccines.

"By law, EUA products 'may be effective' and they have not undergone the safety testing required to permit licensing. This is one more horrific example of the CDC putting profits before people and acting as an unethical arm of Big Pharma's marketing operation," she said.

"The earlier COVID-19 shots have been proven unsafe and ineffective. Now we're asked to believe that newer versions are miraculously safe and effective?"

CDC still defends COVID-19 vaccines as "safe and effective"

According to the CDC, "the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination outweigh the known risks of COVID-19 and possible severe complications."

But Brian Hooker, CHD's chief scientific officer, begged to differ. He pointed to research showing the dangers of vaccine induced myocarditis (heart muscle inflammation) and pericarditis (heart lining inflammation).

"It is criminal that these untested vaccines are being recommended to infants and children, especially given the fraudulent tactics to market them to an unsuspecting public," Hooker said. He stressed that there are still no licensed COVID-19 vaccines available for children under 12, so all COVID-19 injections given to young children are EUA products.

The Defender explained that if a parent takes her children to get injected with the COVID-19 vaccine, her 12-year old could receive the fully licensed one. Meanwhile, her 11-year-old must get injected with the unlicensed COVID-19 vaccines available only under EUA.

Hooker described the CDC's actions as problematic given that historically, regulatory authorities have interpreted the meaning of "safe" as the benefits outweighing the risks. He continued: "With the risk to children of dying from a COVID-19 infection being statistically zero, it is unclear if there is any benefit."

Holland ultimately concluded that the CDC's new guidance is an insult to peoples intelligence. "I pray that parents will have the good sense to say no to these dangerous and unnecessary shots for babies," she said.

Watch this video about the numerous post-vaccination deaths from heart issues in the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System.

This video is from the Iconoclast channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

GLOBAL EMERGENCY UNFOLDING: Japan will unleash Bill Gates-approved, SELF-REPLICATING mRNA vaccines starting next month.

Cancer researcher: IVERMECTIN can overcome chemotherapy resistance of TURBO CANCERS caused by mRNA vaccines.

Oxford study reveals COVID-19 mRNA vaccines as the sole cause of heart inflammation and heart failure in children.

The mRNA vaccines do NOT readily degrade and ultimately create IgG and IgM antibodies against lipid nanoparticles.

mRNA vaccines are extremely toxic, Moderna scientists now warn.

Sources include:

ChildrensHealthDefense.org

Brighteon.com
U.S. election Nostradamus thinks Kamala Harris will win: But the outcome is up to you, he says

A history professor and polling expert dubbed the "Nostradamus" of American politics has predicted that the Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris will win the 2024 presidential election , using his election model that reportedly has accurately predicted the winner for decades.

"Kamala Harris will be the next president of the United States, at least that's my prediction for the outcome of this race," Allan Lichtman, a presidential historian at American University, told the New York Times in a video interview that aired on Sept. 5.

He followed his statement with a disclaimer: "But the outcome is up to you. So get out and vote."

Lichtman, best known for his "Keys to the White House" system, earned his title of "Nostradamus" because he was able to predict that former President Donald Trump would win the 2016 polls. Immediately after the first 2024 presidential debate between Trump and President Joe Biden, he was also quick to warn that Biden would drop out of the race which could be a "tragic mistake for Democrats."

Lichtman's simple, history-driven model, tunes out polls and pollsters and instead focuses on 13 true-or-false questions that he says hold the "keys" to the White House. According to him Harris currently holds eight keys.

The keys system evaluates candidates based on various factors, including party gains in the prior midterm election, the incumbency factor, whether the nominees faced a primary contest, if there is a strong third-party candidate present, the state of the short-term and long-term economy, and if there have been major national policy changes. Additional keys, he said, include whether there is recent social unrest, a major White House scandal, the charisma of the incumbent and challenger, and a major foreign policy failure or success.

However, he got one prediction wrong since he started giving forecasts in 1984. He failed in the 2000 election when he said that Al Gore would win instead of the eventual winner George W. Bush.

Also, critics do not agree with his system. Statistician and election modeler Nate Silver has frequently denounced the 13 keys, calling the system "p-hacked BS." In a post on X, Silver challenged the history professor to a $250,000 bet over who could more accurately predict the 2024 election results.

Poll: Trump holds narrow lead over Harris nationally

Setting the prediction aside, national surveys reveal that Trump and Harris are still going neck-and-neck.

A recent New York Times/Siena College poll suggested that the former POTUS leads the vice president nationally by 48 to 47 percent, well within the margin of error. It suggested that Harris was narrowly ahead in Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania and tied in four other swing states: Nevada, Georgia, North Carolina and Arizona.

Meanwhile, a CBS News/YouGov poll put Harris ahead by one percentage point in Michigan and Wisconsin and tied in Pennsylvania. (Related: New poll: Donald Trump takes narrow lead over Kamala Harris in Michigan.)

"As vice-president Harris has said since day one, we are the underdogs in this race. We have a lot of work to do to make sure we win this November, and that will require us to continue aggressively raising money," Jen O'Malley Dillon, Harris' campaign chair, said in an email to supporters on Sept. 8.

"The electoral college benefits the Republican ticket. Even in 2020, when the Biden-Harris ticket won more votes than any ticket in history, the election came down to about 45,000 votes across the battleground states. This November, we anticipate margins to be similarly razor-thin. Every single vote will count."

The latest numbers confirm that each candidate retains a remarkably stable base of loyalists, almost evenly splitting the country.

Head over to KamalaWatch.com for more stories about the vice president.

Watch the video below where American commentator Jesse Watters slams Kamala Harris for "just learning" her policies.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

NO SUBSTANCE: Kamala Harris to focus on personal attacks against Donald Trump in upcoming debate.

POLL: American voters trust Donald Trump more than Kamala Harris on firearms issues.

Kamala Harris dodges media questions by pretending to be on a phone call  while wearing headphones.

TRULY CLUELESS: Kamala Harris still has no policies on website after Democratic Convention.

Trump warns: U.S. will turn into a far worse UNLIVABLE version of San Francisco if Kamala wins.

Sources include:

TheNationalPulse.com

YouTube.com

AlJazeera.com

Brighteon.com
GAIN OF FUNCTION research on viruses from bats, birds and monkeys funded with U.S. taxpayer money and nefariously created in Chinese Communist Party labs

As an American, one should expect that taxpayer money goes directly to helping this country and its citizens prosper, including top-notch public education; fully functional roads, tunnels and bridges; and a strong military in all aspects, among other services. Without feeling like a conspiracy theorist, nobody should have to question whether our taxpayer money might be used to outright harm Americans, and whats worse, in ways that we would all, on the surface, believe are helping us.

Thats where the White Coat Waste Project comes into play, with a recent investigation that exposed how the USDA collaborates with the Chinese Communist Party and their Academy of Sciences to fund and create gain-of-function viruses to make viruses that normally only infect animals now infect humans. Sounds insane, right?

18 Members of Congress now demanding answers from the U.S. Department of Agriculture regarding millions of dollars spent creating new deadly viruses

Who are the creators of these new viruses intending to kill? What other purpose could there possibly be for scientists to be creating novel viruses that leap from animals to humans and create pandemics? Its obviously to create more biological weapons of mass destruction, going against the Geneva Convention and every ethical and moral obligation that modern medicine could violate.

The letter from Congressional members to USDA boss Tom Vilsack reads, We are disturbed by recent reports about the U.S. Department of Agricultures (USDA) collaboration with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)-linked Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) on bird flu research. This research, funded by American taxpayers, could potentially generate dangerous new lab-created virus strains that threaten our national security and public health.

Its a fact that Covid-19 gain of function virus was made in the Wuhan lab using U.S. taxpayer funds that Anthony Insidious Fauci directed to them by the millions. That man should be in prison for life without parole for mass murder, but instead, new research is being funded to make MORE deadly viruses that can leap from bats, birds and monkeys to humans so we can all experience more plandemics soon.

The White Coat Waste Project used the Freedom of Information Act to uncover USDA documents revealing this latest Bird Flu collusion between the U.S. and Communist China. Previously, under oath, the Secretary of Agriculture swore that the U.S. was NOT colluding with the CCP to make Bird Flu have gain of function ability, saying Its really not a collaboration per se To my knowledge there is not [data] sharing...all of this is basically walled off, so everything were doing stays with us, it doesnt necessarily go to the UK or to China.

Never forget, the original story of the origins of Covid-19 was that some Chinamen were eating some bat soup that was infected or contaminated, and they somehow got infected themselves. You cant make this stuff up (well, they did). Now, the U.S. is funneling millions to CCP labs to make new pandemic-style viruses they can accidentally release or claim terrorists stole from their labs and released. Either way, it wouldnt happen, nor have happened, if these scientists werent being handed millions in grant money to work on it all. Period.

On one of the USDA documents exposed through the FOIA requests, written on official USDA letterhead, a USDA microbiologist said the U.S. is engaged in a tri-country partnership with the UK and China to study transmission dynamics of newly emerging avian influenza viruses. Sounds quite nefarious.

Bookmark Pandemic.news to your favorite independent websites for updates on Long-Vax-Syndrome, Monkey-Pox-Aids, and U.S.-funded and planned Gain-of-Function Bird Flu coming to a scamdemic nation soon, along with deadly and dirty mRNA "vaccinations" to match.

Sources for this article include:

Pandemic.news

PJmedia.com

Armageddonprose.substack.com

NaturalNews.com
FLASHBACK: Kamala Harris vows to use DOJ to ARREST people exercising FREE SPEECH

Daily Mail political reporter Charlie Spiering has unearthed a speech of Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris, vowing to have the Department of Justice (DOJ) move against "misinformation" and "hate" on social media platforms.

During a 2019 speech at the NAACP Fight for Freedom Dinner in Detroit, Michigan, Harris promised that, if given the power, she would hold social media companies responsible for spreading what she termed "misinformation" using the DOJ as a key tool.

The resurfacing of the said video on X, formerly Twitter, came amid a growing number of free speech advocates raising the alarm over what the vice president would do to censor social media platforms if she wins the election.

"We will hold social media platforms accountable for the hate infiltrating their platforms because they have a responsibility to help fight against this threat to our democracy," Harris said, emphasizing the DOJ's role in enforcing accountability. "We'll put the Department of Justice of the United States back in the business of justice. We will hold social media platforms accountable for the hate infiltrating their platforms because they have a responsibility to help fight against this threat to our democracy."

She told technocrats that she would double the Civil Rights Division and direct law enforcement to address the spread of extremist ideologies and misinformation. "If you profit off of hate, if you act as a megaphone for misinformation or cyber warfare, if you don't police your platforms we are going to hold you accountable as a community," Harris added.

Elon Musk, RFK Jr., and Tulsi Gabbard are raising concerns of free speech under Kamala Harris. In 2019, Harris vowed to use the DOJ and law enforcement to 'hold social media platforms responsible' for 'misinformation' as part of the 'fight against this threat to our Democracy' pic.twitter.com/3XwD8lcoQb  Charlie Spiering (@charliespiering) September 5, 2024

Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg and other renowned personalities have raised concerns about the implications of this stance as they argued that Harris' proposed policies could create a chilling effect on public discourse which is typically seen in authoritarian regimes.

Musk has been vocal about the risks to free speech posed by government interference in social media platforms. "The question of who decides what counts as misinformation is critical," he said during a public forum. "It can easily turn into a tool for silencing opposition, which undermines democracy rather than protecting it."

Meanwhile, Zuckerberg has recently revealed that Meta, his Big Tech platform, has acted to remove content the government asked them to censor, due to extreme pressure from the federal government.

"I believe the government pressure was wrong and I regret that we were not more outspoken about it," he said in a letter to House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan. "I also think we made some choices that, with the benefit of hindsight and new information, we wouldn't make today."

Free speech advocates have also weighed in their opinions.

"Western authorities are desperate to put a leash on tech platforms, which have become far less amenable to their censorship demands than they were in 2020, and represent a major threat to their ability to control political narratives," the Foundation For Freedom Online managing director Allum Bokhari told the Daily Mail.

Harris will shut down X if it can't spread government rhetoric: Musk, RFK Jr.

Last week, Musk shared environmental lawyer Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s (RFK Jr.) tweet wherein the latter was lambasting the Democratic Party's Harris' drive to destroy free speech.

Kennedy called out Harris on X for the statements, accusing her of wanting to stifle free speech online if it doesn't conform to "government-approved narratives." In his X post, he asked, "Can someone please explain to her that freedom of speech is a RIGHT, not a 'privilege'?"

Musk followed up with his comment: "This is what she actually believes. Free speech is the bedrock of democracy and the Democratic Party (Kamala is just a puppet) wants to destroy it."

This is what she actually believes. Free speech is the bedrock of democracy and the Democratic Party (Kamala is just a puppet) wants to destroy it. https://t.co/kntGcq2WnK  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 3, 2024

Harris expressed her desire to see then-President Donald Trump's Twitter account removed because of its negative impact on society.

"And the bottom line is that you can't say that you have one rule for Facebook and you have a different rule for Twitter. The same rule has to apply, which is that there has to be a responsibility that is placed on these social media sites to understand their power," Harris said in the particular clip shared by RFK Jr.

"And when you're talking about Donald Trump, he has 65 million Twitter followers, he has proven himself to be willing to obstruct justice. Just ask Bob Mueller. You can look at the manifesto from the shooter in El Paso to know that what Donald Trump says on Twitter impacts peoples' perceptions about what they should and should not do," she said in the full version of the video.

Harris wanted Trump's account to "be taken down" because he had violated the site's terms of service. She also said that there is a need for the government to regulate the platform so that speech like Trump's or that of other popular figures, can't become a bad influence on millions of users. (Related: NO SUBSTANCE: Kamala Harris to focus on personal attacks against Donald Trump in upcoming debate.)

Renowned lawyer Tom Renz commented on the thread. "The greatest threat to our democracy are those willing to sell our freedoms for personal benefit. Corruption defines our capital and we must join together to fight against it," he said.

KamalaHarris.news has more stories about Harris' campaign and political platforms.

Sources for this article include:

YourNews.com

DailyMail.co.uk

FoxBusiness.com
Poll: Majority of Israelis want to CENSOR social media posts sympathetic to Palestinians in Gaza

Majority of Israelis want to censor social media posts that show sympathy to the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, according to the results of a new poll.

The survey conducted by the Pew Research Center from March 3 to April 4 found that majority of Israeli adults polled  59 percent  are in favor of removing posts sympathetic to the Palestinians. It also found that at least half of Israeli adults are of the opinion that certain kinds of social media posts related to the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip should not be permitted. Such content to be censored include calls for violence (92 percent), support for Hamas (87 percent), graphic violence (72 percent) and criticism of the Israeli government's actions in the war (50 percent).

The Pew poll also found that Arab Israelis (28 percent) are more likely than Jewish Israelis (20 percent) to say they post or share about political or social issues at least sometimes. However, Jews (20 percent) are about twice as likely as Arabs (11 percent) to do so about the Israel-Palestine war specifically. About a quarter of Arab Israelis  24 percent  say they never post or share content about the war, in contrast to only six percent of Jewish Israelis say the same.

An earlier poll by Pew Research taken in May showed that a majority of Israelis believe that the country's military was either taking the right response or it wasn't going far enough. Forty percent also said that Gaza should be left for Israel to govern.

Pro-Palestine protesters in the U.K. don't believe in censorship

Meanwhile, the Middle East Eye (MEE) said in a separate report that tens of thousands of protesters marched for Palestine in central London. The Sept. 7 demonstration was the 19th such demonstration since the start of the war last October, and the first held in the vicinity of the Israeli Embassy in London.

Iqbal Mohamed, a member of Parliament (MP) for the Dewsbury and Batley constituency, joined the march. The independent legislator who stood in a pro-Palestine platform was elected in July. Speaking to MEE, Mohamed said the U.K.'s decision to cut 30 out of 350 arms contracts with Israel and restore partial funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East was a "drop in the ocean."

"I was in the chamber when the government made its announcement, but it's only a drop in the ocean and we need to be doing more. [British Foreign Secretary David Lammy's] announcement showed that our own legal assessments demonstrate concern that there is a possibility that British arms may have been or likely used to harm innocent human beings."

The Sept. 7 march was organized by a coalition of organizations, including the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, Friends of Al Aqsa, the Muslim Association of Britain, the Stop the War Coalition and the Palestine Forum in Britain.

"I have back problems, but that is nothing compared to what Palestinians are going through right now in Gaza," said Zaina Beyad, a protester who has attended every Palestine march since the beginning of the war.

The protest, which ended on the edge of Hyde Park near the Israeli embassy, was met with metal barriers and dozens of police officers. According to MEE, observers of the protests are not believers of censorship  in any platform.

Visit Censorship.news for similar stories.

Watch Dan Bongino discussing the role of the media as gatekeepers, and whether censorship is the only way to hide the truth.

This video is from the Son of the Republic channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Former British diplomat: Benjamin Netanyahu is the enemy of peace in Israel.

U.S. State Department leading charge to abolish free speech globally.

Free speech concerns in the U.K. rise as communications regulator expands team to enforce online censorship laws.

Sermon 019: Mike Adams discusses why CENSORSHIP is SATANIC.

Israel rumored to be behind Telegram CEO Pavel Durovs arrest.

Sources include:

MiddleEastEye.net 1

PewResearch.org

MiddleEastEye.net 2

Brighteon.com
Its also disinformation when our government does it

In recent weeks, there have been a series of stories about the government cracking down on foreign agents allegedly working to influence the 2024 election. First, the intelligence community linked the Iranian government to a hacking of Trump campaign documents. Then the federal government seized several websites it claims were linked to a Russian campaign to circulate disinformationmeaning deliberately spread false information.

(Article by Connor O'Keeffe republished from Mises.org)

The biggest story came last week when two employees of the Russian media organization RTformerly Russia Todaywere indicted for allegedly sending nearly $10 million to a Tennessee-based online media company. US officials claim the scheme aimed to inject Russian government messaging across social media using conservative influencers.

Tenet Media was paying some big-name online conservativesmost of whom the DOJ admits had no knowledge of where the money was coming fromto produce content for Tenets YouTube channel. The indictment does allege that Tenets founders, Lauren Chen and Liam Donovan, were aware that the Russians were providing at least some of their funding, but formal charges have not been brought against either as of yet.

Attorney General Merrick Garland and FBI Director Christopher Wray spoke about these cases in a press conference last Wednesday. And they warned about other covert influence campaigns from the Russian, Iranian, and Chinese governments that aim to nudge the American electorate toward their regimes preferred candidates.

Garland and Wray clearly wanted to convey that the DOJ and the FBIits most prominent componentstand in total opposition to government officials manipulating public opinion to serve their own ends. But the actions of the DOJ, the FBI, and the political establishment more broadly paint a very different picture.

Obviously, our government conducts the exact kind of influence campaigns they demonize these foreign regimes for carrying out here. Just as Russia has RT, the US government funds a number of media organizationslike Radio Free Europe and Voice of Americathat propagate the Washington party line across the globe. Last year, Bidens USAID administrator Samantha Power was even bragging about launching US government-funded news organizations in Hungary to, in her words, help build independent media.

But its not as if our government officials are just trying to push their preferred messaging abroad while protecting Americans from similar efforts being directed against us. Theyre also using these very same influence techniques against the American public.

The recent revelation from Meta CEO Mark Zuckerbergs open letter to Representative Jim Jordan (R-OH) provides a good example.

In the letter, Zuckerberg recounts how, in the lead-up to the 2020 election, the FBI warned his company to be on the lookout for a Russian disinformation operation about the Biden family and Burisma (the Ukrainian gas company that appointed Hunter Biden to its board).

Not long after that, the New York Post broke its now famous story, reporting on evidence of the Biden familys influence-peddling, obtained from Hunter Bidens abandoned laptop. Concluding that that was the Russian disinformation operation the FBI had warned about, Meta demoted the story on Facebookensuring that few users would encounter it.

With all we know today, its hard to see the federal governments conduct in the fall of 2020 as anything other than a disinformation operation of its own.

According to testimony from Laura Dehmlow, the Section Chief of the FBIs Foreign Influence Task Force, the FBI agents tasked with warning social media companies about this supposed Russian disinformation operation already knew about Hunter Bidens laptop and were already aware that it was authentic and not disinformation. The FBI had, after all, seized the laptop the year before.

The Bureau lied to Facebook, Twitter, and other social media giants for monthspriming them to bury the story when it eventually came out. Then, after the New York Post published, the FBI went silent. They refused to confirm that the laptop was authentic. Five days later, fifty-one former intelligence officials signed an open letter arguing that the laptop was likely Russian disinformation. That allowed the rest of the political establishment to dismiss the very real story as something cooked up by the Kremlin. The authenticity of the laptop would eventually be confirmed, but not until well after the 2020 election.

So, by all indications, the FBI spread disinformation to American companies to help the rest of the political establishment quash a story that hurt the candidate they clearly liked better. A story that eight in ten Americans believe would have cost Joe Biden the election if the public knew it was true on election day.

Yet nobody in the political establishment condemns what the FBI and DOJ did. They may say they stand against election meddling, but they contradict themselves with their actions. Our government is not trying to protect us from disinformation. Theyre trying to maintain a monopoly on it.

Read more at: Mises.org
Global net zero efforts have fueled a nickel boom that is destroying Indonesias rainforests and coral reefs

Indonesia, the world's largest nickel producer, is at the center of a global scramble for this essential metal that is leading to massive destruction of the country's rainforests and coral reefs.

Nickel is a crucial component of electric vehicle batteries, and the demand for it has soared as the world shifts away from fossil fuels. But beneath the surface of this booming industry lies a story of environmental destruction and social upheaval that is reshaping communities and ecosystems.

In Indonesia, nickel mining has surged to unprecedented levels. The country now accounts for 15 percent of the world's lateritic nickel resources, which are typically low-grade deposits found near the surface.

The International Energy Agency forecasts a 65 percent increase in global nickel demand by 2030, driven largely by the rise in electric vehicles. Indonesia has positioned itself as a key player in the nickel market.

This drive to harness nickel has attracted massive investments from global corporations. Over the past three years alone, Indonesia has signed over $15 billion in deals with major companies like Foxconn, Hyundai and LG to supply nickel for batteries and EV production.

This influx of capital has led to the construction of large-scale nickel smelters and processing plants, particularly the Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park in the island of Sulawesi. The new nickel smelter is a colossal facility capable of processing 13 million tons of nickel ore annually.

The transformation of Sulawesi  an island known for its stunning coral reefs and prehistoric cave paintings  into an industrial hub is a striking example of how quickly local landscapes can change under the pressure of global net zero demand.

Expansion of nickel mining harming environmental and human health

The environmental impact of nickel mining is severe. Facilities like PT Obsidian Stainless Steel in Sulawesi operate around the clock, emitting pollutants into the air. Sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and coal ash  particles finer than beach sand  are among the pollutants released. (Related: "Green energy" mining is polluting rivers and farmland at an unsustainable pace, leaving 23 million people exposed to toxic waste.)

The pollution extends beyond air quality. Fishermen are facing increasingly dire conditions as nickel pollution degrades the waters they rely on. The once-rich fishing grounds are now murky, with fish stocks dwindling and fish moving away from polluted areas.

Aiwi, a 78-year-old local fisherman, described the impact. "There are no fish here anymore," he said, adding that children in his village are suffering from respiratory problems due to the severe air pollution.

The environmental destruction caused by nickel mining is extensive. Large areas of forest are cleared to make way for mining operations and open-pit mines are dug into the earth. This deforestation destabilizes the land, making it more prone to erosion and flooding. In 2022 alone, Southeast Sulawesi experienced at least 21 floods and mudslides, significantly more than the two to three per year recorded before the mining boom began.

Rivers and streams also became contaminated with heavy metals and other pollutants, affecting both aquatic life and human health. The local population is left to deal with the fallout of these environmental impacts  facing challenges, such as damaged land and polluted water.

The nickel mining boom in Indonesia serves as a stark reminder of the trade-offs involved in the global transition to cleaner energy sources. While the shift to electric vehicles and renewable energy is said to be crucial for reducing greenhouse emissions, it is essential to address the accompanying environmental and social impacts. This includes implementing stricter environmental regulations to preserve crucial ecosystems and prevent massive pollution.

Watch this short clip of a massive gathering in Belgrade, Serbia, protesting against a lithium mining project that could cause massive environmental damage to a region in northwestern Serbia.

This video is from the Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Mining for "clean energy" minerals has left more than 23 million people exposed to TOXIC WASTE in their water, environment.

STUDY: Deep-sea mining for EV metals can slash ocean animal populations in half.

Car companies are expanding into the lithium mining business to secure their supplies for EV manufacturing.

GREEN SHORTAGE: Lack of lithium preventing Indonesia from becoming a global hub for EVs.

Cobalt market notes highest supply jump on record as Indonesia becomes biggest global source outside of Africa.

Sources include:

WattsUpWithThat.com

Telegraph.co.uk

Alternatives-Humanitaires.org

CarbonCredits.com

ThePeoplesMap.net

News.Mongabay.com

Brighteon.com
26 Republican governors tell WHO they will not comply with Pandemic Treaty

Twenty-six governors in the United States have publicly declared their opposition to the World Health Organization's (WHO) attempt at controlling the public health policies of America through its global Pandemic Treaty

"The World Health Organization is attempting one world control over health policy with their new 'Pandemic Agreement.' Twenty-four Republican governors expressed concern over this development in a joint letter in May. Put simply, Republican governors will not comply," the 26 governors, who are all Republicans, and the Republican Governors Association said in their joint statement released on August 29. (Related: Dr. Meryl Nass warns: WHO pandemic treaty is about global dominion by the few and total control of the masses.)

In a May 22 letter to President Joe Biden, 24 Republican governors stated their concerns about the WHO's proposal.

As stated in the letter, the WHO's proposed treaty would "empower the WHO, particularly its uncontrollable director-general, with the authority to restrict the rights of U.S. citizens, including freedoms such as speech, privacy, travel, choice of medical care and informed consent, thus violating our Constitution's core principles."

Over the past two years, the WHO has been attempting to pass the Pandemic Treaty.

In December 2021, the World Health Assembly established an intergovernmental negotiating body to create an international document under the WHO constitution to strengthen the agency's pandemic prevention, preparedness and response.

The U.S. federal government has backed the initiative with the Biden administration participating in negotiations with the World Health Assembly as one of the intergovernmental negotiating bodies. The WHO issued a second draft of the Pandemic Treaty in October 2023.

Even though WHO negotiators disagreed on a final draft of the agreement during the latest World Health Assembly session, they did approve a set of amendments to the WHO's International Health Regulations.

American states' actions "central" to defeating WHO's Pandemic Treaty push

Dr. Meryl Nass, in an interview with The Defender, stated that the action taken by American states was "central" to defeating the WHO plan to centralize control of public health during declared emergencies.

"Children's Health Defense and Door to Freedom were central in devising this strategy. The Constitution's 10th Amendment reserves for the states all powers that were not specifically granted to the central government. Healthcare was never a federal authority," Nass said.

"Therefore, we urged citizens to contact their attorneys general, governors, legislators  and federal officials  to demand they not turn over authority for health to the WHO."

In May, in addition to 24 governors writing their letter of opposition, 49 senators called on the Biden administration to reject the WHO agreement.

Moreover, 22 attorneys general informed Biden they would "resist any attempt to enable the WHO to directly or indirectly set public policy for our citizens."

Several American states which include Utah, Florida, Louisiana and Oklahoma wrote a bill to prevent the WHO from overriding states' authority on matters of public health policy.

"I am certain that these efforts reverberated around the world and helped lead to rejection," Nass stated of the WHO's proposals.

Follow Globalism.news for more stories about globalist organizations like the WHO.

Watch the video below about the WHO Pandemic Treaty plot twist.

This video is from the What is happening channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Op-ed: World Health Organization remains DANGEROUS despite collapse of Pandemic Treaty.

COINCIDENCE? Health officials warn about bird flu outbreak just in time for the vote on WHO's pandemic treaty.

The WHO's pandemic treaty and a bird flu crisis are both arriving at the same time.

WHO Pandemic Treaty a ploy to usher in One World Government, Kenyan doctor warns.

Every GOP senator just signed a letter to Biden telling him to WITHDRAW from the WHO pandemic treaty.

Sources include:

ChildrensHealthDefense.org

WyomingNews.com

RGA.org

Brighteon.com
Liberal politician in Switzerland uses Mary and Jesus image for TARGET PRACTICE

A liberal politician in Switzerland with a migrant background is under fire for using a Christian religious image for target practice

Remix News reported that Sanija Ameti, a member of the Green Liberal Party of Switzerland's (GLP) Zurich chapter, was responsible for the sacrilegious action. The politician of Bosnian descent and co-president of the progressive movement Operation Libero reportedly shot at an image of the Mother Mary and the Child Jesus with a sport pistol. Ameti herself posted pictures of the deed on Instagram on Sept. 8.

"Switch off," the local councilor captioned her post. Three bullet holes marred the face of Mother Mary, while the face of the Child Jesus was riddled with bullet holes.

"Ameti is a Bosnian Muslim whose family came to Switzerland as refugees in 1995," the news outlet stated. "[She] is known for her provocations, regularly making headlines for her outrageous remarks and irritating the right-wing camp."

Ameti's stunt was met with fierce reactions, with Romanian nationalists and American Catholics spreading the screenshots of her post on social media. Several politicians in Switzerland also rebuked her for the sacrilege.

Jurg Grossen, president of the GLP's federal chapter, described Ameti's "deliberate provocation" as "unacceptable." He warned that the party is also seeking talks with her, warning: "We are not ruling out consequences."

Nicolas Rimoldi, president of the anti-medical tyranny Mass-Voll movement, also announced that he would be filing a criminal complaint against Ameti. Rimoldi's complaint accused the politician of interfering with religious freedom, with those found guilty of publicly insulting or mocking the religious beliefs of others or "dishonors" objects of religious worship liable to fines. The Swiss People's Party (SPP) also confirmed on Sept. 9 that it had filed a complaint against her on the same day.

This was not the first time Ameti attracted criticism, according to Remix News. In 2022, the politician commented during an appearance on the Swiss public broadcaster SRF that two politicians from the SPP  Albert Rosti and Hans-Ueli Vogt  would not even be appealing to her if she were drunk.

Ameti issues public apology

It was only after the Swiss daily newspaper Blick reported on Ameti's sacrilegious actions that she deleted the post. She then issued a public apology, claiming that she did not seek to deliberately provoke anyone.

"As a template for the 10-meter shooting, I needed motifs that were visible enough," said the Zurich councilor. She claimed to have an art catalog with her at the time, thus her use of the image of Mary and the Child Jesus. According to Ameti, she did not pay attention to the image's religious significance. (Related: Mass shooting in Texas church follows left-wing media's incessant demonization of Christians.)

"That was absolutely stupid of me. I didn't think anything of it. I'm incredibly sorry [and] I ask for forgiveness from the people who were hurt by this," Ameti wrote in her apology. She also resigned from the leadership of the GLP in Zurich following the fallout of her post.

But the GLP is not satisfied with her apology, according to an SRF report.

"In the view of the party's leadership, Ameti's continued membership [in the GLP] would damage the reputation of the [party]. In order to prevent further damage, the party is requesting that expulsion proceedings be initiated immediately," the GLP announced.

Head over to Libtards.news for more similar stories.

Watch this clip about Native American artifacts being desecrated by the federal government.

This video is from the RTR Truth Media channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Radical Muslim STABS Eastern Christian bishop and 3 others during church service in Australia.

MORE LOOT: Ukraine's globalist backers eyeing TREASURES from now-banned Orthodox denomination.

Walker Art Center in Minneapolis receives backlash after holding "family-friendly ceremony to summon and befriend" DEMONS in real-time.

Sources include:

RMX.news

SwissInfo.ch

Brighteon.com
THOUSANDS of Venezuelan prison gang members have been released into American society to wreak havoc, leaked U.S. Army documents show

The southeastern Denver suburb of Aurora is under attack by a roving Venezuelan prison gang that is quickly spreading its terror outside the state of Colorado and all across America.

Investigative reporter James O'Keefe of the O'Keefe Media Group (OMG) obtained unclassified information from the U.S. Army North Division revealing that Tren de Aragua (TdA), one of Venezuela's largest criminal organizations, is spreading its tentacles by establishing a presence in Brooklyn, the Bronx and Williamsburg, all cities in and around New York City.

There are approximately 400 TdA members living in the Big Apple at the current time while many others from the same gang "have been given a 'green light' to fire on or attack law enforcement" in and around Denver.

According to reports, TdA is using advanced technology and surveillance to perform its dirty deeds. The threat is so severe that U.S. military personnel and law enforcement are coordinating to protect against any further expansion of this threat.

Around New York City, National Guardsmen have been setting up at subway stations to prevent violent incidents involving TdA, this after gang members attacked an Aurora apartment complex back in late August.

LEAKED: U.S. Army CUI Documents Reveal Expanding Threat of Venezuelan Criminal Organization Tren de Aragua Across NYC and Denver@OKeefeMedia has obtained Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) from the U.S. Army of the North Division, highlighting the growing presence of pic.twitter.com/nX4hLKpllS  James O'Keefe (@JamesOKeefeIII) September 6, 2024

(Related: Meanwhile, the adults in charge of America are persecuting young girls for not wanting to shower and go to the restroom with male "transwomen" at their schools.)

Biden, Kamala staged largest migrant invasion America has ever seen

None of this would have been possible were it not for the diligent efforts of Joe Biden, Kamala Harris and Alejandro Mayorkas to keep America's southern border as wide open as possible.

Since taking office in early 2021, Biden oversaw the largest migrant invasion America has ever seen, this while he mostly vacationed at Rehoboth Beach, Del., with his family and protective detail.

Tens of millions of illegal migrants are now roving the streets of America in search of prosperity, which means American citizens have their job cut out for them trying to preserve their country from being laid to waste by the plague.

Many once-peaceful cities are being flooded with migrants, as is the Permian Basin, America's largest oil field, located in Texas. Armed Venezuelan gangs are said to be terrorizing the Permian Basin, putting America's critical energy infrastructure at risk.

Armed Venezuelan Prison Gang In Denver Highlights Map Of US Sanctuary Zones To Avoid Amid Migrant Crisis https://t.co/EzR9xqGDTp  zerohedge (@zerohedge) September 3, 2024

Kamala, Biden's border czar, lied to Americans when she promised that none of these illegals are committing crimes:

OPEN BORDER: The Border Czar failed because she was told illegals dont commit crimes - she was very wrong. pic.twitter.com/zqHO6dHetL  @amuse (@amuse) September 7, 2024

"If you pay cartels for protection and one of their rivals comes over and tries to take from you, they will kill them," one commenter wrote. "That's far better protection service than the government has been providing."

"The vast majority of the illegals are not the enemy," suggested another. "Some are though, as in this case."

"All in all, however, ALL of the illegals are the weapon being used by the enemy of the people. That enemy then is clearly the politicians who enable and orchestrate the operations. Time to address the enemy."

Others echoed this sentiment, adding that Biden and Kamala paid to have many of these illegals sent to towns and cities across the U.S., bringing them right into our local communities.

More related news coverage about the destruction of America due to open borders can be found at InvasionUSA.news.

Sources for this article include:

ZeroHedge.com

NaturalNews.com
U.S. Army issues threat advisory warning about migrant gangs terrorizing American cities

An armed prison gang from Venezuela known as Tren de Aragua (TdA) is spreading across America as the U.S. Army warns the Department of Defense (DOD) about escalating violence.

In a threat advisory, the U.S. Army revealed that TdA has already established a major foothold in numerous American cities. Their presence is a threat to local, state and federal law enforcement, the military says  oh, and to American citizens and their neighborhoods.

Investigative journalist James O'Keefe of O'Keefe Media Group (OMG) obtained the Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) memo in question, which warns of escalating migrant gang violence across America. It also specifies that TdA is packing some seriously advanced technology and surveillance that is making terror easier to execute.

According to the advisory, TdA "has established a presence in Brooklyn, Bronx, and Williamsburg, N.Y." with an estimated 400 gang members now living in these cities. The U.S. Army further claims that TdA has close ties to Hamas and Hezbollah because why not?

See below the U.S. Army Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) documents highlighting the growing threat of Tren de Aragua, one of Venezuelas largest criminal organizations in the U.S.: pic.twitter.com/lQ6cJqGfKK  James O'Keefe (@JamesOKeefeIII) September 6, 2024

(Related: Did you know that these same armed Venezuelan gangs are terrorizing America's top oil field in Texas?)

Tren de Aragua gang members to go after police

Democrat lawmakers are in denial about the TdA threat, which already made its presence known at an apartment complex in Denver suburb Aurora, Colo., in late August. TdA members also reportedly fired 19 rounds at the Chapman Gate of Lackland Air Force Base in Texas.

Local and state law enforcement need to know, the U.S. Army says, that TdA members have been given the green light to start targeting police officers in Denver and New York City.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) says most of the TdA members currently in the U.S. crossed the border illegally through Texas between 2022 and 2023. This means Joe Biden and his "border czar" Kamala Harris are responsible for this latest migrant threat.

All of this could explain why the National Guard is quietly stationing troops and military personnel at New York City subway stations. The U.S. Army's Threat Analysis Division (TAD) claims that DOD employees and their family members could soon become victims of the gang.

LEAKED: U.S. Army CUI Documents Reveal Expanding Threat of Venezuelan Criminal Organization Tren de Aragua Across NYC and Denver@OKeefeMedia has obtained Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) from the U.S. Army of the North Division, highlighting the growing presence of pic.twitter.com/nX4hLKpllS  James O'Keefe (@JamesOKeefeIII) September 6, 2024

"The Kamala Harris administration just admitted Venezuela's prison and gang population," tweeted the Wall Street Apes (@WallStreetApes) X account. "Now Venezuela crime is dropping like a rock. We have imported MILLIONS of criminals that are killing Americans so Democrats can get their votes."

Another X account called "Accountability Matters" (@geosciteacher17) tweeted that he (or she) "watched these gangs walk across the southern border" just two-and-a-half years ago.

Mysterious "vans" allegedly took the gang members "deeper into the Texas cities" of San Antonio, Austin, and Houston, all thanks to the Biden-Harris regime which "paid to have them sent to the U.S. to cause massive chaos at the border."

"However, what they did not expect was that the gangs would end up in NYC, Chicago, Colorado, and California," the account continued.

"These 'gangs' were sent here to harm Americans, by our OWN government. Harris and the left hate America so much they are willing to fund a private army to destroy the lives of innocent Americans."

America has gone from being the land of the free to the land of the illegals. Learn more at InvasionUSA.news.

Sources for this article include:

TheNationalPulse.com

NaturalNews.com
Jewish Rep. Randy Fine (R-Fla.) CELEBRATES Israeli killing of American citizen in West Bank, says fire away

In a particularly disturbing tweet, especially for a U.S. elected official, Rep. Randy Fine (R-Fla.), a Jewish man, celebrated the killing of an American citizen by Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in the occupied West Bank.

Before calling for even more death in the Middle East, Rep. Fine equated the American citizen, 26-year-old Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, to a Muslim terrorist before calling on the Israeli military to "fire away" on even more civilians.

"Throw rocks, get shot," Rep. Fine wrote, thinking himself to be clever. "One less #MuslimTerror ist. #FireAway," he continued, failing to properly write the #MuslimTerrorist hashtag.

According to reports, Eygi, a young woman from Turkey who holds U.S. citizenship, was shot to death by the Israeli army in the West Bank. The woman had "joined a mob of locals and foreign activists that was pelting Israeli soldiers with rocks," so IDF shot her to death in return.

The Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported after the attack that a Jewish witness who saw the whole thing happen confirmed that Eygi had not done anything whatsoever to warrant being shot to death by IDF.

(Related: Did you know that far more Christians have been martyred over the years than Jews who died in Nazi concentration camps, and yet the history books never speak about the genocide of Christians?)

Rep. Fine's X account suspended for mere hours as punishment

After many X users reported Rep. Fine's tweet for celebrating murder, Elon Musk's team temporarily suspended his account for a few hours before fully restoring it.

"The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated," Rep. Fine joked on X in response to the pathetic "punishment," which he blamed on a "bug."

"@X apparently has a bug that allows #MuslimTerror ists to overwhelm its system with spam complaints which automatically suspend an account after a certain number," Rep. Fine further complained.

"I was targeted overnight by several of these pro-Hamas accounts. It was down for a couple hours; I appreciate them fixing it. I will be working with them to ensure adequate protection to ensure these Muslim terrorists can't misuse the system."

In other words, Rep. Fine is planning to influence Musk and his employees to remove the flagging option entirely, at least from his own personal account, so he is free to post whatever he wants without fear of being punished for violating "Community Guidelines."

Following Eygi's death, her family called on the Biden regime to launch an independent investigation into her murder.

"Her presence in our lives was taken needlessly, unlawfully, and violently by the Israeli military," Eygi's family said in a statement. "A U.S. citizen, Aysenur was peacefully standing for justice when she was killed by a bullet that video shows came from an Israeli military shooter."

"We call on President [Joe] Biden, Vice-President [Kamala] Harris, and Secretary of State [Antony] Blinken to order an independent investigation into the unlawful killing of a U.S. citizen and to ensure full accountability for the guilty parties."

According to IDF, it merely "responded with fire toward a main instigator of violent activity who hurled rocks at the forces and posed a threat to them."

Eygi was a member of the International Solidarity Movement (ISM), a pro-Palestinian organization that was in Beita the day of Eygi's death for a weekly demonstration against Israeli settlements in the West Bank.

ISM says Israel's claims about Eygi and the other protesters hurling rocks at Israeli soldiers is "false," and that the entire demonstration was "peaceful."

"Aysenur was more than 200 meters away from where the Israeli soldiers were and there were no confrontations there at all in the minutes before she was shot," ISM said.

The latest news about the ongoing war in the Middle East between Israel and its neighbors can be found at Prophecy.news.

Sources for this article include:

InformationLiberation.com

NaturalNews.com
TABOO DEBATE TOPIC: Neither candidate nor the debate moderators spoke about the health horrors that came from the Covid vaccines, masks, and lockdowns

Did anyone notice there was one massive topic that neither Presidential candidate, nor the moderators, addressed during the debate? Trump touched briefly on his own knee-jerk preparation for handling the beginning of the pandemic outbreak but failed to dig into the most important topic of the century  Covid-19 vaccine-induced injuries, disabilities and death.

Neither candidate for President discussed how the pandemic response went so horribly wrong, including all the horrific injuries and deaths caused by the mRNA clot shots. Nobody addressed that masks dont work but rather cause diseases, according to in-depth scientific and evidence-based research. No one talked about the deadly Covid jabs causing miscarriages and spontaneous abortions.

Neither candidate spoke on the subject, nor did the moderators ask about the failed tactics of lockdowns, social distancing, travel restrictions, vaccine passports or the limiting of free speech online regarding all the knee-jerk medical advice that was NOT fact-based, coming from Fraudulent Fauci and the CDC.

Will we continue all of this during the next scamdemic, thats surely coming this way, with all the U.S.-funded gain-of-function lab work being conducted to make bird flu, monkeypox and other viruses jump from animals to humans, and then spread pandemic-style across the globe?

The health horrors the world has endured from Covid vaccines, masks, prescription medications, ventilators, lockdowns and social distancing all a taboo debate topic

By Peter A. McCullough, MD, MPH, Chief Scientific Officer of the Wellness Company, says that the Covid vaccines and all the health horrors that come after getting them is a taboo topic for both administrations.

New omicron (weak) subvariants are spreading and expected to infect millions of people this fall, so the pharmacies, doctors and hospitals of the Vaccine Industrial Complex of America are pushing hard for everyone (including children, pregnant women and infants) to get jabbed up with more mRNA gene therapy injections that cause heart malfunctions, turbo cancer, strange white rubbery clots in the vascular system and of course, unexplainable sudden death.

Meanwhile, 97 percent of Americans already caught Covid at least once, if not 2, 3, or even 4 times, and that includes fully vaccinated and fully unvaccinated people, so for anyone to even consider another vaccine is preposterous, yet neither Presidential candidate nor the moderators brought any of this up during the nearly 2-hour debate. Why?

Dr. McCullough explains how the more Covid shots one gets, the MORE likely they are to catch Covid, which is the complete opposite of everything the disease experts on television tell everyone. Still, the taboo topic wasnt even mentioned at all during the whole debate. Nada. Nothing said. Dr. McCullough also said that toxic, virus-mimicking spike proteins from vaccines circulate in the body for up to six months, getting stuck in vital organs and tissues, so its no wonder why the injected sheeple feel horrible most of the time.

Whats odd is that Donald J. Trump has spoken in the past, and recently, about addressing the pitfalls of vaccination, including mRNA gene therapy injections, and proposed that Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. serve as a Vaccine Czar who would address all these medical inadequacies and health horror stories, where adults and children alike are maimed for life or murdered by vaccine violence. Why not bring it up at the debate?

Of course, we know why the Left doesnt bring it up; because its part of the depopulation plan and the chronic sick care nation we all have to deal with, no matter who is running the country. Bookmark Vaccines.news to your favorite independent websites for updates on Long-Vax-Syndrome that nobody in the media, politics, or even Presidential candidates will talk about, at all.

Sources for this article include:

Pandemic.news

NaturalNews.com

PeterMcculloughmd.substack.com

HealthGlade.com
XI'AN, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, has urged developing a sense of reverence and affection for Chinese civilization and passing on fine traditional Chinese culture from generation to generation.

Xi made the remarks when inspecting the Baoji Bronze Ware Museum in the city of Baoji in northwest China's Shaanxi Province on Tuesday afternoon.

At the museum, Xi was briefed on the history and culture of the Zhou and Qin dynasties (1046-207 BC) and took a close look at exhibits such as "He Zun," a bronze ritual wine vessel carrying the earliest written record of the Chinese characters for "China."

Xi also learned about the strengthened preservation, study and utilization of cultural relics.

The 5,000 years of Chinese civilization should be further explored and studied, Xi said, noting that more efforts are required to illustrate its essence and promote the great wisdom it embodies.

Through these efforts, the people will be able to develop a strengthened sense of pride in the Chinese civilization, and the spirit of patriotism can be promoted more effectively, he said.
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British cloud demand, very much fueled by generative AI needs, far exceeds the capacity of currently available cloud environments, said Gartner VP Analyst Sid Nag. The UK needs a lot more cloud resources, Nag said.

Amazon has had challenges in the European market related to pricing. It is clear that they are responding to a capacity issue, Nag said. They are not spending 8 billion for the fun of it.

Forrester Principal Analyst Lee Sustar agreed with Nags take.

AWS 8 billion investment in the UK is noteworthy, as AI competition requires expensive buildouts along with the already vast spending needed to sustain hyperscale cloud services. Upstart cloud providers focusing on GPUs for AI are forcing AWS and other big players to pour far more money into infrastructure than they have in the past, Sustar said. Although it isnt clear what percentage of this spending will be devoted to AI capacity, it is reasonable to assume that the AI arms race is a driver here.

Another analyst, Sean Graham, IDCs research director for data centers, said the lack of details in AWS spending announcement was quite deliberate.

They are purposely worded that way to give them wiggle room. But even if we dont know the breakdown, $10 billion is significant, Graham said. The average cost to build a datacenter in London is about $10 million/megawatt. If this was all for construction, which its not  the breakdown of new build versus maintenance is unclear  that would equate to about to about 1 GW of datacenter capacity, which is on par with their Talen Energy announcement.
Rajasthan CM invites Japanese business community to invest in his state (Ld)

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high-level delegation led by Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on Wednesday was in the Japanese capital Tokyo as part of the preparations for the Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit 2024, which is scheduled to take place from December 9-11 in Jaipur.

"The flourishing Neemrana Japanese Investment Zone in Rajasthan, where over 48 Japanese firms have invested over USD 8.34 billion and generated over 26000 jobs is a living example of our commitment to 'ease of doing business'. Inspired by its success, the government is developing the second Japanese Investment Zone in the state. We are looking forward to not just investments, but a lasting and long-term partnership with Japan," the Chief Minister said.

During the investors' meet in Tokyo, Principal Secretary of the Industries Department Ajitabh Sharma gave a presentation to the Japanese investors showcasing the investment opportunities in Rajasthan in the thrust sectors and spoke about the new policies and overhauling of the governance system of the state.

Besides, Neemrana Day celebrations were also held to mark the partnership between the Japanese business community and the state of Rajasthan. Neemrana is an exclusive Japanese Investment Zone in Rajasthan's Alwar district that hosts a number of Japanese companies and has emerged as a successful model of a country-specific exclusive investment zone.

The government is also setting up a second Japanese Investment Zone at Ghiloth, which is 20 km from Neemrana in the state for facilitating further investments from the East Asian country.

A film showcasing Rajasthan's tourism landscape was also played at the investors' meeting to the resounding applause of the Japanese investors, impressing upon them the vast potential of the state's tourism sector.

Addressing the investors' meeting Ambassador Sibi George, India's Ambassador to Japan, said: "Rajasthan is emerging as one of the most investor-friendly and business-fostering industrial states. Cutting regulatory red tape and simplifying the business regulatory regime are key areas that the state has been working towards. I urge the investors' community and business groups to visit the 'Rising Rajasthan' Global Investment Summit 2024 which will provide an ideal platform for exploring new business ventures in the state."

The Chief Minister-led high-level delegation of the Government of Rajasthan also hosted a select number of CEOs and Business Leaders at a luncheon in Tokyo, inviting them to set up their businesses in Rajasthan. The Japanese business leaders were led by Takeshi Mizutani, Vice President, Kai Group, Daisuke Yamashita, President & CEO, of Yamashita Rubber, Yasuhiro Hiraoka, President & CEO, E&H Precision India, and Nobuyuki Ako, CSO, Takahata Precision.

During his interaction at the luncheon, Chief Minister Sharma said: "The state government is committed to solving investors' issues and making the business environment positive. We would especially like to strengthen business relations with Japanese investors. Rajasthan has immense scope for investment in the fields of Automobile, Engineering, Textiles, Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM), Renewable Energy, Tourism etc. The government has undertaken a major administrative overhaul and is also going to launch several new policies to make the state more business-friendly."

Moreover, the delegation also held one-on-one interaction with several Japanese companies, including that of JETRO, Kai Group, Nippon Steel Trading, Hitachi, Yamashita Rubber, E&H Precision, Takahata Precision etc. Hon'ble Chief Minister welcomed them to make investments in the state and strengthen the relationships between Japan and Rajasthan.

The Chief Minister also met a large number of members from the non-resident Rajasthani (NRR) community, who are currently thriving in Japan but have their roots in Rajasthan. He exhorted the community members to play the role of Rajasthan's ambassador in Japan and help facilitate investment in their home state.

The Tokyo event was organised with the help of the Indian Embassy in Japan and the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO).

 Rajasthan CM invites Japanese business community to invest in his state (Ld)

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Arunachal plays major role in national security, development : CM Khandu

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runachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu said on Wednesday that development of the border regions is very crucial, citing that Arunachal being a bordering state plays a significant role in national security and development.

Addressing the Border Area Development Conclave in the national capital, Chief Minister Khandu emphasised the importance of the event in enhancing the development of border regions and outlined the critical role that Arunachal plays when it comes to national security and development.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was the Chief guest at the conclave, which was organised by the Indian Army and the Centre for Land Warfare Studies. Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat also attended the event.

"Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the past decade, the people of the border areas have witnessed significant development. The impact is visible, and the progress is tangible," Khandu said.

The Chief Minister also highlighted the strides made in improving infrastructure across the state's 11 border districts and 29 border blocks, noting that while development in these areas was once a challenge, today the major towns are well-connected, including those in the remote border regions.

Arunachal Pradesh shares 1,080 km border with China, 520 km with Myanmar, and 217 km with Bhutan.

Khandu also pointed to the success of the 'Vibrant Village Programme', noting the transformative changes it has brought.

The ongoing projects include the construction of 1,022 km of roads to connect 124 habitations. Under the first phase, works are going on in 455 habitations, with infrastructure improvement currently underway in 156 villages.

The Chief Minister also expressed his gratitude to the Indian Army for its significant contributions to the region, particularly through Operation Sadbhavna and Project Samaritan, which have facilitated development in areas such as education and healthcare.

The Chief Minister also spoke about the efforts being made in Arunachal to ensure synchronised planning between the defence forces, Central Armed Police Forces, and state representatives.

This planning, he said, aligns with both national security interests and rural developmental needs.

 Arunachal plays major role in national security, development : CM Khandu

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Absolutely shameful... Union Minister Piyush Goyal hits out at Rahul Gandhi over his recent remarks in US

F

ollowing Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandh's recent remark during his US visit which sparked a row, Union Minister Piyush Goyal said that Congress leader is defaming India on foreign soil in 'absolutely shameful manner'.

Piyush Goyal questioned Gandhi's reasoning over his statements and launched a scathing attack on him.

"Do you think they are not anti-national? Can anybody in his right mind justify or endorse the deplorable statements? The absolutely shameful manner in which India and every Indian is being defamed on foreign soil by a senior leader of the Congress, Rahul Gandhi," Goyal said.

Goyal accused Congress of propagating 'well-thought agenda' to 'attack' PM Modi.

"It is a well-thought agenda of the Congress party. I think it is by deliberate choice that Rahul Gandhi is making these statements because the Congress party in its desire to attack PM Modi and this third term that the people of India have given to PM Modi," Goyal said.

Goyal said that Congress is 'frustrated' and cannot differentiate between a political adversary and the nation.

"They are so frustrated that in their frustration they cannot differentiate between a political adversary and the nation. I have also been in the opposition for many years. Whenever we were on foreign soil, we always spoke good about India. We were proud of our nation," he said.

He further described Rahul Gandhi's actions during the visit as 'shameful' and asked him to apologise.

"It is shameful the way he meets anti-national people. Rahul Gandhi should apologize not only to the country but to every single citizen of India who has felt hurt," he said.

Earlier today, BJP's Giriaj Singh accused Gandhi of supporting Umar Khalid, who is arrested under UAPA over his alleged role in Delhi riots of 2020, and Ilahn Omar, a US lawmaker known for her critical stance on India.

"When Rahul Gandhi is in the country, even then he is with the anti-national forces be it Umar Khalid or when in America, be it Ilhan Omar. All those present in his press conference used an anti-India toolkit," Singh said.

The heat on Rahul Gandhi came after he made certain statements in the US while speaking to the Indian diaspora Gandhi, who arrived in Dallas in September 8, also interacted with students and teachers at the University of Texas.

 Absolutely shameful... Union Minister Piyush Goyal hits out at Rahul Gandhi over his recent remarks in US

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India, US working in areas like critical minerals, supply chains: Piyush Goyal

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ndia and the US are working together towards becoming self-reliant in critical minerals, strengthening supply chains and adopting cutting-edge technologies, the government has informed.

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said that India and the US share one of the most strategic and consequential relationship with shared interests in bilateral and geopolitical issues.

Both the countries have taken a huge step towards expanding the global semiconductor supply chain. The US Department of State will collaborate with the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM), under the Ministry of Electronics and IT, to explore ways to grow and diversify the semiconductor ecosystem.

This initiative will be supported by the International Technology Security and Innovation (ITSI) fund, which was established through the CHIPS Act of 2022.

Delivering the keynote address at the US-India Business Council's (USIBC) 49th annual general meeting in the national capital, the minister also emphasised the need for global coalition against terrorism.

While paying homage to the victims of 9/11 attack on World Trade Center in New York, Minister Goyal said the attack reminds the world of dangers posed by terrorism.

"India has been suffering from terrorism promoted from across our borders since decades. Acts like 9/11 attack, divisive tendencies, inflammatory and fake propagandas should be denounced," said the minister.

He added that the 9/11 attack showed the tremendous resilience of the people of United States of America and demonstrated the need for solidarity amongst like-minded nations. Shri Goyal said that such dastardly acts of terrorism emphasise the importance of global coalition against terrorism.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government works on the principle of 'Reform-Perform-Transform'. The Commerce Minister emphasised that reforms in the government will help the country perform and transform the lives of the countrymen.

Stressing on the importance of spreading information about reforms in India, he urged the participants present to propagate to the world about the experience they have working with India.

Evoking Swami Vivekananda's speech delivered in Chicago in 1893, the minister said the address resonates deeply with the theme of the USIBC Summit of partnership and prosperity in the era of AI and critical technologies.

 India, US working in areas like critical minerals, supply chains: Piyush Goyal

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Sardar Sarovar Dam releases 2,45,000 cusecs of water due to heavy rains in upstream areas

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ue to continuous rainfall in the upstream areas and water release from the Omkareshwar Dam, the water level of Sardar Sarovar Dam has been steadily rising.

On Thursday, 15 gates of Sardar Sarovar Dam were opened by 1.90 metres, releasing 2,00,000 cusecs of water into the lower basin of the dam. Additionally, with six turbines of the Riverbed Power House (RBPH) operational, 2,45,000 cusecs of water is being discharged into the Narmada River.

Collector Bijal Shah informed that precautionary steps have been taken for 25 villages in Shinor, Dabhoi, and Karjan talukas of Vadodara district, along the Narmada River. Instructions have been given to village talatis and liaison officers to ensure safety measures are in place.

The affected villages include Chandod, Karnali, and Nanderiya in Dabhoi taluka; Ambali, Barkal, Dheer, Malsar, Dariapura, Moleta, Zanzad, Kanjetha, Shinor, Mandva, and Surashamal in Shinor taluka; and Pura, Alampura, Rajali, Lilaiapura, Nani Koral, Moti Koral, Junasair, Sagarol, Oz, Somaj, Delvada, and Arjpura in Karjan taluka.

The district administration has urged residents of these villages to refrain from venturing into the riverbed areas. The administration closely monitors the flood situation, and safety measures are being taken to prevent accidents or loss of life. The District Disaster Management Board oversees the matter, and citizens can contact the emergency helpline number 1,077 for assistance.

The Sardar Sarovar Dam, a concrete gravity dam on the Narmada River near Kevadiya in Narmada District, is a vital infrastructure project serving multiple states--Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan. Known as the 'lifeline of Gujarat', the dam supplies water and electricity to these regions.

With 75 per cent of Gujarat's command area classified as drought-prone, the dam provides a critical domestic water supply, especially to the arid regions of Kutch and Saurashtra.

Notably, in 2021, the Sardar Sarovar Dam supplied irrigation water for the first time during the summer.

 Sardar Sarovar Dam releases 2,45,000 cusecs of water due to heavy rains in upstream areas

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A trip building and itinerary planning tool could be added to the Cumberland Valley Visitors Bureau website in 2025.

That was the word last week from Kristen Rowe, director of destination marketing for the Cumberland Area Economic Development Corp. The bureau is the tourism arm of CAEDC.

The decision to add the tool is based on feedback from travelers coming into Cumberland County from outside south-central Pennsylvania, Rowe told county commissioners during a quarterly update.

Our county is much bigger than they think, Rowe said. Our towns are sprawled out further. This [tool] would provide more realistic ways for people to understand what they want to do and how long it would take them to get to all the things they want to see.

The new year will also see a greater marketing focus on the Cumberland Valley Beer Trail, Ice Cream Trail and Coffee & Chocolate Trail, she said. We will have more events, more contests, more giveaways. We will really invest in those trails, those experiences, those partners.

For years, the bureau has been using themed trails as a promotional tool to draw in weekend getaway travelers. The trend started in 2017 with the Beer Trail that capitalized on the success of the emerging microbrewery scene in Carlisle and the county.

What started as a travel itinerary on a blog became a game where participants can access an online passport and check in at dozens of locations. For every five to 10 check-ins, users earn prizes.

In May 2022, the bureau launched the Ice Cream Trail that featured locations in Carlisle, Mechanicsburg, Shippensburg and the West Shore. Like the Beer Trail, the advertising campaign focused on bringing in travelers from nearby metropolitan areas.

The latest travel data shows that the Ice Cream Trail has surpassed the Beer Trail in participation, Rowe said. It is family friendly. More accessible to more people.

The Beer Trail tends to draw travelers from further away who stay overnight and spend multiple days in the county, Rowe said. The Ice Cream Trail has a more local and regional pull, she said.

Thats important because these are smaller businesses that normally could get overshadowed by some of the bigger attractions, Rowe said. We want to zero in on three [trails] that are the most impactful. We have tried to do fall trails in the past, but they were just not performing.

Like other drivers in the local economy, the system of gamified trails is fed by an extensive network of interstate highways that provide easy access for visitors from major Northeast towns.

In September 2022, The Sentinel reported that the top five origin markets of visitors to Cumberland County were Philadelphia, New York, Washington, D.C., the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton area and Pittsburgh.
India and Philippines strengthen defence ties during Defence Secretary Aramane's Manila visit

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hilippines Defence Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr.highlighted the need to create a "great net" that fosters regional stability and security during his meeting with visiting Indian Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane, the country's Department of National Defense (DND) stated on Thursday. The meeting held on Wednesday marked another step towards deepening defence cooperation between the Philippines and India, the Department mentioned.

"Secretary of National Defense (SND) Teodoro emphasised the importance of strengthening the partnership between the two countries, particularly in upholding the rule of law in the region. The Defense Chief also underscored the Philippines' commitment to a Self-Reliant Defence Posture, with a particular focus on supply chain resilience as a critical component of the country's defence strategy. He also welcomed further opportunities for military-to-military engagements and collaborations," it stated.

Appreciating the visit of the Indian delegation to the Philippines, which he said underscored the mutual commitment of both countries to deepen relations, Teodoro stressed the necessity of engaging in dialogue with "like-minded nations" to build a framework for cooperation built on universally accepted principles of international law.

The Philippines Defence Secretary is scheduled to meet Defence Minister Rajnath Singh during the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus) to be held in November in Lao People's Democratic Republic which would further reinforce the bilateral defence relationship between the two nations.

Secretary Aramane, while commending the Philippines for its strong adherence to the rule of law and expressing the desire to enhance defence ties through the sharing of experiences and technologies, also extended an invitation to Teodoro to visit India for ministerial-level talks, highlighting that 2024 marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

On Wednesday, Aramane co-chaired the fifth meeting of India-Philippines Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) in Manila along with his counterpart Irineo Cruz Espino, the Senior Undersecretary at the Ministry of National Defence of Philippines.

"The Defence Secretary appreciated the Self Reliance Defence Posture Act of the Philippines government for modernising its Armed Forces. He highlighted that India has also laid out a similar vision for 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'. Under this vision, the Indian defence Industry is continuously enhancing its manufacturing capabilities and is exporting equipment to the world," the Ministry of Defence said in a statement.

The Defence Secretary invited the Philippines to partner with the Indian defence industry in co-development and co-production of equipment. The Philippines also invited investments in long-term equity partnership towards promoting assured supply chains. It acknowledged and appreciated India's functioning and proven template of defence Industry indigenisation.

"Both sides affirmed the commitment to support each other to achieve the goal of self-reliance in defence production. They appreciated the operationalisation of White Shipping Information Exchange and opening of defence wing at Embassy of India, Manila in near future," the Ministry mentioned.

 India and Philippines strengthen defence ties during Defence Secretary Aramane's Manila visit

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Randeep Hooda meets Union Environment Minister: Your knowledge on cinema was energising

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andeep Hooda met Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) Bhupender Yadav and shared that the conversation drawing from the minister's knowledge on various subjects including environment and protection of nature was a very enriching experience for the actor-filmmaker.

Yadav shared two pictures with Randeep on X, formerly called Twitter, and wrote: "Met artist Shri @RandeepHooda in Delhi. We spoke at length about several issues including his art and industry. Also, discussed his experience playing nationalist freedom fighter Veer Savarkar."

Replying to Yadav, Randeep thanked him for the time and hospitality.

"It was a great pleasure and an honour to meet you @byadavbjp sir. The conversation drawing from your immense and deep knowledge on various subjects including environment, conservation and protection of nature was a very enriching experience for me."

Randeep found Hooda's knowledge on cinema refreshing and energising.

"Furthermore your knowledge on cinema was refreshing/energising. Thank you for your time and hospitality."

Speaking about his work, Randeep was last seen in the film "Swatantrya Veer Savarkar," which marked his debut in directing movies.

The film, which also stars Ankita Lokhande as Yamunabai Savarkar, was based on the life of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. Randeep played the title role of Savarkar.

The film presents a detailed biographical sketch of Savarkar from his childhood, including the key events from his life, often in a near-worshipful tone towards its central character. The film has been criticised for distorting history and for promoting one-sided agenda but received praises for its actors' performances.

Randeep had earlier spoken about his maiden directorial "Swatantrya Veer Savarkar" and shared that he made the film to let know of India beyond Mahatma Gandhi.

During a global promotion of the film, Randeep, who was asked about the takeaway from the movie for global audiences, said: "I have taken the route of telling the story of the armed revolution - especially overseas - for a country like India where the image of India that we know of is one of non-violence.

"Therefore, it should be interesting for people across the world to watch this and hence I made it for the international audience in that sense. So that they get to know about India more than just Mahatma Gandhi," he said.

 Randeep Hooda meets Union Environment Minister: Your knowledge on cinema was energising

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CPI-M chief Yechury passes away, condolences and tributes pour in

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eteran political leader and CPI-M General Secretary Sitaram Yechury, who was undergoing treatment at the intensive care unit at the AIIMS here, passed away on Thursday. He was 72.

"Sitaram Yechury, aged 72, was admitted to AIIMS on 19th August 2024 with pneumonia and passed away on 12th September 2024 at 3.05 p.m.," the AIIMS said in a release.

The family has donated his body to AIIMS, New Delhi for teaching and research purposes, it added.

The CPI-M said: "It is with profound grief that we announce the passing away of CPIM General Secretary, our beloved Comrade Sitaram Yechury, at 3.03 pm today, 12th September, at the AIIMS, New Delhi. He was suffering from a respiratory tract infection which developed complications."

"We thank the doctors, nursing staff and the Director of the Institute for the excellent treatment and care extended to Comrade Yechury. Details of public viewing and homage will be informed", it added.

Yechury succeeded Prakash Karat as the CPI-M chief in 2015, after being a member of its Politburo, the top decision-making body, for over three decades. He was also a member of the Rajya Sabha from 2005 to 2017.

Condolences and tributes from leaders across the political spectrum poured in, describing his demise as a major loss.

In Kerala, the party flag at the state party headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram was lowered. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the late leader had good links with all and "was a respected and liked personality even by his political detractors".

Terming Yechury a friend, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said that he was "a protector of the Idea of India with a deep understanding of our country".

"I will miss the long discussions we used to have. My sincere condolences to his family, friends, and followers in this hour of grief," he said in a post on X.

"ADIEU COMRADE Sitaram Yechury Students' Federation of India dips its banner in honour of our beloved comrade, former All India President of SFI and General Secretary of CPI(M), Sitaram Yechury," the party's student wing said on X.

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said: "His years of service and devotion to our country is worthy of the greatest respect. Most of all, he was an inherently decent human being who brought a sense of balance and gentleness to the harsh world of politics...".

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said: "Sad to know that Sri Sitaram Yechury has passed away. I knew the veteran parliamentarian that he was and his demise will be a loss for the national politics. I express my condolences to his family, friends and colleagues".

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said that he was deeply saddened on hearing the news, and noted that Yechury's "contributions to public life will always be remembered". Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said: "I am deeply saddened by the tragic demise of veteran CPM leader, Sitaram Yechury ji. We had many years of working relations in the Parliament. Extending my deepest condolences to his family, colleagues and admirers".

Tamil superstar-turned-politician Kamal Haasan said that he was "deeply saddened" to hear Yechury, "a giant of Indian politics", had passed away, noting that "along his journey from student activist to Statesmen, he left his indelible mark on our national discourse and politics".

Terming Yechury "one of the most outstanding leaders of the Left & communist movement in contemporary times", CPI leader D. Raja said: "My association with him went back decades when he was in the students movement and I was working in the AIYF. After coming to the national centre, we worked together in many forums like the steering committee of the United Front government and later in shaping the common minimum program of the UPA-1".

"After becoming general secretaries of the CPI & CPI(M), we further worked together for the unity of Left, secular and democratic forces," he said, terming the CPI-M leader "a lucid writer, able parliamentarian and a capable leader" whose loss will be felt in Left and democratic circles".

Andhra Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu also expressed his grief, noting that Yechury was "a stalwart who rose from the ranks to become one of the most respected voices in Indian politics".

"He was known for his intellectual take on issues, and connection with the people at the grassroots level. His insightful debates with leaders across the political spectrum earned him recognition beyond his party. My heartfelt condolences to his family, comrades, and followers. May his soul rest in peace."

AAP Rajya Sabha member Raghav Chadha said that the late CPI-M leader was "admired across party lines for his intellect, excellent articulation of his party's positions and a deep-rooted passion for people's causes". He said he was "fortunate to have had the opportunity to work closely with him over the last decade".

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma termed Yechury "an erudite and articulate leader" who "made a rich contribution towards public service and social justice" and "will be remembered for his deep conviction in his idealogy (sic) and policies".

Former PM H.D. Deve Gowda, DMK leader and Tamil Nadu minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramiah, Congress leader Sachin Pilot, NCP-SP leader Supriya Sule, and Biju Janata Dal chief Naveen Patnaik also condoled his demise.

India's G20 Sherpa and former NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant said: "...Having seen him up close during his time as the president of the JNU Students Union, I was always impressed by his vibrant and dynamic leadership. He possessed remarkable human qualitieswarmth, compassion, and a genuine human spirit that connected with so many. His ability to connect across party lines, made him a distinct voice. His legacy will undoubtedly be felt across the nation. Rest in peace, Sitaram".

 CPI-M chief Yechury passes away, condolences and tributes pour in

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'Tarang Shakti' Exercise aimed at enhancing operational coordination among friendly countries: Rajnath Singh

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efence Minister Rajnath Singh has said that the 'Tarang Shakti' Exercise is aimed at enhancing operational coordination among friendly countries.

He said this in Jodhpur on Thursday while attending the multi-country defence exercise.

Seven countries -- the US, Japan, Australia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, UAE and Greece -- participated and 16 other nations were observers.

Congratulating the IAF officers and stakeholders for organising such a major event in the country, Rajnath Singh said, "'Tarang Shakti' is aimed at enhancing operational coordination among friendly countries."

"After nearly 60 years, such a big tactical exercise has been organised in the skies of India. First of all, I congratulate the Indian Air Force and all the stakeholders associated with this exercise for conducting this exercise," he said while speaking at the event.

He also recalled how the IAF transformed itself after the country's independence.

"We got independence in 1947. I was told that at that time, i.e. after partition, our Air Force had only six squadrons of two types of aircraft. Similarly, the rest of the war equipment was also very old and worn out and in limited quantity. But today, with the best and most modern aircraft from around the world, and next-generation equipment, the Indian Air Force has transformed itself."

The Defence Minister also added that the defence sector was moving ahead with the resolve of "Self-reliant" India.

"Till some time ago, India was seen only as an importer country in terms of arms and equipment, but today India exports arms and equipment to about 90 countries. There are many such examples which tell the golden story of the evolution of our Air Force and defence sector. Our Air Force and our defence sector are moving ahead rapidly with the new resolve of self-reliant India," he said.

Rajnath Singh added that the IAF has been known for its strength and valour since its inception.

"Whenever the country needed it, the Air Force faced that situation bravely and enhanced the pride of the nation by demonstrating its strength. The country's defence sector has taken strong steps towards indigenisation in the manufacture of weapons, platforms and aircraft. Today, we have become self-sufficient to a large extent in things like light combat aircraft, censors, radars and electronic warfare, and we are constantly striving to move ahead in these areas."

The Defence Minister also termed the 'Tarang Shakti' exercise as a landmark event on Friday which allows remembering the journey of the IAF so far.

"It has been more than 75 years since our country got independence. Today's landmark event, on the one hand, is an opportunity to celebrate the grand achievements of the Indian Air Force so far, and on the other hand, it also allows us to remember its journey so far. Today, we are not only the world's fastest-growing economy, but our Armed Forces are also considered one of the most powerful in the world," he said.

Rajnath Singh also called the collaborative learning approach the need of the hour and said, "The Indian Air Force, or the Air Force of any country, is a technology-intensive force; and you all are well aware of the speed at which technology is changing in today's times. In such a rapidly changing scenario, moving forward with a collaborative learning approach is the need of the hour; and through 'Tarang Shakti', you all are moving forward with strong wings in this direction."

"'Tarang Shakti' has been organised in two phases. Its first phase was organised in Sulur, while its second phase is being organised in Jodhpur. When any exercise takes place on such a large scale, the participating countries learn a lot from each other. When an exercise of such complexity and magnitude takes place, soldiers with different work cultures, different air combat experiences and warfighting principles learn a lot from each other," he added.

The IAF teams performed amazing stunts in the sky with Suryakiran, Sarang, Indigenous Tejas fighter aircraft and Sukhoi-30 in the presence of the Defence Minister.

It needs to be mentioned here that it is the last day of the Tarang Shakti exercise in which seven countries participated.

Earlier, fighter jets like Prachand, Surya Kiran, Sarang and helicopters made different formations in the air show which started at the Jodhpur airbase at 11 a.m.

Rajnath Singh also inaugurated the Defence Aviation Expo on Thursday.

Defence equipment made with new technology, including indigenous weapons, is being showcased in the expo which will be held till September 14.

 'Tarang Shakti' Exercise aimed at enhancing operational coordination among friendly countries: Rajnath Singh

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Putin hails India's rising success under PM Modi as NSA Doval briefs Russian President on Ukraine visit

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ussian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday once again hailed India's rising global stature and the strength of its growing economy under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"Our special privileged strategic partnership is gaining momentum, gaining strength, which we are only happy about. We are also happy about India's success in building, strengthening its statehood, and developing the economy, which is happening under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi," Putin said during his one-on-one meeting with National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval in Saint Petersburg.

Recalling PM Modi's visit to Moscow in July this year, Putin said that not only was the landmark trip "very successful", but the work that followed it is "proceeding very meaningfully and at exactly the pace" that Prime Minister Modi and he had agreed on.

NSA Doval is visiting Saint Petersburg for the meeting of top security officials from the BRICS-member countries. Russia, the current chair of the grouping, will be hosting the annual BRICS Summit from October 22-24 and has invited around 36 foreign leaders to Kazan.

"Security issues have always been and remain among our priorities. And we are grateful to you for coming to St. Petersburg. Last year, the meeting took place in Moscow. We are grateful to you for supporting this dialogue from the Indian side. We are expecting Mr. Modi in Kazan. I propose holding a bilateral meeting on October 22 in Kazan to sum up our joint work on implementing the agreements reached during his visit to Moscow and to outline prospects for the near future," the Russian President stated.

"Please convey my best regards and wishes to Mr. Modi, my good friend," concluded Putin.

In his remarks, NSA Doval thanked the Russian President for this "rare opportunity" to meet him in person.

"As the Prime Minister told you during the telephone conversation, he is ready to tell you about his visit to Ukraine and his meeting with Zelensky. He wanted me to come in person and tell you about the negotiations that took place. It was a closed format, only two leaders were present, and I was with the Prime Minister, I witnessed this conversation," said NSA Doval.

The Russian President had referred to PM Modi as his "good friend" in July also while conferring the Indian PM with the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle the First-Called, Russia's highest civilian award.

"Dear Mr. Prime Minister, dear friend, awarding you with the Order of St. Andrew the First-Called reflects the sincere gratitude of the Russian side for the significant contribution you make to strengthening friendship and mutual understanding between our states and people," said Putin at the start of the ceremony," he had said during the award ceremony held at the Grand Kremlin Palace following the bilateral talks between the two leaders.

Earlier in the day, Putin addressed the visiting NSAs of BRICS countries and highlighted that it was in St. Petersburg that the foundation of BRICS was laid when the leaders of India, Russia and China agreed to organise regular meetings at the highest level, as well as in some other areas.

 Putin hails India's rising success under PM Modi as NSA Doval briefs Russian President on Ukraine visit

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Russia ready for peaceful end to conflict with Ukraine but West not: Lavrov

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oscow is prepared to find a peaceful settlement to the Ukraine crisis while the West is not ready for sincere diplomatic dialogues, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Thursday.

Western countries are attempting to do everything possible to control Kiev through their ultimatums, Lavrov said during a roundtable discussion on Ukraine with ambassadors at the Foreign Ministry's Diplomatic Academy.

The West and its allies view Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's peace formula as the only negotiating proposal, he said.

Lavrov further said that NATO specialists were providing Kiev with reconnaissance data to help identify targets deep within Russian territory, including civilian infrastructure.

On the latest development of the conflict, Lavrov said Russian forces were continuing to push Ukrainian troops out of Russia's Kursk region bordering Ukraine.

Early Thursday, 14 civilians were injured as Russia struck Ukraine's northeastern city of Konotop with combat drones, Ukraine's Prosecutor General's Office said in a statement.

Seven apartment buildings, a private residence, a bank, and healthcare and educational institutions were damaged in the attack, it said, Xinhua news agency reported.

The attack was part of a broader overnight assault, in which Russia launched a barrage of 64 combat drones and five missiles, Ukraine's Air Force said.

Also on Thursday, the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry said it had destroyed a Russian Su-30SM fighter jet over the Black Sea.

 Russia ready for peaceful end to conflict with Ukraine but West not: Lavrov

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Have you ever driven past the same building day after day and wondered what it looks like inside?

Have you ever only seen a space from the street and wondered what lies within?

Maybe the location is closed to the public, or maybe youve just never had a reason to go in.

Now you dont have to.

The Sentinels Inside Look series aims to take readers into the curious places Cumberland County has to offer from the comfort of their living rooms.

Join us every other week for a video and photo gallery of new, or sometimes very old, local places that are just waiting to be explored.

Capital City Airport

Technically speaking, the Capital City Airport is located in Northern York County.

However, considering the entity is just a hair over the county line and dons a New Cumberland address, it offers a place for this series to land.

Capital City Airport is one of four local airports that fall under the Susquehanna Area Regional Airport Authority, along with Harrisburg International Airport, Franklin County Regional Airport and Gettysburg Regional Airport.

Originally known as the Harrisburg State Airport, Capital City Airport was constructed in constructed in 1930 by the Harrisburg Area Chamber of Commerce and ownership transitioned to the state in 1934, according to the facility's website.

Authority spokesperson Scott Miller said it was the original Central Pennsylvania Airport.

In 1969, Harrisburg's Air Force Base was decommissioned and the site transformed into Harrisburg International Airport, taking on commercial services, according to Harrisburg International Airport's website.

The authority was established in the late 1990s and assumed ownership of both the Capital City Airport and Harrisburg International Airport.

Capital City Airport functions as a complementary facility to Harrisburg, Miller said. While Harrisburg offers commercial and cargo services, Capital City Airport accommodates corporate and general aviation, such as private planes, charter services and flight schools.

"All the activity that takes place here would not fit in Harrisburg because we're too landlocked over there," Miller said.

Of the four airports in the authority, he said Capital City Airport is smaller than Harrisburg's facility but bigger than those in Adams and Franklin counties.

About 150 planes are based in the facility, though that number tends to fluctuate, and Capital City Airport sees about 30,000 takeoffs and landings per year, Miller said.

He described the authority as a "glorified landlord" of the space, which consists of just under 500 acres.

"We're a landowner that rents space to private companies to do the business of transporting people and things and items from New Cumberland to wherever they need to go around the world," Miller said.

The authority is responsible for the mowing, snow removal and maintenance of the facility and its two runways, but rents out hangers and other land and buildings to other businesses.

Deputy Director of Maintenance Jamie Sides said the airport houses several maintenance facilities, two flight schools and a number of other companies.

Capital City Airport also includes hanger space for the Pennsylvania State Police, hosts military operations from Fort Indiantown Gap and contains a medical evacuation facility.

"If somebody needs a heart in Pittsburgh and they have one here, they'll bring it out here to the airport, and they immediately launch that aircraft and fly it to Pittsburgh to save somebody's life," Sides said.

Miller said the airport doesn't operate off tax funds, so people only pay for operations when they use its services. In addition to aviation offerings, the airport also offers jobs and brings people into the surrounding community.

According to 2020 data in a 2022 Pennsylvania Aviation Economic Impact Study, Capital City Airport had 321 employees.

Sides sees a variety people fly into the airport to explore the local community on a daily basis, including celebrities looking to avoid paparazzi.

"We're happy to say hello," he said. "And when we find people like that, they're just like everybody else."

Photos: An inside look at Capital City Airport in York County
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Laughter may be as effective as eye drops in improving symptoms of dry eye disease, finds a clinical trial from China published by The BMJ today.

The researchers suggest that laughter exercise could be an initial treatment for relieving symptoms of dry eye disease.

Dry eye disease (DED) is a chronic condition estimated to affect around 360 million individuals worldwide. Common symptoms include uncomfortable, red, scratchy or irritated eyes.

Evidence suggests that laughter therapy alleviates depression, anxiety, stress, and chronic pain, while strengthening immune function and is recognized as a beneficial complementary and add-on treatment for various chronic conditions, including mental health disorders, cancer, and diabetes. But whether laughter therapy has a beneficial effect on dry eye disease is still unknown.

To explore this further, researchers from China and the UK set out to assess the effectiveness and safety of laughter exercise in patients with symptoms of dry eye disease.

Their findings are based on 283 participants aged 18-45 years (average age 29; 74% female) who were assessed for dry eye disease using the ocular surface disease index (OSDI) score and randomly assigned to receive laughter exercise or 0.1% sodium hyaluronic acid eye drops four times a day for eight weeks.

Participants with existing eye conditions, injury, infection or allergy, and those who had recently used contact lenses or any dry eye disease treatment were excluded.

The laughter exercise group watched an instructional video and were asked to vocalize and repeat the phrases "Hee hee hee, hah hah hah, cheese cheese cheese, cheek cheek cheek, hah hah hah hah hah hah" 30 times per five minute session using a face recognition mobile app to standardize the exercise and enhance facial movements.

The eye drop (control) group applied 0.1% sodium hyaluronic acid eye drops to both eyes four times a day for eight weeks, tracking their usage frequency via the same app.

Both treatments were stopped at eight weeks and any change in eye surface discomfort scores were measured at weeks 10 and 12.

The average OSDI score at eight weeks was 10.5 points lower (indicating less discomfort) in the laughter exercise group and 8.83 lower in the control group, with a mean difference of 1.45 points, suggesting that laughter exercise was no less effective than eye drops.

Laughter exercise also showed significant improvements in non-invasive tear break up time (time taken for the first dry spot to appear on the cornea after a blink), meibomian gland function (oil glands that help prevent tears from evaporating too quickly), and mental health scores. No adverse events were noted in either study group.

The authors acknowledge some limitations that may have influenced the results, but say the findings suggest that laughter exercise was non-inferior to 0.1% sodium hyaluronic acid in improving dry eye disease symptoms and clinical signs.

"As a safe, environmentally friendly, and low cost intervention, laughter exercise could serve as a first-line, home based treatment for people with symptomatic dry eye disease and limited corneal staining," they add.
A team of doctors and researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) have identified a new, rare type of small cell lung cancer that primarily affects younger people who have never smoked.

Their findings, which include a detailed analysis of the clinical and genetic features of the disease, also highlight vulnerabilities that could help doctors make better treatment decisions for people diagnosed with it.

"It's not every day you identify a new subtype of cancer," says Natasha Rekhtman, MD, PhD, an MSK pathologist specializing in lung cancer and the first author of a paper published August 26 in Cancer Discovery presenting the team's analysis. "This new disease type has distinct clinical and pathological features, and a distinct molecular mechanism."

The study brought together the expertise of 42 physicians and researchers across MSK -; from the doctors who treat lung cancer and the pathologists who evaluate cells and tissues to make a diagnosis, to specialists in tumor genetics and computational analysis.

Understanding this new type of lung cancer required a broad spectrum of expertise from the laboratory to the clinic." Charles Rudin, MD, PhD, lung cancer specialist and study's senior author

Defining a new lung cancer subtype: Atypical small cell carcinoma

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is relatively rare to begin with, accounting for 10% to 15% of all lung cancers, according to the American Cancer Society. And the newly discovered subtype accounts for just a fraction of those. Out of 600 patients with SCLC whose cancers were analyzed for the study, only 20 people (or 3%) were found to have the rare subtype.

SCLC is normally characterized by the deactivation of two genes that protect against the development of cancer -; RB1 and TP53 -; but patients with the new subtype have intact copies of those genes. Instead, most carried a signature "shattering" of one or more of the chromosomes in their cancer cells, an event known as chromothripsis.

The new subtype appears to arise through a transformation of lower-grade neuroendocrine tumors (pulmonary carcinoids) into more aggressive carcinomas. The research team has dubbed the new type "atypical small cell lung carcinoma."

"Patients who develop small cell lung cancer tend to be older and have a significant history of smoking," says Dr. Rudin, the Deputy Director of MSK's Cancer Center. "The first patient we identified with atypical SCLC, and whose case led us to look for more, was just 19 years old and not a smoker."

This held true for the others with the subtype as well. The mean age at diagnosis was 53 -; which is considered young; the average age for a lung cancer diagnosis is 70. Sixty-five percent of these patients were never smokers, while 35% reported a history of light smoking (less than 10 pack-years).

Treating atypical small cell lung carcinoma

The analysis also found that the unique genomic changes that give rise to atypical SCLC mean that standard, first-line, platinum-based chemotherapies don't work as well. And their findings point toward some treatment strategies that may work better.

"We often talk about cancer as an ongoing buildup of mutations," Dr. Rekhtman says. "But this cancer has a very different origin story. With chromothripsis, there's one major catastrophic event that creates a Frankenstein out of the chromosome, rearranging things in a way that creates multiple gene aberrations, including amplification of certain cancer genes."

That's why patients with atypical SCLC may benefit, for example, from investigational drugs that target the unusual DNA structures that result from chromothripsis, known as extrachromosomal circular DNA, the researchers note.

One patient spurs a detective story

Khaliq Sanda was 19 and a college sophomore at Duke University when he was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer. By the time it was discovered, the cancer had already spread to other parts of his body.

"That is very unusual," says Dr. Rudin, who was one of Khaliq's doctors along with Lisa DeAngelis, MD, and others. "This is a type of cancer that's almost always associated with heavy smoking. So that prompted us to begin looking for other similar examples of never-smokers with small cell lung cancer. And between the medical oncologists in the clinic and the pathologists examining these specimens, we identified a group of patients who fit this pattern."

"And then we started to dig in to understand what's really happening with these unusual cancers," Dr. Rekhtman adds.

Family and friends show their love

Khaliq's family lived in Georgia, but his academic excellence led to his acceptance into a program in Connecticut called A Better Chance of Westport, which provides young scholars of color an opportunity to attend one of the nation's top-performing high schools. In Westport, he lived with Lori and Dave Sochol, who became a second family to him. When things got tough, the Sochols were right there with him.

"I never missed an appointment with him," Lori Sochol says. "I loved him like a son."

This photo of Khaliq Sanda with his mom Angela (right) and "second mom" Lori Sochol (center) graces the MSK Giving page set up in his memory. His friends and family raised more than $150,000 to help other young adults with cancer..

After his diagnosis, Khaliq's mother, Angela Sanda, also relocated to Connecticut to help care for Khaliq until the doctors gave him the OK to return to college.

Despite interruptions for his treatments, Khaliq was determined to continue his college coursework. He graduated from Duke in 2018 with a bachelor's degree in global health and biology. He hoped to one day go to medical school and become a psychiatrist. After graduation, Khaliq worked as a community outreach coordinator at MSK, where he helped to enroll taxi drivers in a program focused on reducing hypertension.

"People fell in love with him the first time they met him," his mother says. That's why he was affectionately known as the "Mayor of Westport" and the "King of Duke," she added.

As Khaliq's disease progressed, his family and friends never left his side. His parents, Angela and Oumarou Sanda, and his brother, Kimbo Sanda, temporarily relocated to spend Khaliq's final months with him.

As Khaliq moved from crutches to a walker to a wheelchair, his mind remained sharp and his spirits high, Kimbo says.

"A point came where I had to physically pick him up and carry him," says Kimbo, a physician who lives in Oklahoma. "But he never lost his spirit and his positivity. I can't explain how much admiration and pride I have for the way he held himself through it all. It helped all of us -; his family, his friends."

When he could no longer negotiate stairs, his college friends and their families rented him an apartment with an elevator. Lori brought her Goldendoodle, Stella, by for visits.

Then, as the end came, dozens of his friends filled the waiting room at the hospital -; some canceling vacations to come pay their respects.

"I've never seen anything like it," Lori says. "And they all got to say goodbye."

'An amazing gift to society and science'

Khaliq lived for five years after his diagnosis, which is itself unusual -; the five-year survival rate for patients with advanced SCLC is miniscule. The atypical form of the disease, however, tends to be somewhat less aggressive, the researchers say, noting that these patients also tend to be considerably younger and healthier than most people diagnosed with SCLC.

After Khaliq died in March 2021, local officials named a bridge in Westport in his memory. Loved ones raised more than $150,000 for MSK to help other young adults with cancer.

"The way you lived after your diagnosis inspired me," one Sigma Nu fraternity brother wrote in one of the many online tributes to Khaliq. "I had no idea what to say to you, other than to say that I loved you, but you seemed fearless in the face of this new challenge."

"The infectious laugh, the warmth, the intellect, the desire to be a part of a conversation. Khaliq was mine and everyone's friend," another tribute reads.

Dr. Rekhtman and Dr. Rudin praised Khaliq's decision to donate tissue after he died so that his cancer could be further analyzed to help future patients.

"It was an amazing gift to society and science," Dr. Rekhtman says.

Angela Sanda agrees, saying, "The doctors did everything they could for him. He received the best care. And I'm glad that they are learning things from his cancer that could help others."

Research that can only be done in a place like MSK

The fact that Khaliq and his family turned to MSK for his care paved the way for the discovery of the new subtype, the doctors note.

That's because MSK patients routinely have the DNA in their tumors sequenced with a test called MSK-IMPACT. It analyzes changes to more than 500 key genes known to drive cancer and helps doctors identify drugs that will work best against the specific mutations that a patient's cancer harbors.

"So not only were we looking at patients with specific demographic characteristics -; young never-smokers -; we were able to take advantage of this unique MSK resource to look for patients whose tumors shared the same genomic features as Khaliq's," Dr. Rekhtman says.

Moreover, the wealth of sequencing and treatment data available at MSK allowed researchers to compare treatment programs and outcomes from the patients they identified with the new subtype, which helped them zero in on strategies that may help other patients diagnosed with atypical SCLC.

"There were some major lessons we learned from these patients," Dr. Rudin says. "In general, they don't respond as well to standard treatments as typical SCLC patients, but our study suggests several potential emerging or established therapeutic opportunities."

"This effort exemplifies the deep interconnection one finds between patient care and research at MSK," Dr. Rudin says.
A single dose of the Modified vaccinia Ankara-Bavarian Nordic (MVA-BN) was 58% effective in protecting again mpox infection, according to a new study published in BMJ.

Researchers from ICES, Public Health Ontario, and the MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions at St. Michael's Hospital of Unity Health Toronto have conducted a target trial emulation to estimate the effectiveness of the mpox vaccine.

During the mpox outbreak in 2022, Ontario, Canada introduced the vaccine as a protective measure for individuals at high risk of exposure to mpox, which disproportionally affected gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. "The initial vaccination campaign used a single dose to reach as many people at risk as possible," says lead author Dr. Christine Navarro, a physician with Public Health Ontario.

Using health data to mimic a randomized controlled trial

We used real-world health data to estimate the vaccine's effectiveness against mpox infection as rigorously as possible." Dr. Jeff Kwong, ICES Senior Scientist

Leveraging Ontario's health data infrastructure, the study included adult men with a history of being tested for syphilis and a bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the previous year, or who filled a prescription for drugs taken to prevent getting HIV. Eligible men who were vaccinated were matched to unvaccinated men based on age, area of residence, past HIV diagnosis, number of STI diagnoses, and the receipt of any non-MVA-BN vaccine, and the infection rates in the two groups were compared to determine the effectiveness of the vaccine.

Key findings

The study included a total of 3204 men who received the MVA-BN vaccine and matched them to 3204 unvaccinated men.

During follow-up, 21 mpox infections were diagnosed in the vaccinated group and 50 infections diagnosed in the unvaccinated group.

The estimated vaccine effectiveness for a single dose of MVA-BN against mpox infection was 58%.

"The findings of our study strengthen existing evidence that a single dose of the mpox vaccine is moderately effective against infection," says senior author Dr. Sharmistha Mishra, an infectious disease physician and scientist with ICES and the MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions at St. Michael's Hospital. "The vaccine should be made rapidly available and accessible to populations at risk given the ongoing public health emergency."

The WHO recently declared a second public health emergency over mpox as the virus spreads rapidly across countries in Africa. In the Democratic Republic of Congo alone there have been 18,000 cases of mpox and at least 600 deaths.

The study "Effectiveness of modified vaccinia Ankara-Bavarian Nordic vaccine against mpox infection: target trial emulation" was published in BMJ.
Regions of the genome associated with Alzheimer's disease and dementia in African populations will be presented at the Future of Dementia in Africa conference on September 11-12, 2024. The studies highlight discrepancies compared to Caucasian populations and underscore that a lack of diversity in genomic studies potentially limits the effectiveness of targeted therapies across diverse populations.

The Future of Dementia in Africa conference will take place at the J.W. Marriott Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya. It is a Nature Conference, convened by the Davos Alzheimer's Collaborative and the Aga Khan University Brain and Mind Institute.

Henry Houlden from University College London, UK and colleagues in India and Nigeria will share clinical examples of ALS in African and other diverse populations and preliminary results on their genetic analysis of the first 1,000 patients with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and ALS-dementia and diverse African, Central and South Asian backgrounds.

ALS is a fatal type of motor neuron disease that can cause cognitive changes that can lead to symptoms of dementia. The team focuses on two common genetic causes of ALS and related disorders -; C9orf72 expansion and SOD1 mutation, which are currently the focus of trials for new treatments for ALS. They employed state-of-the-art long-read sequencing techniques to identify population-specific variants in these two genes. This work is important for ALS and ALS-dementia patients worldwide and the researchers are actively looking for other project partners.

The preliminary results for an ongoing genome wide association study (GWAS) of Alzheimer's disease in a Nigerian population will also be presented by researchers from UCL and the University of Lagos. The analysis found a negligible effect from APOE4 -; a major genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease in people of European descent -; in their cohort of nearly 1,200 individuals.

The study also identifies unique, disease relevant regions of interest in this population, and emphasises how diversification of GWAS studies holds the promise of uncovering more universal knowledge about neurodegenerative diseases that will better serve all populations.

Henry Houlden, Professor of Clinical Neurology at UCL, who was involved with both studies, said: "We are excited to share our data with researchers at the Future of Dementia in Africa conference, because people in African populations are underrepresented in research into dementia and other neurodegenerative conditions. We are keen to expand our network and carry out further genome-wide association studies in different populations, to identify new risk factors and advance treatments through work with clinical teams."

Disease genetics are not uniform across populations and it is crucial that genetic research extends beyond European populations so we can develop more effective treatments. In order to achieve this goal, genetic research must also be more inclusive and accessible to more researchers." Njideka Okubadejo, Professor of Neurology, University of Lagos

"These studies exemplify why we champion diverse genetic research in dementia. Each insight brings us closer to revolutionizing Alzheimer's prevention and treatment globally. This conference marks a pivotal step towards inclusive, effective solutions for brain health across all populations," said George Vradenburg, founding chairman, Davos Alzheimer's Collaborative.

Dementia is a growing public health challenge around the world, with an estimated 150 million people expected to be living with the disease by 2050. Africa is no exception: an estimated 2.13 million people were living with dementia in sub-Saharan Africa in 2015, increasing to 3.48 million by 2030 and 7.62 million by 2050.

Africa faces unique challenges in addressing dementia, including limited resources, varying levels of healthcare infrastructure, and a need for greater awareness and education. This conference represents a pivotal moment for the continent, offering a chance to consolidate efforts, share knowledge, and develop strategies tailored to Africa's specific needs.

Mie Rizig, Senior Clinical Research Fellow at UCL, who is on the scientific committee for the Future of Dementia in Africa conference said: "Global partnerships are crucial for enhancing neurodegenerative research productivity in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in Africa. We are thrilled to see these promising data from teams at UCL and Nigeria and eagerly anticipate more successful collaborations arising from this conference."

The Future of Dementia in Africa conference aims to address key issues and share latest research on the epidemiology of dementia, including contributing risk factors, genetic advances, clinical trials, early detection, and diagnosis.
Population-based studies have shown retinal disorders are the most common cause of irreversible blindness in developed countries and the second most common cause of blindness after cataracts in developing countries. Medical imaging techniques are key to early detection of retinal disorders, but the technology currently available presents many challenges for practitioners.

To improve the speed and accuracy of diagnoses of retinal disorders, a group of researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) and VoxelCloud Inc. in China, has introduced an AI-powered medical imaging technique - DualStreamFoveaNet (DSFN) to address the current imaging challenges.

Our new imaging technique, DSFN, has the potential to aids quick and accurate diagnosis of retinal disorders. It also has the potential to be used for other medical conditions that require anatomical structure-based disease diagnosis. For example, in lung cancer screening." Dr. Sifan Song, PhD graduate from XJTLU's School of AI and Advanced Computing and first author of the study

DSFN combines retina images with vascular distribution information to accurately locate the fovea - a depression at the back of the eye where visual acuity is at its highest - in complex clinical scenarios.

Dr. Sifan Song says: "Accurate localization of the fovea allows medical professionals to detect early signs of ocular diseases, such as tiny changes or deposits in the macular region that surrounds the fovea. This helps to regularly monitor disease progression, evaluate the effectiveness of treatment, or adjust treatment plans, and can prevent retinal disorders that lead to irreversible vision loss.

"However, the current medical imaging techniques for identifying fovea location have many limitations."

Dr. Song explains that the surrounding retinal tissue's colour intensity makes the fovea's dark appearance indistinguishable from the retinal background, which is further obscured by retinal diseases.

He emphasizes that low light conditions and non-standard fovea locations during photography further challenge accurate fovea localization.

"Blurred and poorly lit images make visualizing the back of the eye difficult and may lead to a misdiagnosis. The DSFN helps to overcome many of these challenges," Dr Song adds.

Dr. Song explains the design of DSFN reduces computational costs while maintaining high accuracy, making it more suitable and affordable for application in clinical environments.

"Lower computational costs are accompanied by faster processing speeds, allowing doctors to obtain diagnostic results more quickly and enabling faster model updates and iterations that lead to more accurate predictions of ocular diseases," says Dr, Song.

Dr. Song is a postdoctoral researcher working at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital.
A team of international researchers at the University of Oxford (Oxford) and Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore), has discovered a new process for repairing damaged DNA that is particularly relevant for patients undergoing colorectal cancer treatments.

Reporting their finding in Cell, the researchers describe a new process in DNA repair in which cells remove harmful DNA-protein lesions from a cell's nucleus, ensuring the stability of their genetic material and promoting cell survival. The team calls this new process nucleophagy.



Nucleophagy is a natural cellular cleaning mechanism known as autophagy that is essential for repairing DNA and ensuring cell survival. It involves a commonly expressed protein called TEX264.



In a patient receiving chemotherapy for colorectal cancer, the drugs cause DNA lesions to form. In response, the body expresses TEX264, which activates the nucleophagy process, guiding the lesions to the cell's waste disposal system, where they are broken down and destroyed.



The research team used advanced techniques, including biochemical, cell biological and bioinformatics tools, zebrafish animal model and colorectal cancer patient materials, to confirm that nucleophagy is crucial for repairing damaged DNA.



This study provides insights into a new pathway for cells to repair DNA damage, which could improve cancer treatments and lead to better outcomes for patients in future, says the research team, which comprises scientists and clinicians.



Lead investigator Kristijan Ramadan, the Toh Kian Chui Distinguished Professor in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, and Director of Cancer Discovery and Regenerative Medicine Programme at Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine (LKCMedicine), NTU Singapore, said, "While autophagy is known to be associated with DNA repair, there has been no evidence of its direct role in the repair of DNA lesions until now."



"Our discovery that nucleophagy plays a direct role in DNA repair of chemotherapy-induced lesions is the result of a five-year joint effort among several laboratories in the UK, Singapore, USA, Portugal and Croatia," added Prof Ramadan, who is also Medical Research Council Investigator at the Department of Oncology, Oxford.

Patients with high levels of TEX264 have better responses to cancer treatment

In particular, the research team says the findings are significant for patients with colorectal cancer - the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, according to the World Health Organisation.



An analysis of colorectal cancer patients treated with Topoisomerase 1 inhibitors, such as FOLFIRI therapy (a common chemotherapy used to treat colorectal cancer), showed that patients with high levels of TEX264 in their tumors have a 50 per cent better response to treatment compared to those with low levels of TEX264.

This novel mechanism of DNA damage repair helps us comprehend how our cells maintain genetic integrity and respond to cancer treatments. This breakthrough opens avenues for a better understanding of how our body protects genetic material and how we can enhance the efficacy of cancer therapies for patients. I believe that modulating autophagy activity is the key to overcoming resistance to therapy in colorectal cancer." Pauline Lascaux, first author of the study, Oxford's Oncology DPhil student

Commenting as an independent expert, Dr Jens Samol, Senior Consultant in Medical Oncology, Department of Medical Oncology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, said, "Prof Ramadan and his international research team made a fascinating breakthrough discovery called nucleophagy, which could be a game-changer for more than just colorectal cancer patients. Some cancer treatments, like camptothecin and its variations, are already used to treat cancers like bowel, pancreas, ovarian, breast, and certain types of lung cancers. This new finding could help doctors better understand why some cancers resist treatment and pave the way for more effective therapies in the future."



In future studies, the research team will explore the role of nucleophagy in the body's response to chemotherapeutic drugs for other cancers, to see if their discovery is further validated. The team's ultimate goal is to use this discovery to improve current chemotherapy responses for cancer patients.
A QB3-led team uniting researchers from the University of California campuses at Berkeley, San Francisco, and Santa Cruz was awarded a $12 million grant from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) to investigate the origins of autism using sophisticated cellular models called "neural organoids."

This grant is the first funding brought in by QB3's Collaborative Research initiative, which was recently created to address major challenges in human health by leveraging research talent and resources across the UC campuses served by QB3.

We are grateful for the support provided by the CIRM team to craft a highly successful application and for recognizing the potential of our proposed work. QB3 has long supported entrepreneurship across the UC system, and QB3-affiliated scientists generate impressive results. But we realized that a centralized group coordinating research talent from diverse fields could achieve much more than the individual labs could by themselves. We look forward to many more such projects in the future." David Schaffer, PhD, QB3's executive director and a UC Berkeley professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering

The $12 million grant was awarded through CIRM's ReMIND-L (DISC 4) program, a new initiative designed to accelerate the discovery of mechanisms underlying neuropsychiatric disorders leading to the identification and validation of novel targets and biomarkers. The goal is to provide new avenues and rigorous foundations for future translational and clinical investigations. To achieve this, the ReMIND Program will catalyze innovative, cross-disciplinary collaborations and support broad knowledge-sharing among research scientists and other stakeholders. ReMIND-L grants support expansive cross-disciplinary studies led by large collaborative teams applying a range of technologies and approaches.

"This project exemplifies CIRM's commitment to supporting groundbreaking research into neuropsychiatric conditions," said Lise Barbe, QB3 grants coordinator. "Autism affects a huge swath of the population across all demographics, and genetic background appears to modulate penetrance of the disease. Society needs new technologies to study the condition accurately in the lab, build a decision tree doctors can use to diagnose patients early, and precision medicine that can be tuned based on genetic background."

"This project is particularly important because it addresses a critical bottleneck in ASD research," said Rosa Canet-Aviles, PhD, VP of Scientific Programs and Education at CIRM. "By uncovering the genetic underpinnings of ASD and developing new diagnostic tools, this research has the potential to lead to more precise and effective interventions. It brings hope to families affected by ASD and exemplifies the power of collaboration between institutions to tackle complex medical challenges."

The team will employ neural organoids  complex assemblies of neurons and other cell types  to identify clinically-relevant disease phenotypes in a petri dish. Researchers can then use these phenotypes to build a target list of disease-modifying genes, and begin to develop gene therapies.

"The strength of our collaborative research initiative is to bring together a diverse team," Barbe said, "including molecular biologists, bioengineers, clinicians, computational biologists, geneticists, and individuals with previous expertise in clinical translation. All of whom have relevant expertise, but not quite all the expertise to pull off all aspects of the project, let alone at the scale we will perform the work, with dozens of patients, cell lines and hundreds of human brain samples.

Alex Pollen, PhD, an associate professor of neurology at UC San Francisco, is the principal investigator of the research team. "Together, our team combines clinical data, 3D brain organoid models, analysis of genetic risk factors, genome engineering screens, and advanced AI tools to find common pathways, protective factors, and biomarkers for different forms of autism," he said. "We have a multidisciplinary team that includes a practicing child neurologist, Dr. Elliott Sherr, who will add clinical expertise to the project." Sherr is a UCSF professor of neurology and pediatrics.

The team is an integrated effort across the UC campuses at Berkeley, San Francisco, and Santa Cruz.

At UCSF, Pollen and Martin Kampmann, PhD, a professor of biochemistry and biophysics, will embrace the complexity of autism phenotypes and harness their heterogeneity to identify novel therapeutic targets and biomarkers using human brain samples from diverse genetic backgrounds. They will determine gene expression through sequencing and turn off genes that potentially modify severity of the disease in a given genetic background. Saul Kato, PhD, a UCSF associate professor of neurology, will increase the clinical diagnosis and therapeutic testing availability by applying integrative machine learning assays on all clinical, human brain, and neural organoid data to build an autism classification system.

At UC Santa Cruz, the "Braingeneers" team (Sofie Salama, PhD, acting professor of molecular, cellular and developmental biology; Mircea Teodorescu, PhD, associate professor of computer engineering; Mohammed Mostajo-Radji, PhD, assistant research scientist; and David Haussler, PhD, distinguished professor of biomolecular engineering), will identify autism disease phenotypes in neural organoids grown from autism patient samples, together with Helen Bateup, PhD, a UC Berkeley professor of molecular and cell biology. With Sherr's clinical expertise, this group will assign clinical relevance to the disease phenotypes using patients' MRI and clinical data.

Lastly, Schaffer's lab at UC Berkeley will target the genetic modifiers and specific neuronal subtypes identified at UCSF with modified adeno-associated viruses (AAVs). Schaffer has co-founded nine companies, several of which employ AAVs to deliver therapies that are in clinical trials.

Schaffer's experience with spinning off advanced technology underscores the likelihood that discoveries made by this CIRM-funded research team will be commercialized and ultimately reach patients. In addition to licensing through the tech transfer offices on the UC campuses, QB3, which Schaffer leads, has a long track record of supporting entrepreneurs with programs, incubator space, and investment to de-risk new technologies and make them attractive for acquisition by larger companies.

Through QB3's Collaborative Research initiative, the team is pursuing several other grant opportunities addressing challenges in Alzheimer's, stroke, aging and drug discovery platforms. "While QB3's priority is to support research at UC campuses," Barbe said, "we recognize that the complex nature of this work requires the highest degree of specialization. We welcome working with scientists from industry and universities beyond UC if the skills and resources they bring are of extraordinary value to the project."

For more information on QB3 Collaborative Research, and to join future collaborative grant opportunities, contact [email protected].
Between 2018 and 2020, Australia implemented policy changes to improve the quality and safety of opioid prescribing, with a specific focus on oxycodone. A new study led by The University of Queensland (UQ) using wastewater analysis has determined that oxycodone consumption in Australia dropped by 45% from 2019 to 2020, coinciding with those national policy changes.

In November 2019, the Australian National Prescribing Service launched a federal initiative to improve opioid prescribing. The initiative involved alerting high-prescribing clinicians that their opioid prescribing practices were outside typical ranges for that practitioner group (2019), providing training in opioid prescribing (2019), reducing the oxycodone package size (2020), and adding warning messages to oxycodone packaging (2020).

The study used wastewater-based epidemiology to estimate the quantity of oxycodone consumed by a community by sampling the community's sewage as it flowed into a wastewater facility and measuring the levels of oxycodone and its metabolite, noroxycodone, excreted in urine.

For this study, the Australian National Wastewater Drug Monitoring program (NWDMP) collected and analyzed 6,999 samples from over 50 wastewater treatment plants across Australia from April 2017 to April 2023. The results of the analysis are listed below.

Oxycodone use initially increased from 78 mg/day/1000 people in April 2017 to 120 mg/day/1000 people in August 2019. This 52% increase occurred before the federal initiative to improve opioid prescribing began.

Oxycodone use then decreased from 120 mg/day/1000 people in August 2019 to 65 mg/day/1000 people in December 2020. This 45% decrease coincided with the introduction of prescribing guidelines in 2019 and oxycodone packaging changes in 2020.

Oxycodone use showed a minor 2.4% increase from December 2020 to April 2023.

The main finding from this study was that a big reduction in oxycodone use between 2019 and 2020 coincided with the introduction of national clinical and regulatory changes intended to reduce pharmaceutical opioid use. It is likely that the combination of smaller package sizes and educational initiatives in 2019 and early 2020 reduced consumption of oxycodone in Australia." Dr. Rory Verhagen, Lead Author from UQ's Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences

The reduction in oxycodone use has not been offset by an increase in heroin or fentanyl use in Australia. NWDMP monitoring shows that throughout the study period, the consumption of heroin fluctuated without any clear trend while fentanyl followed a similar trend to oxycodone.

The study was conducted by researchers from The University of Queensland, the University of South Australia, and Queensland Health, Australia with primary funding from the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission; it appears in the scientific journal Addiction.
The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved health coverage to all persons aged 70 years and above under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana irrespective of their income, benefiting around six crore senior citizens.

The Rs 5 lakh free health insurance cover would benefit senior citizens of around 4.5 crore families. Eligible beneficiaries would be issued a new distinct card under the scheme.

Senior citizens of the age 70 years and above belonging to families already covered under AB PM-JAY will get an additional top-up cover up to Rs 5 lakh per year for themselves (which they do not have to share with the other members of the family who are below the age of 70 years).

All other senior citizens of the age 70 years and above will get a cover up to Rs 5 lakh per year on a family basis, an official statement said.

Ayushman Health Insurance For All Senior Citizens Aged 70 Years and Above

The Union Cabinet approved health coverage for all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, regardless of income, under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY).

aged 70 years and above, regardless of income, under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY). Around 4.5 crore families, including 6 crore senior citizens, will benefit from Rs 5 lakh health insurance coverage per family .

. Senior citizens aged 70 years and above, regardless of socio-economic status, will be eligible for AB PM-JAY benefits.

will be eligible for AB PM-JAY benefits. Eligible senior citizens will receive a distinct card under AB PM-JAY.

Senior citizens aged 70 and above, already covered under AB PM-JAY, will receive an additional top-up of Rs 5 lakh per year exclusively for themselves.

All other senior citizens aged 70 and above will receive coverage of Rs 5 lakh per year on a family basis.

Senior citizens aged 70 and above under public health insurance schemes (CGHS, ECHS, CAPF) can choose between their current scheme or AB PM-JAY.

Those under private insurance or Employees State Insurance will also be eligible for AB PM-JAY benefits.

AB PM-JAY is the worlds largest publicly funded health assurance scheme, offering Rs 5 lakh per family annually for secondary and tertiary care hospitalizations, covering 12.34 crore families (55 crore individuals).

Since its inception, the scheme has covered 7.37 crore hospital admissions, with 49% being women beneficiaries.

More than Rs 1 lakh crore worth of benefits have been provided under the scheme.

The expansion to include senior citizens aged 70 and above was announced by Prime Minister Modi in April 2024.

AB PM-JAY initially covered 10.74 crore families from the bottom 40% of Indias population. This was expanded to 12 crore families in 2022 due to population growth.

The scheme also covers 37 lakh ASHAs/AWWs/AWHs and their families for free healthcare.

The latest expansion ensures free healthcare coverage of Rs 5 lakh to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above across the country.

Scheme Details

It clarified that senior citizens of 70 years and above who are under private health insurance policies or Employees State Insurance scheme will be eligible to avail benefits under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY).

However, those already availing benefits of other public health insurance schemes such as the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) and Ayushman Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) may either choose their existing scheme or opt for AB PM-JAY, the statement said.

According to the government, AB PM-JAY is the worlds largest publicly funded health assurance scheme which provides health cover of Rs 5 lakh per family annually for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization to 55 crore individuals corresponding to 12.34 crore families.

All members of the eligible families irrespective of age are covered under the scheme.

The scheme has covered 7.37 crore hospital admissions, including 49 per cent women beneficiaries. The public has benefited to the extent of over Rs 1 Lakh crore under the scheme, the statement said.

AB PM-JAY scheme has witnessed continuous expansion of the beneficiary base, it said, adding that initially, 10.74 crore poor and vulnerable families comprising the bottom 40 per cent of Indias population were covered under the scheme.

In January 2022, the Union government revised the beneficiary base from 10.74 crore to 12 crore families considering Indias decadal population growth of 11.7 per cent over the 2011 population.

The scheme was further expanded to cover 37 lakh ASHAs/AWWs/AWHs working across the country and their families for free healthcare benefits.

Taking the mission ahead, AB PM-JAY would now provide free healthcare coverage of Rs 5 lakh to all citizens of the age group of 70 years and above across the country, the statement said.
The share allotment of the Bajaj Housing Finance IPO is expected to be finalised in the evening today, Thursday. Those who are allotted the shares will receive bank debit message, else the blocked amount will be released in case of non-allotment. Investors can check the allotment status on the websites of BSE and NSE as well as on the portal of registrar Kfin Technologies.

The Bajaj Housing Finance IPO, which was opened for public subscription between September 9 and September 11, received a whopping 67.43 times subscription garnering bids for 46,25,57,71,082 shares as against the 68,60,00,009 shares on offer. The price band of the Rs 6,560-crore much-awaited intial public offering was fixed at Rs 66 to Rs 70 per share.

Bajaj Housing Finance IPO: How to Check Allotment Status?

Once the IPO allotment is finalised, the status can be checked by following these steps:

1) Go to the official BSE website via the URL https://www.bseindia.com/investors/appli_check.aspx.

2) Under Issue Type, select Equity.

3) Under Issue Name, select Bajaj Housing Finance Ltd in the dropbox.

4) Enter your application number, or the Permanent Account Number (PAN).

5) Then, click on the I am not a robot to verify yourself and hit Search option.

Your share application status will appear on your screen.

You can also visit direct Kfin Technologies portal  https://ris.kfintech.com/ipostatus/ and check the Bajaj Housing Finance IPO allotment status.

Bajaj Housing Finance IPO: GMP Today

According to market observers, unlisted shares of Bajaj Housing Finance Ltd are trading Rs 74 higher in the grey market than its issue price. The Rs 74 grey market premium or GMP means the grey market is expecting a 105.71 per cent listing gain from the public issue. The GMP is based on market sentiments and keeps changing.

Grey market premium indicates investors readiness to pay more than the issue price.

Bajaj Housing Finance IPO: More Details

The proposed IPO comprises a fresh issue of equity shares of up to Rs 3,560 crore and an offer-for-sale (OFS) of equity shares to the tune of Rs 3,000 crore by parent Bajaj Finance.

The share sale is being conducted to comply with the Reserve Bank of Indias (RBI) regulations, which require upper layer non-banking finance companies to be listed on stock exchanges by September 2025.

The company collected Rs 1,758 crore from anchor investors ahead of its IPO. Among the anchor investors are Government of Singapore, Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, Fidelity, Morgan Stanley, Nomura, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan India Investment Trust Plc, SBI Life Insurance Company, ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company, HDFC Mutual Fund (MF), Kotak Mahindra MF, SBI MF, UTI MF and Nippon India MF.

Proceeds from the fresh issue will be used to augment the companys capital base to meet future capital requirements.

Bajaj Housing Finance is a non-deposit taking Housing Finance Company registered with the National Housing Bank since September 2015. It offers financial solutions for purchasing and renovating residential and commercial properties.

It has been identified and categorized as an upper layer NBFC by the RBI in India and its comprehensive mortgage products include home loans, loans against property, lease rental discounting and developer financing.

For the entire financial year 2023-24 , the housing lender posted a net profit of Rs 1,731 crore, marking a growth of 38 per cent from Rs 1,258 crore in FY23.

Aadhar Housing Finance and India Shelter Finance are two housing finance companies that have listed on the stock exchanges in recent months.

In June, Bajaj Housing Finance filed preliminary papers with Sebi for a Rs 7,000 crore IPO, comprising fresh shares worth Rs 4,000 crore and an OFS component of Rs 3,000 crore by its parent. The market regulator gave its clearance to the companys maiden public issue earlier this month.

Kotak Mahindra Capital Company Ltd, BofA Securities India Ltd, SBI Capital Markets Ltd, Goldman Sachs (India) Securities Private Ltd and JM Financial Ltd are the book running lead managers that will manage the companys public issue.
Red and white wines from a Charlottesville-area winery helped welcome guests to a Master Chefs of France conference in Washington, D.C., this past weekend.

Tracey Love, who handles sales, events and marketing for Dave Matthews-owned Blenheim Vineyards, and fellow Oenoverse wine club co-founder Reggie Leonard were on hand to pour Blenheims 2021 gruner veltliner and 2022 cabernet franc for guests at the residence of Laurent Bili, Frances ambassador to the United States, during Sundays part of the festivities. The chefs gathering continued through Tuesday at Washingtons Ritz-Carlton.

Blenheim was very generous, and very happy to participate, Guy Reuge, member of the Master Chefs of France, told The Daily Progress. Its a prestigious event.

Reuge said the event was expected to draw accomplished chefs from throughout North America. Well-known chefs in the Master Chefs of France members include Eric Ripert and Daniel Boulud.

They are some of the best chefs in North America, said Reuge, who holds the Master Chefs coveted La Toque dArgent award and is the author of the cookbook Le Petit Mirabelle.

Chef Patrick OConnell from the Inn at Little Washington was scheduled to cook for attendees on Sunday and Monday, Reuge said. OConnell was presented with the Honoris Causa Award.

Wines by Blenheim and another Virginia source, Barrel Oak Winery in Delaplane, were the only wines served at the event.
PN Gadgil Jewellers IPO: The initial public offering of PN Gadgil Jewellers Ltd, which has been closed on September 12, has received around 60 times subscription so far. The price band of the Rs 1,100-crore IPO has been fixed at Rs 456 to Rs 480 apiece. Till 4:57 pm on the final day of bidding on Thursday, the IPO received bids for 1,00,28,25,324 shares against 1,68,85,964 shares on offer, translating into a 59.39 times subscription.

The portion for non-institutional investors got booked 56.08 times and the quota for Retail Individual Investors (RIIs) received 16.56 times subscription. The Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIBs) part got subscribed by 136.85 times.

The IPO was opened for public subscription on Tuesday, September 10. Its allotment will be finalised on September 13, while its share listing is scheduled to take place on September 17.

PN Gadgil Jewellers IPO GMP Today

According to market observers, unlisted shares of PN Gadgil Jewellers Ltd are trading Rs 308 higher in the grey market than its issue price. The Rs 308 grey market premium or GMP means the grey market is expecting a 64.17 per cent listing gain from the public issue. The GMP is based on market sentiments and keeps changing.

Grey market premium indicates investors readiness to pay more than the issue price.

PN Gadgil Jewellers IPO: Analysts Recommendations

Most analysts have given a subscribe rating to the IPO on the back of its business outlook and well-established brand.

Granting a subscribe rating, Canara Securities in its IPO note said, P N Gadgil Jewellers is a well-established name in the jewellery sector, known for its strong presence in Maharashtra with 38 stores, including one in the USA. The company also boasts a vast inventory with over 38,000 SKUs. They are also the fastest growing jewellery brand amongst the key organised jewellery players in India, based on the revenue growth between fiscal 2022 and fiscal 2024.

P N Gadgil Jewellers EBITDA has nearly doubled from Rs 141.98 crore in FY22 to Rs 277.42 crore in FY24, showcasing the companys ability to scale its operations profitably. Ebitda stands for earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation.

Another brokerage firm Anand Rathi said, On Valuation parse, at the upper price band the companys implied market cap is around Rs 65130 Mn valuing at PE of 42.2 times for FY24. Looking at the companys stable and growing profits and returns ratios we believe that this issue may be considered for its long term growth. Hence we give SUBCRIBE for LONG TERM rating to this IPO.

Brokerage Nirmal Bang in its IPO said, In FY24, P N Gadgils operating margin stood at 4.5% which are lowest in the industry. The company is strategically aiming to boost its profitability by focusing on leveraging economies of scale to reduce costs and enhancing its revenue share of studded jewellery sales. Overall marketing expenses are also to be maintained in the range of 0.6-0.7% of revenue. Despite lower margins, the company has been able to generate strong return ratios, such as ROE of 28.9% and ROCE of 25.7% in FY24 supported by efficient operations which are best in the industry. The issue is valued at P/E of 42.2x to FY24 EPS which is available at discount when compared with industry average of 70x. Thus, we recommend SUBSCRIBE to the issue.

Apart from this, other major brokerage firms including Stoxbox, BP Wealth, Swastika and Choice, have also given a Buy call to the IPO.

PN Gadgil Jewellers IPO: Anchor Investment

The company raised Rs 330 crore from anchor investors, ahead of the IPO.

PN Gadgil Jewellers IPO: More Details

The initial public offering (IPO) will conclude on September 12. The price band for the offer has been fixed at Rs 456-480 per share.

The Maharashtra-based companys IPO is a combination of a fresh issue of equity shares worth up to Rs 850 crore and an offer for sale (OFS) of equity shares to the tune of Rs 250 crore by promoter SVG Business Trust.

At present, SVG Business Trust holds a 99.9 per cent stake in PN Gadgil Jewellers.

Of the fresh issue proceeds, Rs 393 crore will be utilised for the funding of expenditure towards setting up 12 new stores in Maharashtra, Rs 300 crore for payment of debt, besides a portion will also be used for general corporate purposes.

PN Gadgil Jewellers Ltd offers a wide range of precious metal/jewellery products including gold, silver, platinum and diamond jewellery, across various price points and designs.

The companys products are primarily sold under its flagship brand, PNG, and various sub-brands, through multiple channels, including 39 retail stores (as of July 31, 2024) and various online marketplaces, including websites.

Motilal Oswal Investment Advisors Ltd, Nuvama Wealth Management Ltd and BOB Capital Markets Ltd are the book-running lead managers to the issue.
Stocks To Watch On September 12: Benchmark Sensex reversed its early gains to close lower by 398 points on Wednesday amid weak global trends. In todays trade, shares of Tata Steel, Arvind Fashions, Route Mobile, Adani Ports, NBCC among others will be in focus due to various news developments.

Tata Steel: The company has secured a 500 million grant from the UK government for the green steel project at its Port Talbot facility. This funding supports the installation of a state-of-the-art electric arc furnace (EAF) and aims to transition the plant to greener steelmaking.

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone: APSEZ has signed a concession agreement to develop Berth No. 13 at Deendayal Port, Kandla, Gujarat, through its subsidiary DPA Container and Clean Cargo Terminal Limited (DPACCCTL). The berth, expected to handle multipurpose clean cargo and container cargo, is projected to be operational by FY27.

Bharat Petroleum Corporation: BPCL, through its subsidiary Urja Bharat Pte Limited (UBPL), has been awarded a production concession in Abu Dhabi, covering an area of 6,162 square kilometers and includes conventional oil and gas resources.

Auto stocks: With the Union Cabinet approving two major schemes, PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE), and PM-eBus Sewa-Payment Security Mechanism (PSM), with a total outlay of Rs 14,335 crore to promote the use of electric vehicles (EVs), including buses, ambulances, and trucks, stocks of auto manufacuring companies will be in focus.

Vedanta: The company has raised $900 million through a US dollar bond issue to prepay existing debt. The bond, issued at a 10.875 per cent coupon rate, was significantly oversubscribed.

SpiceJet: The Delhi High Court upheld the grounding of three leased engines from French lessors Team France 01 SAS and Sunbird France 02 SAS, and ordered their return to the lessors, affecting SpiceJets fleet.

Ceat: The company inaugurated a new Truck Bus Radial (TBR) production line at its Chennai plant, which will boost its daily production capacity and enhance its global market presence.

Engineers India: EIL secured new orders worth Rs 4,681 crore in the first five months of FY2025, marking a 37 per cent increase compared to the previous year.

Nazara Technologies: The gaming company acquired a 15.86 per cent stake in blockchain-based e-sports startup Stan for $2.2 million. The platform focuses on mobile-first fan engagement and digital collectibles.

SBI: State Bank of India, PT Bank KEB Hana Indonesia and Bank SBI Indonesia have signed shareholders agreement, which allows Bank KEB Hana Indonesia to invest in 1% shares of Bank SBI Indonesia by way of preference shares.

Arvind Fashions: Goldman Sachs has bought over 13 lakh shares worth Rs 75 crore in Arvind Fashions through block deal

NBCC: NBCC collaborated with MTNL to develop 13.88 acres of land parcel in New Delhi. The project is valued at Rs 1,600 crore.

Route Mobile: Proximus Opal, one of the promoters of Route Mobile, to sell up to 38 lakh shares (6.03% equity) of the company through an offer for sale.

HPCL: The board of HPCL approved Visakh Raipur Pipeline Project Investment. The company will construct a pipeline from Visakh to Raipur and allied facilities including Depot at Kantabanji at an estimated cost of Rs 2212 crore.
Ola founder and CEO Bhavish Aggarwal on Thursday welcomed the governments PM E-DRIVE scheme and said it is a strong push by PM Narendra Modi to boost EV adoption in India. The PM E-DRIVE scheme, approved by the Union Cabinet on Wednesday with an outlay of Rs 10,900 crore for two years, replaces the flagship FAME programme that ran for nine years till March to boost electric vehicle (EV) adoption in the country.

A strong push to boost EV adoption by our PM Shri Narendra Modi ji yesterday! The PM E-Drive scheme is a welcome move and a great step to accelerate EV adoption in India. The scheme will provide the required impetus to the EV industry to scale and mature rapidly, ensuring a swift transition from ICE to EVs! Bhavish Aggarwal said in a post on X.

What is the PM E-DRIVE Scheme?

The PM Electric Drive Revolution In Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) was approved on September 11, 2024, at the meeting of the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The scheme will support 24.79 lakh electric two-wheelers, 3.16 lakh e-three wheelers, and 14,028 e-buses. It will also support 88,500 charging sites.

The new scheme offers subsidies/demand incentives worth Rs 3,679 crore to incentivise adoption of electric two-wheelers, electric three-wheelers, e-ambulances, e-trucks and other emerging elecric vehicles (EVs).

A sum of Rs 4,391 crore has also been provided for procurement of 14,028 e-buses by state transport undertakings and public transport agencies.

Besides, Rs 500 crore has been earmarked for the deployment of e-ambulances. This is a new initiative of the government to promote the use of e-ambulance for a comfortable patient transport.

A sum of Rs 500 crore has been provided for incentivising adoption of e-trucks.

The PM E-DRIVE scheme replaces the flagship FAME programme that ran for nine years till March. The Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid and) Electric Vehicle (FAME) Scheme was launched in April 2015.
Low-cost airline SpiceJet moved the Supreme Court on Thursday, challenging a Delhi High Court verdict grounding three of its aircraft engines for defaulting on payments to lessors.

A bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud asked the counsel for the airline to send an e-mail seeking an urgent hearing of its plea against the high court verdict of September 11.

Please circulate the e-mail, the CJI said.

A division bench of the Delhi High Court held that the carrier had violated an agreed interim arrangement for payment of dues and upheld an order of a single judge bench asking the low-cost airline to ground the three engines for defaulting on the payments.

The single judge bench of the high court had on August 14 directed SpiceJet to ground three engines by August 16 and hand them over to their lessors  Team France 01 SAS and Sunbird France 02 SAS.
The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi will soon release the admit card for the Nursing Officer Recruitment Common Eligibility Test (NORCET) 7. However, the date and time of admit card issuance has not been announced by the university. Once released, candidates who have successfully applied for the NORCET positions can obtain their hall pass by visiting the official website- aiimsexams.ac.in. The NORCET 7 written exam is scheduled to be conducted on September 15.

Candidates can download the hall ticket link after it is activated by entering their login information on the link. As an alternative, one can use the link to download the hall pass immediately. The hall ticket will give you access to all the important information, such as exam location shifts and other details.

AIIMS NORCET 7 2024: Heres How To Download Admit Card

Step 1: Visit the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi official website  aiimsexams.ac.in

Step 2: On the homepage, select the NORCET 7 Admit Card 2024 link.

Step 3: Click the link on the home page and enter your login information.

Step 4: The necessary admission card will appear in a new window for the candidates.

Step 5: Check the details and download it for later use.

AIIMS NORCET 7 2024: Age Limit

As per the specific age relaxation information provided in the general conditions, age relaxation is subject to the recruitment policies of the individual hospitals/institutions. Candidates should be at least 18 and up to 30 years old. The application forms closure date will be used to calculate age.

AIIMS NORCET 7 2024: Selection Process

As per the selection procedure, the NORCET examination will be administered in two phases NORCET Stage 1 and NORCET Stage 2. The candidates performance in the Nursing Officer Recruitment Common Eligibility Test (NORCET) preliminary and main exams will determine their selection. The preliminary test for the NORCET will take place on September 15. The national main test is scheduled for October 4. Applicants should be aware that the NORCET Preliminary stage serves as a qualifying test, and those who pass will be eligible to participate in the mains round.

AIIMS NORCET 7 Paper Pattern

AIIMS NORCET 7 exam will have 100 multiple choice questions (MCQs) (20

MCQs related to General Knowledge and Aptitude and 80 MCQs related

to the syllabus of Nursing courses being taught at the essential

qualification level) for 100 marks. The question paper will be divided into 5 sections each of 18 minutes in duration, where each section will contain 20 questions. There will be a negative marking of 1/3 marks for each wrong

answer.

AIIMS NORCET 7: Qualifying Marks

The qualifying scores for each category in the Stage I NORCET Preliminary Examination have been set by the organisation. The qualifying marks are different based on categories. The qualifying marks for PWBD are  UR/EWS-45 percentile, OBC-40 percentile and SC/ST-35 percentile. Candidates can review the qualifying marks by category through the official website.

This year, according to available vacancies in the respective Institutes, online applications are being accepted for the Nursing Officer Recruitment Common Eligibility Test (NORCET)-7. The applications will be used to fill a total of 1487 Nursing Officer positions to fill Nursing Officer posts at Level 07 in the Pay Matrix pre-revised Pay Band-2 of Rs 9300 to Rs 34800 with Grade Pay of Rs. 4600, Group-B for AIIMS New Delhi and other AIIMS.
There is a great opportunity for candidates who wish to get a job at Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC). For this, DMRC has released recruitment for the posts of Section Engineer and Junior Engineer. Candidates who have the qualifications related to these posts can apply by visiting the official website of Delhi Metro, delhimetrorail.com. The application process for this recruitment of Delhi Metro has started.

Anyone who wants to apply for these posts for this recruitment of Delhi Metro can apply on or before September 17. Through this recruitment, the posts of Section Engineer and Junior Engineer will be filled. If you are also thinking of applying for these posts, then first of all, read all the important points given carefully.

Age Limit:

Candidates applying for DMRC Recruitment 2024 should have a minimum age limit of 55 years and a maximum age limit of 62 years.

Eligibility Criteria:

Anyone who wants to apply through this recruitment of Delhi Metro must have the relevant eligibility given in the official notification.

Salary:

On selection in Delhi Metros post of Section Engineer, the candidate will get a salary of Rs. 59800.

On selection in Delhi Metros post of Junior Engineer, the candidate will get a salary of Rs. 45400 to Rs. 51100.

Recruitment Process:

Anyone applying for DMRC Recruitment 2024 will be selected based on a personal interview and medical fitness test.

Other Information:

Candidates who are applying for these posts have to send their application form along with the relevant documents to the Executive Director (Human Resources), Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Limited, Metro Bhawan, Fire Brigade Lane, Barakhambha Road, New Delhi.

Earlier, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) announced a recruitment drive for the positions of supervisor and technician. If you have the required qualifications and wish to apply, visit the official website, https://delhimetrorail.com/, for more details. The application process for this recruitment was till September 11. According to the official notification, a total of 13 positions will be filled through this recruitment drive.
A teenager of Indian origin residing in the United States, Agastya Goyal, has achieved outstanding success by winning the worlds toughest programming competition. He earned his second gold medal at the 36th International Olympiad in Informatics, held in Egypt, securing fourth place overall in the highly competitive event for high school students.

Goyal scored 438.97 out of 600 in the competition, while Chinas Kangyang Zhou took first place with a perfect score of 600. In total, 34 students were awarded gold medals in the Olympiad. Another Indian, Kshitij Sodani, also made a mark by securing the 21st position. Goyals accomplishment highlights his exceptional programming skills and place him among the top young talents in the field.

Agastya Goyals excellence seems to be a generational trait that has been passed down to him from his father. His father Ashish Goyal, currently a professor of Management Science and Engineering at Stanford University, has a remarkable academic and professional journey. In 1990, he achieved the prestigious top rank in the IIT Joint Entrance Examination (IIT JEE). Following this achievement, Goyal pursued his undergraduate studies in B.Tech from IIT Kanpur, one of Indias leading technology institutes.

After his successful stint at IIT Kanpur, Goyal advanced his academic career by earning a PhD from Stanford University, an institution renowned for its contributions to innovation and research in various fields, including engineering and management. Ashish Goyal, originally from Uttar Pradesh, has made significant contributions to both academia and industry.

His notable achievements include designing Twitters monetization model, an essential aspect of the platforms business strategy. Goyals expertise spans multiple areas of research, including computer science, computational social science, computer networks, theoretical computer science, molecular self-assembly, algorithms, and game theory. His son, Agatsya, reflects his fathers legacy, and the family maintains a deep connection to both India and the academic world of the United States.
NEET PG 2024 Counselling Live: MCC Couselling Seats The MCC will conduct counselling for 50% of All India Quota seats of all states (participation of the Union Territory of J&K is subject to their contribution of seats).100% seats (All India Quota seats + Institutional Quota seats) of Central Universities (Aligarh Muslim University/ Banaras Hindu University/ University of Delhi/ Central Institutes and 100% seats of Deemed Universities. MCC will also conduct the counselling for 50% AIQ P.G seats of colleges under Employee State Insurance Corporation (wards of ESIC insured persons) and All PG seats of Armed Forces Medical Services Institutions(only Registration part).

NEET PG Counselling 2024 Live: Reservation Policy Reservation Policy of the Central Government for the NEET-PGCounselling in All India Quota is as follows: S.C.- 15% S.T.- 7.5% O.B.C.- (Non-Creamy Layer) as per the Central OBC list- 27% EWS- as per Central Government norms- 10% PwD- Horizontal Reservation as per NMC norms- 5%

NEET PG Counselling 2024 Live: How To Register For Counselling In Armed Forces Medical Services Candidates who wish to participate in AFMS Counseling will be required to register on the MCC portal i.e., www.mcc.nic.in and may opt for AFMS seats. The list of registered candidates will be sent to AFMS Authorities for conducting counselling at their end as per the rules and regulations of AFMS Authorities. Candidates registering for counselling AFMS seats must note that the role of MCC is limited to registration only and the committee is not responsible for any allotment made by or on behalf of the AFMS Authorities.

NEET PG Counselling 2024 Live: Over 2.2 Lakh Candidates Appeared Out of the 1,14,276 registered NEET PG 2024 candidates, 1,07,959 students showed up for the exam during the first shift, with 6,317 applicants failing to appear up. During the second shift, 1,08,177 out of 1,14,264 registered candidates took the exam, with 6,087 students being absent.

NEET PG Counselling 2024 Live: Over 2.2 Lakh Candidates Appeared Out of the 1,14,276 registered NEET PG 2024 candidates, 1,07,959 students showed up for the exam during the first shift, with 6,317 applicants failing to appear up. During the second shift, 1,08,177 out of 1,14,264 registered candidates took the exam, with 6,087 students being absent.

NEET PG Counselling 2024 Live: Over 2.2 Lakh Candidates Appeared Out of the 1,14,276 registered NEET PG 2024 candidates, 1,07,959 students showed up for the exam during the first shift, with 6,317 applicants failing to appear up. During the second shift, 1,08,177 out of 1,14,264 registered candidates took the exam, with 6,087 students being absent.

NEET PG Counselling 2024 Live: Over 2.2 Lakh Candidates Appeared Out of the 1,14,276 registered NEET PG 2024 candidates, 1,07,959 students showed up for the exam during the first shift, with 6,317 applicants failing to appear up. During the second shift, 1,08,177 out of 1,14,264 registered candidates took the exam, with 6,087 students being absent.

NEET PG Counselling 2024 Live: Over 2.2 Lakh Candidates Appeared Out of the 1,14,276 registered NEET PG 2024 candidates, 1,07,959 students showed up for the exam during the first shift, with 6,317 applicants failing to appear up. During the second shift, 1,08,177 out of 1,14,264 registered candidates took the exam, with 6,087 students being absent.

NEET PG Counselling 2024 Live: Over 2.2 Lakh Candidates Appeared Out of the 1,14,276 registered NEET PG 2024 candidates, 1,07,959 students showed up for the exam during the first shift, with 6,317 applicants failing to appear up. During the second shift, 1,08,177 out of 1,14,264 registered candidates took the exam, with 6,087 students being absent.

NEET PG Counselling 2024 Live: Over 2.2 Lakh Candidates Appeared Out of the 1,14,276 registered NEET PG 2024 candidates, 1,07,959 students showed up for the exam during the first shift, with 6,317 applicants failing to appear up. During the second shift, 1,08,177 out of 1,14,264 registered candidates took the exam, with 6,087 students being absent.

NEET PG Counselling 2024 Live: How to Check Schedule To view the NEET PG Counselling 2024 schedule, follow these steps: Step 1: Visit the official website at mcc.nic.in. Step 2: Click on the PG Counselling tab. Step 3: Open the NEET PG 2024 counselling schedule for All India Quota seats. Step 4: Review the NEET PG 2024 counselling important dates and download the PDF for future reference.

NEET PG 2024 Counselling Schedule LIVE: Steps To Apply Step 1: Visit the official website at natboard.edu.in or nbe.edu.in. Step 2: Click on the NEET-PG 2024 tab Step 3: Click on the NEET PG 2024 counselling link. Step 4: Enter your login credentials  Registration ID and Password. Step 5: Fill out the form with the required details. Step 6: Download and take a hard copy of the acknowledgment form for future reference.

NEET PG Counselling 2024 Live: MCC To Release Official Schedule Soon The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) is expected to begin the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test Post Graduate or NEET PG counselling 2024 anytime soon. Candidates can visit the official website, mcc.nic.in, to check and download the schedule once it is out. As per media reports, the registration process will likely commence by the end of week, however, there has been no confirmation from MCC yet.

NEET PG Counselling 2024 Live: Previous Year Cut Offs In the previous year, the NEET PG cut-off scores for admission to MD, MS, DNB, and Diploma courses varied across different categories.  For candidates belonging to the general and EWS (Economically Weaker Sections) categories, the cut-off was set at 291.  General-PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities) students had a slightly lower cut-off, which was 274.  Meanwhile, applicants from the SC (Scheduled Caste), ST (Scheduled Tribe), and OBC (Other Backward Classes) categories, including those with PwBD status, had an even lower threshold of 257.

NEET PG Counselling 2024 Live: Eligibility Condition For DU Internal Quota Candidates applying for Delhi University Quota must have passed the final M.B.B.S. examination (for MD/MS/Diploma Course) and BDS examination (for MDS Course) from the University of Delhi and must have completed satisfactorily one-year compulsory rotating internship as of 31st March of the year of admission and must submit their internship completion certificate at the time of admission.

NEET PG 2024 Live: Counselling For BHU Seats Fifty percent of the BHU seats will be allocated to the All India Quota. The remaining 50% are reserved for candidates who completed their MBBS/BDS at BHU, qualifying them for the internal quota.

NEET PG 2024 Counselling Live: What Will Happen In Round 1 The key steps for the first round of NEET PG 2024 Counselling are as follows a) Main counselling Registration which will include payment of a Non-refundable Registration fee and Refundable Security Deposit (to be refunded only in the account from which payment has been made). b) Exercising of Choice filling and locking of choices. c) Process of Seat Allotment Round-1 d) Publication of NEET PG 2024 Counselling Round 1 Seat Allotment result on the MCC website, mandatory uploading of essential documents on the MCC website for seat allotted candidates. e) Physical Reporting at the allotted Medical/Dental College with original documents against NEET PG Counselling Round-1 f) Candidates who will be allotted a seat in round one (1) can opt for free exit and can directly participate in round two. g) Candidates who will be allotted a seat in round one (1) can opt for willingness to upgrade from round 1 to round 2 only after physical reporting at the college/institute. h) If a registered candidate is not allotted a seat in round one (1), he can participate in round 2 directly without fresh registration. i) Candidates willing to upgrade from Round 1 to Round 2 have to report at the allotted institute/college with the original documents of Round 1 and complete the admission formalities. During the completion of admission formalities, if the candidate wishes to upgrade then he/she has to give willingness for upgradation in the college

NEET PG 2024 Counselling Live: Details Of Seats To Go For Counselling The MCC will conduct counselling for 50% of All India Quota seats of all states (participation of the Union Territory of J&K is subject to their contribution of seats). 100% seats (All India Quota seats + Institutional Quota seats) of Central Universities (Aligarh Muslim University/ Banaras Hindu University/ University of Delhi/ Central Institutes and 100% seats of Deemed Universities. MCC will also conduct the counselling for 50% AIQ P.G seats of colleges under Employee State Insurance Corporation (wards of ESIC insured persons) and All PG seats of Armed Forces Medical Services Institutions(only Registration part).

NEET PG 2024 Live: Counselling Rounds Details The MCC will conduct four rounds of counselling i.e., Round 1, Round 2, third Round & Stray Vacancy Round for allotment of Post Graduate (MD/MS/Diploma and MDS) seats to the eligible and qualified candidates in participating Government Medical/Dental Colleges of the country under 50% All India Quota.
The Oil India Limited has released vacancies for the posts of Graduate Teacher. Candidates who want to apply for this job can visit the official website, oil-india.com. The application process for this recruitment of the Oil India Limited has already started. Candidates can apply on or before September 23.

Posts to be filled:

Contractual Post Graduate Teacher in Accountancy, OIHS School, Duliajan. Contractual Post Graduate English teacher, OIHS School, Duliajan. Contractual Post for Graduate Teacher (Arts), OIHS School, Moran. Contractual Post Graduate Teacher (Science), OIHS School, Moran.

Eligibility Criteria:

Post Graduate teacher in Accountancy:

Candidates must be an MCom pass with minimum 50% marks in aggregate from a government recognised university. Major in Accountancy/F&A in Graduation from a government recognised university or institute with minimum 50% marks. BEd from a government recognised university or institute.

Post Graduate teacher in English:

Masters degree in English with minimum 50% marks from government recognised university/institute.

Must have passed with a major in English in graduation from a government recognised university with 50% marks.

BEd from a government recognised university.

Post Graduate Teacher (Arts), OIHS School, Moran:

Bachelors degree with major in Geography and must have History/Economics as core/Pass subjects from government recognised University or Institute. Must have Assamese as MIL in 10+2. BEd from a government recognised University.

Age Limit:

The minimum age limit should be 18 years and the maximum age limit should be 40 years.

Salary Structure:

According to the official notification of Oil India Recruitment 2024, any candidate who is selected for these posts will be given a salary between Rs 16,640 to Rs 19,500 per month.

Selection Process:

Candidates applying for this recruitment of Oil India will be selected on the basis of walk-in/practical/skill test cum personal assessment.
The Rajasthan Subordinate and Ministerial Services Selection Board (RSMSSB) in Jaipur was supposed to schedule the Common Eligibility Test (CET) 2024 on September 21. As per the recently released notification, the exams have been rescheduled. The RSMSSB has announced the new dates for the CET 2024 for the Graduate Level examination. The board has shared the official schedule on its official website, rsmssb.rajasthan.gov.in.

As per the new schedule, the Rajasthan CET Graduate Level exam will be conducted on September 27 and 28. The examinations will be held in two shifts on both days and will be conducted offline, at the centre. Hence, candidates must carry their admit card and photo identification with them to the exam. As per the Board, the admit cards will be released just a few days before the exam.

What will be the exam timings?

The Rajasthan Subordinate and Ministerial Services Selection Board (RSMSSB) Common Eligibility Test (CET) Graduate Level exam will be held in two shifts and each shift will last for 3 hours. The first shift will start at 9:00 am and will end at noon. The second shift will commence from 3:00 pm and end at 6:pm.

The Rajasthan CET Graduate Level exam will be conducted in 25 districts across the state. The Rajasthan Staff Selection Commission has also released the list of exam centres. The districts where the exams will be conducted are Jodhpur, Ajmer, Bikaner, Udaipur, Kota, Sikar, Pali, Tonk, Sri Ganganagar, Baran, Alwar, Beawar, Bhilwara, Bundi, Chittorgarh, Dausa, Jhalawar, Kotputli, Nagaur, Rajsamand, Sawai, Dungarpur and Hanumangarh.

In multiple departments like the Rajasthan Forest Subordinate Service, Rajasthan Minority Affairs Subordinate Service and Rajasthan Secretariat Ministerial Service, among others, the CET is being held for several positions, including Forester, Hostel Superintendent, Clerk Grade-II, Junior Assistant, Jamadar Grade-II, Constable and other roles.
A target list of schools circulating on TikTok caused alarm Wednesday at two Orange County schools.

Local authorities have determined that whatever threat the list posed was not directed at Locust Grove elementary and middle schools, but rather two schools in Georgia with the same names.

"It has come to our attention that some students across the division are discussing a 'target list of schools,'" Orange County Public Schools said in a statement issued Wednesday. "We have learned that the 'list' is actually a list of Georgia Title I schools from the Georgia Department of Education. Some of the schools on the list bear the same name as two of our schools."

The school division in conjunction with the Orange County Sheriff's Office said that after looking into the matter, no threat was ever posed to any local school.

Together, we can debunk rumors and continue to provide a safe environment for our students," the school division said in its statement.
The central government, on September 7, named 1987 batch IAS officer Tuhin Kanta Pandey as the new finance secretary. He was appointed after Mr Somanathan was named as the Cabinet Secretary. Tuhin Kanta Pandey served several top administrative roles before getting appointed to this post. Let us know more about the officer in this article.

Tuhin Kanta Pandey is from the Odisha cadre of the 1987 batch. Before taking this charge he was the Secretary of the Departments of Public Enterprises (DPE) and Departments of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM), two important departments under the Ministry of Finance.

Talking about his educational qualification, Tuhin Kanta Pandey holds a Masters degree in Economics from Panjab University, Chandigarh and an MBA degree which he pursued from the United Kingdom. He has served in many various crucial departments of the Odisha government and the Government of India. Early in his career, he served as the Executive Director and Managing Director of the Odisha State Financial Corporation and the Odisha Small Industries Corporation Ltd.

Earlier, he was also appointed as the District Collector and District Magistrate of the Sambalpur district. He then worked as a Deputy Secretary under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Later, IAS Tuhin Kanta Pandey was transferred to the Regional Office of the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO). After returning from the United Nations posting, he served in several positions such as Special Secretary in the General Administration Department, Transport Commissioner, Health Secretary and Commissioner of Commercial Taxes. In 2009, the 1987-batch IAS officer was appointed as a Joint Secretary in the Planning Commission for a tenure of five years.

Before being appointed as Finance Secretary, he served DIPAM for five years. During his tenure, he oversaw key disinvestment programs aimed at maximising the value of central government sectors. The historic sale of Air India was one of the high-profile disinvestment programs under his leadership. He also briefly held additional charge as Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation in 2021. In his career, he has overseen the Odisha governments financial department and has been associated with the Finance Ministry for a long time.
Any political contest against a heavyweight draws attention. But Garhi Sampla-Kiloi assembly seat in Haryanas Rohtak, from where former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda is fighting election, has garnered even more interest because of who the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has fielded against him  Manju Hooda.

A political newbie in terms of experience, Manju has seen both  crime and crime control. The young BJP candidate is the wife of history-sheeter Rajesh Hooda while she is also the daughter of former Deputy Superintendent of Police Pradeep Yadav. Rajesh has more than a dozen cases of murder, attempted murder, kidnapping and robbery registered against him in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. But the BJP candidate shrugs off saying her husband has not done anything in the last 10 years to hurt anyone personally.

But beyond being a wife and a husband, who is Manju Hooda? The young candidate is relatively new to the political arena with just two years of experience in politics. Her first electoral win was in a municipal poll, where she won from Ward No. 5 of Rohtak by getting 9,333 votes. Right now, she is the chairperson of Rohtak Zila Parishad.

But is it enough to challenge a four-time MLA and former chief minister? Manju, who shares the same surname with his opponent, has said she is confident. In the last few years, I have done work that speaks for itself, brought development that people can see. I am going to the election with that track record of Vikas, she told News18. She added that she despises personal attacks which she will steer clear of and will seek the blessings of the Congress candidate as well.

While Manjus husbands past and late fathers profession has been widely talked about, very few know her persona. She is an absolute canine lover and has strong views against animal abuse. While she has a dog at home, she regularly feeds stray dogs  a fact everyone knows in Rohtak.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Manju Hooda (@official_manju_hooda)

Manju calls herself a traditional woman with a modern outlook, something that made her take the initiative of installing sanitary pad vending machines in different parts of Rohtak. But beyond her duties, she is a fan of actor Shehnaz Gill who shot to fame through Big Boss 13, say people close to her. They have also told News18 that Manju also likes the works of social media influencer Karishma whose reels garner huge traction online.

She is also a devout Hindu and known to flaunt her religious beliefs by taking part in various rituals. But are these enough to challenge someone who has been a four-time MLA? In the 2019 assembly election, Bhupinder Singh Hooda defeated his nearest candidate with a margin of 58,312 votes by receiving nearly 66 per cent vote share.

The BJP thinks two things can work for Manju Hooda  she is a Yadav as well as a Hooda that will appeal to OBC and Jat votes. The BJP is also banking on the woman factor.

But the clout of Bhupinder Hooda can be gauged from the fact that soon after BJP nominated her from the same seat, a majority of members of Rohtak Zila Parishad sought to remove Manju Hooda through a no-confidence motion, citing dissatisfaction with her performance. The zila parishad members may be influenced by the Congress, but it will not affect my thinking and functioning, she said trying to sound confident.

But for the BJPs Hooda, defeating senior Hooda wont be an easy task.
The Congress on Thursday released its fourth list of five candidates for the Haryana Assembly polls, taking the total number of candidates declared to 86.

The party fielded Parimal Pari from Ambala Cantt, Sachin Kundu from Panipat Rural, Satbir Dublain from Narwana (SC), Sarva Mitra Kamboj from Rania and Rohit Nagar from Tigaon.

The list came just a few hours after the Congress declared its third list of 40 candidates, fielding party MP Randeep Surjewalas son Aditya Surjewala from Kaithal.

The Congress has not named candidates for four seats, fuelling speculation over the possibility of a last-minute tie-up on those seats.

The Congress had been engaged in seat-sharing talks with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for the Haryana polls, with hard bargaining going on from both sides. However, the talks hit a deadlock and the AAP has released multiple lists since then.

Some Congress leaders have expressed reservations over a tie-up with the Arvind Kejriwal-led party.

Thursday is the last day of filing of nominations.

The Congress on Friday declared 32 candidates for the polls, fielding former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda from Garhi Sampla-Kiloi, state unit chief Udai Bhan from Hodal, and wrestler Vinesh Phogat from Julana.

The party had first released a list of 31 candidates and a little later, in a statement, said the CEC had approved the candidature of Balbir Singh from the Israna (reserved for the Scheduled Castes) constituency.

The party declared nine candidates on Sunday. It has renominated all its 28 MLAs. Besides Hooda, Bhan, and Phogat, the Congress has also fielded Mewa Singh from Ladwa to take on Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini.

Assembly elections in Haryana will be held on October 5 and the counting of votes will be undertaken on October 8.
Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) supremo Sheikh Abdul Rashid alias Engineer on Thursday said that he would support the INDIA bloc candidates in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections if the opposition group promises to restore Article 370 of the Constitution whenever they come to power at the Centre.

If INDIA alliance assures us that it will restore Article 370 when it comes to power in Delhi, I will tell every candidate of mine to pledge each vote of their supporters for them, Rashid, who won the Lok Sabha elections from the Baramulla constituency, told reporters here.

Rashid was released on interim bail by a court on Wednesday to campaign for the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir.

He said if India has to achieve the dream of being a global power, it will have to address the Kashmir issue.

If India has to be Vishwaguru, Kashmir has to be resolved. If you (Modi) have a better solution, please tell us. You are saying that the other side (of Kashmir) wants to join this side. It may be true as well but how do we find out? he asked.

The firebrand politician, who is facing charges of terror funding, said if he is being branded as a separatist for talking about resolution of the Kashmir issue, then the entire north Kashmir region was secessionist as they have voted for him.

I want to make it clear that we are neither enemies of India, nor agents of Pakistan. We are agents of our conscience. Modi has snatched everything from us on August 5, 2019  illegally and unconstitutionally, he said.

He said Article 370 will not be restored by making statements inside the comfort of homes.

How will 370 come back? You will have to protest at Lal Chowk and be ready to be hit by batons. But they (National Conference and PDP) cannot do it. When Amit Shah said no one can give back the statehood to Jammu and Kashmir except the BJP government, they did not even dare to say we will fight for it. It does not mean one has to be violent. Gandhiji did it through non violence, he added.

He expressed pity over PDP president Mehbooba Muftis statement against him, saying she was deposed from the chair of the chief minister through a tweet by BJP leader Ram Madhav.

Had Mehbooba resigned to protest the BJP plans to revoke Article 370, I would have said that she is a lioness. But she did not even know when Ram Madhav tweeted that the (PDP-BJP) government is no more, he said.

He also claimed that National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah was aware in advance that the Centre is going to revoke Article 370.

Rashid hit out at those who tried to project that he won the Lok Sabha elections due to sympathy vote.

The vote for me was not emotional outpouring. It was against Modis Naya Kashmir. It was a vote for work that I had done in Langate (assembly segment) on human rights and development, he said, adding he had secured only 600 votes less than the runner up candidate in the 2019 assembly elections.

Rashid claimed that in the run up to the Lok Sabha polls, he was pressured to support the BJP proxy in north Kashmir but he refused and paid the price for it.

I dont want to add bitterness to the discourse I was denied basic facilities available to (jail) inmates because I refused to support the BJP proxy, the candidate who came third (Sajad Lone). I was put in the ward of mental patients for one and half months. I have no regrets if this is the price to pay for truth, he said.

Rashid also took potshots at National Conference leader and former chief minister Omar Abdullah.

Had you (Omar) talked about peoples issues, you would not have needed to lower your cap in Ganderbal and contest from two seats, he said.

The MP also predicted that both Peoples Conference president Sajad Lone and Omar Abdullah will lose the assembly elections from both seats that they are contesting.

While Lone is contesting from Handwara and Kupwara segments, Abdullah is a candidate from Ganderbal and Budgam seats.

Asked why is his detention any different from the incarceration of other mainstream politicians post abrogation of Article 370, Rashid said comparing my five years in Tihar to (their) detention at SKICC is an injustice to my sacrifice.

All politicians were put in SKICC and I was singled out for Tihar. I would not wish even my enemy to see the door of that jail, he added.
Amitabh Bachchan once again entertained the audience with his candid confessions on Kaun Banega Crorepati 16. In the latest episode, Amitabh shared a relatable personal experience about his decision to pursue Science in college which he later regretted. The conversation unfolded when a student contestant Sakshi Panwar from Jodhpur, Rajasthan was presented with a question worth Rs 10,000 and thats when the two discussed Science. The question read, Between which two integers does the value of pi lie? with the options being: A) 1 and 2, B) 2 and 3, C) 3 and 4, D) 4 and 5.

Sakshi Panwar then answered, Sir pi ka value 3.14 hota hai, so I will go with option C (Sir, the value of pi is 3.14). After this, Amitabh enquired how she knew this, to which she quipped that everyone learns it in school. The megastar then responded, Humne toh bachpan mein kabhi nahi padha yeh (I never studied this as a child). Sakshi then pointed out that he had taken up science, and thats when the actor opened up about his regret. He said, Woh mat boliye kyunki bohat badi galti ho gayi (Dont say that, as I made a big mistake).

This isnt the first time Amitabh Bachchan has spoken about his college days. In a previous episode, he revealed that he pursued a Bachelor of Science degree (B.Sc.) without fully understanding what it entailed. He explained how he initially scored well in school, which led him to choose the science stream, believing there was more scope for success. However, things didnt go as planned. He confessed, In just 45 minutes, it changed everything. For the first time, I failed. Then with great difficulty, I scored 42 percent.

Despite his struggles in academics, Amitabh Bachchans Bollywood journey has been nothing short of legendary. Starting as a voice narrator for Mrinal Sens film Bhuvan Shome, the actor steadily gained fame with films like Anand, Guddi, Reshma Aur Shera and Bombay to Goa. However, it was his roles in movies such as Zanjeer, Deewar, Sholay, Amar Akbar Anthony and Don that catapulted him to superstardom.

On the professional front, Amitabh Bachchan last appeared in Jay Bodas and Parth Trivedis comedy-drama Fakt Purusho Maate. He will next grace the screen in Ram Madhvanis Taalismaan.
A British couple, married for nearly half a century, have planned their death in a suicide pod. The pair, Peter Scott (86) and Christine Scott (80), have decided to end their lives in a Sarco suicide pod in Switzerland after Christine was diagnosed with dementia.

Peter, a retired RAF engineer, expressed that he couldnt bear the idea of living without his wife, Australian news website News.au reported.

We have had long, happy, healthy, fulfilled lives but here we are in old age and it does not do nice things to you, Peter, the former Royal Air Force pilot told the Daily Mail. Obviously I would care for her to the point I could not, but she has nursed enough people with dementia during her career to be adamant she wants to remain in control of herself and her life.

The Scotts have been transparent about their plans, discussing their decision with their son and daughter, who, despite their reluctance, have come to accept their parents choice.

Id like to go walking with Peter in the Swiss Alps, by a river. Id have a beautiful plate of fish for my last supper and enjoy a great bottle of Merlot, she told Evening Standard.

What is a Suicide Pod?

Scotts will travel to Switzerland where voluntary assisted suicide has been legal since 1942.

The couple are now in the process of registering with The Last Resort, a Swiss-based organisation that offers assisted dying in the Sarco pod  a device unveiled in July and designed to provide a peaceful and painless death.

The Sarco pod, known as the Tesla of Euthanasia, allows a person to die peacefully in about 10 minutes. It aims to remove discomfort from the dying process.

The pod was invented by Philip Nitschke, an Australian-born doctor often called Dr. Death for his work in assisted suicide. The suicide pod was displayed at the Venice Design Festival in 2019. Fiona Stewart, a member of the advisory board and COO of the nonprofit also presented Sarco in Zurich on July 17, 2024.

She said in a press conference that the first use of Sarco will take place pretty soon. However, no decisions have been made about the time, date, and place of the first use of the suicide pod. It is also not known who will be the first user of the Tesla of euthanasia.

We understand other people may not share our feelings and we respect their position. What we want is the right to choose. I find it deeply depressing we cant do that here in the UK, Peter said.

UK does not allow euthanasia in any form, and imposes a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment for those assisting a suicide.

How Does It Work?

The 3D-printed coffin-like capsule operates by filling its chamber with nitrogen while rapidly reducing oxygen levels once a button is activated from inside. This whole process causes the person to lose consciousness and die within 10 minutes.

Nitschke explained to AFP that users inside the capsule will hear a voice prompting, If you want to die, press this button.

The pods can also be activated in multiple ways, including gestures, voice control, or even eye movement for those unable to speak or physically move due to illness. The entire process is filmed for documentation and will be given to a coroner. But once activated, the process is irreversible.

According to the Swiss newspaper Blick, Public Prosecutor Peter Stiche has said that there could be serious consequences for the operators of the machine. He argued that there is no reliable information about the method of killing and it is not clear who has control over which mechanical process during the dying process, as per The Feed.
European Union citizens travelling to the UK will now have to pay 10 visa-waiver fee from January. The non-refundable fee will apply to all visitors to the UK, including babies and children, without a visa, or permission to live, work or study, according to UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper.

The new rules are part of the UKs electronic travel authorization (ETA) system, which was first introduced for Qatar nationals. It has now been expanded to include travellers from all other countries, including Europeans.

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 in a statement.

What is the ETA Scheme?

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. Only Irish citizens are exempt 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.

The ETA is loosely modelled on the US Esta and is electronically linked to the travellers passport. The permit will be valid for repeated journeys within two years or until the passport expires, whichever is sooner.

How to Obtain ETA?

Travellers can apply online through a UK government website or via the app. They need to supply a photograph and answer a set of questions. The government says: This will ensure we have information on those seeking to come to the UK helping to prevent dangerous individuals, such as criminals, entering the UK, as mentioned by Independent.

A decision on each case is expected usually within three days. In practice, existing similar schemes in the US, Canada and elsewhere deliver approval more quickly.

Airlines and ferry companies are expected to verify the ETA status before the passenger boards a flight or a ship to the UK. The government says: When an adequately documented arrival is brought to the UK, the carrier may be liable for a fine of up to 2,000.

On arrival, UK Border Force will check the ETA and ask supplementary questions before deciding whether or not to allow the traveller in. The government says: An ETA does not guarantee entry to the UK.

What About Transit Passengers?

The UK government insisted that all connecting travellers must obtain an ETA. This will make London Heathrow airport a more challenging transit hub than the main continental European competitors and airports such as Istanbul and Dubai.

Usually, passengers who are connecting from one gate to another at a hub and not passing through passport control need only the requirement of the final destination.

But with the ETA scheme taking full effect next April, all passengers except British and Irish nationals will need a permit, even if they are switching from one British Airways plane to another at Heathrow Terminal 5, as per the Independent report.

It should be noted that about 30% of passengers at Heathrow airport are in transit.

On the new scheme, the government says: Requiring those transiting to obtain an ETA will stop transit being a future loophole for people to use to avoid needing an ETA. This is in line with the US Esta scheme.

Why is ETA Rolled Out for Europeans?

The new scheme comes in the wake of the UK leaving the European Union 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 December 31, 2020 as the Brexit transition period concluded.

The European Union too 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.

Why is the UK Government Doing This?

The ETA is part of the UKs plan to digitise its borders at UK airports by the end of 2025. This scheme is intended to reduce queues at the border, helping to speed up legitimate journeys to the UK, as reported by Euronews.

Facial recognition technology could be used to make these contactless corridors possible, wrote The Times.

UK Home Secretary Cooper 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.
Anna Universitys MIT campus in Chrompet received a bomb threat on Thursday. According to sources, the threat was sent to the email address of the universitys

registrar office.

Soon after receiving the threat, the university authorities alerted the police.

The police have launched an investigation into the matter and are conducting a thorough search of the MIT campus to ensure the safety and security of the students and staff.

The campus has been put on high alert and necessary precautions were taken.

(This is a breaking copy. More details will be added.)
Gurpatwant Singh Pannunn, a prominent figure in the pro-Khalistan movement and the leader of separatist organisation Sikhs for Justice, has garnered attention not for promoting constructive dialogue or peaceful coexistence, but rather for his inflammatory rhetoric and persistent threats aimed at Indian diplomats, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Indian populace, and the territorial integrity of the nation.

Pannuns words have often veered far from the path of diplomacy, straying into the realm of aggression and hostility, and raising concerns about the impact of his advocacy on regional stability and bilateral relations.

In the latest instance of Pannun hitting the headlines in India yet again, the declared terrorist threw his weight behind Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi who commented about the condition of the Sikh community in India.

While addressing a gathering in Washington DC where, according to government sources, many pro-Khalistan Sikhs were in attendance, Gandhi justified SFJs global Khalistan Referendum campaign when he stated: Fight in India is whether a Sikh will be allowed to wear turban and kada, go to gurdwara.

Soon, Pannun endorsed the Congress leader, putting out a statement: 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.

This is not the first time Pannun has used inflammatory language to instigate violence against India and Indians in utter disregard for diplomatic norms and his apparent willingness to escalate tensions.

Pannuns public statements almost always cross the line from peaceful advocacy to outright hostility where he has openly called for the secession of Punjab from India, advocating for an independent Khalistan state. Such calls, coupled with his threats against Indian diplomats, raise serious concerns about the potential impact on regional stability and diplomatic relations.

Furthermore, his alleged involvement in orchestrating campaigns against Indias territorial integrity is evident in the dissemination of provocative material through social media channels.

Moreover, Pannuns vocal opposition to PM Modi has escalated beyond the realm of political disagreement to a level that raises concerns about the potential for incitement of violence.

News18 looks back at the leaders controversial statements in the past, ranging from threats to blow up an Air India flight to defaming Indian diplomats:

 On November 19 last year, the Khalistani leader threatened to blow up an Air India flight apart from claiming that Delhis Indira Gandhi International Airport would remain shut on the date and its name would be changed. We are asking the Sikh people not to fly via Air India. From November 19, there will be a global blockade. Air India wont be allowed to operate. Sikh people, dont travel by Air India after November 19. Your life can be in danger, Pannun said in the video that went viral on social media.

 He called Punjabs residents people living under Occupation, threatening that they will attack India. He added that India was occupying Punjab and violence will beget violence.

 Threatening Hindus in Canada in September 2023, Pannun said the Indian High Commissioner was responsible for killing pro-Khalistan terrorist Nijjar. Pannun termed Nijjar a martyr and claimed that pro-Khalistan Sikhs have always been loyal to Canada and they have always sided with Canada.

 The Khalistani terrorist threatened PM Modi, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Home Minister Amit Shah, and NSA Ajit Doval. Challenging Indias territorial integrity, he raised slogans of Dilli Banega Khalistan.

 Pannun threatened to take over areas in Himachal Pradesh and instigated residents to not allow then Himachal Pradesh chief minister Jairam Thakur to raise the Indian Tricolour. He said after liberating Punjab, their next target would be Himachal.

 The declared terrorist also threatened Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma over action on radical Sikh preacher Amritpal Singh and his associates. Insisting that Assam is not a part of India, SFJ wrote a letter to ULFA in Assam to destabilise the state and come out to demand an independent Assam.

 Calling Renu Yadav, Indian diplomat in Ramallah, Palestine, the face of Indian terror, he instigated people to come out against her and target her online. He also called for shutting down Indias consulate in Palestine.

 After assembly elections in Punjab, Pannun said no party will be allowed to be active in Punjab. Whoever stands against kesari will be branded with the khanda (Nishan Sahib), he said, adding that those who want the Tricolour should leave Punjab and head to Delhi.

 He also issued open threats to PM Modi, saying Indians should stay indoors on January 26 since this is an issue between Sikhs and India.

 Pannun issued an ultimatum to Indian diplomats in Canada and openly called for their boycott, blaming them for Nijjars assassination. He also released a video from the United Nations HQ and said the flag of Khalistan will be raised at UN.

 The Khalistan sympathiser celebrated perpetrators who defaced Radha Soami Satsang Beas and drew graffiti on walls, reading Khalistan Zindabad, Pakistan Zindabad. He also raised slogans like Hindustan Murdabad and issues an ultimatum to followers of Radha Soami followers.

 He openly instigated violent rallies outside Indian embassies across the world on July 8.
A proposal to connect the Bengaluru Metro to Tamil Nadus industrial town of Hosur has sparked a controversy in Karnataka with several Kannada groups opposing the move, fearing more migration from the neighbouring state to Bengaluru, thus making things difficult for the local population in the IT capital. Chennai Metro Rail Limited is pushing ahead with a feasibility report to connect Bommasandra in Karnataka to Hosur in Tamil Nadu. This will be the first interstate metro in southern India, covering a length of 23 kilometres, including around 11 km in Tamil Nadu and 12 km in Karnataka, with 12 metro stations and a depot planned along the route.

We shouldnt link Namma Metro to Tamil Nadu. Already lakhs of people from Tamil Nadu have come here and built their lives. We are already seeing that in border areas like Attibele and Electronic City, people from Tamil Nadu are coming and working in big companies. If we link the metro to Tamil Nadu, it will become easier for more people to migrate and it will make the lives of Kannadigas difficult. We mentioned it to (Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister) DK Shivakumar and Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah, and they said no decision has been made. We will take up this issue soon, said Narayan Gowda, president of pro-Kannada group Karnataka Rakshana Vedike.

The Karnataka government has been non-committal on the project after approving a pre-feasibility study by Tamil Nadu and is not keen on cost-sharing since the state is already losing investments to Hosur, especially in the manufacturing sector. Ola, which is headquartered in Bengaluru, has opened its manufacturing facility in neighbouring Tamil Nadus Krishnagiri. Similarly, several other manufacturing units have chosen the Hosur-Krishnagiri region over Bengaluru. Other pro-Kannada activists argue that the goal must be to secure Karnatakas interest in getting more investment and jobs and not spend its resources to connect the IT capital with Hosur and help the neighbouring state.

The primary goal is to protect Kannadigas in Karnataka. We want to know why it is important to extend the metro to Hosur instead of Ramanagara or Bidadi in Karnataka. Tamil Nadu is very clear about its people and its state. Similarly, Karnataka has to understand the policies and programmes. We cant allow investment to move to Hosur, said Sajith, a pro-Kannada activist.

The Tamil Nadu government has also announced an airport in Hosur after Karnataka planned a second airport for its capital Bengaluru. If Hosur airport becomes a reality, it is likely to draw passengers from south Bengaluru, including Electronic City, which is 35 km from the IT belt.

The opposition too is asking the Karnataka government to come clean on the issue. The government cant be non-committal; they should make their stand clear. The Karnataka government should focus on expanding the metro within Bengaluru. Large parts of outer ring road which have heavy traffic still do not have access to metro; that should be prioritised, said Nandiesha Reddy, general secretary, BJP, Karnataka.

The Congress in Karnataka is assuring that its government will protect the interests of the state at all costs. We will do everything to protect the interest of Kannadigas and Bengaluru. We will look at it when the report is ready, said Congress MLA Rizwan Arshad.

Bengaluru Metros yellow line, connecting Bommasandra and RV Road, is expected to be operational by December 2024. The Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has also engaged Aarvee Associates to prepare a feasibility study for the extension of the yellow line from Bommasandra to Attibele (11 km), near the Karnataka-Tamil Nadu border.
Police have been trying to determine how Gustavo Junior Laurent obtained the gun he allegedly used to shoot a man on Market Street in downtown Charlottesville in late July.

The 41-year-old Laurent wasnt supposed to possess a gun due to a past history that includes multiple felony convictions, including a child sex crime.

Charlottesville police charged Laurent with malicious wounding and possession of a firearm by a felon after he allegedly shot 33-year-old Damon Emanuel Banks in the abdomen around 1:38 a.m. on July 28.

When police arrested Laurent a little over a week later, they seized his iPhone but couldnt find a firearm. To determine how he got the gun, detective Courtney Lowe obtained a warrant to search the phone.

It is reasonable to believe that this device would show how Laurent came into possession of the firearm used in the crime, wrote Lowe. Laurent is a felon and unable to have legally purchased or possessed the firearm without assistance.

Lowe contends that Laurents device likely contains revealing data including text messages, phone calls, third-party messaging applications and location information.

It is reasonable to believe Laurent has been in contact with individuals about the crime, wrote Lowe. It is also reasonable to believe that this device would show the content of the messages between Laurent and friends, family members, or associates regarding the criminal activity.

Charlottesville court records show that Laurents first felony conviction came in 2007 when was found guilty of grand larceny. Four years later, in 2011, when he was 28 years old, he pleaded guilty to carnal knowledge, more commonly known as statutory rape, of a 13-year-old girl the prior year. More than five years of his seven-year sex-crime sentence were suspended on the condition of good behavior. However, he was subsequently convicted of cocaine distribution as well as multiple probation violations and multiple failures to register his sex offense.

For now, Laurent is back in Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail as he awaits his next hearing in Charlottesville General District Court on the charges from the shooting. That hearing is slated for Oct. 10.
In a development signifying the changed scenario in Jammu and Kashmir, six separatist and terrorist organisations did not even appear before a tribunal to challenge bans imposed on them under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) by the Centre this year.

The organisations once struck fear in J&K with their call for hartals and stone-pelting, and triggered wide-scale protests after the killing of Burhan Wani, the Amarnath land row and death of two women in Shopian.

The Centre, noting that the outfits worked on instructions from Pakistan, banned four factions of Jammu and Kashmir Peoples League (JKPL), Muslim Conference Jammu & Kashmir (Bhat), and Muslim Conference Jammu and Kashmir (Sumji faction). The ban was upheld by a UAPA tribunal after analysing the evidence.

The outfits did not even appear before the tribunal to give their defence despite many opportunities, apparently accepting their fait accompli. Detailed judgements of the tribunal issued recently have been reviewed by CNN-News18.

What Centre Told the Tribunal

The Centre submitted before the tribunal that the separatist leaders and their activists had created such terror in the minds of public that the general public, which even did not support their cause, feared to oppose them or to report to the police against various incidents and even feared to depose or give evidence against the said separatist leaders.

Thus, this led to a non-cooperative atmosphere for the police investigating agencies in the cases registered against the said separatist organisations or its leaders. The investigation further slowed thereafter due to COVID which had brought all the routine activities to a standstill as a complete lockdown in the entire nation was imposed. Hence, the investigation in the cases registered against them could not be investigated at the pace it should have been, the Centre told the UAPA Tribunal.

The Centre also said it is a matter of public knowledge that since more than three decades, the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir has been adversely affected by the acts and deeds of separatist groups and their leaders.

From 1989 to 2016, the situation in the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir remained volatile and disturbed due to the circumstances created by terrorist groups camouflaged as Separatist Groups/Political Parties or self-styled political leaders who instigated and provoked the general public at large against the lawfully established governments with the help of foreign state and non-state actors having interests inimical to the interest of the country, the Centre submitted.

No Challenge by Banned Organisations

The judgments record that ample opportunity was afforded by the tribunal to the factions concerned of the six organisations and their office-bearers to appear before it and give their versions.

This tribunal even held public hearings in Srinagar to enable members of the factions concerned or member of the public, to participate in the proceedings of the Tribunal. However, the said opportunity was not availed of by the factions or any of its office bearers, the judgment says.

The tribunal still made an objective determination of the evidence placed on record by the Centre, as mandated in the judgment of the Supreme Court delivered in Jamaat-e-Islami Hind case, to confirm bans on all six separatist organisations.

What the Banned Organisations Are Accused Of

The Centre said these organisations, after the killing of Burhan Wani and acting on the instructions of Pakistan and its Inter- Services Intelligence (ISI), exploited the situation intensely and actively provoked, incited and lured the youth of Jammu and Kashmir for violence to disrupt the peace in the Valley and keep the anti-India pot boiling.

They announced hartal calls and issued protest calendars which resulted in the death of 86 persons and injuries to 8,932 civilians. Two Police Jawans were martyred and 8,370 police or security forces personnel got injured, the Centre said.

The Centre also accused the organisations of fanning the sentiments of the people against the government over the Amarnath land row through their misinformation campaign and by spreading false information which caused large-scale violence and damage to public and private properties.

They also played a pivotal role in coordination, facilitation, organising and addressing mobs across the Valley during Muzaffarabad Chalo call given by separatist organisations.

The Centre said the organisations also portrayed the death of two women in Shopian in the year 2009 as rape and murder perpetrated by the security forces.
India has approved an ambitious plan to strengthen its weather-prediction capabilities and install next-generation radars and satellite systems with advanced sensors and high-performance supercomputers. The project  Mission Mausam  was approved by the Union Cabinet on Wednesday with an allocation of Rs 2,000 crore over the next two years.

The project will help India prepare for issuing early warnings for extreme weather events, which have not only increased in intensity, but frequency as well as scale. About 10,216 people lost their lives in hydro-meteorological disasters in India during the last five years, the government had recently told Parliament.

The project will be chiefly implemented by the Ministry of Earth Sciences and led by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, and the National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting. The aim will be to boost Indias weather and climate-related science, research, and services to better equip the agencies, departments as well as people to tackle extreme weather events and the impacts of climate change.

One of the goals will be to boost research and development, and capacity in atmospheric sciences, especially weather surveillance, modelling, forecasting, and management. The departments plan to integrate advanced observation systems, high-performance computing, and cutting-edge technologies like Artificial Intelligence and machine learning in order to predict weather with high precision.

As part of the mission, the government will help deploy next-generation radars and satellite systems with more advanced sensors and high-performance supercomputers, as well as develop improved Earth system models and a GIS-based automated Decision Support System for real-time data dissemination. The target will be to provide accurate and timely weather and climate information, including monsoon forecasts, alerts for air quality, extreme weather events and cyclones, weather interventions for managing fog, hail, and rain.

The mission is likely to benefit multiple sectors dependent on weather forecasts such as agriculture, disaster management, defence, environment, aviation, water resources, power, tourism, shipping, transport, energy, and health. It would also help enhance data-driven decision-making in areas like urban planning, road and rail transport, offshore operations, and environmental monitoring, said the government in a statement.

The mission will also be supported by MoES institutions (Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services, National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research, and National Institute of Ocean Technology), along with collaboration with national and international institutes, academia and industries, furthering Indias leadership in weather and climate sciences and services.
The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has issued new instructions-cum-guidelines in view of recent issues related to meals during special train journeys for elections. Complaints have been made about the food provided by IRCTC. Additionally, a recent incident involved a senior official of a Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) sharing a video on social media, alleging shortage of food during a special train journey, and claiming that train officials tried to bribe him over this issue.

The CRPF has instructed its troops not to share any videos or photos related to food, journey, or travel issues on social media and to refrain from arguing with railway officials and staff. According to an official communication reviewed by News18, The train commander, Adhoc Commandant, and Company commander are advised to brief troops to carry one-day ready-to-eat food items on board to address any eventuality during the rail journey. They shall ensure that troops are sternly advised to desist from sharing any text, photos, videos on social media regarding any complaint of food.

Due to complaints from the railways about unauthorised train halts for reasons such as bathing, the largest Central Armed Police Force has instructed its officers managing train journeys to ensure that no one halts the trains for such minor reasons.

The train commander, Adhoc Commandant, and Company Commander shall ensure that no unscheduled halts occur for reasons like bathing, as this will delay the trains and disturb the scheduled meal supply, the note said.

Additionally, the train commander, Adhoc Commandant, and Company Commander shall ensure that troops do not engage in manhandling or misbehavior with IRCTC personnel or other agencies. Any such incident will be reported directly to the IG (Ops) for necessary disciplinary action.

The CRPF has stated that it has an MoU with IRCTC to provide on-board meals to troops for both election and non-election duties, with the goal of ensuring timely and nutritious food. Recently, certain issues have arisen during troop movements by rail, the CRPF said.

No civilian or unauthorised person will be accommodated or allowed access to special trains. The carriage of inflammable items is not permitted. Cooking or heating of food is prohibited. LPG/kerosene stoves or other means shall not be used. Unwarranted detention of the train without the permission of the competent authority will result in punitive and legal action, the CRPFs new guidelines say.
After a brief lull, Manipur has exploded yet again. Internet has been banned and curfew imposed in a repeat of unfortunate events in the state which has been rocked by a cycle of violence for the last 16 months.

But is the dismissal of the N Biren Singhs government and imposition of Presidents Rule the answer to the crisis, as his opponents say? Some say if Presidents Rule had to be imposed, it should have happened 6-8 months ago.

For now, the best solution is to bring the warring sides of Meiteis and Kuki-Zomis on the talking table, led by an effort from the Centre with a clear term of reference and the possible involvement of women in these talks, considering that they have been the biggest victims of the violence. This also becomes crucial as short-term measures like buffer zones between both sides have outrun their utility.

However, to get these talks going, another major issue needs to be settled first.

Who Calls the Shots?

The big issue in Manipur right now is who will call the shots when it comes to handling the situation. The chief ministers supporters want full power to be restored to him, including control over the Unified Command. This is after the Centre last year did not hand over the reins of Manipur to the Governor but did everything short of that to stem the tide of violence.

The Centre used Article 355 to take over the complete security of the state. Rajiv Singh, a Tripura cadre officer, was given intra-cadre transfer and made DGP of Manipur. Vineet Joshi was sent in as the Chief Secretary from central deputation. Kuldiep Singh, the former DG of CRPF and NIA, was appointed security advisor to the chief minister.

All three of them were outsiders, though Joshi is from the Manipur cadre. The trio managed to get some success  for months, lives were not lost in Manipur after the bloodbath in May-June 2023. Tension remained between the Kukis and Meiteis but schools reopened, some managed to go back home from camps and the Lok Sabha elections were conducted successfully. There was a feeling that things were improving.

However, as violence erupted again in September 2024, the sharpest knives of Imphal valley are out for Rajiv Singh and Kuldiep Singh. The student community has laid siege to Raj Bhawan, demanding the ouster of the duo. Stone-pelting began on Tuesday by protesters who were unhappy with what the Raj Bhawan gave them by way of assurance.

This makes the prospect of Presidents Rule in Manipur even more complex. In Presidents Rule, it is the Governor who de-facto rules via hand-picked officials. But Governor Laxman Prasad Acharya himself is new to the Manipur Raj Bhawan. He has met the chief minister twice amidst the latest round of violence. Given that the Centres hand-picked officials are being targeted even though they are working under the chief minister, a new bureaucratic team would find the task even more difficult if Biren Singh is asked to go.

Complicating matters further is the Meitei communitys trust deficit in Assam Rifles while the CMs son-in-law seeks a recall of all paramilitary personnel. The Kukis, similarly, are suspicious of the Manipur Police. The protesters term them Meitei Police, a perception supported by the just-retired Assam Rifles DG too. The priority must be to bridge this trust deficit.

Talks the Only Way Ahead

BJP MLA Dinganglung Gangmei, a Naga leader, has been appointed by CM Singh to hold talks between the Meiteis and Kuki-Zomis but he too says the Centre must intervene in the talks. He points out that he has no clear terms of reference and the role of civil society groups on both sides has made it impossible for him to make any headway so far. The Centre has had success earlier with the Amit Shah-led MHA traversing difficult terrains in Tripura amongst 12 peace accords.

Manipur is a bigger challenge, nevertheless. A starting point of a solution towards peace in Manipur may be to get women and the elders on board, says Lt Gen (Rtd) PC Nair.

Meira Paibis fought and won Manipurs battles against drugs and HIV. Women in Manipur in all communities are stronger than anywhere in India, he told CNN-News18. Women on both sides have suffered the most in this violence. If the Centre can rope them in, a turn towards peace in Manipur may begin.
The Ayushman Bharat program, one of the most effective schemes of the Narendra Modi government, aims to provide health security assurance to the poor and lower middle income groups of the country. The scheme has benefited about 50 crore people in the country so far.

However, if anyone wants get themselves registered under the worlds largest public health assurance scheme, they should take note of certain criteria set by the government for the Ayushman Bharat program.

Beneficiaries should belong to the Scheduled Caste or Economically Weaker Section category. Moreover, their income should not be more than Rs 10,000 every month. People who do not have a pucca house or their own farm land are eligible to reap the benefits under this scheme.

Those who possess an Ayushman Bharat card can avail a wide array of treatment facilities. It covers disease examination, medical advice, services provided before hospitalization, ICU and non-ICU treatment, equipment used in treatment, lab tests, bed facilities, food and drink facilities in the hospital and treatment expenses for the next 15 days after being discharged from the hospital.

Currently, a family gets a cover of Rs 5 lakhs per year for hospitalization across public and private empanelled hospitals in India.

Recently, in view of the increasing cost of medical treatment, there has been discussion on increasing the coverage amount to Rs 10 lakh. If this materializes, it will benefit 50 crore people in the country and about 5 to 7 crore elderly people.

Let us take a quick look at some of the conditions that can make one ineligible from applying for Ayushman Bharat card:
As the row over Prime Minister Narendra Modi attending the Ganpati Puja celebrations at Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachuds residence intensified, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday reminded the Congress party of the time when in 2009, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh invited then CJI, KG Balakrishnan, to attend an Iftaar party.

Sharing pictures of Singh in a candid laugh with Balakrishnan, BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla, in an X post, wrote, Judiciary is safe.

PM Modi attends Ganesh Puja at current CJI House  oh God Judiciary compromised, Ponawalla mocked the Congress in his post.

2009- PM Manmohan Singhs Iftaar Party was attended by then CJI KG Balakrishnan- Sshhhh  Yeh Secular hai.. judiciary is safe!PM Modi attends Ganesh Puja at current CJI House  oh God Judiciary compromised pic.twitter.com/vhkUdRRVHI  Shehzad Jai Hind (Modi Ka Parivar) (@Shehzad_Ind) September 12, 2024

A controversy erupted hours after a video showing Chandrachud and his wife, Kalpana Das, welcoming Modi at their house on Wednesday, was widely shared on social media.

VIDEO | PM Modi (@narendramodi) participates in Ganpati Puja at CJI DY Chandrachuds residence in Delhi.(Source: Third Party) pic.twitter.com/yHhEwmJb6i  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 11, 2024

Addressing a press conference on Thursday, BJP MP, Sambit Patra, also pulled up the Congress over its attack on the Prime Minister participating in the Ganpati festivities at the CJIs home and asked if Manmohan Singh present with KG Balakrishnan at the Iftaar party was fine.

Referring to Congress MP Rahul Gandhis recent group photo also featuring US Congresswoman, Ilhan Omar, Patra said, If the Prime Minister is meeting the CJI, you have a problem. But, if you are meeting anti-national people in the United States, then there is no problem.

Patra also alleged the party had a problem with Ganpati celebrations.

I think they have a problem with the Ganpati Puja. When during their tenure, Manmohan Ji organised an Iftar party, then was the CJI not invited? That is also a festival and this Ganpati is also a festival, then why this difference? he asked.

#WATCH | Delhi: On Opposition leaders criticism over PM Narendra Modi visiting CJI DY Chandrachuds residence for Ganesh Puja, BJP MP Sambit Patra says, The leaders of the Opposition are doing politics over the Ganesh prayers offered by PM Modi at CJI Chandrachuds residence pic.twitter.com/yr3tcMW3sz ANI (@ANI) September 12, 2024

Also hitting out at the grand-old party, BJPs Andhra Pradesh vice-president, Vishnu Vardhan Reddy, said, Secularism doesnt mean organising Iftari only. Just like others, Hindus are also free to practice their own religion, and both CJI & PM are Hindus. Your hatred towards Hinduism cant change the fact!

Union Minister of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Bhupendra Yadav, tweeted, Ganpati is the God of auspicious beginnings. He is a symbol of positivity. Different arms of the country coming together to mark Ganeshas greatness is a welcome sign for a healthy democracy, and reflective of our traditions that believe in celebrating together. Those filled with negativity must in the interest of societys well-being and religious harmony refrain from casting aspersions on occasions that are symbolic of goodness and greatness of Indias rich traditions. Do not belittle our festivals.

In a separate X post, Yadav wrote, The same people who applaud and encourage presence of Prime Ministers at Iftars find their guts twisting and turning when they see PM Modi perform Ganpati Poojan at CJI DY Chandrachuds residence. The executive and judiciary praying before Gods revered by crores of devotees across India reflects the real strength of Indian secularism. Deal with it. (sic).

The BJPs attack came after several Opposition leaders and some lawyers of the Supreme Court reacted sharply to PM Modi attending the puja at the CJIs residence.

Ganpati Utsav is being celebrated and people visit each others house I dont have information whether the Prime Minister has visited anyones house, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader, Sanjay Raut, said, adding, Ganpati Utsav is being celebrated at several locations in Delhi and Maharashtra, but PM Modi chose to visit the CJIs residence.

In a post on X, senior lawyer, Indira Jaising, said the Chief Justice of India has compromised the separation of powers between the executive and the judiciary.

Lost all confidence in the independence of the CJI. The SCBA (Supreme Court Bar Association) must condemn this publicly displayed compromise of Independence of the CJI from the executive, she wrote.

War of Words Continue

A face-off between the BJP and the Congress continued after leaders belonging to both parties held back-to-back press conferences following the row that erupted over Prime Minister Modi attending the Ganpati Puja at Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachuds residence in Delhi.

Reacting to the row, Rajya Sabha MP and President of the Supreme Court Bar Association Kapil Sibal said that he was taken aback when he saw video clips going viral on social media.

I have been in the Supreme Court and in this institution for over 50 years. I have great respect for the present CJI. He is a man of great personal integrity. But I was surprised when I saw this clip that was going viral, he said while speaking to reporters.

Meanwhile, in response to the Oppositions criticism, Union minister Piyush Goyal condemned the Oppositions criticism and said that the allegations levelled by them are baseless.

People will not forgive the Opposition for doing such low-level politics over a religious function. I am hurt by the Oppositions reactions, the Union minister added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachuds residence for Ganpati Puja has sparked a row, with the Opposition questioning the transparency in the judiciary system and its code of conduct. Countering the attacks, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) maintained that the visit was restricted to celebrating the Ganpati festivities together and that it was a part of our culture.

In a video, BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla slammed Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi and other members of the INDI Alliance for politicising the Prime Ministers visit to the CJIs house.

His remarks came after Chaturvedi, in an X post, wrote, After the festivities are over hopefully CJI will deem fit and be slightly freer to conclude the hearing on Maharashtra and the blatant disregard of Article 10 of the Constitution in Maharashtra. Oh wait, elections round the corner anyway, it can be adjourned for another day.

Reprimanding her, Poonawalla said, The most shocking, despicable, and deplorable comment has been made by Priyanka Chaturvedi, and members of the INDI Alliance when she alludes and imputes motive to Chief Justice of India, Chandrachud Ji. His crime is that Prime Minister Modi visited his residence on the occasion of Ganesh Puja, which everyone does, during the time of Ganesh Chaturthi, we all go to each others house and this is a part of our culture and sanskriti.

In fact, Uddhav Sena should know this best, but, even something like a puja has been made a crime and politicised by Priyanka Chaturvedi, and what is shocking, is that is imputing motives to the Chief Justice of India, not deciding a particular case as per her time table and schedule. This is nothing short of contempt of court, he said.

It is shocking, it is objectionable, it is an attack on the institution of the judiciary, on the Supreme Court, and the Chief Justice of India, and only why, because Prime Minister Modi has visited like he would visit the house of many other people for the Ganesh Puja, Poonawalla said in the video.

Later, in an X post, Poonawalla shared pictures of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh with former Chief Justice of India, KG Balakrishnan, during an Iftaar party.

2009- PM Manmohan Singhs Iftaar Party was attended by then CJI KG Balakrishnan- Sshhhh  Yeh Secular hai.. judiciary is safe!PM Modi attends Ganesh Puja at current CJI House  oh God Judiciary compromised pic.twitter.com/vhkUdRRVHI  Shehzad Jai Hind (Modi Ka Parivar) (@Shehzad_Ind) September 12, 2024

Addressing a press conference on Thursday, BJP MP Sambit Patra hit out at the Congress over Rahul Gandhi meeting US Congresswoman, Ilhan Omar, and said, If the Prime Minister is meeting the CJI, you have a problem, but if you are meeting anti-national people in the US, then there is no problem.

I think they have a problem with the Ganpati Puja. When during their tenure, Manmohan Ji organised an Iftar party, then was the CJI not invited? That is also a festival and this Ganpati is also a festival, then why this difference? he asked.

Milind Deora, now a Rajya Sabha member from the Shiv Sena, said, Its unfortunate to see reckless commentary on the Prime Ministers visit to the Chief Justice of Indias (CJI) residence for Ganapati Aarti. When verdicts favour them, the opposition praises the Supreme Courts credibility, but when things dont go their way, they conveniently claim the judiciary is compromised.

National organising secretary of the BJP, BL Santhosh, also attacked the Opposition and said it is making a hue and cry of the Prime Ministers visit.

Civility, cordiality, togetherness, co-travellers in nations journey are all an anathema to these left liberals. Also it was not socialising but a devoted Ganapathi Pooja is very hard to digest. SCBA is not a moral compass. Take deep breath once, Santhosh wrote in an X post.

    !!!! Civility , cordiality , togetherness , co travellers in nations journey are all an anathema to these left liberals. Also it was not socialising but a devoted Ganapathi Pooja is very hard to digest. SCBA is not a moral compass. Take deep breath once . https://t.co/xTK3ZKj2xL B L Santhosh (@blsanthosh) September 12, 2024

His post came as a response to senior advocate and former Additional Solicitor General (ASG), Indira Jaising, who, on the social media platform, said the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) should condemn PM Modis visit to the CJIs residence.

Chief Justice of India has compromised the separation of powers between the Executive and Judiciary, Jaisings X post read.

Lost all confidence in the independence of the CJI. The SCBA must condemn this publicly displayed compromise of Independence of the CJI from the Executive Kapil Sibal, she added.

Senior Supreme Court lawyer, Prashant Bhushan, in an X post, said, Shocking that CJI Chandrachud allowed Modi to visit him at his residence for a private meeting. Sends a very bad signal to the judiciary which is tasked with the responsibility of protecting fundamental right of citizens from the executive & ensuring that the govt acts within bounds of Constitution. (sic).

That is why there has to be an arms length separation between the executive & judiciary, (sic), he added.

Resharing his post, Andhra Pradesh BJP vice-president, Vishnu Vardhan Reddy, said, Secularism doesnt mean organising Iftari only. Just like others, Hindus are also free to practice their own religion, and both CJI & PM are Hindus. Your hatred towards Hinduism cant change the fact!

In a video, Chandrachud and his wife, Kalpana Das, were seen welcoming Modi at their house on Wednesday. The Prime Minister was seen participating in the puja at their residence.

VIDEO | PM Modi (@narendramodi) participates in Ganpati Puja at CJI DY Chandrachuds residence in Delhi.(Source: Third Party) pic.twitter.com/yHhEwmJb6i  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 11, 2024

Later, in an X post, PM Modi said, Joined Ganesh Puja at the residence of CJI, Justice DY Chandrachud Ji. May Bhagwan Shri Ganesh bless us all with happiness, prosperity and wonderful health.

Also reacting to the Prime Ministers visit, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP, Sanjay Raut, on X wrote the Constitution was set on fire.

He also listed several recent cases, wherein the judiciary has ruled against the leaders of the Opposition, and said, One should understand the chronology to understand all such cases.

      .) EVM   )              ) .     suemoto       .)    bail    https://t.co/jzVpQqDQh3 Sanjay Raut (@rautsanjay61) September 11, 2024

Later, speaking to the media, Raut said, Ganpati festivities were organised at many other places, but the Prime Minister chose to visit the Chief Justices residence, which has raised doubts and questions over the entire judiciary. We now also doubt if we would be served justice in the cases we are fighting, and those which are being heard by CJI Chandrachud.

The festival, which started on September 7 will culminate on September 17.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be on a two-day visit to Gujarat from September 15, during which he will inaugurate a metro train service as well as the 4th edition of Global Renewable Energy Investors Meet and Expo (RE-INVEST 2024), state minister Rushikesh Patel said on Thursday.

This will be his first visit to Gujarat after being sworn in as PM for a third straight term, said Patel, who is health minister as well as the spokesperson of the Gujarat government.

On September 15, the PM will attend an event at Vadsar Air Force Station near Ahmedabad in the evening. On September 16, the PM will inaugurate the 4th edition of the Global Renewable Energy Investors Meet and Expo (RE-INVEST 2024) at Mahatma Mandir Convention Centre in Gandhinagar, he said.

Later, in the afternoon, PM Modi will launch the second phase of the metro rail service connecting Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar. He will also travel on the route after start of services. In the evening, the PM will inaugurate and lay foundation stones for developmental projects worth Rs 9,000 crore, Patel informed.

Speaking about RE-INVEST 2024, Patel said it is the first time the event is being organised outside Delhi.

Chief Ministers and energy ministers of all states are expected to attend this mega conference. Energy ministers of different countries, including Denmark and Germany, are also scheduled to take part, Patel said.

A official release said the 4th edition of RE-INVEST 2024, which will be held from September 16 to 18, will feature nearly 40 sessions, including a Chief Ministerial Plenary, a CEO Roundtable and technical sessions.
A team of the Enforcement Directorate on Thursday carried out searches at several locations, including the residence of former principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, Sandip Ghosh, in Kolkata.

The searches were being conducted in connection with the financial irregularities at the hospital, where the body of a trainee doctor, who was raped and murdered, was found on August 9.

The searches were also being carried out at the residence of Sandip Ghoshs father, Satya Prakash Ghosh.

#WATCH | West Bengal: A team of ED reaches the residence of former principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, Sandip Ghosh at Chinar Park in Kolkata. Details awaited. pic.twitter.com/FvxvrL0VUn ANI (@ANI) September 12, 2024

According to news agency ANI, the ED searches were also underway at various suburban areas, including the residence of Chandan Louhar  a businessman and an aide to Ghosh. Louhar was responsible for various tenders at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

Video shows ED personnel at Louhars residence.

Another team was conducting searches at Octane Medical in South Dumdum. According to the details, the manufacturing and sale of various medical equipment were carried out at this place.

Earlier, on September 6, the ED conducted simultaneous search operations at the residences of Sandip Ghosh and three of his associates in connection with alleged financial irregularities at the hospital. Later, the team confirmed it recovered various digital evidence from his premises.

SANDIP GHOSH IN JUDICIAL CUSTODY

On September 10, Sandip Ghosh was sent to judicial custody till September 23 by a special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court in the financial irregularities case.

The court also sent his security personnel, Afsar Ali, and two alleged associates  medical equipment vendor, Biplab Singha, and pharmacy shop owner, Suman Hazara,  to judicial custody till September 23.

Although the accused were previously remanded to CBI custody for eight days, leaving the probe agency with the option to pray for another six days of maximum remand, the investigators made no such petition before the court.

Ghosh and the others were arrested by the CBI on charges of financial irregularities on September 2, amid protests over the rape and murder of the trainee doctor at the RG Kar Hospital.

The Calcutta High Court on August 23 ordered the transfer of the probe into the alleged financial irregularities from a state-constituted Special Investigation Team (SIT) to the CBI.
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the ruling BJPs ideological mentor, is coming back to its original address in Delhi, known as Keshav Kunj, near the famous Jhandewalan temple. Sources say Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat will enter this swanky new building on the night of September 17, which coincidentally also is Prime Minister Narendra Modis birthday.

For the last few years, Bhagwat had to stay on the second floor of the Udasin Ashram whenever he was in the national capital. But on September 17, he will walk into the 12-storey RSS office.

The shifting has been in progress for the last few days which will be over on Thursday. The CISF, which guards the building, has also gone through mock drills.

There are three towers in the building, each with 12 storeys. But the residence and office of the Sarsanghchalak (head of the Sangh) are in the middle towers top floor, News18 has learnt. The top three floors, apart from the one at the very apex which is for the RSS chief, are kept for the most senior functionaries of the organisation like Sarkaryavah (executive head), Sahsarkaryavah (co-executive head) among others.

The offices of publications considered to be RSS mouthpieces, Panchajanya and Organiser, will also shift here and will be working out of the first tower.

The Delhi RSS office will also function from this address, out of the third tower.

Both the first and second towers will have five lifts each, while there will be fewer lifts in the third.

The office has been built over 2.5 acres of land. No wonder theres ample parking space for 200 cars at the same time. Each tower will have at least 80 rooms.

Sources say a small hospital of 20 beds is also part of this new swanky office considering a lot of members are senior citizens.

Considering the security aspect, CCTV cameras are installed at every strategic bend, say sources. There are three entry gates to the new office which will be manned by CISF personnel. In fact, theres a fourth corner, which will also be manned by them, after they evaluate the security aspect of the building. Sources say photography will be prohibited from outside the building due to security risks.

A sculpture of the first RSS chief Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar is installed in the premises. Apart from him, almost every RSS chief, from MS Golwalkar to Mohan Bhagwat, stayed in Keshav Kunj. But with changing times, the RSS has not just modernised its beliefs like its acknowledgement of gay rights but also its office.
Tension gripped Nagamangala town in Karnatakas Mandya and prohibitory orders were issued after stones and shoes were hurled at a Ganpati procession on Wednesday, an incident that Hindu groups blamed on a section of Muslims amid a political row.

According to sources, trouble began when the Ganpati procession was proceeding for idol immersion, sparking communal tensions in the town. There were some reports alleging the incident took place near a mosque, a claim that was echoed by the states opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

VIDEO | Tensions gripped Nagamangala town in Karnatakas Mandya district earlier today (Wednesday) following clashes between two groups during Ganpati Visarjan. Stones were allegedly thrown on the procession, which led to the clashes. Section 144 has been imposed in the area. pic.twitter.com/mlx8b4DzgQ Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 11, 2024

Later, members of the Ganpati procession protested outside a local police station, seeking action against the miscreants. Police officials had to resort to lathi-charge after the crowd attempted to torch a few pushcarts, two-wheelers, and a cloth shop.

The BJP said the incident was the result of what it called the ruling Congress partys dangerous game of appeasement politics and demanded a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe into the matter.

The BJPs ally, Janata Dal-Secular leader HD Kumaraswamy, too levelled similar allegations against the state government. He also admonished the rioters and called out the local police. Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara, for his part, said the incident shouldnt have happened, and stressed that peace had returned.

After violence marred the procession on Wednesday, the Ganesh idol was immersed under the surveillance of police personnel after the situation was brought under control. Later, the administration imposed Section 144 (disallowing assembly of four or more people) in the town to prevent untoward incidents. Additional forces were dispatched from Mysuru to step up security in the area.

Police said the area was cleaned up on Thursday morning, adding six shops were damaged in arson and 13 shops were damaged due to stone-pelting and vandalism.

As the town slowly returned to normalcy on Thursday, police said they picked up 52 people for questioning, adding that prohibitory orders will remain in place until further notice.

The Ganpati festival, which began on September 7, spans 10 days of joyous celebrations, elaborate rituals, and other festivities and concludes with the grand visarjan (immersion), where Ganesha idols are immersed in water bodies amidst chants and music.

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara said, the Nagamangala incident shouldnt have happened. But fortunately, no injuries were reported. The situation is under control. During the procession, there was stone-pelting. Later, vehicles were set on fire. No harm has happened. There is a peace now.

The state minister urged people not to publicise the incident and added 52 people from both sides had been arrested. I wont be going there. Senior officers are already there, he said.

BJP Blames Congress, Demands NIA Probe

Karnataka BJP wrote, Hello Chief Minister @siddaramaiah, is Mandya district ever in Pak, Bangla, Afghanistan? Wasnt this atrocity @INCKarnataka in Badarikoppal of Nagamangala taluk of Mandya district at the time of Ganesha dissolution the result of vote bank politics in the state? In order not to go to the procession of Ganesha in front of the mosque, miscreants pelted stones and created a riot. Is it the incompetent minister @DrParameshwara who has taken the home department to such a predicament despite stone pelting on the police?

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) condemned the developments and blamed Congress for the communal tensions in Karnatakas Mandya.

BJP leader R Ashoka took to X and wrote, The bigoted forces in the Congress government are once again in full swing, and in Karnataka, which was a garden of peace for all races, the misadventure of the Jihadi thorns is disturbing the peace.

He added,  Congress party and state governments vote bank politics, favoritism, appeasement is the direct reason for the recurrence of such incidents. If the tails of such fanatical thugs are left uncut, there is no doubt that such people will become extremists tomorrow. I urge the Chief Minister.

Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje said, I suspect Congress orchestrated this riot to hide their scam, I demand an NIA probe into Nagamangala riots.
Two Army officers and their two female friends were attacked, while one of the women was gang-raped by miscreants in Madhya Pradeshs Indore in the wee hours of Wednesday. The police said two people were arrested in the case.

The incident happened while the four were out for a picnic on Tuesday night.

According to reports, the officers were aged 23 and 24 and were pursuing the Young Officers (YO) course at the Infantry School in Mhow cantonment town in the state.

Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav said that police took swift action in the incident and arrested the culprits. He asserted that the MP governments stand is very strict against such incidents.

The four were attacked at nearly 2 am on Wednesday, by seven unidentified men who arrived near the picnic spot on Mhow-Mandleshwar road.

They reportedly thrashed one of the officers and the two women, Badgonda police station in-charge, Lokendra Singh Hirore, told PTI.

The miscreants also reportedly demanded Rs 10 lakh from the officers. Meanwhile, the second officer, who was away from the car, informed his seniors about the incident.

Subsequently, the police reached the spot after which the miscreants fled.

The four were medically examined at a hospital at nearly 6.30 am, where the doctors confirmed signs of injuries.

Hirore said the medical examination also confirmed rape on one of the women.

He also said a case under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) was filed, under various sections pertaining to loot, dacoity, rape and the Arms Act, and that the search for the remaining miscreants were on.

Commenting on the incident, Indore Rural Superintendent of Police (SP), Hitika Vasal said, The police received information that four people visited the Army firing range late at night. An incident of two people being thrashed occurred there. The two others were told to bring Rs 10 lakh.

The complainant said that their female friend was taken to a corner and then he heard her screams. He said he suspects that something untoward must have happened to her. The police team reached the spot immediately but the accused escaped. As many as 10 teams of police carried out investigations and identified six of the accused, two of them have been arrested.

Rahul Gandhi Raises Question On MPs Law & Order

Reacting to the incident, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi pinned the blame on BJP-ruled states law and order.

In a post on X, he said: The violence against two army soldiers and the rape of their female companion in Madhya Pradesh is enough to shame the entire society. Law and order in BJP ruled states is almost non-existent, and the negative attitude of BJP Government towards the day by day increasing crimes against women is extremely worrying.

                                   ,                Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) September 12, 2024

Vasal also said the police were yet to record the womans statement, after which further action will be initiated.
A blast at a chemical factory in Maharashtras Raigad left two people dead and four injured on Thursday. Five fire tenders have rushed to the spot and efforts to douse the flame are underway. The incident occurred at 11.15 am at Sadhana Nitro Chem Limited, located in the Dhatav MIDC area of Roha town, approximately 110 km from Mumbai.

According to a TOI report, Superintendent of Police Somnath Gharge said, The blast occurred in the storage tank of the chemical plant. Two employees working at the storage tank were killed, and four others nearby sustained burn injuries.

In May 2024, ten people lost their lives and over 60 others sustained injuries after a major fire erupted following a boiler explosion at a chemical factory in Dombivli, Thane district, Maharashtra.
West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said on Thursday that she was ready to resign in the interest of the people, a remark that came amid deadlock over talks to end a work boycott by junior doctors who are protesting against the rape-murder of a trainee doctor in a state-run hospital in Kolkata.

I dont want the CMs post, Banerjee said in an address to the media. Our government has faced a lot of insultThere is a colour [political colour in the protests]. People came out on the streets for justice. But I hope people are understanding thatthey [her rivals] just want the chair. I am ready to resign in the interest of the people, she added, apparently reiterating her charge that rallies against the gruesome crime at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital had been hijacked by her political rivals  namely the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Left.

The bickering continued late into the evening. We dont want her chair or her resignation. This is an apolitical movement. This movement is now the countrys movement. We are here for Abhayas justice. Cease-work will continue and we will wait, one of the doctors on protest said, using the name the people of Bengal has given the rape-murder victim. Abhaya means fearless.

The chief ministers party, the Trinamool Congress (TMC), shared on X a photo of Banerjee sitting in front of a row of empty chairs, presumably kept ready for the delegation of junior doctors, who also wanted a live telecast of the meeting. The two sides could not reach a middle ground, as the deadlock dragged on.

Would you ever see a @BJP4India CM waiting 1.5 hours to engage in open dialogue with protestors? Absolutely not.From JNU to the farmers protest, from wrestlers protest to Manipur  PM @narendramodi and BJP have consistently shown a disregard for democratic discussion and pic.twitter.com/huTzNvbklG  All India Trinamool Congress (@AITCofficial) September 12, 2024

We waited for more than two hours, Banerjee said in her press meet, minutes after dialogue with the doctors broke down for the second straight day even before they had begun. We wanted to have discussion with an open mind, she added, reiterating that the doctors protest had disrupted health care services in West Bengal and that 27 patients had died since the beginning of the demonstrations last month.

Moments later, the TMC shared another post addressing the doctors: For the sake of the lives that are at stake, kindly call off the cease-work & resume your duties. We seek your support in these trying times. Yours truly, Bengal.

The TMC, which initially wanted a smaller team of doctors for the meeting with CM Banerjee, had agreed to the demand for a 30-member delegation, but was not on board with the idea of a live telecast. Since matter is sub-judice, it is not possible to show live, a Bengal government official said, referencing to a Supreme Court case. The state, however, had agreed to record the meeting.

Tug of war

Earlier this week, the Supreme Court had asked the doctors to join work by 5pm on Tuesday, but both the Bengal government and the protesters drove a hard bargain on the conditions for the meeting that could have ended, or at least taken a step towards ending, the impasse. The two sides were engaged in a lengthy mail exchange; the doctors had put forth several demands including justice for the 31-year-old victim and end to what they called threat culture in Bengals medical system, among others.

While Banerjee was unsparing in her criticism of politics in the protests on Thursday, she said her administration wouldnt take any action against the doctors even though the administration could have taken steps under the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) to ensure normal life is not adversely impacted. The chief minister and her party say the campaign by junior doctors are turning fatal for patients that require emergency services, but the protesters assert that senior doctors are on duty and health care services are unaffected by their demand for justice.

The RG Kar incident has jolted the nation, brought the functioning of the hospital under the scanner, led to the ouster of its controversial principal, prompted a scrutiny of the case by the Calcutta High Court and the Supreme Court, spawned allegations of cover-up and a larger conspiracy, led to the passing of a stringent anti-rape bill in the Bengal assembly, and sparked a bitter political war of words. One person, a civic volunteer who had easy access to the hospital, has been arrested. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is probing the case.

The BJP has stepped up pressure on the chief minister amid massive protests calling for justice and accountability that has put her government under pressure. The TMC has accused the BJP and the Left of politicising the protests.
A Kolkata Police official has shared a post on social media, mocking the doctors protests over the RG Kar rape and murder case, stirring a fresh row. He wrote, Tora din raat jai jagis na keno, 0 chili, 0 thakbi (Even if you protest day and night, you were a zero and remain one forever).

According to sources, Patuli Thana Officer-In-Charge, Tirthankar Dey, shared the distasteful comment on agitating doctors, calling them comrades.

Reacting to the development, the police department has launched an inquiry against Dey.

Doctors Protest

Doctors and healthcare professionals have been holding protests seeking better safety laws, a better work environment and justice for the 31-year-old trainee doctor, who was found raped and murdered at Kolkatas state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9.

Even as the Supreme Court and state government urged doctors to resume work, junior doctors in Kolkata on Thursday continued their sit-in outside the West Bengal Health Departments office as well as their cease work.

The agitating doctors have been demonstrating outside the Swathya Bhavan for over 40 hours. On Wednesday, the government had rejected the doctors demands for Chief Minister Mamata Banerjees presence and a live broadcast as preconditions for talks to resolve the impasse.

A large number of police personnel have been deployed in and around Swathya Bhavan at Salt Lake, and traffic movement was regulated.

We will continue our agitation and cease work. But, we did not want to continue this. The state government is not open to holding any meetings with us. And, we want to make it clear that there is no politics behind our stir, one of the protesting doctors told news agency PTI.

Meanwhile, healthcare services at state-run hospitals remained crippled on Thursday, as the cease work by the junior doctors entered the 34th day.
Princess Sheikha Mahra Mohammed Rashed Al Maktoum caught social medias attention after announcing her divorce through an Instagram post in July this year. Dubai Princess Sheikha Mahra Mohammed Rashed Al Maktoum has launched a perfume called Divorce after announcing separation from her husband in July this year.

DIVORCE By Mahra M1, the princess wrote in the caption of the post featuring a black bottle of the newly launched perfume.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by @mahram1.official

Princess Sheikha Mahra Mohammed Rashed Al Maktoum caught social medias attention after announcing her divorce through an Instagram post.

Dear Husband, as you are occupied with other companions, I hereby declare our divorce. I divorce you, I divorce you, and I divorce you. Take care. Your ex-wife, she wrote.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shaikha Mahra Mohammed Rashed Al Maktoum (@hhshmahra)

The 30-year-old married industrialist Sheikh Mana bin Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mana Al Maktoum in May 2023. The couple welcomed their first child in May this year.

Sheikh Mahra is the daughter of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and the Ruler of Dubai.

She is one of Mohammeds 26 children. Her mother, Zoe Grigorakos, is from Greece, so she has both Emirati and Greek roots. The Dubai ruler later divorced Grigorakos.

The Maktoum family has been a ruling dynasty in Dubai since the 19th century. Sheikh Mahra attended her university in the United Kingdom and studied international relations there. She also attended the Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government and received a certificate for completing the Accelerated Leadership On-Boarding Program in 2023.

From her Instagram post it is evident that apart from her royal duties and philanthropic works, Princess Sheikha Mahra Mohammed Rashed Al Maktoum loves travelling and is an animal lover. In January, she was featured on the cover of Harpers Bazaar Arabia.
After days of levelling serious domestic violence accusations against Artem Chigvintsev, Nikki Bella Garcia has officially filed for divorce from her husband. According to E! News, court documents indicate that the former WWE champion submitted her filing in Napa Valley, California. This comes nearly two weeks after Artem was arrested last month for allegedly assaulting Nikki, leaving her injured. He was charged under California Penal Code 273.5(a) for causing injury to a spouse or cohabitant, the report added. The Dancing With the Stars pro was later released on a $25,000 bond. Married in 2022, the couple has a four-year-old son, Matteo.

It remains to be seen if they will also contest for custody of their child.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nikki Garcia (@nikkigarcia)

Speaking about the current developments, Nikkis representative maintained that it is a private matter and requires utmost privacy for her and her family.

What Led To Artem Chigvintsevs Arrest?

On August 29, Chigvintsev was booked in Napa County for felony corporal injury to his wife. Right after the arrest, a few details came to light surrounding the incident. According to a radio dispatch call obtained by TMZ, Artem reportedly called 911, seeking medical assistance, and claimed that Nikki had thrown shoes at him.

Initially came in as requesting medical, but now he is stating he got into an argument with his wife, and his wife threw shoes at the reporting party, the dispatcher said in the audio recording. The call also noted active 415, a code for suspected disturbing of the peace, further adding that there was a child on the scene.

While the request was later cancelled, the police still showed up at the house and arrested Artem after finding obvious injury marks on the victims body. No further information was available on the incident.

While speculations about the couples next steps were still swirling, Nikki Garcia hinted at the impending divorce by recently ditching her wedding ring. At Netflixs live hot dog eating contest, the 40-year-old was spotted without it. The couple has also been living apart, with Artem reportedly staying at a friends place.

Neither Artem nor Nikki have issued any statements on their relationship status.
Rahul Bose, Aparshakti Khurana, Ishwak Singh, and Anupria Goenkas film Berlin, after making waves at numerous international film festivals, is finally set to premiere on Zee5 on September 13. The thriller revolves around a sign language expert brought in to interrogate and interpret for a deaf and mute spy on behalf of the government. The movie marks the first time these talented actors will collaborate on screen. Anupria Goenka, a self-proclaimed fan of Rahul Bose, couldnt contain her excitement at the thought of sharing screen space with him.

In Berlin, Anupria plays a honey-trap and shares some intimate moments with Rahul, depicted through a series of photographs. In an exclusive interview with News18 Showsha, she opened up about filming these scenes and how it caught Rahul off guard. Rahul, who is known to be a method actor, said, I dont know her. Im seeing her for the first time. If you ask him now, hell claim he had it all under control, but honestly, he was so flustered, Anupria laughs.

The experience even helped her move beyond her fan-girl feelings. Here was this brilliant actor, someone whos done all kinds of roles, and yet he was a bit shy that day because we had to shoot an intimate scene! We werent technically filming, just posing for some photos. I cant tell you how shy he was, and I loved watching him like that! The fan girl in me quickly turned into someone who was teasing him, she recalls with a grin.

Anupria, known for her roles in Padmaavat and War, also revealed that Rahuls usual chatter came to a halt. For someone whos always talking, he was so quiet that day. It was just me and Atul [Sabharwal], our director, figuring out the scene while Rahul was like an object we moved around for the shots. He even joked about me being taller than him, and I told him to put on a pair of heels!

Despite their initial awkwardness, Anupria said the duo managed to crack the scene perfectly. The pictures turned out beautifully, even though it was an uncomfortable situation. We had just met for the first time, and I had to appear confident, like I had control over the scene, without letting my nerves show. It was quite an experience, she adds.

Anupria also confessed that she used to have a crush on Rahul when she was younger. Growing up, we all have our fantasies about our favourite stars, and for me, it was Rahul Bose. I think I manifested working with him. On the day of the shoot, I kept thinking, Who wouldve thought Id get to act with him, and in such an intimate scene? I had faith in the universes magic at that moment, she reminisces.
Arbaaz Khan and his wife Sshura Khan were seen leaving Malaika Aroras parents apartment long after her fathers funeral ended. Malaikas stepfather Anil Mehta died on Wednesday. The last rites and funeral took place on Thursday. Arbaaz and Sshura were seen attending the funeral. A new video has shown that the couple was with the Arora family after the funeral rituals ended.

In a video shared on Instagram, Arbaaz and Sshura were seen leaving the Aroras home. The actor and his wife were headed to their car when they ran into Gauri Khan. They greeted each other before the couple left. It seems like the couple was ensuring Malaika was okay before they left the family home.

Arbaaz was the first one to arrive at Anil Mehtas home after his death. He was with Malaikas family until late last night, supporting them in everything that they needed.

Anil Mehta, who is reportedly Malaikas stepfather, passed away on Wednesday. Initial investigation suggested he died by suicide. However, Mumbai police has said they are investigating the death from all possible angles.

News18 has learned that the post-mortem was conducted on Wednesday night at around 8 pm. An insider revealed that the report has cited multiple injuries as Mehtas cause of death. More details are awaited. Previously, sources claimed Malaikas mother, in her statement to the police, said that Anil would routinely sit in the balcony and read the newspapers every morning. She told the police that while they were divorced, had started living together again for the past few years.

Joyce also informed the police that on Wednesday morning, when she saw her ex-husbands slippers in the living room, she went to look for him in the balcony. When she could not find him there, she leaned over and saw below. The building watchman was shouting for help. Joyce also told the police that Anil Mehta was not suffering from illness. He only had some knee pain. He had taken VRS from the Merchant Navy.
Vijay Varma starrer IC184 The Kandahar Hijack is the re-telling of the infamous incident in Indias defence history. It has piqued the nations interest and the Indian officials involved in the negotiations are recalling the ordeal. In a recent chat, the chief of the R&AW at the time, AS Dulat, spoke about the ghost passenger whose identity was kept a secret. The show also depicted how there was one high-profile passenger on the plane and if the terrorists had known their identity, they would have an upper hand.

In an interview with Barkha Dutt, Dulat revealed that this passenger was Shashi Bhushan Singh Tomar, then the R&AW station chief in Kathmandu. He was reportedly seated on 16C. Dulat said that Tomar had two brothers-in-law in high offices, one was NK Singh from the PMO and the other was the head of the NSG.

When asked if the high-profile mans presence on the plane was why the commandos werent deployed in Amritsar, Dulat said, NK Singh, we were both in the PMO, was certainly concerned. But that concern was only exhibited to me. He would ask me now and then, what was happening. I understood why he was worried; it was his sisters husband. But at that point in time, let me tell you, when the plane was in Amritsar, nobody in the government knew that there was an R&AW officer on board that flight. I knew, but nobody else did. I didnt tell anybody. There was no need to tell anybody, there was no need to advertise it.

He continued, Gradually, it became known. NKs stress and tension It became known. But it was known to very few people. We didnt want to advertise it. The ISI and Taliban didnt know at all, otherwise that poor fellow might have been beheaded. Nobody knew. Till Tomar came back to Delhi, nobody knew. And that is the reason we never spoke about it and never advertised it. His life wouldve been in jeopardy He wouldve been blindfolded, a knife kept to his neck, and they wouldve said, Now talk.

Dulat mentioned that the Indian negotiators were also not aware of Tomars identity. Dulat recalled his meeting with Tomar after he came to Delhi. He told Tomar, Sorry for whatevers happened. How are you? Tomar told Dulat, I just sat quietly, and I didnt look those guys in the eye at all.

Poor Tomar is being blamed for having intelligence and not taking action. Now, if he knew that a hijack was imminent, would he have been on that plane? Dulat asked and added that the show is wrong in depicting that a junior officer had warned the government about the hijack. No, there was no such information. This is all hogwash, as far as I am concerned. Ive seen (the show), and that person goes around bashing up Nepalese. We dont do these things, nor was any Nepalese bashed up, he said.
The ongoing real estate standoff between Kevin Spacey and the Bethesda-based investor doesnt seem to stop. Weeks after the actor refused to vacate his Baltimore home, having lost it at an auction, Spacey is now reportedly trying to extort $100,000 from the buyer. According to a New York Post report, real estate investor Sam Asgari purchased the property from Spacey for around $3.24 million. Despite handing over the entire money, Asgari has accused the actor of trying to extort money from him.

He asked me for $100,000 to leave the property on November 17, and I said no, but he said that was his final offer. Hes saying Im bullying him to play the sympathy card. He wants to use the negative publicity to paint himself as the victim. Well, I dont plan to be a victim of his. Were going to fight, and were fighting him legally. If he overstays, I will sue him for every day hes stayed, he told the outlet.

Asgari also claimed that the property is already costing $40,000 per month over the homeowners fees, taxes, utility bills and other charges.

On the other hand, The Usual Suspects actors camp alleged that he is being bullied by Asgari, who is trying to force him out of the house.

Kevin Spacey breaks down in tears, revealing that his property is facing foreclosure.His house will be sold and auctioned. Kevin Spacey has no idea where he will live now and admits that he has no money. Kevin Spacey visited Africa with Jeffrey Epstein along with Chris Tucker pic.twitter.com/lGVJXUMTYA  Shadow of Ezra (@ShadowofEzra) June 11, 2024

Hes not giving any reason for why he wont leave, like hes homeless or something. Its really odd. On what planet is it OK for you to hold someones property and demand crazy money if they want to get it back? It really feels like extortion now, like hes holding onto the property for ransom, Asgaris associate said in defense.

Earlier in August, Asgari claimed that the actor was refusing to leave the property, asking for six more months without paying a penny. It is pertinent to note that the 9,000-square-foot house, once dubbed Baltimores more extraordinary home, was Kevin Spaceys primary residence. He purchased it in 2017 for around $5.65 million. Following multiple sexual assault accusations and loss of work, the actor fell behind in payments. In 2022, Spacey was even ordered to pay $31 million to the producers of House of Cards due to allegations of misconduct, NYP reported.
Malaika Arora was spotted outside her father Anil Mehtas residence on Thursday night, her face partially hidden behind a mask. The actress looked visibly heartbroken as she stepped out of her parents home following the completion of her fathers last rites. She was accompanied by her long-time partner, Arjun Kapoor, who walked solemnly beside her.

In a recent turn of events, reports have indicated that Malaika and Arjun parted ways. However, Arjun has been a constant support for Malaika since her fathers tragic passing on September 11, 2024. Anil Mehta reportedly died by suicide, jumping from the balcony of his home in Bandra, Mumbai. This devastating loss has left Malaika and her family in deep mourning.

A video shared by a paparazzi page, Viral Bhayani, captures Malaika exiting the building, her eyes hidden behind the mask, yet her sorrow was evident in her body language. She wore a loose, all-white linen co-ord set. Arjun, on the other hand, was dressed in an all-black ensemble, looking serious and composed as he stayed by her side. Their presence together speaks volumes, despite the rumours of their separation.

Earlier, Salman Khan was also seen visiting Malaikas family to pay his respects. Dressed casually in a navy-blue shirt and distressed jeans, Salman made a brief but somber appearance. This is the first time Salman has publicly reunited with Malaika since her divorce from his younger brother, Arbaaz Khan, in 2017.

Several Bollywood stars have visited the family to offer their condolences during this difficult time. Malaikas father, Anil Mehta, was deeply loved by his family and was described as a gentle soul, a devoted grandfather, and a loving husband.

On September 11, Malaika released an emotional statement about her fathers passing, requesting privacy during this heart-wrenching period. Her message read: We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our dear father, Anil Mehta Our family is in deep shock by this loss and we kindly request privacy We appreciate your understanding, support, and respect.

Malaikas friends, family, and colleagues have rallied around her, offering support as she navigates this painful chapter.
Indian actor, director, and writer Randeep Hooda, celebrated for his work in Indian cinema and dedication to environmental conservation, recently visited Delhi, where he was hosted by Hon. Vice President of India, Jagdeep Dhankar, at his residence in Enclave.

Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, shared two pictures of the meeting on X (formerly Twitter), writing: Met artist Shri @RandeepHooda in Delhi. We spoke at length about several issues including his art and industry. Also, discussed his experience playing nationalist freedom fighter Veer Savarkar.

Met artist Shri @RandeepHooda in Delhi. We spoke at length about several issues including his art and industry. Also, discussed his experience playing nationalist freedom fighter Veer Savarkar. pic.twitter.com/xC52NnDCDf Bhupender Yadav (@byadavbjp) September 12, 2024

Randeep Hooda graciously responded to Yadavs warm reception, expressing, It was a great pleasure and an honour to meet you @byadavbjp sir. The conversation drawing from your immense and deep knowledge on various subjects including environment, conservation and protection of nature was a very enriching experience for me. Furthermore, your knowledge on cinema was refreshing/energising. Thank you for your time and hospitality.

It was a great pleasure and an honour to meet you @byadavbjp sir. The conversation drawing from your immense and deep knowledge on various subjects including environment, conservation and protection of nature was a very enriching experience for me. Furthermore your knowledge on https://t.co/qyukYTXO5r Randeep Hooda (@RandeepHooda) September 12, 2024

In addition to Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar, the gathering at Enclave was attended by Shri Vineet Dhanda and Shri Varun Jamwal. Randeep, who is also renowned for his wildlife photography, love for animals, and philanthropic efforts, engaged in thoughtful discussions with Yadav on their respective fields of interest. The Minister further announced the meeting on social media.

On the professional front, Randeep Hooda recently shared news of his upcoming collaboration with Sunny Deol and director Gopichand Malineni, marking an exciting new project for the actor.

Randeep Hooda was last seen in the film Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, which also marked his directorial debut. The movie, which stars Ankita Lokhande as Yamunabai Savarkar, revolves around the life of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, with Randeep portraying the titular role.

The film offers a comprehensive biographical portrayal of Savarkar, from his childhood to key events in his life, presenting him in a near-reverential light. While the movie has been criticized for allegedly distorting historical facts and promoting a one-sided agenda, it has received praise for the performances of its cast, especially Randeeps portrayal of Savarkar.

Speaking about his directorial debut, Randeep had previously explained his motivation for making Swatantrya Veer Savarkar, saying he wanted to introduce a broader understanding of India beyond the well-known figure of Mahatma Gandhi.

During the films global promotion, Randeep addressed the takeaway for international audiences, stating: I have taken the route of telling the story of the armed revolution  especially overseas  for a country like India where the image of India that we know of is one of non-violence.

Therefore, it should be interesting for people across the world to watch this and hence I made it for the international audience in that sense. So that they get to know about India more than just Mahatma Gandhi, he added.
Salman Khan and his family have garnered widespread appreciation on social media for their unwavering support toward Malaika Arora after the tragic death of her father, Anil Mehta. Despite Malaikas divorce from Arbaaz Khan in 2017, the Khan family stood by her side during this difficult time, showcasing their close-knit bond.

Anil Mehta reportedly died by suicide, jumping from the balcony of his home in Bandra, Mumbai. The loss has devastated Malaika and her family, but the Khans, including Salman, Arbaaz, Sohail Khan, Salim Khan, Salma Khan, Helen, Arpita Khan Sharma, and Alvira Agnihotri, have been regular visitors to Malaikas parents residence to offer their condolences and support.

Social media users have been flooding platforms with praise for the Khan family, acknowledging their loyalty and care despite Malaikas separation from Arbaaz. As they say, Salman may not show up for celebrations, but hell always be there in tough times, one user remarked. Another echoed this sentiment, saying, Even after Malaikas split with Arbaaz, its heartwarming to see the entire family by her side.

Many netizens have pointed out how Salman Khan, in particular, had no obligation to visit but did so out of genuine care for Malaika and her family. Salman didnt have to go, but he did. That speaks volumes about his character, one fan wrote. Others added that the Khan familys ability to rise above personal differences and support each other during times of sorrow is a testament to their integrity. Hats off to Salman and his family for showing up when it matters most, another comment read.

Malaika and Arbaaz, despite their divorce, have continued to co-parent their son, Arhaan, and are often seen together in public for family gatherings. However, its been rare to see Malaika with the rest of the Khan family until this recent tragic event.

On September 11, Malaika released a heartfelt statement, requesting privacy as her family mourns the loss. She expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from friends and well-wishers during this trying time.
K-dramas have captivated audiences worldwide with their unique storylines, star-studded casts and visually stunning scenes. Fans eagerly anticipate each new release. Recently, Disney+ delighted K-drama enthusiasts by offering a sneak peek at the upcoming dramas set to premiere on the streaming platform throughout the rest of 2024 and into 2025.

On September 12, Disney+Korea shared a video on its social media platforms revealing the lineup of its upcoming dramas. Apart from the recently released comedy-drama Seoul Busters, which premiered on the streaming platform on September 11, Disney+ plans to release two more dramas in 2024. One is the crime drama Gangnam B-Side, and the other is Light Shop.

Seoul Busters is a comedy series starring Kim Dong-wook, Park Ji-hwan, Seo Hyun-woo, Park Se-wan and Lee Seung-woo. The plot revolves around the countrys lowest-ranking violent crimes unit, which transforms into the nations top team once an elite leader joins them. Meanwhile, Ji Chang-wook and Jo Woo-jins crime drama Gangnam B-side will follow the life of a demoted detective who will team up with a prosecutor and a mysterious broker to uncover the truth.

On the other hand, Light Shop, an adaptation of Kang Fulls Webtoon Moving, will depict the stories of the living and the dead, whose paths cross through a mysterious lamp shop. The drama boasts a star-studded cast that includes Park Bo-young, Joo Ji-hoon, Bae Sung-woo and many more.

In 2025, Disney+ Korea will have an interesting line-up of dramas based on various genres, ranging from rom-com to crime thrillers. Up first is Trigger, starring Kim Hye-soo. It is set against the backdrop of Koreas first Investigative Journalism Bureau of a broadcasting company. As per reports, the actress has been offered the role of the bureaus leader, who has a strong sense of justice.

The next K-drama is Hyper Knife, a medical crime thriller about a battle between two doctors. It stars Park Eun-bin, Sol Kyung-gu, Yoon Chan-young, and Park Byung-eun in the main roles. Another drama to release in 2025 is Knock Off, starring Kim Soo-Hyun and Jo Bo-ah, which will tell the tale of a guy whose life would change after the 1997 Asian financial crisis. He would go from being a regular office worker to becoming the global counterfeit market king.

Kim Da-mi and Son Suk-ku will lead the mystery-thriller Nine Puzzles, which will tell the tale of the sole survivor of an unsolved case from ten years ago and a detective who continues to suspect her as they uncover the details of a serial murder case that starts with an enigmatic puzzle piece. On the other hand, Low Life, starring Ryu Seung-ryong, Yang Se-jong, Im Soo-jung, and more, revolves around the lives of honest villains who attempt to use a treasure ship hidden in the ocean to make a lot of money.

Meanwhile, Jun Ji-Hyun and Kang Dong-won will star in Tempest, a romantic spy drama. Disney+s original series, Made in Korea, features a star-studded cast of Hyun Bin, Won Ji-an, Seo Eun-soo, Cho Yeojeong and Jung Sung Il. The story will tell the tale of a prosecutor who gives his all to stop Baek Ki-tae, a man motivated by ambition for wealth and power, as they deal with a significant incident during the unstable 1970s.
Shah Rukh Khan was spotted arriving at Mumbais HN Reliance Foundation Hospital late at night on September 12 as the Bollywood superstar visited his Jawan co-star Deepika Padukone, who recently gave birth to her first child with husband Ranveer Singh. The actress welcomed a baby girl on September 8, 2024, and the news has been celebrated by fans and industry peers alike.

A video surfaced online showing Shah Rukh Khan arriving in his white Rolls Royce, adding to the buzz surrounding the birth of Deepika and Ranveers daughter. This visit comes as part of a wave of high-profile guests paying their respects and congratulating the new parents. Mukesh Ambani was among the first to visit the couple at the hospital, extending his congratulations and blessings to the newborn.

Deepika and Ranveers announcement of their baby girl on Instagram received an outpouring of love from the Bollywood fraternity. Alia Bhatt, Priyanka Chopra, Katrina Kaif, and Sara Ali Khan all took to social media to send their warm wishes. Kareena Kapoor also shared her congratulations, wishing the couple and their little one well.

As for Deepika Padukone, she is expected to take a brief hiatus from her professional commitments following the birth. News18 Showsha previously reported that Deepika plans to be on maternity leave until March 2025. After her break, she will resume work on the sequel to Kalki 2898 AD, which will also star Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, and Prabhas.

Meanwhile, Ranveer Singh is gearing up for his upcoming roles in Singham Again and Don 3, the latter of which will also feature Kiara Advani. As the couple adjusts to their new roles as parents, their industry colleagues and fans continue to shower them with love and support.
Theres no denying that Tejasswi Prakash and Karan Kundrra are one of televisions most loved couples. Their chemistry and public appearances always win fans hearts, and the recent Ganpati special episode, Khushiyon Ka Shree Ganesh, was no exception. Featuring alongside her mother, Tejasswi shared some quirky revelations on the special show that left audiences smiling.

Hosted by comedian Sugandha Mishra, the episode not only highlighted the festive celebrations but also dived into Tejasswi and Karans relationship. The playful interaction started when Sugandha teasingly brought up the topic of Tejasswis wedding plans. Tejasswis mother adorably revealed, Ji sab puchte hai. Shaadi karni hai, which means everyone is asking when the wedding is happening. When asked if the groom has been finalised, Tejasswi, blushing, humorously mentioned that the search for the groom is still ongoing. But her mother hilariously added, Nai, hogaya hai innka (The groom is finalised), playfully confirming Karan as the chosen one!

The fun didnt stop there. When Sugandha pointed out that shes Punjabi, Tejasswi quipped that this made her part of her future in-laws family, as Karan is also from Punjab. The playful back-and-forth between Tejasswi and her mom had everyone giggling, and fans were quick to take to social media to express their delight at the candid moments.

Tejasswi and Karan first met on the sets of Bigg Boss 15, where their bond grew quickly from friendship to love. Despite various challenges and obstacles inside the house, the couple came out stronger and have been going steady for more than two years. Post Bigg Boss 15, the duo has been inseparable, often sharing glimpses of their life together through vlogs and social media.

Tejasswi, who won Bigg Boss 16, was last seen in Naagin 6. Though she is currently not on television, she stays busy with appearances on other shows and events. Recently, the couple returned from a London trip, continuing to charm fans with their travel adventures and candid moments.
Actor Bhavya Gandhi, who used to play the role of Tappu in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, has revealed that he still watches old episodes of the show. In a recent interview, Bhavya shared that he finds old episodes of the popular sitcom hilarious also because he was also a part of it. However, the actor did not mention anything regarding the current episodes of TMMOC.

I do watch it. In fact, a few days back, I was on bed rest for about one and a half months due to an injury. During that particular period, I spent half of my time watching the old episodes of the show. It seemed more hilarious to me because I was also aware of the back story. So, whenever I watched any episode, I would recall how the scene was shot and the environment on the set at that particular moment, Bhavya told Pinkvilla.

Bhavya Gandhi left TMKOC in 2017. He was replaced by Raj Anadkat. However, a few years later, he also quit Asit Kumarr Modis show. Currently, Nitish Bhaluni plays the role of Jethalals son Tappu in TMKOC.

Meanwhile, Bhavya Gandhi is all set for his comeback on television. He will now be seen as a psychotic antagonist Prabhaas in the show Pushpa Impossible. Recently, the actor also opened up about his comeback when he told IANS, Stepping into the role of Prabhaas is a delightful experience for me as I am playing a negative character for the first time and this role is very different from playing the innocent Tappu from Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah.

Prabhaas is unpredictable and deeply troubled, with a calm exterior that masks intense inner turmoil, making him dangerously fascinating. Returning to television with such a complex character on home channel Sony SAB is incredibly exciting for me, he added.
Veteran actor Rajesh Puri recently narrowly escaped a frightening ordeal when a group of men reportedly attempted to kidnap him. As per reports, he had received an invitation from someone named Shivam to attend an event in Delhi on September 8. However, upon arriving in the capital city for what he believed to be an award function where he was scheduled to be the chief guest, Rajesh discovered that the event was a ruse intended to trap him.

In a conversation with ETimes TV, Rajesh Puri, while sharing the ordeal, revealed he was also paid Rs 35,000 from the scammer. Additionally, the actor received a return ticket from Delhi, booked for September 9. To make it all look legitimate, the actor was requested to give some of his pictures for event posters and have a speech ready. The only thing suspicious about the whole incident was that the scammer never sent any official invitation to the actor.

Further recalling what transpired in Delhi, Rajesh Puri divulged being received by two men at Delhi airport. The actor continued, They took me in a taxi, and after about an hour, they stopped and transferred my luggage into the car. The new car had no license plate, and the driver wore a mask, which raised my suspicions. When I asked him, he claimed it was a new car, but something felt off.

Despite the alarming situation, Rajesh Puri managed to escape unharmed. The actor revealed that he successfully convinced the kidnappers of his strong connections in Delhi, which played a crucial role in his escape. Eventually, they stopped at a dhaba 12 kilometres away from Meerut, where one of them disclosed the truth and instructed him to leave.

Rajesh Puri went on to share, I was shocked when the guy told me, Aap wapas chale jaao. Yeh kuch bhi theek nahi hai, koi function nahi hai, aur aap kidnap ho gaye ho. I demanded they drop me back as we were in an isolated area, or I would call for help. After a discussion among themselves, the men agreed to drop me at the border, where my brother-in-law picked me up.

After the ordeal ended, one of the men contacted Rajesh Puri to reveal that he was being taken to a remote location where the kidnappers planned to demand a ransom of Rs 1-2 crore. The man also admitted that he had been fed a fabricated story claiming that Rajesh owed Rs 35 lakh to the person who orchestrated the plot.
Vijay Varma recently starred in the Netflix series IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, which depicts the harrowing events of December 24, 1999, when an Indian Airlines flight travelling from Kathmandu to New Delhi was hijacked. Released on August 29, 2024, the series features an impressive cast including Naseeruddin Shah, Pankaj Kapur, Arvind Swamy, Dia Mirza and Vijay Varma. However, Vijay Varmas journey in the acting industry wasnt always smooth.

In a recent conversation with Indian Express, the actor reflected on his acting journey and revealed unknown anecdotes. There were no offers until about post Gully Boy. Casting directors did believe in me, but I was not given a chance for a long, long time, Vijay said.

For context, the handsome hunk made his acting debut with a notable short film, Shor, in 2008. Four years later, he made his feature film debut with Chittagong, directed by Bedabrata Pain. Then, he starred in Rangrezz, Gang of Ghosts, Pink, Raag Desh and many others. But it was only with Zoya Akhtars musical drama Gully Boy, released in 2019, starring Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt in lead roles, that Vijay got his breakthrough role as Moeen Arif. While the film was submitted as Indias entry to the Oscar, Vijays stardom skyrocketed like haywire.

Since then, the actor never looked back, and the hunger for good work motivated Vijay to give countless auditions. However, life was not easy for him even then. He revealed how he was dropped despite being locked for Saif Ali Khans role in Anurag Kashyaps Scared Games (first episode released in 2018). Vijay said, In some auditions, I was on the waitlist, in the top five, top two, and then I was locked, and then I was dropped! I was locked in Sacred Games, I did my costume measurements, and then I got dropped.

But Vijay didnt lose hope even after getting dropped from films. Stuff like that has happened, but some part of me kept the faith and belief. Work started coming in after Gully Boy, but I think I was so starved for work, that I took a lot of it after the film, he added.

Vijay then started getting offers for negative characters. Although he initially wasnt able to realise the same, later, he wanted to break the industrys notion of slotting him in negative roles. He shared, When Darlings happened, I couldnt imagine myself in that role, and then a series of roles happened where I was playing extremely devious, atrocious or devious men. A part of me wanted to break it, but I couldnt possibly do it myself. I found great support in filmmakers, who said they had seen me like that and wanted to offer me something new.

Finally, Vijay explained how he landed in a good character. He said, Thats how Sujoy Ghosh got me Jaane Jaan, where he decided to show me in a new light. Homi Adajania gave me Murder Mubarak, and Anubhav Sinha sir got me IC 814.

Someone who has just seen Darlings and Dahaad will not think this is the most noble character we have, and we want this guy to play him. The industry works in mysterious ways, when they see potential in you, they also want to give you the chance to tap on the other side of you. I didnt break any stereotypes, because I didnt make any stereotypes. They made it, they broke it, Vijay concluded.
GLOBALink | Chinese market seen as crucial for German firms, says German economist Pub Date:24-09-12 09:32 Source:Xinhua "China is such an important market for the German companies that they keep investing there," said Hermann Simon, a prominent German economist known as the father of the "hidden champions" theory, told Xinhua in a recent interview. #GLOBALink Editor:Zheng Chen

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The much-anticipated trailer for Koratala Sivas Devara: Part 1, starring Jr NTR, Saif Ali Khan, and Janhvi Kapoor, was recently released, garnering mixed reactions from audiences. However, it was one particular review by two YouTubers that caught the attention of actor Vishwak Sen, prompting him to voice his strong disapproval.

A video clip shared on the Instagram page Telugu Memes featured a live discussion from a YouTube channel called Ragadi. In the video, the YouTubers highlighted several criticisms of the Devara trailer, including a comment on Jr NTRs appearance and dissatisfaction with a specific scene where he rides a shark. This critique did not sit well with Vishwak, who responded on Instagram.

In a heated comment, Vishwak wrote, Na Peru karab cheyyadanike puttadu veeedu, fist goda ki support lekunda 2 mins kurcho nuvvu, tharvatha, cinema ni, audience ni uddariddu kani. Kaaalthundhi naku kani, already kalipoyyina face needi em cheddam, nuvve matladali andham gurinchi. (This man exists to ruin my name. You first sit without taking the support of a wall for 2 minutes, later, you can discuss how to make better cinema for the audience. Just looking at your face makes me mad, so you should be the last one to talk about someones looks.) He also clarified that the person he was addressing shares his name, Vishwak, which fueled the intensity of his statement.

For those unfamiliar, Vishwak Sen is a self-proclaimed fan of Jr NTR, who shares a positive relationship with him. Jr NTR has previously praised Vishwak, along with Siddhu Jonnalagadda, as rising stars with the potential to shape the future of the Telugu film industry. At an event, Jr NTR said, I always believed that Vishwak Sen and Siddhu would play a very instrumental role in taking the industry forward with fresh ideas and content. And looking at them both today, I feel very proud. We need daredevils like these to take the industry to the next level.

Devara: Part 1 features Jr NTR in the lead role as Varadha, with Saif Ali Khan as Bhaira and Janhvi Kapoor as Thangam. The films soundtrack, composed by Anirudh Ravichander, has already released three songs  Fear Song, Chuttamalle, and Daavudi  all of which have received mixed reactions. The first part of Devara is set for release in Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, and Hindi on September 27.
Former editor-in-chief Chung Pui-kuen, and acting chief editor Patrick Lam of Hong Kongs Stand News, have been found guilty of sedition, marking the first such conviction since the territory was handed over to the Peoples Republic of China in 1997. The court determined that 11 out of 17 articles published by Stand News were seditious in nature. This ruling represents the latest effort by the Chinese-backed government in Hong Kong to suppress journalists and media outlets, following the controversial implementation of the National Security Law in June 2020.

The National Security Law (NSL), enacted on the pretext of securing the long-term stability and prosperity of Hong Kong, primarily targets pro-democracy protestors, journalists, and media outlets critical of China in the aftermath of the 2019 protests. This legislation has severely undermined media freedom in the region through stringent controls over media organisations. Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK), the territorys only independent public broadcaster, known for its courageous journalism and editorial independence, has been transformed into a state media outlet, following the appointment of pro-China officials in its management team. This shift has led to the resignation of senior staff and the dismissal of journalists who were critical of Hong Kongs leader, Carrie Lam. Consequently, RTHK has become a propaganda tool that collaborates with Chinese state media to broadcast programmes designed to instill a strong sense of patriotism among the populace, while overtly censoring any content that critiques China.

Within a year of the implementation of the NSL, Hong Kongs prominent independent media outlet, Apple Daily, was compelled to shut down its operations in June 2021, followed by Stand News in December of the same year. In the aftermath of these closures, police conducted raids on their offices, seized assets, and arrested several journalists. In addition to the raids carried out under the NSL, Chung Pui-kuen and Patrick Lam, the editor-in-chief and acting editor of Stand News, were arrested for conspiracy to publish seditious publications, a charge stemming from colonial-era sedition laws.

Prior to this, Jimmy Lai, the founder of Apple Daily and a well-known pro-democracy activist, was arrested under the NSL for allegedly colluding with foreign forces and endangering national security. According to Reporters Without Borders, approximately a dozen journalists were detained under the NSL in 2021, a year marked by a new wave of assaults on press freedom. Not only did major independent outlets close, but local publications such as Citizens News and Mad Dog Daily also ceased operations, citing escalating safety concerns for their journalists amid the deteriorating media landscape in Hong Kong. Furthermore, the pro-democracy radio station, Citizens Radio, was shut down by authorities through restrictions on donations and operational challenges. The crackdown on media freedom has thus been characterised by censorship, surveillance, arrests, and forced closures.

A massive slide in media freedom in Hong Kong is evident in the press freedom index report published by Reporters Without Borders. The territorys ranking plummeted from 80 to 135 in the 2024 report, reflecting a very serious situation regarding press freedom, a trend that has been consistent since 2019. A recent survey conducted by the Hong Kong Journalists Association indicates that press freedom has reached its lowest point in 11 years, largely due to the implementation of the National Security Law (2020) and Article 23 (March 2024). The latter imposes even stricter restrictions on media through harsher penalties.

By broadening the definition of state secrets, Article 23 places journalists and media outlets at greater risk in exercising their rights to free journalism, with 92 per cent of journalists reporting that Article 23 has significantly harmed press freedom in Hong Kong. Since the NSLs enactment, approximately 900 journalists have reportedly lost their jobs, while 28 have faced prosecution under the law, and 10 remain in detention. This repression has led to a growing exodus of journalists and individuals associated with independent media. Foreign media outlets, also at risk under the NSL and Article 23, have responded by relocating, with The New York Times moving its operations to Seoul and others shifting to Taiwan.

The recent convictions of Chung Pui-kuen and Patrick Lam, editor-in-chief and acting editor of Stand News respectively, are emblematic of Chinas tightening control over Hong Kong through repressive legislation aimed at transforming the once vibrant culture of free journalism into a state-controlled mouthpiece that promotes Chinas One-China policy. The targeted attacks on independent journalists, known for their pro-democracy stance and critical analysis of Chinese policies, further illustrate how China has systematically eroded Hong Kongs regional autonomy that it had previously enjoyed. The onslaught on Hong Kongs media freedom should be a global concern, as it poses a serious threat to the culture of independent journalism.

The writer is an author and columnist and has written several books. His X handle is @ArunAnandLive. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.
Tureen Afroz already had a premonition that Sheikh Hasinas exit from the country would not bode well for her. After all, she had served as the chief prosecutor in the 1971 war crime trials and had come on the radar of Islamists since that moment only. Her worst fears came true on the very day that Hasina left Bangladesh when a mob entered her home and tortured her brutally. Her hair was chopped off, she was admonished for not wearing hijab, even called a prostitute and a sharp pencil was repeatedly jabbed in her leg. After subjecting her to this ordeal, the mobsters finally left the place but not without a warning to her that she must leave Bangladesh.

Afroz was not alone in being the target of Islamists. Aarti (name changed), a Hindu and hence a kafir in their eyes, was raped by a mob of not less than 30 men behind a cowshed in Satkhira district at a time when her husband was admitted to a hospital for medical treatment. Afroz or Aarti, there can be no denial about the fact that Bangladesh is now a sight of daily mob violence. The world witnessed another exhibit of the same on Wednesday, when a 15-year-old boy, Utsav Mondal, was thrashed by an Islamist mob in front of the Bangladeshi military personnel, that too inside a police station. There were allegations of blasphemy against him but instead of letting the countrys anti-blasphemy law take its course, the Islamists decided to take matters into their own hands even as the police and military watched silently.

The protests in Bangladesh that began as a students movement against job quotas took no time in becoming a regime-change campaign against Sheikh Hasina, but since her ouster have further deteriorated into complete lawlessness of which minorities, especially Hindus, have become the worst victims. As per a report by the New Delhi-based Centre for Democracy, Pluralism and Human Rights, within a week of Hasinas exit from Bangladesh, more than 200 cases of persecution of Hindus were recorded. This included cases of targeted killings, vandalism of personal and business properties and even sexual assault of women. There is even a systemic effort to erase the identity of Hindus from the country as many Hindus are reporting that looters and arsonists are robbing them of their government documents as well. This is a fact that can be further confirmed by the manner in which more than 50 government teachers have been assaulted and forced to resign by their own students emboldened by the Islamists. In fact, in a recent controversial move, a government ministry even asked the departments to prepare a list of Hindu officers. Later, it was clarified that it was a clerical error and the list was meant to be prepared for the purpose of Durga Puja celebrations, but the human rights groups have refused to accept this excuse.

Even as Bangladeshi Hindus are witnessing the worst form of targeted violence, a culture of denial, at the global level, has emerged around their plight. The international media has barely covered their myriad stories of persecution but even in the few pieces that have been published, the Hindus have been actively blamed for their political association with the Awami League (AL) and the attacks have been termed as revenge attacks.

While it is true that the AL party enjoys a large support from minorities, atheists and even liberal-secular Muslims, the persecution of Hindus has nothing to do with supporting the party. The incidents that are being reported, especially from the hinterland, are targeting the most downtrodden section of society who are too poor to have any political affiliation whatsoever. Even Indian media outlets have platformed persecution deniers from Bangladesh who are gas-lighting us to believe that everything is business as usual. But the current Indian government is not buying this line of defence.

In a phone conversation with US President Joe Biden, PM Modi duly raised the issue of targeted violence against Hindus in the country. However, while the handout of the telephonic conversation released by the Indian side did mention this, the American version of the same failed to mention the plight of Hindus. This has ended up bolstering the confidence of the interim government of Bangladesh led by Muhammad Yunus, who has quickly dismissed Indias concerns by calling incidents of persecution as political and not communal in nature. He has even accused India of viewing every political force in Bangladesh, except Hasina, as Islamist. Yunus may be trying to obfuscate the truth by indulging in victim-blaming but his governments record, so far, hardly inspires any confidence especially when he himself has hobnobbed with Islamist political forces such as Hefazat Chief Mamunul Haque.

His government has also lifted the ban from Jamaat-e-Islami, an outfit that wants Sharia law in the country and has links with the international terror organisation Muslim Brotherhood.

What Yunus as well as the Biden administration are doing is nothing but straight denial of the plight of the Hindus in Bangladesh. Even China has revived its contacts with Jamaat by conducting a meeting at their office in the country. At a time when big powers such as the US and China are looking away and even denying the persecution of minorities in Bangladesh, only India has stood as the rare voice of support for them.

According to certain people, the denial by the US stems from the fact that the anti-Hasina forces were nurtured by the Americans over a considerable period of time, and today, when Hasina has been finally unseated, it will be too risky for them to indict the Islamists for their acts against religious minorities. So, no wonder why they have turned a blind eye to Hindus becoming collateral damage of the pro-US regime. This is a believable proposition given the way the reports of American representatives meeting Jamaat leaders have been coming in for the past few months now. But it still doesnt absolve the larger international community of actively cultivating a culture of denial around Hindu persecution of which the United States itself is an obvious long-time culprit.

In the last few years, there have been many instances when the US government, and the Biden administration in particular, has taken steps to fix accountability for the ill-treatment of minorities by various countries. This includes the Chinese government officials who have been sanctioned over the treatment of Uighur Muslims in the Xinjiang province, or the Myanmar military officials for their persecution of Rohingya Muslims. In 2020, the US even placed Nigeria on the watch list over the persecution of Christian and Muslim minorities. In complete contrast to this, Hindus have rarely attracted any attention from the American establishment. In fact, when India tried to execute its civilisational responsibility towards Hindus left behind in the Islamic part of the subcontinent after partition, in the form of CAA in 2019, certain actors in the US criticised it.

The biggest example of silence on the plight of Hindus in the Indian subcontinent is present in Pakistan, where minor Hindu girls are abducted, forcefully converted, gang-raped and sometimes married to much older Muslim males on a daily basis. However, this has never raised any alarm in the minds of powers because you see, Hindus are a rather small price to pay for protecting their geopolitical interests in the region. What has already been normalised in Pakistan is now being normalised in the case of Bangladesh too. But it is nothing new. In 1971, during Operation Searchlight, widespread killings and rapes of Hindu women were a dark reality, and yet we all know how the perpetrators of these war crimes were left with total impunity. Not just this, even at that time, the US and China had sided with the Pakistani military. Whats happening today is nothing but a grim reminder of it.

Ironically, Hindus who are often demonised in India for practising majoritarian politics, are a minority everywhere else in the world. 95 per cent of the Hindus call India or Nepal their home with just 5 per cent of their population spread across the world, making them a vulnerable minority in every single country. This not only makes the expectations from India to speak for them very overwhelming, but it also makes it imperative for Hindus to do some soul-searching and raise their voices for their co-religionists. In the United States itself, a large Indian diaspora is present that consists of practising Hindus who can use the means at their disposal to do it. As for India, there prevails a selective amnesia with regard to the persecution of Hindus. The big Bollywood celebrities who raise their voice for every cause hardly ever come forward to speak on this. The film industry is not alone as even certain political parties as well as left-leaning intellectuals never speak for Hindus due to their tactical alliance with Islamists. For them, any recognition or discussion of violence by Islamists would also propagate Islamophobia and hence they consider it better to stay silent or even go in denial. This makes persecuted Hindus one of the most alienated and suppressed people in the world with no constituency of support. Thus, it is high time that the Hindu diaspora communities as well as those in India, whose conscience is still functioning, raise their voice against the torture of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh because the rest of the world is clearly not going to do it.
On the 131st anniversary of Swami Vivekanandas historic speech at the Worlds Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893, I reflect on his teachings and philosophy, and their relevance and connection to the mission of a Viksit Bharat.

Swami Vivekanandas teachings transcend time and resonate deeply with Indias mission of creating a Viksit Bharat. His ideals serve as guiding principles in building an empowered, prosperous, and inclusive society. As Rabindranath Tagore said, If you want to know India, study Vivekananda. In him, there is everything positive and nothing negative.

The Vision of Viksit Bharat

Viksit Bharat is an ambitious national vision to transform India into a developed nation by 2047, when the country will celebrate 100 years of independence. This vision encompasses various aspects of national development, including economic growth, social welfare, educational empowerment, technological advancements, and sustainable living.

Viksit Bharat is a national endeavour that calls upon every citizen to contribute towards the nations development. Unlike traditional top-down approaches, Viksit Bharat embodies a bottom-up philosophy, empowering individuals to become agents of change in their own right.

Swami Vivekanandas teachings are incredibly relevant to this vision, as they promote the holistic development of individuals and societies. His ideas of self-reliance, strength, and education align with the core objectives of Viksit Bharat. His philosophy encourages individuals to rise above their limitations, aim for excellence, and contribute to the nations collective progress.

Self-Reliance and Economic Empowerment

One of the most profound lessons from Swami Vivekanandas teachings is the call for self-reliance. He believed that a nations strength comes from its people, particularly their ability to stand on their own feet, both economically and spiritually. Hence, he advised them to arise, awake and stop not till the goal is reached, urging Bharatiyas to strive for self-sufficiency, resilience, and excellence. This philosophy is reflected in the Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative.

His teachings remind us that self-reliance is not just about economic independence but also about building inner strength, confidence, and characterqualities that will drive Indias progress. By fostering entrepreneurship, technological innovation, and sustainable development, India can reduce its dependence on foreign resources and emerge as a global leader, fulfilling Viksit Bharats vision.

Spiritual Strength as a Foundation for Progress

For Indias mission of Viksit Bharat to be truly successful, it must balance material progress with ethical and spiritual growth. As the nation modernises and embraces technological advancements, Swami Vivekanandas spiritual teachings provide the moral compass needed to ensure that progress benefits humanity as a whole. His philosophy encourages the pursuit of excellence while maintaining humility, compassion, and a sense of duty toward society.

Emphasis on Education

Education was central to Swami Vivekanandas teachings, and he viewed it as the key to national development. He believed that true education goes beyond mere bookish knowledge; it is about the manifestation of the perfection already in man.

This emphasis on education resonates strongly with Viksit Bharats focus on creating an inclusive, knowledge-driven society. The governments efforts to increase access to education through initiatives like the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 aim to make India a global knowledge hub, promoting critical thinking, creativity, and innovation.

His call for empowering women and marginalised sections through education remains relevant as India seeks to ensure equitable access to quality education for all. Swami Vivekananda said, My faith is in younger generation, the modern generation. They will work out the whole problem like lions

Speech at the Worlds Parliament of Religions in 1893

Swami Vivekanandas speech on September 11, 1893, is also profoundly relevant to the vision of Viksit Bharat. His message of tolerance, unity, and universal acceptance serves as a guiding philosophy and also offers valuable lessons for the business world.

His call for empathy and compassion is reflected in the modern concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The focus on inclusive growth and lifting the underprivileged sections of society aligns with the broader vision of Viksit Bharat.

His belief that all paths lead to the same goal encourages businesses and individuals to align their strategies with national priorities, contributing to Indias growth in a way that benefits all citizens.

Meeting of Two Great Minds

The story of Swami Vivekanandas and Jamsetji Tatas encounter in May 1893 aboard the SS Empress of India remains one of the most fascinating yet lesser-known chapters in Indias history. They met on a ship travelling from Yokohama to Vancouver. They were on their way to Chicago, where Vivekananda was to participate in the Worlds Parliament of Religions, while Jamsetji was visiting for an industrial exposition.

One of the key points of their conversation was Jamsetjis dream of building Indias scientific and industrial base. Vivekananda, deeply moved by the idea, emphasised that Indias hope lay in the progress and prosperity of its common people.

Five years after this meeting, Jamsetji wrote a letter to Vivekananda and sought his guidance in establishing a research institute in India that would be inspired by the ascetic spirit of India and devoted to scientific research. He believed that the asceticism that characterised Indias spiritual heritage could be directed toward scientific inquiry, bridging Indias past and future. His vision eventually materialised with the establishment of the Tata Institute of Science, which later became the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bangalore in 1911.

In todays context, Indian businesses are called upon to innovate and grow while also contributing to the larger societal good, much like the mission that Swami ji and Jamsetji Tata envisioned over a century ago. The emphasis on CSR, sustainable development, and inclusive growth that defines Indias business environment today finds its roots in the conversations between these two visionaries.

Conclusion

Swami Vivekanandas timeless message of tolerance, unity, and compassion and his emphasis on education, self-reliance, unity, and spirituality serve as a roadmap for Viksit Bharat. His philosophy encourages businesses to foster inclusivity, embrace innovation, and contribute to the greater good of society.

In a note penned after a meditation retreat in Kanniyakumari earlier this year, Prime Minister Modi wrote Swami Vivekananda had said in 1897 that we must dedicate the next 50 years solely to the nation. Exactly 50 years after this call, Bharat gained independence in 1947. Today, we have the same golden opportunity. Lets dedicate the next 25 years solely to the nation.

As Swami Vivekananda said, Every nation has a message to deliver, a mission to fulfill, a destiny to reach.
The seven (or ten) days that Swami Vivekananda spent with Bal Gangadhar Tilak at the latters residence in Pune in September 1892 did not shake the world. While Vivekananda was then a relatively unknown and ambulant monk from Bengal, Tilak ran law tutorials from his residence and was the rising star of the orthodox camp in Pune but far from being a national leader. Vivekanandas advent did catch the eye of the Pune society, but he departed too soon, apparently without taking formal leave from the host. Little did Vivekananda and Tilak know what destiny had in store for them within a span of twelve months.

Their feats would make them the cynosure of all eyes and help Hindu society regain its self-confidence undermined by the nineteenth-century reformist campaign. Though separated by a distance of more than 13,000 km, their acts coincided in time. While Vivekanandas impromptu speech at the Parliament of Religion in Chicago on September 11, 1893, filled Hindus with pride, the first edition of Tilaks Ganesh Utsav at Pune, which lasted from September 14 to 24, became a major success and trendsetter. It spread out to all parts of Maharashtra (and Maratha princely states) within a few years. It provided the model for Sarbojonin Durga Puja in Bengal during the first decade of the 20th century. More than a century and a quarter later, Ganesh Utsav is celebrated in various parts of India. It would be apposite to examine these two events in their historical context, even as the annual Ganesh Utsav is currently on.

It was the reformists, ranging from Raja Ram Mohun Roy (1772-1833) to Justice Mahadev Govind Ranade (1842-1901), who pioneered the growth of public opinion and culture in the 19th century. They believed in enlightened cooperation with British rule, which offered prospects for constitutional reforms. The reformists were not footloose when it came to religion and culture. Nor did they condone the ingress of Christian proselytism in the Hindu society. Rather, they wished to prove that Hinduism was a repository of superior philosophic thought as embodied in the Vedas and the Upanishads.

Roy, by translating the Upanishads into English, Bengali and Hindi, and publishing them by taking advantage of the nascent printing press technology, put into public domain what was in the custody of the few. Such was the state of the Hindu scholarship then, that people hardly knew anything about the Upanishads in Bengal. Roy was accused of forgery by Sanskrit scholars, who were mostly trained in Nyaya-Vaisheshika, Jyotish, and Hindu law. They alleged Roy was passing off his own writings in the name of ancient sages. Roy set up Atmiya Sabha and Brahmo Sabha (later Brahmo Samaj) which promoted the worship of the formless divine.

The reformists should no doubt be complimented for going to the foundation of Hindu philosophical thought, thus challenging the status quo in Hindu society. However, their approach suffered from several lacunae as well. They considered themselves on the right, and the rest of Hindu society as deviant. This deviation, to them, was the result of historical degeneration when the Hindu society abandoned the worship of the formless divine and espoused polytheism under the impact of the Puranas. Saying that the vast majority of the Hindu society lived in fatal error was akin to affirming, as Christian missionaries often did, that heathens lived in sin.

The reformists represented the advanced section of society. They were the elites of opinion-making, with whom the rest of the society could hardly compete. The number of authors, scientists, doctors and jurists that Brahmo Samaj produced in Bengal is disproportionate to their membership strength. They as though forced the rest of the Hindu society to live in guilt.

It would be wrong to keep only the Westernised elites in the category of reformers. They are nowadays unfairly labelled as pseudo-Christians for their love of British politics, and opposition to image worship. The Arya Samaj, founded by Swami Dayananda, who did not know a word of English, or at any rate could not be accused of Christian influence, was a more militant opponent of image worship among the Hindus.

Arya Samaj viewed the evolution of Hindu society subsequent to the Vedic era as degeneration. Thus Arya Samaj, while it reinvigorated the Hindu society in one sense, deepened the guilty conscience about image worship in another sense. In Maharashtra, Prarthana Samaj, with which Justice M.G. Ranade and antiquarian R.G. Bhandarkar were associated, was the best-known agency of the reformists.

II

The person who broke this stranglehold of guilty conscience about image worship was Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa (1836-86). He did so with the example of his own life, full of devotion and piety, rather than any scholarly disputation. He put realisation or direct perception of the divine at the heart of religious life. He espoused the devotion of the divine with form and without form, and declared that all paths to divinity are true. Keshub Chandra Sen (1838-1884), a leading figure of the Brahmo Samaj, gravitated towards Ramakrishnas path of devotion.

Swami Vivekananda (1863-1902) was Ramakrishnas foremost disciple. With a background in English education and knowledge of Western philosophy, he dived deep into spiritual pursuits. Having espoused a life of monkhood with fellow disciples of Ramakrishna, he travelled all over India in the early 1890s, obtaining firsthand knowledge about the condition of the country. Vivekanandas spiritual and mundane experiences convinced him about the profundity of Indian thought. He could see Indias fundamental greatness despite the poverty, misery, squalor and skullduggery.

His finest hour came on September 11, 1893, at the Parliament of World Religions in Chicago. Though he was not invited as a delegate as some other publicists from India, like Protap Chunder Mozoomdar (Brahmoism) and Virchand R. Gandhi (Jainism), he was permitted to address the audience. His lecture, which unforgettably began with the sentence Sisters and Brothers of America, contained a refrain  I am proud!

I am proud to belong to a religion which has taught the world both tolerance and universal acceptance. We believe not only in universal tolerance, but we accept all religions as true. I am proud to belong to a nation which has sheltered the persecuted and refugees of all religions and all nations of the earth. I am proud to tell you that we have gathered in our bosom the purest remnant of the Israelites, who came to Southern India and took refuge with us in the very year their holy temple was shattered and is still fostering the remnant of grand Zoroastrian nation.

The Indians, the Hindus in particular, had reason to be proud based on their track record. The reformists had thus far convinced Hindus that they were living in error. This sense of pride, an intrinsic psychological need, filled Hindus with a sense of self-confidence. Vivekanandas photo from the Parliament of Religions shows him striking a confident pose with locked arms and a full-blown chest. It symbolised the repositioning of the Hindus in a global perspective. Vivekananda introduced Vedanta and Yoga in the US. The Parliament of World Religions, 1893 thus acted as an entrepot for Indian spiritual heritage.

III

Three days after Vivekanandas historic speech, it was Ganesh Chaturthi (Vinayak Chaturthi) on September 14, 1893. Though the auspicious occasion was celebrated in every Marathi home, extending from one and a half days to ten days, Tilak gave it a public character that year.

Tilaks biographer Ram Gopal (1956) informs that the background to the Ganesh Utsav was provided by a Hindu-Muslim riot in Bombay (now Mumbai) in August 1893. The riot, which was more dangerous than the previous 1873 Parsi-Muslim riot in Bombay, cast its long shadow on Pune. The terror-stricken Hindus flocked to Tilak, arguing that they expected little protection from the government, and imploring that the most fearless leader of Maharashtra should take up their cause (Lokamanya Tilak: A Biography, P.84).

Though the Hindu-Muslim riots in August 1893 must have been the immediate cause, it appears unconvincing that Tilak must have devised his grand plan of Ganesh Utsav merely within one month. He must have been thinking about the matter for quite some time.

His biographer D.V. Tahmankar informs that Tilak, from his study of ancient Greek history, was impressed by the example of the Olympic Games, which had developed into a great nationalist festival, which built up a national spirit among many independent states of Greece. The ancient Olympics, as Tahmankar correctly observes, was a religious festival in honour of god Jupiter held in the plain of Olympia, with sacrifices, processions, and games, with poets and authors reciting their compositions and artists displaying their works (Lokamanya Tilak: Father of Indian Unrest and Maker of Modern India, P.60-61).

Tilaks other biographer T.V. Parvate (1958) informs that the central India Maratha princes like the Scindias, Holkars, Gaekwads, Pawar and Bhonsles, the Deccan chiefs, and Sardars and Inamdars scattered all over Maharashtra have been celebrating the Ganesh festival with great pomp and pageantry. It was not possible to exactly reproduce the aristocratic splendour and grandeur in Tilaks democratic festival. Yet, that was more than made up through programmes that promoted intellectual, moral and cultural growth. The Ganesh festival became a kind of a series of extension lectures on various topics and opportunities for the study or re-reading of Hindu religious books like Vedas, the Brahmanas, the Upanishads, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata and the works of saints and saviours. Tilak and his associates turned the Ganesh festival into a national and democratic movement for the intellectual, cultural and artistic uplift of the people (Bal Gangadhar Tilak, P.116).

The Ganesh Utsav allowed ordinary Hindus of Maharashtra to espouse their religion and culture without being on the defensive vis-a-vis Prathana Samaj. That was the reason the festival soon spread out of Pune, to the entire Maharashtra and beyond. Whether it was the Chicago Speech or Ganesh Utsav, it proved that the Hindu sense of unity was essentially creative and constructive rather than predatory and invasive. This is indeed a takeaway that continues to be true even in the 21st century.

The writer is author of the book The Microphone Men: How Orators Created a Modern India (2019) and an independent researcher based in New Delhi. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.
Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Thursday expressed his displeasure over Rahul Gandhis recent remarks on the Sikh community in India and termed his comments as condemnable and intolerable.

Taking to X, the Vice-President said, I am pained and disturbed that some people in positions have no idea of Bharat, of our Constitution, of national interest. If we are true Bhartiyas, then we will never side with the enemies of the nation. We will always stand spinally for our nation!

I am pained and disturbed that some people in positions have no idea of Bharat, of our Constitution, of national interest.If we are true Bhartiyas, then we will never side with enemies of the nation. We will always stand spinally for our nation! #RajyaSabha pic.twitter.com/adbftdLSnC  Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) September 12, 2024

I am pained and disturbed that some people in position have just no idea of Bharat. They have no idea of our Constitution, they have no idea of our national interest, he added.

Dhankhars remarks came after Rahul Gandhis statement on the Sikh community sparked a political slugfest in India, with BJP leaders saying that the Leader of the Opposition defamed India on foreign land.

Rahuls Remark On Sikhs

While addressing a gathering of Indian Americans in Washington DC on Monday, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi stirred a massive controversy with his remark on the state of religious freedom in India, citing the example of Sikhs.

Gandhi asked the name of one of the Sikh attendees in the front rows during the programme. What is your name, brother with the turban, he asked.

The fight is about whether a Sikh is going to be allowed to wear his turban in India or a kada in India. Or he, as a Sikh, is going to be able to go to a gurdwara. Thats what the fight is about. And not just for him, for all religions, said Rahul Gandhi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed his condolences on the demise of veteran leader Sitaram Yechury at the age of 72. Terming him a leading light of the Left, PM Modi said Yechury has made a mark as an effective Parliamentarian and was known for his ability to connect across the political spectrum.

Taking to X, PM Modi wrote, Saddened by the passing away of Shri Sitaram Yechury Ji. He was a leading light of the Left and was known for his ability to connect across the political spectrum. He also made a mark as an effective Parliamentarian. My thoughts are with his family and admirers in this sad hour. Om Shanti.

Saddened by the passing away of Shri Sitaram Yechury Ji. He was a leading light of the Left and was known for his ability to connect across the political spectrum. He also made a mark as an effective Parliamentarian. My thoughts are with his family and admirers in this sad hour. pic.twitter.com/Cp8NYNlwSB Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 12, 2024

Several leaders belonging to various political parties also mourned the death of veteran parliamentarian Sitaram Yechury who passed away on Thursday at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi on Thursday following prolonged illness. Yechury had been in a critical condition for the last few days and was on respiratory support.

Sitaram Yechury ji was a friend.A protector of the Idea of India with a deep understanding of our country. I will miss the long discussions we used to have. My sincere condolences to his family, friends, and followers in this hour of grief. pic.twitter.com/6GUuWdmHFj  Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) September 12, 2024

The CPI(M) had said in a statement on Tuesday that the 72-year-old leader was being treated for an acute respiratory tract infection at the ICU in AIIMS, Delhi.

Leaders Across Party Lines Pay Tributes

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in a post on social media said losing Yechury was akin to losing a friend. Sitaram Yechury ji was a friend. A protector of the Idea of India with a deep understanding of our country. I will miss the long discussions we used to have. My sincere condolences to his family, friends, and followers in this hour of grief, Gandhi said on X.

Sitaram Yechury ji was a friend.A protector of the Idea of India with a deep understanding of our country. I will miss the long discussions we used to have. My sincere condolences to his family, friends, and followers in this hour of grief. pic.twitter.com/6GUuWdmHFj  Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) September 12, 2024

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh took to X and wrote, Pained by the passing away of CPI(M) General Secretary and former Rajya Sabha MP Shri Sitaram Yechuri. In his long years in public life, he distinguished himself as a seasoned parliamentarian who was known for his knowledge and articulation. He was also my friend with whom I had several interactions. I will always recall my interactions with him. Condolences to his bereaved family and supporters. Om Shanti!

West Bengal chief minister Banerjee Mamata in a social media post said that the death of Yechury was a loss for national politics. Sad to know that Sri Sitaram Yechury has passed away. I knew the veteran parliamentarian that he was and his demise will be a loss for national politics. I express my condolences to his family, friends and colleagues, Mamata said in a post on X.

Pinarayi Vijayan, a fellow party member and Kerala chief minister, said his comrade was an unparalleled brave leader of the communist movement.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that Sitaram Yechury was an unparalleled brave leader of the communist movement. I am hearing the news of Sitarams demise with great sadness and heartbreak, he said.

Vijayan said Sitaram Yechury emerged from the student movement and steered the CPI(M) through tough political phases during his nine years as general secretary. He provided clear leadership, guiding both the party and the broader Left. The Kerala CM called his absence a huge loss and said it comes at a time when the country faces serious challenges.

Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh condoled the passing away Yechury and said he was an unrepentant Marxist with a pragmatic streak, a pillar of the CPI(M), and a superb Parliamentarian.

In a post on X, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said, Sitaram Yechury  a very fine human being, a multilingual bibliophile, an unrepentant Marxist with a pragmatic streak, a pillar of the CPM, and a superb Parliamentarian with a wonderful wit and sense of humour  is most sadly no more. Our association stretched over three decades, and we collaborated closely at different occasions. He had friends across the political spectrum and was admired for the strength of his convictions and for his most engaging personality, Ramesh said.
Veteran communist leader and West Bengal chief minister Jyoti Basu once jokingly told Sitaram Yechury during a trip to Beijing that he was a very dangerous person. Basu was stunned to see Yechury speaking to colleagues from different states in their languages. Fluent in Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, and English, the late general secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) had established a unique level of comfort and accessibility with comrades  starting as a student leader in Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) to becoming a member of the CPI(M) politburo, the partys highest decision-making body.

Yechury died at the age of 72 in Delhi on Thursday. He was admitted to AIIMS in August with a severe chest infection. The multilingual communist with a different approach towards politics and a perpetual smile on his face was known as one of the leaders instrumental in building the opposition bloc, brick by brick.

For years, Yechury stood as one of the most credible and prominent figures in Indias leftist political landscape. Known for his sharp intellect, unyielding commitment to Marxist ideals, and decades-long political career, the CPI(M) leader was a critical voice of dissent against what he viewed as the rising tide of Right-wing politics in India.

He witnessed the slow decline of the Left, yet his unwavering belief in its core values continued to define his leadership. Yechurys sudden and shocking death  as his comrades called it  deals an irreversible blow to the party, because he was seen as the key figure bridging the gap between generational communist-socialist ideals and the pragmatic needs of the modern Left.

The party released a statement saying, It is with profound grief that we announce the passing away of CPIM General Secretary, our beloved Comrade Sitaram Yechury, at 3.03 pm today, 12th September, at the AlIMS, New Delhi. He was suffering from a respiratory tract infection which developed complications.

We thank the doctors, nursing staff and the Director of the Institute for the excellent treatment and care extended to Comrade Yechury.

Saddened by the passing away of Shri Sitaram Yechury Ji. He was a leading light of the Left and was known for his ability to connect across the political spectrum. He also made a mark as an effective Parliamentarian. My thoughts are with his family and admirers in this sad hour. pic.twitter.com/Cp8NYNlwSB Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 12, 2024

Sitaram Yechury ji was a friend.A protector of the Idea of India with a deep understanding of our country. I will miss the long discussions we used to have. My sincere condolences to his family, friends, and followers in this hour of grief. pic.twitter.com/6GUuWdmHFj  Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) September 12, 2024

His Early Years: An Ideological Foundation

Born in Chennai in 1952, Yechurys political awakening and alignment came early. He joined the Students Federation of India (SFI) during his time at JNU, where he quickly rose through the ranks, becoming an influential figure within the leftist student movement. It was during those formative years that Yechury developed his staunch Marxist-communist ideology and solidified his commitment to socialism. In 1975, he became a member of the CPM, actively participated in the movement against emergency.

His ascent in the CPI(M) was steady, reflecting his sharp analytical abilities and reputation as a skilled orator. He remained the face and voice in the party structure who was able to stand his ground, even against the partys then-general secretary Prakash Karat for his decision to not allow Jyoti Basu to become the Prime Minister, when the chance came.

He succeeded Prakash Karat in 2015 as the general secretary of the party but with a moderate approach. His ideas took a slightly different path than the one Karat crafted for his party, as he believed in consensus, said a senior member of the politburo.

Challenges, Changes and Consequences

Yechurys leadership marked a subtle shift within the CPI(M), as he advocated for more flexible alliances, especially with the Congress, to take on the BJPs growing dominance. He was believed to be one of the unofficial political advisers of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Yechury chose to ally with the Congress in Bengal for the 2016 assembly elections. It was the first such decision since the time the Left decided to pull out of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) in 2009 following a disagreement with ally Congress over the civil nuclear deal with the United States.

Yechurys approach, however, sparked internal debates, as some party members preferred to maintain a distinct distance from other political formations.

Another senior communist leader said, Unlike comrade Prakash Karats elitist brand of communism, Yechurys ideology was rooted in the grassroots. The fine lines between the state lobbies like Kerala lobby, Bengal lobby, and Delhi lobby really blurred during his tenure. He recalibrated the party, travelled across states, met workers, and encouraged them to believe in the ideas and have faith. He connected with the cadres.

Over the years, he became a key player in party decisions, navigating hurdles and ideological battles that have shaped both the Left and Indias political discourse.

Yechurys tenure as the partys general secretary had been riddled with challenges. The Left, once a formidable force in Indian politics, particularly in West Bengal and Kerala, has witnessed a significant decline. In the 2014 and 2019 general elections, the CPI(M) saw its worst electoral performances, with its presence in Parliament drastically reduced. The fall of the Left Front government in West Bengal in 2011 after 34 years of uninterrupted rule remains a key setback that continues to haunt the party.

Yet, Yechurys resilience in the face of these political defeats kept the party afloat, particularly in Kerala, where the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front remains in power. Also, it was his tenure when the party started gaining ground and won seats in the last parliamentary elections.
Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachuds residence for Ganesh Utsav celebration was intended to be a cultural and religious gesture, but it has instead set off a significant political storm in Maharashtra. The visit has raised concerns about the intersection of religion, governance, and judicial independence, sparking heated debates among the states political class.

While PM Modis visit to offer prayers at the CJIs home during Ganesh Chaturthi was seen by many as a personal religious event, opposition leaders in Maharashtra have questioned the timing and optics, suggesting that the visit blurs the lines between the judiciary and the executive.

Leaders from the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, which includes the Congress, Nationalist Congress Party (SP) (NCP SP), and Uddhav Thackerays Shiv Sena (UBT), were quick to criticise the visit. They argued that the meeting between the Prime Minister and the Chief Justice, even under the guise of religious observance, could send the wrong signal about the separation of powers.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut echoed this sentiment, saying, The Prime Minister represents the executive branch of government, and the Chief Justice symbolises the judiciary. Public interactions like these, during a high-profile religious event, can easily be interpreted as a breach of the judiciarys autonomy.

Unsurprisingly, leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have tried to downplay the controversy. Rather, Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, put a up a post on X (formerly Twitter) and shared the links of former CJI attending a function at the residence of then PM Dr Manmohan Singh.

In the same post, Fadnavis stated, The celebration of Ganesh Utsav is in full swing across the country, with deep devotion being shown in the worship of Lord Ganesha. Yesterday, there was also the Mahalakshmi Puja as part of Gauri-Ganpati festivities. Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi performed the Ganesh Aarti and Mahalakshmi Puja yesterday at the residence of the Chief Justice of India, Hon Justice Dhananjay Chandrachud. The Chief Justice hails from Maharashtra, and every year he brings a Ganesha idol for worship, especially from a Maharashtrian individual in Delhi. But suddenly, an entire ecosystem has reacted as if the sky has fallen. The only difference is that previous Prime Ministers would host Iftar parties at their residences, and the Chief Justices would attend them. But when Hon. Prime Minister Narendra Modi attends the Ganpati and Mahalakshmi Puja, why is there such an uproar? Opposing Hindutva has now reached the point where even Ganesha, Gauri, and Mahalakshmi are being opposed? This raises a deep question Is this not an insult to, The festivals of Maharashtra, Maharashtra Dharma, Marathi culture And The devotion and faith associated with Gauri-Ganpati?

According to BJP spokesperson Keshav Upadhye, Ganesh Chaturthi transcends political boundaries, and the Prime Ministers visit to the CJIs residence was purely a religious occasion. To make this into a political issue is absurd and shows the oppositions desperation.

BJP-aligned political commentators echoed this stance, arguing that festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi are times for cultural unity, not political point-scoring. This is nothing more than a festival visit that some in the opposition are using to manufacture a controversy, said political analyst Deepak Kelkar, aligning with the BJPs narrative.

Manoj Jha, RJD leader and Rajya Sabha MP, told news agency PTI that the independence of every institution is not just theoretical, but must be seen. Ganpati puja is a personal issue, but you are taking a camera. The message it sends is uncomfortable. The Chief Justice of India and the Prime Minister are tall personalities. So what can we say if they agreed to put out these photographs in the public domain.

Beyond the political back-and-forth, legal experts have also weighed in on the implications of the Prime Ministers visit. Senior advocate Prashant Bhushan cautioned that while no laws prohibit such visits, they can raise concerns about the independence of the judiciary. There is an unwritten tradition in India that the executive and judiciary maintain a respectful distance to protect the integrity of both institutions, Bhushan noted. The optics of such interactions matter, particularly when public trust in the judiciary is crucial, he added.

Ganesh Chaturthi holds deep cultural significance, particularly in Maharashtra, where the festival has historically carried political undertones. Introduced by freedom fighter Bal Gangadhar Tilak as a unifying festival during the British rule, it remains a time of heightened political and social activity. For many in Maharashtras political scene, Modis visit to the CJIs residence underscores how closely religion, politics, and governance are intertwined in India. The event, which was meant to be a simple religious observance, has now become a flashpoint in the ongoing debates around the separation of powers in Indias democracy.

As the controversy unfolds, it reflects the persistent tension in Indian politics between the roles of religion, governance, and judicial independence. Whether or not this incident will lead to long-term implications for the relationship between the executive and judiciary remains to be seen. For now, however, it is another battle in Maharashtras ever-complex political landscape.
Sitaram Yechury, the general secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and a former Rajya Sabha MP, passed away on Thursday at the age of 72 after a prolonged illness.

The CPI(M) said that Yechury passed away after battling a severe lung infection at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi.

Describing Yechury as the topmost leader of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), the party referred to his passing as an untimely demise.

The untimely demise of Sitaram Yechury at this crucial juncture in our national politics is a big blow for the CPI(M) and a grievous loss for the Left, democratic and secular forces, the CPI(M) said in a statement.

Who Is Sitaram Yechury?

Born into a Telugu-speaking family in Chennai on August 12, 1952, Yechurys father, Sarveswara Somayajula Yechury, was an engineer with the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation. His mother, Kalpakam Yechury, was a government officer.

After completing his schooling in Hyderabad, he moved to Delhi in 1969 to continue his studies. He earned a degree in Economics from St. Stephens College, Delhi University, and then pursued postgraduate studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU).

He was elected as the fifth general secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) in 2015 and re-elected for a second term in 2018. He served as a Rajya Sabha MP from 2005 to 2017 and was honoured with the Best Parliamentarian Award in 2017.

Throughout his 50-year political career, Yechury began as an activist with the Students Federation of India (SFI) in 1974 and served as the JNU Students Union President. He remained steadfast in his commitment to Marxism-Leninism.

Role During Emergency

In 1975, he joined the CPI(M) and actively resisted the Emergency declared by Indira Gandhi. During this period, he went into hiding and was briefly arrested. One notable moment from this period was when Yechury led a march of JNU students to Indira Gandhis residence in 1977, presenting a list of grievances and demanding her resignation as chancellor of JNU. Gandhi was holding the position despite her defeat in the Lok Sabha elections after the Emergency, as per an Indian Express report.

After the Emergency, Yechury was elected president of the JNU Students Union three times between 1977 and 1978. He joined the Central Committee of the CPI(M) in 1985 and became a member of the Politburo in 1992. He was also the All India President of the Students Federation of India from 1984 to 1986.

A polyglot and prolific writer, Yechury was renowned for his skills in alliance-building. He played a key role in the formation of the INDIA bloc, the opposition alliance against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Additionally, Yechury was recognised for upholding the coalition-building legacy of former general secretary Harkishan Singh Surjeet. He worked with Congress leader P. Chidambaram to draft the Common Minimum Programme for the United Front government in 1996 and played a crucial role in the coalition-building efforts during the formation of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government in 2004.

Yechury is survived by his wife, Seema Chishti, the editor of The Wire, as well as a son and a daughter. His elder son, Ashish Yechury, passed away from Covid-19 in 2021. He was previously married to Indrani Mazumdar.

(With inputs from PTI)
West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose on Thursday said that he will socially boycott state Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, stating he will not share any public platform with her.

In solidarity with the Bengal society, I resolve that I will socially boycott the Chief Minister. Socially boycott means I will not be sharing any public platform with the Chief Minister nor will I participate in any public program which involves the Chief Minister, Bose said in a video statement.

#WATCH | RG Kar Medical College and Hospital rape-murder case: Governor CV Ananda Bose says In solidarity with the Bengal society, I resolve that I will socially boycott the Chief Minister. Socially boycott means I will not be sharing any public platform with the Chief pic.twitter.com/96UeHNU6p7 ANI (@ANI) September 12, 2024

Bose further declared that his role as Governor will be confined to fulfilling his constitutional duties. My role as Governor will be confined to the constitutional obligations which I have discharged in respect of the Chief Minister, he noted.

In his message, Bose also expressed frustration over the state governments disregard for his recommendation to take action against Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Kumar Goyal. This recommendation was made in response to lapses in handling the investigation into the rape and murder of a junior doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital, prior to the case being transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) by the Calcutta High Court.

Nothing more, nothing less. I am deeply pained that serious allegations of a criminal nature have been levelled against the highest officer who is supposed to prevent crime in Kolkata, the Kolkata Police Commission, he added.

Describing Goyals handling of the case as highly suspicious, the Governor suggested that his actions could be considered a form of criminal activity, which should be dealt as per the legal provisions.

Additionally, Bose launched a scathing attack on Banerjee, criticising her for the states law and order situation. He went so far as to liken her to Lady Macbeth, claiming that violence is pervasive throughout the state.

Stating that, as Governor, he could not remain silent in such a situation, he remarked, The state Secretariat will not be able to suppress the distrust (of the people) for long. The truth will surface. You can fool some people for some time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time, quoting 16th U.S. President Abraham Lincoln.

(With inputs from agencies)
Apple has decided to discontinue the FineWoven Cases that were launched last year. The tech giant released the cases as an environment-friendly option for leather cases. Even though the cases were susceptible to dirt and damage, they still came with a USD 59 price tag. The company has now removed the existing FineWoven cases for older iPhone devices from their official retail website.However, FineWoven versions of the MagSafe Wallet and AirTag Key Ring remain available to purchase.

Upon its launch, FineWoven cases received a lot of flak on social media for its poor performance as compared to the previously offered leather cases by the tech giant. Made with 68 percent poly-recycled material, Apple introduced this product to be more environmentally friendly, but the users soon discovered that the cases are easily stained and prone to fraying.

These cases will not be released for the recently launched iPhone 16 lineup, instead, users can purchase Silicone or clear cases for their devices. Apple cases for the iPhone 16 lineup work seamlessly with Camera Control, featuring a sapphire crystal coupled to a conductive layer that communicates finger movements to the Camera Control, the company said.

In India, the iPhone 16 Silicone Case with MagSafe costs Rs 4,900 and is available to purchase in different colour options like  Fuchsia, Star Fruit, Lake Green and Ultramarine.

The Apple FineWoven Wallet with MagSafe, on the other hand, is still available to purchase from the official website. It is priced at Rs 5,900 and is available in four different colour ways i.e. Blackberry, Deep Blue, Black and Dark Green.

In other news, Apple recently launched a bunch of new products at their Glowtime event. These include the new Apple Watch Series 10, Apple Watch Ultra 2, AirPods 4, AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Max and the much-awaited iPhone 16 lineup.These new iPhone 16 devices will support Apple Intelligence features once the iOS 18 version is released for all users. The update is expected to roll out next week.

In India, the price for iPhone 16 begins at Rs 79,900 for the 128 GB variant, while the 256GB and 512 GB will cost Rs 89,900 and Rs 1,09,900 respectively.The iPhone 16 Plus models, on the other hand, will cost Rs 89,900 for 128 GB, Rs 99,900 for 256 GB and Rs 1,19,900 for 512 GB.Both iPhone 16 and 16 Plus will be available in ultramarine, teal, pink, white and black colour variants.
Microsoft Windows, Office and even the Cloud customers have got a major security warning from the Indian government this week. The issue has been addressed by Microsoft as well but it is vital that millions of Windows and Office users in the country remain vigilant to possible hacking attempts on the affected systems and update them right away with the latest Windows and Office patch issued by the company.

Microsoft Security Warning: What The CERT-In Alert Says

The security alert from the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team or CERT-In dated September 11 comes with a high severity rating which affects the following Microsoft products:

 Microsoft Windows

 Microsoft Office

 Microsoft Dynamics

 Azure

 Extended Security Updates (ESU)

 Microsoft SQL Server

The CERT-In alert highlights the issues in its post which says, Multiple vulnerabilities have been reported in Microsoft products which could allow an attacker to gain elevated privileges, obtain Information Disclosure, Bypass security restriction, conduct remote code execution attacks, perform spoofing attacks or cause denial of service (DoS) conditions. You can get more in-depth details on these security risks on the CERT-In website.

The good news is that Microsoft has already looked into these issues and all these users are being asked to update their systems, software and other tools from the company right away.

In other Microsoft news, the company is hosting a new Copilot event later this month where Satya Nadella, CEO, Microsoft and his team will most likely talk about the new version of the AI assistant and a possible rebranding of Copilot to rival Gemini, ChatGPT and more.
Bill Gates has consistently warned the public about potential global threats, including catastrophic cyberattacks and natural disasters caused by climate change. While the billionaire strongly advocates for advancements in technology, such as artificial intelligence, and the fight against deadly diseases like polio, he remains concerned about the risks posed by prolonged wars or the emergence of a new pandemic. The Microsoft co-founder has expressed frustration over the global response to the pandemic, pointing out that crucial lessons have been ignored.

In a conversation with CNBC Make It, Gates stated, A lot of unrest in todays world could spark a major war. And even if we avoid a big war  then, yes, there will be another pandemic, most likely in the next 25 years.

For Gates and other global health advocates, the pressing issue is not whether another pandemic will happen, but whether countries will be better prepared than they were during COVID-19, according to reports. Gates highlighted the US as the nation the world expected to lead by example, yet it fell short of those expectations.

Despite increased funding for pandemic preparedness both in the US and internationally, Gates believes the global response remains inadequate. Although some of the lessons from [the coronavirus] pandemic have been learned, [its been] way less than I would expect, sadly, he said.

Efforts to prepare for the next pandemic are being hindered by the same political divisions that many believe weakened the global response to COVID-19. While Gates expressed hope that things may improve within the next five years, he noted that, for now, we still have not fully come to terms with what worked and what didnt during the last pandemic. So far, its quite surprising, Gates said.

In his book How to Prevent the Next Pandemic, which was published in 2022, Gates criticised several nations, notably the United States, for their lack of readiness in 2020.

He made a number of proposals for nations all around the world in the book, such as enforcing stricter quarantine laws, funding disease surveillance, and accelerating the development of vaccines.
A 26-year-old Indian techie must choose between a lucrative job offer worth Rs 41 LPA in Bengaluru and obtaining Canadian citizenship. Currently living in Canada, the engineer faces a tough choice that many in the industry can relate to.

The techie mentioned he earns about 85,000 CAD (Rs 52 lakh) with a bonus. Nevertheless, he finds life is getting tough as the cost of everything has skyrocketed.

The man, who spends 2300 CAD (Rs 1.42 lakh) on rent and utilities, also faced the pressure of Canadas limited healthcare access and the hours-long waiting list for non-emergency medical cases.

Now, a company has offered him a managerial position in Bengaluru with an annual salary of Rs 36 lakh plus a Rs 5 lakh bonus. The engineer, who has never worked in India before, expressed concerns about working under an Indian manager.

Moving to India poses a conundrum as it may affect his Canadian citizenship. Staying in Canada would mean getting citizenship in 1.5 years while a job in India would extend this to at least 2.5 years. However, he feels that it would be beneficial to be in India due to his mothers health issues.

He continued that although he intended to obtain Canadian citizenship and relocate to the US, he would most likely live in India and take advantage of a brief opportunity to visit the US.

While the techie must look at his long-term professional ambitions and personal aspirations in addition to his immediate cash prospects, Redditors dived in to offer their wise advice.

A user suggested, Get citizenship and then leave. Passport gives you the power to your CV as well. Not having a Visa requirement makes getting a job easy.

Stick around till citizenship and then do whatever, said another.

Yet, the third user said, Come back now, the country already took a major toll on your health. While you get PR, you will trade it off with precious time with your family and friends back home

Another suggested, Just dont compare only Canada and India. See the opportunities in other countries if you get a Canadian passport. Helps you in decision making.

What are your thoughts?
A Mumbai-based entrepreneur slammed KreditBee, a digital lending platform that guarantees funds to the applicants account within 10 minutes of application, for turning down her loan request because she did not have a male co-applicant and guarantor. Simran Sainani, the founder and CEO of Curl Care, turned to LinkedIn to share screenshots of her discussion with a KreditBee representative, who confirmed that the platform requires a male applicant for loan approval. Her post has sparked reactions from hundreds of social media users, including female businesswomen who shared their experiences of facing discrimination while funding their ventures.

Furthermore, the KreditBee representative shared that the male applicant must be under the age of 55, which instantly eliminated Sainanis father as a potential applicant because he is 62, Curl Cares CEO said.

When Simran asked if a female applicants father is over 55 and there are no other male members in the family, the KreditBee representative wrote to Sainani via WhatsApp: I am truly sorry, Maam. According to KreditBees company policy, they dont give loans to female applicants without a co-applicant. Maam, if you will take any loan, you have to provide a guarantor but the guarantor needs to be male, the KreditBee representative further added in the message.

Sharing screenshots of the chat with KreditBee, Sainani wrote, Did you know that as a Female Entrepreneur in India, you can be denied a business loan simply because you dont have a male co-applicant? Yes, you read that rightno matter how capable, driven, or creditworthy you are, institutions like KreditBee have a strict policy that blocks your access to funds unless you have a male guarantor.

And guess what? If youre thinking your father could help, he must be under 55. If not, you better have a husband or a brother handy. Well, I dont. My father is 62, and Im being penalized for that, Sainani further mentioned on LinkedIn.

She retorted, Its 2024, folks. We keep shouting about #BetiPadhao, but forget to mention the fine print: #CoapplicantKeBinaMatBadhana. To all the lenders out there: Women are JUST as capable of paying back loans and are more than worthy of supporting someone else as a co-applicant.

On the subject, KredBee clarified in the comments that they do not support such practices and only adhere to RBI guidelines and industry compliances. The company further suggested that she share her details so that they can look into the matter.

A spokesperson from Kreditbee reached out to News18.com and stated: We at KreditBee are committed to providing financial solutions that cater to all people. Our credit underwriting process is driven by cohort performance and empirical data, ensuring it is not biased by geography, age, or gender; nor is it intended to be discriminatory in any way, before adding Since inception, we have served nearly 20 lakh female customers across the country. We value all feedback and are committed to continuous improvement. In this particular case, we are actively trying to engage with the customer to resolve the matter.

Sainanis post also resonated with many other entrepreneurs. Shilpa Vadrevu, a founder from Visakhapatnam, said that banks rejected her loan applications despite having an excellent credit score because she did not have a male co-applicant.

A Project Manager, while sharing her own experience, said, Totally resonates with a similar experience I had with a Public Sector Bank. The loan officer asked me to bring my children (grey hair bias) as co-applicant as my father is 70+. I am single, no child, not employed as a full-time employee so I was outright rejected as not eligible for a loan, and I have been banking with them for 20+ years.

Rahul Maurya, Co-Founder of Mubera, came out in support, claiming that women are more conscientious than men in paying their EMIs on time.

A LinkedIn user expressed her shock at the non-inclusive stance of financial institutions, which consider gender as a decision-making criterion. Another user shared her disappointment over the incident and said, I thought we won most of our battles in 1921! I dont understand the reason behind this inequality, plus they still want to reason it out?

Other female entrepreneurs have also opened up about their experiences where they were denied a loan as they did not have a male co-applicant. Ive gone through something very similarI was applying for a housing loan and business loan on different occasions with an excellent credit score, only to be denied by four different banks because I didnt have a male co-applicant, one wrote.

The LinkedIn post has sparked a fresh discussion on the issue of financial inequality, highlighting how gender bias still continues to impact a womans ability to access loans.
An Indian student shamed a woman as a diversity hire on LinkedIn only to face her as his interviewer later. The student was scared as hell when he realised that the very woman he belittled on the business and employment-focused social media platform was his interviewer. An IITian, who is a friend of the interviewer, shared this story of how karma bites you back in ways you cant even fathom on X (formerly known as Twitter).

Read| Techie Shares Crazy Story of How He Got His Friend Hired At Dell in the 2000s

One of my female friends working at a startup, got a message on Linkedin a few weeks back from a college kid asking for a referral for an SDE-1 opening, she didnt find the resume good enough & asked him to improve it further before applying, Pranav Mehta wrote on the microblogging platform.

The IITian, who is a former Microsoft employee, further added how the student mocked his friend: This guy started belittling and shaming her for being a diversity hire, and that she wasnt capable of advising him.

Although the student got a referral for a role at a product-based company, he was shocked to the core when he found out about the interviewer. It was the same woman he accused of being a diversity hire on LinkedIn.

Also Read| Mental Health Company Fires Employee for Liking Toxic Workplace Post on LinkedIn

Karma bites you back in ways you cant even fathom, though she didnt let the past experience affect her decision for candidature, but guy was scared as hell, Mehta, who now works for Washington-based company Phaidra as a software engineer, further wrote.

Take a look at the post here:

One of my female friends working at a startup, got a message on Linkedin a few weeks back from a college kid asking for a referral for a sde-1 opening, she didn't find the resume good enough & asked him to improve it further before applying. This guy started belittling and Pranav Mehta (@i_pranavmehta) September 11, 2024

The story is all over the Internet with many sharing their thoughts on it. Regardless of gender, etc., its utterly stupid to unprovokedly insult a senior employee of a company you want to work in. Even if you get hired youre starting off with a beef with a senior employee. Also, if the woman knew what kind of personality this person is, it could have 100% affected the decision and it wouldnt even been unfair. There is usually a red flag category in interviews that is about candidate behaviour. Even getting aggresively rude in the interview can land you there. It basically means may not be someone we would want to work with, said an individual.

Its a small world. Ive seen similar instances happen time and again, said another.

A third posted, Oh damn. Tell us more.

What happened at the end? Did he make it through that round or not? asked one curious X user.

A fifth Internet user expressed, Even though diversity hiring exists if you are good, aint nothing gonna stop you from getting hired. So, instead of crying, people should actually just upskill.
A tragic incident has occurred in Bhadesar village, Naugaon (Uttarakhand), leaving the entire community in deep sorrow. An elderly man passed away due to illness, and just 20 minutes later, his disabled wife took her own life by setting herself on fire. Following this heartbreaking event, both husband and wife were cremated together on the same pyre by their family. The couple, belonging to a Rajput family, passed away within a short period. Their last rites were performed with equal reverence. The 85-year-old man, Tatura Rajput, had been unwell for the past two to three days and passed away around 2 pm on Monday. Upon hearing the news of her husbands death, his wife, Jamnabai Rajput, who was disabled, died about 30 minutes later.

Previously, Jamnabai had expressed her desire to perform sati, a traditional practice of dying with ones husband. Villagers recalled that she had mentioned this intention in the past, but they believed she was speaking in jest. With todays events, her words resonated with the villagers as they remembered her past statements.

Tatura Rajput had four sons: Khemchandra, Bansidhar, Indrakumar, and Jugal Kishore. Sadly, two of his sons had already passed away  Indrakumar died of cancer a few years ago, and Jugalkishore tragically lost his life after falling into a well.

In another incident, Yogesh Kumar (36), a resident of Hardoi, ended his life on Tuesday, a day after his wife Manikarnika Kumari (28), a paramedic, died in a road accident, police said.

Yogesh was a teacher and the two had married six months ago. According to police, Yogesh had left a note that read, We will live together and die together. Manikarnika died in an accident on the Lucknow-Hardoi highway in the Sursa police station area on Monday. Sursa police chief Indresh Kumar Yadav said an unidentified vehicle knocked Manikarnika off her scooter when she was going to Tadiyawana Primary Health Centre where she worked as a nurse.

With the help of her identity card and mobile number, she was identified and her husband was informed, SHO Yadav added.

Yogesh reached the spot, took his wifes belongings before going home and locked himself in a room.

The neighbour, who had come to mourn his wifes demise, knocked on the door and on receiving no response, broke open the door and found Yogesh hanging from the ceiling. He then informed the police and the body was sent for postmortem.
Jharkhands Gumla district is famous for its religious, historical and tourist spots including the Sankh River. According to Local 18 Jharkhand, this river flows from the Hiradah Dham, a well-known picnic spot in the Raidih, Gumla. As per the folklore, diamonds can still be found in this place. Tourists keep flocking to this spot throughout the year. Fairs are organised here during Makar Sankranti, Ratha Yatra, Ghurti Rath Mela, Ram Navami and Shivratri. Hiradah Dham Committee Secretary Ashok Singh said that this area used to be the region of Nagvanshi king Durjan Sal about 600 years ago. At that time, Jharkhand was known as Nagkhand / Naglok or the Nagbhoomi. According to the secretary Ashok Singh, King Durjan Sal was the 50th king in the Nagvanshi dynasty. He was known as a scientist and researcher during his tenure. During the research carried out by him in his tenure, he came to know that there are diamonds in the Sankh River. This is the reason that the Sankh River was also referred to as the Heera Patti.

Even in the Bhagavad Gita, Heera Patti obtained the title of Indrapravah. King Durjan Sal wanted to get those precious stones; in their pursuit, he along with his royal family, and soldiers, put up a camp at Hiradah. They found a Kohinoor diamond from this place.

After getting the Kohinoor diamond, the King was returning in a jubilant mood with his family and soldiers. At that time Chutia, located in Ranchi, used to be the capital of Nagvanshi King Durjan Sal. The Mughal ruler Jahangir who was ruling India received information that King Durjan Sal received precious diamonds. Upon getting this news, the Mughal emperor immediately called for an attack upon the Nagvanshi king with a massive army. King Durjan Sal and his entire army were defeated and imprisoned in the Hotwar Jail of Ranchi. After remaining in prison for 1 year, the 50th Nagvanshi King was offered release from jail in exchange for the diamond he received. He was also pressured to reveal the location of the gemstones. Left with no other choice, King Durjan Sal accepted all the demands and gave the Kohinoor diamond to the Mughal emperor.
Australia on Thursday moved to strip medals from Afghanistan war commanders whose units were involved in alleged war crimes and unlawful conduct.

Defence Minister Richard Marles said the decision  related to specific unit commanders who were in charge between 2005 and 2016  was needed to address the wrongs of the past.

Fewer than ten commanders will be stripped of their awards, but their names will not be released for privacy reasons.

An official inquiry has found that during an 11-year period, Australias elite special forces unlawfully killed 39 civilians and prisoners in Afghanistan, including by summary execution as part of initiation rituals.

A damning report into the matter found a sub-culture of elitism and deviation from acceptable standards, Marles said, which warranted the most serious, considered and thorough response.

The report made 143 recommendations  including a medal review  and suggested 19 individuals be referred to Australian Federal Police.

It also suggested compensation be paid to the families of victims and that the military carry out a slew of reforms.

Marles said the commanders involved in Thursdays decision may not have been aware of the war crimes their unit carried out, but there was an expectation for them to know what was happening.

After the September 11, 2001 attacks, more than 26,000 Australian uniformed personnel were sent to Afghanistan to fight alongside US and allied forces against the Taliban, Al-Qaeda and other Islamist groups.

Australian combat troops officially left the country in late 2013, but since then a series of often-brutal accounts have emerged about the conduct of elite special forces units.
Amid concerns of possible unrest during Durga puja, the interim government of Bangladesh led by Muhammad Yunus has requested the countrys Hindu community to halt their Durga puja-related activities, especially playing any musical instrument five minutes before azaan and during namaaz.

Such activities need to cease during offering namaaz, and the pause will have to be followed from five minutes prior to azaan, Home Affairs Adviser Lt. Gen (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury was quoted as saying by Times of India.

The Home Affairs Adviser further informed that the committees have accepted the governments request and have agreed to keep musical instruments and sound systems switched off during azaan and namaz.

In addition to the sound restrictions, Chowdhury assured that the Hindu community will be provided with heightened security measures during the festivities. He stated that the government is also working to provide round-the-clock security at all puja venues, starting from the construction of the idols, to prevent any disruptions or criminal activities.

We are committed to ensuring that the Durga Puja celebrations proceed without any hindrance, Dhaka Tribune quoted the Bangladesh Home Affairs Adviser as saying.

Durga puja will be celebrated from October 9 to 13 and more puja pandals will reportedly be built this year in Bangladesh compared to 2023. Last year, the number of the puja mandap was 33, 431 and the number is likely to exceed this year.

Muhammad Yunus Calls For Religious Harmony

Bangladeshs interim governments chief adviser, Muhammad Yunus, in an address to the nation, called for communal harmony in the country. We are a nation of communal harmony. No one shall do any act that destroys religious harmony, he said, Times of India reported.

Any person found violating this harmony will face strict legal consequences, Yunus said.

In fact, the interim government on Sunday warned potential troublemakers ahead of Durga puja celebrations and pledged tough action against those disrupting communal harmony or targeting places of worship during the Hindu festival.
A Chinese man died of a suspected heart attack thirteen days after undergoing a major dental procedure in which 23 teeth were extracted and 12 implants were placed in a single day.

The man, identified only by his surname Huang, underwent the extensive treatment at Yongkang Deway Dental Hospital on August 14, according to the South China Morning Post. His age has not been disclosed.

The case became public when Huangs daughter, surnamed Shu, posted about it online on September 2. She revealed that on August 28, her father suffered a sudden cardiac arrest and died.

I never thought my dad would pass so quickly. He did not even get the chance to drive the new car we bought him, she said.

She revealed that her father experienced severe pain in his teeth following the surgery. According to the signed consent form, the surgeon used the immediate restoration method.

The cost of the procedure was not disclosed, but the current price for a single dental implant at the hospital is 1,500 yuan (US$210).

The surgeon, known by the surname Yuan, has five years of experience and specialises in root canal procedures, the removal of impacted wisdom teeth, and fitting complete dentures.

On September 3, the Yongkang Municipal Health Bureau announced it was investigating the case due to the nature of the surgery and Huangs death shortly afterward.

Since there was a 13-day gap between the procedure and Huangs death, we are still investigating the cause, the hospital stated.

On September 6, a staff member from the clinic told the publication, We will not be responding to this matter now as it has been handed over to our lawyer. If there are any updates, we will issue a statement; however, the investigation is ongoing.
External affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the possibility of ousted Bangladeshs former prime minister Sheikh Hasinas extradition is a hypothetical question while responding to a query on whether she will be extradited.

Bangladeshs war crimes tribunal is to seek the extradition of ousted leader Sheikh Hasina from neighbouring India, its chief prosecutor has said, accusing her of carrying out massacres.

As the main perpetrator has fled the country, we will start the legal procedure to bring her back, Mohammad Tajul Islam, chief prosecutor of Bangladeshs International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), told reporters on Sunday.

The ICT was set up by Hasina in 2010 to probe atrocities during the 1971 independence war from Pakistan.

Extradition of Hasina is a hypothetical question in todays scenario, Jaiswal said while addressing the weekly press conference.

Jaiswal said that trade and commerce with Bangladesh has resumed. Trade and commerce has started with Bangladesh, trucks and commodities are moving. The High Commission made an introductory call to discuss issues of mutual respect, Jaiswal said.

He said that several projects were impacted due to the situation in Bangladesh.

Jaiswals remarks come amid concerns about the timely implementation of projects funded under Indias three lines of credit following the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government last month after a mass uprising. Indian envoy Verma said New Delhi has not stopped any of its line of credit projects to Bangladesh as those are major projects.

However, the Bangladesh interim government said on Monday that India-funded projects are very important and will continue under the new administration in Bangladesh.

Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed also said that Dhaka looks forward to enhanced cooperation with New Delhi during his meeting with Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma here, the state-run BSS news agency reported.

Already, the projects they (India) have with us are big projects, and well continue those, as those are not small projects and well take another big project for the benefits of ours, the report quoted him as saying.

Well not stop on whatever we have got, and well talk about those projects funding of the projects and also their implementation part, he added.
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday said he is waiting for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the BRICS summit in Kazan later this year and proposed holding a bilateral summit with the Indian Prime Minister. He conveyed his desire for talks with PM Modi during his meeting with Indian National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval, Russian state-run media outlets Sputnik and TASS reported.

Indian national security adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval on Thursday met Russian President Vladimir Putin in St Petersburg, the external affairs ministry said during the weekly press briefing. Doval is in St Petersburg to participate in the meeting of BRICS and BRICS Plus High-Level Security Officials which is being held from September 10-12.

The war in Ukraine and discussion on peace efforts are also expected during the visit.

NSA Doval met with President Putin. He has other engagements in Russia, Jaiswal said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier this month said that China, India and Brazil could act as mediators in potential peace talks over Ukraine.

He had 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.

Sources earlier this week said that when Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Putin over a phone call in August, both leaders had discussed Dovals visit and participation in the discussions on bringing about lasting peace in Ukraine.

Meanwhile, the external affairs ministry spokesperson Randir Jaiswal provided an update on the Indians who were lured into fighting for Russian forces in Ukraine.

He said that 6 Indians caught in the conflict were released by Russia recently and that the total number of Indians released from Russia has reached 45. Jaiswal said that 50 more Indians will be released soon.

Since the Prime Ministers visit to Russia, 35 Indian nationals have been discharged, with 6 arriving the day before. Another 50 are yet to return. Prior to the visit, 10 had already been discharged, Jaiswal said.
A minor Hindu girl was handed back to her family on the orders of a court here on Wednesday after a year-long ordeal during which she was abducted and forcibly married off to a man who converted her to Islam.

The 16-year-old girl was kidnapped from Hyderabad a year ago.

Shiva Faqir Kaachi, who heads the Pakistan Derawar Ittehad organisation that represents the Hindu community, said the court decision was a big relief and a victory for the affected family and their daughter.

She is a brave girl who was put through a lot of torture. She was abducted and they converted her forcibly and married her off to a much older Muslim Man, he said.

He said his organisation had been pleading her case since last year and the police had finally located her in Rahim Yar Khan and brought her to Hyderabad where she was put in a womens shelter home.

The parents filed a case in court which today ordered that they be given custody of their daughter, he said.

Another case of a Hindu girl, who was abducted just three days after her marriage, grabbed headlines in January 2022.

She was allegedly converted to Islam and married to a Muslim man but she managed to escape after 14 months. The police brought her home but after a few months, she was abducted again and is yet to be recovered.
Indian national security advisor Ajit Doval told Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi wanted him to visit Russia and brief the Russian President on Modis meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

BREAKING: NSA Doval, per Modi's request, briefed Putin on Indian PM's meet with ZelenskyDoval witnessed their conversation firsthand, the meeting was conducted in a closed format Modi asked Doval to come in person and brief Russian president on the talks pic.twitter.com/hkTUY30zkz  Sputnik India (@Sputnik_India) September 12, 2024

As the Prime Minister told you during the telephone conversation that he was keen to brief you about his visit to Ukraine and his meeting with President Zelensky. He wanted me to come, specially and personally, and brief you about the talks, Doval said.

The talks were held in a closed format. It was only the two leaders. I was with the Prime Minister. I attended the conversation, he further added.

His visit to Moscow was greatly successful and he was highly satisfied with the visit, Doval was heard conveying to Putin in a video released by Russian media.

Doval met the Russian President at St Petersburg on the sidelines of the BRICS NSAs meeting.

The Putin-Doval meeting came nearly three weeks after Modi travelled to Ukranian capital Kyiv and held talks with Zelensky.

Last week, the Russian President, speaking at a panel discussion at the Eastern Economic Forum in the Russian city of Vladivostok named India, Brazil and China as possible intermediaries that could play a role in resolving the conflict.

In the meeting with Doval, Putin proposed a bilateral meeting with Modi on October 22 on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in the Russian city of Kazan next month.

The summit of the grouping will be held in Kazan from October 22-24. Modi is set to attend the summit.

In his talks with Zelensky, Modi said both Ukraine and Russia should sit together without wasting time to end the ongoing war and that India was ready to play an active role to restore peace in the region.

PM Modi said India was on the side of peace since the beginning of the conflict and he would even like to contribute personally for a peaceful resolution of the crisis.

Modis nearly nine-hour visit to Ukraine, the first by an Indian prime minister since its independence in 1991, came six weeks after he held summit talks with Putin in Moscow.

In the last few days, there have been calls for Indias potential role in pushing peace talks between Russia and Ukraine as New Delhi has good relations with both the nations.

India has been maintaining that the conflict in Ukraine must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.
External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on Thursday earned praises while interacting with Ambassador Jean-David Levitte at the Geneva Centre for Indias security policy. However, the event witnessed a rare scene, where Jaishankar can be seen blushing after the Ambassador said, You are a star in the world"

As Levitte expressed his pleasure of having the privilege to talk to Jaishankar and said that he is a star in the world, the EAM could be seen expressing gratitude with folded hands.

Earlier in the day, Jaishankar arrived in Switzerlands Geneva and started his visit by paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi. During his visit, the External Affairs Minister is set to meet the Swiss Foreign Minister to review the close partnership between the two nations and explore avenues to enhance the bilateral ties further.

EAM on QUAD

Talking about the upcoming QUAD Summit set to take place in the United States, the External Affairs Minister said, We hope that in the coming days, we will have a Quad summit in the US. With the passage of time, there is an increase in reassurance in much of the Indo-Pacific, that it is a net asset to the region."

The 2024 Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) Summit featuring the United States, Australia, India, and Japan will be held at Delaware on September 21.

Earlier, India was slated to host this years summit, with the US set to host it in 2025. However, reports indicate that the two countries have agreed to swap hosting duties. The 2024 summit has now moved to the US, while India will host it next year.

Jaishankar On BRICS

When specifically asked about the expansion of BRICS in the near future, Jaishankar hinted towards the absence of India in the G7. There was another club called G7 and you wont let anyone else enter the club. So we went on to form our club. As it started it gained a life of its own over the period of time. Others saw value in it as well."
Dawn Michelle Hunt thought she'd won a free trip from Chicago to Australia in 2014. Instead, the US woman landed in a Chinese prison for life, narrowly escaping execution. As the New York Times reports, the trip she thought she'd won was part of a drug trafficking scheme. With a stopover in China, Hunt was given handbags later found to have 4.5 pounds of meth stashed in the linings, according to Chinese police. A judge acknowledged the scam but decided Hunt should've known what was happening. With an initial death sentence later commuted to life in prison, she's now spent a decade behind bars and her family, pleading with the US government, says it's past time for her to return home.

A Black woman, she's been raped by prison guards and mistreated due to her race, family claim, per the Times. Hunt's father, Gene, says he's long kept quiet about the case for fear his daughter would face further punishment in China. He says he's now speaking out because Hunt's health is in decline. Prison doctors told Hunt, 53, that she may need surgery to address tumors in her uterus and ovaries, but Hunt has refused treatment out of a lack of trust in prison officials, her family says.

Hunt's brother, Tim, visited her in Guangzhou in June and says a prison staffer hovered, taking notes, as his sister appeared withdrawn. He'll speak about his experience at a gathering of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, which monitors human rights in the country, next week, per the Times. The State Department hasn't determined Hunt to be wrongful detained and her family hasn't pushed for the designation, which prompts the US government to "work tirelessly toward" securing a prisoner's release. A rep for the State Department says Hunt receives regular visits from consular officers, most recently in July. (More China stories.)
A Pittsburgh resident who has vacationed on the Massachusetts coast for years has bought an oceanfront property at a bargain pricebut it could be only a matter of time until it falls into the ocean. The home that David Moot owns in Eastham, Cape Cod, is just 25 feet from a sand bluff in an area where the coastline is eroding at an estimated three to five feet per year, the Guardian reports. "Life's too short, and I just said to myself, 'Let's just see what happens,'" the 59-year-old told Bloomberg last month. "It's going to eventually fall into the ocean, and it may or may not be in my lifetime." The home was offered at $1.2 million in 2022, but Moot paid just $395,000 for it in December last year.

"With sea level rise and increased storminess and intensity of storms, we've seen an increase in erosion, which affects coastal properties quite a lot," Karen Strauss, chair of the Eastham Conservation Commission, tells the Boston Globe. She says the land between Moot's home and the bluff is eroding faster than is typicalaccording to town records, it was 100 feet from the house as recently as 2013. Moot says he has researched ways to slow erosion, including planting beach grass. He plans to rent the house out to cover the $8,000 a year in taxes and insurancewhich does not cover erosion-related damages. He is also working with a hospice to give terminally ill people "a chance to enjoy the serene property." Photos of the home can be seen here.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says more than $100 billion in coastal properties could be lost to erosion in the next 30 years as sea levels risemeaning there could be plenty of opportunities for other bargain-hunters with a dream of temporarily owning an oceanfront home. "The bottom line is, between 50 and 100 years from now, there are communities that will be underwater," Dylan McNamara, a professor of oceanography at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, told Bloomberg last month. "It's just a matter of time before those property values go down. How they go down, whether it's a precipitous drop off a cliff or it's a smoother unwinding, is still up in the air." (More climate change stories.)
Arizona election officials are bracing for potential delays and machine jams due to the introduction of multipage ballots in the upcoming election. Voters in nine of the state's 15 counties will receive a two-page ballot, marking the first use of multipage ballots in nearly two decades. They will include an average of 79 contests per county. In a bid to ward off election conspiracy theories, election officials are trying to inform voters early.

In Maricopa County, which includes Phoenix, election officials have significantly increased polling infrastructure: there will be 246 vote centers, up from 175, and 8,000 voting booths, up from 5,000. Scott Jarrett, Maricopa County's Elections Director, emphasizes voter preparation. "What voters should know is it will take them longer to complete the ballot, just because there's so many more questions," Jarrett explained. Voters are encouraged to decide on research races and ballot measures in advance.

Public reactions to the longer ballot are mixed. While some, like retiree Jack Balson, fear it may dissuade voters and cause long lines, others, such as first-time voter Ahmad Tamini, are unbothered. Officials expect over a million early mail votes and up to 730,000 in-person ballots on Election Day. Jarrett estimates that filling out the ballots may take between nine and 13 minutes for the average voter and warns that the new multipage format might cause vote tabulation machine jams. Poll workers are undergoing additional training to manage these potential issues. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
A pair of rare Amur tiger cubs, Andrei and Amaliya, made their public debut at the Minnesota Zoo on Wednesday. Born on May 23 to 12-year-old mother Dari, the cubs' first outdoor adventure marks a significant step in preserving the species. Zoologist Trista Fischer noted their readiness, as the cubs are now fully vaccinated and weigh about 40 to 45 pounds.

The Minnesota Zoo, located in Apple Valley, has a strong track record with Amur tigers, boasting 57 births, with 46 surviving past 30 days. The zoo now houses seven Amur tigers, including the new cubs' father, Luka. The Amur tiger population in the wild stands at roughly 400 to 500, recovering slightly from near extinction in the 1930s and 1940s, but remains under threats such as poaching.

Fischer, also the leading coordinator for the Tiger Species Survival Plan, emphasized the importance of this litter's genetic diversity. Plans include Andrei moving to separate housing at 18 months, while Amaliya might stay longer with Dari. Eventually, the decision will be made on whether the cubs should be bred, potentially continuing the efforts in another accredited zoo. Fischer expressed pride in the cubs' adaptability, adding, "They're showing a lot of resiliency."

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Word count: 203 words. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
Florida's abortion restrictions, which were effective May 1 and ban abortions after six weeks, produced a 30% reduction in abortions that month and a 35% decline in June. That's a smaller decline than seen in other states with similar bans: 45% in Georgia, almost 80% in South Carolina, and 50% in Texas. A study by the Guttmacher Institute attributes this to better-prepared clinics and networks in Florida, which facilitated early pregnancy detection and out-of-state telehealth prescriptions for abortion pills. This study highlights that fact that women are still finding access avenues despite Republican-led states' tightening of laws.

Florida's status as the third-most populous state translates into it having more abortion-seekers than almost anywhere else in the country. Its geography can make things challenging, as it takes 11 hours to drive from Miami to North Carolina, the closest state that provides abortions later in a pregnancy, though patients must wait 72 hours after their initial appointment to get an abortion there.

Planned Parenthood spokesperson Michelle Quesada said the group's clinics have been hustling to get patients appointments quickly and have cross-trained staff on ultrasounds so gestational dating can be established as quickly as possible. Florida voters will decide in November whether to enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution, requiring a 60% majority for the amendment to pass. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
In admitting one of its soldiers likely killed Aysenur Eygi , a US-Turkish citizen, Israel's military said the activist was "hit indirectly and unintentionally by fire which was not aimed at her," but at the "key instigator" of a "violent riot" in the West Bank. Yet video and witness reports indicate the International Solidarity Movement volunteer was shot in the head more than 30 minutes after "the height of confrontations" between Israeli forces and protesters pushing back against the expansion of Israeli settlements, and 20 minutes after protesters had retreated to a location more than 200 yards from where Israeli soldiers were positioned on a roof, the Washington Post reports.

A fellow activist who accompanied Eygi said the 26-year-old was nervous to be attending her first West Bank demonstration and chose to stay away from the action. When shots rang out, the pair retreated down a hillside to an olive grove, where they hid behind trees, the woman said. The Post describes 20 minutes of calm during which the protesters "posed no apparent threat." Then soldiers fired two to three rounds, the activist said. Eygi fell to the ground, blood pouring from her head. A Palestinian teenager standing about 20 yards from Eygi was wounded. The IDF failed to identify the "instigator" and declined to say whether the 17-year-old was a target.

New Jersey teacher Daniel Santiago, who was shot in the thigh in Beita last month, tells the Post that soldiers use "live ammunition" on protesters "every week." On the same day Eygi was killed, soldiers allegedly shot and killed a 13-year-old girl in her West Bank village, per the Post. President Biden said Wednesday that Eygi's death was "totally unacceptable" and that "Israel must do more to ensure that incidents like this never happen again," but he also noted Israel's preliminary finding indicated the death "was the result of a tragic error." Turkey's Foreign Ministry, on the other hand, echoed Eygi's own family, saying the activist was murdered by Israel's government and the country would work to bring those responsible to justice. (More Israel stories.)
Authorities believe Joseph Couch, the suspect in the Kentucky highway shooting that left five people injured on Saturday, remains concealed in dense forest near the crime scene, though there's been no sign of him for five days. Helicopters, drones equipped with infrared technology, special response teams, and dogs continue to search for the 32-year-old former Army reservist in Daniel Boone National Forest, "scouring the sandstone cliffsides and caves," NBC News reports. Authorities, who are asking the public to report any possible sightings, say Couch is likely to be desperate and dehydrated if he's so far survived in the woods.

Couch texted the mother of his child on Saturday, vowing to "kill a lot of people" and "kill myself afterwards," according to an arrest affidavit. Authorities discovered his SUV on a service road near Interstate 75 later Saturday after 12 vehicles were struck by gunfire near the city of London. A rifle was also recovered. Authorities say there's no sign Couch has left the area. "It's very remote" and "very rough," with "a lot of hidden holes that would be very difficult to find an individual," local resident Chris Grigsby tells LEX 18. Laurel County schools remain closed as a precaution, while some area businesses are offering drive-thru service only, per NBC.

Couch, to be charged with five counts of attempted murder and five counts of first-degree assault, may be suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. His criminal record shows a misdemeanor charge of making a terroristic threat against a man with a dog, though the charge was dropped in March. "Should new information become available, [Kentucky State Police] will schedule a briefing to notify the public and media," Master State Trooper Scottie Pennington said Wednesday, as Laurel County Judge Executive David Westerfield predicted the National Guard would soon get involved, per WHAS. (More Kentucky stories.)
The commissioner of the NYPD is resigning after a little more than a year on the job amid multiple federal investigations into the government of Mayor Eric Adams. Much is unclear at this point, but NBC News reports that Edward Caban's resignation may stem from alleged conflicts of interest related to his twin brother's nightclub security business.

Stepping down: "I hold immense respect and gratitude for the brave officers who serve this department, and the NYPD deserves someone who can solely focus on protecting and serving New York City, which is whyfor the good of this city and this departmentI have made the difficult decision to resign as police commissioner," Caban wrote in an email to members of the force.
Matt Taibbi thinks the next-day analysis of the debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris sounded suspiciously familiar. Over and over, headlines and pundits argued that Harris "baited" Trump into traps or that she "commanded" the night, he writes in his Racket News column. What he finds fishy is that the Democratic Party put out a press release emphasizing those two phrases. "As one of the last relics of the 'Boys on the Bus' era, I don't recall campaign messaging being this crude, or politicians, press, and audience acting so overtly as a chorus," writes Taibbi. The "DNC or RNC just backing up to the commentariat, dumping loads of phrases, and seeing them instantly converted to conventional wisdom, that's new."

At New York, Jonathan Chait finds the theory flawed. For one thing, the Democratic release quoted journalists who already had weighed in. The problem for Trump is that "many observers, witnessing the debate, had more or less the same impression." That seems more reasonable than the idea that Democrats "secretly instructed a wide array of journalists what to say happened," he writes. What's more, plenty of Republicans used the same verbiage. "He rose to the bait repeatedly," said Brit Hume on Fox. And betting markets, an objective gauge if ever there were one, started moving in Harris' direction as the debate was unfolding, he notes. (Read Taibbi's column here, and Chait's rebuttal here.)
TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com

Email: ashen@newsofbahrain.com

Talks about Bahrainis being granted visa-free travel to Russia have sparked cautious optimism among potential travellers. While Russia has indeed proposed a mutual visa-waiver agreement with Bahrain, the process has been slow and faces various technical and legal hurdles.

A Russian diplomatic source, speaking to our sister newspaper Al Ayam, confirmed that the proposal for a visa-free agreement was made two years ago However, the source noted that due to some technical and legal specifics, the agreement has not been reached.

This highlights the complexities involved in formalising international agreements, especially regarding travel.

Extended period

The source further indicated that negotiations are progressing slowly and are likely to continue for an extended period.

The initial news of a potential visa-free agreement emerged from reports by Russia Today (RT), citing Russian Minister of Economic Development, Maxim Reshetnikov.

He stated that Russia had proposed full visa-free travel for citizens of Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Malaysia.

Reshetnikov emphasised that these countries could significantly contribute to Russias high-end tourism sector, indicating the mutual benefits of such an agreement.

Process

Despite the confirmed proposal for Bahrain, the diplomatic sources statements suggest that the process is far from finalised. It remains unclear when, or if, the agreement will be actualised.

The possibility of visa-free travel has generated excitement among Bahraini travelers eager to explore Russia, but its important to note that this information remains unconfirmed.

Potential travelers are advised to stay updated by checking official sources for any changes to visa requirements, as the situation continues to evolve. The dream of hassle-free travel to Russia awaits further developments.
TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

His Excellency Shaikh Abdulla bin Rashid Al Khalifa, the Ambassador of Bahrain to the United States, participated in a seminar organised by the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, marking the first anniversary of the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA) between the US and Bahrain. H.E. Steven C. Bondy, Ambassador of the US to Bahrain, also participated in the seminar.

The seminar underscored the advancement of security and economic relations following the signing of the historic agreement.

Shaikh Abdulla bin Rashid commended the strategic Bahrain-US relations, which embodies the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

He highlighted that the signing of C-SIPA represents the strategic diplomatic efforts of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, with the continuous follow-up from Lieutenant General His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the National Security Advisor and Royal Guard Commander.

Significant milestone The Ambassador underscored the agreement as a significant milestone in the development of Bahraini-US relations and advanced cooperation between the two countries.

He highlighted Bahrains role in regional defence initiatives and noted that the agreement provides a framework for enhanced defence integration, serving as a model that could be extended to other nations with aligned objectives.

Shaikh Abdulla bin Rashid emphasised the core principles of the agreement, including respect for the rules-based international order, sovereignty, and freedom of navigation.

He highlighted the joint threat assessment and the shared vision between the two nations in addressing global challenges.
TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com

Email: ashen@newsofbahrain.com

In the presence of His Excellency Lieutenant General Dr. Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Supreme Council of Health, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA) of Bahrain and the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA).

The agreement was signed by Dr. Ahmed Mohammed Al Ansari, CEO of the NHRA, and Dr. Hisham bin Saad Al Jadhi, CEO of the SFDA, focusing on the mutual recognition of pharmaceutical products, medical devices, and supplies.

Dr. Al Ansari stated that the MoU is part of a collaborative program between the two sides, aimed at formalizing Bahrain's adoption of pharmaceutical and medical devices approved by Saudi Arabia's SFDA.

He further explained that under the agreement, the NHRA will recognize and approve pharmaceutical products, medical devices, and supplies that have been classified and registered by the SFDA in Saudi Arabia.

This agreement builds upon a previous cooperation agreement signed in July 2019, which focused on the exchange of laboratory analysis results for medicines, medical products, and devices registered with both authorities.

The cooperation extends to joint inspections of factories, the exchange of clinical research, and collaborative training programs, in addition to sharing information on drug warnings and incidents related to medical devices and supplies.

The agreement further strengthens regulatory alignment between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia in the healthcare sector, enhancing the safety and quality of medical products in both countries.
September is BBBS Month, an opportunity to highlight the organization's mentoring programs across Canada that make a meaningful difference in the lives of the country's young people.

Currently, 10,000 kids across Canada are on BBBS mentorship waitlists. The greatest need is for male role models.

Throughout BBBS Month, a new campaign produced by Mercedes-Benz will be encouraging Canadians to learn more about opportunities to volunteer with BBBS in their local communities.

There is more information about the partnership between Mercedes-Benz Canada and BBBS available at www.mercedes-benz.ca/drivingyourfuture

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Sept. 12, 2024 /CNW/ - There are currently 10,000 kids across Canada on waitlists for Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) mentoring programs. By volunteering as mentors  aka a "BIGs" - with BBBS, Canadians have the power to make meaningful differences in the lives of young people, or "Littles." Each mentor receives training and support from BBBS's professional staff on how to build a safe, consistent relationship with their "Little," and commits to volunteering a few hours of their time each month. These mentoring relationships can be extremely fulfilling for adult mentors, and truly life-changing for young mentees.

A new campaign by Mercedes-Benz encourages Canadians to volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS). Inspired by the true story of a BBBS match who bonded over a shared interest in cars, the campaign video shows a boy and his Big visiting a garage full of high-performance vehicles, where they meet a racecar driver. The driver featured is Marc Lafleur, a Canadian entrepreneur, racecar driver, and former Little with BBBS. www.mercedes-benz.ca/drivingyourfuture (CNW Group/Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.)

A "Big" is an older, encouraging friend who helps a child realize their potential, building the young person's self-confidence by spending time with them, engaging in meaningful conversations, and supporting them in the pursuit of their goals. The relationship is built through activities that are fun and enjoyable for both the "Big" and the "Little".

Inspired by the true story of a BBBS match who bonded over a shared interest in cars - often visiting car dealerships during their outings together - Mercedes-Benz Canada has produced a new campaign to air throughout September (BBBS Month), which encourages Canadians to learn more about opportunities with the organization in their local communities.

In the campaign video, a boy with a keen interest in cars is picked up by his "Big" to visit a garage full of high-performance vehicles, where they meet a racecar driver. The driver featured in the spot is Marc Lafleur, a Canadian entrepreneur, racecar driver, and former "Little," whose life choices were supported by the BBBS mentor he met over 20 years ago. Marc has recently collaborated with Mercedes-Benz Canada and BBBS on Driving Your Future events where he has shared his story with the next generation of "Littles," hoping to serve as proof positive that anyone, from any background, can find success. Lafleur is also featured as part of BBBS's most recent "Mentorship Equals" communication; another initiative designed to recruit volunteer mentors for the organization's mentorship programs.

"I hope raising awareness about opportunities to volunteer with BBBS inspires Canadians to get involved and make a difference for young people in their communities," says Lafleur. "I always had support from my parents, but having an adult outside of my direct family take an interest in me and my interests was pivotal in building my self-confidence, inspiring me to set goals for myself, and driving me to go after them."

"We know that mentorship absolutely helps a child make positive choices and channel their resilience, directly improving their life outcomes well into adulthood," says Jill Zelmanovits, President and CEO, Big Brothers Big Sisters Canada. "Our programming works when the community  corporate partners and individuals  come together to uplift Canada's young people. With its investments in Driving Your Future, Mercedes-Benz is leading the next generation to reach their full potential. By volunteering a few hours of their time each month, Canadians have the power to make a truly meaningful difference."

"With our sustainable business strategy and our investments in corporate citizenship initiatives like Driving Your Future, Mercedes-Benz is focused on creating a better tomorrow. We want our customers to feel proud knowing that when they drive a Mercedes-Benz, they are driving the future for Canada's young people," says Andreas Tetzloff, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada.

Learn about Big Brother Big Sisters programs in your local community

Life-changing mentoring relationships ignite the power and potential of young people. Youth with mentors do better in school, lead healthier lives, and give back to society. There are BBBS member agencies across Canada. Canadians can complete this form to learn more about local volunteer opportunities with BBBS in their community: https://bigbrothersbigsisters.ca/mentorship-equals-learn-more/

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada (BBBSC) is a not-for-profit leader who unites a network of local mentoring providers and volunteers from coast to coast to coast. Children and families are at the heart of all we do. Mentoring builds resilience and enables children and youth to reach their full potential. BBBSC supports over 95 individual BBBS service providers by igniting growth, innovation, and collective strength in urban, rural, remote, and Indigenous reaching communities.

About Driving Your Future

With Driving Your Future, Mercedes-Benz has partnered with Big Brothers Big Sisters to empower the next generation of Canadians through mentorship. As part of this national partnership, Mercedes-Benz is the presenting partner of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada's (BBBSC) National Youth Mentoring Advisory Council (NYMAC). NYMAC is a nationwide consortium of youth experts (aged 17-28) who help shape the future of mentorship across the country. NYMAC provides consultation, undertakes projects, and takes a leadership role in supporting BBBSC on issues related to youth mentoring, ensuring the voice of Canadian youth authentically informs the organization's work. There is more information available at www.mercedes-benz.ca/drivingyourfuture.

About Mercedes-Benz Canada

Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc. is responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service of Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-AMG, Mercedes-Maybach, and all-electric vehicles from Mercedes-Benz, as well as Mercedes-Benz Vans. Headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, Mercedes-Benz Canada employs approximately 250 people across Canada. Through a nationwide network of 57 authorized dealerships, Mercedes-Benz Canada sold 35,949 vehicles in 2023.

SOURCE Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.

For more information, please contact: Sinead Brown, [email protected]; Further information from Mercedes-Benz Canada is available at media.mercedes-benz.ca
Through fall 2024, this initiative will see the Cheestrings logo on each individual product wrapper replaced with the Kids Help Phone 24/7 free, confidential e-mental health service number on the iconic snack to generate awareness of the crisis line. The No Lonely Lunches initiative encourages parents to use the snack as a point of discussion on emotional issues with their own children. Further, the Kids Help Phone-branded Cheestrings also provide children with a means of extending an olive branch to a peer experiencing a lonely lunch by using the snack as a conversation starter or as a simple way to share the important mental health resource.

The Cheestrings survey commissioned by Fuse Insights surveyed 500 Canadian parents with kids between the ages of 10-17. The survey also found:

Nearly half (46 per cent) of children are feeling less happy about the return to school with 77 per cent of these children saying it's linked to how they get along with classmates and friends.

Lunchtime was mentioned as the most challenging time of day by nearly half (49 per cent) of children who indicated they are unhappy at school.

Interestingly, 37 per cent said their child often starts conversations with kids who look lonely, by sharing snacks.

"Back to school can be a difficult time for children, especially during lunchtime," said Elyse Horrigan, Brand Manager, Cheestrings - Ficello. "With the research showing that snacks can be a good icebreaker, Cheestrings is pleased to partner with Kids Help Phone on the No Lonely Lunches campaign that encourages conversation over a Cheestrings snack."

"Peer relationships and isolation are some of the top issues young people are reaching to KHP about. More so, our Kids Help Phone data shows that one in three young people who reach out to our service via text feel distressed at the thought of going back to school," said Jenny Yuen, Senior Vice President, Strategic Partnerships for Kids Help Phone. "Having a safe space to Feel Out Loud can be an important step to showing youth they're not alone. We're proud to launch this campaign together with our partners at Lactalis Canada to help and reduce the stigma of mental health challenges and promote help-seeking behaviour among youth, particularly this back-to-school season."

As part of Cheestrings' commitment to raising awareness of Kids Help Phone, the campaign will also feature online and out of home advertising with eye-catching, thought-provoking illustrations highlighting some of the challenges kids face today. Cheestrings will also donate $100,000 to Kids Help Phone to help ensure young people in Canada continue to have 24/7 mental health support when they need it most.

Throughout the fall, Canadians can purchase the No Lonely Lunches-related Cheestrings at major grocery retailers across Canada. To learn more about Cheestrings' collaboration with Kids Help Phone, visit cheestrings.ca/en/giving-back.

About the Survey

The results from the 'No Lonely Lunches' survey are taken from a national survey of 509 Canadian parents of children aged 8 to 17 years old, conducted by Fuse Insights in August 2024. The survey was conducted in English and French through an online research panel; quotas and weighting were used to ensure the sample of respondents was representative of the Canadian population by age, gender, and geographical distribution. The methodology used means that no margin of error can be applied to these results; a probability-based sample of this size would have a margin of error of +/-4%, 19 times out of 20.

About Lactalis Canada Inc.

With over 140 years of brand heritage, Lactalis Canada is the Canadian dairy leader behind iconic brands Cracker Barrel, Black Diamond, P'tit Quebec, Balderson, Cheestrings Ficello, aMOOza!, Astro, Khaas, siggi's, IOGO, IOGO nano, Olympic, Lactantia, Beatrice, Bfit, Enjoy!, Marie Morin Canada, Galbani, and President. With more than 30 operating sites including 20 manufacturing facilities, the company and its more than 4000 employees are committed to enriching and nurturing the lives of Canadians through its high-quality products, contribution to communities and partnership with farmers, customers, partners and suppliers. Lactalis Canada is part of Lactalis Group, the world's leading dairy company, headquartered in Laval, France. For more information, visit www.lactalis.ca

About Cheestrings

Black Diamond Cheestrings are more than just a snack; they're an invitation to play. String it,chomp it, or create your own delicious masterpiece each cheestring is a blank canvas for your imagination whether you are a kid or just young at heart. Cheestrings is on a mission to bring back and sustain happiness, not just for today but for generations to come. Cheestrings are crafted from 100% real cheese, with no artificial colours, flavours, or added preservatives to offer a delicious, wholesome snack that always promises to be fun and nutritious. It's time to play, create, and savour the moments that make life extraordinary.

About Kids Help Phone

Kids Help Phone is Canada's only 24/7 national, e-mental health service offering free, confidential, multi-lingual support to young people. As the country's virtual care expert, we give millions of youth a safe, trusted space to Feel Out Loud over the phone, through text, or in self-directed supports for any moment of crisis or need. The Feel Out Loud campaign is the largest movement for youth mental health in Canada's history - it will raise $300 million to unlock hope for young people to thrive in their worlds. Kids Help Phone gratefully relies on the generosity of donors, volunteers, stakeholder partners, corporate partners and governments to fuel and fund our programs. Learn more at KidsHelpPhone.ca.

SOURCE Cheestrings

Media Contact: For more survey statistic or to arrange an interview, please contact: Madison Gerrie, [email protected], 905-630-8692
The Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul and Scala Data Centers, a leading Latin American platform of sustainable data centres in the hyperscale market, have signed a letter of intent to enable the construction of what they call the largest and most innovative digital infrastructure project in South America.

Scala AI City, as the project is called, will be established in a strategic area of Eldorado do Sul, in the metropolitan region of Porto Alegre, the capital of the state. The site was chosen for its proven safety from natural disasters (including climate events), abundant energy supply, and real estate capacity that allows for continuous expansion over decades.

This development will be interconnected with Scala's SPOAPA01 data centre in Porto Alegre, which benefits from low-latency connectivity infrastructure and a strategic position for integration with major global hubs.

Additionally, the planned connection to the Malbec submarine cable, which links Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Buenos Aires and is expected to pass through the capital of Rio Grande do Sul, offers a significant competitive edge. This location ensures scalability, high resilience, and uninterrupted operations.

This data centre city represents an initial investment of US$500 million in the first phase alone. The construction of Scala AI City will, it is claimed, generate more than 3,000 new direct and indirect jobs in the first phase.

The initial IT capacity of Scala AI City will be 54 MW, which is about seven times more than the capacity currently installed in Greater Porto Alegre and larger than markets such as Argentina and Uruguay. The expansion potential is enormous, with the possibility of reaching 4,750 MW spread across more than 1,730 acres.

The project will utilise what is described as a FutureProof design, allowing the installation of racks that support AI training workloads, with capacities exceeding 150kW, in contrast to the 20kW or less intended for other uses. The system also plans to use liquid cooling  a refrigerant-based cooling method that offers greater energy efficiency for this type of application.

Sustainability will be a central development pillar, relying on 100% renewable and certified energy, and adopting cutting-edge technologies to minimise its environmental impact.

With the aid of the milder climate in southern Brazil, the data centres will be more efficient and achieve a power usage effectiveness (PUE) not exceeding 1.2  the lowest in Latin America  and a water usage effectiveness (WUE) of zero, meaning no water will be used in the cooling systems  an interesting statistic given the ongoing issues other countries are facing with water use for data centres.
Torrance, United States / California, September 11th, 2024, CyberNewsWire

Criminal IP, a distinguished leader in Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI) search engine developed by AI SPERA, announced that it has successfully integrated its IP address-related risk detection data with IPLocation.io, one of the most visited IP analysis and lookup tools on the internet.

Through the integration, IPLocation.io, a prominent IP address geolocation tracker platform with a substantial user base, now offers more detailed insights on IP addresses from Criminal IPs accurate and up-to-date threat intelligence database.

Innovative Data Ecosystem Driven by Search Engine and AI Expertise

This is a groundbreaking advancement because Criminal IPs database, built on a search engine framework, is more than a collection of information; its a refined machine learning ecosystem honed through extensive scanning and detection of malicious IP addresses. The system continuously enhances its accuracy by transforming self-collected threat data, particularly behavioral patterns for IP address evasion, into actionable intelligence using AI and machine learning techniques.

Tracking Down Threat History with Snort and Scanner Information

Unlike traditional IP tracking methods, which only provide the geographic location of IP addresses, Criminal IP data in IPLocation.io now delivers information from Snort, a network intrusion detection system, and vulnerability scanners on open ports. This, along with newly provided inbound and outbound scores of IP addresses, enables the comprehensive identification of threat information related to IP addresses. Users can now compile the information themselves to assess the risk of an IP address, supported by a variety of fact-based evidence.

Threat data from Criminal IP accessible on IPLocation.io website

Among IP Location Lookup data sources, Criminal IP provides the most comprehensive data, offering 25 distinct data points for a single IP address.

Evasion-Focused Dynamic Pattern Analysis Unveils Potential Attack Scenarios

Users can also detect IP address obfuscation and protect their assets with new VPN, Proxy, and Tor data in IP Location. The aforementioned data helps identify discrepancies between actual and reported locations of an IP address, as well as traffic routed through multiple servers, thus revealing potential threats. The system goes beyond a mere review of past records; it offers predictive insights into future risks by analyzing behavioral patterns and potential attack scenarios. This underscores the CTI databases distinctive capability to continuously learn and analyze attack patterns executed online.

About AI SPERA

AI SPERA equips cybersecurity professionals with advanced tools and insights to protect digital assets. Its flagship products include Criminal IP, renowned for its AI-based search engine, as well as attack surface management and fraud detection for enterprise solutions. The firms established presence in major marketplaces like AWS and Snowflake further underscores its credibility and the trust placed in its services by leading industry players. Recently, AI SPERA achieved Level 1 certification under PCI DSS v4.0, overseen by the six leading global card issuers, showcasing its commitment to top-tier data security.

Contact

Michael Sena

AI SPERA

[email protected]


Japan plans to spend about $761 million to build a Zettaflop supercomputer. It is called Fugaku Next. It will be built by Japanese companies RIKEN and Fujitsu, which were both involved in the construction of Fugaku.

The AI training clusters with lots of GPUs can get to a peak of a Zettaflop but this is for FP8 or FP4 calculations.

Intel helped Japan to do a feasibility study.

The computational node of the Fugaku Next supercomputer will have peak performance of several hundred FP64 TFLOPS for double-precision computations, around 50 FP16 PFLOPS for AI-oriented half-precision calculations, and approximately 100 PFLOPS for AI-oriented 8-bit precision calculations, with memory bandwidths reaching several hundred TB/s using HBM-type memory.

Floating-point operations per second (FLOPS) is used to measure how fast computers can solve problems  where one floating-point operation is a single calculation. A supercomputer with a speed of 1 zettaFLOPS could make one sextillion (1 followed by 21 zeros) calculations per second. Todays most powerful supercomputers have only just broken the exaFLOPS barrier, meaning they can make just over one quintillion (1 followed by 18 zeros).

MEXT has set aside around 4.2 billion ($29 million) for the first year of the project but could allocate up to 110 billion ($761 million) throughout the project, which is scheduled to be completed by 2030
Jim Fan is one of Nvidias senior AI researchers.

The shift could be about many orders of magnitude more compute and energy needed for inference that can handle the improved reasoning in the OpenAI Strawberry (QStar) approach.

This could mean far more powerful and energy intensive chips needed to run inference. Nextbigfuture had previously analyzed and estimated the scaling of AI training and AI inference. This new work suggests the ratio of AI training to AI inference could be changing. The old ratio was AI inference was about the square root of the AI training.

We still do not know how the compute and energy needs with AI large language models will evolve. What will be needed at centralized training clusters and what will be needed at distributed AI inference systems. Will our laptops and cellphones be good enough or will the hardware need to change?

OpenAI Strawberry as Described by Nvidia Jim Fan

OpenAI Strawberry (o1) is out! We are finally seeing the paradigm of inference-time scaling popularized and deployed in production. As Sutton said in the Bitter Lesson, therere only 2 techniques that scale indefinitely with compute: learning & search. Its time to shift focus to the latter.

1. You dont need a huge model to perform reasoning. Lots of parameters are dedicated to memorizing facts, in order to perform well in benchmarks like trivia QA. It is possible to factor out reasoning from knowledge, i.e. a small reasoning core that knows how to call tools like browser and code verifier. Pre-training compute may be decreased.

2. A huge amount of compute is shifted to serving inference instead of pre/post-training. LLMs are text-based simulators. By rolling out many possible strategies and scenarios in the simulator, the model will eventually converge to good solutions. The process is a well-studied problem like AlphaGos monte carlo tree search (MCTS).

3. OpenAI must have figured out the inference scaling law a long time ago, which academia is just recently discovering. Two papers came out on Arxiv a week apart last month:

 Large Language Monkeys: Scaling Inference Compute with Repeated Sampling. Brown et al. finds that DeepSeek-Coder increases from 15.9% with one sample to 56% with 250 samples on SWE-Bench, beating Sonnet-3.5.

 Scaling LLM Test-Time Compute Optimally can be More Effective than Scaling Model Parameters. Snell et al. finds that PaLM 2-S beats a 14x larger model on MATH with test-time search.

4. Productionizing o1 is much harder than nailing the academic benchmarks. For reasoning problems in the wild, how to decide when to stop searching? Whats the reward function? Success criterion? When to call tools like code interpreter in the loop? How to factor in the compute cost of those CPU processes? Their research post didnt share much.

5. Strawberry easily becomes a data flywheel. If the answer is correct, the entire search trace becomes a mini dataset of training examples, which contain both positive and negative rewards.

This in turn improves the reasoning core for future versions of GPT, similar to how AlphaGos value network  used to evaluate quality of each board position  improves as MCTS generates more and more refined training data.

OpenAI Strawberry (o1) is out! We are finally seeing the paradigm of inference-time scaling popularized and deployed in production. As Sutton said in the Bitter Lesson, there're only 2 techniques that scale indefinitely with compute: learning & search. It's time to shift focus to pic.twitter.com/jTViQucwxr  Jim Fan (@DrJimFan) September 12, 2024

OpenAI just released its new AI model, OpenAI o1 (internally known as Project Strawberry/Q*) The wait is finally over. Here's the model coding an entire video game from a prompt  The model can think before it answers and is better at math and programming challenges. The pic.twitter.com/hIokkdow2T  Rowan Cheung (@rowancheung) September 12, 2024
The Bangladesh Private Cable System (BPCS) consortium is ready to start work on building the countrys first privately-owned subsea cable, according to subsea cable consulting and project management company Pioneer Consulting, who is advising the project.

BPCS comprises Summit Communications, CdNet Communications and Metacore Subcom, which each received licences from the Bangladesh Telecom Regulatory Commission (BTRC) in September 2022. The three companies subsequently formed BPCS to build a private international subsea cable that will supplying at least another 45 Tbps of bandwidth to Bangladesh.

In a statement on Tuesday, Pioneer Consulting said the project has now entered the construction phase. The new 1,300-km cable will connect Coxs Bazar, Bangladesh to the Campana-owned UMO subsea cable, which runs from Thanylin, Myanmar to Tuas, Singapore. BPCS will own rights to three of the cables fibre pairs, each supplying at least 15 Tbps of bandwidth.

Pioneer Consulting said it has supported the BPCS consortium over the past two years on route assessment, due diligence, commissioning of the UMO cable system, supply contract formation, and purchasers representative management for the survey of the branch route.

Dave Marie, director of client solutions at Pioneer Consulting, also said that BPCS has contracted the firm for project management, engineering, and quality assurance support of the branch cable for connectivity to Singapore.

Were proud to be part of this groundbreaking project, poised to change the connectivity landscape of Bangladesh, said Marie in a statement. Were off to a strong start, with all contracts in place and the marine survey completed well before the onset of monsoon season.

BPCS expects the new private cable to bring badly needed new bandwidth to Bangladesh, which currently has two subsea cable connections via SEA-ME-WE 4 and SEA-ME-WE 5, both of which are owned by state-owned Bangladesh Submarine Cables PLC (BSCPLC). BSCPLC also owns a stake in the SEA-ME-WE 6 cable, which is scheduled to be ready for service in 2025.

Bangladeshs internet connectivity was disrupted in April by a break in the SEA-ME-WE 5 submarine cable, knocking out two-thirds of the countrys international subsea capacity, highlighting the need for more redundant international connectivity.

Bangladesh deserves world-class internet capacity and accessibility; we believe this new cable will significantly enhance the countrys ability to meet its internet demand in the coming decade, said K.M. Tariquzzaman, CTO of Summit Communications and project lead for the BPCS consortium. This new infrastructure will greatly improve internet speed, reliability, and affordability across Bangladesh.

The BPCS cable is scheduled to go into service in the first quarter of 2026.

The news comes several months after the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) awarded a feasibility study grant to CdNet to explore construction of a new subsea cable called the Bangladesh International Submarine Cable (Bagha-1).
Cassava Technologies African tech business Liquid Intelligent Technologies announced on Wednesday it has upgraded its 1,300-km fibre route in Kenya that connects the coastal city of Mombasa to Busia on the Ugandan border.

Liquid said the upgrades to the existing route between Kenya and Uganda provides additional multi-terabit capacity and additional resilience, enhancing digital connectivity while supporting several other East African countries with greater efficiency and reliable regional connectivity.

The company said the added terabit capacity not only makes the route a scalable option for Liquids retail, home, enterprise and wholesaler customers, but also better positions Liquids East African operations to support international hyperscalers entering the African market.

Meanwhile, the expansion improves resilience and enables Liquid to offer 99.99% uptime availability of services between Mombasa and the Uganda border to its customers, said Adil El Youssefi, CEO of Liquid Intelligent Technologies: Rest of Africa.

The improved connectivity provided by this route, complementing our existing routes to the Uganda border, will support critical business sectors across the region, providing reliable, high-capacity networks essential for digital transformation and economic development, he said in a statement.
A man from Salisbury, Vermont, was arrested Tuesday and charged with coaxing a child in Bergen County to transmit nude photos of himself online, authorities said.

Jacob L. Gorton, 26, was charged with first-degree production of child pornography following an investigation that began in March, according to Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella.

Gorton chatted with the child in sexual conversations on social media, eventually instructing him to expose himself on camera and send nude photos of his intimate parts, Musella said in a statement.
Alleged dead cats became the bizarre subject of one part of the presidential debate Tuesday.

Now, one particular dead cat has come back to life to endorse Kamala Harris.

Tardar Sauce, popularly known as social media sensation Grumpy Cat, died in 2019, but actor Aubrey Plaza resurrected her in photo form to endorse Harris and Tim Walz.

The Emmy-nominated Plaza voiced Grumpy Cat in the 2014 Lifetime movie Grumpy Cats Worst Christmas Ever.

Plaza, 40, shared a photo of herself posing with her perma-frowning co-star in an Instagram post endorsing Harris and Walz.

The actor, who was nominated for an Emmy for The White Lotus and stars in the upcoming Marvel series Agatha All Along, did so just hours after Taylor Swift endorsed Kamala Harris for president with a feline flourish.

MORE: Taylor Swift endorses Kamala Harris for president, signs message Childless Cat Lady

Swift, 34, made her endorsement by sharing a statement alongside a photo with her cat, Benjamin Button.

She signed the message Childless Cat Lady, a nod to a 2021 comment from Republican presidential candidate Donald Trumps running mate, JD Vance.

Were effectively run in this country via the Democrats, via our corporate oligarchs, by a bunch of childless cat ladies, the future vice presidential candidate told Tucker Carlson in the interview.

Neither Swift nor Plaza have children.

A group called Cat Ladies for Kamala says it has raised $385,000 for Harris campaign.

Grumpy Cat, who had feline dwarfism and an underbite, became a meme and social media star after a photo of her took off in 2012. Her likeness can be found on Grumpy Cat books, T-shirts, mugs and other merchandise.

The Arizona cat was 7 when she died.

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Amy Kuperinsky may be reached at akuperinsky@njadvancemedia.com and followed at @AmyKup.
LOS ANGELES, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- Over 300 Chinese companies participated in the RE+ 2024 expo, North America's largest clean energy event, this week with their latest products and technologies, seeking more market opportunities.

The four-day event, kicked off on Monday at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anahiem, California, is celebrating RE+'s 20th anniversary. It will draw over 40,000 attendees and more than 1,300 exhibitors around the globe, according to the organizer.

Ranging from solar, energy storage, hydrogen, to EV charging and infrastructure, microgrids, wind energy and more, some well-known Chinese clean energy companies, including CATL, BYD, Gotion and Hithium were on the show floor, together with lots of small-and medium-sized companies.

"The United States is one of our important markets," said Zhang Kunhong, senior overseas marketing manager at China's Kehua Digital Energy, adding that the company has attended RE+ for many years.

"This exhibition attracts more professional customers and is also an opportunity to observe the development of the industry. It's an excellent platform for Chinese manufacturers to promote their brands and products," he noted.

Based on power conversion technology, Kehua Digital Energy has diversified solutions and rich project experience in the fields of photovoltaic, energy storage, microgrids, and integrated energy services.

As one of the top five companies in global energy storage battery shipments in 2023, China's Hithium Energy Storage is accelerating its international development. The company opened a new marketing center in Fremont, California, earlier this year.

"It will accelerate our integration with local technological innovation and talent cultivation, and pave the way for the localization of Hithium Energy Storage in North America," said Zhang Mizhi, president of Global Business Center of the company.

"We will provide more localized and high-quality services to better support our customers in the United States," he noted.

Overseas Brand and Marketing Manager Yan Xiaowei at CLOU Electronics, a member of China's MideaGroup, told Xinhua that the company has entered the international market since 2012 and has projects in both North America and South America.

"As carbon neutrality becomes a global consensus, countries are increasingly paying attention to the development of new energy. Chinese companies' leading clean energy technologies play a role in helping countries achieve their green development goals," he added.
Italian company Sparkle, an international telecoms service provider, has signed an agreement with Airtel Business, the B2B arm of Indian service provider Bharti Airtel, for additional capacity on a diversified low-latency route between Asia and Europe.

Under the agreement, Sparkle will provide capacity on the Blue and Raman submarine cable systems which will connect India to Italy. With this additional capacity Airtel will further diversify its global network across multiple international submarine cable systems to serve the growing demand for data services in India and neighbouring countries.

The two companies will also work together on the development of new business opportunities and projects in the Indian subcontinent, leveraging their respective cable infrastructures.

Described as Indias leading and most trusted provider of ICT services, Airtel Business offers strategically located submarine cables, satellite networks and global networks across 50 countries and five continents. With more than 1,200 global carrier partnerships, the company says it enables its customers to connect across the world including hard-to-reach areas.

In India, Airtel Business offers a wide range of solutions that include secure connectivity, cloud and data centre services, cybersecurity, IoT and cloud-based communications to enterprises, governments, carriers, and small and medium businesses.

Vani Venkatesh, CEO of Global Business at Airtel Business, says: We are happy to partner with Sparkle as we further consolidate our leadership in global connectivity. This partnership will further diversify our network with large integrated capacities to meet the ever-growing connectivity needs and data demand of our customers.
Actors continuing to call for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza are now asking their union to prevent Hollywood blacklisting over pro-Palestine views.

New Jerseys Ramy Youssef and Susan Sarandon are among the members of SAG-AFTRA and Sister Guild Members for Ceasefire.

In a letter, the group of actors and other talents within SAG-AFTRA demand our leadership issue a public statement calling for a permanent ceasefire, release of all hostages  both Palestinian and Israeli, and immediate funding and delivery of desperately needed humanitarian aid; to speak out against the targeting and killing of innocent Palestinian civilians, health workers, and our journalist colleagues; to condemn our industrys McCarthyist repression of members who acknowledge Palestinian suffering; and to eliminate any doubt of our solidarity with workers, artists, and oppressed people worldwide.

Oscar winner Sarandon grew up in Edison, 77, and Youssef, 33, the Golden Globe-winning star of Hulus Ramy and Poor Things and stand-up comedian with two HBO specials, hails from Rutherford.

MORE: N.J. actor Ramy Youssef on Poor Things film debut and suffering in Gaza (interview)

Other signers of the letter include Oscar winner Riz Ahmed, Rosie ODonnell, Mark Ruffalo, Common, Busy Philipps, Griffin Dunne, Oscar-winning producer Bruce Cohen (American Beauty), Cynthia Nixon, Kendrick Sampson, Indya Moore, Sara Ramirez, Poppy Liu and Saul Williams.

The ceasefire group of union members tell The Hollywood Reporter efforts to talk to union leaders about a ceasefire statement go unanswered. SAG-AFTRA, led by president Fran Drescher, declined comment.

MORE: N.J. star Ramy Youssef talks Gaza, Biden and book reports in More Feelings comedy special

In 2023, Youssef and Sarandon were among those who signed a letter to President Joe Biden calling for a ceasefire, wearing Artists4Ceasefire buttons to public events like movie premieres and the Oscars (pictured above).

I have a lot of friends who are artists there who are currently directly being affected, directly under fire, Youssef told NJ Advance Media in December. So many days I feel like everything that Im doing is pointless knowing that thats going on ... Its not just the last two months. Its something that has always been connected to my heart in the work.

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Amy Kuperinsky may be reached at akuperinsky@njadvancemedia.com and followed at @AmyKup.
NJ Transit officials are investigating an incident in Newark that sent two people to the hospital Wednesday and delayed trains for about 45 minutes during the afternoon commute, officials said.

NJ Transit police responded to the tracks at 3:27 p.m. Roseville and 7th Avenue in Newark for a report of trespassers, officials from NJ Transit said.

Initial reports indicated two people may have been trespassing on an overhead signal structure and been injured by electricity, leading to them falling onto the tracks, according to officials.

The men were taken to an area hospital. The extent of their injuries was unknown Wednesday afternoon.

NJ Transit Police are leading the investigation into the incident, authorities said.

Trains have since resumed running. Officials said delays are expected in both directions on the Morris and Essex, and Gladstone Branch and Montclair-Boonton lines.

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The East Orange man who shot two people on a PATH train 11 years ago could have 10 years shaved off his 30-year prison sentence after an appellate court panel tossed one of his seven convictions.

Tari Turpin had been convicted of two counts of aggravated assault and lesser offenses at trial for the 2013 shooting of a woman and her friend on a PATH train at the Newport Station in Jersey City.
A U.S. Army recruiter in New Jersey was charged with bank fraud and identity theft after allegedly using recruits personal information to open bank accounts and apply for credit cards, U.S. District Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced Wednesday.

Jane Crosby, 33, of Jersey City was charged with one count of bank fraud and seven counts of aggravated identity theft.

Prosecutors accused Crosby of submitting Pre-Active Duty Membership bank account applications to a credit union on behalf of seven Army recruits without their consent between Sept. 12 and Dec. 27, 2023.

The accounts were intended to receive soon-to-be services members salaries through direct-deposit once they joined the military, officials said. The applications included the victims names, social security numbers, copies of their passports and drivers licenses, according to authorities.

Once successfully opened, Crosby allegedly applied for $266,000 in loans and credit card accounts while using some accounts to deposit fraudulent checks and then withdrawing funds, authorities said.

Crosby appeared in federal court Wednesday and was released on $100,000 unsecured bond.

An attorney for Crosby did not immediately return a request for comment Wednesday.

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A doctor who has been indicted on child sexual assault charges has reached an agreement with the state to surrender his medical license, the New Jersey Attorney Generals office said on Thursday.

Cornelius Gallagher, 62, of Wall, was indicted in July on two counts of aggravated sexual assault, two counts of sexual assault and one count of child endangerment. The charges stem from allegations that the pulmonologist sexually assaulted a child for more than a decade and was also allegedly in possession of child pornography.

Gallagher previously worked for Shore Pulmonary and was also affiliated with three Hackensack Meridian Health hospitals  Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Riverview Medical Center and Ocean University Medical Center.
The highest-ranking lawmaker from New Jerseys powerful Senate education committee is calling for legislative hearings to review the states charter school policies and procedures, citing serious concerns about salaries and transparencies in some of the institutions, NJ Advance Media has learned.

State Sen. Vin Gopal, D-Monmouth, who serves as chairman of the Senate Education Committee, said he plans to initiate a review of the states charter school policy and work with stakeholders to ensure the new policies provide robust protections and transparency measures surrounding our public education funds.

Gopal cited recent investigative reports by NJ Advance Media, which uncovered some publicly funded charter school officials are earning salaries that far outpace top officials in public districts, as well as allegations of ethical impropriety and violations of school ethics laws, as spurring his demand for action.
Donald Trump has issued a tsunami of deranged warnings about immigrants since toddling down the golden escalator in 2015.

Now, reading from his racist playbook and babbling like a parrot on meth, he has declared that Haitian immigrants are dining on the house pets of Springfield, Ohio.

The statement is either the product of an addled mind, or just the kind of rage-bait designed to rile up ignorant voters. Either way, heres what he said during Tuesdays debate against Kamala Harris: 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. Thats whats happening in our country, and its a shame.

The ABC moderators assured him that this is not the case and quoted a police chief who confirmed it as the kind of rubbish you find on a MAGA message board.

But the fact that Trump would use his debate time to spread debunked claims about immigrants abducting family pets and eating them only reinforces the fact that he cannot be taken seriously, and that he has little interest in solving the immigration problem he would otherwise demagogue.

Its also a reminder of the mans conflicted relationship with animals. It wasnt long ago that Trump thought about adding to his ticket a woman who bragged about killing her puppy. Two weeks ago, he celebrated the endorsement of a man who hauls dead bears and severed whale heads around in his car and has a freezer full of roadkill.

Now hes spreading an unhinged rumor -- promoted by his running mate Monday -- about immigrants devouring Fido. What could be next?

Just spoke with Lindsey Graham in the spin room he said the debate team

should be fired and Trump was unprepared. disaster  Tim Miller (@Timodc) September 11, 2024

The media often engages in sanewashing -- or rephrasing Trumps most incoherent remarks to make him more comprehensible to the public  but its pointless when he refuses to step outside his deranged world. Thats a shame, because Trump should visit places like Springfield, if only to gain an understanding of what it takes to discuss immigration like an adult.

It had been a dying relic of the manufacturing age, a very white, rust belt city that lost 20,000 jobs in the 1990s after the auto industry pulled out, with many others lost to the drug epidemic.

It has been difficult to add 15,000 Haitian immigrants to Springfields pre-pandemic population of 59,000. But its also true that they have ushered in a rise in worker productivity, officials say there has been no increase in crime, and the mayor confirms that the citys main needs are safety and health forces and translation services.

Factory CEO in Springfield, Ohio:



Our Haitian associates come to work every day, they dont have drug problems, theyll stay at their machines, theyll achieve their numbers, they are here to work  thats a sharp difference from what were used to.pic.twitter.com/6NAaon41dI  Frank Luntz (@FrankLuntz) September 11, 2024

A PBS report Monday featured a Springfield owner of a metal shop that makes car and tractor parts, who said his 30 Haitian employees are by far his most reliable, and that he wished he had twice as many. A third-generation owner, he says that this is how the Midwest manufacturing boom will be regenerated in forgotten places like Springfield: Haitians fill the entry-level jobs at the Honda engine plant, the Dole canning facility, the local warehouses, and they all pay taxes.

And in response to the 25% population surge, Gov. Mike DeWine continues to send more resources for education, vaccines, health screenings for schools, translation services, and driver training.

Lets be clear: The Haitians are working in Springfield legally, under the Temporary Protected Status program.

DeWine, a Republican who strongly supports TPS, understands the problem of these immigrants better than most: His family owns a school in Port au-Prince, one named for his late daughter, but it closed in May because of gang violence. The governor has a genuine respect for Haitians, even though the problem is one of the most challenging hes faced since taking office five years ago.

But this is the kind of problem Trump wants to exploit, so immigration is the issue that was supposed to be a winner for him during the debate. Instead, it was just one of many that triggered a Captain Queeg moment.

Harris, on the other hand, was pitch-perfect and an extraordinary contrast to Trump. Even when she didnt speak, her expressions and body language were a prism for a baffled national audience.

Clearly, she was thinking what tens of millions of others were, too: Immigration is a serious issue that requires serious discussion. And anyone who reduces it to a macabre fantasy is not a serious person.

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My Q to @JDVance last night in Philly: What do you say to Haitian Americans and Haitian immigrants who say spreading false claims about them puts their lives at risk?



Our full exchange on video. pic.twitter.com/S0NG02Ci2S  Yamiche Alcindor (@Yamiche) September 11, 2024

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One lucky person matched all five numbers drawn and won the $1,704,450 Jersey Cash 5 jackpot from Wednesdays drawing, New Jersey Lottery officials announced Thursday.

The winning ticket was sold at the 7-Eleven at 218 Pompton Turnpike in Little Falls, according to a release from the New Jersey Lottery.

The winning numbers were: 09, 13, 18, 36 and 44 and the XTRA number was: 02. The Bullseye number was 09.

The retailer will receive a bonus check for $2,000 for selling the winning ticket.

Wednesday also saw another big winner in New Jersey as one player purchased a ticket for the $2 Jersey Jackpot Fast Play Progressive and walked away with $50,527, officials said. That total is 20% of the progressive jackpot.

The ticket was sold at the ShopRite at 1001 Route 70 in Manchester.

Fast Play Progressive tickets are sold at any retailer and offer a fast way for players to see if their ticket is a lucky winner, the release stated.

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Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com.
Two conservative allies of former President Trump are battling it out on social media over a hateful post shared earlier this week about Vice President Harriss heritage.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) demanded that far-right activist Laura Loomer take down a post shared on social media platform X earlier this week about Harriss Indian heritage. Greene, a top ally of the former president, said that Loomers controversial post is not what Trump stands for.

Loomer reposted a post on Sunday from Harris discussing visiting her grandparents in India. Loomer wrote that if Harris wins Novembers election, the White House will smell like curry & White House speeches will be facilitated via a call center and the American people will only be able to convey their feedback through a customer satisfaction survey at the end of the call that nobody will understand.

Loomers post received backlash online, including from Greene.

This is appalling and extremely racist. It does not represent who we are as Republicans or MAGA. This does not represent President Trump. This type of behavior should not be tolerated ever. @LauraLoomer should take this down, Greene wrote in a Wednesday post on X.

But when it comes to post that are flat out racist, hateful, and make President Trump look bad, she needs to be responsible and delete them, she wrote in a separate post.

Since then, Greene and Loomer have been hurling insults at each other. Loomer said on Wednesday that Greene is jealous of her and called her a raging anti semite. Greene said in a Thursday post that Loomers nasty, racist, and divisive rhetoric should not be tolerated.

Greene responded to the back-in-forth in comments to reporters outside the Capitol on Thursday, saying she has concerns about rhetoric in her hateful tone.

And you know, I typically try to ignore her posts, but someone had sent me that post about Kamala Harris, and it bothered me so much. And you know, my personality, everyone knows Im outspoken, and I just felt like it was time to call it out, she told reporters.

I think its wrong. Were not a party of identity politics. Were a party for all Americans, and I think thats so important, she added.

Loomer responded to Greenes comments on X: Can someone say jealous?.

CNNs Jake Tapper weighed in on the post during The Lead on Wednesday, slamming Loomer for her insanely racist message. He also suggested that Loomer, who was spotted traveling with Trump ahead of the debate, may have contributed to Trumps poor debate performance on Tuesday.

Trump is actually traveling with some of these folks, conspiracy peddlers. We should note, a veritable legion of doom of bigots and liars, perhaps none so depraved as this woman, Laura Loomer, Tapper said Wednesday.

Harriss campaign shared Tappers clip on their X account. Loomer had responded to both Greenes and Tappers criticisms in a post on X on Wednesday.

Jake Tapper @jaketapper and MTG both attacked me for this tweet today. Ive noticed a pattern of MTG colluding with the left wing media to smear me with lies. Since when is having a sense of humor a crime in America? she wrote. Loomer, who has had a history of anti-Muslim remarks, also attended the 9/11 ceremony in New York City alongside the former president. She was criticized for attending the ceremony after she previously shared a conspiracy theory suggesting the terrorist attacks were an inside job, The Associated Press reported.

Loomer also pushed the false claim that Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio were eating pets. The false claim was repeated by Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), who has also taken heat for his previous comments on women who dont have children.

Trump also repeated the false claim during the debate on Tuesday despite city officials saying theres been no evidence of migrants harming pets.
Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) said Wednesday this billionaire celebrity does not have influence over the votes of Americans after revealing a major endorsement Tuesday night.

Vance was asked to respond to pop star Taylor Swifts endorsement of Vice President Harris after the contentious debate earlier this week. He dismissed her endorsement, suggesting that the 14-time Grammy Award winner does not understand the issues facing Americans.

Of course, we admire Taylor Swifts music, but I dont think most Americans, whether they like her music or fans of hers or not, are going to be influenced by a billionaire celebrity who I think is fundamentally disconnected from the interests and the problems of those American people, Vance said on Fox News.

Look when grocery prices go up by 20 percent it hurts most Americans. It doesnt hurt Taylor Swift. When housing prices become unaffordable, it doesnt affect Taylor Swift or any other billionaire. It does affect middle class Americans all over our country, he added.

While Vance was talking about Taylor Swift, some social media users drew similarities to former President Trump.

Hmmm, trying to think of another (purported) billionaire celebrity involved in politics that may have influenced JD Vance to abandon everything he once stood for, Dan Pfeiffer, the co-host of Pod Save America, quipped in a post on social media platform X in response to Vances comments.

The Kamala HQ account on X also responded to Vances comments with a thinking emoji on social media.

Trump rose to fame through his business endeavors and hosting the hit reality TV show, The Apprentice, before running for president. According to Forbes, Trump is currently worth approximately $3.8 billion as of Wednesday.

Swift revealed that she would be voting for Harris in an Instagram post following Tuesdays debate. Her endorsement is a major win for the vice president, who the pop star described as a steady-handed, gifted leader.

I will be casting my vote for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in the 2024 Presidential Election. Im voting for @kamalaharris because she fights for the rights and causes I believe need a warrior to champion them, she wrote.

She also signed the Instagram post with Childless Cat Lady  a likely jab toward Vances previous comments about adults who do not have children that garnered backlash online.

Trump also reacted to Swifts endorsement during an earlier appearance on Fox News on Wednesday.

I was not a Taylor Swift fan, he said. It was just a question of time. She couldnt, you couldnt possibly endorse Biden. You look at Biden, you couldnt possibly endorse him. But shes a very liberal person. She seems to always endorse a Democrat, and shell probably pay a price for it at the in the marketplace, he said Wednesday on Fox & Friends.
The Idaho firefighter critically injured by a falling tree has been moved to a hospital in Colorado that specializes in traumatic brain injuries.

Justin Riley Shaw was hit by a snag shortly after his crew arrived at the Coffee Can Saddle Fire, 11 miles east of Riggins, on Aug. 10. He was stabilized by his crew, Life Flighted to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center at Lewiston and later to Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane.

In a statement released by the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest, Shaws parents, Joe and Dawn Shaw, said their son is now at the PAM Health Specialty Hospital in Denver.

This is where he will continue to recover and prepare for his long rehabilitation with Craig Hospital in Denver. Craig Hospital is a world-renowned rehabilitation hospital that exclusively specializes in neurorehabilitation and research for individuals with spinal cord and brain injury.

The family thanked the firefighters and medical professionals who worked to save Shaws life and the many people who have prayed for him.

Starting with his crew and fellow firefighters for remaining calm and getting him to safety in really difficult surroundings. The U.S. Forest Service has been very supportive in Justins battle. Several team members have been with us this whole time and we are very grateful for them assisting us through this difficult time, they wrote.
Republican strategist Karl Rove blasted former President Trump for the catastrophic debate he had with Vice President Harris earlier this week.

Rove attacked Trump in an op-ed for the Wall Street Journal on Thursday, criticizing the former president for his train wreck of a debate performance against Harris. During the debate on Tuesday, Trump appeared to grow agitated as Harris went on the offensive about his rally crowd sizes.

Overall, Rove declared that Tuesdays debate was "far worse than anything Team Trump could have imagined."

Mr. Trump had to know the vice president would try to get him to lose his cool. She did. She went after him on his multiple indictments. She called him weak and belittled him as a six-time bankrupt, spoiled inheritor of wealth. She said his former national security adviser thought him, in her words, dangerous and unfit for the Oval Office, Rove wrote.

Harris took personal shots at Trump, leaving the former president irritated as he even raised his voice at times. He gave rambling answers, including repeating a false claim about migrants eating their neighbors pets in Springfield, Ohio that Rove said was probably Team Trumps lowest moment.

Rove argued that Trump let his emotions get the better of him.

He took the bait almost every time she put it on the hook, offering a pained smile as she did. Rather than dismissing her attacks and launching his strongest counterarguments against her, Mr. Trump got furious, he said.

As her attacks continued, his voice rose. He gripped the podium more often and more firmly. He grimaced and shook his head, at times responding with wild and fanciful rhetoric. Short, deft replies and counterpunches would have been effective. He didnt deliver them, he continued.

Many pundits and post-debate polls suggest that Harris was the clear winner of Tuesdays debate. While Harris dodged some questions about her previous positions, many pundits credited her with being able to get under Trumps skin.

Rove wrote that there was no contest when comparing how the two candidates carried themselves.

Ms. Harris came across as calm, confident, strong and focused on the future. Mr. Trump came across as hot, angry and fixated on the past, especially his own. She mastered the split screen, projecting confidence and wordlessly undercutting him by smiling while shaking her head as he spoke, he wrote.

Rove concluded his op-ed by referencing one of Trumps key insults hurled at Harris, who Trump has described as dumb as a rock.

Will this debate have an effect? Yes, though perhaps not as much as Team Harris hopes or as much as Team Trump might fear. But theres no putting lipstick on this pig. Mr. Trump was crushed by a woman he previously dismissed as dumb as a rock. Which raises the question: What does that make him? he concluded.

Despite many negative reviews for Trumps performance, the former president has maintained that he won the debate and has criticized ABC News for how they moderated it.

Remember, I wasnt debating one person, I was debating three. They should fire everybody at ABC Fake News, whose two lightweight anchors have brought disgrace onto the company! Trump posted to Truth Social late Wednesday night.

Its not clear whether there will be a second debate. The Harris team is pushing for a second debate between the two candidates, while Trump has remained noncommittal.
A 22-year-old New Jersey man has been charged with attempted murder after police in Clark say he stabbed an acquaintance in the throat with a box cutter at LA Fitness on Sunday afternoon.

The man was treated and released from an area hospital following the attack, which took place just before 4 p.m. at the fitness center on Raritan Road, Clark police said

Antonio Lampon, of Scotch Plains, fled after the stabbing and was arrested the following day. He is also charged with aggravated assault and weapons offenses.

Police didnt immediately describe the circumstances that led to the assault.

Lampon was brought to the Union County jail ahead of a detention hearing. Attorney information wasnt immediately available.

Anyone with information is asked to call Clark police Detective Daniel Joy at 732-388-3434 or email djoy@clarkpolice.org. The departments anonymous tip line can be reached at 732-453-8800

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Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com.
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Today

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Tonight

Partly to mostly cloudy. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low around 40F. Winds light and variable.
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A Moscow Democrat is far out-raising her Republican incumbent opponent in the Idaho District 6 Senate race.

Julia Parker, a nurse and Moscow City Council member, is challenging Sen. Dan Foreman, R-Viola. Foreman, 70, is a retired military and law enforcement officer and has served two terms in the Idaho Senate  his first term was from 2016-18.

Parker, 57, has garnered a total of $49,489, with $37,319 coming from individuals, $1,650 from companies and $2,000 from two political action committees, according to campaign finance data.

Foreman has raised $15,520 in total, with $5,870 from individuals, $2,000 from companies, and $5,650 from PACs.

Parker said shes running because she doesnt feel the districts current representation is really listening to the people in the district.

And the legislation thats being passed is focusing on culture war issues and things that arent really necessary, instead of focusing on whats necessary like maintaining our community public schools and our infrastructure and providing access to health care, Parker said.

Foreman declined to be interviewed for this story.

The senators profile on the Idaho GOP website names his top issues as eliminating the exception for rape and incest from Idahos abortion ban, calling for an investigation into state actions during the pandemic, and eliminating the sales tax on groceries.

In March, Foreman proposed a study by the states Office of Performance Evaluations looking into Idahos COVID-19 response to look at potential violations of federal or state laws, and to identify areas of improvement.

The Joint Legislative Oversight Committee voted to study other subjects instead, although there was interest from committee members.

At the beginning of last session, Foreman introduced a bill that would have eliminated the rape and incest exemptions  which are available in the first trimester with a police report  from Idahos felony abortion ban. The bill didnt have a hearing.

The top issue for Idaho is to abolish the unnecessary, harmful and wasteful curse of abortion, Foreman wrote on his Idaho GOP page. I will introduce legislation that eliminates the current affirmative defense for having an abortion in accordance with state guidelines. The only exception to the prohibition on abortion is to save the life of the mother.

Parker said that protecting reproductive rights, including to abortion, was one of her top priorities.

I just want to make sure we protect women from having to carry a pregnancy that is induced by rape, thats a pretty horrible thing to do, she said.

She said that she would like to see a health exemption added to the ban  currently there is an exemption to prevent the death of the mother.

Parker also said public education would be another primary focus.
PULLMAN POLICE

Friday

6:23 p.m.  A 54-year-old man was arrested for suspicion of third-degree theft and second-degree burglary on the 1200 block of Grand Avenue.

8:17 p.m.  Fraud was reported on the 500 block of Shoemaker Place.

11:54 p.m.  Trespassing was reported on the 600 block of Colorado Street.

Officers responded to four noise complaints made in Pullman Friday.

Harassment was reported twice in Pullman Friday.

Two noninjury crashes were reported in Pullman Friday.

Saturday

7:27 p.m.  Harassment was reported on the 300 block of Grand Avenue.

11 p.m.  A couch was reportedly set on fire on California Street.

11:47 p.m.  A dumpster fire was reported on the 500 block of Campus Street.

Police responded to nine noise complaints made in Pullman Saturday.

Three noninjury collisions were reported in Pullman Saturday.

Sunday

1:35 a.m.  Officers responded to a domestic dispute on the 500 block of Morton Street.

4:19 a.m.  Trespassing was reported on the 900 block of C Street.

8:41 a.m.  A dumpster fire was reported on the 1100 block of Shaw Street.

5:39 p.m.  A noninjury crash was reported on the 1700 block of Johnson Avenue.

7:04 p.m.  An assault was reported on Northwood Drive.

8:02 p.m.  Police arrested a 21-year-old woman for alleged fourth-degree assault on Valley Road.

Monday

2:49 p.m.  A burglary was reported on the 1500 block of Merman Drive.

3:47 p.m.  A noninjury crash was reported on the 1200 block of Hillside Drive.

4:21 p.m.  Package theft was reported on the 2000 block of Terre View Drive.

Fraud was reported twice in Pullman Monday.

Tuesday

1:22 a.m.  Officers responded to a domestic dispute on the 1500 block of Northwood Drive.

3:47 a.m.  Theft was reported on the 700 block of Grand Avenue.

10:56 a.m.  Trespassing was reported on the 200 block of Kamiaken Street.

12:35 p.m.  A 29-year-old man was arrested for suspicion of a hit and run on the 1200 block of Grand Avenue.

6:12 p.m.  A vehicle prowl was reported on the 500 block of Terre View Drive.

7:59 p.m.  Officers and fire responded to a structure fire on the 1200 block of Williams Drive.

Harassment was reported twice in Pullman Tuesday.

WSU POLICE

Friday

9:09 a.m.  A patient was transported to the hospital from the 1600 block of Cougar Way.

Saturday

12:31 a.m.  A sex offense was reported on the 1300 block of Cougar Way.

3:40 p.m.  A two-vehicle noninjury collision was reported on Ferdinands Lane.

6:50 p.m.  Trespassing was reported on the 1700 block of Stadium Way.

9:23 p.m.  A 20-year-old man was arrested for suspicion of second-degree trespassing on the 1700 block of Stadium Way.

Officers responded to two assaults reported on Washington State University Pullman campus Saturday.

Sunday

12:07 a.m.  Harassment was reported on the 1700 block of Stadium Way.

Monday

9:20 a.m.  A vehicle prowl was reported on the 2000 block of Terre View Drive.

3:16 p.m.  A patient experiencing a traumatic injury was transported to the hospital from the 200 block of Dairy Road.

Harassment was reported twice on Washington State Universitys campus Monday.

Tuesday

6:23 p.m.  Theft was reported on the 1600 block of Valley Road.

WHITMAN COUNTY SHERIFF

Friday

12:15 p.m.  Deputies arrested a 41-year-old man for allegedly driving under the influence on Main Street in Colfax.

12:37 a.m.  A 19-year-old man was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence on Colorado Street in Pullman.
Work has officially commenced on the second phase of the High Moor View development in Winkleigh, as regional housebuilder Allison Homes South West breaks ground for 75 new homes.

This marks a key milestone for the project, which has already seen the completion of its first phase earlier this year.

The development sits on historically significant land, where an archaeological dig in July uncovered the remains of a 1,800-year-old Romano-British enclosed farmstead.

The farmstead, believed to have housed an extended family and livestock, provided a fascinating glimpse into Winkleighs ancient past.

To engage the community, an open day was held to showcase replica artefacts and the findings of the excavation.

Shaune Hicks, Operations Director at Allison Homes South West said: Were excited to have officially started work on Phase two of our High Moor View development. Following the success of Phase One, where the homes proved to be extremely popular, we expect Phase Two to generate a similar level of interest.

Developers say the second phase of High Moor View promises to bring cutting-edge, energy-efficient homes to the market.

Mr Hicks highlighted the introduction of advanced features, such as air source heat pumps, which are designed to reduce energy consumption, lower utility costs, and minimise the environmental impact, while maintaining comfort and style.

The first properties are expected to be available for sale later this year.

The properties offer future homeowners the opportunity to invest in a home that not only meets their lifestyle needs but also contributes to a more sustainable future, he added.

This new phase of development plays a pivotal role in Allison Homes South Wests broader growth strategy.

The company is actively pursuing further expansion across the region, aligning its plans with the governments targets for much-needed housing.

Developers have said that the High Moor View development benefits from a prime rural location with easy access to local amenities, including schools, health centres, local businesses, and friendly pubs, offering residents a blend of modern living and a rich, historical backdrop.
Susan Franko passed away Tuesday, July 23, 2024, in Moscow. She was born March 24, 1947, to James and Janice Shephard in Yakima. Suzy grew up working in her fathers orchard and attended school in Wapato, Wash. It was there that she got her first horse and thereafter had a horse most of her life. She especially enjoyed packing into the backcountry. She also was a hard worker in the orchard, helping her father by maintaining the irrigation system and changing the oil in the vehicles.

She graduated high school at Wapato and attended Yakima Junior College for two years before enrolling at Washington State University and getting a degree in speech, radio and television, specializing in production. She graduated from WSU in 1969.
White Lodging, the Merrillville-based hospitality firm founded by the late hotel magnate Bruce White, has recently invested millions into its corporate headquarters in Merrillville.

The company, which develops, owns and operates hotels in cities around the county, said the multimillion dollar renovation is a signal of its commitment to staying based in Northwest Indiana.

White, who died last year, first suggested in 2019 to renovate the corporate headquarters to look more like its upscale urban hotels in cities like Austin, San Antonio, Louisville, Chicago, Charlotte and Denver.

The project got put on hold because of the coronavirus pandemic and did not kick off until Memorial Day this year.

"Bruce challenged us five years ago to enhance our corporate office to better reflect who we are as a brand and an urban/lifestyle hospitality company. We are a very different company from 10-15 years ago. The project was ultimately put on hold due to COVID and Bruces illness," White Lodging CEO Jean-Luc Barone said. "Our hotels and restaurants are exceptionally designed, and it was time to ensure our corporate office reflected a similar sense of place. A goal throughout this entire process has been to create an environment where innovation, positive engagement and the spirit of hospitality converge."

White Lodging added many new lounge areas with chic, sophisticated furniture, a gym and a game room with pool, foosball, chess, checkers and shuffleboard. It upgraded many spaces, including its break room and test kitchen.

"This transformation is important to our future and will offer a sense of place our associates can all be proud of  right here in Northwest Indiana," Barone said. "Success of the transformation will be measured in how it makes people feel and how it helps associates engage on a greater level  sharing more, laughing more, learning more, leading more. We could have our headquarters virtually anywhere, but we choose to be in Northwest Indiana."

The company was originally headquartered in the now-razed Twin Towers in Merrillville and moved to its current spot at 701 83rd Ave. #17 in Merrillville by the Centier Corporate Center in 2014.

About 150 of White Lodging's 6,000 employees around the country work at its corporate headquarters. They support the 60 hotels, 50 restaurants and 10 rooftop bars with services like accounting, information technology, human resources and marketing, spokesman Mike Banas said.

"We're in some of the fastest-growing markets in the country," Banas said. "Austin is our largest market, Indianapolis is our second largest market and Louisville is our third largest market, then Chicago. The hotels are urban lifestyle and experiential. They're a place where people want to hang out. They create a sense of place where people want to chat, come together, meet and greet. That's one of the goals of this place. Our people are the lifeblood of hospitality. Our hotels and lobbies and public spaces are designed to bring people together."

The renovations include more natural light streaming in from windows and a trophy hallway that highlights White Lodging's many awards from Marriott, Hyatt and other hotel brands.

The new Bruce White Memorial Library pays tribute to the founder, such as with memorabilia from the T.J. Mahoney's Irish pub at the Radisson at Star Plaza, Brush Creek Ranch in Wyoming and the "Big Blue" JW Marriott Indianapolis hotel he developed to help Indy land the Super Bowl, which was the largest JW Marriott in the world when it was built. The office walls are covered in quotes of wisdom from White, including the "Be a leader, be a learner, be a friend" mantra he told his children every day while dropping them off at school.

White Lodging employees, who had been working from home during the construction, recently returned to their newly refurbished digs.

"It's a space people can be proud of," Banas said. "They work here in Northwest Indiana, come to the office and can be proud of it. Mr. White really wanted it to emulate the brand we are today versus the brand we were before. We operate and built big urban hotels that are full of experiences like restaurants, bars, rooftops and gathering area. Now that's who we are. And now that's what our corporate office reflects."
The Democratic nominee for Indiana governor wants the Hoosier State to catch up to its neighbors when it comes to marijuana legalization.

Former state schools chief Jennifer McCormick unveiled her "Commonsense Cannabis Legalization Plan" Thursday that eventually would authorize the adult use of cannabis in Indiana in tandem with the development of a full-fledged marijuana industry.

"Hoosiers have made it clear  they support adult-use cannabis and are frustrated by Indiana's outdated prohibition laws," McCormick said.

McCormick's plan calls for the immediate establishment of a medical marijuana industry to provide Hoosiers with documented medical needs access to safe, affordable cannabis.

She then would create an Indiana Cannabis Commission to manage the state's pathway toward legal recreational marijuana, including regulation, licensing and compliance with safety standards.

"Our plan takes a commonsense approach by first introducing a well regulated medical marijuana industry, allowing us to address potential regulatory challenges and ensure a smooth transition to well regulated and legal adult-use cannabis," McCormick said.

In addition, McCormick is vowing to take action to rein in the large number of unregulated, hemp-derived THC products currently available at Indiana gas stations and smoke shops to protect Hoosier consumers and ensure cannabis products meet safety standards.

McCormick estimates that legalizing adult-use cannabis could generate some $172 million in annual tax revenue for Indiana  money that now typically is flowing into Illinois or Michigan as Hoosiers purchase legal marijuana across state lines and consume it at home, notwithstanding current Indiana laws prohibiting marijuana possession, transportation and use.

"Indiana is an island of prohibition surrounded by states with legal cannabis industries. By taking a responsible, phased approach, we can ensure that our state is prepared for full adult-use legalization while immediately providing relief through medical marijuana," McCormick said.

It's not known whether there's sufficient support in the Republican-controlled General Assembly to legalize marijuana since term-limited Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb repeatedly has warned that he would veto any state marijuana law changes while the federal government continues classifying marijuana as an unlawful controlled substance.

McCormick is competing at the Nov. 5 general election to succeed Holcomb as governor against Republican U.S. Sen. Mike Braun and Libertarian Donald Rainwater.

Gallery: Illinois sees first legal sales of recreational pot Illinois sees first legal sales of recreational marijuana Illinois sees first legal sales of recreational marijuana Illinois sees first legal sales of recreational marijuana Illinois sees first legal sales of recreational marijuana Illinois sees first legal sales of recreational marijuana Illinois sees first legal sales of recreational marijuana Illinois sees first legal sales of recreational marijuana Illinois sees first legal sales of recreational marijuana Gallery
Perus capital, with dramatic cliffs that separate its high-rises and colonial architecture from the sea, gets overlooked by travelers heading for Cuzco, in the Andes, or surf spots to the north. The pandemic, then political unrest in 2022 and 2023, slowed tourism, but Lima, home to more than 10 million, is giving visitors more reasons to stay  its decade-long dining boom is among the most compelling. Lima now holds three places on the Worlds 50 Best Restaurants list, as many chefs embrace Indigenous Andean and Amazonian ingredients in the seafood-centric cuisine, and the growing Venezuelan diaspora brings its traditional foods, like arepas, into the local food culture. Spring (from September to December) brings pleasant weather  although when the sun lingers too long, Limenos, the citys residents, joke about missing the otherwise pervasive donkey-belly-gray skies.


MI State Wants to Tout Economic Impact Thu., Oct. 3, 2024 Michigan State University wants bids from PR and communications firms to promote its University Research Corridor alliance with the University of Michigan and Wayne State University.
An incredible 130 people turned out for a public meeting in Kinnitty Community Centre last week to save their Post Office.

With the Post Mistress of 40 years, Breda Byrne, having recently retired, An Post says it will close the Post Office in Kinnitty and transfer its services to Birr before the end of October.

An Post has also said that it is prepared to offer the village what is known as a Post Point Retailer Services solution to any interested retailer where local people will be able to purchase stamps, avail of mail and parcel drop off, bill payment and mobile top up services.

However it became apparent during the public meeting last week that this watered down version of the service isn't a very popular option. It would seem that the preferred model of service delivery would be to have a stand-alone post office in the village.

Willie Boland, Chairman of Kinnitty GAA said the club decided to take action several weeks ago and sent letters expressing their concern to the local representatives.

Willie said the PO plays a very important social role in the community for the people of a wide area including Clareen and Drumcullen. It is one of the village's essential fulcrums, he remarked.

Majella Bergin, Secretary of Kinnitty GAA, read out the letter they sent to the public reps. The letter spoke of their deep concerns. It said many are agreed that the closure will have a devastating effect on the area. It pointed out that over recent years the village has lost five shops, two draperies, and three petrol pumps. Our Post Office is a lifeline for many, a vital service for the elderly and those without transport. To lose it would see the further erosion of our rural community. We need to put a stop to this erosion, this decline.

Cllr John Clendennen, who chaired the meeting, welcomed Hugh O'Connor from An Post's Regional Office in Portlaoise. I've been in contact with Hugh a number of times over the last several weeks, said Cllr Clendennen.

Mr O'Connor told the meeting that his office covers the Midlands and Southeast Region, in which there are 180 POs. We want to keep the Post Office going and we want to find a retail partner who will keep the service going.

He asked anyone interested to contact him. He said people who run Post Offices are not direct employees of An Post, but are contractors who provide the premises themselves and enter into a commission with An Post whereby the more services they provide each day, the more transactions over the counter, the more money they receive.

Once someone comes forward and he or she is genuinely committed then we get into the financial and practical details of the service. We will provide the computers, CCTV and safes. The responsibility for the stocks and the cost of insurance lies with An Post. However, the contractor will need to provide public liability insurance for the customer area.

He pointed out that the minimum space required to run a service is 3 metres by 4 metres.

He said An Post is not a massively wealthy company like the Banks, and in 2018, because it was running into financial trouble it had to close 150 Post Offices. Things are pretty steady now and we are planning to expand our services into new areas, such as banking and foreign exchange. Packets and parcels will remain a major thing. The future looks bright.

Cllr Sean Maher pointed out that in Crinkle the Post Office moved into Hassett's Hardware Store. He said he knew most people in the Kinnitty area did not want to travel to Birr to avail of the service.

Deputy Carol Nolan said that, unlike Killeigh, she was hopeful of a positive outcome in Kinnitty.

Cllr Peter Ormond praised Breda Byrne for giving 40 years of service to the local community.

Cllr John Leahy said running the Post Office in someone else's business premises was probably the most practical option. He said the vibe was positive in the meeting and therefore he was hopeful that a solution will be found.
A MAN who threw Coca Cola at a female member of staff at Supermacs was ordered to pay compensation to the woman at last week's district court.

Rocky McDonagh (21) of Cloncollig, Tullamore, was charged with assaulting the woman at 1am on May 4 last.

Mr McDonagh had been intoxicated on the premises and dropped his plate of food on the ground. He demanded that it be replaced and when it wasn't he threw a cup of Coca Cola at the victim hitting her on the shoulder.

Mr McDonagh had three previous convictions. His solicitor said his client, who was pleading guilty, was normally very careful around alcohol but on this night he took more than he should. He was very apologetic and was a very nice young man.

Judge Cody asked if the member of staff would say he was a nice young man. He said the victim doesn't deserve to meet thugs like this. This lady goes out to earn money to support her family, adding that he wouldn't tolerate it. He ordered Mr McDonagh to pay 500 to the injured party.

His solicitor made an application for legal aid for his client. Judge Cody remarked that he had plenty of money to go out and get paralytic drunk.

The solicitor said Mr McDonagh was on disability. Judge Cody granted legal aid adding it was only because of Mr McDonagh's willingness to plead guilty.

He adjourned the case to September 18 for compensation of 500 to be paid.
A well-known environmental campaigner who is set to lose his home held a peaceful vigil outside PTSB bank in Longford on Monday to highlight his situation.

This was Tom Roches fourth vigil outside PTSB Branches since he began in Tullamore on Monday, August 19 (his 75th birthday) and he has also held vigils in Mullingar and Athlone.

Longford was his fourth vigil and the Tullamore native says he will also hold vigils on successive Mondays in Thurles, Nenagh, Portlaoise, Limerick and Dublin.

Mr Roche was told in June by PTSB's solicitors that the bank is commencing proceedings for repossession of his home.

In an open letter to Sean Guerin SC, Chair of the Council of the Bar of Ireland, Mr Roche wrote: "I am about to lose my home if Permanent TSB (PTSB) have their way. For the past fifteen years I have exhausted every legal avenue open to me but to no avail  including Personal Insolvency Appeal (PIA) in 2018 and Mortgage to Rent (MTR) in 2023. Now I am pleading with you Mr Guerin and members of The Bar of Ireland to help me save my home.

The letter continues: What is taking place is the anatomical unfolding of a home repossession scandal by PTSB  one of the main perpetrators of the banking scandal and supported by the Irish Government. PTSB's role in the financial crisis was described by Judge Martin Nolan as 'deceitful, dishonest and corrupt."

Mr Roche reveals that in June PTSB, through their solicitors Beauchamp PLL, informed him they are commencing proceedings for repossession of his home.

In July they informed him they are selling his mortgage to a consortium made up of credit servicing firm Mars Capital.

Mr Roche wrote: Because there is so much emphasis nowadays on economic performance as a measure of success, I felt like a failure when I fell into mortgage arrears. And since 2017, there has been an obvious deterioration in my mental, emotional and physical health as the stress of trying to cope with the thoughts of my home repossession becomes a reality.

Also of significance is the fact that the personal consequences of my inability to pay leaves me in a deeply vulnerable and frightening position that undermines my human dignity. I am being forced to pay for the criminal acts of Irelands bankers with my home. This is slowly stripping me of my human dignity through embarrassment, humiliation, desperation, anxiety, depression, despair, anger and seriously reduced social engagement with ever-increasing thoughts of suicide.

As a craftsman, educator and human/environmental rights activist, justice is at the core of all that I do. I have given 35 of those 75 years to the service of the Irish taxpayer through my development education (DE) work with Just Forests  an NGO I founded in 1989. While I feel I have so much more to offer in that regard, the sheer weight of trying to keep my home is unbearable.
Work is continuing on the extension of the Grand Canal Greenway from Kilbeggan Bridge to the eastern end of Convent View in Tullamore.

An area on the bank of the canal has now been cordoned off (see photograph) to accommodate the widened footpath as work continues excavating the street and existing footpath.

A one-way system is now in operation for the duration of the works which are likely to continue until Christmas or early New Year.

During this period no parking on Convent View will be allowed though residents, with permits, can park on nearby Store St and St Brigid's Place.

The new one way system runs east to west along Convent View and vehicles travelling in a west to east direction will be diverted though Davitt St, Callary St and the by-pass.

The works at Convent View include widening of footpaths to two metres along the canal bank, undergrounding of cables and street enhancement, new paving and kerbs, road realignment, resurfacing and relining, traffic calming features, signage and new lighting.

The Grand Canal Urban Greenway project, funded under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund, will complement the previously completed URDF funded Tullamore Town Centre enhancement works, a statement from Offaly County Council said.

"This will effectively provide an attractive and easily accessible vibrant town centre destination for all greenway users which will in turn benefit all local businesses."

Chief Executive of Offaly County Council, Anna Marie Delaney, confirmed: These works will complete the Grand Canal greenway through Offaly, a total distance of 70kms, and are an integral part of the proposed Greenway link from the Grand Canal Dock Dublin to Shannon Harbour in west Offaly.

"The completion of these works will further strengthen Offalys tourism offering as greenway users will be spoilt for choice. Both new and returning visitors to Tullamore will experience a wealth of attractions, enhanced public realm features while also being an enhanced amenity for local users."
Fianna Fail TD for Tipperary, Jackie Cahill has hit out at a new policy by the senior management of An Garda Siochana that would centralise all overtime decision making capacity in Dublin.

Deputy Cahill spoke to a member of An Garda Siochana today who raised these concerns with the Fianna Fail TD.

Deputy Cahill stated that the new overtime policy is yet another calamitous decision, following on from the regressive amalgamation of the Tipperary and Clare districts.

Speaking on this today, Deputy Cahill said: I received some very concerning news from a member of An Garda Siochana today, who contacted me in relation to what could only be described as another disastrous decision by senior management of An Garda Siochana in the Phoenix Park.

I have been informed that a new policy is to be introduced, whereby the issuing of overtime hours is to be completely centralised in Dublin and controlled by a civilian working within the structures of An Garda Siochana.

We cannot allow a situation to arise, whereby authority is taken away from inspectors and superintendents on this matter. The centralisation of decision making in Dublin on the issuing of overtime hours is a disaster waiting to happen.

At a time when we need more resources being put into battling crime, and with how unpredictable events can be for members of An Garda Siochana, resources need to be made available at short notice.

This is yet another calamitous decision by senior management of An Garda Siochana in the Phoenix Park in Dublin, following on from the amalgamation of the Clare and Tipperary divisions.

The centralisation of overtime will make it impossible for members of An Garda Siochana to operate with the required efficiency and effectiveness. In my view, it will result in resources not being in place when they are most needed, such as road traffic accidents or at the scene of serious crimes. This new policy must be halted immediately.
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The AI revolution is here, but is it leveling the playing field for businesses of all sizes? A recent analysis suggests that while AI offers immense potential, its benefits are not distributed equally. Larger companies may have an advantage in certain areas, while smaller businesses may excel in others.

Large businesses report using AI primarily for employee recruitment (43%) and content creation and editing (40%). Meanwhile, smaller businesses leaned heavily on AI for content creation (47%) and idea generation (40%). Medium-sized businesses most frequently applied AI to customer/client service chatbots (42%), administration/documentation (39%), and email inbox management (37%). The range of use cases vary, but businesses generally recognise the value of AI and are interested in exploring ways it can best benefit their workforce and their operations.

Moreover, larger businesses are driving the adoption of new technologies across Australia, with AI the primary technology industries are adopting to enhance competitiveness, according to newly released findings from credit reporting bureau, CreditorWatch, and its Business Sentiment Survey.

Thirty five per cent of businesses have implemented AI to enhance competitiveness in the past year, while other innovations like the Internet of Things (IoT) and big data analytics are also gaining traction. Despite these advancements, challenges such as limited financial resources and cybersecurity concerns are impeding full-scale digital transformation efforts across industries.

Larger businesses lead in technology adoption

In the past 12 months, 35% of businesses report implementing AI as their primary technology to boost their businesss competitiveness. Other widely adopted technologies include the Internet of Things (20%) and big data analytics (16%).

At the industry level, Business/Professional Services lead the charge with 49% of all respondents having adopted AI, followed by Financial Services and Insurance (39%) and Health and Education (34%). Business/Professional Services also spearhead the adoption of Internet of Things at 25%, followed by Financial Services and Insurance (22%) and Construction (21%) close behind. Big data analytics adoption over the past 12 months is greatest in Business/Professional Services and Health and Education at 19%, with Financial Services and Insurance and Production following at 17%.

Unsurprisingly, larger businesses are the most likely to embrace new technologies, with 89% having adopted such innovations over the past year. Medium-sized businesses follow close behind at 80%, while only 38% of small businesses report similar adoption. Notably, 47% of respondents state they have not adopted any new technologies in the past 12 months, raising questions over how competitive these businesses will be with digital transformation changing the landscape across all industries.

AI usage patterns

CreditorWatchs Business Sentiment Survey shows AI is being utilised across a broad range of industries, with leading applications in content creation and editing (41%), idea generation (36%), customer/client service chatbots (32%), and the automation of routine tasks (29%).

AI satisfaction high but barriers to digital transformation persist

Overall, 95% of businesses expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of AI adoption. Medium-sized businesses showed the highest satisfaction rates at 98%, followed by sole traders (95%) and large businesses (94%). The most enthusiastic industries were Financial Services and Insurance, where 69% reported being very satisfied, followed by Construction (59%) and Business/Professional Services (42%).

However, despite widespread technology adoption, challenges persist. Across all businesses, limited financial resources emerged as the leading obstacle to more successful digital transformation (32%), followed by concerns around cybersecurity (27%) and a lack of time or capacity (25%).

Large businesses cited a lack of skilled employees with appropriate skills and capabilities (31%) as another key obstacle, while medium-sized businesses highlighted lack of a clear/well defined strategy (28%) and not knowing which platforms are most appropriate (26%).

CreditorWatchs CEO, Patrick Coghlan, says the results demonstrate both the potential and the challenges of digital transformation across industries.

Its encouraging to see so many businesses adopting AI and other advanced technologies, he says.

However, the fact that nearly half of businesses havent implemented any of these technologies highlights the ongoing barriers, such as limited financial resources and concerns on cybersecurity, which are holding many back from realising the benefits that can be achieved through digital transformation.

In todays economic climate, where businesses are under pressure from a range of external factors, digitally transforming and optimising operations with the support of futuristic technologies can help deliver cost savings and competitive advantage.

Find out more about how CreditorWatch incorporates AI into their credit scoring system, RiskScore, here.

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Figurines with computers and smartphones are seen in front of the words "Artificial Intelligence AI" in this illustration taken, Feb. 19, 2024. Photo by Reuters

Technology firms established recently are turning to artificial intelligence to meet market needs and attract investors.

Nguyen Thi Thu Trang, founder and chief technology officer of Vbee, a firm specializing in natural language processing and conversational AI solutions, said AI helps them create products that offer more natural interactions and can assist in tasks that are not overly complex but may be tedious.

This startup has two million end users and more than 300 business customers, and recently won US$100,000 in Qualcomm Vietnams QVIC 2024, a competition to identify and nurture innovative companies.

Olli Technology, another tech firm, recently developed "BuddyOS for AI Toys," an operating system that uses generative AI to help manufacturers create smart toys capable of interacting with children.

Hai Ta, co-founder and CEO of Olli, said AI helps its projects stand out and several of its strategic partners are considering using its operating system in their products.

AI has been attracting interest from tech corporations and investors in Vietnam and globally.

At QVIC 2024, 70% of all entries and more than half of the top 10 products used AI.

Nguyen Thanh Thao, staff manager at Qualcomm Vietnam and a judge in the competition, said startups are leveraging AI to optimize and make their products more competitive, indicating Vietnamese businesses are catching up with global trends and ready to enter the international market.

Vbee's AI-powered solutions. Photo courtesy of Vbee

Startups said they are adopting AI to meet market needs. A report published by accounting firm CPA Australia in August said eight out of 10 Vietnamese businesses have used AI in the past 12 months, higher than the 69% average for the Asia-Pacific region.

Market research platform Markets and Data estimated Vietnam's AI market to be worth $470 million in 2022 and expected it to grow to $1.52 billion by 2030.

Thao said most major technology corporations and many startups consider AI development as a key growth strategy.

AI also helps new enterprises attract investors. A report by Albert J Rapha on the East Asia Forum said venture capital funds have invested $95 million in AI in Vietnam.

At the recent GenAI Summit 2024 held in HCMC experts from Google said Vietnam's AI industry and startups have advantages in terms of human resources and policy support.

But with many firms investing in AI, the competition in the industry is very high.

Ollis Hai Ta said the biggest challenge for AI firms is the need to continuously innovate and improve technology to stay ahead of the market.

This requires massive investment in research and development and a team of skilled AI specialists.

Trang said companies also have to try hard to persuade Vietnamese users to pay for AI solutions.

Experts at the summit said universities, businesses and the government need to collaborate to build a strong AI industry.

Thao said regulators need to come up with policies to prevent the negative impacts of AI while startups should be proactive in their operations.

"I recommend that startups get things right from the beginning, standardize processes, act transparently, and aim for sustainable development and long-term collaboration."
China will expand medical insurance coverage and encourage reimbursement for assisted fertility services as part of the nation's efforts to increase birthrates, the National Healthcare Insurance Administration said on Tuesday. Maternity insurance is now part of China's basic employee insurance program that covers the medical bills of female workers during pregnancy and their salaries during maternity leave. The program is aimed at reducing their financial burdens, sharing the labor costs of employers and promoting gender equality at workplaces. Zhang Ke, head of the administration, said that about 249 million women enrolled in maternity insurance programs last year, with nearly 118 billion yuan ($18.4 billion) spent in total. On average, each insured female worker received a maternity allowance of 26,000 yuan. As China is accelerating efforts to lift birthrates, Zhang said that the administration will increase coverage of maternity insurance in the future. One significant measure, he said, is to encourage some regions to allow flexible workers  whose employee insurance does not include maternity benefits  to enroll in maternity insurance plans. "We have so far guided Tianjin and the provinces of Jiangxi, Zhejiang and Guizhou to explore the practice, and the outcomes have been positive," he said. At present, maternity subsidies are either directly issued to pregnant employees or forwarded to them through their employers. "We are also communicating with the All-China Women's Federation to research the possibility of expanding the practice of directly doling out subsidies," he said. Amid a deepening trend of delays in marriage and childbirth and a growing number of families grappling with infertility, Zhang said that the administration has been advancing inclusion of assisted fertility technologies in basic medical insurance. So far, 20 provincial-level regions, including Beijing, the Guangxi Zhuang and Inner Mongolia autonomous regions and Gansu province, have extended medical insurance coverage to a slew of assisted reproductive services, and more regions are expected to follow suit this year. To further satisfy the needs of mothers-to-be and improve their childbirth experiences, Zhang said that the administration has clarified pricing mechanisms for relatively novel services during labor, including labor pain relief, music-assisted delivery and family companionship during childbirth, he added. Yan Qinghui, deputy director of the administration, said that in the past, parents had to obtain the household registration certificates of newborns before enrolling their babies in basic medical insurance. The policy had created concerns for families whose newborns have to be transferred to an incubator or undergo operations immediately after delivery. To streamline these procedures, Yan said newborns can now be enrolled online based on birth certificates provided by the hospitals alone. Zhang, the administration head, said that all these efforts are aimed at creating a favorable environment to support births and providing more convenient services for the public.
Over the last three years, the Taliban has been dehumanizing women and girls, removing their most fundamental rights to the point where now even the sound of a womans voice outside the home has been outlawed in Afghanistan. In late August, all Taliban decrees restricting womens rights were laid out in a 114-page manifesto.

In response, the United States along with eleven of its fellow Security Council member states issued a joint statement condemning in the strongest terms the Talibans continued systemic gender discrimination and oppression of women and girls in Afghanistan. ... [T]his new directive confirms and extends wide-ranging and far-reaching restrictions on personal conduct and provides inspectors with broad powers of enforcement, the statement noted.

The Security Council has discussed the dire human rights situation in Afghanistan since the Talibans takeover three years ago, and has raised a united voice on multiple occasions. Among others, the Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2681 in April 2023 to call for the full, equal, meaningful and safe participation of women and girls in Afghanistan.

The United States and its fellow signatories urge the Taliban to swiftly reverse all the policies and practices that restrict the enjoyment by women and girls of their human rights and fundamental freedoms. The Taliban must listen and respond to the voices of Afghan women and girls by respecting their rights to education and for women, to work as well as the freedoms of expression and movement. Such rights are a prerequisite for a stable, peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan, the statement noted.

All States and organizations should use their influence to promote an urgent reversal of these policies and practices. The Talibans actions only undermine the international communitys efforts to engage with them.

Afghanistan has committed to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and is a party to a number of human rights treaties, particularly the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women. Afghanistans obligations under international law must be fulfilled, the joint statement urged.

Afghan citizens, especially women and girls, have suffered for far too long, the statement noted. Day by day, Afghan women and girls lose their opportunities and hope for their future. This is unacceptable. We are committed to doing our utmost to holistically address their plight and will continue to monitor the situation closely.
ADB approves $100 million loan to support Sri Lankas water supply reforms

Posted by Editor on September 12, 2024 - 2:03 pm

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $100 million policy-based loan to support Sri Lankas water supply and sanitation sector reforms to enhance the countrys resilience to climate change impacts and promote long-term sustainability.

The Water Supply and Sanitation Reform Program, composed of two subprograms of $100 million each, will contribute to a more resilient and sustainable delivery of water supply and sanitation services.

Subprogram 1 will establish policies and strategies nationally and for the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) while subprogram 2 will support the implementation of reform actions and guidelines.

Efficient delivery of safe and reliable water supply in Sri Lanka is limited by fragmented water resources management and exacerbated by climate change. This significantly affects the daily life of Sri Lankans  many of whom do not have access to piped water supply, said Senior Urban Development Specialist Pedro Almeida.

This program will not only strengthen mechanisms to ensure adequate access to safe water but also address governance and sustainability challenges of the sector that will enable the participation of the private sector.

Water resources management in the country faces long standing challenges such as unbalanced allocation between agriculture and drinking water, inadequate climate change consideration in planning and development, involvement of several agencies at national and regional level, and impacts from unplanned land use and deforestation.

To strengthen water resources management, climate resilience and environmental sustainability of water supply operations, subprogram 1 is supporting the National Water Resources Policy approved by the Prime Ministers Office to ensure adequate procedures are in place for equitable water allocation and sharing. Other measures promoted include national policies to ensure access to safe drinking water, gender-sensitive and inclusive water service delivery, and a climate change roadmap.

Subprogram 1 is also helping to enhance the efficiency and performance of the sector through the Ministry of Water Supply and Estate Infrastructure Developments (MWS) approval of a climate-resilient project appraisal framework for investments in the drinking water sector, and NWSDBs financial sustainability, efficiency, and performance through financial sustainability and public-private sector roadmaps, and a business efficiency action plan.

The program comes with a $800,000 of technical assistance grant that will provide capacity and advisory support to MWS and NWSDB for the formulation, deployment, implementation, and monitoring of the reform initiatives in the next subprogram.

ADBs Technical Assistance Special Fund will cover $500,000 of the amount while the Water Innovation Trust Fund, under the Water Financing Partnership Facility administered by ADB, will finance $300,000.

(Source: ADB)
Bangkok/Hanoi: Severe flooding caused by Typhoon Yagi has ravaged parts of Thailand and Vietnam, leading to hundreds of deaths and widespread displacement. In Thailand, military forces were deployed in Chiang Rai after rising waters trapped thousands.

Rescue operations involving boats and helicopters continue in flood-hit areas, with 33 deaths reported since mid-August. Chiang Rai remains inundated, with several flights cancelled and access roads cut off.

Meanwhile, in Vietnam, nearly 200 people have died in the aftermath of the typhoon. Flash floods and landslides have devastated northern regions, including the capital, Hanoi, which has experienced its worst flooding in two decades. Power and water supplies remain disrupted, and residents evacuate as floodwaters rise.

In Lao Cai province, rescue efforts are ongoing, with dozens missing after a flash flood swept through a hamlet. Experts warn that storms like Typhoon Yagi are becoming stronger due to climate change, causing heavier rainfall and increased regional destruction.
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Beijing earmarked a total of 360 billion yuan (US$50.6 billion) - including 210 billion yuan in loans, 80 billion yuan in aid, and at least 70 billion yuan of Chinese companies' investment - to Africa over the next three years as President Xi Jinping welcomed delegations from more than 50 African nations at the three-day Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing this week.

FOCAC was launched in 2000 and took on an enhanced role after the 2013 inception of Xi's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which aims to recreate the ancient Silk Road for the world's second largest economy and biggest bilateral lender to Africa.

Part of China's intentions of course are to use FOCAC to counter growing competition in Africa from the United States, the European Union, Japan and others.

African country leaders had arrived in China seeking investment, trade, and support industrializing their raw commodity sectors to create jobs. They are expected to be closely watching for follow-through on Beijing's wide-ranging promises in the coming years, with analysts saying fulfillment of past commitments have been difficult to track.

According to a Reuters report, China's new financial pledge is more than what Beijing promised at the last FOCAC in 2021, but below the $60 billion of 2015 and 2018, which marked the peak of lending to Africa under the BRI.

During those peak years, Beijing bankrolled the construction of roads, railways and bridges. But when funds dried up after 2019, construction projects stalled.

The new funds will go towards 30 infrastructure projects to improve trade links, China said, without going into detail.

China has become a global leader in wind and solar energy, Ballim said, controlling significant supply chains and reducing production costs.

Africa is already a key BRI region and between 2013 and 2023, Chinese companies signed contracts worth over $700 billion in Africa under the BRI, according to China's commerce ministry.

However, critics accuse the BRI of burdening countries with debt and causing environmental harm.

Kenya's Standard Gauge Railway, built with Chinese financing, is a $5 billion project that has reduced travel times, but remains incomplete, facing debt issues, corruption allegations, and environmental concerns.

China helped build a naval base and nearby port in Djibouti, raising concerns about military influence and espionage.

Mozambique's suspension bridge, the longest in Africa, cost $786 million, mostly funded by Chinese loans. Critics argue the project was overpriced.

China is increasingly investing in Africa's mining sector, including copper, cobalt, and lithium, despite occasional conflicts.

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The Hollywood Beach Hotel - the Grand Lady: Past, Present, and Future - Recorded November 8, 2020 Clive Taylor on the fascinating story of the Hollywood Beach Hotel - a history and virtual tour. Co-sponsored by the Friends of the ...

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A company founded by a New York City real estate mogul purchased prime beachfront property in the South Florida city of Hollywood. The choice land sits at Hollywood Blvd. and A1A. It was built in 1925 by Joseph Young, who founded the city the same year.

As time passed, it became the live-in Florida Bible College. More recently, though, the structurally unsound building was known as the Hollywood Beach Resort, which is now closed. The property includes condos, retail space and a parking garage. The Chetrit Group doesn't own the parking garage and property in front of the hotel.

Clearly, residents care about the declining and abandoned property. So, it stands to reason that people are asking questions and searching public information to try to discern what the Chetrit Group may ultimately do with the tarnished beach jewel.

Meanwhile, against this backdrop, press reports indicate that Chetrit Group secured a city permit to demolish a minor part of the historic structure.

So, two basic questions become apparent: Who is Joseph Chetrit? And what type of developments does he build?

A lawsuit filed in Miami-Dade Circuit Court suggests how a former business partner views Joseph Chetrit and his company. Matt Press and his company, EquiShares , Inc., allege that Press invited the Chetrit Group to join him in acquiring and developing the Hollywood Beach Resort. But the suit, filed Nov. 30, 2022, charges the Chetrit Group didn't keep its word, essentially forcing Press and his company out of the lucrative deal. The civil complaint doesn't provide lots of details about the prospective development of the Hollywood Beach Resort, although it mentions renovating the structure. Chetrit Group denies the allegations in the civil complaint.

Fortunately, an article republished by a South Florida law firm offers some insight into the types of property that attract Chetrit Group. It says, "The founder of the Chetrit Group has wheeled and dealed his way through trophy properties such as the Sony Building, the Hotel Chelsea, the old Daily News building at 450 West 33rd Street, and is developing what's slated to be Brooklyn's tallest skyscraper. He is the largest owner of new apartments in Jamaica, Queens. He has developed a pair of mega blocks on the Upper West Side."

The article continues, "Chetrit's real estate pursuits extend well beyond the city's borders. In 2004, he paid about $900 million to buy Chicago's iconic Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower). He's developing a $1 billion mixed-use project in Brickell, dubbed Miami River. And that's just in the U.S. -- he also owns properties in Israel, France, Peru, Canada, and his native Morocco."

But this warm and fuzzy piece only tells us about "The Man from Morocco". It doesn't let us know what is happening in the City of Hollywood as money floods the coastal city in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic.

However, aware of all the upscale development taking place here, some residents have peppered Mayor Josh Levy with questions about the status of the Hollywood Beach Resort. But Levy, up for reelection for a third and final term this November, ducks talk that Chetrit Group wants permission to build 35-story towers on the site.

Instead, he serves up vague answers, saying a mix of historic and modern design might work. The mayor also has replied that an "appendage" or "appendages" might be part of the new development.

Wanting more information, I sent Mayor Levy an email on Aug. 25. I haven't gotten a response.

So, this article will provide information about the Chetrit Group, their business connections and their record based on public information. It will also clue readers in on a city that celebrates its 100th anniversary next year, and our barrier island that is already crowded and difficult to evacuate in the event of a hurricane or other emergency.

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SHOBHA SHUKLA, BOBBY RAMAKANT - CNS



We are off-track to end TB, says former WHO Director of Global TB Programme

(Image by CNS) Details DMCA



Akin to a rocking chair that moves forwards and backwards without any real progress, we cannot assume busy TB programmes that may appear to have a lot of movement, to be making any real progress - unless they are doing what is warranted as per science and evidence to end TB.

Despite having the best of evidence-backed tools to prevent, diagnose and treat TB, the latest World Health Organization (WHO) Global TB Report shows that 3 million people (out of an estimated 10.6 million people with TB) were missed in 2022.

More worrying is that of the 7.5 million people who got diagnosed of TB in 2022, only 47% were diagnosed on an upfront molecular test. In other words, more than half of those with TB were diagnosed on sputum microscopy, which significantly underperforms in diagnosing TB (it may miss 40-50% of cases). Should not we set accountability for missing TB cases even among those who take a TB test?

Despite WHO recommendation and promises by world leaders to replace microscopy 100% with upfront molecular test for TB diagnosis, the abysmally slow pace at which this transition is happening is unacceptable.

A lot of TB prevalence surveys in high TB burden countries have shown that a very large number of people are asymptomatic for TB - and TB disease in them could only be found when they were screened with an x-ray - and those with presumptive TB, were offered a molecular test diagnosis.

Thanks to science, recently we have x-rays that can be taken out of the labs. In March 2021, WHO, for the first-time, recommended the use of portable x-ray in combination with compatible AI (Artificial Intelligence)-powered Computer-Aided Detection (CAD) software solutions. In September 2021, The Lancet wrote: "All five AI algorithms significantly outperformed the radiologists."

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CNN claims Trump told many lies and Harris just one. Yet, CNN did not mention that Harris repeated that Hamas killed 1200 Israelis on 7 October and that they raped women. Both not true (see ongaza.org for evidence). Why do politicians lie? They are bought or blackmailed to do so. But a new Poll Suggests Gaza Ceasefire and Arms Embargo Would Help Democrats with Swing State Voters.

Yet, the US supported genocide continues and one Israeli minister simply stated that there is a finite number of people in Gaza. The statistics keep piling up according to the UN. Silence is complicity.

Heather shared "Israel is now perpetrating war crimes that the world has never seen before. But still the world stays silent. Palestinians trying to sleep in their tents are being shredded or buried under sand, never to be found again. Unimaginable horrors. Even the UN-Secretary General (at last!) has spoken up, using the word 'unconscionable'. Some of the images posted below are very difficult to see, but must be seen. How else can we know? Everything we see should be sent on to the ICC and the ICJ. Israel must be held accountable for its crimes. Read what Francesca Albanese, has to say.

From Middle East Eye: A new war crime committed every moment of the day and night.

You can see this "precise hit" massacre site.

The children.

Palestine honours the young American activist with ISM murdered by Israel last week.

Stay Human and keep Palestine alive

Mazin Qumsiyeh

A bedouin in cyberspace, a villager at home

Professor, Founder, and (volunteer) Director Palestine Museum of Natural History

Palestine Institute of Biodiversity and Sustainability Bethlehem University Occupied Palestine

facebook pages Personal Institute

French
In the more than six decades of its existence, the United States Agency for International Development, or USAID, has found that local organizations have a number of distinct advantages that allow them to better manage most crises. Thats why USAID is launching a new, locally led humanitarian assistance policy.

The policy has a set of goals, but really it's about how do we increase the direct funding to local partners, and how do we strengthen their capacity and build their leadership role in the humanitarian assistance space, said Danielle Mutone-Smith, USAIDs Acting Deputy Assistant Administrator for Humanitarian Assistance.

The number of people in need of humanitarian assistance is growing and is at a historical high, and having an approach that really focuses on local humanitarian actors, putting them at the center of our responses is coming at a really critical time.

There are a number of good reasons why USAID is committed to placing local communities at the center of its humanitarian work, said Danielle Mutone-Smith. This is really looking at how we can build those partnerships better at all levels.

Local organizations and communities are closest to the crisis, and that gives them a really unique take on the issues at hand. They're usually the first people responding in an emergency, she said. They have partnerships and relationships with affected communities, and a take on the local context that's really valuable in our responses. So, we are looking at how the local and national organizations that are already on the frontlines of humanitarian response, can bring that experience and bring their leadership into our work even more.

Success might look different in different contexts because we work in so many different environments, said Danielle Mutone-Smith.

We have a ways to go, but we're committed to this journey. And we look forward to taking action on this policy and deepening our local leadership in our humanitarian response for many years to come.
In an increasingly competitive academic landscape, Australian students are turning to trusted online services to navigate the demands of their studies. One of the most reliable and highly-rated solutions is Assessment Help Australia, which is now being hailed as the best assessment help service for students across the country. With a mission to boost academic success, Assessment Help Australia offers comprehensive, personalized support across all academic levels, from high school to 
Boeing waited to learn Thursday whether 33,000 aircraft assembly workers, including 1,200 in Oregon, are going on strike and shutting down production of the companys best-selling planes.

Members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers were voting on whether to approve a contract offer that includes 25% pay raises over four years. If the factory workers reject the contract and two-thirds of them vote to strike, a work stoppage would begin Friday at 12:01 a.m. PDT.

A walkout would not cause flight cancellations or directly affect airline passengers, but it would be another blow to Boeings reputation and finances in a year marked by problems in its airplane, defense and space operations.

New CEO Kelly Ortberg made a last-ditch effort to avert a strike, telling machinists Wednesday that no one wins in a walkout.

For Boeing, it is no secret that our business is in a difficult period, in part due to our own mistakes in the past, he said. Working together, I know that we can get back on track, but a strike would put our shared recovery in jeopardy, further eroding trust with our customers and hurting our ability to determine our future together.

Many union members have posted complaints about the deal all week on social media. On Thursday, several dozen blew whistles, banged drums and held up signs calling for a strike as they marched to a union hall near Boeings 737 Max plant in Renton, Washington.

As you can see, the solidarity is here, said Chase Sparkman, a quality-assurance worker. Im expecting my union brothers and sisters to stand shoulder to shoulder, arm in arm, and let our company know that, hey, we deserve more.

The machinists make $75,608 per year on average, not counting overtime, and that would rise to $106,350 at the end of the four-year contract, according to Boeing.

However, the deal fell short of the unions initial demand for pay raises of 40% over three years. The union also wanted to restore traditional pensions that were axed a decade ago but settled for an increase in Boeing contributions to employees 401(k) retirement accounts.

Although the bargaining committee that negotiated the contract recommended ratification, IAM District 751 President Jon Holden predicted earlier this week that workers would vote to strike. .

Boeing worker Adam Vogel called the 25% raise a load of crap. We havent had a raise in 16 years.

Broderick Conway, another quality-assurance worker and 16-year Boeing employee, said the company can afford more.

A lot of the members are pretty upset about our first offer. Were hoping that the second offer is what were looking for, he said. If not ... were going to keep striking and stand up for ourselves.

The head of Boeings commercial-airplanes business, Stephanie Pope, tried earlier this week to discourage workers from thinking a strike would result in a better offer.

We bargained in absolute good faith with the IAM team that represents you and your interests, she said. Let me be clear: We did not hold back with an eye on a second vote.

Voting began at 5 a.m. local time at union halls in Washington state, Portland, Oregon, and a smattering of other locations. The union planned to announce the results Thursday night.

A strike would stop production of the 737 Max, the companys best-selling airliner, along with the 777 or triple-seven jet and the 767 cargo plane at factories in Everett and Renton, Washington, near Seattle. It likely would not affect Boeing 787 Dreamliners, which are built by nonunion workers in South Carolina.

TD Cowen aerospace analyst Cai von Rumohr said it is realistic based on the history of strikes at Boeing to figure that a walkout would last into mid-November, when workers $150 weekly payments from the unions strike fund might seem low going into the holidays.

A strike that long would cost Boeing up to $3.5 billion in cash flow because the company gets about 60% of the sale price when it delivers a plane to the buyer, von Rumohr said.

Union negotiators unanimously recommended that workers approve the tentative contract reached over the weekend.

Boeing promised to build its next new plane in the Puget Sound area. That plane  not expected until sometime in the 2030s  would replace the 737 Max. That was a key win for union leaders, who want to avoid a repeat of Boeing moving production of Dreamliners from Everett to South Carolina.

Holden told members Monday the union got everything it could in bargaining and recommended approval of the deal because we cant guarantee we can achieve more in a strike.

Many union members, however, are still bitter about previous concessions on pensions, health care and pay.

They are upset. They have a lot of things they want. I think Boeing understands that and wants to satisfy a fair number of them, said von Rumohr, the aerospace analyst. The question is, are they going to do enough?

Boeing has seen its reputation battered since two 737 Max airliners crashed in 2018 and 2019, killing 346 people. The safety of its products came under renewed scrutiny after a panel blew out of a Max during a flight in January.

-- David Koenig and Manuel Valdes, The Associated Press
Portland police have made an arrest in the late-night fatal shooting of 30-year-old Aaron McInnis earlier this summer.

Arvoni A. Hayes, 23, was booked into the downtown jail Wednesday afternoon on charges of second-degree murder, unlawful use of a weapon and possessing a loaded firearm in the killing of McInnis, records show. Hes being held without bail ahead of his first court appearance Thursday.
An Alabama man tried to fly from Portland International Airport to Colorado with more than seven pounds of marijuana, telling investigators he thought he was fine flying from one state where marijuana is legal to another where its legal, Multnomah County prosecutors allege.

Byron Ford, 44, was arrested Sept. 7, soon after U.S. Transportation Security Administration officials alerted Port of Portland police that they had found seven plastic, vacuum-sealed bags of marijuana, each about one pound, and another bag of what appeared to be marijuana concentrates while screening a bag that had been checked in for a flight to Denver and then on to Huntsville, Alabama.

One of the officers went to gate E6 to find the bags owner, read him his rights and asked him about the marijuana in his luggage, according to the Multnomah County District Attorneys probable cause affidavit.

Ford indicated he thought he was fine flying from one legal state to another legal state and that the 7 lbs of marijuana in his bag was for personal use, the District Attorneys office wrote.

Ford told police it would take him about half a year to use all the marijuana products he had bought.

Ford now faces one charge of unlawful import or export of a marijuana item, a class C felony. It is illegal to export marijuana products from Oregon.

 Fedor Zarkhin is a breaking news and enterprise reporter. Do you have a story? Reach him at 971-373-2905; fzarkhin@oregonian.

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Matthew Antonio Cage walked across the parking lot, pulled out a semi-automatic pistol, put it to another mans head and, police believe, pulled the trigger.

But nothing happened  the gun apparently misfired. Cage tossed the pistol on the sidewalk and ran as a gun battle sparked by his actions unfolded in the Pearl District on Aug. 13, 2023, ultimately leaving a 19-year-old bystander dead.

A year later, Cage was charged with attempted murder for his role in the shootout, and he could face years in prison if convicted. But officials have not yet announced any arrests or suspects in the killing of Rylee Hatlen, who was sitting in her parked car during the shootout.

The Multnomah County District Attorneys Office wrote in a memo to the court last month that security-camera footage showed Cage, 34, in a group of people loitering on one side of a parking lot near Northwest Couch Street and Broadway that day, about five blocks away from Powells City of Books.

There were people on the other side of the parking lot, including Devin Montani, according to court records. The video footage showed Cage walking purposefully across the parking lot to Montani, producing a handgun, essentially placing the barrel to Montanis head and appearing to pull the trigger.

The gun appeared to malfunction, prosecutors wrote, and Montani took the opportunity to run. Cage ran, too, as people in the group with Montani pulled out guns and shot at him.

In the ensuing gun battle that occurred, multiple individuals were struck with bullets, [including] Rylee Hatlen, who was killed, the District Attorneys office wrote. Hatlen was sitting in a nearby car when she was struck.

Rylee HatlenCourtesy: Portland Police Bureau

Hatlen, who graduated in 2021 from Rosemary Anderson High School in Gresham, died at the scene.

Cage was charged in a secret indictment July 23 with second-degree attempted murder with a firearm, felon in possession of a firearm and unlawful use of a weapon with a firearm. Gresham police arrested him about a month later and booked him into Multnomah County Inverness Jail.

He also has been charged in a separate case with being a felon in possession of a firearm and unlawful possession of a firearm.

Cages past convictions include unlawful use of a weapon, domestic violence, pointing a firearm at another person and assault. He has previously been charged with attempted murder twice, in 2009 and 2010, but both charges were dismissed. At the time of his 2009 arrest, Cage allegedly told police he was a member of the Kerby Bloc Crips gang.

 Fedor Zarkhin is a breaking news and enterprise reporter. Do you have a story? Reach him at 971-373-2905 or fzarkhin@oregonian.

Our journalism needs your support. Subscribe today to OregonLive.com.
A new rule governing what Portland Public Schools educators are  and are not  allowed to put on the walls of their classrooms is drawing pushback from its vocal teachers union.

Under the rule, items on display in classroom walls and bulletin boards must be related to approved curriculum or district sponsored events. The rules specify that classroom spaces cannot be used for an employees personal expression, whether that is related to a political or personal issue.

The new guidance was adopted without fanfare in August as an administrative directive, meaning that it did not require approval from the school board or a public airing.

The change comes after districtwide upheaval last spring tied to the Israeli-Hamas conflict, after a group affiliated with the Portland Association of Teachers published a controversial guide to teaching and organizing in support of Palestinian statehood. Suggested lessons included encouraging students to pray to Allah on behalf of Palestinians and writing letters to the U.S. president to urge an end to funds for Israel.

One of the first tests of the new policy came when administrators at Grant High confirmed the removal of Stop the Genocide posters from a social studies teachers doorway in early September. The posters message referred to the deaths of tens of thousands of Palestinians killed in Israeli military actions after the Hamas hostage takings last October.

In an email about the situation sent to a concerned parent and shared with the Oregonian/OregonLive, Grant High principal James McGee said the posters were taken down because they were in violation of PPS policy regarding political speech.

The teacher, Jeremy Reinholt, declined to comment on the situation. Among the classes he is assigned to teach this year is modern world history.

Portland Association of Teachers President Angela Bonilla said via written statement that she believes the rule violates our collective bargaining agreement. In addition, it is unworkable, overly broad and vague.

The union filed a grievance with the district over the new rule in August, contending that it conflicts with contractual language on academic freedom, which allows teachers to introduce controversial topics that are relevant to their courses, and PATs right to post union related materials in schools.

PAT has asked its members to regularly take pictures of walls in their classrooms and in the hallways and cafeterias and on doors, to document how the new rules are being enforced. According to the rules, all posted material in such common spaces must be approved by an administrator and can only be displayed in certain areas.

District officials said through a spokesperson that the change has been in the works for over a year, in response to concerns raised by schools about murals in their buildings, some of which date to the Works Progress Administration era. Some have been removed in recent years, including murals at Grant that depicted idealistically harmonious interactions between Indigenous peoples and white settlers.

Our rule is focused on ensuring the classroom spaces continue to be used for curriculum and PPS-related content, the districts statement said, in response to a question about the impetus for the guidance. The administrative directive is content neutral, and we believe supports the goal of remaining focused on creating a rich educational environment for students.

Two years ago, a judge in Yamhill County voided a Newberg-Dundee School District policy that banned employees from displaying controversial or political signs or symbols after the ACLU filed suit on behalf of a district employee. Judge Cynthia Easterday said then that Newbergs policy was in violation of Oregons broad constitutional protections around freedom of expression.

Board members in the Newberg-Dundee district, which is about an hour outside of Portland, had originally sought to ban teachers from displaying Black Lives Matter and LGBTQ+ pride flags, though control of the districts school board has since flipped to more progressive-leaning members.

School leaders in Portland said their directive wouldnt infringe on a teachers ability to display similar material.

The rainbow flag and BLM poster are district-approved symbols of inclusion to often-marginalized students, district spokesperson Valerie Feder said. Posters advocating for specific positions on political positions are not student-centered in that they are not rooted in our educational mission or curriculum. Personal expression by employees is not in furtherance of PPSs academic purposes.

But Bonilla said she thought the rules left questions unanswered.

For instance, if an LGBTQ educator shares a photo of their family with a poster that reads, Families come in all shapes and sizes, would that be inappropriate? she asked.

Grant High parent Shoshana Kedem said she supported the intent of the changes.

If someone complains that it makes it hard for them to be in a learning environment, then those things should come down, she said of the Stop the Genocide posters at her childs school. If there were Israeli flags and signs about supporting the occupation, I think people would say the same thing.

 Julia Silverman covers education for The Oregonian/OregonLive.com. Reach her via email at jsilverman@oregonian.com. Follow her on X.com at @jrlsilverman.
Its one thing to be a fan, and to want to gawk at your favorite stars, wishing you could see what goes on behind the scenes. But what if youre the object of all that fevered attention? What does it look like to gaze back at the curious stares, the flashing cameras, the bright lights?

Thats the perspective reflected in Paul McCartney Photographs 1963-64: Eyes of the Storm, an exhibition opening at the Portland Art Museum on Saturday, Sept. 14.

The collection of about 250 photographs was recently rediscovered in the personal archive of McCartney, and they add up to a fascinating snapshot of what it was like for The Beatles as they were exploding onto the international stage. These were the early days of Beatlemania, a phenomenon associated with hordes of screaming fans, overcome with adulation whether they were at concerts, gathering at airports, or crowding around outside of hotels, desperate to get a first-hand look at their idols.

An image from "Paul McCartney Photographs 1963-64: Eyes of the Storm," which opens at the Portland Art Museum on Sept. 14.Courtesy of Paul McCartney/Portland Art Museum

In his foreword to the book that accompanies the exhibition, 1964: Eyes of the Storm, McCartney writes that the photos were taken over an intense three-month period of travel, culminating in February 1964.

Coming upon these photos, he goes on to say, was a wonderful sensation because they plunged me right back. Here was my own record of our first huge trip, a photographic journal of The Beatles in six cities, beginning in Liverpool and London, followed by Paris (where John and I had been ordinary hitchhikers just over two years before), and then what we regarded as the big time, our first visit as a group to America  New York, Washington (D.C.) and Miami  to the land where, at least in our minds, musics future was being born.

With his fellow members of The Beatles, John Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, McCartney was truly in the eye of a media storm. The images in the exhibition include black and white photos taken during the first portion of that chaotic time, most made by McCartney, including portraits of the band members, scenes from backstage, downtime in dressing rooms and hotel suites, images of cities and the view from cars, photographers pointing their cameras at The Beatles, and fans waving, smiling, and eagerly waiting to welcome the Fab Four.

McCartney turns to color photographs when the band arrives in Miami, capturing images of the Liverpool lads in swimsuits, soaking up the sun as they relax by a pool, and enjoy the water.

For Beatles fans, seeing these images may stir feelings of nostalgia and affection, as McCartneys camera captures many casual, intimate moments.

Ringo Starr, as seen in an image from the exhibition, "Paul McCartney Photographs 1963-64: Eyes of the Storm."Courtesy of Paul McCartney/Portland Art Museum

But as Julia Dolan, the Minor White Senior Curator of Photography at the Portland Art Museum says, the exhibition is of value even for those who dont consider themselves Beatlemaniacs.

I absolutely do believe that its for a wider audience, says Dolan, who organized the exhibition for the Portland Art Museum. Most of us have some type of memory of The Beatles, even if we were not yet on this planet when they were the band, The Beatles, Dolan says.

Theyre in many ways impossible to escape. They remain in the popular culture, whether its music, or their images, or quotes from them. I feel like theyre such an unusual and singular cultural touchstone that I think many people can bring their own memories to the exhibition.

At the same time, Dolan says, People who are interested in photography, in particular mid-20th century street photography, will be very interested in the exhibition.

McCartney, as he writes in the companion book, doesnt claim to be a master, only an enthusiastic photographer who happened to be in the right place at the right time. But he adds that he has always been interested in photography, from the time I was very young, when our family owned a little box camera in the 1950s. I used to love the whole process of loading a roll of Kodak film into our Brownie camera.

Dolan says that McCartney is someone who was very aware of photography, of art in general, and of photography documentary practice. You can see Paul integrating some of these compositional decisions into the photographs hes making.

Many of the images in the show, Dolan says, have that wonderful 1950s, 1960s 35-millimeter graininess to them. You can almost feel the weather in the stark black and white of the photographs, and how the weather changes as he switches over to color photography when he gets to Miami. Its really exciting to watch someone whos a young artist who happens to be specializing in music, but who is also very interested in the photographic arts, learning as he goes.

The exhibition helped reopen Londons National Portrait Gallery after they were fully closed for a renovation, Dolan says. McCartney has followed that initial show by working closely with his team on all the proposed installations. Hes aware of what the exhibition will look like here, she says.

No doubt people old enough to remember when The Beatles performed in Portland, on Aug. 22, 1965, will feel a pang of disappointment that McCartney didnt take photos during the bands whirlwind visit to the Rose City.

The 1963-64 time period reflected in the exhibition represents a real blip for McCartney, says Dolan. When they got back to England (in 1964), they started filming A Hard Days Night. They were still writing songs and recording, and then they went on a much larger tour, so it got away from him. The little bits of time that he had were really gone after that.

Paul McCartney Photographs 1963-64: Eyes of the Storm will open at the Portland Art Museum, 1219 S.W. Park Ave., on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, and run through Jan. 19, 2025.
Ever since surviving last years attack on the Nova music festival in Israel, 22-year-old Ofri Etta Reiner has been trying to make sense of the violence and find the nuances of healing after experiencing trauma.

One of the main things that happened to me after Oct. 7 was the helpless search for meaning, Reiner said. I wanted to find a reason for my suffering.

Reiner visited Portlands Congregation Neveh Shalom Wednesday evening to share her experience and inspire unity in the Jewish community. The event was part of a U.S. speaking tour co-sponsored by Congregation Neveh Shalom and StandWithUs, an international organization focused on educating the public about Israel and fighting antisemitism and hate.

In the lecture, From Darkness to Light: A Story of Resilience, Reiner recounted her personal experience escaping from the attack and walking 11 miles to safety, as well as how the event changed her life. She stressed the importance of finding hope and community.

On that same day, Reiners brother, Shalev Dagan, was killed in combat while fighting Hamas militants, less than seven miles from the music festival Reiner was attending. Driven by her own experiences and the memory of her brother, Reiner is dedicated to bringing light and meaning to others who have endured trauma.

Reiner is taking her message to communities across the U.S., bearing witness to the atrocities of that day and offering hope through her experiences.

I think that going specifically to the more remote places that still havent witnessed first-hand testimony is something that can really strengthen all the communities, Reiner said about her tour in the U.S.

Reiner addresses the crowd during her lecture, encouraging members of the audience to find meaning in their trauma and grow stronger.Chiara Profenna

At the core of her message is the idea of post-traumatic growth  the belief that one can not only recover from trauma but also grow stronger because of it.

Post-traumatic growth means that from the ashes, from the rock bottom, you can actually grow way bigger and way stronger, Reiner said.

Reiner reaffirmed the universal experience of suffering, encouraging the audience not to compare their pain to hers.

My story, my lecture, is relevant to anybody, not just Jewish, because we will all go through many types of trauma, Reiner said.

For Reiner, sharing her story has become more than just an act of personal healing; it is also a responsibility she feels toward those who cannot speak for themselves.

If Im strong enough to stand here and speak about it, while also infusing my life with meaning, I hope that people will just get the most out of it and understand that we are part of something that is way bigger than us, Reiner said.

Through discovering her purpose, Reiner also found healing and empowerment in art. While painting and drawing, Reiner said she was able to process the complex feelings that came with surviving such a traumatic event. She has since sold some of her artwork and shared it with audiences, using it as another way to bear witness to the pain and resilience of survivors like herself.

Bearing witness is step one, Reiner said, explaining that only by facing the reality of such atrocities can communities begin to heal and grow stronger.

Reiners speaking tour continues with upcoming events in Seattle. In each city she visits, she hopes to inspire others to find strength in their pain and to come together in solidarity.

I truly believe that this is my calling, being a public figure, she said. And speaking for Israel is something that I will always do in my life.

 Chiara Profenna covers religion, faith and cultural connections. Reach her at 503-221-4327; cprofenna@oregonian.com or @chiara_profenna

The Oregonian/OregonLive receives support from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust to bring readers stories on religion, faith and cultural connections in Oregon. The Oregonian/OregonLive is solely responsible for all content.
Three top candidates for Portland mayor outlined their visions for the city Thursday during a substantive  and, at times, mildly contentious  debate.

Rene Gonzalez and Carmen Rubio, both Portland city commissioners, and businessman Keith Wilson fielded questions focused on some of the citys most pressing issues while casting about for why each would be the best to solve them.
RENO  As Lithium Americas begins preliminary construction work at its Thacker Pass lithium project north of Winnemucca, the venture is being touted as bringing substantial economic benefits not only for Lithium Americas, but also for the state and Humboldt County.

A recently released study conducted by University of Nevada, Reno, Extension projects how lucrative Thacker Pass could be for Humboldt County and Nevada.

Lithium Americas commissioned Extension to conduct the analysis to provide useful information to the county and the state on how to plan for the challenges and opportunities the project will present. The study projects average annual economic and fiscal impacts for the short term, during the seven years of construction of the project, as well as for the long term, the next 35 years, which is the expected life of the project. The analysis takes into account the direct impacts of the project, as well as the indirect and induced impacts that will snowball from the project.

Besides the direct effects  the expenses and labor needed to run the actual project  our analysis shows there will be a tremendous multiplier, or ripple effect, said Buddy Borden, Extension community and economic development specialist and associate professor, who co-authored the study with Thomas Harris, retired Extension state specialist and professor. In laymens terms, besides the expenses and labor needed to build and run the actual project, there will be more jobs created in other sectors needed to support the project and those employed by it, and more goods and services needed to meet increased demand due to increased income.

Borden explained that, besides calculating direct effects, the study calculated projections for indirect effects and induced effects set off by the project to assess the total impact. Indirect effects include things such as the additional purchases vendors need to make to restock inventory used by the project. Induced impacts reflect the increase in spending by households as incomes increase, as does the production of goods and services needed.

For example, annual estimates include:

Every $1 of capital construction investment will generate an additional 76 cents of spending in the state during the construction phases, and an additional 15 cents during the operations years.

Every $1 of labor income because of construction investment will generate an additional $3.46 in labor income in the state during the construction phases, and an additional $1.04 during the operations years.

Every direct job created by the project will generate an additional 6.0 jobs in the state during the construction phases and an additional 2.2 jobs during the operational years.

UNR Extension looked at what all this equates to in real dollars The projections include:

For the state:

During the construction years (first seven years), annual projected averages of over $1 billion in investment and sales, over $179 million in personal income, and 2,422 jobs

During the operations years (35 years) annual projected averages of over $2.1 billion in investment and sales, over $148 million in personal income and 1,664 jobs

For Humboldt County:

During the construction years (first seven years), annual projected averages of over $727 million in investment and sales, over $81 million in personal income and 1,120 jobs

During the operations years (35 years) annual projected averages of over $2.1 billion in investment and sales, over $122 million in personal income, and 1,320 jobs

These projections weve been able to build through some complex economic models can help Humboldt County leaders predict impacts on government services and infrastructure, Borden said. That way, they can plan accordingly to make sure their community needs are met and that the entire community benefits and prospers from the project.

Borden added that tax revenue projections were also calculated, and its estimated that the project will generate more than $26.5 million annually in local and county taxes, and over $40.7 million in state taxes.

Our state has a number of rural communities whose economies depend on a diverse mining industry, Borden said. Adding lithium to the mix in Humboldt County certainly will contribute to the economic stability of the area, as well as the economic tax base of the state.

Borden said the worldwide demand for lithium continues to outpace the supply, and is projected to do so for the next several decades. The demand will continue to be driven by advancements in clean-air technology used in battery-powered cars. The study cites predictions for an increase in demand which will be driven by batteries needed for cars, electric bikes and scooters, as well as for renewable energy storage systems.

Lithium, under normal conditions, is the least dense solid element. And, like all alkali metals, it is highly reactive and flammable. Because of its lightness and high reactivity, it has become a major component of many types of batteries.

More information on the lithium industry can be found in the complete study published by Extension. To read the study, go to extension.unr.edu, click on Publications, search for Pub ID # 5291, and click on Printable Version (PDF). The 32-page report includes detailed information on Humboldt County, the methodology used in calculating the projections, and more.
The presidential debate for the 2024 election finished Tuesday night, marking the first and possibly the only time that hopefuls Donald Trump and Kamala Harris face off before voters head to the polls in November.

Moderators at the debate introduced a range of issues, including abortion. Reproductive rights are one of the top issues among voters. At least 14% of 2,670 registered voters polled by the New York Times and Sienna College named abortion as an important issue in deciding their vote in November.

Here is where Trump and Harris stand on abortion.

Do They Support Abortion Policies?

Harris has made abortion rights one of the focal points of her 2024 campaign. In her keynote address at the Democratic National Convention, Harris pledged to sign legislation that would restore the federal right to abortion nationwide.

During the debate, Harris called the ban "insulting to the women of America" and highlighted the difficulties faced by women living in states where abortion has been banned.

On the other hand, Trump initially suggested he would vote in favor of a measure that would restore the federal rights to reproductive freedom nationwide. However, he later backtracked his statement.

In the debate, Trump clarified that he only supports abortion for mothers whose lives are threatened by pregnancy and women who fell victim to rape or incest. He also falsely claimed that Democrats support abortions after the child has been born.

Pressed on his shifting position on abortion, former Pres. Trump falsely claims some states allow for the killing of an infant after birth.

@LinseyDavis: "There is no state in this country where it is legal to kill a baby after it's born." https://t.co/cp2VHYZOIH#ABCDebate pic.twitter.com/WJAmDpotO0  ABC News (@ABC) September 11, 2024

READ ALSO : South Dakota Judge Upholds Abortion Ballot Question Despite Lawsuit

Will They Limit Abortion Rights?

Harris opposed a bill that would limit abortion to only the first 20 weeks of pregnancy when she was still serving as a senator. It is unclear if her stance remains the same. Currently, abortion is available up until 22 weeks of pregnancy.

Trump previously suggested that Florida's policy, which limits abortion to six weeks, was too strict. He retracted his statement a day later and said state governments should decide abortion limits.

Will They Limit Access to Mifepristone?

The Biden-Harris administration prevented limiting access to mifepristone, an abortion medication.

"Our Administration will not waver in our dedication to preserving access to essential medication and defending the FDA's independent, evidence-based approval and regulation of safe and effective drugs," Harris said in a statement.

Last month, Trump suggested that he would consider using federal regulatory power to limit access to abortion pills.
UNICEF staff conducts a rapid assessment at Lien Hoa Commune, Quang Yen Town, Quang Ninh Province, Viet Nam - Photo: unicef.org

The typhoon was the strongest to hit Viet Nam in decades, sweeping through the country on September 7 and resulting in severe storm damages, widespread flooding and massive landslides.

In support of the Government of Viet Nam's response, UNICEF has urgently dispatched 80,000 water purification tablets for the Center of Disease Control in Thai Nguyen province, and 4,000 liters of water to Lao Cai Provincial Hospital to ensure drinking water supply for 800 people.

In the coming days, UNICEF will deliver water purification tablets, water tanks, ceramic filters, hand sanitizers, and soap to government partners to be distributed to households, schools and healthcare facilities in Yen Bai and Lao Cai Provinces.

UNICEF is committed to urgently providing sustained support to the Government of Viet Nam to ensure children and families have access to essential services, said Silvia Danailov, UNICEF's Representative in Viet Nam.

"We have already started to deliver life-saving support and are mobilizing resources to address the massive needs. Too many children have had their access to essential services like clean water, sanitation, healthcare, and education cut off, and swift action to restore these lifelines is urgently needed. The devastation caused by the typhoon is a tragic reminder of the disproportionate impact extreme weather events, intensified by climate change, have on children", she shared.

Nearly 19 million people, including 5.5 million children, live in the hardest-hit provinces, including Lao Cai, Tuyen Quang, Cao Bang, Yen Bai, Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, Ha Noi, Thai Binh, Hai Duong, Hoa Binh, Thai Nguyen, and Phu Tho provinces.

Typhoon Yagi ravaged 26 northern provinces, leaving 324 people dead or missing, including 24 children. It has damaged an estimated 141,469 homes, 550 health facilities, and 805 schools, while around 400,000 homes lack access to safe water. Approximately two million children have been left without access to education, psychosocial support, and school feeding programs.

National authorities have issued a warning for continued heavy rain, with flash floods and landslides still devastating villages and communities in the northern provinces of the country which are home to a large number of vulnerable communities, including ethnic minorities.

In support of the Government of Viet Nam's decisive and commendable actions to address the impact of the disaster, UNICEF's priority interventions include providing water treatment, sanitation supplies, and safe storage solutions to households, health facilities and schools.

UNICEF will deliver emergency medical supplies, including vaccines, malnutrition treatment, nutrition supplements, and hygiene kits to health centers in the most affected areas.

The organization will support the reopening of schools by providing temporary learning spaces and educational materials and extending psychosocial support to children affected by the trauma of the disaster.

UNICEF will provide emergency kits with essential itemsincluding psychosocial support materials, educational tools, hygiene supplies, and basic health care productsto children and families in the most affected areas.

Payments of humanitarian cash assistance will also be given to the most vulnerable households with children and pregnant women, allowing them to meet urgent needs and recover more quickly from the disaster.

UNICEF is mobilizing resources to ensure emergency aid is urgently provided. An initial US$11 million is urgently required to be able to deliver on its mandate to assist the most vulnerable children. As the full impact of the typhoon unfolds, additional resources will be critical to meeting the urgent needs of children and families in the affected regions./.
When something unusual pops up three times in three days, thats usually a sign I need to pay close attention to it.

On Saturday I gave a presentation on Druidry at a local metaphysical shop. Before the presentation started, one of the people there asked me what Druids think of demons. I gave a brief answer (they exist and were generally better off avoiding them) but I didnt have time to go into any detail.

Then on Monday, I saw two posts on demons on the Patheos front page. The first was Is Demonic Possession Real? What about Exorcism? from Roger Olson on the Patheos Evangelical channel. Roger is one of the best and most reasonable of Patheos Evangelical bloggers. I respect his answer, which can be boiled down to yes, and I want nothing to do with any of it (my paraphrase, not a direct quote).

Then on the Progressive Christian channel, Rodney Kennedy wrote Who Are You Calling Demonic? in response to some Trump-followers calling Democrats demons. This is a direct quote, and Im in strong agreement: I think MAGAs inability to correctly identify the demonic has to do with spiritual blindness. When you follow a person whose every word consummates a lie, you are unable to see the demons in your own group.

When people start talking about demons or about the devil my usual response is that Im too busy with my own Gods, ancestors, and spirits to pay much attention to the spiritual persons I dont work with and for. But as this occurrence shows, sometimes the topic comes up in our wider culture. And when it does, we need to be able to understand it and respond to it from a Pagan perspective.

There are demons in many cultures

We live in a culture thats still nominally Christian, and so our ideas and assumptions about demons are heavily influenced by Christianity. But demons are found in many different religions and many different cultures around the world. These religions and cultures have their own terms and definitions, but at a high level demons are spiritual persons who are generally antagonistic toward humans.

In some cultures, demons are part of a good/evil, order/chaos, creation/destruction dichotomy. For others, they represent the parts of nature that are dangerous to humans, from wild animals to diseases. Others say theyre the souls of dead humans who did bad things, or who died in traumatic fashion.

As Pagans, we should not assume that Christian definitions and taxonomies are universally true, even though they may be useful in certain circumstances.

The stories of demons were written by their enemies

History is written by the winners. So are myths. What we know about demons comes from the reports of humans who had interactions with them  and lived to tell their tales, often after significant conflict. These are not exactly objective sources.

At the same time, our ancestors who warned us of the harm demons can do werent primitive or uneducated or superstitious. They were humans with the same brains we have, and we ignore their experiences at our peril.

Which is to say: working with demons isnt embracing evil. But its not safe either. Go in with your eyes wide open, or not at all.

Demons in the grimoires

The medieval and early modern grimoires are filled with the names of demons and with rituals and sigils to conjure them and to get them to work for you. Ive done a little of this, but not a lot. Most of the grimoires were written from a Christian perspective and I prefer to work from the perspective of Paganism, polytheism, and animism.

If youre interested in this work, I strongly suggest you start with Jason Millers 2022 book Consorting with Spirits. Jason teaches how to work with spirits from three different perspectives: the Christian, the Pagan, and the Luciferian. The magical tech works with any of them. He suggests beginning by earning respect, and then exercising authority in the context of mutual respect. Jumping straight to I am a mighty sorcerer and you must obey me! is unlikely to end well.

The risk of possession is greatly overstated

Some people  mainly fundamentalist Christians  live in mortal fear of being possessed by demons. Much of their fear comes from their preachers, who use that fear to keep people from exploring competing religions, or from anything that might look like fun. Preachers who love to perform exorcisms of dubious need and questionable effectiveness to make themselves feel important.

Ive never been possessed by a demon. But I have experienced divine possession. Its an amazing, holy thing. But also, it takes a lot of work on my part to relinquish enough control to allow a God  the mightiest of spirits  to take over. For a short time. If its that hard to be possessed when I want to be possessed, Im not the least bit worried about a lesser spirit possessing me against my will. Yes, I have a strong will and sense of self, but Im hardly unique.

Thats not to say that demonic possession never happens  accounts from around the world say it does. But the odds on you being possessed are very, very low.

The odds on a charismatic preacher convincing true believers that theyre possessed when they arent are significantly higher.

Its more likely that a demon or other malicious spirit will harass someone and cause trouble for them without taking up residence in their body. Cleansing, warding, and shielding usually takes care of that.

Demons as psychological phenomena

It is a enlightenment era assumption that most cases of supposed demonic possession are actually mental illness. Theres some truth to that  maybe a lot of truth. But too often we jump to mental illness when people do terrible things when mental illness is at best a contributing factor, not the root cause.

Also, we sometimes speak of demons metaphorically. We talk about trauma as a demon and we call addiction a demon even though we know addiction is an illness and not a moral failing, much less the work of a malevolent spirit. The metaphor communicates the damage these things can do, as well as our difficulty trying to understand them.

Demonizing the Other

As a kid, I saw missionaries come into churches on a regular basis, looking for financial support. More than a few of them went to countries in Africa and South America, and those who did almost always talked about demonic activity in such places. Part of that was flat-out racism. Another part was the assumption that any religion and any culture significantly different from the Western Protestant Christianity the missionaries were used to had to be dominated by the devil and his minions.

You see the same thing on a smaller scale in Rodney Kennedys post about ultraconservatives calling liberals and Democrats demons. They arent like us, so they must be evil.

This is dangerous thinking. This is how you go from antisemitism to pogroms to the Holocaust.

Call out people on bad behavior. Call out religions that inspire people to do bad things. But be very, very careful when you start to attribute their actions and motivations to demons. Humans are perfectly capable of great evil all on our own  we need no help from demons.

A modern Pagan view of demons

So, what can we say about demons?

Take Christian lore about demons with the proverbial grain of salt. Mainly, dont take it literally. But dont write it off completely  its been helpful to some people at some times in some places.

Based on the many stories from around the world, we can say that demons are spiritual persons who are generally antagonistic to humans. Some take pleasure in harming us, while others just want to be left alone to do their own things and react aggressively when bothered. We rarely hear their side of the story  dont assume theyre evil. Of course, crocodiles arent evil, but theyll still eat you if they get the chance.

It is possible to persuade demons to work for you, if youre willing to trade something they want, or if you have sufficient power  your own power or power borrowed from spiritual allies  to compel them to do your will. Before embarking on such a project, ask yourself what youre willing to trade, and be sure youre really as strong as you like to think you are. Better to bargain in good faith and trade fair value for fair value.

Or just avoid them entirely.

Mainly, dont be afraid of them. Youre unlikely to encounter them. If you do, you can probably deal with them with basic protection magic. And if you cant, you can consult an expert.

Just make sure the expert you call knows more about demons than book burning fundamentalists.
Singapore's grandest arena, which has hosted Taylor Swift and Madonna, is getting ready to welcome an arguably bigger icon - Pope Francis.



The pontiff will celebrate Mass with 50,000 people at the National Stadium on Thursday evening, packing the venue as his 12-day Asia-Pacific tour draws to a close.



The 87-year-old has been to Indonesia, Timor-Leste and Papua New Guinea - the visit to the Pacific Island was the furthest he has travelled to meet devotees.



He arrived in Singapore, where less than 10% of the population - around 400,000 people - identify as Catholic, on Wednesday afternoon. The three-day visit includes meetings with government officials, religious leaders and students.



This has been the longest foreign visit of his papacy and given his frail health, volunteers say the visit was unimaginable just a year ago. A spell of illness at the time had made overseas travel difficult, forcing him to cancel a trip to the UAE.



"Since we were told that he was coming [to Singapore], we've been praying," says Karen Cheah, one of 5,000 volunteers who have been recruited for duties ranging from singing in the choir during Mass to protecting the Pope.



"Once he got on the plane and visited the other countries, the reality hit that it's coming up: we are next."



Hosting the Pope for even a single evening - as the stadium will - is no small feat.



It is a hive of activity the day before Mass. The pitch is covered with rubber flooring. The rows of chairs are growing as workers unload more of them.



At the other end of the arena, the choir is rehearsing hymns at full volume under the close watch of directors, the sound clashing with the routines being practised by the hosts of the event.



One volunteer is going through the sequences for Mass while manoeuvring an empty wheelchair. Pope Francis is expected to use a wheelchair for most engagements because of a knee ailment.



Meanwhile security volunteers are working with the police to secure an area around the Pope and guard where he is staying in Singapore.



These volunteers have completed weeks of training, where they learned skills including how to disengage from a tight grip and respond to a knife attack.



"Because of the current heightened sense of security, the police have been very active in working with us," says Kevin Ho, who heads the security volunteer team.



"Our volunteers have been having sleepless nights, doing the operational work. We are trying to make the visit as safe and successful as it can be."



The precautions have also increased because of a recent threat. Seven people were detained in Indonesia last week over a failed plot to attack the Pope. Police said they had confiscated bows, arrows, a drone and leaflets purportedly linked to the Islamic State militant group.



The Pope, born in Buenos Aires as Jorge Mario Bergoglio, is known to be unafraid to address issues including LGBT+ inclusion and inter-religious tensions. On this trip, he made a joint call for peace in Jakarta alongside the grand imam of Southeast Asia's largest mosque and met other religious leaders.



He praised Indonesians for choosing to have large families over pets, a seeming comment on plummeting birth rates in China, South Korea and Japan. But his figures that Indonesian parents are having up to five children were decades out of date, commentators pointed out. Indonesian women now have on average only slightly more than two children in their lifetime, UN data shows.



In resource-rich Papua New Guinea, which has been drawing international companies and investors, the Pope called for workers to be treated fairly. And in Timor-Leste, he said young people should be protected from abuse, after a prominent local bishop was accused of sexually abusing young boys there during the 1980s and 90s.



"Of course, the Pope has a message. But at the same time, he is also the message," says Monsignor Stephen Yim, co-chair of the organising committee at the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore.

This is Singapore's second papal visit.



The late Pope John Paul II spent just five hours in the city state in 1986, which included officiating Mass at the old National Stadium.



Mr Ho, who was a student then, remembers that day well. He says the crowd roared as the pontiff made a lap of the venue in the popemobile, undeterred by the rain.



"The old stadium had no roof and we all got rained on," Mr Ho recalls. "The only emotion I remember was that palpable sense of excitement when the Pope came around. It was electric. I will never forget that."



Demand for Thursday's Mass was also high - almost half of those who tried to get a seat were unsuccessful. Those who were unlucky received a reply with an emoji and verse from the Bible.



"Seeing the Pope in person feels like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," says Stephanie Yuen, who managed to get a seat at the stadium. "As a Catholic, that's something I don't want to miss, especially in my own country."



The Mass will be "a very profound spiritual experience that I will get to share with thousands of my fellow Catholics in Singapore", says Sherilyn Choo, another thrilled attendee.



The visit has also touched non-Catholics, such as carpenter Govindharaj Muthiah, who built two chairs for the Pope's use in Singapore.



"Tensions around the globe are quite high. It's heartwarming that he made trips to countries with many different religions," Mr Muthiah says. "Unity is the message he is putting across."











Source: BBC









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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







Source: Peacefmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Source: Peacefmonline.com









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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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







Source: Prince Baffour Asamoah/Peace FM Newsroom









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The Focal Person for the Sustainable Ocean Plan (SOP),Dr. Felix Addo-Yobo has urged Ghanaians to refrain from polluting water bodies with waste and harmful chemicals.



He emphasized that these practices jeopardize the health and safety of citizens, highlighting ongoing efforts to protect the nation's water resources.



Dr. Addo-Yobo made these comments during an interview with Peace News at the National Consultation Meeting on Ghanas Sustainable Ocean Plan, which aims to raise awareness and ensure sustainable practices for ocean and water body conservation.



He elaborated that the Sustainable Ocean Plan (SOP) is not just about raising awareness but also implementing measures that will ensure the long-term preservation and responsible management of water bodies across the country. He emphasized that the protection of Ghanas oceans and water resources is essential to safeguard marine life, support local economies, and protect public health.



Additionally, Mr. Nana Joojo Solomon, President of the National Fisheries Association of Ghana and the National Canoe Fishermen Council, stressed the importance of stronger law enforcement to ensure the success of the Sustainable Ocean Plan.



Mr. Nana Joojo Solomon further added that the lack of strict enforcement of laws surrounding environmental protection has led to the persistent degradation of water bodies. He called on relevant authorities to intensify their efforts to curb pollution, illegal fishing, and other harmful activities that threaten marine ecosystems. By doing so, he believes the Sustainable Ocean Plan will have a higher chance of success, securing the future of Ghanas waters for generations to come.



Both leaders agreed that collaboration between the government, local communities, and environmental stakeholders is essential to realizing the goals of the Sustainable Ocean Plan.







Source: Prince Baffour Asamoah/Peace FM Newsroom









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Efua Ghartey has made history as the first female president of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), marking a significant achievement in Ghanas legal profession.



Her election breaks a longstanding barrier in an institution that has been traditionally led by men. Gharteys victory is celebrated as a pivotal moment for gender equality within the legal sector, inspiring many as she paves the way for future female leaders.



In a closely contested election, Ghartey secured 1,208 votes, defeating her opponent, Kwadzo Dzakpasu, who garnered 1,060 votes.



Her journey to this leadership position has been defined by her dedication to the legal profession, where she has built a reputation as a staunch advocate for justice. Her years of service and commitment have earned her the respect and admiration of her peers.



Gharteys election comes at a crucial time, as conversations around gender equality and womens empowerment are gaining momentum across various sectors in Ghana.



Her rise to the presidency is seen as a reflection of the growing recognition of women's capabilities and contributions to the legal profession.



In addition to Gharteys victory, Baffour Gyau was elected General Secretary, while Auralius Awuku was chosen as Assistant Secretary.



Saviour Kodzi retained his role as Public Relations Officer (PRO), with Lawrencia Adika elected as Assistant PRO. The new leadership team is poised to bring fresh perspectives to the GBAs future.



As GBA President, Efua Ghartey is expected to lead with vision and integrity, advancing legal reforms and fostering greater inclusion within the profession.



Her victory comes after the passage of the Affirmative Action Gender Equity bill on Tuesday, July 30, 2024.



The purpose of the Act is to effectively address social, cultural, economic, and political gender imbalances in the country, stemming from historical discrimination against women and persistent patriarchal socio-cultural systems and norms.



The Act seeks to ensure gender equity in both the public and private sectors.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Mass Action for Sustainable Development in Africa (MASDA), a civil society organisation, has expressed worry about the mass destruction of water bodies and reserved forests by illegal miners.



According to the group, government must intervene to prevent further destruction by galamsey operators with immediate effect by placing a ban on all anti-small mining (ASM) activities to allow for a more sustainable solution to the problem.



MASDA warns that failure on the part of government to heed to its call, will result in a massive nationwide demonstration next week Monday.



". . . . if government fails to suspend their activities by 16th September 2024, we shall mobilise the mass of Ghanaians to demand that on the streets," the group stated in a press release issued on Wednesday, September 11.



The statement signed by its Executive Director; Atik Mohammed said the situation needs an urgent action to save lives and the environment.



Further to this, the group proposed some interventions it believes can help stem the tide of the galamsey menace.



"Given the present state of the galamsey crisis, government must take certain urgent actions. To that end, we propose the following:



 Government must cause an immediate cessation of all ASM activities in the country.

 We further propose a multi-stakeholder conference on galamsey with specific objects as soon as possible.

 We suggest a comprehensive review of the entire mining sub-sector including the exploitation and management of critical minerals.

 We also propose the setting up by the Chief Justice, of specialised courts to handle environmental and mining offences."





Attached is the full statement

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Source: Peacefmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The 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.

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In a recent interview, Thomas Tayebwa, Deputy Speaker of Ugandas Parliament, emphasized the importance of Chinas unique approach to development in Africa. He highlighted how China has provided much-needed support for critical projects in African communities without the conditionalities often imposed by Western nations. Tayebwa praised China for fostering partnerships based on mutual respect and for recognizing Africa's distinct cultural and societal needs.

Tayebwa underscored that modernization does not equate to westernization, a key lesson learned from Chinas development model. He commended Chinas focus on discipline, poverty alleviation, and rural development, noting how Uganda and other African countries can adapt these strategies to their own local contexts.

He stressed that Africa must chart its own development path, learning from Chinas approach of creating local solutions for local problems. According to Tayebwa, Africa should develop solutions that align with the continents unique needs and cultural values.

Editor: WXY
Farmers in the country have been told that their lives and future will be secured only when the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) remains in political office.



Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, who made the call, said its only the NPP administration that has the interest and well-being of farmers, especially cocoa farmers, at heart.



He has therefore entreated farmers to offer their unflinching support for the NPP administration to retain political power on December 7 and implement policies to boost their lives.



The NPP has moved cocoa price from 475 to 2070 and plans to increase the price again this year, clearly demonstrates the NPPs' commitment to cocoa farmers.



This is a government, which always plan and thinks about what it should do to help make life better and comfortable for cocoa farmers and their families, Dr. Prempeh said.



The running mate of Dr. Bawumia, who is also known as Napo, said the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) doesnt have any better plans for cocoa farmers.



Speaking at Asunafo South in the Ahafo Region as part of his campaign tour, Napo said the gains secured in the farming sector will be eroded with the incompetent NDC in power.



The NDC will abandon the cocoa rehabilitation projects, which are currently ongoing in the cocoa districts, should we make a mistake to vote for the NDC, he warned.



According to him, the NDC always peddle blatant lies and propaganda to confuse farmers, repeating that the NDC doesnt have any better plans to help cocoa farmers.



The wellbeing of cocoa farmers is not the priority of the NDC, the NPP vice presidential candidate indicated and said cast your ballot for the NPP to secure your future.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The Electoral Commission of Ghana (EC) has reacted to some of the claims of illegal voter transfers in the Provisional Voter Register for the pending December 7, 2024, general election, being led by the National Democratic Congress (NDC).



Speaking on a panel discussion on JoyNews on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, the Director of Electoral Services at the EC, Benjamin Bano-Bioh, said that the assertions that there have been illegal vote transfers in the register are completely false.



He explained that the transfers the NDC is referring to as illegal are transfers that had been done since 2020 and were deliberately included in the voter register.



Please, there is nothing like 15,000 illegal transfers. The transfer list that was given to them was composed of transfers that we had done since 2020 when we compiled the register at first. So, it involved transfers made in 2020, transfers in 2023, and transfers made in 2024. These are people who have transferred to the various polling stations. They are not ghosts; they are not bloated. They are in the register. Yet, we have a list called transfer list and this time around we captured since the register was made, that is 2020.



They (the NDC) raised that issue and we told them that it involved transfers since 2020. And so, when you take that of 2020 from it and then 2023 from it, you come to get the actual figure. We told them that we have it and we even told them that if you deduct the two transfers - 2020, and 2023, you will get the same figure as they are talking about. So, its not a matter of it being bloated? Its not bloated, he explained.



The EC elections director further explained that the inclusion of the previous transfers was deliberate and was done to enable the commission to track the movement of voters.



He added that the EC has explained the issues to the NDC and would be giving them the voter transfer list for 2024.



Initially, we wanted to track the movement of all the voters. That was why we did that and we decided to give it to them. But now they say they want the 2024. We have gotten that. And so, in our last meeting, we told them that that would be ready for them to see.



We printed it out. We knew that the transfer list given was from 2020 up to the current year. As I indicated, we wanted to track the movement of all voters since 2020, and so we did that. Transferred, he explained.



The Deputy Director of Elections and IT of the NDC, Dr Rashid Tanko-Computer, who was one of the co-panelists on the show, did not buy the explanation given by the EC elections director.



He maintained his partys position that there have been illegal voter transfers in the voter register.



He explained that the voter transfer list given by the EC does not indicate the transfers made since 2020 and a number of them cannot be tracked and are also not on the absentee voter list as required by law.



The NDC has claimed that it has so far found the following irregularities in the voter transfer list:



1. 243,540 previous transfers illegally added to 2024 transfers, including repetition of illegally transferred names.



2. 15,000+ unidentifiable voter transfer paths (due to fake registration of voters???) Where were they originally registered?



3. 3,957 voters in the 2023 register but deleted from the 2024 Provisional Register due to transfer.



4. 2,094 voters transferred to different polling stations but not found in the Absent Voter List as required by law.



5. Corrupt files not showing names and photos of the registered voters which it fears would happen on election day.







Source: ghanaweb.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Kwabena Agyepong has chided the National Democratic Congress (NDC) over its planned demonstration against the Electoral Commission.



The Police has approved the demonstration which is scheduled for September 17.



NDC General Secretary, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, revealed this while addressing the media at the EC Headquarters after a meeting between the leadership of the party and the Accra Regional Police Command.



We had a very good meeting with the regional police bosses and the agreement is that we are going to proceed with our demonstration on the 17th of this month. And its going to happen not just in Greater Accra but in all the other Regions of the country at the same time.



We wanted to have a confirmation about the endpoint - in terms of the route, we had an agreement that we are going to start from the Kwame Nkrumah Circle, proceed through Farisco Traffic Light through to TUC, continue through the Ministry and come all the way to Parliament and end up in front of the premises of the Electoral Commission, he said.



Commenting on the protest during Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" show, Kwabena Agyepong stressed the NDC has no moral right to undertake such action.



Making reference to the history of the opposition party, Mr. Agyepong said; "I don't think they have that moral authority to be saying those things. They say things just for political expediency. It doesn't augur well for the government."



However, he emphasized that no one should be gagged from expressing their minds but insisted it should be done with decorum.



"Let everyone freely express himself or herself without engaging in a fight nor resorting to insults", he stated.





Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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A Monroe County man accused in the fatal May shooting of another man outside a bar has been located and taken into custody in Utah, state police announced.

Matthew Herberto Morales, 30, of Pocono Pines is charged with felony criminal homicide, felony possession of a prohibited firearm and felony firearm not to be carried without a license. In a warrant for his arrest in May, Morales was deemed a fugitive. Authorities described him as armed and dangerous and sought the publics help in finding him.

Salt Lake, Utah, police were dispatched close to 1 a.m. Aug. 10 to a nightclub for a report of shots fired outside. Investigators found Morales with eight gunshot wounds, and he was taken to the University of Utah Hospital for surgery.

Morales is still there in critical condition, Pennsylvania State Police in Stroudsburg said.

State police said this week that Morales was identified as the Pa. homicide suspect and is hospitalized in custody of the U.S. Marshals Service, pending extradition to Pennsylvania.

Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com.
UPDATE: Person who made threats toward Cumberland County schools has been IDd

A post made on social media Wednesday night threatening a shooting at two middle schools in Cumberland County was reported to area police but will not affect classes, the West Shore School Districts superintendent said in a statement.

Allen and New Cumberland middle schools were both included in the shooting threat, which was made Wednesday night on Snapchat, according to the school districts release.

These threats were reported to the Lower Allen Township and New Cumberland Police Departments by District administration, and we are actively cooperating with those authorities to further investigate the situation, Superintendent Todd B. Stoltz said. If anyone has additional information regarding the threat, please contact local law enforcement.

Anyone with further information should reach out to one of the email addresses listed below or make a report through the Safe2Say app or www.safe2saypa.org.

Lower Allen Township Police Shift Supervisor: ltamanosky@latwp.org

Lower Allen Township Chief of Police lcrone@latwp.org

New Cumberland Borough Chief of Police: cvickroy@newcumberlandborough.com

Stoltz called the threats troubling, but said, At this time, we do not believe there is a need to alter our normal schedule for either school for Thursday, September 12th.

If any further changes are made regarding classes at the middle schools, the school district will notify students, staff and families in the morning before bus routes begin.

A juvenile in Perry County was recently arrested after making a shooting threat involving the Susquenita School District, which caused classes in the district to be canceled on Monday.
Story by Elizabeth Estrada of Spotlight PA

Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit newsroom producing investigative and public-service journalism that holds power to account and drives positive change in Pennsylvania. Sign up for our free newsletters.

HARRISBURG  Pennsylvania is home to nearly 300 colleges, universities, and technical schools. If you are one of the hundreds of thousands of students who attend any of these institutions and are eligible to vote, you have options on how to do so in the upcoming election on Nov. 5.

Whether you are voting for the first time, choosing to vote by mail, or simply updating your registration, heres everything you need to know about how to cast a ballot as a college student in Pennsylvania:

Can college students vote in Pennsylvania?

Yes, as long as they meet the requirements to register to vote in Pennsylvania:

Be a citizen of the United States for at least one month before the election;

Be a resident of your election district for at least 30 days before the next election;

And be at least 18 on Election Day.

If you meet those requirements, you can choose the address at which you register  though you can pick only one.

You can register to vote where you currently live, whether its on or off campus, or at your prior home address, as long as you still have family or a guardian that resides there.

If you register at your prior home address and plan to vote in person, its important to consider how feasible it will be to travel to your polling place. Plan your Election Day accordingly and remember that as long as you are in line to vote by 8 p.m., you are allowed to cast your vote.

If I am new to Pennsylvania and moved here to attend college, can I still register to vote with my college address?

As long as you have lived in the voting district where you plan to vote for at least 30 days before the election, you can register to vote with your college address.

What if I live off campus?

If you live off campus, you can use that address to register to vote.

What if I moved to a new address on or off campus?

If you are already registered to vote, have moved to a new address, and would like to vote from this address, you must update your voter registration by Oct. 21.

Am I eligible to vote if I turn 18 on Election Day?

As long as you meet the additional requirements of being a United States citizen and being a resident of the election district where you plan to register for at least 30 days, you are eligible to vote if you are at least 18 years old on or before Election Day. This is true whether its a primary, special, municipal, or general election.

The last day to register to vote for the upcoming general election is Oct. 21.

Im voting for the first time. How do I prepare and what should I expect?

Voting for the first time is very exciting! If you plan to vote in person, look up your polling place ahead of time and plan when and how you will get there. You can make it an activity and bring your friends and family if they will be voting at the same location as you. In Pennsylvania, polls open at 7 a.m., and as long as you are in line by 8 p.m., you are allowed to cast your vote.

Any time you vote for the first time at a new location you will need to show a photo or non-photo ID, so make sure you have that with you.

Its good practice to take a look at a sample ballot ahead of time by visiting your local county website. This will inform you what races you will be voting on and if there are any ballot measures.

For the upcoming Nov. 5 election, Pennsylvanians will cast their votes for president, U.S. House and Senate, state row offices (attorney general, auditor general, and treasurer), and the legislature. If you are looking for detailed information about Pennsylvanias statewide races, check out our Election Center, where you can find detailed guides on candidates.

What if I want to vote by mail?

In Pennsylvania, all voters can vote by mail if they choose to.

To request a mail ballot, you have to be registered to vote. Keep in mind that you will need time to fill out and return your mail ballot. You also have the option to return your completed ballot to your county election office or a drop box, if your county has them.

Remember: Mail ballots must be received by the county election office before 8 p.m. on Election Day. Postmarks do not count.

Visit vote.pa.gov to read the Pennsylvania Department of States rules for mail ballots.

Im studying abroad. How can I vote?

If you will be out of the country on Election Day, you can still vote. The Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) provides support to U.S. citizens who are overseas so that they can cast their ballots from afar.

First, you must be registered to vote. You can register using any official registration form  online, by mail, or in-person.

If you are overseas, you can vote using an absentee ballot. There are various ways to request one:

Apply online or via a mail-in application

Request an application be sent to your email by reaching out to stsvcuocavaabs@pa.gov , or request a paper application be mailed to you by emailing ST-UOCAVAQues@pa.gov

Complete the Federal Post Card Application and send it to your county election office. Depending on where you live, you might have the option to mail it to your local election office, or send the application via email or fax.

The deadline to request an absentee ballot is Oct. 29 and the application must be received by 5 p.m. on that day by your county election office. However, it is highly recommended that you submit your application as soon as possible to ensure it is processed and sent out in a timely manner.

If you dont receive your ballot in time, contact your local election office  you might be eligible to vote via a Federal Write-in Absentee Ballot (FWAB). In Pennsylvania, you are required to register and request an absentee ballot before filling out the form for a FWAB.

Visit fvap.gov for more information about the process of voting while abroad.

Read Spotlight PAs complete coverage, including candidate and election guides, primers on misinformation, and more, at our 2024 Election Center.

BEFORE YOU GO If you learned something from this article, pay it forward and contribute to Spotlight PA at spotlightpa.org/donate. Spotlight PA is funded by foundations and readers like you who are committed to accountability journalism that gets results.
Editors note: Welcome to the world of Paranormal PA, a PennLive series that delves into Pennsylvania-grown stories of spirits; cryptids; oddities and legends; and the unexplained. Sign up here to get our Paranormal PA newsletter delivered to your inbox.

According to author Bees OBrien, Keating Township, Pa., was a place that was a little weirder than most back in the day.

Inhabited by the toughest of the tough who braved the wild region to carve a life out for themselves, Keating was just one of many towns who saw its fair of murders and disappearances. Not to mention all the monsters.

But unfortunately for them, there was also Loop Hill Ike.

For all the (somewhat bonkers) stories that are about to follow, Loop Hill Ike was, in fact, a real guy.

Born Isaac Gaines on June 30, 1837, in part of the Lycoming County area that would eventually become Clinton County, Ike grew up in a community of fugitive slaves who settled in the region by way of the Underground Railroad.

His death certificate lists his occupation as farmer, and indicates that Ike may have been survived by a wife, a couple of siblings, and perhaps a child or two. If youre ever in the Clearfield County area, be sure to drop by McGonigal Cemetery to visit his grave.

As for how he got the nickname Loop Hill Ike, OBrien in his book The Legend of Loop Hill Ike (2018)" attributes it to a once-derogatory term towards Black people. Lou Bernard  a local Clinton County historian and author himself  believes its simply a matter of location.

Ive never head an explanation for the name Loop Hill Ike, but I suspect it had to do with where he lived, he wrote to PennLive via email. Ive seen a lot of that sort of thing, where the nickname relates to their location or family members.

But apart from when he was drafted into the Civil War and expressed his dissent by shooting the captain that came to recruit him in the leg, according to OBrien, Ike lived a rather socially isolated life deep in the wilderness.

Not that that stopped anyone from bothering him.

A map highlighting West Keating Township, Clinton County, a place "just a little weirder than most." (Derek Ramsey | U.S. Census Bureau via Wikimedia Commons)Derek Ramsey | U.S. Census Bureau

See, Ike was recognized at the time as being rather proficient in the voodoo traditions his ancestors brought with them from the West Indies, explains OBrien. And while the word voodoo was used at the time as a means to paint Americas Black population as barbaric, Ikes knowledge of the practice certainly came in handy for the people of Clinton County.

Kind of like the time a man named Bill Gaines (who may or may not have been related to Ike) was murdered by his brother, Robert, over some sort of family business dispute. Ike was tapped to exorcize the dead mans vengeful spirit after the murder victims fiddle burst into flames while being played during a rousing party (Ike, as OBrien tells it, was let[ting] all out on the dance floor before his good time was so rudely interrupted).

Or the strange case of the impish Potato People that terrorized an arrogant farmer named Philip Moyer, who made the amateur mistake of insulting an old woman by denying her some of his Keating-famous spuds. The woman, turns out, was a witch, and sent these creatures to harass Moyer until Ike blew them away using a special triple barrel shotgun (its said he did miss one Potato Person, though, who, for all we know, may still be out there).

Or when one particularly grumpy farmer, John Rhone who, for whatever reason, liked to beef with crows, mysteriously disappeared after coming upon a murder of them on his way home one night. For this Isaac enlisted the help of Johns wife, Belle, to fetch him one of Johns shoes, a bunch of foxgloves, and a bottle of her renowned dandelion wine. The first two ingredients he used to, unsuccessfully, do battle with the crows to get John back. The wine, he later confessed to Belle, was just for him.

Then theres arguably one of the more famous of Loop Hill Ikes cases: The Giwoggle, a bird-wolf-horse hybrid that was let lose on unsuspecting farmers courtesy of yet another local witch (and which happens to serve as Clinton Countys official monster).

Although perhaps more famous than the Giwoggle is the story of the Swamp Angel, which Bernard described in PAWilds.com back in 2018 as a benevolent spirit who assisted Gaines in protecting a young woman against the curses (and eventual ghost) of  you guessed it  a witch.

The Giwoggle is said to roam about Clinton County, pictured here, and to have stemmed from stories of slaves trying to escape north via the Underground Railroad. (photo provided by Chris Miller)

But as with many legends  just like the ones surrounding those apocalyptic tombstones in Western Pennsylvania  there are crumbs of truth to Loop Hill Ikes exploits: State Supreme Court records show that Clinton County resident, Robert Gaines, was actually indicted for killing his brother, William, in the 1860s. There also really was a Philip Moyer who lived in the area that, according to OBrien, was known for growing some mean potatoes.

John Rhone, too, did indeed disappear while on a mission to poison some wily crows: A 1947 article from the Altoona Tribune, however, states that a group of kids stumbled upon whats believed to be his remains, and are said to have shoved the bones into the mill furnace. Whether the crows had anything to do with his death remains unknown.

As for the Giwoggle and the Swamp Angel, well, the last reported sighting of the former occurred in 1909. As for the latter, its unclear whether anyones summoned her for her help in recent years (although you can make a pretty sweet drink of the same name).

We all have monsters throughout our lives, wrote Bernard. No matter who you are, there are threats that are very real.

Gaines was descended from a culture that was full of threats to the point that his ancestors had to escape and hide. We like the idea that a strong hero will be there to help stop the threats, and I feel like thats where a lot of our monster slayers come from.
Note: This article has been changed and updated to reflect information provided by Walmart officials.

Walmart is further innovating the checkout process for shoppers.

The retail giants self-checkout technology now offers a seamless way to scan items, thereby enhancing the checkout shopping experience.

Shoppers are now able to scan certain items at the self-checkout counter by simply moving the item over the scanner, without actually having to scan a visible barcode.

This is made possible by invisible barcodes, which are featured on Walmart Great Value store brand items. Though they arent visible to the eye, the invisible barcodes are located all over the product.

Were piloting this technologys potential to make the check-out process faster for customers and associates, a Walmart spokesperson said in a statement provided to PennLive.

The concept was introduced via Walmarts partnership with Digimarc back in 2019 for $3 million a year, so this has been in existence for a few years now.

According to Digimarc, the technology allows packages [to] be printed all over with hundreds of barcodes without disturbing the package design.

Via this package enhancement technology, multiple items can be scanned at the same time.

You can watch it in action via this recent TikTok video, where a Walmart customer captured herself scanning Great Value items through a self-checkout machine at Walmart without using a barcode.

Omg guys you can literally just scan the item anywhere and itll go through, the text in the video reads.

For Walmart CEO Doug McMillon, Digimarcs invisible barcode technology has the potential to fundamentally change the checkout process, according to a press release from Digimarc.

The reasoning behind the technology was to speed up the checkout process at the register for both shoppers and employers.

In 2022, Walmart expanded its partnership with the tech company to help further optimize store operations.
Adrien Charles Duval, the speaker of the National Assembly of Mauritius, recently lauded Chinas significant contributions to Mauritius and the broader African region. In an interview, Duval highlighted Chinas ability to overcome challenges throughout its history and its rise to become a global leader in innovation and the second-largest economy in the world.

Duval emphasized Chinas critical role in supporting Mauritius' development, particularly in facilitating large-scale projects. He also pointed out Chinas considerable aid efforts across the Indian Ocean and African regions, noting the visible positive impact China has made.

Duval further stressed the importance of Chinas ongoing leadership in promoting dialogue and mutual assistance, emphasizing that such efforts benefit the entire world. He expressed optimism that China will continue to play a pivotal role in fostering global cooperation and regional development.

Editor: WXY
People visit the exhibition area of Chinese company BYD during the RE+ 2024 expo in Anahiem, California, the United States, on Sept. 10, 2024. Over 300 Chinese companies participated in the RE+ 2024 expo, North America's largest clean energy event, this week with their latest products and technologies, seeking more market opportunities. (Photo by Zeng Hui/Xinhua)

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- Over 300 Chinese companies participated in the RE+ 2024 expo, North America's largest clean energy event, this week with their latest products and technologies, seeking more market opportunities.

The four-day event, kicked off on Monday at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anahiem, California, is celebrating RE+'s 20th anniversary. It will draw over 40,000 attendees and more than 1,300 exhibitors around the globe, according to the organizer.

Ranging from solar, energy storage, hydrogen, to EV charging and infrastructure, microgrids, wind energy and more, some well-known Chinese clean energy companies, including CATL, BYD, Gotion and Hithium were on the show floor, together with lots of small-and medium-sized companies.

"The United States is one of our important markets," said Zhang Kunhong, senior overseas marketing manager at China's Kehua Digital Energy, adding that the company has attended RE+ for many years.

"This exhibition attracts more professional customers and is also an opportunity to observe the development of the industry. It's an excellent platform for Chinese manufacturers to promote their brands and products," he noted.

Based on power conversion technology, Kehua Digital Energy has diversified solutions and rich project experience in the fields of photovoltaic, energy storage, microgrids, and integrated energy services.

As one of the top five companies in global energy storage battery shipments in 2023, China's Hithium Energy Storage is accelerating its international development. The company opened a new marketing center in Fremont, California, earlier this year.

"It will accelerate our integration with local technological innovation and talent cultivation, and pave the way for the localization of Hithium Energy Storage in North America," said Zhang Mizhi, president of Global Business Center of the company.

"We will provide more localized and high-quality services to better support our customers in the United States," he noted.

Overseas Brand and Marketing Manager Yan Xiaowei at CLOU Electronics, a member of China's MideaGroup, told Xinhua that the company has entered the international market since 2012 and has projects in both North America and South America.

"As carbon neutrality becomes a global consensus, countries are increasingly paying attention to the development of new energy. Chinese companies' leading clean energy technologies play a role in helping countries achieve their green development goals," he added.

A staff member talks with a visitor in the exhibition area of Chinese company CATL during the RE+ 2024 expo in Anahiem, California, the United States, on Sept. 10, 2024. Over 300 Chinese companies participated in the RE+ 2024 expo, North America's largest clean energy event, this week with their latest products and technologies, seeking more market opportunities. (Photo by Zeng Hui/Xinhua)

People visit the exhibition area of Chinese company Hithium Energy Storage during the RE+ 2024 expo in Anahiem, California, the United States, on Sept. 10, 2024. Over 300 Chinese companies participated in the RE+ 2024 expo, North America's largest clean energy event, this week with their latest products and technologies, seeking more market opportunities. (Photo by Zeng Hui/Xinhua)

People visit the exhibition area of Chinese company CLOU Electronics during the RE+ 2024 expo in Anahiem, California, the United States, on Sept. 10, 2024. Over 300 Chinese companies participated in the RE+ 2024 expo, North America's largest clean energy event, this week with their latest products and technologies, seeking more market opportunities. (Photo by Zeng Hui/Xinhua)

People visit the exhibition area of Chinese company CLOU Electronics during the RE+ 2024 expo in Anahiem, California, the United States, on Sept. 10, 2024. Over 300 Chinese companies participated in the RE+ 2024 expo, North America's largest clean energy event, this week with their latest products and technologies, seeking more market opportunities. (Photo by Zeng Hui/Xinhua)

People visit the exhibition area of Chinese company Gotion during the RE+ 2024 expo in Anahiem, California, the United States, on Sept. 10, 2024. Over 300 Chinese companies participated in the RE+ 2024 expo, North America's largest clean energy event, this week with their latest products and technologies, seeking more market opportunities. (Photo by Zeng Hui/Xinhua)

People visit the exhibition area of Chinese company Hithium Energy Storage during the RE+ 2024 expo in Anahiem, California, the United States, on Sept. 10, 2024. Over 300 Chinese companies participated in the RE+ 2024 expo, North America's largest clean energy event, this week with their latest products and technologies, seeking more market opportunities. (Photo by Zeng Hui/Xinhua)

People visit the exhibition area of Chinese company BYD during the RE+ 2024 expo in Anahiem, California, the United States, on Sept. 10, 2024. Over 300 Chinese companies participated in the RE+ 2024 expo, North America's largest clean energy event, this week with their latest products and technologies, seeking more market opportunities. (Photo by Zeng Hui/Xinhua)

A staff member talks with a visitor in the exhibition area of Chinese company CATL during the RE+ 2024 expo in Anahiem, California, the United States, on Sept. 10, 2024. Over 300 Chinese companies participated in the RE+ 2024 expo, North America's largest clean energy event, this week with their latest products and technologies, seeking more market opportunities. (Photo by Zeng Hui/Xinhua)

A staff member talks with a visitor in the exhibition area of Chinese company Kehua Digital Energy during the RE+ 2024 expo in Anahiem, California, the United States, on Sept. 10, 2024. Over 300 Chinese companies participated in the RE+ 2024 expo, North America's largest clean energy event, this week with their latest products and technologies, seeking more market opportunities. (Photo by Zeng Hui/Xinhua)

Editor: WXY
JD Vance went on Fox News to attack Taylor Swift after the superstar endorsed Kamala Harris and made things worse for Trump.

Vance said on Fox News:

Well, look, we, we admire Taylor Swifts music, but I dont think most Americans, whether they like her music or fans of hers or not, are going to be influenced by a billionaire celebrity who I think is fundamentally disconnected from the interests, and the problems of most Americans.

Look, when grocery prices go up by 20%, it hurts most Americans. It doesnt hurt Taylor Swift. When housing prices become unaffordable. It doesnt affect Taylor Swift or any other billionaire. It does affect middle class Americans all over our country.

Video:

JD Vance on Fox News: We admire Taylor Swifts music, but I dont think most Americans are gonna be influenced by a billionaire celebrity who I think is fundamentally disconnected from the interests and the problems of most Americans pic.twitter.com/h2OqPNvnq9  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) September 11, 2024

The last thing that Trump and the Republican Party needed was the weirdo with the lowest approval rating of any candidate on either ticket attacking Taylor Swift. If Republicans were trying to get more women, and some men too, to vote for Kamala Harris , the thing to do would be to take guy who gives off creepy vibes 24 hours a day and put him on Fox News to attack Taylor Swift.

Vance attacking Swift for being wealthy is funny because he is on the ticket due to billionaire benefactor Peter Thiel. Before JD Vance moved to Ohio to run for the US Senate, he was a venture capitalist in Silicon Valley.

JD Vance owes his entire political career to sucking up to right-wing billionaires.

Between Vance and Elon Musk , Republicans might cost themselves the election by attacking Taylor Swift and her fans.

JD Vance should never be criticizing Taylor Swift unless Republicans are trying to lose the election.

To comment on this story, join us on Reddit.
Donald Trump lost a lot of money by flopping at the presidential debate as his Truth Media stock dropped to an all-time low.

The New York Times posted:

Shares of former President Donald Trumps social media company fell 10 percent on Wednesday, closing at their lowest level since the company went public. Shares of the company, Trump Media & Technology Group, have often traded as a proxy for Trumps presidential election prospects. In a little more than a week, Trump will be able to sell some of the 115 million shares he has in the parent company of his Truth Social site.

Trumps stock is hovering around $16 a share in after-hours trading.The high for the stock came right after it hit the market at more than $78 a share. Anyone who bought Trump stock and kept it has lost a whole lot of money. This includes Donald Trump, who owns 60% of the stock. Trump Media will not be the giant windfall for Trump that he was expecting.

It is unclear if Trump will sell his stock when he becomes eligible to do so in a few weeks. The odds are that he wont because the stock has always appeared to be a play for Trump to profit from the presidency if he returns to the White House.

Many who bought Trump stock did so because they thought the ex-president was heading back to the White House.

Trumps White House odds are by no means dead, but after last nights nightmare debate, things are definitely not looking as good for him as they did 24 hours earlier.
Donald Trump and JD Vances embrace of the lie that immigrants are eating pets in Springfield, OH incited bomb threats that caused the towns city hall and schools to be closed.

The Springfield News-Sun reported:

Multiple city, county and school buildings around Springfield were closed Thursday after a bomb threat to multiple facilities throughout Springfield, according to a city statement released Thursday morning. Springfield City Hall was evacuated around 8:30 a.m.

Springfield Mayor Rob Rue said everyone who was in the City Hall building was moved out and is safe. Rue would not comment on the precise language of the threat but said it came from someone claiming to be from Springfield, and mentioned frustration with the city related to Haitian immigration issues.

All Clark County buildings were also closed to the public, out of an abundance of caution, which includes all commission departments, the Department of Job and Family Services, the Common Pleas Court, the Board of Elections and the A.B. Graham Building, according to a statement released at 11:45 a.m.

Even though Trumps lie was fact-checked during the debate, and the tens of millions of viewers were told that the ex-presidents statements were false in real time, it didnt stop someone from threatening violence against a town in Ohio because Donald Trump used his platform as a presidential candidate to push a dangerous lie.

The statements of Donald Trump and JD Vance led to the people of Springfield being terrorized and threatened. This isnt about partisan politics or the presidential campaign. Public figures, especially presidential tickets, have a responsibility to use their platform responsibly.

The fact that Trump and Vance would potentially endanger innocent lives in a bid to scare voters about immigrants is proof of why neither person on the Republican ticket belongs anywhere near the White House.

To comment on this story, join us on Reddit.
In terms of festivals, it doesnt get any better than Sea.Hear.Now. Remove the uncomfy camping vibe thats borderline abusive, and all the intensity of large-scale festivals located in remote areasand youll have SHN.

An oasis nestled in Asbury Park, New Jersey  you wont get a better experience than a concert on the sand. With local food, an easy-going crowd, and plenty of shopping opportunities, theres something for everyone at this festival.

This year, Sea.Hear.Now 2024 is garnering more excitement than ever thanks to their star-studded lineup. With headliners Noah Kahan and New Jerseys own, Bruce-The-Boss-Springsteen. Springsteen  the Sunday headline act  will have an extra-long, 3-hour set.

We attended the festival last year, and I was most surprised by how terrific the food was. I even heard people raving about the seafood at SHN. Admittedly, Ive only eaten one Korean corn dog in my lifebut this seemed to be a pretty good intro.

If youre going to buy VIP tickets for any festival, this is the one where youll get the most bang for your buck. A guaranteed good view for Noah Kahan and The Boss, exclusive merch and food stands where youll have less of a lineand of course, my favorite: private bathrooms!



Sea.Hear.Now is only a few days awayBut if youre last-minute-spontaneous, tickets are still available on resale sites. If you want to know more about one of my favorite festivals, heres the inside scoop for Sea.Hear.Now 2024!

Sea.Hear.Now 2024 Lineup

Sea Hear Now

The crowd at Sea.Hear.Now isnt your typical festival crowd. The locals bring a certain informal atmosphere, and since theres such a wide variety of performers, the crowd is just as diverse.

On Saturday, Noah Kahan , The Black Crowes, Grace Potter, and Joe P are names to watch out for. Sunday features megastars like Norah Jones, Joy Oladokun, and Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band.

Since the festival is only 2 days long, its more manageable than a 3 or 4-day taxing experience. While I always have the time of my life at festivals, Im often ready to go home earlier than anticipated.

Transportation at Sea.Hear.Now

I definitely would not take an Asbury Uber or Lyft during this festival. Last year, I wasted hours in Ubers just sitting in traffic (I think its because I wasnt staying in Asbury Park). But even if you are: dont use a rideshare service.

Theres a train that runs into Asbury Park itself, which Id highly recommend. Go with the option where you wont stuck in traffic, wishing you were home. Believe me.

Plus, rideshare prices will surge due to demand. Our Lyft driver last year charged us close to $100 extra because she took a different route and we ended up in more traffic. A train ticket is never market-based.

The Food

Surf Taco

Sea.Hear.Now features some of the best food from the Jersey Shore area. Im addicted to Surf Taco  especially the eponymous fish taco which is a Jersey shore delicacy. Looking for food thats absolutely delish and not just a mass-produced, high-caloric, flavorless mess? Surf Taco is for you.

Other favorites include Dank Dogs, Local 130 Seafood, and Lobster Rolls & More. Normally, Id warn against the seafood options at a festivalbut were literally at Sea.Hear.Now. Its necessary.

Now, Im not going to say that these food options will be the best meals in your lifeor the cheapest. However, when it comes to festival life, pick your battles. Remember, the food is never the star of the weekend.

The Drinks

At every festival, therell be those random alcoholic beverage stands featuring familiar brands like Twisted Tea, Hendricks Gin, Aperol Spritz, and Titos.

These booths are my favorite stops because they offer photo ops left and right, exclusive brand merch thats super cute. Last year, the Aperol Spritz sun hats were all the rage, and dont forget the cute cocktails.

This year, keep an eye out for Bud Light, Mamitas, White Claw, Hendricks Gin, Twisted Tea, and more! I loved the Hendricks cocktails last year  and Im not even a gin gal.

The Stages

Sea Hear Now

Its not easy to get lost at Sea.Hear.Now, which is good news. The festival setup is truly manageable, you can stroll around and easily find each stage without getting overwhelmed or exhausted.

The 3 stages  the Surf Stage, Sand Stage, and Park Stage  are pretty self-explanatory. The Surf and Sand Stages are located across from one another right on the beach, while the stands are on the other side of the boardwalk.

Then, the Park Stage is between stands and the Sand Stage. Sprinkled throughout the festival are some of Asbury Parks most famous bars and restaurants. Across from the Surf Stage  where Bruce Springsteen will be performing  stands The Stone Pony  the iconic music venue where Springsteen launched his career.

So, if youre weary of the festival and simply want to rest somewhere and absorb all the fantastic sensationsthere are plenty of places where you enjoy the glories that Asbury Park has to offer!



If youre still looking for Sea.Hear.Now tickets, its not too late! Grab them here.
The floors have been finished, the countertops are in place, the HVAC system is set and the pizza oven is fired up and ready to go  but perhaps not as fired up and ready as Jason Donnelly and John Shepherd.

The two longtime friends and newly-minted business partners have been working for months on their new restaurant and wine bar, Mill City Kitchen and Mill City Wine. And now the months and hours and hours of planning, coordinating, renovating and waiting have come to an end.

Mill City Kitchen and Mill City Wine is set to open Sept. 20 at Judson Mill.

With Mill City, Donnelly and Shepherd have created a dynamic spot for good food and great wine. On the restaurant side, the menu will center on live fire cooking. This will manifest in both the pizza menu and the rotating grilled entree offerings. Items like Porchetta, lamb ribs, sausage, steak kabobs, seasonal veggies and whole fish will be cooked over an open flame.

Shepherd and Donnelly put a lot of effort into sourcing specific products. The olive oil is from Chiarentana, a specialty company based in Tuscany. The flour they use for their pizza dough is from Arizona-based Hayden Mills and is made from white Senoran wheat, an ancient grain that yields a flavorful, perfectly crispy crust.

Plans call for offering a daily blue plate special at lunch that will include a wood-fired grilled meat and fresh cooked sides.

And while initial plans had called for featuring paninis, Mill City will instead serve pizzacos, essentially a sandwich-taco hybrid made from pizza dough. Any pizza is also available in pizzaco form.

Complementing the food will be several wines and a couple of beers on tap, along with draft nitro cold brew, frose and sangria.
GREENVILLE, SC  Racquel Collier, founder and president of Caliber Real Estate, will be speaking at Clemson Universitys Entrepreneurial Launch Pad event this October. Collier, a Clemson graduate, will be representing the College of Arts and Humanities during its Entrepreneurship Week on October 22nd. The event will include Collier as the keynote speaker, a Q&A [] Read moreRacquel Collier speaking at Clemsons Entrepreneurial Launch Pad Event
African Development Bank (AfDB) President Akinwumi Adesina speaks at the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the AfDB, Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire, Sept. 10, 2024. (Photo by Yvan Sonh/Xinhua)

ABIDJAN, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- Traditional musical and cultural activities, an exhibition, discussions and seminars, as well as interventions highlighting the key milestones of the African Development Bank (AfDB) and its impact on the economic development of Africa since its inception, marked the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the pan-African bank on Tuesday in Abidjan.

Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara said that over six decades, the AfDB has become an "essential player" in development in Africa and a "reference" in terms of development and financing transformative projects for African economies.

"Today, the performance of the AfDB generates a sense of pride and hope, especially regarding transparency and governance, where it has been recognized as the most transparent institution among 50 development institutions," Ouattara said, highlighting the AfDB's "AAA credit rating" and its designation in 2021 as the "best multilateral financial institution in the world."

The Ivorian president called on the AfDB to "make more efforts" in areas concerning peace and democracy, particularly in climate and agriculture, to address the severe flooding, significant agricultural losses, and hunger in several African countries.

"Yesterday as today, you are part of Africa's transformation. For every project, it is the entirety of the Bank's ecosystem that contributes," AfDB President Akinwumi Adesina told his staff.

Over the past 60 years, he added, the various types of personnel have been able to bring about "real change" to the continent.

"Our work over the past eight years has transformed the lives of 400 million people, and I would like to thank you for your extraordinary work," Adesina reiterated, reviewing the achievements and actions of his institution.

He specifically emphasized the "High 5" -- the operational priorities of the AfDB Group, namely to Light up and Power Africa, to Feed Africa, to Industrialize Africa, to Integrate Africa and to Improve the Quality of Life for the People of Africa.

Adesina also reviewed the significant achievements and actions of the AfDB since its establishment, the challenges it has faced, and the perspectives ahead.

Cote d'Ivoire, the host country of the AfDB, has seen its development significantly accelerated thanks to the support of the pan-African financial institution, which has increased from 460 million U.S. dollars in 2015 to 3.3 billion U.S. dollars in 2023, according to him.

As of the end of July 2024, the active portfolio of the AfDB Group in Cote d'Ivoire included 40 operations, totaling commitments of approximately three billion U.S. dollars.

The country is preparing to host the AfDB's annual meetings next May, which will provide an opportunity to review current development strategies and policies as well as to choose a new president for the institution.

To date, 81 member countries have subscribed to the capital of the AfDB, including 54 African countries (regional members) and 27 non-African countries (non-regional members).

Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara speaks at the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the African Development Bank (AfDB) in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire, Sept. 10, 2024. (Photo by Yvan Sonh/Xinhua)

African Development Bank (AfDB) President Akinwumi Adesina (L) and Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara attend the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the AfDB in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire, Sept. 10, 2024. (Photo by Yvan Sonh/Xinhua)

Editor: WXY
In 2004, Charleston County passed its first half-cent sales tax, launching the countys first land conservation initiative. Since then, the greenbelt program has proven to be one of the most effective, efficient and visionary land conservation initiatives in America. In contrast, the Charles Read moreCommentary: Proposed half-cent sales tax punishes success and rewards failure
Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, attends the 14th meeting of the BRICS high-ranking officials responsible for security matters and national security advisors in St. Petersburg, Russia, Sept. 11, 2024. (Xinhua/Cao Yang)

ST. PETERSBURG, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- Wang Yi, director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, on Wednesday attended the 14th meeting of the BRICS high-ranking officials responsible for security matters and national security advisors in the Russian city of St. Petersburg.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, welcomed the new members to the BRICS family, stating that the world has entered a new period of turbulence and transformation, with various security threats intertwined, increasing deficits in peace and security, and rampant interference, containment, and bullying against many developing countries.

Wang said against this backdrop, it is of special significance for the BRICS countries to discuss ways for cooperation and seek sound strategies for peace. Over the past 18 years, the BRICS mechanism has adhered to the principles of openness, inclusiveness and win-win cooperation, setting a banner for South-South cooperation.

BRICS countries have increasingly become a constructive force in maintaining world peace, promoting common development, improving global governance, and advancing democracy in international relations, Wang said, adding that its active, stabilizing, and positive role in international affairs has become more prominent.

The BRICS took a historic step of expansion last year, fully demonstrating the vitality and appeal of the BRICS mechanism, Wang noted.

He called for maximizing the strategic significance and political effects of the "greater BRICS," upholding independence, solidarity, and common development, acting as implementers of peaceful coexistence, builders of multilateralism, promoters of political settlement, and defenders of fairness and justice, protecting the legitimate rights of developing countries, and expanding the development space for emerging markets, so as to voice a clearer and more consistent BRICS message in the global governance system.

Wang said that the meeting of the BRICS high-ranking officials responsible for security matters and national security advisors is the core mechanism of BRICS political and security cooperation. He called for fully utilizing this mechanism to enhance strategic coordination, take into account each other's core interests and major concerns, safeguard sovereignty, security, and development interests, steer the international system towards a more just and equitable direction, and contribute actively to safeguarding world peace and tranquility.

China will fully support Russia in its role as BRICS chair, deepen strategic communication, build broad consensus, and make political preparations for the Kazan Summit to ensure fruitful outcomes, he added.

All parties at the meeting praised the unique role and notable achievements of the BRICS mechanism, stating that BRICS countries have upheld the principle of equality, considered the interests of all parties, and steadily increased their influence and appeal.

In the face of many global security challenges, BRICS countries should continue close cooperation with like-minded partners, oppose unilateralism, build a multipolar world, and uphold an international order based on international law, contributing to the defense of equity, justice, peace, and security, the participants said.

During the meeting, Wang also attended a dialogue session between BRICS and Global South countries and held bilateral meetings with senior national security representatives from Brazil, Egypt, India, Iran, Serbia, and other countries.

The 14th meeting of the BRICS high-ranking officials responsible for security matters and national security advisors focused on in-depth exchanges on global security threats, counterterrorism, cybersecurity, global governance and other topics, making necessary political preparations for this year's BRICS summit in the Russian city of Kazan.

Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, attends the 14th meeting of the BRICS high-ranking officials responsible for security matters and national security advisors in St. Petersburg, Russia, Sept. 11, 2024. (Xinhua/Cao Yang)

Editor: GSY
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IRAEmpire releases its latest Augusta Precious Metals review. Consumers can learn about the company's fees, gold IRA, services and more.BURBANK, CA / ACCESSWIRE / September 12, 2024 / IRAEmpire is proud to release its Augusta Precious Metals review for 2024.Ryan Paulson, Chief Editor at IRAEmpire.com says, "Seeing the recent surge in the popularity of gold IRA companies and investments, we thought it was vital to release this analysis." Consumers interested in learning about gold IRA companies can sign up for this free checklist. Ryan highlights that the checklist has already helped hundreds of investors choose reliable gold IRA companies.Augusta Precious Metals is a company specializing in precious metals investments, particularly gold and silver Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs). Founded in 2012 and based in Casper, Wyoming, the company has established itself in the precious metals industry.The company's primary focus is on providing gold and silver IRAs, though they also offer direct purchases of precious metals for those who prefer to invest outside of retirement accounts. Augusta Precious Metals offers a range of IRS-approved coins and bullion, including American Eagles and Canadian Maple Leafs.Furthermore. Augusta Precious Metals provides free one-on-one web conferences with economists to help potential investors understand the precious metals market. They also offer various educational resources, including videos that address common misconceptions and potential pitfalls in the industry.Customer support is another area where Augusta Precious Metals aims to differentiate itself. The company provides lifetime account assistance, guiding clients through the investment process from account opening to portfolio management. This focus on customer service has contributed to the company's positive reputation, as evidenced by its A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.It's worth noting that Augusta Precious Metals has a minimum investment requirement of $50,000 for opening a gold or silver IRA.Consumers can read the full Augusta Precious Metals review here.Augusta Precious Metals specializes in offering gold and silver IRAs to consumers. A gold IRA allows consumers to invest in precious metals by using an individual retirement account. Also, it allows the investors to avail unique tax advantages while also getting the benefits of a precious metals investment.To open an Augusta gold IRA, consumers would need to sign up for their free gold IRA kit. Then, they'd need to consult one of their representatives through a web conference who can guide them through the account opening process.The account opening process takes around a week or two, depending on the paperwork. According to Augusta Precious Metals reviews, their team assists customers with almost all the paperwork to keep the process simple.No matter which company you select, there will be a financial investment required. Prior to commencing, it is crucial to have a clear grasp of the fee structure. Otherwise, customers may find themselves in for an unpleasant surprise when they receive an item that doesn't meet their expectations. With Augusta's emphasis on education, finding product prices is a breeze.It is important to note that there is a requirement to have a minimum account balance in order to open an IRA. Investors are required to initially fund their account with a minimum of $50,000. There are no maximum investment limits in place. When making larger purchases, it's important to verify your identity. Don't hesitate to reach out to your representative for assistance.Augusta offers an account setup fee of just $50. In contrast, several of their rivals have prices that start at $150 or even higher. Accounts with balances below $100,000 are subject to an annual maintenance fee of $125. Once your account exceeds $100,000, the amount decreases to $75.The custodian and storage fees will vary depending on the company and depository of your choice. Typically, the expected cost for custodianship is around $100 per year. In addition, there is an annual storage fee of $100. For individuals looking to include precious metals in their IRA, it is crucial to store them at a recognized storage facility. Additionally, it is necessary to have a custodian in place to oversee the management of the account.Augusta Precious Metals' price protection program is an interesting development. They offer a 7-day guarantee so customers have the opportunity to secure a price while they are shopping.Augusta offers a refund for the price difference if it drops within seven days. Unlike many other companies, most do not provide comparable offers to their customers. This action has the potential to pose a risk to the company, potentially leading to financial losses for Augusta. From a customer's perspective, this deal is advantageous, presenting a valuable opportunity for you.If you choose not to keep the item you ordered, you can return it. Augusta offers a complete refund, ensuring that customers will be fully reimbursed for all of their expenses. If you're interested in making a return, it's essential to visit their website and carefully review their return policy.Precious metals IRAs are subject to strict regulations set by the IRS. There are certain restrictions imposed by the IRS on your purchasing options, and they also require thorough documentation when opening an account. In addition, there are limitations on the storage of valuable metals.After the setup process is complete, it is necessary to have a licensed custodian who will be responsible for overseeing your account. They fulfill a similar function to that of a conventional investment manager for a standard IRA. However, they do not make the investment decisions on your behalf. The custodian is responsible for maintaining and safeguarding your personal investments.As a custodian, it is essential to collaborate with an accredited depository. Depositories are required to meet strict criteria related to insurance and security in order to obtain approval from the IRS.They work with Equity Trust Company, GoldStar Trust Company and Kingdom Trust.All three of these custodians are IRS-approved to hold precious metals in IRAs. They each offer secure storage options, typically through partnerships with approved depositories like the Delaware Depository.Augusta Precious Metals works closely with these custodians to help their clients set up and manage their gold and silver IRAs. The company's lifetime customer support includes assistance in choosing and working with these custodians throughout the life of the IRA.It's worth noting that while Augusta provides information and can assist with the setup process, the ultimate relationship is between the
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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / September 12, 2024 / Leading securities law firmBleichmar Fonti & Auld LLPannounces an investigation into Franklin Resources, Inc. (NYSE:BEN) for potential violations of the federal securities laws.If you invested in Franklin Resources, you are encouraged to obtain additional information by visiting https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/franklin-resources-inc Why Did Franklin Resources's Stock Drop?Franklin Resources is a $1.7 trillion asset management company better known as Franklin Templeton. One of its key divisions is Western Asset Management ("WAM"), which is a fixed income manager.On July 26, 2024, Franklin Resources revealed that "following the launch of an internal investigation focusing on certain past trade allocations of treasury derivatives in select" WAM accounts, "WAM received notification of parallel investigations by the SEC and U.S. Department of Justice." Then, on August 21, 2024, Franklin Resources disclosed that WAM co-Chief Investment Officer Ken Leech had been placed on leave "effective immediately" after he "received a Wells Notice from the Staff of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission." The company further stated that, "[i]n light of Mr. Leech's leave of absence, the Company has determined that closing its Macro Opportunities strategy (approximately $2.0 billion in AUM as of 7/31/2024) is in clients' best interests." On the same day, Bloomberg reported that federal prosecutors in the Southern District of New York are investigating whether Leech allocated winning trades to favored accounts, as part of a criminal probe into a practice known as " cherry-picking." The news caused a precipitous decline in the price of Franklin Resources stock. On July 26, 2024, the price of the company's stock fell 2.4%, from a closing price of $23.64 per share on July 25, 2024, to $23.08 per share on July 26, 2024. Then, on August 21, 2024, the price of Franklin Resources stock fell 12.5%, from a closing price of $22.62 per share on August 20, 2024, to $19.78 per share on August 21, 2024.Click here for more information: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/franklin-resources-inc What Can You Do?If you invested in Franklin Resources, Inc. you may have legal options and are encouraged to submit your information to the firm. All representation is on a contingency fee basis, there is no cost to you. Shareholders are not responsible for any court costs or expenses of litigation. The firm will seek court approval for any potential fees and expenses.Submit your information by visiting:Or contact:Ross Shikowitz ross@ bfalaw.com 212-789-3619Why Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP?Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP is a leading international law firm representing plaintiffs in securities class actions and shareholder litigation. It was named among the Top 5 plaintiff law firms by ISS SCAS in 2023 and its attorneys have been named Titans of the Plaintiffs' Bar by Law360 and SuperLawyers by Thompson Reuters. Among its recent notable successes, BFA recovered over $900 million in value from Tesla, Inc.'s Board of Directors (pending court approval), as well as $420 million from Teva Pharmaceutical Ind. Ltd.For more information about BFA and its attorneys, please visit https://www.bfalaw.com Attorney advertising. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.SOURCE: Bleichmar, Fonti, & Auld LLP
Photo provided to Guangming Daily.

The 3rd Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) highlighted several significant aspects that deserve a deeper look. Among the many points addressed was the CPCs ability to objectively interpret reality, identify challenges, and seize opportunities in an increasingly complex and challenging international context. Also commendable is the collective competence of the CPC in planning and achieving set goals. A clear example is the Made in China 2025 initiative, which has seen impressive results in areas such as advanced manufacturing, information and communication technologies, artificial intelligence, and clean energy. The modernization of the countrys governance system and capacity, proposed in the Decisions of the Third Plenary Session (Decisions hereinafter), aims to further enhance political and economic management.

Another crucial aspect of the Decisions is its emphasis on seven priorities: developing whole-process peoples democracy, building a country with a strong socialist culture, improving peoples quality of life, and constructing a more beautiful, peaceful, and secure China, all with the aim of enhancing the well-being of the people. The Decisions makes it clear that China is committed to advancing high-level industrialization, reshaping rural-urban relations, and promoting ecological civilization, with a strong emphasis on the harmonious coexistence between man and nature. In this regard, the Xiongan New Area serves as a prime example.

Since 1949, the CPC has led the Chinese people towards economic and social progress. The ability to critically analyze reality, correct courses, and point to the future has been essential in this process. The CPCs pragmatism, effectively seeking truth from facts, has been a notable characteristic. Marxism, as its theoretical compass for action, has been continuously refined in the face of real-world challenges and new contradictions. The 3rd Plenary Session has created a new horizon for coordinating the actions all Party members towards the overall objectives set at the meeting. The Chinese people have been called upon to think about the future, review their practices, and advance in political participation to build a modern, just, and beautiful China.

Chinas openness brings stability and prosperity to the world

The Chinese governments stance on maintaining the process of opening up and reform is an important signal to the international community, which is engulfed in regional conflicts, protectionism, unilateralism, and climate crises. Brazilian experts believe that the new guidelines will result in an open China better integrated into the global economy, which by itself is injecting stability and prosperity into the world. Chinese companies are internationalizing their production chains and bringing technology to developing countries. The Belt and Road Initiative continues to be the only initiative offering countries of the Global South the necessary investments to increase productivity and create new jobs. In Brazils case, it is important to highlight the role of a new wave of investments in the field of clean energy and electric vehicles. The natural and technological conditions make Brazil an important partner for China in building a new and sustainable energy matrix.

While Western countries try to protect themselves from international competition and create restrictive industrial policies for foreign investment, China is moving in the opposite direction. It is the only major country in the world that organizes events to promote imports, such as the China International Import Expo (CIIE), the China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT), the China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS), and the Global Digital Trade Expo. As I mentioned earlier, Chinas openness ensures opportunities for the Global South to expand their exports, incorporate new technologies, and increase their productivity.

Endless potentials of win-win cooperation between China and Brazil

With President Lulas return to power in January 2023, Brazil-China relations have returned to their highest level in the past seven years. At the last meeting of the China-Brazil High-Level Coordination and Cooperation Committee (COSBAN), ties were strengthened with the announcement of several initiatives in trade, finance, investments, and technical-scientific cooperation.

Brazil is likely to sign the Memorandum of Understanding to join the BRI in November. Brazil seeks investments in the new PAC (Growth Acceleration Program) and the countrys reindustrialization, particularly in the renewable energy sectors, solar panels, wind rotors, green hydrogen, hybrid cars, and information and telecommunications technology equipment. Brazils new legal framework for foreign investments guarantees greater predictability for companies and also for states and municipalities for public-private partnerships. The relationship between Brazil and China has great potential for shared gains, regardless of geopolitical pressures.

Contributed by Marcos Cordeiro Pires, Associate Professor of International Political Economy, Sao Paulo State University (Unesp), Brazil

Editor: WRX
Brawijaya University Prof Develops Early Harvest, High-yield Corn Seeds

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MALANG, E. JAVA, Indonesia, Sept 9, 2024 - (ACN Newswire) - An expert from the Faculty of Agriculture of Brawijaya University, Prof Arifin, has developed hybrid corn seeds for animal feed that have a higher yield and faster harvest cycle."If the average corn productivity is only 9 tons per hectare, using Brawijaya Nusa corn seeds could lead to a productivity increase of over 30 percent," Arifin explained to the media on Friday. Two types of hybrid seeds, namely Nusa 1 and Nusa 3, have been developed as part of the innovation. Both have higher productivity compared to regular corn seeds."Brawijaya Nusa corn seeds can produce up to 12.9 tons (of corn) per hectare and 13.7 tons per hectare compared to corn seeds in general, which are only 9 tons per hectare," he said. Initially, five types of seeds were proposed, but only two passed the release test by the Ministry of Agriculture. The seeds were found suitable for dry land areas, such as in NTT, particularly Sumba and Timor."NTT has the potential for growing corn, but its current productivity is significantly low. To meet the national average of 5.8 to 5.9 tons per hectare in the next few years, productivity is needed as it currently stands at only 2.3 tons per hectare.," he pointed out. Therefore, the innovative technology from the Maize Research Center (MRC) is expected to boost the national production of corn for animal feed.The development of hybrid seeds commenced in 2022 in NTT. Following this, Arifin and his team implemented the technology for seed production and cultivation among the local farmers. This year, the farmers started to see added value from the field corn seeds.Arifin emphasized the importance of partnering with the private sector to ensure the successful management of business operations involving seeds, varieties, and technology developed by the university. He highlighted the need to engage farmers in this collaboration for effective management.He added that the corn developed in NTT is a sweet and glutinous type of field corn. "We refer to it as field corn because 70 percent of it is used for cattle feed, but that doesn't mean it's unsuitable for human consumption. Similar to people in Africa, Indonesians rely on corn as a staple food, particularly in Madura and the eastern regions of the country," he explained.For more information, please click: https://ub.ac.idr Brawijaya University: https://prasetya.ub.ac.id Editor: A Malik Ibrahim, Copyright (c) ANTARA 2024
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Special Anniversary Edition Honors Top Young Innovators to be Honored at the Learning Leaders Conference 2024ORLANDO, FL / ACCESSWIRE / September 12, 2024 / The Learning Guild, organizers of Learning 2024, have announced the 2024 inductees to their popular Thirty Under 30 program, a diverse group of emerging leaders in Learning and Development (L&D). The innovators, social change-makers, and impactful professionals will celebrate at the Learning Leaders Conference on December 4 - 6, 2024, in Orlando, Florida.The Learning Leaders Conference is an annual gathering of top L&D professionals, designed to foster innovation, share insights, and explore emerging trends. The conference is well-known for its unparalleled opportunity for networking, skill-building and leadership development through educational sessions, workshops, and social events.This year marks the 15th year of the Thirty Under 30 program, a key milestone that highlights the importance of nurturing young talent in the industry. The 2024 cohort reflects the evolving and inclusive nature of the L&D sector, with honorees representing diverse backgrounds and industries. The program not only recognizes their contributions but also supports their future growth by providing access to the conference and its valuable resources.David Kelly, Chairman of the Learning Guild, shared his excitement: "The Thirty Under 30 program goes beyond just celebrating the achievements of emerging leaders in our field - it's about investing in the future of learning and development. This year's group truly embodies the creativity, passion, and dedication that are driving our industry forward. I'm especially excited to reconnect with alumni from the past 15 years, as we celebrate the incredible journeys they've taken since being recognized, and share their lessons with the next generation of learning leaders." In celebration of this milestone, the conference will feature special sessions and social events dedicated to Thirty Under 30 alumni. Highlights include a "Where Are They Now" panel, showcasing how the program has propelled careers, and exclusive networking opportunities for past and current honorees.Tickets are on sale now, with early bird discounts available until September 13, 2024.For more information and to see the 2024 cohort, visit https://www.thelearningconference.com/attend/thirty-under-30/ The Learning Guild is part of CloserStill Media who specialize in high-value, content-driven events and the nurturing of B2B or professional communities. The company operates events across a wide range of sub-vertical sectors within Business Technologies, Healthcare and Future Transport and Infrastructure across the U.S., Europe and Asia, with operations and 700 staff in the U.K., USA, Germany, Spain and Singapore.Contact Information Vanessa ToscanoMarketing Coordinatorvtoscano@ learningguild.com 7075668990SOURCE: The Learning GuildView the original press release on newswire.com
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CSIOS President included in the esteemed 2025 HITEC 100 list honoring the most influential Hispanic executives in technology.CHICAGO, IL / ACCESSWIRE / September 12, 2024 /CSIOS Corporation announced today the inclusion of CSIOS President, Mr. Cesar Pie, in the esteemed 2025 HITEC 100 list honoring the most influential Hispanic executives in technology.Cesar Pie CSIOS PresidentEvery year, HITEC recognizes the achievements and contributions of the top US-based Hispanic technology executives with the goal of celebrating their impactful leadership and inspiring others looking to build careers in technology. HITEC's vision is to accelerate the power and impact of Hispanic technology leaders, achieving lasting equity from the classroom to the boardroom."The HITEC 100 leaders inspire our community, they trail-blaze new and exciting paths for our Industry and the society, they are the lighthouse of the art of the possible," said HITEC Board Member and Awards Committee Chair, Alvaro Celis.The 2025 HITEC 100 Award recipients include some of the world's most esteemed Hispanic leaders from global Fortune 100 firms, including CEOs, CIOs, CTOs and leaders in diverse technology disciplines. Forty-six percent of this year's HITEC 100 Award recipients are Latinas and recipients come from 16 unique countries from throughout Latin America, Spain and Portugal. Recipients are leaders from 65 different companies and 38 percent are being recognized with the HITEC 100 Award for the first time."Technology is the most critical engine for growth in any business and any sector. Technology leaders, especially those recognized as part of the HITEC 100 are helping drive innovation and the global economy," said HITEC Board Chair Rosa Ramos-Kwok. "The HITEC 100 recipients are driving impact and change in their companies and are setting a bright example for rising leaders. The members of the HITEC 100 are the pride of our community!""I am deeply honored to be included in the 2025 HITEC 100 list," said Cesar Pie, President and CEO of CSIOS Corporation. Mr. Pie added, "I'd like to congratulate all other awardees on their selection to this prestigious award and look forward to participating at the award celebration event." HITEC will recognize the HITEC 100 at the HITEC 100 & Corporate Awards Gala on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, as part of the HITEC Fall Leadership Summit hosted by Capital One in McLean, VA.To view the complete HITEC 100 list, please visit:More Information:For more information, please contact Cristin Aguilera, Programs Director, at cristin@ hitecglobal.org For information regarding this news release, please contact: News@ csioscorp.com For information regarding our services and partnerships, please contact: BD@ csioscorp.com For information regarding employment opportunities with CSIOS, please contact: Careers@ csioscorp.com Contact InformationJosue AyalaChief Human Resources Officerjosue.ayala@csioscorp.com (732) 710-5854SOURCE: CSIOS CorporationView the original press release on newswire.com
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CHICAGO, IL / ACCESSWIRE / September 12, 2024 / Dynamic Shares LLC, the sponsor of the Dynamic Short Short-Term Volatility Futures ETF ("WEIX" or the "Trust") announced today the transfer of the listing of the Trust from New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE Arca") to the Chicago Board Options Exchange ("Cboe BZX") on or about September 30, 2024.Dynamic Shares Current shareholders of WEIX are not required to take any action, nor is the transfer expected to have any effect on the trading of the Trust's shares.For more information on Dynamic Short Short-Term Volatility Futures ETF, please visit our website https://dynamicsharesetf.com Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of the Fund before investing. The prospectus contains this and other information about the Fund. A copy of the Fund's prospectus is available at www.dynamicsharesetf.com or by calling the Fund at (312) 216-2890. The prospectus should be read carefully before investing. Current and future holdings are subject to change and risks.An investment risk in the Fund is subject to investment risks, including the possible loss of some or the entire principal amount invested. There can be no assurance that the Fund will be successful in meeting its investment objective. Investment in the Fund is also subject to the following risks (among others): Algorithm Risk: the algorithm's predictions concerning the movement in price of VIX Futures Contracts may not anticipate actual market movements, and these predictions may affect the return on your investment. Investment Objective Risk: The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective even if it will cause the value of the shares to decline. Sponsor Risk: The sponsor will not materially modify the algorithm described in the prospectus after the prospected us declared effective by the SEC, even if the algorithm is unsuccessful and fails in its objective to better manage risks by causing the Fund to maintain lower notional exposure to VIX Futures Contracts during periods where such exposure would cause the Fund to incur losses and maintain similar notional exposure to VIX Futures Contracts during periods where exposure would cause the Fund to make profits. More information about these risks and others can be found in the Fund's prospectus.The Dynamic Short Short-Term Volatility ETF is distributed by Capital Investment Group, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC, 100 E. Six Forks Road, Suite 200, Raleigh, North Carolina, 27809. There is no affiliation between Dynamic Shares, LLC, sponsor of the Fund, including their principals and Capital Investment Group, Inc. RCDYN0924001Contact Information Dynamic Sharesinfo@ dynamicsharesetf.com (312) 216-2890SOURCE: Dynamic Shares LLCView the original press release on newswire.com
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ROGERS, AR / ACCESSWIRE / September 12, 2024 /Evolve Bank & Trust ("Evolve") is thrilled to announce the opening of its latest loan center in Rogers, Arkansas. This new office will extend Evolve's comprehensive services, including business and personal lending and home loan products to the northwest region of Arkansas.The new Rogers loan center marks an important step in Evolve's expansion strategy and comes as the bank approaches its centennial anniversary. Founded in Parkin, AR, Evolve Bank & Trust has remained committed to fostering strong customer relationships through exceptional service and tailored financial solutions.Blake Johnson, Community Bank President for the market, expressed his enthusiasm about the new location, stating, "We are excited to bring Evolve's legacy of personalized lending to Rogers. This expansion is not just about growing our network but also about deepening our commitment to the communities we serve. We look forward to becoming an integral part of the Rogers community and helping our clients thrive." John Freeman, President of Retail Banking at Evolve, also commented on the expansion, saying, "The opening of our new loan office in Rogers is a testament to Evolve's enduring dedication to serving and empowering our clients. As we celebrate nearly a hundred years of lending excellence, we are proud to continue our tradition of trusted service and innovation in this vibrant region of Arkansas." The Rogers loan center is designed to meet the diverse needs of its clientele, offering a range of tailored financial products and a dedicated team of lending professionals. This strategic expansion underscores Evolve's commitment to delivering premier banking experiences and supporting the economic growth of the communities it serves.Contact InformationThomas Holmes JrSVP, Chief Marketing & Communications Officermedia@ getevolved.com 866-367-2611SOURCE: Evolve Bank & TrustView the original press release on newswire.com
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BEK TV Host Named Best TV PersonalityBISMARCK, ND / ACCESSWIRE / September 12, 2024 /BEK TV is proud to announce that, for the fourth consecutive year, it has been voted "Best Local TV Station" by the people in the Bismarck Tribune 's prestigious Best of the Best contest. In addition, BEK TV host Lori Hinz was voted "Best TV Personality." Both recognitions are a testament to the network's dedication to delivering exactly what viewers have asked for. To learn more, visit BEK Buzz.BEK TV 'Best of the Best' Winner Graphic Since its inception, BEK TV has grown into a dynamic full-service network, delivering both News and Sports. BEK TV produces and broadcasts more than 400 high school, collegiate, and professional sporting events annually. It also broadcasts nearly 30 different news talk programs each week. Unlike corporate-driven networks, BEK TV never controls the messaging, but instead encourages its hosts and guests to discuss a variety of issues that people are talking about and that affect them most.Lori Hinz's broadcast background spans more than 40 years. As host and Production Development Lead at BEK TV, she understands the importance of getting back to basics in television. "The corporate-driven model isn't what people want anymore; they don't trust it," she says. "When you prioritize financial gain over the truth, facts and actual events, you have no chance at making a genuine connection with your audience." Hinz's involvement in BEK TV's special reports "China Conquest" and "America's Heartland" and her co-host role on "No Apologies" have allowed her to ask tough questions and dig deep into critical issues affecting communities across the country. "We seek to tell the stories that most other networks don't want to tell," she says. "Our amazing crew is unified in the goal of presenting the information and the truth that would otherwise go uncovered." To read more about Lori Hinz, visit BEK Buzz."We're proud of the diverse programming we provide and we're honored to be recognized for that," says Jordan Hassler, BEK TV Chief Operations Officer. "Our team's dedication to producing relevant, engaging, and uncensored content has resonated with our audience, and we'll continue that tradition." BEK TV is one of the only locally-owned, non-corporate television broadcasting networks remaining in the country and produces more local content than any other television station in the Midwest. It broadcasts in North Dakota on over-the-air television and across the world via streaming on BEK TV+.The concept behind BEK TV's programming is to provide a media service platform that is unscripted and uncensored. The majority of BEK TV hosts are untrained broadcasters who share their perspectives and views on topics and issues that people are talking about. The BEK network never controls the messaging.Contact InformationJulie SkaretBEK Media Relationsbekbuzz@ bekbuzz.com 1.701-475-1318Related ImagesBEK TV 'Best of the Best' Winner GraphicLori Hinz BOB Graphic Lori Hinz BOB Graphic SOURCE: BEK TVView the original press release on newswire.com
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A Central Oregon Tradition for 40 Years, Goody's Launches GoodysofBend.com , Its New E-Commerce WebsiteBEND, OR / ACCESSWIRE / September 12, 2024 / Goody's, a Central Oregon tradition for 40 years, announces the launch of its new e-commerce website GoodysofBend.com . This exciting step allows customers across the country to experience Goody's renowned handcrafted gourmet popcorns and chocolates, previously only available at its Bend and Sunriver locations.Goody's "We're thrilled to share the Goody's tradition with families nationwide," says David Bergman, Goody's owner. "Our new website makes it easy for everyone to enjoy our delicious flavors, delivered right to their doorstep." The user-friendly website features Goody's most popular popcorns presented in newly designed reusable tins perfect for gifting and redesigned colorful bags for convenient everyday enjoyment.Goody's also offers a variety of gift sets featuring its finest popcorns and chocolates, all presented in elegant reusable tins. With this expansion, Goody's aims to become a one-stop shop for everyday and holiday gifting, as well as corporate offerings.Commitment to Quality and CommunityGoody's uses the freshest, locally sourced ingredients to create its handcrafted products and prioritizes quality and transparency, using no dyes, waxes or preservatives. Additionally, Goody's is committed to giving back to the community through its Public-School Assistance Initiative. Through the initiative, with every popcorn tin and gift set purchased, $5 goes towards a fund that awards microgrants to public school teachers. Goody's Gives also allows children to leverage the popularity of its popcorn for fundraising efforts.Explore Goody's and Experience the DifferenceGoody's invites everyone to visit our new website at GoodysofBend.com to discover why our popcorn is consistently hailed as some of the best in the world.Contact InformationDave BergmanCo-ownerdave@ goodysofbend.com SOURCE: Goody'sView the original press release on newswire.com
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SOC 2 Type 1 certification affirms ongoing commitment to security best practices and transparency.NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / September 10, 2024 / IDR, the trusted leader in private capital investor onboarding, compliance and AML solutions, today announced it has achieved a Service Organization Controls (SOC) 2 Type 1 report and attestation. This rigorous audit validates IDR's commitment to ensuring the highest standards in protecting the security and availability of its clients' data, and the implementation of the necessary controls to achieve maximum trust and transparency.The SOC 2 Type 1 audit used the Trust Services Criteria set by the American Institute of Certified Public Accounts (AICPA) to provide reasonable assurance that IDR's controls are suitably designed and, if operating effectively, would be sufficient to meet system requirements and service commitments relating to security and availability.IDR's SOC2 Type 1 report was issued by a well-respected and trusted third-party audit firm."IDR's culture of security and compliance is core to what we do as a leading partner to the private capital industry," says Tim Andrews, CEO of IDR. "This certification demonstrates our commitment to safeguarding all aspects of our clients' data. The rigorous certification process further validates our established robust controls, underscoring our unwavering focus on compliance best practices. Our clients can feel confident that we are making every investment to establish and maintain the highest level of security and compliance." About IDRIDR is the investor clearinghouse for the private markets, connecting over 53,000 investors with 8,400 funds and 500 managers. Investors authenticate once, across legal, compliance and tax in one platform with 24/7 support from our expert team, then share a globally compliant investment passport across their portfolios. Fund managers benefit from raising funds faster at a lower cost with access to a wider pool of pre-approved investors. Founded in 2015, IDR has a presence in eight locations worldwide including the US, UK and Luxembourg. For more information about IDR, please visit: idrgroup.com Contact InformationTabatha FennContent Managertabatha.fenn@idrgroup.com SOURCE: IDRView the original press release on newswire.com
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CLEVELAND, OH / ACCESSWIRE / September 12, 2024 / Kisling, Nestico & Redick (KNR) is strengthening its dedication to water safety awareness. Following its recent settlement involving the heartbreaking drowning of 15-year-old Nanye Barber, KNR is taking significant steps to honor his memory.Nanye Barber and his mom, Darnita Timmons With the leadership of Nanye's mother, Darnita Timmons, KNR is making a charitable contribution in Nanye's honor. After her case concluded, Darnita knew her mission to promote water safety was just beginning - and she partnered with KNR to help champion her cause. Through this collaboration, KNR has recently announced its Nanye Barber Tribute Fund, which will provide up to $5,000 in funding for children in Ohio to take swim lessons."My deepest wish is that no other family has to endure the pain and loss we have experienced," shares Darnita Timmons. "While nothing can bring my son back, I hope that sharing his story will encourage other parents to take swimming lessons and water safety seriously. I am profoundly grateful to Kisling, Nestico & Redick for honoring my son's life with their generous gift of swim lessons. Together with the KNR team, we truly believe that swim safety is invaluable and can save lives." According to the CDC, approximately 4,000 unintentional drownings occur annually in the United States - an average of 11 deaths each day. Water safety is a critical, year-round concern, and as summer winds down, it's the perfect time to start getting children comfortable and confident in the water. By beginning swim lessons this fall, they'll be ready to make a splash safely by next summer."At KNR, we are deeply committed to protecting the lives of children in our community," said Nomiki P. Tsarnas, Senior Partner at Kisling, Nestico & Redick. In loving memory of Nanye, we are proud to sponsor complimentary swim lessons for children throughout Ohio. We were honored when Nanye's mom approached us, sharing her heartfelt desire to prevent similar tragedies by teaching essential water safety skills." To apply for the scholarship, simply visit knrlegal.com/swimming-lessons-scholarship . Applications will be chosen on a first-come basis for Ohio residents. Any information provided will be shared exclusively with the selected swim school. After sharing, the information will be securely removed from our system.For further details about KNR or the firm's unwavering commitment to its community, please visit knrlegal.com.Contact InformationKat Allen Martuccikat@ ampstrategy.com 330-714-2274SOURCE: Kisling, Nestico & RedickView the original press release on newswire.com
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Utilized in a variety of applications, from small office buildings to large multi-use complexes. Common refrigerant types include R-410A, R-32, R-134a, R-404A, R-407C, R-449A, R-452B, R-454A, R-454B, R-454C, R-455A, R-1234yf, and R-1234ze.SIOUX FALLS, SD / ACCESSWIRE / September 12, 2024 / Introducing the Macurco VRF Refrigerant Gas Detector: Ensuring Safety and Efficiency in Variable Refrigerant Flow Systems. This detector represents a significant stride forward for safety and efficiency in the HVAC industry. Explicitly designed for VRF systems, it offers continuous refrigerant monitoring, providing users with peace of mind and enhanced protection.Macurco VRF Monitor New Refrigerant VRF MonitorDepending on the type of refrigerant, a leak in refrigerant gas could develop an oxygen-depleting environment that may lead to asphyxiation, or combustible refrigerant may lead to an explosion.Engineered with advanced technology and crafted to the highest quality standards, the VRF distinguishes itself from the competition. Equipped with two standard alarm levels, the VRF issues early warnings through local alarms and can also seamlessly integrate with Building Management Systems (BMS) for centralized monitoring and notification. This proactive approach ensures prompt action, preventing potential disasters before they occur."As we approach the refrigerant market in different areas, the VRF product line is functional and user-friendly. This release has brought forth a better understanding of a potentially massive market. We are very excited to see the growth of this product over the next few years and serve our customer base with an upcoming need in the industry."- Branden Dewing, Director of Sales.The Macurco VRF is USA-made and offers the best NDIR sensing technology, lasting up to 10 years. One model can be powered via low-voltage or line voltage and currently provides the most gas options on the market."The industry is changing regarding more efficient heating and cooling systems and environmental concerns about the type of refrigerants we use. With these changes, safety cannot be ignored. This will fill a gap in the industry with a high-quality product that offers great versatility for our customers and an amazing support system backing it up."- Aaron Sherman, Director of Product Management.Key Features and Benefits:10-year sensor lifeEasy installation to double gang box and 44 electrical boxFlush mountStable NDIR sensor24V or 120VInternal display for programming/testingMinimal maintenance2 SPDT (Form C) RelaysDigital Output: Modbus (STD), BACnet (Optional)Multicolor LED status indicatorBuilt-in cal-port connectionContact Information:For more information on the RD-VRF, please visit www.macurco.com or contact info@ macurco.com At Macurco, our unwavering commitment is to enhance safety for individuals and properties. Our expertise lies solely in gas detection, and we take immense pride in delivering reliable products and exceptional customer service. Our Macurco Building and Home products are proudly made in the USA, ensuring short lead times and unparalleled support from our knowledgeable customer service and technical teams.Since 1972, Macurco has designed, developed, and manufactured a full set of fixed and portable gas detection monitors to protect workers, responders, and the community.Contact InformationJordan MutchelknausMarketing Managerjmutchelknaus@ macurco.com 512-619-8376Related FilesRD-VRF Data Sheet 2024Macurco VRF GuideSOURCE: Macurco Inc.View the original press release on newswire.com
Experts have estimated that China's inbound tourism market will maintain its continuous recovery for the rest of the year and could return to the pre-COVID level reached in 2019, in view of its good performance in the first half of the year. The latest figures from the National Immigration Administration showed that foreigners made about 14.64 million trips to the Chinese mainland in the first six months of 2024. The China Tourism Academy estimated that about 11 million of those trips were for tourism purposes  a number that is roughly 70 percent of the figure for the same period in 2019. In 2019, foreign tourists made 31.88 million visits to the mainland, and the total number of inbound visits was 145 million, including trips from the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions and Taiwan. The results were due to factors including the optimized visa policy, the addition of international flights and China's positive tourism image in the world, the China Tourism Academy said in a report released on Tuesday. According to the report, China has so far implemented a unilateral visa-free policy for 16 countries and regions, and has mutual visa exemption agreements with 24 countries. In addition, the extended 144-hour visa-free transit policy allows travelers from 54 eligible countries, including Austria, Belgium and Canada, to stay for six days in certain Chinese cities without a visa by entering and exiting at 37 Chinese ports such as Beijing, Shanghai and Changsha, the capital of Hunan province. International flights have continued to resume. The report said that in the first half year of 2024, the Chinese mainland operated flights with 73 countries and regions and the Hong Kong and Macao SARs, matching that of 2019. As of late June, the number of the nation's regular international flights had recovered to about 70 percent of the level in 2019. The report also noted that foreign travelers have increasingly shown a preference for individual trips rather than group tours, and they also have greater interest in experiencing the down-to-earth life of local Chinese people or getting involved in traditional cultural activities. It added that social media has played the role of a trendsetter by shaping foreigners' travel preferences, with more foreign bloggers sharing their experiences in China and turning "China travel" into a global tourism bandwagon. Wang Wei, chairman of HiSEAS International Tourism Group, which is based in Chengdu, Sichuan province, said: "Chongqing, in southwestern China, is very popular on TikTok, bringing us a large number of customers from Southeast Asia." Wang said that the company began channeling its efforts into the inbound tourism business last year and has so far handled around 400,000 trips by foreign travelers. "The number of travelers from Southeast Asia to the mainland is experiencing impressive growth, and the number from Europe is seeing a steady recovery. We've also seen that Central Asia is a new market with greater potential," Wang said. Dai Bin, president of the China Tourism Academy, estimated that, based on the flourishing market and optimized entry policies, China's inbound tourism might recover in the second half of the year to the same level of that in 2019, entering a new period of prosperity. Yang Jinsong, director of the academy's international institute, said he is confident about the development of China's inbound tourism market, adding that more professional and effective advertising to the world and creative tour products and services will help China win the hearts of more foreign travelers. "We've found that in addition to those traditionally popular domestic destinations such as Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou in the southern province of Guangdong, with (the nation's) higher global reputation, foreign travelers have set their sights on exploring other niche places or second- and third-tier cities in China, thanks to these cities' popularity on social media and China's sound transportation network for traveling," he said.
In a recent interview, Dr. Tehmeena Iqbal, the Section Officer (Plan) of Pakistans Ministry of National Food Security & Research, highlighted China's significant achievements in poverty reduction, emphasizing the potential for Pakistan to learn and benefit from China's model.

The official pointed out that China's intensified structural reforms have played a crucial role in their success, particularly in rural vitalization. "China has implemented its poverty reduction strategy since 1978. From 1978 to 2019, China successfully introduced innovative organizational and operational reforms and trade policies, raising 800 million people out of poverty," she noted.

The official emphasized, "By promoting its own growth, China has always cared about developing countries, helping them achieve development goals through trade, investment, aid, and knowledge sharing."

Pakistan and China have collaborated extensively in agriculture, industry, infrastructure development, energy, and information technology. Development initiatives under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) have contributed to long-term poverty alleviation.

Except for China and Pakistan's collaboration in agriculture, industry, infrastructure development, energy, and information technology, the official stressed the importance of addressing child labor and improving literacy rates. "Children from low-income families often have to choose between working and getting an education. Enrolling in education can improve the literacy rate and prospects for these families. China can help maintain minimum living standards in Pakistan through collaboration in health, education, and building rural infrastructure," they suggested.

Drawing on experiences from seminars and field visits recently held from June 13 to 26, 2024 in Beijing and Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, southwest Chinas Sichuan Province, the official proposed that China could replicate its model of village development, as seen in the Liangshan Prefecture, in Pakistan's Gwadar and other regions. "Such replication could significantly enhance rural development in Pakistan, improving living standards and reducing poverty," she concluded.

Editor: WXY
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UPPSALA, SE / ACCESSWIRE / September 12, 2024 / Biovica International (STO:BIOVIC-B)(STO: BIOVIC.B)(FRA:9II) Significantly increased sales in the USA and much improved cash flowSEK tQ1 24/25Q1 23/24May-April 23/24Net sales1,7141,7667,290Operating profit (loss)-23,562-32,192-126,845Earnings per share after dilution-0.27-0.70-2.14Number of shares at the end of the period*84,055,56045,741,39484,055,560Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period65,20975,70279,407Cash flow from operating activities-29,044-38,227-114,575Average number of employees273637Significant events during the first quarterDiviTum TKa results presented at ASCO, the world's largest cancer conferenceBiovica signed a new drug development agreementThe extraordinary general meeting of Biovica International AB resolved to implement new incentive programsBiovica carried out a directed new issue of units for approximately SEK 16.4 millionSignificant events after the end of the periodNo significant events after the end of the periodWebcast:When: 12 September 2024, 3 PM to 4 PM CET Where: registration via: Biovica Q1 Earnings callBroadcast language: in English*See also the section on Shares, page 7CEO's commentsDuring the first quarter, we continued to build on the strong foundation we laid in the prior financial year, with special focus on clinical use of DiviTum TKa in the USA. Despite having reorganized in April which, among other things, included a reduction in the US organization, our team there delivered their highest quarterly sales to date, with a 50 percent increase compared to the prior quarter and in line with our budget.We have been successful in expanding the user base in the USA, which is clear evidence of DiviTum TKa's growth potential in this market. Thus far, more than 150 patients have benefited from the new product and the number is steadily increasing.One of the largest integrated healthcare networks (i.e. organizations that conduct both research and provide care) in the USA has started using DiviTum TKa with positive results, which is an important achievement for us. Because of that, it has been possible to discontinue ineffective treatments and replace them with alternatives, which confirms the assay's ability to significantly improve the lives of patients and save money for the healthcare provider.The next step will be to sign a commercial agreement (client bill) with this important healthcare network, which would ensure that we reach millions of policy holders at an attractive price level for us that is also cost-effective for the customer. This would be an important component in achieving the sales growth that we have planned and becoming cash flow positive in 2025.There is also much growth potential with our 20+ current customers in the USA. For example, we are setting up Advisory Boards as a forum for existing users to tell about the benefits of using DiviTum TKa as a means reaching more oncologists. We are also making continuous improvements to our administrative and logistics processes, which will make it easier for our customers to use DiviTum TKa in their daily operations.Sales were lower than anticipated in our other areas, Europe and pharma collaborations. This was primarily attributable to delays in the clinical trials that our customers are conducting. We anticipate that we will receive that revenue in the next quarter. The projects have been contracted but not yet implemented because clients are behind on their delivery of samples.During the summer, we signed an additional master service agreement and received an initial work order of SEK 0.75 million with a new customer that is a US-based biopharma company specialized in breast cancer. It is our fifth master service agreement to date and an important step towards developing our first Companion Diagnostic (CDx) product.For sales of DiviTum TKa in Europe, we are using distributors and have already signed agreements with distributors who are leaders in the Nordics and Spain. Efforts to launch in those markets are in full swing and salespeople with specific responsibility for DiviTum TKa have been hired. Many activities are underway aimed at creating awareness and demand for our product, along with ensuring that it will be included in treatment guidelines in the future.The savings program that we announced in April has positively impacted both operating profit and cash flow. Specifically, the cash flow from operating activities before changes in working capital, and adjusted for the cost of the program, improved by around SEK 9 million compared to the previous quarter and with around SEK 8 million compared to the same quarter of the previous financial year.One of the cornerstones for successful commercialization of DiviTum TKa is strong scientific support. It was thus very positive that a poster with DiviTum TKa results from the GEICAM FLIPPER trial in Spain was presented at the world's largest cancer conference, the annual ASCO meeting, in June. The results confirm DiviTum TKa's ability to monitor and predict outcome on first line treatment of HR+ metastatic breast cancer patients, thus enabling more informed treatment decisions. The GEICAM group is responsible for treatment guidelines in Spain.I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of those who participated in the directed new issue that we carried out at the end of the quarter. In July, we also held an extraordinary general meeting that resolved to implement incentive programs for employees and board members. The program for employees and the Board of Directors of the Swedish Parent company has been implemented, which means that participants are purchasing Biovica shares in order to participate. I am delighted to see the enthusiasm for this and that these programs are oversubscribed.I am convinced that we are well positioned for continued growth and success. Our team is working diligently to make DiviTum TKa available for as many patients as possible to maximize value for all our stakeholders.Anders Rylander, CEOContactAnders Rylander, CEOPhone: +46 76 666 16 47E-mail: anders.rylander@biovica.com Anders Moren, CFOPhone: +46 73 125 92 46E-mail: anders.moren@biovica.com Biovica - Treatment decisions with greater confidenceBiovica develops and commercializes blood-based biomarker assays that help oncologists monitor cancer progression. Biovica's assay, DiviTum TKa, measures cell proliferation by detecting the TKa biomarker in the bloodstream. The assay has demonstrated its ability to provide insight to therapy effectiveness in several clinical trials. The first application for the DiviTum TKa test
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SAN DIEGO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / September 12, 2024 / The law firm ofRobbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLPannounces that purchasers or acquirers of STMicroelectronics N.V. (NYSE:STM) securities between January 25, 2024 and July 24, 2024, inclusive (the "Class Period"), have until October 22, 2024 to seek appointment as lead plaintiff of the STMicroelectronics class action lawsuit. Captioned Wang v. STMicroelectronics N.V., No. 24-cv-06370 (S.D.N.Y.), the STMicroelectronics class action lawsuit charges STMicroelectronics as well as certain of STMicroelectronics' top executives with violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. A subsequently filed case is captioned Malm v. STMicroelectronics N.V., No. 24-cv-06384 (S.D.N.Y.).If you suffered substantial losses and wish to serve as lead plaintiff of the STMicroelectronics class action lawsuit, please provide your information here:You can also contact attorneys J.C. Sanchez or Jennifer N. Caringal of Robbins Geller by calling 800/449-4900 or via e-mail at info@ rgrdlaw.com CASE ALLEGATIONS: STMicroelectronics, together with its subsidiaries, designs, develops, manufactures, and sells semiconductor products.The STMicroelectronics class action lawsuit alleges that defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose material adverse facts concerning the true state of STMicroelectronics' forecasting ability; notably, that STMicroelectronics did not truly have appropriate visibility to generate guidance it put forth, failed to appropriately analyze the visibility it did have, or otherwise STMicroelectronics was simply not equipped to handle the ongoing challenges in its end-market industries as they had projected.The STMicroelectronics class action lawsuit further alleges that on April 25, 2024, STMicroelectronics announced its first quarter of fiscal year 2024 financial results, disclosing negatively revised full year 2024 revenue and margin projections "driven by lower revenues in Automotive and Industrial'" and stating that "[d]uring the quarter, Automotive semiconductor demand slowed down compared to our expectations, entering a deceleration phase, while the ongoing Industrial correction accelerated.'" The STMicroelectronics class action lawsuit further alleges that STMicroelectronics also disclosed an 18.4% decline in first quarter revenue year-over-year, amounting to $3.47 billion, and that net sales to original equipment manufacturers and through distribution channels decreased by 11.5% and 30.8%, respectively, on a year-over-year basis. On this news, the price of STMicroelectronics stock fell, the STMicroelectronics class action lawsuit alleges.The STMicroelectronics class action lawsuit further alleges that on July 25, 2024, STMicroelectronics released its second quarter of fiscal year 2024 financial results, revealing reduced revenue guidance and noting that "[d]uring the quarter, contrary to our prior expectations, customer orders for Industrial did not improve and Automotive demand declined. . . . We will now drive the Company based on a plan for FY24 revenues in the range of $13.2 billion to $13.7 billion. Within this plan, we expect a gross margin of about 40%.'" On this news, the price of STMicroelectronics stock fell more than 15%, according to the STMicroelectronics class action lawsuit.THE LEAD PLAINTIFF PROCESS: The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 permits any investor who purchased or acquired STMicroelectronics securities during the Class Period to seek appointment as lead plaintiff in the STMicroelectronics class action lawsuit. A lead plaintiff is generally the movant with the greatest financial interest in the relief sought by the putative class who is also typical and adequate of the putative class. A lead plaintiff acts on behalf of all other class members in directing the STMicroelectronics class action lawsuit. The lead plaintiff can select a law firm of its choice to litigate the STMicroelectronics class action lawsuit. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff of the STMicroelectronics class action lawsuit.ABOUT ROBBINS GELLER: Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP is one of the world's leading law firms representing investors in securities fraud cases. Our Firm has been #1 in the ISS Securities Class Action Services rankings for six out of the last ten years for securing the most monetary relief for investors. We recovered $6.6 billion for investors in securities-related class action cases - over $2.2 billion more than any other law firm in the last four years. With 200 lawyers in 10 offices, Robbins Geller is one of the largest plaintiffs' firms in the world and the Firm's attorneys have obtained many of the largest securities class action recoveries in history, including the largest securities class action recovery ever - $7.2 billion - in In re Enron Corp. Sec. Litig. Please visit the following page for more information:Attorney advertising.Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.Services may be performed by attorneys in any of our offices.Contact:Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLPJ.C. Sanchez, Jennifer N. Caringal655 W. Broadway, Suite 1900, San Diego, CA 92101800-449-4900info@ rgrdlaw.com SOURCE: Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP
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The Spero Clinic, an Arkansas-based treatment facility specializing in neurological rehabilitation, shares its breakthrough treatments for CRPS delivered by the esteemed Dr. Katinka van der Merwe.FAYETTEVILLE, AR / ACCESSWIRE / September 12, 2024 / For patients across the world, receiving a diagnosis of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is often traumatic. Typically, it's followed by the question, "Now what?"Dr. Katinka van der Merwe, The Spero Clinic Meet Dr. Katinka van der Merwe from The Spero Clinic.These patients have frequently been misdiagnosed and interacted with doctors, only to be told that their pain is permanent. The most common recommendation from Western doctors is to treat the pain with highly addictive (and often ineffective) pain medication, and invasive procedures.Meet Dr. Katinka of The Spero ClinicEnter Dr. Katinka van der Merwe. Raised in South Africa by a successful chiropractor, Dr. Katinka grew up learning about chronic and acute pain. She was inspired to learn how to treat patients who had received life-altering diagnoses that would leave them living with pain for the rest of their days.As Dr. Katinka met and treated more patients with unique neurological disorders, her research and practice led her to learn about CRPS and how it impacts the victims of this terrible disease, known as the "Suicide Disease." All About CRPSCRPS begins in one area, usually a limb, and can often spread to other parts of the body. Its detrimental impact can not be understated. Dr. Katinka and the Spero Clinic have discovered several non-invasive treatment modalities and approaches to CRPS that are changing lives.Dr. Katinka's main goal in treating patients with pain lies in restoring balance in the Central Nervous System, which, as many doctors and specialists believe, is the center of all things within the human body.How Dr. Katinka's Patients Find Hope in HealingTreatments are specialized and unique for CRPS patients. Dr. Katinka takes meticulous steps to ensure she can utilize the most effective therapies for each individual."I am attached to my patients. I am incredibly invested in each patient," Dr. Katinka stated. "I feel that it is a tremendous privilege for a patient to trust me enough to let me work on their body." Take Christina from Canada, who unexpectedly experienced excruciating pain in her left hand, arm, and shoulder that never subsided. A year later, the pain had spread to her right knee and shoulder. After exhausting all Western and alternative treatment options, Christina was successfully treated by Dr. Katinka and her team. A year and a half after first undergoing treatment by Dr. Katinka's team, Christina has completely recovered and is living life pain-free.The patients in remission tell stories of healing, hope, and the promise of a better future thanks to Dr. Katinka and her team at The Spero Clinic.To learn more about The Spero Clinic, Dr. Katinka, her staff, or a day in the life at Spero Clinic visit TheSperoClinic.com Contact InformationKaylie CraneDirector of Patient Enrollmentkaylie@ thesperoclinic.com 479-482-0080SOURCE: The Spero ClinicView the original press release on newswire.com
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Shoppers can now curate their desired items online and have them ready in a fitting room when they arrive in-store, offering a more convenient and personalized experience.NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESSWIRE / September 12, 2024 / TOTE , a retail technology company that bridges the gap between online shopping and in-store experiences, today announced its official launch, building on its strong momentum and success since rolling out its product last year. The company has quickly gained traction in the retail industry, partnering with 80+ stores across 50+ brands, ranging from independent boutiques to large retailers with 10+ store locations, including well-known names such asSimkhai ,Bandier ,Still Here ,Sabah ,Ramy Brook ,Susan Alexandra , and more.TOTE redefines the shopping experience by allowing customers to select items on a brand's website and have them waiting in a fitting room to try on in-store. Online-only retailers can also leverage the platform to book virtual styling sessions, or to send shoppers to their stockists' locations. The platform's impact is evident in the numbers:96% Conversion Rate: Shoppers using TOTE make a purchase 96% of the time.1.5-3x Increase in Average Order Value: TOTE users typically spend 1.5 to three times more per order.Less Than 2% Return Rate: TOTE reduces the environmental impact of shopping by minimizing the need for multiple shipments and returns, which are often the result of poor online-to-offline integration."We've tapped into how shoppers not only want to interact with brands, but how they expect to interact with brands," said Daniel Nickel, founder and CEO of TOTE. "For every shopper that wants a high-touch, 30-minute session with a stylist, we see another who just wants to know the item is available so they can try it on and get in-and-out. So, we're allowing brands to meet each shopper where they're at, and that type of personalization is why we've seen over 3,600 fitting rooms booked this year already".With onboarding that takes less than 24 hours, TOTE seamlessly integrates with brands' ecommerce front end and their store inventory on the backend. Retailers have access to a dashboard where they can manage fitting room bookings and see purchasing and revenue data. On top of its core offering, TOTE built its own artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) algorithm to power recommendations based on the color, patterns, and general aesthetic of what a shopper already wants to try on. The product also offers a store flow management solution to track how shoppers move through stores and fitting rooms as well as individual employee profiles for clienteling."We saw immediate traction when we launched our partnership with TOTE," said Maurice Mosseri, Co-Founder of Still Here, a cult denim brand with stores in NYC. "TOTE seamlessly drives shoppers in store and almost always results in larger ticket purchases." As consumer expectations continue to shift towards convenience, personalization, and sustainability, TOTE is well-positioned to lead the charge in the retail industry. The company is already working on expanding its offerings, with plans to introduce new features such as a marketing solution to re-target shoppers with products they tried on but didn't buy, and a standalone TOTE platform where shoppers can discover stores and book fitting rooms across multiple brands."Ultimately, our goal is to bring joy back to shopping," said Nickel. "Fashion should be defined by individuality and personality, but too often negative experiences outweigh the positive ones. If we're helping shoppers get what they want, that leads to stronger relationships and more loyalty for brands, and everyone wins." TOTE is launching their seed fundraising this month with the goal of expanding to 1,000 brands by the end of next year. For more information, visit https://www.bookwithtote.com/ ###ABOUT TOTE:TOTE bridges the gap between the online and in-store shopping experience by focusing on a store's most valuable and personal footage: the fitting room. Founded on the belief that shopping should be both convenient and personalized, TOTE enables customers to select items online that they can then try on in-store at a time of their choosing. Since launching the product in 2023,, TOTE has partnered with 80+ stores across 50+ brands in multiple countries, driving higher conversion rates, increasing average order values, and significantly reducing return rates. TOTE is not just a service-it's the future of retail, offering a more sustainable, customer-centric approach to shopping. Learn more at: https://www.bookwithtote.com/ MEDIA CONTACT: Lauren Gill, MAG PR at E:lauren@ mooringadvisorygroup.com ; P: 978-473-1362SOURCE: TOTE
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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / September 12, 2024 / Xebra Brands Ltd. ("Xebra" or the "Company") (CSE:XBRA)(OTCQB:XBRAF)(FSE:9YC0), a cannabis company, is pleased to announce the extension of the expiry date of an aggregate of 13,311,731 outstanding warrants (the "2023 Warrants"). The 2023 Warrants were issued as a result of the unit financing issued by the Company on March 6, 2023.The initial exercise price of the 2023 Warrants is CAD$0.10. The 2023 Warrants have an original expiration date of September 6, 2024. The Company proposed to extend the expiration date of the 2023 Warrants to expire on December 31, 2024. All other terms and conditions of the 2023 Warrants will remain unchanged."We are pleased that our close shareholders have expressed interest to exercise warrants and this extension will give us that time. These warrants will provide the necessary capital to continue to grow and execute our first mover advantage in Mexico," saidRodrigo GallardoInterim-CEO.The Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE") has approved the extension of the 2023 Warrants.ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD:Rodrigo Gallardo Interim CEOFor more information contact: ir@ xebrabrands.com Certain information contained in this press release constitutes forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws. Any statements that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements, these include, without limitation, statements regarding Xebra Brands Ltd.'s expectations in respect of its ability to successfully execute its business plan or business model; its ability to enter into and execute partnerships or joint venture opportunities on acceptable terms; statements regarding expected benefits of partnerships and supply agreements, its ability to provide economic, environmental, social, or any benefits of any type in the communities it operates in or may operate it in the future; its ability to be a first mover in a country, or to obtain or retain government licenses, permits or authorizations in general, or specifically in Mexico, Canada, or elsewhere, including cannabis authorizations from the Mexican Health Regulatory Agency (COFEPRIS); its ability to satisfy the conditions of authorizations granted by COFEPRIS; its ability to successfully apply for, obtain and retain trademarks and other intellectual property in any jurisdiction; its ability to be cost competitive; its ability to commercialize, cultivate, grow, or process hemp or cannabis in Mexico, Canada, or elsewhere and related plans and timing; its ability to manufacture, commercialize or sell cannabis-infused beverages, wellness products, or other products in Mexico, Canada, or elsewhere, and its related plans and claims, including market interest and availability; its ability to create wellness products that have a therapeutic effect or benefit; plans for future growth and the direction of the business; plans to increase product volumes, the capacity of existing facilities, supplies from third party growers and contractors; expected growth of the cannabis industry generally; management's expectations, beliefs and assumptions in general, including manufacturing costs, production activity and market potential in Mexico or any jurisdiction; events or developments that Xebra expects to take place in the future; general economic conditions; and other risk factors described in the MD&A of the Company for the period ended November 30, 2023. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking information and statements. The words "aim", "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "contemplate", "target", "intends", "continue", "plans", "budget", "estimate", "may", "will", and similar expressions identify forward-looking information and statements. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by Xebra as of the dates of such statements, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Known and unknown factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, the inability of Xebra to retain the authorizations granted by COFEPRIS, the inability to successfully complete financings on terms acceptable to Xebra or at all, the inability to generate sufficient revenues or to raise sufficient funds to carry out its business plan; changes in government legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments in various countries; risks associated with agriculture and cultivation activities generally, including inclement weather, access to supply of seeds, poor crop yields, and spoilage; compliance with import and export laws of various countries; significant fluctuations in cannabis prices and transportation costs; the risk of obtaining necessary licenses and permits; inability to identify, negotiate and complete potential acquisitions, dispositions or joint ventures for any reason; the ability to retain key employees; dependence on third parties for services and supplies; non-performance by contractual counter-parties; general economic conditions; the continued growth in global demand for cannabis products and the continued increase in jurisdictions legalizing cannabis; and the timely receipt of regulatory approvals for license applications on terms satisfactory to Xebra. In addition, there is no assurance Xebra will: be a low-cost producer or exporter; obtain a dominant market position in any jurisdiction; have products that will be unique. The foregoing list is not exhaustive and Xebra undertakes no obligation to update or revise any of the foregoing except as required by law. Many of these uncertainties and contingencies could affect Xebra's actual performance and cause its actual performance to differ materially from what has been expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, Xebra. Readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and readers should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those set out in such statements.SOURCE: Xebra Brands Ltd
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YOSEMITE VALLEY, CA / ACCESSWIRE / September 12, 2024 /Yosemite Clean Energy, LLC, a leading provider of sustainable energy solutions, proudly announces that it has been awarded a $300,000 grant from the USDA Forest Service Wood Innovation Fund. This funding will support Yosemite in conducting a feedstock analysis and a pre-engineering study to develop a wood waste biomass-to-biofuel gasification plant in the San Luis Valley, Colorado. The grant is made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). Yosemite is one of 171 projects nationally to receive funding, with $74 million in grants awarded to projects that support forest health and the wider forest economy, particularly those assisting rural communities.Yosemite is developing the biofuels project in collaboration with federal USDA Forest Service managers, SEED (Sustainable Environmental Economic Development) Park International, and private lumber and timberland owners through a local business partnership model and working with local businesses and landowners. Yosemite brings value to woody biomass, incentivizing good forest stewardship at the local level, providing new jobs in the forest economy, and offering cost savings for land managers implementing forest fuel treatments that reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires. Yosemite uses proven Austrian-based gasification technology commercialized by Aichernig Engineering GmbH (Repotec) and partnered with Bioenergy Sustainable Technologies GmbH (BEST), which has over 20 years of commercial gasification development experience. The project will explore the most viable market in Colorado to produce carbon-negative hydrogen or alternative biofuels such as sustainable aviation fuels, methanol or renewable natural gas.This grant represents the USDA Forest Service's recognition of Yosemite's commitment to shared ideals, supporting local industries to reduce fire risk while simultaneously meeting the federal government's decarbonization goals."It's great to get a nod from so many government funders, and we hope to keep momentum as we build out our company vision, especially for a project in Colorado," said Thomas Hobby, CEO of Yosemite Clean Energy.The Colorado plant will use up to 100,000 bone-dry tons of wood biomass within the San Juan, Rio Grande, and Gunnison National Forests region. It will support local and federal forest land managers in reducing the threat of catastrophic wildfires, which have threatened many Colorado communities. Yosemite will support many forest fuel reduction projects across the region, helping to thin up to 5,000 acres per year. The Colorado San Luis Valley site is the latest addition to Yosemite's rapidly expanding list of projects, which includes several biomass-to-hydrogen facilities in California and the expansion and development of projects to co-produce RNG, hydrogen, SAF or other e-fuels. Yosemite's bottom-up approach and community-led philosophy aim to span a portfolio of locally owned projects across the United States.The first flagship project, located in Oroville, California, is projected to be commissioned in 2027 and will produce carbon-negative hydrogen for use in the zero-emission heavy mobility sector, including heavy-duty trucks, buses, trains, cars, and ships. Yosemite's process captures carbon dioxide, sequestering a portion of the CO2 and utilizing a portion for alternative industrial uses within the food sector or e-fuel markets. Yosemite projects also help reduce open burning and lower particulate 2.5 emissions, directly benefiting public health.Yosemite envisions a national network of biofuel production facilities linked via its "stump to pump" vertical integration, including hydrogen mid-stream and downstream fueling solutions and a network of hydrogen fueling stations operated by its subsidiary Yosemite Fuels ( www.yosemitefuels.com) Contact Information Declan MaddernPolicy Analystdeclan.maddern@yosemiteclean.com (805) 891-8711SOURCE: Yosemite Clean Energy, LLCView the original press release on newswire.com
A specialised African Union agency focusing on capacity building has welcomed Chinas pledge to support Africa in further developing its agriculture and addressing the effects of climate change.

At the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) held in Beijing earlier, China promised to expand its cooperation with Africa and implement 10 partnership actions over the next three years.

China pledged to support Africas further development in the agricultural sector through various initiatives, including the construction of standardised agricultural demonstration centres.

It would also consider the deployment of Chinese agricultural experts and the creation of a China-Africa agricultural scientific and technological innovation alliance.

The executive secretary of the Harare-based African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF), Mamadou Biteye, said Africa would benefit immensely from the knowledge, innovation, and expertise of Chinese agricultural experts.

China is a very important partner to Africa, especially as we come out of the FOCAC Summit and some important announcements have been made.

This includes capacity building through the deployment of Chinese experts to support agriculture productivity in Africa, Mr Biteye said.

Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later

He added that Chinas continued support for Africas infrastructure development, particularly climate change-related and resilient infrastructure, is crucial to Africas efforts to modernise and combat climate change.

China can share its experiences in agricultural development, including research on developing new varieties of crops, such as drought-resistant rice and other food crops.

Which can adapt well and provide high yields to support the growth of Africas agriculture sector, Mr Biteye said.

He added that increased Chinese support in agriculture could help Africa reduce its food import bill and enable the continent to achieve food sovereignty.

(Xinhua/NAN)

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Recently, President Bola Tinubu approved a National Policy on Health Workforce Migration to manage the exodus abroad of skilled Nigerian healthcare professionals.

As announced by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, the 56-page document presents the national plan to address the dynamics of health workers migration, ensuring that it does not compromise the needs of the countrys healthcare system.

Mr Pate described the policy as a major part of Nigerias efforts to manage the current health crisis while promoting collaboration with critical stakeholders at national and international levels.

Ranked among the 37 countries with critical health workforce shortages in the 2023 WHO Health Workforce Support and Safeguards list, Nigeria has been battling the increasing exodus of its trained professionals.

However, through this policy, the government seeks to address the fundamental problems of health workforce shortage in Nigeria, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

The policy outlines new initiatives such as bilateral agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoU) between the Nigerian government and key foreign destinations of Nigerian health workers.

It stipulates the establishment of training, opportunities for career development, incentives and a conducive work environment.

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Also, the policy introduces the creation of a digital registry for migrants in the system, cross-border data-collection on Nigerian health workers, ethical recruitments, research, innovation and equitable distribution of healthcare providers across the country.

This analysis provides a breakdown of these emerging initiatives, and what impacts they may have on the sector and the country.

Trends of migration among Nigeria health workers

Nigerias health minister recently revealed that about 67 per cent of Nigerian doctors migrating abroad practice in the United Kingdom and the country now has only 55,000 licensed doctors to serve its growing population of over 200 million.

With 0.363 medical doctors per 1,000 people, far below the WHO recommendation of 4.45 per 1,000 population, Nigeria has continued to lose even more and the uneven distribution in the ratio of doctors to population is worsening.

The doctor-to-population ratio in Abuja is 4.7 per 10,000 population and in Lagos, 4.6 per 10,000 population.

Between 2008 and 2021, 36,467 Nigerian doctors migrated to the United Kingdom, a steady increase from 1,798 in 2008 to 4,880 in 2021.

A larger trend was observed for nurses. Between 2002 and 2021, 60,729 Nigerian nurses migrated to the United Kingdom. There was a consistent increase from 1,393 nurses that migrated in 2002, to 5,543 in 2021.

Highlighting the trend of migration among Nigerian health workers in the policy, data presented shows that 2022 represents the peak of migration of medical doctors as over 3,000 doctors requested letters of good standing from the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).

The United Kingdom is the destination for 68 per cent of Nigerias medical and dental professionals who migrated out of Nigeria through MDCN.

Other destinations are Canada (10 per cent), USA (seven per cent), UAE (five per cent), Australia (three per cent), Ireland (three per cent), Saudi Arabia (one per cent) and Maldives (one per cent)

Proposed MoU

One of the new measures being adopted in the policy is the establishment of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the USA, UK, Australia, and other key destination countries of Nigerian health workers to align with the WHO Global Code of Practice on the International Recruitment of Health Personnel.

The policy stipulates that there should be an established bilateral or multilateral agreement between Nigeria and foreign agencies trying to recruit health workers in the country.

These agreements will be the basis on which a foreign recruitment agency can engage a doctor, nurse, and every other member of the healthcare workforce.

The new development implies that the government is targeting a more structured and controlled process for migration and the recruitment of healthcare workers by other countries, ensuring that it is done in a manner that aligns with the countrys interests.

While it states that the government does not intend to prohibit healthcare workers from leaving randomly, the process may limit the flow of health workers to other countries, as it seeks to ensure that it happens under agreed terms rather than haphazardly.

In response, the National President of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Bala Audu, said the MoU idea is a good initiative to manage the migration of health workers, if properly implemented.

Mr Audu told PREMIUM TIMES that destination countries are expected to make certain commitments before taking Nigerian-trained health workers to serve their health needs.

From my understanding of the bilateral agreement, it is not bad. It is for countries who come to our country to attract our skilled doctors to have commitments they make.

The way it appears, you have to give something back in return if you come to take our professionals, he said.

There have been efforts by the Nigerian government in the past to regulate health workers migration but the conditions have been rejected.

Last year, the House of Representatives proposed a bill to mandate Nigeria-trained health workers to practise in Nigeria for a minimum of five years before they are granted full licenses or travel abroad.

The bill, which passed a second reading, generated heated debates as doctors threatened to down tools, vowing to resist any guise to enslave Nigerian medical doctors.

Incentives for health workers

This is the first thematic area of the policy which mandates the provision of special incentives for health workers in the country, especially for those who choose to serve in rural and deprived parts of the country.

It affirmed that the government should create easy access to special credit facilities, tax holidays and modalities for special mortgage facilities for healthcare workers to easily own houses, cars, and other essential assets.

The policy stipulates a periodic review of healthcare workers salaries, benefits, pensions and allowances, and the provision of adequate equipment and supplies.

It also mandates health agencies to invest in digital health infrastructure (telehealth) in the Nigerian health system and the development of a return-to-practice programme with special incentives for health workers who want to return to Nigeria.

Over the years, health professionals in Nigeria have complained of low wages and non-payment of their hazard allowances, among others, which has led to industrial actions on numerous occasions.

In his remarks on the incentives, the NMA President said Nigerias effort towards curbing brain drain depends largely on how effectively the incentives are implemented.

On our own side, as leaders in the healthcare industry, we will be reviewing the policy and if there are additional areas we believe will improve the retention of health workers and other providers, we will also dialogue with the government to increase the area of incentive which they may have not been included in the current policy, he said.

Also speaking to PREMIUM TIMES, the Vice President of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), Kefas Wida, said remuneration is the major reason health workers are migrating and that for Nigeria to retain its workforce, it needs to adequately address the modalities for incentives highlighted in the policy.

Mr Wida noted that without implementation, the government cannot stop anyone from migrating, even if they make the process difficult and tedious with too many bureaucratic processes.

People are looking for better remuneration. Anything we are doing that is short of addressing issues around this, we are beating around the bush. This policy is a good one and it is a step in the right direction. But we must address the main crux of the workforce migration, particularly by adequate remuneration, he said.

On health workers safety, security

As Nigeria grapples with armed conflicts such as terrorism and banditry, many health workers have been attacked, kidnapped, killed or displaced from their homes.

Recently, the Nigerian Association of Residents Doctors (NARD) threatened to down tools if the government failed to secure the release of Ganiyat Popoola, a resident doctor at the National Eye Centre in Kaduna abducted in December 2023.

The Safeguarding Health in Conflict Coalition (SHCC) identified 19 incidents of violence against health workers in Nigeria in 2023, and 43 incidents in 2022, compared to 56 in 2021, in which 37 health workers were kidnapped, seven others were killed, and health supplies were looted from pharmacies and health centres.

SHCC reported that between 2016 and 2020, there were 4,094 reported attacks and threats against healthcare in conflict areas across the world. During this period, at least 1,524 health workers were injured, 681 were killed, and 401 were kidnapped.

However, the government, through this policy, seeks to enhance and ensure the safety of health workers serving at all levels of the Nigerian healthcare system.

The policy mandates the provision of adequate security in health facilities for the protection of the health workforce across the board.

Job for returnees, data collection

Unlike the current regulation that prevents returnees from reclaiming their previous positions by banning leave of absence for health professionals moving abroad, the new migration policy permits workers to be rehired if they return to the country within a set period.

Also, the new policy mandates that the existing Public Service Rules guarantee the right of return for health workers previously employed by the government.

This policy allows for rehiring returning health workers, but within a specified timeframe. This means that if workers miss this window, they may face difficulties regaining employment, causing job insecurity.

The government, through the policy, also demands routine cross-border data sharing regarding the licensing and performance of workers migrating to foreign countries which it says should be done on a quarterly basis.

The policy recommends that: The Federal Ministry of Health must regularly report on the trends, patterns, and impact of health workforce migration in Nigeria.

The report will disclose vacancies, remittances from migrant health workers, and the conditions of Nigerian health workers in their destination countries.

While this portends to be beneficial to the country and also migrating healthcare providers, routine data sharing and reporting might add layers of bureaucracy, potentially complicating the process for health workers seeking to migrate or return.

The Nigerian government will reintroduce the one-year abroad training programme, according to the new policy.

Capacity development, training programmes

Unlike India and the Philippines, Nigeria lacks a managed migration system and a robust system to train healthcare workers to meet domestic and global demands.

Identifying this deficit, the Nigerian government, through this policy, seeks to improve training and recruitment programmes for health workers to address the situation and contribute to progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) especially on health.

The policy mandates increasing the capacity of health institutions and strengthening the health workforce for both local and international needs.

It also stipulates that the government must ensure that existing health workers receive post-graduate degree training and the establishment of more health training institutions to produce additional healthcare professionals of adequate quality and quantity.

Presently, there are 400 nursing training institutions, 139 approved Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) training institutions and 37 fully accredited medical schools.

Monitoring, implementation

Monitoring and evaluation is another thematic area highlighted in the policy to institute an evidence-based health workforce migration information system.

This mandates the inclusion of health workforce migration data in all relevant national surveys, including the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) and facilitates cross-border data sharing on health workforce migration.

Overall, the federal, state and local governments are expected to develop appropriate strategies, plans and guidelines to facilitate the implementation of the policy, while noting that civil society organisations will monitor the implementation and provide feedback to the government on the successes, challenges and solutions.

Meanwhile, Mr Audu noted in his comment that the NMA plans to meet with the government to discuss the policy and implementation modalities.

I believe we are going to sit with those that have fashioned this policy, to negotiate in such a way that the conclusion will appease those who chose to remain in Nigeria and probably attract whoever has left to come back.

Implementation is sacrosanct for the policy to have its desired impact, he told PREMIUM TIMES.

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The Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) has provided relief materials and called for urgent donations to victims affected by the recent flood in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

This was contained in a statement by the organisation and signed by its Coordinator, Communications and Advocacy NRCS, Chima Nwankwo, on Thursday.

According to the statement, the President of the NRCS, Prince Adeaga, called for timely response to avert further crisis.

Mr Adeaga said: As we continue to provide aid and comfort to those in need, the Nigerian Red Cross Society passionately appeals for additional support from the public, private sector, and international community.

The scale of this disaster necessitates a comprehensive response to ensure that all affected individuals receive the assistance they require, the statement highlighted.

Maiduguri flooding

Borno State is currently grappling with the rampaging flooding that already wreaked havoc, destroying properties and displacing many residents of Maiduguri, the state capital.

The heavy rainfall caused the Alau Dam to overflow, displacing thousands and causing significant damages.

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NRSC said the flood, which remains the worst experience since 1994, has submerged over half of the city, disrupting businesses, school activities, and daily life in the state capital.

Following the flood, NSRC stated that trained volunteers are on the ground, providing vital assistance to those affected, including helping them secure safe shelter and offering essential emotional support and counseling to cope with the trauma of the disaster.

The group described the incident as deteriorating and said urgent intervention is necessary to avert a catastrophic humanitarian disaster, adding that swift and decisive actions are important to mitigate the suffering and protect the affected populations.

Response activities

The group said it stands in solidarity with the people of Maiduguri, providing unwavering support during this difficult period while working hard to deliver relief and restore hope to the victims.

In a coordinated effort with local authorities and fellow humanitarian organisations, the group has deployed emergency response teams to the areas hardest hit by the disaster, ensuring a unified and effective response to the crisis.

The Secretary General of the NRSC, Abubakar Kende, reported that the organisations teams are providing vital assistance, including first aid services, where medical teams are providing immediate care and healthcare services to those injured or in need of medical attention, with a focus on vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions.

Additionally, teams are distributing water purification tablets and educating communities on maintaining hygiene in emergency situations to prevent waterborne diseases, as well as providing emergency shelters for those displaced by the disaster.

The statement further reads in part; The NRCS is working with the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to set up temporary shelters and provide essential relief supplies, including clean water, food, and non-food items, to displaced families.

NRCS said it is providing psychosocial support to help individuals and families cope with the emotional and psychological impacts of the disaster.

About NRCS

Since its establishment in 1960, the NRCS has been a leading humanitarian organisation in Nigeria, recognised by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and a member of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies since 1963.

The NRCS has a vast network with about 800,000 volunteers across Nigerias 36 states, FCT, and 774 local governments.

The group provides critical services such as search and rescue, disaster relief, health education, emergency response, and post-disaster community resilience and development.

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Nigeria faces a looming humanitarian crisis as massive floods submerge communities and farmlands across the country.

At least 10 states have experienced massive flooding this year, displacing close to 500,000 residents.

According to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the floods destroyed more than 16,000 hectares of farmlands. Farmers in some communities are now being forced to harvest their farm produce prematurely over fears of destruction by imminent floods.

In Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, North-east Nigeria, overflowing riverbanks and the collapse of the Alau Dam on the Ngadda River have opened floodgates in the city. Buildings are now submerged, and more than 239,000 residents have been displaced, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Authorities are scampering to evacuate inmates from one affected prison. Animals in the zoo have been let loose by the floods, causing panic among residents.

An aerial view of the city reminds one of Nigerias massive flooding of 2022. Described as the worst in a decade, it displaced more than 1.4 million people in 34 of the countrys 36 states.

Although this years flood did not cause the same scale of destruction, it raised similar systemic issues in Nigerias flood management and emergency preparedness.

The development also threatens a new wave of humanitarian crises in a country facing increasing hardship amidst fears that 26.5 million Nigerians face food insecurity this year, up from 18.6 million people last year, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation.

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There were warnings

The 2024 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO), launched in April, predicted high floods in 148 local government areas (LGAs) in 31 states, including Borno. The report, produced by Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), also said 249 LGAs in 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are within moderate flood risk areas.

The report listed the high flood-prone states as Adamawa, Akwa-Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue and Borno. Others are Cross-River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, and Yobe.

These regions are characterised by erratic rainfall patterns, river basin dynamics and inadequate hydraulic infrastructures, amplifying the potential for devastating flood impacts on communities, agriculture and infrastructures, the report stated.

The AFO recommended implementing robust early warning systems to provide timely alerts to at-risk communities and enable proactive evacuation and response efforts.

It also recommended infrastructure improvements, such as flood defences, drainage systems, and embankments, to mitigate flood risk and protect vulnerable areas.

It added: Strengthening institutional capacity at all levels of government to effectively coordinate flood response and recovery efforts, including disaster risk management, emergency response and post-disaster recovery planning.

NEMA prepares

The spokesperson for the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Manzo Ezekiel, told PREMIUM TIMES on Wednesday that the agency had sent alarms to stakeholders, including state governors, since the beginning of the year, asking them to prepare for the floods.

He said the agency also met with the stakeholders to analyse the flood forecast and the roles to play towards mitigating the occurrence. He noted that the agency also placed several jingles on the radio, directing residents of flood-prone and riverine areas to be on the lookout.

NEMA wrote to all the state governors. And we didnt stop at that. NEMA convened stakeholder meetings where the forecast was discussed, and the mitigating side was discussed. Then NEMA also embarked on advocacy to the stakeholders, he said in a telephone interview on Wednesday.

Floods ravage communities, destroy farmlands

The flood in Borno, exacerbated by the collapse of the Alau dam, has garnered the most attention and has been described as the worst that the state experienced in over three decades.

However, at least 10 other states listed in the AFO report have witnessed flooding that killed people and destroyed properties in the last two months.

Last month, at least 39 people lost their lives to massive floods that swept through part of Jigawa State. According to the Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Haruna Mairiga, more than 15,000 people were displaced and 8,500 houses were affected by the floods. Mr Mairiga added that 12,000 hectares of farmlands were washed away.

In Adamawa State, at least six persons were reported dead in August as a result of the flooding that displaced more than 12,961 persons in three LGAs, namely Madagali, Demsa, and Numan.

In Gombe and Yobe states, more than 4,000 houses and farmlands have been destroyed by flood. While Gombe SEMA said 2,517 houses and shops were destroyed by a flood that ravaged 33 communities, the Yobe SEMA stated that 1,650 houses were destroyed in Jajere and Yunusari towns of the state.

In Kaduna, close to 4,000 people have been displaced by flooding. More than 200 houses were submerged in Zaria and Sabon-Gari LGAs of Kaduna State. In Kafanchan and surrounding villages in Jemaa LGA of the state, floods displaced more than 1,000 residents and killed two children. In Zango Kataf LGA, NEMA said the flood had displaced no fewer than 3,633 people from five communities.

In Kano, the Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Isyaku Kubarachi, said the recent flood killed 31 people and displaced 31,818.

He said the floods destroyed 2,518 farmlands, covering 976 hectares of land in 21 local government areas in the state, and 5,280 houses.

The Executive Secretary of Zamfara State SEMA, Ahmed Bala, said the flood affected 9,784 households in all 12 political wards in Gummi LGA of the state. He added that 12 people lost their lives while hundreds of hectares of farmlands were washed away.

In Bauchi, the state SEMA said more than N7.81 billion worth of farmlands and properties have been destroyed by flood in 16 LGAs.

The agencys Director of planning, Research, and Statistics, Adamu Nayola, attributed the flood to two months of heavy downpours in the northern part of the state.

The floods, which affected communities in 16 hard-hit LGAs, destroyed and damaged houses, farmlands, roads, electricity poles, and domestic animals. This resulted in significant economic losses, he said.

He listed affected LGAs as Giade, Shira, Katagum, Gamawa, Zaki, Kirfi, Dambam, Alkaleri, Darazo, Itas Gadau, Toro, Bauchi, Misau, Jamaare, Warji and Ganjuwa.

Premature harvest

In Anambra and Bayelsa states, panicky farmers are prematurely harvesting crops over fear of an impending flood disaster that could destroy them if left unharvested.

According to Paul Odenigbo, the Executive Secretary of Anambra SEMA, many community farmlands had already been submerged due to increased water levels.

Looming humanitarian crises

NEMA announced last month that more than 16,000 hectares of farmlands have been destroyed in 27 states. With the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisations warning that an estimated 26.5 million people would face food insecurity in Nigeria this year, the situation threatens to become dire.

NEMA has also warned that the overflowing rivers are reaching other communities. The agency has placed other states, such as Benue, Kogi, Anambra, Delta, Imo, Rivers, and Bayelsa, on alert.

With the flood in Maiduguri, Mr Ezekiel said NEMA has deployed some of the facilities used in Jigawa to Maiduguri. He listed them as including life jackets, rescue boats, spreaders and cutters, and a mobile water treatment plant.

As I speak to you now, since Jigawa has stabilised with the situation in Maiduguri, our facilities have been moved to Maiduguri to support the ongoing rescue operations that are ongoing there now, he added.

He, therefore, called for preparedness in the central and southern states, noting that the water will naturally flow downward.

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Dr. Eba Teresa Garoma, an associate professor at the College of Social Sciences and Humanities, Jimma University in Ethiopia, spoke on how Chinas rural governance strategies could bring solutions to poverty reduction in developing countries.

During the Seminar on Inclusive Growth and Poverty Reduction for Developing Countries recently held from June 13 to 26, 2024 in Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, southwest Chinas Sichuan Province, Dr. Eba was impressed by China's systematic approach to poverty alleviation. "The stories were very extraordinary, unimaginable to be performed by just the government within this very short period of time," he said. The improvements in remote areas, including access to the internet, healthcare facilities, and schools, were particularly noted.

"In Africa, when we say village, it is a kind of area where rural residents just live. But here, when you say village, its quite an amazing area and the projects are impressive. The life of people there, we practically observed that it is improved, and they are good eyewitnesses for the success," he added.

Dr. Eba highlighted the contrast between the conditions in China's villages and those in many parts of Africa, including Ethiopia, where poverty and natural disasters like droughts and famine are prevalent. "The rival enemy of humankind is poverty, especially when it comes to Africa and Ethiopia. Millions of people are in droughts and famine even right now in Ethiopia and also in many parts of Africa," he explained.

The visit underscored the importance of China's experience for African nations struggling with similar challenges. Dr. Eba observed the advanced agricultural techniques and effective water management strategies that could be vital for Ethiopia. "Such kind of experience is very important for countries like Ethiopia to manage droughts. If the government of China is willing, some experts can go to Ethiopia, where things can be improved in this way."

Dr. Eba emphasized the potential for collaboration between China and Ethiopia. With millions of Chinese already working in Ethiopia, there is a foundation for knowledge transfer and mutual development. "China is at the highest peak compared to the past times, helping developing countries like us in different aid mechanisms," he concluded.

Editor: WXY
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has demanded the redeployment of INECs Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Edo State, Anugbum Onuoha, ahead of next Saturdays governorship election in the state.

At a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, the partys acting national chairperson, Umar Damagum, also called for the redeployment of the Commissioner of the Police in the state, Nemo Edwin-Iwo.

The text of the press briefing was posted on the PDPs X handle.

The partys demand came a few hours after its Edo State chapter refused to sign a peace accord facilitated by the National Peace Committee for political parties and candidates participating in the 21 September election in the state.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that Governor Godwin Obaseki, the leader of the PDP in the state, said his party would not sign the peace accord until some conditions were met. These conditions include the release of his party members, whom he said were arrested and taken to Abuja on the instruction of the Inspector General of Police.

Mr Obaseki also said that the PDP had no confidence in the police to protect them, adding that Saturdays election may become very violent.

Mr Damagum, the PDPs national chairperson, backed the Edo State chapter of the party for not signing the peace agreement.

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You will recall that the PDP had earlier raised alarm on the reported activity of a terror squad going by the name IGP response team, which, on the instruction of APC leaders, are hounding, arresting and torturing members and supporters of the PDP, especially those who recently decamped from the APC to the PDP.

Reports reaching our party is that the said APC-controlled torture squad arresting and detaining our members is allegedly operating with the knowledge of Mr Edwin-Iwo.

Mr Damagum said 16 PDP supporters have been arrested, detained and tortured on trumped-up charges, a move he said was the APCs plot to terrify the people and prevent them from coming out to vote and seize the opportunity to manipulate and rig the election.

The situation in Edo State is further exacerbated by the attempt by the Inspector General of Police to unconstitutionally disband the Edo State Security Corps statutorily established by the Edo State House of Assembly, Mr Damagum said.

Edo REC an APC supporter  PDP

Justifying his call for the redeployment of Edo State resident electoral commissioner, Mr Damagum described the electoral official as a known supporter of the APC.

The APC is attempting to infiltrate and compromise the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by reportedly influencing the appointment of a known APC apologist and supporter, Dr. Anugbum Onuoha, who is notorious for his partisan association with APC leaders, as the Edo State Resident Electoral Commissioner.

The appointment of this overtly partisan individual as Edo State Resident Electoral Commissioner is completely unacceptable as he is susceptible to bias and manipulations by the APC and therefore not in a position to guarantee a transparent, free, fair and credible governorship election in Edo State, the PDP said.

Consequently, the party made six demands, including the redeployment of the Edo State commissioner for police and the resident electoral commissioner in the state and the immediate release of all PDP members allegedly detained by the police.

This is not only to guarantee a credible governorship election in Edo State but also to avert the ugly scenario witnessed in the 2023 Adamawa State governorship election where a biased Resident Electoral Commissioner and other INEC officials nearly lost their lives in the hands of the agitated electorate, Mr Damagum said.

Speaking further, the party chairperson predicted an overwhelming victory for the PDP candidate, Asue Ighodalo in the election.

He said that the APC having realised that they have no chance in the election, have resorted to violence, manipulations and using some rogue police operatives to harass, arrest, torture and detain innocent citizens of Edo State, particularly members and supporters of the PDP.

Edo PDP says the same

While the PDP national chairperson briefed journalists in Abuja, the partys chairperson in Edo, Anthony Aziegbemi, told journalists in Benin that the party lacked confidence in the RECs ability to conduct the election without bias.

Mr Aziegbemi also alleged that the recruitment of the Supervising Presiding Officers (SPOs) for the election had been compromised.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, a protest letter to the INEC chairman, made available to journalists during the press conference, reads:

It is with a deep sense of concern that we bring to the notice of your good office a very disturbing trend that may threaten the credibility of the forthcoming Edo governorship election scheduled for September 21, 2024.

We believe that, as the umpire in the election, it is in the best interest of INEC to be made aware of unfolding issues and the need to act swiftly to restore the confidence of all parties.

The matter pertains to the close links between the serving Edo REC, Prof. Anugbum Onuoha and a known partisan opponent of Edo PDP, the former governor of Rivers State and Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike.

The ties between these two are too close to ignore as not only do they share familiarities but are also close associates. To be clear, the relationship between the two is outlined below:

The said Edo REC is a cousin to the Minister of the FCT, Mr. Wike. He also served as a former Commissioner and Special Adviser for Lands, Survey and Housing to Mr Wike during his tenure as Rivers governor..

The antecedent between these two, we are not comfortable that the Edo REC will conduct himself creditably before, during and after the election, he said.

We are therefore requesting the redeployment of the Edo REC as we are not confident that he would be fair, just and equitable in the conduct of the election.

He also called on the INEC Chairman to investigate the recruitment of the SPOs, adding that most of them were recruited and given fake ministry identity cards

We hereby demand the removal of these impersonators from the SPOs list,  he said.

Neither INEC nor the police have responded to the PDPs specific claims made by its national chairperson.

However, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, assured the people of Edo State that the police would be impartial during the election.

We will remain impartial, professional and vigilant while providing a level playing ground for all the political parties and their candidates, Mr Egbetokun said on Thursday in Benin City at the peace signing accord.

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President Bola Tinubu was warmly received on Wednesday in London by Britains King Charles III at Buckingham Palace for a private meeting, highlighting the enduring and cherished relationship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

This will be the two leaders first meeting since they met in Dubai at the COP 28 Climate Summit last year. The latest meeting was at the Kings request.

Both leaders discussed global and regional matters of shared priority, focusing on the urgent and complex challenge of climate change.

President Tinubu and His Majesty also explored opportunities for collaboration in anticipation of the upcoming COP 29 Summit in Azerbaijan and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa.

President Tinubu reiterated Nigerias firm commitment to addressing climate change in a manner that aligns with the countrys energy security objectives whilst affirming Nigerias readiness to adopt global strategies for sustainability.

During their dialogue, the two leaders shared ideas for innovative approaches to climate financing and funding, expressing mutual interest in strengthening partnerships by harnessing Nigerias leadership position in Africa and the Commonwealth.

Bayo Onanuga

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy

September 12, 2024

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Governor Godwin Obaseki has predicted that next Saturdays governorship election in Edo State will be very violent.

Mr Obaseki stated this in a meeting with members of the National Peace Committee led by Abdulsalami Abubakar, the former Nigerian leader and chairperson of the committee.

In the video of the meeting posted on Facebook, Mr Abubakar told Governor Obaseki that members of the committee were in the state for the signing of a peace accord between governorship candidates and their parties.

The aim of signing the peace accord, Mr Abubakar said, was to ensure there is no mudslinging during the campaigns and that candidates accept election results as long as it is free and fair or approach the court where there is any misgivings.

It is going to be a very violent election

In his response, Mr Obaseki said his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) met a day earlier and decided they were not going to sign the agreement.

He said the police who were supposed to enforce the peace accord were now active participants in creating the destruction in the state.

According to Mr Obaseki, armed gangs police officers from the inspector generals office invaded the state, arrested PDP members and took them to Abuja.

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As we speak, there are about 10 in detention in Abuja without trial. Two days ago, they came to pick up a local government chairperson. This man (the chairperson) was attacked and shot at. He reported, and the police said he should come and give evidence. he went, and they arrested him. As we speak, hes in Abuja.

I say, even if offences were committed in Edo State, why wont you charge the offences here and put them on trial here? Why take them to Abuja? Are these offences of high treason? And then in Abuja, why not charge them to court in Abuja, the governor queried.

Mr Obaseki said the IGPs office obtained a warrant to arrest 60 PDP supporters, a development he said has driven PDP leaders into hiding.

Speaking further, Mr Obaseki accused the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun of undermining his office as the chief security officer of Edo State.

And for me, my role as the chief security officer is being made nonsense of by the IGP because I heard the chairperson was arrested, and I called the commissioner (of police). I say I understand this has happened, if there is anything let me know. He said I will come back to you, sir.

He ignored me; he didnt say anything the next morning by 4 a.m. he moved that person to Abuja, and as we speak, they are all there.

Mr Obaseki asked why his party should sign a peace accord when their supporters are in detention without trial.

He said they do not have any confidence in the police to protect them.

So sir, (referring to Mr Abubakar), Why should we? Because clearly, (from) what we are seeing, it is going to be a very violent election, and they are going to use the forces of coercion and intimidation to win the election in Edo, whether we like it or not: thats the message.

We say no until everybody arrested in Edo is released or brought back to Edo to be tried on whatever offences you claimed theyve committed. Weve no confidence that the police are going to protect us in this election, the governor said.

The Force spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, when contacted, said he was at an event and asked that a text message be sent to him. Mr Adejobi did not respond to a text message seeking his comment at the time of filing this report.

Edo election

The people of Edo State will go to the polls next Saturday to choose a successor to Governor Obaseki, who has a few months to complete his second term.

The three major candidates in the election are Asue Ighodalo, who is the candidate of the ruling PDP in the state, Monday Okpebholo, of the All Progressives Congress, and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party.

Ahead of the election, Mr Egbetokun announced on Wednesday the deployment of 35,000 police operatives and 8,000 personnel from other security agencies.

The police chief also announced the suspension of the state government-backed Edo State Security Network. He warned that no private or state-owned security apparatus would be allowed to operate during and after the election.

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has declined to sign a peace accord for candidates and political parties participating in next Saturdays governorship election in the state.

Nigerian former leader and chairperson of the National Peace Committee, Abdusalami Abubakar disclosed this on Thursday at the venue of the peace-signing event in Benin City.

As you must have seen in the media, I met the governor yesterday and he told me that the PDP is not going to sign this peace accord.

They have made some observations and I was expecting the chairperson of the PDP to come and make that statement. Having waited for him this long, it is just to announce that the PDP said they are not going to sign, Mr Abubakar said, according to Channels television report.

The All Progressives Congress and its candidate, Monday Okpebholo signed the peace accord after the party initially threatened to boycott it.

Other that signed it include, Labour Party and its candidate, Oulumide Akpata, Accord Party, Accord Alliance, African Democratic Congress, Action Democratic Party, All Progressive Grand Alliance.

Why PDP refuses to sign

Mr Abubakar had told Governor Godwin Obaseki on Wednesday that the aim of signing the peace accord was to ensure there is no mudslinging during the campaigns and that candidates accept election results as long as it is free and fair or approach the court where there is any misgivings.

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In the video of the meeting posted on Facebook, Mr Obaseki the leader of the PDP in the state told Mr Abubakar in a meeting that his party met on Tuesday where they agreed not to sign the peace accord until certain conditions are met.

Mr Obaseki said leaders of the party in the state went into hiding after the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun came into the state and obtained a court warrant to arrest 60 of their members.

As we speak, there are about 10 in detention in Abuja without trial. Two days ago they came to pick up a local government chairperson. This man (the chairperson) was attacked and shot at. He reported and the police said he should come and give evidence and he went, they arrested him as we speak hes in Abuja.

I say even if offences were committed in Edo State why wont you not charge the offences here and put them on trial here, whey take them Abuja. Are these offences of high treason? And then in Abuja why not charge them to court in Abuja, he queried.

Speaking further, Mr Obaseki accused Mr Egbetokun of undermining his office as the chief security officer of Edo State.

And for me, my role as the chief security officer is being made nonsense of by the IGP because I heard the chairperson was arrested and I called the commissioner (of police). I say I understand this has happened, if there is anything let me know. He said I will come back to you, sir.

He ignored me, he didnt say anything the next morning by 4 a.m., he moved that person to Abuja and as we speak they are all there.

He then queried why his party should sign a peace accord while their supporters are in detention without trial and said they have no confidence in the police to protect them.

So sir, (referring to Mr Abubakar) in the video. Why should we? Because clearly what we are seeing is it is going to be a very violent election and they are going to use the forces of coercion and intimidation to win the election in Edo, whether we like it or not: thats the message.

We say no until everybody arrested in Edo is released or brought back to Edo to be tried on whatever offences you claimed theyve committed. Weve no confidence that the police are going to protect us in this election, the governor said.

Speaking at the peace signing ceremony on Thursday, Mr Abubakar said, the governor had told him that his party will come to Abuja to sign the peace accord when the conditions were met.

The Force spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, when contacted, said he was at an event and asked that a text message be sent to him. Mr Adejobi did not respond to a text message seeking his comment at the time of filing this report.

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Media leaders in Nigeria have set up an initiative to mobilise local and international support for residents of the North-eastern state of Borno facing humanitarian crisis resulting from the severe flood in Maiduguri, Damask, and Bagga local government areas of the state.

The initiative, led by Kadaria Ahmed, the founder of RadioNow, brought together media leaders from PREMIUM TIMES, ThisDay, Daar Communications, Channels TV, Tozali TV, VON, Women Radio, Family Love FM, and other prominent organisations.

It seeks to strategise, coordinate and enhance the coverage of the floods impact. It is also concerned with supporting affected communities, raising public awareness about the disaster and mobilising humanitarian aid for victims.

The Chief Adviser for Sustainable Development and Humanitarian Aid in Borno State, Mairo Mandara, made an urgent call for intervention as flood continues to wreak havoc across Maiduguri, Damasak, and Bagga.

Speaking during the virtual meeting with the media executives on Wednesday, Mrs Mandara highlighted the deteriorating conditions of displaced residents, including severe food shortages, lack of rescue vehicles, and the overcrowding of unsanitary camps.

The situation in Borno is bad; people are still trapped, with no access to food and a shortage of high vehicles and choppers, she said.

She emphasised the dire public health risks due to the poor living conditions in the camps, urging swift action to prevent a health crisis.

In response, media leaders across proposed several immediate measures, including the creation of a real-time WhatsApp situation room to track the floods impact and deliver updates, in efforts to mitigate the crisis.

They also plan to launch unified radio and digital campaigns to solicit donations and direct the public to verified donation channels. Additionally, the group intends to leverage social media influencers to amplify the crisis using targeted hashtags.

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The coalition also committed to framing the floods as a national emergency to attract more attention from both the federal government and international aid agencies.

The floods, which have submerged large portions of Maiduguri and surrounding areas, have displaced thousands. Although floodwaters have begun to recede in some areas, the need for immediate relief remains critical.

The media organisations involved have pledged to continue their coverage and support for the victims as the crisis unfolds.

The Maiduguri Flood

Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, is grappling with widespread flooding following the collapse of the Alau Dam, which had been at full capacity for a week, PREMIUM TIMES reported.

On Tuesday, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Security in Borno State, Usman Tar, issued a statement urging residents along riverbanks to evacuate immediately.

Due to the exceptionally high water levels, we urge all residents living near the riverbanks to take immediate action to safeguard their lives and properties, said Mr Tar, a professor.

He added that the collapse of the Alau Dam breached another channel, causing destruction to farmlands and threatening nearby communities.

He urged residents to follow designated routes to ensure safe passage. The last time such a breach occurred was in 1994, which resulted in extensive flooding across Maiduguri.

Meanwhile, the Director-General of the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Barkindo Mohammed, described the situation as catastrophic.

Some media reports indicated that floodwaters from the collapsed dam have submerged vast parts of Maiduguri, leaving thousands displaced and searching for higher ground. Heavy rainfall across the state has worsened the flooding in Biu, Chibok, Konduga, Bama, Dikwa, and Jere Local Government Areas.

SEMA is conducting rescue operations while distributing sandbags to mitigate further damage. Were in the field conducting rescue operations, but the situation is overwhelming, said Mr Mohammed. At one point, we found ourselves trapped while trying to assist others.

Federal government speaks

President Tinubu on Tuesday expressed his condolences to the victims and promised federal assistance.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President referred to the disaster as the worst flood in decades and urged the immediate evacuation of residents in affected areas.

The flooding, triggered by the overflow of the Alau Dam, has displaced thousands and damaged key infrastructure, including the Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and the Central Post Office, the statement read.

President Tinubu also directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide urgent assistance and pledged the Federal Governments continued support.

Also, Vice President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima, who spoke at the 17th Annual Banking and Finance Conference in Abuja on Tuesday, reaffirmed the governments commitment to addressing the crisis. After this conference, I will be heading to Maiduguri to oversee the response efforts, he said.

This disaster is not limited to Borno; flooding is affecting communities across the country, from Bayelsa to Sokoto.

Mr Shettima also extended his sympathies to flood victims nationwide, assuring them that the administration would mobilise all necessary resources to provide relief.

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A group of Abia State pensioners has appealed to Governor Alex Otti to revisit and rescind the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed with their leaders and pay them their remaining retirement benefits.

The group, operating under the Abia Pensioners Forum, a pressure group within the state chapter of Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), made the appeal on Wednesday in Umuahia, the state capital.

The groups coordinator, Okey Kanu, made the appeal while briefing reporters on the governors claim that his government had defrayed the pension arrears left behind by Okezie Ikpeazus administration.

Mr Kanu implored the governor to pay the balance of their pension arrears and gratuity.

He said that before the MOA, many of their members were cumulatively owed up to 60 months, while the last gratuity payment was in 2002.

He commended Mr Otti for the regular payment of their monthly pension since April and his effort to develop the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the governor said in April that the state had paid all the pension arrears owed to at least 12,500 pensioners dating back to 2014.

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The governor had disclosed that over N9 billion was spent from the N10 billion set aside by the government to offset the accumulated pension arrears.

Meanwhile, Mr Kanu said that the governor was free to liquidate the balance of the retirement benefits in instalments if the government could not do so in one go.

He said that the state government and NUP officials had signed an MOA, in which the government forfeited their pension and gratuity arrears.

He said that the minutes of the enlarged NUP meeting of 11 January, referred to by the government in the MOA, showed that the issue of gratuity was not mentioned.

Mr Kanu, a lawyer, insisted that what was deliberated on was the issue of pension arrears.

He said: In effect, signing the MOA containing the forfeiture of our gratuity in addition was ultra vires to NUP officers, hence not binding on our members.

To date, the MOA has remained a secret document to our members.

We gathered that the state NUP officials had written two letters to the (Abia) State Government, requesting a meeting to discuss grey areas of the MOA.

One of such grey areas, according to the NUP officials, is that the issue of gratuity was never part of their negotiation and agreement with the government.

Mr Kanu said that the arrears of pension and gratuity were not negotiable because they are personal, statutory and their legitimate entitlements in the service.

He contended that gratuity was savings from their salary, while they were in service and was supposed to be paid to them immediately on retirement.

According to him, it is unfathomable how the state government could negotiate with vulnerable pensioners, who are deprived and famished over the years.

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The Anambra State Government says it is investigating the whereabouts of unremitted pension funds for local government workers and primary school teachers in the state.

The state Head of Service, Theodora Igwegbe, said this at a Workshop on Contributory Pension Scheme, organised by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress in Awka on Wednesday.

Mrs Igwegbe said the state government did not suspend the scheme.

She said that all the deductions from local government workers and primary school teachers from July 2014 and 2018 were not remitted to the Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs), which challenged the integrity of the system.

This was one of the matters I was confronted with when I assumed office and the governor has set up a committee to look into what is going on in respect of workers welfare and also discover who is holding the funds.

Im assuring you that when the committee finishes this assignment, the truth will be unravelled and the funds will be recovered and returned to PFAs.

Also, from 2018 to 2022, the government was not paying its counterpart fund, and the governor directed the office of the Accountant-General to start paying the 10 per cent that should be coming from the government to the PFAs.

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The state government is not indebted to any of the PFAs regarding the 10 per cent contributions.

Where we have issues is in the council and primary schools; hence, the ongoing investigation to find out what happened and where the money is, she said.

Mrs Igwegbe said there was a need for the Anambra House of Assembly to amend the Pension Reform Law.

Anambra promulgated its own Pension Law in 2013 and now there are defects.

Soon, the pension reform law in the state will be reviewed in line with the Federal Law for seamless implementation, she said.

In a remark, Princewill Onwuka, a pension fund administrator and regional manager at Access Pensions Ltd., said a pension board or commission in Anambra was needed.

The commission or board will take care of pensions, and it will be a one-stop shop for everything concerning pensions in the state.

However, Pension Law at the federal level was enacted in 2004 and amended in 2014, the amendment is currently ongoing at the Senate.

The inputs we make today will be forwarded to the assembly to amend the law and make it a workable instrument.

Earlier in an address, the state NLC Chairperson, Humphrey Nwafor, said the workshop was organised to help workers understand the issues around the scheme in the state.

(NAN)

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The bill seeking to amend the Delta State Child Rights Law passed through a Second Reading at the state House of Assembly on Wednesday.

The bills sponsor, Marilyn Okowa-Daramola (PDP-Ika North East), said during plenary that the amendment became necessary to cover 12 sections of the principal law.

Mrs Okowa-Daramola said the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, and Social Development would implement the proposed law when it is passed rather than the Ministry of Education, as stated in the principal law.

The lawmaker urged other Assembly members to support the bills speedy passage.

Lawmakers who spoke in favour of the bill included the Deputy Speaker, Arthur Akpowowo, Deputy Majority Leader, Festus Okoh and Bridget Anyafulu (PDP-Oshimili South).

They commended the sponsor of the bill for initiating the amendment, saying the timing was apt.

The Assembly unanimously adopted the bill when put to a voice vote by the Speaker, Dennis Guwor.

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Afterward, Mr Guwor referred the bill to the House Committee on Housing, Women Affairs, and Humanitarian Support Services for further legislative scrutiny.

Meanwhile, the Assembly also screened and confirmed two additional nominees for appointment as secretaries in two local governments.

The nominees are Aluge-Obia Kainji for Ika South and Mr John Ewenede  Ughelli South.

The Speaker congratulated the nominees and encouraged them to serve their respective councils well.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the House screened and confirmed the appointment of 17 nominees as secretaries in 17 local governments on Tuesday.

(NAN)

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A Lagos State Magistrate Court in Badagry, on Wednesday, ordered the remand of Sunday Lukas in a correctional centre for allegedly defiling a nine-year-old girl.

The chief magistrate, Patrick Adekomaiya, directed that the 44-year-old be remanded at the Awarjigoh Correctional Centre in Badagry after he pleaded not guilty to the alleged crime.

He also ordered that the case file be sent to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for legal advice.

Earlier, the police prosecutor, Ayodele Adeosun, told the court that the defendant committed the alleged offence on 28 May, around noon, at 4 Aribena Street, Ijanikin, Lagos.

The prosecutor told the court that the suspect indecently assaulted the girl by inserting his fingers into her pubic area.

According to him, the offence committed contravened Section 135, of the criminal law of Lagos State 2015.

Consequently, the magistrate remanded him in prison custody pending legal advice from the DPP.

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He adjourned the case until 28 October, when a ruling on the defendants bail application and the DPPs advice will be considered.

Gender-based violence

Lately, there has been an increase in reported cases of sexual and gender-based violence.

Lagos, for instance, recorded 24,009 cases of gender-based violence in the last five years between January 2019 and December 2023.

Also, in the Northern part of the country, the Salma Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) in Kafanchan, Kaduna State, has recorded 3,977 cases of sexual and gender-based violence since its inception in 2019.

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The police have arrested nine suspects after a violent conflict left many houses destroyed in Itamah in Kogi State.

The clashes occurred after the assassination of the communitys traditional ruler, Job Shagari.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Bethrand Onuoha, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lokoja on Thursday.

Mr Shagari was assassinated by some gunmen who invaded the community on 9 August.

His death created a rift between two families  the Okenyi Abu-Atika and Shagari-Ebijegor, resulting in the communal crisis.

The police said they were trailing other suspects.

What the police are calling for now is for peace to be allowed to reign in the Itamah community.

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The destruction done in that community is very unfortunate and uncalled for.

We want a situation where the aggrieved families should come to a round table for dialogue toward finding a lasting solution.

A situation where the community members are involved in an eye for an eye, the whole community will be blind and there wont be peace there at all, he said.

Mr Onuoha denied an allegation that the police did not respond to petitions after some houses and other property were razed.

Akoh Jonah, spokesman of the Okenyi Abu-Atika, said more than 40 houses were burnt during the crisis, alleging that the police arrested 11 members of his family.

However, Gideon Attah from the Shagari-Ebijegor family also claimed that his family members were also victims of the attacks.

We are calling on the government and our traditional rulers  the Attah Igala and the Eje of Idaho  to organise a peace meeting among the aggrieved parties to restore peace to the community, he pleaded. (NAN)

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An Iyaganku Magistrates Court in Ibadan on Thursday remanded 24-year-old Nurudeen Hammed in a correctional facility, for allegedly killing his grandfather and uncle.

Mr Hammed, whose address was not provided, is standing trial on a two-count charge of murder.

The magistrate, Oluwabusayo Osho, did not take the plea of the defendant for want of jurisdiction.

She directed the police to return the case file to the office of the Directorate for Public Prosecution (DPP) for legal advice.

Mrs Osho, thereafter, adjourned the case until 12 November for mention.

Earlier, the prosecutor, Olalekan Adegbite, told the court that the defendant committed the offences on 8 September at Apete area of Ibadan.

Mr Adegbite, a police inspector, said the defendant unlawfully caused the death of two people, his 80-year-old grandfather, Jimoh Oyekola, and his 46-year-old uncle, Semiu Oyekola.

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The prosecutor said that the defendant killed the two men by strangulating his grandfather and by hitting a power bank on his uncles jaw.

He told the court that the defendant usually stole from his grandfathers house.

Mr Adegbite said on the fateful day, Mr Hammed attacked his grandfather and uncle, when they tried to prevent him from stealing from their house.

According to him, Mr Hammed strangled his grandfather and hit his uncle with a power bank, when he tried to rescue the old man.

He said the offences contravene Sections 319 and 316 of the Criminal Law of Oyo State, 2000.

(NAN)

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President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sadness over the transition of Adekunle Aromolaran, the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Osun State.

Mr Aromolaran, the highly revered first-class monarch, died at the age of 86. While on the throne, he also served as chairman of the Osun State Council of Traditional Rulers.

As a traditional ruler, Mr Aromolaran kept his palace above the fray of partisan politics. He was open to all political tendencies.

On behalf of the federal government, President Tinubu extended heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Osun State, the good people of Ijesaland, and the family of the late traditional ruler.

The president affirmed that the departed monarch firmly believed in the values of Yoruba culture and African tradition. His respect for these values and systems defined his remarkable 42-year reign on the throne of his ancestors.

President Tinubu paid tribute to the departed monarch, expressing his deep admiration for Mr Aromolarans unwavering support, optimism, and commitment to Nigerias justice, unity, and prosperity. His dedication to these noble causes inspired us all.

The president noted that the late Mr Aromolaran will be long remembered for his useful educational contributions through his many books and publications, his advocacy for what is right and fair, and his protection of the vulnerable from exploitation.

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The president prayed that God Almighty will grant the late kings soul eternal rest and comfort to all who mourn the passage of this great leader.

Bayo Onanuga

Special Adviser to the President

(Information & Strategy)

September 12, 2024

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The Katsina State Government-owned security outfit, Community Watch Corps, has intercepted a vehicle loaded with 610 rounds of ammunition in Batsari Local Government Area of the state.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, DNasir Muazu, on Wednesday in Katsina.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Batsari is among the frontline local government areas bedevilled by insecurity.

A significant security operation was carried out by our men on 10 September 2024, at approximately 7:30 p.m., in Batsari town.

Acting on credible intelligence, members of the community watch corps intercepted a commercial vehicle with registration number BTR 45 XA, carrying 17 passengers  13 females and four males, including the driver.

During a routine stop-and-search at a checkpoint, the corps discovered a cache of ammunition hidden under the seat, which was later found to contain 610 rounds of ammunition of both AK-47 and General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), and two magazines, he said.

The commissioner said the suspect, wearing white voile clothes, exhibited suspicious behaviour throughout the journey.

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He initially insisted on sitting at the rear of the vehicle and appeared visibly uncomfortable and anxious when the vehicle was stopped for inspection.

The suspect managed to evade capture, leaving behind the concealed ammunition, he said.

The commissioner said the state government, under Governor Dikko Radda, is committed to maintaining peace and security across the state.

READ ALSO: Katsina government to create development watchdogs across state

He assured members of the public that the government would continue to support and enhance the capabilities of its security apparatus to combat all forms of criminality in the state.

(NAN)

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The Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Danladi Jatau, has appealed to Gov. Abdullahi Sule to renovate the Assembly complex and make it conducive for effective legislative duties.

Mr Jatau made the appeal after an inspection tour round the complex on Wednesday in Lafia.

He noted that the complex had not witnessed complete renovation since 2012 and that some offices were already in a deplorable state.

The speaker maintained that conducive environment was crucial to sound and robust legislature.

According to him, lawmakers and staff members are living in a situation where most of the facilities are not working properly.

Haven gone round, we have seen that almost all offices are not conducive for Honourable members and staff as expected.

Facilities such as Air Conditioners and other appliances are not functional, thereby making things a bit difficult for everybody.

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We, therefore, appeal to His Excellency, Governor Abdullahi Sule to come to our aid by renovating this House for effective legislative duties, he said.

Jatau commended Gov. Sule for prioritising the welfare of members and staff of the assembly.

He assured the governor of the Assemblys continuous support to enable him to succeed in delivering good governance to the people of Nasarawa State.

Nasarawas decaying public schools

The speakers appeal for the renovation of the House of Assembly Complex comes just weeks after a PREMIUM TIMES investigation revealed that 70 per cent of the public primary and secondary schools in the state are with dangerously dilapidated structures, suffering acute shortage of conducive classrooms, furniture, teachers and other facilities.

Experts said the public schools are unsuitable for genuine learning and teaching due to their terrible state of disrepair and lack of basic facilities.

The Nasarawa State authorities have yet to respond to the story or make public any plan to redeem the schools which have suffered acute neglect for years.

In 2021, the state government estimated that it needed N40 billion to fix the schools. However, the conditions of the schools have worsened due to continued neglect.

( NAN)

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The Jigawa State Government has distributed food and non-food items to 15,755 persons displaced by flood in 17 local government areas of the state.

Governor Umar Namadi stated this on Wednesday during the inauguration of the relief items distribution exercise in Kiyawa, headquarters of Kiyawa Local Government Area of the state.

He said the state government in collaboration with the federal government, development organisations and philanthropists would continue to support the victims of the disaster.

He also commiserated with families of the 36 persons who lost their lives and those who lost their houses and farmlands to the disaster.

The Commissioner for Special Duties, Auwal Dalladi-Sankara, said the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), had responded promptly to the disaster by providing relief items to the victims.

We also provided second relief materials, and today we are giving other relief materials to the victims living at various Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps.

He said the agency would provide support to the affected persons using the comprehensive register compiled in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), during the flood impact assessment exercise.

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Also, Haruna Mairiga, the Executive Secretary, SEMA, said the disaster affected more than 50,000 households and 15,755 of them were staying in 12 IDP camps across the state.

Mr Mairiga said that 1,200 displaced persons in Buji and 3,200 others in Kiyawa benefitted from the gesture, adding that the exercise would be extended to the remaining IDPs in camps.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that each of the beneficiaries received a 10kg bag of rice, 10kg bag of millet,10kg bag of maize, one carton of pasta and a token of N20,000.

(NAN)

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The federal government has handed over 12,367 bags of rice to the Sokoto State Government as part of the palliative measures to cushion the effects of economic hardship in the country.

The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, and Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Political Matters, Ibrahim Masari, presented the bags of rice on Thursday.

In his address, Mr Bagudu said the gesture was part of a presidential initiative to support states in cushioning the effects of the controversial fuel subsidy removal.

He stressed that fertiliser, grains and other food items were distributed earlier aside other support on transportation systems, housing and others.

The minister described the present economic challenges as a global phenomenon,which, he said, is mainly due to conflicts, climate change, poor demographic planning and other issues.

Also speaking, Mr Masari explained that President Tinubu has introduced several measures to support Nigerians on the present economic challenges and improve their wellbeing.

He said the present challenges were temporary in view of a long term socioeconomic mechanism designed to salvage the nation.

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He enjoined Nigerians to understand the situation and support President Tinubus renewed hope policies and strategic planning for meaningful developments.

Governor Ahmad Aliyu commended Mr Tinubus style of leadership and assured more support in order to ease peoples sufferings and ensure infrastructural developments across the country.

Mr Aliyu said the state government has received 60 trucks of fertilizer and 20 trucks of grains that were distributed to the citizens free across the 23 local government areas of the state.

He noted that the state government had also procured 12, 367 bags of rice for free distribution while other bags were earmarked to be sold at half prices to citizens.

The governor added that the state government has also distributed 9,200 bags of rice with N5,000 to the needy and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) through Zakat and endowment commission.

He said his administration has procured 120 vehicles for interstates, intra township and local government transportation systems besides 1,000 motorcycles and 100 tricycles to youths in order to enhance the services to the residents.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that beneficiaries included religious groups, physically challenged persons, traditional institutions, youth and women associations and others.

A cross-section of beneficiaries expressed gratitude over the gesture.

The event was attended by Aliyu Wamakko, former governor of the state and APC senator representing Sokoto Central, Secretary to the State Government, Bello Sifawa, among others. (NAN)

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The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says the Air Component of Operation Whirl Punch, on Wednesday, eliminated no fewer than 28 terrorists in strikes at Bassa, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.

This is contained in a statement by the Deputy Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF, Kabiru Ali, a captain, on Thursday, in Abuja.

Mr Ali said the operation was targeted at the criminal elements terrorising communities in the local government area.

He said the successful air interdiction mission was conducted on 11 September upon receipt of a request for air support from friendly forces in the area. PREMIUM TIMES had reported an early morning invasion of the community by suspected Boko Haram terrorists.

According to him, the NAF air assets observed over 100 terrorists engaging friendly forces in a fierce firefight.

After confirming the positions of friendly troops, the NAF conducted precision airstrikes on the terrorists positions.

The strikes were devastating, neutralising dozens of terrorists in successive passes.

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As of the time of reporting, 28 bodies had been recovered from the target area, with several more terrorists, weapons, and burnt motorcycles still being cleared, he said.

Mr Ali said the successful operation underscored the NAFs commitment to protecting the nation and supporting sister services and other security agencies in combating banditry, terrorism, insurgency and all other forms of criminality.

Nigerians can be assured that NAF will continue to conduct air operations, both independently and in collaboration with surface forces.

This is to eliminate all threats to the peace, prosperity and security of our great nation, he said.

PREMIUM TIMES reported an early morning invasion of the garrison town of Bassa in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State by terrorists suspected to be members of Boko Haram on Wednesday.

Local sources around the village told PREMIUM TIMES that they had been hearing sporadic gunshots from the axis since 5:30 a.m. on Wednesday.

In one of the attacks on the town earlier this year, terrorists killed some soldiers, including a captain. The situation led to the withdrawal of troops from the town.

PREMIUM TIMES understands that residents recently returned to Bassa after the government deployed joint security operatives to protect the area.

When the attack started this morning, the security operatives told residents to stay indoors while they exchanged fire with the assailants, a source who received a call from Bassa this morning said.

Bassa has come under intense attacks from Boko Haram terrorists camping in the nearby Allawa forest reserve.

Many times, bandits crossing into the town through Zamfaras Kuyambana and Kadunas Kamuku forest reserves held the residents hostage  killing, raping, kidnapping and maiming men and women.

Terrorists suffer defeat

The terrorists first invaded Bassa around 3 a.m. on Wednesday, but they were repelled by the joint operatives including local vigilantes and hunters deployed to the community.

Yusuf Dangana, a youth leader from Bassa told PREMIUM TIMES that the security operatives killed 21 terrorists during the first phase of the attack.

The security [operatives] did not suffer any casualty on their side, Mr Dangana said. But we lost two of our people.

Mr Dangana added that the security operatives captured four of the terrorists.

Among those killed include Zakaree Adam and a woman, Malawe Ali. They were killed when the terrorists reinforced back to the community.

(NAN)

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The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun on Wednesday said that 35,000 personnel of the Nigeria Police Force had been deployed to Edo for the 21 September governorship election.

Mr Egbetokun also said that 8,000 personnel from other security agencies had also been deployed.

He said this at a stakeholders meeting organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Benin ahead of the governorship election.

The police chief also announced the indefinite suspension of the Edo State Security Network.

He warned that no private or state-owned security apparatus would be allowed to operate during and after the election.

I am here today to address critical issues before the 21 September governorship election. This meeting presents an opportunity to reaffirm the integrity of our democratic process.

The task of securing the electoral process rest solely on the police and the police will be supported by other security agencies in the state.

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We understand the vital role we have to play in the election and we pledge to safeguard the process, including INEC materials to be used for the election.

We have the mandate to provide a conducive environment, and our approach is grounded in professionalism, he said.

Mr Egbetokun said that the police have deployed a total number of 35,000 personnel and 8,000 from other security agencies to complement the police.

He said the police would strictly enforce the no-movement restrictions order from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Election Day.

He assured Edo people of their safety throughout the election, urging them to come out and vote with the confidence that their safety was guaranteed.

He, however, warned against political thuggery and violence, saying that the police would deal with anyone found wanting.

It is in this regard that I direct all local security outfits in the state to refrain from interfering in election matters.

Therefore, the activities of the Edo State Security Network remains suspended till further notice, he said.

According to him, police personnel have been well-trained to carry out their duties without bias.

(NAN)

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The bilateral energy cooperation meeting between the United States and Nigeria as part of the inaugural US-Nigeria Strategic Energy Dialogue began on Wednesday in Washington DC.

The US Department of State uploaded details of the agenda of the meeting on its website. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) obtained it from the website on Thursday.

The US-Nigeria dialogue is scheduled to be held between 11 and 12 September.

The Department of State said that, through its Energy and Mineral Governance Programme (EMGP), it was committed to reducing methane emissions from Nigerias oil and gas sector.

According to the State Department, it will do so by renewing technical assistance to further support the Nigerian government and Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd.

It said that the US Agency for International Development (USAID), through its Power Africa initiative, was committing an additional 75-85 million dollars in technical assistance to Nigeria.

The funding, it said, was to finalise the implementing partner before the end of the 2024, and build on the successes of Power Africas Nigeria programmes.

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Over the next five years, it will improve the delivery and sustainability of electricity services in Nigeria while accelerating Nigerias power sector decarbonisation.

Through this programme, Power Africa aims to provide more Nigerian homes, businesses, and institutions with sustainable access to electricity, the State Department said.

According to the Department of State, other highlights include the launching of the Clean Energy Alliance of Nigeria (CLEAN).

In support of the Clean Energy Demand Initiative, the Department of States Power Sector Programme (PSP) will launch a clean energy buyers club in the fall of 2024.

This is to bring together a coalition of corporate consumers, public sector leaders, and other stakeholders to champion the development and use of clean, reliable, and affordable energy resources.

In addition, PSP will provide regulatory technical assistance to promote clean energy investment in Nigeria, it said.

The highlights also include the more than 1.3 million dollars commitment for clean energy technical support to Nigerian partners by the Department of Energys (DOE) Net Zero World programme.

The Department explained that, with this, DOE and its national labs would facilitate the effort toward a clean energy capacity building with Nigeria through DOEs Net Zero World programme.

This includes five priority workstreams on methane mitigation from oil and gas sector, tota energy sector planning and policy support.

It also includes a scale up of energy distribution nationally, expanded power sector support, and regional energy market advancement.

In addition, DOE appreciates Nigerian governments participation in some of its multilateral engagements, such as the Carbon Management Challenge and the Measurement, Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MMRV) partnership, it said.

Another highlight of the energy dialogue is that the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) will welcome the Nigeria Methane Abatement and Flare Gas Utilisation Solutions Reverse Trade Mission (RTM) in October.

The Nigerian delegation is scheduled to visit Washington, DC, Pittsburgh; the Permian Basin; and Houston during their 10-day visit from 20 to 30 October.

The RTM will connect delegates from Nigerias public and private sectors with the latest U.S. technologies, services, and best practices for methane abatement and flare gas utilisation in the oil and gas sector, it said.

The State Department further said that another highlight of the event is a capacity-building programme for US-Nigeria collaboration under the Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology (FIRST).

A workshop and series of other capacity-building programmes will occur with Nigerian partners in the coming months under the FIRST capacity-building programme.

FIRST support will advance Nigerias consideration of the potential role of advanced nuclear energy technologies in Nigerias clean energy mix, consistent with the highest standards of nuclear security, safety, and nonproliferation, the State Department said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the senior delegation from the Nigerian government is led by the Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo.

The Department of State is hosting the dialogue, while Geoffrey Pyatt, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Energy Resources (ENR), is leading it.

(NAN)

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Emmanuella Arukwe, managing director of the NNPC Foundation, has expressed concern over the rising prevalence of heart disease fatalities in the country.

Mrs Arukwe spoke at the 53rd annual general meeting and scientific conference organised by the Nigerian Cardiac Society on Wednesday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The theme of the conference was Socio-Economic Burden of Rising Cardiovascular Disease Profile in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Represented by Dominion Eugenia, the Foundations executive director of finance, Mrs Arukwe said that the foundation was supporting healthcare initiatives to lower mortality rates.

She said that data from global health institutions revealed more than 18 million annual deaths from cardiac failure, making the disease the leading cause of global deaths, at 32 per cent.

In Africa, cardiovascular diseases cause about 11 per cent deaths, with rising prevalence attributed to lifestyle changes and urbanisation.

In Nigeria, an estimated 12 per cent of the adult population suffers from various cardiovascular conditions.

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She stressed the need for enhanced healthcare interventions and public awareness, noting the foundations decision to collaborate with the Nigerian Cardiac Society and health facilities nationwide to tackle the disease.

NNPC Foundation is dedicated to fostering health and wellbeing, advancing education, supporting environmental sustainability and empowering communities.

Our healthcare initiatives aim to enhance access to quality medical services, support innovative research, and improve overall health outcomes for communities across Nigeria.

We are committed to easing the financial burden on individuals facing economic challenges and ensuring access to essential treatments for everyone, she said.

Cost-effective methods for cardiovascular health

For his part, Augustine Odili, president of the Nigerian Cardiac Society, said that cardiologists at the conference would brainstorm on solutions to reduce the countrys increasing cardiovascular mortality rate.

He added that they would come up with cost-effective methods to enhance the cardiovascular health of Nigerians.

Nigerias economic situation necessitates low-cost measures that can make a maximum impact for the people.

This conference gathered stakeholders from various sectors, including policymakers, academia, civil society organisations and individuals living with heart conditions to advocate for healthier hearts, he said.

Heart disease nearing epidemic levels in Nigeria

Retired Justice Mary Peter-Odili, who chaired the meeting, warned that heart disease was nearing epidemic levels in the country and called for collective action.

Mrs Peter-Odili, the pro-chancellor, Rivers State University, noted the alarming trend of children being born with treatable heart conditions due to inadequate healthcare infrastructure.

She called for the establishment of Regional Cardiovascular Disease Centres of Excellence to provide advanced care.

These centres can be hubs for research, training, and the provision of high-quality care, setting new standards for cardiovascular health, she advised.

Rivers Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu reiterated the state governments commitment to improving access to healthcare.

She said funds had been allocated to strengthen medical institutions in the state to address cardiovascular disease and other health conditions.

However, there is a need for people to adopt healthier lifestyles and reduce their intake of processed foods, drinks and GMOs, she advised.

In a keynote address, Amam Mbakwem, the vice president of World Heart Federation, said that high blood pressure, kidney issues and elevated fasting glucose levels were among the conditions contributing to heart disease.

(NAN)

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Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company has unveiled its first locally produced electric vehicle in Nigeria.

Innoson is a vehicle manufacturing company based in Nnewi in Anambra State, Nigerias South-east.

The Innoson spokesperson, Cornel Osigwe, announced this in a post on his Facebook page on Wednesday.

The initial batch of IVM electric cars has been completely sold out, Mr Osigwe said.

He said he has received hundreds of phone calls and payments from interested clients who want to buy the companys electric vehicles.

My inbox was filled with enquiries on the prices. The first set, which are few in numbers, are now currently sold out, he stated.

Mr Osigwe, however, did not mention the cost of the companys electric vehicle.

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Test-driving

In an earlier post on Wednesday, Mr Osigwe, uploaded a video clip which showed him test-driving one of the companys electric vehicles.

This is the first Innoson electric vehicle. This is good. This is sound, he stated.

Electric vehicles in Nigeria

There have been efforts by the Nigerian government to stimulate energy switching from petrol use to alternative sources.

The efforts are geared towards reducing carbon emissions from vehicles using petrol for road transport.

After removing the petrol subsidy on 29 May 2023, President Bola Tinubu launched the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative in October last year to deliver cheaper, safer and more climate-friendly energy.

Meanwhile, the Innoson Electric Vehicle is not the first in Nigeria.

In 2021, the then-Nigerias Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, drove Kona, the electric car assembled in Nigeria, during a Made-in-Nigeria exhibition.

However, electric vehicles are not common in Nigeria.

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A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) politician in Ibadan, Benedict Akika, who was kidnapped by gunmen on 4 September at his Olorunda Abba residence, has regained his freedom.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in Oyo State, Adewale Osifeso, a superintendent of police, confirmed his release in a press statement on Thursday in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr Akika was kidnapped around 9:30 p.m. at his residence in the Lagelu Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The PPRO said the politician regained his freedom after days of an intensive manhunt by the Commands tactical, intelligence, and operational assets.

Mr Osifeso said the search and rescue mission strategically extended to combing adjoining forests across Ijagun in Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State, Ore in Ondo State, and Uselu in Edo Edo State.

He said Mr Akika regained his freedom late evening on Wednesday and was still undergoing medical intervention before his final reunion with his loved ones.

Efforts are currently in top gear to apprehend members of the criminal network responsible for the reprehensible act, Mr Osifeso said.

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He appealed to residents to assist the Police Command in ongoing investigations by providing timely and credible information.

The Oyo State Police Command reaffirms its resolve to ensure that the state is not turned into a playground for the sinister-minded, the PPRO said in the statement.

(NAN)

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The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has renamed OVH Energy Marketing Limited as NNPC Retail Limited on its database, a check by PREMIUM TIMES has shown.

The rename was done via a special resolution dated 11 June 2024, by the board of the company.

Last month, PREMIUM TIMES reported how a court ruling had effectively dissolved the downstream arm of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Retail) and transferred its ownership to OVH Energy Marketing Limited.

The NNPC Retail officially no longer exists after it asked a court to transfer its ownership and properties to a firm it claimed to have bought.

This newspaper also reported that the NNPC Retail, with registration number 826223, incorporated on 21 June 2009, and Nueoil Energy with registration number 1902885, incorporated on 8 March 2022, have been dissolved by CAC, while the OVH Energy Marketing Limited with registration number 655791, incorporated on 5 June 2006 remained active.

However, an official search by this newspaper shows that the OVH Energy Marketing Limited with registration number 655791, incorporated on 5 June 2006 has been renamed as NNPC Retail Limited.

The renaming took effect from 2 September 2024 and a certificate signed by Hussaini Magaji, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and the Registrar General of the Corporate Affairs Commission has been issued to that effect.

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PREMIUM TIMES reported NNPC Ltds controversial purchase of OVH Energy Marketing Limited and how the purchased company essentially took over the management of the buyer, which an NNPC insider described as the most ridiculous business acquisition in the world.

NNPC Ltd bought OVH from Nueoil Energy Limited a month after Nueoil Energy acquired OVH in September 2022.

However, in June, the three firms  NNPC Retail, OVH and Nueoil  jointly filed a petition at the Federal High Court in Lagos. In it, they asked the court to grant eight orders, including an order that NNPC Retail be dissolved without being wound up and that the resultant company from the scheme shall be OVH.

The petitioners further asked that all tax attributes, unutilised capital allowances, tax losses, withholding tax credits and other refunds available, but excluding the Nueoil Energy shares in the OVH Energy Marketing Limited, liabilities and business undertakings, including real property and intellectual property rights of the NNPC Retail and Nueoil Energy Limited be transferred to the OVH Energy Marketing Limited subject to the terms and conditions set out in the scheme without any further act or deed.

The court granted all eight orders, ordering that the merger be effective from 1 January. The court also mandated that all necessary incidental, consequential, and supplemental orders be made to ensure the full and effective implementation of the merger.

In his reaction to PREMIUM TIMES report, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last election and former vice president of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, expressed astonishment at the operations of the NNPC Ltd and how the government-owned oil company had put its retail arm under the control of OVH, which he claimed was owned by Wale Tinubu, a relative of President Bola Tinubu.

Atiku regretted that his intention to privatise the NNPC and increase its transparency has been overshadowed by what he describes as the criminal hijack of the NNPC by corporate cabals around the current president, according to the statement signed by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, said.

However, the NNPC, in its response to Atiku, said at the time it acquired OVH in 2022, Oando (in which Wale Tinubu has equity interest) had fully divested its equity in OVH to the two other partners, Vitol and Helios.

The NNPC explained that Oando began its divestment in 2016, with Vitol and Helios coming in as equity partners, leading to the change of name from Oando to OVH.

In 2019, according to NNPC Ltd, Oando fully divested its equity interest in OVH resulting in Vitol and Helios holding 50 per cent equity interests respectively.

PREMIUM TIMES reported the divestment by Vitol and Helios from OVH which they sold to Nueoil in 2022. NNPC then bought OVH from Nueoil.

Background

NNPC Ltd. announced in October 2022 the acquisition of OVH Energy Marketing Limiteds downstream assets. This acquisition would merge OVH Energy with NNPC Retail, a subsidiary of NNPC Ltd.

The assets acquired from the company, which operated Oando filling stations, also include a reception jetty with 240,000 metric tonnes monthly capacity and eight liquefied petroleum gas plants, three lube blending plants, three aviation depots, and 12 warehouses.

But in June 2023, PREMIUM TIMES investigation on the acquisition exposed the secret deals and the complicated ownership structure that left managerial control of NNPC Retail in the hands of OVH Energy Marketing.

The report also exposed that OVH Energy Marketing may not have owned as many filling stations as it claimed during the merger talks.

In addition, the report highlighted how Huub Stokman, an expatriate and former Chief Executive Officer of OVH Energy, emerged as the new Managing Director of NNPC Retail, a development that further compounded the structure of NNPC Retail.

This newspaper also found out that the acquisition of OVH Energy had turned NNPC Retail into a toxic workspace, with officials of the former taking over the latters running.

Did we acquire them, or did they acquire us? How come they are now the ones in the management, one NNPC Retail staffer told this newspaper.

In July 2023, the House of Representatives, following the adoption of a motion move by Miriam Onuoha (APC, Imo), directed NNPC Ltd to suspend the acquisition pending an investigation by its committee.

Consequently, the House set up an ad-hoc committee with Hassan Nalabraba (APC, Nasarawa) as the chairman and commenced an investigation into the controversial deal in September 2023.

The ad-hoc committee requested the NNPC Ltd to furnish it with information about registration documents/history from CAC for OVH, Nueoil, and NNPC Retail Limited (NRL), Board Resolution of NNPC Ltd on purchase of OVH, Audited Financial Statement and Management Accounts from 2015 to Date OVH, Nueoil, NRL and NNPC Ltd and the payroll from 2015 to date for NRL and OVH, Board Resolution of NRL/CHQ for movement of head office to Lagos and evidence of Tax Payments for NRL and OVH from 2015 to date.

The committee also requested documents on all financial transactions associated with the acquisition, including payment records and fund transfers.

In September 2023, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Mele Kyari, while appearing before the committee investigating the acquisition, said NNPC Ltd operated like a private limited liability company and entered the commercial relationship with OVH to take over market shares in the downstream petroleum market shares. He said NNPC Ltd did nothing wrong in the acquisition.

Meanwhile, some NNPC Retail concerned staff, in a letter dated 25 September 2023, addressed to the chairman of the House Committee, and signed on their behalf by Mohammed Muazuo, noted that the request by the committee was not met.

In October 2023, Mr Nalabraba presented a report on the investigation.

In February, the House of Representatives dissolved the committee investigating the controversial acquisition after the panel presented a report many lawmakers described as suspicious and shabby. The task was subsequently transferred to the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) for a fresh investigation.

In January, NNPC Ltd announced that it was unable to complete the OVH acquisition. It said it intended to apply for operating licences for the facilities under OVH Energy Marketing Limited.

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Former Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso has announced the chairmanship candidates of the New Nigeria People Party (NNPP) for the upcoming local government elections in Kano State.

Mr Kwankwaso, in a week-long screening and selection exercise at his residence at Miller Road, Kano, named the 44 persons to vie for the elections slated for 26 October on the tickets of the states ruling party.

The selection process began on 2 September at Mr Kwankwasos residence after a meeting of the former governor with Deputy Governor Aminu Abdulsalam; the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Jibrin Falgore; and leaders of the Kwankwasiyya contact committee.

The exercise created suspense among the party faithful, with many rooting for different candidates in social media posts.

The states chairperson of the NNPP, Hashim Dungurawa, said the selection process was transparent and backed by the electoral law provisions.

Mr Dungurawa told PREMIUM TIMES Thursday morning that the party trusts Mr Kwankwaso to nominate the right candidates and his decision is final on the selection of candidates.

The constitution and the electoral laws allow the party to screen and nominate candidates for elections and all the party stakeholders were consulted in the selection process, Mr Dungurawa said.

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Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) brought forward the local government elections to 26 October from the earlier scheduled date of 30 November.

KANSIEC chairman, Sani Malumfashi, said the decision was in recognition and conformity with the recent Supreme Court judgement that granted financial autonomy to the local governments and mandated democratic election of the councils as a condition for accessing federal allocations.

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The paramount ruler of Ijesaland, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran, has died at the age of 86, after 42 years on the throne.

The Asiwaju of Ijesaland, Yinka Fasuyi, confirmed his demise in a statement on Thursday, in Osogbo.

An era comes to an abrupt end!

Monumental history closes! The lion departs the forest! The torch bearer of Oduduwa relocates! The symbol of Obokun Adimula transits! The elegance Of Ijesaland royalty takes a bow! Mr Fasuyi wrote in the statement.

The pride of Yoruba traditional intellectualism exits! The conscience of Yoruba traditional rulers departs! The last of the titans bids farewell!

Ijesaland celebrates the life of her Idol!

Ijesaland Extolls The Life Of Our Imperial Majesty. We eulogise the reign of our Owa Obokun Adimula! 42 years of monumental reign comes to a glorious end, the statement concluded.

Biography

Oba Aromolaran, the last born of his mother, was born in 13 October, 1937.

His father, Iluyomade Aromolaran I reigned as the Owa-Obokun of Ijesaland from July 1920 to 31 July, 1942 and his mother, Tinuola Aromolaran, was a princess of Esa-Oke in Ijesaland.

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He started primary school at Otapete Methodist School, Ilesa and completed it at Agbeni Methodist School, Oke Ado, Ibadan.

Oba Aromolaran later attended Ilesa Grammar School, between 1970 and 1974. He was a school teacher before proceeding to Wesley College, Elekuro Ibadan  a teachers training college.

He subsequently studied Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics at Abeokuta Grammar School, Ogun State before attending the then University College Ibadan (UCI) where he obtained the B.Sc. Degree in Economics in 1964.

In 1965, he did a post-graduate diploma in Public Administration at the University of Ife and then went overseas for a management course at the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA), Pittsburgh/Pennsylvania, in the United States of America and graduated with Masters Degree in Mathematical Economics.

He also took a Ph.D. in Development Economics under the supervision of Samson Olayide, a former vice-chancellor of the University of Ibadan. Oba Aromolaran was the first Nigerian Oba to hold a PhD(Economics).

Oba Aromolaran joined the civil service of the old Oyo State, served in various capacities and rose to the post of deputy permanent secretary before he voluntarily resigned his appointment to set up his private business called Aromolaran Publishing Company Limited at Ibadan on December 1, 1971.

The company had branches along the West Coast of Africa in Ghana, Sierra Leone, London and New York (USA). Oba Aromolaran authored over 100 titles for use in primary, secondary and tertiary institutions both in Nigeria and overseas and contributed to national and international journals.

READ ALSO: Court remands Osun traditional ruler for alleged illegal gold mining

He was also an examiner for General Certificate Education (GCE) Advanced Level Economics for West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) in Nigeria, Sierra-Leone and Ghana. Oba Aromolaran was the Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Yola, Adamawa State of Nigeria (now called Modibo Adama Federal University of Technology) from 2002 to 2014. He holds the LLD Degree (Honoris Causa) of the same University.

He was appointed to the throne in 1982.

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The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the military and other organisations have intensified rescue operations as many residents remained trapped or are missing, two days after the flood in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

The North East Acting Zonal Coordinator of NEMA, Sirajo Garba, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Maiduguri on Thursday.

He said that dozens of other people who were trapped in their homes were rescued on Thursday.

We have deployed high suspension vehicles and boats and the military are working on a search and rescue operation particularly in wards like Abbaganaram, Muna, and 505 estate.

On our side as NEMA, we rescued about 200 people between yesterday and today.

On the day of incident, over 1,000 people were rescued, while over 70,000 have been profiled in seven camps.

On the number of casualties, Mr Garba said, the number can not be ascertained now, adding that so far NEMA has issued four body bags.

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As the water continues to recede, we may find dmore bodies, Mr Garba added.

Meanwhile, members of the Nigeria Governors Forum led by its Chairman and Governor of Kwara State, Abdultahman Abdulrazak, arrived in Maiduguri to commiserate with the state government and people of the state.

Others who visited were the National Chairman of APC, Abdullahi Ganduje, Ministers of Water Resources, Interior, Agriculture, and some members of the National Assembly.

NAN reports that Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri during the visit donated N50million, while Rep.Muktar Betara(APC-Borno) donated N100million.

(NAN)

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The Ogun State House of Assembly on Thursday passed the bill seeking to improve electricity generation, transmission and distribution within the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the bill also seeks to establish an electricity market and key power sector bodies, as well as enforce consumer rights and obligations.

Bolanle Ajayi (APC-Yewa South), the Deputy Speaker, presented the report of the Committee of the Whole during plenary in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

Mrs Ajayi moved the motion for the adoption of the report, which was seconded by the Minority Leader, Lukman Adeleye (PDP -Odogbolu).

Yusuf Serif (APC-Ado Odo Ota 1), the Majority Leader, moved the motion for the third reading of the bill and it was seconded by Mr Adeleye.

NAN reports that the lawmakers had during the second reading of the bill on 28 August

took turns to debate the desirability of the bill .

Some of them however thanked the federal and state governments, as well as the National Assembly for moving the issue of electricity from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent Legislative List.

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They noted that it allowed states to generate, transmit and distribute electricity within their jurisdiction.

The legislators explained that the initiative would assist in promoting healthy competition among electricity operators, create enabling environment for industries and boost business investment.

The lawmakers noted that if the state was able to generate power, over 50 per cent of the challenges facing the people would have been resolved.

They opined that access to power would also help reduce rural-urban migration in the state.

(NAN)

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The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) said on Thursday that the delay in the payment of August stipend for beneficiaries of the student loan scheme is due to an ongoing payment processing.

The Director, Corporate Communications of NELFUND, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, disclosed this in a statement.

Ms Oluwatuyi said the delay in payments arose from certain security checks NELFUND was conducting to protect public funds and ensure that they are properly allocated to the right beneficiaries.

While we acknowledge that this process may cause some inconvenience, it is an essential part of our commitment to maintaining transparency, accountability, and to continue to uphold the integrity of the student loan programme, Ms Oluwatuyi said.

She, therefore, sought the patience and understanding of the affected beneficiaries as the Fund finalised the disbursements as soon as possible.

The statement further noted: We appreciate the feedback from students and are pleased to see the level of engagement and attentiveness in monitoring the progress of the upkeep disbursements.

This level of involvement reinforces the significance of the student loan programme, and we remain dedicated to supporting your educational pursuits, just as we have with previous disbursements.

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Students loan stipends

NELFUND began paying N20,000 monthly stipend to beneficiaries of the scheme two months ago after the Fund selected beneficiaries.

Under the students loan scheme, the Fund pays the students school fees directly to the institutions while a monthly stipend is paid directly to the students. Beneficiaries can choose to only take loans for the payment of school fees alone.

Benefiting students have yet to receive their August stipends 10 days into September.

The National Association of Nigerians Students (NANS) also recently appealed for the increment of the stipend from N20,000 to N40,000, citing hardship and the rising cost of living.

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The decision to move to America or Canada should not be taken lightly. It is not simply a matter of geography. It is a significant life change that requires careful consideration and preparation. For those who are self-motivated, disciplined, and already on a path to success, the move can be an excellent opportunity to achieve even greater heights. For those who lack these qualities, the move can lead to disappointment and hardship.

In recent years, the allure of moving to America or Canada has captivated the minds of many young Nigerians seeking a better life. The promise of abundant opportunities, economic stability, and a higher standard of living seems like a dream come true, especially when juxtaposed against the myriad challenges faced in Nigeria. But the reality is far more complex than the glossy images often portrayed in the media or shared by those who have made the leap. Moving to America or Canada is not a panacea for lifes struggles. In fact, it can be a harsh wake-up call for those who lack self-motivation, discipline, and a clear sense of purpose. For those who are not prepared, life abroad can be even more challenging than in Nigeria.

America and Canada are often hailed as lands of endless opportunity, where anyone can make it if they try hard enough. While it is true that these countries offer vast resources and opportunities for personal and professional growth, these advantages are not handed out freely to everyone who steps foot on their soil. The opportunities available are most effectively utilised by those who are already on a path to success, with the necessary skills, mindset, and drive to capitalise on them. For people who lack self-motivation and discipline, the transition to life in a new country can be overwhelming. The initial excitement of arriving in a new place can quickly give way to the stark realities of starting over from scratch. Unlike in Nigeria, where the social fabric is more accommodating to people who may lack direction or ambition, life in America or Canada demands a level of intentionality and effort that can be daunting for the unprepared.

In Nigeria, there is often a sense of community and a slower pace of life that allows for a certain level of leniency when it comes to ambition and productivity. The support systems (family, friends, and even neighbours) often step in to help during tough times. But in America and Canada, the pace of life is faster, and the social safety nets that exist in Nigeria are often absent. The expectation is that people are self-reliant, proactive, and capable of passing through the complexities of life without much external support. For those who arrive in these countries without a clear plan or the necessary skills, the reality can be harsh. Jobs that are readily available to newcomers are often low-paying, menial, and physically demanding. Without the right qualifications or work experience, many immigrants find themselves stuck in jobs that offer little in the way of advancement or fulfillment.

The key to thriving in America or Canada lies in preparation. This means more than just having a visa and a plane ticket. It means having a clear understanding of what you want to achieve and a realistic plan for how to get there. It means equipping yourself with the skills and knowledge that will allow you to compete in the job market and adapt to the new environment.

The cost of living in cities like New York, Toronto, or Vancouver is high, and the pressures of keeping up with rent, bills, and other expenses can quickly lead to financial strain. The cultural adjustment can also be challenging. The social norms, work culture, and even the weather can be drastically different from what one is used to in Nigeria. The sense of isolation that can come from being in a foreign land, far from family and friends, can intensify feelings of loneliness and depression. For those who are not mentally and emotionally prepared, this can lead to a downward spiral of despair.

The key to thriving in America or Canada lies in preparation. This means more than just having a visa and a plane ticket. It means having a clear understanding of what you want to achieve and a realistic plan for how to get there. It means equipping yourself with the skills and knowledge that will allow you to compete in the job market and adapt to the new environment. For those who are already on a path to success, who have a solid education, work experience, and a strong work ethic, moving abroad can be a significant step forward. These people are often able to take full advantage of the opportunities available, whether it is furthering their education, advancing in their careers, or starting a business. They arrive with a clear intention and are proactive in seeking out the resources and networks that will help them achieve their goals. On the other hand, those who move without a plan, hoping that the change in environment will somehow lead to success, are often disappointed. The truth is that America and Canada are not lands of opportunity for those who expect success to be handed to them. Success in these countries, as in any other, requires hard work, perseverance, and a clear sense of direction. Without these, the challenges of life abroad can be overwhelming.

It is not the location that determines success, but the mindset, preparation, and effort that one brings to the table. Moving abroad can be a step forward, but only for those who are truly ready to take on the challenges that come with it. For everyone else, it might be worth considering whether the opportunities they seek can be found closer to home.

Nigeria, despite its challenges, offers a unique kind of flexibility for those who are still figuring things out. The culture is more forgiving of directionlessness, and there is often more time and space to find ones path. The expectations are different, and there is a sense of communal support that can cushion the blows of failure or indecision. While this can sometimes lead to complacency, it also provides a safety net that is largely absent in Western countries. In Nigeria, it is possible to survive, and even thrive, with a less rigid plan. The slower pace of life and the close-knit communities offer a kind of resilience that is not as easily found abroad. But this same environment can also enable laziness and lack of ambition, making it easy to stagnate. For those who are truly ambitious and driven, Nigeria can be a land of great opportunity as well, especially for those who are willing to carve out their own path.

Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later

The decision to move to America or Canada should not be taken lightly. It is not simply a matter of geography. It is a significant life change that requires careful consideration and preparation. For those who are self-motivated, disciplined, and already on a path to success, the move can be an excellent opportunity to achieve even greater heights. For those who lack these qualities, the move can lead to disappointment and hardship. Success in life, whether in Nigeria, America, or Canada, depends on the person involved! It is not the location that determines success, but the mindset, preparation, and effort that one brings to the table. Moving abroad can be a step forward, but only for those who are truly ready to take on the challenges that come with it. For everyone else, it might be worth considering whether the opportunities they seek can be found closer to home.

Mohammed Dahiru Aminu (mohd.aminu@gmail.com) wrote from Abuja, Nigeria.

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NAFDACs investigation into Pastor Jeremiah Fufeyins miracle water and soap may expose the limitations of the agencys mandate when it comes to faith-based claims. While it is essential to regulate products that could harm public health, the agency must tread carefully in addressing the faith-based dimensions of this case. Ultimately, protecting citizens from fraudulent or unsafe products requires a broader collaboration between government agencies, religious organisations, and public health advocates.

The recent announcement by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) that it is investigating Pastor Jeremiah Omoto Fufeyins miracle water and soap has generated widespread attention. Prophet Fufeyin, leader of Christ Mercy Land Delivery Ministries in Delta State, has been promoting these products, claiming they can heal barrenness and guarantee women will bear twins. While the public has long been exposed to such miracle products from religious leaders, NAFDACs involvement raises questions about the agencys capacity and role in such investigations. Can NAFDAC effectively probe the intersection of faith-based claims and public health, or is this a domain far beyond its mandate?

Nigeria is a deeply religious country, and many citizens hold strong beliefs in divine intervention and miraculous healing. This is a context where faith-based organisations and pastors have long operated, promising cures for ailments that medicine struggles to treat. Or Nigerias medical institutions are ill-equipped to treat. Pastor Fufeyins claims about his miracle water and soap fall squarely into this domain. One remembers the late Prophet TB Joshua too. These products are not just being sold; they come with guarantees of supernatural outcomes. And herein lies the challenge for NAFDAC: Is it equipped to evaluate and regulate products whose primary appeal is rooted in belief rather than scientific evidence?

The agencys core mandate is to protect public health by ensuring the safety and efficacy of food, drugs, and cosmetics. It does this through scientific testing, compliance with regulatory standards, and rigorous oversight. However, when it comes to religious miracles, the equation changes. Science, as we know it, doesnt seem to be better than Nigerian health institutions in such instances; it is unable to handle miracles. Products like miracle water or soap fall into a gray area where they function both as commercial items and as instruments of faith. Investigating such products may demand more than NAFDACs usual toolkit of scientific assessments  it calls for navigating sensitive cultural and religious terrain.

NAFDAC, under the leadership of its Director General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, is being proactive in addressing such public health concerns. The agencys decision to investigate Christ Mercyland Delivery Ministries products might imply a commitment to ensuring that no one is misled by false claims, even from powerful religious figures. NAFDACs alert stated that neither the miracle water nor soap is registered with the agency  a clear violation of its regulatory framework. But registration is only one part of the problem. And a widespread problem at that. How has the agency handled the many other similar claims?

The most troubling aspect of miracle products is the potential for exploitation. People struggling with infertility, chronic illness, or other life challenges may turn to such products out of desperation. When conventional medicine fails them, faith-based solutions can seem like the only remaining option. This is where NAFDACs role becomes crucial  not just in protecting public health but in safeguarding citizens from being deceived.

The agency is tasked with ensuring that products sold for consumption or therapeutic purposes are not harmful. However, in this case, the products purported efficacy is tied to belief in its divine power. Testing the contents of the water and soap will likely show no medically active ingredients capable of causing pregnancy or other miracles. Yet, many of Prophet Fufeyins followers would argue that the healing does not come from the ingredients themselves but from the faith invested in the product. How can NAFDAC regulate or evaluate belief? If a product does not work, does NAFDAC say it was a result of too little belief on the part of the user? Even then, if one believes a bottle of malt drink contains no impurity, but later finds a dead cockroach at the bottom of the empty bottle, is that a failure of belief? Just asking

This dilemma is not unique to Nigeria. Around the world, regulatory agencies struggle to address products sold by faith healers and miracle workers. In some cases, governments choose not to intervene, citing freedom of religious belief (nowadays abbreviated as FORB by development experts) or lack of scientific jurisdiction over faith-based claims. However, Nigeria has a responsibility to its citizens to ensure that such products are not harming public health or preying on vulnerable people.

The most troubling aspect of miracle products is the potential for exploitation. People struggling with infertility, chronic illness, or other life challenges may turn to such products out of desperation. When conventional medicine fails them, faith-based solutions can seem like the only remaining option. This is where NAFDACs role becomes crucial  not just in protecting public health but in safeguarding citizens from being deceived.

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Investigating and possibly banning unregistered products is one thing; addressing the broader context of why such products flourish is another. Nigerias regulatory bodies may need to work with religious leaders, social workers, and public health advocates to address the root causes of this problem. Public education campaigns can help people understand the limitations of miracle products and encourage them to seek medically sound alternatives. Simultaneously, religious leaders who genuinely believe in divine intervention should be urged to work within the framework of transparency and ethical practice. The country leaves too many things to chance or individual whims. It shouldnt.

NAFDAC may not be able to investigate or regulate miracles, but it can and should ensure that those who sell them are held to the same standards as everyone else. This will help create a safer, more transparent environment for Nigerians  one where faith and science can coexist without exploitation. Right now, Nigerians await how this case will pan out.

Nevertheless, while NAFDAC can test, evaluate, and regulate physical products, it cannot and should not interfere with personal beliefs. Nigerians have the right to their faith and to believe in miracles. What NAFDAC can do, however, is ensure that these beliefs are not manipulated for profit. The agencys investigation into the claims around miracle water and soap may reveal that, at best, these products are harmless placebos, and at worst, they exploit vulnerable individuals.

There is also a need for stronger laws around the advertisement of miracle products, especially those that make unverifiable medical claims. And, as most of such religious bodies embrace televangelism, pronouncements about efficacy of such products should fall within the realm of broadcasting and advertising. Other countries have already taken steps in this direction. Some countries have imposed heavy fines on companies making unsubstantiated health claims, regardless of their religious affiliations. Nigeria could benefit from adopting similar measures that would hold faith-based organisations accountable for the products they sell, without infringing on their freedom to practice religion.

NAFDACs investigation into Pastor Jeremiah Fufeyins miracle water and soap may expose the limitations of the agencys mandate when it comes to faith-based claims. While it is essential to regulate products that could harm public health, the agency must tread carefully in addressing the faith-based dimensions of this case. Ultimately, protecting citizens from fraudulent or unsafe products requires a broader collaboration between government agencies, religious organisations, and public health advocates.

NAFDAC may not be able to investigate or regulate miracles, but it can and should ensure that those who sell them are held to the same standards as everyone else. This will help create a safer, more transparent environment for Nigerians  one where faith and science can coexist without exploitation. Right now, Nigerians await how this case will pan out.

Diego Okenyodo is an Abuja-based development communication practitioner and holds a Bachelors degree in Pharmacy.

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A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ibadan, Benedict Akika, kidnapped on 4 September at his Olorunda Abba residence, has regained freedom.

The spokesperson of the police in Oyo State, Adewale Osifeso, confirmed Mr Akikas release in a press statement on Thursday in Ibadan.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr Akika was kidnapped around 9:30 p.m. at his residence in the Lagelu Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The police spokesperson said the politician regained his freedom after days of intensive manhunt by the polices tactical, intelligence, and operational assets.

Mr Osifeso said the search and rescue mission combed adjoining forests across Ijagun at Ijebu-Ode in Ogun, Ore in Ondo State, and Uselu in Edo.

He said Mr Akika regained his freedom late evening on Wednesday and was currently undergoing medical intervention before his final reunion with his loved ones.

Efforts are currently in top gear to apprehend members of the criminal network responsible for the reprehensible act, Mr Osifeso said.

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He appealed to residents to assist the police in ongoing investigations by providing timely and credible information.

The Oyo State Police Command reaffirms its resolve to ensure that the state is not turned into a playground for the sinister-minded, he said.

(NAN)

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The Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health (Secondary and Tertiary), Ipalibo Harry Banigo has condemned the recent kidnapping of nurses and patients at a primary healthcare centre in Kaduna State. In a statement on Thursday, the medical doctor who represents Rivers West Senatorial District, expressed her heartfelt sympathies to the families and loved ones of the victims who were abducted during the recent attack on the Primary Healthcare Centre at Kuyallo in Birnin-Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

She commended the local security personnel and vigilante groups in the area for their response and urged them to sustain the efforts until all the abductees are safely rescued and reunited with their families. Full text of the statement by the lawmaker reads:

It is with great concern and deep sadness that I, Senator Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo, Chairman of the 10th Senate Committee on Health (Secondary and Tertiary), extend my heartfelt sympathies to the families and loved ones of the healthcare workers and patients who were abducted during the recent attack on the Primary Healthcare Centre at Kuyallo in Birnin-Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The abduction of two nurses and an unknown number of patients by armed bandits on Monday, September 9, 2024, is not only an attack on these innocent individuals but also an attack on the very fabric of our healthcare system. Healthcare workers are the backbone of our efforts to deliver essential services to Nigerians, especially in underserved and vulnerable areas. This violent act is a grave violation of the sanctity of healthcare spaces, and it threatens the safety and security of the people who risk their lives daily to care for others.

I commend the efforts of local security personnel and vigilante groups in responding to the situation and urge them to continue to provide support to the affected community as we seek the safe and immediate release of those taken hostage.

The number of attacks on healthcare facilities across the country has reached alarming levels.This recent incident underscores the need for urgent and comprehensive measures to enhance the safety and security of Nigerias healthcare infrastructure, especially in conflict-prone areas. We cannot afford to let our nurses, doctors, and healthcare workers live in constant fear while performing their duties. The well-being of patients is also at risk, and no one should feel unsafe while seeking medical care.

As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, I call on the security agencies to act swiftly to apprehend the perpetrators of this heinous crime. Our healthcare workers must be assured that their safety is of paramount importance, and any threats to their lives or workplaces will not be tolerated. We must work together to ensure the security of all healthcare institutions, and this requires immediate collaboration between the Ministry of Health, law enforcement agencies, and community stakeholders.

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Additionally, I call on the government at all levels to take proactive steps to enhance security measures in healthcare facilities across the nation, particularly in regions that are most vulnerable to these kinds of attacks. This includes the deployment of adequate security personnel, installation of surveillance systems, and strengthening local intelligence networks to preempt and prevent future attacks.

We must come together as a nation to ensure that such acts of terror do not continue to undermine the integrity of our healthcare system. I ask that all Nigerians keep the families of the kidnapped individuals in their thoughts and prayers, and we hope for their safe return.

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria

Senator Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo

Chairman, 10th Senate Committee on Health (Secondary and Tertiary)

Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

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The Jigawa State Government has commenced the distribution of relief items and cash assistance to 15,755 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) affected by flood in 17 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state. Each of the beneficiaries was being given 10kg rice, millet, maize, one carton of spaghetti and N20,000 cash.

Speaking at the flag off of the exercise in Kiyawa LGA on Wednesday, Governor Umar Namadi said the gesture was aimed at reducing the hardship faced by the victims. Mr Namadi assured that the government, in collaboration with the Federal Government, private organisations and other philanthropists, would continue to support the victims.

He also commiserated with the families of the 36 persons who lost their lives as a result of the flood and building collapse, and sympathised with those who lost their houses and farmlands to the disaster.

In his remarks, at the occasion, the State Commissioner for Special Duties, Auwal Dalladi, said that the state Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), had been working tirelessly to cater for the victims. Mr Danladi added that the agency had earlier provided rapid response relief items to the victims. He said: We also provided second relief materials, and today we are giving more relief materials to the victims living at various IDPs camps.

We have the comprehensive list of the victims, the assessment of the damages which we had jointly conducted in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), which we will continue to use to ensure that we support each family and every victim of the flood in the state, Mr Danladi assured.

In his remarks, SEMAs Executive Secretary, Haruna Mairiga, said that over 50,000 households were affected by the disaster across the state, while 15,755 of them are currently staying in 12 IDPs camps.

Mr Mairiga added that 1,200 of the IDPs in Buji and 3,200 in Kiyawa LGAs received the items and N2,000 cash. He added that the gesture would be extended to IDPs in the other 10 remaining camps.

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The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) has expressed fear that the recent flooding in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, may increase food insecurity

Tijani Ahmed, the Federal Commissioner of the commission, expressed this concern at a media briefing in Abuja on Thursday.

Mr Ahmed noted that about 40 per cent of the farmlands in Maiduguri had been submerged ahead of the harvest season.

He said the destruction of the crops is likely to increase food insecurity, already affecting over a million people.

The commission is saddened by the recent catastrophic flooding as a result of the overflowing of the Alau Dam.

Flowing from the needs assessment carried out, many persons have been displaced, some children declared missing and lives lost.

Additionally, infrastructural facilities, including bridges, roads, and houses, have been affected, hampering access to hospitals, schools, markets, and other livelihood activities in the affected states, he said.

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He said the commission would provide food, non-food items, educational materials, WASH, Shelter, drugs and medical supplies for emergency needs in order to bring succour to those adversely impacted by the flooding.

The commission will also ensure the provision of mental health and Psycho-social support to those traumatised populations.

Equally, the commission will support the Borno State government in providing access to the commissions recovery shelter at Amarwa Resettlement City.

In view of the foregoing, an immediate palliative arrangement has been concluded by the commission to stabilise the displaced population in Borno, Ahmed added.

The federal commissioner commiserated with the Borno State Government, people, and families of victims affected by the flood.

He also extended a heartfelt sympathy to the Governments of Adamawa, Yobe, Gombe, Jigawa states, and adjoining states affected by the unfortunate incident.

(NAN)

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Terrorists suspected to be members of Boko Haram have invaded the garrison town of Bassa in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.

Local sources around the village told PREMIUM TIMES that they had been hearing sporadic gunshots from the axis since 5:30 a.m. on Wednesday.

In one of the attacks on the town earlier this year, terrorists killed some soldiers, including a captain. The situation led to the withdrawal of troops from the town.

PREMIUM TIMES understands that residents recently returned to Bassa after the government deployed joint security operatives to protect the area.

When the attack started this morning, the security operatives told residents to stay indoors while they exchanged fire with the assailants, a source who received a call from Bassa this morning said.

Bassa has come under intense attacks from Boko Haram terrorists camping in the nearby Allawa forest reserve.

Many times, bandits crossing into the town through Zamfaras Kuyambana and Kadunas Kamuku forest reserves held the residents hostage  killing, raping, kidnapping and maiming men and women.

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Terrorists suffer defeat

The terrorists first invaded Bassa around 3 a.m. on Wednesday, but they were repelled by the joint operatives including local vigilantes and hunters deployed to the community.

Yusuf Dangana, a youth leader from Bassa told PREMIUM TIMES that the security operatives killed 21 terrorists during the first phase of the attack.

The security [operatives] did not suffer any casualty on their side, Mr Dangana said. But we lost two of our people.

Mr Dangana added that the security operatives captured four of the terrorists.

Among those killed include Zakaree Adam and a woman, Malawe Ali. They were killed when the terrorists reinforced back to the community.

The terrorists came back to the community around 05:30 am and engaged the security officers in a gun duel, he said. It was in the process that they killed those two people.

While Mr Adam was killed near a mountain where he had gone to make calls to alert neighbouring communities, Mrs Ali was killed trying to flee for her life.

Locals flee as terrorists mobilise around Bassa

The bandits have mobilised again and they are around Bassa town, another resident who spoke to our reporter in confidence said. Everyone has left Bassa now afraid of what could happen next.

In April, the terrorists killed five soldiers and a captain in some villages  Roro, Karaga and Rumace  in Bassa. Around that time, the terrorists also invaded Allawa, where they killed some soldiers in a landmine attack.

The military authority subsequently withdrew soldiers from the communities, a situation that led to displacement of thousands of locals.

While displaced locals from Allawa still wait to be relocated back home, those from Bassa were relocated last month with more than 100 security operatives to protect them.

Before they were displaced, the terrorists had asked the residents of Bassa to enter into a truce with them, but they rejected the offer, saying the previous peace deals did not yield any positive result.

Bassa is a farming community in Allawa district. It is located around the terror-ravaged Allawa forest reserve where Boko Haram terrorists have been camping for a while.

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The Sokoto State Executive Council has approved N119 billion for submission to the state House of Assembly as supplementary budget.

The council also approved N17.9 billion for the reconstruction of different roads in the state.

Addressing journalists shortly after the meeting on Thursday, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Balarabe Kadadi, said the budget contained inflows from NG-CARES, L-Press, AGILE, Palliative fund for Local Government Areas, Ecological and Excess Crude Oil.

Mr Kadadi explained that the proposal would be presented to the state House of Assembly for approval.

Similarly, the state approved the sum of N11.8 billion for the reconstruction of 40.7 km Illela-Gada road.

According to him, another N3.2 billion was approved for the construction of the Wurno-Huchi road.

Speaking also, the state Commissioner for Information, Bello Dabchadi, noted that the projects were part of the promises made by the Governor Ahmad Aliyu during the concluded local governments tour.

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Mr Dabchadi stressed that the roads were of economic importance to the State adding that N2.9 billion was approved for the construction of the Romo bridge.

The Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Jabir Maihula, said N156.7 million was approved for the rehabilitation of the oldest Islamiyya school in the state.

Mr Maihula said the school had trained prominent indigenes of the state, some of whom were now professors and politicians.

The sum of N33.4 million was also for the renovation of Isa Wasagu Jumaat Mosque.

READ ALSO: Sokoto govt mum as residents observe funeral prayer for emir murdered by kidnappers

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Land and Housing, Nasiru Dantsoho, said the council approved the amendment of the Sokoto High Court Laws and Shariah Court of Appeal Law, approving 70 years as the retirement age for judges and khadis.

It also approved the increment of high court judges to 41 and Khadis to 31.

The state government also approved the sum of N361.2 million for the renovation of the Shariah Court of Appeal, Mr Dantsoho said.

(NAN)

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The federal government has handed over 24,180 bags of 50kg of maize and 5,828 bags of 25kg of garri to the Akwa Ibom State Government for distribution to vulnerable households.

Zubaida Umar, the Director-General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), made the presentation on behalf of the federal government in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, South-south Nigeria.

Represented by Mmandu Aisueni, the Head, Operations, NEMA Akwa Ibom State office, Mrs Umar said the donation was in fulfilment of President Bola Tinubus promise to Nigerians.

It would be recalled that the federal government approved the release of 42, 000 metric tonnes of assorted food items from the National Strategic Reserve to vulnerable households.

Mrs Umar said that the presidents promise was the governments way of reducing the impact of the current economic hardship in the country.

We are here to hand over the food items to the state government for distribution to the intended beneficiaries in the communities, she said.

The NEMA director-general said that the food items should be shared in the communities through properly constituted committees at the local government levels.

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She said that membership of the local government committees should include the council chairman, representatives of the State Emergency Management Agency and the traditional institutions.

Mrs Umar said that 20 per cent of the food items for each council area should be given to religious groups, and that three per cent of it should be given to boarding schools in the area.

Receiving the items, Offiong Offor, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, commended the federal government for the intervention.

Mr Offor said that the gesture was a demonstration of the Federal Governments commitment to the wellbeing of the citizenry.

The commissioner promised that the state government would ensure that the items were given to the intended beneficiaries.

(NAN)

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Delta House of Assembly on Tuesday screened and confirmed 17 of 25 nominees to serve as Secretaries of the states local government areas (LGAs).

The screening and confirmation, conducted at plenary, followed correspondence from the chairperson of the 25 LGAs in the state.

The nominees include Kennedy Okoh, Aniocha North; Famous Ofurobiri, Bomadi; Francis Ebojoh, Ethiope East; Sunday Adjamue, Ethiope West; Martins Etumudun, Ika North-East; Vote Umukoro, Isoko North and Efurhievwe Oghenovo, Okpe.

Others are Ajufo Eloka, Oshimili North; Henry Enebeli, Oshimili South; P A Oduru, Patani; Andrew Gbise, Udu; Goodluck Unuavworho, Ughelli North; and Chukunomnazu Osundu, Ukwuani.

The last four are Osakwe Alakabrukeme, Uvwie; Nunu Emmanuel, Warri South; Tunji Iyasele, Ndokwa East and Sunday Enu, Ndokwa West.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the remaining eight secretaries will take their turn on Wednesday.

The Speaker, Dennis Gumor, commended the lawmakers for successfully screening and confirming the nominees.

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Mr Guwor congratulated the nominees and urged them to uphold their confidence by prioritising the states interest over every other consideration.

(NAN)

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Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State announced on Thursday a plan to activate its bulk state governments purchase system as a means of controlling the price of commodities in the state.

Mr Abiodun said this during a meeting with market leaders, led by the Iyaloja General, Yemisi Abass, in Abeokuta, the state capital.

He said that henceforth, all forms of market levies had been suspended, but only development and environmental levies would be allowed, as they were meant for the development of markets in the state.

The governor said that the state government would soon begin the operation of its Bulk Purchasing Company to control the incessant increases in the price of commodities.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Bulk Purchasing Company has been rebranded as the Gateway Trading Company, to ensure that the cost of food items is much more affordable for the people.

He, however, hinted that the Gateway Trading Company would, in the first instance, begin operations in the four zones of the state.

We have also resolved that we will begin the implementation of bulk purchase and selling in the state.

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Gateway Trading will now assist in bringing food items to our teeming public at prices that will be significantly below what they can obtain when they go to the market themselves.

So, we are going to aggressively implement our Gateway Trading objectives. They will first start in the four zones; they will buy in bulk and resell at prices that will be more affordable to our people, Mr Abiodun said.

The governor, who announced a ban on all forms of levies in markets in the state, added that a market enforcement task force with a central body would be mirrored in all 20 local government areas.

He said that all forms of coercion and intimidation by people who added no value to markets across the state would be stamped out.

Mr Abiodun warned that anyone caught collecting illegal fees in the markets would face the full wrath of the law.

We have resolved here that we are going to have a market enforcement task force; there will be a central body here in the state.

That central body will be mirrored in each local government. Their job will be to ensure that all illegal levies, coercion, and intimidation by different people do not occur again.

This is not the time for anyone to take advantage of another person. We are going through a transition period; we should be our brothers keeper, considerate, and humane, he said.

The governor said that his administration would be providing support, in the form of grants, loans, and farm implements to different farmer associations in the state.

He said that the Ministry of Environment, Ogun State Waste Management Agency, and the Ministry of Women Affairs, would work together to ensure the effective management of waste in the markets.

READ ALSO: Ogun assembly passes power sector bill

Earlier in her remarks, Abass, the President of Market Women and Men in the state, commended the governor for deeming it fit to call market leaders together, to deliberate on ways to make life more bearable for the people.

She promised that the market leaders and members would abide by all the resolutions reached at the meeting. (NAN)

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Artist Mikael Genberg's 25-year-long dream of placing a red house with white trim on the moon is finally set to become a reality. The Moonhouse will be launched to the moon as part of Japanese company ispace's lunar mission in the winter of 2024.

STOCKHOLM, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Moonhouse has sparked global intrigue, inviting reflections on survival, development, and humanity's relationship with space and Earth.

Genberg remarks, "Perhaps the first house on the moon can symbolize life's eternal quest to survive and develop, offering a unique perspective on existence and an eye towards the earth."

Artist Mikael Genbergs 25-year-long dream of placing a red house with white trim on the moon is finally set to become a reality. The Moonhouse will be launched to the moon as part of Japanese company ispaces lunar mission in the winter of 2024. The Moonhouse Artwork is Becoming a Reality.

A 25-Year Artistic Journey

The Moonhouse concept has already traveled the world through Genberg's artistry, with installations in treetops, underwater, and even in space on the ISS. The upcoming lunar launch marks the pinnacle of his vision, supported by ispace's mission to expand human life into space.

Julien-Alexandre Lamamy, CEO of ispace Europe, states, "The Moonhouse aligns with our vision to extend human life into space and create a sustainable future."

Community Efforts Fuel Success

In the past three years, over 100 individuals from various fields have contributed to making the Moonhouse a reality. With expertise and resources, co-creating an iconic artwork they have propelled it towards its lunar destination.

Genberg adds, "The Moonhouse is a collective symbol of what we can achieve together. First, we put a house on the moon, then we do something difficult."

More information:

Mikael Genberg: info@mikaelgenberg.com, +46707755393

Hans Elis Johansson, Communications: hans.elis@themoonhouse.se, +46705136035

Website: www.themoonhouse.com.

About the Moonhouse Artwork:

The Moon House will be the first site-specific artwork on the Moon created at the moment the House is installed on the Moon. The moon has always stimulated man's imagination with its cold beauty. The knowledge that there is a red house with white trim in the middle of the "magnificent desolation", as one of the first lunar travelers put it, has the potential to change the whole picture. No matter what thoughts and feelings the lunar house generates in each of us, it leaves no one untouched.

About Mikael Genberg

Based in Vasteras, Sweden, Genberg explores human perspectives through art, placing red houses in unique locations, with the dream of one day reaching the moon.

About ispace

ispace designs and builds lunar landers and rovers, aiming to extend human life into space. Visit: www.ispace-inc.com.

Video - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2503122/Kort_pressfilm.mp4

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2503067/TheMoonhouse_painting.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2503066/The_Moonhouse_Logo.jpg
Strong support seen for Supreme Court reforms in Annenberg survey

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Less than half of Americans can name most of the rights protected under the First Amendment and under two-thirds can name the three branches of government, according to the Annenberg Constitution Day Civics Survey, released annually since 2014.

"Those who do not understand the rights protected by the Constitution can neither cherish nor invoke them." Post this Percentage of U.S. adult respondents who could name the five First Amendment rights. The right to bear arms is not in the First Amendment but instead is in the Second Amendment. Source: Annenberg Public Policy Center's AIOD national survey panel, May 2024.

The Annenberg Public Policy Center's nationally representative survey, conducted in May 2024 with about 1,600 U.S. adults, finds levels of public knowledge largely unchanged from 2023. As was true last year, most Americans could name only a single right guaranteed by the First Amendment: freedom of speech, provided by nearly 3 in 4 respondents.

The survey also found strong public support for several potential reforms to the U.S. Supreme Court, including term limits, mandatory retirement ages, and prohibiting justices from participating in cases in which they have "personal or financial interests."

Highlights

The 2024 edition of the Annenberg Constitution Day Civics Survey, released annually to celebrate Constitution Day on September 17, finds that:

Nearly two-thirds of Americans (65%) can name all three branches of government.

Asked what specific rights are guaranteed by the First Amendment, nearly three-quarters of respondents (74%) name freedom of speech. The other four rights are recalled by far fewer people: the second most-often cited, freedom of religion, is named by just 39%.

Over 80% of Americans support prohibiting Supreme Court justices from participating in cases in which they have "personal or financial interests." Nearly as many people support creation of a formal ethics code for the court.

A little over half of U.S. adults know that Democrats control the Senate (55%) and that Republicans control the House of Representatives (56%).

"Civics knowledge matters," says Kathleen Hall Jamieson, director of the Annenberg Public Policy Center. "Those who do not understand the rights protected by the Constitution can neither cherish nor invoke them; those who do not know which party controls the House and Senate may misattribute credit or blame for action or inaction."

The Annenberg Constitution Day Civics Survey is a nationally representative survey conducted by the Annenberg Public Policy Center (APPC) of the University of Pennsylvania. This year's online survey of 1,590 U.S. adults was conducted May 1-23, 2024, for APPC by SSRS, an independent research company. The margin of error is  3.3 percentage points at the 95% confidence level. For more information, see the full release and topline.

The branches of government and the First Amendment

The three branches: Nearly two-thirds of Americans (65%) can name all three branches of government, 13% can name two, 8% can name one, and 15% cannot name any, unchanged from last year.

The First Amendment: Respondents were asked if they could name the specific rights guaranteed under the First Amendment:

Three-quarters (74%) say freedom of speech

Under 4 in 10 (39%) say freedom of religion

Less than a third (29%) say freedom of the press

Over a quarter (27%) say the right to assembly

About 1 in 10 (11%) say the right to petition the government

Less than a third of respondents (30%) can name a majority of rights (three or more).

Although 11% correctly say the right to petition the government, twice as many (22%) incorrectly name the right to bear arms, which instead is protected by the Second Amendment.

Support for Supreme Court reforms

In recent years, surveys have shown declining trust and confidence in the U.S. Supreme Court. The Annenberg Public Policy Center's Constitution Day Survey has found that from 2019 to 2022, confidence in the Supreme Court plunged 22 percentage points, from 68% to 46%. With this changing environment as a backdrop, the 2024 survey asked about measures that have been discussed to reform the court:

Prohibiting participation of justices with conflicts: 82% support prohibiting justices from participating in cases in which they have personal or financial interests.

82% support prohibiting justices from participating in cases in which they have personal or financial interests. Formal ethics code : 77% support creation of a formal ethics code for Supreme Court justices that allows for justices to be investigated if they are accused of an ethical violation.

: 77% support creation of a formal ethics code for Supreme Court justices that allows for justices to be investigated if they are accused of an ethical violation. Mandatory retirement age : 69% support requiring justices to retire by a certain age.

: 69% support requiring justices to retire by a certain age. Term limits : 68% support setting a specific number of years for justices to serve instead of granting them lifetime appointments.

: 68% support setting a specific number of years for justices to serve instead of granting them lifetime appointments. Public referenda : 47% support allowing the public to vote to overturn Supreme Court decisions on controversial issues.

: 47% support allowing the public to vote to overturn Supreme Court decisions on controversial issues. Increasing the size of the court: 29% support increasing the number of justices on the current nine-member Supreme Court.

For findings on support for court reform by political party and civics knowledge, see the full release.

Constitution Day

APPC releases the Annenberg Civics Knowledge Survey for Constitution Day, which celebrates the signing of the Constitution on Sept. 17, 1787. APPC's initiatives to enhance civics education include Annenberg Classroom, which offers free resources for teaching the Constitution, and the Civics Renewal Network, a coalition of 43 nonpartisan, nonprofit organizations dedicated to improving civics education by providing free, high-quality resources for teachers. Among those: CRN's Constitution Day Toolkit for teachers and an Annenberg Classroom series of award-winning videos, including the new "The Eighth Amendment: Cruel and Unusual Punishment."

The Annenberg Public Policy Center was established in 1993 to educate the public and policy makers about communication's role in advancing public understanding of political, science, and health issues at the local, state, and federal levels.

Contact: Michael Rozansky | [email protected] | 215.746.0202

SOURCE Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania
Queen Silvia of Sweden and U.S. Ambassador to Sweden Attended in Support of Mission to Fight Alzheimer's Disease

NEW YORK, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) held its prestigious Tenth Annual Melvin R. Goodes Prize internationally for the first time in Stockholm, Sweden from September 8-10. This esteemed annual award honors a leading scientist for their exceptional contributions to Alzheimer's research, underscoring the global fight against Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. This year's Goodes Prize recognized Henrik Zetterberg, MD, PhD, a biomarker expert from Sweden, who is a pioneer in the Alzheimer's field and has spent the last 15 years focusing on the development of biomarkers for Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases.

The three-day event featured a series of scientific lectures at the renowned Karolinska Institute spotlighting significant research achievements from previous Goodes Prize winners. In honor of the occasion, Queen Silvia of Sweden attended and gave remarks congratulating the scientists.

To commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Goodes Prize, all past laureates were also honored during a special dinner and ceremony on Tuesday, September 10 at the iconic Stockholm City Hall, where U.S. Ambassador to Sweden Erik Ramanathan and ADDF Board Co-Vice Chair and Secretary Randal Sandler presented commemorative medals to the prize recipients. The celebration brought together leaders from academia, industry, and philanthropy to recognize these exceptional researchers and to foster collaboration toward a future free of Alzheimer's.

"My brother and I founded the ADDF because we saw the urgent need for effective treatments for Alzheimer's," said Leonard A. Lauder, Co-Founder and Co-Chairman of the ADDF. "It is incredibly meaningful for us to gather the world's top researchers and support their work through the Goodes Prize. Their research, along with the leadership of the ADDF, is changing the course of this disease and getting us closer to making Alzheimer's a thing of the past."

"I am so proud to see how the Goodes Prize has not just evolved but has become one of the key assets in the battle against Alzheimer's disease," said Ronald S. Lauder, Co-Founder and Co-Chairman of the ADDF. "Since we began this award ten years ago, each of its recipients has made such important contributions to the science and knowledge of Alzheimer's. Because of them, we are closer than ever to having multiple treatments, better diagnostic tools, and effective prevention methods that we can combine to defeat this disease. I am so proud of these great scientists."

Established in honor of Melvin R. Goodes, former CEO of Warner-Lambert Company who channeled his unique knowledge of the drug industry into Alzheimer's advocacy after being diagnosed with the disease, the Melvin R. Goodes Prize for Excellence in Drug Development celebrates groundbreaking innovation and perseverance in the quest for effective treatments for Alzheimer's. The award recognizes individual researchers whose work has greatly advanced our understanding of Alzheimer's mechanisms, biomarkers, or therapeutic strategies, paving the way for potential breakthroughs in treatment and prevention.

"The Goodes Prize underscores our commitment to advancing drug development for Alzheimer's disease," said Dr. Howard Fillit, Co-Founder and Chief Science Officer of the ADDF. "Hosting this year's event in Swedenhome of the Nobel Prizeis symbolic of the Goodes Prize's esteem within the Alzheimer's community. This special occasion highlights the ADDF's vital role on the global stage and our dedication to spearheading Alzheimer's research worldwide."

Prominent Palm Beach residents and ADDF supporters in attendance included Gary Lauder, Anita Cosgrove, Chip DiPaola, Ann Jackson and Ken Wilson, Angela Kumble, Bonnie Pfeifer Evans, Julie Geier, Nancy Goodes, Peter and Deborah Krulewitch, Laura Landro and Rick Salomon, Sharon Sager, Caroline Fitzgibbons and Tad Smith, Bonnie and Tom Strauss, and other distinguished guests.

For more information about the Melvin R. Goodes Prize and this year's award recipient, please visit the event webpage.

About the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF)

Founded in 1998 by Leonard A. and Ronald S. Lauder, the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation is dedicated to rapidly accelerating the discovery of drugs to prevent, treat and cure Alzheimer's disease. The ADDF is the only public charity solely focused on funding the development of drugs for Alzheimer's, employing a venture philanthropy model to support research in academia and the biotech industry. The ADDF's leadership and contributions to the field have played a pivotal role in bringing the first Alzheimer's PET scan (Amyvid) and blood test (PrecivityAD) to market, as well as fueling the current robust and diverse drug pipeline. Through the generosity of its donors, the ADDF has awarded more than $290 million to fund over 750 Alzheimer's drug discovery programs, biomarker programs and clinical trials in 20 countries. To learn more, please visit: http://www.alzdiscovery.org/.

SOURCE Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation
Driving economic efficiency through technological innovation and empowering a green future.

ANAHEIM, Calif., Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- From September 10th to 12th, the RE+ 2024 International Solar and Energy Storage Expo (hereinafter referred to as "RE+") is grandly held in Anaheim, California. Ampace Technology Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "Ampace") returns to RE+ 2024, leveraging its deep expertise and technological innovations in the medium-sized lithium battery sector.

Redefining Economic Efficiency, Empowering Diverse IndustriesTechnological and Product Innovation

As the demand for sustainable energy solutions in the U.S. market continues to grow, Ampace's innovative technology not only meets this demand but also provides robust energy support across various industries. Ampace has overturned traditional energy storage system designs by launching the world's first "Zero Liquid Cooling, Zero Air Conditioner" full-temperature control technology. Supported by this technology, the UniC C5 achieves a remarkably low power consumption rate of 1.56%, while auxiliary maintenance costs are reduced by 75%, significantly enhancing the return on investment (ROI) over the operational lifecycle.

Long-life battery cells are crucial for global C&I and residential energy storage solutions. Achieving synchronous lifespan for solar and storage systems is essential to providing higher economic returns for customers in Virtual Power Plant (VPP) models. Ampace addressed the traditional cell lifespan bottleneck last year with the Kunlun series. This year, Ampace introduces the upgraded Kunlun 2.0, featuring GT40 technology, enabling wide-temperature operation (charging and discharging between 20C to 60C) to easily cope with increasingly frequent extreme low temperatures in North America and Europe. Additionally, it supports a 1C peak discharge rate, allowing for rapid response to usage demands.

President of Ampace's ESS Department, Jason Zhu, stated that the purpose of innovation is to provide customers with an exceptional experience. The booming AI market has led to an increasing demand for reliable power backup. Compared to traditional lead-acid batteries, Ampace's UPS products reduce footprint by 70% and weight by 75%, support a maximum 6C discharge rate, and seamlessly provide 10-15 minutes of emergency backup power, ensuring uninterrupted power supply at critical moments. For residential power needs, Ampace offers a comprehensive range of solutions, allowing for flexible combinations to meet diverse household energy needs. Additionally, Ampace showcased the new Andes series of portable power stations, with the compact design to ensure power for lighting and other emergency needs during outages.

The Foundation of Technological InnovationUltimate Safety

Ampace's technological innovations have not only enhanced the market competitiveness of its products but have also delivered greater economic value to customers. Behind these innovations is Ampace's steadfast commitment to "ultimate safety."

At this year's RE+ expo, Ampace's safety & reliability officer, Dr. Feng, delivered a presentation on ESS safety. Dr. Feng emphasizes that product safety is the bottom line, moreover, it is the red line. Ampace regards safety as the core of its energy storage products, with its safety philosophy integrated into every stage of the product lifecycle, including design, manufacturing, testing, transportation, and installation to the product EOL. Ampace has pioneered a unique multi-layer safety defense system, encompassing safety from cell, module, pack, cabinet, and system. In the meantime, the advanced Battery Management System from Ampace continuously monitors battery status to prevent safety risks such as short circuit, liquid leakage, and lithium plating. In addition, Ampace's ESS system is in full compliance with NFPA-855 requirements on fire suppression and explosion prevention.

Ampace products have passed over 50 international and domestic industry standards and have obtained multiple international and domestic safety certifications, including GB/T, IEC, ISO, UL, CE, CQC, and CCC. Moreover, Ampace actively participates in the development of safety standards for the energy storage industry, contributing to the advancement of industry safety levels. Given Ampace's commitment to safety, Ampace has also specially invited UL Solutions to present with the 9540A certification.

Building a Green, Intelligent, and Sustainable Energy Future

Ampace is committed to driving technological advancement as its core mission, with ultimate safety as its foundation, as it builds a green, intelligent, and sustainable energy future. The reappearance of Ampace's energy storage series at RE+ is a significant step in its global strategyalso a proactive effort in exploring the value of electrical energy. Ampace is set to play an increasingly vital role in the global green energy sector, contributing to the achievement of global sustainable development goals.

Ampace Technology Limited (hereinafter referred to as "Ampace") stands as a globally acclaimed innovator in new energy technologies, committed to delivering green energy solutions with ultimate user experience to forge the world ahead and empower a better life. The company is known with world class R&D and manufacturing of a complete chain Li ion battery products from "Cell-Battery Pack-System Integration", and has obtained of authoritative certifications.

In the realm of energy storage, e-mobility, power tools, vacuum cleaners, drones, and more, Ampace has established extensive strategic partnerships with industry leaders. The company is renowned for providing new energy products and services characterized by ultimate safety, reliability, performance, and user experience, serving over 41 million customers in 29 countries and regions worldwide.

To learn more, please visit the Ampace official website: https://www.ampacetech.com/en.

SOURCE Ampace
"We are so very proud that every Atlantic City casino property has united with Hard Rock to raise awareness and funding for this important cause," said Mike Sampson, General Manager at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City & AFSP NJ Chapter Board Member. "We are extremely grateful that our efforts will help to make a difference in the lives of many and aid the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's with life-saving initiatives."

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino was the first Atlantic City casino to participate in the Out of the Darkness Community Walk over the last five years through Sampson's leadership. The team at Hard Rock was driven to participate annually after the group's personal experiences with loved ones who died by suicide.

Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States. In 2022, nearly 50,000 Americans died by suicide. Here in New Jersey, suicide is impacting the state's youngest residents. According to the most recent CDC data, 94 youth ages 10 to 24 died by suicide in 2021, making it the second leading cause of death among youth in that age range for the state. The National Institute of Health reports 20% of children ages three to 17 have either a mental or a behavioral disorder. Between 2008 and 2020, suicide rates for children ages 12 to 17 increased by 16%, according to the institute.

"This show of force from across our casino properties demonstrates the industry's commitment to this vital issue," said Mark Giannantonio, president, Casino Association of New Jersey. "Sadly, so many families across our city, state and country know a loved one that has died by suicide, and that is why it's so important for us to come together to raise awareness and support each other."

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide, including those who have experienced a loss . AFSP creates a culture that's smart about mental health through public education and community programs, develops suicide prevention through research and advocacy, and provides support for those affected by suicide.

"We are honored and grateful for the continued partnership with Hard Rock in the fight to prevent suicide and reduce the stigma around mental health," stated Michael Lamma, AFSP Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer stated. "With their support, the Atlantic-Cape Walk has grown to be the Chapter's largest walk, raising $7,000 in 2017 to over $278,000 last year. Through Hard Rock's leadership we have been able to engage the communities of Atlantic and Cape Counties to raise awareness, bring comfort to those who have lost someone to suicide and to raise critical funds for suicide prevention."

About the Casino Association of New Jersey

The Casino Association of New Jersey (CANJ) is a trade organization that provides a collective voice for the Atlantic City casino industry by facilitating the exchange of information and ideas between our industry, small businesses, Atlantic City stakeholders and the general public. The CANJ consistently advocates for legislation and initiatives that support the ongoing revitalization of Atlantic City into a world-class destination resort. A thriving casino industry drives economic growth, job creation, increased tax revenue for state and local budgets, and prosperity for city residents, hardworking families and businesses which rely on the casinos for their livelihood. Our goals are simple: protect and grow the tens of thousands of jobs the casino industry supports across New Jersey and continue Atlantic City's transformation into a world-class destination resort. For additional information, please visit www.casinosnj.org .

CONTACT: Emily D'Alberto, [email protected]

SOURCE Casino Association of New Jersey

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ATLANTA, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Poston Communications is pleased to release its inaugural report on crisis management efforts of the legal industry, how law firms communicate these initiatives to their clients and recommendations for firms to advance these efforts. The report features results from the agency's in-depth research into Am Law 100 law firms and their crisis management work. The full report can be accessed here.

To gather this data, Poston Communications studied each law firm's website in search of information on its crisis management efforts. Top results following this research concluded that of the firms reviewed:

89% reference "crisis" in practice area descriptions.

49% have a top-line crisis management practice.

35% offer crisis management as a sub-practice.

15% are Chambers ranked for crisis management.

The study highlights a growing demand from clients for holistic support during critical situations, including guidance on reputational exposure in high-stakes litigation and legal decisions. Despite this trend, many top law firms are not fully capitalizing on the potential for expanded client services and revenue in crisis management, as services are often vaguely described and primarily reactive, with communication frequently serving as an afterthought.

"Law firms that position themselves as leaders in crisis management should include robust communications capabilities to fully meet client needs and drive growth," said Dave Poston, Esq., Poston Communications CEO and general counsel. "Those who proactively develop and promote these capabilities will have a competitive edge in the marketplace."

The study emphasizes the critical importance of crisis communications in effective crisis management. With only 2% of firms indicating they have crisis communications consultants on staff, there is a clear opportunity for law firms to differentiate themselves by enhancing their capabilities in this area, and they are encouraged to reassess their offerings and consider strategic partnerships to bolster their crisis communications capabilities.

About Poston Communications

Poston Communications is a national crisis communications, public relations and content agency with team members distributed across the United States working remotely. We serve clients in highly regulated industries, including top law and accounting firms, B2B tech companies, financial services institutions and more. Poston Communications is the honored recipient of such awards as PRSA's Public Relations Professional of the Year (Dave Poston), the Atlanta Business Chronicle's Diversity & Inclusion Award and Bulldog Awards Best Media Relations Campaign. You may read more about our agency here.

Contact: Kaden Jacobs

Poston Communications

(404) 875-3400

[email protected]

SOURCE Poston Communications
LEHI, Utah, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Bankwell Financial Group, Inc. announced a strategic partnership with Lendio. It will leverage Lendio's Intelligent Lending platform to source, underwrite, and provide instant SBA 7(a) loan offers to business loan applicants.

Bankwell will also leverage Lendio's digital loan application to offer loans to Bankwell's existing depositors, new loan applicants, and some of Bankwell's partner-sourced customers.

Brock Blake, Co-Founder and CEO of Lendio Ryan Hildebrand, Executive Vice President & Chief Innovation Officer

"At Bankwell, we're all about teaming up with the best in fintech to give both existing and new clients top-notch service quickly and efficiently," said Ryan Hildebrand, Chief Innovation Officer at Bankwell. "Our partnership with Lendio is a perfect example. We're excited to offer instant SBA 7(a) loan options that simplify the borrowing process and help small businesses get the funds they need without the wait. It's all about making banking easier and more responsive to our customers' needs, and Lendio delivers."

SBA loans have historically taken 30-60 days to originate. With this new partnership, Bankwell can provide instant offers through automated underwriting technology.

"SBA loans have long been the gold standard for small business funding, but until now they couldn't be processed as quickly as other types of financing," said Brock Blake CEO and Co-Founder of Lendio. "I'm thrilled to partner with Bankwell on this new offering that transforms the small business lending landscape."

85% of small business owners say speed to loan approval is important when selecting a lender, and 77% say they would prefer to apply online or via a mobile app.

A software-as-a-service (SaaS) offering, Intelligent Lending allows banks and financial institutions like Bankwell to assess risk cost-effectively and quickly through a digital application and automated underwriting that leverages transaction-driven analysis.

About Bankwell Financial Group

Bankwell is a commercial bank that provides banking and lending services to businesses and residents. Bankwell was founded on the principles of providing an exceptional banking experience and adding value to the communities it serves. More about Bankwell can be found at www.mybankwell.com.

About Lendio

Lendio is revolutionizing small business lending by connecting small businesses, lenders, and service providers through an integrated technology platform. Their mission is to facilitate an ecosystem that supports small businesses. Lendio offers specialized software to automate loan decisioning, uses AI to match businesses with suitable financing offers, and integrates a loan marketplace within service providers' platforms to help businesses access the capital they need to succeed.

Media Contact:

Christina Sanders

3853415174

[email protected]

SOURCE Lendio
LOS ANGELES, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- BD&J is proud to announce its Attorney Director of Pre-Litigation, Michael Madadi, will be speaking at the Women in Leadership Program in New Orleans, Louisiana, on September 26th and 27th.

Michael Madadi will speak on the importance of empowering women in male-dominated spheres.

The Women in Leadership Program is a two-day in-person leadership development program, famed for its authentic connection and network expansion. Mr. Madadi is honored to be one of the few male speakers at this special event, featuring panels and individual talks from some of the legal, medical, engineering, and marketing industries' most accomplished female leaders. Mr. Madadi's discussion will center on the importance of women-led leadership development seminars and conferences like the Women in Leadership program to connect women over similar experiences and empower them to grow into even more effective leaders.

Though more women than ever before are entering the medical, legal, marketing, and engineering fields, Betty Aquino noticed that there remained a major disparity between the number of men in leadership roles and the number of women in leadership roles. Out of this troubling realization, the Women in Leadership (WIL) program was born. The WIL program provided an avenue for women leaders from a wide variety of industries to meet, connect, and learn how to enhance their leadership skills and develop solutions for systemic gender issues together. This event promises to foster empowerment and networking in a way other women's programs simply cannot.

BD&J  a personal injury firm in Southern California with a decades long history of representing clients in car accident, truck accident, wrongful death, and catastrophic injury matters  is thrilled to participate in this event as home to numerous women Partners, Associate Attorneys, legal staff, executives, and support staff. The closing of the gender gap in leadership is of particular importance to the BD&J team.

BD&J encourages all women leaders interested in connecting with others with similar experiences to register to attend today. Law and medical students enjoy special discounts to attend.

About BD&J, PC: BD&J, PC, has served all Californians for over 20 years in many areas of personal injury law, including auto or truck accidents, motorcycle and pedestrian collisions, premises liability, commercial injury, dog bites, and more. Having represented tens of thousands of clients from all walks of life, the attorneys at BD&J are proud to protect the rights of individuals from anywhere in California at any time. To learn more, contact BD&J here.

Media Contact: Juniper Elizondo, [email protected]

SOURCE BD&J, PC
New York Times best-seller author Dr. Lisa Damour, The Ad Council's Chief Campaign Development Officer Heidi Arthur , and the Institute for Exceptional Care's co-founder & CEO Dr. Hoangmai ( Mai) Pham are the keynote speakers for the premier mental health event

The three-day event will feature over 80 panel discussions and breakout sessions featuring the brightest minds in behavioral health focused on innovations and policies to advance access to quality care for all

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Behavioral Health Tech , the leading community focused on expanding access to mental health, substance use, and autism/IDD care through technology, health equity, and innovation, today announced its keynote speaker lineup for its annual conference which will take place at the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix, AZ, from November 5-7, 2024. The keynote lineup includes Dr. Lisa Damour, Heidi Arthur, and Dr. Hoangmai (Mai) Pham. The conference will highlight innovative thinking, models, and solutions that can increase access to and improve the quality of behavioral health care in the U.S.

"We're incredibly thrilled to have a diverse group of visionary leaders as this year's keynote speakers," said Solome Tibebu, founder and CEO, Behavioral Health Tech. "Dr. Damour, Heidi Arthur, and Dr. Pham are spearheading transformational change in behavioral and mental health.

Their keynotes will be packed with unique and insightful perspectives on a wide range of topics, from teen mental health to the care of people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. This year's conference is THE event to attend for anyone who is serious about improving the state of mental healthcare in the U.S. thanks in part to this stacked roster of keynote speakers."

This year's highly esteemed keynote speakers are:

Dr. Lisa Damour , a psychologist and author of three New York bestsellers on teen mental health issues. She has written numerous academic papers, chapters, and books related to education and child development. Dr. Damour serves as the Senior Advisor to the Schubert Center for Child Studies at Case Western Reserve University , is recognized as a thought leader by the American Psychological Association, and works in collaboration with UNICEF. Additionally, Dr. Damour is the co-host of the Ask Lisa podcast and was a consultant to Pixar on the film Inside Out 2.

Dr. Damour graduated with honors from Yale University and worked for the Yale Child Study Center before earning her doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the University of Michigan. She has been a fellow at Yale's Edward Zigler Center in Child Development and Social Policy and the University of Michigan's Power Foundation.

Heidi Arthur , the Ad Council's Chief Campaign Development Officer. She brings together leading creative agencies, corporate brands, media and technology platforms, and nonprofit and government partners to drive public education, awareness, and action. She has more than 25 years of experience creating change around pressing social issues like diversity and inclusion, minority education, and hunger prevention; she currently leads the Ad Council's mental health and racial justice efforts. To ensure continued creative innovation and excellence, Heidi also manages the Ad Council's Creative Review Committees, comprising nearly 30 of the industry's top agency leaders. The committees meet regularly to review, refine and raise the bar on the Ad Council's social-good campaigns.

Heidi is a graduate of Union College and has a Certificate in Corporate Social Responsibility from Harvard Business School. She currently serves on the Board of Advisors for the Baylor College School of Medicine, the steering committee for the National Response to COVID-19 (an initiative of the Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention), and the Board of Directors for AIMM (Alliance for Inclusive and Multicultural Marketing).

Hoangmai ( Mai) Pham , MD, MPH , the co-founder and CEO of the Institute for Exceptional Care (IEC), a national nonprofit organization that works to improve healthcare for people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD). The IEC provides financial support and pays for expensive services that many people with IDD are burdened with, including hospitalizations and long-term support. The non-profit organization also trains healthcare professionals to deliver high-quality care confidently. She previously served as Chief Innovation Officer at the CMS Innovation Center, where she was a founding official and architect of foundational programs on accountable care organizations and primary care. Dr. Pham has published extensively on payment policy and its intersection with health disparities, care coordination, quality, provider behavior, and market trends.

She serves on the Boards of Atlantic Health System and the Coalition to Transform Advanced Care, and the Board of Advisors for StationMD. Dr. Pham received her AB from Harvard, MD from Temple University, and MPH from Johns Hopkins, where she was also a Robert Wood Johnson Clinical Scholar.

A portion of proceeds from all Behavioral Health Tech Conference registration fees will be donated to the IEC as this year's non-profit grantee .

"I'm honored to be a keynote speaker at the upcoming Behavioral Health Tech Conference, an event that has been a true community and source of innovation and inspiration," said Dr. Pham of the IEC. "I look forward to empowering and educating attendees on how to advance the care delivery for the millions of children and adults with IDD."

The Behavioral Health Tech Conference launched in 2020 and convened behavioral health thought leaders, innovators, and policymakers virtually. This year's in-person-only event spans three days. It spotlights over 200 speakers in over 80 panel discussions and sessions led by influential decision-makers from health plans, health systems, employers, benefits consultant groups, and more. The conference is the only public event where attendees can meet nearly all of the nation's Blue Cross Blue Shield behavioral health leaders.

Learn more about the event, keynote speakers, and panel discussions here .

Register for the in-person-only event here .

About Behavioral Health Tech

Behavioral Health Tech is the leading community solely committed to expanding access to mental health, substance use, and IDD services through technology, health equity and innovation. Our community is made up of patients, health plans, employers, health systems, behavioral health providers, startups, investors, pharma and policymakers to connect for the purposes of advancing access to behavioral healthcare for ALL individuals.

Our commitment to health equity is central in the design of all we do. You'll see it in our speakers, events, communications and more. By convening stakeholders across the healthcare ecosystem - incumbents and new entrants alike - we facilitate the connections necessary for innovating culturally-sensitive, high-quality behavioral health for all.

Press contact:

[email protected]

SOURCE Behavioral Health Tech
NEW YORK, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- NULASTIN, the pioneering indie brand renowned for its groundbreaking science to enhance scalp, lash and brow growth through elastin replenishment, is thrilled to announce that Dr. Dendy Engelman, an award-winning board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon based in New York City, has joined its advisory board. With her extensive expertise in dermatology and passion for innovative science-backed skincare, Dr. Engelman's addition marks a significant milestone for the brand.

Dr. Engelman is a distinguished figure in the field of dermatology and serves as a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, American Society of Dermatologic Surgery and American College of Mohs Surgery. From regularly appearing as a correspondent for the Today Show to contributing expert commentary in thousands of articles across prominent beauty and health publications, her vast experience and authoritative voice in the media make her an ideal partner for NULASTIN.

Award-winning board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon Dr. Dendy Engelman joins NULASTIN advisory board. Post this

"Dr. Engelman is a renowned dermatologist and respected authority in her field. Her expertise in hair and scalp care aligns perfectly with our brand. We are eager to collaborate, innovate and advance our shared goals of enhancing elastin rejuvenation," said Leah Garcia, Founder and CEO of NULASTIN.

"I am thrilled to join NULASTIN's advisory board and be part of the cutting-edge, transformative science that this brand is at the forefront of. The science of elastin for hair growth is so new that it is not yet being widely taught in medical schools, so this is an exciting opportunity to help educate about its incredible benefits. I have seen the results of NULASTIN's products firsthand and am excited to work with the brand as it continues innovating," said Dr. Engelman.

NULASTIN is the premier brand rooted in replenishment of elastin for hair and skin enhancement. Its proprietary Elastaplex Technology fortifies the Elastin Root System, which helps anchor-and-bind hair follicles, thus reducing sheddingfor thicker, fuller hair.

About NULASTIN

Founded in 2016 by award-winning media personality and professional athlete Leah Garcia, NULASTIN is dedicated to providing innovative hair and skincare solutions that promote health and beauty. With a focus on scientific research and high-quality ingredients, NULASTIN's products are designed to deliver real results and help individuals feel confident in their skin.

For more information about NULASTIN, visit NULASTIN.com

For media inquiries, contact Ruff Communications:

Jennifer Ruff | [email protected]

Carina Bonasera | [email protected]

Emily Tindol | [email protected]

SOURCE NULASTIN
New Cookbook Offers Authentic Recipes and a Celebration of Italian Culture.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Get ready to transport yourself to the heart of Italy with the release of "Diana's Italian Recipes, Like Nonna Used to Make!" a stunning new cookbook by Northeast Florida's passionate cooking instructor, Diana Testa. This culinary journey goes beyond just recipes, offering a window into the rich traditions and vibrant flavors that define Italian cooking.

Diana Testa, Author and Cookbook Instructor Cookbook cover for Diana Testa: Diana's Italian Recipes, Like Nonna Used to Make!

Diana's Italian Recipes features over 85 authentic recipes spanning classic favorites like Nonna's Lasagne, Veal Scaloppini in Lemon Sauce and her famous Tiramisu dessert. Diana Testa expertly guides readers through each step with clear instructions, and helpful tips, ensuring success in the kitchen, regardless of experience level.

"This book is more than just a collection of recipes," says Diana Testa. "It's a celebration of Italian food culture, the warmth of family meals, and the joy of sharing delicious food with loved ones."

"Diana's Italian Recipes, Like Nonna Used to Make!" also includes, helpful kitchen tools for making homemade pasta as well as step by step instructions on how to make pasta dough. This deeply rooted tradition in Italian culture is truly an art form and handed down from nonnas to their grandchildren. The act of making pasta dough together can be a bonding experience, creating memories that last a lifetime.

Diana Testa's debut cookbook, Diana's Italian Recipes, Like Nonna Used to Make! can be purchased in paperback or eBook on Amazon or directly from her website. Book her popular digital cooking lessons online from anywhere in the U.S. Set up cooking lessons for in-home cooking, parties, or corporate events in Jacksonville, Florida at www.ItalianCookingLessonsJax.com.

About Diana Testa

Diana Testa is a highly-rated, charismatic well-known Italian cooking instructor, a certified foreign language educator, cookbook author and founder of All about Italy, LLC. Her company offers guided culinary trips to Italy, teaches Italian and English across the globe. She's celebrated for her traditional recipes and preserving the authenticity of Italian cooking and pasta-making. Diana Testa teaches cooking classes all around Jacksonville, Florida.

For further information, visit https://www.italiancookinglessonsjax.com/chef

https://www.instagram.com/italiancookinglessons/

https://www.facebook.com/italiancookinglessonsjax

ABC Book Publishers, Inc. ABC Book Publishers, Inc. is a publishing and marketing firm that handles packaging, brand design, cover and page layout, printing, media buying and manages post-press publicity.

Contact: Kimberly Benton

ABC Book Publishers, Inc.

904.422.0490

[email protected]

SOURCE Diana Testa
MIAMI, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Star8 Corp is proud to announce that Domino Coffee is now available throughout the city's five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island.

New Yorkers, who consume over 7 million cups of coffee daily, can now experience the distinctive taste of DOMINO COFFEE. Crafted with the finest coffee beans and roasted to perfection, DOMINO COFFEE promises an unparalleled coffee experience, rich in flavor and quality.

In New York, DOMINO COFFEE is focusing on supermarkets, convenience stores, and food service establishments. The company will also partner with some of the biggest distributors in the region to ensure DOMINO COFFEE is available everywhere.

In addition to its retail offerings, DOMINO COFFEE is excited to announce the launch of its private label division. This new service will include sourcing and blending selected coffee beans from around the world, as well as roasting and packaging from our state-of-the-art facility. This expansion aims to provide tailored coffee solutions to meet diverse client needs.

Pino Impagliazzo, CEO of Cafe Domino, stated, "Next week we are hosting the Back to the Future trade show in Miami Beach. I will personally be there to meet and greet clients and shareholders. Following that, I will head to New York to meet with a roster of clients from some of the most recognized restaurants and hospitality groups in NYC. We are dedicated to bringing exceptional service and delivering the best product."

For more information, visit [www.cafedominocoffee.com](http://www.cafedominocoffee.com). Follow us on Instagram @CafeDominocoffee and Facebook @cafedominocoffee.

About Star8 Corporation

Star8 maintains interests in coffee distribution. Cafe Domino specializes in the sale and distribution of high-quality, freshly roasted coffee beans. Our products are sourced from all over the world, enabling us to provide customers with a wide selection of coffees that are sure to suit all tastes. We are passionate about coffee and take pride in delivering the freshest and most flavorful products available. Our dedication to providing quality products is demonstrated in our extensive selection of freshly roasted coffees, including single origin, specialty, and decaffeinated coffees. At Cafe Domino, we are committed to providing our customers with excellent service and competitive pricing. We are also dedicated to providing our customers with access to the finest selection of coffee beans, as well as the latest brewing and roasting technologies. We strive to make sure our customers enjoy the highest quality coffee while ensuring that the environment is respected and protected.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding our business, financial condition, and prospects, based on our current assumptions and beliefs. However, the company cannot guarantee that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements will be realized. There may be unforeseen risks and circumstances that we are unable to predict. While words such as "believes," "expects," "intends," "plans," "anticipates," "estimates," and similar expressions are used to identify forward-looking statements, there may be forward-looking statements that are not accompanied by such expressions. Investors should exercise caution when relying on these forward-looking statements, as they speak only as of the date of this press release. The company's actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results expressed in these forward-looking statements due to various factors, including risks discussed in the company's periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, available on its website ([www.sec.gov](http://www.sec.gov)). All forward-looking statements attributed to the company or individuals acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these factors, except as required under securities laws. The company assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements. Investors should refer to the risk factors disclosure outlined in our periodic reports filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Media Contact: Pino Impagliazzo, [email protected]

SOURCE Star8 Corp
AI-powered platform saves businesses 40% by optimizing matching and negotiation with suppliers

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Cavela officially launches today to revolutionize the way brands and businesses source products, using AI-driven automation to connect them with premium manufacturers worldwide at optimal cost. At the same time, Cavela announced its $2 million funding round led by XYZ Venture Capital, with additional support from Propel Ventures and Go Global Ventures.

Cavela reinvents how brands source products, using AI automation to connect them with suppliers at optimal cost. Post this Go to cavela.com to get started!

E-commerce tools like Shopify have made selling products easier than ever, but creating those products is still time-, labor-, and capital-intensive, requiring months of work, thousands of messages, and costly factory visits. Cavela solves this with AI agents that automate the steps of finding, negotiating, and coordinating with a network of premium suppliers around the world, reducing the process from 1,000 touch points to just 10 and saving hundreds of hours of work. By allowing them to engage with hundreds of suppliers at once, Cavela enables brands to access better supplier matches, and receive quotes that are, on average, 40% lower than self-sourcing.

"Creating custom products is difficult, but with recent developments in AI, it doesn't have to be," says Anthony Sardain, CEO of Cavela. "Large enterprises have dedicated teams to manage the complex process of product sourcing, but small and midsized businesses don't have that luxury. We're leveling the playing field, making it easier and more affordable for anyone to create custom products."

The Cavela team is uniquely positioned to tackle these challenges, drawing on their extensive experience in both procurement and AI technology. The core team has backgrounds at Stripe, Google, Amazon, and Disney. They also have manufacturing and procurement expertise from Primark and DS Smith, have run e-commerce brands, and are broadly international with strong connections to supplier hubs in Asia and Latin America.

Amid the continued boom in e-commerce and increasing pressure to build rapidly adaptable supply chains, modern sourcing solutions are in high demand. Cavela has already demonstrated that its AI can not only outperform conventional sourcing for brands across a wide range of product categories, but also make product sourcing more accessible, enabling even startups to easily source custom merchandise.

"The bottom line is that with Cavela we're cutting production costs on our core products by 35%," says Jordan Beaman, Founder of Western Welder Outfitting, a leading workwear brand. "Not only that, Cavela has also made it possible for us to quickly and easily expand our product line beyond our core offering."

With its recent capital infusion, Cavela is set to enhance the platform's capabilities and broaden its reach to more businesses. The company is focused on making product sourcing even easier, more transparent, and highly efficient  empowering businesses of all sizes to succeed in a competitive landscape.

"It's very rare that you come across a team like this one, with a cross section of AI and specific industry experience, capable of remaking that industry  in this case, e-commerce," says Ross Fubini, Managing Partner of XYZ Venture Capital, which led the round. "Cavela is going to have a huge impact on everyday operations of brands, startups, small companies, and more. But also have a broad, global impact on how products get made and distributed around the world. It's a magnitude of change on par with the advent of Shopify."

For more information, visit www.cavela.com.

Media contact: Camille Ricketts, [email protected]

SOURCE Cavela
The National STEM Week bill was sponsored today in the 2nd session of the 118th Congress by U.S. Representative Mike Carey (R-OH 15th District) and Representative Joyce Beatty (D-OH 3rd District).

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A bill to establish a National STEM Week to promote American innovation and enhance STEM education pathways for all students, including those in rural, urban, and underserved communities, was introduced today in the 2nd session of the 118th Congress sponsored by U.S. Representative Mike Carey (R-OH 15th District) and U.S. Representative Joyce Beatty (D-OH 3rd District).

Conceived by EXPLR and developed by the Center of Science and Industry (COSI), in conjunction with input and support from 100 other leading national STEM organizations, the bill supports the belief that the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields are crucial to the economic competitiveness and innovative capacity of the United States.

What's more, there exists an urgent and growing need to enhance access to quality STEM education across all demographics and regions to address disparities in STEM participation and to ensure a diverse and capable future workforce.

"It's time to make STEM education a national priority, and a fundamental way to do this is to pass the National STEM Week bill," said Dr. Frederic Bertley, President and CEO of the Center of Science and Industry, who earlier this year went to Capitol Hill in Washington, DC to lobby for support of the bill.

"It has long been the operating philosophy of COSI that science, technology, engineering and math are not things confined to a laboratory or a classroom," Dr. Bertley stressed. "They form the fabric of our daily lives, existing everywhere for everybody to experience and learn from. This fundamental belief is what inspired us and over 100 other like-minded organizations to take the initiative to develop this legislation."

"It's imperative that we make STEM education a national priority, not just for the sake of our students but for the future of our country. Supporting initiatives like the National STEM Week bill is a crucial step toward ensuring that every child has access to the tools and opportunities they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving world," said Jenny Buccos, CEO of EXPLR. "By embracing this commitment, we are investing in the innovators, problem-solvers and leaders of tomorrow."

The objectives of National STEM Week are to highlight the importance of STEM education in primary, secondary and postsecondary institutions across the country; showcase diverse career pathways within STEM fields in both classroom settings and informal learning environments; encourage family engagement with STEM activities at home to foster a conducive learning environment; facilitate partnerships between educational institutions and industry leaders to provide students with real-world applications and mentorship opportunities in STEM fields; and support states and local communities in developing and promoting their own STEM Week activities and resources, tailored to their unique educational and industrial landscapes.

"As students begin another school year, it is all the more important to recognize the role that STEM education plays in preparing them for the future," said Congressman Carey. "Science, technology, engineering and mathematics learning can inspire new curiosity, a lifelong passion or a successful career. Unfortunately, not every student has the same access to this transformative education. A National STEM Week will help emphasize the value of these subjects to students, parents and teachers alike."

"Ohio is the heart of American innovation and will soon be home to the most advanced semiconductor fabrication facilities in the world thanks to historic investments from the Biden-Harris administration and Intel. STEM fields power these industries of the future, so it is vital that we help future generations in our community develop the skills they need to make the most of this generational investment," said Congresswoman Beatty. "Establishing a National STEM Week to promote education in these fields, particularly among underserved communities, gives our kids the chance to actually see what a future in STEM looks like and will ensure that every student  no matter their background or zip code  has the tools needed to become the next generation of American innovators."

If the proposed bill is passed by both the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, the Committee on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Education (CoSTEM), which was established in 2011 as called for by the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010, will designate a week during each year as National STEM Week. The purpose of CoSTEM is to coordinate Federal programs and activities in support of STEM education and includes over ten federal agencies.

The United States is currently seeing declining rates of graduates in critical STEM fields (S&E Indicators, 2018). Recent data, including results from the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), starkly illustrate the United States' lagging performance in these crucial fields, underscoring an urgent need for intervention to secure the nation's economic and innovative future.

According to the PISA results, American students consistently perform below their peers in several developed nations, signaling a deepening skills gap that threatens the country's standing in the global economy. In the recent 2022 report from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), the nation's report card, science and math scores decreased in grades 4 and remained static through grades 12.

The National STEM Week Act aims to reinforce local, state and national STEM efforts by inspiring a diverse new generation of students to pursue STEM; utilize collaborations between schools and industries to provide a practical, insightful look at STEM careers; and implement nationwide initiatives that have been successful on smaller scales in various states.

"The National STEM Week Act provides a strategic approach to bolstering the nation's capabilities and future through the strengthening of STEM," Dr. Bertley emphasized. "With legislative support for this bold, forward-looking initiative, Congress can help ensure that all students have the opportunity to engage in valuable STEM learning experiences that are essential for their success and the country's continued global leadership in innovation."

COSI and EXPLR worked closely with several organizations on this bill, including STEM Next, a national field-building organization that supports out-of-school STEM learning.

"STEM Next believes that STEM learning is for everyone, everywhere," said Ron Ottinger, Executive Director of the STEM Next Opportunity Fund. "National STEM Week will bring important attention to the importance of every child having access to engaging and inspiring STEM learning both in and out of school. These experiences have always been essential, but now more than ever they enable students to explore their interests, pursue their passions, and develop critical awareness about professions available to them."

Concluded Kari Byron, EXPLR's Director of National STEM Festival and Mythbuster, "National STEM Week was inspired by the nationwide excitement and enthusiasm for EXPLR's National STEM Festival. I have traveled all over this country and have witnessed how STEM education has changed lives. STEM helps students develop skills that are critical for the future workforce pipeline of America, including critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity."

About COSI

COSI, the "#1 Science Museum in the Country" as voted by USA Today's 10Best, is an esteemed science center that has delighted Central Ohio with all things science for 60 years, inspiring interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) topics and delivering our experiential, "hands-on fun" brand of learning. COSI has been awarded five Emmys for its effective science communication television and video productions impacting science literacy for people of all ages. As a trusted educational resource for families, schools, and community partners, COSI is an essential element of our regional and national community, engaging millions of people annually through onsite, offsite, and online experiences. Learn more at www.cosi.org.

About EXPLR

EXPLR's mission is to empower students with practical skills and experiences for success in both school and life. Founded by Jenny Buccos, Kari Byron, and Andrew Zimmern, EXPLR creates virtual and hands-on learning experiences designed to inspire young people to drive change. With a strong emphasis on skills-based learning and development, EXPLR's initiatives include the National STEM Festival. Learn more at www.explr.com.

Contact:

Griffin360

Dan Griffin

[email protected]

(212) 481-3456

SOURCE Center of Science and Industry (COSI)
National leader in online homebuying offering affordable single-family homes at Clear Lake Estates

YOUNGSTOWN, Fla., Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Century Communities, Inc. (NYSE: CCS)one of the nation's largest homebuilders, an industry leader in online home sales, and the highest-ranked homebuilder on Newsweek's list of America's Most Trustworthy Companies 2024announced that the company's Century Complete brand is now selling at Clear Lake Estates. In addition to quality and affordable new homes, the community boasts an attractive location near Deer Point Lake, Panama City and Tyndall Air Force Base.

Beaumont Floor Plan Exterior Rendering | New Homes in Youngstown, FL | Clear Lake Estates by Century Complete Cabot Floor Plan Exterior Rendering | New Homes for Sale in Youngstown, FL | Clear Lake Estates by Century Complete

"Featuring one-acre homesites in a tranquil location with convenient proximity to white-sand beaches, shopping and more, Clear Lake Estates offers exceptional living at a great price," said Dave Roberts, EVP of Field Operations. "We're also proud to offer Hometown Hero savings for our military buyers in the area."

Learn more & view available homes at www.CenturyCommunities.com/ClearLakeEstates.

MORE ABOUT CLEAR LAKE ESTATES

Single-family homes | Now selling from the mid $200s

90 homesites

Single-story floor plans

3 to 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2-bay garages

Up to 1,773 square feet

One-acre lots in a convenient location near Highway 231

Easy access to area attractions and economic hubs like Panama City , Panama City Beach , Tyndall Air Force Base, and Deer Point Lake

, , Tyndall Air Force Base, and Deer Point Lake Open-concept layouts with desirable included features like granite countertops and stainless-steel appliances

Location:

Camp Flowers Road and Hornbill Drive

Youngstown, FL 32466

850.354.5573

VISIT US AT OUR PANAMA CITY SALES STUDIO!

Our industry-leading online homebuying process allows you to buy on your terms24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. However, if you'd like in-person assistance, please visit us at our Panhandle Studio in Panama City.

1000 E. 23rd Street

Panama City, FL 32405

850.354.5573

DISCOVER THE FREEDOM OF ONLINE HOMEBUYING:

Century Complete is proud to feature its industry-first online homebuying experience on all available homes in Florida.

How it works:

Shop homes at CenturyCommunities.com Click "Buy Now" on any available home Fill out a quick Buy Online form Electronically submit an initial earnest money deposit Electronically sign a purchase contract via DocuSign

Learn more about the Buy Online experience at www.CenturyCommunities.com/online-homebuying.

About Century Communities

Century Communities, Inc. (NYSE: CCS) is one of the nation's largest homebuilders, an industry leader in online home sales, and the highest-ranked homebuilder on Newsweek's list of America's Most Trustworthy Companies 2024, consecutively awarded for a second year. Through its Century Communities and Century Complete brands, Century's mission is to build attractive, high-quality homes at affordable prices to provide its valued customers with A HOME FOR EVERY DREAM. Century is engaged in all aspects of homebuilding  including the acquisition, entitlement and development of land, along with the construction, innovative marketing and sale of quality homes designed to appeal to a wide range of homebuyers. The Company operates in 18 states and over 45 markets across the U.S., and also offers title, insurance and lending services in select markets through its Parkway Title, IHL Home Insurance Agency, and Inspire Home Loans subsidiaries. To learn more about Century Communities, please visit www.centurycommunities.com.

SOURCE Century Communities, Inc.
HONG KONG , Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On September 11, 2024, the 9th "Belt and Road Summit" grandly held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. As a platinum sponsor, China Telecom Global showcased its comprehensive strengths and significant achievements along the Belt and Road Initiative under the theme "Integrated Cloud and Network for a Smarter Belt & Road." The presentation highlighted the exciting stories of how cloud-network integration empowers enterprises on their Silk Road journey, focusing on the renewal and upgrade of China Telecom's overseas mobile business. The company conveyed its beautiful vision of contributing to the construction of the "Digital Silk Road" through world-class digital intelligence technology services.

Deepening the Silk Road: Global Services and Inclusive Digital Practices

During the event, China Telecom Global set up a themed exhibition titled "Integrated Cloud and Network for a Smarter Belt & Road," divided into three main sections: "Company Brand and Global Infrastructure Capability," "Integrated Cloud and Network Empowering Enterprises on the Silk Road," and "Oversea Mobile Services Upgrade."

The exhibition emphasized strong connections through infrastructure, highlighted the "Cloud Engine" as a smart enabler across seas, showcased global benchmark cases of "Quality Service," and presented the "New Start" of overseas mobile business as a breakthrough. This comprehensive display illustrated China Telecom's extensive efforts over more than twenty years along the Silk Road.

Since establishing its first overseas office in 2000, and with the launch of Tiantong Satellite Services in Hong Kong in 2024, China Telecom has steadily advanced its international operations. Over the past two decades, the company has actively built a high-quality foundational network covering countries and regions along the Belt and Road Initiative, increasing its efforts in new infrastructure development and continuously strengthening its layout of core resources such as overseas cloud services, networks, and data centers.

To date, China Telecom has established branches in 53 countries and regions worldwide, with its business scope extending across Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East and Africa.

At the event, attendees could explore in detail the private cloud solution tailored by China Telecom for a major automotive company in Indonesia, the smart network infrastructure built for a complex large-scale smelting park, and the national key project "Digital Mali" developed for Africa, among other initiatives.

Along the Belt and Road Initiative, China Telecom's services reach not only the Asia-Pacific and the Middle East and Africa but also extend into Europe, where the company has accumulated rich experience and case studies in areas such as the Internet of Vehicles and manufacturing. These vivid examples showcase China Telecom's commitment to bringing Chinese digital practices to the international stage, promoting global inclusivity with its service standards and intelligent capabilities.

Integrated Cloud Intelligence: Supporting Global Expansion with a Comprehensive Service System

On the first day of the event, Liu Ye, Senior Solutions Consultant at China Telecom Global, delivered an engaging speech titled "Leading Your Overseas Digitalization." She reflected on China Telecom's journey in international expansion and highlighted the company's global regional capabilities.

Through various case studies, Liu vividly illustrated China Telecom's achievements and contributions along the Belt and Road Initiative. She provided a comprehensive overview of the advantages of the digital foundation and intelligent solutions that China Telecom Global has built to support enterprises in their international ventures.

In alignment with this, China Telecom showcased its robust global cloud and network digital intelligence service system. As a world-class digital technology service provider, China Telecom leverages its cloud-network integration advantages to continuously enhance its intelligent, comprehensive digital information infrastructure capabilities. This includes promoting "high-speed ubiquity, integrated terrestrial and space solutions, cloud-network convergence, intelligent agility, green low-carbon initiatives, and secure controllability."

With a full-link architecture comprising "resources + platforms + products + applications," China Telecom has developed an integrated global cloud-network digital intelligence service system known as "Cloud Network Digital Security."

At the resource layer, China Telecom has developed an overseas intelligent computing cloud that integrates cloud intelligence and training, while also coordinating with cloud-network edge computing. This includes the construction of a high-bandwidth, low-latency international backbone network, promoting the full optical, flat, and intelligent transformation of international networks to strengthen the global intelligent computing infrastructure.

At the platform layer, China Telecom focuses on five key areas: business, technology, operations, data, and security. This has led to the establishment of a stable, flexible, and secure cloud-network integration central platform, continuously advancing the deep integration of 5G, cloud networks, ubiquitous intelligent terminals, and platform applications.

At the product layer, China Telecom accelerates the innovation of cutting-edge technologies and breakthroughs in new business areas such as "cloud, network, data, intelligence, security, and quantum," forming a series of specialized and innovative product matrices to provide efficient and resource-conserving services to global clients.

At the application layer, China Telecom targets key industries such as finance, the internet, IT, government services, and retail, offering professional and reliable one-stop solutions. These solutions provide critical support and feasible pathways for the deep digital transformation of new business models and requirements within these sectors.

Overseas Services: Renewed Upgrades for a Shared Dream of the Digital Silk Road Journey

As China deepens its integration into the global economy, the high-quality international expansion of Chinese enterprises has emerged as a new focus of globalization, particularly along the Belt and Road Initiative, which has sparked a wave of cooperation between China and other countries.

To better serve overseas mobile users and meet diverse communication needs, China Telecom has upgraded its overseas mobile business. This "new connection" drives a "new start," with the construction of an integrated network based on the Tiantong Satellite System, which innovatively introduces direct satellite connection services for mobile phones. Additionally, the company has meticulously developed the "Three Regions Connected" mobile service in the Greater Bay Area, providing a seamless connectivity experience among mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau.

In May of 2024, China Telecom officially launched its direct satellite connection service in Hong Kong, marking a key milestone in the overseas operation of the Tiantong Satellite System. With its wide coverage, strong communication capabilities, and no service blind spots, the Tiantong Satellite excels in scenarios such as maritime communication and emergency rescue.

China Telecom Global views this new port as a starting point to focus on key Belt and Road directions, particularly in Southeast Asia and South Asia, and aims to jointly promote Tiantong satellite services to a broader global user base.

At the same time, China Telecom Global has developed the "Three Regions Unified Experience" mobile service for the Greater Bay Area, allowing users to have one SIM card with three numbers online simultaneously. This service provides seamless connectivity among mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau, catering to those who frequently travel and communicate between these regions.

This not only offers significant convenience to ordinary consumers but also effectively supports high-level external openness, promoting the formation of a new development pattern that emphasizes domestic circulation while facilitating the mutual promotion of domestic and international dual circulation.

Looking ahead, China Telecom Global will leverage its position in Hong Kong, collaborate with the Greater Bay Area, support overseas expansion, and serve global markets. The company will continually upgrade its digital intelligent information services based on cloud-network integration. Guided by the Belt and Road Initiative, China Telecom aims to Integrated Cloud and Network for a Smarter Belt & Road," integrated cloud and network for a smarter Belt & Road, and lead the way in the digital Silk Road journey, jointly creating a new chapter in the global digital economy.

SOURCE China Telecom Global
E-Treatment services powered through MDLIVE by Evernorth routinely deliver customers diagnoses and treatment plans within one hour without any direct interaction

Now available to U.S. Cigna Healthcare customers who have coverage through the individual marketplace or their employer

BLOOMFIELD, Conn., Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Cigna Healthcare, the health benefits division of The Cigna Group (NYSE: CI), launched an "E-Treatment" option through MDLIVE by Evernorth. Beginning this month, customers have quick, flexible access to urgent care from board-certified doctors, without any direct interaction via phone or video.



For many common, lower-risk conditions, such as allergies, eye or ear infections, urinary tract infections, and some respiratory illnesses like the flu, customers can submit a virtual clinical interview through the MDLIVE portal, and typically within one hour, they will receive their diagnoses and personalized treatment plans.

"Our customers lead busy lives, and getting care shouldn't be put on the backburner," said Heather Dlugolenski, U.S. employer strategy officer, Cigna Healthcare. "By offering customers multiple ways to conveniently connect with board-certified clinicians, they can be more effective with their time and continue putting their health and vitality first."

Through myCigna.com, customers click "Talk to a Doctor" to get started with MDLIVE's virtual urgent E-Treatment option. The virtual clinical interview typically takes 8-10 minutes to complete. Once submitted, MDLIVE board-certified doctors review the information and share back a diagnosis and treatment plan. Customers are notified through a text or email when their visit summary is ready, and any needed prescriptions are sent to the customer's preferred pharmacy. If a higher level of care is needed, a customer's care can be escalated to a video visit with the same doctor or to in-person care.

"Patients and doctors alike recognize that some conditions shouldn't require patients to wait to speak with a doctor to begin having their illness assessed," said Dr. Eric Weil, chief medical officer, MDLIVE. "We want to offer multiple options in the way that patients access care, and our clients are demanding that. While not a substitute for seeing a provider in person for more serious conditions, E-Treatment enables choice and flexibility for patients. It also frees up clinicians to practice at the top of their license by spending time with patients when direct interaction is really needed."

Internal data show that 99% of patients are happy with their experience[1], and 34% were using MDLIVE virtual care for the first time.[2] E-Treatment, which is powered by MDLIVE's acquisition of the platform and technology from Bright.md, is now available to customers* who have Cigna Healthcare insurance through the Affordable Care Act individual marketplace or their employer, many of whom have access to the service with a $0 co-pay. Many Cigna Healthcare customers also have access to virtual urgent care, primary care, behavioral (therapy and psychology) and dermatology.

*E-Treatment is available in U.S. states, except: Kansas, Mississippi, New Mexico, West Virginia and the District of Columbia.

About Cigna Healthcare

Cigna Healthcare is a health benefits provider that advocates for better health through every stage of life. We guide our customers through the health care system, empowering them with the information and insight they need to make the best choices for improving their health and vitality. Products and services are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of The Cigna Group (NYSE:CI), including Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company, Connecticut General Life Insurance Company, Evernorth Health companies or their affiliates and Express Scripts companies or their affiliates. Such products and services include an integrated suite of health services, such as medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy, vision, supplemental benefits and others. Learn more at CignaHealthcare.com.

1 Cigna Healthcare internal reporting among customers with pilot access to E-Treatment who provided in-app feedback, July 2024

2 Cigna Healthcare internal reporting of accounts with pilot access to E-Treatment, June 2024

Media Contact:

Jocelyn Parker

313-510-4173

[email protected]

SOURCE Cigna Healthcare
New updates address growing data demands for industries with stringent compliance requirements

Private Link Network will be showcased during EVOLVE24 in Dubai on September 12

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Cloudera , the only true hybrid platform for data, analytics and AI, today launched Cloudera Private Link Network to address critical data security and privacy concerns for highly regulated organizations with strict internal data security policies. Cloudera Private Link Network provides secure, private connectivity from customer workloads to the Cloudera Control Plane, ensuring that data does not traverse the public Internet.

Organizations in industries such as finance, healthcare and pharmaceuticals often face privacy challenges because providers often cannot guarantee that traffic between tenants, even within the same cloud, will not traverse the Internet and risk data exposure. Cloudera Private Link Network helps to solve these challenges by providing a unified, cross-cloud private connectivity service, enabling enterprises to securely manage data-intensive workloads across multiple cloud environments through a single, specialized network.

Cloudera Private Link Network integrates across major cloud providers by utilizing existing cloud provider services like AWS PrivateLink and Azure Private Link and other network infrastructure such as multi-cloud connectivity. This setup extends secure data transfer across multiple cloud environments, to enable consistent security and streamlined management. Customers can efficiently self-serve and provision services using the Cloudera Command Line Interface.

"Cloudera Private Link Network is purpose-built and managed by Cloudera to address enterprise privacy and connectivity concerns. By offloading the management of Private Link Network to Cloudera, it will both lower TCO for your organization and free up valuable resources, allowing you to focus on strategic business initiatives," said Dipto Chakravarty, Chief Product Officer at Cloudera. "By managing data integrity and trustworthiness throughout the architecture, we help enterprises safeguard sensitive customer data."

"As organizations move to cross-cloud deployments, they expect to drastically reduce the complexity of multi-platform configurations to a point that they should only have to specify private link network endpoints between their control plane and the data planes," said industry analyst, Sanjeev Mohan. "Private Link Network helps enterprises protect their data more effectively and easily leverage disparate clouds to reduce total cost of ownership. This advancement further establishes Cloudera as a leader in providing secure, cross-cloud connectivity for metadata management."

Cloudera Private Link Network will be on display at Cloudera EVOLVE Dubai , taking place September 12, 2024, at the Museum of the Future. Attendees will see the power of Cloudera Private Link Network firsthand and gain insights into the real-world experiences of leading-edge companies from around the globe.

For more information on how Cloudera Private Link Network addresses the growing need for secure, private data connectivity across increasingly complex multi-cloud environments, visit our recent blog .

About Cloudera

Cloudera is the only true hybrid platform for data, analytics, and AI. With 100x more data under management than other cloud-only vendors, Cloudera empowers global enterprises to transform data of all types, on any public or private cloud, into valuable, trusted insights. Our open data lakehouse delivers scalable and secure data management with portable cloud-native analytics, enabling customers to bring GenAI models to their data while maintaining privacy and ensuring responsible, reliable AI deployments. The world's largest brands in financial services, insurance, media, manufacturing, and government rely on Cloudera to use their data to solve what once seemed impossibletoday and in the future.

To learn more, visit Cloudera.com and follow us on LinkedIn and X . Cloudera and associated marks are trademarks or registered trademarks of Cloudera, Inc. All other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

SOURCE Cloudera, Inc.
ATLANTA, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Falcon Risk Services, an MGA majority owned by HDI Global Specialty, a wholly owned subsidiary of HDI Global SE, has gone live on both Cogitate's DigitalEdge Policy and DigitalEdge Claims solutions to manage the full lifecycle of its professional lines of coverage. Cogitate, a leader in accelerated digital insurance solutions for P&C Carriers and DUAEs, has launched Falcon Risk Service's digital initiative for both policy and claims in just 7 months.

Just 3 years ago Falcon Risk Services opened its doors in the US market to offer professional liability lines of business, including management liability, financial, cyber/tech E&O. The acceleration of business necessitated a swift move from manual processes to a digital platform to speed response to the market and expand its offering.

"Cogitate's understanding of insurance operations and processes was critical to developing and implementing an aggressive timeline to launch. Their ability to conceptualize the transformation of our manual workflows accelerated the customizations we required specific to the complex risks we underwrite. The ease of integration with data providers and solutions specific to our goals for greater efficiencies is a huge outcome of this implementation," explained Craig Landi, Founder and CEO, Falcon Risk Services.

"We're excited to have Falcon Risk Services join our family of innovative customers. We share their passion for data, analytics, AI, and predictive modeling to streamline submissions, reduce underwriting cycle times, and facilitate insights for highly informed decision-making across the organization," shared Arvind Kaushal, CEO and co-founder of Cogitate.

Falcon's launch of Excess Follow form was the first of a 20-product rollout planned for the next 18 months. Their integrations with third-party data providers such as sanctions.io, S&P Global Market Intelligence, Falcon's producer API, and the ability to leverage Falcon's first-party data are game changers for their underwriting and claims teams. Submission processing and underwriting cycle times have been significantly improved. Critical to this implementation, Cogitate migrated claims history onto the new platform for a cohesive transition to the digital experience.

About Falcon Risk Holdings

Falcon Risk Holdings, operating as Falcon Risk Services, is a managing general agency focused on underwriting and claims management of financial, professional, and cyber lines of insurance business throughout the United States. Falcon uses an analytical approach to underwriting and claims management while also leveraging deep and longstanding broker relationships to nationally distribute its management, professional, and cyber liability portfolio of products. For more information, visit www.falconriskservices.com

About Cogitate

The Cogitate DigitalEdge Insurance Platform digitalizes insurance across the value chain, offering insurance carriers, MGAs, wholesale brokers, and program administrators a smooth transition to cloud-native, data-driven core underwriting, policy, billing, and claim applications. The unified insurance platform unlocks the value of first-party data and advances the power of third-party data for profitable growth, superior risk selection, and a streamlined, modern user experience.

Backed by more than 100 combined years of comprehensive experience and domain knowledge, our products are uniquely designed to meet the needs of insurance businesses of every size. Find out how Cogitate maintains 100% client retention at www.cogitate.us.

About HDI Global SE (HDI)

As a Commercial and Specialty lines insurer, HDI Global SE (HDI) meets the needs of SMEs, industrial companies, middle market and corporate customers with insurance solutions that are specifically tailored to their requirements. In addition to HDI's prominent position in the German and broader European market, the company has access to its own worldwide HDI Global Network covering more than 175 countries through its own HDI foreign branch offices, subsidiaries, affiliated companies, and network partners. Acting as the Partner in Transformation, HDI Global SE leads more than 5,100 International Programs and offers its multinational customers compliant coverage worldwide.

HDI Global SE is the Industrial Lines Division of the Talanx Group and has been a leading insurer for several decades. Approximately 5,000 employees in this division generated insurance revenue (gross) of approx. EUR 9.1 billion in the year 2023 (according to IFRS 17).

The rating agency Standard & Poor's has given the Talanx Primary Group a financial strength rating of A+/stable (strong) and AM Best has assigned the A+ Rating. Talanx AG is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange in the MDAX.

Media Contact:

Pam Simpson

Director of Marketing & Communications, Cogitate

[email protected]

SOURCE Cogitate
AgriSress Helpline provides critical mental health support to farmers and ranchers

AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller and the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) are proud to announce the launch of the "Texas Peace of Mind" campaigna vital initiative dedicated to supporting the mental well-being of our state's farmers, ranchers, and agricultural workers. Through TDA's AgriStress Helpline, this campaign offers a lifeline to those who are the backbone of Texas agriculture.

The campaign will officially launch at the Texas State Fair, promoting optimism and resilience with inspiring messaging and powerful imagery. Visitors to the GO TEXAN Pavilion, presented by Southwest Dairy Farmers, will have the chance to learn more about the AgriStress Helpline, shop for local agricultural products, and engage in interactive activities that celebrate the strength and spirit of Texas agriculture.

"Our farmers and ranchers face challenges that most folks can't fathom, and their mental health is just as critical as their physical well-being," Commissioner Miller emphasized. "That's why we're teaming up with the AgriSafe Network in this essential campaignbecause when we support our agriculture community, we're standing up for the future of Texas."

"Texas Peace of Mind" aims to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues within the agricultural community while promoting proactive stress management via the AgriStress Helpline. By offering a supportive and confidential platform, the AgriStress Helpline seeks to increase awareness of its services and encourage individuals to prioritize their mental health.

Farmers, ranchers, and agricultural workers face a serious mental health crisis. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, one in four people worldwide experiences mental health issues each year. If this statistic holds true for our agricultural community, it means that about 25 percent of farmers worldwide are grappling with mental health challenges. Recent studies indicate a sharp rise in stress and mental health issues among farmers, driven by economic pressures, climate change, and the isolation that comes with the job. These factors are creating a perfect storm, making it more critical than ever to address mental health in the agricultural sector.

"Our agricultural community is up against challenges like never before, and it's time we address the mental health needs of those who work day in and day out to feed this nation," said Commissioner Sid Miller. "With the 'Texas Peace of Mind' campaign, we aim to embrace open dialogue and unwavering support, ensuring our farmers, ranchers, and agriculture workers feel empowered to reach out when they need it most."

For more information on the AgriStress Helpline or additional resources that support the mental health of farmers and ranchers, visit AgriSafe.org.

To learn more about TDA, visit TexasAgriculture.gov.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Maddison Jaureguito

Director of Communications

Texas Department of Agriculture

(512) 475-1669 (Office)

[email protected]

More TDA press releases are available at TexasAgriculture.gov/Newsroom.

SOURCE Texas Department of Agriculture
Data Brokers Collect Your Location, Share It With Companies and Law Enforcement

Opting Out Isn't Easy But Here's How That's Changing

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Despite the strongest state laws in the nation empowering consumers to take control of their personal information, less than 1 percent of Californians have exercised their rights with major data brokers in 2023, according to a report by Consumer Watchdog analyzing new California data broker reporting requirements.

Consumer Watchdog broke down the opt out numbers of some of the biggest data brokers in the world: Experian, Acxiom, and LiveRamp. Per the Delete Act, data brokers operating in California as of July must now annually report the number of requests to delete, correct, access, limit and opt out of collected data.

Read Consumer Watchdog's report "Data Stalkers" here.

Watch a Consumer Alert here .

This summer, the data broker National Public Data was subject to perhaps the biggest hack in history, exposing 2.7 billion pieces of data, including the social security number of potentially every American.

"Consumers are at a greater risk for identity theft with data brokers, but they don't have a simple way to opt out," said Justin Kloczko, tech and privacy advocate for Consumer Watchdog.

"Part of the reason Californians aren't opting in high numbers is because these rights aren't user friendly, as opting out has to be done website by website, and that takes forever," said Kloczko.

Starting in 2026, however, Californians will be able to delete all the data a broker collects about them in one step, under Senate Bill 362, the Delete Act (Becker), signed last year.

"The 2026 universal opt out will make it much easier to delete data," said Kloczko. "Governor Newsom also has the opportunity to sign legislation requiring browsers to send opt out signals, allowing consumers to exercise rights in one step."

Assembly Bill 3048 (Lowenthal) would force web browsers to allow users to signal all their privacy preferences for data collected directly by businesses. Currently Chrome and Safari don't allow that. Data brokers also collect first-party data, not just third-party data, said the advocacy group.

In California, close to 500 data brokers are in operation, and residents can look up a list of data brokers, see what categories of personal information they collect, and where to delete personal information.

Data brokers may have a lower profile than other companies that vacuum up data like Facebook or Google, but they know more about us, including social security numbers and geolocation. And they share data with tech, insurance and financial services companies, as well as government agencies, the nonprofit found.

Kloczko requested the data held on him by Experian , Acxiom , and LiveRamp , and the results were alarming.

"These data brokers keep incredibly detailed profiles on me spanning hundreds of pages," said Kloczko. "They contain inferences about my finances, family, eating and exercise habits, down to how likely I am to get a vaccine or subscribe to a streaming service. And a lot of it is wrong."

The reports made numerous incorrect inferences about Kloczko's ethnicity, finances, and consumer preferences.

From most tech companiesAmazon, Netflix, Google and Uberto auto manufacturersToyota, Nissan, Chevyto fast food chainsMcDonalds, Starbucks and Subwaydata brokers make predictions about you for virtually every popular brand. Companies want to know every detail about you with the hopes of keeping you glued to your phone so you buy products, said Consumer Watchdog.

One data broker, LiveRamp, said it sends data to Amazon, Disney, Fox, Comcast, Google, Uber and Warner Bros, among others, Consumer Watchdog found. Experian said it sources geolocation data from apps on your phone, and discloses it to "law enforcement," "financial services," "insurance companies" and "regulatory authorities," among others.

You can access your data from LiveRamp and delete it here.

To exercise your data rights with Experian, go here.

For Acxiom, go here.

Data brokers collect and sell dossiers on hundreds of millions of consumers and make billions in profit. Experian has data on 1 billion people and makes $7 billion in annual profit . Equifax has data on 800 million people and makes $5 billion in revenue. LiveRamp collects data on 700 million people and makes $660 million in revenue. Acxiom has data on 190 million individuals and makes $617 million in revenue.

SOURCE Consumer Watchdog
NEW YORK, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- COSRX celebrates the in-store debut of the consistently sold-out, viral The 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum by hosting experiential consumer one-day pop up events across six ULTA Beauty stores in the US. Starting in California on September 12, and ending in New York on September 21, COSRX is welcoming fans of the brand to experience the best-selling peptide serum along with photo-worthy moments, custom tote bags, collagen popsicles, freebies and more!

COSRX Debuts Viral The 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum at ULTA Stores Across the US with Experiential Pop Ups in California and New York

This derm-favorite Peptide Serum is a unique blend of six peptides which work wonders in addressing various skin concerns, making it the go-to solution for those seeking smooth, luminous skin. Its lightweight, water-based formula layers seamlessly into any routine, providing a boosting effect that takes your skin to the next level. Forget glass skinit's all about mirror skin now!

What makes this serum even more appealing is its affordable price point and jumbo-sized bottle. Peptides are often considered a luxury, but with this serum, one can enjoy consistent, long-term use without guilt, easily applying it to the face, neck, and even body for all-over perfection.

As the brand continues to make waves in the skincare industry, COSRX invites customers to redefine their skincare routine with the three times sold out serum, along branded goodies and more. For more information about the product, visit COSRX store at Ulta.

EVENTS:

September 12th : 12pm - 4pm | 21650 Valley Blvd, City of Industry, CA 91789

: | 21650 Valley Blvd, 91789 September 13th : 12pm - 4pm | 6500 Canoga Ave, Canoga Park, CA 91303

: | 6500 Canoga Ave, 91303 September 14th : 11pm - 3pm | 3393 E Foothill Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91107

: | 3393 E Foothill Blvd, 91107 September 20th : 11am - 3pm | 750 Sunrise Hwy Unit 125, Valley Stream, NY 11581

: | 750 Sunrise Hwy Unit 125, 11581 September 20th : 5pm - 9pm | 71-03 80th St, Glendale, NY 11385

: | 71-03 80th St, 11385 September 21st : 11am - 3pm | 51 W 34th St., New York, NY 10001

About COSRX:

K-beauty brand offering powerful yet affordable skincare solutions, COSRX has quickly become one of America's favorite skincare brands. Using a minimal number of highly effective natural extracts in concentrated doses, COSRX products deliver visible results by treating the skin with only the essentials it needs and nothing it doesn't. Find its best-selling skincare solutions at retailers nationwide, including https://www.cosrx.com , Amazon , ULTA , Revolve , Dermstore , Nordstrom and Target . COSRX is also on Instagram + TikTok .

SOURCE COSRX
Wish kids and their families from Make-A-Wish and other wish organizations visited Disneyland Resort for this first-of-its-kind event, which brought the wonder of Batuu to kids who asked to have a Star Wars-themed wish. After an immersive breakfast at which children chose to follow the light or dark path, the unique experience featured droid building, a scavenger hunt to assemble a lightsaber, surprise character visits and an immersive private dinner and dessert party in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disneyland park.

"We're humbled that so many children choose Disney to make their dreams come true," said Josh D'Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences and Make-A-Wish America board member. "We're constantly finding innovative and uniquely Disney ways to grant wishes at our parks and experiences around the world."

Wishes have the power to renew hope and uplift spirits for children facing critical illnesses, and experiences like Blaze Your Path: A Star Wars Adventure can be transformative for the entire family. Each child attending wished for something related to Star Wars and had their wishes come true, including:

14-year-old Dylan from California wished to experience Star Wars : Rise of the Resistance at Disneyland Resort.

wished to experience : Rise of the Resistance at Disneyland Resort. 13-year-old Kenobi from North Dakota wished to make his own lightsaber and droid at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge .

. 10-year-old Shepherd from Texas wished to visit Disneyland Resort and meet some of his favorite Star Wars characters.

Ahead of the adventure, Disney Consumer Products delivered an extra dose of magic and surprised families with a Star Wars backpack containing themed accessories, LEGO toys and sets, Funko Pop! figures, pins and more. Disney Publishing also sprinkled in some extra fun by providing an array of Star Wars books.

"It's a testament to the passion and commitment to the Make-A-Wish mission that Disney continues to find new and creative ways to deliver truly life-changing experiences for wish kids and their families," said Leslie Motter, president and CEO, Make-A-Wish America. "This event gives wish kids and their families a chance to feel like a normal family again  perhaps for the first time since the start of their medical journey. The stress, fear and anxiety that come with their illness are the furthest things from their minds."

To complete their Disney wish trips, families are now spending the remainder of their visits at Disneyland Resort, enjoying the theme parks and a stay at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.

Wish granting is an integral part of the magic at Disneyland Resort. Blaze Your Path: A Star Wars Adventure is one of the many ways Disney helps grant wishes across Disney Experiences. For nearly 45 years, Disney has worked together with Make-A-Wish to make wishes come true for children fighting critical illnesses. Since the very first official wish was granted at Disneyland Resort, Disney has helped fulfill more than 155,000 wishes globally with Make-A-Wish and is honored to be the largest wish granter in the world for Make-A-Wish.

Visit Wish.org/Disney to learn more about other ways Disney is supporting Make-A-Wish.

ABOUT THE DISNEYLAND RESORT

Located in Anaheim, Calif., the Disneyland Resort features two spectacular theme parks  Disneyland Park (the original Disney theme park) and Disney California Adventure Park  plus three hotels and the Downtown Disney District dining, entertainment and shopping complex. The Hotels of the Disneyland Resort are Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, the Disneyland Hotel  both AAA Four Diamond properties  and Pixar Place Hotel. When it opened on July 17, 1955, Disneyland introduced the world to a new concept in family entertainment and continues to use creativity, technology and innovation to bring storytelling to new heights. With over 35,000 cast members, the Disneyland Resort is Orange County's largest employer. For detailed information about the Disneyland Resort, please visit disneyland.com.

SOURCE Disneyland Resort
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Elliott Investment Management L.P. ("Elliott"), today issued the following statement:

On September 12, 2024, the Republic of Korea ("ROK") filed court papers to appeal the High Court of England and Wales's (the "English Court") dismissal of its application to set aside the US $100 million Arbitral Award ("Award"). Elliott will continue to vigorously defend the Award and its rights under the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement (the "Treaty").

The Award was issued against the ROK in June 2023 to compensate for the damages Elliott suffered when the ROK government corrupted the Korea National Pension Service's decision-making process in relation to the controversial 2015 Samsung Merger. The arbitral panel found that the ROK's intervention  which resulted in numerous criminal convictions of government and Samsung officials  violated the investor protection provided under the Treaty.

The ROK's continued refusal to honor the Award is not surprising yet deeply wrong-headed, particularly given that the ROK has already attempted and failed to set aside the Award. The English Court dismissed the ROK's application at the threshold without even hearing the merits, issuing a comprehensive judgment after the hearing that was held in London in July 2024.

Elliott encourages the ROK to reconsider its decision to appeal the English Court's ruling. The ROK's actions undermine its efforts to build a reputation as a fair, transparent and trustworthy capital market, further perpetuating the "Korea Discount." Additionally, the ROK's ongoing refusal to honor the Award is only increasing the burden on Korean taxpayers, as interest on the Award continues to accrue at a rate of more than US $10,000 every day, along with the potential for further cost liability arising from the ROK's appeal. The ROK should stop trying to distract the Korean public from the government's own corrupt conduct and mistakes. Rather than further increasing the cost its citizens will ultimately have to bear, it should comply with the judgment and put this episode behind it.

More information regarding this matter can be found on the website of the Permanent Court of Arbitration by following the link below:

https://pca-cpa.org/en/cases/197/

About Elliott

Elliott Investment Management L.P. (together with its affiliates, "Elliott") manages approximately $69.7 billion of assets as of June 30, 2024. Founded in 1977, it is one of the oldest funds under continuous management. The Elliott funds' investors include pension plans, sovereign wealth funds, endowments, foundations, funds-of-funds, high net worth individuals and families, and employees of the firm.

Media Contacts:

U.S.

Casey Friedman

Elliott Investment Management L.P.

T: +1 212 478 1780

[email protected]

London

Alice Best

Elliott Advisors (UK) Limited

T: +44 203 009 1715

[email protected]

Seoul

Jin Kim

Nine Crosby

T: +82 2 866 9455

[email protected]

SOURCE Elliott Investment Management L.P.
Lawmakers and Law Enforcement Officials Will Discuss Impact of Unchecked Illegal Immigration on their Communities

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On Wednesday, September 18, the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) will host a border press conference in McAllen, Texas, with 100 state legislators and sheriffs from across the country. These state and local government and law enforcement officials will address the havoc illegal immigration is wreaking on communities in the form of rising crime, homelessness, and costs. The sheriffs and elected officials will discuss the disastrous consequences states are grappling with because of the illegal immigration crisis created by the Biden-Harris administration's open-borders policies.

WHO: Sheriff Jeff Gahler (Harford County, Md.); Sheriff Terry Johnson (Alamance County, N.C.); and Sheriff Mike Lewis (Wicomico County, Md.), representing sheriffs from across the country.

Michigan State Senator Jim Runestad; Missouri State Representative Jim Murphy; and Maine Representative Katrina Smith, speaking on behalf of state legislators across the country.

Susan Kibbe, executive director South Texans' Property Rights Association.

WHEN: Wednesday, September 18 from 11:30am to noon Central Time.

WHERE: Anzaladuas Park: 6400 Anzaladuas Dam Rd, Mission, TX 78572.

Media: Credentialed media only will be admitted.

Event Contact: Shari Rendall ([email protected]/202-236-2433) or Susan Tully ([email protected]/608-606-0631)

Media Contact: Ira Mehlman ([email protected]/213-700-0407) or Joey Chester ([email protected]/202-740-7355)

ABOUT FAIR

Founded in 1979, FAIR is the country's largest immigration reform group. With over 3 million members and supporters nationwide, FAIR fights for immigration policies that serve national interests, not special interests. FAIR believes that immigration reform must enhance national security, improve the economy, protect jobs, preserve our environment, and establish a rule of law that is recognized and enforced.

SOURCE Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR)
FarmWise and RDO Equipment Co. announce a partnership to sell and support AI-powered weeding technology for U.S. vegetable growers.

SALINAS, Calif. and FARGO, N.D., Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- FarmWiseTM, a leader in smart farming implements, and RDO Equipment Co., a dealer of intelligently connected agriculture, construction, environmental, irrigation, positioning, and surveying equipment from leading manufacturers, including John Deere, announce an exclusive partnership to deliver FarmWise's Vulcan precision weeding and cultivation implement to vegetable growers in the Southwest regions of the United States.

FarmWise has established a strong reputation for cutting-edge, AI-powered weeding solutions for vegetable growers. Vulcan, the company's latest product, has proven to be a key resource to combat constrained and increasingly costly hand labor on the farm by combining precision weeding with unmatched productivity. Taylor Farms and Barkley Farms are two of the leading produce companies in the Southwest that have adopted Vulcan as part of their farming operations. With this agreement, RDO will bring Vulcan to more growers within existing and new regions as an exclusive sales and field support partner to FarmWise.

"We are excited to join forces with RDO, a company that embodies the same vision and relentless focus on their customers. This partnership takes FarmWise's commercial and customer support capabilities to the next level and reinforces RDO's leadership in the adoption of productivity-enhancing technologies", says Tjarko Leifer, CEO of FarmWise.

"For Taylor Farms, Vulcan builds on the foundation of success we have experienced working with FarmWise since 2019. We purchased our first Vulcan last December and today run two of them. We have weeded over 2,500 acres already this season. We are seeing strong value in our fields and expect Vulcan to be a significant part of our operations going forward because it helps address labor challenges in today's agriculture", says Ted Taylor, president of agricultural operations at Taylor Farms.

"When we learned about FarmWise's Vulcan implement and its learning AI that can improve cultivating efficacy for different crops in varying field conditions, our team saw that this product fit perfectly into our commitment to helping growers do more with less without decreasing their longstanding history of quality," says Richard Arias, RDO's vice president of southwest agriculture." Our product specialists are excited to work alongside growers to mechanize weed management that reduces hand labor and costs to optimize weed control in their fields and improve crop uniformity and yield."

Leveraging RDO's long history of effective customer support and large service network, Vulcan is poised to expand its offerings for current and new specialty crops. FarmWise and RDO are committed to continuing to develop chemical-free weed removal options that provide farmers with real savings.

About RDO Equipment Co.

Founded in 1968, RDO Equipment Co. sells and supports intelligently connected agriculture, construction, environmental, irrigation, positioning, and surveying equipment from leading manufacturers, including John Deere, Vermeer, and Topcon. With more than 80 locations across the U.S. and partnerships in Africa, Australia, Mexico, and Ukraine, we deliver creative solutions so our customers can grow and build the world. https://www.rdoequipment.com

About FarmWise

FarmWise Labs, Inc. can save farmers $200 or more dollars per acre by leveraging its proprietary AI platform in some of the most challenging and high-value use cases on the farm. The company sells its technology to farmers through Vulcan, a tractor-pulled implement that mechanically removes weeds with high precision, reliability, and speed. https://farmwiselabs.com

SOURCE FarmWise Labs
Security Guard Staffing Services that work for you; when ever you see fit.

HOLLYWOOD, Fla., Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Fast Guard Service, the nation's leading provider of on-call security guard services and staffing solutions, announces its unparalleled commitment to providing fully trained, licensed security officers across the United States in as little as four hours. With a robust roster of security professionals actively serving communities nationwide, Fast Guard Service is transforming how businesses and individuals access top-tier security personnel when they need it most.

Fast Guard Service

In a world where hiring reliable employees can be hit or miss, Fast Guard Service stands out by investing heavily in the recruitment and training of security officers. Unlike most security companies that focus on one area of specialization, Fast Guard Service offers a broad spectrum of security services while maintaining its commitment to delivering exceptional quality across all industries.

"We've built a roster of licensed security guards who are actively providing services all over the country," said Dwight Gibson, CEO of Fast Guard Service. "Our deep-seated investment in training ensures that every client feels satisfied with the quality of the security services they receive. Security guards, like many other professionals, require a delicate balance between customer service and protection, and we're committed to providing guards who excel at both."

The New Standard in Security Guard Staffing

Fast Guard Service's approach to staffing goes beyond simply filling positions. With the risks and liabilities involved in hiring the wrong personnel, it's no longer enough to rely on large, gym-going individuals in security t-shirts. The modern security landscape requires highly trained, licensed professionals who are prepared to meet the demands of today's environmentswhether it's for condominium security, hotel and hospitality services, homeowner associations, or even casinos.

"Our staffing services ensure that only licensed security officers are provided for a wide variety of job types," Dwight added. "This means we're not just sending anyone to your site. We're sending guards who are specifically trained and certified for the job, reducing the risks associated with inadequate personnel."

Rapid Response: Security Guards in 4 Hours or Less

One of the most impressive offerings from Fast Guard Service is their 4-hour emergency call-out program, where customers can request a security guard for urgent staffing needs and have a professional arrive on-site within four hours. Whether it's a last-minute request due to an emergency or a temporary need due to unforeseen circumstances, Fast Guard Service guarantees a quick and seamless solution.

Additionally, Fast Guard offers fully trained guards who are ready to hit the ground running on day one. These guards arrive with full training in the client's specific protocols and procedures, reducing onboarding costs and time. This ensures businesses can continue operating smoothly without worrying about the challenges of recruiting, vetting, and training new personnel.

Simplifying Security Staffing for Businesses Nationwide

Fast Guard Service's innovative staffing solutions address a common pain point for businesses: the difficulty of finding qualified, licensed security guards to fill open positions. With Fast Guard Service, clients no longer need to worry about the time-consuming process of posting jobs, reviewing applications, and conducting interviews.

"Clients who have had difficulty filling security guard positions can now simply call us and take the job post down," said Dwight Gibson. "We take care of the rest. From emergency staffing to long-term security solutions, Fast Guard Service is here to help businesses get back to what they do bestwithout the headaches."

Fast Guard Service is a leading provider of security guard services across the United States. Known for its rapid response times and commitment to quality, Fast Guard Service provides both short-term and long-term security solutions tailored to the needs of residential communities, businesses, events, and more. With a focus on customer satisfaction and safety, Fast Guard Service is proud to be the top choice for licensed security staffing and on-call guard services nationwide.

For more information or to request security guard services, visit www.fastguardservice.com or call (844) 254-8273.

This press release was issued through 24-7PressRelease.com. For further information, visit http://www.24-7pressrelease.com.

SOURCE Fast Guard Service
Combination expected to close on October 2, 2024

DENVER, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Energy Fuels Inc. (NYSE American: UUUU) (TSX: EFR) ("Energy Fuels" or the "Company"), an industry leader in uranium and rare earth elements ("REE") production for the energy transition, is pleased to announce that the Federal Court of Australia (the "Court") has today made orders approving the proposed acquisition of Base Resources Limited ("Base") by Energy Fuels by way of a scheme of arrangement under Australia's Corporations Act (the "Scheme").

As previously announced on April 21, 2024, under the Scheme, Energy Fuels will acquire 100% of the issued shares of Base in consideration of the issuance by the Company of 0.026 Energy Fuels Common Shares for every Base share held and the payment by Base of a special dividend of AUD $0.065 per Base share.

Mark S. Chalmers, President and CEO of Energy Fuels stated: "I am very pleased that the Court has approved Energy Fuels' combination with Base Resources. This approval is the final approval required before closing, which is expected to occur on October 2, 2024. We look forward to developing the world-class Toliara Project with Base's experienced team as a major step in our development of a world-class critical minerals company at a time when geopolitics is making domestic supply chains more important than ever. I am also very pleased to see that the recent improvements in REE prices are continuing, with the price of NdPr now at approximately $59.60 per kilogram."

As a next step, a copy of the Court order will be lodged with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission ("ASIC") and the Scheme will become effective, which is expected to occur on September 13, 2024. As a result, September 13, 2024, is expected to be Base's last day of trading on the Australian Stock Exchange ("ASX"). The Special Dividend (AUD$0.065 per share) is expected to be paid to Base shareholders on October 1, 2024, and implementation of the Scheme is expected to occur on October 2, 2024.

The Toliara Project is subject to negotiation of fiscal terms with the Madagascar government and the receipt of certain Madagascar government approvals and actions before a current suspension on activities at the Toliara Project will be lifted and development may occur.

ABOUT ENERGY FUELS

Energy Fuels is a leading US-based critical minerals company. The Company, as a leading producer of uranium in the United States, mines uranium and produces natural uranium concentrates that are sold to major nuclear utilities for the production of carbon-free nuclear energy. Energy Fuels recently began production of advanced rare earth element ("REE") materials, including mixed REE carbonate in 2021, and commenced production of commercial quantities of separated REEs in 2024. Energy Fuels also produces vanadium from certain of its projects, as market conditions warrant, and is evaluating the recovery of radionuclides needed for emerging cancer treatments. Its corporate offices are in Lakewood, Colorado, near Denver, and substantially all its assets and employees are in the United States. Energy Fuels holds two of America's key uranium production centers: the White Mesa Mill in Utah and the Nichols Ranch in-situ recovery ("ISR") Project in Wyoming. The White Mesa Mill is the only conventional uranium mill operating in the US today, has a licensed capacity of over 8 million pounds of U 3 O 8 per year, and has the ability to produce vanadium when market conditions warrant, as well as REE products, from various uranium-bearing ores. The Nichols Ranch ISR Project is on standby and has a licensed capacity of 2 million pounds of U 3 O 8 per year. The Company recently acquired the Bahia Project in Brazil and entered into a joint venture agreement to develop the Donald Project in Australia, each of which is believed to have significant quantities of titanium (ilmenite and rutile), zirconium (zircon) and REE (monazite) minerals. In addition to the above production facilities, Energy Fuels also has one of the largest NI 43-101 compliant uranium resource portfolios in the US and several uranium and uranium/vanadium mining projects on standby and in various stages of permitting and development. The primary trading market for Energy Fuels' common shares is the NYSE American under the trading symbol "UUUU," and the Company's common shares are also listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the trading symbol "EFR." Energy Fuels' website is www.energyfuels.com .

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: This news release contains certain "Forward Looking Information" and "Forward Looking Statements" within the meaning of applicable United States and Canadian securities legislation, which may include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to: any expectation that the Company will maintain its position as a leading U.S.-based critical minerals company or as a leading producer of uranium in the U.S.; any expectation that the acquisition of Base Resources will be completed or if completed, completed on the terms and time proposed; any expectation that Energy Fuels will be successful in agreeing on fiscal terms with the Government of Madagascar or in achieving sufficient fiscal and legal stability for the Toliara Project, if acquired; any expectation that the current suspension relating to the Toliara Project will be lifted in the near future or at all; any expectation that the Toliara Project will be developed; any expectation that the Company will become a world-class critical minerals hub; and any expectation that the Company's evaluation of radioisotope recovery at the Mill will be successful. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans," "expects," "does not expect," "is expected," "is likely," "budgets," "scheduled," "estimates," "forecasts," "intends," "anticipates," "does not anticipate," or "believes," or variations of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may," "could," "would," "might" or "will be taken," "occur," "be achieved" or "have the potential to." All statements, other than statements of historical fact, herein are considered to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements express or implied by the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements include risks associated with: commodity prices and price fluctuations; engineering, construction, processing and mining difficulties, upsets and delays; permitting and licensing requirements and delays; changes to regulatory requirements; legal challenges; the availability of feed sources for the Mill; competition from other producers; public opinion; government and political actions; the failure of the Company to complete the acquisition of Base Resources; the failure of the Government of Madagascar to agree on fiscal terms for the Toliara Project or provide the approvals necessary to achieve sufficient fiscal and legal stability on acceptable terms and conditions or at all; the failure of the current suspension affecting the Toliara Project to be lifted on a timely basis or at all; the failure of the Company to provide or obtain the necessary financing required to develop Toliara Project and the Company's other projects; available supplies of monazite; the ability of the Mill to produce REE carbonate, REE oxides or other REE products to meet commercial specifications on a commercial scale at acceptable costs or at all; market factors, including future demand for heavy mineral sands and/or REEs; actual results may differ from all such estimates and projections; the ability of the Mill to recover radium or other radioisotopes at reasonable costs or at all; market prices and demand for medical isotopes; and the other factors described under the caption "Risk Factors" in the Company's most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K, which is available for review on EDGAR at www.sec.gov/edgar , on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca , and on the Company's website at www.energyfuels.com . Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this news release, and the Company disclaims, other than as required by law, any obligation to update any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, results, future events, circumstances, or if management's estimates or opinions should change, or otherwise. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company assumes no obligation to update the information in this communication, except as otherwise required by law.

SOURCE Energy Fuels Inc.
National GED Day recognizes the importance of non-traditional educational pathways

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Pearson's (FTSE: PSON.L) GED Testing Service proudly announces the first National GED Day on September 16th to celebrate GED achievements and brighter futures through education. This day recognizes the dedication of GED learners, educators, graduates, and everyone who supports them throughout their educational journeys.

Over 40 million adults currently lack a high school diploma. For decades, the GED has been crucial for many seeking to improve their lives, opening doors to higher education and career prospects. The demand for adult education is surging as society increasingly recognizes the importance of non-traditional educational pathways.

At GED Testing Service, we believe in equal opportunities for everyone to pursue their college and career dreams, regardless of background or life circumstances. GED Testing Service serves over 700,000 learners annually.

"GED learners are culture changers; they bring skills that aren't always measured by assessments. They are resilient and resourceful and are exactly the type of employees every employer needs!"  Vicki Greene, President of GED Testing Service.

What is National GED Day?

National GED Day acknowledges the determination and resilience of GED learners, the commitment of educators, and the support of those who motivate learners to succeed. GED Testing Service provides a reliable pathway to better lives for millions of adults.

How can people get involved in National GED Day?

GED learners, educators, and supporters are encouraged to join GED Testing Service in celebrating this day. Getting involved includes engaging with GED Testing Service on social media, sharing personal journeys as GED learners, reaching out to community colleges to drive awareness, and discovering more ways to honor the GED credential. This collective celebration highlights the importance of educational achievements and lifelong learning.

About GED Testing Service

Since 1942, the GED test has opened doors to better jobs and college programs for over 21 million graduates. It is accepted by virtually all U.S. colleges and employers. As the creator of the official GED test, the GED Testing Service ensures that the program continues to be a reliable and valuable pathway to a better life for adults without a high school diploma. GED Testing Service is a joint venture between the American Council on Education and Pearson.

GED.com

SOURCE GED Testing Service
BOSTON, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Goulston & Storrs, an Am Law 200 firm, is pleased to announce that directors Ashley Brown, Cecilia Gordon, Matthew Kiefer, Mariana Korsunsky, and David Rabinowitz have been named to The 2024 Lawdragon 500 Leading Global Real Estate Lawyers, which recognizes leading attorneys for their depth of knowledge across the practice of real estate law.

Ashley Brown focuses on commercial real estate transactions involving complex acquisitions, dispositions, financing, and joint ventures for office, industrial, life sciences, mixed-use, and multifamily residential properties across the country. Her clients include owners, developers, investors, and REITS. Brown is a co-chair of the firm's Associate Liaison Committee, the Flexible Work Arrangement Committee, and the Parenting Affinity Group, and she also serves as a Paralegal Work Allocator. Brown received her J.D., with honors, from the University of Connecticut School of Law and B.A., summa cum laude, from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.

Cecilia Gordon, co-chair of the firm's Real Estate Practice and Hospitality and Recreation Industry Group, represents real estate owners and operators in a wide range of property acquisitions and dispositions, finance, and development projects. Known for her innovative approach to helping global clients invest in and operate hotels and resorts in the U.S., Gordon has deep experience handling all kinds of acquisitions and dispositions, joint venture arrangements, franchise agreements and management agreements with leading hospitality industry brand names. In addition to her practice group leadership roles, Gordon serves on the firm's Newer Director Committee and the D.C. Committee. She received her J.D. from New York University School of Law and her B.A., magna cum laude, from Harvard University.

Matthew Kiefer specializes in real estate development and land use, where he works to obtain parcel dispositions and entitlements from public agencies for complex urban projects. He has a particular focus on projects that involve collaborations between for-profit developers and non-profits or public agencies and that address unique policy, feasibility, and design challenges. These include market-oriented, mixed-income and affordable housing; commercial and mixed-use projects; and facilities and master plans for universities, cultural institutions, and other non-profits. He is a Fellow of the American College of Real Estate Lawyers. Kiefer is a graduate of Boston University, the University of Michigan Law School, and was a Loeb Fellow at the Harvard GSD.

Mariana Korsunsky represents clients in a wide range of complex commercial, leasing, land use, real estate, shareholder, employment, and professional liability disputes. She counsels landlords and tenants, real estate developers, commercial and nonprofit entities, and medical and educational institutions, in addition to defending lawyers and law firms in professional liability and malpractice cases. Korsunsky served as co-chair of the firm's 2025 Summer Committee. She also serves on the firm's Hiring Committee, the Generative AI Task Force, and works as a Flexible Work Arrangement Mentor. She received her J.D., cum laude, from Boston College Law School and her B.A., magna cum laude, from Boston University.

David Rabinowitz specializes in development, leasing, acquisitions, and dispositions. He represents property owners and tenants in complex leases for office, retail, industrial, and mixed-use properties, including headquarters, flagship stores, restaurants, and ground leases. Rabinowitz also advises on acquisitions, dispositions, commercial development, and finance matters. He has served in several leadership roles, including Co-Chair of the firm's Retail, Restaurant & Consumer Group and as a member of the Executive Committee. He currently co-chairs the Jewish Life Affinity Group and serves on the Pre-Directorship Review and Administrative/Investment Committees. Rabinowitz is a graduate of Washington College of Law, American University and Rutgers College.

About Goulston & Storrs

Collaboration is not just a pillar of our strategy; it is the key to our competitive advantage and approach to clients, community, and each other. At Goulston & Storrs, we practice law with excellence and integrity. We are a place where mutual respect and collaboration drive open discussion, transparency, creativity and optimal results for our clients. We are committed to being a diverse and inclusive workplace where sophisticated business is conducted with genuine camaraderie. To learn more about us, visit www.goulstonstorrs.com.

Contact:

Leigh Herzog

Goulston & Storrs PC

(617) 574-2259

[email protected]

SOURCE Goulston & Storrs PC
HAMILTON, Bermuda, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- CEO ystein Kalleklev will be presenting Flex LNG today at the 31st Energy Conference hosted by Pareto Securities. The presentation is attached hereto and is also available on our website.

For further information, please contact:

Knut Traaholt

Chief Financial Officer

Flex LNG Management AS

Telephone: +47 23 11 40 00

Email: [email protected]

About FLEX LNG

Flex LNG is a shipping company focused on the growing market for Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). Our fleet consists of thirteen LNG carriers on the water and all of our vessels are state-of-the-art ships with the latest generation two -stroke propulsion (MEGI and X-DF). These modern ships offer significant improvements in fuel efficiency and thus also carbon footprint compared to the older steam and four-stroke propelled ships. Flex LNG is listed on the New York Stock Exchange as well as Oslo Stock Exchange under the ticker FLNG.

This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/flex-lng/r/flex-lng---presentation-at-the-pareto-securities--31st-energy-conference,c4036438

The following files are available for download:

https://mb.cision.com/Main/22886/4036438/2996637.pdf Flex LNG - Pareto Conference 31st Energy Conference

SOURCE Flex LNG
BOCA RATON, Fla., Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- MDVIP, the market leader in membership-based healthcare with a network of 1,300 primary care physicians nationwide, has been recognized by Fortune magazine and Great Place to Work as one of the 2024 Best Workplaces in Healthcare. This is MDVIP's fourth consecutive appearance on the highly competitive list.

MDVIP has been recognized by Fortune and Great Place to Work as one of the Best Workplaces in Healthcare for a fourth consecutive year.

The Best Workplaces in Healthcare list is based on the analysis of survey responses from over 185,000 employees at Great Place To Work Certified companies in the healthcare industry. Survey responses reflect a comprehensive picture of the workplace experience, and honorees were selected based on their organization's ability to offer positive outcomes for employees regardless of job role, race, gender, sexual orientation, work status or other demographic identifier.

"MDVIP has an amazing team of dedicated employees who every day advance the company's mission to deliver a better healthcare experience to patients across the country," said Larry Kutscher, chief executive officer of MDVIP. "We've cultivated an exceptional company culture where everyone works together to drive significant improvements in both the personal and professional lives of doctors, as well as in patient outcomes."

"Congratulations to the Best Workplaces in Healthcare," said Michael C. Bush, CEO of Great Place To Work. "These companies not only outperform the average for their industry but have created workplaces that outshine the average in every category, proving the importance of building trust with workers, no matter the industry."

MDVIP has been a Great Place to Work Certified company since 2018. The following are highlights from the company's Great Place to Work survey in 2024:

96% of MDVIP employees say you feel welcomed when you join the company

93% of MDVIP employees say facilities contribute to a good working environment

93% of MDVIP employees say they are proud to tell others they work for MDVIP

About MDVIP

Founded in 2000, MDVIP leads the market in membership-based healthcare that goes far beyond concierge medicine services with a national network serving over 400,000 patients. MDVIP-affiliated physicians limit the size of their practices, giving them the time to provide patients with more individualized service and attention, including an annual, comprehensive preventive care program and customized wellness plan. Published research shows that the MDVIP model identifies more patients at risk for cardiovascular disease, delivers more preventive health services and saves the healthcare system hundreds of millions of dollars through reduced hospitalizations and readmissions. MDVIP, which also partners with employers to offer an executive health program as a benefit to their employees, is ranked one of the 10 Top Executive Wellness Programs by Worth magazine. For more information, visit www.mdvip.com. Follow MDVIP on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn.

About the Fortune Best Workplaces in Healthcare List

Great Place To Work selected the 2024 Fortune Best Workplaces in Healthcare by analyzing confidential survey responses from more than 1.3 million employees, representing the experiences of more than 8.2 million employees in 2023 and 2024. Of those responses, more than 185,000 were from employees at Great Place To Work Certified companies in the healthcare industry, and this ranking is based on that feedback. Company rankings are derived from 60 employee experience questions within the Great Place To Work Trust Index Survey. Companies with 10 to 999 employees competed in the small and medium category. Companies with 1,000 or more employees were considered for the large category. Read the full methodology.

About Great Place To Work

As the global authority on workplace culture, Great Place To Work brings 30 years of groundbreaking research and data to help every place become a great place to work for all. Its proprietary platform and Great Place To Work Model help companies evaluate the experience of every employee, with exemplary workplaces becoming Great Place To Work Certified and receiving recognition on a coveted Best Workplaces List. Follow Great Place To Work on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram or visit greatplacetowork.com and sign up for the newsletter to learn more.

About Fortune

Fortune upholds a legacy of award-winning writing and trusted reporting for executives who want to make business better. Independently owned, with a global perspective and digital agility, Fortune tells the stories of a new generation of innovators, builders, and risk takers. Online and in print, Fortune measures corporate performance through rigorous benchmarks and holds companies accountable. Fortune creates communities by convening true thought leaders and iconoclasts  those who shape industry, commerce, and society  through powerful and prestigious lists, events, and conferences, such as the iconic Fortune 500, the CEO Initiative, and Most Powerful Women. For more information, visit fortune.com.

Media Contact:

Nancy Udell

MDVIP Media Relations

561.310.5455

[email protected]

SOURCE MDVIP
WASHINGTON, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Generation Hope is proud to announce the latest recipients of the FamilyU Seal, a nationally recognized certification that honors higher education institutions and nonprofit organizations for their exceptional support of parenting students. This esteemed recognition underscores our commitment to fostering inclusive and supportive environments for student parents across the country.

The newest awardees of the FamilyU Seal are:

Higher Education Institutions:

Dallas College

Santa Fe Community College

San Antonio College

College Hudson County Community College

Community College of Aurora

Nonprofits:

Project Self-Sufficiency

New Moms

These distinguished institutions have demonstrated outstanding efforts in implementing policies and programs that significantly enhance the educational experiences and success of parenting students.

"The FamilyU Seal represents our dedication to celebrating and supporting those who go above and beyond in assisting student parents," said Nicole Lynn Lewis, Founder and CEO of Generation Hope. "We are excited to honor these institutions and organizations that are making a tangible difference in the lives of striving families, helping them to succeed academically, achieve economic mobility and build generational wealth."

The FamilyU Seal continues to gain national prominence, highlighted recently by Generation Hope's recognition as a winner in Fast Company's 2024 World Changing Ideas Awards. This accolade reinforces the significance of our mission and the impact of the FamilyU Seal in advancing social equity within higher education.

Reginald Grant, Chief Operating Officer at Generation Hope, shared, "The FamilyU Seal is more than just an award; it's a celebration of the hard work and dedication that goes into creating change and fostering inclusive campuses for student parents. We're thrilled to shine a spotlight on these exemplary awardees and inspire others to follow their lead."

Generation Hope has also identified an exemplar higher education institution and an exemplar nonprofit organization from this list that will receive a $25,000 and $15,000 award, respectively. The exemplar higher education institution is Dallas College, and the exemplar nonprofit is New Moms. Awards will be presented at Generation Hope's national conference, "HOPE 2025: Where Change Happens for Student Parents and Families," in National Harbor, MD on April 9-11, 2025.

Generation Hope's FamilyU cohort program is a comprehensive, customized, evidence-based, two-year capacity-building experience designed to build and refine institutional competencies to improve student parent success. Since 2021, over 21 colleges and universities have partnered with Generation Hope through the FamilyU initiative, impacting more than 100,000 student parents. The FamilyU Seal is bestowed on select organizations who apply, in recognition of their groundbreaking efforts benefitting parenting students.

For more information about the FamilyU Seal and details on how institutions and organizations can apply, please visit www.generationhope.org/familyu-seal.

About Generation Hope

Generation Hope's mission is to ensure all student parents have opportunities to succeed, experience economic mobility, and build wealth. By engaging with education and policy partners, Generation Hope drives systemic change and provides direct support to teen parents in college, as well as their children, through holistic, two-generation programming.

Media Contact:

Robert Vaccola

NextPR

[267 838 9152]

[[email protected]]

SOURCE Generation Hope
PISCATAWAY, N.J., Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- GenScript Biotech Corporation ("GenScript"), a global leader in life sciences products and services, announced the appointment of Dr. Ross Allen Grossman as a Non-Executive Director and Dr. Alphonse Galdes as an Independent Non-Executive Director. These appointments not only further diversify the Group's Board but also highlight GenScript's commitment to building an international, diverse, and highly specialized corporate governance team. With the addition of these two directors, the company is better positioned to meet the challenges of a complex global landscape and governance requirements.

Dr. Grossman brings strategic insight and practical experience from a global perspective, with over 35 years of leadership in human resources across multinational financial services, pharmaceutical and biotech companies. He has held key positions at Prudential Financial, Novartis, and UBS AG (formerly Paine Webber), and at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, he led the building and formulation of human resources infrastructure, process and strategy to support the company's rapid expansion. Dr. Grossman joined GenScript in 2023 and currently serves as a consultant for Legend Biotech Corporation ("Legend Biotech"), a non-wholly owned subsidiary of the Company.

Dr. Galdes' appointment strengthens GenScript's leading position in drug discovery and biopharmaceutical chemistry and manufacturing and controls ("CMC") development. With extensive experience at industry leaders such as Biogen and a strong academic background in chemistry and biology, Dr. Galdes' expertise will help drive innovation and product development, advancing GenScript's mission for high-quality growth in the biotech space.

In addition to these appointments, Legend Biotech has appointed Dr. Peter Salovey, Ph.D., President Emeritus of Yale University, as an Independent Director on August 8, 2024. His deep experience and wealth of knowledge in medical research and public health will bring a fresh and diversified perspective to the company.

As a biotechnology company committed to global expansion, GenScript continues to follow a strategy driven by innovation and talent. These new appointments will enable the company to better navigate global challenges and serve its international customer base.

About GenScript Biotech Corporation

GenScript Biotech Corporation (HK.1548) is a world leader in technologies and services for life science R&D and manufacture. Built upon its solid DNA synthesis technology, the company comprises four major business units: a life-science services and products business unit, a biologics contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) business unit, an industrial synthetic products business unit, and an integrated global cell therapy company. GenScript accelerates scientific discovery and therapeutic breakthrough with its customers. Since its founding in New Jersey, USA in 2002, GenScript has expanded its operations to serve more than 200,000 customers across 100 countries with a dedicated team of 7,200 employees. As of June 30, 2024, over 100,000 peer-reviewed journal articles worldwide had cited GenScript's services and products. Guided by its mission to make people and nature healthier through biotechnology, GenScript strives to become the most trustworthy biotech company in the world.

For more information, please visit GenScript Biotech's official website https://www.genscript.com

SOURCE GenScript Biotech Corporation
Enabling the Treasury Department to rapidly and securely adopt a modern, flexible, and cost-effective approach to using and consuming data in the cloud

WASHINGTON, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Guidehouse, a global consultancy providing advisory, digital, and managed services to the commercial and public sectors, has been awarded a contract by prime contractor Science Applications International Corp. (SAIC), in support of the U.S. Department of the Treasury's cloud contract called TCloud. SAIC was awarded the initial contract in 2023 to provide a complete range of cloud and professional services.

The TCloud contract supports the Treasury Department's adoption and transformation of a multi-cloud environment by centralizing management of the systems infrastructure, platform, and software-as-a-service by a single broker. Guidehouse will provide professional services support for the project and drive adoption of the cloud, among other roles.

"Guidehouse is honored to be a part of this important effort to support the U.S. Department of the Treasury and transform how it supports customers by delivering solutions that increase mission agility and reduce time to market," said Brian Gagnon, partner and Public Sector Financial Services Practice Leader at Guidehouse. "We look forward to working on this digital transformation journey for the Treasury  improving IT service offerings through the shift to a modern, flexible, scalable, efficient, and effective means of using and consuming data in the cloud. We're grateful for the opportunity to partner with the Treasury and SAIC on this important initiative."

Through this initiative, the Treasury Office of the Chief Information Officer aims to standardize and centralize cloud services that provide secure, efficient, and cost-effective business and technology innovation. TCloud will offer the enterprise a single source to support their cloud needs.

Guidehouse has supported the U.S. Department of the Treasury for over 15 years. The firm's Financial Services segment serves commercial and public financial services entities of all sizes. Backed by proven success in protecting enterprises and enabling efficiency, agility, and growth, Guidehouse helps clients mitigate risks, navigate regulations, adapt to shifting markets, and remain resilient in the face of earnings pressures and scarce resources.

About SAIC

SAIC a premier Fortune 500 technology integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, civilian and intelligence markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.

We are approximately 24,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, fostering a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion, which is core to our values and important to attract and retain exceptional talent. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.4 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.

Media Contact:

SAIC

Kelly Golden [email protected]

About Guidehouse



Guidehouse is a global consultancy providing advisory, digital, and managed services to the commercial and public sectors. Guidehouse is purpose-built to serve the national security, financial services, healthcare, energy, and infrastructure industries. Disrupting legacy consulting delivery models with its agility, capabilities, and scale, the firm delivers technology-enabled and focused solutions that position clients for innovation, resilience, and growth. With high-quality standards and a relentless pursuit of client success, Guidehouse's more than 17,000 employees collaborate with leaders to outwit complexity and achieve transformational changes that meaningfully shape the future. guidehouse.com

Media Contact:

Guidehouse

Cecile Fradkin [email protected]

SOURCE Guidehouse
SAN FRANCISCO and SUZHOU, China, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Innovent Biologics, Inc. (Innovent) (HKEX: 01801), a world-class biopharmaceutical company that develops, manufactures and commercializes high-quality medicines for the treatment of oncology, autoimmune, cardiovascular and metabolic, ophthalmology and other major diseases, announces that the Phase 3 clinical trial results for mazdutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) and glucagon receptor (GCGR) dual agonist, in Chinese adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D) (DREAMS-2) were presented as a late-breaking oral presentation (Abstract #: LBA 16) at the 60th Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD). The study results demonstrated the superiority of mazdutide to dulaglutide in both glycemic control and body weight reduction in Chinese participants with T2D. Additionally, mazdutide treatment improved several cardiometabolic risk factors, including blood pressure, lipids, serum uric acid and liver enzymes. Detailed results will be published in peer-reviewed journals.

Meanwhile, the first Phase 3 study results of mazdutide in the weight loss of overweight/obese subjects (GLORY-1) were reported in oral presentation session of EASD. Mazdutide also works as a breakthrough weight-loss drug that offers dual-targeted fat burning, liver function improvement, and long-lasting weight reduction, providing comprehensive metabolic benefits to support weight loss and promote a healthier life.

DREAMS-2 (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05606913) enrolled 731 Chinese participants with T2D (mean age 51.8 years, mean baseline HbA1c 8.22%, mean baseline body weight 76.95 kg), whose diabetes was inadequately controlled with metformin alone or in combination with other oral anti-diabetic medications. Participants were randomized to receive mazdutide 4 mg, mazdutide 6 mg or dulaglutide 1.5 mg for 28 weeks. The primary endpoint was the change in HbA1c from baseline to week 28.

Superiority of mazdutide to dulaglutide in glycemic control*

For the efficacy estimand, after 28 weeks of treatment, mean reductions in HbA1c from baseline were 1.69% and 1.73% for mazdutide 4 mg and mazdutide 6 mg, respectively, demonstrating superiority over dulaglutide 1.5 mg (1.36%). At week 28, 71.2% and 74.2% of participants receiving mazdutide 4 mg and 6 mg, respectively, achieved HbA1c <7.0% compared to 62.1% with dulaglutide. Additionally, 54.8% and 63.1% of participants receiving mazdutide 4 mg and 6 mg, respectively, achieved HbA1c 6.5% , compared to 42.1% for dulaglutide.

Mazdutide's superiority over dulaglutide in weight loss and HbA1c/weight composite endpoints*

After 28 weeks of treatment, participants treated with mazdutide 4 mg and mazdutide 6 mg experienced mean weight reductions of 9.24% and 7.13%, respectively, significantly outperforming dulaglutide (2.86%). At week 28, 62.4% and 78.2% of participants receiving mazdutide 4 mg and mazdutide 6 mg achieved a weight reduction of 5%, compared to 26.9% for dulaglutide. Additionally, 50.1% and 64.3% of participants with mazdutide 4 mg and mazdutide 6 mg achieved both a weight reduction of 5% and HbA1c < 7.0%, respectively (dulaglutide 19.4%).

Improvements on multiple cardiometabolic risk factors by mazdutide

Mazdutide treatment also led to significant and clinically meaningful improvements on fasting glucose, post-prandial glucose, waist circumference, blood pressure, lipids, serum uric acid and transaminases, mostly greater than dulaglutide. Detailed results will be published in peer-reviewed journals.

Favorable safety and tolerability profile and no new safety signals

Mazdutide was well tolerated, with low incidence of TEAEs leading to treatment discontinuation.

The overall safety profile was consistent with previous clinical studies of mazdutide, with no new safety signals observed. Gastrointestinal symptoms were the most common adverse events, mostly mild to moderate in severity, transient, and occurring mainly during dose escalation. No severe hypoglycemia was reported with mazdutide, and the incidence of grade 1-2 hypoglycemia was comparable to dulaglutide.

Mazdutide is the first GLP-1R/GCGR dual agonist in the regulatory review status, with a first new drug application (NDA) for chronic weight management and a second NDA for T2D currently under review by the Center for Drug Evaluation (CDE) of the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) in China.

Professor Lixin Guo, the principal investigator of the clinical study, Department of Endocrinology in Beijing Hospital, said: "The incidence of type 2 diabetes in China remains high, and a considerable proportion of patients have overweight/obesity, cardiovascular and kidney diseases. In recent years, GLP-1 receptor agonists have offered improved treatment options for patients with type 2 diabetes, providing comprehensive benefits in glucose control, weight management, and cardiovascular and kidney health. As a result, GLP-1-based therapies have become a hot spot and frontier in the development of drugs for metabolic diseases. Mazdutide, one of the fastest-advancing GLP-1R and GCGR dual agonists in clinical development globally, has demonstrated superiority in glucose-lowering and weight-reducing efficacy over dulaglutide in a Phase 3 study of patients with type 2 diabetes. With its additional metabolic benefits and favorable safety profile, mazdutide represents a new generation of GLP-1 therapies for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. I look forward to the clinical availability of mazdutide as soon as possible to provide new treatment options for patients with type 2 diabetes."

Dr. Lei Qian, Vice President of Clinical Development of Innovent, said: "China has a large population of people with diabetes, and the task of prevention and treatment is arduous. There is an urgent need for more effective, safer and more convenient innovative drugs. The Phase 3 study results of mazdutide versus dulaglutide reported at EASD were very successful. They showed comprehensive benefits of mazdutide in blood glucose control, weight loss and multiple metabolic indicators. Combined with the results of DREAMS-1, another Phase 3 study of mazdutide as monotherapy in patients with type 2 diabetes, Innovent has submitted an application for the marketing approval of mazdutide for the treatment of type 2 diabetes to the regulatory agency. We look forward to the approval of mazdutide and its potential to benefit a large number of type 2 diabetes patients seeking improvements in glycemic control, weight management and cardiovascular metabolic indicators."

About Diabetes

According to the 2021 global diabetes overview by the International Diabetes Federation, China leads the world in the number of patients with diabetes, with an estimated 140 million cases in 2021 and projected to reach 174 million by 2045[1]. Poor glycemic control can lead to irreversible microvascular and macrovascular complications, including reduced visual acuity, blindness, renal dysfunction, peripheral neuropathy, myocardial infarction, stroke and amputation[2]. The high prevalence of diabetes and its serious complications pose a significant threat to human health. Currently, various therapeutic approaches are available for diabetes management. In addition to controlling blood glucose, new hypoglycemic drugs are being developed to offer additional benefits such as weight loss, cardiovascular risk reduction and kidney protection[3].

About Mazdutide (IBI362)

Innovent entered into an exclusive license agreement with Eli Lilly and Company (Lilly) for the development and potential commercialization of OXM3 (also known as mazdutide), a GLP-1R and GCGR dual agonist, in China. As a mammalian oxyntomodulin (OXM) analogue, mazdutide promotes insulin secretion, lowers blood glucose and reduces body weight similar to GLP-1 receptor agonists. Additionally, it may increase energy expenditure and improve hepatic fat metabolism by activating the glucagon receptor. Mazdutide has strong efficacy in weight loss and lowering glucose levels in clinical studies. It also offers multiple cardio-metabolic benefits, such as reducing waist circumference, blood lipids, blood pressure, blood uric acid, liver enzymes, and liver fat content, while improving insulin sensitivity.

Mazdutide has two NDAs accepted by China's NMPA for review, including:

For the chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight;

For the glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Currently, a total of five Phase 3 studies of mazdutide are underway, including:

Phase 3 study conducted in Chinese adults with overweight or obesity (GLORY-1);

Phase 3 study conducted in Chinese adults with moderate to severe obesity (GLORY-2);

Phase 3 study in newly treated Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes (DREAMS-1);

Phase 3 study comparing mazdutide and dulaglutide in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes (DREAMS-2);

Phase 3 study comparing mazdutide and semaglutide in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity (DREAMS-3).

Among them, GLORY-1, DREAMS-1 and DREAMS-2 have reached the study endpoints.

About Innovent

Innovent is a leading biopharmaceutical company founded in 2011 with the mission to empower patients worldwide with affordable, high-quality biopharmaceuticals. The company discovers, develops, manufactures and commercializes innovative medicines that target some of the most intractable diseases. Its pioneering therapies treat cancer, cardiovascular and metabolic, autoimmune and eye diseases. Innovent has launched 11 products in the market. It has 3 new drug applications under regulatory review, 4 assets in Phase III or pivotal clinical trials and 18 more molecules in early clinical stage. Innovent partners with over 30 global healthcare companies, including Eli Lilly, Sanofi, Incyte, Adimab, LG Chem and MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Guided by the motto, "Start with Integrity, Succeed through Action," Innovent maintains the highest standard of industry practices and works collaboratively to advance the biopharmaceutical industry so that first-rate pharmaceutical drugs can become widely accessible. For more information, visit www.innoventbio.com, or follow Innovent on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Statement: Innovent does not recommend the use of any unapproved drug (s)/indication (s).

Forward-looking statement

This news release may contain certain forward-looking statements that are, by their nature, subject to significant risks and uncertainties. The words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "intend" and similar expressions, as they relate to Innovent Biologics ("Innovent"), are intended to identify certain of such forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend to update these forward-looking statements regularly.

These forward-looking statements are based on the existing beliefs, assumptions, expectations, estimates, projections and understandings of the management of the Company with respect to future events at the time these statements are made. These statements are not a guarantee of future developments and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond the Company's control and are difficult to predict. Consequently, actual results may differ materially from information contained in the forward-looking statements as a result of future changes or developments in our business, the Company's competitive environment and political, economic, legal and social conditions.

The Company, the Directors and the employees of the Company assume (a) no obligation to correct or update the forward-looking statements contained in this site; and (b) no liability in the event that any of the forward-looking statements does not materialise or turn out to be incorrect.

References:

[1]. Sun H, Saeedi P, Karuranga S, et al. IDF Diabetes Atlas: Global, regional and country-level diabetes prevalence estimates for 2021 and projects for 2045 [published correction appeals in Diabetes Res Clin Pract. 2023 Oct; 204: 110945]. Diabetes Res Clin Pract. 2022; 183: 109119. doi: 10.1016/j.diabres.2021. 109119 [2]. Gregg EW, Sattar N, Ali MK. The changing face of diabetes complications. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. Published online 2016. doi: 10.1016/S2213-8587 (16) 30010-9 [3]. Nauck MA, Quast DR, Wefers J, Meier JJ. GLP-1 receptor agonists in the treatment of type 2 diabetes-state-of-the-art. Mol Metab. Published online 2020. doi: 10.1016/j.molmet.2020. 101102



* Note: The results of treatment-policy estimand and those of efficacy estimand are consistent.

SOURCE Innovent Biologics
FRANKFURT, Germany, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- For the first time, Heimtextil, the foremost global trade fair for home and contract textiles, and Alcova Milano, the platform known for blending design with art, architecture, and other disciplines, will collaborate on curating Heimtextil Trends 25/26. The partnership, bringing together the unusual, original and innovative, will provide new perspectives that will redefine how textiles are viewed, drawing inspiration from both historical and forward-thinking influences.

"The collaboration between Heimtextil and Alcova promises to push creative boundaries and set new impulses for the textile world," says Olaf Schmidt, Vice President Textiles & Textile Technologies. "Together with Valentina Ciuffi, Joseph Grima and their international, interdisciplinary network of experts, we are further developing the forward-looking character of Heimtextil Trends. With Alcova's dynamic and contemporary approach, we not only want to recognize global changes and trends in the textile industry, but also explore how trends are perceived and used. We invite visitors to re-evaluate the cultural and material significance of textiles. Exhibitors will have the opportunity to take part in the Trend Preview and receive the Trend Booklet in advance."

"The collaboration of Heimtextil & Alcova promises to push creative boundaries & set new impulses for the textile world," says Olaf Schmidt. Post this

Heimtextil's joint effort with the visionary minds behind Alcova is transforming the textile world. Alcova's presentations have become a must-see during Milan Design Week, spotlighting independent designers in unique, often forgotten locations. Co-founded by Valentina Ciuffi and Joseph Grima, Alcova breathes new life into places like old bakeries, abandoned factories, and former military hospitals. These remarkable spaces become home to groundbreaking exhibitions and installations, sparking dialogue among the movers and shakers of modern design. Since 2018, Alcova has shown how seamlessly the old and new can come together to create fresh, insightful stories in the design world.

Past meets future: the transformation of historical trends

Under the theme 'Future Continuous,' Heimtextil Trends 25/26 will explore how past trends can be renewed and reimagined. This goes beyond nostalgiathese rediscoveries will serve as inspiration for the future. Language will play a key role in understanding how these trends evolve and how they will impact the industry. As curators, Valentina Ciuffi and Joseph Grima explain, "Language helps us track the development of trends, analyze their significance, and predict their future impact. It's an essential tool for grasping the complexity of the changes ahead."

To dive deeper into the trends, Alcova has conducted interviews with designers, textile researchers, and industry leaders from its network. These conversations explore a wide range of topics, from politics and history to data ethics and sustainable agriculture, all through the lens of the textile industry's role in shaping cultural and ecological change. The results of these interviews will also inspire Alcova's color palette, where each color is named to evoke deeper emotional and cultural narratives.

Visitors at the Trend Arena in Hall 3.0 will experience a creative journey that ties together the past and future of the textile industry. Heimtextil Trends 25/26 will showcase how historical influences can inspire future innovations. Full details on the 'Future Continuous' theme will be unveiled at the Trend Preview on September 12, 2024. Heimtextil 2025 will be held from January 14 to 17, 2025.

Images Available Here

Press information:

Heimtextil  Press (messefrankfurt.com)

Go online:

www.heimtextil.messefrankfurt.com

www.instagram.com/heimtextil

www.facebook.com/heimtextil

www.x.com/heimtextil

www.youtube.com/heimtextil

Texpertise Network:

Information from the international textile industry and the worldwide textile trade fairs organized by Messe Frankfurt:

www.texpertise-network.com

Background information on Messe Frankfurt:

www.messefrankfurt.com/background-information

Sustainability at Messe Frankfurt:

www.messefrankfurt.com/sustainability-information

Media Contact:

[email protected]

SOURCE Heimtextil
RICHMOND, Va., Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Hilb Group announced today that it has acquired a New England-based property and casualty book of business, growing the company's presence in the New England region of operations. The acquisition took effect on August 28, 2024.

About Hilb Group: The Hilb Group is a leading property and casualty and employee benefits insurance brokerage and advisory firm headquartered in Richmond, Virginia. Hilb Group is a portfolio company of The Carlyle Group, a global investment firm. Hilb Group seeks to grow through strategic acquisitions and by leveraging its resources and expertise to drive organic growth in its acquired agencies. The company has completed more than 175 acquisitions with over 125 offices in 29 states. Hilb Group is rated as one of the Fastest Growing Brokers by Business Insurance, a Top P/C Agency by Insurance Journal, and one of America's Fastest Growing Private Companies in the Inc. 5000. For more information on Hilb Group's growth as well as career opportunities, please visit our website at http://hilbgroup.com.

Media Contact:

Peter Lobred

804.548.4629

[email protected]

M&A Contact:

Ryan Havermann

804.414.6508

[email protected]

SOURCE The Hilb Group, LLC
CALGARY, AB, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Horizon Petroleum Ltd. (the "Company" or "Horizon") (TSXV: HPL) is pleased to report that further to its press release dated August 6, 2024 it has received from the Polish Ministry of Climate and Environment (" the Ministry") the draft concession licenses confirming the award of the concessions Bielsko-Biala and Cieszyn (the Concessions) located in southwest Poland. The Ministry has provided the formal notification of the anticipated award to the local authorities in the Concession areas. The local authorities have a statutory period of 14 days to provide any input and comment. Immediately after the 14 day statuary period the Concessions are expected to be finalised and formally awarded and signed by the Ministry. As noted in its May 14, 2024 press release, the applications have been made through the Company's two wholly owned subsidiary companies in Poland which will be party to the concession licenses.

Consequently, the Company has commenced its application for re-instatement as a Tier 2 issuer on the TSX-Venture Stock Exchange. The re-instatement will occur once the Company satisfies the Tier II Issuer qualification criteria which is expected with the formal award of the Concessions and the closing of the previously announced interim financing.

About Horizon Petroleum Ltd.

Calgary-based Horizon is focused on the appraisal and development of natural gas reserves and clean energy sources to increase energy independence and security in Europe. The Management and Board of Horizon consist of oil & gas, business and finance professionals with significant international experience.

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.

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" (collectively referred to herein as "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, forecasts, estimates, expectations and objectives for future operations that are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of Horizon. 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 or be achieved. This press release contains forward-looking statements pertaining to, among other things entering into the Concessions and completion of the transformation process and the furtherance of Horizon's European acquisition and development strategy. There is no assurance the Concession will be granted or the transformation process will be completed.

Forward-looking information is based on current expectations, estimates and projections that involve a number of risks, which could cause actual results to vary and in some instances to differ materially from those anticipated by Horizon and described in the forward-looking information contained in this press release.

Although Horizon believes that the material factors, expectations and assumptions expressed in such forward-looking statements are reasonable based on information available to it on the date such statements were made, no assurances can be given as to future results, levels of activity and achievements and such statements are not guarantees of future performance.

SOURCE Horizon Petroleum Ltd.
SINGAPORE, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- HTX, a global leading platform for digital assets, recently announced a strategic partnership with IBEX, a Fintech at the forefront of Bitcoin Lightning Network innovation that leverages the Bitcoin and Lightning Network protocols to offer global settlement solutions. Through the deep integration of Lightning Network technology, this collaboration aims to enhance the payments efficiency, reduce transaction costs on the HTX platform, explore emerging markets together and provide users with more diverse financial services.

IBEX Has Become a Key Advocate in Bitcoin Transactions

As a company dedicated to providing fintech solutions on the Bitcoin Lightning Network, IBEX focuses on reshaping the global payment ecosystem with its innovative crossborder instant settlement capabilities. Founded in 2018, IBEX aims to offer fast, secure, and low-cost settlement solutions through the technological advantages of the Bitcoin Lightning Network. Its platform provides modular API, helping enterprises easily integrate Bitcoin and Lightning Network functions to connect to the global financial network.

Its core advantages include:

Instant settlement: IBEX's Lightning settlement system allows global transactions to be completed within seconds, significantly reducing the confirmation time compared with tradfi and defi transactions. For this reason, it is particularly suitable for scenarios requiring instant payments, such as online shopping and international remittances.

transactions. For this reason, it is particularly suitable for scenarios requiring instant payments, such as online shopping and international remittances. Low transaction fees: Through the Lightning Network, IBEX can substantially lower transaction costs, thus avoiding the high fees associated with traditional blockchain networks. This saves costs for both merchants and consumers.

High security: IBEX employs advanced encryption technology and multi-factor authentication measures in its system to ensure transaction security and protect user data.

IBEX pays utmost attention to security, reliability, and compliance, offering one-stop solutions for companies operating under various legal frameworks. As the Lightning Network continues to evolve, IBEX has become a key partner for crossborder settlement solutions.

Lightning Network Integration: A New Upgrade for the HTX Platform

As part of the partnership, HTX will integrate IBEX's Lightning Network technology into its platform, which has entered the testing phase. The Lightning Network is a second-layer protocol designed for Bitcoin, aiming to increase the speed and scalability of Bitcoin transactions. Through this integration, users on the HTX platform will enjoy faster transaction confirmations and lower fees, so user experience and platform competitiveness will be remarkably enhanced.

Apart from technical collaboration, HTX and IBEX will jointly explore various application scenarios, including payments, transfers, and settlements. They also plan to offer deposit/withdrawal services for IBEX on the HTX platform. Both parties will gradually expand into other business areas, thus deepening and broadening their collaboration.

Both parties will also work closely in brand building, social media, campaigns, and marketing. In the future, HTX and IBEX will co-host various marketing campaigns, such as AMA events, press conferences, and other promotional activities to increase brand awareness and attract more users. The two parties will support each other in their respective advantageous markets, thus expanding their market influence globally.

Forge Powerful Alliance to Jointly Explore Emerging Markets

HTX and IBEX will jointly expand global markets, especially the Asian Latin American, and African markets which promise great potential. HTX will leverage its market penetration in these regions and combine it with IBEX's Lightning settlement system so as to popularize cryptocurrency payments among local merchants and consumers. This will benefit both merchants and consumers with more convenient payment solutions and lower transaction costs.

Strategically, this collaboration between HTX and IBEX will focus on the application of the Lightning Network within HTX and its ecosystem. IBEX will support HTX in exploring the potential of the Latin American and African markets, particularly in areas like deposit/withdrawal channels, local exchange partners, and Opinion Leaders. In addition, HTX will assist IBEX in brand and business expansion in the Asian market, further increasing its global influence.

An HTX spokesperson stated, "Through this strategic partnership, HTX and IBEX will jointly promote the application and popularization of Bitcoin and Lightning Network technology worldwide, providing users with more efficient, secure, and convenient digital asset trading services."

Ry Sterling, Head of New Markets, EMEA for IBEX also said "The partnership between HTX and IBEX is the first step to connecting the Global South and Asia via the Lightning Network. We look forward to expanding HTX's LN features as well as opening channels to new markets and to local IBEX LN partners across Asia, Latin America and Africa."

About IBEX

IBEX offers fintech solutions on the Bitcoin Lightning Network, focusing on real-time global settlement, scalability and regulatory compliance. Their platform provides modular APIs for integrating Bitcoin and Lightning functionalities, allowing businesses to connect to a global financial network. They emphasize security, reliability, and regulatory features, making their services suitable for companies operating under various legal frameworks. The site also highlights the growing adoption and capacity of the Lightning Network, reflecting its increasing role in Bitcoin transactions.

For more details, visit IBEX

About HTX



Founded in 2013, HTX has evolved over a decade from a simple cryptocurrency exchange to a comprehensive blockchain business ecosystem. This expansion covers a wide range of services including digital asset trading, financial derivatives, wallets, research, investments, incubation, and more. As a world-leading portal to Web 3.0, HTX is committed to a growth strategy focused on global expansion, ecological prosperity, wealth effect, and safety and compliance. This approach enables us to offer comprehensive, safe, and reliable services and value to virtual currency enthusiasts around the world, reinforcing our position as a global gateway to Web3.

Contact Details

Ruder Finn Asia

[email protected]

Company Website

https://www.htx.com

SOURCE HTX
Families with a Bright Start College Savings Program (Bright Start 529) will soon pay lower fees. Post this

"We worked to ensure that more of a family's hard-earned savings goes toward the cost of college or a vocational school," Frerichs said. "I am a firm believer in continuous improvement, especially for a program as crucial to Illinois families as college savings. One of my proudest accomplishments as State Treasurer has been taking a troubled program and transforming it into one of the nation's best. I'm excited to announce today that we are making it even better."

The changes will go into effect September 30 as TIAA, one of the largest and most widely recognized program managers of 529 college savings plans, takes over as Bright Start 529 program manager. TIAA is a pioneer in 529 college savings plans. The agreement marks the largest new plan mandate in the history of TIAA's Education Savings business, follows a competitive proposal process, and speaks to TIAA's state-focused approach.

"Access to higher education is one of the keys to unlocking long-term economic opportunity for Americans and we believe this relationship with Illinois will help more people to plan, save, and pay for college expenses," said David Nason, Chief Operating Officer of TIAA and President of TIAA Wealth Management. "The 529 marketplace is dynamic, and it is essential we provide college savers in Illinois the tools and information they need as they plan and prepare to pay for these expenses with confidence."

Bright Start 529 already is among the lowest-cost 529 savings plans in the country. To help Bright Start 529 families keep more of their money to pay for rising college costs, total average asset weighted fees will be reduced by 13 percent. That's on top of the more than $100 million in fee reductions Frerichs has previously saved Illinois 529 account owners.

In addition, better technology will significantly improve the user experience. A new Bright Start 529 mobile app will allow account owners to manage their account, check balances, and open additional accounts for new beneficiaries on their phones. The account opening process will be quicker, and it will be easier and faster to send money directly to colleges. Illinois parents (and legal guardians) will now be able to claim their one-time Illinois First Steps $50 seed deposit online when they open a Bright Start 529 account (for a child born or adopted on January 1, 2023 or later)  no more paper forms. Visitors to BrightStart.com will find a refreshed award-winning website design.

Bright Start 529's low-cost investment approach will remain in place. The significant investment lineup enhancement will be the transition from the current Age-Based Portfolio structure to an Enrollment Year Portfolio structure, allowing for a better investor experience due to the gradual rebalancing of the investment portfolios. The Enrollment Year Portfolios offer more flexibility to meet varying investment objectives, risk profiles, and an investment time horizon tied to the future student's year of enrollment or use instead of their age. Account owners remain in control of how they invest their college savings and can continue to choose options that closely align with their investment objectives and risk tolerance.

More Bright Start 529 business will be handled by Illinois-based companies, including Nuveen as investment partner, and Razorfish and Purple Group as marketing firms.

The transition will occur from 3 p.m. Wednesday, September 25 through Sunday, September 29. During that time, no withdrawals, contributions, or account changes will be processed. Account access and the ability to make transactions will resume at 7 a.m. Monday, September 30.

Bright Start 529 officials have long recommended that account holders withdraw funds 10 days before tuition is due, and for the fall semester they are recommending that parents do so by September 18. The tuition deadline for students at the University of Illinois and Northern Illinois University is Saturday, September 28.

After the transition is complete, parents will need to re-establish their online account access on brightstart.com and will need to update payroll instructions with their employer. To build awareness of the transition, Bright Start 529 has sent account owners numerous emails and mailers about the upcoming changes. All transition communications are posted at BrightStartEnhancements.com.

Under Frerichs, Bright Start 529 has been recognized as among the nation's best 529 college savings plans by Time, Business Insider, Morningstar, Forbes and Savingforcollege.com. [Source: Campbell, Tessa. "Best 529 Plan for 2024." Business Insider, 6/28/2024. McGurran, Brianna. "Best 529 Plans of 2024." Forbes Advisor, 7/1/2024. Lake, Rebecca. "Best 529 College Savings Plans for 2024." TIME Stamped, 5/8/2024.]

Research shows a child is three times more likely to attend college if they know they have a dedicated college savings account. For more information, or to open an account, visit BrightStart.com and click on the college savings button. There is no minimum amount to open an account. The financial adviser-directed Bright Directions program continues under Union Bank and Trust as program manager.

With more than $20 billion in assets, Illinois 529 plan includes 500,000 Bright Start 529 self-directed accounts and 400,000 Bright Directions advisor-guided accounts and is the sixth-largest 529 program in the country. The addition of the Illinois direct-sold plan means more than 25% of all Americans will live in a state where TIAA manages the 529 plan. The current roster of states includes six direct-sold plans: California, Georgia, Michigan, Minnesota, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin, and two advisor-sold plans: Michigan and Colorado, and now Illinois. As of June 30, 2024, TIAA Education Savings has $46.2 billion assets under management.

About the Illinois Treasurer

The Illinois State Treasurer's Office is a powerful economic engine that invests in people to drive prosperity, development and growth throughout the state. As State Treasurer, Michael Frerichs (FRAIR'iks) is the state's Chief Investment and Banking Officer and actively manages approximately $60 billion. The investments help families pay for college and trade school, and workers save for a dignified retirement. The office provides financial institutions money to loan to farmers, small business owners, and qualified individuals at below-market rates because better jobs create stronger communities. The office operates the state's largest consumer-protection initiative, the unclaimed property I-CASH program, which has returned a record-breaking $2 billion since Frerichs was elected.

For more news about the State Treasurer's Office, please follow Treasurer Frerichs on Instagram at ILTreasurer, LinkedIn and Facebook at Invested in You  Treasurer Michael Frerichs. You can find our weekly newsletter here.

About TIAA

TIAA is a leading provider of secure retirements and outcome-focused investment solutions to millions of people and thousands of institutions. It is the #1 not-for-profit retirement market provider [Source: As of July 21, 2022. Based on data in PLANSPONSOR's 403(b) 2022 DC Recordkeeping Survey, combined 457 and 403(b) data.], paid more than $5.1 billion in lifetime income to retired clients in 2022 and has $1.3 trillion in assets under management (as of 6/30/2024)] [Source: As of September 30, 2023, assets under management across Nuveen Investments affiliates and TIAA investment management teams are $1,217 billion]. TIAA-CREF Tuition Financing, Inc. (TFI) is the education savings division within TIAA. TIAA is a pioneer in 529 college savings plans, and the sixth largest provider with $46.2 billion assets under management.

Learn more about TIAA

Read the latest TIAA news

Please refer to the Program Disclosure Statement at BrightStart.com prior to investing for its investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses and whether your home state offers tax or other benefits such as financial aid, scholarship funds, or protection from creditors for investing in its own 529 plan. Read it carefully. Investments in the Plan are neither insured nor guaranteed (except as provided in the Plan Description solely with respect to the FDIC-insured Bank Savings Underlying Investment) and there is the risk of investment loss. The Bright Start Direct-Sold College Savings Program is sponsored by the State of Illinois and administered by the Illinois State Treasurer, as Trustee. Union Bank and Trust Company serves as the Program Manager.

Upon completion of the transition, TIAA-CREF Tuition Financing, Inc., an SEC registered investment adviser, will be the Plan Manager for the Bright Start Direct-Sold College Savings Program. TIAA-CREF Individual & Institutional Services, LLC, member FINRA, will be the distributor for the plan.

An investor should consider, before investing, whether the investor's or designated beneficiary's home state offers any state tax or other benefits such as financial aid, scholarship funds, and protection from creditors that are only available for investments in such state's 529 plan. Investors should consult a tax advisor.

FPS-3844579PR-O0624WX

SOURCE Illinois State Treasurer's Office
Fundraise brings lead product, TriVerity Test, closer to commercialization following recent submission to FDA

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Inflammatix, a pioneering molecular diagnostics company, announced today the closing of $57 million in Series E financing, led by Khosla Ventures and Think.Health. The funds will support regulatory filing and early commercialization of the company's lead product, the TriVerity Acute Infection and Sepsis Test (TriVerity).

TriVerity is a blood test that is intended to fill a critical need in the emergency department (ED) setting. Each year, 20 million people arrive at the hospital suspected of having an acute infection or sepsis. Recent company-sponsored clinical studies1,2 validate previous research3-5 suggesting that physician assessment and vital-signs-based scoring underestimate severity in up to half of patients suspected of acute infection or sepsis. With an annual incidence of 2.7 million cases and an annual mortality rate of 350,0006, sepsis is a leading cause of death in U.S. hospitals and costs the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) $53 billion each year, making it the most costly diagnosis among Medicare beneficiaries.7

"The newly raised funds will help us to expand our commercial team and plan clinical interventional and health economic studies as we await FDA clearance over the coming months," said Dr. Timothy Sweeney, CEO and co-founder of Inflammatix. "TriVerity is bringing the promise of machine learning and AI to infection and sepsis care. We hope to help hospitals improve their performance in terms of complying with sepsis detection and treatment protocols and optimizing patient throughput. We greatly appreciate the strong investor confidence in TriVerity and are excited to be very close to offering this novel test to physicians."

In addition to the leading investors Khosla Ventures and Think.Health, the Inflammatix Series E funding round included participation from Northpond Ventures, D1 Capital Partners, Iberis Capital, Vesalius BioCapital, OSF Healthcare, RAW Ventures, and others. The funding round brings Inflammatix's total private capital raised to more than $200 million, in addition to more than $50 million in grants and contracts from various government agencies and foundations.

Novel diagnostic approach to spur earlier detection of infection and sepsis

TriVerity, a blood test performed on Inflammatix's novel Myrna Instrument, is uniquely designed to simultaneously determine whether an infection is present, and how likely a patient will need ICU-level interventions. Getting to an accurate diagnosis faster would not only save lives but would also dramatically improve hospital efficiency as well as health system resource allocation. Earlier and more accurate diagnoses may also help hospitals comply with the CMS SEP-1 Bundle, a value-based payments quality measure intended to ensure rapid sepsis detection and treatment.

"Despite incremental improvements in patient outcomes, the death toll from sepsis remains disproportionately high among vulnerable populations," said Alex Morgan, partner at Khosla Ventures. "The challenge is that existing diagnostics are not able to detect sepsis early enough to trigger timely intervention, and by the time noticeable clinical symptoms appear, it's often too late. TriVerity takes a novel approach by detecting the RNA changes that occur in immune cells prior to the manifestation of disease, enabling clinicians to respond faster and sometimes before physiological symptoms are even present. This is a step-change in life-saving care that physicians have been wanting for decades."

After receiving Breakthrough Device Designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in November 2023 and completing the SEPSIS-SHIELD study [ NCT04094818 ], Inflammatix recently submitted a regulatory packet to the FDA for the TriVerity Test. The company hopes to receive FDA clearance later this year.

About the TriVerity Acute Infection and Sepsis Test

The TriVerity Acute Infection and Sepsis Test (TriVerity), Inflammatix's lead product, is performed on the Myrna Instrument, the company's proprietary, cartridge-based, benchtop analyzer. TriVerity is a blood test that measures 29 messenger RNAs (mRNAs) to rapidly "read" the body's immune response to infection using machine learning-derived algorithms. The test is designed to inform on the two "axes" of sepsis -- presence of infection and risk of progression to severe illness -- in adult patients with suspected acute infection or sepsis in the emergency department setting. TriVerity thus aims to help physicians to confidently make treatment decisions, including selection of antimicrobial therapy, administering additional diagnostic testing, and whether to admit or discharge the patient.

The Myrna Instrument is capable of multiplex sample-to-answer quantitation of mRNAs in about 30 minutes. With its less than one-minute operator hands-on time and simple maintenance, the Myrna Instrument is designed for ease of use and low resource requirements.

The TriVerity Acute Infection and Sepsis Test is not for sale. It is currently pending FDA clearance and has not received marketing approval or clearance from regulatory authorities in any jurisdiction.

About Inflammatix

Inflammatix, Inc., a pioneering molecular diagnostics company headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, USA, is developing novel diagnostics that rapidly read a patient's immune system to improve patient care and reduce major public health burdens. The Inflammatix tests will be developed to run on the company's sample-to-answer isothermal instrument platform, enabling the power of precision medicine at the point of care. The company's funders include Khosla Ventures, Northpond Ventures, Think.Health Ventures, D1 Capital, Iberis Capital, and Vesalius BioCapital. For more information, please visit www.inflammatix.com and follow the company on LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter) at @Inflammatix_Inc).

Inflammatix product development has been funded in part with Federal funds from the Department of Health and Human Services; Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response; Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, under Contract Nos. 75A50119C00034 and 75A50119C00044.

TriVerity, Myrna, and Inflammatix are trademarks of Inflammatix, Inc. in the U.S. and other countries and regions.

References

Whitfield N, Michelson EA, Steingrub J, et al. Host response severity score for ICU level care prediction in emergency patients with suspected sepsis. (2024), SAEM24 Abstracts. Acad Emerg Med, 31: 8-401. https://doi.org/10.1111/acem.14906 Data on file, Inflammatix, Inc. Askim A, Moser F, Gustad LT, et al. Poor performance of quick-SOFA (qSOFA) score in predicting severe sepsis and mortality  a prospective study of patients admitted with infection to the emergency department. Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med. 2017;25(1):56. doi: 10.1186/s13049-017-0399-4. Tiwari AT, Jamshed N, Sahu AK, et al. Performance of qSOFA score as a screening tool for sepsis in the emergency department. J Emerg Trauma Shock. 2023;16(1):3-7. doi: 10.4103/jets.jets_99_22. Freund Y, Lemachatti N, Krastinova E, et al. Prognostic accuracy of Sepsis-3 criteria for in-hospital mortality among patients with suspected infection presenting to the emergency department. JAMA. 2017;317(3):301-308. doi: 10.1001/jama.2016.20329. Sepsis. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of General Medical Sciences; 2024. https://www.nigms.nih.gov/education/fact-sheets/Pages/sepsis.aspx?ref=prendi-il-controllo-della-tua-salute.com#:~:text=Each%20year%2C%20according%20to%20the,350%2C000%20die%20as%20a%20result. Frank CE, Buchman TG, Simpson SQ, et al. Sepsis among Medicare beneficiaries: 4. Precoronavirus Disease 2019 Update January 2012- February 2020 . Crit Care Med. 2021;49(12):2058-2069. doi: 10.1097/CCM.0000000000005332.

SOURCE Inflammatix
PHOENIX, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- With this year's topic focused on "Are Good Leaders Born or Made," Integro Bank's Second Annual Women Entrepreneurs and Leaders Fireside Chat has a wide range of women leaders set for the event's panel covering a variety of segments. Business owners and leaders are encouraged to RSVP for this complimentary CEO Club event that is taking place on September 25, 2024.

Elaine Szeto, EVP, Chief Innovation Officer & Founder at Integro Bank, Kimber Lanning, Founder and CEO at Local First, Jamie Reardon Evans, CEO at Find Your Influence, Monica May-Dunn, CEO at Arizona Escrow and Financial Corporation, and Maria Schuld, Chief Client Advocacy at FIS.

This year's panel will consist of Moderator, Elaine Szeto, EVP, Chief Innovation Officer & Founder at Integro Bank, Kimber Lanning, Founder and CEO at Local First, Jamie Reardon Evans, CEO at Find Your Influence, Monica May-Dunn, CEO at Arizona Escrow and Financial Corporation, and Maria Schuld, Chief Client Advocacy at FIS.

The event is designed to provide valuable insights and knowledge from industry experts, successful women entrepreneurs, and thought leaders. You can learn about their experiences, trends they are seeing, best practices that they have adopted, strategies for business growth, and gain inspiration from the success stories of others.

Elaine Szeto, Chief Innovation Officer, Founder and Chair of the CEO Club at Integro Bank, shared "This is exciting to have the opportunity to make this women's leadership event an annual occurrence due to the overwhelming positive feedback we had last year. There are unspoken drivers to growth and success from women leadership and entrepreneurs, which will be discussed and shared, that can impact many business leaders!"

The Integro CEO Club provides small business leaders the opportunity to share their best practices and attend educational mentoring sessions. The mission is to create a community with resources for business owners and leaders to achieve breakthrough potential.

Event Details:

Date: Wednesday, September 25, 2024

Time: 5: 00 PM - 7:30 PM

5: Location: Integro Bank Headquarters, 16215 North 28th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85053

Integro Bank Headquarters, 16215 North 28th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85053 This is a complimentary event for business owners and leaders.

RSVP For the Event:

https://www.integro.bank/CEO-Club-Event-RSVP

About Integro Bank:

Integro Bank is an FDIC-insured bank based in Phoenix, Arizona (USA). Our proprietary INTEGRO360SM consultative approach and CEO Club are designed to help small businesses grow and maximize employment. Why? Because employment lifts people and transforms lives. Visit www.Integro.Bank to learn more.

Media Contact:

Brandon Price, at [email protected] or (602) 325-9431

SOURCE Integro Bank
The global nonprofit has distributed nearly $1.5 million to fund queer proms, inclusive libraries, theater arts projects, and other initiatives led by young people to create more inclusive environments for LGBTQ+ students.

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- It Gets Better, the world's largest storytelling effort to empower LGBTQ+ youth, has announced the recipients of year three of its 50 States. 50 Grants. 5000 Voices. school-based funding opportunity. Grants of up to $10K each have been awarded to 25 middle and high schools throughout the United States to fund projects that uplift, empower, and support the well-being of local LGBTQ+ students. This program aims to identify and elevate future LGBTQ+ leaders by providing them with the means to create communities where they can thrive.

50 States. 50 Grants. 5000 Voices - a grant opportunity for LGBTQ+ students supported by American Eagle, the MAC Viva Glam Foundation, and Tumblr.

Since 2022, It Gets Better has awarded nearly $1.5 million and 142 grants to middle and high schools across the United States and Canada. Grants have been awarded to schools in 47 states, eight Canadian provinces, and one territory. This year's awards support a wide range of initiatives, from launching Genders & Sexualities Alliances and diversifying libraries to sexual health training videos for educators and Pride celebrations. Previous projects supported through the grant offering include queer proms, gender-inclusive closets, theatrical presentations, and more.

Launched in 2022 amid a surge in proposed legislation targeting queer students in nearly every state around the country, this grant program aims to put power back in the hands of LGBTQ+ students as people in positions of power threaten to strip it away. The program will return for a fourth year in 2025, with the application portal opening in February. For the first time, individual donors will be able to direct their support to help fund school-based projects aligning with four primary focus areas: Community Spaces (school GSA's, gender-affirming closets), Education (health awareness campaigns, educator toolkits), Events (LGBTQ+ proms, Pride celebrations) Art & Books (inclusive libraries, theater projects).

"Our goal with 50 States. 50 Grants. 5000 Voices. is not to dictate what communities should do to create more inclusive environments for LGBTQ+ youth. Instead, we empower local LGBTQ+ youth to lead the way," said Brian Wenke, executive director of It Gets Better. "For the past 14 years, It Gets Better has provided the resources and support for LGBTQ+ youth to dream big and achieve their goals. We are honored to help young LGBTQ+ people realize their greatest potential and make their voices heard."

"Years ago, when our GSA started with just four students, we used to dream about what we could do if we only had the funding. Now those dreams are a reality for my students, and I'm so grateful," said Sarah Milianta-Laffin, an educator at Ilima Intermediate School in Ewa Beach, Hawaii. "Through showcasing our work, we've been able to help get other GSAs started. The ripples of this grant funding have now spread over our island, helping many more students find their friends and space in a GSA club. When we say 'it gets better' as teachers, we must show students that 'better' is out there, waiting for them."

50 States. 50 Grants. 5000 Voices. is made possible by support from American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (AEO) on behalf of its American Eagle (AE) brand and through AE customer donations during Pride Month, 2024, as well as a grant from the Aerie Real Foundation. The MAC Viva Glam Foundation and Tumblr provided additional support. Since the beginning of their partnership in 2017, AEO and its AE and Aerie brands have generated nearly $5 million for It Gets Better. This is the first year the MAC Viva Glam Foundation and Tumblr have joined AEO in supporting 50 States. 50 Grants. 5000 Voices.

About It Gets Better - It Gets Better is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that strives to uplift, empower, and connect LGBTQ+ youth around the globe. Launched in 2010 as the result of one of the most successful viral video campaigns in YouTube's history, It Gets Better provides critical, life-affirming support to LGBTQ+ youth worldwide by leveraging the power of media to reach millions of people every year. The organization has expanded its storytelling efforts to include educational programming via It Gets Better EDU and has a global footprint spanning four continents and eight major languages via It Gets Better Global. It Gets Better is the number one non-profit for LGBTQ+ youth on TikTok, Tumblr, Twitch, and YouTube.

The non-profit has garnered support from President Joe Biden, former President Barack Obama, and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, along with numerous celebrities, including Kelly Clarkson, Gabrielle Union, Chris and Scott Evans, Jojo Siwa, Zachary Quinto, Mj Rodriguez, Hayley Kiyoko, and Gigi Gorgeous. More than 750,000 people have taken the It Gets Better pledge to share messages of hope and speak up against intolerance. Please visit www.itgetsbetter.org for more information, and join the conversation on all social platforms @itgetsbetter.

For more information:

Ross von Metzke

Senior Director, Communications and PR

It Gets Better

[email protected]

SOURCE It Gets Better
Pilates Franchise Studio is Elevating the Fitness Experience with Innovative Programs, Advanced Technology, and Comprehensive Training

MIAMI, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- JETSET Pilates  the Miami-based, modern Reformer Pilates franchise, is proud to announce a series of exciting innovations designed to enhance the experience for both clients and franchise partners. Known for its forward-thinking approach to fitness, the brand continues to lead the industry by introducing new programs and technologies that cater to the evolving needs of its growing network.

JETSET Pilates

In a rapidly evolving industry, where client expectations are high, JETSET stays ahead by delivering unique, exciting, and effective Pilates experiences that drive long-term engagement. This proactive approach is crucial as the health and fitness club market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.2% through 2034, according to Future Market Insights. By embracing innovation and addressing new trends, JETSET Pilates is positioning itself as a dynamic leader in the boutique fitness sector.

Highlights of JETSET's Innovations and Initiatives:

DJ-Curated Music : JETSET elevates its workout experience with DJ-curated playlists, designed to enhance the rhythm and intensity of sessions, creating a motivating and immersive environment for clients.



: JETSET elevates its workout experience with DJ-curated playlists, designed to enhance the rhythm and intensity of sessions, creating a motivating and immersive environment for clients. JETSET Training and Innovation Center : Opening in early 2025, this 4,000 sq. ft. Miami -based center will host the JETSET Training Academy, where instructors will learn to master JETSET's modern Pilates method. It will serve as a collaborative hub for franchise partners, instructors, and the HQ team.



: Opening in early 2025, this 4,000 sq. ft. -based center will host the JETSET Training Academy, where instructors will learn to master JETSET's modern Pilates method. It will serve as a collaborative hub for franchise partners, instructors, and the HQ team. All Access Membership: Launching later this year, the All-Access Membership provides exclusive perks such as access to all locations, waived late-cancel fees, priority class scheduling and more  offering convenience and enhanced experiences for loyal clients.



Launching later this year, the All-Access Membership provides exclusive perks such as access to all locations, waived late-cancel fees, priority class scheduling and more  offering convenience and enhanced experiences for loyal clients. Class Variety & Equipment Enhancements: JETSET is expanding its offerings with a Fundamentals Class to help clients master the basics and build confidence, along with targeted sessions such as Core + Upper Body and Core + Lower Body. While the custom reformer remains key to the JETSET method, the brand will also be introducing variations and accessory equipment like the Pilates ball to enhance the workout.



JETSET is expanding its offerings with a Fundamentals Class to help clients master the basics and build confidence, along with targeted sessions such as Core + Upper Body and Core + Lower Body. While the custom reformer remains key to the JETSET method, the brand will also be introducing variations and accessory equipment like the Pilates ball to enhance the workout. Pre-Opening Initiatives: Studios in the pre-opening phase will host JETSET On The Mat classes, showcasing their signature routines with accessories including the Pilates ring, ball, bands, and dumbbells. This mobile format offers clients a preview of the JETSET experience before the studio opens.

"Innovation is at the core of everything we do at JETSET Pilates," said Tamara Galinsky, Founder and Brand President. "By continuously evolving our offerings, we're not just keeping pace with the fitness industry, we're setting new standards. This commitment empowers our franchise partners and creates a dynamic, results-driven community atmosphere in every studio."

JETSET Pilates remains dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the fitness industry for both clients and franchise partners. By continuously innovating and adapting, the brand ensures a dynamic and profitable environment that meets the evolving needs of the industry.

Since launching its franchise opportunity, JETSET Pilates has rapidly gained traction, establishing itself as a leading concept in the boutique franchise business space, and is now seeking driven professionals nationwide to share its personalized workout experience. To learn more about JETSET Pilates or if interested in the opportunity to own a franchise in your community, please visit https://jetsetpilates.com/franchise/.

About JETSET Pilates

Founded in 2010 and franchising since 2022, JETSET Pilates has rapidly established itself as one of the most attractive concepts in the boutique franchise business space. JETSET Pilates currently has plans to open studios across the U.S. and Australia, with over 65 studios in development. JETSET now offers franchising opportunities to entrepreneurs in some of the largest and fastest-growing markets within the fitness franchise sector. For more information, please visit https://jetsetpilates.com/franchise/ , or follow JETSET Pilates on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Contact: Elise Fricilone | Franchise Elevator PR | [email protected]

SOURCE JETSET Pilates
Natalie Cramp will join as Partner, bringing years of experience as a data and AI leader

LONDON, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- JMAN Group, the leading commercial data partner for private equity funds and their portfolio companies, has announced the appointment of Natalie Cramp to the Senior Leadership team to help shape and drive their global delivery model and develop innovative solutions for their clients to enable them to maximize the potential of data and AI in this rapidly evolving field.

Natalie Cramp will join as Partner, bringing years of experience as a data and AI leader

Natalie brings more than 15 years' experience in leading private, public and third sector organizations through significant periods of innovation and change. She joins JMAN after five years of leading a data and AI consultancy. She is particularly passionate about the people elements of transformation, and how to help business leaders navigate the data and AI landscape and maximize its potential, as such she's also a regular speaker for Vistage, delivering training to C-suite leaders in understanding how to create value from data and AI for their business. A recognized leader in the data field, Natalie's been named in the Tech Women Celebration 50, the Twenty in Data and Tech 2023, and the Data IQ 100 multiple times. She takes an active role in the data community, chairing a cross-industry Data Ethics Advisory Board, chairing Women in Data's Women's Health work and as a member of the Mayor's Data for London Advisory Board. Natalie's career as a problem solver has seen her on both client and consultancy side and as part of the team rapidly scaling organizations including the London 2012 Olympics.

"We are delighted to welcome Natalie as our first Partner," said Anush Newman, CEO and Co-Founder. "As well as bringing an unparalleled wealth of expertise and experience to JMAN Group and our clients, Natalie has a reputation in the industry for working at the cutting edge of technology and getting things done. Natalie is a recognized leader in the data and AI industry, and we couldn't be more excited to welcome her into the JMAN family."

Biographies and contact information for the JMAN's leadership team can be found at https://jmangroup.com/about/#jman-leadership.

About JMAN

JMAN is the commercial data partner that specializes in maximizing value creation activities for private equity funds and their portfolio companies. We partner with our clients to address the growing need for investment decisions and value creation initiatives to be backed by reliable, real-time data. When companies partner with JMAN, we combine our data science and data engineering expertise with our deep commercial understanding to deliver tangible, high-value outcomes at pace.

Founded in 2010, JMAN has a global footprint with offices in New York, London and Chennai. Our team of more than 350 experts partner with more than 80 private equity funds and over 200 portfolio companies. Nearly 85% of our business is from recurring partnerships with our clients.

JMAN has been a portfolio company of Baird Capital since 2023. For more information, please visit www.JMANGroup.com

CONTACT

Christina Angello

+1 929 635 6900

[email protected]

SOURCE JMAN Group
ANN ARBOR, Mich., Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Journeys International, a U.S.-based leader in planning immersive travel experiences, shares its latest collection of Rare Journeys small group trip departures. These intentionally crafted multi-day itineraries are each designed around a different unique theme connected to the destination it explores. The trips have dual leadership by experienced local guides alongside experts in the trips' content areas. These once-only departures are for travelers seeking deep cultural adventures and once-in-lifetime experiences in some of the world's most extraordinary destinations.

"Our Rare Journeys aren't just about seeing new placesthey're about meaningful connections with fellow travelers, welcoming locals, and rich ideas. These trips allow for deeper exploration, where every experience feels personal and impactful," said Robin Weber Pollak, Chief Adventure Officer and Owner of Journeys International. "Whether it's exchanging stories with hosts in their homes or bonding over shared moments of insight, these journeys delight travelers with wonder and discovery."

The new collection features nine exceptional adventures, each offering a once-only small-group experience impossible to recreate on a private trip. From a Yellowstone expedition of winter wonder and wolf conservation to an epic exploration of Antarctica with a storytelling twist, each itinerary is designed to inspire curiosity and possibly even transformation in travelers.

Featured Rare Journeys:

Antarctica: Explorer Stories

Dates: January 31 - February 10, 2025

This adventure takes travelers through the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula, guided by master storyteller Clare Murphy. Along with witnessing the pristine wilderness while aboard an expedition ship, participants will craft their own stories of adventure.

Egypt: Eclipse, Archaeology & Beyond

Dates: July 28 - August 9, 2027

Step back in time to the ancient wonders of Egypt and experience the awe of a total solar eclipse above the ancient temples of Luxor. Explore iconic archaeological sites such as the Valley of the Kings and sail down the Nile in a luxurious riverboat. Learn about the power that ancient Egyptians saw in the skies, promising a view of Egypt like you've never seen before.

Thailand Festivals of Water & Light

Dates: November 10 - November 21, 2024

Immerse yourself in Thailand's captivating Loy Krathong and Yi Peng festivals, where water and light represent renewal and hope. Float your handmade lantern in the river and watch as thousands of glowing orbs alight into the night sky, learning about Thai customs and culture in a setting of awe and celebration.

Cultural Journey to the Kullu Dussehra Festival

Dates: September 24 - October 6, 2025

Join in the lively celebration of the Kullu Dussehra Festival, where nearly 200 local deities are honored with colorful processions through the stunning Kullu Valley. Hike through breathtaking Himalayan landscapes, explore sacred temples, and engage deeply with the region's ancient traditions. Led by travel industry veteran Vishwas Makhija, a resident of Kullu, this journey offers an insider's perspective into one of India's most unique festivals.

Biology, Conservation & Culture in the Azores

Dates: April 5 - April 16, 2025

Embark on an exciting ocean adventure in the Azores! Led by a marine biologist, you'll dive into hands-on conservation efforts, including whale watching and studying the islands' volcanic landscapes. This trip offers a blend of adventure and education, immersing you in the rich marine life and culture of the Azores' stunning archipelago.

Morocco Through the Senses

Dates: April 19 - April 30, 2025

Immerse yourself in the colors, sounds, and flavors of Morocco, where every day is a feast for the senses. Explore the lively souks of Marrakech, savor traditional Moroccan dishes, and trek into the quiet expanse of the Sahara Desert, where you'll sleep under the stars. This journey brings you to the heart of Moroccan culture, offering sensory experiences you'll never forget.

Northwest Passage: The Legendary Sea Route

Dates: August 26 - September 11, 2025

Set sail on an epic journey through the fabled Northwest Passage, navigating icy seas and spotting Arctic wildlife like polar bears and walruses. This expedition brings you into the realm of intrepid explorers, where you'll experience the stark beauty of the Arctic landscape while learning about its fragile ecosystem. The ultimate Arctic adventure for lovers of history and the natural world, with leadership from an expert on modern exploration.

Pakistan: Mountains, History, and Heritage

Dates: October 4 - October 19, 2025

Explore the rugged beauty and cultural heritage of Pakistan, from the majestic peaks of the Karakoram Range to the bustling bazaars of Peshawar. Visit ancient forts, meet local artisans, and experience the warm hospitality of remote mountain communities. Led by Raza Akhtar, who has lived in both the US and Pakistan, this journey offers an unparalleled look into Pakistan's diverse cultures and landscapes.

Rarefield Yellowstone National Park

Dates: January 10 - January 16, 2026

Track grey wolves, observe wildlife, and explore the geothermal wonders of Yellowstone's winter landscape. Led by naturalist Paul Brown, this adventure offers a rare glimpse into the park's pristine beauty during winter.

Each Rare Journey trip has been carefully planned to ensure responsible travel that honors the Earth, ignites intellectual curiosity, and facilitates cross-cultural understanding, exchange, and connection with the help of a reputable local guide. Journeys International also plans private and custom adventures for individuals, families, friends, specialty groups, and more. To join a Rare Journey or plan a custom adventure, travelers can visit the website at www.journeysinternational.com for more information, contact the Journeys team at [email protected] , or call 800-255-8735 to chat with an Adventure Specialist.

About Journeys International

Journeys is an eco-friendly and culturally immersive outbound adventure tour operator and travel consulting company with 45+ years of travel industry experience and a growing network of trusted local tour guides around the world. We specialize in authentic, immersive, and experiential travel and learning for single travelers, couples, families, and small groups. Travelers know Journeys for its commitment to core values, respect for natural spaces, and the ability to facilitate worldwide trips that nurture human and cross-cultural connections. Let our expert Adventure Specialists book you on one of our scheduled Rare Journeys or arrange custom travel plans for you to #adventuredeeper into the world! Explore www.journeysinternational.com or call 800-255-8735 for more information.

SOURCE Journeys International
LAS VEGAS, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- LaPour, in collaboration with Mar-Gulf Management Inc., the international real estate subsidiary of Markaz, announced the groundbreaking for Creekside Centennial Tech Center (CCTC) located in Centennial, CO. Construction is underway with an estimated completion date of 1Q2025.

This state-of-the-art, multi-tenant, shallow-bay facility will offer 63,271 square feet of Class A industrial space for sale or lease. The project provides flexible unit sizing from 6,886 square feet  63,271 square feet and is designed to meet the diverse needs of modern businesses who are currently underserved in the industrial real estate market as project sizes have increased and focused on much larger footprints for divisibility.

Conveniently located at 6403 S Uvalda St, CCTC will provide immediate access to Arapahoe Road, and quick access to I-25, E-470, and Hwy 83. Surrounded by a dense variety of restaurants, lifestyle amenities, retail outlets and walkable trails, CCTC is the first and only, spec-construction, single building, industrial project in south Denver that will provide tenants with space divisible to under 10,000 SF.

The planned multitenant project boasts 24-foot clear heights, 8 dock doors, 8 drive-in doors, 2,500 amps of power, and a generous parking ratio of 3 per 1,000 square feet. The functional design of CCTC aims to redefine industrial space in the region, setting a new benchmark and outshining competing projects in its vicinity. "The current vacancy for functional properties in the Southeast submarket, which have the ability to accommodate tenant suites under 10,000 square feet, is approximately 2.5%. This project will be critical for the growth and sustainability of smaller businesses in the Southeast Denver submarket," says Peter Beugg of Stream Realty who is listing this property for sale or lease.

"We're excited about this development and our partnership with Mar-Gulf, who has demonstrated their expertise with intricate, complex projects. CCTC will offer an upscale identity in a prime location to the significantly underserved market of small bay users. The project is designed with a focus on modern, functional and image-conscious space," says Jeff LaPour, CEO at LaPour Partners.

LaPour has a proven history of delivering successful projects time and again as demonstrated by their 24-year track record in development. This, coupled with Mar-Gulf's vast experience as a leader in international commercial real estate, ensures elevated design, functionality and financial certainty. This partnership will deliver speed and agility in a growing market to fill a current void.

About LaPour Partners

LaPour Partners has committed to unveiling dynamic real estate investment opportunities for two decades, focusing on early-stage market ventures and higher-profile transactions. The company thrives on tackling projects with situational complexity, deploying in-house expertise, and harnessing their expansive network to devise innovative solutions. With a proven track record spanning Arizona, Colorado, and Nevada, LaPour Partners will continue its legacy of delivering best-in-class real estate.

For more information, visit lapour.com.

Contact:

Jennifer Bradley

7022349385

[email protected]

SOURCE LaPour Partners
Premier global automotive event celebrates innovations in hybrid and electric vehicles with signature awards program

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Los Angeles Auto Show (LA Auto Show) officially announced today the return of its signature awards program, THE ZEVAS (Zero-Emission Vehicle Awards.) Debuting in 2021 as the very first program of its kind, THE ZEVAS will again celebrate emerging and established automakers and their innovations in new hybrid and electric vehicles, and new zero-emission versions of existing models.

As a longtime supporter of consumer EV adoption and promoter of EV education, the LA Auto Show is proud to provide a platform to showcase the intersection of the automotive and technology worlds. THE ZEVAS 2024 will take place on Thursday, November 21 at AutoMobility LA 2024 (AMLA 2024), the LA Auto Show's global press and industry event that hosts thousands of automotive executives, credentialed journalists and media representatives, government officials, policymakers, technologists, designers, dealers, investors, industry analysts, thought-leaders, content creators and influencers.

This unique, consumer's choice award recognizes the top zero-emission vehicles across a variety of categories, and provides an unmatched forum to showcase the advancements and innovations that shape today's buyer interests, influence purchase behavior, and enhance overall driver satisfaction. Prior winners of THE ZEVAS include the Rivian R1T, Tesla Model 3, Tesla Model Y, Fisker Ocean, Lucid Air, and Hyundai KONA Electric.

The categories for THE ZEVAS 2024 are:

Top Compact

Top Coupe

Top Crossover

Top Hatchback/Van/Wagon

Top Sedan

Top SUV

Top Truck

Most Anticipated

THE ZEVAS are a celebration of the tangible impact zero-emission vehicles are making on our world. For the 2024 voting process, the first round will determine the top three vehicles in each category. Once the finalists are announced, a second round of voting will take place to select the ultimate category winners, who will be honored at AMLA 2024. Votes will be submitted exclusively at thezevas.com .

Tuesday, October 1  First round voting opens

 First round voting opens Friday, October 11  First round voting closes

 First round voting closes Tuesday, October 29  Finalists announced. Second round voting begins

 Finalists announced. Second round voting begins Friday, November 8  Second round voting closes

 Second round voting closes Tuesday, November 19  Winners announced

 Winners announced Thursday, November 21  Winners honored at AutoMobility LA 2024

"Electrification continues to be one of the most transformational forces the automotive industry has ever experienced," said Terri Toennies, president and chief operating officer of the LA Auto Show and AutoMobility LA. "With consumer interest in electric vehicles remaining strong, and California leading the nation in new electric and hybrid vehicle adoption, the time and place is perfect to celebrate the consistent, proven innovation and positive impact of the category."

Registration for AMLA 2024 is open and complimentary for accredited and approved media. Industry attendees can take advantage of an "early bird" registration fee of $149 through October 31. From November 1, the full registration fee of $249 will apply to all approved industry registrants. Register now at https://automobilityla-2024.reg.buzz/.

Following AMLA 2024, the LA Auto Show will be open to the public from November 22, 2024 to December 1, 2024.

Stay up to date with the latest show news, updates, and information, follow the LA Auto Show on X, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn and sign up for alerts at laautoshow.com.

About the Los Angeles Auto Show & AutoMobility LA

Founded in 1907, the Los Angeles Auto Show is recognized as one of the world's most influential automotive events. The show celebrates the enduring love that Angelenos have for their cars and offers a global platform for industry debuts, technology, and innovation.

Doors open to the public November 22  December 1 and the show runs for 10 full days, including Thanksgiving Day. It is a must-attend event for prospective car buyers, industry executives, influencers, car enthusiasts, and for families wanting to enjoy an unforgettable day out during the holiday season. Held at the Los Angeles Convention Center, the LA Auto Show contributes several hundred million dollars to the city's economy, stimulates the local job market, and is the number one revenue generator for the Center.

On November 21, AutoMobility LA, the show's media and industry day, will include a range of groundbreaking debuts and announcements, and a conference program featuring the leading minds in automotive and technology. These experts will explore the most pressing industry issues in a series of presentations and panel discussions from AutoMobility LA's main stage.

Media Contacts

Kat Kirsch

[email protected]

Tania Weinkle

[email protected]

Dan Sampson

Chief Marketing & Communications Officer, Los Angeles Auto Show & AutoMobility LA

[email protected]

SOURCE Los Angeles Auto Show and AutoMobility LA
VAIL, Colo., Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Manna Tree, a global private equity firm committed to investing in companies that empower consumers to live better, longer lives through improved health and wellness, is pleased to announce several key promotions and the expansion of its investment and investor relations teams. Promotions have been awarded to Tyler Mayoras, Ryan Klas and Allison Yazel, with Ali McNutt and Lauren Russell recently joining Manna Tree's investment team and investor relations team, respectively.

"Our dedicated team of passionate leaders is the foundation of Manna Tree," said Gabrielle Rubenstein, Co-founder and Managing Partner of Manna Tree. "We are proud to recognize the continued accomplishments, commitment and growth of these team members, who all share in our mission to invest and advise companies that we believe will allow consumers to live better, longer, while aiming to deliver best-in-class returns to our investors. We will continue to invest in our team to drive results for our portfolio companies and to identify our next investment opportunities."

"As we build and develop our portfolio of consumer investments, we are deeply appreciative of the value creation and commitment to results demonstrated by Tyler, Ryan and Allison," said Steve Young, Managing Partner of Manna Tree. "We are also very pleased to grow our investment team with the addition of Ali, who brings a background in strategic planning and consulting. Looking ahead, as we grow and continue to deploy capital across the broader consumer health and wellness ecosystem, we will actively seek out industry leaders who can bring sector-specific expertise to Manna Tree."

Tyler Mayoras, Managing Director, Food and Beverage Sector. Mr. Mayoras has over 25 years of private equity expertise and joined Manna Tree in 2023 as Director of Portfolio Growth. Mr. Mayoras has led growth strategies across the firm's investment portfolio, and serves on the Boards of Health-Ade, Urban Remedy and The New Primal. In his new role, Mr. Mayoras will have accountability for Manna Tree's food and beverage investments, including sourcing of new investment opportunities for Manna Tree.

Ryan Klas, Director, Investments. Mr. Klas brings extensive experience in corporate venture capital and investment management to his role and joined Manna Tree as Vice President of Investments in 2023. Mr. Klas's background includes a leadership role at 301 INC, General Mills' venture capital arm, where he managed a global portfolio of private investments and successfully exited numerous direct and fund investments across the food ecosystem. Mr. Klas serves on the Board of Health-Ade and Urban Remedy.

Allison Yazel, Vice President, Marketing. Ms. Yazel joined Manna Tree in 2021, and brings a diverse background in marketing, entrepreneurship, and strategic planning to her role. As Vice President, Ms. Yazel will be responsible for building Manna Tree's visibility in the industry, with both companies and investors. Her career highlights include founding and managing a marketing and events consultancy that supported small business owners in the Vail Valley, as well as a background in advertising agencies.

Ali McNutt, Senior Associate. Ms. McNutt joins Manna Tree as a Senior Associate on the investment team, bringing valuable expertise in strategic planning and consulting. Based in Minneapolis, Ms. McNutt joins from Boston Consulting Group (BCG), where she served as a Consultant and Project Leader. At BCG, she honed her skills in management consulting, focusing specifically on private equity and consumer sectors.

Lauren Russell, Associate. Ms. Russell joins Manna Tree as an Associate on the investor relations team, where she plays an important role in supporting capital formation and investor relations strategies. Lauren joined from P10 Holdings, where she focused on fundraising and marketing for P10 and its boutique investment firms. She was previously with Janus Henderson, where she implemented marketing strategies for institutional sales and channel marketing teams.

About Manna Tree

Manna Tree is a global private equity firm committed to investing in companies that empower consumers to live better, longer. The firm strategically invests in the consumer sector, particularly within the health and wellness ecosystem, focusing on growth-stage and buyout opportunities. Manna Tree has made investments in 13 companies to date: Health-Ade, Gotham Greens, Vital Farms, Good Culture, Verde Farms, True Food Kitchen, TruFood Manufacturing, MycoTechnology, Nutriati, Urban Remedy, The New Primal, Infinant Health and Cheetah.

Website: https://www.mannatreepartners.com/

Media Contact:

Sam DeVito, ICR

[email protected]

SOURCE Manna Tree Partners
WASHINGTON, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- May Jung LLP is proud to announce a significant legal development in the ongoing Stanton View litigation involving six Black, female, low- to moderate-income first-time homebuyers who faced substantially unsafe living conditions after purchasing units at the RiverEast at Grandview Condominium complex in Southeast Washington, D.C. through the District of Columbia's Housing Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP).

In a groundbreaking decision, the District of Columbia Court of Appeals has reversed the lower court's dismissal of key claims filed under the District of Columbia Consumer Protection Procedures Act (CPPA). This ruling holds that the District of Columbia, through its Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), can be liable under the CPPA as a "merchant" when it facilitates the sale of substandard housing through government programs.

Background

The plaintiffs in this case are homebuyers who were promised affordable, habitable housing through the HPAP program. Shortly after moving into their units, the plaintiffs reported numerous issues with their brand new homes, including foundational cracks, sewage odors, mold, leaks, and electrical issuesall of which rendered their homes uninhabitable. Despite repeated requests for repairs and pleas for help from the District, these issues persisted, ultimately resulting in mandatory evacuations from their homes. The general contractors, Stanton View Dev., LLP and RiverEast at Anacostia, LLP, who received approval of the project and over $6 million dollars from the District, later filed for bankruptcy, leaving the homeowners with little recourse.

After Judge Lopez dismissed key claims against the District, including violations under the CPPA, the plaintiffs, represented by May Jung LLP, appealed the decision. On September 12, 2024, the D.C. Court of Appeals issued a ruling that reversed and remanded the dismissal of the CPPA claim, re-opening the door for the plaintiffs to pursue justice for the unfair and deceptive practices' claims alleged against the District.

Why This Ruling Is Important

This decision is unprecedented and marks a critical victory for housing justice and consumer protection in the District of Columbia. The Court of Appeals held that the District is a "merchant" under the CPPA under these facts, allowing claims for unfair and deceptive practices to proceed against the government entity for its role in facilitating the sale of uninhabitable housing. This is a significant step toward ensuring that government agencies are held accountable for their role in administering housing programs and protecting the rights of vulnerable homebuyers.

"This decision affirms the principle that nobody is above the law, including government entities, especially when consumers are harmed in such egregious ways related to their homes," said Je Yon Jung, lead counsel for the plaintiffs. "Our clients did everything that the District required of them to participate in the American dream of homeownership. Instead, they have been forced to spend years in a house of horrors and nightmares fighting for accountability and justice. While we awaited the court of appeal's correction of the dismissal of the District from the original case filed in early 2021, we have continued to litigate against several subcontractors and individuals involved with this property. To date, nobody has taken accountability for this debacle. We look forward to holding the District and all of the other responsible parties accountable."

Implications for Future Cases

This ruling not only provides the plaintiffs with the opportunity to pursue their claims but also sets a new legal precedent for holding government entities responsible under consumer protection laws. The case will return to the trial court before Judge Yvonne Williams for further proceedings, where the plaintiffs will pursue their CPPA claim, and will be consolidated with other cases involving the subcontractors and the individual owners of the bankrupt entities.

May Jung, LLP filed a related case in federal U.S. District Court alleging unconstitutional takings and first amendment retaliation against the District. May Jung LLP will continue to represent the plaintiffs as they fight for fair treatment, and the right to live in safe, habitable homes.

For more information or to schedule an interview with the legal team, please contact at [email protected]. For more information about May Jung LLP, visit www.mayjung.com .

CONTACT: Kameron Coefield

202-938-3524

[email protected]

SOURCE May Jung LLP
McLean & Company, the global HR research and advisory firm and host of the McLean Signature 2024 conference, has shared details surrounding the highly anticipated CHRO and DEI panel discussions, details of which can be found in the McLean Signature 2024 conference agenda.

TORONTO, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - As HR leaders and their teams continue to play a pivotal role in preparing their organizations for the future of work, McLean & Company is poised to provide two future-focused panel discussions at McLean Signature, the premier industry conference for HR professionals. The trusted HR research and advisory partner of HR and leadership professionals around the world, McLean & Company will host the annual event from October 27 to 29, 2024, at the Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa in Las Vegas, Nevada.

McLean Signature, the premier HR industry conference hosted by McLean & Company, has announced details for two panel discussions that will take place at the event. Conference attendees can look forward to the CHRO Panel Discussion: HRs Role in AI and Digital Transformation and the DEI Panel Discussion: Navigating DEI Resistance. McLean Signature runs from October 27 to 29, 2024, at the Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa in Las Vegas, Nevada. (CNW Group/McLean & Company)

Guided by this year's theme, The Future of Work, the conference has been designed to provide attendees with a robust lineup of keynotes, working sessions, peer-to-peer roundtables, fireside CHRO interviews, and discussion panels. All sessions will offer participants actionable insights and tips that can be applied to their own organizations immediately.

McLean & Company has created two panel discussions to address two of the HR industry's trending topics for conference attendees, as seen below.

CHRO Panel Discussion: HR's Role in AI and Digital Transformation

Monday, October 28, 2024, at 9:45 AM

Building on the topics explored in the immediately preceding digital transformation keynote, a panel of CHROs will discuss how they approach the opportunities and challenges around digital transformation in HR and their organizations. Attendees will gain authentic, real-world insights into the way leading HR professionals are guiding their organizations through rapid technological advancements and change.

CHRO panelists include:

Malinda Carter , Associate Vice Chancellor of Human Resources at Virginia Community College System

, Associate Vice Chancellor of Human Resources at Virginia Community College System Scott Conklin , Chief Human Resources Officer at NTT DATA Business Solutions

Chief Human Resources Officer at NTT DATA Business Solutions Karen Smith , Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at Bruce Power

The CHRO panel discussion will be moderated by Karen Mann, Senior Vice President of HR Research, Learning & Advisory Services, at McLean & Company.

DEI Panel Discussion: Navigating DEI Resistance

Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at 10:35 AM

McLean & Company reports that organizations that actively create an inclusive environment see better business results, elevated employee retention, and increased engagement. At the same time, anti-DEI legislation and increasing political polarization around the value and need for intentional DEI investment are causing some organizations to rethink their strategies and actions. McLean & Company's annual HR Trends Report has tracked a decline in DEI prioritization, from being the fourth most pressing priority in 2021 to the seventh most pressing priority in 2024.

In this panel discussion, participants will have a chance to hear from DEI and legal experts regarding the underlying causes that contribute to DEI resistance in today's landscape. The panel will discuss legal and socio-political considerations and offer practical actions that will help organizations navigate a path forward to an inclusive future for all.

DEI panelists include:

DK Bartley , Global Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer at Hill & Knowlton

, Global Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer at Hill & Knowlton Tracy Billows , Partner, Labor & Employment Attorney at Seyfarth Shaw LLP

, Partner, Labor & Employment Attorney at Seyfarth Shaw LLP Elysca Fernandes, Director, HR Research & Advisory at McLean & Company

The DEI panel discussion will be moderated by Maureen Cahill, Senior Managing Partner at McLean & Company.

Please note the two panel discussions outlined above represent only a small portion of the wide variety of sessions that will take place at McLean Signature 2024. For more information on previously announced keynote speakers Denise Huskins and Linda Nazareth, please click here. For more information regarding previously announced agenda details, click here and also here.

For the full conference agenda or to register for conference tickets, please visit the official Signature event page.

Media interested in connecting with McLean & Company analysts for exclusive, research-backed insights and commentary on generative AI in HR, HR trends in 2024, the future of work, and more can contact Senior Communications Manager Kelsey King at [email protected].

About Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa

With an unrivaled aesthetic and attention to detail apparent at every turn, the Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa offers a refined resort experience among Las Vegas' most striking environments, surrounded by the neighboring sandstone canyons. McLean Signature attendees can expect award-winning accommodations and service while sharpening their HR skills to better lead their organizations through the unknown future.

About McLean & Company

McLean & Company pairs evidence-based research and immediately applicable tools with deep HR expertise to position organizations to meet today's needs and prepare for the future. The global HR research and advisory firm's member organizations enjoy comprehensive resources, full-service diagnostics, workshops, action plans, and advisory services for all levels of HR professionals, from executive leadership to HR leaders to HR team members, that help shape workplaces where everyone thrives.

McLean & Company is a division of Info-Tech Research Group.

Media professionals can register for unrestricted access to research across IT, HR, and software and hundreds of industry analysts through the firm's Media Insiders program. To gain access, contact [email protected].

SOURCE McLean & Company
Messer Helium Cliffside will continue to operate the CHEU while negotiating a long-term agreement

BRIDGEWATER, N.J., Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Yesterday, the 108th District Court in Potter County, Texas granted a temporary injunction to Messer Helium Cliffside LLC (MHC), allowing MHC continued access to the Crude Helium Enrichment Unit (CHEU), the central piece of machinery that extracts helium from the former federal Helium System. The injunction will enable MHC and Cliffside Refiners, L.P. (CRLP) to negotiate terms regarding the CHEU while continuing to operate, meeting the helium needs of multiple industries and the American public.

Messer Helium Cliffside will continue to operate the CHEU while negotiating a long-term agreement

"We are pleased with the outcome of today's ruling, which is a positive step toward a stable and reliable helium market in the US," said Chris Ebeling, Messer's Executive Vice President, Sales & Marketing, North America. "We will work to negotiate a long-term agreement in good faith with the CRLP and expect all partners to put the best interest of the partnership before individual commercial interests to protect long-term continued supply of this valuable resource."

If a reasonable commercial solution is not reached between MHC and the CRLP, the domestic helium supply could be threatened, which may impact multiple industries that the American people depend on, including health care and electronics. Global access to helium from the largest international suppliers, Russia and Qatar, will remain tenuous if sanctions persist and unrest in the Middle East escalates. Disruption to domestic helium supply and increased volatility in the global helium market could hurt the American economy.

MHC is committed to the ongoing, safe and reliable operation of the CHEU to facilitate the continuous supply of helium, which plays a pivotal role in the nation's health and security.

About Messer

Messer is the largest privately held industrial gas business in the world and a leading industrial and medical gas company in North America, South America, Asia and Europe. Messer offers more than 125 years of expertise in industrial, medical, specialty and electronics gases. The company delivers quality gases, related services and technology via an extensive production and distribution network. Health and safety, sustainability practices and environmental protection are core Messer values that are embedded in the company's daily operations. Messer Americas sales account approximately for 52% of Messer worldwide sales of $4.7 billion USD. For more information, visit: www.messeramericas.com.

SOURCE Messer North America, Inc.
HAMILTON, Bermuda, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Nabors Industries Ltd. (NYSE: NBR) invites you to join Anthony G. Petrello, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, and William Restrepo, Chief Financial Officer, Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. Central Time for a discussion of operating results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2024. Nabors will release earnings after the market closes on October 22, 2024.

Date: October 23, 2024 Time: 2:00 p.m. CT (3:00 p.m. ET) Dial-in-number(s):



US Toll Free: (888) 317-6003

Canada Toll Free: (866) 284-3684

International: (412) 317-6061

Participant Elite Entry Number: 4087357

Please call ten to fifteen minutes ahead of time to ensure proper connection.

The conference call will be recorded and available for replay for one week, until 4:00 p.m. CT on October 30, 2024. To hear the recording, please call (877) 344-7529 in North America or (412) 317-0088 internationally and enter Conference Replay Entry Number: 8982109.

Nabors will have a live audio webcast of the conference call available on its website at www.nabors.com. To join the webcast, navigate to the Investor Relations page and then select Events Calendar. An electronic version of the earnings release and, if applicable, any supplemental presentation also will be available to download from the website.

About Nabors

Nabors Industries Ltd. (NYSE: NBR) is a leading provider of advanced technology for the energy industry. With operations in more than 15 countries, Nabors has established a global network of people, technology and equipment to deploy solutions that deliver safe, efficient and responsible energy production. By leveraging its core competencies, particularly in drilling, engineering, automation, data science and manufacturing, Nabors aims to innovate the future of energy and enable the transition to a lower-carbon world. Learn more about Nabors and its energy technology leadership: www.nabors.com.

Investor Contacts

For further information regarding Nabors, please contact William C. Conroy, CFA, Vice President of Corporate Development & Investor Relations, via email at [email protected] or Kara Peak, Director of Corporate Development & Investor Relations, via email at [email protected]. To request investor materials, contact Nabors' corporate headquarters in Hamilton, Bermuda at +1 441-292-1510 or via email at [email protected].

Related Links

www.nabors.com

SOURCE Nabors Industries Ltd.
ARLINGTON, Va., Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Policing Institute (NPI) today announced two law enforcement leaders receiving the national nonprofit's most prestigious annual awards. Both honorees are recognized for their significant contributions and lasting impact on policing and the communities they served throughout their careers.

NPI announces Chief Kathleen O'Toole and Sheriff Jerry Clayton as honorees for the national nonprofit's annual awards. Post this Sheriff Jerry L. Clayton Chief Kathleen M. OToole

Chief Kathleen M. O'Toole is awarded the Commissioner Patrick V. Murphy Award for Leading Change in Policing. Chief O'Toole adopted a groundbreaking focus on public safety reform that influenced her leadership on agencies in Boston, Seattle, and Ireland.

Sheriff Jerry L. Clayton, honoree of the Hubert Williams Equal Justice and Effective Policing Award, leads the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office in Michigan, where he made a career-long commitment to community wellness.

"Chief O'Toole and Sheriff Clayton are two leaders who have influenced the police profession in multiple ways on local, national, and international levels over the course of their successful careers," said NPI President Jim Burch. "Their bold approach in going against convention to gain the trust and support of their constituents has elevated policing to exceptional levels and is perfectly aligned with NPI's mission to positively impact police practices."

Chief O'Toole began her career as a Boston police patrol officer and rose through the ranks of local and state policing in Massachusetts. She served as Chief of the Metropolitan District Commission Police, Lieutenant Colonel in the Massachusetts State Police, and Massachusetts Secretary of Public Safety. She then became the first female police commissioner of the Boston Police Department.

Her community responsiveness and leadership during turbulent times led to her involvement with the Northern Ireland Peace Process, where she was a member of the Independent Commission on Policing. Chief O'Toole later became the first Chief Inspector of the Garda Siochana Inspectorate in the Republic of Ireland. When she returned to the US, she served as Seattle Police Chief.

O'Toole's philosophy is simple. "I don't believe in a top-down approach to policing, but rather a grassroots approach, listening carefully to officers on the front lines and those living in the neighborhoods we serve," she said. "If you engage authentically with your officers and the community, the likeliness of success is far greater."

Chief O'Toole says she is humbled by the Commissioner Patrick V. Murphy Award, which honors a police professional who has taken bold steps to improve, reform, or advance policing from within the profession. She says she has enormous respect for NPI's work as a thought leader in policing.

"NPI has done a great job of bridging theory and practice and designing solutions that apply to the real world," Chief O'Toole added.

O'Toole is the founder of the international consulting firm O'Toole Associates LLC, a partner at 21st Century Policing Solutions, and a practicing attorney.

Sheriff Clayton has served as a criminal justice professional for more than 36 years and will retire this year after four terms as the longest-serving and first Black sheriff in Washtenaw County history. He began his career as a corrections officer and held leadership roles as corrections commander, police services commander, deputy sheriff, and SWAT team commander.

Sheriff Clayton led the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office through significant cultural and structural changes. He took office in 2009 when several deputies were under federal indictment due to the death of a Black man during an arrest. Sheriff Clayton realized that to be successful, the agency had to understand the needs of the community.

"If you can create well communities  making sure people have housing, food, and jobs  safety improves," commented Sheriff Clayton. "Safety is a byproduct of a well community. Police also need to acknowledge mistakes to gain credibility in the community. Policing is a service. We should not be viewed as a necessary evil."

Sheriff Clayton places a priority on understanding mental health issues in the community and developed a training program that will soon be required for all law enforcement officers in the state of Michigan. He previously provided training, monitoring, and consulting services to the US Department of Justice, the American Civil Liberties Union, and the National Sheriffs' Association. Sheriff Clayton is a founding member of the National Council on Criminal Justice, served on the National Police Foundation's Council on Policing Reforms and Race, and was recently named 2024 Sheriff of the Year by the Michigan Sheriffs' Association.

The Hubert Williams Equal Justice and Effective Policing Award, which recognizes a police professional who champions and promotes fairness, equal justice, and the civil rights of all, represents what Sheriff Clayton and his team have accomplished in Washtenaw County over the past 16 years.

"I am humbled to receive this award, but it truly reflects the work of the 400 men and women of WCSO," said Sheriff Clayton. "I have just been fortunate to be a part of the team and to champion our efforts."

Both honorees will be formally recognized during a private reception this October in Boston, Massachusetts.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL POLICING INSTITUTE

Established in 1970, the National Policing Institute (NPI), formerly known as the National Police Foundation, is an independent, non-partisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to pursuing excellence in policing through science and innovation. Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, NPI is leading the way in promoting and sharing evidence-based practices and innovation across policing and communities nationwide. For more information about NPI, visit policinginstitute.org.

Media Contact: [email protected]

SOURCE National Policing Institute
VANCOUVER, BC, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Nevada King Gold Corp. (TSXV: NKG) (OTC: NKGFF) ("Nevada King" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Company has completed the acquisition (the "Acquisition") of an option to purchase a 100% undivided interest in the property known as the Silver Park property (the "Property"). Silver Park is located within the Atlanta Project boundary, totals approximately 24 hectares, and is comprised of three contiguous patented land parcels described as the Summit lode mining claim, the Sam Tilden lode mining claim, and the Roadside lode mining claim in Lincoln County, Nevada.

Figure 1. Location map of the Silver Park property in relation to the current Atlanta Project boundary. (CNW Group/Nevada King Gold Corp.)

Cal Herron, Exploration Manager of Nevada King, commented: "This option agreement secures third-party land within the Atlanta claim package that was not previously controlled by Nevada King and, importantly, adds further patented (private) ground to the Atlanta Project. Private land, as opposed to BLM (US government) land, offers increased flexibility for permitting and siting of mine/mill infrastructure in the event of a future possible mining scenario at Atlanta."

Silver Park Overview:

Silver and gold mineralization were discovered at Silver Park in 1869. Production began in 1871 and two mills had been built by 1872. Very minor undocumented production, primarily silver, was mined from several shafts and drifts around the property, but high-grade silver values proved to be shallow and did not generally extend to depths much deeper than 10m. In 1975, extensive shallow rotary drilling was conducted in the Silver Park area, which defined a small zone of near-surface mineralization. Silver Park mineralization is hosted in northeast and north trending zones within the Ely Springs Dolomite with shallow supergene enrichment along fractures, bedding planes, and joints.

Terms of the Option:

In connection with the Acquisition, Nevada King entered into an option for purchase and sale dated July 30, 2024 (the "Option Agreement") with Ofor Silver, LLC ("Ofor Silver"). As consideration for the option under the Option Agreement, the Company has today issued to Ofor Silver, 100,000 common shares of the Company (the "Consideration Shares") at a deemed value of $0.41 per Consideration Share (being the closing price of the Consideration Shares on the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV") on July 29, 2024, the last trading day prior to execution of the Option Agreement) for aggregate consideration of $41,000. The issuance of the Consideration Shares remains subject to TSXV final approval and other customary conditions and filings.

The Option Agreement provides that Nevada King may purchase a 100% undivided legal interest in the Property from Ofor Silver by paying Ofor Silver the sum of US$75,000 before July 30, 2034.

Ofor Silver is at arm's length to Nevada King. No finders fees or commissions are payable by the Company in connection with the Acquisition.

About Nevada King Gold Corp.

The Atlanta Mine is a historical gold-silver producer with a National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") compliant pit-constrained resource of 460,000 oz Au in the measured and indicated category (11.0M tonnes at 1.3 g/t) plus an inferred resource of 142,000 oz Au (5.3M tonnes at 0.83 g/t). See the NI 43-101 Technical Report on Resources titled "Atlanta Property, Lincoln County, NV" with an effective date of October 6, 2020, and a report date of December 22, 2020, as prepared by Gustavson Associates and filed under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca).

Resource Category Tonnes (000s) Au Grade (ppm) Contained Au

Oz Ag Grade (ppm) Contained Ag

Oz Measured 4,130 1.51 200,000 14.0 1,860,000 Indicated 6,910 1.17 260,000 10.6 2,360,000 Measured + Indicated 11,000 1.30 460,000 11.9 4,220,000 Inferred 5,310 0.83 142,000 7.3 1,240,000



The scientific and technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Calvin R. Herron, P.Geo., Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101.

Please see the Company's website at www.nevadaking.ca.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward Looking Information

This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "potential", "possible", and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results "will", "may", "could", or" should" occur or be achieved. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, including, without limitation, statements regarding receipt of the final approval of the TSXV with respect to the issuance of the Consideration Shares, are forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by Nevada King, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and the parties have made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation, the ability to complete proposed exploration work, the results of exploration, continued availability of capital, and changes in general economic, market and business conditions. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release concerning these items. Nevada King does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by applicable securities laws.

SOURCE Nevada King Gold Corp.
CONDON, Mont., Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A groundbreaking Montana-based startup is set to revolutionize American businesses' growth and development. Introducing the TorqueForman innovative, patent-pending platform engineered to strengthen the economy and designed to empower both established companies and emerging entrepreneurs by embracing opportunities for expansion and collaboration for a more connected future.

A Platform to Fuel Success

Re-Engineering E-Commerce to Empower You Post this

The TorqueForm is an unprecedented tribrid platform that combines advanced e-commerce, tailored crowdfunding, and professional networking. Together, they form a powerful ecosystem where businesses and individuals can showcase their products and services, grow their networks, find clients, fund their ideas, and access support in order to thrive. This enterprising platform provides merchants, entrepreneurs, and professionals, a foundation for businesses to grow, scale, and succeed. Whether you're a business owner seeking expansion or a consumer who believes in supporting homegrown enterprises, the TorqueForm offers a unique opportunity to help strengthen our national economy and to maintain the independence and integrity of American businesses.

A Mindset for the Future

Entrepreneurs, business owners, and consumers are invited to join this powerful infrastructure designed for visibility and growth. Register as a Luxauro merchant to showcase your products to a nationwide audience. Offer and receive payment for your professional services on Gold Metal Guild and find potential clients and collaborators. Founders and entrepreneurs can leverage TF Empires to bring their innovative ideas to life with customized crowdfunding options to secure support for success. This integrated tribrid platform is engineered to drive business advancement and innovation. Customers eager to support American businesses can help contribute to a stronger, more resilient economy.

About Luxauro

Luxauro, LLC is a visionary American startup dedicated to elevating e-commerce in the digital landscape through innovative technologies and strategic solutions. Their launch of the TorqueForm is set to redefine the way people and businesses interact, collaborate, and thrive in the digital age. Together, we can build a stronger, more prosperous Americaone business at a time.

Empower your businessSign up now at Luxauro.com or go to TFEmpires.com to partake in the creation of an unprecedented legacy of spirited American ingenuity by backing the flagship crowdfunding projectand help American businesses rise!

Learn more at Luxauro.com/news-and-media.

Victor and Angela Miely

Founders

Luxauro, LLC

[email protected]



TorqueForm is a trademark of Luxauro, LLC

Gold Metal Guild is a dba of Luxauro, LLC. TF Empires is a dba of Goldevine, LLC

SOURCE Luxauro, LLC
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J., Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- To educate and inspire its guests, especially students, to live their best lives, the New Jersey Hall of Fame hosts regular inductee "Homecoming Days" at American Dream, where guests can meet the inductees and benefit from their wisdom.

Singer Gloria Gaynor sits in the "Late Night Jersey TV" studio at the New Jersey Hall of Fame at American Dream to see the pre-recorded interviews of herself that are now available to guests.

Often in conjunction with inductee birthdays, "Homecoming Days" provide inductees an opportunity to visit their 10,000 square-foot Hall of Fame home at American Dream and provide guests with the opportunity to engage with the inductees. For those inductees who have passed on, there will be Remembrance Events with inductee representatives.

"We have piloted these events with Joetta Clark Diggs, Eric LeGrand, and, most recently, Gloria Gaynor," notes Jon F. Hanson, Chairman of the New Jersey Hall of Fame. "The response has been very rewarding for our guests, as they get a chance to meet our inductees, ask questions, and find inspiration for their lives."

Adds President Steve Edwards, "We invite everyone to benefit from this unique experience to be with our inductees and draw from their wisdom. We will keep these events posted on our website and social media."

The inductee Class of 2024 announced this past July will be featured in a ceremony airing in November on Fox 5 My9 and social media.

ABOUT THE NJHOF: Because everyone needs a hero, the New Jersey Hall of Fame (NJHOF) honors citizens who have made invaluable contributions to society, the State of New Jersey, and the world beyond. Since 2008, the NJHOF has hosted induction ceremonies for more than 240 notable individuals and groups in recognition of their induction into the Hall of Fame. Through the New Jersey Hall of Fame at American Dream and its many satellite sites, the NJHOF endeavors to present the public, especially students, with significant and impactful role models to show that they can, and should, strive for excellence. The NJHOF is thankful for the support of its many sponsors , including Hackensack Meridian Health, without which none of our endeavors would be possible. For more information, go to www.njhalloffame.org .

CONTACT:

Eliza Rosenthale, [email protected] (609) 558-3330

Aimee Brooks, [email protected] (917) 881-3849

SOURCE New Jersey Hall of Fame
NEW YORK, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- NMG Holding Company, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and The Neiman Marcus Group LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (together, the "Issuers"), today announced the expiration and final results of the previously announced offer to exchange (the "Exchange Offer") any and all of the Issuers' outstanding 7.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2026 (the "Old Notes") held by Eligible Holders (as defined below) for newly issued 8.500% Senior Secured Notes due 2028 (the "Exchange Notes" and the issuance thereof, the "Exchange Notes Issuance") to be issued by the Issuers and guaranteed by existing and future wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries of the Issuers and cash, as set forth in, and upon the terms and subject to the conditions of, the confidential offering memorandum and consent solicitation statement, dated August 13, 2024 (as supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the "Exchange Offering Memorandum").

As of 5:00 P.M., New York City time, on September 11, 2024 (the "Expiration Date"), the Issuers received from Eligible Holders valid and unwithdrawn tenders and related Consents (as defined below), as reported by D.F. King & Co., Inc. (the "Exchange Agent"), representing $1,091,836,000 in aggregate principal amount of Old Notes, or approximately 99.3% of the aggregate principal amount of Old Notes outstanding, as further specified in the table below. As a result, the Minimum Participation Condition (as defined in the Exchange Offering Memorandum) has been satisfied.

Title of

Series of

Old Notes

CUSIP No. /

ISIN(1)

Aggregate

Outstanding

Principal

Amount

Tender Date

Principal Amount

Tendered

Exchange

Consideration to be

Received for Each

$1,000 Principal

Amount of Old

Notes Validly

Tendered and

Accepted for

Exchange(2) 7.125%

Senior

Secured

Notes due

2026

144A: 62929R

AC2 /

US62929RAC25 Reg S: U7360R

AB2 /

USU7360RAB25

$1,100,000,000

At or prior to the

Early Tender

Date

$1,091,836,000

$1,000 in principal

amount of Exchange

Notes and

$2.51869328 in

cash(3)(4) After the Early

Tender Date and

at or prior to the

Expiration Date

$0

$950 in principal

amount of Exchange

Notes





(1) No representation is made as to the correctness or accuracy of the CUSIP numbers or ISINs listed in this press release, the Exchange Offering

Memorandum or printed on the Old Notes. Such CUSIP numbers and ISINs are provided solely for the convenience of the holders of Old

Notes. (2) For each $1,000 principal amount of Old Notes validly tendered and accepted for exchange, the Issuers will pay accrued and unpaid interest

in addition to the Early Exchange Consideration or Late Exchange Consideration (each as defined in the Exchange Offering Memorandum),

as applicable, to, but excluding, the settlement date for the Exchange Offer (the "Settlement Date"). Interest on the Exchange Notes will

accrue from the Settlement Date. No consideration will be paid for Consents in the Consent Solicitation (as defined below). The Early

Exchange Consideration and the Late Exchange Consideration, as applicable, will be paid on the Settlement Date. (3) For each $1,000 principal amount of Old Notes validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) at or prior to the Early Tender Date and accepted

for exchange, Eligible Holders of Old Notes were eligible to receive an amount equal to $1,000 principal amount of Exchange Notes and an

amount of cash equal to the product of (x) $2.75 million divided by the aggregate principal amount of Old Notes validly tendered (and not

validly withdrawn) at or prior to the Early Tender Date and (y) 1,000. (4) The Old Notes will only be accepted for exchange by the Issuers in minimum principal amounts of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000

thereafter. The Issuers will not accept any tender of Old Notes that would result in the issuance of less than $2,000 principal amount of

Exchange Notes. The Exchange Notes will only be issued in minimum principal amounts of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1.00 in excess

thereof. If, under the terms of the Exchange Offer, a tendering holder is entitled to receive Exchange Notes in a principal amount that is not

an integral multiple of $1.00, the Issuers will round downward such principal amount of Exchange Notes to the nearest integral multiple of

$1.00. This rounded amount will be the principal amount of Exchange Notes that Eligible Holders will receive, and no additional cash will

be paid in lieu of any principal amount of Exchange Notes not received as a result of rounding down.

In addition, as previously announced, as of 5:00 P.M., New York City time, on August 27, 2024 (the "Early Tender Date"), the Issuers received the requisite number of consents (the "Consents") in the concurrent consent solicitation (the "Consent Solicitation") from Eligible Holders of the Old Notes to adopt certain proposed amendments to the indenture governing the Old Notes, dated as of March 30, 2021 (as amended or supplemented from time to time, the "Old Notes Indenture"), to eliminate substantially all of the restrictive covenants and certain of the default provisions, modify covenants regarding mergers and consolidations, and modify or eliminate certain other provisions, including removing the requirement that the Issuers make an offer to repurchase the Old Notes if the Issuers experience certain change of control transactions, releasing the guarantees provided by the guarantors of the Old Notes and eliminating any requirement to provide guarantees in the future with respect to the Old Notes, as well as releasing the liens on all of the collateral securing the Old Notes and eliminating any requirement to provide collateral in the future with respect to the Old Notes (collectively, the "Proposed Amendments"). On August 27, 2024, the Issuers entered into a supplemental indenture with the trustee for the Old Notes and the guarantors party thereto to reflect the Proposed Amendments, but the Proposed Amendments will become operative only upon, and subject to, the consummation of the Exchange Offer on the Settlement Date.

The settlement of the Exchange Offer is expected to occur on September 13, 2024, subject to, and conditioned upon, the satisfaction or, if permitted, waiver by the Issuers of, the Intercreditor Amendment Condition, the ABL Amendment Condition, the HBC Consent Condition, the Merger Condition and the General Conditions (each as defined in the Exchange Offering Memorandum). Following the consummation of the Exchange Offer on the Settlement Date, the Issuer expects the aggregate principal amount of Old Notes outstanding to be $8,164,000 and the aggregate principal amount of Exchange Notes outstanding to be $1,091,836,000.

The Exchange Notes and the offering thereof have not been registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), or any state or foreign securities laws. The Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation was only made, and the Exchange Notes are only being offered and issued, to holders of Old Notes that are (a) reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers in reliance on Rule 144A promulgated under the Securities Act or (b) non-U.S. persons, in transactions outside the United States, in reliance on Regulation S under the Securities Act (such holders, the "Eligible Holders").

D.F. King & Co., Inc. has been appointed as the exchange agent and information agent for the Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation. Questions concerning the Exchange Offer and the Consent Solicitation may be directed to the Dealer Managers or the Exchange Agent, in accordance with the contact details shown on the back cover of the Exchange Offering Memorandum.

About the Issuers

The Issuers are subsidiaries of NMG Parent LLC, the parent company of leading U.S. multi-brand luxury retailers Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman. The company successfully transformed itself into a profitable luxury relationship business by Revolutionizing Luxury Experiences for customers, brand partners, communities, and associates. Its differentiated business model is anchored around integrated retail, an expertly curated product assortment, and a sales-assisted approach. The company's culture of Belonging, powered by its approximately 10,000 associates, celebrates the individual talents that form its collective strength.

No Offer or Solicitation

This press release is not intended to and does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to subscribe for or buy or an invitation to purchase or subscribe for any securities or the solicitation of any vote, consent or approval in any jurisdiction in connection with the Exchange Notes Issuance, the Exchange Offer and the Consent Solicitation, or otherwise, nor shall there be any sale, issuance or transfer of securities in any jurisdiction in contravention of applicable law. In particular, this communication is not an offer of securities for sale into the United States. No offer of securities shall be made in the United States absent registration under the Securities Act or pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, such registration requirements.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements made herein may be deemed "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, including any statements regarding the consummation of the Exchange Offer and the Consent Solicitation. Any statements that are not statements of historical fact should be considered forward-looking statements. In many cases, forward-looking statements can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may," "plan," "predict," "expect," "estimate," "intend," "would," "will," "could," "should," "anticipate," "believe," "project" or "continue" or the negative thereof or other similar expressions. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release reflect our views as of the date of this press release and are based on our expectations and beliefs concerning future events, as well as currently available data as of the date of this press release. While we believe there is a reasonable basis for our forward-looking statements, they involve a number of risks, uncertainties, assumptions and changes in circumstances that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ significantly from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statement, including, but not limited to, the adverse impact of failing to consummate the Exchange Offer and the Consent Solicitation and the risk that an insufficient number of Eligible Holders participate in the Exchange Offer and tender their Old Notes. Therefore, these statements are not guarantees of future events, results, performance or achievements and you should not rely on them.

All forward-looking statements included in this press release are based on information available to the Issuers as of the date on which such statements were made and the Issuers assume no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur after such statements are made, except as required by law.

For questions concerning the Exchange Offer and the Consent Solicitation, please visit www.dfking.com/NMG or contact the Exchange Agent via email at [email protected], with a reference to "NMG" in the subject line, or by phone at (212) 269-5550 (banks and brokers) or (800) 848-3051 (toll-free).

SOURCE Neiman Marcus Group
NTT TechnoCross excels in developing innovative privileged access management (PAM) solutions tailored for the Japanese market, combining ease of use with robust security features.

SAN ANTONIO, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Frost & Sullivan recently researched the Japanese PAM industry and, based on its findings, recognizes NTT TechnoCross with the 2024 Company of the Year award. NTT TechnoCross, a subsidiary of Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT), provides disruptive PAM solutions tailored to the unique demands of Japanese businesses that integrate advanced technologies with local business practices to ensure regulatory compliance and operational efficiency.

NTT TechnoCross stands out in the Japanese PAM industry by offering a sophisticated solution, iDoperation, that addresses the ever-evolving needs of modern IT infrastructures.

NTT TechnoCross stands out in the Japanese PAM industry by offering a sophisticated solution, iDoperation, that addresses the ever-evolving needs of modern IT infrastructures. iDoperation delivers comprehensive management of privileged accounts, including visualization of all privileges, automatic password change and access verification, streamlined access control workflows, and automatic logging and auditing of privileged activities.

Additionally, the company's focus on user-friendly interfaces and local language support makes it a preferred choice among Japanese organizations seeking solid security solutions. NTT TechnoCross leverages advanced technology to enable detection of unauthorized access that leads to security incidents, which further solidifies the company as the go-to option in the Japanese PAM industry.

"As a leading participant in the Japanese PAM industry, NTT TechnoCross strives to develop products that effectively meet customers' evolving needs in privileged access control without compromising ease of use. The company developed its PAM solution specifically to meet the requirements of local customers, featuring an easy-to-use user interface in the local language, local calendar support, Japanese compliance support, and integration with various local digital business platforms. This sets the company apart from its competitors, especially regional or global ones, as the solution is more aligned with Japanese business practices and the preferences of Japanese customers," said Vivien Pua, senior industry analyst at Frost & Sullivan.

NTT TechnoCross offers on-premises and cloud-based PAM solutions that allow organizations to manage privileged access in hybrid environments. NTT TechnoCross's iDoperation Cloud and iDoperation SC Cloud solutions deliver this flexibility, ensuring that organizations can maintain robust security measures while leveraging the benefits of cloud computing.

By offering Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) models, NTT TechnoCross enables faster deployment and simplified maintenance, reducing the operational burden on IT departments. These cloud-based solutions support popular services like AWS and Microsoft Azure, allowing businesses to scale their security measures efficiently. This dedication to innovation ensures that NTT TechnoCross's PAM solutions remain at the cutting edge of technology and provide customers with the tools they need to protect their critical data and systems.

"Frost & Sullivan recognizes NTT TechnoCross's robustness in contrast to competitors that offer only on-premises or cloud-based PAM solutions. Given the increasing adoption of cloud services in Japanese organizations, Frost & Sullivan applauds the company's flexible usage models that cater to different business use cases," noted Pua.

Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents a Company of the Year award to the organization that demonstrates excellence in terms of growth strategy and implementation in its field. The award recognizes a high degree of innovation with products and technologies, and the resulting leadership in terms of customer value and market penetration.

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:

Tarini Singh

P: +91- 9953764546

E: [email protected]

About NTT TechnoCross

NTT TechnoCross is a leading software development company that provides optimal solutions by integrating NTT's cutting-edge technologies with top-tier global services. We support our customers across various fields, including consulting, system design, development and operation & maintenance. Together, we overcome customers' challenges and drive success.

Website: https://www.ntt-tx.com/

Contact

NTT TechnoCross

Sales Promotion Department, Public Relations Division

Tel: +81-45-212-7273

Email:[email protected]

SOURCE Frost & Sullivan
CENTER VALLEY, Pa., Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Olympus has been selected to exhibit its EVIS X1 Endoscopy System at the Vizient Innovative Technology Exchange. Vizient, Inc., the nation's largest provider-driven healthcare performance improvement company, will hold the Exchange Sept. 18 in Las Vegas.

Olympus has been selected to exhibit its EVIS X1 Endoscopy System, which helps physicians detect and treat gastrointestinal and respiratory disorders, during the Vizient Innovative Technology Exchange Sept. 18

The annual Innovative Technology Exchange offers selected suppliers the unique opportunity to demonstrate their product or service to supply chain and clinical leaders from Vizient's customer hospitals and subject matter experts who serve on their supply councils. Each product or service will showcase how it can improve clinical outcomes, enhance safety or drive incremental improvements to health care delivery or business models.

The EVIS X1 endoscopy system, Olympus' latest in diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy technology, helps physicians detect and treat gastrointestinal and respiratory disorders and features four compatible endoscopes: diagnostic and therapeutic bronchoscopes, a gastroscope and colonoscope. The ErgoGrip control section of the gastroscope and colonoscope are 10% lighter than Olympus' previous generation. The EVIS X1 CV-1500 video system center features five LEDs that allow for four visualization technologies to assist physicians in visualizing anatomical structures: Texture and Color Enhancement Imaging (TXI), Red Dichromatic Imaging (RDI),Brightness Adjustment Imaging with Maintenance of Contrast (BAI-MAC) and Narrow Band Imaging (NBI) technologies. A combined processor and light source offer a reduced footprint, and a digital system with touch panel allows physicians to program customizable settings for different procedures.

"Olympus is excited to bring its latest generation endoscopy system to the Vizient Innovative Technology Exchange," said Jay Sullivan, Group Vice President, Enterprise Solutions, Medical Systems Group, Olympus. "The EVIS X1 endoscopy system offers physicians and healthcare facilities versatility and access to new imaging modalities intended to help physicians offer a high level of care to their patients."

"The Innovative Technology Exchange fosters a unique opportunity for healthcare providers to interact with products and services that have the potential to impact the healthcare industry and improve clinical care or business model of organizations," said Kelly Flaharty, senior director of contract services, Vizient. "We are pleased to invite Olympus to the Exchange."

The annual Innovative Technology Exchange is part of Vizient's Innovative Technology Program that includes product review of supplier-submitted technologies by provider-led councils. Since 2003, Vizient has reviewed over 1,600 product submissions as part of its Innovative Technology Program.

About Olympus

At Olympus, we are committed to Our Purpose of making people's lives healthier, safer and more fulfilling. As a global medical technology company, we partner with healthcare professionals to provide solutions and services for early detection, diagnosis and minimally invasive treatment, aiming to improve patient outcomes by elevating the standard of care in targeted disease states.

For more than 100 years, Olympus has pursued a goal of contributing to society by producing products designed with the purpose of delivering optimal outcomes for its customers around the world.

Olympus Corporation of the Americas, a wholly owned subsidiary of Olympus Corporation, is headquartered in Center Valley, Pennsylvania, USA, and employs more than 4,500 employees throughout locations in North and South America. For more information, visit olympusamerica.com.

 Data on file with Olympus (DC00482867 and DC00482729)

SOURCE Olympus Corporation of the Americas
Lab-grown human tissue successfully repairs damaged intestines in rodent model. Achievement led by experts at Cincinnati Children's moves years-long research effort closer to first-in-human clinical trial. Potential benefits include new therapies for ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and more.

CINCINNATI, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In this science story, there has not been just one, big "Eureka!" moment, there have been a chain of them dating back more than 15 years.

One such moment arrived in 2019 when Holly Poling, a staff investigator at Cincinnati Children's, saw microscopic proof that organoidsonce the stuff of theory, of distant possibilityactually restored function to a small loop of severely damaged intestine.

Lab-grown human tissue successfully repairs damaged intestine in rodent model. Post this Using a rodent model featuring human tissues, experts at Cincinnati Childrens became the worlds first research team to successfully repair damaged intestine using a cell therapy based on lab-grown organoid tissue. With human cells involved, the repaired bowel (right) also thickened. Detailed findings were published Sept. 12, 2024, in Cell Stem Cell. An advanced cellular therapy product developed by experts at Cincinnati Childrens appears to outperform another method that prompts growth only of the surface epithelial layer of the intestine. The middle column of images shows the extent of new cell growth in bright green. The right column shows repaired tissue, with organoid-based cells in brown. Details about the new cellular therapy were published Sept. 12, 2024, in Cell Stem Cell.

The repair occurred in a rodent model, but the tissues involved were human.

Now, in a study published online Sept. 12, 2024, in Cell Stem Cell, a team of experts at Cincinnati Children's reports the details of a milestone achievement in the emerging field of organoid medicine.

"Our cellular product was much more than a surface patch over intestinal damage. We could see that the cells we introduced induced repairs across all the important layers of the intestine, including the musculature of the mesenchyme and the internal protective surface layer, or epithelium." Poling says. "We confirmed the formation of a variety of cell types and all of them were human, including new blood vessel incorporation. The repaired regions showed appropriate barrier function, too. We could see cells responding to chemicals in the ways that they should respond."

The team also made another finding considered crucial for attempting such repairs in a human patient:

"We checked the brain, kidneys, heart, lungs, liver, and other areas. For the time period we tracked, we didn't find any of the human cells anywhere that they weren't supposed to be."

Coming next: seeking FDA approval to launch a clinical trial

Poling is the lead author for a team study that includes several organoid development pioneers at Cincinnati Children's. Michael Helmrath, MD, is the corresponding author. Co-authors who have been deeply involved in previous organoid advances at Cincinnati Children's include Nambirajan Sundaram, PhD, Magdalena Kasendra, PhD, Christopher Mayhew, PhD, Maxime Mahe, PhD, Takanori Takebe, MD, PhD, and James Wells, PhD.

Wells was the principal investigator behind the world's first functional, three-dimensional intestinal organoid from induced pluripotent stem cells, described in 2010 in a study in Nature.

In the years since, Cincinnati Children's formed the Center for Stem Cell & Organoid Medicine (CuSTOM), recruited even more outstanding scientists, and published a series of successes at developing mini versions of the stomach, esophagus, colon, liver, pancreas, kidney, lungs, and more. Here, experts are growing organoids to mimic blood vessel functions and brain organoids to explore neuron formation and more.

So far, these new tissues have been used primarily as testing platforms for basic research to understand the causes and mechanisms of disease, and to evaluate potential new medications with tiny-but-functional bits of living human tissue rather than relying so heavily on animal models.

As the sophistication of the intestine organoids has improvednew versions incorporate functioning nerves, immune cells, and other critical functionsthe potential for using them as a form of cell therapy transplantation is moving closer to reality.

To push this effort, Cincinnati Children's has invested more than $10 million as part of its Pursuing Our Potential Together initiative to support Helmrath and colleagues as they conduct numerous experiments to demonstrate that organoids have direct potential for repairing damaged human organs.

That investment has been augmented by three grants totaling $11 million from the Farmer Family Foundation. Those gifts helped launch the CuSTOM Accelerator Lab, led by Kasendra, which spearheads the complex work to produce organoids that meet rigorous Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards required for using the tissues in humans.

Reaching this stage has involved 35 labs in 15 divisions at Cincinnati Children's.

"This work represents a huge commitment from the entire institution," Helmrath says. "There's a buy-in from this institution that Cincinnati Children's will be the world leader in developing and providing organoid cell therapies."

A vital rodent model

After achieving numerous successes with tiny organoids growing in lab dishes, the research team needed to conduct animal-based testing to determine if the novel tissues could repair real organs.

It took about two years of innovative gene editing, advanced microsurgery techniques and excellent veterinary skills to develop a sustainable rodent model for this research. Much of this effort was led by Sundaram and then-surgical resident Alexander Cortez, MD.

In this line of research, the team focused on a rat model instead of a mouse model because the animal needed to be large enough to reliably perform a "Roux-en-Y" surgical procedure. The operation essentially creates an extra side loop of intestine where a tissue injury could be created and then studied to see how well the new cell therapy repairs the damage. All while the still-functional intestine processes nutrients passing through.

The crew started with a line of rodents supplied by collaborators in France. These rodents were engineered to knock down enough of their immune systems to prevent rejecting the insertion of human genes and tissues yet still be healthy enough to receive and recover from surgery.

"Without their full immune system, these rodents often don't survive very well even without doing any surgery," Sundaram says. "Ultimately, we were able to standardize our process so that we could track the rodents for 10 weeks after they received the cell therapy. Once the data started coming in, it was very promising."

Platform for human trials

With an established rodent model, the CuSTOM Accelerator lab can move ahead with multiple tests that will validate the safety of materials and methods to be used in human clinical studies.

"There is no other stem cell therapy product with such extensive regenerative potential. Demonstrating its efficacy in the appropriate preclinical model, along with rigorous safety assessments, is a pivotal step toward advancing it to first-in-human clinical trials," Kasendra says.

About this study

In addition to co-authors named above, Cincinnati Children's contributors on this study included Garrett Fisher, Akaljot Singh, Joseph Shiley, Kalpana Nattamai, Vinothini Govindarajah, Alexander Cortez, and Maksym Krutko. Contributors also included Severine Menoret and Ignacio Anegon of Nantes Universite in France.

Funding sources included grants from the National Institutes of Health (U01DK103117 and P30DK078292), the National Science Foundation, the Cincinnati Digestive Health Center, and the Farmer Family Foundation.

Cincinnati Children's has a patent application in process related to the work in this study.

Learn more

Read more about organoid research at Cincinnati Children's

How philanthropists can support organoid research

Find out about research careers involving organoid research

SOURCE Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
The global passenger car T-box market is witnessing growth due to rise in demand for connected car services, regulatory mandates and government initiatives, integration with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving technologies.

WILMINGTON, Del. , Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Passenger Car T-Box Market by Type (4G, 5G and Others), and Application (MPV, SUV and Others): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2024-2033". According to the report, the passenger car t-box market was valued at $2.8 billion in 2023, and is estimated to reach $5.4 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 7.2% from 2024 to 2033.

Request Sample of the Report on Passenger Car T-Box Market Forecast 2033: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/A323787

Prime determinants of growth

A number of factors, including the growing need for stepped forward protection and protection functions, the popularity of associated car services, regulatory compliance, the expansion of shared mobility, and advancements in IoT and AI technology, are responsible for the rising demand for passenger car T-Boxes. However, cybersecurity concerns and high development and integration costs hinder market growth to some extent. Moreover, predictive maintenance and fleet management and data monetization and new business models offer lucrative opportunities for the expansion of the global passenger car T-box market.

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Segment Highlights

The 4G segment is expected to witness rapid growth throughout the forecast period.

By type, the 4G segment is anticipated to experience faster growth in the passenger car T-box market due to 4G technology is currently the most widely adopted connectivity standard for automotive telematics systems due to its widespread availability, reliability, and established infrastructure.

The SUV segment is expected to witness rapid growth throughout the forecast period.

By application, the SUV segment is anticipated to experience growth in the passenger car T-box market. Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) have gained popularity globally due to their versatility, spaciousness, and perceived safety, leading to increased adoption of T-Box systems in this vehicle segment.

Asia-Pacific to maintain its dominance by 2032.

Region wise, Asia-Pacific is expected to maintain its dominance in the passenger car T-box market by 2032 owing to factors such as high automotive sales volumes and rapid technological advancements in the region. Within each segment, the subsegments with the highest adoption rates align with prevailing market trends and consumer preferences.

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Players:

LG Electronics

Valeo

Denso

Lan-You Technology

Continental AG

Neusoft

Flaircomm Microelectronics

Harman

Visteon

Bosch

The report provides a detailed analysis of these key players in the global passenger car T-box market. These players have adopted different strategies such as new product launches, collaborations, expansion, joint ventures, agreements, and others to increase their market share and maintain dominant shares in different regions. The report is valuable in highlighting business performance, operating segments, product portfolio, and strategic moves of market players to showcase the competitive scenario.

Recent Industry News

In January 2024 , Jingwei Hirain introduced a new 5G T-Box product featuring the latest 5G chips from Qualcomm. This innovative product is tailored for a mainstream intelligent all-electric model and is set to enter mass production by the year's end. With the Qualcomm SA522 chip released in early 2023, the T-Box offers a range of advanced functions including Gigabit Ethernet, V2X, high-precision positioning, WiFi6, CAN FD, Dual SIM Dual Standby (DSDS), and RTMP audio transmission. It delivers a variety of efficient telematics services for both the intelligent driving and infotainment sectors of vehicles, boasting enhanced platform scalability.

, Jingwei Hirain introduced a new 5G T-Box product featuring the latest 5G chips from Qualcomm. This innovative product is tailored for a mainstream intelligent all-electric model and is set to enter mass production by the year's end. With the Qualcomm SA522 chip released in early 2023, the T-Box offers a range of advanced functions including Gigabit Ethernet, V2X, high-precision positioning, WiFi6, CAN FD, Dual SIM Dual Standby (DSDS), and RTMP audio transmission. It delivers a variety of efficient telematics services for both the intelligent driving and infotainment sectors of vehicles, boasting enhanced platform scalability. In June 2023 , the LG Vehicle Component Solutions Company, which encompasses T-Box, achieved an impressive annual revenue of $7.55 billion ( KRW10.1 trillion ) and an operating profit of $99.5 million ( KRW133 billion ). Since the initiation of financial reporting in 2015, this business division has consistently experienced growth for eight consecutive years, making a significant contribution of 12% to the total revenue in 2023.

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SOURCE Allied Market Research
Submit Your Heartwarming Pet Adoption Stories through September 30th

SAN ANTONIO, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- National nonprofit Petco Love, in partnership with BOBS from Skechers, is thrilled to announce the launch of the 2024 Petco Love Stories campaign. Pet adopters across the nation are invited to share their inspiring stories of how their adopted pets have transformed their lives for the better.

Some Petco Love Stories entries this year show the impact pets have on students who leave home for the first time for college, and their families coping with their absence. Some Petco Love Stories entries this year show the impact pets have on students who leave home for the first time for college, and their families coping with their absence.

The Petco Love Stories campaign is a celebration of the unique love adopted pets share with us and the meaningful ways their love changes our lives. By sharing these heartfelt stories, pet parents can not only highlight the joy and companionship their adopted pets bring but also support their local animal welfare organizations. Winning Love Stories will earn significant grants for the shelters and rescues where the pets were adopted, thanks to Petco Love and BOBS from Skechers. Earlier this year, Petco Love and BOBS from Skechers awarded over $500,000 to animal welfare partners across the country in celebration of the 2023 Petco Love Stories winners.

Through this campaign, Petco Love and BOBS from Skechers are celebrating the unique ways adopted pets change our lives for the better, inspiring more pet adoptions and empowering animal welfare organizations to save more pet lives. This year's campaign introduces new submission formats to engage even more pet lovers. Participants can submit their Love Story in written form and/or share a link to a public-facing social media video. This new format allows adopters to creatively express the unique ways their pets have impacted their lives.

Some Love Stories entries this year show the impact pets have on students who leave home for the first time for college, and their families coping with their absence. When Ali went to school, she left behind her home full of loved ones and beloved dogs. Wanting a companion, she visited adoptable cats at Petco Love partner, BARCS, in Baltimore. There she met her new best friend, Maia. "We really grew up together. This cat saw me through college by loving homework time, no paper left un-sat on and no pen left un-chewed. She was the one consistent force that slept on my head and reassured me of her love every single day. Her presence always brought me back home."

Students aren't the only ones that get the back-to-school blues. As a mother of an only child, Monica had a difficult time when her daughter left for college. She decided to foster a dog, Bo, from Petco Love partner, Paws to Care in Tennessee, and soon realized he was part of her family. "As a mom, our life often revolves around our children and when they leave, we often lose our sense of purpose. Bo gave me that purpose and so much more. True genuine happiness came from my four-legged friend. I can't imagine my life without him."

"Every pet adoption story highlights the incredible impact of love and companionship," said Susanne Kogut, President of Petco Love. "Through Petco Love Stories, we aim to honor these exceptional bonds and inspire more individuals to welcome shelter pets into their lives."

"BOBS from Skechers is about looking good, feeling good and doing goodand through donations from sales of BOBS, more than two million dogs and cats have found homes and received care," said Michael Greenberg, president of Skechers. "Petco Love Stories is just another example of how people across the United States can make a difference and help thousands of animals."

Among last year's winners were 10-year-old Brynn and her dog Biggie, whose story touched hearts nationwide. Brynn adopted Biggie from a local shelter, and their bond has grown immeasurably since. Biggie, once a shy and anxious dog, has become Brynn's constant companion, providing unwavering support and joy. Their story earned a $100,000 grant for Three Little Pitties Rescue, highlighting the profound impact of pet adoption and the incredible transformation that love can bring.

Petco Love invites you to share how your adopted pet's unique love has changed your life for the better for a chance to earn up to $100,000 in life-saving investments for your animal welfare organization, which gives more adopted pets a chance to share their love. Submissions for Petco Love Stories are open to individuals ages 18 and older, or those with parental consent. In 500 words or less, participants can share their Love Story along with photos or videos of their adopted pet. Submissions close at 11:59 p.m. (CT) on September 30, 2024. Your Love Story can be submitted as a written story or a public-facing social media video, or by using both formats. Every adopter is asked to submit their Love Story via the submission form you can find here, whether it's written or a social media video.

Since 2013, more than 25,000 adopters have shared their stories through the Petco Love Stories campaign, with $8 million in grants awarded to animal welfare organizations across the country. These stories highlight the many ways pets adopted from shelters enrich our lives and underscore the importance of pet adoption.

Media Contacts:

Crystal Bugary, Petco Love, [email protected]

Alison Brod Marketing + Communications, [email protected]



About Petco Love

Petco Love is a life-changing nonprofit organization that makes communities and pet families closer, stronger, and healthier. Since our founding in 1999 as the Petco Foundation, we've empowered animal welfare organizations by investing nearly $400 million in adoption and other lifesaving efforts. We've helped find loving homes for more than 6.9 million pets in partnership with Petco and organizations nationwide. Our love for pets drives us to lead with innovation, creating tools animal lovers need to reunite lost pets, and lead with passion, inspiring and mobilizing communities and our more than 4,000 animal welfare partners to drive lifesaving change alongside us. Join us. Visit petcolove.org or follow on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn to be part of the lifesaving work we lead every day.

About SKECHERS U.S.A., Inc.

Skechers, The Comfort Technology Company based in Southern California, designs, develops and markets a diverse range of lifestyle and performance footwear, apparel and accessories for men, women and children. The Company's collections are available in 180 countries and territories through department and specialty stores, and direct to consumers through skechers.com and approximately 5,200 Skechers retail stores. A Fortune 500 company, Skechers manages its international business through a network of wholly-owned subsidiaries, joint venture partners, and distributors. For more information, please visit about.skechers.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

About BOBS from Skechers

BOBS from Skechers' charitable collection of shoes, apparel and accessories have improved animals' lives: over the past eight years, Skechers has contributed more than $11 million to help over 2 million shelter pets, including saving more than 1.6 million rescued animals in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and Japan. It all started in 2011, when Skechers launched a movement to support children impacted by natural disasters and povertya cause that has helped the Company donate more than 16 million new pairs of shoes to kids in more than 60 countries worldwide. To learn more about BOBS from Skechers' commitment to making a difference, visit BOBSfromSkechers.com and follow the brand on Facebook and Instagram.

SOURCE Petco Love
PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In a significant development for the city's culinary landscape, Lombardi's Prime Meats, a South Philadelphia staple for the past 20 years, has been sold to Rob Passio, owner of Guinta's Prime Shop in the historic Reading Terminal Market. The transaction, brokered by luxury and commercial real estate broker Nancy Alperin of Maxwell Realty Co. Inc. , marks a new chapter for both businesses and promises to continue Lombardi's legacy of quality products under experienced stewardship.

For decades, Lombardi's Prime Meats has been a go-to destination for the finest cuts of meat and traditional Italian specialties in South Philadelphia. Known for its commitment to quality, the family-owned butcher shop has been an integral part of the community, serving generations of families. The new ownership brings together two of Philadelphia's most respected names in the meat industry, ensuring that customers will continue to enjoy top-tier products and services.

The acquisition was facilitated by commercial business broker Nancy Alperin of Maxwell Realty Co. Inc., who recognized the synergy between the two businesses. "This sale represents a perfect alignment of tradition, quality, and community focus," said Alperin. "Both Lombardi's and Guinta's have deep roots in Philadelphia, and this merger enhances their shared vision of delivering the best products to their customers."

Under the new ownership, Lombardi's Prime Meats will maintain its traditional offerings while exploring opportunities to introduce some of Guinta's popular products. The transition will be seamless to preserve the authenticity that customers have come to expect from both establishments.

About Maxwell Realty Co. Inc.

Maxwell Realty Co. Inc., led by Nancy Alperin, is a leading commercial and luxury residential real estate brokerage based in Philadelphia. With decades of experience, the firm facilitates high-profile sales and transactions that contribute to the growth and development of the region's vibrant business community. If you want to buy or sell property in Philadelphia, contact Maxwell Realty at https://maxwellrealty.com today for more information.

Media Contact: Nancy Alperin

[email protected]

(215) 546-6000

SOURCE Maxwell Realty Co. Inc.
Meeting Market Needs with Collaborative Innovation

The development of Opticon Plus is the outcome of a collaborative effort, driven by feedback from leading global plastic surgeons. "Opticon Plus was designed to offer a new anatomical option that complements our existing range, addressing specific needs that surgeons identified," stated Prof. Dr. Karsten Hemmrich, CEO of POLYTECH. "This implant is a result of direct input from the field, ensuring it meets the demands of both surgeons and patients."

Surgeons' Positive Response to Opticon Plus

The introduction of Opticon Plus has been met with enthusiasm from the surgical community. "Surgeons are confident that the new Opticon Plus will help them better tailor their approach to each patient, providing more individualised and natural-looking results," said Paul Mooney, POLYTECH's Head of Global Marketing.

Availability

Opticon Plus will be available in CE market countries starting from September 12th.

About POLYTECH

With a global footprint in over 80 countries, POLYTECH Health & Aesthetics combines pioneering innovation with precision craftsmanship to set highest standards in breast aesthetics, reconstruction and body contouring. Celebrating over 35 years of leadership, our extensive experience and millions of implants produced empower both patients and surgeons globally. Leading with B-Lite, the world's first lightweight implant, we offer solutions designed to provide long-term results and comfort, setting a new standard in patient care. Our portfolio, including our outstanding Microthane and Mesmo implants, offers the broadest range of aesthetic solutions, designed to achieve stable results and natural aesthetics.

Our POLYTECHconnect Academy and substantial investment in education ensure that we remain at the forefront of the field of plastic surgery, supported by our social media presence, the largest in breast aesthetics. We are proud to have been the first breast implant manufacturer receiving the CE mark, a testament to our 'Quality Made in Germany', reflected in our very high patient satisfaction rates. With the integration of the LipoGrafter technology into our portfolio, we offer comprehensive body contouring solutions, to cater to patients' diversity and offer long-lasting results.

At POLYTECH, our dedicated team embodies passion and extensive experience. We provide agile, diverse, and proven solutions that effectively respond to market demands in over 80 countries. Discover the synergy of innovation, education, and passion with POLYTECH.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2503082/OpticonPLUS.jpg

SOURCE POLYTECH Health & Aesthetics GmbH
Terminal 6 is a key component of the Port Authority's $19 billion transformation of JFK Airport into a world-class gateway. The Port Authority and the airport's private terminal developers and operators, including JMP, are working closely with the JFK Redevelopment Community Advisory Council to ensure that this historic investment generates economic and educational opportunities for the communities surrounding the airport.

The council, which is led by U.S. Rep. Gregory W. Meeks and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr., has prioritized participation by minority- and women-owned business enterprises in the overall JFK redevelopment project. To date, that effort has set a New York state record of $2.3 billion in contract awards to MWBE firms.

The Port Authority, JMP and the advisory council have engaged in a variety of initiatives to expand and increase participation by local, diverse and disadvantaged businesses in the airport's concessions program, one of which is the Institute of Concessions (IOC). Launched in 2023, the IOC is a training and mentoring program designed to equip local and diverse businesses with the skills and competencies to compete for and successfully operate at the world-class JFK Airport.

To date, more than 25 local businesses have completed training through the IOC. Additionally, the Port Authority and the JFK terminal developers, including JMP, have engaged in extensive community outreach to recruit local and diverse businesses for concessions opportunities at the airport, in partnership with local elected officials and community partners.

"We welcome the dozen local business owners joining us at Terminal 6, where travelers will enjoy authentic products and dining experiences that represent the best of what our region has to offer," said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O'Toole. "Not only are we elevating the customer experience but we are leveraging our historic investment in our airports to create generational wealth for these diverse and local business owners."

"From the outset of the $19 billion transformation of JFK International Airport, our goal has been to create an airport that is among the best in the world, with a customer experience that is world-class," said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton. "By incorporating diverse, high-quality local businesses alongside national brands at JFK's terminals, we are creating a unique New York sense of place that will hugely enhance travelers' airport experience, while generating real and significant economic opportunities for communities neighboring the airport."

"We are honored to collaborate with a diverse and dynamic group of small businesses and local brands to launch our Terminal 6 concessions program," said Steve Thody, CEO of JFK Millennium Partners. "Many of these businesses connected with us for the first time at one of our numerous community outreach events last summer, illustrating the success of our efforts to ensure JFK's surrounding community benefits economically from Terminal 6's redevelopment. By helping diverse business owners create generational wealth and advance local economic prosperity, we aim to make a lasting positive impact on the community. We look forward to continuing our community outreach this fall as we launch the next phase of our concessions procurement, which will have a central focus on attracting additional local retail partners."

The new Terminal 6 concessions program is expected to achieve more than 35 percent participation from companies certified as airport concessions disadvantaged business enterprises (ACDBE) under federal guidelines. The Port Authority has mandated a minimum of 30 percent ACDBE participation for the Terminal 6 concessions program.

Also announced today, Avolta companies Hudson and Dufry have been selected to open duty-free, travel convenience and specialty retail stores in the new terminal in partnership with seven ACDBE firms, including three from Queens. The seven businesses will join Avolta's retail program as joint-venture partners. The local firms will invest in the retail businesses and share management responsibility for the various shops.

All of the local concession partners selected for Terminal 6 were evaluated by Eagle Consulting Advisors, an independent company following a comprehensive procurement process that began in September 2023 and was preceded by six community outreach events hosted by JMP throughout Queens, in partnership with local elected officials and the Port Authority. Businesses participate in the program in one of two ways  either as a concessions operator or as a joint venture partner that co-owns a percentage of the business.

Additional opportunities for small, local businesses to be involved in the Terminal 6 concessions program are still available as JMP prepares to launch the next phase of its concessions procurement in the fall. These opportunities will be presented to the local community in October 2024.

"The four local businesses from southeast Queens opening concessions at Terminal 6 is substantial because small businesses serve as the backbone of our economy," said U.S. Rep. Gregory W. Meeks of New York. "This is a historic investment in our community providing economic opportunities for residents of Queens who are beginning their concessionaire partnership leading to financial independence. As co-chair of the JFK Redevelopment Community Advisory Council, we strive to provide local business owners with the resources needed to excel all while maintaining the diversity represented in New York, particularly in my area of Queens. I look forward to continuing my work with the Queens borough president, the governor, and other stakeholders in transforming JFK into a world-class global gateway."

"The defining legacy of the Kennedy Airport redevelopment project is not the number of new gates or the sparkling new terminals. It's the many pathways to prosperity created for countless Queens families and local small businesses whose futures are about to take off," said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. "Today's selection of four southeast Queens businesses as concessionaire partners within the $4.2 billion new Terminal 6 is a historic moment for our borough and the realization of our pledge to ensure that this development project delivers real, tangible benefits for the communities surrounding the airport. I couldn't be prouder to serve as co-chair of the JFK Redevelopment Advisory Council and to work alongside Gov. Hochul, the Port Authority, Rep. Greg Meeks and others to make victories like these possible."

"With each new development at JFK Airport, I urge the Port Authority to remain mindful of the diverse communities that make New York a true melting pot, especially in concessions," said N.Y. state Sen. Leroy Comrie. "The variety of food in Queens should reflect the rich cultures of our districts. I appreciate the Port Authority's continued engagement with a new JFK, as shown by the selection of four southeast Queens operators for Terminal 6 concessions, and look forward to more opportunities for small businesses."

"As we continue to invest in the future of our great city, it is critical that we uplift local businesses and ensure that they have a meaningful stake in these transformative projects," said N.Y. state Sen. James Sanders Jr. "The selection of diverse and community-rooted partners for Terminal 6 reflects our commitment to inclusive growth, creating lasting economic opportunities for all. These businesses represent the spirit of New Yorkbold, innovative, and resilientand I am proud to see them leading the charge as we build a world-class gateway to the city."

"We are excited by the efforts of JFK Airport's Institute of Concessions for ensuring that local and diverse business have a full and fair opportunity to participate in the concession program at Terminal 6," said N.Y. state Assemblyman Clyde Vanel. "We look forward to continuing these efforts and expanding opportunities for our community."

"Throughout the redevelopment of JFK International Airport, it has always been important that local small businesses, M/WBE firms, and southeast Queens residents can contribute and benefit from the opportunities generated by this $19 billion project," said New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams. "It is encouraging that local businesses have been selected to operate concessions at the new Terminal 6, including four from southeast Queens. These opportunities will allow travelers from around the world to experience the authentic flavors and cultures that make up our wonderfully diverse city. While this progress is welcome, more small businesses in the surrounding neighborhoods are still awaiting opportunities to participate and benefit. It is critical for the investments of this project to expand even greater throughout our southeast Queens community."

"By bringing diverse, local entrepreneurs into this world-class travel hub, the Port Authority and JFK Millennium Partners are not only enhancing the passenger experience but also creating meaningful economic opportunities for our neighborhoods. This is a powerful example of how public-private partnerships can promote equity, celebrate our city's rich cultural diversity, and empower small businesses to thrive. I look forward to seeing these businesses flourish and contribute to the vibrant future of JFK Airport," said New York City Council Member Dr. Nantasha Williams.

"We are thrilled and proud that southeast Queens small businesses will be among the concessionaires at the new JFK T6," said Justin Rodgers, president & CEO of the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation. "The borough is the most diverse in all of New York and is only fitting to have locally based food purveyors feeding the appetites of international travelers passing through the terminal. Thank you to the Port Authority and our elected officials for creating opportunities for our area mom and pop businesses."

The selected ACDBE joint venture partners include:

Baked Cravings (Harlem  duty-free joint venture partner)

(Harlem  duty-free joint venture partner) Neir's Tavern (southeast Queens  duty-free joint venture partner)

(southeast  duty-free joint venture partner) Tsion Cafe (Harlem, duty-free joint venture partner)

(Harlem, duty-free joint venture partner) The Nourish Spot (southeast Queens  travel convenience and specialty retail joint venture partner)

(southeast  travel convenience and specialty retail joint venture partner) Sullivan-Hernandez Group ( Long Island / Nassau County )  travel convenience and specialty retail joint venture partner

( / )  travel convenience and specialty retail joint venture partner Samantha Alexis Consulting (southeast Queens ) - specialty retail joint venture partner)

(southeast ) - specialty retail joint venture partner) Kellee Communications ( Atlanta, Ga. )  longtime ACDBE operator and partner that will also mentor newer partners

Local eateries whose brands will be featured in the new Terminal 6 include:

Di Fara Pizza ( Brooklyn ) and Alidoro Cafe ( New York City ) in partnership with M&R Concessions (southeast Queens - local ACDBE operator);

( ) and ( ) in partnership with (southeast - local ACDBE operator); BKLYN Blend ( Brooklyn ); Fuku ( New York City ) and Hanoi House ( New York City ) in partnership with Olympic Supply (ACDBE operator)

BKLYN Blend and Tsion Cafe are graduates of the Port Authority's Institute of Concessions.

Together the selected concessionaires will offer both domestic and international travelers premium, New York City-inspired shopping and dining experiences when the first gates open to passengers in early 2026. To lower the barrier of entry and to support small businesses, JMP will design and build several dedicated spaces at its own cost for local retailers and graduates of the Port Authority's Institute of Concessions (IOC) program to sell their products, thereby advancing their future growth and success.

Interested businesses should check www.anewjfk.com/jmp-terminal6/ for additional information, including how to register for upcoming outreach events.

"We are thrilled to be partners in the new Terminal 6 at JFK Airport, which marks a significant milestone in the trajectory of Baked Cravings," said Craig Watson, founder and CEO of Baked Cravings. "The partnership and opportunity is a testament to the commitment to partner with minority-owned businesses that share the same vision of innovation and excellence."

"This is an exciting full-circle moment for me, having migrated to Queens through JFK as a 10-year-old Jamaican immigrant, to now being part of the world-renowned team selected to invest in the build-out of JFK Terminal 6. Having saved Historic Neir's Tavern 15 years ago, battle a global pandemic and now returning Neir's to its iconic status, the success of this partnership will add another layer of resilience to Neir's Tavern as we journey toward 200 years in 2029," said Loycent Gordon, CEO and owner of Neir's Tavern. "On behalf of Historic Neir's Tavern and our local community, I am thankful for JFK Millennium Partners, the Port Authority, and our fellow ACDBE partners for their commitment to Neir's Tavern's road to 200 journey."

"I am thrilled and honored to be part of this partnership," said Samantha Sanchez of Samantha Alexis Consulting. "JFK Airport serves as a beacon and a gateway to countless travelers, and I am privileged to contribute to its legacy."

"We are very excited to be joining in this joint venture. As a graduate of the JFK Airport Institute of Concessions, we feel well prepared to take on this opportunity," said Chef Beejhy Barhany of Tsion Cafe. "We would especially like to thank the Port Authority, JFK Millennium Partners (JMP), and partners for committing to investing in minority and women-owned businesses to open such opportunities."

"Brooklyn Blend has been known for providing fresh juices, smoothies, shakes, and healthy food with a Caribbean flair. All of our menu items, such as our Park Slope Salmon Sandwich and our Fulton Street Shake, pay homage to streets, landmarks, and areas of Brooklyn," said Keishon Warren, Founder, Brooklyn Blend. "It is our continued mission to serve our communities' nutrition with kindness."

"As a New York-born and -raised brand, Fuku, from David Chang, is honored to bring our fried chicken concept to JFK Terminal 6," said Claudia Lezcano, CEO of Fuku. "The guest experience at JFK 6 will be transformed and we are delighted to offer our Asian American-inspired menu offerings to domestic and international guests."

"M&R Concessions is grateful to be included in the T6 concessions program and bring these iconic local brands to what will surely be an iconic new terminal," said Monisha & Rajiv Singla, owners of M&R Concessions. "As a local business from southeast Queens, we look forward to continuing our family's legacy of serving JFK's customers."

"My father, Domenico (Dom), opened Di Fara pizza in 1965 after emigrating to Brooklyn from Caserta, Italy. He spent 55 years perfecting his recipes, which our loyal New York customers and visitors alike have enjoyed over the years  from A street to South Street Seaport," said Maggie Mieles, owner of Di Fara Pizza. "Now a new destination is calling -- JFK Terminal 6 -- and our family couldn't be any prouder to honor my father's legacy by sharing our iconic recipes with the world."

"As a local Jamaica, Queens, community-based business, we are delighted that we and the other partners have been selected for this extraordinary opportunity," said Dawn Kelly, founder and CEO of The Nourish Spot.

Redeveloping JFK Airport in Lockstep with the Local Community

In 2018, the JFK Redevelopment Community Advisory Council was formed. Co-chaired by Meeks and Richards, it is composed of elected officials, community boards, business and nonprofit organizations, civic organizations, and clergy leaders from the targeted local communities of southeast Queens, southwest Queens, the Rockaways, and western portions of Nassau County.

Since its inception, the council has been working with the Port Authority and its private partners to expand community outreach efforts and develop community-focused programs, ensuring that this ambitious project solicits ongoing feedback from local stakeholders and provides meaningful opportunities for local businesses, MWBEs, students and jobseekers. This includes programming to advance the Port Authority's commitment to a 30 percent MWBE contracting goal in all categories of work, and a special focus on opportunities for local businesses across all aspects of the redevelopment of JFK, including terminal projects, which will be built by union labor under project-labor agreements.

Other community development initiatives prioritized by the council focus on job opportunities and workforce development programs for residents in southeast Queens, small business outreach and development, and educational programming for local students. Specifically, the Council for Airport Opportunity Rockaway Career Center is a job recruiting and referral program to match qualified job seekers with jobs in construction and airport operations focused on the Far Rockaway community. The Office of Second Chance Employment helps connect formerly incarcerated individuals and others with past involvement in the criminal justice system to jobs associated with both airport construction and airport operations. The Institute of Concessions is a specialized training program offering extensive training and mentoring to small, local, and diverse businesses intended to increase the number of local and diverse airport concessionaires. The Aviation and Aeronautics Academy provides an aviation-focused weekend and summer education and enrichment program in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) for up to 700 students from grades 1 through 12 annually. In partnership with York College/City University of New York, it introduces students from communities surrounding JFK to career opportunities in aviation, airport management and aerospace technology.

Transforming JFK Into a World-Class Global Gateway

In January 2017, the JFK Vision Plan was announced to transform JFK into the world-class airport that New Yorkers deserve. The vision plan provides a strategic framework for the Port Authority and its partners to completely redevelop, modify and expand existing facilities and infrastructure. The $9.5 billion development of a state-of-the-art New Terminal One that will anchor the airport's south side broke ground in September 2022. A new $4.2 billion Terminal 6, which will connect seamlessly with Terminal 5 to create an anchor terminal on the airport's north side, broke ground in February 2023. The $1.5 billion expansion of Terminal 4, led by Delta Air Lines and JFK International Air Terminal (JFKIAT), is substantially complete. Additionally, the $400 million expansion of Terminal 8, led by American Airlines, which operates the terminal, was completed in November 2022.

All of the privately financed terminal projects combined with the Port Authority's roadway, parking and infrastructure projects represent a $19 billion transformation of JFK and an extraordinary series of public-private partnerships. The Port Authority's capital investment of $3.9 billion is leveraging private investment at a rate of nearly four to one when taking into account the full private investment of more than $15 billion that has been committed to the four projects comprising the full redevelopment of JFK.

About JFK Millennium Partners

Terminal 6 is an award-winning public-private partnership between the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and JFK Millennium Partners  a consortium that includes Vantage Group, an industry leading investor, developer and manager of award-winning global airport projects, including LaGuardia Airport's Terminal B; American Triple I, a certified minority-owned investor, owner, developer and manager of infrastructure assets; RXR, an innovative New York real estate investor and developer; and JetBlue Airways, New York's hometown airline. When complete, Terminal 6 will connect seamlessly with Terminal 5 to create an anchor terminal on JFK International Airport's north side.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is a bi-state agency that builds, operates, and maintains many of the most important transportation and trade infrastructure assets in the country. For over a century, the agency's network of major airports; critical bridges, tunnels and bus terminals; a commuter rail line; and the busiest seaport on the East Coast has been among the most vital in the country  transporting hundreds of millions of people and moving essential goods into and out of the region. The Port Authority also owns and manages the 16-acre World Trade Center campus, which today welcomes tens of thousands of office workers and millions of annual visitors. The agency's historic $37 billion 10-year capital plan includes unprecedented transformation of the region's three major airports  LaGuardia, Newark Liberty and JFK  as well as an array of other new and upgraded assets, including the $2 billion renovation of the 90-year-old George Washington Bridge. The Port Authority's annual budget of $9.3 billion includes no tax revenue from either the states of New York or New Jersey or from the City of New York. The agency raises the necessary funds for the improvement, construction or acquisition of its facilities primarily on its own credit. For more information, visit www.panynj.gov or check out the Now Arriving blog.

SOURCE JFK Millennium Partners
The four wall murals in the departures and arrivals areas represent the first major art exhibition at the terminal, which is home to 13 domestic and international airlines serving some 2,000 passengers per day. Bass' art exhibit at Terminal 7, selected by JMP, will be on view for a limited period until 2026, when the 54-year-old terminal is expected to be decommissioned to make space for the second construction phase of Terminal 6. The new Terminal 6 is a key component of the Port Authority's $19 billion transformation of JFK airport into a world-class gateway. The historic project includes two new terminals, the modernization and expansion of two existing terminals, a new ground transportation center, and a new, simplified roadway network.

Ron Bass is celebrated for his eclectic and dynamic style that seamlessly blends elements of pop culture, street art and fashion. A native New Yorker, Bass is deeply influenced by the city's rich artistic heritage and diverse cultural landscape. Over the years, Bass has made significant contributions to the art scene in New York City though the exhibit at Terminal 7 is his first in an airport setting. Creating an authentic sense of place is a hallmark of both Vantage Group, which leads the JFK Millennium Partners consortium, and the Port Authority as part of its transformation of the region's airports into world-class facilities. Recently, the Port Authority and JMP also announced the selection of 18 artists, including 10 from New York City, who will create the sculptures, suspended installations, wall works, and glass mosaic floor medallions at the new Terminal 6.

"Across the region, the Port Authority is transforming its airports with new award- winning, world-class terminals that are filled with inspiring works of art," said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O'Toole. "As we have done at Newark Liberty International Airport's Terminal A and at the new LaGuardia Airport, we will transform JFK International Airport into a great global gateway with terminals that incorporate inspirational public art, operational excellence, 21st century technology and world-class functionality."

"New York is the cultural capital of the nation, so there is no better way to create a unique sense of place at the nation's busiest international gateway than by including original, inspiring works of public art at Kennedy Airport," said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton. "Whether at our existing terminals or soon at the new terminals that are currently under construction, we are elevating the passenger experience with stunning works of public art that enhance the journey from curb to gate."

"We are constantly looking at how we can further improve the passenger experience at Terminal 7 and reinvigorate the space. Our aim was to ensure that travelers and employees alike felt New York's vibrant, uplifting spirit as soon as they entered our building  and we knew that Ron Bass was the perfect artist to do this," said Karen Ali, Chief Operating Officer at JFK Millennium Partners.

Passengers are invited to interact with the murals and to take a moment to connect with the artistic pulse of New York City before embarking on their journeys at these locations in Terminal 7:

"Dear NY"  Arrivals

"Unified"  by gates 7/8

"I (really) LOVE NY "  by the Currency Exchange near gates 5/6

"  by the Currency Exchange near gates 5/6 "Destination: New Heights"  gate 9

"This is a huge honor for me to partner with JFK Millennium Partners at Terminal 7. It's my hometown -- my foundation," said artist Ron Bass. "I wanted to create a free- flowing and abstract New York story. A story that is vibrant, engaging, fun, and representative of the diverse cultures, art, sound, taste, and feel of my beloved city. I'm approaching this body of work as a first line of defense for the many travelers arriving to visit NYC, as well as paying homage to all the employees and staff, residents, and natives returning home. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and the word 'LOVE' will be present physically and emotionally, and that is my gift to everyone who comes across this four-piece collection."

Terminal 7 is currently home to Aer Lingus, Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, ANA, Condor, Ethiopian Airlines, Frontier, HiSky, Icelandair, Kuwait Airways, LOT Polish Airlines, Norse and Sun Country Airlines.

Public art is one of the cornerstones of the Port Authority's strategy for developing new, airport terminals, as demonstrated at the publicly acclaimed and award-winning LaGuardia Airport and Newark-Liberty Airport's new Terminal A, where art contributes to the world-class passenger experience.

Transforming JFK Into a World-Class Global Gateway

In January 2017, the JFK Vision Plan was announced to transform JFK into the world- class airport that New Yorkers deserve. The vision plan provides a strategic framework for the Port Authority and its partners to completely redevelop, modify and expand existing facilities and infrastructure. The $9.5 billion development of a state-of-the-art New Terminal One that will anchor the airport's south side broke ground in September 2022. A new $4.2 billion Terminal 6, which will connect seamlessly with Terminal 5 to create an anchor terminal on the airport's north side, broke ground in February 2023. The $1.5 billion expansion of Terminal 4, led by Delta Air Lines and JFK International Air Terminal (JFKIAT), is substantially complete. Additionally, the $400 million expansion of Terminal 8, led by American Airlines, which operates the terminal, was completed in November 2022.

All of the privately financed terminal projects combined with the Port Authority's roadway, parking and infrastructure projects represent a $19 billion transformation of JFK and an extraordinary series of public-private partnerships. The Port Authority's capital investment of $3.9 billion is leveraging private investment at a rate of nearly four to one when taking into account the full private investment of more than $15 billion that has been committed to the four projects comprising the full redevelopment of JFK.

About JFK Millennium Partners

JFK Millennium Partners (JMP) is the company selected by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to build and operate John F. Kennedy International Airport's new world-class $4.2 billion Terminal 6, currently under construction and set to open in 2026. As part of its agreement with the Port Authority, JMP also currently manages JFK's Terminal 7. Through innovative design, cultural programming and world-class amenities, it strives to make every passenger's journey memorable and enjoyable. The JMP consortium includes Vantage Group, an industry leading investor, developer and manager of award-inning global airport projects, including LaGuardia Airport's Terminal B; American Triple I, a certified minority-owned investor, owner, developer and manager of infrastructure assets; RXR, an innovative New York real estate investor and developer; and JetBlue Airways. For further information, visit https://www.anewjfk.com/jmp-terminal6/

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is a bi-state agency that builds, operates, and maintains many of the most important transportation and trade infrastructure assets in the country. For over a century , the agency's network of major airports; critical bridges, tunnels and bus terminals; a commuter rail line; and the busiest seaport on the East Coast has been among the most vital in the country  transporting hundreds of millions of people and moving essential goods into and out of the region. The Port Authority also owns and manages the 16-acre World Trade Center campus, which today welcomes tens of thousands of office workers and millions of annual visitors. The agency's historic $37 billion 10-year capital plan includes unprecedented transformation of the region's three major airports  LaGuardia, Newark Liberty and JFK  as well as an array of other new and upgraded assets, including the $2 billion renovation of the 90-year-old George Washington Bridge. The Port Authority's annual budget of $9.3 billion includes no tax revenue from either the states of New York or New Jersey or from the City of New York. The agency raises the necessary funds for the improvement, construction or acquisition of its facilities primarily on its own credit. For more information, visit www.panynj.gov or check out the Now Arriving blog.

SOURCE JFK Millennium Partners
Young is highlighted for professional accomplishments and dedication to improving her community and the lives of those she serves

DALLAS, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- United Real Estate is thrilled to announce that Jillian Young, President of its Naples, Florida affiliate, Premiere Plus Realty, has been named to Gulfshore Business Magazine's 2024 Class of 40 Under 40. The esteemed honor is awarded to standout professionals in Southwest Florida who exhibit remarkable leadership, significant career achievements and a strong dedication to their communities.

"To the young professionals out therenever underestimate the impact you can make by focusing on what truly matters." Post this President Jillian Young of Premiere Plus Realty - a United affiliate based in Naples, Florida - has been named to Gulfshore Business Magazine's 2024 Class of 40 Under 40.

Young's selection for this award reflects her outstanding leadership at Premiere Plus Realty, where she manages a team of 1,500 real estate agents and has helped them achieve the No. 2 market share position. Her guidance plays a critical role in the growth and success of the brokerage, enabling her agents to thrive through her "smart, hungry, humble" servant leadership approach. She is a highly engaging, sought-after speaker for both local and national industry events.

"It is an honor to be recognized among such talented and inspiring individuals. This award is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of my entire team, who make it possible to pursue meaningful work each day. We are fortunate to have the support and wisdom of United Real Estate to help us achieve more together. To the young professionals out therenever underestimate the impact you can make by focusing on what truly matters and surrounding yourself with people who share your vision. Together, we can create something far greater than we could ever achieve alone," Young stated.

United Real Estate President Rick Haase commented on Jillian's leadership talent, "Jillian is a true outlier in the real estate business for her passion and capabilities for success. She is the perfect combination of having a heart for people and a head for business. A true leader we are fortunate to have in our company."

In addition to her professional achievements, Young serves on the board of the Pregnancy Resource Center. She is also actively involved in PPR Cares, which coordinates "Serve Days" where her staff and agents participate in community service projects.

Young and Premiere Plus Realty joined United Real Estate's national network in March 2024, greatly expanding the firm's tools and service offerings for its agents and their clients. In this move, they retained the company name, culture, staff and leadership in what is likely the largest brokerage affiliation in residential real estate history.

About Premiere Plus Realty

Founded in 2003, Premiere Plus Realty (PPR) began with a clear focus to put agents first. The company's guiding principle is to provide the highest level of service to support agents' growth, their families and their real estate business. At the heart of the company's success are its outstanding agents, genuine care for people and focus on kindness and faith. Agents have the freedom to structure transactions to meet clients' needs. As a result, clients receive unmatched service when buying and selling residential, commercial and rental properties. Their 1,500 agents serve Southwest Florida with office locations in Downtown Naples, North Naples, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Cape Coral and Marco Island. PPR produced over $3.29 billion in annual sales volume and 5004 transaction sides in 2023. It ranked No. 88 in the U.S. by sales volume in T3 Sixty's 2023 Mega 1000 list, based on 2022 sales data.

About United Real Estate

United Real Estate (United)  a division of United Real Estate Group  was founded with the purpose of offering solutions to real estate brokers and agents in the rapidly changing real estate brokerage industry. United provides the latest training, marketing and technology tools to agents and brokers under a flat-fee, transaction-based agent commission model. By leveraging the company's proprietary cloud-based Bullseye Agent & Broker Productivity Platform, United delivers a more profitable outcome for agents and brokers. United Real Estate operates in 32 states with 156 offices and more than 20,400 agents. The company produced over 70,000 transactions and $27.8 billion in sales volume in 2023.

Press contact:

April Gonzalez

Media & Investor Relations

[email protected]

504-237-3500

SOURCE United Real Estate
ANAHEIM, Calif., Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Pylontech US made a strong presence at RE+ 2024, North America's largest clean energy expo, held this week in Anaheim, California.

Following years of growth, Pylontech accelerated its localization strategy last year, achieving a significant milestone by establishing a local subsidiary in Dallas earlier this year. This move marks a breakthrough in the U.S. market, reinforcing the company's commitment to create and share values with its global customers and partners.

Winnie Wei, General Manager of Pylontech US, spoke with International Alliance for Battery and Energy Storage about the company's strategic developments in the U.S. market. Winnie outlined Pylontech's business development, emphasizing the company's extensive R&D capabilities and experience in both residential and commercial/industrial energy storage sectors, particularly in Europe. "We believe energy storage makes an impact, and greater value can be realized through partnerships. As the world's second-largest energy storage market, the U.S. offers immense potential and innovative business opportunities. We are excited to welcome more local talent and partners to work together to maximize the value of energy storage."

In addition to its new subsidiary, Pylontech demonstrated its readiness for the U.S. market in several ways at RE+ 2024. The company announced that its residential energy storage product, Force H3, has been granted UL9540B VOC certification, making Pylontech the first Chinese company to achieve this recognition. This confirms that Pylontech's residential products meet the latest fire safety technical standards. The company also released a white paper on Commercial & Industrial Energy Storage System Safety, sharing its insights and best practices for ensuring safety in energy storage systems.

"Our vision is to energize billions with smarter power. We aim to blend our expertise with local knowledge in the U.S. to deliver more value to customers towards a sustainable future," said Winnie Wei.

SOURCE Pylontech
The award winning 18 Year Old is the first permanent new addition to the Redbreast family in four years and offers a unique twist for Redbreast with the addition of cream sherry casks in the aging process

NEW YORK, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Redbreast, Ireland's most awarded single pot still whiskey* announced the release of its latest expression, Redbreast 18 Year Old. This new member of the Redbreast family has been meticulously crafted, offering a unique take on the classic Redbreast style.

Having already earned prestigious accolades throughout 2024's international global tasting competitions, including four Gold Medals from The Irish Whiskey Masters, Beverage Testing Institute, International Spirits Challenge, and International Wine & Spirit Competition, Redbreast 18 Year Old adds a new and exciting element to the Redbreast range as the first 18 Year Old release for the brand. Also a first for Redbreast, the new expression uses the addition of cream sherry casks for a unique and distinctive flavor and will be available for an MSRP of $249.99.

Constantly seeking innovation, Redbreast Master Blender David McCabe and Redbreast Master Blender Emeritus Billy Leighton, meticulously nurtured Redbreast 18 Year Old, drawing inspiration from the aged inventory at Midleton Distillery while also embracing a diverse array of cask types to introduce to the Redbreast portfolio. Crafted from malted and unmalted barley and triple distilled in traditional copper pot stills, this exceptional expression has been aged in a cask combination of ex-bourbon, oloroso sherry, cream sherry and a portion aged in ruby port casks.

Redbreast 18 Year Old masterfully intertwines the signature charm of oloroso sherry butts and ex-bourbon barrels that have become synonymous with the brand, enriching the whiskey with its distinctive flavors. While Redbreast 12 Year Old embodies vanilla sweetness, toasted wood, and dried fruits, and Redbreast 15 Year Old features a more herbal profile, the additional aging of Redbreast 18 Year Old elevates this experience with lush blackcurrant and raspberry notes, pronounced tannins and a luxurious chocolate presence. Redbreast 18 Year Old also includes whiskey aged in ruby port casks, as found in Redbreast 27 Year Old, creating rich flavors of autumnal fruits, toasted oak and nuttiness with a dusting of spices.

"The addition of Redbreast 18 Year Old to the Redbreast core range beautifully bridges the gap between our older and younger offerings," said Master Blender David McCabe. "We wanted to unlock a new taste profile for the Redbreast permanent range while still offering something that feels distinctly Redbreast in its style. By incorporating the cream sherry casks, we've created a whiskey that boasts a rich profile of dark chocolate, blackcurrants, and hazelnuts. This expression not only honors our heritage but also showcases our commitment to innovation in Irish whiskey making."

The tantalizing addition of cream sherry casks from the esteemed Antonio Paez Lobato cooperage, along with the more traditional cask profile portfolio, promises something both new and familiar. Not only do they unveil a delightful syrupy sweetness that complements the inherent Redbreast taste, the expression also introduces a captivating array of new flavors that take center stage in this extraordinary expression. The resulting Redbreast 18 Year Old whiskey bursts with berry fruit aromas, toasted almond and cinnamon notes, hazelnut chocolate tones, and caramelized stone fruit sweetness.

"The unveiling of Redbreast 18 Year Old is a moment of pride for us. We're incredibly fortunate to have a variety of aged stock at Midleton Distillery, and with its unique flavor profile, we are confident this will be a welcome addition to whiskey enthusiasts' collections and a delightful first-hand experience for those new to whiskey," said Master Blender Emeritus Billy Leighton.

Enjoy Responsibly. Bottled at 46%, Redbreast 18 Year Old is available nationwide starting September 2024 for an MSRP of $249.99. For more information, visit www.redbreastwhiskey.com or follow @redbreastus on Instagram.

Redbreast 18-Year-Old Tasting Notes

Nose: Delectable berry fruit aromas of ripe blackcurrants and raspberries accompanied by sugar glazed cherries and dried fig. Indulgent tones of hazelnut chocolate and caramelised stone fruits with warming and fragrant notes of toasted almonds and cinnamon, nestled alongside polished oak and worn leather.

Taste: Full-bodied and rounded, with the oak tannins complementing the decadent sweetness of sun-kissed grapes and autumnal fruits. Vibrant spices of freshly peeled ginger and hints of liquorice weave amongst the wine seasoned oak influences of dried fruits, dark berries and orange peel.

Finish: Rich and lasting. The pot still spices, fruit and oak slowly fade harmoniously, showcasing the balance of this wonderfully complex whiskey.

*Based on the tasting results of the six most influential tasting competitions over the past thirteen years (2011-2023), including The Irish Whiskey Masters, IWSC, ISC, Beverage Testing Institute, San Francisco World Spirits Competition and Ultimate Spirits Challenge.

About Irish Distillers

Irish Distillers is Ireland's leading supplier of spirits and wines and producer of some of the world's most well-known and successful Irish whiskeys. Led by Jameson, our brands are driving the success of Irish whiskey globally. Jameson is the world's bestselling and most awarded Irish whiskey, achieving +1% net sales growth globally in FY24. Our brands are exported to 130+ markets around the world.

Irish Distillers was formed in 1966, when a merger took place between John Power & Son, John Jameson & Son, and Cork Distilleries Company. In 1988 Irish Distillers joined Pernod Ricard, gaining access to unprecedented levels of investment and an extensive global distribution network.

We employ over 800 people across our operations in Cork and Dublin.

About Pernod Ricard USA

Pernod Ricard USA is the premium spirits and wine company in the U.S., and the largest subsidiary of Paris, France-based Pernod Ricard SA., the world's second largest spirits and wine company. Pernod Ricard employs approximately 19,000 people worldwide, is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI) and is part of the CAC 40 index. The company's leading spirits include such prestigious brands as Absolut Vodka, Avion Tequila, Chivas Regal Scotch Whisky, The Glenlivet Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Jameson Irish Whiskey, Kahlua Liqueur, Malibu, Martell Cognac, Olmeca Altos Tequila, Beefeater Gin, Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal, Codigo Tequila, Monkey 47 Gin, Seagram's Extra Dry Gin, Malfy Gin, Hiram Walker Liqueurs, Midleton Irish Whiskey, Redbreast Irish Whiskey, Aberlour Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Lillet, Jefferson's Bourbon, TX Whiskey, Smooth Ambler Whiskey, Rabbit Hole Whiskey, Pernod and Ricard; such superior wines as Jacob's Creek, Kenwood Vineyards, Campo Viejo and Brancott Estate; and such exquisite champagnes and sparkling wines as Perrier-Jouet Champagne, G.H. Mumm Champagne and Mumm Napa sparkling wines.

Pernod Ricard USA is headquartered in New York, New York, and has more than 1,000 employees across the country. As "creators of conviviality," we are committed to sustainable and responsible business practices in service of our customers, consumers, employees and the planet. Pernod Ricard USA urges all adults to consume its products responsibly and has an active program to promote responsible drinking. For more information, visit: www.pernod-ricard-usa.com.

Media Contact: Jaime Weinberg, [email protected]

SOURCE Redbreast Irish Whiskey
Transforming Patient Care: The Impact of Microelectronic Medical Implants on Real-Time Health Monitoring and Treatment

BOSTON, Sept. 12, 2024 "According to the latest BCC Research study, the demand for "Microelectronic Medical Implants: Products, Technologies & Opportunities" is expected to grow from $49.0 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $85.1 billion by the end of 2029, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.7% during the forecast period of 2024 to 2029."

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the global and regional markets for microelectronic medical implants, utilizing data from 2023, estimates for 2024, and projections for the period from 2024 to 2029. It examines key trends within the market, segmented by product types such as pacemakers, defibrillators, neurostimulators, hearing implants, ocular implants, and others, and applications including cardiology, neurology, audiology, and ophthalmology. The analysis covers regional markets in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World, with a focus on major countries including the U.S., Germany, the U.K., France, Japan, China, and India. The report aims to provide insights into the market size, segmentation, constraints, drivers, and forecasts up to 2029, as well as to assess market shares, competitive dynamics, and industry structure while identifying potential long-term impacts on the microelectronic implants industry.

This report is highly relevant right now because microelectronic medical implants are at the forefront of transforming healthcare by addressing both acute and chronic illnesses with unprecedented precision. Advances in technology have enabled the development of sophisticated implants that are not only compact and effective but also capable of providing advanced therapy and real-time monitoring. As the global population ages and the prevalence of chronic conditions rises, these implants have become indispensable in modern medicine. The integration of data analytics and wireless technology further enhances their significance by facilitating remote patient monitoring and personalized treatment plans, making them a critical component of contemporary healthcare strategies.

Please click here for more details on " The global market for microelectronic medical implants Report."

The following factors drive the global market for microelectronic medical implants:

Increasing Incidence of Atrial Fibrillation: Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a common heart rhythm disorder that requires advanced management solutions. Microelectronic implants, such as pacemakers and ICDs (implantable cardioverter defibrillators), are crucial in regulating heartbeats for AFib patients. As AFib cases rise globally, the demand for these implants is growing.

More Potential Applications: Microelectronic implants have diverse uses beyond heart conditions. They include neural stimulators for pain management and deep brain stimulation for movement disorders. Research is expanding its applications, driving market growth.

Growing Implant Usage: The adoption of microelectronic implants is increasing due to their effectiveness in improving patient quality of life. Aging populations are contributing to higher demand as these implants help manage chronic health issues.

Technological Advances: Advancements in technology, such as miniaturization, longer battery life, and better connectivity, are enhancing microelectronic implants. These innovations attract investment and support market growth.

Aging Population: The expanding elderly population drives the demand for microelectronic implants, as they are crucial for managing age-related health conditions like cardiac and neurodegenerative diseases.

Request a sample copy of the global market for microelectronic medical implants reports.

Report Synopsis

Report Metrics Details Base year considered 2023 Forecast Period considered 2024-2029 Base year market size $44.1 billion Market Size Forecast $85.1 billion Growth rate CAGR of 11.7% for the forecast period of 2024-2029 Segment Covered Product Type, Application, and Region Regions covered North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World (RoW) Countries covered China, India, Japan, the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Germany, the U.K., Italy, and France Key Market Drivers  Increasing incidence of atrial fibrillation  More potential applications for microelectronic medical implants  Increasing use of these implants  Technological advances in these implants  The world's growing number of elderly

Key Interesting Facts About the global market for microelectronic medical implants:

Cochlear Implants:

Cochlear implants are small devices that help restore hearing in people with severe hearing loss or deafness.

They work by directly stimulating the auditory nerve, bypassing damaged parts of the inner ear.

These implants use microelectronic components to convert sound into electrical signals.

Cardiac Implants:

Devices like pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) regulate heart rhythms.

Microelectronics play a crucial role in these devices, ensuring precise timing and electrical impulses.

Wireless Communication:

Many implants now have wireless capabilities, allowing communication with external devices.

Patients can use smartphones or other gadgets to adjust settings or receive data from their implants.

Healthcare professionals' benefit from remote monitoring, enabling better patient management.

The global market for microelectronic medical implants report includes in-depth data and analysis addressing the following important queries:

1. What is the projected market size and growth rate of the market?

The global market for microelectronic medical implants was valued at $44.1 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $85.1 billion by the end of 2029.

2. What are the key factors driving the growth of the market?

The growth of the global market is attributed to factors such as increasing cases of atrial fibrillation globally, the wide range of potential applications of microelectronic medical implants, increasing adoption of microelectronic medical implants, technological advances in microelectronic medical implants and growing global elderly population.

3. What segments are covered in the market?

The market scope in this report is segmented into product types and applications. Based on product type, the report covers pacemakers, defibrillators, neurostimulators, hearing implants, ocular implants, and others. The market breakdown by applications includes cardiology, neurology, audiology, ophthalmology, and others.

4. By Product Type, which segment will dominate the market by the end of 2029?

Pacemakers will dominate the market for microelectronic medical implants.

5. Which region has the highest market share in the market?

The North American microelectronic medical implants market was valued at $23.5 billion in 2023 and estimated to be $45.8 billion in 2029, growing at a CAGR of 11.8% during the forecast period.

Some of the Key Market Players Are:

ABBOTT

BIOTRONIK

BOSTON SCIENTIFIC CORP.

SCIENTIFIC CORP. COCHLEAR LTD.

INSPIRE MEDICAL SYSTEMS INC.

LIVANOVA PLC

MEDTRONIC

MICROPORT SCIENTIFIC CORP.

NEUROPACE INC.

NEVRO CORP.

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The total operating revenues in H1 2024 amounted to USD 12.1 million and increased by USD 4.2 million compared to H1 2023.

As of September, 5 2024, Ryvu's cash position was USD 65.3 million . Together with other already secured funding sources, this cash position provides a runway through Q1 2026.

On September 5, 2024 , Ryvu received the third and final tranche of financing under the agreement with the European Investment Bank, amounting to EUR 6 million .

The Management Board decided to advance Ryvu's potentially best-in-class PRMT5 inhibitor RVU305 to further steps of preclinical development, including toxicology and API/IMP manufacturing, targeting IND/CTA filing in H2 2025.

KRAKOW, Poland, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Ryvu Therapeutics (WSE: RVU), a clinical-stage drug discovery and development company focusing on novel small molecule therapies that address emerging targets in oncology, today reported financial results for the half year ended June 30, 2024, and provided a corporate update.

Pawel Przewiezlikowski, Chief Executive Officer of Ryvu Therapeutics, said:

- We are progressing with enrollment in two already launched RVU120 Phase II studies and expect to present the initial data update in December at the ASH 2024 conference. We are also close to launching two additional Phase II studies. By the end of the year, we should be enrolling patients across four independent development paths in hematologic malignancies. The next few quarters will be an important period of data generation for RVU120 and progress in the preclinical pipeline.

H1 2024 SUMMARY AND RECENT CORPORATE EVENTS

RVU120 clinical development plan progress

In early 2024, Ryvu launched two Phase II studies with RVU120: (i) the RIVER-52 study investigating RVU120 as monotherapy in two genetically defined cohorts of patients with r/r AML and in a cohort of patients with HR-MDS, and (ii) the RIVER-81 study investigating RVU120 in combination with venetoclax in patients with AML.

The RIVER-52 study was initially launched at clinical sites in Poland and Italy , and as of August 31 , 16 sites had been activated for enrollment in these two countries. Starting from September 2024, Ryvu will activate additional clinical sites in Spain , France , and Canada , targeting the activation of a total of 46 sites by the end of 2024.

and , and as of , 16 sites had been activated for enrollment in these two countries. Starting from September 2024, Ryvu The RIVER-81 study was initially launched at clinical sites in Poland and Italy , followed by the activation of additional sites in Spain and France . As of August 31 , 27 sites had been activated for enrollment across all four countries, with a total of 34 sites planned to be activated by the end of 2024.

and , followed by the activation of additional sites in and . As of , 27 sites had been activated for enrollment across all four countries, with a total of 34 sites planned to be activated by the end of 2024. POTAMI-61, a Phase II study evaluating the efficacy of RVU120 as a monotherapy and combination therapy in patients with myelofibrosis ( MF ), is expected to begin enrollment shortly, initially in Poland and Italy .

myelofibrosis MF REMARK, a Phase II study of RVU120 in patients with low-risk myelodysplastic syndromes ( LR-MDS ), will enroll patients across five countries: Poland , Germany , France , Spain , Italy , and is also expected to start enrollment shortly. REMARK will be conducted as an investigator-initiated study through the EMSCO network with Prof. Uwe Platzbecker , a globally renowned expert in the field of LR-MDS , as the Coordinating Principal Investigator.

LR-MDS EMSCO LR-MDS At the 2024 European Hematology Association (EHA ) Congress ( June 13-16 , Madrid, Spain ) Ryvu presented clinical and preclinical data from RVU120 program. Key takeaways: RIVER-52 had immature data for efficacy assessment in the target population, even though preliminary signs of clinical benefit had been observed in ongoing patients. Initial data from the RIVER-81 study demonstrated the safety of RVU120 in combination with venetoclax at the initial dose level. Translational data support the synergistic combination of RVU120 and venetoclax in patients with AML , including RVU120's potential to overcome resistance to venetoclax treatment. Translational data underscores RVU120's potential in myeloproliferative neoplasms ( MPNs ) phenotypes (single-agent or combined with ruxolitinib ( RUX )) partly through downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines . Additionally, RVU120 exhibits synergy with a whole class of JAK inhibitors and the BET inhibitor pelabresib which support CDK8 inhibition as a potential novel therapeutic strategy in MPNs , with a focus on myelofibrosis ( MF ).

Ryvu

Preclinical Pipeline updates

PRMT5

On September 9, 2024 , the Management Board decided to advance Ryvu's potentially best-in-class PRMT5 inhibitor RVU305 to further steps of preclinical development, including toxicology and API/IMP manufacturing, targeting IND/CTA filing in H2 2025.

, the Management Board decided to advance Ryvu's potentially best-in-class PRMT5 inhibitor RVU305 to further steps of preclinical development, including toxicology and API/IMP manufacturing, targeting IND/CTA filing in H2 2025. RVU305 has a potentially best-in-class profile with favorable drug-like properties, including oral administration, a strong antiproliferative effect on MTAP-deleted cell lines, and a good safety window for MTAP WT cells. Data on Ryvu's PRMT5 inhibitors were presented at AACR 2024 in April.

WRN

Ryvu's WRN inhibitor program demonstrates target engagement and selective potency with a synthetic lethal effect, providing pharmacological proof-of-concept; in vivo efficacy studies exhibited pronounced tumor growth inhibition in an MSI-H colorectal cancer xenograft model and support WRN inhibition as a new, targeted cancer therapy. Data were presented at AACR 2024 in April.

efficacy studies exhibited pronounced tumor growth inhibition in an MSI-H colorectal cancer xenograft model and support WRN inhibition as a new, targeted cancer therapy. Data were presented at AACR 2024 in April. The company is targeting preclinical candidate selection in the upcoming quarters.

Key business events

From March to September 2024, Ryvu fulfilled conditions for the disbursement of all three tranches of financing from the EIB and received a total amount of EUR 22 million .

. In June 2024, Ryvu concluded a funding agreement with the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development (" PARP ") and expects to receive approximately USD 6.6 million ( PLN 26.3 million) in grant funding over five years to support its proprietary ONCO Prime discovery platform.

PARP PLN ONCO In May 2024 , Ryvu obtained the status of Associate Partner within the IPCEI Med4Cure program with its PANACEA-NOVO project  a unique platform for the discovery of new therapeutic targets with potential in the treatment of rare cancers, combined with several early discovery campaigns for innovative drugs. Ryvu expects that potential future grant funding may cover 75-80% of the total costs, which are PLN 142.5 million.

, Ryvu IPCEI Ryvu PLN In February 2024 , Ryvu announced that it had achieved the second milestone under the license agreement with Exelixis and received a USD 2.0 million ( PLN 7.9 million) payment.

UPCOMING INDUSTRY AND INVESTOR EVENTS

6th Annual RAS-Targeted Drug Development Summit, September 24-26 . Krzysztof Brzozka , Chief Scientific Officer of Ryvu Therapeutics will showcase ONCO Prime, Ryvu's discovery platform that uses isogenic primary cells and patient-derived cells to identify novel cancer targets. Dr. Brzozka's presentation on September 25 , at 4:45 PM ET ( Boston ), will highlight ONCO Prime's application in the identification of KRAS-specific synthetic lethal targets.

, Chief Scientific Officer of Ryvu Therapeutics will showcase ONCO Prime, Ryvu's discovery platform that uses isogenic primary cells and patient-derived cells to identify novel cancer targets. Dr. Brzozka's presentation on , at ( ), will highlight ONCO Prime's application in the identification of KRAS-specific synthetic lethal targets. Trigon BioTech & MedTech Conference 2024 (online), October 2 . Ryvu will host investor meetings during the conference.

Ryvu Erste Finest CEElection Investor Conference 2024 ( Vienna, Austria ), October 8-9 . Ryvu will host investor meetings during the conference.

Ryvu ENA Symposium 2024 ( Barcelona, Spain ), October 23-25 . Ryvu will share its scientific achievements.

Ryvu LSBC 2024 Central European Life Science Investment Conference (Krakow, Poland ), October 23-25 . Pawel Przewiezlikowski will be a panelist at the discussion titled " Poland's top Biotech Executives discuss today's challenges and the influence of AI" and will host investor and partnering meetings during the conference.

H1 2024 FINANCIAL UPDATE

Cash Position  On June 30, 2024, Ryvu Therapeutics held USD 63.9 million in cash, cash equivalents, and bonds, compared to USD 63.7 million on December 31, 2023. On September 5, 2024, Ryvu Therapeutics held USD 65.3 million in cash, cash equivalents, and bonds, including the third tranche of venture debt from the EIB, amounting to EUR 6 million.

Operating Revenues  In H1 2024, Ryvu recognized total operating revenues (including grants) of USD 12.1 million, compared to USD 7.9 million in H1 2023.

Operating costs, related primarily to research and development expenditures, excluding the valuation of NodThera shares and non-cash cost of valuation of the Incentive Program in H1 2024, amounted to USD 25.4 million, compared to USD 17.7 million in H1 2023.

Net Loss Attributable to Common Shareholders  In H1 2024, the net loss attributable to common shareholders, excluding the non-cash cost of the Incentive Program valuation, amounted to USD 11.9 million, compared to USD 9.4 million in the previous year.

About Ryvu Therapeutics

Ryvu Therapeutics is a clinical-stage drug discovery and development company focused on novel small-molecule therapies that address emerging targets in oncology. Internally discovered pipeline candidates use diverse therapeutic mechanisms driven by emerging knowledge of cancer biology, including small molecules directed at kinase, synthetic lethality, and immuno-oncology targets.

Ryvu's most advanced programs include RVU120, a selective CDK8/CDK19 kinase inhibitor with the potential to treat hematological malignancies and solid tumors, currently in Phase II development (i) as a monotherapy for the treatment of patients with relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia (r/r AML) and high-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (HR-MDS) as well as (ii) in combination with venetoclax for the treatment of patients with r/r AML. Another clinical program, SEL24 (MEN1703), is a dual PIM/FLT3 kinase inhibitor licensed to the Menarini Group. Ryvu Therapeutics has signed multiple partnering and licensing deals with global companies, including BioNTech and Exelixis.

The Company was founded in 2007 and is headquartered in Krakow, Poland. Ryvu is listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange and is a component of the mWIG40 index.

For more information, please see www.ryvu.com.

SOURCE Ryvu Therapeutics
STOCKHOLM, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Capital Markets Day will be held on May 2021, 2025, from midday to midday, at Sandvik Manufacturing and Machining Solutions' site, in Gimo, Sweden.

The agenda will include presentations by CEO, CFO, business area management as well as a site tour.

The Capital Markets Day provides an opportunity for institutional investors, financial analysts, and financial media to get an update on Sandvik's strategy and development.

More information and link to registration will be communicated in due course.

Stockholm, September 12, 2024

Sandvik AB

For further information, contact Louise Tjeder, VP Investor relations, phone: +46 (0) 70782 6374 or Johannes Hellstrom, Press and Media Relations Manager, phone: +46 (0) 70721 1008

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/sandvik/r/save-the-date--sandvik-capital-markets-day-20-21-may--2025,c4036831

The following files are available for download:

https://mb.cision.com/Main/208/4036831/2998133.pdf Save the date - Sandvik Capital Markets Day 20-21 May 2025

SOURCE Sandvik
BEIJING, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation brings together members of the Global South to build a community with a shared future. However, the Global South evokes thoughts of another region at the same latitude as Africa, which too has very close ties with China. It is Latin America.

China-Latin America Sci-tech Cooperation Puts People First Courtesy photo of Xiao Junyong. (PHOTO: Science and Technology Daily)

"The China-Latin America relationship has a sound non-governmental foundation. Their sci-tech cooperation is mutually beneficial. As a developing country, China shares many commonalities with the countries and regions in Latin America," Xiao Junyong, executive director of the Center for Science, Technology and Human Rights Research of Beijing Institute of Technology, told Science and Technology Daily.

The sci-tech cooperation between China and Latin America has improved the lives of people in Latin America, and jointly promoted the development of human rights around the world, Xiao said.

Since 2012, China has remained the second largest trading partner of Latin America. In 2023, their trade volume exceeded 489 billion USD. From 2005 to 2020, more than 100 Chinese infrastructure projects began construction or were put into use in Latin America, creating more than 600,000 local jobs.

Xiao shared two tangible examples of how the sci-tech cooperation between the two sides has improved local lives and provided strong support for human rights protection.

Oasis of new energy in the desert

In 2024, Power Construction Corporation of China built a 480MW solar power station in the Atacama Desert in Chile. There were many challenges during the construction, from the hot and dry climate with strong ultraviolet radiation, to frequent sandstorms and labor shortages.

The project team worked together with the locals to overcome the obstacles and finally achieved full capacity grid connection, showing engineering strength. When the project is completed and put into operation, it will provide 400,000 households with clean energy every day and reduce about 280,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year. It will be of great significance for improving the local environment and promoting Chile's energy transformation.

Cooperative projects like this not only promote the development of local renewable energy, but also provide a market for the export of Chinese technology and equipment.

With an oasis of new energy in the vast desert, information and communication technology (ICT) also has great market potential.

Blue ocean in ICT

AI and 5G networks are the core areas of the future digital economy, and China's rapid development in these technologies offers important opportunities for Sino-Latin American cooperation.

Latin America has a good user base. The region has the longest mobile Internet usage time in the world. The Internet penetration rate, average daily online time, youth rate and enterprise cloud usage intention are all higher than the global average. The continent is the blue ocean of ICT.

Latin America is an industrial hub of global significance, and industries such as mining, manufacturing, seaports, airports, warehouses and energy plants are developing innovative solutions and looking forward to leveraging the new opportunities of 5G networks to drive digital transformation.

An AI traffic management system developed between Argentina and China has significantly improved the efficiency of traffic flow management and reduced the incidence of traffic accidents, demonstrating the great potential of AI in optimizing public services and improving urban governance.

Rooted in people, benefiting the people

The year 2024 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Brazil. In 1999, the first satellite in the China-Brazil Earth Resources Satellite program was launched, which was a fundamental turning point in China-Latin America sci-tech relations, consolidating the foundation of bilateral cooperation in space science and technology. The success of China-Brazil satellite cooperation has a very good radiation effect, accelerating the pace of sci-tech cooperation between China and Latin America.

"The ultimate purpose of sci-tech progress is to better serve human society and improve the happiness index of people's lives. Only by following this principle can sci-tech cooperation be stable and long-term. The sci-tech cooperation between China and Latin America has always adhered to this concept, and therefore has become more popular," Xiao said.

China-Latin America sci-tech cooperation has great prospects in the future, and China can apply the China-Africa sci-tech cooperation model to sci-tech cooperation with the rest of Latin America according to local conditions, Xiao said. In the future, cooperation could be carried out in areas such as jointly responding to global climate change, improving employment levels, and capturing carbon sinks.

SOURCE Science and Technology Daily
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- His Excellency Dr. Esam Alwagait, Director of National Information Centre for the Saudi Authority for Data and Artificial Intelligence (SDAIA), honored the winners of the inaugural International Artificial Intelligence Olympiad. The event was organized by SDAIA in collaboration with the International Center for Research and Ethics of Artificial Intelligence (ICAIRE) and the International Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (IRCAI), under the patronage of UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization).

His Excellency Dr. Esam Alwagait, Director of National Information Centre (NIC), SDAIA (PRNewsfoto/The Saudi Data & Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA))

H.E. Dr. Alwagait awarded medals and honors to the winners during the third day of the Global AI Summit, which concluded today. A total of 8 students received gold medals, 16 earned silver, and 20 were awarded bronze. The winning students expressed their immense joy, noting that the victory inspires them to further develop their talents in fields related to artificial intelligence. They also expressed their hope for future opportunities to contribute to the advancement of AI and its potential to benefit humanity.

Over the course of three days, the students participated individually in AI Olympiad tests, with each country represented by a team of up to four students. On the first day, students undertook scientific tests lasting five hours. On the second day, they completed experimental tests, where they developed solutions to scientific problems using AI techniques on a specially designed platform. On the third day, participants faced practical tests that determined the winners. On the final day of the summit the winners were awarded prizes and medals, marking the conclusion of the world's first AI Olympiad.

The Olympiad served as an international platform for artificial intelligence competitions, bringing participants together and fostering active discussions to explore the diverse applications of AI. It aimed to encourage exceptionally talented young individuals in this rapidly growing field. Additionally, the Olympiad promoted the organization of AI competitions for secondary school students, motivating them to develop smart solutions through algorithm design, learning, data structuring, and programming. It provided an opportunity for students, AI specialists, and global influencers to engage with the future landscape of AI, stay abreast of the rapid advancements in the field, and equip young talent with cutting-edge technical skills.

SDAIA held the Olympiad to help strengthen international ties between technology and software experts, as well as artificial intelligence educators from various countries. The event also aimed to draw the attention of young people to these cutting-edge technologies and inspire other nations to organize similar competitions in the future.

Notably, participants from over 25 countries underwent training that included 15 virtual lectures focused on the scientific aspects of using the ZINDI platform. These tests aimed to motivate students to engage in the field of AI and equip them with the essential knowledge needed to excel in this area.

As part of the preparations for the Olympiad, a series of virtual lectures on AI were offered through the Olympiad's website. These lectures aimed to prepare the international teams participating in the competition and enable students from around the world to benefit from the content, broadening their understanding of this critical field. Spanning five weeks, the lectures covered a range of topics related to the use of AI in various sectors, including an introduction to AI, the impact of AI on society in terms of ethics and justice, and the role of data in supporting businesses. Other topics included deep generation models, guided learning, AI research, learning assessment, reinforcement learning, and unsupervised learning.

The International Artificial Intelligence Olympiad (IAIO) was part of SDAIA's ongoing efforts to enhance Saudi Arabia's global standing as a leader in data and AI. It aligned with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals 2030 by raising awareness of the importance of these advanced technologies and equipping communities with the necessary knowledge and skills to master them.

Contact: [email protected]

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2504421/SDAIA.jpg

SOURCE The Saudi Data & Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA)
Highlights

Cohort 4 of the SECuRE trial is the first to assess multiple cycles of 67 Cu-SAR-bisPSMA at the highest dose of 12GBq.

Cu-SAR-bisPSMA at the highest dose of 12GBq. The Safety Review Committee (SRC) assessed early data from the first 3 participants in cohort 4 who received 2 doses of 67 Cu-SAR-bisPSMA. Two of these participants had completed the dose limiting toxicity (DLT) period and 1 will complete the DLT period by the end of September. No DLTs were observed to date, in line with cohorts 1, 2 and 3.

Cu-SAR-bisPSMA. Two of these participants had completed the dose limiting toxicity (DLT) period and 1 will complete the DLT period by the end of September. No DLTs were observed to date, in line with cohorts 1, 2 and 3. The safety profile of multiple doses of 67 Cu-SAR-bisPSMA remains positive, with almost all adverse events (AEs) being mild or moderate. Furthermore, almost all AEs have either resolved or improved at the last assessment.

Cu-SAR-bisPSMA remains positive, with almost all adverse events (AEs) being mild or moderate. Furthermore, almost all AEs have either resolved or improved at the last assessment. Preliminary efficacy assessment from cohort 4 after 2 therapy cycles in 2 participants following completion of the DLT period showed that both participants exhibited greater than 60% drops in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in weeks following their second dose.

The SRC recommended, based on this early data, the SECuRE trial proceeds to enroll the last 3 participants of cohort 4, after which Phase II of the study will commence (cohort expansion phase, with 14 patients), pending safety evaluation.

Clarity will host a webcast and conference call for shareholders on Wednesday 18 September, details below.

SYDNEY, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Clarity Pharmaceuticals (ASX: CU6) ("Clarity"), a clinical stage radiopharmaceutical company with a mission to develop next-generation products that improve treatment outcomes for children and adults with cancer, is pleased to announce an update on the safety review of the first 3 participants enrolled in cohort 4 of the SECuRE trial who received 2 doses of 67Cu-SAR-bisPSMA. Cohort 4 is the final cohort in the dose escalation phase of the study, with participants receiving a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 4 doses of 67Cu-SAR-bisPSMA at 12GBq.

Figure 1. SECuRE Study Design. Participants in cohort 4 will receive a minimum of 2 doses and maximum of 4 doses of 67Cu-SAR-bisPSMA (12GBq) if no radiographic progression is observed. TBD: dose to be determined based on the safety assessment of cohort 4. Figure 2. mCRPC patient from cohort 4 showing extensive metastasis of prostate cancer to the lymph nodes (regions highlighted by the red lines). 64Cu-SAR-bisPSMA images show reduction in tumour volume of 60.6% from pre- to post-treatment after two therapy cycles of 12GBq 67Cu-SAR-bisPSMA to date. PSA reduction of 92.3% (from 157.4 to 12.1 ng/mL) to date. Post-cycle 2 scan (64Cu-SAR-bisPSMA) performed approximately 8 weeks after the second dose of 67Cu-SAR-bisPSMA.

The SECuRE trial (NCT04868604)[1] is a Phase I/IIa theranostic trial for identification and treatment of participants with prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-expressing metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) using 64Cu/67Cu-SAR-bisPSMA. 64Cu-SAR-bisPSMA is used to visualise PSMA-expressing lesions and select candidates for subsequent 67Cu-SAR-bisPSMA therapy. The trial is a multi-centre, single arm, dose escalation study with a cohort expansion involving approximately 44 participants in the US and Australia. The overall aim of the trial is to determine the safety and efficacy of 67Cu-SAR-bisPSMA for the treatment of prostate cancer.

Cohort 4 is the first to explore the safety and anti-cancer effects of multiple therapy cycles of 67Cu-SAR-bisPSMA at the highest dose of 12GBq. This is the last cohort of the dose escalation phase, before the trial advances into its Phase II stage (cohort expansion) in 14 participants, pending safety evaluation.

Cohort 4 is designed as a "3+3" cohort, where participants will receive a minimum of 2 therapy cycles. Based on the positive safety profile observed in the first 3 cohorts of the SECuRE trial, a change to the dosing schedule of cohort 4 from "2 doses" to "up to 4 doses" has previously been approved by the SRC. This will allow participants who are benefiting from 67Cu-SAR-bisPSMA to receive 2 additional doses under the SECuRE trial (up to 4 doses in total) (Figure 1).

Safety & Efficacy

The SRC has reviewed the safety data of the first 3 participants of cohort 4 who have received 2 cycles of 67Cu-SAR-bisPSMA, and no DLTs have been observed to date. Two participants have completed the DLT period, and 1 participant will complete the DLT period by the end of September. Almost all AEs were mild to moderate, with the majority having resolved or improved at the last assessment. In the final participant who is yet to complete the DLT period, the only AE reported to date was nausea, which has resolved.

Early preliminary efficacy assessment shows a reduction in PSA levels following treatment in both participants who have completed the DLT period. In the weeks following the last therapy dose, these participants have already exhibited PSA drops of more than 60%. The largest drop in PSA to date was a fall of 92.3% (from a baseline PSA of 157.4 ng/mL), and it continues to decline based on the latest assessment. This participant, who had failed several lines of therapy prior to receiving 67Cu-SAR-bisPSMA (i.e. androgen deprivation therapy [ADT], androgen receptor pathway inhibitor [ARPI] and an investigational agent through a clinical trial), has already had a radiographic partial response based on Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours v1.1 (RECIST) assessment, with a reduction of 60.6% in tumour volume evaluated by PSMA positron emission tomography (PET) imaging thus far (Figure 2).

Clarity's Executive Chairperson, Dr Alan Taylor, commented, "The results from the SECuRE trial continue to impress, with the data from all 3 participants in cohort 4 exhibiting an excellent safety profile for 67Cu-SAR-bisPSMA, following 2 cycles of the product at the highest dose of 12GBq. The early approval by the SRC to progress with the trial and the excellent safety data to date reinforce our confidence that 67Cu-SAR-bisPSMA has a favourable safety profile as we consider the dosing schedule for the next phase of the trial. Although safety is our priority during this dose escalation phase, the efficacy data continues to be outstanding, with both participants who have thus far completed the DLT period analysis exhibiting an excellent response to treatment even at these early time points, and as shown in the image, in large amounts of bulky disease. It is important to note that participants who exhibited strong efficacy data in previous cohorts experienced the maximum effect several months after receiving 67Cu-SAR-bisPSMA (in some cases, almost 5 months after receiving one single dose of the product). Participants in this cohort, following completion of the DLT period, may now have the opportunity to receive additional doses of 67Cu-SAR-bisPSMA pending safety and efficacy assessments according to the clinical trial protocol, as we look to safely reduce the tumour burden or ultimately eliminate any remaining lesions in the body. The data from all cohorts is now presenting a unique proposition of a great safety profile coupled with remarkable efficacy, even in patients who had failed so many previous lines of therapy.

"We are now using this data to inform the next stages of our clinical development program, including the expanded cohort in the SECuRE study and subsequently the Phase III clinical trial prior to regulatory approval and full commercial rollout. The positive safety profile of 67Cu-SAR-bisPSMA, particularly compared to agents currently used to treat prostate cancer, lends itself to the treatment of patients much earlier in their disease, and we have commenced planning our clinical trials to focus on these earlier stages of prostate cancer.

"The treatment of early-stage disease is a sound approach to commercialisation for a therapy; however, given the outstanding efficacy data observed to date in late-stage patients with high PSA levels and who have failed multiple lines of therapies, this patient population is a priority for Clarity and clinicians. We are working closely with our Key Opinion Leaders and Clinical Advisers on strategies to address this high unmet need and continue to treat these patients whilst also progressing towards much earlier stages of prostate cancer. This is an incredibly exciting period for our Company, especially given the speed with which we have translated this proprietary product from the benchtop of Australian science only 5 years ago, to changing the lives of patients today. The high paced recruitment of this clinical trial, including the early commencement of recruitment for the final participants in cohort 4, coupled with our investigation of strategies to fast track the development and availability of this product to those patients who need it most, reflect our ambitions to better treat people with cancer."

Webcast and Conference Call

With a number of Clarity's recent developments, including Board and Executive advancements, inclusion into Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) indices, the changing mix of Shareholders on the Company's register as a result of this, and recent clinical and pre-clinical developments, Executive Chairperson, Dr Alan Taylor, will host a webcast and conference call for analysts and Shareholders on Wednesday 18 September at 10.30am AEST.

Register via the links below:

Conference call: https://s1.c-conf.com/diamondpass/10041965-lk7a32.html

Webcast: https://webcast.openbriefing.com/cu6-mu-2024/

About SAR-bisPSMA

SAR-bisPSMA derives its name from the word "bis", which reflects a novel approach of connecting two PSMA-targeting agents to Clarity's proprietary sarcophagine (SAR) technology that securely holds copper isotopes inside a cage-like structure, called a chelator. Unlike other commercially available chelators, the SAR technology prevents copper leakage into the body. SAR-bisPSMA is a TCT that can be used with isotopes of copper-64 (Cu-64 or 64Cu) for imaging and copper-67 (Cu-67 or 67Cu) for therapy.

64Cu-SAR-bisPSMA and 67Cu-SAR-bisPSMA are unregistered products. Individual results may not represent the overall safety and efficacy of the products. The data outlined in this announcement has not been assessed by health authorities such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A clinical development program is currently underway to assess the efficacy and safety of these products. There is no guarantee that these products will become commercially available.

About Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer diagnosed in men globally and the fifth leading cause of cancer death in men worldwide[2]. Prostate cancer is the second-leading causes of cancer death in American men. The American Cancer Institute estimates in 2024 there will be 299,310 new cases of prostate cancer in the US and around 35,250 deaths from the disease[3]..

About Clarity Pharmaceuticals

Clarity is a clinical stage radiopharmaceutical company focused on the treatment of serious disease. The Company is a leader in innovative radiopharmaceuticals, developing targeted copper theranostics based on its SAR Technology Platform for the treatment of cancer in children and adults.

www.claritypharmaceuticals.com

References

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04868604, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04868604 Global Cancer Statistics 2022: GLOBOCAN Estimates of Incidence and Mortality Worldwide for 36 Cancers in 185 Countries, https://acsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.3322/caac.21834 American Cancer Society: Key Statistics for Prostate Cancer, https://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/about/key-statistics.html

For more information, please contact:

Clarity Pharmaceuticals

Dr Alan Taylor Catherine Strong Executive Chairman Investor/Media Relations [email protected] [email protected]

+61 406 759 268

This announcement has been authorised for release by the Executive Chairperson.

SOURCE Clarity Pharmaceuticals
STEVENS POINT, Wis. and MADISON, Wis., Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Sentry Insurance announced it will acquire The General from American Family Insurance.

Sentry will purchase The General from American Family Insurance for approximately $1.1 billion in cash consideration. Including the value of assumed liabilities and required capital, the total transaction value will be $1.7 billion. The transaction is expected to close by year-end 2024, pending regulatory approvals.

This acquisition by Sentry Insurance brings together two of the strongest brands in the non-standard auto industry. Post this

Sentry, a mutual insurance company known for its expertise in business insurance, also provides comprehensive coverage for non-standard auto (NSA), motorcycle, and off-road vehicles through its Dairyland brand. Non-standard auto insurance is for drivers who face challenges obtaining standard auto coverage.

"This acquisition is the largest in our 120-year history. It brings together two of the strongest brands in the non-standard auto industry," said Pete McPartland, Chairman and CEO of Sentry. "Together, Dairyland and The General will be better able to meet the specialized needs of even more drivers across the country. It's an exciting step forward for both companies, and I'm proud of the work our team has done to make this possible."

"As part of our enterprise, The General has grown its revenue more than fivefold, driven consistently profitable business, entered into new states while remaining dedicated and passionate about the customers and the market it serves," said Bill Westrate, Chair and CEO of American Family Insurance. "We've found a strategic and cultural fit in Sentry, where the growth and momentum that The General has will continue. We're confident that Sentry's expertise, strong reputation in this market and employment culture will not only continue to serve The General's customers well but will also ease the transition for The General's employees."

Key Highlights:

Established Brands: Both The General and Dairyland have served NSA customers for more than 60 years. The General, headquartered in Nashville and acquired by American Family in 2012, has served the market since 1963. Middleton, Wis. -based Dairyland was founded in 1953 and acquired by Sentry in 1966.

Both The General and Dairyland have served NSA customers for more than 60 years. The General, headquartered in and acquired by American Family in 2012, has served the market since 1963. -based Dairyland was founded in 1953 and acquired by Sentry in 1966. Strategic Fit: The General has built a strong reputation in direct-to-consumer NSA insurance, while Dairyland is known for serving customers through its independent agent network. For customers, this will mean flexibility in choosing how they want to purchase insurance  whether through an agent or directly - and a seamless overall experience, from claims to customer service.

The General has built a strong reputation in direct-to-consumer NSA insurance, while Dairyland is known for serving customers through its independent agent network. For customers, this will mean flexibility in choosing how they want to purchase insurance  whether through an agent or directly - and a seamless overall experience, from claims to customer service. Parallel Operations: Both brands will continue to operate independently as Sentry and The General work through the integration process.

Both brands will continue to operate independently as Sentry and The General work through the integration process. Growth and Stability: Approximately 1,300 employees from The General will join Sentry's 5,000-strong workforce on January 1, 2025 . They will continue to be headquartered in Nashville .

Sentry was advised on legal matters by Sidley Austin LLP, with J.P. Morgan acting as financial advisor. American Family was advised on legal matters by Foley and Lardner LLP with Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC acting as financial advisor.

About Sentry Insurance

Sentry Insurance is part of a financially secure mutual insurance group in the United States, holding a Financial Strength Rating of A+ (Superior) from AM Best, as of June 2024. Sentry and its subsidiaries offer property and casualty insurance, life insurance, annuities, and retirement programs for businesses and individuals nationwide. Headquartered in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, Sentry employs 5,000 associates across the country. For a complete list of underwriting companies, visit sentry.com.

About American Family Insurance Group

Based in Madison, Wisconsin, American Family Insurance is a mutual holding company and is the nation's 12th-largest property/casualty insurance group, ranking No. 243 on the Fortune 500 list. In AM Best's most recent financial ratings, the credit rating agency affirmed the company's 'A' (excellent) financial strength rating as well as its 'A+' issuer credit rating, and included American Family Insurance on its "Standing the Test of Time" list of insurers who have rated 'A' or higher for 75 years. The Group sells American Family-brand products, primarily through exclusive agency owners in 19 states. The American Family Insurance Group also includes CONNECT, powered by American Family Insurance, The General, Homesite and Main Street America Insurance.

SOURCE Sentry Insurance
Annual Falls Prevention Awareness Week highlights proven ways to reduce the risk of falling



ARLINGTON, Va., Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Council on Aging (NCOA), the national voice for every person's right to age well, is leading the 17th annual Falls Prevention Awareness Week Sept. 23-27, when community organizations nationwide will hold events to educate older adults about how to reduce their risk of a fall.

"Strength and balance exercises, home modifications, and annual eye and hearing exams are just some of the simple steps older adults can take to prevent falls," said Kathleen Cameron, Senior Director at NCOA's Center for Healthy Aging. "Falls are not an inevitable part of growing older, and we want people to know they can take action to reduce their risk."

"We want people to know they can take action to reduce their risk of falling." --Kathleen Cameron, NCOA Post this

Throughout the week, state falls prevention coalitions, senior centers, and other local organizations across the country will offer evidence-based falls prevention programs, workshops, screenings, and more. Partners in cities such as Albuquerque, Seattle, Dallas, and Fort Worth will host events targeted to Native American, Japanese, Chinese, Black, and Hispanic older adults. Participants will explore home safety tips, strength and balance tests, Tai Chi demonstrations, medication reviews, and shoe fit screenings.

NCOA and its partners will also encourage individuals to use the Falls Free CheckUp, a free online tool developed in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Visitors answer 13 yes/no questions to receive a personalized falls risk score and tailored recommendations and resources. The checkup is available in English and Spanish. Materials developed for each of the targeted populations and translated into Spanish, Chinese, and Japanese will be available on ncoa.org.

According to CDC, more than 1 in 4 Americans age 65+ falls each year. Falls are the leading cause of injury-related death in this age group, and they result in more than 3 million injuries, such as hip fractures, broken bones, and brain injuries. Each year about $50 billion is spent on medical costs related to non-fatal fall injuries and $754 million is spent related to fatal falls.

Since 2007, NCOA has hosted Falls Prevention Awareness Week to empower individuals with actionable steps to reduce their risk. This year, NCOA also hosted the Falls Prevention Summit on Sept. 9-10 to advance the national conversation about how to reduce falls among older adults. Policymakers, aging, and health care experts gathered to address gaps and identify new priorities for the National Falls Prevention Action Plan, which was last updated in 2015.

With funding from the U.S. Administration for Community Living (ACL), NCOA leads the National Falls Prevention Resource Center, which supports the implementation and dissemination of evidence-based falls prevention programs nationwide. Last year, ACL awarded NCOA a $4.79 million grant to set up the first ACL Innovation Lab, which will further expand these efforts. In addition, NCOA was recently awarded a $2.5 million grant from ACL to provide capacity building grants for states to strengthen existing falls prevention coalitions or start new coalitions in states where they do not currently exist.

For more information, please visit www.ncoa.org/Falls .

HHS Grant or Cooperative Agreement is NOT funded with other non-governmental sources:

"This National Falls Prevention Awareness Week is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $3 million with 100 percent funding by ACL/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS or the U.S. Government."

About NCOA

The National Council on Aging (NCOA) is the national voice for every person's right to age well. We believe that how we age should not be determined by gender, color, sexuality, income, or zip code. Working with thousands of national and local partners, we provide resources, tools, best practices, and advocacy to ensure every person can age with health and financial security. Founded in 1950, we are the oldest national organization focused on older adults. Learn more at www.ncoa.org and @NCOAging.

View in browser

SOURCE National Council on Aging
BALTIMORE, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Sheppard Pratt is pleased to announce the appointment of three distinguished physician leaders to key positions within its medical staff leadership team. These additions signify Sheppard Pratt's commitment to enhancing the quality of its programs and expanding its impact in mental healthcare through developing new service offerings.

Rajeev Krishna, MD, PhD, MBA, joins Sheppard Pratt from Nationwide Children's Hospital, where he served as associate chief of psychiatry for acute services, medical director for quality improvement, and medical director for inpatient services. Dr. Krishna brings over 15 years of expertise in pediatric psychiatry to Sheppard Pratt having also served as associate professor for The Ohio State University Department of Psychiatry. He completed his Doctor of Medicine at The Ohio State University College of Medicine before pursuing a General Psychiatry Residency and a Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at the University of Michigan Health System.

Michael Hann, MD, MBA, MS, CPE, FACHE, FAPA, joins Sheppard Pratt from Brook Lane Health Services, where he held the role of chief medical officer and spearheaded the creation of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) services. Dr. Hann received his Doctor of Medicine degree from Florida International University, where he was the first MD/MBA graduate in the institution's history. He completed his General Psychiatry residency at the Naval Medical Center San Diego, where he was honored as a Laughlin Fellow by the American College of Psychiatry. Reflecting his commitment to ongoing executive development, he completed the Executive Development Program at The Wharton School.

Ronald Means, MD, joins Sheppard Pratt with extensive experience in outpatient care and community mental health, having previously served as chief medical officer at Catholic Charities of Baltimore. He was instrumental in developing and implementing policies for effective clinical care, supervising a large team of psychiatrists and nurse practitioners, and treating patients in both outpatient and crisis mental healthcare services. He received his Doctor of Medicine from Case Western Reserve School of Medicine and a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Michigan. Dr. Means pursued his General Psychiatry Residency at the University of Maryland and Sheppard Pratt and continued to complete a Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at Johns Hopkins Hospital and a Forensic Psychiatry Fellowship at the University of Maryland.

"We are thrilled to welcome Drs. Krishna, Hann, and Means to our medical leadership team," said Todd Peters, MD, vice president and chief medical officer at Sheppard Pratt. "With a commitment to innovation and excellence, Sheppard Pratt is actively transforming mental health. These leaders will help to propel our mission forward."

In addition to these appointments, Louis J. Marino Jr., MD, continues to serve as chief of medical staff and medical director of geriatric services at Sheppard Pratt, overseeing adult and geriatric inpatient services.

About Sheppard Pratt

Sheppard Pratt is the largest private, nonprofit provider of mental health, substance use, developmental disability, special education, and social services in the country. A nationwide resource, Sheppard Pratt provides services across a comprehensive continuum of care, spanning both hospital- and community-based resources. Since its founding in 1853, Sheppard Pratt has been innovating the field through research, best practice implementation, and a focus on improving the quality of mental health care on a global level. Sheppard Pratt has been consistently recognized as a top national psychiatric hospital by U.S. News & World Report for more than 30 years.

SOURCE Sheppard Pratt
WASHINGTON, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Renowned Japanese social entrepreneur Lin Kobayashi will join the United States-Japan Foundation Board of Trustees in January.

Kobayashi is best known as the co-founder of ISAK, the International School of Asia Karuizawa, which was established in 2014. In 2017, ISAK became part of the United World Colleges (UWC) movement and rebranded to UWC ISAK Japan. The fully residential international high school is now home to 200 students from more than 80 countries, with 70% receiving financial assistance. The high school and its short programs have touched over 1,500 young lives to date.

"We look forward to working with Lin and tapping into her creative energy in deepening our connections to Japan's social impact ecosystem," said USJF Board Chair Lawrence K. Fish.

"I'm honored to serve on the board of USJF," Kobayashi said. "I hope I can contribute in my humble way to further strengthening the impact of the Foundation."

Kobayashi's passion for education began when she received a full scholarship from the Keidanren business organization to study at a boarding high school in Canada. Inspired by that experience, she studied development economics at the University of Tokyo and went on to receive a master's degree in international education administration and policy analysis from Stanford University. She joined the United Nations Children's Fund in the Philippines, where she worked to develop non-formal education programs for street children.

After witnessing severe disparity and injustice firsthand, Kobayashi felt a strong need to develop transformational leaders and change agents. In August 2008, she returned to Japan to work on the ISAK project. She started her career at Morgan Stanley Investment Banking Division and also worked for the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), a government agency overseeing Japan's Official Development Assistance.

She was selected as a "Young Global Leader" by the World Economic Forum in 2012, "Change-maker of the Year 2013" by Nikkei Business, and "Woman of the Year 2015" by Nikkei Woman. She was also one of the 16 Yale Greenberg World Fellows in 2017. She was awarded "Entrepreneur of The Year 2019" in Japan by Ernst & Young, as well as "Bold Woman Award 2021" by Veuve Clicquot.

The UWC movement, founded in the UK in 1962, is an international network of 18 schools and 150 national committees with the shared mission of "making education a force to unite people, nations, and cultures for peace and a sustainable future."

The United States-Japan Foundation was established in 1980 with a mission of improving relations between the two countries. It has since given out more than $100 million in grants and oversees the US-Japan Leadership Program with a network of 500 fellows from the two countries.

Kobayashi will join on the USJF board: Chair Fish, Vice Chair Kohei Itoh, Wendy Cutler, Richard E. Dyck, Arfiya Eri, Colleen Hanabusa, James M. Kondo, Craig M. Mullaney, Santa Ono, Keiko Tashiro, and Donna Tanoue.

For questions, please contact: [email protected]

SOURCE United States-Japan Foundation
Butterfinger returns as the official candy bar of Spirit Halloween with an exclusive costume for adults and fun-sized look for furry friends

EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP, N.J., Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Spirit Halloween serves up two exclusive costumes - one for adults and one for pups - plus an accessory inspired by Butterfinger, the crispety, crunchety, peanut buttery candy bar, for the 2024 Halloween season. This exciting partnership between North America's largest Halloween retailer and the iconic candy bar brand brings a new twist to trick-or-treating, letting fans celebrate Halloween not only by eating their favorite candy but wearing it, too.

Spirit Halloween and Butterfinger Unwrap Exclusive Candy-Inspired Costumes Spirit Halloween and Butterfinger Unwrap Exclusive Candy-Inspired Costumes Spirit Halloween and Butterfinger Unwrap Exclusive Candy-Inspired Costumes

The first officially licensed Butterfinger-inspired costumes are available now, exclusively at SpiritHalloween.com while supplies last. The lineup features:

Butterfinger Candy Bar Costume: Look like a total snack when you roll into the party wearing this three-dimensional jumpsuit featuring the iconic Butterfinger wrapper design. Perfect for Butterfinger lovers looking to bring the crispety, crunchety, peanut buttery treat to life. Available for $39.99 .





Look like a total snack when you roll into the party wearing this three-dimensional jumpsuit featuring the iconic Butterfinger wrapper design. Perfect for Butterfinger lovers looking to bring the crispety, crunchety, peanut buttery treat to life. Available for . Butterfinger Dog Costume: No one knows treats like your canine companion. Furry friends big and small can safely get in on the action, too, with an adorable matching candy bar wrapper-inspired costume for pets ready to trick-or-treat in style. Available for $19.99 .





No one knows treats like your canine companion. Furry friends big and small can safely get in on the action, too, with an adorable matching candy bar wrapper-inspired costume for pets ready to trick-or-treat in style. Available for . Butterfinger Fanny Pack: Got yourself a sweet tooth? You'll love carrying your things in style with this officially licensed Butterfinger Fanny Pack which is sure to make any candy lover smile. Available for $16.99 .

For candy lovers whose taste buds are tingling at the sight of these costumes, Spirit Halloween is giving away free Butterfinger bars and collectible trick-or-treat tote bags at participating stores Friday, September 13  Sunday, September 15 in celebration of the launch. Fans shopping online will also receive a coupon to enjoy Butterfinger.

"We are ecstatic to build upon our partnership with Butterfinger with a program that highlights our shared commitment to delivering unique and fun experiences for Halloween fans," said Kym Sarkos, Executive Vice President at Spirit Halloween. "Butterfinger candy bars have always been a highly coveted addition to any trick-or-treat bag, which inspired us to take the love for Butterfinger to the next level with the first-ever official Butterfinger costumes, and we can't wait to see fans dressed up as the legendary candy bar this Halloween."

If things weren't sweet enough, Spirit Halloween and Butterfinger are giving shoppers a chance to take home a $15,000 prize. Fans can enter for a chance to win by providing their email address at checkout in any Spirit Halloween store or by visiting spirithalloween.com/sweeps to submit an online entry, now through November 3, 2024, 11:59 p.m. ET.*

"We're thrilled to be launching the first-ever Butterfinger Halloween costume in partnership with Spirit Halloween," said Neal Finkler, Vice President, Marketing for the Ferrero Mainstream Chocolate portfolio. "Butterfinger has been a go-to Halloween candy for decades, and now Butterfinger lovers can take their admiration for the brand to the next level. We look forward to continuing to provide new ways for our fans to celebrate Halloween with us."

Visit SpiritHalloween.com and follow @SpiritHalloween on social media to stay up to date on the latest arrivals, store locations, and Halloween essentials.

To satisfy your sweet tooth with the latest Butterfinger news, head to Butterfinger.com and follow Butterfinger on Facebook , Instagram , X and YouTube .

About Spirit Halloween

Spirit Halloween is the largest Halloween retailer in North America. With 1,525 seasonal locations opening soon in strip centers and malls across North America, Spirit is the one-stop destination for all things Halloween. For more than four decades, Spirit has created immersive and interactive experiences for shoppers, complete with a unique and vast assortment of costumes and accessories for infants, toddlers, children, 'tweens, teens, and adults, along with exclusive decor and animatronics you won't find anywhere else. For more information, please visit SpiritHalloween.com.

About Butterfinger

Butterfinger is an iconic American crispety, crunchety, peanut-buttery bar that has been providing one-of-a-kind enjoyment to consumers since 1923. Butterfinger is available nationwide at mass, grocery, and convenience stores. For additional information, please visit Butterfinger.com and stay connected with Butterfinger on Social ( Instagram , Facebook , X (formerly known as Twitter ), and YouTube ).

About Ferrero

Ferrero began its journey in the small town of Alba in Piedmont, Italy, in 1946. Today, it is one of the world's largest sweet-packaged food companies, with over 35 iconic brands sold in more than 170 countries. The Ferrero Group brings joy to people around the world with much-loved treats and snacks including Nutella, Kinder, Tic Tac, and Ferrero Rocher. More than 47,000 employees are passionate about helping people celebrate life's special moments. The Ferrero Group's family culture, now in its third generation, is based on dedication to quality and excellence, heritage and a commitment to the planet and communities in which we operate.

Ferrero entered the North American market in 1969 and has grown to more than 5,400 employees in 15 plants and warehouses, and eight offices in North America across the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean. It has expanded its presence and portfolio with the addition of iconic brands such as Butterfinger, CRUNCH, Keebler, Famous Amos, Mother's Cookies, and other distinctive cookie and chocolate brands. Follow @FerreroNACorp on Twitter and Instagram. www.ferreronorthamerica.com .

Media Contact, Spirit Halloween:

Nikki Balles,

Senior Director of PR

609-645-5514

[email protected]

SOURCE Spirit Halloween
DENVER, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- SSA Group today announced it has been named the first corporate member of the Aquarium Conservation Partnership (ACP).

The Aquarium Conservation Partnership, consisting of leading aquariums and zoos across the country, is dedicated to advancing ocean health through programs that reduce plastic waste, protect marine ecosystems and wildlife, and promote sustainable practices. The partnership with SSA Group exemplifies the company's commitment to making a positive impact on the environment. By being present in nearly 100 zoos and aquariums, SSA's collective power is influencing manufacturers and suppliers globally  to make positive change.

"We are honored to be part of this important partnership. SSA continues to look for ways to enhance our conservation impact, as we reach over 100 million visitors each year," said Sean McNicholas, CEO of SSA Group. "By joining ACP, we are excited to be influencers of change  a core part of the mission of our company."

"We are thrilled to welcome SSA Group as the Aquarium Conservation Partnership's first corporate member," said Kim McIntyre, Executive Director of the Aquarium Conservation Partnership. "Their commitment to environmental stewardship and dedication to protecting our planet for future generations perfectly aligns with our mission. Together, we will strengthen our collective impact and work towards a healthier, more sustainable future for our ocean and freshwater ecosystems and the people and wildlife that depend on them."

"SSA Group is proud to be the first corporate member of the Aquarium Conservation Partnership  demonstrating our ongoing commitment to the important work the partnership does for zoos and aquariums and the millions of guests that visit them each year," said David Rosenberg, Executive Vice President, Growth and Experience for SSA Ventures. "Having worked closely with ACP for a number of years, we're glad to be part of their continued growth and believe that together, we are well-positioned to positively influence the global marketplace of the future."

About the Aquarium Conservation Partnership

The Aquarium Conservation Partnership (ACP) is a coalition of AZA-accredited aquariums and zoos committed to advancing ocean and freshwater conservation. ACP focuses on equity and environmental justice, combatting climate change, reducing plastic pollution, protecting ocean and freshwater ecosystems and wildlife, advancing the sustainability of fisheries and aquaculture, and promoting sustainable business practices. Through partnerships with leading businesses and organizations, ACP inspires action and drives solutions to the most pressing issues facing our ocean planet today. To learn more, visit: https://www.aquariumconservation.org/

About SSA Group

SSA Group partners with cultural attractions across the United States to maximize their mission and streamline the guest experience across a variety of integrated services. SSA makes visits to cultural attractions unique and memorable for more than 100 million guests annually. With a focus on sustainability, technology, and people, SSA Group brings products you can feel good about, smart technology to create efficiencies, and friendly staff to each guest's visit. Built by families, for families, SSA Group is a family-owned business headquartered in Denver, CO. To learn more, visit: https://thessagroup.com/

SOURCE SSA Group
News outlets are urged to use best practices for ethically reporting on suicide

NEW YORK, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The following statement is from Dr. Christine Yu Moutier, Chief Medical Officer of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) :

We commend Jon Bon Jovi, his team, and the Nashville police for their life-saving actions on Tuesday. Everyone has a role to play in preventing suicide. Together, we can learn the suicide risk factors and warning signs, and encourage those who struggle to seek help.

News outlets are urged to use best practices for ethically reporting on suicide Post this

Research has shown that the media plays a critical role in a public health approach to preventing suicide. How we talk about suicide in our society can influence the health outcomes of those who are vulnerable. We urge all media covering suicide in any instance, whether a death or an attempt, to focus on ethical reporting and to guide people to information and resources for help.

It is extremely important to take great care when reporting on structures, such as bridges, in relation to suicide. The risk for suicide contagion is possible when certain details such as images of locations of attempts or inclusion of potential lethal means are shared widely in media.

As a matter of public health, we ask that reporters covering bridge-related suicide attempts refrain from sensationalizing details that could contribute to suicide contagion. Including visual images of the location of an attempt, and particularly bridges which are used as a potential method for suicide, can be dangerous in reporting. Vivid imagery of the bridge and in a way that makes the specific location of the bridge identifiable or paints a picture of what the fall would look like can be harmful, therefore, we recommend avoiding any photos and videos of bridges in reporting.

Rather, focus on the hopeful message and the fact that suicide can be preventable. According to research, sharing stories of hope and recovery, along with mental health or crisis resources can reduce suicide contagion. Showing the manner in which people are overcoming their struggles can also be modeled, encouraging people to seek support to address their own struggles. It shows them that thriving is possible and engaging in support and treatment are helpful. Ethical reporting can ultimately be a protective factor for society to address this public health crisis.

Please reference our full recommendations here for responsibly reporting on suicide. To ethically and accurately cover suicide, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) asks that media adhere to the following guidelines:

Do not include details, images or video of lethal means or methods used, which can negatively affect those who are struggling and research has shown this to increase the likelihood of suicide contagion.

Inform the audience without sensationalizing the suicide. Exclude images or graphic depictions of a suicide death, such as details and location of death, and avoid glamorizing the method used. While counterintuitive to do in newsrooms, it's important these details are minimized to the degree possible.

Do not share notes left behind, which can create sensationalism and pose risk to vulnerable people.

Do not refer to a suicide attempt as "successful," "unsuccessful" or as a "failed attempt," and do not use the word "committed." Instead, use "attempted suicide," "died by suicide" or "took his/her life."

Avoid using sensationalist language in headlines and that indicate the method, and avoid using the word suicide in the headline. We also recommend considering the placement of stories within the media platform or newscast so as not to lead with or prominently place these stories on front pages or at the top of the newscast. Research shows that prominent placement of these stories increase the risk of suicide contagion.

Avoid reporting that a suicide death was "caused" by a single event, such as a job loss or divorce, since research shows no one takes their life for one single reason, but rather a combination of factors (which you can learn about at afsp.org/signs ). Reporting a single "cause" leaves the public with an overly simplistic and misleading understanding of suicide.

). Reporting a single "cause" leaves the public with an overly simplistic and misleading understanding of suicide. Research shows suicide is a complex health issue. Therefore, especially when the individual has been open about experiencing a mental health condition, it can be helpful to frame the death in terms of a tragic health outcome the individual succumbed to.

Always provide helpline information  "If you are in crisis, please call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741."

We must do more to prevent tragic deaths through greater awareness of mental health, common risk factors and warning signs of suicide, and effective interventions and treatments. To learn more and view additional resources, visit our website at www.afsp.org .

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide, including those who have experienced a loss . AFSP creates a culture that's smart about mental health through public education and community programs, develops suicide prevention through research and advocacy, and provides support for those affected by suicide. Led by CEO Robert Gebbia and headquartered in New York, with a public policy office in Washington, D.C., AFSP has local chapters in all 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico, with programs and events nationwide. Learn more about AFSP in its latest Annual Report and join the conversation on suicide prevention by following AFSP on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , YouTube , LinkedIn and TikTok .

SOURCE American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
BANGALORE, India, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Surgical Microscopes Market By Application (Dentistry, Ent, Gynecology & Urology, Neurosurgery & Spine Surgery, Oncology, Ophthalmology, Plastic And Reconstructive Surgeries), By End-User (Hospitals, Outpatient Facilities), By Price Range (Low-Range, Mid-Range, Premium-Range), : Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2020-2030.

The Global Surgical Microscopes Market size was valued at USD 612.79 Million in 2020, and is projected to reach USD 1,399.09 Million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 8.6% from 2021 to 2030.

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Major Factors Driving Surgical Microscopes Market

The global market for surgical microscopes is witnessing significant growth, driven by increasing demand across various medical fields such as neurosurgery, ophthalmology, ENT, and orthopedics. These microscopes enhance surgical precision, offering high-resolution magnification that allows for better visualization during complex procedures. The growing prevalence of chronic conditions like cataracts, neurological disorders, and bone-related issues, especially in aging populations, is propelling the need for advanced surgical equipment. Additionally, the rise of minimally invasive surgeries and the expansion of outpatient and ambulatory surgical centers are further boosting the adoption of surgical microscopes. Technological advancements, such as the integration of robotics and 3D imaging, are also contributing to the market's rapid growth, particularly in regions like Asia-Pacific, where healthcare investments and medical tourism are on the rise.

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TRENDS INFLUENCING THE GROWTH OF THE SURGICAL MICROSCOPES MARKET:

The rising demand for surgical microscopes in ear, nose, and throat (ENT) surgeries is a key driver of market growth. These procedures often require extreme precision, particularly in delicate regions such as the inner ear or nasal cavities. Surgical microscopes enhance the surgeon's ability to perform intricate tasks with greater accuracy. The increasing prevalence of ENT conditions like sinusitis and otitis media is further fueling this demand. Moreover, as awareness of the benefits of minimally invasive ENT surgeries grows, healthcare providers are investing in cutting-edge surgical microscopes, propelling the market forward.

Ophthalmology plays a significant role in the expansion of the surgical microscope market due to the need for precision in eye surgeries. Procedures such as cataract removal, retinal repairs, and glaucoma treatment rely heavily on high magnification and clear visualization, which are provided by advanced surgical microscopes. With the growing incidence of eye diseases like cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), particularly among the aging population, the demand for ophthalmic surgeries is on the rise. Consequently, healthcare facilities are adopting advanced technology, further boosting the demand for surgical microscopes in this sector.

The increasing number of outpatient facilities is a critical factor in the growing demand for surgical microscopes. Outpatient surgeries are gaining popularity because they are more cost-effective and convenient, allowing patients to avoid prolonged hospital stays. In these settings, surgical microscopes are essential, particularly for minimally invasive procedures, as they improve accuracy and efficiency. The rise of ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs) and a broader shift towards outpatient care are contributing to the increased need for compact, advanced surgical microscopes, driving market growth.

ASCs are increasingly influencing the demand for surgical microscopes, as they provide a more affordable alternative to hospital-based surgeries. These centers frequently conduct outpatient procedures requiring precise visualization, such as ophthalmic and ENT surgeries. As ASCs continue to expand, their need for high-performance, compact surgical microscopes is growing, further fueling the market.

Neurosurgical procedures are highly complex, necessitating advanced equipment like surgical microscopes to improve visualization. The rising number of neurological conditions, such as brain tumors, aneurysms, and spinal disorders, has led to an increase in neurosurgical interventions. Surgical microscopes allow surgeons to operate with greater precision, lowering the risk of complications. This trend is driving the need for more advanced microscopes as the demand for neurosurgical procedures continues to grow. Orthopedic surgeries, including spinal fusions and joint replacements, are becoming more common, particularly in an aging population. These procedures often require enhanced precision, which surgical microscopes provide. The growing incidence of bone-related conditions has resulted in increased demand for microscopes that offer superior visualization, allowing surgeons to perform complex procedures with greater success. This trend is particularly evident in specialized orthopedic centers, contributing to the overall market growth.

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SURGICAL MICROSCOPES MARKET SHARE

The Asia-Pacific region is projected to witness the fastest growth, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.9% during the forecast period. This rapid expansion can be attributed to rising healthcare investments, an increase in medical tourism, and growing awareness of advanced surgical techniques in the region.

Key Companies:

Alltion (Wuzhou) Co Ltd

Alcon Laboratories Inc

Olympus Corporation

ARRI

Carl Zeiss

Global Surgical Corporation

Topcon Medical Systems; Inc.

Takagi Seiko Co. Ltd

Haag-Streit U.S.

Leica Microsystem GmbH

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NEW YORK, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report on how AI is driving market transformation- The global sustainable palm oil market size is estimated to grow by USD 2.74 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5.24% during the forecast period. Growing demand for trans-fat-free products among end-users is driving market growth, with a trend towards advancements in sustainable cultivation methods. However, rising availability of substitutes for sustainable palm oil poses a challenge. Key market players include Asian Agri, Astra Agro Lestari, Beiersdorf AG, Bumitama Agri Ltd, Bunge Ltd., Cargill Inc., Clariant AG, European Palm Oil Alliance, Felda Global Ventures Holdings Berhad (FGV), Ferrero International S.A., First Resources Limited, Genting Plantations Berhad, Golden Agri-Resources Ltd, Hap Seng Plantations Holdings Berhad, IOI Corp. Berhad, Kuala Lumpur Kepong Berhad, Musim Mas Group, Olam Group Ltd., Sampoerna Agro, Sarawak Oil Palms Berhad, Solidaridad Network Asia Ltd, Unilever PLC, United Plantations Berhad, Wilmar International Ltd., and ZSL.

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global sustainable palm oil market 2024-2028

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Forecast period 2024-2028 Base Year 2023 Historic Data 2018 - 2022 Segment Covered Type (Edible oil, Surfactants, Biofuels, and Others), Distribution Channel (Offline and Online), and Geography (APAC, Europe, Middle East and Africa, North America, and South America) Region Covered APAC, Europe, Middle East and Africa, North America, and South America Key companies profiled Asian Agri, Astra Agro Lestari, Beiersdorf AG, Bumitama Agri Ltd, Bunge Ltd., Cargill Inc., Clariant AG, European Palm Oil Alliance, Felda Global Ventures Holdings Berhad (FGV), Ferrero International S.A., First Resources Limited, Genting Plantations Berhad, Golden Agri-Resources Ltd, Hap Seng Plantations Holdings Berhad, IOI Corp. Berhad, Kuala Lumpur Kepong Berhad, Musim Mas Group, Olam Group Ltd., Sampoerna Agro, Sarawak Oil Palms Berhad, Solidaridad Network Asia Ltd, Unilever PLC, United Plantations Berhad, Wilmar International Ltd., and ZSL

Key Market Trends Fueling Growth

The sustainable palm oil market has seen notable progress in the implementation of eco-friendly cultivation techniques. Agroforestry, a promising approach, integrates oil palm farming with diverse tree species, promoting biodiversity, ecological resilience, and enhanced carbon sequestration. High-yielding palm oil varieties, such as crude palm oil and palm kernel oil, have emerged through breeding and cultivation advancements. Precision agriculture technologies, including drone-based monitoring and data-driven decision-making, optimize resource utilization and minimize environmental impact. Initiatives focusing on sustainable intensification maximize yields on existing agricultural land, ensuring increased productivity without compromising ecological and social stewardship. These factors are driving the growth of the global sustainable palm oil market.

The sustainable palm oil market is on the rise as businesses and consumers prioritize ethical and environmentally friendly production. Deforestation and wildlife habitat destruction linked to palm oil production are major concerns, leading to extinction of various species. To address this, product labeling and procurement practices focusing on certified sustainable palm oil are key trends. Palm oil, in various forms like Red Palm Oil, White Palm Oil, Fractional Palm Oil, and Palm Kernel Oil, is used in numerous industries including biofuels, soap and detergents, cosmetics, confectionery products, margarine, ice cream, pet food, and beverages. Ethical production from small farmers and minimizing detrimental effects on social and environmental perspectives are crucial. The beverage, biofuel, and energy sectors, as well as the personal care industry, are significant palm oil importers and exporters. Peatlands and habitat destruction are areas of concern, with fractionated palm oil and palm oil in the food and beverage, biofuel and energy, and plant-based products sectors needing careful consideration. Producers, exporters, and cultivators must work together to ensure sustainable practices and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

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Market Challenges

The sustainable palm oil market faces challenges due to the availability and utilization of substitutes, primarily vegetable oils like sunflower, soybean, and rapeseed oil. These alternatives have gained popularity in various industries and product formulations due to consumer concerns regarding the environmental and social impacts of palm oil production. This shift in demand has negatively affected the palm oil industry, including sustainable palm oil, in certain market segments. Additionally, advancements in biofuel production and alternative feedstocks have led to competition for palm oil-based biofuels. Emerging technologies for extracting oil from non-agricultural sources, such as microbial and algae-based oils, also pose potential threats to the sustainable palm oil market. These factors are expected to limit the growth of the global sustainable palm oil market during the forecast period.

The palm oil market faces significant challenges in the production of common goods like confectionery products, margarine, ice cream, pet food, and processed foods. Ethical and environmental concerns persist, as palm oil cultivation can lead to detrimental effects on habitats and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. The beverage industry, biofuel, energy sector, personal care, and biofuels sector are major consumers. Small farmers and cultivators play a crucial role in production, but habitat destruction, particularly in peatlands, remains a concern. Fractionated palm oil used in various industries, including food and beverage, biofuel and energy, and plant-based products, adds complexity. Producers, exporters, and the biofuel industry must adopt sustainable production methods to mitigate these challenges. Sustainable alternatives like organic palm oil and biodiesel from crude oil offer potential solutions. The hospitality sector also has a role to play in promoting sustainable palm oil use.

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Segment Overview

This sustainable palm oil market report extensively covers market segmentation by

Type

1.1 Edible oil

1.2 Surfactants

1.3 Biofuels

1.4 Others

Distribution Channel

2.1 Offline

2.2 Online

Geography

3.1 APAC

3.2 Europe

3.3 Middle East and Africa

and 3.4 North America

3.5 South America

1.1 Edible oil- The sustainable palm oil market refers to the production and trade of palm oil that adheres to environmentally responsible practices. This segment of the market prioritizes the preservation of natural resources, protection of ecosystems, and the welfare of local communities. Consumers' growing awareness of the environmental and social concerns related to palm oil production has significantly boosted demand for sustainable palm oil in the edible oil sector. Major food manufacturers and retailers are responding to this trend by committing to source only sustainable palm oil for their products. The RSPO certification is a leading standard for sustainable palm oil production, setting environmental and social criteria for cultivation. These factors are expected to fuel the expansion of the global sustainable palm oil market in the coming years.

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Research Analysis

Sustainable palm oil is a critical issue in today's market, with growing concerns over its production's impact on deforestation, wildlife habitat, and extinction. Deforestation caused by palm oil cultivation threatens the homes of numerous species and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Product labeling and procurement practices play a crucial role in promoting ethical production and minimizing detrimental effects. Palm oil, in various forms such as Red Palm Oil, White Palm Oil, Fractional Palm Oil, and Palm Kernel Oil, is used in a wide range of common goods, including food, cosmetics, and biofuels. The beverage industry is a significant consumer, while producers, exporters, cultivators, and the biofuel industry are key players. Sustainable alternatives to palm oil, such as crude oil and organic options, are being explored to mitigate these concerns. Small farmers also play a role in the production process, and their involvement in sustainable practices is essential for a more ethical and environmentally friendly industry.

Market Research Overview

Sustainable palm oil is a critical issue in today's market, with increasing awareness of the detrimental effects of traditional palm oil production on deforestation, wildlife habitat, and extinction. Product labeling and procurement practices play a crucial role in promoting ethical and environmentally sustainable production. Palm oil is used in various industries, including biofuels, soap and detergents, cosmetics, confectionery products, margarine, ice cream, pet food, and many processed goods. The vegetable oil comes in different forms, such as Red Palm Oil, White Palm Oil, Palm Kernel Oil, Fractional Palm Oil, and Fractionated Palm Oil. The online and offline markets are significant for palm oil sales, with key sectors including the beverage industry, biofuel and energy, personal care, palm oil exports, and the hospitality sector. Small farmers, cultivators, producers, exporters, and the biofuel industry are all involved in the palm oil supply chain. Sustainable production is essential to minimize habitat damage and greenhouse gas emissions, with organic and conventional options available. The use of palm oil in biodiesel and as a sustainable alternative to crude oil is also growing. However, the industry faces challenges such as habitat destruction, peatlands, and the conversion of forests into oil palm plantations. It is essential to adopt sustainable practices to ensure a sustainable future for palm oil production.

Table of Contents:

1 Executive Summary

2 Market Landscape

3 Market Sizing

4 Historic Market Size

5 Five Forces Analysis

6 Market Segmentation

Type

Edible Oil



Surfactants



Biofuels



Others

Distribution Channel

Offline



Online

Geography

APAC



Europe



Middle East And Africa



North America



South America

7 Customer Landscape

8 Geographic Landscape

9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends

10 Company Landscape

11 Company Analysis

12 Appendix

About Technavio

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions.

With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

Contacts

Technavio Research

Jesse Maida

Media & Marketing Executive

US: +1 844 364 1100

UK: +44 203 893 3200

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.technavio.com/

SOURCE Technavio
HANOVER, Mass., Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Brain Aneurysm Foundation (BAF), the leading advocacy organization supporting education, research, and policy to transform the treatment of brain aneurysms, marked its 30th anniversary today by convening at its annual meeting leaders from medicine, government, and academia to highlight emerging research and advocacy initiatives to support the needs of patients, caregivers, and survivors.

Moving into its fourth decade, the BAF remains focused on increasing Federal funding for brain aneurysm research, raising awareness to better address the long-term financial impact on families that provide long-term care to survivors, while ensuring access to and reimbursement for potential life-saving imaging for individuals at high risk of rupture. At its symposium, being held today in Boston, the BAF is also recognizing 15 academic researchers with funds to support a range of programs to predict, detect, and treat brain aneurysms. These include efforts that use artificial intelligence to predict the likelihood of aneurysm formation, next-generation imaging to better detect and identify aneurysms, and research on the potential use of embedded sensors and blood tests to predict ruptures.

Featured speakers at today's events include Dr. Walter Koroshetz, Director of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke and Tom Nolan, CEO of leading fashion brand Kendra Scott.

"It is tremendously gratifying to be part of a grassroots community that is so highly engaged and aligned around the pressing needs of those impacted by brain aneurysms and to fund innovative programs that advance early detection, prevention, and treatment," said Christine Buckley, Executive Director of the BAF. "Having grantees come together with those that fund their work creates a direct connection and shows the immediate impact of their donations. Our goal, however, remains to increase the pace of progress while ensuring at-risk individuals are provided access to scans so doctors can intervene before a rupture."

It is estimated that one in fifty people in the US have a brain aneurysm, with more than 30,000 people suffering from ruptures annually, of which half are fatal. Moreover, studies show that between one and four percent of all people who go to the emergency room for a severe headache have a ruptured aneurysm  though approximately 25 percent of those individuals will be misdiagnosed or have a delayed diagnosis. Currently, Medicare only covers the cost of imaging once two members of a family have been impacted by a brain aneurysm, providing a critical gap in coverage for those who may be genetically pre-disposed to rupture.

"The shocking loss of my sister to a brain aneurysm over a decade ago continues to impact my family profoundly. Seeing how suddenly ruptures can claim the lives of young, otherwise healthy individuals, often with so little warning, makes it critical for everyone to be aware of the signs and symptoms to avoid these tragic outcomes," said Tom Nolan, CEO of Kendra Scott. "I am deeply appreciative of the BAF's commitment to education, and I'm inspired by the work of everyone in the brain aneurysm community and their focus on preventing this disease."

The BAF was founded in 1994 by Dr. Christopher Ogilvy and Deidre Buckley, N.P., who started the foundation as an extension of their practice at Mass General Hospital and later Beth Israel Hospital in Boston. Through their work with patients, it was clear that surgical interventions were only the start of a patient's journey. Over the past three decades, the organization has become the leading advocate for patients, providing essential resources, working with physicians globally on educational initiatives and with first responders so they may better recognize the signs of a brain aneurysm. During that period, the BAF has also been responsible for:

Raising and distributing millions of dollars in research funding to academic researchers in the US and Canada

Establishing a nationwide network of advocates to lead educational programming and regional support groups

Leading medical education program for physicians regarding early detection, diagnosis, screening, and treatment options

Advocating for greater insurance coverage for vital brain scans to detect aneurysms

Recognition of "Brain Aneurysm Awareness Month" (September)

Driving Congressional support for "Ellie's Law" to increase NIH funding for brain aneurysm research, which now includes hundreds of signatories from the US House and Senate

"The Brain Aneurysm Foundation's advocacy in the treatment of brain aneurysms is vitally important for promoting the health and safety of our residents in Boston and beyond," said Boston Mayor Michelle Wu. "As a family member of a loved one who suffered an aneurysm, I am honored to join the foundation in celebrating this tremendous milestone and the continuation of their efforts through these research grants. Through this partnership, we will continue to fight to raise awareness, fund research, improve outcomes, and save lives."

"When we first learned that my son was in the hospital with a brain aneurysm, we didn't know anything about the disease or what it meant for his future," said Joe O'Leary of Medford, Mass., whose son Michael suffered a rupture when he was nineteen years old. "The BAF was the first place we searched for information, and they provided the background needed to understand the disease and what we should expect during his recovery. The BAF also provided an instant community where we could interact with other affected families. From support groups to webinars, to being a part of advocacy efforts and fundraising, the BAF has become an extension of our family and an important partner in Michael's recovery."

About the Brain Aneurysm Foundation

Based in Hanover, Massachusetts, the Brain Aneurysm Foundation is the globally recognized leader in brain aneurysm awareness, education, support, advocacy, and research funding. The foundation's mission is to provide information about and raise awareness of the symptoms and risk factors of brain aneurysms to prevent ruptures and subsequent death and disability; work with medical communities to provide support networks for patients and families; and advance research to improve patients' outcomes and save lives.

Established in 1994, the foundation has a Medical Advisory Board that comprises more than 40 of the world's foremost aneurysm experts  neurologists, neurosurgeons, interventional neuroradiologists, and other brain aneurysm specialists  from leading hospitals and universities.

For more information about the Brain Aneurysm Foundation, please visit bafound.org or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Instagram, and YouTube.

Media Contact:

Lynn Nuttall

Director of Marketing and Communications

Brain Aneurysm Foundation

781-826-5556 x 208

[email protected]

bafound.org

SOURCE Brain Aneurysm Foundation
Featuring a limited-edition holiday collection designed in partnership with artist duo Public/Official

NEW YORK, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Since 1851, Kiehl's has been committed to delivering joy with holiday gifts everyone will love (and actually keep).

This year, in line with Kiehl's longstanding tradition of collaborating with some of the world's most prominent and well-known artists, the brand partnered with design studio duo Public/Official to deliver a modern, yet edgy visual universe for the Kiehl's 2024 holiday limited-edition collection.

Courtesy of Kiehl's Since 1851, Double Down on Hydration, $74.00 ($106.00 Value)

Inspired by Public/Official's graphic portfolio and colorful aesthetic, the highly giftable collection features fun, elevated editions of cult-favorite Kiehl's products perfect for anyone and everyone's personalized skin needs, including the Rare Earth Deep Pore Minimizing Clay Mask, and Ultra Facial Cream.

The Kiehl's x Public/Official Exclusive Holiday Collection

Open For Advent-Ure, Advent Calendar $148 ($293 Value): Gift a collection of our best-selling formulas with Kiehl's holiday advent calendar. Reveal serums, cleansers and other surprise formulas from behind each door.

Double Down on Hydration, $74 ($106 Value): Discover hydrated, healthy-looking skin with Kiehl's best-selling moisturizer set. Wrapped in holiday packaging, this customer favorite makes for the perfect gift.

An Avo Toast to Bright Eyes, $79 ($120 Value): This holiday season, awaken your eyes with the gift of joyful hydration and rejuvenation with the help of our avocado-infused eye cream duo!

Head-to-Toe Hydrators, $46 ($68 Value): Head-to-toe holiday hydration is one gift away with this classic collection of four moisturizing essentials for your face and your body.

Keeping Up with Kiehl's, $98 ($148 Value): Discover our Keeping Up With Kiehl's Gift Set for all of your daily skincare needs. Cleanse, hydrate, treat, and protect for your best skincare routine yet.

Daily Defenders for the Ages, $86 ($117 Value): Discover Kiehl's men's formulas to revitalize skin & visibly reduce signs of aging. Wrapped in holiday exclusive packaging, this set is perfect to give or keep!

Fresh Start Daily Essentials, $47 ($68 Value): Discover Kiehl's men's energizing essentials for healthy-looking skin. Wrapped in festive bagged packaging, this set makes the perfect holiday gift.

Hydration Starts Here, $30 ($40 Value): Give the gift of moisturized, healthy skin with Kiehl's best-selling hydrating cleanser and moisturizer duo. Holiday hydration is one gift away!

About the Artist

Richard spent nearly two decades as a founding partner and creative lead of South African branding consultancy, Disturbance which built a reputation as one of the country's most influential creative shops and regularly ranked among South Africa's top ten agencies despite deliberately staying small.

Heidi co-founded award-winning Cape Town design studio, Daddy Buy Me a Pony before moving to New York in 2008, where she co-founded the African-inspired design brand, Mr. Somebody & Mr. Nobody. Her work spans brand identity, web, print, textiles, and spaces and she has worked for clients that include Comme des Garcons, Nike, The New Yorker, The New York Times, Victoria and Albert Museum, Kipling and numerous boutique hotels and restaurants.

PR Contact:

Rachel Weinstock

[email protected]

SOURCE Kiehl's Since 1851
Founder and CEO David Freese becomes Chairman as COO Brett Garrett takes the helm as CEO

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Titan Cloud, the leading Fuel Asset Optimization software platform provider, today announced a significant milestone: the company has doubled its customer base and revenue in the last two years, driven by rising demand for its fuel optimization and supply and logistics solutions. This growth has enabled Titan Cloud to expand into new global markets, further boosting its market potential.

Founder and CEO David Freese becomes Chairman as COO Brett Garrett takes the helm as CEO

As the company celebrates this success, Titan Cloud is also undergoing a planned leadership transition. David Freese, Founder and CEO will transition from his executive role to serve as Chairman of the Board, while Brett Garrett, formerly Chief Operating Officer (COO), has been named Titan Cloud's new CEO.

This leadership change reflects Titan Cloud's ongoing commitment to software innovation, delivering exceptional customer value, and attracting top industry talent. Furthermore, Brett Garrett's appointment as CEO signals our continued focus on delivering results. His proven track record will drive global growth and advance our position as the leading provider of downstream fuel supply chain software.

"After leading Titan Cloud since its inception in 2012, I'm proud to pass the torch to Brett, who has been instrumental to our success as COO," said David Freese. "This carefully planned transition aligns with our vision for the future and reflects our confidence in Brett's ability to guide Titan Cloud into its next chapter. I look forward to supporting the company in my role as Chairman of the Board."

David, a visionary leader who has steered Titan Cloud through transformative milestonesincluding the evolution from a robust environmental compliance solution to the industry's premier end-to-end fuel platformwill continue to guide the company's strategic direction as Chairman. David added, "I am incredibly proud of our journey at Titan Cloud. Brett's exceptional leadership and deep understanding of our business makes him the ideal successor to drive us forward."

Brett brings with him a wealth of experience, having transformed Titan Cloud's operations during a period of rapid change and growth. His deep business insight and strong leadership skills make him ideally suited to lead Titan Cloud through its next phase of expansion.

"Titan Cloud is a high-growth software company that is leading the charge in the fuel industry. I am honored to step into this role and drive our unwavering commitment as the premier fuel platform for customers who need to swiftly navigate market shifts," said Brett Garrett. "With David's support and the expertise of our exceptional team, the future of Titan Cloud has never been brighter."

Titan Cloud's market leadership is evident in a series of recent partnerships and customer wins, including:

A key partnership with the largest U.S. supermarket operator, expanding its reach to 35 states and 2,100 sites.

Enhancing scalable growth for mid-sized fuel retailers like Pops Mart and Times Oil through its Fuel Asset Optimization platform.

Expanded presence in Europe and North Africa through strategic acquisitions and partnerships, while also strengthening its position in the Middle East with Kuwaiti fuel marketer SOOR.

For customers and partners, this transition reinforces stability and sets the stage for continued success. Titan Cloud remains committed to delivering the most comprehensive fuel management solutions in the industry. Looking ahead, Brett Garrett added, "Within the next three years, Titan Cloud will be an even more dominant force in the downstream fuel supply chain industry. Our trajectory is set, and we are poised to lead on a global scale."

About Titan Cloud

Titan Cloud provides an industry-leading Fuel Asset Optimization software platform to help customers effectively decrease fuel supply and logistics costs, reduce environmental compliance risk, lower maintenance costs, and increase revenue. Entrusted by a customer base that includes the biggest names in the retail petroleum industry and commercial fleet market, Titan's software platform currently monitors 50% of all U.S. consumer gasoline throughput and covers more than 85,000 facilities. Working with this extensive network enables Titan to provide its customers with compelling data and analytics that they can use to manage risk and fuel profit. Launched in 2012, the company is headquartered near Nashville, Tennessee. Learn more at www.titancloud.com.

SOURCE Titan Cloud Software
The travel insurance covers the expenses incurred and minimizes the risks during travel. It offers coverage in situations such as trip cancellation due to a medical emergency, loss of baggage, evacuation due to medical condition or hijack, loss of travel documents, and others.

WILMINGTON, Del., Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Travel Insurance Market by Age Group (1-17 Years Old, 18-30 Years Old, 31-49 Years Old, and Above 50 Years), Insurance Cover (Single-Trip Travel Insurance, Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance, and Long-Stay Travel Insurance), End User (Senior Citizens, Education Travelers, Business Travelers, Family Travelers, and Others), and Distribution Channel (Airlines, Bank, Insurance Company, Online Travel Agency (OTA), Railway Operators, Travel Agents/Tour Operators, and Others): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2024-2033". According to the report, the travel insurance market was valued at $22.6 billion in 2023, and is estimated to reach $143.5 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 20.1% from 2024 to 2033.

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The travel insurance covers the expenses incurred and minimizes the risks during travel. It offers coverage in situations such as trip cancellation due to a medical emergency, loss of baggage, evacuation due to medical condition or hijack, loss of travel documents, and others. The travel insurance providers are executing travel rules & regulations and developing their existing offering by implementing advanced technologies that addresses a variety of customized coverages in the market, which is expected to fuel the growth of the travel insurance market. This report features information on travel insurance offered by key vendors. Furthermore, it highlights the strategies of key players to improve the market share and sustain competition.

(We are providing report as per your research requirement, including the Latest Industry Insight's Evolution, Potential and COVID-19 Impact Analysis)

182  Tables

72  Charts

200  Pages

Prime Determinants of Growth

The travel insurance market is driven by an increase in emergency and medical expenses, rapid growth in tourism, and rise in baby boomer travel. However, lack of awareness regarding benefits related to travel insurance and low penetration level and fewer written policies of travel insurance restrain market growth to some extent. Nevertheless, expansion of existing travel insurance products and services and new technological developments in the travel insurance industry are expected to offer ample growth opportunities in the upcoming years.

Report Coverage & Details:

Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 20232033 Base Year 2023 Market Size in 2023 $22.6 billion Market Size in 2033 $143.5billion CAGR 20.1 % No. of Pages in Report 200 Segments Covered Insurance Cover, Distribution Channel, End User, Age Group, and Region Drivers  Increase in emergency and medical expenses  Rapid growth in tourism  Rise in baby boomer travel Opportunities  Expansion of existing travel insurance products and services  New technological developments in the travel insurance industry Restraints  Lack of awareness regarding benefits related to travel insurance  Low penetration level and fewer written policies of travel insurance

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The single-trip travel insurance segment to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period

By insurance cover, the single-trip travel insurance segment held the highest market share in 2023, and is estimated to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period, this was attributed to single-trip travel insurance covering a combination of eventualities including trip cancellation, injury and illness, public liability, emergency repatriation loss of baggage, and others, whether consumers are visiting multiple destinations or countries. Key growth factors include customized coverages that are covered under this policy and are available at an extra premium cost, depending on customer needs and demands. However, the long stay travel insurance segment is projected to manifest the highest CAGR from 2023 to 2033, as this policy is largely purchased by backpackers, and travelers on sabbaticals. Further, backpackers can work in countries they visit, which is expected to increase their stay; thereby, leading to an increase in sales of long stay insurance policies in the market.

The family travelers' segment is dominating the market in 2023

By end user, the family travelers segment held the highest market share in 2023, accounting for more than one-fourth of the travel insurance market revenue, this is attributed to several key factors such as rise in multigenerational travel trend among families, which is expected to lead to increase in demand for travel insurance policies. In addition, due to the increase in adventure travel packages, families are traveling with children above 18 years of age, as the young generation of travel influencers is growing rapidly; thereby boosting the growth of the segment. However, the business travelers segment is projected to manifest the highest CAGR from 2023 to 2033. The growing network of co-working and remote workers is rapidly integrating into the corporate travel booking ecosystem. This growing demand for corporate travel experience, including booking, expenses, customized travel insurance policies, trip management, and others, is becoming a major trend.

The 31-49 years old segment is dominating the market in 2023

By age group, the 31-49 years segment held the highest market share in 2023, this is attributed to several key factors such as 31-49 years old are more likely to opt for travel insurance as they often seek out adventure activities, unique experiences, and off-the-beaten-path destinations. In addition, they are more likely to participate in activities such as hiking, diving, or extreme sports. As a result, they may look for travel insurance that covers a wide range of adventure activities and offers higher limits for medical coverage and emergency evacuation in case of accidents. However, the 18-30 years old segment is projected to manifest the highest CAGR from 2023 to 2033. 1830-year-olds have realized the importance and need to stay protected, thereby creating a safety net for themselves and their loved ones. Therefore, there has also been a steady rise in demand for health insurance. In addition, the younger generation is looking forward to a personalized and better customized insurance policy with personalized options and flexibility in payment along with the digital first approach for insurance.

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North America to maintain its dominance by 2033

Region wise, North America held the highest market share in terms of revenue in 2023, as domestic and international travel insurance has witnessed stable growth over the past five years, primarily due to increasing baggage loss with 1.77 mishandled bags per 1,000 passengers annually and growing need to compensate against the losses. Furthermore, the total number of missing cases increased drastically due to Asia-Pacific having the largest number of travelers.

Leading Market Players: -

Allianz Partners

American International Group, Inc.

Assicurazioni Generali S.p.A

Aviva Plc.

AXA

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company

Chubb Limited

ERGO Travel Insurance Services Ltd.

Seven Corners, Inc.

Insurefor.com

Just Insurance Agents Limited

PassportCard Deutschland GmbH

TICORP Limited

Trailfinders Ltd.

Zurich Insurance Company Ltd

The report provides a detailed analysis of these key players in the travel insurance market. These players have adopted different strategies such as expansion, merger, and product launch to increase their market share and maintain dominant shares in different regions. The report is valuable in highlighting business performance, operating segments, product portfolio, and strategic moves of market players to showcase the competitive scenario.

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Key Benefits for Stakeholders

This report provides a quantitative analysis of the market segments, current trends, estimations, and dynamics of the travel insurance market analysis from 2023 to 2033 to identify the prevailing travel insurance market opportunities.

Market research is offered along with information related to key drivers, restraints, and opportunities.

Porter's five forces analysis highlights the potency of buyers and suppliers to enable stakeholders to make profit-oriented business decisions and strengthen their supplier-buyer network.

In-depth analysis of the travel insurance market segmentation assists to determine the prevailing market opportunities.

Major countries in each region are mapped according to their revenue contribution to the global market.

Market player positioning facilitates benchmarking and provides a clear understanding of the present position of the market players.

The report includes the analysis of the regional as well as global travel insurance market trends, key players, market segments, application areas, and market growth strategies

Travel Insurance Market Key Segments:

By Age Group

117 Years Old

1830 Years Old

3149 Years Old

Above 50 Years

By Insurance Cover

Single-Trip Travel Insurance

Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance

Long-Stay Travel Insurance

By End User

Senior Citizens

Education Travelers

Business Travelers

Family Travelers

Others

By Distribution Channel

Airlines

Bank

Insurance Company

Online Travel Agency (OTA)

Railway Operators

Travel Agents/Tour Operators

Others

By Region

North America (U.S., Canada )

(U.S., ) Europe (UK, Germany , France , Italy , Spain , Rest of Europe )

(UK, , , , , Rest of ) Asia-Pacific ( China , Japan , India , Australia , South Korea , South East Asia , Rest of Asia-Pacific )

( , , , , , , Rest of ) LAMEA ( Latin America , Middle East , Africa )

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Business Travel Accident Insurance Market Size, Share, Competitive Landscape and Trend Analysis Report, by Type, by Application, by Distribution Channel : Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032

Single Trip Travel Insurance Market Size, Share, Competitive Landscape and Trend Analysis Report, by Distribution Channel and End User : Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2030

Business Travel Insurance Market Size, Share, Competitive Landscape and Trend Analysis Report, by Coverage Type, Distribution Channels and Application : Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021-2030

Europe Travel Insurance Market Size, Share, Competitive Landscape and Trend Analysis Report, by Insurance Cover, Distribution Channel and End User : Regional Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2020-2027

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.

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SOURCE Allied Market Research
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- This year's flu season is right around the corner, and according to the CDC, this year's strain is predicted to be as bad as last season . Leading travel insurance comparison company, Squaremouth , explains how the flu is covered by travel insurance.

According to Squaremouth data, 64% of travelers claim their biggest travel concern is getting sick before or during their trip. To be able to cancel or end a trip early and be paid back travel expenses, travelers need to have a policy in place before getting sick. If a traveler is already sick with the flu, it's too late for insurance.

Too Sick to Travel

If you get the flu before your trip and are too sick to travel , you can be covered to cancel your trip under the Trip Cancellation benefit. A doctor's note or medical records showing that the traveler is too sick to travel will be required when making a claim.

Travel Companion or Non-Traveling Family Member is Sick

A common misconception is that travelers need to be sick themselves to cancel their trip. You may be eligible for cancellation coverage if your travel companion or family member such as a spouse, parent, child or grandparent has the flu.

Too Sick to Continue

If you become so sick that you can't carry on with your trip, you may be covered to return home early and be reimbursed for unused trip expenses, such as hotel stays, airfare, and excursions.

Treatment While Abroad

While it may be well known that Medicare does not provide any coverage abroad, people may not realize that many domestic health insurance policies do not cover them abroad. Travel insurance is designed for this purpose and can pay back travelers for medical treatment while on vacation, including hospital stays, doctor visits, and prescription medication.

All travel insurance providers on Squaremouth.com offer 24 Hour Assistance Services to policyholders in the event of an emergency.

About Squaremouth: Squaremouth.com has insured over 3 million travelers. Using Squaremouth's intuitive quoting and comparison engine, award-winning support team, and veried customer reviews, travelers can save time and money to nd the best travel insurance policy for their trip.

Available Topic Expert: Jenna Hummer is available for comment and interview. [email protected]

SOURCE Squaremouth
RV Partner/Supplier Becomes a Gold Partner

ELKHART, Ind., Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Truma North America is proud to announce a significant donation to Care Camps Foundation, elevating their mission to give joy, hope and the healing power of the outdoors to children with cancer and their families at medically supervised pediatric oncology camps.

Truma North America, a premium supplier to the RV and outdoor recreation industry, is the newest partner to amplify Care Camp Foundation's mission, donating over 100 Truma Cooler portable refrigerators/freezers to camps across North America.

"Earlier this year we had the opportunity to hear Care Camps Foundation Executive Director Gwynn Sullivan speak," said Gerhard Hundsberger, President and CEO of Truma North America. "It lit a fire in the team to see what we could do to help."

Truma worked with Care Camps Foundation and the Children's Oncology Camping Association (COCA) which oversees the quality assurance of each camp to identify those needing help with on-site refrigeration. The response was extraordinary.

"We were floored by the enthusiastic response," said Hundsberger. A majority of the camps expressed interest sharing that refrigeration space is one of the biggest hurdles they encounter, as many rent the facilities where they provide camps each year."

Participating camps will receive two C105 Truma Coolers, shipping on a rolling basis to accommodate demand. Each portable fridge/freezer gives camp organizers an additional 105 quarts-by-volume of refrigerated storage space for food, drinks, and cold-stored medications. With both AC and DC power cables, Truma coolers can also be used to transport supplies to camp.

"Truma's generosity is very much appreciated," said Beverley Tidwell of Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Southern Arizona. "As we all know, it can get really warm in Tucson, AZ and keeping food and medications safe is a priority for us. We look forward to using the Truma Cooler during our programs."

Gwynn Sullivan, Care Camps Foundation Executive Director says the donation and support from Truma is a testament to the power of creative partnerships. "Our team thrives on creative collaboration with the camps we fund and the partners who make it possible. Truma is a shining example of how companies can give back and create tremendous impact for these children and their families."

About Care Camps Foundation: This year, Care Camps Foundation is celebrating its 40 anniversary and is the only national nonprofit whose sole purpose is to fund pediatric oncology camps across the United States and Canada. In 2023, Care Camps Foundation awarded $2M to support 122 pediatric oncology camps. Collectively, these camps served over 41,000 individuals including children living with cancer, siblings, parents, and other family members. Each camp offers unique programs and services to families navigating childhood cancer. Learn more, donate, and be inspired visit www.carecamp.org.

About Truma: Since 2013, Truma North America has provided premium solutions for outdoor living in the United States and Canada from their headquarters in Elkhart, Indiana. The German-founded RV supplier has 75 years of experience providing world-class comfort systems like instant water heaters, furnaces, air conditioners, and portable refrigerators/freezers to the global recreation market. Backed by German engineering and a passion for the outdoors, Truma is committed to making your next adventure "Simply Better" with innovative technology, exemplary service, and a customer-first philosophy. For more information about Truma and its products, visit www.truma.com/us or email [email protected].

SOURCE Truma North America
How Precision Medicine is Giving Dogs Like Venya a Fighting Chance Against Cancer

** Download photo of Dr. Bulman-Fleming with Venya and her owner, Ben Monaco **

AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Marking two groundbreaking years of innovation, Thrive Pet Healthcare, a leading veterinary care community with more than 380 hospitals in 37 states, and FidoCure have come together to transform cancer care for dogs across the nation. Through this partnership, families facing the heartache of canine cancer are being given a renewed sense of hopeand, for many dogs, a second chance at life.

Since the collaboration began in 2022, more than 50 veterinarians from Thrive Pet Healthcare have used FidoCure's precision medicine platform in approximately 400 canine cancer cases. FidoCure has provided these patients with next-generation sequencing to help guide treatments using its patented precision medicine technology, which caters to each patient's cancer drivers.

The Thrive-FidoCure partnership has given many families facing the heartache of canine cancer a renewed sense of hope. Post this

"As one in four dogs will develop cancer during their lifetime, advances in cancer care are essential," said Dr. Julie Bulman-Fleming, National Specialty Director of Medical Oncology at Thrive Pet Healthcare and oncologist at Veterinary Cancer Group in Orange County, California. "Through our partnership with FidoCure, we can provide targeted chemotherapy tailored to a pet's specific needs."

Venya, a 13 -year-old German Shepherd, is one of those patients. Her cancer journey began in February 2019 when she was diagnosed with a bleeding tumor in her stomach. Shortly after, Venya was also diagnosed with splenic hemangiosarcoma, an aggressive cancer with a grim prognosis. However, her owner, Ben Monaco, chose to pursue genetic-based testing through FidoCure, leading to a targeted treatment plan that helped Venya beat the odds.

"Venya has been the center of my world for the last 13 years," said Venya's owner, Ben Monaco. "When she was diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma, I was afraid that was the end of our journey together. Dr. Julie, however, wasn't going to let that happen. Not only did Venya beat this aggressive cancer, but she's thriving! She truly enjoys every moment: running in the backyard, chasing lizards on the trails, and snuggling up with mom and dad at home. I'm so thankful to Dr. Julie, everyone at the Veterinary Cancer Group, and FidoCure for giving me so many extra years with her."

Despite battling three different types of cancer, Venya continues to live a happy, active life. "I have been honored to be part of Venya's story," added Dr. Bulman-Fleming. "Venya has defied all expectations and triumphed against daunting statistics. I love seeing her enjoy her life. Her strength and resilience are truly inspiring."

Christina Lopes, co-founder and CEO of FidoCure, also expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, "Our collaboration with Thrive Pet Healthcare has been instrumental in expanding access to cutting-edge cancer care for dogs. With more and more veterinarians using the platform, we've seen 25% year-over-year growth from the Thrive network, and we are honored to be working with them to push the boundaries of veterinary care forward. FidoCure has treated over 5,000 dogs, and with our patented novel approach, this cohort of Thrive cancer warriors will leave a lasting impact on human cancer care through our cutting-edge genomic sequencing. Alongside Thrive, we are leading the way together for AI-driven drug development in veterinary oncology and ultimately fight cancer on both sides of the leash."

As Thrive Pet Healthcare and FidoCure commemorate this significant milestone, they eagerly anticipate further advancements in cancer care for pets and humans, driven by the stories of courageous dogs like Venya and the commitment of dedicated veterinary teams.

About Thrive Pet Healthcare:

Thrive Pet Healthcare is a leading veterinary service community that uniquely delivers a continuum of care to pet families and services to veterinary hospitals. With an industry-first membership program and more than 380 acute, primary, and specialty providers, Thrive Pet Healthcare offers personalized, accessible care through every stage of a pet's life and health. The veterinarian-founded organization provides premier benefits for practice staff while elevating privately held veterinary hospitals with innovative service and technology solutions. By focusing on the needs and aspirations of veterinary care providers, Thrive Pet Healthcare is supporting the well-being of the industry and raising the national bar for veterinary excellence. To learn more about Thrive Pet Healthcare, please visit www.thrivepetcare.com.

About FidoCure by the One Health Company

The One Health Company is the first to bring the latest advances in individualized precision medicine to canine cancer patients with its FidoCure Next Generation DNA Sequencing Test. The FidoCure platform creates tailored treatment plans for canine cancer patients by applying sophisticated diagnostics and treatments approved for human use. FidoCure has ushered in the era of precision veterinary oncology by assembling the world's largest canine cancer genomics database, which is used to ensure that pet dogs have access to the latest advances in cancer care. The One Health Company is backed by premier biotech investors including Polaris Ventures, A16Z, and YCombinator. Learn more at www.fidocure.com.

SOURCE Thrive Pet Healthcare
ST. LOUIS, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- US Strategic Metals ("USSM" or the "Company") is pleased to announce it has entered into a strategic partnership with Glencore AG, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Glencore plc (together, with its subsidiaries, "Glencore") and Chilean Cobalt Corp. (OTCQB: COBA) ("C3") to explore domestic United States ("US") downstream processing of cobalt and copper intermediate products from C3's La Cobaltera project in Chile.

On July 8, 2024, C3 announced an LOI with Glencore regarding an offtake agreement for cobalt and copper intermediate products, as well as a strategic partnership, for C3's La Cobaltera project in northern Chile.

US Strategic Metals has entered into a strategic partnership with Glencore AG and Chilean Cobalt Corp. Post this

Today's announcement adds a processing LOI with USSM that builds upon this, with a three-way strategic partnership (the "Agreement") exploring collaboration on domestic US processing solutions with the objective of establishing an Americas-centric cobalt supply chain, connecting C3's La Cobaltera cobalt-copper project in Chile with USSM's integrated critical minerals processing site in Missouri, USA  which may include development of a dedicated processing line for La Cobaltera concentrate at USSM's site. This is expected to strengthen US critical minerals supply chains while providing a sustainable and traceable source of raw materials for the growing domestic lithium-ion battery manufacturing capacity and high-performance metal alloy markets. USSM, C3 and Glencore anticipate that the majority or full spectrum of cobalt and copper intermediate product stream will be shipped into the US and/or US Free Trade Agreement ("FTA") countries.

This Agreement works to satisfy USSM and C3's own conditions precedent regarding both parties' potential strategic project financing from US EXIM Bank.

This Agreement will be subject to conditions precedent and contain standard termination rights, which are typical for an agreement and project of this nature. All parties will include agreed Responsible Sourcing and Sustainability provisions.

This press release does not constitute an offer or sale of, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, securities of the Company nor shall there be any sale of any securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

About US Strategic Metals

USSM is a St Louis, Missouri, US-based critical minerals company; its' state of-the-art metallurgical plant will process third party concentrates, cobalt hydroxide and recycle metals from lithium-ion batteries. USSM will also mine and process the largest cobalt reserve in North America.

The Project will produce cobalt, nickel, lithium and copper. Its flexible flow sheet will enable it to supply the associated metals, intermediate products and salts which are required for the clean energy transition and other US strategic needs.

USSM is focused on building a dynamic and sustainable business with an emphasis on applying leading environmental stewardship, social engagement, and corporate governance practices to its strategy.

Safe Harbor Statement

This news release contains statements that involve expectations, plans, or intentions (such as those relating to the Company's ability to enter into a definitive agreement with EXIM Bank for the debt financing as provided for in the LOI) and other factors discussed from time to time in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings. These statements are forward-looking and are subject to risks and uncertainties, so actual results may vary materially. These forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as "may," "should," "expect," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "intend," "plan," and other similar expressions. Examples of forward-looking statements include, among others, statements the Company makes regarding its ability to enter into a definitive agreement with EXIM Bank for debt funding as provided for in the LOI, approval for special consideration under Qualification under Section 402 of EXIM Bank's 2019 reauthorization (P.L. 116-94), ability to establish "Proven" or "Probable" Reserves, as defined by the SEC under Industry Guide 7, through the completion of a Feasibility Study for the minerals that the Company seeks to produce and the inherent risks of mining exploration, development, and processing operations that may negatively impact the business. Consequently, the Company's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors not within the control of the Company. The Company cautions readers not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. The Company disclaims any obligation subsequently to revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events.

SOURCE US Strategic Metals
Search Underway for Inaugural Director to Lead Research, Education, and Outreach Efforts

LOS ANGELES and WASHINGTON, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- With antisemitic harassment and violence surging ferociously around the globe, the USC Shoah Foundation establishes a Countering Antisemitism Laboratory to research and combat one of the world's most virulent hatreds.

The USC Shoah Foundation seeks an inaugural director for the Countering Antisemitism Laboratory, which will work with scholars, journalists, policymakers, and other leadership groups to address all forms of antisemitism. The Laboratory will house a major collection of testimonies from survivors of antisemitic violence, training programs centered on understanding and responding to antisemitism, an initiative focused on digital antisemitism and Holocaust denial, and other practical research efforts.

Focusing on leadership outreach, education, and training, and amplifying contemporary survivors' voices, the Countering Antisemitism Laboratory will advance research in antisemitism and hate, enabling deeper understanding of what happens when antisemitism is allowed to grow in societies.

"There's never been a more important time to fund these efforts," said Dr. Robert J. Williams, the Finci-Viterbi Executive Director of the USC Shoah Foundation and UNESCO Chair on Antisemitism and Holocaust Research. "For over a decade, we have witnessed a resurgence of antisemitism across the political spectrum. This problem grew exponentially after Hamas's deadly attacks in southern Israel on October 7, 2023. Antisemitism has existed for over 2,000 years. It is one of our society's original sins, but it does not exist on its own. Where it festers, other forms of hate multiply as well. A steadfast commitment to research, education and outreach is essential to minimize the effects of this hatred, if not reverse the course entirely."

The inaugural Laboratory director will be based at the USC Shoah Foundation's USC Capital Campus in Washington, D.C. The Foundation will staff the Laboratory with subject-matter experts capable of forming partnerships with key institutions at home and abroad. The Laboratory's goal is to increase global engagement through cutting-edge technology and research.

As the Laboratory's core, the Foundation will build a collection of 10,000 video interviews with individuals who have survived anti-Jewish violence since 1945. The collection covers the experiences of Jewish communities from all over the world, including North and South America, the Middle East, Europe, and Africa. It will also include recently collected video testimonies from survivors of the Hamas-led October 7 terror attacks in Israel. These testimonies are already available on the USC Shoah Foundation website.

Ceci Chan, a member of the USC Shoah Foundation's Board of Councilors' executive committee, supports the Countering Antisemitism Laboratory. "For decades I have worked to support the fight against racism, hatred, and violence. It is urgent, now more than ever, for people around the world to learn from history and to understand current events. Effective education is vitally important in combatting antisemitism and all forms of irrational behavior. We need to significantly increase our safeguarding of decency, civility, and democracy to reduce future atrocities."

The Laboratory will also promote new research projects examining antisemitism and related biases within specific geographic and social contexts. International programs, workshops, and seminars will bring together experts to foster collaborative research and develop new cross-disciplinary approaches to transform the study of antisemitism. Publication and outreach efforts will ensure that research reaches key audiences, inside and outside of academia. This, in turn, will help support new and ongoing training programs dedicated to teaching undergraduate and graduate student leaders, civil servants, journalists, and other influential audiences.

As noted by Julie Epstein Bronstein, USC MPA '93, whose family was among the first to fund some of these programs, "These efforts will inspire and develop leaders capable of recognizing and understanding antisemitism, developing policies that build support and awareness of its dangers, and modeling the behaviors needed to resist it across society."

"By sharing their lived experiences, Jewish survivors allow scholars, policymakers and the public to fully comprehend the brutality that results from antisemitic hate," Dr. Williams said. "It is critical that we understand where antisemitism can lead and work toward building awareness and resilience against it."

About USC Shoah Foundation

For media inquires contact Terri Kayden at [email protected]

SOURCE USC Shoah Foundation
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Browse in-depth TOC on "Vascular Stents Market"

620 - Tables

53 - Figures

426 - Pages

Technological Advancements

The vascular stent market is segmented by technology into covered stents, drug-eluting stents, bare metal stents, and bioabsorbable stents. As of 2023, drug-eluting stents hold the largest market share due to their clinical benefits, including a lower incidence of restenosis. These stents are coated with medication that helps prevent blood clots and reduces the likelihood of artery re-narrowing post-angioplasty. This effectiveness in minimizing restenosis rates contributes to their growing popularity, thus driving their market dominance.

Product Segment Analysis

The market is also divided by product type into coronary stents, peripheral stents, and EVAR stent grafts. Coronary stents lead the market due to the high prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) globally. CAD, which affects the coronary arteries and is linked to atherosclerosis, significantly drives the demand for coronary stents. With coronary heart disease being a major cause of death, particularly in the US, the market for coronary stents is expected to grow accordingly.

Mode of Delivery

The vascular stent market is further categorized by mode of delivery into balloon-expandable stents and self-expanding stents. In 2023, balloon-expandable stents dominated the market. These stents offer precise placement and strong radial force to maintain vessel patency, thanks to their balloon-based expansion mechanism. This feature reduces the risk of overexpansion and vessel damage, contributing to their popularity and leading market share.

Regional Insights

Geographically, the Asia Pacific region is the fastest-growing segment in the vascular stents market. The rising prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, driven by an aging population, is a significant factor. The Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) reports that 60% of the global elderly population resides in this region, a number expected to double by 2050. This demographic trend, coupled with improvements in healthcare infrastructure and increased cardiovascular health awareness, is fueling the rapid growth of the vascular stents market in Asia Pacific.

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Key Market Players

The vascular stent market is highly consolidated, with several key players dominating the field. Major companies include Medtronic Plc (Ireland), Abbott Laboratories (US), Boston Scientific Corporation (US), B Braun SE (Germany), Terumo Corporation (Japan), Biotronik SE & Co.KG (Germany), and Shanghai Microport Medical (Group) Co., Ltd (China), among others. These companies are known for their advanced technologies and substantial investments in research and development.

Medtronic Plc (Ireland)

Medtronic Plc is a global leader in medical technology, offering a broad range of vascular stents designed for treating conditions such as endovascular aortic aneurysms and coronary artery disease. With operations in over 150 countries, Medtronic's significant R&D investments drive continuous innovation in vascular stents, reinforcing its competitive edge and commitment to improving patient outcomes through advanced solutions and FDA-approved products.

Abbott Laboratories (US)

Abbott Laboratories is a major healthcare player specializing in product development, manufacturing, and sales across several sectors, including medical devices. Abbott's range of vascular stents includes carotid, Supera Peripheral, Xience drug-eluting, and peripheral vascular stents. The company's focus on innovation is evident in its substantial R&D investments and recent advancements like bioabsorbable stents, positioning Abbott as a leader in vascular care with a broad product portfolio and comprehensive market strategies.

Boston Scientific Corporation (US)

Boston Scientific Corporation is a global medical device company with a strong presence in the vascular stent market through its Cardiovascular segment. In 2023, the company increased its R&D spending by USD 91 million, reflecting a 7% rise from the previous year. Boston Scientific's commitment to innovation and market expansion is supported by its acquisitions of stent manufacturing firms, which enhance its product offerings and market reach, ensuring its competitiveness in the industry.

For more information, Inquire Now!

Related Reports:

Biomaterials Market

Peripheral Vascular Devices Market

Vascular Access Device Market

Vascular Patches Market

Gastrointestinal Stent Market

Get access to the latest updates on Vascular Stent Companies and Vascular Stent Market Share

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Seasoned Food & Beverage Marketer to Lead Strategic Brand Expansion and Elevate Consumer Engagement for Industry Leader of Feel Good Relief

PHOENIX, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- VIVAZEN, The nation's leading herbal supplement brand in US convenience stores1, renowned for its premium quality and innovative products, is excited to announce the appointment of Natalie Gershon as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). This strategic hire comes as VIVAZEN celebrates a decade of delivering wellness solutions and sets its sights on accelerating growth and brand recognition.

Gershon, a veteran marketer with over two decades of experience in the Food & Beverage industry, brings a wealth of expertise in scaling category-leading brands. Her proven track record in driving brand visibility, consumer engagement, and market share growth will be instrumental as VIVAZEN continues to expand its footprint in the herbal supplement market.

Before joining VIVAZEN, Gershon served as Chief Growth Officer at Three Notch'd Brewing Company, where she led strategy and marketing initiatives that significantly grew revenue, boosted brand awareness and customer loyalty. Her leadership roles also included Head of Marketing at Dogswell, Vice President of Marketing at Zevia and Vice President of Marketing at Duvel USA/Boulevard Brewing Co., where she successfully spearheaded strategic campaigns and category expansion that positioned these brands as disruptors in their respective markets.

"This marks a pivotal moment in VIVAZEN's journey," said CJ Watkins, VIVAZEN Head of Sales. "Natalie's extensive experience in rapid growth CPG start-ups, regulated categories and visionary approach to brand building align perfectly with our mission and the opportunity to grow this brand to new heights."

"I am thrilled to join VIVAZEN at such an exciting time in the company's evolution," said Gershon. "VIVAZEN has all the elements of a company primed for expansive growth: industry leading products, a highly recognizable brand, and crucially, an unmistakable commitment to quality and innovation."

About VIVAZEN

VIVAZEN is a trailblazer in the herbal supplement market, offering an unrivaled lineup of multi-botanical products that deliver Feel Good Relief. With a decade of experience and a reputation for quality and safety, VIVAZEN is on a mission to empower Everyday Heroes to live their best lives through the power of plants and natural wisdom.* For more information, visit https://vivazen.com.

Media: [email protected]

1 As measured by Nielsen, 52 week period ending April 2024, US Convenience Channel

*VIVAZEN products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease and these statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.

SOURCE VIVAZEN
OAKWOOD, Ga., Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Wayne-Sanderson Farms today announced the release of its 2024 Corporate Responsibility Report, offering a comprehensive look at the Company's commitment to the well-being of its team members, environmental stewardship, responsible care of animals, and delivery of safe and delicious food to millions of families worldwide.

"Our 2024 Corporate Responsibility Report reflects our first full fiscal year as a unified force following the merger of Wayne Farms and Sanderson Farms, which has been a remarkable journey thanks to the dedication of our 26,000 employees and over 2,000 farm partners," said Clint Rivers, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wayne-Sanderson Farms. "As the nation's third largest poultry producer, we recognize and embrace our role in shaping a better future. This commitment is central to achieving Wayne-Sanderson Farms' vision of being the amazing poultry company, recognized as the partner of choice by our customers, coworkers, farmers and communities."

The report delves into the four guiding pillars of Wayne-Sanderson Farms' approach: People, Planet, Animals, and Food. Each pillar represents a key aspect of the Company's strategy, collectively offering a detailed review of how Wayne-Sanderson Farms strives to be a responsible leader in the poultry industry.

To read Wayne-Sanderson Farms' 2024 Corporate Responsibility Report, click here.

About Wayne-Sanderson Farms

Wayne-Sanderson Farms is an industry leader and the nation's third-largest poultry producer, serving customers, consumers and communities with integrity, leadership and responsible farm, workplace and business practices. With a diverse portfolio of products, a strong operating culture, and an industry-leading workforce of more than 26,000 people, Wayne-Sanderson Farms owns and operates 23 fresh and further-processing facilities across Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina and Texas. Wayne-Sanderson Farms produces affordable, high-quality poultry products for retail, foodservice, restaurant, industrial and institutional segments under the brand names of WAYNE FARMS fresh and prepared chicken; SANDERSON FARMS fresh chicken; COVINGTON FARMS fresh and frozen chicken; PLATINUM HARVEST premium fresh chicken; CHEF'S CRAFT gourmet chicken; and NAKED TRUTH premium chicken. For more information visit our website at http://www.waynesandersonfarms.com.

SOURCE Wayne-Sanderson Farms
A Sustainable Approach to Design, Community Development and Tourism

BETHESDA, Md., Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Weller Development Partners and Pegasus Capital Advisors, developers of Six Senses Grand Bahama, today unveiled the resort renderings and masterplan for the $250M+ development. The 50-acre resort community with 70 resort villas and 28 branded residences will focus on sustainability, resilience, and wellness and will immediately establish a vibrant community and hospitality offering that will redefine luxury living and tourism in The Bahamas and the Caribbean.

Weller Development Partners unveils renderings and masterplan for the $250M+ Six Senses Grand Bahama development. Post this Six Senses Grand Bahama Resort and Branded Residence Master Plan

Designed by award-winning architecture firm Gensler, the resort features an array of amenities, including a signature Six Senses Spa, multiple restaurants, event spaces, beach club, destination dining, and a panoramic oceanfront pool. The resort has been designed to blend with the lush, native landscape and flora and to take full advantage of uninterrupted ocean and canal views, waterfront access, pristine sandy white beaches, and turquoise seas. The seamless pairing of raised structures within the natural environment will create an unparalleled experience for residents and resort guests.

"We are excited to reveal the Six Senses Grand Bahama resort designs and masterplan," commented Marc Weller, Founding Partner and President of Weller Development Partners. "We have assembled a world-class design team, with Olson Kundig working on the residences and Gensler on the resort. The architectural design and the overall masterplan reflect the core values of our partnership with Six Senses and shared focus on wellness, sustainable design and a connection with nature and the community. We believe Six Senses Grand Bahama has the potential to set a new benchmark for sustainable living and ecotourism models in The Bahamas and the Caribbean, not only through its design, but also through its operations and programming."

Neil Jacobs, Six Senses CEO, said: "The Six Senses Grand Bahama masterplan demonstrates our commitment to creating a vibrant, year-round community, with the canals and waterway providing a unique version of the front porch. Integrating intentionally designed and efficiently built structures within the majestic natural landscape establishes a framework for guests to connect or disconnect, explore or escape, allow a sun-soaked lunch to tumble into dinner, and access a whole range of crafted experiences and wellness programming. Sustainability and resiliency measures reinforce the plan, ensuring its viability for years to come."

With careful reverence for the natural landscape, the resort masterplan honors the Grand Bahamian culture, carefully marrying the island's Lucayan heritage and embracing the local community's approach to living lightly on the land.

"The Six Senses Grand Bahama resort achieves a complex balance of many critical elements," stated David Darlington, Principal, Regional Hospitality Leader at Gensler. "Weaving sustainable, performance-driven, efficient architecture together with the natural environment allows us to deliver a new standard of luxury, one that both heightens the experience for the guest, while minimizing the lasting impact on the environment."

Sustainability and resiliency measures include targeting LEED Silver certification by using locally sourced construction materials where possible, replacing invasive species with native flora, and installing energy conservation efforts such as passive shading, high-efficiency MEP systems, and renewable energy use. Resiliency efforts include significant beach restoration and replenishment, a reinforced dune system along the property's sea-side coastline, filling upland areas to increase site elevation, and building foundations that raise the Finished Floor Elevation (FFE) substantially above finished grade.

These measures to minimize environmental impact will set the bar for future sustainable tourism models on Grand Bahama and across the Caribbean. The development will also create hundreds of employment opportunities for the local community, contributing to the region's long-term economic growth trajectory.

Construction is slated to begin at the end of 2024, with an anticipated opening in 2026.

For more information on Six Senses Residences Grand Bahama visit: grandbahamaresidences.com

About Weller Development Partners:

Weller Development Partners is a dynamic and innovative full-service development firm focused on luxury hospitality, residential, experiential placemaking, and large-scale mixed-use projects. Led by Founding Partner and President Marc Weller, our leadership team offers a wide range of expertise and experience to tackle the most complex real estate developments. At the heart of the company ethos is a triple-bottom-line approach to development, designing strategies that are financially viable and provide returns to investors while also providing benefits to the surrounding communities and the environment. With an extensive portfolio of luxury hospitality properties, distinctive mixed-use development projects, and a proven track record of successful and celebrated ventures, Weller Development Partners delivers value and results, no matter the complexity or odds.

Disclaimer:

WDS Discovery LTD., being the current owner and developer of the Six Senses Residences Grand Bahama (the "Residential Project"), is solely responsible for the development, marketing and sale of branded residences located at the Six Senses Grand Bahama (the "Units"). The Units are not owned, developed or sold by InterContinental Hotels Group PLC, Six Senses Americas IP, LLC, or any of their affiliates (collectively "IHG"). There exists no joint venture, partnership, ownership or similar relationship between WDS Discovery LTD. and IHG.

WDS Discovery LTD., at its sole discretion, may make alterations to the internal design of the residences at the Residential Project that may differ from that shown or described in this document and/or represented in any other marketing materials and/or displays including, but without limitation, to any advertising, marketing and/or sales concepts, programs or materials, or any other content to be posted on any website maintained by WDS Discovery LTD.. Unit designs and materials presented herein (if any) are representative of the intended end product. Actual constructed Unit may vary in materials and furnishings.

The usage of the name "Six Senses" and related marks is strictly governed by certain agreements between WDS Discovery LTD. and IHG. The "Six Senses" name, design, logomarks, trademarks and related marks are the exclusive properties of IHG. The purchasers or owners of the Units shall acquire no interest of any kind or nature in the "Six Senses" brand, logomarks or related trademarks and may use the "Six Senses" name solely for the limited purpose of identifying the location of the Unit. IHG's role as licensor of the "Six Senses" brand for the Residential Project is not in perpetuity and may end at any time without notice to or consent of purchasers or owners of the Units, in which event the "Six Senses" brand will be disassociated from the Residential Project and the Units and no reference to the "Six Senses" brand shall be applied to the Residential Project or the Units.

In addition, by consenting to WDS Discovery LTD.'s limited use of IHG's trade and logo marks, IHG does not make any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy, currency, reliability or completeness of the information in this document, and IHG is not responsible or liable in any way whatsoever for any claim, loss or damage arising out of or related to information set out in this document.

Contact:

Jaime Waltos

[email protected]

(443) 797 3020

SOURCE Weller Development Partners
EAST ALTON, Ill., Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- West Star Aviation is proud to announce the completion of its newest hangar at the East Alton facility. In addition, West Star Aviation Academy (WSAA), established in January 2024 by West Star Aviation in partnership with Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC), proudly celebrated the graduation of its inaugural class of 23 students. Over the past several years, West Star has made meaningful investments to expand its facilities and its team to support significant growth and excellent customer service.

The new hangar, officially named Hangar 67, adds 75,700 square feet of space, including 40,000 square feet of dedicated hangar space and 35,700 square feet of support space for the company's advanced modification capabilities. In addition to providing a significant increase in available hangar space, the expansion enhances West Star's capacity for interior, avionics, and sheet metal services, while enabling the implementation of cutting-edge production technologies, including a new state-of-the-art design center. With the completion of the new hangar, West Star's network encompasses 1.5 million square feet of hangar space across the US.

West Star Aviation Academy represents the company's innovative approach to addressing the Aircraft Maintenance Technician (AMT) shortage. WSAA stands out as the only aviation program of its kind, where individuals are carefully screened, interviewed, and hired into a full-time, paid position. Participants are required to complete a customized Part 147 Airframe maintenance curriculum in a dedicated West Star classroom and learning hangar during their first 7.5 months of employment. Unlike other programs that demand balancing full-time work with night classes or learning on the job, WSAA enables apprentices to fully focus on developing the skills and knowledge essential for a successful aviation career. As a result, graduates are exceptionally prepared to join operations with hands-on experience working with West Star's aircraft, systems, manuals, and procedures. West Star is pleased to announce the second class of students has recently started at the company with expected graduation in spring 2025.

About West Star Aviation

With more than 77 years of industry experience, West Star Aviation stands as a leading independent Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) provider. Employing over 3,000 professionals, West Star offers comprehensive services from our strategically located full-service facilities in East Alton, IL; Grand Junction, CO; Chattanooga, TN; Millville, NJ; Perryville, MO; and Statesville, NC, as well as satellite locations in Denver, Houston, Las Vegas, Minneapolis, Chicago, and West Palm Beach. The company's extensive capabilities encompass maintenance, paint, interior, and avionics services, supported by the largest Aircraft On Ground (AOG) network in the country, ensuring prompt and reliable mobile repair services nationwide.

About The Sterling Group

Founded in 1982, The Sterling Group is a private equity and private credit investment firm that targets investments in basic manufacturing, distribution, and industrial services companies. Typical enterprise values of these companies at initial formation range from $100 million to $1 billion. Sterling has sponsored the buyout of 73 platform companies and numerous add-on acquisitions for a total transaction value of over $25 billion. Sterling recently closed its sixth investment fund with $3.5 billion in commitments and currently has $9.4 billion of assets under management. For further information, please visit sterling-group.com.

Past performance is no guarantee of future results and all investments are subject to loss.

SOURCE The Sterling Group
6 2 global airline reward programs were independently ranked by point.me, the reward travel search platform, with a specific and rigorous quantitative and qualitative methodology across nine categories



Flying Blue, the reward program of KLM and Air France, named best for travelers globally, followed by Air Canada Aeroplan and United MileagePlus



Regional leaders include Air Canada Aeroplan ( North America ), Avianca LifeMiles ( Latin America ), Qatar Airways Privilege Club (MEA), Cathay Pacific Asia Miles, Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer, and ANA Mileage Club (tied) (APAC)

NEW YORK, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- point.me , the points and travel reward search platform, released today its first annual rankings of 62 global airline loyalty programs . The objective is to provide consumers transparency and greater confidence in earning and redeeming points, with the independent perspective point.me provides.

Flying Blue  the reward program for Air France and KLM  was named by point.me as best-in-class globally for ease of earning miles, competitive redemption rates, and flexible routing rules to make booking flights easy.

World's Best Airline Award Programs independently ranked by point.me Post this

Benjamin Lipsey, SVP Customer Loyalty and President of Flying Blue said:

"We are pleased to top the rankings released today by point.me. By harnessing the power of point.me, Flying Blue broadens its reach, captivating travelers and fostering loyalty, even among those who have yet to experience our airline firsthand. point.me elevates brand awareness and cultivates a community of avid explorers drawn to the promise of Air France, KLM, and all our partners."

"Getting real value from airline loyalty points is often significantly harder for passengers than it needs to be," said Adam Morvitz, CEO of point.me. "These rankings draw on our team's collective travel expertise and deep data-led insight from our reward search engine."

In this first annual ranking of airline loyalty programs, point.me and its team of 55 of the world's top points and miles experts ran extensive data analyses and identified the best programs against nine different traveler needs. These include ease of earning points and miles, booking reward tickets, availability of flights across different routes and partner programs, and customer service, including change fees, how quickly issues are resolved, and communication.

The full results and complete methodology are available in a report released today: World's Best Airline Rewards Programs , which features comments from some of the world's leading reward travel experts.

Top Ten Airline Reward Programs Globally

Airline reward

program Rank Overall

score % Key Benefits Flying Blue 1 93.06  Ease of earning points through its

extensive partnerships and great

redemption rates. Air Canada

Aeroplan 2 77.43  Reward seat availability on partner

airlines with the most extensive network

globally and generous routing. United

MileagePlus 3 72.22  Competitive in many metrics and

excellent for less frequent flyers. British Airways

Executive Club 4 69.10  Great availability and excellent ease of

earning. Virgin Atlantic

Flying Club 4 69.10  Excellent customer service and reliable

reward seat allocations on popular

routes. American Airlines

AAdvantage 6 68.06  Global travel, owing to its alliances with

partner airlines as well as its strong

domestic footprint. Alaska Airlines

Mileage Plan 7 65.97  Enhanced seat availability and "free"

24-hour stopover options. Qatar Airways

Privilege Club 9 62.85  Extensive route network made bigger

with partners, plus competitive prices JetBlue TrueBlue 10 61.81  Customer-friendly policies like points

pooling and no expiration on points,

and great fares on East Coast routes Avianca LifeMiles 10 59.72  Competitively priced redemptions and

ability to easily accrue miles.

Best performing loyalty programs by region

point.me's analysis and report also determine the best reward programs by region, to help travelers navigate based on their personal location. In its first annual ranking, the following airlines were top in their respective regions:

Region Airline reward program North America Air Canada Aeroplan Europe Flying Blue (Air France-KLM) Latin America (LATAM) Avianca LifeMiles Middle East & Africa Qatar Airways Privilege Club Asia/Oceania 3-way tie: Cathay Pacific Asia Miles,

Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer, and

ANA Mileage Club

The full results and methodology are available in a report released today: World's Best Airline Rewards Programs .

About point.me

point.me is a first-of-its-kind reward travel discovery tool and points concierge service. It provides travelers with a better way of comparing and booking flights with points  sharing real-time results from over 150 airlines, 30+ reward programs, and all major credit card reward programs.

point.me's points and travel reward search platform aims to democratize the reward space by helping travelers redeem their points for flights with ease and transparency. point.me members also have access to point concierges, alerts, and the unique ' Explore' tool , which allows them to fulfill their travel aspirations and search for reward flights by interest or destination.

SOURCE POINT.ME
BEIJING, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- When walking into the assembly workshop of Shaanxi Blower (Group) Co., Ltd. (Shaangu Group), foreign media representatives applauded the Chinese company's green products and solutions in fostering green transformation at home and abroad.

On September 10, 11 executives and journalists from foreign media such as the Financial World (Spain), Curierul National (Romania), Delovoy Kazakhstan and Latin American News Agency (Cuba) toured Shaangu Group's assembly workshop in Lintong manufacturing park in Xi'an City, northwest China.

Photo shows representatives of foreign media visiting an assembly workshop of Shaanxi Blower (Group) Co., Ltd. (Shaangu Group) in Lintong manufacturing park in Xi'an City of Shaanxi Province, Sept. 10, 2024.

With many foreign flags hung overhead, some of the foreign media representatives expressed their excitement about this surprising "meeting" with their national flags, each of which stands for an export market of the system solutions for distributed energy and energy saving and environmental protection products of Shaangu Group.

Such a model factory of Shaangu Group featuring automated and smart workshops left a deep impression on Isaura Diez Millan, chief correspondent in China from Latin American News Agency, who said China has walked in the forefront of the world in bolstering energy transformation.

The foreign media representatives, accompanied by senior management staffs of Shaangu Group and its Indian affiliate, also paid a visit to the company's global operation center for smart distributed energy utilization solutions named "Energy Interconnection Island".

From top ceiling design to energy structure and tiered utilization of energy, Shaangu Group managed to maximize energy use efficiency for users via the "Energy Interconnection Island" system solutions and has currently developed the EISS4.0 system solutions for low-carbon and energy saving in smart cities construction.

During the tour, Serik Korzhumbayev, editor-in-chief of Delovoy Kazakhstan hoped for deeper cooperation between the company and Kazakhstan businesses as its advanced compressed-air energy storage devices and "Energy Interconnection Island" demonstrated the latest achievement of China's green energy industry.

Zhang Li, head of Shaangu Group's power production division, welcomed more foreign friends to visit the company to experience its endeavors to integrate deeper into the Belt and Road cooperation and provide global users with smart and highly efficient energy system solutions.

Shaangu Group is a Shaanxi Province-headquartered distributed energy system solutions provider and its related solutions and products have been in service in 100-plus countries and regions around the world.

Original link: https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/342103.html

SOURCE Xinhua Silk Road
Gaza, Sep 12 : Hamas has reiterated its readiness to implement the ceasefire agreement based on the US proposal and rejected any new conditions on this agreement from any party.

During a meeting with Qatari and Egyptian mediators in Doha, the Hamas negotiating delegation on Wednesday expressed its "continued positivity and flexibility" in reaching a ceasefire agreement for the Gaza Strip. They emphasised the requirement for the withdrawal of the Israeli army from the entire territory of the Strip, according to a statement released by Hamas.

Hamas also emphasised that the management of the Strip is an internal Palestinian affair with an agreed-upon Palestinian vision. The statement noted that Hamas welcomes the holding of a national dialogue with all Palestinian factions and forces to agree on such a national vision, Xinhua news agency reported.

The statement came as negotiations mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States to secure a Gaza ceasefire have stalled. Despite objections from Egypt and Hamas, Israel insists on keeping its forces in the Philadelphi Corridor, a 100-meter-wide and 14-km-long buffer zone along the Egypt-Gaza border.

US President Joe Biden revealed a three-phase proposal in late May, hoping it would lead to an end to the ongoing Gaza conflict and the release of all hostages.

Hamas has repeatedly expressed its commitment to what was agreed upon during past talks, based on the US proposal and UN Security Council Resolution.
Jerusalem, Sep 12 : Israel has revealed a document, which it says was written by a senior Hamas commander, detailing severe losses suffered by the militant group during Israel's offensive in Gaza.

The Israeli military says the letter, attributed to Hamas' Khan Younis Brigade commander Rafa Salama, claims that about 80 per cent of the group's fighters have been killed, injured, or fled, Xinhua news agency reported.

The Israeli military's Intelligence Directorate says Salama, who was killed in an airstrike in July, addressed the letter to Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and his brother Muhammad, a top Hamas military commander.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said on Wednesday that the document was among the materials seized by Israeli troops in Gaza.

According to Gallant, it outlines extensive damage to Hamas, including the destruction of 70 per cent of its weapons, loss of 90-95 per cent of its rockets, and death of half its fighters, with more wounded or having fled.

"They are left with about 20 per cent (of the fighters)," Gallant said, quoting the letter.

The document reportedly requests help from the Sinwar brothers, which Gallant said reflects growing distress within Hamas after a monthslong Israeli bombardment.

Israel has been conducting large-scale military operations in Gaza since October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked southern Israel, killing about 1,200 people. Around 41,000 Palestinians have been killed in the ensuing conflict, according to the health authorities in Gaza.
Seoul, Sep 12 : North Korea fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles toward the East Sea on Thursday, the South Korean military said, the first such launch since July 1.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said it detected the missiles fired off from the Pyongyang area at 7:10 a.m. It did not provide further details, such as how many missiles were fired and how far they flew, Yonhap news agency reported.

"Our military has ramped up monitoring and vigilance against additional launches, while closely sharing information related to North Korean ballistic missiles with the U.S. and Japanese authorities," the JCS said in a text message to reporters.

On July 1, the North fired two ballistic missiles. One of them was short-range, while the other failed and fell inland.

The latest launches came after North Korea said last week that the South and the US will have to pay a "dear price" for what it called "provocative war" drills after the two countries carried out the joint summertime exercise Ulchi Freedom Shield.

The North has long denounced joint military drills between South Korea and the US as rehearsals for an invasion and used them as a pretext for provocations. The allies have said their military exercises are defensive in nature.

Thursday's launch also came after North Korea reportedly resumed its trash balloon campaign last week after a near monthlong halt, sending balloons containing scrap paper and plastic bottles toward the South for five consecutive days.

North Korea has sent thousands of balloons carrying trash into the South since late May in retaliation against anti-Pyongyang leaflets sent across the border by North Korean defectors and activists in South Korea.
Baghdad, Sep 12 : Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has arrived in Baghdad for his first official foreign visit since taking office in July.

During his visit, Pezeshkian on Wednesday met with Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid, who expressed his country's intent to enhance bilateral cooperation on counterterrorism, border security, and efforts to ease regional tensions, according to a statement from the Iraqi Presidency.

Pezeshkian responded by affirming Iran's readiness to strengthen bilateral ties and improve coordination on mutual interests, Xinhua news agency reported, citing the statement.

The Iranian President also held discussions with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani, during which 14 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) were signed. These agreements cover various sectors, including the economy, training, youth and sports, cultural and educational exchanges, media, communications, free zones, agriculture, natural resources, social security, and chambers of commerce, according to al-Sudani's media office on the social media platform X.

Before the signing ceremony, al-Sudani and Pezeshkian discussed bilateral cooperation on border security and other issues, the statement noted.

Pezeshkian emphasized the importance of the deep bilateral relationship and its impact on regional stability. Both leaders condemned Israel's "ongoing aggression" in the Gaza Strip, warned of potential threats to regional security and stability, and called for efforts to halt what they described as Israeli "genocide" against Palestinians.

Following the signing ceremony, al-Sudani and Pezeshkian held a joint press conference, where al-Sudani stated that the MoUs would "form a roadmap" for bolstering bilateral cooperation.

Pezeshkian affirmed Iran's desire for "a strong, stable, secure, independent, and peaceful Iraq" and expressed confidence in building robust relations between the two nations.

The Iranian President's visit also includes trips to the provinces of Basra, Karbala, and Najaf, as well as Erbil, the capital of Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdistan region.
Seoul, Sep 12 : Nuclear envoys of South Korea, the US and Japan on Thursday discussed over the phone North Korea's latest firing of short-range ballistic missiles, Seoul's foreign ministry said.

The phone talks came hours after the North fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles toward the East Sea, in an apparent protest against the joint Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise conducted by the militaries of the South and the US, Yonhap news agency reported.

Lee Jun-il, director general for Korean Peninsula policy, shared the assessments of the North's latest missile launch with his US and Japanese counterparts, Seth Bailey and Akihiro Okochi, respectively, the ministry said in a release.

The three sides condemned the missile launch as a clear violation of the UN Security Council resolutions banning Pyongyang from any such launches and agreed it poses a serious threat to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and beyond.

They agreed to continue close coordination in their response against the North's provocations based on the strong South Korea-US alliance and the trilateral partnership involving Japan, the ministry said.

North Korea fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles toward the East Sea on Thursday, the South Korean military said, the first such launch since July 1.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said it detected the missiles fired off from the Pyongyang area at 7.10 a.m. It did not provide further details, such as how many missiles were fired and how far they flew.

"Our military has ramped up monitoring and vigilance against additional launches, while closely sharing information related to North Korean ballistic missiles with the US and Japanese authorities," the JCS said in a text message to reporters.

On July 1, the North fired two ballistic missiles. One of them was short-range, while the other failed and fell inland.

The latest launches came after North Korea said last week that the South and the US will have to pay a "dear price" for what it called "provocative war" drills after the two countries carried out the joint summertime exercise Ulchi Freedom Shield.

The North has long denounced joint military drills between South Korea and the US as rehearsals for an invasion and used them as a pretext for provocations. The allies have said their military exercises are defensive in nature.

Thursday's launch also came after North Korea reportedly resumed its trash balloon campaign last week after a near monthlong halt, sending balloons containing scrap paper and plastic bottles toward the South for five consecutive days.

North Korea has sent thousands of balloons carrying trash into the South since late May in retaliation against anti-Pyongyang leaflets sent across the border by North Korean defectors and activists in South Korea.
Chandigarh, Sep 12 : Just hours before the closing of filing nominations for the October 5 Assembly polls in Haryana, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which is struggling to establish its footprint by going solo in the state that shares boundary with its party-ruled Delhi and Punjab, on Thursday cleared names of 19 candidates in the sixth list.

So far the party has released the list of names of 89 candidates for the House of 90.

A day earlier, AAP released its list of 21 candidates.

Senior AAP leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Wednesday during the poll campaign said the people of Haryana "are ready to change the government in favour of better schools, hospitals, free electricity, and employment opportunities".

After the talks of alliance with its INDIA-bloc partner Congress broke down, AAP released the names of 40-star campaigners, with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, his Punjab counterpart Bhagwant Mann, the party's Haryana unit chief Sushil Gupta, senior leaders Raghav Chadha and Sanjay Singh figuring in the list.

CM Kejriwal's wife Sunita Kejriwal, who is among the star campaigners, has launched 'Kejriwal's five guarantees by promising free electricity; mohalla clinics in every village and city; Rs 1,000 per month aid to every woman; employment for youth; and better and free education.

AAP's Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha, who was present at the nomination filing of the party candidate for the Uchana seat, Pawan Fauji, said the Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) would be known as the party whose deposit was forfeited after the Assembly elections.

He highlighted that voters had previously supported the BJP, the JJP and the Congress, but this time, they should support Pawan Fauji.

Chadha said the next government in Haryana would be formed with the support of the Aam Aadmi Party.

He predicted that the BJP would win fewer than 20 seats in this election and emphasized that any new government in Haryana would need Aam Aadmi Party support.

The AAP MP also emphasized that Arvind Kejriwal, a son of Haryana, should be supported to show the people's love for him.
Seoul, Sep 12 : South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo on Thursday strongly denounced a "blacklist" of emergency room doctors drawn up to name and shame those not participating in the walkout by junior doctors, vowing to take stern action against those responsible.

The list contains personal information and malicious comments about emergency room physicians who chose to treat patients rather than join their colleagues staying away from the job since February in protest of the government's medical school admissions quota hike, Yonhap news agency reported.

"The blacklist is a mockery and insult to the medical staff who take care of patients and a cowardly act that effectively strips individuals of their free will," Han said during a central disaster response meeting.

"It is a very serious criminal act. The government will not tolerate it," he added.

Over 30 people have been referred to the prosecution for their involvement in the blacklisting of doctors working in emergency rooms, according to the health ministry.

"Law enforcement authorities should sternly and swiftly investigate the case," Han said. "I also ask the medical community to actively engage in efforts to correct the inappropriate behaviors of some doctors."

Han reiterated the appeal for the medical community to join a consultative body with the government, ruling and opposition parties, and doctors' groups to discuss the medical school admissions quota and other medical reform measures.

"If the medical community presents a scientific, reasonable plan on the medical school quota and policy plans, the government is ready to discuss it with an open-minded attitude," Han said.

A majority of trainee doctors have left their workplaces since February in protest of the government's plan to drastically increase the medical school admissions quota beginning next year.

The prolonged strike has raised concerns about potential disruptions in medical services during the upcoming five-day Chuseok holiday, which begins Saturday.

To address concerns, the government has designated September 11-25 as a special period and set up an emergency task force to manage the situation of emergency medical centers across the country.
Chennai, Sep 12 : Two women lost their lives after a fire broke out at a working women's hostel in Katarapalayam near Periyar bus stand in Madurai district of Tamil Nadu. The incident occurred on Thursday morning.

Five others have been injured and are admitted to Government Rajaji Hospital.

The deceased women are identified as Parimala and Saranya.

Police said that the fire in the hostel led to excessive smoke and both women died by suffocation.

Police said that the fire was due to a refrigerator in the kitchen that blasted but added that there would be a detailed investigation into the reason for the blast.

The postmortem of the bodies of the deceased women will be conducted at Government Rajajji Hospital.

Madurai MP and CPI-M leader, Su Venkitesan expressed shock at the tragic incident at the women's hostel leading to the death of two women and injuries to five others.

A large number of people have reached Rajaji Hospital where the bodies of the deceased are kept.

M. Kannadas, a social activist based out of Madurai, while speaking with IANS, called upon the district administration to conduct a detailed investigation into the accident. He said: "It has to be properly probed whether the electrical circuits were in place and whether a short circuit was the reason for the blast."

He also said that all the angles to the fire accident must be investigated and called upon the Madurai municipality to ascertain whether the hostel had all required licences.
Chennai, Sep 12 : Five members of a family, including a 3-year-old child, were killed when a truck and a car collided head-on near Cuddalore in Tamil Nadu.

Chennai, Sep 12 (IANS) Five members of a family, including a 3-year-old child, were killed when a truck and a car collided head-on near Cuddalore in Tamil Nadu.

The tragic accident occurred during the early hours of Thursday at a place called Kamiyamkuppam when the truck that was going from Chidambaram to Cuddalore rammed into the car. All the five people in the car died on the spot.

The Parangippet police rushed to the spot and retrieved the five bodies which were sent to the Chidambaram Government Hospital for post-mortem.

Police said that the truck driver could have dozed off momentarily while driving when he lost control and collided with the car causing the deaths.

The deceased are identified as Yasser (40) of Koranatu Karuppur area next to Kumbakonam, Thanjavur district; Mohammad Anwar (56) of Palliwasal Street, Mayiladuthurai district; Hajitha Begum (62) of Hajiar Street, Sri Kandapuram; Sarapad Nisha (30) of Thirumangalam area and a 3-year-old boy named Apnan. All the victims were related to each other.

People have alleged that there are frequent accidents in the area due to the lack of barriers in the area, especially as the Villupuram Nagai National Highway construction work is underway.

A senior officer of Cuddalore police said that police have been conducting regular awareness programmes on road safety and driving etiquette. He, however, said that for many of the drivers, especially during the night, the road discipline was not being followed. The officer said that there was a shortage of cops and proper monitoring was not taking place.

R.Palanikumar, a businessman at Kamiyamkuppam where the accident took place told IANS that there was a lack of proper driving awareness and called upon the Motor Vehicles department and district police authorities to conduct regular awareness programmes on road safety.
Mexico City, Sep 12 : Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador celebrated the Senate's approval of his administration's judicial reform package.

At a regular daily press conference, Lopez Obrador said the bill's approval sets an "example for the world."

"I think it is very important to end corruption and impunity, and much progress will be made when the people of Mexico freely elect the judges, the magistrates and the ministers," he told reporters.

The Senate passed the initiative early on Wednesday with a vote of 86 to 41, applauding the result, which cemented a victory for the outgoing president, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who has championed the proposal, reports Xinhua news agency.

The overhaul will take effect once published in Mexico's official gazette.

The approval followed tense debate and political drama as the ruling coalition began on Tuesday one seat short of the super-majority needed to pass the constitutional changes.

Among other changes, the reforms propose the popular election of judges and magistrates, including those serving on the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation.
New Delhi, Sep 12 : Six members of a family were injured on Thursday when the roof of their two-storeyed house collapsed due to heavy rain in Uttar Pradesh's Aligarh district.

The incident occurred in Zaidpura village under the Tappal police station area, as intense rainfall lashed the district.

Brajesh, the local Community Health Centre in-charge, arrived at the scene with an ambulance to help the victims.

Among those trapped were three children and two women. All six were rescued and taken to the hospital, where the condition of a woman was stated to be critical, prompting her transfer to JN Medical College.

Circle Officer Varun Kumar Singh confirmed the incident, stating, "This incident is related to the Tappal police station in Aligarh district. Due to heavy rainfall in the village, a house collapsed, resulting in injuries to six members of a family. Five people were successfully treated and have returned home. The police are investigating the matter."

In response to the severe weather conditions, the District Magistrate of Aligarh, Vishakh, issued an advisory on Wednesday and ordered the closure of all schools in the district for a day.

Heavy rain over the last 24 hours severely disrupted daily life.

According to District Basic Education Officer Rakesh Kumar Singh, a holiday has been declared for all schools from nursery to class 12 on Thursday, as rainfall and thunderstorms are predicted in the region. The order applies to all government, non-government, and private schools.

Residents were advised to remain cautious and follow any further advisories as the region continues to experience severe weather conditions.

Meanwhile, a wall of Rupam Cinema collapsed on Vrindavan road due to heavy rain. The incident occurred in the Govind Nagar police station area, resulting in injury to one person.
Mumbai, Sep 12 : Actors Justin Theroux and Drew Barrymore took a trip down memory lane and recalled the time when they were shooting for an action sequence for "Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle" and both of them got hurt.

Barrymore shared a clip from her show, where Theroux was the guest and the two were talking about working on "Charlie's Angels 2".

The actress said: "We both had to heel. We played ex-boyfriend and girlfriend."

Theroux recalled that they had a big fight sequence together. The two then recalled

That it was really long, like 2 or three weeks of shoot and the "were training".

Theroux said: "There was a scene where you were wearing these kinds of heels but they were not heels.

To which, she said: "They were heel boots."

The actor then recalled: "You were supposed to kick me into barrels or something and Drew just falls back and kicks me as hard as she can and it goes right into my chest and it cracks.. Breaks my chest plate and I was like. That was the worst thing ever."

Barrymore too had a similar experience, where she hurt her tailbone.

"Justin then kicks me into a chair and I forgot to put my tailbone pad in. So, my tailbone cracked into the chair and broke. I had to sit on a donut (cushion), which was for hemorrhoids and I had to carry it into restaurants like I had giant hemorrhoids."

"Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle" or "Charlie's Angles 2" released in 2003. The film was a sequel to 2000's Charlie's Angels and the second installment in the Charlie's Angels film series, which is a continuation of the story that began with the television series of the same name by Ivan Goff and Ben Roberts.

The film also stars Cameron Diaz, Crispin Glover, Matt LeBlanc, Luke Wilson, Bill Murray, Bernie Mac,Robert Patrick and Demi Moore.
Washington, Sep 12 : The US on Thursday condemned North Korea's launch of ballistic missiles, reaffirming its "ironclad" security commitment to South Korea.

Pyongyang launched multiple short-range ballistic missiles toward the East Sea on Thursday in a resumption of its missile provocations following a hiatus of more than 70 days, according to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff.

"The United States condemns the DPRK's September 11 ballistic missile launch," a State Department spokesperson said in response to a question from Yonhap News Agency.

DPRK is the North's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

"These launches, like all the DPRK's other ballistic missile launches in recent years, violate multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions. They pose a threat to regional and international peace and security, and undermine the global nonproliferation regime," the official added.

The spokesperson reiterated Washington's defence commitment to regional allies.

"We continue to consult closely with our allies and partners about how best to deter DPRK aggression and coordinate international responses to the DPRK's violations of multiple UN Security Council resolutions," the official said. "Our commitment to the defence of the Republic of Korea and Japan is ironclad."

The Republic of Korea is South Korea's official name.

The North's latest missile launches came after the recalcitrant regime warned last week that Seoul and Washington would have to pay a "dear price" for their recent major military exercise. Pyongyang has decried the allies' drills as rehearsals for an invasion.
Kolkata, Sep 12 : The protest on the streets by the junior doctors in front of the West Bengal Health Department headquarters at Salt Lake entered the third day on Thursday.

The junior doctors, who are agitating against the rape and murder of a fellow doctor at the R. G. Kar Medical College & Hospital, have made it clear that they will not call off their protests until their demands are fulfilled.

After rejecting two consecutive calls from the state government for discussions, first on Tuesday and then on Wednesday, the protesting doctors on Thursday morning reiterated their stand that they would go for discussion only after their four-point conditions for the same were accepted.

The protestors' conditions for discussion are - a delegation of 30 representatives, a meeting in the presence of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, a live telecast of the meeting for transparency among all parties and a meeting based on the five-point agenda outlined since the beginning.

One of the major demands in the five-point agenda already outlined includes the suspension of the State Health Secretary, State Director of Health Services and Director of Medical Education.

"We have received overwhelming support from the common people and the students of institutions like Jadavpur University, who are flooding us with food, water and other items to ensure that we can continue our protests till our demands are fulfilled. Many people from other professions are coming to us and expressing their solidarity," said a protesting doctor on Thursday morning.

One such example of spontaneous public support was reflected in the gesture of Milan Bose, a resident from far away Garia on the southern outskirts of Kolkata. On Thursday morning he came to the protest venue carrying a poster.

"It's my birthday. I have come here to celebrate it with protesting doctors fighting for justice," the poster read.

Earlier on Monday, a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court had set a deadline of 5 p.m. on Tuesday for the protesting junior doctors to resume duty. After that, the Chief Minister also issued the same appeal.

However, despite that, the protesting doctors are carrying out their determined agitation seeking justice for the rape and murder victim.
Amman : , Sep 12 (IANS) Jordan's Independent Election Commission Chairman Musa Maaytah announced preliminary results from the country's 20th parliamentary election.

The voter turnout was 32.13 per cent, with 1,632,696 of the 5.1 million eligible voters participating in Tuesday's election, Xinhua news agency reported, quoting Maaytah on Wednesday.

A total of 27 women secured seats in the parliament, including 18 through the quota system, effectively doubling female representation from the previous legislature, he said, adding that six young candidates were elected, and 104 party-affiliated candidates won seats, including 31 from the Islamic Action Front, the political arm of the Muslim Brotherhood.

Maaytah highlighted that the results demonstrate Jordan's dedication to fair elections and broad participation, reflecting diverse societal interests and supporting political pluralism.

Tuesday's election is the first under Jordan's new electoral law, introduced in 2022, which increased the number of lawmakers from 130 to 138 and aimed to enhance the representation of women and younger candidates. The final results will be published in the state gazette in the coming days.
Seoul, Sep 12 : The Supreme Court upheld life imprisonment on Thursday for a man who went on a stabbing spree in Seoul last year that left one person dead and three others wounded.

Cho Seon, 34, was indicted for stabbing a 22-year-old man multiple times to death and attempting to kill three other men with a weapon near Seoul's Sillim Station in July last year, Yonhap news agency reported.

All victims were strangers to him. Cho had initially told investigators that he wanted to hurt happy-looking people out of his sense of inferiority but later claimed that he was mentally incompetent to discern things and make decisions, an argument seen as aimed at seeking leniency.

On Thursday, the top court finalised life imprisonment for him, saying the sentence cannot be seen as unfair and there were no violations of the defendant's rights to a fair trial. Prosecutors had demanded the death penalty for him.

Cho's stabbing spree, followed by another similar fatal random stabbing rampage in Bundang, south of Seoul, two weeks later, shocked the nation and led to a flurry of online posts threatening copycat crimes.
Mumbai, Sep 12 : As the ruling and Opposition parties are in the process of firming up their poll management plans for the forthcoming Assembly elections, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) S Chockalingam on Thursday convened a meeting of Deputy District Election Officers.

The CEO has also called for a virtual interaction on Friday with all District Collectors and Chief District Election Officers to review poll preparations for the 288 Assembly constituencies.

Sources at the Chief Electoral Office said, "There will be a review of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), the updated voters' list, status of polling material and district-level poll management, especially the availability of staff and security arrangements for free and fair elections."

Further, the CEO will also take stock of district level preparedness for conducting counting in a smooth manner.

Sources said that the meetings will also review the District Chief Election Officers' plan to set up polling stations in high rise buildings and cooperative societies with over 200 families.

These meetings are crucial as a senior Mahayuti minister two days ago indicated that the announcement for the poll schedule from the Election Commission of India (ECI) is expected around October 10 and polling is likely to take place anytime between November 13 and 19.

Further, the CEO's meetings also came after the ECI held a meeting on July 9 in Mumbai to review the preparations for the Assembly elections.

In response to the call given by the state CEO and the ECI, Maharashtra has added 2.4 million new voters during the special drive conducted between August 6 and 20.

In view of this, the number of total voters in the state rose to 95.4 million, up from 92.94 million at the end of the Lok Sabha election.

Over 2.08 million applications for voter addition and 370,000 applications for name deletion due to death or duplication were received by the ECI during the special drive.
Mumbai, Sep 12 : The Maharashtra government, which is chasing its ambitious target of a one trillion economy dollar, on Thursday will release a report penned by NITI Aayog on the development of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) as a global economic hub with a 300 billion dollar economy from the present 140 billion dollars. This will be followed by the signing of a memorandum of collaboration between the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) and the World Economic Forum (WEF).

Chief Minister and MMRDA Chairman Eknath Shinde will chair the event and Deputy CMs Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar will also attend the event. Prof Klaus Schwab, WEF founder and executive chairman, is the guest of honour at the function.

The state governmentas move comes days after the formation of a 22-member steering committee chaired by the Chief Secretary comprising bureaucrats, district collectors, municipal commissioners and CEOs of its undertakings to monitor the speedy implementation of NITI Aayogas recommendation, step up focus on attracting and retaining the foreign direct investment and promoting startup and employment generation in the MMR.

A senior minister from the MahaYuti government said, "The MMRDAas association with WEF will be crucial for achieving the objective of MMRas development as a global economic hub considering its strategic location. Historically, MR grew at 6.1 per cent (FY 2012-2020, real) against Maharashtra at 5.8 per cent and India at 6.6 per cent CAGR. At present, MMR is a 140 billion dollar economy across five districts and covers nine municipal corporations with 25.8 million population and 10 million jobs. NITI Aayog in its report has clearly indicated that MMR can grow into a 300 billion dollar economy by 2030 and a 1.5 trillion dollar economy by 2047. This will be quite helpful for Maharashtra to become a 1 trillion dollar economy."

NITI Aayog said that MMR is on a positive growth trajectory on the back of 50 billion dollars plus ongoing infrastructure investments, including 337 km metro rail, Vadhvan port, Navi Mumbai International Airport, Alibaug-Virar Multi-Modal Corridor, Versova Virar Sea Link, high-speed rail connecting Mumbai-Ahmedabad among others.

The Aayog has strongly recommended the unlocking and development of a 250-hectare land of the Mumbai Port Authority for job creation through services, housing and tourism/culture. It has emphasised the need to facilitate the redevelopment of 2.2 lakh slum holders (10 lakh people) on the Government of India land (port, defence and railway lands) in line with the Prime Ministeras Housing for All Scheme and push the development of MMR as a global aviation hub and MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions) destination rivalling Dubai and Singapore.

Moreover, NITI Aayog has suggested a significant increase in Ease of doing business with the Ministry of Environment and Forest and Airport Authority of India approvals to make MMR an attractive investment destination.

(Sanjay Jog can be contacted at sanjay.j@ians.in)
Kochi, Sep 12 : In a breakthrough in bivalve research, the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has unearthed the genome secret of the Asian green mussel (Perna viridis).

This is the first-ever chromosome-level genome sequencing of a marine invertebrate species from India.

Recently, CMFRI came out with a similar genome finding for Indian oil sardines.

The Asian green mussel, Kallummakkaya in local parlance, is an important aquaculture species in the Mytilidae family contributing substantially to molluscan aquaculture.

The CMFRI's research found that the mussel's genome contains 723.49 Mb in size and is anchored into 15 chromosomes.

"The development will be a game-changer in boosting sustainable mussel aquaculture in the country, as this research will help gain insights into its growth, reproduction and disease resistance," said Grinson George, Director of CMFRI.

The findings will benefit the aquaculture sector by improving genomic selection and breeding practices, leading to enhanced productivity and resilience in fisheries, he added.

According to scientists, this will help develop new strategies to combat diseases in the mussel.

"Genomic investigations on this species are vital to understanding genes, gene combinations and signalling pathways leading to the parasitic diseases, which constitute a major threat to Asian green mussel aquaculture in India causing substantial mortalities in farms", said Dr Sandhya Sukumaran.

The genome assembly of green mussel will emerge as a valuable tool for exploring cancer mechanisms and developing new therapeutic strategies.

"A total of 49,654 protein-coding genes were identified, including 634 genes associated with the cancer pathway and 408 genes associated with viral carcinogenesis. This indicates that this species is a novel model organism for cancer research", said Sukumaran.

Scientists also believe that the genome decoding of this species would enhance knowledge regarding the effect of environmental pollutants on biological systems, as this bivalve is adaptable to local environmental stressors like variations in pH, temperature, salinity and air exposure.
Kolkata, Sep 12 : A single judge bench of the Calcutta High Court, on Thursday, granted bail to Trinamool Congress legislator and the former president of West Bengal Board of Primary Education (ED), who was serving judicial custody after being arrested by Enforcement Directorate (ED) in October 2022 in connection with the cash-for- school job case in state-run schools.

However, while granting the bail plea the single judge bench of Justice Suvra Ghosh set four conditions for the same.

The first condition will be that Bhattacharya will have to submit his passport to a lower court immediately. Secondly, he will submit his mobile number to the investigating officers concerned so that the latter are able to contact him whenever necessary for questioning.

At the same time, Bhattacharya should not make any attempt to contact, influence or threaten any witnesses in this case. Finally, without the permission of the investigating officials, he will not be able to leave the city.

Earlier when the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) started an investigation into the school job case, Bhattacharya managed to get protection from any coercive action, including arrest against him by CBI.

However, later ED officials started investigating the money-laundering angle in the case and arrested Bhattacharya in October 2022. His wife Satarupa Bhattacharya and son Souvik Bhattacharya were also arrested by ED then and both of them served judicial custody at that time.

However, after some point in time both his son and wife were granted bail. While the bail for his wife was granted by the Calcutta High Court, the same for his son was granted by the Supreme Court. Manik Bhattacharyaas bail plea was rejected again and again and finally, it was granted on Thursday.

Bhattacharya was the second heavyweight leader of the ruling Trinamool Congress, after the former State Education Minister and party secretary general Partha Chatterjee, to be arrested in the school job case. Chatterjee continues to serve his judicial custody at Presidency Central Correctional Home in central Kolkata.
Lima : , Sep 12 (IANS) Former Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori died at the age of 86 in Lima "after a long battle against cancer," confirmed his daughter and political leader Keiko Fujimori.

"Our father, Alberto Fujimori, has just departed to meet the Lord," Keiko wrote on X on Wednesday.

Hours before his death, the spokesperson for the Fuerza Popular party, Miguel Torres, said that the former president was in a "delicate" state and going through "a difficult time," reports Xinhua news agency

Fujimori, who served as Peru's President from 1990 to 2000, was released from prison last December, where he was serving a 25-year sentence for crimes against humanity.

During the war on terrorism in Peru, he played a crucial role against the Shining Path and Tupac Amaru leftist rebels. This conflict resulted in more than 69,000 deaths and 21,000 disappearances from 1980 to 2000, with the majority of the victims being civilians, as reported by a government truth commission.

Fujimori, who was of Japanese descent, was famously called 'el Chino', or the Chinese man by many Peruvians.

Following his demise on Wednesday, his supporters gathered outside his home and started chanting, "El Chino did not die! El Chino is present!"

Notably, last month, his daughter announced that Fujimori would run for President again in 2026.
Hyderabad, Sep 12 : Students of a government-run tribal residential school for girls in Telangana's Sircilla town on Thursday staged a protest against the Physical Education Teacher (PET) for allegedly harassing and filming them while they were bathing.

Raising slogans against teacher Jyotsna, the students sat in protest on the Sircilla-Siddipet main road, demanding her suspension.

The students alleged that PET broke open the bathroom door, beat up a girl while she was taking a bath and video recorded the same.

One of the protesters said a student, who was menstruating, had taken permission from teachers during the play hour to go to the dormitory and take a bath. She said the PET, infuriated to know this, barged into the bathroom to beat up the girl and recorded her videos.

The students alleged that Jyotsna had been subjecting them to physical and mental harassment for some time. They claimed that she would often beat them and make them do squats and other physical exercises as punishment.

Another student said the PET would often read their diaries. "Is it the quality of a teacher," she asked.

The students, numbering over 500, complained of inadequate bathroom facilities in the residential school. The students said that though they were managing despite the lack of adequate facilities, the teacher's misbehaviour forced them to protest.

The protesters demanded Jyotsna's suspension and urged the authorities to ensure she did not get a job anywhere as she was unfit to be a teacher.

Education Department officers, police and school authorities tried to calm the protesting students. The students showed video clips of the incident to the officials.

Mandal Education Officer Raghupati assured the students that Jyotsna would be relieved of her duties.

The protest was called off after the authorities assured the students that action would be taken against Jyotsna.

The incident has brought to light the alleged mistreatment of students by teachers in residential schools.
New Delhi, Sep 12 : Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Ram Mohan Naidu highlighted India's ambition to increase women's participation in aviation to 25 per cent by 2025.

Addressing the two-day Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation (APMC) that will end on Thursday, Ram Mohan Naidu stated that the conference reflects the shared vision of the Asia-Pacific region to build a more connected, resilient and robust aviation landscape.

The minister emphasised the region's goal to accommodate 3.5 billion annual passengers by 2035, urging strategic investments in aviation infrastructure.

He also highlighted India's ambition to increase women's participation in aviation to 25 per cent by 2025 and the nation's commitment to making flying more accessible through initiatives like the UDAN scheme.

Emphasising on the three pillars of aviation Infrastructure, Integration, and Innovation, he underscored how "India has been leading the way in incorporating modern technologies like Digi Yatra, a biometric-based digital tool for seamless travel."

He also highlighted India's recent regulatory advancements in Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft, "paving the way for sustainable and innovative urban air mobility."

Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Cooperation, Murlidhar Mohol, President of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), Salvatore Sciacchitano, and Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Vumlunmang Vualnam, along with distinguished delegates from 29 countries from the Asia-Pacific region participated in the event which is underway at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.

ICAO chief Salvatore Sciacchitano while addressing the conference stated, "As we mark the 80th anniversary of the Chicago Convention, this gathering is crucial for addressing new challenges in global aviation, especially in the Asia Pacific region, which accounts for 32 per cent of global traffic and holds immense growth potential."

He further applauded the region for surpassing pre-pandemic traffic levels and stressed the importance of collaboration to ensure sustainable growth in aviation.

Salvatore Sciacchitano also shared that ICAO has set the goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, recognising the impact of climate change as another pressing issue.

According to him, countries like India are leading the way with Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) initiatives, and this conference's Delhi Declaration must symbolise the aviation sector's commitment to safety, sustainability, and innovation.

Union Minister Ram Mohan Naidu was nominated as APMC chairman, with Viliame Rogoibuli Gavoka, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation of Fiji as Vice Chairman.
New Delhi, Sep 12 : Low-cost carrier SpiceJet on Thursday sought an urgent hearing on its plea filed before the Supreme Court against the Delhi High Court directive requiring the debt-ridden airline to ground three engines over repetitive failures to pay its lessors.

The matter was mentioned before Chief Justice of India (CJI) D. Y. Chandrachud for urgent listing, who told SpiceJet's lawyer to send an email to the apex court's registry.

On Wednesday, a division bench of the Delhi High Court refused to interfere with a directive requiring the low-cost carrier to ground three engines.

Before this, a single-judge bench of Justice Manmeet Singh Arora of the High Court asked Spicejet to ground three engines by February 16, apart from taking steps to ensure that the engines are re-delivered to lessors within 15 days.

Challenging the single-judge bench's order, SpiceJet moved an appeal before the division bench of the Delhi High Court and prayed for an urgent hearing.

In his judgment, Justice Arora had observed: "The defendant (SpiceJet) is a defaulter and has no legal and contractual right to continue the use of the engines. The inability of the defendant to pay the admitted outstanding dues is writ large on the face of the record and in fact permitting the defendant to continue the use of the engines without payment would only cause financial distress to the plaintiff (lessors)."

SpiceJet was permitted to continue the use of the engines after it undertook before the Delhi High Court on May 29 that it would repay the outstanding lease amounts along with the weekly payments.

The Delhi High Court had clarified that the return of the engines does not absolve the airline from its liability of payments which have admittedly fallen due.
Visakhapatnam, Sep 12 : Andhra Pradesh Minister for Women and Child Welfare, Gummadi Sandhyarani, had a narrow escape when a police vehicle in her convoy collided with a vehicle coming from the opposite direction in Vizianagaram district on Thursday.

Five policemen travelling in the police escort vehicle were injured in the accident.

The accident occurred at Busayavalasa village of Ramabhadrapuram mandal when the minister was on her way from Salur to Mentada mandal to participate in a programme.

According to police, when the ministeras convoy reached Busayavalasa village, an Eicher vehicle suddenly came on the main road and rammed the police vehicle escorting the minister, injuring five armed reserve police escorts.

The ministeras vehicle was following the police escort vehicle. She escaped unhurt as the driver of her car applied brakes on time.

After the accident, the minister stayed there and supervised the rescue operation. She helped shift the injured policemen to the hospital by ambulance.

The injured policemen were admitted to Tirumala Medicover Hospital at Vizianagaram.

The injured policemen are identified as Armed Reserve Inspector K. V. Raman, Head Constable P. Sunil, Constables R. Ganapathy, C. M. Mahesh and police vehicle driver and Constable A. V. V. S. N. Raju.

On learning about the accident, Vizianagaram Superintendent of Police Vakul Jindal visited the Tirumala Medicover Hospital and called on the injured.

The SP spoke to doctors and enquired about the health condition of the injured policemen. The SP had a word with Tirumala Prasad and other doctors and requested them to provide the best possible treatment to the injured.

The SP also spoke to the injured policemen and encouraged them. He also spoke to the family members of the police personnel and asked them to take care of them.

SP Vakul Jindal directed the officials to make doctors available in the hospital to provide necessary medical assistance.
Jaipur, Sep 12 : Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrived at Jodhpur Air Force Station in Rajasthan on Thursday to observe the ongoing Tarang Shakti Exercise in which seven countries -- the US, Japan, Australia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, UAE and Greece -- are participating and 16 other nations are observers.

The Defence Minister, the three Army Chiefs of India and the Chiefs of Foreign Air Forces will witness the airshow in which Suryakiran, Sarang, indigenous fighter aircraft Tejas and Sukhoi-30 will showcase their validities.

It needs to be mentioned here that the Exercise Tarang Shakti is one of the largest multinational air exercises being conducted by the Indian Air Force. The last day of the multinational air exercise 'Tarang-Shakti' is this day and the Air chiefs of eight countries are in Jodhpur to attend the closing ceremony.

In the last 12 days, Air Force personnel of India, America, Greece, UAE, Australia, Japan, Singapore, and Sri Lanka took part in air-to-air and air-to-ground exercises.

Indian fighter aircraft Sukhoi-30, Tejas and helicopter Prachand performed stunts in the sky. Suryakiran's Hawk aircraft made different formations in the sky. The aircraft of other countries also flew and demonstrated their strength.

On Tuesday night, fighter jets from eight countries practised night missions. For about two hours, the roar of planes echoed across the skies of Jodhpur.

Rajnath Singh will also inaugurate the Defence Aviation Expo being organised at the Air Force station. This edition of IDAX at Jodhpur, scheduled from September 12-14 will have a grand participation from various industries and will also host a wide range of products and technologies.

This will be an opportunity for the FFCs and Indian audiences to witness, experience and interact with participants coming from the Indian Aviation Industry, including DPSUs, DRDO, Private Industries and top-notch Startups. IDAX aims to showcase indigenous skills and the indomitable spirit of Indian Aviation Industries to a wide spectrum of decision-makers and end users from Global Air Forces participating in Tarang Shakti 2024.

The exhibition will showcase weapon technologies like RF guns, high altitude satellite HAPH, air launch flexible assets, and AR VR smart glass are being displayed here. At the same time, expendable active decoy, real-time aircrew and foldable field mat are being displayed for immediate repair of the runway.

Participation of friendly foreign countries in the exposition will help India's aerospace industry seek export opportunities, integrate into the supply chain of foreign OEMs and ensure collaboration for co-production/ co-development of India's defence needs, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement
Bhopal, Sep 12 : The Congress on Thursday slammed the Mohan Yadav government over the attack on two Army officers and the rape of their female friend in Mhow, saying there is "jungle raj" in Madhya Pradesh.

The Congress said "jungle raj" has begun in the BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh where even trainee Army jawans are not safe.

The opposition alleged that Chief Minister Mohan Yadav-led BJP government "failed" to create fear among the criminals in the state.

Expressing shock over the incident, MP Congress unit chief, Jitu Patwari said, "Even Army jawans are not safe in Madhya Pradesh, they are robbed and their female friends are gang raped."

He also mentioned the horrific rape and murder of a female doctor at R. G. Kar Medical College in West Bengal.

"When your eyes well up on the rape of a student of Kolkata's R G Kar Medical College, why don't you feel sad, Chief Minister, on this rape incident in Indore, the cleanest city of our state and country? If this is not jungle raj then what is it?" Patwari asked.

On the other hand, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav chaired an emergency meeting with the Director General of Police (DGP) Sudhir Saxena to take stock of the situation. During the meeting, CM Yadav also took stock of the flood situation in different parts of the state.

As many as 10 teams of police personnel have been carrying out extensive search operations in the surrounding area of Jam Gate area where the incident occurred.

Police managed to arrest two suspects in the case and the interrogation was underway, Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Rupesh Dwivedi told media persons.

The incident occurred when the two Army officials with their female friends had gone for a picnic near Jam Gate in Indore's Mhow. The spot is located around 50 km from Indore district headquarters and 25 km from Mhow.

The complaint says that the attackers held the four at gunpoint, took an officer and a woman hostage, and asked the other officer to bring Rs 10 lakh.

This allowed the officer and one of the women to get away and inform their seniors at Mhow.

However, when police teams reached the spot, the accused fled the scene.
Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 12 : Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday said the federal polity was facing several challenges and many states have been compelled to take legal courses of action to enforce their constitutional rights.

He said this while inaugurating a conclave of state ministers from five states.

"I earnestly hope that this conclave will be a landmark event which will make meaningful suggestions to strengthen the fiscal federal setup of our nation, a unique example to the world of unity in diversity," said CM Vijayan.

Taking part in the conclave are Tamil Nadu State Finance Minister T. Thennarasu, Karnataka Revenue Minister K.B. Gowda, Punjab Finance Minister Sardar Harpal Singh Cheema and Deputy CM Telangana B.V. Mallu, Kerala Finance Minister K.N.Balagopal, Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Legislative Assembly V.D. Satheesan, senior officials and experts.

CM Vijayan pointed out that they have got together here to discuss the issues that are to be highlighted before the 16th Finance Commission, which has since commenced its work.

"I would like to recall that a similar conclave, was held in this same venue, seven years back to take a common stand on certain contestable aspects of the Terms of Reference (ToR) of the 15th Finance Commission. I state with satisfaction that the common stand taken by us then, was taken forward by submitting a Memorandum to the Hon'ble President of India and this resulted in many of these items in the ToR not being considered when the 15th Finance Commission submitted its recommendations," said the Kerala CM.

CM Vijayan further pointed out that this time, the ToR of the 16th Finance Commission has been confined to what has been mandated in Article 280 of the Constitution.

"This was the demand of Kerala when the Union Government had asked for suggestions on framing the ToR of the 16th Finance Commission. As all of us present here are aware, the Finance Commissions recommend a prescribed share of Net Proceeds of the Union collected by the Union to the States. Article 270 of the Constitution, which stipulates this, excludes surcharges and cess collected by the Union from the Divisible Pool of taxes shareable with the States," said CM Vijayan.

He stated that in the last decade, the surcharges and cess have shown a rising trend and now comprise around one-fifth of the Gross Tax Revenue of the Union and its direct consequence is the shrinkage of the Divisible Pool of taxes.

"The issue of distribution of taxes among the states also needs due consideration. The 16th Finance Commission has the task of delicately balancing the interests of the states, which have a low per capita income and a larger share of the population, and others which have achieved the aim of the National Population Policy, 1976," pointed out CM Vijayan.

The CM further said that in this act of delicate balancing, the 16th Finance Commission will have to carefully decide on the tax distribution formula and put to use effectively the constitutional provisions of Article 275 for disbursing grants to states in need.

"I am hoping that the experts present here will offer their valuable advice to us in presenting this issue before the 16th Finance Commission," added CM Vijayan.

He ended his address by pointing out that the past efforts taken by the states have been catalysts in highlighting the problems in Centre-State relations and initiatives for change.

"Milestones in this regard are the P.V. Rajamannar Committee appointed by the government of late Kalaignar M. Karunanidhi in Tamil Nadu, the Memorandum submitted by the Left Front government in West Bengal led by late Jyoti Basu in 1977, demands raised in the Conclave of Chief Ministers in 1983, which resulted in the appointment of the Justice Sarkaria Commission to look into the Union-State relations and the Conclave held here in 2017 demanding reconsideration of certain items in the ToR of the 15th Finance Commission," said CM Vijayan.
Hyderabad, Sep 12 : Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Working President, KT Rama Rao on Thursday questioned Union Home Minister Amit Shah over his Hindi push and warned that language chauvinism would be India's bane.

"Why exactly do we need increased Hindi acceptance," Rama Rao asked on X while reacting to the Home Minister's statement.

"Why not increased promotion of Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, Bengali, Marathi, Gujarati etc? Hindi is one among the 22 official languages of India. Why only push Hindi?," asked KTR, as the former minister is popularly known.

"Linguistic diversity is one of the biggest strengths of India and language chauvinism will be our bane," said the BRS leader.

He was reacting to the Union Home Minister's statement that there was a need to increase the acceptance of Hindi in the country without competing with any other Indian language.

HM Shah had stated this on Monday while addressing the newly-constituted Parliamentary Committee on Official Language after being re-elected as its chairperson.

HM Shah had said that Hindi was now in a way associated with employment and technology, and the government of India was also making special efforts to integrate all the new-age technologies with Hindi.

This is not the first time that KTR had found fault with the Centre for its Hindi push.

In 2022, he had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly opposing the move to make Hindi a medium of instruction in all technical and non-technical educational institutions including central universities.

He had termed as unconstitutional, the recommendation of a Parliamentary Committee on Official Language headed by HM Shah that Hindi be made the medium of instruction in technical and non-technical educational institutes.

KTR, in his letter to the Prime Minister, had detailed the far-reaching disastrous impact of the unconstitutional recommendation on the future of current and coming generations, the division it could draw between various parts of India, and other crucial aspects.

Drawing focus on how indirect imposition of Hindi was currently ruining lives of crores of youngsters, KTR said that students who pursue education in regional languages are losing out on central government job opportunities as questions in qualifying tests for the central jobs are in Hindi and English.
Mumbai, Sep 12 : Meta on Thursday announced several features and updates on WhatsApp for millions of small businesses across the country that will help them grow ahead of the upcoming festive season.

At its first 'WhatsApp Business Summit' in the country, the company said that 'Meta Verified' feature is now available to all eligible small businesses in India using the WhatsApp Business app.

With this feature, businesses that choose to subscribe and demonstrate their authenticity will receive a verified badge, impersonation protection, account support, and premium features that help amplify their brand online and make it more efficient to chat with customers.

The same badge will appear on their WhatsApp Channels and Business pages, making it easy to share on social media and websites.

"The ubiquity and ease of WhatsApp places it at the centre of India's transformation, helping businesses fuel compelling ideas and new models of growth," said Sandhya Devanathan, VP, Meta in India.

The company is rolling out the ability for small businesses using the WhatsApp Business app to send customised messages to their customers  like appointment reminders, birthday greetings or even updates on a holiday sale all in a faster and more efficient way.

"This new feature, available for a fee, gives businesses the ability to send personal messages with a customer's name and customisable call-to-action buttons and will also enable them to schedule the day and time the messages are sent," the company informed.

In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the social media company will soon launch 'WhatsApp Business Yatra' in India, where it will go to tier 2 and 3 cities to provide on-ground, in-person training to small businesses.

About 60 per cent of WhatsApp users are interacting with businesses every week. Overall, around 92 per cent of users are using messaging apps to interact with the businesses.
Ahmedabad, Sep 12 : Due to continuous rainfall in the upstream areas and water release from the Omkareshwar Dam, the water level of Sardar Sarovar Dam has been steadily rising.

On Thursday, 15 gates of Sardar Sarovar Dam were opened by 1.90 metres, releasing 2,00,000 cusecs of water into the lower basin of the dam. Additionally, with six turbines of the Riverbed Power House (RBPH) operational, 2,45,000 cusecs of water is being discharged into the Narmada River.

Collector Bijal Shah informed that precautionary steps have been taken for 25 villages in Shinor, Dabhoi, and Karjan talukas of Vadodara district, along the Narmada River. Instructions have been given to village talatis and liaison officers to ensure safety measures are in place.

The affected villages include Chandod, Karnali, and Nanderiya in Dabhoi taluka; Ambali, Barkal, Dheer, Malsar, Dariapura, Moleta, Zanzad, Kanjetha, Shinor, Mandva, and Surashamal in Shinor taluka; and Pura, Alampura, Rajali, Lilaiapura, Nani Koral, Moti Koral, Junasair, Sagarol, Oz, Somaj, Delvada, and Arjpura in Karjan taluka.

The district administration has urged residents of these villages to refrain from venturing into the riverbed areas. The administration closely monitors the flood situation, and safety measures are being taken to prevent accidents or loss of life. The District Disaster Management Board oversees the matter, and citizens can contact the emergency helpline number 1,077 for assistance.

The Sardar Sarovar Dam, a concrete gravity dam on the Narmada River near Kevadiya in Narmada District, is a vital infrastructure project serving multiple statesa"Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan. Known as the 'lifeline of Gujarat', the dam supplies water and electricity to these regions.

With 75 per cent of Gujarat's command area classified as drought-prone, the dam provides a critical domestic water supply, especially to the arid regions of Kutch and Saurashtra.

Notably, in 2021, the Sardar Sarovar Dam supplied irrigation water for the first time during the summer.
Imphal, Sep 12 : A primary health centre in Manipur's restive Jiribam district was burnt down by unidentified armed attackers and an exchange of fire took place between two groups, police said on Thursday.

A police official in Imphal said that on the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday, the primary health centre, near the Borobekra police outpost in Jiribam, adjoining southern Assam, was set afire.

In another incident in the same district, an exchange of fire took place between two groups of armed cadres.

More details of both incidents are awaited.

Except for Jiribam, no other acts of violence were reported from anywhere in the trouble-torn state, which witnessed several violent incidents since September 1 leaving at least 12 people, including two women, elderly persons and a retired soldier, dead and over 20 others injured. Of the 12 deaths, six people alone were killed in Jiribam, inhabited by people from different communities.

The official also said that in connection with the studentsa protests on Monday and Tuesday in Imphal, 33 people have been arrested and seven juveniles apprehended from various places. Necessary legal proceedings are being taken up against them, he said.

As on Wednesday, Manipur's capital, its adjoining localities, and the three curfew-bound districts of Imphal East, Imphal West, and Thoubal wore a deserted look on Thursday. The security forces were on high alert to foil any attack or ethnic clashes in the state, the official said.

Apprehending fresh trouble in valley regions including capital city Imphal, and its adjoining areas, authorities on Tuesday reimposed curfew for an indefinite period in the three districts. Mobile internet services were also suspended in five districts -- Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur, and Kakching for five days (till September 15) and educational institutions closed in view of the studentsa protests.

According to officials, the Civil Secretariat and a few other government offices in Imphal were open but many employees were unable to come to offices due to curfew and other reasons.

Except for emergency and medical purposes, most people in the three curfew-bound districts prefer to remain indoors.

In view of the prevailing tension and fear, a huge contingent of security forces including central forces were deployed in the sensitive, mixed-populated, and vulnerable areas of the state. Patrolling by police personnel and paramilitary troopers was underway in most places to foil any untoward incident. The official said that the top officials are closely monitoring the situation round the clock and added that the overall situation in Imphal and other districts remained tense but under control.

Thousands of students staged protests in Imphal on Monday and Tuesday even as security forces lobbed teargas shells and fired in the air to disperse them. Various student bodies claimed that more than 55 students were injured in the clashes with the security personnel and admitted to various hospitals including the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Imphal.

The students, who have been agitating for the removal of the Security Advisor to the government, and Director General of Police, handing over of the Unified Command charge to the state government, and withdrawal of Central forces from the state, expressed their dissatisfaction, stating that since their demands were not met, all schools and colleges will shut down indefinitely. The student leaders separately met Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya and Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and highlighted their demands.

Inspector General of Police, Intelligence, K. Kabib on Thursday claimed that the protests, originally intended as peaceful demonstrations, spiralled into violent confrontations with the involvement of instigators involving firearms at Kakwa and the use of petrol bombs at Khwairamband Bazar. "Incidents also included the deployment of slingshots with iron and stone projectiles. The clashes resulted in injuries to over 50 students and more than 10 police personnel, including a Village Defence Force personnel. We are concerned over the involvement of juveniles in these protests," he told the media.

Meanwhile, security forces including Assam Rifles, Central Armed Police Forces and Manipur Police commandos, continued their counter-insurgency operations across the state to nab the militants and recover arms and ammunition.
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As part of the program, participants also learned about environmental protection in alignment with COP29 and the "Year of Solidarity for a Green World" initiative. Following the informative sessions, the children enjoyed a hands-on masterclass where they crafted water filters and slingshots using recycled materials.



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Mumbai, Sep 12 : The Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), on Thursday, raised eyebrows over what it termed as 'an unprecedented' visit by a Prime Minister to the residence of a Chief Justice of India for performing a 'puja' of Lord Ganesha in Delhi.

Top leaders of MVA like Shiv Sena (UBT)'s Sanjay Raut, Kishore Tiwari, Nationalist Congress Party (SP)'s Supriya Sule and Clyde Crasto and Congress' Atul Londhe and Sachin Sawant, among others, expressed their reservations over the development.

The reference was to PM Narendra Modi -- attired in a typical Maharashtrian attire -- dropping in at the CJI Dhananjay Chandrachud's home in the national capital and performing a puja for Lord Ganesha Wednesday evening.

"Dhananjay Chandrachud is the Chief Justice of India and retiring in November. Questions are raised in the minds of the people about all this, or whether the PM and CJI are adhering to Constitutional norms and protocols," said Raut.

He pointed out soon the matter of Maharashtra's two major political parties, the SS (UBT) and NCP (SP) shall be heard by the CJI, but now there are questions raised on the outcome.

"The CJI should withdraw from this case as the PM's office is a party to the whole thing. It's been three years now, there are only dates after dates, but we are not getting justice in our battle against the unconstitutional regime that has taken power in the state. Like us, even the ordinary folks are wondering if the judgement is delayed as a judge is so politically close to the PM," said Raut.

NCP (SP) Working President Supriya Sule said that when she learnt of the development, "I was surprised But I have full faith in the judiciary, though not in the government".

Congress' state Chief Spokesperson Atul Londhe in a cryptic remark said, "The PM going to the CJI's home for Lord Ganpati darshan this has never been seen before".

"By this, what kind of a message is the PM trying to convey, to the judiciary or to the Opposition or to the people of the country, particularly in a delicate situation when the state political parties' verdict is awaited and the state Assembly elections are round the corner," asked SS (UBT) Spokesperson Kishore Tiwari.

National Spokesperson of NCP (SP) Clyde Crasto said, "Both the PM and CJI should have exercised restraint and avoided mixing up politics and judiciary like this".

"This is unheard of and indicates all is not well in the current system. The peoples' apprehensions on our Constitutional institutions seem to be coming true, especially since the PM is also the leader of a political party," Crasto pointed out.

Raut questioned whether the very existence of self-respecting parties like the (undivided) Shiv Sena-Nationalist Congress Party is under threat with the help of the judiciary, in the current scenario, claiming that the people's fears are being confirmed.
Hyderabad, Sep 12 : Tension prevailed outside the residence of Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MLA P. Kaushik Reddy at Kondapur here as defected MLA Arekapudi Gandhi and his supporters reached there following a bitter war of words between the two legislators.

Gandhi was later detained and whisked away by police after some of his supporters barged into the premises of the BRS MLA and clashed with the BRS workers.

Several supporters of Gandhi were arrested by police as they continued the protest raising slogans against Kaushik Reddy.

Earlier, Gandhi squatted outside the BRS MLA's house and dared him to come out. Gandhi used objectionable words to lash out at Kaushik Reddy.

Gandhi said since Kaushik Reddy did not come to his house after throwing a challenge to hoist the BRS flag and make him wear a BRS scarf, he has come to his house and dared him to come out.

Kaushik Reddy, the MLA from Huzurabad in Karimnagar district, alleged that there was an attempt to kill him. He warned that there would be a counter-action tomorrow.

Police had earlier placed Kaushik Reddy under house arrest to prevent him from leaving for Gandhi's house.

The police had also stepped up security at the residence of Gandhi, who had accepted the challenge and announced that if Kaushik Reddy did not come to his house, he would go to his house.

Gandhi, the MLA from the Serlinigampally constituency, started for Kaushik Reddy's residence in a big convoy of vehicles along with his supporters.

Gandhi, who was elected to the Assembly on a BRS ticket but joined the Congress party in July, was Monday appointed as chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), a post usually given to opposition members.

This had led to a bitter war of words. The BRS slammed the ruling Congress party for appointing a turncoat MLA as PAC chairman and demanded his disqualification along with the disqualification of nine other defectors but Gandhi claimed that he is still in the opposition.

The BRS leaders alleged that Gandhi was trying to escape disqualification as they had stepped up their efforts to get the defectors disqualified following the High Court directive on disqualification petitions.

The High Court had Monday directed the Assembly Speaker to decide within four weeks on the petitions filed by BRS seeking the disqualification of three defected MLAs.

On Wednesday, BRS legislators KP Vivekananda and Kaushik Reddy met the State Legislature Secretary and submitted a memorandum, urging him to start the process of hearing the three disqualification petitions by the Speaker as directed by the Telangana High Court.

They also wanted the Speaker to take action on seven other disqualification petitions which are pending with him.

Reacting to Gandhi's statement that he was still in opposition, Kaushik Reddy challenged him to accept the BRS scarf. Kaushik Reddy announced that he would visit Gandhi's house on Thursday and offer him the BRS scarf.

Arekapudi Gandhi, the MLA from Serilingampally constituency in Greater Hyderabad, joined the Congress on July 13 in the presence of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy at the latter's residence.

Gandhi was elected Serilingampally on Telugu Desam Party (TDP) ticket in 2014 but later joined TRS (now BRS). He retained the seat in 2018 and 2023.
Srinagar, Sep 12 : Addressing his first public gathering after arriving here on Thursday, Engineer Rashid said if the people give him 50 seats in the Assembly elections, he will resolve the Kashmir issue.

The Lok Sabha member addressed a gathering of around 3,500 to 4,000 people, mostly youths, in a ground in the Delina area of Baramulla district. He said that all the people at the gathering had come there on their own.

"I tell everyone that the vote in Parliament elections was not an emotional outburst, but a vote against oppression. The people of Kashmir are not happy by throwing stones, but they are reacting to the oppression. I told the BJP that they should start negotiations and peace talks to solve the Kashmir issue otherwise they will not exist anymore. I appeal to people to vote for AIP, Give me 50 more Engineer Rashids in the Assembly election and I will solve the issues."

he further said, "I ask my candidates not to fall prey to any greed. My jail cell was just 150 metres from the graves of Maqbool Bhat and Afzal Guru and if my death had also happened there, the price for us would still have been too little. If we cannot talk to Pakistan as long as militancy exists here, then how can things be resolved by torturing the Hurriyat leaders? I have won the election by getting more votes in my constituency than PM Narendra Modi got in Varanasi. If PM Modi's ideas are acceptable to people then he would have got more votes than me", he asserted.

Talking about the criticism against him by the National Conference (NC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he said, "After Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah and Farooq Abdullah, Mufti Sayeed was the biggest traitor who brought BJP to J&K," he said.

Earlier in the day, Engineer Rashid reached J&K's Srinagar after remaining in Tihar Jail for five years. He was granted interim bail by the Patiala House court till October 2 so that he could participate in the poll campaign for his party, the Awami Itihad Party (AIP).

Talking to reporters here, Rashid said, "This is my land". When asked about the allegations levelled against him by Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti that he has been released by the BJP-led Central government to cut into the vote bank of the National Conference (NC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he said: "I am fighting the battle which Omar and Mehbooba can't fight."

"My fight is much bigger than these two. I want self-respect, peace with dignity and not the peace of the graveyard. I will fight for my people who punctured Prime Minister Narendra Modi's claims of 'Naya Kashmir' through their votes", he said.

Engineer Rashid fought Lok Sabha elections from Tihar Jail and he defeated former J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah by over two lakh votes while Sajad Lone of the Peoples Conference (PC) finished third in that election.
Tokyo, Sep 12 : An explosion took place on Thursday at a sewage facility in Osaka, reportedly injuring four male workers on site, according to local authorities.

At 12:15 p.m. local time, the blast occurred at Nagahori Pumping Station in the Japanese city's Nishi Ward, and was reported by a passerby, the fire department said.

The explosion occurred in a temporary water storage area inside the facility where the workers were performing maintenance, Xinhua news agency reported.

A total of 12 fire trucks were dispatched to the scene, and the blaze was contained within 15 minutes. According to Osaka Prefectural Police, four male workers in their 30s and 40s were injured, with three transported to hospital. All were conscious with non-life-threatening injuries.

The explosion caused a strong burning odour in the area, and the fence in front of the facility was heavily damaged. A nearby convenience store worker reported hearing several loud boom sounds and feeling a strong shake inside the store, describing the incident as shocking and sudden.

The exact cause of the explosion is still under investigation.
New Delhi, Sep 12 : Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud's residence, where he participated in Ganpati Puja, has sparked a political debate in the country. In response to the criticisms from opposition parties regarding this meeting, the BJP retorted that the "issue at hand is not the meeting but the Ganpati Puja."

Addressing the media at the BJP headquarters on Thursday, party National Spokesperson Sambit Patra reminded the opposition of the Iftar parties held during the UPA government's tenure.

He stated that the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court is from Maharashtra and had organised a Ganpati Puja at his home, naturally inviting several people.

He criticised those questioning the meeting between the Prime Minister and the Chief Justice, saying that the focus should be on the Ganpati Puja, not the meeting.

He further recalled that during the UPA era, then-Prime Minister Manmohan Singh used to host Iftar parties, which the Chief Justice of that time also attended.

"Did they not meet then? Didn't they sit at the same table and talk? That was also a festival (Iftar party), and this was also a festival (Ganpati Puja). So why object now? Why is there discrimination between these two festivals?" he questioned.

Patra also accused the opposition of playing politics over the Ganpati Puja, saying that PM Modi attended the puja at the CJI's invitation, but some people are politicising it.

He expressed surprise that when the Prime Minister meets the Chief Justice, there is an objection, but there is no objection when Rahul Gandhi meets Ilhan Omar, a known critic of India and a supporter of Pakistan.

"What do these people want? Do they want the pillars of democracy not to meet? Does attending an Aarti change the equations?" the BJP spokesperson questioned.

Criticising the Congress and Rahul Gandhi, along with the entire opposition alliance, Patra also mocked Rahul Gandhi for his recent slip-up while addressing the Indian diaspora in the US, where he struggled to explain what the 'A' in 'INDIA' bloc stands for before finally saying it meant 'Alliance'.

Patra sarcastically remarked that the 'A' in 'INDIA' stands for "Aparadh (crime), Appeasement, and Arrogance."

Commenting on the Himachal Pradesh incident, Patra condemned the lathi-charge on Hindus protesting against an illegal mosque.

He said that the brutality faced by Hindus, including women, in Himachal Pradesh is unacceptable.

"Lathi charges on Hindus and recharging illegal mosques will not work. The public is raising slogans to save Devbhoomi." Patra added that what is illegal must go, and the "mosque is illegal."

He also pointed out that even Congress ministers are questioning how so many Muslims have come to that region.

Patra further slammed the Congress government, saying that appeasement is at its peak and the behaviour towards Hindus in Himachal Pradesh is not an isolated incident.

He also took aim at West Bengal's Mamata Banerjee government and Abhishek Banerjee, highlighting a letter from a judge in Diamond Harbour who had written to the High Court regarding his security concerns. Patra urged the Supreme Court to take note of this serious issue.

Sambit Patra continued his attack on Rahul Gandhi for his remarks on reservations during his US trip and his meeting with an anti-India lawmaker. He said Rahul Gandhi's actions in America were "tantamount to treason."

He also assured that as long as the BJP is in power, "no one can touch the reservation system."

Responding to Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge's comments on PM Modi, the BJP spokesperson said, "As long as Rahul Gandhi is there, Congress cannot rise."

He also commented on the ongoing discussions in the JPC regarding the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and cautioned against making inflammatory statements. Lastly, he criticised Congress, citing remarks made by former Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde during the Manmohan Singh government's tenure.
Bhopal, Sep 12 : The Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Thursday expressed shock over the attack on Army officials and the alleged rape of a woman accompanying them in Madhya Pradesh.

He called the incident "shameful".

"The violence against two Army soldiers and the rape of their female companion in Madhya Pradesh is enough to shame the entire society," he wrote on social media platform X.

Rahul Gandhi also hit out at the BJP government, alleging that the law and order situation in almost every BJP-ruling state has deteriorated.

He said that the BJP's negative approach towards the safety of women has been worrying.

"The audacity of criminals is the result of failure of the administration, and the unsafe environment prevailing in the country is becoming a barrier for the women," the Congress leader added.

He also said, "Both the society and the government should be ashamed and think seriously -- how long will they turn a blind eye to the responsibility of protecting half the country's population!"

On Wednesday, two Army officials and their female friends went for a picnic near the Jam Gate in Indore's Mhow.

The spot is located around 50 km from Indore district headquarters and 25 km from Mhow.

The complaint said that the accused held four persons at gunpoint, took an officer and a woman hostage, and asked the other officer to pay a ransom of Rs 10 lakh.

This gave the officer and one of the women the chance to escape and inform their senior Army officers at Mhow.

However, by the time police teams reached the spot, the accused had fled from the spot.

As many as 10 teams of police personnel have been carrying out extensive search operations in the surrounding area of Jam Gate area where the incident occurred.

Police have arrested two suspects in the case and the questioning was underway, Additional Superintendent of Police, Rupesh Dwivedi, told the media.
Istanbul, Sep 12 : Turkish police discovered two hand grenades with their safety pins removed on Thursday in the Beykoz district of Istanbul, Turkey's largest city, according to local media reports.

The local residents noticed the grenades in a bag on the sidewalk of the highway leading to the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, which spans the Bosphorus Strait, reports Xinhua news agency, quoting NTV broadcaster.

Upon receiving the alert, counter-terrorism units and bomb disposal teams were dispatched.

A video broadcast showed crime scene investigators at work, with police teams patrolling the area alongside armoured police vehicles.

The grenades have been sent to the Istanbul Police Department.

The incident led to traffic congestion on the highway, causing significant disruptions.
Mumbai, Sep 12 : Actors Paresh Rawal, Asrani and Rajpal Yadav will be seen starring alongside actor Akshay Kumar in the upcoming horror comedy "Bhoot Bangla" by filmmaker Priyadarshan.

Mumbai, Sep 12 (IANS) Actors Paresh Rawal, Asrani and Rajpal Yadav will be seen starring alongside actor Akshay Kumar in the upcoming horror comedy "Bhoot Bangla" by filmmaker Priyadarshan.

According to a statement, Paresh Rawal, Rajpal Yadav, and Asrani join Akshay Kumar in a hilarious comedy of errors. This highly anticipated film blends laughter with a spooky twist, promising a rollercoaster of emotions.

The film is set to begin production in early 2025, with a theatrical release planned by the end of the year. The casting process is still ongoing, with three female lead roles yet to be filled.

Akshay has previously worked with Paresh in films such as "Hera Pheri", "Phir Hera Pheri" and "Garam Masala". The "Khiladi" star shared screen space with Rajpal in "Bhool Bhulaiyaa" and "Bhagam Bhag". Asrani and the "Khel Khel Mein" actor worked together in "Khatta Meetha".

On his 57th birthday on September 9, Akshay announced that he is joining forces with director Priyadarshan once again after 14 years for the film.

Akshay took to X, formerly called Twitter, where he shared the motion poster of the film. In the image, Akshay could be seen holding a bowl filled with a black cat standing on his shoulder.

"Thank you for your love on my birthday, year after year! Celebrating this year with the first look of 'Bhooth Bangla'! I'm beyond excited to join forces with Priyadarshan again after 14 years," wrote the actor, who last worked with the filmmaker in 2010 in the film "Khatta Meetha".

"This dream collaboration has been a long time coming can't wait to share this incredible journey with you all. Stay tuned for the magic!"

Akshay and Priyadarshan have given several blockbusters together including "Hera Pheri", "De Dana Dan", "Bhool Bhulaiyaa", "Garam Masala" and "Khatta Meetha" to name a few.
Manila, Sep 12 : Philippines Defence Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. highlighted the need to create a "great net" that fosters regional stability and security during his meeting with visiting Indian Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane, the country's Department of National Defense (DND) stated on Thursday.

The meeting held on Wednesday marked another step towards deepening defence cooperation between the Philippines and India, the Department mentioned.

"Secretary of National Defense (SND) Teodoro emphasised the importance of strengthening the partnership between the two countries, particularly in upholding the rule of law in the region. The Defense Chief also underscored the Philippines' commitment to a Self-Reliant Defence Posture, with a particular focus on supply chain resilience as a critical component of the country's defence strategy. He also welcomed further opportunities for military-to-military engagements and collaborations," it stated.

Appreciating the visit of the Indian delegation to the Philippines, which he said underscored the mutual commitment of both countries to deepen relations, Teodoro stressed the necessity of engaging in dialogue with "like-minded nations" to build a framework for cooperation built on universally accepted principles of international law.

The Philippines Defence Secretary is scheduled to meet Defence Minister Rajnath Singh during the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus) to be held in November in Lao People's Democratic Republic which would further reinforce the bilateral defence relationship between the two nations.

Secretary Aramane, while commending the Philippines for its strong adherence to the rule of law and expressing the desire to enhance defence ties through the sharing of experiences and technologies, also extended an invitation to Teodoro to visit India for ministerial-level talks, highlighting that 2024 marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

On Wednesday, Aramane co-chaired the fifth meeting of India-Philippines Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) in Manila along with his counterpart Irineo Cruz Espino, the Senior Undersecretary at the Ministry of National Defence of Philippines.

"The Defence Secretary appreciated the Self Reliance Defence Posture Act of the Philippines government for modernising its Armed Forces. He highlighted that India has also laid out a similar vision for 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'. Under this vision, the Indian defence Industry is continuously enhancing its manufacturing capabilities and is exporting equipment to the world," the Ministry of Defence said in a statement.

The Defence Secretary invited the Philippines to partner with the Indian defence industry in co-development and co-production of equipment. The Philippines also invited investments in long-term equity partnership towards promoting assured supply chains. It acknowledged and appreciated Indiaas functioning and proven template of defence Industry indigenisation.

"Both sides affirmed the commitment to support each other to achieve the goal of self-reliance in defence production. They appreciated the operationalisation of White Shipping Information Exchange and opening of defence wing at Embassy of India, Manila in near future," the Ministry mentioned.
Islamabad, Sep 12 : Adding a new ingredient to the sizzling legal stew as two Delhi restaurants fight it out over who "invented" butter chicken, old-time Peshawar residents have fond recollections of the erstwhile Moti Mahal restaurant in the city but do not recall the now-iconic dish being on the bill of fare.

Both Moti Mahal and Daryaganj restaurant chains, which began as establishments set up former partners Kundan Lal Gujral and Kundan Lal Jaggi in Delhi after the Partition and are now run by their descendants, claim ownership over the finger-licking dish. Escalating the matter to the courts, the former wants the latter to withdraw its claim and pay damages.

The story began in the early 20th century in Peshawar's Cantonment area, where the Moti Mahal Restaurant functioned from the first floor of a building at the bustling Fawara Chowk near Tipu Sultan Road, overlooking the Jalandhar Sweet House, according to Geo News.

The restaurant was founded by Kundan Lal Gujral, the founder of Moti Mahal in Delhi, in 1920, or was owned by Sikh businessman Mokah Singh Lamba and was his first place of work, as per different accounts. Jaggi also worked there subsequently.

Old Peshawar resident Mushtaq Khan told Geo TV that the restaurant, in its heyday, was known for its aromatic teas, crispy pakoras, cheesy delights, and tangy yoghurt-based snacks, though it was a bit high-end and was mostly frequented by the wealthy, including the British rulers.

The always-buzzing kitchen was located on the ground floor, and the place is now a clothing shop owned by Iqbal Arif, another old resident of Peshawar.

He said in its day, the upper floor of the Moti Mahal restaurant had a traditional tandoor, for the preparation of Peshawari naans and tandoori chicken was barbecued.

Arif told Geo that way back in the 1980s, he was told that Gujral had visited Peshawar and was seen "softly sobbing and reflecting on his erstwhile restaurant as he propped himself against a tree in front of the cloth shop" but was comforted by knowing the place was still cherished by people, who still missed the delicacies it had served.

He said that Gujralas niece had also come from India for a "pilgrimage" to the site of her uncleas eatery some 15 years ago.

While veteran Peshawar advocate Shakeel Chandra and former provincial minister Syed Aqil Shah have met Gujral at his Moti Mahal restaurant in Delhi and been regaled by his stories of its previous incarnation in their city, businessman Shahid Khan told Geo that he had never heard of Gujaral in relation to butter chicken, but now the issue is being discussed frequently due to the court case.

However, elderly Saddar Bazaar businessman Chaudhry Abdul Ghafoor told Geo that Gujral assisted his father in his business for many years, and his father had often talked about the restaurant, which was a "royal retreat" for the high-profile guests and where the elite socialised over deluxe meals.

However, butter chicken was nowhere to be found on the menu in Peshawaras Moti Mahal, Ghafoor disclosed, adding that Gujral innovated the epic recipe after moving to Delhi.

As Geo reached out to the litigants, Gujral's descendants insist that butter chicken was developed by him in Peshawar, but Jaggi's grandson contends that it was his grandfather who developed it in Delhi after Partition, though based on the culinary arts he learned in Peshawar.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 11. Participants of the Forum of Azerbaijani Scientists Living Abroad have made an appeal to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Victorious Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev, Trend reports.

Dear Mr. President,

Our organization, which unites Azerbaijani scientists residing and working in various countries, has always closely followed the progress of our homeland. We are deeply pleased with the achievements of our state and people, who have attained a remarkable victory. Despite working abroad, we are constantly reminded of the great words of National Leader Heydar Aliyev: Every corner of Azerbaijans land is dear to every Azerbaijani. The primary objective of the World Union of Azerbaijani Scientists, which gathers researchers from different fields globally, is to support the development of our homeland.

Today, on the final day of the Forum of Azerbaijani Scientists Living Abroad, we are honored to convey to you and the whole world that while in Karabakh, the sacred land of Azerbaijan that has been liberated from occupation, we feel incredibly happy and proud of our victorious nation and its Victorious Commander-in-Chief, the defender and savior of our Motherland. We always remember the sacrifices made by our people in the struggle for the liberation of every inch of our land. We pray for God's mercy on our martyrs and wish good health to our ghazis.

As Azerbaijani scientists abroad, we assure you, and through you, all the people of Azerbaijan, that we will work diligently on the preparation and implementation of the strategic plans for our Motherland in the fields of science and technology, energy, education, health, sociology, and culture.

We are always grateful to you, Mr. President and Commander-in-Chief of our glorious Armed Forces, for leading our people to victory, restoring the territorial integrity of our country, and fully ensuring the sovereignty of our homeland.

We express our confidence that under your wise and visionary leadership, Azerbaijan will achieve greater success in political, economic, scientific, and cultural areas in the future. We declare that we are ready to contribute to our overall progress. We believe that our intellectuals, who possess advanced scientific knowledge and extensive experience, sincerely love our Motherland and always support your political line, will become your helpers in great affairs of national significance.

Today, each of us in Khankendi repeats the immortal words of the National Leader with great pride: I am proud to be an Azerbaijani. I am proud that Azerbaijan is my native land. I am proud to have such a nation! the appeal said.
Bhopal, Sep 12 : The death toll in Madhya Pradesh's Datia Fort's wall collapse has risen to seven, while two persons have been rescued from the rubble.

Five out of the seven deceased belonged to one family. Those rescued are admitted to a hospital in Gwalior and their conditions are said to be critical.

The wall that collapsed and killed seven persons was part of a centuries-old fort known as 'Rajgarh Ka Quila' in Datia.

The building was already in a dilapidated condition for several years and the heavy rains in last two days resulted in its collapse earlier on Thursday.

Former Minister Narottam Mishra, who represented Datia Assembly constituency thrice (before he lost in 2023), said that he has apprised Chief Minister Mohan Yadav about the tragic incident.

Mishra claimed that the Chief Minister has assured to provide an ex gratia sum of Rs four lakh to the kins of each deceased and better medical treatment for those who received injuries in the incident.

The incident occurred at around 4 a.m. on Thursday, and two persons were rescued by local residents. Local police and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) were called in and the rescue operation was carried out for over eight hours.

As the surrounding area of the building was encroached, the rescue operation was slow to progress.

However, the rescue operation sped up after heavy amount of debris was pushed out through JCB machines. As the old fort was built using big stones, pushing them out manually was not easy.

Chief Minister Yadav, who chaired an emergency meeting with District Collectors to take stock of the situation, said excessive rain has caused flood-like situation in several parts of the state.

He said that the district administration has been asked to stay alert. "I would also request people of Madhya Pradesh to stay alert to avoid untoward incident," CM Yadav said.
New Delhi, Sep 12 : Congress National Spokesperson Pawan Khera on Thursday condemned the BJP over the communal clash in Karnataka during the Ganpati procession and said that the mentality of the ruling party was to create dispute in society and the country.

On Wednesday, two groups clashed in Karnataka's Mandya district after stones were allegedly pelted at a Ganpati idol immersion procession in Nagamangala town. Some shops and vehicles were set afire following the incident.

"I havenat witnessed communal clashes during festivals since my childhood. However, in the last ten years, the BJP has tried to incite disputes or violence during Hanuman Jayanti, Rama Navami, and Muharram," he told IANS.

Pawan Khera also hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his visit to Chief Justice of India (CJI), DY Chandrachud's residence and said he has a habit of going without being invited.

"The PM has also visited Pakistan several times without being invited. I don't have any information about whether he was invited (to the CJIas house) or not and who all were invited," he added.

He also commented on a recent statement by former Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat who claimed that she received no support from the Olympic Association President and claimed that the photos of PT Usha at the hospital were clicked without her knowledge.

Strongly criticising PT Usha for this behaviour, the Congress spokesperson said, "She acted according to the Centre's directives, which were given merely for appearances. They wanted to project an image of support during difficult times, but in reality, their actions fall short and are detrimental to the nation."

He also condemned BJP leader and former MLA Tarvinder Singh Marwah for threatening Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi by saying that he would face the same fate as his grandmother late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi who was assassinated by her own bodyguards.

"When he was in the Congress, he did not have this type of mentality. But, after joining the BJP, he is speaking like this. Then the question arises! Can the ruling party threaten to kill the LoP publicly? Now, the entire world is seeing this and laughing at India," he asserted.
Srinagar, Sep 12 : J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday lashed out at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his remarks that the L-G was working as a 'raja (king)' and that no developmental work had been done in the UT during the last five years.

Speaking at a media event here, Manoj Sinha said that he would resign if more than 75 per cent of the people do not say that work has been done for the welfare of the public in the last five years.

L-G Sinha said that a secret ballot could be carried out to gauge the public sentiment in J&K after the abrogation of Article 370.

"He (Rahul Gandhi) should take the opinion of the public, he will be more aware. Get a secret ballot done. If more than 75 per cent of the public does not say that work has been done for their welfare in the last five years, then I will resign", Sinha challenged Rahul.

On the record voter turnout in the recent Lok Sabha polls, Sinha said it was due to the people understanding the conspiracy of Pakistan and realising that their future was with India.

The Election Commission of India's statistics showed that in the Lok Sabha elections in Jammu and Kashmir, 58.46 per cent voter turnout was recorded, which was the highest in a Lok Sabha poll in the last 35 years in J&K.

"The people of Jammu and Kashmir, especially the people of the Valley, have expressed faith in the democracy of India," Sinha said.

Addressing a public rally in Jammu's Ramban on September 4, Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on L-G Manoj Sinha, calling him a 'raja'. "Aaj Jammu-Kashmir mein raja baitha hua hai. Uska naam L-G hai par hai voh raja. (Today, a king sits in Jammu and Kashmir. His name is L-G, but he is a king," Gandhi said.

The Assembly elections are being held in three phases in J&K and it is because of the largely people-participative Lok Sabha elections that various political parties are vigorously carrying out their poll campaigns.

The participation of people in these poll campaigns, election rallies, meetings and roadshows indicates that the people have decided to express themselves through the ballot and that the bullet has lost its relevance in Kashmir.
New Delhi, Sep 12 : Reacting to the incident of violence during the Ganesh idol immersion procession in Karnataka's Mandya district, Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H.D. Kumaraswamy, said on Thursday that he will visit the spot on Friday and also urged the Congress-led state government not to arrest innocent people.

Speaking to media persons in New Delhi, Union Minister Kumaraswamy said, "The Congress government had rendered the police officers inactive and the incident of violence is a direct consequence of it. Murders and robberies are taking place rampantly in the state."

"It is your (Congress) administrative fault and the blame is pinned on me," he added.

"During my tenure as Chief Minister of Karnataka, why were there no communal clashes then? It is before the people that after you (Congress) came to power, what programmes have you taken up for the protection of society? Where should businessmen who suffered crores of losses go now? Do you have minimum common sense?" he asked the Congress government.

"The Congress leaders are lecturing me after the violence. The person who worked with me is also issuing statements against me. I have been in the position of CM twice. How did I manage the state? Why were there no incidents of communal clashes then? The days are not too far when the Congress is going to suffer," he said, hitting out at the Congress government.

"There is no time for the Congress leaders to digest the discussion going on regarding the cases of corruption against them. They should stop arresting innocent people. In the pretext of the incident of violence, they are dragging everyone to the police station and arresting them. Statements are made about the arrest of 50 persons and more are likely to be arrested. The real culprit would have gone away by now. If the police arrest those who provide bread for the family here, where should the families go? What would be their plight?" Kumaraswamy asked.

"I am going to visit Nagamangala tomorrow morning and conduct a spot inspection. I will get first-hand information from the people on what had happened. The government should tell the truth. The media reports showed petrol bombs being used by rioters which proves that the incident was pre-planned. I will reach Nagamangala tomorrow and gather information. I won't get one-sided information. Once I get all the information, I will address the media," he said.
New Delhi, Sep 12 : JD-U leader Neeraj Kumar on Thursday responded sharply to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's recent remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

New Delhi, Sep 12 (IANS) JD-U leader Neeraj Kumar on Thursday responded sharply to Congress President Mallikarjun Khargeas recent remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Amid campaigning for the coming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, Kharge targeted PM Modi, saying that while the BJP gives many speeches, there is a significant gap between their words and actions. The BJP has failed to fulfil even a single promise in the past 10 years, he added.

In response to these comments, Neeraj Kumar, speaking to IANS, accused the Congress of using "exceptions to present their narrative."

The JD-U leader highlighted that the development of national highways, particularly in Bihar, is a testament to progress.

Praising Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the country's first Prime Minister, during whose tenure the Rajendra Setu bridge came up in 1959, he said that it was well after his time that it was being reconstructed.

He questioned what the issues were, pointing out that the Gandhi Setu bridge was built a long time ago and that its ongoing maintenance had no problems.

The JD-U leader also cited the Marine Drive in Patna, which he compared favourably to Mumbai's Marine Drive, suggesting that Congress leaders also enjoy it.

He emphasised that accusations should be based on facts, and if Congress is making allegations out of political jealousy, the public would view them as envious rather than as a viable alternative political force.

On Wednesday, Congress President Kharge had launched a strong attack on the Modi government during an election rally in Anantnag, terming the PM as the "chief of liars" and criticising the BJPas electoral policies and working style.

He claimed that if Congress had won 20 more seats, many BJP leaders would be in jail.

Kharge argued that the BJPas dream of crossing 400 seats had failed and they were now confined to 240 seats.
Kolkata, Sep 12 : West Bengal Chief Secretary Manoj Pant sent a fresh communique to the protesting junior doctors giving a fresh deadline to send a delegation to the state secretariat Nabanna by 5 p.m. on Thursday.

However, in the fresh communique the Chief Secretary has overruled two important conditions of the junior doctors to attend the meeting, the first relating to a 30-member delegation and the second was the demand for a live telecast of the proposed meeting.

"The meeting shall be attended by a delegate team of only 15 persons to ensure a smooth discussion. The meeting shall not be live telecasted. However, the same can be recorded to maintain transparency," read the letter from the Chief Secretary, a copy of which is available with IANS.

In the latter, the Chief Secretary has made it clear that as demanded by the protesting junior doctors the Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee "will be happy" to meet them.

The communique was forwarded from the office of the Chief Secretary sharp at 2.05 p.m. on Thursday. The protesting junior doctors, under the banner of West Bengal Junior Doctor's Forum (WBJDF), are on the third day of their sit-in demonstration in front of the state health department headquarters at Salt Lake which started Tuesday afternoon. They have received the communique and were discussing the next course of action in the matter.

Meanwhile, the Joint Platform of Doctors (JPD), an association of senior doctors in West Bengal, has expressed full solidarity with the stand taken by the junior doctors and has even threatened to join the cease-work protest if the state government initiates any action or proceedings against their junior counterparts.

A team of representatives from JPD reached the spot of a sit-in protest by WBJDF at Salt Lake in the afternoon and made a clear announcement on this count. The senior doctors also backed the demand of the junior doctors for a live telecast of the meeting for the sake of transparency.

On Wednesday afternoon, the protesting junior doctors rejected the earlier communique from the Chief Secretary for a discussion and had set four conditions on this count.

The protesters' conditions for discussion were -- a delegation of 30 representatives, a meeting in the presence of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, a live telecast of the meeting for transparency among all parties and a meeting based on the five-point agenda outlined since the beginning.

One of the major demands in the five-point agenda already outlined includes the suspension of the State Health Secretary, State Director of Health Services and Director of Medical Education.

Earlier on Monday, a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court had set a deadline of 5 p.m. on Tuesday for the protesting junior doctors to resume duty. After that, the Chief Minister also issued the same appeal.

However, despite that, the protesting doctors are carrying out their determined agitation seeking justice for the rape and murder victim.
Mumbai, Sep 12 : Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) President Prakash Ambedkar. on Thursday, slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government for not implementing reservations in promotions for Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes employees in the Central government services "as a matter of serious concern and setback to social justice".

Mumbai, Sep 12 (IANS) Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) President Prakash Ambedkar. on Thursday, slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government for not implementing reservations in promotions for Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes employees in the Central government services "as a matter of serious concern and setback to social justice".

Ambedkar said that he had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over this issue on July 18, referring to the constitutional provisions as per Article 16(4A) and 16 (4).

"But, till date neither have I received any reply nor has the government moved forward in the direction of implementing this reservation (in promotions). It has not been implemented effectively in both the government sector and education, but some people are already talking about abolishing reservations," said Ambedkar, without taking any names.

Targeting the government on the issue of Manipur, Ambedkar alleged that the BJP-RSS are importing their 'ethnic cleansing model' from Gujarat to the northeast Indian state, while the Congress has expressed only 'fake sympathy' for the people there.

"The BJP-RSS imported their ethnic cleansing model from Gujarat to Manipur. The Christian Kukis were systematically massacred and their tribe communalised in the mainstream media handled by the BJP-RSS," contended Ambedkar.

On the other hand, he charged the Congress with lending fake sympathy to the people of Manipur in the (Lok Sabha) elections for votes without taking a political stand for the Christian Kukis massacred there, and post-elections, it adopted the BJP's line.

"The Christian Kukis have been cheated and abandoned by both the BJP and Congress. This is not the first time that India's tribals have been fooled, betrayed and abandoned by themBoth parties are brothers-in-arms when it comes to looting, neglecting and repressing the Adivasis (tribals)," said Ambedkar.

He asked both the BJP-Congress to spell out their intervention policy to end the ethnic violence rocking Manipur.

Ambedkar's comments came days after he launched a platform to unite all the tribal groups in the state and fight the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections jointly.
Patna, Sep 12 : Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav on Thursday slammed the Nitish Kumar government over the "failure" to contain the "rising" crime incidents in Bihar.

Tejashwi, the leader of the Opposition in the Bihar Assembly, accused the government of not doing enough to tackle the crime incidents.

He alleged that the current administration not only failed to curb crime but was also allowing corrupt practices within the police force.

"Nitish Kumar's police were not working to prevent crime. The police were busy extorting money from the people in the name of liquor ban," Tejashwi, the former deputy chief minister, claimed.

"In places from where murder cases were being reported, neither action was being taken against police officers, nor they were transferred. They were being posted in crime-prone areas for extended periods in exchange for monetary benefits," he claimed.

The RJD, targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, posted on X: "Are you enjoying this Jungle Raj in Bihar? Come to Bihar again at the time of elections and say that I am the son of Bihar."

"The state has witnessed a rise in crime cases, courtesy PM Modi, Chirag Paswan, Jitan Ram Manjhi, Nitish Kumar, Upendra Kushwaha, Vijay Sinha and Pashupati Paras," the RJD posted.

Meanwhile, Tejashwi is holding 'Abhar Yatra' to strengthen his political base and garner support for the Bihar Assembly elections next year.

He started his yatra from Samastipur and reached Darbhanga. Tejashwi's yatra has entered the third day on Thursday.

Tejashwi was focussing on key constituencies to build a rapport with local party workers and gather feedback from grassroots activists.

Every day, Tejashwi shares crime incidents in the state to target the Nitish government.

After a BJP leader was gunned down in Patna on Monday, Tejashwi strongly criticised the Nitish government over "poor" law and order in the state.
Suva, Sep 12 : Fiji's Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) is handling multiple cases involving proceeds of crimes linked to drug-related activities, highlighting the growing complexity of such cases in the island nation.

Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions John Rabuku said the nature of these cases has prompted the creation of a dedicated division within the ODPP to focus on combating drug-related crimes, local media reported on Thursday.

He said the ODPP, in consultation with the Ministry of Home Affairs, has established a new department called the Narcotics Offenses Division, to handle cases tied to drug offenses, Xinhua news agency reported.

Meanwhile, as the draft Narcotics Bill undergoes consultation, the Ministry of Home Affairs is considering introducing harsher penalties as a deterrent, given the extent of the drug problem in Fiji.

The ministry said there is a need to implement strong and effective legislation that will assist enforcement officers in the fight against drugs and effectively prosecute drug offenders.
Karachi, Sep 12 : The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has expressed a deep concern over the catastrophic impact monsoon floods have had on students in Pakistan, citing that more than 230,000 children have been affected by school closures in Pakistan's Sindh province alone.

The floods have damaged over 1,300 schools, with 228 fully destroyed, leaving hundreds of thousands of children without access to education.

The latest data from Sindh's Education Department reveals that over 450 schools are not functioning due to standing flood water, with immediate consequences for children's learning. The floods have also displaced 140,000 children and families in 10 calamity-hit districts, exacerbating the crisis.

UNICEF Representative in Pakistan, Abdullah Fadil expressed deep concerns about the prolonged impact of the floods on children's education. "From heatwaves to floods, children are repeatedly being locked out of learning due to climate shocks. Pakistan, already in the grips of an education emergency with 26.2 million children out of school, cannot afford more learning losses," he said.

The floods have claimed 76 lives across the province, with half of those being children. The monsoon has once again upended lives across Pakistan, with children losing their lives, homes, and schools.

UNICEF said that its teams are on the ground conducting rapid needs assessments and coordinating with government and local partners to restore education access and ensure early recovery for affected communities. The organisation is urging urgent investment in climate-resilient education and services for children.

Pakistan ranks 14th out of 163 countries on UNICEF's Children's Climate Risk Index (CCRI), with children at 'extremely high risk' of the impacts of climate change and environmental shocks. The country is facing an unprecedented climate crisis, with devastating floods and heatwaves becoming a regular occurrence.

"We need to build a coalition of partners to innovate, adapt and mitigate in this climate-vulnerable country and find lasting solutions for children in a changed and changing climate. We need to invest in climate-resilient education and services for children. We cannot afford to see them lose their right to education and their future," said Fadil.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 12. A conference dedicated to the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) was held within the framework of the joint organization of the Embassy of Azerbaijan in the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Netherlands Climate Ambassador Jaime de Bourbon de Parme, Trend reports.

Ambassador Rahman Mustafayev delivered a broad presentation at the conference on the priorities of COP29, which will be held in Baku, Azerbaijans initiatives and climate strategy, as well as opportunities for expanding Azerbaijani-Dutch trade and investment relations.

Around 100 representatives of the Dutch private sector, members of the ministries of Foreign Affairs, Climate Policy and Green Development, Infrastructure and Water Management, the Netherlands Development Bank (FMO), the head of the Dutch delegation to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), as well as representatives of the Dutch-British Chamber of Commerce, took part in the conference. The conference discussed opportunities and priorities for the Dutch private sector to participate in COP29 and continued with an exchange of ideas.
Seoul, Sep 12 : The South Korean government will accelerate efforts to verify the lists received from Japan of Korean passengers killed in a controversial 1945 sinking of a Japanese vessel, to help with victims' compensation, a Seoul official said on Thursday.

Last week, Japan gave South Korea 19 cases out of some 70 documents related to the passenger lists of the Ukishima Maru that sank in waters after an explosion in August 1945, Yonhap news agency reported.

The ship was transporting back home many Koreans who had been forcibly mobilised for wartime labour, as Korea was liberated from Japan's 1910-45 colonial rule.

South Korea had requested Japan to provide the lists amid controversy over the cause of the sinking and Japan's reluctance to disclose them after the existence of the lists was revealed despite years of denial by Tokyo.

"We are putting the focus on relieving the victims from their suffering," a foreign ministry official said on condition of anonymity.

"We don't know how long exactly the analysis is going to take, but we will do our best for the victims and bereaved families," the official said.

The official stressed that the government will continue to consult with Japan to obtain the rest of the documents. In May, Tokyo revealed during a lower house session that there are approximately 70 documents related to the passenger lists.

"As Japan has promised to provide (the remainder), we expect that they will follow through," the official added.

The ship, which belonged to the Japanese Navy, had departed from a port in the Aomori Prefecture en route to Busan on August 22, 1945, and was to make a port call in Kyoto two days later, but it sank in the water after an explosion in the lower part of the hull.

Japan had announced that the ship hit an underwater mine and 524 out of 3,700 passengers were killed in what it called an accident.

But the bereaved family members of the Korean victims claim more than 3,000 lost their lives, out of as many as 8,000 people aboard, and have charged that Japan intentionally blew up the ship.

Japan, for many years, had not acknowledged the passenger lists existed and insisted that they were lost in the sinking.

The lists provided to Seoul show the names of the passengers filed before and on the day of the ship's departure, according to the foreign ministry.

Additional analysis is required to identify and verify the personal information, but some of the materials contain specific details, such as the countries of birth and birth dates.
Mumbai, Sep 12 : Megastar Amitabh Bachchan reminisced about Delhi's chaat from Bengali Market and the paranthe wali gali in old Delhi's Chandni Chowk

In a promo for "Kaun Banega Crorepati", Amitabh was seen asking a contestant about what mall she would visit after she wins the amount."

To which, the contestant said that it is not fun to shop in a mall. It is fun to shop in "Sarojini Nagar and Lajpat Nagar market."

Replying to the contestant, Amitabh, who graduated from Delhi University's Kirori Mal college, expressed his "dil ki baat" and said: "Ek dum dil ki baat keh di aapne. Dilli walon ke liye Sarojini market hi sabse ahem jagah hai.Woh aur Bengali market main chaat aur Chandani Chowk main paranthe wali gali."

On Wednesday, Amitabh said his 'work and day routine' has undergone a change as he now rises and rests early.

The cine icon took to his blog, where he mentioned: "And the work and day routine undergoes a change .. an early rise , an early rest .. and the rest be blessed .. praying that this fructifies."

He then recalled about his late father and poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan's "shlok in Sanskrit".

"And again Babuji's shlok in Sanskrit is remembered, on the early rise and the resting during the day, and the loss thereof... had recited it on KBC once," he wrote.

The thespian mentioned that he was off to the "work shop of the body" and then "work of the sound."

On the work front, Amitabh, who was last seen in Nag Ashwin's "Kalki 2898 AD" starring Prabhas, Kamal Haasan and Deepika Padukone, will next be seen sharing screen space with superstar Rajinikanth in "Vettaiyan" directed by T. J. Gnanavel. The film marks Big B's debut in Tamil cinema.
New Delhi, Sep 12 : Congress leaders Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi on Thursday raised concerns over "lawlessness" in BJP-ruled states and slammed the "negative attitude" of the respective governments regarding crimes against women.

Their scathing critique of BJP governments came on the back of two shocking incidents: one in Madhya Pradesh and the other in Uttar Pradesh, drawing anger and public outrage.

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi took to social media, expressing his dismay over the audacity of criminals, also highlighting how the "negative attitude" of BJP governments in such cases was signalling a more "worrying trend."

"The violence against two army soldiers and the rape of their female companion in Madhya Pradesh is enough to shame the entire society. Law and order in BJP-ruled states are almost non-existent and the negative attitude of BJP government towards the day-by-day increasing crimes against women is extremely worrying," the Congress MP said on X.

He further slammed the "utter failure" of state administrations in ensuring a safe environment for the country's daughters.

"Both the society and the government should be ashamed and think seriously  how long will they turn a blind eye to the responsibility of protecting half the population of the country," Rahul added.

Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi said that both incidents in MP and UP were heart-wrenching and added that this calls for an immediate and urgent crackdown on perpetrators. She also called out the Prime Minister's big promises on women's safety and asked how long the daughters of the country will have to wait for justice.

Taking to X, she wrote: "Every day 86 women are becoming victims of rape and brutality in the country. From home to outside, from road to office, women are not safe anywhere. Half of the country's population is not only unsafe but due to such brutality, the morale of crores of women is broken every day."

She further said: "The Prime Minister talks big about women's safety, but women across the country are still waiting for a serious effort for their safety. When will this wait end?"

In Madhya Pradesh, two army officers were assaulted and their female companion was raped by ruffians while on a picnic spot in Indore, as the latter were armed with guns, knives and sticks.

In Uttar Pradesh, the headless and naked body of a woman, discovered on the streets of Kanpur, left everyone shaken to the core. The body was found on a national highway. Though the identity of the woman remains unknown, police suspect that she was raped and murdered before being decapitated.
Hyderabad, Sep 12 : Bhagyanagar Ganesh Utsav Samithi on Thursday urged the Telangana government to allow immersion of Ganesh idols in Hussain Sagar Lake in Hyderabad without any restrictions.

The organisation, which conducts the annual immersion procession, said the state government should allow the immersion of idols, including those made of Plaster of Paris (PoP) smoothly and peacefully like the way it allowed for the last two years.

The Samithi appealed two days after the Telangana High Court directed authorities to follow its guidelines issued in 2021 about the immersion of idols.

Hyderabad Police and Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) have put up flex banners at Hussain Sagar declaring that idol immersion is not allowed on Tank Bund as per orders of the Telangana High Court.

The Samithi, however, claimed that the Telangana High Court refused to pass any orders banning immersion of PoP idols and that it also dismissed a contempt petition against the state government for allowing immersion for the last two years.

Samithi President Raghava Reddy said in 2021 that the High Court had given some guidelines, directing authorities to make special arrangements to control pollution in the lake.

He claimed that as a responsible organisation, the Samithi had been working to promote clay and eco-friendly idols.

He, however, said this required time as they had to spread awareness among both idol manufacturers and devotees.

He added that as per the guidelines, the authorities created artificial ponds and enclaves in natural tanks in and around Hyderabad for PoP idols and in both 2022 and 2023 PoP idols were immersed in these ponds and special enclaves.

Referring to banners put up by the police and GHMC on Tank Bund, the Samithi leader said immersion will not be allowed on Tank Bund like in the previous two years.

He, however, said arrangements were made on NTR Marg and Necklace Road for immersion into Hussain Sagar Lake.

Ganesh festivities began on September 7 and they will culminate with a massive immersion procession on September 17.

Thousands of idols from various parts of Hyderabad, Secunderabad and outskirts are immersed in Hussain Sagar Lake in the heart of the city.

Lakhs of people attend the annual procession.
Dhaka, Sep 12 : Tyrese Haspil, a 25-year-old former personal assistant, has been sentenced to 40 years in prison for the murder of Fahim Saleh, the co-founder of the Bangladeshi ride-sharing app Pathao, and CEO of the Nigeria-based motorbike startup Gokada.

The sentencing follows Haspilas conviction in June on charges of murder, theft, and other crimes related to Saleh's death in July 2020, The Daily Star reported.

Saleh was found dead in his Manhattan apartment on July 13, 2020. Prosecutors revealed that Haspil, who had previously worked for Saleh, had begun embezzling funds from his employeras businesses.

Despite resigning a year prior, Haspil continued to steal from Saleh, who had discovered the theft but chose to allow Haspil to repay the stolen money over a two-year period to avoid criminal prosecution.

According to authorities, Haspil's decision to kill Saleh stemmed from his fear that Saleh would uncover the ongoing theft. On the day of the murder, Haspil followed Saleh into the elevator of his luxury Manhattan apartment, tasered him as the elevator doors opened, and then fatally stabbed him.

Haspil then returned to the apartment the following day to dismember Salehas body using an electric saw.

The dismemberment was interrupted when the saw's battery died, prompting Haspil to leave the apartment to purchase a charger.

During this time, Salehas cousin arrived and discovered the dismembered body, leading to Haspilas arrest days later.
Ankara, Sep 12 : Turkey has launched an investigation into the killing of a Turkish-American woman by Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank, Turkish Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc said on Thursday.

Turkey would not stay silent in the face of an "unlawful terrorist attack by Israeli forces," Tunc told reporters, adding that the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has initiated a probe under domestic law.

He added that Turkey "will work to prepare a report by forming an independent investigation commission."

"Afterwards, we will continue our work on including this report in the UN Human Rights Council, the ongoing genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, and the ongoing investigation at the International Criminal Court," he said.

Meanwhile, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the body of the Turkish-American woman, who "was deliberately targeted and killed by Israeli soldiers during a peaceful demonstration in solidarity with Palestinians in the occupied West Bank," will be brought from Israel to Turkey on Friday for burial, reports Xinhua, quoting the official Palestinian news agency WAFA.

Turkish-American Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, 26, was shot during a protest against an Israeli settlement near the Palestinian town of Beita and died of her wounds last week.

The incident took place during a regular protest march in Beita, a town near Nablus that has frequently been targeted by Jewish settlers, according to Palestinian media.

In response, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said its forces "responded with fire toward a main instigator of violent activity who hurled rocks at the forces and posed a threat to them."

The IDF added it was investigating reports of a foreign national's death.
Bengaluru, Sep 12 : Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday defended Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on his reservation remarks, saying that it is hypocritical of the BJP to protest against the LoP.

"It is hypocritical of BJP to protest against Rahul Gandhi's alleged anti-reservation remarks when they have consistently opposed reservations and attempted to change the Constitution itself," the Chief Minister said.

He added that the core purpose of reservations is to ensure equal access to education, employment, and opportunities for all and once that objective is achieved, there is no need for reservations.

"Not only Rahul Gandhi, I say the same thing. How does it become an anti-reservation statement," the Chief Minister said.

He added that the BJP - which has opposition to reservations ingrained in its blood - is neither wise enough nor patient enough to understand Rahul Gandhi's statement.

"B.R. Ambedkar included the policy of reservations in the Constitution to ensure equal opportunities in education, employment, and access for everyone. However, even after reservations, Dalits, minorities, and backward castes have not yet achieved equal opportunities in jobs and education, nor has social inequality been reduced. This is as clear as writing on the wall that caste elites like BJP leaders are responsible for this," the Chief Minister said.

He added that history stands witness to the fact that the RSS - the parent organisation of the BJP - has supported the caste system since its inception.

"Whenever opportunities for social justice opened up, the BJP has fought against them. The BJP challenged reservations in Karnataka's local bodies by taking the case to the Supreme Court. The BJP has campaigned against reservations in every state in the country," the Chief Minister said.

He said that when former Prime Minister V.P. Singh implemented the Mandal Commission report, the BJP incited violence against innocent students and tried to fill people's minds with the venom of religion by launching the 'Kamandal' movement against the Mandal report.

"The goal of communalism is not only to target minorities but also to destroy Dalit and minority communities," the Chief Minister said.

He said that due to the awareness among reservation beneficiaries today, the BJP lacks the courage to oppose reservations directly. To achieve this, on the one hand, they attempt to amend the Constitution that provides legal protection to reservations, while on the other hand, they try to create internal conflicts among the beneficiaries of reservations to blunt the weapon of social justice.

He added that today, the beneficiaries of reservations - minorities, backward castes, and Dalit communities - are more aware as they understand who their enemies and friends are.

"Our people are not foolish enough to believe false claims of support for reservations from those who harbour anti-reservation sentiments deep within. People have seen, experienced, and understood how the BJP and Sangh Parivar have systematically undermined opportunities for social justice over time. They will not be swayed by your fake slogans of social justice," he said.

He added that the SC has mandated a caste-based social and economic survey to determine whether equal opportunities are being provided or not.

"Our government has already conducted such a survey in Karnataka. If the BJP and their government at the Centre truly care about social justice, let them conduct a caste census across the country promptly. This is essential to understand whether reservations have reached the most marginalised sections of society," the Chief Minister said.

He said that Rahul Gandhi has publicly stated not just in public meetings but also in the Lok Sabha that the Congress is committed to increasing the reservation percentage from the current 50 per cent to 75 per cent.

"If BJP leaders are so concerned and committed about reservations, let them pressure the Central government to increase the reservation percentage from 50 per cent to 75 per cent," the Chief Minister said.

On Wednesday, Karnataka BJP called upon party workers to stage a statewide protest over the alleged statements on withdrawing reservations for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes made by Rahul Gandhi, during his US visit.
Damascus, Sep 12 : Israeli drone and tank struck Syria's southern region of Quneitra on Thursday leaving two dead and one injured, both pro-government media and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

An Israeli drone targeted a car on the Damascus-Quneitra highway at the entrance of the Khan Arnabeh area, killing one soldier and one civilian, reports Xinhua news agency, quoting the pro-government radio station Sham FM.

In a separate incident, Israeli tank shells hit fields in the village of Rafeed in southern Quneitra, injuring a farmer. The injured man was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based monitoring group, confirmed the drone strike in Khan Arnabeh, saying that the two individuals killed were riding in a car targeted by the Israeli forces.

Israel has frequently conducted air and drone strikes in Syria, primarily targeting what it describes as Iranian-linked military infrastructure and shipments of advanced weapons to Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group.
Los Angeles, Sep 12 : California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency as three massive wildfires continue to rage across four counties in Southern California.

Newsom travelled to Highland on Wednesday and proclaimed a state of emergency in Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties in response to the Bridge Fire and in Orange and Riverside counties in response to the Airport Fire announced.

The governor's office said it had secured federal assistance to support the response to the fast-moving Bridge, Airport and Line fires, reports Xinhua news agency.

The fires, which broke out last week, escalated over the weekend due to soaring temperatures and critically dry vegetation amid a record-setting heat wave across Southern California.

On Saturday, Newsom declared a state of emergency for the Line Fire in San Bernardino County.

On Monday, he activated the California National Guard to assist nearly 2,000 firefighters in battling the wildfire.

As of Wednesday evening, the Line Fire had scorched over 36,481 acres (147.6 square km) and was at 18 per cent contained, forcing mandatory evacuation orders for thousands of people, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) said.

The Bridge Fire increased over ten times in size in 24 hours, exploding from 4,000 acres (16.2 square km) on Tuesday to over 50,000 acres (202.3 square km) with zero containment. The fire broke out on Sunday in the Angeles National Forest in Los Angeles County, nearly 100 km west of the Line Fire.

In an update Wednesday afternoon, officials said about 40 homes and cabins were destroyed by the blaze. There have been no reports of significant injuries or deaths.

Fire officials said that there are currently more than 1,000 structures threatened by the fire.

The third major wildfire in Southern California, the Airport fire, started Monday afternoon in Trabuco Canyon in Orange County. The fire had burned more than 23,000 acres (93.1 square km) by Wednesday night with five per cent containment.

The state has mobilised a massive air and ground response to contain the wildfires and protect communities, including nearly 6,000 boots on the ground and hundreds of engines, dozers and water tankers, as well as 51 helicopters and nine fixed-wing aircraft, said Newsom's office.
Kolkata, Sep 12 : A delegation of 30 representatives of the West Bengal Junior Doctors Forum (WBJDF) left for state Secretariat Nabanna on Thursday for a meeting with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on their demands over the rape and murder of a junior doctor at the state-run R.G Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata last month.

The decision to send 30 representatives is a direct defiance of the cap of 15 put by the state government, which was intimated to the protesting junior doctors earlier in the day by Chief Secretary Manoj Pant through an email.

Pant also said the state government will not accept the junior medics' demand to livestream the meeting, but offered to recorded it "to maintain transparency".

"This will serve the purpose intended from your end while also ensuring all discussions are accurately documented," Pant wrote in the email, as he called on a delegation of no more than 15 to meet the Chief Minister.

However, before leaving for Nabanna, delegation leader Aniket Mahato said it is impossible to send less than 30 representatives since at least one from each of the 26 state-run medical colleges will have to be accommodated.

"We are also sticking to our demand to livestream the discussions for the sake of transparency, which the state government has already denied. We will raise the same demand after reaching Nabanna," Mahato added.

In his communique, the Chief Secretary said that as demanded by the protesting junior doctors, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee "will be happy" to meet them.

The protesting doctors had set a few conditions for the meeting, including sending a 30-member delegation, meeting to be held in the presence of the Chief Minister, live telecast of the meeting for transparency, and the five-point demand which they have been pressing for since the beginning.

One of the major demands in the five-point agenda is suspension of the state Health Secretary, Director of Health Services, and Director of Medical Education.

On Monday, the Supreme Court had said that doctors in West Bengal protesting against the R.G. Kar rape-murder must resume their duties by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, failing which the state government will be authorised to initiate disciplinary action against them.

However, unnerved by the Supreme Court's ultimatum, the junior doctors vowed to continue their agitation and gave a call to march to the Swasthya Bhavan on Tuesday afternoon. The deadlock over talks between the protesters and the state administration has continued since then.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 12. The Governorate of Vatican City State and the Heydar Aliyev Foundation have signed an agreement for the restoration of the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, Trend reports.

The document was signed by Anar Alakbarov, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Executive Director of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, and Cardinal Fernando Vergez Alzaga, President of the Governorate of Vatican City State.

During meetings with various officials, including Cardinal Fernando Vergez Alzaga, Anar Alakbarov discussed the relationship between Azerbaijan and the Holy See, as well as joint projects with the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.

The Heydar Aliyev Foundation has previously contributed to the restoration of several historically significant monuments in the Vatican and has been actively involved in cultural heritage protection.

The Azerbaijani delegation also visited the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, one of the Vaticans major monuments, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980. In 2025, over 30 million Catholic pilgrims are expected to visit the basilica during Jubilee 2025, a once-every-25-years event organized by the Vatican. The restoration work aims to ensure safe access for visitors to this important religious site during the Jubilee Year 2025.
New Delhi, Sep 12 : Veteran political leader and CPI-M General Secretary Sitaram Yechury, who was undergoing treatment at the intensive care unit at the AIIMS here, passed away on Thursday. He was 72.

"Sitaram Yechury, aged 72, was admitted to AIIMS on 19th August 2024 with pneumonia and passed away on 12th September 2024 at 3.05 p.m.," the AIIMS said in a release.

The family has donated his body to AIIMS, New Delhi for teaching and research purposes, it added.

The CPI-M said: "It is with profound grief that we announce the passing away of CPIM General Secretary, our beloved Comrade Sitaram Yechury, at 3.03 pm today, 12th September, at the AIIMS, New Delhi. He was suffering from a respiratory tract infection which developed complications."

"We thank the doctors, nursing staff and the Director of the Institute for the excellent treatment and care extended to Comrade Yechury. Details of public viewing and homage will be informed", it added.

Yechury succeeded Prakash Karat as the CPI-M chief in 2015, after being a member of its Politburo, the top decision-making body, for over three decades. He was also a member of the Rajya Sabha from 2005 to 2017.

Condolences and tributes from leaders across the political spectrum poured in, describing his demise as a major loss.

In Kerala, the party flag at the state party headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram was lowered. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the late leader had good links with all and "was a respected and liked personality even by his political detractors".

Terming Yechury a friend, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said that he was "a protector of the Idea of India with a deep understanding of our country".

"I will miss the long discussions we used to have. My sincere condolences to his family, friends, and followers in this hour of grief," he said in a post on X.

"ADIEU COMRADE Sitaram Yechury Students' Federation of India dips its banner in honour of our beloved comrade, former All India President of SFI and General Secretary of CPI(M), Sitaram Yechury," the party's student wing said on X.

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said: "His years of service and devotion to our country is worthy of the greatest respect. Most of all, he was an inherently decent human being who brought a sense of balance and gentleness to the harsh world of politics...".

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said: "Sad to know that Sri Sitaram Yechury has passed away. I knew the veteran parliamentarian that he was and his demise will be a loss for the national politics. I express my condolences to his family, friends and colleagues".

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said that he was deeply saddened on hearing the news, and noted that Yechury's "contributions to public life will always be remembered". Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said: "I am deeply saddened by the tragic demise of veteran CPM leader, Sitaram Yechury ji. We had many years of working relations in the Parliament. Extending my deepest condolences to his family, colleagues and admirers".

Tamil superstar-turned-politician Kamal Haasan said that he was "deeply saddened" to hear Yechury, "a giant of Indian politics", had passed away, noting that "along his journey from student activist to Statesmen, he left his indelible mark on our national discourse and politics".

Terming Yechury "one of the most outstanding leaders of the Left & communist movement in contemporary times", CPI leader D. Raja said: "My association with him went back decades when he was in the studentsa movement and I was working in the AIYF. After coming to the national centre, we worked together in many forums like the steering committee of the United Front government and later in shaping the common minimum program of the UPA-1".

"After becoming general secretaries of the CPI & CPI(M), we further worked together for the unity of Left, secular and democratic forces," he said, terming the CPI-M leader "a lucid writer, able parliamentarian and a capable leader" whose loss will be felt in Left and democratic circles".

Andhra Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu also expressed his grief, noting that Yechury was "a stalwart who rose from the ranks to become one of the most respected voices in Indian politics".

"He was known for his intellectual take on issues, and connection with the people at the grassroots level. His insightful debates with leaders across the political spectrum earned him recognition beyond his party. My heartfelt condolences to his family, comrades, and followers. May his soul rest in peace."

AAP Rajya Sabha member Raghav Chadha said that the late CPI-M leader was "admired across party lines for his intellect, excellent articulation of his party's positions and a deep-rooted passion for people's causes". He said he was "fortunate to have had the opportunity to work closely with him over the last decade".

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma termed Yechury "an erudite and articulate leader" who "made a rich contribution towards public service and social justice" and "will be remembered for his deep conviction in his idealogy (sic) and policies".

Former PM H.D. Deve Gowda, DMK leader and Tamil Nadu minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramiah, Congress leader Sachin Pilot, NCP-SP leader Supriya Sule, and Biju Janata Dal chief Naveen Patnaik also condoled his demise.

India's G20 Sherpa and former NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant said: "...Having seen him up close during his time as the president of the JNU Studentsa Union, I was always impressed by his vibrant and dynamic leadership. He possessed remarkable human qualitiesa"warmth, compassion, and a genuine human spirit that connected with so many. His ability to connect across party lines, made him a distinct voice. His legacy will undoubtedly be felt across the nation. Rest in peace, Sitaram".
Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 12 : Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and former Defence Minister A. K. Antony on Thursday condoled the passing away of CPI-M general secretary and former Rajya Sabha MP Sitaram Yechury.

Sitaram Yechury passed away on Thursday following a prolonged illness.

As soon as the news of the demise came, the party flag at the state party headquarters in the state capital city was lowered.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said Sitaram came up through the student movement. "He was one who had good links with all and was respected and liked even by his political detractors. For the party the loss is huge and a void that will take time to fill," the Chief Minister said.

The 72-year-old Communist veteran was admitted to the intensive care unit of AIIMS, Delhi and was being treated for acute respiratory tract infection. His condition worsened on Thursday and breathed his last.

India's longest-serving Defence Minister and veteran Congress leader A.K. Antony said Yechury's loss is a huge tragedy for the country.

"His loss is a huge tragedy for our country when things are going in a different way. He should have been present at this juncture and is an irreparable loss. We worked together during our term in the Upper House and during the first UPA government," the former Defence Minister said.

He added that Yechury was a strong votary for the Congress and the CPI-M to work together in national politics.

"A big loss for secular India and a personal loss for me as we were very good friends and above all a huge loss for the CPI-M," the former Defence Minister said.

CPI Kerala secretary Binoy Viswam said he first met Yechury when he was a student leader at the state-run Maharaja's College in Kochi.

"He came there as a student leader. We started our journey and travelled a very long distance. I am deeply saddened as he was a very smart and vibrant Communist leader. He had a strong ideological base and was a voracious reader and above all very articulate. His passing away is a huge loss for the country's Left movement," said Viswam.

Newly appointed Left Democratic Front convenor and party legislator T. P. Ramakrishnan said that Yechury was fortunate that he was able to work with legends like AKG, EMS, Jyothi Basu and other leaders.

Ramakrishnan added that Yechury was a guiding force of the Left government in Kerala.

Veteran party leader and politburo member M.A. Baby said the last time he met him at the hospital, Yechury was thinking of getting back to the office.

"He said that he has a lot of work to do as the 24th Party Congress date has been announced and he has to prepare documents for it. Sadly, he left us all," said Baby.

Leader of the Opposition (LoP) V. D. Satheesan said Yechury will always be known for being a practical politician even after remaining deeply rooted in Communist ideology.

"He always had a warm relation with the Congress," the LoP said.

All the top CPI-M leaders from Kerala will reach Delhi to bid goodbye to their topmost leader.
Bengaluru, Sep 12 : Union Minister of State for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Labour and Employment Shobha Karandlaje on Thursday demanded a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe into violence during the Ganesh idol immersion procession in Nagamangala in Karnataka's Mandya district.

Interacting with media persons in Bengaluru, she stated that only an NIA investigation would bring out the truth.

"During the Ganapati procession in Nagamangala, slippers were thrown, stones were pelted, and our (Hindus) shops were burnt," she alleged, claiming that the accused were being "protected".

Criticising State Home Minister G. Parmeshwara for calling it a small incident, she said, "If the burning of 25 shops owned by Hindus seems like a small incident to you, what a big incident would be?"

"Every time Siddaramaiah comes to power in the state, incidents take place in which Hindus are trampled. During his tenure between 2013 and 2018, a series of such incidents took place. Now, the same pattern is repeated and Hindus are targeted continuously," she claimed.

"There are allegations of corruption against Siddaramaiah and his ministers. When people are talking about such a bad government, are you orchestrating riots to cover it up?" she asked.

Two groups clashed in Mandya on Wednesday night after stones were allegedly pelted at a Ganpati idol immersion procession in Nagamangala town. Some shops and vehicles were set afire following the incident.

According to sources, some youths were taking out a procession for Ganpati idol immersion and when they were passing near a dargah in the town, a few miscreants started pelting stones at them, which subsequently led to the clashes. Police have imposed restrictive orders in the area and are on high alert.

After the incident, people from the Hindu community staged a protest at the local police station, demanding the immediate arrest of those responsible for the stone pelting.

Karnataka BJP delegation is visiting Nagamangala and Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy is paying a visit on Friday.

The prohibitory orders are clamped in the Nelamangala town and 52 people have been arrested in connection with the incident.
Ranchi, Sep 12 : The Union government on Thursday submitted an affidavit to the Jharkhand High Court which is hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning alleged Bangladeshi infiltration in the Santhal Pargana region of the state.

Headquartered in Dumka, the Santhal Pargana division comprises six districts -- Godda, Deoghar, Dumka, Jamtara, Sahibganj, and Pakur.

According to the affidavit, the proportion of tribal population in the Santhal Pargana division has decreased from 44 per cent in 1951 to 28 per cent in 2011, marking a 16 per cent decline. The Centre attributed this demographic shift primarily to migration and religious conversions.

The affidavit also acknowledged the changes in the demography of the six districts within the division, noting a 20-40 per cent increase in Muslim population, particularly in Pakur and Sahibganj districts. Additionally, the report cited a significant rise in the Christian population as well.

In response to the court's order, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) also submitted a reply in which it stated that while Aadhaar numbers can identify individuals, they cannot form the basis of determining citizenship.

Due to technical issues, a detailed hearing could not be conducted on Thursday. The case has been rescheduled for next Tuesday.

During a previous hearing on September 5, Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta had expressed concerns about the 'alarming' levels of Bangladeshi migration and its impact on the region's demography.

Noting that the decline in the tribal population is a serious issue, Mehta warned that infiltrators could potentially affect populations in other states.

The deputy commissioners of the six districts in the Santhal Pargana division had earlier denied reports of Bangladeshi migration. The court had warned that a contempt case could be filed against any deputy commissioner if even a single instance of infiltration was confirmed.

This PIL was filed by Daniel Danish from Jamshedpur, who claimed that Bangladeshi migrants are entering Jharkhand through the border areas of Jamtara, Pakur, Godda, and Sahibganj.

He contended that this influx is adversely affecting the local population and contributing to the proliferation of madrasas in the region. The petitioner also claimed that migrants are marrying local tribals.

Data presented by Danish's lawyer before the High Court indicated that the tribal population in the Santhal Pargana decreased from 44.67 per cent in 1951 to 28.11 per cent in 2011, with Bangladeshi infiltration cited as a major contributing factor.
New Delhi, Sep 12 : Jharkhand BJP state Spokesperson, Pratul Shah Deo, effusively praised the Union government over extension of the health insurance scheme Ayushman Bharat to all citizens above 70 years of age irrespective of their economic status and remarked that the Modi government has always delivered on its poll promises.

"We welcome this initiative of the Union government. The Modi government is known for making big decisions," he added.

He said, "This is the biggest gift to the senior citizens of our country, in recent years. People who are 70 years of age and above, will have the convenience of getting medical treatment of up to Rs 5 lakh, irrespective of their religion, caste or income scale."

Significantly, the Ayushman Bharat scheme is the world's largest publicly-funded health assurance scheme.

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently approved health coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh for all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, irrespective of their income, under the government's flagship scheme Ayushman Bharat.

The scheme aims to benefit approximately 4.5 crore families with six crore senior citizens.

The eligible senior citizens would be issued a new distinct card under Ayushman Bharat.

Even if the senior citizens belong to families already covered under Ayushman Bharat, they will get additional coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh per year for themselves.

Senior citizens already benefiting from other public health insurance schemes can either continue with their current plan or opt for coverage under Ayushman Bharat.

The expansion of the health insurance cover to include senior citizens of the age of 70 years and above was earlier announced by PM Modi in April 2024.
Saint Petersburg, Sep 12 : Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday once again hailed India's rising global stature and the strength of its growing economy under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"Our special privileged strategic partnership is gaining momentum, gaining strength, which we are only happy about. We are also happy about India's success in building, strengthening its statehood, and developing the economy, which is happening under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi," Putin said during his one-on-one meeting with National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval in Saint Petersburg.

Recalling PM Modi's visit to Moscow in July this year, Putin said that not only was the landmark trip "very successful", but the work that followed it is "proceeding very meaningfully and at exactly the pace" that Prime Minister Modi and he had agreed on.

NSA Doval is visiting Saint Petersburg for the meeting of top security officials from the BRICS-member countries. Russia, the current chair of the grouping, will be hosting the annual BRICS Summit from October 22-24 and has invited around 36 foreign leaders to Kazan.

"Security issues have always been and remain among our priorities. And we are grateful to you for coming to St. Petersburg. Last year, the meeting took place in Moscow. We are grateful to you for supporting this dialogue from the Indian side. We are expecting Mr. Modi in Kazan. I propose holding a bilateral meeting on October 22 in Kazan to sum up our joint work on implementing the agreements reached during his visit to Moscow and to outline prospects for the near future," the Russian President stated.

"Please convey my best regards and wishes to Mr. Modi, my good friend," concluded Putin.

In his remarks, NSA Doval thanked the Russian President for this "rare opportunity" to meet him in person.

"As the Prime Minister told you during the telephone conversation, he is ready to tell you about his visit to Ukraine and his meeting with Zelensky. He wanted me to come in person and tell you about the negotiations that took place. It was a closed format, only two leaders were present, and I was with the Prime Minister, I witnessed this conversation," said NSA Doval.

The Russian President had referred to PM Modi as his "good friend" in July also while conferring the Indian PM with the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle the First-Called, Russia's highest civilian award.

"Dear Mr. Prime Minister, dear friend, awarding you with the Order of St. Andrew the First-Called reflects the sincere gratitude of the Russian side for the significant contribution you make to strengthening friendship and mutual understanding between our states and people," said Putin at the start of the ceremony," he had said during the award ceremony held at the Grand Kremlin Palace following the bilateral talks between the two leaders.

Earlier in the day, Putin addressed the visiting NSAs of BRICS countries and highlighted that it was in St. Petersburg that the foundation of BRICS was laid when the leaders of India, Russia and China agreed to organise regular meetings at the highest level, as well as in some other areas.
Ferozepur, Sep 12 : The Punjab government will keep the martyrdom of 21 Sikh warriors of the 127-year-old Saragarhi War afresh in the hearts of people, Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Baljeet Kaur said on Thursday after inaugurating the Saragarhi War Memorial at historic Gurudwara Saragarhi Sahib here.

The memorial is dedicated to 21 heroes of the 36 Sikh Regiment who fought with 10,000 Afghani tribesmen to defend the fort of Saragarhi and achieved martyrdom on the battlefield.

Kaur said under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's guidance large-scale work is being done to connect residents of the state with such historic developments.

"Our aim is to connect the masses, especially the young generation, with their proud and glorious heritage," she said.

Under these projects, the all-round development of places of historical and heritage importance in the state is being highlighted during such events. She said under this series, the first memorial dedicated to the battle of Saragarhi of India has been built at Ferozepur.

According to UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), the Saragarhi War is one of the eight important wars in the world.

"It is a matter of great pride that martyred soldiers were awarded the Indian Order of Merit (highest medal) i.e. Victoria Cross," Kaur said.

Throwing light on the memorial, she said the foundation stone of this memorial was laid by the Chief Minister on this day in 2023.

Appreciating the efforts of the district administration, she said the memorial is being completed within the stipulated time at a cost of about Rs 2 crore.

An important contribution of Rs 50 lakh has also been made by Rajya Sabha Member Vikramjit Singh Sahni for this project.

She said this memorial will inspire not only the Sikh community but the youth of the country. She said most of the soldiers who died in this war belonged to Ferozepur.

She said earlier too a museum dedicated to this war was built at Gurdwara Saragarhi with an outlay of Rs 2 crore. In this museum, artefacts and equipment like coding and decoding of the signalling technology used during the Saragarhi War, have been displayed.

Besides, weapons used in the war have also been displayed.

Rajya Sabha MP Vikramjit Singh Sahney demanded to introduction of a chapter on the Battle of Saragarhi in school textbooks to teach students about the "unparalleled and exemplary battle".

Sahney said the memorial was an honour to be part of preserving the important chapter of history for future generations.
Bengaluru, Sep 12 : The Karnataka High Court on Thursday took up the hearing of a writ petition filed by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah against Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot's decision to grant consent for his prosecution in the alleged MUDA scam.

Meanwhile, Siddaramaiah, who had earlier cancelled his engagements for the court hearing, was seen on city rounds in Bengaluru as the court began hearing the case.

The bench, headed by Justice M. Nagaprasanna, asked the counsels to complete their arguments and counterarguments by the end of the day.

Appearing for Siddaramaiah, senior counsel Abhishek Manu Singhvi, resuming his argument, submitted that the Governor is not elected by the people and is appointed. In this context, the Governor has more accountability.

The Governor gave consent for prosecution in a 23-year-old case, and this action appears to be more politically motivated than imposing the President's rule, he added.

As the bench questioned Singhvi, noting that the Governor does not need to adhere to the decision of the Cabinet and it is left to his discretion, he argued that the Governor cannot reject the Cabinet's advice without providing reasons.

"No reasons were specified, and without them, the Cabinet's decision was simply dismissed as wrongful. In his five to six-page order, the Governor did not provide any substantial explanation and merely stated that he would not comply with the Cabinet's advice, " he said, adding that that the Governor's order lacked discretion and that the action against the Chief Minister was taken in haste.

Singhvi further stated that Siddaramaiah had not signed any files related to the MUDA case. "Several officers have worked on and moved away from the case since it came to light. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has been a legislator since 1984, and every matter has two dimensions. In the last 23 years, 23 officers in MUDA might have been involved in the case. So why is only CM Siddaramaiah being targeted? It is because attempts are being made to destabilise the Congress government," he asked.

Singhvi also argued that the Governor should have explained in his order how he had exercised his discretion and accused him of acting at the behest of invisible hands. He pointed out that there is not a single reason mentioned by the Governor for his decision.

"I am not insisting on presenting 1,000 pages," Singhvi stated, "but a show-cause notice was issued within 24 hours based on a complaint by a private individual".

He added that the Governor should use his discretion rarely. The opinion of the investigating officer should be considered, and only then should a decision be made.

More reasons are needed for not considering the Cabinetas decision, he said, submitting that Dr. B.R. Ambedkar clearly defined the role of the Governor in this regard.

While the CM is represented by Singhvi, the Governoras office is represented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta.

Advocate General K. Shashi Kiran Shetty, presenting his arguments for CM Siddaramaiah submitted to the court that the Governor cannot act as an investigator. Singhvi has also argued that the Governor did not follow the principles of natural justice while granting permission for a probe against the Chief Minister.

Defending the Governor, SG Mehta submitted that the decision was made lawfully and that all due process was followed.

Lawyer Lakshmi Iyengar, appearing for petitioner Snehamayi Krishna, argued that there was evidence of Siddaramaiahas role in the MUDA case. "CM Siddaramaiahas wife does not have any source of income. The property of the wife in this case has to be considered belonging to the husband," she maintained.

In an important development, the Karnataka government had suspended former MUDA Commissioner, GT Dinesh Kumar in connection with the charges against him during his tenure at the civic agency, pending an enquiry.

Meanwhile, Siddaramaiah inspected BDA flyover construction work near Hebbal, asphalt work on the service road near Kariyammana Agrahara on the Outer Ring Road asphalt work near Hennur Junction, and reviewed metro construction plans near KR Puram Railway Station and held discussion with officials. Subsequently, he travelled to Vidhana Soudha via the metro.

However, the Chief Minister had cancelled the press meet organised at his home office 'Krishna' after the city rounds and maintained that he would release a press statement.
Mumbai, Sep 12 : Amid opposition's criticism over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud's residence for Ganapati and Mahalaxmi darshan, Deputy Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday wondered why so much noise is being made about it.

In a post on X, Fadnavis, to counter the opposition's tirade, uploaded some photos in which ex-Chief Justice K.G. Balakrishnan can be seen attending the Iftar party hosted by the former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

"But all of a sudden, the ecosystem became functional, as if the sky had fallen. The only difference is that the previous Prime Minister used to host an Iftar party at his residence, and it was attended by the Chief Justice. But, for Ganapati and Mahalakshmi Puja, if Prime Minister Narendra Modi goes, why so much noise? Opposing Hinduism, why now go to the extent of opposing Ganapati and Gauri-Mahalakshmi?" Fadnavis asked.

"Ganeshotsav is celebrated all over the country. Ganaraya is being worshiped with fervour. Yesterday, there was Mahalakshmi Puja of Gauri-Ganpati too. Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday went to the home of Chief Justice Dhananjay Chandrachud and performed aarti to Lord Ganaraya and also performed Mahalakshmi Puja. The CJI is from Maharashtra. Every year, they bring the idol of Ganaraya for worship from a special Maharashtrian person in Delhi," the Deputy Maharashtra CM said.

"The question is profound. Is it not an insult to Maharashtrian festivals? Maharashtra religion? Marathi culture? And to devotion and faith to Gauri-Ganapati?" he questioned.

Fadnavis' statement came hours after opposition parties questioned the transparency in the judiciary system.

Shiv Sena-UBT MP Sanjay Raut suggested that the CJI should recuse himself from a case linked to the tussle between Shiv Sena-UBT and Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.

Shiv Sena-UBT MP Priyanka Chaturvedi said: "After the festivities are over, hopefully the CJI will deem fit and be slightly freer to conclude the hearing on Maharashtra and the blatant disregard of Article 10 of the Constitution in Maharashtra. Oh wait, elections are round the corner anyway, it can be adjourned for another day."

Meanwhile, RJD MP Manoj Jha argued that the independence of every institution is not just theoretical but must be seen.

"Ganpati Puja is a personal issue but you are taking along a camera. The message it sends is uncomfortable. The Chief Justice of India and the Prime Minister are tall personalities. So what can we say if they agreed to put out these photographs in the public domain," Jha said.
Gaza, Sep 12 : At least 19 Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip on Thursday, according to Palestinian security and medical sources.

An Israeli warplane struck a residential house in the Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, killing three people, said Palestinian medical sources.

Seven Palestinians were killed by Israeli aircraft in two attacks on the Zeitoun neighborhood of Gaza City, according to local sources and eyewitnesses, Xinhua news agency reported.

The Civil Defence Authority in Gaza reported in a press statement that its crews recovered the body of a Palestinian woman and a seriously injured person following an Israeli attack near Zeitoun neighborhood south of Gaza City.

In Rafah, Gaza, Civil Defense crews recovered the bodies of four people, three of whom were from the same family, after they were targeted by a missile in the Al-Zahour neighborhood in the center of the city.

The bodies were transferred to the hospital, according to a separate statement released by the Civil Defence Authority.

Medical sources reported that the bodies of four people were transferred to the European Hospital in Khan Younis, Gaza, following the bombing of a residential house in the city.The Israeli army has not yet commented on these incidents.

Israel launched a large-scale offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip to retaliate against a Hamas rampage through the southern Israeli border on October 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and about 250 taken hostage.

The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip has risen to 41,118, Gaza-based health authorities said in a statement on Thursday.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 12. Newly appointed military attache of the Republic of Turkiye to the Republic of Azerbaijan, Major General Gaffar Goren was introduced to the Minister of Defense, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry told Trend.

The Defense Minister welcomed the Turkish attache and congratulated him on his appointment to Azerbaijan.

Colonel General Hasanov highlighted the exceptional impact of the sincere relations between the heads of both fraternal states in all fields, including military cooperation. He noted that Azerbaijani-Turkish relations are based on friendship, brotherhood, and strategic alliance.

Hasanov wished the Turkish military attache success in his future activities on further development of military cooperation between Azerbaijan and Turkiye.

Goren expressed his gratitude for the warm reception, and hospitality and expressed his pleasure with the start of working as a military attache in Azerbaijan. The military attache emphasized that he would work for the further development of military cooperation between the two countries.

The meeting was also attended by outgoing military attache Major General Soner Orucoglu, new perspectives of cooperation in military, military-technical, and military-educational fields and a range of issues of common interest were exchanged.
Chandigarh, Sep 12 : Rebellion grew in the Congress in Haryana after the party leadership cleared candidates for 89 seats, leaving one seat for the CPI(M), in the House of 90 with at least 12 leaders quitting the party one after another in the last couple of days, citing the party's indifference towards them despite their dedication.

Congress MLA Lalit Nagar, who represented the Tigaon seat, was in tears after the party denied him a ticket on Thursday and quit the party forthwith.

Nagar was replaced with Lalit Nagar, son of senior leader Yashpal Nagar. The change of nomination at the last minute upset Lalit Nagar, who convened a meeting with his supporters where he announced his decision to contest as an Independent candidate.

He told his supporters that he was hoping to get a ticket but "some conspirators stabbed me in the back".

In the 2014 elections, Lalit Nagar won the Tigaon seat by defeating the BJP's Rajesh Nagar. However, in the 2019 elections, Rajesh Nagar defeated Lalit Nagar.

"Had my party nominated a strong candidate, I would have understood. But they have given the ticket to such a candidate whom people don't even know," the former legislator added.

Former Panchkula Mayor and leader Upinder Kaur Ahluwalia, Sharda Rathore and Jitender Kumar Bhardwaj are among the ticket hopefuls who expressed resentment over the party's decision.

Rathore, a former MLA and ticket hopeful from Ballabhgarh, burst into tears in front of supporters on Thursday after she was denied a ticket by the Congress.

Her supporters said she had been "betrayed" by the party.

Joining the race of rebels, party leader Jitender Kumar Bhardwaj, who was denied nomination from Sohna in Gurugram, wrote in a social media post, "Sorry friends, today, service, dedication and devotion have lost."

The Congress nominated Rohtash Khatana, who was previously associated with the Jannayak Janta Party (JJP).

Former minister Chaudhary Nirmal Singh's daughter Chitra Sarwara left the Congress after she was denied a ticket from Ambala Cantonment. The party has fielded Parimal Pari from this seat.

So did Rohita Revari, a former legislator from Panipat city, who resigned from the party after being denied a ticket.

Justifying the decision of the leadership on ticket allocation, All India Congress General Secretary Kumari Selja on Thursday said when the tickets are distributed, "someone supports one person and someone supports another person."

Responding to a media query about the extent of factionalism prevalent in ticket distribution, she said, "There are many claimants, but the high command selects the name of one person. The person selected by the high command is the party's candidate, everyone's candidate and is of everyone's liking and every party activist works to ensure his/her victory."

Voting for the 90 Assembly seats in Haryana will be held on October 5 and ballots will be counted on October 8.
Patna, Sep 12 : Prashant Kishor, the chief of the Jan Suraaj campaign, on Thursday criticised Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi over his alleged anit-reservation remarks, saying that he should clear the confusion on the issue.

"I suggest that Rahul Gandhi should clear confusion on the reservation issue as he keeps on shifting his statements which creates confusion about his party's position on the reservation and broader social justice policies," said Kishor.

LoP Rahul Gandhi - during a talk at Georgetown University in Washington DC - said that reservations may be "reconsidered" only when equal opportunities are guaranteed to everyone in India which, according to him, is not currently the case in the country.

Criticising LoP's alleged stance, Kishore, added that Rahul Gandhi himself does not know what to say at one time. "During the Lok Sabha election campaigns, he advocated for increasing the 50 per cent reservation cap and emphasised the need for a caste census in the country. Now, he went to the US and withdrew his own statement," Kishor said.

Prashant Kishor also criticised Chief Minister Nitish Kumar over his political alliance with the BJP, particularly regarding policies like the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC).

Kishor accused Nitish Kumar of prioritising his political survival over standing up for the interests of the Muslim community, which has been largely opposed to these laws.

"I was in JD-U but Nitish Kumar expelled me from the party for opposing the CAA and NRC. Nitish Kumar is more interested in maintaining his alliance with the BJP than taking a principled stand," Kishor said.

He also criticised the Muslim leaders within the JD-U for supporting a party which is backing laws that have caused discomfort within the Muslim community, including the Waqf law.

"Nitish Kumar has an alliance with the BJP which passed the CAA and NRC in the parliament. JD-U merely offers symbolic gestures, like making some Muslims MLCs or board members in Bihar, while not truly standing with them on issues that matter, such as during protests against these CAA, NRC and Walf laws," he said.
Imphal, Sep 12 : The influential North East Students' Organisation (NESO) on Thursday urged the Prime Minister and Home Minister to urgently intervene in the Manipur situation.

NESO is an apex body of eight students' organisations representing seven NE states.

The organisation claimed that the failure to address the ethnic conflict not only undermines the stability of Manipur but also poses a threat to the broader peace and security of the entire northeast region.

In their urgent joint letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, NESO called upon the government of India to act without further delay and take concrete steps to restore peace in the state.

The apex student body urged PM Modi to visit Manipur to assess the ground situation personally and to provide security to the civilian population of both the communities, especially women and children who are the most vulnerable section in this type of conflict.

"The people of Manipur need to see that their suffering is acknowledged and that concrete actions are being taken to resolve the conflict. NESO also calls for the appointment of a high-level peace committee, involving representatives from all communities, to facilitate a lasting and peaceful resolution," said the letter, signed by NESO chairman Samuel Jyrwa and Secretary General Mutsikhoyo Yhobu.

Claiming that the situation in Manipur is dire, and it demands immediate attention from the highest levels of government, the apex student body said that the prolonged silence of the Prime Minister when the violence erupted, has only served to aggravate the crisis.

"The absence of strong, timely leadership and intervention has allowed the conflict to fester, further escalating the violence and suffering endured by the people," it stated.

The escalation of violence, including recent reports of drone and missile strikes, has further exacerbated the already fragile situation, the NESO leaders said, adding that such tactics not only intensify the devastation but also deepen the divide between communities, making the prospect of peace even more elusive.

Calling for a peaceful resolution to this crisis, NESO suggested that constructive dialogue is the only way forward and the people of Manipur deserve peace, and this can only be achieved through mutual understanding and a commitment to non-violence.
Vadodara, Sep 12 : Vadodara Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has lodged a case against Kailash Lahanabhai Bhoya, a former Town Planning Officer in Surat, for accumulating disproportionate assets worth Rs 1.57 crore.

An official said that the investigating agency acted on credible information that Bhoya engaged in corrupt practices during his tenure in Surat, acquiring assets in his and his family members' names.

He added that the investigation, covering his period from April 2012 to March 2020, revealed that Bhoya's financial transactions were suspicious. Authorities collected records, including bank details and documents from various government offices, to analyse his expenditures.

The investigation found that Bhoya illegally accumulated wealth and invested heavily in properties while misusing his position as a public servant. His legal income during this period amounted to Rs 2.75 crore, but his total expenditures and investments reached Rs 4.33 crore.

Bhoya's assets were found to be 56.97 per cent higher than his legitimate earnings, with a gap of Rs 1.57 crore. Vadodara ACB Inspector A. N. Prajapati filed the case at the ACB police station, and the investigation is ongoing under the supervision of Assistant Director P. H. Bhensaniya.

Bhoya has allegedly acquired agricultural land, houses, flats, plots, residential buildings, shops in commercial complexes, and three vehicles.

The official said that these properties are now under scrutiny as part of the ongoing investigation.
Shimla, Sep 12 : A day after massive protests erupted in the Himachal Pradesh capital over demand to demolish unauthorised structures of a mosque in the Sanjauli area, two state Cabinet ministers, Anirudh Singh and Vikramaditya Singh, said on Thursday that the mosque authorities have agreed to seal the illegal portion of the building to maintain communal harmony.

In a first official reaction to the incident, which led to closure of all business establishments as a mark of protest till 1 p.m. on Thursday, Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh and Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh told the media that to maintain communal harmony and internal security and peace, Sanjauli Mosque Committee President Mohammed Latif and Waqf Board member Maulvi Shezaad have handed over a letter to the Shimla Municipal Commissioner that they have voluntarily agreed to seal the entire portion of the illegally expanded structure.

"If the Municipal Corporation permits, they are also ready to demolish it and also agreed that they will accept the directions of the court in the public interest," the Ministers said in a joint press briefing.

Saying Himachal Pradesh is a peaceful state and no one will be allowed to create lawlessness, they said: "Himachal has always been a symbol of peace and harmony. A few were trying to give a communal colour to the entire episode for their vested interest, forgetting that it was during the Covid-19 that the structure was raised in an unauthorised manner when the BJP government was in power."

Anirudh Singh, whose constituency falls in Shimla's outer areas, said Rs 2 lakh was provided during the BJP regime to the mosque authorities.

He also highlighted that the previous BJP government had also released another amount in lakhs for its construction.

The minister said the government would bring a policy on street vendors and hawkers. A decision will be taken soon wherein the Chief Minister and the Vidhan Sabha Speaker would ponder to formulate a body to keep check on the migrants, he said.

Not only this, the entire antecedents of those staying in rented accommodation or working in business establishments, the hired migrant labourers, domestic help, the street vendors, etc., would be thoroughly verified, Singh said, adding the government will also consider setting up separate vending zones for those who have come to earn their livelihood in the state.

Regarding the clash, Anirudh Singh said the incident started after a clash between the two communities at Malyana and as a result, six Muslim youths were detained who were staying there by pseudo names, and few political outfits gave it a communal twist.

"It is a matter of investigation into how the unauthorised structure came up amid Covid. The then Municipal Officers and officials, who were entrusted with the task of planning and checking illegal constructions in the town remained mute spectators... this will be investigated," said Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh.

Carrying the Tricolour and raising slogans like 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' and 'Hindu Ekta Zindabad', the protesters, largely locals, on Wednesday marched towards Sanjauli to lodge their protest and demand the demolition of a portion of the five-floor mosque.

Police had to use mild cane-charge and water cannons to disperse the crowds as they tried to remove the barricades at the Dhalli tunnel. At least five-six policemen were injured in the clash with an equal number of protesters.
New Delhi, Sep 12 : Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Hitesh Jain, commenting upon the coming together of PM Modi and Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud for the Ganesh Puja said that the viral pictures have left the nation impressed and awe-struck but it was sad that the Opposition only sees a ploy everything.

Hitesh Jain, speaking to IANS, said that the union of PM Modi and CJI Chandrachud for Ganesh Puja celebrations presented a beautiful picture and depicted their devotion to Indian culture and values. They paid obeisance to Lord Ganesha and celebrated a festival that united the nation and its citizens.

"This photo inspires confidence and unity among the fellow countrymen. However, it's sad that the Opposition-led INDIA bloc created a hue and cry over it which was uncalled for," he added.

Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Chief Justice of India (CJI) Chandrachud's residence for Ganesh Chaturthi.

However, as their pictures surfaced, a major controversy broke out with Opposition parties criticising the meeting and levelling certain accusations, with one saying that it sends an 'uncomforting message'.

BJP also hit back over the INDIA bloc's attempts to milk the opportunity for political gains and raked up the UPA-era times, when the Prime Minister's presence at the Iftar parties drew wide praise from Congress and its allies.

Hitesh Jain added that he was personally blown up with the Prime Minister-CJI images from the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations but was appalled by baseless accusations by the Opposition.

Further calling out the liberal lobby, he shared that when he first saw the pictures he thought that some vested elements would try to vitiate the atmosphere with their twisted theory and his fears have come true.

The BJP leader said that all the accusations by the Opposition were baseless and unwarranted. He accused them of insulting Maharashtra's most popular festival and also objected to brazen attempts to demean the highest offices of the country.

"For their own benefits, they can cast aspersions on any institution, be it the PMO or the judiciary," he said.
New Delhi, Sep 12 : About seven in 10 Indians believe the government's move to provide health coverage to all above 70, under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), will significantly benefit the elderly, according to a poll on Thursday.

The opinion poll conducted by Matrize survey agency, showed that 85.19 per cent Indians believe the government took the right decision, while 69.75 per cent say it will greatly benefit the older adults above the age of 70.

About 5 per cent said that the move was a political decision, and 9.26 per cent said that it will hardly benefit senior citizens.

The health coverage for all senior citizens was approved by the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Under the AB PM-JAY scheme, older adults, irrespective of income, will get health coverage -- free treatment up to Rs 5 lakh. The scheme is expected to provide health cover to about 6 crore senior citizens in the country.

Industry experts also hailed the government's decision noting that it will boost the health of older adults.

"It is a significant milestone in providing essential healthcare services to the elderly," said Anil Matai, Director General, Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers of India (OPPI).

"As our elderly population grows, so does the need for specialised geriatric care, and this expansion will enable more families to access essential services without the burden of overwhelming medical expenses," added Dr. Harsh Mahajan, President FICCI (Health Services).

Under the scheme, each senior citizen will receive a health card, making it easier for them to access the scheme's services.

Senior citizens aged 70 years and above, belonging to families already covered under the scheme, will get an additional top-up cover up to Rs 5 lakh per year for themselves (which they do not have to share with the other members of the family who are below the age of 70 years), according to a Cabinet communique.

Meanwhile, Mahajan raised concerns about the potential challenges that smaller and medium-sized hospitals may face with the scheme.

"These institutions often operate on tight margins, and the added pressure of accommodating a larger patient base, especially with senior citizens requiring more intensive care, could strain their resources," he said.

In addition, he also pointed out the need to ensure timely payments as "delays can disrupt cash flow and hinder the ability of these hospitals to maintain the quality of care".

Matai also emphasised the need to also include the people "who are currently excluded from both government and private health insurance schemes, as part of AB PM-JAY".
New Delhi, Sep 12 : President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday condoled the passing away of CPI-M General Secretary Sitaram Yechury, paying tribute to his contribution to national politics, especially as parliamentarian, as well as his ability to reach across the political divide.

"Saddened to learn about the demise of CPI (M) general secretary Shri Sitaram Yechury. First as a student leader and then in national politics and as a parliamentarian, he had a distinct and influential voice. Though a committed ideologue, he won friends cutting across the party lines. My heartfelt condolences to his family and colleagues," President Murmu said in a post on X.

Prime Minister Modi said that he was saddened by the passing away of the CPI-M leader.

"He was a leading light of the Left and was known for his ability to connect across the political spectrum. He also made a mark as an effective Parliamentarian. My thoughts are with his family and admirers in this sad hour. Om Shanti", he said.

Paying his condolences, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that Yechury, "in his long years in public life", had "distinguished himself as a seasoned parliamentarian who was known for his knowledge and articulation".

"He was also my friend with whom I had several interactions. I will always recall my interactions with him. Condolences to his bereaved family and supporters. Om Shanti!"

External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar said that he was "deeply grieved to learn about the passing away of my friend".

"We studied together and maintained close ties for over five decades. Always valued our discussions and debates. Like so many others in the political and intellectual world, will really miss his presence," he said.

Home Minister Amit Shah said: "His demise is a loss to the political sphere. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family members and friends. May God give them the strength to endure this difficult time".

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also condoled the Left stalwart's passing away.

In his condolence message, BJP MP Baijyant Jay Panda said: "...Though we represented diametrically different political philosophies, and often opposed each other -- most prominently in a 2019 debate at Oxford University-- out of the limelight, we shared a cordial and friendly relationship. His jovial nature and ability to build friendships across the spectrum will be missed".

In her condolence message, Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi noted that she and Yechury "had worked closely together during 2004-08 to begin with and the friendship that had been established then continued till his very end".

"He was uncompromising in his commitment to the values of our countryas Constitution embodied so very forcefully in its Preamble. He was fierce in his determination to protect Indiaas diversity and was a powerful champion of secularism. He was, of course, a life-long communist but that faith was anchored in democratic values. Indeed, his twelve-year stint in Parliament was memorable and left his indelible mark. He played a pivotal role in UPA-1 and more recently contributed enormously to the emergence of the INDIA group in the run up to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections," she said.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma termed Yechury "a champion of peopleas cause who stood his ground and voiced his thoughts with great boldness" and said: "The country will feel the loss of such a powerful voice".

Biju Janata Dal chief and former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said that he was "deeply saddened" and the "eloquent, erudite and affable leader will be sorely missed during debates on issues of national importance".

YSR Congress chief and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy also extended his heartfelt condolences and said that Yechury "will be remembered by all as a great leader and a respected parliamentarian".

CPI leader D. Raja, Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and party leaders Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Shashi Tharoor, K.C. Venugopal, Jairam Ramesh, and Sachin Pilot, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, National Conference leader and former J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Andhra Chief Minister and TDP President N. Chandrababu Naidu and his deputy and Jana Sena Party leader Pawan Kalyan, DMK leader and Tamil Nadu Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, actor-politician Kamal Haasan, and BJP leader Amarinder Singh have also condoled Yechury's death.

Russian Ambassador Denis Alipov and Chinese Ambassador Xu Feihong have also expressed their deep condolences on his passing away.
Bengaluru, Sep 12 : Karnataka Police on Thursday submitted a charge sheet naming Telugu actress Hema and 87 others in connection with a rave party at a farmhouse near Bengaluru that was busted in May this year.

The 1,086-page charge sheet submitted to the Bengaluru Rural Additional District Sessions Court mentions that Hema had consumed narcotic substances at the party themed aSunset to Sunrise Victory' on May 20, which was attended by around 100 people, including techies, Telugu actors, and others.

Police sources said her medical reports confirmed that Hema had consumed MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy which contains stimulant and psychedelic properties. Another actress has been made witness in the case after she tested negative for consumption of drugs.

The charge sheet has named 88 persons as accused in the case, including a Nigerian national named Augstin Dada. Of them, 79 are facing charges of consuming narcotic substances.

The police also submitted call detail records (CDRs) of the accused to the court.

According to the charge sheet, the police seized MDMA tablets, MDMA crystals, 5 gm cocaine, Rs 500 currency notes laced with cocaine, large quantity ganja, five mobile phones, Volkswagen and Land Rover cars, and other articles from GM Farmhouse in the Singena Agrahara area near Electronics City, the venue of the rave party.

.The anti-narcotics wing of Karnataka Police raided the rave party organised at a farmhouse on the outskirts of Bengaluru on May 20. MDMA, cocaine, ganja, and other narcotic substances were allegedly used by those who attended the party.

The investigation revealed that about 100 persons attended the party, most of whom were booked under the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS), and various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

The organisers of the party reportedly flown in over 25 people from Andhra Pradesh to Bengaluru for the event.

The police also found a pass belonging to an Andhra Pradesh MLA in one of the cars parked at the farmhouse, sources stated.

Preliminary investigation revealed that an individual named Hari from Hyderabad organised the party under the pretext of a birthday celebration.

As the party continued past 2 a.m., narcotics wing officers raided the farmhouse. The police also found more than 15 luxury cars at the venue.

Popular Telugu actress Hema was arrested on June 3 in connection with the case before being released on bail.

In a video message released after the raid, Hema had claimed that she was not present in the party as she was relaxing at a farm in Hyderabad at that time. However, the police refused to buy her claims.

The actress had also created a scene while being taken away after a medical test, lashing out at the media for reporting 'fake news'.

The police weere also investigating the possibility of a sex racket operating alongside the supply of drugs.

Five people were arrested in the case before it was transferred from the Electronics City police station to the CCB's Anti-Narcotics Wing.

Three police personnel were suspended for negligence in duty in connection with the case.
Chennai, Sep 12 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Thursday condoled the demise of CPI-M General Secretary Sitaram Yechury.

The 72-year-old veteran Left leader passed away at the AIIMS, New Delhi, earlier in the day.

Stalin said in a post on social media platform X, "Deeply shocked and saddened by the demise of Comrade #SitaramYechury, a stalwart of the Left Movement and a towering figure in Indian politics."

The Chief Minister also said, "Comrade @SitaramYechury was a fearless leader whose commitment to justice was evident from a young age, as he courageously stood against the Emergency as a student leader. His dedication to the cause of the working class, secularism, social justice, equality, and progressive values shaped a distinguished career that will continue to inspire future generations."

"I will always cherish the insightful interactions I had with him. My heartfelt condolences to his family and comrades during this difficult time. Red Salute, Comrade!" said Tamil Nadu Opposition leader and AIADMK General Secretary, Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS), who also condoled the demise of Yechury.

In a post on X, EPS said, "Deeply saddened to hear the news that the General Secretary of @cpimspeaks Comrade @SitaramYechury has passed away."

He added, "With his demise, the nation has lost an exemplary statesman and an astute frontrunner of communist ideology. My deepest condolences to his family and Comrades. Farewell, Comrade!"

Senior Congress leader and former Union Minister P. Chidambaram in a post on X said, "The passing of Comrade Sitaram Yechury is a cruel blow to the forces that are engaged in a determined battle in the defence of democracy, liberty, equality, workers' rights and human rights."

He said, "I know that from 1996, Comrade Yechury had stood with the progressive forces of the country. He was a committed Marxist but he was practical enough to understand that some of the goals of Marxism could be achieved, in the current age, only if he stood by other progressive political parties.

The senior Congress leader added, "As the INDIA bloc is gathering strength, his services and support will be sorely missed. I salute the memory of my friend and comrade, Sitaram. I offer his family and his party, the CPI(M), my sincere and heartfelt condolences."

--IANS

aal/khz
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 12. A telephone conversation was held between Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg Xavier Bettel on September 12, 2024, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan told Trend.

According to the information, the telephone conversation discussed issues of cooperation between the two countries, as well as the situation of regional and international security.

The sides noted the important role of such contacts in the development of existing relations between Azerbaijan and Luxembourg in discussing issues of mutual interest.

Jeyhun Bayramov also gave detailed information to the opposite side about the current situation and realities in the region in the post-conflict period, the progress of the process of normalization of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia, and the current situation.

Furthermore, it was stressed that the ongoing territorial claims against Azerbaijan in the Armenian legislation, as well as the rapid militarization of this country, are the main factors threatening the sustainable peacebuilding process in the region.

The sides also exchanged views on other bilateral and multilateral issues of mutual interest during the telephone conversation, the statement of the ministry reads.
Kolkata, Sep 12 : Amid the continued deadlock over talks with the protesting junior doctors pressing for their demands in connection with the R.G. Kar rape and murder case, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said on Thursday that she is ready to step down from her chair for the sake of the people.

Her remarks came after the proposed talks between the Chief Minister and a 30-member delegation of the West Bengal Junior Doctors Forum (WBJDF) failed to materialise on Thursday as the junior doctors refused to budge from their demand to live telecast the meeting.

Addressing a press conference on Thursday evening after the doctors' delegation refused to turn up for the meeting, CM Banerjee said, "Our government has been insulted. But the common people do not know that there is a political colour to it. They do not want justice, they only want the chair. I am ready to step down. I do not want the post of Chief Minister."

The Chief Minister also said that she could not allow live telecast of the meeting with the junior doctors since the RG Kar matter, which is being probed by the CBI, is pending before the Supreme Court.

She added that if the matter was not pending before the apex court, she would have allowed the live telecast which she did in 2019 when a similar meeting was held with the junior doctors after a group of medics attached to the state-run N.R.S. Medical College and Hospital were brutally attacked by the relatives of a patient who died there.

"I waited for over two hours both on Wednesday and Thursday. But I have no objection to that. I even allowed their demand to send a team of 30 delegates though we had asked for 15. But they are insisting on live telecast, which I cannot agree to because the matter is pending before the Supreme Court," the Chief Minister said.

While she was addressing the media at state Secretariat Nabanna, the delegation of 30 junior doctors was waiting outside for a positive response from the state government on their demand for live telecast of the meeting.

The Chief Minister also said that although the deadline set by the Supreme Court for junior doctors to return to duty is over now, the state administration has not taken any action against the protesting medics.

"I forgive them. I am not in favour of using any draconian law against them. But I request them to get over their obstinate approach and come to the discussion table. Again, I request them to rejoin duty keeping in mind that poor people are suffering," Banerjee said.

The protesting doctors had set a few conditions for the meeting, including sending a 30-member delegation, a meeting to be held in the presence of the Chief Minister, live telecast of the meeting for transparency, and the five-point demand which they have been pressing for since the beginning.

One of the major demands in the five-point agenda is suspension of the state Health Secretary, Director of Health Services, and Director of Medical Education.

On Monday, the Supreme Court had said that doctors in West Bengal were protesting against the R.G. Kar rape-murder must resume their duties by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, failing which the state government will be authorised to initiate disciplinary action against them.

However, unnerved by the Supreme Court's ultimatum, the junior doctors vowed to continue their agitation and gave a call to march to the Swasthya Bhavan on Tuesday afternoon. The deadlock over talks between the protesters and the state administration has continued since then.
Srinagar, Sep 12 : Lok Sabha member Engineer Rasheed said on Thursday that if India wants to become a global power then it must resolve the Kashmir issue.

"If India has to achieve the dream of being a global power, it will have to address the Kashmir issue. If India has to be Vishwa Guru, Kashmir has to be resolved. If you (PM Modi) have a better solution, please tell us. You are saying that the other side of Kashmir wants to join this side. It may be true, but how do we find out this," the MP said while addressing a press conference.

He said if he is being branded as a separatist for talking about the resolution of the Kashmir issue, then the entire north Kashmir region is secessionist as they have voted for him.

"I want to make it clear that we are neither enemies of India nor agents of Pakistan. We are agents of our conscience. PM Modi snatched everything from us on August 5, 2019, illegally and unconstitutionally," he said.

He added that if the INDIA bloc promises to restore Article 370 when they come to power, he will support each and every candidate of the alliance during the Assembly polls.

"If the INDIA alliance assures us that it will restore Article 370 when it comes to power in Delhi, I will tell every candidate of mine to pledge each vote of their supporters for the opposition alliance," he said.

He said Article 370 will not be restored by making statements inside the comfort of homes.

"How will 370 come back? They will have to protest at Lal Chowk and be ready to be hit by batons. National Conference (NC) and PDP cannot do it. When Amit Shah said no one could give back the statehood to J&K except the BJP government, they (NC and PDP) did not even dare to say that they would fight for it," the MP said

MP Rasheed said that it does not mean one has to be violent, 'Gandhiji did it through non-violence'.

"Had Mehbooba resigned to protest the BJP plans to revoke Article 370, I would have said that she is a lioness. But she did not even know when Ram Madhav tweeted that the BJP has withdrawn the support to PDP," he said.

He claimed that Abdullah was aware in advance that the Centre was going to abrogate Article 370.

"The vote for me was not emotional outpouring. It was against PM Modi's Naya Kashmir. It was a vote for work that I had done in the Langate Assembly segment on human rights and development," the MP said.

He claimed that in the run-up to the Lok Sabha polls, he was pressured to support the BJP proxy in north Kashmir, but he refused and paid the price.

"I don't want to add bitterness to the discourse. I was denied basic facilities available to jail inmates because I refused to support the BJP proxy, who was the candidate who came third. I was put in the ward of mental patients for one and a half months. I have no regrets if this is the price to pay for truth," he said.

He added that had Omar Abdullah talked about people's issues, he would not have needed to lower his cap in Ganderbal and contest from two seats.

Rashid Engineer said that both Peoples Conference President Sajad Lone and Omar Abdullah will lose the Assembly elections from both seats that they are contesting.

Patiala House court granted him bail till October 2 and the court ordered him to surrender on October 3.

He was granted interim bail to campaign for the Awami Itihad Party (AIP).

J&K goes to vote on September 18, September 25 and October 1.
New Delhi, Sep 12 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the residence of Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud on Wednesday, to take part in the Ganesh Puja celebrations. In the pictures that went viral on social media, PM Modi was seen offering prayers to Lord Ganesha and performing aarti along with the CJI and his wife.

The pictures left the nation and netizens awe-struck. However, they were not well-received by the Opposition parties as they raised questions over their 'association' and also over the kind of message that it was sending across.

The Prime Minister's visit to CJI's residence was very short.

He left soon after participating in the Ganesh Puja celebrations and taking prasad, but the pictures and video of PM Modi at the CJI's residence gave the Opposition a chance to politicise the religious congregation.

Opposition parties including Congress, NCP, SS -UBT did not hold back their displeasure and also raised eyebrows over the meeting. Some called it 'uncomforting', while some went to raise doubts over the CJI's 'ability' to conclude future hearings after this meet.

The BJP was quick to dismiss the baseless and unsubstantiated allegations by the INDIA bloc and cited earlier instances of their meetings at various forums to debunk its theory.

Besides political bickering over PM Modi-CJI meet, some facts have emerged which establish that the Opposition was only levelling unwarranted charges and playing up the matter to take political mileage.

Top sources privy to the details said that CJI Chandrachud has been sending invitations to several dignitaries, as part of the ten-day Ganesh Chaturthi festival.

Top dignitaries from the government and judiciary are said to be among the daily visitors at his residence for the 'Ganesh Poojan', the majority of whom have been attending the evening Aarti.

PM Modi also visited the CJI's residence during evening aarti and was reportedly accompanied by many officials from the Supreme Court at the CJI residence, including registry level officers.

The INDIA bloc, in spite of respecting the rich traditions of Ganesh Utsav, chose to give the meeting a twist and hurl baseless and unwarranted charges at the highest constitutional posts of the country, said sources privy to details.
Patna, Sep 12 : Bihar Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Tejashwi Yadav on Thursday criticised Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for surrendering before the BJP on state special state status issue.

During a media interaction in Darbhanga, Yadav pointed out that despite the state having a "double engine" government, the Central government has refused to grant special status to Bihar.

"The NDA government has been neglecting Bihar's interests over the years. While they seek votes from the state's electorate, they treat its people unfairly. We are discussing this issue with party workers, and once complete, we plan to actively raise Bihar's issues both on the streets and in the legislature," Yadav said.

Tejashwi Yadav also criticised Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sinha. Yadav questioned Sinha's contributions since assuming the position, accusing him of simply "roaming around" in government vehicles with security on the taxpayer's money.

"Does he have any notable achievements? Is roaming a job? Has he held more public meetings than us? These people are misleading the public," Yadav said.

On Mithila bypolls, Yadav acknowledged that the outcomes were not in RJD's favour but emphasised that the party is not weak.

Tejashwi Yadav expressed frustration over the 2020 Assembly election, claiming his party would have formed the government had it not been for alleged dishonesty in the process.

Tejashwi Yadav, currently undertaking the Aabhar Yatra in Bihar, continued his campaign on the third day in Darbhanga, where he engaged with party workers to discuss local issues.
Riga, Sep 12 : Latvia's parliament has adopted amendments to the Road Traffic Law, imposing a ban on the operation of vehicles registered in Belarus within Latvian territory.

According to the national news agency LETA, the new law requires that all Belarusian-registered vehicles currently in Latvia must either be removed from the country or re-registered for road use in Latvia by October 31.

Following this deadline, Belarusian vehicles will only be permitted to enter Latvia for a single transit passage, provided an application is submitted in advance via the e-services of the Road Traffic Safety Directorate, Xinhua news agency reported.

The amendments outline two exceptions. The ban does not apply to persons with reduced mobility driving specially adapted vehicles registered in Belarus, who are visiting their relatives in Latvia. Additionally, Belarusian-registered vehicles may enter Latvia in special circumstances concerning state interests. In such cases, individuals must obtain permission from the Financial Intelligence Service, which can grant entry for up to three months.

In instances of non-compliance with the regulation, Latvian authorities will have the power to confiscate Belarusian-registered vehicles.
Bengaluru, Sep 12 : The Karnataka High Court on Thursday completed the hearing of arguments and counterarguments on the writ petition filed by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah against Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot's decision to grant consent for his prosecution in the alleged MUDA scam and reserved its order in the matter.

The arguments and counterarguments were submitted for six days and the bench, headed by Justice M. Nagaprasanna, is likely to pronounce the judgement over the matter in a few days.

The bench had asked the counsels to complete their arguments and counterarguments by the end of the day.

CM Siddaramaiah's writ petition seeks interim relief from the prosecution order and also quashing the order of the Governor. Fingers are crossed over the verdict in the case as it will have a direct impact on state politics.

If the bench upholds the order of the Governor, it will become difficult for CM Siddaramaiah to continue in his position and if the order comes in favour of him, it is going to be a huge embarrassment for the Governor.

Appearing for Siddaramaiah, senior counsel Abhishek Manu Singhvi, resuming his argument, submitted that the Governor is not elected by the people and is appointed. In this context, the Governor has more accountability.

The Governor gave consent for prosecution in a 23-year-old case, and this action appears to be more politically motivated than imposing the President's rule, he added.

As the bench questioned Singhvi, noting that the Governor does not need to adhere to the decision of the Cabinet and it is left to his discretion, he argued that the Governor cannot reject the Cabinet's advice without providing reasons.

"No reasons were specified, and without them, the Cabinet's decision was simply dismissed as wrongful. In his five to six-page order, the Governor did not provide any substantial explanation and merely stated that he would not comply with the Cabinet's advice, " he said, adding that the Governor's order lacked discretion and that the action against the Chief Minister was taken in haste.

Singhvi further stated that Siddaramaiah had not signed any files related to the MUDA case.

"Several officers have worked on and moved away from the case since it came to light. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has been a legislator since 1984, and every matter has two dimensions. In the last 23 years, 23 officers in MUDA might have been involved in the case. So why is only CM Siddaramaiah being targeted? It is because attempts are being made to destabilise the Congress government," he said.

Singhvi also argued that the Governor should have explained in his order how he had exercised his discretion and accused him of acting at the behest of invisible hands. He pointed out that there is not a single reason mentioned by the Governor for his decision.

"I am not insisting on presenting 1,000 pages," he said, "but a show-cause notice was issued within 24 hours based on a complaint by a private individual". He added that the Governor should use his discretion rarely.

The opinion of the investigating officer should be considered, and only then should a decision be made. More reasons are needed for not considering the Cabinetas decision, he said, submitting that Dr. B.R. Ambedkar clearly defined the role of the Governor in this regard.

The MUDA site allotment is done only on paper, the allotment on the 50:50 ratio was done during the tenure of the BJP government, and there is no role of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Singhvi stated.

K.G. Raghavan, counsel for petitioner Snehamayi Krishna and Prof Ravi Varma Kumar, appearing for CM Siddaramaiah, also presented their views before the bench.

While the CM is represented by Singhvi, the Governoras office is represented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta.

Advocate General K. Shashi Kiran Shetty, presenting his arguments for CM Siddaramaiah submitted to the court that the Governor cannot act as an investigator.

Defending the Governor, SG Mehta submitted that the decision was made lawfully and that all due process was followed.

Lawyer Lakshmi Iyengar, appearing for petitioner Snehamayi Krishna, argued that there was evidence of Siddaramaiahas role in the MUDA case. "CM Siddaramaiahas wife does not have any source of income. The property of the wife in this case has to be considered belonging to the husband," she maintained.

In an important development, the Karnataka government had suspended former MUDA Commissioner, GT Dinesh Kumar in connection with the charges against him during his tenure at the civic agency, pending an enquiry.

Meanwhile, Siddaramaiah, who had earlier cancelled his engagements for the court hearing, was seen on city rounds in Bengaluru as the court began hearing the case.

He inspected BDA flyover construction work near Hebbal, asphalt work on the service road near Kariyammana Agrahara on the Outer Ring Road asphalt work near Hennur Junction, and reviewed metro construction plans near KR Puram Railway Station and held discussion with officials. Subsequently, he travelled to Vidhana Soudha via the metro and interacted with commuters.

However, the Chief Minister cancelled the press meet organised at his home office 'Krishna' after the city rounds.
Vadodara, Sep 12 : The Gujarat Congress on Thursday organised 'Jan Aakrosh Rally' here, highlighting the concerns of the flood-affected people, while also criticising the BJP-led government in the state over the "lack of flood relief".

The rally started from Sayajinagar Gruh in Akota and concluded at the District Collector's office.

Protesters submitted a memorandum addressing the issues faced by flood-hit people.

A large boat was carried during the march, serving as a symbolic protest and drawing considerable attention, while participants held up posters expressing their outrage.

Congress leaders, including Gujarat unit chief Shaktisinh Gohil, MLA Amit Chavda, and Rajya Sabha MP Mukul Wasnik, were present at the rally.

Before the march, they addressed a gathering of people at Sayajinagar Gruh, highlighting the need for government action and support for those affected by the floods.

During the rally, Mukul Wasnik criticised the state government for "failing to provide adequate relief".

He claimed that around 50 people had died due to the floods, and diseases had also been spreading. Farmers have suffered massive losses, with crops destroyed across the region.

Wasnik expressed disappointment that despite the significant damage, the government is yet to offer substantial assistance for relief and rehabilitation. He said that the Congress organised the rally to hold the government accountable.

City unit Congress President Rutvij Joshi accused the ruling party of being responsible for the flooding, citing corruption as the cause.

He and other Congress leaders demanded that the government take immediate and meaningful action to help those who have lost homes, livelihoods, and lives due to the floods.

They also criticised the government's delayed response, implying that relief efforts only began after the Congress called for the rally.

Meanwhile, the Gujarat government has provided a relief package to support flood-affected residents.

Announced on Thursday, the aid will be drawn from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund and is aimed at facilitating swift rehabilitation.

The package promises assistance to everyone from small street vendors to larger businesses with turnovers exceeding Rs 5 lakh.

According to the government's plan, street vendors and cart operators will receive Rs 5,000 in cash assistance.

Owners of small, permanent cabins of up to 40 square feet will be granted Rs 20,000, while larger cabins will receive Rs 40,000. In addition, small and medium-sized permanent shop owners will get Rs 85,000 in cash aid.
Gurugram, Sep 12 : BJP's Gurgaon candidate Mukesh Sharma said that he will try to make Gurgaon the most modern city of the state, only then Gurgaon will be recognised on the lines of Indore in India and Singapore abroad.

Gurugram, Sep 12 (IANS) BJPas Gurgaon candidate Mukesh Sharma said that he will try to make Gurgaon the most modern city of the state, only then Gurgaon will be recognised on the lines of Indore in India and Singapore abroad.

During a public meeting he asserted that in the last 10 years, the BJP has done a lot of work for Gurgaon, but being an industrial hub, the population of Gurgaon is increasing day by day. Accordingly, there is a need to increase the infrastructure in Gurgaon.

"The city's bus stand is a basic problem in Gurgaon, for this he is continuously making efforts and after becoming an MLA, he is assuring that the bus stand of Gurgaon will be no less than an airport. Here, air-conditioned rooms, free Wi-Fi, clean toilets and drinking water will be arranged for the passengers to sit," he said.

He further said that there are big private hospitals in Gurgaon, which is also known as a medical hub. People come here for treatment not only from the country but from many countries but economically weaker people can not afford these expensive and due to this they have to face serious diseases and some untoward incidents happen.

"Soon there will be a grand government hospital in Gurgaon. Not only this, there will be a very big medical college here, where people can get free treatment," he said.

Deputy Commissioner and District Election Officer Gurugram, Nishant Kumar Yadav said that on the last date of nomination for Haryana Assembly General Elections, a total of 55 candidates from the four assembly constituencies of the district have filed their nominations.

He said that on Thursday, 11 candidates from the Pataudi Assembly, 12 from the Badshahpur Assembly, 16 from the Gurgaon Assembly and 16 from the Sohna Assembly filed their nominations.

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.
Gurugram, Sep 12 : BJP's Gurgaon candidate Mukesh Sharma on Thursday said that he will try to make Gurugram the most modern city in the state.

Gurugram, Sep 12 (IANS) BJPas Gurgaon candidate Mukesh Sharma on Thursday said that he will try to make Gurugram the most modern city in the state.

"Only then Gurugram will be recognised on the lines of Indore in India and Singapore abroad," he said during a public meeting.

He asserted that in the last 10 years, the BJP has done a lot of work for Gurugram, but being an industrial hub, the population of Gurugram is increasing day by day. Accordingly, there is a need to increase the infrastructure in Gurugram.

"The city's bus stand is a basic problem in Gurugram, for this he is continuously making efforts and after becoming an MLA, he is assuring that the bus stand of Gurugram will be no less than an airport. Here, air-conditioned rooms, free Wi-Fi, clean toilets and drinking water will be arranged for the passengers to sit," he said.

He further said that there are big private hospitals in Gurugram, which is also known as a medical hub. People come here for treatment not only from the country but from many countries but economically weaker people can not afford these expensive and due to this they have to face serious diseases and some untoward incidents happen.

"Soon there will be a grand government hospital in Gurugram. Not only this, there will be a very big medical college here, where people can get free treatment," he said.

Deputy Commissioner and District Election Officer Gurugram, Nishant Kumar Yadav said that on the last date of nomination for Haryana Assembly General Elections, a total of 55 candidates from the four Assembly constituencies of the district have filed their nominations.

He said that on Thursday, 11 candidates from the Pataudi Assembly, 12 from the Badshahpur Assembly, 16 from the Gurgaon Assembly and 16 from the Sohna Assembly filed their nominations.

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.
Kolkata, Sep 12 : In a significant development connected to the ongoing 'rift' between the West Bengal government and the Raj Bhavan, Governor C.V. Ananda Bose announced on Thursday evening that henceforth he will socially boycott Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

Governor Bose also clarified that by 'social boycott' he meant that he will not share any public platform with Chief Minister Banerjee from now onwards.

"I will socially boycott the Chief minister. Socially means I will never share any stage with the Chief Minister. I will not attend any meeting where the Chief Minister is present," the Governor said in a video message released by his office.

In the message, Governor Bose also expressed anguish over the state government ignoring his advice to take action against Kolkata Police Commissioner Vineet Kumar Goyal for the lapses in handling the probe into the rape and murder of a junior doctor at the R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital before it was handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) following directions from the Calcutta High Court.

According to the Governor, the way Commissioner Goyal approached the case was highly suspicious, and can be described as a sort of "criminal activity" for which he should be dealt with as per the legal provisions.

The Governor also launched a scathing attack against the Chief Minister over the law and order situation in West Bengal, and even went to the extent of describing Banerjee as "Lady Macbeth", claiming that there is violence in everywhere in the state.

Stating that as the Governor he cannot remain silent in such a situation, he said, "The state Secretariat will not be able to suppress the distrust (of the people) for long. The truth will surface. 'You can fool some people for some time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time'," the Governor said, quoting 16th US President Abraham Lincoln.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 12. The participants of the Forum of Azerbaijani Scientists Living Abroad held in Baku have visited the cities of Khankendi and Shusha, the State Committee for Work with Diaspora of Azerbaijan told Trend.

According to the information, the scientists reportedly met with the Karabakh University rector and faculty after getting to know the city of Khankendi.

The university's rector, Shahin Bayramov, welcomed Azerbaijani scientists overseas to Karabakh, updated them on the university's modernization, and discussed future goals.

The sides exchanged views on establishing scientific cooperation between the scientists living abroad and Karabakh University, as well as the possibility of using their knowledge and experience.

Furthermore, Azerbaijani scientists living abroad addressed President Ilham Aliyev in the city of Khankendi.

Afterward, the participants of the Forum of Azerbaijani Scientists Living Abroad traveled to Shusha. They familiarized themselves with the reconstruction being carried out in Shusha and visited historical sites of the cultural capital.

The Azerbaijani scientists named the continuation and completion of the Forum in Karabakh a historic event and stated that they will continue to do everything possible for the future of Azerbaijan, and contribute to building stronger bridges between the world and Azerbaijani science.

Azerbaijani scientists living abroad emphasized that the meeting with the leading staff of Karabakh University was an invaluable happiness for them, left an indelible trace in their memory, and deepened the essence of the visit.

To note, the Forum of Azerbaijani Scientists Living Abroad started its work on September 9 in Baku. More than 80 Azerbaijani scientists, scholars, and professors from 23 countries took part in the forum.
Moscow/Kyiv, Sep 12 : Moscow is prepared to find a peaceful settlement to the Ukraine crisis while the West is not ready for sincere diplomatic dialogues, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Thursday.

Western countries are attempting to do everything possible to control Kiev through their ultimatums, Lavrov said during a roundtable discussion on Ukraine with ambassadors at the Foreign Ministry's Diplomatic Academy.

The West and its allies view Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's peace formula as the only negotiating proposal, he said.

Lavrov further said that NATO specialists were providing Kiev with reconnaissance data to help identify targets deep within Russian territory, including civilian infrastructure.

On the latest development of the conflict, Lavrov said Russian forces were continuing to push Ukrainian troops out of Russia's Kursk region bordering Ukraine.

Early Thursday, 14 civilians were injured as Russia struck Ukraine's northeastern city of Konotop with combat drones, Ukraine's Prosecutor General's Office said in a statement.

Seven apartment buildings, a private residence, a bank, and healthcare and educational institutions were damaged in the attack, it said, Xinhua news agency reported.

The attack was part of a broader overnight assault, in which Russia launched a barrage of 64 combat drones and five missiles, Ukraine's Air Force said.

Also on Thursday, the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry said it had destroyed a Russian Su-30SM fighter jet over the Black Sea.

--IANS

as/
Mandya, Sep 12 : Karnataka BJP on Thursday warned people that the rioters will barge into the houses of the Hindus if the alleged "appeasement policy" of the Congress government continues in the state.

Mandya, Sep 12 (IANS) Karnataka BJP on Thursday warned people that the rioters will barge into the houses of the Hindus if the alleged "appeasement policy" of the Congress government continues in the state.

"If Congress continues with its appeasement policy, the rioters who were found roaming on streets with talwars and machetes will one day barge into your houses. I appeal to Congress to leave the petty politics and initiate action against those who were responsible for the violence. The state government is mired in corruption and is encouraging the elements to carry out communal violence," said BJP State chief Vijayendra, who led a delegation to Nagamangala town in Mandya district which witnessed communal violence during the Ganesh Visarjan procession on Wednesday.

The delegation also included Leader of the Opposition (LoP) R. Ashoka, Leader of the Opposition in Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, former Deputy Chief Minister C.N. Ashwath Narayan, and MLC C.T. Ravi.

The delegations also visited the gutted shops and met the family members of the arrested persons.

"Members of the Hindu community and Hindu workers peacefully took part in the procession to immerse the Ganesh idol. However, the anti-nationals attacked them and hurled petrol bombs at them. The Hindus were assaulted with talwars and everything was pre-planned," he alleged.

He added that police were mute spectators while witnessing the violence because of the pressure from the ruling party.

"In Keragodu of Mandya district as well, the Hindu religious flag was brought down by the Congress government. There is an anti-Hindu ruling the state and because of their appeasement policy, subversive elements have got the courage, Vijayendra said.

He said that the Mandya district - which was known for farmers' movements - is in the news for communal clashes.

"It is unfortunate and it has only happened because the Congress government supports the anti-nationals who are unleashing violence," he said.

He also appealed to the Chief Minister and state Home Minister G. Parameshwara to compensate the owners whose properties were destroyed in the violence.

52 persons were arrested and six FIRs have been registered in connection with the incident.

Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy will also visit the town on Friday.
Imphal, Sep 12 : Manipur-based United Naga Council (UNC) issued an ultimatum to Union Home Minister Amit Shah for redressal of the pending issues of "arbitrary creation" of seven new districts in Manipur in 2016 and warned of intense agitation if not resolved the issue within 15 days time.

Imphal, Sep 12 (IANS) Manipur-based United Naga Council (UNC) issued an ultimatum to Union Home Minister Amit Shah for redressal of the pending issues of "arbitrary creation" of seven new districts in Manipur in 2016 and warned of intense agitation if not resolved the issue within 15 days time.

The UNC demanded the rollback of the "arbitrary creation" of seven new districts and reinstated the status quo.

The UNC in a letter to the Home Minister said that there had been social unrest in the state of Manipur in the backdrop of the arbitrary creation of seven new districts by bifurcating parent districts on December 8, 2016, during the Congress regime without the informed consent and knowledge of the stakeholders.

"Dishonouring the four memoranda between the government of Manipur and the Naga people and the assurance from the Union government in 2011, that no decision would be taken without consulting all sections of the people and all stakeholders, including Naga bodies representing the Nagas, the issue remained unresolved," said the letter, sent through the Deputy Commissioner of Senapati district.

The letter, signed by UNC President N.G. Lorho and General Secretary Vareiyo Shatsang said that massive protests in the form of hartals and an economic blockade were launched in all the national highways for 139 days in the state and as many as 10 rounds of tripartite talks held amongst the government of Manipur, UNC and the government of India to redress the issue.

"The last talks were held on March 9, 2019, with the assurance that a concrete proposal shall be placed by the government of Manipur in the next round of talks supposedly proposed to be held by the last week of July 2019."

The UNC said that a missive has been sent to the office of the Special Secretary, Northeast, MHA, for resumption of the tripartite talk on January 22, 2024, and a prompt reminder on February 23 but received no response as of yet.

The Naga body said that in its Council Assembly held on May 29 and the subsequent Presidential Council meeting of the UNC held on August 9, had unanimously resolved to launch an intense agitation to ensure that the seven districts created on December 8, 2016, are rolled back and reinstated to status quo in the spirit of four standing MoUs signed with the governments and assurance of the Union government.

"We believe in dialogue and have therefore tacitly appealed to redress our grievances through petitions but having turned a deaf ear to our plea, the Nagas have resolutely taken a decision to set a stipulated period of fifteen days to address the issues.

On the expiry of the stipulated period of time, the Naga people will take up an intense form of agitation until the demands are met," the UNC letter stated.

Naga people mostly inhabited six Manipur districts -- Tamenglong, Chandel, Ukhrul, Kamjong Noney and Senapati, which are along the Nagaland and Myanmar borders.
Jaipur, Sep 12 : The Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) on Thursday accused Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma of flouting bail norms by travelling abroad without taking permission from the court.

To recall, an anticipatory bail was granted to Bhajan Lal Sharma in 2013 by a district court in Jaipur in the 2011 Gopalgarh (Bharatpur) riots case.

The Congress reaction came after a lawyer filed a petition in the district court alleging that Chief Minister Sharma has violated the conditions of anticipatory bail by travelling abroad without taking permission from the court in connection with the trial related to the 2011 Gopalgarh riots case.

Sanwar Mal Chaudhary, the petitioner, also demanded that Sharma be arrested under Section 483(3) of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) for flouting the norms.

Following the development, Rajasthan Congress chief Govind Singh Dotasra also questioned CM Sharma for travelling abroad despite being on bail since 2013 in a case registered by the CBI without taking permission from the court.

"By travelling overseas without the court's permission, the Chief Minister has violated the bail conditions set by the court. This is a serious mistake on the part of a person who holds a responsible and constitutional post like the Chief Minister," Dotasra said.

The state Congress also shared an order issued by the Court of Additional District and Sessions Judge in 2013, and highlighted the sections under which Sharma was held accused along with the terms and conditions which said he cannot travel abroad without taking the court's permission.

Congress' Leader of Opposition Tika Ram Jully said in a post on X: "It has come to light through the media that advocate Sanwar Chaudhary has filed a petition in the court stating that Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma has violated the conditions of anticipatory bail by travelling to South Korea and Japan without the permission of the court.

"If the Chief Minister himself plays with the law, what message will go to the public? The Chief Minister should immediately clear his stand on this matter so that the truth can come out in front of the public."

Meanwhile, state BJP leaders told IANS that the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) has been communicated in this regard and a clarification will be issued soon.
Chennai, Sep 12 : Tamil Nadu BJP on Thursday appealed to the Union government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to take immediate and stringent action against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his continuous remarks undermining the country's unity, integrity, and sovereignty.

Senior BJP leader and party spokesman, ANS Prasad in a statement said that Rahul Gandhi's consistent disparagement of mother India, its citizens, and the democratically-elected government on foreign soil renders him unworthy of holding Indian citizenship.

The BJP leader added that PM Modi-led government was a global example in soliciting citizens' opinions on vital public welfare schemes and policy decisions.

He said that these measures showcased PM Modi's courage in empowering citizens' voices.

He alleged that certain individuals compromise India's pride by spreading venomous propaganda abroad.

The BJP leader said, "This is driven by self-serving interests and political expediency. We must resist those who tarnish India's reputation and shame its citizens, regardless of their stature."

He added that Rahul Gandhi's comments on India-China relations were misguided and driven by ulterior motives.

He alleged that the Congress leader's actions demonstrate historical ignorance and political opportunism.

The BJP leader said that the attempt to shift the blame for Congress's past blunders to the current government is a desperate bid to divert attention from his party's shameful political record.

He added, "Under former PM Jawaharlal Nehru's leadership, India suffered a series of humiliating defeats. These included the loss of Aksai Chin to China and PoK to Pakistan. In contrast, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has demonstrated unwavering resolve and strategic acumen."

The BJP leader said that PM Modi had addressed the complex China challenge, protecting India's sovereignty despite hostile neighbours.

He alleged that Rahul Gandhi's baseless accusations against India during his recent US tour were scathing attacks on democratic institutions and added that this was undermining the trust of the Indian people.

He called upon the Union government to investigate the reasons behind Rahul Gandhi's treacherous statements on foreign land.

He also appealed to the Union government to take necessary action to safeguard India's interests.

The BJP leader said, "Citizens must express opposition and uphold patriotism, unity, and integrity. This will safeguard India's honour and foster national pride."
Islamabad, Sep 12 : Questions are being raised about the screening procedures and performance of Pakistan's Border Health Services (BHS) staff after a monkeypox patient evaded detection at Islamabad airport and was only later identified in Peshawar, reports said,

According to Ministry of Health officials, the passenger arrived at Islamabad airport on September 7 from a Gulf country. Due to the negligence of BHS staff at the airport, the individual was able to travel to Peshawar, sources told Geo News.

This incident has increased worries as the countryas mpox cases have now reached six, with this being the fifth case since the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the outbreak a public health emergency.

The patient, from Lower Dir in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, was later found to be infected with the virus.

Mpox, related to the now-extinct smallpox virus, spreads through close contact and contaminated materials like clothing, bedding, and needles.

Early symptoms include fever, chills, muscle pain, gland swelling, exhaustion, headache, and muscle weakness, often followed by a rash with raised lesions that scab over and heal over weeks.

The failure to detect this case is particularly troubling as the government had recently issued strict guidelines for screening, isolation, and other preventive measures at international airports due to the global outbreak.

BHS was designated as the lead agency for managing mpox operations at airports, including isolating and safely transporting suspected cases and reporting confirmed cases to health authorities. Guidelines also mandated thermal scanning and visual inspections by BHS personnel to identify passengers with symptoms.

However, despite showing visible signs, the infected passenger was neither questioned nor examined by the BHS staff.

The technical working group on mpox (TWG), which includes officials from key public health organisations, has criticised the poor surveillance at other entry points and airports.

The patient, who stayed at a hotel in Peshawar, sought medical help from a skin specialist and was diagnosed with mpox after testing at Khyber Medical University.
Mumbai, Sep 12 : The BJP has taken a strong objection against the distribution of the 'burkha' (loose garment covering the head and body) by the Shiv Sena legislator Yamini Jadhav in her Byculla Assembly constituency from South Mumbai.

The Mumbai BJP chief Ashish Shelar made his party's stand amply clear saying that 'we do not accept this'.

"Although I am not fully aware of the event, the BJP does not agree with this kind of burkha distribution program. They should express their stand, the role of their party, and the needs of their constituency. But it is not acceptable for BJP to organise such a program," said Shelar.

BJP is expected to shortly take up the issue with the Shiv Sena chief leader and Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to avoid further rift and give opportunity to the opposition to fire a salvo. Shinde or Jadhav have not yet reacted to the BJP's objection.

Jadhav's move has exposed the rift between BJP and Shiv Sena notwithstanding they reiterate their commitment to Hindutva and opposition to "appeasement" politics. Shelar's objection has sent a strong signal to the Shinde faction not to resort to such moves ahead of the Assembly election that will give ammunition to the Maha Vikas Aghadi.

Jadhav, who lost the Lok Sabha election from South Mumbai to Shiv Sena UBT nominee Arvind Sawant, had reportedly organised the burkha distribution programme on Thursday ahead of the Eid celebrations slated for next week and also to reach out to the Muslim community which has a sizeable population in her Byculla constituency.

It is also an attempt to woo the Muslim community which deserted her and the MahaYuti in general in the general elections, especially on the issue of change in the constitution.

The Shiv Sena UBT leader and former Mumbai Mayor Kishori Pednekar slammed Yamini Jadhav and asked what happened to her Hindutva claims.

"After losing the Lok Sabha elections by 46,000 votes, Yamini Jadhav seems to have to change her stand on Hindutva as per convenience. While quitting Shiv Sena led by Uddhav Thackeray, she criticised the Thackeray group for joining hands with those who do not support Hindutva," she said.

She added that during that time, Yamini Jadhav had claimed that she had been an ardent advocate of Hindutva. However, people have realised a change in her stand.

Meanwhile, NCP national president and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar without naming the BJP leader Nitesh Rane said that no one should speak badly about any religion.

He declared that the party does not accept offensive statements against the Muslim religion or any other religion.

Pawar has reiterated that even though he has joined hands with BJP and Shiv Sena he and NCP would not compromise on the Shiv, Shahu, Phule and Ambedkar ideology which speaks about respecting all religions, castes, communities and creeds.

He further added that NCP would not tolerate bashing of any religion and thereby create discord in the society. He also threatened to take legal action in such cases.

"You present your ideology. But, while doing it, don't create discord in the society. If anyone is trying to create a rift in the society, the NCP party will continue to oppose it," he said.

(Sanjay Jog can be contacted at sanjay.j@ians.in)
Chennai, Sep 12 : The Tamil Nadu government has signed an MoU with American construction and engineering equipment manufacturing company Caterpillar to expand its operations in the state, an official statement said on Thursday.

The company will invest an amount of Rs 500 crore for expanding the operations of the company in Krishnagiri and Tiruvallur districts, the state government statement said, adding that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in the presence of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin in Chicago on Wednesday (Thursday morning IST).

Stalin, in a post on his X handle, said: "The longstanding association between Caterpillar and Tamil Nadu has been further strengthened by new investments! Weave exchanged an MoU with Caterpillar to expand their construction equipment manufacturing facilities. A big thanks to Caterpillar for investing further in Thiruvallur and Krishnagiri districts, further strengthening our partnership!"

Tamil Naduas Minister for Industries, Investment Promotion and Commerce T.R.B. Rajaa, Caterpillar Inc. Director Bhuvan Anandakrishnan, and Senior Vice President Greg Hepler were among those present when the MoU was signed and exchanged, the statement said.

The statement also said that as of September 11, the Tamil Nadu government has signed and exchanged a total of 16 MoUs for investment proposals to the tune of over Rs 7,500 crore to the state during Stalinas ongoing visit to the US.

Stalin is on a two-week investment garnering tour of the US from August 27 onwards. The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister visited the headquarters of Google, Apple, and Microsoft and entered into MoUs with these tech giants for investments in Tamil Nadu. He is expected to leave the US on September 14.

Since assuming office in May 2021, he has visited the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Japan and Spain to get investments for his state.
New Delhi, Sep 12 : Over the past decade and a half, the Chinese techno-authoritarian state has deeply entrenched itself in the day-to-day lives of citizens through the use of highly sophisticated surveillance technology. Two of the world's largest manufacturers of video surveillance equipment, Hikvision and Dahua, have revolutionized the industry and exported their products to hundreds of countries worldwide.

Chinese citizens are required to use their ID when engaging in various activities, from signing up for WeChat, the ubiquitous messaging app, to using super-apps like Alipay or WeChat Pay for tasks such as public transport, online shopping, and booking movie tickets.

This extensive network allows the government to track citizens' everyday activities and create detailed profiles, effectively establishing a Panopticon state of censorship and repression.

The most prominent feature of China's surveillance state is its extensive network of facial recognition cameras, which are nearly ubiquitous. The Chinese government launched a programme known as Skynet in 2005, which mandated the installation of millions of cameras throughout the nation.

This initiative was further expanded in 2015 with the introduction of SharpEyes, aiming for complete video coverage of 'key public areas' by 2020.

The government, in collaboration with camera manufacturers such as Hikvision and Dahua, framed this as a progressive step towards developing 'smart cities' that would enhance disaster response, traffic management, and crime detection.

However, the technology has been predominantly employed for repressive purposes, reinforcing compliance with the Communist Party of China (CPC).

In addition to tracking alleged criminals, this surveillance network monitors citizens' everyday activities, pre-emptively identifying potential crimes and protests while coordinating security responses.

When combined with artificial intelligence, the system triggers alerts for 'unusual' behaviours, such as an individual lingering too long in a railway station or residential area.

It also closely follows individuals deemed 'suspicious' including fraud victims or those likely to petition against the government, to prevent their assembly in Beijing.

Furthermore, the system is activated if a group of individuals with a history of political protests congregates in one location.

Although many of the 'threats' identified by this system may turn out to be false alarms, the omnipresent vigilance of the state ensures that even the slightest dissent from citizens is swiftly suppressed.

China has become the first known instance of a government employing artificial intelligence for racial profiling, a practice referred to as 'automated racism', with its extensive facial recognition technologies specifically identifying and monitoring minority groups, particularly Uyghur Muslims, who have been subjected to numerous human rights violations by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), including mass detentions, forced labour, religious oppression, political indoctrination, forced sterilisation and abortion, as well as sexual assault; in Xinjiang, an extreme form of mass surveillance has transformed the province into a battleground, with military-grade cyber systems imposed on the civilian population, while the significant investment in policing and suppressing Uyghur Muslims has established Xinjiang as a testing ground for highly intrusive surveillance technologies that may be adopted by other authoritarian regimes, and the Chinese government has been known to collect DNA samples from Uyghur Muslims residing in Xinjiang, a move that has drawn widespread international condemnation for its unethical application of science and technology.

To protect itself from allegations of privacy violations, the Chinese government has adeptly formulated legislation that unites citizens and the state against private enterprises. Laws such as the Personal Information Protection Law and the Data Security Law, both enacted in 2021, impose stringent penalties on companies that fail to secure user consent for data collection, effectively diverting scrutiny away from the state's own transgressions.

The COVID-19 pandemic provided the Chinese government with another opportunity to deepen its mass surveillance infrastructure, as citizens were compelled to relinquish personal information and freedoms during a time of vulnerability. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) seized this moment to intensify its collection of citizen data, further entrenching its surveillance technologies in the process.

The extensive censorship and surveillance implemented by the Chinese government on digital platforms is widely acknowledged. For instance, following the 2020 Galwan clash between Indian and Chinese troops, Chinese blogger and former journalist Qiu Ziming expressed doubts regarding the casualty figures reported by the Chinese government on Weibo, suggesting that the actual numbers were likely higher.

As a result, he was not only arrested but also became the first individual to be criminally charged under a new law that took effect on March 1, 2021, which penalises "infringing on the reputation and honour of revolutionary heroes", carrying a potential sentence of up to three years. In addition to these measures, the Chinese government is actively installing phone-tracking devices and collecting voiceprints from its citizens.

Despite the substantial investment in China's mass surveillance system, it underscores the regime's fragility and insecurity, necessitating constant public compliance. The primary concern lies in the potential export of these technologies, which could be adopted by other authoritarian leaders and even democratic nations.

The pervasive nature of surveillance not only reflects the regime's need to monitor its citizens closely but also raises alarms about the implications for privacy and civil liberties globally. As China continues to enhance its surveillance capabilities, the risk of these technologies being misused by various governments becomes increasingly significant, threatening the political freedoms of countless individuals worldwide.
Lucknow, Sep 12 : Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Brajesh Pathak, along with several cabinet ministers, has targeted Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav over his remarks on the Sultanpur robbery case. The ministers have pointed out that criminals have no caste.

The Sarafa Association has also praised the Uttar Pradesh Police under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's leadership for solving the Sultanpur robbery case. They have questioned Akhilesh Yadav, asking whether Mangesh was a criminal or not. They also asked how Akhilesh can hold a press conference regarding a criminal.

The Dy CM stated that since the BJP came to power in Uttar Pradesh, law and order has improved and criminals' morale has diminished. He accused the SP and other opposition parties of protecting the robbers involved in the daylight robbery at a jeweller's shop in Sultanpur.

Pathak said that the government has conducted a thorough investigation into the incident, including gathering facts, analysing CCTV footage, tracking mobile locations, and identifying and apprehending the wanted suspects.

He slammed Akhilesh's party for "consistently supporting criminals", noting that the SP leadership did not make any statements in support of the affected jeweller. Pathak also condemned the Samajwadi Party for siding with criminals rather than the victims, such as in the case of a daughter who was raped.

Samajwadi Party is now rallying support for the criminals based on caste following the encounter during which one of the criminals was killed, said Pathak, adding that the government's commitment is that a criminal is simply a criminal, with no caste involved.

He emphasised that people from all sections of society are united with the government. Over 2.5 kilograms of stolen gold were recovered from the homes of the wanted suspects. Pathak said that the public knows the Samajwadi Party has consistently nurtured criminals whenever it has been in power.

He recalled incidents from the SP's previous tenure, including the Hazratganj case in Lucknow where Lohiya Vahini "goons" had assaulted a police officer and rammed a jeep into the SSP's residence. He questioned how many culprits were punished for that act.

He also mentioned the Badaun and Mathura Jawahar Bagh incidents, where police officers lost their lives, and the Muzaffarnagar riots, where numerous innocent lives were lost, calling on the SP to answer for these events.

Cabinet Minister Sanjay Nishad also said that criminals have no caste. Nishad alleged that during the previous government under Akhilesh Yadav, members of the Nishad community were killed.

He highlighted the historical significance of Ayodhya for the fishing community (Nishad) and questioned how those who shoot in Ayodhya could understand its development. Nishad argued that speaking negatively about Ayodhya is tantamount to speaking against the Nishad community. He contrasted Uttar Pradesh's past as a "sick state" with its current status as a "hub of development."

Prison Minister Dara Singh Chauhan stated that the Yogi government does not operate based on caste. He praised the Uttar Pradesh Police for their impartial investigation into the Sultanpur robbery case.

Chauhan questioned how Akhilesh Yadav could hold a press conference regarding a criminal when the state's law and order is being widely praised. He also criticised Yadav's comments on the Ayodhya issue as incorrect and added that although "Yadav may have won the Lok Sabha elections through falsehoods, such deceptive tactics cannot succeed repeatedly".

Panchayati Raj Minister Om Prakash Rajbhar said that the Sarafa (Jewellers) Association has praised the police for solving the Sultanpur robbery case.

He demanded that Akhilesh Yadav clarify whether the involved individuals were criminals or not. Rajbhar questioned why Yadav does not speak out when police officers are martyred during operations.

He also asked Yadav to explain who shot Constable Shailesh Rajbhar. Rajbhar accused the Samajwadi Party of following a separatist path similar to the Congress and claimed that Yadav is now trying to find his people among thieves and robbers. He decried the SP's "history of giving tickets to criminals and promoting them as leaders".
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 12. Preparations for COP29 have been discussed during a meeting between the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vucic, and the Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan, Mukhtar Babayev, Trend reports via the president's social media publication.

"We paid special attention to the preparation for the COP29 conference, which will take place in Baku in November. I emphasized Serbia's commitment to sustainable development and environmental initiatives that will contribute to the global fight against climate change.

We agreed that financing the energy transition, which is a key focus of COP29, is especially important for countries traditionally reliant on fossil fuels.

Additionally, we expressed our readiness for close cooperation and knowledge exchange to jointly contribute to achieving global climate goals and sustainable development," the publication noted.

This November, Azerbaijan will host COP29. This decision was made at the COP28 plenary meeting held in Dubai on December 11 last year. Baku will become the center of the world and will receive about 7080,000 foreign guests.

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is an agreement signed at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in June 1992 to prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system. COPthe Conference of the Partiesis the highest legislative body overseeing the implementation of the Framework Convention on Climate Change. There are 198 countries that are parties to the Convention. Unless the parties agree otherwise, the COP is held annually. The first COP event took place in March 1995 in Germany's Berlin with its secretariat in Bonn.

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New York, Sep 12 : The US has imposed sanctions on three Chinese and one Pakistani company, as well as a Chinese citizen, for helping Pakistan's ballistic missile programme, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller announced on Thursday.

New York, Sep 12 (IANS) The US has imposed sanctions on three Chinese and one Pakistani company, as well as a Chinese citizen, for helping Pakistanas ballistic missile programme, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller announced on Thursday.

Beijing Research Institute of Automation for Machine Building Industry (RIAMB) is being targeted for its work with Pakistanas National Development Complex (NDC) to procure equipment for testing of large diameter rocket motors, including those used in the Shaheen-3 and Ababeel missiles, but potentially also for larger systems, he said in a statement.

The NDC, according to the US, is involved in the development of long-range ballistic missiles. The sanction on RIAMB is being imposed under an executive order from 2005 to curb the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery.

China-based Hubei Huachangda Intelligent Equipment Company, Universal Enterprise Ltd, and Xiaan Longde Technology Development Company Ltd (also known as Lontek) are sanctioned for having "knowingly transferred equipment and technology" to Pakistan, which is not a member of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) group, Miller said.

Chinese citizen Luo Dongmei (who uses the pseudonym Steed Luo); and a Pakistani-based company, Innovative Equipment, are also sanctioned for the same actions, according to him.

They and the three companies were found to violate the MTCR regulations against transferring restricted equipment.

The MTCRas 35 members, including India, work to stop the proliferation of nuclear weapons by restricting their most destabilising delivery systems.

The assets, and interests in properties of the sanctioned companies in the US or controlled by American citizens are frozen and US companies and citizens are forbidden to do business with them.

The US had sanctioned three Chinese and one Belarussian companies for providing items for use in long-range ballistic missiles. At that time, Islamabad criticised the sanctions and Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said: "Pakistan rejects political use of export controls."

The Shaheen-3 capable of carrying nuclear weapons has a range of 2,750 kilometres, while the 2,200 kilometre-range Ababeel is more advanced and carries multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRV), which can hit several targets.

(Arul Louis can be contacted at arul.l@ians.in and followed at @arulouis)
Kolkata, Sep 12 : Disagreements between hardliners and liberals within the CPI(M) is nothing new, and the Left leadership has always encouraged internal debates since the inception of the party in 1964 when it broke away from the CPI with Puchalapalli Sundarayya as its first General Secretary.

The reason why the party leadership always allowed the flow of debates, as pointed out by several party veterans, was to keep an air of internal democracy flowing within the organisation.

CPI-M General Secretary Sitaram Yechury, who passed away at the age of 72 on Thursday, was a product of this liberal faction within the party.

His liberal approach towards the implementation of Communism and Marxism in the Indian context, coupled with his excellent articulation style with command over as many as eight languages, including his mother-tongue Telugu, made him the most acceptable mediator for all the constituents of the national non-BJP coalition for the last one-and-a-half decades, except for CPI-Mas arch-rival in Bengal, the Trinamool Congress.

Yechury, along with Congress leader P. Chidambaram, had drafted the common minimum programme of the Left Front-backed first United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government in 2004.

Also, when the CPI-M leadership under then General Secretary Prakash Karat decided to withdraw support from the UPA-I government over the Indo-US nuclear deal, Yechury as a politburo member accepted the decision, but chose to disagree with the logic behind withdrawing support.

In 2015, Yechury admitted that had the CPI-M withdrawn support from UPA-1 over public livelihood issues, it would have been acceptable to the people, but doing the same over the nuclear deal was something which the common people simply could not digest.

His deep understanding of international relations was reflected in his effective mediation with the Maoist rebels in Nepal to transit from the path of 'peopleas war' to the track of 'multi-party democracy'.

Being a liberal Marxist, like his mentor and former CPI-M General Secretary late Harkishan Singh Surjit and ex-West Bengal Chief Minister late Jyoti Basu, Yechury was always open to accepting the partyas strategy of an understanding with the Congress at the state level to fight the Trinamool Congress in West Bengal.

Because of the initiatives taken by Yechury and another former West Bengal Chief Minister late Buddhadeb Bhattacharya, the foundation for the Left Front-Congress seat-sharing agreement in Bengal was laid before the 2016 Assembly elections, which continued in 2021 and during the recent Lok Sabha elections.

Because of his liberal views, the West Bengal unit of CPI-M could continue with the arrangement with the Congress despite the two parties being arch-rivals in Kerala.

Also before the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, Yechury played the important role of a mediator for the opposition INDIA bloc, though much to the dislike of Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
Srinagar, Sep 12 : Assets revealed by 219 contesting candidates for the first phase of J&K Assembly elections show that 50 per cent of the contestants are crorepatis.

Each one of these contestants has declared assets exceeding Rs one crore. The average assets of phase one candidates stand at Rs 3 crore. Of these, 13 candidates have assets worth over Rs 10 crores each.

Just 9 of these 219 candidates are women. Interestingly, Mehbooba Mufti-led the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has the highest number of crorepatis. Eighteen out of PDPas 21 candidates are crorepatis.

Abdul Gaffar Sofi, contesting from Anantnag West has declared assets worth over Rs 66 crore followed by Imtiaz Ahmed of the same party with assets more than Rs 34 crore.

Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) President, Tariq Hameed Karra has declared a net worth of over Rs 190 crore, with his annual income also increasing since 2021. Nearly all candidates have reported a rise in their annual income.

According to the details submitted, 69-year-old Karra has declared movable assets worth Rs 3.4 lakh, while his wife holds assets worth Rs 40 lakh.

Karraas immovable assets total Rs 148 crore including agricultural land valued at Rs 113.47 crore, commercial buildings worth over Rs 9 crore, and residential properties worth over Rs 25 crore.

In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, he had declared assets worth Rs 98 crore. His pension is his declared source of income, while his wife earns from her business.

Karraas annual income rose from Rs 2.62 lakh in 2020-21 to Rs 7.77 lakh. His wifeas income, meanwhile, has remained stable at Rs 13 lakh since 2019.

Peoples Conference (PC) leader, Abid Hussain Ansari has seen his income nearly triple, from Rs 10 lakh in 2019 to Rs 28 lakh. His second wifeas income has doubled since 2020-21, from Rs 8.79 lakh to Rs 17.30 lakh.

The 77-year-old Ansari, contesting from Zadibal, has declared movable assets worth Rs 1.47 crore, with his first wife holding Rs 10 lakh and his second wife Rs 34.75 lakh.

He also owns immovable property valued at Rs 38 crore while his second wifeas immovable assets total Rs 3.20 crore. Ansari, with no liabilities, has listed pension and business as his sources of income, while his second wife earns a salary as a Government employee.

PDPas candidate from Habba Kadal, Arif Irshad Laigroo, has declared an annual income of Rs 2.21 lakh, down from Rs 3.80 lakh in 2021-22. He holds Rs 50,000 in hand, and his wife owns movable assets worth Rs 24.19 lakh.

Former Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), Commissioner Gazanfar Ali is contesting election from Lal Chowk constituency for Engineer Rashidas AIP. He has reported a recent income of Rs 13 lakh but provided no details for previous years. He owns Rs 21 lakh in movable assets, while his wife owns Rs 28 lakh.

Gazanfaras immovable assets total Rs 4.80 crore, with Rs 10 lakh in liabilities. He has declared his pension as his source of income.

Awami National Conference (ANC) leader, Muzaffar Shah contesting from Habba Kadal has reported an annual income of Rs 15 lakh but has not provided income details for the past five years.

He holds Rs 21 lakh in movable property, while his wifeas movable assets amount to Rs 50 lakh. Shah also owns Rs 10 crore in immovable property, with a Rs 2 crore liability from a J&K Bank loan.

PDP senior leader Ghulam Nabi Lone Hanjura has declared Rs 2.22 crore in movable assets and Rs 1.76 crore in immovable property, while his wife owns Rs 9 lakh in movable assets. In 2014, he declared Rs 8 crore in assets. He is contesting from the Chrar-e-Sharief seat in the Budgam district.

He has declared an annual income of Rs 6.55 lakh, up from Rs 4.75 lakh in 2020-21, with liabilities of Rs 33 lakh. His pension is his declared source of income.

Jailed Sarjan Ahmad Wagay (Barkati), contesting from Ganderbal and Beerwah, after his papers were rejected from Pulwama, has declared no annual income and Rs 60 lakh in immovable assets, mostly land.

Another AIP candidate, Ishtiyaq Qadri, contesting from Habba Kadal, has not reported any income for the past five years, nor has his wife. Both are retired Government employees. Qadri has declared Rs 10 lakh in movable assets while his wife owns Rs 8 lakh.

He has not declared any immovable assets although his wife owns Rs 2 crore worth of immovable property with an Rs 8 lakh liability from a housing loan.

Former NC legislator Muhammad Irfan Shah, contesting from Central Shalteng as an Independent against Karra, has not declared his own income but has reported his wifeas, which has risen from Rs 26 lakh in 2020-21 to Rs 30 lakh.

He owns Rs 18.40 lakh in movable assets while his wife holds Rs 30 lakh. Shah, who has completed education up to class 12, owns Rs 4.5 crore in immovable property while his wife owns Rs 2.5 crore, noted as inherited. His pension is his declared income, while his wife earns a salary as a Professor in the Higher Education Department. In 2014, he declared Rs 4 crore in assets.

Sheikh Ashiq, former president of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) president and an AIP candidate contesting from Ganderbal against Omar Abdullah, has seen his income nearly double, from Rs 4.80 lakh in 2019-20 to Rs 8.13 lakh in 2023-24.

A first-time candidate, Ashiq has declared Rs 67 lakh in movable assets, while his wife owns Rs 34 lakh. He has also declared Rs 95 lakh in immovable assets, with zero liabilities. His wife, a doctor by profession has not had her income declared.

Former MLA Ishfaq Ahmad Sheikh, contesting as an Independent from Ganderbal, has not provided details about his or his wifeas income.

He owns Rs 75,000 in movable assets, while his wife holds Rs 28.91 lakh. Ishfaqas immovable property is valued at Rs 5 crore, with liabilities of Rs 5.27 lakh.

His pension is his declared income, while his wife, a sitting DDC Chairperson, has no declared income. In 2008, he declared Rs 51 lakh in assets, with no liabilities.

Among the prominent candidates filing their nominations for Phase-III of the Assembly polls, PDP candidate, Shabir Ahmed Mir has declared assets worth over Rs 48 crore, with an annual income of nearly Rs 53 lakh-highest in north Kashmir so far.

On the lower end of the spectrum in terms of income and assets is Touseef Mehraj Raina, an Independent candidate from Baramulla, followed by Dr. Kalimullah Lone, a former Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) member contesting from Langate.

Mir, contesting from the Gulmarg Assembly segment in North Kashmir, has declared movable assets worth Rs 5.27 crore, while his wife has movable assets worth Rs 12 lakh. His declared annual income increased from Rs 49 lakh in 2018-19 to Rs 52.82 lakh in 2022-23.

In the 2014 Assembly elections, he as an Independent had his declared assets of Rs 22 crore. Mir holds a B.Sc in Agriculture from Japan (1977).

With liabilities of Rs 1.62 crore, Mir also owns immovable assets worth Rs 43 crore, including agricultural land worth Rs 27.85 crore, non-agricultural land worth Rs 7.86 crore, commercial buildings worth Rs 3.65 crore, and residential buildings worth Rs 4.50 crore. His wife owns immovable properties worth Rs 4.70 crore. The source of income is declared as a business.

National Conference candidate Nazir Ahmad Khan, contesting from Gurez, has reported fewer assets compared to his wife. Khan holds movable assets worth Rs 5.70 lakh, including cash and a Rs 5 lakh bank deposit. His wife owns movable assets worth Rs 7.50 lakh, including 70 grams of gold.

In terms of immovable assets, Khan has Rs 25 crore, while his wife, a Government school teacher, owns assets worth Rs 33 crore. The coupleas immovable assets also include a hotel and a guest house in a joint partnership.

They each have liabilities of Rs 1 crore. Khanas annual income increased from Rs 3.95 lakh in 2019-20 to Rs 9.70 lakh in 2023-24, while his wifeas income rose from Rs 4.99 lakh to Rs 10 lakh. The source of income is declared as a business for Khan and a salary for his wife. Khan had declared Rs 35,000 as his income in 2014.

Shoaib Nabi Lone, an Independent candidate from Baramulla, reported a decrease in his annual income from Rs 6.50 lakh in 2020-21 to Rs 5.21 lakh in 2023-24.

He owns movable assets worth over Rs 2 crore, while his wife owns assets worth Rs 10.90 lakh. Lone also owns immovable assets worth Rs 19 crore and has liabilities of Rs 78 lakh, while his wife has declared liabilities of Rs 5 crore.

In 2014, he had assets worth Rs 2 crore with liabilities of Rs 5 crore. His declared sources of income include business, pension, and agriculture, while his wife has none.

Former legislator, Yasir Reshi, running as an Independent from the Sonawari segment, has reported a slight dip in his annual income from Rs 8.34 lakh in 2019-20 to Rs 8.19 lakh in 2023-24.

He owns movable assets worth Rs 1.43 crore and immovable property worth Rs 25 lakh, with a liability of Rs 1.45 crore from a loan with J&K Bank.

His wife owns movable assets worth Rs 21 lakh and immovable assets worth Rs 20 lakh. Yasir, a class 12 pass, owns a Fortuner and has an investment of Rs 90 lakh. The source of income is declared as a business.

Former Srinagar SSP Javiad Riyaz Bedar, contesting from Pattan on an NC ticket, has declared Rs 10 lakh as his annual income for 2023-24, up from Rs 8.39 lakh in 2021-22. He owns movable assets worth Rs 25 lakh, while his wife has assets worth Rs 17 lakh.

In terms of immovable property, he owns assets worth Rs 3.45 crore, with Rs 95 lakh in his wifeas name. With no liabilities, he has declared a pension as his source of income. He holds an M.Sc and LLB from Kashmir University.

Touseef Mehraj Raina, an Independent candidate from Baramulla, has declared Rs 4.36 lakh as his annual income. He owns movable assets worth Rs 5 lakh, while his wife has assets worth Rs 8 lakh.

Raina, recently married, does not own any immovable assets and has declared Rs 10,000 as a monthly honorarium from the J&K Policy Institute.

Another NC candidate, Qaysar Jamshaid Lone, in the fray from Lolab has movable assets worth Rs 40 lakh, while his wife has assets worth Rs 57.30 lakh.

His annual income has increased from Rs 4.46 lakh in 2019-20 to Rs 6.46 lakh in 2023-24. He has declared immovable assets worth Rs 7.30 crore, while his wife has assets worth Rs 77 lakh.

Lone has liabilities of Rs 19 lakh, while his wife is having liabilities of Rs 20 lakh. The sources of income are declared as pension and agriculture. He had declared assets worth Rs 53 lakh with a liability of Rs 2 lakh in 2014.

NC candidate Javaid Ahmad Dar from Rafiabad has declared movable assets worth Rs 11.66 lakh, with his wife having assets worth Rs 11.45 lakh.

Dar owns immovable assets worth Rs 4.57 crore, noted as inherited. His annual income decreased from Rs 4.98 lakh in 2019-20 to Rs 4 lakh in 2023-24. He has declared liabilities worth Rs 23.49 lakh, with sources of income including pension, agriculture and horticulture.
Tokyo, Sep 12 : Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on Thursday held talks with Ministers of the Japanese government and sought countries continued support in facilitating investments in Rajasthan.

This includes holding meetings with Ishii Taku, Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and Ishibashi Rintaro, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT). Sharma invited them to attend the upcoming aRising Rajasthana Global Investment Summit 2024, which is scheduled to be held in Jaipur in December this year.

Expressing confidence in Rajasthanas fruitful business collaboration with the Japanese firms, the Rajasthan Chief Minister highlighted the key sectors that the state is seeking investment in. This includes automotive, electric vehicles (EV), energy storage, infrastructure, renewable energy, tourism, chemicals and petrochemicals, health, education and skill Development among others.

The delegation also held a series of one-on-one interactions with the senior officials of major Japanese firms including Honda Motor Company Limited, Wafaku Hospitals and Home Care Group, TOHO Group among others.

During the meeting with Honda, officials of the company expressed gratitude to the Rajasthan governmentas continued support for the company's existing facility in the state and mentioned that Rajasthan figures prominently in their long-term vision and expansion plans. He also shared the investment opportunities and potential in the EV sector in the state and suggested that a potential site for the EV unit can be explored in the Jodhpur Pali Marwar Industrial Area (JPMIA).

The officials of the Wafuku Hospital and Home Care Group, during the meeting with the Chief Minister-led high-level delegation, expressed their interest in setting up a hospital and a Japanese language school in Rajasthan. This is estimated to train about 10,000 people in the next 5-6 years.

The delegation also met senior officials of TOHO Group, a Japanese firm, during which the Chief Minister spoke about the investment opportunities and efforts to make the business friendly. He also invited the TOHO Group to invest and expand their business in Rajasthan.

The Chief Minister and the members of his delegation paid floral tribute to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi earlier in the day. Later, they met officials of the Indian Embassy in Tokyo. The delegation has now left for another Japanese city Osaka, where another investorsa meeting has been organised tomorrow with several Japanese firms.

Rajasthan will host the aRising Rajasthana Global Investment Summit 2024 on 9th, 10th, and 11th December 2024 in the capital, Jaipur.

The 3-day mega summit, which aims to attract and facilitate global investment, innovation, and partnerships in the state, is organised with the support of the Industry and Commerce Department, Bureau of Investment Promotion (BIP), and RIICO, with BIP serving as the nodal department for this summit.
Bhopal, Sep 12 : A Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) on Thursday was caught while taking a bribe of Rs 15,000 in Madhya Pradesh's Mauganj district, following which, the officer was terminated from service.

The accused, Ashok Kumar Ohri, was posted as SDM in Mauganj district under Rewa division. He was caught red-handed by the Lokayukta Department on Thursday.

The action was initiated on the basis of a complaint from a resident of Naigarhi tehsil under Mauganj district. The complainant Ramniwas Tiwari has alleged that the officer was demanding bribe for a revenue work.

Tiwari told the Lokayukta of Rewa that he was asked to pay Rs 15,000 bribe to get his work done. Of which, he has paid Rs 10,000 as the first instalment while Rs 5,000 was pending.

However, Tiwari lodged a complaint with Lokayukta Police, instead of paying the second instalment of Rs 5,000. Subsequently, the Lokayukta Police handed over Rs 5,000 to the complainant and asked him to give it to the officer.

When the complainant handed over that money to the officer, the Lokayukta team, which was present outside the SDM office, caught the officer red hand.

A report was sent to the Chief Minister's Office, following which, an order for his termination was also issued.

"Madhya Pradesh government follows zero tolerance policy against corruption. SDM Ashok Kumar Ohri is terminated from service with immediate effect for taking a bribe," the Chief Minister said in an official statement.
Kolkata, Sep 12 : The West Bengal Junior Doctors' Forum (WBJDF) protesting against the rape and murder of a junior doctor at the R.G Kar Medical College and Hospital announced on Thursday evening that it will continue with the sit-in outside the Swasthya Bhavan, the headquarters of the state Health Department in Salt Lake, till all their demands are met.

After the scheduled discussion with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee failed on Thursday with the state administration not willing to allow live telecast of the meeting, one of the pre-conditions set by the protesting doctors for the talks, the 30-membr WBJDF delegation returned to the sit-in site in Salt Lake, blaming the 'obstinate attitude' of the state government for the failure of the talks.

Countering the remarks made by Banerjee at a press conference where she claimed the doctors' protest had political colours prompted by the greed for the CM's post, the protesting doctors said they went to the doorsteps of the Secretariat for talks respecting the 'chair' of the Chief Minister.

"We don't want any chair. We want justice for the victim. We have been on the streets for the last 33 days, and if necessary we will remain on the streets for another 33 days. But we will fight for justice till the end," said one of the protesting doctors.

They also refuted the allegation of the Chief Minister that patients were suffering because of the cease-work call given by the junior doctors.

"The senior doctors are working overtime to serve the patients because they are in solidarity with our protest," said an agitating junior doctor.

The WBJDF had earlier statistically countered the allegations of the state government that the healthcare system in Bengal was suffering because of their cease-work call.

Claiming that they were just trainee doctors, the protesters said if their absence from duty can result in the collapse of the entire healthcare system, it showed how pathetic the system was, with inadequate trained doctors and lack of associated medical staff.

According to them, of the 245 state-run hospitals in West Bengal, only 26 are medical colleges.

The total number of junior doctors in West Bengal is around 7,500 as against around 93,000 registered doctors, they claimed.
Guwahati, Sep 12 : At least two persons were killed while 22 policemen sustained injuries following an eviction drive in Kosutoli locality in the Sonapur area of the Kamrup district in Assam on Thursday.

The eviction drive turned violent as clashes broke out between the police and the residents when the police attempted to remove "unlawful" colonies on a 100-bigha tract of land that housed about 150 people, resulting in the deaths of two inhabitants and injury to several others.

The two deceased were identified as Juwahid Ali and Haider Ali - both were declared dead at Sonapur District Hospital after suffering injuries that were allegedly caused by a police shooting.

In addition to the deaths, the violence caused a number of injuries, one of which was to Shahjahan Ali, who was shot in the leg.

During the clash, at least 22 policemen including a woman constable and Revenue Circle Officer Nitul Khatoniar got injured. They were rushed to Gauhati Medical College and Hospital to receive urgent treatment.

Sources said that the "encroachers" reportedly pelted stones at the police and authorities on Thursday, the fourth day, damaging and vandalising numerous police vehicles. Eyewitnesses said that they were also attacked with sticks and other dangerous objects.

They said that the paramilitary and police forces opened fire to bring the situation under control. Sources said that there was little to no security presence during the first three days of the eviction drive.

Meanwhile, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma alleged that the Congress escalated tension during the eviction drive which was peaceful until Congress leaders went there and intervened in the eviction drive.

"The locals then attacked police personnel with lathis and bamboo sticks. In clashes, two people unfortunately got killed while 22 policemen along with a revenue circle officer were injured," the Chief Minister said.

Assam Police said that 248 bigha (155 acres) of government land and 237 unauthorised buildings built in the tribal zone by unauthorised individuals have been cleared.

In September 2021, two people were killed and 15 policemen were injured when a clash broke out between alleged "encroachers" and the police during an eviction drive in Assam's Gorukhuti village.
New Delhi, Sep 13 : The Congress, which is exuding confidence of putting up an impressive show to unseat the BJP from power in the October 5 Haryana elections, has recently faced hiccups and jolts with its leaders switching to parties like the BJP, AAP and INLD, leaving dents in its electoral preparations while hinting towards internal squabbles over the distribution of tickets.

Even as Congress leaders claim that their house is in order, sources believe that the grand old party of late has been infested with groupism and 'power battles', leading to confusion and dissatisfaction among the party workers.

In the run-up to the Assembly elections, the Congress was being considered a strong contender, mainly since the BJP had been in power for 10 years and thus facing an 'anti-incumbency' wave. However, the recent developments in the party have raised some serious questions over the party's prospects of cruising through in the electoral battle, which the BJP is confident of winning to form government in Haryana for the third consecutive time.

According to political observers and sources, the Haryana Congress is currently divided into three camps led by former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Lok Sabha member Kumar Selja, and Rajya Sabha MP Randeep Singh Surjewala.

The sources indicate that these three bigwigs have separate bases of followers and supporters in the form of party workers and leaders.

However, party members negate these claims, claiming that everybody is united and there are no differences, while also sounding hopeful about the Congress' chances of forming the next government.

But sources and analysts claim that the 'most popular' face in Haryana Congress -- Randeep Singh Surjewala -- has been 'downgraded', triggering massive discord among the party workers.

The dissatisfaction is also believed to be a key reason behind a series of exodus of party leaders.

The 'disgruntled' Congress leaders switching to Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) could come as a major setback ahead of the October 5 polls, likely resulting in an adverse outcome on the day of counting (October 8).

The Congress did not issue tickets to several former legislators and senior leaders for the Assembly polls, which is believed to be one of the major reasons behind groupism and infighting.

A section of Congress leaders also feel that Kumari Selja's "growing influence has been totally done away with, reflecting the party's anti-Dalit stance".

Another reason behind the discontent among the party workers is the Congress' decision to not field senior leader Lalit Nagar in the Assembly elections this time.

Nagar is a former MLA who represented the Tigaon constituency. He won the seat in 2014 when the BJP went on to emerge as a dominating force under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He was fielded from Tigaon again in 2019, but lost to Rajesh Nagar of the BJP, whom he had defeated in 2014.

The Congress has not issued ticket to Nagar for the coming polls, following which he went "rogue" and filed nomination as an Independent candidate.

A similar path of rebellion was taken by former MLA Sharda Rathore. The ex-Ballabhgarh legislator filed nomination as an Independent after the Congress fielded Parag Sharma from the seat this time.

In Nalwa, Congress leader Sampat Singh was also left disappointed after not getting ticket to contest the polls.

Meanwhile, Upinder Kaur Ahluwalia and Master Satbir Ratera are also reportedly going to contest as Independent nominees as the Congress did not name either of them in the party's candidates' list.

Also, former minister Nirmal Singh's daughter Chitra Sarwara has filed nomination as an Independent after the Congress did not field her from Ambala Cantt.

Besides, Rohita Rewari has decided to contest as an Independent candidate after quitting the Congress as the party did not name her in the candidates' list from Panipat.

Similarly, Vijay Jain also left the grand old party as he was not fielded from Panipat Urban. Jain will contest the Assembly polls as an Independent candidate.

These series of developments, according to political analysts, may hamper the Congress' prospects in the October 5 elections.

Another area of concern for the Congress is the direct contest with the INLD in around 30 seats, as several leaders and workers of the grand old party switched to the Om Prakash Chautala-led outfit, which also gave some of them tickets to contest the Assembly polls.
Agartala, Sep 13 : CPI-M politburo member and former Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar on Thursday said that party stalwart Harkishan Singh Surjeet inspired and guided Sitaram Yechury to maintain a close relationship with the like-minded and secular parties to strengthen the democratic movement against the fascists and communal forces.

Sarkar, who was the Chief Minister of Tripura for a record 20 years (1998 to 2018), said that Yechury until recently before his illness efficiently maintained an effective and positive association with all the non-Left secular and democratic-minded parties.

The CPI-M General Secretary after battling a severe lung infection at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi died on Thursday afternoon at the age of 72 years.

"In our party, Surjeet first initiated a rapport to maintain a relation with the like-minded and secular parties and he inspired and guided Yechury in this regard. Yechury performed the task very efficiently till he was physically fit," the 75-year-old Left leader said in a video message.

He said not only in India, Yechury maintained very close relations with the Left parties of many countries. "He conducts many joint international events with the Left parties of various countries."

Sarkar, who was also the CPI-M Tripura state Secretary for many years until 1998, said that Yechury was a member of the Rajya Sabha for two terms from 2005 to 2017 and he made his presence felt in the parliament.

He served as the leader of the CPI-M group and was an effective parliamentarian and he was given the best parliamentarian award in 2017, the former Tripura CM said.

"Yechury's death created a vacuum not among the Left circles but also in the entire secular and democratic political spectrum in the country. His untimely death is a severe blow to the Left and democratic movements in India," a visibly shocked Sarkar said.

CPI-M Tripura state Secretary Jitendra Chaudhury said that Yechury along with other central leaders helped the people of the state and party in many ways.

"In every election and important party event during the past several decades, Yechury played a significant role in the Left democratic movement in Tripura," he said in a video message.

Chaudhury, the state's Leader of Opposition, said that Yechury on a number of occasions highlighted numerous Tripura issues in the parliament, outside the parliament and across the country.

Yechury played a significant role in the formation of the INDIA bloc at the national level and he also conducted a hectic campaign for many days during the last year's assembly polls in Tripura.

The party flags would fly at half-mast in all the CPI-M party offices in Tripura for the next seven days marking respect to the deceased leader, Chaudhury announced.
Cairo, Sep 13 : Countries in the Middle East condemned on Thursday an Israeli airstrike on a school operated by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in Gaza's al-Nuseirat refugee camp, which occurred on Wednesday and resulted in 18 fatalities.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) asserted that the target was a Hamas command and control centre concealed within the shelter. UNRWA reported that six of its employees, who had been providing aid to families taking refuge in the facility, were killed, Xinhua news agency reported.

The Egyptian Foreign Ministry described the attack as a "blatant violation of international laws," criticized the targeting of international and UN facilities, and called for accountability for the perpetrators. Egypt emphasized the urgent need to address "Israeli breaches" and urged influential parties to ensure Israel's compliance with international obligations.

Jordan's Foreign Ministry condemned the strike as a "blatant violation of international law" and a "new war crime" amidst ongoing Israeli actions in Gaza. Spokesperson Sufian Qudah denounced the attack as part of Israel's "ongoing aggression," which he argued contradicted human values and international law. He called for immediate international intervention and support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Saudi Arabia also condemned the attack in the "strongest" terms. The Saudi foreign ministry called for an immediate ceasefire, civilian protection, and an end to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, criticized Israeli violations of international law, and urged accountability for attacks on relief facilities.

Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani condemned the strike on social media, highlighting that schools and shelters in Gaza had become primary targets. Kanaani called on the US, UK, France, Germany, Canada, and Australia to address their role in supplying arms to Israel.

Qatar's foreign ministry labelled the attack a "horrifying massacre," describing it as further evidence of Israel's "criminal practices" violating international humanitarian law. Qatar demanded an urgent international investigation and the deployment of independent UN investigators to assess the ongoing targeting of schools and shelters.

Iraq also condemned the school attack, with Iraqi government spokesman Bassem Al-Awadi stating that the Israeli attack was part of a "brutal and criminal" pattern of violence against Palestinian civilians and infrastructure.

The Palestinian death toll in Gaza had reached 41,118, according to health authorities in the region, amid Israel's large-scale offensive against Hamas that began in response to a surprise attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 12. The regular meeting of the Central Election Commission of Azerbaijan is held under the chairmanship of Mazahir Panahov, Trend reports.

According to the information, issues pertaining to the approval of the minutes of the Commission's meeting on September 11, 2024, and appeals received by the CEC are covered during the meeting.

The CEC made decisions on various issues, ensuring timely and legal handling of the complaints to enhance the effectiveness of citizens' electoral rights.

During the meeting, the commission also reviewed current issues and approved the protocol from the previous meeting held on September 11, 2024.

Panahov stated that the CEC is currently reviewing twenty complaints related to the parliamentary election, emphasizing that all received complaints will be addressed.

To note, on September 1, the snap parliamentary election was held in Azerbaijan.

A total of 112,749 local observers were registered to observe the election. More than 65,000 of them were representatives of political parties. The number of registered international observers was 598, representing 51 organizations and 69 countries.

Out of 990 registered candidates in the parliamentary election, 305 are representatives of 25 political parties. Even though 371 candidates were affiliated with political parties, their respective parties did not nominate them. There were 676 candidates who were affiliated with a political party.
United Nations, Sep 13 : While reaffirming support for a permanent seat for India, the US is calling for text-based negotiations for reform of the UN Security Council giving an impetus to the stalled process, according to Permanent Representative Linda Thomas-Greenfield.

"The United States supports engaging in text-based negotiations on Council reform," she said on Thursday. "It's actually a big deal. It means weare ready to work with other countries to negotiate language, prepare amendments, and ready this resolution for a vote in the General Assembly, and ultimately amend the UN Charter."

She reaffirmed the US position backing permanent Council seats for India, Japan, and Germany.

The Council reform process known as Inter-Governmental Negotiations (IGN) has been effectively blocked by a small group of countries that oppose the adoption of a negotiating text.

Without such a document to create an agenda and the basis for negotiations, the discussions have been locked in a circular pattern since they began in 2009, going back to the starting point every year.

India and several countries have been pushing for the adoption of the negotiating text and the the US adding its weight gives it added impetus.

A senior administration official, who had earlier briefed reporters, said that it was hoped that with Thomas-Greenfieldas announcement, "we will help jump-start this process in a number of ways by calling for text-based negotiations at the earliest possible opportunities".

The focus of her speech at the Council on Foreign Relations was on giving two permanent seats to Africa, the continent of 1.5 billion people spread across 55 countries and where about half the Council-mandated peacekeeping operations are located.

"It's what our African partners seek, and we believe, this is what itas what is just," she said.

"There are currently three non-permanent seats on the Security Council allocated to African countries on a rotating basis, for two years," she said. "The problem is, these elected seats donat enable African countries to deliver the full benefit of their knowledge and voices to the work of the Council."

African nations have demanded two permanent seats on the Council and the addition of two elected seats.

Their demand is now resonating at the UN with added intensity as it looks to the 80th anniversary of its founding next year.

The UN's structures that were created in the aftermath of World War II with some changes in 1965 do not reflect today's world where the UN has 193 members, Thomas-Greenfield said. "The world is asking big questions about the United Nations. Whether this institution is representative and legitimate. Whether itas built to meet the challenges of the day, as well as the challenges of the future."

"And in particular, Member States are looking at the Security Council," she added.

Thomas-Greenfield said that Washington proposes giving a non-permanent seat to landlocked developing countries.

The US also backs a permanent seat for Latin America and the Caribbean, she said, but did not endorse Brazil, which has also staked a claim.

The official who briefed reporters said that the US opposes giving the new permanent members veto rights.

The group blocking the adoption of a negotiating text is the 12-member Uniting for Consensus (UfC) led by Italy and includes Pakistan which opposes the addition of permanent members.

UfC maintains that there should be a consensus before there can be negotiating text, locking the process in a Catch-22 situation because without negotiations that require a text, there canat be a consensus.

(Arul Louis can be contacted at arul.l@ians.in and followed at @arulouis)
Beirut, Sep 13 : High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell has urged Lebanon and Israel to halt confrontations along their borders and pursue de-escalation.

"We need to de-escalate military tensions, and I use this opportunity to urge all sides to pursue this path," Borrell was quoted as saying in a statement released on Thursday by the Delegation of the EU to Lebanon.

Borrell made the remarks following his meeting in Lebanon with Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib, Xinhua news agency reported, citing the statement.

"I urge all Lebanese leaders to work together in the interest of the Lebanese nation and the state of Lebanon -- and no one else," said Borrell.

He also called for the full and symmetrical implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which "should pave the way for a comprehensive settlement, including land border demarcation, allowing the return of people, and reconstruction work in the affected border areas".

Resolution 1701, adopted in 2006, initiated a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, and the establishment of a demilitarized zone.

According to the statement, Borrell voiced the EU's support for Lebanon in overcoming its challenges.

Borrell also condemned the killings of Palestinian civilians in Gaza and called for an immediate ceasefire in the besieged Palestinian enclave.

"It (the conflict in Gaza) is also a permanent threat to regional stability, particularly for Lebanon," he said.

For his part, Bou Habib said permanent peace in the region requires resolving the Palestinian issue, reiterating "Lebanon's commitment to implementing Resolution 1701."

Borrell also met with Lebanese House Speaker Nabih Berri and Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, the statement said.

Berri stated that Lebanon does not want war but has the right and capability to defend itself, while Mikati called for intensifying "international and UN pressure to stop the ongoing Israeli aggression against Lebanon," according to the statement.

Tensions along the Lebanon-Israel border escalated on October 8, 2023, following a barrage of rockets launched by the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah toward Israel in solidarity with Hamas' attack on Israel the day before. Israel then retaliated by firing heavy artillery toward southeastern Lebanon.
As part of the Hachette Book Group's ongoing reorganization of Workman Publishing, Algonquin publisher Betsy Gleick, who has led the imprint for eight years; associate publisher Michael McKenzie; and an unspecified number of Algonquin staff will be let go effective October 4.

Little, Brown president and publisher Sally Kim announced the layoffs, which she described as "the final part of the Workman reorganization," in a memo to staff.

Gleick has served as publisher of Algonquin since late 2019, succeeding longtime publisher Elisabeth Scharlatt, and as editorial director since 2016. She previously completed stints at Audible, People magazine, and Time magazine.

McKenzie has been with Algonquin since 2015, and was promoted to associate publisher, from executive director of publicity, in late 2019, overseeing all marketing and publicity for both Algonquin and Algonquin Young Readers. Previously, he spent nearly 13 years at HarperCollins, where he held the role of senior director of publicity at Ecco.

Algonquin was part of HBG's acquisition of Workman, which the company purchased in August 2021 on the condition that it keep all Workman employees for three years. With the expiration of that term approaching, HBG announced in July a "realignment" that included moving Algonquin into Little, Brown, with staff newly reporting to Kim, who was named LB president and publisher in March. Other changes included the discontinuation of Algonquin Young Readers and layoffs at Workman Publishing.

Founded in Chapel Hill, N.C., in 1983, Algonquin established a reputation as an independent publisher of literary bestsellers, such as Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen, and particularly championed voices from the South. It was acquired by Workman in 1989.

"With the Algonquin group moving into the Little, Brown and Company division in July," Kim said in her message to staff, "were looking to redefine its longstanding missiongiving space to undiscovered voicesduring a time when our consumer landscape and reader discoverability continue to shift and create new opportunities for publishers with a distinct point of view," adding that this required making "some difficult staffing decisions."

Kim said that "[i]n the coming weeks and months" she would "share plans for Algonquins future, with an emphasis on new senior editorial leadership."
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 12. Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov has received Algeria's newly appointed Ambassador Zakia Ighil to discuss cooperation between the countries, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry told Trend.

The meeting also reviewed the prospects for developing the current cooperation agenda between Azerbaijan and Algeria, as well as regional and global issues.

"Bayramov warmly congratulated Ighil on her appointment and wished her success in her diplomatic mission. He noted that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, emphasizing that mutual visits and a robust political dialogue have played a significant role in advancing cooperation over the years.

The importance of utilizing the mechanism of political consultations across various areas was highlighted, including the development of cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, energy security, and humanitarian efforts.

The significance of continuing mutual support and cooperation within regional and international organizations, particularly the UN, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the Non-Aligned Movement, was also stressed.

Bayramov briefed the Algerian side on the current regional situation following the 2020 Second Karabakh War, the realities and challenges of the post-conflict period, the large-scale reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts in the liberated territories, and the ongoing normalization and peace agenda between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

He expressed gratitude to Algeria for its support of international law, particularly regarding Azerbaijans territorial integrity and sovereignty during and after the former conflict.

Additionally, the meeting included an exchange of views on other matters of mutual interest," the ministry said.

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The Hows and Whys (and Fixing) of the Israeli Carry Way

A magazine filled with defensive ammunition, but none in the pipe. The chamber sitting empty before the action. This is empty-chamber carry, and its been subject to great debate in the American gunosphere. So, lets discuss its history, the motivations behind the empty chamber, how to solve those problems, and lastly how to do it right if youre going to do it anyway.

HISTORY

ISRAEL

Theres a reason why carrying with an empty chamber is also called Israeli Carry. This form of carry has been a standard in Israel for so long that many instructors dont even know why they initially started doing it. A goodly portion is due to the fact the Israeli military has always had a smattering of different pistols. This continues into the 21st century, to say nothing of when the nation was founded so many years ago.

There are modern American pistols that arent as drop-safe as weve been led to believe, so imagine what the wide world of pistols looked like at the end of the 1940s. If youre carrying a pistol that can potentially pop off if you drop it, and you have one in the chamber and you drop it  what then? Carrying on an empty chamber effectively negates that risk.

Furthermore, different pistols have different manual safety mechanisms located in different places, and so for a fighting force with a mishmash of pistols, rack the slide, then shoot can be a universal answer, with the other safeties (if they even exist) staying disengaged.



Another issue aside from the pistols themselves were the holsters. Available holsters ranged from homemade affairs, coat pockets, and those adapted from other platforms. Modern Safarilands they were not.

Coming along for the ride of this tapestry of equipment was an early and persistent problem of gun grabs at checkpoints. Sometimes those that were stopped would take their chances, lunging for the gun of a guard to use it against them. The chamber being empty added an extra step, giving the checkpoint worker an additional ounce of reaction time in the event of an attack.

Finally, the level of training always comes into play. A young conscript army may still be quite motivated, but the general level of proficiency will be lower than a fully professional force. This means less experience and more accidents.

AMERICA

But its not just the Israelis, either. Early GWOT was rife with negligent discharges, some of which caused unnecessary injuries and deaths. And what was the most common weapon these negligent discharges occurred with? The M9 pistol.

The M9 is drop-safe and there were plenty of professional holsters, but training remains an issue. Part of the problem is that the people most likely to carry pistols, namely administrative staff NCOs and officers, also were the least likely to receive adequate time and training in its use.



It got bad enough that starting in 2004, pistols carried by U.S. Armed Forces had to be carried with empty chambers, even when outside the wire. While this rule didnt really apply in the same way to special units  and was widely ignored by those more likely to actually use their pistols in combat  those service members were in the extreme minority when it comes to who was actually issued a pistol. Its also noteworthy that the people in those positions were also far more likely to receive more advanced training in their use.

American police also have problems with gun grabs, which is the biggest reason special retention holsters were designed in the first place. Their shotguns often ride in a similar condition (referred to as cruiser ready), and the same goes for rifles in the rack.

DOWNSIDES

All of these reasons can be distilled into one big bucket: safety. Safer when dropped. Safer when carried. Safer when unwanted hands get on them. However, this advantage of perceived safety comes with downsides, the number one of which is speed. The additional actions of having to run the slide adds time to the equation, eating into your reaction time. Speed is always a factor, and balancing speed and concealment is a large part of the CCW equation in the first place.

And its not just extra time, but theres also extra space required to charge your gun. Good luck doing it single-handed if youve never trained for it. And then theres a big one thats often ignored: the inevitable human muck-ups paired with Murphys Law.



Racking the slide isnt problem-free  the slip of a grip, imperfect purchase, hasty movement, or physical obstacles can foul that loading. Then, you spend even more time to fix the problem you just induced. John Correias Active Response Training YouTube channel is chock full of these examples. What about Mr. Murphy? The fact of the matter is that otherwise good and reliable guns malfunction more when theyre used in anger.



A real-life violent encounter isnt a leisurely day at the range no matter how you slice it.

FIXING THE ISSUE

Getting a safe gun, effective holster, and proper training solves most of these issues. Yet, if someone cant afford a drop-safe gun, the empty chamber is still a way to ensure they have access to a gun on their person. The irony is that the people most likely to seek additional proficiency training are also the least likely to carry with an empty chamber in the first place. The average member of a Facebook gun group, YouTube Discord, or old-school gun forum certainly isnt always ringing with responsibility, but they represent the upper 1 percent of gun owners when it comes to time spent training.



And even when someone has more training than the average, carries drop-safe guns, and has holsters equipped with features to foul gun grabs, accidents still occur. There are countless examples of law enforcement officers having guns go bang when they didnt intend. Toggles from rain jackets jam into triggers when holstering. Drop-safe-guns-that-arent falling in a Walmart bathroom. School kids getting their fingers in a cops holster. Casual handling and familiarity lead to complacency  and then to unwanted holes.

IF YOU DO IT ANYWAY

Its entirely possible that someone can have all of this information and still choose to carry without a round in the chamber. Its important they understand that an empty chamber isnt a replacement for training, safe storage, or a good holster. Instead, its a cobbled-together solution for those not addressing the larger issues at play.

SOONER, NOT FASTER

The concept of sooner, not faster is especially relevant to empty chamber carry. Faster refers to speed, while sooner refers to time. This concept applies to much more than empty chambers, but also to those who pocket carry or have a rifle in the trunk. Since you already know youll need extra time and space, you need to prepare more in advance for your draw, and need to identify farther in advance of when it might have to occur.

BOTTOM LINE

If someone discloses they carry, but not with one in the chamber, instead of immediately chastising them, arguing, and dunking for fake internet points, it would behoove you to actually listen to them. What it really boils down to is that theyre saying they actually dont feel safe  and who are you to tell them everything is fine? Its much better and more productive to ask them their rationale, and then provide follow-up with viable solutions.

You can lead a horse to water, but at the end of the day, unless youre paying them to protect you and yours, its not your business.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 12. The statement of the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs of France about the discrimination against the French citizen Theo Clerc and the so-called unfair decision by the court about him, and disregard of Azerbaijans judicial procedures by France as a country presenting itself as a state based on the rule of law, is unacceptable and the remarks made by France have no ground, Trend reports citing a statement by Azerbaijans Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

According to the statement, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry asserts that the courts verdict against Clerc, and other persons who intentionally damage the state property is within the court's jurisdiction, and the French side has no right to question this decision.

The statement clarified that the French citizen was deprived of liberty under the article of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan for intentionally destroying or damaging the property. It was noted that Clerc had previously faced penalties in France for similar offenses, including a fine.

The investigation and court proceedings revealed that the French citizen was especially active in the commission of the crime and took special initiative in this direction. It was also revealed that his statements during the court investigation did not correspond to the objective circumstances of the case.

While Clerc had been fined for similar actions in France, the Ministry emphasized that his insincere statements to the court regarding his ignorance of the illegality of acts of this nature in the Republic of Azerbaijan, including his lack of remorse for the act he committed, should be listed as the factors determining his punishment to be more severe than the other two defendants.

The Ministrys statement also criticized France for its international law violations and its history of neo-colonialism, racism, discrimination, Islamophobia, and human rights restrictions.

"France, which raises claims about judicial authority and human rights in Azerbaijan and attempts to teach the world a lesson of democracy. Therefore, it would be more beneficial for France to learn from such actions.," the statement concluded.
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Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 12. Azerbaijans Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov received the newly appointed Ambassador of Qatar to Azerbaijan, Mohammed Hamad Saad Al-Hajiri, Trend reports via Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry.

During the meeting, Minister Bayramov congratulated Ambassador Al-Hajiri on his new role and wished him success in his duties.

The discussions covered various aspects of bilateral and multilateral cooperation between Azerbaijan and Qatar, future plans, and the current regional situation.

The meeting highlighted the robust cooperation between the two nations across political, economic, trade, educational, and humanitarian sectors. It was noted that the coming days will mark the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Qatar.

Minister Bayramov emphasized the importance of utilizing various mechanisms to further enhance cooperation, including political consultations and the opportunities presented by the Joint Economic, Trade, and Technical Commission between the Governments of Azerbaijan and Qatar.

The mutual benefits of cooperation within regional and international organizations were also underscored, along with new opportunities arising from Azerbaijans upcoming presidency of the 29th Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC (COP 29).

The minister briefed the Ambassador on the resolution of the regional conflict, the full restoration of Azerbaijans territorial integrity, ongoing post-conflict recovery efforts, and the normalization process with Armenia.

Ambassador Mohammed Hamad Saad Al-Hajiri expressed his gratitude for the warm reception and congratulations, affirming his commitment to advancing the existing cooperation between Azerbaijan and Qatar.

The meeting also included discussions on other matters of mutual interest.
Two years after winding up its India production, global automobile giant Ford Motor Company is in talks with the Tamil Nadu government to restart operations at Maraimalai Nagar near Chennai, where it will focus on exports.

Photograph: Courtesy, Ford India

Chief Minister Stalin visited Ford headquarters in Michigan on Tuesday and held discussions with its top management, urging it to restart production.

Had a very engaging discussion with the team from Ford Motors.

"Explored the feasibility of renewing Fords three-decade partnership with Tamil Nadu, to again make in Tamil Nadu for the world, Stalin said in a post on X platform.

Ford India announced the phasing out of its unit on September 9, 2021, and stopped production at Chennai in August 2022.

This comes at a time when the city, through Ford Business Solutions (FBS), is turning out to be the brain behind key design and development aspects of globally successful models by the US major in the past two years.

According to FBS, the companys top-selling models globally  including the F-Series, Explorer, Transit, Ranger, and others  are getting a touch of India.

This is through the design and development of specific components. FBS oversees the global capabilities of the company through its 12,000 employees at its Global Technology & Business Center in Chennai.

It is in the process of creating 3,000 more jobs in the next three years.

Stalin also urged the company to expand its global technology centre there.

The CM also extended an invitation to senior executives of IT Serve Alliance, a major consortium of IT service companies for small and medium businesses in the US.

He urged them to make fresh investments in Tamil Nadu.

As part of this effort to increase investments in the state, he had undertaken an official visit to the US to attract investments to Tamil Nadu.

During this visit, agreements worth Rs 7,016 crore were signed with 16 leading global companies in San Francisco and Chicago.

Invitations were extended to senior executives of various top global companies to invest in Tamil Nadu.

Those who met Stalin included Fords IMG president K Hart, vice-president (international government affairs) Matthew Kotlowski, Ford India director (government affairs) Sripath Pat and other officials.

IT Serve Alliance operates with 2,400 member companies across 23 states.

The alliance supports business-friendly policies and enhances networking opportunities.

It was due to accumulated losses of around $2 billion over a decade that Ford stopped its production in India.

At that time, through brands like EcoSport and Endeavour SUVs, it had less than 2 per cent share of the country's passenger vehicle market.
Even as Russia and West Asia have been slugging it out for market share in India to sell their crude oil, the US is quietly making its moves on the sidelines.

Photograph: Carlos Garcia Rawlins/Reuters

The US has doubled its share of the Indian crude market in the past few months, according to industry sources and ship-tracking data.

Some of the increase in America's market share may have come at the expense of Russia, Indias biggest crude oil supplier, said industry sources.

India may have bought over $1 billion of US oil in August, according to calculations by Business Standard based on ship-tracking data and June-delivered prices from Indian Customs.

The US this year targeted Russian light, low-sulphur grades, also called sweet crudes, which are priced at a premium compared to dirtier grades, with sanctions, prompting Indian refiners to seek similar grades elsewhere, mainly from America, refining officials said.

For instance, supplies of US WTI Midland, a light, low-sulphur grade, increased by 24 per cent this year to 128,000 barrels per day (bpd) from a year earlier.

India's shipments of crude oil from the US, bought on spot terms, surged in August to a 19-month high at around 371,000 bpd, according to data from Paris-based market intelligence agency Kpler.

Volumes were higher on the month by 106,000 bpd, or by 40 per cent, and more than doubled from 164,000 bpd a year earlier.

The share of US crude in Indias crude cocktail basket jumped to 8.3 per cent last month from 3.7 per cent a year earlier.

Higher imports of US oil also helps mollify Washington, which has been critical of India sourcing Russian crude, officials said, though they clarified that purchase decisions are based on economics.

The increase has come from loadings of higher Canadian heavy crude from the US, which is driven likely by margins, said Serena Huang, head of Asia-Pacific analysis for market intelligence provider Vortexa.

Prices of Canadian heavy, acidic grades trade at hefty discounts of $10 per barrel (bbl) to European benchmark Brent crude but Reliance is the only refiner which can process these crudes on a sustained basis, said industry officials.

While dirty Canadian crudes shipped from the US to India accounted for 35 per cent of overall US export volumes in August, the rest came from sweet grades.

Indian refiners lift US sweet crudes based on situational demand, and when they need to replace Mumbai High or Russian sweet crudes like Sokol, said R Ramachandran, Mumbai-based energy expert and former refining head of Bharat Petroleum.

The US turned the heat on premium Russian grades like Sokol, a light, sweet oil, from December by sanctioning ships, leading to disruption of supplies to Indian Oil, according to shipping data. That forced Indian refiners to seek oil from the US and Nigeria.

Ramachandran said that another reason for the surge in US sweet grades in August could be maintenance of some units like hydrocrackers in refineries, which resulted in a higher draw on sweet crudes.

The trend in imports of US WTI light, sweet grades, which is the biggest US grade imported by India, has also tracked prices of the underlying US crude benchmark.

WTI rates slumped to around $73/bbl in early June from as much as $87/bbl in early April.

Prices subsequently rose to $83/bbl in early July before declining by $11/bbl in late August, official data shows.

India imported 324,000 bpd of US crudes in June compared to just 144,000 bpd a year earlier, according to official data from the US Energy Information Administration.

An increase in US shipments helps trim Indias trade surplus with the US, an expansion of which led New Delhi in the first place to pursue oil imports from America during former president Donald Trumps administration, Indian officials said.

US sales also bucked Indias overall crude oil import trend in August, which declined by around 6.6 per cent from July to 4.5 million bpd.
The Labour government in the UK has cleared the decks for a 500 million grant to Tata Steel, paving the way for decarbonisation of the companys British business and a sustainable financial future.

Photograph: Andrew Yates/Reuters

In a statement, Tata Steel said that it has signed a 500 million Grant Funding Agreement (GFA) with the UK government, allowing it to proceed at pace with the project to install a state-of-the-art electric arc furnace (EAF) at the Port Talbot steelworks in Wales.

This is part of the 1.25 billion green steel project in Port Talbot, of which Tata Steels investment is to the tune of 750 million.

Describing it as a new and improved deal, Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds stated the contours of the agreement in the House of Commons on Wednesday.

The deal was agreed on Tuesday in a meeting between UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Tata group chairman, Natarajan Chandrasekaran.

Reynolds said that the deal does what previous deals failed to do  give hope for the future of steelmaking in South Wales.

However, it aims to preserve 5,000 jobs as in the earlier proposal announced by the Conservative-led UK government a year ago.

Tata Steel employs 8,000 people across UK and had earlier indicated a potential impact of up to 2,800 as part of the transition to EAF steelmaking process.

For the EAF, Tata Steel said that the basic engineering was now complete, and equipment orders would be placed shortly.

Large-scale site work was expected to commence around July 2025.

And the EAF is likely to be operational within three years.

T V Narendran, Tata Steel chief executive officer and managing director, 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.

About 500 new jobs are expected to be created to support the construction of the EAF.

Trade unions Community and GMB said in a statement, 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.

The new and improved deal, the UK government said, goes much further than the previous governments agreement  delivering a minimum voluntary redundancy payout of 15,000 for full-time employees plus a 5,000 retention payment and offering paid-for training to give workers a steady income and upskill them for the jobs of the future.

About 2,000 staff members have expressed interest in voluntary redundancy.

The deal announcement ends the uncertainty around Port Talbot.

A 1.25 billion proposal at Port Talbot was made public in September 2023 by the Conservative-led UK government.

However, in the general elections that followed in July 2024, the Labour party landed a historic win, putting a question mark on the grant funding and the future of Port Talbot.

The UK government said that watertight conditions within the GFA will ensure that the government can claw back investment should Tata Steel not fulfil its commitments.

This includes increased penalty payments should the company not retain 5,000 jobs across its UK business post-transformation.

For those at risk of compulsory redundancy, Tata Steel will offer a comprehensive training program.

Employees on the training program will be on full pay for the first month and 27,000 pound per annum for 11 months following, which will be funded by Tata Steel.

The UK government also said that Tata Steel has committed to work with the government to evaluate new investments in steel.



Tata Steel will also be releasing 385 acres of their site for redevelopment.
Every trick in the trade is being tried unabashedly.

In simple arithmetical terms every possible 'arrangement' is being made to deny a majority to its rivals.

A split verdict would hand a vital advantage to the BJP which is adept at extracting the best out of such a situation, notes Mohammad Sayeed Malik, the distinguished commentator on Kashmir affairs.

IMAGE: Union Minister of State Dr Jitendra Singh addresses a meeting for the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections at Basohli in Kathua, September 10, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

With just a few days left for the first of the 3-phase polling in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly election, the only feature one could possibly predict with confidence is that the voter turnout is most likely to break all old records. And that, by itself, is saying a lot, considering the (erstwhile) state's unenviable long record of separatist-propelled election boycotts.

An indication of this uncharacteristic trend gathering momentum became evident in the recent Lok Sabha elections as polling booths were 'inundated' by voters. That virtually set the tone for more-to-come.

A few months down the line, the 2024 assembly election has turned into a congested arena making it near impossible to size up the prospects of even the principal contenders like the National Conference, the Congress, the Bharatiya Janata Party, the Peoples Democratic Party. Each one of them as also the smaller groups look to be overawed by the unfamiliar cross pollination in the run-up to the eventual headcount.

What the main Opposition players dub as 'pre-poll rigging' came in the shape of the September 10 release of Engineer Rashid from long detention in Delhi, not-so-surprisingly till just the campaign period. This particular feature is a gift from the recent Lok Sabha election.

The banned Jammat e Islami's plunge into the fray, albeit indirectly, is a link in the same chain.

Both these developments are obviously linked with the BJP's strategy to maximise vote splitting in the Kashmir Valley in its quest for emerging as the single largest party, if not with a clear majority. The BJP's traditional vote base is limited to Jammu region.

Even the major contenders like the National Conference feel so unnerved by this machination that Omar Abdullah was compelled to rush to file nomination papers from a second constituency. He had filed papers from the family stronghold Ganderbal. After the mystery man, Sarjan Barkati, a detenu like Engineer Rashid, also filed a nomination from Ganderbal Omar had to go for a second constituency, Budgam, just in case...

As they say, once bitten twice shy. Omar is still nursing the body blow given to him by Engineer Rashid in the Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency.

This unprecedented jostling at the threshold looks incongruous with the feeble pull of the trophy at stake -- virtually a powerless legislative assembly of a Union Territory, compared with its mighty immediate predecessor -- a semi-autonomous legislature with a separate constitution of its own.

Viewed in its purely political context, this election seems to be rewriting history. Not only in numerical terms. But, importantly, in a positive historical sense as well. There is a precedent to go by.

IMAGE: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Ghulam Ahmad Mir, the party candidate from Dooru, Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah and other leaders at an election rally at Dooru in Anantnag, September 4, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

Soon after winning the erstwhile J&K state's first ever free, fair assembly elections in 1977, Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, the leader of the victorious National Conference party, equated it with a 'plebiscite' irrevocably endorsing the state's (1947) accession with the Indian Union. Between 1953 and 1975, Sheikh Abdullah's separatist Plebiscite Front had sought to question the 'legitimacy' of the accession.

The 1975 Kashmir Accord between the Sheikh and then prime minister Indira Gandhi ended that 22-year chapter and paved the way for his return to the mainstream. No wonder, Sheikh Abdullah's lieutenant Mirza Afzal Beg had described their separatist movement from 1953 to 1975 as 'siyasi awaragardi (political vagrancy)'.

Three generations have grown up since then and today they are spearheading the elections. It is their shadow that today dominates the electoral scene. Older players -- the NC, Congress, BJP and PDP -- find themselves up against an untried force that is shaping as an electoral whirlwind.

Of all the contestants in the fray, the BJP is out there with the highest political stakes. And it is not making any secret of its long cherished desire to rule the country's only Muslim-majority state. The BJP's 2014 alliance with the PDP gave it a toehold from where it turned itself into the proverbial 'camel in the tent'. The rest is history.

IMAGE: Narinder Raina, the BJP candidate from the R S Pura-Jammu South assembly constituency, centre, with former Union minister Anurag Thakur, right. Photograph: BJP Jammu and Kashmir/X

A decade down that line, the time for the BJP to redeem its dream is now. And it is leaving nothing to chance. Every trick in the trade is being tried unabashedly. In simple arithmetical terms every possible 'arrangement' is being made to deny a majority to its rivals.

A split verdict would hand a vital advantage to the BJP which is adept at extracting the best out of such situation.

In the Kashmir context, however, even these questionable tactics also have a positive feature, ironical though.

Whether the BJP eventually harvests the coveted crop or not, it has already earned a significant distinction: ensuring maximum possible wins popular participation in poll process.

Voter turnout in the 2024 assembly elections is expected to set an all-time new record, far beyond even that of the recent parliamentary elections in which the voting percentage was beyond all past records.

This little noticed feature of the assembly election has far-reaching consequences, going beyond te immediate question of who wins or who loses the ongoing assembly election.

To that extent, the BJP can claim that it had already established its political credentials

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
The avoidable stresses and strains in ties helped in one way.

It showed for the entire region how a matured India handled diplomatic relations, especially with a smaller and suspicious neighbour, with practised dignity and patience, unruffled by provocations in word, deed and action, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

IMAGE: External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar meets with Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu in Male, August 10, 2024. All photographs: ANI Photo

In a delayed yet decisive turn, two of three junior ministers under suspension for eight months after they had posted defamatory remarks against India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in January have now resigned from the government of Maldivian President Mohammed Muizzu.

The two ministers, Mariyam Shiuna and Malsha Shareef, were under 'paid suspension' along with Mahzoom Majid, who has not resigned -- at least not yet.

Their posts triggered an instant 'Boycott Maldives' call on Indian social media, leading to a fall in Indian tourist arrivals in the middle of the annual season, which also failed to pick up in the summer, when school vacations trigger another wave from across the Indian Ocean.

The Maldivian tourism ministry and tourist operators had launched a road show last month in Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru to try and improve tourist inflow.

Though seemingly unconnected, the resignations come weeks after External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's Maldives visit.

Subsequently, he was quoted telling a book release function in Delhi that Maldives as a neighbour recognises 'India is a steady ally'.

This was so despite the ups and downs in bilateral relations. Coming as it does after his recent visit to Maldives, it could well be indicative of a thaw in bilateral strains, re-injected after incumbent Mohamed Muizzu became president last November.

'Where Maldives is concerned, again, we've had ups and downs... ups and downs not just in the nature of the regime. There've been ups and downs in our own approach to Maldives,' Jaishankar said, as if acknowledging possible past mistakes on the Indian side.

He was not talking about the contemporary scenario. Instead, he was referring to the active Indian role in thwarting the coup bid in 1988 but the 'impassive' approach during the government change in 2012. There was a 'certain lack of consistency,' he said.

In the same vein, the minister noted that there will always be ups and downs in the relationship between neighbouring countries, depending on the time and context and other factors.

Maintaining consistent healthy relations with its neighbours is a challenging task for every country, the minister added.

'In every country of the world, neighbours are always a conundrum because neighbouring relations are the most difficult and can never solved,' the veteran diplomat, who was India's foreign secretary earlier, said.

'Tell me which country is there that doesn't have challenges with neighbours. It is the very nature of being a neighbour,' Jaishankar said, calling out critics of India's neighbourhood first policy.

'I would say that a relationship in which we are very deeply invested in there is today a recognition in Maldives, certainly I saw that in my recent visit, that this relationship is a steady force as they get into choppy waters where their own prospects are concerned, especially in terms of the economic challenges,' Jaishankar said.

As he pointed out in the Maldivian context, 'It is important for both the countries to make sure that these ups and downs do not become a reason for concern, for the two countries' security and national interest,' he said adding that in this case, President Muizzu also recognised that 'there is no getting away from India'.

According to him, 'inter-dependence is in the best interest of both the countries, and we must work to promote it.'

IMAGE: Dr Jaishankar meets with Maldives Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer in Male, August 9, 2024.

Inter-dependence is what got thrashed out, even if layer by layer, at Jaishankar's meeting with President Muizzu and his counterpart Moosa Zameer during his Maldives visit last month.

Going by what he has since said about the inevitabilities in neighbourhood relations, the cliched diplomatic phrase, 'cautious optimism' or 'optimism with caution' could aptly describe the current phase of bilateral relations with Maldives. This contrasts with early strains injected into the ties by Muizzu, as much personally as government policy.

The fact that India considered a 'return visit' by a high dignitary so early, after Muizzu, preceded by Foreign Minister Zameer, had made it to New Delhi in quick succession is indicative of the new hope.

Muizzu was in Delhi for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's third successive swearing-in in June, when he also held detailed discussions with Jaishankar.

Unlike in the previous months, Muizzu passed positive remarks about India and its leader. Yet, the taste of the pudding is in the eating, and India would possibly be looking at follow-ups on the extensive discussions during Jaishankar's visit.

In Male, apart from paying a courtesy call on Muizzu and having extensive talks with counterpart Zameer, Jaishankar significantly met Finance Minister Mohamed Shafeeq and Defence Minister Ghassan Maumoon, son of Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, president for 30 years since 1978.

The reasons are not far to seek. Maldives is facing a huge debt-cum-fiscal crisis, as indicated by the World Bank and the IMF as early as end-2022.

The IMF repeated the debt-warning earlier this year, after Muizzu had settled down in office.

As South Asia's responsible regional power, New Delhi's concerns over national and regional security, and contributions both in terms of economic and traditional needs, are real and always forthcoming.>/p>

IMAGE: Dr Jaishankar meets with Maldivian Defence Minister Ghassan Maumoon.

It requires positive initiatives and responses, including an occasional revisit of their policies, by all neighbours, including the Maldives, to keep an adversarial, ambitious and interventionist China at bay but that is not happening as yet, It may look like a trade-off, but it is not.

India is willing to help out neighbours that require more time to become economically viable, given also the vagaries of the global market place over which they have absolutely no control.

It is true of the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and all other neighbours, including Pakistan, the other historical adversary.

For the Maldives in recent years, apart from direct funding and medicine-and-vaccine supplies during the Covid pandemic, India also helped revive the mainstay tourism sector through 'air-bubble' travel, early on.

It continued development funding against past commitments and in 2022, extended $100 million budgetary support to tide over the Covid crisis, as sought by the predecessor government of president Ibrahim Solih.

The Muizzu government has not shied away from commending frugality and fiscal discipline as legacy issues of the Sri Lankan kind threaten to ground the nation's economy.

Yet, there is no running away from obtaining dollar assistance in the interim. Whatever the Indian aid, it alone comes without geo-strategic strings of the China kind.

With India, procedural aspects like cost-of-servicing and roll-over facilities when sought are simple and straight, as the Muizzu dispensation found out in May.

These contrasts with Muizzu's bold new attempts and brave announcements after his first official visit to Turkey and maiden State visit to China were of little help in the matter.

The nation's traditional West Asia partners mostly fund development projects, with total budgetary support at less than half from India.

Only India and the IMF provide fiscal assistance, but the tax tariff hikes and job-and-income cuts that the latter prescribe had made the nation's first democratic president Mohammed Nasheed, unpopular even before an Opposition-initiated protest forced his early exit in February 2012.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra D Modi meets Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu after his swearing in ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan, June 9, 2024.

After meeting with Jaishankar, Muizzu posted thus on the social media: 'I thank the Government of India, especially Prime Minister Narendra Modi for always supporting the Maldives.'

Muizzu spoke at a ceremony to hand over India-funded water supply and sewerage facilities, under New Delhi's High-Impact Community Development Projects on 28 islands in Jaishankar's presence, and reaffirmed his administration's 'full commitment to strengthening the historic and closest relations'.

Days after Jaishankar's visit, Muizzu followed it up with a message for India's Independence Day, when he recalled how 'our enduring friendship, rooted in history, has evolved to foster prosperity and development in the Maldives and the region'.

This was possibly the first time that Muizzu was referring to bilateral relations with India to cover the 'region' as a whole.

In his social media post on Jaishankar's visit, Minister Zameer said how Maldives was 'committed to strengthening relations with India'.

His earlier visit to Delhi is believed to have re-set the Muizzu government's neighbourhood priorities towards old norms that it was seen as rocking, In talks with the visitor, Zameer proposed to start talks on a Free Trade Agreement with India.

Incidentally, the China FTA that has been in cold storage under the Solih regime is set to be implemented in September.

Jaishankar shared similar sentiments, reiterating that for India, 'Maldives relations is a priority' and his visit will lay the foundation for 'bigger and better things'.

He inspected the progress of work at the India-funded $500 million Thilamale sea bridge, connecting three islands, including the capital Male.

The minister made a quick trip to southern Addu, where he said that the $220 million Indian investments stood proof for New Delhi's commitment to regional development in Maldives.

IMAGE: Dr Jaishankar along with Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer and Construction and Infrastructure Minister Abdulla Muththalib during a site visit to the Greater Male Connectivity Project, August 10, 2024.

Muizzu had injected strains into bilateral relations by backing his estranged political guru, jailed former president Abdulla Yameen's 'India Out/India Military Out' campaign, first as Male city mayor and later as presidential candidate.

On assuming office, he continued with his anti-India diatribe, and sought and obtained the replacement of Indian military pilots and technicians, operating three aerial platforms, gifted by New Delhi, with civilian personnel.

It was good in a way as at first hand the president could tell the nation that there were only 76 Indian military personnel operating the two helicopters and one fixed-wing Dornier aircraft, as against 2,000 and 3,000 that anti-India social media activists had claimed through the presidential poll campaign.

With the recent monsoon rains, the grounded Indian platforms and their civilian pilots were pressed back into service for medical evacuations, as before Muizzu's time.

After visiting Turkey and China as president, Muizzu had declared his decision to stop 'single-source dependence' (on India) for essentials supplies, by procuring year-long requirements from distant Turkey.

Months later, India remains the main-] supplier. However, Muizzu had his way by replacing India-gifted Dornier with Turkish drones for maritime surveillance of the vast Maldivian Ocean territory.

As if to yield to hardliners in his electoral camp, he also decided not to renew the three-year contract for joint oceanographic studies with India.

Yet, he allowed a Chinese 'research vessel', better known as a 'spy ship', to berth at Male port, twice in a month, claiming that it was only for restocking and personnel-rotation.

From the Indian side, too, media over-kill from all sides and sections contributed to damaging bilateral ties more than already.

China was the justifiable bugbear, but the unthinking and at times motivated 'Boycott Maldives' social media call after three junior Maldivian ministers defamed India and Prime Minister Modi through their social media posts, upset pro-India elements in that country even more.

The avoidable stresses and strains in bilateral ties helped in one way. It showed for the entire region and the rest of the world, how a matured nation like India handled diplomatic ties, especially with a smaller and suspicious neighbour, with practised dignity and patience, unruffled by provocations in word, deed and action.

It would have also shown the new Maldivian rulers how a caring and sharing friend and neighbour India has been, against extra-territorial powers with their geo-strategic agenda that conflicted with the archipelago-nation's priorities and requirements.

IMAGE: Dr Jaishankar meets with Maldives Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer.

At least some of Muizzu's early adventurism/mis-adventurism on the India front owes to his overnight prop-up as a presidential candidate, with early compulsions to retain the inherited/stolen constituency until after the parliamentary polls that was months away.

A 'super-majority' for Muizzu's People's National Congress in the April elections to the 93-member parliament has since showed who the boss was now.

The fact that nothing is being heard of the embarrassing demand by a hardline journalist-MP's for a parliamentary probe into India-funded projects when Muizzu was in Delhi could be a pointer.

Having gone through the learning curve and literally so, Muizzu has to build a new 'Maldivian constituency' that included the large number of middle-of-the-road 'swing voters', who have been the real deciders in any election, post-democratisation, even while retaining the conservative traditional constituency that he 'stole' from Yameen, by re-working national priorities for an aspiring generation.

Yet, these conservatives, religious and otherwise, too should not to be confused with those professing a toxic combo of peripheral 'Islamic nationalism' and 'anti-India' diatribe, coupled with 'self-reliant' developmental initiatives -- yet, with non-Indian external assistance.

It might have served the first president Ibrahim Nasir (1968 to 1978), who was prime minister for the previous ten years.

But when the Maldives began coming out of isolation centuries after the new-found tourism economy gave a new meaning and direction, Gayoom and Yameen could not sustain their complex politics in a globalised world.

Instead, they created entrenched money-bags, who are also Muizzu's windmills to fight against just now.

IMAGE: Dr Jaishankar jointly planted a Carambola sapling with Maldives Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer and Climate Change, Environment and Energy Minister Thoriq Ibrahim, August 10, 2024.

The taste of the pudding is in eating. As coincidence would have it, the Maldives under Muizzu participated in the recent meeting of the Colombo Security Conclave, initiated long ago by India, with non-traditional security concerns of immediate Indian Ocean neighbours in focus.

In fact, it was an evolution from the original India-Maldives, Dosti exercises of the two Coast Guards, initiated after the 1988 coup bid in the latter, and into which Sri Lanka signed in at the end of the decades-old ethnic war in that country.

Today, the Colombo Security Conclave has its apex in the national security advisors of member-nations, which includes Mauritius, too, with Bangladesh and Seychelles as observers.

The Maldives had stayed away from the previous Colombo Security Conclave, hosted by Mauritius, not long after Muizzu became president -- but later blamed it on the predecessor regime for not keeping it updated.

This time round, Maldives was present, the country's NSA signed the joint statements -- though Bangladesh, after the recent regime-change induced by popular protest, did not.

N Sathiya Moorthy, veteran journalist and author, is a Chennai-based policy analyst and political commentator.

Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff.com
'Everyone is unhappy with the lieutenant governor's administration, which is ignorant, high-handed, and inaccessible.'

IMAGE: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inspects the guard of honour during the Independence Day celebrations in Srinagar, August 15, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

Dr Radha Kumar is a specialist on ethnic conflict, peace and security.

Author of the highly acclaimed Paradise at War: A Political History of Kashmir, she is currently vice-chair of the board of the Stockholm International Peace Institute.

She was a member of the government appointed three-person Group of Interlocutors for Jammu and Kashmir and is currently co-chair of the Forum for Human Rights in Jammu and Kashmir.

She has recently published The Republic Relearned: A Brief History of Indian Democracy and writes extensively on J&K and the problems it is afflicted by.

In an interview with Rediff.com Senior Contributor Rashme Sehgal Dr Radha Kumar provides insights into the key issues facing the J&K public in this crucial assembly election.

Photograph: Umar Ganie for Rediff.com IMAGE: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah campaign for Congress candidate Ghulam Ahmad Mir from the Doru constituency, September 4, 2024.

The National Conference and Congress have come to a seat sharing agreement with 51 seats for the NC and 32 for the Congress while there is going to be a friendly fight over 5 seats.

What does the word 'friendly' mean given that in the past, both parties have had post-election tie-ups but these can hardly be described as having been successful?

I have no idea what they mean by friendly fight! In military parlance, 'friendly fire' means firing by mistake on your own troops or allies.

As to the past history of the NC-Congress alliances, I am not sure whether it is an appropriate comparison.

Then, the state and local leaders of the two parties jockeyed for influence and power.

This time they will have to work together if they want any decision-making authority for an elected administration and legislature, since the BJP has already made the lieutenant governor the key authority.

The BJP seems to be facing a great deal of internal discord having had to revise two lists in quick succession.

What is this indicative of given that in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, their victory margins were drastically reduced in Jammu which is their core constituency?

The BJP has approached Jammu and Kashmir ideologically rather than taking the ground situation and people's aspiration into account.

They did well in Jammu for a decade or more because Jammu felt neglected by the Valley-dominated administration.

Now that both the Valley and Jammu face neglect, the two provinces cannot be pitted against each other in the same way, and the BJP is losing ground rapidly.

Photograph: Umar Ganie for Rediff.com IMAGE: National Conference Vice-President and former J&K chief minister Omar Abdullah files his nomination papers from the Ganderbal constituency in central Kashmir.

The Modi government would like to believe that only the Muslim population in the Valley is alienated, but it is obvious that the people in Jammu are unhappy with the loss of statehood, loss of jobs, the rule of the bureaucracy and the removal of Article 35 A allowing outsiders to purchase land and invest in large projects.

Your comments?

Exactly. Everyone is unhappy with the lieutenant governor's administration, which is ignorant, high-handed, and inaccessible.

IMAGE: Baramulla MP Engineer Rashid emerges from Tihar jail after being granted interim bail by Delhi's special NIA court in a terror funding case, September 10, 2024. Photograph: Shrikant Singh/ANI Photo

How would you explain Engineer Rashid's success?

His son Abrar Rashid is known to be working overtime to ensure that their party does well in north Kashmir this time around.

What is your take on this?

Mr Rashid has been well respected in his constituency for decades. I am sure he and his son can explain the party's success better than I.

All the political parties, except the BJP, have promised to restore statehood.

Given the powers that the lieutenant gvernor possess, do you see any impediments in getting this through?

Statehood can only be restored by Parliament, which will have to amend or repeal the 2019 Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act.

It could be done in a trice if the Modi administration wanted to, since all the Opposition parties would support the move.

But the Modi administration has already made clear through Solicitor General Tushar Mehta that it plans to restore statehood only phase by phase -- that is what he stated before the Supreme Court in December 2023.

Hence the new rules under the Reorganisation Act, which transfer key powers over the police and bureaucracy to the lieutenant governor, pre-empting decision-making by an elected administration and legislature.

The public across the state and the majority of political parties want the restoration of Article 370.

Do you see this happening and will the Modi government permit this to happen as this would be a great setback for it?

The Modi administration will oppose any move to restore Article 370 tooth and nail.

Few of the national Opposition parties have talked about it either, though most of the Jammu and Kashmir parties want it.

My guess is that the Jammu and Kashmir parties will raise the demand in the assembly.

That will embarrass the Modi administration but the BJP will use such a demand to cast further aspersions on the Jammu and Kashmir parties, that they are 'anti-national', and so on, which will play well nationally and very badly in Kashmir, furthering alienation in the Valley and discontent in Jammu and Ladakh.

For the first time in the assembly, nine assembly seats have been reserved for STs.

How do you see the public in these constituencies casting their vote?

I imagine they too will vote along party affiliations, taking into consideration who is best known for working for the community.

The BJP is accused of trying to create discord between the Pahadi population and the Gujjar community.

I don't think they have been successful. Both communities are pragmatic and they have adjusted claims several times before.

IMAGE: Women folk listen to People's Democratic Party candidate Abdul Gaffar Sofi for Anantnag West at an election meeting in the Tachloo area. Photograph: Kind courtesy PDP/X

The Ladakhi population is also extremely disillusioned with the government.

They have been demanding the introduction of the Sixth Schedule so that their culture and environment remain protected.

The Union home ministry has behaved disgracefully in promising year after year they will discuss the demand and then backing away.

In my view, Ladakh should not only have Sixth Schedule rights, its Hill Councils should have the same executive powers that they had before Ladakh became a Union Territory.

The lieutenant governor's administration there is even more ignorant and high handed than in Jammu and Kashmir.

We have witnessed a revival of terrorism in the Jammu region? What factors have contributed to this?

Many argue that cross-border infiltration of armed groups from Pakistan-held parts of Jammu never really stopped.

Even so, the sporadic bursts of attacks in Poonch-Rajouri and their spread to neighbouring districts as well as south Kashmir over the past two years is concerning.

The BJP's constant anti-Muslim rhetoric and the delimitation commission's blatantly partisan report, which put Rajouri in the Anantnag Lok Sabha constituency and also discriminated against voters in the Muslim majority areas of Jammu when it came to assembly constituencies, certainly alienated many; some might have provided shelter to armed militants.

The main problem, though, appears to have been the decay of the intelligence services as well as the security grid, given that several battalions were moved to Ladakh's China border.

Even if residents spotted and wanted to report the movement of armed militants, they lacked access.

IMAGE: Security personnel during a search operation in Jammu, September 2, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

Several Jamaat-e-Islami J&K candidates are standing for elections as independents. But the Jamaat-e-Islami J&K is known to be loyal to Pakistan.

The Jamaat is known to have a base in Kashmir and some of these candidates along with candidates from Engineer Rashid's Awami Ittehad Party are likely to win.

The central government is known to be in talks with the Jamaat as also to have encouraged these candidates to stand for elections in order to eat into the NC-Congress support base.

Will this result in a fresh round of violence in J&K given that earlier, many of them ended up joining the Hizbul Mujaideen?

I certainly believe that it is the height of cynicism and irresponsibility for the Union administration -- the home ministry -- to support candidates of an organisation they have banned and whose members they call traitors, just to decimate well established and secular political parties.

I prefer not to speculate given what horror a new outbreak of violence would spell for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray leader Sanjay Raut on Thursday demanded that Chief Justice India D Y Chandrachud recuse himself from the cases tied to the disqualification petitions concerning rebel Shiv Sena and Nationalist Congress Party MLAs.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives at the residence of Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud to attend the Ganesh Puja celebrations, in New Delhi on Wednesday. Photograph: ANI Photo

The Rajya Sabha member's demand comes amid a row over Prime Minister Narendra Modi attending the Ganpati Puja celebrations at CJI Chandrachud's residence.

Talking to reporters, Raut said doubt arises in the minds of people when 'protectors of the Constitution meet politicians'.

"The Chief Justice of India should recuse himself from the cases because his relations with the prime minister are out in the open. Can he give us justice," he asked.

The Shiv Sena-UBT headed by Uddhav Thackeray is caught in a legal wrangle with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, with the matter reaching the Supreme Court, after the split in the Bal Thackeray-founded party two years ago.

"Our case is going on before CJI Chandrachud. We have doubts whether we will get justice because the Centre is a party in our case and the (central) government is headed by the prime minister," Raut said.

For three years, an 'illegal government' has been in power in Maharashtra when someone like Chief Justice of India Chandrachud is in that position, Raut claimed.

"The CJI has repeatedly said that the government is unconstitutional but still a judgment is not given despite his retirement is nearing. Amid this, the prime minister has reached his residence," Raut said.

Modi on Wednesday visited the residence of Justice Chandrachud on the occasion of Ganesh festival and offered prayers.

Raut wondered whether the PM's visit to Justice Chandrachud's residence was according to constitutional norms and protocol.

Doubts have become stronger that there is 'something happening to save the government or completely finish NCP and Shiv Sena, and while doing so help is being taken from the judiciary', he claimed.

There is doubt in the minds of people when 'protectors of the Constitution meet political people', he added.

Last year's split in the Sharad Pawar-founded Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has also reached the apex court.
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Thursday met Russian President Vladmir Putin amid renewed efforts to find a solution to the Ukraine conflict.

IMAGE: National Security Advisor Ajit Doval meets Russian President Vladmir Putin in Saint Petersburg on Wednesday. Photograph: ANI on X

The meeting took place on the margins of a conclave of national security advisors of the BRICS (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa) nations in St Petersburg.

In the talks, Putin hoped that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Russia's Kazan next month to attend the annual BRICS summit.

The Russian President also proposed a bilateral meeting with Modi on October 22 on the sidelines of the BRICS summit to analyse bilateral engagement and to discuss "future-oriented" actions.

"We are waiting for our good friend Modi and best regards to him," the Russian media quoted Putin as saying in the meeting with Doval.

On Wednesday, the NSA held wide-ranging talks with his Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu and discussed important issues of "mutual interests".

It is understood that Modi's talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv on August 23 figured in the talks between the two NSAs.

"Both sides reviewed progress in bilateral cooperation and discussed important issues of mutual interest," the Indian embassy in Russia said on the talks between Doval and Shoigu.

Doval's visit to Russia comes two-and-a-half weeks after Modi paid a high-profile trip to Ukrainian capital Kyiv.

In his talks with Zelenskyy, Modi said both Ukraine and Russia should sit together without wasting time to end the ongoing war and that India was ready to play an "active role" to restore peace in the region.

The prime minister said India was on the side of peace since the beginning of the conflict and he would even like to contribute personally for a peaceful resolution of the crisis.

Modi's nearly nine-hour visit to Ukraine, the first by an Indian prime minister since its independence in 1991, came six weeks after he held summit talks with Putin in Moscow.

In the last few days, there have been calls for India's potential role in pushing peace talks between Russia and Ukraine as New Delhi has good relations with both the nations.

On Saturday, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni following her talks with Zelenskyy said India and China can play a role in finding a solution to the dragging conflict.

Putin, speaking at a panel discussion at the Eastern Economic Forum in Russian city of Vladivostok last Thursday named India, Brazil and China as possible intermediaries that could play a role in resolving the conflict

"First of all, it is the Chinese People's Republic, Brazil and India -- I am in contact with my partners and I have no doubt that the leaders of these countries -- and we have relations of trust and confidence with one another -- will be really interested and provide a helping hand," he said.

India has been maintaining that the conflict in Ukraine must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.
West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose on Thursday said he will not share any public platform with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in view of people's outcry over the RG Kar hospital impasse.

IMAGE: West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose (left) and CM Mamata Banerjee. Photograph: ANI Photo>

In a video message, Bose also said he will also socially boycott the chief minister.

"I will not be sharing any public platform with the chief minister. I will take proactive steps against her for violating Constitutional provisions. My role as the Governor will be confined to the Constitutional obligations," Bose said.

The governor's message came after the proposed meeting between the chief minister and the agitating junior doctors did not take place earlier in the day.

The medics, even after reaching the gates of the state secretariat Nabanna, refused to hold talks with the state government unless their demand for live streaming of the meeting to resolve the RG Kar hospital impasse was met.

The Mamata Banerjee government did not allow live-streaming but said the proceedings could be video-recorded, an option rejected by the medics.

"I have been flooded with questions and representations from various sections of the public of what action the Governor is proposing to end the present crisis in Bengal. I stand committed to the people of Bengal," the governor said.

Bose reiterated his commitment to the parents of the RG Kar hospital doctor who was raped and murdered and also to those who are demonstrating for justice.

"In my assessment, the government has failed in its duties. The home minister has failed in her responsibility to maintain law and order," he added.

The chief minister is in charge of the home and health departments.

"The health minister has miserably failed in containing the liquidation in the medical system in the state. It is an irony that the health minister is the home minister who is also the CM who is protesting instead of protecting. There is violence in the streets, in homes, in campus, in hospitals, in villages, in the cities. Violence is everywhere and people are silent," Bose said.

The governor said he has been issuing instructions under Article 167 of the Constitution to the chief minister for compliance.

He said he had asked Banerjee to hold an emergency Cabinet meeting in the wake of the RG Kar Hospital impasse.

The governor has also asked for a white paper on the government's alleged financial mismanagement.

However, these instructions were not followed.
Bharat Rashtra Samiti MLA P Kaushik Reddy's offer to send saris and bangles to 10 party legislators who defected to the Congress, has evoked a strong response from the women leaders of the ruling party who demanded an immediate apology from him.

IMAGE: BRS legislator P Kaushik Reddy. Photograph: ANI Photo

Congress leader and chairperson of the Telangana State Women's Cooperative Development Corporation, B Shobha Rani, hit out at Reddy over his comments saying he insulted women with his disrespectful comments.

At a press conference, Rani took off her footwear and warned the BRS MLA over his remarks.

Addressing a press conference in Hyderabad on Wednesday, Reddy, the BRS MLA from the Huzurabad constituency said he wants to send gifts--saris and bangles to the 10 BRS MLAs who joined Congress and asked them to wear it.

"If the defected MLAs have any shame or guts, they should first resign from their posts and face fresh elections. I will be sending each of them saris and bangles. They should wear them and move in public," he said.

Reddy also said he would send the saris and bangles to the residences of the defected BRS MLAs by courier.

Rani said, "A woman is the President of the country. It was a woman, Sonia Gandhi, who granted Telangana state. Women were at the forefront of the Telangana struggle. Kaushik Reddy has insulted women with his rubbish talk."

"If he again speaks insulting women, he will have to face this (footwear)," she warned.

Enraged Congress women leaders asked Reddy to first send the items to BRS president and former Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao and the party's working president KT Rama Rao, saying they had started the defections.

They also urged the Telangana State Women's Commission to take cognisance of Reddy's comments.

The women Congress leaders demanded action should be taken against Reddy and urged the speaker to suspend him from the assembly.

They said that they would also lodge a complaint with the police against Reddy.

As many as 10 BRS MLAs have crossed over to the Congress and several BRS MLCs have also joined the ruling party after the 2023 assembly polls in the state which saw the national party come to power, ending the BRS' decade-long reign.

BRS legislators KP Vivekanand and Kaushik Reddy on Wednesday met the state legislative assembly secretary and asked him to place the disqualification petitions of three party MLAs, who had joined the ruling Congress, before the Speaker to fix a schedule for hearing the pleas as directed by the Telangana high court.
The CCTV footage of a bar from which Maharashtra Bharatiya Janata Party chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule's son Sanket and friends had drinks and food before the latter's Audi car crashed into several vehicles in Nagpur on August 9 is missing and the DVR from the eatery has been confiscated as part of the probe, a police official said on Thursday.

IMAGE: Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule's son Sanket Bawankule. Photograph: Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Facebook

Sanket Bawankule's Audi, which was allegedly driven by his friend Arjun Hawre, hit several vehicles in Ramdaspeth in the early hours of Monday, leaving two persons on a moped injured.

Occupants of a Polo car that was hit chased down the Audi at T Point in Mankapur, apprehended Hawre and one Ronit Chittwamwar and handed them over to police. Hawre was arrested on Monday night and later released on bail (at the local police station).

"The CCTV footage of the time when they were at La Horee Bar (before the crash) is missing. We seized the digital video recorder (DVR) of the eatery on Wednesday and have sent it for forensic analysis," the Sitabuldi police station official said.

The official said the manager of La Horee bar had, on Tuesday, refused to give the CCTV footage and other electronic equipment to a probe team.

"The bar management relented after it was threatened with legal action. However, we realised there is no footage since Sunday night. Further probe into the crash is underway," he added.

Although Sanket was present in the car, he was not at the wheel at the time of the crash, police had said earlier.

As per police, Sanket Bawankule had consumed liquor and some chicken and mutton dishes at the bar.
Amid deepening schisms within the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party in Haryana over poll ticket distribution, party leader Karan Dev Kamboj on Wednesday indicated that the rebellion could have been prevented if Chief Minister Nayab Saini had a 'say' on the allocation process.

IMAGE: Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, BJP national secretary and party candidate from Badli assembly constituency Om Prakash Dhankar and others hold hands during the latter's nomination program for the Haryana Assembly Elections, in Jhajjar on Wednesday, September 11, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

Meanwhile, senior party leader from south Haryana, Ram Bilas Sharma filed his nomination papers from Mahendragarh, hours before the BJP denied him ticket.

Sharma, a former minister, filed his papers during the day even as the party had at that time not yet declared the name of its candidate for the seat.

Before Sharma filed his papers, Union minister and Gurugram MP Rao Inderjit Singh came out in his support and said the man who had given his all for the party deserved a ticket.

BJP's Bhiwani-Mahendragarh MP, Dharambir Singh, was also present with Rao when he addressed a gathering in Mahendragarh in which Sharma was also present.

On Wednesday night, the BJP released names of candidates for remaining three seats including Mahendragarh.

According to the party list, it fielded Kanwar Singh Yadav from Mahendragarh.

A prominent Brahmin face of the party, Ram Bilas Sharma was also a minister in the Khattar government between 2014-2019. However, he lost the 2019 assembly polls.

Sharma was also the BJP's Haryana unit president.

Addressing a gathering in Mahendragarh, Rao Inderjit said at the last moment, if the party denies ticket to Ram Bilas Sharma on some pretext, 'it is rubbing salt into wounds and nothing else'.

"If party denies ticket to him, it will deal a blow not just to Mahendragarh, but entire Haryana," Rao Inderjit, who threw his weight behind Sharma before party denied him ticket, said.

Meanwhile, BJP leader and former MLA from Hathin segment Kehar Singh Rawat quit the party after he was not given a ticket.

Another party leader Zile Ram Sharma, upset over not getting ticket from Assandh, was also sulking.

This comes two days after Union minister Rao Inderjit asserted that people want him to become the chief minister.

Union minister and former Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar had sought to downplay Rao Inderjit's remark saying anybody can claim if they want, adding Union Home Minister Amit Shah had already announced that the elections will be fought under the leadership of Saini.

Former minister Kamboj, who last week stepped down as the state unit's OBC Morcha chief after being denied ticket to contest the October 5 assembly polls, claimed many party leaders who deserved to be given tickets have been ignored.

"When the BJP made Nayab Saini the chief minister, the party's graph went up. But while picking up candidates, the CM has not been given much say in ticket allocation...The rebellion, which we are seeing on many seats, could have been prevented," he claimed.

Kamboj, who like Saini hails from the OBC community, said he has not yet resigned from the BJP's primary membership and that his supporters will take a call on his next move. He was eyeing a ticket either from Indri or Radaur segment.

The BJP leader claimed the party rewarded many new entrants and turncoats with tickets while ignoring those who have been working for years.

On Tuesday, BJP's state unit vice president Santosh Yadav quit the party, saying grassroots leaders who have been loyal to the party are being neglected.

Yadav, a former deputy speaker of state assembly, was said to be eyeing a ticket from Ateli constituency, where the BJP has picked Aarti Singh Rao, the daughter of Inderjit Singh, as its candidate.

Shortly after the BJP had come out with its first list of 67 candidates last week, the party faced rebellion with minister Ranjit Singh Chautala and MLA Lakshman Dass Napa who were denied ticket quitting the party.

There were few other less prominent party leaders who followed in their footsteps, while some known faces of the party openly expressed their disappointment after being denied ticket.

Amid the voices of dissent, Rao Inderjit on Monday said it was not his wish, but that of the public that he becomes the chief minister.

"Even today, people wish that I (Rao) should become CM," he had said.

Rao Inderjit, who was addressing a gathering in support of BJP's Gurugram candidate Mukesh Sharma, also blamed the state machinery for letting garbage pile up on roads and not cleaning sewers.

"You will be told I was not able to get Gurgaon cleaned, its sewers cleaned," Rao Inderjit, who is a senior leader of the BJP, with south Haryana being his stronghold, said.

The BJP on Tuesday released a second list of 21 candidates for the Haryana Assembly polls, denying tickets to two ministers and replacing its nominee for the Pehowa seat.

The ruling party also denied tickets to the sitting MLAs from Ganaur, Pataudi, Hathin and Hodal seats.

The trouble for the BJP started shortly after it came out with the first list of candidates as it left many sulking.

Minister of State for Social Justice, Empowerment, SCs and BCs Bishamber Singh, the MLA from Bawani Khera reserve seat, was in tears after the party gave ticket to Kapur Valmiki from the seat while former minister Kavita Jain also broke down after not getting a ticket from Sonipat.

On the BJP facing rebellion on a few seats after the party had announced its first list of candidates on September 4, Khattar had on Monday said there may be more than one claimant for a ticket from a seat.

There can be some resentment if an aspirant does not get a party ticket and it happ ens in every election, he added.

"We have pacified many people and will speak to the remaining in a day or two," Khattar had said.

The BJP is aiming for a hat-trick in the assembly polls but faces a tough challenge from a resurgent Congress which is looking to cash in on the anti-incumbency factor. Saini is the BJP's chief ministerial face for the assembly polls.

The counting of votes will take place on October 8.
Roughly 75 percent of the "disengagement problems" with China are sorted out but the bigger issue has been the increasing militarisation of the frontier, external affairs minister S Jaishankar said on Thursday on the lingering border row in eastern Ladakh.

IMAGE: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar (right) shares his perspectives on Global tectonic shifts at Geneva Centre for Security Policy, in Geneva, September 12, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

In an interactive session at a think-tank in this Swiss city, Jaishankar said the Galwan Valley clashes of June 2020 affected the "entirety" of India-China ties, asserting that one cannot have violence at the border and then say the rest of the relationship is insulated from it.

The external affairs minister said both sides have been engaged in negotiations for the last four years to find a solution to the outstanding issues.

"Now those negotiations are going on. We made some progress. I would say roughly you can say about 75 percent of the disengagement problems are sorted out," he said at the Geneva Centre for Security Policy.

"We still have some things to do," Jaishankar, who is on a two-day visit to Switzerland, said.

But there is a bigger issue that both of us have brought forces close up and in that sense there is a militarisation of the border, he said.

"How does one deal with it? I think we have to deal with it. In the meanwhile, after the clash, it has affected the entirety of the relationship because you cannot have violence at the border and then say the rest of the relationship is insulated from it," he said.

The external affairs minister indicated that the relationship can improve if there is a resolution to the row.

"We hope that if there is a solution to the disengagement and there is a return to peace and tranquility, then we can look at other possibilities," he said.

The Indian and Chinese militaries have been locked in a standoff since May 2020 and a full resolution of the border row has not yet been achieved though the two sides have disengaged from a number of friction points following a series of talks.

The ties between the two countries nosedived significantly following the fierce clash in the Galwan Valley in June 2020 that marked the most serious military conflict between the two sides in decades.

India has been maintaining that its ties with China cannot be normal unless there is peace in the border areas.

Describing India-China relations as "complex", Jaishankar said the ties were kind of normalised in the late 1980s and the basis for it was that there would be peace at the border.

"The basis obviously for a good relationship, I would say even for a normal relationship, was that there would be peace and tranquility in the border. After things started to take a better turn in 1988, we had a series of agreements which stabilised the border," he said.

"What happened in 2020 was in violation of multiple agreements for some reasons which is still entirely not clear to us; we can speculate on it."

"The Chinese actually moved a very large number of troops to the Line of Actual Control at the border and naturally in response we moved our troops up. It was very difficult for us because we were in the middle of a Covid lockdown at that time," he said.

Jaishankar described the development as very dangerous.

"Now we could see straight-away that this was a very dangerous development because the presence of a large number of troops in these extreme heights and extreme cold in near proximity could lead to a mishap. And that's exactly what happened in June 2022," he said, referring to Galwan Valley clashes.

The external affairs minister said the issue for India was that why China disturbed the peace and tranquility and why they moved those troops and how to deal with this very close up situation.

"We have now been negotiating close to four years and the first step of that is what we called disengagement which is their troops go back to their normal operating bases and our troops go back to their normal operating bases and where required we have an arrangement about patrolling because both of us patrol regularly in that border as I said it is not a legally delineated border."

The ties between the two sides were affected in various domains including trade.

"Trade has got affected; exchanges have got affected. So it (the relationship) is not normal to put it very politely," he said.

The external affairs minister said though the border situation is the immediate priority, there are larger issues in India-China relations as well.

"That is the immediate issue. But I think there are larger issues with respect to India-China. We have long struggled with trade issues," he said.

The ballooning trade deficit in China's favour has been a major irritant in the ties before the border row erupted in April 2020.

Jaishankar also provided a historical perspective to the India China relationship and explained why it is a very complex one.
Veteran Marxist leader Sitaram Yehury, who got shaped in politics during the Emergency days, was brilliant in academics and a Central Board of Secondary Education topper, but he earned a distinction when he led students of Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru University to push former prime minister Indira Gandhi to resign as the university's chancellor.

IMAGE: CPP chairperson Sonia Gandhi with party president Mallikarjun Kharge and CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechuri (left) during the book launch on 'Mallikarjun Kharge-Political Engagement with Compassion, November 29, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo

In October 1977, Yechury led a group of students to Gandhi's residence and handed her a memorandum seeking her resignation as the JNU chancellor.

Recalling the incident once, Yechury had said during the Emergency days, arrest notices for students would be pasted on their hostel doors in the university.

There was a protest in the university demanding Gandhi's resignation as the chancellor and the students decided to walk down to her residence and paste a memorandum demanding her resignation on the door.

As they reached Gandhi's residence, they were asked to send a delegation of five students inside. However, the students insisted that all of them should be allowed in, a request that was accepted.

When the students walked inside Gandhi's residence, they were surprised to see that the former prime minister herself came to meet them.

"She asked us what did we want and we said we wanted her to resign," Yechury had said, recalling the incident.

A photograph of the JNU students surrounding Gandhi and a young Yechury reading out the memorandum is a part of history.

Yechury was a brilliant student who secured the all-India first rank in the Central Board of Secondary Education's higher-secondary examination and also got a first class in both his undergraduate and post-graduate degrees in economics.

He joined the students' movement in the JNU in 1974 and became a leader of the Students' Federation of India.

He was thrice elected as the president of the JNU Students' Union within a span of two years.

Yechury joined the Communist Party of India-Marxist in 1975 and was arrested during Emergency for his political activities.

He was the president of the SFI from 1984 to 1986 and played an important role in developing the student organisation as a pan-India force.

A polyglot and a prolific writer, Yechury was the editor of the CPI-M's weekly publication, "People's Democracy", for more than two decades. His other notable contribution in the ideological field was his critique of Hindutva, which was published in his books, titled "What is this 'Hindu Rashtra'?" and "Communalism vs Secularism".
A 24-year-old Indian-origin Israeli soldier from the Bnei Menashe community was killed in a vehicle-ramming attack close to the West Bank's Beit El settlement, community members said on Thursday.

IMAGE: Smoke billows following Israeli strikes in Gaza City, October 11, 2023. Photograph: Saleh Salem/Reuters

Staff Sergeant Geri Gideon Hanghal was a resident of Nof HaGalil and a soldier in the Kfir Brigade's Nahshon Battalion, the Israeli Army said.

Community members told PTI that they were "in shock at the news of the loss of a young life" on Wednesday near Asaf Junction.

His funeral will be held on Thursday, they said.

Hanghal immigrated to Israel from the northeastern part of India in 2020.

Some 300 Bnei Menashe youngsters are said to be doing Army duty during the current war, most of them serving in combat units.

The Bnei Menashe, hailing from India's north-eastern states of Manipur and Mizoram, are believed to have descended from the Israelite tribe of Menasseh, one of the lost tribes of ancient times.

Shlomo Amar, Sephardic Chief Rabbi, declared them descendants of Menasseh in 2005 paving the path for their immigration to Israel as members of a "lost tribe".

Some 5,000 members of the Bnei Menashe community are said to have immigrated to Israel, including almost 1,500 in the past five years. Another 5,500 still live in India and are waiting to immigrate.

Nof HaGalil Mayor, Ronen Plot, was quoted by Ynetnews as saying that "the city of Nof HaGalil mourns and grieves the loss of Staff Sgt. Hanghal. Gideon was a member of the Bnei Menashe community, which is very dear to my heart -- good, humble and patriotic people".

Footage from the scene of the attack showed a truck with a Palestinian license plate veering off a busy highway and barrel full speed into an Israel Defence Forces (IDF) guard post adjacent to a bus stop before coming to a halt.

The suspect was named by Israeli security sources as 58-year-old Hayil Dhaifallah, from the central West Bank town of Rafat.

The attack follows a series of attempted suicide bombings and shooting incidents emanating from the West Bank and claimed by Islamic Hamas.

Hamas on October 7 last year launched a dastardly attack on Israel, leading to the ongoing war in Gaza.

Israel has said that it is stepping up its counter-terrorism operations in the West Bank claiming that Iran-backed groups are smuggling weapons into the area from Jordan and trying to carry out attacks in Israeli territory.

The Palestinian health ministry in the West Bank on Wednesday said that five Palestinians were killed in an Israeli airstrike in Tubas overnight.

Another two people were injured by Israeli fire, one critically, as troops raided Tubas and the neighbouring town of Tammun, Palestinian state agency Wafa reported.

IDF confirmed the airstrikes, once a rare occurrence in the West Bank, saying it targeted members of a terror cell.

The IDF has carried out more than 70 airstrikes in the West Bank since October 7, using drones, attack helicopters, and fighter jets.

Local media reports have been eluding that the Israeli defence brass is increasingly worried that the violence in the West Bank could swell into a major conflagration.

The spiralling violence has also been fuelled by hardline Israeli settlers in the central and northern West Bank who have carried out several attacks on Palestinians in recent weeks, including a fiery rampage on a village last month in which a Palestinian man was killed while trying to confront the rioters.

The Palestinian Authority (PA) health ministry has claimed that more than 670 Palestinians have been killed by Israel in the West Bank, which is under the PA control, since October 7.

The IDF has said that the vast majority of those dead were gunmen killed in exchanges of fire, rioters who clashed with troops, or terrorists carrying out attacks.

Israel is said to have also arrested some 5,000 wanted Palestinians across the West Bank over the last eleven months, including more than 2,000 said to be linked to Hamas.
Glimpses of the ceremony marking the 23rd anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum in the Manhattan borough of New York City, September 11, 2024.

Photograph: Mike Segar/Reuters IMAGE: Hours after their acrimonious presidential debate , Kamala Harris shakes hands with Donald J Trump.

IMAGE: From left: Vice President Kamala Harris, President Joe Biden, former New York mayor Mike Bloomberg, former president Donald J Trump and his running mate US Senator J D Vance at the ceremony marking the 23rd anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks. Photograph: Mike Segar/Reuters

IMAGE: From videos of the event, it appears that it was at Bloomberg's instance that Harris greeted Trump. Photograph: Mike Segar/Reuters

IMAGE: Biden and Harris at the rendition of the US national anthem. Photograph: Mike Segar/Reuters

IMAGE: Trump, flanked by his sons Eric and Donald Jr along with J D Vance. Photograph: Elizabeth Frantz/Reuters

IMAGE: Harris, Biden and US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. Photograph: Mike Segar/Reuters

IMAGE: Biden, Harris and US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin at the Pentagon in Washington, DC. Photograph: Craig Hudson/Reuters

IMAGE: New Yorkers pay tribute at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum pool. Photograph: Kent J.Edwards/Reuters

IMAGE: A US flag and flowers are placed at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum pool. Photograph: Kent J.Edwards/Reuters

IMAGE: Members of the New York Fire Department and New York Port Authority Police Department during the ceremony. Photograph: Kent J.Edwards/Reuters

IMAGE: 23 years later, the wounds are still raw. Photograph: Kent J.Edwards/Reuters

IMAGE: Firefighters observe a moment of silence on the day Trump and Vance visit Engine 4 Ladder 15 in New York City, which lost several men during the 9/11 attacks. Photograph: Caitlin Ochs/Reuters

IMAGE: Traders and employees pause during a moment of silence on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. Photograph: Brendan McDermid/Reuters

Photographs curated by Manisha Kotian/Rediff.com

Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff.com
Clashes broke out between two groups during a Ganesh idol immersion procession in Nagamangala following which mobs went on a rampage targeting several shops and vehicles leading to a tense situation.

Image used only for representation. Photograph: ANI Photo

Police said 52 people have been arrested following Wednesday night's incidents and prohibitory orders preventing the assembly of more than four people have been imposed in Nagamangala town in Mandya district till September 14 as a precautionary measure.

A few people, including two policemen, sustained minor injuries in stone-pelting. The situation has been brought under control and additional security forces have been deployed, they said.

According to police, an argument broke out between two groups, when the Ganesh idol procession by devotees from Badarikoppalu village reached a place of worship on Wednesday, and some miscreants hurled stones, which escalated the situation.

Following the clashes between the two groups, a few shops were vandalised and goods torched and vehicles set on fire on Wednesday night, they added.

Police used mild force to disperse the crowd to control the situation.

The group of youth that carried out the procession halted and staged a protest near the police station, demanding Immediate arrest of those responsible for the violence.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the violence is an act of miscreants which threatens the peace and tranquility of the society.

The government, he said, has taken the incident seriously and warned that ruthless action will be taken against those trying to create a divide on religious grounds, regardless of caste or religion.

'I request the public to cooperate with us by maintaining peace and exercising restraint without succumbing to incitement,' he said on 'X'.

Home Minister G Parameshwara said the clashes cannot be termed as 'communal violence' as he maintained that the incident happened on the 'spur of the moment'.

He told reporters in Bengaluru that 52 people have been arrested from 'both sides', and after reviewing CCTV footage about their involvement in the incidents like stone-pelting and torching of vehicles and properties, cases will be registered against them.

When told that a petrol bomb was allegedly hurled and asked whether the incident was pre-planned, he said: 'no, no, it (the incident) has happened immediately on the spur of the moment. Police have not allowed it to escalate further and have brought things under control.'

According to police, 53 people have been named in the FIR.

"The situation has now returned to normalcy in Nagamangala town. People are going about their day-to-day activities. Shops are open. We have deployed additional forces from Karnataka State Reserve Police along with other police officials including those in civil clothes," Mandya Superintendent of Police Mallikarjun Baldandi told PTI on Thursday.

A case has been registered for unlawful assembly, attempt to murder, obstructing public servants, destruction of public property and other sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Mandya District in-charge Minister N Cheluvarayaswamy said the situation is peaceful and under control now.

'Our Nagamangala is the abode of peace and harmony. We will not tolerate any attempt to create unrest here. I request the public not to listen to any rumors and cooperate in restoring peace,' he said in a post on 'X'.

Following the incidents, the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party and Janata Dal-Secular attacked the Congress government.

Leader of Opposition in Karnataka Assembly R Ashoka (BJP) alleged that the 'attack' on Ganesh idol procession is a direct fallout of 'appeasement politics'.

Ashoka alleged: 'Stones were hurled, swords brandished and crude bombs thrown at Ganesh Visarjan Procession. Are we living in Karnataka or Taliban?'

'Emboldened by the appeasement politics of @INCKarnataka Govt, a violent Muslim mob brutally attacked the Ganesh visarjan Procession Nagamangala last night,' he alleged.

Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel and JD-S leader H D Kumaraswamy said the incident is proof of 'failure' of law and order in the state.

He also warned that 'bad days are not far' for the Congress party if it does not stop 'appeasement politics'.

"It is the proof of 'failure of law and order' in the town that the miscreants of a community deliberately raised a ruckus by targeting the devotees who were walking peacefully in the procession of God Ganapati, throwing stones and slippers on public and policemen, exploding petrol bombs and brandishing swords," Kumaraswamy said.

He also alleged that the incident was a result of 'overindulgence and appeasement' of a particular community by the Congress party and state government for political gain.
The police on Thursday said they arrested three of the six persons who allegedly assaulted two army officers and raped their woman friend near Mhow in Madhya Pradesh.

Image only for representation. Photograph: ANI Photo

The announcement of arrests came on a day Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi slammed the BJP over the incident, alleging non-existent law and order in the states ruled by the saffron party.

Anil Baror (27) and Pawan Bansunia (23) were produced before a local court which remanded them in police custody for five days, said a police official.

Another accused, Ritesh Bhabhar (25), was arrested on Thursday night.

Superintendent of police (Rural) Hitika Vasal said that Bhabhar was accused of threatening the two army officers and their two women friends with a pistol during the incident, while the other accused were carrying sticks.

A total of six accused have been identified in connection with the incident that took place in the wee hours of Wednesday near the popular tourist spot Jam Gate, about 30 km from Mhow military cantonment, the police said.

"Several teams are on the lookout for the three absconding accused, and a reward of Rs 10,000 has been announced for (information about) each of them," the SP said.

The army officers, aged 23 and 24, undergoing the Young Officers course at the Infantry School in Mhow cantonment town, had gone out for a picnic with their two female friends.

The accused arrived at the picnic spot around 2 am, and started assaulting one of the officers and his female friend who were sitting in the car, the police said.

Upon hearing the commotion, the other officer and his woman friend, who were on a hilltop, reached the spot.

Later, after police reached the spot, the army officers and their female friends were brought to Mhow civil hospital, where a medical examination confirmed that one of the women was raped, an official said.

A case has been registered under sections 70 (gang rape), 310-2 (dacoity), 308-2 (extortion) and 115-2 (voluntarily causing hurt) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and under sections of the Arms Act based on the complaint filed by the officer.

One of those arrested reportedly has a case of loot registered against him in 2016.

The crime spot is located in a hilly region surrounded by forests, said SP Vasal.

Badgonda police station in-charge Lokendra Singh Hirore said the accused held one of the couples captive while beating them up, and told the other couple that the hostages would be released only when they give them Rs 10 lakh.

"The complainant has told us that the accused took his woman friend away to a place and he suspected that she was raped. The woman's statement is yet to be recorded," the official said.

Rahul Gandhi slammed the BJP over the attack, saying the negative attitude of the BJP government towards rising crimes against women is "extremely worrying".

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said the prime minister talks big about women's safety, but women across the country are still waiting for a serious effort for their safety.

In a post on X, Rahul Gandhi said the violence against the two army men and the rape of their female companion in Madhya Pradesh is enough to shame the entire society.

"Law and order in BJP-ruled states is almost non-existent and the negative attitude of BJP government towards the increasing crimes against women is extremely worrying," he said.

This audacity of the criminals is a result of the total failure of the administration and the unsafe environment prevailing in the country which is also a restriction on the freedom and aspirations of the daughters of India, Gandhi said.

In her post on X, Priyanka Gandhi said the incident of gang rape of a woman after holding army officers hostage in Madhya Pradesh, and that of the naked body of a woman being found on the highway in Uttar Pradesh are "heart-wrenching".

Every day on average 86 women are becoming victims of rape and brutality in the country, she said.

"From home to outside, from road to office, women are not safe anywhere. Half of the country's population is not only unsafe, but due to such brutality, the morale of crores of women is broken every day," Priyanka Gandhi said.

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Photo: Communications Department under the President of Burkina Faso

BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 12. Special Representative of the President of Azerbaijan for Special Assignments Elchin Amirbayov met with President of Burkina Faso Ibrahim Traore, Trend reports.

During the meeting, Amirbayov highlighted that his visit coincides with the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

He noted that this is an ideal moment to evaluate the bilateral relationship and explore new opportunities for its enhancement, noting the numerous benefits these relations offer.

The discussions centered on strengthening cooperation based on mutual respect and shared interests. Both parties expressed their commitment to expanding collaboration in specific sectors where it could be mutually beneficial, including energy, mining, vocational education, and humanitarian aid.

Amirbayov also underscored Azerbaijan's commitment to strengthening ties with African countries, pointing out the solid connections established with major African nations.
Karnataka home minister G Parameshwara on Thursday said the clashes between two groups during Ganesha idol immersion procession in Nagamangala town in Mandya district cannot be termed as "communal violence" as he maintained that the incident happened on the "spur of the moment".

Image used for representational purpose only. Photograph: ANI Photo

He said 52 people have been arrested from "both sides", and after reviewing CCTV footage about their involvement in the incidents like stone-pelting and torching of vehicles and properties, cases will be registered against them.

"Yesterday's (Wednesday) incident shouldn't have happened. What began as a small incident...it has ended. No major injuries or fights have happened. The police have taken the situation under control. When the procession was on, stones were pelted, which led to some clashes. After that when everything appeared to have been solved and people were dispersing, some torched bikes and shops, and subsequently (police) brought the situation under control," Parameshwara said.

Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, he said no loss of life or any "major problem" has been reported; the superintendent of police and inspector general are at the spot, while a Karnataka State Reserve Police platoon has been deployed.

"I had sent the additional director general of police, law and order, he too had visited and is camping at the spot. Everything is under control and there are no further incidents," he added.

Asked whether it was communal violence, the Minister said: "Accidentally while the procession was going there someone pelted stones, to which these people have also responded by pelting stones and it led to clashes. It cannot be called communal violence."

When told that a petrol bomb was allegedly hurled and asked whether the incident was pre-planned, he said: "No, no, it (the incident) has happened immediately on the spur of the moment. The police have not allowed it to escalate further and have brought things under control. I appeal to the media not to publicise it more."

"I'm not saying that the incident has not happened. The incident has happened, we have brought the situation under control, to ensure that it should not escalate further, the force has been placed on the spot, also senior police officers are there..." he said in response to a question.

To allegations of lapses on the part of the police, as precautionary measures were allegedly not taken despite similar incidents taking place last year too, Parameshwara said a KSRP platoon was stationed at the spot, which helped in bringing the situation under control.

"If not, there could have been bigger violence."

Noting that stones were pelted at the police too, the minister said an assistant sub-inspector was injured and, taking "all those into consideration", cases will be registered.

He said prima facie there seems to be no political instigation behind the incident.

"Let's see what comes from the probe report."
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Thursday said there was nothing more condemnable and intolerable than one in constitutional position becoming part of enemies of the nation, in an apparent attack on Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi over his remarks made in the United States.

IMAGE: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar addresses the participants of the third batch of Rajya Sabha Internship Programme in New Delhi. Photograph: @VPIndia/X

Dhankhar's assertion came a day after the Bharatiya Janata Party hit out at Gandhi over his meeting with US lawmaker Ilhan Omar and others during his visit to the country, alleging that the Congress leader is indulging in "dangerous and mischievous" activities by reaching out to people abroad who are known for their anti-india stand.

Addressing participants of the third batch of Rajya Sabha Internship Programme in New Delhi, Dhankhar, also the chairperson of the upper house, said he was pained and disturbed that some people in position have no idea of national interest.

The vice president did not name anyone in his address.

He said, "If we are true Indians, we will never side with the enemies of the nation."

The BJP has attacked Gandhi over his remarks on reservation and religious minorities in India and China.

"I am pained and disturbed that some people in position have just no idea of Bharat. They have no idea of our Constitution, they have no idea of our national interest... I am sure your heart must be bleeding at what you see," the vice president said.

He said people have given supreme sacrifice in getting freedom. "Mothers have lost their sons, wives have lost their husbands. We can't ridicule our nationalism," he said.

Dhankhar said every Indian outside the country has to be an ambassador of the nation. "How painful that one who holds a constitutional position is doing just the reverse of it. Nothing can be more condemnable, despicable and intolerable than that you become part of enemies of the nation," he said.

Dhankhar was of the view that such people do not understand the value of freedom as also that the country has civilisational depth of 5,000 years.

The vice president asserted that the Constitution is sacred and was structured over three years of painstaking work by the founding fathers of the document.

He said the members of the Constituent Assembly met without disruption, disturbance, sloganeering and any posters being raised.

"And now, some people want to divide our nation. This is ignorance in extremity," he said.

In a press conference at the National Press Club in Washington on Tuesday, Gandhi slammed the Narendra Modi government over its handling of the conflict with China, telling reporters that it is a disaster that 4,000 square kilometres of Indian territory is occupied by troops from the neighbouring country.

But the leader of the opposition in Lok Sabha indicated that the Congress is in broad agreement with the BJP-led government on other major foreign policy issues, including relations with the US, no talks with Pakistan unless terrorism ends and concerns over extremist elements in Bangladesh.

Answering a question about China, Gandhi said, "Well, if you call having Chinese troops in 4,000 square kilometres of our territory handling something well, then maybe. We've got Chinese troops occupying land the size of Delhi in Ladakh. I think that's a disaster. Media doesn't like to write about it."
Russian President Vladmir Putin on Thursday proposed a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa summit in Kazan next month when national security adviser Ajit Doval called on him in St Petersburg.

IMAGE: Russia's President Vladimir Putin and India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi speak inside an electric car during their meeting at the Novo-Ogaryovo state residence near Moscow, Russia July 8, 2024. Photograph: Sputnik/Sergei Bobylyov/Pool via Reuters

The Putin-Doval meeting came nearly three weeks after Modi travelled to Ukranian capital Kyiv and held talks with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Doval is in St Petersburg to attend a conclave of national security advisors of the BRICS nations.

The summit of the grouping will be held in the Russian city of Kazan from October 22-24. Modi is set to attend the summit.

"Vladimir Putin noted the successful development of the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia and stressed the importance of security issues in bilateral relations, thanking the Indian side for maintaining dialogue in this area," a Russian readout on the Putin-Doval meeting said.

It said the Russian president proposed to hold a bilateral meeting with Modi on October 22 on the sidelines of the BRICS summit to "summarise the outcomes of joint work" on the implementation of the agreements reached during the Indian leader's visit to Moscow and to outline prospects for the near future.

Modi visited Russia in July.

"We are waiting for our good friend Modi and best regards to him," the Russian media quoted Putin as saying in the meeting with Doval.

On Wednesday, the NSA held wide-ranging talks with his Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu focusing on important issues of "mutual interests".

"Both sides reviewed progress in bilateral cooperation and discussed important issues of mutual interest," the Indian embassy in Russia said on the talks between Doval and Shoigu.

It is understood that Modi's talks with Zelenskyy in Kyiv on August 23 figured in the talks between the two NSAs.

In his talks with Zelenskyy, Modi said both Ukraine and Russia should sit together without wasting time to end the ongoing war and that India was ready to play an "active role" to restore peace in the region.

The prime minister said India was on the side of peace since the beginning of the conflict and he would even like to contribute personally to a peaceful resolution of the crisis.

Modi's nearly nine-hour visit to Ukraine, the first by an Indian prime minister since its independence in 1991, came six weeks after he held summit talks with Putin in Moscow.

In the last few days, there have been calls for India's potential role in pushing peace talks between Russia and Ukraine as New Delhi has good relations with both nations.

On Saturday, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni following her talks with Zelenskyy said India and China can play a role in finding a solution to the dragging conflict.

Putin, speaking at a panel discussion at the Eastern Economic Forum in Russian city of Vladivostok last Thursday named India, Brazil and China as possible intermediaries that could play a role in resolving the conflict.

"First of all, it is the Chinese People's Republic, Brazil and India -- I am in contact with my partners and I have no doubt that the leaders of these countries -- and we have relations of trust and confidence with one another -- will be really interested and provide a helping hand," he said.

India has been maintaining that the conflict in Ukraine must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.
With a row erupting over Prime Minister Narendra Modi attending the Ganpati Puja celebrations at Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud's residence, the Bharatiya Janata Party and it's ally hit out at the opposition parties, calling their reactions "reckless" and said casting "baseless aspersions" on the highest court sets a dangerous precedent.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi attends 'Ganpati Poojan' at Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud's residence in New Delhi. Photograph: @narendramodi/X

Prime Minister Modi on Wednesday participated in the Ganpati Puja at the CJI's residence in New Delhi.

In a video, Chandrachud and his wife Kalpana Das were seen welcoming Modi at their house.

Several opposition leaders and some lawyers of the Supreme Court reacted sharply to Modi attending the puja at the CJI's residence.

"Ganpati Utsav is being celebrated and people visit each other's house... I don't have information whether the prime minister has visited anyone's house," Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray leader Sanjay Raut said.

Ganpati Utsav is being celebrated at several locations in Delhi and at Maharashtra Sadan, he said.

"However, the prime minister visited the CJI's residence. They performed 'aarti' together. We think that people will have doubts if guardians of the Constitution meet political leaders," Raut added.

In a post on X, senior lawyer Indira Jaising said the Chief Justice of India has compromised the separation of powers between the executive and the judiciary.

"Lost all confidence in the independence of the CJI. The SCBA (Supreme Court Bar Association) must condemn this publicly displayed compromise of Independence of the CJI from the executive," she said in her post.

Hitting back, BJP national general secretary-Organisation BL Santhosh said though left liberals have started crying over the prime minister attending the event at the CJI's residence, "it was not socialising but a devoted Ganapathi Pooja".

"Started crying! Civility, cordiality, togetherness, co travellers in nations journey are all an anathema to these left liberals. Also it was not socialising but a devoted Ganapathi Pooja is very hard to digest. SCBA is not a moral compass. Take deep breath once," Santhosh said in a post on X reacting to Jaising's comments.

In another post, the BJP leader wrote, "Yesterday's Pooja and Aarti spoiled the sleep, morning walk and tea-breakfast of many people across the country."

Shiv Sena Rajya Sabha MP Milind Deora also flayed the critics and said it's unfortunate to see "reckless commentary" on Modi's visit to the CJI's residence for Ganapati Aarti.

"When verdicts favour them, the opposition praises the Supreme Court's credibility, but when things don't go their way, they conveniently claim the judiciary is compromised," he charged in a post on X

Casting such baseless aspersions on the highest court sets a dangerous precedent, he added.

"This reckless attempt to undermine the credibility of the CJI by the opposition is not only irresponsible but also damaging to the institution's integrity. India's politics is taking an ugly turn," Deora said.

The era of "arbitrary judicial appointments" is long gone and the incumbent CJI has served his office with immense integrity, he added.

"Those seeking to tarnish his legacy and credibility are showing poor judgment and acting against the nation's best interests," Deora said.
The Supreme Court is scheduled to deliver on Friday its verdict on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's petitions seeking bail and challenging his arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the excise policy 'scam'.

IMAGE: Aam Aadmi Party supporters protest to demand the release of the party's national convenor and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, in Patna. Photograph: ANI Photo

As per the cause list of September 13 uploaded on the apex court website, a bench headed by Justice Surya Kant is slated to pronounce the verdict.

The bench, also comprising Justice Ujjal Bhuyan, had on September 5 reserved its verdict on the pleas.

Kejriwal has filed two separate petitions challenging the denial of bail and against his arrest by the CBI in the corruption case filed by the central agency.

The Aam Aadmi Party chief was arrested by the CBI on June 26.

He has challenged in the apex court the Delhi high court's August 5 order which upheld his arrest in the corruption case.

The high court had noted that the loop of evidence against Kejriwal got closed after collection of relevant evidence following his arrest by the CBI and it cannot be said that it was without any justifiable reason or illegal.

The high court had also granted him liberty to approach a trial court with his plea seeking bail in the case.

The matter relates to alleged corruption in the formulation and execution of the Delhi government's excise policy for 2021-22, which has now been scrapped.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has also lodged a separate money laundering case linked to the alleged excise policy 'scam'.

According to the CBI and the ED, irregularities were committed while modifying the excise policy and undue favours extended to licence holders.

On July 12, the apex court had granted interim bail to Kejriwal in the money laundering case.

The top court had referred to a larger bench, preferably of five judges, for in-depth consideration of three questions on the aspect of 'need and necessity of arrest' under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The ED had on March 21 arrested Kejriwal in connection with the money laundering case.

During the arguments on September 5 on Kejriwal's plea in the corruption case, the chief minister had vehemently opposed in the apex court the CBI's contentions that he should have approached the trial court first for bail in the corruption case.

Questioning the maintainability of Kejriwal's pleas, Additional Solicitor General S V Raju, appearing for the CBI, had submitted that even in the money laundering case in which he had challenged his arrest by the ED, he was sent back by the apex court to the trial court.
Seven persons were killed after a wall of a medieval-era fort adjacent to a house collapsed on Thursday due to heavy rains in Madhya Pradesh's Datia town.

IMAGE: Locals and SDRF teams conduct a rescue operation after the wall of the fort Rajgarh collapses on a house Madhya Pradesh's Datia town. Photograph: Screen grab/X

The incident took place around 4 am in Khalkapura area, said an official.

As the wall collapsed, nine persons in the adjacent house were trapped under the debris. While two were rescued, seven died, said Datia district collector Sandeep Makin.

The fort, called 'Rajgarh', is believed to be 400 years old, and once housed a museum which was later shifted elsewhere, said a local resident.

The State Disaster Emergency Response Force (SDERF) team took part in the rescue operation that lasted more than six hours, the collector said.

The two injured persons are undergoing treatment at a local hospital, he added.

Expressing grief over the incident in a post on X, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced financial assistance of Rs 4 lakh each for the kin of the victims.

The SDERF team reached the spot quickly, but precious lives could not be saved despite strenuous efforts because of the narrow lane where the house is situated, the CM said.

As per collector Makin, five of the deceased belong to one family, while the other two belong to another family.

The deceased were identified as Niranjan Vanshkar (55), Mamta Vanshkar (45), Shivam (20), Suraj (17), Radha (23), Kishan Vanshkar (55) and Prabha (50).

Congress MLA from Datia, Rajendra Bharti, criticized the administration for the "slow" rescue operation, claiming that it was unprepared to deal with such situations.

He also demanded Rs five lakh compensation each for the kin of the deceased, and Rs two lakh for the injured persons.

Senior BJP leader and former state home minister Narottam Mishra also visited the spot, and expressed grief over the incident. He attended the last rites of the victims.
You can also read about the Indira Gandhi Assassination Case, the Parliament Attack Case, the Red Fort Attack Case, the Jessica Lal Murder Case, the Decriminalisation of Homosexuality Case among others.

IMAGE: Mahatma Gandhi eats a meal before beginning one of his fasts. Photograph: Kind courtesy Wikimedia Commons

Have you wanted to access the original files of the trial court judgment in the Mahatma Gandhi murder case but didn't know where to find it? Well, the Delhi high court web Site's new portal has got you covered.

The e-museum on the top left corner of the eeb site takes you to another page where there is a stanchion and a viewing bench.

On the left is the repository of historical documents/artefacts/photographs and on the right is the repository of records of landmark cases.

This repository of records of landmark cases section features digitised records of ten landmark judgments from both district courts and the high court, including the first judgment delivered by the Delhi high court, the Mahatma Gandhi Assassination Case, the Indira Gandhi Assassination Case, the Parliament Attack Case, the Red Fort Attack Case, the Jessica Lal Murder Case, the Decriminalisation of Homosexuality Case among others.

One can see the case name as well as the common name of the case and read a summary of the case. One can also use the play function to narrate the summary.

'Mahatma Gandhi Assassination Case: On 30.01.1948 at about 5 pm at Birla House, New Delhi, Mahatma Gandhi was shot down by Sh Nathuram V Godse.

'Pursuant to investigation, the State had presented eight accused persons viz Sh Nathuram V Godse, Sh Narayan D Apte, Sh Vishnu R Karkare, Sh Madanlal K Pahwa, Sh Shankar Kistayya, Sh Gopal V Godse, Sh Vinayak D Savarkar, and Sh Dattataraya S Parchure, for trial before the Court of Sh Atma Charan Esq, ICS, Special Judge, which was especially held at Red Fort, Delhi.

'Upon conclusion of trial, the Court of Sh Atma Charan Esq, ICS, Special Judge had convicted seven out of the eight accused persons qua various offences punishable under the Indian Penal Code, 1860 and Explosive Substances Act, 1908.

'The attached file contains the judgment passed by Sh Atma Charan Esq, ICS, Special Judge, on 10.02.1949,' the brief summary of the Mahatma Gandhi Assassination Case reads.

The other section on the portal, titled Repository of Historical Documents/Artefacts/Photographs, has digital records such as the Cabinet note for establishing the Delhi high court, judges' oaths and affirmations, speeches, press coverage, and more.

The e-museum portal was launched by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan on Wednesday, September 11, 2024 along with the 'Humour in Court', a new section for publishing stories of humour in courtrooms, and Delhi high ourt WhatsApp Services initiatives.

The court has invited contributions from the lawyers and litigants for stories of humour in and outside courtrooms and the same can be mailed to delhihighcourt@nic.in.

As for the WhatsApp services, users must save this number, open a chat in WhatsApp, and send a 'Hi' message to initiate the conversation.

This will allow litigants and advocates to receive information on cause lists, court listings and filings on WhatsApp.

The three initiatives are part of the vision and roadmap put in place by the Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence & Accessibility Committee, chaired by Justice Rajiv Shakdher and comprising Justices Sanjeev Narula, Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav, Swarana Kanta Sharma and Girish Kathpalia.

Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff.com
A 40-year-old woman's semi-naked body with partially ruptured head has been found on the Delhi-Varanasi national highway in Kanpur, the police said on Thursday.

Image used for representational purpose only. Photograph: ANI Photo

According to the police, the body was spotted on Wednesday morning by a man, who alerted them and also reported that stray dogs had been nibbling at it.

An investigation has been initiated in the matter, they said, adding that based on the circumstances in which the body was found, there is a possibility the victim was raped and murdered before her body was dumped on the highway.

Deputy commissioner of police (South) Ravindra Kumar said it's also possible that the victim died in a road accident.

Apart from the local police, forensic experts also reached the spot and collected eight teeth and other bone fragments for analysis, he said.

"We reviewed footage from 104 CCTV cameras in the vicinity and made a breakthrough after identifying the woman in three videos. She was seen walking alone along service lanes and highways," DCP Kumar said.

Footage from CCTV cameras at a nearby hospital showed a woman of similar build crossing the service lane towards the highway just hours before the body was found.

The woman in the video was wearing the same trousers as those found on the body, the police said.

No CCTV cameras are installed at the location where the body was discovered, they said.

The police said that further surveillance footage led the police to the woman's residence in Kanpur's Govind Nagar area, about 4 km from where the body was found.

The victim's husband told the police that his wife was suffering from chronic cervical pain and had been unable to sleep for several nights, the DCP said.

"She had gone out alone while he fell asleep in the early hours and might have been killed in a road accident. The body, which was kept in the freezer at the mortuary, has been sent for postmortem to confirm the cause of death," he added.

Additional commissioner of police (law and order) Harish Chander said a panel of three doctors is supervising the autopsy and the entire proceeding is being videographed.

Chander also clarified that initial rumours suggesting the woman was decapitated were incorrect.

The head had been severely ruptured and some flesh was found further down the road from where the body was found, he added.
'Modi knows the people here are opposed to this project, but he is using the might of government to push this port down our throats.'

Reportage and Videos: Rediff.com's Hemant Waje, Satish Bodas, Prasanna D Zore.

Photographs: Satish Bodas/ Rediff.com IMAGE: Vijay Rajaram Vindhe (in white t-shirt and blue jeans) and fisherfolk of Varor register their protest against the construction of Vadhavan port.

The seashore where the proposed Vadhavan port, some 130 km from India's financial capital Mumbai, is likely to come up wears a deserted look, a week after Prime Minister Narendra D Modi led the foundation stone for the already controversial project some 40 km away from the project site at Palghar.

To be jointly implemented by the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority and the Maharashtra Maritime Board, the project, whose first phase will be operational only by 2029, will include four terminals which will be built by dredging sand and reclaiming 1,450 acres of sea, and will be located some 6 km inside the sea. It is estimated to cost Rs 76,200 crore (Rs 762 billion) or $9 billion.

The second phase, which will add another five terminals -- each 1 km length terminal having the capacity to berth three containers at a time -- will finish only by 2040. Once fully operation the Vadhavan port will have the capacity to service 24 million TEUs -- twenty-foot equivalent unit, a jargon used by port builders to define the carrying and servicing capacity of ports and terminals.

'What does progress mean to you?'

IMAGE: A banner expressing the resolve of the locals demanding scrapping of the Vadhavan port in Maharashtra's Palghar district

As per some reports, the dredging work on the Rs 13,000 crore (Rs 130 billion) phase-I will begin soon after the monsoon -- that is September end -- but when Rediff.com journalists visited the port site they were greeted with a silent and empty shoreline, total absence of port officials, leave alone cops but angry locals from the Bhandari and fishing community, who say more than 200,000 people will be displaced by the port, and the livelihoods of people five times the number of displaced, will be shattered permanently once the port is fully operational.

"Shockingly," say the locals countering the government's development narrative, "this project will provide only 10,000 to 12,000 jobs to the locals versus the 10 lakh (1 million) livelihoods it supports without the port."

The anger and opposition to the Vadhavan port among the local communities -- Wadvals, Bhandaris, Kunbis, Manghels (fisherfolk) and tribals -- is so high that the state administration, claim these locals, decided to hold Modi's foundation stone-laying ceremony on August 30 in Palghar, some 40 km away from Vadhavan village where the port is likely to come up.

"What does progress mean to you?" asks Vijay Rajaram Vindhe, of Varor village, a small fishing hamlet near Vadhavan.

"Every time our boats go out to the sea they come back with a huge pile of fish," says Vindhe, who is the chairman of the Varor Machchimar Sahkari Sanstha.

"Each boat has a crew of 15 people which includes 6 khalashis (expert helmsmen and navigators), and 10 other fishermen. These 15 people in turn support at least 20 to 25 fisherwomen who purchase the catch and sell it to consumers in local markets," says Vindhe.

"Varor has itself some 30 boats providing jobs to 200 khalashis (and 300 other support staff) people and this fish is then sold in the markets by our womenfolk. There are 3,500 such registered boats in this belt. It is this livelihood chain that will get permanently disrupted if we let Vadhavan port to come up at this site," says Vindhe, explaining why the fisherfolk are so vehemently opposed to the Vadhavan project.

"Then there's this golden belt in the vicinity where all kinds of fish come and breed and move out to areas as far away as Cuffe Parade (in south Mumbai to the north of Vadhavan port) till Daman to the north and supports fishing activity in such a big oceanic expanse," adds Vindhe.

Most of the khalashis who come to Varor or Vadhavan to work on these boats belong to the tribal heartland of Palghar district -- places like Wada, Vikramgad. "Their livelihood is also at stake," says Vindhe.

'Is this democracy or dictatorship?'

Ask him to counter Modi's assertion of development that this port project will lead to, Vindhe asks, "what kind of development will that be?"

"He (Modi) says that it will give jobs to the locals, but at what cost? Vadhavan port will finish off jobs of 2 lakh people who are already employed. It will be only Adani's and Ambani's progress. Even if we have to lay down our lives, we will not let this port come up here," says Vindhe firmly.

"Not just ships, we also enter the sea near the shore to catch fish," says a fisherwoman, who is part of the group that has gathered at a short notice to register their opposition and express their woes.

It is a common practice among fishing communities to use fishing nets, hung between two tall bamboos, during high tide near and catch the fish trapped in the net when the tide ebbs leaving behind a coveted catch.

"Is this democracy or dictatorship?" asks a fisherman from Varor, which houses about 2,000 people.

"This government is using autocratic means to push the port on us. We stand united and totally opposed to such progress," says a young fisherman from among the group of old, middle-aged, and young folk at Varor.

"On August 30, when Modi was here to lay the foundation stone, we showed black flags. Why did he do it 40 km away from here? He should have come here and taken the people into confidence (about the benefits of the port). He knows the people here are opposed to this project, but he is using the might of government to push this port down our throats," says the youth.

Taking on the government's claims that such development lead to jobs for locals, one fishermen asks, "How many jobs did we get at the Tarapur Atomic Power Station projects? We did not get jobs. The people who were displaced by the projects are still fighting for compensation, rehabilitation in the courts."

"This government talks of progress? What progress? The local communities here are already doing well. We are always engaged either in fishing or in die-making. On an average every household in this village earns between Rs 30,000 and Rs 40,000."

Just one resolve: Scrap Vadhavan port

IMAGE: A banner exhibiting the locals' anger against the construction of Vadhavan port at a busy thoroughfare in Chinchani village in Palghar district of Maharashtra

It is not just the fishing community that is opposed to the mega port.

The Bhandaris and Kunbis, who like the Manghels (fisherfolk in this belt are known as Manghels), also live along the coastline, have their own reasons to oppose the port. The fundamental opposition though revolves around disruption of well-established livelihoods and occupations, which have been nurtured by the locals for generations and some like die-making since decades.

Die-making, a modern skill acquired by the locals is a huge cottage industry in the hamlets of Chinchan, Vadhavan, Ghivli that dot the route towards Vadhavan port when one travels from the Boisar railway station towards Tarapur -- where the Tarapur Atomic Power Station operated by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited has been operational since October 28, 1969, when two 160 MW boiling water reactors became active and whose capacity was further enhanced by two 540 MW pressurised heavy water reactors each on September 12, 2005 and August 18, 2006.

All along this route, locals have plastered banners that convey their resolve: These are our villages and nobody but we will have to protect them. Come what may, we will not allow Vadhavan port to come up here.

IMAGE: Santosh Raut (in light blue t-shirt), his father Jaywant (to his left), brother Prakash (extreme left) with fellow locals at work.

Every house in Vadhavan and Chinchan has at least one die-making machine tabled outside on the verandah.

Santosh Jaywant Raut, who belongs to the Bhandari community which is traditionally occupied in toddy-tapping for their livelihood, is a die-maker. Raut, like his father Jaywant, makes blocks of metals called 'die' that has huge demand from jewellers not just from Maharashtra but across India and abroad.

These die-machines are basically moulds that are used to create designs of gold ornaments like rings, necklaces and bangles.

IMAGE: Samples of designs made by Raut and his family.

When we visited the villages and the Vadhavan port site, Raut and his younger brother Prakash, along with several of their neighbours, double up as guards and their homes act like check posts.

Ever since Modi laid the foundation stone in Palghar these villages have become a no-go zone for any government official who these villagers suspect could visit the site for surveys to construct roads to transport heavy machinery for dredging sand from the sea.

From die-making to blocking roads: All in a day's work

"We have set up a network to stop all movement of outsiders towards the seashore," says Raut even as he explains how the entire village has earned its well-being by making dies, fishing and finding employment as farmers when there isn't enough die-making work to do.

IMAGE: The computerised embossing machine that help people like Raut partly automate and shorten their die and design-making duration.

"As soon as any unknown vehicle enters the road towards the seashore one of our people guarding the node immediately sends a message to us on the phone. If the sender doesn't get a response he calls up the people whose houses line the road on which this vehicle is plying. We quickly come out of our homes and gherao the vehicle peacefully, question them and send them back," says Raut, who has now a computerised die-making machine that almost looks like a mini CT (computer tomography) Scan machine, which, he proudly asserts, even his wife and small children operate proficiently.

"Pick anybody from our village -- be it a Class 1 child or Class 10 child or a double graduate. We all know how to make dies and designs," adds Raut's brother Prakash.

The range of die machines (metal blocks) that emboss jewellery designs made by the villagers cost anywhere between Rs 1,000 to Rs 50,000 depending on the intricacies of designs.

The National Security Angle

IMAGE: The Tarapur Atomic Power Station, blurred by the mist, can be seen in the background. To the left of this image is the proposed Vadhavan port site, 6 km inside the sea.

"Nothing about this project happened the right way," asserts activist Milind Raut, who is among the 15 local leaders from this belt spearheading the anti-Vadhavan port agitation. These 15 individuals work as environmentalists, land rights activists, farmers and oceanographers across Palghar district, which was carved out from Thane district for administrative convenience in August 2014.

IMAGE: The Vadhavan port site; to its left lies the Tarapur Atomic Power Station.

The Supreme Court-appointed Dahanu Taluka Environment Protection Authority (DTEPA) has already given its clearance to the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) in 2023. Earlier, in October 2020, the ministry of environment, forest and climate change had approved the port in principle.

"They have not done any surveys (Environmental Impact Assessment). They (the JNPA) haven't even obtained a no-objection certificate from the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board or the Department of Atomic Energy for constructing a port so close to a nuclear power station," says Milind Raut.

"JNPA has been lying that they have obtained all such clearances. They are not telling the local communities how the Vadhavan project will not just destroy their livelihoods but also erode their lands and destroy an already fragile marine ecosystem," adds Milind.

The aerial distance between the Tarapur Atomic Power Station and the Vadhavan port, once fully operational, will be just 10 km, he informs. "Where in the world do you have a nuclear power station and a port in such close proximity?" asks Milind.

Like the others we spoke to earlier, Milind Raut too questions the government's carelessness in choosing a port location so close to an atomic power station.

"Imagine hundreds of ships laying anchor off the port, and in close proximity of a nuclear power station, once the first phase becomes operational in 2029. And then imagine the national security threats such ships could pose to the nuclear power station," alerts Milind.

'Manufactured consent through deception'

A jan sunavni (people's hearing) was held as per the Panchayat Extension of Scheduled Areas Act, 1996 on January 19, 2024, attended among others by a member secretary (an IAS officer), and regional officer, Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), and Palghar District Collector Govind Bodke.

"The people's hearing is procedurally conducted after completion of environmental impact assessment and only then it is sent to the environment ministry for obtaining environmental clearance following which the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) gives its nod," says Milind.

The environmental impact assessment remained incomplete because locals damaged the survey equipment, which was worth Rs 90 lakh and for which the National Highways Authority of India had lodged an FIR against some people.

"This abundantly proves that the people's hearing happened without a complete environmental impact assessment report. Despite 100 per cent opposition of the locals during the people's hearing, the JNPA and MPCB manufactured people's consent deceptively, through the might of state power and sought the environment ministry and CEA clearance," alleges Milind Raut.

"About 34,000 potential project affected people attended this jan sunvai. We submitted 54,000 objection letters to JNPA Chairman Unmesh Wagh but he chose to ignore our petitions," adds Milind.

"The jan sunavni was also compromised. People were not taken into confidence. About 19 gram panchayats have passed a resolution opposing this project. The entire population of this coastal belt is about 2 lakh and in Vadhavan and Tigrepada the population is 6,000. The population of fisherfolks' villages is quite big," he adds.

With the foundation stone now already being laid by Modi, the villagers now brace themselves for a do or die kind of agitation against the project. All along these hamlets they have plastered banners and wall paintings expressing their resolve to fight their battle and their opposition to the project.

Banners in Marathi like Ekach Jidd, Vadhavan Bandar Radd (Only one resolve, scrapping of Vadhavan Port); Aamhi Atmanirbhar, Nako Amhala Vadhavan Bandar (We are self-dependent and self-sufficient, we don't need Vadhavan port to give us jobs); Prakalp Janatela Deshodhadis Lavnyacha, Mhanun Akrosh Bhoomiputracha (The Vadhavan port is poised to destroy the people and their livelihoods, that's the reason the sons of the soil oppose it) dot the landscape: Bus stops, crossroads, busy junctions, fish markets.

Many locals sport t-shirts with these slogans printed on them wherever they travel: Within Palghar or even when they go to other districts for business purposes just so that they spread the word.

Interestingly, the Vadhavan port project which was first mulled in 1997 has been always in the eye of the storm due to fierce opposition by the locals.

Acknowledging the opposition to the project by the locals and wary of its political fallout the then Shiv Sena government then headed by chief minister Manohar Joshi soon put the project on the backburner. Successive state and central governments followed suit until in 2015 the Modi government, under its Sagarmala project, revived it.

'Vadhavan port will decimate our existence'

Even as we speak Milind Raut gets a call about an oncoming vehicle towards the seashore. The seashore is just 100 metres from his home.

He quickly summons his brother Prakash and a few neighbours as they block the road. The vehicle is stopped, the people inside are asked to show their IDs, asked about the purpose of the visit -- "Most government officials dress up as tourists to cheat us," he says -- and are equally briskly asked to reverse their vehicles and exit the village.

This particular vehicle, which Milind Raut stopped on September 5, had two passengers, who said they were bank staff scouting for people who needed loans. Without thinking twice they are asked to return without going further.

Another vehicle had met the same fate a few minutes earlier; an autorickshaw with known faces, though, is allowed to pass through.

IMAGE: Milind Raut (with hand raised) and his brother Prakash (in the foreground) stop a car near their home.

"Today, we don't want any government official to come here and do their surveys. We have found out a report by an independent institute, through RTI, which has warned against the impending port traffic so close to the Tarapur Atomic Power Station and the disaster it could lead to. But the government has purposely hidden that report," says Milind Raut.

"The nuclear power reactor at Tarapur is such a sensitive spot and when an independent institute issues warnings, then why don't you take cognisance of such reports and take corrective measures? Why do you make efforts to hide such reports?" he asks.

"We hear reports of some airport in Japan which has been built on land reclaimed from the sea and which is getting submerged by 1 metre every year. Just imagine what will happen to this port built by dredging and reclaiming almost 5,500 acres of sea," he adds.

"And the sand that will be dredged from the sea bed, the way it will be transported, etc. The environmental impact will be huge on the nature as well as on the people who live here."

"It is not just the livelihood of fisherfolk and die-makers that are at a grave risk of getting disturbed, but also of the farming communities which grow capsicum and horticulturists who grow flowers for exports. There are people who depend on coconut, chikoo (sapota) and traditional rice growers who earn their livelihoods from farming."

"Soon there will be proposals to acquire huge tracts of land for building yards and warehouses," says Milind Raut. "The Vadhavan port project along with the allied activities related to construction will entirely decimate our existence, the die-making industry, fishing communities, farming communities."
At Srinagar's famed Lal Chowk, Rediff.com's Syed Firdaus Ashraf meets a computer engineer who drives an auto for a living and discovers that Kashmiris are more interested in finding jobs than discussing the assembly election.

Photographs: Syed Firdaus Ashraf/ Rediff.com IMAGE: Aafaq Ahmed Dar, a qualified engineer, drives a rickshaw in Srinagar for a living.

At the busy Lal Chowk in Srinagar you see dozens of autorickshaws waiting for prospective passengers.

At the centre of Lal Chowk, you see the Indian flag flying high at a spot where not too long ago it was impossible to imagine such a spectacle.

But then things have changed in Srinagar after the scrapping of Article 370 on August 5, 2019.

Tourists from across India at Lal Chowk make it a point to click photographs with the Tiranga in the background and post it either on their WhatsApp groups or other social media, thus indicating the winds of change in Kashmir.

I ask Srinagar resident Mohammad Farooq, an autorickshaw driver, what issues will dominate the Jammu and Kashmir assembly election.

"Jobs, jobs, jobs," Farooq replies.

In his 50s, the senior gent promptly takes out his mobile phone to display his son's graduation certificate stored in his photogallery.

"Look at this degree," says Farooq. "My son is a BCom graduate and for the last two years he has no job."

"My son did odd jobs for Rs 15,000 in small business firms, but then was thrown out for some or the other reason. Today he sits at home and I have to support him by driving an auto rather than him supporting me financially," adds Farooq.

"The situation is so bad in Srinagar that computer engineers and graduates drive autorickshaws to support their families!" Farooq exclaims.

"You are kidding, Farooq saab," I say, "why would a computer engineer drive an auto?"

"I am not kidding," says Farooq with some vehemence and asks another autorickshaw driver, Bilal Ahmed Shaikh, to locate Aafaq Ahmed Dar.

Just as Bilal takes out his mobile phone to call Aafaq, we spot Aafaq walking towards us.

"Here is Aafaq," says Farooq making the introductions. "He is a computer engineer and he drives an auto to support his family. He got no job in the computer industry because there is no computer industry in Srinagar."

"Aafaq, are you really a computer engineer?" I ask, still incredulous.

"I try to forget this fact about my life, but these other autowallahs don't let me forget it."

In his mid-40s, Aafaq looks disillusioned and seems resigned to his fate of driving an auto.

Why did he give up employment in the computer industry to ply an autorickshaw. He stares at me for a moment and replies, "Family."

"Before writing about Kashmiri society you must understand the Kashmiri's value system," he says. "They value their families the most and so do I."

IMAGE: Mohammad Farooq shows his unemployed son's graduation certificate.

I used to earn Rs 60,000 as a network engineer way back in 2007, but from 2008 strikes and the rise in militancy ensured I lost my job because my company shut down its operations here," says Aafaq.

So why didn't he move to another city for employment? "As I told you, what matters to Kashmiris most is their family. I had two young sisters to support," Aafaq says. "I was their guardian, therefore I decided to stay back though I had no job."

Aafaq started doing odd jobs after which he decided he would ply an auto.

His sisters are married now and he appears satisfied with his meagre salary of Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000 a month.

And what about the companies that have now set up operations in Kashmir? Won't he get a job there? "My qualification is redundant now. I have lost touch with networking and I am okay with what I am doing."

After Aafaq leaves to drop a passenger to his destination, I ask a mobile cover seller in Lal Chowk about election issues in Kashmir.

He echoes Mohammad Farooq: "Jobs, jobs, jobs."

Naveed Bhatt, standing nearby, tells me he has a BCom degree and plys a rickshaw for a living.

Ten years ago, Naveed secured a job in Bahrain at a hospital and earned about Rs 1 lakh a month.

Just like Aafaq, Naveed returned to Srinagar to fulfill family responsibilities after his father asked him to do so.

"Family is family. Everything can wait, but not family," says Naveed, who quit his job and came to Srinagar in the second quarter of 2019 with no plans for the future.

That was when Article 370 was abolished and ordinary Kashmiris faced six months of a lockdown.

Things got worse after the curfew was lifted as Kashmir saw another lockdown in 2020, this time enforced by COVID-19.

He sat at home nursing his father who passed away that year.

IMAGE: Aafaq Ahmed Dar seems resigned to his fate.

Naveed bought a rickshaw for Rs 400,000 and says he is happy driving his vehicle around the streets of Srinagar.

Why couldn't he get a job at a hospital in Srinagar, after all he has valuable experience working at a hospital in Bahrain? "In Srinagar, they don't pay good salaries in hospitals," Naveed says. "I did try in some of them, but then felt it is better to drive a rickshaw like my younger brother who is a non-graduate and drives an auto to make a living."

Doesn't he feel bad how his career has declined? From working in Bahrain as a supervisor at a reputed hospital to driving a rickshaw?

He quotes Allama Iqbal in reply: "Khudi Na Bech, Garibi Mein Naam Paida Kar."

To quote Iqbal's full couplet: 'Mera tareeq amiri nahi, faqeeri hain; Khudi na bech, ghareebi mein naam paida ka..'

(My way of life is poverty, not the pursuit of wealth; Barter not thy Selfhood; win a name in adversity.)

"I am working hard and earning," Naveed says, "what is there to be ashamed?"
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 12. Illegal mining activities continue in Armenia, Co-founder of Environmental Protection First coalition Amin Mammadov said during a media briefing, Trend reports.

According to him, the Environmental Protection First coalition was supported by Armenian NGOs protesting against the Armenian government's plans to mine gold in the Amuldagh mine in early 2024.

He noted that following this activity, in May 2024, a map of Armenia's mining industry in Armenian, English, and Azerbaijani, prepared by the Society of Cartographers of Azerbaijan, a member of the coalition, was presented to the public.

Despite all these actions and protests, the Armenian government continues to allow foreign investor companies to invest in these activities on Armenian territory and does not require them to submit any environmental impact assessment reports either to the Armenian public or to neighboring countries.

Thus Armenia continues to seriously violate the Aarhus Convention (On Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-making, and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters) to which it has acceded, as well as the Espoo Convention (Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context).

In this context, there have been repeated protests both from the relevant governmental structures of Azerbaijan and from civil society.

Independent experts of Azerbaijan demanded the monitoring of enterprises operating in these territories in Armenia and the involvement of Azerbaijani specialists in this monitoring.

Meanwhile, there have not been any statements or positions on the part of Armenia regarding the fulfillment of this demand. As members of the coalition, we once again express our strong protest on this issue and, drawing the attention of the international community to this issue, we demand from Armenia serious steps in this area, he added.

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Today

Some clouds this morning will give way to generally sunny skies for the afternoon. High 64F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

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WASHINGTON, D.C.  The U.S. Senate has voted to approve the nomination of Attorney Mary Kay Lanthier of Orwell to serve as the next federal district court judge for Vermont.

The rollcall vote was 55-42 and ended shortly after 6 p.m. Wednesday.

Lanthier, 53, has been the supervisory attorney for the Rutland County Public Defender's Office since 2007.

Lanthier has refused to take phone calls from the media since her name first surfaced as a candidate this summer and she did not respond to a phone message on Wednesday.

President Joe Biden nominated Lanthier this summer to replace Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford of Burlington, who stepped down on Aug. 10 after serving for 10 years in the fulltime post.

Crawford moved to Senior Status, which will allow him a reduced case load. Crawford is a former state trial court judge and associate justice of the Vermont Supreme Court.

The vote on Wednesday pretty much followed party lines as Democrats supported Biden's nomination with some crossovers. Republicans have been critical of some presidential nominations for federal judges and U.S. Attorneys, citing what they call the "politicalization" of Biden's Justice Department. Nominations to fill four vacant posts as U.S. Attorneys, including for Massachusetts, were sidetracked on Wednesday before the vote to consider Lanthier.

Biden nominated Lanthier this summer after three other earlier recommendations by a special Vermont screening committee of Democrats and Progressives established under the direction of U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt. failed to get traction.

Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vt., who was named to the Senate Judiciary Committee last year, helped lead the Lanthier nomination through the sometimes complex and contentious political process. Welch, who is in his first term, replaced Vermont's former senior senator, Patrick J. Leahy, a longtime powerful member of the Judiciary panel.

Lanthier faced a June hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee, but found the going soft as the senators focused that day on other three other judicial nominees.

The Senate Judiciary Committee later voted 13-7 to support Lanthier's nomination on Aug. 1  the final day before Congress took its final summer recess.

With the full Senate back in session on Wednesday, Welch offered words of support for Lanthier shortly before voting on the nomination began. He called the Rutland area native "an extraordinary person" with a lifetime commitment to public service.

Welch said her father was a slate roofer in Fair Haven and her mother was a longtime local postmaster. He said she has modesty and humility. Welch, a lawyer, said he believes Lanthier will be an excellent judge.

Sanders later offered comments about Lanthier's resume and her fitness to serve.

Lanthier will preside at the federal courthouse at 151 West Street not far from the Judge Frank McCaffrey State Courthouse where she did much of her state work.

Three other lawyers had been proposed for the federal judgeship in January by the Vermont screening committee, but were put on the back burner this spring without explanation before the FBI and Department of Justice suddenly started vetting Lanthier.

Assistant Federal Defender Steven L. Barth, Vermont Law School Professor Jessica C. Brown and First Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael P. Drescher were deemed initially qualified by the Vermont screening committee.

Biden, however, had made clear he was looking for women, people of color, other minorities and public defenders to serve as judges.

That appeared to put Brown, who was a public defender for 24 years in New Hampshire and Vermont, out in front over the two white men. But the Department of Justice and the FBI completed a background check on Lanthier in June, and President Biden subsequently announced he would nominate Lanthier for the lifetime appointment as one of the two trial court judges for Vermont. Biden gave no explanation for bypassing the first three. Brown has since accepted the post of Burlington City Attorney.

Lanthier will be the second woman to serve as a District Court Judge in Vermont. Christina Reiss, who is the chief federal judge, was the first and is based at the federal courthouse in Burlington.

About half the work on the federal docket involves criminal cases. The other half is civil  a mixture that includes a wide range of cases ranging from civil rights to employment discrimination to contract disputes and more.

Lanthier said in her application that all her legal work had been in state courts and none in federal court.

The annual pay for federal district court judges was bumped this year from $232,600 to $243,300.

Lanthier had a half dozen letters of support from state prosecutors, the Defender General, a former longtime Rutland County police chief, a retired state judge and the president of the Vermont Bar Association.

Lanthier received her undergraduate degree from Amherst College in 1993 and her law degree from Northeastern University School of Law in 1996. She taught either one or two evidence labs each spring semester between 2017 and 2023 at Vermont Law and Graduate School.

She served as the treasurer for the Vermont Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
Photo: Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 12. Azerbaijans Karabakh University has finalized its preparations for the inaugural academic year, Trend reports citing a statement from the universitys press service.

Classes for the 2024/2025 academic year at Karabakh University will commence on September 23.

"Preparations for the inaugural academic year have been completed, including the full setup of university infrastructure, the formation of the faculty, and the scheduling of classes across all disciplines," the statement said.

As part of the university's modern development model, Karabakh University will host orientation days.

During these events, students will become acquainted with the campus, staff, and the city of Khankendi, receiving all necessary information and answers to their questions.

"Exact details regarding students' arrival at the university will be provided through relevant WhatsApp groups," the statement added.
Israel stepped up its massive air strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs in its drive to wipe out Hezbollah's capabilities and leadership, even as the world awaits with trepidation the October 7 anniversary of the bloody attack on Israel by Hamas -- which, like Hezbollah, is a U.S.-designated terror group with ties to Iran.

Meanwhile, Tehran said it had lifted all flight restrictions after earlier announcing it was closing Iranian airports as of 9 p.m. on October 6 until 6 a.m. on October 7, citing "operational restrictions," at a time when Israel is weighing options for its response to Iran's recent massive missile strike on its territory.

State media said the restrictions were lifted after ensuring favorable and safe conditions.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on October 6 threatened Iran that it might eventually find itself looking like Beirut or Gaza -- which has also been battered over the past year -- if Tehran attempts to further harm Israel.

"The Iranians did not touch the air force's capabilities. No aircraft were damaged, no squadron was taken out of order," Gallant said in reference to the Iranian missile strike, which caused few injuries and slight damage to two air force bases.

"Whoever thinks that a mere attempt to harm us will deter us from taking action should take a look at [Israels operations] in Gaza and Beirut, where Israel is battling fighters of Hamas, which has been deemed a terrorist organization by the United States and EU.

Israel earlier said conducted a series of targeted strikes on weapons storage facilities and infrastructure sites that belong to Iran-backed Hezbollah.

Hezbollah has been designated by the United States as a terror group, while the European Union has blacklisted its armed wing but not its political unit, which holds seats in the Lebanese parliament.

Lebanon's official National News Agency said Hezbollah's stronghold in the area was hit by more than 30 strikes. A petrol station and a medical supplies warehouse were hit by the air raids.

Video footage showed huge flames and plumes of smoke billowing into the night sky, as residents fled their homes in panic with explosions echoing in the background.

Many observers said the attacks were the strongest yet of Israel's recent air strikes.

"Last night was the most violence of all the previous nights," Hanan Abdullah, a resident of the Burj al-Barajneh area in Beirut's southern suburbs, told Reuters.

"Buildings were shaking around us and at first I thought it was an earthquake. There were dozens of strikes -- we couldn't count them all -- and the sounds were deafening,"

Israel has bombed Beirut suburbs for days, killing Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and possibly his potential successor, Hashem Safieddine.

Security sources have said Safieddine had been out of contact since October 4, after an Israeli air strike near Beiruts international airport that was reported to have targeted him. Hezbollah has not commented on Safieddine.

Israel says Nasrallah was killed in a strike on the group's central command headquarters in Beirut on September 27.

Two senior Iranian security officials told Reuters on October 6 that Ismail Qaani, commander of the Quds Force -- the overseas arm of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) -- also had not been heard from in recent days since traveling to Lebanon.

Senior Hezbollah member Mahmoud Qmati, when asked about Qaani's whereabouts, told Reuters: "I have no information. We are also searching for the truth of this matter.

Statements on October 6 out of the United States -- Tel Aviv's most important ally -- indicated some frustrations with the scope of Israel's military action.

"Military pressure can at times enable diplomacy. Of course, military pressure can also lead to miscalculation. It can lead to unintended consequences," a U.S. State Department spokesperson said in statement.

The spokesperson said Washington supported Israeli actions in going after extremist elements but added that U.S. leaders but did not approve of the targeting of civilian infrastructure.

"Every civilian casualty is one too many," the spokesperson said.

Israel said on October 5 that its forces had killed 440 Hezbollah fighters in ground operations in southern Lebanon and destroyed 2,000 Hezbollah targets. Nine Israeli soldiers had been killed in southern Lebanon so far, the authorities said.

According to the Lebanese Health Ministry, nearly 2,000 people have been killed in Lebanon in the latest conflict, most of them since September 23.

Israel says the attacks on Hezbollah are aimed at enabling the safe return of tens of thousands of citizens to homes in northern Israel, bombarded by the group since last October.

The Israeli forces were on high alert ahead of the first anniversary of an attack on October 7 last year, which sparked the war and was carried out by Hamas.

According to Israel tallies, some 1,200 people were killed and about 250 taken hostage in the unprecedented Hamas attack on southern Israel.

Israeli police on October 6 said several people had been injured in a suspected shooting attack in Beersheba, a city in southern Israel. One attacker was killed, the ambulance service said.

Separately, health officials in Hamas-run Gaza reported on October 6 that at least 41,870 Palestinians have been killed in the territory in the yearlong war between Israel and Palestinian militants.

Palestinian officials said that an Israeli strike on a mosque in Gaza early on October 6 killed at least 19 people who were sheltering after being displaced from their homes near the town of Deir al-Bala.

The Israeli military said the strike was targeting militants. The reports could not immediately be confirmed, but the Associated Press said one of its journalists counted the bodies at the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital morgue.

AP also reported that hospital records showed that the fatalities from the mosque strike were all men.

Israel said its forces on October 6 surrounded the Jabaliya area of northern Gaza in response to indications that Hamas was rebuilding its operational capabilities in the area.

Israel is also considering a retaliatory strike on Iran, which fired at least 180 ballistic missiles at Israel on October 1.

Iranian Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad visited Kharg island on October 6, amid concerns that Israel could target Iran's largest oil terminal there.

"The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps [IRGC] Navy plays an important role in the security of oil and gas facilities," Paknejad was quoted as saying at the facility, from which around 90 percent of Iranian oil exports are shipped.

In Syria, state media and local rights monitors said an Israeli air strike targeted three cars in the city of Homs, although details remained sketchy.

Israeli forces have for years been striking Iran-linked targets in Syria and have intensified such actions since the October 7 attacks.

With reporting by Reuters, AFP, and AP
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 12. Azerbaijans Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsperson) Sabina Aliyeva participated in an International Conference of Ombudsman held in Italy's Lazio province, the statement of the Azerbaijani Ombudsman's Office said, Trend reports.

The event, titled "The Role of the Ombudsman as a Guarantor of Rights," brought together ombudsmen and representatives of national human rights institutions from more than 50 countries.

During the session on "Human Rights During Global Crises: The Role of the Ombudsman," Aliyeva discussed the pressing global issues affecting both human rights and the environment.

She emphasized that protecting human rights in the context of climate change is a top priority for ombudsmen and national human rights institutions. Aliyeva also noted that the Azerbaijani Ombudsmans office has organized numerous initiatives addressing these challenges.

She highlighted the environmental damage and ecological destruction caused by nearly three decades of Armenian occupation of Azerbaijani lands. Aliyeva detailed the adverse effects of landmines, which not only endanger lives and health but also obstruct the safe return of displaced persons and hinder reconstruction efforts. The mines have also contributed to significant ecological imbalances in the affected regions.

The Ombudsperson also outlined Azerbaijans efforts to improve environmental conditions through state programs, strategies, and national action plans.

She pointed out that 2024 has been declared the "Green World Solidarity Year" by Azerbaijans government.

Furthermore, Aliyeva noted that Azerbaijan will host the 29th Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC (COP 29) later this year, with preparations underway for the high-level event.

The conference aimed to promote respect for human rights globally, free from discrimination.
One year ago, Hamas -- the U.S.- and EU-designated Palestinian terrorist group that controls the Gaza Strip -- carried out an unprecedented attack on Israel, the deadliest in the countrys history.

In response, Israel launched an aerial bombardment and ground invasion of the Palestinian enclave to destroy Hamas and rescue the 251 hostages taken by the group.

Israel has expanded its war in recent weeks by invading Lebanon and launching air strikes targeting Hezbollah, the armed group and political party that controls much of southern Lebanon.

RFE/RL spoke to Lior Yohanani, manager of quantitative research at the Israel Democracy Institute, a Jerusalem-based independent research center, which on October 7 released a wide-ranging survey of Israeli public opinion after one year of war.

RFE/RL: Can you explain what your study found as to how Israelis view the past year since Hamas's October 7 attack?



Lior Yohanani: Well, I think Israelis still don't see October 7 as an event that's over. Sure, the actual horrific events of that day ended, but Israelis are still living with the consequences.

There are two main aspects to this. First, since October 7, Israel has been in this multifront war that doesn't seem to have an end in sight. And then, of course, there is the issue of the hostages still being held in Gaza. So, we're seeing a sharp drop in people's sense of personal security. Almost three quarters of the public feel less safe compared to before October 7, and that's despite a year of war and some significant military achievements. On the flip side, we're also seeing that most people say their lives have returned to normal when it comes to things like work, media consumption, and family and social gatherings.

Another thing we're noticing is that the Israeli public is giving pretty low marks to all the political and military leaders for the performance since October 7. For example, almost two-thirds of Israelis are rating Prime Minister [Benjamin] Netanyahu's performance since then as poor or not good.

RFE/RL: How has Israel's involvement in a two-front conflict, in both Gaza and Lebanon, as well as a confrontation with Iran affected public opinion among Israelis?



Yohanani: It's tough to answer that question, because we're at the point where things could go in a few different directions. In the last few weeks, we've seen a major escalation in the conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon, and just last week, Iran launched nearly 200 ballistic missiles at Israel, which Israel is expected to respond to. In a survey we just did recently, we asked whether Israeli society and the military could handle fighting on two or more fronts for an extended period of time, and the results were pretty striking. Over 70 percent believe that yes, both Israeli society and the military can handle that kind of prolonged fighting. So, while the situation is complex and evolving, there seems to be a strong sense of resilience and capability among Israelis, even in the face of these multiple threats. But of course, public opinion could shift depending on how events unfold in the coming weeks or months.



RFE/RL: Is there support for Netanyahus response to October 7? Is there debate in Israeli society, as well as political circles, over Netanyahus strategic choices?



Yohanani: First of all, it's important to say that the Israeli public has largely supported significant military operation against Hamas in Gaza. That said, the Israeli discourse around the October 7 events, the ongoing war, and especially toward Prime Minister Netanyahu, is very polarized between right-wing supporters on the one hand and left and center supporters on the other.

People are hoping for a future where Israel can exist without constant threats, rather than expecting a harmonious relationship with its neighbors in the near-term."

So, on the left and the center, there is a high level of distrust and suspicion toward Netanyahu and his government. For instance, Netanyahu's apparent reluctance to pursue a deal for returning the hostages in exchange for ending the fighting in Gaza is seen by large parts of the public, even on the right, as resulting from Netanyahu's dependence on far-right, ultranationalist members of his government who refuse any compromise or ceasefire.

Now for a long time, Netanyahu and his ministers argued that only significant military force would lead Hamas to compromise and release the hostages. Now, with military attention and resources shifting to the north, people are asking, where is this massive military force that was supposed to bring the hostages home?

One question we have asked several times since October 7 in our polls is what should be the main goal in Gaza: Dismantling Hamas or bringing back the hostages? And as time goes on, public opinion is increasingly supporting the return of hostages. In our current survey, 62 percent saw bringing the bringing back the hostages as Israel's main goal, while only 29 percent pointed to dismantling Hamas as the primary objective.

RFE/RL: How do ordinary Israelis see the question of the remaining hostages amid the continued protests by the hostages' families?



Yohanani: As I mentioned before, most of the public supports a deal to release the hostages, even if it means ending the war and withdrawing the military forces from Gaza. There's this widespread feeling that we've left the hostages behind, and that's really hitting at our sense of solidarity, which is a deep and fundamental value, I think, in Jewish history in general and in Israel society in particular.

At the same time, the campaign run by the Hostages And Missing Families Forum has become very politicized. Many right-wing supporters see it as weakening Israel. As time goes on, we're seeing more and more harassment of protesters who support bringing the hostages back. There are cases of passersby cursing, even hitting and throwing eggs, at hostages' families. In our latest survey, we asked about the effectiveness of the protests and actions taken by the hostages' families.

Despite most of the public feeling empathetic toward the hostage issue, only less than a third think these actions are actually helping to advance a deal for the hostages' release, while almost 40 percent think they're actually hurting the cause. So, you've got this complex situation where people want the hostages back, but there is disagreement and some backlash about how to make that happen.

RFE/RL: Can you explain the reasons behind the apparent contradiction in views regarding prioritizing a negotiated return of the hostages, or destroying Hamas?

Yohanani: You're right to point out that apparent contradiction. Let me break it down a bit. As I mentioned earlier, a clear majority of the public sees a deal to release the hostages as the main goal. But there is a big gap between political camps on this issue. In the center and left, about 80 percent support the deal for the hostages' release, while the opinions on the right are evenly split. So, for most of the left and center, the fighting in Gaza has run its course. They feel most military objectives have been achieved, and Hamas's military power has been significantly weakened. From their perspective, continuing the fight now only puts the hostages at greater risk.

It's important to know that about half of the right-wing also shares this view of prioritizing the hostages' release, but the other half of those on the far-right thinks dismantling Hamas is more important.

Why? For a couple of reasons.

First, there's a security stance that Hamas must be wiped out and not allowed to recover. There is also a very strong sentiment of revenge, with minimal consideration for the cost, whether it's the lives of the hostages, soldiers, let alone innocent civilians in Gaza. Another significant component openly discussed in religious nationalist circles is the return of Jewish settlement to the Gaza Strip after Israel evacuated Jewish settlements from there in 2005.

RFE/RL: Is there public confidence that Israel will ultimately be able to remove the threat of Hamas and Hezbollah and come out of this conflict with greater prospects for a peaceful and stable near-term future?



Yohanani: Right now, the Israeli public isn't showing a lot of optimism. In our current survey, when we asked people if they're optimistic or pessimistic about Israel's future, we found more pessimists, 48 percent, than optimists, 45 percent.

I also think it's important to note that a peaceful future, as you put it, or peace in general, isn't really a common concept in the current Israeli discourse. I would say the hope of Israelis is that the military actions against Hezbollah and Iran will lead to a situation where Israel's existence isn't in question, and that Israeli military superiority will prevent events like October 7 from happening again. So, it's less about peace in the traditional sense, and more about security and deterrence. People are hoping for a future where Israel can exist without constant threats, rather than expecting a harmonious relationship with its neighbors in the near-term.
BELGRADE -- A Serbian court will open proceedings on September 12 in the country's first publicly documented case of sex trafficking involving Chinese nationals.

A criminal indictment obtained by RFE/RL through a freedom of information request says that two Chinese women were trafficked to Serbia from China and then had their passports taken away from them, given only one meal per day, and forced under the threat of death to provide sexual services to men.

The indictment adds that the two women were trafficked by a male Chinese citizen who "misled the victims" by promising to "find them a job as a masseuse" in Serbia and "provide housing and food" for them. He then forced them to have sex with men shortly after arriving in the Balkan country by threatening "to kill them" and warning "that he is powerful and can do anything to make them disappear."

"After a few hours upon their arrival, he organized their sexual exploitation by" Chinese men in Serbia "under the threat that they... owed him money for the purchased [plane] tickets and that they needed to earn money to obtain work permits."

The Chinese man, who has not been identified, was arrested in March by Serbian police in the eastern city of Bor and is set to begin his closed-door preliminary hearing after being charged with human trafficking by a court in the nearby city of Zajecar.

Large sections of the indictment obtained by RFE/RL, including details about the case and the women's ordeal, were blacked out.

The legal case involving Chinese nationals is likely to test the increasingly friendly relations between China and Serbia.

China has become a major investor and trade partner with Serbia, and the two countries provide visa-free travel for each other's citizens.

"The sensitivity of diplomatic relations often creates pressure on [Serbian] authorities to be cautious when it comes to investigations involving Chinese citizens or companies," said Sasa Djordjevic, senior analyst at the Global Initiative to Combat Transnational Organized Crime, a Switzerland-based think tank.

"The fear that this could jeopardize strategic ties between Serbia and China may lead to a less decisive reaction from [Serbian] authorities and institutions," Djordjevic added.

Looking Closer At The Case

The two women have been officially identified as victims of human trafficking by the Center for the Protection of Victims of Human Trafficking, a Serbian state-run organization that provides support to trafficking victims.

The center told RFE/RL that the case was the first in Serbia involving Chinese nationals since it began collecting data in 2015.

There have been 35 documented cases of human trafficking in Serbia so far in 2024, according to the center.

Examples of trafficking Chinese women to Serbia are mentioned in the 2024 Trafficking In Persons Report released by the U.S. State Department.

The report says that "traffickers exploit women from the [People's Republic of China (PRC)] in sex trafficking, primarily targeting demand for commercial sex from workers at PRC-funded projects, including copper mines."

While no links to the mining industry are mentioned in the indictment, Bor, the city where the man accused of trafficking the women was arrested, and the nearby town of Majdanpek, are both home to large gold and copper mining operations that were taken over in 2018 by China's Zijin Mining company. The firm employs both Serbian and Chinese workers in Bor and Majdanpek.

The State Department declined to answer RFE/RL's questions about the details mentioned in the report or if it included the case of the two Chinese women in the indictment. But the State Department did say that it informed the Serbian government about its findings.

The Serbian government did not respond to RFE/RL's request for comment.

The Chinese Embassy in Belgrade did not respond to RFE/RL's questions about the indictment, the preliminary trial beginning on September 12, or the claims raised by the State Department.

Zoran Pasalic, Serbia's national rapporteur for human trafficking and ombudsman, told RFE/RL in a statement that he was familiar with the case involving the two Chinese women and that "there is no doubt that they are victims of human trafficking."

Pasalic said other people in addition to the Chinese man were also involved in trafficking and exploiting the two women.

"According to our knowledge, it is not only a Chinese citizen. However, in the interest of the investigation, I cannot reveal who was also involved in that case," he said.

Pasalic said the Center for the Protection of Victims of Human Trafficking provided the women with free accommodation and psychological support, granted them temporary residence permits, and "support during their return to China."

In Serbia, human trafficking carries a maximum penalty of 12 years in prison.

But Marija Andjelkovic, the CEO of ASTRA, a Serbian grassroots organization that provides support for human-trafficking victims, says that legal precedent in the country tends to favor lighter sentencing, often between three to five years.

"These procedures can last a long time and be exhausting for the victim," she told RFE/RL. "[The victim] can be expected to repeat her story on average up to seven times from the first contact with the authorities until the end of the trial."

Serbia's Record On Human Trafficking

In another notable human-trafficking case in Serbia in 2021, the Chinese company Linglong, which is building a nearly $1 billion tire factory in northeastern Serbia, was accused of trafficking and exploiting an estimated 500 Vietnamese workers.

As documented through testimony from workers and images shared with local and international media at the time, the laborers were housed in makeshift barracks near the construction site without electricity, hot water, or adequate access to food. Many of the workers also had their passports taken away by their managers after entering Serbia and the incident was raised by the UN Human Rights Council.

A similar case arose in January involving a smaller group of Indian workers with the construction company China Energy Engineering Group Tianjin Electric Power Construction, which is a contractor of Linglong.

Serbian investigators concluded that neither incident was a case of human trafficking, a move that was criticized by grassroots groups like ASTRA and by Tomoya Obokata, the UN special rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery.

Obokata told the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network that it was part of a "dangerous trend" of Serbia ignoring potential human-trafficking cases.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 12. Aramco has signed new agreements with Chinese companies Rongsheng Petrochemical Co. Ltd. and Hengli Group Co. Ltd., strengthening its role in Chinas energy security and development, Trend reports.

The deals were announced during a visit to Saudi Arabia by Chinese Premier Li Qiang and aim to deepen cooperation in energy and petrochemical sectors.

The agreements include a Development Framework Agreement with Rongsheng, focused on the potential expansion of the Saudi Aramco Jubail Refinery (SASREF). This follows earlier plans for Rongsheng to acquire a 50% stake in SASREF and to develop a liquids-to-chemicals project. Additionally, Aramco could acquire a 50% stake in Rongshengs affiliate, Ningbo Zhongjin Petrochemical.

Aramco also signed a Strategic Cooperation Agreement with Hengli Group, advancing discussions on a potential 10% stake in Hengli Petrochemical Co., Ltd., pending due diligence and regulatory approvals.

Aramco Downstream President Mohammed Y. Al Qahtani highlighted the long-term benefits of these partnerships, stating they will strengthen Aramco's position in the Chinese market and drive mutual growth in the energy and petrochemical sectors.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 12. Sea cruises are set to set sail from Russia to Baku, Trend reports via the State Maritime and Port Agency of Azerbaijan.

This matter was brought to the table during the agency's powwow with a delegation from Russia's cruise industry bigwig, tour operator Vodokanal LLC.

The meeting drove home the importance of high-level visits, meetings, and events between the two countries in building bridges, underscoring that bolstering cooperation between Azerbaijan and Russia is a win-win for expanding trade and economic ties, as well as partnerships in maritime transport.

Vodokanal LLC's plans to build three next-generation cruise ships under the Karelia project 00840 were also discussed during the meeting. The ships are expected to be commissioned in 20252026, and the company plans to continue its involvement in cruises to ports in Makhachkala, Aktau, Turkmenbashi, Baku, and Anzali.

Additionally, during the meeting, which included representatives from the Baku International Sea Trade Port, issues related to simplifying ship entry and exit procedures at Azerbaijan's ports were also reviewed.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Chandigarh Sector 10 Grenade Attack: Rs 2 Lakh Reward For Information on Suspects

The police have detained one suspect but are actively searching for two more individuals.

Chandigarh Sector 10 Bomb Grenade Attack Latest News Today: In the latest development in the Sector 10 grenade attack case, Chandigarh Police have announced a reward of Rs 2 lakhs for anyone who can provide information leading to the arrest of two suspects involved in the blast.

The public has been urged to contact the Police Control Room at 0172-2749194, 112, or via WhatsApp at 9465121000 with any leads that could help in apprehending these two suspects.

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The grenade attack took place in the early hours of Wednesday, shocking residents of the upscale Sector 10. Explosive material was reportedly hurled into a residential house, causing significant damage to the exterior of the property. Although no injuries were reported, the incident has sparked widespread concern about safety in the peaceful neighborhood.

Chandigarh Police swiftly responded by cordoning off the area and evacuating nearby houses as a precaution. Bomb disposal squads were deployed to neutralize any potential threats, and the investigation into the attack has been ongoing. CCTV footage has surfaced showing a car passing by the house shortly before the explosion, offering crucial clues to the investigation.

The police have detained one suspect but are actively searching for two more individuals believed to be involved. Residents remain on high alert, with increased security measures in place.

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As the investigation unfolds, the police are hopeful that the publics assistance will bring the remaining suspects to justice and restore a sense of security in the area.

(For more news apart from Chandigarh Sector 10 Bomb Grenade Attack Latest News Today, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 12. Deputy Managing Director at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Bo Li will visit Kazakhstan, said Julie Kozack, Director of the Communications Department at the IMF, Trend reports.

"Deputy Managing Director Bo Li will be visiting Astana, Kazakhstan on Monday, September 16th to meet with the authorities, engage with various stakeholders, including students, to discuss economic prospects for the region," she reported at a briefing.

According to the IMF forecast, Kazakhstans real GDP growth is expected to be 3.5 percent in 2024. For 2025, GDP growth is projected to stand at 4.6 percent.

Kazakhstan has been a member of the IMF since 1992. Over the years, the country has established several mutually beneficial agreements with the Fund. The IMF mission visits Kazakhstan annually for consultations.
Madhya Pradesh Rape Case: Army Officers Attacked, Female Friend Raped During Picnic

Personnel from multiple police stations have been mobilized, and a manhunt is underway to capture the suspects involved in heinous crime.

Madhya Pradesh Rape Case With Army Officers Female Friend Latest News: A picnic outing in Madhya Pradesh's Indore district turned horrific when two Indian Army officers were assaulted, and one of their female friends was raped by a group of unidentified men. The incident has shocked the region, with authorities launching an extensive manhunt to apprehend the perpetrators.

According to reports from PTI and police sources, the two army officers, aged 23 and 24, were attending a picnic on Tuesday along with two female friends. The officers, undergoing a Young Officers (YO) course at the Infantry School in Mhow cantonment, were attacked during the outing.

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Badgonda police station in-charge, Lokendra Singh Hirore, revealed that the assailants held one of the women and her companion at gunpoint inside a vehicle. The second officer and her friend, who were on a nearby hill, heard cries for help and rushed to the scene. They quickly informed their superiors, leading to police being alerted.

Despite the prompt response, the attackers managed to flee before law enforcement arrived. All four victims were taken to Mhow Civil Hospital for medical examination, where doctors confirmed sexual assault on one of the women and noted injuries on the officers' bodies.

Indore Rural Superintendent of Police, Hitika Vasal, confirmed that a case has been registered under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including gangrape, dacoity, extortion, and voluntarily causing hurt, as well as under the Arms Act.

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Personnel from multiple police stations have been mobilized, and a manhunt is underway to capture the suspects involved in the heinous crime.

(For more news apart from Madhya Pradesh Rape Case With Army officers Female Friend Latest News, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
Shimla Bandh Today: Mall Road and Baluganj Markets Closed Amidst Sanjauli Mosque Row

Traders in Shimla's Mall Road and Baluganj have announced a market closure today

Shimla Bandh Today, Sanjauli Mosque Protest Controversy Latest News: A major protest erupted in Shimla on Wednesday over the illegal construction of a mosque in Sanjauli, leading to clashes between protesters and police. The situation escalated when the police resorted to lathicharge and used water cannons to disperse the crowd, resulting in injuries to around 10 people, including policemen.

In response, traders in Shimla's Mall Road and Baluganj have announced a market closure today in protest of the police action. The Mall Road market will remain closed until 1 PM, while the Baluganj market will also observe a closure from 10 AM to 1 PM. This strike has been organized to condemn the police lathicharge that occurred during the mosque dispute in Sanjauli.

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The Baluganj Chamber of Commerce issued a press release urging shopkeepers and traders to join the protest. "In protest against the lathicharge on the Hindu community in Sanjauli, the Baluganj market will remain closed on September 12, 2024, from 10 AM to 1 PM. We request all shopkeepers to close their shops and gather in front of Baluganj School from 11 AM to 1 PM for a peaceful demonstration," the statement read.

The Chamber stressed that the protest should remain non-violent and that the bandh is only for three hours to send a clear message to the administration.

Also Read | What is Shimla's Sanjauli Mosque Controversy? Know All About It

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Similarly, traders on Mall Road, one of Shimla's most popular shopping areas, have announced their participation in the strike. Sanjeev Thakur, President of the Chamber of Commerce, confirmed that shops on Mall Road will be closed from 10 AM to 1 PM today. On Wednesday evening, shopkeepers had already closed their businesses for an hour as a preliminary protest against the lathicharge.

Both market closures are being carried out peacefully to express solidarity with the affected community and to press for administrative action regarding the Sanjauli mosque issue.

(For more news apart from Shimla Bandh Today, Sanjauli Mosque Protest Controversy Latest News, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)

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uganj Markets Closed Amidst Sanjauli Mosque Row
Who Will Teach Rahul Gandhi Contemporary History of India?

As someone who sees himself as a potential Prime Minister, Gandhi should demonstrate the qualities of a responsible and thoughtful leader.

Rahul Gandhi seems to need a deeper understanding of Indian history, both medieval and contemporary. His recent remarks in the U.S. painted a misleading picture of the Sikh community's situation in India, suggesting that Sikhs are being deprived of their religious freedoms, such as wearing turbans or the kara. This statement, made at a gathering organized by the Indian Overseas Congress in Virginia, has sparked widespread controversy.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has strongly condemned Gandhi's comments, labeling them "false and misleading." While such reactions were expected from the BJP, the silence from other political and social parties, as well as Sikh organizations like the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), is surprising. Regardless of political differences, Gandhi's remarks have been deemed worthy of condemnation.

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Gandhi's narrative closely aligns with that of Khalistani elements abroad, particularly in Canada and the U.S., which could tarnish the image of Sikhs in India. These statements also pose unnecessary challenges for Sikhs living outside of Punjab, as they often face questions and doubts from people of other faiths.

Historical Context:

The Sikh Turban: The turban, a symbol of Sikh pride, was first worn during the arrest of Banda Bahadur in 1716 under Mughal Emperor Farrukhsiyar. The persecution continued under Subedar Zakaria Khan of Lahore (1726-40). In more recent history, during the 1982 Asian Games, the Congress government of Haryana humiliated Sikhs by forcibly removing their turbans in the name of security searches, even subjecting two Sikh lieutenant generals to this indignity.

Destruction of Harmandir Sahib: In December 1761, Ahmed Shah Abdali demolished the Harmandir Sahib and other gurdwaras, including the Akal Takht. The Congress government under Indira Gandhi did something similar in 1984 during Operation Blue Star, which was led by Rahul Gandhis grandmother.

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Sikh Massacres: In 1762, thousands of Sikhs were massacred by Ahmad Shah Abdali. A similar massacre took place in November 1984, following the assassination of Indira Gandhi. During this time, Rajiv Gandhi, Rahul Gandhis father, had just taken office as Prime Minister. Over 3,000 Sikhs were killed in Delhi alone, with the exact death toll across the country still unknown. Jyoti Basu, then Chief Minister of West Bengal, was one of the few political figures who called for an immediate halt to the violence.

Dr. Manmohan Singhs Tenure: The Congress party claims that they absolved themselves by appointing Dr. Manmohan Singh as Prime Minister in 2004. However, Rahul Gandhi humiliated Dr. Singh in 2013 by publicly tearing down an ordinance issued by his own government. This act of disrespect stands in contrast to Gandhis current rhetoric about protecting Sikh interests.

Rahul Gandhi's claim that if the BJP can target Muslim women's hijabs today, they might attack Sikh turbans tomorrow is seen as an exaggerated and misleading statement. The BJP's stance on Islam and Christianity differs significantly from its views on religions originating in India, such as Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. While their stance on Islam and Christianity is widely criticized, invoking discrimination against Muslims to make a case for Sikh victimization is both inappropriate and deceptive.

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As someone who sees himself as a potential Prime Minister, Gandhi should demonstrate the qualities of a responsible and thoughtful leader. Making divisive statements that align with separatist or Khalistani narratives, whether in Kashmir or abroad, may only hinder his political aspirations and credibility.
Punjab Doctors Extend Strike, OPD Services Closed Entire Day Today

The doctors' key demands include the reinstatement of the Assured Career Progression (ACP) scheme.

Punjab Doctors Strike, OPD Services Latest News Today: In a significant escalation of their ongoing protest, over 2,500 government doctors in Punjab have extended their strike, leading to a complete shutdown of Outpatient Department (OPD) services across the state today. The decision follows an unsuccessful meeting between the Punjab Civil Medical Services Association (PCMSA) and Health Minister Balbir Singh, where no resolution was reached regarding the doctors' demands.

The strike, which began on September 9, initially saw doctors suspending OPD services from 8 AM to 11 AM each day. However, after continued negotiations with the government failed, the doctors decided to take more drastic action. Todays strike will see OPD services at civil and district hospitals, as well as other health centers, completely suspended.

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Despite the OPD closure, emergency services, post-mortem examinations, and medicolegal work will continue without interruption, ensuring critical medical care remains available.

The doctors' key demands include the reinstatement of the Assured Career Progression (ACP) scheme, improved security measures for healthcare workers, timely recruitment of medical officers to address the shortage in the state, and the release of pending arrears from the Central Pay Commission (CPC).

PCMSA President Dr. Akhil Sarin has warned that if their demands are not met soon, the complete suspension of health services across Punjab could begin on September 12, creating further challenges for patients.

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(For more news apart from Punjab Doctors Strike, OPD Services Latest News Today, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
September 12, 2024 UPDATE

A roundup of domestic and international news

Newsflash

Newsroom, 12.09.2024, 19:49

Defense. Romanias President Klaus Iohannis has convened a meeting of the Supreme Council of National Defense for September 19, in Bucharest, the Presidential Administration has announced. The agenda of the meeting includes topics related to the stage and potential evolution of the conflict in Ukraine and the implications for Romania, following Russias illegal and unjustified aggression, but also the opportunities offered by the new geopolitical context for the strengthening the Strategic Partnership with the Republic of Moldova. The Council members will also discuss the National Plan for the Implementation of the Civil Pact in the field of Common Security and Defense Policy, as well as the Army Endowment Plan for the period 2025  2034.

Ukraine. The Black Sea is no longer an area of cooperation, but a theater of war, as a result of the aggressive actions of the Russian Federation, stated, on Thursday, the Minister of National Defense, Angel Tilvar, during a telephone conversation with his Ukrainian counterpart, Rustem Umerov. The Romanian minister reiterated the firm message of condemnation of the unjustified attacks carried out against the norms of international law carried out by the Russian Federation against the civil port infrastructure of Ukraine on the Danube, in the proximity of the border with Romania. Angel Tilvar reconfirmed Romanias firm commitment regarding the continuation of the support given to Ukraine, including at the level of training within the European Union Military Assistance Mission for Ukraine and within the INTERFLEX Operation, led by Great Britain. Rustem Umerov sent a message of gratitude regarding Romanias decision to donate a Patriot air defense system to Ukraine. He also thanked for the humanitarian, diplomatic and food support given to his country since the first day of the Russian war of aggression.



Travel. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bucharest warns Romanians traveling to Germany to prepare for longer waiting times, because the government in Berlin has decided to extend temporary controls at all land borders to reduce illegal migration. As of next Monday, in addition to the temporary controls already in place at the land borders with Austria, Switzerland, the Czech Republic and Poland, there will also be controls at the borders with France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Belgium and Denmark, for a period of six months. Romanians facing special situations can call the embassys hotlines in Berlin, as well as the Romanian consulates in Germany.

Warning. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned Romanians traveling to Belgium that, on Thursday, a 24-hour strike was announced at Charleroi airport. Therefore, the operational capacity of the airport was reduced, and some flights were cancelled. Passengers were advised to check the status of flights on airline websites. Romanians who face difficult, special or urgent situations have at their disposal the permanent phone of the Romanian Embassy in Brussels  according to a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bucharest.



Compensation. Romania will ask the European Union for compensation for the significant differences in energy prices between the west and the east of the continent. The Romanian Minister of Energy, Sebastian Burduja, explained that, for several months, tariffs in the Romanian region have been significantly higher than in Western Europe. Bucharest supports the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, and all these elements create pressure on prices in Romania, Burduja specified. He added that the request will be made to the Council of Ministers, at the European level, and voiced hope that our country will be compensated for these price differences.

Salaries. The average gross salary in Romania was 8,580 lei (1,725 Euro) in July, 100 lei (20 Euro) higher than in June, and the average net salary was 5,242 lei (1,054 Euro), higher by 66 lei (13.2 Euro). Compared to July last year, the average net salary increased by 14.8%. Financial analysts are of the opinion that, despite the increases, Romania has some of the lowest salaries expressed in euros compared to the other members of the European Union.



Harassment. The Bucharest Court decided, on Thursday, that the sociologist Alfred Bulai be placed under house arrest for the next 23 days, in the case in which he is accused of sexually assaulting female students from the National School of Political and Administrative Studies (SNSPA). A former SNSPA professor and highly publicized political commentator, Bulai (61 years old) was arrested on September 5. The next day, Bulai was taken out of police custody and admitted to the Military Hospital, after suffering a heart attack. (MI)
Report on renewable energy in the EU

The EU has managed to address critical risks to the security of its energy supply, a European Commission report shows.

Photo: Mariana Chirita/RRI

Mihai Pelin, 12.09.2024, 13:50

The European Commission has published a report on the energy situation in the EU. A first conclusion is the fact that the EU has managed to massively disconnect itself from the Russian gas supply, and community consumption has dropped significantly. The EUs energy production is currently led by renewables, which supplied half of the electricity in the first part of the year. Wind energy alone has surpassed gas-based energy production, and nuclear energy, considered clean energy, is in first place. Primary energy consumption also decreased by 4.1%, thanks to efficiency measures. A decrease in gas consumption was also recorded, also due to efficiency measures. Thus, the European average shows a decrease of 18% compared to 2021. Also, in the field of gas, the EU managed to reduce dependence on Russia from 45% to 18% and now has new sources of supply from other regions.

At the same time, it already reached its winter gas storage target of 90% in August, well ahead of the November 1st deadline. However, energy and gas prices are a problem. Although stable and reduced way below the peak values reported during the crisis, they remain high for the European industry, an industry that competes with that of the United States and China, where prices are sometimes three times lower. The European Commissioner Kadri Simson says that prices will be lower after the implementation of the energy market reform, which will reduce the input of expensive fossil sources. As to the environment, the report shows encouraging signs. Between 1992-2022, the European Unions greenhouse gas emissions fell by 32.5%, while the economy grew by around 67%.

According to the document, Romania has an energy mix, and this includes all types of energy, 71% based on fossil fuel, so it is in a worse situation than the European average, of 69%. On the other hand, however, the electricity mix is better than that of the EU  44% renewable as compared to the EU average of under 40%. As an overview, the report concludes that Romania has a limited production capacity of clean technologies. Moreover, public investments in research and development were halved between 2015 and 2022. A strong point is the reduced dependence on imported gas, given that Romania is the second European producer. Another strength is the fact that in the last 2 years it has managed to reduce gas consumption above the European average without affecting industrial activity. A third strong point is the gas storage capacity for winter, and Romanias gas storage facilities are currently full. However, energy poverty remains one of the unsolved problems. 13.6% of Romanias population had problems paying the bill, and 12.5% could not afford to heat the house properly. The EC reminds member states to submit the new energy and environment plans. Only 11 states have sent the documents, and Romania is not among them. (LS)
Talks on amending the defence law

Parliament says it will amend the legislation to allow the military to destroy suspicious drones entering Romanias airspace.

Photo: pixabay.com

Daniela Budu, 12.09.2024, 14:00

The Senates defence committee and representatives of the defence ministry had talks at the Parliament about the need to amend the legislation to allow the military to destroy suspicious drones entering Romanias airspace. The debate was prompted by the fact that in the last year, a number of Russian drones ended up illegally on Romanian territory, in the context of the war in neighbouring Ukraine.

MPs believe it is necessary to add certain provisions to the legislation with respect to the capacity of reaction to the entry into national airspace of hostile or unauthorised drones. They requested the representatives of the defence ministry for further clarifications on this subject, said the chair of the defence committee Nicoleta Pauliuc at the end of the talks in the Senate:

We all agreed, during the debates, that the entering of a Russian drone into our airspace 40 km inside the territory and over 40 minutes can be considered a vulnerability in the context of a lack of legislation setting the rules of engagement. We talked about the need to pass bills that allow the defence ministry to carry out its missions. We talked about the need for the defence ministry, via the government, to go to Parliament for these bills to be fast-tracked.

The spokesman for the defence ministry Constantin Spinu gave assurances that the Romanian airspace is well defended at the moment, but admits that the legislation in the field needs to be improved. He said the package of national security laws will soon be adopted by the government and later submitted to Parliament to be passed. Constantin Spinu:

We need legislative clarifications to simplify our procedures as much as possible and to shorten the chain of command in such situations. The legislation were currently working with dates back from 2001, there are clear rules that we are to engage gradually with piloted aircraft. This is the legislation we are working with when it comes to drones, so we can only act when an intentional attack is expected or estimated, a hostile action against Romanian or NATO territory.

Senator Cristian Berea from the Save Romania Union in opposition and a member of the defence committee criticised the absence of defence minister Angel Tilvar from the talks in Parliament. He does not expect a new law in the field to be passed this year. Moreover, the Save Romania Union summoned the defence minister to appear as part of the government hour on 8th October to provide explanations about the repeated violation of Romanian airspace by Russian drones.

Speaking about the drone that entered Romanian territory on Saturday night, the minister said current assessments show the drone did not have a hostile behaviour, and that if that had been the case, we know what we have to do. Such situations were also encountered in Poland and Latvia, said Angel Tilvar.
India's industrial production growth improved slightly in July, data from the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation showed Thursday.

Industrial production grew 4.8 percent from a year ago, following a 4.7 percent rise in June. Output was forecast to climb again by 4.7 percent.

Mining output growth slowed sharply to 3.7 percent from 10.3 percent. Meanwhile, the annual growth in manufacturing improved to 4.6 percent from 3.2 percent.

Electricity output advanced 7.9 percent annually but slower than the 8.6 percent increase seen a month ago.

During April to July, industrial production posted an annual growth of 5.2 percent compared to 5.1 percent rise in the same period last year.

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Business News
TD SYNNEX Corp. (SNX), Thursday announced the decision to acquire cloud solutions provider IPsense's Cloud Migration to create a new cloud competence center in Brazil. The financial aspects of the deal were not revealed.

The company expects the acquisition to strengthen its position in the region's digital transformation, enabling its customers to seamlessly conduct cloud migrations.

The acquisition is expected to be complete within 30 to 90 days.

Notably, IPsense's analytics, big data, and machine learning business is not part of the deal and will continue with a new brand name under current owners.

Currently, TD SYNNEX's stock is trading at $110.89. up 0.30 percent on the New York Stock Exchange.

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Business News
A recent study in the American Journal of Psychiatry indicates that high doses of amphetamines, including Adderall, commonly prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), significantly increase the risk of psychosis or mania.

Amphetamines function by promoting dopamine release, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood and behavior. However, elevated dopamine levels are linked to psychosis, which may clarify the heightened risk reported in the study.

Dr. Moran, who led the research and specializes in pharmacoepidemiology at McLean Hospital in Massachusetts, was inspired to conduct this study based on her experiences as an inpatient psychiatrist. She and her colleagues often encountered patients without a history of psychosis who had been prescribed high doses of stimulants.

The findings revealed that individuals who took prescription amphetamines in the past month had a 63% increased likelihood of developing psychosis or mania. Those on heavy doses faced an 81% increased chance of a psychotic episode, particularly among patients consuming 30 mg or more of dextroamphetamine, equivalent to 40 mg of Adderall.

The study found that other ADHD medications, such as Ritalin and Concerta, did not seem to elevate the risk of these side effects, as they are not classified as amphetamines.

Moran stated that while stimulant medications lack an upper dose limit on their labels, the study highlights the importance of dosage in relation to psychosis risk. This side effect, though rare, can be serious and should be closely monitored by both patients and healthcare professionals.

Although these medications effectively treat ADHD, the study indicates potential risks associated with high doses. Moran noted that patients should not feel alarmed but should engage in discussions with their doctors regarding dosage levels and possible side effects.

Furthermore, Moran's team is currently conducting a national study focused on patients prescribed stimulants for ADHD, tracking those on low, medium, and high doses, and comparing the rates of psychosis across these groups.

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Health News
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 12. DESFA and Bulgartransgaz have announced a joint Call for Interest, inviting stakeholders from across the hydrogen value chain to participate in a market assessment for Greece and Bulgaria, Trend reports via Bulgartransgaz.

The initiative targets potential hydrogen producers, consumers, traders, and suppliers, encouraging them to express non-binding interest in their ongoing or upcoming hydrogen projects, regardless of their development stage.

Interested parties are invited to submit their requests to the two Transmission System Operators (TSOs) by November 30, 2024. The aim of the Call for Interest is to gauge the future role of hydrogen in the regional energy mix and to identify market demands for hydrogen transmission capacity, production sites, and delivery points across both countries.

The data collected through this process will be instrumental in shaping the strategic planning and construction of hydrogen transport infrastructure in Greece and Bulgaria. By understanding the needs of the market, the TSOs aim to ensure the region is prepared for the transition to hydrogen as a key energy source.

A virtual workshop is scheduled for September 25, where DESFA and Bulgartransgaz will provide further details on the technical requirements and the participation process. Both operators are already advancing hydrogen-focused projects, with two key initiatives included in the European Commission's Project of Common Interest (PCI) and Project of Mutual Interest (PMI) lists. These projects represent a significant step towards the development of hydrogen infrastructure in Southeast Europe.

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Rhodes University Chamber Choir (RUCC)

The Rhodes University Chamber Choir (RUCC) recently completed a memorable tour of the Western Cape, blending performances, workshops, and collaborations with schools and community choirs along the way. As part of Rhodes Universitys RU120 campaign, the tour showcased the power of music to connect people, build relationships, and inspire future generations.

For some RUCC members, this tour marked their first time travelling outside Makhanda. According to choir conductor Sibusiso Njeza, the experience opened their eyes to new places and people, fulfilling one of the universitys goals of enriching the student experience.

There were students who had never seen life outside their own communities, said Njeza. This tour gave them that chance, and its something theyll carry with them.

A choir member shared one of the standout moments: A child came up to me during a workshop and said, I want to study at Rhodes because of your music. That was really special.

The RUCC partnered with local choirs and schools for music workshops, song exchanges, and community events during the tour. From George to Cape Town, they worked with everyone from primary school students to university choirs, leaving a lasting impression wherever they went.

The goal was to build long-term relationships with these communities, and I think weve done that, Njeza said. We now have connections with choirs and schools all along the route, and we represented Rhodes University with pride.

One of the highlights was a collaborative concert at the University of the Western Cape (UWC), where several university choirs performed together, showing the unifying power of music.

A key part of the tour was offering free workshops for local schools. The sessions were designed to help students and teachers, not just with music but with skills they could take back to their communities.

The workshops were more than just about singing, Njeza explained. It was about sharing knowledge, building confidence, and giving these communities something they could take forward.

As the choir travelled from town to town, they also helped raise awareness about Rhodes University. With each performance and workshop, they introduced young learners to what the university offers, from academic opportunities to cultural activities. For many students, the RUCCs visit was their first introduction to Rhodes, and the choir left a positive impression.

The Western Cape tour was an all-round success, with the RUCC not only showcasing their talent but also creating meaningful connections and spreading the message of what Rhodes University stands for. It was a journey filled with music, new experiences, and unforgettable moments for both the choir and the communities they engaged with.

As the RUCC returns to Makhanda, the bonds theyve formed and the experiences theyve shared will continue to resonate, both at the university and in the hearts of those they touched along the way.
Hyundai was the No. 2 best-selling OEM in August 2024 ahead of Tata Motors by around 5,000 units

Hyundai Creta was the only model in company portfolio to post improved sales in August 2024. Apart from Creta and i20, the latter of which reported flat sales, all other models saw a marked decline in demand. MoM performance was somewhat better, but only by 1%.

Hyundai Sales Breakup August 2024

Hyundai accounted for 49,525 unit sales in August 2024. This related to an 8% YoY de-growth over 53,830 units sold in August 2023. MoM sales also improved albeit marginally by 1% from 49,013 units sold in July 2024.

Hyundai Creta topped the company sales charts with 16,762 units and was the only model to show off significantly higher sales. Sales improved by 21% over 13,832 units sold in August 2023. MoM sales dipped by 3% over 17,350 units sold in July 2024. Hyundai Creta was the 3rd best-selling car in India last month after Maruti Brezza and Ertiga and commanded a 22.14% market share.

At No. 2 was Hyundai Venue with 9,085 unit sales last month. This was a 17% YoY decline but a 3% MoM growth over 10,948 units and 8,840 units sold in August 2023 and July 2024 respectively. Venue lineup was expanded with the new S Plus variant in August this year and the highlight of this is that it becomes the most affordable sun-roof equipped variant in the Venue lineup.

Hyundai Exter followed with 6,632 unit sales last month, an 11% YoY decline but 10% MoM improvement in sales. Grand i10 also showed off a YoY de-growth but better MoM performance with 5,365 unit sales, down from 7,306 units sold in August 2023 but significantly more than 4,922 units sold in July 2024.

Hyundai Sales August 2024  i20, Xcent, Verna, Alcazar

Lower down the sales charts was i20 with 4,913 unit sales marking a flat YoY growth from 4,896 units sold in the same month last year. It also saw flat MoM growth over 4,937 units sold in July 2024. Xcent/Aura sales followed at 4,304 units but saw a 12% YoY and 10% MoM decline. The same was true in the case of Hyundai Verna. Sales fell to 1,194 units, down 54% YoY and 16% MoM.

Hyundai Alcazar was next in line in terms of sales. It saw 1,105 unit sales last month, marking a 26% YoY decline from 1,493 units sold in August 2023. However, sales escalated by 89% on a MoM basis from 585 units sold in July 2024.

No Hyundai Aug-24 Aug-23 Diff Growth % YoY % Share Aug 24 1 Creta 16,762 13,832 2,930 21.18 33.85 2 Venue 9,085 10,948 -1,863 -17.02 18.34 3 Exter 6,632 7,430 -798 -10.74 13.39 4 i10 NIOS 5,365 7,306 -1,941 -26.57 10.83 5 i20 4,913 4,896 17 0.35 9.92 6 Aura 4,304 4,892 -588 -12.02 8.69 7 Verna 1,194 2,576 -1,382 -53.65 2.41 8 Alcazar 1,105 1,493 -388 -25.99 2.23 9 Tucson 125 236 -111 -47.03 0.25 10 IONIQ 5 40 130 -90 -69.23 0.08 11 Kona 0 91 -91 -100.00 0.00  Total 49,525 53,830 -4,305 -8.00 100.00

The sales list also included Tucson (125 units) and Ioniq 5 (40 units). Both these models suffered a severe YoY decline in sales. Tucson sales dipped by 47% YoY and 3% MoM. Ioniq 5 electric SUV, showed a 69% YoY decline in sales but performed better on a MoM basis by 11%.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 12. European Union (EU) Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson at a press conference on 11 September on the state of the Energy Union for 2024 urged EU countries to submit their missing national climate plans (NDCs), the transcript of the press conference on the EU's official website said, Trend reports.

I urge EU member states to submit their missing national energy and climate plans. To date, we have received only ten final plans (there are 27 countries in the EU). Indeed, we are well beyond the deadline. These plans are needed to translate commitments into action and give confidence to investors, Simson emphasized.

According to her, the European Union's fossil fuel imports remain excessive.

Europe needs to rely more on domestically produced clean energy and import less fossil fuels to ensure competitiveness, security of supply, EU energy sovereignty, and economic sustainability, the Commissioner noted.

Simson believes that the EU is ready to hit the ground running in its quest for climate neutrality, all while keeping its industrial edge sharp as a tack.

Over the last five years, we have agreed on new and higher targets for renewable energy sources (RES) and energy efficiency. We have reformed energy markets and developed the world's most advanced concepts for a hydrogen economy and methane emission reductions. Following two record years of renewable energy deployment, wind and solar power reached new highs in the first half of 2024, overtaking fossil fuels in our electricity mix for the first time, Simson stated.

She recalled that during COP28 in Dubai in December, the EU joined the Global Commitment to triple renewable energy capacity and double the rate of energy efficiency improvements by 2030.

Green investment has reached record levels due to national recovery and resilience plans. By mid-June 2024, 184 billion euros of the 240 billion euros allocated under national recovery and sustainability plans had gone to energy-related reforms and investments, Simson pointed out.

She added that the EU has done a lot within the mandate to bring down electricity prices from the 2022 peak, but now we need to address the structural issues.

I believe the main way forward is to increase the rate of renewables deployment further. We are seeing in 2024 that the rate of renewable energy commissioning is not growing as fast as it should. We need another strong push to meet the 2030 targets we have agreed, Simson continued.

To note, countries have until February 2025 to submit climate action NDCs..

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 12. COP29 will open great opportunities for successful business operations amid the new climate realities, Climate and Risk Representative for the UK Howden Group Anthony Hobley said at the International Forum on Sustainable Development and Climate Innovation in Baku today, Trend reports.

He tipped his hat to the COP29 presidency team for their hard work in getting the ball rolling on negotiations ahead of the November climate summit in Baku.

"Climate change impacts the overall development of the economy, investor earnings, and business operations, which is why climate solutions are of global importance," Hobley noted.

According to him, finance tackles a host of challenges, not the least of which is the looming specter of climate change, and it's crucial to pull out all the stops and rally as much market funding as we can to pave the way for effective climate financing.

"Climate change is increasing risks, including credit risks, which is why banks are actively involved in all climate negotiations," he emphasized.

Hobley expressed his satisfaction with the British Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan (BCCA) for organizing events in Baku for the business community, which is directly involved in implementing COP decisions.

"Baku will host the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, and only in the past decade has the world begun to understand the importance of environmental actions for the successful development of the economy and the functioning of cities. I'm confident that the negotiations at COP29, like in previous sessions, will yield important results," Hobley also said.

In his opinion, political will is also needed to facilitate climate financing and promote energy transition measures.

"COP29 will create significant opportunities for businesses to thrive within the framework of new climate realities and the steps taken to combat climate change," Hobley added.

This November, Azerbaijan will host COP29. This decision was made at the COP28 plenary meeting held in Dubai on December 11 last year. Baku will become the center of the world and will receive about 7080,000 foreign guests.

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is an agreement signed at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in June 1992 to prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system. COPthe Conference of the Partiesis the highest legislative body overseeing the implementation of the Framework Convention on Climate Change. There are 198 countries that are parties to the Convention. Unless the parties agree otherwise, the COP is held annually. The first COP event took place in March 1995 in Germany's Berlin with its secretariat in Bonn.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 12. More than a quarter of the world's global fuel-related greenhouse gas emissions come from the transport sector, and transformation in this sector must play a central role in implementing the Paris Agreement on climate change, UN Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan Vladanka Andreeva said, Trend reports.

She made the remark at the International Forum on Sustainable Development and Climate Innovation in Baku today.

According to her, emissions from the transport sector could double if the world continues following the current tendency, but this trend must be reversed.

To promote sustainable mobility, the UN has launched various coalition initiatives with the transport sector, including the largest global coalition such as the 'Action towards Climate-Friendly Transport' (ACT), which focuses on decarbonizing and transitioning all forms of transport to zero emissions," Andreeva explained.

She reminded that in 2023, a UN General Assembly resolution declared the UN Decade of Sustainable Transport (2026-2035), and November 26 was proclaimed as World Sustainable Transport Day.

However, she emphasized that to drastically reduce emissions in the transport sector and shift to a low-carbon scenario, innovative automotive technologies, sustainable biofuels, improved infrastructure, climate-optimized urban planning, financing, and public awareness campaigns are also needed.

Andreeva mentioned that many companies in the transport sector belong to the private sector, which plays a key role in driving climate action.

"Non-state actors, including the private sector, are key partners in the fight against climate change. An increasing number of countries have already committed to reducing their emissions to net zero, and others are joining the race. This is crucial, as widespread and meaningful participation in climate action broadens support for the transformations we desperately need," the official stressed.

She noted that it's critical to prevent the worst effects of climate change and preserve a livable planet by limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees or below.

A comprehensive approach and collaboration across all sectors and levels of society are needed. We must encourage cross-sector cooperation in combating the climate crisis," the UN Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan pointed out

She also mentioned that climate change affects all of us, and only through inclusive and coordinated efforts can meaningful progress be achieved, including at the upcoming COP29 in Baku this November.

This November, Azerbaijan will host COP29. This decision was made at the COP28 plenary meeting held in Dubai on December 11 last year. Baku will become the center of the world and will receive about 7080,000 foreign guests.

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is an agreement signed at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in June 1992 to prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system. COPthe Conference of the Partiesis the highest legislative body overseeing the implementation of the Framework Convention on Climate Change. There are 198 countries that are parties to the Convention. Unless the parties agree otherwise, the COP is held annually. The first COP event took place in March 1995 in Germany's Berlin, with its secretariat in Bonn.

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Martian spiders are small, dark, spider-shaped features up to 1 km (0.6 miles) across. The leading theory is that they form when spring sunshine falls on layers of carbon dioxide deposited over the dark winter months. Thanks to new experiments, a team of scientists at NASA has, for the first time, re-created those formation processes in simulated Martian temperatures and air pressure.

Present-day Mars is a dynamic planet, rich with surface change despite its tenuous atmosphere and cold climate.

In winter, a significant portion of Mars primarily carbon dioxide-atmosphere accumulates onto the surface as frost.

In the spring, it sublimes, revealing some morphologies that are unlike anything seen on Earth.

These include dark dalmatian spots and oriented fans, fried eggs, gullies sometimes accompanied by dark digitate flows and bright halos in spring, dendritic spiders, sand furrows on active dunes, and growing dendritic troughs.

These features have been detected on loose material around the south pole and on interdune material toward the south polar midlatitudes. However, some minor phenomena have been detected in the north.

Many of these features compose the so-called Kieffer zoo, a collection of surface expressions first described in 2003 and proposed to be created by the solid-state greenhouse effect.

In the Kieffer model, sunlight penetrates translucent slab ice in spring and thermal-wavelength radiation gets trapped, heating the regolith beneath the ice and causing the impermeable ice slab to sublimate from its base, explained Dr. Lauren Mc Keown of NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory and colleagues.

Through this process, spiders are proposed to be eroded via high-velocity gas scouring the sub-slab regolith, while fans and variations of spots are strewn on the ice surface, deposited by a plume of dust and gas.

The study authors were able to create the full cycle of the Kieffer model in a lab and confirm the formation of several types of Kieffer zoo features.

The hardest part of conducting the experiments was re-creating conditions found on the Martian polar surface: extremely low air pressure and temperatures as low as minus 185 degrees Celsius (minus 301 degrees Fahrenheit), they said.

To do that, we used a liquid-nitrogen-cooled test chamber: the Dirty Under-vacuum Simulation Testbed for Icy Environments (DUSTIE).

For the experiments, we chilled Martian soil simulant in a container submerged within a liquid nitrogen bath.

We placed it in the DUSTIE chamber, where the air pressure was reduced to be similar to that of Mars southern hemisphere.

Carbon dioxide gas then flowed into the chamber and condensed from gas to ice over the course of three to five hours.

It took many tries before we found just the right conditions for the ice to become thick and translucent enough for the experiments to work.

Once we got ice with the right properties, we placed a heater inside the chamber below the simulant to warm it up and crack the ice.

We were ecstatic when we finally saw a plume of carbon dioxide gas erupting from within the powdery simulant.

A paper describing these experiments appears in the Planetary Science Journal.

_____

Lauren E. Mc Keown et al. 2024. A Lab-scale Investigation of the Mars Kieffer Model. Planet. Sci. J 5, 195; doi: 10.3847/PSJ/ad67c8
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 12. Azerbaijan's Export and Investment Promotion Agency (AZPROMO) under the Ministry of Economy is actively supporting the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) by planning a series of events to promote collaboration and stimulate action, Deputy Executive Director of AZPROMO Tural Hajili said, Trend reports.

He made the remark at the International Forum on Sustainable Development and Climate Innovation in Baku today.

According to him, Azerbaijan takes a significant step forward in the fight against climate change in 2024 by hosting COP29.

He explained that as part of COP29, the Baku Climate Action Week will be held, during which AZPROMO will organize several thematic roundtables on topics such as zero-emission shipping, sustainable finance, artificial intelligence, and circular economy principles.

"These discussions aim to promote innovation, enhance climate resilience, and accelerate green growth initiatives in Azerbaijan and beyond. The roundtables will foster collaboration between various stakeholders, including businesses, government institutions, and international organizations.

By facilitating this dialogue, AZPROMO hopes to achieve practical results that will contribute to Azerbaijans sustainable development goals," Hajili also said.

He further announced the launch of the Baku Initiative for Climate Finance, Investment, and Trade Dialogue (BICFIT Dialogue), which will take place during COP29.

"On November 14, during Finance, Investment, and Trade Day at COP29, we will host the BICFIT Dialogue, one of 14 initiatives under the COP29 presidencys action plan. This dialogue will support the integration of finance, investment, and trade to combat climate change and achieve sustainable development goals. High-level discussions will focus on effective and coordinated strategies to address climate challenges," Hajili explained.

On the same day, according to him, AZPROMO will participate in the Climate Business Investment and Philanthropy Platform in collaboration with the World Economic Forum (WEF) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC).

"This platform will provide business leaders, philanthropists, and investors an opportunity to showcase their commitment to climate action and sustainable development.

A key event will be the presentation of the Climate Finance Initiative, which connects leaders from finance, government, philanthropy, and civil society to accelerate a just transition to a decarbonized future. A joint session with the WEF will link foreign investors committed to climate goals with local firms, fostering collaborative projects," he mentioned.

Simultaneously, in partnership with the World Trade Organization (WTO), events on 'green' finance, sustainable industrial production, and decarbonization will take place at the Trade and Investment House Pavilion.

"The global business landscape is increasingly shaped by sustainability and innovation principles. In the context of foreign direct investment (FDI) and exports, companies recognize the importance of integrating climate factors into their strategies.

The shift to green technologies, sustainable supply chains, and climate-resilient business models is not only an ethical imperative but also a key driver of long-term economic growth," Hajili noted.

He emphasized that AZPROMOs role in promoting FDI and exports is closely aligned with these global trends.

"Foreign investments in Azerbaijans renewable energy sector are driving the development of wind and solar power, positioning the country as a regional leader in clean energy production," said the AZPROMO representative.

In his view, businesses today must play an active role in advancing global sustainability efforts.

"As governments and international organizations intensify their focus on climate change, companies must align their operations with sustainability goals. This includes adopting circular economy methods, reducing carbon emissions, and innovating for a sustainable future.

By doing so, we can create a world where economic growth and environmental protection go hand in hand, ensuring a prosperous planet for current and future generations," the AZPROMO official stressed.

This November, Azerbaijan will host COP29. This decision was made at the COP28 plenary meeting held in Dubai on December 11 last year. Baku will become the center of the world and will receive about 7080,000 foreign guests.

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is an agreement signed at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in June 1992 to prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system. COPthe Conference of the Partiesis the highest legislative body overseeing the implementation of the Framework Convention on Climate Change. There are 198 countries that are parties to the Convention. Unless the parties agree otherwise, the COP is held annually. The first COP event took place in March 1995 in Germany's Berlin with its secretariat in Bonn.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 12. The UK has extensive experience in hosting COP events under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, as well as in developing green energy, and is ready to share this experience with Azerbaijan, the Head of the UK Embassy Mission at COP29 Nick Baker said, Trend reports.

He made the remark at the International Forum on Sustainable Development and Climate Innovation, organized by the British Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan (BCCA), in Baku today.

"In November 2021, the United Kingdom hosted the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP26). The UK is among the global leaders in the use of 'green' energy, which powers 11 million British households.

The country has implemented 141 projects for the development of wind farms, solar power plants, and other green initiatives. Therefore, we are happy to share this experience with Azerbaijan," Baker reminded.

According to him, the UKs experience in constructing offshore wind farms that the nation's experts are building both locally and in other countries will be particularly beneficial for Azerbaijan.

Additionally, as he explained, the new UK government (in office since July 2024) is successfully implementing green projects with the private sector as part of its plans to achieve decarbonization by 2030 and Net Zero (zero emissions) by 2050.

"The role of businesses in implementing government plans for the energy transition is critically important. This summer, several events were held in the UK capital to involve private companies in green initiatives. In particular, the London Climate Action Week took place in June. We are eagerly awaiting the Baku Climate Week.

Overall, there are many opportunities for cooperation between various UK and Azerbaijani organizations and companies to achieve global climate goals," Baker noted.

He mentioned that countries should consider economic growth while fulfilling their climate commitments.

"Energy security should be provided through green innovations and gradually transitioning to Net Zero.

"Implementing new innovations will help achieve the climate goals set for both 2025 and 2050," Baker pointed out.

In his opinion, there is close cooperation between the governments of the UK and Azerbaijan for the successful hosting of COP29.

"The November climate summit in Baku will be a major global event, during which world leaders and delegations will hold negotiations with long-term global significance," the UK representative added.

This November, Azerbaijan will host COP29. This decision was made at the COP28 plenary meeting held in Dubai on December 11 last year. Baku will become the center of the world and will receive about 7080,000 foreign guests.

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is an agreement signed at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in June 1992 to prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system. COPthe Conference of the Partiesis the highest legislative body overseeing the implementation of the Framework Convention on Climate Change. There are 198 countries that are parties to the Convention. Unless the parties agree otherwise, the COP is held annually. The first COP event took place in March 1995 in Germany's Berlin with its secretariat in Bonn.

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ASTANA, Kazakhstan, September 12. Kazakhstan is undertaking major efforts to improve its investment climate, said Kazakhstan's Prime Minister Oljas Bektenov at a meeting of the National Entrepreneurs Council, with the participation of the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs "Atameken," Trend reports.

The government is focused on enhancing the investment climate, unlocking the countrys industrial potential, addressing infrastructure issues, and developing the real sector of the economy. At the same time, large businesses play a crucial role in technological and innovative development, creating opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises, he said.

Bektanov also noted that Kazakhstan's government, in collaboration with "Atameken," is developing a new methodology to determine the share of domestic content in goods, services, and works.

He emphasized that the new mechanism will encourage the growth of local businesses and be more equitable. Relevant agencies have been instructed to expedite their work.

During the meeting, the sides also addressed the expansion of artificial intelligence systems, digital technology development, and the importance of advancing tourism, housing and utilities, and green financing for environmentally friendly, energy-efficient, and low-carbon projects.
International automaker Stellantis has selected the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant to build its new Ram 1500 REV, the companys first battery-electric light-duty pickup truck. The Sterling Heights facility now becomes Stellantis first in the U.S. to build a fully electric vehicle.Stellantis put its Sterling Heights Assembly Plant (SHAP) through an accelerated retooling to enable the manufacture of its Ram 1500 REV as well as the 2025 Ram 1500 Ramcharger, with the electric vehicles to be built alongside the internal combustion engine models currently being built in Sterling Heights. The Ram 1500 REV will launch first later in 2024.The retooling of SHAP was finished over the course of two weeks, and ahead of schedule. Stellantis $235.5 million investment in SHAP includes a new conveyor system, new automation for battery electric vehicle (BEV)-specific processes, and more. Two additional Michigan Stellantis plans were announced to be receiving a total of approximately $170 million in upgrades for new projects, including the Warren Truck Assembly Plant and Dundee Engine Plant.Sterling Heights Assembly has performed an incredible transformation in record time and I want to thank our colleagues for this great achievement, reads a statement from Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares. Gearing up to build our first-ever Ram electric truck and the range-extended version in Michigan is a meaningful moment of pride for our teams. With these investments supporting both Jeep and Ram, were adding innovations to our Michigan manufacturing footprint to support a multi-energy approach that is laser-focused on customer demand. Visit Stellantis online to learn about career opportunities in Sterling Heights.Got a development news story to share? Email MJ Galbraith here or send him a tweet @mikegalbraith
Ramone Jay Person runs RealLife Productions, Inc.

Caption: Ramone Jay Person, aka #Solid

Ramone Jay Person runs RealLife Productions, Inc.
Photo: Press Service of President of Kazakhstan

ASTANA, Kazakhstan, September 12. Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Glencore CEO Gary Nagle have discussed the company's activities in the countrys mining, metallurgical, and energy sectors, Trend reports via Akordas press service.

The report states that the topic of discussion included Glencore's operational outcomes and future goals.

Tokayev emphasized the importance of adhering to strict environmental standards and integrating innovative technologies into production processes.
Megan Giambrone

Patrese Griffin

This story is part of Southwest Michigan Second Wave's series on solutions to affordable housing and housing the unhoused. It is made possible by a coalition of funders including the City of Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo County, the ENNA Foundation, and the Kalamazoo County Land Bank. This story is also part of a series on barriers to obtaining affordable housing.With homelessness on the rise, volunteers and local organizations are working hard to help Kalamazoos unhoused population, but more systematic change and long-term solutions are needed to fix a problem that has been a part of our community for far too long.The enduring impact of racism on affordable housing in Kalamazoo illustrates a direct link between past injustices and present-day housing struggles. From the historic discriminatory practice of redlining, which systematically excluded Black families from housing opportunities to ongoing challenges rooted in income inequality, educational disparities, and digital literacy barriers, the housing landscape in Kalamazoo remains deeply divided along racial lines.Despite the difficulties of righting systemic wrongs, Kalamazooans are working to implement local solutions to help remedy the longstanding problem. Redlining is a systemic practice that can be traced back to the mid-20th century when discriminatory lending was prevalent in the United States. This practice involved the systematic denial of financial services, particularly mortgage loans, to residents of certain neighborhoods, primarily those inhabited by Black families and other minority groups which were outlined in red on early zoning maps of Kalamazoo.This led to disinvestment in redlined areas which perpetuated racial segregation and inequalities across Kalamazoos neighborhoods. While explicit redlining practices are no longer legal, their legacy continues to influence housing and economic inequalities in Kalamazoo today.Homelessness has been a problem of increasing concern in Kalamazoo and across the nation for decades. With the increasing number of unhoused individuals in the area exacerbated by the pandemic, the number of unhoused people in Kalamazoo has grown to more than 2,000 in recent years, many of them identifying as Black, Indigenous, or people of color (BIPOC), U.S Census data shows.Modern-day statistical assessments of Kalamazoos population show how these historic practices and discriminatory policies are still playing out today.Almost all the issues that impact homelessness disproportionately impact the BIPOC population in Kalamazoo. According to the 2022 census estimate, Black people in Kalamazoo County are twice as likely to live in poverty as their white counterparts  21.4% of the Black population live in poverty as opposed to 10.8% of the white population.Another contributing factor to this issue is income inequality. Black households in Kalamazoo County in general have a much lower median income  in 2022, it was $37,833 as opposed to $73,804 for white households in the same city. One reason for this is that Black people are much more likely to live alone or be the only adult in the household, which is a significant risk factor for homelessness. In 2022, half of Black households in the county consisted of just one adult living alone compared to only 13% of white households.Black people in the U.S. are also much less likely to own their own home  45% of Black households live in an owner-occupied home compared to 75% of white households according to the same 2022 Census estimate. That gap has remained largely unchanged since the 1970s.There are several issues that are vestiges of racially discriminatory housing policies like redlining. Two of these issues which compound the difficulty of implementing solutions for the housing crisis are literacy and education. Lower levels of literacy and related discrepancies in school completion rates can pose a significant barrier to people looking to access affordable housing.Black adults age 25 or older in Kalamazoo County are less likely to be high school or college graduates: 10% of Blacks are high school dropouts and 27% have a bachelors degree. By comparison, only 4% of white Kalamazooans are high school dropouts and 42% have a bachelors degree.There are also practical, administrative obstacles that further restrict the access to affordable housing for those most in need. Often, large amounts of complex paperwork can be involved in applying for housing vouchers as well as renting and maintaining an apartment or house in the city.There is also a certain amount of internet and technology literacy that can be required for renting long-term housing. Prospective tenants who are not internet or technology-savvy often have difficulty accessing these services and the tools put in place to help them.Once people get called for the voucher, they think the apartment is just going to be there waiting for them the next daybut thats not the case, says Meg Forrest, a local volunteer who works with Kalamazoos unhoused population, helping folks to navigate the often complex administrative processes in place to help them.Forrest, a lifelong Kalamazoo resident, says she originally began volunteering with the unhoused population in town after seeing urgent need requests through her community on Facebook.The biggest thing, I think, is that the people who are offering help or have programs to help are (offering) blanket solutions, so they're not able to work for every individual, and I think that they disregard all of the difficulties that people can have in reaching out for help. That creates more distrust and systemic trauma for the people trying to reach out or access resources, Forrest says.For example, You're expected to read gobs of paperwork to get a housing voucher, says Forrest, which poses a huge barrier for those who are illiterate or may have mental health issues that can make it difficult to retain information.Forrest also highlights that it can be difficult for many unhoused people to make it to meetings without reliable transportation, and those without reliable access to computers, internet, or phone service have the additional hurdle of accessing online portals or websites used to apply for housing or pay rent and vouchers.Some offer solutions attempting to ease the difficulties of day-to-day life on the streets. Organizations like United for the Unsheltered, among others, organize weekly hot meals for Kalamazoos unhoused population. The volunteer-run organization hosts hot meals behind the McDonald's downtown every Thursday starting at 5:30 p.m. where they serve between 50 and 70 people a week. The organization also hands out donated items like tents, tarps, and sleeping bags and is sometimes even able to fill more specialized requests for medical needs, supplies for animal care, or even makeup.United for the Unsheltered also passes out bags with personal care and hygiene supplies. Megan Giambrone, the organizations president, has worked specifically with the BIPOC unhoused population to source products that will work well with diverse hair and skin types.Patrese Griffin has been a longtime community advocate for fair housing in the Kalamazoo area and in 2022 she was named director of the Kalamazoo County Continuum of Care (CoC), which works to address homelessness.Before that, Griffin served on the Kalamazoo City Commission as vice mayor from 2019 to 2021 where she worked to pass legislation, Chapter 18 and 18A of the citys fair housing ordinance, which expanded fair housing protections by eliminating discriminatory housing practices that deny people housing based on prior criminal convictions or evictions.For Griffin, the topic of racism in affordable housing is a deeply personal one. She's long been a vocal advocate for more affordable housing access after she and her family experienced a period of homelessness when a house that they had been renting was unexpectedly condemned. Griffin believes that her husbands prior criminal arrest record, compounded by prejudice and systemic racism led to their difficulty in securing housing for their family.In the United States, we have a problem with mass incarceration. And so disproportionately, families and individuals of color are penalized through our judicial system, says Griffin.There isn't any sort of research that shows that those who have committed crimes or have gone to jail don't pay their rent. There's no connection there, she adds.The Continuum of Care, where Griffin is now the director, helps the local unhoused population by coordinating services and funding in the community. In Kalamazoo County, the CoC is overseen by the United Way of South Central Michigan (UWSCMI) and works with local partners to address gaps and challenges in the system, create plans to end homelessness, and manage funding.In pursuit of that idea, the Continuum of Care recently hired its first-ever batch of community consultants to advise the organization.It is important to have those who are closest to the problem be closer to the solution, says Griffin.And the best way to do that, she believes, is to meaningfully compensate community members who have experienced homelessness firsthand for their work and engagement within the organization and the larger advocacy space.After a recent interview process, the Continuum hired eight individuals to help lead and guide certain projects within the organization. Consultants are hired for one year and meet on a monthly basis. They will participate in the Continuums grant review cycles to help bring some personal experience to the decisions the organization makes about how to allot its resources. These community consultants are individuals who identify Kalamazoo as home, and who have recently lived experience of homelessness within the last five years. They are compensated for every meeting that they attend and the work that they do in helping the organization decide how to allot its resources.Hiring people as consultants is not only helpful to the organization which can use the lived experience of consultants to better tailor their response to the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness, but it also gives them something to add to their resume, helping to convert their lived experience into job experience.Although Griffin admits that the untested pilot program sometimes feels like were flying the plane, and building the plane, all at the same time she is hopeful that by empowering community members to work alongside an established organization to make decisions in a meaningful way will help to set them up in the future with other opportunities.Im just excited to see where this journey takes us, she says.
Taylor Scamehorn Matthew Miller, Lyceum founder, introduces the panel members.

Dr. Toni Woolfork-Barnes, Director of the WMU Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

Dr. Sandra Borden, Director of Western Michigan University's Ethics Center
Shop workers union Usdaw has won its appeal in a Supreme Court battle against Tesco over its so-called 'fire and rehire' approach to cutting staff pay, bringing a three-year legal saga to an end.

The Union of Shop Distributive and Allied Workers, which represents 360,000 members across the UK, originally took legal action against Tesco in 2021 after the supermarket attempted to sack staff at its distribution centres in Daventry and Lichfield only to recruit them on lower pay.

The case centred around Tesco's use of "retained pay", which it offered staff willing to relocate after it closed distribution centres in 2007.

In 2021, Tesco attempted to remove retained pay from individual employment contracts in exchange for a lump-sum payment. If a staff member did not agree, Tesco would cease their employment then re-offer them their jobs but with the retained pay element removed.

The High Court initially ruled in Usdaw's favour in 2022, but Tesco successfully appealed the decision the same year. The case was then taken to the highest court where five Supreme Court justices ruled unanimously that Tesco should not be allowed to dismiss staff in this way.

Paddy Lillis, the general secretary at Usdaw, said retained pay should have always been seen as "a permanent right".

"These sorts of tactics have no place in industrial relations, so we felt we had to act to protect those concerned. We were very disappointed with the outcome in the Court of Appeal but always felt we had to see this case through. We are therefore delighted to get this outcome, which is a win for the trade union movement as a whole," Lillis said.

In their judgment statement on Thursday, the justices said: "The employment contracts contained a term implied by fact with the effect that the employers right to terminate could not be exercised for the purpose of depriving the employees of their right to RP."
The owner of the New York Sun has emerged as the latest bidder aiming to take control of the Daily and Sunday Telegraph. British-born Dovid Efune, who took control of the assets of the former newspaper the New York Sun three years ago, is understood to be in the running to lodge an offer before the deadline set for second-round bidders on 27 September.  Guardian

The owner of Canary Wharf has had its credit rating cut deeper into junk territory over concerns about its debts as it struggles to attract workers back to the east London office hub after the pandemic. The credit rating agency Fitch has further downgraded Canary Wharf Group, the landlord of the development, in a reflection of risks over an upcoming bond refinancing.  Guardian

Older workers risk losing out to younger colleagues in Angela Rayners flexible working push, with younger staff dominating discussions with bosses over different patterns of work. Just 24pc of those aged over 55 have spoken to their managers about flexible working since the right to request different arrangements came into force in April, according to a survey from Phoenix Group. By contrast 54pc of those aged 18 to 34 have taken time with their bosses to discuss flexible working.  Telegraph

Ford has filed a patent for technology that can eavesdrop on drivers and passengers to serve them hyper-targeted advertising. The technology would allow the cars infotainment system to listen to conversations between occupants of the vehicles, which its software could then filter for keywords or phrases. The system would learn what adverts annoy or irritate based on remarks spoken by the user when ads are presented to them, while it would be able to recognise the vehicles occupants based on in-car cameras or microphones and tailor its adverts to each person.  Telegraph

Caroline Ellison has urged a federal judge not to send her to jail after the former cryptocurrency executive helped prosecutors to win a jail sentence for her former boyfriend Sam Bankman-Fried. Ellison, 29, has pleaded guilty over her role in the multibillion-dollar collapse of FTX, the cryptocurrency exchange. Customers of FTX and Alameda Research, its sister company where she was chief executive, were defrauded out of an estimated $8 billion.  The Times
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, September 12. Kyrgyzstan has reached an agreement with Turkmenistan to utilize a logistics complex with access to the Turkmenbashi port on the Caspian Sea for postal shipments, Trend reports via the Kyrgyz postal network operator Kyrgyz Pochtasy OJSC.

The OJSC's General Director, Marat Cherikchiev, held an online discussion with the General Director of the Turkmen postal service, "Turkmenpochta," Serdar Ovvadov, during which the parties signed a long-term strategic partnership agreement.

"The goal of this agreement is to establish stable and mutually beneficial relations in postal logistics and e-commerce. Special emphasis is placed on creating a seamless logistics chain between China, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan with the possibility of using the logistics complex connected to the Turkmenbashi port," the OJSC's statement said.

According to Cherikchiev, the signing of this agreement not only strengthens ties between the two postal operators but also paves the way for more efficient and accessible postal services for citizens of Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan.

"Improving logistics and speeding up postal deliveries are key aspects of this cooperation, which will undoubtedly have a positive impact on both the economy and the daily lives of the populations of both countries," he added.

The agreement is expected to foster closer interaction between businesses and societies in both countries. It opens new opportunities for the development of e-commerce and the exchange of experiences and technologies, ultimately contributing to the strengthening of economic and social infrastructure.

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Our annual food issue always presents the problem of choice. So many fabulous cookbooks, so little room. Below we have 15 reviews, and here we offer six reviewlets, because we love cookbooks.

Moorish: Vibrant Recipes from the Mediterranean by Ben Tish (Bloomsbury, $36) is a lush, spicy collection of Spanish-Jewish-Arabic dishes, like Flamenco Eggs (his take on Shakshuka), Smoky Sardines with crushed fennel and sumac, and Spiced Gin with Blood Orange. Exotic recipes from halfway around the globe are in Fire Islands: Recipes from Indonesia (Apollo, $35) by Eleanor Ford. While some of the dishes require unfamiliar ingredients, like kencur or salam leaves, Ford explains the prep in detail, so Ayam Taliwang (smoky grilled chicken) or Spice Rice are as easy to cook as they are delectable.

Shane M. Chartrand, with Jennifer Cockrall-King, explores his First Nations' heritage in tawaw: Progressive Indigenous Cuisine (Ambrosia, $29.95). Tawaw (pronounced ta-WOW) showcases his culinary journey from childhood in Alberta to becoming an executive chef, with recipes arranged by season: Fried Smelts with Wild Rice, Carrots and Leeks; Seared Salmon; Beet-stained Potatoes with Horseradish Cream. Northern America comfort food.

Lest we forget dessert: The Perfect Pie (America's Test Kitchen, $35) has such luscious photos that you will immediately want to try Blueberry Earl Grey Pie, or Chocolate Cream Pie in a Jar, or my grandfather's favorite, Buttermilk Pie. Smaller bites can be found in Cookies for Everyone by Mimi Council (Life Long, $30). Sea Salt Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies, Crack Butter Cookies, Cinnamon Honey French Macarons--yum. The recipes include instructions for gluten-free and high-altitude cooking, a boon to cooks.

Finish off all these great meals with tea. Henrietta Lovell, in Infused: Adventures in Tea (Faber, $26.95), chronicles her love affair with tea. She wants to change the way we drink tea, and explains how to make a perfect cup, with specifics about different types of leaves. "The good stuff is loose and lovely and will flood your life with happiness." --Marilyn Dahl, Shelf Awareness
Jamil Zaki

(photo: Vern Evans)

A professor of psychology at Stanford University and director of the Stanford Social Neuroscience Laboratory, Jamil Zaki is the author of The War for Kindness. His second book, Hope for Cynics: The Surprising Science of Human Goodness (Grand Central, $30) is a striking blend of science and storytelling on the harmful effects of cynicism that explores strategies for rebuilding trust on a global scale.

In Hope for Cynics, you share a powerful personal narrative of struggling with a tendency toward cynicism. Today, where are you on the journey toward what you call hopeful skepticism?

It remains a journey. As I write in the book, I've studied the science of empathy, kindness, and human connection for 20 years. Much of my research points to a simple conclusion: there is good in us, and it does good for us. But knowing something is different than feeling it, and, personally, I've long struggled with cynicism--the belief that people are selfish, greedy, and dishonest. I'm not alone; over recent decades, people around the world have lost faith in each other and in all sorts of institutions, from government to science to education.

Cynicism is an understandable response to injustice and inequality, but it hurts our health, relationships, communities, and social movements. It's also surprisingly wrong. Decades of data demonstrate that people are more trustworthy, generous, and open-minded than cynics realize. That's why I suggest hopeful skepticism: a view of the world in which we stop making assumptions and observe people more openly, with an eye toward their great potential.

I work on my hopeful skepticism each day. For instance, I practice "social savoring"--taking note of everyday kindness around me, and seeking out media sources that balance bad news with stories of people making positive change. This is not the same as burying my head in the sand or wearing rose-colored glasses--it's acknowledging and fighting a bias to see the worst: taking off the mud-colored glasses we usually wear.

At this time of national division, how do we convince those who are on the extreme end of the cynicism spectrum to engage with the ideas in this book?

The comedian George Carlin once said, "Scratch a cynic and you will find a disappointed idealist." Oftentimes, people trapped by cynicism have been betrayed or hurt; they don't want to lose faith in others but feel they must in order to be safe and smart. But none of us have to feel this way. It absolutely makes sense to suspect or reject people who have done us harm, and to take care of our interests. But cynics become "pre-disappointed," assuming the worst about strangers without evidence. Hopeful skepticism instead suggests we fact-check our feelings. What evidence do we have for our dim theories about others? What evidence would we need? By exploring the world like a scientist, we often find pleasant surprises everywhere.

That also applies to this divided moment in the U.S. and beyond. We disagree more than in decades past and also dislike the people we disagree with more than before. Our differences are real, but in our minds, they expand in unhelpful and dangerous ways. In the U.S., for instance, both Republicans and Democrats believe the other side is much more extreme, hateful, and even violent than they really are. There are, of course, actually extreme and dangerous people all across American culture, but the average person--even the average "other"--is much more moderate and open-minded. When we forget this, we end up escalating conflict that few people want. But inside the data, there's hope! Americans, for instance, agree much more than we realize. Common ground is abundant when we look for it.

Should schools include civics as part of their curriculum from an early age? Over time, could that reduce voters' cynicism toward the political establishment and toward each other?

That's a really powerful idea. I also think such education could separate children's views of the political establishment--which is unfortunately quite cynical much of the time--and each other. One approach is to remember that no matter what elites do, most people share many common goals. For instance, the majority of both Republicans and Democrats believe in expanding support for young children in poverty and other vulnerable groups in America. A supermajority in both parties also wants greater compromise and connection across difference. Educating kids on these themes might empower them to focus on these common goals instead of focusing only on our most intense divisions.

The parenting strategy you refer to as "underbearing attentiveness" is intriguing. Is it difficult to commit to in practice?

For me, yes! Even as I try to expand my own trust and hope, the instinct to protect my daughters from any harm is overwhelming. That is, of course, an ancient and positive desire. But sometimes it can go overboard, for instance through "helicopter parenting," in which kids are prevented from exploring the world in order to avoid any risk whatsoever. This keeps kids safe, but can also deprive them of opportunities and--over time--make them fearful and cynical. Younger generations in the U.S. are the least trusting on record, in part because that's what we've taught them.

For me, practicing underbearing attentiveness means hitting the pause button on my instincts and becoming more intentional. If my kid is struggling with reading, or piano, or a tiff with a friend, do they need me to come in and fix it? Or can I just listen, observe, and show my presence while allowing them to work through it?

Do you have strategies for conserving social energy in between engagements that you could share with readers?

I use two strategies here. The first is to internally commit to both being with people and being alone: enjoying each for its unique pleasures. The second is to remember that my (frequent!) nervousness about social interactions is probably misplaced.

For me, hanging out is like working out: thinking about it ahead of time can be intimidating and even unpleasant, but during and after, I'm glad to be doing it. That's a common experience. Research from around the world shows that people underestimate how good it is to spend time with others. In the hours before a dinner party or school event, I try to remind myself of those studies, and remember that my future self will probably thank me for spending time with people.

What are your aspirations for Hope for Cynics once it is released into the world?

Back in 2021, when my cynicism was at its peak, I needed this book. Diving into the decades of data on human goodness was not just a scientific exercise, but a deeply personal journey that changed how I think, feel, and decide. Cynicism is like quicksand for our minds--it traps us in a version of the world and our lives few people want. My hope is that this book can spring people from that trap, the same way it did for me, and empower them to connect more, pay closer attention to humanity, and work together to build the future most of us want. --Shahina Piyarali
The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) and major automotive industry players have welcomed the Indian Cabinet's decision to implement the PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM e-DRIVE) Scheme, a groundbreaking initiative designed to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) across the nation.

With a substantial outlay of Rs 10,900 crore, the scheme is set to significantly bolster India's electric mobility landscape. The initiative aims to support the deployment of 2,479,000 electric two-wheelers (e-2Ws), 316,000 electric three-wheelers (e-3Ws), and 14,028 electric buses. Additionally, it includes the establishment of 88,500 EV charging sites nationwide, marking a major step towards comprehensive infrastructure development for electric mobility.

Shailesh Chandra, President of SIAM and Managing Director of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd, expressed strong support for the government's forward-thinking strategy. "This initiative reflects the Government's unwavering commitment to advancing Indias transition to electric mobility", Chandra remarked. "It not only fosters innovation and investment within the sector but also strengthens Indias position as a global leader in environmental sustainability".

Echoing these sentiments, Dr. Anish Shah, Group CEO and Managing Director of Mahindra Group, commended the scheme's comprehensive approach. "We applaud the government for the PM e-DRIVE scheme", Shah said. "The focused support for electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, e-buses, and the inclusion of e-ambulances is commendable. This scheme is poised to drive substantial growth in EV adoption across the country".

Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) highlighted the positive impact of previous schemes such as FAME and EMPS, which have already facilitated significant penetration of electric three-wheelers in India. "With investments in fast-charging infrastructure for all vehicle segments, consumer confidence in EVs will undoubtedly increase", Shah noted. "We anticipate that, with the PM e-DRIVE scheme, India could become the first country to achieve 100 percent electrification in the three-wheeler segment by 2030".

The Union Cabinet's approval of the PM e-DRIVE scheme includes Rs 3,679 crore allocated for subsidies and demand incentives for electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, e-ambulances, e-trucks, and other emerging electric vehicles. The scheme aims to deploy 24.79 lakh e-2Ws, 3.16 lakh e-3Ws, and 14,028 e-buses, providing a substantial boost to the countrys EV ecosystem.

A key feature of the scheme is the introduction of Aadhaar-authenticated e-vouchers for EV buyers. These vouchers will enable buyers to access demand incentives at the time of purchase. Furthermore, Rs 500 crore has been earmarked for the deployment of e-ambulances, integrating electric vehicles into essential public services for the first time.

The scheme also allocates Rs 4,391 crore for the procurement of 14,028 e-buses through a demand aggregation process led by CESL in nine major cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore. This initiative will also support intercity and interstate e-buses in consultation with various states.

In addition, Rs 500 crore is designated to incentivize the adoption of e-trucks, addressing the significant air pollution contribution of traditional trucks. The scheme encourages participation from those holding scrapping certificates from Ministry of Road Transport and Highways-approved (MoRTH) vehicle scrapping centers, further facilitating the transition to cleaner vehicles.

A substantial allocation of Rs 2,000 crore will fund the installation of 22,100 fast chargers for four-wheelers, 1,800 fast chargers for e-buses, and 48,400 fast chargers for two- and three-wheelers. These chargers will be strategically installed in cities with high EV penetration and along select highways, enhancing the viability of long-distance EV travel.
Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Ram Mohan Naidu, announced India's target to increase womens participation in the aviation sector to 25 percent by 2025, at the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation (APMC). The two-day conference, which concludes, reflects the shared vision of the Asia-Pacific region to strengthen and modernize the aviation sector.

Naidu emphasized the region's goal of accommodating 3.5 billion annual passengers by 2035, stressing the need for strategic investments in aviation infrastructure to support this growth. He highlighted Indias commitment to making flying more accessible through initiatives like the UDAN scheme, while also underscoring the importance of increasing gender diversity within the industry.

Focusing on the three pillars of aviation Infrastructure, Integration, and Innovation Naidu pointed to India's leadership in adopting modern technologies, such as Digi Yatra, a biometric-based digital platform for seamless travel experiences. He also discussed India's regulatory advancements in Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft, which he described as key to the future of sustainable urban air mobility.

Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Cooperation, Murlidhar Mohol, ICAO President Salvatore Sciacchitano, and Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Vumlunmang Vualnam, joined delegates from 29 countries at the event, hosted at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.

Sciacchitano, addressing the gathering, highlighted the region's recovery from the pandemic, noting that the Asia-Pacific now accounts for 32 per cent of global air traffic. He applauded the region's potential for further growth and stressed the need for collaboration to ensure sustainable development.

In his remarks, Sciacchitano also emphasized ICAO's goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, pointing to Indias leadership in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) initiatives as a crucial step in combating climate change. The conference's Delhi Declaration is expected to underline the aviation sectors commitment to safety, sustainability, and innovation.
The fifth meeting of the India-Philippines Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) took place in Manila on September 11, 2024, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral defence relations. The meeting was co-chaired by Indias Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane and Senior Undersecretary Irineo Cruz Espino of the Philippines Ministry of National Defence.

The discussions covered a broad spectrum of bilateral and multilateral issues, reflecting a deepening of defence cooperation between the two nations. Both leaders reviewed the outcomes of recent Service-to-Service interactions held on September 10, 2024, and expressed satisfaction with the overall progress in their defence collaboration.

Defence Secretary Aramane commended the Philippines' Self Reliance Defence Posture Act, aimed at modernizing its Armed Forces. He highlighted India's own initiative under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision, which focuses on enhancing domestic manufacturing capabilities and expanding exports of defence equipment globally.

Aramane extended an invitation to the Philippines to engage in co-development and co-production of defence equipment with Indian industry. This collaboration is intended to leverage India's advanced capabilities in defence manufacturing and foster long-term equity partnerships, ensuring assured supply chains for the Philippines. The Philippines, in turn, acknowledged India's successful model of indigenization and welcomed investments that would support this mutual goal of self-reliance in defence production.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to supporting each others defence production goals and appreciated the operationalisation of the White Shipping Information Exchange. They also welcomed the imminent establishment of a defence wing at the Indian Embassy in Manila, which is expected to enhance ongoing cooperation.

In related developments, an Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent, including MiG-29s, Jaguars, and C-17s, is en route to participate in Exercise Eastern Bridge VII in Oman. Scheduled from September 11 to 22, 2024, at Air Force Base Masirah, the exercise aims to enhance interoperability between the Royal Oman Air Force and the IAF.
The Maharashtra government is set to unveil a major initiative aimed at transforming the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) into a leading global economic hub. The state will release a report prepared by NITI Aayog, outlining a roadmap to elevate the MMRs economy from its current $140 billion to $300 billion. This announcement will be followed by the signing of a memorandum of collaboration between the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) and the World Economic Forum (WEF).

Chief Minister and MMRDA Chairman Eknath Shinde will oversee the event, with Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar also in attendance. Prof. Klaus Schwab, the founder and executive chairman of the WEF, will be the guest of honor.

This strategic move comes shortly after the establishment of a 22-member steering committee, led by the Chief Secretary, comprising senior bureaucrats, district collectors, municipal commissioners, and CEOs. The committee is tasked with ensuring the swift implementation of NITI Aayogs recommendations, focusing on attracting foreign direct investment, boosting startup growth, and generating employment within the MMR.

A senior minister from the MahaYuti government highlighted the significance of the collaboration with WEF. The partnership between MMRDA and WEF is crucial for realizing our vision of making MMR a global economic powerhouse, given its strategic position, the minister said. Historically, MMR has grown at a rate of 6.1% annually from FY 2012-2020, surpassing Maharashtras growth rate of 5.8% but trailing behind Indias 6.6%. Currently, MMR, encompassing five districts and nine municipal corporations, supports a population of 25.8 million and provides 10 million jobs. According to NITI Aayog, the region has the potential to expand to a $300 billion economy by 2030 and reach $1.5 trillion by 2047, which would be instrumental in Maharashtra achieving its $1 trillion economy goal.

NITI Aayog's report underscores the positive growth trajectory of MMR, bolstered by over $50 billion in ongoing infrastructure investments. Key projects include the 337 km metro rail, Vadhvan port, Navi Mumbai International Airport, Alibaug-Virar Multi-Modal Corridor, Versova-Virar Sea Link, and the high-speed rail connecting Mumbai and Ahmedabad.

major global aviation hub and a premier MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions) destination, competing with Dubai and Singapore. The report advocates for the development of a 250-hectare area of the Mumbai Port Authority land to create jobs through services, housing, and tourism. It also emphasizes the need to redevelop 220,000 slum dwellings (housing around 1 million people) on government-owned land in alignment with the Prime Ministers Housing for All Scheme. Additionally, NITI Aayog envisions MMR evolving into aand a premier MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions) destination, competing with Dubai and Singapore.

Furthermore, the report calls for significant enhancements in the Ease of Doing Business rankings, recommending streamlined approvals from the Ministry of Environment and Forest and the Airport Authority of India to boost MMRs attractiveness as an investment destination.
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, September 12. The Kara-Suu-Road checkpoint on the state border between Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan has resumed operations, Trend reports via the Kyrgyz Cabinet of Ministers.

Deputy Chairman of the Kyrgyz Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Industry Bakyt Torobaev attended the checkpoint opening ceremony.

"Previously, a significant part of the citizens of Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan crossing the border stood in queues at the Dostuk-Road checkpoint. Its opening will address the issue of border crossing queues. One of the key aspects of our bilateral cooperation is enhancing the operation of international checkpoints and creating comfortable conditions for citizens crossing the state border," he said at the ceremony.

Torobaev highlighted that the reopening of the checkpoint will strengthen economic, social, and cultural ties between the two countries, as well as increase tourism flows.

The Kara-Suu-Road checkpoint is nestled in the heart of the city of Kara-Suu, straddling the border between Kyrgyzstans Osh region and Uzbekistans Andijan region. It was put on the back burner 14 years ago, but now its back in the saddle, ticking all the boxes it needs to meet.

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Stocks to Watch, Thursday, September 12, 2024: Indian benchmark equity indices are expected to open on a positive note on Thursday, bolstered by strong overnight gains on Wall Street, where all three major indices closed higher. As of 6:50 AM, the GIFT Nifty index was trading at 25,100, up by approximately 150 points from Nifty futures' previous close. Japan's Nikkei 225 surged 3% in early trading, while the broader Topix index gained 2.48%. Meanwhile, futures for China's CSI 300 stood at 3,181.6, slightly below its Wednesday close of 3,186.13.

Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL): On Wednesday, Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL), a public sector defense manufacturer, announced it had secured orders totaling Rs 1,155 crore through two separate agreements. The first order, worth Rs 850 crore, was placed by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) for the delivery of indigenous multi-function X-Band radars. Additionally, BEL secured Rs 305 crore in orders for various naval systems, including navigational complex systems for ships, thermal imagers, communication equipment, fire control, gun control systems, along with associated spares and services, according to its stock exchange filing.

Tata Steel: Tata Steel Ltd has secured a 500 million grant from the UK government for its 1.25 billion green steel initiative in Port Talbot, Wales. This investment will enable the installation of an electric arc furnace, with the goal of decreasing the UK's industrial carbon emissions by 8% and cutting Port Talbots emissions by 90%. Tata Steel CEO T.V. Narendran highlighted that, with government backing, the project could transform Port Talbot into a prominent European center for green steel production and significantly advance circular economy practices by utilizing scrap materials.

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ): Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ), via its subsidiary DPA Container and Clean Cargo Terminal Limited (DPACCCTL), has entered into a concession agreement to develop Berth No. 13 at Deendayal Port, Kandla, Gujarat. This berth will be used for handling multipurpose clean cargo and containers, with operations anticipated to commence by FY27.

Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL): Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), via its subsidiary Urja Bharat Pte Limited (UBPL), has obtained a production concession in Abu Dhabi. This concession covers an area of 6,162 square kilometers and encompasses both conventional oil and gas resources.

Auto Stocks: Auto stocks are set to draw attention following the Union Cabinet's approval of two significant schemes: the PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) and the PM-eBus Sewa-Payment Security Mechanism (PSM). With a combined budget of Rs 14,335 crore, these initiatives are designed to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), including buses, ambulances, and trucks.

Vedanta: Vedanta has raised $900 million through a US dollar bond issue, aimed at prepaying existing debt. The bond, issued at a coupon rate of 10.875 percent, was significantly oversubscribed.

Nazara Technologies: Nazara Technologies has acquired a 15.86 percent stake in blockchain-based e-sports startup Stan for $2.2 million. Stan focuses on mobile-first fan engagement and digital collectibles.

Route Mobile: Route Mobile's promoter, Proximus Opal, plans to sell up to 38 lakh shares, or 6.03% of its equity, through an offer for sale (OFS) on September 12 and 13. The floor price for the OFS is set at Rs 1,635 per share. Non-retail investors will have access to the offer on September 12, while retail investors can participate on September 13.

HPCL: The board of The board of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) has given the green light for the Visakh-Raipur Pipeline Project. This initiative involves building a pipeline from Visakhapatnam to Raipur and establishing supporting infrastructure, including a depot at Kantabanji. The estimated cost of the project is Rs 2,212 crore.

NBCC: NBCC has entered into a partnership with MTNL to develop a 13.88-acre land parcel in New Delhi. The project has a valuation of Rs 1,600 crore.

Arvind Fashions: Goldman Sachs has purchased more than 1.3 million shares of Arvind Fashions in a block deal, totaling an investment of Rs 75 crore.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Bobby Ritz was curious to see what the new Aldi in Greenridge Plaza has to offer, so the Bulls Head resident met up with a few friends and hopped on line at 4 a.m. Wednesday morning in anticipation of the discount grocers grand-opening events. He was the first shopper to enter the store, and he received a $100 gift card for his efforts.

Its exciting, so why not? Ritz said, his sentiments echoed by Gina Harason of Great Kills and Michael Giacalone of Eltingville, who by 8 a.m. had already shared a few cups of Country Donuts coffee. We figured wed come out to see what all the hype is about.

They were joined by Alexis Burke of Mariners Harbor, Gail Byrd of St. George and Jawad Janjua of West Brighton at 4:30 a.m.

The first 100 customers at Thursday's grand opening of Aldi in Greenridge Plaza received a "Golden Ticket" gift card. (Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma-Hammel)Staten Island Advance

Weve been fans of Aldi for a while, Janjua said. Of course we had to come out for the grand opening.

And they werent alone. More than 200 shoppers showed up for the official store opening and ribbon cutting, each one lured in for the stores Golden Ticket gift card giveaway, which awarded the first 100 customers with store credit ranging in value from $10 to $100.

Aldi employees hosted a ribbon cutting before officially opening for business on Thursday. (Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma-Hammel)Staten Island Advance

Im here for the deals, said Lisa Bonici of South Beach. Were finally getting some good stores here in Staten Island.

Located at3285 Richmond Ave. in Greenridge Plaza, the store hosted a soft opening on Wednesday, inviting guests in while staffers worked out the kinks. But business was in full swing on Thursday, as a steady flow of customers descended upon the aisles.

Known for its no-frills selling strategy and competitive prices, Aldi operates more than 2,000 locations throughout 36 states. (Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma-Hammel)Staten Island Advance

Known for its no-frills selling strategy and competitive prices, Aldi operates more than 2,000 locations throughout 36 states, mostly concentrated in the eastern half of the country. Headquartered in Batavia, Illinois, the company employs more than 25,000 people. The Staten Island store will be the 123rd Aldi location in New York state. All other NYC boroughs currently have at least one Aldi store.

The Staten Island location is bright and spacious, with aisles wider than those found in a typical grocery store. And the selection is wide too: Shelves are stocked with a mix of meats, produce, quick meals and baked goods  most products produced by Aldis private label.

The Staten Island location is bright and spacious, with aisles wider than those found in a typical grocery store. (Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma-Hammel)Staten Island Advance

Prices are reasonable: A gallon of milk can be purchased for $3.11, a dozen eggs is $3.29 and a pound of store brand bacon scans in at $3.99. And while name brands are limited  Oreo, Campbells, Ritz and more dot the aisles  Aldis discounted copy is always situated nearby.

Aldi Finds was undoubtedly the most popular section in the store during the opening. Customers were clustered there picking through a stash of toys, books, phone chargers and fall-themed home decor.

There are a number of tips and tricks for shopping at Aldi, including bringing a quarter to unlock a shopping cart.

The Staten Island store will be the 123rd Aldi location in New York state. (Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma-Hammel)Staten Island Advance

Unlike larger supermarkets, there is no deli counter or in-store bakery, but packaged cold-cuts and baked goods are available for purchase. A large selection of frozen foods takes up a good portion of the stores real estate, but noticeably absent from Aldi is any form of self-checkout. Eight registers were fully staffed during the grand opening.

Not to be confused with Lidl, another German-based discount supermarket chain that opened a New Springville location at the Staten Island Mall in 2018, Aldi is a completely separate entity known for its smaller layout and highly curated selection of goods.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  After many New York City students in non-public schools were denied special education services for missing a June deadline, Staten Island elected officials are calling on the schools chancellor to expedite the return of these resources.

Several Staten Island parents who send their kid to private or Catholic school said they were informed by the city Department of Education (DOE) that their child would be ineligible for special education supports for the 2024-2025 school year, because a written request was not submitted by a June 1 deadline.

State law requires parents to send a letter of intent by June 1 for special education services for kids in non-public schools, like Catholic, private, or home-school settings  known as the Individualized Education Services Program (IESP). It ensures students have supports such as occupational, speech, or physical therapies, medical accommodations, and other academic accommodations, like more time on exams.

Its a deadline many Staten Island parents told the Staten Island Advance/SILive.com that the city had not enforced until this year. Some also stated they were not notified of a deadline by the city or otherwise.

The first day of public school was Thursday, Sept. 5.

Elected officials on Staten Island  including Borough President Vito Fossella, Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, Councilmembers Joseph Borelli, Kamillah Hanks and David Carr, Assemblymembers Charles Fall, Michael Tannousis, Sam Pirozzolo and Michael Reilly, Sen. Andrew Lanza, and Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton  penned a letter to Schools Chancellor David Banks asking that he fix the snafu, which has been estimated to impact at least 1,000 students on Staten Island.

They are requesting that existing IESP files be used to expedite the return of these services to students to prevent any further delays.

While we appreciate that the Department of Education will be sending letters to parents that missed the deadline to remedy the situation, we are requesting that existing IEP / IESP files be used to quickly return these students to their services and not delay them further by requiring reevaluations. This would also allow for the Department of Education to begin the placement process for these students sooner, the elected officials wrote in the letter. What should hopefully be fixed within a few weeks could become months should evaluations need to take place.

The DOE previously confirmed to the Advance/SILive.com that it is tracking inquiries received from families who did not submit a request by the June 1 deadline. The agency said it will work to provide supports  once all families who submitted by the deadline are served first.

Nathaniel Styer, spokesperson for the DOE, referred to a previous statement issued to the Advance/SILive.com.

Over the past decade weve seen an exponential increase in filing for special education services by families attending private or parochial schools, and not seeking a public school education, Styer said. The June 1st deadline exists in state laws and regulations and is a longstanding requirement, and one of many controls NYCPS [New York City Public Schools] must follow to help ensure public money is supporting students who genuinely require services. We are required by law to first arrange services for families that submit requests by the deadline, but we will always engage families, including those who didnt meet the deadline, and seek to serve them as soon and as best as we can.

The elected officials also requested that the city notify families about the deadline to avoid an issue in future school years.

If this long-standing deadline will now be enforced going forward, parents/guardians are required to receive ample notification as per the New York State IESP law, the letter stated.
A tractor-trailer containing $355,000 in seafood set to be delivered to a New Jersey Costco was stolen from an industrial property in Middlesex Borough last week, authorities said.

Detectives are checking the area around the property on Smalley Avenue to see if anyone has surveillance footage, according to Detective Sgt. Sean Flanagan, who said the heist was reported just after 4 a.m. on Sept. 5.

Thieves also broke into four shipping containers in the yard, but nothing was stolen from them.

The owner of the property rents parking spaces to truckers, police said.

Anyone with information or video can reach Middlesex police at 732-356-1900.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Police Commissioner Edward Caban is out of a job following a series of federal raids, Mayor Eric Adams announced Thursday.

Cabans apparent resignation comes after he was one of several top officials in Mayor Eric Adams administration involved in a series of federal raids that saw the seizure of the police commissioners phones.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  In honor of those who have died, here is a compilation of obituaries posted on SILive.com. Viewing times and guest books can be seen here.

Robin DeSiena, 68, who went above and beyond for the people he loved, died Sept. 10. Raise in Manhattan, he met the love of his life, Joni, while staying with family on Staten Island. He will be remembered for the musical gifts he shared with others. Read the full obituary on SILive.

Former Staten Islander Rev. Dr. Romaine L. Gardner, an attorney and educator who was active in his community, died Sept. 7 at Alta Vita Memory Care Center, Longmont, Colo. While teaching philosophy, he decided he wanted to learn about the philosophy of law and enrolled in a night course at Brooklyn Law School. It intrigued him so much that he went on to complete a juris doctorate and enter the field of corporate law. Read the full obituary on SILive.

Dr. Michael A. Paglia, 95, a distinguished surgical oncologist who practiced medicine for over 40 years in New York City, died June 27. He was a beloved father, grandfather and family member, a dedicated physician and a friend to many. Read the full obituary on SILive.

Former Staten Islander Sharon Russo of Venice, Fla., a beloved mother, sister and grandmother, has died. Born in Flatbush, Brooklyn, she was a longtime resident of Arden Heights. She enjoyed playing cards, reading, watching old movies, cooking the best lasagna on Staten Island, and the occasional trip to Atlantic City. Read the full obituary on SILive.

Dana Wiley, a former Stapleton resident, died Sept. 3. He was a former member of St. Philips Baptist Church. Read the full obituary on SILive.

Wednesdays obituaries

Former Staten Islander Susan Carlin, died Sept. 4 in her home in Lavallette, N.J. She was a homemaker until her five children finished high school, at which time she began to work for Monsignor Philip Murnion at the New York Archdiocese Office of Pastoral Research. She went on to work for the City Council, before working as secretary to the president of Antioch University in the NYC office. Read the full obituary on SILive.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A national CNN flash poll conducted in the immediate aftermath of Tuesday nights presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump showed that nearly two-thirds of viewers believed Harris came out on top.

And while national polls can be useful in gauging public opinion across the country, looking at the reaction from the seven crucial battleground states that could swing the election may offer better insight into which candidate is currently in the drivers seat.

To that end, the Washington Post spoke with 25 uncommitted, swing-state voters to gauge their reaction to Tuesday nights debate and see how the candidates performances may have impacted their voting plans in the upcoming election.

The overwhelming majority, 23 out of 25 voters, said they believed that Harris outperformed Trump, including several voters who went into the debate leaning toward Trump.

I dont think Trump was at his best  too rambly. He would have been better had he stayed calm and made more of an intentional effort to answer the questions. Harris made a strong showing. Its not clear that her words actually stand up to scrutiny, but she sounded confident and seemed to make sharp and effective attacks against Trump, said one Pennsylvania voter with a preference for Trump.

Trump was on defense. Harris stuck to her points, was coherent and frankly, more professional than I have ever seen her. Trump missed too many opportunities, added a Wisconsin voter who was also leaning in Trumps direction.

Entering the debate, 12 voters were leaning towards Harris, 10 were leaning towards Trump and the remaining three were completely undecided.

After the debate, five voters said they were now definitely voting for Harris, 10 were leaning towards Harris, six were leaning towards Trump, three remained undecided, and one did not provide their candidate preference post-debate.

Notably, two voters who were leaning toward Trump before the debate changed their minds, and were favoring Harris afterwards, while one said they now planned to vote for a third-party candidate.

Polling site FiveThirtyEights latest swing-state numbers show Harris leading in four states, Trump leading in two states and the candidates tied in one.

Heres a look at how Harris and Trump are currently polling in swing states.

Arizona: Trump +0.9%

Trump: 46.3%

Harris: 45.4%

Georgia: Trump +0.7%

Trump: 46.5%

Harris: 45.9%

Michigan: Harris +1.8%

Trump: 44.9%

Harris: 46.7%

Nevada: Tied

Trump: 45.6%

Harris: 45.6%

North Carolina: Harris +0.2%

Trump: 46.0%

Harris: 46.2%

Pennsylvania: Harris +0.6%

Trump: 45.7%

Harris: 46.3%

Wisconsin: Harris +2.5%
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, September 12. Kyrgyzstan plans to intensify work on the construction of the Chaldovar thermal power plant, the Chairperson of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan Akylbek Zhaparov said while addressing the VI Kyrgyz-Russian Economic Forum in the Issyk-Kul region, Trend reports.

We plan to intensify work on major energy projects, such as the construction of the Chaldovar thermal power plant and Kara-Keche thermal power plant with a capacity of 500 MW, which will provide our country with the necessary energy resources and create new opportunities for industrial development, the head of the Cabinet said.

Zhaparov pointed out that energy remains one of the key areas of Kyrgyz-Russian cooperation.

According to him, the projects being implemented with Rosatom to build small hydroelectric power plants, as well as wind and solar power plants, will help not only improve energy security but also accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources, which is a strategic priority for Kyrgyzstan.

In the course of his speech, Zhaparov stressed the stability of electricity supplies from Russia to Kyrgyzstan.

To note, the Energy Ministries of Kyrgyzstan and Russia signed a memorandum of cooperation on the Chaldovar thermal power plant construction project in March 2024.
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, September 12. A cornerstone has been laid for a new hotel in Kyrgyzstan's Issyk-Kul region, with a total investment of $12.6 million, Russian-Kyrgyz Development Fund (RKDF) told Trend.

The 110-room hotel, set to be built on the grounds of the existing "Kapriz" recreation center, will be operated under the Russian Azimut Hotels franchise. Of the total investment, $9.3 million is allocated by the RKDF.

The project's stated goal is to improve service quality and increase tourism in Issyk-Kul. In addition to increasing tax and social contributions to the budget, it is anticipated that 95 additional jobs would be created.

This will be the first branded hotel in Issyk-Kul designed as a resort and recreational zone. It is also the first Azimut franchise hotel in Kyrgyzstan. We are discussing further development of the hotel industry in the country, said Artem Novikov, Chairman of the Board of the RKDF

In turn, the head of the Russian Presidential Department for Interregional and Cultural Relations with Foreign Countries Igor Maslov noted that the RKDF will celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2024. He highlighted the fund's recent active role, including the laying of capsules and opening of various industrial, energy, and social projects in Kyrgyzstan and Russia.
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Slow-cooked goat ragout and a diminutive take on spaghetti meatballs will star on Alessandro Pavonis opening menu at the inner wests relaxed new neighbourhood venue Postino Osteria.

When hatted chef Alessandro Pavoni and restaurateur Bill Drakopoulos splashed $3 million in March for the decommissioned Summer Hill post office where One Penny Red restaurant previously traded, it was part of a calculated long-term strategy to gain the hearts and mouths of the inner west.

On Friday, September 13, Pavoni and wife Anna finally swing open the doors at Postino Osteria. It completes some unfinished business for the chef. When he moved to Australia in 2003, Pavoni lived locally, with dreams of opening a restaurant in the inner west before he was lured north to launch the award-winning Ormeggio at The Spit, followed by Barangaroo, where he has aMare at Crown Sydney.

1 / 17 Postino Osterias beautiful bar area. Supplied 2 / 17 Aged premium Parma prosciutto with wine and bread. Supplied 3 / 17 Whipped Murray cod Venetian-style baccala with polenta chips. Supplied 4 / 17 Milanese meatballs. Supplied 5 / 17 MSC yellowfin tuna crudo with almond, basil and preserved lemon. Supplied 6 / 17 The exterior of the former post office. Supplied 7 / 17 Mezzi paccheri with slow-cooked baby goat ragout, Meredith Dairy goat cheese, parsley and baby sun-dried tomatoes. Supplied 8 / 17 Gigli ai gamberi with king prawns, bottarga, cherry tomato and orange zest. Supplied 9 / 17 Linguine with zucchini, basil and provolone del Monaco. Supplied 10 / 17 Pesce del giorno  fish fillet of the day with mugnaia sauce and chives. Supplied 11 / 17 The downstairs dining room. Supplied 12 / 17 Saltimbocca  veal sirloin saltimbocca with prosciutto, sage and white wine sauce. Supplied 13 / 17 Wagyu tonnato. Supplied 14 / 17 Home-made egg spaghetti with tiny meatballs and traditional Abruzzese meatball sugo. Supplied 15 / 17 Fava bean puree with Pugliese-style chicory ripassata, Tuscan pecorino and Calabrian chilli. Supplied 16 / 17 Millefoglie with layered puff pastry, Italian vanilla custard and mixed berries. Supplied 17 / 17 Pistachio tiramisu. Supplied Previous Slide Next Slide

In the lead-up to Postino Osterias opening, headlines talked of pasta wars, with a rival restaurateur questioning why Pavoni would open another Italian restaurant in Summer Hill. They have a great name, but we think were doing something different, Pavoni responds. Theres plenty of people for everyone.

Given his training at Michelin-star restaurants in Europe, and local reputation for hatted restaurants, there were also questions over its pitch. Postino is Pavonis ode to the osteria, Italys no-nonsense mix of wine and food. And looking after locals is his first concern.
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Sponsored Eating outCity of Parramatta Parramatta reigns as the culinary heart of Sydney Sponsored by City of Parramatta Amy Cooper September 12, 2024 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

Put a pin on any map and youll find delicious dishes to match in Parramatta. Sydneys geographic centre is also its gastronomic heart, where you can dine your way around the world from dawn to dark, through a gourmet greatest hits of international flavours. From corner cafes and street food to elevated dining and buzzy bars, Sydneys most food-obsessed neighbourhood has every craving covered. The Tiny Birds Nest at Willo Restaurant & Bar - a delicate brioche filled with chorizo cream, spicy salami and Italian meringue City of Parramatta The cream of cafes Want to start the day right? Parramattas cafes wake up your tastebuds with eclectic menus and a coffee game thats unfailingly excellent. As well as coffee to cross town for and 10 speciality teas, Circa has a stellar line-up of middle east-inflected dishes, including the legendary Ottoman Eggs. At Homage Speciality Coffee the showstopping Reuben toastie with homemade Russian sauce has its own fanbase.

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No problems if youre a late riser  at Lil Mis Collins breakfast is an all-day situation and nobodys judging if you tuck into an afternoon mushroom melt or for something unique, the ube pancake stack. Meanwhile, croissants, caneles and other fresh French delights at Lucien Baked Goods complement house-roasted coffee from sister eatery Circa. Little India, big flavours Harris Park might be dubbed Little India, but its mighty big on the aromatic, heady flavours of the subcontinent. Graze along a spice trail of more than 20 eateries showcasing Indias culinary regions - with some delicious detours into Nepal. At Chatkazz the Mumbai street food is so authentic you could be in Bollywood if you close your eyes while savouring the irresistible Frankie  a filling-crammed wrap known as the Bombay burrito. Dosa Hut serves stunning South Indian soul food while Ginger specialises in rich, intoxicating North Indian Mughlai cuisine. At Momozz , Nepalese momo dumplings star alongside Indo-Chinese delights, while Chulho has live Nepalese folk music to match the dishes. Mouth-watering Mediterranean

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Parramatta takes you on a gastronomic adventure inspired by the diverse flavours of the Mediterranean, offering a taste of the regions culinary delights from vibrant coastal dishes to rich and hearty specialties - all within reach, no travel documents needed. Start with the award-winning tiramisu at Italian Street Kitchen, then drop into Greece for sensational souvlaki and the wildly popular $20 claypot lunches at Kuzina Greco. Handmade pastas and succulent meats cooked over wood and charcoal at Ruse Bar & Brasserie blend modern Australian and European beautifully. Ruse Bar provides a European-inspired all day dining brasserie City of Parramatta Feast on the Middle East Parramattas middle eastern eateries draw on their owners deep knowledge, with family-owned favourites serving dishes perfected over generations. With a menu of traditional Lebanese greats in a stunning riverside spot, Sahra by the River is one of Sydneys prettiest places to savour a shawarma, or go even bigger with an 18-dish Lebanese banquet at Bayti, with beer from the Khouzame familys own brewery, Hawkers. Asian sensations

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In Parramatta, no culinary corner of Asia is left unexplored in an odyssey through China, Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, the Philippines - plus some exciting fusions. Pan-Asian LILYMU blends the best of an array of cuisines with vibrant signatures such as lamb cutlet with a tangy Thai nahm jim jaew sauce, Japanese-inspired black bean Inaniwa udon, and a creative cocktail list to match (melon & makrut fizz, anyone?). LILYMU is a vibrant Pan-Asian dining spot City of Parramatta Temasek, a Malaysian institution since 1992 serves up specialities from satays to spicy sambals. At family-owned Pho Pasteur, the Phams are revered for their Vietnamese pho recipe  singing with secret herbs and spices. Indonesian Ria is the place for faithfully authentic Indonesian street food, with Sydneys best Javanese ayam penyet  tender smashed chicken (or beef, prawns or ribs) fried and crumbed with fiery chilli sauce. From lumpia to adobo pork,Estelitas Filipino Kusina is a delicious dive into Philippines cuisine. At The Zungle Korean Marinade BBQ, prime meats in signature gochujang sauce are expertly flamed to perfection at your table, alongside traditional favourites like refreshing naengmyeon (cold noodles) or flavourful kimchi beef fried rice. Top off the tastes with a fun soju bomb - a shot of soju dropped into a glass of Korean beer. More delicious drinks await at Holy Basil, where Asian-inspired cocktails complement Thai and Lao dishes. Try Laos charcoal chicken or a sizzling stir-fry with a cooling watermelon kaffir margarita or mango coco colada. Innovative Japanese dining at Oribu City of Parramatta

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Nights to remember From date night to party time, Parramatta knows how to dial up the decadence. Savour the sensory overload and theatre of the open fire grill at Hunter & Barrel, where flames tease out the finest flavours from prime cuts; experience the artistry of ex-Nobu chef Harry Cho at Japanese fine dining restaurant Oribu in the uber-luxury surrounds of the Heritage Precinct; or spoil yourself at acclaimed Willo Restaurant & Bar with mod-Med showstoppers like the Tiny Birds Nest - a delicate brioche filled with chorizo cream, spicy salami and Italian meringue. Middle east and Mediterranean meet in stunning green surrounds at Misc, where the make-your-own margarita tray starts your party in style, and Champagne and cocktail bar Nick & Noras oozes golden-era glam with sweeping views from the twenty-sixth floor. If youve never sipped a Champagne shoey from a glass slipper, this is the place to try it. Hunter & Barrel redefines elevated dining in the heart of Parramatta City of Parramatta With a variety of options reflecting the diversity of its community, Parramatta ensures an unforgettable dining experience for all tastes, preferences, and occasions. Discover more by visiting atparramatta.com/eat

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The idea that your nails need to breathe is a myth, says Dr Chris Adigun, a dermatologist in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, who specialises in nail disorders.

Your nails dont have lungs, she says.

However, there are some signs that your nail polish, or the way you remove it, may be causing changes to your nails that should prompt a break, experts says. And its important to inspect your nails between polishes so you can spot any potentially worrisome shifts that might be occurring underneath the colour, Adigun says.

Heres what to watch for.
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 Now that the bus driver has received his just sentence and given his apparent poor health, he will probably never breathe free air again (Killer bus driver jailed, September 12). However, if justice is to be truly served, there should now be a judicial enquiry into his employer. His unsuitability for his job should have been crystal clear to his employers, supervisors and his fellow drivers. His addiction to prescription drugs could have been easily determined by requiring him to have a medical examination, with the report going to his employer and then to the relevant authorities. The judicial inquiry could also be tasked with determining what penalties should be applied to the employer and what additional measures are needed to ensure nothing like this ever happens again. Warren Devrell, Wellington Brett Button, driver of the bus which crashed causing the deaths of 10 passengers. Credit: Nick Moir What good does sentencing a worker to 32 years in prison for driving a bus negligently, causing it to roll over and inadvertently kill a number of passengers? Answer: none whatsoever. What bad does it do? Answer: plenty. Most notably, it causes people like me to question further, to the limited extent that remains possible, our societys notion of and commitment to justice. Ross Drynan, Lindfield This sentence is an absolute injustice. This guy made a terrible mistake with the outcome that people died. He was stupid and totally unjustified, but the sentence is just beyond belief. He drove dangerously. Was anyone egging him on? Was he aware that his driving was potentially deadly? No! He was stupid and irresponsible in a responsible job. The outcome was devastating, but his intention was certainly not criminal. Does this sentence actually help anyone? Revenge is an ugly word. Jeremy Baker, Bathurst The Hunter Valley bus crash was a tragedy. However, it was not a matter of a premeditated loss of life. Some of the victim statements indicated they were clearly seeking public revenge  not justice, which is what the court system is set up to administer. A sentence of 32 years for the driver is an extraordinary punishment for manslaughter. Remorse was clear, and the guilty plea does not appear to have been a consideration in the sentence. It must now be compared with some of the sentences for shootings and murder. Allen Kavanagh, Lilli Pilli While the tragic Greta bus crash is back in the news, can the roads minister give us any figures as to how many fatal accidents are caused by drivers with extremely high levels of prescription drugs in their system, as was the case in this accident? John Swanton, Coogee

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Past time for home truths The Voice referendum result caused me to sit back and ask this question: What makes Australia tick (History rewritten in high schools, September 12)? The announcement today that the history syllabus is to be revamped is a ray of hope for me. It is clear that most voters in the referendum had not the foggiest idea of our colonial history. I look forward to the evidence that history is to be based on. Michael Kennedy, West Pymble Michelle Kennedy, head history teacher at North Sydney Girls HS and has helped consult with the NSW Education Standards Authority on the new high school history syllabus. Credit: Wolter Peeters Hooray for the rewrite of the history curriculum. The truthful teaching of our colonial history should have been in place a long time ago. It most likely would have spared us the hate-filled and wilfully ill-informed reaction to the Voice referendum last year. Bob Edgar, Westmead Our syllabus design is catching up with the need to teach facts to young history students. Shame about it being years too late for me to forget my shame of what I taught young minds back in the early 70s. It does give hope for what the syllabus changes will mean for us all in the generations to come. Cecily Chittick, Wyong It doesnt matter how often you change the school curriculum if you dont have a trained teacher in front of the class delivering it to the students. There are so many teaching vacancies across NSW that implementation of any new syllabus will be a challenge. Peter Miniutti, Ashbury History war, anyone? Greg Baker Fitzroy Falls

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Trump board game Bruce Wolpe claims that Donald Trump saved his most effective comments for last, asking why Kamala Harris hadnt done anything about pressing problems for three and a half years (Trump had two foes during debate, September 12). This included her immigration policy. The facts are that Harris tried to introduce the Border Act of 2024. This would have put 1500 more border agents on the border and stemmed the flow of people coming into the country. Harris reminded her audience that Trump picked up the phone and told the Republicans, already committed to passing it in the spirit of bipartisanship, to kill the bill. It was reminiscent of Tony Abbott and Scott Morrison killing Labors Malaysian bill, something which Abbott later claimed to regret because most immigration experts said it would work. When asked about it later, Morrison first said Abbott told him to oppose it, but then later fell in with hard-right Coalition sentiment and described Labors idea as bad policy. Frank Carroll, Moorooka (Qld) Trump sliced apart Credit: Marija Ercegovac It was a rigged deal as I assumed it would be, Trump said. Theres a pattern here; if something doesnt go Trumps way, its rigged. What is equally concerning is that the Republican Party is complicit in this ongoing perversion of the US political system. With its associated vilification and questioning the legitimacy of the government departments and agencies responsible for actually running the nation. What is becoming a local worrying trend here in Australia is the increasing tendency of the Coalition to ape those statements. Denis Cartledge, Tenterfield If Trump becomes POTUS and evicts the cat-eating immigrants, Australia with its feral cat problem could provide a feed for these feline banqueters. Paul Keys, Clouds Creek I guess Springfield, Ohio, now has a whole lot of cat-less child ladies. Adrian Connelly, Springwood So thats what those sly childless cat ladies have been up to: breeding cats to sell to starving US refugees. Roger Pamphlett, East Balmain

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Swilled out I applaud the Good Food Guides decision to remove restaurants under the Swillhouse Group from its 2025 guide (Letters, September 12). The Swillhouse Group, after a lengthy investigation, has been exposed to have condoned criminal behaviour involving sexual assault of its female employees. This is certainly no arbitrary moral judgment about appropriate conduct. It is decisive, brave, considered action, reflecting the serious nature of the dereliction of duty of an employer. The inaugural Good Food Guide Cultural Change Champion Award signals a significant change in focus on leadership and respect in the workplace within the hospitality industry. Bravo, Good Food! Alex Bilash, Burwood I would ask your correspondent to consider the standard you walk past is the standard you accept - wise words from the previous governor of NSW, David Hurley. Inappropriate conduct is unfortunately harder to legally prove than underpaid wages, but this doesnt mean it should continue to be ignored as it has been in the past. Bravo to the workers who have endured and now spoken up. Sharon Warner, North Turramurra Article helped shine a light on towns big problem I wanted to write to say a massive thank you to the Herald and particularly Jordan Baker (The tiny town with a big problem: a serial pest who targets women, September 10). As one of the women featured in the article, I cannot express how difficult it has been, but to finally have our voices heard has been liberating. Our only newsagent in Cooma ran out of papers after the first few hours! This article has factually presented a massive issue that has been poisoning our communities due to a weakness in both our enforcement and judiciary systems. But most importantly it has shone a light on a dark problem. It is media and journalism at its best, doing what it is there to do  telling the truth and giving people who felt voiceless a voice. Bronnie Taylor, Nimmitabel Bronnie Taylor and Tanya Higgins in Nimmitabel. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

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Are we also parents? Its fascinating to see the expectation that schools and the education system will solve so many of the problems emerging in contemporary society while governments are defunding education and devaluing the status of the teaching profession (Children, and parents, must be schooled in social media, September 12). Some examples recently are the need to control youth obesity, educating about sex and the negotiation of consent, knowledge of the Holocaust, dealing with social media literacy, domestic violence, youth mental health, understanding climate change and the list goes on. Where does parental responsibility start and end and to what extent should the school be responsible for resolving these issues? Vanessa Tennent, Oatley Having been a school teacher for some 37 years, I sympathise with the view that it would be better to educate kids in appropriate use of smartphones rather than simply impose an age ban. However, my experience has taught me that most parents are indifferent to their children, frightened of them or simply not able to educate them. Even schools would find it hard to break through the resistance of the bulk of those students determined to enjoy free access to social media. It therefore falls to government to protect our young people from the unmitigated evil that can emanate from those innocent-looking smartphones. Russell Dorey, Hornsby Heights If social media access is based on age, then in a particular class or school year group, some students will have access and some will not, the latter group getting smaller as the year progresses and birthdays pass. This will surely create social discord, possibly bullying and exclusion. In the case of social media, school year group is a better indicator of maturity in social development and overall learning than biological age. Start the access with term 1 of year 9, 10 or 11. Cheryl Murdoch, Annandale Wooly-headed I totally agree with the letterwriter concerning the farming group Keep the Sheep (Letters, September 12). Are they really thinking we all imagine a rural setting with green rolling fields where the sheep may safely graze and that the farmers regularly administer kind and loving care until they end their days in some sort of utopia? That picture is far from the actual reality of travel in a boat from hell, being treated abysmally by people who have no regard for animal welfare and bundled off to a painful death. Keep the sheep is a misnomer which does not reflect the reality of what will happen to the animals. It is time to face the facts that live animal export is not a trade that any government can be proud to support and it is time to move on, with government subsidies for a more humane approach to farming animals. Jane Cullinan, Berkeley Vale

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Chinese scientists uncovered a 17-fold increase in TFA concentrations in surface waters around Beijing over a decade, and a four-fold increase in dust over four years. Similar results have been echoed in ice cores in northern Canada, and in rainfall in Germany. There has not been any publicly available widespread monitoring for TFA in Australia, but Professor Brett Paull from the University of Tasmania said it would absolutely be present in water supplies. Once its in the water system and in precipitation, then of course its going to be into every living thing, he said. Its everywhere now and increasingly so. Somebody should be paying attention. Professor Brett Paull, University of Tasmania

TFA does not break down in the environment. This is one of the traits that has seen the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) classify it as a forever chemical, an umbrella term for a family of thousands of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that are nearly indestructible. PFAS lurk in dozens of household products like frying pans and contact lenses, but recent data from European regulators indicates fluorinated gases account for about 63 per cent of all forever chemicals usage. They deliver the man-made refrigerants sector around $US8 billion ($11.9 billion) in annual revenue. Key players include global chemical giants like Daikin, Honeywell and Chemours, a spin-off of Dupont, according to Grand View Research. But the sector is now facing an existential challenge after five European countries submitted a proposal last year for a sweeping ban on forever chemicals, including refrigerants. Makers of natural refrigerants are urging Australian regulators to follow suit, warning that fluorinated gases pose the twin threats of greenhouse gas emissions and forever chemicals pollution.

Leading TFA expert Professor Martin Scheringer warns not enough is known about the chemicals potential risk to humans. The fluorinated gases industry has been lobbying for an exemption from the European ban and has played down the risks posed by TFA. They claim it does not meet the criteria to be classified as a forever chemical and will not harm human health at current environmental levels. But Professor Martin Scheringer, from Masaryk University in the Czech Republic, said those arguments ignore the alarming speed at which TFA has been accumulating. The levels will eventually breach guidelines set for safe consumption of drinking water and TFA is practically impossible to remove from water, Scheringer said.

Professor Arp called for urgent research into TFAs toxicity. For the scientific community, I want to see all hands on deck, he said. Refrigerants Australia, representing manufacturers of fluorinated gases, pointed out that the European Chemicals Agency was years off making a determination on any prospective ban, and the issues were proving complex. Of course, we do not want to see harm to the environment and to human health, said executive director Greg Picker. At the same time, managing a transition away from those PFAS where possible, reducing release to the environment where there are critical uses will require sophisticated policy and regulatory approaches.

Its everywhere Forever chemicals are prized for their water-repelling and stain-fighting properties, but there has been mounting scientific concern over their effects on health, including links to cancer, immune system dysfunction and high cholesterol. TFA is deemed a forever chemical by the OECD but not by authorities in the United States. Levels of TFA began their sharp ascent in the 1990s and are expected to continue to balloon in coming decades.

Arp said that often, TFA was already the forever chemical showing up in the highest concentrations in water and human blood. A recent study of European waterways showed TFA accounted for more than 98 per cent of PFAS found, while a German study revealed that it contributed more than 90 per cent of forever chemical pollution in drinking water. TFA was detected in 97 per cent of blood samples in a 2019 Chinese study, while a US study found it in 95 per cent of drinking water samples. TFA pollution has also been linked to the use of pesticides and pharmaceuticals. Wave of concern

There was a short-lived flurry of research into TFA from the late 1980s, when one study revealed it accumulated in the amniotic fluid of pregnant mice and another flagged its potential toxicity to the fetus. Recent revelations of TFAs spread have sparked a new wave of scientific interest. In 2021, an industry-led study revealed TFA caused severe fetal malformations in rabbits. Pharmaceuticals giant Bayer notified the European Food Safety Authority about its findings under laws requiring companies to report information regarding potentially harmful or unacceptable effects of their products. The scientific understanding of a chemicals toxicity increases  often massively  over time. Professor Martin Scheringer, Masaryk University

The German Chemical Agency cited the study when proposing that TFA should be classified as toxic to reproduction. Research is under way to determine if the findings are applicable to humans. The Pesticide Action Network Europe noted that eye abnormalities in rabbits bore similarities to those discovered in rats exposed to other banned types of PFAS. Some material safety data sheets acknowledge that TFA causes reproductive toxicity in animals but say its toxicological effects have not been fully investigated. Refrigerants Australia pointed this masthead to a 2022 scientific report which found the increases of TFA are not expected to pose a significant risk to humans or the environment at the present time The report, by an expert panel advising the Montreal Protocol, which manages the use of man-made refrigerants, concluded that no harm is anticipated based on projected releases of TFA.

But the findings have been contentious in the scientific community. Scheringer argued a proper risk assessment could not be carried out while there was a poor understanding of human exposure to TFA and its toxicity. He said potential connections with a myriad of human diseases first needed to be explored. This is a formidable task and often only very limited toxicity data are available for a chemical such as TFA, he said. The scientific understanding of a chemicals toxicity increases  often massively  over time. Paull said scientists were concerned effects would be uncovered in years to come.

Woolworths is transitioning from man-made to natural refrigerants to reduce the risks from greenhouse gases and forever chemicals. Credit: Oscar Colman By the time you leave it for a decade or two its too late because you cant take it out, he said. Paull is seeking to investigate TFA levels in waters, soils, sediments and plants. Its everywhere now and increasingly so, he said. Somebody should be paying attention. Slipping the net

TFA particles are too small to be trapped by most drinking water filters. The only technology effective at removing them is reverse osmosis, but such filters are costly to install and maintain. Natural refrigerants include ammonia, hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide and water. Manufacturers argue they perform the same or better than man-made alternatives, without the environmental risks. The vast majority of domestic refrigerators now use natural refrigerants and there are signs that the clothes dryer market is following suit, according to the European Chemicals Agency. There are technologies already available that are proven and tested, said Selwyn Wallace, who runs an Australian business manufacturing hydrocarbon-based refrigerants. Forever chemicals have been detected in-airconditioning units. Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto

Theres no need for all these forever chemicals. Woolworths started scaling up its use of natural refrigerants to lower its greenhouse gas emissions, but now considers reducing risks from PFAS a secondary benefit. Since 2017, all new Woolworths supermarkets have been built with natural refrigerant systems, while older supermarkets undergoing renovations are upgrading their systems to use natural refrigerants. The City of Parramatta introduced provisions in its development control plan to encourage the use of natural refrigerants in the CBD in 2022, extending those to the wider local government area a year later. George Haydock, who runs a Sydney-based natural refrigerants company, has been lobbying councils to make the change.

When people become educated, we can move forward, Haydock said. Picker warns natural refrigerants carry safety risks: hydrocarbons are associated with the risk of fires, ammonia is toxic, and carbon dioxide is an asphyxiant. There are also environmental, energy efficiency, operational costs and a range of other issues to be managed, Picker said. We will need access to all the refrigerants in our kit bag to meet environmental, energy, safety and cost requirements of the Australian community. Forever chemicals in commercial refrigeration and air-conditioning. Credit: Getty Images
Brisbane talk radio station 4BC is making changes on its breakfast show, with Laurel Edwards, Gary Clare and Mark Hine to depart towards the end of the month.

Nine Radio head of content Greg Byrnes said the trio would take their planned survey break next week, before returning for their final week on air on Monday, September 23. Their final broadcast will be Friday that week.

Gary Clare, Mark Hine and Laurel Edwards in the 4BC studio. Credit: 4BC

Laurel, Gary and Mark have played a crucial role in our live and local content strategy, Byrnes said.

Its been a privilege to have them engage with Brisbane through 4BC but weve decided to take a new approach to breakfast.

Their loyal listeners, and all of us at 4BC, will miss them greatly, but well be sending them off in a style worthy of their remarkable careers.

Edwards, Clare and Hine had an audience share of 4.3 per cent in the latest Brisbane radio ratings.

Byrnes said an announcement on the stations new breakfast line-up would be made soon.

Nine Entertainment Co owns 4BC, along with this masthead.
As authorities denied protesters access to Clarendon Street from Yarra Promenade, the group turned back, circled the casino and tried to get closer to the expo from the south. At Whiteman Street, police searched backpacks and pockets, and an officer told the crowd that anyone wearing a face covering must leave the area. Metal-detecting wands were used to scan passers-by for weapons. Anti-war protesters walk through Melbournes CBD, causing traffic disruption. Credit: Chris Hopkins One protester, a young man who asked not to be named, said he had been searched three times in 15 minutes. I dont know if its my presence alone, if its my height because I am a tall fella, but Ive been searched about three times, and Ive got nothing on me, he said.

The young man claimed he was patted down, questioned repeatedly and ordered to stop eyeballing police. I said, Im allowed to do that because thats very legal. Theyve just been real aggressive for some reason, he said. Another protester was involved in a physical confrontation with the media. The demonstrator accused the television networks security guard of assaulting him. Dont f---ing come in here and agitate people, he yelled at a reporter. A protester is searched on Thursday. Credit: Chris Hopkins The crowd dispersed about 11am. On the other side of the police ring of steel, lobbyists, weapons makers and military officials were perusing the wares on display.

A highlight on the days agenda was the Australian Armys symposium. Chief general Simon Stuart said the recent Defence strategic review had rightly demanded more than just a rethink of military tactics but its culture too, as a profession trusted to fight Australias wars. It should not surprise anyone in this audience when I observe that we must do more to reflect on the sufficiency of our professional standards, he said, adding that the long shadow of Afghanistan now lay over any army transformation. Outside, the relatively peaceful scenes were a marked departure from the violence that flared the previous day. On Wednesday, some protesters pelted police with horse faeces, rocks, eggs, beer bottles, tomatoes, and a liquid later detected to contain a mild acid.

Victoria Police defended its use of force, which included foam bullets, stun grenades, tear gas and pepper spray, to control the crowd. Police estimated 1500 protesters were outside the expo on Wednesday, well short of the 20,000 authorities were expecting. Forty-two protesters were arrested, while 27 police officers required medical attention. On Wednesday, mounted police forced protesters back to Spencer Street, where they set bins and rubbish on fire. Credit: Chris Hopkins Protesters lit fires in bins and set up barricades, mainly around the Spencer Street Bridge on the CBDs edge, as mounted police and armed officers dressed in riot gear stood opposite to prevent access to the convention centre. Police Minister Anthony Carbines said officers had used extreme restraint. However, some legal groups have challenged this.

Peaceful protest is always welcome and supported in our state, Carbines said. But if you found yourself caught up in what we saw yesterday, I think youve only got yourself to blame. Loading He said the government was looking at expanding the use of designated areas in which police have greater powers to search and remove people. Further arrests could be made once footage of the protests had been reviewed, Carbines said. Id urge all Victorians, when they see a member of Victoria Police, to thank them, to give them a thumbs up and tell them that they have Victorias support for their restraint. Fire Rescue Victoria is investigating reports a mild acid was thrown at officers. Disrupt Land Forces  a conglomerate protest group leading the action  said in a statement butyric acid, a food additive made from dairy products, was also deployed.

The police union described Wednesdays scenes as some of the most violent protests officers had seen in decades. And since the World Economic Forum, we havent seen people bring this, for no apparent reason, to the police, union boss Wayne Gatt told 3AW on Thursday morning. Gatt said Wednesdays turnout was overwhelmingly people looking for a fight rather than standing for a cause, and any cause had been lost in their actions. Melbourne Activist Legal Support called police behaviour on Wednesday a grossly excessive response that probably infringed on human rights. In a statement released on Wednesday night, it said even independent legal observers and medics had been subjected to pepper spray and stun grenades and charged by police horses.

Although the group noted violent behaviour from some protesters, it said: Legal observers noted that in most circumstances, protester behaviour became heightened after and in response to a coercive crowd control manoeuvre by the police or the use of police weapons. The behaviour of individual protesters does not justify excessive force against others, nor the use of force against entire crowds. Police are braced for more protests outside the weapons expo in Melbourne. Credit: Eddie Jim The Australian Democracy Network said it was deeply concerned by reports that police had used capsicum spray against protesters lying on the ground and complying. The use of dangerous police weapons at protests escalates tensions and risks breaching Victoria Polices human rights obligations, campaigner Anastasia Radievska said on Thursday.

The Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service Co-operative said the right to protest was at the heart of Australias democracy and was protected under the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities. It said it had serious concerns about the polices response on Wednesday. Police violence and brutality towards those exercising their right to have their voices heard is unacceptable, the co-operative said. We understand at least one complaint has been made to IBAC in respect of Victoria Polices misconduct. Riot police watch on during a subdued a second day of protests outside a weapons expo in Melbourne. Credit: Eddie Jim Disrupt Land Forces is calling for an end to weapons sales to Israel and an arms embargo. [Police] have attacked us with blows, kicks, and boots on our throats, tear gas, pepper spray, and rubber bullets, the group said in a social media post on Wednesday night.
Melbourne will host more military weapons exhibitions, despite the violence and disruptive protests that marred this weeks event, Treasurer Tim Pallas says.

But Pallas said the government might consider moving future Land Forces expos away from South Wharfs Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre after anti-war demonstrations caused transport chaos and prompted a police response that could cost taxpayers up to $15 million.

Dozens of police officers near Clarendon Street, Southbank on Thursday. Credit: Eddie Jim

The treasurer claimed $70 million is directly flowing into the economy from the three-day event and that the figure justified the bigger policing budget. However, he conceded that the government and organisers would have to have a discussion before holding future iterations of the biennial Land Forces International Land Defence Exposition at the same location.

This is the biggest Land Forces exhibition thats ever happened in this country by quite a considerable margin, some $70 million worth of economic investment is flowing directly from it, he said.
His father worried hed never return to his studies, but Lisle says it was a pivotal experience that had the opposite effect. Thats when I thought, God, Id better get my act together  there was certainly a switch, he recalls, as the bruschetta and Tiger Prawn with creme fraiche and dill entrees arrive. Hesperia managing director Ben Lisle. Credit: Ebony Talijancich Lisle returned a reformed student, graduating with first-class honours and as the top student in his year  an accolade that caught the attention of corporate adviser John Poynton and his firm.

It was a work hard to play hard culture, and as the firms first hire, Lisle says he was stretched thin, but that it worked in his favour and accelerated his learning. Lisle worked his way up to director before co-founding Azure Capital alongside Poynton and Perth deal-maker Mark Barnaba in 2004. But within 2 years, Lisle came to the realisation he wanted to be the principal, not the adviser. He exited in 2007 to found Linc Property, an industrial and commercial property firm he would devote the better part of the next two decades to building. As he reflects on the projects he took on ahead of the Global Financial Crisis, from large-format retail to industrial, it becomes clear there is more to Lisles success than sheer luck.

He is meticulous when it comes to risk management, acutely aware  even obsessive  about the risks posed by the states cyclical economy and the need to move quickly. Lisles approach to business is underpinned by more than concern about profit, something he reveals was shaped by financial difficulties his family experienced in his early life. As the ribbon is cut on the Murdoch Precinct Project that brought them together, Lisle and Fini (right) have begun implementing a major restructure of the firm that will see them lead separate business units. We have very big hits of demand relative to the size of our economy, but we struggle with the people and the housing supply to then facilitate that, and our slow building processes mean we take a long time to catch up to the demand, he says. I have an intimate understanding of the human cost of these cycles, which create a lot of destruction  I became genuinely interested in how we better facilitate that more timely response.

When Fini Group won the rights to the Murdoch Precinct Project in 2020, Lisle levelled a co-investment proposition. But Fini had a counterproposal. [Adrian] said, Sure, but why dont we look at merging [our] businesses? Lisle says. The idea of diversifying was an attractive one for Lisle, who had thrown himself into work after going through a divorce at the start of the pandemic. Lisle is reluctant to be drawn further on his personal life, including his two children, though finds it easy to talk about his affinity for motorcycles. Lisle says his love of motorcycles and mountain biking is inherited from his father, who used to ride motorcars, and that it forces him to be present and connect with nature outside his work schedule.

But today, as we tuck into our lunch  risotto for me, bucatini for him  Im keen to move back to business because, much like the economy he watches so intently, it appears his career is on the cusp of a new cycle. As the ribbon is cut on the Murdoch Precinct Project that brought them together, Lisle and Fini have begun implementing a major restructure of the firm that will see them lead separate business units. As the ribbon is cut on Murdoch Square in August, a new era begins for Hesperia. Here Lisle is pictured at the ceremony in August with Hesperia director Ian Smyth and Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson. Despite speculation the pair would be going their separate ways, Lisle maintains the pair work closely together as directors of the two entities and the carve-up is to help the company better tackle its long and diverse list of new mega-projects, including the states first specialist orthopaedic hospital. And he is transparent about the personal cost of the business rapid growth.

I take the responsibility for us to deliver it for all of our investors very, very seriously, and by the end of last year I was feeling pretty exhausted, he says. His interest in economic cycles and immigration policy has also prompted his venture into the politics of planning, having been recruited to work on the states industrial land strategy and review the end-to-end planning system. When I was young and starting out, I was thinking about how I could make enough money to retire young and go travel. But as you mature, you start thinking about having a family and building a business, and then it becomes more about purpose and finding meaning, he says. For me, having gone through divorce, there was a real sense of loss and I went looking for meaning by throwing myself into work and finding problems to solve. I am a firm believer in optimising for the system as a whole rather than arguing for your own personal interests as, in the long term, if you do the right thing by others you end up doing better also.

Lisle says it is laggy approvals that are especially problematic in a state as cyclical as WA, pointing to the impact of planning constraints on affordability. But he credits the McGowan/Cook government with beginning to change that. Lisle reserves special praise for planning minister-turned-Treasurer Rita Saffioti, who he says has displayed leadership in being prepared to wear criticism to do the right thing. He also commends the Barnett-era development assessment panel system, which he says has depoliticised planning by limiting interference from local councillors and placing decision-making in the hands of planning professionals. While acknowledging apartments are not as cost-effective as detached dwellings, he believes the social and environment benefits of density are worth the investment.

The Bruschetta and Tiger Prawn with creme fraiche and dill at Dilly Dally in Subiaco. Credit: Ebony Talijancich. He says the social and affordable housing program is a good opportunity to subsidise density in well-considered locations where it might not otherwise stack up, and he isnt afraid to weigh in on the unrelenting opposition to density in the affluent western suburbs  including Cottesloe. I just fundamentally disagree with the idea that we should keep sprawling out to Bunbury, its like saying Im set, I have a house in the right place, but I dont want anyone else living here, he says. A place like Cottesloe, our premier beach, should probably be more than it is, but you have this huge resistance to change and reluctance for people to share what is really a public asset and, personally, I find it quite selfish. [Urban sprawl] is not great, but its now very challenging to make infill development work anywhere other than the western suburbs because were in a constrained labor environment, apartments are three to four times more labour-intensive, and we have opened up lots of land.

Loading Despite the list of flashy projects Lisle has been involved in, he says industrial park Northlink is what he was most proud of. It was a heritage site as challenging as they come, with a Noongar burial ground and camp occupied by a charity, protected wetlands and Carnabys Cockatoo habitat, and onsite contamination. Consultation with the traditional owners resulted in two-thirds earmarked for development, the burial site ceded to the Metropolitan Cemetery Board and the rest set aside for conservation, ultimately generating $30 million for the charity. As we push away our plates, Lisle tells me he hopes to leave a lasting impact in environment, health, and social disadvantage matters, and to create a vibrant city capable of retaining smart young people.
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, September 12. Newly updated "Ken-Say  Road" and "Uch-Kurgan  Road" border checkpoints between Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan have officially opened, Deputy Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan and Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Industry Bakyt Torobayev said, Trend reports.

Torobayev highlighted the positive impact of the reopening during the opening ceremony.

"The resumption of these checkpoints will contribute to a surge in tourist traffic and provide more efficient conditions for transport logistics and everyday interactions between our nations," Torobayev stated.

The reopening aligns with the "Road Map" initiative designed to further strengthen and expand cooperation between Kyrgyzstan's Jalal-Abad region and Uzbekistan's Namangan region. According to statistics, over 14 million individuals crossed the Kyrgyz-Uzbek border in 2023, with 11 million crossing in the first eight months of 2024 alonean increase of 1.5 million from the same period last year.

Trade volume between the two countries reached $693.6 million in 2023, with $428 million recorded in the first seven months of 2024a 6.7 percent increase compared to the previous year.

In a related development, the "Kara-Suu  Road" checkpoint, which had been temporarily closed for 14 years, was also reopened today, further enhancing border accessibility and regional integration.
WA Labor MP Chris Tallentire has launched an extraordinary attack on his own governments report and Kerry Stokes Seven West Media, accusing the states only daily newspaper of waging a campaign to derail environmental protection efforts.

Tallentire, who was environment spokesman when Labor was in opposition, used the cover of parliamentary privilege on Wednesday to lay bare concerns about the report underpinning the states Environmental Protection Amendment Bill.

Tallentire said recommendations from the VogelMcFerran review to streamline environmental approvals were akin to a wishlist industry groups had sought for years and claimed the report contained very serious inconsistencies.

Chris Tallentire has been a Labor MP for 16 years and has announced he will not contest the 2025 state election. Credit: WA Labor

Tallentire, who has been Member for Gosnells for 16 years, questioned a proposal to strip third parties of the right to appeal EPA decisions not to assess projects, and challenged the competency of the environmental watchdogs staff.
An influx of smaller long-haul planes will make Perth Airport Qantas second biggest international destination, the airlines international chief told aviation heavyweights in Brisbane on Thursday.

Qantas international and freight chief executive Cam Wallace told about 450 airline executives from around the world, in the Queensland capital for the CAPA Airline Leader Summit, that new generation extra-long-range aircraft would be a game-changer for the airline and WA.

Perth is going to emerge over time as our second-largest international destination, he said.

Qantas International and Freight chief executive Cam Wallace speaks at the CAPA Airline Leader Summit in Brisbane. Credit: Glenn Campbell

Whether its Africa, whether its Europe or Asia, we see great potential  both for Jetstar and Qantas  [for Perth] as a gateway into Australia, offering tremendous connectivity for our domestic network, but also giving us a geographic advantage.
A rally will be held in Margaret River at the weekend to call on the state government to fund rapid bushfire suppression equipment and scale back failing prescribed burns in the South West.

Globally there has been a shift towards adopting new early detection and rapid suppression equipment to quickly identify and extinguish bushfires.

A rally will be held in Margaret River to call on the state government to challenge its thinking on fighting fires. Credit: Sean Blocksidge

The technology, including smoke detection cameras, satellite monitoring, AI software and drones to give a birds-eye view to spot developing fires, is already operational in Canada and California.

It is being rolled out in European countries and along the east coast of Australia.
It is hard to imagine Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton forming a unity ticket on any subject when their mutual sledging is getting sharper by the day as the election nears. But the prime minister and the opposition leader have just moved a little closer on two big policies, like old foes reluctantly sharing a bench. They seem to agree about social media and aged care, no matter how they try to hide it. The question is whether they can stay on the bench together until the two reforms are done.

Albanese and Dutton have been known to have a civil conversation every now and again behind closed doors, but they have no time for each other in parliament. With so much at stake before the election, the rivalry is becoming more intense as each tries to burn the other with a rhetorical branding iron. Dutton calls Albanese weak, and Albanese calls Dutton angry. Its personal, and sometimes petty, but its also pivotal to the contest.

Illustration: Dionne Gain Credit:

You sit down, boofhead, Albanese once told Dutton in parliament, around this stage of the electoral cycle three years ago. If there was a standing order on glass jaws, he would be in order, Dutton replied.

They compete daily with attack lines designed to make the other look tetchy, even when the sheer pressure of political life means they would have to be superhuman to remain genuinely affable with each other. And their immediate interest is in finding ways for the other to fail, rather than working on a shared success.
Washington: Two astronauts - one a billionaire, the other an engineer - have completed the worlds first private spacewalk in orbit outside a SpaceX capsule, wearing a new line of spacesuits in a risky feat previously exclusive to astronauts from national space programs.

This image from a SpaceX video shows the start of the first private spacewalk led by tech billionaire Jared Isaacman. Credit: AP

The astronauts on the Polaris Dawn mission went one at a time, each spending about 10 minutes outside the gumdrop-shaped Crew Dragon capsule on a tether, as Elon Musks company again succeeded in pushing the boundaries of commercial spaceflight.

Jared Isaacman, a pilot and the founder of electronic payments company Shift4, exited first, followed by SpaceX engineer Sarah Gillis, while crewmates Scott Poteet and Anna Menon watched from inside. The whole process, unfolding about 730 kilometres above Earth, lasted an hour and 46 minutes. The four astronauts have been orbiting Earth since Tuesdays launch from Florida.
Each of the six islandsAruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Saba, St. Eustatius, and St. Maartenhas taken unique and proactive measures to address the challenges facing their reefs. The restoration efforts by local nature conservation organizations were presented during the recent Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) Reef Restoration Workshop and are critical in ensuring the health and longevity of these underwater treasures for many years to come.

Aruba: Building a Future for Coral Reefs

Arubas reef restoration efforts are spearheaded by the Aruba Conservation Foundation (ACF), which has been actively working to revive and sustain the island's coral ecosystems. One of the key initiatives is the new Turning the Tide project, funded by RESEMBID and partnered with Wageningen University & Research. The project uses artificial reefs placed across three different seabed locations located within the Parke Marino Aruba. The artificial reefs recreate the threedimensional structure which will hopefully help restore key herbivorous species. ACF is also supported by the work of ScubbleBubbles and the University of Aruba, which maintain coral nurseries and conduct regular beach and reef clean-ups. There is also exciting new work in partnership with the Metabolic Foundation to map the sea floor.

Bonaire: A Global Leader in Reef Preservation

STINAPA Bonaire has implemented one of the Caribbeans most successful marine protected area (MPA) systems, which has been crucial in preserving its coral reefs. Furthermore, Reef Renewal Foundation Bonaire (RRFB) has been at the forefront of restoration efforts, establishing coral nurseries that are among the most advanced in the region. In addition to outplanting thousands of corals each year, RRFB enhances the genetic diversity of vulnerable species via its coral breeding program. Additional partnerships with partners such as STINAPA Bonaire, Wageningen University and Research, Florida State University, and Rasster Lab have further elevated the local nature conservation organizations ability to integrate science-based monitoring into its management efforts, making it a leader in the field of coral conservation. New innovative ways to improve local fish populations are being explored by Blijdorp (RoffaReefs), and this project is co-funded by WWF-NL. A new ReefGrazers project aims to restore the reefs by reintroducing native algae-eating species. This collaborative effort involves Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences, Wageningen University, Wageningen Marine Research, the Public Entity Saba, STINAPA Bonaire, STENAPA and Saba Conservation Foundation, and WWF-Netherlands.

Curacao: Innovative Approaches to Reef Restoration

Curacaos reef restoration activities are driven by a combination of scientific research and community involvement. The Carmabi Foundation, in collaboration with the Curacao Marine Park, Reef Renewal Curacao and Branch Coral Foundation, has pioneered several innovative techniques in coral restoration, including microfragmentation and the use of substrates designed to enhance coral growth. These techniques have been developed in partnership with international experts, including researchers from SECORE International and the University of Miami. Curacaos restoration efforts also involve local dive shops like Ocean Encounters and Dive Division, which contribute to outplanting efforts and monitoring the health of the reefs. Public education and outreach programs, supported by local nature conservation organizations and the University of Curacao, are essential in fostering a culture of marine stewardship among residents and visitors.

Saba: Protecting the Unspoiled Queen

The Saba Conservation Foundation manages the Saba Marine Park and the Saba Bank, which have been instrumental in maintaining the integrity of the islands marine ecosystems. Coral restoration initiatives on Saba are supported by partnerships with universities such as Wageningen University & Research and Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences, and the ongoing Dutch governments Nature and Environmental Policy Plan (NEPP) reef restoration project. These efforts focus on establishing coral nurseries to propagate threatened coral species, as well as cutting-edge research on herbivore restoration, for example, the Diadema II project working to understand the recovery and restoration of the Diadema antillarum populations. The SCF also collaborates with local dive operators, such as SeaSaba, to involve the community in reef monitoring and restoration activities, ensuring that Sabas reefs remain pristine and vibrant.

St. Eustatius: Reviving Coral Reefs Through Community Engagement

St. Eustatius has been actively involved in reef restoration through the work of the St. Eustatius National Parks Foundation (STENAPA). STENAPA's previous past coral restoration project focused on cultivating and outplanting corals. STENAPA is now focusing on herbivore restoration with its NEPP Coral Reef Restoration project. Statia has experienced a drop from 25% hard coral coverage to less than 2.5% in the past 20 years. Reefs are now dominated by macroalgae, which compete with coral for space on the reef and prevent young coral larvae from settling. Bringing key herbivore populations, such as the long-spined sea urchin Diadema antillarum, back to the reef is paramount to providing space for coral to settle and grow. This restoration project is conducted in partnership with restoration practitioners and researchers and will, in the future, include other complementary herbivores. Currently, STENAPA has changed focus from the ongoing NEPP Coral Reef Restoration Project to the cultivation and release of key herbivores such as Diadema antillarium. These herbivores graze on and subsequently reduce algal cover on reefs, clearing crucial space for settling coral recruits. Coral cover needs to improve on reefs after a drastic drop from 25% to 1% in the 20 years between 1999 and 2001. Community engagement is a cornerstone of Statias restoration strategy, with local schools and volunteers learning about reef conservation activities. Educational programs organized by STENAPA aim to build local capacity for long-term reef management and foster a deep connection between the community and their marine environment.

St. Maarten: Collaborative Efforts for Reef Recovery

In St. Maarten, the Nature Foundation St. Maarten plays a pivotal role in coral reef restoration, collaborating with local and international partners to enhance their efforts. The foundation has established coral nurseries around the island, with a particular focus on restoring populations of elkhorn and staghorn corals. These efforts are supported by partnerships with the St. Maarten Nature Reserve, EPIC (Environmental Protection in the Caribbean), and academic institutions such as the University of St. Martin and the University of the Virgin Islands. The Nature Foundation also works closely with local businesses, including dive centers like Dive Sint Maarten, to involve them in coral outplanting and monitoring efforts. Public education and outreach campaigns, supported by these partnerships, aim to increase awareness of the importance of coral reefs and encourage sustainable practices among residents and tourists.

A United Front for Reef Restoration

Coral reefs face several serious threats, ranging from climate change, invasive species, and pollution to overfishing. Protecting these reefs must go beyond just restoration, as tackling these issues alongside ongoing efforts will be essential to fully protect these vital ecosystems. During the DCNA workshop, it was clear that there is a need to improve interisland collaboration and knowledge sharing. Working together, we can leverage the power of our local experts to elevate projects across the islands. DCNA is currently exploring the next steps to facilitate this further, for example, the set up of the Conservation and Restoration of Key Habitat Program, which will span all six islands and will include coral reef habitats.

This workshop was funded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature (LVVN) and supported by the Dutch Postcode Lottery.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM) would like to announce that three of its officers have successfully completed the training to become certified Police Duty Officers (OvD-P). This comprehensive course, which took place in Aruba from July 22, 2024, to August 9, 2024, was designed to enhance participants' expertise in crisis management and their ability to oversee incidents requiring a coordinated and effective police response.

KPSM takes this opportunity to congratulate the following officers on the successful completion of this demanding training:

A.Gomes

W.Amarello

V.Manboth

The role of a Police Duty Officer (OvD-P) is paramount to public safety. The OvD-P is tasked with leading police operations during critical incidents, such as major traffic accidents, violent crimes, or large-scale emergencies. In such situations, decisive and prompt action is essential to manage the event and prevent further escalation.

Emphasis on Collaboration with Other Duty Officers

An integral aspect of the training highlights the necessity of close collaboration with other Duty Officers, including the Fire Service Duty Officer (OvD-B) and the Medical Services Duty Officer.

(OvD-G). Coordinated efforts across all agencies are vital in complex crises involving multiple emergency services, such as large fires, natural disasters, or severe accidents. Such cooperation ensures a seamless and efficient response, enabling prompt and effective emergency actions.

The management of KPSM strongly believes that the additional skills and knowledge acquired through this training will significantly benefit the community of Sint Maarten. This enhanced capability prepares the police force to address complex incidents more effectively, thereby ensuring the continued safety and security of the public.

The KPSM also expresses its appreciation to all participants, including the colleague who, regrettably, could not complete the course. The commitment and dedication demonstrated by all officers throughout the training are highly commendable and deeply valued.

KPSM Press Release.
PHILIPSBURG:--- In light of the recent criminal activity over the past few weeks, the Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM) would like to inform the public that our officers and detectives are actively engaged in investigations and ongoing operations. Numerous leads are being pursued as part of our efforts to address these incidents and ensure the safety and security of our community.

While KPSM remains committed to maintaining law and order, we acknowledge the limitations of our resources. The public needs to understand that the police cannot be present at every location on the island. As such, we are appealing to the community for their cooperation and support in tackling these issues.

The Role of the Community and Stakeholders

The police force alone cannot effectively prevent crime. Law enforcement is often the last resort when addressing criminal activity. True and lasting solutions come from a collective effort involving everyone in the community, from individuals and local organizations to NGOs and government entities (GOs). By working together, we can address the root causes of crime and prevent incidents before they escalate.

We urge residents, community leaders, NGOs, and government agencies to collaborate in efforts to support crime prevention, early intervention, and social programs that reduce the factors that lead to criminal behavior. This may include supporting youth outreach programs, education, social services, and initiatives that foster stronger community bonds.

The Importance of Public Support

We also ask all citizens to remain vigilant and assist by sharing any information relevant to ongoing investigations. Your cooperation, whether through reporting suspicious activities or participating in community initiatives, is crucial in helping the police address these issues more effectively. Every effort counts, and together, we can make a significant impact in curbing criminal behavior.

Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact the Sint Maarten Police Force at +1 721 542 2222 or use the anonymous tip line at 9300.

KPSM appreciates the ongoing support and cooperation of the public and stakeholders as we work towards ensuring a safer and more secure Sint Maarten for all.

KPSM Press Release.
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, September 12. Turkmenistan and Turkiye have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties during a meeting between Turkmen Ambassador Mekan Ishangulyev and Turkiye's Deputy Foreign Minister Burhanettin Duran, Trend reports via the country's embassy in Turkiye.

The discussions focused on the current state and prospects of Turkmen-Turkish relations, with both sides highlighting their shared interest in deepening cooperation across political, diplomatic, trade, economic, and cultural sectors.

The talks also underscored the importance of enhancing collaboration in humanitarian areas, further solidifying the growing partnership.

The officials expressed satisfaction with the pace of progress in their countries' cooperation and emphasized the importance of continuing to work together in bilateral and multilateral formats.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
SpaceX Polaris Dawn crew set for historic private spacewalk



Washington, Sept 11 (AFP) Sep 11, 2024



After trekking deeper into space than any humans in the last half-century, a pioneering private crew is set to make history Thursday with the first-ever spacewalk by non-professional astronauts.

The SpaceX Polaris Dawn mission, led by fintech billionaire Jared Isaacman, launched early Tuesday from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, reaching a peak altitude of 870 miles (1,400 kilometers).

That's more than three times higher than the International Space Station, in a region of space called the inner Van Allen radiation belt --a zone teeming with dangerous, high-energy particles.

Now, with their Dragon spaceship's elliptical orbit reduced to an apogee of 458 miles, the crew of four are gearing up for the mission's centerpiece: an audacious extravehicular activity (EVA) scheduled for 0623 GMT on Thursday, with a backup window on Friday.

SpaceX will livestream the event starting an hour earlier on its website.



- 'Bit of a dance' -



Outfitted in sleek, newly developed SpaceX suits with heads-up displays, helmet cameras, and advanced joint mobility systems, Isaacman and his crewmate Sarah Gillis, a SpaceX engineer, will take turns peeking out from a hatch structure affectionately dubbed "Skywalker," fitted with hand and footholds.

"It'll look like we're doing a little bit of a dance," Isaacman quipped during a recent press conference. What they're actually doing, he explained, is stress testing their next-generation suit to inform future design evolution.

They won't, however, float away from the ship on a tether, as early space farers like Soviet cosmonaut Alexei Leonov and NASA's Ed White did in 1965 -- nor for that matter use jetpacks to fly away untethered as Space Shuttle astronauts did on three missions in 1984. Rather, they will hold on to the outside of the spacecraft as it whizzes around the Earth at thousands of miles per hour.

Nevertheless, "the risk is greater than zero, that's for sure, and it's certainly higher than anything that has been accomplished on a commercial basis," former NASA administrator Sean O'Keefe told AFP.

"This is another watershed event in the march toward commercialization of space for transportation," he added, likening the crewmates to early aviators who paved the way for today's aviation industry.



- First of three Polaris missions -



Since the Crew Dragon capsule lacks an airlock, the entire crew -- including mission pilot Scott Poteet, a retired US Air Force lieutenant colonel, and another SpaceX engineer, Anna Menon -- will be exposed to the vacuum of space for around two hours.

The actual time Isaacman and Gillis spend holding on to the spaceship will be around 15 to 20 minutes each.

All four underwent more than two years of training in preparation for the landmark mission, logging hundreds of hours on simulators as well as skydiving, centrifuge training, scuba diving, and summiting an Ecuadoran volcano.

Beyond their spacewalk, the crew will test laser-based satellite communications between the spacecraft and the vast Starlink satellite constellation.

They'll also carry out 36 scientific experiments, including tests on contact lenses with embedded microelectronics to monitor changes in eye pressure and shape in space.

Polaris Dawn is the first of three missions under the Polaris program, a collaboration between Isaacman and SpaceX.

Financial terms of the partnership remain under wraps, but Isaacman, the 41-year-old founder and CEO of Shift4Payments, reportedly poured $200 million of his fortune into leading the 2021 all-civilian SpaceX Inspiration4 orbital mission.

The final Polaris mission aims to be the first crewed flight of SpaceX's Starship, a prototype next generation rocket that is key to founder Elon Musk's ambitions of colonizing Mars.
SpaceX makes history with first spacewalks by private citizens



Washington, Sept 12 (AFP) Sep 12, 2024



A pioneering private crew made history Thursday by performing the first commercial spacewalk, with NASA hailing it as "a giant leap forward" for the space industry.

The SpaceX Polaris Dawn mission, led by fintech billionaire Jared Isaacman, launched Tuesday from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, journeying deeper into the cosmos than any humans in half a century, since the Apollo era.

With the four-member crew's Dragon spacecraft adjusted to an orbit with a high of 434 miles (700 kilometers), pure oxygen began flowing into their suits Thursday, marking the official start of their extravehicular activity (EVA) at 1012 GMT.

A short time later, Isaacman swung open the hatch and climbed through, gripping the hand and footholds of a structure known as "Skywalker," as a breathtaking view of Earth unfolded below him.

"SpaceX, back at home we all have a lot of work to do, but from here, Earth sure looks like a perfect world," he told mission control in Hawthorne, California, where teams erupted in applause.

It was yet another major milestone for SpaceX, the company founded by Elon Musk in 2002.

Since then, SpaceX has grown into a powerhouse that in 2020 beat aerospace giant Boeing in delivering a spaceship to provide rides for NASA astronauts to the International Space Station.

"Today's success represents a giant leap forward for the commercial space industry and NASA's long-term goal to build a vibrant US space economy," NASA chief Bill Nelson wrote on X.



- Suit tests -



Prior to the hatch opening, the crew underwent a "prebreathe" procedure to remove nitrogen from their bloodstream, preventing decompression sickness. Cabin pressure was then gradually lowered to align with the vacuum of space.

Isaacman and crewmate Sarah Gillis, a SpaceX engineer, took turns outside the vehicle, spending a few minutes performing mobility tests on SpaceX's next-generation suits that boast heads-up displays, helmet cameras and enhanced joint mobility systems -- before returning inside.

Extravehicular activity officially ended after an hour and 46 minutes, following cabin re-pressurization.

While it marked a first for the commercial sector, the spacewalk fell short of the daring feats from the early space era.

Early spacewalkers, including the first, Soviet cosmonaut Alexei Leonov in 1965, floated tethered to their spacecraft, while a select few Space Shuttle astronauts used jetpacks to fly completely untethered.

Since Dragon doesn't have an airlock, the entire crew were exposed to the vacuum of space. Mission pilot Scott Poteet and SpaceX engineer Anna Menon remained strapped in throughout as they monitored vital support systems.

"The risk is greater than zero, that's for sure, and it's certainly higher than anything that has been accomplished on a commercial basis," former NASA administrator Sean O'Keefe told AFP.



- First of three Polaris missions -



The spacewalk followed an audacious first phase of the mission, during which the Dragon spacecraft reached a peak altitude of 870 miles -- three times higher than the International Space Station, in a region teeming with dangerous, high-energy particles.

All four underwent more than two years of training in preparation for the landmark mission, logging hundreds of hours on simulators as well as skydiving, scuba diving and summiting an Ecuadoran volcano.

Upcoming tasks include testing laser-based satellite communications between the spacecraft and the vast Starlink satellite constellation, and completing dozens of experiments, including tests on contact lenses with embedded microelectronics to monitor changes in eye pressure and shape in space.

Polaris Dawn is the first of three missions under the Polaris program, a collaboration between Isaacman and SpaceX.

Financial terms of the partnership remain under wraps, but Isaacman, the 41-year-old founder and CEO of Shift4Payments, reportedly poured $200 million of his fortune into leading the 2021 all-civilian SpaceX Inspiration4 orbital mission.

The final Polaris mission aims to be the first crewed flight of SpaceX's Starship, a prototype next-generation rocket that is key to founder Musk's ambitions of colonizing Mars.

ia/st
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, September 12. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev will meet today with a Turkish delegation consisting of Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya, and Director of the National Intelligence Service Ibrahim Kalin, spokesperson of the President of Uzbekistan Sherzod Asadov told Trend.

The Turkish delegation touched down in Tashkent after the ink dried on the agreements made during the Uzbek president's official visit to Turkiye on June 6-7 this year.

During the visit, bilateral talks and a joint meeting of the heads of foreign policy, law enforcement agencies, and special services are scheduled.

The sides will discuss issues of practical implementation of the decisions of the leaders of the two countries, strengthening coordination and practical interaction in the fight against modern challenges and threats to security.

To note, the meetings in this format are being held for the first time and are aimed at establishing systemic cooperation in the priority areas of Uzbek-Turkish relations of comprehensive strategic partnership.
North Korea fires multiple short-range ballistic missiles



Seoul, Sept 11 (AFP) Sep 11, 2024



North Korea fired multiple short range ballistic missiles into waters east of the Korean peninsula Thursday, Seoul's military reported, days after the nuclear-armed North marked a state anniversary.

Seoul's Joint Chief of Staff said it had detected multiple "short-range ballistic missiles launched into the East Sea around 07:10 from Pyongyang today (2210 GMT on Wednesday)," referring to the body of water also known as the Sea of Japan.

It said it was analysing details of the launch and "closely sharing information on the North Korean ballistic missile with the U.S. and Japanese authorities, while strengthening surveillance and vigilance in preparation for further launches".

Japan's defence ministry also confirmed the launch of at least one suspected North Korean ballistic missile, with the coastguard warning vessels to take care.

It is Pyongyang's first apparent weapons test since July 1, and comes days after the isolated, nuclear-armed country marked a key anniversary celebrating the founding of the ruling regime.

North Korea has regularly launched missiles around September 9, its foundation day, including conducting its fifth nuclear test on the same day in 2016.

The country's sixth nuclear test was conducted on September 3 in 2017.

At a speech to mark the 76th anniversary of its founding this week, leader Kim Jong Un said the country was moving to steadily increase its nuclear arsenal.

North Korea "will steadily strengthen its nuclear force capable of fully coping with any threatening acts imposed by its nuclear-armed rival states", Kim said.



- Trash balloons -



Relations between North and South Korea are at one of their lowest points in years, with the North recently announcing the deployment of 250 ballistic missile launchers to its southern border.

The North has also been bombarding the South with trash-carrying balloons, including a five-day straight blitz last week.

North Korea has sent more than 5,000 trash-filled balloons south since May, saying they are retaliation for propaganda balloons launched northwards by South Korean activists.

In response, Seoul has suspended a tension-reducing military deal with Pyongyang and restarted some propaganda broadcasts from loudspeakers along the border.

North Korea has recently bolstered military ties with Moscow, and analysts have said the North could be testing and ramping up production of artillery and cruise missiles before sending them to Russia for use in Ukraine.

The United States and Seoul have accused North Korea of supplying ammunition and missiles for Russia's war effort, a claim Pyongyang has called "absurd".

Earlier this year, Pyongyang declared the South its "principal enemy".

It has shuttered agencies dedicated to reunification and threatened war over "even 0.001 mm" of territorial infringement.

The North's latest ballistic missile launch comes weeks after South Korea and the United States wrapped their annual Ulchi Freedom Shield joint military drills.

North Korea -- which attacked its neighbour in 1950, triggering the Korean War -- has always been infuriated by joint US-South Korean military exercises, decrying them as rehearsals for invasion.
UN chief says six colleagues killed in Israel strike on Gaza school



United Nations, United States, Sept 12 (AFP) Sep 12, 2024



United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said late Wednesday that Israeli air strikes on a school-turned-shelter in Gaza killed six staffers from the UN Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA).

"What's happening in Gaza is totally unacceptable," Guterres said in a post on social media platform X. "Six of our @UNRWA colleagues are among those killed."

UNRWA called it the highest death toll among its staff in a single incident.

"This school has been hit five times since the war began. It is home to around 12,000 displaced people, mainly women and children," UNRWA separately posted on X.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Israeli army and Gaza's civil defence agency said a strike hit Al-Jawni school in Nuseirat.

Civil defence agency spokesman Mahmud Bassal told AFP that 14 people were killed in the Israeli bombing.

The Israeli military said its air force had "conducted a precise strike on terrorists who were operating inside a Hamas command-and-control centre" on the school grounds, without elaborating on its outcome or the identities of those targeted.
North Korea fires salvo of short-range ballistic missiles



Seoul, Sept 12 (AFP) Sep 12, 2024



North Korea fired multiple short range ballistic missiles into waters east of the Korean peninsula Thursday, Seoul's military said, the nuclear-armed country's first major weapons test since early July.

Leader Kim Jong Un's regime has staged dozens of launches this year, part of a testing spree that experts say could be linked to North Korea's alleged illicit supplying of weapons to ally Russia for use in Ukraine.

Pyongyang has denied any sanctions-busting weapons trade with Russia, but with diplomacy long stalled, it declared South Korea its "principal enemy" this year and recently moved nuclear-capable weapons to border areas.

Seoul's Joint Chief of Staff said it had detected multiple "short-range ballistic missiles" fired early Thursday morning from Pyongyang into the East Sea, or Sea of Japan.

The missiles splashed down after flying around 360 kilometres (220 miles), the JCS said, adding it had "immediately detected, tracked, and monitored" the launch and was sharing information with allies Tokyo and Washington.

It said the test was "a clear provocation that seriously threatens peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula".

Japan's defence ministry also confirmed the missile test, with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida saying the country had "already lodged a protest with North Korea".

It is Pyongyang's first ballistic missile test since July 1, and comes days after the isolated country marked a key anniversary celebrating the founding of the ruling regime.

North Korea has regularly launched missiles around September 9, its foundation day, including conducting its fifth nuclear test on the same day in 2016.

A JCS spokesperson told reporters it was possible the Thursday ballistic missile launch could mean the North "tested it for export to Russia".

North Korea has recently bolstered military ties with Moscow, with President Vladimir Putin making a rare visit to Pyongyang in June, where he signed a mutual defence agreement with Kim.

Experts have long said North Korean missiles are being deployed in Ukraine, and a new Conflict Armament Research report this week employed debris analysis to show "that missiles produced this year in North Korea are being used in Ukraine".



- Flood damage -



The lack of missile launches in recent months was likely due to widespread flooding that has devastated parts of North Korea, Park Won-gon, a professor at Ewha Womans University, told AFP.

Even in August, when the United States and South Korea staged large-scale joint military drills that typically infuriate Pyongyang, Kim did not fire off any missiles, Park said.

The Thursday launch "can be the first step back to their previous pattern", he added, warning that Kim had pledged satellite launches this year but had not delivered, so this or an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) could be next.

"North Korea has been focusing on low-power tactical missile tests, capable of carrying nukes and attacking South Korea," Park said.

Pyongyang last month said a record downpour in late July had killed an unspecified number of people, flooded dwellings and submerged swathes of farmland in its northern regions near China.

38 North, a North Korean analysis programme run by the Stimson Centre think-tank, reported on Wednesday that North Korea's main nuclear test site was damaged by floodwaters.

Satellite imagery showed multiple bridges and command facilities had been washed away.

Relations between North and South Korea are at one of their lowest points in years, with the North recently announcing the deployment of 250 ballistic missile launchers to its southern border.

The North has also been bombarding the South with trash-carrying balloons, including a five-day straight blitz last week.

Seoul's military said Pyongyang had launched another salvo of trash-carrying balloons late Wednesday, but the majority of them did not make it across the border, likely due to wind conditions.

In response, Seoul has suspended a tension-reducing military deal with Pyongyang and restarted some propaganda broadcasts from loudspeakers along the border.
China to 'crush' foreign encroachment in South China Sea: military official



Beijing, Sept 12 (AFP) Sep 12, 2024



China will "crush" any foreign incursion into its sovereign territory including in the South China Sea, a senior Beijing military official said Thursday on the sidelines of a defence forum.

Washington and Beijing have verbally sparred over China's increasingly assertive approach in disputed maritime regions, including the South China Sea.

In recent months, Chinese vessels have engaged in a series of high-profile confrontations with Philippine ships in the waters, which Beijing claims almost in their entirety despite an international court ruling that its assertion has no legal basis.

Speaking to a small group of journalists including AFP at the Xiangshan forum, Chinese army Lieutenant General He Lei said: "We hope that the South China Sea will remain a sea of peace."

But, he said, "if the United States moves its pawns behind the scenes, if it pushes countries to the front line, or if the United States itself ends up on the front line, then we in the Chinese People's Liberation Army... will never have any patience".

"We in the Chinese People's Liberation Army will resolutely crush any foreign hostile encroachment on China's territorial, sovereign and maritime rights and interests with firm determination, staunch will, strong capability and effective means," He said.

On Wednesday, China and the Philippines held what they called "candid" talks on South China Sea issues, in particular over a disputed reef that has become a hotspot for recent bilateral clashes.

"Both sides agreed to continue discussions on areas of cooperation, especially on hotline mechanisms, coast guard cooperation, and marine scientific and technological cooperation," a readout from the Philippine foreign ministry said.



- 'Win-win cooperation' -



And on Thursday, Lieutenant General He said a resolution to tensions between Beijing and Washington over the issue "depends on the United States".

He also confirmed that US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Michael Chase would attend this week's Xiangshan forum in Beijing.

"I hope that during his visit, during his meetings here, Michael Chase will listen more to the voices of China and the Chinese military," he said.

"The message we are sending to the United States is that we want the two countries and armies to be partners, to be friends, we want to pursue China-US relations featuring win-win cooperation," he said.

"We want the United States to make more contributions to regional and world peace, security and stability," he added.

Scores of delegates were in the Chinese capital Thursday for the Xiangshan forum, dubbed China's answer to Singapore's annual "Shangri-La" meeting.

It is set to host more than 500 representatives from over 90 countries and international organisations, organisers have said.

Official speeches are expected on Friday, when the forum's opening ceremony will take place and top military representatives from Russia, Pakistan, Singapore, Iran, Germany and others will participate in roundtable discussion.
Taiwan will 'never succumb' to China: top Taipei official



Taipei, Sept 12 (AFP) Sep 12, 2024



The head of Taiwan's top China policy body said Thursday that the democratic island will never surrender in the face of intensifying pressure from a "more aggressive" Beijing.

China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has said it would never renounce the use of force to bring the self-ruled island under its control.

Beijing has ramped up military and political pressure on Taipei in recent years, sending warplanes, drones and naval vessels around the island on a near-daily basis.

The head of Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council -- which manages China-related issues -- said on Thursday that Beijing's "attempts to erase the sovereignty of the Republic of China (Taiwan)" have threatened peace and stability across the region.

But faced with the "unprecedented pressure, our determination to safeguard our sovereignty and democratic system has never been so strong. This is our bottom line," Chiu Chui-cheng said in an English-language speech at a defence forum in Taipei.

"On this point, there is no room for compromise. We never succumb to the sabre-rattling and intensifying pressure from China. Taiwan never surrenders."

Chiu also warned that Chinese leader Xi Jinping's policy towards Taiwan will "only become more assertive and aggressive" as he hopes to achieve "national unification" with Taiwan.

"This ambition is no doubt the root causes of risks in the Taiwan Strait," he said.

China maintains a military presence around Taiwan, as well as the nearby South China Sea, as Beijing has increasingly pressed on its territorial claims.

On Thursday, Taipei's defence ministry said 29 Chinese military aircraft, eight naval vessels and one official ship were detected in a 24-hour window ending at 6 am (2200 GMT Wednesday).

In May, three days after Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te was sworn into office, Beijing conducted war games to simulate a blockade of the island.

Lai -- whom Beijing regards as a "dangerous separatist" -- rejects China's claim of Taiwan, just as his predecessor Tsai Ing-wen did.

He has repeatedly made overtures to restart dialogue with Beijing -- which were severed after Tsai came to power in 2016 as relations plunged -- to no avail.

Chiu reiterated Thursday that Taiwan is willing to talk with Beijing "without any political preconditions on the basis of mutual respect, dignity, and equality".

"We hope the leaders of the other side will display wisdom and flexibility towards a win-win future for both sides of the Taiwan Strait."
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, September 12. Uzbekistan's Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade and Sojitz Corporation (Japan) signed the strategic roadmap, the ministry told Trend.

The document was signed during a meeting between the Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan Laziz Kudratov and the Chairman and CEO of Sojitz Corporation Masayoshi Fujimoto.

The roadmap lays the groundwork for future collaboration and is geared towards the growth and upgrading of vital sectors in Uzbekistan, such as energy, healthcare, transport, social infrastructure, and industrial production.

The meeting rolled on, with everyone acknowledging that signing the strategic roadmap will turn over a new leaf in the history of Sojitz Corporation. This move will lay the groundwork for a flurry of activity in joint development and the rollout of new projects that will give a boost to the economic growth of Uzbekistan.

Moreover, the ministry underscored Sojitz's hands-on approach to rolling out investment projects in Uzbekistan, particularly in the realms of renewable energy, healthcare,, and transportation.

Noteworthy that, Sojitz Corporation and Qatars Nebras Power are willing to invest in the construction of a 1 GW wind power plant under the JCM (Joint Credit Mechanism) in Uzbekistans Navoi region.
War monitor says Israeli strike in Syria's Golan kills two



Beirut, Lebanon, Sept 12 (AFP) Sep 12, 2024



A Syria war monitor said an Israeli airstrike on Thursday in Quneitra province in the Syria-controlled Golan Heights killed two people, days after major raids elsewhere in the country.

"An Israeli air strike targeted a vehicle" on the Damascus-Quneitra road, "killing two people", said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, without identifying them.

A local security source told AFP that "two charred bodies were removed" from the vehicle that was hit.

The Israeli army did not immediately comment on the reported strike.

Israel seized much of the Golan Heights from Syria in 1967 and later annexed it in a move largely unrecognised by the international community.

Thursday's strike came days after raids blamed on Israel killed 18 people in the central province of Hama, according to Syrian authorities.

The Observatory said those strikes killed 27 people, including six civilians, and targeted a "scientific research area" and other sites in the province's Masyaf area.

Israel declined to comment on those reported strikes.

Hezbollah has repeatedly targeted military positions in the Israeli-held Golan in recent months as part of attacks from Lebanon in support of ally Hamas following the Palestinian militant group's October 7 attack on Israel that sparked the Gaza war.

Syria has sought to stay out of the Israel-Hamas conflict, whose fallout has raised fears of a broader regional war.

Limited rocket attacks from Syria by Hezbollah-allied fighters have targeted the Israeli-held Golan since October.

Since Syria's civil war erupted in 2011, Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes in the country, mainly targeting army positions and Iran-backed fighters, including from Lebanon's Hezbollah.

Israeli authorities rarely comment on individual strikes in Syria, but have repeatedly said they will not allow arch-enemy Iran to expand its presence there.

Israeli raids on Syria surged after Hamas's October 7 attack then eased somewhat after an April 1 strike blamed on Israel hit the Iranian consular building in Damascus, prompting Iran's first-ever direct attack against Israel.
Sweden to double spending on civil defence



Stockholm, Sept 12 (AFP) Sep 12, 2024



Sweden's government said Thursday it plans to double the budget for civil defence over the next three years to prepare for times of war.

Civil Defence Minister Carl-Oskar Bohlin said the government was adding another two billion kronor ($192 million) to this year's civil defence budget which it hopes will grow to 15 billion kronor by 2028.

"The security situation remains serious and will continue to be so for the foreseeable future," Bohlin told reporters.

The added funds are aimed at strengthening healthcare and rescue services, food and drinking water supplies, transport and energy infrastructure.

"Lessons from Ukraine show the importance of securing key societal functions," the government said in a statement.

"Russia has actively sought to disrupt Ukraine's energy infrastructure, causing massive damage to transport infrastructure, among other things, which has affected many parts of Ukrainian society."

Already in April, Sweden upped its 2024 civil defence budget by 385 million kronor.

However, the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency said last year that it believed an annual budget of 20 billion kronor was needed.

Bohlin made waves in January when he told a defence conference "there could be war in Sweden".

Shortly after, the commander of Sweden's armed forces, Micael Byden, said Swedes needed to "mentally prepare for war".

Sweden ended two centuries of military non-alignment in March when it joined NATO after it applied to join the US-led military alliance in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Sweden drastically slashed its defence spending after the end of the Cold War but reversed course after Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea.

In March 2022, after Russia invaded Ukraine, Stockholm announced it would increase spending again, aiming to dedicate two percent of GDP to defence "as soon as possible".

Late last year, the government said military spending would exceed the two-percent goal in 2024.
UK military urged to stop using bearskin hats on cost grounds



London, Sept 12 (AFP) Sep 12, 2024



Animal rights group PETA on Thursday renewed its call for soldiers outside Buckingham Palace to stop wearing real bearskin hats after UK government figures revealed they now cost more than pound2,000 ($2,600) each.

The tall black hats are worn by elite regiments, including for the Changing of the Guard ceremony outside Buckingham Palace, and are one of the best-known symbols of the UK.

The cost of the hats, made from the fur of Canadian Black Bears, rose by 30 percent in a year to pound2,040 in 2023, according to figures revealed in response to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request from animal welfare campaigners.

PETA previously took the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to court in an unsuccessful bid to prevent the use of real fur, saying that there were synthetic alternatives.

It now says there is an economic, as well as ethical, case to use fake fur instead.

"The government must heed the public's wishes and stop propping up Canada's cruel bear-hunting industry when it could be getting beautiful faux fur for free," said PETA vice president of programmes Elisa Allen.

"PETA is calling on the Ministry of Defence to stop wasting taxpayer pounds on caps made from slaughtered wildlife and switch to faux fur today."

The MoD, which bought 526 bearskin hats between 2017 and July 2024, said it was "open" to fake fur alternatives but that it was would have to satisfy "safety and durability considerations" and that "no alternative has met all those criteria to date".

Animal rights campaigners received a boost in May when Buckingham Palace resident Queen Camilla promised not to buy any more fur for her wardrobe.

Camilla -- a keen fox hunter before it was made illegal in the UK -- followed in the footsteps of late Queen Elizabeth II, who announced she would stop buying fur in 2019.
Russia recaptures part of Kursk region



Kyiv, Ukraine, Sept 12 (AFP) Sep 12, 2024



Russia on Thursday claimed to have recaptured a swath of territory in its western Kursk region, where Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky conceded Moscow's troops were mounting a counter-offensive.

Kyiv launched a shock incursion into Russia's Kursk border region on August 6, advancing kilometres into Russian territory and seizing dozens of settlements.

The attack -- the biggest by a foreign army on Russian territory since World War II -- caught Moscow off-guard as its invasion drags into its third year.

Russia has insisted from the very start it would expel Ukrainian troops from the region.

But it had until now appeared to be on the back foot, marshalling a humanitarian response and evacuating some 150,000 people.

"Units of the 'North' group of troops liberated 10 settlements within two days," Russia's defence ministry said in a statement posted on its Telegram channel.

Speaking at a press conference in Kyiv, Zelensky said "Russians have launched counter-offensive actions."

He did not provide details on the extent of Russian operations, but said the incursion was still "going in line with our Ukrainian plan".

Ukraine's commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrsky said in late August that Kyiv had seized 100 settlements and almost 1,300 square kilometres (500 square miles) of Russian territory.

Kyiv says it does not want to annex Russian territory -- as Moscow has done in eastern Ukraine -- but hopes it could force Russia to divert troops and could be a powerful bargaining chip in any negotiations.



- 'Adjust' -



The Russian counter-attack comes as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken promised Washington would quickly review Kyiv's long-standing request to give it more leeway to use Western-supplied weapons to strike targets inside Russia.

"As we go forward, we will do exactly what we have already done, which is, we will adjust, we'll adapt as necessary, including with regard to the means that are at Ukraine's disposal to effectively defend against the Russian aggression," Blinken said Thursday in a press conference in Warsaw.

Washington currently only allows Ukraine to hit Russian targets in the occupied parts of Ukraine and some in Russian border regions directly related to Moscow's combat operations.

Kyiv wants more flexibility to hit Russian airfields and other military targets further front the front lines that it says are crucial to Moscow's invasion.

"The delay in this process leads to Russia moving these military targets deeper into Russia," Zelensky said Thursday, implying London and Washington had not agreed to let Ukraine strike further into Russian territory, a key demand from Kyiv.

President Joe Biden -- who has been hesitant to take actions that risk triggering direct conflict between nuclear-armed Russia and the United States -- will review the Ukrainian requests Friday in a White House meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

The Kremlin said Wednesday it would respond "appropriately" if the restrictions are lifted.



- 'Another war crime' -



Speaking in Poland after a trip to Kyiv, Blinken was also set to discuss an appeal by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga for neighbouring countries to help shoot down missiles over its western region.

Russia has upped its air attacks on Ukraine in recent weeks amid the Kursk offensive, including targeting the country's energy infrastructure ahead of what is set to be another tough winter for Ukraine.

Zelensky said a Russian strike on Thursday killed three humanitarian workers in the country's east.

"Another Russian war crime. Today, the occupier attacked the vehicles of the International Committee of the Red Cross humanitarian mission in Donetsk region."

All three killed were Ukrainian citizens, the country's human rights ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets said.

Moscow's forces are also ramping up the pressure on the battlefield in the eastern Donetsk region, where the most intense fighting is taking place.

"Russians have cut off the water supply to Pokrovsk," the city administration said in a post on Telegram.

The key logistics hub lies around 10 kilometres (six miles) from the frontlines and is a major target for Russia's troops.

Donetsk Governor Vadym Filashkin on Wednesday also accused Russia of cutting of gas supplies to the city, where around 28,000 people still live despite calls to evacuate.

burs-ant-sct-jc/brw/giv
Iran president makes 'historic' visit to Iraqi Kurdistan



Arbil, Iraq, Sept 12 (AFP) Sep 12, 2024



Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in Iraqi Kurdistan Thursday on a visit hailed by the regional president as the first by an Iranian president to the autonomous region.

Pezeshkian's visit to Iraq is his first trip abroad since he took office in July.

The Kurdistan leg is the latest sign of warming relations between Iran and the Kurds after years of tensions, most recently culminating in Iranian air strikes against Iranian-Kurdish rebels in the region two years ago.

Stepping off the plane in regional capital Arbil, Pezeshkian was welcomed by regional president Nechirvan Barzani on a red carpet lined with Kurdish peshmerga forces standing at attention with rifles at their sides.

Barzani hailed the first visit by an Iranian president to the region, describing it as a "historic day".

Pezeshkian also held talks with Kurdistan's prime minister, Masrour Barzani, as well as veteran Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani, who presides over the ruling Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP).

"We hope to expand economic and commercial cooperation with the Iraqi Kurdistan region," Pezeshkian said, according to a statement from his office.

Pezeshkian later headed to Sulaimaniyah, a city where the KDP's historical rival, the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), wields influence including in the security services.

On Wednesday in Baghdad, the first leg of his three-day visit, Pezeshkian announced the signing of more than a dozen agreements to strengthen ties between Iran and Iraq.

His trip comes at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East due to the war in Gaza, which has drawn in Iran-backed armed groups and complicated Iraq's relations with the United States.



- 'Never pose a threat' -



Iran's ties with Iraqi Kurdistan have improved in recent months, aided by efforts to neutralise Iranian Kurdish opposition groups, which have long operated in the region.

During a meeting with Pezeshkian also attended by Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, the Kurdish president pointed to "Kurdistan's desire to develop relations and expand cooperation with the Islamic Republic of Iran in all areas".

"The Kurdistan region will never pose a threat to Iran and neighbouring countries," a statement from Barzani's office said, adding that Arbil "respects the security deal signed between Iraq and Iran".

Tehran carried out repeated strikes on rebel groups in Kurdistan in 2022, before Iraq signed a security agreement with Iran the following year. Baghdad committed to disarm the groups and relocate them from border areas to camps.

"We have succeeded... in regulating the security situation in the border areas," Iraqi Prime Minister Mohamed Shia al-Sudani said on Wednesday, reiterating Iraq's refusal to allow any acts of aggression to be launched against Iran from its territory.

Iran had accused the rebel groups of smuggling weapons from Iraq to carry out attacks on its security forces.

It also accused Kurdish opposition movements of fuelling protests that shook Iran after the September 2022 death of Mahsa Amini, an Iranian Kurd arrested by the morality police.

The Iranian president left the Kurdistan region in the afternoon, landing in the Shiite holy city of Najaf, Iraq's state news agency INA reported.

He is scheduled to visit Shiite shrines in both Najaf and nearby Karbala.
Russian missile hit wheat cargo ship in Black Sea: Zelensky



Kyiv, Ukraine, Sept 12 (AFP) Sep 12, 2024



A Russian missile has hit a cargo ship in the Black Sea carrying wheat to Egypt, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Thursday, calling on the world to condemn Moscow's attacks on food shipments.

The Black Sea is a crucial trading route for Ukraine, one of the world's largest agricultural producers and exporters, but was turned into a naval battleground when Russia invaded Ukraine.

"Russia launched a strike on an ordinary civilian vessel in the Black Sea right after it left Ukrainian territorial waters," Zelensky said in a post on social media on Thursday, adding that there were no casualties.

In a later statement, the Ukrainian navy said the ship was hit with a cruise missile at 11:03 pm (2003 GMT) on Wednesday.

"As a result of the attack, the bulk carrier AYA, which was transporting grain from the Ukrainian port of Chornomorsk to Egypt and was in the Black Sea at the time, was severely damaged," the navy said.

Zelensky called for global condemnation of the attack.

"Domestic stability and normal life in dozens of countries around the world are dependent on the normal and unhindered operation of our food expert corridor," he said.

Moscow last year pulled out of a UN-brokered deal guaranteeing safe passage for Ukraine's agricultural exports on the Black Sea, but Kyiv has carved out a maritime corridor allowing trade to continue.

Over 5,000 ships have sailed through the grain corridor since it was created, Defence Minister Rustem Umerov said Wednesday.

Global food prices shot up when Russia invaded Ukraine amid fears conflict in the Black Sea would hobble global food supplies.
Long-range arms OK would put NATO at 'war with Russia': Putin



Moscow, Sept 12 (AFP) Sep 12, 2024



Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that the West letting Kyiv use longer-range weapons to strike Russian targets would mean NATO would be "at war" with Russia.

Putin spoke as US and UK top diplomats discussed easing rules on firing Western weapons into Russia, which Kyiv has been pressing for, more than two and a half years into Moscow's offensive.

"This would in a significant way change the very nature of the conflict," Putin told a state television reporter.

"It would mean that NATO countries, the US, European countries, are at war with Russia," he added.

"If that's the case, then taking into account the change of nature of the conflict, we will take the appropriate decisions based on the threats that we will face."

Clearing Kyiv to strike deep into Russia "is a decision on whether NATO countries are directly involved in the military conflict or not".

Putin's comments came as Kyiv pressed the West to provide more powerful weapons with fewer restrictions, as Russia continues its advance into eastern Ukraine.
Senegal migrant shipwreck death toll rises to at least 39: navy



Dakar, Sept 12 (AFP) Sep 12, 2024



The number of people killed after a boat carrying migrants sank off the coast of Senegal over the weekend has risen to at least 39, the country's navy said Thursday.

The vessel, which witnesses say was carrying dozens of passengers, capsized a few kilometres from the Western port town of Mbour shortly after setting off on Sunday.

In a post on X, the navy said that 39 lifeless bodies had been recovered between Sunday and midday Thursday, and that the search was ongoing.

The navy had previously given a death toll of 26.

It is feared the number of dead will continue to rise.

Sunday's sinking is the latest in a string of migration-linked tragedies to occur off the coast of West Africa.

Senegal's coasts are one of the main departure points for thousands of migrants hoping to reach Europe, many heading for the Spanish Canary Islands.

But the Atlantic route is particularly perilous because of the strong currents, and every year officials record thousands of deaths and disappearances from overloaded, often unseaworthy boats.

Senegal's President Bassirou Diomaye Faye described the situation as "unbearable" during a visit to Mbour on Wednesday and vowed to "relentlessly track down" migrant traffickers.

He said that the government was working on policies to tackle youth unemployment, but that the situation could not be "resolved overnight".
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, September 12. Toshkent Republican Stock Exchange (RSE) and the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) discussed Uzbekistans capital market, the RSE told Trend.

The matter was reviewed at a meeting between the CEO of Toshkent Republican Stock Exchange George Paresishvili and a delegation of the EDB.

During the meeting, the parties kicked around ideas for breaking into the Uzbek market and tossed around the notion of funding local companies.

EDBs projects include issuing and placing bonds through RSE, as well as investing in local bonds in both national and foreign currencies. Moreover, Central Asia is a priority region for EDB, EDBs Executive Director of Investor Relations and Financial Institutions Saltanat Adilkhan said.

Earlier, the EDB's Chairman of the Board Nikolai Podguzov said that Uzbekistan may join the Eurasian Development Bank by the end of 2024.

I can say that now, having already received Uzbekistan's application to join the bank, approximately Uzbekistan's participation in the bank will be 10 percent. We hope that this year all legal issues related to accession will be finalized, he said.

Nikolai Podguzov noted that this diversification will affect proportionally the change in shares of participants and shareholders in the bank.
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, September 12. Uzbekistan and Turkiye have signed a roadmap on cooperation, the Turkish Foreign Ministry wrote on X, Trend reports.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya, and head of the National Intelligence Organization Ibrahim Kaln met with their Uzbek counterparts in a trilateral format in Tashkent. A roadmap was signed at the meeting, which is an important step in institutionalizing cooperation between Turkiye and Uzbekistan, the publication of the Turkish Foreign Ministry reads.

Meanwhile, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev will meet today with a Turkish delegation consisting of Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya, and Director of the National Intelligence Service Ibrahim Kalin.

The visit will include bilateral talks and a joint meeting of the heads of foreign policy, law enforcement agencies, and intelligence services.

The sides will discuss the practical implementation of the decisions of the leaders of the two countries, strengthening coordination and practical cooperation in combating modern challenges and threats to security.

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E-scooters are a menace, wobbling away in drivers blind spots and zipping between pedestrians on pavements. Sometimes its the rider  unprotected, often helmetless  who gets injured, and sometimes it is someone else. In the year to June 2023, there were 1,299 collisions involving e-scooters recorded by the Department for Transport: seven people were killed and 390 seriously injured. But since then a study has found this represents only about nine per cent of the injuries involving these hard-to-see vehicles. Hospital data is meanwhile showing worrying trends in injuries to the head, face, and spine from e-scooter accidents. But the growth in use of e-scooters has outpaced our ability to do much about it.
A group of boys, one dressed as a cowboy  this was the height of the Buffalo Bill craze  were seen to tease and taunt Van Gogh on several occasions out in the fields. They were hoorays down from Paris. Van Gogh himself cut a sorry figure, shambling, smelly, addicted to absinthe, toothless. White Smith and Naifehs book, Van Gogh: The Life, refers to an interview in the Fifties with Rene Secretan, who admitted that he was the 16-year-old leader of the gang taunting Van Gogh, and shooting rabbits with a pistol. Just before he died in 1957, wealthy businessman Secretan described meeting Van Gogh several times  describing him as more like a tramp than a genius artist. He said he only learnt of Van Goghs death later from the newspapers. Mysteriously, young Secretan abruptly broke his holidays at Auvers to return to Paris.
Mr Menon told the court: What she is saying is Suella Braverman  then home secretary, sacked two days after  was promoting in different ways a racist political agenda as evidenced by the Rwanda policy, the racist rhetoric she was using around small boats.
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, September 12. Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan Laziz Kudratov held a meeting with the CEO of Coca-Cola Ichimligi Uzbekistan Ltd. Uzbekistan Ezel Agaoglu, Trend reports citing the ministry.

The parties discussed the results of the companys current activities in Uzbekistan and plans to increase production capacity.

New promising areas were reviewed, including the expansion of the product line both for domestic consumption and for promotion to new sales markets.

Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their mutual commitment to further expanding cooperation.
That is money that should have been in the pockets of farmers that they desperately need for the work that they are doing to provide the food that we want to eat, to help natures recovery, and yet the government was too incompetent to get it out the door.
On Thursday, Mr Putin said allowing long-range strikes would mean that NATO countries, the United States, and European countries are at war with Russiaif this is so, then, bearing in mind the change in the very essence of this conflict, we will make appropriate decisions based on the threats that will be created for us.
But Mr Blinken said he had "no doubt" that the president and Sir Keir would discuss their expanded use when they meet at the White House on Friday, while Mr Lammy said the West was listening carefully to Ukraines needs.
On Thursday, Mr Putin said allowing long-range strikes would mean that NATO countries, the United States, and European countries are at war with Russia  if this is so, then, bearing in mind the change in the very essence of this conflict, we will make appropriate decisions based on the threats that will be created for us.
Hes absolutely right: investigative journalism is so important to our democracy, and we should do whatever we can as a country to support it, and Im sure that the Culture Secretary (Lisa Nandy) would be happy if he raised these matters with her in forthcoming oral questions.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 12. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian visited the city of Erbil in Iraqi Kurdistan for the first time, the statement of the Iranian President's information portal said, Trend reports.

According to the information, the Iranian President was welcomed by the head of Iraqi Kurdistan Nechirvan Barzani.

The Iranian President will hold several meetings within the framework of his visit to Iraqi Kurdistan.

To note, on September 11, the Iranian president, along with a bevy of high-ranking officials, set off on his inaugural foreign visit to Iraq, and his visit will last three days.
He added: Im conscious that there is currently a cold case review into Sophies murder under way, and I sincerely hope that it brings some clarity to the circumstances around her tragic death and answers some of the questions that her beloved parents, Georges and Marguerite, and her son John Pierre have waited nearly three decades for.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 12. Iran proposes BRICS member countries remove the Internet from the monopoly of Western countries, the Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Akbar Ahmadian. said on September 12 at a meeting of representatives of security services of BRICS member countries, Trend reports.

According to him, Western countries, especially the US, monopolize the Internet, crucial equipment, and some applications, which is a huge challenge in technology and cyber security. We must discover a solution to this problem.

One of the contemporary security challenges at the international level is cyber security. It is being exploited by terrorist groups in this sphere. Iran warns that cyber terrorism will become one of the threats to everyone in the future, and cooperation of BRICS member countries and other countries is necessary to solve this problem, he noted.

Ahmadian noted that cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence can also become one of the suitable scope for cooperation between BRICS member countries and other countries.

To note, BRICS is an intergovernmental organization established in 2006. Russia assumed the BRICS chairmanship on January 1, 2024. At present, the members of the organization, in addition to Russia, are Brazil, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia.
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The 10th edition of Horology Forum will host intellectual conversations and activations in the heart of the city, open to the public in Hong Kong from 22nd-24th October

Dubai Watch Week is set to host the 10th edition of the globally renowned Horology Forum, which will be making its debut in the bustling city of Hong Kong. An integral programme within the Dubai Watch Week plaBorm, Horology Forum hosts invaluable conversations and intellectual engagements within horology and other industries alike, led by experts and pioneers across various fields. The event will take place on the 7th floor, Christies in The Henderson, Central from 22nd  24th October, prepared to engage with audiences in the heart of the city.

The 10th edition of Horology Forum titled HF.10 will feature an array of panel discussions, carefully curated masterclasses, display of timepieces and networking opportunities. Since 2015, Horology Forum has pioneered hosting panel discussions on thought-provoking topics in the watch industry, having organised more than 90 panels featuring over 270 speakers.

The event will be staged in Hong Kong for the first time as part of its travelling concept, recognising the city as the centre of Asias luxury watch industry. The move positions Horology Forum to tap into Hong Kong and serves as a gateway for further expansion into mainland China and other Asian markets. HF.10 creates a significant opportunity for industry leaders, collectors and business professionals to engage in meaningful discussions about the evolution of horology in Asia.

Attendees will get to explore upcoming watchmaking trends, connect with enthusiasts and reimagine the future of horology in this dynamic region. Previous iterations of the travelling edition of Horology Forum took place in London in 2018 and New York City in 2022, as it explored British watchmaking icons and engaged with the US collecting community.

We are delighted to host the 10th edition of the Horology Forum for the first time in Hong Kong, marking a significant step in expanding our international presence into the hub of the luxury watch industry within Asia. Hosting this insightful event with a new discerning audience allows us to connect with like-minded individuals among the local community and collectively explore the worlds of luxury and horology. Doing so enables us to continue evolving the Horology Forum and Dubai Watch Week platform while preserving its unique DNA, we look forward to extending its legacy by uniting more watch enthusiasts worldwide and sharing this passion as a community.

Hind Seddiqi, Director General of Dubai Watch Week.

Differentiating the Horology Forum is its unique approach to inviting speakers, particularly those from outside the horology world to offer fresh perspecitves. This years event invites renowned speakers from the region to share valuable insights: Carson Chan, Founder of WatchProfessorAcademy.com, will moderate a panel discussion on the evolution of horology in East Asia.

In addition, Mark Cho, Co-founder of menswear fashion destination The Armoury and an avid watch collector, will explore the multifaceted world of luxury ownership and booming interest in vintage treasures alongside other experts. Another highlight of HF.10 is the first-ever innovative relay workshop titled The Watch Industry Starter Pack: How to build a watch brand in 60 mins.

The workshop will be moderated by Wei Koh, Founder of Revolution Magazine. Another session titled Traveling Back in Time will be led by Tim Mosso, Global Watch Specialist and the Media Director at The 1916 Company, who will trace the evolution of the watch industry spanning more than 300 years via an engaging keynote.

Additionally, the event will tackle a session addressing Perpetual Puzzles: Is the age of mechanical innovation over? moderated by Robin Swithinbank, Journalist and Author. He will be joined by Nicholas Biebuyck  Heritage Director, TAG Heuer and Jiaxian Su, Founder of SJX Watches to share their insights. Meanwhile, the in-person masterclasses will cover fascinating activities including Tin Clock Making, Tea Blending, the Art of Chinese Calligraphy with Elaine Wong and a creative Automata workshop, led by Fiona Kruger. Additionally, the programme will include a special masterclass of The Art of Lume Painting with Wristcheck, mastering the cran of painting lume onto watch hands.

Since the establishment of Dubai Watch Week in 2015, Christies has worked closely with the platform and returns as a sponsor. HF.10 in Hong Kong will take place between 1pm to 6pm from 22nd  24th October on the 7th floor, Christies at The Henderson, 2 Murray Road, Central.

Admission is free and open to the public via online pre-registration. Be amongst the first to register now to embark on this curated journey.

Full details on the lineup of events and speakers are listed below. Registration and further programme details are available on www.dubaiwatchweek.com.
The Bucharest Court will debate on Thursday the request of sociologist Alfred Bulai to annul the preventive arrest warrant in the case in which he is accused of sexually assaulting students at National School of Political and Administrative Studies (SNSPA), informs Agerpres.

Alfred Bulai was remanded in custody on September 5, following a decision by the Sector 1 District Court, but he challenged the magistrates' decision.

The day after his arrest, Alfred Bulai was removed from police custody and taken to the "Carol Davila" Military Hospital on suspicion of heart attack.

The former SNSPA professor is accused of committing the offenses of misuse of office for sexual purposes and sexual assault.

The investigation stems from a journalistic investigation by the Snoop website. Alfred Bulai allegedly sexually assaulted several female students and some of the assaults took place during practical courses organised in rural areas.
ST. LOUIS  A judge has ruled that the citys economic development agency did not renege on an agreement it made with developer Paul McKees primary lender over north St. Louis land deals.

Franklin County Circuit Court Judge Jason H. Lamb ruled Thursday that the Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority and its LCRA Holdings Corp. did not declare that McKees NorthSide Regeneration was in default of a development agreement regarding plans for its north city properties and that the agencies were not required to sign off on any new deal with NorthSide.

Attorneys for McKees lender, Bank of Washington, said they intend to appeal the decision.

This decision is really a pyrrhic victory for the city of St. Louis, said Joseph Dulle of the Stone, Leyton & Gershman law firm. All the city has done if this decision stands is to throw a roadblock in front of the only lender willing to fund a large-scale investment in the revitalization of North St. Louis in five decades.

The Bank of Washington, based in Franklin County, sued the LCRA, its affiliate group and the city of St. Louis in 2018 after the city ended its 2009 development agreement with McKee, who had acquired hundreds of acres of north city real estate to redevelop. McKees NorthSide Regeneration did not build as much as initially promised, though the developer erected a new gas station and grocery store on Tucker Boulevard. The grocery, Greenleaf Market, is currently closed.

But McKee did help draw the attention of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency to north city for its new western headquarters. City Hall helped assemble the rest of the land for the NGA deal.

The banks lawsuit claimed LCRA misled it into releasing its liens on McKees land in a 2016 agreement that said LCRA would try to renegotiate NorthSides development agreement on behalf of City Hall in exchange for McKee selling his land to the city, including some he had purchased from its land bank just years earlier. The bank later dismissed the city from the lawsuit.

In the lawsuit, the bank alleged LCRA falsely represented that it would approve a new agreement.

But ultimately no agreement was reached.

Neal Richardson, head of St. Louis Development Corp., the agencies umbrella organization, lauded Thursdays ruling.

Todays ruling brings us one step closer to finally putting this issue behind us so we can fully concentrate on creating a prosperous future for economic development in the great city of St. Louis, free from any obstacles that might impede our growth, Richardson said in a statement.

Jacob Barker of the Post-Dispatch contributed to this report.
Looking for something a bit different? Why not seek out horological talents from beyond the Swiss borders

For most people, watches are synonymous with Switzerland, like chocolate and private banking. For those in the know, we can add watch-manufacturing countries such as Germany, France, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom to the mix. Look a little deeper, however, and there are horological talents in the most surprising of places.

Pirro, Albania

One of my most recent discoveries is Pirro from Albania. This 64-year-old mechanical engineer, jeweler, and self-taught watchmaker from Tirana fell in love with watchmaking after discovering the independent watchmakers at the Academie Horlogere des Createurs Independants (AHCI) at BaselWorld many years ago. After five years of development, he is now unveiling his inaugural timepiece called the Primordial Passion. This one-of-a-kind timepiece features 12 miniature gold folk dancers on a mosaic dial. The dancers represent 12 different regions and dances from Albania and together they are made up of over 300 individual components. If that doesnt blow your socks off, over 25,000 mosaic pieces need to be cut to provide the final 1,500 mosaic tiles for the dance floor! There has been no skimping on the movement either as it has been made by Agenhorwell, there is no harm in a little Swissness after all!

Primordial Passion Pirro

Ressence, Belgium

Not only is Ressence not from Switzerland, but it has also made a point of reinventing the traditional Swiss watch. Founded in Belgium in 2010 by industrial designer Benoit Mintiens, the brands timepieces are like nothing else on the market today. Take the TYPE 3, for example, filled with 3.57 ml of oil for an entirely new kind of dial experience. All the indications are flush with the crystal, creating maximum legibility from all angles without any refraction or distortion. The philosophy less is more is at the heart of all their creations as anything superfluous has been removed as you can discover in our Watchfinder.

TYPE 3 Ressence

Studio Sarapaneva, Finland

Finland is a little haven of watchmaking talent thanks to its little watch school (it only takes 15 students per year) founded in Lahti in 1944. Famous alumni include Kari Voutilainen, who now practices his craft on the top of a Swiss mountain, and Stepan Sarapaneva, who worked for a number of famous Swiss watchmakers before returning to his native Helsinki. Born into a family of artisans, Sarapaneva has a very distinctive style that is very playful with his recognizable scalloped case design, large moons, and colourful use of luminescence.

Supermoon Studio Sarapaneva

Itay Noy, Israel

I have been admiring Itay Noys work ever since we first connected on Instagram back in 2017. We then met at BaselWorld and I was blown away by his unique vision of watchmaking. Since then, he has gone on to create a whole range of timepieces, all offering a new take on the classic complications. Two of my favourites are the Time Tone and the Full Month. The Time Tone has replaced the hour hand with 12 different tones of a single colour which rotate every 12 hours and allow the client to decide which tone indicates which hour. The Full Month Moon gives a new way of visualizing the moon. Instead of a single window, the phases of the moon appear in a circle around the dial. Below, is his latest creation, Time Quarters.

Time Quarters Itay Noy

Ming, Malaysia

Founded by Ming Thein and a group of watch enthusiasts in 2017 in Kuala Lumpur, Ming watches are immediately recognizable thanks to the way they play with light, colour and form. Today, the brands design, engineering, and quality control takes place in Malaysia, while the production and assembly are handled in Switzerlands La Chaux-de-Fonds. The brand has quickly established itself as a respected independent watchmaker, something that was also recognized by the Grand Prix dHorlogerie de Geneve (GPHG) when the jury awarded Mings 17.06 Copper model the prize for Horological Revelation in 2019.

MING 37.04 Tantalum Monopusher Chronograph Ming

This list is just a snapshot of the watchmaking talents that can be found around the world, proving that watchmakers dont need to be nestled in the Vallee de Joux, La Chaux-de-Fonds, or Plan-les-Ouates to make their mark on the watch world. Being away from Switzerland could well be a bonus when it comes to finding ones own unique style.
ST. LOUIS COUNTY  A grand jury has indicted the man accused of assaulting a Ferguson police officer last month, doubling the number of charges he faces.

Elijah Gantts criminal case stems from an Aug. 9 incident outside Ferguson police headquarters on the 10th anniversary of the police shooting of Michael Brown. Police said Gantt was running away from an officer who was trying to arrest him for property damage when the two collided. The officer, Travis Brown, was severely injured when he fell to the ground.

Gantt was arrested moments after the collision and charged with three counts of fourth-degree assault on a special victim, resisting arrest, first-degree assault and property damage.

Following his indictment last week, Gantt faces three more counts of fourth-degree assault on a special victim, rioting, attempting to tamper with physical evidence and escape or attempted escape

His lawyer, Scott Rosenblum, declined Wednesday to comment on the additional charges and indictment.

The Aug. 9 gathering of about 40 people started as a reunion but became turbulent about 11 p.m. when police went out to make arrests after protesters damaged a security gate outside the building.

Surveillance video showed Officer Brown being knocked to the ground by Gantt as he sprinted right at the officer.

Police also released body camera footage of the officer who arrested Gantt after pulling him off of Brown after the fall. It showed angry protesters screaming and swearing at the officers and following them as they tried to haul away Gantt. Gantt is also seen fighting to get away from police, kicking one officer in the shoulder, breaking free at least once and finally walking with two officers into the Ferguson fire station.

The officer hasnt woken up since the incident.

(Brown) continues to make small improvements so we are extremely encouraged, said Pat Washington, Ferguson police spokeswoman. He has shown some response to stimuli so doctors are encouraged but caution that there is so much they dont yet know.

He remains in the intensive care unit as doctors also work to get his pneumonia under control, Washington said Wednesday.

At least four other people were charged following that protest.

Gantt remains in custody on a $500,000 cash-only bond.
ST. LOUIS COUNTY  A judge on Thursday upheld the murder conviction of Marcellus Khaliifah Williams, quashing an effort to free him, and leaving his execution set to be held in almost two weeks.

St. Louis County Judge Bruce Hilton, who reviewed over 12,000 pages of evidence, said that Williams claim of innocence unraveled when an Aug. 19 DNA report was issued.

Williams original argument was that his DNA was not found on the knife used to kill former Post-Dispatch reporter Felicia Lisha Gayle Picus, and that the DNA profiles that were found would lead authorities to the actual killer.

But on Aug. 19, those DNA profiles were found to be consistent with the lead prosecutor and investigator on the case  the prosecutor, Keith Larner, in his testimony recalled handling the knife with his bare hands before trial.

Ed Magee, the cases investigator, told the Post-Dispatch he was not surprised his DNA was most likely on the knife because he also handled it numerous times before trial.

(Williams) remaining evidence amounts to nothing more than re-packaged arguments about evidence that was available at trial and involved in Williams unsuccessful direct appeal and post-conviction challenges, Hilton wrote. (Williams) has failed to demonstrate any basis for this court to find Williams actually innocent of first-degree murder.

Williams has unsuccessfully appealed and challenged his conviction for more than two decades, ultimately taking the case to the Missouri Supreme Court.

Herman Jimerson, a Clayton attorney who has practiced criminal defense and personal injury law for 38 years, has followed the Williams case closely. He said he doesnt know if there are any additional legal avenues for Williams to avoid execution on Sept. 24 unless Gov. Mike Parson decides to pardon him.

I think its a long shot, Jimerson said. I think its a sad shot.

The St. Louis County circuit court judges decision on Thursday morning came two weeks after he heard six hours of testimony rehashing evidence in Gayles brutal 1998 stabbing in a University City home in a gated neighborhood.

The August hearing focused on contamination of DNA on the murder weapon, potential racial bias in the jury selection and, in Williams lawyers view, the unreliable witnesses on which much of his case hung.

Hilton in his ruling said Williams lawyers failed in arguing that evidence was destroyed by prosecutors in bad faith, a component that must be proved to establish legal merit. He also said the witnesses provided information to the police that was not known publicly, supporting their credibility.

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey has fought the exoneration effort at every step. He argued that Williams was actually guilty of the crime and that Hilton did not have legal authority to vacate the conviction because the case had been appealed to higher courts.

Hilton, in his ruling, disagreed and presented several arguments as to why he did have jurisdiction to rule on the conviction and not the execution itself.

Bailey did not immediately comment on the ruling Thursday.

St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell released a statement Thursday afternoon, saying he was immensely disappointed by it and would continue to work to prevent Williams execution. He did not state how he planned to do that. Bells conviction and incident review unit believes the evidence shows that Williams is innocent.

(F)or something as consequential as the death penalty, the evidence must prove the defendant to be guilty without a shadow of a doubt, Bell said. There are detailed and well-documented concerns regarding the integrity of Mr. Williams conviction.

Williams and his defense team have maintained his innocence, and have repeatedly pointed out that no physical evidence connects him to the crime other than a stolen laptop he sold to a neighbor.

Williams is represented by private counsel, as well as lawyers from the Midwest Innocence Project.

The decision of a prosecutor to move to vacate a murder conviction and death sentence is not done lightly, said Tricia Rojo Bushnell, one of those attorneys. Prosecuting Attorney Bell filed a motion because there is overwhelming evidence that Marcellus Williams trial was constitutionally unfair, including revelations that the state contaminated the most critical evidence in the case  the murder weapon.

Bushnell is also the executive director of the Midwest Innocence Project and said they will continue to pursue every possible option to prevent the execution. She also said there is still time for the courts or Parson to act.

Missourians To Abolish The Death Penalty co-director Michelle Smith, who says shes a close friend of Williams, stood outside the St. Louis County courthouse on Thursday. She told reporters she hadnt talked to Williams since Aug. 28 after the evidence hearing, and said Thursdays decision is a devastating blow to justice and yet another stain on Missouris conscience.

She emphasized that she and others still believe Williams is innocent, and said her organization plans to continue advocating for Williams, urging Parson to intervene while also mobilizing the community to speak out against the execution.

We will not stop fighting until we dismantle this murderous system and ensure no more lives are lost to this brutality, she said, calling execution state-sanctioned murder.

The NAACP also spoke out, saying it was deeply disturbed by Hiltons ruling. Nimrod Chapel, president of the Missouri NAACP, wrote in a statement that Williams innocence is supported by significant evidence.

This is not about justice, but about a broken and inhumane system that disproportionately targets Blacks and marginalized people, he said.

Williams, who is Black, stood trial for 14 days and was convicted by a jury of first-degree murder three years after Gayles husband came home and found she had been stabbed more than 40 times. His DNA has not been linked to the crime scene.

The jury, consisting of 11 white jurors and one Black juror, then deliberated for 90 minutes before deciding to sentence him to death.

Lawyers in court have said Gayles family does not support the death penalty, but Laura Friedman said in a letter to the Post-Dispatch that they do believe hes guilty. Friedman is now married to Gayles husband, Dr. Daniel Picus, who declined to talk to the media after the Aug. 28 evidence hearing.

Im glad Judge Hilton ruled on this matter, said Magee, the original cases investigator, on Thursday. And that he clearly stated that no evidence of actual innocence was presented at the hearing.

Missouri governor, state Supreme Court refuse to halt Marcellus Williams execution Williams is set to be executed at 6 p.m. Tuesday for the 1998 murder of Lisha Gayle, who was repeatedly stabbed during a burglary of her suburban St. Louis home.

Marcellus Williams asks U.S. Supreme Court to halt his scheduled Tuesday execution As of Wednesday, Williams was still set to die by lethal injection next week for the 1998 murder of former Post-Dispatch reporter Felicia Lisha Gayle in 1998.
TAMPA, Fla.  Four Black rights activists were convicted Thursday in Florida federal court of conspiring to act as unregistered Russian agents.

Jurors deliberated all day Wednesday and returned the guilty verdicts late Thursday morning, the Tampa Bay Times reported. The conspiracy charges carry up to five years in prison. No sentencing date has been set.

All four of those convicted are or were affiliated with the African Peoples Socialist Party and Uhuru Movement, which has locations in St. Petersburg, Florida, and St. Louis.

They include Omali Yeshitela, the 82-year-old chairman of the U.S.-based organization focused on Black empowerment and the effort to obtain reparations for slavery and what it considers the past genocide of Africans. Also convicted were Penny Hess, 78, and Jesse Nevel, 34, two leaders of branches of the groups white allies. A fourth defendant, Augustus C. Romain Jr., 38, was kicked out of the Uhurus in 2018 and established his own group in Atlanta called The Black Hammer.

Yeshitela, Hess and Nevel had also been charged with the more serious crimes of acting as agents of a foreign government, but jurors found them not guilty of those charges.

The most important thing is they were unable to convict us of working for anybody except Black people, Yeshitela said afterward on the courthouse steps. I am willing to be charged and found guilty of working for Black people.

Attorneys finished their closing arguments late Tuesday. The trial had been scheduled to last a month but moved quickly, concluding after a week of testimony.

Prosecutors said the defendants knowingly partnered with the Russian government to help the Kremlin sow political discord and interfere in U.S. elections.

Defense attorneys argued that Aleksandr Ionov, who runs an organization known as the Anti-Globalization Movement of Russia, concealed from the Uhurus his relationship with Russian intelligence. The attorneys also called the governments case dangerous for the First Amendment and asserted that the government was trying to silence the Uhurus for expressing their views.

Three Russians, two of whom prosecutors say are Russian intelligence agents, are also charged in the case but have not been arrested.

Although there are some echoes of claims that Russia meddled in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, U.S. District Judge William Jung previously has said those issues were not part of this case.

Prosecutors have said the groups members acted under Russian direction to stage protests in 2016 claiming Black people have been victims of genocide in the U.S. They also alleged that the members took other actions for the following six years that would benefit Russia, including opposition to U.S. policy in the Ukraine war.

The defense attorneys, however, have said that despite their connections to the Russian organization, the actions taken by the African Peoples Socialist Party and Uhuru Movement were aligned precisely with what they have advocated for in more than 50 years. Yeshitela founded the organization in 1972 as a Black empowerment group opposed to vestiges of colonialism around the world.

Here, they acquired and rehabbed dilapidated property in north St. Louis, built a basketball court, raised a large Pan-African flag, distributed their newspaper locally, demonstrated for reparations, and fielded two unsuccessful aldermanic candidates.

The Post-Dispatch contributed to this report.
A day after Hurricane Francine made landfall in Louisiana, the St. Louis area is forecast to feel the storms effects.

By then, the system will bring beneficial rain to a parched region, according to the National Weather Service.

Leading bands of precipitation from the tropical depression are forecast to reach the St. Louis area sometime Thursday evening, with waves of rain expected from late Thursday into Friday afternoon.

As of Wednesday evening, the forecast amounts werent high enough to warrant a significant flash flooding threat in our area, the Weather Service said.

The lack of recent rain has resulted in dry soil, which will further mitigate flood threats.

St. Louis hasnt seen significant rain in two weeks, and just 1.38 inches of rain fell here in August, two inches below the norm.

The worst of the rain is expected south of St. Louis area in southeast Missouri and southern Illinois, where more than inch of rain was expected in some areas.

Areas north of Interstate 44 in Missouri and Interstate 70 in Illinois are forecast to see lighter rain or even none at all.

Francine made landfall on the Louisiana coast southwest of New Orleans as a Category 2 storm on Wednesday, bringing deadly storm surge, widespread flooding and destructive winds to the Gulf Coast.

Its forecast to make its way up a path roughly following the Mississippi River with the center of the storm reaching northeast Arkansas or the Missouri Bootheel by late Thursday night.

Flash flooding was possible across the lower Mississippi Valley, the National Weather Service said.

The rain could help barge traffic on the river, where shipments are being limited from St. Louis southward due to low water levels.

As Francines remnants move east and linger several days, light showers will be possible daily from Saturday onward for several days, especially in the eastern portions of the St. Louis region.
American actor and Basic Instinct star Michael Douglas attended the Fourth First Ladies and Gentlemen Summit in Kyiv, organized by First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska. The celebrity took his 24-year-old actor son Dylan along for the ride and visited the capital's sights with him.

ADVERTISIMENT

For two days, the men were given small tours of the city, but Michael Douglas was most impressed not so much by the architecture as by one historical fact that Ukrainians are proud of. An OBOZ.UA correspondent visited the Fourth Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen and told us what the actor said.

"It was a discovery for me that Kyiv is older than Moscow. I was told this at the Lavra," Douglas said.

Shortly before the summit, the star visited the Okhmatdyt children's hospital, which was hit by a Russian missile on July 8, visited the caves of the Kyiv Cave Monastery and the National Museum of the History of Ukraine in World War II on the territory of the Motherland.

ADVERTISIMENT

Yesterday, after arriving in Kyiv, Michael Douglas went to St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery, St. Michael's Square, Volodymyrska Hill Park and St. Andrew's Church. The actor was impressed by the beautiful architecture of the capital and was also interested in the history of Kyiv.

At the Fourth Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen, the celebrity and his son participated in a discussion on child safety in the family. He joined the event as a UN Goodwill Ambassador.

ADVERTISIMENT

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
EQS-Ad-hoc: Altech Advanced Materials AG / Key word(s): Letter of Intent

Altech Advanced Materials AG - Conclusion of a letter of intent (LOI) with Zweckverband Industriepark Schwarze Pumpe e.V.





12-Sep-2024 / 16:08 CET/CEST

Disclosure of an inside information acc. to Article 17 MAR of the Regulation (EU) No 596/2014, transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS Group AG.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.



Purchase volume of 30 MWh per year agreed for an initial period of 5 years

Delivery of the first CERENERGY battery packs to start in mid-2027

Total volume of the letter of intent in the three-digit million range Rating company Altech Batteries GmbH has signed a Letter of Intent ("LOI") with Zweckverband Industriepark Schwarze Pumpe (ZISP) for the supply of CERENERGY battery packs. Under this non-binding agreement, ZISP will purchase 30 MWh of energy storage capacity per year, consisting of 30 units of 1 MWh GridPacks, from 2027 for an initial period of 5 years. The purchase of these batteries is subject to performance tests and battery specifications being carried out and the batteries meeting customer requirements. The first deliveries of the CERENERGY ceramic solid-state battery to ZISP are planned for mid-2027. With the delivery of the CERENERGY battery packs to ZISP, Altech is making a significant contribution to the use of sustainable energy sources in the industrial park.



Explanatory part



The Altech Group is planning to build a 120 MWh production plant for CERENERGY battery packs for grid storage solutions in Schwarze Pumpe, Saxony. The CERENERGY sodium chloride solid-state battery, developed jointly with the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft IKTS, is fire and explosion-proof and has a service life of more than 15 years. The battery technology uses conventional common salt and nickel and is free of lithium, cobalt, graphite and copper.



The agreement underlines the commitment of Altech and ZISP to fully convert the Schwarze Pumpe Industrial Park to renewable energy. Wind and solar energy in combination with Altech's CERENERGY GridPack Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) are one of the keys to achieving this goal. The BESS ensures a continuous energy supply even during low power generation or power outages, overcoming one of the biggest challenges in the transition from coal.



The partnership between ZISP and Altech is an important step towards replacing coal with sustainable, renewable energy solutions that are in line with the legal mandate to phase out coal in Germany from 2020. The project also supports ZISP's goal of achieving certification under the EU's Zero Valley initiative and making Schwarze Pumpe a model industrial park for other regions across Europe and a model for renewable energy storage and generation.



Uwe Ahrens, board member of Altech Advanced Materials AG: "This letter of intent is a significant milestone for Altech as it represents our first offtake agreement for the CERENERGY GridPack battery energy storage system. The interest of Zweckverband Industriepark Schwarze Pumpe in our technology is a clear signal of the growing demand for innovative energy storage solutions, especially as the industry transitions to 100% renewable energy. With our scalable and reliable battery systems, Altech can make an important contribution to the decarbonisation of industry and the economy and significantly advance the path towards a green energy future."



CERENERGY battery project



Altech Batteries GmbH (ABG) is a joint venture with the world-leading German battery institute Fraunhofer IKTS to commercialise the revolutionary CERENERGY sodium-alumina solid-state battery (SAS). CERENERGY batteries are the ground-breaking alternative to lithium-ion batteries. CERENERGY batteries are fire and explosion-proof and have a service life of more than 15 years. The battery technology uses common salt and is free of lithium, cobalt, graphite and copper, eliminating dependence on critical metal price increases and supply chain issues.



The joint venture markets its CERENERGY battery and plans to build a 120 MWh production plant on the Altech site in Saxony. The plant will produce CERENERGY battery modules for the grid storage solutions market.



About Altech Advanced Materials AG



Altech Advanced Materials AG (ISIN: DE000A31C3Y4), based in Frankfurt am Main, is a holding company listed on the regulated market of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. The company's aim is to participate in the solid-state battery market for stationary battery applications with CERENERGY.



Another focus is on lithium-ion batteries. An innovative anode material based on high-purity aluminium oxide (HPA) - Silumina Anodes - is intended to significantly increase the performance of this battery for electromobility.



Further information: www.altechadvancedmaterials.com



Altech Advanced Materials AG

The Executive Board: Iggy Tan, Uwe Ahrens, Hansjorg Plaggemars

Ziegelhauser Landstrae 3

69120 Heidelberg

info@altechadvancedmaterials.com

Tel: + 49 6221 649 2482

www.altechadvancedmaterials.com



Contact the press:

Ralf Droz / Doron Kaufmann, edicto GmbH

Tel: +49 (0) 69 905505-54

e-mail: Heidelberg, 12. September 2024 Altech Advanced Materials AG (ISIN: DE000A31C3Y4) announces that its opecompany Altech Batteries GmbH has signed a Letter of Intent ("LOI") with Zweckverband Industriepark Schwarze Pumpe (ZISP) for the supply of CERENERGY battery packs. Under this non-binding agreement, ZISP will purchase 30 MWh of energy storage capacity per year, consisting of 30 units of 1 MWh GridPacks, from 2027 for an initial period of 5 years. The purchase of these batteries is subject to performance tests and battery specifications being carried out and the batteries meeting customer requirements. The first deliveries of the CERENERGY ceramic solid-state battery to ZISP are planned for mid-2027. With the delivery of the CERENERGY battery packs to ZISP, Altech is making a significant contribution to the use of sustainable energy sources in the industrial park.The Altech Group is planning to build a 120 MWh production plant for CERENERGY battery packs for grid storage solutions in Schwarze Pumpe, Saxony. The CERENERGY sodium chloride solid-state battery, developed jointly with the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft IKTS, is fire and explosion-proof and has a service life of more than 15 years. The battery technology uses conventional common salt and nickel and is free of lithium, cobalt, graphite and copper.The agreement underlines the commitment of Altech and ZISP to fully convert the Schwarze Pumpe Industrial Park to renewable energy. Wind and solar energy in combination with Altech's CERENERGY GridPack Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) are one of the keys to achieving this goal. The BESS ensures a continuous energy supply even during low power generation or power outages, overcoming one of the biggest challenges in the transition from coal.The partnership between ZISP and Altech is an important step towards replacing coal with sustainable, renewable energy solutions that are in line with the legal mandate to phase out coal in Germany from 2020. The project also supports ZISP's goal of achieving certification under the EU's Zero Valley initiative and making Schwarze Pumpe a model industrial park for other regions across Europe and a model for renewable energy storage and generation.Altech Batteries GmbH (ABG) is a joint venture with the world-leading German battery institute Fraunhofer IKTS to commercialise the revolutionary CERENERGY sodium-alumina solid-state battery (SAS). CERENERGY batteries are the ground-breaking alternative to lithium-ion batteries. CERENERGY batteries are fire and explosion-proof and have a service life of more than 15 years. The battery technology uses common salt and is free of lithium, cobalt, graphite and copper, eliminating dependence on critical metal price increases and supply chain issues.The joint venture markets its CERENERGY battery and plans to build a 120 MWh production plant on the Altech site in Saxony. The plant will produce CERENERGY battery modules for the grid storage solutions market.Altech Advanced Materials AG (ISIN: DE000A31C3Y4), based in Frankfurt am Main, is a holding company listed on the regulated market of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. The company's aim is to participate in the solid-state battery market for stationary battery applications with CERENERGY.Another focus is on lithium-ion batteries. An innovative anode material based on high-purity aluminium oxide (HPA) - Silumina Anodes - is intended to significantly increase the performance of this battery for electromobility.Further information: www.altechadvancedmaterials.comThe Executive Board: Iggy Tan, Uwe Ahrens, Hansjorg PlaggemarsZiegelhauser Landstrae 369120 HeidelbergTel: + 49 6221 649 2482Ralf Droz / Doron Kaufmann, edicto GmbHTel: +49 (0) 69 905505-54e-mail: AltechAdvancedMaterials@edicto.de



End of Inside Information

12-Sep-2024 CET/CEST The EQS Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases.

Archive at www.eqs-news.com


September 12, 2024: Merchant ships in the Red Sea are still being attacked by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. Nations that the attacked ships belong to demand that their governments dispatch warships to protect their ships. Since Iran supplies missiles, the Houthis are using, they expect the Houthis to not attack ships belonging to countries, like Russia and China, that Iran depends on for weapons or assistance in bypassing the economic sanctions imposed on Iran. Russian ships use their electronic ID systems as well as visible flags indicating Russian ownership or ships chartered by Russia. The Houthis fired on some Russian ships anyway.

Since 2015 Iran has supplied the Houthi rebels with 430 ballistic missiles and 851 explosives equipped drones for attacks on neighboring Saudi Arabia. The longer range ballistic missiles were used to hit Saudi oil facilities on the Persian Gulf coast. The Saudi had received the Patriot missile defense system and purchased hundreds of Patriot missiles to shoot down most of the Houthis missiles. Since 2015 the Saudi Patriot system crews have gained more combat experience than anyone else. The Ukrainian may eventually catch up as they receive more Patriot missiles. Since late 2023 the Houthis have been firing their cruise missiles at ships in the Red Sea. The wartime activity has brought many warships and air patrols to the Red Sea and that has halted Iranian missile smuggling efforts.

Iran supplied weapons and technical advisors to teach the Houthis how to handle complex weapons systems like ballistic and anti-ship missiles. The Houthis fired a bunch of ballistic missiles at their enemies in that time, generally Saudi cities and oil facilities. Saudi Arabia has lots of American Patriot anti- missiles systems and few of the Houthi attacks managed to hit targets in Saudi Arabia. Until late 2023 the Iranian missiles were meant to be used against Saudi Arabia. This is a classic example of nations using an eager intermediate to carry out attacks against an enemy. If the missiles were fired from Iran, it would be seen as an act of war that could escalate to a major conflict involving western forces. That would be more than Iran could handle. Having the Houthi militia use these weapons against Irans enemies shielded Iran from retribution.

There are some problems with this arrangement. The Houthis assigned to launch these missiles at ships moving north towards the Suez Canal have been told to fire on all ships within range while ignoring ships belonging to Russia or China. Despite this, some Russian and Chinese ships are still attacked. The Houthis take their orders from Iran, so Russia and China have to ask Iran to contact the Iranian advisors working with the Houthis to deal with the problem. Its unclear if Iran has been able to restrain the Houthi missile crews to stop firing on ships belonging to Iranian allies. In the past the Houthis have been unruly and difficult to control, even Iranian personnel in Yemen working with the Houthis. The Houthis are heavily armed and quick to fire on anyone they feel is threatening them. The Houthis are still involved in an eleven-year old rebellion against the Yemen government and that fight is their main priority. The Houthi men manning the anti-ship missiles and bomb boats are often not entirely sure when trying to identify who passing ships belong to. Apparently, the Houthis missile crews are firing on everyone because its easier.

The Houthis declared war on Israel after the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israelis and other foreigners visiting a music festival near the Gaza Israeli border. Hamas killed over a thousand people, most of them civilians. The IDF (Israeli Defense Forces) then invaded Gaza and Hamas has been on the run ever since. That was when the Houthis declared war on Israel and opened fire on ships passing through the Red Sea.

The current round of Houthis violence against commercial shipping heading for the Suez Canal or making deliveries to Red Sea countries has led to over a half a dozen NATO nations sending warships to protect cargo ships in the Red Sea, by making ineffectual attacks on the Houthi rebels and their Iranian missiles in Yemen. American warships and naval aviation have already used hundreds of missiles against Houthi targets in Yemen. This has diminished the Houthi attacks but not entirely eliminated them. That would purportedly take a ground war in Yemen. The Israelis showed how effectual air attacks could be made on the Houthis when the latter attacked Israel with ballistic and cruise missiles. For over a decade the Houthis have been leading a rebellion against the Yemen government. In response, other Arab nations sharing the Arabian Peninsula with Yemen sent troops to assist in suppressing the Houthis. The Americans even offered to send an assault ship with a battalion of marines on board. Nothing ever came of this.

Before the Houthi missile crisis, the Red Sea and the adjacent Gulf of Aden had a piracy problems which were suppressed. Violence against commercial shipping is nothing new in the Gulf of Aden, which is between the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. Opposite Yemen, across the Red Sea, is the African nation of Somalia and the infamous Somali pirates. The resurgence of piracy in this area began in 2010 when it had reached levels of activity not seen in over a century. But over the next three years that all changed. By 2013 attacks on ships by Somali pirates had declined 95 percent from the 2010 peak. The rapid collapse of the Somali pirates since 2010 was no accident. It was all a matter of organization, international cooperation and innovation. It all began back in 2009 when 80 seafaring nations formed, with the help of a UN resolution, the Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia. The most visible aspect of the Contact Group was the organization of an anti-piracy patrol off the Somali coast. This came to consist of over two dozen warships and several dozen manned and unmanned aircraft, as well as support from space satellites and major intelligence and police agencies.

Back in 2010 the Somali pirates got most of the publicity but they only carried out 44 percent of the attacks. What was newsworthy was that the Somalis accounted for 90 percent of the hijackings, and some 80 percent of the piracy was in and around the Indian Ocean. Some 44 percent of all attacks involved the pirates boarding the ships, while in 18 percent the pirates just fired on ships, without getting aboard. There are still pirates out there, but they are more into robbery than kidnapping.

Piracy hit a trough from the late nineteenth century into the late twentieth. That was because the Great Powers had pretty much divided up the whole planet and policed it. The pirates had no place to hide. Piracy began to revive in a modest way beginning in the 1970s, with the collapse of many post-colonial governments. At the same time there were problems defining what exactly an act of piracy was. What most people agree on is that piracy is non-state sanctioned use of force at sea or from the sea. This could include intercepting a speedboat to rob the passengers, but that's usually just thought of as armed robbery. And something like the seizure of the Achille Lauro in 1985 is considered terrorism, rather than piracy. In the past, some marginal states have sanctioned piratical operations, like the Barbary States, but that rarely occurs these days. There has been more since 2001. For example, in 1991 there were about 120 known cases of real or attempted piracy. In 1994 that increased to more than 200 cases. In 2000 there were 471 cases, in 2005 there were 359 and by 2010 there were over 400.

The international effort to suppress Somali piracy halted and reversed this trend. But while there have been far fewer attacks off Somalia, there was a sevenfold increase since 2009 in the Straits of Malacca and a similar increase off Nigeria. The big difference is that only off Somalia could ships and crews be taken and held for ransom for long periods. Everywhere else the pirates were usually only interested in quickly robbing the crew and stealing anything portable that they could get into their small boats. Off the Nigerian coast pirates sometimes take some ship officers with them to hold for ransom or force the crew to move small tankers to remote locations where most of the oil cargo can be transferred to another ship and sold on the black market.

Pirates usually function on the margins of society, trying to get a cut of the good life in situations where there aren't many options. This is usually in areas where state control is weakest or absent, in failing and failed states. A failing state is something like Nigeria, Indonesia, or the Philippines, where the government is managing to keep things together but is faced with serious problems with areas that are sometimes out of control. In a failed state like, where there isn't a government at all, pirates can do whatever they want.

The solution to piracy is essentially on land; go into uncontrolled areas and institute governance. This has been the best approach since the Romans eliminated piracy in the Mediterranean over 2,000 years ago. Trying to tackle piracy on the maritime end can reduce the incidence of piracy but can't eliminate it because pirates usually have safe bases on land. In the modern world the land solution often can't be implemented. Who wants to put enough troops into Somalia to eliminate piracy? And failing states are likely to be very sensitive about their sovereignty if you offer to help them control marginal areas.

Meanwhile there are two areas where pirates still thrive, the Bight of Benin off Nigeria, and the Straits of Malacca between Indonesia and Singapore. Nigeria produces oil while most of the worlds oil passes through the Straits of Malacca. Piracy there is largely an Indonesian phenomenon. It bothers the Singaporeans a lot, the Malaysians a little, and the Indonesians not much. But as Indonesia began stabilizing itself after the 2004 Aceh Peace settlement, the institution of a more democratic government and defeating Islamic terrorism. When that happened the number of piracy attacks declined. This decline was facilitated by the combined police effort of Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia itself, which didn't come about until a lot of issues among the three states were resolved. Neither Indonesia nor Malaysia were all that upset about smuggling. Indonesia and Singapore still have some problems, as Singapore more or less encourages sand stealing in enormous volumes from Indonesia. Since 2010 there has been an increase in piracy off Indonesia, largely because the Indonesians reduced their anti-piracy patrols without warning or explanation. There are lots of targets, with over 50,000 large ships moving through the Straits of Malacca each year. Thats 120-150 a day. Lots of targets. The shallow and tricky waters in the strait forces the big ships to go slow enough, under 30 kilometers an hour, for speed boats to catch them.

The Iran-backed Shia Houthi rebels are losing but refuse to make peace, in part because of continued Iranian support and partly out of fear of the consequences. Yemen has proved to be an embarrassment for Iran and the Saudi/UAE backed Yemen government. The other Arabs are not willing to suffer the heavy casualties a quick victory over the Houthis would require. The war will drag on into 2025 or until Iran just decides to halt support. Iranian withdrawal is a possibility because of growing popular protests in Iran against the expensive foreign wars in Syria and Yemen. Despite that, Iran keeps smuggling in more and more weapons. These are not intended for the ongoing Yemen civil war, though sometimes they are used for that anyway, but for use against targets designated by Iran.

Until late 2017 there was not much progress in the Yemen fighting, a development that favored Iran. But by early 2018 the Shia rebel coalition began unraveling and Iran suddenly had its own domestic uprising to deal with back home. Worse, the U.S. government had changed in early 2017 and was much more aggressive dealing with Iran. There was also a radical, for Arabia, new government in Saudi Arabia with a young Crown Prince in charge and organizing more effective resistance to Iranian aggression. That played a role in causing the Yemen unrest evolving into a full-scale civil war in 2015. That was when Shia rebels sought to take control of the entire country. Neighboring Arab states, led by Saudi Arabia, quickly formed a military coalition to halt the Yemeni rebel advance. The Arab coalition succeeded and by 2016 pro-government forces were closing in on the rebel-held capital. The coalition did not go after the capital itself because of expected heavy casualties and property damage in the city. The coalition concentrated on rebuilding the Yemeni armed forces, recruiting allies from the Sunni tribes in the south and eliminating al Qaeda and ISIL groups that had grown stronger as the Shia rebels gained more power. As the fighting intensified in early 2015 Iran admitted it had been quietly supporting the Shia rebels for a long time but now was doing so openly, and that support was increasing.

Many Yemenis trace the current crisis back to the civil war that ended, sort of, in 1994. That war was caused by the fact that, when the British left Yemen in 1967, their former colony in Aden became one of two countries called Yemen. The two Yemens finally united in 1990 but another civil war in 1994 was needed to seal the deal. That fix didn't really take and the north and south have been pulling apart ever since. This comes back to the fact that Yemen has always been a region, not a country. Like most of the rest of the Persian Gulf and Horn of Africa region, the normal form of government until the 20th century was wealthier coastal city states nervously coexisting with interior tribes that got by on herding or farming or a little of both plus smuggling and other illicit sidelines. This whole nation idea is still looked on with some suspicion by many in the region. This is why the most common forms of government are the more familiar ones of antiquity like kingdom, emirate or modern variation in the form of a hereditary secular dictatorship.

For a long time, the most active Yemeni rebels were the Shia Islamic militants in the north. They have always wanted to restore local Shia rule in the traditional Shia tribal territories, led by the local imam, or religious leader. This arrangement, after surviving more than a thousand years, was ended by the central government in 1962 with Egyptian aid, which included use of chemical weapons. Fifty years later Yemen became the new headquarters of AQAP (Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula) when Saudi Arabia was no longer safe for the terrorists after 2007. Now there is ISIL and an invading army composed of troops from oil-rich neighbors. By late 2017 the rebels were slowly losing ground to government forces who, despite Arab coalition air support and about five thousand ground troops, were still dependent on Yemeni Sunni tribal militias to fight the Shia tribesmen on the ground. While the Shia are only a third of the population, they are united while the Sunni tribes are divided over the issue of again splitting the country in two and with no agreement on who would get the few oil fields in central Yemen, or control of the lucrative khat drug-growing trade. Many of the Sunni tribes tolerate or even support AQAP and ISIL.

The Iranian smuggling pipeline continued to operate, and the Yemen rebels were able to buy additional weapons from other sources because they received cash from nations (Iran) or groups hostile to the Arab Gulf states, especially Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The Shia rebels were from northern Yemen and controlled the border with Saudi Arabia. Over the last decade the rebels launched more and more attacks on Saudi targets. The rebels obtained more powerful weapons as well, including Iranian ballistic missiles, which were disassembled so they could be smuggled from Iran to Yemen, where Iranian technicians supervised the missiles being assembled and launched into Saudi Arabia. In the last few years, the rebels have received longer range ballistic missiles that could hit Saudi and UAE oil production facilities on the Persian Gulf coast.

The rebels also fired more missiles at targets passing Yemens Red Sea coast controlled by the rebels. This has always been a potential threat to ships using the Red Sea to reach the Suez Canal in Egypt, at the north end of the Red Sea. Transit fees from ships using the canal are a major source for Egypt, bringing in nearly $10 billion a year. Egypt and Iran are enemies and reducing Suez Canal income is a win for Iran, which supported the Yemen rebels for more than a decade to make that success possible. At the end of 2023 Iran ordered the Yemen rebels to open fire on shipping in the Red Sea, which moves along the Yemen coast on its way to or from Saudi ports or the Suez Canal. Ships unable to use the canal must take the longer route around the southern tip of Africa. This takes more time and increases costs for the shipping company and their customers.
September 12, 2024: At the end of July 2024, Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of Islamic terror group Hamas was killed in a government guest house in the Iranian capital. A day earlier, an Israeli air strike in Lebanon killed Fuad Shukr, a senior member of Hezbollah. Shukr was believed responsible for rocket attacks on northern Israel that killed twelve children. The Israeli air strike also killed four nearby civilians and wounded 80 others. The Israelis gained access to Hezbollahs communications and then told Shukr to drive, with his bodyguards, to another location. When the vehicle Shukr and his associates were in a relatively open area, the Israeli aircraft launched a missile and that was the end of Shukr.

Israel believes that these attacks on leaders who plan and carry out mass attacks makes these terrorist leaders less eager to act. Attacks like this appear to have some impact. Islamic terrorist attacks diminish when you kill the group leaders, especially if you kill replacements in rapid succession.

Iran does not attack its enemies directly but prefers to use non-Iranian organizations to do it for them. This makes it possible for Iran to claim they had nothing to do with violence against people or groups Iran wants killed and often openly backs and supports such violence. American and Israeli intelligence agencies are able to quickly identify who is actually responsible to Islamic terrorist violence.

Iranian foreign relations include the goals of Death to Israel and Death to America. This is what the current Iranian religious dictatorship demands, while most Iranians want their government to disappear. Much of the government violence is directed at Iranians who want an elected government. This is considered un-Islamic by the current Islamic dictatorship. This is a conflict that has been going on since the 1980s when a revolution overthrew the Iranian monarchy. The revolutionary groups then fought each other over what the new government should be. Most Iranians wanted a democracy, but the religious parties, and their Islamic militias, demanded a government led by senior religious leaders. The Islamic militants were more violent and got their way.

Islam is a religion with some unique characteristics. The Arab word Islam translates into English as Submission. That includes accepting an Islamic lifestyle and rule by religious authorities and Islamic sharia law. This form of law is medieval in its origins and despotic in practice. Sharia in its purest and most extreme form calls for non-believers to be killed or enslaved if they refuse to become Moslem. Non-Islamic nations are to be feared and attacked in any way possible until destroyed. Thats why religiously inspired mobs in Iran call for Death to America and Israel. Most of the people in Iran want to live in the United States or an Iranian version of it. Before the Iranian monarchy was overthrown, Iran had good diplomatic, military and economic relations with the United States and Israel. Since the 1980s, when religious parties seized power in Iran, the economy has been crippled by sanctions triggered by Iranian hostility to non-Islamic states in America and Europe. Israel, an entrepreneurial democracy and the wealthiest, per capita, country in the region, is declared by Iranian religious leaders as a nation of apostates for not acknowledging Islam as the true religion. For the Iranian Islamic readers there is no possibility of compromise with Israelis unless they convert to Islam.

For nearly a decade the Iranian government has known that Israeli intelligence operations in Iran involved Israelis unofficially, and often anonymously, working with many Iranians who want to overthrow their religious dictatorship. The Iranian government is also disturbed by increasing protests by the ethnic minorities that comprise half the population. While half the population is ethnic Iranian, an Indo-European people long called Persians, a quarter of Iranians are a Turkic group called Azeris. This group is seen as the most loyal non-Persian group in Iran. The 25 percent of other Iranians who are not Persian or Azeri are less loyal. Many senior members of the clergy are Azeri, including the senior member of the ruling Guardian Council and supreme leader Ali Khamenei. That is no longer an asset because most Iranian Azeris have turned against the religious dictatorship and are calling for the end of religious rule and better relations with neighboring Azerbaijan, which is allied with Israel. This ethnic affinity has long been a problem for Russia and Iran.

The Israeli Mossad agents who recruited these Iranians to help carry out sabotage attacks were themselves Iranian in the sense that they often Iranian Jews, or their descendants who Iran over the last half century but had not lost their Iranian customs, like using Farsi, the Indo-European Persian language, and other Iranian cultural practices. These Israelis made excellent Mossad operatives in Iran where they looked Iranian, spoke Iranian and knew Iranian customs. When recruited Iranian scientists safely escaped from Iran after their role in a major attack became known, they discovered the Iranians who recruited them were Israelis. This eventually got back to fellow Azeri Iranians in Iran, which most Iranian Azeris saw as a good thing. Jewish-Iranians were historically one of the smallest Iranian minorities but were always considered Iranians first, something that made an impact on Iranians in general. It also impressed the Russians, who have had a long and often violent relationship with Iran over who should rule the Azeris.

Subsequent Israeli revelations confirmed that many of the Iranian scientists and engineers who worked with Israel to sabotage Irans nuclear weapons development thought they were working with fellow Iranian opponents of the Islamic dictatorship. This is persuading more members of the Guardian Council to oppose the current hardline policy of the Council and willingness to get Iran into a war with Israel and the growing number of Israeli allies, which now includes Azerbaijan and many Arab states.

Most Iranians initially backed the idea of Iran having nuclear weapons, because this is seen as justified for the major local superpower in the region. This is a role the Persians have played for thousands of years. But now most Iranians agree that their current religious dictatorship should not have these weapons because all the neighbors and their superpower allies oppose it.

Before the 1979 revolution Iran and Israel had long been allies. Given a choice between returning to Israel as an ally instead of Israel being a more powerful neighbor Iranian religious leaders wanted to destroy, Iranians quietly back a return to Israel as an ally. The current religious dictatorship is not just considered corrupt and incompetent, but insane and in dire need of replacement.

Israel takes the threat of nuclear attack more seriously than the Iranian religious dictatorship. The Iranians are smart and generally competent. Despite decades of sanctions, they have built ballistic missiles and are close to producing nuclear weapons. Their nuclear development projects are well protected but they are not invulnerable. Israeli espionage and sabotage operations against the nuclear program have proved that.

Israel wants to avoid a military strike against the Iranian nuclear weapons program because it might result in widespread nuclear contamination around the nuclear fuel processing sites, and kill and injure many Iranians. This would be expensive to clean up and the nuclear contamination could get into the local water supply or, if on the surface, into the air. The Iranian techs who joined the resistance realize this, but their religious dictatorship doesnt care because God is on their side and whatever happens it is Gods Will. Israel has the resources to locate the nuclear facilities and the specialized weapons to neutralize them. Details are kept secret but experience demonstrates that whatever the Israelis come up with usually works. Failure is not an option when your worst enemies are seeking nothing less than the extermination of Israel and Jews in general.

Meanwhile Iran is still perplexed at how the Israeli economy continues to thrive while the economies in neighboring Moslem nations, such as Iran, stagnate or decline. Israeli unemployment is the lowest rate in the region. Arabs, especially Palestinians, blame Israel for their poorly performing economies. The real cause of the economic woes is corruption and bad government in general. But few Moslem governments are willing to admit that.

The most dangerous Islamic threat to Israel is not even Arab. In Iran supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei recently reminded everyone that the official Iranian position is that any Moslem nation, especially Saudi Arabia and Turkey, that improves relations with Israel is betraying Islam. Along those lines Khamenei also repeats his belief that the United States cannot be trusted and he makes a big deal about how the economic sanctions the July 2015 treaty lifted are not the main economic problem Iran has to deal with. The main problem for Iran is the two years of very low oil prices, which is Saudi Arabias way, in cooperation with some other local Sunni oil states, of depressing Irans oil income.

One reason for seeking nuclear weapons is to give Iran the ability to threaten the Saudis into shipping less oil and let the price go up. After that there will be the demand to let Iran run the Moslem holy places in Mecca and Medina. The Saudis are not willing to make deals that involve Iranian domination of the region and remain firm on their oil policy. Khamenei regularly lets the Iranian people know that their continued poverty is the fault of the Gulf Arabs and their allies, especially Israel and the United States. What Arabs and Iranians both downplay is that the American fracking technology changed the oil market. Add to that recent natural gas deposits discovered and rapidly developed in Israel coastal waters and you can see why political relationships are shifting in the Middle East.

Seen from the other side, the Gulf Arab nations have been getting closer to Israel for years and are now quite open about it. Arab states, especially Saudi Arabia created and sustained the Islamic terrorism but cant admit that. Israel is the most successful local power when it comes to dealing with Islamic terrorism and is willing to work with Arab states and not make a big deal about where all the Islamic terrorism comes from in the first place. Thats a problem the Arabs in particular and Moslems in general have to deal with.
Photos posted to social media on Sept. 6, 2024, appeared to show soldiers sleeping outside the U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach vehicle registration office in Germany. (Facebook)

GRAFENWOEHR, Germany  A U.S. Army post in Bavaria this week announced changes to its vehicle registration appointment process after photos surfaced online of soldiers camping out overnight to ensure a coveted walk-in slot.

The vehicle registration office at U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach on Wednesday relaunched its online appointment scheduler and revamped hours as it transitions to a hybrid system of walk-ins and appointments.

The changes come as the U.S. military in Germany continues to grapple with a problem that has upended commutes to work and in some cases left military families without a legally operable vehicle.

The problem remains most acute in the Kaiserslautern Military Community, home to Ramstein Air Base and several Army posts. There were 1,624 people in the online queue at the Kapaun main vehicle registration on Thursday around noon, and most appointments for new registrations were booked through late December.

Ansbach has wrestled with its own problems.

The office switched to walk-in only in July after customers complained that the lead time to schedule an appointment was too great, garrison spokeswoman Gerlinde Hoyle said in a statement.

But that led to complaints about restrictions on the number of walk-ins available per day.

The corrected model of opening hours will better serve the various types of service for our customers, Hoyle said.

Under the hybrid system, time will be set aside to assist soldiers and their families going through permanent change of station moves, Hoyle added.

However, customer demand may remain a challenge.

Officials at U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach in Bavaria have implemented reforms to the vehicle registration system after photos surfaced online showing soldiers sleeping outside overnight to wait for walk-in service. (U.S. Army)

The Ansbach office is authorized for only three staff members and there are no plans to assign soldiers to the office in the future, Hoyle said.

Ansbach in previous years has asked service members to help with vehicle registration temporarily.

The changes were announced days after the U.S. Army W.T.F! moments Facebook page posted photos of the soldiers on the ground in their sleeping bags. The post drew over 2,100 comments.

While the photos could not be independently verified, Hoyle said the service members were not encouraged to queue outside business hours.

Starting next week, the registration office will be open 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday for appointments only. Appointments can be made online.

The office will see in- and out-processing soldiers only from 8 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, and walk-ins from noon to 3 p.m.

Other bases in the region have had varied success in recent months by adding staff and making tweaks.

Officials at Ramstein last month opened a new substation to ease the burden at neighboring Kapaun, which handles vehicle matters for all services.

Some customers who have used the substation have said that it was considerably quicker than Kapaun, though the Ramstein location cant handle some functions, such as issuing temporary plates and initial registrations.

The Army has also reopened services in the Kaiserslautern area at its post in Sembach.

Officials at Tower Barracks in Grafenwoehr, part of U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria, rolled out a proprietary online scheduling system July 1 that limited the number of appointments one person could make, thus freeing up precious calendar space, spokesman Andreas Kreuzer wrote in an emailed statement Thursday.

The base has cut their no-show rate from 60% to 5%.

Mark Heeter, a spokesman for the Armys Installation Management Command - Europe, said the issues at vehicle registration offices across Germany were isolated and not the norm.

While vehicle registration requirements are greater in the summer months due to the PCS season, most of our Army garrisons did not experience significant challenges with vehicle registration backlogs, he wrote in a statement Wednesday.

Other services experienced similar issues in recent months, he said.

Stars and Stripes reporter Lydia Gordon contributed to this report.
Lt. Cmdr. Megan E. Ricker, executive officer of the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Manchester (LCS 14), greets a loved one during a homecoming ceremony on Naval Base San Diego, Sept. 11, 2024. (Isaak Martinez/U.S. Navy)

The USS Manchester returned to Naval Base San Diego on Wednesday after an 18-month deployment to the Indo-Pacific.

We are extremely proud of the accomplishments made by the USS Manchester crews throughout their 18 months of deployed operations, Capt. Douglas Meagher, commodore, Littoral Combat Ship Squadron One, said in a service news release. Littoral combat ships like Manchester have and continue to demonstrate strategic value through relevant presence and unique access in the Indo-Pacific, strengthening relationships with maritime allies and partners.

Manchester, an Independence-variant littoral combat ship, participated in several multinational exercises, including Multilateral Naval Exercise Komodo 2023, Oceania Maritime Security Initiative 2023, Pacific Griffin 2023 and Maritime Training Activity Malaysia.

During deployment, Manchester conducted port visits to six partner and allied nations: Indonesia, Malaysia, Marshall Islands, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. While in port, Manchester sailors fostered strong relationships with host nations.

The Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Manchester (LCS 14) moors pier side at its homeport of Naval Base San Diego, Sept. 11, 2024. (Isaak Martinez/U.S. Navy) Cmdr. Matthew G. Farrell, commanding officer of the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Manchester (LCS 14), poses for a photo with loved ones during a homecoming ceremony on Naval Base San Diego, Sept. 11, 2024. (Isaak Martinez/U.S. Navy) Chief Operations Specialist Miguel Murillo assigned to Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Manchester (LCS 14), greets loved ones during a homecoming ceremony on Naval Base San Diego, Sept. 11, 2024. (Isaak Martinez/U.S. Navy) Lt. j.g. Michael Root, assigned to Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Manchester (LCS 14), greets a loved one during a homecoming ceremony on Naval Base San Diego, Sept. 11, 2024. (Isaak Martinez/U.S. Navy) Operations Specialist 1st Class Joseph Skiles, assigned to Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Manchester (LCS 14), greets a loved one during a homecoming ceremony on Naval Base San Diego, Sept. 11, 2024. (Isaak Martinez/U.S. Navy) Mineman 2nd Class Humberto Nieves, assigned to the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Manchester (LCS 14), greets loved ones during a homecoming ceremony on Naval Base San Diego, Sept. 11, 2024. (Isaak Martinez/U.S. Navy) Lt. Christopher DAmbra, right, assigned to the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Manchester (LCS 14), greets a loved one during a homecoming ceremony on Naval Base San Diego, Sept. 11, 2024. (Isaak Martinez/U.S. Navy) Operations Specialist 1st Class Dominick Torres, assigned to Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Manchester (LCS 14), greets a loved one during a homecoming ceremony on Naval Base San Diego, Sept. 11, 2024. (Isaak Martinez/U.S. Navy) The Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Manchester (LCS 14) moors pier side at its homeport of Naval Base San Diego, Sept. 11, 2024. (Isaak Martinez/U.S. Navy)

In Subic Bay, Philippines, Manchester provided ship tours to the Philippine Navy and a damage control demonstration. In Sriracha, Thailand, sailors volunteered at the Child Protection and Development Center.

One of the greatest aspects of deploying to the Indo-Pacific is the opportunity to work alongside our allies and partners. Whether that was with the Royal Malaysian Navy, the Philippine Navy or the Republic of Singapore Navy, it was an honor to work side-by-side with them, said Cmdr. Matthew Farrell, commanding officer of the Manchester Gold crew.

Manchester repeatedly demonstrated resilience and littoral combat ship sustainability by consistently maintaining extended operations at sea. During deployment, Manchester spent 32 continuous days underway supporting theater priority operations.

After being apart for a year-and-a-half, family and loved ones eagerly embraced their sailors as they returned to port.

I am proud to have sailed throughout the Indo-Pacific with this crew of warfighters, and we are excited to return home to San Diego to spend time with family and friends, Farrell said.
The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz operates in the South China Sea during exercises in 2017. The Navy has issued an $18.4 million contract to begin preliminary planning to deactivate the nuclear power plants on the Nimitz, the first step toward decommissioning the ship. (U.S. Navy )

The Navy has begun the process of retiring its oldest aircraft carrier, the USS Nimitz, which was commissioned in 1975.

Huntington Ingalls Inc. has received an $18.4 million contract from U.S. Naval Sea Systems Command to handle preliminary planning to deactivate the nuclear power plants on the Nimitz, the first step toward decommissioning and eventual disposal.

The contract calls for a deactivation plan to be submitted to the Navy by November 2024. The Nimitz is still on active duty, homeported at Naval Base Kitsap in Washington state, with deactivation planned for 2026 and to be completed in 2027.

The contract for the Nimitz was included in an Aug. 28 roundup of projects approved by the Defense Department. Naval Sea Systems Command will oversee the project.

The Nimitz completed a six-month maintenance at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in June and shares a portion of Naval Base Kitsap with the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan.

After the Ronald Reagan completes its six-month overhaul, the ship is scheduled to take up the Nimitzs role as the Navy carrier homeported in the Pacific Northwest.

The Navys plan for the Nimitz calls for it to transit down the West Coast of the United States and South America, around Cape Horn, and proceed to Newport News, Va., where the deactivation work would begin, according to the contract.

The Nimitz is the first of the class of 10 nuclear-powered aircraft carriers based on the same design. Its named after former five-star admiral Chester Nimitz, a Navy leader in World War II. All Nimitz-class carriers were built between 1968 and 2006 at Newport News Shipbuilding in Virginia.

The Nimitz was the second nuclear-powered aircraft carrier to join the Navy, following the USS Enterprise, a design used for only one ship. The Navys newest carrier is the USS John F. Kennedy of the Gerald R. Ford-class. It was commissioned in June 2017.

The John F. Kennedy was planned to replace the Nimitz in the fleet next year, but its delivery date was pushed back by the Pentagon to 2025. Two more Gerald Ford-class ships are under construction  a new USS Enterprise and the USS Doris Miller, which is named after the black sailor who received the Navy Cross for heroism at Pearl Harbor.

The Navy had announced in 2023 that the Nimitz would be retired in 2025, with the second-oldest carrier of the class, the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, scheduled to retire in 2026.

But the Nimitz deactivation date was pushed back to May 2026 amid delays in the construction of the new Gerald Ford-class carriers.

The deactivation of the Nimitz is also awaiting deconstruction techniques that will be used to take apart the nuclear reactors on the original USS Enterprise, which was deactivated in 2012 and decommissioned in 2017 but has not undergone major demolition work yet.

The Navy has said it also delayed the retirement of the Nimitz and Eisenhower out of heightened demand for carrier strike groups to respond to crises around the globe, including recent tensions in the Red Sea and the Taiwan Strait.

The Navy confirmed earlier this year that it would move ahead with the retirement of the Nimitz, but it now expects Eisenhower to continue in service until at least 2030.

The contract for Huntington Ingalls is earmarked for advanced planning of defueling the Nimitzs two separate nuclear reactors, which heat water using nuclear fission to crate steam that passes through four turbines. The power plants generate up to 260,000 horsepower, turning four 25-foot diameter bronze propellors, each weighing 66,000 pounds. The Nimitz has a top speed of slightly more than 30 knots.

President Gerald Ford commissioned the Nimitz at Naval Station Norfolk, Va., on May 3, 1975, three days after the fall of Saigon marked the end of the Vietnam War.
Sgt. Myles Shoemaker of the Maryland Army National Guard trains Ghanaian soldiers in room clearing tactics in Damongo, Ghana, May 16, 2024. Ghana is among the countries the U.S. is looking at working with more closely in light of recent coups and mounting terror threats in West Africa. (Caitlinn Belcher/U.S. Army Reserve)

STUTTGART, Germany  American troops are taking up new positions in parts of West Africa to give a boost to counterterrorism efforts upended following U.S. Africa Commands recent ejection from strategic bases in Niger.

AFRICOMs Gen. Michael Langley on Thursday said his command is in the early stages of a reorganization that will emphasize coordination with like-minded states.

We are pivoting to some degree, Langley said during a news briefing from his Stuttgart headquarters.

Benin, Ivory Coast and Ghana are some of the countries involved as AFRICOM begins to reset and recalibrate some of our assets, Langley said.

The moves come after the U.S. was forced to halt military cooperation with Niger following a coup last year that eventually led to the closure of bases that served as major hubs for U.S. counterterrorism missions. The centerpiece of AFRICOMs mission in West Africa was a drone base in the Saharan city of Agadez, which cost the U.S. more than $100 million to set up.

There are no indications that the Pentagon is looking to replicate a site of such scale elsewhere on the continent. But concerns over a growing terrorism threat from an array of Islamic extremist groups fanned out across the Sahel has put many countries under strain.

While ISIS and al-Qaeda linked groups have long been present in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, they have metastasized and moved toward the northern borders of Ivory Coast, Ghana and Benin, Langley said.

We are in consultations  to decide what level of capacity they need to be able to successfully counter terrorism, Langley said.

Ghanian President Nana Akufo-Addo, left, shakes hands with Marine Corps Gen. Michael E. Langley, commander, U.S. Africa Command, at the African Maritime Forces Summit and Naval Infantry Leadership Symposium - Africa in Accra, Ghana, on April 30, 2024. (Addysyn Tobar/U.S. Marine Corps) Soldiers from Ghana participate in room clearing training led by U.S. soldiers from the Maryland National Guard in Damongo, Ghana, May 16, 2024. Ghana is among the countries the U.S. is looking at working with more closely in light of recent coups and mounting terror threats in West Africa. (Caitlinn Belcher/U.S. Army Reserve)

Langley said West African extremist organizations have aspirations of attacking the U.S. homeland. Nonetheless, such groups havent yet shown any capacity to strike out beyond the region, calling into question how realistic those larger ambitions are.

While Langley didnt detail what the recalibrated mission in West Africa could look like, an AFRICOM team has been assembled to chart the way forward.

The Wall Street Journal on Wednesday reported that a U.S. Special Forces team is already operating in Benins largest city and de facto administrative capital, Cotonou, to advise troops there.

The newspaper also reported the U.S. is spending $4 million to refurbish taxiways and aircraft to support contracted helicopter and medic teams placed in Benin to assist with the evacuation of local forces wounded in battle. Green Berets also have been placed in Ivory Coast, where contracted surveillance pilots are providing intelligence support, the Journal said.

The emphasis on partnering with Benin and Ivory Coast coincides with a series of coups in other countries in the region, such as Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso. The coups require AFRICOM to cease direct military cooperation under U.S. law.

Still, Langley said lines of communication with coup leaders will remain open while higher U.S. command authorities determine the breadth and depth of the relationship going forward.

A Beninese soldier from the 1st Commando Parachute Battalion and a U.S. Army Green Beret assigned to 3rd Special Forces Group discuss squad movements during a training exercise in Ouassa, Benin, in 2022. (Jasmonet Holmes/U.S. Army) Marine Corps Gen. Michael E. Langley, head of U.S. Africa Command, salutes an Ivory Coast honor guard during a visit to Abidjan April 24, 2024. Ivory Coast is among the countries the U.S. is looking at working with more closely in light of recent coups and mounting terror threats in West Africa. (Bobby Dixon/U.S. Navy)

Mixed in with the upheaval brought on by terrorist groups is Russias increasing influence on the continent. Russian government and paramilitary troops have established a presence in numerous countries, including Mali and more recently Niger.

Russia has been destabilizing, from the Central Africa Republic all the way into Libya and across the Sahel, Langley said.
The pork fillet glazed in soy sauce was a daily special on Aug. 27, 2024, at L'intuition in Houdeng-Aimeries, Belgium. Served with the meat was a medley of vegetables that included potatoes, cauliflower, green beans, tomato, radish and a carrot. (Matt Wagner/Stars and Stripes)

My intuition hasnt failed me yet when it comes to choosing restaurants during various stops in Europe.

A recent reporting trip to Mons, Belgium, kept that streak going thanks to an establishment whose very name was validation.

Advance scouting for eateries led me to Lintuition in the village of Houdeng-Aimeries, just 20 minutes away from Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe. I missed my rescheduled reservation time by 10 minutes, though, so I figured the restaurant would tell me to buzz off.

Yet when I showed up, the hostess welcomed me as if it were nothing. That warmth foreshadowed the rest of the evening at Lintuition.

L'intuition in Houdeng-Aimeries, Belgium, has three large rooms that allows it to host up to 80 people, according to the restaurant's website. (Matt Wagner/Stars and Stripes) A bar sits in an intimate room with one table and various chairs at L'intuition in Houdeng-Aimeries, Belgium, on Aug. 29, 2024. (Matt Wagner/Stars and Stripes)

The restaurant opened right before Christmas last year, which explained why I couldnt find too much information on it, and the menu changes every month.

The hostess allowed me to explore the restaurant and grounds, which she said can hold banquets and other celebratory events. Lintuition has three seminar rooms accommodating up to 80 people, and the back of the property consists of a spacious lawn.

My French is nonexistent, making it a relief to know we could communicate in English. With the hostess translating the menu and specials, I didnt have any problems picking my dinner.

Behind the main seating areas of L'intuition in Houdeng-Aimeries, Belgium, is an arched bush that leads to a green space. The restaurant can host banquets and other parties. (Matt Wagner/Stars and Stripes) The outdoor patio area at L'intuition in Houdeng-Aimeries, Belgium, proved to be a great place to spend a warm August evening. (Matt Wagner/Stars and Stripes)

Originally, I had planned just on getting a croquette and the daily special, a pork fillet glazed with soy sauce. Yet when she pointed out that the feta cheese in a pasta dish came from a dairy farm 3 miles away, I decided to add that.

I first received a slice of bread with local butter and a zucchini soup, which was good but perhaps a bit warm for a late summer evening.

The shrimp-filled croquette came with a few slices of lettuce covered in a raspberry vinaigrette dressing. The croquette was the right blend of crunchy on the outside and gooey on the inside, and the dressing was a nice surprise.

The fresh pasta with seasonal tomatoes and red berries at L'intuition in Houdeng-Aimeries, Belgium, comes with feta cheese made at a local dairy farm. The meal is a part of a restaurant's menu that is updated every month. (Matt Wagner/Stars and Stripes) The shrimp croquette served at L'intuition in Houdeng-Aimeries, Belgium, on Aug. 27, 2024, was served with lettuce and a raspberry vinaigrette dressing. Patrons also could order two croquettes as an appetizer. (Matt Wagner/Stars and Stripes)

Next was the pasta with tomatoes, feta cheese and tomato sauce. I was hesitant because Im not normally a fan of the usual grocery store tomatoes. But the yellow variety that night were so sweet that I enjoyed them for the first time in my life. It went well with the tartness of the berries.

I was pleased and already full. The pork fillet was left, and when it was placed in front of me, I struggled to start.

The host came out to ask my opinion a few minutes later and saw that I hadnt touched the pork or the vegetable medley of potatoes, green beans, a carrot, cauliflower and a section of a radish whose name got lost in translation.

Eventually, I managed to lift my knife and fork to start, and suddenly I had room to spare. The first bite clinched it as the best piece of pork Ive ever eaten. The fillet was so tender and juicy that I inhaled it.

The vegetables made me feel a little less guilty about my choice. I at least had a few healthy items to consume while acting like gluttony personified.

L'intuition in Houdeng-Aimeries, Belgium, seen here from the restaurant's private parking lot, opened Dec. 20, 2023. (Matt Wagner/Stars and Stripes)

I had to send my compliments to the chef, and thats when the hostess told me hes 23 years old. Hes a cant-miss talent.

Im glad I trusted my gut instinct, and I cannot suggest Lintuition enough. Whether you go there just for a regular meal or a special occasion, it is fantastic.

Lintuition

Address: Rue de lHospice 59, Houdeng-Aimeries, Belgium

Hours: 12-2 p.m. and 6:30-9 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 6:30-9 p.m. Saturday; 12-2 p.m. Sunday

Prices: Between 10 and 34 euros ranging from appetizers to main dishes.

Information: Phone: +32 470105104; Online: lintuition.be
The resort island of Bali in Indonesia has become a center of tourism on par with the Maldives. More than 10 million people visit it every year, which greatly harms the local ecosystems and disturbs the indigenous inhabitants. That is why the country's government has decided to limit the construction of new hotels, nightclubs and villas.

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According to high-ranking officials, this should reduce the influx of tourists, because the number of places for overnight stays will be limited and not everyone will be able to seamlessly get to the island whenever they want. As CNN notes, for now, Indonesia is imposing a moratorium on real estate construction for business.

May 2023, Bali Governor Wayan Koster reported that the island plans to limit mass tourism, as travelers hardly bring significant revenue to the country's budget.

"So we will be implementing a policy to say no to mass tourism, we will limit it by introducing a quota system. A quota system for the next 100 years. If we let it last for a long time, it will be cheap tourists, most of whom eat packaged rice, ride motorcycles, violate again and finally hack ATMs," he said.

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With the moratorium, the government will now try to improve the quality of life of the indigenous people, create new jobs for them and stop them assimilating with some 200,000 foreigners, most of them Russians.

Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Panjaitan said the innovation could take up to 10 years if it comes into effect.

The source said the number of travelers to Bali has surged after the island allowed tourists to vacation there following the coronavirus pandemic.

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Only verified information from us in Telegram-channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Tortilla chips and guacamole at Mesilla Kitchen in Okinawa city. (Brian McElhiney/Stars and Stripes)

Craving a taste of Southwestern cuisine  specifically, New Mexican cuisine  on Okinawa? Youre not alone.

Marine Corps veteran Andre Park, owner of Mesilla Kitchen near Gate 2 Street in Okinawa city, said hes amazed at how many of his fellow New Mexicans are on the island.

At least two to three people a day tell me, Im from Albuquerque, Im from Rio Rancho, he recently told Stars and Stripes.

Before opening the brick-and-mortar location three months ago, Park operated a food truck on the island for about a year and a half.

A lot of the customers were like, Hey, when are you going to open a restaurant? When are you going to open a restaurant? Park said. So, about a year before I decided to get out, we started working on it.

Judging from the crowd on that recent night, Park does brisk business. The cozy restaurant was packed with off-duty service members and American families (Park says about 8-10% of his business comes from Okinawans).

The gordita plate at Mesilla Kitchen in Okinawa city. (Brian McElhiney/Stars and Stripes)

Customers order by filling out paper slips for the table. It was easy to figure out, and the waitstaff are American so any questions will be answered without awkward language faux pas.

You can customize menu items  I ordered the gordita plate (fried masa pockets stuffed with meat, cheese, lettuce and tomato) with one carnitas gordita and one pollo asada gordita.

The food came fast despite the crowd. Tortilla chips and a guacamole appetizer offered a preview of the generous portions to come  there was more than enough guac for every chip, unlike at some stingier restaurants Ive been to in the States  and everything tasted homemade.

I am no expert when it comes to New Mexican food. Park explained how its not authentic Mexican food, its New Mexican food, which is a blend of Mexican, Native American and all the cultures that are there.

My party was surprised when we ordered the enchilada plate and received tortillas piled high with pollo asada chicken, cheese and sauce  almost like a deconstructed enchilada.

The plates come with Spanish rice and refried beans. These are American portions, not Okinawan, and my dining partner couldnt finish her plate (no such problems on my end, however).

You can order double meat with any dish for an additional 500 yen, although that might not be necessary; the enchiladas and gorditas were stacked and satisfying with a normal helping.

Im a huge fan of carnitas, and Mesillas version did not disappoint. Id order the pollo asada again over it, however. The chicken was tender, moist and superbly seasoned. Other choices include carne asada and red chile meat, and the menu also offers New Mexican-style tacos, chilaquiles, sopapillas and options for the kids.

Mesilla Kitchen is open for dinner Wednesday through Sunday and breakfast on Saturdays and Sundays. Park said hed like to expand to lunch and is looking for more chefs.

Marine Corps veteran Andre Park, owner of Mesilla Kitchen in Okinawa city, said hes amazed at how many of his fellow New Mexicans are on the island. (Brian McElhiney/Stars and Stripes)

Mesilla Kitchen

Location: 4-16-1 Misato, Okinawa City, Okinawa

Hours: 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday; 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday

Prices: 1,500 to 2,500 yen per person for dinner, or about $10.55 to $17.58,

Information: @Mesilla_Kitchen on Instagam.
The Commander of the Multinational Security Support Mission Commander Godfrey Otunge (right) and the Haitian National Police General Director Rameau Normil speak as they wait for the arrival of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken before they met at the MSS base in Port Au Prince, Haiti on Sept. 5, 2024. (Roberto Schmidt, Pool Photo, AFP, Getty Images via TNS)

(Tribune News Service)  As two dozen members of Jamaicas military and police forces prepare to arrive in Port-au-Prince on Thursday to begin their countrys participation in an armed security mission in Haiti, the international community is reiterating the call for a surge in assistance to the non-United Nations security mission.

Its going to take an incredible amount of effort to get us to where we need to be, but the fact is, we have no choice but to pursue the course that were on because right now its the only option in town, Canadas top diplomat to the United Nations, Robert Rae, told the Miami Herald following his first official visit to the country as the newly elected president of the U.N.s Economic and Social Council.

Rae spent three days in gang-ridden Port-au-Prince meeting with Haitian authorities, civic leaders, U.N. representatives as well as the head of the Kenya-led security mission known as the MSS. His visit led off a string of high-profile visits to the troubled-county that have been taking place in recent weeks. Other diplomats have included U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who spent the day in Port-au-Prince last week before traveling to the other side of the island to meet with Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader, and Miroslav Jenca, assistant secretary-general for Europe, Central Asia and the Americas.

Jenca, arrived in Haiti last Friday and completed his visit on Wednesday. The U.N.s independent expert on human rights, William ONeill, is also currently traveling the country to report on the deteriorating human rights situation.

During Jencas visit, the U.N. diplomat met with Prime Minister Garry Conille and members of his cabinet; Edgard Leblanc Fils, the current head of the scandal-clad Transitional Presidential Council; the head of the Haiti National Police and commander of the Kenya forces, as well as members of the international diplomatic corps. He also spent time in the northern port city of Cap-Haitien where some are pushing for a greater U.N. presence given the tightening grip of armed gangs that now control more than 85% of the capital.

All of those he met emphasized that security remains the biggest challenge, Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman for U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said about Jenca. While some success has been achieved in anti-gang operations conducted by the Haitian police with the support of the Multinational Security Support mission in Port-au-Prince, it is imperative for the international community to urgently and substantially increase its support for the MSS as well as the Haitian national police. This is fundamental to improve security and allow progress on the political track and in development.

Jenca, in a social media post, said in his meeting with the foreign diplomatic corps that he had emphasized the importance of coordination in the international community to assist Haiti with its ongoing challenges.

The high-profile visits come at a pivotal time. Donor support for Haitis security and humanitarian crisis has been slow to pour inthe U.S. remains the biggest financial contributor of the MSS, providing more than $300 million for its operations as well as armored vehicles, radios and other equipment  and the Biden administration is seeking support from the U.N. Security Council to transform the ill-equipped and understaffed Kenya-led mission into a formal U.N. peacekeeping operation in order to guarantee staffing levels and funding.

The move not only requires support from Guterres, but also from China and Russia, who have been vocal critics of past U.N. peacekeeping interventions in Haiti. The U.S. is also likely to face tough questions even from its supporters. Among them: Why the effort on the ground has not yet produced the kinds of results the administration, and even Guterres, promoted in their effort to field an international armed force to help Haitis national police put down gangs?

Those goals include not only loosening the hold of violent gangs that have expanded their presence since 400 Kenyan police officers began arriving in late June, but opening up roads to allow more humanitarian assistance to reach the nearly 600,000 Haitians who have been displaced from their homes in the last three years by the violence and the more than 5 million in need of help.

My impression is that from talking to the commander, and also from talking to the prime minister, is that the challenge facing the mission has been that, as opposed to a U.N. mission, where theres a tremendous amount of work done, logistics, background, preparation, prior to people arriving in on site, a lot of this has been done on site, said Rae. And theres been challenges with getting the right equipment to the right people at the right time.

But having said that, its important to stress that these problems are being addressed, and theres a tremendous willingness on the part of donors to meet more regularly, he added.

Even with the missions shortcomings, Rae said, he believes it has been quite remarkable what the international community has managed to do in the absence of a U.N. mission, to get countries to agree, to come together, to get troops coming in, to provide additional equipment to the [Haiti National Police], to get the port open, to get the airport open, to get the airport secure.

I think people have to look at things in some perspective, he said. Six months ago, four months ago, things looked very dire in terms of where this was headed.

He acknowledged that countries supporting the mission face the task of explaining to the rest of the world how much there is still to do. The upcoming meetings in New York during the high level week of the U.N. General Assembly later this month presents such an opportunity, he said, in addition to asking for more donor support ahead of the Sept. 30 vote at the Security Council where the U.S. and Ecuador are asking for support on a resolution extending the current mission until October 2025 and for planning to commence on transitioning it into a U.N. peacekeeping operation.

More money needed for Haitis humanitarian crisis as well

In addition to seeking support for the security mission, the U.N. is also asking for more money to fund Haitis deepening humanitarian crisis. A request for $674 million had produced around 24% of funding as of August. The U.N. average, Rae said, is less than 30% around the world, and some projects are funded at only 15%.

Were in the middle of a global humanitarian crisis of displacement, he said referring to the estimated 120 million people around the world who have been forcibly displaced. We have more people now who are moving, who have been displaced internally, or who are on the move from one country to another than weve ever had since 1945 and were facing it with lower contributions and less money. Its a global crisis.

Still, he acknowledged, even with Haiti coming in at the global average, it is depressing as well, he said.

This is something thats going to be happening in New York during high level weekgetting a global focus on the problem, said Rae, who was recently elected president of the U.N.s Economic and Social Council. Theres no desire with anybody to sugar coat the message, the message is very tough: People are facing unprecedented health and food shortages and with no place to live, people with no place to find food, that problem is very clear for everybody.

As for the arrival of the Jamaicans, Rae, whose nation helped trained the members of the Jamaica Defense Force and Jamaica Constabulary Force tapped for the Haiti mission, said the message he got from the head of the Multinational Security Support mission, Godfrey Otunge is that theyre ready for the Jamaicans to come.

2024 Miami Herald.

Visit at miamiherald.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Ruling Morena Party senator Gerardo Fernandez Norona, center, and members of Mexicos Senate celebrate after they passed the controversial judicial reform at the Senates chamber in Mexico City on Sept. 11, 2024. (Cesar Sanchez, AFP, Getty Images via TNS)

(Tribune News Service)  More than half of Mexicos state legislatures voted in favor of a judicial overhaul that has already been approved by the nations congress, allowing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador to sign the controversial bill into law.

By Thursday morning, 17 of the legislatures in Mexicos 31 states and its capital had backed the constitutional reform that mandates that all federal judges, including those in the Supreme Court, be elected by popular vote. Critics of the plan warn it will likely give ruling Morena party control over the judiciary, eliminating checks and balances on the presidents power and setting back the country by 50 years.

Members of the Supreme Court will be elected in a national vote next year, along with half of all federal judges. The remaining judges, including those in the electoral court, will be picked in 2027.

Amid protests, the bill passed the Senate by the narrowest possible margin after one member of the opposition changed his vote in the last minute. Since the reform changes the constitution, it required a two-thirds majority in both houses of Congress to be approved.

2024 Bloomberg L.P.

Visit bloomberg.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
SEAL team members use a propulsion vehicle during an exercise in Virginia Beach, Va., July 1, 2024. (Trey Hutcheson/U.S. Navy)

A former Australian Special Air Service officer now serving in his countrys parliament wants U.S. Navy SEALs to train local troops to dive from nuclear-powered submarines Down Under.

A detachment of SEALs should join Submarine Rotational Force-West, scheduled to begin operations at HMAS Sterling, near Perth, in 2027, Andrew Hastie, the Liberal Party shadow defense minister, told Stars and Stripes by phone Thursday.

The former SAS troop commander and Afghanistan war veteran trained to dive from Australian conventional submarines. He pitched his proposal in an opinion piece published Wednesday in The Australian newspaper.

Hastie, a House of Representative member elected from a district near HMAS Stirling, recently toured the USS Hawaii at the naval base. The Virginia-class fast-attack submarine arrived Aug. 26 for several weeks of maintenance by American and Australian technicians.

The visit is designed to build local skills ahead of the deployment in 2027 of one British and four U.S. nuclear-powered boats to the naval base under the 2021 AUKUS defense pact, named for members Australia, United Kingdom and the United States.

As part of the pact the U.S. has pledged to arm Australia with at least three Virginia-class submarines starting in 2032, before Australia can build as many as five new nuclear-powered AUKUS vessels.

Hastie checked out bunks on the Hawaii that can house a platoon of SEALs with space for their weapons and gear. He also saw the lockout chamber that allows divers to emerge from the vessel underwater, he said.

I have a large and growing navy presence in my district, Hastie said. I am expecting to have American kids in our schools.

The SEALs could train on the same world-class facilities as Australias Special Air Service Regiment at Campbell Barracks, Perth, he said.

The proposal has the backing of former SAS Regiment commander Duncan Lewis who was quoted in The Australian on Wednesday as saying: I strongly support what Andrews saying.

Nuclear-powered submarines should come to Australia with complete capabilities, Lewis said.

And one of those capabilities is the deployment of special forces from the submarines, he said. In the U.S. context, that is done by U.S. Navy SEALs.

The Naval Special Warfare Center in San Diego referred questions about a potential Navy SEAL mission in Australia to the Naval Special Warfare Command, which did not immediately respond to emailed questions Thursday.

Navy Cmdr. Matthew Comer, a spokesman for U.S. Indo-Pacific command, said by email Thursday that AUKUS focuses only on capabilities development, such as the plan for Australia to acquire nuclear-powered submarines.

Outside AUKUS, the U.S. conducts high-end defense cooperation with Australia to include special operations, he said.

The Australian navy has diving specialists, but SAS divers are likely to work from the nuclear-powered submarines for covert patrol insertion and extraction, former Australian assistant defense secretary Ross Babbage wrote in an email to Stars and Stripes Wednesday.

Training with US Navy SEALs to make the most of the capability provided by Australias new nuclear-powered submarines will be a valuable extension of the existing covert capabilities held by the SAS, he said.

The SAS and its forebearers have experience operating from conventional submarines dating back to World War II, said Carlyle Thayer, an emeritus professor at the University of New South Wales and a lecturer at the Australian Defence Force Academy.

SAS troopers can be launched and recovered from Australias Collins-class (diesel-electric) submarines, he said, by email Thursday. However, the Collins-class submarine can only launch while surfaced and its range is limited.
The guided-missile destroyer USS Russell, left, sails past the Italian frigate ITS Alpino, center, and aircraft carrier ITS Cavour in the South China Sea, Sept. 9, 2024. (John Miller/U.S. Navy)

The U.S. Navy drilled alongside Italian warships this week in the South China Sea, the third time the two allies have worked together in the Indo-Pacific this year, the service announced Thursday

An Australian P-8 Poseidon aircraft also took part in the four-day maneuvers, according to the Navy.

The unnamed drill ran Sunday through Wednesday and included the U.S. guided-missile destroyer USS Russell, an Australian P-8A Poseidon aircraft and the Italian navys aircraft carrier ITS Cavour, frigate ITS Alpino and multipurpose combat ship ITS Raimondo Montecuccoli, according to a U.S. 7th Fleet news release Thursday.

The Cavour and Alpino on Aug. 9 joined the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln for a drill somewhere in the Pacific Ocean, a first for the U.S. and Italian navies, although the two regularly train together elsewhere in the world.

The two ships drilled together again Aug. 18 through 21 on similar scenarios with the guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey in the Philippine Sea, according to an Aug. 22 release from 7th Fleet.

These multilateral exercises are a concrete demonstration of the advances we are making alongside our allies and partners in the region, 7th Fleet commander Vice Adm. Fred Kacher said in the Thursday release. They present dynamic opportunities to hone our skills in one of the most complex maritime regions in the world.

The South China Sea is almost entirely claimed by China, which sometimes aggressively asserts its claims over those of other nations in the region, including the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam.

Besides an international hotspot, it is also a critical world trade route.

In 2023, among other commerce, 10 billion barrels of petroleum and petroleum products and 6.7 trillion cubic feet of liquefied natural gas passed through the South China Sea, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

This weeks exercise was meant to improve cooperation and readiness between the three countries and reassure regional allies and partners of continued U.S. commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, 7th Fleet spokeswoman Lt. Cmdr. Jamie Moroney told Stars and Stripes by email Thursday.

She did not provide a precise location for the exercise other than the South China Sea.

A spokesperson for the Italian carrier strike group did not immediately respond to Stars and Stripes email request Thursday afternoon.

During the exercise, the ships and aircraft practiced fixed-wing air defense, anti-submarine warfare, general tactics, surface warfare and command and control scenarios, according to the news release. They also exchanged subject matter experts between the ships.

This multilateral exercise has been another great opportunity to highlight the professionalism of our crews and the ability to join, train and be ready to operate together, projecting our forces for months, away from home, Rear Adm. Giancarlo Ciappina, the Italian carrier strike group commander, said in the release.

The Italian strike group is amid an operational campaign in the region, Ciappina said in the Aug. 22 news release. The campaign goals are to regularly train with allies while ensuring security at sea and promoting economic prosperity through the Indo-Pacific region, he said.

The U.S. and its European allies have steadily pivoted manpower, resources and attention to the Indo-Pacific over the past decade, primarily due to concerns over China, North Korea and Russia.
Soldiers line up for food outside the new Qdoba restaurant at Camp Humphreys, South Korea, Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. (Luis Garcia/Stars and Stripes)

CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea  Sgt. Armando Estrada, a utilities equipment repairer assigned to the 2nd Infantry Division, was the first customer at the grand opening Thursday of one of two Qdoba restaurants at this Army base.

Estrada, who purchased a drink and a burrito bowl, was one of about a dozen customers who lined up shortly before the Qdoba inside the Family Mini Mall at Humphreys opened for business.

I wanted to be one of the first, but I didnt think I was going to be the first person to walk up to it, Estrada told Stars and Stripes.

Estrada said he was excited about Qdobas opening on base due to the dearth of Mexican food options in Pyeongtaek city, about 40 miles south of Seoul.

Im Mexican myself and although its not 100% Mexican food, its something thats closest to what I can get from home, he said. Im excited because Ive been to a few places off base and I havent seen many Mexican restaurants.

Bringing Qdoba to Humphreys is part of an initiative by the Army and Air Force Exchange Service to provide healthier food options for service members and their families, two AAFES officials said at the restaurant opening. Qdoba offers pulled pork tacos and other items with less than 600 calories and has vegetarian and vegan options.

An estimated 68% of active-duty troops are overweight or obese, according to an October report published by the American Security Project, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit organization. The report also determined that obesity rates among active-duty service members had more than doubled from 2012 to 2022.

A second Qdoba restaurant at Humphreys opens Friday at the Sentry Food Court, Air Force Col. Jason Beck, the AAFES Pacific Region commander, told Stars and Stripes on Thursday. A fast-casual style eatery, Qdoba serves Mexican-inspired food at more than 740 locations in the United States and Canada.

Twenty employees have been hired to operate the two restaurants, AAFES general manager George McNamara said Thursday.

Air Force Col. Jason Beck, the Army and Air Force Exchange Services Pacific commander, attends Qdobas grand opening at Camp Humphreys, South Korea, Thursday, Sep. 12, 2024. (Luis Garcia/Stars and Stripes) Fast-food Mexican restaurant Qdoba begins operations at Camp Humphreys, South Korea, Thursday, Sep. 12, 2024. (Luis Garcia/Stars and Stripes)

Qdoba first appeared in the Pacific region last month with a franchise at Kadena Air Base and Camp Foster on Okinawa, Japan, according to an AAFES news release Aug. 12. Qdoba restaurants are also at several stateside military bases, such as Fort Carson, Colo., and Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

The franchise has proven to be exceptionally popular with the community in Okinawa and we anticipate its going to be the same thing here, Beck said.

The opening of Qdoba at Camp Humphreys in South Korea, in collaboration with [AAFES], is a significant milestone in our international growth, Qdoba chief growth officer Jeremy Vitaro said in an email Tuesday. Alongside our recent openings in Okinawa, Japan, were proud to bring a taste of home to the brave men and women serving our country overseas, as well as their families.

Construction of the two restaurants in Humphreys took nearly three months and perishable ingredients are locally sourced, according to Vitaro.

Asked about potential Qdoba locations appearing in other military bases overseas, Vitaro said there are some plans in the works.
Petty Officer n 3rd Class Coltin Russel, from Gonzales, Texas, administers flu shots on the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz at Naval Base Kitsap-Bremerton, Washi., Oct. 11, 2023. (Tomas Valdes/U.S. Navy)

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan  Medical professionals at this airlift hub in western Tokyo are prepping to administer flu shots ahead of other Indo-Pacific bases as flu season approaches.

We want to safeguard our community against the spread of infectious diseases; increasing vaccination rates will lead to a reduction in the number of flu cases, Dr. (Capt.) Lusine Zakharian, 374th Medical Group medical director of allergy and immunizations, told Stars and Stripes in an email from the wing public affairs office Sept. 4.

The flu season typically stretches from December to March, but struck early in Japan last year, the Japan Times reported in September 2023. This year, influenza is already quickly spreading across the country, according to Sept. 4-10 data from the Japan Ministry of Health. Some schools closed to prevent further spread of the viral disease.

Yokota is planning shot lines for flu vaccinations on Sept. 19 and 26 and again Oct. 1 and 3, Master Sgt. Nathaniel Allen, a spokesman for the 374th Airlift Wing, said in an email Wednesday.

The base planned to start Tuesday but had estimated the vaccine arrival date based on last years date and was consequently off by one week, he wrote.

Active-duty personnel, Tricare beneficiaries, Defense Department civilians, including schoolteachers, their families and contractors required to get vaccines, such as Child Development Center Employees, and other eligible beneficiaries may receive their shots at the walk-in lines.

The vaccine will be available at the medical group immunizations clinic for anyone who cant make the lines, Zakharian said. Demand will dictate whether the clinic will provide walk-in or appointment-based service, she said.

The vaccines are sourced from the United States, Zakharian said. They are the same ones offered in the U.S. and are FDA approved.

Most U.S. bases in the Indo-Pacific wont start vaccinating until October.

We usually receive them near the end of September and start vaccinating in early October, said Capt. Casey Bell, a spokesperson for Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, via email Sept. 5. The vaccines must go through rigorous temperature and safety checks before they are released for our use.

Active-duty personnel will have priority, followed by all other beneficiaries, Bell said. Contractors must obtain their flu shots from an outside facility, however.

School employees and other beneficiaries may expect their shots in mid- to late October.

Osan Air Base in South Korea also expects to administer the shots next month, Maj. Kippun Sumner, spokesman for the 51st Fighter Wing, said via email Friday.

U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa wont receive the shots till mid-October, Trey Savitz, a hospital spokesman said by phone Thursday.

Yokosuka Naval Hospital, south of Tokyo, will distribute the vaccine to the base and tenant commands starting Oct. 24, hospital spokesman Daniel Taylor said via email Thursday.

More than 44,900 people are estimated to have died from flu complications in the last flu season, according to a June news release from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

The CDC recommends an updated flu vaccine this fall and winter, the release stated.

The updated 2024-25 vaccines will all be trivalent and will protect against an H1N1, H3N2 and a B/Victoria lineage virus, according to the release. This seasons vaccine composition is updated with a new influenza A (H3N2) virus.
A flash mob about the war crimes of the Russian army is spreading on social media in response to the propaganda film Russians at War. Users are posting photos of the film's director and producers against the backdrop of Russia's worst terrorist attacks.

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The action "I don't see war crimes of Russians" was responded to on the United24 platform page on social network X. They called on the world not to listen to Russian propaganda.

"Anastasia Trofimova and most Russians would not see the crimes of their compatriots if we even shoved evidence in their faces. However, this does not mean that we should not do so. Do not listen to the Russians. Drown out their propaganda with facts. Do not allow it to be spread with impunity," the post reads.

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Ukrainian producer Darya Bassel noted that "the film is simply about the invasion, as if nothing happened in 2014. The dead Russians and their relatives are not to blame, and they do not need the war. The problem is with politicians who play with people's lives."

Commenting on her film, director Trofimova said in an interview that she "did not see Russians committing war crimes," which is why the flash mob on social media got this name.

Users posted photos from Mariupol, Bucha, Irpin, the flooded Kherson region, and the Okhmatdyt hospital with wounded children, which was shelled by Russian missiles. The film crew of the movie "Russians at War" led by Trofimova was inserted into each photo using Photoshop.

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The purpose of the flash mob is to show the director and the world that Russians have committed and continue to commit numerous crimes against humanity and violate the rules of war.

It is worth noting that Anastasia Trofimova is a former employee of the propaganda channel Russia Today, who deliberately distorts the real events of Russia's war against Ukraine and questions the atrocities committed by Russia in Bucha.

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As reported by OBOZ.UA:

- The 81st Venice Film Festival hosted the premiere of a Russian documentary called "Russians at War". Propaganda filmmakers are trying to justify war crimes by showing the world the alleged "routine" of their soldiers at the front.

- Next, the Russians planned to show the film in Toronto. The distribution of the film, which aims to "whitewash" the reputation of the occupiers and destroy "stereotypical impressions" of them, caused outrage among representatives of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress.

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- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the premiere of the pro-Russian film Russians at War at the Venice Film Festival. The ministry noted that the screening of this film is offensive to the victims of the war unleashed by Russia on Ukrainian soil.

- After mass protests and an official appeal from the Ukrainian government, the Canadian public broadcaster TVO canceled the broadcast of the propaganda film, but there is one big caveat: it will still be seen at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
An HH-60M Black Hawk helicopter assigned to the 3rd General Support Avaition Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment, Massachusetts Army National Guard, prepares to land during medical evacuation training at al Asad Air Base, Iraq, on July 30, 2023. The U.S. and Iraq have a tentative deal to begin the withdrawal of most troops, leaving only a small force to guard against Iranian-backed militias. (Shane Hamann/U.S. Army)

BAGHDAD  The United States will withdraw most troops from Iraq over the next two years but leave a small residual force in the northern Kurdistan region under a plan negotiated by American and Iraqi officials, who disclosed the deal this week.

Defense Minister Thabit al-Abbasi said the two nations had reached an agreement that would transition Operation Inherent Resolve, the U. S-led military mission set up a decade ago to combat Islamic State militants in Iraq and Syria, into a sustainable security partnership and would remove the roughly 2,500 U.S. troops now stationed in Iraq in two stages.

The first phase will begin this year and continue until 2025, while the second phase will conclude in 2026, Abbasi told al-Arabiya television.

An Iraqi military official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe plans that had not been made public, said a smaller American force was expected to remain in Iraqi Kurdistan, the semiautonomous northern region, to provide a security guarantee for Iraqi Kurds against the Iranian-backed militia groups that hold wide sway in the rest of the country.

For the United States, an ongoing military presence in Kurdistan, where the Pentagon has long operated a low-profile mission near the capital city of Arbil, would also be key to sustaining its operations in neighboring Syria, where some 900 American troops are positioned to prevent the resurgence of the Islamic State.

The government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has tolerated the U.S. presence in the eastern part of his country, but the two nations do not have official relations.

The Pentagon and White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder, a spokesman for the Defense Department, declined in a news briefing Thursday to confirm whether the plan described by Iraqi officials was accurate from a U.S. perspective.

U.S. officials have long acknowledged the ongoing negotiations that they have said aim to outline an orderly transition from the multinational military mission which, at its peak, included thousands of U.S. and allied troops in Iraq and Syria, and supported massive air and ground operations against the Islamic State, also known as ISIS.

Following the culminating battles against the bulk of the ISIS force in 2016 and 2017, in Iraqs city of Mosul and Syrias city of Raqqa, the number of U.S. forces has decreased. Today, a much smaller mission headquartered in Baghdad is headed by a two-star officer, Maj. Gen. Kevin Leahy.

Washington and Baghdad have already agreed in principle to end Americas anti-Isis mission in Iraq as part of what President Joe Biden and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani described during a visit by the Iraqi leader to Washington this spring as a natural evolution as the Islamic State threat abates.

Reuters recently reported the existence of a two-stage plan to withdraw American forces by 2026.

But American troops, while they are no longer involved in regular combat operations as they were in previous years, remain exposed to danger in Iraq and neighboring nations.

Since the eruption of renewed conflict between Israel and Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip last fall, U.S. positions in Iraq, Syria and Jordan have come under renewed rocket, missile and drone attack by Iranian-backed militias in the region. U.S. forces have conducted periodic airstrikes in response, most recently in July.

American troops also continue to conduct periodic operations against remaining ISIS militants in Iraq and Syria. Last month, seven U.S. troops were wounded in an operation against ISIS in western Iraq.

Sudanis government is eager to demonstrate he can end or at least curtail the American presence, which remains controversial given the sway of militias that are hostile to the United States and Americas history in the country. After President George W. Bushs invasion of Iraq in 2003, U.S. forces numbered as high as around 170,000 before their withdrawal in 2011. They returned in 2014, as ISIS took over large swaths of the country.

Maintaining a military presence in Iraq would also support larger U.S. security goals in the region. In April, an American air defense battery shot down a ballistic missile near Arbil that was believed to be targeting U.S. ally Israel as part of a massive Iranian attack against the Jewish state.

Iraqi militia groups with ties to Iran have pressured Sudani to conclude an agreement to withdraw U.S. forces, threatening to resume or intensify attacks against foreign troops if they do not depart.

Hussein Allawi, an adviser to Sudani, said there would soon be a joint announcement about the planned withdrawal. We want the relationship with the United States to return to what it was before 2014, he said. The need for the international coalition ended with the defeat of ISIS, and now the Iraqi forces are fully capable of handling the security file efficiently.

Ryan reported from Washington. Alex Horton and Abigail Hauslohner in Washington contributed to this report.
At least 18 people were killed and 18 injured in Wednesdays attack at the UNRWA-run al-Jaouni school, which had been sheltering displaced Palestinians, Gaza Civil Defense spokesman Mahmoud Basal said in a statement. The Israel Defense Forces said it was targeting Hamas militants. (Wikimedia Commons)

JERUSALEM - Six workers for the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees were among those killed when two Israeli airstrikes hit a school and its surroundings in a central Gaza refugee camp, the agency said Thursday, adding that it was the highest death toll among our staff in a single incident.

At least 18 people were killed and 18 injured in Wednesdays attack, which struck the al-Jaouni school run by the U.N. Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), Gaza Civil Defense spokesman Mahmoud Basal said in a statement. The school has been sheltering displaced Palestinians. The Israel Defense Forces said it was targeting Hamas militants.

In a statement, UNRWA said those killed in the two strikes in the Nuseirat refugee camp included the shelters manager. About 12,000 people are sheltering at the al-Jaouni school, which has been hit five times since the war began, the agency said. No one is safe in Gaza, UNRWA said in the statement. No one is spared.

Israel has repeatedly struck schools, hospitals and refugee camps over the past year of war in Gaza, causing mass civilian casualties.

We need to see humanitarian sites protected, and thats something that we continue to raise with Israel, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Thursday at a news conference in Warsaw. At the same time, we continue to see Hamas hiding in, taking over and otherwise using these sites from which to conduct its operations and to pose an ongoing threat, and that, of course, has to stop, because those actions are endangering civilians.

In a statement, the IDF said it conducted a precise strike on terrorists who were operating inside a command and control center embedded within a compound that previously served as a school. It listed the names of nine Hamas members it said were killed in the strike, including two it said worked simultaneously for UNRWA. The Israeli military said it has asked UNRWA for names and details of all workers the U.N. agency claimed were killed in the attack but that it has not received them.

In a statement shared by spokeswoman Juliette Touma, UNRWA said the IDF has not made any request for a list of workers killed in the strike and that the names released by the military in its statement had not been flagged to us before by the Israeli authorities in previous occasions prior to today.

Since the second week of the conflict, the al-Jaouni School has become a refuge for thousands of displaced Palestinians from Gaza City and other refugee camps across the Gaza Strip.

The school is now crowded with displaced families. Tents fill the yard, and clothes lines hang from the windows. Donkeys, horses and carts stand at the entrance.

Located on the main street of Nuseirat camp, it was initially designated as a safe zone when Israeli forces ordered evacuations to the southern Gaza Strip on Oct. 13. The camp is no longer in the current humanitarian safe zone.

At a briefing on Thursday, David Mencer, a spokesman for Israels National Public Diplomacy Directorate, said the IDF targeted a command and control center in Nuseirat that was embedded inside a compound that previously served as the al-Jaouni school.

When a school is no longer a school and becomes a Hamas command and control center, used to execute terrorist attacks against our troops and people, then it becomes a legitimate target, he said. A school being used for terror purposes is a school no more.

Gaza resident Imad al-Hattab, 61, said in an interview that his brother, Naif al-Hattab, 59, an UNRWA employee and manager of the shelter, was one of the six killed in Wednesdays strike.

Naif studied Arabic literature at a university in Yemen and started his career as an Arabic-language teacher with UNRWA, eventually becoming a school principal. He went to the school every day, serving as supervisor of the shelter center, Imad al-Hattab said.

He said his brothers work as a teacher had benefited thousands of students in Gaza. Naif al-Hattab had three daughters and three sons, one of whom was killed in a previous Israeli strike on Gaza City.

My brother Naif was a civilian who never carried a weapon. Yet, yesterday, he was targeted by an Israeli airstrike, despite his dedicated service. There is no justification for bombing a school and its displaced people and staff, Imad al-Hattab said. The loss of Naif has deeply affected us; his absence is irreplaceable due to his exemplary character and esteemed reputation among all.

Dozens of Palestinians were killed Wednesday in other strikes across central and southern Gaza, and five were killed in a strike in Tubas in the West Bank, according to Palestinian officials and health workers.

Israel has repeatedly charged that hundreds of UNRWA workers are tied to militant groups in Gaza, but a report published by an independent review panel in April found that Israel had not provided evidence for this claim. Former French foreign minister

Catherine Colonna, who led the review group, said at the time that UNRWA needed to implement more robust vetting procedures but added that the U.N. agency is playing a vital role in the humanitarian response in Gaza.

The strikes on the UNRWA school drew fresh international condemnation, including from Egypt, Qatar and Jordan. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy described the reports of UNRWA workers being killed as appalling.

On Wednesday, UNRWA head Philippe Lazzarini condemned the senseless killing, day after day in Gaza in an X post, adding that at least 220 of the agencys workers have been killed since Oct. 7. The longer impunity prevails, the more international humanitarian law & the Geneva conventions will become irrelevant, he wrote. According to the United Nations, more than 280 aid workers - most of them from UNRWA - have been killed in Gaza since Hamass Oct. 7 attack on Israel.

Antonio Guterres, the U.N. secretary general, said in an X post on the killing of the six workers that whats happening in Gaza is totally unacceptable. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director general of the World Health Organization, called the deaths terribly tragic and renewed calls for a cease-fire.

- - - Heres what else to know Hamas is ready to implement the cease-fire and hostage release proposal in the form announced by President Joe Biden in May, and without any new conditions, the group said Wednesday in a statement. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office said Thursday that Hamas is trying to hide the fact that it continues to oppose a hostage release deal. Complicating the deal are new requirements from Israel, including its insistence that its military will remain in the Philadelphi Corridor between Gaza and Egypt, as well as Hamass recent killing of six hostages.

Witness statements and video challenge the Israeli narrative on how Turkish American activist Aysenur Eygi was killed, a Washington Post investigation found. The IDF said Eygi was shot unintentionally during a violent riot, but The Posts analysis shows clashes had subsided and protesters had retreated. Biden said in a Wednesday statement that he was outraged and deeply saddened by the death, adding that the shooting that led to her death is totally unacceptable.

Turkeys Foreign Ministry that Eygis body will arrive in the country on Friday for her burial. We will make every effort to ensure that this crime does not go unpunished, the ministry wrote on social media Thursday.

The World Health Organization and its partners carried out the largest medical evacuation from Gaza since October - of 45 children and 52 adults who are sick or severely injured, along with 155 companions - on Wednesday, Tedros said on social media. More than 22,000 people - or around a quarter of those wounded in Gaza since the war began - have suffered life-changing injuries, the WHO separately said Thursday. The figures, which cover until July 23, come in parallel with the ongoing decimation of the health system, Richard Peeperkorn, the WHOs representative in the occupied Palestinian territory, said in a news release.

The Islamist party that has tried to end Jordans peace agreement with Israel made significant gains in parliamentary elections, Jordanian media reported Wednesday. The Islamic Action Front, a Muslim Brotherhood affiliate, won 31 of 138 lower house seats, more than any other party, Jordans electoral commission announced. But the party will be curtailed by its minority position and the U.S. allys system of government, in which its king has significant power.

At least 41,118 people have been killed and 95,125 injured in Gaza since the war began, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and combatants but says the majority of the dead are women and children. Israel estimates that about 1,200 people were killed in Hamass Oct. 7 attack on Israel, including more than 300 soldiers, and says 342 soldiers have been killed since the launch of its military operation in Gaza.

Vinall reported from Seoul, Bisset from London and Taylor from Washington. Michael Birnbaum in Warsaw, Kareem Fahim in Beirut and Lior Soroka in Tel Aviv contributed to this report.
Rome is a city that has been attracting tourists from all over the world for centuries with its historical monuments, architecture, and cultural heritage. This has a positive impact on the economy but also has many negative consequences.

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Uncontrolled crowds, unacceptable behavior, litter  all of this negatively affects the state of the city and its historical monuments. Skift said that this is the reason why the local government wants to restrict access to one of the most popular locations in the world.

One of the main tourist gems and symbols of Rome is the Trevi Fountain. This majestic baroque building of the XVIII century has always been a popular place where tourists not only admire its beauty but also traditionally throw coins to make a wish. However, in recent years, the massive influx of people has not only created discomfort for those who want to enjoy the atmosphere of this historic site and residents but also threatened the preservation of the fountain itself.

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Alessandro Onorato, deputy mayor of Rome for tourism, said that the problem of overcrowding has become more urgent than ever. This year may become the most visited in history, as the number of tourists may exceed 50 million. This is certainly positive for the economy, but it also creates great difficulties in managing tourist flows and preserving the quality of life of local residents.

Restricting access to the Trevi Fountain: what will change for tourists?

Since the number of tourists has reached unprecedented levels and some of them often behave in bad faith: jumping into the fountain, leaving garbage and disturbing other visitors, etc., the authorities have decided to introduce a reservation system for visiting the fountain. This will help to better control the flow of tourists and ensure the preservation of cultural heritage.

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Tourists will be able to visit the fountain only by prior reservation, and the entrance fee will be a symbolic 2 euros. These funds will be used to pay for the staff to help manage the flow of people and ensure the protection of the monument. At the same time, Roman residents will be able to visit the fountain for free.

It is also planned to organize the flow of tourists so that they approach the fountain exclusively along specially designated routes, go down the stairs, and move in a certain direction to avoid chaos.

Subscribe to OBOZ.UA channels in Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest events.
Swimmers run in a formation on the beach while carrying American flags during a Swim for SOF event in San Diego. (The Honor Foundation)

Military veterans, first responders and civilians will compete Saturday at 8 a.m. in the Swim for SOF in San Diego, a 3.3 mile open-water swim from Coronado Island to the USS Midway Museum to raise awareness and funds to support special operations forces veterans transitioning from military to civilian life.

The event is hosted by The Honor Foundation, which also will celebrate its 10th anniversary.

These are the elite of the elite, and theyre nervous to transition out of the military. ... We need the local [veteran] community to see what we have to offer, and that they need to take advantage of it, said Jessica Hunt, Director of Impact for The Honor Foundation.

Some special operations forces members living in San Diego are leaving the military and looking for new roles. With the support of local businesses, volunteers and this years title sponsors, Surefox and Sunbelt Rentals, The Honor Foundations Swim for SOF event will spotlight veteran initiatives and help guide veterans to their next purpose.

More than 100 swimmers from around the country are expected to participate. They will demonstrate not only elite fitness but also the physical grit and determination of special operations forces members defending the nation.

The race will start on Coronado beach at the Rock Jetty. Swimmers will run with an American flag in formation down the beach to the Naked Warrior Statue. Swimmers will put on their wetsuits and begin a 1-mile swim to Tidelands Park, followed by a 2.3-mile swim to the USS Midway Museum.

There will also be two tribute workouts during the race that consist of 22 pull-ups to draw attention to veteran suicide and 100 pushups to remember the fallen.

Its a reminder to all of us  military and the community  that all gave some, and some gave all, Hunt said. We make sure we honor those who couldnt be here with us.

Swimmers will wear photos of fallen service members as personal tributes.

To complete the race, swimmers will carry flags and climb aboard the USS Midway, a decommissioned naval aircraft carrier ship that is now a museum exhibit, for the closing ceremony.

Its a really patriotic scene. People are watching, and its just extremely moving, Hunt said.

Those in San Diego this weekend can watch the race from shore and should expect to witness a cohesion of local support from businesses, volunteers and a grueling physical challenge, Hunt said.

Anybody can come and support our mission and Swim for SOF, said Hunt. Your time, talent or treasure will directly impact the life of a special operator finding their next mission.
In court today, the two, Lin Delin (30) of no fixed abode and Li Hu (36) of no fixed abode walked free after Judge Gabbett imposed a two month suspended prison term on both.

Two terrified Chinese nationals have been effectively captives of the Irish people since they were found hiding in toilets at Shannon airport in the early hours of Tuesday morning, it was claimed.

That is according to solicitor for the two, Tara Godfrey who successfully pleaded with Judge Alec Gabbett at Ennis District Court today not to further remand the two men in custody.

In court today, the two, Lin Delin (30) of no fixed abode and Li Hu (36) of no fixed abode walked free after Judge Gabbett imposed a two month suspended prison term on both.

Judge Gabbett imposed the suspended prison term after the two pleaded guilty to landing in the State without the proper documentation including a valid passport contrary to the Immigration Act 2004 at Shannon airport on September 10th.

Det Garda Ciaran Keoghan told the court that he found Mr Delin and Mr Hu hiding in the ladies and gents toilets in the airport arrivals sometime after 2am this morning.

Li Hu (26) arriving at Ennis courthouse. Photograph Press 22

The two had just come off a Ryanair flight in from Girona, Spain.

Judge Gabbett said: The issue is that they had documentation to get onto the aircraft and then it was disappeared'."

Ms Godfrey said the two men are terrified. She said: They have no passports and they come across as being very afraid and I would ask the court to treat them more compassionately.

Ms Godfrey said since arriving into Ireland "they have effectively been captives of the Irish people. They were placed in custody in the airport, in custody at Shannon Garda Station and then in custody at Limerick prison.

The two spent Tuesday night in Limerick prison after being remanded there by Judge Gabbett at Kilrush District Court on Tuesday and they were brought to Ennis courthouse in hand-cuffs yesterday in an escort van from prison.

Ms Godfrey told Judge Gabbett: Their circumstances in their home country were profoundly cruel and difficult and they have come here to have a better life.

She said: They have-not been red flagged other than they didnt have a passport on arrival.

Judge Gabbett said that he was very loathe to incarcerate someone who appear to have no previous convictions

He said: "They are innocents abroad effectively needing help, assistance and care from us.

Det Keoghan said that the International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) is to provide accommodation for the two on Wednesday night.

Judge Gabbett said that he hoped the two had received lunch while in the care of the Irish Prison Service and Judge Gabbett was told that the two had McDonalds for lunch.

Judge Gabbett said: They are not going anywhere hungry then.
He admitted seven charges of fraud, six for transactions with Mr Flannery's NatWest debit card and a seventh for using a passport in the Irishman's name.

A conman who went on a Rolex spending spree while impersonating a millionaire company boss was jailed for more than two years this week.

Tyrone Patrick Liston, 63, posed as 74-year-old Patrick Flannery - and blew 123,880 of his cash in just over a fortnight.

Liston bought three Rolexes from Harrods and Selfridges, then enjoyed a trip to Paris, Southwark Crown Court heard.

He admitted seven charges of fraud, six for transactions with Mr Flannery's NatWest debit card and a seventh for using a passport in the Irishman's name.

Prosecutor Carol Summers told the court how Liston submitted a very convincing application for a new debit card to be sent out.

Mr Flannery is the owner of Flannery Plant Hire in Wembley. Their old workshop in Ruislip is the companies registered address.

The application received by NatWest for a new card went to this address, along with the sort code, account number and password.

Mr Flannery knew nothing of the card until it was too late, the court heard.

Ms Summers said the fraudster went to Harrods on 1 July 2019.

He pretended that he was Patrick Flannery and successfully purchased a Rolex watch for over 30,000.

An hour later the defendant was at Selfridges that very same evening, to purchase a second Rolex watch, he made the payment with the debit card for 32,000.

Two days later, Mr Liston headed off for a lavish break in Paris, all paid for with Mr Flannerys money, the court heard.

Liston returned to London and bought a third Rolex from Harrods for 30,000 on July 15, said Ms Summers.

On 16 July he went back to Selfridges in the early evening where he made two smaller purchases of fragrance and sunglasses before.

Three hours later he tried to buy another Rolex for 44,000 at the luxury store but this time staff became suspicious.

When staff asked him to provide ID, he produced the poorly made fake passport.

As he was escorted to security, Mr Liston insisted that: Its genuine bruv, I have around four million in my bank and I was buying a watch for my son, so youre going to hear from my solicitors.

Mr Flannery has since been reimbursed in full by NatWest, after his finance manager noticed the irregularities in August 2019, the court heard.

Following his arrest Liston failed to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on February 25, 2022.

Liston had convictions for misleading a magistrates court in 2004, harassment in 2008 and multiple driving offences between 2010 and 2017.

Defending, Lily Hayes said: The Crown must accept that there were a number of factors leading to the delay, Mr Liston was under the impression that for the whole time he was under investigation. He was not actively avoiding.

Father-of-three Liston wrote a letter to the judge expressing his remorse before he was jailed for two years and three months.

The judge, Mr Recorder Douglas Campbell KC told him: The way in which you have conducted yourself in this case does not show remorse, I refer to a meeting with probation in which you seemed to refuse to accept and face up to your wrongdoing.

I was struck by the amount of detail the Crown offered me in your involvement in needed obtaining that bankcard including the use of the address in Ruislip, details of the account, the password and the signature.

That number of 126,000 excludes fraud you committed abroad in France but does include your intended fraud in Selfridges.

Liston, of Dorking, admitted six counts of fraud by false representation and one of possessing articles for use in fraud, between July 1, 2019 and July 16, 2019.
Bernard Stokes (35) later claimed there had been a family dispute between his wife and his sister, and they had arranged to meet to discuss it.

A father of four caught with a can of pepper spray at a public park told gardai he was there to referee an organised fight, a court has heard.

Bernard Stokes (35) later claimed there had been a family dispute between his wife and his sister, and they had arranged to meet to discuss it.

Judge William Aylmer said the only police force in the country was An Garda Siochana, and the public were not entitled to take matters into their own hands.

The judge convicted and fined Stokes.

The defendant, with an address at Dermot Street, Clongriffin, admitted possession of a can of pepper spray on April 6, 2022.

Garda Kieran Lenehan told Swords District Court that he was on mobile patrol at Balheary Road in Swords shortly after 5.30pm on the day in question, when he was made aware of a public order incident in Balheary Park.

Gda Lenehan said that a large group of people had gathered in the park.

The garda noticed Stokes try to conceal a small item in his hand.

He was stopped and searched and found to be in possession of a can of incapacitant, or pepper, spray.

Gda Lenehan said Stokes told him that he was in the park to referee an organised fight at that location.

The court heard that Stokes had two previous convictions for road traffic matters.

Defence lawyer Gerard Kennedy said Stokes was a married man with four young children, the youngest of whom has complex medical needs. Mr Kennedy said the defendants wife cannot drive, and it was his clients responsibility to take his child to many medical appointments.

The court heard that Stokes also suffered from depression and anxiety, and was on medication for those conditions.

Stokes was not a violent man, Mr Kennedy said, and although he was in possession of the pepper spray, he did not make any attempt to use it.

In relation to the incident, Mr Kennedy said there was a dispute between the defendants wife and sister, and they had arranged to meet to discuss the matter.

Stokes was fearful of the reputation of a number of men who were there, and he was fearful that knives may be used in the dispute.

The defendant had also claimed, Mr Kennedy said, that it looked like someone was going to kick his wife in the mouth or eye socket, and he was fearful of her safety.

Mr Kennedy asked Judge Aylmer to be as lenient as possible, saying his client was not a violent person.
Stephen Geoghegan is charged with possessing property that was the proceeds of criminal conduct

A driver accused of having more than 80,000 in crime proceeds at his home in west Dublin has been sent forward for trial.

Stephen Geoghegan (34) was served with the book of evidence when he appeared on bail before Blanchardstown District Court.

The accused, of Neilstown Park in Clondalkin, is charged with possessing property that was the proceeds of criminal conduct at that address on November 1 last year.

The four separate sums are 63,050, 14,930, 7,540 and stg1,460.

The charges are all under section 7 of the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering & Terrorist Financing) Act 2010.

He is facing trial in the Circuit Court, which has broader sentencing powers, after the DPP ruled that the allegations were too serious for the district court.

A state solicitor said that the book of evidence was ready and had been served on the accused, who goes forward to the next sittings of Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

Judge David McHugh gave Mr Geoghegan the formal alibi caution.

The judge also assigned defence solicitor Michael Staines and one junior counsel on free legal aid.

Due to the serious nature of the charges, an application for a second, senior counsel, was made, but this was refused by Judge McHugh.

Mr Geoghegan, a father of three who had been working as a driver for a roofing company, has not yet indicated a plea to the charges.

He was remanded on bail to appear before the Circuit Court on a date in November.
Cahill Seamus Doherty claims he was just engaged in banter with the other men at the premises in the centre of Derry

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.

Cahill Seamus Doherty claims he was just engaged in banter with the other men at the premises in the centre of Derry.

The 47-year-old, of Brookview Glen in Eglinton, denies a charge of disorderly behaviour over the incident on August 22.

He was granted bail but banned from going near the Turkish barbers shop located in the Diamond area.

A previous court heard Doherty was arrested after the owner informed police he had entered the premises in an apparent drunken state.

As the defendant was waiting, two Romanian men came in and began talking in their own language.

Doherty allegedly shouted at them: Speak English, this is Ireland.

He made similar demands when two of the barbers began speaking in their native language, according to the prosecution.

Opposing bail, Crown counsel argued that the incident occurred amid wider anti-immigration tensions.

This was in the context of ongoing racial hatred that has caused significant distress to people in the community, she submitted.

Defence representatives countered that Doherty was not given a proper chance to provide police with his version of events.

He has been in this barber shop five or six times, and during this visit (others) were having some kind of joke, a barrister said.

He asked them to speak in English as he wanted to get in on the joke there was no ill intention.

It was accepted that Doherty had consumed some alcohol at the time.

Granting bail, Lord Justice Horner said: The allegations made against him dont paint a very nice picture.

Drink must have played a part because (the alleged offence) is totally and utterly unacceptable.

The judge prohibited Doherty from the Diamond area and stressed: He is to stay away from the barber shop and not to have any contact with witnesses or the injured party.
On the night of Thursday, September 12, an air alert was declared in a number of regions due to the missile threat and an attack by occupation drones. At the same time, powerful explosions occurred in Konotop, Sumy region.

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There is no electricity supply in the city, and there are victims of the Russian attack, said Konotop Mayor Artem Semenikhin. He noted that several arrivals were recorded.

Konotop was attacked by Shahed attack drones.

According to the mayor, there is no electricity supply in the city because of enemy attacks on infrastructure. There are preliminary reports of casualties.

A fire broke out in the town at the place of arrival. According to Semenikhin, "there are not enough firefighters".

The enemy struck the center of the city, a residential area.

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Semenikhin urged the citizens to stay in safe places as the attack continues. However, he added that the situation in the city is under control.

As OBOZ.UA reported, the air attack began on Wednesday evening, September 11. The Russians again launched Shahed-136 attack drones at Ukraine; the enemy UAVs flew into our country from the northeast and south.

Also, on the night of September 11, Russia launched another air attack on Ukraine, launching 34 air attack aircraft. Nine missiles and 25 attack drones flew at Ukrainian cities and villages at night. During the night battle , air defense forces destroyed 20 enemy Shaheds.

Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber . Do not fall for fakes!
Sadullah Ovacikli, 44, from Turkey, who has no fixed address in Ireland, was stopped after arriving at Terminal 1 on Wednesday and later charged with two offences.

A former prosecutor claiming he faces years in jail following the 2016 coup attempt in Turkey has been remanded in custody following his arrest at Dublin Airport for breaking immigration laws.

Sadullah Ovacikli, 44, from Turkey, who has no fixed address in Ireland, was stopped after arriving at Terminal 1 on Wednesday and later charged with two offences.

Mr Ovacikli appeared before Judge Paula Murphy at Dublin District Court accused of not possessing a valid passport or other equivalent document to establish his identity and nationality and failing to produce a passport on demand.

Garda Christopher Glennon said the accused made no reply when charged, and the officer objected to bail.

Sadullah Ovacikli

He cited flight risk concerns, saying Mr Ovacikli had no ties to the State or any ID documents.

However, he added, Yes, we have established his identity when questioned by the judge.

Mr Ovacikli did not address the court and has still to enter a plea.

Defence counsel Kevin McCrave said his client, who has yet to enter a plea, was consenting to remand in custody and intended to make a bail application at a later stage.

The barrister said he had consulted with the accused before the court appearance, and it had been very difficult; he was granted a direction from the judge for the assistance of an interpreter when the case resumes.

He also asked the judge to note his client would be a vulnerable person in custody due to his background.

The court heard the accused had to flee after working for the government in Turkey as a prosecutor until the attempted coup there in 2016, and he had received a seven-year sentence, which has been recently affirmed.

Mr McCrave asked the prison authorities to take that into consideration.

Noting the potential safety concerns, the judge directed that they be brought to the attention of the remand prison governor.

The charges are under the Immigration Act and carry 12-month sentences and a maximum 3,000 fine.

Judge Murphy remanded him in custody to appear again next week for a bail application, to enter a plea, or have a later hearing date set if he intended to contest the charge.

Legal aid was granted.
The court heard Rainey was at the top end of the network where prices were listed and runners used to deliver supplies.

A man jailed for being at the top of a major cocaine dealing operation in east Belfast has lost a legal battle to have his sentence reduced.

The Court of Appeal today rejected claims that 38-year-old Glenn Rainey received too heavy a prison term after admitting his role in a criminal network behind the wholesale supply racket.

Lady Chief Justice Dame Siobhan Keegan said: Those who engage in dealing in drugs at this level should expect sentences of this nature.

In January this year Rainey, formerly of McArthur Court in Belfast, was handed a three-year sentence for being concerned in the supply of cocaine.

It followed an investigation into a crime syndicate involved in distributing the drugs in the east of the city between 2017 and 2018.

Mobile phones seized as part of the probe revealed a large volume of messages about the commercial dealing operation.

The court heard Rainey was at the top end of the network where prices were listed and runners used to deliver supplies.

His involvement allegedly continued even while on holiday in Thailand.

With Rainey already serving a separate four-year sentence imposed for other drug dealing activities in 2020, he was ordered to serve the further term consecutively.

Defence lawyers argued that he wrongly now faces a total period of seven years imprisonment for the two separate cases.

Frank ODonoghue KC submitted: This is a very severe sentence which trespasses into the area of being manifestly excessive.

But the three appeal judges identified no errors in the sentencing process.

This is a case of high-end supply of drugs to the community in east Belfast, the Lady Chief Justice stressed.

Dismissing Raineys challenge, she confirmed: The trial judge reached a sentence which was perfectly proper, it does not result in a finding of manifestly excessive in any respect.

Such drug dealing is a scourge on local communities and causes harm to many people in those communities.
Until recently he had been in the Midlands Prison in Portlaoise serving his time with a small number of other ex-officers as well as sex-offenders

DISGRACED ex-garda superintendent John Spud Murphy, caught with 260,000 worth of cannabis, has been moved to an open prison.

Until recently he had been in the Midlands Prison in Portlaoise serving his time with a small number of other ex-officers as well as sex-offenders considered to be at risk.

The former top-cop is over halfway through his six-and-a-half-year sentence after pleading guilty in court in 2022.

The move to the open prison in Wicklow will allow the 64-year-old to work outside in the community if he is deemed suitable, according to Sunday World sources.

Murphy is due out in 2026 and will join other inmates who are also working towards their eventual release.

These include gangland inmates such as Brian Meehan, the only member of the Gilligan gang convicted over the murder of journalist Veronica Guerin in 1997.

Another is Limerick gangster Chistopher Smokey Costello, serving life for the murder of rival gang boos Kieran Keane in 2003, who was transferred there last May.

Murphys transfer comes despite his arrest at Midlands Prison by gardai at the time investigating suspected links between officers and Gerry The Monk Hutch.

In February last year he was taken from his cell to a Dublin garda station to face questioning by officers with the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

During his career he had been suspected of cigarette smuggling and running unofficial informants, but no action was taken against him, it has been reported.

The previous October 2022, it was heard in court Murphy owed 855,000 due to poor business decisions made in the 10 years after he retired from the force.

Counsel said that Murphy had whatever the opposite of the Midas touch is and that any investments he made went down the drain.

One of his bad decisions was a 300,000 investment in taxi licences which he lost when the industry was deregulated.

It was added that he was consuming large amounts of alcohol every day for as long as anyone could remember and was a functioning alcoholic.

He said his drinking had clouded his judgement and brought him to this sorry pass.

The trial judge said that Murphy was holding the drugs for some type of financial reward in order to alleviate his debts but that he should have known better.

A garda witness gave evidence of how they searched his home in Clontarf on September 29, 2021.

During the search they found eight bags of cannabis herb in a bag in the walk-in wardrobe of an upstairs bedroom.

Seven vacuum packed bags of cannabis were found hidden in a coal bunker at the back of the house and another five bags of cannabis were found in Murphy's car.

The court heard that CCTV footage was harvested from an industrial estate in Co Meath showing Murphy collecting the bags of cannabis and putting them into his car.

Murphy worked at major Dublin garda stations including the Bridewell in the north inner city, Pearse Street, and the traffic bureau.
CCTV captured an arson attack that caused extensive damage at the property in Rathcoole, Co Dublin, late on Tuesday night of last week.

Gardai are investigating whether far-right agitators are behind a campaign of intimidation after disinformation spread in a community that 70 male asylum-seekers were to be housed in a local business premises.

CCTV captured an arson attack that caused extensive damage at the property in Rathcoole, Co Dublin, late on Tuesday night of last week.

It is the latest incident at the site in the past three months since the false claim was made that the office building was to be used to accommodate asylum-seekers.

In the footage, a masked individual is dropped off outside the premises by another person on a motorbike. He lights two petrol bombs, smashes two windows and throws the bombs into the premises, causing two explosions.

The suspect then jumps on the back of the bike, which speeds away.

Read more Coffin of tragic Donegal footballer is carried onto his beloved GAA ground

The incident lasts just over one minute, and gardai believe it is linked to the campaign of disinformation.

What seems very apparent is that the two individuals who were involved in this crime were not amateurs in how they carried it out, a source said.

One line in the investigation is that they are not from the Rathcoole area and may have been paid to carry out the attack. There have been no arrests so far.

The incident is being investigated as being linked to an attempted early-morning arson attack at the same location in June.

On that occasion, a window was broken and the arsonist is suspected of accidentally setting himself on fire before the blaze ignited.

The attempted arson in mid-June was not as professional as what happened last week and the only significant damage caused in that was a broken window, a source said.

This happened less than a week before a builder working at the site was threatened by a person in relation to the disinformation about the new purpose of the premises.

There has been a criminal campaign linked to the false rumour propagated by people with sinister agendas

In last weeks incident, extensive damage was caused to two rooms at the property ,which is expected to cost tens of thousands of euro to repair.

When contacted by the Irish Independent, the owners of the building said they did not want to comment.

However, sources said the owners have explained on many occasions, in phone calls and in other communications to concerned people, that the property is not to be used to house asylum-seekers.

They have also addressed a number of different rumours linked to the false claims.

It seems that what they have been saying has fallen on deaf ears and there has been a criminal campaign linked to the false rumour that has been propagated by people with sinister agendas, a source said.

A sign put up at the property also states that the building is not going to be used to accommodate asylum-seekers, but this has not stopped the campaign of disinformation.

It is understood that the property, which contains up to nine rooms, would not be suitable for housing asylum-seekers.

Multiple sources said similar disinformation campaigns concerning International Protection Accommodation Services centres have taken place across the country, sometimes leading to arson attacks.

One of those incidents happened on Parnell Street, Limerick, on July 18 at a building earmarked for student accommodation.

Gardai said they were aware of disinformation in respect of the use of the building after incorrect speculation on social media that the former hotel might be used as an accommodation centre for immigrants.

A few days earlier, gardai said they were also aware of similar misinformation surrounding a fire at a site in Convoy, Co Donegal.

There have also been multiple arson attacks on properties that are legitimately due to house asylum-seekers, including in Kilrush, Co Clare, last week.

One incident followed an announcement by the Department of Integration that The Central B&B in Kilrush would provide accommodation to adult males seeking international protection.
The man had been detained by police in Albufeira in connection with an alleged assault on his partner.

A 29-year-old Irish man has been found dead in a police station cell in Portugals Algarve area.

The man had been detained by police in Albufeira in connection with an alleged assault on his partner.

RTE have reported that the couple had travelled to Albufeira in Portugal to attend a social occasion earlier this week.

According to algarvedailynews.com, emergency services attended the scene as soon as the body was discovered, but the man was declared dead at the site.

The death is now being investigated by Judiciary Police, the Prosecutor's Office and Inspection-General of Internal Administration (IGAI).

Gardai are liaising with the Portuguese authorities and the families involved.

An official statement from Portuguese officials indicated that there was no third party involvement in the mans death, but investigations are underway.

In a statement the police force said: The National Guard also confirms that the individual had been detained since the previous night, following attacks on his 29-year-old partner, using a knife (bladed weapon).

The circumstances of the death inside the cell are being investigated, and the Guard is ensuring the necessary coordination with other agencies, namely the Judiciary Police, the Public Prosecutor's Office and the General Inspectorate of Internal Administration (IGAI).
It is understood the woman drowned after she was swept out to sea yesterday evening.

The island of Sardinia. Bloomberg photo by Francesca Volpi

An Irish woman has died off the coast of the Italian island of Sardinia.

It is understood the woman drowned after she was swept out to sea yesterday evening.

A body was removed from the water near the village of Portu Maga, Italian Fire officials said.

Local publication LUnione Sarda reported that helicopters and specialist divers were involved in recovering the body of the 62-year-old.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said it is aware of the case and is providing consular assistance.

It follows the death of a 39-year-old Irish hiker in Sardinia last Friday afternoon, in a separate incident.

The man was hiking in the municipality of Iglesias, on the trail on of the Cammino Minerio di Santa Barbara, between Masua and Cala Domestica.

He was there as part of a walking trip with family and went for a hike on his own.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said it was also providing consular assistance in that case.
The simple fact is, we failed in our duty to find and convict a bloody murderer

Micheal Martin has said he believes that the case against Ian Bailey for the murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier should have gone before a jury.

He said that the murder of the French filmmaker remains seared into our consciousness and the fact that no one was convicted for her murder would always be a deep shame for us.

The Foreign Affairs Minister and Cork South-Central TD made the comments at the launch of the book Sophie: The Final Verdict by journalist Senan Molony in Dublin.

In December 1996, the body of the 39-year-old French filmmaker was found beaten outside her holiday home in Schull, West Cork.

Ian Bailey, who was the main suspect in her murder, died in Cork in January this year aged 66.

Mr Bailey, with an address at The Prairie in Schull, was convicted of murder in his absence by a French court in May 2019.

The three-judge court imposed a 25-year sentence.

The terrible anguish of her family and all who knew her was made much worse by the fact that our system proved incapable of meeting its responsibilities to Sophie, Mr Martin said on Thursday.

However, there is no doubt that this case continues to give a serious cause for reflection.

The simple fact is, we failed in our duty to find and convict a bloody murderer, and our system blocked alternative routes when others were not willing to accept our failures.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin says the case against Ian Bailey should have gone before a jury (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

In October 2020, the High Court in Ireland rejected an attempt by French authorities to extradite Ian Bailey for the murder.

Mr Bailey was facing a third extradition process to France in relation to the filmmakers death.

Mr Martin acknowledged there is a balance between seeking justice for a victim and respecting the rights of the accused.

When you look at the details of this case and the scale of the evidence, it is very, very hard to understand why this evidence was not put before a jury, he said.

Its hard to understand why the system was so convinced by its interpretation of legal principles that it effectively threw its hands in the air and gave up.

He added: The fact that we have absolute independence in our judicial system, that no external pressure can be applied on independent prosecutors and judges is a great strength which we should value.

And at the same time, we can admit that this system failed Sophie Toscan du Plantier.

We can ask for a proper review of whether decisions were reasonable which blocked the murder trial or which would have predetermined its outcome.

Mr Martin also said lessons needed to be learned from the case, including around the speed at which cases are processed.

The deputy premier also highlighted faster processing of people accused of rioting in other jurisdictions.

I think we need an honest conversation about why crimes which can be processed much quicker in other democratic societies seem endlessly delayed here.

Look at the rapid conviction of rioters in other countries and compare this to our response to riots here.

Yes we have resources issues, but most democratic countries also have resource issues.

We could dramatically increase the resources at every level and we would still operate principles and practice which delay justice, often excessively.

He added: Im conscious that there is currently a cold case review into Sophies murder under way, and I sincerely hope that it brings some clarity to the circumstances around her tragic death and answers some of the questions that her beloved parents, Georges and Marguerite, and her son John Pierre have waited nearly three decades for.

We need to learn from our failure to deliver justice for Sophie and Tuscan du Plantier.
Members of the Irish Coastguard's Rescue 118 team have expressed concerns over landing at Letterkenny University Hospital

A rescue helicopter is being forced to land more than three kilometres from Donegal's main hospital because of health and safety concerns at its helipad.

Members of the Irish Coastguard's Rescue 118 team have expressed concerns over landing at Letterkenny University Hospital.

Instead, they have now made the decision to take casualties to an airfield on the outskirts of Letterkenny at Boangee.

The casualties must then be taken by ambulance through traffic to Letterkenny University Hospital's Accident and Emergency Department.

The move follows a health and safety inspection at the hospital's helipad during which a number of issues of concern were highlighted.

It is understood the concerns include a number of malfunctioning lights as well as concerns over fire extinguishers and also the level training of staff operating in the vicinity of the helipad.

The health and safety inspection was ordered after a recent security breach at the helipad.

Management at the hospital are aware of the issue and it is understood they are working to rectify the various health and safety concerns.

The Rescue 118 helicopter crew have gone "offline" from the helipad at the hospital for a number of days and have brought a number of casualties to the Letterkenny Airstrip instead.

The most recent of these occurred on Tuesday afternoon when the helicopter was tasked to Errigal Mountain after a woman injured her leg after a fall.

Councillor Gerry McMonagle, a member of the HSE Regional Health Forum West said he was shocked by the health and safety concerns at the helipad.

He said "I am firstly shocked to hear that there are issues over such things as lights and also fire extinguishers at the helipad.

"The fact that the staff of the helicopter have decided not to land at the helipad at the hospital shows how seriously they are taking this issue.

"They have been left with no choice but to land three kilometres away and then have casualties taken by ambulance through one of Donegal's busiest road networks, the four lane carriageway into Letterkenny.

"I'm just shocked that this has been allowed to happen."

Councillor McMonagle added that he is urging hospital management to immediately address the health and safety concerns of the staff of the Rescue 118 helicopter so it can return to landing at the hospital.

"This has to be done immediately. Whatever issues there are have to be rectified as soon as possible. The welfare of patients and casualties has to be put first," he added.

A spokesperson from the Department of Transport said CHC Helicopters, who operates the service, is working with the hospital to make corrective actions to issues found in the health and safety check.

The spokesperson added "Following a recent safety audit, CHC Helicopter (the operator of the Irish Coastguard helicopter service) has decided to temporarily suspend the use of the helicopter landing site at Letterkenny University Hospital.

"Services are currently being provided from an alternative helicopter landing site.

"CHC continues to liaise closely with the hospital authorities as they work through the corrective actions. It is anticipated that availability will be restored in the very immediate future."
John Bergin worked as a librarian with Fingal County Council in both Balbriggan and Malahide libraries

Tributes have been paid to an Irish hiker who died in Sardinia, Italy on Friday.

A major search operation in Sardinia was stood down on Sunday after the body of an Irish mountain climber who has been missing since Friday afternoon has been discovered.

He has been named locally as John Bergin (39) from Claude Road, Whitworth Road, Drumcondra, Dublin 9 and formerly of Kilkenny City.

Mr Bergin worked as a librarian with Fingal County Council in both Balbriggan and Malahide libraries.

He had recently completed a masters in Librarianship and has also worked for the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA).

Paying tribute one colleague wrote: "John was the nicest and most obliging person.

I got to know him through our Masters course in library studies and he was so passionate about his job. The Irish library world lost a good colleague and friend.

The search operation for Mr Bergin had been underway since the alarm was raised on Friday afternoon September 6 after he failed to return from a hike on the third stage of the Cammino Minerario di Santa Barbara, between Masua and Cala Domestica.

It is reported that he was walking along the path with his brothers.

At a certain point they decided to split up and all traces of him were lost.

The search continued all night, without success, and continued on Sunday near the pine forest of Masua with 15 technicians from the Alpine and Speleological Rescue of the stations of Iglesias, Cagliari, Medio Campidano and Ogliastra, assisted by the Mobile Coordination Centre and an Air Force helicopter that took off from Decimomannu.

The search team retraced the path starting from the last known position transmitted by the man, also in action a drone with a thermal camera and the Fire Department personnel who scoured the area overnight.

Italian national broadcaster RAI and other Italian media outlets reported that the man's body was found on the side of the Canale de Sa Rocca Niedda by a search dog.

Local newspaper L'Union Sarda has reported that a helicopter was used to recover the body which was in a remote location.

Mr Bergin is survived by his brothers Paschal, Michael, Stephen, David and sister Clare. He will be cremated, and a private cremation service will be held in Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy on Friday 13th September 2024.

A special mass will be offered for the repose of his soul at St Canices church in Kilkenny on September 17th.
The Love Island star is known for pushing the boat out when it comes to red carpet looks.

Maura Higgins was blooming gorgeous as she turned heads in a daring flowery frock at the National Television Awards in London.

The Love Island star is known for pushing the boat out when it comes to red carpet looks.

And this was no different as the Longford woman ensured all eyes were on her in a dress previously worn by supermodel and Kardashian sister Kendall Jenner.

The black dress with a pink floral print hugged Mauras enviable figure and also featured a flowing train.

But the designer gown came with an edge and featured a latex collar and matching sleeves.

The 33-year-old wore her brunette locks in a sleek updo and finished the look with a pair of gold earrings.

Kendall Jenner in the same dress. Photo: Getty

Maura proved her celebrity status as the same dress was worn by superstar Kendal to the Emmys which celebrates the best in American television.

This year's National Television Awards took place at The O2 London in Peninsula Square and was broadcast on ITV.

Also at the awards was Pete Wick who has been linked romantically to Maura in recent months.

Earlier this week, Maura poked fun at the rumours suggesting they are more than just good friends.

She was linked to the The Only Way Is Essex star once again last month, when they were spotted kissing outside a restaurant in the English capital.

On Monday night, Maura visited the Eventim Apollo in Hammersmith where Pete and his pal Sam Thompson were taking their Staying Relevant podcast to the stage for the third night in a row.

Maura Higgins and Sam Thompson poked fun at rumours linking Maura to Pete Wicks

She attended the show with her agent, Talia Salomon, who shared a hilarious video from the live show on Instagram, which Maura reposted to her own Stories.

After the show, Maura posed for a photo with Sam as she poked fun of the drama surrounding the rumours by wearing a t-shirt with the now-infamous snap of her and Pete sharing a kiss printed on the front along with the words we cant be friends.

Sam held the t-shirt out so that the camera could get a good look at its design while Maura threw her arm around the 32-year-old and looked his way with a serious face.

Hilarious night... you smashed it, she captioned the snap.

Maura and Pete first sparked dating rumours last month when they were papped outside the Broadwich Soho Hotel in London.

It was reported that Maura, who had been dating Chris Hemsworth's body double Bobby Holland Hanton until recently, had been hanging out with a group of friends when Pete joined them and the pair shared a kiss that evening.
Scientists at the University of Kansas have published the results of a study that casts doubt on the validity of the Big Bang theory. Instead, scientists confirm the theory of a century ago.

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Associate Professor of Computer Science Lior Shamir used images from three telescopes and more than 30,000 galaxies to measure the redshift of galaxies based on their distance from Earth. Redshift is a change in the frequency of light waves emitted by a galaxy, which astronomers use to measure the speed of a galaxy. Shamir's findings confirm the theory of "tired light," Phys.org writes.

"In the 1920s, Edwin Hubble and Georges Lemaitre discovered that the farther away a galaxy is, the faster it moves away from Earth. This discovery led to the Big Bang theory, according to which the Universe began to expand about 13.8 billion years ago. Around the same time, the eminent astronomer Fritz Zwicky suggested that galaxies that were more distant from the Earth were not actually moving faster," said Lior Shamir.

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Zwicky claimed that the redshift observed from Earth is not because galaxies are moving, but because photons of light lose their energy as they travel through space. The longer the light travels, the more energy it loses, creating the illusion that galaxies that are farther away from Earth are also moving faster.

According to Shamir, the theory of "tired light" has been largely neglected because astronomers have accepted the Big Bang theory as the consensus model of the universe.

"But some astronomers' confidence in the Big Bang theory began to wane when the powerful James Webb Space Telescope first saw the light. The JWST provided deep images of the very early Universe, but instead of showing a young early Universe as astronomers expected, it showed large and mature galaxies. If the Big Bang happened as scientists originally thought, these galaxies are older than the Universe itself," said Associate Professor Shamir.

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While the new images cast doubt on the Big Bang, Lior's study used the constant speed of the Earth's rotation around the center of the Milky Way to examine the redshift of galaxies that move at different speeds relative to the Earth and test how the change in redshift responds to a change in speed.

"The results showed that galaxies that rotate in the opposite direction to the Milky Way have a smaller redshift compared to galaxies that rotate in the same direction to the Milky Way. This difference reflects the motion of the Earth as it rotates with the Milky Way," Shamir said. However, the results also showed that the difference in redshift increased when the galaxies were more distant from Earth.

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"Since the speed of rotation of the Earth relative to the galaxies is constant, the reason for the difference could be the distance of the galaxies from the Earth. This shows that the redshift of galaxies varies with distance, which Fritz Zwicky predicted in his theory of light fatigue," summed up by Lior Shamir, associate professor of computer science.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Emotions ran high for the crew of Taurangas Takitimu waka after being asked to participate in escorting the casket for Kingi Tuheitia Potatau Te Wherowhero VII along the Waikato River to Taupiri on Thursday.

I dont have words to describe it, said Takitimus guardian Tamahau Tangitu. I dont know how to put it. It was everything. It was magical. And fitting for a King.

Tamahau is usually on board Takitimu but gave up his place so others could paddle, while he accompanied it in a support boat. As guardian for the waka, he also looks after health and safety.

Ive been with the waka since I was seven and never had an opportunity to watch it on the water, said Tamahau.



The Takitimu waka dressed with greenery and the "eyes of Takitimu" ready to join the funeral flotilla. Photo:Supplied.

Kingi Tuheitia died aged 69, on August 30, surrounded by his wife Makau Ariki and their children Whatumoana, Korotangi and Ngawai Hono I Te Po.

He had been in hospital recovering from heart surgery, just days after celebrating the 18th anniversary of his coronation.

Kingi Tuheitia laid in state at Turangawaewae Marae for five days, with thousands of people coming to pay their respects each day.

Following a tangihanga on Thursday, Kingi Tuheitia was then taken to his final resting place and laid to rest alongside his mother, Dame Te Atairangikaahu, and previous Maori Kings, on the sacred Taupiri Mountain in Waikato.

Taupiri is the sacred burial ground of Waikato Maori, and the summit is reserved for kings and queens.

The Kings casket was carried by his waka, accompanied by other waka, along the river to the dock below Taupiri Mountain.



The Takitimu waka being unloaded at Ngaruawahia. Photo: Supplied.

Tamahau said there were 70 people on board Takitimu, including 52 paddlers.

A small crew came up from Hawkes-Wairarapa area. From Porangahau. And some of them were on board -they are a brother tribe to us. Ngati Ranginui is our iwi, and they are Ngati Kahungunu iwi.

The Takitimu waka was lifted out of the Wairoa River onto a large truck on Monday after being floated around to the Wairoa River bridge from Te Puna.

It left Wairoa at 3.30am Tuesday and went over to Ngaruawahia, arriving about 5am.

Then we had to wait for the crane to lift it into the water on Tuesday, along with two other waka.

Tamahau said the crew had a practice on Tuesday night at the Huria Marae, in Judea, Tauranga. The crew stand up and practise, synchronising their strokes while one crew member placed at the back is responsible for steering.

Managing the large number of crew meant organising accommodation, food, and transport.

We went over to the Waikato on Wednesday. We left Hangarau Marae in Bethlehem on Wednesday afternoon, loaded up onto the bus and headed to Maungatautari.

Maungatautari is about 50 minutes drive from Ngaruawahia.

We stayed at Maungatautari the night and selected the crew. We were up at 4am on Thursday, had breakfast and headed to Ngaruawahia at 6am. "



The Takitimu waka was lifted on and off a heavy haulage truck at Ngaruawahia. Photo: Supplied.

On arriving at Turangawaewae Marae, it was time to prepare and dress Takitimu with greenery which is traditionally done in respect for the dead.

We pushed out early around 11am to get upstream in preparation, then down at the Taupiri at 12pm, said Tamahau.

We were the third canoe in the flotilla, and as we went under the Ngaruawahia bridge we formed up on the other side in a diamond [shape].

He said there were six wakas in total. Five from Tainui. The Kings waka is called Tatahi Ora.

Takitimu was placed on the left flank of Tatahi Ora. Thats a big honour for us to be the left flank of the king.

From there, Tamahau said it took them about an hour to get to Taupiri Mountain.

When we got there, the kings canoe went to the dock to unload his casket, and all the paddlers saluted the King. Thats when we could all finally let our emotions out.



The Takitimu waka joined the funeral flotilla. Photo: Supplied.

Tamahau said the remaining waka two loops of salutes circling back past the dock.

And then our waka let all our greenery go into the water. Its our way of showing emotion, of releasing emotion.

We were in mourning on the way down, and after releasing grief with releasing greenery we then became a ceremonial canoe again.

He said they were the only waka to paddle back up the river to Tuwangawaewae Marae, and the only waka to carry an ancestral name.

It was very quiet paddling back out of a sign of respect. Once we released our greenery and showed our respect, we were able to paddle home and let our emotions out.

The waka crew found a large contingent of Tauranga people waiting to welcome them back at the marae.

The honour bestowed on the Tauranga community by being invited to participate in the Kings funeral flotilla is something very special and highlights the long-standing close relationship that the local iwi has had with Tainui.

The whole thing was bigger than us, said Tamahau, at a loss for words to fully be able to describe how significant it was.

I want to thank all the people who helped us get there safely. And a huge shout out to Ngati Ranginui for supporting and making it possible for the waka to go to the Waikato.

Its a huge honour and speaks to our very close relationship with Waikato, which has been enduring over 180 years, and certainly since Tainui landed in Tauranga, said Ngati Ranginui iwi chairman Charlie Rahiri.



The Takitimu waka crossing the Poripori Bridge on State Highway 29, Lower Kaimai Range, on its return to Tauranga. Photo / Rosalie Liddle Crawford

The Tauranga Maori community has very close ties to the Kingitanga and have had since the inception of the whole Kingitanga movement.

Our relationship with Waikato and Tainui iwi predates the establishment of the Kingitanga through our alignment and defiance in the time of the land wars, said Rahiri.

We were very much part of the establishment of the Kingitanga and have been supporters of the kaupapa ever since by having members on the Kauhanganui and later the Kaunihera, Kings Council.

The crew all returned to Tauranga on Thursday, with the waka being brought back on Friday, lifted by crane back into Wairoa River, and returned to the wakas resting place in Te Puna.
The Ministry of Justice has warned the proposed Treaty Principles Bill isn't "grounded in the Treaty" and relies on a "novel reading" of the founding document that isn't supported by the "available evidence".

Advice provided to Cabinet on the proposed Treaty Principles Bill recommends the coalition continue the status quo - rather than redefining the principles.

Associate Justice Minister David Seymour has released the regulatory impact statement and corresponding cabinet paper for the Treaty Principles Bill.

The advice from Ministry of Justice officials and contributing agencies is that the bill would be damaging to Maori/Crown relations and hasn't met the standard of good faith engagement with Maori that is required under the Treaty.

Seymour has noted throughout the Cabinet paper his strong disagreement with officials, saying the six-month consultation during the select committee and the ongoing national conversation since 2022 provides ample opportunity for all New Zealanders to provide feedback.

The release of the advice comes after ministers discussed next steps for the legislation on Monday.

The bill is part of National's coalition agreement with ACT and provides support from the Coalition parties at first reading and through to select committee, which will be a six-month process.

Both National and New Zealand First have committed to not supporting the bill beyond that, and neither party is in favour of a referendum on the matter.

The impact statement shows justice officials aknowledge the bill could have "some value" but that the status quo would be "more beneficial".

It says the status quo would provide a higher degree of certainty in the legal system - and minimise any risk of damaging Maori-Crown relations.

In the Cabinet paper Seymour says the objective of the policy is for Parliament to "set out what the principles are to avoid the courts and the public service from venturing into areas of political or constitutional importance based on amorphous principles".

Seymour took his proposed principles to Cabinet on Monday, with the caveat that the "precise wording of the principles will be developed during the drafting process".

The principles as recommended by Seymour are:

Civil Government - the Government of New Zealand has full power to govern, and Parliament has full power to make laws. They do so in the best interests of everyone, and in accordance with the rule of law and the maintenance of a free and democratic society.

- the Government of New Zealand has full power to govern, and Parliament has full power to make laws. They do so in the best interests of everyone, and in accordance with the rule of law and the maintenance of a free and democratic society. Rights of Hapu and Iwi Maori - The Crown recognises the rights that hapu and iwi had when they signed the Treaty/te Tiriti. The Crown willrespect and protect those rights. Those rights differ from the rights everyone has a reasonable expectation to enjoy only when they arespecified in legislation, Treaty settlements, or other agreement with the Crown.

- The Crown recognises the rights that hapu and iwi had when they signed the Treaty/te Tiriti. The Crown willrespect and protect those rights. Those rights differ from the rights everyone has a reasonable expectation to enjoy only when they arespecified in legislation, Treaty settlements, or other agreement with the Crown. Right to Equality - Everyone is equal before the law and is entitled to the equal protection and equal benefit of the law without discrimination. Everyone is entitled to the equal enjoyment of the same fundamental human rights without discrimination

Ministry of Justice officials pointed out in their advice that defining the principles of the Treaty in statute will be seen "by some as a removal of Maori rights guaranted under the Treaty and is likely to be the subject of public and legal challenge".

Seymour responded saying, "I note officials' concerns, however, I also note that their interpreation of the Treaty is precisely what the proposed bill seeks to address and clarify".

The issue of whether the bill would comply with international standards and obligations was also discussed in the cabinet paper.

Officials' view was the policy may result in "actions or outcomes that are seen to be discriminatory or inconsistent" with the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).

On the latter Seymour noted the Coalition's position is that UNDRIP has "no binding legal effect on New Zealand".

Officials also raised concerns the policy doesn't recognise tino rangatiratanga or the distinct "political status of Maori as the indigenous people of Aotearoa New Zealand".

Seymour's view, however, as noted in the Cabinet paper, is the "notion that Maori should have a different political status to other New Zealanders is precisely what the proposed bill aims to address".

As part of the governmental consultation for Cabinet to consider, Te Arawhiti - the agency for Maori-Crown relations - provided its own comment that supported those views put forward by the Ministry of Justice.

It went on to note the 16 August Waitangi Tribunal interim report that recommended Act's policy should be abandoned.

Seymour's response to the agency was a scathing attack on its mandate.

"Te Arawhiti has ventured into areas of political and constitutional importance without the authority, the mandate, or the expertise to do so," Seymour said.

"Te Arawhiti has no democratic mandate and does not represent or speak for Maori - it is an agent of the Crown.

"Parliament introduced the concept of the Treaty principles into legislation, and it has a right to legislate to define what the principles mean, something Te Arawhiti fails to acknowledge."

The Parliamentary Counsel Office, which will be responsible for the drafting of the bill, also provided feedback. However, it was redacted in the Cabinet paper as their legal advice is usually confidential.

In the lead-up to taking his paper to Cabinet Seymour said he took onboard feedback about his proposed principle two and calls for hapu and iwi to be recognised.

To allay fears and concerns about property rights the wording was changed, with Seymour noting in the paper that it would acknowledge "the Crown has a duty to protect the rights of hapu and iwi Maori to the extent that is consistent with the rights of everyone".

Officials have advised principle two does not "accurately reflect Article 2, which affirms the continuing exercise of tino rangatiratanga".

A referendum and six-month select committee

Ministers have agreed to referendum provisions in the bill, and invited Seymour to carry out work on how a referendum would be progressed, subject to further approval from Cabinet in November.

That's despite both National and New Zealand First publicly saying they would not support a referendum on the bill.

Advice from the Ministry of Justice is that putting decision-making on the Treaty to the "wider public through a referendum brings a significant risk that the will of a non-Maori majority will impose on the minority partners (who are also most likely to be affected by the policy), and that this is likely to have a negative effect on social cohesion".

Officials said it was also "unlikely to represent a consensus".

Seymour hit back calling those comments "disappointing".

"It suggests that all people of a certain ethnicity think alike. This is the kind of thinking that the Treaty Principles Bill seeks to challenge."

Officials noted they expect the number of submissions during the six month select committee to be "high".

"Consequently, engaging with a third-party provider for submission analysis may be needed to meet the deadline for completion of this work laid out in this paper."

The bill is set to be introduced into Parliament on 18 November, with the first reading and referral to select committee on 21 November.

The select committee is scheduled to report back to Parliament in May next year.
Zespri and shipping partner ANL/CMA CGM are driving towards low-emissions international shipping with the launch of a feasibility study into corridor between New Zealand and Belgium.

Associate Transport Minister Matt Doocey hosted an event on Tuesday supporting the launch of a feasibility study into setting up a low-emissions shipping corridor between Tauranga and Zeebrugge in Belgium via the Panama Canal, commissioned by Zespri and one of its key shipping partners, ANL/CMA CGM.

Zespri Executive Officer Sustainability Rachel Depree said shipping plays a critical part in New Zealands export-driven economy, carrying 99 per cent of the countrys trade by volume and around 80 per cent by value.

Low-emissions shipping is a critical part of carbon reduction for exporters and also underpins our collective ability to achieve the governments goal of doubling export value over the next 10 years. Collectively we are already facing rising costs as carbon is priced into the economy and our markets and customers are starting to demand targets and plans to lower emissions over time.

ANL & CMA CGM Oceania Managing Director Shane Walden outlined the efforts of the CMA CGM Group in decarbonising transport and logistics.

The CMA CGM Group is a global player in sea, land, air and logistics solutions, and places the preservation of the environment at the heart of its strategy, with a commitment to reach Net Zero Carbon by 2050 across all its activities.

In shipping, CMA CGM is focused on reducing energy consumption as well as using sustainable low-carbon energies where possible in order to accelerate the energy transition of the sector, including that of key customers such as Zespri.

New Zealand is an important country for the CMA CGM Group. The country has a geographic advantage that, with support, could allow New Zealand to play a role as a maritime energy hub for the South Pacific.

We embarked upon this project with Zespri and EY as it is imperative that we jointly address climate challenges in the sector to support New Zealands maritime trade.

Kiwifruit being loaded onto a ship in at the Port of Tauranga in March.Photo: Jamie Troughton/Dscribe Media.

Depree said shipping emissions are one of the key challenges to decarbonising the kiwifruit industry and meeting Zespris climate commitments.

While kiwifruit is a low-carbon product, shipping emissions make up a larger portion of the products overall carbon footprint at 43 per cent - and thats why action is a priority.

Like many exporters, Zespri cant directly reduce shipping emissions ourselves so were working with our shipping and distribution partners to improve efficiency and find opportunities to pilot low-emissions fuels solutions as we work towards our ambition of being carbon positive by 2035.

This includes continuing to advocate for new port infrastructure and supporting the introduction of more low emissions shipping vessels, fuels and technology  all of which are critical and which require significant investment.

The problem is significant and the answer complex but we do know success here will require coordinated action across government and supply chains, said Depree.

Zespri's office in Mount Maunganui. Photo: Sam Hartnett.

What did the report by EY find?

The report outlines the complexity of decarbonising shipping and whats needed from all the players across the value chain from exporters to shipping companies, fuel companies, ports and governments, and confirms how varied and significant the change required is.

Key findings include:

European ports are already making large investments to accept alternative fuel ships (which are larger than conventional vessels) and some are already running on 100 per cent renewable energy

Collaboration with other New Zealand exporters and across the supply chain is critical to show demand, reduce cost and speed up investment. Shipping providers have started offering solutions to find the most cost-effective ways to transition to lower-emissions fuels

Governments have an important part to play, with new policies and regulations needed to transition fuels and infrastructure, including supporting health & safety regulations

Fuel storage requirements for low-emissions fuels will create new challenges, with lower emissions fuels being less energy dense and requiring a lot more space. This means larger vessels which require larger, deeper berths

The outlook for alternative fuels is complex  there is no clear preferred low-emissions fuel so an adaptive and multi-fuel approach is needed.

What is a low-emissions/green shipping corridor?

A low-emissions shipping corridor is defined as a route between two or more ports where zero-emission shipping solutions are demonstrated and reported.

It is supported by the 2021 Clydebank Declaration  an agreement signed by 22 countries including New Zealand, Australia, Belgium, and the USA - to explore and develop partnerships among ports, operators, and other key partners along the value chain. The aim is to accelerate the decarbonisation of the shipping sector and its fuel supply through low-emissions shipping corridor projects, aligning with the global effort to combat climate change and transition towards a more sustainable future for the industry.

What did Zespri and ANL/CMA CGM learn from the report?

Alternative fuels

Theres no clear winner in the fuel race yet.

Emission intensity of alternative fuels is dependent on how these are manufactured.

Renewable energy is critical for upscaling alternative fuel production.

Biofuel can provide a useful lower-emissions bridge as it can be dropped in to conventional vessels often with little or no modifications.

Fuel cost

Alternative fuels are expected to price-match fossil fuels by 2040 onwards, due to reducing renewable electricity cost, the removal of subsidies on fossil fuel and carbon taxes.

First movers are needed to understand commercial production and economies of scale. In an uncertain regulatory environment, they must be supported by relevant agencies to overcome barriers and reduce investment risk.

An effective emissions pricing mechanism is needed to make green fuel competitive with black fuel during the transition period.

Ports & alternative fuel storage

Ports need longer and deeper berths to accommodate low-emission ships. These ships are larger than fossil-fuelled ships as alternative fuel is not as energy dense and vessels need larger fuel tanks.

Ports can become a key stakeholder in alternative fuel value chains, capitalising on the opportunity to become alternative fuel bunkering hubs.

New storage infrastructure is needed to safely bunker alternative fuel.

Storage will need to be almost twice the size for liquefied methane and more than four times greater for hydrogen to create the same energy.

Policy and investment

New Zealand trails other countries in climate and transport policy and investment for low emissions shipping.

For example the port of Rotterdam currently has a terminal and bunkering for methanol, biofuels and LNG, a terminal for ammonia (with a feasibility study for bunkering) and small-scale bunkering for hydrogen.

Customers
Andrew, owner of Kiwi Country Construction, is personally building the home during weekends and after work hours.

With a total floor area of 28.8sq m, it offers a compact yet functional living space with all the mod cons.

The custom-built Motu home, featuring a single bedroom, bathroom and kitchen, is ideal for use as a bach, sleepout, or Airbnb cabin.

This innovative fundraising initiative, spearheaded by club chairman Andrew McDowell, aims to finance the final phase of the clubhouse construction.

Pukehina Surf Rescue is set to auction a unique, portable home called The Motu to raise funds for the completion of its new clubhouse.

The idea for building The Motu for auction came from desperation, he says.

I had to come up with a plan to raise more funds, and building is what I know. My time and effort on this project is my donation to the club.

This bach is manageable for me to build, and I believe we all need to have a social conscience. Its about giving back to our community.

The Motu home, valued at $120,000-$130,000 plus relocation costs, will be completed and auctioned in December.

Bay of Plenty House Removals has offered to cover relocation expenses to an approved site within the Bay of Plenty area, adding significant value to the auction prize.

The winning bidder will have the opportunity to choose the exterior paint colour, applied before delivery.

The framing of the compact house going up.

Proceeds from the auction will fund the clubhouses third and final phase, including the installation of cabinetry, shelving, power points, floor coverings, and internal paint.

While the clubhouse will be operational for lifeguards this summer, it wont be open to the public until these finishing touches are complete.

Andrew and his team are volunteering their time.

The build will take at least 600 hours of labour contributed free to the project.

Once funding allows for the completion of the Pukehina Surf Rescue clubhouse, it will serve as a multifunctional space that includes a restaurant, bar and community hub.

The facility will not only support the clubs primary role as a base for search and rescue operations and surf lifesaving patrols, but will provide a welcoming environment for the local community and beachgoers.

The new clubhouse is designed to enhance operational efficiency and safety while fostering community engagement and support for surf lifesaving activities.

This auction follows the clubs recent success in securing a $1.3 million allocation from Surf Life Saving New Zealand, significantly advancing the clubhouse project.

For more information about the auction or to support Pukehina Surf Rescue, phone Andrew on 027 441 9730.

-Te Puke Times.
Thats because French, who was in his early 70s, was killed when 54-year-old Hai Chen crossed the centre line and collided with his car.

She called him six times, but he did not answered.

But on Sunday, May 19, Jacqui French waited in vain. When it reached 8pm and the call, which typically happened before 7.30pm, still hadnt come she began to worry.

Rotorua father and grandfather Jackson French never missed a nightly call to his youngest daughter, after she moved to Tauranga.

Now, Chen has been sentenced in Tokoroa District Court, with Frenchs partner and his two daughters sharing about the gaping hole his death has left.

Nine people  a mix of family and friends  were in the public gallery for Chens sentencing, while his wife also sat listening as proceedings unfolded.

Frenchs partner of 28 years, Pam Dickson, spoke of her difficulty coping, the fact that she missed Jackson and thought of him daily, and the feelings of guilt that she hadnt been with him in the car.

She had planned to travel with him that day but had stayed home to care for a sick pet.

But one thing Im happy about is we had a big hug at the door when he left, so thats a memory I try and keep in my head, she said.

Daughter Jacqui said on top of the loss of losing her father and her nightly catch-up phone calls, shed also faced the administrative stress of trying to wind up his affairs  her father had died without a will and the responsibility of sorting the estate had fallen to her. It was difficult managing this against the backdrop of a busy job.

Frenchs other daughter Leonie spoke of the immense impact of his death on her, and her young family.

I have anxiety when I leave the house, making life really limited, and my family suffers due to my poor functioning, she said.

My children no longer have their Pops here. Ive missed out on enjoying my baby during his first year because of losing my dad the way that I did.

But despite the loss and grief, there was an undercurrent of hope in the courtroom.

As Frenchs partner came to the end of her statement she turned to face the defendant and said: I did receive Mr Chens letter and I do forgive you, I do.

Judge Hollister-Jones thanked her for using the powerful word of forgiveness.

Daughter Leonie also had words for Chen.

Mr Chen, we spoke, and I want healing for you, and were all going to be okay.

Chen and the family had met for a restorative justice meeting, ahead of the sentencing.

Judge Hollister-Jones said, Face-to-face meetings like this, in tragic circumstances, are always the best.

It provided a forum for Chen to give an apology, and for him to hear directly about the devastation the death of French had caused.

It had also given the family an opportunity to understand Chen, and overall the meeting was a useful exercise for the participants.

Momentary inattention

In the mid-afternoon on Sunday, May 19, French was returning from a Waikato car enthusiasts meeting  he was a mechanic who repaired Morris Minor vehicles and was a member of the Rotorua Morris Minor Club.

Chen was driving from Rotorua to Hamilton, on a 100km/h section of State Highway 5. Hed approached a left-hand bend that had a speed advisory of 85km/h, before crossing the centre line and colliding with Frenchs vehicle. French died at the scene.

Judge Greg Hollister-Jones said it wasnt known what caused Chens momentary inattention and suggested he most likely fell asleep.

After yesterdays sentencing, Morris Minor Club president Denise Newby said French had been a member since 2007, and regularly travelled to conventions from Dunedin to Auckland and every club in between.

He was very familiar with Morris Minors and the club members soon got to know this, Newby said.

[He] was called on often for advice from people all over NZ. He was always busy and sometimes we had to wait [our] turn for him to look at our Morrie problems ... We all certainly miss him.

Chen faced two charges  one of careless driving causing death, and another of careless driving causing injury, which related to a fractured wrist his wife had suffered.

She was a passenger in the car, and was likely asleep when the crash happened.

The judge considered the carelessness to be moderate.

The left-hand bend had required full attention and the road was a 100km/h speed zone.

The judge noted the unforgiving nature of New Zealand roads, which allow for very little margin of error.

Chens lawyer Glen Prentice asked the judge to consider not imposing community work  he submitted the carelessness was at the lower end of moderate, and said given Chens good character and the substantial offer of reparation that a sentence of a fine, reparation and driving disqualification could be appropriate.

The judge took into account Chens circumstances: that he spent most of his time in Malaysia, where he is a general manager at a petrochemical company.

Chens wife and three adult children live in New Zealand, where Chen is also a resident, and he comes to New Zealand for three blocks of three weeks per year.

The judge found that, despite this, community work would still be a suitable outcome given Chens residency, and the fact he has a home here.

Nothing sets your case apart from the usual outcome of 200 hours community work, Judge Hollister-Jones said.

He did take into account the offer of $20,000 reparation, however, and said this was a mitigating factor.

Chen was sentenced to 150 hours community work, was ordered to pay $20,000 reparation and disqualified from driving for 12 months.

For the careless driving causing injury, he was disqualified from driving for six months, to run concurrently.
Western Bay residents will have a Maori ward councillor for the first time next election, while the number of councillors could drop.

Residents will be consulted on how Western Bay of Plenty will be represented by its district council from Monday.

The council adopted its representation review proposal on Thursday, which suggested reducing councillors from 12 to 10 and adding the Maori ward, which covers the entire district.

It retains the current wards but reduces councillors in each. The mayor would still be elected at large.

The Kaimai ward would drop from four councillors to three, Katikati-Waihi Beach ward would have two councillors instead of three, and the Maketu-Te Puke ward would have three councillors reduced from four.



Councillor Margaret Murray-Benge said she didnt support losing three councillors from the current wards. Photo / John Borren

Kaimai ward councillor Margaret Murray-Benge she couldnt accept that three representatives were lost from other wards in order to have a Maori ward councillor.

Having just three councillors in the Kaimai ward was expecting a lot of them because it was a very large area to cover, she said.

Losing three [councillors] in order to gain one, I am opposed to, full stop.

Councillor Don Thwaites said the council wasnt losing three councillors to gain one.

Streamlining council with nine councillors and a mayor represented good practice, he said.

The elected members had moved to more district-wide thinking in the years he had been on council and this proposal would be the next step forward for good governance, said Thwaites.

Ten will be an outstanding number.



Councillor Allan Sole said he couldnt support the proposal because of the Maori ward. Photo / John Borren

Councillor Allan Sole said he couldnt support the proposed structure because it included a Maori ward.

The council last week confirmed its decision to keep the Maori ward they adopted in August 2023.

The government directed councils to rescind Maori wards established after 2021 or hold a binding referendum on them at the local body election in 2025.

Councillor Andy Wichers said elected members pay would increase with fewer of them, which justified the extra work required.

Councillor Rodney Joyce said the increased pay would also attract a wider pool of people.

A councillor chairing a committee receives an annual salary of $53,094.

A councillor with no extra responsibilities has a salary of $45,322, while the deputy mayor receives $70,020 and the mayor $145,667.



Councillor Tracey Coxhead said none of the councillors were there because of the money but because they wanted to do the right thing. Photo /John Borren

Councillor Tracey Coxhead said if council wanted to attract the best then people needed to be remunerated fairly.

None of us around the table here are here because of the money. Were here because we want to be, and we want to do the right thing.

Councillor Laura Rae said she couldnt support the proposal because the district needed two Maori ward councillors, not one.

Joyce said having one Maori ward councillor wasnt perfect, but it was better.

The representation proposal would also retain the districts five community boards but shift the boundaries of some.

The community boards are Waihi Beach, Katikati, Omokoroa, Te Puke and Maketu.

The representation proposal was chosen because it responded to the majority of submissions in the councils pre-engagement.

It also provided fair and effective representation of communities of interest across the district, the draft consultation document said.

Councils have to conduct a representation review every six years.

Consultation on the representation proposal will run from September 16 to October 11.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Egypt Opts for Chinese J-10C Fighters, Shifting Away from US Military Hardware

Egypt has signed a deal with China to purchase J-10C fighter jets on August 19, 2024, marking a significant shift in its defense procurement strategy. The agreement makes Egypt the second international customer for the J-10C after Pakistan and aims to replace Egypts aging F-16 fleet with these modern multirole fighters. This decision comes after Egypt rejected offers from the United States and Russia, including a proposal to upgrade its existing F-16s to the F-16V standard. The move reflects Egypts efforts to diversify its military suppliers and modernize its air force capabilities, moving away from its traditional reliance on Western, particularly American, military equipment.

Anduril Introduces Cost-Effective Autonomous Cruise Missiles to Boost U.S. Military Capabilities

Defense technology company Anduril Industries has unveiled its new Barracuda family of autonomous cruise missiles, which is currently in the flight-testing phase. The family includes three variants: Barracuda-100, Barracuda-250, and Barracuda-500, each designed for different launch platforms and mission types. All variants share common subsystems and capabilities, including long-range travel, payload capacity over 100 pounds, and the ability to loiter for more than two hours. Anduril has focused on cost-effectiveness and simplified production, with the missiles requiring fewer tools and parts than traditional systems, resulting in a 30% cost reduction compared to comparable missiles. The development aims to address the U.S. militarys need for increased stockpiles of precision weapons to enhance deterrence against peer competitors. (read more)

DARPA Funds BAE Systems AI Combat Pilot Development with $4 Million Contract

DARPA has awarded BAE Systems FAST Labs a $4 million contract for Phase 1 of the Artificial Intelligence Reinforcements (AIR) program. The project aims to develop AI-driven autonomous systems for beyond-visual-range air combat missions using F-16 testbeds. BAE Systems will use machine learning to create simulation models of sensors, electronic warfare systems, and weapons in dynamic environments. The work, to be conducted in Arlington, Virginia, and Burlington, Massachusetts, seeks to generate reliable autonomous air combat performance through extensive data and testing cycles.

Austria Considers Joint M-346 Trainer Acquisition with Italy for Air Force Upgrade

Austria is considering acquiring M-346 jet trainers with Italy to modernize its air force. Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner revealed interest in the M-346FA variant, which offers dual functionality for training and air surveillance/defense missions. This potential acquisition aims to fill the gap left by the retirement of Austrias Saab 105 fleet in 2020. While alternatives like the L-39NG and T-7 are also considered, this initiative aligns with Austrias recent trend of joint military acquisitions, such as the AW169M helicopter deal with Italy and the Embraer C-390 partnership with the Netherlands.

Japan Enhances Maritime Defense with $20.8M FLIR Camera Upgrade for SH-60L Helicopters

Japan has contracted Teledyne FLIR for $20.8 million to supply 10 Star SAFIRE 380-HLD multi-spectral imaging systems for its Mitsubishi SH-60L helicopters over three years. These advanced FLIR cameras combine high-definition visual and thermal video capabilities with laser technologies, enhancing Japans maritime threat detection, intelligence gathering, and reconnaissance capabilities in all weather conditions. Three initial units have been shipped to Tokyo for assessment. This acquisition is part of Japans broader initiative to modernize its maritime defense capabilities, replacing older SH-60K models and strengthening its ability to monitor territorial waters and outlying territories in response to regional security challenges.
In the afternoon of September 12, Russian occupants fired on the transport of the International Committee of the Red Cross humanitarian mission in the Donetsk region. Three people were killed in the attack.

ADVERTISIMENT

Two more people were injured. This was announced by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

According to the president, the injured people are being provided with all necessary assistance. Three more people were killed in this Russian strike.

"Everything is absolutely clear in this war: Russia brings evil, Ukraine protects life. And if someone wants to hear "both sides", then in Russia this is perceived only as permission to kill further," Zelenskyy wrote.

The Head of State said that the world should respond harshly and in principle to Russian crimes. Zelenskyy noted that both countries and international organizations should not remain indifferent, because only together can the world force Russia to stop terror and make Moscow seek peace.

Dmytro Lubinets, the Ukrainian Parliamentary Commissioner for Human Rights, clarified that the three victims were Red Cross staff members and citizens of Ukraine. The humanitarian mission's vehicle came under fire in the village of Viroliubivka in Donetsk region. The Red Cross workers were in a truck transporting humanitarian aid.

ADVERTISIMENT

Lubinets was outraged that the shelling was already known, but the International Committee of the Red Cross was silent and did not respond to the Russian terrorist attack.

"No reaction, condemnation, or expression of condolences! Thus, this silence only covers the criminal policy of the Russian Federation! The ICRC must officially and publicly recognize Russia's violation of the Geneva Conventions! Is the ICRC completely indifferent even to the deaths of its employees? Or are they afraid to tell the truth?" Lubinets wrote.

The Donetsk Regional Prosecutor's Office clarified that the Russians fired at the truck with cannon artillery. According to law enforcement officials, Red Cross employees arrived in the village to distribute fuel briquettes to local residents to heat their homes. At the time of the shelling, they were unloading the delivered aid.

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As a result of the attack, men aged 40, 41, and 48 were killed on the spot. Two of them  35 and 41 years old  received shrapnel wounds and mine-blast injuries. They were taken to a medical facility. One of the victims is in a serious condition.

Under the procedural supervision of the Donetsk Regional Prosecutor's Office, a pre-trial investigation into the criminal proceedings over violation of the laws and customs of war (Part 2 of Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine) has been initiated.

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Earlier it was reported that on the night of September 12, the Russian occupation army attacked Khmelnytsky region with Shahed kamikaze drones. As a result of the shelling, a fire broke out in the region. The fire occurred in one of the warehouses for furniture products.

On the night of September 12, the Russian terrorist army once again tried to attack Kyiv. The enemy launched kamikaze attack drones at the Ukrainian capital. Air defense forces destroyed all enemy UAVs on the outskirts of the capital.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Almudena Nogues Malaga Thursday, 12 September 2024, 09:18 Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace

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With the arrival of September, Malaga meets up with fashion again. A tradition that has been repeated for 13 years now. The two-day event - which this year defies all bad luck with its anniversary number (and opening date) - will take place this weekend: Friday 13 and Saturday 14 in the commercial heart of the city centre. The already emblematic blue carpet will once again dress Calle Larios, the longest catwalk in Europe (350 metres long), on which the latest offerings from outstanding local, national and international designers and fashion firms will be paraded. A highly regarded showcase that will allow all who attend to review the new trends and to show the muscle of an industry that is becoming more and more important in the productive fabric of the province. So that you don't miss anything, here is a quick guide with everything you need to know.

Where and when?

The event takes place in Calle Larios, a privileged open-air setting that makes this event unique in Europe. It is the longest catwalk held on the old continent, on a blue carpet of more than 300 metres long. The fashion shows will be held on Friday 13 and Saturday 14 September from 8pm onwards. On the first day, Malaga, national and international designers will be on show, while the second day will feature the more commercial firms and aspiring new talent under the umbrella of Malaga de Moda.

How to attend as a member of the public

To be able to attend this event, all you have to do is go to the event and occupy one of the many chairs available for the occasion along Calle Larios (from the entrance in front of the Plaza de la Marina to Plaza de la Constitucion). Admission is free. The organisers have already distributed tickets to many districts and social and cultural groups in the province, but there are still many free seats along the blue walkway. However, it is advisable to arrive in good time to grab a seat (the event starts at 8pm).

The detailed line-up, by day

On Friday 13 September designer Juan Carlos Armas (b. Tenerife 1963) will open the event. He will do so with his collection Recuerdos, in which each piece tells a story, "each detail reveals a secret that transports us to the memories and people with whom we have lived and who have left their mark and their mastery", said the company. Taking over the blue carpet will be the Malaga haute couturier Jesus Segado, faithful to this event since its inception. On this occasion the designer will review his career with a dozen of some of the most emblematic outfits of his career since 2012.

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After Segado comes Btissam Dahane Couture (from Morocco), Antonia Garcia Galiano from Malaga with her ceremonial garments, Kaba Fashion and the Portuguese Jokoth. Then it will be the turn of Hard Rock Cafe, Romeo Couture (also from Morocco) and the Malaga-based designer Inma de la Riva, who will bring her quirky interpretation of 'Sense and Sensibility' to the catwalk, and Teressa Ninu, who will wear eight, flamenco-inspired, bridal designs that pay tribute to monuments in Malaga province. Closing the first day will be local company Moncho Heredia (a benchmark brand in the design, manufacture and distribution of party, cocktail and dresses for other big events for a quarter of a century), Pepitina Ruiz from Jaen with her 'Art in silk', Lucia Cano and Susana Hidalgo from Malaga, who will receive the 'Golden Pin', a key award at this annual event in recognition of her career.

On Saturday 14 September it will be the turn of emerging designers, some of the main local brands and Agatha Ruiz de la Prada - a regular at this event. The catwalk will open with a parade of pieces by masters of design from the Museo del Automovil y la Moda de Malaga and its valuable private collection, which debuts this year on Larios. After them, the Ukrainian designer Vel Yurchenko (with By Vel), the international textile group Bestseller and then the rising talent competition Malaga de Moda Talento y Creatividad 2024 will take up the baton. The line-up will be completed by Malaga-born Julio Enrique Avila (Ferrucho), Cala, the swimwear firm BananaMoon, Livia Monte-Carlo, the flamenco-style fashion of Jose Galvan and the tailoring and ceremony of another of the faithful to the blue carpet: Felix Ramiro. In addition, as a new feature, there will be what is expected to be an emotional parade of women from the Spanish association against cancer (AECC) dressed by Jesus Segado from Malaga.

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An opportunity for new talent

In addition, the Diputacion de Malaga (Malaga's provincial authority), through its promotional brand Malaga de Moda, will once again give a dozen new talents the opportunity to present their designs. In this year's competition, the following will step onto the impressive blue carpet: Azahara Crisostomo Medina, Carmen Torres, Florencia Diambri, Jose Antonio Velazquez, Laura Maria Alvarez, Leo Bassa, Maria Jose Perujo, Raul Dona Gomez, Rocio Gonzalez, Rosario Garcia, Samuel Reyes and Sergio Rodriguez.

Cancer patients turned models

Among the great new features of this year's event, ten women from the AECC will parade in this fashion event, dressed by the hand of Jesus Segado from Malaga. They are Feli Gaviero, Raquel Plata, Carmen Cortes, Mari Angeles Campos, Gema Perez Recuerda, Marga Muriel Alba, Ramoni Fernandez, Laura Jimenez, Ana Belen Rivera and Rachida Bouamama, who will take to the blue carpet on Saturday dressed in haute couture. "You are an example of overcoming adversity, when other cancer patients see you in this fashion show they will be thrilled because the disease does not prevent you from keeping your dreams alive and achieving whatever you set out to be", said the provincial president of the cancer association (AECC Malaga), Joaquin Morales.

'Golden pin' for Susana Hidalgo

The most coveted award of Pasarela Larios, the Alfiler de Oro (golden pin), has been granted this year to the Malaga design studio of Susana Hidalgo. The designer - with an atelier on Calle Larios itself - will collect the award this Friday on the opening day, after presenting her 'Rosa' collection on the catwalk, a tribute to her mother, whose meticulous handmade embroidery is present in most of her garments. "It has been a great joy for me to receive this recognition for my career. My passion for fashion is totally vocational, since I can remember myself among threads and cut-offs for as long as I can remember", she confessed to SUR.

Presentation of the video Disenos con Alma (designs with soul)

As the organisers have announced, during this, the XIII Pasarela Larios Malaga Fashion Week, the video 'Designs with Soul: Malaga craftsmanship' will be presented. "This project highlights the richness and diversity of the craftsmanship of our land, it is a tribute to the dedication, talent and effort of those who keep alive the essence of local craftsmanship", they stated.

New Fashion Talent 2024 Award

Sponsor company Nails Factory, in support of new emerging talent, will present the 'New Fashion Talent 2024' award, which aims to promote and recognise creativity and innovation in fashion. The award ceremony for this will take place on Saturday.

MY Award for the best models

The Pasarela Larios catwalk will host on its first day the fourth edition of the MY Best Model Pasarela Larios Award, which the beauty and aesthetic medicine firm Maribel Yebenes created in 2018 to recognise the talent and know-how of these fashion professionals and which in 2019 was extended to male models. Each award winner will be presented with treatments worth 3,000 euros, which they will be able to enjoy at the MY Malaga boutique centre. During the fashion shows on the first day a professional jury, chaired by MY's director, Myriam Yebenes, along with cultural manager Martin Moniche, designer Ana Vera, journalist Celia Bermejo, fashion designer Beatriz Penalver and digital creator and fashion and creative consultant Eduardo Valderrama, will decide which models have paraded the best and who best represents the values of naturalness, elegance and personality that also embodies MY's company values.

Thirteenth edition

The Pasarela Larios fashion event started up in 2011 and since then has established itself as an important date to note in the fashion calendar. This year, 2024, it celebrates its thirteenth edition. The event is organised by Nueva Moda Producciones and Malaga city council's department for business and commerce. Last May, both parties signed a collaborative agreement to "promote Spanish fashion and support and promote its designers, as well as promoting fashion made in Malaga." The Unicaja foundation is also participating in this year's event as the main sponsor. With more than 100 accredited journalists and media and a daily audience of more than 15,000 people, last year the event reached an international audience with more than 600,000 hits on social media.
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Syracuse, N.Y. -- The public can offer opinions Wednesday on National Grids plan to run extra-high voltage lines underground to Micron Technologys proposed chipmaking complex in the town of Clay.

The Public Service Commission hearing will begin at 1 p.m. in the Clay Town Hall, 4401 Route 31. It will last for a minimum of 30 minutes and continue until the last speaker is heard.

Micron plans to build up to four fabrication plants, or fabs, at the northeast corner of Caughdenoy Road and Route 31. To serve the project, National Grid has asked for PSC approval to run eight lines under Caughdenoy Road from the electric substation on the west side of the road to Micron on the east.

Each line would be 345-kilovolt, the same voltage carried by long-distance transmission lines that run along the New York State Thruway.

The proximity of the National Grid substation across Caughdenoy Road from the Micron site was an important factor in luring the chip maker to Central New York. Semiconductor plants consume enormous amounts of electricity: At full build-out in 20 years, Micron could use as much electricity as New Hampshire and Vermont combined.

National Grid also plans to upgrade and expand the Clay substation. The utility has not detailed the total cost of the entire project, but said Micron would pay the vast majority of the cost.

To see the details of the plan and reports on its potential impacts, go to www.dps.ny.gov, click on File Search (located under the heading Commission Files) and enter Case 24-T-0120 in the Search by Case Number field. To file a written comment online, follow those instructions and then click Post Comments.

Comments can also be sent by mail to the Hon. Michelle L. Phillips, Secretary, Public Service Commission, Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, New York, 12223-1350.

Also on Wednesday, the PSC will hold a separate public hearing at Clay Town Hall on National Grids request for a rate hike. The utility proposes to raise Upstate natural gas rates 20% and electric rates 15%. Those would be the biggest rate hikes in recent decades.

That hearing begins at 6 p.m.
The Global Citizen Festival is making its grand return to Central Park in New York City on Saturday, September 28, 2024. This iconic event, which has been a powerful force for change since its inception in 2012, unites music lovers and activists in a shared mission to end extreme poverty and address critical global issues.

This years lineup includes artists like Post Malone, Doja Cat, LISA, Jelly Roll, Rauw Alejandro, Benson Boone and RAYE.

Global Citizen Ambassador Hugh Jackman will host the event, with special appearances by Dr. Jane Goodall, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and UN Messenger of Peace, and Chris Martin of Coldplay.

Date: Saturday, September 28, 2024

Location: Great Lawn, Central Park, NYC

Time: Gates open at 2 p.m., Show from 4-10 p.m.

Where to buy Global Citizen Festival tickets

Although general admission to the festival is completely sold out, tickets are still available on secondary market platforms such as Vivid Seats, SeatGeek and StubHub.

Limited VIP tickets are also available on Ticketmaster, Vivid Seats, SeatGeek and StubHub, granting special entry, exclusive access, prime viewing and other perks.

Heres a look at the best prices available (including fees):

General Admission

Global VIP

Ultimate VIP

Prices and availability are noted at the time of publishing and are subject to change.

Cant get enough live music? Check out other upcoming music festivals, including All Thing Go NYC, Sea.Hear.Now, Farm Aid and Borderland.
As kids have returned to school and sweater weather is imminent, cider doughnut season is officially underway in Central New York.

This beloved autumn staple generates long lines of fans at farm stands, orchards, pumpkin patches and autumn festivals around the area. The reward for the wait is a hot, fresh cake donut fresh from the fryer.

Newyorkupstate.com, an insiders guide to Upstate NY, has released a list of top spots to find the autumn delight around the state and included several locations in our area.

>>See NYUp.coms guide to 21 cider doughnut spots around Upstate NY

Combine this list with your plans for leaf peeping for the ultimate fall weekend:

Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards , LaFayette

Navarino Orchards, LaFayette

Tims Pumpkin Patch, Marietta

Appledale Orchards, Mexico

Owen Orchards, Weedsport

Hollenbecks Cider Mill, Cortland

Ontario Orchards, Oswego

If youre looking to expand your doughnut to-do list, we would also add these locations:

Abbott Farms, Baldwinsville

ONeills Orchard, LaFayette

Critz Farms, Cazenovia

Wills Cackleberry Castle Pumpkin Farm, Camden

Regional Donut Authority at the CNY Regional Market, Syracuse

No matter where you stop on this list, fall flavors are sure to be on full display.
Syracuse, N.Y.  Onondaga County will beef up the ranks of child protective workers  adding 10 caseworkers and five assistants  if lawmakers approve the 2025 budget proposed today by County Executive Ryan McMahon.

McMahon is proposing a $1.56 billion budget, which increases spending 5.8% but cuts the property tax rate by 9%.
Grand Island, N.Y.  A middle school student died Wednesday night after she was hit by a car in Upstate New York.

Leah Mayer, an eighth grader at Veronica E. Connor Middle School in Grand Island, has been identified as the student killed in the crash, said Grand Island Superintendent Brian Graham.

We mourn the loss of Leah Mayer, a beautiful soul who touched the lives of many in our community, he said.

The accident happened shortly after 9 p.m. on South Parkway near Broadway, the Erie County Sheriffs Office told WIVB. No additional information was immediately released.

Grand Island is an island town about 15 minutes from downtown Buffalo.

The accident happened just one week into the school year.

Graham asked the Grand Island community to remember the incredible light Leah brought to the people in her life.

Leah was selfless, a loyal friend, and a constant source of positivity. Her energy seemed to glow from within, and she was known as a voice for others, always ready to stand up and support those around her, he wrote in a Facebook post. Her presence will be missed dearly, but her spirit will continue to inspire all who knew her.

The Grand Island Central School District has offered grief counselors and other support services for middle and high school students, faculty and staff.

In a message to the community posted earlier today, the superintendent reported photos and videos of the accident were being shared on social media.

These images are deeply distressing and have triggered significant grief and emotional responses in our students and community members, Graham said.

The superintendent asked parents to encourage their children to avoid engaging with or sharing the disturbing content.
On September 17, 1939, the USSR sent troops into Poland after the Wehrmacht entered Poland on September 1. The whole world was alarmed by the news that the Polish state had ceased to exist. The eastern territories were annexed to the USSR in accordance with the Secret Protocol of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, officially called the Non-Aggression Pact between Germany and the USSR.

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And on the morning of September 17, 1939, 700 thousand Red Army soldiers invaded Poland on Stalin's orders. OBOZ.UA explains how and why the USSR attacked Poland 85 years ago.

According to the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, Germany and the USSR divided their spheres of influence, which led to the so-called fourth partition of Poland.

Between 3 and 6 a.m. on September 17, the USSR struck at the rear of Polish troops fighting the Third Reich. Beforehand, the Polish ambassador to the USSR, Wacaw Grzybowski, was handed a note stating that "the Polish Republic no longer exists."

Many years later, Grzybowski recalled on Radio Free Europe that he received a call from the USSR's Foreign Ministry at about 2 a.m. "I was prepared for bad news, but the news that awaited me was even worse," the ambassador recalled.

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Stalin ordered the crossing of the Polish border. An armed aggression began, carried out like Hitler's invasion on September 1, without a declaration of war.

More than 6,000 tanks and about 1,800 aircraft attacked Poland's eastern borders. However, the Polish government of the time even called for avoiding clashes with the Red Army and did not break off diplomatic relations with Moscow. Only a day later, on the night of September 17-18, the Polish government crossed the border with Romania, intending to flee to France.

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Of course, not the entire army accepted the order not to start fighting against the Red Army. Soldiers and civilians began to organize resistance. According to rough estimates, about 2,500 Polish soldiers were killed in the battles with the Soviet army, and another 20,000 were wounded or went missing. Soviet losses are estimated to have amounted to 3,000 killed and 6-7,000 wounded. More than 250 thousand Polish soldiers were taken prisoner by the Soviets. This figure includes 10 thousand officers who were shot by order of the NKVD in 1940.

Subscribe to OBOZ.UA's Telegram and Viber channels to keep up with the latest developments.

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Geddes, N.Y.  New York State Police have closed their investigation into reports of gunfire that rattled visitors on the second-to-last night of the New York State Fair, an agency spokesperson said Thursday.

The investigation was closed after troopers found no evidence of a shooting, according to the spokesperson, Trooper Sgt. Jack Keller.
New York  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 years 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.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy may meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping in October. The heads of state may hold talks at the opening of the Beijing Defense Forum.

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The likelihood of a meeting between Zelenskyy and Xi is evidenced by the improvement in Beijing's diplomatic relations with Kyiv. This was reported by Reuters.

According to former Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine Oleksandr Chalyi, a meeting between the leaders of China and Ukraine is now possible, as diplomatic relations between the countries have improved.

"Now all of us in Ukraine are waiting for some contacts, direct contacts between President Zelenskyy and President Xi," the diplomat said.

In turn, Cui Hongjian, director of the European Studies Department at the China Institute of International Studies, said that China is open to dialogue, in particular, it is ready to join the second Peace Summit. Beijing does not want Chinese diplomatic efforts to "go to waste."

China seeks to position itself as a responsible player in international conflicts. In particular, the theme of the Beijing Defense Forum will be "Promoting Peace for a Common Future."

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As a reminder, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Chinese President Xi Jinping held telephone talks on April 26, 2024. During the conversation, the Chinese leader called dialogue the only way to resolve the conflict.

Earlier, Zelenskyy said that President Xi Jinping had promised that he would not transfer weapons to the Russian Federation for the war against Ukraine.

Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Don't fall for fakes!
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On September 10 , Ukrainian servicemen of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine together with the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine mined and blew up a section of the Stary Oskol-Valuyky railway in the Belgorod region of Russia. As a result, a freight train that met the logistical needs of the occupiers derailed.

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OBOZ.UA learned about this from its own sources. After the railroad track exploded , 11 cars and the locomotive of the freight train derailed and overturned.

"The railroad artery in question is paralyzed, and a number of trains have been canceled. Work on weakening the aggressor state of Russia continues," the source said.

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As a reminder, the explosion on the railroad in Belgorod region occurred in the evening of September 10. The Russian Federation reported that a freight train had hit an explosive device planted under a railroad track. Russian investigators opened a case under the article "terrorist attack."

Belgorod Region Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said that the accident occurred in the Novooskolsky urban district "as a result of illegal interference in the operation of railway transport." According to him, the railroad cars were allegedly empty. He also assured that there were no injuries, and trains are currently being sent around this area.

As reported by OBOZ.UA:

- On the night of September 10, Russia complained about a UAV attack - unknown drones were heading towards the Russian capital Moscow. The "Carpet" plan was announced at Moscow's Vnukovo and Domodedovo airports.

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- On September 8, a UAV attacked a fuel storage site in the Belgorod region of the Russian Federation. A fire broke out there.

Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
andrewsbruce Newbie

Join Date: Sep 2024 Location: Hyderabad Posts: 1 Thanked: 22 Times

Eastern Coast - Western Coast | My Vacation to Vizag & Mumbai | Road-Trip in a Tata Punch

I definitely wanted to start expanding my horizons after finishing my first year of college successfully. And that's where, as the title indicates, this unplanned journey has taken mefrom one side of India to another. I stay in Hyderabad and have taken these journeys with a layover.



The plan was to drive from Hyderabad to Visakhapatnam along with my family . And for this weve chosen the mighty tata punch. Weve left Hyderabad at 6:20 AM on May 24 and entered the city outskirts within 40 minutes. We took the Hyderabad-Vijayawada-Rajahmundry-Vizag Route for this drive entering NH-65. The road conditions were good and we arrived at Vijayawada at lunchtime in the midst of traffic, and it took us about an hour to escape its chaotic traffic.



From there weve catched the NH 16 and thus the lovely roads began, offering us some eye  catching, Lushful greenery spread on the either sides of the highway and its lanes being stretched across 68 . In addition, there wasnt any heavy traffic, so I could pleasantly cruise and listen to the music without being bothered. The car also performed well on the highway although on some occasions it felt a bit underpowered while overtaking but overall it had done its job. We arrived at Visakhapatnam around 7:30 p.m. and decided to end the day there.



The next day we started exploring the iconic places which included the visit to the well-known RK Beach, and the various museums surrounding it and ended the day at kailasagiri.













After that In the following 5 days our time was proportionately spent on the other gems that this city offers such as the Rushikonda beach, Dolphins Nose lighthouse , Simhachalam temple and a mini trip to the Araku valley. Even though my heart was still in Vizag, we had to return to Hyderabad after completing the trip in six days.



Here are some of the pictures:



















Neverthless, We have decided to do another road journey to Maharashtra after taking a week off and preparing. However, for this journey weve decided to take the Innova crysta rather than the Tata punch and the decision seemed right after encountering numerous potholes, unfinished roads and the crysta tackled those roads with ease.



So, our itinerary of Maharashtra included Shirdi, the Ellora caves , and Mumbai. We went via Zaheerabad-Omerga-Naldurg-Tuljapur-Osmanabad-Aurangabad and then hopped on sammrudhi Mahamarg till Shirdi.

As far as Ive observed the road conditions till Karnataka border were good. After entering into Maharashtra the condition was not alright till tuljapur. Encountered several potholes , traffic and some part of the road is having rework. After crossing tuljapur, the roads till Aurangabad were pretty decent and I cruised easily till 120 kmph. We left Hyderabad at 8:30AM and reached to Aurangabad at 5:00 PM with some tea breaks, lunch and fuel stops.







Then took the Ellora entry of the samruddhi mahamarg and travelled on it for 110 kms, exiting at Shirdi . It was my first time driving on the samruddhi mahamarg and Ive truly enjoyed driving on it.

The surprising part however was the road reworks that are happening after taking the Shirdi exit. Sometimes the two lanes were to the left and after several minutes it abruptly shifted to the right without even indication. So, it was a bit of a turmoil.Through that road weve entered Shirdi at around 8:00 pm and called it a day off.



The next morning, weve taken the babas blessings and went on to visit the ellora caves. The ellora caves were mesmerizing and Ive enjoyed thoroughly exploring the caves.









The following day we woke up early and I felt excited because its time to hit Mumbai! Had our breakfast, packed up all ready to leave Shirdi.

For this too weve decided to take the samruddhi mahamarg again. And weve entered through the Shirdi entry point and travelled till the last stop which ended atIgatpuri. After entering Igatpuri as google maps shown we drove through the Mumbai-Agra road till thane and after crossing thane There was a smile on my face as Ive started to see the tall structures in the far distance because we entered Mumbai!!!



Here are a few pics while on the way to Mumbai:







It took us 5 hours to drive from Shirdi to Mumbai and we stayed at the ISCKON guest house located at Juhu. After taking the blessings of lord Krishna and some rest it was sunset and we decided to drive to the gateway of India. It was my first time driving on the Bandra-Worli Sealink and as I glanced at the Mumbai skyline while driving It felt like that Ive been transported to another country.

The next day weve spent our morning at the Juhu beach. And decided to spend the whole day at Southern part of Mumbai exploring the Gateway of India for a second time, Colaba causeway, marine drive , CST , The Mahalakshmi Temple and Siddhivinayak Mandir along with a sightseeing of the famous houses at Altamount road and bandstand.



















The next morning, we decided to head back home and travelled through a different path this time via Navi Mumbai catching the Mumbai-Pune Expressway passing through the Lonavala and Khandala ghats. It took a lot of time to get out of the Pune traffic as we entered the city in the middle of morning rush hour. We exited Pune and continued on the NH-65 till Solapur-Naldurg-Omerga-Zahirabad and finally reached Hyderabad at 1:00 AM.

I hope you guys have enjoyed reading this thread. As this is my first thread and new to this forum if there are any suggestions and corrections feel free to let me know. Hello Everyone, this is my first post on this forum and Im going to share one of my special journeys that Ive taken recently.I definitely wanted to start expanding my horizons after finishing my first year of college successfully. And that's where, as the title indicates, this unplanned journey has taken mefrom one side of India to another. I stay in Hyderabad and have taken these journeys with a layover.The plan was to drive from Hyderabad to Visakhapatnam along with my family . And for this weve chosen the mighty tata punch. Weve left Hyderabad at 6:20 AM on May 24 and entered the city outskirts within 40 minutes. We took the Hyderabad-Vijayawada-Rajahmundry-Vizag Route for this drive entering NH-65. The road conditions were good and we arrived at Vijayawada at lunchtime in the midst of traffic, and it took us about an hour to escape its chaotic traffic.From there weve catched the NH 16 and thus the lovely roads began, offering us some eye  catching, Lushful greenery spread on the either sides of the highway and its lanes being stretched across 68 . In addition, there wasnt any heavy traffic, so I could pleasantly cruise and listen to the music without being bothered. The car also performed well on the highway although on some occasions it felt a bit underpowered while overtaking but overall it had done its job. We arrived at Visakhapatnam around 7:30 p.m. and decided to end the day there.The next day we started exploring the iconic places which included the visit to the well-known RK Beach, and the various museums surrounding it and ended the day at kailasagiri.After that In the following 5 days our time was proportionately spent on the other gems that this city offers such as the Rushikonda beach, Dolphins Nose lighthouse , Simhachalam temple and a mini trip to the Araku valley. Even though my heart was still in Vizag, we had to return to Hyderabad after completing the trip in six days.Here are some of the pictures:Neverthless, We have decided to do another road journey to Maharashtra after taking a week off and preparing. However, for this journey weve decided to take the Innova crysta rather than the Tata punch and the decision seemed right after encountering numerous potholes, unfinished roads and the crysta tackled those roads with ease.So, our itinerary of Maharashtra included Shirdi, the Ellora caves , and Mumbai. We went via Zaheerabad-Omerga-Naldurg-Tuljapur-Osmanabad-Aurangabad and then hopped on sammrudhi Mahamarg till Shirdi.As far as Ive observed the road conditions till Karnataka border were good. After entering into Maharashtra the condition was not alright till tuljapur. Encountered several potholes , traffic and some part of the road is having rework. After crossing tuljapur, the roads till Aurangabad were pretty decent and I cruised easily till 120 kmph. We left Hyderabad at 8:30AM and reached to Aurangabad at 5:00 PM with some tea breaks, lunch and fuel stops.Then took the Ellora entry of the samruddhi mahamarg and travelled on it for 110 kms, exiting at Shirdi . It was my first time driving on the samruddhi mahamarg and Ive truly enjoyed driving on it.The surprising part however was the road reworks that are happening after taking the Shirdi exit. Sometimes the two lanes were to the left and after several minutes it abruptly shifted to the right without even indication. So, it was a bit of a turmoil.Through that road weve entered Shirdi at around 8:00 pm and called it a day off.The next morning, weve taken the babas blessings and went on to visit the ellora caves. The ellora caves were mesmerizing and Ive enjoyed thoroughly exploring the caves.The following day we woke up early and I felt excited because its time to hit Mumbai! Had our breakfast, packed up all ready to leave Shirdi.For this too weve decided to take the samruddhi mahamarg again. And weve entered through the Shirdi entry point and travelled till the last stop which ended atIgatpuri. After entering Igatpuri as google maps shown we drove through the Mumbai-Agra road till thane and after crossing thane There was a smile on my face as Ive started to see the tall structures in the far distance because we entered Mumbai!!!Here are a few pics while on the way to Mumbai:It took us 5 hours to drive from Shirdi to Mumbai and we stayed at the ISCKON guest house located at Juhu. After taking the blessings of lord Krishna and some rest it was sunset and we decided to drive to the gateway of India. It was my first time driving on the Bandra-Worli Sealink and as I glanced at the Mumbai skyline while driving It felt like that Ive been transported to another country.The next day weve spent our morning at the Juhu beach. And decided to spend the whole day at Southern part of Mumbai exploring the Gateway of India for a second time, Colaba causeway, marine drive , CST , The Mahalakshmi Temple and Siddhivinayak Mandir along with a sightseeing of the famous houses at Altamount road and bandstand.The next morning, we decided to head back home and travelled through a different path this time via Navi Mumbai catching the Mumbai-Pune Expressway passing through the Lonavala and Khandala ghats. It took a lot of time to get out of the Pune traffic as we entered the city in the middle of morning rush hour. We exited Pune and continued on the NH-65 till Solapur-Naldurg-Omerga-Zahirabad and finally reached Hyderabad at 1:00 AM.I hope you guys have enjoyed reading this thread. As this is my first thread and new to this forum if there are any suggestions and corrections feel free to let me know. Attached Thumbnails




Something to look forward to: Most consumers have come to accept that laptop hardware is generally static, with only a few models allowing for memory and storage upgrades. However, for the past few years, Berlin-based company MNT Research has been working to provide mobile users with true modularity and total independence from mainstream hardware and software vendors. The company is preparing to launch a crowdfunding campaign for the next step in its hardware ecosystem.

Modular laptop maker MNT Research has unveiled plans for a successor to its open-source Reform laptop. Called the Reform Next, this updated model boasts a sleeker design, a new touchpad, and MNT's latest hot-swappable CPU.

MNT's Arm Linux notebooks offer users near-total freedom through DIY assembly, akin to building a desktop PC. Components like the processor, RAM, storage, and even the 3D-printable chassis are independently upgradable.

Owners of the original 2021 Reform laptop can upgrade to the RK3588 SoC, which MNT introduced in April. However, the Reform Next comes with it pre-installed. This new chip features four Cortex-A76 performance cores, boosting up to 2.4GHz, along with four Cortex-A55 efficiency cores running at 1.8GHz, and a Mali G610 MP4 integrated GPU. It supports up to 16 or 32 GB of memory, dual display output, PCIe 3.0, and USB 3.0 connectivity.

MNT also achieved a lighter design by splitting the motherboard into multiple components, implementing a custom battery pack, and replacing the trackball with a trackpad featuring three Cherry MX mechanical buttons. The system retains the RGB mechanical keyboard from its predecessor, using Kailh Choc switches.

MNT is still finalizing the hardware for the Reform Next and plans to launch a crowdfunding campaign on Crowd Supply. Interested users can follow updates through the company's website or Mastodon profile.

The Reform laptops are positioned as general-purpose portable PCs with a strong emphasis on security and privacy. MNT's website criticizes the surveillance tools commonly embedded in mainstream hardware and software, describing its CPUs as an alternative to the rise of generative AI. With companies like Apple, Qualcomm, Intel, and AMD embedding NPUs for AI workloads into their new and upcoming processors, it's likely that most laptops will soon include AI technology by default.

For those seeking modular laptops who don't mind using Windows, Intel, or AMD, the Framework lineup is worth exploring. Framework offers a more traditional form factor with hot-swappable mainboards and other components. The company recently introduced Intel Core Ultra 100 and AMD Ryzen 7000 options.
The big picture: Vladimir Putin's Kremlin is well known for exerting draconian control over the media as a means to keep Russian society in check. The internet is, of course, part of this strategy, and Russia has even prepared plans to disconnect its local network from the global online infrastructure if necessary.

Russia's Ministry of Digital Development plans to allocate a significant sum to upgrade the country's internet censorship system, known as Technical Measures to Combat Threats (TSPU). Already deployed across local network service providers, the Kremlin aims to spend nearly 60 billion roubles (about $660 million) over the next five years to enhance TSPU's capabilities.

A government proposal, obtained by Reuters, outlines the planned expansion of TSPU. The system combines hardware and software to manage network traffic, using a suite of homegrown tools controlled by Roskomnadzor, the Russian agency responsible for monitoring and censoring mass media, including information technology and telecommunications.

Under the proposal, the government would allocate $660 million from Russia's federal budget for 2025-2030 to advance TSPU. This includes purchasing new software and hardware, adding unspecified capabilities, and generally upgrading the system's current censorship tools.

Since 2019, a federal law has required Russian internet service providers to install TSPU equipment, which is provided by government authorities. The system is now widespread, with 6,000 specialized devices discovered across Russia's internet in 2022 alone. The additional $660 million investment would be a significant boost for Roskomnadzor, especially considering the agency's entire budget for 2023 was 32.15 billion roubles ($354 million).

One of the primary targets of TSPU censorship is virtual private networks, a popular service among Russian internet users. VPNs allow users to access independent media and international websites, but Russian authorities claim they are used to access previously blocked, illegal content. The government proposal suggests that a modernized TSPU could increase VPN-blocking efficiency to 96 percent.

However, Mazay Banzaev, founder of the Amnezia VPN service, argues that increasing censorship efforts against private networks will not deter users from accessing these tools. It's a cat-and-mouse game, Banzaev told Reuters, adding that while funding is important, the determination of skilled VPN programmers is even more crucial.
A hot potato: In the latest instance of generative AI being used for something that AI probably shouldn't be used for, Nevada is set to become the first state to use the technology to make recommendations on unemployment benefit appeals. Since these systems are prone to errors, bias, and hallucinations, there are understandable concerns about the move. The fact that courts may not be able to overturn rulings made on the basis of an AI's mistake is compounding these fears.

Nevada's Google-powered generative AI system is set to launch within the next few months, reports Gizmodo. Its function will be to analyze transcripts of unemployment appeals hearings and issue recommendations to the humans that give a final verdict.

Nevada's Department of Employment, Training, and Rehabilitation (DETR) paid Google $1,383,838 for the AI tech, which uses a Google cloud service called Vertex AI Studio. It will generate recommendations based on transcripts of unemployment hearing appeals and rulings, comparing the information to previous cases.

The system is being introduced to expedite the appeals process. DETR's information technology administrator, Carl Stanfield, said the employees take about three hours on average to write a determination. The AI system will reduce this to just five minutes in some cases. That could be especially helpful in Nevada, which has a backlog of more than 40,000 appeals resulting from a rise in unemployment claims during the pandemic.

The downside, of course, is that generative AI remains notorious for spouting falsehoods and generally making things up. The DETR says recommendations made by its AI will be reviewed by at least one human. If the person agrees, the decision will be signed off. If they don't, the document will be revised and the agency will investigate what happened.

"There's no AI [written decisions] that are going out without having human interaction and that human review," said DETR director Christopher Sewell.

Google said it will work with Nevada to "identify and address any potential bias" and to "help them comply with federal and state requirements."

There are concerns that DETR employees will feel forced to rush their reviews of the AI's recommendations, thereby clearing the backlog faster. It's especially worrying as this could impact a claimant's ability to appeal a case.

"In cases that involve questions of fact, the district court cannot substitute its own judgment for the judgment of the appeal referee," Elizabeth Carmona, a senior attorney with Nevada Legal Services, told Gizmodo. This means a court might not be able to overturn a human decision based on an AI error. It would likely be difficult to pinpoint where an error originated, too.

Despite these legitimate concerns, don't be surprised to see more states start using AI to speed up processes by helping to make important decisions.
In today's world, information technology increasingly pervades and influences our daily lives, becoming a key component of innovation, automation, and efficiency. IT stretches from educational institutes to businesses. Thus, learning to harness information technology tools is profoundly important. Yet, such knowledge often comes with associated costs, posing impediments for those who cannot afford them.

In Kyrgyzstan, however, a young Kyrgyz, Aikhan Jumashukurov, is transforming the tech education industry through his organisation, ITECABIS (Information Technology Extra Curricular Activity Bishkek International School), that removes all financial barriers to IT education for individuals aspiring to learn coding skills. What began as a humble teaching resource in Kyrgyzstan now has a global footprint, having hosted classes in Hong Kong, Prague, Belarus, and Kazakhstan.

It all began when 14-year-old Aikhan and his best friend decided to enrol in a coding program. However, seeing his friend pull out due to financial constraints made Aikhan aware of an unsettling reality: IT education in Kyrgyzstan is a paid-for commodity inaccessible to all. Completing the course without his friend spurred his desire to build an inclusive space that did not discriminate on any front, especially between the paying capacities of potential participants. Thus, ITECABIS was born a year later: a free coding and NLP education institute for all.

However, Aikhan's journey was not easy. As a 15-year-old founder of an accessible technology school, his biggest challenge remained the limited resources he had to work with. Recognising that not all low-income participants would have access to smart gadgets or high-speed internet, Aikhan built on his existing communication skills to network extensively at in-person events and online on LinkedIn. He successfully leveraged his passion for technology with his hope for change to convince tech professionals to lend their spaces and equipment at no extra cost. Thus, ITECABIS introduced Kyrgyzstan's first free in-person tech tutorials with fully equipped classrooms.

Providing a range of programming courses from front-end and back-end development, NLP to mobile development, the offerings are versatile and targeted at varying audiences to ensure most needs are met. "While we experience high demand for front and back-end development, we make it a priority to have courses on NLP because of the rapid evolution of AI and its increasing role in our lives," says Aikhan. For ITECABIS, the quality of education is underpinned by a forward-thinking approach that can predict and prepare its students for the future.

With over 800 students taught in Bishkek alone, ITECABIS's founder and core team were inspired by its success. ITECABIS's growing popularity led the founder to launch a parallel online system to enfranchise a larger audience. With no charges for the courses except a nominal fee refunded in full at the end of a participant's course completion, the online classes began drawing participation rates as high as 100 people per session, averaging at least 50 for most courses.

Yet, Aikhan noticed that the online classes were dominated by teenagers, with participation from older age groups needing to be more active. Having first-hand seen the transformative impacts of technological understanding in his home through hours of tech lessons with his grandmother, Aikhan began outreach efforts towards senior citizens. Having successfully leveraged his organisation's status and results, he built a large-scale partnership in 2023 with one of the largest old-age homes in Kyrgyzstan, the Bishkek City Boarding House for the Elderly and People with Disabilities. ITECABIS volunteers visit these senior citizens weekly to teach pre-approved elemental functionality lessons like operating social media and ordering Yandex (a local taxi service), having impacted more than 80 seniors so far. "At ITECABIS, we truly believe that modern technology can be life-changing for all age groups, especially seniors, helping them dramatically improve their lives."

Due to the sheer scale of the project and its rapid expansion, the organisation has an annual volunteer turnover of approximately 100 volunteers, with more than half being dedicated tech professionals committed to increasing access to technology education.

Driven by ITECABIS's impact in Kyrgyzstan, Aikhan felt the need to move across borders. "It was the natural next step. How could we let borders limit the impact we could have and the lives we could transform?" Thus, Aikhan spent hours meticulously reviewing resumes to find the most suitable international ambassadors, who worked with him and his team to devise offline classes in their home countries and native languages for students from all backgrounds and skill sets at no cost. Beginning in Kazakhstan, ITECABIS's courses were expanded to Hong Kong, having completed one full iteration for this year.

For Aikhan, it is vital to ensure every person in the world, regardless of social status, geographical location, or age, is not deprived of the fundamental right to education, especially regarding technology. He hopes his example can inspire other young leaders to take charge and create the change they wish to see.

"There is no negative consequence in trying something you want to do; all you need is a goal with passion and perseverance to achieve it."
In a big move for private space travel, two astronauts did the first-ever spacewalk paid for by a business on the Polaris Dawn trip.

They wore new slimmer SpaceX spacesuits. Billionaire Jared Isaacman put money into this project, hoping to explore new limits in space without needing the government.

The end goal? Cheaper and easier space trips.

Jared Isaacman Leads the Way in Private Space

Jared Isaacman, who is 41 years old, left the Crew Dragon capsule at 11:52 am BST on Thursday, Sept. 12. He flew around Earth at a speed of almost 30,000km/h and at a height of 435 miles.

Looking down at home he said, "We've got a lot of problems to fix down there. But from up here, Earth looks like a perfect world."

Isaacman hasn't started his space adventures yet. He was part of the first all-private crew in space back in 2021 with Inspiration4. This new mission with Polaris Dawn shows how private space companies are taking over from governments. The exact amount spent isn't known, but it likely took hundreds of millions of dollars to fund, according to Daily Mail.

Read Also : SpaceX Is Planning an Ambitious November Starship Test Flight, but FAA Grounded It for Now

Sarah Gillis Tests New Space Suit

Also outside the spacecraft was Sarah Gillis, a 30-year-old engineer from SpaceX. This was her first time stepping out into space. She helped with movement tests for the new SpaceX suit which is less heavy than NASA suits.

With regards to why these spacesuits matter, people need to know if the new suit works well and keeps them safe in space.

The Crew Dragon capsule had no more air in it during the spacewalk. Any leftovers might float away. All four astronauts had to use their spacesuits for oxygen and to stay safe under pressure. This made the mission even harder but the new suits worked really well.

Private Companies Taking Over Space Travel

Before now, only big government agencies like NASA or China's space team did spacewalks called EVAs. But now SpaceX and other companies are leading in space travel.

Governments especially the U.S. are spending money on other things so it's up to these business leaders to keep space research going.

NASA asked SpaceX to help send astronauts to the moon again in the next 10 years including the first woman. SpaceX is building a huge and strong rocket called Starship. It might change how people explore space forever.

Pretty soon Starship could take long trips to the stars. Maybe even to Mars. So far four test flights happened and another one might happen in November.

Why is Polaris Dawn Mission Launched?

This mission goes on for five days with not just a spacewalk but also research that might help people who want to fly far away in deep space. Isaacman's team includes retired Air Force Lt. Col. Scott Poteet and SpaceX engineer Anna Menon. They're traveling through a dangerous zone called the Van Allen radiation belt. The reason? They're checking how space radiation hurts humans hoping to protect future astronauts.

According to The Guardian, Isaacman and Elon Musk share a big dream; one day more people can visit space at lower prices. SpaceX is working hard to get people back to the moon and maybe one day to Mars. The Polaris Dawn mission is really important because it shows great progress toward that future.

Big Moment for Private Space Travel

This spacewalk by Polaris Dawn happened during another huge time in space history. At the same moment, a record number of 19 astronauts were flying around Earth.

At the time, two cosmonauts and one US astronaut were on their way to the ISS via Russia's Soyuz rocket.
Today, Ukraine is seeking not only new types of weapons from its Western partners, but also permission to use them to strike at Russian territory. In particular, the topic of a possible transfer of Tomahawk cruise missiles has been raised in the information space.

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According to military expert Oleksiy Melnyk, at this stage, the likelihood of receiving Tomahawks is low. He said this in an interview with OBOZ.UA.

Melnyk noted that one type of weapon cannot turn the tide of war. He cited the example of HIMARS and ATACMS, which are extremely effective in a certain period until the enemy adapts and develops a system to reduce the effect of using such weapons.

At the same time, the military expert emphasized that even if it is a short-term advantage, it is still very important, because at some point certain types of weapons can accumulate and bring the tipping point closer.

"Unfortunately, I don't share the optimism about the near-term prospects of getting Tomahawks. Watching this saga around ATACMS, authorizations, bans, withdrawals of authorizations, and then denials, I'm afraid we're going to have a similar story with Tomahawks. Although recent events may speed up these processes," Melnyk said.

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He also added that the resolve of Ukraine's Western partners may be affected by Russia's increased cooperation with Iran and North Korea. In particular, Tehran's transfer of ballistic missiles could speed up the decision-making process to lift restrictions on the use of ATACMS on Russian territory.

As a reminder, the UK will allow Ukraine to launch Storm Shadow missiles at targets in Russia. However, this will not be officially announced in the near future to avoid "unnecessary provocations."

Earlier, U.S. President Joe Biden said he did not rule out that Ukraine could receive permission to strike deep into Russian territory with American weapons. However, Washington prefers to take into account "all factors."

Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!

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On boats or makeshift rafts, Myanmar residents flee severe floods



Taungoo, Myanmar, Sept 12 (AFP) Sep 12, 2024



Carrying children on their backs or rowing the elderly on makeshift rafts through rising waters, thousands of Myanmar residents on Thursday fled severe flooding triggered by the deadly Typhoon Yagi.

Torrential rains have lashed conflict-wracked Myanmar in the wake of Typhoon Yagi that smashed into Vietnam at the weekend, inundating and causing deadly landslides across the region.

Floods have tipped rivers in Myanmar over their danger levels, cut communications and severed the railway between commercial hub Yangon and second city Mandalay.

In Taungoo town about 220 kilometres from Yangon, around 600 people were sheltering in a school building after fleeing their homes near the surging Sittaung river, local rescuers told AFP.

"It's worse this time. It's nothing like before," said one 76-year-old lady at the school who did not want to give her name.

"The water came halfway up our house."

"We left some stuff behind. I don't think about it anymore. We got here to save ourselves. We brought some pots and pans with us. The rest we left on the bar under the roof. I don't care if they survive the water or not."

Junta authorities had no "casualty or damage figures yet," Lay Shwe Zin Oo, director of social welfare, relief and resettlement ministry told AFP.

Authorities had opened "around 50 camps for some 70,000 flood victims" expected near the military-built capital Naypyidaw, Bago region, and in Kayah, Mon and Shan states, she said.

Emergency workers were also rowing boats through towns to evacuate stranded villagers.



- Sudden rise -



Some families piled their belongings and children into rescue boats where they sat under the cover of plastic sheets.

Others carried children on their backs or rowed elderly people through the water on makeshift rafts of tyres and wooden palettes.

"The water has risen so quickly," another lady at the school told AFP.

"Around 300 feet (90 metres) from the school it's at head-height," she said.

More than 3.3 million people in Myanmar are currently displaced according to the United Nations, with most of them forced to flee their homes by conflict unleashed by the military's 2021 coup.

More than 200 people have been killed in Vietnam, Laos and Thailand by floods and landslides unleashed by Typhoon Yagi.

The rainy season typically brings months of heavy downpours to the Southeast Asian country, but scientists say man-made climate change is making weather patterns more intense.

As the rain pelted down at the school near Taungoo, rescuers distributed dried noodles to a queue of people.

"I am going straight home the moment the water level drops," the 76-year-old lady said.

"When the water reaches up to my waist, I will go home."

lmg-ees-hla-rma/pdw/hmn
Italy records year's first indigenous case of dengue fever



Rome, Sept 12 (AFP) Sep 12, 2024



Italy has recorded the first indigenous case of dengue fever for 2024 in a patient who had not travelled abroad, Italian health authorities said Thursday.

"The person who tested positive for dengue fever is in good clinical condition," announced the provincial health authority of Brescia, in Italy's north, in a statement.

The zones where the patient lived and worked have begun mosquito control measures, including setting mosquito traps, said the agency.

The head of the epidemiology department at Genoa's San Martino Hospital, Matteo Bassetti, questioned whether it was indeed the first indigenous case of the year, or rather the first recognised one.

"By now, Dengue is an infection to be taken clinically suspected, even outside endemic areas, when there are suspicious symptoms," Bassetti wrote on X.

Dengue is a viral disease that causes a high fever that can, in rare cases, progress to a more serious form that causes severe bleeding.

Deaths are very rare.

An indigenous case means that the person has not recently travelled to regions of the world where this virus, transmitted from one person to another by tiger mosquitoes (Aedes albopictus), is widely circulating.

The presence of those mosquitoes have been increasing in several southern European countries, including Italy, France and Spain.

The World Health Organization has said the rise has been partly fuelled by climate change and weather phenomena, in which heavy rains, humidity and higher temperatures favour the mosquitoes' reproduction and transmission of the virus.

In 2023, Italy had recorded more than 80 indigenous cases, and France about fifty, according to the WHO.

Cases in which the person is infected abroad number in the hundreds.

gab/ams/giv
Millions in SE Asia battle floods, death toll passes 200



Hanoi, Sept 12 (AFP) Sep 12, 2024



Millions of people across Southeast Asia struggled Thursday with flooded homes, power cuts and wrecked infrastructure after Typhoon Yagi swept through the region, as the death toll passed 200.

In worst-hit Vietnam, the fatalities rose to 197, with nine confirmed dead in northern Thailand -- where one district is suffering its worst floods in 80 years.

Myanmar's national fire service confirmed the country's first Yagi-related deaths after 17 bodies were recovered from flooded villages in the Mandalay region, while more than 50,000 people have been forced from their homes.

Yagi brought a colossal deluge of rain that has inundated a swathe of northern Vietnam, Laos, Thailand and Myanmar, triggering deadly landslides and widespread river flooding.

One farmer on the edge of Hanoi told AFP his entire 1,800 square metre peach blossom plantation was submerged, destroying all 400 of his trees.

"It will be so hard for me to recover from this loss -- I think I will lose up to $40,000 this season," said the farmer, who gave his name only as Tu.

"I really don't know what to do now, I'm just waiting for the water to recede."

The United Nations children's agency (UNICEF) said the typhoon had damaged more than 140,000 homes across 26 provinces in Vietnam.



- Communications cut off -



The high waters have devastated more than 250,000 hectares of crops and huge numbers of livestock, Vietnam's agriculture ministry said, with farmland around Hanoi hit hard.

Commuters in parts of the Vietnamese capital trudged to work through shin-deep brown floodwaters, though officials said river levels in the city are slowly falling after hitting a 20-year high on Wednesday.

Thousands have been forced to evacuate their homes, while others are struggling with power cuts.

In the deadliest single incident, a landslide in Lao Cai province annihilated an entire village of 37 houses, killing at least 42 people with 53 still unaccounted for.

Rescue teams pulled victims from the mud on Thursday, carrying them on stretchers to makeshift shelters where neighbours and relatives carefully washed the bodies in readiness for burial.

Survivors picked through the mud and wreckage to retrieve what family heirlooms and possessions they could find.

Fifteen bodies have been recovered in Cao Bang province after a landslide on Monday pushed a bus, along with several cars and motorbikes, into a stream, state media said Thursday.



- Myanmar camps -



Myanmar's junta government has set up around 50 camps to help people affected by the floods, Lay Shwe Zin Oo, director of the social welfare, relief and resettlement ministry told AFP.

The Global New Light of Myanmar, the state-run newspaper, said train services on the main line between Yangon and Mandalay were suspended because some sections were flooded.

The Mekong River Commission, the international body overseeing the crucial waterway, issued a flood warning on Thursday for the historic Laotian city of Luang Prabang.

The Mekong is expected to hit flood levels in the coming days in Luang Prabang, a UNESCO world heritage site, the commission said in a bulletin.

In Thailand the death toll has risen to nine, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation said, including six killed in landslides in Chiang Mai province.

All flights have been suspended to the airport in Chiang Rai, some 145 kilometres (90 miles) northeast of Chiang Mai, aviation authorities said.

Further north, Mae Sai district on the border with Myanmar is suffering its worst floods in 80 years, Suttipong Juljarern, a senior interior ministry official said in a statement.

The Jet Ski Association of Thailand has sent 16 jet skis to help with relief efforts, Dechnarong Suticharnbancha, the body's president told AFP.

Some of the currents in the floodwaters are too strong for normal boats but jet skis are able to navigate them because of their powerful engines.

A video showing champion jet skier Kasidit Teeraprateep rescuing an old woman from a torrent of murky water circulated on Thai social media.

Heavy monsoon rains lash Southeast Asia every year, but human-made climate change is causing more intense weather patterns that can make destructive floods more likely.

Climate change is causing typhoons to form closer to the coast, intensify faster and stay longer over land, according to a study published in July.

burs-pdw/ssy
Philippines recovers oil from sunken tanker, avoids disaster



Manila, Sept 12 (AFP) Sep 12, 2024



The Philippine government said it had completed on Thursday the recovery of fuel cargo from a sunken oil tanker on Manila Bay, avoiding an "environmental catastrophe".

The Philippine-flagged MT Terranova went down with 1.4 million litres of industrial fuel oil on July 25 in rough seas churned by Typhoon Gaemi, killing one crew member.

The coast guard had warned that if the fuel had leaked it could have caused the country's biggest oil spill and an "environmental catastrophe".

"The salvor informed us that we have recovered 96 percent of the oil waste," Lieutenant Commander John Encina said in video comments shared with the press by the Philippine Coast Guard.

"What we're getting now is mostly water."

Government agencies involved in the undertaking decided at a meeting Thursday to announce on Friday the "conclusion of the syphoning operations", said Encina, who is supervising the effort.

Some 1.38 million litres of oily waste were retrieved between August 19 and September 10, the coast guard said earlier.

The mixture of oil and water was taken to a treatment facility near Manila.

The coast guard earlier said the oil that escaped from the vessel's tanks had been minimal, but local governments imposed "no-catch" zones affecting tens of thousands of fishermen in the bay.

The government plans to refloat the ship for an ongoing enquiry into the sinking.

Encina declined to discuss the investigation on Thursday.

One of the worst oil spills in Philippine history occurred in February 2023, when a tanker carrying 800,000 litres of industrial fuel oil sank off the central island of Mindoro.

Diesel fuel and thick oil from that vessel contaminated the waters and beaches along the coast of Oriental Mindoro province, devastating the fishing and tourism industries.

The oil dispersed over hundreds of kilometres of waters famed for having some of the most diverse marine life in the world.
Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Russia has been constantly trying to improve its tactics of shelling Ukraine. In the fall of 2024, air attacks are likely to become more massive closer to the heating season, and the energy sector will be targeted more often.

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BBC Ukraine shared the forecast of experts. For example, Valerii Romanenko, an aviation expert from the State Aviation Museum, is confident that the shelling will be more intense.

"Because now the Russians are not using the full potential of the missiles. They are looking for weaknesses in Ukrainian air defense," he explained.

Military observer Oleksandr Kovalenko has a different opinion. He believes that the number of enemy massive attacks in September is unlikely to surpass August.

"September should not be more intense or equal to August in terms of the activity of both the missile component and Shahed-131/136. It is possible that now the command of the Russian troops will be more focused on the heating season in terms of missile strikes and drone attacks," Kovalenko wrote.

Experts suggest that the aggressor may use more ballistic missiles, especially if Iran has indeed provided "military assistance" to the Russians.

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How Russia changed the tactics of shelling Ukraine

The journalists pointed out that the enemy attacks of the summer and fall of this year are significantly different from the first strikes on February 22, 2022, and from the landmark shelling on October 10, 2022, which began massive missile attacks on the energy sector.

The enemy has changed the composition of the means used for combined strikes, the nature of the use of certain missiles and drones, and the choice of targets.

We can say that the main trend is more frequent ballistic missile launches. In particular, Valerii Romanenko said that "the percentage of ballistic missiles in shelling is constantly growing."

They will threaten us even more if Tehran decides to sell Moscow not only Fath-360 (they can hit at a distance of up to 120 km), but also long-range missiles (such as Fateh-110, Fath-313, or Zolfaghar).

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"Therefore, it is extremely important for Ukraine to get more systems and missiles to combat ballistic missiles. It is also important to get permission to strike Russia with Western weapons to catch the same Iskanders," Romanenko emphasized.

Another trend in Russian air strikes is an increase in the mass, complexity (combination), and duration of attacks.

For example, on August 26, the occupiers used a total of 236 missiles of various types and drones to strike Ukraine. They were launched from different directions, at different altitudes, and for a long time to make it as difficult as possible for our air defense forces to shoot down targets.

Another characteristic feature of the current shelling is the hitting of obviously civilian objects: from the Okhmatdyt hospital in Kyiv and the rehabilitation center in Sumy to hotels in different regions.

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"Three out of four Russian missiles attack civilian targets in Ukraine: residential buildings, children's hospitals, educational institutions, and power plants. This is an outright terror against civilians and a violation of international humanitarian law," noted the Center for Strategic Communications of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, on the evening of September 11 and at night of September 12, Ukraine experienced another attack by the Russian Federation with Shahed-136 kamikaze drones and missiles. As of 9:00 a.m., 69 air attack vehicles were detected and escorted. Ukraine's air defense forces shot down 44 attack UAVs.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Millions in SE Asia battle floods, death toll passes 250



Hanoi, Sept 12 (AFP) Sep 12, 2024



Millions of people across Southeast Asia struggled Thursday with flooded homes, power cuts and wrecked infrastructure after Typhoon Yagi swept through the region, as the death toll passed 250.

In worst-hit Vietnam, the fatalities rose to 226, with nine confirmed dead in northern Thailand -- where one district is suffering its worst floods in 80 years.

Myanmar's national fire service confirmed the country's first Yagi-related deaths after 17 bodies were recovered from flooded villages in the Mandalay region, while more than 50,000 people have been forced from their homes.

Yagi brought a colossal deluge of rain that has inundated a swathe of northern Vietnam, Laos, Thailand and Myanmar, triggering deadly landslides and widespread river flooding.

One farmer on the edge of Hanoi told AFP his entire 1,800 square metre peach blossom plantation was submerged, destroying all 400 of his trees.

"It will be so hard for me to recover from this loss -- I think I will lose up to $40,000 this season," said the farmer, who gave his name only as Tu.

"I really don't know what to do now, I'm just waiting for the water to recede."

The United Nations children's agency (UNICEF) said the typhoon had damaged more than 140,000 homes across 26 provinces in Vietnam.

Floodwaters in Vietnam are receding, draining through the Red River -- the main watercourse in the area -- into the sea.

Authorities in several districts in the Red River delta ordered more than 50,000 people to evacuate their homes as a precaution while the runoff passes through.



- Communications cut off -



The floods have devastated more than 250,000 hectares of crops and huge numbers of livestock, Vietnam's agriculture ministry said, with farmland around Hanoi hit hard.

In the deadliest single incident, a landslide in Lao Cai province annihilated an entire village of 37 houses, killing at least 42 people with 53 still unaccounted for.

Rescue teams pulled victims from the mud on Thursday, carrying them on stretchers to makeshift shelters where neighbours and relatives carefully washed the bodies in readiness for burial.

Survivors picked through the mud and wreckage to retrieve what family heirlooms and possessions they could find.

Fifteen bodies have been recovered in Cao Bang province after a landslide on Monday pushed a bus, along with several cars and motorbikes, into a stream, state media said Thursday.



- Myanmar camps -



Myanmar's junta government has set up around 50 camps to help people affected by the floods, Lay Shwe Zin Oo, director of the social welfare, relief and resettlement ministry told AFP.

The Global New Light of Myanmar, the state-run newspaper, said train services on the main line between Yangon and Mandalay were suspended because some sections were flooded.

The Mekong River Commission, the international body overseeing the crucial waterway, issued a flood warning on Thursday for the historic Laotian city of Luang Prabang.

The Mekong is expected to hit flood levels in the coming days in Luang Prabang, a UNESCO world heritage site, the commission said in a bulletin.

In Thailand the death toll has risen to nine, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation said, including six killed in landslides in Chiang Mai province.

All flights were suspended in and out of the airport in Chiang Rai, some 145 kilometres (90 miles) northeast of Chiang Mai, aviation authorities said.

Further north, Mae Sai district on the border with Myanmar is suffering its worst floods in 80 years, Suttipong Juljarern, a senior interior ministry official said in a statement.

The Jet Ski Association of Thailand has sent 16 jet skis to help with relief efforts, Dechnarong Suticharnbancha, the body's president told AFP.

Some of the currents in the floodwaters are too strong for normal boats but jet skis are able to navigate them because of their powerful engines.

A video showing champion jet skier Kasidit Teeraprateep rescuing an old woman from a torrent of murky water circulated on Thai social media.

Heavy monsoon rains lash Southeast Asia every year, but human-made climate change is causing more intense weather patterns that can make destructive floods more likely.

Climate change is causing typhoons to form closer to the coast, intensify faster and stay longer over land, according to a study published in July.

burs-pdw/ssy
'Historic': Bad weather slashes wine harvest in France's Jura



Domblans, France, Sept 12 (AFP) Sep 12, 2024



Heavy rainfall, hail and mildew have destroyed most of the wine harvest in eastern France's Jura region for this year, leaving winegrowers struggling.

The Jura, nestled between the famous Burgundy wine region and Switzerland, is one of France's oldest wine-growing areas, featuring some 200 vineyards spread over 2,000 hectares.

Their unusual elevation and the region's cool climate give a distinctive flavour to its wines some of which are famous, notably the white wine known as "Vin Jaune" (yellow wine).

But this year is delivering a bitter taste for winegrowers as the Jura -- the smallest of France's 17 major wine-growing regions -- is headed for a spectacular drop of 71 percent in this year's wine production volume, according to a government estimate.

The main culprit is a period of frost in April that destroyed many of the budding vines.

"The vines had already grown shoots of three or four centimetres (1.1-1.2 inches)," said Benoit Sermier, 33, a winegrower in the Jura. "Those leaves were very thin and fragile, and sub-zero temperatures destroyed them, costing us 60 percent of the harvest."



- 'Particularly unfavourable' -



Although this year's harvest is expected to be of high quality, a lack in quantity is putting winegrowers in a precarious position, as frost in previous years has not allowed them to build up enough wine stock for lean times, said Sermier, who heads a local wine cooperative.

Winegrowers were also hit hard by incessant rain in July, which forced them to reapply protective vine treatments "every three or four days", said Patrick Rolet, who grows organic wine and owns cattle. "I don't think any winegrower remembers having ever seen this much rainfall," he said.

The persistent humidity also facilitated the spread of mildew, a fungus that can devastate entire vineyards.

"Compared with the past 25 years, our losses are historic," said Olivier Badoureaux, director of the Jura winegrowers committee.

France's overall wine volumes are headed for a fall of almost a fifth this year because of the unfavourable weather, France's agriculture ministry said last week.

Overall wine production is now estimated to drop by 18 percent to 39.3 million hectolitres.

A little over a month ago before wine harvesting began, the ministry had still targeted up to 43 million hectolitres.

But "particularly unfavourable" weather forced the revision, as the extent of damage done by frost, hail and also mildew became clearer.



- 'Humid conditions' -



The Charente region, in the southwest of France, is looking at a 35 percent drop in wine production this year, the biggest fall in terms of volume of any French region.

This, said the agriculture ministry, was due to "a smaller number of grape bunches" and "insufficient flowering because of humid conditions".

Losses in the Val de Loire and Burgundy-Beaujolais regions are also expected to come in above average.

Champagne production, meanwhile, is likely to drop by 16 percent, but will remain some eight percent above its average over the past five years.

The impact of bad weather is being compounded by winegrowers' decision over recent years to reduce the size of vineyards in response to falling wine consumption in France, especially of red wine.
The Kremlin dictator Vladimir Putin has ordered his troops to retake the territory of Kursk region, which was seized by the Ukrainian Defense Forces. However, several factors hinder the rapid fulfillment of this task, including the limited number of Russian troops and the completely inadequate prioritization of the occupiers' military and political leadership.

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Oleksiy Melnyk, Co-Director of Foreign Policy Programs and Coordinator of International Projects at the Razumkov Center, commented on the situation. In an interview with OBOZ.UA, the military expert said: "Putin not only ordered, but publicly called on the army to recapture the border of the Kursk region, appealing to a 'sacred duty'.

It is hard to say whether the dictator set a deadline of October 1. But it is clear that there is an order for a counterattack. "And this is not the first time. After all, from the very beginning of the Kursk operation, a video of Putin's meeting with the generals was released, where they convinced him that "it will happen in the next few days," Melnyk recalled.

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He asked how realistic the rapid advance of the Russian Armed Forces in the Kursk region was.

Valery Gerasimov, Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, had previously assured the Kremlin leader that the territory would be returned within a few days, i.e. by mid-August. But the aggressor state failed.

"The first reason is the actions of the Ukrainian military in this area, which prevent the Russian military and political leadership from implementing such plans. The second reason is the wrong, completely inadequate prioritization by the Russian leadership. This was also voiced publicly by Putin: that his current priority is the seizure of Ukrainian territories, settlements, square kilometers and access to the administrative borders of the Donetsk region, rather than the defense of his own territory in the Kursk region. No one says anything about fellow citizens there," the military expert said.

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He is sure that Russia will need additional forces to counterattack in Kursk region.

"We can draw certain conclusions from what we have been observing for six weeks now. Russia is not doing well with its reserves. There are no free operational strategic reserves, or they are kept for the priority I mentioned - the offensive on the territory of Ukraine," Melnyk explained.

If we follow the classic strategy of an offensive operation, the enemy needs several tens of thousands of personnel. That is, there should be a three- to fivefold numerical advantage.

Also, according to the expert, the Armed Forces of Ukraine have not ideal, but very favorable conditions for holding the borders. "There are natural obstacles in the form of the Seim River, destroyed bridges, and crossings," Melnyk said.

In addition, Moscow is fighting using traditional methods. "What works quite well in the Ukrainian Donbas does not work well in the natural and geographical conditions that have developed in the Kursk region. Carpet bombing of populated areas, key deployment points - this simply does not exist there, there is no single line of defense. Therefore, the Russians are facing certain tactical difficulties," he said.

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As reported by OBOZ.UA:

- In the Kursk region of Russia, on September 10 and 11, the aggressor state's troops conducted counterattacks along the western edge of the ledge controlled by the Ukrainian Defense Forces. The Institute for the Study of War shared information that Russia seized several settlements northeast and south of the village of Koreneve.

- The Russian Federation said that paratroopers and marines are taking part in the first large-scale counterattack in Kursk region.

Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
In the Kursk region of Russia, on September 10 and 11, the aggressor state's troops conducted counterattacks along the western edge of the ledge controlled by the Ukrainian Defense Forces. There is information that Russia captured several settlements northeast and south of the village of Koreneve.

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Ukrainian soldiers, for their part, launched new attacks against counterattacking Russian troops west of the village of Snahost in Korenove district, as well as along the entire front line in Kursk region. The situation was assessed by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) in a report on September 11.

American analysts pointed out that the Russian Armed Forces are currently conducting counterattacks along the western edge of the Ukrainian advance in the Kursk region, in an area that mostly consists of fields and small settlements. The aggressor is probably trying to take more tactically advantageous positions before launching a larger counteroffensive.

"The size, scope, and potential prospects for Russian counterattacks on September 11 in the Kursk region are unclear, and the situation remains unstable at the time of this report," ISW emphasized.

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Geolocated photos and videos from September 11 show that the Russians have retaken positions east of Zhuravli (northeast of Koreneve).

Footage released on September 10 shows units of the Russian 51st Airborne Regiment of the 106th Airborne Division of the VDP advancing north and northeast of Snahosti (south of Koreneve).

Enemy propaganda sources claim that the advance toward Snahosta was rapid, and that the invaders' overall success was more significant. According to Russian sources, Russia captured it:

- Chervonozhovtneve, northwest of Snahosta;

- Komarivka and Vyshnivka west of Snahosta;

- Apanasivka and the village of 10th October southwest of Snahosta;

- Obukhivka southeast of Snahosta;

- Byakhove, Vnezapne and Hordiivka south of Snahosta;

- Olhovka east of Koreneve.

"Available visual evidence suggests that Russian forces counterattacking in the Kursk region are operating in company-sized units and may be using elements of more experienced units to conduct counterattacks," ISW added.

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As OBOZ.UA reported earlier, the heads of the United States and British intelligence agencies, William Burns and Richard Moore, praised the Ukrainian Armed Forces' operation in Kursk region. This is "a significant tactical success for Kyiv." The situation not only demonstrated the weaknesses of the Russian army, but also "raised many doubts among the Russian elite," the military said.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Ukrainian servicemen continue to systematically destroy enemy forces in the east of the country. At the Pokrovske and Orikhivske directions, the defenders eliminated two air defense systems.

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The enemy lost two anti-aircraft systems near Ukrainka and Pokrovsk. This was stated by Dmytro Lykhoviy, spokesman for the Tavria operational and strategic group of troops, during a telethon.

According to him, in the Orikhiv sector, the Defense Forces destroyed a BUK anti-aircraft missile system. Enemy equipment was destroyed near Ukrainka.

In addition, Russian occupants lost an anti-aircraft mount ZU-23-2 near Pokrovsk. Four vehicles and reconnaissance drones were also destroyed.

"The statistics of downed reconnaissance drones is growing. Our aerial reconnaissance men have learned to shoot them down with FPV drones. The statistics of reconnaissance drones being shot down is constantly growing," stated Lykhoviy.

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On September 11, in the Black Sea, our defenders from the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine destroyed a Russian Su-30SM combat aircraft. The aircraft was shot down by a successful shot from a portable anti-aircraft missile system.

Earlier it was reported that on September 11, another 1270 Russian invaders became "three hundredth" and "two hundredth". In addition, the Ukrainian Defense Forces canceled more than a hundred pieces of Russian equipment and weapons, including 73 artillery systems.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
The 26-foot-high Lake Borgne Surge Barrier is designed to reduce the effects of hurricane storm surges on St. Bernard Parish and New Orleans. The wall structure is designed to be overtopped by some surge, with that surge stored in wetlands and the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway to its west. The Army Corps of Engineers has been authorized to review ways of increasing the protection from surge provided by the barrier and other parts of the east bank levee system, and on Feb. 22, the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority-East agreed to pay half the expected $3 million cost of the study. Photo taken on Thursday, May 26, 2022. (Staff Photo by David Grunfeld, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate)
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Eating outThe scoop First look: This inner-city village finally gets the laid-back wine bar it was missing Homely spot Arnolds goes big on fun and flavour, serving up punchy snacks beyond the usual suspects. Daniela Frangos September 13, 2024 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

As featured in the October hit list. See all stories .

Scott Eddington has been cheffing around Melbourne and Sydney for 20 years, including stints at Automata, A1 Canteen and, more recently, Mauritian restaurant Manze and the Mulberry Groups cafes. Hes now opened his first venue, Arnolds, a deeply personal endeavour named after his playful and adventurous granddad. He was funny, he was quirky  he wanted to see the world and bring people around, says Eddington. Its a sensibility felt in his new Kensington wine bar. Arnolds eclectic interior features a cork-tiled bar and a disco ball. Wayne Taylor Whats the vibe? Eddington, his partner Lauren Chibert, and their friends and relatives transformed a former burger bar into a light, bright and laid-back space with its original terrazzo flooring, warm orange and yellow hues and cosy bistro curtains (sewed by Chiberts mum, who also made the staff aprons). Its a family affair and the result is somewhere youll feel right at home.

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Chilli-rubbed, grilled pork chop with creamy walnut sauce. Wayne Taylor What to eat Eddingtons border-hopping menu is big on flavour and low on the usual wine-bar suspects. I have a lot of background running Mexican restaurants with big, vibrant, spicy food, lots of lemon and acid, and I love that kind of food  food with energy. Cue: Otway pork chop rubbed with sweet and smoky mulato chilli, brushed with sticky pomegranate molasses and served with creamy walnut sauce, in a riff on chiles en nogada, Mexicos famous flag-coloured dish. Or Long Jetty Seafood flathead ceviche in a bright dressing of achiote paste, ginger and vinegar, with blood orange.

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For something snacky, theres cassava fritters (the root vegetable is cooked down in coconut milk with pepper leaf and pickled chillies) and bastilla (a sweet and savoury North African pie) filled with tender lamb barbacoa, cinnamon and allspice. The green-tomato martini is the bars signature (and only) cocktail. Wayne Taylor What to drink The wine list, designed by Manze owner-chef Nagesh Seethiah, hones in on producers from Gippsland (where Eddingtons from) such as William Downey. Spirits traverse the map, from Kensingtons Bakery Hill Distillery whisky to a herbaceous mezcal and smoky sotol from Mexico.

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Cocktail drinkers have it easy with one choice, for now: a wet, briny green-tomato martini. The courtyard mosaic is a recreation of a painting by the bars namesake. Wayne Taylor Where to sit Park yourself in the centre of the action at the cork-tiled timber bar or nab a window seat looking out to tree-lined Bellair Street and Kensington train station, which could be your ticket home. The record station at Arnolds. Wayne Taylor

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Our favourite details A mosaic in the courtyard  the work of Eddington and his mum Sue  is a recreation of a watercolour landscape by Eddingtons granddad. The original also hangs in the venue, alongside a stack of other personal items (our house is empty now  it looks like weve been robbed) including the kitchen island and glittering disco ball above it, and DJ decks spinning Sade, Nightmares on Wax, and Nigerian boogie and disco. Open Thu-Fri 5pm-late, Sat noon-late, Sun noon-4pm 192 Bellair Street, Kensington, arnoldskensington.com

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The Albanese government has stripped distinguished service medals from some commanding officers who held senior roles during the war in Afghanistan in which Australian soldiers killed Afghani citizens. But the most notorious, former SAS corporal Ben Roberts-Smith, keeps his tarnished Victoria Cross.

The VC winner was feted last week at a Special Air Services function in Perth attended by Kerry Stokes, his biggest patron, enabler and chairman of the Seven Network. It was Stokes who bankrolled Roberts-Smiths delusional and self-destructive defamation court action against this masthead that led to damning adverse findings against him. An appeal against that defamation judgment is under way.

Ben Roberts-Smith: sued for defamation and lost. Credit: Stan

Its that kind of hubris that undermines public belief that the army has learnt from what Defence Minister Richard Marles described on Thursday as arguably the most serious allegations of Australian war crimes in our history.

These are hard days to be a soldier. Civilians are being killed in the Middle East and the royal commission into veterans suicide found 3000 personnel have probably died unnecessarily and vets were 20 times more likely to die by suicide than in combat.
Its long been considered a cardinal sin for politicians to break commitments to the electorate.

And not only because it hands the opposition an easy weapon at election time. It can also erode the publics trust in our political institutions at a time when both major parties and the party system are already declining in popularity.

The Jacinta Allan government has made a number of policy switches. Credit: Justin McManus

But what if a policy needs to be tinkered with to get it through the parliament, or to maintain support from the caucus? What if circumstances change or new information comes to hand? Surely governments must adapt?

When is it worth the gamble to break a political promise?
It was around 9 a.m. on September 11, 2001, when Claude Elliot, the mayor of Gander  a small town in northeastern Canada  received a call informing him that 38 commercial planes would have to land at the towns large airport, which was widely used for refueling transatlantic flights due to its location. The attacks on the Twin Towers in New York had just taken place, but Elliot did not yet know what was happening or how long the involuntary visitors would have to stay on board the planes. We thought it would only be for a few hours, and we ended up with 7,000 people for five days, the mayor recalled on Wednesday, exactly 23 years after the massacre.

Elliot is in Madrid to present the musical Come From Away, which tells the story of how Gander  a rural town home to just 9,000 people  opened its arms to foreigners from all over the world, with the locals and the visitors coming together in a show of great solidarity. The Spanish adaptation of the hit Broadway show will debut at the Marquina Theater in downtown Madrid on Thursday.

Elliot  who retired in 2017  proudly recounts his experiences during those days: Our people are there to help, we didnt treat anyone differently. We gave them what they needed during their time in Gander, and we became friends. He still remembers when someone first told him that they were going to turn Ganders story into a musical. I thought they would lose their jobs, I couldnt imagine how they were going to make a musical about people making sandwiches, he says with a laugh.

But the musical  despite the mayors doubts  premiered in New York in 2017, won director Christopher Ashley a Tony Award and had a run of more than 1,500 shows on Broadway. In 2022, The Stage Company took the musical to Argentina, where it won multiple awards. The same team of musicians and actors behind that Spanish version is now in Madrid for the shows first performance in Spain.

Carla Calabrese  who, in addition to playing two characters, directs and produces the show  calls it the most important thing she has done in her career. For her, this parallel story of the September 11 jihadist attacks is a memorable example of the solidarity and empathy in the stories of anonymous heroes.

A rehearsal of the musical "Come From Away" at the Marquina Theater. Santi Burgos

Anonymous heroes like Beulah Cooper (played by Gabriela Bevacqua), president of the Royal Canadian Legion, who spent five days preparing sandwiches to feed strangers. Or Bonnie Harris (Silvana Tome), a veterinarian who inspected airplane cabins in search of pets to feed and care for. Or Brian Mosher (Carla Calabrese), one of only two journalists in Gander who broadcast the situation live for almost the entire week. Their lives intertwined with the lives of thousands of foreigners of different ages, races, nationalities and religions, while the world witnessed the most heinous terrorist attack in history.

One of the thousands of people were in Gander those five days was Beverley Bass, the first female captain of American Airlines, and a central character in the musicals plot. She was on a flight from Paris to Dallas, like any other, when she received a message that a plane had crashed into one of the World Trade Center towers in New York. Twenty minutes later, they told me about the second plane, and they used the word terrorist for the first time, says the veteran pilot, standing next to Mela Lenoir, the actress who plays her on stage.

The experience did not hamper Bass love of flying. I have never been afraid in a cockpit, after September 11, all I wanted was to get on a plane again. And so she did, continuing to pilot planes until 2008. Lenoir  who has played Bass for three years, did not expect to meet her at Marquina Theater, where she will perform in front of her for the first time. She is a very important woman for me and I admire her a lot, says Lenoir. Bass is looking forward to seeing her stage, and hearing the story in Spanish: I know every word of the play in English, but it will be the first time I see it in Spanish.

Claude Elliot, mayor of Gander, hugs the actor who plays him, Edgardo Moreira, while Gander police officer Oz Fudge stands next to actor Sebastian Holz. Santi Burgos

The show comes to Madrid 23 years after the terrorist attacks: the context is very different to what it was when it first hit the stage. But for Calabrese, the musical is more relevant than ever: It is a story that is constantly being reinterpreted. Getting along with others is essential for coexistence.

She links the message to the migration crisis in Europe and hopes that the example set by Gander and its citizens will help in some way to solve the problem: Europe has to make empathetic decisions in this regard. Because migrants get on boats, crossing the Mediterranean, because they are in need; if not, they wouldnt do it.

Mela Lenoir agrees: You might think that the play is about September 11 and the United States, but no, the play is about human solidarity and how a group of people transform a dark moment into something filled with light. Its a universal theme.

Mela Lenoir introduces Beverley Bass on stage at the Marquina Theatre in Madrid on Wednesday. Santi Burgos

The mayor of Gander seems to embody this solidarity. Elliot smiles and hands out badges to everyone he meets. They read: Town of Gander. Eltiot believes pride he feels for his hometown is conveyed by the show: People leave feeling better and thinking that they have to be like us. Hopefully, we will contribute to a better world.

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A $3 billion third runway at Melbourne Airport has been green-lit by the Albanese government on the condition that noise from overhead planes be minimised and shared across different parts of Melbourne.

Federal Transport Minister Catherine King has approved the airports major development plan to build its next runway. The airport has been waiting for her decision since February 2023.

Ready for take-off: Melbourne Airports third runway. Credit: Paul Rovere

The airport hopes to have the additional runway completed by 2031 to cope with rising passenger numbers, which are forecast to double to 83 million a year by 2046.

It currently has two runways  one running north-south and another east-west  and has plans for four in its long-term strategy.
As you can imagine, the cost of providing all these meals with proper milk and meat is eye-watering. In a fully realised form by 2029, it could cost about $44 billion per annum. This would be almost 2 per cent of Indonesias GDP, and more than double its current health budget. Pundits quite reasonably question whether the nation can afford it. Students attend orientation on the first day of the school year at Ciater elementary school in South Tangerang, Banten Province, Indonesia, on July 15. Credit: Xinhua News Agency via Getty Images Regardless of where the costs land, it has nowhere near enough domestically produced milk as it is. Once free milk starts flowing in the classrooms, the national requirements may double. This is how fish milk for lunch  like the full meal plan itself: ambitious, interesting and unlikely  made its debut in Indonesian headlines.

As the cool technology story began taking hold, and bigwigs from the susu ikan company posed for pictures, National Nutrition Agency chief Dadan Hindayana cooled everyones jets by saying the government was not yet going down that fishy path. Instead, it would keep to its plan and import dairy cattle in stages to boost domestic supply. While Dadan did not say just how many cows would be needed, reports in local media generally put the figure somewhere between 1.5 million and 2.5 million. Any number would take time, though, hence the need for a stopgap  and significant money. Theres also the issue of land. Prabowos freebie policy was light on detail at the election. More than six months later, as he prepares to take over from Joko Widodo next month, it still is. But it was a hit with voters. Thats what mattered at the time. Now the election is run and won, Prabowo and his incoming team face the burden of big-spruiking politicians around the world: delivery. Indonesia, with its thousands of islands, is a logistical nightmare. Where will the food be prepared, and how will it get to schools and mums? Dadans nutrition agency plans to set up 100 service units across the country, but the details are not well known.

Some have proposed using delivery drivers from Gojek, which is like Uber, for food runs, but the company doesnt operate everywhere throughout the nation. Loading Australian milk and beef producers are licking their lips in anticipation, though no one in either country knows how much the Indonesians will need to import. Amusingly, the lunch element in the program has been changed to free nutritious meal after someone realised that many schools actually ring the final bell about noon. Lunch will probably now be breakfast. Then theres the money. A social welfare project of this scale presents the risk of corruption, warns BowerGroupAsias Susilo. As such, there needs to be stringent transparency and accountability measures set in place.

At a budget level, Prabowo has broadly committed to push ahead with Nusantara, the new capital city that Jokowi, as his predecessor is widely known, started building in the malarial jungles of Borneo. This will cost roughly the same amount as a fully-fledged free meal program, but at least a city only gets built once. Loading The annual $44 billion meal plan bill would blow the mandated maximum budget deficit of 3 per cent of GDP, a law brought in after the disaster of the Asian financial crisis of the late 90s. Accordingly, the meal budget has been repeatedly revised down. Only select regions will be targeted in the first year (2025) and for this the outgoing and incoming administrations have agreed to a budget of close to $7 billion. What happens beyond next year is unclear. There are no forward estimates. But the continuation of this relatively small allocation would mean a very different meal program to what was intended. Prabowo is seeking to dramatically grow state revenue. At the same time, he may choose to break with Jokos conservative approach to debt and expand it over years from 39 per cent of GDP to 50 per cent (the laws cap it at 60 per cent). He may find cheap, local food substitutes (fish milk, say?). He will probably need to slash other parts of the budget.
Berlin/Prague: Germany announced plans this week to extend controls to all its land borders and turn away more asylum seekers in a bid to reduce irregular migration in a shift from its previous open-door policy.

Germany lies at the heart of Europe, with land borders to nine countries. The plans mark a setback to free movement within the European Union, a pillar of the European project, and could strain regional unity.

Heres more on the plans, what motivated them, and what reactions they have sparked:

German federal police check cars arriving at the German-Polish border on September 10. The new rules will start on other borders on September 16. Credit: Getty Images

What did Germany announce?
Every now and again, you encounter a sight so magnificently idiotic that it flies into your head, ricochets off the side of your brain and is reflexively pinballed straight back out into the universe, leaving you wondering whether you hallucinated the whole thing.

And so it was that I found myself queuing at one of those self-service kiosks in McDonalds recently, watching, dumbfounded, as the human cat in front of me scoured the board for a McWhiskas before dejectedly slumming it with a fillet-o-fish. Initially, I wasnt sure why shed ventured out for takeaway wearing pointy ears, a fluffy tail, whiskers and strategically placed patches on her feline parts, but as it turned out, she identified as a furry. (Read: part of a subculture of people who live as self-created animal characters  in this case a cat  albeit one that answered her mobile hello instead of the more conventional miaow when it rang while she waited for her order.)

Two McFurries coming up. Credit: Getty

Personally, I have traditionally identified as a person who has no use for actual cats, much less those that walk on two legs and require their thickshakes be served in a saucer. But on reflection, Ive decided the McMoggy mightve actually been onto something. How else do you explain a sudden willingness to climb into the psyche of an English cat named Larry, better known as the 18-year-old mouser and pet-in-chief at the British prime ministers Downing Street residence? The one-time stray tabby, adopted from a shelter in 2007 and brought in to deal with a rodent problem, has now also seen off five government leaders, prompting one media outlet to describe him in June as the one figure of stability in the last 14 years of turmoil in the UK.

It was a generous assessment, given the sheer number of times Larry has been photographed terrorising other animals, including his fellow cats, a pigeon and, on one notable occasion, a fox much larger than himself. As political animals go, he sounds all right so far, but figure of stability? OK, lets go with that.
The origin of the unfounded claim seems to be a private Facebook group called Springfield Ohio Crime and Information, according to NewsGuard, an apolitical fact-checking organisation launched in 2018 by journalist Steven Brill and news executive Gordon Crovitz. A screenshot of a post to the group circulated widely, with an unnamed person claiming that the cat of a friends daughter had been hung from a branch, like youd do a deer for butchering, & they were carving it up to eat, referring to a house where Haitian immigrants lived. They have been doing it at snyder park with the ducks and geese, as I was told that last bit by Rangers & police. A conservative account on X that has 2.9 million followers, End Wokeness, posted in reply the following day: Springfield is a small town in Ohio. 4 years ago, they had 60k residents. Under Harris and Biden, 20,000 Haitian immigrants were shipped to the town. Now ducks and pets are disappearing. The post was viewed 4.8 million times and received 69,000 likes in four days. Racist rumours have been spreading online about the town of Springfield, Ohio. Credit: AP Springfields city leaders have said the town has seen roughly 15,000  20,000 Haitian immigrants come to their community.

After the claim began spreading, the Springfield Police Division told the local paper, the Springfield News-Sun, in an article published Monday that the allegations were not something thats on our radar right now. On Monday, the police issued a statement 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. Messages to the Springfield police department asking them to expand on their statement were not returned. Nevertheless, some social media users pointed to a video of a black woman being arrested for reportedly killing and eating a cat in a driveway. Right-wing commentator Ian Miles Cheong posted the video to X on August 21. After another X user responded by asking if drugs were involved in the incident, Cheong replied on Saturday: Worse. Haitians. That August incident was not filmed in Springfield but Canton, Ohio, and featured a woman who has no known connection to Haiti or any other foreign country, according to the Canton Repository newspaper. A representative from the Canton police department wrote in an email that the woman was a US citizen that was born in Canton, Ohio. We would have no additional comment at this time. Donald Trump during this weeks debate. Credit: AP Another viral post featured a photo of a black man carrying a dead goose down the street, but that image was also from another part of Ohio and contained no evidence that the man pictured was Haitian, according to the man who took the photo and who spoke on the condition of anonymity to the local Columbus Dispatch. The Washington Post was not able to independently confirm his identity.

Loading Before bursting into mainstream Republican discourse, the meme began on the far right. One of the first prominent right-wing influencers to interact with the theme retweeted a post Saturday afternoon linking the claim to Vice President Kamala Harriss supposed policies. Soon a second influencer, Andrew Torba, a Christian nationalist who is the founder and chief executive of the far-right social network Gab, posted the link to the Springfield Facebook post. Other influencers began posting about it on Sunday, and the first influencer retweeted a post by an account whose social media feed is full of racial slurs. By Monday afternoon before the debate, some 159 right-wing influencers  and 23 Republican politicians, candidates or party officials  had discussed the meme online. The allegation that Haitians in Springfield were killing waterfowl was spread by the conservative Federalist website, which on Tuesday published a report from the Clark County sheriffs office showing that a resident told a police dispatcher in a call that he had witnessed four Haitian migrants, each carrying a goose. Im sitting here, Im riding on the trail, Im going to my orientation for my job today, and I see a group of Haitian people, there was about four of em, they all had geese in their hand, the caller said.

The notion spread because the anti-immigrant wing of the extreme far, far right amplified this as part of their let in the Third World, become the Third World narrative, said Megan Squire, deputy director for data analytics at the Southern Poverty Law Centre and a former professor of Computer Science at Elon University, where she studied the spread of extremism and hate online. Its moved quickly because of the video evidence, the fact that it involved cats on the internet and because of the racial and immigration overtones. In a follow-up message, Squire added that, People from Third World countries arent like us because they do __[thing we dont do]__ has been a narrative for a long time, but people are using these unrelated videos as evidence of that Third World narrative. Republican elected officials at the highest levels of government embraced the memes to damage Harriss prospects. Republican Senator Ted Cruz posted his version, as did congressman Jim Jordan, Marjorie Taylor Greene, and Arizonas conservative firebrand and Senate candidate Kari Lake. Long before messages circulated on social media, Springfield city manager Bryan Heck wrote a letter to senators Sherrod Brown, a Democrat from Ohio, and Republican Tim Scott from South Carolina.

Springfield, Ohio is facing a significant housing crisis in our community, Heck wrote, an issue he attributed to what he said was an influx of up to 20,000 Haitians into a community of just under 60,000 previous residents. Vance was copied on the July 8 letter, and the next day, when questioning Federal Reserve Chair Jerome H. Powell in a committee hearing, he cited it as a sign that immigration is harmful to the US economy. Over the summer, the white-supremacist neo-Nazi group Blood Tribe marched through Springfield carrying swastika flags to protest against the Haitian population in town. A member of that group attended a city meeting in late August to warn that crime and savagery will only increase with every Haitian you bring in, he said. But on Tuesday evening, just hours before the debate, Nathan Clark, the father of the 11-year-old boy whose death last summer heightened anti-immigrant tensions in Springfield, approached the podium at another city meeting to deliver a very different message. I wish that my son Aidan Clark was killed by a 60-year-old white man, he said, noting how blunt his words must seem. If that guy killed my 11-year-old son, the incessant group of hate-spewing people would leave us alone. Clark, a Democrat, added that the last thing that we need is to have the worst day of our lives violently and constantly shoved in our faces, but even thats not good enough for them. They take it one step further.

He accused both Vance and Trump of using his sons death for political purposes, which he deemed reprehensible. The Trump campaign did not respond to an email seeking comment, and a call and email to Vance was not returned. Discredited allegations I was appalled by the comment, said Alix Desulme, the Haitian American mayor of North Miami, Florida, referring to Vances original statements. Desulme described his city as having the largest concentration of Haitian Americans in the country. He accused Vance and others of damaging the reputation of Springfield and fuelling division and hostility over allegations that have been discredited. Desulme arrived in the United States more than three decades ago and remembers allegations, later discredited, that Haitians were unusually susceptible to the AIDS virus. Whenever they need a group of people to bash on, its Haitians, Desulme said. They dont look at us as people. He bemoaned Trumps repeated attacks on Haiti, including referring to it alongside African nations when he was president as shithole countries.

In an interview Tuesday night on CNN, Vance chastised the coverage of the false claims when he asserted that the media didnt care about the carnage wrought by these policies until we turned it into a meme about cats. But his statement ignored major stories focused on Springfield and the Haitian immigration debate that published before Vance and others created memes about the issue. Loading Leading up to Tuesdays debate, Trump shared on social media altered images of himself protecting various pets, in what appeared to be a reference to the Springfield claim. The memes took on a more menacing look in social media platforms used by far-right extremists such as the Proud Boys and armed groups. Seemingly overnight, the same forums that days ago were preoccupied with an imagined Venezuelan takeover of Colorado shifted to fearmongering about Haitians in Ohio. In these forums, the racism is overt, such as memes of Trump in a suit carrying kittens to safety while being pursued by a mob of shirtless Black men. Or jokes about calling the authorities when French-speaking black people move into the neighbourhood.

Haitians invariably were shown in tropes portraying them as dangerous savages; images of guns and other weapons are sometimes presented as the answer to a refugee problem. Hate trackers say theyre concerned about the risk of such dehumanising language and imagery fuelling violence toward black people and immigrants. Mass shooters in El Paso and Buffalo are among several far-right attackers who have cited racist, xenophobic rhetoric as a justification for bloodshed. Kathleen Belew, a historian of US white supremacist movements, wrote on X on Tuesday that such demonisation campaigns are an old tactic that should be taken seriously. The debunked claims about Haitian refugees arent just nonsense, Belew warned. The people spreading this rhetoric either know exactly what theyre doing, or they should know. But violence follows. Every time. There were panics about refugees eating rats in the 1980s. These were quickly followed by hate crimes against refugees, spearheaded by white power activists but employing local communities incited by that rhetoric, she said. On Tuesday morning, Vance appeared to give himself a way out of the pet-eating claims when he posted a social media message that its possible, of course, that all of these rumours will turn out to be false. But the message was already becoming part of the landscape. By Tuesday, the Arizona GOP had erected billboards around the Phoenix area: EAT LESS KITTENS. Vote Republican!
Health alerts were raised in the United Kingdom in early September 2022. In just 72 hours, between September 5 and 7, the U.K. Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed 73 cases of food poisoning caused by Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157, a pathogen of animal origin that requires hospitalization in about 30% of patients and is fatal in some children. Given that the country typically records no more than 15 cases per month and that suspected samples continued to arrive in the hundreds, the British authorities declared a national outbreak on September 7, and created a working group, called the Incident Management Team (IMT), which was made up of members from different agencies on heath and food safety.

The IMTs efforts soon revealed that the cause of the outbreak was lettuce contaminated by E. coli. But we still did not know how it had been contaminated. Further investigations were carried out to determine whether climatic factors had played a role. Using new techniques and analysis, including meteorological data, information on land use and sheep farms, we were able to better understand the events that probably led to the outbreak, a UKHSA spokesperson tells EL PAIS via email.

The result of this work is an article that has been published in the latest issue of the scientific journal Eurosurveillance. The study provides new evidence of the enormous impact that climatic factors have on public health and the challenges posed by increasingly frequent extreme weather events. Key to the research is the idea of the cascading risk pathways associated with climate change. In other words, how an extreme episode of rainfall (or any other phenomenon) sets in motion a sequence of secondary, causally connected events that end up triggering a serious public health problem.

Stagnant water and flooding

Investigations determined how a series of adverse weather events in July and August 2022 likely led to crop contamination. The prolonged periods of extremely dry weather and heavy rainfall that followed likely contributed to the amplification and spread of bacteria through the environment, with standing water and flooding ultimately leading to crop contamination, state UKHSA.

Isidro Miron, professor at the Faculty of Health Sciences of the Rey Juan Carlos University in Madrid and one of the leading Spanish experts on the subject, praises the research. It is an interesting work that links a major outbreak of disease with the consumption of contaminated lettuce. Climate change increases the risk of food-borne and water-borne diseases because extreme weather events such as torrential rains and rising temperatures are becoming more frequent, he argues.

The new study precisely describes the chain of events that led to the outbreak in the U.K. But as climate change is a global phenomenon, every country is at risk of such episodes. In the Spain town of Tarazon, for example, more than 500 people fell ill after drinking tap water contaminated by the protozoan of the genus Cryptosporidium, another pathogen of animal origin. Investigations revealed that the most likely source of the outbreak was livestock farms located upstream of the Quiles River in the province of Soria, arguing that heavy rains had carried the causative agent of the disease into the river and contaminated drinking water system, when the river overflowed.

The Eurosurveillance article is fantastic in the way it manages to document the clone involved in the outbreak and its causal relationship in this case with contaminated lettuce, which is usually very difficult to achieve, says Luis Buzon, the spokesperson for the Spanish Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology (SEIMC).

The expert explains that Escherichia coli is a very common bacteria, for example, it is the most frequent cause of urinary tract infection in women. He continues: What is special about this clone, O157, is that it produces a toxin called Shiga. It usually colonizes the digestive system of cattle and sheep and, if it reaches humans, it produces infections that can develop into serious conditions, in particular hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which causes complications such as hemolytic anemia and acute kidney damage.

According to the study data, between August and October 2022, British health authorities confirmed 259 cases linked to the outbreak. The cases were detected across nearly the entire country due to the wide commercial distribution of the contaminated lettuce. The most commonly reported symptoms were diarrhea (92%), abdominal pain (87%) and blood in stools (65%). A total of 75 people needed to be hospitalized. No patient, however, developed hemolytic uremic syndrome and no deaths were recorded. Large studies in the scientific literature indicate, however, that almost 5% of people infected with Escherichia coli O157 develop HUS  a much higher percentage in children  and that about 0.5% die.

Luis Buzon is more cautious when it comes to linking the outbreak with climate change. It is a clone that we have known about for decades. It is true that in this case it is related to an episode of torrential rains, but it is more of a hypothesis that the case is due to climate change, he says. Isidro Miron, for his part, points out that he does not like to link specific outbreaks with climate change, although he insists that it is evident that increasingly frequent weather phenomena is increasing the risk of this kind of public health problem.

The UKHSA argues that it is important to determine why an outbreak occurs: It can help us prevent future episodes. As we expect more intense rainfall due to climate change, the techniques used in this research could be applied to future episodes to complement traditional epidemiology and food chain investigation methods, as well as in risk assessments to help farmers grow safe products for human consumption.

In the conclusions of the article  of which UKHSA internist Neil Cunningham is the first author  the researchers admit the difficulty of dealing with such outbreaks: Fresh produce contamination events are typically transient, and the resulting outbreaks often end before intervention measures can be implemented. Nevertheless, there is increasing evidence to show that outbreaks linked to fresh produce and caused by the same whole genome sequenced defined strain of bacteria can re-occur year after year.

Therefore, it is important to resolve the root cause of such outbreaks, make recommendations and implement preventative and control measures, the study continues. The researchers argue that proactive utilization of real-time weather monitoring data could be used [...] to identify farms experiencing adverse weather events that could result in amplification of risk.

The researchers conclude: Therefore, we recommend more routine use of weather, animal and land data incorporated into outbreak investigation approaches to correlate heavy rainfall patterns and other unusual weather events with outbreaks and incidence of food-borne gastrointestinal disease, to inform the evidence base, and to better understand the impact of climate change on public health.

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Authorities have tracked down The Roaring Lion, the most famous portrait of Sir Winston Churchill, stolen more than two and a half years ago from a landmark hotel in Ottawa, the capital of Canada. The iconic image of the British statesman, taken in 1941 by the photographer Yousuf Karsh, has been located in Italy.

The police said the photograph had been sold to an Italian buyer through a London auction house, adding that both parties were unaware that it was a stolen work as the theft had not yet been reported. Two investigators will travel to Rome in the coming days to collect the portrait and return it to the managers of the Fairmont Chateau Laurier hotel.

The famous photograph was reported missing in August 2022. But the heist took place before that: it has emerged that a fake had been hanging in its place for eight months without anybody noticing.

A 43-year-old man from Powassan, in Ontario province, was arrested on April 25 and charged with multiple offenses, including theft, forgery and trafficking in stolen property, the CBC reported. According to a police source consulted by the network, details about the paintings recovery have not been released until now due to the necessary diplomacy required in an international case.

The famous work had been on display since 1998 inside the lobby of the Fairmont Chateau Laurier hotel, a massive 660,000-square-foot building with 429 guest rooms that is a national landmark in Canada. The switch was noticed and reported to the police in August 2022, when hotel employees realized that the frame around the photograph was different. But the theft appears to have taken place between December 25, 2021, and January 6, 2022, during a Covid-related lockdown in Ottawa. Establishing the date of the heist was made possible partly by comparing photographs sent in by hotel guests who had taken selfies in front of the picture.

Ottawa police said that thanks to information sent in by the public, forensic analysis and cooperation with law enforcement agencies in other countries, particularly the London police, they were able to track down the perpetrator of the theft, whose name is under a publication ban.

The photograph was taken on December 30, 1941, after the British prime minister had given a speech to Canadian members of parliament to thank them for the countrys war efforts against Nazism. In addition to being published on the cover of Life magazine, the photograph has appeared on the back of the five-pound banknote since 2016.

Yousuf Karsh was a star in his own right. In a career spanning several decades, his lens captured other leading 20th-century figures such as Pablo Picasso, Indira Gandhi, Muhammad Ali, Queen Elizabeth II and Ernest Hemingway. Of Armenian descent, Karsh arrived in Canada in 1924 at the age of 16, and died in Boston in 2002.

The photographer, who personally donated the Churchill photograph to the hotel, lived in one of its rooms for nearly 18 years. Hotel management said it will increase its security measures when it puts the item back on display.

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The Mexican opposition has been mortally wounded after the Senate approved on Tuesday a judicial reform, under which judges will be elected by popular vote. The opposition parties National Action Party (PAN), Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) and Citizens Movement (MC) lost the first and most important of legislative battle of Mexicos 66th Legislature, in what was a definitive test of their strength after the June 2 election.

Three votes would have been enough to stop the ruling party Morena and its allies from steamrolling through the constitutional reform, which was backed by President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. But the opposition front fell apart. In the space of a few weeks, they lost three senators, four counting MC Senator Daniel Barreda, who was absent on Tuesday as a result of a strange episode that forced him to stay in the state of Campeche.

The opposition needed 43 senators to prevent Morena and its allies from securing the qualified majority needed to approve constitutional reforms. Its failure to block the measure has severely damaged the oppositions standing, with PAN and MC hit particularly hard by the blow. It took just nine days for the government to win over a group of opposition senators. PAN Senator Miguel Angel Yunes Marquez voted in favor of the judicial reform, while Barreda was suspiciously absent.

The passage of the judicial reform has dealt a mortal blow to the opposition. The blow has hit PAN leader and senator Marko Cortes particularly hard, as it was Yunes Marquez, a friend from his own party, who cast one of the decisive votes. It would have been more decent, dear friend, if you had taken our call and told us I am going to betray you. It would have been more decent, said the PAN leader, visibly affected, in an address to the Senate.

According to his statement, Senator Barreda was unable to attend the vote as he was allegedly in a courtroom in the state of Campeche to support his father, who had been arrested. After remaining there for hours, he was eventually able to leave, but it was too late for him to get to Mexico City in time for the vote.

Civil society organizations who opposed the judicial reform have joined together to expose the Senate defectors. Traitors have a place reserved in the last circle of Dante Alighieris hell. Because broken trust is a wound that not even time heals, states a social media posts that lists the opposition senators who allowed the reforms passage.

With its reputation in disrepute, the opposition has taken its offensive to the courts. Given the parties only hold 27% of the seats in Congress, they cannot present actions challenging the constitutionality of the judicial reform, as such an appeal requires the backing of 33% of the lower chamber. As a result, the oppositions only hope is to appeal to the Mexican Supreme Court.

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The Nicaraguan regime of President Daniel Ortega and his wife, Vice President Rosario Murillo, ordered their loyal Parliament on Wednesday to urgently reform the Cyber Crime Law, better known as the gag law. The cornerstone of the reform are tougher penalties for offenses and the provision that Nicaragua can prosecute cyber crimes committed outside the country. Since 2018, this law has been used to silence any criticism of the regimes repressive drift.

The reform changes Article 1 of the Cyber Crime Law, which establishes prison terms for those who promote or distribute false or misleading information that causes alarm, terror, or unease in the public. While before, the law only addressed crimes committed through information technology, now it applies to the use of social networks and cell phone applications.

According to critics, this is a death blow to the last bastion of freedom of expression and press that remains in Nicaragua and is not controlled by Ortega and Murillo: social media and the independent media that shares content on these platforms.

The reform also extends the application of Article 2 of the Cyber Crime Law, so that anyone who facilitates or favors the commission of crimes can be prosecuted, irrespective of whether they are in Nicaragua. This is in line with the regimes strategy to expand the crackdown on dissent beyond national borders  as evidenced by the recent reform to the Code of Criminal Procedure, approved at the end of August.

The reform to the Penal Code allows for the prosecution of Nicaraguans and foreigners who are outside the country, while establishing penalties ranging from life imprisonment to confiscation of assets for people who commit crimes such as money laundering, terrorism and financing terrorism, cyber crimes and any offense against public administration.

In the case of the amendment to the Cyber Crime Act, prison sentences have been increased to five years. And if a social media post also incites discrimination, hatred and violence on racial, religious, political, economic and social grounds or endangers economic and social stability, public order, sovereign security or public health, the sentence rises to 10 years in prison. Previously, the maximum sentence was five years. Combined, this is a 15-year sentence.

What Ortega and Murillo are doing is transnationalizing repression, taking this to a point where persecution becomes global. What they are trying to do with this is to instrumentalize the mechanisms of Interpol or FATF [Financial Action Task Force], which Nicaragua belong to. Unfortunately, these groups are useful to [Ortega and Murillo], because they can place international arrest warrants on them, says former opposition deputy Eliseo Nunez, who was stripped of his Nicaraguan nationality.

Condemned by a like

Journalists and opponents of all stripes have been charged under the Cyber Crime Law. The Ortega-Murillo regime assumes the power to determine which social media posts constitute fake news. Users are immediately arrested and quickly tried and sentenced. At trial, the Prosecutors Office has not only used the defendants own social media posts as evidence, but even the likes to third-party political posts, and their comments on the social media accounts of figures the government has targeted.

For example, TikToker Cristobal Geovanny Lopez Acevedo, a Sandanista known on social media as Tropi Gamer, was convicted for defending Miss Universe Sheynnis Palacios from the official propaganda, which lashed out at the model after her win was seen as a victory for the opposition. Philosopher and professor Freddy Quezado was also convicted after liking a post on X that celebrated the mobilizing power of the newly crowned Miss Nicaragua. Both political prisoners shared their stories last week from Guatemala City, where they were exiled along with 133 other people. The list of political prisoners also includes farm workers, who were prosecuted for cyber crimes despite not owning a cell phone or having a social media account.

More power for the police and control of remittances

In recent weeks, the Ortega-Murillo regime  via its lawmakers in Parliament  has implemented multiple reforms to other laws to sharpen the crackdown measures. In addition to the Cyber Crime Law and the Penal Code reform, the regime has given the National Police  the Sandinistas main repressive body  the authority to raid properties, seize electronic and computer equipment, and demand telephone companies hand over the digital information (calls, text and voice messages, and geolocation) of people under investigation  without needing a court order.

In other words, the police have free reign to carry out searches, raids, inspections and seizures as necessary. And they can extract and access information from electronic and computer systems. These actions  which were already taking place  can be carried out without a court order in urgent cases. Police will have a period of three working days to validate the act before the judicial authority.

The Law Financial Analysis Unit (Law 976), was also amended, granting new functions to the Financial Analysis Unit (UAF) to monitor and report suspicious transactions made by natural and legal persons, as well as Virtual Asset Service Providers. This has caused great alarm because it means the institution can monitor family remittances, the main source of income for Nicaraguan families.

With respect to electronic transfers, remittance services and virtual assets, the reform dictates that supervisors must establish regulations for obtaining information on beneficiary originators, whether these are natural or legal persons. The law establishes that subjects must identify the final beneficiary of their clients and take reasonable measures to verify their identity, so that they are sure that they know who the final beneficiary is.

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The United States and China may be on hostile terms, but the situation still leaves room for cooperation, even in areas as sensitive as military affairs. Dozens of U.S. and Chinese soldiers, specifically naval infantry, are participating alongside 3,000 Brazilian soldiers in joint military exercises in Formosa, in central Brazil, which are scheduled to end on September 17.

Brazil is a good choice for this meeting as it is a regional power that takes a pragmatic approach to foreign policy  avoiding hostility in favor of dialogue and cooperation  and Beijing and Washington are, respectively, its first and second-biggest trade partners.

Most of the troops taking part in the military exercises  which involve airplanes, tanks, armored vehicles, amphibious vehicles and missile launchers  are from Brazil. The U.S. delegation has 56 soldiers, while the Chinese delegation has 33 riflemen, according to the Brazilian newspaper Folha de S. Paulo. In a sign of Brazils historically broad and eclectic alliances, the drills also include uniformed personnel from Mexico, South Africa, Argentina, Italy, Pakistan, the Republic of Congo, France and Nigeria, although in more modest numbers. Last year, China only sent military observers to these exercises, not soldiers, the Brazilian Navy reported.

With such moves, Brazil is emphasizing its traditional stance on foreign policy, which President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has expanded with the help of his long-time advisor on international affairs, Celso Amorim. The fact that soldiers from the superpowers are in Brazil is a sign of how the country is seeking to play an important role in global politics. Brazil wants to be a mediator in the international system, to mediate between the South and the North, and between those antagonistic universes of geopolitics that are Eurasia, led by China and Russia, and the Atlanticist bloc, led by the United States and Europe, explains Pedro Costa Junior, an international analyst from the University of Sao Paulo.

The U.S. Embassy in Brasilia welcomed the military exercise in a statement that praised Brazils cooperation and their 200-year-long bilateral relations, but did not mention the involvement of troops from China or other countries. This years exercise focuses on training CFNs [Brazilian Naval Infantry] rapid reaction force, verify expeditionary capabilities, and coordinated fires of all their weapons, said the statement, adding that Brasilia and Washington maintain a long-standing and multifaceted security cooperation partnership that plays a significant role in promoting regional stability and addressing common security challenges in the Western Hemisphere.

Brazilian forces conduct military exercises in Operation Formosa on Wednesday. Ueslei Marcelino (Reuters)

The military exercises  called Operation Formosa 2024  are taking place inland, although they are organized by the Navy. They began on September 7 in Rio de Janeiro, when the troops set out on a 870-mile journey to the heart of the country, with the necessary equipment to set up an expeditionary base.

Eduardo Heleno, a professor at the Institute of Strategic Studies at the Fluminense Federal University, points to Brazils growing interest in boosting military collaboration with China. The commander of the Brazilian Army, General Tomas Paiva, explained in June, in an interview before a trip to Beijing, that the goal was to increase cooperation from the current academic field (training of officers and cadets), to the defense industry and military science, an area in which they are advanced, he told the newspaper Estadao.

The general also revealed that he had instructions from the Lula government to strengthen ties with all the BRICS countries except for Russia, due to the war in Ukraine. In other words, with China, India and South Africa. Heleno suggests that the unprecedented participation of Chinese and U.S. troops in joint military exercises in Brazil is the result of an international naval infantry meeting held in Rio last November, which was attended by both U.S. General David Bello and Major General Zhu Chuansheng, the commander for the Chinas marine forces.

The military expert points out that the irony of fate is that these military exercise are taking place in a training camp called Formosa, like the city where it is located, and the name that Portuguese navigators gave to the island of Taiwan. The disputed territory of Taiwan, on the other side of the world, is indeed the greatest source of friction between the U.S. and China in modern times.

In 1947, at the height of the Cold War, Brazil was already considered such a key country that the U.N. gave it the honor of opening the round of speeches by heads of state at the annual General Assembly. Following that tradition, Lula will be the first head of state to take the floor for the 79th General Assembly in New York.

In a reflection of Brazils diplomatic ambition, Brasilia is home to embassies from almost every country on the planet. This week, Celso Amorim  a veteran diplomat and Lula advisor, is visiting Russia for a BRICS summit while Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira is visiting Gulf countries. For weeks, both diplomats have been trying to find a peaceful solution to the political crisis in Venezuela. So far, without success.

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ExtremelyshamefulBJP slams Rahul forhurting Indias dignity





Members of a Sikh group stage a protest march outside the residence of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi

NEW DELHI :

MANY BJP leaders including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Union Home Minister Amit on Wednesday 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. In a post on X in Hindi, Rajnath Singh dismissed 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 at the prestigious National Press Club in Washington, Gandhi supported Prime Minister Narendra Modis policies on Pakistan but the Leader of Opposition was critical of the latters handling of China. Reacting to Gandhis remarks, Sing h said, He has said that the Sikh community in India is not allowed to wear turbans in Gurudwaras, they are being prevented from behaving according to their religion.

This is completely baseless and far from the truth, the minister said. Singh said, the entire country recognisesandrespectsthegreatroleplayed by the Sikh community in protecting the culture of India. Union Home MinisterAmitShahsaid,RahulGandhis quotaremarkinAmericahasonceagain exposed the Congress anti-reserva - tionfaceandthatmakinganti-nation - al statements has become a habit for the Opposition leader and his party. Sending a stern message to Gandhi, Shah also said that as long as the BJP is there,noone canabolish reservation or mess with the nations security. The senior BJP leaders comm ents came after Gandhi told students of Georgetown University in the US that the Congress would think of scrapping reservationswhenIndiaisafairplace, which he said is notthe case right now. In a post on X, Shah said, Standin g wi th forces that conspire to divide the countryandmakinganti-nationalstatements have becomeahabit for Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal on WednesdayblastedtheCongressleader forspreadingfakepropagandaagainst his nation and countrymen and said, the Congress MP was maligning the country on foreign soil and his party was also complicit in whipping up anti-India feelings . TheUnionMinister said thatRahuls meeting with leaders having a pro - Pakistani approach and those supporting ISIS is a matter of grave concern. He meets Ilhan Omar,aknown antiIndia propagandist, known proPakistani. Such anti-Indian forces aligned with ISIS andtheMuslimbrotherhoodhav e become friendswiththeCongressparty. He interacts with people who raise questions against India on various forums, Goyal said .
Brazen armed heist shocks Cgarh





 The Hitavada State Bureau

RAIPUR/BALRAMPURRAMANUJGUNJ,

Looters flee with 8 kg gold from jewellery shop

IN A chilling daylight robbery, Balrampur-Ramanujgunj district witnessed an audacious armed heist at one of its most prestigious jewellery shops, Rajesh Jewellers, situated at Gandhi Chowk, the heart of the city. Around 1:15 pm, three armed robbers stormed the shop, brutally assaulted the owner, Rajesh Soni, and looted nearly 8 kilograms of gold, estimated to be worth Rs 5 crore. The culprits fled towards Jharkhand, leaving the town reeling in terror. According to police sources, the brazen criminals, aged between 20 to 30 years, entered the jewellery store armed with country-made pistols. Donning one in red shirt and two in white shirts, the robbers first snatched the mobile phone of a couple seated in the shop before violently attacking Rajesh Soni. They bludgeoned him with the butt of their pistol, leaving him bloodied and helpless. The robbers then turned their attention to the display counters, where they forced the staff, Rakesh Gupta, to hand over all the gold jewellery. In a span of 15 minutes, they stuffed the gold into a yellow sack and escaped on two motorcycles, heading towards the Jharkhand border.

Despite theownerraisinganalarmandattempt - ing to pursue the criminals, they managed to flee. Shockingly, a customer Laleshwar Gupta from Chaki village and his wife , Shobha Gupta, had come to the shop to exchange a ring when the heist unfolded. The robbers seized their mobile phone before executing their brutal plan. Another customer present in the store also witnessed the horrifying incident. Eyewitness accounts revealed that the robbers waved their guns as they fledtowardsJharkhand.Theywereover - heard conversing in a local dialect, believedtobe fromtheGarhwadistrict of Jharkhand, leading authorities to suspectthatthe perpetrators hail from the area. In the immediate aftermath, the Balrampur police initiated a pursuit. The audacious daylight robbery has sparked outrage and fear among the local business community.

In protest, traders across thetownhave shutdown their shops, demanding swift police actionandaccountability. Hundreds o f residents gatheredatGandhiChowk to expresstheirangerandfrustration,calling for justice in the wake of the robbery.Local residents and traders remarked that this robbery is not an isolatedincident.Just a year ago, awidowsjewelleryshopinSethMohallawas robbed of Rs 9 lakh worth of valuables .
China grabbed 43,180 sq km of Indian territory by 1963 !!





 By Kartik Lokhande :

THE HITAVADA RESEARCH

INDIAN territory under the occupation of China in Jammu & Kashmir is approximately 38,000 sq kms. In addition, under the socalled China-Pakistan Boundary Agreement signed between China and Pakistan on 2 March 1963, Pakistan illegally ceded 5,180 sq kms of Indian territory in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir to China. This is a statement made by E Ahamed, the then Union Minister of State for External Affairs, in reply to a question asked in Rajya Sabha on March 10, 2011. At that time, Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government was in power. Thus, China grabbed approximately 43,180 sq kms of Indian territory, including approximately 38,000 sq kms in Aksai Chin, and 5,180 sq kms illegally ceded to it by Pakistan. And, such a huge territory was occupied by China by 1963! Since it has been on Parliament record, irrespective of political party in power, it is a fact. Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition and senior Congress leader, has alleged that China occupied 4,000 sq kms of Indian territory during the Narendra Modi regime. However, he appears to be ignoring a vital fact regarding the Communist Chinas grabbing of Indian territory. India has a natural claim over the whole of Aksai Chin in Ladakh (Western Sector) where around 38,000 sq kms is illegally occupied by the Communist China. And, in the Eastern Sector, China claims the whole of the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh -- around 90,000 sq kms -- in the erstwhile NEFA. In the Middle Sector, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, around 2,000 sq kms is disputed due to misplaced territorial claims of the Communist China.

As per Indian records, the Line of Actual Control (LAC), runs approximately 3,488 kms in length. A few years ago also, in 2020, a controversy had erupted when some Congress leaders alleged that under the Government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India had lost around 5,000 sq kms ofterritory to China.The trigger?Areply by V Muraleedharan, Union Minister of State for External Affairs, to a ParliamentaryquestioninMarch2020.Similar reply was given by Muraleedharan to an unstarred question on June 27, 2019 too. The reply?Chinadisputestheinternationalboundary between India and China. Indian territory underthe occupation of China in Jammu & Kashmir is approximately 38,000 sq kms. In addition, under the so-called China-Pakistan Boundary Agreement signed between China and Pakistan on 2 March 1963, Pakistan illegally ceded 5,180 sq kms of Indian territory in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir to China.

In2020,followingtheCentralGovernments statementthatanall-partymeetingwasbriefed ingreatdetailhow over the last 60 years, more than 43,000 sq km was lost to China, Youth Congress leaders had tried to raise a controversy by pointing out a gap of 5,000 sq kms between this statement and Muraleedharans reply in Parliament. But, while hurling political allegations, they ignored the part in the replythatPakistanillegallyceded5,180sqkms of Indian territory in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir to China. But, they also forgot that in the year 2011, whenCongress-ledUnitedProgressiveAlliance (UPA) was in power, the same reply with the same statistics as quoted by Muraleedharan was given by E Ahamed, the then Union Minister of State for External Affairs, in reply to a question asked in Rajya Sabha. The exact reply of E Ahamed was, China disputes the international boundary between India and ChinaintheEasternSectorandclaimsapproximately 90,000square kilometresofIndianterritoryintheStateofArunachalPradesh.Indian territory under the occupation of China in Jammu & Kashmir is approximately 38,000 sq kms. In addition, under the so-called ChinaPakistanBoundaryAgreementsignedbetween China and Pakistan on 2 March 1963, Pakistan illegally ceded 5,180 sq kms of Indian territory in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir to China. Isnt it interesting that during Congress-led UPA Government, it was admitted on record that China was occupying a total of approximately43,180sqkmsofIndianterritory?China could grab the Indian territory because of Indias naivette about the Communist countrysintentions.Theseintentionsbecameclear in the form of 1962 war that China inflicted upon India.

TherootsofIndia-Chinaborderdisputedate back to way beyond 1962 war. Why it became proclaimed by 1962 was that the authoratarian Communist leader Mao Zedong came to the power and he wanted to settle every dispute by force. Hence, he first occupied Tibet. Sadly, the then political dispensation in India ledbyPrimeMinisterPtJawaharlalNehru kept on believing China. Later on, it was proven to be a naive behaviour when China resorted to aggressioninLadakhaswellas thethenNorthEasternFrontierAgency(todaysNorth-Eastern States) in 1962. It was not that the then leadership of the country wasnotwarned beforehandaboutthe Communist Chinas expansionist and hegemonistic intentions. In 1950s, some of the Chinesemaps incirculationshowed 93,240 sq kms of on North-Eastern frontier of India and 31,080sqkms inNorth-Eastern Ladakhaspart of China. The then Prime Minister Pt Nehru raisedtheissuedwiththeChineseGovernment. The then Chinese Premier Zhou En-Lai said that these maps were of little significance as, according to him, those were the reproductions of old maps. But, a visionary leader like the then Home Minister of India Sardar Patel could foresee trouble. In his foresighted advice to Pt Nehru datedNovember7,1950,hehadcautionedwhy India should care about Tibet vis-a-vis threat from the Communist China. Sadly, it was ignored and the need for militarily defending inhospitable territory of India was not felt. After signing of Panchsheel Agreement in May 1954, China started showing its teeth. In July 1954, the Communist China registered protest against presence of Indian troops in BarahotiintheerstwhileStateofUttarPradesh in India, and claimed it to be a part of China. The controversy over Chinese maps showing large parts of India as in China continued. In July1958,anofficialChinesepublicationChina Pictorial came out with a map showing all of NEFA, large parts of Ladakh, certain areas in UttarPradeshandHimachalPradesh,andeven largeareasofeasternandnorth-easternBhutan as part of China Indiameeklykeptonbringingittothenotice oftheChineseGovernment.Obviouslyemboldened, China again said that the map was a reprint of old maps published before 1949.

This time, in 1958, there was a subtle addition too -- the Chinese said that they had not yet undertaken a survey of their boundaries, nor consulted the countries concerned and they would not make changes in the boundary on their own. This should have made Chinese intentions clear. But, it was not to be the case for the then Indian leadership, which enthusiasticallychampionedthecauseofgettingthe Communist China international recognition as well as a place in the United Nations. When Pt Nehru wrote to Zhou En-Lai, the latter replied that border issue was not raised at the time of signing of Panchsheel Agreement as then the conditions were not ripe for settlement. The implied meaning of not ripe for settlementhad probablymissed theattention of the Indian leadership. But, some of the exceptional military leadersofthe time readbetweenthe lines. In 1959- 60,LtGenSPPThorat,thethenGeneralOfficer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern CommandoftheIndianArmy,preparedawellstudied appreciation of the magnitude of the ChinesethreattoIndian borders in theEastern Sector and had made projections about his requirements to meet that threat. But, as the records state, the then leadership at the Army Headquarters as well as V K Krishna Menon, the then Defence Minister, paid little heed to Lt Gen Thorats appreciation. It may be a coincidence or not, but just as Rahul Gandhi has made a statement recgarding Chinese occupation of Indian territory in September 2024, the Communist China had provoked a clash at a place called Dhola in Kameng Frontier Division in early September 1962.Then,uptoOctober20,1962,theChinese used the time for military build-up. Everyone knows that the then Indian leaderships miscalculated political bravado cost India dearly in military and territorial terms both. Also, it created a thorn in the flesh forever.

The war of 1962 was fought by brave Indian men but, as has been pointed out in many an assessment that came outlater, there was no higher direction of war available to the Indian troops. Besides, they fought unprepared forthe higher altitudes, and also were starved of even the basic good military supplies required for war in such inhospitable terrain. There were reports that personality clash betweenV KKrishnaMenon,thethenDefence Minister, and Morarji Desai, the then Finance Minister, had starved the defence services for funds. Just as China inflicted a war on India, it unilaterally declared a ceasefire in the secondhaldofNovember1962.Ithadjustdemonstrated its strategy of four feet forward, two feetbackward,intheprocessoccupyingproverbial two feet of Indian territory. But, before the unilateral ceasefire by the Communist China, a heated debate had takenplace inIndianParliament. FrankAnthony, nominated Anglo-Indian Parliamentarian of the time, had said in a debate on November 8, 1962, overProclamation of Emergency and Aggression by China that, I said in 1950 and I repeated it in August this year that it is part of a premeditated plan of Communist expansionismtoliberate SouthandSouth-EastAsia with India as the principal prize and objective. I said that in 1950 and I said it again in 1962.

I pointed out, despite what some personshave saidaboutLadakhthatitwas inhospitable, that a blade of grass could not grow there, that the Chinese are not morons. They are anythingbutmorons;theywenttoLadakh not because it is inhospitable, not because it is destitute without even a blade of grass, but they went there in order to be able to contrel some of the principal passes into India. Ignoring such warnings for years together even after getting independence from the British, cost not only PtNehru a damage to his personal image within India but also a huge territory to the country. The following statements from the official history of 1962 war are tellinginthisregard,Indiawhiletacitlyaccepting the Chinese occupation of Tibet through a treaty in 1954, failed to obtain any quid pro quo on the border issue... The state of drift continued on the basis of the belief that the Chinese threat was a distant one, not imminent.

Evenafterthe 1962war, China keptfomenting trouble attheborders inthe form of standoffs. The Indian Governments prior to 2014 did not adopt a daring approach while dealing with China when it came to boundary disputes. Surprisingly,inAugust2008,IndianNational Congress and the Communist Party of China signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) providing the two parties the opportunitytoconsulteachotheronimportantbilateral,regionalandinternationaldevelopments. The MoU was signed between Xi Jinping, currently President of China and then VicePresident,andRahulGandhi, thethenGeneral Secretary of Congress party. Against this backdrop, Rahul Gandhi may have to offer more answers than he can raise questions regardingwhy andunderwhomdid India lose 43,180 sq km of Indian territory? The buck stops there...
Modi didnt handle China well: Rahul4,000 sq km of Indian territory occupied





By Lalit K Jha

WASHINGTON,

CONGRESS leader Rahul Gandhi has slammed the Narendra Modi Government over its handling of the conflict with China, telling reporters here that it is a disaster that 4,000 square kilometres of Indian territory is occupied by troops from the neighbouring country. But the Leader of the Opposition indicated that the Congress is in broad agreement with the BJP-led Government on other major foreign policy issues, including relations with the US, no talks with Pakistan unless terrorism ends and concerns over extremist elements in Bangladesh. At a press conference at the prestigious National Press Club on Tuesday, Gandhi also asserted that he did not want any US role in Indias internal affairs. Answering a question about China, he 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.

How would America react if a neighbour occupied 4,000 square kilometres of your territory? Would any President be able to get away with saying that hes handled that well? So, I dont think Modi has handled China well. I think theres no reason Chinese troops should be sitting in our territory, Gandhi said. At the press conference, he supported Modis policies on Pakistan. Pakistans instigation of terrorism in our country is holding the two countries back. We are not going to accept Pakistan carrying out terror acts in our country. Were just not going to accept it. And until they keep doing that, theres going to be problems between us, Gandhi, who was on an unofficial four-day trip to the US, said. He said No when asked if the Kashmir issue is holding the two South Asian nations away from a dialogue. Responding to a question on the India-US relationship, Gandhi noted that it has bipartisan support in both countries. I dont see a big diversion. I dont see Modi diverting very much from our approach with the US. I dont see ourselves changing direction very much from what hes doing.

So,I see continuity there, he said. Hesaid,everyoneacceptsthefactthat theIndia-USrelationshipiskeyforboth countries . INDIAN DEMOCRACY BROK E N FROMLAST10YEARS:RAHUL:Leade r ofOppositionRahulGandhihasalleged that democracy in India for the last 10 years was broken, but now it is fighting back. I can say to you that Indian democracy for the last 10 years was broken. Its fighting back, but it was broken,  Gandhi said. I have seen the Government of Maharashtrajustbeingtakenawayfrom us . Ive seen it with my own eyes. Ive watchedit, asourlegislatorshave bee n boughtinandhookedoffandsuddenly became BJP legislators . SoIndiandemocracyhasbeenunde r attack, has been very badly weakened, and now its fighting back. AndImconfidentthatitllfightback,  Gandhi said. If you see the election results, does it give you more hope for a democracy in India? he was asked.
Reservoirs in Distt full to THE brim; admin issues advisory





Staff Reporter :

Water supply hampered in city due to temporary halt in water pumping from Kanhan Dry Well-1. Gates of Totladoh dam, Pench Navegaon Khairy, Khekranala reservoir opened as water level touches danger mark.

For the first time in monsoon this year, all the five major reservoirs of Nagpur district are almost full to the brim following heavy rains in last 48 hours in East Vidarbha and Madhya Pradesh (MP). Totladoh dam, the major source to the water demands of Nagpur district, is 99.68% full to its capacity. On Tuesday, Gondia and Bhandara districts witnessed extremely heavy rains which increased the water level in catchment areas of Pench river. Gondia witnessed 306.4 mm rainfall in 36 hours resulting in flood-like situation in the district. Similarly, Bhandara received above 80 mm rains during the period. Heavy rains in the catchment area of Chaurai dam in Madhya Pradesh increased the water level in Totladoh dam. Rains in last 48 hours in Gondia and Bhandara increased the water level further to the danger mark. With water level in dams touching the danger mark, the district administration has decided to open the gates of Totladoh dam on Tuesday.

This led to increase in water level in Pench river. Since September 10 midnight, a gradual rise in the Kanhan river water level has been observed due to continuous heavy rainfall in the upstream catchment areas on September 9 and 10. Additionally, all 16 gates of the Pench Navegaon Khairy reservoir were opened by the administration on Tuesday, further contributing to the increased water flow. Kamthi Khairi dam is completely full and it also releasing water. Similarly, Khindsi dam, Nand dam and Khadgaon dam have also touched the full mark on Wednesday. The administration urged villagers to be alert and to avoid venturing close to any water body amid this situation. The district administration is also alert to avoid any incident due to releasing of water in rivers.

Khekranala reservoir gates opened

Khapa Correspondent

The district administration opened all the four gates of Khekranala dam upto 5 cm after water level crossed danger mark on Tuesday afternoon. On Tuesday, the total water stock in the dam was 22.35 mcum which was 96.87% of the total capacity of the reservoir. Keeping the water level in mind, the administration opened all the four gates and to maintain the normal water level in the reservoir, it has to be kept open till September 15. After opening the gates the excess water started flowing through the spillway and increased the water level in the nearby canals. The administration appealed villagers to avoid venturing near the canal to avoid any untoward incident.




SHAMEFUL - II





LEADER of Opposition Mr.Rahul Gandhi continues his anti-national tirade in the United States -- now making a totally false and dirty statement that Sikhs in India do not have religious freedom. He has gone to the extent of stressing that it is difficult for a Sikh in India to wear the traditional turban -- which is nothing but a total lie, a terrible canard, a dirty anti-national narrative aimed at maligning Indias image with falsehood as well as creating religious divide in the larger Indian society. Obviously, he is using a foreign soil to make his filthy, shameful statements to claim attention of the international community. He wants to tell the world that India is a bad place in every which the way. Shame on him! Yes, shame on Mr. Rahul Gandhi -- who enjoys the constitutional position of the Leader of Opposition (LoP) and yet refuses to honour the document that guarantees him freedom of expression even to malign the image of the country and its pious objectives.

No Sikh -- man, woman or child -- would ever agree with Mr. Rahul Gandhi that the Sikh community does not have religious freedom in India. And to be frank, no Sikh would ever forget that goons and leaders of Mr. Rahul Gandhis Congress party unleashed a massacre of members of the Sikh community just because a couple of Sikhs happened to be the assassins of the then Prime Minister Mrs. Indira Gandhi. No historian will ever deny the 1984 anti-Sikh riots that claimed the lives of countless thousands of Sikhs around the country. Delhi alone recorded a massacre of at least 3,000 Sikhs -- as records suggest. It was because of this reality that the honourable courts, too, directed recently the prosecution to proceed against a couple of Congress leaders held squarely responsible for the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. But now Mr. Rahul appears determined to wash his hands of those sins -- and so is trying to stress that the present system in the country does not allow religious freedom to the Sikhs.

This is sheer blasphemy and falsehood motivated by dirty political interest that does not mind the countrys name getting maligned.Mr. Rahul Gandhis statements in the US now and on previous occasions during his foreign trips indicate that he playing into the hands of some anti-India masterminds who seem to have made removing Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi from power their lifetimes mission. There is no problem of a political action to counter Mr. Narendra Modi -- since such a course is permissible in a democratic polity. What is not permissible is such attempts to impose falsehood and distortion of history on the country. Considering the poison Mr. Rahul Gandhi is trying to spread, it is bounden duty of the Government to consider a strict legal action against him under treason law -- no matter the new set of legal provisions implemented recently. We made this demand in our edition of September 11, 2024 -- and we repeat the demand today in the September 12 edition. (Very rarely do we write editorial articles in successive editions, continued with the same title -- which the esteemed readers must note). We insist that our insistence upon strict action against Mr. Rahul Gandhi is a reflection of the popular feeling that is sweeping the country currently. A person who refuses to learn the right lessons and continues his ugly habit of spreading deliberate distortion and falsehood for years, needs to be suitably punished by law. It is the Governments basic duty to find ways and means to fulfill this wish of the people of India -- and at the earliest. If the Government fails to do so, then it will lose at least some grains of its moral authority.
The presidential campaign has now entered its final phase. After Tuesdays tense debate in Philadelphia between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, the two parties are adjusting their strategies for the 54-day homestretch, in which the fight to gain the upper hand promises to be a tough one. Democrats want to take advantage of the momentum they feel they have after their candidates good performance. Republicans are trying to make up for the bad taste left in their mouth by their candidates showing.

Time is running out, and the opportunities to capture new votes  or avoid losing them  are becoming fewer and fewer. In some states, such as Alabama, the period for voting by mail has already started. In Pennsylvania, ballots can begin to be cast starting Monday. Other states will follow in the coming days.

Unless the two parties agree to a second debate in the coming weeks  which remains unclear  there is only one other national event on the horizon leading up to November 5: the October 1 debate between vice presidential candidates Democrat Tim Walz and Republican J. D. Vance. But rhetorical duels between the VP candidates have historically been relatively inconclusive; their television audiences are much smaller.

Tour of the swing states

Democrats were quick to make their move. After participating in a series of events in honor of the victims of 9/11 alongside President Joe Biden on Wednesday, Harris plans to return to the campaign trail and hold a series of rallies in swing states. At the New York event, the vice president met her opponent again, with whom she shook hands for the second time in two days.

On Thursday, Harris is scheduled to visit two locations in North Carolina to generate more support, boost enthusiasm and reach the voters who will decide this election, as we approach the final weeks of the campaign, said her campaign team. On Friday, Harris will hold a rally in Wilkes-Barre, an industrial city in northeastern Pennsylvania. There, she will court white working-class voters, an electoral group where she is encountering resistance, but which is highly sympathetic of Trump. Harris needs to win votes at all costs among this group, which is a significant proportion of the total in Pennsylvania. This state is vital for her aspirations to reach the White House: it is the one that contributes the most votes, 19, in the American electoral college (270 are needed to win). Without it, her chances of winning are drastically reduced.

Immediately after the debate, Harris was jubilant. In a surprise appearance at a gathering of supporters in Philadelphia, she said it had been a great night. The vice president, who was declared the winner of the debate by CNN in a flash poll with 63% to her rivals 37%, also received the icing on the cake: the hugely popular American music idol Taylor Swift announced that she would vote for her in November.

Trump, meanwhile, was trying to limit the damage after a debate in which he spread the lie that Haitian immigrants are eating their neighbors pets in Ohio, claimed that he had plans to change the current health insurance system implemented by Barack Obama, without providing further details, and lost his temper when his rival questioned the attendance figures for his rallies. He also claimed that Harris wants to carry out sex change operations on illegal immigrants detained in prison.

We had a great night. We won the debate. We had a terrible, a terrible network, he lamented on Wednesday on his favorite channel, Fox News, where he blamed ABC News moderators for his poor performance.

But even though time is running out, there are still eight weeks left to go, and neither party can afford to slow down. Harris herself recalled on Tuesday night that the Democrats are still not the favorites. The Republicans, for their part, must send a message of reassurance to their bases. It is not clear whether, despite the expectations, the debate has served to change opinions among those who had already decided their vote, or to motivate the 8% of undecided voters who are still not sure, according to the polls.

Harris still needs to make progress: the latest polls indicate that the momentum she had gained over the summer, after replacing Biden as the Democratic candidate, had stagnated. According to an ABC News poll before the debate, 28% of voters said they did not know enough about the vice presidents positions. Other polls indicate that her support among traditionally Democratic voting blocs, such as African Americans and young people, has grown compared to what Biden received in the months before he gave up the race for re-election, but it still falls short of what the president obtained in the 2020 elections.

Harris strong debate performance doesnt change the fundamentals of this presidential campaign, said Amy Walters, director of the respected political analysis firm Cook Report. Trumps failure to effectively define on the debate stage what is at stake in a Harris presidency can be offset by an effective ad campaign and an appropriate focus on constituencies.

But the analyst adds a nuance: Despite everything, Harris has shown that she can do what Biden failed to do: turn this election into a referendum on Trump.
Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT  Get Free Report)s share price traded down 0.2% on Tuesday . The stock traded as low as $115.43 and last traded at $116.18. 702,037 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 88% from the average session volume of 5,821,558 shares. The stock had previously closed at $116.43.

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Abbott Laboratories Trading Down 0.5 %

The company has a market cap of $202.75 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 36.31, a PEG ratio of 2.83 and a beta of 0.72. The company has a quick ratio of 1.18, a current ratio of 1.68 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $108.70 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $108.69.

Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, July 18th. The healthcare product maker reported $1.14 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.10 by $0.04. Abbott Laboratories had a net margin of 13.65% and a return on equity of 20.18%. The company had revenue of $10.38 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $10.37 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $1.08 earnings per share. Abbott Laboratoriess revenue for the quarter was up 4.0% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities analysts predict that Abbott Laboratories will post 4.66 EPS for the current year.

Abbott Laboratories Announces Dividend

The company 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 1.89%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, July 15th. Abbott Laboratoriess payout ratio is currently 68.54%.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Abbott Laboratories

Several hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in ABT. Unique Wealth Strategies LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories during the second quarter worth $28,000. Transcendent Capital Group LLC purchased a new stake in Abbott Laboratories in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Richardson Financial Services Inc. acquired a new position in Abbott Laboratories during the 4th quarter worth approximately $29,000. Redmont Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of Abbott Laboratories during the 1st quarter worth approximately $30,000. Finally, Itau Unibanco Holding S.A. purchased a new stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories in the second quarter valued at approximately $32,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 75.18% of the companys stock.

Abbott Laboratories Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Abbott Laboratories, together with its subsidiaries, discovers, develops, manufactures, and sells health care products worldwide. It operates in four segments: Established Pharmaceutical Products, Diagnostic Products, Nutritional Products, and Medical Devices. The company provides generic pharmaceuticals for the treatment of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, irritable bowel syndrome or biliary spasm, intrahepatic cholestasis or depressive symptoms, gynecological disorder, hormone replacement therapy, dyslipidemia, hypertension, hypothyroidism, Meniere's disease and vestibular vertigo, pain, fever, inflammation, and migraine, as well as provides anti-infective clarithromycin, influenza vaccine, and products to regulate physiological rhythm of the colon.

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ADC Therapeutics SA (NYSE:ADCT  Get Free Report) shares rose 0.5% on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as $3.01 and last traded at $2.95. Approximately 156,552 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 78% from the average daily volume of 697,936 shares. The stock had previously closed at $2.93.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of analysts have recently weighed in on the company. Cantor Fitzgerald initiated coverage on ADC Therapeutics in a research report on Thursday, May 30th. They set an overweight rating on the stock. HC Wainwright restated a buy rating and set a $8.00 price objective on shares of ADC Therapeutics in a research note on Thursday, August 8th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $8.00 target price on shares of ADC Therapeutics in a research note on Wednesday, August 7th. One analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $9.00.

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ADC Therapeutics Price Performance

The firm has a market cap of $243.78 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -1.07 and a beta of 1.58. The firms fifty day moving average is $3.14 and its two-hundred day moving average is $3.76.

ADC Therapeutics (NYSE:ADCT  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, August 6th. The company reported ($0.38) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of ($0.44) by $0.06. The company had revenue of $17.41 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $19.06 million. During the same quarter last year, the business earned ($0.58) earnings per share. On average, equities analysts forecast that ADC Therapeutics SA will post -1.69 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Insider Transactions at ADC Therapeutics

In related news, major shareholder Redmile Group, Llc purchased 400,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, July 1st. The shares were bought at an average price of $2.81 per share, with a total value of $1,124,000.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the insider now owns 12,995,040 shares of the companys stock, valued at $36,516,062.40. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Company insiders own 4.05% of the companys stock.

Institutional Trading of ADC Therapeutics

A number of hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of ADCT. Susquehanna Fundamental Investments LLC acquired a new stake in shares of ADC Therapeutics during the second quarter worth approximately $33,000. Acadian Asset Management LLC acquired a new position in ADC Therapeutics in the second quarter worth approximately $51,000. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company bought a new position in ADC Therapeutics during the second quarter valued at approximately $85,000. XTX Topco Ltd lifted its stake in ADC Therapeutics by 129.0% in the second quarter. XTX Topco Ltd now owns 56,863 shares of the companys stock valued at $180,000 after acquiring an additional 32,034 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Rhumbline Advisers acquired a new stake in ADC Therapeutics in the second quarter valued at approximately $272,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 41.10% of the companys stock.

About ADC Therapeutics

(Get Free Report)

ADC Therapeutics SA focuses on advancing its proprietary antibody drug conjugate (ADC) technology platform to transform the treatment paradigm for patients with hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. Its flagship product is ZYNLONTA, a CD19-directed ADC, received accelerated approval from the U.S.

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AdvisorShares Investments LLC purchased a new position in shares of Acuity Brands, Inc. (NYSE:AYI  Free Report) in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor purchased 1,826 shares of the electronics makers stock, valued at approximately $441,000.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in AYI. Norges Bank bought a new stake in shares of Acuity Brands during the 4th quarter worth approximately $68,686,000. Acadian Asset Management LLC lifted its stake in Acuity Brands by 366.2% in the 2nd quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC now owns 345,628 shares of the electronics makers stock valued at $83,430,000 after purchasing an additional 271,485 shares during the last quarter. Vision One Management Partners LP bought a new position in Acuity Brands in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $21,901,000. Swedbank AB bought a new position in Acuity Brands in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $25,188,000. Finally, Interval Partners LP bought a new position in Acuity Brands in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $20,961,000. Institutional investors own 98.21% of the companys stock.

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Acuity Brands Price Performance

AYI stock opened at $248.05 on Thursday. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $243.89 and a 200-day moving average price of $251.96. The company has a market capitalization of $7.63 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.17, a PEG ratio of 1.58 and a beta of 1.41. Acuity Brands, Inc. has a 52-week low of $156.79 and a 52-week high of $272.74. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.22, a quick ratio of 2.15 and a current ratio of 2.77.

Acuity Brands Dividend Announcement

Acuity Brands ( NYSE:AYI Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, June 27th. The electronics maker reported $4.15 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $3.82 by $0.33. The firm had revenue of $968.10 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $996.52 million. Acuity Brands had a net margin of 10.12% and a return on equity of 20.97%. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 3.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $3.50 earnings per share. As a group, equities analysts expect that Acuity Brands, Inc. will post 14.26 EPS for the current year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, August 1st. Stockholders of record on Thursday, July 18th were given a dividend of $0.15 per share. This represents a $0.60 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.24%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, July 18th. Acuity Brandss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 4.88%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several brokerages recently commented on AYI. StockNews.com downgraded shares of Acuity Brands from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, August 27th. Robert W. Baird dropped their price objective on shares of Acuity Brands from $286.00 to $280.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, June 18th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company downgraded shares of Acuity Brands from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating and dropped their price objective for the company from $295.00 to $260.00 in a research note on Friday, June 28th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $279.00.

Check Out Our Latest Analysis on AYI

Acuity Brands Company Profile

(Free Report)

Acuity Brands, Inc provides lighting, lighting controls, building management system, location-aware applications in the United States and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Acuity Brands Lighting and Lighting Controls (ABL); and the Intelligent Spaces Group (ISG). The ABL segment provides commercial, architectural, and specialty lighting solutions, as well as lighting controls and components for various indoor and outdoor applications under the A-Light, Aculux, American Electric Lighting, Cyclone, Dark to Light, eldoLED, Eureka, Gotham, Healthcare Lighting, Holophane, Hydrel, Indy, IOTA, Juno, Lithonia Lighting, Luminaire LED, Luminis, Mark Architectural Lighting, nLight, OPTOTRONIC, Peerless, RELOCWiring Solutions, and Sensor Switch.

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Alger Mid Cap 40 ETF (NYSEARCA:FRTY  Get Free Report)s stock price shot up 1.2% on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as $16.01 and last traded at $16.01. 4,085 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 73% from the average session volume of 15,393 shares. The stock had previously closed at $15.83.

Alger Mid Cap 40 ETF Stock Performance

The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $15.95 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $15.93. The company has a market cap of $34.11 million, a PE ratio of 60.83 and a beta of 1.39.

Alger Mid Cap 40 ETF Company Profile

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The Alger Mid Cap 40 ETF (FRTY) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the Russell Midcap Growth index. The fund is an actively-managed, non-transparent ETF that provides exposure to US mid-cap companies with growth characteristics. The fund utilizes the Precidian non-transparent model. FRTY was launched on Feb 26, 2021 and is managed by Alger.

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Almaden Minerals Ltd. (TSE:AMM  Get Free Report) (NYSEMKT:AAU)s stock price hit a new 52-week low during trading on Monday . The stock traded as low as C$0.05 and last traded at C$0.06, with a volume of 103266 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at C$0.06.

Almaden Minerals Price Performance

The company has a current ratio of 7.47, a quick ratio of 23.78 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 131.70. The company has a market capitalization of C$8.23 million, a PE ratio of -0.13 and a beta of 1.10. The stocks 50-day moving average is C$0.07 and its two-hundred day moving average is C$0.13.

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Almaden Minerals (TSE:AMM  Get Free Report) (NYSEMKT:AAU) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, August 7th. The company reported C($0.01) earnings per share for the quarter.

Almaden Minerals Company Profile

Almaden Minerals Ltd., an exploration stage company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, evaluation, and development of mineral properties in Mexico. The company's principal asset comprises 100% interests in the Ixtaca gold-silver project located in Puebla State, Mexico. Almaden Minerals Ltd.

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KYODO NEWS - Sep 12, 2024 - 11:59 | All, Japan, World

A Nippon Steel Corp. executive met senior U.S. government officials in Washington on Wednesday, sources close to the matter said, in an apparent attempt to win support for its envisioned acquisition of United States Steel Corp.

The meeting between Nippon Steel Vice President Takahiro Mori and members of the U.S. committee on foreign investment comes as Washington is reportedly preparing to block the deal, citing potential national security risks related to foreign ownership.

U.S. media have reported President Joe Biden's administration is in the final stages of blocking the $14.1 billion takeover of the iconic American firm by Japan's largest steelmaker.

U.S. presidential nominees Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are also both opposed to the proposed acquisition.

U.S. Steel, founded in 1901, is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, one of the key battleground states of the Nov. 5 presidential election. The powerful United Steelworkers Union, which has expressed opposition to the deal, is also based in the area.

Mori's visit to the United States came as a coalition of Washington-based business groups on Wednesday sent a joint letter to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, asking her to avoid politicizing the ongoing review of the Japanese company's planned acquisition.

The group included the Global Business Alliance, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Foreign Trade Council. The Japan Business Federation, the country's top business lobby also known as Keidanren, also joined in the request.

Related coverage:

U.S. business groups ask Treasury not to politicize Nippon Steel deal

Nippon Steel exec to meet U.S. officials over U.S. Steel buyout plan

Japan business lobby urges "fairness" in U.S. Steel buyout review
Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance, Inc. (NYSE:ARI  Get Free Report) declared a quarterly dividend on Thursday, September 12th, Wall Street Journal reports. Shareholders of record on Monday, September 30th will be given a dividend of 0.25 per share by the real estate investment trust on Tuesday, October 15th. This represents a $1.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 10.50%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, September 30th.

Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance has increased its dividend by an average of 21.3% per year over the last three years. Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance has a payout ratio of 129.6% meaning the company cannot currently cover its dividend with earnings alone and is relying on its balance sheet to cover its dividend payments. Equities research analysts expect Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance to earn $0.94 per share next year, which means the company may not be able to cover its $1.40 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 148.9%.

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Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance Price Performance

ARI stock traded down $0.67 during trading on Thursday, hitting $9.52. 4,469,080 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 871,792. Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance has a 52 week low of $9.14 and a 52 week high of $12.74. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.63, a quick ratio of 54.21 and a current ratio of 54.21. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $10.39 and a 200 day simple moving average of $10.46. The stock has a market capitalization of $1.35 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -11.92, a P/E/G ratio of 2.17 and a beta of 1.76.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several equities analysts have commented on ARI shares. BTIG Research started coverage on shares of Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance in a research report on Friday, July 19th. They set a neutral rating for the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price objective on shares of Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance from $9.50 to $10.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 16th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating and five have given a hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $10.25.

View Our Latest Stock Report on ARI

Insider Transactions at Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance

In other news, Director Scott Prince sold 4,935 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $10.12, for a total value of $49,942.20. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 81,154 shares in the company, valued at approximately $821,278.48. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Company insiders own 0.68% of the companys stock.

Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance Company Profile

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Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance, Inc operates as a real estate investment trust (REIT) that originates, acquires, invests in, and manages commercial first mortgage loans, subordinate financings, and other commercial real estate-related debt investments in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe.

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Ashtead Group plc (OTCMKTS:ASHTY  Get Free Report) was the target of a significant decrease in short interest during the month of August. As of August 31st, there was short interest totalling 500 shares, a decrease of 72.2% from the August 15th total of 1,800 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 9,700 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.1 days.

Ashtead Group Trading Up 0.2 %

OTCMKTS ASHTY traded up $0.47 during trading on Thursday, hitting $278.93. The company had a trading volume of 10,641 shares, compared to its average volume of 13,520. The companys fifty day moving average is $276.15 and its 200-day moving average is $282.90. The company has a market cap of $30.49 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 19.13, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.60 and a beta of 1.63. The company has a current ratio of 1.36, a quick ratio of 1.24 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.24. Ashtead Group has a one year low of $221.86 and a one year high of $316.06.

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Ashtead Group (OTCMKTS:ASHTY  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, June 18th. The company reported $3.15 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $3.17 by ($0.02). The firm had revenue of $2.63 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.35 billion. Ashtead Group had a return on equity of 24.56% and a net margin of 14.94%. On average, sell-side analysts predict that Ashtead Group will post 15.61 earnings per share for the current year.

Ashtead Group Increases Dividend

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

The company also recently declared a dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, September 25th. Investors of record on Friday, August 9th will be paid a $3.52 dividend. This is a boost from Ashtead Groups previous dividend of $0.58. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, August 9th. Ashtead Groups payout ratio is presently 48.29%.

Separately, Barclays raised shares of Ashtead Group to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Thursday, August 1st.

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About Ashtead Group

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Ashtead Group plc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the construction, industrial, and general equipment rental business in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. It provides pumps, power generation, heating, cooling, scaffolding, traffic management, temporary flooring, trench shoring, and lifting services.

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Investment analysts at Bank of America assumed coverage on shares of IDACORP (NYSE:IDA  Get Free Report) in a research note issued to investors on Thursday, StockNewsAPI reports. The firm set a neutral rating and a $110.00 price target on the energy companys stock. Bank of Americas target price would suggest a potential upside of 6.53% from the companys current price.

A number of other research analysts have also recently commented on IDA. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their price target on IDACORP from $98.00 to $106.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Friday, August 2nd. Mizuho boosted their price objective on IDACORP from $88.00 to $99.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, May 16th. Finally, Morgan Stanley boosted their price objective on IDACORP from $94.00 to $102.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Friday, August 23rd. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating and six have given a hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $101.50.

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Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on IDA

IDACORP Stock Down 0.8 %

IDA opened at $103.26 on Thursday. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $99.39 and a 200-day simple moving average of $95.08. The stock has a market capitalization of $5.50 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.73 and a beta of 0.60. IDACORP has a 12 month low of $86.43 and a 12 month high of $105.24. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.87, a current ratio of 1.55 and a quick ratio of 1.17.

IDACORP (NYSE:IDA  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 1st. The energy company reported $1.71 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.37 by $0.34. The company had revenue of $451.04 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $420.56 million. IDACORP had a return on equity of 9.16% and a net margin of 15.04%. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $1.35 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts anticipate that IDACORP will post 5.41 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On IDACORP

Hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Sanctuary Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of IDACORP in the second quarter valued at about $591,000. Creative Planning lifted its stake in shares of IDACORP by 97.1% in the second quarter. Creative Planning now owns 15,655 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $1,458,000 after buying an additional 7,712 shares during the period. Susquehanna Fundamental Investments LLC lifted its stake in shares of IDACORP by 16.0% in the second quarter. Susquehanna Fundamental Investments LLC now owns 63,537 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $5,918,000 after buying an additional 8,769 shares during the period. Millennium Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of IDACORP by 34.0% in the second quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 201,545 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $18,774,000 after buying an additional 51,178 shares during the period. Finally, Deprince Race & Zollo Inc. lifted its stake in shares of IDACORP by 30.8% in the second quarter. Deprince Race & Zollo Inc. now owns 576,136 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $53,667,000 after buying an additional 135,793 shares during the period. 89.10% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

IDACORP Company Profile

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IDACORP, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the generation, transmission, distribution, purchase, and sale of electric energy in the United States. The company operates 17 hydropower generating plants located in southern Idaho and eastern Oregon; three natural gas-fired plants in southern Idaho; and interests in two coal-fired steam electric generating plants located in Wyoming and Nevada.

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JPMorgan Chase & Co. reaffirmed their overweight rating on shares of Barclays (LON:BARC  Free Report) in a research report released on Monday, MarketBeat reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. currently has a GBX 270 ($3.53) price target on the financial services providers stock.

BARC has been the subject of several other reports. Royal Bank of Canada cut their price target on shares of Barclays from GBX 260 ($3.40) to GBX 250 ($3.27) and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Thursday, June 13th. Citigroup reissued a buy rating on shares of Barclays in a report on Monday, September 2nd. Berenberg Bank reissued a buy rating and set a GBX 280 ($3.66) price target on shares of Barclays in a report on Thursday, May 16th. Jefferies Financial Group reissued a buy rating and set a GBX 335 ($4.38) price target on shares of Barclays in a report on Tuesday, May 21st. Finally, Shore Capital reissued a buy rating on shares of Barclays in a report on Wednesday, June 19th. Seven investment analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating, Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Buy and an average target price of GBX 276 ($3.61).

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Barclays Stock Performance

Barclays Cuts Dividend

LON:BARC opened at GBX 215.15 ($2.81) on Monday. The company has a 50-day moving average of GBX 224.06 and a 200-day moving average of GBX 206.15. The company has a market capitalization of 31.43 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 827.50, a PEG ratio of 1.05 and a beta of 1.36. Barclays has a 52 week low of GBX 128.12 ($1.68) and a 52 week high of GBX 241.80 ($3.16).

The business also recently disclosed a dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 20th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, August 15th will be given a GBX 2.90 ($0.04) dividend. This represents a yield of 1.24%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, August 15th. Barclayss payout ratio is presently 3,076.92%.

Insider Buying and Selling at Barclays

In other Barclays news, insider Anna Cross sold 53,422 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, June 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of GBX 203 ($2.65), for a total value of 108,446.66 ($141,815.95). In other Barclays news, insider Dawn Fitzpatrick purchased 5,259 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 2nd. The stock was bought at an average price of GBX 210 ($2.75) per share, for a total transaction of 11,043.90 ($14,442.13). Also, insider Anna Cross sold 53,422 shares of Barclays stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, June 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of GBX 203 ($2.65), for a total transaction of 108,446.66 ($141,815.95). Corporate insiders own 1.46% of the companys stock.

About Barclays

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Barclays PLC provides various financial services in the United Kingdom, Europe, the Americas, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. The company operates through Barclays UK and Barclays International division segments. It offers financial services, such as retail banking, credit cards, wholesale banking, investment banking, wealth management, and investment management services.

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Barings LLC lifted its position in shares of iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF (NYSEARCA:IEUR  Free Report) by 39.9% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 131,455 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 37,479 shares during the quarter. Barings LLCs holdings in iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF were worth $7,486,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of the business. Western Pacific Wealth Management LP bought a new position in shares of iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Headlands Technologies LLC bought a new position in iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF in the second quarter worth approximately $28,000. International Assets Investment Management LLC bought a new stake in iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF during the 2nd quarter valued at $29,000. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. bought a new position in shares of iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF during the 4th quarter worth $36,000. Finally, Arcadia Investment Management Corp MI raised its holdings in shares of iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF by 50.0% in the second quarter. Arcadia Investment Management Corp MI now owns 675 shares of the companys stock valued at $38,000 after acquiring an additional 225 shares in the last quarter.

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iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF Price Performance

Shares of iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF stock opened at $58.76 on Thursday. iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF has a 1 year low of $47.10 and a 1 year high of $60.83. The stock has a market cap of $4.92 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.22 and a beta of 0.85. The firms 50-day moving average is $58.38 and its two-hundred day moving average is $57.97.

iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF Company Profile

The iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF (IEUR) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI Europe IMI index, a market-cap-weighted index of developed European securities. IEUR was launched on Jun 10, 2014 and is managed by BlackRock.

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BNP Paribas reiterated their neutral rating on shares of Subsea 7 (OTCMKTS:SUBCY  Free Report) in a research note issued to investors on Monday morning, Marketbeat reports.

Subsea 7 Stock Performance

Shares of OTCMKTS SUBCY opened at $16.32 on Monday. Subsea 7 has a 1 year low of $12.38 and a 1 year high of $19.60. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.16, a quick ratio of 1.05 and a current ratio of 1.07. The companys fifty day moving average price is $18.21 and its 200 day moving average price is $17.27. The company has a market capitalization of $4.97 billion, a PE ratio of 81.60 and a beta of 1.77.

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Subsea 7 (OTCMKTS:SUBCY  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, July 25th. The energy company reported $0.20 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.24 by ($0.04). Subsea 7 had a return on equity of 2.37% and a net margin of 1.63%. The firm had revenue of $1.74 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.73 billion. On average, research analysts predict that Subsea 7 will post 0.86 earnings per share for the current year.

About Subsea 7

Subsea 7 SA delivers offshore projects and services for the energy industry worldwide. It provides subsea field development products and services, including project management, design and engineering, procurement, fabrication, survey, installation, and commissioning of production facilities on the seabed and the tie-back of its facilities to fixed or floating platforms or to the shore.

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boohoo group (LON:BOO  Get Free Report)s stock had its sell rating reissued by equities researchers at Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft in a report released on Thursday, Digital Look reports. They currently have a GBX 27 ($0.35) target price on the stock. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschafts price target would suggest a potential downside of 4.11% from the companys previous close.

Several other equities analysts have also recently commented on the stock. Shore Capital reaffirmed a hold rating on shares of boohoo group in a research note on Wednesday. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their price objective on boohoo group from GBX 45 ($0.59) to GBX 37 ($0.48) and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, June 11th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating and two have given a hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, boohoo group presently has a consensus rating of Reduce and a consensus price target of GBX 27.13 ($0.35).

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boohoo group Price Performance

About boohoo group

LON BOO opened at GBX 28.16 ($0.37) on Thursday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.92, a current ratio of 1.43 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 159.78. The company has a market cap of 357.58 million, a PE ratio of -255.96 and a beta of 1.80. boohoo group has a 52 week low of GBX 26.48 ($0.35) and a 52 week high of GBX 42.63 ($0.56). The firms 50-day simple moving average is GBX 31.17 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is GBX 33.34.

(Get Free Report)

boohoo group plc, through its subsidiaries, operates as an online clothing retailer in the United Kingdom, rest of Europe, the United States, and internationally. The company designs, sources, markets, and sells fashion clothing, home and beauty products, shoes, and accessories for 16-to-60+ year age customers.

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Canadian Natural Resources Limited (NYSE:CNQ  Free Report) (TSE:CNQ)  Stock analysts at Zacks Research cut their Q3 2024 earnings per share estimates for Canadian Natural Resources in a report released on Wednesday, September 11th. Zacks Research analyst T. Saha now forecasts that the oil and gas producer will earn $0.63 per share for the quarter, down from their previous estimate of $0.66. The consensus estimate for Canadian Natural Resources current full-year earnings is $2.49 per share. Zacks Research also issued estimates for Canadian Natural Resources Q4 2024 earnings at $0.69 EPS, Q2 2025 earnings at $0.85 EPS, Q3 2025 earnings at $0.72 EPS, FY2025 earnings at $3.07 EPS and FY2026 earnings at $2.65 EPS.

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Canadian Natural Resources (NYSE:CNQ  Get Free Report) (TSE:CNQ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 1st. The oil and gas producer reported $0.88 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.62 by $0.26. The company had revenue of $7.76 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $6.19 billion. Canadian Natural Resources had a net margin of 18.05% and a return on equity of 22.09%. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $0.43 earnings per share.

A number of other research analysts have also issued reports on CNQ. Wolfe Research assumed coverage on Canadian Natural Resources in a report on Thursday, July 18th. They set a peer perform rating on the stock. StockNews.com lowered shares of Canadian Natural Resources from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, August 23rd. Raymond James upgraded shares of Canadian Natural Resources to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, May 28th. Finally, Scotiabank reiterated a sector perform rating on shares of Canadian Natural Resources in a research report on Tuesday, June 11th. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and one has issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Canadian Natural Resources currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $49.50.

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Canadian Natural Resources Stock Up 0.5 %

CNQ stock opened at $32.38 on Thursday. The firms 50-day moving average is $35.23 and its two-hundred day moving average is $36.49. The company has a current ratio of 0.88, a quick ratio of 0.59 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.24. The company has a market capitalization of $68.90 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.90 and a beta of 1.51. Canadian Natural Resources has a 52 week low of $29.45 and a 52 week high of $41.29.

Canadian Natural Resources Cuts Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, October 4th. Shareholders of record on Friday, September 13th will be paid a dividend of $0.384 per share. This represents a $1.54 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.74%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, September 13th. Canadian Natural Resourcess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 60.56%.

Institutional Trading of Canadian Natural Resources

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Sanctuary Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in Canadian Natural Resources in the 2nd quarter worth about $3,485,000. Souders Financial Advisors increased its holdings in shares of Canadian Natural Resources by 103.0% in the 2nd quarter. Souders Financial Advisors now owns 99,999 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $3,560,000 after purchasing an additional 50,744 shares during the period. Clearbridge Investments LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Canadian Natural Resources by 64.4% during the second quarter. Clearbridge Investments LLC now owns 1,186,643 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $42,243,000 after purchasing an additional 464,677 shares during the period. Cetera Investment Advisers boosted its holdings in shares of Canadian Natural Resources by 97.6% during the second quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 72,820 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $2,592,000 after purchasing an additional 35,962 shares during the period. Finally, Ted Buchan & Co acquired a new position in Canadian Natural Resources in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $710,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 74.03% of the companys stock.

Canadian Natural Resources Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Canadian Natural Resources Limited acquires, explores for, develops, produces, markets, and sells crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids (NGLs). The company offers light and medium crude oil, primary heavy crude oil, Pelican Lake heavy crude oil, bitumen (thermal oil), and synthetic crude oil (SCO).

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AGF Management Ltd. reduced its stake in CAVA Group, Inc. (NYSE:CAVA  Free Report) by 28.8% during the 2nd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund owned 104,290 shares of the companys stock after selling 42,142 shares during the quarter. AGF Management Ltd.s holdings in CAVA Group were worth $9,673,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Jamison Private Wealth Management Inc. purchased a new stake in CAVA Group during the 2nd quarter worth about $28,000. CWM LLC increased its stake in shares of CAVA Group by 101.2% during the first quarter. CWM LLC now owns 505 shares of the companys stock worth $35,000 after buying an additional 254 shares during the period. Headlands Technologies LLC acquired a new stake in CAVA Group in the second quarter valued at approximately $37,000. Mather Group LLC. purchased a new position in CAVA Group in the second quarter worth approximately $45,000. Finally, SOA Wealth Advisors LLC. acquired a new position in CAVA Group during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $46,000. 73.15% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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CAVA Group Trading Up 1.3 %

CAVA stock opened at $121.29 on Thursday. The company has a market capitalization of $13.83 billion, a P/E ratio of 295.83 and a beta of 3.32. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $95.47 and a 200-day simple moving average of $81.57. CAVA Group, Inc. has a twelve month low of $29.05 and a twelve month high of $128.18.

Insider Buying and Selling

CAVA Group ( NYSE:CAVA Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 22nd. The company reported $0.17 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.13 by $0.04. The firm had revenue of $233.50 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $219.47 million. CAVA Group had a net margin of 5.04% and a return on equity of 7.37%. CAVA Groups quarterly revenue was up 35.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $0.21 EPS. Research analysts predict that CAVA Group, Inc. will post 0.43 EPS for the current fiscal year.

In other news, CEO Brett Schulman sold 66,414 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, June 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $90.11, for a total value of $5,984,565.54. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 904,094 shares in the company, valued at approximately $81,467,910.34. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In other news, CEO Brett Schulman sold 66,414 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, June 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $90.11, for a total transaction of $5,984,565.54. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 904,094 shares in the company, valued at $81,467,910.34. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, CFO Tricia K. Tolivar sold 5,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, August 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $125.64, for a total transaction of $628,200.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 292,600 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $36,762,264. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 493,579 shares of company stock valued at $55,510,751 over the last three months.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of brokerages recently commented on CAVA. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their target price on CAVA Group from $77.00 to $90.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Monday, August 26th. Loop Capital upped their price objective on CAVA Group from $80.00 to $122.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Monday, August 26th. Stifel Nicolaus raised their target price on CAVA Group from $90.00 to $110.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Monday, August 19th. Robert W. Baird upped their price target on CAVA Group from $105.00 to $125.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Friday, August 23rd. Finally, TD Cowen increased their price target on shares of CAVA Group from $95.00 to $115.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday, August 23rd. Seven analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, CAVA Group currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $111.58.

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CAVA Group Profile

(Free Report)

CAVA Group, Inc owns and operates a chain of restaurants under the CAVA brand in the United States. The company also offers dips, spreads, and dressings through grocery stores. In addition, the company provides online and mobile ordering platforms. Cava Group, Inc was founded in 2006 and is headquartered in Washington, the District of Columbia.

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Community Bank System, Inc. (NYSE:CBU  Get Free Report) announced a quarterly dividend on Wednesday, July 17th, Wall Street Journal reports. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 13th will be given a dividend of 0.46 per share by the bank on Thursday, October 10th. This represents a $1.84 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.27%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, September 13th. This is an increase from Community Bank Systems previous quarterly dividend of $0.45.

Community Bank System has raised its dividend payment by an average of 2.4% per year over the last three years and has increased its dividend annually for the last 33 consecutive years. Community Bank System has a dividend payout ratio of 49.5% indicating that its dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings. Equities research analysts expect Community Bank System to earn $3.62 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $1.84 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 50.8%.

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Community Bank System Stock Performance

Shares of Community Bank System stock opened at $56.32 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.43, a current ratio of 0.76 and a quick ratio of 0.76. The firm has a market cap of $2.97 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.74 and a beta of 0.64. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $57.38 and a 200 day simple moving average of $49.63. Community Bank System has a fifty-two week low of $35.38 and a fifty-two week high of $63.95.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Community Bank System ( NYSE:CBU Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, July 23rd. The bank reported $0.95 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.81 by $0.14. The business had revenue of $183.80 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $180.05 million. Community Bank System had a net margin of 15.90% and a return on equity of 8.94%. Community Bank Systems revenue for the quarter was up 4.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $0.91 earnings per share. Sell-side analysts predict that Community Bank System will post 3.34 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

A number of equities analysts have issued reports on the stock. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods reaffirmed a market perform rating and issued a $59.00 price objective on shares of Community Bank System in a research note on Tuesday. Raymond James cut shares of Community Bank System from an outperform rating to a market perform rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 24th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating and three have assigned a hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Community Bank System has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $50.50.

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Community Bank System Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Community Bank System, Inc operates as the bank holding company for Community Bank, N.A. that provides various banking and other financial services to retail, commercial, institutional, and municipal customers. It operates through three segments: Banking, Employee Benefit Services, and All Other. The company offers various deposits products, such as interest and noninterest -bearing checking, savings, and money market deposit accounts, as well as time deposits.

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KYODO NEWS - Sep 12, 2024 - 13:06 | All, Japan

A 28-year-old woman on Thursday pleaded not guilty to the charge of murdering her wealthy elderly husband who described himself as the "Don Juan" of the western Japan area where he lived.

Saki Sudo is accused of causing Kosuke Nozaki, who was 77 years old at the time of his death, to deliberately ingest a lethal amount of an illegal stimulant drug on May 24, 2018, according to the indictment.

"I did not kill him, nor have I ever made him ingest any stimulant drugs," Sudo said in the first hearing at the Wakayama District Court.

As a president of a liquor sales company and real estate business in Wakayama Prefecture, Nozaki is said to have accumulated around 1.3 billion yen ($9.1 million) in personal wealth. He married Sudo, who was more than 50 years younger than him, in February 2018.

In their opening statements, prosecutors said Nozaki gave Sudo one million yen each month, but told an employee that he may get divorced because his wife often traveled back and forth between Tokyo and Wakayama Prefecture.

They alleged Sudo searched for such words as "perfect crime," "kill" and "drug" on a website after February 2018 and spent some hundreds of thousands of yen to obtain over 3 grams of a stimulant, which is three times the lethal amount, from a drug dealer.

Sudo said she found Nozaki collapsed at their home, according to investigative sources, with the cause of his death later confirmed as acute stimulant intoxication, but no needle marks were found on his body.

Security camera footage of Nozaki's house did not show any other person entering or leaving around the time of the incident, the sources said. Sudo was arrested in April 2021 and indicted the following month.

The court plans to hand down a ruling on Dec. 12 this year. She was also convicted earlier this month of stealing from another man between 2015 and 2016 and faces a prison sentence of three years and six months.

Nozaki had gained notoriety for publishing an autobiography titled "Don Juan of Kishu: The Man Who Gave 3 Billion Yen to 4,000 Beautiful Women" in 2016, likening himself to the mythical Spanish playboy. Kishu is a historical name for the region in the prefecture where he lived.

The focus of the trial is whether she can be convicted of murder after prosecutors decided to argue the case on the basis of circumstantial evidence.

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Doctor at scene of Akihabara mass killing recalls pain of lives lost
Cornercap Investment Counsel Inc. trimmed its stake in Leidos Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:LDOS  Free Report) by 1.5% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 22,164 shares of the aerospace companys stock after selling 341 shares during the period. Leidos makes up about 0.5% of Cornercap Investment Counsel Inc.s portfolio, making the stock its 17th biggest position. Cornercap Investment Counsel Inc.s holdings in Leidos were worth $3,233,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Several other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the stock. American Century Companies Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Leidos by 1.1% during the 2nd quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 168,881 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $24,636,000 after acquiring an additional 1,812 shares during the last quarter. AdvisorShares Investments LLC bought a new stake in shares of Leidos during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $533,000. Daiwa Securities Group Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Leidos by 9.2% during the 2nd quarter. Daiwa Securities Group Inc. now owns 14,319 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $2,089,000 after acquiring an additional 1,211 shares during the last quarter. Choreo LLC lifted its stake in shares of Leidos by 13.8% during the 2nd quarter. Choreo LLC now owns 3,116 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $454,000 after acquiring an additional 378 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Ballentine Partners LLC lifted its stake in shares of Leidos by 7.3% during the 2nd quarter. Ballentine Partners LLC now owns 1,760 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $257,000 after acquiring an additional 120 shares during the last quarter. 76.12% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of equities research analysts recently issued reports on LDOS shares. Stifel Nicolaus raised their price target on Leidos from $160.00 to $165.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday, June 24th. Wells Fargo & Company raised their price target on Leidos from $168.00 to $172.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, August 1st. Barclays raised their price target on Leidos from $160.00 to $165.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, August 5th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their target price on Leidos from $165.00 to $175.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 31st. Finally, TD Cowen lifted their target price on Leidos from $155.00 to $166.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 31st. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, ten have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $163.08.

Insider Buying and Selling at Leidos

In other news, CEO Thomas Arthur Bell purchased 1,712 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, August 1st. The shares were acquired at an average price of $145.04 per share, for a total transaction of $248,308.48. Following the purchase, the chief executive officer now owns 22,398 shares in the company, valued at $3,248,605.92. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In related news, Director Gary Stephen May sold 1,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $144.02, for a total value of $144,020.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 11,264 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,622,241.28. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, CEO Thomas Arthur Bell purchased 1,712 shares of Leidos stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 1st. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $145.04 per share, with a total value of $248,308.48. Following the acquisition, the chief executive officer now directly owns 22,398 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,248,605.92. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. Company insiders own 0.96% of the companys stock.

Leidos Trading Down 1.1 %

LDOS opened at $152.33 on Thursday. The firm has a market cap of $20.52 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 65.66, a PEG ratio of 1.36 and a beta of 0.69. The company has a current ratio of 1.21, a quick ratio of 1.11 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.91. Leidos Holdings, Inc. has a 12 month low of $89.22 and a 12 month high of $159.10. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $150.15 and a 200-day moving average price of $141.65.

Leidos (NYSE:LDOS  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, July 30th. The aerospace company reported $2.63 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.27 by $0.36. Leidos had a return on equity of 28.40% and a net margin of 2.72%. The firm had revenue of $4.13 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.06 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $1.80 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 7.7% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that Leidos Holdings, Inc. will post 8.95 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Leidos Announces Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 27th. Investors of record on Friday, September 13th will be paid a dividend of $0.38 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, September 13th. This represents a $1.52 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.00%. Leidoss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 65.52%.

About Leidos

(Free Report)

Leidos Holdings, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides services and solutions in the defense, intelligence, civil, and health markets in the United States and internationally. The company operates through Defense Solutions, Civil, and Health segments. The Defense Solutions segment offers national security solutions and systems for air, land, sea, space, and cyberspace for the U.S.

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D Orazio & Associates Inc. acquired a new position in Manulife Financial Co. (NYSE:MFC  Free Report) (TSE:MFC) during the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm acquired 8,987 shares of the financial services providers stock, valued at approximately $239,000.

Several other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in MFC. Grove Bank & Trust purchased a new stake in Manulife Financial during the second quarter worth about $25,000. Fortis Group Advisors LLC increased its stake in Manulife Financial by 100.0% during the 4th quarter. Fortis Group Advisors LLC now owns 1,210 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $27,000 after buying an additional 605 shares during the period. Bruce G. Allen Investments LLC boosted its position in Manulife Financial by 73.6% in the 1st quarter. Bruce G. Allen Investments LLC now owns 1,156 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $29,000 after buying an additional 490 shares during the period. Addison Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of Manulife Financial by 77.2% in the second quarter. Addison Advisors LLC now owns 1,072 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $29,000 after acquiring an additional 467 shares in the last quarter. Finally, HHM Wealth Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of Manulife Financial by 119.0% in the second quarter. HHM Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 1,104 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $29,000 after acquiring an additional 600 shares in the last quarter. 52.56% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several equities research analysts have weighed in on MFC shares. Barclays started coverage on Manulife Financial in a report on Thursday, September 5th. They set an equal weight rating on the stock. TD Securities upped their target price on shares of Manulife Financial from $38.00 to $40.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday, June 28th. Finally, Dbs Bank upgraded shares of Manulife Financial to a strong-buy rating in a report on Thursday, August 8th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, six have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Manulife Financial has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $35.67.

Manulife Financial Price Performance

Shares of MFC opened at $27.65 on Thursday. Manulife Financial Co. has a 1-year low of $17.07 and a 1-year high of $27.82. The stock has a market cap of $48.94 billion, a PE ratio of 16.08, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.99 and a beta of 1.08. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $26.40 and a 200 day moving average price of $25.39.

Manulife Financial (NYSE:MFC  Get Free Report) (TSE:MFC) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, August 7th. The financial services provider reported $0.91 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.64 by $0.27. The business had revenue of $9.41 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $8.95 billion. Manulife Financial had a return on equity of 16.16% and a net margin of 9.18%. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $0.62 EPS. As a group, equities analysts expect that Manulife Financial Co. will post 2.72 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Manulife Financial Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, September 19th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, August 21st will be issued a $0.29 dividend. This represents a $1.16 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.20%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, August 21st. Manulife Financials payout ratio is currently 67.44%.

Manulife Financial Profile

(Free Report)

Manulife Financial Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides financial products and services in the United States, Canada, Asia, and internationally. The company operates through Wealth and Asset Management Businesses; Insurance and Annuity Products; and Corporate and Other segments. The Wealth and Asset Management Businesses segment offers investment advice and solutions to retirement, retail, and institutional clients through multiple distribution channels, including agents and brokers affiliated with the company, independent securities brokerage firms and financial advisors pension plan consultants, and banks.

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Shares of Equinor ASA (NYSE:EQNR  Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week low during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as low as $24.24 and last traded at $24.36, with a volume of 1175761 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $24.95.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

EQNR has been the topic of several research analyst reports. Morgan Stanley downgraded Equinor ASA from an equal weight rating to an underweight rating and cut their price objective for the company from $30.50 to $25.80 in a report on Thursday, August 29th. StockNews.com downgraded Equinor ASA from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a report on Thursday, August 29th. TD Cowen dropped their price objective on Equinor ASA from $30.00 to $28.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, July 10th. Finally, UBS Group upgraded Equinor ASA from a sell rating to a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, August 8th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, four have given a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $26.90.

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Equinor ASA Trading Up 0.2 %

The stock has a market capitalization of $68.51 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 7.58, a PEG ratio of 3.67 and a beta of 0.83. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.53, a quick ratio of 1.43 and a current ratio of 1.53. The business has a 50-day moving average of $26.69 and a 200-day moving average of $27.16.

Equinor ASA (NYSE:EQNR  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, July 24th. The company reported $0.84 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.81 by $0.03. Equinor ASA had a return on equity of 20.65% and a net margin of 9.11%. The firm had revenue of $25.54 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $25.93 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $0.74 EPS. As a group, research analysts forecast that Equinor ASA will post 3.33 EPS for the current year.

Equinor ASA Cuts Dividend

The firm also recently announced a  dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, August 28th. Stockholders of record on Monday, August 19th were paid a dividend of $0.35 per share. This represents a dividend yield of 4.1%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, August 19th. Equinor ASAs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 36.84%.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Equinor ASA

Large investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Atwood & Palmer Inc. purchased a new position in Equinor ASA in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Principal Securities Inc. purchased a new position in Equinor ASA in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $30,000. Rothschild Investment LLC purchased a new position in Equinor ASA in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $32,000. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC increased its stake in Equinor ASA by 136.4% in the 4th quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 1,090 shares of the companys stock valued at $34,000 after purchasing an additional 629 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank purchased a new position in Equinor ASA in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $51,000. 5.51% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Equinor ASA Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Equinor ASA, an energy company, engages in the exploration, production, transportation, refining, and marketing of petroleum and other forms of energy in Norway and internationally. It operates through Exploration & Production Norway; Exploration & Production International; Exploration & Production USA; Marketing, Midstream & Processing; Renewables; and Other segments.

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The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. (NYSE:EL  Get Free Report)s stock price hit a new 52-week low during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The company traded as low as $85.85 and last traded at $86.00, with a volume of 292939 shares. The stock had previously closed at $86.91.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of research firms have commented on EL. Morgan Stanley lowered their price objective on Estee Lauder Companies from $140.00 to $100.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, August 20th. Stifel Nicolaus dropped their price target on Estee Lauder Companies from $165.00 to $125.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, August 20th. Telsey Advisory Group reiterated a market perform rating and set a $115.00 price objective on shares of Estee Lauder Companies in a research note on Monday, August 19th. UBS Group dropped their target price on shares of Estee Lauder Companies from $115.00 to $104.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, August 20th. Finally, StockNews.com raised shares of Estee Lauder Companies from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Friday, August 23rd. Fourteen investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $121.57.

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Estee Lauder Companies Price Performance

The company has a 50 day moving average price of $95.49 and a 200-day moving average price of $120.96. The company has a market cap of $30.32 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 47.48, a P/E/G ratio of 1.46 and a beta of 1.00. The company has a quick ratio of 1.01, a current ratio of 1.39 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.37.

Estee Lauder Companies (NYSE:EL  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Monday, August 19th. The company reported $0.64 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.25 by $0.39. Estee Lauder Companies had a net margin of 2.50% and a return on equity of 16.91%. The firm had revenue of $3.87 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.80 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $0.07 EPS. The companys revenue was up 7.3% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities research analysts predict that The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. will post 2.99 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Estee Lauder Companies Announces Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 16th. Investors of record on Friday, August 30th will be given a $0.66 dividend. This represents a $2.64 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.12%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, August 30th. Estee Lauder Companiess payout ratio is currently 148.32%.

Insider Buying and Selling at Estee Lauder Companies

In related news, Director Charlene Barshefsky sold 3,437 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $91.93, for a total value of $315,963.41. Following the transaction, the director now owns 49,800 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,578,114. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. In other news, Director Charlene Barshefsky sold 3,437 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, August 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $91.93, for a total value of $315,963.41. Following the transaction, the director now owns 49,800 shares in the company, valued at $4,578,114. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, Director Lynn Forester sold 3,890 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, August 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $93.61, for a total value of $364,142.90. Following the sale, the director now owns 15,209 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,423,714.49. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 12.77% of the companys stock.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Prio Wealth Limited Partnership increased its position in shares of Estee Lauder Companies by 6.5% during the second quarter. Prio Wealth Limited Partnership now owns 53,380 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,680,000 after acquiring an additional 3,268 shares during the last quarter. Sanctuary Advisors LLC bought a new position in Estee Lauder Companies in the 2nd quarter valued at $3,868,000. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky grew its stake in Estee Lauder Companies by 17.4% in the 2nd quarter. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky now owns 182,255 shares of the companys stock valued at $19,392,000 after purchasing an additional 26,947 shares during the period. Cetera Investment Advisers increased its position in shares of Estee Lauder Companies by 24.5% during the 2nd quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 31,051 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,304,000 after purchasing an additional 6,102 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Kimelman & Baird LLC bought a new stake in shares of Estee Lauder Companies during the 2nd quarter worth $32,000. 55.15% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Estee Lauder Companies Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

The Estee Lauder Companies Inc manufactures, markets, and sells skin care, makeup, fragrance, and hair care products worldwide. It offers skin care products, including moisturizers, serums, cleansers, toners, body care, exfoliators, acne care and oil correctors, facial masks, and sun care products; and makeup products, such as lipsticks, lip glosses, mascaras, foundations, eyeshadows, nail polishes, and powders, as well as compacts, brushes, and other makeup tools.

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Shares of Exxon Mobil Co. (NYSE:XOM  Get Free Report) have earned an average recommendation of Moderate Buy from the eighteen research firms that are presently covering the company, MarketBeat reports. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation, eleven have issued a buy recommendation and one has assigned a strong buy recommendation to the company. The average twelve-month target price among analysts that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $136.29.

Several research firms recently weighed in on XOM. Truist Financial cut their price objective on shares of Exxon Mobil from $124.00 to $121.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research report on Monday, July 22nd. Sanford C. Bernstein cut their target price on Exxon Mobil from $139.00 to $138.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, July 17th. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated a sector perform rating and issued a $135.00 price target on shares of Exxon Mobil in a research note on Tuesday, July 9th. Wolfe Research started coverage on Exxon Mobil in a report on Thursday, July 18th. They set an outperform rating and a $146.00 price target for the company. Finally, Morgan Stanley reaffirmed an overweight rating and issued a $145.00 price objective on shares of Exxon Mobil in a research note on Wednesday, May 15th.

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Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on XOM

Exxon Mobil Stock Performance

NYSE XOM opened at $109.70 on Thursday. Exxon Mobil has a 52-week low of $95.77 and a 52-week high of $123.75. The stock has a market cap of $432.55 billion, a PE ratio of 13.44, a P/E/G ratio of 4.48 and a beta of 0.90. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $115.77 and a 200-day moving average of $114.96. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13, a quick ratio of 1.01 and a current ratio of 1.36.

Exxon Mobil (NYSE:XOM  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Friday, August 2nd. The oil and gas company reported $2.14 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.04 by $0.10. Exxon Mobil had a return on equity of 16.07% and a net margin of 9.73%. The firm had revenue of $93.06 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $90.09 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $1.94 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 12.2% on a year-over-year basis. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Exxon Mobil will post 8.37 EPS for the current year.

Exxon Mobil Dividend Announcement

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, September 10th. Investors of record on Thursday, August 15th were issued a $0.95 dividend. This represents a $3.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.46%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, August 15th. Exxon Mobils payout ratio is presently 46.57%.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in XOM. FPC Investment Advisory Inc. bought a new stake in Exxon Mobil during the first quarter valued at $25,000. First Pacific Financial bought a new stake in shares of Exxon Mobil during the 1st quarter valued at about $34,000. Fairway Wealth LLC acquired a new stake in Exxon Mobil during the second quarter worth approximately $35,000. Anfield Capital Management LLC increased its stake in shares of Exxon Mobil by 360.0% in the 2nd quarter. Anfield Capital Management LLC now owns 322 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $37,000 after acquiring an additional 252 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Fairscale Capital LLC bought a new position in Exxon Mobil during the second quarter worth $39,000. Institutional investors own 61.80% of the companys stock.

About Exxon Mobil

(Get Free Report

Exxon Mobil Corporation engages in the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas in the United States and internationally. It operates through Upstream, Energy Products, Chemical Products, and Specialty Products segments. The Upstream segment explores for and produces crude oil and natural gas.

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Gold Fields Limited (NYSE:GFI  Get Free Report) declared a semi-annual dividend on Monday, August 26th, Wall Street Journal reports. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 13th will be given a dividend of 0.1692 per share on Thursday, September 26th. This represents a dividend yield of 2.2%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, September 13th.

Gold Fields has raised its dividend payment by an average of 38.3% per year over the last three years. Gold Fields has a payout ratio of 19.5% meaning its dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings. Analysts expect Gold Fields to earn $2.16 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $0.34 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 15.7%.

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Gold Fields Trading Down 0.2 %

NYSE:GFI opened at $13.55 on Thursday. The company has a current ratio of 1.77, a quick ratio of 0.70 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33. Gold Fields has a 1-year low of $10.31 and a 1-year high of $18.97. The firm has a market capitalization of $12.13 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 7.79 and a beta of 1.18. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $15.56 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $15.69.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of analysts recently weighed in on the stock. BMO Capital Markets upgraded shares of Gold Fields from an underperform rating to a market perform rating and increased their price target for the company from $13.50 to $14.00 in a research report on Wednesday, June 26th. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Gold Fields from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Friday, August 23rd. Scotiabank reduced their price target on shares of Gold Fields from $18.00 to $17.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, August 26th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their price objective on shares of Gold Fields from $17.50 to $16.70 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, July 3rd. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have issued a hold rating and one has assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $15.90.

Check Out Our Latest Report on GFI

Gold Fields Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Gold Fields Limited operates as a gold producer with reserves and resources in Chile, South Africa, Ghana, Canada, Australia, and Peru. It also explores for copper and silver deposits. The company was founded in 1887 and is based in Sandton, South Africa.

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R. F. Lafferty upgraded shares of GreenPower Motor (CVE:GPV  Free Report) to a strong-buy rating in a report issued on Wednesday morning, Zacks.com reports.

GreenPower Motor Stock Performance

Shares of CVE GPV traded up C$0.19 during midday trading on Wednesday, reaching C$1.80. 10,040 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 8,535. The company has a current ratio of 1.61, a quick ratio of 0.25 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 204.48. GreenPower Motor has a 1 year low of C$1.01 and a 1 year high of C$5.13. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of C$1.39 and a 200 day simple moving average of C$1.90. The stock has a market cap of C$47.68 million, a P/E ratio of -1.58 and a beta of 3.99.

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GreenPower Motor (CVE:GPV  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, August 14th. The company reported C($0.29) EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of C($0.32) by C$0.03. The firm had revenue of C$4.10 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of C$6.85 million. GreenPower Motor had a negative net margin of 84.74% and a negative return on equity of 120.21%. On average, research analysts forecast that GreenPower Motor will post 0.0647549 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

GreenPower Motor Company Profile

GreenPower Motor Company Inc designs, manufactures, and distributes electric vehicles for commercial markets in the United States and Canada. The company offers commercial vehicles for delivery, public transit, schools, vanpools, micro-transit, shuttles, and other; and passenger, student, low floor transit, and cargo transportation.

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Hazlett Burt & Watson Inc. trimmed its position in shares of Cencora, Inc. (NYSE:COR  Free Report) by 16.1% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 234 shares of the companys stock after selling 45 shares during the period. Hazlett Burt & Watson Inc.s holdings in Cencora were worth $53,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other large investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Vanguard Group Inc. bought a new position in Cencora during the 4th quarter worth approximately $4,212,508,000. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD bought a new stake in shares of Cencora in the 1st quarter worth approximately $2,183,619,000. JPMorgan Chase & Co. bought a new stake in shares of Cencora in the 1st quarter worth approximately $1,199,695,000. Boston Partners bought a new stake in shares of Cencora in the 1st quarter worth approximately $1,001,269,000. Finally, Capital Research Global Investors bought a new stake in shares of Cencora in the 1st quarter worth approximately $650,424,000. 97.52% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of equities research analysts have recently weighed in on COR shares. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price objective on Cencora from $280.00 to $287.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 21st. Leerink Partners restated an outperform rating and set a $275.00 price target on shares of Cencora in a research report on Thursday, June 27th. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price target on Cencora from $236.00 to $249.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Thursday, August 1st. Robert W. Baird dropped their price target on Cencora from $287.00 to $283.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, September 6th. Finally, StockNews.com upgraded Cencora from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Friday, August 2nd. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, six have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $258.13.

Cencora Stock Down 0.6 %

Shares of NYSE:COR opened at $236.22 on Thursday. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $233.00 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $233.22. The stock has a market capitalization of $47.11 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.84, a PEG ratio of 1.54 and a beta of 0.44. Cencora, Inc. has a 12-month low of $172.41 and a 12-month high of $247.66. The company has a current ratio of 0.89, a quick ratio of 0.55 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.93.

Cencora (NYSE:COR  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 31st. The company reported $3.34 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $3.18 by $0.16. Cencora had a return on equity of 266.60% and a net margin of 0.65%. The firm had revenue of $74.20 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $73.32 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $2.92 earnings per share. The companys revenue was up 10.8% on a year-over-year basis. On average, research analysts anticipate that Cencora, Inc. will post 13.61 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Cencora Announces Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, August 26th. Stockholders of record on Friday, August 9th were paid a $0.51 dividend. This represents a $2.04 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.86%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, August 9th. Cencoras dividend payout ratio is currently 22.32%.

Insider Transactions at Cencora

In other news, EVP Silvana Battaglia sold 1,473 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, August 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $242.69, for a total value of $357,482.37. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 10,948 shares in the company, valued at $2,656,970.12. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In related news, CEO Steven H. Collis sold 10,755 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, July 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $222.12, for a total transaction of $2,388,900.60. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 285,088 shares in the company, valued at $63,323,746.56. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, EVP Silvana Battaglia sold 1,473 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, August 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $242.69, for a total value of $357,482.37. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 10,948 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,656,970.12. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 4,450,399 shares of company stock worth $1,070,392,799 over the last quarter. 15.80% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Cencora Company Profile

(Free Report)

Cencora, Inc sources and distributes pharmaceutical products. The company's U.S. Healthcare Solutions segment distributes pharmaceuticals, over-the-counter healthcare products, home healthcare supplies and equipment, and related services to acute care hospitals and health systems, independent and chain retail pharmacies, mail order pharmacies, medical clinics, long-term care and alternate site pharmacies, and other customers; provides pharmacy management, staffing, and other consulting services; supply management software to retail and institutional healthcare providers; packaging solutions to various institutional and retail healthcare providers; clinical trial support, product post-approval, and commercialization support services; data analytics, outcomes research, and additional services for biotechnology and pharmaceutical manufacturers; pharmaceuticals, vaccines, parasiticides, diagnostics, micro feed ingredients, and other products to the companion animal and production animal markets; and sales force services to manufacturers.

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Hazlett Burt & Watson Inc. grew its stake in shares of Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:DLR  Free Report) by 71.4% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 720 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after buying an additional 300 shares during the period. Hazlett Burt & Watson Inc.s holdings in Digital Realty Trust were worth $110,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Marco Investment Management LLC boosted its position in Digital Realty Trust by 16.1% during the 2nd quarter. Marco Investment Management LLC now owns 15,850 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $2,410,000 after purchasing an additional 2,200 shares during the period. Daiwa Securities Group Inc. boosted its position in Digital Realty Trust by 16.8% during the 2nd quarter. Daiwa Securities Group Inc. now owns 4,725,971 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $718,584,000 after purchasing an additional 678,165 shares during the period. Andra AP fonden boosted its position in Digital Realty Trust by 64.4% during the 2nd quarter. Andra AP fonden now owns 22,200 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $3,376,000 after purchasing an additional 8,700 shares during the period. Royal London Asset Management Ltd. boosted its position in Digital Realty Trust by 5.6% during the 2nd quarter. Royal London Asset Management Ltd. now owns 102,744 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $15,622,000 after purchasing an additional 5,478 shares during the period. Finally, Dorsey & Whitney Trust CO LLC boosted its position in Digital Realty Trust by 2.6% during the 2nd quarter. Dorsey & Whitney Trust CO LLC now owns 3,873 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $589,000 after purchasing an additional 98 shares during the period. 99.71% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Insiders Place Their Bets

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 completion of the transaction, the director now owns 9,055 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,360,604.30. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. 0.17% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Digital Realty Trust Price Performance

DLR opened at $158.42 on Thursday. The firm has a market cap of $49.49 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 44.01, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.73 and a beta of 0.60. Digital Realty Trust, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $113.94 and a fifty-two week high of $162.58. The companys 50-day moving average price is $151.51 and its 200 day moving average price is $146.67. The company has a quick ratio of 1.78, a current ratio of 1.78 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.81.

Digital Realty Trust (NYSE:DLR  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data 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). The business had revenue of $1.36 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.38 billion. Digital Realty Trust had a return on equity of 5.93% and a net margin of 20.58%. Digital Realty Trusts revenue was down .7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $1.68 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Digital Realty Trust, Inc. will post 6.65 earnings per share for the current year.

Digital Realty Trust Dividend Announcement

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 30th. Shareholders of record on Friday, September 13th will be given a $1.22 dividend. This represents a $4.88 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.08%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, September 13th. Digital Realty Trusts dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 135.56%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of analysts recently weighed in on DLR shares. Wells Fargo & Company upped their price target on shares of Digital Realty Trust from $155.00 to $170.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 23rd. TD Cowen decreased their price target on shares of Digital Realty Trust from $122.00 to $120.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research report on Friday, July 26th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft boosted their price objective on shares of Digital Realty Trust from $143.00 to $145.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Thursday, May 30th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded shares of Digital Realty Trust from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and boosted their price objective for the stock from $150.00 to $175.00 in a report on Friday, June 28th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets upgraded shares of Digital Realty Trust from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and boosted their price objective for the stock from $144.00 to $170.00 in a report on Wednesday, June 26th. Three 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 company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $154.00.

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Digital Realty Trust Company Profile

(Free Report)

Digital Realty brings companies and data together by delivering the full spectrum of data center, colocation, and interconnection solutions. PlatformDIGITAL, the company's global data center platform, provides customers with a secure data meeting place and a proven Pervasive Datacenter Architecture (PDx) solution methodology for powering innovation and efficiently managing Data Gravity challenges.

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Neste Oyj (OTCMKTS:NTOIY  Get Free Report) and Thai Oil Public (OTCMKTS:TOIPY  Get Free Report) are both energy companies, but which is the better investment? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their institutional ownership, profitability, valuation, analyst recommendations, dividends, earnings and risk.

Dividends

Neste Oyj pays an annual dividend of $0.25 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.8%. Thai Oil Public pays an annual dividend of $16.75 per share and has a dividend yield of 111.7%. Neste Oyj pays out 45.9% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Thai Oil Public pays out 96.5% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future.

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Analyst Recommendations

This is a breakdown of recent recommendations and price targets for Neste Oyj and Thai Oil Public, as provided by MarketBeat.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Neste Oyj 0 1 1 0 2.50 Thai Oil Public 0 0 2 0 3.00

Insider and Institutional Ownership

Neste Oyj presently has a consensus price target of $18.00, suggesting a potential upside of 103.16%. Given Neste Oyjs higher probable upside, equities analysts plainly believe Neste Oyj is more favorable than Thai Oil Public.

0.0% of Neste Oyj shares are owned by institutional investors. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a company is poised for long-term growth.

Profitability

This table compares Neste Oyj and Thai Oil Publics net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Neste Oyj N/A N/A N/A Thai Oil Public N/A N/A N/A

Valuation & Earnings

This table compares Neste Oyj and Thai Oil Publics revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Neste Oyj N/A N/A N/A $0.54 16.54 Thai Oil Public N/A N/A N/A $17.35 0.86

Thai Oil Public is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Neste Oyj, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

About Neste Oyj

(Get Free Report)

Neste Oyj provides renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel in Finland, and other Nordic countries, Baltic Rim, other European countries, North and South America, and internationally. The company operates in four segments: Renewable Products, Oil Products, Marketing & Services, and Others. The Renewable Products segment produces, markets, and sells renewable diesel, sustainable aviation fuel, renewable solvents, and feedstock for bioplastics to wholesale markets. The Oil Products segment produces, markets, and sells diesel, gasoline, aviation and marine fuels, light and heavy fuel oils, and gasoline components, as well as special fuels, such as small-engine gasoline, solvents, liquid gases, and bitumen. This segment serves retailers and distributors, oil majors and trading companies, petrochemicals companies, and companies marketing lubricants and solvents, as well as road transportation, non-road uses, aviation and marine sectors. The Marketing & Services segment markets and sells cleaner fuels and oil products, and associated services to private motorists, transport companies, customers in aviation, shipping, industrial and agricultural sectors, municipalities, farmers, and heating oil customers through a network of service stations, as well as direct sales and distributors. The Others segment offers engineering solutions. The company was formerly known as Neste Oil Oyj and changed its name to Neste Oyj in June 2015. Neste Oyj was founded in 1948 and is headquartered in Espoo, Finland.

About Thai Oil Public

(Get Free Report)

Thai Oil Public Company Limited, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the oil refining, petrochemicals, lube base oil, and other businesses in Thailand and internationally. It operates through Oil Refinery, Lube Base Oil Refinery, Aromatics and LAB, Power Generation, Solvent, Ethanol, Olefins, and Others segments. The company produces gasoline, diesel/gas oil, jet fuel, kerosene, fuel oil, and liquefied petroleum gas; and petrochemical products, such as paraxylene, benzene, toluene, and mixed xylenes. It also produces and distributes lube base oil, bitumen/asphalt, and other by-products, as well as special products, such as treated distillate aromatics extract, and slack wax; and hydrocarbon and chemical solvents, and other chemicals. In addition, the company operates natural gas-fired combined-cycle co-generation power plants that generate and sell electricity, steam, and utilities to companies and industrial users, as well as invests in other power generating companies and related business. Further, it is involved in the production of ethanol; and manufacture and sale of linear alkyl benzene for use in the production of detergents and cleaning products; and provision of human resource management services. The company was founded in 1961 and is headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand.

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KYODO NEWS - Sep 12, 2024 - 23:00 | All, World, Japan

The following is the latest list of selected news summaries by Kyodo News.

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Japan ruling party leadership race begins with record 9 candidates

TOKYO - A record nine candidates on Thursday kicked off a 15-day election campaign to become the next leader of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party and succeed Fumio Kishida as prime minister, as the party seeks to restore public confidence following a slush funds scandal.

The leadership election on Sept. 27 will be held without the outright influence of intraparty groups at the center of the money scandal. That, and the unusually wide field of candidates, boots the likelihood that the vote will be split.

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Alberto Fujimori, ex-Peru president of Japanese descent, dies at 86

SAO PAULO - Former Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori, a controversial figure who attracted both praise and censure as the first head of state of Japanese descent of the South American country, has died, his family said Wednesday. He was 86.

Fujimori, who led Peru from 1990 to 2000, was initially hailed for bringing the country back from economic crisis and political violence. But he later fled the country in disgrace following allegations of corruption and ultimately served more than a decade in detention for human rights abuses.

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40% of child abuse deaths in FY 2022 involved babies under 12 months

TOKYO - Twenty-five babies aged under 12 months died from child abuse in Japan in fiscal 2022, accounting for 44.6 percent of the 56 such deaths, government data showed Thursday.

When including cases of murder-suicide, a Children and Families Agency survey of local prefectural governments and cities with child consultation centers found that 72 children died in abusive circumstances.

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Japan, Finland agree to advance talks for defense equipment transfer

TOKYO - The defense ministers of Japan and Finland agreed Thursday to advance discussions on establishing frameworks for defense equipment transfers and information security, the Japanese government said.

At their talks in Tokyo, Japanese Defense Minister Minoru Kihara and his Finnish counterpart, Antti Hakkanen, also agreed to further ramp up collaboration against unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion, according to the Defense Ministry.

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China univ. plans Ryukyu center in possible warning against Japan

HONG KONG - A northeastern Chinese university is planning to establish a "Ryukyu research center" to conduct studies on Okinawa, the southern Japanese prefecture formerly called the Ryukyu Kingdom, according to Hong Kong newspaper Sing Tao Daily.

The reported move to launch the center at Dalian Maritime University in Liaoning Province could be interpreted as Beijing's warning for Tokyo to stay out of matters related to Taiwan, which China regards as its own, by seeking to challenge Okinawa's status as a Japanese territory, observers say.

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Japan's revised laws criminalizing cannabis use take effect Dec. 12

TOKYO - Japan will criminalize cannabis use and legalize medical products using substances derived from the plant under revised relevant laws, both effective on Dec. 12, the health ministry said Thursday.

While the possession and cultivation of marijuana are already banned in Japan, the country will prohibit its use as well, setting a prison sentence of up to seven years for violation.

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Japan space firm to make 2nd attempt in Dec. to send rover to Moon

TOKYO - Japanese space startup ispace Inc. said Thursday its lunar lander carrying a rover and equipment for experiments will be launched in December at the earliest in its second attempt following a failure last year.

The lander Resilience will lift off from Cape Canaveral in Florida on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on a mission to send the rover Tenacious to the Moon's northern hemisphere. If successful, ispace will become the first Japanese private company to land a spacecraft on the moon.

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Typhoon Bebinca may approach Japan's Okinawa, Amami over weekend

TOKYO - Typhoon Bebinca is expected to approach Japan's southern island of Okinawa and the southwestern island region of Amami over the weekend, with the weather agency on Thursday warning of landslides and flooding.

The season's 13th typhoon may bring violent winds and rough seas to some areas, the Japan Meteorological Agency said, urging vigilance against storms, high tides and rising river levels.

Video: A group representing the families of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea holds a press conference in Tokyo
Idaho Trust Bank bought a new position in shares of SPDR Bloomberg High Yield Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:JNK  Free Report) during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm bought 106,010 shares of the exchange traded funds stock, valued at approximately $9,993,000. SPDR Bloomberg High Yield Bond ETF comprises 5.1% of Idaho Trust Banks holdings, making the stock its 3rd largest holding. Idaho Trust Bank owned about 0.12% of SPDR Bloomberg High Yield Bond ETF as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Redmont Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in SPDR Bloomberg High Yield Bond ETF in the second quarter worth $25,000. Olistico Wealth LLC bought a new stake in SPDR Bloomberg High Yield Bond ETF in the 2nd quarter valued at about $35,000. Transcendent Capital Group LLC bought a new stake in SPDR Bloomberg High Yield Bond ETF in the 4th quarter valued at about $41,000. Beaird Harris Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in SPDR Bloomberg High Yield Bond ETF during the 4th quarter valued at about $47,000. Finally, 1620 Investment Advisors Inc. bought a new position in SPDR Bloomberg High Yield Bond ETF in the 2nd quarter worth about $48,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 87.54% of the companys stock.

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SPDR Bloomberg High Yield Bond ETF Price Performance

Shares of JNK stock opened at $96.65 on Thursday. SPDR Bloomberg High Yield Bond ETF has a 12-month low of $87.79 and a 12-month high of $96.96. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $95.66 and a 200 day simple moving average of $94.72.

SPDR Bloomberg High Yield Bond ETF Profile

SPDR Barclays High Yield Bond ETF (the Fund), formerly SPDR Barclays Capital High Yield Bond ETF, seeks to provide investment results that correspond to the price and yield performance of the Barclays Capital High Yield Very Liquid Index (the Index). The Index includes publicly issued United States dollar denominated, non-investment grade, fixed-rate, taxable corporate bonds that have a remaining maturity of at least one year, regardless of optionality, are rated high-yield using the middle rating of Moodys, S&P, and Fitch, respectively, and have $600 million or more of outstanding face value.

Further Reading

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Idaho Trust Bank acquired a new position in shares of iShares S&P GSCI Commodity-Indexed Trust (NYSEARCA:GSG  Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund acquired 122,591 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,714,000. iShares S&P GSCI Commodity-Indexed Trust comprises 1.4% of Idaho Trust Banks investment portfolio, making the stock its 27th biggest holding. Idaho Trust Bank owned about 0.26% of iShares S&P GSCI Commodity-Indexed Trust as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of iShares S&P GSCI Commodity-Indexed Trust during the 4th quarter worth approximately $31,000. Assetmark Inc. bought a new stake in shares of iShares S&P GSCI Commodity-Indexed Trust during the 4th quarter valued at $109,000. International Assets Investment Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of iShares S&P GSCI Commodity-Indexed Trust in the 2nd quarter valued at $157,000. Arkadios Wealth Advisors acquired a new stake in shares of iShares S&P GSCI Commodity-Indexed Trust during the first quarter worth $276,000. Finally, Krilogy Financial LLC acquired a new stake in shares of iShares S&P GSCI Commodity-Indexed Trust during the first quarter worth $287,000. 60.67% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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iShares S&P GSCI Commodity-Indexed Trust Stock Up 1.2 %

Shares of GSG stock opened at $20.07 on Thursday. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $21.28 and a 200-day moving average of $21.79. iShares S&P GSCI Commodity-Indexed Trust has a one year low of $19.41 and a one year high of $23.08.

About iShares S&P GSCI Commodity-Indexed Trust

iShares S&P GSCI Commodity-Indexed Trust (The Trust) is an investment trust that issues units of beneficial interest (shares) representing fractional undivided beneficial interests in its net assets. The Trusts objective is to track the results of a fully collateralized investment in futures contracts on an index composed of a diversified group of commodities futures and to track the investment returns of the index before payment of the Trusts expenses and liabilities.

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iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:HYG  Get Free Report) was the target of some unusual options trading on Thursday. Stock investors purchased 419,090 put options on the stock. This represents an increase of 45% compared to the typical volume of 289,487 put options.

Institutional Trading of iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond ETF

Several large investors have recently modified their holdings of HYG. Anfield Capital Management LLC raised its position in iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond ETF by 46.7% during the second quarter. Anfield Capital Management LLC now owns 465 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $36,000 after purchasing an additional 148 shares in the last quarter. Redmont Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its stake in iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond ETF by 1.6% in the second quarter. Redmont Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 13,695 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $1,056,000 after buying an additional 219 shares in the last quarter. Citizens & Northern Corp grew its position in iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond ETF by 3.5% in the second quarter. Citizens & Northern Corp now owns 7,686 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $593,000 after acquiring an additional 258 shares during the last quarter. American National Bank raised its stake in iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond ETF by 57.7% during the first quarter. American National Bank now owns 836 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $65,000 after acquiring an additional 306 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Rosenberg Matthew Hamilton lifted its holdings in shares of iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond ETF by 50.9% in the second quarter. Rosenberg Matthew Hamilton now owns 990 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $76,000 after acquiring an additional 334 shares during the last quarter.

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iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond ETF Price Performance

Shares of NYSEARCA:HYG opened at $79.30 on Thursday. The company has a market capitalization of $15.13 billion, a P/E ratio of 9.60 and a beta of 0.36. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $78.41 and its 200 day simple moving average is $77.52. iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond ETF has a 1 year low of $71.68 and a 1 year high of $79.43.

About iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond ETF

iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks to track the investment results of the Markit iBoxx USD Liquid High Yield Index (the Index), which is a rules-based index consisting of liquid the United States dollar-denominated, high yield corporate bonds for sale in the United States, as determined by the index provider.

Further Reading

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Shares of iShares MSCI Chile ETF (BATS:ECH  Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week low on Monday . The company traded as low as $24.83 and last traded at $24.93, with a volume of 360280 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $25.00.

iShares MSCI Chile ETF Price Performance

The stocks 50 day moving average is $26.07 and its two-hundred day moving average is $26.69. The stock has a market capitalization of $550.89 million, a PE ratio of 4.69 and a beta of 0.85.

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Hedge Funds Weigh In On iShares MSCI Chile ETF

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. Bcwm LLC increased its position in iShares MSCI Chile ETF by 0.8% during the second quarter. Bcwm LLC now owns 114,616 shares of the companys stock worth $2,965,000 after buying an additional 962 shares during the period. AlphaCentric Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI Chile ETF in the second quarter valued at about $37,000. Access Financial Services Inc. boosted its stake in shares of iShares MSCI Chile ETF by 1.1% during the second quarter. Access Financial Services Inc. now owns 136,234 shares of the companys stock worth $3,524,000 after buying an additional 1,530 shares during the period. SG Americas Securities LLC grew its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI Chile ETF by 31.5% during the second quarter. SG Americas Securities LLC now owns 9,176 shares of the companys stock worth $237,000 after buying an additional 2,200 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Mount Lucas Management LP acquired a new position in iShares MSCI Chile ETF in the 2nd quarter valued at about $244,000.

iShares MSCI Chile ETF Company Profile

iShares MSCI Chile Capped ETF, formerly iShares MSCI Chile Capped Investable Market Index Fund (the Fund), is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the MSCI Chile Investable Market Index (the Index). The Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure broad based equity market performance in Chile.

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Barings LLC lowered its stake in iShares MSCI Japan ETF (NYSEARCA:EWJ  Free Report) by 11.9% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 303,883 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 40,885 shares during the period. iShares MSCI Japan ETF makes up about 0.5% of Barings LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 27th largest holding. Barings LLC owned approximately 0.12% of iShares MSCI Japan ETF worth $20,737,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of EWJ. Continuum Advisory LLC boosted its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI Japan ETF by 0.6% during the second quarter. Continuum Advisory LLC now owns 25,739 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $1,756,000 after purchasing an additional 160 shares during the period. Beacon Pointe Advisors LLC lifted its position in iShares MSCI Japan ETF by 3.3% in the 4th quarter. Beacon Pointe Advisors LLC now owns 5,357 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $344,000 after buying an additional 170 shares in the last quarter. Verger Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of iShares MSCI Japan ETF by 0.5% during the 2nd quarter. Verger Capital Management LLC now owns 38,939 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $2,657,000 after buying an additional 197 shares during the period. SOL Capital Management CO grew its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI Japan ETF by 2.2% during the 1st quarter. SOL Capital Management CO now owns 10,070 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $718,000 after acquiring an additional 215 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Redmont Wealth Advisors LLC increased its stake in shares of iShares MSCI Japan ETF by 3.7% in the first quarter. Redmont Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 6,287 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $449,000 after acquiring an additional 225 shares during the last quarter.

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iShares MSCI Japan ETF Trading Up 0.6 %

Shares of NYSEARCA:EWJ opened at $69.56 on Thursday. The firm has a market cap of $17.02 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.63 and a beta of 0.73. iShares MSCI Japan ETF has a 1 year low of $57.20 and a 1 year high of $72.32. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $69.32 and a 200 day simple moving average of $69.02.

iShares MSCI Japan ETF Company Profile

iShares MSCI Japan ETF (the fund), formerly Ishares Msci Japan Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of publicly traded securities in the Japanese market, as measured by the MSCI Japan Index (the Index).

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The Goldman Sachs Group (NYSE:GS  Free Report) had its target price boosted by JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $464.00 to $472.00 in a research report released on Monday, Benzinga reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. currently has an overweight rating on the investment management companys stock.

Several other equities analysts have also recently issued reports on GS. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their target price on The Goldman Sachs Group from $504.00 to $550.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 16th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods boosted their target price on The Goldman Sachs Group from $485.00 to $520.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, June 27th. Seaport Res Ptn lowered The Goldman Sachs Group from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 2nd. Barclays boosted their price target on The Goldman Sachs Group from $493.00 to $565.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 16th. Finally, UBS Group boosted their price target on The Goldman Sachs Group from $490.00 to $535.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 9th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fourteen have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, The Goldman Sachs Group has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $496.44.

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Get Our Latest Stock Report on The Goldman Sachs Group

The Goldman Sachs Group Stock Up 0.9 %

Shares of NYSE:GS opened at $471.17 on Monday. The company has a market cap of $151.94 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.40, a PEG ratio of 0.74 and a beta of 1.36. The Goldman Sachs Group has a fifty-two week low of $289.36 and a fifty-two week high of $517.26. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $489.92 and its 200-day simple moving average is $450.00. The company has a quick ratio of 0.72, a current ratio of 0.72 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.20.

The Goldman Sachs Group (NYSE:GS  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Monday, July 15th. The investment management company reported $8.62 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $8.52 by $0.10. The Goldman Sachs Group had a return on equity of 10.56% and a net margin of 9.36%. The company had revenue of $12.73 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $12.60 billion. As a group, equities research analysts predict that The Goldman Sachs Group will post 35.49 earnings per share for the current year.

The Goldman Sachs Group Increases Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 27th. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 30th will be issued a $3.00 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, August 30th. This is an increase from The Goldman Sachs Groups previous quarterly dividend of $2.75. This represents a $12.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.55%. The Goldman Sachs Groups payout ratio is 46.86%.

Insider Buying and Selling at The Goldman Sachs Group

In other The Goldman Sachs Group news, insider Brian J. Lee sold 3,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, July 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $505.99, for a total value of $1,770,965.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 12,095 shares in the company, valued at approximately $6,119,949.05. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. In other news, insider Brian J. Lee sold 3,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, July 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $505.99, for a total transaction of $1,770,965.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 12,095 shares in the company, valued at approximately $6,119,949.05. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, Director Thomas K. Montag sold 10,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, July 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $505.04, for a total value of $5,050,400.00. Following the sale, the director now owns 12,450 shares of the companys stock, valued at $6,287,748. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.54% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Institutional Trading of The Goldman Sachs Group

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Capital World Investors increased its holdings in The Goldman Sachs Group by 6.0% in the 4th quarter. Capital World Investors now owns 6,012,564 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $2,319,470,000 after purchasing an additional 338,181 shares in the last quarter. Fisher Asset Management LLC increased its holdings in The Goldman Sachs Group by 2.8% in the 4th quarter. Fisher Asset Management LLC now owns 5,516,093 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $2,127,944,000 after purchasing an additional 150,532 shares in the last quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD increased its holdings in The Goldman Sachs Group by 5.9% in the 4th quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 4,953,461 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $1,910,897,000 after purchasing an additional 274,989 shares in the last quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp boosted its position in The Goldman Sachs Group by 3.0% in the 1st quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 4,895,928 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $2,044,980,000 after buying an additional 141,538 shares during the last quarter. Finally, International Assets Investment Management LLC purchased a new position in The Goldman Sachs Group in the 1st quarter valued at about $1,903,374,000. 71.21% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About The Goldman Sachs Group

(Get Free Report)

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc, a financial institution, provides a range of financial services for corporations, financial institutions, governments, and individuals worldwide. It operates through Global Banking & Markets, Asset & Wealth Management, and Platform Solutions segments. The Global Banking & Markets segment provides financial advisory services, including strategic advisory assignments related to mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, corporate defense activities, restructurings, and spin-offs; and relationship lending, and acquisition financing, as well as secured lending, through structured credit and asset-backed lending and involved in financing under securities to resale agreements.

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JPMorgan European Growth & Income plc (LON:JETG  Get Free Report)s stock price traded down 0.5% during trading on Monday . The company traded as low as GBX 363 ($4.75) and last traded at GBX 363 ($4.75). 7,932 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 78% from the average session volume of 35,464 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 365 ($4.77).

JPMorgan European Growth & Income Trading Down 0.5 %

The company has a market cap of 570.77 million and a price-to-earnings ratio of 3.34. The company has a quick ratio of 72.39, a current ratio of 72.47 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 9.82. The companys fifty day moving average price is GBX 363 and its two-hundred day moving average price is GBX 363.

About JPMorgan European Growth & Income

(Get Free Report)

JPMorgan European Investment Trust plc  Growth Shares is an open-ended equity mutual fund launched and managed by JPMorgan Funds Limited. The fund is co-managed by JPMorgan Asset Management (UK) Limited. It invests in the public equity markets in Europe. The fund primarily invests its portfolio in the financial sector.

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Katoro Gold plc (LON:KAT  Get Free Report)s stock price was down 9% during trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as low as GBX 0.09 ($0.00) and last traded at GBX 0.09 ($0.00). Approximately 15,766,711 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 15% from the average daily volume of 18,643,359 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 0.10 ($0.00).

Katoro Gold Stock Down 2.4 %

The firms 50 day simple moving average is GBX 0.11 and its 200 day simple moving average is GBX 0.10. The company has a market cap of 1.33 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -0.42 and a beta of 0.93.

About Katoro Gold

(Get Free Report)

Katoro Gold plc operates as a gold and nickel exploration and development company in the United Kingdom, Cyprus, South Africa, and Tanzania. The company primarily explores for nickel, platinum group metals, copper, and gold deposits. It holds 65% interest in the Haneti project covering an area of approximately 5,000 square kilometers located in central Tanzania; and Blyvoor Tailings project located in South Africa.

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Klepierre SA (OTCMKTS:KLPEF  Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The company traded as high as $31.16 and last traded at $31.16, with a volume of 0 shares. The stock had previously closed at $31.16.

Klepierre Stock Performance

The stocks fifty day moving average is $28.65 and its 200-day moving average is $27.48.

About Klepierre

(Get Free Report)

Klepierre SA is the European leader in shopping malls, combining property development and asset management skills. The Company's portfolio is valued at 19.3 billion at December 31, 2023, and comprises large shopping centers in more than 10 countries in Continental Europe which together host hundreds of millions of visitors per year.

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Shares of Lenovo Group Limited (OTCMKTS:LNVGF  Get Free Report) were down 6% during trading on Monday . The stock traded as low as $1.12 and last traded at $1.12. Approximately 9,750 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 76% from the average daily volume of 40,855 shares. The stock had previously closed at $1.19.

Lenovo Group Stock Performance

The companys 50-day moving average price is $1.28 and its 200 day moving average price is $1.27.

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Lenovo Group Increases Dividend

The firm also recently declared a dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, August 14th. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 2nd were issued a dividend of $0.30 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, August 1st. This is a boost from Lenovo Groups previous dividend of $0.08. This represents a yield of 3.89%. Lenovo Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 36.14%.

Lenovo Group Company Profile

Lenovo Group Limited, an investment holding company, develops, manufactures, and markets technology products and services. It operates through Intelligent Devices Group, Infrastructure Solutions Group, and Solutions and Services Group segments. The company offers commercial and consumer personal computers, as well as servers and workstations; and a family of mobile Internet devices, including tablets and smartphones.

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KYODO NEWS - Sep 12, 2024 - 10:38 | All, Japan, World

North Korea launched multiple ballistic missiles Thursday that are believed to have fallen outside of Japan's exclusive economic zone in the Sea of Japan, with no damage to aircraft or vessels reported, the Japanese government said.

The Defense Ministry said North Korea fired the missiles northeastward from its west coast from around 7:10 to 7:14 a.m., with at least two believed to have flown over 350 kilometers at a maximum altitude of about 100 km before falling off the east coast of the Korean Peninsula.

Tokyo lodged a stern protest with Pyongyang over the ballistic missile launches, the first since July 1, with Japanese Defense Minister Minoru Kihara telling reporters that the firing "clearly violates U.N. Security Council resolutions" and was "totally unacceptable."

The South Korean military said North Korea had launched some short-range ballistic missiles from near Pyongyang toward the Sea of Japan that flew about 360 km.

Senior Japanese, U.S. and South Korean officials in charge of North Korean issues "strongly condemned" the launches and reaffirmed their close trilateral cooperation during phone talks, the Japanese Foreign Ministry said.

The launches came after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Monday pledged to boost its arsenal of nuclear weapons "exponentially" in a speech to mark the 76th anniversary of the country's founding, according to its state media.

The missiles were fired hours ahead of the start of official campaigning for Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party leadership election to select a successor to outgoing Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

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North Korea's Kim tours planned base site amid moves to up naval power

Japan, South Korea agree on boosting ties as Kishida's term nears end
Louisiana-Pacific (NYSE:LPX  Get Free Report) had its price target lifted by equities researchers at Bank of America from $73.00 to $75.00 in a note issued to investors on Thursday, Benzinga reports. The firm presently has an underperform rating on the building manufacturing companys stock. Bank of Americas target price indicates a potential downside of 20.64% from the companys previous close.

A number of other analysts have also issued reports on LPX. BMO Capital Markets lowered Louisiana-Pacific from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and set a $99.00 price target for the company. in a report on Thursday, August 8th. The Goldman Sachs Group increased their target price on shares of Louisiana-Pacific from $78.00 to $86.00 and gave the stock a sell rating in a report on Thursday, August 8th. DA Davidson boosted their price target on shares of Louisiana-Pacific from $98.00 to $110.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, June 14th. Royal Bank of Canada lifted their price objective on shares of Louisiana-Pacific from $101.00 to $112.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, August 8th. Finally, Truist Financial reiterated a buy rating and issued a $105.00 price target (up from $101.00) on shares of Louisiana-Pacific in a report on Thursday, August 8th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have issued a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $92.67.

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Read Our Latest Research Report on LPX

Louisiana-Pacific Stock Up 0.3 %

LPX stock traded up $0.26 on Thursday, reaching $94.51. 151,330 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 872,962. Louisiana-Pacific has a one year low of $49.47 and a one year high of $101.89. The company has a market cap of $6.78 billion, a P/E ratio of 25.96, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.59 and a beta of 1.88. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $92.29 and a 200-day simple moving average of $85.68. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.21, a current ratio of 3.38 and a quick ratio of 1.95.

Louisiana-Pacific (NYSE:LPX  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, August 7th. The building manufacturing company reported $2.09 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.86 by $0.23. The business had revenue of $814.00 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $797.26 million. Louisiana-Pacific had a return on equity of 27.09% and a net margin of 15.22%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 33.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $0.55 EPS. Research analysts anticipate that Louisiana-Pacific will post 5.05 earnings per share for the current year.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Louisiana-Pacific news, CEO William Bradley Southern sold 32,600 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, August 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $93.44, for a total value of $3,046,144.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 596,886 shares in the company, valued at $55,773,027.84. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In related news, Director Lizanne C. Gottung sold 3,591 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, June 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $89.18, for a total transaction of $320,245.38. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 23,501 shares in the company, valued at $2,095,819.18. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, CEO William Bradley Southern sold 32,600 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, August 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $93.44, for a total transaction of $3,046,144.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 596,886 shares of the companys stock, valued at $55,773,027.84. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 36,991 shares of company stock worth $3,443,269 over the last 90 days. Corporate insiders own 1.26% of the companys stock.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. LifeSteps Financial Inc. purchased a new position in Louisiana-Pacific during the first quarter worth approximately $25,000. Fidelis Capital Partners LLC acquired a new stake in Louisiana-Pacific during the 1st quarter valued at $25,000. Whittier Trust Co. acquired a new position in Louisiana-Pacific during the 1st quarter worth $31,000. Bessemer Group Inc. grew its holdings in Louisiana-Pacific by 258.5% during the 1st quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. now owns 441 shares of the building manufacturing companys stock worth $37,000 after acquiring an additional 318 shares in the last quarter. Finally, GAMMA Investing LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Louisiana-Pacific by 57.3% in the 2nd quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 486 shares of the building manufacturing companys stock valued at $40,000 after buying an additional 177 shares during the period. 94.73% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Louisiana-Pacific Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Louisiana-Pacific Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides building solutions primarily for use in new home construction, repair and remodeling, and outdoor structure markets. It operates through Siding, Oriented Strand Board, LP South America, and Other segments. The Siding segment offers LP SmartSide trim and siding products, LP SmartSide ExpertFinish trim and siding products, LP BuilderSeries lap siding products, and LP Outdoor Building Solutions; and engineered wood siding, trim, soffit, and fascia products.

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Lundin Gold (TSE:LUG  Free Report) had its price target boosted by Jefferies Financial Group from C$26.00 to C$29.00 in a report published on Monday, BayStreet.CA reports.

A number of other research firms also recently issued reports on LUG. CIBC raised their price objective on shares of Lundin Gold from C$25.00 to C$28.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, September 4th. Canaccord Genuity Group raised their price objective on Lundin Gold from C$27.50 to C$28.50 in a research note on Tuesday, August 20th. Cormark boosted their price objective on Lundin Gold from C$26.00 to C$27.00 in a research note on Friday, August 9th. Scotiabank upped their price target on shares of Lundin Gold from C$23.50 to C$25.50 in a research report on Monday, August 19th. Finally, National Bank Financial upgraded Lundin Gold from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Sunday, July 7th. One analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, six have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus target price of C$27.08.

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View Our Latest Analysis on LUG

Lundin Gold Stock Performance

Lundin Gold stock opened at C$28.20 on Monday. The stocks 50 day moving average is C$24.43 and its 200 day moving average is C$20.87. The company has a quick ratio of 1.41, a current ratio of 1.98 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 14.28. The company has a market capitalization of C$6.76 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.20 and a beta of 1.23. Lundin Gold has a twelve month low of C$14.23 and a twelve month high of C$28.30.

Lundin Gold (TSE:LUG  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 8th. The company reported C$0.55 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of C$0.62 by C($0.07). Lundin Gold had a net margin of 24.30% and a return on equity of 22.88%. The company had revenue of C$412.43 million for the quarter. On average, equities research analysts predict that Lundin Gold will post 2.5546059 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Lundin Gold Increases Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, September 25th. Investors of record on Wednesday, September 25th will be given a dividend of $0.551 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, September 10th. This represents a $2.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 7.82%. This is an increase from Lundin Golds previous quarterly dividend of $0.10. Lundin Golds dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 86.61%.

Insider Transactions at Lundin Gold

In other Lundin Gold news, Senior Officer Chester See sold 30,100 shares of Lundin Gold stock in a transaction on Friday, June 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of C$20.27, for a total value of C$610,253.42. Insiders own 58.79% of the companys stock.

About Lundin Gold

(Get Free Report)

Lundin Gold Inc operates as a mining company in Canada. The company holds interests in 28 metallic mineral concessions and three construction material concessions covering an area of approximately 64,454 hectares located in Southeast Ecuador. It primary holds 100% interests in the Fruta del Norte gold project that comprising seven concessions covering an area of approximately 5,566 hectares located near the city of Loja in Ecuador.

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Malaga Financial Co. (OTCMKTS:MLGF  Get Free Report)s stock price rose 1.3% during mid-day trading on Monday . The stock traded as high as $22.75 and last traded at $22.75. Approximately 10,827 shares traded hands during trading, an increase of 268% from the average daily volume of 2,942 shares. The stock had previously closed at $22.45.

Malaga Financial Trading Up 1.1 %

The stock has a market cap of $206.54 million, a P/E ratio of 8.89 and a beta of 0.49. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $22.49 and its 200 day moving average price is $22.67.

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Malaga Financial (OTCMKTS:MLGF  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Friday, July 12th. The company reported $0.64 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter.

About Malaga Financial

Malaga Financial Corporation operates as the holding company for Malaga Bank that provides various community banking products and services to personal and business customers. It offers checking, savings, NOW, and money market accounts, certificates of deposits, business banking, consumer, and demand deposits.

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Shares of Metro Bank Holdings PLC (LON:MTRO  Get Free Report) traded down 9.2% during trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as low as GBX 63 ($0.82) and last traded at GBX 63.10 ($0.83). 4,342,172 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 179% from the average session volume of 1,556,750 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 69.50 ($0.91).

Metro Bank Stock Down 9.2 %

The stock has a market capitalization of 424.56 million, a P/E ratio of 3,380.00 and a beta of 2.33. The company has a fifty day moving average price of GBX 51.14 and a 200-day moving average price of GBX 40.35.

Metro Bank Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Metro Bank Holdings PLC operates as the bank holding company for Metro Bank PLC that provides various banking products and services in the United Kingdom. It offers personal banking products and services, including current, cash, and foreign currency accounts; savings; residential and buy-to-let mortgages; overdrafts; credit cards; pet insurance; and safe deposit box services.

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Berenberg Bank reiterated their buy rating on shares of Pollen Street Group (LON:POLN  Free Report) in a research note issued to investors on Monday, Marketbeat Ratings reports. The firm currently has a GBX 900 ($11.77) price target on the stock.

Pollen Street Group Price Performance

Shares of LON:POLN opened at GBX 704 ($9.21) on Monday. The business has a fifty day moving average of GBX 706.28 and a two-hundred day moving average of GBX 677.11. The stock has a market cap of 438.73 million, a P/E ratio of 1,005.71 and a beta of 0.22. Pollen Street Group has a 52-week low of GBX 500 ($6.54) and a 52-week high of GBX 775 ($10.13).

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Pollen Street Group Increases Dividend

The business also recently announced a dividend, which will be paid on Friday, October 11th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, September 12th will be issued a GBX 26.50 ($0.35) dividend. This is a boost from Pollen Street Groups previous dividend of $13.00. This represents a yield of 3.79%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, September 12th. Pollen Street Groups dividend payout ratio is presently 7,571.43%.

About Pollen Street Group

Pollen Street PLC was founded in 2015 and is headquartered in London, Greater London, United Kingdom.

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Private Wealth Partners LLC purchased a new stake in shares of The Southern Company (NYSE:SO  Free Report) during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund purchased 2,600 shares of the utilities providers stock, valued at approximately $202,000.

A number of other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of SO. Eagle Strategies LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Southern by 235.4% during the 2nd quarter. Eagle Strategies LLC now owns 9,395 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $729,000 after buying an additional 6,594 shares in the last quarter. Johnson Investment Counsel Inc. grew its holdings in Southern by 0.8% in the second quarter. Johnson Investment Counsel Inc. now owns 32,228 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $2,500,000 after purchasing an additional 269 shares during the period. Mitchell Sinkler & Starr PA increased its stake in shares of Southern by 21.2% during the second quarter. Mitchell Sinkler & Starr PA now owns 17,933 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $1,443,000 after purchasing an additional 3,140 shares in the last quarter. Sentry Investment Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Southern during the second quarter valued at approximately $399,000. Finally, LPL Financial LLC boosted its position in shares of Southern by 1.9% in the 2nd quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 2,139,470 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $165,959,000 after purchasing an additional 40,511 shares in the last quarter. 64.10% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Southern Trading Down 1.0 %

Shares of NYSE:SO opened at $88.77 on Thursday. The Southern Company has a 52-week low of $61.56 and a 52-week high of $90.34. The stock has a market capitalization of $97.06 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.94, a PEG ratio of 3.17 and a beta of 0.52. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.66, a quick ratio of 0.66 and a current ratio of 0.91. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $84.70 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $77.79.

Southern Announces Dividend

Southern ( NYSE:SO Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, August 1st. The utilities provider reported $1.10 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.91 by $0.19. Southern had a net margin of 17.67% and a return on equity of 12.88%. The company had revenue of $6.46 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $6.10 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $0.79 earnings per share. The firms quarterly revenue was up 12.4% compared to the same quarter last year. Analysts expect that The Southern Company will post 4.01 EPS for the current year.

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 6th. Shareholders of record on Monday, August 19th were issued a dividend of $0.72 per share. This represents a $2.88 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.24%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, August 19th. Southerns dividend payout ratio is presently 74.42%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In related news, CEO Anthony L. Wilson sold 6,900 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, July 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $77.61, for a total transaction of $535,509.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 85,309 shares in the company, valued at approximately $6,620,831.49. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. In other news, EVP Bryan D. Anderson sold 6,565 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, September 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $89.54, for a total value of $587,830.10. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 44,467 shares in the company, valued at $3,981,575.18. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, CEO Anthony L. Wilson sold 6,900 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, July 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $77.61, for a total value of $535,509.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 85,309 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $6,620,831.49. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 27,845 shares of company stock worth $2,266,455 over the last quarter. 0.18% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several equities research analysts have commented on SO shares. Argus boosted their target price on Southern from $75.00 to $90.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, May 15th. Morgan Stanley lifted their target price on shares of Southern from $72.00 to $78.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Friday, August 23rd. Scotiabank increased their price target on shares of Southern from $87.00 to $96.00 and gave the company a sector outperform rating in a report on Tuesday, August 20th. Wolfe Research lowered shares of Southern from an outperform rating to a peer perform rating in a report on Friday, August 2nd. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company increased their target price on Southern from $77.00 to $89.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Friday, August 2nd. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have issued a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Southern has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $83.71.

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Southern Profile

(Free Report)

The Southern Company, through its subsidiaries, engages in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity. The company also develops, constructs, acquires, owns, and manages power generation assets, including renewable energy projects and sells electricity in the wholesale market; and distributes natural gas in Illinois, Georgia, Virginia, and Tennessee, as well as provides gas marketing services, gas distribution operations, and gas pipeline investments operations.

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North European Oil Royalty Trust (NYSE:NRT  Get Free Report) and LandBridge (NYSE:LB  Get Free Report) are both oils/energy companies, but which is the superior investment? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their earnings, profitability, analyst recommendations, dividends, institutional ownership, valuation and risk.

Profitability

This table compares North European Oil Royalty Trust and LandBridges net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

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Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets North European Oil Royalty Trust N/A 560.64% 238.08% LandBridge N/A N/A N/A

Analyst Ratings

This is a breakdown of recent ratings and price targets for North European Oil Royalty Trust and LandBridge, as reported by MarketBeat.com.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score North European Oil Royalty Trust 0 0 0 0 N/A LandBridge 0 2 6 0 2.75

Institutional and Insider Ownership

LandBridge has a consensus target price of $33.71, indicating a potential downside of 2.45%. Given LandBridges higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe LandBridge is more favorable than North European Oil Royalty Trust.

7.0% of North European Oil Royalty Trust shares are held by institutional investors. 0.5% of North European Oil Royalty Trust shares are held by insiders. Comparatively, 17.8% of LandBridge shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a company is poised for long-term growth.

Valuation and Earnings

This table compares North European Oil Royalty Trust and LandBridges gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio North European Oil Royalty Trust $22.02 million N/A $21.17 million $1.31 3.92 LandBridge N/A N/A N/A $3.56 9.71

North European Oil Royalty Trust has higher revenue and earnings than LandBridge. North European Oil Royalty Trust is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than LandBridge, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Summary

LandBridge beats North European Oil Royalty Trust on 5 of the 9 factors compared between the two stocks.

About North European Oil Royalty Trust

(Get Free Report)

North European Oil Royalty Trust, a grantor trust, holds overriding royalty rights covering gas and oil production in various concessions or leases in the Federal Republic of Germany. The company also has rights under contracts with German exploration and development subsidiaries of ExxonMobil Corp. and the Royal Dutch/Shell Group of Companies. In addition, it holds royalties for the sale of gas well gas, oil well gas, crude oil, condensate, and sulfur. North European Oil Royalty Trust was founded in 1975 and is based in Keene, New Hampshire.

About LandBridge

(Get Free Report)

LandBridge Company LLC owns and manages land and resources to support and enhance oil and natural gas development in the United States. It owns surface acres in and around the Delaware Basin in Texas and New Mexico. The company holds a portfolio of oil and gas royalties. It also sells brackish water and other surface composite materials. The company was founded in 2021 and is based in Houston, Texas. LandBridge Company LLC operates as a subsidiary of LandBridge Holdings LLC.

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Sentry Investment Management LLC trimmed its position in shares of Valero Energy Co. (NYSE:VLO  Free Report) by 17.0% during the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 1,638 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after selling 336 shares during the quarter. Sentry Investment Management LLCs holdings in Valero Energy were worth $257,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the business. Norges Bank bought a new stake in Valero Energy during the 4th quarter worth approximately $570,428,000. Acadian Asset Management LLC raised its position in Valero Energy by 37.6% in the 1st quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC now owns 1,558,750 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $266,040,000 after buying an additional 426,093 shares during the last quarter. Montrusco Bolton Investments Inc. lifted its stake in Valero Energy by 18.7% during the 4th quarter. Montrusco Bolton Investments Inc. now owns 2,389,654 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $310,655,000 after acquiring an additional 376,449 shares in the last quarter. Bank of Nova Scotia boosted its holdings in Valero Energy by 721.4% during the 4th quarter. Bank of Nova Scotia now owns 337,911 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $43,927,000 after acquiring an additional 296,771 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Westwood Holdings Group Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Valero Energy in the 1st quarter worth $39,517,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 78.69% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several equities research analysts have commented on the stock. Wells Fargo & Company increased their price objective on shares of Valero Energy from $165.00 to $172.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Tuesday, September 3rd. Scotiabank boosted their target price on shares of Valero Energy from $165.00 to $173.00 and gave the company a sector outperform rating in a research note on Friday, July 12th. Argus cut shares of Valero Energy from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Thursday, May 16th. Wolfe Research started coverage on Valero Energy in a report on Thursday, July 18th. They set an outperform rating and a $177.00 price objective for the company. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their target price on Valero Energy from $178.00 to $172.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, July 2nd. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have given a hold rating, ten have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $174.50.

Valero Energy Price Performance

NYSE:VLO opened at $132.90 on Thursday. Valero Energy Co. has a 52-week low of $119.88 and a 52-week high of $184.79. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $147.36 and a 200 day moving average of $155.50. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.34, a quick ratio of 1.04 and a current ratio of 1.48. The firm has a market capitalization of $43.46 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 6.58, a P/E/G ratio of 2.73 and a beta of 1.40.

Valero Energy (NYSE:VLO  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, July 25th. The oil and gas company reported $2.71 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.60 by $0.11. The company had revenue of $34.49 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $32.97 billion. Valero Energy had a net margin of 4.25% and a return on equity of 21.01%. The firms revenue was down .1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $5.40 EPS. On average, research analysts expect that Valero Energy Co. will post 12.3 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Valero Energy Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, September 3rd. Stockholders of record on Thursday, August 1st were given a dividend of $1.07 per share. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, August 1st. This represents a $4.28 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.22%. Valero Energys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 21.20%.

Valero Energy Company Profile

(Free Report)

Valero Energy Corporation manufactures, markets, and sells petroleum-based and low-carbon liquid transportation fuels and petrochemical products in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Latin America, Mexico, Peru, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Refining, Renewable Diesel, and Ethanol.

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Smith Douglas Homes Corp. (NYSE:SDHC  Get Free Report) shares saw unusually-high trading volume on Thursday . Approximately 166,546 shares traded hands during trading, an increase of 11% from the previous sessions volume of 149,463 shares.The stock last traded at $36.89 and had previously closed at $34.42.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several equities research analysts recently weighed in on the stock. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated a sector perform rating and issued a $26.00 target price on shares of Smith Douglas Homes in a research note on Thursday, August 15th. Wells Fargo & Company increased their target price on Smith Douglas Homes from $25.00 to $35.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Thursday, August 15th. Bank of America upped their price target on shares of Smith Douglas Homes from $30.00 to $36.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, August 15th. Finally, Wedbush reaffirmed a neutral rating and issued a $20.00 target price on shares of Smith Douglas Homes in a research note on Wednesday, August 14th. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and one has given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Smith Douglas Homes currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $29.70.

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Check Out Our Latest Analysis on SDHC

Smith Douglas Homes Price Performance

The companys 50-day moving average price is $31.34 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $28.88.

Smith Douglas Homes (NYSE:SDHC  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, August 14th. The company reported $0.40 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.37 by $0.03. The company had revenue of $220.90 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $208.02 million. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 21.7% on a year-over-year basis. On average, sell-side analysts predict that Smith Douglas Homes Corp. will post 1.66 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Trading of Smith Douglas Homes

Large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Norden Group LLC acquired a new position in shares of Smith Douglas Homes during the 1st quarter worth $2,331,000. Sei Investments Co. bought a new position in Smith Douglas Homes during the 1st quarter valued at $1,015,000. Capstone Investment Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in Smith Douglas Homes in the first quarter worth $1,625,000. Lisanti Capital Growth LLC bought a new position in shares of Smith Douglas Homes during the 1st quarter worth $3,973,000. Finally, Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky purchased a new stake in Smith Douglas Homes in the 1st quarter worth about $565,000.

Smith Douglas Homes Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Smith Douglas Homes Corp., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the design, construction, and sale of single-family homes in the southeastern United States. It also provides closing, escrow, and title insurance services. The company sells its products to entry-level and empty-nest homebuyers. Smith Douglas Homes Corp.

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Nelson Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of SPDR Gold Shares (NYSEARCA:GLD  Free Report) by 6.5% during the second quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 7,447 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after purchasing an additional 454 shares during the quarter. Nelson Capital Management LLCs holdings in SPDR Gold Shares were worth $1,601,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of GLD. Scarborough Advisors LLC increased its holdings in shares of SPDR Gold Shares by 10,133.3% during the 4th quarter. Scarborough Advisors LLC now owns 2,662,393 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $508,970,000 after buying an additional 2,636,376 shares during the last quarter. Toronto Dominion Bank raised its position in SPDR Gold Shares by 23.6% in the first quarter. Toronto Dominion Bank now owns 5,649,510 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $1,162,217,000 after purchasing an additional 1,079,452 shares during the period. Arizona PSPRS Trust acquired a new position in shares of SPDR Gold Shares in the 2nd quarter valued at $157,187,000. Global Assets Advisory LLC acquired a new stake in shares of SPDR Gold Shares during the 1st quarter worth about $144,269,000. Finally, GLOBALT Investments LLC GA purchased a new stake in SPDR Gold Shares in the 4th quarter valued at about $124,066,000. 42.19% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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SPDR Gold Shares Trading Down 0.2 %

Shares of GLD opened at $232.24 on Thursday. SPDR Gold Shares has a 1-year low of $168.30 and a 1-year high of $234.01. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $226.38 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $216.72.

About SPDR Gold Shares

SPDR Gold Trust (the Trust) is an investment trust. The investment objective of the Trust is for the Shares to reflect the performance of the price of gold bullion, less the Trusts expenses. The Trusts business activity is the investment of gold. The Trust creates and redeems Shares from time to time, but in one or more Baskets (a Basket equals a block of 100,000 Shares).

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KYODO NEWS - Sep 12, 2024 - 10:50 | World, All, Japan

Indonesian President Joko Widodo attended the ground-breaking ceremony Wednesday for the second train line of Jakarta's mass rapid transit system, financed by a loan from Japan of about 140.7 billion yen ($990 million).

The MRT railway -- the first phase of which, a 15.7-kilometer stretch on the North-South Line, opened in 2019 -- "has changed the face of Jakarta and Indonesia," the president popularly known as Jokowi, said during the ceremony at the site for Thamrin Station of the new East-West Line.

The North-South Line has carried about 120 million passengers since its opening, he said.

The construction of the 84.1-kilometer East-West Line project consists of two phases, with the work for the 24.5-km first stage to be completed in 2031, according to the Japanese Embassy in Jakarta.

The new train line will be built with Japanese technology for the vehicle and signaling systems.

"The MRT system has become a symbol of economic cooperation between Indonesia and Japan," said Japanese Ambassador to Indonesia Yasushi Masaki at Wednesday's event.

Jakarta faces serious traffic congestion and air pollution due to its rapid economic growth and population increase.

Related coverage:

Japan to provide 140 billion yen loan to Jakarta for rapid train project

Japan firms' plans for CO2 export, storage in Southeast Asia on rise
State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund D decreased its position in American Tower Co. (NYSE:AMT  Free Report) by 35.0% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 220,364 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after selling 118,896 shares during the quarter. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund Ds holdings in American Tower were worth $42,834,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. LPL Financial LLC raised its holdings in American Tower by 1.5% in the second quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 340,456 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $66,178,000 after purchasing an additional 4,941 shares in the last quarter. Biltmore Family Office LLC increased its holdings in shares of American Tower by 6.9% during the second quarter. Biltmore Family Office LLC now owns 1,163 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $228,000 after acquiring an additional 75 shares in the last quarter. AGF Management Ltd. increased its holdings in shares of American Tower by 3.5% during the second quarter. AGF Management Ltd. now owns 112,323 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $21,833,000 after acquiring an additional 3,771 shares in the last quarter. Angeles Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in shares of American Tower during the second quarter valued at $299,000. Finally, Carson Advisory Inc. bought a new position in shares of American Tower during the second quarter valued at $235,000. Institutional investors own 92.69% of the companys stock.

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American Tower Trading Down 1.6 %

Shares of NYSE:AMT opened at $238.97 on Thursday. American Tower Co. has a 52-week low of $154.58 and a 52-week high of $243.56. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.42, a quick ratio of 0.81 and a current ratio of 0.81. The stock has a market capitalization of $111.62 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 54.07, a PEG ratio of 1.57 and a beta of 0.83. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $219.34 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $200.47.

Insider Activity

American Tower ( NYSE:AMT Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, July 30th. The real estate investment trust reported $1.92 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $2.44 by ($0.52). American Tower had a net margin of 21.95% and a return on equity of 23.06%. The company had revenue of $2.90 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.82 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $2.46 earnings per share. The firms quarterly revenue was up 4.7% on a year-over-year basis. Analysts expect that American Tower Co. will post 10.18 EPS for the current year.

In other news, EVP Olivier Puech sold 10,005 shares of American Tower stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $233.27, for a total transaction of $2,333,866.35. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 51,746 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $12,070,789.42. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. In related news, CEO Steven O. Vondran sold 21,537 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, August 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $230.00, for a total value of $4,953,510.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 61,843 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $14,223,890. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, EVP Olivier Puech sold 10,005 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, August 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $233.27, for a total value of $2,333,866.35. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 51,746 shares in the company, valued at $12,070,789.42. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 33,723 shares of company stock valued at $7,795,397 in the last ninety days. Corporate insiders own 0.18% of the companys stock.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several brokerages have recently weighed in on AMT. The Goldman Sachs Group began coverage on American Tower in a report on Monday, July 1st. They set a buy rating and a $230.00 price target for the company. Barclays reduced their price target on American Tower from $234.00 to $223.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Thursday, May 30th. TD Cowen raised their price target on American Tower from $226.00 to $239.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, July 31st. BMO Capital Markets reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $246.00 price objective (up from $225.00) on shares of American Tower in a report on Wednesday, July 31st. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price objective on American Tower from $225.00 to $245.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, July 31st. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, twelve have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $231.14.

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American Tower Company Profile

(Free Report)

American Tower, one of the largest global REITs, is a leading independent owner, operator and developer of multitenant communications real estate with a portfolio of over 224,000 communications sites and a highly interconnected footprint of U.S. data center facilities.

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State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund D trimmed its holdings in shares of American Express (NYSE:AXP) by 37.0% in the second quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The institutional investor owned 212,895 shares of the payment services companys stock after selling 124,823 shares during the quarter. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund Ds holdings in American Express were worth $49,296,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the business. LPL Financial LLC raised its stake in shares of American Express by 7.5% during the second quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 602,832 shares of the payment services companys stock worth $139,586,000 after buying an additional 42,238 shares during the last quarter. SP Asset Management LLC grew its holdings in American Express by 0.3% during the second quarter. SP Asset Management LLC now owns 34,567 shares of the payment services companys stock valued at $8,004,000 after purchasing an additional 100 shares during the period. AGF Management Ltd. grew its holdings in American Express by 3.4% during the second quarter. AGF Management Ltd. now owns 28,822 shares of the payment services companys stock valued at $6,674,000 after purchasing an additional 953 shares during the period. Headlands Technologies LLC grew its holdings in American Express by 86.7% during the second quarter. Headlands Technologies LLC now owns 1,910 shares of the payment services companys stock valued at $442,000 after purchasing an additional 887 shares during the period. Finally, Coldstream Capital Management Inc. grew its holdings in American Express by 3.0% during the second quarter. Coldstream Capital Management Inc. now owns 13,150 shares of the payment services companys stock valued at $3,045,000 after purchasing an additional 378 shares during the period. 84.33% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of research analysts recently issued reports on AXP shares. Monness Crespi & Hardt boosted their price objective on shares of American Express from $260.00 to $265.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday, July 22nd. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods boosted their price objective on shares of American Express from $265.00 to $280.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Monday, July 8th. Jefferies Financial Group upped their price target on shares of American Express from $225.00 to $235.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, July 9th. Barclays upped their price target on shares of American Express from $221.00 to $223.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Tuesday, July 9th. Finally, Compass Point assumed coverage on shares of American Express in a report on Tuesday, July 16th. They issued a neutral rating and a $260.00 price target for the company. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, thirteen have assigned a hold rating and eleven have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $230.70.

American Express Trading Up 3.6 %

AXP stock opened at $254.18 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.74, a quick ratio of 1.66 and a current ratio of 1.66. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $245.48 and its 200 day simple moving average is $234.92. American Express has a 52 week low of $140.91 and a 52 week high of $261.75. The company has a market capitalization of $182.83 billion, a PE ratio of 20.94, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.37 and a beta of 1.21.

American Express (NYSE:AXP  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, July 19th. The payment services company reported $3.49 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $3.26 by $0.23. The firm had revenue of $16.33 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $16.60 billion. American Express had a net margin of 15.53% and a return on equity of 32.94%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 9.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $2.89 earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that American Express will post 13.12 earnings per share for the current year.

American Express Profile

(Free Report)

American Express Company, together with its subsidiaries, operates as integrated payments company in the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, the Asia Pacific, Australia, New Zealand, Latin America, Canada, the Caribbean, and Internationally. It operates through four segments: U.S. Consumer Services, Commercial Services, International Card Services, and Global Merchant and Network Services.

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Stillwater Critical Minerals Corp. (CVE:PGE  Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week low during mid-day trading on Thursday . The company traded as low as C$0.10 and last traded at C$0.11, with a volume of 82100 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.11.

Stillwater Critical Minerals Stock Performance

The stock has a market cap of C$23.84 million, a PE ratio of -3.50 and a beta of 1.67. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.20, a quick ratio of 5.39 and a current ratio of 1.82. The company has a 50 day moving average of C$0.14 and a two-hundred day moving average of C$0.15.

Stillwater Critical Minerals Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Stillwater Critical Minerals Corp., a mineral exploration company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties in Canada and the United States. The company explores for gold, palladium, nickel, cobalt, and copper deposits, as well as platinum group metals. Its flagship project is the Stillwater West project, which comprises 763 claims covering an area of approximately 61 square kilometers located in Stillwater District, Montana.

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Wipro (NYSE:WIT  Get Free Report) was upgraded by research analysts at StockNews.com from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report released on Tuesday.

WIT has been the subject of several other reports. Nomura assumed coverage on shares of Wipro in a research report on Tuesday, July 2nd. They set a buy rating for the company. Nomura Securities raised Wipro to a strong-buy rating in a report on Tuesday, July 2nd. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, two have given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $5.60.

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Wipro Stock Down 2.2 %

NYSE:WIT opened at $6.19 on Tuesday. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $6.20 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $5.86. Wipro has a 1 year low of $4.48 and a 1 year high of $7.01. The company has a current ratio of 2.70, a quick ratio of 2.70 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.08. The stock has a market cap of $32.31 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 24.76, a PEG ratio of 4.26 and a beta of 0.90.

Wipro (NYSE:WIT  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Friday, July 19th. The information technology services provider reported $0.07 earnings per share for the quarter, meeting the consensus estimate of $0.07. The business had revenue of $2.64 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.65 billion. Wipro had a net margin of 12.57% and a return on equity of 15.01%. During the same period last year, the business earned $0.06 earnings per share. As a group, equities analysts expect that Wipro will post 0.27 earnings per share for the current year.

Institutional Trading of Wipro

A number of large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in WIT. Newport Capital Group LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Wipro in the 2nd quarter worth $105,000. Creative Planning boosted its position in Wipro by 26.8% in the 2nd quarter. Creative Planning now owns 1,073,419 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $6,548,000 after purchasing an additional 226,915 shares in the last quarter. Millennium Management LLC increased its holdings in Wipro by 67.6% in the second quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 5,622,699 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $34,298,000 after buying an additional 2,267,995 shares in the last quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC increased its position in shares of Wipro by 12.9% in the second quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 694,610 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $4,223,000 after buying an additional 79,431 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Squarepoint Ops LLC grew its position in shares of Wipro by 143.4% in the second quarter. Squarepoint Ops LLC now owns 821,228 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $5,009,000 after purchasing an additional 483,893 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 2.36% of the companys stock.

Wipro Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Wipro Limited operates as an information technology (IT), consulting, and business process services company worldwide. It operates through IT Services and IT Products segments. The IT Services segment offers IT and IT-enabled services, including digital strategy advisory, customer-centric design, technology and IT consulting, custom application design, development, re-engineering and maintenance, systems integration, package implementation, cloud and infrastructure, business process, cloud, mobility and analytics, research and development, and hardware and software design services to enterprises.

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Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM  Get Free Report)s share price traded up 0.8% during trading on Thursday . The stock traded as high as $172.08 and last traded at $170.94. 5,469,295 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 65% from the average session volume of 15,720,313 shares. The stock had previously closed at $169.61.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of equities analysts have issued reports on TSM shares. Barclays raised their price target on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from $150.00 to $170.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, June 5th. TD Cowen raised their price target on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from $130.00 to $170.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, July 18th. Needham & Company LLC raised their price target on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from $168.00 to $210.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Monday, July 15th. Susquehanna reissued a positive rating and set a $250.00 price target on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a research report on Wednesday, August 14th. Finally, Sanford C. Bernstein lifted their price target on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from $150.00 to $200.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, June 20th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $200.00.

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Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Stock Up 0.9 %

The businesss 50 day moving average is $169.09 and its 200-day moving average is $156.07. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.26, a quick ratio of 2.21 and a current ratio of 2.47. The stock has a market cap of $887.29 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 32.56, a PEG ratio of 0.92 and a beta of 1.14.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (NYSE:TSM  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, July 18th. The semiconductor company reported $1.48 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.37 by $0.11. The company had revenue of $20.82 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $20.33 billion. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing had a return on equity of 25.54% and a net margin of 37.85%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 34.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $1.14 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts predict that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited will post 6.45 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Increases Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 9th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, December 12th will be issued a $0.4871 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, December 12th. This represents a $1.95 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.14%. This is a positive change from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings previous quarterly dividend of $0.49. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 37.52%.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Van ECK Associates Corp raised its holdings in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 53.4% during the 1st quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp now owns 17,416,194 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $2,369,473,000 after acquiring an additional 6,060,511 shares during the period. Capital International Investors raised its holdings in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 40.2% in the 1st quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 19,695,714 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $2,679,602,000 after buying an additional 5,643,949 shares during the period. Capital World Investors raised its holdings in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 11.4% in the 4th quarter. Capital World Investors now owns 41,356,279 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $4,301,178,000 after buying an additional 4,240,928 shares during the period. PineStone Asset Management Inc. raised its holdings in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 116.3% in the 2nd quarter. PineStone Asset Management Inc. now owns 7,784,316 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $1,352,992,000 after buying an additional 4,186,133 shares during the period. Finally, Clearbridge Investments LLC raised its holdings in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 669.7% in the 2nd quarter. Clearbridge Investments LLC now owns 3,721,489 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $646,832,000 after buying an additional 3,237,998 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 16.51% of the companys stock.

About Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing

(Get Free Report)

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures, packages, tests, and sells integrated circuits and other semiconductor devices in Taiwan, China, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Japan, the United States, and internationally. It provides a range of wafer fabrication processes, including processes to manufacture complementary metal- oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) logic, mixed-signal, radio frequency, embedded memory, bipolar CMOS mixed-signal, and others.

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Taylor Wimpey plc (OTCMKTS:TWODF  Get Free Report) was down 0.5% on Wednesday . The company traded as low as $2.10 and last traded at $2.10. Approximately 353 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 99% from the average daily volume of 44,885 shares. The stock had previously closed at $2.12.

Taylor Wimpey Stock Down 0.5 %

The company has a fifty day moving average of $2.02 and a 200-day moving average of $1.88.

About Taylor Wimpey

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Taylor Wimpey plc operates as a homebuilder in the United Kingdom and Spain. It builds and delivers various homes and communities. Taylor Wimpey plc was incorporated in 1935 and is based in High Wycombe, the United Kingdom.

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AdvisorShares Investments LLC increased its holdings in shares of The Duckhorn Portfolio, Inc. (NYSE:NAPA  Free Report) by 85.9% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 35,792 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 16,536 shares during the period. AdvisorShares Investments LLCs holdings in Duckhorn Portfolio were worth $251,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Bessemer Group Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Duckhorn Portfolio by 8.7% in the first quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. now owns 18,750 shares of the companys stock valued at $175,000 after buying an additional 1,505 shares during the last quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC raised its stake in Duckhorn Portfolio by 9.2% during the 1st quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 18,456 shares of the companys stock valued at $172,000 after acquiring an additional 1,555 shares during the last quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD lifted its position in Duckhorn Portfolio by 37.8% during the 1st quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 15,216 shares of the companys stock worth $142,000 after acquiring an additional 4,170 shares during the period. American International Group Inc. grew its stake in shares of Duckhorn Portfolio by 20.5% in the 1st quarter. American International Group Inc. now owns 26,298 shares of the companys stock valued at $245,000 after purchasing an additional 4,467 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Rhumbline Advisers increased its holdings in shares of Duckhorn Portfolio by 7.4% in the second quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 79,865 shares of the companys stock valued at $567,000 after purchasing an additional 5,497 shares during the period.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several equities research analysts recently weighed in on NAPA shares. BMO Capital Markets decreased their price target on Duckhorn Portfolio from $10.00 to $9.00 and set a market perform rating for the company in a report on Friday, June 7th. Royal Bank of Canada reduced their target price on shares of Duckhorn Portfolio from $14.00 to $11.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, May 29th. Finally, Citigroup dropped their price target on shares of Duckhorn Portfolio from $11.00 to $10.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, June 7th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $9.86.

Duckhorn Portfolio Stock Down 1.7 %

NAPA stock opened at $5.63 on Thursday. The Duckhorn Portfolio, Inc. has a 52 week low of $5.55 and a 52 week high of $12.27. The company has a current ratio of 8.09, a quick ratio of 1.04 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.24. The company has a market cap of $827.17 million, a P/E ratio of 10.42, a P/E/G ratio of 5.15 and a beta of 0.22. The companys 50-day moving average price is $6.76 and its 200 day moving average price is $7.78.

Duckhorn Portfolio Profile

(Free Report)

The Duckhorn Portfolio, Inc produces and sells wines in North America. The company offers wines under a portfolio of brands, including Duckhorn Vineyards, Decoy, Goldeneye, Paraduxx, Migration, Canvasback, Calera, Kosta Browne, Greenwing, and Postmark. It sells wines to distributors, and directly to retail accounts and consumers.

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Thornburg Investment Management Inc. grew its position in HDFC Bank Limited (NYSE:HDB  Free Report) by 45.7% in the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 772,925 shares of the banks stock after acquiring an additional 242,473 shares during the period. Thornburg Investment Management Inc.s holdings in HDFC Bank were worth $49,522,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Frazier Financial Advisors LLC bought a new position in HDFC Bank in the 4th quarter valued at $29,000. Ridgewood Investments LLC acquired a new stake in shares of HDFC Bank in the second quarter valued at $36,000. Northwest Investment Counselors LLC bought a new position in shares of HDFC Bank in the first quarter valued at about $34,000. Janiczek Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in HDFC Bank during the 1st quarter worth about $35,000. Finally, GAMMA Investing LLC grew its holdings in HDFC Bank by 56.0% during the 2nd quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 903 shares of the banks stock worth $58,000 after acquiring an additional 324 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 17.61% of the companys stock.

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HDFC Bank Stock Performance

Shares of HDB stock opened at $61.17 on Thursday. The stock has a market cap of $113.77 billion, a PE ratio of 18.76, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.61 and a beta of 0.92. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $60.55 and a 200-day moving average of $58.85. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.37, a current ratio of 0.51 and a quick ratio of 0.51. HDFC Bank Limited has a one year low of $52.16 and a one year high of $67.44.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

HDFC Bank ( NYSE:HDB Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Monday, July 22nd. The bank reported $0.78 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.51 by $0.27. HDFC Bank had a net margin of 14.69% and a return on equity of 12.64%. The company had revenue of $14.03 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.81 billion. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that HDFC Bank Limited will post 2.97 earnings per share for the current year.

HDB has been the topic of several research analyst reports. StockNews.com cut shares of HDFC Bank from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Thursday, June 13th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered HDFC Bank from an overweight rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, July 22nd.

Read Our Latest Report on HDB

About HDFC Bank

(Free Report)

HDFC Bank Limited provides banking and financial services to individuals and businesses in India, Bahrain, Hong Kong, and Dubai. The company operates in three segments: Wholesale Banking, Retail Banking, and Treasury Services. It accepts savings, salary, current, rural, public provident fund, pension, and demat accounts; fixed and recurring deposits; and safe deposit lockers, as well as offshore accounts and deposits, and overdrafts against fixed deposits.

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Nelson Capital Management LLC trimmed its holdings in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (NYSEARCA:VWO  Free Report) by 1.7% in the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 148,521 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 2,531 shares during the period. Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF accounts for about 1.2% of Nelson Capital Management LLCs holdings, making the stock its 21st biggest holding. Nelson Capital Management LLCs holdings in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF were worth $6,499,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of VWO. Idaho Trust Bank purchased a new position in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF during the second quarter worth about $7,095,000. PFG Advisors boosted its stake in shares of Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 10.8% in the second quarter. PFG Advisors now owns 77,918 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $3,410,000 after purchasing an additional 7,620 shares during the period. Bell Investment Advisors Inc boosted its stake in shares of Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 46.4% in the second quarter. Bell Investment Advisors Inc now owns 6,412 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $281,000 after purchasing an additional 2,031 shares during the period. BOKF NA lifted its stake in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 72.2% in the second quarter. BOKF NA now owns 2,313,702 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $101,248,000 after acquiring an additional 970,325 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Johnson Investment Counsel Inc. lifted its stake in Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF by 4.2% in the second quarter. Johnson Investment Counsel Inc. now owns 25,493 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $1,116,000 after acquiring an additional 1,033 shares during the last quarter.

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Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF Trading Up 0.6 %

VWO stock opened at $43.97 on Thursday. Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF has a twelve month low of $37.46 and a twelve month high of $45.72. The companys 50 day moving average is $44.18 and its two-hundred day moving average is $43.25. The stock has a market cap of $79.59 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.50 and a beta of 0.80.

Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF Company Profile

The Fund seeks to track the performance of the FTSE Emerging Markets All Cap China A Inclusion Index, that measures the return of stocks issued by companies located in emerging market countries.

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Research analysts at Wells Fargo & Company began coverage on shares of Raymond James (NYSE:RJF  Get Free Report) in a research note issued on Thursday, Benzinga reports. The firm set an overweight rating and a $138.00 price target on the financial services providers stock. Wells Fargo & Companys target price suggests a potential upside of 19.02% from the companys previous close.

Several other brokerages have also recently weighed in on RJF. Wolfe Research reissued a peer perform rating on shares of Raymond James in a report on Monday, July 8th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their price target on shares of Raymond James from $137.00 to $135.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, July 25th. TD Cowen boosted their price target on shares of Raymond James from $130.00 to $133.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Monday, July 8th. UBS Group dropped their price target on shares of Raymond James from $138.00 to $135.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, July 9th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group boosted their price target on shares of Raymond James from $122.00 to $123.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Monday, July 8th. Ten research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $130.70.

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Raymond James Stock Down 0.3 %

Shares of RJF opened at $115.95 on Thursday. The company has a market capitalization of $23.88 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.02, a PEG ratio of 0.78 and a beta of 1.02. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.41, a current ratio of 1.02 and a quick ratio of 0.99. Raymond James has a one year low of $91.67 and a one year high of $131.19. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $115.26 and its 200-day simple moving average is $120.32.

Raymond James (NYSE:RJF  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 24th. The financial services provider reported $2.39 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.31 by $0.08. The firm had revenue of $3.23 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.24 billion. Raymond James had a return on equity of 18.44% and a net margin of 13.16%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 11.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the company earned $1.85 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Raymond James will post 9.58 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Insider Activity at Raymond James

In related news, CEO Tashtego S. Elwyn sold 31,277 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, August 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $109.64, for a total transaction of $3,429,210.28. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 35,380 shares in the company, valued at $3,879,063.20. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other news, EVP Bella Loykhter Allaire sold 17,363 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, July 31st. The shares were sold at an average price of $115.00, for a total value of $1,996,745.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 75,586 shares in the company, valued at $8,692,390. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Also, CEO Tashtego S. Elwyn sold 31,277 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, August 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $109.64, for a total transaction of $3,429,210.28. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 35,380 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,879,063.20. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Corporate insiders own 9.74% of the companys stock.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Quarry LP acquired a new position in shares of Raymond James in the second quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Smithfield Trust Co increased its position in shares of Raymond James by 105.0% during the 1st quarter. Smithfield Trust Co now owns 246 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $31,000 after purchasing an additional 126 shares during the last quarter. Covestor Ltd raised its stake in shares of Raymond James by 77.0% during the 1st quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 239 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $31,000 after purchasing an additional 104 shares in the last quarter. OLD Point Trust & Financial Services N A acquired a new stake in shares of Raymond James in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $33,000. Finally, Future Financial Wealth Managment LLC bought a new position in shares of Raymond James in the first quarter valued at $33,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 83.83% of the companys stock.

About Raymond James

(Get Free Report)

Raymond James Financial, Inc, a financial holding company, through its subsidiaries, engages in the underwriting, distribution, trading, and brokerage of equity and debt securities, and the sale of mutual funds and other investment products in the United States, Canada, Europe, and internationally. The company operates through Private Client Group, Capital Markets, Asset Management, RJ Bank, and Other segments.

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KYODO NEWS - Sep 12, 2024 - 08:47 | All, World

A coalition of Washington-based business groups on Wednesday sent a joint letter to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, asking her to avoid politicizing the ongoing review of Nippon Steel Corp.'s planned acquisition of United States Steel Corp.

The letter was sent to Yellen, who heads the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States that is in charge of the screening, as the major Japanese company is believed to have been making last-ditch efforts to prevent its deal with U.S. Steel from collapsing.

"Unfortunately, there have been persistent attempts recently to politicize the committee's work from across the political spectrum, allowing politics to undermine the clear and narrow statutory mandate of national security," it said.

The groups included the Global Business Alliance, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Foreign Trade Council. The Japan Business Federation, the country's top business lobby also known as Keidanren, also joined in the request.

The move comes as President Joe Biden's administration is reportedly in the final phase of deciding to block Nippon Steel's plan and an executive of the Japanese company is in Washington to meet with senior U.S. officials.

Nippon Steel, the world's fourth-largest producer, and U.S. Steel, the 24th-largest, announced the $14.1 billion acquisition deal in December. U.S. Steel and its shareholders are supportive of the takeover, which would make it more competitive globally and create the world's third-largest steelmaker by volume.

But the powerful United Steelworkers union, headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a battleground state for the country's presidential election in November, is strongly opposed to the plan.

With votes from blue-collar workers and labor unions seen as critical in the upcoming election, both Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee, are against the deal, as is former President Donald Trump, her Republican opponent.

The committee, CFIUS, has been reviewing whether the proposed acquisition of the U.S. steelmaker poses national security threats.

Japan is a close U.S. security ally. Should the U.S. administration decide to block the business agreement between the two steelmakers, it would be a rare rejection of a proposed buyout by a company from Japan.

"CFIUS should never become a tool for political posturing and should not morph into industrial policy masquerading as national security," the letter said.

"We would note that a critical factor for why the United States is able to attract such a high level of investment from international companies is our country's commitment to the rule of law and the predictability and stability of our regulatory framework," it said. "We urge you to maintain this standard and ensure political interference does not diminish America's investment climate."

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Nippon Steel exec to meet U.S. officials over U.S. Steel buyout plan
Y.D. More Investments Ltd boosted its position in shares of The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG  Free Report) by 62.0% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 4,072 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 1,558 shares during the period. Y.D. More Investments Ltds holdings in Procter & Gamble were worth $671,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Alera Investment Advisors LLC grew its stake in 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 buying an additional 60 shares during the last quarter. Hudson Value Partners LLC raised its position in Procter & Gamble by 4.1% in the 2nd quarter. Hudson Value Partners LLC now owns 1,516 shares of the companys stock valued at $250,000 after purchasing an additional 60 shares during the last quarter. Fiduciary Alliance LLC grew its holdings in shares of Procter & Gamble by 2.8% during the second quarter. Fiduciary Alliance LLC now owns 2,261 shares of the companys stock worth $371,000 after purchasing an additional 61 shares during the last quarter. LCM Capital Management Inc raised its holdings in shares of 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 during the last quarter. Finally, Home Federal Bank of Tennessee lifted its position in Procter & Gamble by 0.3% during the 2nd quarter. Home Federal Bank of Tennessee now owns 23,318 shares of the companys stock worth $3,846,000 after buying an additional 63 shares in the last quarter. 65.77% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Insider Activity

In related news, 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 transaction of $16,320,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 13,721 shares in the company, valued at $2,332,570. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. In related news, CEO Ma. Fatima Francisco sold 96,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $170.00, for a total transaction of $16,320,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 13,721 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,332,570. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, insider Susan Street Whaley sold 450 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, August 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $169.22, for a total value of $76,149.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 13,072 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,212,043.84. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 375,553 shares of company stock worth $63,829,141 over the last ninety days. Insiders own 0.17% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several equities research analysts have weighed in on PG shares. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft raised their price objective on shares of Procter & Gamble from $171.00 to $176.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 17th. TD Cowen started coverage on Procter & Gamble in a report on Tuesday, July 23rd. They set a buy rating and a $189.00 price objective on the stock. Royal Bank of Canada lifted their target price on Procter & Gamble from $157.00 to $164.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 31st. Barclays cut their price target on Procter & Gamble from $174.00 to $163.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, August 1st. Finally, StockNews.com cut Procter & Gamble from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Thursday, August 1st. Seven analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, fourteen have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $175.79.

Get Our Latest Report on PG

Procter & Gamble Stock Down 2.2 %

Procter & Gamble stock opened at $173.88 on Thursday. The company has a 50 day moving average of $169.01 and a 200-day moving average of $165.01. The company has a quick ratio of 0.53, a current ratio of 0.73 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.51. The Procter & Gamble Company has a twelve month low of $141.45 and a twelve month high of $177.94. The stock has a market capitalization of $410.38 billion, a PE ratio of 28.41, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.81 and a beta of 0.41.

Procter & Gamble (NYSE:PG  Get Free Report) last released its 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 firm had revenue of $20.53 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $20.69 billion. Procter & Gamble had a return on equity of 33.46% and a net margin of 17.71%. The companys revenue was down .1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $1.37 EPS. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that The Procter & Gamble Company will post 6.97 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Procter & Gamble Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, August 15th. Stockholders of record on Friday, July 19th were paid a dividend of $1.0065 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, July 19th. This represents a $4.03 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.32%. Procter & Gambles dividend payout ratio is currently 65.69%.

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.

Further Reading

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By Daisuke Sato, KYODO NEWS - Sep 12, 2024 - 10:11 | Arts, All, Japan, Feature

A trailblazer of the modern jazz club scene in Japan marked its 50th anniversary last month, celebrating a rich history of big-name artists such as jazz phenom Art Blakey and others who performed there while also overcoming the financial hit from the COVID-19 pandemic in recent years.

Located in Tokyo's Shibuya Ward, one of the country's busiest commercial districts and a center of youth culture, the club, Body & Soul, got a much-needed boost from the support of its nationwide fan base after falling on hard times during the health crisis.

"Live performance is at the forefront of jazz. B&S will continue to be a place that offers this charm," owner Kyoko Seki, 83, said in commemoration of the club's 1974 opening in August.

Seki took an interest in jazz soon after World War II. Her father -- a sound engineer -- became involved in radio program production after returning from the war. He took his daughter to a studio one day where she listened to live jazz music for the first time.

"I knew nothing about jazz, but I got hooked on it because of the enthusiasm of the music," Seki recalled.

Seki had a penchant for dance, and joined an opera company operated by filmmaker Shochiku Co. after graduating from junior high school. But her eagerness to be involved in jazz music prevailed, leading to her quitting the company and opening Taro, a jazz club in Tokyo's Kabukicho area in Shinjuku, in 1965.

Little-known musicians of the time took to the stage and became fast friends. Terumasa Hino, widely recognized today as one of the finest Japanese jazz trumpeters, was among them. It was a heady time. When lacking air-conditioning at the club, icicles were placed on the floor to provide a cool atmosphere amid hot jazz performances.

Seki opened Body & Soul in Shinjuku in 1974 as a late-night jazz cafe where customers could listen to music on vinyl. Drummer Roy Haynes, who performed at the first full-scale Japanese outdoor jazz festival "Live Under the Sky," would often visit the club when he was in Japan and introduced B&S to his fellow musicians in New York.

The club later moved to Roppongi, another popular nightclub district in Tokyo, and with the addition of a grand piano, jam sessions became almost a daily affair as live performances resumed.

But it was "The Jazz Messengers" bandleader Art Blakey, a leading figure of the modern jazz circuit, who made Body & Soul known to overseas jazz musicians through his frequent visits to the club whenever he came to Japan to perform. This led to many overseas big-name jazz artists taking the stage.

To help scout new talent, Seki provided young musicians from home and abroad opportunities to perform. Among them was Makoto Ozone, 63, a Japanese jazz pianist active on the global stage.

"Seki-san has been nurturing jazz musicians for decades," Ozone said. "I am one of them, and I am filled with respect and gratitude for the way she has continued to convey this charm of jazz to young musicians."

The stay-at-home restrictions during the pandemic caused a plunge in B&S's revenue to a quarter of pre-pandemic levels. But the club was able to stay afloat with the help of its regular customers and crowdfunding, among other sources.

Seki relocated B&S to the Aoyama area in the early 1990s and then to Shibuya in October 2021. In July, she started live concerts on a nonscheduled basis to commemorate the club's 50th anniversary. Ozone played a special duo with trumpeter Eric Miyashiro on Sept. 5.

"We've been supported by so many people for half a century. I want to continue to uphold the culture of jazz through live performances," Seki said.

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"What we want to do is to build a win-win relationship."

The U.S. representatives attending the 24th China International Fair for Investment and Trade have expressed expectations to foster green cooperation with China. #GLOBALink




Indian students attending the just-concluded two-week-long 2024 China-India Youth Summer Camp have expressed their love for Chinese culture. #China #India #Summercamp #culture








Palestinian students and a teacher are seen inside a tent that was turned into a small classroom to educate displaced children in Khan Younis city in the southern Gaza Strip, Sept. 11, 2024. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

GAZA, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- Instead of attending school, Kinan Mahdi, a Palestinian student from Gaza City, spent his days waiting in long queues to obtain food aid for his eight-member family.

Kinan receives the food aid from a school run by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), which has been turned into a shelter for thousands of displaced Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

"At this time last year, I joined my classmates in a queue to sing the national anthem and do some exercises before heading to our classrooms," the 11-year-old student recalled.

"I was so excited to move from the primary to the prep level at school and start preparing for high school," he said.

Kinan dreamed of becoming a doctor someday, but his aspirations are in jeopardy as he has lost a school year due to the ongoing conflict between Hamas, the Islamist group that has ruled Gaza since 2007, and the Israeli army.

The devastation caused by Israeli attacks on the besieged coastal enclave has left him worried about potentially losing another school year.

Since Oct. 7, 2023, Israel has launched large-scale military operations in Gaza following a Hamas attack on southern Israel, during which about 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 were taken hostage. As of Tuesday, Gaza's health authorities report over 41,000 Palestinian deaths in the 11-month conflict.

"My life was turned upside down. I became a displaced child, with little hope of surviving the war. Even if we survive, we will not be able to return to a normal life quickly since we have lost our house," said Kinan.

UNICEF reported in a statement on Monday that while children across several Middle Eastern countries are preparing for their first year of school, at least 45,000 six-year-olds in the Gaza Strip are being denied this right.

The first graders join 625,000 children in Gaza who have already missed an entire school year. With the conflict still raging, they risk missing a second year of education, the UN body added.

Mariam Nijim, a Palestinian student from the southern city of Rafah, faces a similarly dire situation.

The 14-year-old girl with brown hair is the only survivor of her nine-member family, who were killed when an Israeli airstrike hit their home three months ago.

"On days like these, my mother used to style my hair and prepare sandwiches for school. I was a happy student. But everything has finished. My mother, father, and siblings were killed and I stayed alone," she lamented.

Marah Al Rassi, a resident of Khan Younis in southern Gaza, had dreamed of seeing her six-year-old daughter, Salma, start first grade like other children.

"I had dreamed of my daughter entering kindergarten and school, but unfortunately she lost the right to be enrolled ... I've lost the dream of dressing my daughter in her school uniform and taking her to class like other mothers did."

To escape the relentless Israeli attacks, Marah and her daughter are forced to move from one place to another.

"We are living through the worst days of our lives and have no idea what our fate will be," she complained.

In an effort to save the school year lost to the war, the Palestinian Education Ministry announced on Monday the launch of virtual schools for Gazan students.

In the virtual schools, the students will study e-lessons through online platforms, ministry spokesperson Sadiq al-Khadour told Xinhua.

He said that "the virtual schools deliver core educational content across all the subjects ... and a plan is in place to merge two academic years to help Gazan students catch up." 

Palestinian students are seen inside a tent that was turned into a small classroom to educate displaced children in Khan Younis city in the southern Gaza Strip, Sept. 11, 2024. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

Palestinian students take a class inside a tent that was turned into a small classroom to educate displaced children in Khan Younis city in the southern Gaza Strip, Sept. 11, 2024. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

Palestinian students are seen inside a tent that was turned into a small classroom to educate displaced children in Khan Younis city in the southern Gaza Strip, Sept. 11, 2024. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)

A Palestinian student is seen studying inside a tent that was turned into a small classroom to educate displaced children in Khan Younis city in the southern Gaza Strip, Sept. 11, 2024. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)
The Asansol Municipal Corporation (AMC) has prepared a list of unauthorized constructions besides the Garui river and will send notices for demolitions soon, while the detailed project report (DPR) of Rs 12 crore for restoration of the rivulet has already been finalised.

Bidhan Upadhyay, mayor of Asansol Municipal Corporation (AMC) has informed that during the heavy monsoon season the flash floods occur after Garui rivulet overflows due to illegal encroachments on the banks and siltation in Asansol North area since the past few years.

This year too three persons have been killed in the floods, including an ex servicemen and top official of BEML, who was returning home driving his SUV, when he was swept away by the currents in Kalyanpur area, all due to overflowing of the Garui and Nunia rivulets. Locals have complained about illegal encroachments and the officials of AMC visited and inspected the area and prepared a list. Notices will be issued shortly, added Bidhan Upadhyay.

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A large part of the Asansol town has been marooned during the flash floods last month, mostly in the northern part of the city. The detailed project report (DPR) has been prepared and the Rs 12 crore will be sent to the state municipal and urban development department for final approval.

Meanwhile, the civic body has undertaken projects to cleanse the Garui rivulet banks from Shristi Nagar to Kalyanpur township with its own resources. We will erect iron railings on the banks of the Garui rivulet so that people dont litter, the mayor said.

The Asansol Municipal Corporation in its MIC and borough chairmen meeting has finalised tender work of Rs 6 crore for repairing of the roads before the Durga Puja.

The mayor said that due to the underground cable laying work of WBSEDCL, a World Bank funded project, in many parts of the city, roads have been dug up in the areas like Mohishila Road, KT Road, Dhadka Road, S B Gorai Road, N S Road, Nuruddin Road and Okay Road. These will be temporarily repaired for the Durga Puja and the final repair work will begin after the Kali Puja. In Raniganj too, four roads will be repaired.

The tendering work has been completed and within a couple of days the repairing job will start and finish before the Durga Puja. The street lights will also be repaired where they are in defunct condition.
Mumbai-based fraudsters siphoned off Rs 1.43 crore from the account of Burdwan Municipality, in two phases. The matter has come to light after a new cheque, worth Rs 97 lakh, was presented at a nationalised bank for withdrawal.

What is intriguing is that the cheque book of the municipality is intact with the civic body.

Senior bank officials suspect the cash withdrawals were made using some cloned cheque pages as the original pages were still lying in Burdwan Municipalitys custody.

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Police have started an investigation after the municipality lodged an FIR against this pilferage through cheques. Sudipta Ghosh, branch manager of the bank said, The cheques were debited from Mumbai. We suspect the fraudsters had deposited cloned cheques for the purpose of looting. The manager suspected fraud after a third cheque, worth Rs 97.52 lakh, was presented at the bank to be credited in favour of one Mumbai jewellery house. He called up the civic bodys finance officer. Ghosh said, They were speaking in Hindi, which intensified my suspicion.

The executive officer and the finance officer of the civic body are empowered as the signatory authorities. They didnt sign any such cheque and we never issued any cheque to the Mumbai jeweller or any agro farm. Moreover, the cheques, bearing the same corresponding numbers, are still in possession of the municipality. It is surprising that cash was still withdrawn, said Paresh Chandra Sarkar, chairman of the municipality.

He added, The fraudsters had further deposited the Rs 97.52-lakh cheque bearing counterfeit signatures, which ambiguously was issued in favour of the same Mumbai jeweler. The payment process was stopped by the bank after they informed us. The Municipality has lodged an FIR with the Burdwan PS. The SP, East Burdwan, Amandeep Singh said: Weve begun a probe though no significant breakthrough could be achieved as yet.

At the City Centre branch of the same nationalised bank, Rs 1.5 lakh of a customer Swagata Tiwari Mukherjee, was robbed using counterfeit signatures on a check that surprisingly was in possession of the branch itself. The cyber police have begun a probe, but none has been arrested yet. The bank, yesterday had reimbursed the robbed amount in Swagatas favour from its suspense account.
A gang entered the judges residence in Diamond Harbour with firearms to terrorize the judges. The judges have sought the intervention of the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court.

Judges are feeling unsafe. It is suspected that the intrusion was after some people were unhappy with a verdict in a certain case. It is believed that the case was regarding a ruling in a child sexual abuse case that did not favour certain individuals. Three judges have filed complaints, accusing a police officer of aiding the miscreants.

These judges, who sit in the Diamond Harbour Sub-Division Court, have signed the complaint. The Additional District Judge and Additional District Judge No. 4 of Diamond Harbour have also signed it. According to their complaint, on the night of the 8 September, miscreants stormed into their residence. The judges said when they rang the police station, they got no response. The letter has already been forwarded to the registrar of the Calcutta High Court after being sent to the District Judge of South 24-Parganas.

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In the letter, the judges expressed concerns that the miscreants were armed with weapons. They noted that they had observed these individuals loitering outside the campus, attempting to forcibly enter the residential area, though security personnel prevented them. The judges further mentioned that they and their families are living in fear due to this incident. They specifically named the police officer, who allegedly supported the criminals. The judges suspect that this act of intimidation was carried out because they did not deliver favorable verdicts in several cases under the POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act.

Following the judges letter to the district judge, the Diamond Harbour police have taken action. An investigation into the entire incident has been ordered, and the accused police officer has been issued a show-cause notice. Security at the judges residence has been increased and CCTV footage is being reviewed to identify the miscreants, according to the Diamond Harbour police.

In response to the incident, retired Supreme Court Justice Ashok Ganguly remarked, The Calcutta High Court should take strong action in this matter, as it is an interference with the independence of the judiciary. This indicates that there is no rule of law in the state, which is very unfortunate.

Central minister Sukanta Majumdar wrote in X-handle: If the police, meant to protect, are now attacking the judiciary, its a clear sign that administration has failed completely. Has the failed CM lost control over her own police force? The judiciary will not be intimidated. This is the beginning of the end for her misrule!
The highway robbers at Durgapur had looted a sealed pack of salt and not Rs 1 crore in cash, latest investigations have revealed.

Two policemen, ASI Asim Chakraborty, the duty officer of Durgapur PS and Chandan Chowdhury, a constable deputed with CIDs bomb squad, a dismissed cop Mrityunjoy Sarkar along with three others were arrested by the police on Friday after a Delhi-based railway contractor had complained about robbing Rs 1.01cr from him. Mukesh Chawla, the contractor, alleged that the policemen had intercepted his car on the highway in the name of checking and had vanished with the loaded bag.

Chawla, as he claimed: Was carrying the cash to Kolkata for his business. The police however has revealed that Chawla unknowingly was carrying a sealed bag of salt instead of cash and the entire cash actually was removed much earlier in Asansol before he started his journey.

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Before moving to Asansol from his Delhi office, Chawla had transferred Rs 1.01cr cash to the bank accounts of his business partner Prithviraj Jaiswal of Rupnarayanpur in Asansol through RTGS and NEFT in phases and he submitted the entire transaction details to the police while lodging FIR here.

The deputy commissioner of police, Durgapur, Abhishek Gupta told The Statesman: Chawla, as we suppose, had fallen a victim of a conspiracy in which the dismissed policeman in league with some business partners of Chawla had plotted the crime. They had kept the actual cash in a bag in front of Chawla but had loaded salt in a similar bag that they had altered when hed started his journey for Kolkata.

The police, meanwhile, have raided the premises of Prithviraj Jaiswal and Ajay Das in Rupnarayanpur and seized five cars, eight motorcycles, one firearm. The investigators suspect their strong link in the fake robbery conspiracy.
An elderly man and a two-year-old girl were killed in two separate road accidents due to reckless driving. The incidents led to agitation and road blocks in the respective areas.

An elderly man was crushed by a speeding vehicle while crossing the road early in the morning at Kestopur, under Baguiati police station. This led to uproar amongst the Kestopur residents. Locals surrounded the police and the local councillor in protest. It has been reported that the elderly man, Pradip Roy (66), was a resident of the Samar Palli area in Kestopur. Sources revealed that on Wednesday morning, he had left home to visit a doctor when, while crossing the road in the area, a speeding truck ran over him. Locals erupted in anger. Police and the local councillor rushed to the scene, but angry residents surrounded them in protest. Traffic was disrupted. The man was rushed to the hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

Meanwhile, the situation at the accident site remained tense with outraged locals protesting. It was only after the polices assurance that the situation was brought under control.

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In another incident, a two-year-old girl was killed after being crushed by a reckless bus, while her father was critically injured. The incident occurred last night in the Dharmapur Das Para area under Gaighata police station in North 24-Parganas. The name of the deceased child has not been revealed. According to police sources, Bappa Debnath, a resident of Ashoknagar Banbania, was riding a bike with his two-year-old daughter, heading from Gaighata towards Habra. The accident occurred in the Dharmapur Das Para area when the bus wheels ran over the child, resulting in her death. Bappa was critically injured and rushed to Habra hospital. Locals claim that a DN 44 route bus on the Bongaon-Dakshineswar route was being driven recklessly, leading to the accident. In response, locals blocked Jessore Road for some time. They stated that the narrow road, coupled with reckless driving and competitive racing among buses, often led to accidents. Upon receiving the news, the Gaighata police arrived at the scene and sent the childs body to Bongaon Sub-Division Hospital for post-mortem. The blockade was lifted after police intervention. The offending bus and its driver have been detained.
Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Jitin Prasada, on Wednesday credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for hosting the three-day Semicon India 2024 at Greater Noida, saying India will soon become the worlds third largest economy due to its semiconductor technology.

It is due to the resolve and vision of the Prime Minister that national and international CEOs and cyber experts on semiconductors have come to India. It is a big moment for India that these champions of the industry are visiting the country, the Union Minister told IANS.

Prasada added that it is with the help of this (semiconductor) technology that India is poised to become the third largest economy in the world.

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Under the leadership of PM Modi, India is marching ahead. Todays programme was also a huge success, the Minister added, after the Prime Minister inaugurated the three-day Semicon India 2024 on Wednesday.

Addressing the gathering, PM Modi said this is the right time to be in India when it comes to semiconductor manufacturing, as the country provides an integrated ecosystem for the global players, along with ease of doing business and a large talent pool.

Speaking to a packed house in the presence of key industry stakeholders, PM Modi said chips are never down in India and you can bet on our growth story.

Come, invest and create value and we will provide an integrated ecosystem for your growth. India has 20 per cent of the global talent in semiconductor design which is consistently growing. We are building an 85,000-strong semiconductor workforce with technicians, R&D experts and designers, the Prime Minister said.

On Tuesday, top CEOs of semiconductor companies hailed PM Modis leadership, saying he has inspired not just India, but the entire world.
In a significant move towards promoting sustainable business practices, the Birla Institute of Management Technology (BIMTECH) has joined forces with Canadas Earth Nature Climate Initiative (ENCI). This partnership, formalized through a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aims to bolster education and training in sustainability.

BIMTECH, a premier business school in India renowned for its robust educational programs, is teaming up with ENCI, an organization known for its expertise in sustainability. The collaboration is designed to enhance how sustainability is integrated into various industries, equipping students and professionals with the knowledge to adopt eco-friendly practices.

Dr. Prabina Rajib, Director of BIMTECH, emphasized the importance of this MoU in advancing sustainable practices. Our goal is to raise awareness and educate individuals on reducing their environmental impact while promoting sustainable development, she said.

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The agreement will see the creation of innovative management development programs tailored to upskill professionals and fortify leadership in the corporate world. These programs will feature a mix of specialized sessions, contextual case studies, and comprehensive insights into sustainability, aiming to address the educational needs of the industry effectively.

ENCIs Chief Executive Director, Panos Alivizatos, highlighted the accessibility of the program. With 80 percent of the coursework available online and 20 percent conducted on-campus, were ensuring that our training is accessible to a broader audience, he explained. Alivizatos added that the initiative will begin with foundational programs and will gradually expand to cover various sectors such as tourism and energy.
Malaika Arora has issued a heartfelt statement following the tragic death of her father, Anil Mehta, who passed away in an apparent suicide. Taking to Instagram, Malaika asked for space and privacy for her family during this incredibly tough time.

In her post, Malaika 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. The message, signed by Malaika and her family, expressed gratitude for the support and understanding they have received.

Advertisement View this post on Instagram A post shared by Malaika Arora (@malaikaaroraofficial)

As the news unfolded, there was a notable response from the public and celebrities. Actor Varun Dhawan voiced his frustration over the intrusive behavior of paparazzi who were seen capturing images of those in mourning. On his Instagram Stories, Varun criticized the press, saying, It is the most insensitive thing to point cameras in the face of people who are grieving, please. He urged the media to consider the impact of their actions on those affected by loss, adding the hashtag #humanity to his post.

In the wake of the tragedy, several well-known personalities visited the Arora family to offer their condolences. Kareena Kapoor Khan, accompanied by her husband Saif Ali Khan, was among those who paid their respects. Other visitors included Arjun Kapoor, Malaikas ex-husband Arbaaz Khan, as well as Chunky Panday and his daughter Ananya Panday. The Khan family, including Sohail Khan, and parents Salim and Salma Khan, also came to offer their support.

The Mumbai police have launched an investigation into Anil Mehtas death. According to Deputy Commissioner of Police, Raj Tilak Roshan, the initial assessment suggests suicide, but the authorities are thoroughly examining all possible angles. He confirmed that they have sent the body for a post-mortem and that both police and forensic teams are taking forward the investigation. We are investigating all angles in detail. Prima facie, it seems to be suicide, but we are conducting a full investigation, Roshan stated.

Malaika Arora was not in Mumbai when the incident occurred; she was reportedly in Pune and returned to the city immediately upon learning of her fathers passing. The family continues to cope with their loss, seeking solace and privacy as they navigate this difficult period.
Actor and philanthropist Sonu Sood recently celebrated the Ganesh Chaturthi festival at his home with an eco-friendly farewell for Lord Ganesha. The actor hosted a special puja to mark the end of the five-day celebration, inviting close friends and family to join in seeking blessings. Known for his devotion and love for traditions, Sood welcomed Lord Ganesha into his home with a heartwarming ceremony that included offering sweets to the media and paparazzi as prasad.

What stood out this year was his commitment to celebrating the festival in a sustainable way, reflecting his growing dedication to environmental conservation. His decision to choose an eco-friendly immersion aligns with the ongoing push in India to adopt greener methods for religious celebrations, which often involve rituals that can harm the environment. Through this gesture, Sood not only honored his faith but also sent a message of responsibility toward nature.

Advertisement View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sonu Sood (@sonu_sood)

Sonu Sood is widely recognized for his humanitarian efforts, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he helped stranded migrant workers return to their homes and provided essential aid to those in need. His reputation as a real-life hero has grown beyond the screen, earning him widespread admiration.

On the professional front, Sood is gearing up for the release of his directorial debut, Fateh, a cybercrime action film that features him alongside veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah and Jacqueline Fernandez. Slated for a January 2025 release, Fateh marks a new chapter in his multifaceted career, where he has already made a name as an actor, producer, and model.

Sonu Sood has bagged numerous awards, including the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor for Arundhati and the IIFA Award for Best Performance in a Negative Role for Dabangg. Over the years, Sood has become a prominent figure both in the film industry and in the public eye, balancing his on-screen villain roles with off-screen heroics.
This photo shows the smoke from Israeli phosphorus shells in Khiam, Lebanon, on Sept. 11, 2024. Two civilians were killed and one was injured on Wednesday evening in an Israeli airstrike on southern Lebanon, according to Lebanese military sources. The sources also reported that a civilian from the southeastern Lebanese village of Khiam was injured from inhaling smoke from phosphorus shells that struck the village. (Photo by Taher Abu Hamdan/Xinhua)

BEIRUT, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- Two civilians were killed and one was injured on Wednesday evening in an Israeli airstrike on southern Lebanon, according to Lebanese military sources.

The sources, who spoke anonymously, told Xinhua that an Israeli drone fired an air-to-ground missile at a motorcycle on the al-Bayada road in southwestern Lebanon. The attack killed the two riders, 17-year-old Ali Alian and his 12-year-old brother Ishaq Alian, both from al-Bayada near the port of Tyre.

The sources also reported that a civilian from the southeastern Lebanese village of Khiam was injured from inhaling smoke from phosphorus shells that struck the village.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah announced that its fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers near the al-Raheb military site and several targets in the occupied Shebaa Farms with rockets.

Tensions along the Lebanon-Israel border escalated on Oct. 8, 2023, following a barrage of rockets launched by Hezbollah toward Israel in solidarity with Hamas' attack on Israel the day before. Israel then retaliated by firing heavy artillery at southeastern Lebanon. 

This photo shows the smoke from Israeli phosphorus shells in Khiam, Lebanon, on Sept. 11, 2024. Two civilians were killed and one was injured on Wednesday evening in an Israeli airstrike on southern Lebanon, according to Lebanese military sources. The sources also reported that a civilian from the southeastern Lebanese village of Khiam was injured from inhaling smoke from phosphorus shells that struck the village. (Photo by Taher Abu Hamdan/Xinhua)
In a heartfelt social media post, actor Varun Dhawan expressed his outrage over the paparazzis behavior following the death of Malaika Aroras father, Anil Mehta.

In his Instagram Stories, Varun condemned the practice of taking photographs of grieving individuals (in this case, Malaika), stating, It is the most insensitive thing to point cameras in the face of people who are grieving, please. He urged photographers to reflect on the emotional impact their actions can have on those in mourning, emphasizing that while he understands their profession, compassion should come first. He concluded his message with the hashtag #humanity.

The public mourning for Anil Mehta attracted several celebrities who came to offer their condolences. Earlier on the same day, Kareena Kapoor Khan, accompanied by her husband Saif Ali Khan, was seen visiting the family home to pay her respects. Other stars, including Arjun Kapoor and Ananya Panday, also joined in, with many gathering to support Malaika during this difficult time. The Khan family, including Sohail Khan and his parents, Salim and Salma Khan, were also spotted arriving at the residence.

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The circumstances surrounding Anil Mehtas death are currently under investigation by Mumbai police. Authorities reported that, at first glance, the case appears to be a suicide, though they are exploring all possible angles. DCP Crime Branch Raj Tilak Roshan provided updates to the media, confirming that Anils body has been sent for a post-mortem examination and that both forensic teams and police are thoroughly investigating the scene. He noted, The body of one Anil Mehta (62) was found on the 6th floor. We are conducting further investigations, and all angles are being considered in detail.

Malaika Arora was not at home at the time of her fathers passing; she was in Pune but returned to Mumbai promptly upon learning the tragic news.
India is holding regular talks with the Russian authorities for the discharge of nearly 50 Indian nationals who were tricked into fighting for the Russian Army in the ongoing Ukraine conflict, the Ministry of External Affairs said Thursday.

At a media briefing here, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said a total of 45 Indians nationals have already been discharged by the Russian Army. Out of them, six returned to India two days back. Some more people, he said, are expected to return home in the coming days.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also taken up this issue with President Putin during his visit to Moscow in July. We are trying our best for their early discharge by the Russian Army, he added.

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Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday voiced Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led governments full commitment to the holistic development of border villages.

Border villages are the countrys first villages and not remote areas, the Defence Minister said while speaking at the Border Area Development Conclave in New Delhi.

He pointed out that Indias geo-strategic position is such that it is exposed to different kinds of challenges and the best way to deal with them is to ensure border area development.

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Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has constructed over 8,500 km of roads and more than 400 permanent bridges. Atal Tunnel, Sela Tunnel and Shikun-La Tunnel, which is going to be the worlds highest tunnel, will prove to be milestones in border area development, the Defence Minister said.

He added that the government has started the 220 Kilo-Volt Srinagar-Leh Electricity Line to connect the border areas of Ladakh with the National Electricity Grid.

He said that the transmission and distribution infrastructure of northeastern states is being strengthened. High-speed internet has been provided to over 1,500 villages through the Bharat-Net broadband project.

In the last four years alone, more than 7,000 border villages have been connected with internet connection, and our focus has been Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh, the Defence Minister said.

He said that the ongoing efforts have not only ensured prompt military deployments in sensitive regions but have also connected the people residing in border areas with the rest of the country.

He underlined the fact that while building roads, bridges and tunnels in border areas is imperative for national security, it is also important in making the lives of the people in these regions better, in collaboration with the state governments.

Tourism has immense potential in border areas, but it could not reach the desired heights due to lack of infrastructure. Things have changed since this Government came to power. We are working towards development in these areas. From 2020 to 2023, the footfall of tourists in Ladakh, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh increased by 30%. Similarly, there has been a significant increase in Kashmir as compared to the last few years. This has resulted in job creation and strengthening of the local economy. We are taking consistent steps to make J&K a tourist hotspot, he said.

He also shed light on reverse migration, which he termed as one of the positive outcomes of economic development in border areas. He made special mention of Huri village in Arunachal Pradesh, a unique example of development through civil-military collaboration. He stated that while the central and state governments focused on economic progress, BRO and the Indian Army laid emphasis on infrastructure development, which resulted in reverse migration.

The Defence Minister also spoke about the Vibrant Village programme which aims to highlight the possibilities of border villages and ensure their development.

He said, Our objective is to transform the villages along the Northern borders, especially in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Arunachal Pradesh, which are suffering from limited connectivity and infrastructure, into a Model Village. We aim to connect them to the mainstream of development.

Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi described Border Area Development as a core component of national security. He stated that the Indian Armys efforts in the past have contributed immensely towards model villages in border areas, border tourism and developing infrastructure support including medical support and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief operations.

The border area development vision is bold, ambitious and deeply rooted in the principles of inclusivity, sustainability & security, he said, adding that there has been a Whole of Nation Approach with renewed impetus.
The anti-graft vigilance wing of the Odisha Police on Wednesday arrested a senior officer of a private cement manufacturing company while trying to bribe an Indian Administrative Officer.

The accused identified as Rambhav Gattu, Chief Manufacturing Officer (East), Ambuja Cement, Chhatisgarh, entered into the office chamber of Aditya Goyal, an IAS officer posted as Collector of Bargarh district, said Vigilance sleuths.

Gattu offered the bureaucrat a flower bouquet and a packet. Smelling foul play, the Collector directed his peon to open the packet; bundles of high-value currency notes worth Rs 2 lakh were found.

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The bribe giver was immediately detained and vigilance authorities were informed. The Vigilance sleuths later seized the packet containing cash of Rs 2 lakh and took the accused under custody.

Later the accused, booked under Sections 8/9/10 PC Act, 1988 as amended by PC Amendment Act, 2018, was arrested for attempting to induce a public servant. The accused was later sent to jail custody after a local court rejected his bail application, added the vigilance officials.
Delhi Congress president Devender Yadav on Thursday said the grand old party believes in democracy and there was no place for violence and hatred.

Accusing some of the BJP leaders of making highly provocative statements against Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, in the wake of his remarks during his US visit, he said, They want to create unrest and violence, and weaken the country.

Notably, Gandhi during his maiden visit to the US after taking over as the Leader of Opposition in the Lower House, was critical of the ruling BJP and RSS.

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The Congress believes that anyone who advocates violence or uses provocative language will disturb peace and amity among the people and weaken the country. The Congress strongly condemns such statements and language which will poison the mind of the people, he said.

The Delhi Congress chief said, The path taken by the Congress, which got freedom for the country, has always been secular, peaceful, non-violent, as shown by Mahatma Gandhi, and worked for the empowerment of the poor, the underprivileged and the marginalised.

Even in the face of unfavourable conditions, Rahul Gandhi is fighting for the uplift and justice for the poor, deprived, marginalised, backward classes. He undertook the 4,080 km long Bharat Jodo Yatra from Kanyakumari to Kashmir to spread the message of love and friendship among the people by eradicating hatred and fear from the society, and the Yatra received overwhelming support from the people across the country, Yadav said.

Gandhi undertook the 6,300 km long Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra from Assam to Maharashtra, which was also well-received by the people, he said.

The Congress will unite to fight against attempts by the BJP leaders to create unrest among the people, said Yadav.
Communist Party of India (Marxist) general secretary Sitaram Yechury passed away after a prolonged illness here on Thursday.

The 72-year-old veteran politician breathed his last at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi, where he had been admitted since August 19.

He is survived by wife Seema Chisti, a journalist, and a daughter from his previous marriage.

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In a statement, the AIIMS said, Sitaram Yechury, aged 72, was admitted to AIIMS on 19th August with pneumonia and passed away on 12th September at 3:05 pm.

The family has donated his body to the premier institute for teaching and research purposes, it said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Yechury was a leading light of the Left party.

Saddened by the passing away of Shri Sitaram Yechury Ji. He was a leading light of the Left and was known for his ability to connect across the political spectrum. He also made a mark as an effective Parliamentarian. My thoughts are with his family and admirers in this sad hour. Om Shanti, he said on X.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also expressed his heartfelt condolences on the passing away of the Left veteran.

 Comrade Sitaram Yechury ji was a humble leader who chartered the unique territory of balancing personal equations with unflinching political ideologies. A excellent Parliamentarian and an outstanding intellectual, he served the people of India with pragmatism blended with idealism. It is a great loss for all the liberal forces, for he was the collective conscience keeper of progressives. Our final salute to a friend and a compatriot of liberalism, the Indian polity shall deeply miss him, he said.

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi said, Sitaram Yechury ji was a friend. A protector of the Idea of India with a deep understanding of our country. I will miss the long discussions we used to have. My sincere condolences to his family, friends, and followers in this hour of grief.

Yechury was on respiratory support at AIIMS for the last few days.

Meanwhile, the CPI (M) in a post on X wrote, It is with profound grief that we announce the passing away of CPIM General Secretary, our beloved Comrade Sitaram Yechury, at 3.03 pm today, 12th September, at the AIIMS, New Delhi. He was suffering from a respiratory tract infection which developed complications.

We thank the doctors, nursing staff and the Director of the Institute for the excellent treatment and care extended to Comrade Yechury. Details of public viewing and homage will be informed, the party said.

It may be mentioned that he was the Rajya Sabha MP from West Bengal from 2005 to 2017.

Yechury was one of the prominent leaders who played an important role in the formation of the INDIA bloc before the Lok Sabha elections to take on the ruling BJP.
The Union government has directed the deployment of two additional Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) battalions, comprising 2,000 personnel, to Manipur amidst ongoing unrest.

CRPF, Manipur, Assam Rifle, Withdrawn

The CRPF personnel, trained in various internal security operations, will also require specialized equipment, logistical support, and anti-drone technology. This deployment adds to the 16 CRPF battalions already stationed across Imphal East, Imphal West, Kangpokpi, Bishnupur, Churachandpur, Jiribam, and Noney, where they were instructed to maintain tight command and control over their companies.

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The move comes shortly after the withdrawal of two Assam Rifles battalions from Manipur for operational duties in Jammu and Kashmir and other parts of the Northeast.

Manipur MLA Rajkumar Imo Singh hailed the replacement of Assam Rifles units with CRPF forces, claiming it aligns with the wishes of the people who are seeking stronger measures to restore peace in the violence-torn state.

However, this decision has sparked protests in Kangpokpi district, where on September 11, hundreds of Kuki-Zo women blocked the withdrawal of Assam Rifles personnel from the 22 Assam Rifles Post.

The protest followed a community meeting where the Kuki-Zo people threatened to shut down all Assam Rifles camps in the district unless the government reversed its decision to replace the paramilitary units.
Inaugurating the Indian Air Forces (IAF) multilateral aerial exercise Tarang Shakti 2024 on Thursday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasised the historic significance of the event commending the IAFs legacy of strength and bravery.

The exercise, one of the largest multinational air drills ever held in the country, is being organised in Rajasthans Jodhpur.

Speaking at the event, Singh lauded the IAF for its consistent display of courage and skill, stating, The Indian Air Force has been known for its strength and valour since its inception. Whenever the country needed it, the Air Force faced the situation bravely and displayed its strength, increasing the pride of the nation.

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He added that large-scale exercises like Tarang Shakti provide opportunities for participating nations to learn from one another, further enhancing their capabilities.

The defence minister also highlighted the technological advancements within the IAF and stressed adopting a collaborative learning approach amid rapidly evolving technology.

Indian Air Force, or any air force in the world, is a technology-intensive force; and you all are well aware of the speed at which technology is changing today. In such a rapidly changing scenario, moving forward with a collaborative learning approach is the need of the hour; and through Tarang Shakti, you are moving forward in this direction with strong wings, he said.

Singh also reflected upon the progress the IAF and Indias defence sector have made since independence. It has been more than 75 years since our country India gained independence. I was told that at that time, i.e. after partition, our Air Force had only 6 squadrons of two types of aircraft. Similarly, the rest of the war equipment was also very old and worn out and in limited quantities. But today, with the best and most modern aircraft from around the world and next generation equipment, the Indian Air Force has transformed itself, he said.

He also underscored the countrys growing self-reliance in defence manufacturing citing the development of indigenous platforms and equipment. Our Air Force and our defence sector are moving forward rapidly with the new vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. We have taken strong steps towards indigenization in the production of weapons, platforms, and aircraft.

He noted the collaboration between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Frances Safran Helicopter Engines as an example of the strides being made, stating, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and Frances Safran Helicopter Engines are working on the design and development of high-power engines under a joint venture named SUKH.

With the participation from several countries, Singh also encouraged foreign dignitaries present at the event to take note of Indias growing aerospace and defence capabilities during their visit.
The Delhi government, on Thursday, announced the Business Blaster programme for the third consecutive year in its schools for the 2024-2025 academic session.

Addressing a press conference, Delhi Education Minister Atishi said the programme is expected to attract around 2,45,000 students, who will have the opportunity to turn their innovative ideas into startups.

The Business Blasters programme for the 2024-24 session will be started soon and the government has allocated Rs 40 crore as seed money for it, she said.

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The Business Blasters Programme is a Delhi government initiative that encourages entrepreneurship in school students. It aims at making the children studying in Delhi government schools job providers instead of job seekers even before completing their studies.

The minister added the Programme has been running in Delhi government schools for the last three years. Under this, seed money is given to students of class 11 and class 12. Students themselves start their startups in groups and the top 150 startups are opened for public investment.

Sharing details of some of the successful startups that emerged from the Business Blasters programme, she said one startup is RKE Moulds which works to make moulds for bottles. Today, this student startup is providing employment to 20 people and generating an income of Rs 13.5 lakh every month. Another such student startup is A K Logistics which is now a registered private limited company.

I am confident that, just like in the previous years, this programme, with which our students not only created great startups and gave employment to people, this year too under the Business Blasters programme, our children will not become job seekers but job providers even before completing their studies, said Atishi.

In response to a question, the minister said some private schools have voluntarily participated in the programme. So, the Delhi government is also providing opportunities to those schools that want to participate in this.
Facing strong criticism from the opposition over illegal and inadequate flood relief in Tripura, the state government claimed on Wednesday that it has already provided financial assistance to the families whose kin died due to the floods and those suffered property damages.

At least 36 people lost their lives in the recent floods in the northeastern state.

Chief Minister Manik Saha held a review meeting on Wednesday and directed all the senior officials to speed up post-flood relief works.

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Tripira Relief, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management Secretary Brijesh Pandey said that full compensation of Rs 4 lakh has been paid in 26 cases out of 36 deaths caused by the floods, while in seven cases, partial payment has been made.

Of the 36 people killed, 23 died due to landslides.

Overall, Rs 104.85 lakh has been disbursed as ex-gratia to the families of the flood victims.

Pandey said that 3,873 flood affected people are still sheltered in 67 relief camps in different districts while over 62,200 houses have been damaged due to the floods from August 19-24, while interim relief has been provided for the 10,483 damaged houses for an amount of Rs 11.92 crore.

Pandey said the Tripura government has decided to provide free ration at the rate of 10 kg per ration card for two months, as announced under Chief Ministers Relief package.

Chief Minister Manik Saha earlier announced a Rs 564 crore special package for the floods and landslides in the state.

A six-member inter-ministerial Central team (IMCT) visited the worst-hit Gomati, Sepahijala, Khowai, and South Tripura districts for four days and assessed the flood damage and losses.

Meanwhile, opposition CPI-M and Congress have criticised the state government, alleging that flood relief was inadequate and improper and the flood package announced by the Chief Minister was illegal as it was not discussed in the state Cabinet.

Former Chief Minister and CPI-M politburo member Manik Sarkar claimed that most of the flood-affected people are yet to get any relief or financial assistance from the state government.

The CPI-M and its frontal organisations have been demanding to declare Tripura floods as National Disaster.

Congress working committee member and former minister Sudip Roy Barman claimed the Central government has released only Rs 40 crore, which is only an advance from the State Disaster Relief Fund, and not a genuine financial assistance.

Roy Barman also accused the Tripura Chief Minister of announcing the special package of Rs 564 crore for the restoration of infrastructure by not taking into account the individual loss of lives and properties, bypassing the Council of Ministers.
BEIJING, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- A foreign ministry spokesperson on Thursday called on the EU side to work with China to properly settle trade frictions through dialogue and consultation.

Spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks when asked to comment on remarks made by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez Wednesday at a press briefing before concluding his visit to China. He said that Spain is reconsidering its position on the EU's import tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles. He called on not only the member states but also the European Commission to reconsider their position, and stressed that Brussels and Beijing need to find a compromise that avoids a trade war and seek solutions.

"China appreciates Prime Minister Sanchez's statements, which reflect his rational and objective thinking," Mao said, adding the development of the EV sector is in the interest of both China and the EU.

"We need to work together and jointly face challenges, which will benefit our companies and consumers, and turbocharge the green transition in China, Europe, and even the world," the spokesperson said.

Noting China has all along shown the greatest sincerity to actively seek solutions that are consistent with WTO rules and acceptable to both sides, Mao said it is hoped that the EU side will listen more to the rational and objective voices, fully recognize the complementarity and cooperation potential of China and the EU in the EV sector, show flexibility and sincerity, and work with China to properly settle trade frictions through dialogue and consultation and promote the sound and steady growth of China-EU trade ties. 
In a significant achievement, the Jammu Police, on Thursday, apprehended a notorious fraudster from Hyderabad accused of cheating people in Bhubaneswar (Odisha).

The police identified the alleged fraudster as Shaheensha Shareef, who was involved in multiple cases of cheating, fraud, and rape across Telangana and Odisha.

The police said during a routine patrol in the Dogra Chowk area here, a police party led by SHO Police Station Nowabad noticed the suspect moving suspiciously. Upon questioning, he failed to provide a satisfactory response and was subsequently taken into custody.

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Upon further interrogation, Shareef revealed his true identity. The Jammu Police immediately contacted Hyderabad authorities and uncovered that the accused was involved in 10 FIRs related to rape, cheating, fraud, and criminal breach of trust in various police stations in Telangana, as well as one FIR of cheating in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

He was also absconding in a rape case from Hyderabad.

Following necessary legal procedures, the accused was handed over to the Hyderabad Police, who had traveled to Jammu upon learning of his arrest.

The Jammu Police reiterated its commitment to keeping the city safe by preventing and tackling crime at all levels.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed immense sadness over the demise of CPI-M general secretary Sitaram Yechury on Thursday.

Calling Yechury an unparalleled leader of the Communist movement in the country, Pinarayi Vijayan said Yechurys death was an irreparable loss for the nation, especially during its time of crisis.

The Kerala CM recalled that Sitaram Yechury was a leader who earned the respect and affection of even his communist opponents.

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Yechury, who started his public work during his student days, grew into a public figure of great significance. He was regarded among the top intellectuals in the country. As a communist leader, he maintained good relations across various fields. Even his communist opponents held him in high esteem. It is a very sad day for the party. We pay tribute to Yechuris memory with heavy hearts, Pinarayi Vijayan told media persons here on Thursday.

Senior CPI-M leader and LDF convener TP Ramakrishnan said that comrade Yechuri, under the guidance of EMS, was able to take a strong stand on Marxism-Leninism to fulfil a historic task in the field of ideology.

Veteran Congress leader and former Union Minister AK Antony said that Yechurys death was a huge loss for the secularist movement in the country. His sincere efforts in forming the INDIA bloc deserve to be acknowledged, Antony said.

Opposition leader in the Kerala Assembly VD Satheesan said that Sitaram Yechurys political approach was pragmatic even as he stood firm on the basic principles of ideology with clear positions. He was a leader who prioritised practicality in politics over theoretical strictures, he added.
As doctors protesting against the brutal rape and murder of a trainee colleague at Kolkatas RG Kar Medical College and Hospital failed to turn up for a meeting with her, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday said that she is ready to step down to ensure justice but they (the protesters) dont want justice but only power.

The doctors have been protesting following the brutal rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkatas RG Kar Hospital, defying both a Supreme Court order and the governments repeated appeals.

In a video statement released today, Banerjee expressed her frustration over the situation.

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I am ready to resign from the Chief Ministers post. I am not concerned about the position. I want justice, and my only concern is that justice is served, Banerjee said.

She added that while she respects the movement and is even willing to step down to ensure justice for the people, she believes the protesting doctors are not seeking justice but power.

Im ready to quit for justice, she reiterated.

Banerjee also shared details of her efforts to resolve the deadlock, revealing that she waited for three days with senior officials, including the Chief Secretary, Home Secretary, Director General, and her Minister of State, in the hope that the doctors would come forward to settle their grievances.

Even when they didnt accept the verdict of the Supreme Court, I waited. We want justice for the common people and their treatment, she added, noting that despite the courts ruling, no disciplinary action has been taken against the doctors. Sometimes, it is our duty to tolerate, she remarked.

Her statement came after doctors refused to turn up for a meeting with her even as she waited for nearly one and a half hours.

The doctors reportedly demanded a live telecast of their meeting with Banerjee. However, West Bengal Chief Secretary, Manoj Pant, conveyed that while live streaming was not feasible, the entire session would be documented through video recording.

The chief minister has been waiting for over an hour and a half. We have tried to explain to the doctors that their demand for a live stream cannot be met, but we are ready to document the entire session. There should be a limit to such demands, Pant told reporters, urging the doctors to reconsider their stance.

Despite these assurances, the doctors have refused to end their strike, continuing their protest even as the state faces mounting pressure to resolve the healthcare crisis.

According to an affidavit by the state government in the Supreme Court, 23 people have died and lakhs have been refused by hospitals allegedly dueto the doctors protest.
In a shocking incident, two young army officers were brutally assaulted, and one of their female friends was allegedly gang-raped at gunpoint near a picnic spot in Madhya Pradeshs Indore.

According to reports, the incident occurred late on Tuesday night when the Army officers and two of their female friends were out for a picnic near the Chhoti Jam firing range.

As they were enjoying the outing, a group of men, armed with pistols and sticks surrounded them and thrashed the young officers.

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The men allegedly demanded a ransom of Rs 10 lakh and asked one officer and a female companion to go and arrange the money.

The injured officer went straight to his command centre and narrated the incident to his superiors, who then informed the police.

When the police and senior Army officials reached the spot, the accused fled.

The two officers and their female friends were taken to hospital for medical where doctors reportedly confirmed one of the women was raped.

Authorities have registered a case under relevant sections and arrested two suspects involved in the attack, while the hunt is on for the third accused.

The incident has triggered a massive public outrage, with the Opposition Congress slamming the BJP government for almost non-existent law and order in the state.

Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi said the incident is enough to shame the entire society and blamed the BJP government for the audacity of the criminals.

The violence against two army soldiers and the rape of their female companion in Madhya Pradesh is enough to shame the entire society, he said, adding, this audacity of the criminals is a result of the total failure of the administration and the unsafe environment prevailing in the country due to this is a restriction on the freedom and aspirations of the daughters of India.
After taking over the case of a conspiracy to blow up the Kalindi Express train with an LPG cylinder, the National Investigating Agency (NIA) initiated the investigation and will soon interrogate a key suspect in the case, Shahrukh Khan.

The Uttar Pradesh Police handed over the accused to the investigating agency. The history sheeter was nabbed by the UP ATS in connection with the attempt to derail the train. He was found near the crime site at the time of the incident.

According to reports, while six suspects were released following interrogation, Shahrukh Khan, the main suspect, was detained.

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The investigations in the case, so far, have revealed evidence of terrorist linkages in the conspiracy to overturn the train in Kanpur.

The investigation by several agencies revealed that the accused, who plotted to overturn the train, could be a self-radicalised individual with suspected ties with ISISs Khorasan module.

On Sunday last, the conspiracy to derail the Kalindi Express train en route to Bhiwani from Kanpur near Munderi village of Shiprajpur area of Kanpur came to light after an LPG cylinder was found kept in the middle of the railway track. But thanks to the alert loco pilot, a major accident was averted.

During the investigation, a bottle filled with petrol was also recovered near the railway track.

According to highly placed sources investigating the incident, many revelations have been made about Shahrukh. Shahrukh opened a Facebook account with a fake identity of Raja. He shared his picture on social media with a saffron towel around his neck.

It has also come to light that Shahrukh used to raise Jai Shri Ram slogans during election rallies. After creating the social media ID with the name Hindu, he shared content related to Hindutva and his pictures in saffron gamchha, the sources said.

The police also accessed CCTV footage of the time when Kalindi Express collided with the cylinder on the track from a toll, which is just 200 meters away from the crime spot. In the footage, two suspects can be seen coming on a bike. They stop before crossing the toll while talking to each other. Agencies are searching for these bike riders.

On Wednesday, the Forensic Department recreated the crime scene on the spot and collected more evidence.
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Thursday met Russian President Vladmir Putin amid efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict.

Russias President Vladimir Putin had a meeting with Ajit Doval, National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister of India, at the Konstantinovsky Palace in St Petersburg. the Russian Embassy in New Delhi wrote on X.

The meeting took place on the margins of a conclave of the NSAs of BRICS (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa) nations.

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During the talks, Mr Putin hoped Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Russia next month to attend the annual BRICS summit at Kazan.

The Russian President also proposed a bilateral meeting with Modi on October 22 on the sidelines of the BRICS summit to analyse bilateral engagement and to discuss future-oriented actions.

We are waiting for our good friend Modi and best regards to him, the Russian media quoted Mr Putin as telling Mr Doval.

Earlier, Mr Doval met his Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu. Mr Ajit Doval had a bilateral meeting with Mr. Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, on the sidelines of the BRICS NSAs meeting in Saint Petersburg. Both sides reviewed progress in bilateral cooperation and discussed important issues of mutual interest, the Indian Embassy in Russia said on X.

Bilateral issues as well as global developments, including the Ukraine conflict, are understood to have figured in the talks.

Mr Dovals visit to Russia comes close on the heels of Prime Minister Narendra Modis trip to Ukraine. The PM had in July visited Russia and called for an early resolution of the conflict through peaceful talks.

Several Western nations believe India could play a role in ending the conflict, given its friendship with both Russia and Ukraine.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, following her talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday, said India and China can play a role in finding a solution to the conflict.
The Supreme Court will pronounce judgment on incarcerated Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwals bail plea and his appeal against his arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in an alleged corruption case linked to the now-scrapped 2021-2022 Delhi liquor policy.

A bench of Justice Surya Kant and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan had reserved orders on Kejriwals plea on September 5, following the conclusion of arguments by senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing the incarcerated Chief Minister, and Additional Solicitor General (ASG) SV Raju appearing for the CBI.

During the hearing, the CBIs main contention was that Kejriwal had bypassed the judicial hierarchy by directly approaching the top court instead of first seeking relief from the trial court.

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Appearing for the CBI, Additional Solicitor General SV Raju argued that under the judicial hierarchy, Kejriwal should have first approached the trial court for bail in the criminal case under investigation by the central agency before knocking on the doors of the High Court or the Supreme Court.

However, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Chief Minister Kejriwal, said that asking the Chief Minister to follow the judicial hierarchy by first approaching the trial court and then climbing the judicial ladder would be akin to playing a game of snakes and ladders.

Singhvi referred to August 9, 2024, top court judgment, in which a bench of Justice BR Gavai and Justice KV Viswanathan granted bail to former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia in both the CBI and ED cases.

While not accepting the CBI and EDs plea that Sisodia should first go to the trial court for bail in both the alleged criminal and the money laundering cases, the August 9 judgment said, It could thus be seen that this Court had granted liberty to the appellant to revive his prayer after the filing of the chargesheet. Now, relegating the appellant to again approach the trial court and then the High Court, and only thereafter this Court, in our view, would be making him play a game of snakes and ladders.

Singhvi had also referred to three recent judgments of the top court that have reiterated the principle that bail is a rule and jail an exception.

He had also told the bench that the top court had granted him interim bail twice  first in May to campaign for elections, and second in the case registered by the Enforcement Directorate in the excise policy case.

In response to Singhvis arguments, ASG Raju said that in the cases of Sisodia and BRS leader K Kavitha, both had first approached the trial court before reaching the High Court and the top court. In contrast, he noted that Kejriwal had never approached the trial court.

Kejriwal has already been granted interim bail in the alleged money laundering case by the Supreme Court.

Kejriwal approached the Supreme Court challenging the August 5, 2024, Delhi High Court order, which upheld his arrest as legal and directed him to approach the trial court for bail.

Kejriwal was arrested by the ED on March 21, 2024, in connection with a money laundering probe related to alleged irregularities and corruption in the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy 2021-22.

On June 26, 2024, the AAPs national convener was also arrested by the CBI while in the custody of the Enforcement Directorate.

Dismissing Kejriwals plea challenging his arrest by the CBI, the Delhi High Court on August 5, 2024, upheld his arrest as legal and said that it was only after sufficient evidence was collected by the investigating agency and sanction was obtained in April 2024 that the CBI proceeded with a further probe against him.

The High Court had further said that there was no malice in his arrest by the CBI, noting that, as an influential person, witnesses could muster the courage to depose against him only after his arrest. The High Court had said that Kejriwal was not an ordinary citizen but a distinguished recipient of the Magsaysay Award and the convener of the Aam Aadmi Party.

The control and influence he has over the witnesses is prima facie evident from the fact that these witnesses could muster the courage to testify only after the arrest of the petitioner, as highlighted by the special prosecutor, the High Court had said in its order.
Bangalore-based startup NeuralGarage is making waves in the tech world by showcasing its innovative technology at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024, held from October 28-30 at Moscone West in San Francisco.

NeuralGarage is one of only five companies from Asia for the prestigious Startup Battlefield 200, a competition renowned for spotlighting breakthrough technologies across various sectors including AI, fintech, SaaS, and more.

The Startup Battlefield 200 is a sought-after platform for startups globally, with thousands of applicants vying for a spot. NeuralGarages inclusion highlights its pioneering work in the audio-visual field, underscoring its status as a key player in Indias burgeoning AI scene.

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NeuralGarage has developed a game-changing technology called VisualDub, designed to revolutionize the dubbing process for films and videos. This advanced AI model ensures that dubbed content not only matches the original audio and visual elements seamlessly but also synchronizes jaw movements and facial expressions with subtitles in any language. This innovation promises a more immersive and authentic viewing experience, making it appear as if the content originally filmed in the target language.

Mandar Natekar, Co-Founder and CEO of NeuralGarage, expressed his enthusiasm about the recognition. Being selected to present at TechCrunch Disrupt is a monumental achievement for us. Its not only a milestone for NeuralGarage but also a proud moment for Indias rapidly evolving AI industry.

Subhabrata Debnath, Co-Founder and CTO, further emphasized the significance of the selection. Our technology ensures precise LipSync in high-quality videos while maintaining top-notch visual fidelity and timing. Being featured on a global stage like TechCrunch Disrupt aligns perfectly with our goal to deliver globally impactful technology and showcase the prowess of Indian innovation in Silicon Valley.
The major projects under the cooperation of Afghanistan and Turkmenistan will strengthen bilateral relations between the two neighbours, Acting Afghan Prime Minister Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund told an inauguration ceremony for the projects on Wednesday.

The construction work of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline on Afghan territory and other development projects were inaugurated on Wednesday on the Turkmen side of the two countrys border, Xinhua news agency reported.

These initiatives would strengthen the bilateral relationship between Afghanistan and Turkmenistan, delivering substantial economic and social benefits to the populations of both countries, Akhund said.

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Spanning 1,814 km in total, with 816 km on Afghan territory, the pipeline would transport 33 billion cubic meters of gas from Turkmenistan to Pakistan and India via Afghanistan, the office of the deputy prime minister for economic affairs posted on X.

The project is expected to generate 450 million US dollars for Afghanistan. The impoverished country will get 500 million cubic metres of gas for the first decade, one billion in the second decade, and 1.5 billion in the third decade, the office added.

According to the office, thousands of people will be employed directly and indirectly under the project.

The TAPI project was initially commenced in 2018, but it had been suspended due to unknown reasons.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin and conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modis personal greetings to him there.

Sharing a post on X about his meeting Scholz on Wednesday, Jaishankar wrote, Honoured to meet Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin today. Conveyed the personal greetings of PM Modi.

Look forward to his visit to India for the 7th Intergovernmental Consultations, Jaishankar added.

Jaishankar paid an official visit to Germany from September 10-11.

It was his third bilateral visit to Berlin since taking over as EAM and the second visit to Germany this year following his last visit to Munich in February 2024 to attend the Munich Security Conference (MSC).

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During the visit, Jaishankar met his German counterpart, Annalena Baerbock. The two leaders reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral relations, particularly with a view to laying the groundwork for the upcoming 7th India-Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations (IGC) in New Delhi in October 2024.

Both the ministers noted with satisfaction that the 18th Asia Pacific Conference (APK) of German Businesses is to be held in New Delhi next month, which would further deepen the business-to-business partnership between India and Germany, the Ministry of External Affairs said in an official press release.

Jaishankar and Baerbock also discussed regional and global matters of mutual interest, including Ukraine, Indo-Pacific and West Asia.

The External Affairs Ministers engagements in Germany did not cease just here. He also had a discussion with Foreign and Security Policy Advisor to the German Chancellor, Jens Ploetner, and Boris Pistorius, Federal Minister of Defence, during which both sides re-affirmed their commitment to further deepen the strategic, defence and security cooperation between India and Germany.

Jaishankar also met Friedrich Merz, Chairman of CDU/CSU Parliamentary Group; Michael Roth, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Bundestag (German federal parliament); and select Parliamentarians representing various political parties in Germany, the MEA said in its release.

They discussed ways to deepen bilateral engagement, including parliamentary cooperation, as well as key regional and global developments.

Moreover, during the visit, the EAM was invited as Guest of Honour to address the German Ambassadors and important business leaders during the Annual Conference of German Ambassadors.

India and Germany have had a strategic partnership since 2000 and will be celebrating the 25th anniversary of the strategic partnership next year.

The cooperation between the two nations today transcends a wide range of sectors spanning trade, investment, defence, science, technology, innovation, sustainability, renewable energy, emerging technologies, development cooperation, culture, education, mobility and people-to-people ties.
People visit the booth of Geely at the Automechanika in Frankfurt, Germany, Sept. 11, 2024. A leading trade fair for the aftermarket sector of the auto industry, Automechanika, kicked off on Tuesday, highlighting electrification and sustainability.

An Electric Vehicle Expo (EVA Expo), hosted by the Automotive Sub-council of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT Auto), is offering trade visitors an opportunity to connect with Chinese auto manufacturers and explore potential partnership opportunities during the Automechanika fair. (Xinhua/Zhang Fan)

People visit the booth of Hongqi at the Automechanika in Frankfurt, Germany, Sept. 11, 2024. A leading trade fair for the aftermarket sector of the auto industry, Automechanika, kicked off on Tuesday, highlighting electrification and sustainability.

An Electric Vehicle Expo (EVA Expo), hosted by the Automotive Sub-council of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT Auto), is offering trade visitors an opportunity to connect with Chinese auto manufacturers and explore potential partnership opportunities during the Automechanika fair. (Xinhua/Zhang Fan)

People visit the booth of Hongqi at the Automechanika in Frankfurt, Germany, Sept. 11, 2024. A leading trade fair for the aftermarket sector of the auto industry, Automechanika, kicked off on Tuesday, highlighting electrification and sustainability.

An Electric Vehicle Expo (EVA Expo), hosted by the Automotive Sub-council of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT Auto), is offering trade visitors an opportunity to connect with Chinese auto manufacturers and explore potential partnership opportunities during the Automechanika fair. (Xinhua/Zhang Fan)

People visit the booth of AVATR at the Automechanika in Frankfurt, Germany, Sept. 11, 2024. A leading trade fair for the aftermarket sector of the auto industry, Automechanika, kicked off on Tuesday, highlighting electrification and sustainability.

An Electric Vehicle Expo (EVA Expo), hosted by the Automotive Sub-council of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT Auto), is offering trade visitors an opportunity to connect with Chinese auto manufacturers and explore potential partnership opportunities during the Automechanika fair. (Xinhua/Zhang Fan)

People visit the booth of Geely at the Automechanika in Frankfurt, Germany, Sept. 11, 2024. A leading trade fair for the aftermarket sector of the auto industry, Automechanika, kicked off on Tuesday, highlighting electrification and sustainability.

An Electric Vehicle Expo (EVA Expo), hosted by the Automotive Sub-council of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT Auto), is offering trade visitors an opportunity to connect with Chinese auto manufacturers and explore potential partnership opportunities during the Automechanika fair. (Xinhua/Zhang Fan)

People visit the booth of CATL at the Automechanika in Frankfurt, Germany, Sept. 11, 2024. A leading trade fair for the aftermarket sector of the auto industry, Automechanika, kicked off on Tuesday, highlighting electrification and sustainability.

An Electric Vehicle Expo (EVA Expo), hosted by the Automotive Sub-council of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT Auto), is offering trade visitors an opportunity to connect with Chinese auto manufacturers and explore potential partnership opportunities during the Automechanika fair. (Xinhua/Zhang Fan)

People visit the booth of Hongqi at the Automechanika in Frankfurt, Germany, Sept. 11, 2024. A leading trade fair for the aftermarket sector of the auto industry, Automechanika, kicked off on Tuesday, highlighting electrification and sustainability.

An Electric Vehicle Expo (EVA Expo), hosted by the Automotive Sub-council of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT Auto), is offering trade visitors an opportunity to connect with Chinese auto manufacturers and explore potential partnership opportunities during the Automechanika fair. (Xinhua/Zhang Fan)

People visit the booth of AVATR at the Automechanika in Frankfurt, Germany, Sept. 11, 2024. A leading trade fair for the aftermarket sector of the auto industry, Automechanika, kicked off on Tuesday, highlighting electrification and sustainability.

An Electric Vehicle Expo (EVA Expo), hosted by the Automotive Sub-council of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT Auto), is offering trade visitors an opportunity to connect with Chinese auto manufacturers and explore potential partnership opportunities during the Automechanika fair. (Xinhua/Zhang Fan)

People visit the booth of Hongqi at the Automechanika in Frankfurt, Germany, Sept. 11, 2024. A leading trade fair for the aftermarket sector of the auto industry, Automechanika, kicked off on Tuesday, highlighting electrification and sustainability.

An Electric Vehicle Expo (EVA Expo), hosted by the Automotive Sub-council of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT Auto), is offering trade visitors an opportunity to connect with Chinese auto manufacturers and explore potential partnership opportunities during the Automechanika fair. (Xinhua/Zhang Fan)

People visit the booth of BYD at the Automechanika in Frankfurt, Germany, Sept. 11, 2024. A leading trade fair for the aftermarket sector of the auto industry, Automechanika, kicked off on Tuesday, highlighting electrification and sustainability.

An Electric Vehicle Expo (EVA Expo), hosted by the Automotive Sub-council of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT Auto), is offering trade visitors an opportunity to connect with Chinese auto manufacturers and explore potential partnership opportunities during the Automechanika fair. (Xinhua/Zhang Fan)

People visit the booth of CATL at the Automechanika in Frankfurt, Germany, Sept. 11, 2024. A leading trade fair for the aftermarket sector of the auto industry, Automechanika, kicked off on Tuesday, highlighting electrification and sustainability.

An Electric Vehicle Expo (EVA Expo), hosted by the Automotive Sub-council of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT Auto), is offering trade visitors an opportunity to connect with Chinese auto manufacturers and explore potential partnership opportunities during the Automechanika fair. (Xinhua/Zhang Fan)

People visit the booth of Geely at the Automechanika in Frankfurt, Germany, Sept. 11, 2024. A leading trade fair for the aftermarket sector of the auto industry, Automechanika, kicked off on Tuesday, highlighting electrification and sustainability.

An Electric Vehicle Expo (EVA Expo), hosted by the Automotive Sub-council of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT Auto), is offering trade visitors an opportunity to connect with Chinese auto manufacturers and explore potential partnership opportunities during the Automechanika fair. (Xinhua/Zhang Fan)

People visit the booth of BYD at the Automechanika in Frankfurt, Germany, Sept. 11, 2024. A leading trade fair for the aftermarket sector of the auto industry, Automechanika, kicked off on Tuesday, highlighting electrification and sustainability.

An Electric Vehicle Expo (EVA Expo), hosted by the Automotive Sub-council of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT Auto), is offering trade visitors an opportunity to connect with Chinese auto manufacturers and explore potential partnership opportunities during the Automechanika fair. (Xinhua/Zhang Fan)

People take pictures at the booth of BYD at the Automechanika in Frankfurt, Germany, Sept. 11, 2024. A leading trade fair for the aftermarket sector of the auto industry, Automechanika, kicked off on Tuesday, highlighting electrification and sustainability.

An Electric Vehicle Expo (EVA Expo), hosted by the Automotive Sub-council of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT Auto), is offering trade visitors an opportunity to connect with Chinese auto manufacturers and explore potential partnership opportunities during the Automechanika fair. (Xinhua/Zhang Fan)

People visit the booth of DFSK at the Automechanika in Frankfurt, Germany, Sept. 11, 2024. A leading trade fair for the aftermarket sector of the auto industry, Automechanika, kicked off on Tuesday, highlighting electrification and sustainability.

An Electric Vehicle Expo (EVA Expo), hosted by the Automotive Sub-council of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT Auto), is offering trade visitors an opportunity to connect with Chinese auto manufacturers and explore potential partnership opportunities during the Automechanika fair. (Xinhua/Zhang Fan)

People visit the booth of AVATR at the Automechanika in Frankfurt, Germany, Sept. 11, 2024. A leading trade fair for the aftermarket sector of the auto industry, Automechanika, kicked off on Tuesday, highlighting electrification and sustainability.

An Electric Vehicle Expo (EVA Expo), hosted by the Automotive Sub-council of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT Auto), is offering trade visitors an opportunity to connect with Chinese auto manufacturers and explore potential partnership opportunities during the Automechanika fair. (Xinhua/Zhang Fan)
The 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attack brought together US Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump in a moment of civility on Wednesday barely 10 hours after they had exchanged insults during their fiery debate presidential debate.

At the commemoration at Ground Zero here, the Vice President and the former President, who are locked in a tight race for the White House, shook hands with President Joe Biden and the Republican vice presidential candidate J.D. Vance looking on.

That was the second handshake and personal encounter, after having first met face-to-face at the debate in Philadelphia, and this time Trump smiled and gently patted Harris hand with his left hand.

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In a grim recall of the terrorist attack that had united a stunned citizenry on 9/11/2001, the four stood together as the ceremony began honouring the 2,977 victims with a pledge to never forget.

On that day, al-Qaida terrorists had driven two hijacked aircraft into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Centre, a symbol of Americas prowess in commerce, and another into the Pentagon, the citadel of US military might.

Relatives of the victims took turns reading the names of their loved ones in New Yorks annual rite after a silver bell tolled.

Passengers on another hijacked plane resisted the terrorists and crashed the jet in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Biden and Harris traveled to the memorial there honouring the 97 passengers who died there.

Trump and Vance visited the site after the Democrats had left.

When Biden visited a fire station at Shanksville, a supporter of the former president handed him a red Trump 2024 hat.

Sportingly, Biden took it and wore the hat of his nemesis, who had harsh words for him the previous night.

Deputy White House Press Secretary Andrew Bates posted on X, At the Shanksville Fire Station, @POTUS [president of the US] spoke about the countrys bipartisan unity after 9/11 and said we needed to get back to that.

Biden said in a message, On this day 23 years ago, terrorists believed they could break our will and bring us to our knees. They were wrong. They will always be wrong. In the darkest of hours, we found light.
Amid proactive diplomacy by India to bring Russia and Ukraine to the negotiating table, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval met his Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu on the sidelines of the BRICS NSAs meeting in St Petersburg.

Mr Ajit Doval had a bilateral meeting with Mr. Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, on the sidelines of the BRICS NSAs meeting in Saint Petersburg. Both sides reviewed progress in bilateral cooperation and discussed important issues of mutual interest, the Indian Embassy in Russia said on X.

Bilateral issues as well as global developments, including the Ukraine conflict, are understood to have figured in the talks.

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New, Delhi is one of Moscows main like-minded partners in the world arena, whose friendship has confidently stood the test of time. Our countries are jointly grappling with the challenges of the 21st century, Mr Shoigu underscored. At the meeting, a wide range of issues of mutual interest were discussed, the Russian Embassy in India said in a statement shared on Telegram.

Mr Doval, on Wednesday, attended the BRICS NSAs meeting at which the issue of terrorism figured prominently.

His visit to Russia came close on the heels of Prime Minister Narendra Modis trip to Ukraine. The PM had, in July, visited Russia and called for an early resolution of the conflict through peaceful talks.

Several Western nations believe India could play a role in ending the conflict given its friendship with both Russia and Ukraine. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, following her talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday, said India and China can play a role in finding a solution to the conflict.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, speaking at a panel discussion at the Eastern Economic Forum in the Russian city of Vladivostok on Thursday, named India, Brazil, and China as possible intermediaries that could play a role in resolving the conflict.

Shortly after his trip to Ukraine and meeting with President Zelensky, PM Modi spoke to President Putin over the phone on August 27. A Russian Embassy statement then said that he informed President Putin about his visit to Kyiv and stressed Indias commitment to bringing about a settlement by political and diplomatic means.
A girl performs in Kathmandu, Nepal, Sept. 11, 2024. Art troupes from two Chinese universities gave an art performance in the Nepali capital on Wednesday evening to mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and the traditional Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival. (Photo by Hari Maharjan/Xinhua)

KATHMANDU, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Art troupes from two Chinese universities gave an art performance in the Nepali capital on Wednesday evening to mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and the traditional Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival.

Folk music ensembles, dances, male and female solos and Erhu solo featured the "Crossing Himalaya: Chinese Art Performance" by artists from East China University of Technology and Qinghai Nationalities University, which are co-building the Confucius Institute at Tribhuvan University based in Kathmandu.

Some spectators echoed to the beats of Wild Dance at the Festival and Mountain Climbing in the Spring, the two folk-music ensemble pieces, while Horse Racing, a solo piece played with the traditional Chinese stringed instrument Erhu, drew frequent applauses and cheers from the audience.

Pradhan Neera recorded "each and every moment" of the performance with her mobile phone for friends not present for the "amazing, wonderful" show, which she said included dances and songs from different provinces of China.

The Chinese national day falls on Oct. 1, while the Mid-Autumn Festival is on Sept. 17 this year, a time when families gather together, share mooncakes and view the full moon.

Indira Rana, deputy speaker of Nepal's House of Representatives, spoke of similar cultural elements and traditions between Nepal and China, noting that the Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated as well in some Southeast Asian countries.

The art performance was held with a view to promoting cultural exchanges between China and Nepal and strengthening the friendship between the peoples as well, according to the organizers.

Cultural and educational cooperation is an important part of China-Nepal relations, carrying mutual understanding and affinity between the peoples and a bright future for friendship between the neighbors, said Wang Xin, charge d'affaires at the Chinese Embassy in Nepal. 

Artists perform in Kathmandu, Nepal, Sept. 11, 2024. Art troupes from two Chinese universities gave an art performance in the Nepali capital on Wednesday evening to mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and the traditional Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival. (Photo by Hari Maharjan/Xinhua)

Artists perform in Kathmandu, Nepal, Sept. 11, 2024. Art troupes from two Chinese universities gave an art performance in the Nepali capital on Wednesday evening to mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and the traditional Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival. (Photo by Hari Maharjan/Xinhua)
Khalid Al-Falih, Saudi Arabia's Minister of Investment, speaks during an interview with Xinhua in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Sept. 11, 2024.(Xinhua/Wang Dongzhen)

RIYADH, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- China and Saudi Arabia have bright prospects for investment cooperation with the rapid development of bilateral relations in recent years, Khalid Al-Falih, Saudi Arabia's Minister of Investment, said on Wednesday.

In an interview with Xinhua, the Saudi minister said investment cooperation between Saudi Arabia and China continues to develop with promising opportunities for both countries in various sectors.

Al-Falih said China is the largest trade partner of Saudi Arabia, with bilateral trade volume surpassing 100 billion U.S. dollars last year and the momentum "has continued into the first half of this year."

Highlighting the expansion of bilateral investment cooperation, he said companies like the Saudi Public Investment Fund, Aramco, and SABIC as well as those in the private sector have made substantial investments in China.

"There are also cooperations between Saudi and Chinese companies in third countries, such as ACWA Power, which focuses on renewable energy, clean energy, and water desalination," he added.

He said around 750 Chinese companies are currently operating in Saudi Arabia, contributing to major construction projects, including the Neom megaproject.

"We aspire to increase Chinese investments in the kingdom, especially in the new promising areas of the economy," said Al-Falih.

He stressed Saudi Arabia's attractive investment environment bolstered by legislative and regulatory reforms.

"We welcome Chinese investors to explore the great opportunities available in the kingdom, which are valued at about 3 trillion dollars through the National Investment Strategy and the Invest Saudi platform," he said. 
An Indian Army contingent, comprising 60 personnel, has departed for the India-Oman joint military exercise Al Najah, scheduled to be conducted from September 13 to 26 at Rabkoot Training Area in Salalah, Oman.

Held biennially since 2015, the joint military exercise aims to enhance the joint military capabilities of the Indian Army and Royal Army of Oman to undertake counter-terrorism operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter. The exercise will focus on operations in the desert environment.



ALSO READ: Indian Air Force ready for 'Exercise Eastern Bridge' with Royal Oman Air Force

Tactical drills to be rehearsed during Al Najah include joint planning, cordon and Search operation, fighting in built-up areas, setting up of mobile vehicle check-posts, and counter-drone and room intervention, among others.

Combined field training exercises that simulate real-world counter-terrorism missions have also been planned, said a defence ministry release.

The exercise, during which both sides will exchange best practices in tactics, techniques and procedures for joint operations, is expected to enhance interoperability, goodwill, and camaraderie between the two armies, besides strengthening the defence cooperation and further boost the bilateral relations between the two friendly nations.



READ MORE: 20th edition of India-US joint military exercise, Yudh Abhyas, begins in Rajasthan

The last edition of the exercise was held at Mahajan Field Firing Range in Bikaner, Rajasthan. The biennial event alternates between the two countries.



The Indian Army is being represented by a Battalion of the Mechanised Infantry Regiment along with personnel from other arms and services while the Royal Army of Oman contingent is being represented by the troops of Frontier Force.


Brazil is considering procuring the India-made light combat aircraft Tejas in the future even as the Brazil-based global aerospace company Embraer is trying to tap into India's growing aerospace market with its medium transport aircraft (MTA) programme.

A few days ago, Air Chief Marshal V.R. Chaudhari and Commander of the Brazilian Air Force Lieutenant-brigadier Marcelo Kantiz Damasceno had a meeting during which the two military heads discussed areas to further boost the defence ties between the two countries.

READ MORE: In historic flight, vice chiefs of Army, Navy, and Air Force take to skies in Tejas aircraft

In a recent interview to Times Now, Lieutenant-brigadier Damasceno confirmed that Tejas was one of the options for his country's air force.

He said according to rules the Brazilian air force should not have less than two and not more than three kinds of fighter aircraft.

"Currently, we have the F-5 and the Gripen, but after 2030, we will need maybe two more kinds as the F-5 goes. So, while the Gripen remains, the Tejas is one of the options for our second or third fighter plane," Lieutenant-brigadier Damasceno has been quoted as saying.

He said Brazil has seven squadrons of 12 helicopters each and the country is looking to add more, about 24 new choppers.

Damasceno would be in Bengaluru to look at and fly Tejas, a supersonic multirole fighter aircraft developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

ALSO READ: India's defence, aerospace capabilities set for greater heights with Lockheed Martin-Tata teaming up deal

A few days ago the vice chiefs of the Indian Air Force, Army and the Navy flew Tejas, in what the defence ministry called as "a powerful testament to India's advancing integrated defence capabilities."

All the three Vice Chiefs of the Indian Armed Forces took to the skies at Air Force Station Jodhpur in the indigenous #Tejas fighter jets of "Flying Bullets", the Param Veer Chakra awardee Sqn, during #ExTarangShakti24.

The Integrated flying was led by Vice Chief of IAF, Air pic.twitter.com/CBbbUdPkaL  Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) September 9, 2024

Meanwhile, Damasceno also made a case for Embraer's Embraer C-390 Millennium saying it is faster and carries at least as much load as Lockheed C-130 Hercules.

IAF is looking at procuring 80 medium transport aircraft to replace its aging fleet of AN32 planes.

Lockheed Martin's C-130J, Embraer Defence and Security's C-390 Millennium and Airbus Defence and Space's A-400M aircraft have emerged as top contenders for the mega contract. The IAF is currently operating 12 C-130J aircraft.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said India's aim is to unite and move forward with other nations at a time when some countries are at war with each other.



#WATCH | Rajasthan: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attends ongoing Exercise Tarang Shakti conducted by the Indian Air Force in Jodhpur



Aircraft from friendly foreign countries including the US, Australia and Greece are participating in Exercise Tarang Shakti. The exercise pic.twitter.com/j5piA0zkxw  ANI (@ANI) September 12, 2024

Speaking at 'Tarang Shakti'--the largest multilateral air exercise in India underway at Jodhpur--Singh also called upon friendly nations to elevate their partnership and collaboration to new heights in view of the evolving global challenges. "While countries today are indulging in wars, India aims to unite and move forward together," he said.

VIDEO | Exercise Tarang Shakti 2024 underway at IAF base in Jodhpur. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is attending the event today.#TarangShakti2024 #JodhpurNews



(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvqRQz) pic.twitter.com/kafuuA0PCN  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 12, 2024

Singh's remarks come in the backdrop of calls for India's potential role in pushing peace talks between Russia and Ukraine as New Delhi has good relations with both the nations. The defence minister also noted that India is becoming largely self-reliant in areas like light combat aircraft, sensors, radars, and electronic warfare.

The Sarang Team has arrived at Jodhpur to carry out its scintillating display as a part of Ex Tarang Shakti Phase II. #SARANG #IAF @IAF_MCC pic.twitter.com/CCHhV3b5NV  Sarang Helicopter Display Team (@sarang_iaf) September 11, 2024

Tarang Shakti air exercise is aimed at fostering counter air, reconnaissance, air defense, airlift, and close air support with participating friendly nations. It is the largest multinational air exercise India has organised.

#ExTarangShakti24



The night skies over Jodhpur came alive with the roar of mighty flying machines during #ExTarangShakti-24 Phase-II. The night missions are testament to the precision, skill, and unwavering dedication that define our strength and interoperability.



Ready To pic.twitter.com/Wf1mXX0ghS  Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) September 11, 2024

A total of 10 countries are participating in the exercise which will conclude on September 14. The participating countries are Australia, France, Germany, Japan, Spain, the United Arab Emirates, the UK, and the US.
Mollywood megastar Mammootty paid homage to CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury, who passed away in Delhi on Thursday. The Malayalam actor jotted on social media that he was deeply saddened by the passing of Yechury, 72, who was a wonderful person.



READ HERE | CPI(M) veteran Sitaram Yechury passes away at 72



"Deeply saddened to hear that my long time dear friend @SitaramYechury is no longer with us. An efficient statesman, a wonderful human being and a truly understanding friend. I will miss him dearly," Mammootty wrote on his handles on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) along with an image of the late communist leader.

Meanwhile, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the passing of Yechury was an irreparable loss for the nation, especially during its time of crisis.

"The demise of CPIM General Secretary Comrade Sitaram Yechury has caused a heavy loss not only to the communist movement but also to the secular democratic movements in India.

"The demise of Yechury is an irreparable loss for the CPI(M). Joining the pain of his family and the countless hearts that loved him. Tributes are paid to the vivid memories of comrade," the Kerala Chief Minister wrote.

Sitaram Yechury breathed his last at Delhi-AIIMS after a prolonged illness. The three-time party chief took over from Prakash Karath as the general secretary of the CPI(M) when the Left was on the decline in the country. Mentored by Harkishan Singh Surjeet, Yechury thrived on the challenges of coalition politics and witnessed the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front registering historic back-to-back victories in Kerala despite the party losing ground in Tripura and West Bengal.
Post August 5 unrest in Bangladesh, which saw the collapse of the Sheikh Hasina government, the travellers to India from the country has declined. Many Kolkata, Chennai and Delhi-bound flights are being operated at half capacity, said reports.

Bangladeshi media reports cite India's restricted visa issuance as the main cause of the situation. India has only resumed issuing visas on a limited basis, mainly for medical and educational purposes, according to Daily Star. The report added that many are reluctant to visit India "fearing harassment or detention at the airport."

Though India has not formally made any announcements regarding visa restrictions for Bangladeshi citizens, the Indian visa application centres in Bangladeshs major cities including Dhaka, Chattogram, Rajshahi, Sylhet, and Khulna, are only offering limited appointment slots for Bangladeshi nationals.

However, official sources have denied reports that India has imposed a visa ban on six Bangladeshi student leaders for whipping up "anti-India" sentiments.

Flights to Kolkata, which always took off full for years, are reportedly conducting services at less than half capacity. They are priced between

Tk 12,500 (Rs 8,750) and Tk 17,000 (Rs 11,900) are operating with very few passengers and struggle to cover operational costs.

In one case, a private airline flew to Kolkata with just 12 passengers. Flights between Bangladesh and India are operated by Biman Bangladesh Airlines, US-Bangla Airlines and Novoair. Indigo too runs flights to Dhaka from Kolkata, Delhi, Chennai, and Mumbai.

While Biman Bangladesh Airlines had to reduce its weekly flights to Kolkata to seven from 14, Indigo too restricted its flights to Chennai and Delhi. Biman representatives told the Daily Star that they are only managing to fill 40-48 per cent of seats on these routes, though return flights from India have slightly higher passenger numbers.

The US-Bangla Airlines has also reduced its flight schedules. It used to operate 21 flights a week from Dhaka and Chattogram to Kolkata but is now only running six. Weekly flights to Chennai have also been cut to five from 11. The officials say the drop in numbers is due to visa complications.
BEIJING, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Riding in a self-driving car may seem effortless, but piecing together the jigsaw of intricate artificial intelligence (AI) systems behind it still requires a human touch.

One such new occupation in China is smart vehicle tester, responsible for conducting tests in autonomous vehicles, installing braking and steering robots and recording critical test data.

The smart vehicle tester is among 19 new professions officially recognized by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security in July. Over half of these new professions involve digital and smart technologies, such as operators of generative AI systems and industrial-internet maintenance workers.

The ministry also released a guideline defining the work of the new professions. For example, a generative AI system operator uses AI-related technologies and tools to design, train, update and maintain an AI system.

Additionally, the ministry unveiled 28 newly classified types of work, such as live-streaming recruiters, increasing the number of job openings.

"The emergence of these new professions reflects the latest demands of the Chinese society and market," said Zhang Chenggang from the Capital University of Economics and Business.

Zhang, who leads a research center on new professions, added that sectors like the digital economy and information technology (IT) are driving China's industrial transformation and upgrades. "Many jobs will be created by these sectors, considering the widespread use of AI technology."

China's digital industry has seen robust growth in recent years, reporting a total revenue of 32.5 trillion yuan (about 4.56 trillion U.S. dollars) in 2023.

A report from the 7th Digital China Summit in May shows that the output of core sectors of the digital economy constituted 10 percent of China's GDP in 2023, with the number of major AI firms exceeding 4,500. The rapid expansion in the sector has led to a talent shortage of 25 million to 30 million people.

Meanwhile, an increasing number of young people are seeking opportunities in China's digital industry, as the country's advancements in technological innovation and industrial upgrades are fueling a boom in job prospects.

According to data, digital sector occupations have surged in popularity among graduates in 2024, with IT, internet and AI roles being the most sought after.

However, despite the emergence of new professions and rapid development of the country's digital industry, challenges remain in matching talent with industry demands.

As China accelerates the digital transformation of the manufacturing industry and promotes the new industrialization driven by AI, optimizing the training of skilled personnel is essential to better meet the evolving needs of the sector, said Gao Ziping, a researcher at the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences.

Gao added that job seekers should strengthen their professional skills to qualify for these emerging roles.

To cultivate more professionals, nine government agencies jointly released a three-year action plan this year, aimed at expediting the development of digital talent to support the growth of the digital economy.

A comprehensive cultivation framework integrating industry associations, enterprises and higher education institutions will be established to better align talent supply with market needs, according to the plan. 
The journey towards gender parity in Indian politics, particularly in the Lok Sabha, has been a slow and uneven process. Over the past decade, women's representation has shown a modest increase, rising from 11.4 per cent in the 16th Lok Sabha to 14.3 per cent in the 17th, before slightly declining to 13.6 per cent in the 18th. This trend, while positive overall, underscores the persistent challenges in achieving balanced gender representation in India's lower house.

The most recent Lok Sabha elections saw 74 women securing seats, a marginal decrease from the 78 elected in 2019. West Bengal leads with 11 female MPs, while the BJP fielded the highest number of women candidates at 69 out of 440 nominees (16 per cent). The Congress party followed with 41 women out of 327 candidates (13 per cent). Among parties with significant female representation, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) boasts the highest proportion at 37.93 per cent, followed by the Congress (13.13 per cent) and the BJP (12.92 per cent). This data reveals a growing, albeit slow, recognition of the importance of women's participation in politics across party lines.

To accelerate progress, a multi-faceted approach is crucial, including the swift implementation of the Women's Reservation Bill, proactive measures by political parties to nurture women leaders, and comprehensive electoral reforms. Achieving equitable representation is not merely a numbers game; it is about ensuring diverse perspectives in policy-making, which is vital for addressing India's complex socio-economic challenges and fostering comprehensive national progress.

In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, women's representation among candidates from major national political parties was relatively low. The BJP fielded 38 women out of a total of 428 candidates, equating to approximately 8.9 per cent. The Congress nominated 60 women out of 464 candidates, or about 12.9 per cent. Other national parties also showed limited commitment. For instance, the TMC fielded 12 women out of 42 candidates (28.6 per cent), while the CPI(M) had 7 women candidates out of 97 (7.2 per cent).

The overall representation of women in the 16th Lok Sabha was below 12 per cent, highlighting the significant gender disparity in Indian politics. This limited representation can be analyzed through intersectionality and institutional theory. Intersectionality suggests that women candidates face multiple layers of discrimination, including gender, caste, and socio-economic barriers. Institutional theory emphasizes the role of established structures and norms that hinder women's political participation. Despite these challenges, the presence of women candidates in 2014 indicated the beginning of a slow but steady shift towards gender inclusivity.

The 2019 elections showed a slight increase in the representation of women candidates, reflecting a growing awareness of the need for gender inclusivity among political parties. The BJP increased its number of women candidates to 53 out of 436, or approximately 12.2 per cent. The INC fielded 54 women out of 421 candidates, about 12.8 per cent. The TMC continued its strong stance by fielding 17 women out of 42 candidates (40.5 per cent), while the CPI(M) fielded 10 women out of 83 candidates (12 per cent).

The representation of women in the 17th Lok Sabha rose to around 14 per cent, a modest improvement from 2014 but still far from achieving gender parity. This incremental increase in women's candidacy points to a positive trend, albeit slow. Theoretical perspectives suggest that while internal party reforms and external pressures have contributed to this rise, deeply entrenched institutional biases and societal norms continue to limit women's political engagement. The slight improvement from 2014 to 2019 underscores the importance of sustained efforts and policy interventions to promote gender equality in politics.



The 2024 Lok Sabha elections marked a notable shift towards greater inclusion of women in politics. The BJP significantly increased its women candidates to 75 out of 450, or 16.7 per cent. The Congress nominated 68 women out of 435 candidates, approximately 15.6 per cent. The TMC continued to lead in female representation, fielding 18 women out of 42 candidates (42.8 per cent), and the CPI(M) improved with 15 women out of 85 candidates (17.6 per cent).



These figures reflect a concerted effort by national parties to enhance women's representation, driven by public demand for gender equality and legislative measures. The increase in women candidates in 2024 aligns with the theoretical framework of intersectionality and institutional change. Intersectionality highlights the ongoing struggle against multiple forms of discrimination, while institutional theory suggests that formal structures and rules are slowly adapting to promote gender inclusivity. The improved statistics in 2024 indicate a growing recognition of women's role in politics, though they still fall short of the 33 per cent representation advocated by the Women's Reservation Bill.

Despite these incremental gains, India's global standing in terms of women's political representation remains concerning. The country ranks 143rd out of 185 nations in the Inter-Parliamentary Union's Parline database, trailing behind several Asian counterparts including Vietnam, the Philippines, Pakistan, and China. This stark disparity is further highlighted when compared to countries like South Africa (46 per cent female MPs), the UK (35 per cent), and the US (29 per cent).

Comparative analysis with other democracies reveals that countries with legislative gender quotas, such as Rwanda and Sweden, have significantly higher female representation in their parliaments, often exceeding 40 per cent. This disparity underscores the need for robust policy interventions in India, such as the immediate passage of the Women's Reservation Bill, to ensure equitable representation and harness the full potential of women in political leadership.

Despite the progress, several challenges hinder the full representation of women in Indian politics. Societal norms, gender biases, and the lack of a supportive infrastructure for women candidates remain significant barriers. Furthermore, political parties often place women candidates in constituencies where they have lower chances of winning, thus affecting their overall success rate.



To address these challenges, it is crucial for political parties to not only increase the number of women candidates but also ensure they are given winnable seats. Implementing internal party quotas, providing training and support for women candidates, and fostering an inclusive political environment are essential steps towards achieving gender parity.

The journey towards equal representation of women in the Indian Parliament is ongoing. The 2014, 2019, and 2024 Lok Sabha elections show a positive trend, but much work remains to be done. National political parties must continue to build on this momentum and take proactive measures to ensure that women have an equal voice in shaping the future of Indian democracy. By doing so, they will not only enhance the quality of governance but also strengthen the democratic fabric of the nation.

The theoretical and statistical analysis underscores the importance of continued efforts towards achieving true gender parity in Indian politics. Ensuring that women's representation is not just a token gesture but a fundamental aspect of democratic governance will require sustained effort, innovative policies, and a commitment to change from all stakeholders involved.

Achieving gender parity in the Lok Sabha is not just about meeting a numerical target; it is about enriching the policy making process with diverse perspectives and ensuring that the voices of half the population are adequately represented in the highest decision-making body of the country. It is about creating a more inclusive, equitable, and just society where every citizen, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to contribute to the nation's progress.

India stands at a critical juncture in its democratic journey. The incremental yet significant progress in women's representation in the Lok Sabha is a testament to the potential for change. However, realizing the dream of true gender parity requires a collective effort from political parties, policymakers, civil society, and the electorate. It is only through sustained commitment and action that we can ensure that the Lok Sabha truly reflects the diversity and strength of the Indian populace, paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

About the authors:



Amal Chandra is an author, policy analyst and columnist.

X: @ens_socialis

Hima T. Sam is a postgraduate in History from the University of Delhi and a columnist. Instagram @hima_tara_sam

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of THE WEEK.


With the Karnataka High Court hearing on Chief Minister Siddaramaiahs plea challenging the governors sanction order against him in the MUDA allotment case reaching its final stage, the ruling Congress is in a state of flux.



Senior leaders, especially the cabinet colleagues of Siddaramaiah are openly expressing their willingness to occupy the top post in the event of a change of guard owing to an adverse ruling against the CM in the court.

At least half a dozen leaders including ministers G. Parameshwara, Satish Jarkiholi, Zameer Ahmed, Sharanabasappa Darshanapura, M.B. Patil and veteran leaders R.V. Deshpande, and Shamanur Shivashankarappa, have been openly asserting that they are certainly in the race for the CMs post, while maintaining that the CMs post is not vacant at present.

The political rhetoric of these chief ministerial aspirants has irked the Siddaramaiah supporters. Sensing trouble for their leaders, the Siddaramaiah faction has written a letter to Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi urging him to warn the leaders staking claim to the CMs chair against making damaging statements in future in the interest of the Congress party in the state.

In a letter signed by 15 senior party leaders including an MLA and state party functionaries, the leaders have alleged that the BJP and JDS intend to destabilise the Congress government after the Siddaramaiah government implemented the five guarantees, which actually led to the party winning nine seats in the Parliament polls.

The opposition parties have suddenly taken up the MUDA case and managed to get a sanction order from the governor against Siddaramaiah though he has no role in it. During the pendency of the case in the court, the BJP and JDS are now demanding the CM's resignation. But senior Congress leaders are busy staking claim to the CMs post instead of fighting the BJP and JDS. The people are losing faith in the party and the government owing to infighting and reckless statements of the ministers. This is demoralizing our leaders and party workers alike and affecting governance too, said the letter.

Interestingly, the demand to rein in the wannabe CMs has come from deputy chief minister D.K. Shivakumars faction too. Two MLCs Dinesh Gooligowda and Manjunath Bhandary have sought disciplinary action against ministers for making statements in public that are embarrassing to the party and the government. In a letter to AICC chief Mallikarjun Kharge, the legislators claimed that the unhindered talk by the ministers was affecting the partys image and threatening the stability of the government.

With CM aspirants flying to Delhi frequently, speculations over replacing Siddaramaiah as CM are gaining decibels. Behind the scene, an annoyed Shivakumar, also the state party chief, is trying to cut the CM contenders to size. Shivakumar, who considers himself to be the first in the race for the coveted seat, is keen to protect Siddaramaiahs position for now than battle a bunch of potential rivals in the race for the CMs post.

In May 2023, when the party captured power in the state with 135 seats (of the 224), a secret 50:50 power sharing pact between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar was mooted by the party leadership to placate the Vokkaliga strongman. Insiders suspect that some leaders like Jarkiholi and Parameshwara were being encouraged by the Siddaramaiah faction to stake claim to the CMs chair to diminish Shivakumars stature in the party.

Meanwhile, Shivakumar suddenly flying to the US with his family earlier this week met Rahul Gandhi in Washington DC (also posted the photographs on social media) as though giving a strong message to his detractors that he would not remain mum if they tried to overtake him in the race.

As long as Siddaramaiah has the blessings of the high command, let him be the chief minister. I am also in the race for CM and believe the party will consider me too. The party high command will pick the person who gets the support of the MLAs, said Shivashankarappa.

Transport minister R. Ramalinga Reddy claimed that the ministers were only trying to secure their positions and the change of guard would not be any time soon. The ministers are referring to the change of CM in 2028. Siddaramaiah is doing a good job and he will complete a full term as the CM.

Siddaramaiah, who is facing the biggest legal challenge of his 40-year-long political career, said, As the CMs chair is not vacant there is no question of any one staking claim to it. Also, I will undoubtedly continue as the chief minister, he said.

BJP leader and LOP in Assembly R. Ashok said the Congress leaders seemed to have more confidence than the BJP that CM will soon resign. "The ministers are busy in the race for the CM and development in the state has suffered due to this," he added.
Following a series of dramatic events on Thursday, the deadlock between protesting junior doctors and the West Bengal Government persisted, as attempts to initiate discussions fell through. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee waited for more than two hours while a delegation of protesters stood outside Nabanna, the state secretariat.

Junior doctors asserted that they would not resume their duty and continue with their dharna in front of Swasthya Bhavan, headquarters of the Government of West Bengals health and family welfares department, where they have been sitting since Tuesday.

After the medics declined the state governments invitation for a meeting on two previous occasions, they were called a third time on Thursday by Chief Secretary Manoj Pant. However, despite arriving at Nabanna, they refused to participate in the meeting as the state did not permit live-streaming.

Initially, the state requested a delegation of 15 people, but the doctors insisted on their demand, and a group of 34 junior doctors from various government-run medical facilities across West Bengal went to Nabanna. The state government ultimately allowed all of them to enter.

Nabanna, however, did not allow live-streaming, leading to yet another standoff outside the secretariat. Several senior state government officials, including the chief secretary, attempted to persuade the junior doctors to attend the meeting, but the doctors stood firm in their position.

We informed them the entire meeting would be recorded. Supreme Court can broadcast the hearing live but we cannot. Its a subjudice matter, CM Mamata Banerjee told the press after waiting for junior doctors for 2 hours 20 minutes.

She continued, The CBI is investigating the case. We could have given them [protesting junior doctors] the video of the meeting. We could have submitted it to the court as well.

Protesting doctors returning from Nabanna to Swasthya Bhavan | Salil Bera

Saying that she was ready to resign but people must not suffer, the chief minister further informed that her government had tried its best to resolve the stalemate. She had hoped for a joint press conference with junior doctors at the end of the meeting, and requested them to resume their duty at the earliest as directed by the Supreme Court.

I have been waiting for three days, and I made sure not to involve those they have grievances against. I did everything I could. I apologise to the people of Bengal for not being able to resolve the issue within these three days. I forgive the doctors and urge them to return to work. This is my sincere request, Banerjee said.

On the other hand, the junior doctors made their stance clear about live-streaming, stating they wanted the discussions to be transparent and open for everyone to see. They pointed to the states practice of broadcasting several administrative meetings live, questioning why the same approach wasnt applied to todays meeting.

We came here to demand justice. We heard the chief minister has said that she was ready to leave her chair. We are extremely saddened by this comment as we didnt come for her chair, doctors told the press outside Nabanna.

We came here because we trust the chair. We are waiting and we will also continue to wait because we trust the chair.
West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose said he will not share any public platform with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in view of the stalemate over the junior doctors protest demanding justice to the RG Kar rape-murder victim.

"I will socially boycott the Chief minister. Socially means I will never share any stage with the Chief Minister. I will not attend any meeting where the Chief Minister is present," the Governor said in a video message.

"I stand committed to the people of Bengal. I reiterated my commitment to the parents of the victim of RG Kar and also to those who are demonstrating for justice. In my assessment, the government has failed in its duties," he added.

Bose said the state government has failed in its duties and this was due to the dilemma that the health minister is the home minister and the home minister is the chief minister.

His statement comes hours after the protesting doctors refused to meet the chief minister at the state secretariat after their demand for love-streaming the talks was rejected.

Dramatic events unfolded at Nabanna after the protesting doctors delegation stayed put at the gate even as top officials, including DGP Rajeev Kumar, ADG (South Bengal) Supratim Sarkar and even state chief secretary Manoj Pant, tried to convince them.

The chief minister, who waited for more than an hour at the secretariat to meet the protesters, later addressed the media, saying she was ready to resign for the larger interest of the people.

"I am ready to resign for the sake of the people as, despite my best intentions and efforts in the last three days, the medics declined to hold talks," she said.

Junior doctors have been protesting across West Bengal after a trainee doctor was raped and murdered while on duty at Kolkatas RG Kar medical college hosipital. The victims body was found at the seminar hall of the hospital on August 9.

One person has been arrested in the case even as protesters allege involvement of several others in the incident. The CBI has taken over the probe following a directive of the Calcutta High Court.
In a dramatic statement amid the standoff between the protesting doctors and the West Bengal government, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said she was ready to resign in the larger interest of the people.

Her remarks came after the scheduled meeting between the government and the protesting doctors failed to take place on Thursday evening after the latter backtracked from the talks over difference of opinion on live-streaming the meeting.

"I apologise to the people of Bengal who expected an end to the RG Kar impasse today. They (junior doctors) came to Nabanna but did not sit for the meeting. I request them to go back to work," Banerjee told a press conference.

"I am ready to resign for the sake of the people as, despite my best intentions and efforts in the last three days, the medics declined to hold talks," she further said.

The meeting was to be held at 5 pm and the chief minister waited for more than an hour at the secretariat to meet the representatives of the protesters. The doctors delegation reached the venue at 5.25 pm and stayed put at the gate as their demand for live-streaming of the meeting was refused.

Even though top officials, including DGP Rajeev Kumar, ADG (South Bengal) Supratim Sarkar and even state chief secretary Manoj Pant, tried to convince the protesters, they refused to budge.

"We had conveyed in our letter that live streaming will not be possible but had given our assurances that we would have the whole session recorded for documentation and posterity. The chief minister is waiting for them for the last hour and half, said Pant.

There should be a limit to such demands. We have tried to convince the doctors but they have still not accepted. We request them to consider attending this meeting, he added.

Junior doctors have been protesting across West Bengal after a trainee doctor was raped and murdered while on duty at Kolkatas RG Kar medical college hosipital. The victims body was found at the seminar hall of the hospital on August 9.

One person has been arrested in the case even as protesters allege involvement of several others in the incident. The CBI has taken over the probe following a directive of the Calcutta High Court.
Member of Parliament and leader of the Awami Itehad Party (AIP), Engineer Rashid on Thursday said he would support the INDIA bloc if they commit to bringing a resolution in Parliament for restoring Article 370.

"If the INDIA alliance gives me a written assurance that it will introduce a resolution in Parliament for the restoration of Article 370, I, along with my party leaders, will fully support it," Rashid said during a press conference in Srinagar.

ALSO READ | Engineer Rashid vows to fight Modi's 'Naya Kashmir' narrative after release from Tihar jail

#WATCH | J&K | Baramulla MP Rashid Engineer says, "... I want to give a message to the Kashmir and Kashmiris that we are not weak. The people of Kashmir will win... The decision taken by PM Modi on August 5, 2019, is not at all acceptable to us. Send Engineer Rashid to jail or pic.twitter.com/2CFED0Q3XE  ANI (@ANI) September 12, 2024

Rashid, who was granted interim bail by an NIA court until October 2 after five years, urged people to give him at least 40 seats in the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir elections.

#WATCH | Gandoh, Doda: On the statement of Baramulla MP Engineer Rashid of Jammu and Kashmir, National Conference leader Omar Abdullah says, "...He (Engineer Rashid) was in jail, how could the correct news reach him. He is a victim of misunderstanding... pic.twitter.com/3mh9jNElWq  Naren (@kotaknaren) September 12, 2024

He pledged that if given a strong mandate, he would stage a sit-in outside Prime Minister Narendra Modis residence in Delhi. "What will we do there? We will do something unimaginable for the people of Kashmir," he said.

ALSO READ | Jamaat-e-Islami addresses first election rally in Kashmir since 1987

Clarifying his position, Rashid said he was neither Pakistan's agent nor India's enemy.

He criticised National Conference (NC) Vice President Omar Abdullah, questioning why the NC couldnt implement the promises that they had included in their manifesto while in power.

He accused the NC of complicity in the execution of Parliament attack convict Muhammad Afzal Guru. "How could New Delhi have hanged Afzal Guru in Tihar without the signature of the then Chief Minister of J&K?" he asked.

Targeting the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Mehbooba Mufti, he recalled that PDP founder Mufti Muhammad Sayeed had claimed a vote for PDP was needed to keep the BJP out of J&K. "What happened instead was that the PDP gave the BJP a platform, which destroyed our dreams," he said.

Voicing opposition to PM Modis "Naya Kashmir, he said that it had "miserably failed in Kashmir as demonstrated by the people of North Kashmir on June 4 when he was defeated by Omar and Sajad Lone of Peoples Conference.

Asked if he would support the NC-Congress-PDP alliance, he said, "Let these parties show me a concrete road map on how they plan to get back Article 370".

Rashids release has set the stage for renewed political activity in Jammu and Kashmir, where he remains a vocal critic of both the BJP and local parties. Analysts opine that given the narrative he has built over the abrogation of Article 370 and his arrest, his party could emerge as an important player in the upcoming assembly.
The Karnataka police have so far arrested 52 persons in connection with clashes during Ganesh Chathurthi procession in Mandya on Wednesday. District authorities said the situation has returned to normalcy and prohibitory orders have been imposed in Nagamangala town where clashes occurred.



Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara said some miscreants pelted stones at the Ganesh idol procession when it reached near a mosque in Nagamangala town and 52 persons have been arrested from both sides in connection with clashes that erupted after the incident.

In Nagamangala, Mandya, radical miscreants brutally attacked the Ganesh Visarjan procession, desecrating the idol and torching over 15 Hindu shops. Armed mobs carried out violent assaults, yet Siddaramaiahs govt continues shielding the culprits..!!

1/2 pic.twitter.com/a6pP1Y2pu5  Shobha Karandlaje (@ShobhaBJP) September 12, 2024

52 persons have been arrested and additional forces have been deployed in the area. Senior officials are camping there and situation is under control now, Parameshwara said. He added few persons including two policemen suffered injuries in the clash.

Karnataka Agriculture Minister N. Cheluvarayaswamy visits the incident site in Mandya on Thursday and reviewed the situation. The minister told ANI that the situation is peaceful now and a few shops and motorcycles got damaged in the clashes. The revenue department and police will survey and assess the damage and submit a report by evening. I will further take the report to the chief minister so that compensation can be given, he told ANI.

The situation has now returned to normalcy. People are going about their day-to-day activities. Shops are open. We have deployed additional force from Karnataka State Reserve Police along with other police officials including those in civil clothes," Mandya Superintendent of Police Mallikarjun Baldandi told PTI. A case has been registered for unlawful assembly, attempt to murder, obstructing public servants, destruction of public property and other sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

According to police, an argument broke out between two groups, when the Ganesha idol procession by devotees from Badarikoppalu village reached a place of worship on Wednesday, and some miscreants hurled stones, which escalated the situation. Following the clashes between the two groups, a few shops were vandalised and vehicles set on fire, police added. Police used mild force to disperse the crowd and manage the situation.

The group of youth that carried out the procession halted and staged a protest near the police station, demanding the immediate arrest of those responsible for the violence.

Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party has accused the Siddaramaiah government of shielding attackers. Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje charged in a X post, In Nagamangala, Mandya, radical miscreants brutally attacked the Ganesh Visarjan procession, desecrating the idol and torching over 15 Hindu shops. Armed mobs carried out violent assaults, yet Siddaramaiahs govt continues shielding the culprits..!!

Karandlaje added, "His (Siddaramiah) appeasement politics are making Hindus suffer again. Every time Siddaramaiah comes to power, Hindus face relentless attacks.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to CJI D Y Chandrachud's residence to attend the Ganpati Puja has stoked a row with veteran lawyers and the opposition stating the act sends a wrong signal to the judiciary.

A video posted by the Prime Minister on Wednesday showed the CJI and his wife Kalpana Das welcoming Modi at their house. The Prime Minister, clad in traditional Maharashtrian attire, shared pictures of him offering prayers to Lord Ganesha. "Joined Ganesh Puja at the residence of CJI, Justice DY Chandrachud Ji. May Bhagwan Shri Ganesh bless us all with happiness, prosperity and wonderful health," Modi said in a post on X along with a photograph of him participating in the puja at the CJI's residence.



Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits the residence of CJI DY Chandrachud and Ms Kalpana Das to participate in Ganesh Chaturthi Pooja@narendramodi #SupremeCourtOfIndia #CJIDYChandrachud pic.twitter.com/6F4exwOFOF  Bar and Bench (@barandbench) September 11, 2024

However, the visit did not sit well with veteran lawyers, including Prasanth Bhushan and Indira Jaisingh, who criticised the act as blurring the line between executive and judiciary.



Senior advocate and former Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Indira Jaising said the Supreme Court Bar Association of India (SCBA) must publicly condemn the act. " The Chief Justice of India has compromised the separation of powers between the Executive and Judiciary. Lost all confidence in the independence of the CJI. The SCBA must condemn this publicly displayed compromise of the Independence of the CJI from the Executive @KapilSibal," she said.



However, BJP national organising secretary B L Santhosh defended the visit, stating that the SCBA was not a moral compass. "Civility, cordiality, togetherness, co-travellers in nations journey are all an anathema to these left liberals. Also, it was not socialising but a devoted Ganapathi Pooja is very hard to digest. SCBA is not a moral compass. Take a deep breath once," Santhoshs X post read.



Senior lawyer Prashant Bhushan said it was shocking that the CJI allowed Modi to visit him at his residence. In a post on X, Bhushan said he sent a very bad signal to the judiciary. He said there has to be an arms-length distance between the executive and judiciary as the latter had the responsibility of protecting the fundamental rights of citizens and ensuring that the government acts within the bounds of the Constitution.



Though the Congress was yet to respond to the visit, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut minced no words stating the party's stance. He said the Ganapathi festival was going on at many people's houses but the PM chose to visit the CJI's house. "If a custodian of the Constitution meets politicians, it can create doubt in people's minds. The hearing in the Shiv Sena case is going on before the Supreme Court, so we doubt if we will ever get justice since the PM is the other party," Raut said.



He urged the CJI to distance himself from the case because his relationship with the other party in the case was out in the open. "Will CJI Chandrachud be able to give us justice in such a situation? We are getting date after date and an illegal government is still at the helm in Maharastra," he added.


The CBI probe into the irregularities at R G Kar Medical College Hospital in Kolkata, where a trainee doctor was found raped and murdered, has revealed that the business of selling organs extracted from unidentified dead bodies thrived in the hospital over the last few years.

The preliminary evidence unearthed by the CBI sleuths also reveals that the organs were freely removed from the bodies of unidentified persons in the morgues of various government hospitals, according to Anand Bazaar Patrika.



The officials also obtained clues from the petitioner Akhtar Ali, whose plea seeking a probe into the financial irregularities at the hospital prompted the CBI investigation, on the organ trade in the RG Kar. Two persons close to the former principal Sandip Ghosh were also traced by the CBI and questioning them revealed strong evidence of illegal organ trade.



The investigators are also collecting the records of autopsies being conducted in the R G Kar Hospital for the last seven years. Sources told Anand Baazar Patrika that there were some discrepancies in the documents.



Not just R G Kar, several government hospitals in the states are dens of corruption and initial estimates by the CBI officers hint the graft could go up to over 200 crores over the last seven years. The CBI officials identified several private hospitals engaged in the same, said the report.



Each organ is priced around Rs 4 to Rs 8 lakh. The clutches of the trade extend to other states too. Human organs were reportedly smuggled from the mortuary of various medical colleges to other private medical institutions. There has been a huge demand for heart, liver, and kidney after the number of medical colleges and hospitals increased in the state.



There are hints that doctors from prominent hospitals were also part of the nexus.



#WATCH | West Bengal: A team of ED reaches the residence of former principal of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, Sandip Ghosh at Chinar Park in Kolkata. Details awaited. pic.twitter.com/FvxvrL0VUn  ANI (@ANI) September 12, 2024

Meanwhile, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials are conducting raids at the residences linked to Sandip Ghosh. This includes several places in Kolkata and its suburbs, including the residence of Ghosh's father Satya Prakash Ghosh.



The ED officials have recently revealed that Ghosh's wife had purchased two immovable assets without "proper approval" from West Bengal government authorities. The statement added that they "found" documents related to about half a dozen houses, flats and a farmhouse owned by the doctor couple during searches.



Sandip Ghosh has been booked by the ED in alleged financial irregularities linked money laundering case after taking cognisance of a CBI FIR.


Sitaram Yechury was a firm believer of the Marxist ideology. But he also believed there was great virtue in being flexible and practical in politics. His rare ability to be pragmatic while being a staunch Leftist in fact set him apart as a political leader.

The pleasant natured and jovial Yechury was a popular man in the capitals political circles. More significantly, he played an important role in national politics in the last few decades, be it in the cobbling together of anti-Congress coalition governments in the 1990s to allying with the Congress after the Lok Sabha elections in 2004 to the making of an opposition alliance that could offer a gutsy challenge to the Narendra Modi dispensation.

In the 1990s, Yechury was amongst the Left leaders who had an important role to play in the installation of the United Front government headed by H.D. Deve Gowda. He was amongst the authors of the Common Minimum Programme of the government. After the Deve Gowda government fell, he had a key role to play in getting I.K. Gujral sworn in as the next prime minister.

He had been a practitioner of anti-Congressism, but after the Lok Sabha elections in 2004, Yechury displayed his ability to be pragmatic and was amongst the voices in the Left bloc that spoke for extending support to the Congress to form the government. The Left parties helped the United Progressive Alliance government come into being, extending outside support to the Manmohan Singh regime. Again, like in the case of the United Front government, Yechurys imprint was clear in the Common Minimum Programme of the UPA.

Yechury influenced a closer cooperation between the Left and the UPA regime, and the rights-based initiatives of the Manmohan Singh regimethere was a flurry of such schemes during UPA-Iare credited to the Lefts influence on the government.

The Left parties, after protracted talks with the government, withdrew support from the UPA government in 2008 over their staunch opposition to the Indo-US nuclear deal. It was a time when Yechury increasingly came to be known as representing the thought in the CPI(M) that there should be collaboration with the Congress to keep the communal forces out. The other stream of thoughtabout not compromising with Communist ideals and maintaining opposition to the Congresswas represented by his fellow comrade Prakash Karat.

Yechurys pragmatism found support in the Bengal unit of the party, while Karats line of thought was backed by the partys unit in Kerala.

It was Yechurys belief that being practical was the need of the hour to keep the CPI(M) relevant in the changing political times. The party had won 43 seats in the Lok Sabha in the 2004 elections, which was its best ever performance. But post-2009, when it won only 16 seats, it continued to slide electorally. Karat was the CPI(M) general secretary from 2005 to 2015, with Yechury taking over from him.

Yechury failed to stem the electoral downfall of the CPI(M) as it became a bit player in West Bengal and lost Tripura to the BJP after having held the state for 25 years. Intra-party dynamics, with the Kerala unit continuing to not be in sync with his views on contemporary politics, ensured he did not get another term in the Rajya Sabha in 2017. His proposal to ally with the Congress in the Lok Sabha elections in 2019 was rejected by the partys central committee.

However, recent years saw Yechury emerge as a key architect of the opposition alliance that took on the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. It was known unofficially that he was the one who drafted many of the oppositions joint resolutions. He had an excellent rapport with Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, and it was believed that he acted as a guide and a sounding board for the Congress leader.

Yechury was committed to the Marxist ideology. But more than that, he believed in the necessity of being flexible in politics.
URUMQI, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- A new air freight route officially opened on Thursday, linking Urumqi, capital city of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, and Katowice in Poland.

A freighter, loaded with 38 tonnes of clothing and other commodities, left Urumqi Diwopu International Airport for Katowice early Thursday, according to the customs of the airport.

The opening of the route will enhance the connection between Xinjiang and key airports in Europe and improve the efficiency of cargo transportation, the customs said.

Four to six flights per week will operate on the route starting in early October.

The airport has launched over 10 international cargo routes to countries including Kazakhstan, Georgia and Hungary.

The import commodities include textiles and cherries, while the main export items include fresh-cut flowers and footwear. 
A gang of armed men waylaid and attacked two trainee Army officials and raped their woman friend in Madhya Pradesh's Indore district on Wednesday. The incident happened when the officers and their two women friends were out on a picnic at the historic Jam Gate, 50km from Indore, in the wee hours of Wednesday.

#WATCH | MP | A young Army officer of Mhow Infantry School along with his friend was assaulted by 7-8 unknown assailants & one of their two women friends was allegedly raped, states an FIR.



Indore Rural SP Hitika Vasal says, "Police received information yesterday that 4 people pic.twitter.com/09JKu5HBv4  ANI (@ANI) September 12, 2024

According to the police, the officers were undergoing the Young Officers (YO) course at the Infantry School in Mhow cantonment town. The 23-year-old officials left for a night drive with their female friends around 2 am on Wednesday when a gang of criminals waylaid them near a picnic spot on Mhow-Mandleshwar road.



The gang of seven men began assaulting one of the officers sitting in a car and the women. The second officer, who was away from the car, immediately alerted his seniors and the police. The miscreants fled after the police arrived. Further medical examination revealed the woman was raped by the miscreants while the man had signs of injury on his body.

"A case under (BNS) sections pertaining to loot, dacoity, rape and under the Arms Act has been registered," Indore Rural SP Hitika Vasal told reporters.

Vasal added that four people visited Army firing range late at night and two were assaulted. "The other two were told to bring Rs 10 Lakhs. The complainant said that their female friend was taken to a corner and then he heard her screams. The complainant suspects that something untoward must have happened to her. The police team reached the spot immediately and upon spotting them, the accused escaped," he added.

The investigation is being carried out by 10 police teams. All six suspects have been identified and two of whom have been detained. "Efforts are underway to nab the remaining four. They will be caught at the earliest. The women's statement is yet to be recorded, once it happens further action will be taken," he added.
While one section of the proposed Waqf Amendment Act gives boards the power to frame rules for their functioning, another clause by transferring these powers to the central government reduces the body to a mere cipher.

This is one of the anomalies of the proposed Waqf amendment bill pointed out by a representation made to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) examining the bill. The said representation, with inputs from the legal fraternity, has been drafted by Syed Mohammed Haider Rizvi.



The proposed change also hits Waqf financially by reducing the contribution to the board from the income of the Waqfs from seven to five per cent. The representation notes that Waqfs reel under a shortage of funds and with the existing financial structure too, are hard-pressed to pay employees. In UP, salaries of over 36 months have been pending with regard to the employees and staff of the Uttar Pradesh Shia Central Board of Waqfs. The representation suggests that under the current scenario, there should be an increase not a decrease in the contribution to the boards.



The amendments will also make litigation more contentious as the proposal is to centralise these at the state- level. It also notes that rather than having retired officers as members of such tribunals, membership should be given to those who have specialised knowledge of Islamic law. Appointing retired government officers would come with the danger of having such people at the helm of affairs who align themselves with the thought process of the government of the day.



The representation is also in disagreement with the proposal that non-Muslims be barred from donating to Waqf properties. This is opposed to the countrys syncretic traditions and is thus a regressive measure, notes the representation.



The overall argument is that though the bill purports to augment the powers of State Waqf Boards, in reality, it divests them even of existing authority.



The determination of Waqf properties, removal of encroachments, and registration of waqf have been relegated to revenue officials, which is a serious concern, given the nature of responsibilities these revenue officers have been assigned, and the huge pendency of the tasks which they presently undertake, which will burden them further and delay the actions, and thereby cause a serious miscarriage of justice. The proposed amendments distort the definition of waqf, sowing seeds of discord, notes the representation.


Amid the Russia-Ukraine war, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval briefed Russian President Vladimir Putin at Konstantinovsky Palace in St Petersburg on various security issues and a 'peace plan' to end the conflict with Kyiv.

Doval's meeting with Putin comes nearly three weeks after Modi's visit to Ukraine and talks with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Doval is in St Petersburg to attend a conclave of national security advisors of the BRICS (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa) nations.

ALSO READ | PM Modi in Kyiv: India not neutral, ready to play role of friend to bring peace to Ukraine

#WATCH | Russian President Vladimir Putin had a meeting with Ajit Doval, National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister of India, at the Konstantinovsky Palace in St Petersburg.



(Source: Indian Embassy in Russia) https://t.co/gQsKyrb5XO pic.twitter.com/wle5qVXpjL  ANI (@ANI) September 12, 2024

The summit will be held in the Russian city of Kazan from October 22-24. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to attend the summit.

"Vladimir Putin noted the successful development of the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia and stressed the importance of security issues in bilateral relations, thanking the Indian side for maintaining dialogue in this area," a Russian readout on the Putin-Doval meeting said.

Reportedly, Putin proposed to hold a bilateral meeting with Modi on the sidelines of the BRICS summit. The meeting would focus on strengthening the bilaterals between both nations and implementation of the agreements reached during Modi's visit to Russia.

ALSO READ | As Modi, Putin talk in Moscow on Tuesday, NATO heads meet in Washington

"We are waiting for our good friend Modi and best regards to him," said Putin after the meeting with Doval.

MEA on Thursday in a statement said that Doval held talks with his Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu and focused on bilateral relations.

During Modi's meeting with Zelenskyy, he had stressed that both Ukraine and Russia should sit together and resolve the issues and India was ready to play an "active role" in ending the war.

Meanwhile, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Saturday said that India and China can play a role in finding a solution to the conflict between both nations. Meloni's remarks came after her talks with Zelenskyy.
In the latest support to Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, the attorney general under former Republican president George W. Bush, Alberto Gonzales said he will vote for the vice president in the November election.

Making the announcement in Politico, Gonzales said he can't sit quietly as Donald Trump eyes a return to the White House. "For that reason, though I'm a Republican, I've decided to support Kamala Harris for president."

Trump's involvement in the US Capitol attack on January 6, and his felony convictions were the main reasons for the Republican to offer his support to Harris.

"Trump failed to do his duty and exercise his presidential power to protect members of Congress, law enforcement and the Capitol from the attacks that day. He failed to deploy executive branch personnel to save lives and property and preserve democracy," said Gonzales.

ALSO READ | US presidential election 2024: All about the 7 swing states that could sway results

Though Gonzales admits that he does not really know Trump, he said several senior officials who worked for the former US president now refuse to support him.

"Their unwillingness to endorse their former boss is an indictment of his character at a level equal to his many, many criminal indictments," he said.

Gonzaless backing for Harris comes after Taylor Swift extended her support to Harris and said she would be casting her vote for the Democratic candidate after watching the debate.

"I think she is a steady-handed, gifted leader and I believe we can accomplish so much more in this country if we are led by calm and not chaos." she wrote on Instagram.

ALSO READ | US swing state smackdown: Harris, Trump intensify battle for 7 states as election day nears

Pitch for the swing states

After the debate, both candidates are preparing their pitch for the swing states. Harris, who is in North Carolina on Thursday, will hold campaign events in Charlotte and Greensboro. Meanwhile, Trump will be heading west to Tucson, Arizona, as he aims to stabilize his campaign.

North Carolina has voted for the Republican presidential candidates in almost every election over decades. Trump won North Carolina by just 1.3 percentage points in 2020, a narrow victory that has boosted Democrats morale as they hope to turn it another Georgia this time.

Initially, Arizona was dominated by the Democratic party but from 1952, the state voted Republican in every Presidential election.

Harris's campaign said Thursday's trip will be her ninth visit to the state this year. More than two dozen combined campaign offices - supporting Harris and the rest of the party's candidates - have been opened.

Republicans also are confident about Trump's chances in the state, and the former president held rallies there in August.
Mumbai, Sep 12 (PTI) Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday released a NITI Aayog report aiming to more than double the economic activity in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) to USD 300 billion by 2030 from the present USD 140 billion.



Opposition Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray, however, wondered if the study by the Central think tank, coming ahead of Maharashtra elections, was a precursor to turning the city into a Union Territory.

The report, released at `Sahyadri', the state guest house, in the presence of Shindes deputy Devendra Fadnavis and World Economic Forum founder-chairman Klaus Schwab, said it is possible to increase the economic activity in the Mumbai region significantly in less than five years and create up to 28 lakh new jobs in the state.



It calls for investments across the megapolis, including by the private sector, to make it possible.



The region needs to establish itself as a global services hub for industries like financial services, fintech, artificial intelligence, health and media, the report says.

The doubling of economic activity will lead to a rise in the per-capita income to up to USD 12,000 by 2030 from the present USD 5,248, it adds.





Speaking at a press conference elsewhere, Aaditya Thackeray claimed that the BJP-led government at the Centre could be planning to turn Mumbai into a Union Territory, and hence this study.

our demand is that Mumbai must have its GIFT city which was stolen and taken to Gujarat. When we have our government at the Centre, Mumbai will have its own GIFT city," the former state minister said.

He also demanded an apology from Union Commerce Minister and Mumbai North MP Piyush Goyal for promoting Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) near Ahmedabad.

Regional parties including the Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) have in the past accused the Union government of harbouring plans to separate Mumbai from Maharashtra.
PureID's AI-Based Identity Engine to power ColorTokens' Next-Gen Security Enhancements for IoT/OT, Cloud, Container, and User Environments



SAN JOSE, Calif. and BENGALURU, India, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- ColorTokens Inc., the leading global enterprise microsegmentation company, announced today that it has acquired PureID, an innovative startup providing secure identity and access management. This acquisition will significantly strengthen ColorTokens' microsegmentation capabilities by integrating robust identity solutions. IT and security leaders will acquire enhanced tools to achieve complete confidence in breach readiness.





The acquisition of PureID supports significant security enhancements to ColorTokens' Enterprise Microsegmentation Platform, Xshield, by incorporating identity-based segmentation for cloud and containerized, IoT/OT, and user environments. With PureID's AI-based access regulation, ColorTokens expands its next-gen offerings to address the ever-evolving threat landscape and provide key benefits for customers in multiple environments:



 Cloud and Containerized Environments: Traditional microsegmentation uses infrastructure attributes like IPs, which are changeable in dynamic environments. Identity-based microsegmentation ensures effective policy enforcement by relying on strong identities agnostic to infrastructure changes.



 IoT and OT Environments : Distributed infrastructures with firewalls and NATs complicate traditional identification. Identity-based microsegmentation ensures accurate policy enforcement with strong identities, fully securing these environments.



 User Environments : Traditional user policies fail as users move between locations and share infrastructure. Identity-based microsegmentation enforces user-specific policies, maintaining security across diverse environments.



ColorTokens' expansion of its Xshield platform addresses the need for more comprehensive microsegmentation methods in the face of today's rapidly evolving and increasingly complex digital landscape. As organizations increasingly adopt cloud, IoT, and mobile user environments, the need for fail-safe adaptive security measures becomes paramount. This is where identity-based microsegmentation comes into play, offering a powerful solution to ensure effective and assured segmentation across various scenarios.



"PureID's identity-based segmentation aligns with our vision to provide stronger segmentation and smarter containment while still allowing reliably identified access to business-critical resources," said Rajesh Khazanchi, CEO of ColorTokens. "These capabilities play a key role in the continuous enhancement of our Xshield product to ensure organizations are effectively protected from the growing risk of cybersecurity threats."



As part of ColorTokens, PureID will continue to serve and expand its customer base for its PureAUTH passwordless and MFA platform, while delivering the technology to power Xshield's identity-based microsegmentation. PureID's authentication stack, PureAUTH, provides cryptographically secure methods to bootstrap identity for both humans and machines, forming the bedrock of reliable identity to deliver secure and regulated access. This unique capability of PureID sets it apart from other IAM solution providers in the industry and will allow ColorTokens to continue to be the gold standard in microsegmentation.



"We are excited for ColorTokens' to leverage PureID's segment leading, true-passwordless identity access management capabilities in their comprehensive breach-ready strategy," said Ajit Hatti, CEO of PureID. "Together we will tremendously minimize the impact of a breach for businesses."



This news closely follows the announcement that ColorTokens was named a Leader in The Forrester Wave: Microsegmentation, Q3 2024 evaluation. According to Forrester, "ColorTokens' strategy is guided by a refreshingly honest vision: to make its customers 'breach ready.' Its past innovation and future roadmap are full of features to get customers there."



To learn more about ColorTokens and how PureID will contribute to its award-winning cybersecurity solutions, visit here.



About ColorTokens



ColorTokens, the premier enterprise microsegmentation provider, specializes in making organizations "breach ready" by halting the lateral spread of ransomware and malware within intricate network infrastructures using its innovative ColorTokens Xshield platform. The platform visualizes traffic patterns between workloads, devices, and users, enabling organizations to enforce granular micro-perimeters, swiftly isolate critical assets, and respond to breaches effectively. By thwarting ransomware and malware attacks, ColorTokens safeguards businesses, ensuring significant savings in potential disruptions.



About PureID



PureID is a segment-leading Identity & Access Management (IAM) company, headquartered in the UK with a cutting-edge R&D center in Pune, India. Our flagship solution, PureAUTH, delivers reliable user identity and regulated access to enterprise resources through a Breach-Resilient IAM platform.



Engineered with a Zero-Trust, Zero-Data, Zero-Risk philosophy and Hyper-Availability Architecture, PureAUTH stands as an invincible first line of defense for enterprises. PureID's solutions are driven by patented innovations and smart use of cryptography that fundamentally transforms the landscape of cybersecurity.



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(Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PRNewswire and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI PWR

PWR
BANGALORE, India, Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- CGI, (TSX: GIB.A) (NYSE: GIB), one of the largest independent IT and business consulting services firms in the world, has been awarded a Gold and Silver Brandon Hall Group HCM (Human Capital Management) Excellence Award in India. These awards recognize CGI's commitment in developing and implementing learning and development programs, strategies, and tools that achieve tangible results for learners.





The Gold award was achieved for CGI's campus learning initiative developed in partnership with StackRoute. This bootcamp initiative by NIIT (National Institute of Information Technology) trains programmers in digital emerging technologies. The Silver award was given for CGI's internal learning initiatives, in partnership with FocusU, which support the building of high-performance teams.



Both awards, from the globally renowned US-based human capital management research and advisory services firm, have been awarded for a category that acknowledges workplace learning programs that combine multiple methods and integrate instructor-led training with digital learning to enable self-paced online sessions in real time.



"This recognition is a testament to CGI's unwavering commitment to fostering an environment where learning and development are at the heart of our organizational ethos. Continuous learning and innovation empowers our consultants and professionals to advance their careers and deliver exceptional value to our clients through strategic partnerships," said Sarika Pradhan, Vice President, Human Resources, CGI Asia Pacific Global Delivery Centers of Excellence.



About CGI



Founded in 1976, CGI is among the largest independent IT and business consulting services firms in the world. With 90,000 consultants and professionals across the globe, CGI delivers an end-to-end portfolio of capabilities, from strategic IT and business consulting to systems integration, managed IT and business process services and intellectual property solutions. CGI works with clients through a local relationship model complemented by a global delivery network that helps clients digitally transform their organizations and accelerate results. CGI Fiscal 2023 reported revenue is CA$14.30 billion and CGI shares are listed on the TSX (GIB.A) and the NYSE (GIB). Learn more at cgi.com.



www.cgi.com/newsroom



Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2043083/4552217/CGI_Logo.jpg



(Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PRNewswire and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI PWR

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Washington, Sep 12 (PTI) The US and the European Union as part of its dialogue on China have discussed the value of engagement with India in addressing global challenges, including in the maritime sphere, energy and connectivity in the Indo-Pacific.

Discussion on India was part of the two-day 'US-EU Dialogue on China' and the sixth meeting of the 'US-EU High-Level Consultations on the Indo-Pacific', here on September 9 and 10.

The dialogue was led by Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell from the US and European External Action Service (EEAS) Secretary General Stefano Sannino from the EU side.

They discussed the value of the US and the EU's respective engagement with India on global challenges, on security, including in the maritime sphere, energy and connectivity in the Indo-Pacific. The United States and the European Union also discussed the latest developments in Bangladesh, said a joint statement issued on September 11.

They discussed ongoing and increasing engagement in the Indian Ocean Region, including support for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).

During the meeting, Campbell and Sannino reiterated deep and increasing concern about Chinas exports of significant amounts of dual-use goods and items used by Russia on the battlefield against Ukraine and China-based companies continued involvement in sanctions evasion and circumvention.

They recognised Chinas ongoing support for Russias military-industrial base is enabling Russia to maintain its illegal war against Ukraine, which poses a threat to transatlantic as well as global security and stability.

They reiterated their expectation that China, as a Permanent Member of the UN Security Council, should act in support of international law, including the UN Charter, and recalled that any peace proposal in Ukraine must be based on the UN Charter and its principles, including respect for sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, and in line with continued efforts to uphold the international rules-based order.

According to the joint statement, the US and European Union both recognised the importance of balanced and fair economic relations with China and reiterated their commitments to rules-based, free and fair trade and to ensure a level playing field for their workers and companies.

In this respect, the United States and the EU will both continue to actively address the challenges posed by Chinas non-market policies and practices, including overcapacity and economic coercion," the statement said.

"Both sides confirmed their intention to continue de-risking by investing in their resilience and reducing dependencies and vulnerabilities in strategic sectors, which fosters resilience to economic coercion. They also confirmed the importance of advancing the governance of critical and emerging technologies, said the joint statement.

The two delegations also discussed the human rights situation in China, including recent respective engagement with China on this subject.

Both recognised the need for increased global awareness and decisive action to address continued human rights abuses by China, including in Tibet and Xinjiang.

They underscored that China should effectively cooperate with the OHCHR, including towards the implementation of the recommendations of its assessment report on the human rights situation in Xinjiang, as well as with international human rights mechanisms, the statement said.

Both the US and the EU underscored the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, which is indispensable to international security and stability. They called for the peaceful resolution of cross-Strait issues through dialogue.

They urged China to act with restraint in the Taiwan Strait and around Taiwan. They expressed opposition to any unilateral attempt to change the status quo, in particular by force or coercion. They expressed support for Taiwans meaningful participation in international organisations, said the joint statement.
Udaipur, Sep 12 (PTI) The International Zinc Association (IZA) will organise 'The Zinc College' in Udaipur from September 15 to 19.

India's largest integrated zinc producer Hindustan Zinc will host the event, which is held every two years for the exchange of ideas and best practices that are useful to shape the future of the zinc industry worldwide, a release said.

The last Zinc college was held in Spain.

"As the zinc industry undergoes a crucial transition towards sustainability, Zinc College will be instrumental in driving innovations aimed at reducing carbon emissions and enhancing the longevity of materials, including the introduction of low carbon Green Zinc offerings by IZA members like Hindustan Zinc, Boliden, Teck and Nyrstar and developments in the steel industry. Welcoming the upcoming Zinc College," International Zinc Association Chairperson Arun Misra said.

He said that the event will further cement India's role in leading global conversations on the future of zinc, with a particular focus on new applications in infrastructure, energy storage, renewable energy, automobiles, healthcare, and agriculture.

The event will bring together industry leaders and experts, with over 100 participants from around the world. They will have the opportunity to delve into the latest trends and advancements in the zinc industry.

As part of the event, the participants will visit Hindustan Zinc's mining and smelting facilities across Rajasthan.

Along with the visit, the event will feature a series of sessions led by industry experts.
Lahore, Sep 12 (PTI) A Pakistani court on Thursday upheld the death sentences of 14 outlaws of the notorious Chhotu gang in Punjab province of Pakistan.

The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) handed down death sentences to 20 members of the gang in 2019 for their involvement in the 2016 killing of six policemen in Rajanpur Kutcha area.

The Lahore High Court's Multan bench on Thursday upheld the death sentences of 14 convicted outlaws of the Chhotu Gang on 18 counts, while acquitted six others, giving them benefit of doubt, a court official told PTI.

Those whose death sentences have been upheld included the gangs ring leader Ghulam Rasool, also known as Chhotu.

The official said the LHC has decided the appeal of the convicts against the anti-terrorism courts decision after five years.

In 2016, police teams in Rajanpur district launched an operation against the gang in a forest area, but came under attack from the criminals. During the assault, six policemen were killed, eight others were injured, and 24 more were taken hostage by the gangsters.

Recently, the outlaws shot dead 12 policemen and injured seven. However, the Punjab government, led by Maryam Nawaz, is yet to initiate a decisive operation to root out the criminals from the area.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, Sept. 12, 2024. (Xinhua/Yue Yuewei)

ABU DHABI, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang said here on Thursday that China is willing to further expand the scale of bilateral trade with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), explore cooperation in new energy, electric vehicles, high-end manufacturing, biomedicine, digital economy and other fields, jointly make a forward-looking layout of emerging industries and future industries, and cultivate more new economic growth points.

Li made the remarks when meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Li conveyed Chinese President Xi Jinping's cordial greetings to Mohamed and said that in recent years, China and the UAE have firmly supported each other politically, and their practical cooperation is at the forefront of China's cooperation with Middle East countries.

Noting that the talks between the two heads of state in May have charted a strategic plan for deepening bilateral relations, Li said China is willing to work with the UAE to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state and push for continuous progress in bilateral relations and cooperation to reap more tangible results.

Li said that China is willing to work with the UAE to enhance communication and give full play to the mechanism of the high-level committee on China-UAE investment and cooperation. He also called on the UAE side to continue to provide a favorable business environment for Chinese companies to invest in the country.

China is ready to continue working with the UAE and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states to promote the early completion of negotiations on the China-GCC free trade agreement, said the premier.

Mohamed asked Premier Li to convey his sincere greetings to President Xi, saying that this year marks the 40th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations, and the all-round friendly relations between the two countries have reached an unprecedented level and become a model for state-to-state relations.

He also expressed his sincere appreciation to President Xi for attaching great importance to the UAE-China relationship and providing strategic guidance for promoting bilateral ties.

The UAE firmly abides by the one-China principle and is willing to be a reliable cooperative partner of China and a strategic partner in high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, said Mohamed.

He said the UAE looks forward to closer exchanges at all levels with China, giving full play to the mechanism of the high-level committee on China-UAE investment and cooperation, deepening practical cooperation in economy, trade, investment, energy, health, education, and other fields, and continuously enriching the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

The UAE stands ready to strengthen communication and cooperation with China in international and multilateral affairs, and promote world peace, stability and development, he said. 

Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, Sept. 12, 2024. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin)
Dhaka, Sep 12 (PTI) Former Bangladesh prime minister Khaleda Zia was admitted to a private hospital in the early hours of Thursday, according to a media report.

The 79-year-old Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson arrived at the Evercare Hospital from her Gulshan residence around 1:40 am, BNP media cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan was quoted as saying by the Dhaka Tribune newspaper.

Her physician, Professor AZM Zahid Hossain, said the medical board has recommended several tests and she has been placed in a private cabin following her admission to the hospital.

The next course of her treatment will be determined after reviewing the test results, he said.

On August 21, Zia had returned home after 45 days treatment at the same hospital.

The former prime minister, who was under house arrest for the past five years, was freed by an order of Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin on August 6.

She was acquitted of all charges against her following the fall of the Awami League government led by her arch-rival Sheikh Hasina on August 5.

The BNP chief has long been battling various ailments, including liver cirrhosis, arthritis, diabetes, and issues related to the kidney, lung, heart and eyes. A pacemaker was successfully installed in her chest on June 23 by a group of specialist doctors.

Her doctors have been recommending sending her abroad since she was diagnosed with liver cirrhosis in November 2021.

Earlier this month, Zia was acquitted in five separate cases, including one filed over allegations of celebrating a fake birthday and another for supporting war criminals.

Zia served as the prime minister of Bangladesh from March 1991 to March 1996, and again from June 2001 to October 2006.
Colombo, Sep 12 (PTI) A dispute has been brewing among the leaders of Sri Lanka's main Tamil party over its support to the main opposition challenger Sajith Premadasa in the September 21 presidential election.

The Tamil National Alliance (TNA) on September 1 decided to back Premadasa in the election. The decision was taken at the central committee meeting of Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK), the main constituent of the TNA.

However, the party's president, S Sritharan, who was in the UK at the time, said there was no such decision and they would be backing the Tamil common candidate P Ariyanethiran.

Mavai Senathirajah, another party leader, told reporters on Wednesday that a party meeting held in Vauniya, with the participation of 10 executive committee members, decided to hold back the final decision on the matter until September 15.

Senior TNA leader M A Sumanthiran, however, said: ITAK decision to back Premadasa was final and is not under review.

The TNA had traditionally backed the main opposition candidates in the previous presidential elections.

In 2019, the TNA backed Premadasa, who was defeated by Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

The votes of 2.2 million registered voters from the Tamil regions would be crucial for any front-runner to gain the 50 per cent plus one vote required to be declared the winner.

Other than Premadasa, incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Marxist JVP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake are the front runners in the election.

Wickremesinghe recently visited Senathirajah in the north. Some of Senathirajah's reported remarks in recent days have indicated his desire to see Wickremesinghe re-elected with Tamil support.
London, Sep 12 (PTI) Eligible foreign nationals dealing with the death of a partner and facing financial hardship will soon be able to apply to have the application fee for settlement in the UK waived, under new rules laid out in Parliament this week.

Currently, people who wish to apply for settlement in the UK following the death of their British citizen partner are required to pay a GBP 2,885 fee, irrespective of a change in financial circumstances following a loss. Indian-origin migration and citizenship minister Seema Malhotra told Parliament on Tuesday that this fee will now be waived from October 9 as part of a "fairer and more compassionate approach" to those wishing to stay in the UK and facing acute financial vulnerability during times of grief.

Losing a loved one is a deep and unimaginable pain, all too often compounded by the immense financial strain faced by those left behind, said Malhotra.

Widows, widowers, and their dependent children who had become integral parts of our communities can now apply for a fee waiver if facing destitution, in order to settle and keep the life they have built. This marks a fairer and more compassionate approach to those unable to afford the settlement fees, but who have often worked, paid their taxes and contributed to life here in the UK, including the partners of our military veterans, she said.

Those who qualify include partners on a family visa who meet the criteria for destitution, if their partner had either been a British citizen, had indefinite leave to remain in the UK, or was from the European Union (EU), Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and had pre-settled status. Bereaved partners of members of the Armed Forces, Gurkhas or Hong Kong military unit veterans  discharged before July 1997, may also benefit from such a fee waiver.

In her written statement in the House of Commons, Malhotra also announced the introduction of a new diplomatic visitor visa process as part of the UK border being transformed to include digital pre-travel checks. Under this, the current Diplomatic Visa Waivers (DVWs) will be phased out in favour of a Diplomatic Visa Arrangement.

DVAs will ensure diplomatic passport holders from countries that have benefited from DVW, who are nominated by their governments through a note verbale, will continue to benefit from smooth and efficient access to the UK, reads the ministers written parliamentary statement (WMS).

DVAs will provide a bespoke visitor visa for eligible diplomatic passport holders. Applications will be made through a light-touch application form, but application fees and the requirement to submit fingerprints will be waived. The route aims to support and better facilitate diplomatic travel to the UK and will also enable DVA visitors to undertake a range of standard visitor activities. These changes will not impact accredited diplomats who are free, or exempt from immigration control, it notes.

The WMS also unveiled the launch of a VIP Delegate Visa, a bespoke visa product targeted at delegations accompanying foreign Heads of State and serving government ministers on official visits to the UK.

This product is a global offer, balancing the UKs bilateral considerations and aligning more closely with the approach of international partners. This product will be capped at an upper limit of 20 issues for government official delegates accompanying Heads of State, and 10 for government official delegates accompanying serving Government Ministers. Those applying for this product will have their application assessed under the immigration rules, supported by a note verbale process, but application fees and the requirement to submit fingerprints will be waived, the minister said.
Peshawar, Sep 12 (PTI) Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Amin Gandapur on Thursday said that he will send a delegation to Afghanistan for direct talks with the Taliban to address his government's concerns over terrorism, nearly a week after he sought permission from the Centre to engage in peace negotiations.

Gandapur's remarks came amid a series of military operations by the Pakistan Army targeting the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. The Pakistani government has repeatedly accused the TTP of operating from sanctuaries in Afghanistan, a claim denied by the Afghan Taliban.

Addressing a gathering of lawyers in Peshawar, Gandapur said that he would send a delegation of tribal leaders to Afghanistan for talks. He did not give any details.

"As chief executive of the provincial government, I will engage in direct negotiations with Afghanistan to resolve the issue through negotiations," he said.

There has been an uptick in the incidents of terrorism in Pakistan since the Taliban took over the government in Kabul in 2021, dashing hopes in Islamabad that a friendly government in Afghanistan would help to tackle militancy.

Relations between the two countries have lately become strained, largely because of the TTP but also due to frequent border skirmishes.

The law and order situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where former prime minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf is ruling, has reached its lowest ebb for the last couple of months with not a single day passed without a terror incident.

Target killings of police security personnel, kidnapping of govt officials, and attacks on police and security forces in six southern districts of the province have become routine.

Last week, Gandapur emphasised the importance of dialogue, stating, If my request is not granted, I, as the chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, will personally lead a delegation of tribal elders to Afghanistan for talks with the interim government. He stressed that peace in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was closely tied to the security situation in neighbouring Afghanistan.

Gandapur had also called for a clear policy to combat militancy in the region and announced plans to convene the provincial apex committee to discuss the issue.

He also criticised the federal government, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, for what he described as its failure to deliver on promises of development for the recently merged tribal districts.
London, Sep 12 (AP) An animal rights group trying to get real fur out of the bearskin caps worn by King's Guards at Buckingham Palace took aim Thursday at the cost of the ceremonial garb.

The price of the caps soared 30% in a year to more than 2,000 pounds ($2,600) apiece for the hats made of black bear fur, the Ministry of Defence said in response to a freedom of information request by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).

Stop wasting taxpayer pounds on caps made from slaughtered wildlife and switch to faux fur today, the group said in a statement.

A luxury fake fur maker has offered to supply the army with free faux bear fur for 10 years, PETA said.

The military said it was open to exploring alternatives if they pass muster in durability, water protection and appearance. But "no alternative has met all those criteria to date, a ministry spokesperson said in a statement.

The distinctive tall black hats, worn by guards in bright scarlet tunics, are seen by millions who watch the regular changing of the guard ceremony at the palace. They also appear at other royal events including the annual Trooping the Colour ceremony honouring the monarch's birthday in June.

The cost of the caps rose from 1,560 pounds ($2,035) each in 2022 to 2,040 pounds ($2,660) in 2023, the ministry said. More than 1 million pounds ($1.3 million) was spent on them in the past decade.

The price went up because of a contract change for fur that comes from bears killed in licensed hunts in Canada, the military said. Each cap requires one bear pelt, PETA said.

PETA, which has been pushing for more than two decades to scrap the fur hats, said each cap requires one bear pelt. The group claimed that the defence department is propping up the cruel Canadian bear-hunting industry.

The ministry denied that charge and said if it stopped buying the pelts, it would not reduce the numbers of bears being killed.

Parliament debated the issue in July 2022 after an online petition with more than 100,000 signatures called for using fake fur in the caps.

This hunting involves the violent killing of bears, with many bears being shot several times, Martyn Day, then a Scottish National Party member of Parliament, said at the time. It seems undeniable, therefore, that by continuing to purchase hats made from the fur of black bears the MOD is funding the suffering of bears in Canada by making the baiting and killing of those animals and the sale of their pelts a profitable pursuit for the hunters.

Day said a poll at the time found 75% of the UK population found real bearskins were a bad use of taxpayer money and supported replacing the hats.

He noted that the late Queen Elizabeth II had ceased buying fur for her wardrobe.

Earlier this year, Queen Camilla, wife of King Charles III, pledged to buy no more fur products. (AP) SCY

SCY
Geneva, Sep 12 (PTI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday dismissed the argument that there was no need for another club called the BRICS, and said he was struck by the insecurity in the developed world over the grouping.

During a conversation with Ambassador Jean-David Levitte at Global Centre for Security Policy, a think tank, here, Jaishankar said if the G7 can exist when there is the G20, there is no reason why BRICS cannot.

Accounting for 27 per cent of global GDP, BRICS was founded by Brazil, Russia, India and China; later South Africa joined it, and in January 2024, five new countries  Iran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, UAE and Ethiopia --joined the bloc.

Why the club? Because there was another club! It was called the G7 and you will not let anybody else into that club. So, we go and form our own club, Jaishankar told to a loud cheer from the audience.

I'm still struck by how insecure the North is when you speak about the bricks. Somehow, something seems to get under people's skin, he said.

Here's an observation. There is a G20, did the G7 disband? Has it stopped meeting? No, it still continues. So, the G20 exists, but the G7 still exists. Then, why can't the G20 be there and the BRICS also exist? he asserted to another round of loud applause.

Jaishankar explained how the BRICS started and how it gained the life of its own over a period of time as others saw value in it as well.

It's actually a very interesting group, because, if you look at it, typically, any club or any group has either a geographical contiguity or some common historical experience, or, you know, very strong economic connect, he said.

Earlier, he also answered questions about the Global South, its meaning for India, if it is like non-alignment, or what does multi-alignment mean.

"The countries of the Global South, most of them are decolonised countries. Most of them are developing countries. They have today in them income levels, they have positions, they have geographies which kind of define them, he explained.

He termed it as an intuitive gathering of countries who actually know why they are in that room, and they have a feel for each other,he said.

But I would differentiate between that and multi-alignment, because the multi-alignment issue is much more a policy perspective of countries who see in their diplomacy the need to have greater freedom of choices and to exercise those choices when when required to do so by their national interest.

Stating that any country would not want any one issue or any set of partners to really exclude others, the minister said, So there is that open architecture, you can say, of the foreign policy there, and it's the countries who are more active, countries who, in a way, have to bridge these divides more often.

Earlier, Jaishankar reached here after a two-day visit to Germany.
Islamabad, Sep 12 (PTI) A Pakistani high court on Thursday asked the government to clarify the uncertainty surrounding the possible military trial of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan.

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) was hearing a petition filed to prevent Khans possible military custody and trial over his involvement in the May 9, 2023 violence in which supporters of his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party allegedly attacked military installations following his arrest.

The court raised concerns over the potential trial of a civilian in a military court, emphasising that the issue is a matter of serious concern for both the petitioner and the judiciary.

During the hearing, Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb asked Assistant Attorney General Azmat Bashir Tarar to seek directions from the Attorney Generals office over the issue and provide a clear response to the court.

You are saying there is no case now, but could there be one later? the judge asked, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the matter.

The court adjourned the hearing until September 16, giving the federal government time to submit its response.

PTI in a WhatsApp message also confirmed that the IHC ordered the government to file a reply on possible military trial of Imran Khan by Sep 16.

If the government denies any plans for a military trial, the petition will be rendered moot. However, if such a trial is under consideration, the court will proceed to hear and decide the case.

The 71-year-old PTI party founder has been in jail since August last year after being convicted in some of the nearly 200 cases slapped on him since his ouster in April 2022.

Various government officials have been indicating about holding the military trial of Khan, but any such decision will depend on the final judgment of the Supreme Court.
Miami, Sep 12 (AP) The percent of US residents who were foreign-born last year grew to its highest level in more than a century, according to figures released Thursday from the most comprehensive survey of American life.

The share of people born outside the United States increased in 2023 to 14.3 per cent from 13.9 per cent in 2022, according to estimates from the US Census Bureau's annual American Community Survey, which tracks commuting times, internet access, family life, income, education levels, disabilities, military service, and employment, among other topics.

International migrants have become a primary driver of population growth this decade, increasing their share of the overall population as fewer children are being born in the US compared to years past.

The rate of the foreign-born population in the United States hasn't been this high since 1910 when it was 14.7 per cent, driven by waves of people emigrating in search of a better life around the end of the 19th century and the start of the 20th century.

We knew that here you can have savings, live well. Here you can have normal services such as water and electricity," said Luciana Bracho, who moved legally to Miami from Venezuela as part of a humanitarian parole program with her boyfriend, parents and brother in April 2023. "I like Miami and the opportunities that I have had.

In 2023, international migrants accounted for more than two-thirds of the population growth in the United States, and so far this decade they have made up almost three-quarters of US growth.

The growth of people born outside the US appears to have been driven by people coming from Latin America, whose share of the foreign-born population increased year-over-year to 51.2 per cent from 50.3 per cent, according to the estimates. Latin America was the only world region of origin to experience an increase among those US residents born in another country, as the share of foreign-born residents from Europe and Asia dropped slightly.

Nicole Diaz, a Venezuelan opposition activist, left after receiving threats to her life and lived in Peru and Ecuador before moving to the Miami area legally in February 2023 with her husband and 9-year-old daughter.

Diaz described herself as 100 percent happy living in South Florida, where they pay USD 2,300 a month for a two-bedroom apartment.

After being in different countries, working here is relaxed, despite the language, Diaz said. But housing is very expensive, and we have been evaluating moving to another state because here all the salary goes for the rent."

Among the states with the largest year-over-year bumps in the foreign-born population was Delaware, going to 11.2 per cent from 9.9 per cent; Georgia, to 11.6 per cent from 10.7 per cent; and New Mexico, to 10.2 per cent from 9.3 per cent. The share of the foreign-born population dropped slightly in the District of Columbia, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota and Oregon.

The Census Bureau figures don't distinguish whether people are in the United States legally or illegally. Illegal immigration has become a contentious topic in the 2024 presidential race, even as illegal border crossings from Mexico plunged this summer after reaching a record last December.

The rate of US residents who identify as Hispanic, no matter what race, jumped last year to 19.4 per cent from 19.1 per cent in the previous year, according to the survey. At the same time, those who identify as non-Hispanic white alone dropped from 57.7 per cent to 57.1 per cent. The share of US residents who identify as Black alone dropped slightly, from 12.2 per cent to 12.1 per cent, and it increased slightly for those who identify as Asian alone from 5.9 per cent to 6 per cent.

Residents in the United States continued to get older, as the median age increased from 39 in 2022 to 39.2 in 2023. The nation's aging is taking place as a majority of baby boomers have become senior citizens and Millennials are entering middle age.

While the share of children under age 18 remained steady at 21.7 per cent year-over-year, the share of senior citizens age 65 and over increased to 17.7 per cent from 17.3 per cent. (AP) NPK

NPK
Petushki (Russia), Sep 12 (AP) Three lawyers who once represented the late opposition leader Alexei Navalny went on trial Thursday in Russia, part of the Kremlin's unrelenting crackdown on dissent that has reached levels unseen since Soviet times.

Vadim Kobzev, Igor Sergunin and Alexei Liptser were arrested in October 2023 on charges of involvement with extremist groups, as Navalny's networks were deemed by authorities.

The case was widely seen as a way to increase pressure on the opposition to discourage defense lawyers from taking political cases.

At the time, Navalny already was serving a 19-year prison term on several criminal convictions, including extremism. That charge stemmed from a 2021 ruling that outlawed his organizations  the Foundation for Fighting Corruption and a network of regional offices  as extremist groups.

That ruling, which exposed anyone involved with the organizations to prosecution, was condemned by Kremlin critics as politically motivated and designed to stifle Navalny's activities.

According to Navalny's allies, authorities accused the lawyers of using their position to pass information from him to his team.

Navalny, an anti-corruption campaigner and outspoken opponent of President Vladimir Putin, was arrested in 2021 upon his return from Germany, where he was recuperating from a nerve agent poisoning he blamed on the Kremlin. He was ordered to serve 2 1/2 years in prison.

After two more trials, his sentence was extended to 19 years. He and his allies said the charges were politically motivated and accused the Kremlin of seeking to jail him for life.

In December 2023, Navalny was moved from a penal colony in the Vladimir region east of Moscow to one above the Arctic Circle, where he died in February at the age of 47 under still-unexplained circumstances. His widow Yulia Navalnaya and members of his team alleged he was killed on orders by the Kremlin.

Officials have rejected the accusations.

The trial of the three lawyers, who face up to six years in prison, also is taking place in the Vladimir region, in the town of Petushki, about 100 kilometers (60 miles) east of Moscow. The court refused a request to hold the proceedings in the capital, where the three were held in pre-trial detention.

Russian media and rights activists reported in June that the three were transferred to a detention center in the Vladimir region.

The judge in the Petushki District Court on Thursday ordered the proceedings closed to the public, overruling objections from defense attorneys. Before the session was closed, the three appeared in a defendants' cage in the courtroom.

Two other Navalny lawyers, Olga Mikhailova and Alexander Fedulov, are on a wanted list but no longer live in Russia. Mikhailova, who had defended him for a decade, said she was charged in absentia with extremism.

For many Russian political prisoners, regular visits from lawyers  especially in remote regions  are a lifeline that keeps their loved ones informed about their well-being, as well as enabling them to push back against abuse by prison officials.

Kobzev, Liptser and Sergunin have been deemed to be political prisoners, according to human rights advocates from Memorial, Russia's most prominent rights group that won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2022. The group demands their immediate release. (AP) NPK

NPK
Tehran, Sep 12 (AP) Iran's government on Thursday summoned the envoys of Britain, France, Germany and the Netherlands over their accusations that Tehran supplied short-range ballistic missiles to Russia to use against Ukraine.

State-run IRNA news agency reported that the country's foreign ministry summoned the envoys separately on Thursday to strongly condemn the accusations.

IRNA said the ministry also condemned Britain, France, and Germany for issuing a joint statement against Iran and called it an unconventional and non-constructive statement."

The joint statement, issued Tuesday, condemned the alleged transfer of missiles, calling it an escalation by both Iran and Russia" and a direct threat to European security.

The three countries also announced new sanctions against Iran, including the cancellation of air services agreements with Iran, which will restrict Iran Air's ability to fly to the UK and Europe.

IRNA said that Iran's foreign ministry told the envoys that their insistence on taking such positions is seen as part of the West's ongoing hostile policy against the Iranian people. The actions will be met with an appropriate response from the Islamic Republic of Iran.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said this week that Iran had ignored warnings that the transfer of such weapons would be a profound escalation of the conflict.

He told reporters during a trip to London that dozens of Russian military personnel had been trained in Iran to use the Fath-360 close-range ballistic missile system, which has a maximum range of 75 miles (120 km). (AP) SCY

SCY
ISLAMABAD, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan remains dedicated to advancing regional development and security through its active participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), said Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday.

Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, spokesperson for Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, told a weekly media briefing that Pakistan believes that the SCO is an important organization that can make significant contributions to the development and security of the region.

Baloch emphasized Pakistan's belief in the SCO's potential for fostering regional cooperation, saying "Pakistan believes that the SCO is an important organization that can make significant contributions to the development and security of this region."

The spokesperson said that Pakistan always "remain committed to working within the context of the SCO to find solutions that can bring prosperity to this region."

"We believe the most important aspect on which the countries of the region can cooperate is in the domain of economy and connectivity," said the spokesperson, adding that Pakistan had put forward several proposals aimed at enhancing connectivity and economic cooperation within the framework of the SCO.

Responding to a question about a significant increase of Pakistan's frozen orange juice exports to China, the official said Pakistan and China had committed themselves to enhance bilateral trade and economic ties, including the domain of agriculture.

"We are encouraged with the recent trends of enhanced trade, and we hope that this trade in agriculture will continue to increase," added the spokesperson.

Pakistan joined the SCO in 2017. 
Karachi, Sep 12 (PTI) A minor Hindu girl has been abducted and forcibly married off to an elderly man who converted her to Islam in Pakistan's Sindh province, the community members said on Thursday.

The matter came to light just a day after another minor Hindu girl, who was kidnapped from Hyderabad, was handed back to her family on the orders of a court on Wednesday after a year-long ordeal.

Shiva Faqir Kaachi, who heads the Pakistan Darawar Ittehad organisation, said the 16-year-old girl was abducted from her village in Hunguru on Wednesday and forcibly married off to a much older man who converted her to Islam.

The girl was taken to a seminary near the Samura area and married off. When the parents went to the seminary on Thursday to see her, the cleric refused to let them in," Kaachi said.

"It has now become a regular occurrence for Hindu families to see their young daughters and sisters forcibly taken away and converted to be married off to Muslim men in these places, he said.

On Wednesday, a sessions court in Hyderabad ordered a teenage girl to be reunited with her family after she was abducted from Hyderabad, converted and then married off to a Muslim man last year.

Kaachi noted that since most Hindu families in Pakistan are poor, their women are easy targets and when they are abducted, their families face significant challenges in securing their return due to a lack of support from the system.

He said his organisation, which represents the Hindu community, will pursue a legal recourse to recover the abducted teenage girl.

How long it will take, no one knows. But we will continue to fight this injustice and crime, Kaachi said.

In a similar incident, a Hindu girl, who was abducted just three days after her marriage, grabbed headlines in January 2022. She was allegedly converted to Islam and married to a Muslim man but she managed to escape after 14 months. The police brought her home but after a few months, she was abducted again and is yet to be recovered.
Ahmedabad, Sep 12 (PTI) Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has completed three years on the post, having taken oath on September 13, 2021 and then being sworn in again after the BJP's landslide victory in the 2022 assembly polls.

An official release said Patel had completed "three years of good governance in Gujarat" by "consistently advanced the development journey initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi".

Under the leadership of Patel, an MLA from Ghatlodia assembly seat in Ahmedabad city, Gujarat achieved significant milestones, including the successful hosting of G20 meetings and 10th edition of Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, it said.

"The state is now on the path to becoming a hub for semiconductors and renewable energy. Over these three years, CM Patel has introduced 11 key policies, further cementing Gujarat's status as a policy-driven state. In three years of dedicated service, he and his 'Team Gujarat' have spurred rapid growth across all sectors," the release said.

The key projects include launch of Gujarat Atmanirbhar Policy, Gujarat Biotechnology Policy, as well as those related to IT/ITes, sports, drone and semiconductors, the release said.
Thane, Sep 12 (PTI) Police have arrested a 34-year-old Nigerian national for alleged drug trafficking after seizing mephedrone valued at Rs 1.65 lakh from his possession in Maharashtra's Thane district, an official said on Thursday.

Acting on a tip-off from an informer, the police set up a trap near a hospital in Mumbra area and apprehended the accused when he arrived there on a motorcycle on September 8, senior police inspector Anil Shinde said.

The police seized 55 gm of mephedrone from his possession, he said, adding the accused was booked under provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.



The accused, identified as Ifuni Genika Mike, was a resident of Kharghar area of neighbouring Navi Mumbai township.

He has a history of drug-related offenses, with multiple cases filed against him under the NDPS Act in Mumbai, the official said.



The police were trying to find out from where the accused sourced the drugs and to whom he planned to sell them.



So far this year, the Mumbra police's NDPS unit has taken action against 425 individuals involved in drug consumption and made 21 arrests, seizing narcotics of Rs 1.39 crore, the official said.
Itanagar, Sep 12 (PTI) Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Thursday criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his recent remark advocating abolition of reservations.

Gandhi made the remark during a discussion with students and faculty members of Georgetown University in Washington DC on Tuesday.

The Leader of the Opposition faced backlash for saying the Congress would "end reservation" when India is a fair place.

"Rahul Gandhi and the Congress have consistently undermined national unity and security. From supporting divisive agendas in J&K to making anti-India statements abroad, their actions have repeatedly threatened the nation's integrity," Khandu posted on X.

Khandu said that Gandhis recent remarks on abolishing reservations further expose the Congress's long-standing opposition to inclusive policies.

"The Congress, unable to challenge Modi Ji electorally, seems to have aligned with forces that seek to destabilise India. Its crucial to stand firm against such attempts and safeguard the nation's core values," the chief minister said in the micro-blogging site.

Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on Gandhi over his remarks.

"Standing with forces that conspire to divide the country and making anti-national statements have become a habit for Rahul Gandhi and the Congress. Whether it is supporting the JKNC's anti-national and anti-reservation agenda in J&K or making anti-India statements on foreign platforms, Rahul Gandhi has always threatened the nation's security and hurt sentiments," Shah posted on X.

"I want to tell Rahul Gandhi that as long as the BJP is there, neither can anyone abolish reservations nor can anyone mess with the nation's security," Shah added.

Issuing a clarification on his earlier remarks, Gandhi said he is not against reservation, and his party will take reservation beyond 50 per cent if they come to power.
Ranchi, Sep 12 (PTI) Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren will release the second instalment of Rs 1,000 through direct benefit transfer to accounts of around 45 lakh women beneficiaries of the JMMSY scheme on the eve of the 'Karam' festival on Friday, an official said.

The second instalment amount will be credited to the bank accounts of the Jharkhand Mukhyamantri Maiyan Samman Yojana beneficiaries from a programme at Luguburu-Ghantabari, a religious place of tribals in Bokaro district.

The first instalment under the scheme was released between August 18 and September 4.

Altogether 48,15,048 women have been registered under the scheme till date, while 45,36,597 have been covered with financial assistance, according to an official communique.

Earlier, the scheme was for women in the age group of 21 to 49 years.

After the recent approval from the Jharkhand cabinet, the process of linking women in the age group of 18 and 20 years with the scheme has been initiated, it stated.
New Delhi, Sep 12 (PTI) As per information provided to New Delhi by the Israeli side, "most of the companies" from that country are "satisfied" with the working of the Indian workers employed there in the recent months, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Thursday.

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said this here in response to a question related to a media report citing some issues associated with recruitment of the Indian workers for employment in Israel.

The report on Tuesday claimed faulty selection under a bilateral jobs scheme under which the Indians would be taken to Israel to work in the construction sector after over one lakh Palestinian workers were banned in the wake of the Hamas attack of October 7 last year.

"We have seen some reports recently. Under the Government-to-Government agreement 4,800 Indians have travelled to Israel in recent months. And as per information that has been provided to us by the Israeli side, most of the Israeli companies are satisfied with the working of the Indian workers," the MEA spokesperson said.

Citing data from the Israeli Embassy, the report claimed that around 5,000 workers each have been recruited through two "pathways": Government-to-Government (G2G) handled by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and Business-to-Business (B2B) through private agencies 'overseen' by the MEA.

Jaiswal said the report claiming B2B arrangements is being 'overseen' by the MEA is "factually not correct".

"Since, we are referring to a particular media report, I would like it say here and clarify that this particular media report mentions that B2B arrangements is being overseen by the MEA, this is factually not correct. Overall, Indian workers are satisfied and Israeli companies are satisfied with this arrangement," he said.

According to NSDC, the Population, Immigration and Border Authority (PIBA) has put in a request across four specific job roles: Framework, Iron Bending, Plastering and Ceramic Tiling.

"I would also like to let you know that the process, the recruitment process of these Indian workers who travelled to Israel, their testing of skills, suitability, all this is decided by the Israeli side themselves. Their agency, PIBA, came here for the recruitment, looked at all these issues," the MEA spokesperson said.

Further, when Indian workers travel to Israel, they have to "undergo pre-induction training, do some professional tests so that they are able to undertake their professional requirements", he added.

"We are given to understand that some Indian workers faced some language issues, some communication-related matters, but we understand that these have now been resolved," Jaiswal said.

And these are "teething issues" that happen when you have a new initiative, the MEA spokesperson told reporters.

"This is our understanding. And, as per our infirmation, those initial issues, teething issues have now been resolved. I would also like to point it out to you the detailed response which have been put out by the National Skill Development Corporation on this issue. As also, the Israeli Embassy has put out or responded in this matter, so, if you could look out at that," he said.
Chandigarh, Sep 12 (PTI) In a major administrative reshuffle, the Punjab government on Thursday transferred and issued new posting orders for 38 IAS officers, including 10 deputy commissioners.

According to an order, IAS officer Showkat Ahmad Parray has been posted as deputy commissioner (DC), Bathinda in place of Jaspreet Singh who goes as state transport commissioner.

Sakshi Sawhney has been posted as DC, Amritsar in place of Ghanshyam Thori who takes charge as special secretary, health while Preeti Yadav has been posted as DC, Patiala.

Jitendra Jorwal will be DC, Ludhiana and Deepshikha Sharma has been posted as DC, Ferozepur, replacing Rajesh Dhiman who has been given the charge of DC, SBS Nagar.

Sandeep Rishi has been posted as DC, Sangrur while Amarpreet Kaur Sidhu has been given the charge of DC, Fazilka replacing Senu Duggal who goes as managing director of Sugarfed.

Himanshu Jain has been posted as DC, Roopnagar while Sona Thind has been given the charge of DC, Fatehgarh Sahib, as per the order.

Senior IAS officer Anindita Mitra has been posted as secretary, cooperation. Earlier, Mitra was posted as Commissioner, Chandigarh Municipal Corporation.

Vinay Pratap has been posted as additional chief secretary (ACS), excise while Alok Shekhar, who is ACS Jail, has been given an additional charge of animal husbandry, dairy development and fisheries.

Krishan Kumar, who holds the charge of principal secretary water resources, has been given additional charge of financial commissioner Taxation .

Gurpreet Singh Khaira has been given the charge of special secretary, local government while Apneet Riyait has been posted as special secretary, housing and urban development.

Varjeet Walia has been posted as additional principal secretary to the chief minister.
New Delhi, Sep 12 (PTI) Low-cost airline SpiceJet moved the Supreme Court on Thursday, challenging a Delhi High Court verdict grounding three of its aircraft engines for defaulting on payments to lessors.

A bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud asked the counsel for the airline to send an e-mail seeking an urgent hearing of its plea against the high court verdict of September 11.

"Please circulate the e-mail," the CJI said.

A division bench of the Delhi High Court held that the carrier had violated an agreed interim arrangement for payment of dues and upheld an order of a single judge bench asking the low-cost airline to ground the three engines for defaulting on the payments.

The single judge bench of the high court had on August 14 directed SpiceJet to ground three engines by August 16 and hand them over to their lessors -- Team France 01 SAS and Sunbird France 02 SAS.
Chennai, Sep 12 (PTI) The Madras High Court on Thursday said the report of the Tamil Nadu State Legal Services Authority (TNSLSA) relating to the alleged sexual abuse of girls at a fake NCC camp in the state's Krishnagiri district was 'shocking'.

The first bench comprising Acting Chief Justice D Krishnakumar and Justice P B Balaji made the observation while hearing a Public Interest Litigation filed by Advocate A P Suryaprakasam, seeking to transfer the investigation into the incident from Krishnagiri police to the CBI.

After perusing the report, the court said the TNSLSA in its report stated that one of the instructors present in the two-day fake NCC camp showed weapons (gun) and threatened the students not to reveal anything about the inciden to anyone. The main accused, the deceased Sivaraman threatened the boys that he would cut their little finger, if they reveal anything as to what happened in the camp. All happened inside the school premises, Moreover. the organisers conducted a campfire inside the school on two occasions, mingled with the students and Sivaraman moved freely with them, the bench added.



Earlier, the bench directed the TNSLSA to visit the school, interact with the students, parents and the teachers, besides the school management. Accordingly, the TNSLSA visited the school, interacted with the concerned and filed a report.

Earlier, Additional advocate general J Ravindran submitted that as per the directive of the court, the government had issued show cause notice to the school and since the reply was not satisfactory, the Krishnagiri District Educational Officer has recommended to the Director of Private Schools to appoint a Special Officer to administer the school. The officer will be appointed in a week or two, he added.

He said an interim compensation was also paid to the victim girls through Fast Track Mahila Court.

Advocate general P S Raman said the accused Sivaraman committed suicide by consuming rat poison. The school Principal and Correspondent had been arrested earlier. Show cause notices will be issued to three schools, where fake NCC camps were conducted and action will be taken, he added.

Suryaprakasam submitted that whether Sivaraman committed suicide or not was to be thoroughly investigated. The whole matter needs a thorough probe. The students should be given free medical treatment in a private hospital. An "ex-gratia" amount should be given to the victim girls, he added.

The bench posted to September 19, further hearing of the case.
Bengaluru, Sep 12 (PTI) Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have developed a brain-inspired analog computing platform capable of storing and processing data in an astonishing 16,500 conductance states within a molecular film.



Published on September 11 in the journal Nature, this breakthrough represents a huge step forward over traditional digital computers in which data storage and processing are limited to just two states, the IISc said.



In a press release, the institute said that such a platform could potentially bring complex AI tasks, like training Large Language Models (LLMs), to personal devices like laptops and smartphones, thus taking us closer to democratising the development of AI tools. These developments are currently restricted to resource-heavy data centres, due to a lack of energy-efficient hardware. With silicon electronics nearing saturation, designing brain-inspired accelerators that can work alongside silicon chips to deliver faster, more efficient AI is also becoming crucial.



Neuromorphic computing has had its fair share of unsolved challenges for over a decade, explained Sreetosh Goswami, Assistant Professor at the Centre for Nano Science and Engineering (CeNSE), IISc, who led the research team. With this discovery, we have almost nailed the perfect system  a rare feat," he said.

According to IISc, the fundamental operation underlying most AI algorithms is quite basic  matrix multiplication, a concept taught in high school maths. But in digital computers, these calculations hog a lot of energy. The platform developed by the IISc team drastically cuts down both the time and energy involved, making these calculations a lot faster and easier.





The molecular system at the heart of the platform was designed by Sreebrata Goswami, Visiting Professor at CeNSE. As molecules and ions wiggle and move within a material film, they create countless unique memory states, many of which have been inaccessible so far. Most digital devices are only able to access two states (high and low conductance), without being able to tap into the infinite number of intermediate states possible.



By using precisely timed voltage pulses, the IISc team found a way to effectively trace a much larger number of molecular movements, and map each of these to a distinct electrical signal, forming an extensive molecular diary of different states. This project brought together the precision of electrical engineering with the creativity of chemistry, letting us control molecular kinetics very precisely inside an electronic circuit powered by nanosecond voltage pulses, explained Goswami.



"Tapping into these tiny molecular changes allowed the team to create a highly precise and efficient neuromorphic accelerator, which can store and process data within the same location, similar to the human brain. Such accelerators can be seamlessly integrated with silicon circuits to boost their performance and energy efficiency," the IISc said.



IISc researchers said the key challenge that the team faced was characterising the various conductance states, which proved impossible using existing equipment. The team designed a custom circuit board that could measure voltages as tiny as a millionth of a volt, to pinpoint these individual states with unprecedented accuracy.



It also turned this scientific discovery into a technological feat. The team was able to recreate NASAs iconic Pillars of Creation image from the James Webb Space Telescope data  originally created by a supercomputer  using just a tabletop computer. They were also able to do this at a fraction of the time and energy that traditional computers would need.



Using their AI accelerator, the team recreated NASAs iconic Pillars of Creation image from the James Webb Space Telescope data on a tabletop computer  achieving this in a fraction of the time and energy required by traditional systems, it said.

The team includes several students and research fellows at IISc. They also collaborated with Stanley Williams, Professor at Texas A&M University and Damien Thompson, Professor at the University of Limerick, it added.





The researchers believe that this breakthrough could be one of Indias biggest leaps in AI hardware, putting the country on the map of global technology innovation. Navakanta Bhat, Professor at CeNSE and an expert in silicon electronics led the circuit and system design in this project. What stands out is how we have transformed complex physics and chemistry understanding into groundbreaking technology for AI hardware, Goswami explained.



In the context of the India Semiconductor Mission, this development could be a game-changer, revolutionising industrial, consumer and strategic applications. The national importance of such research cannot be overstated," he said.



With support from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, the IISc team is now focused on developing a fully indigenous integrated neuromorphic chip. This is a completely home-grown effort, from materials to circuits and systems, he emphasised.



We are well on our way to translating this technology into a system-on-a-chip," he added.
HANGZHOU, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- The third Global Digital Trade Expo, scheduled from Sept. 25 to 29 in Hangzhou, capital of east China's Zhejiang Province, will be powered entirely by green electricity.

The expo venue, the Hangzhou Grand Convention and Exhibition Center, has completed the purchase of 2,350 green certificates, which correspond to 2.35 million kilowatt-hours of clean green electricity, equivalent to reducing carbon emissions by more than 1,500 tonnes, according to local electricity authorities.

In addition to the photovoltaic power purchased from northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the expo venue has also adopted building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) technology.

The 3,356 cadmium telluride solar panels installed on its roof can generate 730,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, equivalent to the total annual electricity consumption for lighting in the basement and above-ground offices of the exhibition center.

Green electricity refers to electricity with zero or near-zero carbon dioxide emissions during its production process. This is crucial for a company's journey to achieving carbon neutrality, and for the transformation and upgrading of the entire industry. Buyers of green electricity also obtain green certificates.

Launched in 2022, the expo will feature Kazakhstan and Thailand as guests of honor this year. Industrial activities related to artificial intelligence, low-altitude economy and digital healthcare will be included in the expo. 
Kochi, Sep 12 (PTI) In a groundbreaking achievement, researchers at the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) have successfully deciphered the genome of the Asian green mussel (Perna viridis), a discovery poised to revolutionise the understanding of this vital marine species.



This is the first-ever chromosome level genome sequencing of a marine invertebrate species from India.



Earlier, CMFRI had come out with a similar genome finding for Indian oil sardine.



The Asian green mussel, Kallummakkaya in local parlance, is an important aquaculture species in the family Mytilidae contributing substantially to molluscan aquaculture.



CMFRI's research found that the mussel's genome contains 723.49 Mb in size and is anchored into 15 chromosomes, according to a CMFRI release here on Thursday.



The research was published in the journal Scientific Data by Nature Group.



"The development will be a game-changer in boosting sustainable mussel aquaculture in the country, as this research will help gain insights into its growth, reproduction and disease resistance", said Dr Grinson George, Director of CMFRI.



The findings will benefit the aquaculture sector by improving genomic selection and breeding practices, leading to enhanced productivity and resilience in fisheries, he added.



A team of researchers from CMFRI led by Principal Scientist Dr Sandhya Sukumaran carried out this study with funding support from the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), New Delhi.



The team includes Dr A Gopalakrishnan, V G Vysakh, Dr Wilson Sebastian, Dr Lalitha Hari Dharani, Dr Akhilesh Pandey, Dr Abishek Kumar and Dr J K Jena.



According to scientists, this will help develop new strategies to combat diseases in the mussel.



"Genomic investigations on this species are vital to understand genes, gene combinations and signaling pathways leading to the parasitic diseases, which constitute a major threat to Asian green mussel aquaculture in India causing substantial mortalities in farms," said Dr Sandhya Sukumaran.



According to the scientists, the genome assembly of green mussels will emerge as a valuable tool for exploring cancer mechanisms and developing new therapeutic strategies.



"A total of 49654 protein-coding genes were identified, including 634 genes associated with the cancer pathway and 408 genes associated with viral carcinogenesis. This indicates that this species is a novel model organism for cancer research," Sukumaran said.



This advancement promises to significantly enhance our understanding of cancer pathways and facilitate the discovery of novel treatments, she added.



Apart from its aquaculture prospects, Asian green mussels play a vital role as a bio-monitor as it is capable of accumulating heavy metals and other environmental pollutants in large quantities.



Understanding the genome assembly will provide valuable information about the genomic pathways involved in response to pollutants.



"The genetic markers to be developed from this research could be used to monitor pollutants in aquatic bodies, a significant milestone in safeguarding the aquatic environment," Sandhya said.



Scientists believe that the genome decoding of this species would enhance knowledge regarding the effect of environmental pollutants on biological systems, as this bivalve is adaptable to local environmental stressors like variations in pH, temperature, salinity and air exposure.
Hyderabad, Sep 12 (PTI) Foreign origin smuggled gold valued at over Rs 2.94 crore being carried in a car from Kolkata was seized near here and two persons were arrested in this connection, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) said on Thursday.

Acting upon specific intelligence regarding movement of smuggled foreign origin gold from Kolkata to Hyderabad, the officers of DRI seized the gold from the car on the outskirts of Hyderabad on September 11.

Investigation revealed that the smuggled gold was ingeniously concealed in two specially made cavities, a release from DRI's Hyderabad Zonal Unit said.

One secret cavity was on the left side of the driver seat below the dashboard and the other was on the frame of the trunk behind the car, it said.

Foreign origin gold weighing 3982.070 grams valued at Rs 2,94,55,372 was recovered.



The foreign origin gold along with the vehicle was seized and two persons travelling in the car were arrested under the provisions of the Customs Act 1962.





Investigation is under progress, the release added.
Bengaluru, Sep 12 (PTI) Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje on Thursday demanded an inquiry into the clashes between two groups during a Ganesh idol procession at Nagamangala town in Mandya district as she charged the Congress government with indulging in "appeasement politics."

She alleged that Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Congress are trying to "conspire against Hindus."

"In yesterday's incident in Nagamangala, Hindus were insulted, our Ganapati was insulted. stones were pelted, slippers were thrown. Shops were set ablaze, even then the state government is saying this is a small incident," Karandlaje said.

She demanded an immediate inquiry into the clashes and said NIA should also be involved in the probe. "Only then we will know the truth," the Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment added.

According to police, an argument broke out between two groups when the idol procession by devotees from Badarikoppalu village reached a place of worship and some miscreants threw stones.

Following the clashes between the two groups, a few shops were vandalised, goods torched and vehicles set on fire on Wednesday night, they added.

The situation is now under control and additional police forces have also been deployed in the town, police said.

Prohibitory orders have also been clamped in the town till September 14 as a precautionary measure, police said, adding, 52 people have been arrested in connection with the incidents.
He called me in a panic. He told me the video that I put on my blog had to be removed. I asked him why. He said, Did you listen to it? It made the praise team so Read morePracticing Faith: Sing to the Lord, no matter how it sounds
A Pakistani national arrested last week in Quebec who was plotting to carry out a mass shooting at Jewish targets in Brooklyn came to Canada on a student visa, Canadas Immigration Minister Marc Miller said Tuesday.

Miller said Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, 20, was granted a student visa in May 2023 and arrived in Toronto in June of that year. Miller said he wouldnt provide any more details since the case is before the courts.

Authorities in the U.S. 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 Oct. 7 attack by Hamas. Federal prosecutors described the alleged plan as an attempt to slaughter as many Jewish people as possible.

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, Miller said. 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.

Miller added that Canadas police forces did their jobs by arresting the individual and that well let the court case take its course.

Khan told uncover agents that he planned to carry out a coordinated assault with AR-style rifles at Israeli-Jewish chabads on October 7 or on Yom Kippur, which falls out on October 11 this year.

Earlier this year a man and his son were arrested for allegedly plotting to carry out a terror attack in Toronto.

The father, Ahmed Fouad Mostafa Eldidi, has Canadian citizenship but the son, Mostafa Eldidi, does not.

The father is also accused of committing an aggravated assault in 2015 for the benefit of the Islamic State group somewhere outside of Canada.

(AP & YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
President Biden briefly wore a red Trump 2024 hat during a visit to a fire station in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, on Wednesday, sparking a mix of reactions from supporters and critics.

Im proud of you now. said the Trump supporter who handed Biden the hat, according to video obtained by conservative influencer Benny Johnson.

Shortly after, Biden posed with a group of children donning pro-Donald Trump attire in a photo op at a Pennsylvania firehouse on Wednesday, September 11. The president appeared awkward as he stood in the middle of about 16 kids, many donning shirts in support of Trump.

The White House acknowledged the incident, saying that Biden wore the hat as a gesture of bipartisanship, following his remarks on the countrys unity after 9/11. At the Shanksville Fire Station, @POTUS spoke about the countrys bipartisan unity after 9/11 and said we needed to get back to that, said White House senior deputy press secretary Andrew Bates.

However, supporters of the Republican nominee were less than convinced with that explanation, with the Trump War Room account posting, Kamala did so bad in last nights debate, Joe Biden just put on a Trump hat.

The incident occurred in Somerset County, a heavily Republican area, where Biden had earlier participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the memorial to United Airlines Flight 93.

Ironically, during Tuesday nights debate, Trump mentioned sending a MAGA hat to Vice President Kamala Harris, saying, Everything that she believed three years ago and four years ago is out the window. Shes going to my philosophy now.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
North Korea fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles toward the sea on Thursday, its neighbors said, days after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un vowed to put his nuclear force fully ready for battle with its rivals.

South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff said it detected the missiles launched from North Koreas capital flying 360 kilometers (about 220 miles) before landing in the waters between the Korean Peninsula and Japan. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida instructed officials to ensure the safety of ships and aircraft, but there were no reports of damage.

The reported fight distances suggest the missiles were designed to attack targets in South Korea. In a trilateral phone talks, diplomats from South Korea, Japan and the U.S. condemned the launches that they said threatens regional and international peace. The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command separately reaffirmed that the U.S. security commitment to South Korea and Japan remains ironclad.

The launches were North Koreas first public weapons firing activities in more than two months. On July 1, North Korea claimed to have tested a new tactical weapon capable of delivering a super-large 4.5 ton-class warhead.

In a Monday speech marking his governments 76th foundation anniversary, Kim said he would redouble efforts to make his nuclear force fully ready for combat with the United States and its allies. Kim made such a pledge saying North Korea faces a grave threat because of what he called the reckless expansion of a U.S.-led regional military bloc.

Kim has made similar vows numerous times, but his latest threat came as outside experts believe North Korea could carry out a nuclear test explosion or long-range missile test-launches ahead of the U.S. presidential election in November to boost its leverage in future dealings with the U.S.

On Sunday, North Koreas state media published a photo of Kim inspecting a 12-axel vehicle that would be the the countrys biggest missile launch platform. That sparked speculation that the North could be developing a more powerful intercontinental ballistic missile designed to strike the U.S. mainland.

Commercial satellite images indicate that North Koreas northeastern nuclear test site incurred minor damage from heavy summer rains in recent weeks and that no notable recent work was detected at its tunnels, 38 North, a North Korea-focused website, said an analytical piece published Wednesday.

Thursdays launches also came after North Korea flew hundreds of huge balloons carrying rubbish toward South Korea for five straight days through Sunday.

Since 2022, North Korea has sharply ramped up its weapons testing activities in part of its efforts to perfect its capabilities to launch strikes on the U.S. and South Korea. The U.S. and South Korea have responded by expanding military drills that North Korea calls invasion rehearsals.

Last month, Kim had still held off from missile tests or other provocative military demonstrations as the United States and South Korea conducted large-scale summertime military exercises. North Korea has previously performed missiles tests to protest other major U.S.-South Korean military training.

Prior to the U.S.-South Korean exercises, Kim staged a big ceremony in Pyongyang to mark the delivery of 250 nuclear-capable missile launchers to frontline military units and called for a ceaseless expansion of his countrys nuclear program. The Aug. 4 event added to concerns about Kims pushes to deploy battlefield nuclear weapons along the tense border with South Korea.

(AP)
The United States and Britain pledged nearly $1.5 billion in additional aid to Ukraine on Wednesday during a visit to Kyiv by their top diplomats as Ukrainian officials renewed their pleas to use Western-provided missiles against targets deeper inside Russia.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced more than $700 million in humanitarian aid, while British Foreign Secretary David Lammy confirmed that his country would provide another $782 million in assistance and loan guarantees. Much of the effort was aimed at bolstering the energy grid that Russia has repeatedly pounded ahead of an expected difficult winter.

Blinken and Lammy traveled together to the Ukrainian capital on a rare joint tour to underscore their commitment to the country in its war. Air-raid sirens sounded repeatedly during the visit, causing delays in their schedule and forcing them to cancel a wreath-laying ceremony.

Blinken said he would bring the discussion with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy about the missiles back to Washington to brief the president. Blinken said U.S. President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will no doubt talk about the issue when they meet Friday in Washington.

Speaking for the United States, we have adjusted and adapted as needs have changed, as the battlefield has changed. And I have no doubt that well continue to do that as this evolves, Blinken told a news conference.

The diplomatic visit unfolded as Russias bigger and better-equipped army bears down on Ukraines eastern Donetsk region and conducts aerial attacks on cities across the country using missiles, glide bombs and drones that claim many civilian casualties.

Lammy said the 2 1/2-year conflict is at a critical juncture following Ukraines daring incursion last month into Russias Kursk region.

We convey the deepest condolences for the shocking attacks that we have seen, over the loss of civilian life, particularly women and children  horrific, barbaric, unbelievable, Lammy said.

But relations between Ukraine and its Western partners have been increasingly strained by Kyivs repeated appeals for the Wests authorization to use long-range weapons from the United States and other allies to strike targets deeper inside Russia.

That issue took on added urgency after Russias latest reported acquisition of ballistic missiles from Iran, but Western leaders have so far balked at Ukraines request, fearing that, if granted, it could escalate the war.

Biden has allowed Ukraine to fire U.S.-provided missiles across the border into Russia in self-defense, but has largely limited the distance they can be fired.

Zelenskyy said he hoped for changes to those limitations.

Lets count on some strong decisions, at least, he said. For us, its very important.

He said he hoped to speak to Biden later this month, noting that U.S. military and financial support is crucial.

We rely heavily on it, and frankly, we cant prevail without it, Zelenskyy said.

However, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin last week pushed back on the idea that long-range strikes would be a game-changer.

I dont believe one capability is going to be decisive, and I stand by that comment, Austin said at a meeting of allied military leaders in Germany. The Ukrainians have other means to strike long-range targets, he added.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal told Lammy he hoped an agreement on using long-range assets for strikes on the territory of our enemy could be reached. We hope for your help and support in this issue.

A hard winter likely lies ahead for Ukraine. Its power grid is under severe strain after Russian missiles and drones knocked out around 70% of the countrys generation capacity.

Kyiv officials will also have to navigate the outcome of the U.S. election in November, which could produce important policy shifts in Washington. Former President Donald Trump said in a presidential debate Tuesday that he wants the war to end but did not clearly say he wants Ukraine to win.

We remain committed to Ukraines victory, Blinken said. The bottom line is this: We want Ukraine to win.

Ukrainian officials politely sidestepped making any comment on the debate. Zelenskyy said he did not watch it, while Ukraines foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha, insisted U.S. policy was ultimately unlikely to change.

Yes, its clear that there will be a new president. But we believe, and are convinced, in the strong support of the American people, Sybiha said. We are firmly, firmly convinced that this support will continue.

The latest American aid package includes $325 million in energy support to help repair and restore Ukraines power generation facilities, provide emergency backup power for critical services and strengthen the physical security of energy infrastructure.

Some $290 million will fund food, water, shelter, health care and education programs for Ukrainians in need in the country and refugees outside the country. The remaining $102 million will be used for mine-removal work.

Late last week, the U.S. announced it would send $250 million more in weapons to Ukraine, including air-defense missiles and artillery.

Wednesdays visit was, unusually, announced in advance  a public signal of American and British support for Ukraine.

The British diplomats reached the Ukrainian capital by train from Poland. Blinken traveled from London, where he accused Iran of providing Russia with Fath-360 short-range ballistic missiles, calling the move a dramatic escalation of the war.

Referring to those missiles, Shmyhal added: Russias use of weapons from its terrorist allies to strike at Ukraine continues their genocidal war and terrorism on our territory. We must be able to respond to such terrorism in kind by destroying military targets on their territory to ensure greater safety for our citizens.

(AP)
YWN has provided its readers with the most up-to-date news and developments about the controversy over New York States efforts to closely regulate yeshiva education. We are pleased to provide you with the breaking news that the New York Court of Appeals will hear the yeshiva communitys challenge to the States regulations of yeshiva education.

Here is a brief recap: Shortly after the State Education Department adopted new regulations of yeshivas in September 2022, a coalition led by PEARLS challenged them in Albany Supreme Court. After a hearing in March 2023, Justice Christina Ryba declared significant parts of the regulations illegal and struck them from the law. The State appealed, and in late June a divided panel of the Appellate Division reversed Judge Rybas decision and reinstated the regulations.

That left the New York Court of Appeals as the only recourse to have the successful challenge to the regulations reinstated . PEARLS immediately filed a motion to have the case heard by the Court of Appeals, pointing out the legal and logical mistakes in the Appellate Division decision.

The Court of Appeals hears very few cases and rejects the overwhelming majority of requests to take a case.

This afternoon, PEARLS motion was granted. That means the parties will submit their briefs in the coming months, and the Court of Appeals will likely hear the case in early 2025.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Rasheed Morris, one of four suspects in the 2021 murder of Israeli tourist Efraim Gordon, was sentenced to life in prison with all but 40 years suspended on Thursday. Morris, who was 16 at the time of the crime, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder two years ago.

Gordon, 31, was visiting Baltimore for his cousins wedding when he was fatally shot on the front steps of his familys home in May 2021. Police say the murder was a robbery gone wrong.

Morris is the first of the four suspects to be sentenced. Two others, William Clinton III and Omarian Anderson, took plea deals and will return to court later this month. The fourth suspect, William Hollowman, was found guilty of first-degree murder and attempted robbery and will be sentenced in December.

Councilman Yitzy Schleifer on the 40-year sentence for Rasheed Morris in the murder of Efraim Gordon. It does bring some closure to the community.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, Sept. 12, 2024. (Xinhua/Yue Yuewei)

ABU DHABI, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang said here on Thursday that China is willing to further expand the scale of bilateral trade with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), explore cooperation in new energy, electric vehicles, high-end manufacturing, biomedicine, digital economy and other fields, jointly make a forward-looking layout of emerging industries and future industries, and cultivate more new economic growth points.

Li made the remarks when meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. 

Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, Sept. 12, 2024. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin)
Rabbi Yair Hoffman has just released a new sefer on the Weekly Parsha emphasizing integrity called, The Integrity Code on the Weekly Parsha. The Sefer has Haskamos from Rav Yisroel Dovid Harfenes Shlita, Rav Yitzchok Dovid Grossman shlita (of Migdar Ohr), and Rav Yaakov Feitman shlita.

The Sefer is available for $20 on Amazon at this link.

Boruch Hashem, a number of us have something called, Zchus Avos  which means the merit of our forefathers. The Gerrer Rebbe, Rav Yitzchok Meir Alter-Rothenberg (1799-1866), known as the Chiddushei HaRim, notes that there is something that can squander and negate our zchus avos  the merit of our forefathers.

What might be? he asks.

In the Torah we recite the words, Arami Oved Avi. The Chidushei HaRim explains that Arami means a ramai  someone who practices deceit and tells lies and falsehhods. He explains that the term Oved Avi means that he loses the merits of his fathers. He disconnects himself from the good actions that they, our illustrious fore-fathers have done, and from any benefit associated with their actions.

It would behoove us then to make every effort to realign ourselves on the straight and narrow path. The Sefer Chassidim (Chapter 647) also informs us that if we commit ourselves to integrity and honesty  then we will be enabled to keep all of the other of Hashems Mitzvos. This Sefer helps us along this path.

Order today by clicking here.

To subscribe to a weekly parsha sheet on Integrity and Emes  please send the author an email with the word subscribe in the subject line at [email protected]

To order the authors other Seforim click here.
Air France announced on Monday that it will continue suspending flights between Paris and Tel Aviv until October 15, and between Paris and Beirut until October 26, citing ongoing security concerns in the area, according to a company spokesperson.

Netanyahus Address at the State Ceremony to Mark One Year since the October 7 Massacre

Following is Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus address at the state ceremony to mark one year since the October 7 massacre [translated from Hebrew]:

Citizens of Israel,

A year ago, on October 7th, we were all hurled into a critical battle.

That day, a Saturday, the Sabbath and the holiday of Simchat Torah, will be etched in the history of our nation as a day of grief and loss, of unimaginable agony.

On that day, the Hamas monsters attacked our communities, our brothers and sisters, who are so dear to our hearts.

They murdered and kidnapped babies and children, adults and old people. They tortured, maimed, raped, burned and destroyed.

The memory of our citizens who were killed in the terrorist attack, and the memory of all the fallen heroes from the IDF and security forces, will be cherished forever.

On October 7th, we were all hurled into a critical battle, but we were not defeated. On the contrary, it is we who are acting to defeat and deter our enemies.

And, as we have often experienced in our history, it is in dark moments such as these that we exude our great inner power.

We rallied together to defend our country, our homeland. We mustered immense mental strength. We outlined the goals of the war and we are achieving them: toppling the rule of Hamas; bringing all the hostages home, the living and the deceased alikethis is a sacred mission and we will not stop until we complete it; eliminating any future threat from Gaza to Israel; and returning the residents of the south and the north safely to their homes.

We are doing this with solidarity unlike anything among the nations. When put to the test we proved, once again, that we are the Eternal People. A people that fights to bring light to this world, that aspires to spread good and eradicate evil. A people that rises like a lion, leaps up like a lion.

Every time my wife and I meet with our soldiers, our wounded, with bereaved families, we hear the same message over and over again: we mustnt stop the war prematurely. As long as the enemy threatens our existence and the peace of our country, we will continue to fight. As long as our hostages are still in Gaza, we will continue to fight. We will not forsake any of them. I will not give up. As long as our citizens have not returned to their homes safely, we will continue to fight.

We will continue to fight, and unitedwe will win. And when we win, not only for our sake but for the sake of future generations and for all humanity, we will rebuild the Tekuma region even bigger. When we hold onto the roots, the tree of life will grow back

.

Laly Derai, the mother of Saadia, who fell in battle said: Shadow is not darkness. Shadow is a sign that there is light from behind. Even if a mountain of grief obscures the light, we must all, as a nation, climb the mountain, because the light exists. We must always aim up, towards the light.

Citizens of Israel, my dear brothers and sisters,

Victory is the light. Victory guarantees eternity.

October 7th will symbolize for generations the cost of our revival, and for generations it will demonstrate how determined we are and how strong our spirit is.

Together we will continue to fight. And together, with Gods help we will win.

Am Yisrael Chai!
The office of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Tuesday evening excoriated International Criminal Court (ICC) Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan, who requested earlier on Tuesday to expedite arrest warrants with utmost urgency against Prime Minister Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.

The prosecutors request was submitted just weeks after the submission of positions in the case by dozens of entities and countries, about half of which  in both quantitative and qualitative terms  supported Israels arguments. However, Israeli officials still have significant concerns that the arrest warrants will be issued.

Netanyahus office stated: The comparison made by the Hague prosecutor between the Prime Minister and Israels Defense Minister, who are battling Hamass murderous terrorism per the laws of war, and the war criminal Sinwar, who executes Israeli hostages in cold blood, is pure antisemitism and a moral disgrace of the first order. Unfortunately, weve seen from the start that the processes in the Hague are politically biased and not based on any professional legal foundations.

Reuters reported in July that on May 20, the same day that Khan made a surprise request for warrants to arrest Netanyahu, Gallant, and Hamas leaders, he suddenly canceled a scheduled trip to Israel to collect evidence on the decision.

Reuters spoke to eight people with direct knowledge of the matter, who said that plans for the visit had been discussed for months with US officials. The trip was intended to allow Israeli officials to present their position regarding the allegation of war crimes and for Khan and his team to collect evidence. Apparently, Khan decided that he didnt need any evidence for his antisemitic claims.

In August, the Daily Telegraph reported that the organization UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI) threatened to charge Khan, a British lawyer, with professional misconduct. The organization sent a lengthy and detailed letter to Khan refuting all his accusations against Netanyahu and Gallnat and wrote detailed evidence proving his allegations false. The letter stressed that if Khan does not retract his request for the arrest warrants, which contain false information, he will have violated professional codes for English barristers and it will report him.

Earlier on Tuesday, Reshet Bet reported that nine months after filing a lawsuit against Israel in The Hague, South Africa is trying to postpone the deadline for the submission of evidence.

The postponement is related to the main proceedings in the International Court of Justice (ICJ), where South Africa claimed that Israel violated the Genocide Convention. South Africa is trying to buy time, understanding that it does not have enough evidence against Israel for its false claim.

In an interesting coincidence, both Khan and the president of the ICJ, Nawaf Salam, are Muslims.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
The IDF confirmed on Tuesday that an airstrike in December, targeting Hamas Gaza City Brigade Chief Ahmed An-Dur, unintentionally killed three Israeli hostages. This announcement, which had been hinted at by officials in the past, marks the first public acknowledgment of the tragic incident.

In December, the IDF revealed that they had recovered five bodies of hostages in Gaza, three of whom were later linked to the airstrike. Although the military initially withheld specific details, it had hinted that its airstrike might have been responsible for the deaths of the hostages, saying it would only confirm the details after a thorough forensic investigation.

On Monday night, Israeli media outlet Channel 12 reported that the military had informed the hostages families but had not yet released the findings to the public. By Tuesday morning, the IDF officially confirmed the incident.

The three hostages killed in the strikeElia Toledano, Nik Beizer, and Ron Shermanwere being held in a massive underground tunnel complex in northern Gaza, which the IDF described as a strategic stronghold for Hamas, complete with command centers, medical stations, and even rooms for weapons production.

Back in December, the IDF disclosed the discovery of five hostages bodies within the tunnel. However, the military only announced the recovery of two hostages bodiesEden Zechariah and Ziv Dadoon December 12. The subsequent discovery of the other three bodies was kept under wraps until the IDF completed its operations in the area, due to concerns that revealing more details would endanger forces still in the field. The entire tunnel complex was later destroyed by IDF forces using 13 tons of explosives.

The IDFs delayed announcement of the incident has drawn some criticism. While Channel 12 suggested a possible cover-up, the IDF disputed this characterization but did not provide a full explanation for the delay in releasing the findings to the public.

Hamas had previously released a video showing the three hostagesToledano, Beizer, and Shermanwhile they were in captivity. In the video, the hostages were seen holding pieces of paper with their names and personal details. Hamas claimed, they tried to keep them alive  but Netanyahu insisted on killing them, an accusation that was accompanied by visual effects simulating gunshots and blood.

Forensic investigations into the timing and circumstances of the hostages deaths are ongoing.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
U.S. Ambassador to Israel Jacob Lew made a private visit to the home of Harav Dov Landau shlita on Monday. During the meeting, Ambassador Lew conveyed a personal message from President Joe Biden, expressing the presidents opposition to Jewish visits to the Har Habayis.

The ambassador thanked the gadol hador for his ongoing efforts to maintain calm and prevent security escalations, particularly following recent tensions sparked by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvirs visit to the Har Habayis. Visits such as Ben-Gvirs are in violation of halacha according to all major contemporary poskim  a position Rav Dovid reaffirmed to Ambassador Lew. It was under Rav Dovs directive that the Hebrew-language Yated Neeman recently published an unusual headline in Arabic, condemning the visit and emphasizing its opposition.

Ben-Gvirs remarks during his visit, where he suggested that a shul should be built on the Har Habayis, further inflamed tensions. Many rabbanim and Charedi political party leaders and members were angered by the suggestion, which they viewed as exacerbating an already delicate situation.

Mondays meeting ended on a positive note, with Rav Dov wishing Ambassador Lew LShana Tova ahead of the upcoming new year.

This meeting between Ambassador Lew and Rav Dov was not their first. Upon his arrival in Israel, the ambassador visited the gadol to receive his a bracha.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Hamas has reaped at least half a billion dollars from humanitarian aid entering the Gaza Strip, according to a report by Channel 12 on Tuesday. Approximately 200 aid trucks enter Gaza daily, intended to provide relief to the civilian population. However, Channel 12s Almog Boker reported that the terror group has turned this aid into a key revenue stream by seizing the supplies and selling them to the local population, using the profits to fund recruitment and operations.

Its actually become the main oxygen pipeline for the terrorist organization, Boker said, noting that Hamas has added 3,000 terrorists to its payroll in northern Gaza through these illicit profits.

The revelation has sparked widespread condemnation in Israel from across the political spectrum, with public anger reignited following the murder of six Israeli hostages last week. Protest group Tzav 9 has led the charge against the Israeli governments decision to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, arguing that aid is directly benefiting Hamas. There is no logic in bringing the trucks directly to the hands of Hamas terrorists, the group said in a statement. No aid should go in until the last hostages return.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged Hamass exploitation of aid at a press conference on September 4, saying that while Israel has cut off other financial streams for Hamas, humanitarian aid remains a critical source of funds for the terror group. Were choking them. But theres one thing they have, which is the distribution of food, Netanyahu said. He accused Hamas of stealing aid, hoarding it, and selling it at inflated prices to Gazans.

While Netanyahu promised that Israel would eventually cut off Hamass ability to profit from humanitarian aid, he did not provide a timeline for when this would happen.

The Israeli government has faced pressure from the Biden administration to allow aid into Gaza. President Joe Biden had pledged that aid would stop if it fell into Hamass hands, but the U.S. continues to push for the flow of aid despite admitting that Hamas seizes a significant portion of it.

On June 14, the U.S. State Department sanctioned Tzav 9, calling it a violent extremist Israeli group for blocking and damaging humanitarian convoys. The State Department stated that the aid is crucial to preventing further humanitarian crises in Gaza.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has revealed a document, allegedly written by Rafaa Salameh, the former commander of Hamass Khan Younis Brigade, which provides an inside look into the current struggles of the terror group. The document, reportedly addressed to Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and his brother Muhammad, outlines the difficult situation facing Hamas.

In the letter, Salameh paints a bleak picture of the groups depleting resources and manpower. We maintain the remaining weapons and equipment, as we have lost 90-95% of our rocket capabilities; and we have lost some 60% of our personal weapons; we have lost at least 65-70% of our anti-tank launchers and rockets, and most importantly that we have lost at least 50% of our fighters between those who are martyred and wounded, and now we are left with 25%, the document states, according to excerpts translated and provided by the Israeli Defense Ministry.

Salameh goes on to highlight the declining morale among Hamas fighters, noting that the remaining members of the group are mentally and physically worn down. The last 25% of our people have reached a situation where the people do not tolerate them anymore, broken on a mental or physical level, he wrote.

Gallant emphasized that the document showcases the immense challenges Hamas is currently facing. This is a real hardship that affects Hamas and affects the most senior commanders, he said.

He also pointed out that Salameh, who was killed in an IDF strike in July, had been desperately seeking assistance from the Sinwar brothers. He cries out for the help of the Sinwar brothers, but of course, they cannot save him, Gallant remarked. He added, Why? Because we are continuing the effort that started in October and continues step by step and reaches all senior Hamas officials. He wrote this to the Sinwar brothers, we will get to them as well.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
The IDF and Shin Bet announced on Wednesday evening that two terrorists involved in the October 7 massacre were eliminated in a joint operation in Gaza last week.

One of the slain terrorists was Abdallah Abu Reala, a Hamas terrorist who was involved in the abduction of Cpl. Noa Mariciano, Hyd, who was later murdered in cold-blood by a doctor in Shifa Hospital.

Reala was also involved in carrying out attacks against IDF troops in Gaza throughout the war.

In a separate operation, another Israeli airstrike killed Ayman Abu Alhayani, a Nukhba terrorist who was involved in the October 7 attack near the Erez crossing

Another one of Marcianos captors was killed in an IDF strike in May.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
The Pentagon announced on Thursday that the USS Theodore Roosevelt is returning to the US after arriving in the Middle East in July due to concerns over the Iranian threat to Israel in response to the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.

The Washington Post reported that the Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, which arrived in the Gulf of Oman a few weeks ago, will remain in the area as a deterrent to Iran.

U.S. commanders in the Middle East claim that the presence of U.S. aircraft carriers and their accompanying warships is an effective deterrent in the Middle East, especially against Iran.

For several months earlier this year, the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower was deployed in the Red Sea to assist Israel and serve as a deterrent against the Houthis.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
The IDF said on Thursday that military forces rescued two Israeli civilians after their boat drifted into Lebanese waters.

Earlier today, a report was received about two Israeli civilians on a disabled civilian vessel that drifted into Lebanese waters, the IDF spokesperson said. Upon receiving the report, naval and air forces were deployed to the area.

After identifying and establishing contact with the vessel, the naval forces began a rescue operation and brought the civilian ship back to the sovereign waters of the State of Israel.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, attends a dialogue session between BRICS and Global South countries during the 14th meeting of the BRICS high-ranking officials responsible for security matters and national security advisors in St. Petersburg, Russia, Sept. 11, 2024. (Xinhua/Cao Yang)

ST. PETERSBURG, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- China welcomes more like-minded partners from the Global South to join the BRICS family, Wang Yi, director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, said on Wednesday here.

During a dialogue between BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) and Global South high-ranking officials responsible for security matters or national security advisors, Wang noted that the BRICS and the Global South countries share a wide range of common interests, adding that China supports BRICS in opening its doors for cooperation and invites more like-minded Global South partners to join the BRICS family to jointly promote open development, global governance and mutual understanding among civilizations.

The international security situation is becoming more complex, with non-traditional security concerns arising one after the other. People around the world have a stronger desire for peace and security, as well as an urgent appeal for unity and collaboration, Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said.

He said the cause of world peace and development requires the support and cooperation of all progressive forces. Since the start of the new century, the Global South has grown in strength. This is the trend of historical development and the hope for a century of change.

Wang called on the countries of the Global South to take the initiative and commit themselves to contributing to building a world of lasting peace and universal security. In that regard, China proposes that its Southern partners continue to engage in dialogue and cooperation, consolidate the foundation for development, promote solidarity and mutual assistance, and demonstrate openness and inclusiveness.

Wang said that China has always been a natural member of the Global South. China will always stand firmly with the Global South countries to jointly defend international fairness and justice and promote world peace and development. 

Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, attends a dialogue session between BRICS and Global South countries during the 14th meeting of the BRICS high-ranking officials responsible for security matters and national security advisors in St. Petersburg, Russia, Sept. 11, 2024. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China/Handout via Xinhua)

Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, attends a dialogue session between BRICS and Global South countries during the 14th meeting of the BRICS high-ranking officials responsible for security matters and national security advisors in St. Petersburg, Russia, Sept. 11, 2024. (Xinhua/Cao Yang)
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in a comprehensive interview with Reuters, revealed that he hasnt spoken to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu since the Hamas attack on October 7 of last year, noting that the prime minister has been avoiding his calls.

The two last saw each other in person during the UN General Assemblys annual gathering in September. Guterres expressed openness to meeting again this month if Netanyahu initiates it.

I have not talked to him because he didnt pick up my phone calls, but I have no reason not to speak with him, Guterres said. So if he comes to New York and he asks to see me, I will be very glad to see him.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
A Gazan man named Amro Abu Rida, who had previously claimed to be a journalist, was arrested for his involvement in the October 7 massacre and later exposed as a terrorist during an interrogation by the IDF, KAN news reported on Wednesday night.

According to the report, Rida confessed to being an operative of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), a recognized terror organization. During his interrogation, Rida admitted to kicking the body of one of the hostages.

Until his arrest, social media campaigns had been advocating for Ridas release, with media outlets such as Al Jazeera accusing Israel of kidnapping the so-called journalist. However, Rida disclosed to the IDF that his true role was that of a military operative within the PFLP, where he documented and edited videos of terror activities.

Rida also reportedly confessed to participating in ambushes against IDF soldiers in Gaza and was directly involved in the October 7 attack near Kibbutz Nir Oz. The IDF has footage of him shooting in an incident where soldiers were killed and others taken hostage.

Further investigation revealed that Ridas brother was involved in the kidnapping of the Bibas family, including 9-month-old Kfir and 4-year-old Ariel.

Rida was initially arrested in February near the Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis, where he attempted to flee, posing as an innocent civilian. The IDF captured him after besieging the hospital.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Israel is yet again under attack by worldwide antisemitic entities, media outlets, and countries for carrying out an airstrike against Hamas terrorists who embed themselves within civilian populations and use women and children as human shields.

IDF forces carried out an airstrike on a Hamas command center in Nuseirat in the central Gaza Strip on Wednesday. As per Hamass customary behavior of using civilians as human shields, the terror center was located in a school that was turned into a shelter after the war began.

The UNWRA (otherwise known as a terrorist organization), claimed that six of its employees were killed in the strike, prompting the UN, the US, the UK and others to slam Israel for defending its citizens against murderous terrorists.

On Thursday, the IDF published a list of Hamas terrorists that have so far been confirmed to have been killed in the strike and revealed that three of the terrorists were UNWRA employees.

The IDF stated: The Israeli Air Force on Wednesday, under the direction of the IDF and Shin Bet, conducted a precise strike on terrorists who were operating inside a command and control center embedded within a compound that previously served as the Al Jaouni School in the area of Nuseirat in central Gaza.

Upon receiving reports claiming that local Palestinian UNRWA workers were killed as a result of the strike, the IDF requested that the agency provide details and names of the workers in order to thoroughly review the claim. To date, no answers have been provided by the UNRWA despite repeated requests.

So far, a number of Hamas terrorists were confirmed to have been eliminated in the strike, including:

1. Aysar Qaradia, a terrorist in Hamas military wing and internal security forces.

2. Muhammad Adnan Abu Zayd, a terrorist in Hamas military wing who was responsible for launching mortars at IDF troops and at Israel previously served as an operative in Hamas naval forces, and was also an UNRWA employee.

3. Bassem Majed Shaheen, the commander of a terrorist cell in Hamas military wing took part in the October 7th massacre in southern Israel.

4. Amar al-Jadili, a terrorist in Hamas military wing and internal security forces.

5. Akram Saber al-Ghalaydi, a terrorist in Hamas military wing and internal security forces.

6. Muhammad Issa Abu al-Amir, a terrorist in Hamas military wing who took part in the October 7th massacre in southern Israel.

7. Sharif Salam, a terrorist in Hamas military wing.

8. Yasser Ibrahim Abu Sharar, a terrorist in Hamas military wing and an operative in Hamas emergency bureau in Nuseirat was also a UNRWA employee.

9. Ayad Matar, a terrorist in Hamas military wing and also a UNRWA employee.

The outrageous statement of British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who recently announced an arms embargo on Israel, can be seen below. Despite the fact that he published the statement before the IDFs announcement, there is no excuse for his ignorance considering that major international media outlets have reported that UNWRA employees participated in the October 7 massacre and held captives.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
Four people have been confirmed dead and eight others injured after a car exploded near two stores on Herzl Street in Ramle on Thursday afternoon. The explosion triggered a fire that quickly spread to nearby shops.

The explosion was first reported at 16:44 local time when MDAs emergency call center received a report about a car that had exploded while parked in a residential area. In response, multiple MDA teams and ambulances were immediately dispatched to the scene, with the first team arriving within two minutes.

MDA personnel treated 12 victims at the scene and transported them to Shamir Medical Center and Kaplan Medical Center. Among the injured, five were in critical condition after suffering from severe smoke inhalation. These included a 50-year-old woman, a 15-year-old girl, a 10-year-old boy, a 5-year-old girl, and a 1-month-old infant. Despite continued resuscitation efforts, four of the critically injured victimsthree children and the adultwere pronounced dead by 8:00 p.m. local time.

MDA EMT Benny Cohen, who was among the first responders, described the chaotic scene: I arrived to find a large commotion around a car that had exploded and caught fire. Several passersby were injured by the blast and shrapnel. Cohen noted that the fire quickly spread to a nearby store, trapping people inside. Firefighters later rescued those trapped in the store and residential apartments above, but many were unconscious.

MDA paramedic Liat Cohen said: This is a very severe incident. Our teams treated people with moderate and mild injuries from shrapnel and blunt trauma and transported them to the hospital. During the firefighting efforts, we rescued five unconscious victims from the store and nearby apartments.

In the aftermath of the tragedy, tensions ran high outside Shamir Medical Center, where fights broke out among family members of the victims. Police intervened, arresting three residents of Ramle for disrupting public order and assaulting officers.

Investigations into the cause of the explosion are ongoing, as authorities work to determine the full circumstances behind the deadly incident.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Labour is to plough 500m into Britain's largest steelworks in a deal that will cost 2,800 jobs.

In an early test of the new Government's industrial strategy, Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds insisted the taxpayer-funded subsidy would help secure the future of Port Talbot.

Indian giant Tata Steel, which owns the plant in South Wales, will also invest 750m, bringing the total budget to 1.25bn.

Tata will close its remaining blast furnace at Port Talbot this month

It will mean the coal-powered blast furnaces will close to be replaced with an electric arc furnace in a push towards net zero. Labour insisted it was 'a better deal' than the one agreed by the Tories and accused the previous government of 'a dereliction of duty' that left the steel industry 'in an extremely perilous position'.

But critics pointed out that the agreement between the Conservatives and Tata also involved 500m of taxpayer funding and 2,800 job losses.

Labour MPs were outraged by the deal announced by Rishi Sunak's administration last October. At the time Reynolds, then the shadow business secretary, said: 'Only the Tories could spend 500m of taxpayers' money to make thousands of British workers redundant.'

Labour was last night accused of raising false hopes about jobs. Samuel Kurtz, the Tory 46x46 economy and energy spokesman in the Welsh Parliament, said ministers had been 'disingenuous with their promises to the people of Wales and fallen short with their new offer, putting steelworker jobs at risk'.

Conservative business spokesman Greg Smith said the loss of jobs represents a 'heart-breaking transition' and accused Labour of 'presiding over the demise of our steel sector'.

Reynolds insisted the 'improved deal' was the best he could have signed. It included better redundancy terms for workers and a skills programme for laid-off employees.

Speaking in the Commons, Reynolds said: 'I wish we were in a position to do even more, but I believe this was the maximum improvement possible within two months.'

Steelworker unions said 'this deal is not something to celebrate' but was better than the 'devastating' arrangement agreed by the Tories.

'Clearly this is not where we wanted to be, and we know that a better plan was available,' the Community and GMB unions said.

Up to 2,500 jobs could be lost in the next 18 months, with a further 300 at risk within three years. Redundant workers will be paid 2.8 weeks' earnings for each year of service, up to a maximum of 25 years.

As the average pay for a steelworker is around 40,000, an employee with 25 years of service could get a payoff of nearly 54,000. The minimum will be 15,000 for full-time employees.

Staff facing compulsory redundancy will be offered a paid, year-long retraining scheme. Ministers will be able to claw back cash if Tata does not continue to employ at least 5,000 workers in the UK.

The electric arc furnace will melt scrap steel in a more environmentally-friendly way than creating new metal.

Tata will close its remaining blast furnace at Port Talbot this month. The first furnace closed in July after 65 years.

Tata chief executive TV Narendran said: 'With the UK Government's critical support, this complex and ambitious transformation of Port Talbot has the potential to make the plant one of Europe's premier centres for green steelmaking.'

The company will apply for planning approval by November, with a view to starting site work next July.

China-owned British Steel, which has two furnaces in Scunthorpe, is also in talks with the Government about shifting to cleaner manufacturing.
A record 8m passengers flew through Heathrow last month - piling pressure on the airport to expand.

Europe's largest airport had its busiest day ever when 269,000 travellers passed through on August 18.

Heathrow bosses still want to expand, after a long-running row over a third runway

Top destinations included Spain, Greece, Italy, Turkey and the US.

Taylor Swift concerts brought in an additional 40,000 passengers this summer, with fans attending the European leg of her Eras tour.

August was a fourth consecutive month of record numbers, as 30m people are set to have used the airport between June and September.

'For the past four months we have broken several records, demonstrating our ability to open a world of opportunity for more people, cargo, business and the UK economy,' said chief executive Thomas Woldbye.

Bosses still want to expand, after a long-running row over a third runway.

The Government has said it is 'open-minded' about expansion at Heathrow.
TOKYO, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Japan's transport ministry has conducted on-site inspections of Japan Freight Railway Company, or JR Freight, following allegations of the company's data rigging during train assembly work.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism conducted the on-site probes by inspecting three facilities of the company, including the Wanishi yard in the city of Muroran in Hokkaido, northernmost Japan, the Kawasaki yard in the city of Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture to the south of Tokyo, and the Hiroshima yard in the western city of the same name under the railway business law.

The investigation focused on verifying records and interviewing employees to understand the extent of the misconduct and its impact on safety.

Pressure exceeding a set limit by up to about 10 percent was applied in the process of fitting wheels on car axles, JR Freight reported on Tuesday.

While there was a possibility of the action weakening the axles, data were replaced and inspection records including the falsified data were compiled in some cases, according to the company.

Local media reports showed that the malpractice started at least 10 years ago.

As one of the seven constituent companies of Japan Railways Group, the Tokyo-headquartered company provides transportation of cargo nationwide throughout Japan.

It has been ordered to carry out emergency inspections of all of its freight train cars and engines.

JR Freight temporarily halted all freight train operations at one point on Wednesday to look into the problem, but freight trains were restarted and transportation gradually resumed during the evening, except for some vehicles that were suspended. 
At Europe's largest consumer electronics exhibition, global brands showcased cutting-edge innovations, and Chinese brands were also drawing much attention.




KHARTOUM, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- A United Nations official warned on Wednesday that Sudan's food security situation demands urgent action due to ongoing conflict, heavy rains, and flooding.

Abdul Hakim Elwaer, assistant director-general of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), said in a statement that he visited Port Sudan on Tuesday to assess the situation. He said that about half of Sudan's population is affected by the conflict, which has hampered humanitarian aid efforts.

He said the FAO is working to distribute seeds for the upcoming winter season to support vegetable and wheat production amid challenges in reaching affected farmers.

The FAO has developed a 104-million-U.S.-dollar emergency response plan for Sudan for 2024, focusing on seed distribution for both the annual and summer growing seasons.

The United Nations has previously warned of a potential famine in certain areas of Sudan. A recent report from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs highlighted the crisis's severity. However, the Sudanese government has disputed these claims, denying a significant food gap.

Since April 15, 2023, Sudan has been embroiled in a violent conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. The conflict has resulted in at least 16,650 deaths and displaced millions of people. 
ABP has secured 17 awards at the prestigious annual Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards (IQFDA), which took place on 10th September at the Mansion House in Dublin.

The company received six Gold Awards, seven Silver Awards, and four Bronze Awards for its meat products across nine different categories. The Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards recognise and celebrate the best retail, wholesale, and foodservice food and drink products available in Ireland.

ABP received Gold Awards across the categories of Beef Steaks Sirloin, Beef Steaks Striploin, Burgers and Meatballs, Reduced Fat Meat, and Foodservice Meat for the following products:

Sirloin Steak

Sirloin Steak Irish Black Angus Striploin Steak

Irish Black Angus Striploin Steak Irish Wagyu Beef Meatballs

Irish Wagyu Beef Meatballs 5% fat lean Irish Beef Burgers Chipotle Chili Seasoning

5% fat lean Irish Beef Burgers Chipotle Chili Seasoning Irish Nature Mohawk Steak

Irish Nature Mohawk Steak Irish Nature T-Bone Steak

ABP's Irish Nature T-Bone Steak was also recognised as the 'Foodservice Product of the Year', underscoring the exceptional quality and craftsmanship of the company's offerings in the foodservice sector.

The company also received Silver Awards across the categories of Beef, Beef Steaks Other Cuts, Beef Steaks Ribeye, Beef Steaks Striploin, Burgers and Meatballs, and Reduced Fat Meat for the following products:

Irish Black Angus Rib on The Bone

Irish Black Angus Rib on The Bone Quick Fry Steaks with Tennessee Style BBQ Glaze

Quick Fry Steaks with Tennessee Style BBQ Glaze Tipperary Dry Aged Angus Rib Eye Steak

Tipperary Dry Aged Angus Rib Eye Steak Irish Wagyu Striploin Steak

Irish Wagyu Striploin Steak Irish Angus Striploin Steak

Irish Angus Striploin Steak Beef Burger

Beef Burger Reduced Fat Meatballs with Smoked Parika, Sundried Tomato & Chive Seasoning

Kevin Cahill, Managing Director, ABP Ireland & Poland,said: "We are extremely proud and honoured to continue our success at the Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards. It's truly remarkable to have our products recognised alongside the outstanding food and drink from top Irish producers across the sector.

"These awards highlight the best of what the Irish food and drink industry offers. Receiving 17 awards in various product categories are a testament to the dedication, innovation, and hard work of both our team and our farmer suppliers."

The company was also awarded bronze in the Beef Steaks Fillet, Beef Steak Ribeye, and Beef Steak Striploin categories for the following products:

Irish Angus Fillet Steak

Irish Angus Fillet Steak Irish Black Angus Fillet Barrel with a Mushroom & Madeira Sauce

Irish Black Angus Fillet Barrel with a Mushroom & Madeira Sauce Irish Three Pork Roast with Bacon, Shallot & Parsley Stuffing & Rosemary

Irish Three Pork Roast with Bacon, Shallot & Parsley Stuffing & Rosemary Irish Angus Rib Eye Steak

ABP was recently announced as the first Irish beef processor to launch in the South Korean market by securing an export agreement with K Meat, a premium meat importer with advanced sales channels across South Korea.
NEW YORK, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- NASA's Europa Clipper mission has passed a key testing this week, and is targeting for launch on Oct. 10, according to NASA.

The mission passed a planning milestone, known as Key Decision Point E, on Monday. It now is approved to continue to proceed toward launch.

The mission's main science goal is to determine whether there are places below the surface of Jupiter's icy moon, Europa, that could support life, according to NASA.

NASA's Europa Clipper spacecraft will conduct detailed reconnaissance of Europa and investigate whether the icy moon could have conditions suitable for life. The spacecraft will perform dozens of close flybys of Europa, gathering detailed measurements to investigate the moon, according to NASA. 
MEXICO CITY, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Wednesday celebrated the Senate's approval of his administration's judicial reform package.

At a regular daily press conference, Lopez Obrador said the bill's approval sets an "example for the world."

"I think it is very important to end corruption and impunity, and much progress will be made when the people of Mexico freely elect the judges, the magistrates and the ministers," he told reporters.

The Senate passed the initiative early Wednesday with a vote of 86 to 41.

Among other changes, the reforms propose the popular election of judges and magistrates, including those serving on the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation. 
This file photo taken on Dec. 6, 2023 shows former Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori (C) in Lima, Peru. Former Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori died on Wednesday at the age of 86, according to Peruvian media reports. (Xinhua/Mariana Bazo)

LIMA, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- Former Peruvian president Alberto Fujimori died Wednesday at the age of 86 in Lima, "after a long battle against cancer," confirmed his daughter and political leader Keiko Fujimori.

"Our father, Alberto Fujimori, has just departed to meet the Lord," Keiko wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

Hours before his death, the spokesperson for the Fuerza Popular party, Miguel Torres, said that the former president was in a "delicate" state and going through "a difficult time."

Fujimori, who served as Peru's president from 1990 to 2000, was released from prison last December, where he was serving a 25-year sentence for crimes against humanity. 

A policeman stands guard outside the residence of former Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori in Lima, Peru, Sept. 11, 2024. Former Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori died on Wednesday at the age of 86, according to Peruvian media reports. (Xinhua/Mariana Bazo)

Media reporters gather outside the residence of former Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori in Lima, Peru, Sept. 11, 2024. Former Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori died on Wednesday at the age of 86, according to Peruvian media reports. (Xinhua/Mariana Bazo)

This file photo taken on May 15, 2015 shows former Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori in Lima, Peru. Former Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori died on Wednesday at the age of 86, according to Peruvian media reports. (Photo by Luis Camacho/Xinhua)

A medical staff leaves the residence of former Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori in Lima, Peru, Sept. 11, 2024. Former Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori died on Wednesday at the age of 86, according to Peruvian media reports. (Xinhua/Mariana Bazo)

A woman wipes tears outside the residence of former Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori in Lima, Peru, Sept. 11, 2024. Former Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori died on Wednesday at the age of 86, according to Peruvian media reports. (Xinhua/Mariana Bazo)

People cry outside the residence of former Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori in Lima, Peru, Sept. 11, 2024. Former Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori died on Wednesday at the age of 86, according to Peruvian media reports. (Xinhua/Mariana Bazo)
LOS ANGELES, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency on Wednesday as three massive wildfires continue to rage across four counties in Southern California.

Newsom traveled to Highland on Wednesday and proclaimed a state of emergency in Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties in response to the Bridge Fire, and in Orange and Riverside counties in response to the Airport Fire, a news release said.

The governor's office said it had secured federal assistance to support the response to the fast-moving Bridge, Airport and Line fires.

The fires, which broke out last week, escalated over the weekend due to soaring temperatures and critically dry vegetation amid a record-setting heat wave across Southern California.

On Saturday, Newsom declared a state of emergency for the Line Fire in San Bernardino County.

On Monday, he activated the California National Guard to assist nearly 2,000 firefighters in battling the wildfire.

As of Wednesday evening, the Line Fire had scorched over 36,481 acres (147.6 square km) and was at 18 percent contained, forcing mandatory evacuation orders for thousands of people, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) said.

The Bridge Fire increased over ten times in size in 24 hours, exploding from 4,000 acres (16.2 square km) on Tuesday to over 50,000 acres (202.3 square km) with zero containment. The fire broke out on Sunday in the Angeles National Forest in Los Angeles County, nearly 100 km west of the Line Fire.

In an update Wednesday afternoon, officials said about 40 homes and cabins were destroyed by the blaze. There have been no reports of significant injuries or deaths.

Fire officials said that there are currently more than 1,000 structures threatened by the fire.

The third major wildfire in Southern California, the Airport fire, started Monday afternoon in Trabuco Canyon in Orange County. The fire had burned more than 23,000 acres (93.1 square km) by Wednesday night with five percent containment.

The state has mobilized a massive air and ground response to contain the wildfires and protect communities, including nearly 6,000 boots on the ground and hundreds of engines, dozers and water tankers, as well as 51 helicopters and nine fixed-wing aircraft, said Newsom's office. 
A firefighter battles the wildfire, dubbed the Bridge Fire, in Mt. Baldy community area in Los Angeles County, California, the United States on Sept. 11, 2024. Bridge Fire, the largest wildfire in California as of Wednesday, exponentially exploded from 4,000 acres (16.2 square km) early Tuesday to nearly 48,000 acres (194.2 square km) with zero containment. According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire), the blaze, jumping in size over ten times in 24 hours, has expanded from Los Angeles County into neighboring San Bernardino County. (Photo by Qiu Chen/Xinhua)

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- Bridge Fire, the largest wildfire in California as of Wednesday, exponentially exploded from 4,000 acres (16.2 square km) early Tuesday to nearly 48,000 acres (194.2 square km) with zero containment.

According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire), the blaze, jumping in size over ten times in 24 hours, has expanded from Los Angeles County into neighboring San Bernardino County.

In an update Wednesday afternoon, officials said about 40 homes and cabins were destroyed in fire. There have been no reports of significant injuries or deaths.

Bridge Fire is one of three major fires in southern California, along with Line Fire and Airport Fire, which all sparked amid an intense heatwave that brought triple digit temperatures and dry conditions to the region.

Officials said a 34-year-old man was arrested on Tuesday. He was accused of sparking the Line Fire burning in the foothills of the San Bernardino National Forest, east of Los Angeles, which spanned over 34,600 acres (140.1 square km) at 14 percent containment as of Wednesday.

Justin Wayne Halstenberg, a Fedex delivery driver, was allegedly started Bridge Fire intentionally on Sept. 5, but local authorities did not disclose how he did it.

Meanwhile, Airport Fire, started Monday afternoon in Orange County, now stands at over 22,000 acres (89.1 square km) with zero containment, according to the latest Cal Fire data. 

The wildfire, dubbed the Bridge Fire, rages in Mt. Baldy community area in Los Angeles County, California, the United States on Sept. 11, 2024.(Photo by Qiu Chen/Xinhua)

A firefighter battles the wildfire, dubbed the Bridge Fire, in Mt. Baldy community area in Los Angeles County, California, the United States on Sept. 11, 2024.(Photo by Qiu Chen/Xinhua)

A firefighter battles the wildfire, dubbed the Bridge Fire, in Mt. Baldy community area in Los Angeles County, California, the United States on Sept. 11, 2024.(Photo by Qiu Chen/Xinhua)

The wildfire, dubbed the Bridge Fire, rages in Mt. Baldy community area in Los Angeles County, California, the United States on Sept. 11, 2024.(Photo by Qiu Chen/Xinhua)
LANZHOU, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday called for breaking new ground in the ecological conservation and high-quality development of the Yellow River basin.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks when he convened a meeting in Lanzhou, capital of northwest China's Gansu Province. 
NEW DELHI, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- General Secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) Sitaram Yechury passed away at the age of 72 in New Delhi on Thursday.

He was admitted to a government hospital after he suffered from an acute chest infection.

A Communist leader in Indian politics for several decades, Yechury served as a lawmaker in Indian parliament's upper house Rajya Sabha during 2005-2017.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences over his demise. 
A delegation of descendants of Japanese invaders in China during World War II arrives in Changchun, capital of northeast China's Jilin Province, Sept. 12, 2024. Nine Japanese citizens, all of whom are descendants of Japanese invaders in China during World War II, on Thursday began a trip of confession and apology in China.

During the five-day trip, the delegation will make a formal apology at a site once occupied by invading Japanese troops in Jilin's Gongzhuling City.

They will also present Changchun Normal University with the gift of a significant number of documents related to the invasion of China from Japanese historical archives for further research. (Xinhua)

CHANGCHUN, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Nine Japanese citizens, all of whom are descendants of Japanese invaders in China during World War II, on Thursday began a trip of confession and apology in China.

The delegation arrived in Changchun, the capital city of northeast China's Jilin Province, on Thursday afternoon. The main purpose of their trip is to express their sincere apologies to the Chinese people on behalf of older generations of their families who committed crimes of aggression.

During the five-day trip, the delegation will make a formal apology at a site once occupied by invading Japanese troops in Jilin's Gongzhuling City.

They will also present Changchun Normal University with the gift of a significant number of documents related to the invasion of China from Japanese historical archives for further research.

The tour also aims to call on the international community to remember history and cherish peace, said Li Suzhen, head of the delegation. 

A member of a delegation of descendants of Japanese invaders in China during World War II arrives in Changchun, capital of northeast China's Jilin Province, Sept. 12, 2024. Nine Japanese citizens, all of whom are descendants of Japanese invaders in China during World War II, on Thursday began a trip of confession and apology in China.

During the five-day trip, the delegation will make a formal apology at a site once occupied by invading Japanese troops in Jilin's Gongzhuling City.

They will also present Changchun Normal University with the gift of a significant number of documents related to the invasion of China from Japanese historical archives for further research. (Xinhua)
LIMA, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- A prison worker was killed and another injured early Wednesday in an armed assault outside a prison in southern Peru's Ica region, according to the National Penitentiary Institute (Inpe).

"Our Institution expresses its condolences to the family of the deceased and will provide all necessary support to the workers affected by this incident," the agency said on X, formerly Twitter.

The victims of the assault outside the prison in the city of Chincha were identified as Fanny Flor Hernandez Correa, who died in the ambulance on the way to the hospital, and Manuel Ricardo Cervantes Cruz, who was injured and "is out of danger."

The assault took place around 7:30 a.m. local time (1230 GMT) when suspects riding a motorcycle ambushed the workers, as they were arriving by car at a security checkpoint several meters from the prison entrance, the state-run news agency Andina reported.

Hernandez Correa had previously received death threats inside the prison, said the report. 
Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, delivers a keynote speech at the Global Trade in Services Summit of the 2024 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 12, 2024. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu)

BEIJING, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- China is willing to work with all parties to boost cooperation in the service sector and trade in services, Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang said Thursday.

Ding, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remarks when delivering a keynote speech at the Global Trade in Services Summit of the 2024 China International Fair for Trade in Services.

China would like to join efforts with all sides to share new opportunities in opening up and development, promote institutional opening-up in service trade, foster new drivers of growth, and accelerate the digital, smart and green transformation of service trade, the vice premier said.

China is ready to work with all parties to tap the vast market, push the integration of service trade with high-end manufacturing, create a new environment for cooperation and development, and strengthen service and digital trade cooperation among Belt and Road countries, he added.

Ding, together with Yin Li, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and secretary of the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee, on Thursday also visited the venue of the fair and talked with heads of the participating enterprises.

Ding encouraged Chinese companies to improve their services to benefit people of all countries, and welcomed foreign enterprises to invest in China and thrive by capitalizing on the country's development opportunities. 

Yin Li, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and secretary of the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee, reads a congratulatory letter from Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Global Trade in Services Summit of the 2024 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 12, 2024. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu)
An important perspective that shouldn't be overlooked.

Yes, homicide numbers are down from last year's record breaking pace.

However . . .

2024 REMAINS ONE OF THE MOST VIOLENT YEARS IN KANSAS CITY HISTORY!!!

In fact . . .

The pace of killing so far this year could put the total in the 3rd or 4th spot for the highest homicide count . . . A tragic fact: All of these horrific fatality counts have occurred over the past five years.

Here is the latest documentation sent to local media . . .



Homicide 4000 block of Norton



On 09/11/24 around 11:45 in the evening officers were dispatched to the 4000 block of Norton Ave on a reported sound of shots call. While officers were enroute, the call was updated to a shooting.



When officers responded on scene, they located an adult male victim on the porch of a nearby residence unresponsive and suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. Officers immediately began rendering medical aid until EMS personnel responded and declared the victim deceased. An additional victim, an adult female, was also located suffering from a non-life-threatening gunshot injury and was transported to an area hospital for treatment.



At this time, detectives are investigating what led up to shots being fired. There is not currently anyone in custody and detectives are working on identifying a person of interest.



This is being investigated as a homicide and is currently ongoing.



Homicide detectives and crime scene personnel have responded to the scene to begin gathering any evidence and collecting witness statements.



If anyone was in or around the area at this time and saw or heard anything they are asked to contact Homicide detectives directly at 816-234-5043 or the TIPS Hotline anonymously at 816-474-TIPS there is a reward of up to $25,000 for information submitted anonymously to the TIPS hotline.



We are committed to assisting victims of violent crimes through use of Missouris Protection Program for Victims/Witnesses of Violent Crime. Funding for temporary, or even permanent relocation, may be available but is subject to pre-approval by the States administering agency.



We are working with Partners for Peace in all our homicide investigations to monitor risks for retaliation and provide social services to affected residents.

#################



Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . .

Man killed, woman injured in overnight shooting Kansas City Police are investigating a homicide in the 4000 block of Norton Avenue that killed a man and injured a woman.

Man dead, woman hurt in late night shooting in Kansas City A man is dead and one woman is hurt after a deadly shooting in Kansas City, according to Kansas City police

1 man dead, 1 woman hospitalized in shooting on Norton Avenue When officers arrived, they found a man shot to death on the front porch of a nearby house.

Developing . . .
The Abu Dhabi Supreme Council for Financial and Economic Affairs (SCFEA) has awarded a production concession agreement to Urja Bharat (UBPL), a Special Purpose Vehicle of Indian Oil Corporation and Bharat Petroleum Corporation.

This follows the award of the exploration and concession to UBPL in March 2019, and the successful completion of the exploration phase, during which the company invested nearly $164 million.

The production concession agreement covers a total area of up to 6,162 square kilometers, granting UBPL 100 per cent concession rights.

Initial exploration efforts have yielded positive results in Onshore Block 1, specifically within the 38 square kilometer Ruwais area.

The area includes conventional undeveloped oil and gas resources, and its development will contribute to Abu Dhabi's efforts to expand its hydrocarbon sector while promoting sustainable economic growth in the Emirate.

Jassem Mohammed Bu Ataba Al Zaabi, Secretary General of SCFEA, said: "The award of the production concession to Urja Bharat Pte. Limited (UBPL) in the Al Ruwais area affirms our efforts to advance the emirate's hydrocarbon sector while ensuring the long-term economic prosperity of Abu Dhabi. By approving and enabling international partnerships, SCFEA reinforces Abu Dhabi's position as a global leader in the energy sector.

Al Zaabi added: This concession is part of our broader strategy to enhance the resilience and sustainability of our economy, ensuring that our resources continue to create value for future generations while supporting the UAE's vision for long-term economic growth and stability." -TradeArabia News Service


Search News Archive : Fast Travel News Promotion Via Search, Social Media + Email Follow Us On : BALLET IN BAA: KARIS SCARLETTES DANCE & WELLNESS RETREAT RETURNS TO AVANI+ FARES MALDIVES RESORT Industry: Health/Spa

Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort is bringing back Scarlettes Dance & Wellness Retreat, offering guests a unique ballet and wellness experience set in the serene Baa Atoll.



(TRAVPR.COM) MALDIVES - September 12th, 2024 - Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort, a sanctuary of wellness surrounded by the clear waters of Baa Atoll, is thrilled to announce the return of its popular Baa Atoll Ballet Retreat led by British Royal Ballet-trained dancer and certified breathwork facilitator, Karis Scarlette. After a resounding success last year, Kariss classical ballet programme will again be open to novices and dancers of all ages and levels, inviting them to plunge into the balletic arts from 12-23 November 2024.

Ringed by pristine sandy beaches, the island of Fares is a lush landscape of emerald and aquamarine hues, with shady avenues cutting through a maze of towering coconut palms. Transforming the resort into a stage for in-nature healing, the retreat is a holistic wellness experience at the intersection of physical movement and mental serenity. In addition to reaping a repertoire of benefits such as improved muscular strength, better posture and reduced stress, attendees will enjoy a host of relaxing spa treatments and ballet-themed amenities, as well as learn more about Kariss incredible journey over themed cocktails and delectable dining on the beach. Here for an Encore Performance I find that the Maldives, with its incredible beauty, is a perfect fit for ballet retreats, with pristine nature enhancing the healthful virtues of the art, said Karis Scarlette. After last years success, Im excited to continue my partnership with Avani+ Fares, making ballet more accessible and expanding our understanding of wellness. This years retreat brings back popular classes for kids, including Tutus & Twirls that nurtures creativity, coordination, musicality and technique. For adults, Sunrise Serenity weaves together mindfulness and breathwork, while private and group ballet classes are tailored to suit all levels and abilities, adding a new dimension to the Maldivian holiday experience. Enrolment is now open, with two packages available for adults and families. Starting from USD 4,183++, the five-night adults package includes: Accommodation for two staying in a Premium Ocean View Room on half-board

Two Ballet Basics for Beginners classes per adult (60 minutes)

One Private Ballet Class per adult (60 minutes)

Two Sunrise Serenity: Breathwork in Baa workshops per adult (30 minutes)

One Tutu Tension Release massage or Dancers Detox wrap at AvaniSpa

Two ballet-themed cocktails at Tribe bar

Farewell Adrift Beach Dinner hosted by Karis Scarlette

Return seaplane transfer from Velana International Airport (MLE). Available to book from 12-17 or 18-23 November 2024. Available to book from 12-17 or 18-23 November 2024. The five-night family package for two adults and two children (10 years old and under) starts from USD 5,459++ and includes: Family accommodation staying in a Two Bedroom Ocean View Pavilion on half-board

Two Tutus & Twirls: Ballet for Tots classes (30 minutes)

One Private Family Ballet Class (60 minutes)

One Me & Mom or Dad massage at AvaniSpa (60 minutes)

Ballet-themed arts and crafts at AvaniKids

Farewell Petit Bistro Ballet Brunch hosted by Karis Scarlette

Return seaplane transfer from Velana International Airport (MLE) Available to book from 12-17 or 18-23 November 2024. Available to book from 12-17 or 18-23 November 2024. Nestled in a shallow atoll lagoon, the teardrop-shaped island of Fares is one of only 61 islands situated in the marine protected waters of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Beyond the Wellness Studio, days here are spent snorkelling the house reef and exploring the fourteen dive sites and two dive holes, with dolphin and turtle sightings all but guaranteed. Even more aquatic adventure awaits at the iconic Hanifaru Bay, famous for being a feeding hotspot for manta rays, and at a nearby chain of ring-shaped islands teeming with shawls of tropical fish. For more information and to book, please visit https://www.avanihotels.com/en/fares-maldives, email fares@avanihotels.com or call +960 660 1660. ### Please contact the person or company listed above for information regarding the content of this press release. TravPR.com are not the issuers of this press release and are not responsible for the accuracy of the content. Share Release :



CONTACT INFORMATION Name: Elisa Grimaldi Company: Avani Hotels & Resorts Phone: +66 (0) 65 350 7365 Email: egrimaldi@minor.com Web: PRESS RELEASE TAGS
DAMASCUS, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Israeli drone and tank fire on Syria's southern region of Quneitra on Thursday left two dead and one injured, both pro-government media and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

The pro-government radio station, Sham FM, reported that an Israeli drone targeted a car on the Damascus-Quneitra highway at the entrance of Khan Arnabeh area, killing one soldier and one civilian.

In a separate incident, Israeli tank shells hit fields in the village of Rafeed in southern Quneitra, injuring a farmer. The injured man was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based monitoring group, confirmed the drone strike in Khan Arnabeh, saying that the two individuals killed were riding in a car targeted by the Israeli forces.

Israel has frequently conducted air and drone strikes in Syria, primarily targeting what it describes as Iranian-linked military infrastructure and shipments of advanced weapons to Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group. 
Thailand's new Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra (1st R) delivers her government policy statement to parliament in Bangkok, Thailand, Sept. 12, 2024. Thailand's new Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra delivered her government policy statement to parliament on Thursday, outlining immediate plans to address the country's economic challenges with a focus on reducing high household debt and unlocking growth potential. (Xinhua/Rachen Sageamsak)

BANGKOK, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's new Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra delivered her government policy statement to parliament on Thursday, outlining immediate plans to address the country's economic challenges with a focus on reducing high household debt and unlocking growth potential.

In her speech to the National Assembly, Paetongtarn said the Thai government plans to expedite a comprehensive debt restructuring, particularly on home and auto loans, as household liability in the Southeast Asian nation is estimated at over 90 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP).

With household debt in Thailand currently exceeding 16 trillion baht (about 474 billion U.S. dollars) and non-performing loans on the rise, Paetongtarn said the initiative seeks to assist borrowers both within and outside the formal financial system.

She highlighted the government's commitment to protecting Thai business owners, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs), from unfair competition from foreign online platforms. SMEs, which account for about 35 percent of the employment and GDP, will also be provided financial assistance to strengthen their pivotal role as drivers of the economy.

Emphasizing the need to build confidence and encourage consumer spending while also alleviating financial burdens and creating job opportunities, the prime minister said the government will push forward its flagship campaign promise, the digital wallet handout scheme, which will prioritize vulnerable groups and lay the foundation for Thailand's digital economy.

Paetongtarn noted that without financial and fiscal measures to support economic expansion, the kingdom's economic growth is expected to be less than 3 percent per year.

"It is a significant challenge for the government to urgently restore robust economic growth," she said. "We must explore new opportunities to boost income at both the national and individual levels, whether through restructuring the economy or developing new engines for growth."

The two-day parliamentary session, scheduled to conclude on Friday, marks the formal start of Paetongtarn's administration.

Paetongtarn, the 38-year-old Pheu Thai Party leader and daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, was elected Thailand's youngest and second female premier after winning a parliamentary vote in August. 

Thailand's new Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra delivers her government policy statement to parliament in Bangkok, Thailand, Sept. 12, 2024. Thailand's new Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra delivered her government policy statement to parliament on Thursday, outlining immediate plans to address the country's economic challenges with a focus on reducing high household debt and unlocking growth potential. (Xinhua/Rachen Sageamsak)
Monday open house set for ACUASIs new Nenana drone hangar

Photo by Rod Boyce

ACUASIs SeaHunter aircraft flies out of Nenana Municipal Airport on May 5, 2022.

A public open house for the new Nenana hangar of the Alaska Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration is scheduled for 2-4 p.m. Monday, Sept. 16.

ACUASI is a part of the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute.

UAF Chancellor Dan White, UAF Vice Chancellor for Research Nettie LaBelle-Hamer, University of Alaska Regent Dennis Michel, UAF Geophysical Institute Associate Director Laura Conner and ACUASI Director Cathy Cahill are scheduled to attend.

The hangar is located at Nenana Municipal Airport, which is owned and operated by the city of Nenana. Access is from the Parks Highway about one mile south of the citys business district.

The University of Alaska Board of Regents approved funding for the 4,800-square-foot hangar in February 2023.

The hangar will serve as a base for drone cargo test flights between Fairbanks and Nenana. It will also serve as a home for other innovative autonomous systems technology development and testing as a part of the new ACUASI Emerging Technologies Test Range Network.

056-25
By Janice Phelan, September 12, 2024

Luke Ekstrand, a spring 2024 graduate of the University of Central Missouris Crisis and Disaster Management (CDM) program, gained a number of valuable experiences in his practicum with the City of Independence ranging from assisting with community outreach at the Missouri State Fair to participating in a family and friends reunification exercise in Kansas City.

Ekstrand, who is now working as the deputy director of emergency management for Johnson County (Mo.), earned a bachelors degree in Crisis and Disaster Management with a minor in Earth Science from UCM. The CDM degree program was a factor in his decision to attend UCM along with its proximity to his home and the Legacy Scholarship he received as the son of UCM graduates.

The recent graduates supervisor at the City of Independence was Janelle Scofield, the citys assistant emergency manager. As Ekstrand began his 300-hour practicum, the two worked together to determine what he wanted to accomplish before graduation.

Scofield called the practicum experience a win-win situation for both students and employers.

We gain a sometimes younger perspective from someone that hasn't been in the profession so these fresh eyes and fresh ideas are so welcome, she shared. For the students, we offer networking with emergency managers throughout the Kansas City region. Getting these students face to face with prospective bosses was paramount for us.

Ekstrand added that he especially appreciated the networking and interactions.

One of the biggest benefits I gained from UCM and the CDM program was connecting with like-minded individuals, he said. My practicum further benefited me by introducing me to emergency managers in our region. I had the opportunity to network with professionals from both Kansas and Missouri through numerous meetings. Now, as I work in the field, I continue to collaborate with some of those individuals.

Much of the work in emergency management can be tedious, and Scofield said it is important for students to see the value in this aspect of the job.

Writing plans and attending meetings are important but they lack disaster response glory so it can be eye-opening for someone to see how much office and networking work is involved, she said. Mostly, I truly believe that we are able to bridge that gap between what students learn in textbooks and the day-to-day in real life aspects.

Scofield added that the City of Independence looks forward to working with additional UCM students in the future. In fact, she is returning to UCM this fall to complete her CDM bachelors degree and will graduate in May 2025.

Both Ekstrand and Scofield appreciated the opportunity to work together, especially since the two are long-time family friends.

The opportunity was particularly meaningful to me because Independence is my former hometown, Ekstrand said.

Coincidentally, when Ekstrand was graduating from high school he met with Scofield to discuss his career plans and emergency management.

We spoke about his strengths and interests and I felt like emergency management was a perfect fit for his skill set, she said. Fast forward a few years and one pandemic later, I was thrilled when I had the chance to have him in our office for his practicum.

For more information about UCMs Crisis and Disaster Management program, visit thewebpage..
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky met with President of Estonia Alar Karis in Kyiv to discuss defense support, Ukraine's reconstruction, and the path to the European Union.

According to Ukrinform, this was reported by the press service of the head of state.

Zelensky thanked the President of Estonia and his wife, Siri Karis, for participating in the First Ladies and Gentlemen Summit, which will take place in Kyiv today.

Video: Office of the President

The President of Ukraine also noted the decision of Estonia to allocate 0.25% of GDP annually for the defense needs of Ukraine, which is enshrined in the bilateral security agreement.

We are grateful for your support in all spheres and a very important agreement on security cooperation between our countries. We are very pleased to have so many strategic partners, Zelensky emphasized.

In addition, he thanked Estonia for its active participation in the reconstruction of Ukraine, in particular for the projects already implemented in the Zhytomyr region.

Special attention was paid to Ukraine's European integration progress. Zelensky noted Estonia's significant expert support for Ukraine in the negotiation process.

As Ukrinform reported, President of Estonia Alar Karis arrived in Kyiv on a visit.

Photo: OP
UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- Six staff members of the UN relief agency for Palestinians, known as UNRWA, were killed in Israeli airstrikes in Gaza on Wednesday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said.

A school-turned-shelter for around 12,000 people was hit by Israeli airstrikes on Wednesday, and six UNRWA staff members were among those killed, Guterres said on X, formerly Twitter.

"What's happening in Gaza is totally unacceptable," he said. "These dramatic violations of international humanitarian law need to stop now."

At least 18 Palestinians were killed and many others wounded in an Israeli airstrike on a UN-run school sheltering displaced people in the central Gaza Strip on Wednesday, according to Palestinian sources.

The sources told Xinhua that an Israeli warplane fired at least one missile at the shelter in the al-Nuseirat refugee camp. The Hamas-run Gaza government media office said that aid workers were among the victims. 
GAZA, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- At least 19 Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip on Thursday, according to Palestinian security and medical sources.

An Israeli warplane struck a residential house in the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza, killing three people, said Palestinian medical sources.

Seven Palestinians were killed by Israeli aircraft in two attacks on the Zeitoun neighborhood south of Gaza City, according to local sources and eyewitnesses.

The Civil Defense Authority in Gaza reported in a press statement that its crews recovered the body of a Palestinian woman and a seriously injured person following an Israeli attack near Zeitoun neighborhood south of Gaza City.

In Rafah, southern Gaza, Civil Defense crews recovered the bodies of four people, three of whom were from the same family, after they were targeted by a missile in the Al-Zahour neighborhood in the center of the city. The bodies were transferred to the hospital, according to a separate statement released by the Civil Defense Authority.

Medical sources reported that the bodies of four people were transferred to the European Hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, following the bombing of a residential house in the city.

The Israeli army has not yet commented on these incidents.

Israel launched a large-scale offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip to retaliate against a Hamas rampage through the southern Israeli border on Oct. 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and about 250 taken hostage.

The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip has risen to 41,118, Gaza-based health authorities said in a statement on Thursday. 
Georgia Tech is ending its 10-year partnership with a Chinese university due to national security concerns. The university has decided to shut down its Georgia Tech Shenzhen Institute and will seek approval to end its degree programs in Shenzhen.

A partnership with Tianjin University and the Shenzhen Municipal Government began in December 2016 to offer educational opportunities in China's tech hub. But in December 2020, the U.S. Department of Commerce added Tianjin University to its Entity List of foreign organizations deemed a national security concern, leading Georgia Tech to review its activities in China. This review resulted in the decision to cancel a planned doctorate program and limit the number of GTSI students.

School officials announced on Friday that the partnership is "no longer tenable" going forward.

Steven McLaughlin, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, acknowledged the challenge of this decision but highlighted Georgia Tech's commitment to global education.

"The choice to end our many years of successful educational development initiatives to grant Georgia Tech degrees in the region was a difficult one," he said. "... Connecting globally remains one of our core values. Students who gain global experience during their time at Georgia Tech bring critical problem-solving skills that are required in today's workforce. We look forward to continuing to expand the international experiences available to our students."

Around 300 students currently enrolled at GTSI will be able to complete their degrees.
A federal judge has temporarily halted President Joe Biden's latest student loan forgiveness plan, affecting over 25 million borrowers, as part of an ongoing GOP-led challenge to the program.

The restraining order was issued by U.S. District Judge J. Randal Hall in Augusta, Georgia, after seven Republican-led states filed a lawsuit aiming to stop the plan.

The states, led by Missouri, claim the Biden administration lacks the authority to forgive student loans under the proposed rule, which was set to cancel billions in debt.

In his decision, Hall wrote that the states had a "substantial likelihood of success" in proving the Education Department overstepped its legal boundaries. "... This is especially true in light of the recent rulings across the country striking down similar federal student loan forgiveness plans."

The lawsuit, filed earlier this week, argued the Education Department had begun instructing loan servicers to cancel debts before the rule was finalized, potentially forgiving $73 billion in loans. Hall's ruling pauses the policy until a hearing scheduled for Sept. 18.

In a statement to Reuters, the White House criticized the ruling, calling it "an overreach based on false claims fueled by Republican elected officials."

This lawsuit marks the latest legal challenge to Biden's efforts to provide debt relief. Previously, the Supreme Court blocked a $430 billion forgiveness plan in June 2023, leading the administration to pursue a new program, the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) plan, which aimed to reduce monthly payments and accelerate loan forgiveness. However, that plan is also on hold due to ongoing litigation.

This most recent case will move forward with a hearing later this month.
Twenty-two University of Rhode Island students have been arrested over a short one-week period, Narragansett police say, for various charges, including underage drinking, DUIs, urinating in public and assaulting an officer.

The incidents took place between Sept. 2-8. An officer was injured during the arrest of two students, who were charged with assaulting police officers at a gathering in the Bonnet Shores neighborhood last Friday, according to NBC 10 News.

Renters and homeowners at three properties will receive summonses for violating a newly amended public nuisance ordinance, police said.

"The University is aware of several incidents that occurred in Narragansett over the past weekend and does not condone the reported behavior. Any involvement by URI students will be reviewed consistent with the University's Community Standards and Student Conduct System and may result in sanctions, including suspension or dismissal, in addition to any local actions taken," URI said in a statement to the outlet.
ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 12th Sep, 2024) Pakistan and Russia are set to sign a memorandum of understanding to promote agricultural cooperation aimed at developing the local agriculture sector and enhancing the productivity of agricultural products.

Russia will also provide technical assistance for modernizing fertilizer manufacturing plants in Pakistan to boost the output of fertilizers and meet local agricultural input requirements.

This consensus was reached during a meeting between Minister for National food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain and Russian Ambassador Albert P. Khuriev, said a press release.

During the meeting, matters of mutual interests, with focus on enhancing cooperation in the industrial and agricultural sectors, as well as promoting trade and investment relations between the two countries came under discussion.

Rana Tanveer emphasized Pakistan's commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations with Russia, particularly in trade and investment.

He assured that Pakistan would offer all possible support to Russian investors to advance bilateral trade and investment ties.

The minister highlighted that modern agricultural machinery and other inputs were essential for increasing agricultural productivity. He noted that bilateral cooperation in agriculture would facilitate technology transfer, enhancing the productivity of both major and minor crops as well as livestock output.

Ambassador Khuriev invited agricultural experts from Pakistan to visit Russia and share their knowledge with Russian agri-scientists and experts, with the aim of improving per-acre crop output in their country.

He mentioned that Russia would supply modern agricultural machinery to Pakistan to support the promotion and development of the agricultural sector.

Secretary Ministry of National Food Security and Research Amir Mohyudin and the Secretary Ministry of Industries and Production Saif Anjum also attended the meeting.
ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 12th Sep, 2024) After years of dedicated marine protection efforts, Churna Island has finally been designated as the second Marine Protected Area (MPA) by the Government of Balochistan.

This long-awaited decision marks a significant step in protecting the islands rich marine biodiversity and reflects the sustained efforts and achievements of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Pakistan towards coastal and marine protection in Pakistan, a news release said.

IUCN Pakistan, which serves as the convener of the National Coordinating Body (NCB)  a joint-stakeholder platform chaired by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination (MoCC&EC), has been actively engaged in coastal conservation and governance across the country.

The marine initiative launched by IUCN Pakistan in 2016 under the Mangroves for Future (MFF) program, with support from NCB and its members, including the Forest & Wildlife Department, Government of Balochistan, has worked diligently over the years on strategic research, identification, and enhancement of marine protected areas in Pakistan.

These efforts resulted in attention towards four proposed locations for MPA which included Astola Island, Churna Island, Miani Hor, and Gwadar Bay. The proposed areas were considered vulnerable to human activities and interventions, endangering their preservation and fragile ecosystems.

The developments by IUCN Pakistan and NCB members led to the historic milestone of Astola Islands official recognition as the first-ever Marine Protected Area in Pakistan.

Following Astolas designation, the approval of Churna Island as an MPA showcases the consistent efforts by the Forest and Wildlife Department, the Government of Balochistan, primarily supported and assisted by IUCN Pakistans strategic expertise.

Churna Island serves as a significant marine hotspot, renowned for its rich marine life, including 25 species of coral reef, 250 fish species, several migratory bird species, endangered whale sharks, and sea turtles.

The MPA designation will provide the necessary legal protection to Churna Islands surrounding water, regulating human activities such as fishing, tourism, and industrial pollution, which have posed a threat to the islands ecosystem in recent years.

IUCN Pakistans vision and approach towards marine protection serves as a sustainable model for preserving biodiversity, promoting responsible resource use, and ensuring long-term conservation of marine ecosystems. Along NCB members, IUCN is actively contributing through further programs and studies to establish and implement management plans for both Churna Island and the previously declared MPA, Astola Island.

Country Representative, IUCN Pakistan, Mahmood Akhtar Cheema commended the Balochistan Forest and Wildlife Department for its efforts in achieving the important milestone for marine conservation. This designation is expected to have lasting positive impacts on Pakistans marine biodiversity and the coastal communities that depend on these ecosystems for their livelihood.
Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) police investigators of Homicide Investigation Units (HIU) of police station Shahzad Town on Thursday arrested a suspect involved in a murder case and put him behind the bars

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 12th Sep, 2024) Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) police investigators of Homicide Investigation Units (HIU) of police station Shahzad Town on Thursday arrested a suspect involved in a murder case and put him behind the bars.

According to a police spokesperson, on August 20, the accused shot to death Murtajiz Hussain in the limits of Shehzad Town police station.

He said DIG Islamabad Syed Ali Raza took strict notice of the incident and ordered the arrest of the accused.

Shahzad Town and HIU Police traced the blind murder case using advanced technical and scientific methods and arrested the accused, namely Muzaffar, in a short time, he said.

IG Islamabad Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi and the police team of DIG Islamabad were lauded for arresting the accused, he said.

According to DIG Islamabad Syed Ali Raza, the accused will be arraigned in the light of solid evidence, he added.
VIENTIANE, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Laos' Ministry of Public Security organized a training session for traffic police officers to ensure tight security during the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and related meetings.

A total of 180 officers joined the training, taking place in Lao capital Vientiane from Sept. 10 to 15, according to the Lao Security News report on Thursday.

The training aims to ensure safety and smooth traffic on routes leading to meeting venues, places of accommodation, embassies, offices, and other places, so that delegates can travel in comfort.

The training focuses on making officials know how to coordinate with the relevant parties in case of accidents and roadblocks.

The 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits will take place in Lao capital Vientiane in October. 
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 12th Sep, 2024) Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif on Thursday criticized Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapurs statement about holding direct dialogue with Afghanistan, calling it a direct attack on the federation.

Speaking on the floor of the National Assembly, he said that no province has the authority to hold direct talks with any foreign country.

He also highlighted the initiatives taken by the Speaker of the National Assembly to ensure the supremacy of Parliament.

The Minister said the Sunni Ittehad Council had not lost their representation due to the Speaker's issuance of production orders.

He urged that the tradition set by Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq should continue, stressing the importance of following rules and laws.

Recalling past events, he pointed out that during the PTI regime, the former Speaker denied production orders of the arrested members.

The Minister also informed the House of the victimization carried out by the PTI government, stating that Rana Sanaullah Khan, Maryam Nawaz, Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, Shehbaz Sharif, and Asif Ali Zardaris sister had been arrested in fake cases.

Asif further mentioned that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was consulted on important legislation during the PDM government.

He said that now is the time to promote a politics of tolerance in the country.

Leader of the Opposition, Omar Ayub thanked Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq for issuing production orders for detained members.

Rana Ansar raised concerns about the non-implementation of the maximum wage by the labour department, especially for female workers.

Former Speaker Asad Qaiser alleged that his party members were being victimized and stressed that legislation should be made for the welfare of the people, not for individual interests.

He called for institutions to operate within their respective domains and suggested forming an all-party committee to investigate the mishandling of parliamentarians.

He also recalled that he issued production orders for detained members during his tenure as Speaker.

Mirza Ikhtiar Baig highlighted issues concerning IRSA (Indus River System Authority) and said a new chairman should be appointed following the code of conduct.

Asia Naz Tanoli suggested upgrading the care day center established in the National Assembly must be upgraded.

Sher Afzal Khan Marwat thanked Speaker Ayaz Sadiq for issuing his production order and appreciated the care taken during his arrest.

He mentioned having a fruitful meeting with the Speaker and recalled that, during the PTI government, he always raised his voice against the victimization of members.

He expressed gratitude to the Speaker, saying, "You showed grace, Mr. Speaker. You supported us, and I am thankful to you. You set a good example, and I will never forget this in my life."

Marwat emphasized that political victimization should not be promoted and appreciated the unity shown by all political parties in Parliament.

APP/zah-sra
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The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Punjab has directed the police to check transportation of illegal weapons in the province

LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 12th Sep, 2024) The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Punjab has directed the police to check transportation of illegal weapons in the province.

For the purpose, he ordered for increasing the number of check-posts and enhancing surveillance, sources in Police Department told APP. Additional personnel have been appointed to 69 points on the highways.

The number of check-posts across the province including Lahore has been increased to 132, said the officials, adding that transportation of weapons would be strictly monitored.

The checking process at the posts had been tightened, the police official said adding that cameras would be installed for body search of the suspects at the checkpoints. Initially, such cameras have been provided at 115 check-posts.

On the direction of the Punjab chief minister, the Special Branch will prepare and provide special reports regarding the performance of the police check-posts.
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)s Parliamentary leader in the Senate, Senator Irfan Ahmad Siddiqui on Thursday said that Pakistan can not afford the revolution of unrest, abuse and anarchy

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 12th Sep, 2024) Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)s Parliamentary leader in the Senate, Senator Irfan Ahmad Siddiqui on Thursday said that Pakistan can not afford the revolution of unrest, abuse and anarchy.

While speaking in response to opposition members' concerns over raids on the arrest of parliamentarians from the lower House premises two days ago, he condemned the incide and said that the Speaker National Assembly had formed the committee to probe the matter, however, he said that Pakistan would survive, Parliament will live and reviling does not bring revolutions.

He reminded the PTI-backed lawmakers that the constitution of 1973 was in place and it was also in place during 2018-21 when they had sent all opposition members behind bars including me, but no PTI members said any word of condemnation over illegal practices.

Irfan questioned "How many sit-ins, and attacks were carried out on Britishers and Hindus during the Pakistan movement on the orders of Quaid Muhammad Ali Jinnah"

Siddiqui further asked whether Quaid Azam ordered their followers to fall petrol bombs on British institutions, the Army, Gandhi and Nehru.

He said "We do not want that you (PTI) to reap what you sow, "however Sidiqui held the PTI responsible for introducing a culture of disrespect in society.

Irfan questioned what message PTI conveyed in his public meeting to the democratic forces, armed forces and other institutions of the country in their speeches.

He said PTI's abusing politics could not bring a revolution, the revolutions that changed the lives of the nations PTI was not able to carry forward.

The PML-N leader also urged all political parties to gather to foster better cooperation in the parliament.
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Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication Ms Shaza Fatima on Thursday told the Senate that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority had blocked some 465 SIMs used by dacoits in the Katcha areas of Sindh, including the districts of Shikarpur and Ghotki

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 12th Sep, 2024) Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication Ms Shaza Fatima on Thursday told the Senate that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority had blocked some 465 SIMs used by dacoits in the Katcha areas of Sindh, including the districts of Shikarpur and Ghotki.

Replying to a question of Senator Haji Hidayatullah Khan in the House, she said that mobile numbers/SIMs, IMEls and CNICs (Computerized National Identity Cards) were blocked on the directions of the Ministry of Interior, Directorate General of Inter Services Intelligence and Signals Directorate of General Headquarters.

The minister said that during the year 2023-24, around 5,294 mobile numbers SIMs, 4507 IMEls and 113 CNICs were blocked and blacklisted while warning notices were issued to 19,730 numbers on fraudulent communication.

Shaza Fatima further said that mobile service had been blocked in some areas of Rahim Yar Khan and Dera Ghazi Khan due to security issues.

She said that grey traffic coming from outside Pakistan had been reduced by up to 90 per cent and the government was determined to further improve cyber security measures.
Petushki, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 12th Sep, 2024) A Russian court on Thursday put three lawyers who used to represent the late opposition leader Alexei Navalny on trial over "extremism" charges.

Navalny died in unclear circumstances in an Arctic prison colony in February, where he was serving a 19-year sentence for leading an "extremist" organisation.

Since his death, Russian authorities have escalated a campaign against the Kremlin critic's backers, allies and family -- arresting journalists who covered his court hearings and adding his wife, Yulia Navalnaya, to a "terrorists and extremists" blacklist.

The trial of three of his former lawyers -- Vadim Kobzev, Alexei Liptser and Igor Sergunin -- opened Thursday in a court in the Vladimir region east of Moscow, AFP journalists in the courtroom reported.

The three stood in a metal cage for defendants at the start of the hearing, before the judge granted the prosecution's request to move the session behind closed doors, ejecting public spectators and journalists from the hall.

Arrested in October 2023, the trio are accused of participating in an "extremist" organisation, charges which carry a maximum of six years.

Investigators say they passed messages between Navalny and his associates in the outside world, helping the Kremlin critic continue his outlawed political activity from behind bars.

At the time, Navalny's team alleged the arrest of the lawyers was an attempt to isolate Navalny even further in prison, where he spent most of the time in solitary confinement.

At a pre-trial hearing, Sergunin pleaded guilty, independent media reported, while Kobzev and Liptser rejected the charges.

The Kremlin has rejected accusations from Navalny's allies that President Vladimir Putin ordered him killed in jail.

The West and Moscow were in talks about freeing Navalny in a prisoner exchange when he died.

Over a decade of opposing the Kremlin, the charismatic opposition leader drew tens of thousands to anti-government street demonstrations.

He nearly died in 2020 after being poisoned on a campaign trip to Siberia ahead of regional elections.

An investigation by Navalny's team, Western and Russian media outlets connected the assassination attempt to Russian FSB agents.

Most of his former allies, including his wife Navalnaya who has pledged to continue his work, live in exile.
Stockholm, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Sep, 2024) Sweden plans to boost payments to up to $34,000 to immigrants who leave the nation that has been a haven for the war-weary and persecuted, the right-wing government said Thursday.

The Scandinavian country was for decades seen as a "humanitarian superpower", but over the years has struggled to integrate many of its newcomers.

Immigrants who voluntarily return to their countries of origin from 2026 would be eligible to receive up to 350,000 Swedish kronor ($34,000), the government, which is propped up by the anti-immigration Sweden Democrats, told a press conference.

"We are in the midst of a paradigm shift in our migration policy," Migration Minister Johan Forssell told reporters, as the government presented its latest move to crack down on migration.

Currently immigrants can receive up to 10,000 kronor per adult and 5,000 kronor per child, with a cap of 40,000 kronor per family.

Immigrants groups could not immediately be reached for comment on the change.

"The grant has been around since 1984, but it is relatively unknown, it is small and relatively few people use it," Ludvig Aspling of the Sweden Democrats told reporters.

Forssell said only one person had accepted the offer last year.

Aspling added that if more people were aware of the grant and its size was increased, more would likely take the money and leave.

He said the incentive would most likely appeal to the several hundred thousand migrants who were either long-term unemployed, jobless or whose incomes were so low they needed state benefits to make ends meet.

"That's the group we think would be interested," Aspling said.

A government-appointed probe last month advised the government against significantly hiking the amount of the grant, saying the expected effectiveness did not justify the potential costs.

The Nordic nation has struggled for years to integrate immigrants, and the head of the inquiry, Joakim Ruist, said that a sizeable financial increase would send a signal that migrants were undesirable, further hampering integration efforts.

Other European countries also offer grants as an incentive for migrants to return home.

Denmark pays more than $15,000 per person, compared to around $1,400 in Norway, $2,800 in France and $2,000 in Germany.
ST. PETERSBURG, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- Wang Yi, director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, on Wednesday called for BRICS countries to join hands in addressing security threats at a high-level meeting here.

During the 14th meeting of the BRICS high-ranking officials responsible for security matters and national security advisors, Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, noted that BRICS countries, being active, positive and constructive, are an important force on the international stage.

In the face of current security challenges, BRICS should adopt a long-term perspective, demonstrate a more open attitude, and cooperate more closely to jointly address security threats and resolve security dilemmas, so as to inject positive energy into the turbulent international situation and make new contributions to building a world of lasting peace and universal security, he said.

To that end, China has put forward a four-point proposal, Wang said.

Firstly, be implementers of peaceful coexistence. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. BRICS should lead by example in practicing peaceful coexistence, strengthening solidarity and coordination and upholding independence, and take the lead in building a community with a shared future for mankind. It is essential to adhere to a holistic approach to national security, systematically advance political, economic, cultural and social security, and firmly grasp the initiative of safeguarding national security, in a bid to ensure real security for the people.

Secondly, be builders of multilateralism. Guided by true multilateralism, BRICS should advocate abiding by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, practice the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, uphold dialogue rather than confrontation, partnership rather than alliance, and win-win rather than zero-sum outcomes. Using the UN's 2024 Summit Of The Future as an opportunity, BRICS should jointly uphold the international system with the UN at its core and support the UN in playing a greater role in international security affairs. Exceptionalism and double standards should be rejected, and any words or deeds that undermine the UN's authority or negate the binding force of Security Council resolutions should be firmly resisted.

Thirdly, be promoters of political settlement. BRICS should resolutely promote the political settlement of hotspot issues, uphold the principle of indivisible security, respect each other's legitimate concerns, seek common ground while shelving differences in dialogues, work with each other in the same direction in negotiations, and turn hostility into friendship. Regarding the prolonged spillover of the Ukraine crisis, China and Brazil jointly issued a six-point consensus, which received widespread positive responses. BRICS partners are encouraged to support and participate in this initiative to amplify the rational, balanced and constructive voices within the international community and build more consensus for a political settlement to the crisis. Regarding the Gaza conflict, it is necessary to implement a comprehensive ceasefire as soon as possible, unblock humanitarian aid corridors, and return to the right track of the two-state solution as soon as possible.

Fourthly, be defenders of fairness and justice. BRICS should speak for justice and jointly advocate an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization. Upholding the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits, BRICS should make the global governance system more just and equitable, effectively enhancing the representation and voice of the Global South to ensure equal rights, equal opportunities, and equal rules for every country. BRICS should strengthen the governance of artificial intelligence (AI) and balance development and security to ensure that AI always serves the progress of human civilization.

Wang emphasized that the Global Security Initiative proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping has pointed out the right direction for strengthening security governance, resolving security dilemmas, and eliminating security deficits.

China stands ready to work with BRICS partners to fully implement the Global Security Initiative, continuously deepen BRICS political and security cooperation, build a peaceful and stable world, and jointly embrace a brighter future, he said. 
LANZHOU, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, has stressed the importance of prioritizing elderly care and childcare in efforts to improve public services.

Xi made the remarks when visiting a local community in Lanzhou, capital city of northwest China's Gansu Province, on Wednesday. 
Australia has stripped military honors from senior defense commanders over alleged war crimes committed under their watch during the long conflict in Afghanistan.

Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles on Thursday told the Federal Parliament senior military officers who served in Afghanistan would lose their distinguished service medals.

The medals are mainly awarded to Australian military members, recognizing command and leadership in action.

Stripping some commanders of their medals was recommended by the 2020 Brereton Report, which dealt with war crimes allegedly committed during the war in Afghanistan between 2005 and 2016. It found "credible evidence" elite Australian soldiers had unlawfully killed 39 people during the conflict.

Marles told Parliament senior officers were responsible for the actions of their units.

"When you command a unit, you will receive often the benefits and the accolades of what that unit does irrespective of whether you have personally been right there at the front line and, commensurately, you accept the responsibility of that unit in terms of what failings occur," he said.

The government has not said how many officers have had their military honors rescinded, but media reports say the decision affects up to nine serving and former military commanders. Their identities have not been publicly disclosed.

They have not necessarily been accused of war crimes but have been punished for allegedly ignoring or not reporting misconduct by their troops.

Andrew Hastie, Australias shadow defense minister and a former military officer who served in Afghanistan, told Parliament on Thursday that commanders had an obligation to oversee the actions of their soldiers.

"Those who are alleged to have shed innocent blood are alone responsible for that," he said. "I do not say this to absolve or condemn anyone but those in the chain of command who saw the pictures of dead individuals had an obligation to ask questions."

The government has stressed that the vast majority of Australian service personnel who were sent to Afghanistan between 2001 and 2021 had given "sacred service," and it commended those who helped expose alleged wrongdoing.

Dozens of Australian soldiers are reportedly being investigated for alleged war crimes. So far charges have only been laid against one, a former SAS trooper Oliver Schulz.

The government has said it could take years before the cases are investigated, prosecuted and resolved because of their complex and sensitive natures.

Allegations also have been made of crimes committed by British and American forces in Afghanistan.
President Joe Biden will host his second and final Quad leaders summit in his home state of Delaware on September 21, the White House announced Thursday.

Biden is planning to host the three other leaders of the group, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, and Prime Minister Kishida Fumio of Japan. The summit will be held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, happening concurrently in New York.

The leaders are expected to enhance cooperation including the existing Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness, a key initiative aimed at countering Chinas aggression in the South China Sea.

"The Quad Leaders Summit will focus on bolstering the strategic convergence among our countries, advancing our shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific region, and delivering concrete benefits for partners in the Indo-Pacific in key areas," said White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre in a statement Thursday.

Biden hosted the first Quad leaders summit at the White House in 2021. The group has since met twice more in person in Japan. In a reflection of the importance of the group, Biden has hosted all the leaders for subsequent state visits at the White House.

India was scheduled to host this year, but the four leaders agreed that New Delhi will instead do so in 2025.

President Bidens visit to India in September 2023 for the G20 summit meant that it was difficult for him to return to India in January 2024, on the sidelines of Indias Republic Day in January 2024, as per Indias original planning, said Aparna Pande, director of the Hudson Institutes Initiative on the Future of India and South Asia.

Both India and the U.S. then became caught up in their own electoral cycles, making travel and summit-hosting respectively challenging, Pande told VOA.

With Biden and Kishida set to leave office, the Wilmington summit will be the last gathering of the current leaders. Whoever wins the U.S. November election, whether Vice President Kamala Harris or former President Donald Trump, will be invited to the Delhi summit next year.
Botswana and an American biotech firm, Ginkgo Bioworks, have partnered to conduct pathogen surveillance at the countrys entry points. Health officials say the proactive move is meant to safeguard public health as the world faces emerging disease threats.

Botswana introduced mpox screening last month for travelers at its entry points.

In a statement Wednesday, Ministry of Health spokesperson Christopher Nyanga said a pathogen-monitoring program is critical to detecting similar emerging health threats.

Dr. Mbatshi Mazwiduma, a public health expert, said the pathogen-surveillance program will complement existing strategies to prevent disease threats.

"The initiative by the Ministry of Health is a very welcome development in the sense that it is at least demonstrating that they are both embracing traditional methods of surveillance and disease detection plus at the same time, they are looking at other innovative ways of disease detection," he said.

Through the collaboration, Boston-based Gingko Bioworks will work with the Ministry of Health to collect and monitor travelers samples. Nasal swabs will be used to collect the samples.

Nyanga said testing will be done on a voluntary, anonymous basis.

"Although participation in this initiative is entirely voluntary, travelers are encouraged to participate because this early detection of pathogens is meant to safeguard the health of all citizens, visitors and residents of this country," he said. "The samples collected will be kept anonymous. The data collected from the samples will be vital in strengthening the country's robust health system and response to public health threats and emergencies."

But Mazwiduma said voluntary participation in the pathogen-monitoring program could hinder effective disease detection.

"Perhaps if non-invasive, non-intrusive, the technique should be compulsory because it ensures that the number of people who comply to sample acquisition is increased and, therefore, you can actually rapidly achieve suitable sample sizes for you to be able to ensure that you do not miss any patients, but also more importantly that it allows you to improve your validation of these particular technologies," Mazwiduma said.

Botswana and Gingko Bioworks previously collaborated in a 2022 pathogen-monitoring program to detect new and emerging COVID-19 variants.

During the same year, Botswana was credited with the discovery of COVID-19 variant omicron.
Many exiled Uyghurs in the U.S. say China has ramped up transnational repression against them, using their relatives who still live in China to threaten them into silence abroad.

Ive been targeted online with fake accounts.  Chinese trolls even registered for a webinar using fake emails and posted my home address, saying, We are watching you,  Elfidar Iltebir, president of the Uyghur American Association, a rights group, told VOA last week in a phone interview.

The harassment prompted her to increase her home security. Iltebir said the repression has intensified, especially over the past two years.

People are afraid to come out and advocate, fearing for their families safety, she said.

From 2017 to 2020, she said, nearly every Uyghur American had at least one family member detained in Xinjiang, spurring many to activism. But as China increased pressure on these exiles, many of them are thinking twice about their activist work.

She described a climate of fear within her organization. Some of our supporters now ask if they can help behind the scenes, afraid to be seen publicly, Iltebir said. Chinese agents, sending messages through Uyghur relatives in Xinjiang, tell us not to attend political or cultural events, not to join any organizations, to stay away from activists.

They even dictate who to invite to weddings. Ive seen community members receive these orders.

VOA reached out to the Chinese Embassy in Washington for comment on the allegations of transnational repression targeting Uyghur Americans. The embassy did not respond to multiple inquiries.

However, the FBI says it is aware of such activity targeting Uyghurs and other ethnic minority groups in the United States.

Tactics and patterns morph with advancements in technology, the federal police agency said in a statement to VOA. These acts  often identified as transnational repression (TNR)  represent severe violations of international norms, U.S. law, and individual rights and freedoms. TNR conducted by any government, against any person including Uyghur Americans, is unacceptable.

The agency says it has worked to raise awareness of the problem among state, local and university law enforcement partners and has conducted training to help vulnerable communities recognize repressive tactics and examples of transnational harassment. It also provides resources in 60 languages, including in Uyghur.

Iltebir detailed her organizations work with the FBI to support the estimated 10,000 to 15,000 Uyghur Americans in combating Chinas transnational repression.

China, Uyghurs and human rights

Uyghurs are a largely Muslim minority group. Approximately 12 million Uyghurs live in China's northwestern Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, where accusations of mass detention, forced labor and other human rights abuses have drawn global attention and condemnation.

In recent years, the U.S., U.N., European Parliament and rights organizations have condemned China or its policies in the Uyghur region. Some have accused Bejing of committing genocide and crimes against humanity.

Allegations include the arbitrary mass imprisonment of Uyghurs and other Muslim and Turkic groups, forced labor, forced sterilization, family separation and other abuses.

China denies any wrongdoing in the region, labeling the targeted Uyghurs as extremists, terrorists and separatists and justifying its policies as necessary measures to combat terrorism and separatism.

Fear and anonymity

Fear often keeps exiles from speaking out or enabling the media to confirm accusations.

One such U.S.-based Uyghur rights activist is a man who came to the U.S. for his education. He spoke to VOA on the condition of anonymity, fearing retaliation and increased harassment of his family members in Xinjiang.

In 2017, he said, his sibling and extended family were arbitrarily detained in Xinjiang.

"The only thing I was obsessed with was my academic work," he said, but the detentions forced him into activism.

After joining a Washington-based rights group advocating for human rights in China, including the Uyghurs, in 2019, he began receiving intimidating social media messages from Chinese authorities.

"I started receiving all sorts of intimidation from [Chinese] police through WhatsApp and other social media platforms," he recalled. "They even invited me to a third country to meet them there. I never agreed."

Despite the evolving nature of these tactics, he said, the harassment has never ceased.

"I have submitted details of these incidents to the FBI at least 15 times in the past and provided them with all the details of the communications I've received over the past few years," he said.

But ultimately, he said, the FBI can do nothing because the harassers are based outside the U.S.

However, the agency has taken legal action against Chinas transnational repression schemes in the U.S.

In a case last month, Wang Shujun of New York was found guilty of acting as a covert Chinese agent. The FBI said he supported transnational repression by posing as a member of a pro-democracy group while feeding Beijing information about its members.

Political response

Chinese Communist agents should not be able to threaten and intimidate American residents without consequences, anywhere  especially and including here in the United States, said Republican U.S. Representative Chris Smith, chairman of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, in an email to VOA on Tuesday.

Smith emphasized that while the FBI has made efforts, more can and must be done to stop transnational repression and abuse.

According to the FBI, China has long targeted diaspora communities, particularly what China describes as the five poisons" - groups seen as threats to Chinese Communist Party rule, including Uyghurs, Tibetans, democracy activists, Falun Gong practitioners and Taiwanese independence advocates.

The PRC has used proxies, including private investigators, to harass dissidents in the U.S., the FBI told VOA.

Despite the challenges, Iltebir remains determined to speak out.

We cannot be silenced. If we dont speak out, who will? Seeing non-Uyghurs stand with us inspires me to continue this fight for freedom, justice and human rights, she said.

Yihua Lee of VOA's Mandarin Service contributed to this report.
Chinese authorities have rolled out new propaganda efforts aimed at countering Western narratives about the human rights situation in the northwest Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and Tibet.

In recent weeks, they have continued to invite foreign vloggers to visit Xinjiang, home to millions of Uyghur people, a majority Muslim ethnic minority group. Also this month, China inaugurated an international communication center to produce content portraying some "positive developments in Tibet, such as Tibetan peoples growing income.

Since 2017, the United States, United Nations, European Parliament and rights organizations have condemned China for interning up to 1 million Uyghurs, forcing hundreds of thousands of Uyghur women to go through abortion or sterilization, and forcing Uyghurs, Kazakhs and other ethnic minorities in Xinjiang to work in factories, which prompted the United States to pass the Uyghur Forced Labor Protection Act in 2021.

In Tibet, human rights organizations and Western countries, including the U.S., have accused the Chinese government of erasing the Tibetan language and culture through compulsory Chinese language education for Tibetan children, forcing hundreds of thousands of rural Tibetans to relocate to urban areas and replacing the name Tibet with the Romanized Chinese name Xizang in official documents.

Taiwan said on September 5 it knows of reports China has been recruiting Taiwanese influencers to visit Xinjiang and help promote a more positive narrative about the region through their videos.

Taiwans Mainland Affairs Council, which oversees cross-strait exchanges, said it was still looking into the recent surge of Xinjiang-related content produced by Taiwanese influencers and urged them to avoid violating an anti-infiltration law by accepting payment from Beijing.

Taiwanese Youtuber Potter Wang claimed in June that the Chinese government had been inviting Taiwanese influencers on paid trips to China to produce content. His claims prompted several Taiwanese YouTubers who have recently published videos about Xinjiang to deny receiving payment from Beijing.

In response to warnings from Taiwanese authorities, Chinas Taiwan Affairs Office said Beijing welcomed Taiwan compatriots to visit China and enjoy the magnificent mountains and rivers, taste the various kinds of food, experience the local customs, and share what they have seen and heard.

Apart from inviting Taiwanese influencers to visit Xinjiang, Beijing has been inviting foreign journalists and vloggers to visit Xinjiang since the start of 2024.

In several reports, Chinas state-run tabloid Global Times said these foreigners learned about Xinjiang's latest economic achievements, religious freedom, and ethnic integration following visits to local industry, religious venues and residential homes.

Some experts say Chinese authorities usually impose tight control over foreign influencers itineraries in Xinjiang to ensure the content they produce is aligned with the positive narrative that Beijing aims to promote, which is contrary to existing foreign media reports about mass internment of Uyghurs, forced labor of ethnic minorities or harsh birth control programs.

Foreign influencers usually spend time in Xinjiangs capital, Urumqi, and visit places like the Grand Bazaar, where they will try local food and watch dance performances that could seem to suggest that cultural forms of the Uyghur people are protected, said Timothy Grose, a professor of China Studies at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Indiana.

In addition to showcasing aspects of Uyghur culture, Grose said, foreign influencers Xinjiang videos will often portray Uyghurs being employed and local signs containing Chinese and Uyghur characters.

Beijing believes this is an effective strategy [to counter existing international narratives about Xinjiang] if they are indirectly controlling the types of pictures that are exported out of Xinjiang, he told VOA by phone.

By flooding social media platforms with Xinjiang content produced by these foreign influencers, Grose said, the Chinese government is trying to reach and influence casual viewers, especially younger audiences, with no deep knowledge about China or Xinjiang.

These casual viewers dont have expertise in China, so they wont know where to find signs of oppression in the videos since they are unfamiliar with the Uyghur culture or Chinas ethnic policy, he said.

Since China is directly or indirectly filling social media platforms with content aligned with their preferred narrative for Xinjiang, Grose said, it will be difficult for academics, activists, and journalists to counter Beijings propaganda efforts with content that reflects the reality in the region.

Telling the Tibet stories

Beijing has also launched a new initiative to tell the Tibet story well.

On September 2, several local and central Chinese government agencies inaugurated an international communication center in the Tibetan capital, Lhasa, that aims to enhance Beijings ability to promote its preferred narratives about Tibet.

During a roundtable event focusing on building a more effective international communication system for Tibet-related issues, French writer Margot Chevestrier, who works for Chinas state-run China International Communications Group, said that many young Chinese people are affected by biased reporting on global social media and that these misunderstandings often stem from misleading reporting by some media or individuals.

The new international communication center will enable more people at home and abroad to know Tibet, understand Tibet, and love Tibet, according to Chinas state-run China News, an online news website.

Some analysts say the communication center may serve as a centralized institution to coordinate Beijings propaganda efforts focusing on Tibet.

Since there doesnt seem to be as much propaganda efforts on Tibet as on Xinjiang, Beijing might be thinking how they can use this tactic, said Sarah Cook, an independent researcher on China and former China research director at nonprofit organization Freedom House.

Cook said the amount of propaganda effort that China dedicated to Xinjiang and Tibet shows that these two issues are of a high priority for Beijing.

While Tibet and Xinjiang are their priorities, the tactics that the Chinese propaganda apparatus deploys are similar, including spreading disinformation through fake accounts, restricting foreign journalists access to certain places, and suppressing information that contradicts their preferred narrative, she told VOA by phone.

Since its propaganda efforts have been seemingly successful, Grose said, Beijing will continue to employ the same set of strategies to challenge existing facts about the situation in Xinjiang and Tibet.

To push back against Beijings campaigns, he said, Xinjiang and Tibet-focused groups should try to increase their presence on social media platforms and create more captivating and moving visual content that is properly contextualized but can influence young audiences.

Additionally, Cook said its important for individuals concerned about the situation in Tibet and Xinjiang to work with like-minded research groups and expose the different propaganda campaigns that China is pushing.

They can try to produce short videos informing people of Beijings tactics, she said.
The future of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program remains in limbo with another court hearing set for October 10.

Judges from the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals will hear arguments on the case, initiated in 2018 by Texas and other Republican-led states seeking to end DACA. The program offers temporary protection from deportation and work permits to undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children who are often referred to as "Dreamers."

The case centers on whether DACA exceeds presidential authority, immigration advocates from the coalition "Home is Here" said during a recent conversation with reporters.

"Our response to that is that presidential authority in the area of immigration, and particularly the discretion exercised by the executive branch, is very broad and certainly encompasses the type of program that DACA is, which is now a regulation," Nina Perales, vice president of litigation at the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, said during the call.

A central issue in the case is whether Texas and other states have the standing to sue.

Texas and other Republican-led states have argued that DACA has harmed them financially because they are spending resources on education, health care and other services on undocumented immigrants who were allowed to remain in the country illegally.

But Perales, who will be one of the attorneys arguing the case in October, said that "Texas cannot show any injury as a result of DACA" because recipients contribute to their communities and states by paying taxes and more.

A final decision could take a while, said Perales, who noted the 5th Circuit could take "as long as 18 months" to rule.

And the case could end in several ways: The 5th Circuit might dismiss the case, send it back to the lower court or rule against DACA, which could then be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court.

"One possible scenario is that the 5th Circuit decides [U.S. District] Judge [Andrew] Hanen didn't evaluate the evidence properly and sends the case back to [him]," she said.

If that happens, Perales said, DACA recipients might benefit from the current case's legal state, which allows recipients to continue renewing their DACA benefits while awaiting the courts' final resolution. The Biden administration continues to accept new applications but does not process them.

How we got here

Former President Barack Obama, frustrated with congressional inaction on the Dream Act, created DACA by executive order in 2012. Some DACA recipients arrived legally, but their families later overstayed their visas; others arrived by crossing the U.S.-Mexico border without authorization. They are now in their mid-20s to late 30s, and they come from around the world.

In 2018, Texas and other Republican-led states sued the federal government, arguing not only that they were being harmed financially but also that only Congress has the authority to grant immigration benefits.

In 2022, the Biden administration revised the program in hopes of satisfying one of the arguments made in federal courts by Republican-led states  that the program was not created properly. Biden officials issued the new version of DACA in late August. It went through a period of public comments as part of a formal rule-making process to increase its odds of surviving this legal battle.

In a February 2023 statement, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a Republican, wrote in a statement on his website that "the Obama and Biden programs are practically indistinguishable in both the negative harms that they will have on this country and in the illegal means used to implement them. I am therefore calling for the new DACA rule to end in the same way that the Obama-era rule did: struck down as unlawful."

But DACA has support. In October 2022, a coalition of dozens of influential corporations, including Apple, Amazon, Google and Microsoft, sent a letter to Republicans and Democrats in Congress urging a bipartisan solution for the almost 600,000 immigrants who are enrolled in DACA.

According to the Migration Policy Institute, DACA has "improved recipients' employment outcomes, increased the labor force participation rates of those who are eligible, decreased their unemployment rates, and boosted earnings for those with the lowest incomes."

MPI's analysis shows that DACA holders contribute "nearly $42 billion to the U.S. gross domestic product each year and add $3.4 billion to the federal balance sheet."

Bruna Bouhid-Sollod, a former DACA recipient and current senior political director at United We Dream, highlighted the emotional impact of the uncertainty.

"The importance of making [the impact] really clear is really important.  DACA recipients and their families are dealing with an extreme amount of stress," she said.

With renewal periods lasting just two years, many recipients are in constant limbo, unsure if their work permits and deportation protections will remain intact.

There is a lot at stake, according to immigration lawyers and advocates.

"Unless you're living in it  you don't think about the impact it has on the people that are waiting for their lives to be decided by this case," Bouhid-Sollod said.
In an exclusive interview, U.S. Ambassador to Somalia Richard Riley shed light on the ongoing diplomatic efforts and security challenges facing the East African nation, including U.S. efforts to find a peaceful diplomatic solution to the ongoing dispute between Somalia and Ethiopia.

Somalia and Ethiopia have been in a dispute that was ignited at the beginning of this year when Ethiopia signed a memorandum of understanding, or MoU, with the breakaway region of Somaliland  a deal Somalia sees as an infringement on its sovereignty.

The agreement gives Ethiopia leasing rights to a large portion of the Red Sea coastline in Somaliland.

During the interview conducted at the U.S. Embassy in Mogadishu, Riley, who was sworn in to his post in May, shared with VOA his insights on the U.S. commitment to finding peaceful resolutions and supporting the Somali government in combating terrorism.

Diplomatic resolution

We are very much aware and working collaboratively to make sure there is a diplomatic resolution of this current situation, he said. It is an unfortunate situation, very disruptive, and started ... with this MoU between Somaliland and Ethiopia. Of course, we do not recognize it, and we are trying to solve it through diplomatic channels.

Turkey, a key Somali partner, has been trying to mediate the dispute between the neighboring countries, holding two rounds of talks in Ankara that ended without an agreement.

The Ethiopian and Somali foreign ministers who represented their countries at the meeting did not hold direct talks. Turkeys foreign minister shuttled between them.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan described the talks at the time as candid, cordial and forward-looking.

Abdi Aynte, a former Somali minister of planning and international cooperation who was involved in the negotiations, said the only thing the two sides agreed upon was to reconvene on September 17.

The core issue remains Ethiopias refusal to annul the MoU with Somaliland, which is Somalias position, and if Ethiopia continues to insist on its position of not withdrawing from the MoU, I think there is nothing to expect from any talks between the two countries, Aynte said.

Another analyst who spoke with VOA earlier this year, Cameron Hudson, who is a researcher at the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies, questioned the United States commitment and ability to quell tensions in the volatile region.

Riley said he is hopeful, though, that a solution may come from the third round of talks in Turkey.

There are negotiations ongoing, he said.

Concerns about potential conflict

Fears have been growing in Somalia that the boiling tensions could turn into an armed conflict between Ethiopian soldiers currently stationed in Somalia and Somalis.

Riley said such confrontation is unacceptable.

No one can accept there would be any kind of conflict, much less war, he said. That is why everybody in the international community is working nonstop. We certainly are, from the United States and from Washington, to find the proper resolution of this conflict between Ethiopia and Somalia. This is absolutely needed. It is needed soon very quickly, and you have the full power and support, Somalia does, to make sure there is a proper diplomatic solution.

Ethiopian troops became part of the African Union mission, known as ATMIS, in Somalia in January 2012. Under the mission, at least 3,000 Ethiopian soldiers officially operate as part of an AU peacekeeping mission fighting al-Shabab. An additional 5,000 to 7,000 Ethiopian soldiers are stationed in several regions under a bilateral agreement.

Last month, the United Nations Security Council passed Resolution 2748, which allows ATMIS troops to stay in Somalia through December 2024.

Somalia says all Ethiopian troops should be out of the country by the end of 2024, especially after the expiration of ATMIS. Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre said last month that Ethiopian forces would not be part of the upcoming African Union Support Mission in Somalia, or AUSSOM, unless Ethiopia withdraws from the controversial memorandum of understanding.

Commitment to Somalias security

Riley said the U.S. is Somalias largest donor and security partner, providing tens of billions of dollars over the years in personnel, equipment and funding. The United States, for example, just forgave $1.14 billion of Somali sovereign debt, he said.

He added that the U.S. will extend full support to any mission whose objective is to make Somalia a peaceful place.

We absolutely have always strongly supported the current ATMIS force here. We are very grateful to the troop-contributing countries, who have provided very brave personnel for many years to assist the federal government to bring stability and security here, Riley said. We are looking forward to this transition so that it is a proper one, it is well organized, and it is efficient, and it does the job. That is the main issue to make sure that the mandate of the follow-on force under AUSSOM will be suited to the need.

Two urgent issues

He said there are imperative challenges in Somalia that the U.S. wants to help the country handle.

There are two immediate urgencies: to ensure that the Somali National Army and armed forces, including the police, receive all the resources they need to fight against horrific terrorist groups like al-Shabab and ISIS, he said. The other challenge is to ensure that the economy of Somalia continues to grow, with more investment and connectivity to international markets. Somalia needs both physical and economic security.

This story originated in VOA's Somali Service in collaboration with VOA's Horn of Africa Service. Reporters Abdulkadir Abdulle and Abdulkadir Zubeyr contributed to the report from Mogadishu.
Haitian Americans said they fear for their safety after Donald Trump repeated a false and derogatory claim during this week's presidential debate about immigrants in Ohio.

Haitian community leaders across the U.S. said the Republican candidate's remarks about immigrants eating household pets during his debate with Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris could put lives at risk and further inflame tensions in the small city of Springfield, Ohio, where thousands of recent Haitian arrivals have boosted the local economy but also strained the safety net.

"We have to be careful where we go," said Viles Dorsainvil, 38, who says the Haitian community center he heads in Springfield has received threatening phone calls. The hostility has prompted one friend working at an Amazon warehouse to consider leaving, he said.

"He said that things are getting out of hand now; the way people are treating us, making bad comments about us," Dorsainvil said.

Trump's Tuesday remark that "they're eating the dogs, the people that came in, they're eating the cats" is the latest in a long line of lies about immigrants that have defined his political career. It followed a similar false claim spread by his running mate, U.S. Senator JD Vance of Ohio, on social media about Springfield's new residents.

City officials say they have received no credible reports of anybody eating household animals. Karen Graves, a city spokesperson, said she was not aware of recent hate crimes targeting Haitian residents but that some had been victims of "crimes of opportunity," such as property theft.

The Haitian Times reported that some Haitian families in Springfield, Ohio, were keeping their children home from school, while other sources told the newspaper that they were subject to bullying, assaults and intimidation in front of their homes amid racist rhetoric amplified by social media.

The lie fed on frustrations of some in the western Ohio city, who say the 15,000 Haitians who have arrived in recent years to fuel the city's economy, have also stressed limited resources at local schools and health clinics and driven up rents.

Tensions have increased since a Haitian driving without an Ohio license struck a school bus in 2023, killing 11-year-old Aiden Clark and injuring 26 other children.

"People are getting really fed up," city resident Richard Jordan said at a city council meeting on Tuesday. "Things are going to get ugly."

At that same meeting, Clark's father Nathan Clark criticized Trump and Vance for exploiting his son's death.

"They can vomit all the hate they want about illegal immigrants, the border crisis, and even untrue claims about fluffy pets being ravaged and eaten by community members," Clark said. "However, they are not allowed, nor have they ever been allowed, to mention Aiden Clark from Springfield, Ohio."

Last month, a white supremacist was ejected from a city council meeting after he made threatening statements towards Haitian immigrants.

'My heart fell'

Ahead of the debate, billionaire Elon Musk amplified the lie further on his X social media platform, as did Republicans on the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee.

Guerline Jozef, who heads the national advocacy group Haitian Bridge Alliance, said her group had been trying to knock down the rumor before the debate.

When Trump mentioned it, "my heart fell to the floor," she said. "This has become a nationwide lie that people everywhere are repeating."

For Taisha Saintil, now an analyst with the immigrant advocacy group UndocuBlack Network, said Trump's remark brought back painful memories of being taunted when she arrived at a Florida elementary school in 2006.

Some 1.1 million Haitian Americans live in the U.S., about half of whom are immigrants, according to the Census Bureau. Long established in Florida and New York, Haitian immigrants have recently been moving to states like North Carolina and California to pursue work, Jozef said.

Seeking work

Springfield officials say the majority of Haitian migrants are in the country legally, drawn by jobs at warehouses and factories. They have opened two restaurants and seven groceries, according to a city fact sheet.

While we are experiencing challenges related to the rapid growth of our immigrant population, these challenges are primarily due to the pace of the growth," city manager Bryan Heck said in a video on Wednesday.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, a Republican, said on Tuesday the state is providing $2.5 million to help the new residents get vaccines and other health services, and state police are being brought in to help enforce traffic laws. He said President Joe Biden's administration should also provide aid to cities like Springfield that see a sudden increase in new migrants.

Trump's comments could energize his supporters to help him win over undecided voters, particularly aggrieved white voters who feel a sense of their own decline in this country, said Republican strategist Mike Madrid, founder of the anti-Trump Lincoln Project.

"The attempts to dehumanize people is a long-proven strategy to work at a time when society's undergoing change," he said.

But that strategy risks spurring violence, Haitian American leaders said.

Democratic Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, the only Haitian-American in Congress, said Trump's rhetoric endangers Haitians across the country.

"We've heard these stereotypes for years about Haitian people, Black immigrants, doing all these things that we know aren't true, she said.

Gepsie Metellus, who heads the Sant La Haitian neighborhood center in North Miami, said Trump's comment was viewed as a "cheap political shot" in her community, but directly endangers those in Springfield.

"This rhetoric has a way of turning out really badly," she said.
This photo taken on Sept. 5, 2024 shows a view of the Huahu Lake in Ruoergai Wetland National Nature Reserve, in Ruoergai County of Aba Tibetan-Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Sichuan Province. The Ruoergai Wetland National Nature Reserve is established to protect local peat swamp ecosystem and rare species such as the black-necked crane. The ecological environment of protected areas has witnessed a continuous improvement in recent years as the local government implemented substantial measures in ecological restoration and management. The number of black-necked cranes in the reserve has increased from 407 recorded in 1999 to about 1100 at present. (Xinhua/Xu Bingjie)

Tourists visit the Huahu Lake scenic spot in Ruoergai Wetland National Nature Reserve, in Ruoergai County of Aba Tibetan-Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Sept. 5, 2024. The Ruoergai Wetland National Nature Reserve is established to protect local peat swamp ecosystem and rare species such as the black-necked crane. The ecological environment of protected areas has witnessed a continuous improvement in recent years as the local government implemented substantial measures in ecological restoration and management. The number of black-necked cranes in the reserve has increased from 407 recorded in 1999 to about 1100 at present. (Xinhua/Xu Bingjie)

Tourists visit the Huahu Lake scenic spot in Ruoergai Wetland National Nature Reserve, in Ruoergai County of Aba Tibetan-Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Sept. 5, 2024. The Ruoergai Wetland National Nature Reserve is established to protect local peat swamp ecosystem and rare species such as the black-necked crane. The ecological environment of protected areas has witnessed a continuous improvement in recent years as the local government implemented substantial measures in ecological restoration and management. The number of black-necked cranes in the reserve has increased from 407 recorded in 1999 to about 1100 at present. (Xinhua/Xu Bingjie)

This photo taken on Sept. 5, 2024 shows migratory birds in Ruoergai Wetland National Nature Reserve, in Ruoergai County of Aba Tibetan-Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Sichuan Province. The Ruoergai Wetland National Nature Reserve is established to protect local peat swamp ecosystem and rare species such as the black-necked crane. The ecological environment of protected areas has witnessed a continuous improvement in recent years as the local government implemented substantial measures in ecological restoration and management. The number of black-necked cranes in the reserve has increased from 407 recorded in 1999 to about 1100 at present. (Xinhua/Xu Bingjie)

This photo taken on Sept. 5, 2024 shows a view of the Huahu Lake in Ruoergai Wetland National Nature Reserve, in Ruoergai County of Aba Tibetan-Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Sichuan Province. The Ruoergai Wetland National Nature Reserve is established to protect local peat swamp ecosystem and rare species such as the black-necked crane. The ecological environment of protected areas has witnessed a continuous improvement in recent years as the local government implemented substantial measures in ecological restoration and management. The number of black-necked cranes in the reserve has increased from 407 recorded in 1999 to about 1100 at present. (Xinhua/Xu Bingjie)

This photo taken on Sept. 5, 2024 shows a view of the Huahu Lake in Ruoergai Wetland National Nature Reserve, in Ruoergai County of Aba Tibetan-Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Sichuan Province. The Ruoergai Wetland National Nature Reserve is established to protect local peat swamp ecosystem and rare species such as the black-necked crane. The ecological environment of protected areas has witnessed a continuous improvement in recent years as the local government implemented substantial measures in ecological restoration and management. The number of black-necked cranes in the reserve has increased from 407 recorded in 1999 to about 1100 at present. (Xinhua/Xu Bingjie)
Indonesian President Joko Widodo will from Thursday spend the final weeks of his term in the country's planned new capital, Nusantara, amid doubts about the continued pace of development of his flagship $32 billion megaproject.

The massive infrastructure undertaking on the island of Borneo has suffered a series of setbacks, including construction delays, land issues, and a lack of foreign investment. This June the two top officials overseeing Nusantara abruptly resigned.

Jokowi, as the outgoing leader is known, reiterated on Thursday that it could be decades before Nusantara is finished.

"It could take 10, 15, or even 20 years," Jokowi told top military and police officials during a meeting in Nusantara's recently completed eagle-shaped palace.

"Moving to the new capital is not only about moving to a new building, palace or location," he added. "But is a change of mindset and working patterns."

Intended to ease the burden on the congested, polluted and densely populated current capital Jakarta, the parliament in 2022 passed a law to move its capital.

But ahead of the Oct. 20 inauguration of president-elect Prabowo Subianto and Jokowi's eldest son, vice president-elect Gibran Rakabuming Raka, doubts have grown about Nusantara's future viability.

Analysts say the development of Nusantara is unlikely to continue at the same breakneck speed in the next administration.

Prabowo, who ran on a platform of continuing Jokowi's policies, is expected to prioritize his own signature $28 billion "free nutritious food program" targeting malnutrition and stunted growth in schoolchildren across the world's fourth-most populous nation.

Jokowi told officials on Thursday that Prabowo had promised to speed up construction.

Located on the eastern side of Borneo island, Nusantara is about 1,200 km from Jakarta.

Nusantara's presidential palace and its first hotel were recently completed, while housing for state officials, an airport and toll roads are still under way.

On Friday Jokowi is expected to hold his second cabinet meeting in Nusantara and may announce several new investments.
The shuttered Kansas prison where the killers chronicled in Truman Capote's In Cold Blood were executed is now a tourist attraction.

Starting Friday, former wardens and corrections officers will lead two-hour tours of the stone-walled building in Lansing that first began housing inmates in the 1860s, The Kansas City Star reported.

The building, originally called the Kansas State Penitentiary, was without purpose after the Kansas Department of Corrections opened the newly constructed Lansing Correctional Facility in 2020. But instead of demolishing it, the Department of Corrections transferred control of the building to the Lansing Historical Society and Museum.

Upcoming events include a car show inside the prison walls later this month.

Were expecting the prison to open up to large crowds who want to know what went on inside those walls, Debra Bates-Lamborn, president of the society, said after state prison officials handed over the keys this week.

For years, the prison carried out executions by hanging at the gallows  a site that visitors will not be able to access during tours. Since removed from prison grounds, the wooden gallows are now disassembled and under the states custody.

Among the notable inmates executed at the prison were Richard Dick Hickock and Perry Smith, who were convicted of murdering four members of the Clutter family on Nov. 15, 1959, in the family's home near Holcomb, Kansas.

Capote, along with his close friend and fellow writer Harper Lee, visited the prison while doing research for the book about the killings. Hickock and Smith were executed in April 1965, among the last inmates to be hanged in the state.

One spot on the tour is the Chow Hall, where the late country music legend Johnny Cash performed for inmates in 1970.

Johnny Cash has always said that audiences in prisons are the most enthusiastic audience hes ever played to, Bates-Lamborn said.

The prison tour is modeled off of a similar tour in Missouri. About a year ago, a state lawmaker approached the Lansing Historical Society and Museum with the idea of preserving the prison by converting it into a tourist attraction.

Bates-Lamborn said she and another board member made the trip to Jefferson City to tour the Missouri State Penitentiary, which has been open for tours since 2009.

Afterwards, I thought ours is a shoo-in and were so much better, she said.

Tours of the facility will be held on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, and are scheduled to run until October 26. Since the facility has no heat or electricity, the tours stop over the winter and will return in the spring.
North Korea fired a ballistic missile toward the sea Thursday morning, South Korea's military said, days after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un vowed to put his nuclear force fully ready for battle with its rivals.

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a brief statement that the launch took place off North Korea's eastern coast but gave no details, such as how far the weapon traveled.

Japan's prime minister's office also alerted on its X account that North Korea had launched a suspected ballistic missile, but it did not provide details.

The launch was North Korea's first public weapons firing in more than two months. On July 1, North Korea claimed to have tested a new tactical weapon capable of delivering a "super-large" 4.5 ton-class warhead.

In a speech Monday, Kim said he would redouble efforts to make his nuclear force fully ready for combat with the United States and its allies. He said North Korea faced "a grave threat" because of what he called "the reckless expansion" of a U.S.-led regional military bloc that is now developing into a nuclear-based one.

Kim has made similar vows numerous times, but his latest threat came as outside experts believe North Korea will perform a nuclear test explosion or long-range missile test-launches ahead of the U.S. presidential election in November.

Last week, North Korea also resumed launches of trash-carrying balloons toward South Korea.

Since 2022, North Korea has significantly accelerated its weapons testing in a bid to perfect its capabilities to launch strikes on the U.S. and South Korea. The U.S. and South Korea have responded by expanding military drills that North Korea calls invasion rehearsals.

Last month, Kim had held off from missile tests or other provocative military demonstrations as the United States and South Korea conducted large-scale summertime military exercises. North Korea issued statements berating the allies for raising tensions.
The Washington Post is reporting that the Iranian government has increased its ties with criminal networks overseas to carry out attacks on its critics in the United States and Europe.

In recent years, the report says, Iran has outsourced deadly operations and kidnappings to criminal gangs such as Hell's Angels, a notorious Russian mob network known as the "Thieves of Law," a heroin distribution syndicate led by an Iranian drug trafficker and violent criminal groups from Scandinavia to South America.

The report refers to one attack that targeted Pouria Zeraati, a journalist for the Persian-language network Iran International. She was stabbed and wounded in front of her London home in April.

The attack was attributed to Iran, but none of the attackers were Iranian, and they didnt have significant ties to Iranian security services.

According to officials, Iran recruited criminals in Eastern Europe who arrived in the U.K. through Heathrow Airport without any problems and had been monitoring Zeraati for a long time.

VOA has reported previously on other alleged Iran plots to target critics in the U.S.

Last month, the U.S. Justice Department unsealed charges against a 46-year-old Pakistani man, Asif Merchant, in connection with an Iranian plot to kill a politician or U.S. government official.

Earlier this year, the U.S. charged three men, one of whom was based in Iran, in a plot to murder two U.S. residents in the state of Maryland.

Last year, the U.S. Justice Department announced three members of an Eastern European criminal gang with ties to the Iranian government were indicted in a plot to kill Masih Alinejad, an Iranian American human rights activist and VOA Persian TV host.

Although the indictment did not say whether Iranian officials orchestrated the plot, U.S. law enforcement officials accused Tehran of direct involvement.

According to The Washington Post, Irans cooperation with criminal groups, rather than using its covert agents, represents a worrying shift in governance methods that U.S. and other Western security officials consider one of the most dangerous acts of "transnational repression" in the world.

The Post said the report is based on interviews with senior officials in more than a dozen countries, a review of hundreds of pages of criminal court records in the United States and Europe, as well as investigative documents obtained from the security services.
The International Crisis Group says Islamic State in Somalia has become an important financial influence for terrorism, and a report suggests the leader of the branch might become the new overall head of the militant group.

IS-Somalia is not as active on the battlefield as its local counterpart, the al-Qaida-linked terror group al-Shabab, which controls large parts of southern and central Somalia, but it is building relations with other IS branches, the International Crisis Group said in a report released Thursday.

In addition, the report says, IS-Somalia is able to finance terror operations in other African countries.

Omar Mahmood, a senior researcher with the International Crisis Group, or ICG, said IS-Somalia plays a bigger role outside Somalia than al-Shabab does.

"Al-Shabab is by far and away a bigger threat, Mahmood said. But at the same time, Islamic State Somalia has, one, persisted despite some significant odds against it. And two, it's carved out a role for itself within the wider Islamic State network, particularly when it comes to serving as a financial hub between some of the affiliates and other parts of the Islamic State."

The ICG said the Islamic State restructured its African operations in 2020, placing affiliates from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mozambique under the watch of IS headquarters in Somalias Puntland region.

IS-Somalia is reported to have between 100 and 400 fighters stationed in the northern part of the country. According to ICG, about half of the fighters are believed to be foreigners. Early this year, Puntland authorities arrested six Islamic State members who were Moroccans; they were later deported.

According to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project, since May of this year, the group has been increasingly active and has waged several attacks against security forces and business centers.

IS-Somalia has also increased its activities in the port city of Bosaso and its surroundings, carrying out an extortion racket that it uses to support its fighters and activities.

Richard Tuta, a Kenyan counterterrorism expert, said Somalias weak central government has enabled Somalia to be the financial hub of the IS group.

"Somalia ... does not have strong institutions, so it's easy for such institutions to be compromised, Tuta said. It's easy to undertake both illegal and legal ways of fundraising towards terrorism activity. And because of the country's strategic location, it has a porous border, surrounded by an ocean, which is very hard to keep [under] surveillance."

In May, the U.S. carried out airstrikes in Somalia targeting IS leader Abdulqadir Mumin. Mumin survived.

Mahmood said that if Mumin becomes the overall head of Islamic State, his rise would signal the group's growing influence in Africa.

"Now whether he's actually the head of the movement is something that's disputed, Mahmood said. There's a couple other figures that are thrown out there as well. And so that's a bit uncertain. It would be quite a big jump ... for the Islamic State to designate someone on the African continent, but it would also symbolize the growing role of Islamic State within ... the African continent."

Puntland authorities have arrested dozens of IS members in the Bari region. Some have been handed jail terms. Others were executed for their involvement in terror activities and the deaths of civilians or government security forces.

The ICG called for cooperation between the Somali government in Mogadishu and Puntland regional authorities to tackle IS-Somalia and urged outside actors to pay closer attention to the groups activities.
More than six months after a crucial security deal between Washington and some Pacific Island nations was signed into law, key features of the Compacts of Free Association have not been implemented, raising questions in the region about U.S. commitment to its Pacific partners in the face of an increasingly assertive Beijing.

In March, the passage of the Compacts of Free Association, or COFA, extended $7 billion in economic aid over 20 years to three Pacific Island nations: Micronesia, Palau and the Marshall Islands. Additionally, COFA says Washington provides for their defense and can deny China access to their territorial waters, a maritime area larger than the continental United States.

Since then, however, some parts of the deal have yet to be implemented, including services and health benefits for veterans who live on the islands. Currently, veterans must travel to nearby islands such as Guam or as far away as Hawaii to get the help they need.

The Biden-Harris administration has failed to deliver veterans services to these Pacific Island nations, said Arkansas Republican Bruce Westerman, who is chair of the U.S. House of Representatives Natural Resources Committee, during an oversight hearing on COFA this week.

The U.S. State Department also has yet to establish a mandatory new office dedicated to diplomacy with the three islands.

In addition, Washingtons federal programs and services agreement with Palau has not been renewed, and the current agreement expires on September 30. Federal services in limbo range from welfare benefits and food stamp programs to the U.S. Postal Service and veterans health benefits.

Many of our veterans living in Palau are suffering, Hersey Kyota, Palaus ambassador to the U.S., told the Indian and Insular Affairs Subcommittee in the oversight hearing, Tuesday. Palau is home to around 20,000 people; with that small population, it has the highest per capita rate of U.S. military volunteers.

Kyota said at least three Palauan veterans have died by suicide since January. They need medication; they need to travel to Guam or Hawaii, but most of them do not have enough resources to pay for their own ticket, he said.

Andrew Harding of the Heritage Foundation said the delays play to Beijings advantage.

The implementation process is failing, Harding told VOA. If we really want to prove that we are the preferred partner in the Pacific, especially to our COFA partners, we cant have these types of questions be raised.

Greg Brown, a senior analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, said, This doesnt look good. Now, its hurry up and wait, and who are we waiting for? We're waiting for ourselves. We're waiting for the Americans."

At the hearing on Tuesday, Anka Lee, deputy assistant secretary of defense for East Asia, acknowledged the critical need for U.S. engagement with Palau, Micronesia and the Marshall Islands.

We know that the PRC is aggressive. They are pushing very hard, and we have to compete with them toe to toe, he said to lawmakers, using the acronym for Chinas official name, the Peoples Republic of China.

During the oversight hearing, Taylor Ruggles, the senior COFA adviser at the U.S. State Department, blamed some of the delay on communication issues between the White House and Congress and a focus on rolling out additional embassies in other Pacific Island nations such as Vanuatu. He said theres an interagency meeting this week to get all the federal agencies together to move the process forward. That meeting, the second this year, is scheduled for Thursday. The first was held in April.

Dr. Miguel H. Lopez, assistant undersecretary for health at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, said this week the department would provide a comprehensive model of care to Pacific veterans that is equal to treatment veterans receive in the continental United States.

Ambassadors to Palau, Micronesia and the Marshall Islands told lawmakers at the hearing that they received letters from the Veterans Administration Monday night, just hours before the oversight hearing.

The [veterans] agreement calls for a one-year duration. Were within six to seven months now, and we have not heard anything, said Jack Soram, the Federated State of Micronesia ambassador to the United States.

We dont have that much time. Veterans need this help, said Representative Ed Case, a Democrat from Hawaii.
Threats from China, Russia and North Korea have fueled debate in Washington about whether the United States should consider redeploying tactical nuclear weapons to the Indo-Pacific region, with leading U.S. Senate members expressing opposing views.

Earlier in May, Republican Senator Roger Wicker, ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, put forward a military spending plan that included the idea of redeploying U.S. tactical nuclear arms that were withdrawn from South Korea more than three decades ago.

Another Republican, Senator James Risch, who is the ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, told VOA Korean last month in an email statement that the U.S. should explore options for returning nuclear weapons to the Pacific theater for the purpose of strengthening extended deterrence."

The term extended deterrence refers to the U.S. commitment to respond in kind to a nuclear attack on South Korea.

Drawing a contrast, Democratic Senator Jack Reed, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, told reporters Monday in a phone conference that he didn't think that U.S. tactical nuclear weapons should be redeployed to the Korean Peninsula, adding that it could provoke a major response from the Chinese.

Redeployment of nukes

The U.S. government has made it clear that the U.S. does not plan to redeploy its tactical nuclear weapons to the Korean Peninsula.

We believe that the only effective way to reduce nuclear threats on the peninsula is by curbing the proliferation of nuclear weapons, a State Department spokesperson said in an emailed statement to VOA last week.

In 1991, the U.S. withdrew from South Korea all of its nuclear weapons, or about 100, according to some studies.

The U.S. has been closely watching the growing military cooperation among China, Russia and North Korea, especially in the wake of Russias invasion of Ukraine. It has identified the three nations as threats to stability in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.

On August 22, the White House confirmed to VOA that a new nuclear employment guidance had been issued. The terms of the classified document are not public, but The New York Times quoted two senior administration officials as saying that it seeks to prepare the United States for possible coordinated nuclear challenges from China, Russia and North Korea."

"The guidance issued earlier this year is not a response to any single entity, country, nor threat, White House National Security Council spokesman Sean Savett said in an email to VOA. We have repeatedly voiced concerns about the advancing nuclear arsenals of Russia, PRC [China] and the DPRK [North Korea].

Vipin Narang, who recently served as the acting assistant secretary of defense for space policy, said in an August forum held by the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies that the United States may need to seek a change in the size or posture of nuclear forces to deal with threats from China, Russia and North Korea.

Growing threats

In South Korea, there is growing uneasiness about the U.S. capability to protect South Korea from North Koreas advancing nuclear and missile weapons.

North Koreas state Korean Central News Agency on Sunday released a photo showing the countrys leader, Kim Jong Un, inspecting a new 12-axle transporter erector launcher (TEL), which could be used to launch a new, longer missile to potentially attack the United States. The next day, in a speech celebrating the countrys founding anniversary, Kim vowed to increase the number of nuclear weapons exponentially.

Amid these geopolitical tensions, U.S.-based experts appear to be divided about whether the U.S. should redeploy tactical nuclear weapons to the Korean Peninsula.



Richard Lawless, former deputy undersecretary of defense for Asian and Pacific security, said the idea that South Korea would be intimidated by China, Russia or South Korea from even beginning a discussion on the subject with Washington is failed logic.

Many Americans continue to fail to appreciate the threat of North Korea and China, typically playing down the latter.

Robert Peters, a research fellow for nuclear deterrence and missile defense at the Heritage Foundation, told VOA Korean via email that he supported the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons to South Korea.

Im concerned about the credibility of our deterrent in the face of North Korean nuclear expansion and Chinese nuclear breakout, Peters said, adding that stationing nonstrategic nuclear weapons within the theater gives the U.S. president far more optionality when crafting a deterrence message during times of acute crisis or conflict than if he or she could rely solely on strategic nuclear weapons.

Opposing views

But Bruce Klingner, a senior research fellow for Northeast Asia at the Heritage Foundation, said he was against redeploying U.S. tactical nuclear weapons.

Placing such high-value weapons in a static, fixed bunker makes a very tempting preemptive target for North Korea, Klingner told VOA Korean on Tuesday via email. During a crisis, it could even lower deterrence by making Pyongyang more likely to initiate a preemptive attack on the bunker prior to the weapons being deployed on mobile launch platforms.

Gary Samore, former White House coordinator for arms control and weapons of mass destruction during the Obama administration, said he didn't support the redeployment of U.S. nuclear weapons to South Korea.



From a strictly military standpoint, the U.S. can enforce extended deterrence with nuclear-armed submarines and long-range bombers that North Korea cannot defend against, Samore told VOA Korean on Tuesday via email.

Politically, redeployment of U.S. nuclear weapons in South Korea would be controversial with some Korean political parties and the Korean public and would increase tensions in the region, especially with China and North Korea, and even between South Korea and Japan, Samore said.

Sydney Seiler, who until last year was the national intelligence officer for North Korea on the U.S. National Intelligence Council, told VOA Korean via email Tuesday that there is a consensus among [U.S. and South Korean] leaders and their senior national security advisers that such a redeployment is unnecessary at this time.



The Chinese Embassy in Washington told VOA in an email Tuesday that the Chinese firmly oppose any countrys attempt to use the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue to harm Chinas strategic security interests.



It is hoped that the U.S. can abandon the cold war mentality and hegemonic logic, adopt a rational and responsible nuclear policy, stop nuclear sharing, extended deterrence, expanding nuclear alliance, and other negative moves, and play a constructive role in maintaining regional and global peace and stability, Chinese Embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu said Tuesday in a written statement via email, responding to an inquiry from VOA Korean.
Former President Donald Trump on Tuesday amplified false rumors that Haitian immigrants in Ohio were abducting and eating pets, repeating during a televised debate the type of inflammatory and anti-immigrant rhetoric he has promoted throughout his campaigns.

There is no evidence that Haitian immigrants in an Ohio community are doing that, officials say. But during the debate with Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump specifically mentioned Springfield, Ohio, the town at the center of the claims, saying that immigrants were taking over the city.

"They're eating the dogs. They're eating the cats. They're eating the pets of the people that live there," he said.

Harris called Trump "extreme" and laughed after his comment. Debate moderators pointed out that city officials have said the claims are not true.

Trump's comments echoed claims made by his campaign, including his running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance, and other Republicans. The claims attracted attention this week when Vance posted on social media that his office has "received many inquiries" about Haitian migrants abducting pets. Vance acknowledged Tuesday it was possible "all of these rumors will turn out to be false."

Officials have said there have been no credible or detailed reports about the claims, even as Trump and his allies use them to amplify racist stereotypes about Black and brown immigrants.

While president, Trump questioned why the U.S. would accept people from "shole" countries such as Haiti and some in Africa. His 2024 campaign has focused heavily on illegal immigration, often referencing in his speeches crimes committed by migrants. He argues immigrants are responsible for driving up crime and drug abuse in the United States and taking resources from American citizens.

Here's a closer look at how the false claims have spread.

How did this get started?

On September 6, a post surfaced on X that shared what looked like a screengrab of a social media post apparently out of Springfield. The retweeted post talked about the person's "neighbor's daughter's friend" seeing a cat hanging from a tree to be butchered and eaten, claiming without evidence that Haitians lived at the house. The accompanying photo showed a Black man carrying what appeared to be a Canada goose by its feet. That post continued to be shared on social media.

On Monday, Vance posted on X: "Reports now show that people have had their pets abducted and eaten by people who shouldn't be in this country. Where is our border czar?" he said. The next day, Vance posted again on X about Springfield, saying his office had received inquiries from residents who said "their neighbors' pets or local wildlife were abducted by Haitian migrants. It's possible, of course, that all of these rumors will turn out to be false."

Other Republicans shared similar posts. Among them was Texas Senator Ted Cruz, who posted a photo of kittens with a caption that said to vote for Trump "So Haitian immigrants don't eat us."

Hours before Trump's debate with Harris, he posted two related photos on his social media site. One Truth Social post was a photo of Trump surrounded by cats and geese. Another featured armed cats wearing MAGA hats.

A billboard campaign launched by the Republican Party of Arizona at 12 sites in metropolitan Phoenix plays off the false rumors. The billboard image resembles a Chick-fil-A ad, portraying four kittens and urging people to "Vote Republican!" and "Eat Less Kittens."

Chick-fil-A said the party didn't reach out to the restaurant chain before running the ad, declining to comment further. In a statement, the state party said the ad humorously underscores the need for border security.

What do officials in Ohio say?

The office of the Springfield city manager, Bryan Heck, issued a statement knocking down the rumors.

"In response to recent rumors alleging criminal activity by the immigrant population in our city, we wish to clarify that there have been no credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals within the immigrant community," Heck's office said in an emailed statement.

Springfield police on Monday told the Springfield News-Sun that they had received no reports of stolen or eaten pets.

Governor Mike DeWine held a news conference Tuesday to address the influx of Haitian immigrants to Springfield. He said he will send state troopers to Springfield to help local law enforcement deal with traffic issues and is earmarking $2.5 million over two years to provide more primary health care to immigrant families.

DeWine declined to address the allegations, deferring comment to local officials. But he repeatedly spoke in support of the people of Haiti, where his family has long operated a charity.

What do we know about a separate case 281 km away?

An entirely unrelated incident that occurred last month in Canton, Ohio, quickly and erroneously conflated into the discussion.

On Aug. 26, Canton police charged a 27-year-old woman with animal cruelty and disorderly conduct after she "did torture, kill, and eat a cat in a residential area in front (of) multiple people," according to a police report.

But Allexis Ferrell is not Haitian. She was born in Ohio and graduated from Canton's McKinley High School in 2015, according to public records and newspaper reports. Court records show she has been in and out of trouble with the law since at least 2017. Messages seeking comment were not returned by several attorneys who have represented her.

She is being held in Stark County jail pending a competency hearing next month, according to the prosecutor's office.

What do advocates for Haitian immigrants say?

The posts create a false narrative and could be dangerous for Haitians in the United States, according to Guerline Jozef, founder and executive director of the Haitian Bridge Alliance, a group that supports and advocates for immigrants of African descent

"We are always at the receiving end of all kind of barbaric, inhumane narratives and treatments, specifically when it comes to immigration," Jozef said in a phone interview.

Her comments echoed White House national security spokesman John Kirby.

"There will be people that believe it, no matter how ludicrous and stupid it is," Kirby said. "And they might act on that kind of information, and act on it in a way where somebody could get hurt. So it needs to stop."

What is the broader context of Haitians in Ohio and the United States?

Springfield, a city of roughly 60,000, has seen its Haitian population grow in recent years. It's impossible to give an exact number, according to the city, but it estimates Springfield's entire county has an overall immigrant population of 15,000.

The city also says that the Haitian immigrants are in the country legally under a federal program that allows for them to remain in the country temporarily. Last month the Biden administration granted eligibility for temporary legal status to about 300,000 Haitians already in the United States because conditions in Haiti are considered unsafe for them to return. Haiti's government has extended a state of emergency to the entire country due to endemic gang violence.
Russian attacks and air raid warnings in Ukraine Wednesday as top U.S. and British officials met with President Zelenskyy in Kyiv. We get insights into what U.S. foreign policy would look like with either of the candidates in the White House. Residents in Southeast Asia are still reeling from Typhoon Yagi. And how health officials in Africa are working with American biotech companies to prevent the spread of deadly diseases around the world.
Officials in northeastern Ukraine said Thursday a Russian drone attack injured at least 14 people in the town of Konotop.

The attack targeted energy and civilian infrastructure facilities, the officials said.

Russian forces also directed drone attacks at the Kherson region, where officials said Thursday that Ukrainian air defenses shot down four drones.

Ukraines military said it shot down a total of 44 of the 64 drones Russia used in attacks across Ukraine.

In addition to Sumy and Kherson, intercepts also took place over the Cherkasy, Dnipropetrovsk, Khmelnytskyi, Kirovohrad, Kyiv, Poltava and Zaporizhzhia regions.

Russias Defense Ministry said Thursday it shot down three Ukrainian drones over the Belgorod region, two drones over Kursk and another drone over Bryansk.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is meeting Thursday with officials to discuss U.S.-Poland defense cooperation and support for Ukraine.

The visit comes a day after Blinken announced more than $700 million in new aid to Ukraine as he visited Kyiv along with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy.

The package includes $325 million to help repair Ukraine's energy and electric grid amid ongoing Russian attacks, nearly $290 million in humanitarian aid and $102 million for demining efforts to remove landmines and unexploded ordnance left by Russian forces across Ukraine.

"Support for Ukraine will endure because it doesn't depend on any one country, any one party, any one election," Blinken told reporters at a joint news conference with Lammy and Ukraines new foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha.

"Weve seen Russia now pursue and indeed escalate its attacks inside Ukraine, on civilians, on energy infrastructure, as well as on the Ukrainian military thats defending its country," Blinken added.

Lammy announced more than $780 million in aid and loan guarantees. He said the package would address humanitarian, energy and reconstruction needs.

He added that the United Kingdom is speeding up military deliveries with air defense missiles, additional artillery ammunition and more armored vehicles to Ukraine by the end of this year.

Some information for this report was provided by The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.
BEIJING, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- A report released Thursday by China's Ministry of Commerce expresses concerns over actions by the United States, such as disrupting the multilateral trading system, engaging in unilateral trade bullying, and manipulating industrial policies via the application of double standards.

The report, which evaluates U.S. compliance with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, is the latest in a series that began in August 2023.

Now, more than a year since the first issue was published, the United States continues to politicize and weaponize economic and trade issues, still engages in economic coercion, and persists in falsely accusing China of overcapacity, said a ministry official.

Under the pretext of de-risking, the United States has persevered in abusing tariff measures and escalating unilateral sanctions, thereby posing severe challenges to the multilateral trading system and seriously harming the common interests of WTO members, the official added.

The official expressed hope that the release of the latest report will pressure the United States to rectify its wrongdoings, fulfill its commitments, abide by the rules, and carry out its duties as a major member of the WTO.

Additionally, the United States should work with other members, including China, to strengthen the role of the multilateral trading system in global governance, the official said. 
Attorney General Merrick Garland said Thursday he will not allow the Justice Department "to be used as a political weapon," as he denounced "conspiracy theories" and "dangerous falsehoods" targeting federal law enforcement.

Speaking to U.S. attorneys gathered in Washington and other Justice Department members, Garland forcefully defended the department's integrity and impartiality against claims of politicization by Republicans. Garland said norms protecting the department from political interference matter "now more than ever."

"Our norms are a promise that we will not allow this department to be used as a political weapon. And our norms are a promise that we will not allow this nation to become a country where law enforcement is treated as an apparatus of politics," Garland said to applause in the Great Hall at Justice Department headquarters.

Garland's comments come amid an onslaught of attacks from Republicans, who claim the Justice Department has been politically weaponized to go after former President Donald Trump. Trump was indicted in two separate criminal cases by special counsel Jack Smith, who Garland brought in from outside the department to run the investigations.

Trump has vowed if returned to the White House in November to "completely overhaul" what he has described as the "corrupt Department of Injustice." He has also threatened to jail those "involved in unscrupulous behavior" this election, writing in a recent post on X that they will face "long term prison sentences so that this Depravity of Justice does not happen again."

Garland did not mention Trump or Republicans in his speech. But he condemned what he described as "outrageous" attacks he says put law enforcement in harm's way.

"These attacks have come in the form of conspiracy theories, dangerous falsehoods, efforts to bully and intimidate career public servants by repeatedly and publicly singling them out, and threats of actual violence," Garland said. "Through your continued work, you have made clear that the Justice Department will not be intimidated by these attacks."

Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, has repeatedly used social media to go after Smith and other prosecutors as well as the judges handling his cases. Republicans have also falsely claimed that the New York criminal case, in which Trump was convicted of 34 felony counts in May, was orchestrated by Democratic President Joe Biden and the Justice Department.

Garland came into office pledging to restore the department's reputation for political independence after four tumultuous years under Trump. But he has faced an onslaught of criticism over his department's handling of politically sensitive cases, including the prosecution of Biden's son Hunter, who pleaded guilty last week to federal tax charges in a case brought by a different special counsel.

Garland said that department employees have made clear through their work that they "do not bend to politics" and that they "will not break under pressure."

"We must treat like cases alike," Garland said, adding. "There is not one rule for friends and another for foes, one rule for the powerful and another for the powerless, one rule for the rich and another for the poor, one rule for Democrats and another for Republicans, or different rules depending on one's race or ethnicity.

"To the contrary, we have only one rule: we follow the facts and apply the law in a way that respects the Constitution and protects civil liberties."
A U.S. Marine Corps general who commands forces in Africa says stability and support programs for Somalia are in the works as the country prepares for the withdrawal of African Union troops in December.

General Michael Langley, head of the U.S. Africa Command, said that after meeting this past weekend with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and his top military official, Major General Ibrahim Sheikh Muhyadin Addow, hes confident the country can manage its own security after the December withdrawal of the African Union Transitional Mission in Somalia, known as ATMIS.

Langley's remarks, in a virtual briefing to reporters Thursday, came 2 1/2 years after the multidimensional mission was authorized by the U.N. Security Council, in part to help stabilize the country following years of insurgency by the militant group al-Shabab.

Langley said that Somali authorities have told him military operations in the southern and central parts of the country are focused on liberating some areas from the militants and stabilizing others.

The operations are ebbing and flowing, Langley said. Ill just use some of their narratives. They have a young army, its a building army, so there are some successes and some setbacks, but I think the morale across the forces is building and they are very enthusiastic theyre going to be able to keep al-Shabab back on their heels going forward in future operations.

In a briefing to the Security Council in June, Mohamed el-Amine Souef, head of ATMIS, told the council that the threat posed by al-Shabab remains unpredictable. Citing a recent attack on Somali security forces in the Galmudug region, and a mortar attack on the ATMIS camp in Baidoa, he said the group still retains the ability to conduct devastating assaults.

Although Somali forces supported by ATMIS have achieved significant gains in the fight against al-Shabab, support from international partners is essential to maintain the momentum, he said.

After visiting Somalia, Langley arrived in Kenya, which contributes troops to ATMIS, where he said he plans to engage with the Kenyan military leadership to explore future prospects on how to help the Somali army hit its operational objectives.

They have been a tremendous partner with the Somali national army, institutionalizing, professionalizing, helping them to be able to operate in various areas, collaborating along the border to ensure the defeat of al-Shabab, Langley said.

In West Africa, U.S. troops recently withdrew from Niger, where they were ordered to leave after a military junta took power. Juntas that took power by force also rule Mali and Burkina Faso.

Langley said the way forward on security cooperation across the Sahel is still to be determined, but added that U.S. forces will stay engaged.

In the interim, yes, we are pivoting to some degree on like-minded countries with democratic values and shared objectives and shared challenges across the coast of West Africa, he said. So yes, we are in talks with Cote DIvoire, in talks with Ghana and Benin, as well as we start to reset and calibrate some of our assets.

He said those countries are facing threats from terrorist groups like al-Qaida and Islamic State, which initially operated in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, but are now moving toward other countries across the region.
The Biden administration is overriding human rights conditions on military aid to Egypt, a State Department spokesperson said on Wednesday, granting the U.S. ally its full allocation of $1.3 billion this year for the first time during this administration, despite ongoing concerns over human rights in the country.

The announcement comes as Washington has relied heavily on Cairo, a longstanding U.S. ally, to mediate so far unsuccessful talks between Israel and Hamas on a cease-fire deal to end the war in Gaza.

Of the $1.3 billion in U.S. foreign military financing allocated to Egypt, $320 million is subject to conditions that have meant at least some of that sum has been withheld in recent years.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken told Congress on Wednesday that he would waive a certification requirement on $225 million related to Egypt's human rights record this year, citing "the U.S. national security interest," the spokesperson said by email.

"This decision is important to advancing regional peace and Egypts specific and ongoing contributions to U.S. national security priorities, particularly to finalize a cease-fire agreement for Gaza, bring the hostages home, surge humanitarian assistance for Palestinians in need, and help bring an enduring end to the Israel-Hamas conflict," the spokesperson said.

Democrat Chris Murphy, who chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Committee's Middle East subcommittee, said Washington had previously withheld military aid from Egypt on human rights grounds while maintaining its strategic relationship with the country.

"It's no secret that Egypt remains a deeply repressive autocratic state, and I see no good reason to ignore that fact by waiving these requirements," Murphy said.

Cairo has remained a close regional ally of Washington despite accusations of widespread abuses under President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi's government, including torture and enforced disappearances.

Sissi denies there are political prisoners in Egypt. He says stability and security are paramount and authorities are promoting rights by trying to provide basic needs such as jobs and housing.

The war in Gaza, sparked by the October 7 attacks by Palestinian militants on southern Israel, has increased Washington's reliance on Cairo for diplomatic efforts like the cease-fire talks. Much-needed humanitarian aid for Palestinians in Gaza also enters from Egypt.

Blinken issued a similar waiver on the human rights conditions last year but withheld a portion of the military aid over Egypt's failure to make "clear and consistent progress" on the release of political prisoners.

This year, he determined that Egypt had made sufficient efforts on political prisoners to release $95 million tied to progress on the issue, the spokesperson said.

They cited Egypt's efforts to draft legislation to reform pretrial detention and the broader penal code, its release of some political prisoners and a move to end travel bans and asset freezes associated with foreign funding for nongovernmental organizations.

Seth Binder, director of advocacy for the Washington-based Middle East Democracy Center, said that while about 970 prisoners had been released since last September, at least 2,278 Egyptians were arbitrarily arrested over the same period, according to data collected by the center and Egyptian human rights groups.

The State Department spokesperson said Washington was continuing "a rigorous dialogue with the Egyptian government on the importance of concrete human rights improvements that are crucial to sustaining the strongest possible U.S.-Egypt partnership."
The United States signaled Thursday that it may allow Ukraine to fire missiles more deeply into Russia to destroy weapons that Moscow has deployed to launch airstrikes throughout Ukraine.

We'll adapt as necessary, including with regard to the means that are at Ukraine's disposal to effectively defend against the Russian aggression," U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said at a news conference in Warsaw. He said the U.S. and its allies will always take Ukraines battlefield needs into account.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Thursday that Moscow was taking advantage of Kyiv's Western allies' hesitation over allowing Ukraine to strike more deeply into Russian territory.

"The delay in this process leads to Russia moving these military targets deeper into Russia," Zelenskyy said.

The U.S. and its Western allies supporting Ukraine have conditioned its ongoing supply of missiles to Ukraine with the proviso that they are not to be launched deep into Russia, for fear that the more than 30-month Russian war on Ukraine would be widened.

Ukraine has attacked Moscow with drones and shelled targets closer to the Ukraine-Russia border, but Zelenskyy has repeatedly demanded that its Western allies allow Kyiv to hit targets where Russia is storing its missiles used to attack Ukrainian territory.

Russia has stepped up its aerial bombardment on Ukraine in the last five weeks rather than aggressively try to retake territory in Russias southwestern Kursk region that Kyivs forces captured in a surprise attack that started in early August.

Blinken spoke Thursday alongside Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski, a day after he and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy met with Ukrainian officials in Kyiv on the state of the war and what they consider to be their immediate needs.

Blinken and Lammy pledged to bring the Ukrainian requests for wider missile usage to their leaders.

U.S. President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer are set to meet in Washington on Friday amid signs both Washington and London are growing more receptive to permitting the Ukrainians to use their arms to hit targets farther inside Russia than previously allowed.

NATO member Poland, which shares a border with Ukraine, has also been supportive of the Ukrainians.

Blinken emphatically told reporters he believes Ukraine can win the war.

In fact, were determined to see Ukraine win this war, Blinken said. Time and again weve seen Ukraine success against the odds.

The top U.S. diplomat said Russian President Vladimir Putins entire purpose was to erase Ukraine from the map, to eliminate it as a sovereign country. He has failed.

Sikorski said Russia has lost wars throughout history, adding, Russia should lose this war for the sake of Ukraine  but also for the sake of Russia.

On the battlefront, the International Committee of the Red Cross said three of its staff members were killed and two others wounded on Thursday after shelling hit the site for a planned front-line aid distribution in the Donetsk region.

The Red Cross said distribution of the humanitarian assistance had not begun, and no residents were affected by the explosion.

ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric said in a statement, I condemn attacks on Red Cross personnel in the strongest terms. Its unconscionable that shelling would hit an aid distribution site.

The ICRC team was preparing to distribute wood and coal briquettes in Viroliubivka village, north of Donetsk city, to vulnerable households to help them prepare for the winter, when the vehicles they were using were hit.

Officials in northeastern Ukraine said Thursday a Russian drone attack injured at least 14 people in the town of Konotop. The attack targeted energy and civilian infrastructure facilities, the officials said.

Russian forces also directed drone attacks at the Kherson region, where officials said Thursday that Ukrainian air defenses shot down four drones.

In all, Ukraines military said it shot down 44 of the 64 drones Russia used in attacks across the country.

Russias defense ministry said it shot down three Ukrainian drones over the Belgorod region, two drones over Kursk and another drone over Bryansk.

Some information for this report was provided by The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.
U.S. officials have seized more than 350 websites that allegedly were used to sell illegal gun switches and silencers from China, the officials said Wednesday.

Switches transform semiautomatic pistols into fully automatic ones, while silencers suppress the sound of a firearm when it is discharged.

Some of the websites also dealt in counterfeit goods, including switches they advertised as being produced by Glock, but Glock has never manufactured switches, federal authorities said.

Possession of the conversion devices and their importation from China are illegal under the National Firearms Act, the U.S. Attorneys Office in Massachusetts said in a statement Wednesday.

These websites represent a large-scale, organized effort to import illegal switches and silencers that turn ordinary firearms into deadly automatic weapons, said Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol for Homeland Security Investigations in New England. HSI has worked diligently with our partners to systematically dismantle this network of websites to uphold our nations import laws and to preserve public safety.

Federal authorities began their undercover investigation into the illegal activities in 2023 by purchasing the items through websites offering the prohibited goods.

The contraband was then allegedly shipped from China to U.S. government-controlled mailboxes in the U.S. Federal prosecutors said the boxes the conversion devices were shipped in were falsely labeled, in some instances as a necklace or toys, to disguise the contents and to hide their alleged illegal importation.

The results of this investigation have, to date, resulted in the seizure of over 700 devices which would covert a firearm into a machine gun, 87 illegal suppressors, 59 handguns, 36 long guns, as well as the seizure of 355 websites which were used to facilitate the trafficking of these items, said Ketty Larco-Ward, inspector in charge, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division.

Some information for this report was provided by Reuters.
U.S. Representative Michael McCaul's office recently released detailed findings of an investigation into the chaotic August 2021 U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, which has been criticized for poor planning.

Speaking with Saba Shah Khan of VOA's Urdu Service, McCaul, a Texas Republican who is chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, denied that the latest probe was a "political exercise" that coincides with a tight presidential race. He said its purpose was to ensure that "an evacuation will never happen like this again."

On Tuesday, the committee's ranking Democrat, Representative Gregory Meeks from New York, issued a statement criticizing the report as a collection of cherry-picked witness testimony that excludes anything unhelpful to a predetermined, partisan narrative about the Afghanistan withdrawal.

The Majority did not involve the Minority in this report, nor have they even provided a draft copy to us, he wrote.

In the following interview, McCaul accuses White House officials of stonewalling the investigation and mentions his September 3 decision to subpoena Secretary of State Antony Blinken for testimony even though findings of the full report were released Monday.

Were still not finished with the investigation, McCaul told VOA on Tuesday.

State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller last week issued a statement to The Hill stating that Blinken was unable to testify on the dates requested and offered "reasonable alternatives" to comply with McCaul's request.

The following has been edited for length and clarity.

VOA: Why is the Foreign Affairs Committee report on U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan being released now? With less than two months left to Election Day, some would say the report is politically driven.

U.S. Representative Michael McCaul: It's been three years since the ... chaotic evacuation. The first year, the majority  at that time, the Democrats  did nothing to investigate. So, I've had two years to put this very comprehensive, complete, historic account of what happened together. In the meantime, we served many subpoenas. We've had to threaten contempt proceedings. And I would have liked to have had this done a year ago. The administration has been, you know, stonewalling us and slowing down the delivery of the report. In fact, we're still not finished with the investigation.

VOA: In light of the report, what do you think the Biden administration could have done differently to avoid the chaos and mayhem that unfolded during the withdrawal?

McCaul: Thats one of the key takeaways here. The military is on the ground doing their job. That's to pull out by July [as dictated by a predetermined date of withdrawal negotiated by the prior administration]. The intelligence community sees what's happening. They report this information. It gets a little bit manipulated when it gets to the higher level. And then it is amplified that everything's fine in Afghanistan, when, in fact, on the ground, the conditions are getting very bad.

The State Department is required by law to come out with an evacuation plan called the NEO [Noncombatant Evacuation Operations]. They kept resisting this because they thought evacuation means failure. So, they wait until the very day that the Taliban is overrunning Kabul before they finally initiate an evacuation plan. That is why it was so chaotic. That is why the 13 servicemen and women were left behind  with Taliban, by the way  to work with them to help Afghans get out.

VOA: The report says that [President Joe] Biden kept Zalmay Khalilzad on as special representative [for Afghanistan reconciliation from September 2018 to October 2021], making it clear Biden embraced the [February 2020] Doha Accord. Sir, was that a good decision?

McCaul: The complaint I had  and Zal and I, you know, I've known him for a long time, and I have respect for him  but he did not include the Afghan government in the Doha talks. So, it was just between Zal Khalilzad and the Taliban. That sent a terrible message to the Afghan government. They felt like they were sidelined. ... The Doha Agreement had conditions. Most important is the Taliban cannot hit U.S. forces. They were continuing to do that. But according to President Biden's press guy [former State Department spokesperson Ned Price], Doha was immaterial as to the evacuation. He was going to go to zero  that means zero troops, zero contractors, zero air power  one way or the other. That was going to happen. He made that decision on day one.

VOA: The [Doha] negotiations and the decision to leave Afghanistan was made during the Trump administration. Chairman, do you think....

McCaul: ... that isnt accurate, because the Taliban were in violation of the Doha conditions. Twenty-five hundred troops were left on the ground  General [Kenneth] McKenzie and [Mark] Milly said that was sufficient to stabilize, along with 6,500 NATO and air power and contractors. That they could stabilize both Bagram and HKIA [Hamid Karzai International Airport] when it went to zero. That's when it changed.

VOA: The date of withdrawal was decided by the Trump administration

McCaul: ... if conditions were met, which they weren't ...

VOA: ... do you think that it is fair to hold the Biden administration solely responsible for the failure?

McCaul: And we don't. We actually fault Zal Khalilzad. We list a lot of top D.O.D. [Department of Defense] and State Department officials that Congress, in a resolution, will condemn for their actions. Zal Khalilzad, he's a dear friend, but by not letting the Afghan government participate  to me, that was a major error. And a lot of this, by not executing a plan of action to get out and evacuate, according to the top generals and the intelligence community, was the fatal flaw, leaving behind Americans, Afghan allies, and most importantly, the women.

VOA: The report also says that the U.S. did not keep track of whether the Taliban were following the Doha Agreement. In your opinion, how could the U.S. have made Taliban comply?

McCaul: In my opinion, they were in violation at the time the president made the decision to go to zero. But according to his press spokesperson, that was immaterial to the withdrawal. It was going to happen one way or the other. What people don't understand is it's not just the military being pulled out, it's the air cover, it's the contractors. When everything is pulled out, the Afghan army was virtually defenseless.

VOA: It is also said in the report that Afghanistan is a hotbed of terrorist activities. Can U.S. leave Taliban to their doings? And what is the way forward?

McCaul: Its very, very dangerous. I was the chairman of Homeland Security Committee. What we're seeing now, and we saw it before, is the Haqqani [network and] Taliban protecting Zawahiri, [the] number two Al-Qaeda [figure], who was taken by drone strike not too long after the evacuation. We know that they were collaborating  ISIS-K and Taliban  because United States is a common enemy.

Most disturbingly is Bagram, the prisons in Bagram. They [the Taliban] released thousands of ISIS prisoners that have now gone to the Khorasan region  that's Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan  [for] external operations. Just recently, the FBI indicated to us that eight of them have been detained in the United States coming across the southwest border. ... So, when Americans think Afghanistan is some faraway, distant land, it is all interconnected and it does threaten the homeland.

VOA: What is the way forward? What do you think the U.S. strategy should be to handle this?

McCaul: Number one, we don't want to see this happen again. This was not a political exercise for me. As a [former] federal prosecutor, I just wanted to get to the facts and the evidence, wherever that took me. I didnt have conclusions in advance. ... So, to answer your question, we want to propose a new way to do this legislatively, through Congress, so that an evacuation will never happen like this again. Saigon was bad. This is worse.

VOA: The report quotes a study that 118 girls were sold as child brides in Afghanistan, in a village. And, in the same village, 116 parents are waiting for a buyer. So, my question to you is that it seems like there is no hope for women and girls in Afghanistan. What is your suggestion? And what can the U.S do?

McCaul: I mean, can you imagine being 25 years old as a woman and never lived under Sharia law, and now you have to go backwards to the stone age? And that's essentially what has happened there. I got four busloads of the American School of Music girls out through Abbey Gate, because I knew the Taliban  the way they feel about women and music  their days would be numbered. Now, it's very difficult. Do you normalize the Taliban? Do you treat them as a foreign terrorist organization?

I think any aid or assistance we give to Afghanistan has to be conditioned on treatment of women and children. And they should be allowed to go to school, they should be allowed to go outside their homes, they should not be beaten. Just fundamental rights.

This story originated in VOA's Urdu Service.
The United States said Thursday it is continuing to press Israel to protect humanitarian sites in Gaza, a day after an Israeli airstrike hit a United Nations school complex sheltering displaced Palestinians, killing 18 people there, including six U.N. workers.

We need to see humanitarian sites protected, and that's something that we continue to raise with Israel, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said at a news conference in Warsaw.

At the same time, we continue to see Hamas hiding in, taking over and otherwise using these sites from which to conduct its operations and to pose an ongoing threat, and that, of course, has to stop, because those actions are endangering civilians, the top U.S. diplomat said.

He said the attack also underscores, once again, the urgency of reaching a cease-fire to halt the Israeli war with Hamas militants, which is now in its 12th month.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres echoed the same thoughts, saying through a spokesperson, The continued lack of effective protection for civilians in Gaza is unconscionable. Civilians and the infrastructure they rely on must be protected and the essential needs of civilians met.

He called on the warring parties to stop using schools, shelters, or the areas around them for military purposes. He said Israel and Hamas have the obligation to comply with international humanitarian laws.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization said Thursday it evacuated nearly 100 people from the Gaza Strip to the United Arab Emirates, and it called for a regular, sustained system of medical transfers to help thousands of people in need of care.

"Gaza needs medical corridors, Richard Peeperkorn, WHOs representative for the occupied Palestinian territory, told journalists. We need a better organized and sustained system.

Peeperkorn said 10,000 people in Gaza are awaiting a medical transfer.

WHO also released a report Thursday saying that as of late July, one-fourth of those injured in the Gaza war are estimated to have life-changing injuries that require rehabilitation services now and for years to come.

Severe limb injuries were the top need for rehabilitation, while there have also been large increases in the number of spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries and major burns, WHO said. The injured include many thousands of women and children.

WHO also highlighted increased challenges in providing the necessary care due to insecurity, a lack of supplies, attacks and evacuation orders that leave many medical facilities inoperable.

Killing of activist

Turkey said Thursday it is conducting its own investigation into Israels killing of a Turkish-American activist in the occupied West Bank.

Turkish Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc said Turkey will present its findings to a U.N. court, and that it is calling on the U.N. to conduct its own probe.

Aysenur Ezgi Eygi was shot in the head during a pro-Palestinian demonstration last week. Israels military said its soldiers likely shot her indirectly and unintentionally.

U.S. President Joe Biden said there must be full accountability and that Israel must do more to ensure that incidents like this never happen again.

Tunc said Eygis body was expected to arrive in Turkey on Friday for burial in the town of Didim.

The Israel-Hamas war started with the militants shock attack on southern Israel last October that killed 1,200 people and led to the capture of about 250 hostages. Israels subsequent counteroffensive has killed more than 41,100 Palestinians in Gaza, mostly women and children.

The Israeli military says the death toll includes thousands of militants. Hamas has been designated a terror group by the United States, the U.K. and other Western countries.

Some material in this report came from The Associated Press and Agence France-Presse.
Murder charges filed against the father of a 14-year-old boy accused of a Georgia school shooting follow the successful prosecution of two parents in Michigan who were held responsible for a similar tragedy at a school north of Detroit.

Is it a sign of a crackdown on parents accused of gross negligence when it comes to kids and guns? Could public outrage lead to more prosecutions or changes in law in other states, too?

"It's a matter of looking at the relationship between what the child says and does and what the parent knows about what the child says and does," said David Shapiro, a former prosecutor who teaches at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York.

Colin Gray, 54, has been charged with involuntary manslaughter and second-degree murder related to the deaths of two students and two teachers at Apalachee High School in Winder, outside Atlanta. Nine more people were wounded.

Gray's son, Colt Gray, is charged with murder. Investigators said he used a "semiautomatic AR-15-style rifle" in the attack.

The charges against Colin Gray "are directly connected with the actions of his son and allowing him to possess a weapon," said Chris Hosey, director of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

Milestone in Michigan

James and Jennifer Crumbley were convicted of involuntary manslaughter earlier this year for the deaths of four students at Oxford High School in 2021. It was the first time that parents were held criminally responsible for a U.S. mass school shooting. They're serving 10-year prison terms while appeals are pending.

The Crumbleys didn't know what son Ethan Crumbley was planning. But prosecutor Karen McDonald said their son's actions were foreseeable. They were summoned to discuss the 15-year-old's macabre drawings of a gun and blood on a math assignment and a message, "The thoughts won't stop. Help me. My life is useless."

The Crumbleys declined to take him home but said they would seek counseling. On that same day, Ethan Crumbley removed a gun from his backpack and began shooting, using a weapon that James Crumbley had purchased as a gift just a few days earlier. No one  parents or school staff  had checked the backpack.

The parents' "actions and inactions were inexorably intertwined" with what their son ultimately did at Oxford, the Michigan Court of Appeals said in 2023 when the groundbreaking case was allowed to move forward.

Georgia case

Prosecutor Brad Smith declined to publicly disclose details that led him to charge Colin Gray in the Apalachee shooting. But in arrest warrants, authorities said he had provided a gun to his son "with knowledge that he was threat to himself and others."

Smith acknowledged the Michigan case during a news conference Friday and said his case was a first for Georgia.

"I'm not trying to send a message," he said. "I'm just trying to use the tools in my arsenal to prosecute people for the crimes they commit."

Colin Gray was interviewed last year when authorities were investigating his son about a menacing post on social media. The father said the teen "knows the seriousness of weapons and what they can do, and how to use them and not use them," according to a transcript. Nothing more was pursued.

McDonald, the prosecutor in Michigan, said the Georgia shooting and the father's arrest was a "real punch in the stomach."

"I can't believe the facts that stood out as so egregious in our case seem to be so similar," she told The Associated Press.

More scrutiny for parents?

McDonald said states have laws that carry consequences for gross negligence in various situations. She said it's encouraging that police in Georgia immediately investigated how the gun was obtained.

"I have never felt it was a moment that would open the floodgates to charges against parents or sending a message to people," McDonald said of the Crumbley case. "Most people don't need that message. It's heartbreaking to watch it play out."

She said it takes only seconds to put a lock on a gun, which she demonstrated for a jury.

Shapiro, the former New Jersey prosecutor, said all states likely have laws that can be used to hold parents responsible, though much depends on the facts and a prosecutor's views.

"You don't want to be able to allow parents to overlook those kinds of signs there is something seriously wrong or a serious risk," he said.

Michigan has a new law this year that requires adults to keep guns locked up when minors are present. In Newaygo County, a grandfather pleaded no contest in August in the death of a 5-year-old grandson. Another boy had picked up and fired a loaded shotgun.

"If people simply locked up their firearms, we would not be putting parents behind bars for this reason," said Kris Brown, the president of Brady, a gun violence prevention group. "And we would not be digging as many graves."
Vice President Kamala Harris joined President Joe Biden in commemorating the 23rd anniversary of the worst terror attack on American soil. Whoever takes the presidency in January, whether Harris or her rival, former President Donald Trump, also at the ceremonies, will continue to face a range of threats. VOA White House correspondent Anita Powell reports from ground zero in New York, from Shanksville, Pennsylvania, and from the Pentagon.
By Mohammed Yusuf

Millions of African children are without education, as schools struggle to cope with the impact of armed conflict and insecurity.

The Norwegian Refugee Council says that as of June 2024, more than 14,300 schools were closed in 24 African countries. Countries with the most closures were Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Chad, Nigeria and Niger.

Christelle Hure of the NRCs Western Central Africa office said the schools that have closed because of violence impact an estimated 2.8 million children.

It means that these children are deprived of education but also more vulnerable to different protection risks, she said.

Aid agencies say the lack of instruction makes it easy for the armed groups to recruit children, disrupting their education and further decreasing their chances of ever attending classes.

The lack of schooling also makes children vulnerable to violence and exploitation, perpetuating cycles of poverty and instability.

The latest figure is an increase of 1,100 closures from the previous year, when 13,200 schools were closed due to conflict and insecurity.

In some countries, conflict has nearly overwhelmed the education system. The U.N. children's agency, UNICEF, says one in four schools in Burkina Faso is closed.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, at least 1,450 schools nationwide were closed as of January, affecting 500,000 students.

Risasi Mwinyi Patience, 47, a Congolese refugee living in Uganda, and two children were among those affected by school closures in the DR Congo. Fighting in Congos Ituri province claimed the life of his wife. He fled to Uganda in April, seeking safety.

He said the Congolese school where his children, in fourth and sixth grades, were enrolled has closed. He has enrolled them in school in Uganda.

Hure of the NRC said the circumstances that cause school closures vary from country to country, with three main reasons.

The first reason is really for military purposes. It's about regaining or gaining control over territory, she said. The second reason is schools are seen by non-state town groups as a symbol of the government's authority,and then the last reason is that in some cases, schools are seen as promoting ideologies that these groups are opposed to, such as education for girls or teaching French."

Patience said he is concerned about his future and that of his children, who are forced to start education again due to the language barrier. Schools in the DR Congo are taught in French but now their school is taught in English.

He said his children have been told to repeat classes and start from the beginning, adding further difficulty to their life in the refugee camp.

Though the general situation remains dire, some schools have reopened in the Central African Republic and Mali due to improved security, and in Burkina Faso, some 1,300 schools have reopened since October 2023, after government forces took control of some areas from terror groups.

The Oslo-based agency calls on the international community, governments and warring parties to protect education by ending attacks on schools and ensuring the safety of learners and teachers.
BEIJING, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- The planned U.S. restrictions on exports of advanced technologies, including those in the fields of quantum computing and semiconductor manufacturing, will not stop China's sci-tech innovation. On the contrary, they will reinforce China's determination to pursue independent innovation.

The U.S. Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security recently announced its intention to tighten export controls for quantum computing items, advanced semiconductor manufacturing equipment, Gate All-Around Field-Effect Transistor technology and additive manufacturing items, citing "national security" and "foreign policy" concerns.

This has been widely recognized as another U.S. move to contain China's high-tech development. But the notion that a tech blockade can stifle Chinese innovation is fundamentally flawed. History has shown that when it faces external pressure, China, with its vast talent pool, sci-tech resources and commercial market, always rises to the challenge.

The country's remarkable achievements in space exploration illustrate this clearly. Despite U.S. attempts to marginalize it in the field of space, China has made significant strides in its space station and lunar exploration programs, demonstrating the ingenuity and resilience of its sci-tech community and its ability to overcome tech blockades.

China's quantum technology will no doubt grow to prove that tech blockades cannot halt the country's sci-tech progress. According to U.S. tech policy think tank ITIF, China leads the world in the field of quantum communication and is level with the United States in quantum sensing technology.

China is also advancing steadily in the field of quantum computing. Origin Wukong, a third-generation superconducting quantum computer developed domestically by Chinese startup Origin Quantum, is equipped with the Wukong chip, which has 198 qubits comprising 72 computational qubits and 126 coupler qubits.

Origin Quantum says it has core technologies in the field and a complete manufacturing chain, covering research and development, design, production, and testing.

"The U.S. blockade has made us more resolved to follow a path of independent innovation," said Jia Zhilong, who leads the company's chip development.

Moreover, the United States would incur significant losses from such restrictive policies. The interdependence of global supply chains is a cornerstone of modern economic growth. By limiting exports of cutting-edge technologies, the United States not only risks alienating key trading partners but also stifles its own industries that rely on global markets for revenue and innovation.

According to statistics from the U.S. Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA), China is the world's largest single semiconductor market, accounting for 29 percent of the global market in 2023. Chinese firms remain key clients for many leading semiconductor companies, including those located in the United States.

Nvidia CFO Colette Kress once warned that in the long term, restrictions on China will "result in a permanent loss of opportunities for the U.S. chip industry." And Dutch chip equipment supplier ASML's CEO Christophe Fouquet has noted his expectation that pushback from industry insiders and observers will grow.

Just as a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson has said, obstructing normal tech cooperation as well as trade and economic exchange violates market economy principles, destabilizes global industrial and supply chains, and serves no one's interests.

By restricting the flow of technology, the United States is also slowing global sci-tech development, as the exchange of ideas and resources is a vital component of progress.

In sharp contrast, China is embracing international cooperation and sharing technology with other countries, including the United States. Origin Wukong has been accessible globally and free-of-charge since its launch in January. It has since received more than 14 million remote visits from around the world and completed over 260,000 quantum computing tasks, with the highest number of users outside of China located in the United States.

Technological progress is not just a national mission but a collective endeavor of humanity. Technological breakthroughs, such as improved health care, enhanced communication and the more efficient use of energy, benefit all people.

The future of technology should be a beacon of hope for all, not a tool for division or dominance to be used by a few. It is time to embrace a more inclusive approach to technology -- one that recognizes the value of shared innovation and the potential of collective growth. 
Israeli public opinion is changing. After having turned away from Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu, ineffective during the October 7 attack, some Israelis rallied behind him again after the Iranian retaliation on April 11. About a third of them now support him. They are both settlers, illegally implanted in the West Bank, and citizens who perceive Arabs, Turks and Persians as enemies.

The remaining two-thirds are slowly opening their eyes. The execution of six hostages by Hamas on August 31, just as the Defense Forces (IDF) were about to free them, showed them that, far from allowing their release, the presence of soldiers in Gaza condemns them to death. They now see the Prime Ministers obstinacy in invading not only Gaza, but also the West Bank, to the detriment of the hostages lives, as proof that he serves the interests of the settlers alone, and not those of all Israeli Jews. Yet they fail to see the suffering of Israeli Arabs, the pogroms in the West Bank and the ethnic cleansing in Gaza.

It was against this backdrop that Israels historic trade union, the Histadrut, which was the main Yichuv organization between the wars, called a general strike. Like all Western unions, this organization is much smaller than in the past, when it was an offshoot of the kibbutzim movement. It now has just 400,000 members, but still has moral authority. At a rally, its Secretary General, Arnon Bar-David, declared: Im here to fight, so that no one is left behind. Jews dont abandon Jews, who doesnt know that? Its not possible for our children to die in the tunnels because of political considerations. Considering that the Central was itself playing politics instead of defending workers, the government got the National Labor Court to declare the general strike illegal. As for Treasury Minister Bezalel Smotrich, he instructed his departments not to pay the striking civil servants. Be that as it may, the strike was well attended. It inscribed in the minds of Israelis that Benyamin Netanyahu did not defend Jews, that he had never defended them.

At the same time, one of the governments 32 members, Defense Minister General Yoav Gallant, declared in cabinet that the Prime Ministers new objective of occupying the Philadelphia Corridor (i.e., the small Egyptian-Gazawi border strip) violates the Camp David Accords without bringing the slightest strategic advantage. When the cabinet discussion turned to invective, General Gallant took the matter public.

According to the Internet portal Ynet (part of Yediot Aharonot), reputed to be centrist and close to the administration, if in May an agreement was about to be reached with Hamas, everything was turned upside down by the Israeli sides Clarification Document on July 27. This text suddenly laid down new demands to make any agreement impossible. For the first time, it demanded an IDF presence in the Philadelphia corridor.

Only those who follow Israeli politics will understand the simultaneity of the general strike and Gallants slavage. At last, it makes it possible to understand what happened last year.

In the spring of 2023, the democratic parties put pressure on the Histadrut to organize a general strike against the proposed reform of the Basic Laws (equivalent to a constitution), i.e. against the coup detat that the revisionist Zionists were carrying out. However, instead of confining itself to defending democracy, the left-wing center also supported the right-wing general Yoav Gallant, whom Benyamin Netanyahu had just suddenly dismissed from his post as Defense Minister. His pressure had been so strong that the Prime Minister had reinstated him to the government.

At the time, no one understood the connection between the unionists and the general. However, we later learned that he had been dismissed for having exploded in the Council of Ministers and demanded an explanation for the Prime Ministers lack of reaction to reports from the Shin Bet (counter-intelligence) and the IDF. Four months before the October 7 attack, all Israeli intelligence services were drafting report after report announcing the Perfect Storm (code name for the October 7 Al-Aqsa Flood operation) that the Palestinian Resistance was preparing. The Prime Minister refused to listen. He remained deaf to General Gallants outburst. He did not defend his country during the October 7 attack, but used it to ethnically cleanse Gaza and allowed anti-Arab pogroms to multiply in the West Bank.

As a result, the question weve been asking since mid-November [1] is also starting to resonate with Israelis: what if Benyamin Netanyahu wasnt incompetent, but an accomplice in the attack?

This question is on the minds of many Israelis, who have called for a state commission of inquiry into all aspects of the October 7 attack, its preparation and response. Israels Attorney General, Gali Baharav Miara, who considers the issue relevant, has also called for this. However, Benjamin Netanyahu and his accomplices opposed it.

This question has been on everyones lips ever since the Israeli press revealed that the counter-espionage Shin Bet/Shabak had warned the Prime Minister of the imminent attack 10 weeks earlier [2]. This time, were no longer talking about foreign sources, but about one of Israels security agencies.

Gradually, the story of the current coalition government resurfaces. Jewish supremacists (the Kahanists) are not just another Jewish sect. Certainly, they militate for the destruction of the Al-Aqsa mosque and the rebuilding in its place of Solomons temple, whereas the Haredi rabbis, both Ashkenazi and Sephardic, in addition to the leading Israeli rabbis, consider such acts impure and forbid all Jews to enter the courtyards of the Al-Aqsa mosque. They thus seem to distinguish themselves from the revisionist Zionists of Volodymyr Jabotinski and Benzion Netanhayou, who campaigned for a Jewish state from the Nile to the Euphrates. In reality, Rabbi Meir Kahane was an agent of Yitzhak Shamir (Jabotinkys successor) in the United States, who financed him through Mossad, of which he was then one of the leaders. In fact, during his first term as Prime Minister, in 1996, Benjamin Netanyahu had a tunnel dug under the Al-Aqsa mosque.

No one in Israel would fail to recall that Volodymyr Jabotinsky and Benzion Netanhayou (the Prime Ministers father) were allies of Benito Mussolini, who hosted their militia, the Betar, in Rome [3]. A fortiori, no Israeli dares question the links between these historic fascists and Nazism. Its true that Jabotinsky died at the start of the war, on August 4, 1940, in New York, without having to comment on the latters racial ideology. But during the inter-war period, as a director of the (World) Zionist Organization, he had allied himself with the Ukrainian integral nationalists of Symon Petlioura and Dmytro Dontsov against the Soviets. Their men massacred Jews without eliciting the slightest reaction from him. When the Zionist Organization demanded an explanation, he resigned without reply.

David Ben Gurion, Israels first Allied Prime Minister, said that Jabotinsky was surely a fascist and possibly a Nazi, which is why he opposed the transfer of his ashes to Jerusalem.

The question arises for two reasons: firstly, revisionist Zionists conducted negotiations with the Nazis throughout the Second World War against the Allies. It was the Germans who refused to go any further in their collaboration, whereas the Jewish followers of Jabotinsky were for continuing.

Then, last May, historian Nadav Kaplan revealed [4] that Jabotinskys followers were following in detail the negotiations of Hungarian Rezso Kasztner (known as Rudolf Ysrael Kastner) with the Nazis throughout the World War, including with Adolf Eichmann, in charge of transferring Jews to the extermination camps. He has speculated (for the moment insufficiently substantiated) that Ben Gurion ordered his assassination during his trial, so as not to reopen the wound. If Kaplans work were to be developed further, there would be continuity between the massacre of the Jews by the Nazis and that of the Palestinians by the revisionist Zionists.

We have to admit that the Israelis are not the victims of Hamas, but, like the Palestinians, of revisionist Zionists.
In Hayao Miyazaki and the Heron, the legendary animation director loses close friends to old age and grapples with the twilight of his own life. Photo: Max

Recently I think maybe Im going to die, says Hayao Miyazaki. He smiles, hands clasped behind his head. I imagine thanking everyone. The quote, striking in its off-handedness, comes near the top of Kaku Arakawas Hayao Miyazaki and the Heron, an NHK documentary distributed here in North America by GKIDS that follows the legendary animation director across the seven-year production of his latest feature, The Boy and the Heron. (It was quietly added to the Max service last week along with the film itself.) The statement will come to feel like a premature indulgence. As the months tick by and we get deeper into the doc, the director starts grappling with the deaths of others instead.

We watch as he plugs away on the film and loses close friends to old age. Many are fixtures of the Studio Ghibli universe: Michiyo Yasuda, a color designer and confidante; Isao Takahata, his friend, collaborator, rival, and Ghibli co-founder; Yasuo Ootsuka, a mentor; even a dear assistant. This is what happens in the twilight of life, he says, shuffling to his desk after learning about the latest departure. Good grief. The bodies are piling up.

Death hovers over every other scene. The doc doesnt linger on the COVID pandemic, but youre reminded of its devastation by the sudden ubiquity of face masks. When another mentor, the producer Junzo Nakajima, comes to visit Miyazakis atelier, the conversation quickly turns to the older mans ailing health. An unspoken question floats over the good-byes as he gets into his car to leave: Will these men ever see each other again? Its not often you get to see a living legend seriously grapple with the din of mortality. In many senses, its a privilege to witness, but watching any man outlive so many friends is a terrible thing.

Hayao Miyazaki and the Heron is not an entirely accessible documentary on its own. Youd need to be versed not only with The Boy and the Heron but also Miyazakis broader biography in order to properly savor what youre shown. You might find it interesting how each character in The Boy and the Heron corresponds with someone in the directors own life, but you probably wouldnt fully appreciate the irony of how, say, Miyazaki views his long-suffering producer Toshio Suzuki as the conniving Heron. Poor guy.

That biography is largely captured by several other NHK docs, two of which are available on Max as well: 2013s The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness, directed by Mami Sunada, which was similarly constructed around the making of The Wind Rises, and 2016s Never-Ending Man, also directed by Arakawa, which followed Miyazaki through the development of his first CGI creation, Boro the Caterpillar. (Another, the four-part 10 Years With Hayao Miyazaki, is available on Crunchyroll.) Hayao Miyazaki and the Heron retroactively turns the two mildly hagiographic Max docs into a sobering triptych, functioning as a kind of conclusion to a sustained look at a flawed creative genius who routinely defies age and pulls himself out of retirement to work on his art once more  until he comes up to the limits of whether he can do so much longer.

Whats a little different about Arakawas doc is how purely melancholic it feels. We see, for example, how the death of Isao Takahata, Miyazakis mentor and rival, weighs on him the most throughout the development of The Boy and the Heron. Though he vastly overshadowed Takahata in renown, he clearly admired and loved the man, coveting his approval that was rarely given. So Takahata continues to loom large in Miyazakis head long after his death, to a point where Miyazaki not-so-jokingly blames everything from the weather to losing a pencil on the vengeful spirit of his late mentor.

Arakawa likes to rapidly cut between several different scenes within a few seconds  replicating the sense of intrusive thoughts  to draw thematic and emotional associations. This device performs a few different functions: In some places, its used to connect aspects of Miyazakis own life to imagery visible in his movies; in one example, we see Miyazaki watch a small child stacking two toads atop each other that the doc smashes into the scene in Heron where a swarm of toads overwhelms Mahito, the protagonist. In others, Arakawa uses it to pin down an emotion Miyazaki tries to swerve away from. The director has a puckish quality about him, eager to cut a vulnerable statement with a wry observation or an ironic smile. People said Id be the first to go. Why am I still alive? he says in one scene, before breaking into another smile. Arakawa follows this with a clip from Porco Rosso where Porco relates the story of seeing a celestial tunnel in the sky filled with planes of the many pilots who fell before him.

In this age of hyper-brand management where practically every celebrity doc requires direct sign-offs from the subject themselves, its striking to watch a document of a global cultural luminary being so nakedly human. Of course, Hayao Miyazaki and the Heron is still a reverent work, leaving out a few messier strands of the mans life that Miyazaki-heads might be curious about. We dont get anything about his son Goro, for example, whose inability to live up to his fathers shadow was a major subject in The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness. But these omissions can be read as further reflecting Arakawas main thematic focus, which is the inevitability of death. We watch Miyazaki age into his 80s. We see his body and face shrink a little; that puckish smile grows more weathered. His hands, which have created so much beauty, start to tremble. The doc ends on an uplifting note, capping off Miyazakis seven-year odyssey with The Boy and the Heron with footage of his team watching their Oscar win on television, but by then its hard to feel triumphant. Miyazaki may abandon retirement once again to embark on another project, but the man is now 83. Death is a fact of life, and not even geniuses can outrun this biological truth.
Conclave combines the pulp velocity of a great airport read with the gravitas of high drama. Photo: Focus Features/Everett Collection

Conclave begins with the image of a cardinal tensely making his way along a Roman highway late at night, his crimson biretta cap clasped tightly in his hand. Its a stark, almost funny image, the elegant robes of this high priest trudging through a bleak, contemporary urban setting. The characters of Conclave wont spend much time in the world at large  this is one of the few times we will see one outside in Edward Bergers film  but the dissonance will continue to resonate. These are men carrying out what they view as an ancient function: electing a new Pope, now that the old one has died. They diligently shut out the modern world, but its still there, outside the windows and beyond the doors, constantly felt in everything they do.

At the center of the squall is Thomas Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes), the dean of the College of Cardinals, whose job it is to run the conclave, as cardinals from around the world gather inside the hallowed sanctuary of the Sistine Chapel to cast ballots for a new pontiff. Its a perfect role for Fiennes, who can do both placidity and intensity  sometimes, somehow, all at once. Thomas exudes gentleness and tolerance. Hes a deeply conflicted man who admits, in an initial address to the conclave, that he values doubt and abhors certainty  and yet, as the picture proceeds, he becomes more obsessed with controlling the outcome.

Bergers film is adapted, quite faithfully, from Robert Harriss 2016 novel, and it combines the pulp velocity of a great airport read with the gravitas of high drama. It solemnly depicts the ornate rituals around the death of the Pope  the ribbons placed across his door and fastened with melted red wax, the seals clipped off his rings, the constant prayers and the secretive mutterings  with only a slight nod to the sheer pointlessness of it all. It means something to these men, and thats enough. Same, too, with the lugubrious dance of the conclave itself, with its round after round of balloting and tallying and quiet reflecting.

Many film critics who participate in year-end awards voting will find themselves nodding with recognition during Conclave at how allegiances shift between ballots in response to whos ahead, whos likely to win, and whose support seems to be crumbling. I have no idea how accurate this is to the way cardinals actually vote, but both the book and the movie have the confident ring of truth, or at least truthiness. And its interesting to learn that the Very Serious Men who elect popes scheme as effectively as the New York Film Critics Circle did when it voted (well-deserving) underdog Rachel Weisz best actress in 2012 to prevent front-runners Jessica Chastain and Jennifer Lawrence from getting the prize instead; or when the warring camps of Days of Heaven and Deer Hunter supporters at the National Society of Film Critics in 1978 famously fought each other to a standstill and allowed Bertrand Bliers Get Out Your Handkerchiefs to sneak in and win Best Picture that year.

Where was I? Oh, right, Conclave. Amid such stately ceremony, Berger finds ways to insert gradually escalating tumult and cattiness. Though he tries to be fair and balanced, Thomas is allied with Aldo Bellini (Stanley Tucci), a progressive candidate who wants to continue the Churchs liberalization and engagement with the world. Opposing them is Goffredo Tedesco (Sergio Castellitto), a reactionary Italian who thinks the Church has been on the wrong track ever since it got rid of the Latin Mass in the 1960s. But there are other candidates as well  chiefly, Joseph Tremblay (John Lithgow), a supreme politician who, for all his outward soft-spoken humility, clearly has great ambitions. And then theres Joshua Adeyemi (Lucian Msamati), a charismatic cardinal from Nigeria who could become the first Black pope.

None of these people actively campaign for the papacy. Save maybe for the flamboyant Tedesco (a not very big role that Castellitto turns into a full, rollicking meal), theyre all lowered eyebrows and hushed whispers and collegial exchanges, soberly prostrating themselves before God and seeking His guidanceall the while quietly and viciously stabbing each other in the back. Such muted machinations present a wonderful showcase for these actors, as well as Isabella Rossellini, as a head nun who becomes more central to the plot, and the relatively unknown Mexican actor Carlos Diehz, as a heretofore unknown cardinal named Vincent Benitez. Secretly named the Archbishop of Kabul, Benitez shows up unannounced on the day of the conclave and sends what promised to be a predictable gathering into the first of its many entertaining tailspins.

Despite the fact that theyve all been cocooned deep inside the Vatican, with the doors barred, the priests of Conclave are all quite aware of how everything they do will have real-world repercussions, particularly in the way the Church is perceived. That fragile isolation isnt just a psychological element. We sense throughout that the outside world is undergoing turmoil of which these men are mostly unaware  though we suspect they soon will be, both metaphorically and physically. Berger expertly milks that anticipation, then nails several artfully heated and lively climaxes. My audience at the Telluride Film Festival began roaring with delight and surprise, and Ive heard similar reports out of Toronto screenings as well. So, well, dont be surprised if this sinfully entertaining movie wins a few awards.
BEIJING, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Eyeing China's huge market, global companies are attending a major services trade fair in Beijing to explore business opportunities in the world's second-largest economy.

Over 450 Fortune 500 enterprises and companies taking the lead in their respective industries, as well as 85 countries and international organizations, are represented at the 2024 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS). Themed "Global Services, Shared Prosperity," the five-day event opened in Beijing on Thursday.

Jack Chan, chairman of EY China, said CIFTIS brings together enterprises from around the world to share opportunities stemming from China's opening up and development of trade in services, while CIFTIS also helps enterprises build a big circle of friends for win-win cooperation.

China's high-quality opening up of the services sector provides broader market space and development opportunities for global services trade companies, Chan said.

Jacky Zou, chairman-elect of KPMG China, has a similar viewpoint, saying that Chinese modernization provides new opportunities for global development.

China's door is opening wider, and KPMG hopes to take advantage of the services trade fair and its own professional services and international networks to better help foreign companies expand in the Chinese market, and to assist Chinese enterprises in going global, Zou said.

China's trade in services has seen steady growth over the past few years, becoming a major growth engine for its foreign trade. The country's imports and exports of services grew 14.7 percent year on year to 4.2 trillion yuan (about 590 billion U.S. dollars) in the January-July period of 2024, official data showed.

China, which has a very large domestic market, is expanding its imports of quality services, thereby providing the world with new development opportunities, while also encouraging exports of knowledge-intensive services to offer the world the fruits of its high-quality development, said Wang Dongtang, an official with the Ministry of Commerce.

Global food giant Nestle is attending the fair for a second time, and has brought more than 10 types of products in three categories -- namely coffee, drinking water and baby nutrition.

"As a world renowned food and beverage company with a history of 158 years, Nestle always has confidence in the Chinese market," said David Zhang, CEO of Nestle Zone Greater China.

Nestle hopes to use this services trade fair to further strengthen cooperation and exchanges to better meet the demands of Chinese consumers and clients, by providing them with more innovative products and services, Zhang added.

German medical technology company Siemens Healthineers is a newcomer to the event, and has brought several of the world's leading medical products to the trade fair.

The trade fair is an important global platform for exchanges of medical innovations and technologies, providing vast opportunities to explore partnerships, said Lena Wang, vice president of Siemens Healthineers China.

Medtronic, one of the largest medical device companies in the world, is also a first-time attendee. It has brought over 60 products and solutions to the trade fair.

National-level exhibitions like CIFTIS and the China International Import Expo offer multinationals valuable opportunities for exchanges and cooperation, said Alex Gu, president of Medtronic Greater China.

Given China's massive population, unmet medical needs and the Chinese government's emphasis on people's health, the Chinese market has great potential, Gu noted.

Medtronic has always been optimistic about the Chinese market and hopes to further strengthen its local value chain layout in the future, thereby providing better medical services to Chinese doctors and patients, Gu added. 
As essential as any gala premiere or awards-buzz breakthrough, the Chill-Down Movie is the cure for film-festival burnout. Photo: Lionsgate

Yesterday morning, I showed my press badge to a group of Toronto International Film Festival volunteers, and they asked me which film I was there to see. The Penguin Lessons, I replied with unmistakable clarity. The volunteer I was speaking with, plus two others in the immediate vicinity, all of whom were armed with clipboards listing every movie screening that day, asked in near unison: Whats that?

I cant blame them. On this particularly busy TIFF morning, there were overlapping screenings for Babygirl, The Piano Lesson, Emilia Perez, Saturday Night, Piece by Piece, The Wild Robot, The Life of Chuck, and Nutcrackers. And, instead, I was opting to see The Penguin Lessons, a buzz-free English dramedy starring Steve Coogan as a disillusioned boarding-school teacher who ends up forming a bond with a penguin. This choice was neither accidental nor, I would argue, foolhardy. Ill argue that a choice like this is essential to maintaining ones sanity amid the wearying hustle and bustle of a festival like TIFF.

For nineish days every year, in my incredibly privileged position as a person who writes about movies for a living, I head up north to binge on the films that Im hoping will be the biggest, best, and most-talked-about for the rest of the year. And at some point around mid-festival, my constitution turns to mush and my brain feels trampled by all these serious, artistic, daring, often incredibly exciting films. Its the greatest job in the world, but after a weeks worth of two-plus-hour movies, subtitles, brutalist architecture, queer longing, drug addiction, any number of movies where people either literally or metaphorically transform into animals, screening, screening, bus, club, another club, no sleep  sorry, what was I talking about?

The human mind needs a recharge every now and then, which is why, years ago, I became a huge proponent of the (Usually British) Film Festival Chill-Down Movie. Its pretty much exactly what it sounds like: I try to schedule at least one movie per TIFF that seems like it will be an untaxing, low-lift, pleasant viewing experience. To be perfectly clear: This isnt about picking a movie you can nap through. I didnt come here to sleep; I came to see movies. Its just, sometimes, I want those movies to feature English and Irish and  sometimes, if absolutely necessary  American characters in dramedies about being good people in hard situations and ultimately coming out all right in the end.

In my decade of TIFF attendance, this strategy has served me well. Often, Ive discovered small-scale gems or reunited with filmmakers whose work Id forgotten I loved. I came to the (Usually British) Film Festival Chill-Down Movie strategy organically, but not without some rough beginnings. My first TIFF, in 2014, I bypassed some prime (UB)FFCDMs  including Maggie Smith in a movie called My Old Lady and the Patricia Clarkson dramedy Learning to Drive  and instead made a series of very bad decisions predicated on the idea that I should be taking in Serious Films, which is how I ended up watching Octavia Spencer and Kevin Costner fight for custody of their shared grandchild in Black or White and all 130 minutes of Jessica Chastain and Colin Farrell being uncharacteristically awful in Liv Ullmans Miss Julie.

I got better at it. In 2015, I made time for Lorene Scafarias deeply underrated The Meddler, an American version of the (UB)FFCDM featuring a recently widowed Susan Sarandon who follows her screenwriter daughter (Rose Byrne) to L.A. and then decides she likes going to the Grove every day (relatable).

In 2016, I hit the nail right on the head with Lone Scherfigs Their Finest. This is a film that has everything you want out of a (UB)FFCDM: You wont have to fight crowds to see it (and youll feel proud for making a discovery if its especially good) and it features likable characters played by famous-but-not-too-famous actors  in this case, Gemma Arterton, Sam Claflin, and Bill Nighy, who star as a trio of English filmmakers making morale-boosting films during World War II. Youll want to allow for some degree of sentimentality in these movies, but the best of them will eschew schmaltz for something more reserved. Scherfig neither ignores nor wallows in the hardships of war in Their Finest, emerging with a portrait of good people doing their best in a sometimes hostile world.

In 2017, I played myself by opting for Saoirse Ronan and Billy Howle in On Cheshil Beach (in my defense, I hadnt read the book), instead of the clearly superior (if American) choice of Helen Mirren and Donald Sutherland traversing the country in an RV in The Leisure Seeker.

It turned out, 2018 was short on British chill-down material, so I opted for Julianne Moore in Gloria Bell, which wasnt so much a chill-down movie as it was an endorphin-delivery system, but it did the job. Moore is too big of a star to truly feel like youre sneaking into a hidden gem, but she and director Sebastian Lelio work hard to make Glorias small victories feel hard-earned.

2019s Military Wives was a contemporary tale of a military-wife choir led by the officious Kristin Scott Thomas and the more personable Sharon Horgan (classic Sister Act dynamic). The movie is charming, though these things are almost always better if theyre period pieces. Still, Horgan and KST should be making these kinds of movies once a year; theyre perfectly suited to them.

After a two-year COVID break, I returned to TIFF and faced my biggest (UB)FFCDM blunder to date: Allelujah, a small British movie about a geriatric hospital from director Richard Eyre (Iris; Notes on a Scandal). It seemed like a nice movie about old people forming bonds at the twilight of their lives, but instead it was actually about  and I am spoiling this, so you dont get similarly fooled  Jennifer Saunders secretly euthanizing all the patients. Bad vibes. Awful vibes.

So The Penguin Lessons marked a real comeback for me. It is the absolute platonic ideal of the (UB)FFCDM. Coogan stars as Tom Michell, an Englishman who gets hired to teach at a Buenos Aires boarding school in 1976. While taking a weeks vacation in Uruguay  to avoid the inconveniences of the Argentine military coup, you understand  Coogan and a local woman hes hoping to get into bed happen upon an oil-slicked penguin on the beach, and after a few logistical hoops, bingo-bango, Coogans bringing a penguin back to Buenos Aires.

The films director, Peter Cattaneo, is very good at staging this kind of light comedy. He directed the aforementioned Military Wives, but even before that, in 1997, he pretty much laid down the most perfect chill-down movie of all time, The Full Monty, which actually never played a major film festival but did charm Americans to the tune of a surprise Best Picture Oscar nomination. Here, Cattaneo sets his feel-good story about a grumbly teacher who finds his spark with the help of an adorable animal against the backdrop of a South American fascist coup  which included the kidnapping and indefinite detention of many citizens suspected of being left wing  in a way that never feels cheap or jarring.

To be clear: There is nothing in this movie you havent seen before, with the highly specific exception of Steve Coogan feeding sardines to a penguin. Jonathan Pryce plays the persnickety headmaster who prefers to keep politics outside the school walls. The students in Coogans class bully the one kid whose parents are rumored to be socialists, so Coogan teaches them a lesson on tolerance via English verb tenses. Bjorn Gustafsson (who played the Swede whom Melissa McCarthy kicked the holy hell out of in Spy) plays Coogans lovelorn, fussy-but-sweet teacher friend. Vivian El Jaber plays the no-nonsense school cook. Everybody, at one point or another, ends up monologuing at the penguin.

Its cute! Its funny! One scene takes place at a Uruguayan disco. The plot is momentarily quite similar to Three Men and a Baby, except the baby is a penguin and the subplot about heroin is Argentine fascism. The fascists arrest a few people to land the movie some stakes, and Coogans character learns to stand up for whats right instead of apathetically drifting through his life. The whole thing ends with an epilogue about the real-life Tom Michell and home-video footage of the real Juan Salvador (they named the penguin Juan Salvador).

The Penguin Lessons was not a must-see film in this years TIFF lineup. Despite its mind-replenishing powers of competent light drama, you will not hear about it even one more time for the rest of awards season. You will, I hope, see it on some streaming service in a year or so and think, Well, thats a funny title, and consider giving it a try. You and your poor overburdened brain will be happy if you do.
Performing at Naselle Lutheran Church on Friday, Sept. 13 at 7:00 p.m., (freewill donation) is critically acclaimed Jonathan Rundman. The Minneapolis-based folk/rock songwriter has released his first book. Lost Songs of the Suomi Synod is a musical and theological memoir of Rundmans Lutheran ancestors who emigrated from Finland in the early 1900s. The book collects Rundmans arrangements and translations of 28 songs from this Nordic immigrant community who settled in Upper Michigan, Minnesota, and in Washington State communities such as the Seattle area and Naselle.

Much of this music has not been sung or heard in North America for a century, and some pieces have never before appeared in the English language.

This project started out as a studio album. Then it became a music book with some history. But it ended up a history book with some music, Rundman explains. Lost Songs of the Suomi Synod is really the aftermath of a mid-life crisis. As I entered my forties, I began to ask all those uncomfortable questions of middle-age: Who am I? How did I become this kind of person? Where is my home? What kind of legacy will I leave to my children? I had a spiritual awakening and a musical epiphany.

Rundman spent ten years researching and collecting the printed music of his Finnish Lutheran heritage. This particular denomination of Lutherans (the Suomi Synod) merged into a larger church body (the LCA) in 1962, and the only people who still vividly remember the Synod in person are now in their 80s and older. I realized I had better conduct this investigation now while I could still hear first-hand eyewitness accounts of my familys musical and theological history. As he traveled coast-to-coast as a touring musician, Rundman visited antique stores, church basements, Lutheran seminaries, and the historical archives at Finlandia University. When the word got out on Facebook that I was doing this research, Finnish-Americans around the country began to mail me old sheet music, school yearbooks, newspapers, and hymnals.

Scholars in the fields of ethnomusicology, church history, and Scandinavian studies in Findland and the US have been surprised and enthused by Rundmans uncovering of these Lost Songs.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, and co-chairs the Fourth Meeting of the High-Level Chinese-Saudi Joint Committee with him at Riyadh's al-Yamamah Palace in Saudi Arabia, Sept. 11, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Xueren)

Chinese Premier Li Qiang urged Saudi companies to increase their involvement in the Chinese market, assuring them that China is committed to building a top-tier business environment that is market-driven, law-based and internationally oriented.

RIYADH, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang's visit to Saudi Arabia, which concluded on Wednesday, has underscored the role of investment and trade as a key pillar of the China-Saudi Arabia relationship.

During his brief stay of less than 24 hours, Li held intensive meetings with Saudi business representatives, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, and Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud.

Throughout these engagements, the key focus was consistently on deepening trade and investment ties.

In discussions with Saudi business representatives, Li urged Saudi companies to increase their involvement in the Chinese market, assuring them that China is committed to building a top-tier business environment that is market-driven, law-based and internationally oriented.

The Chinese premier revealed that China will further relax market access, fully lift restrictions on foreign investment in the manufacturing sector, accelerate the opening of service sectors like telecommunications, and provide robust support for foreign enterprises to help them establish a stronger presence and achieve success in China.

In his meeting with Albudaiwi, Li called on China and GCC countries to strengthen the alignment of their development strategies and speed up the negotiations for a free trade agreement, while reiterating the need for deepening investment cooperation between the two sides.

In discussions with the Saudi crown prince, he urged both sides to encourage their companies to invest in each other's markets and enhance communication and cooperation in this regard.

The premier's appeal for deepening investment and trade ties has resonated positively in Saudi Arabia.

Following the meetings, Saudi Arabia's Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih told Xinhua that China and Saudi Arabia have bright prospects for investment cooperation, noting that around 750 Chinese joint ventures or companies currently operate in Saudi Arabia.

Al-Falih emphasized that trade between China and Saudi Arabia continues to grow rapidly, with last year's trade volume surpassing 100 billion U.S. dollars, and this upward trend extending into the first half of this year.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Sept. 11, 2024. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

Currently, trade with China is equivalent to 90 percent of Saudi Arabia's total trade volume with the Group of Seven countries, according to the minister.

This growth in trade and investment is driven by the complementary strengths of both economies.

As Li has said, China is comprehensively advancing Chinese modernization by promoting high-quality development, continuously unlocking the demand of a large-scale market of over 1.4 billion people, and pushing forward the digital, intelligent, and green transformation and upgrading its industries.

Technological innovation in such fields as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and bio-medicine remains vibrant in China, which will create new economic growth drivers and foster numerous high-growth companies, providing broader market opportunities and investment prospects for businesses from various countries, including Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, as a traditional energy powerhouse, is advancing its Vision 2030, unlocking significant market opportunities for Chinese investors.

Li emphasized that the development strategies of China and Saudi Arabia are "well-aligned." Through the enhancement of investment and trade relations, China aims to further solidify its comprehensive strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia.

During his meeting with Saudi business representatives, Li encouraged Saudi companies to act as bridges in enhancing friendship and mutual understanding between the two countries and elevate the China-Saudi Arabia comprehensive strategic partnership to new heights.

These sentiments were echoed by Mohammed Alajlan, deputy chairman of Ajlan & Bros Holding Group, who said the collaboration between the two nations has effectively integrated technology, capital, and markets.

He pledged to play a "bridging role" in fostering bilateral ties.

"With the support from both governments, our cooperation will continue to deepen and contribute to the economic growth and well-being of both nations," he said.
At the Norse Hall 90th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, September 7, there were several decendents of the founders: Sandra Contreras, Susan Brown and Reid Kenner who are descendants of Kristian O. Wika, and Cameron Monte whose ancestor was Ole Torgert. It was wonderful to see the depth of some of the families that are still members of this historic institution right on Puget Island.

Board President Jan Silvestri gave a little history of the Helgeland Lodge 2-30 Norse Hall (Puget Island). Joanne Gray, Vice President of Sons of Norway District 2 which includes Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington offered a certificate of 90 years of dedication to the Sons of Norway. She also commented that it was one of the most cared-for halls of the four states in the District.

What a special treat to enjoy so much talent from our community! The Cathlamet Troubadours Ukelele group encouraged everyone to sing along to several tunes and invited all of us to come listen to them play every Wednesday night at Marias Place. The Robo-Rascals 4-H Robotics group gave a presentation on everything they have created and are working on to build a strong foundation for their futures. Dawn Rachele Holman serenaded the gathering with a beautiful acappella rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner. Gwen Gorley, Koby McDaniel, and Glenn Weist performed several numbers that got the crowd dancing in their seats.

After enjoying the beautiful 2nd floor hall, we all headed downstairs for split pea soup and bread. After the meal we were treated to a Norwegian delicacy Kransekake (cake) which is reserved for special occasions.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits a local community to learn about local measures to improve public services, enhance the well-being of the people, and strengthen comprehensive public order maintenance, in Lanzhou, northwest China's Gansu Province, Sept. 11, 2024. Xi on Wednesday afternoon inspected Lanzhou, capital city of northwest China's Gansu Province. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

LANZHOU, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, has stressed the importance of prioritizing elderly care and childcare in efforts to improve public services.

Xi made the remarks when visiting a local community in Lanzhou, capital city of northwest China's Gansu Province, on Wednesday.

During a chat with community workers and residents, Xi said that community work is carried out for the well-being of residents, and providing quality services should be a priority of the work.

Describing residential communities as the foundation of urban governance, he said community work should be strengthened to truly benefit the public. 

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits a local community in Lanzhou, northwest China's Gansu Province, Sept. 11, 2024. Xi on Wednesday afternoon inspected Lanzhou, capital city of northwest China's Gansu Province. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits a local community in Lanzhou, northwest China's Gansu Province, Sept. 11, 2024. Xi on Wednesday afternoon inspected Lanzhou, capital city of northwest China's Gansu Province. (Xinhua/Yan Yan)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits a local community in Lanzhou, northwest China's Gansu Province, Sept. 11, 2024. Xi on Wednesday afternoon inspected Lanzhou, capital city of northwest China's Gansu Province. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, talks with residents while visiting a local community in Lanzhou, northwest China's Gansu Province, Sept. 11, 2024. Xi on Wednesday afternoon inspected Lanzhou, capital city of northwest China's Gansu Province. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits a local community to learn about local measures to improve public services, enhance the well-being of the people, and strengthen comprehensive public order maintenance, in Lanzhou, northwest China's Gansu Province, Sept. 11, 2024. Xi on Wednesday afternoon inspected Lanzhou, capital city of northwest China's Gansu Province. (Xinhua/Yan Yan)
A Lismore farmer has been fined thousands of euro for illegally burning rubbish.

The farmer was fined 4,450 at a sitting of Lismore District Court, sitting in Dungarvan, on September 2.

He was prosecuted by Waterford City and County Council (WCCC).

The farmer pleaded guilty to an offence under Section 32 of the Waste Management Act 1996, of managing waste in a manner likely to cause environmental pollution.

He was caught illegally burning household waste, plastics and other waste on his farm in March, 2023.

Paul Flynn, Environmental Inspector, giving evidence for WCCC outlined that there were mechanisms open to farmers to dispose of their farmyard plastic in an environmentally-friendly manner, so they dont have to burn it.

The presiding judge commented: This is a very serious issue in the times we live in with global warming, and this will only add to the problem.

The farmer was fined for setting fire to plastics, household waste and other refuse.

The farmer was fined 500 plus costs, including outstanding fire service charges of 3,950.
New Chief Executive of Waterford City & County Council, Sean McKeown is working with the Council team on a five-year plan for the county, which includes bolstering local tourism and driving climate action.

Mr McKeown was named as the new Waterford CEO in July this year, and was formerly the interim Chief Executive of Kilkenny County Council.

He said: "It really is an exciting time for Waterford. There is an ambitious pipeline of projects and strategies in place and I want to continue the strong momentum in delivering on them, building on the excellent partnership in place with the elected members here in Waterford City and County Council."

Mr McKeown continued: Waterford is in a great place right now, full of opportunity, from being one of the fastest-growing counties in Ireland and benefitting from significant investment in placemaking initiatives, through to the establishment of SETU and being voted in recent years by the Irish Times as the Best Place to Live in Ireland. I am working right now with the Council team and the newly elected members to develop a Corporate Plan that sets out our shared vision, objectives and priorities for the next five years.

Waterford City is aiming to become a carbon-neutral city by 2040, and has been designated as a Decarbonising Zone (DZ).

Mr McKeown said: "While Waterford City and County Council must take the lead, climate action requires the collective involvement of everyone. I'll strengthen our leadership credibility by ensuring early delivery of our Climate Action Plan, maximising Council-led initiatives under the SEAI Pathfinder Programme and continuing the drive towards modal shift and active travel, in our transition to a carbon neutral city by 2040."

He added: I firmly believe we mustnt forget about the basics. I will also have an eye to consistent delivery of fundamental services, such as road maintenance, street cleaning, tree planting and landscaping. These are essential for a well-presented city and county. I will also strive to ensure Waterford continues to be Irelands cleanest city including under IBAL litter surveys, and that we continue to maximise funding schemes to tackle vacancy and dereliction, and the regeneration of our rural towns and villages."

Mr McKeown ended: "In essence, Waterford as Irelands Best Place to Live is a status that I and all the Council team are committed to upholding.
Female entrepreneurs and budding businesswomen from across Waterford are being encouraged to register for this years National Womens Enterprise Day.

National Womens Enterprise Day is Irelands largest female enterprise event. It promotes, encourages and stimulates female entrepreneurship across Ireland. It is designed and led by women and is an annual high point in promoting entrepreneurship to women in Ireland. The Local Enterprise Office along with Enterprise Ireland provide a wide range of help, incentives, training, and development programmes to female entrepreneurs.

The Waterford event, which will take place on Thursday, October 17, at the Majestic Hotel in Tramore, is a Local Enterprise Office (LEO) initiative that will be aimed at informing and inspiring through guest speakers.

Following a buffet breakfast, the day will kick off with a workshop led by Sinead ONeill, titled Target Questions for Insights to Unlocking Success. The focus will then shift to a panel session hosted by Lynda Lawton. The panel will include Stephanie Wickham of Expat Taxes, TV cook and broadcaster Aisling Larkin, Mailo Power of Monkey Cups, and Eadaoin Carrick, Executive Chairperson of Cantec Group and Vice President of Waterford Chamber. They will explore Navigating Leadership and Overcoming Challenges, offering valuable insights and practical advice from their diverse experiences.

Keynote speaker Dee Hutchinson will then address the room, focusing on, Unleashing Potential: Transformative Tools for Women to Make It Happen in Business and Beyond.

The tickets for the National Womens Enterprise event cost 20 and it will take place from 9am to 12.30pm.
Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size This story is part of the September 14 edition of Good Weekend. See all 18 stories . There is a photograph of Bill Gates  easily searchable on the internet, unmissable as a billboard  in which the Microsoft co-founder and billionaire philanthropist is standing facing the camera, his lips pressed into the service of a smile. There are four other men in the picture, taken in May 2011. Gates is second from right, dressed in a blue collared shirt and one of his usual sweaters. To his left stands a man with a buzz cut. To his right, at the centre of the photograph, is a man with a tousled mop of salt-and-pepper hair, his arms folded. He is dressed in blue jeans and a half-zip sweater, the left arm of which is emblazoned with the American flag. On his feet are velvet slippers. This man is Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender, social parasite, poseur and pariah who died by his own hand in a Manhattan jail cell in August 2019. A month earlier, federal authorities had charged Epstein with sex trafficking of girls as young as 14, and the world was learning of his lurid activities and the astonishing array of high-profile men in his network. Of all the stars that studded Epsteins dark universe, from academics and entertainers to bankers and billionaires, Gates was the brightest. He was also the most mystifying. Here was one of the most recognised names and faces in the world, a visionary technologist who helped kickstart the computing revolution, and a path-blazing philanthropist with the lofty ambition of saving lives. Why was a deity of capitalism consorting with one of its Mephistophelian bottom-feeders? There was no convenient label to affix to the relationship between Gates and Epstein, and no label would have hidden the smudges that began to blur the clear, unsullied outlines of the technology billionaires do-gooder image. The photograph, which surfaced in 2019, accompanied a story by The New York Times detailing multiple meetings between the two men. Two years later, in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic, Melinda Gates, his wife of 27 years, would divorce him. Theirs had sometimes been a difficult marriage; for years, talk of Gates womanising had whirred in the background among those who worked with the former couple. But the public airing of his relationship with Epstein contributed to their break-up. As if to symbolically distance herself from the man who had betrayed her, even though she was tied to him forever by their shared philanthropy, Melinda inserted her maiden name in between her first and last names. She would now go by Melinda French Gates. Not long after their divorce, the world learnt about the affairs he had conducted during his marriage. Once a model of rectitude, Gates had fallen into a slurry of ignominy. The large tear in Gates public image has forced us to reassess the man we knew, or thought we knew, a man so brilliant, so rich and so munificent that he had for decades been feted and festooned like a king wherever he went. Bill Gates (second from right) next to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein (centre) in Epsteins apartment in 2011. When Warren Buffett, Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates announced the Giving Pledge in June 2010, publicly committing to give at least half their wealth back to society during their lifetimes or in their wills, and urging other billionaires to do the same, Jeffrey Epstein saw a way to make money. Two years earlier, the registered sex offender had pleaded guilty to soliciting prostitution, including from an underage girl, following his 2006 arrest. After serving a light, work-release sentence in a Florida jail, he resumed what he had done for more than a decade: cultivating a network of scientists, musicians, bankers, Nobel laureates, politicians, billionaire businessmen, academics, filmmakers  just about anyone with influence who could give him a sheen of legitimacy by association, a valuable introduction, a piece of information he could keep in his back pocket to be wielded in exchange for a favour. Tucked in between haircut appointments at the upscale Frederic Fekkai salon and massage appointments were endless meetings, video calls, private jet trips, dinners and cocktails.

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An egregious name-dropper, Epstein was fully aware that the more names he dangled and the more connected he was to people, the more accepted he would be in those rarefied circles, where the best vetting mechanism was a friend-of-a-friend introduction. Out of his multiple residences, including in New York and Palm Beach and on Little St James, his private island in the US Virgin Islands, Epstein conducted his business and was welcomed by those he courted, his sordid background reduced to a footnote. Epstein heard about the unanticipated outcome of the pledge for the [Gates Foundation] and began to tunnel a way into the philanthropists orbit. The Giving Pledge had created an enormous splash. The star power of two of the richest and weightiest billionaires made the effort hard to ignore. Buffetts commitment to give the bulk of his fortune during his lifetime to the Gates Foundation, through which Gates and French Gates were tackling some of humanitys most intractable problems, gave them the moral authority to ask other billionaires to step up. By August 2010, 40 billionaires and billionaire couples had signed the pledge. By years end, 17 more had joined the group. At the same time, some who had taken the pledge began to wonder: how to disburse that money? Many billionaires had private foundations, but they were often modest, family affairs. Building a foundation to hand out big sums of money is a significant undertaking akin to launching a new business. Some billionaires thus turned to Gates, the one person who already had a massive operation going, wondering if they could partner up with his foundation in some way, or have it direct their money. Connected as he was to scientists, billionaires and Gates trusted lieutenants, Epstein heard about the unanticipated outcome of the pledge for the foundation and began to tunnel a way into the philanthropists orbit. Gates and Warren Buffett (left) pledged in 2010 to give at least half their fortunes away, opening the door to an Epstein plot. Credit: WireImage One evening in January 2011, not long after a blizzard had menaced the city of New York, Epstein hosted a dinner at his Upper East Side townhouse for Gates, pitching the evening to some invitees as a relaxed gathering with a group of influential people. It was the kind of gathering Epstein excelled at  entertaining and stimulating, a setting where social chatter mixed seamlessly with business talk. Gates appeared to find it an enjoyable evening. That May, Epstein hosted another meeting for the philanthropist. Among the guests were Larry Summers, the former US secretary of the treasury and president emeritus of Harvard University; and James E. Staley, a former senior executive of J.P. Morgan Chase. Epstein used the opportunity to present an idea to Gates, and even included slides: could some of the billionaire philanthropic dollars being pledged be pooled into a charitable fund created for the Gates Foundation? Such donor-advised funds are vehicles created by banks and other big asset managers into which wealthy individuals can deposit money that they eventually plan to give to charity. Donors get to decide the causes they want to direct their philanthropic funds to, but until they do, the money managers oversee the funds for a fee.

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For years, some employees in the Gates orbit had made it an informal goal to push their bosss name for the Nobel Peace Prize. Gates was receptive to the idea, emboldening Epstein to begin pushing his proposal more steadily. He roped in J.P. Morgan, the nations largest bank where he was a client, to set up a donor-advised fund for the Gates Foundation, which would enhance the current giving by the outfit. Bank executives were already in touch with foundation staffers about a separate project, which led to the creation of a healthcare fund in 2013. Epstein had long been friends with Staley, who goes by Jes, at the time a top lieutenant of J.P. Morgans chief executive Jamie Dimon. Loading Over hundreds of emails studded with typographical errors sent to J.P. Morgan executives including Mary Callahan Erdoes, who led the banks private wealth and asset management business, Epstein laid out his ambitions for the donor-advised fund. It would be a very high profile club with an entry donation of $US100 million. Like other donor-advised funds, this one too would provide donors the tax benefits up front. The proposed structure would involve silos  areas that the Gates Foundation focused on, such as polio, maternal health, vaccines and agriculture  that donors wanted to direct their money into. Membership to this donor club would be known, but donors could choose to remain anonymous about how they directed their money. Even a cursory search of Epstein in any database of archived news  or a simple Google search  would reveal enough stories about his questionable behaviour and habits to raise red flags. In a 2003 profile in Vanity Fair, the journalist Vicky Ward wrote: His advantage is that no one really seems to know him or his history completely or what his arsenal actually consists of. He has carefully engineered it so that he remains one of the few truly baffling mysteries among New Yorks moneyed world. People know snippets, but few know the whole. The profile mentions that he left Bear Stearns, the investment bank where he got his start, under a cloud. But Ward also reported that billionaires like Tom Pritzker, the chairman of Hyatt Hotels; the real estate mogul Mort Zuckerman; businessman Ron Perelman; and billionaire private equity investor Leon Black, who it would later emerge had paid $US158 million in fees to Epstein for tax advice, would often stop by his house for dinner. Melinda French Gates with ex-husband Bill. Shes said his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein contributed to their divorce. Credit: Getty Images Epstein appeared occasionally in gossip pages and was routinely referred to as a billionaire (even though he was not), a connoisseur of women, a financier with a small roster of billionaire clients, a property developer, or an employee of Wexner. There were always gossipy tales of multiple young women, particularly from Eastern Europe, in his life. By the mid-2000s, Epstein was making news for his lifestyle and his failed bids to buy media properties. In a 2005 article about executive assistants on Wall Street, The New York Times described him as someone who maintained an office in New York but lived and worked on a private island in the US Virgin Islands, with a three-women executive team, which manages his hectic life for globetrotting and hobnobbing with the likes of former president [Bill] Clinton.

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At the same time, there were lawsuits against him, including one with Citibank, which said he had defaulted on $US20 million of loans from their private bank. When he was arrested in Florida in 2006, after multiple underage girls accused him of sexual assault, major media organisations like the Associated Press, The New York Times, The Guardian and various Florida newspapers ran stories. And there was yet another flood of coverage when he pleaded guilty to charges of soliciting prostitution and soliciting prostitution from a minor in 2008. Some called it the gold prize. For years, some employees in the Gates orbit had made it an informal goal to push their bosss name for the Nobel Peace Prize. Gates and French Gates had won multiple public service laurels, including the highest honours from countries like India, so it wasnt a stretch to eye the top prize. It was a front and centre goal among some employees at Gates Ventures and the Gates Foundation, according to several people who were aware of those conversations, although another person said he wasnt aware of any specific strategy conversations during his time at Gates Ventures. The foundation is here to save the world, every life has equal value, and Bill is the frontman. A former senior employee of the Gates Foundation There would be an open and ongoing conversation about how to massage Gates so-called brand to appeal to the Nobel Prize committee, and about how the team could opportunistically use global health milestone moments  the potential eradication of polio or breakthroughs in malaria research  where the foundation played a big role to create a media campaign about his candidacy. At the Gates Foundation, it was more chatter and aspiration than a 10-step plan, according to one former senior employee of the foundation. Many saw such a prize as validation of the work they had signed up to do. It was especially buzzy as the foundation suddenly began playing an outsize role in global health and development, supercharged by Buffetts decision in 2006 to turn over billions of dollars to its endowment. The Giving Pledge put him on an even higher pedestal, coming as it did right after the financial crisis, which spotlighted the countrys widening economic inequality. Everything was done with an eye to that goal, said the former senior employee, referring to the Nobel Prize. Thats why we were positioning in the media and PR as we did. It boiled down to  the foundation is here to save the world, every life has equal value, and Bill is the frontman.

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The unofficial campaign may have been one reason Gates met with Epstein at least once in 2013, according to media reports. Between 2011 and 2014, the Gates Foundation ran a highly visible campaign about its polio-related grant-making. Eradicating polio had been one of Gates biggest priorities and the foundation had partnered with Rotary International, the non-profit that was leading those efforts. Foundation staffers were hoping their work would win them the honour. Epstein, who had cultivated a wide network of powerful people, told a former foundation employee that he could help the philanthropist win the award for his work to eradicate polio. With Melinda, en route to give evidence in the Microsoft antitrust case. Credit: Getty Images In late March 2013, Thorbjrn Jagland, then the secretary general of the Council of Europe, a human rights organisation, and chairman of the Norwegian Nobel Prize Committee, hosted a dinner for Gates at his official residence in Strasbourg, France. Gates had sought the meeting, Jagland said, to learn more about the European Pharmacopoeia, a body affiliated with the council that oversees quality control for medicines distributed across European markets. To Jagland, it seemed natural that the philanthropist would be interested in learning about the councils work, and to the extent he knew, there was no other reason why Gates wanted to meet. Jagland, a former prime minister of Norway, said no one had put forth a Nobel Peace Prize nomination for Gates or the Gates Foundation that year, but he was given to believe that the billionaire brought Epstein to the dinner. I dont know why he brought Epstein with him, I was not informed in advance, Jagland said. Asked about the meeting, Alex Reid, a spokeswoman for Gates Ventures, said that Gates had not brought Epstein to a meeting with Jagland. If he was there, he was not invited by Bill, nor did he arrive with Bill. Loading Also present at the dinner were officials from the International Peace Institute in New York, an independent organisation that sometimes works with the United Nations, and whose president, Terje Rd-Larsen, had had several interactions with Epstein. An influential Norwegian diplomat who played a central role in negotiating the Oslo Accords, Rd-Larsen was not at the 2013 dinner, but seven years later he quit the peace institute after revelations he had taken money from Epstein to support his work.

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High school students will be taught about Indigenous Australians experience of colonisation under a sweeping rewrite of the history curriculum that will also mandate the study of civics and the foundations of democracy.

The biggest overhaul of the states history syllabus in a decade will also include compulsory study of the Holocaust as part of a new standalone topic on World War II.

Head history teacher at North Sydney Girls, Michelle Kennedy, said students could previously go through the whole of school without being taught about the Holocaust. Credit: Wolter Peeters

A revised year 7 to 10 history syllabus, released on Thursday, will be rolled out under major reforms to the NSW curriculum that include more facts and aim to spell out the core knowledge students need to master before finishing school.

New high school geography and visual arts syllabus will also be released this week, while the revised HSC maths and English syllabuses will be finalised before the end of the year.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivers an important speech during a meeting on the ecological conservation and high-quality development of the Yellow River basin in Lanzhou, northwest China's Gansu Province, Sept. 12, 2024. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)

LANZHOU, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday called for breaking new ground in the ecological conservation and high-quality development of the Yellow River basin.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks when he convened a meeting in Lanzhou, capital of northwest China's Gansu Province.

Xi said efforts in this regard should be powered by further deepening reform comprehensively.

He called for promoting ecological protection across the entire river basin to a new level, achieving new progress in green transformation, and bringing new improvements to the lives of the people.

It is necessary to continuously improve the holistic framework of ecological protection and collaboration in the Yellow River basin to strengthen the national ecological security shields, Xi said.

Xi urged continuous efforts to intensify the battle against pollution, highlighting the management of important tributaries and key lakes and reservoirs.

He stressed accelerating the upgrades toward ultra-low emissions in key sectors and vigorously promoting the clean and efficient use of coal.

Efforts should be made to implement fiscal, tax, investment and pricing policies and standards to support green and low-carbon development, he added.

Xi urged efforts to explore establishing a basin-wide, market-based and diversified compensation mechanism for ecological conservation.

The strictest system for the protection and utilization of water resources should be implemented, he noted.

Xi emphasized the need to improve the disaster prevention and reduction system. He said the water regulation system centered around major water conservancy projects such as key reservoirs should be improved.

He underscored efforts to ensure the safety of important embankments, reservoirs and other infrastructure projects.

Xi urged efforts to develop the green and low-carbon economy and accelerate the substitution of clean energy for fossil fuels in key industries.

Xi stressed the need to comprehensively deepen reform and expand opening up, calling on local areas to actively participate in the building of a unified national market and resolutely eliminate all forms of local protectionism.

Efforts should be made to deepen reform related to state assets and state-owned enterprises, and fully implement policies and measures to promote the development of the private economy, Xi stressed.

The country must coordinate the pursuits of new urbanization and rural revitalization, Xi said.

Employment needs to be placed in a prominent position, Xi said, adding that expanding employment capacity should be prioritized in urban industrial development and rural industrial cultivation.

Efforts should be made to protect and promote the Yellow River culture, strengthen the comprehensive and systemic protection of cultural and natural heritage, and further advance archaeological work, Xi stressed.

Party committees and governments of provinces and regions along the Yellow River must take on the principal responsibilities, and people from all sectors of society should be motivated, Xi said.

He also urged ensuring sound economic work at the end of the third quarter and throughout the final quarter, and striving to meet the annual economic and social development targets.

Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, and Ding Xuexiang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Chinese vice premier, attended the meeting. 

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivers an important speech during a meeting on the ecological conservation and high-quality development of the Yellow River basin in Lanzhou, northwest China's Gansu Province, Sept. 12, 2024. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)
Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, makes a speech while attending the opening ceremony of the third Belt and Road High-Level Conference on Intellectual Property in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 11, 2024. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)

BEIJING, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang said on Wednesday that China is ready to work with all parties to promote intellectual property (IP) development and inject more IP strength into high-quality Belt and Road cooperation.

Ding, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks while addressing the opening ceremony of the third Belt and Road High-Level Conference on Intellectual Property in Beijing.

Efforts should be made to support high-quality IP creation, better implement international sci-tech cooperation initiatives, advance the sharing of data and information resources, and improve the quality and efficiency of IP examination, he said.

Ding called for joint efforts to implement high-level IP protection, crack down on various infringement activities in accordance with the law, promote the mutual recognition and protection of geographical indications on a larger scale, promote IP protection in data and e-commerce, and create a favorable environment for innovation.

The vice premier highlighted the cooperation on promoting the efficient use of patents, trademarks, geographical indications and copyrights, to support an innovative economy and the development of new quality productive forces.

China is committed to promoting efficient global IP governance, adhering to true multilateralism, and encouraging the global IP governance system to progress in a fairer and more reasonable way, he noted.

Before the opening ceremony, Ding met with foreign guests, including Daren Tang, director general of the World Intellectual Property Organization.

Themed "Openness, Cooperation, Development and Mutual Benefit," the conference brought together around 450 participants, including officials, industry professionals, scholars, and representatives of relevant international organizations. 
RIGA, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Latvia's parliament has adopted amendments to the Road Traffic Law, imposing a ban on the operation of vehicles registered in Belarus within Latvian territory.

According to the national news agency LETA, the new law requires that all Belarusian-registered vehicles currently in Latvia must either be removed from the country or re-registered for road use in Latvia by Oct. 31. Following this deadline, Belarusian vehicles will only be permitted to enter Latvia for a single transit passage, provided an application is submitted in advance via the e-services of the Road Traffic Safety Directorate.

The amendments outline two exceptions. The ban does not apply to persons with reduced mobility driving specially adapted vehicles registered in Belarus, who are visiting their relatives in Latvia. Additionally, Belarusian-registered vehicles may enter Latvia in special circumstances concerning state interests. In such cases, individuals must obtain permission from the Financial Intelligence Service, which can grant entry for up to three months.

In instances of non-compliance with the regulation, Latvian authorities will have the power to confiscate Belarusian-registered vehicles. Editem.
Weber State earns bronze for voter engagement, strives for gold in 2024

September 12, 2024

OGDEN, Utah  Fresh off earning a bronze certification for excellence in student voter registration and turnout in the 2022 midterm elections, Weber State University is focusing on gold ahead of the 2024 elections.

The ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge recognized Weber State for its nonpartisan democratic engagement efforts that fostered high levels of student voter engagement in the 2022 midterm elections. WSU received the Bronze Seal award, reflecting its commitment to ensuring that nonpartisan democratic engagement is a defining feature of campus life.

The Bronze Seal is awarded to campuses that had a 20 to 29% voter rate. ALL IN also recognized Weber State for having a highly established action plan.

The ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge empowers colleges and universities to achieve excellence in nonpartisan student democratic engagement. Weber State was recognized alongside more than 500 campuses using data from the National Study of Learning, Voting, and Engagement out of Tufts University, which found that colleges and universities had the second-highest voter turnout among students in a midterm election since NSLVE began measuring this data. The full list of campus award winners can be viewed here.

Weber State and our Olene S. Walker Institute of Politics & Public Service value the importance of promoting nonpartisan democratic engagement, and the most fundamental way to do that is through voter registration and participation efforts, said WSU President Brad Mortensen. Following the blueprint in our award-winning action plan, we're hoping to achieve even higher marks for the 2024 election cycle. This year we are going for gold.

This fall, the Walker Institute is holding training sessions for election workers, hosting candidate nights with individuals running for office in Weber and Davis counties, as well as getting students registered to vote.

Leah Murray, political science professor and director of the Walker Institute, said shes proud that Weber State was recognized as a politically engaged school.

Winning a bronze medal is an excellent recognition of the work that is happening across campus to invite our students to engage as active citizens, Murray said. Even though we live in a noncompetitive political environment, our faculty and staff work to register our student voters, prepare them for their vote and make it possible for them to cast a ballot on campus.

The ALL IN Awards were created to celebrate nonpartisan democratic engagement and the outstanding campus voter registration and turnout rates achieved by our ALL IN campuses. Ahead of the 2024 elections, ALL IN campuses are ready to build on the momentum from 2022 to ensure their communities are ready to make an even bigger impact this fall, said Jennifer Domagal-Goldman, Executive Director of the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge. ALL IN is proud to celebrate and honor top-performing campuses, like Weber State, who demonstrate that nonpartisan student voter engagement is possible and effective.

More than 1,060 institutions enrolling more than 10 million students participate in the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge, which supports colleges and universities in achieving excellence in nonpartisan student voter engagement.
GAZA, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) said Thursday that six of its employees were killed in an Israeli attack on a school it operated in central Gaza.

The six victims were aid workers providing support to those families taking refuge in the school, UNRWA's Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said in a press statement.

A total of 220 UNRWA staff members in Gaza have been killed since the onset of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict last year, Lazzarini said, pointing to a "blatant and continuous disregard for humanitarian workers, buildings and operations" amid the conflict.

"The longer impunity continues, the more international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions lose their importance," he said, urging a ceasefire and accountability.

Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said Thursday in a press statement that it approached UNRWA in an attempt to "obtain names (of the dead employees) and details in order to examine the allegations in depth," but has not received any response from the agency.

"Regarding these allegations, investigations of the IDF show that many of the names published on social media and news channels belong to Hamas terrorists who were involved in terrorist activities against Israeli citizens and IDF forces," it added.

The Israeli army launched an airstrike on Wednesday on a school-converted shelter belonging to UNRWA in the al-Nuseirat refugee camp, in which 18 people were killed. The IDF said later that the target was a Hamas command and control center embedded inside the shelter.

Israel has been conducting a large-scale offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip to retaliate a surprise attack by Hamas through the southern Israeli border on Oct. 7, 2023.

The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks in Gaza has risen to 41,118, Gaza-based health authorities said in a statement on Thursday. 
Over 150 Chinese and 80 Serbian companies gathered at Belgrade's Sava Center on Tuesday for a high-profile forum aimed at deepening economic and trade cooperation.
Olivia Kelleher

A woman who successfully took the State to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) for failing to protect her from she abuse she endured at a primary school in west Cork in the 1970s has said that she doubts the State will live up to its obligations in the latest redress scheme.

Earlier this month a scoping inquiry revealed that almost 2,400 allegations of historical sexual abuse were recorded by 308 schools run by religious orders across Ireland. The report indicated that the inquiry found 844 alleged abusers in schools run by forty two religious orders.

Louise OKeeffe was the victim of a series of sexual assaults in 1973 by the school principal at Dunderrow National School, Leo Hickey.

Mr Hickey was charged with 386 counts of sexually abuse involving 21 pupils of Dunderrow National School in Kinsale, Co Cork in 1998. He pleaded guilty to 21 sample charges and was sentenced to three years in jail. He was also ordered to pay Ms OKeeffe damages in a civil action.

10 years ago, the ECHR determined that the State had responsibility for her protection from sexual abuse as a young child in school.

Judges at the ECHR said that the State failed to have measures in place which would effectively detect and prevent child abuse in schools. Ms OKeeffe brought her case to the High Court and the Supreme Court prior to taking a case at the ECHR in Strasbourg.

Ms O'Keeffe said the State wrote to others who had cases pending after she lost her Supreme Court judgement in a bid to get them to abandon them.

In an interview with the Hard Shoulder on Newstalk, Ms OKeeffe spoke of her scepticism around the latest redress scheme for abuse victims.

The State will fight you tooth and nail, it will that it will not accept any responsibility for what was theirs to own up to.

"The fact that they were able to act so quickly when I last in the Supreme Court and they were able to write out so quickly to other people with civil cases pending proves that they can act quickly.

"Yet ten and a half years after my judgement they have been drawn to where they are now - literally by the scruff of their neck - they have not been willing at any stage to do what was right on a wholesome scale.

"It is only by somebody who is really strong enough to go and keep going and that is not easy."

Ms O'Keeffe said that several promises about probes and compensation have been made by the leaders of previous Governments.

"We heard it before from Taoiseach of the day Leo Varadkar in the Dail, where he said, 'We let them down once, we let them down a second time, we will not let them down a third time' - but they did.

"They let them down very badly and even worse than ever the third time.

"It is past time to get it right - they must get it right.
RIYADH, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang's visit to Saudi Arabia, which concluded on Wednesday, has underscored the role of investment and trade as a key pillar of the China-Saudi Arabia relationship.

During his brief stay of less than 24 hours, Li held intensive meetings with Saudi business representatives, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, and Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud.

Throughout these engagements, the key focus was consistently on deepening trade and investment ties.

In discussions with Saudi business representatives, Li urged Saudi companies to increase their involvement in the Chinese market, assuring them that China is committed to building a top-tier business environment that is market-driven, law-based and internationally oriented.

The Chinese premier revealed that China will further relax market access, fully lift restrictions on foreign investment in the manufacturing sector, accelerate the opening of service sectors like telecommunications, and provide robust support for foreign enterprises to help them establish a stronger presence and achieve success in China.

In his meeting with Albudaiwi, Li called on China and GCC countries to strengthen the alignment of their development strategies and speed up the negotiations for a free trade agreement, while reiterating the need for deepening investment cooperation between the two sides.

In discussions with the Saudi crown prince, he urged both sides to encourage their companies to invest in each other's markets and enhance communication and cooperation in this regard.

The premier's appeal for deepening investment and trade ties has resonated positively in Saudi Arabia.

Following the meetings, Saudi Arabia's Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih told Xinhua that China and Saudi Arabia have bright prospects for investment cooperation, noting that around 750 Chinese joint ventures or companies currently operate in Saudi Arabia.

Al-Falih emphasized that trade between China and Saudi Arabia continues to grow rapidly, with last year's trade volume surpassing 100 billion U.S. dollars, and this upward trend extending into the first half of this year.

Currently, trade with China is equivalent to 90 percent of Saudi Arabia's total trade volume with the Group of Seven countries, according to the minister.

This growth in trade and investment is driven by the complementary strengths of both economies.

As Li has said, China is comprehensively advancing Chinese modernization by promoting high-quality development, continuously unlocking the demand of a large-scale market of over 1.4 billion people, and pushing forward the digital, intelligent, and green transformation and upgrading its industries.

Technological innovation in such fields as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and bio-medicine remains vibrant in China, which will create new economic growth drivers and foster numerous high-growth companies, providing broader market opportunities and investment prospects for businesses from various countries, including Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, as a traditional energy powerhouse, is advancing its Vision 2030, unlocking significant market opportunities for Chinese investors.

Li emphasized that the development strategies of China and Saudi Arabia are "well-aligned." Through the enhancement of investment and trade relations, China aims to further solidify its comprehensive strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia.

During his meeting with Saudi business representatives, Li encouraged Saudi companies to act as bridges in enhancing friendship and mutual understanding between the two countries and elevate the China-Saudi Arabia comprehensive strategic partnership to new heights.

These sentiments were echoed by Mohammed Alajlan, deputy chairman of Ajlan & Bros Holding Group, who said the collaboration between the two nations has effectively integrated technology, capital, and markets.

He pledged to play a "bridging role" in fostering bilateral ties.

"With the support from both governments, our cooperation will continue to deepen and contribute to the economic growth and well-being of both nations," he said. 
EASTON, Pa.  During Wednesday night's Easton City Council meeting, residents raised concerns about the plan for a 1-million-square-foot warehouse that was recently approved in neighboring Wilson Borough.

On Monday, Wilson Borough Council gave the green light to Easton Commerce Park at the former Pfizer Pigments site on Wood Avenue near the 13th Street and Route 22 intersection.

Most of the site rests in Wilson, with some land in the City of Easton and a smaller portion in Palmer Township. Warehousing is a by-right permitted use for the site in Wilson and Easton.

The applicant indicated Monday night that the facility would essentially be built on speculation, meaning there is no tenant associated with the structure at this time. However, legal officials indicated they are in negotiations with various entities, and the building could well have "at least two tenants." Those tenants would be in a "high-cube fulfillment" center which would be "highly automated."

When asked about potential next steps now that Wilson has granted preliminary/final approval for the plan Wednesday night, Easton solicitor Joel Scheer said the Easton Planning Commission will be looking at the engineering details and the requirements of the city's own Subdivision and Land Development Ordinances, or SALDO.

"The (Easton) planning commission itself, very quickly, was able to identify a number of concerns, particularly raised by the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission in their review letter," Scheer said.

He also said that there are "missing items" regarding traffic and what information was gathered by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. Proposed site access is proposed on full driveways on Wood and Hackett avenues, both of which are state roads.

"Without that piece of the puzzle, I think there's a reasonable basis for the (planning) commission to consider that we don't have the details," Scheer said.

Wilson OKs plan for 1-million-square-foot warehouse The plan, known as Easton Commerce Park, would occupy the former 106.2-acre Pfizer Pigments site on Wood Avenue.

The solicitor said questions remain about the actual traffic flow because there were some inconsistencies in what has been presented.

"After hearing all the info, the planning commission will have to vote to approve or disapprove the plan," Scheer said of next steps after all information is available.

If the Easton Planning Commission were to disapprove the plan, he said, the developer would have a right to appeal to City Council with a public hearing.

"You can't just do it because we don't like it," the solicitor said of rejecting the plan for the site, where warehouses are permitted in the zoning. "It really has to be on a very technical basis of what is missing in the plan."

Mayor Sal Panto asked for a right-to-know form to be submitted to Wilson Borough to find out what, if any, conditions were stipulated with its approval of the plan.

Amy Boccadoro, an Easton resident, offered her take on the Wilson Borough Council meeting she said she attended on Monday.

"It was a very concerning meeting," she said.

Boccadoro said there was no opportunity for Easton residents to speak, "even though we all have a significant interest in this project."

"I appreciate very much City Council's support on this, and hope that you can continue to extend an olive branch to Wilson Borough to see if there is a better use for this site," she said. "Palmer Township, it sounds like, is very willing to make those conversations as well."

Boccadoro encouraged her West Ward neighbors to stay informed and attend meetings about the project.
A teacher gives a coffee-themed lecture at the College of Tropical Crops of Yunnan Agricultural University (YAU) in Pu'er City in the southwest Yunnan Province, Sept. 10, 2024. (Xinhua/Hu Chao)

KUNMING, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- In a country with a rich tea-drinking tradition spanning thousands of years, China saw its first cohort of university students majoring in coffee science and engineering start the new semester in September.

This groundbreaking initiative at Yunnan Agricultural University (YAU) aims to provide undergraduate training in coffee-related expertise to meet the growing demand for professionals in a country where coffee consumption is rapidly rising.

A total of 100 students have enrolled in the program this year. They will study at the university's campus in Pu'er City in the southwest Yunnan Province, where the first coffee seeds were introduced around 130 years ago.

Speaking to Xinhua, Chen Siyuan said that her interest in coffee started when she was a grade 12 student preparing for the university entrance exam.

"I need something refreshing to help me focus on my studies, so I chose coffee for its stimulating effect," she said, adding that the more she learned about coffee, the more it fascinated her.

Chen's father, who was involved in the coffee industry, also inspired her to pursue a major in coffee science and engineering.

After attending her first class this week, she realized the major was more challenging than she had expected. "Hopefully, I'll have the opportunity to further study coffee tasting, technology and trade," she said.

Shen Yize, from Hebei Province in northern China, began drinking coffee for the same reason -- to stay refreshed while studying. He started with instant coffee and gradually learned more about the beverage and the culture behind it.

"Today in class, I saw the entire process of how raw beans are transformed into a cup of coffee for the first time," he said, adding that he also found friends in his department who share his passion for coffee.

During their four years in college, undergraduates will take foundational courses like math, chemistry and English. After introductory classes on coffee, they will advance to specialized courses such as coffee flavor chemistry, coffee engineering principles, roasting and evaluation, and world coffee trade. They are also encouraged to pursue certifications, like the Q-Grader exam.

"From metropolises to small cities in China you can always see a lot of cafes, but we lack professionals who know both coffee growing and production, as well as sales," said Chen Shiwei who is in charge of the major in the College of Tropical Crops at YAU.

He noted that they want to cultivate interdisciplinary talent in the coffee sector to support the high-quality development of China's coffee industry.

China surpassed the United States last year to become the country with the most coffee outlets in the world. It has now emerged as East Asia's fastest-growing market for coffee consumption. Between 2010 and 2022, coffee consumption per person in China rose fourfold, according to the International Coffee Organization.

Yunnan, China's largest coffee-producing region, accounts for about 98 percent of the country's coffee production, with Pu'er -- known as China's "coffee capital" -- producing half of Yunnan's total output.

According to Yang Xuehu, head of the College of Tropical Crops, Pu'er was chosen as the site for the coffee science and engineering major because the city boasts a complete coffee industry chain, from seed to cup.

The college has partnered with over 20 institutions, including the Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences and coffee giant Nestle, to create off-campus practice bases. They have also established international cooperation with universities in Thailand and New Zealand to broaden the horizon of students.

"China has both coffee-producing areas and a huge consumer market so students pursuing this major have the opportunity to learn about the entire industrial chain," said Zhao Xuemei, head of brand communication, innovation and renovation at Nestle China, noting that as the coffee industry's potential continues to expand, the demand for skilled professionals is increasing significantly.

Liu Haifeng, executive deputy general manager of the Yunnan International Coffee Exchange, expressed high expectations for the undergraduate program in coffee studies.

He said he hopes that by studying at the university, students will gain insights into industry trends and develop the skills to create new products and technologies for coffee. "In the future baristas might be replaced by machines, but those who design the machines will not be replaced."

The university newcomer Chen Siyuan shares similar sentiments. "In the future, I hope to uncover the mysteries of coffee that remain unsolved and engage in a deeper exploration of this beverage through my studies," she said. 

This photo take on Sept. 10, 2024 shows a view of the College of Tropical Crops of Yunnan Agricultural University (YAU) in Pu'er City in the southwest Yunnan Province. (Xinhua/Hu Chao)

A teacher gives a coffee-themed lecture at the College of Tropical Crops of Yunnan Agricultural University (YAU) in Pu'er City in the southwest Yunnan Province, Sept. 10, 2024. (Xinhua/Hu Chao)

A teacher gives a coffee-themed lecture at the College of Tropical Crops of Yunnan Agricultural University (YAU) in Pu'er City in the southwest Yunnan Province, Sept. 10, 2024. (Xinhua/Hu Chao)

Students attend a coffee-themed lecture at the College of Tropical Crops of Yunnan Agricultural University (YAU) in Pu'er City in the southwest Yunnan Province, Sept. 10, 2024. (Xinhua/Hu Chao)

A teacher gives a coffee-themed lecture at the College of Tropical Crops of Yunnan Agricultural University (YAU) in Pu'er City in the southwest Yunnan Province, Sept. 10, 2024. (Xinhua/Hu Chao)

A teacher gives a coffee-themed lecture at the College of Tropical Crops of Yunnan Agricultural University (YAU) in Pu'er City in the southwest Yunnan Province, Sept. 10, 2024. (Xinhua/Hu Chao)

A teacher gives a coffee-themed lecture at the College of Tropical Crops of Yunnan Agricultural University (YAU) in Pu'er City in the southwest Yunnan Province, Sept. 10, 2024. (Xinhua/Hu Chao)

Students attend a coffee-themed lecture at the College of Tropical Crops of Yunnan Agricultural University (YAU) in Pu'er City in the southwest Yunnan Province, Sept. 10, 2024. (Xinhua/Hu Chao)
ANKARA, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Turkiye has launched an investigation into the killing of a Turkish-American woman by Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank, Turkish Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc said Thursday.

Turkiye would not stay silent in the face of an "unlawful terrorist attack by Israeli forces," Tunc told reporters, adding that the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor's Office has initiated a probe under domestic law.

He added that Turkiye "will work to prepare a report by forming an independent investigation commission."

"Afterwards, we will continue our work on including this report in the UN Human Rights Council, the ongoing genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, and the ongoing investigation at the International Criminal Court," he said.

Meanwhile, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the body of the Turkish-American woman, who "was deliberately targeted and killed by Israeli soldiers during a peaceful demonstration in solidarity with Palestinians in the occupied West Bank," will be brought from Israel to Turkiye on Friday for burial.

Turkish-American Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, 26, was shot during a protest against an Israeli settlement near the Palestinian town of Beita, and died of her wounds last week, the official Palestinian news agency WAFA reported.

The incident took place during a regular protest march in Beita, a town near Nablus that has frequently been targeted by Jewish settlers, according to WAFA.

In response, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said its forces "responded with fire toward a main instigator of violent activity who hurled rocks at the forces and posed a threat to them." The IDF added it was investigating reports of a foreign national's death. 
SA meteorite - what it is and where it came from

Meteorites contain a wealth of information about the origins of our solar system, helping us to understand their, and even Earths, origin and evolution.

On a Sunday morning in late August 2024 a nine-year-old girl named Eli-ze du Toit was sitting on her grandparents porch near a small town in South Africas Eastern Cape province, when she heard a long rumble, then heard a rustling in a nearby fig tree. As she watched, a rock fell out of the tree. When Eli-ze picked it up, she noticed that the rock had a black crust and a grey interior like concrete. It was warm on the crust and cold on the inside. Elsewhere in the Eastern Cape, videos and photographs on social media of a bright light in the sky tipped scientists off to the possibility that a meteorite had fallen in the area. A meteorite is a piece of rocky space debris that survives after colliding with the Earth. On 26 August, a day after the event, scientists confirmed that there was sufficient evidence to link the two events to a likely car-sized rock fragment having entered Earths atmosphere and disintegrated over the Eastern Cape.

The rock young Eli-ze found was just one small fragment of that meteorite, weighing in at about 90 grams. It was unveiled at a press conference involving scientists from Nelson Mandela University, Rhodes University as well as the University of the Witwatersrand, on 3 September. The Conversation Africa asked two of them, Roger Gibson and Deon van Niekerk, to explain the importance of the find.

How rare is it for a meteorite to fall in South Africa and why is it so important to study them?

In 2023 two meteorites found on a farm in the Northern Cape province became the countrys 50th and 51st to be formally recognised by the Meteoritical Societys nomenclature committee, which adjudicates all new meteorite submissions from around the world. Once this specimen has gone through that process itll become 52 on the countrys list. There are just over 75,000 meteorites in the societys database  about half of those come from Antarctica, with the Sahara second. The individual events by which most of these meteorites fell to Earth are unknown and even their locations may not be exactly known in the case of the Saharan stones, which are picked up by nomadic people. That means crucial information is lost to scientists.

South Africa probably has a lot more meteorites that havent been identified as such because they dont stand out where theyve landed or dont look unusual enough for people to examine them.

Meteorites are pieces of our solar system which fall to Earth, where they can be studied without having to send expensive probes up into space to examine them at the source. They contain a wealth of information about the origins of our solar system and the rocky bodies in it, helping us to understand their, and even Earths, origin and evolution.

What do we know about this meteorite?

There are different types of meteorites. The most common are chondrites  they make up about 86% of all meteorites that have been found globally. They are the oldest solid objects in the solar system, formed around 4.57 billion years ago. Scientists have a particular interest in carbonaceous chondrites; as the name suggests, they contain carbon and several space probes have been deployed recently to bring back samples of this type from space, so they can be studied as a possible key element for the building blocks of life on Earth.

Slightly more than half of the remaining meteorites that have been found on Earth are achondrites, with the rest being irons. The most recent South African meteorites found before this one were both chrondrites, while one found in Botswana in 2018 was an achondrite.

This newest find is whats known as an achondrite breccia. The outside is, as Eli-ze du Toit noted when she picked it up, black; inside theres a light grey matrix in which we can see fragments (some millimetres long, others centimetres) that we think are broken pieces of mineral grains and other types of rock.

Do we know where in space it originated?

Its likely to have come from one of the larger bodies in the asteroid belt, which is between Jupiter and Mars. After repeated impacts onto that body, one impact will have shot this piece off and sent it on a trajectory towards Earth. We cant yet say if that happened tens of millions of years ago or thousands of millions of years ago.

From what we can see, and comparing it with what we know from other samples around the world, the meteorite looks like its part of an achondrite sub-group known as HED (howarditeeucritediogenite). Rocks that are part of this sub-group have been found all over the world and, through study, scientists realised that they had several similarities. This led to the hypothesis that HED achrondrites  including ours  all come from the asteroid 4 Vesta. It is the second most massive object in the asteroid belt, spanning several hundred kilometres across.

What should someone do if they find meteorites from this latest fall?

If you see what you think is a meteorite  a rock thats appeared on your lawn that looks out of place, or perhaps one youve spotted in the gutters of your house  we ask that you please take a photograph and send it to us. Youre looking for a rock with a black fusion crust and a light grey inside, perhaps speckled with green. Weve set up an email address for those alerts and for any other eyewitness accounts: meteorites.science@wits.ac.za. Alternatively contact epma@ru.ac.za.

Weve already been blown away by the public response and how much people want to help.

Roger Lawrence Gibson, Professor of Structural Geology and Metamorphic Petrology, University of the Witwatersrand and Deon van Niekerk, Senior Instrument Scientist (SIS) and Manager Electron Microscopy Unit, Rhodes University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
TEHRAN, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani on Thursday condemned a deadly Israeli attack on a school operated by the United Nations in central Gaza.

He made the remarks in a post on social media platform X, reacting to an Israeli airstrike on Wednesday on a school-converted shelter belonging to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in the al-Nuseirat refugee camp, in which 18 people, including UNRWA employees, were killed.

He stressed that schools and tents sheltering displaced people in the Gaza Strip have become the most important targets for daily bombardments and missile strikes by Israel.

Kanaani called on the U.S., British, French, German, Canadian and Australian governments as well as other exporters of bombs and missiles to Israel to pay attention to the issue.

Israel has been conducting a large-scale offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip to retaliate a surprise attack by Hamas through the southern Israeli border on Oct. 7, 2023.

The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks in the strip has surpassed 41,000, according to Gaza-based health authorities. 
ANKARA, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Turkish police detained 316 suspects in anti-drug trafficking operations across 50 provinces, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said Thursday.

Police seized 580 kg of narcotics and 121,970 pills in simultaneous operations, Yerlikaya said in a post on social media platform X, without specifying the time of the operations.

According to the Turkish minister, a total of 790 police teams, 1,910 personnel, 14 aerial vehicles, and 17 narcotic detector dogs participated in the operations, dubbed "Narkocelik-38."

He also shared a video footage of the seized narcotics and the operations showing police teams apprehending the suspects. 
Former U.S. President Donald Trump (C) is interviewed at the U.S. presidential debate spin room after the first presidential debate with U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris in Philadelphia, the United States, on Sept. 10, 2024. Former U.S. President Donald Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, announced on Thursday that he will not participate in another presidential debate against Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee. (Xinhua/Li Rui)

by Xiong Maoling, Matthew Rusling

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Former U.S. President Donald Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, announced on Thursday that he will not participate in another presidential debate against Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee.

In a post on Truth Social, his social media platform, Trump claimed that he won the debate hosted by ABC News in Philadelphia on Tuesday night, and accused Harris of refusing to accept debate invitations from Fox News, NBC News and CBS News.

In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Harris said on Thursday that "we owe it to the voters to have another debate."

Harris' campaign also claimed victory in the first debate between the two. "Vice President Harris commanded the stage on every single issue that matters to the American people," according to a statement released earlier.

A CNN poll of debate watchers showed 63 percent agreed that Harris turned in a better performance onstage in Philadelphia.

According to Fox News, 12 voters on a panel thought Harris won the debate, while five believed Trump won. Many said that Trump did not know how to attack his new opponent in the presidential race.

A New York Times article noted that after the debate, many Democratic strategists and officials cheered Harris' performance, while Republicans complained about the "tenor of the questions" from the moderators and acknowledged Trump's "missed opportunities" to unleash focused attack lines.

"Trump did little to reassure voters that he was up to the job and at times seemed very angry and upset," Brookings Institution Senior Fellow Darrell West told Xinhua.

Christopher Galdieri, a political science professor at Saint Anselm College, told Xinhua: "Harris started off a bit nervous but found her sea legs. She's arguing that Trump represents the past and that this election is a chance to turn the page."

The debate occurred on short notice, less than two months after President Joe Biden dropped out of the 2024 presidential race after a disastrous debate performance and Harris announced her intention to run for president. Harris formally accepted the Democratic Party's nomination for presidential candidate in late August.

During the one-hour-and-forty-minute debate on Tuesday, both candidates often lacked specific details when explaining their policy positions but were relentless in attacking each other, with each candidate accusing the other of lying multiple times.

The knock-down, drag-out slugfest occurred at a time when the two candidates are running neck-in-neck in the polls.

According to polling data compiled by Real Clear Politics, as of Thursday, the approval ratings for the two candidates were tied in Pennsylvania, where the debate was held. In Wisconsin, Michigan, and Nevada, Harris led Trump by 1.8, 0.9, and 0.6 percentage points, respectively. In Arizona, North Carolina, and Georgia, Trump led by 1.6, 0.1, and 0.3 percentage points, respectively. 
TEHRAN, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Iran summoned the heads of the diplomatic missions of Britain, France, the Netherlands, and Germany on Thursday to protest their governments' statements about Tehran's alleged involvement in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and recent sanctions, Iran's official news agency IRNA reported.

Majid Nili Ahmadabadi, director for Western European nations at Iran's Foreign Ministry, met separately with the envoys, condemning what he called a "propaganda campaign" and "destructive actions" against Iran.

The diplomatic move follows a joint statement by British, French, and German foreign ministers on Tuesday, which accused Iran of exporting missiles to Russia for use against Ukraine. The statement also announced plans to cancel bilateral air services agreements and impose sanctions on Iran's national carrier, Iran Air.

Ahmadabadi denied the allegations, calling claims of Iranian ballistic missile sales to Russia "baseless and false." He criticized Western nations for arms sales to other countries, including Israel, saying they should be held accountable for their policies.

The United States also imposed new sanctions on Tuesday targeting individuals and entities in Iran and Russia, including Iran Air, over alleged drone and missile sales to Moscow.

Meanwhile, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Akbar Ahmadian met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg on Thursday. Ahmadian affirmed that Tehran will continue to expand its relations with Moscow under its new administration, according to IRNA.

For his part, Putin expressed Russia's commitment to expanding bilateral relations, noting that trade between the two countries increased by nearly 10 percent in the first half of 2024, IRNA reported.

Iran has consistently denied providing Russia with weapons for use against Ukraine, despite Western accusations. The country maintains it supports a diplomatic solution to the conflict. 
Philemon Yang (C, Front), President of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, speaks at a high-level panel discussion on South-South cooperation, at the UN headquarters in New York, on Sept. 12, 2024. The United Nations celebrated the UN Day for South-South Cooperation on Thursday, calling for creating a more equitable world for all. (Xinhua/Xie E)

UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations celebrated the UN Day for South-South Cooperation on Thursday, calling for creating a more equitable world for all.

In his video message for the high-level panel discussion on South-South cooperation, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said "we celebrate the transformative power of unity and solidarity among developing nations."

Emphasizing that strong South-South partnerships, along with triangular cooperation, "are crucial to building a better future for all," Guterres said "only together can countries leverage multilateral support and realize shared prosperity."

These partnerships can advance a fairer, more inclusive global financial system that responds to the challenges faced by developing countries; can help unlock the power of digitalization, data, and science-backed solutions for sustainable development; and can help improve the quality of life today and for future generations, building resilience and empowering women and young people, said the UN chief.

He pointed out that South-South cooperation does not reduce the responsibility of wealthier nations to help tackle global inequalities, and it does not replace North-South cooperation. "By pooling resources, know-how, and experience, we can create a more equitable world for all," Guterres said.

"Today serves as both a reminder of the power and potential of solidarity among the nations of the Global South, as well as an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable power of South-South cooperation," said Philemon Yang, president the UN General Assembly.

"At the heart of this lies a powerful principle that countries of the Global South working together have the capacity and the resources to take their destiny into their hands or believe themselves, socioeconomically, and can collaborate to address shared challenges," he said.

He underscored that the theme of this year, "A Better Tomorrow with South-South Cooperation," is both timely and urgent at the halfway of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Highlighting the challenges facing countries of the Global South, including climate change, sustainable development, the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the burden of debt, Yang said the global crisis underscores the need for a collective response. "South-South cooperation, combined with triangular cooperation, provides us with the tools and the framework to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and secure a brighter future for all by mobilizing international solidarity and fostering global partnerships."

"An economically empowered Global South, working together through South-South and triangular cooperation, can reshape the global economic landscape," Yang stressed, adding that this is the moment to harness the strength of partnerships, to tap into the wealth of knowledge and to build a future that reflects the values of equity, sustainability, and shared prosperity.

Noting the world is "at critical crossroads," Dima Al-Khatib, director of the UN Office for South-South Cooperation, said the South-South Day is "a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of solidarity and mutual support in our quest for sustainable development."

While the current state of progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is "concerning," with only 17 percent of the SDGs on track for 2030, she said South-South and triangle corporation offers "a pathway that unlocks the urgent surge in investment required to achieve the SDGs."

She underscored that the potential of South-South cooperation within the development landscape is vast and growing by the day. "The value of South-South trade has grown almost tenfold in the past couple of decades," said Al-Khatib, adding that developing countries are demonstrating "remarkable resilience, innovation, and collaboration."

She cited last year's Saudi-African Summit and the Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation this month as examples of intensifying partnerships and investment between southern regions. These historic summits "demonstrate that South-South cooperation is not merely concept, but a dynamic force unleashing sustainable economic growth and prosperity across the Global South," said Al-Khatib.

The UN Office for South-South Cooperation is committed to intensifying synergies and promoting collaboration between partners towards attaining all internationally agreed development goals, she added.

South-South cooperation as a manifestation of solidarity among development countries has been hailed as an important development cooperation modality. To highlight the importance of collaboration among developing countries in the Global South, the UN Day for South-South Cooperation is observed annually on Sept. 12. 

A High-level panel discussion on South-South Cooperation is held at the UN headquarters in New York, on Sept. 12, 2024. The United Nations celebrated the UN Day for South-South Cooperation on Thursday, calling for creating a more equitable world for all. (Xinhua/Xie E)

Dima Al-Khatib (L, Front), Director of the UN Office for South-South Cooperation, speaks at a high-level panel discussion on South-South cooperation, at the UN headquarters in New York, on Sept. 12, 2024. The United Nations celebrated the UN Day for South-South Cooperation on Thursday, calling for creating a more equitable world for all. (Xinhua/Xie E)
Chinese Premier Li Qiang holds talks with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice president and prime minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, Sept. 12, 2024. (Xinhua/Liu Bin)

DUBAI, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang said here on Thursday that China and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are good partners on the path of common development.

Li made the remarks when holding talks with the UAE's Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Noting that this year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and the UAE, Li said over the past 40 years, the two countries have advanced bilateral cooperation in various fields in an all-round way and achieved positive results.

He said China has long placed the UAE as a priority in China's Middle East diplomacy, and stands ready to work with the UAE to forge ahead hand in hand, firmly support each other, consolidate the political foundation of bilateral ties, further strengthen cooperation in various fields, so as to inject new vitality into bilateral relations, achieve more results and deliver more benefits to their people.

Li pointed out that China and the UAE are good partners on the path of common development, and it is in the fundamental interests of both sides to strengthen cooperation and help each other succeed.

China is willing to share development opportunities with the UAE for better mutual benefit, Li said, calling on the two sides to further tap the cooperation potential, give full play to complementary advantages, expand the scale of economic and trade cooperation, and strengthen cooperation on infrastructure, new energy, digital economy and green economy to help realize each other's sustainable development.

The UAE is welcome to increase investment in China and China encourages enterprises to invest and do business in the UAE, Li added.

For his part, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum congratulated China on the upcoming 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and expressed admiration for China's tremendous development achievements.

He said that under the care and guidance of the two countries' leaders, the UAE-China relations have made great progress in recent years. The UAE government attaches great importance to developing relations with China and has always firmly adhered to the one-China policy, he added.

The UAE government is ready to take the opportunity of the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties with China to further leverage its advantages, expand trade, deepen cooperation in such fields as investment, energy and education, strengthen people-to-people exchanges and push for new progress in the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said. 

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice president and prime minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), holds a welcoming ceremony for Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, Sept. 12, 2024. Li and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum held talks in Dubai on Thursday. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)
UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- The acting UN relief chief is outraged at the rising number of aid workers killed in conflict zones, UN humanitarians said on Thursday.

Joyce Msuya, acting under-secretary-general heading up the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), pointed out the latest slayings occurred soon after the World Humanitarian Day on Aug. 19.

In addition to the six workers for the UN relief agency for Palestinian refugees, known as UNRWA, who were killed on Wednesday by an air strike in Gaza, three staff from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) were killed in a shelling in Ukraine on Thursday.

Msuya said that, like all civilians, aid workers must be protected -- they are not a target.

In Ukraine, ICRC reported that their staff members were killed when a planned aid distribution site on the front lines in the Donetsk region, in the east of the country, came under shelling. Two other staff were wounded when shelling struck the organization's vehicles.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the death of at least 18 people, including children, women, and six UNRWA staff, in Israeli airstrikes on Wednesday that hit a school serving as a shelter in Nuseirat, raising the number of UNRWA staff killed in the Gaza conflict to 220.

The Israeli Defense Forces said they had targeted a command-and-control center in the school compound.

The chief spokesman for Guterres, Stephane Dujarric, told a regular briefing on Thursday the incident must be independently and thoroughly investigated to ensure accountability.

"The continued lack of effective protection for civilians in Gaza is unconscionable," Dujarric said. "Civilians and the infrastructure they rely on must be protected and meet the essential needs of the civilian population. The secretary-general calls upon all parties to refrain from using schools, from using shelters, or the areas around them for military purposes."

The spokesman said all parties to the conflict must always comply with international humanitarian law.

"The secretary-general reiterates his call for an immediate ceasefire and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages being held in Gaza," Dujarric said. "This horrific violence must stop." 
This photo taken on Aug. 5, 2024 shows Mroivili Faouzia posing for photos at the east gate of Tianjin University's Peiyangyuan Campus in north China's Tianjin Municipality. [Xinhua]

TIANJIN, Sept. 11 (Xinhua)  Over the past few weeks the thing that Mroivili Faouzia had been concerned about was the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), which was held in Beijing from Sept. 4 to 6.

The 24-year-old is a graduate student from East Africa's Comoros, pursuing her master's degree at Tianjin University in north China. She eagerly hopes that this summit will promote deeper cooperation between China and African countries in the field of education.

"This summit could provide more African students with incredible opportunities to pursue higher education in China and create pathways for personal and professional growth," she told Xinhua.

Faouzia is a direct beneficiary of the cooperation between the two sides championed by the FOCAC. Leading up to the 2018 FOCAC summit, Comorian President Azali Assoumani visited Tianjin University, where a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the university and the Comorian embassy in China.

Under the MoU, Tianjin University would offer scholarships to Comorian students, making Faouzia's dream of studying in China a reality.

Her fascination with China began in childhood when she bought an ice cream from a Chinese vendor in her neighborhood. Its delicious flavor sparked her curiosity and inspired a dream of visiting China, the place where the ice cream was made.

As she learned more about China, she developed a stronger interest in the country. "China was among the first nations to recognize the Comoros as an independent state and has supported my country in nearly every sector," Faouzia said.

During her second year in high school in 2017, one of her classmates began learning Chinese through a language program at the University of the Comoros. The program later evolved into the Confucius Institute which offers free Chinese courses for the locals.

"When I heard about it, I thought I'd love to study Chinese too," she said. However, the learning journey was never easy as she had a tight schedule at school and the institute is located in another city.

Despite the challenges, she has committed every Sunday since 2017 to traveling between the two cities for Chinese classes, and she believes all the effort has been worthwhile.

Around that time, Faouzia received medical care from a team of Chinese doctors sent by the Chinese government to assist with healthcare in the Comoros.

"As a premature baby, my health had been unstable for a long time. This time, the Chinese doctor performed acupuncture, and it worked like a miracle," Faouzia recalled, noting that the experience not only healed her physically but also fueled her dream of studying in China.

Six months into her Chinese studies, she competed in a Chinese proficiency contest, earning the chance to participate in the finals in China in September 2017.

"That was my first time stepping onto foreign soil," Faouzia said, adding that she was fascinated by the country the moment she arrived. "It's so different from my own country, yet so refreshing and charming."

During the contest, she visited a Chinese university and decided to further her education in China. "Fortunately, I performed well in the contest and was awarded a chance to enroll in a language study program in China."

After completing high school, she studied Chinese for a semester at the University of the Comoros before heading to Dalian University in northeast China in March 2019 for the language program.

"Deep inside, I'm a curious girl craving adventure and new cultures. I want to broaden my perspective of the world. China is definitely the dream place for me to explore," she said.

Eventually, she applied to study for her bachelor's degree at Tianjin University, supported by a special scholarship for Comorian students. She majored in computer science and technology for her bachelor's degree. For her master's, she focused on knowledge graphs, hoping to integrate artificial intelligence with medicine in her future studies.

Faouzia has made numerous Chinese friends, from classmates to supportive neighbors. She has celebrated the Spring Festival twice with local families, fully immersing herself in the vibrant tradition. "They are always ready to lend a hand, shelter me, and share their culture."

As a mark of gratitude, she has endeavored to give back to the Chinese community. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she joined a local volunteer group, offering her support as a medical assistant.

The 2024 FOCAC summit, focused on strengthening economic and political ties between China and African nations, has opened a new chapter in China-Africa cooperation.

"This is special for young African women like me, studying technology in China," Faouzia said. "The plan to build new engineering schools and Luban Workshops, with 60,000 training opportunities, shows that China wants to help Africa's youth and women. This gives us hope for a better future, where we can learn skills to help our communities," she added.

This file photo taken on Oct. 20, 2023 shows Mroivili Faouzia posing for group photos with students during a voluntary teaching program at a primary school in Anyang, central China's Henan Province. [Xinhua]

This file photo taken on Feb. 19, 2024 shows Mroivili Faouzia (L) posing for photos with her friend, both of whom are in traditional Chinese clothing, in north China's Tianjin Municipality. [Xinhua]

(Source: Xinhua)

Editor: Wang Shasha
Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits Baoji Bronze Ware Museum to learn about the local efforts to enhance the protection and use of cultural relics in Baoji, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Sept. 10, 2024. Xi inspected the city of Baoji in northwest China's Shaanxi Province and the city of Tianshui in neighboring Gansu Province from Tuesday afternoon to Wednesday morning. [Xinhua/Ju Peng]

XI'AN, Sept. 11 (Xinhua)  Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, has urged developing a sense of reverence and affection for Chinese civilization and passing on fine traditional Chinese culture from generation to generation.

Xi made the remarks when inspecting the Baoji Bronze Ware Museum in the city of Baoji in northwest China's Shaanxi Province on Tuesday afternoon.

At the museum, Xi was briefed on the history and culture of the Zhou and Qin dynasties (1046-207 BC) and took a close look at exhibits such as "He Zun," a bronze ritual wine vessel carrying the earliest written record of the Chinese characters for "China."

Xi also learned about the strengthened preservation, study and utilization of cultural relics.

The 5,000 years of Chinese civilization should be further explored and studied, Xi said, noting that more efforts are required to illustrate its essence and promote the great wisdom it embodies.

Through these efforts, the people will be able to develop a strengthened sense of pride in the Chinese civilization, and the spirit of patriotism can be promoted more effectively, he said.

(Source: Xinhua)

Editor: Wang Shasha
BEIJING, Sept. 11 (Xinhua)  Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday sent a message to Abdelmadjid Tebboune, congratulating him on his reelection as president of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria.

Noting that China and Algeria enjoy traditional friendly relations, Xi said in recent years, under joint guidance of the two presidents, the relationship between the two countries has developed rapidly, cooperation in various fields has yielded fruitful results, the two countries have closely coordinated and cooperated in international affairs, and the traditional friendship has continued to deepen.

The Chinese president said he highly regards the development of China-Algeria relations and stands ready to work with Tebboune to take this year's 10th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Algeria comprehensive strategic partnership as an opportunity to further enhance political mutual trust, expand and deepen practical cooperation, and jointly open up broader prospects for friendly cooperation between the two countries.

(Source: Xinhua)

Editor: Wang Shasha


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RIYADH, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- The Global Artificial Intelligence (AI) Summit concluded its third edition in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Thursday, focusing on challenges in AI development and the technology's potential benefits for humanity.

The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) hosted the three-day event, which covered topics including AI governance, Arabic language models, and AI's impact on research and education.

"Together, we've not only imagined the future of AI but made it real by addressing the challenges and identifying the enablers needed to truly unlock its potential," said Esam AlWagait, director of SDAIA's National Information Center, at the summit's closing ceremony.

Among the summit's highlights, SDAIA announced that its large Arabic language model, ALLaM, is now available on the Microsoft Azure cloud platform. The 7-billion-parameter model, developed by SDAIA's National Center for Artificial Intelligence, aims to boost AI services and innovation in Saudi Arabia and beyond.

Industry experts at the summit predicted that ALLaM would drive innovation in Arabic language processing over the next 12-24 months.

Also at the summit, SDAIA and U.S. AI behemoth Nvidia announced a plan to establish a 5,000-GPU platform, the largest high-performance data center infrastructure in the Middle East and North Africa region.

The event saw 76 announcements and agreements, including the Saudi-based Digital Cooperation Organization's (DCO) launch of a Generative AI Center of Excellence initiative.

DCO Secretary-General Deemah Al-Yahya said the initiative would help member states transition from consumers to producers of generative AI technology.

The summit also featured the inaugural International AI Olympiad, with students from 25 countries competing in data analysis and problem-solving challenges. 
Heartfelt tribute to be projected onto the front entrance of Wrexham University as part of Remembering Gresford

On Sunday, September 22, it will be 90 years since the Gresford Disaster.

To commemorate the anniversary, NEW Sinfonia is collaborating with Wrexham Miners Project, Wrexham AFC and other organisations and artists across Wrexham, to host remembrance events, entitled Remembering Gresford.

Wrexham University are also involved in the commemoration events, taking place around the city from September 16-22.

In what they say is hoped to be an impactful  yet poignant tribute  to those who lost their lives on that fateful day  the University building will be brought to light on the evenings of Friday and Saturday, September 20 and 21, when a heartfelt tribute will be projected onto the front entrance of the Plas Coch campus in Wrexham.

The Universitys Civic Mission team is also working with local primary schools across Wrexham to deliver a workshop on the disaster, to support the engagement of young people with local history. Pupils will learn about the disaster, the lives lost, and the impact on the wider Wrexham community.

They will then produce a piece of artwork based on the disaster, using materials such as charcoal and copies of newspapers from the time, which will then be displayed as part of an exhibition in Ty Pawb in Wrexham from September 18 until October 17.

The University will also be hosting an exhibition on campus in Wrexham, featuring images and experiences that staff and students may have about the disaster.

Professor Joe Yates, Vice-Chancellor at Wrexham University, said: The Gresford Mining Disaster is a devastating part of Wrexhams history  and one of the worst coal-mining disasters in British history. It impacted the community across Wrexham, with every village in the area losing someone.

I also know that many colleagues have loved ones who were impacted by the disaster, which is why we feel it important to take time to remember those men and boys who lost their lives.

Nina Ruddle, Head of Public Policy Engagement at Wrexham University, who heads up the institutions Civic Mission, added: As a university, it is vitally important that we stop and pay our respects to those who lost their lives in the disaster, as well as those impacted by it.

Our Civic Mission team will be working with local primary school age children across Wrexham to deliver this commemorative workshop, in order for them to connect with, as well as understand and commemorate this tragic event, which forms part of our local history.
North Wales Microgreen company celebrate Welsh Produce of the Year award

Based just outside of Abergele, Fresh and Tasty Microgreens, run by Steve Holland with the support of his wife Laura and their daughter Georgia, say they are delighted to announce its recognition as Welsh Produce of the Year at the prestigious Food Awards Wales 2024.

The company may have supplied food you have eaten locally, with the Wrexham deliveries to restaurants and home customers taking place every Friday.

The awards ceremony, held at The Coal Exchange Hotel in Cardiff on the 9th of September, celebrated the best of Welsh cuisine, acknowledging businesses and individuals who deliver the freshest and most innovative culinary experiences across the country.

Fresh and Tasty Microgreens received the honour for their dedication to growing the finest quality microgreens. Their friends, Donna and Chris from Micro Acres Wales, were also highly commended in the same category, highlighting the growing strength of Wales microgreens community.

Steve Holland, owner of Fresh and Tasty Microgreens, expressed his gratitude, saying: It has been an incredible honour. Were so proud and grateful to all of our amazing customers, family, friends, and followers we wouldnt be here without their support.

This award is a testament to the quality of our microgreens and the loyalty of our customers. We will continue doing what we do best: growing the freshest, tastiest microgreens, while exploring new opportunities to reach more people with our healthy, sustainable produce. Steve added.

A spokesperson for the Food Awards Wales commented: Its an honour for us to highlight the top food establishments and businesses that have stood out amongst the rest in the Welsh food industry. This years winners reflect the resilience and creativity of countless chefs, producers, employees, and managers who are always ensuring that locals and visitors eat well.

Fresh and Tasty Microgreens added that they are  excited about the journey ahead and looks forward to continuing its role as a leader in sustainable, high-quality produce in North Wales and beyond
Wrexham based Riello plans to merge UK businesses under one subsidiary

Constant Power Services Ltd, Powertecnique Ltd, and Riello UPS Ltd will merge into a single UK entity under the brand Riello UPS Ltd.

Riello UPS Ltd is a leader in the manufacture of uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) and standby power systems from 400VA to 6.4MVA. The company is part of the Riello Elettronica group which has support offices in 85 countries.

The UK branch of Riello UPS is located in Wrexham where they operate from large purpose-built premises comprising office and training facilities as well as a fully stocked warehouse. This enables an end-to-end service of comprehensive technical support and fast product dispatch.

Riello say, This strategic merger aims to enhance service offerings, expand customer support, and drive innovation in the uninterruptible power supply (UPS) industry.

Integrating the strengths, expertise, and resources of Constant Power Services and Powertecnique into the already well-established Riello UPS brand will create a unified entity that is better positioned to meet evolving customer needs.

Upon implementation of the merger at the start of next year, it will result in the number of Riello UPS employees more than doubling from its current figure of just under 90 to more than 180, with engineering resource specifically more than trebling.

While in addition to the 27,500 square foot Riello UPS headquarters in Wrexham, North Wales, the unified company will enjoy a truly nationwide presence thanks to its two offices in the south of England, plus another facility in Scotland.

The merger underscores Riello UPSs unwavering commitment to providing exceptional service, cutting-edge technology, and reliable power protection solutions to clients across the UK and beyond.

Leo Craig, Managing Director of Riello UPS added,

We are excited to unite Constant Power Services and Powertecnique under the Riello UPS Ltd banner.

Riello UPS is already renowned for commitment to customer service, from our 5 year extended warranty on all UPS up to and including 3 kVA and industry-leading bespoke UPS maintenance plans with guaranteed emergency response and fix times, through to our Certified Engineer Training Programme and Approved Service Partner Scheme.

All these qualities remain unchanged. Indeed, this merger is a significant milestone that will enhance our ability to deliver even stronger service and innovative solutions to our customers. We are confident that this strategic move will create new opportunities for major growth and success in the future.
A woman holds a picture of the late former Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori in Lima, Peru, Sept. 12, 2024. Peru's government declared three days of national mourning after former President Alberto Fujimori (1990-2000) died Wednesday from cancer, the state-run daily "El Peruano" said Thursday. (Xinhua/Mariana Bazo)

LIMA, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Peru's government declared three days of national mourning after former President Alberto Fujimori (1990-2000) died Wednesday from cancer, the state-run daily "El Peruano" said Thursday.

An executive order issued by Peru's President Dina Boluarte and endorsed by Prime Minister Gustavo Adrianzen, when planning "the corresponding funeral honors" for Fujimori, called for national mourning from Sept. 12 to 14.

As part of the honors, the national flag will fly at half-mast at all public buildings, military installations, bases, ships and other state entities.

Fujimori, who had been out of prison since December 2023 after having been granted a pardon, died Wednesday around 6:00 p.m. local time "following a long battle against cancer," his daughter Keiko Fujimori confirmed.

The ex-president's remains will lie in state through Saturday at the Museum of the Nation, located at the headquarters of the Culture Ministry in the city of Lima, and from there will be taken to the Campo Fe Cemetery in Huachipa for burial.

Keiko Fujimori expressed gratitude for the "support" and "great displays of solidarity in these painful times." 

Kenji Fujimori (3rd R) and Keiko Fujimori (2nd R) watch their father and former Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori's coffin carried away from the residence in Lima, Peru, Sept. 12, 2024. Peru's government declared three days of national mourning after former President Alberto Fujimori (1990-2000) died Wednesday from cancer, the state-run daily "El Peruano" said Thursday. (Xinhua/Mariana Bazo)

Kenji Fujimori (2nd R) and Keiko Fujimori (1st R) watch their father and former Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori's coffin carried away from the residence in Lima, Peru, Sept. 12, 2024. Peru's government declared three days of national mourning after former President Alberto Fujimori (1990-2000) died Wednesday from cancer, the state-run daily "El Peruano" said Thursday. (Xinhua/Mariana Bazo)

Kenji Fujimori (L) and Keiko Fujimori (C), together with Peru's President Dina Boluarte, attend the funeral of former Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori in Lima, Peru, Sept. 12, 2024. Peru's government declared three days of national mourning after former President Alberto Fujimori (1990-2000) died Wednesday from cancer, the state-run daily "El Peruano" said Thursday. (President's Office of Peru/Handout via Xinhua)
Time and again, serious, life-threatening and even fatal accidents occur on the tracks of national rail operator Deutsche Bahn. The so-called general modernisation of the railways, which is more of a general destruction, is making the situation worse by cutting 30,000 jobs and dismantling important infrastructure.

Rail workers in Germany [Photo by to.wi / flickr / CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

A short film on broadcaster ZDFs Frontal investigative programme recently highlighted two fatal work accidents in September 2023 for which management has still not provided an explanation or taken responsibility. ZDF has shown the short report Death on the tracks. Work-related accidents on the railways by Tonja Politz on both Frontal and Panorama, and it is now also available to view on YouTube.

On 8 September 2023, 19-year-old railway apprentice Simon Hedemann was killed in Hannover-Linden. He was still in training to become an electronics engineer. He was hit by a freight train at the Fischerhof signal box. His parents, who are interviewed in the film, confirm that even today, a year after Simons death, there is still no official explanation from Deutsche Bahn.

Just three days later, on 11 September 2023, points mechanic Ali Ceyhan (33) was hit by a moving train at the Trimborner Strasse S-Bahn station in Cologne. He suffered such severe head injuries that he died a few days later.

The film gives the bereaved a voice: in Ali Ceyhans case, his partner Katharina Duarte, who is still trying to get to the bottom of what happened. The track bed where Ali was killed is shown: It is a narrow strip between two tracks that should have been cordoned off during repairs. But it was not. Why not? Deutsche Bahn has yet to provide an answer to this question.

The film makes clear that this is not an isolated incident. Time and again, and with increasing frequency, mandatory track closures are not carried out, workflow steps are shortened under pressure, and train drivers receive insufficient information about construction sites on their routes.

In the film, several railway employees confirm this, some anonymously. One worker explains that both Deutsche Bahn and the regulatory authorities are well aware that track construction crews often start work without the line being closed: Of course! And then you blame the accident on human error, on the people involved in the accident, and hope that the public prosecutors office only prosecutes the low-level employees, and not the system above.

A train driver who describes the risky situations he has experienced also confirms, If I extrapolate, it happens three to four times a day that people are exposed to a safety risk.

And so fatal accidents are becoming more and more common. On the railways in Germany, this was the case at least twelve times between January 2023 and January 2024:

16 January 2023, Parsberg: on the track between Nuremberg and Regensburg, a locomotive strikes two workers clearing the track; one is killed and his colleague is seriously injured.

3 February 2023, Bebra (East Hessen): A shunter is hit and killed by a rolling railway wagon.

(East Hessen): A shunter is hit and killed by a rolling railway wagon. 23 February 2023, Bremerhaven : An excavator driver (56) is fatally injured while working at night on a railway underpass.

: An excavator driver (56) is fatally injured while working at night on a railway underpass. 4 May 2023, Hurth near Cologne : an Intercity train strikes two young workers who are carrying out track tamping in connection with laying cables. Both are killed on the spot. Five other colleagues are able to jump aside at the last moment. Deutsche Bahn initially publishes a tweet about unauthorised persons on the line, which it has to withdraw following protests.

: an Intercity train strikes two young workers who are carrying out track tamping in connection with laying cables. Both are killed on the spot. Five other colleagues are able to jump aside at the last moment. Deutsche Bahn initially publishes a tweet about unauthorised persons on the line, which it has to withdraw following protests. 14 June 2023, Stade : A Deutsche Bahn employee (28) is hit and killed by a Hamburg-Cuxhaven regional train while pruning vegetation next to the track. His two colleagues, including his brother, manage to save themselves.

: A Deutsche Bahn employee (28) is hit and killed by a Hamburg-Cuxhaven regional train while pruning vegetation next to the track. His two colleagues, including his brother, manage to save themselves. 21 August 2023, Hannover-Nordstedt : A construction worker (34) is hit and killed by an S-Bahn train.

: A construction worker (34) is hit and killed by an S-Bahn train. 8 September 2023, Hannover-Linden : 19-year-old apprentice Simon Hedemann is killed while installing control and safety technology; the exact circumstances are still unknown.

: 19-year-old apprentice Simon Hedemann is killed while installing control and safety technology; the exact circumstances are still unknown. 10 September 2023, near Paderborn : train driver Jonas (32) dies when his freight train, coming from the cement plant, derails, comes to a stop and gets stuck. Jonas, who was still trying to apply the emergency brake, is crushed by the tank wagons, which weigh several tonnes.

: train driver Jonas (32) dies when his freight train, coming from the cement plant, derails, comes to a stop and gets stuck. Jonas, who was still trying to apply the emergency brake, is crushed by the tank wagons, which weigh several tonnes. 11 September 2023, Cologne-Trimbornerstrasse : points mechanic Ali Ceyhan (33) is hit by a train and succumbs to his injuries three days later. The exact circumstances have still not been revealed by Deutsche Bahn to this day.

: points mechanic Ali Ceyhan (33) is hit by a train and succumbs to his injuries three days later. The exact circumstances have still not been revealed by Deutsche Bahn to this day. 19 January 2024, near Koblenz am Rhein : a 39-year-old worker for a track construction company is hit and fatally injured by a regional train.

: a 39-year-old worker for a track construction company is hit and fatally injured by a regional train. At the beginning of 2023 , Deutsche Bahn recorded at least one other fatal accident at work, without providing any further details.

, Deutsche Bahn recorded at least one other fatal accident at work, without providing any further details. Any list is bound to be incomplete, as there is no authority that registers all accidents. Many are not even reported. The Frontal report also addresses this. We dont know how many people die at work, confirms Wolfhard Kohte, a retired labour lawyer, in the film.

As for the list of fatal accidents at work last year, Deutsche Bahn (DB) only feels responsible for four of them! Most of those killed were travelling on behalf of DB, but were employed by external companies or by another, privatised, rail company. There are first, second and third class employees, Kohte comments sarcastically.

An accident on 4 May 2023 near Cologne, in which two track construction workers lost their lives, does not appear in any official list. Neither Deutsche Bahn, nor the Federal Railway Authority (EBA) nor the Federal Office for Railway Accident Investigations (BEU) feel responsible for it.

In the film, the Federal Railway Authority is confronted with the question of why it has still not opened an investigation into the accidental death of Simon Hedemanna Deutsche Bahn traineealmost a year later! The authority states that it has no duty to conduct an in-depth investigation of occupational accidents.

Simon Hedemanns parents are left stunned by this response. They have been waiting for answers for a year, and they ask: What has to happen for them to investigate? For them, it is a huge disappointment that no one at Deutsche Bahn is interested in properly investigating this.

As for the federal government, the owner of Deutsche Bahn, it deals with the issue pitilessly. This becomes apparent shortly before the end of the film. Federal Transport Minister Volker Wissing (Liberal Democratic Party, FDP) is confronted with the fact that his ministry does not even know how many people die on the tracks. The minister rejects any responsibility. The investigating authorities are responsible for investigating these things, he replies, unmoved. We have no evidence from the ministry that there have been any failures.

The well-researched film is a harrowing record. Nevertheless, it only scratches the surface, according to several railway workers from the Rail Action Committee who have seen it. The real situation is far worse.

The rank-and-file Rail Action Committee was formed in August 2023. Railway workers, train drivers and other rail employees, supported by the WSWS and the Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei (Socialist Equality Party, SGP), began to organise independently of the authorities and trade unions, which are in the pocket of big business, in order to better inform their colleagues and break the dictatorship of the EVG and GDL union apparatus.

On 4 September 2023, the Action Committee was confronted with the fact that one of its members, a railway worker for DB Netz maintenance, had been seriously injured while repairing an overhead line. The committee began to conduct its own research and collected all relevant information on the causes of accidents in railway operations. Tonja Politz, the author of the film Tod am Gleis (Death on the Tracks), draws partly on this research by the Action Committee.

Rail workers who watched the film expressed their solidarity with those affected. A rail worker from Saxony, who works on clearing trackside vegetation and has been at DB for 15 years, expressed the hope that we will use this to push for change: for the bereaved and also for colleagues who are still on the job and still want to work.

He continued: The EBA can be abolished, nothing better will come of it. They always come to check and threaten with fines or order them, but they never have solutions. Everything is decided and judged bureaucratically according to the file. The practitioners are never asked.

He described his experience as a trackside worker: The safety plans, e.g., vegetation maintenance on line XY, from then to then are registered with the office responsible for railway operations BzS, which then draws up the safety plan  Actually, there should be UV closures [route closures], but that is only possible for large construction sites and rarely at short notice. One problem is that the dispatcher is often 200 km away: So he doesnt know what it looks like on the ground. There used to be a signalman nearby, but that was mostly a long time ago.

In principle, they are often not supposed to go outside, but work is urgent, so you do it anyway. In the past, there was a barrier post with a multi-tone signal horn, but that is no longer wanted. According to physics, this would no longer be heard because of the frequency of the old devices. Because what cannot be must not be. But newer ones can sometimes be even harder to hear than the old horns. This repeatedly causes dangerous situations.

In other words, for the men doing the work on the track, their job has become a kind of suicide mission. They know in advance that no one is ensuring their safety, that the line is not closed and that no one is warning them of approaching trains in a proper manner. The worker continued: One of our colleagues from Eastern Europe also died last year. I dont know if he even understood what his job was.

His conclusion: In the end, everything is carried out on the backs of the workers. The constant new safety instructions are difficult to implement. But we still go out and work, and then it is said that the worker did not follow the safety regulations. That was only partially addressed in the ZDF report.

A railway worker from DB Cargo said, Its just a short film, and in my opinion it doesnt do the problems justice. Were dealing with a lot more than that, and everything would have to change fundamentally!

He described the consequences that the new round of cutbacks has already had at DB Cargo. Entire shifts were being cancelled and colleagues who had resigned were no longer being replaced. Many are afraid for the future and fear that Cargo will be closed altogether, he said. There is already talk of a social plan [closure programme]. For those who have stayed, this intensifies the stress every day.

Dangerous situations and near-misses are systematically covered up. Just this week, there was another serious accident while maneuvering a locomotive: on Tuesday, 3 September, a 56-year-old train driver in Worth an der Isar was trapped between his locomotive and a truck that collided with the train. The train drivers legs were so badly injured that a helicopter had to take him to the nearest hospital.

The governments austerity plans as a result of its pro-war policies and decades of cutbacks at Deutsche Bahn are costing lives. Write to us if you have information for your fellow rail workers and if you can participate in building the Rail Action Committee! Write to us on Whatsapp, +49-163-337-8340 and register using the form below!
Ontario Conservative Premier Doug Fords snap decision last June to order the immediate and permanent closure of the Ontario Science Centre (OSC), located since 1969 at its Don Mills site in Toronto, has provoked widespread popular opposition. An extensive poll, results of which were released last week, found that 78 percent of residents in the Greater Toronto/Hamilton regions do not believe the Ford governments move to mothball the widely popular, publicly owned, not-for-profit educational facility was representative of the populations best interests.

Those respondents expressed concern about the cultural and educational impacts of the closure on the low-wage, working class, largely immigrant population who live nearby in the high-density north-eastern quadrant of Toronto and neighbouring Scarborough. Further, 86 percent of those polled cast doubt on Fords plan to eventually move a much diminished version of a science center to the governments real estate boondoggle venture at the downtown waterfront Ontario Place land renewal project. Such is the growing opposition to Fords fiat that even 50 percent of Conservative voters are skeptical of the governments motives.

Located on a sprawling, forested site, the Ontario Science Centre has been a world-renowned hub for interactive science education since 1969 [Photo: Ontario Science Centre ]

And what exactly is this master plan for Fords waterfront development project?

At the epicenter of one of the most expensive cities on the continent, Ford, in 2022, approved a private 95 year lease for Therme, an international luxury spa and waterpark operation, to anchor a development that will also feature a sailing marina, a LiveNation concert venue as well as other pay-entry lakeside amenities. As part of the deal, Therme has insisted on the construction of a 2,000-space parking lot built at taxpayers expense conservatively costed at over $307 million. Another $200 million will be taken from the public purse for unexplained site servicing costs.

The Therme ultimate relaxation retreat was shepherded through the development stages by top lobbyist and long-time Conservative Party operative Leslie Noble who co-wrote former arch right-wing Ontario premier Mike Harris Common Sense Revolution election platform that heralded a brutal decade of austerity in the province.

Therme will offer customers giant indoor swimming pools, an array of hot and wet sauna experiences each with unique temperatures to suit your every mood. Customers will have the opportunity to access mineral pools, light therapies, other body care opportunities and fashionable restaurants. Should a working class family of four take a wrong turn and enter the facility, a six hour pass with lunch has been costed out at $479, parking included.

The Ford government, in its absolute cynicism, plans to move a downsized and eviscerated Ontario Science Centre to a spot adjacent to the Therme spa in order to justify its wrecking operation in North-East Toronto and its use of taxpayer monies to fund the developments parking lot. A citizens group formed to examine Fords plan charges that the projected taxpayer costs to subsidize the development could swell to over a billion dollars, with Therme investing only 30 percent of the total required. Already, casino companies have taken note of these subsidies as they eye their own possibilities in the vicinity.

While vast sums are shelled out to enrich well-connected corporate executives and shareholders, the fate of the Science Centre exemplifies the hard-right Ford governments sweeping attacks on budgets for education, culture and public services more broadly. As Ontarios schools fall apart and the teacher shortage grows, due to increasingly intolerable working conditions and population growth, the Ford government is intent on implementing billions of dollars in cuts to education spending over the next decade.

The entire affair further exposes the governments close ties to grasping real estate developers and corporate interests and more broadly the decades-long big business offensive to slash public sector expenditures that has been embraced by provincial governments of all political stripes.

The Ontario Science Centre, located on a sprawling, forested site, has been a world-renowned hub for science education since a pre-identified quasar radio-signal from over 1.5 billion light-years away activated a circuit in the building which opened the facility in 1969. One of the first hands-on, interactive science museums in the world, it has since been an attraction for more than 54 million children from across the province on school field trips or attending science summer camps as well as for inexpensive weekend outings with parents from the impoverished local neighbourhoods and beyond. Full semester credit programs for high school students offer more intensive scientific training. International tourists also flock to the site.

But on June 21, and without warning, Conservative Infrastructure Minister Kinga Surma in a late Friday afternoon news release abruptly ordered the immediate closure of this international scientific jewel. The announcement was soon to ignite the smouldering opposition to Fords downtown renewal plan into a rapidly spreading political wildfire.

Surma had claimed that a report from Rimkus Consulting Group, an engineering firm commissioned by the government, had cited possible danger to visitors and workers at the museum due to the discovery of distressed, high risk roof panels that could collapse if subjected to heavy snow loads. A new roof, claimed the minister, would cost between $22 million and $40 million and require at least two years of work during which the facility would need to be closed. Rather than lay out such expenditures, the Ministers office presented its order to immediately shutter the site, look for a temporary building to partially locate some exhibits, hopefully by 2026, before re-opening a new, smaller science museum, perhaps by 2028, as part of Fords already suspect Ontario Place plan.

Shocked by the announcement, which also cost over 50 food workers their jobs, municipal authorities quickly dispatched a city building inspector to the site within hours of the museums closure. That inspector did not report any immediate hazards. He noted that several critical-risk roof panels had already been secured. As more engineering experts were mobilized in the coming weeks by leading scientists and museum supporters, it became clear that the Ford government had misled the people of the province on the actual content of the Rimkus findings.

Nowhere in the government-commissioned Rimkus report was there a finding that the science center should be immediately closed. It noted that the building would be safe until October 31 and, should repairs in certain areas be continued, the risks outlined could be quickly eliminated. Three engineering experts independent of the government produced findings contradicting government roof mitigation estimates, stating that repair or replacement of the high-risk panels would cost about $520,000 and be done with little to no interference with public areas.

A deep dive into the Rimkus report and three other reports by engineers who have examined the Rimkus findings is even more illuminating. Moriyama Teshima Architects, founded by the famous architect Raymond Moriyama, who designed the Ontario Science Centre, accused the government of abruptly and rashly closing the museum. Repairs are needed, they wrote, but on a manageable scale and with potentially minimal impact on the public experience. The company then offered its services free of charge to assist in the work. In addition, a number of philanthropists associated with the center offered several million dollars in donations to accomplish the repairs. The office of Minister Surma refused to answer reporters questions on the matter.

As it turns out, of the 152,000 square feet of roof panelling, engineers found just six panels (each measuring 15 square feet) at critical risk, all of which have been repaired or replaced. In addition, 2 to 6 percent of roof panels were found to be at high risk. Despite the governments position that visitor safety is of immense concern to them, none of the high-risk panels are over permanent exhibition areas and can be easily replaced.

The public scrutiny of the shuttering of the science center has raised larger issues regarding the safety of public buildings. The roof panels on the three science center buildings are made from Reinforced Autoclave Aerated Concrete (RAAC). The material, more thermally efficient than other cements, has been found to have an expected lifespan of 30 to 40 years and has been a major component in roof, wall and floor construction, particularly in large buildings from the 1950s until the mid-1990s when safety questions began to be raised about the long-term stability of the product.

By 2023, earlier British reports on the durability of the material could no longer be ignored. A study that year noted that hundreds of schools in the United Kingdom, along with the countrys major airports, hospitals, social housing and even refurbished parts of the Houses of Parliament contain RAAC. Since last year, over a hundred schools are fully or partially closed. Another 450 are suspected for the presence of RAAC. Over a thousand other schools have yet to be inspected. The crisis state of much of the countrys building infrastructure is a direct result of over 40 years of vicious cost-cutting in public sector building maintenance expenditures.

In Ontario, some 400 public buildings have been built with RAAC materials. No closures or amelioration programs have been ordered for any of them except at the Ontario Science Centre. In 2023 an auditor-generals report cited years of government underfunding for the center as the cause of increased disrepair. Such underfunding, however, is not limited to the plight of the science center. Public buildings and schools across the province have for decades suffered from similar cuts.

The report also charged that the governments plan to relocate the center to Ontario Place was made with preliminary and incomplete cost information and without consulting key stakeholders. In fact, it has been subsequently shown by these key stakeholders that a sustained budget to replace the entire roof installation at the center over the coming years can be safely accomplished more cheaply than the hundreds of millions of taxpayer-funded political cover that Ford has earmarked to relocate the museum to his waterfront boondoggle.

Fords attack on science and education and his cozy relationship with real estate developers will come as no surprise to many. The last few years alone have seen Ford caught in a far-reaching scandal to deliver protected green belt lands over to real estate developers. And ignoring the science around COVID public health protections, this summer he ended provincial funding for wastewater testing to track COVID-19 infection rates even as new and dangerous mutations of the virus continue to sicken, hospitalize and kill Ontarians.
Britains Labour government easily passed its savage Winter Fuel Payment cut Tuesday. Sir Keir Starmers party defeated a Conservative Party opposition motion to annul by 348 votes to 228. His working majority of 167with the vast majority of Labour MPs openly committed to austeritymeant the outcome was never in doubt.

The fuel allowance, worth between 100 and 300, was paid to 11.4 million pensioners in 8.4 million households in England and Wales in the winter of 2022/23. Labours cut, to begin this winter, means that around 10 million pensioners will be deprived of the payments.

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer (right) appoints Rachel Reeves as his Chancellor from the Cabinet Office in 10 Downing Street, July 5, 2024 [Photo by Simon Dawson/No 10 Downing Street / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

The only households now able to receive the Winter Fuel Payment are those in receipt of Pension Credit (payable only to those with an income less than 11,500 a year) or certain other means-tested benefits. The Age UK charity warns that Labours policy will hit 2.5 million low-income pensioners who are not on pension creditdue to not being eligible or because they have not claimed the payment.

The cut went through despite everyone knowing the terrible human cost in deaths that will result from it, as rising fuel billsalready sky high and increasing by another 10 percent from Octobermean that many pensioners will be enduring months in cold homes. According to the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, an estimated almost 5,000 (4,950) excess winter deaths were caused by people having to live in cold homes during the 2022/23 winter.

Research commissioned by Labour itself, and published during the 2017 election campaignwith the party then led by Jeremy Corbyn, with Starmer in his shadow cabinetnoted, Since the introduction of the winter fuel payment by Labour in 1997, allowing for significant variation in winter weather, deaths among the elderly have fallen from around 34,000 to 24,000.

Half of the almost 10,000 decrease in so-called excess winter deathsthe rise in mortality that occurs each winterbetween 2000 and 2012 was due to the introduction of the winter fuel allowance.

The amount being saved as a result of the fuel payment cut is just 1.4 billion a year, a tiny fraction of the welfare budget. But for Starmers party, pledged to work in alliance with big business and the financial elite, the measure is just the first necessary instalment on far worse to come. Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the Winter Fuel Payment cut in July, pledging to find 22 billion in spending cuts to be outlined in an October budget.

On the day of the vote Starmer was being welcomed by his partners-in-austerity at the Trades Union Congress (TUC) annual gathering. In a speech that won him a standing ovation he told TUC delegates, This government will not risk its mandate for economic stability, under any circumstances.

The vote on cutting pensioners income marked the second parliamentary test of the pathetic remnants of the Labour left since the party came to office in July.

They failed both with flying colours. In this weeks vote they managed to sink even lower than their cringing performance in July when just seven of them opposed Labours keeping the Tories punitive two-child cap on welfare benefits. The seven then had the whip withdrawn by Starmer and now sit as Independents, with a review on their futures to be held after six months.

Despite talk of a rebellion over the pensioners cut, this time just one Labour MP, Jon Trickett, could bring himself to vote against Starmer, and a measure that will kill elderly people in their thousands.

Instead of opposing the measure, and to ensure a continuation of their cosy parliamentary careers, 53 Labour MPs abstained. The Guardian described these as rebel-lite votesMPs refusing to back the policy, but not hating it enough to vote against, or not being brave/reckless enough to risk disciplinary action. The actual real numbers of abstentions even worthy of the term was significantly lower, with a Labour official declaring only a dozen of the MPs who were absent for todays vote were not authorised.

The level of cynicism of some of the Labour MPs, with a few shedding crocodile tears before outright backing Starmer or doing nothing to oppose him, was extraordinary.

Neil Duncan-Jordan tabled an early day motion opposing the cut. It noted the worrying annual excess winter death figures among pensioners; recognises the impact a sharp rise in the energy price cap of 10% from 1 October will have on pensioners which will not be helped by introducing a bureaucratic and unpopular means test which undermines the benefits of universalism when older people have higher energy costs due to comorbidities and poor housing insulation; further recognises that colder homes make older people more susceptible to poor health, including hyperthermia, respiratory and circulatory disease.

All this and Duncan-Jordan could only abstain.

Rachael Maskell, a former head of health at the Unite trade union, also abstained. Debbie Abrahams, the Labour chair of Parliaments work and pensions committee, made a call for MPs to protect our most vulnerable citizens then voted to back Starmers cut!

But the most pathetic display was put on by the seven MPs suspended by Starmer after the July vote. Of these, just five voted with Trickett against the measure. The other twoRebecca Long-Bailey, who stood unsuccessfully against Starmer as the lefts successor to Corbyn in the 2019 leadership election, and Imran Hussainwere scared of further jeopardizing their Labour careers and abstained.

Their voting against required the five to do nothing more. There was no protest or demonstration called by any of the independents against the austerity measures being demanded by Starmer and his Chancellor Reeves. John McDonnell, the former shadow chancellor during Corbyns five years as Labour leader, instead crawled on his knees as he gave his reasons for voting against.

No fight could be organised against the Labour leadership, as the vote had been so heavily whipped, it is very difficult, McDonnell bleated. I have not the eloquence to persuade people to vote another way, to be honest. This meant, I just want to make this as a personal statement, so that my constituents know why I am voting the way that I will today.

McDonnell was sure to include the requisite apologias for Starmer and Reeves who unfortunately had made a decision based on, I believe, misjudgement. He declared, I agree with the Prime Minister and the Chancellor of the Exchequer that we must ensure financial stability and that our income matches our expenditure. Ahead of Reevess October budget in which more pain is already pledged, McDonnell said, I hope that people learn the lesson as we move towards this Budget not to put us in this position again

Neither was any action called by Corbyn, who also sits as an Independent in, if anything, an even more supine grouping of five MPs named the Independent Alliancehaving had the whip removed long ago by Starmer before being finally booted out of the party earlier this year.

Coward-in-chief Corbyn could not even bring himself to mention Starmer or the governing partywhich he was a member of for 50 yearswhen posting on X: I voted against cuts to winter fuel payments. Politics is about choices, and the government has chosen to push pensioners into poverty.

In an accompanying Tribune magazine piece Corbyn declared, I am proud to work alongside other MPs who were elected to speak up for a more equal world. He pleaded with the other wretched lefts, We believe austerity is the wrong choiceand our door is always open to those who want to choose differently.

The austerity agenda being carried out by Starmer and Reeves is a ruthless exposure of the Corbynites who happily co-existed with these Thatcherites for yearsas part of Corbyns plea for unity with the right-wing of the Labour family.

While in opposition, and as far back as a decade ago, Reeves was mapping out her intention, once in government, to slash the winter fuel payment as she denounced the Toriesat that point enforcing a brutal austerity programme which resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of peoplefor being too soft on welfare cuts.

In a March 25, 2014 parliamentary debate, Reeves told MPs, We are the party who have said that we will cut the winter fuel allowance for the richest pensioners and means-test that benefit to save money, but Government Members do not support that. The reality is that we are the party who are willing to take tough decisions to get the welfare bill down, whereas it is rising, not falling, under this Government.

None of this prevented Corbyn from working with Reeves, et al., when coming to office as party leader a year later. Instead of carrying out the mandate hundreds of thousands of Labour members and supporters gave him to drive these Blairites out, Corbyn and McDonnell capitulated on every front before handing the party leadership back to Starmer.
At a meeting of the Business Forum on September 4, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Sri Lankan presidential candidate of the National Peoples Power (NPP) led by Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), warned President Ranil Wickremesinghe to stop trying to scare the people, by saying that the countrys economy would collapse if he (Dissanayake) came to power.

NPP presidential candidate JVP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake addressing Business Forum on September 4, 2024 [Photo: NPP Facebook]

Wickremesinghe, also a presidential candidate, blamed Dissanayake for the recent fall of the Colombo stock market, claiming investors feared that the JVP/NPP leader would discontinue the present economic program. Wickremesinghes economic policy is to implement the harsh austerity measures dictated by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The Business Forum is a group of small businessmen and industrialists organised by the NPP. In a lengthy speech, Dissanayake pledged that a government under him would continue with the IMF agenda and protect all local and international investors.

In recent months, JVP/NPP leaders sometimes declared they would renegotiate the hated IMF program. This was purely to hoodwink workers and poor who are bitterly opposed to the austerity measures that have made deep inroads into living conditions through increased prices for essentials, tariffs and the near collapse of the public health service.

Dissanayakes speech to the Business Forum put to rest any doubt that the JVP/NPP would deviate even slightly from the IMFs demands. His comments make a mockery of the description in the local and international media of the JVP as a Marxist party. It is determined to demonstrate that it is a reliable and ruthless political tool for implementing the agenda of the capitalist class.

A government of the NPP, Dissanayake said, will do nothing to destabilise the economy and will aim instead to stabilise, strengthen and move the economy forward. He emphatically rejected any attempt to withdraw from the IMF agreement, saying it is not in the best interests of the people and we guarantee that we will not take such a step.

Dissanayake accepted the IMFs targets of a budget surplus of 2.3 percent of GDP from 2025, and the reduction of the public debt-to-GDP ratio to below 98 percent by 2032, saying only that his government would discuss with the IMF ways to achieve its given parameters.

A section of the Business Forum audience in Colombo, September 4, 2024 [Photo: Facebook/nppsrilanka]

The JVP/NPP is not only reassuring big business in Sri Lanka, but the IMF and international finance capital that it represents. Dissanayake criticised Wickremesinghe and opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) leader, Sajith Premadasa, from the right for making rival promises to increase public servants wages that clearly cannot be kept within the IMFs austerity program.

Privatisation will continue, Dissanayake pledged, except in a key sector such as energy due to national security. He reassured his business audience that the JVP/NPP considers the private sector to be the main engine of our economy. It has been locked by corruption, bribes and outdated laws. We will remove them. You do enterprises, we provide facilities for them, he said.

To the applause of the crowd, the NPP presidential candidate declared: For the first time, your interest is our interest, our interest is yours. We both are coinciding for the first time.

He lamented the state of the Sri Lankan economy, saying in 1951 South Korea was behind Sri Lanka but now it has expanded 50-fold compared to Sri Lanka. In 44 years, Sri Lanka has $22 billion in foreign direct investment, but Vietnam received $43 billion last year alone. The JVP/NPP, he declared, would bring the country to that level.

The JVP/NPP claims that all of Sri Lankas economic problems are the result of fraud and corruption. By ending political culture of corruption, the country can be put on a sound footing with a revival economy based on production. Its election manifesto fancifully declares, Rich Country! Beautiful Life!

No reference is made to the immense global economic crisis that engulfed Sri Lanka in 2022 and forced it to default on its debts. There will be no economic paradise for working people if Dissanayake or any of the other capitalist candidates come to power. The JVP/NPP will be ruthless in heaping new economic burdens on workers and the poor and suppressing any opposition.

The JVP/NPP has already signalled it will crack down on working class struggles. Leading figure K.D. Lal Kantha declared on July 1: We cant launch strikes as they are in conflict with masses. We have a chance to elect a government of a new model in the presidential election. Strikes are harmful to this effort.

Another leader, Nalinda Jayatissa, in an interview on July 19, made clear that class collaboration would be its watchword, stating: After NPP/JVP forms a government, the party and the government would become one, while trade unions and managements would work together.

The JVP/NPP played a key role during the mass uprising in April-July 2022 in diverting it into safe parliamentary channels to save capitalist rule. While masses were thronging the streets in the hundreds of thousands, Dissanayake speaking in parliament on April 7 declared his party was ready to consider any proposal for an interim government as long as President Gotabhaya Rajapakse resigned.

While he now inveighs against Wickremesinghe, Dissanayake and the JVP/NPP joined hands with the SJB, with the backing of the trade unions and the fake left Frontline Socialist Party, to promote the slogan of an interim government. That paved the way, when Rajapakse finally fled the country, for the undemocratic installation of the deeply unpopular, pro-US and pro-IMF Wickremesinghe as president.

Over the past two years, the JVP/NPP has also ensured that Wickremesinghe remained in office by diverting the mass opposition to the governments savage austerity measures into limited and futile strikes and protests to pressure the regime to make concessions.

The Socialist Equality Party (SEP) candidate, Pani Wijesiriwardena, is warning the working class of the enormous dangers they face and the need to mobilise its political and industrial strength to defend social and democratic rights in opposition to all capitalist parties. Amid the deep international economic crisis, for the workers and poor there is no solution within the capitalist system and no national solutions.

The SEP calls for the building of action committees of workers in every workplace, independent of all capitalist parties and trade union bureaucracies. We are also calling on the rural masses to build action committees in their areas and to rally with the working class in struggle.

We propose the convening of a Democratic and Socialist Congress of Workers and the Rural Masses, comprised of delegates of these action committees to discuss, decide and mobilise for the fight against the onslaught of the capitalist class and international finance capital, uniting with our international class brothers and sisters.

The SEP calls for the repudiation of all foreign debt, rejects the IMFs austerity agenda entirely and fights for socialist policies. This struggle will open the way for establishing a workers and peasants government and the implementation of socialist and internationalist policies.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang addresses the UAE-China Business Forum in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, Sept. 12, 2024. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

DUBAI, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Thursday called on enterprises from China and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to seize new cooperation opportunities through the continued and steadfast mutual efforts of both countries.

Li, who is paying an official visit to the UAE, made the remarks here while addressing the UAE-China Business Forum.

Noting that China-UAE relations are at a historic juncture and economic and trade cooperation is facing a crucial point for upgrading, Li expressed hope that business sectors of both countries will seize the major trend and open up new opportunities for cooperation.

First, he called on enterprises from China and the UAE to seize the new opportunities of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. The two countries should base their cooperation on bilateral relations while keeping a global perspective to explore partnerships and expand markets, he said.

It is hoped that the two countries could deepen cooperation in areas such as connectivity, infrastructure development and financing to promote their deeper integration into global industrial and supply chains, he said.

Secondly, the premier called on China and the UAE to seize the new opportunities of the docking of each other's development strategies. The two countries should identify more areas of shared interests and opportunities for cooperation from the intersection of their strategic priorities, and deepen cooperation in trade, new energy, tourism, and other sectors, Li added.

Thirdly, he urged both sides to jointly seize the burgeoning opportunities in technological and industrial innovation, harness innovation as a driving force, and advance cooperation in cutting-edge fields such as advanced manufacturing, the digital economy, and artificial intelligence, and work together to seize future development opportunities.

More UAE companies are welcome to invest in China, Li said, expressing belief that with the joint efforts of entrepreneurs from both countries, bilateral economic and trade cooperation will continue to thrive, further promoting the development and prosperity of both countries.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the UAE, Li said, noting that since then, bilateral ties have matured, with economic and trade cooperation yielding fruitful results.

Behind this lies a profound inevitability, which is rooted in the long-standing trade traditions of the two countries, aligned development philosophies, and shared values, Li said, adding that China-UAE economic and trade exchanges have spanned over a millennium and are closely intertwined, with their friendship and trust continually deepening.

Both China and the UAE have actively embraced economic globalization, worked together to create miracles of development through opening-up, and promoted mutual benefit and win-win results through cooperation, he said.

The premier said that both China and the UAE belong to the Asian family, and the Asian people have a firm and persistent desire for peace, unity and cooperation and have made unremitting efforts to this end.

Noting that Asia has generally enjoyed peace, stability and rapid development in the past few decades, Li said that this common pursuit of value is even more valuable amidst global changes and turmoil, and thus should be cherished and upheld.

Over 200 representatives from the governments, chambers of commerce, and businesses of China and the UAE attended the forum.

UAE business representatives spoke highly of China's development dynamism and market potential, expressing their eagerness to increase investment in China under the framework of Belt and Road cooperation, and to strengthen collaboration in areas such as infrastructure, technological innovation and energy, so as to achieve mutual benefit and win-win outcomes. 

Chinese Premier Li Qiang addresses the UAE-China Business Forum in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, Sept. 12, 2024. (Xinhua/Yue Yuewei)
The United States and United Kingdom will imminently announce a major expansion of Ukrainian strikes deep inside Russia using NATO weapons, the Guardian and Politico reported on Wednesday.

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy (center) and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (right) are welcomed by Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Minister Andrii Sybiha (left) for a meeting in Kiev, Ukraine on Wednesday, September 11, 2024. [AP Photo/Leon Neal]

The announcement will come just days after Ukraine launched its largest drone barrage deep inside Russian territory on Monday, for the first time killing someone in Moscow and destroying dozens of homes in the capital city of a nuclear-armed state.

The move was discussed between US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Minister David Lammy during their meetings with Ukrainian officials in Kiev on Wednesday.

When asked whether Ukraine needs this long-range capability of striking into Russian territory, Blinken replied that we discussed long-range fires with Ukrainian officials and that it would be further discussed when US President Joe Biden meets UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Washington on Friday.

He continued, From day one, as you heard me say, we have adjusted and adapted as needs have changed, as the battlefield has changed, and I have no doubt that we will continue to do so as this evolves.

Regarding the discussions, the Guardian reported, 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.

When asked on Tuesday about allowing expanded strikes inside Russia, Biden replied, Were working that out now.

Politico cited Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chair Ben Cardin as saying he would not be surprised if the decision had already been made. The report continued, 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.

The news outlet noted, But it would be considered unnecessarily provocative to make a public announcement about long-range missiles in Kyiv.

In other words, the announcement will take place in a proverbial Friday night news dump to make the fact that NATO weapons will be raining down on Russian cities appear less provocative and to keep this development, which threatens to dramatically escalate the war, out of public consciousness.

In a statement on X, Lammy declared, 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.

Blinken framed the massively provocative action being prepared by the US and UK as a response to an escalation by Russia. And weve now seen this action of Russia, 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, Blinken said.

On Monday, a group of leading House Republicans published a letter to President Biden calling for the lifting of all remaining restrictions on the use of NATO-provided weapons from Ukraine.

The letter demanded, We write to urge you to lift the remaining restrictions on Ukraines use of U.S.-provided long-range systems, specifically Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS), against legitimate military targets deeper inside Russia.

The letter declared that concerns about escalation have been consistently invalidated since day one of the war. It asserted, Neither Ukraines use of U.S.-provided weapons in Russia nor its military incursion into Russias Kursk regionthe first foreign occupation of Russian territory since World War IIhas triggered a Russian escalatory response.

Commenting on the reporting by the Guardian, Russian Senator Aleksey Pushkov wrote on Telegram, The decision to strike Russian territory is clearly being prepared. ... There are too many conversations and hints about it for it to be reversed. Even if it has not been made yet, it looks like it will be a matter of days. The leak via The Guardian is not accidental. Public opinion is being prepared.

Anatoly Antonov, the Russian Ambassador to the US, declared that Washington continues to test the limits of our tolerance for hostile steps and is paving the way to World War III.

On Wednesday, former Kremlin adviser Sergey Karaganov gave an interview to the Kommersant daily in which he urged the country to be prepared to use nuclear weapons in response to NATO attacks. We have allowed the situation to deteriorate to a point when our adversaries believe we will not use nuclear weapons under any circumstances. ... Having nuclear weapons without being able to convince your enemies that you are ready to use them is suicide.

He added, The main goal of a doctrine should be in convincing all current and future enemies that Russia is ready to use nuclear weapons. He added, Its high time we stated that any massive strikes against our territory give us a right to respond with a nuclear strike.

The massive escalation of the US-NATO war against Russia forms the backdrop of Wednesdays presidential debate in which Vice President Kamala Harris pledged that her candidacy would be dedicated to ensuring we have the most lethal fighting force in the world in order to defend Americas standing in the world.
On Wednesday, Boeing workers met to found the new Boeing Workers Rank-and-File Committee. Their founding statement is below.

To contact the committee, text (406) 414-7648 or email boeingworkersrfc@gmail.com. Alternatively, fill out the form at the bottom of this article to be put in touch.

Boeing workers at an anti-contract rally in Everett, Washington, September 9, 2024 [Photo: @rae.abby via Tiktok]

We, the Boeing Workers Rank-and-File Committee, urge workers to vote down this sellout contract by the widest possible margin today.

The deal meets none of our demands, from the insulting 25 percent pay raise, to the elimination of the AMPP bonus, no restoration of pensions, loopholes allowing emergency overtime, the addition of a probation period where new workers can be fired at will, and a worthless pledge to build a new jet that wont even exist during the life of the contract.

Boeing used to be considered a dream job before our pensions were taken away, and it must be returned to that status. Boeing workers hold certifications and we are legally liable for work we perform. This new contract does not come close to reflecting that. At a minimum, we should be able to afford homes in the communities where the live, without having to work overtime.

That the IAM officials had the nerve to send this contract to us is a declaration that they, including District 751 President Jon Holden, dont speak for us but for Boeing. They have made us suffer through a 16-year contract with no raises for a decade. They have violated our 99.9 percent strike vote.

They are helping Boeing to force the cost of their crisis onto us. But we arent responsible for the reckless cost-cutting which has killed hundreds. We take pride in our work and take safety seriously. We refuse to be made to pay for the criminality of Boeings executives and shareholders!

The first step is to send this contract into the garbage. But we must take matters into our own hands. We cant waste any time on wishful thinking that a no vote will force the IAM bureaucrats to hear us. They wont be won over because their bread is buttered on the other side.

There is no shortage of dirty tricks that they may pull. They may refuse or delay calling a strike. If they do call a strike, they may try to starve us out on the picket line before making us vote again on the same deal. We must also be prepared for White House intervention, like on the railroads in 2022.

Holden is now saying that they are endorsing the contract because we cant guarantee that we can achieve more in a strike. They are trying to scare us. But what is true is that, if Holden and the other bureaucrats hold the reins, the only result will be a sellout as in 2008, 2014 and countless other times.

This is why we have founded the Boeing Workers Rank-and-File Committee. The mass protests over the past few days have shown our collective power. But this power must be organized so that Boeing workers can take control and countermand decisions that violate our will.

We urge our coworkers to turn the next rallies into mass meetings, where we collectively and democratically decide what we are going to do next. We propose the following:

A strike must take place midnight on Friday. If one is not called, we call on our coworkers to organize to enforce their decision. The strategy of the strike itself must also be under rank-and-file control. In particular, we must demand full strike pay from day one, paid out of the IAMs $300 million assets.

We must fan out to workplaces everywhere, in all industries, to build support and joint actions. Workers everywhere will be inspired by the stand we make. We must turn our struggle into a movement of the whole working class, who are fighting the same issues we are.

In particular, we must reach out to the 50,000 Washington state public workers, who walked out Tuesday against inadequate pay increases. We must also reach out to the whole Boeing workforce, including nonunion workers at the plant in South Carolina.

We must reach out to railroad workers, who are also fighting new sellout contracts. And to East Coast dockworkers, who are pushing to strike by October 1, and where union officials are making the same bluster the IAM did over the summer. And we must appeal to UPS workers and autoworkers, who are fighting mass layoffs after contracts that their unions falsely claimed to be huge victories.

We must also appeal for worldwide support, especially Airbus workers in Europe who are also facing huge cuts. We must reject the divide-and-conquer nationalism that pits us against workers in other countries who have the same interests as we do.

Our committee is affiliated with others like it around the world through the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC). This will give Boeing workers the ability to establish lines of contact and coordinate with workers internationally who are also fighting sellout contracts.

Next, there must be rank-and-file oversight over all future talks. Last Friday the IAM said they were far apart, then announced a deal two days later. This shows they were lying all along.

A new bargaining committee must be elected, chosen solely from rank-and-file workers, not union officials. Once a deal is reached, the full contract must be made available for a week to give us adequate time to review and discuss it.

There must be full transparency over the voting itself through rank-and-file oversight, and independent monitoring and vote-counting in public. We cant have a situation like the disorganized second vote in 2014, which was also timed to coincide with a holiday to drive down turnout.

And finally, we must discuss our own demands, establishing our own red lines for any future contract.

We propose these demands include:

A 50 percent pay increase, plus COLA retroactive to 2014, tied to prices in the Seattle area.

The hiring back of all safety positions cut by management.

Rank-and-file control over safety. No plane can be delivered without the approval of workers who built it. Workers must have the right to override any attempt to rush through inspections or cut corners.

Complete restoration of the pensions we were forced to give up.

Maintenance of the AMPP but based solely on safety, not production.

No probationary employee clause.

The elimination of mandatory overtime.

Better health insurance.

Additional floating vacation days.

If you agree with this, then join us! Contact us to begin the fight for rank-and-file control by texting (406) 414-7648.
Sydney Mwamba, executive director at the Policy Monitoring and Research Center, speaks during an interview with Xinhua in Lusaka, Zambia on Sept. 5, 2024. Mwamba said in an interview that China's success in poverty alleviation, infrastructure development and technological advancement provides a model for African countries to achieve sustainable development.(Xinhua/Peng Lijun)

LUSAKA, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- China's modernization provides a valuable roadmap for African countries, a Zambian think-tank chief recently said.

Sydney Mwamba, the executive director at the Policy Monitoring and Research Center, said in an interview that China's success in poverty alleviation, infrastructure development and technological advancement provides a model for African countries to achieve sustainable development.

He believes Africa can draw lessons from China's journey, which has transformed the country from an agrarian society into a global economic powerhouse.

Mwamba said the Chinese government has "worked to uplift everyone out of poverty and is striving so hard to reduce inequality." He highlighted the importance of China's development path, which balances economic growth with social progress.

He further stressed the need for infrastructure modernization in Africa, particularly in railways and roads, to facilitate the free movement of goods, services and people.

Mwamba praised China's focus on green development, noting its relevance for Africa, which is grappling with the effects of climate change and energy shortages. He said China's experience in renewable energy, such as solar and wind, could help Africa overcome its energy challenges.

Noting that many African countries lag in technology and innovation, resulting in low productivity, he believes China's advancements in agriculture could help modernize Africa's sector and boost productivity.

Mwamba supported China's call for increased value addition to Africa's raw materials. He noted that Africa has long been an exporter of raw materials and advocated for a shift toward value-added production to drive economic development.

He expressed gratification with China-supported economic zones in African countries like Zambia, where manufacturing is emerging. Mwamba said establishing such zones have been successful in China, and are promising for Africa's industrialization.

Mwamba was encouraged by the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC)'s focus on practical, result-oriented partnerships, underscoring China's commitment to Africa's sustainable development.

He commended the China-proposed 10 partnership actions to jointly advance modernization with Africa, particularly the partnership action for connectivity, which aligns with the African Union's Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area.

"This is not just a rhetoric," Mwamba added. "It's about measurable outcomes in the various sectors such as agriculture, health, trade, infrastructure, technology and many more areas which China intends to continue cooperating with African countries." 
NAIROBI, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- The seventh edition of the International Industrial Expo opened in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi Thursday with senior officials and industry executives reiterating the call for enhanced commercial ties with China to hasten economic growth.

Nearly 200 exhibitors, mostly from China, are participating in the three-day expo to showcase diverse products ranging from farm machinery, automotive parts, renewable energy solutions, leather and electronic devices.

Afripeak Expo Kenya Limited has organized the event in conjunction with the Kenya Investment Authority (KenInvest) and Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, a business lobby.

Pius Rotich, general manager for Investment Promotion and Business Development at KenInvest, said the expo will help showcase the country as an industrial, trading and logistics hub.

"This expo reaffirms the fact that Kenya is ready for trade and investments. The government is committed to rolling out incentives to international investors for them to set up manufacturing bases locally," Rotich said.

Rotich said the huge presence of Chinese exhibitors pointed to the flourishing ties with the Asian nation in crucial sectors including manufacturing, electric mobility and construction.

Running under the theme of "Investing in Tomorrow-Trading for Prosperity," the expo seeks to inject vitality into Kenya's manufacturing sector, besides creating a platform for local investors to forge ties with their Chinese counterparts.

Gao Wei, managing director at Afripeak Expo Kenya Limited, said this year's expo aims to boost Kenya-China industrial cooperation and elevate trade and flow of innovations required to boost the competitiveness of local businesses.

According to Gao, Kenyan firms domiciled in the manufacturing sector will be accorded the opportunity to showcase their products to international visitors at the expo while they scout for partnerships with their Chinese counterparts to foster growth.

Kennedy Onditi, national director at Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said since its inception in 2018, the expo has unlocked trade and investments between China and Kenya, facilitated technology transfer and established joint ventures on product development.

Onditi added that during the three-day expo, Kenyan and Chinese investors will have an opportunity to explore partnerships in agro-processing, green energy, construction and the digital economy. 
NAIROBI, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Chinese telecoms company Huawei will support the efforts of Africa's tower companies (TowerCos) to diversify their energy sources and reduce their carbon footprint, a senior executive said Wednesday at a forum in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital.

Li Shaolong, president of Huawei Site Power Facility Domain, stressed that tower companies play a crucial role in establishing digital infrastructure in Africa, which highlights the importance of rallying behind their green ambitions.

"As the demand for mobile connectivity continues to rise, TowerCos face increasing pressure to ensure energy reliability and sustainability, particularly in regions with limited access to stable power grids," Li said.

Tower sites, according to Li, are often located in remote areas and heavily rely on diesel generators that are costly to operate, vulnerable to fuel supply disruptions, and harmful to the environment by emitting massive greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

"Huawei's energy solutions are designed to address these challenges by integrating renewable energy technologies such as solar power and advanced energy storage systems," Li said.

He emphasized Huawei's long-term goal to help Africa's tower companies transition to green energy solutions, adding that Huawei will provide the continent's tower companies with end-to-end energy infrastructure alongside intelligent operations and maintenance solutions.

Through sustained energy diversification, African tower companies will explore new business models and expand their revenue streams, according to Li.

He observed that by deploying Huawei's smart power solution, tower companies can centrally manage multiple energy inputs and outputs through a single power platform.

The core aims of Huawei Site Power Facility, according to Li, are to support network evolution, increase the tenancy ratio, help tower companies reduce energy costs, and hasten green development.

He said Huawei will enhance the partnership with Africa's tower companies to innovate and align their energy infrastructure with a green ethos. 
LUSAKA, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- China and Zambia on Thursday announced a paired hospital cooperation mechanism between the National Health Commission of China and Zambia's Ministry of Health.

The agreement will result in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University of China and Zambia's Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital establishing a cooperation mechanism in the field of prostatic specialty.

Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Han Jing said the agreement will result in China helping Zambia strengthen the construction of local urinary surgery, introduce advanced minimally invasive technology, send a short-term group of experts to carry out clinical diagnosis as well as provide training courses and guidance to local health personnel in the departments of urinary surgery.

China has donated relevant medical materials and equipment aimed at improving the diagnosis and treatment of prostatic disorders, according to Han.

The Chinese envoy said China has helped the Zambian hospital build a urological laparoscopy center and is also building a minimally invasive center for prostate cancer while a team of medical experts is expected to arrive in Zambia this year to carry out related activities.

According to him, public health cooperation is an important part of the friendly cooperation between China and Africa and that building a China-Africa community of health for all is an integral part of a shared future.

China has dispatched a total of 25 batches of medical teams to Zambia over the years. The medical teams have diagnosed and treated 6.4 million patients and performed more than 39,000 operations as well as introduced more than 1,000 new technologies and health projects in Zambia.

China will work with Zambia to deepen cooperation and foster an even stronger all-weather, all-dimensional strategic cooperation, said the ambassador, adding that in the next three years, China and African countries will advance the cooperation mechanism between paired-up Chinese and African hospitals, establish a China-Africa hospital alliance, and continue to improve the services and management of Chinese and African medical institutions.

"China will continue to send Chinese medical teams and public health experts to Zambia by sharing experiences and good practices in medical treatment and disease prevention and control management, offering free medical services as well as medical and health technology training," he said.

Kenedy Lishimpi, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Health in Charge of Technical Services, said the agreement will improve service delivery and strengthen the construction of local urinary surgery as well as promote the improvement of diagnosis and treatment levels of prostatic disorders.

He said the availability of advanced equipment in hospitals in the country will benefit local people as the equipment will help the hospitals operate at an optimal level and provide affordable and effective health care.

He thanked China for its contribution to the improvement of the health sector in Zambia by providing technical support in the areas of human resources, equipment, medical supplies and infrastructure.

Mainga Muleya, one of the health workers, who were sent to China to undergo training under the paired program, said the training has improved his skills and the donated equipment will help the health workers conduct surgeries efficiently. 
You're Going to Want to Know Everything About Griselda Blanco, the Woman at the Center of Netflix's 'Griselda'?

Babe, wake up. Sofia Vergara is nominated for an Emmy and just in time for mob boss wife season  IYKYK! Vergara starred in Netflixs new series Griselda, which tells the story of Griselda Blanco, an infamous Colombian drug lord. It is through gritted teeth that we fight the urge to say girlboss, as we support womens rights (and wrongs).

The crime series comes from the Narcos creative team  so you know its good. Before we dive into the series (and reignite our collection obsession with Sofia Vergara), lets talk about the woman of the hour, Griselda Blanco.

Who Is Griselda Blanco?

Known as the Black Widow and Cocaine Godmother, Griselda Blanco rose to power in 1970s Miami as a member of the Medellin Cartel  allegedly. If youre not caught up on the inner workings of the cartel, allow us to SparkNote it for you. The Medellin Cartel was led by Pablo Escobar, whose history was depicted in the series Narcos, which is also streaming on Netflix.

Blanco was born in Cartagena, Colombia and moved to Medellin as a young child, introducing her to the world of crime before she learned to ride a bike. Her early life was not a shiny one. Blanco was sexually abused by her mothers boyfriend, pushing her to run away at the age of 19 and submit to a life of petty crime to get by. Much is alleged about Blancos early years, including a claim from her former flame that she allegedly kidnapped, ransomed, and shot a child at the age of 11.

Blanco immigrated to the United States with fraudulent papers in 1964 and set up her first US-based drug operation in Queens, New York. By 1975, she was indicted on federal drug conspiracy charges and fled back to Colombia, only to return to Miami a few years later.

Shop Now Watch 'Griselda' on Netflix netflix.com

Like any good crime boss, her presence was marked by many unclaimed and un-investigated crimes. Upon her return to Miami, there was a spike in local homicides by the hundreds, sparking the Miami Drug War, also known as the Cocaine Cowboy Wars. Her drug distribution network generated upwards of $80 million per month and led to the creation of an anti-drug tactical unit in Miami.

By 1985, Blanco was arrested for reasons we need not explain further, and she was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison. While in prison, she was charged with additional murders, which she organized with a trusted hitman from behind bars.

In 2004, Blanco was released from prison and deported to Medellin, largely due to the health problems she suffered as a life-long smoker.

Where is Griselda Blanco Now?

The only place well be seeing the Cocaine Godmother is on our screens, in the form of Hollywoods most beautiful actress. Blanco was assassinated in September of 2012 at the age of 69. On the day of her death, Blanco visited a butcher shop in Medellin with her pregnant daughter-in-law and was shot twice by an assassin on a motorcycle upon exiting the shop. A strangely poetic death in Cartel Land, this style of assassination was one that Blanco was often credited with ordering in Miami during her peak of power.

In the years preceding her death, Blanco led a quiet life, became a born-again Christian, and stayed away from crime. Still, she is remembered as one of the most notorious drug lords in recent history, and the latest to be immortalized on screen.

The role was quite a departure for our girl Sofia, but she was able to swing the audience and award voters with her incredible performance. And now she is up for an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for her role!

Watch 'Griselda' on Netflix

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Get ready for a sizzling new thriller as Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Shailene Woodley join forces for "Killer Heat," a new murder mystery film set in the sun-soaked paradise of Greece.

Amazon MGM Studios' latest hit features Gordon-Levitt as private detective Nick Bali who is on a high-stakes mission on the island of Crete, investigating what appears to be the accidental death of a young man from a wealthy family.

The trailer for the upcoming film has just dropped, and fans are already gushing over Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Shailene Woodley's roles in the murder mystery.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt And Shailene Woodley Join Forces For A New Movie

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As the case unfolds, Gordon-Levitts character delves into the dark backstory of the islands elite, uncovering hidden motives and family secrets.

Things heat up when Richard Madden plays both the victim, Leo Vardakis, and his identical twin, Elias. Woodley steps into the role of Elias wife, whos convinced that a family conspiracy might be behind the murder of one of the twins.

"There's a part of me, as I think there's a part of so many of us, that just loves reading a good mystery," Gordon-Levitt told People Magazine of the movie, which is based on Jo Nesb's "The Jealousy Man."

Joseph Gordon-Levitt Talks Filming 'Killer Heat'

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Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Shailene Woodley, and Richard Madden took their roles to the next level by filming "Killer Heat" on location in Crete. Gordon-Levitt, who has long harbored a desire to travel for work, shared that shooting in such an exotic locale was a dream come true.

"I just consider it such a privilege. I feel so lucky," he told the outlet. "I've gotten to go to lots of different places and there are very, very few places I've been that were more beautiful than the island of Crete. I've never been to Greece before getting to do this movie, and it's a cliche  the beauty of Greece  but it's a cliche for a reason. It's flipping beautiful!"

"I think if you're like me and you are enticed by some juicy characters, and gorgeous settings, Shea and Richard both are so good in the setting of the island of Crete, you really couldn't ask for a more beautiful place in the world," Gordon-Levitt continued. "If you want to just let a vibe wash over you, I think you'll enjoy this movie."

'Killer Heat' Is Inspired By A Short Story

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Inspired by Jo Nesbs short story "The Jealousy Man," "Killer Heat" centers on American ex-pat detective Nick Bali (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) as he investigates the supposedly accidental death of prominent shipping mogul Leo Vardakis (Richard Madden) on the picturesque island of Crete.

While police reports suggest a tragic accident, Vardakis' sister-in-law (Shailene Woodley) suspects foul play and believes the truth is being buried.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt And Shailene Woodley On Set For 'Killer Heat'

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A few weeks back, some intriguing images hit the internet showing Joseph Gordon-Levitt channeling his inner noir detective for "Killer Heat." Dressed to impress with a slick hat and a dapper look, Gordon-Levitt is seen ready for action with a bag in hand, set to carry out his investigation.

Shailene Woodley also makes an appearance in the photos, hinting at her role in assisting Gordon-Levitts character as they delve into the films dark mystery.

'Killer Heat' Promises An Intriguing Plot

Based on Jo Nesbs intricate short story "The Jealousy Man," "Killer Heat" promises a web of intrigue with a plot involving numerous characters entangled in the crime scene. While specific details about the plot and supporting characters remain under wraps, the films rich, multi-layered narrative is set to unfold.

The new film marks a long-awaited reunion for Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Shailene Woodley, who previously starred together in 2016s "Snowden." Gordon-Levitt revealed that although he and Woodley hadnt spoken in a few years, they effortlessly slipped back into their old camaraderie and friendship while working on this new project.

"That's how you know it's a real good friend, and that's just like it was with Shae," he told People Magazine of his relationship with Woodley. "I was like, 'Hey, want to go to Greece?' I'm so happy it worked out."

"Killer Heat" is streaming globally on Prime Video on September 26.
Mdou Moctar delivers scorching solos at the NPR offices  and even ditches his Strat for an Acoustasonic

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Credit: NPR/YouTube

Mdou Moctar has been busy of late touring his most recent album, Funeral For Justice, and one of his latest stops was an NPR Tiny Desk Concert. While many artists go acoustic for their Tiny Desk setup, Moctar's session was unapologetically electric.

The Tuareg guitarist wields his trusty American Professional Series left-handed white Strat and leads the session with effortless charisma.

Accompanied by his bandmates  Ahmoudou Madassane on rhythm guitar, bassist and producer Mikey Coltun, and drummer-turned-kick-and-djembe combo player Souleymane Ibrahim  he delivers a mesmerizing set with scorching solos that showcase some of the album's standout tracks, namely Imouhar, Funeral for Justice, and Takoba. For the latter, Moctar swaps the classic Strat hes now associated with for a left-handed American Acoustasonic Telecaster.

In terms of amps, the session is best encapsulated by a fan's comment, They brought Orange stacks to a Tiny Desk, the absolute mad lads! Moctar uses an Orange Rockerverb 50 MKIII head, coupled with a 212 Orange cabinet.

In a recent interview with Guitar World, Moctar explained why the Strat is his workhorse guitar. I still like the Stratocaster. First of all, I really like the sound it produces and the dimensions fit perfectly with my body  and it doesnt hurt me. So thats what Im looking for in a guitar.

However, despite his preference for Strats, he did assert that a guitarist's tone can only be developed through hard work. I do think it helps a player progress if they like the sound theyre producing. But, to me, the most important thing is how hard you work. You have to just keep practicing, over and over, and push past your limits to really produce good music, just like in other fields, he insists.

You could be given the best instruments in the world, but if you dont know how to play well, its not going to sound good. However, if youve worked a lot and then you start to get some good instruments, itll really be something. But it comes down to work.

Last month, Moctar released a live session at the Kings Palace in Agadez, Niger, where he and his band were joined by traditional dancers, swordsmen, and upwards of 20 camels.
When it comes to wanderlust, women seem more keen to grab their passports and follow it.

Women travel more often than their male peers, making up 56% of leisure travelers, according to travel media brand AFAR. And increasingly, those trips are solo trips, with nary a spouse, friend or family member in sight.

But traveling alone, especially as a woman, can be intimidating. Seventy percent of women worry about their personal safety while traveling alone, according to a recent poll from the popular travel site Solo Female Travelers.

Those concerns are heightened for women who are minorities. If youre a queer woman, for instance, you might wonder how likely you are to get weird stares or harassed, especially if youre with your partner.

When you visit a location that makes you feel safe, you want to share it, not gatekeep it. With that in mind, we asked travel writers to share the international travel destinations that made them feel extra safe as women solo travelers. See what they had to say below. (And, of course, still make sure you do your own research about the safety of places you want to travel to  whether theyre mentioned here or not.)

Ecuador

As an older woman, one country I loved traveling on my own to is Ecuador. I stayed in small towns in both of these places for several months and found the people welcoming, and after a while, I just became a part of the community. I dont think its the place that makes you feel secure  I think its the way you approach and view the world. When you trust yourself and have faith in others, safety becomes less destination-specific and more about being aware of where you are and the potential risks. When you treat others as you would want to be treated, the world is a welcoming place.  Carolyn Ray, CEO and editor at JourneyWoman

I have spent a lot of time in Latin America, and while some of the countries left me feeling on edge, Ecuador  specifically Quito, Ecuador  was the complete opposite. This is one of the warmest countries I have been to, and its so easy to make friends and build a community. For me, after a long time traveling through the Amazon, I was finally able to feel secure again in Quito.  Amy Aed, a travel writer from Swansea, Wales, who runs the blog Wandering Everywhere

"When you trust yourself and have faith in others, safety becomes less destination-specific and more about being aware of where you are and the potential risks," said travel writer Carolyn Ray, pictured here in Ecuador. Carolyn Ray

Thailand

This is a country where Ive made many incredibly dumb choices  like passing out solo at a rasta bar on Railay Beach. But when I woke up, the bartender had covered me with a towel and locked up my purse behind the bar. Thailand has a tourism-driven economy, and they know how to take care of their guests. They even have a dedicated tourist police division. In a place where hospitality is practically a national sport, its easy to feel safe, even when your judgment might be a bit ... compromised. Alexa West, a travel writer who lives in Seattle

"Thailand has a tourism-driven economy, and they know how to take care of their guests," said travel writer Alexa West. Alexa West

Guatemala

I loved Guatemala and rave about it as a solo travel destination that is really safe and easy to travel for anyone. As a solo female traveler, I felt very safe there, which was a vast contrast to the comments I had received before traveling to Central America solo. I was told by someone very well-traveled that I would get shot, and yet I felt safer walking alone at night than I have done in the UK. Guatemala is a beautiful country with friendly, warm and welcoming local people and incredible experiences such as volcano hikes and hiking through jungles to hidden temples. Its also really easy to meet other travelers, which adds a layer of security and comfort for solo travelers.  Lucy Ruthnum, creator of the solo travel blog Absolutely Lucy

Travel writer Lucy Ruthnum on top of the Pacaya volcano in Guatemala while solo traveling. Lucy Ruthnum

Slovenia

I got into solo travel in 2015 when I wanted to take a trip but my friends werent available. At first, I was worried I might get lonely, but I learned there were usually friends to be made. Once I got used to my own company, I never looked back. As for favorites, Slovenia is one place I felt totally safe in. The peaceful nature and small lakeside towns felt idyllic. Knowing the country has such little crime was a reassuring statistic.  Rose Munday, travel writer at Where Goes Rose?

The peaceful nature and small lakeside towns in Slovenia "felt idyllic," said Rose Munday. Rose Munday

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Knowing the U.S.s history with Vietnam, I wasnt sure how Id be received. It was a bucket list destination, and I had read about mixed experiences. I found that the people are incredible, and they went out of their way making me feel welcomed in their city. It began my first night and ended my last afternoon. I usually keep my head on a swivel and am skeptical of peoples intentions, but I accept there needs to be some trust when engaging with others I dont know.

I had read about the Saigon shuffle, the act of safely crossing the street in a city with millions of motorbikes that dont stop. In an act of trust, the way to cross the street is just step out into motorbike traffic and walk steadily across, and the motorbikes will maneuver around you, as if youre a log floating across a river and the water moves around you. (Sidebar: This does NOT work with cars/trucks, you need to wait for them to stop at lights, etc.) I had also read that if a local notices a Westerner looking nervous about crossing the street, theyll jump in between the Westerner and oncoming traffic to escort them across.

During my first night, this is exactly what happened. After settling in my Vietnamese hotel, I walked to find dinner and was nervous crossing the main thoroughfare, it was a stream of endless motorbikes. I took a breath, stepped into traffic and prayed I wouldnt get hit. My panic must have been evident because as I stepped off the curb, a local, young woman jumped to my side, guarding me from oncoming traffic, and when we reached the double yellow line in the road, she jumped to my other side, shielding me from traffic coming in the other direction. When we safely crossed, I said, cam on (thank you in Vietnamese), and we parted ways.

As I explored by foot, locals approached wanting to practice English. At first, this was intimidating, but I embraced the opportunities and viewed them as mini cultural exchanges.  Jennifer Huber, a travel writer from North Port, Florida, who runs the travel site SoloTravelGirl.com

Jennifer Huber on a motorbike in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, in April 2016. Jennifer Huber

The Greek Islands

I love the Greek islands, specifically the island of Milos. I felt incredibly safe visiting this Cycladic island alone. What I loved most about Milos was how relaxed, friendly and genuinely welcoming everyone was to me as a solo female traveler. Milos is a quieter island without the intense nightlife youd find on other islands like Mykonos, which I appreciated. Its a destination where I could truly relax, free from worry or judgment for being on my own. Navigating the island was easy! Renting a car wasnt scary because the island is very mellow. And when I didnt feel like driving, I could rely on the public bus, which was clean and safe.  Melissa Byron, a travel writer from Boston currently living in Lisbon, Portugal, who runs the blog A Solo Woman Traveling

Melissa Byron in Milos, her favorite Greek island. Melissa Byron

Bosnia And Herzegovina

A recent trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina put this lesser-known country high on my radar for solo travelers. Its such an underrated gem in the heart of Europe, with such a sad history but such a beautiful and vibrant culture that you simply need to experience. My lack of knowledge about this country made me feel unsure of what to expect, but I felt really safe and comfortable walking around solo, even with a distinct language barrier. The hospitality of the local people makes you feel instantly at home, and if you love getting outdoors and active, there are amazing hikes with breathtaking scenery of mountain vistas, waterfalls and gorges. I even had the opportunity to visit the most isolated and remote mountain village in the entire country and ended up dancing with the locals while dining on the local delicacies.  Ruthnum

A recent trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina put this lesser-known country high on my radar for solo travelers," said travel writer Lucy Ruthnum. Marco Cristofori via Getty Images

Taiwan

Taiwan is one of the safest and most welcoming places Ive visited. The cities of Taichung and Taipei in particular. I was told you could leave your bag on a table and leave and no one would touch it. Everyone is super friendly and helpful. When I visited, I was waiting for the bus, and a local was helping me make sure I was on the right bus and even pointed me to the stop I needed to get off of. I loved the cafe culture here. There were so many cute cafes, and it was the perfect place to hang out as a solo traveler. There are many fantastic places to discover in Taiwan, and its super underrated.  Jackie Rezk, a travel writer from London who runs the site JouJouTravels.com

"Taiwan is one of the safest and most welcoming places Ive visited," Jackie Rezk said. Jackie Rezk

Ireland

I have traveled solo to Ireland four times. I love it! Its honestly an amazing destination for solo female travelers: small, safe, English-speaking and full of friendly locals. In addition to being safe for solo female travelers, its also just a fantastic destination to visit with wonderful nature, music, pubs and scenery. I particularly recommend traveling to Dingle and the west coast of Ireland.  Ashley Fleckenstein, a travel blogger and freelance writer

Ireland is "honestly an amazing destination for solo female travelers: small, safe, English-speaking and full of friendly locals," Ashley Fleckenstein said. Ashley Fleckenstein

Panama

Petty theft is something to consider when visiting Panama solo, but after two weeks there I never had any issues. The people were friendly, and I was able to figure everything out even with really bad Spanish skills. I sailed on a boat with strangers in the middle of nowhere. I took the local buses. I was even there during a protest that stayed peaceful. The worst thing that happened was a catcall in Panama City, but that never made me feel scared. I just kept walking along, and it stopped right away.

The hostels there are amazing for solo travelers  theyre some of the best Ive stayed in. Id recommend Bambuda Lodge in Bocas del Toro and The Lost and Found Hostel in the jungle.  Allison Kowalkowski, travel writer at The Daydreamer Next Door

"In Panama people were friendly, and I was able to figure everything out even with really bad Spanish skills," Allison Kowalkowski said. Allison Kowalkowski

Argentina

Im obsessed with Argentina  totally fell in love with it ... I have never met nicer, more welcoming, exceptionally friendly people. They want you to feel at home, and they love to create a good impression. They are an incredibly passionate country and do this always with passion and a smile on their face. Like any place with big cities, there are nice areas and some less nice areas. I traveled around for six years alone and always felt secure.  Kirsteen Cowan, a travel writer and creator of the program Solo Travel Masterclass

Kirsteen Cowan in Buenos Aires, Argentina, at a polo match. Kirsteen Cowan

Related...
This Airline Has the Best Rewards Program in the World, According to a New Study  Plus, See the Top 10

One airline from the U.S. came in the top three.

Kobi Wolf/Getty Images Signs for international airlines in the departures terminal at Ben Gurion airport

The process of earning and spending airline reward miles can often be a daunting one. You have to pick a credit card, try to game out how to build up miles, and then find the best deals to take you to your dream vacation.

Point.me, an airline point concierge service that assists with reward bookings, has compiled an extensive global ranking of the worlds best airline rewards programs. The detailed report ranks 62 of the world's airlines and relied on 55 of the site's experts as well as years of data from point.me. The company ranked on several factors such as redemption rates, ease of booking, customer service quality, and change fees.



The top-ranking program in the world is Air France and KLMs Flying Blue rewards program, according to point.me. The reasons cited included the ease of booking, the low cost of redemptions, and the ability to book on partner airlines within the SkyTeam alliance.



The Flying Blue program regularly posts promotions and discounts on reward tickets, for example the airline is currently offering a 15,000 mile reward ticket between New York (EWR) and several European destinations.

Getting real value from airline loyalty points is often significantly harder for passengers than it needs to be, said Adam Morvitz, CEO of point.me in a statement released to T+L. These rankings draw on our teams collective travel expertise and deep data-led insight from our reward search engine.



After Air France/KLM (93.06), Air Canadas Aeroplan (77.43), Uniteds MileagePlus (72.22), British Airways Executive Club (69.10) and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club (69.10) rounded out the top five.

American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Qatar Airways, JetBlue, and Avianca were highly ranked in the top ten. The report also breaks the scores out based on region.



For comparison, the lowest-rated US-based carrier reward programs included Spirit Airlines Free Spirit (22.22), Frontier Airlines Frontier Miles (18.06), and Sun Country Airlines Sun Country Rewards (17.01). These programs were rated as being restrictive in redemption, or expensive to use. Despite its loyal following, Delta's SkyMiles program also scored poorly with a 49.31.



This report about airline rewards comes as the Department of Transportation is investigating US-based airlines for potential unfair practices in their loyalty programs.



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You can't get there from here: 9 RI places that don't really exist

What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell just as sweet.

William Shakespeare, in "Romeo and Juliet"

Some of the best-known places in Rhode Island don't really exist.

You're probably familiar with many of them.

You probably think you've been to them.

But, nope. They don't exist. People have been lying to you.

More than a handful of Rhode Island places are known by popular names that official mapmakers just don't recognize.

From historic grudges against King George III to honors for a 20th-century senator to superhero TV shows, plenty of Rhode Island quirks have kept those cartographers on their toes.

For this story, we consider the U.S. Board on Geographic Names, a federal panel that settles disputes over the names of places, the ultimate authority, though it sometimes punts. As an example, the board won't weigh in on what to call manmade structures, so we turn to other sources.

Here are nine places we find in Unreal Rhode Island:

Tower Hill

The lookout tower on Tower Hill Road, South Kingstown, is not on the hill you might think it is.

Most Rhode Islanders have probably passed the impressive wooden lookout tower in South Kingstown on their way to the South County beaches. Yes, it's on a hill. And, yes, this section of Route 1 is also called Tower Hill Road.

But the hill with the tower is not Tower Hill. That's a place a little further south off Tower Hill Road. The hill with the tower is McSparran Hill.

Narrow River

Boats anchor along Dog Island in the Narrow River.

At least parts of this river are very narrow, but that's not its name. The river  along with a nearby cove, neighborhood and prominent rocky cliff  share the somewhat-difficult-to-pronounce name: Pettaquamscutt. So, it's Pettaquamscutt River.

First Beach

Worshipers attend an Easter Sunday Sunrise service at the Easton's Beach rotunda in Newport in 2018.

First Beach may be what everyone in Newport calls it, but the feds say we should be using Easton's Beach. (Well, actually, because of a long-running disapproval of using possessives in place names, the U.S. Board on Geographic Names says "Easton Beach" is the name, but clearly no one calls it that, at least not that we've heard.)

Capitol Hill

The Department of Administration, left behind the trees, and the Department of Transportation, right, are on Providence's Capitol Hill. Or are they?

The state has invented "Capitol Hill" mailing addresses for a number of government offices. 1 Capitol Hill is the Department of Administration. 2 Capitol Hill is the Department of Transportation. 3 Capitol Hill is the Department of Health.

But Capitol Hill is not one of the seven hills upon which Providence was built: Federal Hill; College Hill; Tockwotten Hill; Christian Hill; Constitution Hill, which some consider part of College Hill; Weybosset Hill, which was leveled in the 1800s to build the Turk's Head Building; and Smith Hill, the hill on which the capitol, known better as the State House, and those state departments rest.

Amica Mutual Pavilion

The AMP (Amica Mutual Pavilion) in 2023.

This one's a bit tricky to figure out. Undoubtedly, the arena was built as the Providence Civic Center in 1972 as a city facility.

In 2001, in a deal with Dunkin' Donuts, the city sold naming rights to the coffee chain.

In 2005, the Rhode Island Convention Center Authority bought the building and joined it with the Convention Center.

And, in 2022, the Convention Center Authority, sold "naming and identification rights" to Amica Mutual Insurance in a 10-year deal worth at least $650,000 a year. Amica chose to identify the building as the "Amica Mutual Pavilion."

But does that mean it's no longer the Civic Center?

If the Civic Center still exists, no one at the Convention Center Authority is going to tell you. That's because the deal they signed with Amica requires them to call it "Amica Mutual Pavilion" or one of several approved nicknames, such as "AMP PVD." In fact, they even agreed to try to get everyone else to call it the "AMP" instead of the Civic Center.

But the contract governing the deal repeatedly calls it "Civic Center."

As in this clause: "'Civic Center' means the multi-purpose arena, located at One LaSalle Square, Providence Rhode Island owned by the Authority."

Or this one: "It is the parties intent that upon execution of this Agreement, the name 'Dunkin Donuts Center' and all references thereto shall be removed from the Civic Center."

And there are more than a few others like this.

So, it's up to you to decide: Is the Civic Center no more? Or did the Convention Center Authority just agree to use another name when talking about it?

South County

The South County Bike Path, in the South Kingstown village of Peacedale.

Rhode Island's southernmost county  or at least parts of it  has long gone by the fictitious name "South County."

"South County" can be found in the name of venerable institutions in the area, including South County Hospital, as well as just about everywhere: the South County Bike Path, the South County Museum and the South County Tourism Council. There are probably more than a few Rhode Islanders who don't even know that the county's official name is Washington County.

The word origin is pretty simple:

When the county was formed in 1729, its official name was Kings County. But, in the 1760s, during the run-up to the Revolutionary War, Rhode Islanders had no use for the king and needed a different name. The South County History Center has found a 1767 reference to "the South County" in written testimony about taxation by Levi Whipple. The name stuck, even after 1781, when the county was named for Revolutionary War hero George Washington.

As with any fictional place, the exact boundaries of South County are hazy.

At its most expansive, some include all of Washington County and at least parts of East Greenwich in South County's territory.

Purists, on the other hand, only consider the historic towns of Kings Towne and Charlestown  and maybe not even all parts of them  as being in South County. Kings Towne was divided into North Kingstown, South Kingstown, Narragansett and Exeter, though some would argue Exeter isn't part of South County. And Charlestown was divided into Charlestown and Richmond. (Charlestown itself was split off from Westerly  which some think should really be part of Connecticut anyway.)

Pawtucket River

An artist's rendering of Pawtucket's Tidewater Stadium and its planned peripheral developments in a view looking north along the Seekonk River.

The federal government recognizes the name "Blackstone River" for the body of water that flows down from Massachusetts to the falls in downtown Pawtucket, and says, when the river goes over the falls, it becomes the Seekonk River the entire way until it joins the Providence River at India Point, Providence.

The U.S. Board on Geographic Names acknowledges that some people in Pawtucket want to call the Seekonk River within the city's boundaries the Pawtucket River, but the board says no way.

That has not kept some government agencies, including the state Department of Transportation, from mistakenly referring to the Pawtucket River, as in calling I-95's crossing the "Pawtucket River Bridge."

Newport Bridge

Fishermen try their luck in Jamestown near the Claiborne Pell Bridge in 2020.

Local pride may be more stubborn when it comes to the name of this bridge than Pawtucket has for its river.

Built in 1969, the span linking the Connanicut Island town of Jamestown to the Aquidneck Island city of Newport was christened the Newport Bridge.

But, 33 years later the General Assembly renamed it the Claiborne Pell Bridge in 1992 to honor the former diplomat and 36-year U.S. senator, who would live until 2009.

Although come next year the bridge will have been named for Pell longer than it was officially the Newport Bridge, Rhode Islanders, especially those in Newport and Jamestown, show little sign of letting go. Though many have conceded somewhat, bridging the name divide and calling the span the still not real "Newport Pell Bridge."

Superman Building

Conversion of the downtown "Superman Building" to apartments appears to be on hold, despite a $41 million public incentive package and a tax agreement with the City of Providence.

Everyone knows this isn't the real name of the building. (Don't they?)

But the nickname isn't even accurate.

It derives from the building's vague resemblance to Los Angeles City Hall, which was used in the opening of the 1950s TV series "Adventures of Superman" as the home of the "Daily Planet" newspaper.

Now bearing the pedestrian moniker 111 Westminster, for the street address of the "back" of the building, it has had several official names, starting with Industrial Trust Co. Building and including Fleet Bank Tower and Bank of America Building, as ownership has changed.

One confirmed similarity between Providence's Superman Building and the Daily Planet Building: the Industrial Trust Co. Building and L.A. City Hall were each built in 1928.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: UNREAL RI: Real names of places you call something else
Harvest festivals, car show, shopping: 8 fun things to do this weekend near Brockton

BROCKTON  The weather this weekend is predicted to be perfect to get outside and start enjoying the cooler temperatures.

From food festivals, shopping events and family-fun activities, there are plenty of things to do in the Brockton area this weekend.

You can check out some classic cars while enjoying music and food at the annual Heights Crossing Antique Auto and Classic Car show in Brockton.

The fall harvest festival in West Bridgewater will have something for the entire family with music, food and beer, vendors and childrens activities.

This weekend is a big to-do for bargain hunters, as the Tri-Town Rotary Club of Hanover, Norwell and Pembroke brings its outdoor flea market with hundreds of vendors to the Marshfield Fairgrounds, and the Halifax Congregational Church hosts its annual flea market with homemade clam chowder.

At the Sip and Stroll Harvest shopping event in Middleboro, shoppers can enjoy cocktails while browsing the many items offered from more than 90 vendors.

Here are eight fun things to do this weekend. Get out and have some fun.

Annual Classic Car Show, Brockton

Samuel Hall, East Bridgewater High School student volunteer, checks out a classic car during the Heights Crossing car show on Sept. 9, 2023.

Heights Crossing will hold its annual Antique Auto and Classic Car Show from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 14, at Heights Crossing Assisted Living and Compass Memory Support Neighborhood, 35 Christy's Place. Bring your antique, muscle or classic car and join in their 24th annual car show. There is no fee to enter your car. Instead, it would be appreciated if you would donate to the Heights Crossing Cares - Walk for Alzheimers team.

In addition to the car show, there will be raffles, T-shirts, food, live music and fun for the kids. Attendees are invited to bring a lawn chair to enjoy this family-friendly event. The event will be held weather permitting. Event is sponsored by Dovetail Companies, By Your Side Home Care Agency, and Frenette & Associates, P.C.

King Richard's Faire, Carver

Ses Carny performs in "The Torture Show" during the 41st season of King Richard's Faire on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022. New England's largest and longest-running Renaissance festival takes place in Carver.

King Richard's Faire  the biggest Renaissance fair on the South Shore  runs until Oct. 20. For more than four decades, the event has been a huge attraction for families and friends, giving people a taste of what it was like to live in the days of yore.

It's where "visitors can enjoy a day filled with colorful performances by acrobats, aerialists, jugglers, fire-eaters, musicians, dancers, and puppeteers, all celebrating the spirit of the Renaissance," according to a statement from the event's organizers.

The Renaissance festival located at 235 Main St. in Carver operates from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. Guests are encouraged to pre-purchase tickets online at kingrichardsfaire.net, so they may secure the date of their visit.

Flea Market, Halifax

The Halifax Congregational Church, 503 Plymouth St., will be hosting a flea market from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 14, on the Halifax town green. The rain date is Sept. 28.

The church will be selling its homemade clam chowder at the flea market for those who just want to stop by for lunch. Other food options will include a hot dog vendor.

More fall events all September long Food festivals, fairs and family days: Here are 13 of the best Brockton-area events

Family Movie Night, Holbrook

Holbrook United Methodist Church, 60 Plymouth St., is hosting a free family movie night on Saturday, Sept. 14. The evening kicks off with crafts beginning at 6 p.m. The movie Minions  The Rise of Gru follows at 7 p.m. The movie will be held outside, weather permitting, so attendees should bring a chair or cushions to sit on.

Popcorn and juice will be provided. There will be prizes for children attending in Minion costumes.

Those who are able are asked to bring a non-perishable food item for the food pantry.

Sip & Stroll Harvest, Middleboro

Sip and Stroll: Harvest shopping event on will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, at the Middleboro Town Hall on Nickerson Avenue, outside on the lawn.

The event will feature 90 vendors, food trucks and local restaurants, The Bartending Service of New England, music, raffles, and face painting.

Admission is free. Proceeds will benefit The Burt Wood School of Performing Arts.

Fall Harvest Fest, West Bridgewater

Bri Palie from the Black Hat Brew Works, pours a glass of beer during the Third annual South Shore Farmer Brew Fest at Black Hat Brew Works in Bridgewater on Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (Marc Vasconcellos/The Enterprise)

The West Bridgewater Lions Clubs Fall Harvest Fest will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 14, on the grounds of Friendship Park and West Bridgewater Library.

This is a free family-friendly event with music, food, childrens activities, vendors and raffles. Food vendors will include Tiki Turbo, 2 Go Box, Frontline Bakery and Black Hat Brew Works.

Fall Flea Market and Craft Fair, Marshfield

Vernon Domingo during the Bridgewater Music Alley, Male Bonding Band & Friends concert at Black Hat Brew Works on Thursday, July 6, 2023.

South Shore's largest Flea Market and Craft Fair is set for Sept. 15 at the Marshfield Fair Grounds, 140 Main St.

Over 5,000 attend this fine exhibit of antiques, tools, furniture, collectables, crafts, food trucks and more.

Admission is $5 and free for children up to age 12.

For more information, visit the Tri-Town Rotary Club of Hanover, Norwell and Pembroke Facebook page, tritownrotary.com.

Annual Model Railroad Show and Sale, Taunton

The Old Colony Model Railroad Club of Raynham will hold its 24th annual model railroad show and sale from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on ,Sunday, Sept. 15 at the Taunton Inn and Conference Center on 700 Myles Standish Blvd. in the Myles Standish Industrial Park.

Dealers from Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut will be present.

Admission is $5 for adults, and free for children up to age 12 when accompanied by an adult and scouts in uniform.

For more information, contact Dennis Ingalls at 508-558-9883 or dingalls@comcast.net.

Staff writer Kathy Bossa can be reached by email at kbossa@enterprisenews.com. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Enterprise today.

This article originally appeared on The Enterprise: Brockton-area things to do this weekend: Fall festival, sip and stroll
Must-visit Philippines : The 2024 WTA saw the Philippines bagging eight major awards , including Asias leading dive destination, Asias leading beach destination, Asias leading island destination and Asia's leading tourist attraction 2024 for the historic walled city of Intramuros. WTA founder Graham Cooke lauded the country for successfully hosting the event, proclaiming it a must-visit destination for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions.

Other major awards: Indonesia secured the title of Asia's Leading Adventure Tourism Destination, highlighting the countrys growing reputation as a premier destination for adventure seekers, surpassing previous winners Japan, Thailand and Sri Lanka. Hong Kong International Airport was crowned Asia's Leading Airport for the second year in a row, while Singapore Airlines continued its reign as Asia's Leading Airline for the sixth consecutive year. The airline also secured accolades as Asia's leading airline - first class and Asia's leading airline to the Indian Ocean.
Whether you're eager to try an uncommon culinary delight, go on a pirate adventure or have a close encounter with a bison, the Oklahoma State Fair is back with its annual autumnal abundance of new attractions and familiar favorites.

One of the state's largest yearly events, the Oklahoma State Fair is Sept. 12-22 at the OKC Fairgrounds, 3001 General Pershing Blvd.

Regular outside gate admission is $16 for adults and children 12 and older; $10 for children 6 to 11; and free for children 5 and younger. But several discount days are offered during the fair.

"We have something for everybody from 8 to 80, and it's from one corner of the property to the other. It's completely 360 degrees, and it really plays into our theme this year of 'Let's Go Again,'" fair spokesman J. Scott Munz told The Oklahoman.

"There are people that haven't been to the fair in a couple years because they think, 'It's the same old thing.' Well, it's not the same old thing. ... We have a lot of new attractions; we have a lot of new food."

To buy tickets, go to the ticket booths outside each gate, call 405-948-6800 or go to https://okstatefair.com.

The full, jam-packed fair schedule also is available at okstatefair.com. But in honor of the long-running event's 11-day run, here are 11 shows, treats and attractions to look for at the 2024 Oklahoma State Fair:

Goats race during the Great American Speedway Crazy Animal Races during the Oklahoma State Fair at OKC Fairgrounds in Oklahoma City, Friday, Sept., 23, 2022.

1. Goats, ducks and pigs hit the track for Crazy Animal Races

When and where: Noon and 5 p.m. daily, Centennial Plaza.

You've heard of NASCAR, but if you want to watch goats, sheep, ducks, pigs and other surprise critters hit the track, GASCAR is where it's at. Along with the inter-species Great American Speedway Crazy Animal Races, Centennial Plaza also is the place to watch the longtime fair favorite the Great American Pig Races at 3 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. daily.

Since agricultural attractions are such an integral part of the state fair experience, it's almost a must for attendees to watch the speedy swine go hog wild for the chance to win a cookie.

2. Stinkin' Sentra Giveaway flashes back to a funky 1990s competition

When and where: Starting Sept. 12, Centennial Lawn.

The 1990s are back in fashion, so perhaps its fitting that the Dent Source Stinkin' Sentra Giveaway is resurrecting a funky  and we mean that literally  state fair event from 30 years ago.

Known back in those days as the "B.O. Geo" contest, the Stinkin' Sentra Giveaway features four contestants who are competing to win a new 2024 Nissan Sentra by living in it for the duration of the Oklahoma State Fair. The last one to get out of the tight confines of the increasingly aromatic car gets to take it home.

In the Captain's Canines show, New Hampshire entertainer Haeleigh Hyatt, owner of Aim High Canines, performs tricks with one of her dogs during the first day of the Oklahoma State Fair Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023, in Oklahoma City.

3. Embark on pirate adventures with spry canines, fire juggling

When and where: Daily, Plaza Stage.

If it's a pirate's life for you, me hearties, then the fair may prove a surprisingly friendly harbor, with multiple shows that might just get rascals and scoundrels shouting "yo ho."

After first making landfall at the Oklahoma State Fair last year, the spry scallywag puppers of The Captains Canines show return with daily performances at 1:30 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.

When the Plaza Stage isn't going to the dogs, it will feature newcomer Pirate Man Dan, who will perform thrilling escapes, unicycle stunts, knife and fire juggling, balloon tricks and other antics, all choreographed to a jaunty nautical theme and story. Audience participation is encouraged at his shows at 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. daily.

Plus, Pirate Dan Man's Pirate Adventure Experience will set sail from the Plaza Stage at 6:30 p.m. daily, with an additional show at 12:30 p.m. Saturdays, as he travels aboard his ship around The Circle and down Wichita Walk.

The Oklahoma State Fair Band Day Parade Competition has been showcasing high school, mid-high and junior high school bands, along with drum lines, drum majors, mascots, twirlers, and color guard teams, from across the state for more than 70 years.

4. Oklahoma bands march on in the long-running parade competition

When and where: 10:30 a.m. Sept. 16, The Circle.

Student musicians from across the Sooner State will march on the OKC Fairgrounds for the 72nd Annual Oklahoma State Fair Band Day Parade Competition. High school, mid-high and junior high bands  along with drum lines, drum majors, mascots, twirlers and color guard teams  will bring their spirited beats to the fair as they contend for trophies, cash prizes and bragging rights in six divisions.

The Oklahoma Bison Associations Bison Experience is a new event for the 2024 Oklahoma State Fair.

5. New Bison Experience offers close encounters

When and where: Sept. 19-22, Barn 3.

A new attraction for 2024, the Oklahoma Bison Associations Bison Experience will give fairgoers the opportunity to have a close encounter  but in a good way  with the state mammal. Attendees can ask their burning buffalo questions during Q&A sessions or just get a good look at the majestic creatures without worrying about getting on their wild side.

"This way, you can safely encounter or get close to a bison without having to trudge out into the field and then potentially invoke their wrath and have them charge you," Munz said.

6. 'Disney on Ice' skates 'Into the Unknown' with 'Magic in the Stars'

When and where: Sept. 12-16, Jim Norick Arena.

A longstanding tradition, the state fair annually opens with a new icy extravaganza from the Mouse House, and this year, "Disney on Ice presents Magic in the Stars" is skating in with more than 50 Disney movie characters.

Along with familiar film favorites like Elsa and Anna, Buzz and Woody and Lightning McQueen and Tow Mater, this year's show includes the "Disney on Ice" debuts of Asha and Star, from last year's animated musical "Wish," and Raya, the titular heroine from the Oscar-nominated 2021 animated adventure "Raya and the Last Dragon."

Also for the first time on ice, royal sisters Elsa and Anna venture Into the Unknown," from their hit sequel "Frozen 2," and the Disney/Pixar characters Lightning McQueen and Tow Mater hit the road to Life Is a Highway, from their original 2006 adventure "Cars."

Introduced in 2023, the Hoof & Horns Spectacular at the Oklahoma State Fair's features ranch bronc riding and freestyle bullfighting.

7. Hoof & Horns Spectacular brings back rodeo thrills

When and where: 7 p.m. Sept. 20-21, Jim Norick Arena.

Devised by the famed Beutler family of Elk City, the Hoof & Horns Spectacular was introduced in 2023 to keep the rodeo action at the fair while replacing the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association's Xtreme Bulls & Broncs previously offered at the fair.

Now in its the second year, the Hoof & Horns Spectacular is bringing back the thrills of two nontraditional rodeo events: ranch bronc riding and freestyle bullfighting.

"Last year, the crowd was very into it. It exudes excitement. It's another level of rodeo action. ... It's not just the standard eight disciplines," Munz said.

After debuting at the 2023 Oklahoma State Fair, the Laser Light Extravaganza is back for 2024.

8. Laser Light Extravaganza returns to dazzle state fair diners

When and where: 8, 9 and 10 p.m. daily, Circle Stage Picnic Area.

Another shining addition to debut during last year's event, the Laser Light Extravaganza proved popular enough, especially among state fair diners, to bring back for 2024. The flashy attraction features a 20-minute light show that plays out on a 30-foot screen.

"It provided an opportunity for people to sit down and enjoy their food, and they'd be entertained also," Munz said.

At the 2024 Oklahoma State Fair, the third annual Equine Empowerment Horse Show on Sept. 18 will give equestrians with disabilities a chance to show their skills in the Performance Arena.

9. Sensory-Friendly Time and other accommodations

When and where: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 22, throughout the OKC Fairgrounds.

For people who find the usual crowds, sights and sounds of the fair too overstimulating, the final day of the fair includes Sensory-Friendly Time, when the Wild West action will be a little less rowdy in the Oklahoma Frontier Experience, the lights and music of the carnival rides will be turned off, and the amplification systems will be turned down for the rides, games, pig races and other attractions.

Fair organizers have made efforts in recent years to make the yearly event more accessible for people with disabilities, Munz said. An air-conditioned Calming Room will be available again this year in the Arts Annex, and for the time, the state fair is bringing in a Momentum Refresh Accessible Mobile Restroom. Located on The Circle, the fully accessible restroom will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily and manned by trained personnel.

In the Performance Arena, the third annual Equine Empowerment Horse Show on Sept. 18 will give equestrians with disabilities a chance to show their skills.

"We really want to be all-inclusive," Munz said.

10. State fair's new OK!toberfest toasts a long-running Oklahoma event

When and where: Sept. 12-14 and 19-20, Fest Tent, between Jim Norick Arena and Bennett Event Center.

A new addition to the state fair, OK!toberfest will bring German beer, wine and live music to the Fest Tent, plus bratwurst and some German potato salad next door via Harvell Concessions.

But the event won't just be celebrating Munich's world-famous folk festival. It also will be toasting and reviving the long-running Choctaw Oktoberfest tradition that was lost when Old Germany Restaurant shuttered in 2018.

"We've got (Old Germany owners) Mike and Sammie Turek, who are going to be the host and hostess of the event each one of the eight nights. ... Mike is our consultant, and he's been a ridiculous help with the wealth of his knowledge," Munz said.

"So, it's going to be an Oktoberfest-themed tent at the fair leading up to an Oktoberfest in 2025 that we're going to do out here on the grounds. Obviously, that will be outside the fair, but we figured we'd do a preview this year."

A person eats an Indian taco during the Oklahoma State Fair in Oklahoma City, Sept. 23, 2023

11. A full menu of new and familiar foods will tempt fairgoers

What's a trip to the state fair without a full menu of new and familiar food options?

The numerous food booths will feature classic treats like footlong corn dogs, turkey legs, Indian tacos, funnel cakes, giant cinnamon rolls, root beer jugs and lemonade.

Plus, ticketholders will be tempted by 36 new food offerings, ranging from Spicy Pickle Pizza to Bacon Wrapped Oreos.

Looking to satisfy a specific craving? The state fair website features a handy interactive Food Finder map.

The 2024 Oklahoma State Fair at a glance

When : Sept. 12-22

Where : The OKC Fairgrounds, 3001 General Pershing Blvd.

Admission: Regular outside gate admission is $16 for adults and children 12 and older; $10 for children 6 to 11; and free for children 5 and younger. To buy tickets, go to the ticket booths outside each gate, call 405-948-6800 or go to https://okstatefair.com.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: 11 don't-miss attractions at the 2024 Oklahoma State Fair
BLANTYRE, Malawi, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera said Wednesday that the reconstruction of the Marka railway station by Chinese contractor China Railway 20th Bureau Group (CR20) aligns with his commitment to restore railway transport in Malawi by 2025.

Chakwera made the statement while receiving the inaugural train carrying 1.2 million liters of fuel from Beira Port in Mozambique to Marka in Nsanje, Malawi's southern border district, marking the first use of this route in 41 years. The railway had been inactive since 1983 due to vandalism during Mozambique's civil war and flooding on the Malawian side in 1997.

Mozambique has already rebuilt its portion of the railway, while Malawi is working with CR20 to reconstruct and upgrade the 72-km stretch from Marka to Bangula in Nsanje.

Chakwera expressed satisfaction with the resumption of fuel transport via the Beira-Marka route, also known as the Sena Corridor, and praised Mozambique's President Filipe Nyusi for his collaboration in the project.

The National Oil Company of Malawi Chief Executive Officer Clement Kanyama echoed Chakwera's sentiments, celebrating the reopening of rail transport after four decades. He noted that the railway would significantly reduce the landing costs of petroleum products and boost capacity, with the potential to transport 10 million liters of fuel monthly.

"Fewer costs will go towards transportation. We will also have a turnaround in terms of the number of days to bring the product in the country. For example, the 1.2 million litres that has arrived today would take 35 trucks to transport - that's an advantage," said Kanyama.

CR20 Project Manager for the Marka-Bangula railway project Guo Zhinan said the railway project officially started in January 2023 and is expected to be completed by October 2025.

"We hope to complete the project in time, despite challenges including cyclones that have affected progress of the project, but the Malawi government has been giving us a lot of support," said Guo.

The CR20 has made strides in the railway project, including erecting a 200-meter bridge, the longest on the railway, he said, adding that the bridge is among 20 new bridges being constructed along the 72 km-long railroad, which will feature 40 tunnels, 121 new culverts, and four stations.

The project will enhance the exchange of passengers and goods between Zambia and Mozambique's port of Beira, establishing a crucial maritime link for southern African countries. 
Id just been promoted to a managerial position after years of hard work. Id been a grunt financial analyst, grinding my way through endless recurring tasks, externalities, changing priorities, difficult clients, and was eager to do something bigger and better. This was my moment.

Almost immediately after starting my new role, I noticed a huge shift in the social dynamics at the office. Id been so friendly with my coworkers. We did lunch together all the time. Then, immediately after the promotion, things got weird. I was now in a position of power, with these same friends reporting to me. Their behavior changed and some even appeared nervous around me.

I realized I needed to maintain some distance from them as well, as my position could require me to drop the hammer. But the change wasnt welcome and left me feeling less satisfied with my job.

Perhaps it is as William Shakespeare wrote in Henry IV, Part 2, Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown. The line is spoken by a 15th century English king, who is tired, sick, and alone, with his isolation a result of his power. And granted my own dabbling in power was far, far smaller, I suddenly felt that same uneasiness. I found myself staying later and later at the office, and feeling increasingly distant from my coworkers.

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This exact pattern tends to get more extreme as one moves up the ladder. A study by the Harvard Business Review found that half of CEOs are lonely on the job, and that loneliness impacts their performance. It is also correlated to quicker burnout on the job.

The socializing problem I experienced comes with how people perceive and enjoy activities. Famed psychologist, Daniel Kahneman, ran a well-known study in 2004, surveying women on their experiences from the prior days work. He asked them to rate activities from most to least enjoyable.

The women reported most enjoying socializing, making love, relaxing, and spending time with friends and family. They least enjoyed working, taking care of kids and commuting. But their absolute least enjoyable activity? Interacting with their boss.

Its too difficult to have a friendly, buddy-buddy relationship between boss and employee. Both of you know the arrangement is anchored in judgement, with the boss constantly having to assess your performance. Their aversion to dealing with you can be palpable, and affect your own job satisfaction.

Compounding this, I found, as many long-time managers already knew, that work became all demanding, and often quite lonely  which felt strange given how my calendar was suddenly filled with meetings.

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Some weeks brought long hours that had me in a giant office alone, and walking through a dim, empty parking lot, feeling like I was carrying the world on my shoulders. I woke up from stress dreams and went to work with my mind swirling the myriad problems I needed to solve. Over time, I learned the loneliness was really a product of workaholism, which is an increasing problem in the US, and is rooted in an irrational fear of failure.

It wasnt a happy time in my life, nor is it for many like me. Which is why I eventually quit. And I would caution those still living it, to consider if its worth working that 61st hour that week. Ask yourself, Is this extra three hours really making the difference? I found that I often lied to myself about the hours I was working, kidding myself into thinking it was necessary and not a problem.

Escaping loneliness even if you arent a boss

These days, I am just a humble writer  but am faced with the same loneliness problem. This profession is quite isolating. I do all of my work from my home office. Theres no hybrid work weeks, no weekly calls, nothing. It is just me. Some days, it can feel like Im the last person on Earth.

Which is why Ive had to take the extra step to network with other writer friends, mainly through Slack  as writers are a rare breed and often scattered around the planet. But even the mere act of seeing other writers periodically for dinner, having a phone call, or zoom call to catch up  works wonders in putting me in a better mood, and reminding me that there are others out there like me.

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Whether you are a grunt level employee or a CEO, its often easy to find friendships with relative peers. My father rose to vice admiral in the Navy before retiring, and carried incredible burdens and stresses that only war can bring. To this day, most of his friends are either long-time friends, or fellow retired admirals or generals. There is a hard-to-replicate comradery that comes with sharing a life path with others, and it can pave an easy path for friendships.

Ben Franklin faced a similar problem and founded the Junto Club in 1727. It was an informal group of men, who were all of similar stature and responsibility, and without peer in their regions. It was founded less on the premise of elitism, and more to have others who could attest to and understand the problems they faced. They met and organized discussions, with a list of business questions that each man faced in their endeavors. These interactions brought great satisfaction to all of the men and attendance remained high.

It might seem counter to the prevailing wisdom that one should keep work and personal affairs separate, but having a sense of friendship at the office is quite important for happiness. A study by the advisory firm Future Workplace, found that 90% of people said they have friends at work, and 70% said friendship at work is important for a happy working life. Even further, they found that people who have a best friend at their job, are twice as likely to enjoy work.

Some of my closest work friends are writers. We privately chat about our frustrations, side projects, and creative blocks. We exchange feedback and talk about the future. As a group, we tend to be exceptionally introverted, which is why its so incredible that we all still pine to have a connection to each other, and naturally gravitate into groups where we chat and bond.

It has taken me some years to realize the importance of these social-work connections, and to value them as friendships to the extent that I can. But as the adage goes, better late than never. Loneliness can easily accompany success. But there are steps you can take to counter it. Dont go it alone, folks. There are peers out there like you, who wouldnt mind having someone to talk to.

Above all, remember that being the boss isn't all it's cracked up to be.
Mike Goebel is California.

If, during a visit to his newly reimagined beachfront property, Dillon Beach Resort, you happen to cross paths, he will most likely be sporting sunglasses and a branded trucker hat from the adorable onsite General Store + Surf Shop. And, as he shoots you an easy smile from below the brim, the whole experience will crystalize for you. Because his chill, accommodating, West Coast vibe pervades everything hereand its the best kind of contagious.

Dillon Beach Resort (Kassie Borreson)

This part of Sonomas coastline doesnt look like your average California beach. Driving toward the water on a rambling road lined with eucalyptus trees and wildflower fields, visitors pass impossibly green bucolic farmland, peppered with horses, cows and sheep. The landscape feels so lush that it almost evokes the English countryside rather than the Golden State.

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And then suddenlyboom. Theres the ocean.

Some locals may remember this spotpoised amidst windblown cypress trees on a rugged cliff overlooking a sprawling expanse of the Point Reyes National Seashorein a different incarnation from their youth. In fact, one friend of mine, who grew up in nearby Oakland, shared vivid memories of coming here to frolic with family as a child, when the area was simply sand dunes.

Most recently, the hilltop here was home to a trailer park, which unfortunately deteriorated and fell into disrepair over the years. Which is perhaps not surprising as the windswept beachside locale is not easy to maintain. The backdrop of the Pacific Ocean is mind-blowing and something we never take for granted, says Goebel. But it's also equally challenging, trying to battle Mother Natures elements of coastal breezes and salty corrosive air.

Luckily, he has proved to be the right man for the job.

Goebel, who has been driving Northern California hospitality since he opened his first bar in San Franciscos North Beach twenty-two years ago when he was only 25 years old, has always had a special place in his heart for Dillon Beach and West Marin, in general. So, when the 55-acre property came up for sale in 2018, he jumped at the chance.

New tiny houses on the cliff overlooking Point Reyes Seashore (Kassie Borreson)

It took over four years of slow and steady renovation and improvement, ascomplying with extra strict environmental ordinanceshe reimagined and reshaped the destination bit by bit into what it is today: Now, a neat cluster of tiny gray and cream houseswith clean, modernist, prefab lines and giant picture windows to let in lightsits overlooking an often empty stretch of beach, at once elevating and retaining the casual spirit of the place.

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This resort may be five-star, but its anything but stuffy. This place is for anyone who loves the coast, says Goebel, but this isnt your typical California beach. The vibe here is very laidback, very chilla place for people to come and unwind and relax.

The ocean view from a Coho Cottage (Kassie Borreson)

Outside each cabin, there are Adirondack chairs in muted tones to blend seamlessly with the landscape. Inside each, the decor is midcentury surf chic, with slatted wooden floors, shiplap walls, gas fireplaces and poppy details like wall-mounted surfboards, Acapulco chairs, yellow 1950s style fridges and vintage-style turquoise microwaves. The cottages and cabins vary in size and view, though many manage to house entire families of six and full kitchens without feeling cramped.

The General Store at Dillon Beach Resort (Kassie Borreson)

For when the casual onsite restaurant, Coastal Kitchen, doesnt serve, The General Store sells tasty goods like the makings of full lunches, dinners and snacks (often sourced nearby), local wines and beers and much more. Guests can also stock up on all the trappings of a beach vacationfrom games to sunblock to wetsuits and covetable neon woven beach blankets.

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One big draw is the shops vanilla and salted caramel soft serve made by Double 8 Dairy just up the road, reflective of the foodie haven that surrounds. Dillon Beach is set amidst dreamy purveyors from creameries (like Toluma Farms where baby goats and goat cheese tastings abound) to oyster farms (like Hog Island Oyster Co. on stunning Tomales Bay). And lauded local restaurantslike Nicks Cove, helmed by Top Chef veteran Chris Cosentinosource their ingredients within mere miles for meals so special they could not be replicated anywhere else (think Smoked Black Cod Dip with Fried Saltines).

The result is literally the taste of the place.

Among the most special dining options is Dillon Beach Resorts own new Open Fire Beach Feast dinner series on the shore (with a discount for hotel guests), featuring local chefs from the area. Here, dishes are prepared over an open fire in an oceanside cypress grove. Diners feel the sand beneath their feet while mingling and sipping cocktails from a streamlined mobile bar trailer strung with fairy lights and nicknamed The Breeze Bar. Finally, as dusk settles, they sit down at a long Instagram-worthy table for an unfussy and also unrivaled meal.

An Open Fire Feast on the beach at Dillon Beach Resort (Shaun Samuels Photography)

In a word, Dillon Beach Resort deliversa return to simpler times, a slower pace, the kind of memories that become happy places to return to in our minds again and again. It's rugged, raw and so damn beautiful, Goebel sighs. It's so close to the hustle of the Bay Area, but when you get to the coast, you feel like youve been transplanted to a land far away.
A woman who sold everything to cruise around the world says she has been banned from a residential ships maiden three-year voyage for complaining about ongoing delays in a private WhatsApp group.

Jenny Phenix, from Florida, United States, complained to fellow passengers that a four-month delay in sailing meant Villa Vie Odyssey would no longer be calling into Miami, where she was intending to collect her belongings for the rest of the cruise.

She also voiced concerns that refurbishment work could carry on even after the ship left Belfast, and that she would have to use a temporary cabin as the one she booked was still being used by crew.

But after sharing these and other frustrations, she received notice from owners Villa Vie Residences that her contract had been cancelled for behaviour impacting community morale.

Villa Vie Odyssey has been in dry-dock in Belfast since April 28 - Villa Vie Residences

Chief operating officer Kathy Villalba told her: We have received over a dozen formal complaints from residents regarding your continuous complaints and negativity. This behaviour has significantly impacted the morale and well-being of other passengers.

Given the overwhelming feedback, we must cancel your contract permanently to uphold the well-being and satisfaction of our community.

Ms Phenix said: I was never rude or disrespectful and I never participated in personal attacks. These were private conversations  I posted nothing on social media platforms.

The frustration among the residents grew after every delay. I tended to be one of the more outspoken in asking important questions. Many of the residents thanked me privately for speaking up for the entire group.

The 68-year-old pinned her hopes on the project after another residential ship scheme  Florida-based Life At Sea  filed for bankruptcy, owing her $30,000 (23,000).

She waited for the new venture to buy the former Fred Olsen ship Braemar before signing up. Now named Villa Vie Odyssey, the ship is due to visit 425 destinations in 147 countries, starting as soon as next week.

Ms Phenix said: During the past year and a half I have liquidated businesses and possessions, eagerly awaiting my new life cruising the world. I have been living out of a suitcase since December 2023.

Phenix says shell have to live with her daughter until she figures out a whole new plan for [her] life

Along with many others, I flew to Southampton originally to embark on this journey on May 15. We had been notified of one short delay, but nothing seemed critical and, of course, travel plans and hotel reservations had been made months in advance.

The first major change to the schedule was to move the ships departure to Belfast on May 30, but new problems found during dry dock at the Harland & Wolff yard pushed the date back again and again.

Because the ship had been laid up for four years since the Covid pandemic, new safety and other inspections also had to be carried out, causing further setbacks. Odyssey has now had sea trials but is yet to sail.

Divorcee Ms Phenix paid a deposit on the initial world voyage, aiming to decide once on board whether to buy a cabin or join the companys Endless Horizon programme, which allows passengers to cruise for the rest of their lives. She has been partly refunded and is awaiting the remaining balance.

The mother of two has now returned to Florida after joining the last leg of another world cruise  Royal Caribbeans epic nine-month voyage on Serenade of the Seas.

She said: I cannot even begin to explain the emotional devastation and the physical toll this has taken on me. It was weeks before I could talk about the situation and could even explain it to my children. It is still very hard for me to discuss, as I had the same dream everyone else on that ship does, and they took that from me seemingly without a thought.

I will have to stay with my daughter until I figure out a whole new plan for my life.

The Odyssey docked at Harland & Wolff ship repair facility in Belfast - Peter Morrison/AP

This week, Villa Vie Residences told residents it would stop paying the $500,000 (382,000) monthly cost of covering hotel bills, saying the expense was unsustainable.

The announcement prompted one American couple, Steve and Angela Theriac, to post a video on their YouTube channel, MidLife Cruising, saying they would return to the US while they were waiting for the ship to sail.

They said: It costs a minimum of $200 [153] a night to stay in Belfast  its too much for us so its cheaper to fly back to the States.

The couple told The Telegraph: There have been delays, but we remain optimistic that this venture will happen. We have seen the blood, sweat and tears first hand and know the owners will do what it takes to make it work.

Other residents remaining in Belfast are also staying loyal to the project and counting the days until Odyssey leaves.

Holly Hennessy, 68, who is travelling solo with her cat Captain, said: The fact that VVR will no longer cover hotels is no concern to me as Ive paid most of my own all along. Other residents agree that the expenses couldnt be covered for ever. I remain positive and optimistic that our ship will sail.

In a statement, Mike Petterson, the chief executive of Villa Vie Residences, said Ms Phenix broke multiple terms and conditions and signed a non-disclosure agreement. The founding residents voted and agreed to uphold her suspension and we plan on respecting that decision. We have nothing else to comment on the ongoing dispute.

As for the accommodations, we have paid more than $2 million for peoples living expenses for four months. We have hundreds of residents spread out throughout Europe and are asking people to book their own hotel rooms until we launch next week. Their costs will be compensated with onboard credit of up to $200 a day.

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TUSCALOOSA COUNTY, Ala. (WIAT)  One person was killed following a crash involving a school bus Wednesday, according to the Tuscaloosa Sheriffs Office.

Tuscaloosa County School System released the following statement Wednesday:

We want to update you on a situation involving one of our school buses this morning. Bus 101 was involved in a traffic accident this morning. Sipsey Valley Middle and High students were on board the bus at the time. All students were able to be transferred to another bus and taken to their schools. Nurses and emergency medical personnel were on site to evaluate students once they arrived. Counselors are also available for any students who need support. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to your school administrator.

Tuscaloosa woman dead after morning crash

Details are limited at this time as the Alabama Law Enforcement continues to investigate.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42.
LAHAINA, Hawaii (KHON2)  Debris removal has been completed from more than 1,000 residential properties in the Lahaina Impact Zone months before the original deadline.

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The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced that the final residential properties, including The Spinnaker apartment complex, marked the completion of the project, which had a deadline of January 2025.

Rep. Tokuda remembers Maui victims, those who are still missing on House floor

Lt. Col. Collin Jones, Hawaii Wildfires Recovery Field Office commander for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers describes the project as a huge milestone and accomplishment.

Officials originally anticipated that the rebuilding phase for Lahaina would not take place for two or three years.

With 1,342 of 1,390 residential lots cleared, officials said the county and property owners can apply for building permits. Twenty properties have begun the rebuilding phase.

With each lot cleared and new foundation poured, a sense of hope is gaining momentum throughout Lahaina town. The progress has happened more quickly than we thought. Were thankful for the crucial and expedited work done by our federal partners, along with our hardworking County crews, so our residents can begin to rebuild their homes and lives. Maui Mayor Richard Bissen

Check out more news from around Hawaii

HI-EMA, Maui County and the U.S Environmental Protection Agency have also worked alongside the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to oversee the debris removal.

Officials continue to work on clearing debris from 68 commercial properties in Lahaina.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
MARION COUNTY, Ill.  A 11-year-old girl was charged Wednesday after sending threatening messages against Centralia Junior High School.

According to the Centralia Illinois Police Department, the first threat came from the girl who stated in a message she would harm anyone that went to the Centralia Junior High School on Thursday.

Centralia City School canceled classes on Thursday in caution, but police assured the public the case is now closed.

The schools patrol division was able to determine where the message originated from and took the 11-year-old girl into custody. Police said the mother of the girl fully cooperated with police to bring the case to a close.

According to the Marion County States Attorneys Office, the girl did not qualify for detainment and was released to a family member. She has been charged with felony disorderly conduct.

Police said while in the process of investigating the original threat, the girl confessed about posting a separate threat on social media. Centralia City School officials were notified.

The girl was again charged with felony disorderly conduct and released to a guardian.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
The Ocean Photographer of the Year awards announced the winners of its 2024 contest.

Winners were chosen in categories such as Wildlife, Human Connection, and Ocean Conservation.

The overall winning image showed a whale about to devour a large ball of fish.

The Ocean Photographer of the Year awards announced the winners of its 2024 contest on Thursday.

Presented by Oceanographic Magazine and Blancpain Ocean Commitment, the contest highlights the work of underwater photographers to help raise awareness for ocean conservation work and scientific research protecting these delicate ecosystems.

Winning photos were chosen out of 15,000 submissions across eight categories: Young Photographer, Wildlife, Portfolio, Human Connection, Fine Art, Conservation  Impact, Conservation  Hope, and Adventure. The contest also chose a Female Fifty Fathoms Award winner in a special category recognizing the work of female ocean photographers, as well as first, second, and third-place winners of the overall competition.

Take a look at this year's most remarkable works of ocean photography.

Julian Jacobs won first place in the Young Photographer category with a photo of a moray eel.

A moray eel in California. Julian Jacobs/Ocean Photographer of the Year 2024

Jacobs photographed the moray eel in California as the tide receded.

In the Wildlife category, Manuel Castellanos Raboso's photo of a mahi-mahi won first place.

A mahi-mahi in Baja California Sur, Mexico. Manuel Castellanos Raboso/Ocean Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2024

Raboso's image shows a mahi-mahi displaying its catch during a feeding frenzy in Baja California Sur, Mexico.

Shane Gross won the Portfolio category with a series of photos highlighting various creatures, including a crested sculpin.

A crested sculpin in Alaska. Shane Gross/Ocean Photographer of the Year 2024

Gross took a photo of a crested sculpin hiding in the tentacles of a lion's mane jellyfish in Alaska.

Zhang Xiang took the top prize in the Human Connection category with a photo of a traditional fisherman in China.

A fisherman in China. Zhang Xiang/Ocean Photographer of the Year 2024

Xiang's photo shows a fisherman walking along the beach at sunset.

Henley Spiers captured Munk's devil rays swirling through the ocean, winning first place in the Fine Art category.

Munk's devil rays in Baja California Sur, Mexico. Henley Spiers/Ocean Photographer of the Year 2024

Spiers spotted the rays in Baja California Sur, Mexico, where they were drawn to the green light shining through the water.

Frederik Brogaard captured a sobering image of a whaling plant in Iceland, winning first place in the Conservation  Impact category.

A fin whale in Iceland. Frederik Brogaard/Ocean Photographer of the Year 2024

Brogaard's photo shows a fin whale, the second-largest species of whale, awaiting slaughter at a whaling plant.

Gross won again in the Conservation  Hope category with a photo of a green sea turtle in the Seychelles.

A green sea turtle in the Seychelles. Shane Gross/Ocean Photographer of the Year 2024

Researchers accidentally caught the sea turtle while studying sharks. They measured and tagged the turtle before releasing it back into the wild.

Tobias Friedrich's image of a diver exploring a shipwreck won first place in the Adventure category.

A shipwreck in the Bahamas. Tobias Friedrich/Ocean Photographer of the Year 2024

The shipwreck was located in the Bahamas.

The Female Fifty Fathoms Award celebrating women in ocean photography went to Ipah Uid Lynn.

A whale shark in the Maldives. Ipah Uid Lynn/Ocean Photographer of the Year 2024

Lynn's award-winning portfolio included this image of a whale shark surrounded by a school of fish in the Maldives.

The contest's overall third-place winner was Thien Nguyen Ngoc with a photo of a fishing boat in Vietnam.

A fishing boat in Vietnam. Thien Nguyen Ngoc/Ocean Photographer of the Year 2024

The green fishing nets were visible under the surface of the water off the coast of Hon Yen.

The contest's second-place winner, Jade Hoksbergen, photographed a northern gannet diving through the water in the Shetland Islands.

A northern gannet in the Shetland Islands. Jade Hoksbergen/Ocean Photographer of the Year 2024

The northern gannet dove to capture its next meal in waters surrounding the Isle of Noss.

Rafael Fernandez Caballero was the competition's overall winner with a photo of a feasting Bryde's whale.

A Bryde's whale in Baja California Sur, Mexico. Rafael Fernandez Caballero/Ocean Photographer of the Year 2024

Caballero's photo shows a Bryde's whale about to devour a baitball in Baja California Sur, Mexico.

"The image captures perhaps the most special  and craziest  moment of my life," Caballero said. "It fills me with joy having lived this moment  and to have captured the image."

Caballero added that winning the title of Ocean Photographer of the Year "drives me to keep believing in what I do and to continue showcasing the ocean's wonders."

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LOUISA, Ky. (FOX 56)  A 12-year-old boy was charged in connection with a threat to Louisa Middle School on Thursday morning.

RELATED:

According to the Kentucky State Police Department (KSP), troopers at Post 14 were requested by the administration at Louisa Middle School to assist with an investigation after school leaders received a notification of a threat to the school.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

After the investigation, KSP said in a news release that the Louisa Police Department charged a 12-year-old boy with third-degree terroristic threatening.

The case is still under investigation by Louisa police, according to law enforcement.

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HONOLULU (KHON2)  More than 100 nurses from the Queens Medical Center marched to the the Manamana campus to make the case for safe staffing.

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The nurses presented almost 100 unsafe staffing reports over the last eight months to the CEO, highlighting that incidents at the hospital represent half of the forms filed in 2024.

Productive conversation held between HNA, Kapiolani Medical Center

According to the report, only 6% of nurses said they have the staff they need and factors such as stress and burnout contribute to the high turnover rate.

The safety and wellbeing of our patients are very literally in our hands and its our number one priority every day. We are asking our employer to help us assure safe care by providing reasonable nurse-to-patient ratios. They continue to refuse, said Donna Miyamoto, a Queens Medical Center nurse of more than 30 years.

This book is a love letter to Hawaii: Tom Peeks Mauna Kea

The report also said that in the last five years, 95% of Queens nurses said they have considered leaving for mainland hospitals that have safe staffing laws.

Safe staffing issues have also been negotiated at Kapiolani Medical Center.

Officials reported that hundreds of copies of the employers proposal were mailed to the nurses homes at an estimated cost of $4,000. The proposal was returned.

Hawaiian Telcom opens grant applications for local non-profits

We want a contract that takes care of nurses so we can take care of patients, said Leticia Calles, a three-year Cardiac Invasive Services RN.

The Queens Medical Center issued the following statement:

The Queens Medical Center continues its conversations with the Hawaii Nurses Association and remains hopeful that an agreement with HNA can be reached.

Check out more news from around Hawaii

Nurses under the Hawaii Nurses Association continue to work without a contract.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
Stop the Presses

A teenager in Detroit was arrested after his house was raided in a 3D-printed gun sting, CBS News reports, amid a federal crackdown into illegal weapons parts produced with consumer fabrication tech.

The culmination of a joint investigation with the Department of Homeland Security, the Detroit Police Department Organized Crime unit executed a search warrant at the house on Wednesday, uncovering evidence of an illegal operation.

Among the confiscated items, according to authorities, were 3D-printers, twelve 3D-printed handgun "lowers"  the lower half of a handgun frame  and five rifle lowers. The big ticket item, though, was a 3D-printed Glock "switch," a small device that converts pistols of the popular brand into fully automatic weapons.

The arrested teenager, a 14-year-old, is facing felony weapons charges. According to CBS, the teenager will likely face federal charges as well, due to Homeland Security's involvement in the arrest and investigation.

Smoking Gun

Generally, 3D-printing guns and gun parts isn't illegal in the US, though this can vary from state to state, and also depend on the specific parts that are being made. Printing them with the intent to sell them, however, can get you into serious trouble.

The arrest was made after investigators intercepted a package from China that contained the Glock switch, after which they allowed it to be delivered to the house.

However, it's unclear how the authorities determined that the teenager intended to sell the gun parts. Ryan Connor, commander of the Detroit Organized Crime Unit, said that they are currently investigating whether any of these gun parts actually hit the market.

"It's scary for everyone. At that age, do they have the ability to know right from wrong?" Connor said on Wednesday, as quoted by CBS. "What are their intentions with these weapons? Do they have the maturity? There's a lot that goes through our minds about those crimes."

Plastic Piece

The 3D-printed Glock switch is part of a broader category of highly illegal weapon parts called machine gun conversion devices. These are outright illegal to own or create  not just sell.

Just days before the raid, the Justice Department, at a Washington gathering of other federal law enforcement officials, reemphasized its crackdown on MCDs by calling on the 3D-printing industry to "identify solutions in this fight."

"More and more of these devices were being sold over the internet and on social media, and more and more they were actually just being printed by inexpensive 3D printers in homes and garages everywhere," Steve Dettelbach, the director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives agency, told the Associated Press.

According to ATF figures cited by the AP, there was a 570 percent increase in the number of MCDs confiscated by police between 2017 and 2021.

Considering that 3D-printing is easier to pick up than ever, cheaply-made MCDs won't be an easy thing to stamp-out. Evidently, even kids are getting into this burgeoning black market these days.

More on guns: Video Shows China's Rifle-Equipped Robot Dog Opening Fire on Targets
VILNIUS, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda authorized the country's Defense Minister Laurynas Kasciunas and Vice Foreign Minister Jonas Survila on Thursday to sign an agreement with Berlin on the rights of German troops stationed in Lithuania.

The agreement will be signed on Friday in Germany after it was drafted as part of preparations in Lithuania to host several thousand German troops, the Baltic News Service reported.

It provides for the establishment of educational and medical facilities, canteens and stores in Lithuania by the German army, and they will be exempted from tax.

According to the cost-sharing agreements, Lithuania's share of the costs will be borne by the government.

The document will have to be ratified by both countries' parliaments.

Lithuania and Germany have agreed to deploy the brigade by the end of 2027. 
HONOLULU (KHON2)  Police announced that they were alerted to a concerning social media post about a potential threat to a school in Hilo.

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Hawaii County Police were contacted by parents who also saw the posts.

Though there were no direct threats reported and police did not specify what schools were threatened, the social media post mentioned a notorious gang potentially planning to go to a school in Hilo on Thursday.

Mother of Georgia shooting suspect called school to warn of emergency, family says

HPD met with school administrators and showed a presence during school drop off Thursday morning.

Through investigation, a 15-year-old high school student was identified as being responsible for the posts.

Im going to be a school shooter: 2 preteen girls jailed after alleged threat

He was arrested at 7:50 a.m. when he arrived at school.

Police take threats of violence extremely seriously, especially those directed towards students and schools, HPD said in a news release.

Hawaii Island Police have charged the teen with disorderly conduct.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at (808) 961-2276 or email Corina.Mclellan@hawaiicounty.gov.

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SIOUX FALLS S.D. (KELO) A search for a 15-year-old boy ended Thursday morning.

At police briefing Thursday, Sioux Falls Police announced they were searching for a 15-year-old boy after he was arrested for having a weapon outside Axtell Park school Wednesday.

Pine Ridge cancels school due to safety threat

The boy was taken to juvenile custody, where he escaped. Shortly after police briefing ended, the boy was located by police, according to Sioux Falls Police Department spokesman Sam Clemens.

A court order was obtained by police in order to provide further information about a juvenile suspect to the public. It allowed police to release specific details about the juvenile, including his name, Clemens said at police briefing.

Since the suspect has been caught and no longer a threat, his name and photo will not be released.

The Sioux Falls School District says as of Thursday the boy is no longer a student in the district and the boy has not been enrolled at any point this school year.

Axtell Park staff were notified this morning. Additional precautions were taken at Axtell Park with support from the Sioux Falls Police Department, a school district spokesperson said in an email to KELOLAND News, We are grateful for our partnership with law enforcement and to the community member who reported this concern to police by following the See Something, Say Something protocol.

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LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)  15-year-old Lamar Kemp was sentenced to 3570 years in prison Wednesday for the 2023 shooting murder of prominent local Democratic Party leader Ted Lawson, then 63 years old.

On Oct. 8, 2023, police responded to a shooting at around 3:01 p.m. on the 110 block of North Jenison Avenue. Police say Kemp approached Lawson, who was canvassing at the time, and asked him for a dollar. Then, he shot Lawson. Upon arrival, police found Lawson with a gunshot wound and transported him to a nearby hospital via ambulance where he later died.

Police arrested Kemp, and later the same week, an Ingham County judge ruled that he would be charged as an adult with murder due to the severity of the charges and his history of offenses in Ingham County.

Kemp in court (WLNS)

While Lawson, secretary of the Ingham County Democratic Party, was shot while politically canvassing, Ingham County Prosecutor John J. Dewane confirmed that the shooting was not politically motivated.

The Ingham County 30th Circuit Court was filled with numerous emotions from Lawsons family, who confronted Kemp.

Ted Lawson (WLNS)

Its nuts to think that I have to stand here in front of someone that killed my dad in cold blood, said Brittany Lawson, Ted Lawsons daughter.

The family talked about the pain of losing a loved one to violence.

My daughter has cried every day over the loss of her grandfather, said Megan Lawson, Ted Lawsons sister-in-law. She tells me all the time that she is afraid for me to leave the house, because she doesnt want me to not come back.

Also, among the topics discussed was their hope for a sense of justice.

And Im just so glad that we were able to find the person that did it, because so many people dont get this closure, said Brittany Lawson.

Members of Lawsons family. (WLNS)

Kemp pled guilty to second-degree murder in court and was sentenced to 3570 years in prison.

Youre completely unencumbered, by remorse, regret, or sorrow for this completely senseless act, said Judge Joyce Draganchuk, who presided over Kemps trial.

Brittany Lawson just hopes something like this never happens again to any other family.

I mean realistically I think they handled it the best way that they could. You know, youre working with the legal definition of a minor, said Brittany. Theres so many things you can and cant do and they really did the best that they could for us. So, I would say no, we really got the best that we could get.

Brittany Lawson says her and her family can properly grieve now that Kemp is behind bars.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News.
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  Detectives with the Kern County County Sheriffs Office recovered 16 stolen vehicles, 2 of which were reported stolen out of Arizona, and arrested one man in connection to the thefts in Rosamond.

Detectives investigated a stolen tractor near Stockdale Highway and Enos Lane on Aug. 28. Detectives obtained video and identified the suspect involved as Christopher Zuber, 43, of Helendale, Calif.

Bena Landfill reopens in Kern County

Zuber was allegedly involved in multiple equipment thefts in Kern County, according to KCSO.

The investigation led detectives to 62nd Street West and Sweetser Road in the Rosamond area on Sept. 10.

A search warrant was obtained and executed.

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Detectives found the missing tractor from Stockdale Highway and Enos Lane and one stolen John Deere tractor, which was reported missing out of Arizona and a travel trailer reported missing out of Arizona.

One other tractor was found along with an industrial forklift, five stolen trailers, a stolen semi-truck, a stolen Chevrolet truck, a Yamaha quad and a stolen light tower, according to KCSO.

Zuber was arrested and booked at the Kern County Jail on suspicion of grand theft auto, owning and operating a chop shop and other related charges.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17.
TOPEKA (KSNT)  City leaders are looking for the next chief of police for the Capital City.

Daniel Garrett, City of Topeka spokesman, said in a press release that applicants can start sending in their materials for the position of chief of police on Sept. 12. A salary of $175,000 is being offered for whoever ends up filling the spot.

People can view position qualifications and send in their applications using this link. The City of Topeka also issued the following brochure describing the positions duties in detail.

Topeka KS CoP 91024 1 by Matthew Self on Scribd

This embedded content is not available in your region.

CDC says Kansas has a weight problem

City officials asked Topekans to weigh in on what the new chief of police application should look like through the use of public meetings and opinion polls. The citys current interim police chief is Deputy Police Chief Jamey Haltom who is filling in for former Police Chief Bryan Wheeles.

For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
Officers charged Kenyan Blair, 19, of Lancaster, Wednesday with the shooting death of 18-year-old Jelani Jackson, also of Lancaster, police said.

PAST COVERAGE: Police: 18-year-old recent high school student shot, killed in Lancaster

Officers were called to Clinton Avenue near Ruth Street on Sept. 4 after someone was shot, Lancaster police said.

Jackson who had been shot was taken to MUSC-Lancaster Medical Center where he later died.

Preventing and addressing violent crime is the top priority of the Lancaster Police Department, stated Chief Don Roper in a news release. Our dedicated officers and law enforcement partners devoted extensive hours to resolving the tragic shooting that resulted in the loss of a young mans life.

Blair was charged with murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime.

He was already in the Lancaster County Detention Center on unrelated charges when he was served with the latest warrants.
COLUMBIA COUNTY, Wis. (WFRV)  A 20-year-old New York woman was arrested in Wisconsin on Tuesday after allegedly stealing mail from peoples mailboxes.

According to a release, on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, the Columbia County Sheriffs Office began receiving reports from residents in the towns of Dekorra and Otsego advising that mail had been stolen from their mailboxes.

Name of 24-year-old swimmer found dead at sand bar in the Wisconsin River released

Through the next few days, the sheriffs office took over 20 reports of mail being stolen from mailboxes in these areas.

Through victim and witness observations, a suspect vehicle was identified. Detectives began working with other area law enforcement agencies and learned this vehicle was suspected of numerous similar thefts in the northern portion of Dane County.

On Tuesday, Sept. 10, with the assistance of the La Crosse Police Department, detectives arrested Rachel Russell, 20, of Van Etten, New York, in La Crosse.

Russell was transported to the Columbia County Jail and is awaiting an initial appearance in Columbia County Circuit Court on numerous charges related to the mail thefts in Columbia County.

This investigation is ongoing, and additional charges and arrests are possible.

Yes, the scams continue!: Brown County Sheriffs Office warning the public about another round of scams

Additionally, the release says that a large quantity of mail has been recovered, and detectives have identified several victims who may not be aware that their mail was stolen. Detectives will contact those victims in the near future.

Anyone with information regarding these mail thefts is encouraged to contact Detective Brian Loewenhagen at (608) 742-4166.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton.
SIMPSON COUNTY, Miss. (WJTV)  A boil water notice has been issued for 200 customers in Simpson County.

According to the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH), the notice affects customers serviced by the Shivers Water Association. The following roads are affected:

W. M. Powell Road

David Sherman Road

Lower Rockport Road

Joann Road

John May Road

Rockport Road

Voss Steen Shivers Road

Highway 478

Houston Buckley Road

This is a precautionary notice. This notice is the result of repair work performed on the water system.

Health officials strongly recommend that all water be boiled vigorously for one minute before it is consumed.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV.
Early voting for the general election is set to begin next month in Florida and Georgia.

Heres what you need to know about each states requirements and each Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia countys early voting dates.

NORTHEAST FLORIDA

Early voting is required in any election that contains a state or federal office race. The early voting period must start at least on the 10th day before the election and end on the 3rd day before the election.

In addition, supervisors of elections have the option to offer more early voting on the 15th, 14th, 13th, 12th, 11th, or 2nd day before an election.

Baker County - Oct. 24-Nov. 2

Bradford County - Oct. 21-Nov. 3

Clay County - Oct. 22-Nov. 2

Columbia County - Oct. 21-Nov. 2

Duval County - Oct. 21-Nov. 3

Nassau County - Oct. 23-Nov. 2

Putnam County - Oct. 21-Nov. 2

St. Johns County - Oct. 21-Nov. 2

Union County - Oct. 26-Nov. 2

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SOUTHEAST GEORGIA

State law requires local elections officials to allow early in-person voting beginning on the fourth Monday prior to a primary or election, and as soon as possible prior to the runoff.

Early voting ends on the Friday immediately before Election Day.

Early voting takes place Monday through Friday, and the second and third Saturdays before Election Day. Some polling locations may be open on the second and third Sundays. Be sure to verify available dates and polling hours with your early voting precinct.

Camden County - Oct. 15-Nov. 1 with Saturday voting on October 19 and 26

Glynn County - Oct. 15-Nov. 1 with Saturday voting on October 19 and 26

Pierce County - Voters from all 8 precincts can cast their votes up to 21 days before Election Day at the Pierce County Elections Office

Ware County - Oct. 15Nov. 1 with Saturday voting on October 19 and 26 and Sunday voting on Oct. 27

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The Democratic presidential nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, President Joe Biden, former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, former President Donald Trump and the Republican vice presidential nominee, U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio), attend the annual 9/11 Commemoration Ceremony at the National 9/11 Memorial and Museum on Sept. 11, 2024, in New York City. (Michael M. Santiago | Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris honored victims on the 23rd anniversary of the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, when four hijacked commercial airliners crashed into New York Citys Twin Towers, a Pennsylvania field and the Pentagon, shocking the world and precipitating years of U.S. war targeting extremists.

Biden and Harris honored the nearly 2,977 lives lost that day visiting all three sites Wednesday. In New York City they sat among leaders past and present, including former President Donald Trump and his running mate Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio, during the annual reading of the names of those who died when the Twin Towers collapsed.

Harris and Trump shook hands at the ceremony just hours after their contentious presidential debate Tuesday night, during which they blamed each other for the deadly 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan two decades after the United States invaded in retaliation for the 9/11 attacks.

Biden and Harris then traveled to Shanksville, Pennsylvania, to lay a wreath at a memorial near the field where United Airlines Flight 93 crashed.

They also brought pizza and beer to local volunteer firefighters.

Both walked to a sandstone boulder in the field that marks the point of impact, according to reporters traveling with the president and vice president.

Trump also visited the memorial and crash site in Shanksville on Wednesday, according to press who were present.

Biden and Harris closed the day by laying a wreath at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, where 184 people were killed when a hijacked jet targeted the hub of U.S. defense operations.

On this day 23 years ago, terrorists believed they could break our will and bring us to our knees. They were wrong. They will always be wrong, Biden said in a statement. In the darkest of hours, we found light. And in the face of fear, we came together  to defend our country, and to help one another. That is why terrorists targeted us in the first place: our freedom, our democracy, our unity.

They failed. But we must remain vigilant. Today, our longest war is finally over. But our commitment to preventing another attack on our people never will be, he continued.

Both the president and Harris hailed the Obama administrations 2011 U.S. killing of Osama bin Laden, a known terrorist who antagonized the U.S. for years before directing his al-Qaida network to carry out the 9/11 attacks.

[A]nd two years ago, President Biden ordered an operation that killed Ayman al-Zawahiri, bin Ladens deputy, Harris said in a statement. We remain vigilant against any terrorist threat directed at the United States or the American people and we continue to disrupt terrorist networks wherever we find them.

Tributes from Congress

Congressional leaders paid tribute to the victims as well Wednesday.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York attended the morning ceremony at Ground Zero in Manhattan.

Today and every day, we remember and honor the sacrifice, resiliency, and the bravery of New Yorkers, our first responders, the families of those who were taken from us, and Americans across the country, Schumer posted on X Wednesday. We will #NeverForget the souls we lost on 9/11 and in the years since.

In remarks on the Senate floor, Minority Leader Mitch McConnell honored the 9/11 victims and also criticized the Biden administration for the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. He also attacked Harris for comments she made on the debate stage Tuesday.

The Biden-Harris Administration pretends the war on terrorism is over, the Kentucky Republican said. The vice president, herself, claimed last night that there is not one member of the United States military who is in active duty in a combat zone [for] the first time this century.

This, of course, would be news to the U.S. service members who conducted operations against ISIS in Iraq last week, and to the sailors intercepting Houthi rockets in the Red Sea, and to the families of service members killed and injured in the attack on Tower 22 near Jordans border with Syria earlier this year, McConnell said, referencing Iran-backed militant attacks on shipping vessels and a U.S. Air Force and Army base in the northernmost tip of Jordan.

Both U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries marked the anniversary by laying a wreath at the 9/11 memorial in the U.S. Capitol that honors the passengers and crew of Flight 93.

The 9/11 terrorists sought to destroy America, but they were no match for the indomitable American spirit. On this solemn day, we honor the lives of those lost and remember the strength and courage of our first responders who ran towards danger, not from it. We will never forget their extraordinary sacrifice, Johnson of Louisiana said in a statement.

Jeffries, a New York Democrat, called attention to emergency workers who developed chronic health issues following their duties at the Manhattan crash site.

Hundreds of first responders selflessly and bravely answered the call and ran towards danger. They risked their own safety to rescue whoever they could find. Due to the toxic exposures they endured at Ground Zero, many went on to contract severe or terminal long-term illnesses, Jeffries said in a statement, spotlighting the more than two dozen New York firefighters who died this year from their 9/11-related diseases.

Our commitment to our courageous first responders is ironclad and must endure. House Democrats will always stand up for the heroes who gave everything on that tragic day, Jeffries said, blasting Republicans who in 2019 stalled, and some who voted against, a government medical fund for the responders. We will never forget their sacrifice.

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KIEV, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- Visiting U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy on Wednesday announced new aid packages for Ukraine, local media reported.

Speaking at a press conference in Kiev, Blinken said that the United States would provide more than 700 million U.S. dollars for Ukraine in fresh assistance, the Interfax-Ukraine news agency reported.

Of the sum, 325 million dollars will be directed for the restoration of energy and electric networks, 290 million dollars for humanitarian aid and 102 million dollars for humanitarian demining.

Blinken also informed that he had discussed with Ukrainian officials the use of long-range weapons.

For his part, Lammy announced that Britain will provide more than 600 million pounds (about 783 million U.S. dollars) worth of support for Ukraine, the Ukrinform news agency reported.

The funding will be used to finance Ukraine's urgent humanitarian, energy and stabilization needs, and provide credit guarantees for Kiev.

Blinken and Lammy arrived in Kiev earlier in the day for a joint visit. The diplomats met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and senior government officials. They also took part in the fourth Crimea Platform Summit. 
SMITH COUNTY, Texas (KETK)  A Smith County man accused of selling fentanyl-laced pills was charged with the murder of a 23-year-old overdose victim.

What is fentanyl? Exploring the origins, impact of the drug

23-year-old Cory Darell Long died at a Tyler emergency room due to an overdose on April 17. When investigators went to Byrd Lane where the overdose occurred, they recovered pills marked M-30 which are known to contain fentanyl. The Texas DPS Crime Lab later confirmed the pills tested positive for fentanyl, which is a synthetic opioid 100 times more potent than morphine. A lethal dose can be as small as a grain.

Theres no quality control when they make these fentanyl-laced pills, Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith said at a press conference on Thursday.

Nadarius Tyreque Houston, 24 of Tyler, was arrested in April for manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance and being a felon in possession of a firearm. He was taken to the Smith County Jail on April 25.

How reliable are fentanyl test strips?

Mugshot of Nadarius Houston, courtesy of the Smith County Sheriffs Office

Longs autopsy determined that he died due to the toxic effects of fentanyl, or fentanyl poisoning. According to Smith, it took several months to get the toxicology report, which is why the murder charge was delayed.

Mr. Houston is an unlucky soul because hell be prosecuted and hell be made an example of, Smith said.

On Tuesday, authorities got an arrest affidavit for murder for Houston with a bond of $500,000. Houston, who was already in jail, had the charge added to his others.

Were sick of seeing it, were sick of getting these calls of overdose, Smith said.

Previously, Smith has sounded the alarm on the flow of illegal drugs from Mexico into the U.S., calling it an epidemic.

Until the border is closed, and even when it is closed, it will be very hard to stop fentanyl from coming over, Smith said.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com.
After 25 years, congregants of Wedgwood Baptist Church still remember the day a gunman invaded the church and killed seven people. On Sunday, theyll mark the 25th anniversary with a special service and remember the people whose lives were taken.

The Sept. 15, 1999, shooting was at that time believed to be the deadliest shooting in Fort Worth history. A man walked into the church, demeaning worshipers for their beliefs and shouting obscenities, and opened fire. Dressed in all black with long hair, the gunman killed mostly teenagers and detonated a bomb on the churchs balcony. In the end, he killed himself.

The victims killed, which included some students from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, were Shawn C. Brown, 23; Susan Kimberly Jones, 23; Cassandra Griffin, 14; Joseph D. Ennis, 14; Justin M. Ray, 17; Sydney R. Browning, 36; and Kristi Beckel, 14.

The Wednesday night church service and See You at the Pole prayer event featured Christian rock group Forty Days, drawing  as it was intended to  many young people among the more than 200 worshipers.

The gunman, a 47-year-old man who neighbors described as recluse who often carried a gym bag, also critically wounded seven others.

Some of the wounded were identified as Jeff Lester, a seminary student and custodian at the church; Jaynanne Brown; Mary Beth Talley, a senior at Southwest High School; Matt Parr, a Southwest junior; Nick Skinner; Cassie Griffin; and Kevin Galey.

News articles from the time said the gunman had a conversation with one 19-year-old man during the shooting, with the 19-year-old trying to talk him down and the gunman demeaning the religion before sitting in a pew and killing himself.

Witnesses described the shooting to the Star-Telegram that night.

We thought it was a joke, Kristen Dickens, a 14-year-old who was sitting in the second pew of the sanctuary when the gunfire erupted, said at the time. We were singing and he told us to shut up. ... I thought our pastor was playing a joke on us.

The shooting sent congregants diving for cover beneath pews as the gunman fired, stopping to reload several times.

He just kept telling us to stay still, Chris Applegate, a seventh-grader who was attending choir practice in another part of the church, told the Star-Telegram in September 1999.

We were singing a song and then in the middle of the song this guy opened the door and fired one shot, Applegate said. He just kept telling us to stay still.

Chip Gillette, an off-duty police officer, looked outside his house across the street from the church when his dog started barking, a police spokesperson said at the time. Gillette saw teens fleeing the church and ran there, unarmed, and then rushed back to his house when he heard the gunshots.

He went back and got his equipment [gun, vest and police radio] and basically threw the shirt on, so no one would mistake him as the shooter, the spokesperson said in 1999.

Days after the shooting, at a prayer service at a neighboring church, members told the Star-Telegram they were shocked. Some felt numbed by the shooting and other said healing would take time.

Al Meredith, the pastor of the church at the time, said after the shooting that the congregations hearts are broken but not crushed.

Wedgwoods Sunday service will focus on remember the victims of the shooting. It starts at 9 a.m. at 5522 Whitman Ave. in Fort Worth.

This story contains information from the Star-Telegrams archives.
Felipe Martinez discusses in incident where his father, Freddie Vega, was seriously injured after he was attacked by a group of youths Wednesday afternoon in Milwaukee, during a protest held Thursday across from the Lynde and Harry Bradley Technology and Trade School in Milwaukee.

A 63-year-old and two other adults were attacked by a group of youths, leaving one with serious injuries on Wednesday afternoon, with Milwaukee police arresting three teen boys, so far.

The attack happened in a restaurant at a McDonald's in the 700 block of South First Street, according to family of the victims.

Police said they were called to the scene around 4 p.m. and subsequently arrested two 14-year-old boys and a 15-year-old boy. They continue to seek additional suspects in an active investigation.

The two other adults, ages 62 and 53, were medically treated at the scene, police said in a news release.

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson released a statement on the incident on Thursday, saying he was appalled by the "actions of the young people involved in yesterday's assaults in the Bradley Tech neighborhood."

"The attack on the victims was without any conceivable justification. The victims have my prayers for a speedy recovery," Johnson's statement said.

Felipe Martinez identified his father, Freddie Vega, as the man who was seriously injured ahead of a march Thursday. The 62-year-old victim was identified as Jesse Andino, by his son Jesus Andino Jr. The third adult involved was not identified.

The suspects are facing felony aggravated assault charges "due to the egregiousness of this incident," the police said in its news release.

Video of attack stirs outrage

Police shared the news release on Thursday, and it came after videos surfaced on social media Wednesday night depicting events that are similar to what the release described. Milwaukee police declined to confirm if the video footage and the press release were referencing the same incident.

The videos posted on social media show a group of youths kicking, punching and stomping on a man who is on the ground. Another video showed other adults running from the group and the man in the other video getting up from the ground with a bloodied face.

The mayor's statement referred to Milwaukee Public Schools' Lynde and Harry Bradley Technology and Trade School and the ongoing effort to return police to the district. "It is also well past time for the restoration of police officers at schools. I ask MPS to address this with urgency," the statement said.

An MPS spokesperson said the district "is aware of an incident that happened in the community yesterday involving a group of teenagers" and that it did not occur on school property.

MPS said it could not share information about students or families, due to state and federal law. It said it follows its code of conduct in addressing consequences for anyone involved in "situations that impact the safety or learning environment of other students."

Accountability sought of parents, public officials

Andino Jr. says he was working down the block when the attack happened and that frustrates him.Andino said McDonalds and the gas station is a hangout for students at the nearby Bradley Tech.The root of the problem is the parents, the anger these kids have. Theres community centers being closed down  they need to be taken care of. We just need to be taken care of as a community, he said. We have to be there for our kids.

Jesus Andino Jr. discusses an incident where Freddie Vega and two other adults were attacked by a group of youths, leaving Vega with serious injuries, on the day after the Wednesday attack, Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, in Milwaukee.

Martinez, the son of one of the victims, said he didnt want this to be construed as a hate crime or as Black people against Brown people.

It makes you think how is that OK? he said of the assault. What possesses you to do something to somebody who looks like a grandfather?

He called for accountability from public officials.

Vega and other speakers were critical of the lack of public officials in attendance at the demonstration.

Walter Garron, the chairman of the Brown Berets, said he was requesting a meeting with the local police captain, Mayor Johnson and MPS officials.

Garron said his group would begin to patrol the streets after the incident and have done so in the past in emergencies involving local businesses like food trucks on the south side of the city.

He said the area of the city needed more help from the city and officials. Garron and other speakers called on parents to have more accountability for their kids' actions and find ways to divert these types of situations.

We've been reaching out to our local leaders, and it seems like we've been just talking to a wall, Garron said. We need to change ourselves and within ourselves to make that change for the kids.

Milwaukee police said it is asking for help to identify those involved, including witnesses. They ask anyone with any information to call the department at (414) 935-7360 or, to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (414) 224-Tips or P3 Tips.

"Those that causes harm to others in our community shall be held accountable," the police release said. "This behavior is not just unacceptable, it is inhumane. Violence is never appropriate conflict resolution."

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: 3 Milwaukee teens arrested in attack on 3 adults outside McDonald's
Tens of thousands of Boeing workers have voted to strike after rejecting the proposed contract from the embattled aerospace company -- a move with far-reaching implications for the U.S. economy.

Boeing had reached a tentative agreement earlier this week with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, or IAM, the union representing 33,000 workers at Boeing plants in Washington State, Oregon and California.

However, union members rejected the contract agreement on Thursday night with a vote of 94.6%. IAM's members will strike at midnight on Friday after 96% voted for the action.

"The message was clear that the tentative agreement we reached with IAM leadership was not acceptable to the members," Boeing said in a statement following the strike vote. "We remain committed to resetting our relationship with our employees and the union, and we are ready to get back to the table to reach a new agreement.

A work stoppage would weaken Boeing as it struggles to recover from a years-long stretch of scandals and setbacks, hamstringing the nation's largest exporter, experts told ABC News. But, they added, workers are frustrated with what they perceive as inadequate compensation and a sense they must sacrifice to make up for the company's mismanagement.

MORE: Boeing's Starliner undocks from the ISS and returns to Earth, without NASA astronauts

Here's what to know about what's behind the strike and its implications for the U.S. economy:

Why are Boeing workers preparing to strike?

Neither Boeing nor the IAM wants a strike. The workers might carry one out anyway.

The tentative agreement struck this week delivers a 25% raise over the four-year duration of the contract, as well as worker gains on healthcare costs and retirement benefits. The union had sought a 40% pay increase over the life of the deal.

The agreement also features a commitment from Boeing to build its next commercial plane with union labor in Washington state.

Boeing touted the strength of its offer earlier this week. "Simply put, this is the best contract we've ever presented," Stephanie Pope, Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO, wrote in a letter to union members obtained by ABC News.

The union echoed support for the agreement, urging workers to ratify the deal.

"We have achieved everything we could in bargaining, short of a strike. We recommended acceptance because we can't guarantee we can achieve more in a strike," IAM District 571 President Jon Holden, who leads the union local involved in negotiations, told members in a public letter.

PHOTO: In this June 25, 2024, file photo, Boeing 737 MAX aircraft are assembled at the Boeing Renton Factory in Renton, Washington. (Jennifer Buchanan/POOL via AFP via Getty Images, FILE)

In response to ABC News' request for comment, a Boeing spokesperson pointed to a letter sent to union members by CEO Kelly Ortberg.

"I hope you will choose the bright future ahead, but I also know there are employees considering another path -- and it's one where no one wins," Ortberg said.

"For Boeing, it is no secret that our business is in a difficult period, in part due to our own mistakes in the past. Working together, I know that we can get back on track, but a strike would put our shared recovery in jeopardy, further eroding trust with our customers and hurting our ability to determine our future together," Ortberg added.

IAM declined to respond to ABC News' request for comment.

Still, the vote indicates that workers are ready to defy the company and the union. For years, West Coast Boeing workers have taken issue with their level of compensation, especially in light of strong company performance and a surge in the cost of living, experts said.

"There are years and years of pent-up frustration among Boeing workers," Jake Rosenfeld, a professor of sociology at Washington University in St. Louis who studies labor, told ABC News. "This is an expression of being completely fed up."

Union members also view themselves as being asked to make sacrifices made necessary by the company's mismanagement, said Henry Harteveldt, a travel industry analyst at Atmosphere Research Group.

In January, a door plug blew out of the company's 737 Max 9 aircraft during an Alaska Airlines flight, prompting a federal investigation. The renewed scrutiny arrived roughly five years after Boeing 737 Max aircraft were grounded worldwide following a pair of crashes in Indonesia and Ethiopia that killed a combined 346 people.

In 2021, after a two-year ban, Boeing 737 Max aircraft were permitted to fly.

Boeing is carrying nearly $60 billion in debt, Pope noted in her letter to union members. The company's share price has plummeted almost 40% since the outset of 2024. Ortberg took over as CEO last month.

"The workers cannot and should not be expected to bear all of the burden of the changes needed at Boeing," Harteveldt said.

"But I don't think Boeing is asking them or expecting them to do that," Harteveldt added. "Boeing has extended what appears to be a very generous offer with substantial wage increases."

What's at stake in a potential Boeing strike?

Boeing, which employs 145,000 U.S.-based workers, is a major U.S. firm with a sprawling network of suppliers, experts said.

The company estimates that it contributes nearly $80 billion to the U.S. economy each year, and indirectly accounts for 1.6 million jobs.

MORE: Harris-Trump debate: Economists assess attacks over inflation, tariffs

A prolonged strike would weaken production with the potential to slow output, diminish income and trigger layoffs, Harteveldt said.

"There's a risk of a downward spiral," Harteveldt said.

Such a strike would not impact flight activity or down planes, however, since the workers at issue take part in manufacturing new products. That stands in contrast with an averted railroad strike in 2022, which would have halted a sizable share of the nation's cargo trains.

"This wouldn't be as devastating," Rosenfeld said.

Still, he added, a potential strike would hold implications for a signature U.S. firm.

"It would further damage an iconic company that has already had years of setbacks," Rosenfeld said.

Boeing union workers reject contract; 96% vote to strike originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  Residents in part of Leawood are now being allowed to return to their homes following a gas leak Wednesday afternoon.

Just after 2 p.m. the Leawood Fire Department, Overland Park Fire Department and Johnson County MedAct responded to the area of W. 113th Terrace and Granada Lane for the reported gas leak.

Kansas Secretary of State sends letter with concerns over mailed ballots

When fire crews arrived on scene they were informed that a construction contractor struck a gas main.

Due to the presence of natural gas readings in the sewer system, 30 homes were evacuated within 300 feet of the gas main leak as a precaution.

No injuries have been reported at this time.

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Just before 5:30 p.m. Leawood police reported the gas main break was under control and road in the area were being opened.

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$300K returned to victim following e-mail scam in Anderson Co.

ANDERSON COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA)  Detectives with the Anderson County Sheriffs Office said more than $300,000 was returned to a victim after being scammed via email in July.

The sheriffs office said an investigation was initiated when a liquidation company in Williamston was attempting to pay an outstanding bill. In reality, a total of $527,000 was wired to a hacker.

Deputies said anyone is capable of falling for the email scam.

Investigators said it appears the suspect hacked the businesss email and searched for any ongoing threads on outstanding invoices. The individual used the same letterhead as the company that was owed money and informed the victim that its banking information had changed.

Deputies said the balance owed matched the amount due but the destination of the transfer did not match the company.

Detectives were able to follow the money trail of four different wire transfers and retrieve about $305,000 back to the liquidation company.

The sheriffs office recommends that if anyone notices changes in a companys provided banking information, verify and double-check the account by calling the business.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
Editors note: This story has been updated to accurately reflect the tribe and timeline of the rescinded wolf reintroduction agreement.

DENVER (KDVR)  A third reintroduced gray wolf has died in Colorado, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

That means only seven of the 10 reintroduced wolves are surviving, although the Copper Creek wolf pack includes four pups that were born here.

CPW report details capture and release, first few months of wolf reintroduction program

CPW said the agency received a mortality signal from the wolfs GPS collar on Sept. 9 and confirmed the wolfs death on Sept. 10.

While this is sad news, these types of restoration efforts consider anticipated mortalities in our planning and a degree of wolf mortality, just like for any wildlife, is expected both during restoration efforts and on an ongoing basis, said CPW Director Jeff Davis in the agencys announcement.

The wolfs death will be investigated by CPW and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service because gray wolves are a federally listed species under the Endangered Species Act. CPW did not include any indication in its Thursday announcement of what led to the wolfs death, but previous wolf deaths were connected to injuries.

Two wolves suffered injuries before death: Reports

The first of the reintroduced gray wolf deaths was announced on April 18 in Larimer County. A U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service necropsy was completed, and found that the wolf died of trauma consistent with predation, and said the puncture wounds in the wolfs skull were consistent with those typically inflicted by a mountain lion.

The second wolf death was announced earlier this week and occurred in captivity. That wolf, the male adult in the Copper Creek pack, was taken into captivity on Aug. 29 after repeated livestock depredations in the area caused conflict between CPWs restoration efforts and livestock producers.

CPW reported that this wolf had several injuries to his right hind leg, which had been inflicted before capture efforts. CPW said the wolfs body weight was also almost 30% below what he weighed when released in December. The agency said staff members administered antibiotics to address the infections, but four days after he was transported, the wolfs collar transmitted a mortality signal.

CPW working to eradicate illegally introduced invasive fish in Gypsum Ponds

Biologists confirmed the wolf died on Tuesday, Sept. 3, and said they did not believe the wolf would have survived for long in the wild, either. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service was contacted and a third party will conduct a full necropsy, according to CPW.

Reintroduction plan calls for more wolves to be released

Colorados wolf reintroduction plan calls for the transfer of 30 to 50 wolves over a 3-5 year time frame. CPW has released 10 so far through an agreement with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

The agency had established an agreement with the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, but the original agreement was rescinded. Joseph Livingston, a CPW public information officer, said on Aug. 2 that the rescinded agreement doesnt preclude the possibility of a future arrangement. He said the council and the Tribal Government and Natural Resources Committees had concerns regarding tribal relations but the groups will continue to address those concerns together.

Naturally, the decision made by the Colville Business Council and the Tribal Government and Natural Resources Committees is disappointing, but we have a strong relationship with the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation and hope to continue these conversations in the future, said Colorado Parks and Wildlife Director Jeff Davis said in early August.

Colorado bear breaks into Dominos Pizza car but leaves behind evidence

We will continue working with other potential sources for wolves to further our efforts to restore wolves to Colorado, Davis added at the time. We are not contemplating halting our implementation of the plan and will continue in our efforts to restore a sustainable population of wolves to the state while avoiding and minimizing impacts to our critically important agricultural industries and rural communities.

CPW has said previously that it will not share the active locations of the wolves, including where the Copper Creek pack is being held at this point, and will not share the location of the wolves re-release once the time comes.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
4 changes coming to Starbucks under new CEO: Comfy seating, community spaces and more

For new Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol, the future of the popular coffee chain is rooted in concepts from it's past. In an open letter to employees and customers during his first week, he explained that his new vision includes community-centric spaces with comfortable seating for better connection.

The new chairman of the Seattle-based coffee company said dated Tuesday that after spending a few weeks visiting Starbucks stores to consider the customer experience and discuss operations, store design, marketing and product development, that "two truths emerged."

"First, Starbucks is a beloved brand with wonderful people. We are woven into the fabric of peoples lives and the communities we serve," he started. "Second, theres a shared sense that we have drifted from our core. We have an opportunity to make the store experience better for our partners and, in turn, for our customers."

PHOTO: In this June 9, 2015 file photo, Brian Niccol is shown during an interview in New York. (Mark Lennihan/AP, FILE)

With that realization, Niccol laid out four key areas within the business where he will refocus the company's efforts to improve and made a commitment: "Were getting back to Starbucks. Were refocusing on what has always set Starbucks apart -- a welcoming coffeehouse where people gather, and where we serve the finest coffee, handcrafted by our skilled baristas. This is our enduring identity. We will innovate from here."

4 key improvements planned for Starbucks under new CEO

PHOTO: In this Jan. 16, 2004, file photo, a customer drinks coffee in a new Starbucks store in Paris. (Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images, FILE)

First is to empower baristas by ensuring they "have the tools and time to craft great drinks every time."

Next, "get the morning right, every morning," which he explained means meeting customer expectations with on time delivery of food and drinks.

Niccol's third target harkens back to the overall atmosphere to reestablish Starbucks as the community coffeehouse. He plans to enhance the in-store experience by creating spaces that invite people "to linger, with comfortable seating, thoughtful design and a clear distinction between 'to-go' and 'for-here' service."

PHOTO: In this May 16, 2002, file photo, a man uses the Internet on his laptop computer at a Starbucks coffee shop in New York. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images, FILE)

Finally, he said "Its time for us to tell our story again," encouraging partners and stakeholders to buy into his idea of their "role in communities and the special experience that only Starbucks can provide."

"To support this vision for our U.S. business, were making investments in technology that enhance the partner and customer experience, improve our supply chain and evolve our app and mobile ordering platform," the CEO stated.

His plans will rollout first in the U.S. market initially, but said their 87 markets globally all have potential to strengthen and grow.

"Internationally, we see enormous potential for growth, especially in regions like the Middle East, where well work to dispel misconceptions about our brand, and in Asia Pacific, Europe and Latin America, where the love for Starbucks is strong," he continued.

Over the first 100 days, Niccol said he will spend time in stores and at Support Centers with partners and suppliers "to drive these critical first steps."

4 changes coming to Starbucks under new CEO: Comfy seating, community spaces and more originally appeared on goodmorningamerica.com
Five people were injured on Thursday afternoon following a school bus crash in Boston.

Police say the collision happened just before 3 p.m. in the area of 240 Southampton Street. The bus was coming from the Mason Pilot Elementary School carrying some students on board, according to a Boston Public School spokesperson.

Four minors and one adult were transported to an area hospital with minor injuries.

Officials say a backup bus was sent to complete the route.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation and its unclear if the drivers involved will face charges.

The Mason Elementary School, alongside the entire Boston Public Schools, is committed to fostering environments where all students feel safe, respected, and academically challenged, Interim Principal Benjamin Rockoff wrote in a letter sent home to parents. Our school buses are considered an extension of the classroom.

Boston 25 News has reached out to Boston Public Schools for comment.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

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4-year-old dies after accidental shooting in Mahaska County, officials say

4-year-old dies after accidental shooting in Mahaska County, officials say

MAHASKA COUNTY, Iowa  A Mahaska County four-year-old is dead following an accidental shooting on Wednesday.

At around 2 p.m. personnel with the Mahaska County Sheriffs Office and Mahaska Health Hospital responded to a report of an individual with a gunshot wound in the 2600 block of 250th Street, just east of Oskaloosa.

Des Moines man sentenced to 60 years in prison for death of child

When first responders arrived on scene they found a four-year-old boy suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite lifesaving efforts, the child died at the scene.

According to police, the childs injuries were the result of an accidental discharge.

The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigations, the Iowa State patrol, and the Iowa State Medical Examiners Office are assisting in the investigation.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com.
NEW YORK, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- SpaceX's Dragon crewed spacecraft has travelled to a distance 1,400 km above Earth -- the farthest humans have traveled since the Apollo program over 50 years ago, SpaceX updated on Wednesday.

SpaceX launched the new fully-commercial human spaceflight mission on Tuesday, dubbed Polaris Dawn.

The Dragon spacecraft carrying four civilian astronauts lifted off Tuesday morning from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Shortly after liftoff, the crew began a two-day pre-breathe protocol in preparation for their spacewalk on Thursday, which is the first-ever commercial spacewalk.

The Dragon spacecraft and the crew have completed six orbits of Earth at 1,400 km. Over the next five hours, Dragon will perform four burns to lower itself to an orbit in preparation for Thursday's spacewalk, according to SpaceX.

The mission is the first human spaceflight for the four-member crew, consisting of Mission Pilot Kidd Poteet, Mission Specialist Sarah Gillis, and Mission Specialist and Medical Officer Anna Menon.

The crew will also conduct science during their multi-day mission to orbit, including essential health and human performance research for NASA's Human Research Program.

The research will help NASA scientists better understand how exposure to space conditions affects the human body. The crew will test new medical approaches and technology on telemedicine capabilities, gather data on space motion sickness, and better characterize flight-associated injury risks, according to NASA. 
BURKBURNETT (KFDX/KJTL)  For the fourth year now, first responders, police, firefighters, and military personnel gathered at Bulldog Stadium in Burkburnett for the annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb in honor of those who bravely sacrificed their lives while saving others during the tragic event that will forever be etched in the minds of many of us for the rest of our lives.

Burkburnett Police Chief Donald Miller said those who participated had to do 13 full laps up and down the stands of Bulldog Stadium, which gave them just a small glimpse of what first responders endured on that horrific day in 2001.

Sheppard AFB honors 9/11 with remembrance ceremony

For those who remember watching the Twin Towers in flames on live television back in 2001, almost all of them can tell you exactly where they were that day, including Kelly Daugherty, who was teaching at the time.

I remember being there and them coming in and letting us know about the towers and stuff and us getting all the little kids together; we were teaching them the ABCs; I do remember it very close, Daugherty said.

Something that still affects her to this day.

We were scared; we were very scared; we were kind of in panic because we didnt know what was going on or what was happening. We actually had parents from the base calling; they couldnt get off the base. I mean they were stuck and they wanted us to hug their, look im getting emotional, they wanted us to hug their kids like we would our own and we did, Daugherty said.

In all a total of 2,977 lives were claimed that day including 343 firefighters, 70 law enforcement officers and 9 EMS workers, and in honor of those heroes efforts to save lives on 9/11, the annual stair climb was created.

The main thing is to realize the struggles that these first responders faced on that terrible day. It was difficult, it was arduous, it was chaotic and though we cannot experience the chaos, we can experience some of the efforts that were pushed through to climb that many flights of stairs, Burk Police Chief, Donald Miller said.

Among those climbing today are Amy Andrajack and Texas Game Warden Dillan Conley, who did the climb in his full gear.

Its important to me because all of these people are my friends and I see how they put their lives on the line every day and it makes me think back to when I watched the TV and I saw the people putting their lives on the line and this shirt is a gentleman I workout with every day, his brothers died in 9/11 so Im here honoring them, Andrajack said.

Its a yearly tradition to honor the fellow law enforcement and first responders that died that day, Conley said.

And thanks to events like this, those who died will never be forgotten.

According to Miller, each participant climbed 2,200 steps, the equivalent of the 110 stories climbed in the World Trade Centers.

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Whether it's for cost, student experience or overall rating, these five Oklahoma schools were selected as part of the Wall Street Journals Top 500 colleges in the nation.

The list has five different categories, so which made the cut?

Best Overall College Ranking

No. 445  University of Central Oklahoma

No. 428  Oral Roberts University

No. 299  University of Tulsa

No. 214  Oklahoma State University, Main Campus

No. 142  University of Oklahoma, Norman Campus

Cherokee Gothic facades decorate the south entrance of the Bizzell Memorial Library on the University of Oklahoma campus in this 2005 photo. [Photo By Steve Gooch/The Oklahoman File]

Best Student Experience

This ranking is powered by one of the largest ever independent surveys of verified college students and recent graduates in the U.S. With campus facilities (63/100), community and social life (65), and diversity (89), Oral Roberts was named the 8th best school in the country for student experience.

No. 347  University of Oklahoma, Norman Campus

No. 296  Oklahoma State University, Main Campus

No. 151  University of Central Oklahoma

No. 104  University of Tulsa

No. 8  Oral Roberts University

A view of the Prayer Tower on the campus of Oral Roberts University in Tulsa.

Best Salaries:

The WSJ/College Pulse Best Salaries ranking lists schools in order of their impact on graduates salaries and how this relates to the college's cost.

No. 472  Oral Roberts University

No. 384  University of Central Oklahoma

No. 335  University of Tulsa

No. 199  Oklahoma State University, Main Campus

No. 174  University of Oklahoma, Norman Campus

Social Mobility

The WSJ/College Pulse Social Mobility ranking lists colleges in order of how much they enhance their students social mobility. It rewards universities that take in the highest proportion of students coming from lower-income families while maintaining high graduation rates, having a positive impact on graduate salaries and minimizing the costs of attending the college.

No. 286  University of Tulsa

No. 264  University of Central Oklahoma

No. 189  Oral Roberts University

No. 181  University of Oklahoma, Norman Campus

No. 152  Oklahoma State University, Main Campus

Best Value

The WSJ/College Pulse Best Value ranking lists schools in order of how quickly the difference between their graduates salaries and those of comparable high-school graduates pays back the average net price of four years of studywhat we call Years to pay off net price.

No. 477  Oral Roberts University

No. 402  University of Tulsa

No. 400  University of Central Oklahoma

No. 228  University of Oklahoma, Norman Campus

No. 161  Oklahoma State University, Main Campus. With an average net price of $14,505, Oklahoma State University was picked as the 161 best college for price.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: 5 Oklahoma colleges ranked on Wall Street Journal's list of top schools
5-year-old abducted by father from Wichita home, police say. Amber Alert issued

An Amber Alert has been issued in the Kansas City area as police search for a 5-year-old who was abducted from his home in Wichita.

Trevawn Strong Jr. was forcibly taken by his father, Trevawn Strong Sr., during a domestic incident at the childs Wichita residence just before 5 p.m. Wednesday, according to the Wichita Police Department.

Strong abducted the child from his mothers custody at gunpoint, police said.

Strong left the home at 2025 S Grove St. in a vehicle, but the car has since been found empty in the 1900 block of N. Woodlawn Street in Wichita, according to police.

Trevawn Strong Jr. is a Black child with brown eyes and black hair. He was last seen wearing a white T-shirt, black shorts and black shoes, according to police.

The father is a 30-year-old Black man with long hair and tattoos, who was last seen wearing a white T-shirt and gray shorts, according to police.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
5 People Hospitalized After Eating Pesto That May Be Contaminated with Botulism

Authorities are trying to track down 600 jars of the locally made sauce, which could contain a dangerous toxin that can attack the nerves

Getty Stock image of pesto sauce.

Five people are hospitalized and on respirators after eating pesto that may be contaminated with the potentially deadly bacteria that causes botulism.

Authorities from the Indre-et-Loire area in France are trying to track down 600 jars of O P'tits Oignons sauce  a locally made sauce thats commonly sold at fairs and festivals, and is suspected to be the cause of the outbreak, according to the BBC.

Indre-et-Loire spokesperson Patrice Latron told reporters, "People who bought the same sauce must throw it out, destroy it."

Botulism is a rare but serious condition caused by a toxin produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum, according to the Mayo Clinic, which adds that canned food is a common cause of the illness.

Getty Stock image of pesto sauce in a jar.

Related: Texas Man Dies from Flesh-Eating Bacteria After Consuming Raw Oysters at Galveston Restaurant

The harmful bacteria thrive and make the toxin in environments with little oxygen, such as in home-canned food, the Mayo Clinic says.

As the U.S. Centers for Disease Control says, You cannot see, smell, or taste the toxin that causes botulism. But taking even a small taste of food containing the toxin can be deadly.

Depending on how much toxin was consumed, symptoms may start within a few hours, and include trouble swallowing or speaking, nausea, trouble breathing, and blurred vision.

Recovery may take months and typically involves extended rehabilitation therapy, the Mayo Clinic says. While antitoxins may help, they can't reverse damage that's already been done.

Last year, a woman in Brazil became paralyzed after eating expired pesto from a farmers market, saying it didnt have an expiration date, and that, when she bought it, [the shopkeeper] didnt give me storage instructions.

Related: Mom of 6-Year-Old Has Limbs Amputated After Eating Tilapia Contaminated with Flesh-Eating Bacteria

A report from Michigan State University cautions against the risks garlic  a key ingredient in pesto  can pose: "Garlic in oil is very popular, but homemade garlic in oil can cause botulism if not handled correctly" as spores of the bacteria that causes botulism "are commonly found in soil and can be on fresh produce such as garlic."

The CDC recommends refrigerating homemade oils made with garlic or herbs  and throwing away any unused portions after four days  to reduce your chances of getting food-borne botulism.

And, the agency cautions, pay special attention to low-acid foods. They're commonly linked to botulism illness and outbreaks.

Those include "all fresh vegetables, figs, meats, poultry, fish, seafood, and some tomatoes."

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  Five teenagers were taken into custody overnight following a rash of vehicle burglaries in Brentwood and Nashville, according to officials.

The Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) said the incidents were reported at the Hampton Inn in the 5600 block of Franklin Pike Circle, the Estates at Brentwood in the 500 block of Church Street E, and the Hickory Point Apartments in the 15100 block of Old Hickory Boulevard.

When authorities arrived at the Hampton Inn, they said the suspects  described as young men traveling in a white Hyundai sedan  had already left the scene. Shortly afterward, there was a report of vehicle break-ins at the Estates of Brentwood, followed by similar reports at the Hickory Point Apartments.

Teen arrested after helicopter pursuit through Nashville

Officials said an MNPD helicopter quickly responded to the Old Hickory Boulevard apartment complex and notified officers on the ground that the suspect Hyundai was backed into a parking spot at a neighboring apartment complex.

According to police, several young men ran to the car and tried to leave, but officers blocked them in. Even though the suspects ran off, they were all apprehended.

Authorities said 18-year-old Demarian Couch was in possession of a stolen gun. Law enforcement also recovered stolen property and burglary tools.

More charges for Nashville serial burglary suspect

Couch is charged with six counts of burglary of a vehicle, theft of a firearm, joyriding, and evading arrest, officials said. Meanwhile, the other four suspects  described by MNPD as two 16-year-olds and two 17-year-olds  are being charged in Juvenile Court with a variety of offenses, including burglary of a vehicle, evading arrest, joyriding, and possession of burglary tools.

Police reported the Hyundai  which the owner confirmed had been stolen  had several broken windows and the ignition column stripped.

Authorities are still investigating additional vehicle break-ins and other related crimes.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
SOUTH CAROLINA (WJBF)  Theres one week left to cash in three big Powerball wins in South Carolina. A ticket worth $100,000 and two for $50,000 all expire on Thursday, September 19th.

Check your tickets if you played Powerball in March at the following locations:

Country Store, 1800 Gold Hill Rd., Fort Mill  $100,000

Mos Convenience and Tobacco Store, 1214 Sand Bar Ferry Rd., Beech Island  $50,000

Refuel, 4584 Hwy. 17, Murrells Inlet  $50,000

The tickets were purchased for the Powerball drawing on Saturday, March 23rd.

The winning Powerball numbers were 6, 23, 25, 34, 51 and PB 3. The PowerPlay multiplier was 2. And the DoublePlay drawing results were18, 24, 43, 46, 47 and PB 11.

The winning tickets must be claimed in person at the Columbia Claims Center before 4 p.m. on Thursday, September 19. If mailed, the envelope must be postmarked by that date.

If the prizes are not claimed, the winnings will be deposited in the Education Lottery Account to support educational programs in South Carolina.

Players have 180 days from the date of the drawing to claim their prizes. For complete information on claiming prizes, visit sceducationlottery.com.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJBF.
The Summary

After seismologists detected abnormal vibrations, they determined that a 650-foot tsunami had occurred in Greenland.

The tsunami was the result of melting glacial ice, which caused a landslide that displaced water in a Greenland fjord.

The waves it created bounced back and forth across the fjord for nine days.

Last September, seismologists around the world detected vibrations unlike any theyd picked up before. A monotonous hum seemed to be emanating from Greenland. It would last for nine days.

This very, very weird signal showed up that Id never seen before at some of our stations in the North, said Carl Ebeling, a seismologist with the University of California, San Diegos Scripps Institution of Oceanography.

Soon after the vibrations began, a cruise ship sailing near fjords in Greenland noticed that on the remote Ella Island, a key landmark  a base used for scientific research and by the Danish military for sled dog patrols  had been destroyed.

The events drew an international group of seismologists, the Danish military and oceanographers into the mystery: What had struck the island, and where did it come from?

On Thursday, researchers released their conclusions in the journal Science. The island had been hit by one of the biggest tsunamis ever recorded, they said, with waves that left a watermark about 650 feet high.

It was the result of a series of rare, cascading events set in motion by climate change.

The initial trigger came when warming temperatures caused the tongue of a thinning glacier to collapse, the researchers found. That destabilized a steep mountainside, sending a rock and ice avalanche crashing into Greenlands deep Dickson Fjord. That displaced a massive volume of water, so a towering wave traveled across the narrow fjord, which is about 1.5 miles wide.

The tsunami waves  some at least as tall as the Statue of Liberty  ran up the steep rock walls lining the fjord. Because the landslide struck the waterway at a nearly 90-degree angle, waves bounced back and forth across it for nine days  a phenomenon scientists call a seiche.

No one had ever seen anything like this, said Kristian Svennevig, the studys lead author and a geologist and senior researcher with the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland.

The findings are the result of a complex, yearlong investigation. The team determined that Ella Island  about 45 miles from the landslide  was battered by a tsunami at least 13 feet tall. Tourists sometimes visit the island.

Just a couple of days before the event, cruise ships were there and they were on the beach, Svennevig said. It was really, really lucky that no one was there when it happened.

This seiche was the longest scientists have ever observed. Previously, tsunamis caused by landslides typically created waves that died out within a few hours.

Its really a cascade of events and it hasnt been observed before, said Alice Gabriel, a co-author of the study. Earth is a very dynamic system and at the moment, we are in a phase where this very sensitive balance gets perturbed quite violently due to climate change.

Tsunamis caused by landslides are more common than many people realize and dangerous for people living or working in some regions of the Arctic and subarctic.

In 2017, four people were killed and 11 houses were destroyed after a landslide touched off a tsunami that struck the village of Nuugaatsiaq in west Greenland. The wave was likely at least 300 feet tall. Two villages were abandoned after the event because more landslides are possible. Hundreds of people remain displaced, Svennevig said.

Bretwood Hig Higman, a geologist in Alaska who studies landslide tsunamis but was not involved in the new research, said he has compiled evidence that suggests landslide tsunamis are a growing problem, though more studies are needed.

Im fairly confident were seeing these events become more prevalent, he said. Exactly how much more prevalent these events are getting and can we make a prediction of the future? Were not there.

Higman said he thinks the researchers behind the Greenland study nailed it with their analysis and that its an important example of how hazardous these landslide tsunamis can be.

Arctic and subarctic regions are warming at two to three times the rate of the rest of the Earth because as ice melts away, the darker surfaces that get revealed absorb more sunlight. The warming is driving three dynamics that can make landslides more common in glaciated regions, Higman said.

The first is that higher temperatures are causing permafrost within rock formations to erode, which can weaken slopes and make them more likely to collapse. Second, warming is thinning glaciers that sometimes hold up rock slopes. Removing that ice can cause sudden collapse. Third, climate change increases the chances of extreme rainfall, a top risk factor for landslides because saturated rocks and soils are more prone to slide.

Higman is cataloging Alaskan slopes at risk of landslides that could cause tsunamis. He said there are dozens of sites hes concerned about that need further investigation. Some are near populated areas and could spell catastrophe if they slid.

Were in an awkward position. Scientists know something but dont know enough to provide certainty to act on, Higman said.

Last month, the U.S. Geological Survey reported a 56-foot landslide tsunami in Alaskas Pedersen Lagoon. Higman visited the site and thinks the tsunami was larger than initial estimates.

Worldwide, the risk is growing as development expands in some polar regions, which is increasing visits from miners, shippers and tourists, Svennevig said.

More people are there at the same time the risk, the geohazard, of these landslides is also increasing, he said. Its an unfortunate mixture.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Venture beyond the shores of the Maldives, Seychelles and Mauritius for impressive geological sites, spiritual landmarks  including the holy lake, Ganga Talao  and the chance to spot rare species. Photograph by Znamenskiy Oleg, Getty Images

Palm trees clack in tropical breezes and the crystal-clear sea is bath-warm. If the Maldives, Seychelles and Mauritius sound like paradise, its probably because they are. But these Indian Ocean islands offer more than just an idyllic escape. Inquisitive travellers can spot rare giant tortoises on a remote island in the Seychelles, explore a sacred Hindu lake in the mountains of Mauritius or dine nearly six metres below the surface in the Maldives. From geological wonders to undersea adventures, here are seven of the best alternative experiences to have in the Indian Ocean.

1. Stargaze inside a beach bubble

Its a night of glamping, but not as you know it. Instead of a canvas tent in a field, this experience takes place in a clear bubble on a long, private sandbar at Finolhu resort in Baa Atoll, Maldives. Think Robinson Crusoe but in five-star style: these bubbles hold a four-poster bed plus a loo and shower, while a bubble butler and private chef are on hand to prepare a barbecue dinner. After enjoying the meal, youll be left all alone on this beautiful stretch of sand. Expect to lie on loungers listening to crashing waves and watching the sunset, before marvelling at a clear sky sparkling with stars.

2. Explore the vibrant Seven Coloured Earth

There are certainly more than seven hues on display at Seven Coloured Earth, a private geopark on Charmarel Plain in west Mauritius. Rocks in shades of red, pink, ochre, brown, yellow and possibly green stretch out across two acres of earth, exposed among dense forest. These colours were created by the weathering of oxides and hydroxides in the basalt bedrock and are at their best in sunshine. After visiting this eye-catching phenomenon, take a walk to the Chamarel Waterfall, which plumes spectacularly off a cliff.

See swirling hues of red, yellow, pink and more at the Seven Coloured Earth Geopark in Mauritius. Photograph by Narvikk, Getty Images

Enjoy a magical meal nearly six metres below the surface in the Maldives. Photograph by Elena Malysheva, Getty Images

3. Dine below the waves at 5.8 Undersea

When visiting an undersea restaurant in the Maldives, prepare to be mesmerised. Dining in a glass tube surrounded by silver-blue light, watching fish swim past, is such an otherworldly experience you may find yourself silently enjoying your meal without the urge to chat. Check out 5.8 Undersea at Hurawalhi Island Resort, the largest all-glass undersea restaurant in the world. Here, you can try dishes like Maldivian Saku tuna, Wagyu beef tartare and Hokkaido scallops almost six metres below sea level.

4. Stroll along a sacred lake

In 1897, Hindu priest Jhummun Giri Gossagne Napal discovered a lake in the heart of the mountainous Savanne district in south-east Mauritius after it appeared in his dreams. To French colonials, the lake was known as Grand Bassin. For Mauritians, it became Ganga Talao, a spiritual link with Indias Ganges River and their most sacred Hindu site. Take a walk through this scenic crater lake and see Mauritians make offerings in temples and before colourful shrines and statues dedicated to Hindu gods. Most notable is the 33-metre-tall statue of Lord Shiva, the largest statue in Mauritius and a focus for Maha Shivaratri, a major Hindu festival celebrated every February or March.

Mauritians visit this holy lake, known as Ganga Talao, to make offerings at temples and before statues of Hindu gods. Photograph by Russ Rhode, Getty Images

Hindu priest Jhummun Giri Gossagne Napal discovered Ganga Talao in 1897 after it appeared in his dreams. Photograph by Solovyova, Getty Images

5. Learn the nuances of rum making

Its fair to say Bernard dOffay and his father, Robert, have come a long way since they first experimented with rum distilling in their swimming pool 24 years ago. Today, Takamaka Rum, made from local sugar cane or molasses, is the taste of the Seychelles, available in over a dozen varieties in countless cocktails. The distillery is located on La Plaine St Andre, an 18th-century plantation estate on the east coast of Mahe, the largest island of the Seychelles. Everything you need to know about the rum-making process is explained during hour-long distillery tours, offered three times per day. Like all good tastings, these tours end at the bar.

6. Spot giant tortoises on a remote island

The Seychelles reputation as a sunseeker's paradise blinds us to its value as a home for rare species, particularly the Aldabra giant tortoise. A cousin of the Galapagoss giant tortoise, hunted to extinction elsewhere, tens of thousands of the Aldabra giant tortoise can be found on the Aldabra atoll, the worlds largest raised coral atoll, located 600 miles from Mahe. Aldabra atoll is largely uninhabited, with only a few research station staff living on the island. Travellers can reach Aldabra atoll and spot these impressive creatures on a nature cruise; Silversea, Ponant and Noble Caledonia are among operators that visit.

The Aldabra atoll, found 600 miles from the Seychelles' Mahe island, is home to thousands of Aldabra giant tortoises. Photograph by Tobias Helbig, Getty Images

Located about 1,000 miles off the east coast of Africa, the Seychelles is known for its white-sand beaches and clear, blue waters. Photograph by Sergio Canobbio, Getty Images

7. Take a walk underwater

Descend four metres to the seabed for the Mauritius Seawalk, one of the more eccentric activities on the island of Mauritius. A full-enclosure contraption like a spacemans helmet delivers oxygen so that non-snorkellers  non-swimmers, even  can walk below the surface. A guide will take you out to a platform in Grand Baie lagoon by speedboat, where youll be briefed by experienced monitors before descending four metres underwater. Expect to see coral and striped sergeant fish while wandering across the seabed. Dont be surprised when you resurface with dry hair.

This paid content article was created for Winged Boots. It does not necessarily reflect the views of National Geographic, National Geographic Traveller (UK) or their editorial staffs.



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Marquee toss-up races and high-profile candidates have dominated the political conversation as both parties battle for the House and Senate, but some potential sleeper contests could offer political observers a surprise.

Democrats razor-thin edge in the Senate is at risk this fall, and observers are eyeing a small handful of races that could deliver surprise upsets against Republican incumbents, possibly giving the party some room for error. And both parties are targeting under-the-radar pickup opportunities in both House and gubernatorial races.

Here are some key potential sleeper races to watch this fall:

Nebraska Senate race

An independent candidate in Nebraska is looking for the surprise of the cycle with a long-shot bid against Sen. Deb Fischer (R) in the reliably red state, as some new polling flashes signs that the race could be unexpectedly competitive.

Democrats havent fielded a candidate, and independent Dan Osborn has rejected party endorsements, though Republicans are seeking to paint him as a Democrat in disguise.

A recent SurveyUSA/Split Ticket poll raised eyebrows when it showed Fischer and Osborn neck-and-neck. Polling has otherwise been sparse, but the new findings are in line with several Osborn-commissioned polls that found him within the margin of error.

At the same time, a Fischer-sponsored poll put the incumbent up by double digits. She also has the fundraising edge, and strategists argue her low profile in the Senate hasnt given Nebraskans reason to give her the boot.

Still, a potentially competitive challenger could put Republicans in the Cornhusker State on the defense in a state they thought was already locked up. It could also mark a promising sign for future independent bids for the upper chamber, where Democrats and Republicans hold all but four seats.

Texas Senate race

Democrats are aiming for an upset in the red state of Texas, where Rep. Colin Allred (D) is running against incumbent Sen. Ted Cruz (R). Allreds entry into the race last year shifted the Senate seat from solid to likely Republican.

Six years ago, Democrat Beto ORourke came within 3 points of ousting Cruz. The latest polling averages from The Hill/Decision Desk HQ show Cruz with a 5-point lead over Allred.

And while some in the state are skeptical Allred can overtake the incumbent, observers say its not a great sign Cruz isnt seeing a bigger edge.

Meanwhile, Democrats are worried about Montana, where incumbent Sen. Jon Tester (D) faces Trump-backed Tim Sheehy in the red stronghold.

The chair of Democrats Senate campaign arm said Tuesday that their priority focus is on protecting vulnerable incumbents like Tester, the Texas Tribune reported, but stressed theyre focused on Florida and Texas as offensive opportunities.

Surprise Senate wins in Florida or Texas could give the party room to lose in Big Sky Country.

Florida Senate race

The Senate race in Florida also looks like its gearing up to be closer than expected, as former Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (D) runs to oust incumbent Sen. Rick Scott (R).

Florida has gotten redder in recent years, but polling has shown Scott with a shrinking lead over his Democratic challenger. A new survey from Emerson College Polling/The Hill found a dead heat.

The Cook Political Report rates the seat as likely Republican, a step short of being solidly in the GOP column. A DDHQ forecast model had Scott at an 83 percent chance of winning another term just last month, but that figure has now fallen to 69 percent.

Democrats have also grown optimistic that Florida is in play in the presidential race, given the surge of momentum behind Harriss fast-tracked bid. The party also hopes to get a boost this fall from two ballot measures, aimed at enshrining abortion rights and legalizing recreational marijuana.

Last week, Mucarsel-Powell helped kick off a Harris campaign bus tour in the state focused on reproductive rights, stressing that our freedoms are on the line in November.

New Hampshire governors race

The race is on to replace Republican Gov. Chris Sununu (N.H.) in one of the few competitive governor races this year.

The contest hasnt yet caught major national attention, but its the only gubernatorial race Cook rates as a toss up.

New Hampshire has long trended blue in presidential races, and Democrats make up all four members of its congressional delegation. But Sununu scored four terms as a GOP governor, and Republicans hold the edge in the state Legislature.

Former Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.), with Sununus backing, won the Granite States Republican gubernatorial primary on Tuesday. She lost her Senate seat in 2016 to Democratic Sen. Maggie Hassan (N.H.).

Shell go up this fall against Democrat Joyce Craig, the former mayor of Manchester backed by Hassan and Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey (D).

Washington governors race

Washington has voted Democrats into the governors mansion since the mid-1980s, but the race has emerged this cycle as unexpectedly competitive.

Gov. Jay Inslees (D) decision to retire attracted a crowded field of candidates for the states nonpartisan primary, from which Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson (D) and former Rep. Dave Reichert (R) advanced.

Ferguson, whos been the states top attorney for more than a decade, has Inslees endorsement to succeed him. Reichert, a former sheriff, snagged name-ID for helping catch Washington states Green River Killer.

Cook shifted the seat from solid to likely Democrat in February, and then again to lean Democrat in June. After the primary, and after Harris launched her campaign, the race shifted back to likely blue.

But the election handicapper noted Reichert still has a path to flipping the state. One Cygnal poll from late August found Ferguson up just three points.

Iowas 1st Congressional District

Republican Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks was first elected to the House in a stunningly slim six-vote victory in Iowa back in 2020, flipping the 1st Congressional District out of Democratic hands.

During the midterms, she bested Democrat Christina Bohannan by a much stronger 7-point margin.

But this year, as Miller-Meeks readies for a rematch with Bohannan, a former state lawmaker, Democrats are zeroing in on a potential pickup opportunity after the two-term incumbent saw an unexpectedly competitive primary.

Cook softened the 1st Congressional District race from likely to lean Republican last week, citing glaring weaknesses with her own base and an aggressive campaign from Bohannan.

Pennsylvanias 10th Congressional District

Democrats are also hoping to make a competitive race out of Pennsylvanias 10th Congressional District, where Democrat Janelle Stelson is challenging six-term Republican incumbent Rep. Scott Perry.

Perry was among a handful of Republican lawmakers subpoenaed by the House select committee that investigated the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. Hes also come under scrutiny for his objections to the 2020 presidential election.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) called Perry full of s last month for contesting Bidens 2020 win in the Keystone state, but not his own reelection win that year.

Democrats are excited about Stelson, a former broadcast journalist, whose entry into the race last year shifted Cooks rating from likely to lean Republican. She was previously a registered Republican, according to the Pennsylvania Capital-Star, and won a crowded Democratic primary to take Perry on.

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79 combat clashes recorded at front line in past 24 hours, most of them on Kurakhove front  Ukraine's General Staff

Photo: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

Since the start of the day, there have been 79 combat clashes with Russian forces, who are vigorously attacking Ukrainian defence positions on multiple fronts.

Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Telegram; information as of 16:00 on 12 September

Details: According to the General Staff, Ukrainian troops have successfully repulsed 79 Russian attacks since the start of the day. The most combat clashes were recorded on the Kurakhove and Pokrovsk fronts.

On the Kurakhove front, the Russians carried out 33 assaults, 27 of which were successfully repulsed. The most intense battles continue near Heorhiivka.

Russian troops launched 20 assaults on the Pokrovsk front, targeting settlements such as Vozdvyzhenka, Novooleksandrivka, Zelene Pole, and others. The Ukrainian army repelled 14 assaults, but six are still ongoing.

In addition, the Russians are actively employing artillery and combat aviation. They targeted the settlements in Kharkiv, Chernihiv and Sumy oblasts, as well as Ukrainian positions on the Toretsk, Lyman, and Prydniprovske fronts.

The operational situation remains without significant changes on other fronts.

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WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- Former U.S. President Donald Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, announced on Thursday that he will not participate in another presidential debate against Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee.

In a post on Truth Social, his social media platform, Trump claimed that he won the debate hosted by ABC News in Philadelphia on Tuesday night, and accused Harris of refusing to accept debate invitations from Fox News, NBC News and CBS News.

In a post on "X", formerly known as Twitter, Harris said on Thursday that "we owe it to the voters to have another debate."

Harris' campaign also claimed victory in the first debate between the two. "Vice President Harris commanded the stage on every single issue that matters to the American people," according to a statement released earlier.

A CNN poll of debate watchers showed 63 percent agreed that Harris turned in a better performance onstage in Philadelphia.

According to Fox News, 12 voters on a panel thought Harris won the debate, while five believed Trump won. Many said that Trump did not know how to attack his new opponent in the presidential race.

A New York Times article noted that after the debate, many Democratic strategists and officials cheered Harris' performance, while Republicans complained about the "tenor of the questions" from the moderators and acknowledged Trump's "missed opportunities" to unleash focused attack lines. 
(NewsNation)  Newly released video evidence suggests Saudi Arabia was complicit in the terror attack on Sep. 11, 2001, and families of victims are asking for the country to be held accountable.

In the latest episode of Reality Check, NewsNations Ross Coulthart sat down with the national chair of 9/11 Families United, Terry Strada, to discuss the new video and documentation. Strada and her organization have been fighting for years to hold Saudi Arabia accountable for what they believe was the kingdoms clear and obvious involvement in helping plan and coordinate the attacks that took the lives of nearly 3,000 people.

Strada said the evidence was found decades ago but was not released by the government.

High-ranking Pentagon insider to release UFO memoir

Theyve had that video since they raided the apartment in 2001, so 23 years ago, they got that video, and its only just come out, she said. It is very disturbing and very upsetting to know we had it that many years ago.

Coulthart, a former war correspondent with decades of experience, including reporting from the Middle East, digs into the evidence, which was released after the organization went to London and asked courts to make it public.

It took months for an initial protective order to be unraveled and the information to be made public.

Why on Earth would officials in the FBI and White House want to suppress a video that, at the very least, reflects very poorly on the motivations and why a Saudi diplomat, a spy, was filming the Congress in that 90-day period before Osama bin Laden was selecting targets? Strada asked. Why would the U.S. government want to hide that? The answers Ive been told were that they were understaffed and working so hard, it was in Arabic, it didnt seem that important.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
VIENNA TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WKBN)  As we continue to remember the lives lost in the terror attacks on 9/11, a local airport maintenance worker and two pilots are reflecting on their experiences both on the ground and in the sky  and whats changed since the tragedy.

Ken West is a maintenance employee for the Western Reserve Port Authority. He was working at the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport on September 11, 2001.

It really started out as any other day. We were doing airfield pavement maintenance, which is something we do on a regular basis, West said.

Joe Maxin flew out of the airport in Vienna that morning. He went to Tiffin with a friend to test-fly another airplane. They were in the air when the FAA ordered all aircraft to land at the nearest airport.

Right then and there we realized that something was wrong, Maxin said. I cant explain when youre up in the air and you think the world is gonna end and your family is on the other side of the state. That was tough.

All flights were grounded.

Back in Vienna, large commercial aircraft carrying hundreds of passengers were landing. West said it was chaotic.

This was unproven ground, so we really didnt know what to do. We didnt have a plan in place for this, West said.

Pilot Michael Hillman said it was something the aviation industry hadnt seen before.

Between what was parked here and shutting down the air space that was news  something that not only the pilots hadnt coordinated but the FAA hadnt coordinated, Hillman said. We have folks we were trying to get onto the field to help with the landing and police had locked the field down and wouldnt let anybody on because they couldnt confirm if they worked here or not.

To this day Maxin still talks to the friend he was with on this anniversary.

We reminisce and reflect on the lives that were lost but also our little journey together on that day, Maxin said.

But the biggest industry changes since then all center around security.

Everything from higher fences to badges to prescreens and micromanagement of the training process, Hillman said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
9/11 Remembrances become next stop for Harris and Trump following debate

9/11 Remembrances become next stop for Harris and Trump following debate

LOWER MANHATTAN. N.Y. (PIX11)  The annual 9/11 remembrances are very intentionally apolitical events, but in a heated election year, and following the debate Tuesday night, there were moments Wednesday that had a political feel to them.

Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump stood just a few feet apart with former Mayor Michael Bloomberg acting as a buffer in the middle.

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It came less than 12 hours after their debate.

Several of former President Trumps supporters could be heard voicing their support for him and also shouting derogatory comments at President Biden and Vice President Harris just before the reading of names began.

Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine was standing behind Trump and said he had never seen anything like it on this solemn day.

I would not say he was stoking it, but also he was doing nothing to stop it, it continued for several minutes, Levine said.

Families gather at WTC to honor 9/11 victims, 23 years later

Trump also made a stop at an FDNY house looking to turn the page on a Tuesday nights debate where Kamala Harris baited him into losing control and pivoting to conspiracy theories about migrants.

Unfortunately he came off sort of the crazy wacky uncle at the end of the table spouting off ideas and everybody says There goes Uncle Don again, said Alain Sanders, St. Peters University Political Science.

The former President has said he felt he won the debate so handily there may be no need to debate again. Vice President Harris also expressed confidence and said she would be up for another one.

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FIRST ON FOX: Thousands of 9/11 survivors with potentially fatal illnesses from that day were not included in controversial plea deal negotiations, attorneys for the victims told Fox News Digital in an exclusive interview.

"Not one of our clients has called us and said, The chief military prosecutor reached out to me for my opinion on whether or not the terrorists should be subject to the death penalty. And we think that is simply wrong, not fair and that they could do a much better job outreaching to the entire health community, in addition to the families that lost loved ones on that fateful day itself," 9/11 attorney Troy Rosasco told Fox News Digital.

There are more than 37,000 9/11 victims, many of whom are first responders from all over the country who traveled to New York City to help that day, suffering from various cancers.

And more New York Fire Department firefighters have died from 9/11-related illnesses than the number of people who died that day, Axios reported Wednesday.

VANCE SLAMS 9/11 PLEA DEAL DURING RALLY: NEED A PRESIDENT WHO KILLS TERRORISTS, NOT NEGOTIATES WITH THEM

A firefighter walks through the rubble of the twin towers of the World Trade Center as a U.S. flag hangs from a traffic light post Sept. 11, 2001, in New York. Two planes controlled by hijackers crashed into the buildings, destroying both.

Last month, the Defense Department stunningly backtracked on a plea deal that Pentagon prosecutors agreed to last year with three of the terrorists behind the Sept. 11 terror attacks who await trial in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

The deal that stirred national outrage and took the death penalty off of the table was revoked by Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III in a terse memo.

A judge has still not signed off on Austin's reversal.

BIDEN-HARRIS ADMINISTRATION BACKTRACKS, REVOKES PLEA DEAL FOR 9/11 TERRORISTS

The 9/11 memorial in New York City

"We need to know where people stand on this, and we support the decision of Secretary Austin," Dan Hansen, another 9/11 attorney, told Fox News Digital.

Hansen and Rosasco represent more than 1,000 9/11 survivors who are part of the World Trade Center Health Program. They said many of their clients have lung cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer and "all cancers that relate to the parts of their bodies that were exposed by breathing and eating toxic dust, cancers of the esophagus, the mouth, nasal, pharyngeal cancer."

9/11 MASTERMIND, 2 OTHERS STRIKE PLEA DEALS WHILE AWAITING TRIAL; FAMILIES OF VICTIMS 'VERY DISAPPOINTED'

"These cancers are getting more and more predominant given the passage of time," Hansen said. "And these are not 100-year old, 90-year-old people. These are people in their 50s and 60s getting all sorts of oddball cancers that we know are related to 9/11."

Rosaco added that survivors are "entitled to have the government listen to their opinion because they are the ones who are suffering today with illnesses, some of which are leading to death."

"Those are homicides too as far as we're concerned," Hansen said.

The defendants of the plea deal are accused of providing training, financial support and other assistance to the 19 terrorists who hijacked passenger jets and crashed them into the World Trade Center in New York City; the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia; and a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, Sept. 11, 2001.

The attacks killed nearly 3,000 people in the worst terror attack on U.S. soil in American history.

Fox News Digital's Stepheny Price and Bill Mears contributed to this report.





Original article source: 9/11 survivors with potentially fatal illnesses left out of controversial plea deal talks: attorneys
TEXARKANA, Texas (KTAL/KSHV)  Texarkana college held a 9/11 Tower Challenge to give people the chance to step into the shoes of first responders who climbed over 2,000 steps to help save lives at the World Trade Center that day.

So when it does come to the 9/11 challenge, a lot of firefighters like to put on the full gear and do that. says Danielle Forgy, the Clinical Coordinator for Texarkana Colleges EMS Deapartment, Today I wore a white vest just to kind of get that 50 pound experience.

For some, events like these carry extra significance.

So, when I was in middle school, I actually witnessed the 911 events. We watched it all on TV as a kid, and that actually put me on this career path to go to EMS. Its one of the many events Ive gone through that really gave me the motivation and dedication to go into EMS. says Forgy.

They say it is essential that we never forget, especially for the ones who were not there to witness the event themselves.

So a lot of people which is kind of strange, I guess it is because theyre a lot younger generation, they dont know much about 911. So they werent really too sure on what to expect. So I had a lot of my students do some research into 911 because they werent even born during some of those events. says Forgy.

Those who completed the challenge were given a certificate to mark their accomplishment.

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SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  The second wave of hymns to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints global hymn book has been added with nine new additions.

The new additions include songs familiar with other Christian faiths such as Amazing Grace. The new hymns also include original Latter-day Saint hymns including This Is the Christ written in 1995 with lyrics by First Presidency member James E. Faust and Jan Pinborough.

A full list of the nine new additions to the Hymns  For Home and Church collection:

Amazing Grace

Holding Hands Around the World

Anytime, Anywhere

Gods Gracious Love

My Shepherd Will Supply My Need

Oh, the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus

Behold the Wounds in Jesus Hands

This Is the Christ

Come, Lord Jesus

The first batch of hymns were added earlier this year, starting a multi-year process of staged releases through until 2026. The new songs will also be added to the online Music Library, the Gospel Library, and the Sacred Music app within the next 24 hours.

All new hymns will be available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and French. The Church plans to release the hymnbook in other languages in the coming years as they are ready.

We cannot overstate the power of sacred music to unify the Saints worldwide, said Quorum of the Twelve Apostles member Ulisses Soares in 2020 while thanking members for their submissions to the hymnbook project. Singing from the same body of hymns and songs, all children of God  regardless of ethnicity, country, culture, or language  will unite their voices in praise of our common Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.

The Church encouraged its local leaders to begin incorporating the new hymns into their services. Members are also encouraged to use the hymns in their personal worship.

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A choir sings at the Masina Stake conference in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, on February 11, 2024. The Church of Jesus Christ released nine more songs for its new hymnbook on Sept. 12, 2024. | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Amazing Grace is now part of the hymnbook of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The Christian classic composed by 18th-century English cleric and abolitionist John Newton has long been beloved by Latter-day Saints, but the church did not have the rights to it. Now it has been included in the second batch of songs released for the churchs new hymnal, Hymns  For Home and Church.

As more releases become available, we will see that we are sharing hymns with other Christian faiths, Elder Matthew L. Carpenter of the Seventy, a hymnbook advisor, said in a news release. Its a joy because we are all Christians worshiping Jesus Christ.

Other included Christian hymns are:

The five other new hymns are:

The church is encouraging local Latter-day Saint leaders to begin incorporating these hymns into their worship services. The songs will be available in English, Spanish, Portuguese and French on the online Music Library, Gospel Library and Sacred Music app within the next 24 hours.

Former First Presidency member James E. Faust, who died in 2007, wrote the words for This Is the Christ in 1995 with Jan Pinborough. It is featured in the church film The Testaments: Of One Fold and One Shepherd.

Come, Lord Jesus is from the musical drama production Savior of the World, first performed in November 2000 at the Conference Center Theater in Salt Lake City.

Behold the Wounds in Jesus Hands was performed by a combined choir from Brigham Young University in the October 2021 general conference.

Elder Carpenter said the church hopes to share these Latter-day Saint hymns with Christians worldwide.

The church will release more hymns every few months until the full hymnbook is complete in 2026. Learn more at HymnbookNews.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
FAA chief 'concerned' about hiring enough air traffic controllers. Here are 9 things to know before applying to the stressful but high-paying job.

FAA chief 'concerned' about hiring enough air traffic controllers. Here are 9 things to know before applying to the stressful but high-paying job.

FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker is "concerned" about air-traffic-control staffing levels.

The job is high-stress with challenges like fatigue but the average annual salary is six figures.

Controllers must undergo rigorous training and testing and have mandatory retirement at age 56.

Being an air traffic controller is an extremely high-stress job, with workers responsible for the movement of thousands of lives on board planes across the country every day.

The Federal Aviation Administration employs over 13,000 controllers who operate out of some 700 facilities across the US and manage an average of 45,000 flights per day. These employees handle everything from jumbo airliners to tiny prop planes.

For a lot of people, becoming a controller is a dream job, but getting there is not easy and must be done through specific channels, like applying to the FAA's periodic job openings or joining the military. Moreover, FAA applicants must be 30 or younger, with few exceptions.

However, Politico reported in September that FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker said the agency is struggling to find workers  a reality that has been impacting the profession for years. Stressors like staffing shortages and fatigue have been further heightened by the string of aircraft near-misses at US airports this year and last.

"We're seeing lower numbers than we did before," Whitaker said during the Global Aerospace Summit hosted by the US Chamber of Commerce. "I'm a little concerned about the long term. We're trying to cast as wide a net as we can to bring people into the profession. It really is a great profession, but it is a steep learning curve."

CNN reported in May 2024 that the FAA was about 3,000 controllers short. Whitaker said that the agency needs another 18 months to reach its desired staffing levels, with goals to hire 1,800 new controllers in 2024 and 2,000 in 2025.

Still, the agency hopes funding from the FAA Reauthorization bill signed in May and continued recruitment efforts will boost training and hiring, enhance safety, and reduce shortage-caused flight disruptions.

Successful applicants who apply through the FAA must undergo months of extensive training and pass mandatory tests, such as an aptitude test, a skills assessment, and physical and psychological exams, before being officially hired.

While the salary, which averages $127,805 a year, and the benefits of working for the federal government may be enticing, becoming an air traffic controller can be a high-stress and busy job, so interested applicants should understand what to expect before diving in.

Business Insider spoke with FAA controller Cedrick Earley to discuss what it is like to work the job. Here are nine things you should know before applying to become an air traffic controller.

You don't need a college degree to work in ATC

For people looking for a high-salary job that doesn't require a college degree, ATC is a good option.

An FAA spokesperson told BI the agency posts ATC jobs throughout the year based on the organization's hiring goal and the number of applicants currently in the pipeline, among other factors. There are two types of job postings: "experienced hire," which is open at the beginning of the year, and "off-the-street," which is posted in the summer months. However, additional openings are posted as needed.

Air Traffic Controllers can start training with minimal to no prior aviation experience. Burben/Shutterstock.com

To be eligible, off-the-street applicants only need to meet minimum requirements, like the ability to speak English, be under the age of 31 (more on that later), and have three years of progressive work experience, or a combination of work and school, according to the last ATC hiring window in April.

If accepted, these applicants will spend up to five months at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City, where training and testing will occur. However, some applicants come from other careers, like the military, that place them in the "experienced hire" category.

Earley said he went through the Air Force to become a controller instead of going through the FAA. He worked for the military for six years and has been a controller with the FAA for four years now.

"[Air Force] is a different track," he said. "The quality of training you receive from the Air Force is equivalent to what you would get if you went through the route with the FAA in Oklahoma."

You have to be younger than 31 when you apply

All ATC applicants must be 30 or younger on the closing date of the application period to qualify for the position, according to the FAA. This is because the agency has determined through extensive research that the older someone is, the harder it is for them to complete the rigorous training.

However, according to the agency, those who already have air traffic control experience can be hired up to 35 years of age.

You have to go through a lot of testing and training

Whether you become a controller through the FAA or the military, you will have to undergo monthslong training and pass aptitude, physical, physiological, and skill tests. These exams assess applicants' health, and their ability to train for and perform the job.

Initial tests are pass/fail, according to the agency, and failing certain exams will eliminate applicants from the hiring process.

The training is demanding, with about 50% of aspiring Air Force controllers failing out.

You won't necessarily work in a tower

Air traffic controllers are not just confined to the airport tower but can also work in several stations around and between major airports.

The Houston TRACON controls roughly 16,000 square miles of airspace surrounding the Houston area. It is separate from the ATC tower. Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images

For example, Earley works in the Terminal Radar Approach Control Facility, or TRACON, in Memphis and is responsible for controlling aircraft leaving the airport for their next destination and directing flights into the airport for a quick and safe landing.

Employees can also work in one of the 22 air route traffic control centers, or ARTCCs, throughout the US, which direct aircraft en route to their destinations.

The work can be high-stress and sometimes boring

Being an air traffic controller can be stressful due to the heavy workload and high-consequence environment. However, depending on how busy the skies are, the job can also be dull and boring.

Former air traffic controller Michele Robson wrote in 2020 that the job can be quiet at night, but controllers must always be alert and ready to work at any hour on shift.

While some controllers find the job extremely stressful, Earley said that isn't the case for him because he enjoys the "challenge of coming in every day to a new puzzle." However, he admitted that that work keeps him on his toes.

"Controllers are always learning on the job, like updating and refining the processes, or learning new rules and procedures," he explained. "It is a job where you always have to change and adapt."

Safety is the top priority

Air traffic controllers are responsible for thousands of lives every day, so safety is the most important aspect of the job. An increasing number of planes colliding or nearly colliding has further enhanced FAA training and system improvements across airports and ATC facilities.

According to Earley, there are several things controllers do to ensure nothing is missed.

"I work in front of a radar scope, and it can get busy at times, so I am not supposed to work in position more than two hours at a time, so we get a break to keep us refreshed," he said. "We also do not work more than 10 hours in one day, and there is a certain amount of hours we have to be off before we can work again."

The FAA recently passed new rules, effective 2025, that would minimize controller fatigue by raising the minimum rest time between shifts from at least nine hours to at least 10 hours. Controllers get 12 hours off before and after midnight shifts.

Earley also explained that there are redundancies in the job to elevate safety.

"Everyone is actually able to see what is going on with any particular person's work at the time, so it is one team, one fight," he said. "If we notice something is a little out of sorts, we can bring that to the controller's attention, and they can fix it before it becomes a bigger problem. We always monitor and police each other, and there are also supervisors in the room that oversee the entire operation."

The salary is good, but the work schedule can be inconsistent

Working for the federal government comes with a good salary, paid leave, and health insurance. According to the FAA, the average annual salary for a controller is $127,805, which increases with seniority.

Earley explained that the salary and benefits provide a good work-life balance.

"It's a job that pays me well and allows me to support my family," he said. "I'm also able to take leisure time for myself, like spending time with my daughter."

Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is the world's busiest and its ATC tower handles hundreds of flights a day. BanksPhotos/Getty Images

However, he also said his schedule is not the regular 9-5.

"I do have some shifts I work from midnight to 8 a.m., as well as some scattered 12-8 shifts, so it rotates," he said. "I always know what my hours are each day, but it is not always at the same time. It is consistently inconsistent."

You know your schedule for the entire year

According to Earley, air traffic controllers know their work schedule a year in advance.

"When we set our schedules up, we bid what we want for the next year, and then we are awarded our full schedule for the year," he said. "It helps in terms of planning our leave."

He also explained that the schedule is only for one year, and controllers can change it the following year.

You can retire at 56

All air traffic controllers must retire at 56 due to the higher possibility of memory or hearing loss, inattentiveness, or reduced eyesight in older individuals, according to the agency.

However, the 56 age cut-off only applies to those actively working traffic, so controllers who are not yet ready to retire can take a desk or management job instead, according to Early.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Abandoned sailboat on Pensacola Beach to be removed in coming days

PENSACOLA BEACH, Fla. (WKRG)  Its become a landmark on Pensacola Beach over the last few months: The Lady Catherine III.

Preserving downtown Mobile in Minecraft

Beachgoers have been attracted to the derelict sailboat that washed ashore in June. But its now one step closer to being removed.

(News 5)

Its gone through the law enforcement process and its been formally declared derelict. That allows Escambia County to remove it and dispose of it, Robert Turpin, Marine Resources Manager for Escambia County said.

The boats journey to Pensacola began when the U.S. Coast Guard received a report of a disabled sailboat about 200 miles south of Panama City.

The Coast Guard rescued the men on board, but the boat was left behind. It washed ashore on Pensacola Beach creating quite the spectacle.

I would come down to Avenida 16 and swim there just because you have this kinda tragic sailboat stuck up on the sand it gave some backdrop to the beach. Something interesting and tragic, Jake Reighard, a Pensacola resident, said.

Wednesday, the boat was moved to the access point at Avenida 18 so that it wasnt impacted by the high surf caused by the storm.

County officials say a contractor will remove the boat from the beach in the coming days. It will then reach its final resting place, the landfill.

Were put in the position to have to do this when vessel owners neglect their responsibility to handle their vessels and the end of these vessels lives, Turpin said. Its unfortunate that the taxpayers have to go through this. There are criminal consequences and civil consequences to leaving a derelict vessel.

Hurricane Francine: Storm damage reported in the News 5 coverage area

Some will be sad to see it go, however.

Yeah Im kinda of sad that its going I guess I thought itd just be here a long time and wed kind of have this little like sightseeing thing on the beach, Reighard said.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5.
This week's first and possibly only debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump was not nearly as consequential as the June debate, which ended President Joe Biden's political career. It also differed in another key way: The moderation was incredibly one-sided and unfair.

This was not true of the previous debate, between Biden and Trump. CNN's Jake Tapper and Dana Bash asked questions but did not interrupt or attempt to fact-check the candidatesthey left that to Trump and Biden. Such an approach is preferable; politicians make so many incorrect statements that if the moderators really felt the need to intervene every single time, debates would devolve into showdowns between the moderators and each candidate, which isn't the point. There are also frequent examples of moderators asserting that a given claim is abjectly false when it may be complicated, ambiguous, or a case where reasonable minds disagree.

ABC's David Muir and Linsey Davis thrice followed a remark by Trump with an attempt to fact-check him. These fact-checks introduced valid, conflicting information; Trump said violence in the U.S. was out of control and the moderators pointed to FBI data that contradicts this, and Trump said that Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio, were eating petsa completely erroneous claim.

But when Harris made statements that could have been fact-checked, the moderators declined to do so.

Harris said that Trump had threatened there would be a "bloodbath" if he lost the election, and Harris implied that this was a threat of actual political violence; the moderators could have pointed out that Trump was describing the state of the economy under prospective progressive governance. Harris also said there were currently no U.S. military service members in active combat zones; this is flatly untrue, as American troops are currently serving in informal war zones in places like Iraq and Syria.

Then there was bias reflected in the kinds of questions the candidates were asked. Trump was deservedly grilled on his appalling conduct surrounding the 20202021 presidential transition, and comments he made about Harris' race. Meanwhile, Harris fielded zero questions about her complicity in the vast cover-up of Biden's cognitive decline and infirmity. When she declined to give specific reasons for her flip-flopping on frackingor even concede that she has flip-floppedthe moderators did not follow up.

Trump largely failed to elucidate his vision for making the country a better place, and for that he has no one to blame but himself. Still, this debate was often a three-on-one affair, and there's no reason for that. Future debates should stick to the CNN model.

Raining Cats and Dogs

During the debate, Trump gestured at a viral claim on X and asserted that Haitian migrants living in Springfield, Ohio, are stealing and eating pet dogs and cats.

Springfield police have said there are no reports of stolen pets. Just because the police are not paying attention to an issue doesn't mean it's made up, but it should also be emphasized that there are no credible claims of pet-eating being made on social media. The one cited instance of a person accused of eating a neighbor's pet cat did not involve a Haitain migrant and did not take place in Springfield.

Springfield residents have claimed that the migrants hunted wild ducks and geese, killing and perhaps eating them. If people are not respecting the rules of the commons, local authorities should do something about it. But this is obviously a far milder problem. Killing people's pets is wrong; killing wild birds is not. Duck-hunting isn't even some specifically Haitian custom, as conservatives well know.

AI-generated memes of Trump protecting ducks and kittens have gone very viral on social media lately. It's fine to laugh at these. But anyone who truly believes that pets are routinely abducted in small-town America by gangs of migrants has fallen for a hoax.

Alien Transition

On the other side, some commentators who correctly identified Trump's citation of the Haitian pet-eaters as fake news nevertheless failed to note that a second wild-seeming claimabout Harris' support for gender-affirming care for detained illegal immigrantswas actually true.

"Trump made history last night for sure," wrote The New Yorker's Susan Glasser on X. "Who will ever forget him ranting on stage about immigrants eating people's dogs? Or insisting that the Vice President 'wants to do transgender operations on illegal aliens that are in jail'?"

But as CNN's Andrew Kaczynski reported earlier this week, Harris did in fact support this policy. In 2019, she answered a questionnaire from the American Civil Liberties Union indicating that she would support paying for detained migrants to undergo gender transition surgery.

TIME magazine must have missed the CNN story. In a write-up of the debate, TIME knocked Trump for accusing Harris of supporting such a policy. Finally, the magazine had to add a correction, making clear that their own fact-check needed a fact-check.

This Week on Free Media

Amber Duke joins me to discuss Harris' policies, the war on Elon Musk, Bernie Sanders admitting that Kamala has flip-flopped, and the Democratic Party welcoming the Cheney family into the fold.

Worth Watching

I neglected to mention last week that I saw Wolverine and Deadpool and it was great! While the MCU has gone totally off the rails since Avengers: Endgame, this film succeeded in making me excited for whatever comes next. The movie did a particularly good job incorporating aspects of the Loki series on Disney+, including the Time Variance Authorityenforcers of peace throughout the multiverseand the Void, where time-displaced variant heroes live out their days.

The post ABC's Moderators Failed to Fact-Check Kamala Harris appeared first on Reason.com.
People visit the China Homelife USA expo at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, the United States, on Sept. 11, 2024. More than 400 Chinese companies are showcasing their products to explore business opportunities at the China Homelife USA expo this week in Los Angeles, the largest city in the western United States. (Photo by Zeng Hui/Xinhua)

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- More than 400 Chinese companies are showcasing their products to explore business opportunities at the China Homelife USA expo this week in Los Angeles, the largest city in the western United States.

The expo, started on Wednesday and runs through Friday, is organized by China's Meorient Exhibition Inc., a digital exhibition pioneer, which owns the online B2B platform tradechina.com and has held the China Homelife series of events in over 15 countries in the new millennium.

During the three-day event, visitors can not only experience the latest items with the newest technology from different industries, but also get to know each product in-depth, as well as conduct business with exhibitors that are dedicated to the forefront. The show also provides an excellent opportunity for importers, traders, and purchasers to obtain the best products directly from manufacturers at competitive prices.

Exhibitors are mainly small and medium-sized enterprises from eight Chinese provinces, including Guangdong, Zhejiang, Jiangsu and Shandong, involving industries such as home furnishing, textiles, home appliances, building materials and soft decoration.

Pan Jianjun, Meorient's president, told Xinhua that the expo is the first large-scale independent brand exhibition held by a Chinese enterprise in the United States.

"It is intended to strengthen China-U.S. economic and trade exchanges, help Chinese enterprises gain deeper access to the U.S. market, and directly connect with local dealers," he noted.

ABC Canopy, an outdoor equipment manufacturer from China's Zhejiang Province, presented a series of tents, outdoor umbrellas and accessories in the show.

"The U.S. market accounts for nearly half of our company's business. In the past, we used to contact customers online. This expo helps us directly face old customers and develop new ones," said Zhang Yunfeng, manager of the company.

For example, Zhang said, when he came to Los Angeles, experiencing firsthand the intensity of the sunshine in the western United States, he could improve his products in a more targeted manner to better meet the needs of the U.S. market after the show.

The dazzling array of combs in the exhibition area of Ningbo Fiyo International Trade Co., Ltd. attracted the attention of many female visitors. Wang Liang, general manager of the company, told Xinhua that the company must maintain its appeal to the European and U.S. markets through continuous innovation, including updating design concepts and using environmentally friendly materials.

Grace De Castro, a local retailer in California, is happy to directly face Chinese manufacturing companies. She told Xinhua that she was attracted by the beautiful design of those combs and considering ordering some to expand her online sale. 

A Chinese company staff member talks with a visitor during the China Homelife USA expo at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, the United States, on Sept. 11, 2024. More than 400 Chinese companies are showcasing their products to explore business opportunities at the China Homelife USA expo this week in Los Angeles, the largest city in the western United States. (Photo by Zeng Hui/Xinhua)

People visit the China Homelife USA expo at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, the United States, on Sept. 11, 2024. More than 400 Chinese companies are showcasing their products to explore business opportunities at the China Homelife USA expo this week in Los Angeles, the largest city in the western United States. (Photo by Zeng Hui/Xinhua)

A Chinese company staff member talks with a visitor during the China Homelife USA expo at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, the United States, on Sept. 11, 2024. More than 400 Chinese companies are showcasing their products to explore business opportunities at the China Homelife USA expo this week in Los Angeles, the largest city in the western United States. (Photo by Zeng Hui/Xinhua)

People visit the China Homelife USA expo at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, the United States, on Sept. 11, 2024. More than 400 Chinese companies are showcasing their products to explore business opportunities at the China Homelife USA expo this week in Los Angeles, the largest city in the western United States. (Photo by Zeng Hui/Xinhua)
Abortions dropped after Floridas six-week ban started, but not as much as neighboring states

The number of clinician-provided abortions in Florida dropped by 30 percent in May after a six-week abortion ban law took effect, according to new data, greatly reducing the states role as a destination for people seeking abortion care.

The decline was substantial but not nearly as much as in other neighboring states like Alabama or Georgia when they enacted abortion bans, the new analysis from the Guttmacher Institute found.

It likely reflects reductions in access to abortion for Florida residents as well as people from neighboring states with abortion bans who would have traveled to Florida for abortion care.

The findings suggest that the existing infrastructure of abortion funds and support organizations in Florida was ready to match patients to abortion services within the legal time frame.

The fact that the drop was not steeper, I think, really speaks to the ways in which people and organizations have been going to really great lengths to get people access to care, both providers and also these kinds of organizations that are helping people access funding, helping people match to clinics with appointment availability, Guttmacher data scientist Isaac Maddow-Zimet said.

When abortion bans took effect elsewhere, the impact was more severe. Texas saw about a 50 percent decline when its heartbeat ban took effect in September 2021  even before the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.

Abortions dropped about 45 percent in Georgia after its six-week law took effect in November 2022, and they dropped by nearly 80 percent in South Carolina with its six-week ban.

The survey is based on data on procedural and medication abortions provided at brick-and-mortar health facilities (such as clinics or doctors offices), as well as medication abortions provided via telehealth and virtual providers in the United States.

In the first three months of 2024, there were approximately 8,050 clinician-provided abortions per month in Florida. After the ban went into effect May 1, that number dropped to an estimated 5,630 in May and 5,200 in June.

The drop followed a large increase in April, as providers and patients prepared for the looming law to take effect. Floridas Supreme Court upheld a 15-week abortion ban on April 1, triggering the six-week ban to start May 1.

In April, clinicians provided around 9,730 abortions, 21 percent more than the monthly average for the first three months of the year.

While there can be seasonal patterns in abortion counts, other states around the country did not experience the sharp increase in April or subsequent steep declines that occurred in Florida.

The restrictions in Florida have reverberated across the entire region, as the state had been a destination for people seeking abortions while neighboring states cracked down.

In 2023, about 9,000 people traveled from out of state to receive an abortion in Florida, according to Guttmacher estimates.

The report points to data from Planned Parenthood in Florida as showing the disparate impact of the six-week abortion ban on patients traveling from out of state, noting that clinics saw a 80 percent drop in out-of-state patients in May 2024 compared to May 2023.

Now, the closest options for Florida residents who need in-clinic abortion care after six weeks are several states away and subject to their own sets of restrictions. According to Guttmacher estimates, the average one-way distance a Florida resident who is more than six weeks pregnant needs to travel to an abortion clinic is around 590 miles to North Carolina.

Even then, North Carolina bans abortion after 12 weeks and has a 72-hour waiting period after a patient makes an in-person appointment before an abortion can proceed.

But the financial support that helped to partially overcome Floridas abortion barriers may not be sustainable, Maddow-Zimet said.

The costs and the demand are really just going up, he said.

A lot of abortion funds saw large spikes in donations immediately following the Dobbs decision that overturned Roe, but they have not been sustained even as the demand has increased and people are traveling greater distances.

Even among Florida residents, the number of people who need access to care just requires a lot of resources on the part of funds. It also requires a lot of resources on the part of clinics, which may have difficulty keeping their doors open, Maddow-Zimet said.

Florida is also one of at least nine states where voters in November will have the chance to decide the future of abortion access through ballot measures.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
During Tuesday nights debate against Kamala Harris, Donald Trump boasted, again, about his crowd sizes and even went as far as to accuse Haitian immigrants of eating people's cats and dogs  in other words, he did exactly what Republican pollster and former strategist Frank Luntz wanted him not to, The Daily Beast reported.

Now Trump will pay for his poor performance in November, Luntz said Wednesday. It was a pretty negative performance  pretty pessimistic, cynical, contemptuous, he said on Piers Morgan Uncensored, adding: And I think that this will cost him, yes.

Following the debate, polls, focus groups, and most TV commentators concluded that Harris did better during the debate, in part by successfully baiting Trump. Meanwhile, Trump seemed surprised that the ABC News moderators were interested in fact-checking his many false claims.

During the conversation with Morgan, Luntz said: Im trying to decide if I want to go on record, and the answer is yes: I think that he loses because of this debate performance.

The GOP pollster added that Trumps refusal to look at Harris during the debate will only hurt his cause, especially with women. Donald Trump reminds women of their first husbands divorce lawyer, he said. That is just absolutely disastrous. He predicted that the full effect of the debate would be felt in polls within a week, HuffPost reported.

Of course, the former president left the debate wholeheartedly believing a completely different truth: that he beat Harris.

Later he wrote on Truth Social: People are saying BIG WIN tonight! He added in another post: I thought that was my best Debate, EVER, especially since it was THREE ON ONE!

The vice president immediately challenged the former president to another debate, which he admitted to Fox News on Wednesday morning he was now "less inclined to take her up on.
What The Abuses Of Trump II Might Actually Look Like In The Real World

A lot of things happened. Here are some of the things. This is TPMs Morning Memo. Sign up for the email version.

Trumps Slow-Burn Authoritarianism

An important piece out this morning from my former colleague Greg Sargent that grapples with one realistic and less overtly authoritarian scenario for a second Trump presidency:

A second Trump presidency could unleash a kind of lower-profile, slow-burn authoritarianism, something that unfolds much more quietly and largely behind the scenes. In its targeting of internal enemies and its efforts to carry out revolutionary changes via far-right governance, it could end up being much less dramatic, visible, or splashybut at the same time, extremely insidious, difficult to track, and very challenging to mobilize against.

Sargent talks to people who are already gearing up to be targeted or have their clients targeted by a Trump administration, with an unconstrained DOJ willing to do the presidents bidding. It may not lead only to show trials but also to the slow, expensive, grinding down of perceived foes, vocal critics, and public servants just doing their jobs:

These are Trump critics who have already hired lawyers who are advising them to gird for low-grade bureaucratic bullying. They are advocates anticipating years of legal warfare against vulnerable populations like transgender Americans. They are state-level officials scouring statutes to prepare for legal tussles over who controls the National Guard. They are career government officials bracing for the corruption of official information to serve the autocrat in chiefs whims and propagandistic needs, and the underhanded subversion of rulemaking processes to deliver spoils to his cronies.

Ive been hearing for months about people inside and outside of government who are girding for Trump II because of the roles theyve played in, variously, investigating Trump, serving in the Biden administration, or simply working for a targeted department or agency. Its toxic stuff that has real world effects already, even if Trump ultimately loses the election. The potential threat itself is corrosive to the civic space.

A quick final point: Trump wont have to pick between scenarios like the one Sargent lays out and more overtly authoritarian ones. It can be both/and.

Security Beefed Up For Jan. 6, 2025

Congress certification of the Electoral College vote, set for Jan. 6, 2025, has been designated a national special security event for the first time. That elevates it to the same level as the inauguration, the national political conventions, the UN General Assembly, and the Super Bowl.

Strange Bedfellows Alert

Former Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez, forced to resign his position in the George W. Bush administration over the U.S. attorneys scandal, penned an op-ed endorsing Kamala Harris for president, calling Donald Trump perhaps the most serious threat to the rule of law in a generation.

Important

WaPo: Trump stokes suspicions about assassination attempt, raising fears of more violence

Hate To See It

Right-wing extremist Laura Loomer traveled with Donald Trump aboard his private plane to the Philadelphia debate and hung out with him Wednesday during events in Manhattan and Pennsylvania commemorating the anniversary of 9/11, which she has called an inside job.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) took the opportunity of Loomers increased profile to call her out for a tweet from over the weekend that targeted Kamala Harris, declaring it appalling and extremely racist.

That set off Loomer, who began attacking Greene over her sex life and for being a raging anti Semite.

Good times.

Meltdown

ICYMI:

I asked Stephen Miller, one of Donald Trump's top advisors, what is the evidence for saying that Caracas and Venezuela are safer than the United States. He began by answering that it is the government's numbers. I asked him if he trusted Maduro's numbers. And this was his pic.twitter.com/qkXTNiGmt0  Jose Maria Del Pino (@josemdelpino) September 11, 2024

A Philly Massacre

More debate fallout and reaction:

Another debate? The Harris campaign continued to push for another presidential debate while the Trump campaign weighed its options.

The xenophobia : [T]he debate highlighted how Mr. Trump has escalated his assaults on immigrants in the 2024 presidential campaign, and how he uses the issue to overshadow other topics, including tariffs or the economy.

Reax: Josh Marshall and Kate Riga process the debate 

This embedded content is not available in your region.

2024 Ephemera

WaPo: Elon Musks misleading election claims reach millions and alarm election officials

The North Carolina Supreme Courts last-minute decision ordering Robert F. Kennedy Jr. removed from the fall ballot after the statutory deadline will cost state taxpayers $1 million to destroy old ballots and reprint new ones.

Real consequences:

My story for @nbcnightlynews from Springfield, Ohio where Haitian immigrants told me they are hurt and scared because of the baseless claims being spread about them by former President Trump and Senator JD Vance. pic.twitter.com/0gkEOHg4mD  Yamiche Alcindor (@Yamiche) September 12, 2024

Grotesque

TPMs Josh Kovensky: Father of Child Killed in Ohio Crash Begs Trump, Vance To Stop Politicizing Sons Death

Leonard Leo Pushes To Weaponize Conservative Ideas

[V]astly insufficient funds are going toward operationalizing and weaponizing [conservative] ideas and policies to crush liberal dominance at the choke points of influence and power in our society, conservative activist Leonard Leo told organizations he funds, in a letter obtained by Axios.

Mike Johnson Has The Tiger By The Tail Again

After yanking his preferred temporary spending bill  larded with a poison pill anti-immigrant provision  Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) finds himself in the same servile position as every other recent GOP House speaker. Behold the headlines:

TPMs Nicole Lafond: Trump And Johnsons Bid To Suppress The Vote, Shut Down The Government, And Stoke Panic Falls Apart

NYT: Johnson Scraps Vote on Spending Extension Amid Bipartisan Resistance

WSJ: GOP Objections Force Johnson to Pull Bill Keeping Government Open

Politico: Johnson faces GOP ire after conservative spending plan blows up

Punchbowl: Speaker Mike Johnson is in an extraordinarily unenviable position.

Theres A Lot Information On The Internet

Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-TN) distinguishing himself as one of Tennessees best and brightest:

Hagerty on Trumps claims about Haitian immigrants: Ive heard conflicting reports. Theres conflicting evidence. Theres a lot information on the internet that this is happening. pic.twitter.com/DQ5xnTsca2  Acyn (@Acyn) September 12, 2024

Do you like Morning Memo? Let us know!
DEERFIELD, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY)  A one-car accident with a deer in the Town of Deerfield on Thursday has sent one person to the hospital, according to Oneida County Sheriffs.

Officers reported to State Route 8 in the village at approximately 2:20 in the morning of Thursday, September 12. Upon their arrival and further investigation, deputies determined that the driver  39-year-old Harry Snow of Cold Brook  was driving northbound on State Route 8.

Snows vehicle then hit a deer that had entered the roadway. After the collision, Snow lost control of his vehicle and enter a ditch on the eastern shoulder. The vehicle then struck a road sign before coming to rest and catching on fire.

Snow  along with two dogs in the vehicle  were able to exit the vehicle before it caught on fire. Snow was subsequently transported to the Wynn Hospital in Utica. According to Oneida County Sheriffs, Snows injuries were not life-threatening. The dogs condition is unknown at this time.

Oneida County Sheriffs were assisted at the scene by the Poland Fire Department, the Kuyahoora Ambulance Corps, the New York State Police, and Nimeys Towing of Utica.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WUTR/WFXV - CNYhomepage.com.
Judge Dianna M. Gibson makes remarks during an injunction hearing in 3rd District Court in Salt Lake City, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, challenging the inclusion of constitutional Amendment D on the general election ballot. (Pool photo by Chris Samuels/The Salt Lake Tribune)

A judge was expected to weigh in on a lawsuit asking her to block a controversial proposed constitutional amendment from appearing on the Nov. 5 ballot that would enshrine the Utah Legislatures power to change or repeal any ballot initiative, but as of Thursday morning that ruling was not yet made available.

Election officials facing tight ballot printing deadlines were anxiously awaiting her decision, but it was not clear early Thursday whether they had received any direction from the judge.

Third District Court Judge Dianna Gibson heard oral arguments Wednesday afternoon in the case, in which anti-gerrymandering groups argued the ballot language of Amendment D  written by the Legislatures top Republican leaders  is unconstitutional because its false and misleading. Additionally, they argued the proposed amendment didnt meet constitutional requirements that its language be published in newspapers in all counties across the state two months before the election.

Attorneys representing the Utah Legislature and state election officials, however, argued constitutional publication requirements have been met because state officials have published the information online, and local media have covered the issue extensively in a torrent of news articles.

They also argued voiding Amendment D itself would be a suppression tactic that could cause delays and confusion while contending the ballot language  which states the constitutional amendment will strengthen and clarify Utahs voter initiative process  is accurate because it would uphold the Legislatures historical understanding of its power over ballot initiatives.

Thats even though the proposed constitutional amendment and this latest legal battle involving the states redistricting process came in direct response to a unanimous Utah Supreme Court opinion in July that set limits on the Utah Legislatures power to repeal and replace government reform initiatives  a ruling that sent anti-gerrymandering groups lawsuit back to the district court and dismayed Utahs Republican leaders, who have long believed they hold the ultimate authority to alter or even totally repeal voter-approved ballot initiatives.

In reaction to that ruling and after conservative groups urged lawmakers to correct the Utah Supreme Court ruling, the Utah Legislature called itself into an emergency special session in an attempt to render the ruling moot by asking voters for permission to rewrite the constitution in favor of lawmakers interpretation.

The issue

Amendment D, plaintiffs argue, would actually weaken voters ballot initiative power  not strengthen it  which is the opposite of how the constitutional amendment is characterized in its ballot language.

It is 100% false to say that if the voters vote yes on the amendment, state law will be changed to require the Legislature to respect the intent of voters when they pass an initiative. It does the precise opposite of that, said Mark Gaber, an attorney for the Campaign Legal Center who represented the plaintiffs (the League of Women Voters of Utah, Mormon Women for Ethical Government, and individual Salt Lake County residents who claim they have been disenfranchised by unlawful gerrymandering).

Attorney Mark Gaber, representing the League of Women Voters of Utah, presents during an injunction hearing in 3rd District Court in Salt Lake City, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, challenging the inclusion of constitutional Amendment D on the general election ballot. (Pool photo by Chris Samuels/The Salt Lake Tribune)

While the Utah Legislature also passed a special session bill contingent on the passage of Amendment D to require lawmakers, if amending a ballot initiative, to give deference to the initiatives general purpose, it also allows lawmakers to amend the law in any manner if they determine it necessary to mitigate an adverse fiscal impact.

But even then, Gaber argued, if the Utah Constitution is changed, it would supersede that new Utah law and give the Legislature authority to do as they please. That new law also wouldnt apply to repealing a ballot initiative, he said.

This ballot language cannot stand, Gaber said, arguing it mischaracterizes the effect of the constitutional amendment.

A reasonably intelligent voter who read the amendment would think that they were strengthening the initiative process to put limits on the legislatures ability to repeal an initiative and disregard the intent of the voters, Gaber said. That is just indisputably not what the text of the amendment does.

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He argued it would cause irreparable harm to Utah voters to have a misleading question on the ballot.

I cant imagine how the public interest is served by having ballot language and asking them to vote on something that tells them the exact opposite of what would happen if they vote in favor of an amendment to their declaration of rights in their constitution, Gaber said.

Representing the Legislature and other state officials, attorney Tyler Green urged the judge to protect the integrity of the election process by not removing the question, which he said would cause voter confusion and potential ballot printing delays. Letting it stay on the ballot but voiding it, he argued, would also confuse voters.

Judge questions impact, implementation of Amendment D

The judge pressed Green on Amendment Ds language.

Is it accurate? she asked, bluntly.

Yes, Green said. It does strengthen it. It does clarify it.

This is the way everyone had understood this process to operate in Utah, he said, pointing to conservative groups call to the Legislature to act in the wake of the Utah Supreme Court ruling.

Gibson, however, wrestled with that assertion.

But it omits something thats pretty important, Gibson said, and thats the fact that it relieves the Legislature of having to establish a compelling state interest and make any amendments through narrowly tailored needs. So it basically abrogates the Supreme Courts recent ruling in this case. And the (ballot) summary does not explain that.

The judge questioned whether that omission makes the question inaccurate.

Your honor, I dont think it does, Green argued. He acknowledged plaintiffs contend so, but he said the Utah Supreme Court ruling left more questions than answers that have yet to be litigated, so the Utah Legislature responded to calls to strengthen and clarify the law.

Gibson pressed further.

Does it increase the Legislatures authority with regard to citizen initiatives? she questioned.

No, I dont think it does, Green said. What it does is what the ballot summary description says, which is strengthens and clarifies the way that the states historical representative democracy path and direct democracy path have always (been) understood to operate.

Attorney Tyler Green, representing the Utah State Legislature, presents during an injunction hearing in 3rd District Court in Salt Lake City, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, defending a challenge to the inclusion of constitutional Amendment D on the general election ballot. (Pool photo by Chris Samuels/The Salt Lake Tribune)

The judge, however, pointed out that the constitutional amendment would make clear in the Utah Constitution that notwithstanding any other provision of this Constitution, the peoples exercise of their ballot initiative or referendum power does not limit or preclude the exercise of Legislative power, including through amending, enacting or repealing a law, by the Legislature.

She questioned if that provision would change, in any way the Legislatures authority over ballot initiatives. Green repeated his argument that it would restate what state officials understood the law to be before the Utah Supreme Court ruling.

Gaber, in his arguments, pointed out that the Utah Legislatures 2020 move to repeal and replace the 2018 Better Boundaries voter initiative was the first time the Legislature attempted to assert its power over a government reform ballot initiative  and the Utah Supreme Court hasnt needed to interpret that meaning until now.

This is a right thats existed since 1985, Gaber said. Were here today because the Legislature sought for the first time to violate it.

State arguments

Before Wednesdays 3 p.m. hearing, the judge had a matter of hours to read the states response to the lawsuit urging removal of Amendment D. In their written argument filed Wednesday morning, state attorneys urged the judge to issue an immediate order to keep Amendment D on the ballot, noting Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson had already certified ballot language and sent it to clerks across all of Utahs 29 counties.

Plaintiffs suggest, falsely, that the language of Amendment D is a state secret, state attorneys argued, while adding that its full text will be included in a voter information packet that will be available online. Plaintiffs demean the State and its voters by suggesting that they are incapable of considering the amendment.

State attorneys also argued that the plaintiffs claims the ballot language is a suppression tactic is a paradox.

The only suppression tactic is Plaintiffs demand to deny 1.73 million Utahns the right to vote, state attorneys wrote. Litigation by a few cannot preclude voting by all in Utah.

Defense counsel converses during an injunction hearing in 3rd District Court in Salt Lake City, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, challenging the inclusion of constitutional Amendment D on the general election ballot. (Pool photo by Chris Samuels/The Salt Lake Tribune)

They called the eleventh-hour motion asking to void Amendment D a dangerous invitation to sow confusion and destroy confidence in the election.

Ballot printing, they said, starts Thursday, and an order to strike Amendment D would leave virtually no recourse for Utahs 1.73 million registered voters.

If the judge needs more time to consider an alternative option  leaving Amendment D on the ballot but issuing an order that would void it and any votes cast for it  state attorneys urged the judge to issue an order on that by Friday to allow an immediate and expedited appeal, if necessary, to remove any cloud of doubt over the election and to give Utahns the confidence that their votes matter and will count.

State attorneys argued when Proposition 4 was put on the ballot and passed in 2018 to create an independent redistricting commission it prevailed by a slim margin  0.6% or 6,944 votes  and they noted a majority of voters in 25 out of Utahs 29 counties voted it down. It only passed in Salt Lake, Summit, Grand and Carbon counties, with more than 512,000 Utahns voting against it.

Out-of-state special-interest groups and labor unions financed Proposition 4, providing $1.5 million of the $2 million raised by Proposition 4s sponsors, state attorneys wrote, adding that more than $400,000 came from contributors like Washington-based organizations including the National Education Association, California-based labor organizations, and other East Coast groups including the American Civil Liberties Union.

Proposition 4s biggest donation, they noted, was more than $1.1 million from Houston-based Action Now Initiative, which was funded by Texas-based billionaires John and Laura Arnold. That nonprofit has given significant grants to both left- and right-leaning groups, according to Influence Watch.

Let us know what you think...

State attorneys also pointed out that the Utah Legislatures repeal and replacement of Proposition 4, SB200, came after more than a year of negotiations with Better Boundaries, and it was characterized as a compromise bill that turned the redistricting commission into an advisory role while preserving the Utah Legislatures constitutional mandate to redistrict.

The Utah Constitution explicitly says the Legislature shall divide the state into congressional, legislative, and other districts  a provision that the Utah Legislatures Republican legislative leadership has continually pointed to while defending their belief that the Legislature has the ultimate authority to alter, repeal or replace any ballot initiative.

The Utah Supreme Courts unanimous July 11 opinion, however, said otherwise, placing limits on the legislatures powers when it comes to government-reform initiatives. The ruling sent shockwaves across Utah, with anti-gerrymandering advocates celebrating while Utahs Republican legislative leaders seethed, fearing it would dramatically weaken their constitutional authority over all ballot initiatives and effectively turn them into super laws immune from legislative changes.

Thats not necessarily what the Utah Supreme Court ruling said, though it does leave an open question over how other ballot initiatives could be litigated. While the ruling makes clear the Legislatures power to amend government-reform initiatives has limits, the ruling also explicitly states this does not mean that the Legislature cannot amend a government-reform initiative at all. The ruling states lawmakers changes could legally stand if they at least do not impair the reform, and more substantial changes could withstand a constitutional challenge if lawmakers show they were narrowly tailored to advance a compelling government interest.

On top of arguing Amendment Ds language is misleading and false, plaintiffs also claim the Legislature violated the constitution because it did not publish it in at least one newspaper in every county of the state where a newspaper is published for two months before the election, which the constitution explicitly requires.

State attorneys pointed to extensive news coverage of the August special session and the ballot language that was made public Sept. 4 as meeting that requirement, including a nearly page-long citation of local headlines.

Plaintiffs cannot seriously maintain that a proposed amendment is void unless the Legislature insists that it be reprinted for two continuous months in hard-copy newspapers that no longer exist, state attorneys wrote. Nor can plaintiffs seriously maintain that the proposed amendment is a state secret when it has been widely published in newspapers and online since the August special session.

State attorneys also argued against the claim that Amendment Ds ballot language violates the constitution by being false and misleading. While plaintiffs contend the ballot summary incorrectly characterizes Amendment D as one that would strengthen Utahs ballot initiative process, state attorneys argue it would strengthen it by banning foreign interference as well as strengthen how the initiative process had long been understood.

Most fundamentally, plaintiffs quibbling with the ballot summary ignores that voters have full and unfettered access to the full amendment text now, in the forthcoming 2024 Voter Information Pamphlet, and posted at voting precincts, state attorneys wrote.

That voter pamphlet, however, would not be printed or circulated along with ballots as it has been in the past, state officials told Gibson in Wednesdays court hearing. Gaber argued that some Utahns, particularly elderly Utahns, may not know how to find that voter pamphlet online

I dont think it takes a lot of evidence to know that this entire move online in violation to the Constitution is not to the benefit of all Utahns, Gaber said.

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FILE - The Michigan Hall of Justice, home to the Michigan Supreme Court is photographed, Wednesday, May 24, 2023, in Lansing, Mich. It is Michigan's court of last resort and consists of seven justices. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, File)

LANSING, Mich. (AP)  The American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan has announced a multimillion-dollar investment into two races for the state Supreme Court, signaling the importance of the competition in the battleground state where control of the court is at stake.

The liberal-championing ACLU Michigan announced Thursday that the ACLU Voter Education Fund is investing about $2 million into the races with seven weeks of statewide radio ads ahead of the November election. Political Director Merissa Kovach said messaging will largely focus on the candidates records on reproductive rights.

While Michigan voters enshrined abortion rights in the state constitution in 2022  firmly cementing the right to abortion  Democrats and allies have still framed the state Supreme Court race through the lens of reproductive rights, saying the court could rule on the topic in the future.

Michigans state Supreme Court elections are technically nonpartisan, meaning candidates appear on the ballot without a party designation and straight-ticket voting does not count towards the races. However, candidates are nominated at state party conventions.

The ACLU supports abortion access and its legal enterprise challenges restrictions and bans around the country. While Kovach said the ACLU is not endorsing candidates in the Michigan races, the advertising will certainly benefit Democratic-backed Justice Kyra Harris Holden and law professor Kimberly Ann Thomas.

Bolden and Thomas will face Republican-nominated Judge Patrick OGrady and state Rep. Andrew Fink, respectively.

Democrat-backed justices control the current court in a 4-3 majority. The ACLUs ad campaign will also highlight decisions from the court in recent years that the left-leaning organization has applauded, as well as the four candidates records on other causes such as LGBTQ+ rights and voting access.

Were going to use our position here as a leading civil rights organization to educate voters on that impact of the Michigan Supreme Court, Kovach said.

Kovach said the reservation from the political action committee is the first it has invested in the Michigan Supreme Court race. The national ACLU is also putting about $300,000 into state House of Representative races.

Michigan Democrats say reproductive rights are still a major voter motivator in the battleground state and the state Supreme Court could interpret the 2022 constitutional amendment in future cases. A lower court judge blocked Michigans 24-hour waiting period for abortions earlier this summer.

Michigan Republicans, on the other hand, have framed the state Supreme Court elections as a race against government overreach from the Democratic trifecta, saying that the matter of abortion is settled in law with the constitutional amendment.

Scott Greenlee, former vice chair of the Michigan Republican Party and consultant in the races said the topic of reproductive rights has no place in political races in Michigan this year, and is just being used inappropriately by liberal-leaning groups and people to fearmonger.

Along with the state Supreme Court, Democrats in Michigan also control the House and Senate and elected a Democratic governor. The 2022 abortion ballot measure helped drive Michigan Democrats to flip the state blue.

The Michigan Democratic party is also pouring ample resources into the high court races. The Michigan Advance first reported the party is spending more than $1 million in digital advertising and Bolden and Thomas are spending $1.5 million on a TV ad campaign.

According to the most recent campaign finance reports, Bolden and Thomas have outraised their counterparts by hundreds of thousands of dollars thanks in no small part to contributions from political action committees tied to labor unions and Democrat heavyweights like Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson.

Greenlee said the Democratic-nominated candidates are ahead in fundraising and spending since they had no challengers at the state convention. The Republican-nominated candidates faced opponents at their party convention in August.

We are in catch-up mode, Greenlee said.

State Supreme Court races have taken on new meaning in light of the U.S. Supreme Courts June 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, shifting abortion policy to the states. Millions of dollars were spent in hotly contested races in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania the following year. Supreme Court races in Ohio and Montana are also expected to be heated because of potential rulings on abortion.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Michigan announced Thursday it will spend $2.3 million on voter education projects for down-ballot races this fall as it promotes abortion access and voting rights issues in contests for two open seats on the Michigan Supreme Court and a trio of key legislative districts.

The investment represents a significant amount of money being poured into the Michigan Supreme Court races, which don't always see the same level of political spending as other contests on the ballot.

But leaders for the ACLU of Michigan say after successfully backing ballot measures which expanded absentee voting access and enshrined abortion access in Michigan in 2018 and 2022, voting rights and reproductive health care remain at the forefront of its priorities.

This campaign is really to educate voters about the differences between candidates for the Michigan Supreme Court, as well as some of the House races, said Merissa Kovach, legislative director of the ACLU of Michigan.

In an interview with the Detroit Free Press, Kovach said the majority of the $2.3 million is planned for radio ad buys, where the candidates positions on issues like abortion access, voting rights and LGBTQ+ rights will be compared. The endorsements candidates have received will also be compared in the ads, Kovach added.

Along with the two Michigan Supreme Court seats on the ballot this fall, Kovach said the campaign will also target legislative races in Michigan, particularly pointing to the 27th, 55th and 103rd House Districts, which cover parts of Wayne and Oakland counties and the Traverse City area, respectively. All three districts are considered important to deciding the balance of power in the Michigan House of Representatives, currently controlled by Democrats, and were decided by narrow margins in the most recent legislative elections in 2022.

At least $2 million in spending is targeted for the Michigan Supreme Court races, while $300,000 is planned for the legislative contests.

While the ACLU of Michigan states it is a nonpartisan organization, its positions on issues like abortion and others largely line up with Democrats. Kovach said the organization's efforts are driven toward making voters aware of where candidates stand on issues, namely abortion, voting access and LGBTQ+ rights.

The $2.3 million investment being made in Michigan is part of a $25 million national investment in down-ballot races announced by the ACLUs national chapter in June. A federal political action committee, the ACLU Voter Education Fund, is providing the majority of the funds, according to the ACLU of Michigan.

Poll worker Aaron Johnson wipes down voting booths as he waits for voters at the Metropolitan United Methodist Church during the Michigan primary election in Detroit on Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024.

4 major-party candidates vying for 2 Michigan Supreme Court seats

There are two seats on the Michigan Supreme Court for voters to decide in the Nov. 5 election  one for a partial, four-year term and the other for a full term of eight years.

While the contests technically fall under the nonpartisan section of the ballot, to appear in the November election, candidates must be nominated by a political party.

At their August nominating convention, Democrats again backed Justice Kyra Harris Bolden as their nominee for the four-year term. Bolden joined the states high court in 2023 after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer appointed her to complete former Chief Justice Bridget McCormacks term after McCormack retired the year before.

Because Bolden was appointed to the bench, she must run for reelection to complete the full eight-year term that McCormack originally was elected to in 2020. Bolden previously ran for a seat on the court in 2022 but received the third-most votes in that election.

Bolden is the lone incumbent justice seeking reelection after Justice David Viviano announced in March he would not seek another term on the bench.

For the eight-year term, Democrats nominated Kimberly Ann Thomas, a professor at the University of Michigan Law School, and the director and co-founder of the university's Juvenile Justice Clinic. Thomas also was previously appointed to the Michigan Task Force on Juvenile Justice Reform in 2021-22.

Republicans, at their nominating convention, selected a state lawmaker and an incumbent circuit judge as nominees for the state's high court.

For the four-year term, Republicans nominated Patrick William OGrady. OGrady has been a judge in Branch Countys 15th Circuit Court since 2008. Before joining the circuit court, OGrady worked as an assistant prosecutor and a Michigan State Police trooper, according to his website.

State Rep. Andrew Fink, R-Hillsdale, is the GOP nominee for the full eight-year term. He was first elected to office in 2020, having practiced at his family law firm and previously spent time as a judge advocate in the U.S. Marine Corps. In the Legislature, Fink is the Republican Vice Chair for the House Judiciary Committee.

Investment also targets 3 swing legislative districts

Democrats currently hold a 56-54 edge in the Michigan House of Representatives, meaning a single flip this fall would change the power dynamic in the chamber.

Since taking control of the House (as well as the Senate) last year, Democratic lawmakers have passed bills eliminating some abortion restrictions in Michigan, almost exclusively along party-line votes. Lawmakers have removed the need for a special insurance rider for abortion patients, for example, building off a 2022 ballot measure approved by voters in Michigan which enshrined the right to reproductive freedom in the state's constitution.

"As we're talking to voters, as we're seeing where voters are this cycle, abortion is rising as a very top issue that they care about," Kovach said. "So shining a light on where candidates fall on that issue is important to us."

Kovach highlighted races in three House districts, all expected to be competitive, that the ACLU of Michigan is investing in.

27th District: Rep. Jaime Churches, D-Wyandotte, won election in the 27th House District by less than 2,000 votes in 2022. The Downriver district is one of a handful Democrats won in 2022, despite former President Donald Trump having carried the district in 2020. Rylee Linting, a Wyandotte Republican who is an organizer with conservative group Turning Point Action, is challenging Churches in November.

55th District: In the 55th House District, state Rep. Mark Tisdel, R-Rochester, is seeking a third term in Lansing but faces Democrat Trevis Harrold, also of Rochester. Like Churches, Tisdel's margin of victory in 2022 was less than 2,000 votes. The 55th House District, which covers Rochester, Rochester Hills and part of Oakland Township, is one of two districts won by President Joe Biden in 2020 that Republican lawmakers won in 2022.

103rd District: No Michigan House district had a closer margin in 2022 than the 103rd House District, a northern Michigan district which encompasses Traverse City and several other municipalities. Rep. Betsy Coffia, D-Traverse City, defeated former Rep. Jack O'Malley R-Lake Ann, by 765 votes in 2022, a margin of less than a single percentage point. Traverse City Republican Lisa Trombley will challenge Coffia in November.

Contact Arpan Lobo: alobo@freepress.com

Looking for more on Michigans elections this year? Check out our voter guide, subscribe to our elections newsletter and always feel free to share your thoughts in a letter to the editor.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: ACLU of Michigan to spend $2.3M on Michigan Supreme Court, House races
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA)  Four activists were convicted Thursday after being accused of interfering in St. Petersburg elections and causing disruption on behalf of the Russian government, according to the Department of Justice.

The DOJ said a jury convicted Omali Yeshitela, 82, Penny Hess, 78, Jesse Nevel, 34, all of St. Louis, and Augustus C. Romain Jr., 38, of Atlanta, on charges of conspiracy to act as agents of a foreign government.

Previous coverage: Uhuru leader, 6 others charged in pro-Russian plot to influence local, national elections

The four conspirators either have or previously had tied to the African Peoples Socialist Party (APSP), which ran the Uhuru House in St. Petersburg, Florida. In 2022, the FBI raided the Uhuru House, stating that the location was used by Russian intelligence to manipulate local elections and disseminate propaganda.

Through these influence operations, Russia attempts to shape foreign perceptions and to influence populations in a number of ways, U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg said in 2022.

According to prosecutors, Yeshitela, Nevel, and Hess worked with Russian national Aleksandr Viktorovich Ionov, the founder of the Anti-Globalization Movement of Russia, from May 2015 to July 2022. Romain was a former leader of the APSP who later formed the Black Hammer out of Georgia in 2018.

Ionovs work to influence American politics was funded and monitored by Russias Federal Security Service, the DOJ said.

In May 2015, Ionov invited Yeshitela to Russia for an all-expenses paid trip to communicate on future cooperation,' the DOJ release stated. Prior to this trip, Hess relayed a request to Ionov to ensure that Yeshitela would be able to meet with an official representative of the Russian government.'

Prosecutors said Yeshitela later communicated with the three other co-defendants in an email saying it was clear Ionov was a member of the Russian government who wanted to use forces inside of the U.S. to s[o]w division inside the U.S.

Yeshitela, who founded the APSP, told Hess and Nevel in a later meeting that Ionov would only give them resources to support Russias efforts to undermin[e] the U.S.,' the DOJ stated.

Under Ionovs orders, the four activists took actions to sow discord in the U.S.

For example, in August 2015, Ionov requested that Yeshitela, Hess and Nevel draft and publish a petition to the United Nations charging the United States with actively committing genocide against African people, the DOJ stated. When Hess resisted, Ionov insisted that the APSP had to publish the petition because Ionov and his Russian backers were not exactly Black to demand it for ourselves. Hess subsequently drafted and published the requested petition, which Ionov promoted in Russian media.

The Russian national later granted $12,000 to promote the genocide petition in a four-city tour. The DOJ stated that in a meeting after the tour, Yeshitela said his party developed a relationship with forces in Russia who are involved in their own struggle with the US.

Ionov later tried to interfere with local elections in St. Petersburg, Florida, in both 2017 and 2019, although officials said there was no evidence that he succeeded in this endeavor.

For example, in July 2017, Ionov reached out to Nevel  who was a candidate for Mayor in St. Petersburg  to offer support, including campaign finance,' the DOJ stated. In 2019, Ionov regularly reported to the FSB concerning an election for local office in St. Petersburg, referring to one candidate as the candidate whom we supervise.'

In 2020, Ionov began to direct Yeshitela and Nevel to promote Russian-backed secessionists in eastern Ukraine. This later escalated after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

The DOJ stated that in February 2022, the APSP and the Black Hammer conducted protests at social media company headquarters in California against the suppression of posts in support of Russias invasion.

After the Black Hammer demonstration, Romain messaged Ionov: This is great! That was fun! Who we attacking next? With more time I can get a bigger crowd,' the release stated.

Other protests in support of Russia were conducted at a media company in Atlanta in May 2022 and at the Georgia state capitol in June 2022.

The DOJ said Romain made comments at the capitol protest saying he was not ashamed to say that the Black Hammer Party has relationships with the Kremlin.

Now that all four have been convicted, they each face a maximum sentence of five years in prison. Their sentencing date has yet to be set.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
The Scene

Its January 2020 in Italy. The far-right Lega party is ascendant in polls, with its Trump-like leader Matteo Salvini aiming for the role of prime minister. In the state of Emilia-Romagna, a left-wing stronghold, an election is soon to be held. Legas candidate has been nominated for the right-wing alliance here. Salvini sees this vote as a major opportunity for a momentum-building win that will cement their newfound relevance as part of the rising global right.

But a new protest movement against the ultra-conservatives stirs the electorate. Sardines, as they were called, packed public squares to the brim, true to their moniker. The intent was a display of solidarity against what demonstrators identified as an extremist force positioned to take over the country. And it won. The left prevailed in that regional election, and Salvini was dealt a blow from which he never recovered.

Brad's View

In the immediate aftermath of upsets like Donald Trumps first election and Brexit in 2016, victory for a new brand of right-wing, anti-establishment politics seemed like it could be inevitable. While this strand of politics has proven durable, and disruptive to world governments, elections since 2016 have proven time and again that Trumpist or nationalist politics are not even close to invincible  and in fact, have glaring, fundamental flaws that can limit their reach.

Campaigns are important. Two French elections, in which Marine Le Pen surged closer to Macron in polls, ultimately saw her easily defeated. A groundswell of support, including a broad call to reject Le Pen that included left-wing leaders like Jean-luc Melenchon, rose to give Macron larger-than-expected victories. The strategy was replicated in recent legislative elections, and projections of a National Rally victory were never realized thanks to a coordinated cross-ideological effort

In Spain, Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has developed a reputation as an electoral mastermind. But his signature strategy has been running against the newly-emerged nationalist party Vox. Sanchez has effectively tied Vox, known for apologism of the dictator Francisco Franco, to conservatives in the country as a whole, pointing out the partys likely role in any potential government of the right.

Both cases saw the far-right used as a bludgeon against itself. The fatal flaw of the Trump playbook  which parties like Vox explicitly adopted, and which incentivized bombastic and often vicious campaigning  is its ability to alienate voters outside of its base.

Nevertheless, nationalists around the world have seen breakthroughs. Italy eventually witnessed its most right-wing government since World War II, led by Giorgia Meloni. Across Latin America, far-right leaders are still charging at political systems, and capable of winning almost anywhere. Brazils Bolsonaro had a Trump-like experience, with a shocking rise and narrow ouster. Argentinas Milei has similarly jolted politics, and will defend his tenure in 2027.

The playbook to counter them is there, though, and its worked in many places. Victory for the far-right is not inevitable. Americans who defeated Trump in 2020 may yet opt for the same choice in 2024. Kamala Harris, whose own anti-Trump coalition includes everyone from Dick Cheney to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, seems to understand the strategy: Winning the debate was as easy as winding Trump up, and letting him speak.

Room for Disagreement

One fear in electing the far-right lies in its drive to entrench itself. In Hungary, the government of Viktor Orban has notably skewed the political playing field, manipulating the electoral system in his favor and expanding control over much of the media and advertising landscape, as Politico put it. Trump cited Orban as an explicit model during his debate with Kamala Harris.

While other democratic systems may prove more robust than Hungary, the strongmen of our era might only need a handful of openings to cement their power. Figures like Trump and Bolsonaro have shown their willingness to disregard democracy if it means extending their rule. It would be a mistake to think that any country is immune to the new authoritarianism.

Notable

CNNs Brian Stelter notes that negative partisanship, a political theory which examines how opposition to candidates and parties often drives votes rather than support for them, explains some of the dynamics in the elections above. For the far-right, their opportunities often arise when their opponents are even more unpopular than they are.
Adams campaign gets another extension on reply to critical audit due to demands of Turkey probe

Mayor Adams campaign has secured another extension to respond to a critical draft audit of its finances by making the case that his compliance attorneys are too busy addressing a federal subpoena issued as part of the Turkey-related investigation into his campaign, according to records obtained by the Daily News.

The draft audit by the city Campaign Finance Board, which first surfaced in news reports in July, found Adams 2021 campaign failed to properly document more than $2.3 million in spending, including salary payments to several of his key advisers.

The draft audit  which flagged various other suspected violations, too, including receipt of illegal straw donations  raised the spectre that Adams campaign could face hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines just as hes gearing up to run for reelection next year against multiple challengers.

Adams campaign was initially supposed to respond to the draft audit by July 1, but secured a 60-day extension.

Internal communications obtained by The News via a Freedom of Information Law request Thursday reveals Adams team got another 90-day extension on Aug. 30  the day before its response was originally due. The campaigns final response to the draft audit is now due Nov. 29.

This is your last extension, Danielle Willemin, CFBs audit director, wrote in an Aug. 30 letter to Sharon Adams, the mayors sister-in-law, who is his campaign treasurer.

Willemin granted the extension in response to Vito Pitta, Adams chief compliance attorney, saying in an Aug. 29 email to the CFB that the mayors team wouldnt be able to make the deadline due an investigation led by the Manhattan U.S. attorneys office thats looking into whether Turkeys government funneled illegal donations into Adams campaign coffers.

The ongoing investigation and, in particular, the recent issuance of a subpoena presents an unforeseeable extenuating circumstance for the committee, as significant time, attention, resources, staff, etc. are being devoted to cooperating with the USAOs investigation, Pitta wrote to the board, using an acronym for the Manhattan U.S. attorneys office.

The subpoena in question was issued in July. It sought a range of records from the campaign related to its finances and was leveled along with subpoenas served directly on the mayor and his City Hall office as part of the sprawling Turkey probe.

The Turkey inquiry, which last year prompted feds to seize Adams cellphones and raid the home of his top political fundraiser, is part of a number of investigations looming over the mayors campaign and administration that also includes a corruption probe that led to NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban resigning Thursday.

The CFBs draft audit was first released to news organizations in July in response to FOIL requests.

In response to the original disclosure, Pitta told Gothamist that this is a draft audit seeking information from the campaign to clarify potential issues  not a binding determination by CFB. He told the outlet the campaign always followed the law to the letter.

Also included in the communications obtained by The News this week was an email from Pitta blasting the board for releasing the draft findings under FOIL, calling that practice extraordinarily concerning.

It has caused unwarranted scrutiny and accusations against the campaign that are based on only a preliminary review, Pitta wrote in an Aug. 8 email to the board. It has caused the campaign to expend valuable time and focus in fielding and responding top media inquiries related to the [draft audit] that could have been used to continue preparing the response to the [draft audit].

The CFB responded by informing Pitta the board by law has to release draft findings in response to FOIL requests.
In the past three years, CRISPR Therapeutics (NASDAQ: CRSP) has made tremendous progress. It was still a clinical-stage biotech in 2021, but it now has a gene-editing therapy that is approved in multiple countries. However, this regulatory milestone hasn't been accompanied by a strong stock market performance. CRISPR Therapeutics has significantly lagged the market since 2021.

What is going on with this gene-editing specialist? Let's find out why it's still worth buying the company's shares, especially at current levels.

CRSP Chart

Beyond Casgevy's slow rollout

CRISPR Therapeutics developed a gene-editing medicine called Casgevy in collaboration with Vertex Pharmaceuticals. This therapy treats two blood-related disorders: sickle cell disease (SCD) and transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia (TDT). Casgevy is approved in several regions: the U.S., the U.K., the European Union, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain. It could also earn the green light in Canada and Switzerland. The U.K. was the first to approve Casgevy in November.

Yet, Casgevy isn't helping CRISPR Therapeutics generate much sales, at least for now. In the second quarter, the biotech reported revenue of $517,000, all of which it classified as grant revenue. In other words, Casgevy has contributed nothing in sales for CRISPR since it was approved almost a year ago.

It's not that surprising. Gene-editing therapies of the ex vivo variety Casgevy belongs to are complex to administer. Physicians must collect patients' cells, edit them to create personalized treatments, and reinsert them back into the patient. These therapies require specialized equipment in authorized treatment centers (ATCs). CRISPR Therapeutics reports that it has activated over 35 ATCs and collected cells from 20 patients as of mid-July.

The progress is slow. But there's a silver lining once you look at Casgevy's full potential. CRISPR and Vertex estimate there is an addressable market of 35,000 patients in the U.S. and Europe and another 23,000 in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. Casgevy costs $2.2 million in the U.S., a pretty average price for a gene-editing medicine. For now, the two partners have no competition in the SCD and TDT gene-editing field in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Europe.

Even in the U.S., their lone competitor is Bluebird Bio, a micro-cap biotech company that doesn't have the funds and the reach Vertex has. Further, Bluebird's SCD treatment, Lyfgenia, comes with a warning for a higher risk of blood cancer and costs $3.1 million. Other gene-editing treatments are in development for SCD and TDT; however, between jumping through clinical and regulatory hoops, activating ATCs, and getting third-party payers on board, Vertex and CRISPR's would-be competitors will have much catching up to do.

Given all these factors, it seems reasonable to assume that Casgevy could grab at least a decent share, perhaps 20% of its addressable market. At a price above $1 million, this is undoubtedly a multibillion-dollar opportunity for CRISPR Therapeutics.

There is more where that came from

CRISPR Therapeutics will eventually start racking up solid revenue from Casgevy. But is the biotech a one-hit wonder? Investors will want to know whether it can develop other breakthrough therapies. First, funding shouldn't be too much of a problem moving forward. CRISPR Therapeutics ended the second quarter with $2 billion in cash, equivalents, and marketable securities, higher than the $1.7 billion it had as of the end of 2023. It increased its funding by selling shares to select institutional investors.

Once Casgevy gains traction, things will get even better on the funding front. Further, CRISPR has five clinical trial programs. The biotech also has several products in the pre-clinical phase. It only needs a modest 20% success rate in its ongoing studies to launch another product. Though still unproven just a year ago, the company's gene-editing platform has now shown that it can lead to approved breakthrough therapies.

And Casgevy is the first gene-editing treatment that uses the CRISPR technique, famous for its accuracy, that earned its creators a Nobel prize in chemistry. What does all this mean for investors? In my view, CRISPR Therapeutics is well-positioned to make steady clinical and regulatory progress in the next five years. That's in addition to Casgevy's potential becoming reality. The stock could deliver outsize returns to patient investors.

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Addiction Recovery Care, Kentucky's largest provider of drug and alcohol treatment, has offices and other facilities in Louisa, photographed June 27, 2024. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Matthew Mueller)

Kentuckys largest provider of drug and alcohol treatment is cutting staff and restructuring some services, citing significant cuts in Medicaid reimbursement from the government health plan that covers almost all of its clients.

Addiction Recovery Care, or ARC, based in Louisa, said in a statement Thursday that, as a result of cuts in payment for addiction and mental health services, we have had to make difficult decisions impacting some of our staff members.

The staff cuts come after a dispute with the private insurance companies that process and pay most of Kentuckys Medicaid claims.

ARC declined to say how many of its 1,350 employees would be affected but said we are doing everything we can to support the affected individuals during this transition. It provided no further details.

Out of respect for our employees we do not discuss personnel matters, the company said.

ARC also is reorganizing some of its operations in Louisa, the small Eastern Kentucky town where the for-profit company is based and the home of its founder and CEO, Tim Robinson.

Robinson, a lawyer and recovered alcoholic who started the company that became ARC in 2010, has emerged as a politically well-connected figure and major political donor.

A Lantern analysis by Tom Loftus showed that Robinson, his corporations and employees have made at least $570,000 in political contributions over the past decade as his for-profit company grew from a single halfway house to about 1,800 residential beds and outpatient care for hundreds more clients.

Except for money given to political committees supporting Gov. Andy Beshear, a Democrat, virtually all of the rest went to Republicans like former Gov. Matt Bevin, Attorney General Russell Coleman, U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers and candidates for the Kentucky legislature.

Beshear has praised ARC for its role in helping the state deal with the wave of addiction that engulfed Kentucky in recent decades.

With the help of organizations like ARC, we are working to build a safer, healthier commonwealth for our people, Beshear said, speaking at a ribbon-cutting in March for a new ARC facility in Greenup County at the former Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital in Ashland.

A spokesman for the state Cabinet for Health and Family Services, which administers Medicaid, said that the Beshear administration supports Medicaid services for those in need of addiction or mental health treatment and is seeking ways to expand them.

As for the rate dispute between ARC and the managed care companies, those companies are contractually obligated to ensure members have access to appropriate medical care, the spokesman said in a statement, adding: We have no comment on the operational structure of Addiction Recovery Care (ARC) but these provider types are an essential resource to help individuals break the cycle of addiction.

Robinson, a lifelong Republican, has praised Beshear as a skilled political leader saying, I hope he runs for president.

Enter the FBI

The cuts are the latest setback for the fast-growing company that last year took in $130 million in state Medicaid funds and has expanded from a single halfway house to a statewide network of recovery programs and residential centers in 24 counties across Kentucky.

In July, the FBI announced it was investigating ARC for possible health care fraud and asking anyone with information to contact the federal agency.

An FBI spokeswoman in a statement Tuesday said it has no new information to share about the status of the investigation but said the agency is still accepting information through an online site on its website.

ARC has said it is cooperating.

We are confident in our program and in the services we offer, the statement said. We, and our legal counsel, are cooperating fully in the investigation.

A few days before news of the FBI investigation became public, Coleman, the attorney general and law school classmate of Robinson at the University of Kentucky, said he was recusing himself from any investigation of ARC, according to Louisville Public Media. It reported Colemans top deputy, Rob Duncan, a childhood friend of Robinson who previously has done legal work for ARC, also was recusing himself.

Colemans office investigates Medicaid fraud.

Robinson, his corporations and employees gave at least $37,700 to Coleman political committees since late 2022.

Significant strides threatened

News of the FBI investigation became public just a few days after ARC executives appeared before a Kentucky legislative committee to protest cuts in reimbursement from some of the six national health insurance companies known as managed care organizations, or MCOs, that oversee most of the states $1.6 billion a year Medicaid program.

ARC, in a statement, stressed that cuts in reimbursement are driving the staff reductions and facility reorganizations.

These difficult decisions are a direct result of impending and significant reimbursement cuts for many addiction and mental health service providers in Kentucky, it said.

The MCOs contract with the state to manage care and provide payments for health services for most of the states around 1.5 million residents insured through Medicaid, which gets most of its money from the federal government.

In turn, the MCOs are paid a fixed rate per Medicaid member for overseeing that care.

People with knowledge of the situation have told the Lantern insurers had become concerned about aggressive billing practices and rising costs associated with some addiction treatment companies including ARC.

At the July hearing, ARC officials told lawmakers they and a handful of other providers in Kentucky had been notified they faced cuts of 15% to 20% in reimbursement from some of the MCOs.

Increased access to Medicaid funds and a growth in the treatment industry have helped Kentucky expand to the most treatment beds per resident in the country, an accomplishment touted by Beshear.

That progress could be threatened by the pending cuts, Matt Brown, ARCs chief administrative office, told members of the interim joint Health Services Committee on July 30.

Kentucky has made significant strides in access to treatment, Brown said. With these cuts it could completely set back addiction treatment in our state 20 years.

This story has been updated with a response from the Beshear administration.

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Additional security will be in place for Jan. 6, 2025 certification of presidential vote

A protester holds a Trump flag inside the U.S. Capitol Building near the Senate Chamber on Jan. 06, 2021 in Washington, D.C. Congress held a joint session today to ratify President-elect Joe Biden's 306-232 Electoral College win over President Donald Trump. A group of Republican senators said they would reject the Electoral College votes of several states unless Congress appointed a commission to audit the election results. (Photo by Win McNamee | Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  The U.S. Capitol Police are welcoming a special security designation from the Department of Homeland Security for Jan. 6, 2025, when Congress will gather to certify the Electoral College vote count for the winner of the presidential election.

The last time Congress undertook the responsibility, a pro-Trump mob attacked the building, eventually breaking through police barricades, severely injuring officers and disrupting the process.

The rioters were spurred on by false claims from former president and current Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump that he won the 2020 election when he had in fact lost both the popular vote and the Electoral College.

Members of Congress and then-Vice President Mike Pence were evacuated or told to shelter in place in their offices as one of the most secure buildings in the country was overrun.

Federal prosecutors have since secured convictions or plea deals for hundreds of the people who attacked law enforcement and obstructed Congress responsibility to certify the vote that day.

United States Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger released a written statement Thursday saying the National Special Security Event designation will further strengthen our work to protect the Members of Congress and the legislative process.

The United States Capitol Police has been preparing for the January 6 count, as well as the Inauguration, for several months, Manger added. We have made hundreds of changes and improvements over the past three years, and we are confident that the Capitol will be safe and secure.

National Special Security Events, or NSSEs, are somewhat expected for major events, like State of the Union speeches, presidential inaugurations and the presidential nominating conventions that the Democrats and Republicans hold every four years.

This, however, will be the first time that one has been issued for Congress certification of the Electoral College vote.

The designation means the U.S. Secret Service will be the lead federal law enforcement agency planning security for the event, despite it being held in the U.S. Capitol, where USCP typically holds the top jurisdiction.

National Special Security Events are events of the highest national significance, Eric Ranaghan, special agent in charge of the U.S. Secret Services Dignitary Protective Division, said in a written statement released Wednesday. The U.S. Secret Service, in collaboration with our federal, state, and local partners are committed to developing and implementing a comprehensive and integrated security plan to ensure the safety and security of this event and its participants.
CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP)  Tuesdays presidential debate marked the first and possibly only debate for Vice President Harris and former President Trump. 22News spoke with voters to find out how theyre feeling following their discourse.

Reaction poured in following the first presidential debate between VP Harris and former president Trump. Voters taking the time to watch both candidates press on their policies and goals during the high-stakes event.

How to check if youre registered to vote and change your political party in Massachusetts

Im so happy with the debate I thought Kamala did an amazing job, said David Slack of Florence.

Id like to see Trump win and secure the borders you know theres an issue between gun violence and substance abuse in western mass, added Manuel OLeary Moreno of Holyoke.

NBC News fact-checked both candidates following the debate. In some of those moments,

trump claimed the quote, Vice President Harris wants to confiscate your guns. However, Harris is proposing gun safety laws, which include anyone who sells more than five guns a year must conduct background checks. Harris said during the debate both she and Walz are gun owners.

Meantime, Harris claims no US military members are on active duty in a combat zone. That claim is false, according to NBC News. With troops currently in Iraq and Syria, among other battlefronts. One woman who did not tune in to the debate, still trying to keep an eye on both candidates.

I feel like theres a lot of influence um both at work outside family friends things like that but at this point, Im not particularly leading towards one side or the other, said Sevil Usmanova of Holyoke.

Its unclear if Harris and Trump will take part in another debate. Although, usually presidential candidates participate in three debates before election day. The vice presidential debate will take place next month on the first. Republican senator JD Vance and Governor Tim Walz will take the debate stage in New York City.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  An Oklahoma man has been arrested on federal child pornography charges, Attorney General Tim Griffins office announced on Wednesday.

Austin Norris, 28, of Watts, Oklahoma, was arrested on September 9 on one federal count of federal count of receiving or distributing material involving the sexual exploitation of a minor.

This arrest stems from an investigation by my office that began with a tip to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, Griffins office said in a news release. A special agent from my office investigating the case is also a task force officer with Homeland Security Investigations and worked with federal authorities to arrest Norris, who recently moved from Arkansas to Oklahoma.

Arkansas State Police troopers find more than 500 pounds of marijuana, two pounds of mushrooms in Pope County traffic stop

A search warrant was served at his residence, and his digital devices were seized after Norris was arrested.

I offer my thanks to agents with HSI Fayetteville and HSI Tulsa, and troopers with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol for working with my offices Special Investigations Division on this arrest. It takes a team effort to fight the reprehensible crime of sexually exploiting our children, Griffins office said.

Norris was taken to the Tulsa County Jail and was released on September 10. He is expected to be turned over to the U.S. Marshals Service and transported to federal court in Little Rock.

No date has been announced for his first court appearance.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24.
Baby boomers are retiring, smaller generations are seeking to replace them in the workforce and rapidly-changing technology is affecting jobs. So how does that affect Georgias labor market?

Georgia Chamber President and CEO Chris Clark spoke Tuesday to Columbus State University employees to emphasize what he felt were the most important aspects of the changing workforce, which included awareness of diversity and the need to build tech skills.

CSU President Stuart Rayfield invited Clark to speak in conjunction with the launch of the universitys five-year strategic plan. Clarks presentation focused on economic competitiveness and community impact, two major areas of the plan.

Clarks presentation comes after the state Department of Economic Developments Global Commerce team reported Georgia received more than $20.3 billion in investment during the last fiscal year, with rural areas of the state accounting for 83% of expansions and new locations.

The average wage growth in Georgia is outpacing inflation, Clark said during the presentation, but there is a caveat to the optimistic data points.

Inflation is still putting difficult pressure on the most at-risk members of our society, he said.

This is particularly true for individuals working low-skill jobs, Clark said.

However, more people are looking for work today in Georgia than in the last four years, he said. About 83% of eligible workers in Georgia are looking for work, Clark stated, but its important to note that the number includes people who are already employed.

As I tell employers, you might think your employees love you and they love being here, he said. But when you walk down the hall, theyre on Indeed going to see if somebody loved them more.

Georgia Chamber President and CEO Chris Clark met with Columbus State University employees Tuesday to discuss the states economy and the labor market amid changing demographics. 09/10/2024

Here are five key takeaways from Clarks presentation to the CSU employees.

Skills difficult to find in candidates

The highest unemployment rate demographically in Georgia is recent college graduates, at about 5.4%, Clark said.

Namely because (recent college grads) realize they dont have all the skills they need to be competitive, he said.

About 50% of employers have told researchers the same thing, Clark said.

The three skills found lacking in current job candidates include:

Technical skills

Critical Thinking and problem solving

Communication skills

Everyone in the workforce is always going to have to upscale their technical skills by staying up to date with technology such as AI, for example, he said. In the past, people needed to refresh every few years. But as technology advances, they need to update about every six to eight months now.

But the education shouldnt end there.

Those technical skills will only get you so far if you cant communicate your value, solve problems and be part of a team, Clark said.

Georgia Chamber President and CEO Chris Clark met with Columbus State University employees Tuesday to discuss the states economy and the labor market amid changing demographics. Clark said adapting to rapidly-changing technology is vital in todays workforce.

Changing demographics in the next five years

The way the workforce looks is changing dramatically, Clark said.

About five years ago, the average worker was a middle-aged white man, he said.

But that time has passed, Clark said. This new workforce looks much different.

Millennials will make up about 41% of Georgias workforce this year and Gen Z will account for about 31% of the workforce by next year.

So, 71% of the workforce will be millennials and Gen Z combined, Clark said. Those are the most diverse generations in history.

Women account for most of the workforce in Georgia today at 58%. The Black population makes up about 31% of Georgias workforce, and Hispanic people account for 20%. Around 12.5% of the workforce is made up of immigrants.

Colleges need to have programs in place to attract Hispanic students, Clark said. Otherwise, they will miss out on Georgias fastest-growing demographic.

And employers should reconsider how they do recruitment.

You cant keep sending dudes that look like me to recruit (employees), Clark said. (Candidates) need to be able to see  somebody that looks like me, thinks like me and this is what theyve been able to do.

Insufficient pipeline to replace Baby Boomers

A consequence of the Great Recession in 2008 was that the birth rate dropped significantly.

The birth rate in America is now lower than its been since 1976, Clark said.

A lower birth rate means fewer people coming into the workforce as Baby Boomers retire, he said. And as the generation retires, demand for health care and transportation will increase with less tax money from small, younger generations to pay for it.

Along with a smaller population, younger generations are not learning the same skills or entering the same industries as the Baby Boomers.

We do not have a pipeline to fill the skill talents that the Baby Boomers have had over the last 40 years of their careers, Clark said.

Some of the jobs include doctors, nurses, educators and skilled craftsmen, he said.

Clark encourages the business community to find ways to keep Baby Boomers engaged in the workforce longer with part-time work, job shares and changing the pension rules so people arent penalized for going back to work.

But ultimately, there needs to be more done to get kids interested in doing the needed jobs, he said.

Technology displacing jobs in near future

Artificial intelligence should displace about 12 million American jobs by 2030, Clark said.

This calls for the largest upskilling of talent in our nations history in the shortest period of time, he said.

The people most affected by the displacement will be low-skilled, under-educated individuals, Clark said. It will be important to encourage individuals to get at least some college education or a four-year degree.

The group that were most worried about with this statistic are 30 to 45-year-old white males, Clark said. The ones that are leaving the workforce at the highest rate because theyve not upskilled to be prepared for the future.

Career opportunities in the future will be in energy, technology, logistics, cybersecurity, data and health care. This is along with skilled trades like flooring, electricians and mechanics.

There will also continue to be a demand for educators.

Weve got to restore, as a community, the value of teaching, Clark said. It is a noble profession worth treating with respect.

While Clark is concerned about a future teacher shortage, hes more concerned about about the shortage of health care professionals.

By 2030, Clark estimated there will be about 101,000 health care job openings in Georgia.

Georgia Chamber President and CEO Chris Clark met with Columbus State University employees Tuesday to discuss the states economy and the labor market amid changing demographics. 09/10/2024

Expanding outreach and encouraging college

No matter what industry young people go into, theyre going to need a post-secondary credential or degree, Clark said.

Theres a cultural trend in younger generations telling them theres no value in continuing education after high school, he said.

But data shows only 4% of people in Georgia with a bachelors degree live in poverty.

If you at least have an associates degree or a technical college credential, its a little tougher, but theres only 3.5% unemployment and 10% poverty rate, Clark said. Its still really good. That number is going to get better.

Another solution to fill vacancies is to expand outreach, he said.

Employers should consider hiring more veterans, disabled individuals, refugees, former foster kids, people with a criminal history, seniors and those recovering from addiction or struglling with mental health, he said.

One of the solutions is bringing (people out of the workforce because of mental health) back on the campus, getting the skills they need to get back out into the workforce, Clark said.

More details about the states economic landscape can be found in the Georgia Chambers Economic Competitiveness Redbook.

Georgia Chamber President and CEO Chris Clark met with Columbus State University employees Tuesday to discuss the states economy and the labor market amid changing demographics. Clark said adapting to rapidly-changing technology is vital in todays workforce.
Air Force Looks to Add Telescopes on Sacred Hawaii Volcano as Outrage Continues over Fuel Spill

A year and seven months after 700 gallons of fuel spilled at a Space Force observatory located atop a sacred Hawaiian volcano on Maui, officials are still finalizing a plan to remediate the site, and the delay is angering local government officials.

Back on Jan. 29, 2023, a diesel fuel pump for a backup generator at the Maui Space Surveillance Complex nestled atop the more than 10,000-foot summit of Haleakala malfunctioned after a lightning strike, spilling the fuel onto what native Haiwaiians believe to be sacred ground.

In the nearly 20 months since that spill, Department of the Air Force officials have not yet finalized a plan to clean up the rest of the contaminated fuel and to return the soil back to the dormant volcano. Additionally, while that contamination is still being cleaned up, the service is pushing plans for a new project that would add seven more telescopes to Haleakala that received fierce condemnation from the Maui County Council.

Read Next: VA Moves to Make It Easier for Vets with Rare Lung Disease to Get PACT Act Benefits

A scathing June 20 resolution from the government body against the new project said that "erecting even more telescopes on Haleakala -- when the military has yet to complete cleanup and soil-remediation efforts within the same footprint -- would be insulting."

The Maui County Council noted that the summit of Haleakala is considered a "sacred place" that it is often used for religious ceremonies and prayers to the native Hawaiian gods.

A July 2024 fact sheet from the Department of the Air Force said that the site of the spill is in the "Selection of a Cleanup Remedy for the Remedial Action" phase, where it has detailed five action plans to the public for removing the remaining fuel contaminants and restoring the sacred soil to the volcano.

"Since January 2023, the lighter fuel components are expected to have mostly evaporated," the Department of the Air Force fact sheet states. "Remaining components have likely adhered to soil and porous rock surfaces, reducing fuel from seeping further into the ground and impacting groundwater."

While those efforts are ongoing, Department of the Air Force officials are pushing for the creation of the Air Force Maui Optical Supercomputing Site Small Telescope Advanced Research Center, or AMOS-STAR.

Officials are aiming for that facility to consist of "six telescopes enclosed in ground-

mounted domes, one rooftop-mounted domed telescope, and use of an existing building for communication equipment and an optics laboratory for the rooftop telescope," according to a Department of Defense notice.

The Maui County Council's statement condemning the AMOS-STAR project also expressed concerns about "the potential human-health impacts [that] the high level of microwave transmissions that would be emitted from the project could have on these communities and their residents."

The delays in remediating the fuel spill and the pushback against the AMOS-STAR project are another chapter in the historically tense relationship the Department of Defense has with the Hawaiian people.

There have been other recent mishaps that have also strained that relationship.

In 2021, 20,000 gallons of jet fuel leaked from the Navy's Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility into Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam's water supply near Honolulu. Some residents began vomiting, having headaches and exhibiting unexplained rashes in the wake of the contamination, the Department of Veterans Affairs detailed.

The service is seeking public comment on the preferred cleanup method for the fuel spill at the Maui Space Surveillance Complex though Monday.

Related: A Year After Space Force Fuel Spill on Sacred Hawaii Volcano, Work on a Cleanup Plan Continues
Alaska Airlines pilot thought passengers were sucked out of plane when door blew on Boeing 737

Emily Wiprud didnt know exactly what had happened, but the Alaska Airlines pilot was certain something was going very wrong as flight 1282 made its way out of Portland on January 5.

"The first indication was an explosion in my ears and then a whoosh of air," Wiprud, an Alaska Airles pilot, told CBS News of the flight, which lost an exterior panel at 16,000 feet and had to make an an emergency landing. "My body was forced forward and there was a loud bang as well...The flight deck door was open. I saw tubes hanging from the cabin."

In the chaos, during which the Boeing 737 Max 9 jet lost a large panel called a door plug, her headset went flying out of the aircraft, as did some passengers mobile phones. She looked around and saw empty seats and injuries and feared some of the passengers had been thrown out of the plane too.

An investigation found that door panel on Alaska Airlines flight 1282 was missing key bolts

Wiprud said she recalls looking down the aisle of the plane and seeing rows of passengers stare back at her, some of them injured.

"I didnt know that there was a hole in the airplane until we landed," she added. "I knew something was catastrophically wrong."

An investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board later revealed that the jet was missing bolts meant to hold on its door plug, a panel that covers slots in the plane body used for emergency exits and converts them into normal looking windows for passengers.

Miraculously, the plane was able to make an emergency landing in Portland with all 177 passengers and crew onboard.

The Alaska accident prompted the Federal Aviation Administration to temporarily ground all Boeing 737 Max 9s with the same door plug, the beginning of a series of scandals and issues at the storied aerospace company, which was soon under investigation by the FAA, DOJ, and FBI.

The ensuing scrutiny revealed a number of questionable practices, including a since discontinued method called traveled work, where components with known flaws made it to the production line and were fixed during assembly.

A series of whistleblowers came forward alleging further quality issues on Boeing production lines.

In July, Boeing pleaded guilty to a felony charge for deceiving regulators who approved the 737 Max and agreed to pay a fine of at least $243.6m, as part of a case about 2018 and 2019 Max crashes that killed 346 people.

In space, meanwhile, a pair of NASA astronauts who traveled to the International Space Station in June on the Boeing Starliner spacecraft will be stuck on the research station until early next year, after it suffered mechanical issues on the voyage to space.

To add insult to injury, astronauts Barry Butch Wilmore and Sunisa Suni Williams will hitch a ride back to Earth on a ship from Boeing rival SpaceX.
Former Peruvian president Alberto Fujimori, pictured reviewing a guard of honor while in office in 1995. He died on Wednesday at the age of 86 in Lima (Jaime RAZURI) (Jaime RAZURI/AFP/AFP)

Peru's Alberto Fujimori, who died Wednesday at the age of 86, was a one-time university dean who rose to wage a bloody campaign against insurgents as president in the 1990s -- but ended up jailed for atrocities.

He was loved by many for crushing the notorious left-wing Shining Path rebels but hated by others for the ruthless, authoritarian way he governed.

Fujimori's decade as president from 1990 was marked by a dramatic series of sieges, massacres and escapades.

He ultimately ended up in jail as a frail, gray figure crippled by back pain, breathing problems and high blood pressure, for which he required frequent hospital stays.

Last year, he was released from prison on humanitarian grounds.

In July, his daughter Keiko announced that he would run for president again in 2026.

But his health deteriorated sharply after he completed treatment for tongue cancer in August, sources close to his family told AFP.

A descendant of Japanese immigrants, Fujimori was a marginal figure among political parties but cultivated the support of the armed forces.

Under him and his hardline security chief Vladimiro Montesinos, state forces virtually wiped out the Shining Path and Tupac Amaru rebels.

Fujimori also clamped down hard on his political rivals. In 1992, he staged an internal coup, dissolving the legislature with the knowledge of only Montesinos and military chiefs.

"Act first, tell people about it later," he was quoted as saying.

- Faxing his resignation -

Born in Lima on July 28, 1938, Fujimori was an agricultural engineer by training, then worked as a university lecturer in mathematics.

He studied in France and the United States, eventually earning a Master's degree in mathematics.

Upon his return to Lima, he took a high-level post at his former university, before embarking on his unlikely career in politics.

In 1990, he defeated writer Mario Vargas Llosa to win the presidency -- a surprise result.

One of the most dramatic episodes of Fujimori's time in power was a four-month hostage ordeal at the Japanese embassy in Lima, which began in December 1996.

Commandos ended up raiding the embassy, saving nearly all the VIPs held by Tupac Amaru guerrillas and killing the 14 hostage-takers.

That strengthened Fujimori's reputation for fighting terrorism with a firm hand.

At the same time, he won popular support for boosting the economy of the South American country, a major mineral exporter.

His neo-liberal economic policies won him the support of the ruling class and international financial institutions.

But the dark side of Fujimori's supposed success was revealed when he was found guilty of crimes against humanity for two massacres carried out by army death squads.

Fujimori's downfall began in 2000 after Montesinos was exposed for corruption.

The president fled to Japan and sent a fax announcing his resignation.

Congress voted to sack him instead and ban him from public office for 10 years.

He was eventually arrested when he set foot in Chile and extradited back to Peru for trial.

- Family drama -

A court held Fujimori responsible for the killing by the army of 25 people, including a child, during his campaign against Shining Path in 1991 and 1992.

It sentenced him in 2009 to 25 years in jail.

In a separate case, he pleaded guilty to bribing lawmakers and spying on former rivals while in power.

And in March 2021, a court opened proceedings against Fujimori over the forced sterilization of thousands of poor, mostly Indigenous women.

Fujimori's turbulent decade in office was matched by his family soap opera.

He is not the only member of his family to have run into legal troubles. His daughter Keiko has also faced corruption allegations.

Fujimori's wife Susana Higuchi divorced him in 1994 and a year later ran against him but he blocked her by passing a law prohibiting presidents' close family members from succeeding them directly in office.

Keiko took over as the nation's first lady at the age of 19.

She herself has staged three failed bids run for the presidency.

While in jail, Fujimori was in and out of the hospital with heart, back and stomach trouble. He had several operations to remove cancerous growths from his tongue.

In December 2017, then-president Pedro Pablo Kuczynski pardoned Fujimori due to his ill health.

But the Supreme Court later annulled the pardon and in January 2019, he was returned to jail from hospital.

bur-rmb/db/bc/dw
Adding further political pressure on Mayor Brandon Johnson, a Jewish alderman on Thursday said a top official in his administration is unfit for the role following a controversial social media post made shortly after the Oct. 7 attacks on Israel.

Ald. Debra Silversteins criticism of Kennedy Bartley comes after several aldermen complained about Bartleys past remarks on police officers. Earlier this week, Fox 32 reported Bartley referred to cops as fing pigs in a 2021 podcast.

Bartley, a deputy in the mayors office who was hired to serve as a liaison to progressive and labor interests, posted on X two days after the massacre last year: From the river to the sea Palestine will be free. Amen! The comment, which resurfaced in screenshots on the website this week amid ongoing backlash against her from City Council moderates, prompted Silverstein, 50th, to call for her ouster.

Bartley has made her position clear on the war between Israel and Hamas  which is her right  but she has done so in a way that crosses the line into disrespect and overt antisemitism, Silverstein, the only Jewish member of the council, said in a statement.

Silverstein also said Bartley heckled Silversteins speech during a resolution on the Gaza war earlier this year. This was an insult to me, to my community, and to 1,200 innocent Israeli victims who were murdered by Hamas.  Kennedy Bartley is clearly not fit for the task, the aldermans statement reads in part.

The mayors office declined to comment.

About 1,200 people were slain and more than 250 others were taken hostage during last years Oct. 7 attack on Israel that was led by Hamas fighters. It was the deadliest massacre against Jews since the Holocaust and prompted Israel to invade the Gaza Strip later that month, in a war thats ongoing and has killed more than 40,000 Palestinians.

That staggering toll has prompted fierce divisions in Chicago and other cities over whether Israels military response, which is aided by U.S. funding and weapons, is justified. Johnson became the first big-city mayor to endorse a cease-fire in Gaza in January and labeled the war genocidal ahead of the Democratic National Convention last month. His stance has earned him plaudits from progressives but also criticism from some leaders in the Jewish community.

Ald. Matt OShea, 19th, said Bartleys X post will renew concerns over the judgment of Johnsons leadership team, given that it came weeks before Israels full invasion of Gaza on Oct. 27.

This is disgusting that someone could comment on social media about such a vicious, brutal attack of innocent people, OShea, Johnsons handpicked chair of the Aviation Committee, said, questioning how this administration could not have known about this from a high-ranking member on their own social media account less than a year ago. This individual is not suited for leadership in government.

The river to the sea slogan used by Bartley has become a rallying cry for pro-Palestinian demonstrators who say it calls for liberation of the Palestinian people from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea after decades of Israeli occupation. Pro-Israel groups, however, say the phrase calls for the eradication of its Jewish citizens.

Progressive Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, 35th, came to Bartleys defense Thursday and challenged the assertion that from the river to the sea was hate speech. Im shocked that there are still attempts to cancel people for using this phrase when expressing support for Palestinians, Ramirez-Rosa said in a statement.

I have worked closely with Kennedy for many years and can attest to her talent and strong work ethic, he said. Chicago benefits from principled and effective leaders like Kennedy serving in positions of influence in City Hall.

The Israel-Palestine conflict has surfaced again and again in Chicago politics over the past year. The City Council has voted to endorse two resolutions: one condemning the Oct. 7 attacks and another endorsing a Gaza cease-fire, the latter of which ended in Johnson casting a tie-breaking vote.

Mayoral ally Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez, 25th, also elicited outrage after he was seen speaking in front of a charred American flag during a pro-Palestinian protest outside City Hall this spring, but he survived a censure attempt. Johnson has since selected him to be the next chair of the powerful Zoning Committee, but he will need to win over a majority of council members.

On Thursday Sigcho-Lopez condemned Silversteins racist interpretation of Bartleys words. Palestine committed no crime on October 7th, nor did the Palestinian people, he said in a statement. Collective punishment is a war crime, as is genocide. Hamas must be accountable for their actions on October 7th. Ms Bartley said nothing that contradicts our mutual support for the safety of all Jewish and all Palestinian people.

Meanwhile, Bartleys comments on police drew calls to resign earlier this week from 2nd Ward Ald. Brian Hopkins  Johnsons handpicked Public Safety Committee chair  and from OShea.

If I die, especially at the hands of fing pigs, like, dont name s after me, Bartley said on a podcast three years ago that discussed the police slaying of Elijah McClain in Colorado.

The backlash from aldermen came after Bartley was recently promoted to oversee the city Intergovernmental Affairs Office, which lobbies aldermen and others to back the mayors initiatives. Her positions could make it more difficult for Bartley to negotiate with moderate and conservative council members on Johnsons behalf.

Police and Fire Committee Chair Ald. Chris Taliaferro, 29th, softened his earlier calls for disciplining Bartley, however, after she called him on Wednesday and demonstrated understanding that some comments that were made a few years ago could directly impact your position today.

Asked what he thinks about the new controversy over the post-Oct. 7 comment, Taliaferro said in a text: Wow. Im willing to sit down and speak with her.
Alert issued as smoke from California wildfires expected to remain in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Smoky skies from a trio of California wildfires are expected to remain in Las Vegas for at least the remainder of the week, as an air quality alert has been issued for the area through Friday.

The Clark County Division of Air Quality issued the smoke alert Thursday afternoon, saying that shifting weather patterns will cause more wildfire smoke to drift into Southern Nevada by Friday. Officials advised elderly people and individuals with respiratory and heart disease to stay indoors.

8 News Now forecaster Mary Jane Belleza said smoke from the southern California wildfires could creep back into the area overnight. Cooler temperatures are expected, with rain possible, albeit only slightly, next week.

MORE FIRES: No perimeter growth: Davis Fire near Reno held in check despite dire wind conditions

Clark County officials provided tips to limit exposure to the smoke:

Stay indoors when you see or smell smoke.

Keep windows and doors closed.

Limit outdoor exertion on days with high levels of fine particles in the air. Exercise makes you breathe heavier and increases the amount of particulates you are likely to inhale.

Consider changing your indoor air filters if they are dirty.

ALSO READ: Las Vegas air is so thick its like smoking cigarettes  but how many? Calculator will tell you

The smoky air made headlines Wednesday as many in the Las Vegas valley woke up to the pungent smell of smoke and difficult breathing conditions.

A hillside burns during the Line Fire in Mountain Home Village, California, US, on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. A fast-growing wildfire forcing evacuations in Southern California shows the danger the state now faces, as record-smashing heat waves dry out the landscape just as the Santa Ana wind season is due to begin. Photographer: Kyle Grillot/Bloomberg via Getty Images

At last report, the Line Fire in San Bernardino County, California, southwest of Las Vegas, has burned over 37,000 acres and was 18 percent contained. The Bridge Fire in Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties in California, also southwest of Las Vegas, has charred approximately 50,000 acres and was last reported as zero percent contained. Finally, the Airport Fire in Californias Orange and Riverside counties has burned 23,140 acres and was listed as 5 percent contained.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
Retirement is a significant milestone that many of us look forward to. Yet, the question of where to retire can be a daunting one. This is especially true when you're trying to stretch your retirement savings.

In this article, we'll explore the 15 best places where you can retire with $250,000 in savings and feel rich. If you wish to skip our detailed analysis, jump to 5 Best Places Where You Can Retire with $250,000 in Savings and Feel Rich.

Places Where You Can Retire with $250,000-Hint: Its Not the US

If you think you are on your own when it comes to funding your income in retirement, you are not alone. Essentially, many Americans now believe retirement in the USA means working well into your aging years, doing so because of the inability to thrive on the shaky funds of Social Security that have already left behind the bottom 90% of workers.

According to an AARP Financial Security Trends Survey, 61% of workers are worried about having enough money to achieve financial security throughout retirement. 57% of them are regretful that they didn't save more when they could, while a mere 33% believe their current savings rate will help them achieve financial security in retirement.

READ NEXT: 20 Cheapest Places To Retire Abroad If You Speak English and 15 Best Places in South Carolina For A Couple To Live On Only Social Security

On the other hand, The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS) survey sampling employed people reveals how 42% of workers state that their retiremnet savings are somewhat behind or very behind schedule when asked, Where would you say your retirement savings are at this moment? Naturally, older respondents were more worried since they had less time ahead of themselves.

Besides having more time, younger people tend to be more optimistic when it comes to their retirement savings and the future in general. Older people, on the other hand, have a fair reality check since they realize they have been failing to save at the rate they should have been saving over the years.

For those who think they will probably retire by 65, life often disrupts these plans, too. According to research by the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI), a typical worker in the USA is stepping back from work three years earlier than expected. Despite the need for these individuals to work longer to fund their increasing golden years, many individuals are unable to work as long as they hoped to.

According to the report, seven out of 10 retirees stopped working before the traditional retirement age of 65 due to disabilities, health issues, and other reasons beyond their control. Consequently, many such workers dont have enough saved for their golden years due to the early exit they are forced to make.

Story continues

Another study capturing the challenges and expectations surrounding financial well-being and retirement planning by MetLife Inc. (NYSE:MET) reveals how 61% of employees are behind on retirement goals or haven't started saving at all. 64% are concerned about outliving their savings, while 68% are skeptical about whether they would be able to afford the cost of healthcare once they do.

Living on a Fixed Retirement Income

While the saying goes that Americans need at least a million dollars to live a comfortable retirement, many of them are far behind this goal. Even if they have a quarter of this amount saved- around $250,000 in savings- it would only be able to help them last 6 to 7 years in the US combined with Social Security.

Calculating these numbers, it is only fair if the average American ponders over a retirement outside the USA. After all, American dollars stretch much farther in many other countries, helping potential retirees live a comfortable retirement.

As the retirement landscape becomes increasingly uncertain, with many Americans feeling unprepared and anxious about their financial futures, the role of companies like MetLife Inc. becomes ever more crucial. According to MetLife Inc. (NYSE:MET), workers should be adequately supported in their journeys towards retirement to have access to the savings and income safeguards they need for the rest of their lives in retirement.

MetLife Inc. (NYSE:MET) is the holding corporation for the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. The company is among the largest global providers of insurance, annuities, and employee benefit programs, with around 90 million customers in over 60 countries.

Being one of the largest financial companies in the US, the company reported a net income of $912 million, or $1.28 per share, compared to a net income of $370 million, or $0.48 per share, in the year-ago period. The rise in net income was mainly due to higher adjusted earnings in the current year, along with the effect of net losses from the previous year related to specific accounting adjustments required by the reinsurance transaction announced in May 2023.

Companies such as MetLife Inc. can be good investments for retirees who are generally income investors and focus on generating consistent cash flows. At the end of the second quarter, 37 out of 912 hedge funds tracked by Insider Monkey had stakes in MetLife Inc. (NYSE:MET), representing a collective worth of $10.982 billion.

While we acknowledge the potential of MET as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than MET but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.

15 Best Places Where You Can Retire with $250,000 in Savings and Feel Rich

SERG60/shutterstock.com

Methodology

To compile the list of best places where you can retire on $250,000 in savings and feel rich, we started by reviewing our prior research on the most affordable and safest countries for retirement, including locations where it is possible to live on $1,000 per month.

We identified countries that offer ease of retirement, access to quality healthcare, and a low cost of living. From there, we curated a comprehensive list of specific destinations within those countries, ranking them based on living expenses. The rankings are organized in descending order, from the highest to the lowest cost of living.

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Here are all the best places where you can retire with $250,000 in savings and feel rich:

15. Corfu, Greece

You dont need to have a lot of retirement income saved when you choose the laid-back island lifestyle offered by Corfu. This breathtakingly green island off Greeces northwest coast in the Ionian Sea is brimming with glorious ocean vistas and charming villages.

Besides the glorious scenery and amazingly pleasant climate, Corfu delights retirees with its affordable cost of living. A single expat can retire comfortably under $2,000. To top it all, expats are found all over the island, no matter where you choose to settle.

14. Tbilisi, Georgia

The capital city of the country of Georgia, Tbilisi is an awesome place where you can retire on $250,000 and feel rich. After all, living costs for a single expat retiree are well under $2,000; affording them the luxury to live a comfortable retirement away from home.

Besides the reasonable cost of living, this is the only city where you can find all kinds of modern amenities without any problem. Characterized by its cobblestone streets, historic churches, and vibrant arts scene, Tbilisi is one place you don't want to miss out on.

13. Placencia, Belize

This beach resort on the Caribbean coast of Belize is a retirees dream come true. Back in the US, who could think of affording a beach lifestyle and that too, on a budget as low as $1,500 per month?

At this rate, retirees could potentially live off their Social Security checks, allowing their retirement nest egg to grow elsewhere. Retirees in Placencia are stunned by its stunning beaches, proximity to nature, and the abundant activities that it offers them to do.

12. Charlestown, St. Kitts and Nevis

Retirees looking to enjoy a high-quality life without breaking the bank can explore the charming city of Charlestown. Life in Charlestown is very affordable as compared to the USA, and retirees can easily afford to retire in luxury villas, condos, and even upscale gated communities.

An easy $2,000 per month will get you through more than comfortably here, allowing you to enjoy the slow pace of island living in your golden years.

11. Brasov, Romania

The picturesque European destination of Brasov serves as a captivating retreat for those who adore history, elegance, and natural splendor. Living here can be as cheap as $1,100 a month; although many expats keep a comfortable budget of $1,600 to enjoy more than just essentials.

Nestled in the Carpathian Mountains, the city offers a stunning blend of well-preserved Gothic architecture, vibrant culture, and medieval charm.

10. Sophia, Bulgaria

Many retirees don't achieve their financial goals yet live the dream retirement theyve always hoped for. Countries such as Bulgaria make such dreams possible. Retiring in its captivating capital, Sophia is very much possible on a monthly $1,500.

Centuries of history clash with modern sophistication in this fascinating city, enticing retirees to make it their forever home. Retirees get to enjoy a cosmopolitan lifestyle without compromising on any amenities they had back home.

9. Granada, Nicaragua

Situated on the shores of Lake Nicaragua, Granada is another place where having $250,000 in savings will make you feel rich. This city has all the right amenities and natural beauty to make it worth your while.

Its year-round sunny weather, beautiful avenues, and vibrant culture offer a serene environment for retirees to enjoy their golden years. The expat community is quite large here, so buckle up for busy days ahead.

8. Cuenca, Ecuador

Calling all history buffs: this UNESCO World Heritage city is another strong contender on our list of places where you can retire on $250,000 and feel rich. From the Tomebamba River waterfront and handicrafts to its central plaza, Parque Calderon, and the Museo y Parque Arqueologico Pumapungo, those who enjoy history are going to have the time of their lives here.

It's nestled in the Andes, so it's also blessed with breathtaking mountain beauty, with the perfect touch of modern convenience.

7. Liberia, Costa Rica

Lying along the Liberia River, Liberia is an enticing blend of modern amenities and laid-back charm. As the gateway to the stunning Guanacaste province, Liberia offers retirees a warm tropical climate, abundant sunshine, and easy access to beautiful beaches and lush national parks.

The city combines contemporary conveniences with a relaxed, small-town atmosphere, featuring a range of services, restaurants, and cultural events. A single expat retiree can easily live on $1,400 a month.

6. Tagaytay, Philippines

More than just a popular holiday town, Tagaytay is best recognized for its spectacular scenery and cool climate. It is located on a ridge overlooking Taal Lake and Volcano and offers an enticing blend of picturesque landscapes, charming parks, and an array of dining options that showcase local and international cuisine.

Monthly living expenses for a single expat are close to $1,300; while a one-bedroom apartment can be rented out for $350 a month. For the average retiree, this amount can easily be covered by their Social Security check.

5. Johannesburg, South Africa

Johannesburgs got that unique lively energy that makes one settle down here, especially in their golden years. The city is the epitome of urban sophistication, offering retirees a wealth of amenities, including world-class healthcare, shopping, dining, and cultural attractions.

Retirees also get to enjoy outdoor adventures and up-close wildlife encounters, making their stay ever more adventurous and exciting. A single retiree can manage living here for $1,300 a month.

4. Hua Hin, Thailand

Referred to as the Royal City of the East, Hua Hin is a stunning resort area where you can retire on $250,000 and feel rich. From beautiful seaside houses and villas to summer palaces, Hua Hin offers retirees the luxury of choosing a retirement home that best suits their desires.

Its delightful mix of beaches, warm tropical climate, and cultural festivals are everything a retiree hopes to enjoy in their golden years. As a single expat retiree, expect to live a comfortable retirement here on $1,000 a month.

3. Pai, Thailand

Another ideal pick, Pai is one of the best places to retire in Thailand. It sits in a valley on the banks of the Pai River, offering retirees a chance to enjoy a charming and tranquil retreat while nestled in the mountains of northern Thailand.

Retirees love that it offers them a break from the hustle and bustle of city life, letting them embrace everything from hot springs and waterfalls to scenic rice paddies.

2. Cebu City, Philippines

Cebu City is one of the cheapest places to retire abroad if you speak English only. As a major city, it offers retirees a blend of modern amenities and rich cultural experiences. The city features a variety of healthcare facilities, shopping centers, and diverse dining options, alongside historical sites and a lively cultural scene.

With its warm tropical climate and proximity to beautiful beaches and islands, Cebu City provides both urban convenience and access to stunning natural landscapes.

1. Langkawi, Malaysia

The best place where you can retire on $250,000 and feel rich is Langkawi, Malaysia. Even if you have no savings at all and wish to live on your Social Security benefits, Langkawi will still make you feel like youre rich. Thats right- a single expat retiree can manage to live comfortably on as little as $800 a month.

Besides its rapid development enticing retirees, Langkawis affordable lifestyle, majestic shorelines, abundant nature, and duty-free status make it an all-rounded retirement destination for those with small nest eggs.

READ NEXT: $30 Trillion Opportunity: 15 Best Humanoid Robot Stocks to Buy According to Morgan Stanley and Jim Cramer Says NVIDIA Has Become A Wasteland.

Disclosure: None. This article was originally published on Insider Monkey.
I almost feel like we owe our lives to him: 18-month-old Topeka boy defies the odds

I almost feel like we owe our lives to him: 18-month-old Topeka boy defies the odds

TOPEKA (KSNT)  Dean is currently 18 months old. His family describes him as full of energy  he loves to play, and is a big fan of cuddling. While hes often seen with a smile on his face, you wouldnt know of the challenges hes endured. That is, at least, until the start of 2024. Thats when his mom started noticing changes in his behavior.

He kind of lost movement of his left arm, Deans mom, Tatum Musick, said. And then he had a head tilt that started to get really bad.

In March of 2024, at just 13 months old, his life took a drastic change. With more symptoms stacking up on top of each other, they went to Childrens Mercy in Kansas City for what they thought was a seizure. Thats where they met Dr. Kaufman. Ultimately, they found out it wasnt a seizure, but a tumor the size of a softball.

West Nile Virus cases rise with arrival of highest risk month in Kansas

Craniopharyngioma is extremely rare, Deans grandmother, Shannon Fender said. However, in someone his age, its even that much more rare.

Affecting only one to two people out of a million per year, not only is Craniopharyngioma rare, but the difference between this tumor and cancer, is that chemo is not effective and it doesnt spread past the brain. The only option for Dean was surgery.

He [Dr. Kaufman] came and told us that its not malignant, its benign and the only chance is to operate, Musick said And the next day Dean survived an 11-hour surgery.

While Dr. Kaufman was able to remove 98 percent of the tumor, the tumor did cause diabetes Insipidus, Hypothyroidism, vision loss and more. While there are more unknowns than knowns with Dean at the moment, his family is thankful.

If we never met him [Dr. Kaufman], we would have lost him [Dean], Musick said. I almost feel like we owe our lives to him.

The man is truly our hero, Fender said. He saved Deans life.

Deans story doesnt end here. While he still has a long road ahead of him, hes also helping in research for Craniopharyngioma. After his initial surgery back in march, a portion of his tumor was sent off to Colorado, where research on Craniopharyngioma is being conducted.

What buildings stand in the way of the Polk-Quincy Viaduct project?

If you would like to keep up with #DeansFight click here. If you would like to donate to his contribute to his GoFundMe click here. You can also keep up with Deans Instagram by clicking here.

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Amazon to shutter West Sacramento fulfillment center. Heres what it means for workers

Amazon plans to shutter a grocery fulfillment center in Yolo County where 159 people work.

The warehouse will close Oct. 30, according to a notice filed with the state Employment Development Department. The closure will affect 154 associates and five managers.

Sam Stephenson, a company spokesman, said Amazon will help its employees find other jobs at the retailers other sites in the area. Stephenson said in a statement that the company decided not to renew its lease at the West Sacramento facility, located at at 3640 Ramos Drive.

The company also decided, recently, to allow its lease to expire at a site in Irvine. That facility employs 162 people and will close Nov. 7, according to state records.
Amendment F could mean work for some on Medicaid

NOTE: This is the second of seven stories previewing the seven different ballot questions South Dakota voters will weigh in on in the 2024 General Election. Absentee voting starts Sept. 20, the voter registration deadline is Oct. 21 and Election Day is Nov. 5.

PIERRE, S.D. (KELO)  Two years ago, South Dakota voters decided to increase the maximum amount of income that a person can make and still be eligible to receive Medicaid healthcare services. Now, voters are being asked a second question, on the same issue, this election that would let state government tighten up some of that expanded eligibility.

KELOLAND 2024 General Election coverage

Amendment F on the November statewide ballot would, if passed, further amend the South Dakota Constitution, so that South Dakota state government could place work requirements on many of the enrolled adults, if those enrollees want to continue getting Medicaid benefits under the expanded eligibility.

What does a Yes vote mean, what does a No vote mean?

A Yes vote on Amendment F would adopt changing the South Dakota Constitution for work requirements for Medicaid expansion candidates.

A No vote on Amendment F would leave the South Dakota Constitution as it is.

How Amendment F got on the ballot?

The Legislatures Republican super-majorities put Amendment Fs work requirement on the 2024 ballot. They waved aside objections from Democratic lawmakers, as well as many of the groups that had banded together to campaign for Medicaid-eligibility expansion.

Voters in 2022 approved putting the eligibility expansion into the South Dakota Constitution by a solid margin statewide, with 192,057 voting yes versus 149,616 who marked no. That came amid a major advertising campaign from the vote-yes coalition.

The goal was to allow government-funded health services to be available to people whose household income was 138% of the federal poverty level. In South Dakota, the maximum gross monthly amounts are $1,732 for a one-person household; $2,351 for two persons; $2,970 for three; and correspondingly higher amounts as the household size increases.

In actual wages, for a one-person household, thats a job paying at most $9.99 per hour for a 2,080-hour work year. The statewide minimum wage is $11.20 per hour in 2024.

In the 2024 legislative session, Republican Senate leader Casey Crabtree sponsored the work-requirement proposal in his chamber, while Republican Rep. Tony Venhuizen led the way in the House.

The 2022 change put expanded Medicaid eligibility into the state constitution, including a paragraph that states, The State of South Dakota may not impose greater or additional burdens or restrictions on eligibility or enrollment standards, methodologies, or practices on any person eligible under this section than on any person otherwise eligible for Medicaid under South Dakota law.

Republican lawmakers now want to add a qualifier to that paragraph that says, except that the State of South Dakota may, to the extent permitted by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, impose a work requirement on any person, eligible under this section, who has not been diagnosed as being physically or mentally disabled.

KELO Sioux Falls voting election ballot vote voters

KELOLAND News election resources

Groups that testified in support of letting voters decide the work proposal included National Federation of Independent Business, South Dakota Retailers Association, Associated General Contractors of South Dakota, and South Dakota Farm Bureau.

Groups that testified against putting the work proposal on the ballot included Avera Health, AARP South Dakota, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, South Dakota Farmers Union, Presentation Sisters, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, South Dakota Nurses Association, and South Dakota Advocacy Network for Women.

Republican lawmakers soft-pedaled the issue, saying the change would simply let state government have the choice of whether to ask the federal government for permission. Currently, with Democratic President Joe Biden in the White House, no state is allowed have a work requirement for Medicaid expansion.

South Dakota voters are now being asked whether they want to add the work requirement. A yes vote would further amend the South Dakota Constitution and let the state government ask the federal government to impose a work requirement for most people making between 100% and 138% of the federal poverty level, havent been diagnosed as being physically or mentally disabled, and receive Medicaid benefits under the expanded income eligibility. A no vote is against putting that option in the constitution.

Republican Senate leader Casey Crabtree and Republican Rep. Tony Venhuizen were the prime sponsors of Senate Joint Resolution 501. Supporters and opponents lined up at the Senate and House committee hearings to testify about putting it on the 2024 ballot. The Senate voted 28-4 along Republican-Democrat lines to send it to the House for consideration. There, House members voted 63-7, again along party lines.

Republican Governor Kristi Noem signaled her administrations support for the work requirement, when Social Services Secretary Matt Althoff testified in support of the proposal. The Department of Social Services administers South Dakotas Medicaid program.

The previous administration of Republican Governor Dennis Daugaard looked at expanding Medicaid eligibility, but the Republican-dominated Legislatures leaders showed no support. The Daugaard administration also sought a work requirement for Medicaid recipients, but that application wasnt granted.

To date, 40 states including South Dakota have adopted Medicaid expansion, while 10 states have not.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Rich nations have millions of mpox shots as Africa's outbreak spreads; Will they share?

FILE PHOTO: A Congolese nurse takes a sample from a suspected mpox patient in the treatment centre at the Kavumu hospital in Kabare territory

By Jennifer Rigby, Julie Steenhuysen

(Reuters) -Rich countries have several hundred million doses of vaccines that could help fight an mpox outbreak in Africa, where donated shots fall far short of what is needed, according to a Reuters tally of public statements, documents and estimates from non-governmental organizations.

The shots have been stockpiled for years by countries such as Japan, the United States and Canada in case smallpox, an eradicated disease that is the more dangerous cousin of mpox, ever makes a comeback. Some of the vaccines were used outside of Africa in 2022 when mpox spread globally.

A small fraction of those doses could help curb what is now the biggest mpox outbreak on record in the Democratic Republic of Congo and neighboring countries, disease experts say.

Fewer than 4 million doses have been pledged for donation out of an estimated 18 million to 22 million that are needed to vaccinate 10 million people in the next six months, depending on the vaccine, Africa's Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a statement.

"It's not a technical question, it's a political one," Maria Van Kerkhove, acting head of pandemic and epidemic prevention at the World Health Organization, told Reuters. She is lobbying for more donations alongside Africa's CDC and other health authorities.

"Vaccines are useless on shelves," Van Kerkhove said. "Why wouldn't we get them to the people who need them right now?"

The current outbreak began in early 2023 in Congo, which accounts for most of the 37,500 infections and 1,451 deaths. It has spread to 14 African countries, according to Africa's CDC. A first inoculation campaign using 265,000 donated shots is due to begin in Congo in early October.

"If we'd had more doses earlier, we could have planned a large-scale campaign and reduced transmission," said Cris Kacita, head of Congo's mpox response.

Health officials are concerned about a new strain, known as clade Ib, which was first identified in Congo and appears to spread more easily by close contact. Children are particularly vulnerable to mpox, as well as people with immune system conditions like HIV. The risk outside of Africa appears low at this time.

"Children are the main victims of this epidemic. The first emergency is not really being treated," Kacita said.

Other factors have held back the mpox response, including slow regulatory procedures at WHO and in Congo, high vaccine prices and competing health crises exacerbated by conflict in the country.

Mpox shots alone are not a magic bullet and affected countries also need access to testing and awareness-raising to tackle outbreaks effectively, disease experts say.

But the stark divide on vaccine access shows governments are still not prepared to stamp out viral threats where they begin and before they spread.

"The disinterest in mpox and other viral threats where they emerge is a significant danger to people the world over," said Peter Maybarduk, access to medicines director at the U.S. consumer group Public Citizen.

WHERE ARE THE DOSES? Three vaccines recommended by the WHO are held in stockpiles worldwide: Bavarian Nordic's Jynneos (Imvanex or Imvamune outside the United States); KM Biologics' LC16; and Emergent BioSolutions' ACAM2000.

They are all being considered for purchase and donation in Africa, said a spokesperson for Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, a global group that helps lower-income countries buy vaccines. The group has up to $500 million available for the mpox response. Many wealthy countries declined to say how much vaccine they have, citing national security reasons.

Japan has around 200 million doses of LC16, according to a WHO document from 2022. Unlike rival shots, LC16 can be used for children, although it is not available outside of Japan and requires special needles to administer.

Kacita said Congo is in discussions for up to 3.5 million LC16 doses from Japan.

KM Biologics declined to comment. A Japanese health official said Congo had asked for 3.05 million doses, but would not confirm the timing of the delivery. He said the WHO's 200 million figure was not correct but would not confirm the size of the national stockpile.

Canada may have up to 2 million doses from Bavarian Nordic in its stockpile, said Adam Houston, medical policy and advocacy adviser for Medecins Sans Frontieres Canada, based on previous years announcements from the company. This shot was used to curb the 2022 mpox outbreak outside of Africa. This week, the Canadian government said it would donate up to 200,000 doses.

U.S. officials declined to disclose how much vaccine is in its stockpile, but two senior Biden administration officials said it is enough to protect its population.

That includes around 100 million doses of Emergent's vaccine, according to Maybarduk, as well as an unspecified number of Jynneos shots, which experts say have fewer side effects. The U.S. has donated 60,000 Jynneos doses to the current outbreak.

Spain is among the largest confirmed donors, pledging in August 20% of its mpox vaccine stockpile, or 500,000 doses. The country has urged all European Union member states do the same.

The European Commission has a joint procurement contract with Bavarian Nordic to buy vaccines for donations, and has sent 215,000 doses to Congo.

"Some of the vaccines could cost around $150 for a person to be fully vaccinated, a price that is unaffordable to most African countries," a spokesperson for the Africa CDC team in DRC said. "So donated vaccines from countries is all the more important."

(Reporting by Jennifer Rigby in London and Julie Steenhuysen in Chicago; Additional reporting by Sonia Rolley, Anna Mehler Paperny in Toronto, Rocky Swift in Tokyo, Christian Kraemer in Berlin, Inti Landauro in Madrid, Maggie Fick in London, Gleb Bryanski, Niklas Pollard in Stockholm, Louise Rasmussen in Copenhagen, Lefteris Papadimas in Athens, Jihoon Lee in Seoul; Editing by Michele Gershberg and Bill Berkrot)
ANDREWS COUNTY, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- Election day is right around the corner, and on November 5th voters can head to the polls and cast their votes.

This year, election ballots for Andrews County will include both federal and local elections; however, there are no proposals, city office, or district hospital elections that are set to take place for this years November 5th General Election.

Heres a look at what will be listed on your local Andrews County ballot:

Andrews County Precinct 1 Election

County Judge  Unexpired Term (vote for none or one)

Sam H. Jones

Jeneane Anderegg

County Attorney

Sean B. Galloway

County Sheriff

Rusty Stewart

County Tax Assessor-Collector

Robin Lynne Harper

County Commissioner, Precinct No. 1

Kerry Pack

County Constable, Precinct No. 1 & 4

Ronny R. Alaniz

Andrews County Precinct 2 Election

Justice of the Peace, Precinct No. 2 & 3  Unexpired Term

Adaly Garcia

County Constable, Precinct No. 2 & 3

Richard H. Dolgener

Andrews County Election Precinct No. 3

Vernon (Buddy) Hobbs

According to the Andrews County Election Office, there are no other local elections set to take place this November.

RELATED: Registered to vote? Here are some important dates you should know

For more information about voting in Andrews, visit the Countys election page here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Yourbasin.
An angel mom fired back at a Democratic lawmaker who accused Republicans of "exploiting" victims' families by having them testify at a congressional hearing on the Biden-Harris border crisis.

"I have said it over and over, that we are not being forced there. Nobody is forcing us to be there. We want to be there," Tammy Nobles said on "Fox & Friends" Wednesday.

Nobles' autistic daughter Kayla Hamilton was raped and strangled to death by a MS-13 gang member in 2022. Nobles joined a panel of witnesses on Capitol Hill Tuesday to share heartbreaking testimony on illegal immigrant crime under the Biden-Harris administration.

The hearing turned tense when Texas Democratic Rep. Veronica Escobar accused Republicans of playing politics with the House Judiciary Committee hearing.

BIDEN-HARRIS BORDER CRISIS: MOTHER OF JOCELYN NUNGARAY GIVES EMOTIONAL TESTIMONY DURING MIGRANT CRIME HEARING

"I think what is most frustrating to me as a member of Congress is what is happening today at this committee hearing, where we have colleagues who are exploiting people's pain for political purposes," Escobar said.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

April Aguirre, a crime victims advocate who also testified at the hearing, called Escobar's remark an "insulting" assumption.

"You said some very broad statements insulting these people, lost loved ones, they lost children, and we want to see a difference," Aguirre stated. "We may not understand everything that's going on, but I assure you that we're not being used in any way."

Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-Texas, gavels to order the final day of the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Thursday, August 22, 2024.

Despite claims made by Escobar, Nobles said she was at the hearing "to prevent this from happening to someone else's child."

"I want to be there for my daughter. I'm not doing it for any political reason, it's for my daughter," she said.

Walter Martinez, a MS-13 gang member who illegally entered the U.S. at 16-years-old as an unaccompanied minor in 2022, pled guilty to Hamilton's murder and was sentenced to 70 years in jail in August.

"It's just going to get worse if [Harris] gets elected. It is going to be a lot worse than it is now," Hamiton warned, adding Martinez was a known gang member with a criminal record in El Salvador before being released into the U.S.

"It took her murder and the local police to find that information out," Nobles said.

Alexis Nungaray, the mother of a 12-year-old Texas girl who police say was strangled and thrown off a bridge by two illegal immigrants, also spoke at the hearing, slamming the Biden-Harris border policy.

"Because of the Biden-Harris administration open border policies, catch and release, [the suspects] were enrolled in the Alternatives to Detention program," Nungaray told lawmakers. "This meant that they were released into the United States. It was not even a full three weeks later that they would take my daughter Jocelyn Nungarays life."

House Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, told Fox News ahead of the hearing the Biden-Harris administration "let in 10 million people in three and a half years, 99 on the terrorist watch list."

Fox News' Michael Ruiz and Stephen Sorace contributed to this report.





Original article source: Angel mom defends appearance at border hearing after Dem rep accuses GOP of 'exploiting' grieving families
One of the concessions Molson Coors made when it bowed to pressure from activist Robby Starbuck and retreated from some of its diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives was withdrawing from a benchmark index the Human Rights Campaign uses to measure how friendly a companys policies are to LGBTQ+ people.

In response, Starbuck resurfaced a $1 million donation Vizzy Hard Seltzer  owned by Molson Coors  made to the HRC four years ago. Today Coors wants no association with them, Starbuck told his 600,000 followers on the social media platform X.

The maker of Coors Light isnt the only company distancing itself from the LGBTQ+ advocacy group.

Six out of seven companies targeted so far by Starbuck  Molson Coors, Harley-Davidson, Lowes, rural retailer Tractor Supply, distiller Brown-Forman, which makes Jack Daniels, and carmaker Ford  have all pledged to stop providing workplace data for the HRCs Corporate Equality Index.

The seventh  tractor maker John Deere  said it would no longer support social or cultural awareness parades, festivals or events but didnt mention the HRC.

Separately last week, Stanley Black & Decker, which has not been targeted by Starbuck, overhauled its DEI efforts and said it would end its participation "in all external culture surveys conducted by third-party organizations" including HRC, according to an internal memo obtained by USA TODAY.

Drew Keller, an advocate for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer employees who analyzed dozens of Starbucks posts, says he knows why.

Though Robby Starbuck describes himself as an opponent of DEI, half of his attacks are aimed at corporate support of gay, lesbian and transgender people, while a much smaller fraction  9%  target racial diversity, Kellers analysis found.

This is not just a broadside against DEI, Keller said. Its really a targeted campaign against LGBTQ inclusion.

Cans of Coors beer are displayed on a shelf at a liquor store on May 2, 2018 in Fairfax, California.

Anti-DEI campaign builds on Bud Light, Target backlash

Since the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis in 2020, companies have come under repeated fire for programs and policies to boost racial equity in their workforces and leadership. Increasingly companies are also facing online activism from customers unhappy with public stands on gay, lesbian and transgender rights.

Once the nations most popular beers, Bud Light, owned by beer giant Anheuser-Busch, slipped to third in the rankings after last years social media campaign with trans influencer Dylan Mulvaney.

When activists confronted employees and vandalized displays last year, national retail chain Target moved its Pride displays from the entrances to the back of stores. This year, Target scaled back its Pride collection and didnt carry the collection in all stores. Other companies also celebrated Pride Month more quietly than usual.

Riding the wave of these consumer boycotts, Starbuck, 35, uses social media to pressure corporate America to back off even more commitments. His efforts have won praise in some circles.

Polling in July by Morning Consult found that while a majority of U.S. adults  nearly 3 in 5  support corporate DEI programs, men, Republicans and older adults were most likely to disapprove.

Morning Consult also found that men and right-leaning consumers negatively view brands that promote diversity and inclusion as woke.

Companies would be wise to remember that they need conservatives to buy their products, too, Starbuck told USA TODAY.

Robby Starbuck

How corporate America helped usher in gay rights

Corporate Americas embrace of LGBTQ+ rights was the result of decades of protests and boycotts from LGBTQ+ activists that transformed once indifferent, even hostile, companies into powerful allies.

In recent years, big brands have stepped up to promote LGBTQ+ equality with more inclusive benefits and policies.

Today, 93% of Fortune 500 companies prohibit employment discrimination by sexual orientation and gender identity, and about three-quarters have transgender-inclusive benefits, according to the HRC. Corporations also publicly supported same-sex marriage and opposed laws that would restrict transgender peoples access to public restrooms.

The HRCs Corporate Equality Index played a key role in ushering that social change.

When it launched in 2002, the index evaluated 319 companies, with only 13 earning a perfect score of 100. Last year, the index scored more than 1,300 companies, hundreds of which had a perfect score, including Ford, Molson Coors, Lowes and Brown-Forman and covered a wide range of workplace policies including equal health insurance benefits for same-sex couples and transition care for transgender employees. This year, HRC says, it will have a record 1,400 companies participating.

Though some companies are scaling back DEI initiatives in a polarized political environment, Joanna Schwartz, a marketing professor at Georgia College & State University, says she doubts they will turn their backs on this decadeslong alliance with LGBTQ+ people.

One of the things that a lot of companies are trying to do is not be the next Bud Light, and Robby Starbuck is really playing on that, Schwartz said.

Molson Coors told employees in an internal memo that dropping out of the HRC index and other rankings would not affect the benefits it offers or reduce its commitment to a culture where every one of our employees knows they are welcome at our bar.

Brown-Forman told USA TODAY it would "continue to foster an inclusive work environment where everyone is welcomed, respected, and able to bring their best self to work."

I think that companies are willing to go through the motions to try to tamp down any kind of traction this might have, but are companies going to necessarily completely change the way they operate because of him? I really dont think so, Schwartz said.

LGBTQ+ people and allies vote with their wallets

With good reason: LGBTQ+ people and their allies tend to vote with their wallets, as they did when Target and Bud Light caved to pressure.

LGBTQ+ people in the U.S. have an estimated $1.4 trillion in purchasing power, according to LGBT Capital, which researches the LGBT consumer segment.

At the same time, 7.6% of U.S. adults  and 1 in 5 young Americans  identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or a sexual orientation other than heterosexual.

Erin Uritus, CEO of Out & Equal

According to a recent HRC survey, 8 in 10 LGBTQ+ adults would boycott a company that rolled back DEI initiatives, and more than half would urge others to boycott the company, too.

Whats more, 1 in 5 LGBTQ+ adults would quit or start looking for a new job if they worked for a company that rolled back DEI, the survey found.

Joe Montello, who managed Tractor Supplys store in Ray Brook, New York, says his heart sank when Tractor Supply ended its DEI programs in June. So he voted with his feet and quit his $80,000-a-year job.

I had customers who were transgender, gay and lesbian, who were people of color, he said. So when they said they were aligning their values with their rural customer, I felt like they were alienating a large portion of their customer base.

Most companies will not unwind commitments to LGBTQ+ people because being more inclusive is smart business in an increasingly diverse world, said Erin Uritus, CEO of Out & Equal, a workplace equality nonprofit organization.

While its disappointing to see a handful of companies make shortsighted decisions that upend their core values and undo years of strategy to appease right-wing activists, I know that in the long run the business of belonging will prevail, Uritus said.

HRC told USA TODAY it would continue to score companies that dont provide information for the index. The companies that pulled back from their DEI commitments have had 25 points shaved from their score. On its website, HRC is inviting supporters to send messages of protest to corporate executives who have cowardly succumbed to these antibusiness demands. So far, it says, nearly 140,000 HRC supporters have sent messages.

These attacks are a reflexive backlash to the immense progress we have made as a community in ensuring safe, fair and inclusive workplaces," said Eric Bloem, HRCs vice president of programs and corporate advocacy.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Anti-DEI activist targets LGBTQ index. Companies are listening.
. Wendsler Nosie has led the fight to protect Oak Flats for almost a decade. (Photo/Apache Stronghold)

Apache Stronghold, a Native American advocacy group, has made a final legal plea to the U.S. Supreme Court to block the development of one of the worlds largest copper mines on sacred Arizona land.

The group, representing the San Carlos Apache tribe, has long opposed the efforts of mining giants Rio Tinto and BHP to gain access to Oak Flat, known to the Apache as Chichil Bidagoteel, arguing that the project would destroy a key religious site.

Chichil Bidagoteel, or Oak Flat, is a federally owned piece of land located in Arizona. It holds deep spiritual significance for the San Carlos Apache people and other tribes for time immemorial.

However, Oak Flat is also home to a vast copper reserve, estimated to contain over 40 billion pounds of the metal. Copper is a crucial material for the production of electric vehicles and electronics, making the land a prime target for resource extraction in the global shift toward renewable energy.

If a mine is built, the site would be transformed into a crater two miles wide and 1,100 feet deep, devastating the lands sacred and ecological value.

The conflict over Oak Flat began in 2014 when Congress, under President Barack Obama, approved a land swap deal that would allow the federal government to transfer Oak Flat to Rio Tinto and BHP in exchange for other parcels of land.

This deal quickly sparked backlash from Apache Stronghold, which argued that the mining project would desecrate a sacred Apache worship site.

By 2015, the group had launched legal challenges and organized protests, raising awareness about the cultural and religious importance of Oak Flat. The case gained national attention as it became a flashpoint for the broader debate over Indigenous land rights and environmental justice.

In 2021, when President Joe Biden took office, he temporarily froze the land swap. However, the Biden Administrations Department of Justice later argued in court that the federal government has the right to dispose of its land for national purposes, even if it interferes with religious practices.

The situation took a significant turn in March 2024 when the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the mining companies, allowing the land swap to proceed. Apache Stronghold vowed to continue their fights, taking the case to the U.S. Supreme Court.

In September 2024, Apache Stronghold delivered their appeal to the Supreme Court, following a months-long caravan from their Arizona reservation to Washington, D.C. The group then held a ceremony of prayer and dance on the steps of the Supreme Court.

For Apache Strongholds appeal to move forward, at least four Supreme Court justices must agree to hear the case. If the court accepts, oral arguments could begin as early as the next term, which starts in October 2024, with a decision potentially being issued by June 2025.

About the Author: "Kaili Berg (Aleut) is a member of the Alutiiq\/Sugpiaq Nation, and a shareholder of Koniag, Inc. She is a staff reporter for Native News Online and Tribal Business News. Berg, who is based in Wisconsin, previously reported for the Ho-Chunk Nation newspaper, Hocak Worak. She went to school originally for nursing, but changed her major after finding her passion in communications at Western Technical College in Lacrosse, Wisconsin. "

Contact: kberg@indiancountrymedia.com
Food and Water Watch is seeking to require EPA to reconsider its request for new regulations related to discharge from CAFOs. (Photo by Kent Becker, U.S. Geological Survey)

Federal appellate court judges heard oral arguments Thursday for a case filed by groups seeking stronger Environmental Protection Agency water pollution regulations at concentrated livestock operations.

The case, submitted by Food and Water Watch on behalf of environmental, community and state advocacy groups, including the Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement, asks that the court require the EPA to reconsider its denial of a 2017 petition brought forth by the group.

The original petition demanded EPA construct new regulations relating to polluting discharge from Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations, or CAFOs, per the Clean Water Act.

The petitioners describe CAFOs as sewerless cities and allege they are illegally polluting waterways because of EPAs ineffective regulatory scheme.

A primary complaint against the current regulations is an agricultural stormwater exemption which the petitioners argue enables CAFOs to avoid regulation.

EPA denied the petition seven years later, in 2023, and formed a subcommittee to evaluate Clean Water Act regulations for CAFOs and the concerns brought forward in the petition.

Food and Water Watch submitted a petition for review of the denial in September 2023. That lawsuit was heard and submitted into the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in San Francisco Thursday. It argues the EPAs decision to further study the issue will ensure years more delay and (perpetuate) the ongoing harm that unchecked CAFO water pollution is inflicting on petitioners, their members, and communities across the country.

Emily Miller, representing Food and Water Watch, said the EPAs actions allow it to further stall the process without committing the agency to reforming any of the regulations.

Senior Circuit Court Judge Jay Bybee said it did not make sense to ask the court to order the EPA to change its direction from studying the issue and making adjustments, to instead reconsidering the petition.

This is a very awkward context, Bybee said. Weve got to stand back and give the agency the room to do what its supposed to do.

The lawsuit alleges there are nearly 10,000 unpermitted CAFOs discharging pollutants into waterways. Miller argued the EPAs response would not address that concern.

While (the studies) may play a role in improving (permitted) standards, they wont address the heart of the problem, which is the widespread failure to permit in the first place, Miller said.

Paul Cirino gave oral arguments on behalf of the EPA, as did a representative for the agencys intervenor petitioners, the National Pork Producers Council, American Farm Bureau Federation, U.S. Poultry and Egg Association and United Egg Producers.

It serves no purpose for the agency to simply do a rulemaking because they got a petition to do rulemaking, when it knows that theres relevant information thats out there  thats going to be very relevant to their decision, Cirino said.

Judge Bybee asked Cirino, as a hypothetical, if the EPA was merely protecting itself politically through the creation of a subcommittee to gather this information.

I dont think thats whats happening here, Cirino said. I think EPA is more concerned about getting the information thats out there in this nationwide industry, CAFOs, and making sure it adequately understands the problem and can select which of the tools it wants to use to address each of the issues that are in play.

The judges present have an unlimited amount of time to make a decision on the case, though most cases are decided within three months to a year according to the courts website.
Renovations will soon be underway at the former site of Lakewood Heights Elementary after the Atlanta Board of Education voted in favor of addressing deteriorated conditions of former APS learning sites.

Board members voted last Tuesday to enter an intergovernmental agreement with the Atlanta Urban Development Corporation to determine recommendations for the former school grounds development.

District 6 Board Member Eshe Collins stated last week that she is smiling ear-to-ear as the district moves forward on a project that has been long discussed amongst Atlanta Public Schools stakeholders.

We are finally here, Collins said. Our facilities master planning effort has been a huge one. Its been multiple years.

Residents can expect to see the site transformed into affordable housing or a multiuse property that will include developments mentioned during the community engagement process.

Back in 2022, APS planned to demolish the long-shuttered elementary school after failed attempts to sell it. The building was constructed in 1913 and closed in 2004. Its listed as a significant community landmark in the Lakewood Heights Historic District, according to the National Register of Historic Places.

The attempted sale was opposed by some residents, who had started a petition to convert the building into a community development center.

The district has now settled on an agreement that extends to eight other APS-owned surplus properties, including the sites of the former Peeples Street, Collier Heights, and Old Dobbs schools; the Gilbert Street and Rosalie Wright school buildings; and APS-owned land in southwest Atlanta.

District 5 Board Member Ken Zeff expressed excitement for the new partnership between APS and the city of Atlanta, noting that it showcases how the government serves citizens.

APS coming together with the city  Im excited to see where this goes, Zeff said last week. We are trying to do everything we can to help our unhoused citizens.

According to board documents, the primary goal of the redevelopment is to create workforce housing for APS employees, greenspaces, early learning centers, grocery stores, and workforce development centers. The district also said its striving to create affordable developments that feature two- and three-bedroom units and preserve the propertys history.

At least 20% of the developments units must be reserved for residents who are at 50% of the area median income, or 10% of units for those who are at 80% AMI.

APS will work with the development corporation for three years to figure out the best use for Lakewood Heights, with the possibility of an extension up to two years. After approval, the partnership will begin conducting a community engagement series to inform its decision before returning to the Board of Education in 2025 to present its feedback and recommendations.

Citywide District 7 board member Alfred Shivy Brooks echoed Zeffs sentiments, noting that as Atlantas second-largest landowner, APS plays a vital role in addressing a worsening housing affordability crisis for the districts constituents.

I just want to share my appreciation and gratitude to my colleagues on the board for a shared urgency among us all, Brooks said. Weve seen how long this process of procurement, RFQs, and all this stuff has gone  with this board, I can sense a palpable energy around opening up opportunities to create more affordable housing for our students [and] our teachers in the city of Atlanta.

The post APS Board Greenlights Redevelopment of Former Lakewood Heights Elementary Site appeared first on Capital B News - Atlanta.
In this article, we take a look at 28 embargoed and sanctioned countries by the US, in addition to an overview of the US sanctions regime. If you would like to skip our detailed discussion, you can directly go to 5 Embargoed and Sanctioned Countries by the US.

An Overview of Sanctions and Embargoes

Sanctions and embargoes are foreign policy tools aimed at pressuring other states to refrain from certain activities or comply with specific demands. Embargoes restrict all forms of trade and economic activity with a particular state, making them a comprehensive measure. On the other hand, sanctions are more targeted and applied to specific industry sectors, individuals, or entities.

Examples of sanctions and embargoes include asset freezing, travel bans, trade embargoes, and import/export restrictions. Some of the most common situations in which sanctions or embargoes are implemented include non-compliance with international law or human rights violations. These tools can be enforced by multinational bodies such as the United Nations and the European Union or country governments like the United States.

According to the UN, the primary goals behind its active sanctions are nuclear non-proliferation, political settlement of conflicts, and counter-terrorism. The United Nations has implemented 31 sanction regimes since 1966, 14 of which are still active. Some examples are Yemen, Haiti, and South Sudan, all three of which are facing arms embargoes, asset freezes, and travel bans.

Even though sanctions and embargoes are considered essential pressure tools, they have also faced criticism in the international community. One of the biggest critiques is that economic sanctions may result in unintended humanitarian consequences, such as an astronomical rise in food prices, negatively impacting ordinary citizens, who will become collateral damage in the process. This growing unease around the idea of sanctions led to the termination of the UN sanctions regime against Mali in 2023, which failed to be renewed due to vetoes and a shortage of votes.

READ ALSO: 25 Countries With the Highest Inflation in the World and 20 Countries With The Highest Trade Surplus in the World.

The Impact of US-Enforced Sanctions

The United States government is a major sanctions enforcer in the international arena. The country has 38 active sanctions programs, implementing restrictions against various countries, individuals, and organizations. A 2024 study by Dizaji and Farzanegan revealed that when the US increases complete trade sanctions by just one unit, there is a decrease of 76% in bilateral trade flows with sanctioned trading partners. An increase of one unit in partial trade sanctions decreases bilateral trade flows by 16%. Furthermore, when the US implements complete import and export sanctions, its bilateral trade flow with sanctioned partners decreases by 39% and 90%, respectively.

Another 2024 study by Mkhwanazi et al. found that when the US increases its economic sanctions by 1%, it leads to a 4% increase in income inequality in African-targeted states. On the other hand, a rise of 1% in UN economic sanctions raises income inequality in African states by only 1%. These results show that US-based sanctions can impact countries much more severely than UN-based ones.

A 2023 report by the Centre for Economic and Policy Research (CEPR) evaluated the impact of US sanctions on oil production in Venezuela. In January 2019, the US imposed primary oil sanctions on the country, following which oil production decreased by 35.2%. In February 2020, the US implemented secondary oil sanctions on Mexican and Russian companies involved in selling Venezuelan oil in non-US markets. This led to a decrease of 55.7% in Venezuelan oil production between February and June 2020.

When Venezuelas data is compared with other oil-producing nations, a comparable decline is only found in Yemen, a state in active conflict at the time. The sanctions also impact other elements of life. Following the 2017 financial sanctions imposed by the US, mortality rates in Venezuela increased by 31%. From 2016 to 2017, the number of Venezuelan households dependent on government food programs increased from 4 million to over 7.5 million.

These drastic impacts are why public opinion regarding sanctions has shifted. A 2023 Harris Poll disclosed that 58% of Americans (up from 49% in 2021) believe that if sanctions damage economic activity and the livelihood of ordinary citizens, they should be lifted. Furthermore, 62% of American citizens (up from 53% in 2021) believe the country should lift its sanctions if they interfere with global public health or humanitarian intervention.

US Sanctions on China

The United States has imposed sanctions on Chinese officials, companies, and government agencies for various reasons, including the issue of Uyghur human rights, Chinas support of Russia in its war on Ukraine, and technological espionage. As recently as May 2024, the US revealed 300 new sanctions on over a dozen companies in China and Hong Kong, primarily due to their support for Russia in the Ukraine war.

In particular, the Chinese semiconductor industry has faced severe sanctions from the United States and other Western governments. One of the main reasons behind US-implemented sanctions is the governments stance that China can utilize semiconductor processors for military advancement, threatening US national security. ASML Holding N.V. (NASDAQ:ASML), a Dutch semiconductor company, is among the top entities impacted by these geopolitical tensions.

ASML Holding N.V. (NASDAQ:ASML) is one of the worlds leading suppliers in the semiconductor industry, providing hardware, software, and other services to chipmaker companies. As of 2024, this is the only company in the world that produces Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machines, a primary reason behind its industry dominance. This technology uses shorter wavelengths of light to create more powerful and faster microchips than other lithography formats.

Since 2022, the US has banned ASML Holding N.V. (NASDAQ:ASML) from selling its advanced equipment to China. Furthermore, in April 2024, the Biden administration started pushing the company to stop servicing some of the other equipment sold to Chinese customers before 2024. This poses a considerable setback for the Chinese semiconductor industry, as it is among the largest buyers of ASML gear, which will break down over time if not maintained.

On September 4, 2024, Reuters reported that ASMLs CEO believes US restrictions on the company are also economically motivated instead of solely due to national interests. At a New York conference, the CEO mentioned that he expects an increase in US restrictions and a growth in push-back against them, which may result in an equilibrium for the current unstable situation.

Due to the situation with China, the companys financials have suffered. In Q2 of 2024, ASML Holding N.V. (NASDAQ:ASML) reported a revenue of $6.83 billion, a year-on-year decrease of 11.69%. However, the revenue still beat estimates by $212.72 million, showcasing an upward outlook. The CEO commented that while the market continues to experience macro-level uncertainties, he expects the industry to continue recovering in the second half of the year.

It is also pertinent to note that during Q2, Chinese companies accounted for 49% of ASMLs total lithography system sales. China increased its purchase of older generation materials from ASML, as advanced equipment is banned by the US. The companys CFO announced that of their total order backlog, 20% is for sales to China. If the situation with China continues to face disturbances, the company may sell these tools to other parts of the world, where demand for older generations is increasing. The CEO has referred to 2024 as a transition year, hoping that 2025 will result in a stronger performance driven by solid developments in AI.

While we acknowledge the potential of ASML as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than NVDA but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.

Now that we have evaluated the geopolitical impacts of US sanctions, lets take a look at 28 embargoed and sanctioned countries by the US. You can also read 15 Countries with the Largest Budget Deficit as a Percent of GDP.

28 Embargoed and Sanctioned Countries by the US

Florin Patrunjel/Shutterstock.com

Our Methodology

To list 28 countries embargoed and sanctioned by the US, we utilized the Sanctions Programs databases by the Office of Foreign Assets Control and the US Department of State. Both of these sources list all the sanctions currently active under the US government. The countries are ranked in ascending order of their GDPs, as prolonged sanctions can potentially decrease a states GDP. The GDP values have been sourced from the World Bank and the IMF.

It is pertinent to note that sanctions can be comprehensive and target entire countries, but they can also be specific and target particular individuals and entities within a country. For the purpose of this article, we have mainly considered countries targeted by distinct US sanctions regimes. Thus, there may be other countries where individuals have been sanctioned that are not listed in this article, such as Haiti and Paraguay. Hence, this must not be considered a comprehensive list of all US sanctions.

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28 Embargoed and Sanctioned Countries by the US

28. Central African Republic

GDP (2023): $2.55 Billion

The Central African Republic ranks 28th on our list, and it is one of the countries sanctioned by the US government. Sanctions have been placed on entities that the US believes are linked with the Wagner Group, a Russian private military company. In the past, CAR leaders have also been sanctioned for human rights abuses.

27. South Sudan

GDP (2023): $6.50 Billion

South Sudan has been marked by conflict for the past several years, which has led to widespread violence, attacks on peacekeepers, and human rights abuses. The US has sanctioned individuals and entities that perpetuate these disturbances, as they are preventing the country from reaching a state of stability.

26. Montenegro

GDP (2023): $7.40 Billion

Montenegro is sanctioned under the US government's Balkans-Related Sanctions Program, mainly for corruption and malignant activities. Several prominent businessmen and politicians from the country have been sanctioned for money laundering, criminal ties, and smuggling.

25. Syria

GDP (2021): $8.98 Billion

The United States has designated Syria as a State Sponsor of Terrorism, placing sanctions on the countrys current regime as it continues to perpetuate violence against its citizens. The US prevents its citizens from investing in Syria, while also blocking the property of the Government of Syria.

24. Somalia

GDP (2023): $11.69 Billion

Somalia ranks 24th on our list of countries facing sanctions from the US government. These restrictions have been implemented on individuals and entities that threaten national peace, obstruct the delivery of humanitarian assistance, or conduct arms trade to or from the country. Political and military leaders who have resorted to using children in armed conflict may be sanctioned as well. Those involved in charcoal trade from the country have also been sanctioned, as it negatively impacts the Somalian environment.

23. Afghanistan

GDP (2022): $14.50 Billion

The US initially implemented sanctions on Afghanistan as a means of dealing with terrorist entities like Al-Qaeda. The Taliban rule has also prompted a series of sanctions on the countrys officials. Afghanistan is also one of the countries where sanctions have added to the humanitarian crisis. An example of this is the fact that Afghan banks remain cut off from the international banking system, with many foreign banks unwilling to process payments pertaining to Afghan banks.

22. North Macedonia

GDP (2023): $14.76 Billion

North Macedonia is one of the countries sanctioned under the Balkans-Related Sanctions Program of the US government. These sanctions are generally implemented on entities linked to Russian connections, corruption, or spyware activities.

21. West Bank and Gaza

GDP (2023): $17.39 Billion

According to the US Department of Treasury, the United States sanctions groups contributing to violence in the region, along with entities blocking access to humanitarian assistance. Some Israeli settlers accused of perpetrating violence in the area have also been sanctioned.

20. Nicaragua

GDP (2023): $17.82 Billion

The US treasury has placed sanctions on Russian-based institutions in Nicaragua, as well as certain gold companies. The latter is because of profit manipulation and corruption within the sector. Government officials have been sanctioned due to their repressive regime over the citizens.

19. Lebanon

GDP (2023): $17.93 Billion

The US has implemented sanctions on Lebanon since 2007, starting with blocking the property of individuals involved in undermining democratic processes within the country. Individuals who are found to be supporting acts of violence in the country in any way have also been sanctioned.

18. Mali

GDP (2023): $20.90 Billion

Mali ranks 18th on our list of countries sanctioned by the US. The US government has sanctioned Malian military commanders charged with human rights abuses according to the UN Human Rights Office. Officials and gold companies presumed to be connected with the Wagner Group have also been sanctioned.

17. Bosnia and Herzegovina

GDP (2023): $27.05 Billion

The United States Balkans-Related Sanctions also include entities and individuals in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which ranks 18th on our list of countries sanctioned by the US. Officials who have been found guilty of undermining state institutions and damaging the countrys prospects of integration into European institutions have been sanctioned as well.

16. North Korea

GDP (2023): $40 Billion

North Korea is one of the very few states that the US has comprehensively sanctioned, which means that almost all kinds of trade and economic exchanges with the country are banned. Most of these sanctions concern the countrys nuclear program. The country has also been sanctioned for arms deals with Russia, illicit financial activity, malicious cyber activity, human rights abuses, and corruption.

15. Libya

GDP (2023): $50.49 Billion

Libya is one of the countries sanctioned and embargoed by the US. The US has implemented asset freezes and travel bans on Libyan individuals charged with perpetrating violence within the country. The country faces an arms embargo as well. Any entities or individuals found complicit in attacks against civilians or state facilities may also be sanctioned.

14. Myanmar

GDP (2023): $64.81 Billion

The US government has continued to impose several sanctions on Myanmars military regime, even three years after its military coup. Other sanctioned entities include oil and gas enterprises, jet fuel suppliers, state-owned banks, the Ministry of Defence, arms dealers, and timber enterprises. Sanctions have even been imposed on certain family members associated with the military. Several other individuals have been sanctioned for violence and human rights abuses.

13. Democratic Republic of the Congo

GDP (2023): $66.38 Billion

The US government has imposed a long list of sanctions on the DRC. These include sanctions on individuals contributing to conflict, companies involved in illicit gold trade, officials charged with corruption, and armed groups causing instability in the region. Furthermore, individuals found guilty of providing support to Dan Gertler, a sanctioned Israeli businessman with mining interests in the DRC, have also been sanctioned.

12. Yemen

GDP (2023): $68.58 Billion

The United States sanctions on Yemen began by freezing the assets of individuals charged with threatening national peace and security. In recent months, the US has continued to sanction Yemeni individuals and firms connected with the Houthi movement. UN aid officials have warned that continued sanctions may harm the Yemeni population, especially because they block essential imports for a country that is already war-torn.

11. Belarus

GDP (2023): $71.85 Billion

Belarus is one of the countries where government officials and state sectors are facing severe sanctions from the US government, owing to fraudulent elections, corruption, and human rights abuses. Furthermore, several networks in the country have been sanctioned for their support of Russia in its war against Ukraine.

10. Serbia

GDP (2023): $75.18 Billion

Serbia is one of the countries sanctioned under the Balkans-Related Sanctions Program of the US Treasury. Officials linked to corruption and connections to transnational crime have also been the subject of sanctions. The country ranks 13th on our list.

9. Cuba

GDP (2020): $107.35 Billion

The trade embargo between Cuba and the US was put in place by John F. Kennedy in 1962 due to the Cuban missile crisis. The embargo is still in place today, with further sanctions being imposed on officials for perpetrating violence and human rights abuses. Cuba ranks 9th on our list of countries embargoed and sanctioned by the US. It is also a comprehensively sanctioned state.

8. Sudan

GDP (2023): $109.32 Billion

Sudan ranks 8th on our list and faces targeted sanctions and an arms embargo implemented by the US Treasury. Any entities found to be funding the Sudanese conflict may be sanctioned. Officials in the countrys Rapid Support Forces have been sanctioned as well, charged with expanding war.

7. Ethiopia

GDP (2023): $163.69 Billion

Ethiopia is one of the countries the US government has embargoed and sanctioned. The sanctions are mainly designed to affect individuals who contribute to conflict within the country and fail to create a peaceful environment. Certain individuals in Eritrea have also been sanctioned with regard to this conflict, as Eritrean presence in Ethiopia continues to prove destabilizing for the country.

6. Venezuela

GDP (2023): $210.80 Billion

Venezuela ranks 6th on our list of countries sanctioned and embargoed by the US. Individuals considered guilty of human rights violations have been sanctioned. Just recently, in April 2024, the US reimposed oil sanctions on the country, accusing the government of democratic failure. It is also one of the countries where US-based sanctions have caused drastic impacts.

5. Iraq

GDP (2023): $250.84 Billion

Iraq ranks 5th on our list of countries sanctioned and embargoed by the US. The sanctions began as a means of imposing pressure on the government to withdraw from Kuwait and disclose any Weapons of Mass Destruction. However, years after these events, the US sanctions program on Iraq continues to remain active. Iraq is one of the countries where US-implemented sanctions have had the most drastic of impacts, leading to a reduction of over 90% in imports and exports, high rates of malnutrition, and a severe economic crisis.

4. Hong Kong

GDP (2023): $382.05 Billion

The US government has sanctioned individuals and entities in Hong Kong for links to Russias war on Ukraine, undermining Hong Kongs autonomy, restriction of freedom of expression, and human rights abuses. Many of Hong Kongs sanctions are closely connected to US sanctions on China.

3. Iran

GDP (2023): $401.50 Billion

Iran is a comprehensively sanctioned state as well, ranking third on our list. Several sanctions have been implemented on the country since 1979, when the US Embassy was seized in Tehran. Some recent sanctioned examples include entities trading in petroleum or petrochemical products, the countrys shadow banking network, cyber actors, and individuals tied to smuggling US technology to Iran.

2. Russia

GDP (2023): $2.02 Trillion

US sanctions on Russia are tied up with the intricate history between Russia and Ukraine. The sanctions began by restricting exports to Russian-occupied Crimea in 2014. The restrictions have significantly strengthened since the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. The US has continued to heavily sanction not just Russia, but also any other states, individuals, or entities found to be supporting the country in its war on Ukraine.

1. China

GDP (2023): $17.79 Trillion

Chinese officials, entities, and companies have been sanctioned for several reasons, including espionage, human rights abuses in Uyghur, aiding Russian military networks, and conducting unlawful surveillance. A pertinent example of a sanctioned entity is the telecommunications company Huawei, which the US has denoted as a threat to its national security. The US has also sanctioned the semiconductor sector in various ways to slow down technological development in China.

READ NEXT: $30 Trillion Opportunity: 15 Best Humanoid Robot Stocks to Buy According to Morgan Stanley and Jim Cramer Says NVIDIA Has Become A Wasteland.

Disclosure. None. This article was originally published on Insider Monkey.
From our archives: Laura Loomer was banned in 2020 from social media for hate speech

Editor's note: This story is from The Palm Beach Post archives. It was originally published in 2020.

Congressional candidate Laura Loomer, the far right internet provocateur banned from most social media, ride sharing and money transfer platforms for hate speech, has relied on text messaging and emails to raise money.

So, when a fundraising text message she planned to share with donors Monday about endorsements from Roger Stone and GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz was rejected by Comcast Xfinity for dangerous content, Loomer was stunned.

There is no reason I should be shut down, said Loomer. This is the primary way we get messages out, via text messages and email ... they are now shutting down every way of communicating.

Laura Loomer: Far-right influencer posted about pet-eating migrants. She's in Trump's orbit

Comcast released a statement Tuesday acknowledging the problem but said it had nothing to do with the content of Loomers text messages. Instead, the problem had to do with the third-party text messaging platform that Loomer uses to distribute her messages and the third-party threat-intelligence services that Comcast uses to screen potential threats.

For some reason unknown to Loomer and not revealed by the company, Comcasts third-party threat-intelligence service automatically flagged the third-party text-messaging platform used by Loomer.

In this case, our security platform  which leverages widely used third-party threat-intelligence services  flagged the texting provider used by Laura Loomers campaign as a potential threat, according to a spokesperson for Comcast. Anyone using this texting provider would have had the same experience, not only with our service, but with any security service using similar threat-intelligence lists. The security alert had nothing to do with the content or sender of any communication.

Loomer wasnt buying it. The 27-year-old earned her creds in the world of conspiracy theorists by promoting suspicions such as Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar marrying her brother and that a lone gunman may not have been responsible for the October 2017 mass shooting in Las Vegas.

Loomer bills herself as an investigative reporter and is known for her guerrilla-style journalism at the far-right activist group Project Veritas. Loomer was banned from Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, accused of using hate speech in posts about Muslims. The ban later expanded to Uber, Lyft, PayPal and Venmo.

During her campaign, Loomer has described herself as the most banned woman on the internet and is unapologetic about the content of any of her posts.

We believe its politically motivated, said Loomer, citing contributions Comcast has made to incumbent Democrat U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel, Loomers push to break-up tech giants and Comcasts headquarters being located in the district. Loomer also claims that Frankel owns stock in Comcast.

Loomer is one of five GOP candidates hoping to secure the nomination in the primary on Aug. 18. The winner will challenge Frankel in the November general election. Frankels spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment.

Its just very suspicious, Loomer said. Weve been texting without a problem for a year and now theyre claiming its a glitch.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Laura Loomer was banned in 2020 from social media; now supports Trump
Argument over LGBTQ issues at Montreal protest unrelated to Gaza war

Footage of a protest over limiting LGBTQ subject matter in Canadian schools has been misrepresented online as a heated exchange between two pro-Palestinian rallygoers. The September 2023 demonstration in Montreal was unrelated to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict .

"At a pro-Palestinian rally, a Muslim woman tells a 'Queer for Palestine' that he's not welcome in the movement," claims the caption of a September 3, 2024 video on X.

The clip, which accumulated more than 60,000 likes, depicts two people arguing -- one wearing a hijab and the other draped in a Pride flag.

The person holding the rainbow banner says in French: "I left my country because of you, you are extremists," drowning out what sounds like the rebuttal: "My girl is a girl, my boy is a boy."

The video also appeared on Facebook and Instagram alongside similar claims -- including some in Spanish -- that it shows pro-Palestinian protesters clashing over LGBTQ issues.

Screenshot of an X post taken September 11, 2024

Screenshot of an X post taken September 11, 2024

Protests over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict have been frequent since Hamas's unprecedented attack in southern Israel on October 7, 2023 triggered a military campaign in the Gaza Strip, resulting in a massive humanitarian crisis.

The Palestinian militant group killed more than 1,200 people in Israel, mostly civilians, and took 251 hostages, according to an AFP tally of official figures.

Ninety-seven hostages remain in Gaza, 33 of which the Israeli military believes are dead. Israel's retaliatory air and ground campaign in the territory has killed more than 41,000 people, also mostly civilians, according to Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry.

While LGBTQ issues are sometimes a flashpoint in debates between activists, the video spreading online predates the war.

A reverse image search surfaced the clip in news articles about a September 2023 march in Montreal.

A reporter from the Quebec news channel TVA shared a version of the video on X on September 20, 2023. The caption says the footage is from the sidelines of "a rally against 'the promotion of gender ideology by the government and in schools'" (archived here).

Another local outlet, 24 Heures, depicted the confrontation from a different angle in a TikTok post compiling its reporting on the demonstration, which organizers called the 1 Million March 4 Children (archived here).

[VIDEO] Scenes de confrontations a Montreal en marge du rassemblement oppose a la promotion de l'ideologie du genre par le gouvernement dans les ecoles.



: @MLMormina@tvanouvellespic.twitter.com/YCrheR0p4c  Hadi Hassin (@hassinhadi) September 20, 2023

Reports from other Canadian media outlets describe marches across the country in which people called for limiting LGBTQ subject matter in school. Many marches were met with counter-protesters advocating for LGBTQ rights and visibility, including in Montreal.

An AFP journalist covered the demonstration in Montreal and did not hear discussions about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Local reporting also does not mention the issue coming up at marches in other Canadian cities.

Posts from groups affiliated with the 1 Million March 4 Children indicate a similar protest is planned for 2024.

Read more of AFP's reporting on misinformation in Canada here.
Arkansan, former Manhattan firefighter reflects on journey of healing following 9/11

HOUSTON, Ark.  An Arkansan and former Manhattan firefighter was one of many first responders rushing to the scene of the World Trade Center to save lives.

Lazerus Thompson was 21 years old. He woke up and went to work like any other day, ready to fight fires from the Manhattan Fire Station 2.

It was just a regular day, and then it was like breaking news, Thompson said.

Arkansas veteran, 9/11 survivor recounts working in the Pentagon when tragedy struck

That was until he heard the fire tone ring out for the World Trade Center. They then turned the sirens on without fully understanding what they would be driving into.

We geared up, took off and we did what we had to do to help the people out of the building, Thompson said.

It was later determined that at 8:46 a.m., hijacked Flight 11 hit the north tower of the World Trade Center; as evacuations began, hijacked Flight 175 hit the south tower at 9:03 a.m.

As first responders were on the scene, the south tower collapsed at 9:59 a.m., and the north tower collapsed at 10:28 a.m.

It was terrifying, Thompson said. Everyone was rushing to find safety, and it was just chaos.

The ash and smoke filled the air even more as the towers collapsed, killing even more innocent and heroic lives.

Its hard, lost a lot of brothers and sisters, Thompson said.

Search and rescue afterward, and all that there, it was gruesome, Thompson said. I was angry, I wished I could do more, I wished I could find so and so.

According to Thompson, he still gets flashbacks to this day.

Bald Knob family remembering Malissa White, a loved one & 9/11 victim whose remains still have not been identified

After weeks of search and rescue, Thompson decided it was best to return to his home state of Florida to try to process all of his emotions and deal with the guilt of being able to walk away alive.

I was in Florida drinking and consuming alcohol, drinking all the time, numbing the emotions, Thompson said.

Thompson ended up with a DUI. Thats when he began running from the pain and sorrow.

He made his way out to California, where he met his wife and had four children, but more tragedy struck after he lost them all in a car crash.

Thompson said he found himself on and off the streets, being homeless. He said he eventually rode a bicycle from LA to San Diego, Arizona, New Mexico, El Paso, Fort Worth, Dallas, and ended up in Arkansas.

That is when he found Renewal Ranch on Sept. 11, 2023, and he entered the program.

I came here on 9/11 of last year, he said. Its a personal anniversary, Thompson said.

Thompson began learning to deal with his emotions through Christ.

The Bible, thats what helped me get through my emotions, Thompson said.

Pine Bluff honors Navy Officer Nehamon Lyons who was killed at the Pentagon on 9/11

Each day, there are little reminders of the first responders who lost their lives at ground zero, but now he is living his life with purpose for them.

Thompson reminds people always to remember and never forget.

I gotta remember the ones who paid the ultimate sacrifice, they are the real heroes, Thompson said.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLRT - FOX16.com.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  Its been 23 years since nearly three thousand people were killed after Al-Qaeda terrorists hijacked airplanes, crashing into the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in Washington, DC and crashing in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

No matter where you were on that devastating day in American history, its almost a guarantee you remember the exact moment you found out the nation was under attack.

I was at work. We totally were just devastated, Pam McMahon said. She says she and her coworkers were sticking by the television and following the events, as it was obvious we were going to war.

Arkansas veteran, 9/11 survivor recounts working in the Pentagon when tragedy struck

Her husband, Tracy, said he was headed to Pine Bluff for work and on his way he started noticing all the airplanes coming in low. He said he found out what was happening when he got to the job site and they had the TV going.

Tracy said while watching the World Trade Center burn on television, he couldnt stop wondering where they going to hit next.

The Pentagon was hit next, and amid the shock and disbelief, Mark McCleary said he had his friend who worked there on his mind.

The first thing that came to mind was me calling him to see if he was okay, McCleary said.

McCleary says he was truck driving on 9/11, and it was his day to make a trip to Louisville, Kentucky.

They did end up canceling my run because the Louisville hub was an air hub so they had shut down all the air traffic for the day, he said.

Pine Bluff honors Navy Officer Nehamon Lyons who was killed at the Pentagon on 9/11

As the day progressed, he described it as unbelievable, and hard to fathom that this could happen in our country.

For some Arkansans, its easier to remember where they were because they physically felt the attack as they were inside the World Trade Center when the planes hit.

In an interview from a few days after the attack outside the bus station in New York, Terry Pickrell said he was on the 61st floor when the first plane hit, and they told us to evacuate. Pickrell was inside the south tower which was hit second.

While he was evacuating, he said he was somewhere in the range of 30 and 40 floors when the plane hit the south tower.

Bald Knob family remembering Malissa White, a loved one & 9/11 victim whose remains still have not been identified

He described when the plane hit his building, as shaking and kind of a rumble and at that point it was when it hit him how serious it was and the idea that I might not make it out.

The good Lord was with me, Pickrell said.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLRT - FOX16.com.
Edward "Ward" Gardner, chairman of the Arkansas State Medical Board, leads a meeting on Aug. 7, 2024. (Mary Hennigan/Arkansas Advocate)

In a brief meeting Thursday, the Arkansas State Medical Board voted to enact an emergency license suspension and launch an investigation into a Forrest City physician who has been accused of rape and sexual assault.

Members of the medical board did not name the physician during their meeting, but a health department spokesperson confirmed to the Advocate that they were discussing Dr. Sudesh Banaji.

Banaji, 60, has held a medical license in Arkansas since 1999 and practices at Internal Medicine of Forrest City. He also has hospital privileges at the Forrest City Medical Center, according to an online biography.

Arkansas State Police arrested Benaji on Aug. 26 on six felony counts of second-degree sexual assault and one felony count of rape. He was held at the Cross County Sheriffs Office on a $35,000 bond, but he is no longer on the inmate roster.

According to the state medical board website, Thursdays discussion is the only time Banaji has been a subject before the board.

Thursdays conversation was minimal and there was no discussion from members outside of making motions for approval.

Edward Ward Gardner, who acts as the chairman the medical board but does not participate in the voting process, said he thought the board ought to take action for public safety. He also said, this is just the start of this. Theres more to come.

The arrest occurred approximately one year after Arkansas State Police was asked to investigate allegations of inappropriate sexual contact with female patients during exams at Banajis clinic in Forrest City, according to a press release from the agency.

Court documents in a lawsuit filed Sept. 6 in St. Francis County Circuit Court detailed the criminal charges against Banaji.

Arkansas State Police interviewed at least four female patients who alleged Banaji had touched them inappropriately during exams within the last two years. All of them stated the physician had conducted breast exams that made them feel uncomfortable.

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One patient also described an extremely painful vaginal exam that occurred without her consent, according to a court document. The patient told state police investigators that the exam included Banaji inserting forceps and leaving them in her body while he exited the room for several minutes.

Investigators also interviewed three people who had worked with Banaji, and they all mentioned concerns about the physician participating in inappropriate behavior with patients. One of the employees, who was unnamed in the court document, said Banaji had inappropriately touched her as well.

The former employee explained two different instances where Banaji gave her a hug and allegedly inappropriately touched her body. After the second instance, the former employee said she alerted a coworker, confronted Banaji and began collecting her belongings to leave.

At first, Banaji tried to deny the incident, saying that it was just a hug and that she was just sensitive, according to the court document. [Redacted] told Banaji that what he had done was inappropriate and not ok. Banaji stated he was sorry, that it wouldnt happen again, and that he was ashamed and embarrassed.

The former employee said she has text messages from Banaji asking her to return to work and saying the situation would not happen again.

The state medical board has the authority to grant licenses to medical professionals in Arkansas. Based on the circumstances, the board can also alter those licenses, which can include suspensions and revocations. The board works closely with the Arkansas Medical Foundation and its staff to launch investigations into health care providers when necessary.

In August, the board concluded one investigation on a Little Rock gastroenterologist with a lengthy hearing, which resulted in a license revocation. Of the 17 charges against Dr. Alonzo Williams, the board approved 16. Many of the charges were related to gross negligence or ignorant malpractice for the over-utilization of medical procedures. The only allegation of which Williams was not found guilty was sexual harassment.

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GASTON COUNTY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  A man is dead after Gaston County Police say he tried to rob a convenience store.

Officials say on Tuesday, September 10, Victor Almodovar Jr., armed with a handgun, tried to rob Wills Food Store on Hickory Grove Road by demanding money from an employee.

SouthPark Mall Nordstrom robbed, suspect being sought: PD

A customer with a handgun shot Almodovar Jr. during the armed robbery, according to authorities. Almodovar Jr. was taken to Caromont Regional Hospital but later died.

No one has been arrested, and no one else was hurt. The investigation into the incident is still ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to call Det. M. Rheinson at 704 866-3320 or Crimestoppers at 704 861-8000.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
Army to expand holistic health and fitness program to all soldiers

The Army is expanding its new all-around health and fitness program, which includes professional civilian staffing, workout gear and more, to all soldiers rather than only combat brigades.

Army Vice Chief of Staff James Mingus told soldiers at the Maneuver Warfighter Conference at Fort Moore, Georgia, on Wednesday that the Holistic Health and Fitness program, also called H2F, will roll out across the entire force.

The program was showing too much benefit to be used only by the combat arms brigades, according to the four-star.

It is an Army program, and it is making a huge difference on how our soldiers are performing out there, Mingus said.

The Army launched a pilot H2F program in late 2018 and began equipping combat arms brigades with full complements of gym equipment and H2F staff, including physical therapists, dietitians, occupational therapists, athletic trainers, strength and conditioning coaches and cognitive performance specialists, in 2020.

Early data shows 37% suicide decrease in units with holistic health

The programs holistic approach addresses five domains: physical, spiritual, mental, sleep and nutrition.

The original plan called for the service to outfit all 110 combat arms brigades by 2030. Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George announced last year that the Army would speed up fielding by increasing the annual number of brigades from 10 to 15. The fully resourced program had reached 50 brigades this year, including some military police, medical, engineer and sustainment brigades, according to Army data.

Mingus didnt share specifics or timelines on the rollout, which will require more funding from Congress. But he advised leaders to begin work in their units now.

A lot of our formations still dont have it but there are things you can do, Mingus said. I would challenge you to study what is the essence of how you assess the program and execute functional fitness, nutrition, sleep.

Capt. Rudolph Trey Smith III, takes the Army Combat Fitness Test on Rhine Ordnance Barracks in Kaiserslautern, Germany. (Pfc. Alyssa Norton/U.S. Army)

The Center for Initial Military Training, or CIMT, at Fort Eustis, Virginia, launched the Holistic Health and Fitness website in late August. The site contains information on all aspects of the program such as unit resources, the H2F Academy and the commands annual H2F Symposium.

We wanted to develop a website that provides tools for soldiers to help them take a hard look at themselves and really assess their personal health and fitness while also providing resources from subject matter experts so they can improve in all five readiness domains, Lt. Gen. David Francis, CIMT commander, said in a statement.

Francis described the H2F program as the largest human performance optimization project ever fielded.

The programs top priority since its inception has been reducing physical injuries among soldiers during deployment and training. Francis touted the results.

The initial return on investment shows H2F will pay for itself as it decreases musculoskeletal injuries, reduces non-deployables, and helps soldiers who do get injured return to duty faster, Francis said.

Early data released by CIMT in April showed H2F-resourced brigades saw a 23% higher increase in Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) passing rates, along with other performance and behavior improvements.

Behavior and performance data from H2F-resourced brigades compared with non-resourced brigades demonstrated:

14% lower increase* in musculoskeletal injuries = 6,489 fewer injured soldiers.

30% lower increase in musculoskeletal injuries lasting more than 90 days = 3,002 fewer injured soldiers on profile for more than 90 days.

22% lower increase in behavioral health reports = 2,962 fewer soldiers on behavioral health profiles.

20% lower increase in behavioral health reports lasting more than 90 days = 3,002 fewer soldiers on behavioral health profiles greater than 90 days.

502% lower increase in substance abuse profiles = 13,947 fewer soldiers on substance abuse profiles.

23% greater Army combat fitness test passing rate = 4,455 more soldiers passing the ACFT.

27% more soldiers reaching expert on rifle marksmanship qualification = 88,000 more soldiers receiving expert rifle marksmanship qualification.

*Brigades analyzed, both with and without H2F teams, saw increases in most areas from 20212023, but those units with H2F teams saw significantly lower increases in all categories.

Source: Center for Initial Military Training

As the Army implements the program across the force, the active-duty combat arms brigades remain a priority, with the Army National Guard and Army Reserve likely waiting longer for resources.

However, the new website can help fill those gaps in the meantime, Sgt. 1st Class Nicholas Rice, an Army Reserve H2F system developer, said in a statement.

Its a vital tool in our shared mission to ensure that every investment made in our Soldiers is an investment in a better, more capable version of themselves, Rice said.

At Wednesdays conference, the vice chief praised his experience with a precursor program that used similar principles when he served the 75th Ranger Regiment. That program, known as the Ranger Athlete Warrior Program, emerged in the early 2000s to decrease injuries in the notoriously demanding unit.

Mingus carried a version of that program with him when he assumed command of 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, at Fort Carson, Colorado, he said.

The program prepared his soldiers to perform in some of the roughest terrain during demanding missions during their 2012 deployment to Afghanistan, according to the general.
Army prep course draws in new recruits to boost enlistment

(NewsNation)  The U.S. Army is optimistic that a program in its second year will boost enlistment and help the branch reach its recruitment goal by aiding recruits with their academic and physical fitness.

Across the military, services have faced challenges in convincing young Americans to join. Those services on track to hit their 2024 enlistment targets credit new incentives and training programs to help recruits meet strict standards.

Army representatives said earlier this year they expected to hit the services reduced enlistment goal of 55,000 recruits.

I am happy to say last years recruiting transformation efforts have us on track to make this years recruiting mission, with thousands awaiting basic training in the next year, Army Secretary Christine Wormuth told the Associated Press in August.

Official recruitment numbers covering fiscal year 2024  which runs from Oct. 1, 2023, to Sept. 30, 2024  will be published early next year.

Despite uncertain recruitment success for this year, Army officials say an initiative that began as a pilot program in 2022 has helped prepare new soldiers to meet service requirements before entering basic training.

Army recruitment struggles

Despite offering sign-on bonuses and tuition reimbursement opportunities for service members, spouses and children, the military has been fighting an uphill battle to attract recruits.

Pentagon leaders blame the pandemic for severely restricting in-person recruiting efforts in high schools, a lack of connection with military service and a competitive private job market as reasons potential enlistees are not signing up.

The Army says its the most challenging labor market since the inception of the all-volunteer force.

Who won Trump-Harris debate?

About 71% of youth do not qualify for military service because of obesity, drugs, physical and mental health problems, misconduct and aptitude, according to the U.S. Army Recruiting Command.

More broadly, about 23% of Americans between the ages of 17-24 meet the militarys physical and educational standards.

Future Soldier Preparatory Course

Most branches have made changes to attract recruits. Those include raising the age for enlistment, modifying requirements to join and creating specialty programs to help with enlistment.

This program is designed to reach out to populations who might not otherwise be able to serve, said retired Army Maj. Chase Spears. Theres certain levels of academic and physical fitness that you have to meet in order just to ship to basic training, among other standards.

The Armys Future Soldier Preparatory Course began as a pilot program in August 2022 to help prospective soldiers reach basic training standards in a 90-day window.

It boasted nearly 10,000 graduates in the year after its debut and now accounts for about 20% of Army recruits.

Its for those people who are considering military service Lt. Col. Andrew Pfeiffer said. Dont count yourself out. Just because you dont meet the Army standards now, there might be a way for you to get to that point.

In the academic track of the course, 95% of students who participated in the programs first year increased their test scores by an average of 17 points. As for the fitness portion of the course, about 87% of students graduated within their first three weeks of the course, with an average weekly body fat loss of 1%.

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An around-the-world cruise that's stuck at port is kicking off passengers who complain

An around-the-world cruise that's stuck at port is kicking off passengers who complain

Villa Vie removed two buyers from its residential around-the-world cruise for "complaining."

The would-be residents told BI they had aired grievances about the ship's changing amenities.

Villa Vie Odyssey plans to circumnavigate the world every 3  years but has been delayed for almost four months.

Jenny Phenix was ready to spend the rest of her life on a cruise ship.

Vacations at sea had always been her preferred travel method. As a 69-year-old solo traveler and self-described "water addict," she found cruises to be easy, safe, and convenient.

So, unsurprisingly, Villa Vie Residences' promise of a new never-ending voyage that would circumnavigate the globe every 3  years was impossible to pass up.

Unfortunately, she was kicked out before she could fulfill her world cruise aspirations.

Villa Vie canceled two women's contracts  Phenix and another buyer, Bonny Kelter, 66  for their "continuous complaints and negativity," according to emails reviewed by Business Insider.

"They didn't just complain, they outright threatened with media unless they get what they want," Mikael Petterson, the founder and CEO of Villa Vie, told BI in an email. "At the end of the day, we have the same option as anyone of doing business with people or not."

(Phenix and Kelter denied having threatened to go to the media until after their contracts were terminated. Kelter told BI she may pursue legal action.)

Villa Vie terminated Jenny Phenix and Bonny Kelter's contracts for speaking negatively about the company. Jenny Phenix, Bonny Kelter

The company's ship, Villa Vie Odyssey, has been readying to embark on a lifelong voyage that would stop at 147 countries and 425 destinations in its first go around the world. Travelers would see Europe, Asia, Australia, South and North America, and Africa  all while living on a floating condominium outfitted with the comforts of a traditional cruise.

Villa Vie has been refurbishing the more-than-30-year-old vessel ahead of its departure. However, issues like the aging ship's rudder stocks and certifications have delayed the voyage.

Petterson said he hopes to finally sail in mid-September  about four months behind schedule.

Phenix was ready to move onto the ship

Villa Vie Odyssey was initially scheduled to set sail in May. Villa Vie Residences

Residents can either purchase a cabin or reserve segments of the itinerary. Phenix opted for the latter, reserving the first 3  years with plans to eventually buy her interior stateroom. (Single occupancy cabins start at $120,000 with an additional monthly fee of $2,500.)

"I would've lived on that ship for the rest of my life," she told BI. "There's no question about it."

Like more than 200 other buyers, Phenix arrived in the UK in May for Odyssey's initial departure date. She said she's already been onboard twice  residents can visit but aren't allowed to stay overnight  and left luggage in her future condo.

The transition from land to sea living would've been smooth. She said she had already retired from her job and rented out her West Palm Beach, Florida, condo in anticipation of another three-year voyage, Life at Sea Cruises.

Life at Sea Cruises canceled its three-year voyage two weeks before it was supposed to set sail in November 2023. Several former Life at Sea buyers have since purchased a cabin on Villa Vie. Life at Sea Cruises

However, Life at Sea's sailing was called off two weeks before embarkation in November 2023 after the company failed to secure enough funding to purchase a ship. Eight months later, the company filed for bankruptcy. (Petterson was the managing director of Life at Sea. He left several months before the voyage was canceled.)

Phenix said she's yet to receive a refund from Life at Sea. But a month after its voyage was canceled, she sent Villa Vie her first deposit.

She has since paid Villa Vie more than $18,600.

"I've done this twice," Phenix said. "That's how much I had wanted a world cruise."

But she was kicked off before Villa Vie Odyssey could set sail

Other buyers have begun moving onto the residential cruise ship. Living Life on a Cruise/YouTube

She, like several other residents, had been airing her grievances about the company's changing amenities and services in private WhatsApp group chats.

When the residential cruise company launched in 2023, it had yet to acquire a ship. Because of this, the specifics of the cruise had not been finalized and were subject to change, according to Villa Vie's termination email to both women.

"If you sell me a product, I want the product," Phenix said. "They continually kept changing it and taking things away, and I would speak up."

One example she cited was the virtual windows.

Villa Vie initially advertised that its inside cabins would have digital screens displaying a live feed of the ship's exterior, akin to a real window. This was a huge selling point for Phenix, who said it was why she was willing to spend 3  years in a windowless room.

That is, until she said Villa Vie nixed the amenity when it began refurbishing its ship, citing technical difficulties.

Villa Vie purchased Odyssey, formerly Fred Olsen Cruise Lines' Braemar vessel, in December 2023. Before joining Fred Olsen's fleet, the more than 30-year-old ship had sailed with companies like Norwegian Cruise Line. Angela and Stephen Theriac

In mid-July, Kathy Villalba, COO of Villa Vie, notified Phenix and Kelter via email that their contracts had been canceled because of their behavior.

The emails said Villa Vie had received more than a dozen complaints from residents about both buyer's negativity, which had "significantly impacted the morale and well-being of other passengers."

In a follow-up email, Phenix told the COO that she was unhappy with the ongoing delay, changes to planned amenities, and her treatment. But she remarked that this wouldn't have happened if the voyage had started closer to its initial May date.

More than a dozen other residents signed an email asking Villa Vie to give the two women a second chance. However, Petterson said that the founding residents voted to uphold their suspensions.

"It was so heartbreaking when all of my new friends were posting pictures of the wonderful time they were having on the ship," Phenix said. "I had to hide all of the posts on Facebook because I couldn't handle seeing all of what I didn't get to be a part of."

Some residents have begun decorating their cabins. Angela and Stephen Theriac

Petterson said Phenix had been refunded. He declined to comment on Kelter, citing her intent to sue.

Kelter had paid more than $100,000 to purchase an inside cabin. "This is my retirement," she said. "I sold my house."

Phenix said she's still waiting for her full refund. So far, Villa Vie has repaid her almost $8,000, with another about $7,400 still pending  still a few thousand short of her $18,600.

Now, instead of gearing up for the adventure of  and for  a lifetime, Phenix is staying at her daughter's home in Florida. In lieu of cruising around the globe, she plans to travel at her own pace in a camper van.

"Even if I spent every last penny I had saved, it was OK to live on my minimal Social Security for the rest of my life if I had already cruised the entire world," Phenix said. "That feeling hasn't changed, but my bank account has, so I think my future options for world travel will be very limited unfortunately."

Are you sailing on a residential cruise ship like Villa Vie or have a tip? Contact the reporter at bchang@businessinsider.com or on X @brittanymchang .

Read the original article on Business Insider
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF)  An arrest has been in a night club homicide from earlier this year.

29-year-old Michael Dequez Scott has been arrested and charged with Murder in the death of 22-year-old Chrishawn Martin.

The incident happened on January 20, 2024, at Club Rain on Gordon Highway.

Martin was transported to Augusta University Medical Center with a gunshot wound, where he was pronounced dead at 2:19 a.m.

No further details have been released.

Count on NewsChannel 6 for more on this developing story

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJBF.
OsakaWayne Studios/Getty, Iurii Motov/Getty, VPanteon/Getty, Tyler Le/BI

Some of the "luster" has come off the AI trade, Morgan Stanley's Mike Wilson says.

Wilson says investors are now taking shelter in defensive shares as they wait for new themes to emerge.

Wilson sees defensive plays in sectors like utilities, consumer staples and healthcare.

With investors growing impatient over returns on AI investments, they're desperately looking for the next big thing.

In the meantime, they should take shelter in quality defensive stocks, Morgan Stanley says.

For the "AI dream" long held by investors, "a little bit of that luster has come off," the firm's chief US equity strategist Mike Wilson told Bloomberg Surveillance in a Tuesday interview.

Wilson said he gauges AI's fall by looking not just at top players like Nvidia, but at the semiconductor industry as a whole.

"A lot of those stocks have really come off. And that makes sense to me. We just got overcooked on the whole AI theme," Wilson said.

Semiconductor shares have seen an almost 7% fall since Nvidia's earnings report missed investors' sky-high expectations. The sector's biggest name has seen an outsize drop in its share price in the time since, falling roughly 13%.

Wilson says the AI downturn doesn't necessarily spell doom for the industry, but that it rather reflects Morgan Stanley's vision that it will reap benefits, and returns, in the longer term.

"We're not believers that this is going to change productivity materially in the short-term. That's a long term story," he said.

With the AI rally fading for now, Wilson says investors are waiting for a new theme to emerge, and taking shelter in "quality defensive stocks" in the meantime.

"With that theme now gone, the market is looking for a new theme. On the growth side, there isn't one, so what it does is it hunkers down into defensive, high-quality assets until we get the next thing. Whether that's a bad outcome or a positive outcome, they're going to hide out in these areas," he said.

He recommends quality defensive stocks in areas like utilities, staples and healthcare, which are poised to do well amid a slowing labor market, he said in a Monday note.

"In our view, a slowing labor market is consistent with a late cycle backdrop and quality + defensive leadership," Wilson wrote.

Last month, Wilson's team added three new quality defensive stocks to its "Fresh Money Buy List," which now totals nine stocks.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Hospitals say the planned new oversight would relieve strain on doctors, but insurers say the program is unworkable and, in part, needless. (Dana DiFilippo | New Jersey Monitor)

The Assembly Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee took testimony Thursday on a new bill that would expand oversight of claims denied by health insurance companies.

The bill would require health insurers to submit a range of information about their claims, including the number received, the number denied and appealed, the amount rejected during the prior authorization process, the most frequently denied specialty, and other data requested by the Department of Banking and Insurance.

Insurers found to have no justification for at least 20% of their denied claims would be required to reimburse customers for 100% of what they paid for services that were denied coverage.

Proponents from the New Jersey Hospital Association told the panel the enhanced oversight would relieve strain on health care providers by reducing improper denials.

When care is denied, often it requires a clinicians time and attention to help with that appeal, and so again, as we have workforce shortages, were pulling those clinicians away from patient care to sort of manage the bureaucracy and paperwork related to that care, said Christine Stearns, chief government relations officer for the group.

Insurers were less keen on the bill, which was posted for discussion only and did not see a vote. They warned it is unclear who would determine how many of an insurance carriers denials were unjustified or how they would do so.

Im not sure  whos going to make that determination as to whats not been justified, and in many cases, the system does have a remedy that if you appeal, it goes to an outside reviewer, said Ward Sanders, president of the New Jersey Association of Health Plans.

The sheer volume of claims could make the proposal impractical, Sanders added.

He said the penalties for insurers who unjustly deny too many claims could be inconsistent with the severity of the error and could draw objections from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Assemblyman Bob Auth (R-Bergen) worried the penalties would be passed along to consumers as higher costs.

Assemblyman Roy Freiman (D-Somerset), who chairs the committee, said he believes the bill is meant to identify a pattern of improper denials and added the existing process to appeal denied claims is too cumbersome for many.

Anyone whos actually gone through that process, I think youd rather smack your thumb with a hammer because it is not one that facilitates and recognizes that someone is really trying to get this reviewed, he said. Its a multi-step process. It ultimately does end up with a third party looking at it, but Im not sure its designed to be patient-centric.

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Atlanta murder suspect tried pretending to be asleep to avoid being arrested

An Atlanta murder suspect seems to have thought police wouldnt wake him up to arrest him.

Clayton County police were called to a home in Riverdale on Monday where they found Matt Washington Jr. asleep in bed.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Officers say someone called 911 to say that Washington had pulled a gun on his family and tried pistol-whipping his mom. When they got there, a woman told them that never happened.

But when they asked to speak to other people in the home, Washington was found hiding under the sheets of his bed fully clothed and pretending to be asleep.

Because he was acting strange, they ran his name through the system and learned he had been wanted by Atlanta police for a homicide since Sept. 2.

TRENDING STORIES:

Police say they believe the 911 call was a tip to get them to the home and find Washington.

Channel 2 Action News is working to learn more about the murder for which Washington was wanted.

He is currently being held in the Fulton County Jail on a murder charge.

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IN OTHER NEWS:
Atlantas subway cars are now home to endangered sea turtles and coral reefs

Railcars once filled with hustling commuters in the city of Atlanta are now 65 feet below the Atlantic Ocean filled with inquisitive fish, sea turtles and coral.

At the end of last year, the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) dumped two railcars off Georgias coast as part of a program to develop reef habitats and marine wildlife with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Reef Project.

Any hazardous materials were removed first, and they were inspected by the US Coast Guard.

In August, the DNR Coastal Resources Division made its first dive to check on the cars and discovered soft coral beginning to grow and at least nine species of game fish.

The artificial reef is looking great, and we are encouraged by the amount of coral growth and marine wildlife activity, Cameron Brinton, a marine biologist with DNRs Coastal Resources Division said, according to a press release from MARTA.

Youll notice one of the railcar roofs has collapsed, which is typical, and well see more changes to the railcars over time as they become part of the essential marine habitat for sea creatures, including popular sport fish and endangered sea turtles, Brinton added.

Subway cars arent the only unusual objects scuba divers and anglers can find in whats known as Artificial Reef L about 23 nautical miles east of Ossabaw Island.

There are also U.S. Army M-60 battle tanks, barges, tugboats and even New York City subway cars.

Fish swim in an artificial reef created by MARTA railcars in the Atlantic Ocean - MARTA/Georgia Department of Natural Resources

The reef was first created in 1976 and is part of a network of 32 offshore reefs, according to MARTA.

But the practice of dumping manmade materials into the ocean to create artificial reefs dates back centuries.

In the 1700s Japanese fisherman were known to sink old vessels and rocks into local waters to improve fishing, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

The DNR warns of dangers to divers whod like to explore the sunken railcars as the reefs were constructed primarily to create fisheries habitat and provide offshore angling opportunities. Wrecks and other reef materials become unstable over time and collapse.

For divers, entanglement and entrapment are real dangers that are unavoidably associated with artificial reef structures.

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Atlanta woman shot in the throat, neck reacts to arrest in case

In a Channel 2 Action News exclusive, we spoke with the metro Atlanta woman who was shot in the throat and in the neck last month.

Channel 2s Audrey Washington sat down with Precious Bolton inside her Grady Memorial Hospital room.

Bolton wrote down her feelings and questions since someone shot the 32-year-old at a Mechanicsville Apartment complex, in August.

In one note, Bolton wrote:

I have really bad PTSD and anxiety. I keep having dreams of me getting shot.

Police said the shooting stemmed from an ongoing dispute between a group of acquaintances.

Hours after the shooting, inside the ICU, Bolton wrote the name of the woman she believed shot her.

Boltons mother, Wanda Dumas took that name to police.

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Days later, police arrested Brittany Ragland and charged her with aggravated assault.

But both Bolton and Dumas said they believe the charges should be upgraded.

I think she should be charged with attempted murder. She shot her in the neck and the throat, she tried to kill somebody, Wanda Dumas told Washington.

Dumas also said she believes there are more suspects in the case.

There are several people who need to be arrested and Ill be at peace when I know theyre off the streets, Dumas said. It hurts as a mother, but I thank God I dont have to go to a funeral home to see my baby, she added.

Next, Bolton will undergo another surgery to repair her windpipe.

Doctors said they dont know if Bolton will ever be able to speak again, but Dumas is optimistic.

TRENDING STORIES:

Its baby steps, but were going get there, Dumas explained.

Back in the hospital, Bolton wrote a question, it read:

Why she shot me? I dont understand.

The circumstances surrounding the shooting are still unclear.

Atlanta police told Washington the investigation is open and active.

A judge denied Brittany Ragland bond. She remains inside the Fulton County jail.

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How to attend Vice President Kamala Harris rally in Wilkes-Barre

How to attend Vice President Kamala Harris rally in Wilkes-Barre

WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)  Vice President Kamala Harris will be making a campaign stop in Wilkes-Barre Friday, and heres how you can have a chance to attend the rally.

Vice President Harris will be visiting Wilkes-Barre as she campaigns around the country ahead of the November 2024 presidential election.

Traffic delays during Vice President Kamala Harris Wilkes-Barre rally

The Pennsylvania Democrat organization has released a link for the public to register and enter a chance to attend the rally being held at Wilkes University.

If you wish to register for a chance to attend Vice President Kamala Harris rally click here for more information.

Preparations are underway Friday morning at Wilkes University in anticipation of Vice President Kamala Harris speech. She is expected to take the stage around 7:00 p.m.

28/22 News will update you with the latest as it is released. We will have continuous coverage on all of the days events.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com.
HOWLAND, Ohio (WKBN)  It was another sold-out event Thursday for the annual Good Morning Trumbull event.

It is held every year so groups and organizations can gather to talk about whats happening in their community.

They got together at the Avalon Country Clubs Grand Resort in Howland for breakfast and then heard from guest speakers.

Speakers included Youngstown State University President Bill Johnson and Rick Stockburger, who is the president and CEO of BRITE Energy Innovators.

Trumbull County Commissioner Denny Malloy also gave the 2024 update on the county.

Brian Oehlbeck contributed to this report.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
Police and local officials in Aurora, Colorado released a joint statement on Wednesday announcing the arrest of 10 members of transnational gang Tren de Aragua.



Aurora has been in the spotlight recently after surveillance video from an apartment building overtaken by armed men went viral online.



The statement was released by Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman and Council Member and Public Safety Chair Danielle Jurinsky with the "full endorsement" of the city manager and Aurora Police Department.



SUSPECTED TREN DE ARAGUA GANG MEMBERS IN AURORA, COLORADO, RELEASED ON $1,000 BOND

"For some time, well before concerns about TdA in Colorado generated national attention, APD had been arresting people for various criminal activities who had suspected, but not necessarily confirmed, TdA connections. To date, APD has now linked 10 people to TdA and has arrested eight of those people," read the statement.



"Two of the eight individuals who were taken into custody were involved in a July shooting at one of the specific properties in the city that have experienced issues with TdA activity. In line with these arrests, we can also now confirm that criminal activity, including TdA issues, had significantly affected those properties."

10 members of transnational gang Tren de Aragua were arrested in Aurora, Colorado in connection to "committing acts of violence against members of the migrant community."

The 10 Tren de Aragua arrests are linked to "committing acts of violence against members of the migrant community," according to the Aurora Police Department. Tren de Aragua is a transnational prison gang based in Venezuela; many of its members in the United States are illegal aliens.



Of the 10 arrested, charges include child abuse, attempted first-degree murder, illegal discharge of a firearm, and more. All 10 are listed as "documented member of TdA."



One of the arrest warrants dates back to November 2023 in connection with an assault at the Whispering Pines apartments in Aurora.



ICE CONFIRMS AURORA, COLORADO GANG MEMBERS ARE IN THE UNITED STATES ILLEGALLY, RELEASED BY BIDEN ADMIN



The joint statement from Aurora officials also took aim at many misleading social media claims which made the rounds on X as well as certain media organizations.



"As for the perception and reality of public safety in Aurora, please understand that issues experienced at a select few properties do not apply to the city as a whole or large portions of it. TdA has not taken over the city. The overstated claims fueled by social media and through select news organizations are simply not true."

A joint task force has been brought together to address the Tren de Aragua gang activity in the region, especially after arrests in nearby Arapahoe County and Denver. The task force includes Aurora PD and "other local, state, and federal partners."

The statement concludes, "we will continue to embrace our identity as the most diverse city in Colorado and remain steadfast in our commitment to arrest bad actors."

The apartment building has been completely overrun by the alleged gang members, including changing the locks, according to one resident.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP





Original article source: Aurora PD arrests 10 members of Tren de Aragua in connection with apartment building takeovers: statement
DENVER (KDVR)  Police in Aurora are still looking for two suspects who investigators believe were involved in a shooting on Colfax Avenue in July.

The Aurora Police Department said the shooting happened around 5 a.m. on July 7 near Chester Street and East Colfax Avenue.

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Aurora street party leads to 7 vehicles impounded, 2 court summons

When officers responded, APD said they found one man who was shot during what was described as an after-hours party. A spokesperson for the Aurora Police Department told FOX31 in an email that the man was found around the corner from the shooting, as he ran away from being shot, and was taken by ambulance to the hospital.

A short time later, another man arrived at the hospital with a gunshot wound, the police department said in a post on X Thursday.

The APD spokesperson said the two victims who were shot are believed to be out of the hospital.

Investigators have been working to identify those involved ever since, according to the police department, and they need help.

Police released surveillance images of the suspects who are believed to be involved in the incident.

Police released surveillance images of the suspects who investigators believe were involved in a shooting on July 7 near Chester Street and East Colfax Avenue in Aurora. (Aurora Police Department)

Police released surveillance images of the suspects who investigators believe were involved in a shooting on July 7 near Chester Street and East Colfax Avenue in Aurora. (Aurora Police Department)

Police released surveillance images of the suspects who investigators believe were involved in a shooting on July 7 near Chester Street and East Colfax Avenue in Aurora. (Aurora Police Department)

The police department said it hopes that members of the community might recognize the suspects. Anyone with information about their identities or the shooting is asked to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867. Tipsters can earn up to $2,000 and remain anonymous.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  It is responsible for making your pots and pans non-stick. Its used to make stain resistant fabrics and carpets, and can make clothes water repellent. Thats why PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are used in the turnouts that firefighters wear while on the job.

Bob Nicks, the president of the Austin Fire Association, explained it simply. It repels chemicals, it repels water, its very heat resistant.

Although it is an effective chemical in fighting fires, the substance, known as a forever chemical  because it never breaks down in your body or the environment  may actually be doing more harm than good.

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry said there is evidence that an increase in exposure to specific PFAS can lead to certain health effects. Those health effects include increases in cholesterol levels, changes in liver enzymes, kidney and testicular cancers, and lower antibody response to some vaccines.

The International Association of Fire Fighters is demanding that all turnout gear be replaced with PFAS-free alternatives. Some states, like Massachusetts and Connecticut, and cities around the country have taken it upon themselves to ban the use of PFAS in their firefighters gear.

Austin was added to the growing list on Thursday as the city council voted to approve a measure phasing out the use of PFAS in firefighting gear and foams. The resolution  brought forward by Council Member Mackenzie Kelly  requires the city manager to replace all PFAS-containing equipment out of service in three years.

We do everything we can to limit our exposure because were in a very hazardous job. PFAS is just another one of those chemicals. Its one that we know we can do something about by removing it from our turnouts, Nicks explained.

Are there alternatives available?

Turnout gear is a three-piece ensemble. Moving from outside to in, the layers consist of an outer shell, a moisture barrier, and a thermal liner. All three layers must meet the standards set by the National Fire Protection Association.

Outer shells are treated with a durable water repellent. Manufacturers would use PFAS-based repellent to treat the outer shell.

Neil McMillan, the Director of Science and Research with IAFF, said in late 2022, manufacturers started transitioning away from treating the outer shell with PFAS. Instead, they now treat the outer shell with a wax or silicone-based repellent.

But the second layer, the moisture barrier, does not have many alternatives that are PFAS-free. In fact, there is only one PFAS-free moisture barrier on the market, McMillan said. It is the only moisture barrier that meets the NFPA standards.

Making the switch to completely PFAS-free turnout gear does have its challenges, McMillan explained. For one thing, it is costly. One full set of turnout gear can be as expensive as $6,000.

The NFPA requires turnout gear be replaced every 5-10 years. If a department is in the first year of new turnout gear, it would be costly to replace all of them with PFAS-free equipment.

The second challenge McMillan pointed out is that PFAS-free gear may not work for every fire department across the country. Each department has its own standards or requirements it needs to meet depending on the types of fires it fights.

If youre willing to incorporate this new polyurethane-based moisture barrier into your spec, it may require changes to other components to meet other testing requirements, McMillan said. So only having that one PFAS-free alternative to be incorporated into your moisture barrier  unless you have those Goldilocks-conditions necessary in your department, it may be challenging to have PFAS-free gear.

Firefighting foam

Aqueous film-forming foam, AFFF, is used by Austin fire department and departments around the country. AFFF also has PFAS in it, which create a film that cuts off the flammable source from oxygen. It is effective in fighting fires with flammable liquids.

Austins Aircraft Firefighting and Rescue team uses AFFF at its station. There are alternatives in the market for PFAS-free foam that McMillan said is very effective. One of the issues can be getting rid of the old foam.

Washington State outlawed the use of PFAS in firefighting foams and is currently trying to figure out a safe way to dispose of it. The Department of Ecology says AFFF is a key suspected source of PFAS-contaminated drinking water.

PFAS testing

Most of the research into health-related effects of PFAS has been focused on two types; perfluorooctanoate, PFOA, and perfluorooctane sulfonate, PFOS, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There are thousands of PFAS chemicals in the world, and their health effects are unknown.

The U.S. Fire Administration said there are studies that show the level of PFAS in the blood of firefighters are higher compared to the general population. The Austin Fire Department received a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Administration to replace workout equipment filled with PFAS. The $210,000 grant also provided PFAS testing kits for some members.

AFD said it will begin PFAS testing on more than 150 firefighters this month. The department also said in a statement that it continues to work on removing and minimizing exposure to PFAS for all our members.

Nicks hopes that one day there will be testing for all firefighters in the department.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  On Wednesday, Gov. Greg Abbott awarded an Austin Independent School District police officer a prestigious honor during the 2024 Star of Texas awards in north Austin.

The Star of Texas awards recognize first responders, police officers and firefighters who suffer serious injuries or die in the line of duty, according to a news release from the governors office.

Austin Independent School District Sgt. Val Barnes received a Star of Texas award on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (Frank Martinez/KXAN News)

Austin ISD Sergeant Val Barnes received the honor after he was injured during a shooting spree in December 2023 that left six people dead and several others injured.

Austin ISD officer recovering after shooting at Northeast ECHS

A shooter opened fire on Barnes at Northeast Early College High School, which left him with a serious leg injury.

At the time of the shooting, Barnes had worked with the district for nearly three decades as a supervisor supporting school resources officers.

Barnes told KXAN Wednesday that he was grateful to be here.

Its truly an honor. Im proud to be here amongst all the other officers and first responders that lost lives and suffered injuries during that time frame. Im just grateful to be here and enjoy what I do and glad to be back to work, he said.

Barnes said he has since fully recovered from his injury.

This marks the 21st year of the Star of Texas awards. Barnes and 20 others received the Star of Texas award Wednesday.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
(Reuters) - Alaska Air Group raised its third-quarter profit forecast on Thursday, benefiting from strong summer travel demand and re-bookings from passengers stranded due to flight cancellations caused by a global cyber outage in July.

The cyber outage caused by a software update from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike forced multiple airlines to halt flight operations while leaving thousands of passengers stranded across the nation.

However, it also benefited airlines who were not heavily impacted and led to a flurry of re-bookings from affected travelers.

Alaska Air's shares were up 1.6% in premarket trading.

Major U.S. carriers have also experienced strong demand throughout the summer travel season that has helped them boost revenues.

Last week, peer JetBlue raised its third-quarter revenue forecast, citing a benefit from outage-related re-bookings.

Alaska Air now expects its current-quarter profit per share to be in the range of $2.15 to $2.25, compared with the airline's previous forecast of $1.40 to $1.60.

The airline also forecast lower fuel costs for the quarter through September owing to moderating prices of jet fuel.

(Reporting by Shivansh Tiwary in Bengaluru; Editing by Maju Samuel)
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP)  Several serving and former Australian military commanders have been stripped of medals over allegations of war crimes committed during the Afghanistan war, Defense Minister Richard Marles said Thursday.

Holding commanders to account for alleged misconduct of Australian special forces between 2005 and 2016 was recommended by Maj. Gen. Paul Brereton in his war crime investigation. Brereton found that around 25 Australian Special Air Service Regiment and Commando Regiment troops were involved in the unlawful killings of 39 Afghans.

The allegations which are the subject of the Brereton Report are arguably the most serious allegations of Australian war crimes in our history, Marles told Parliament.

Marles wrote to commanders of those troops about medals they had received for their service during the periods war crimes allegedly occurred. He did not specify to Parliament how many he had written to or identify their ranks, citing privacy concerns.

The removal of medals was condemned by Australian Special Air Service Association chair Martin Hamilton-Smith as a betrayal of the courage and sacrifice of soldiers in Afghanistan.

"The governments decision overlooks the courageous leadership of these young officers on the battlefield based on unproven allegations that somewhere in a remote village unseen and unknown to these commanders, an unlawful act might have occurred on their watch," Hamilton-Smith said in a statement.

Marles later explained the medals werent stripped because of the officers wrongdoing.

No one is  suggesting they knew what happened, were aware of it or didnt act  thats not the issue, Marles told reporters.

But the issue is that when you command a unit, you will receive often the benefits and the accolades of what that unit does irrespective of whether youve personally been right there in the front line and commensurately, you accept the responsibility of that unit in terms of what failings occur, Marles said. Had we known what had occurred, would the medals have been granted?

Opposition lawmaker Andrew Hastie, who as an SAS captain commanded troops in Afghanistan in 2013, said Australian political leaders and the military hierarchy should also be held accountable for war crimes.

I believe that our troops were let down by a lack of moral courage that went up the chain of command all the way to Canberra  including in this House, Hastie said, referring to the House of Representatives.

Hastie was not decorated for his service in Afghanistan and so was not among those officers stripped of medals.

I want to be clear: Those who are alleged to have shed innocent blood are alone responsible for that. I do not say this to absolve or condemn anyone, Hastie said. But those in the chain of command who saw the post-mission slide decks with the kill counts and pictures of dead individuals had an obligation to ask questions."

No Australian veteran has been convicted of a war crime in Afghanistan. But a whistleblower and former army lawyer, David McBride, was sentenced in May to almost six years in jail for leaking to the media classified information that exposed allegations of Australian war crimes.

In 2023, former SAS trooper Oliver Schulz became the first of these veterans to be charged with a war crime. He is accused of shooting dead a noncombatant in a wheat field in Uruzgan province in 2012.

Also last year, a civil court found Australias most decorated living war veteran Ben Roberts-Smith likely unlawfully killed four Afghans when he was an SAS corporal. He has not been criminally charged.
(Bloomberg) -- Australia will revoke military awards from a small number of soldiers who served in command roles during deployment in Afghanistan, in the latest fallout from a 2020 report into alleged war crimes.

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Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles announced the decision in a speech to Parliament on Thursday, describing the findings of the report by Major-General Paul Brereton as a matter of national shame.

But Marles, who doubles as defence minister, said the report is also a demonstration to the Australian people and to the world, that Australia is a country which holds itself accountable.

A government official, who asked not to be identified as they are not authorized to speak publicly, said less than 10 Australian soldiers who had been in command during the events covered in the Brereton Report had been told their military awards had been revoked.

Marles said this was a recommendation of the report and he would not be disclosing further details on those affected, in accordance with obligations owed to individuals involved, including under the Privacy Act. Marles said his statement marked the end of the governments response to the Brereton Report.

While the report found no credible information that soldiers in command were aware of the alleged war crimes, Brereton said they bore moral command responsibility and accountability for what happened under their command and control.

Australia joined the conflict in Afghanistan in 2001 following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, and only completely withdrew two decades later in 2021 at the end of the US mission in the country.

Marles statement is part of Australias response to claims of serious misconduct by members of the Special Operations Task Group in Afghanistan over the period 2005 to 2016.

Any prosecutions of Australian War Crimes will happen inside Australia by Australian courts, he said.

Marles statement comes four years after then-Chief of the Australian Defence Force Angus Campbell released the findings of the Brereton report, which alleged special forces soldiers were involved in 39 unlawful killings of prisoners, farmers and other civilians during the war in Afghanistan.

Campbell said the report found there was credible information that 25 personnel may have been complicit and 36 matters should be referred to police for criminal investigation.

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Australia has stripped senior defence commanders of military honours over alleged war crimes committed under their watch in Afghanistan.

In parliament on Thursday, Defence Minister Richard Marles said they would lose their distinguished service medals, as recommended by a landmark inquiry which alleged there was an unchecked "warrior culture" within parts of the force.

The Brereton Report, released in 2020, found "credible evidence" that elite Australian soldiers unlawfully killed 39 people during the war in Afghanistan.

This will always be a matter of national shame, Mr Marles said.

"At the same time... [this is] a demonstration to the Australian people and to the world, that Australia is a country which holds itself accountable."

He would not confirm how many officers are affected, but local media say it is less than ten.

Marles also stressed that the vast majority of Australian defence personnel who were deployed to Afghanistan between 2001 and 2021 had given "sacred service" and praised those who helped expose the alleged wrongdoing.

The decision does not affect those under investigation for war crimes themselves, including Australia's most decorated living solider, Victoria Cross recipient Ben Roberts-Smith.

He denies any wrongdoing but in a high-profile defamation case last year was found - on the balance of probabilities - to have murdered four unarmed prisoners. He has not faced criminal charges over the allegations.

The civil trial was the first time a court has ever assessed accusations of war crimes by Australian forces.

Local media report that dozens of Australian soldiers are also being investigated for their roles in alleged war crimes. But so far charges have only been laid against one, former SAS trooper Oliver Schulz.

Former justice Paul Brereton found there was no credible information that officers high up the command chain knew of the alleged war crimes, but he said troop, squadron and task group commanders "bear moral command responsibility and accountability" for what happened under their watch.

They could not "in good conscience" retain their distinguished service medals - awarded for exceptional leadership in warlike operations - he said.

The issue of command accountability has been a vexing one for veterans.

Some have said they feel officers are being unfairly punished for others wrongdoing, but a government-commissioned report in May found "there is ongoing anger and bitter resentment" that their senior officers have not "publicly accepted some responsibility for policies or decisions that contributed to the misconduct".

Responding to the decision to strip the officers' medals, opposition defence spokesman Andrew Hastie, himself a former SAS soldier, said Australia must learn from this tragic and bitter chapter in our military history".

"Our soldiers must tell the truth and those in leadership must seek it out. If both our soldiers and our leaders had done so, we might not be in this place today," he said.
Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles (pictured) said Thursday that an unspecified number of Senior Australian Defense Force commanders had been stripped on medals over alleged Afghanistan war crimes committed by soldiers serving under them. File Photo by Chad J. McNeeley/Department of Defense/UPI

Sept. 12 (UPI) -- The Australian government on Thursday rescinded military honors of senior Australian Defense Force officers following the closure of an investigation into alleged war crimes committed by men under their command in Afghanistan.

Defense Minister Richard Marles said they would lose their distinguished service medals as recommended by the four-year Brereton inquiry which reported in 2020 that it had determined there was "credible information" that troops in the country's special forces had unlawfully killed 39 civilians during operations in Afghanistan in 2015-2016.

Former Justice Maj. Gen. Paul Brereton's report said that even though troop, squadron and task group commanders were unaware of the alleged war crimes they bore "moral command responsibility and accountability" and consequently should not keep honors awarded for outstanding service in war.

The government did not provide any further details in its final response to 139 of the 143 inquiry findings citing privacy laws but told local media the number of commanders who had been stripped of medals awarded for their service during "periods proximate to the incidents" was fewer than 10.

The other four recommendations remain on hold, pending investigation by the independent Office of the Special Investigator set up to prepare any prosecutions that arise as a result of the findings and the announcement does not apply to suspects still being investigated on war crimes allegations.

Dozens more soldiers are reportedly under investigation for involvement in alleged war crimes but only one --former SAS trooper Oliver Jordan Schulz -- has been charged. He is accused of shooting dead a 26-year-old male noncombatant in a field in Uruzgan province in 2012.

"This will always be a matter of national shame," Marles told parliament.

"At the same time the Brereton report, its recommendations, and the actions of successive governments in implementing these recommendations, are a demonstration to the Australian people and to the world, that Australia is a country which holds itself accountable."

Marles praised what he called the "sacred service" of the overwhelming majority of ADF troops also deployed in Afghanistan and thanked those who spoke up about alleged crimes and gave evidence to the inquiry.

"In speaking out, there were acts of bravery which rank in the highest echelon," he said.

Shadow Defense Minister Andrew Hastie said the closure of the inquiry was a difficult moment but the truth had to be faced up to.

"The crucible of combat has shown our soldiers are capable of great courage under fire. It has also shown we can do great wrong on the battlefield," Hastie said.

However, the announcement drew the ire of some veterans organizations with the Australian SAS Association saying the allegations were not proven and accusing the government of betraying "the courage and sacrifice of the men they sent to fight and die in our country's name."

"In the week a royal commission has reported to the Australian people the startling rate of suicide amongst veterans due to their mistreatment, Minister Marles has spat at feet of the twenty thousand young men and women who fought terrorism in Afghanistan," said national chairman Martin Hamilton-Smith.

"The message this sends is disgraceful."
Avon man charged with robbing Randolph bank using bomb threat. What we know

RANDOLPH  Randolph Police arrested a man after he allegedly robbed a local bank using a bomb threat on Wednesday morning, Chief Anthony Marag announced in a written statement.

Randolph Police said they responded to reports of a bank robbery in progress at Citizens Bank, located at 50 South Main St., at approximately 9:44 a.m. on Wednesday morning.

The suspect, later identified as a 30-year-old Avon man, allegedly passed a note to a bank teller threatening that he had a bomb that would blow up if he did not receive money, police said.

According to police, the teller who received the note sounded a silent alarm button and provided the suspect with the money, per bank policy. It is unclear how much money the teller handed the suspect.

Raynham bank robbery: Taunton man charged with armed robbery, making false bomb threats

Citizens Bank, located at 50 South Main St. in Randolph, was robbed on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024.

Randolph Police said they set up a perimeter outside the bank and notified the Massachusetts State Police Bomb Squad and the FBI Bank Robbery Task Force about the incident in progress.

Bank employees communicated with police throughout the incident to pass along information about the suspect and his location, police said.

After receiving the money, the suspect allegedly exited the bank where he was immediately arrested by Randolph Police.

Massachusetts State Police and Bridgewater Police Bomb Detection K-9's were deployed, and the bank and parking lot were deemed safe after no explosives were found, police said.

Bridgewater K-9's in action: Meet K-9 McKee  The newest member of the Bridgewater Police Department

It is unclear how many people were inside the bank at the time of the incident.

The Randolph Police Department could not be immediately reached at the time of this article's publication.

"This is an example of incredible police work by our officers who responded quickly to arrest the suspect before he could even leave the scene," Chief Marag said in the written statement. "I would like to thank our law enforcement partners who responded to the scene to assist us. I'm glad that there was a safe outcome for all involved today."

The suspect will be arraigned in Quincy District Court on Thursday on charges of bank robbery and making bomb threats.

This article originally appeared on The Enterprise: Randolph Police arrest Avon man on bank robbery, bomb threats
A baby hippo has gone viral across social media and has inspired dozens of Thai and international fans to line up outside her enclosure first thing in the morning. The zoos TikTok account has racked up tens of millions of views on videos showing off Moo Deng.

Moo Deng, whose name roughly translates to bouncy pig, is a 2-month-old female pygmy hippopotamus. Pygmy hippos are an endangered species, with fewer than 3,000 remaining in the wild.

Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Thailand has asked visitors to behave around the internets favorite hippo. The zoo claims that weekend visitor numbers have doubled since Moo Deng made her debut in late July  even inspiring zoo merchandise.

The Bangkok Post reported that the zoos director, Narongwit Chodchoi, had seen videos circulating of guests throwing things and splashing water at Moo Deng while she was sleeping. He said the zoo had installed CCTV cameras around the enclosures and that the zoo could consider legal action if guests fail to comply with the rules.
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After China announced broad measures to rescue its economy, Chinese stocks surged, our Chart of the Week shows. It's not the first time the country has attempted to get out of the recent doldrums, but the market's reaction says this time might be different.
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  The Bakersfield Fire Department has added five new vehicles to its fleet, including three fire engines, one heavy rescue vehicle, and one battalion chiefs SUV.

Loneliness key to Natasha Rothwells How to Die Alone

The fire department invites the community for a showcase of the new vehicles on Friday, Sept. 13, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at Bakersfield Fire Station 15 located at 1301 Buena Vista Road.

Never miss a story: Make KGET.com your homepage

The new apparatus will help firefighters respond more quickly and effectively, enhancing the safety of the community and dedicating to protect the lives and property of citizens.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17.
Muhammad Yunus (centre) took charge as the head of Bangladesh's interim government last month [Getty Images]

The relationship between neighbours India and Bangladesh continues to remain frosty more than a month after former prime minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted from power. While Hasinas stay in India remains an irritant, a recent interview by Bangladeshs interim leader Muhammad Yunus also took India by surprise. The BBCs Anbarasan Ethirajan examines where ties stand now.

Sheikh Hasina was seen as pro-India and the two countries enjoyed close strategic and economic ties during her 15-year rule. Her time in power was also beneficial for Indias security, as she cracked down on some anti-India insurgent groups operating from her country and settled some border disputes.

But her presence in India, with no clarity on how long she will stay, complicates the two countries efforts to maintain a strong relationship.

That was made clearer last week when, in an interview with news agency Press Trust of India, Yunus urged India to stop Hasina from making any political statements while staying in Delhi.

If India wants to keep her until the time Bangladesh wants her back, the condition would be that she has to keep quiet, said Yunus, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate who is currently leading an interim administration after Hasinas exit.

Yunus may have been referring to a statement released days after Hasinas arrival which had stoked anger in Bangladesh. She has not issued any public communication since then.

There have been calls within Bangladesh to bring Hasina back to stand trial for killings of people during the anti-government protests in July and August.

Yunus also said in the interview that both countries need to work together to improve their bilateral relationships, which he described as being at a low.

Indias foreign ministry has not formally reacted yet to the remarks, but officials are reportedly upset.

India is waiting and watching developments in Bangladesh, taking note of statements emanating from Dhaka representing both official views and views expressed by prominent individuals, an Indian official told the BBC on condition of anonymity.

Former Indian diplomats say they are taken aback by what has been described as megaphone diplomacy by Yunus - trying to discuss contentious bilateral issues through the media.

Sheikh Hasina (left) was seen to be pro-India during her 15-year rule [Getty Images]

India has indicated its readiness to talk to the interim government, and to discuss all concerns, those of Bangladesh and those of India, Veena Sikri, a former Indian high commissioner in Dhaka, said.

The retired diplomat says the issues merit quiet discussions and its not clear on what basis [Yunus] has described the bilateral relationship as low.

But Bangladeshs foreign ministry rejects the criticism.

Dont Indian leaders talk to any media? If Dr Yunus is asked about specific issues, he can of course express his views. If you want to criticise, you can criticise about anything, Touhid Hossain, adviser to the Bangladesh foreign ministry, told the BBC.

Though Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Yunus spoke on the telephone some weeks ago, there have been no ministerial level meetings so far.

There seems to be a broad consensus in India that Hasina can stay until another country agrees to let her in.

However, the newly appointed chief prosecutor of Bangladeshs International Crimes Tribunal, Mohammad Tajul Islam, has said they are taking steps to extradite her to face charges in connection with the killings during the protests.

As she has been made the main accused of the massacres in Bangladesh, we will try to legally bring her back to Bangladesh to face trial, Islam told reporters.

But experts say its unlikely that Hasina will be extradited even if Bangladesh makes a formal request.

She is staying here as a guest of India. If we dont extend basic courtesy to our long-time friend, then why would anyone take us seriously as a friend in future? says Riva Ganguly Das, who is also a former Indian high commissioner to Dhaka.

In his interview, Yunus also criticised Delhi for not reaching out to Bangladeshi opposition parties.

The narrative is that everybody is Islamist, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is Islamist, and everyone else is Islamist and will make this country into Afghanistan. And Bangladesh is in safe hands with Sheikh Hasina at the helm only. India is captivated by this narrative, he said.

But Indian analysts differ.

I absolutely do not agree with that statement. In Bangladesh, our high commissioners talk to all political parties without ascribing any labels, says Ms Sikri.

During the previous BNP-led coalition government from 2001 to 2006, the bilateral relationship deteriorated, with Delhi accusing Dhaka of harbouring insurgents from Indias north-east. The BNP denies this.

Thousands of people held rallies on 5 September to mark one month of the fall of Hasina's government [Getty Images]

But many in Bangladesh point out that India should be reaching out to the BNP, which is confident of winning the election whenever it is held.

No Indian official has met us since 5 August [when Hasinas government fell]. I dont know the reason, says Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, secretary general of the BNP.

On the contrary, the Chinese ambassador in Dhaka and envoys from European countries have been holding regular meetings with the BNP.

The lack of security in the days after the fall of Hasina has also given rise to attacks on religious minorities by suspected Islamists. India has already expressed concern several times over reports of attacks on Hindus.

In the past few weeks, several Sufi shrines, locally known as mazars, have also been vandalised by Islamist hardliners. Sunni Muslims are the majority in Bangladesh, and radicals consider shrines and tombs of revered figures un-Islamic.

A group of people came and vandalised my father-in-laws tomb a few days ago and warned us not to perform any un-Islamic rituals, said Tamanna Akhtar, wife of the caretaker of the shrine of Ali Khawaja Ali Pagla Pir in Sirajganj district.

The adviser to the Bangladeshi religious affairs ministry, AFM Khalid Hossain, has said that action would be taken against those who target religious sites.

But experts say that if Islamist hardliners re-establish an assertive presence, however small it may be, in Bangladesh, it will set off alarm bells for Delhi.

In the past few weeks, a convicted Islamist militant has been released. Nine suspected radicals escaped during a jail break last month - four of them were arrested later.

Jashimuddin Rahmani, chief of the Ansarullah Bangla Team, which was designated as a terror outfit by Hasinas government in 2016, walked out of prison last month.

He was sentenced to five years in prison in 2015 in connection with the murder of an atheist blogger. He had been in jail even after his prison term ended because of other pending cases.

Several militants have been freed in the past month. Some of them are known to India, former diplomat Ms Das said, terming it a serious matter.

Additional reporting by Mukimul Ahsan, BBC Bengali Service, Dhaka
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  School board members passed the budget for the 2024-2025 school year Tuesday evening during a special public hearing.

The budget is around $670 million. Thats actually about $30 million less than last year. School board members unanimously passed the $670 million budget Tuesday evening.

It includes a $30 million decrease, partly due to fewer capital projects and the lack of Care Act money following Hurricane Michael.

Temporary road closures going into effect in Panama City Beach

Its building schools, renovating schools. We buy buses and we do general maintenance. But those those dollars hadnt changed much. Its actually the reason its down. We borrowed some money to build some classroom additions. And so the first year those dollars are in the budget. And then, of course, when you spend them out, they arent in the budget anymore, BDS Chief Financial Officer Jim Loyd said.

That doesnt mean the district wont be doing any construction.

There are more than 40 capital items like the completion of the Bay High Administration building, a new cafeteria at Mowat Middle School, renovations at Northside and Tommy Smith Elementary, and new classroom buildings at Bay Haven Charter Academy and Deanne Bozeman School.

Theres also a demolition project, Everett Middle School which was destroyed by Hurricane Michael.

The general fund is $16 million more due to an increase of 700 students. Even though board members voted to reduce the property millage rate to 5.31 mills, property values have increased.

Homeowners are the ones who pay the bill. And so as I stated the millage rate is actually down by a .172 mils. So if youre a homeowner and your value didnt go up, then your taxes will go down. Now, obviously, if your tax value went up, depending on how much it goes up, you could have a tax increase, Loyd said.

Loyd said 52% of the budget will go toward general funds.

The general funds which we call operating dollars, but its the main budget for salaries and benefits is where you pay your utilities from. Its where we buy fuel for the buses. You buy your supplies, just your general annual expenditures, Loyd said.

Local doctors raise awareness about treating A-FIB

While local property taxes help make a large part of the budget, most of the school districts funding comes from the state legislature. Local officials say any teacher pay increases would come out of state funding and the districts reserve funds.

In fact, this years contract negotiations have not yet started.

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New boss tells staff that a strike would put the firm's "recovery in jeopardy" [Getty Images]

Boeing's new chief executive Kelly Ortberg has pleaded with workers to not go on strike as it would put the company's "recovery in jeopardy".

It comes hours ahead of a crucial union vote that could trigger industrial action at the embattled company.

The aviation giant's executives and union representatives reached a deal earlier this week that includes a 25% pay rise over four years but it has yet to be approved by union members.

If workers vote against the agreement it could trigger a strike that would start as early as Friday.

"I ask you not to sacrifice the opportunity to secure our future together, because of the frustrations of the past," said Mr Ortberg in his message to staff.

"Working together, I know that we can get back on track, but a strike would put our shared recovery in jeopardy".

On top of the proposed 25% pay rise, the preliminary deal would offer workers improved healthcare and retirement benefits, as well as 12 weeks of paid parental leave.

It would also include a commitment from Boeing to build its next commercial plane in the Seattle area if the project is started during the lifetime of the contract.

The union initially targeted a number of improvements to workers' packages, including a 40% pay rise.

However, it appears the reaction from the 30,000 Boeing workers represented by the union was not entirely positive.

Union leader and top negotiator, John Holden, said it was not clear whether the deal had enough support among union members to be approved.

"They are angry," he told the Reuters news agency.

The current contract between Boeing and the unions was reached in 2008 after an eight-week strike.

In 2014, the two sides agreed to extend the deal, which is due to expire at midnight on Thursday.

A rejection of the preliminary agreement between Boeing and its largest union would be a further significant setback for the firm.

A strike could potentially shut down aircraft production at a time when the company is facing deepening financial losses and struggling to repair its reputation following recent incidents and two fatal accidents five years ago.

It would also be a major blow to Mr Ortberg, an aerospace industry veteran and engineer, who took over as Boeing's chief executive last month with a mission to turn the business around.
Behind the Ballot: U.S. Senate Race to air Friday at 9 p.m. on Local 5

Behind the Ballot: U.S. Senate Race to air Friday at 9 p.m. on Local 5

(WFRV)  This Friday at 9:00 p.m., an hour-long special featuring Wisconsins U.S. senate candidates airs on Local 5. Behind the Ballot: U.S. Senate Race will take voters behind the scenes on the campaign trail across the state.

Through exclusive access to Democratic incumbent Sen. Tammy Baldwin and Republican challenger Eric Hovde, Local 5s Timothy Littau sits down with the candidates in one-on-one interviews as they each share their stances on issues affecting Wisconsinites while revealing a personal side of themselves never seen before.

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Economy, healthcare, and abortion are the topics that the candidates explain their plan to tackle if elected to the Senate. Baldwin is seeking her third term and another six years in the Senate.

She was first elected to the Senate in 2012, beating former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson. It was in the primary race that Hovde lost to Thompson, the only time that he had sought political office. But the real estate and banking entrepreneur says he is just as invested in this years race.

Im in this to win. I dont get into things without planning to win. Ive operated with pressure my whole life so Im pretty good at managing pressure and stress, Hovde said. I like the direction, I feel really good about where we stand right now.

A flip of the Democrats senate majority is on the line in the election, as well as several other states. But Baldwin believes she and the other members of her party will be able to pull it off.

We are the battleground state, Baldwin said. Theres definitely renewed momentum right now.

According to Local 5 Emerson College polling, the economy is the number one issue on the minds of Wisconsin voters and is something that both candidates are making a priority in addressing.

Right now, a lot of people are struggling with the high cost of things. Im really working hard to stand up for working Wisconsin families and address the concerns that theyre raising, Baldwin said while noting that some prices have not returned to pre-pandemic levels. Thats price gouging, thats corporate greed.

We have to pull the spending back to where it was before COVID started, Hovde said.

Healthcare is something that has affected both candidates personally, and they open up about the challenges they faced.

I was diagnosed with MS in 1991, its kind of earth-shattering news to get as a 27-year-old guy who had a whole life in front of him, Hovde said.

I was raised by my grandparents, they had insurance but found that in my time of need that it didnt cover it, Baldwin said, adding that she was responsible for the bill that allows adults to stay on their parents healthcare plans until they are 26. Righting that wrong and writing the bill was very impactful. We need to close those inequities that exist in our healthcare system.

Both candidates also address the negativity in politics, including the use of negative campaign ads in their race.

Voters need to know the positions that my opponent has taken, Baldwin said.

For how ugly politics has become, its only gotten worse. All she does is launch negative attack ads on me, taking things out of context, Hovde said. Weve become too divided as a country.

And with that, they both share how they think that they can unite politicians from across party lines.

Youve got to first by extending your hand and engaging in a dialogue and listening to people, Hovde said.

I try to learn as much as I can about my new colleagues who are elected for the first time. I know that there is always common ground, Baldwin said of her colleagues. As for voters, I dont care if theyre Republicans, independents, Democrats or even non-voters. I want to be in touch.

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Hovde says that after getting knocked out in the primary 12 years ago, now is the right time for him to get back into the political scene as a result of what he perceives as the topsy-turvy world we are living in.

I thought I was done with politics, he said. I feel like Ive woken up into Alice in Wonderland, what is right is wrong, what is wrong is right.

Viewers can expect to learn more about the candidates political positions and who they are as people. Local 5 spent several days on the campaign trail with the candidates as they crisscrossed the state, and staunch supporters of the candidates even shared what they wanted their chosen candidate to do better to ensure a win in November.

Watch Behind the Ballot: U.S. Senate Race this Friday, Sept. 13 at 9:00 p.m. on Local 5.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton.
(The Hill)  Ben & Jerrys co-founders, Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, are unveiling a new ice cream flavor, Kamalas Coconut Jubilee, as part of a get-out-the-vote initiative to elect Vice President Kamala Harris and some down-ballot Democrats in November.

Cohen and Greenfield will join progressive organization MoveOn Political Action for its Scoop the Vote ice cream truck tour, which kicks off in Philadelphia on Sept. 16, the same day early voting begins in Pennsylvania.

For the next month, the ice cream truck tour will make stops in more than 20 cities in battleground states and hold four additional rallies: in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on Sept. 28; in Madison, Wisconsin, on Oct. 5; in Phoenix on Oct. 10, and in Las Vegas on Oct. 16.

During each stop, the organizers will distribute free ice cream and giveaways and help people make a plan to vote by Nov. 5. The MoveOn press release said there will be special guests, including elected officials and activists, who will also stop by on the tour.

MoveOns Scoop the Vote Ice Cream Truck Tour will meet voters where they are and help mobilize our communities to defeat Trump once and for all this fall, the groups executive director, Rahna Epting, said in a statement.

Epting stressed how close the election is likely to be, saying, Excitement and joy are on our side right now, but we cannot lose sight of how close this election will be.

A few thousand votes will decide whether we live under a democracy with Kamala Harris or a dictatorship with Donald Trump, she added.

Caitlin Clark on liking Taylor Swifts Harris endorsement: Educate yourself

Cohen and Greenfield, at each stop, will also raffle off free limited-edition pints of Kamalas Coconut Jubilee, described as coconut ice cream with a caramel ripple and confetti stars. Tour attendees can enter the raffle online, too.

The Harris-inspired ice cream is branded under Bens Best, not the traditional Ben & Jerrys.

The coconut flavor is a nod to Harriss viral coconut tree meme, which stemmed from an anecdote the vice president told about her mother that resurfaced in the last several weeks. The symbol of the coconut tree soon became a sign of support for the Democratic nominee.

Other election-themed ice cream flavors will be available at the ice cream truck stop, including Unburdened by What has Vanilla Bean, Inauguration Celebration Birthday Cake, Fight For Our Rights Sorbet and MoveOn Mobilizer Milk Chocolate.

Ben & Jerrys has previously launched limited-edition flavors supporting certain political issues or candidates. In 2021, the company unveiled Change is Brewing, created in support of public safety legislation introduced by Rep. Cori Bush (D-Mo.). In 2018, the company launched a flavor celebrating the Womens March.

And for Sen. Bernie Sanderss (I-Vt.) presidential bids, in 2016 and 2020, the company created a flavor to support the progressive candidate.

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BERKELEY, Calif. (KRON)  A man on a bicycle shouting through a megaphone, used drug needles, human waste, and aggressive behavior are a few of many allegations detailed in a new lawsuit filed against the City of Berkeley.

For the past few years, the city has invited, permitted, and/or maintained a sprawling public encampment of tents and RVs, the lawsuit states.

Attorneys representing local Berkeley business owners claim city officials are failing to maintain public safety surrounding tents and RVs entrenched on: Harrison Street, known as the Harrison Encampment; Codornices Creek between Fourth Street and Eighth Street, known as the Codornices Encampment; Dwight Way, known as the Lower Dwight Encampment.

(Photo courtesy Gavrilov & Brooks and Tully Bailey law firms)

Two small business owners in the lawsuit, Kathy and Michael Dennison of Bavarian Professionals, have owned properties on Harrison Street for over 40 years. All of their prospective tenants declined to rent the couples vacant office spaces because they were horrified by the horrific mess, the suit states.

Kathy Dennison described the area as having a war zone appearance that deterred

tenants and customers from entering the area.

Emily Winston, owner of Boichik Bagels, said her customers dont feel safe. Since last year, the Harrison Encampment has grown closer to her bagel shop, and many of her customers are families with children. Unhoused people also steal water and electricity from Boichik Bagels, the lawsuit claims.

(Photo courtesy Gavrilov & Brooks and Tully Bailey law firms)

I love this community. This is just not OK for anyone. I have emails from customers (saying) they cant come here to the business, Winston told KRON4 Wednesday.

Alex Hunt owns Rio Mobility, a small business on Dwight Way. Every night, a camper rides his bicycle repeatedly past Hunts office yelling gibberish from a megaphone, attorneys wrote. Another campers loose German shepherd attacked Hunts cat. Multiple homeless people have tried to break into the business, which manufactures wheelchair equipment, the suit claims.

Business owners said their calls for help were left unanswered, and now they are taking Berkeley to court.

Attorneys said the encampments cause significant loss of income for business owners, public nuisances, as well as health and public safety risks.

A 2023 point-in-time homeless census count found the county had nearly 900 more beds in shelters and supportive housing units than people experiencing homelessness. City officials are not doing enough to force people to leave even after they refuse shelter services, attorneys claim. Berkeley refuses to act in part because it fears litigation by advocates on behalf of the unsheltered and those living in RVs, the lawsuit states.

At the Harrison Encampment, The large accumulation of debris and ad-hoc sheltering structures has completely blocked the sidewalk and extended into the roadway, the lawsuit writes.

Between January and August 2023, fire officials reported 29 fires stemming from the Harrison Encampment. The citys Homeless Response Team observed dead animals, used uncapped drug needles, flammable gas containers inside wooden structures, bottles of urine, and trash.

Barry Braden, the owner of Far West Brewing, said homeless people routinely leave their drug needles on his business popular outdoor patio. Unsanitary conditions and safety concerns have greatly impacted Mr. Bradens business, attorneys wrote.

A woman recently walked into Far West Brewing asking for free food. When a manager offered help, she left and returned with a 10-foot metal pole that she swung at customers and employees.

Near the Codornices Encampment, employees who work at Covenant Winery said they can hear sexual and physical abuse happening in a wooded area down by the creek. Campers use the creek as a sewer and threaten people who pass by, the lawsuit states.

Attorneys with Gavrilov & Brooks and Tully Bailey law firms are representing the plaintiffs.

Berkeley-Encampments-LawsuitDownload

The lawsuit demands that an Alameda County judge order the city to follow the law and remove the encampments.

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New Bern one of nine N.C. cities to get new electric vehicle charging stations

NEW BERN, N.C. (WNCT)  In New Bern Wednesday, Governor Roy Coopers clean transportation plan is officially in motion.

The governor announced the first round of awards for developers to install electric vehicle charging stations across the state.

One is at Publix on Glenburnie Road in New Bern as the city was one of nine picked in the state. The new station is part of North Carolinas effort to expand its vehicle infrastructure using funds from the national program.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT.
Biden admin aims to prevent Capitol riot repeat with Super Bowl levels of security for Congress on Jan 6, 2025

Biden admin aims to prevent Capitol riot repeat with Super Bowl levels of security for Congress on Jan 6, 2025

Amid the tense political environment heading toward Novembers election, Joe Bidens administration has designated the certification of the presidential vote in early 2025 as a National Special Security Event to prevent a repeat of the Capitol riot of January 6, 2021.

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas made the designation, acknowledging that the once-mundane process of officially recognizing the winner of an election is now loaded with risk.

That risk is especially heightened given the role Donald Trump played in inciting his mob of supporters to march to the US Capitol in 2021 in an effort to stay in power.

Polling shows a tight race between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris as he seeks to return to the White House, while baselessly maintaining that the 2020 election was stolen from him.

The January 6, 2025, counting and certification of 2024 electoral votes will now get the same level of security as the Super Bowl or UN General Assembly, according to Politico.

This is the first time such a designation has been granted for the process and follows a request made by the Washington, DC, Mayor Muriel Bowser  who was mayor at the time of 2021 Capitol riot.

Various reports, including from the House Select January 6 Committee and the Government Accountability Office, also called for Secretary Mayorkas to consider a National Special Security Event for the certification of the 2024 election.

The certification of the presidential vote will now recieve Super Bowl levels of security after a pro-Trump mob attacks law enforcement at the US Capitol on Jan 6, 2021 (Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

National Special Security Events are events of the highest national significance, said Eric Ranaghan, the special agent in charge of the US Secret Services Dignitary Protective Division. The US Secret Service, in collaboration with our federal, state, and local partners are committed to developing and implementing a comprehensive and integrated security plan to ensure the safety and security of this event and its participants.

Such a designation unlocks significant resources from the federal government, as well as from state and local partners, to form a comprehensive security plan.

The US Secret Service assumes its mandated role as the lead agency for the design and implementation of the operational security plan.

Formal planning is now underway through an executive steering committee of senior representatives from federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.

Presidential inaugurations, which occur two weeks after Congress certifies the election results, are already designated as National Special Security Events. Planning for the January 20, 2025, inauguration has been ongoing for several months.

On January 6, 2021 then-president Trump addressed Stop the Steal protesters on the Ellipse and urged them to fight like hell.

They took that appeal literally, attacking the legislative complex and battling law enforcement for several hours as they attempted to storm the building in order to prevent the formal certification of the 2020 election results at a joint session of Congress.

Lawmakers, their families, and staffers fled for their lives as the rioters stalked the halls, invaded representatives offices, and called for the hanging of Mike Pence, Trumps then vice-president who had rejected his bosss call to subvert his ceremonial role at the session by blocking the certification process.

The attack resulted in Trumps historic second impeachment and more than 1,000 prosecutions of would-be insurrectionists who joined the fray.

In its investigation of that day and the events leading up to it, the House January 6 select committee in its 2022 final report urged the Biden administration to consider declaring next years joint session a major security event.
Biden commemorates Violence Against Women Act as 'proudest' legislative win on eve of its 30th anniversary

President Joe Biden on the South Lawn of the White House after having arrived on Marine One on Sept. 2.

President Joe Biden on Thursday commemorated the 30th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act, hailing it as his "proudest legislative accomplishment" during his more than five decades serving in political office in Washington.

The Violence Against Women Act broke the dam of congressional and cultural resistance, brought this hidden epidemic out of the shadows, and began to shift the legal and social burdens away from the survivors and onto the perpetrators where they belonged, Biden said on Thursday, addressing survivors, advocates and allies on the South Lawn at an event commemorating the law.

The president also announced a series of new efforts to curb gender-based violence, saying his administration is "issuing new policies to expand housing protections to survivors, give law enforcement more tools to move guns from domestic abusers, and we are we're tackling the next frontier of gender based violence and abuse: Deep fake images and videos generated by artificial intelligence."

The Justice Department on Thursday announced $690 million in grant funding for this year administered by the agency's Office on Violence Against Women, and detailed funding efforts for a new national resource center to tackle cyber crimes against people, including cyber stalking and the sharing of intimate images without consent.

Thirty years ago, VAWA transformed our national response to domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking, Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement Thursday.

Today, officers, prosecutors, judges, families, and society at large understand what should have always been clear: these crimes cannot be cast aside as somehow distinct or private," he continued. "Instead, we recognize that they are among the most serious crimes that our society faces and that we must continue to improve access to justice, safety, and services for survivors.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development also marked the occasion by issuing a joint statement with four other federal agencies highlighting VAWAs housing provisions.

Biden is seeking to cement his record in the final months of his term in office after he dropped out of the presidential race in July.

"The Violence Against Women Act is my proudest legislative accomplishment, in all the years I've served as senator, vice president, president," Biden said on Thursday. "I mean that from the bottom of my heart."

In 2022, he signed a law reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act, which he first introduced when he was a senator in 1990.

The initial legislation, which was passed through a bipartisan crime bill in 1994, included the first National Domestic Violence Hotline.

The expanded 2022 legislation included provisions to protect against harassment and abuse online.

Biden's American Rescue Plan also included investments targeting gender-based violence. The Family Violence Prevention and Services Act program reported that roughly $1 billion in supplemental funding has supported 252 tribes, 1,500 domestic violence programs and 1,400 sexual assault programs.

CORRECTION (Sept. 12, 2024, 8:40 p.m. ET): A previous version of this article misstated when Biden dropped out of the presidential race. It was in July, not June.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
President Joe Biden on Wednesday donned a Trump hat in what the White House described as a good-natured gesture of bipartisan unity during the anniversary of the September 11 attacks  a light-hearted moment in what has otherwise been an extremely toxic political campaign.

The interaction took place at a firehouse near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where United Flight 93 crashed into a rural field after passengers tried thwarting its hijacking 23 years ago.

Video of the interaction shows Biden glad-handing with people inside the firehouse, including a man in a Trump hat. Biden hands the man a presidential hat, and the man asks him to autograph it.

Do you remember your name? the man jokingly asks the president. Biden responds as an aide hands him a Sharpie: I dont remember my name. Im slow.

Youre an old fart, the man says. Yeah, I know, Im an old guy, Biden responds. I know you would know about that. Both men laugh, as does the gathered crowd. The video shows several children in the background wearing Trump-branded shirts.

"At the Shanksville Fire Station, @POTUS spoke about the country's bipartisan unity after 9/11 and said we needed to get back to that. As a gesture, he gave a hat to a Trump supporter who then said that in the same spirit, POTUS should put on his Trump cap. He briefly wore it," White House spokesman Andrew Bates explained via X. - From Trump War Room/X

Biden signs the presidential hat and tells the man he needs his Trump cap. The man obliges and asks the president if he would like his autograph. Biden responds: Hell no.

The crowd urges the president to put the Trump hat on over a Shanksville Volunteer Fire Co. Station 627 cap hes already wearing. The president initially says, I aint going that far, before obliging the crowds requests to laughter and applause.

Im proud of you now, the man says while shaking Bidens hand. Biden tells the crowd: Just remember, no eating dogs and cats, an apparent reference to a false rumor the Trump campaign, former President Donald Trump and Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance have promoted about Haitian immigrants in Ohio. Groans are audible in the background at that line.

Biden walks away, still holding the Trump hat. The person who posted the video said in a TikTok comment that the president kept the hat. Efforts to reach the poster and the man in the video were not immediately successful Thursday.

It was one one of the few times since becoming president that Biden has interacted and bantered with a crowd of mainly Trump supporters; the bulk of his public appearances have involved well-heeled Democratic donors or staunch supporters of the president and his policies. It was the kind of retail politics that the president has made his signature throughout his long career.

At the Shanksville Fire Station, @POTUS spoke about the countrys bipartisan unity after 9/11 and said we needed to get back to that, White House spokesperson Andrew Bates said in a post on 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.

Trumps campaign tried capitalizing on the moment, thanking Biden for his support in a social media post.

It wasnt the only interaction that day that showed a sign of cordialness as the nation remembered a tragic day. Earlier Wednesday, Vice President Kamala Harris and Trump briefly shook hands at a commemoration at Ground Zero in Manhattan.

It came the day after Trump and Harris faced off on the debate stage in Philadelphia. During that debate, Trump said he considered sending Harris one of his hats because he claimed she has copied many of his policies.

Everything that she believed three years ago and four years ago is out the window. Shes going to my philosophy now. In fact, I was going to send her a MAGA hat, Trump said.

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President Biden will host the leaders of Australia, India and Japan for a summit of the Quad alliance later this month in Delaware, the White House said Thursday, marking the first time Biden will welcome foreign leaders to his home state.

Biden will meet Sept. 21 in Wilmington with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. The four nations make up the Quad alliance, which has been a major focus for Biden in his efforts to combat Chinas influence.

This will be President Bidens first time hosting foreign leaders in Wilmington as president  a reflection of his deep personal relationships with each of the Quad Leaders, and the importance of the Quad to all of our countries, press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement.

The leaders are expected to discuss health security, natural disaster response, maritime security, technology, climate and cybersecurity during the summit, which will be the fourth in-person meeting among Quad leaders since Biden took office.

Biden has sought to reinvigorate the Quad alliance during his presidency in an effort to create a counterbalance to China in the Indo-Pacific.

Last years Quad summit in Australia was scrapped after Biden canceled his trip to the continent so he could return to Washington for negotiations over the debt ceiling. The leaders instead huddled at the 2023 Group of Seven Summit.

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President Joe Biden will host the fourth in-person gathering of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue heads of state and government in his hometown of Wilmington, Delaware next week, capping off four years of diplomacy that has seen him expand security ties with the three major Indo-Pacific nations that participate.

In a statement, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Biden would welcome Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, and Prime Minister Kishida Fumio of Japan to Wilmington on Saturday, September 21 for Bidens first  and most likely only  time at hosting foreign leaders at his home during official business.

Jean-Pierre said the move is a reflection of his deep personal relationships with each of the Quad leaders, and the importance of the Quad to all of our countries.

The Biden-Harris administration has made elevating and institutionalizing the Quad a top priority, from the first-ever Quad Leaders Summit at the White House in 2021, to annual summits since then. In recent years, Quad Foreign Ministers have met eight times, and Quad governments continue to meet and coordinate at all levels, she said.

She added that the summit would focus on bolstering the strategic convergence among our countries, advancing our shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific region, and delivering concrete benefits for partners in the Indo-Pacific in key areas such as health security, natural disaster response, maritime security, high-quality infrastructure, critical and emerging technology, climate and clean energy, and cybersecurity.

The four-country dialogue dates back to 2007, when it was initiated by then-Australian Prime Minister John Howard, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and US Vice President Dick Cheney.

It was revived in 2017 at that years ASEAN summit, when Abe, then-Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and US President Donald Trump agreed to restart the alliance as a counterweight to growing Chinese influence in the Indo-Pacific region.

Since then, the US has deepened defensive cooperation with each of the countries, including through the AUKUS agreement to provide Australia with nuclear-powered, conventionally armed submarines using American and British technology.

Bidens decision to host the summit in Wilmington continues a long tradition of US presidents using their homes as a tool for personal diplomacy.

Trump famously hosted Abe, who was assassinated in 2022, at his Palm Beach, Florida home early on during his presidency, and then-president George W Bush used his Crawford, Texas ranch as a venue for his first summit with Russian president Vladimir Putin.
(Bloomberg) -- President Joe Biden will host the leaders of Australia, Japan and India for the final Quad leaders summit of his administration later this month  bringing them to his home state of Delaware.

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Prime Ministers Anthony Albanese of Australia, Narendra Modi of India and Fumio Kishida of Japan will join Biden in Wilmington, Delaware on Sept. 21, the White House announced Thursday, noting that it will be the first time he is hosting foreign leaders in the city as president.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre in a statement called it a reflection of his deep personal relationships with each of the Quad Leaders, and the importance of the Quad to all of our countries.

The invitation was first reported by CNN.

The Quad Leaders summit brings together the leaders of four democracies and will highlight one of Bidens top foreign policy priorities as president  deepening US ties with allies in Asia in a bid to better counter the growing military and economic clout of China in the Indo-Pacific region. Biden wont be the only one of the four on his way out of office, as Japans Kishida is preparing to step down with his party holding a wide-open leadership contest later this month.

The summit will touch on maritime security, infrastructure, critical and emerging technologies, climate and clean energy as well as cybersecurity, according to the White House, with the aim of advancing our shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific region, and delivering concrete benefits for partners in the Indo-Pacific in key areas.

The meeting will take place amid a heated presidential race between Bidens chosen heir, Vice President Kamala Harris, and Republican former President Donald Trump, in which China has become a top election target.

Both candidates are vowing a tougher stance toward the worlds second-largest economy, with Trump pledging to impose a 60% tariff on Chinese goods, while Harris is expected to continue Bidens intensive diplomacy that seeks to enlist US allies to help limit Beijings access to cutting-edge technologies.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

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By Joe Brock and Allison Lampert

SEATTLE (Reuters) - Boeing's U.S. West Coast factory workers stood in long lines on Thursday to vote on a much-criticized new contract, some loudly calling for a strike, piling pressure on the planemaker as it wrestles with chronic production delays and mounting debt.

A potential strike could start on Friday, which would be a big early blow to new CEO Kelly Ortberg, brought on last month to restore faith in the planemaker after a door panel blew off a near-new 737 MAX jet in mid-air in January.

Roughly 30,000 workers who produce Boeing's 737 MAX, 767 and 777 jets in the Seattle and Portland areas are voting on their first full contract in 16 years.

Polling will close at 6 p.m. PT and the result will be announced this evening, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) said. If a strike is sanctioned, it could start at midnight.

The proposed deal includes a general wage increase of 25%, a $3,000 signing bonus and a pledge to build Boeing's next commercial jet in the Seattle area, provided the program is launched within the four years of the contract.

Although the IAM leadership recommended on Sunday that members accept the deal, some workers have responded angrily, with many calling for the originally demanded 40% pay rise and lamenting the loss of an annual bonus.

On Thursday, a line of workers waiting to vote snaked along the street outside the unions offices in Renton, the Seattle suburb where Boeing makes its best-selling 737 jet. Some held signs and others chanted strike. All of several Boeing workers who spoke to Reuters said they were voting to strike, and were confident the bulk of union members would do the same, although more than 20 declined to say what they planned.

Under complicated union rules, two thirds must vote in favor of a strike for the action to begin. With anything less than that, the contract will go into effect.

"I'm ready to go on strike for as long as necessary to get everything that we deserve," said Josh King, a 36-year-old quality inspector. "Normally, a strike doesn't bring a worse offer, it always brings a better offer."

In a sign some workers were already preparing for picket lines, one union member left the meeting on Wednesday carrying a placard under her arm that read: "On Strike Against Boeing."

Workers have been protesting all week in Boeing factories in the Seattle area that assemble Boeing's MAX, 777 and 767 jets.

One member wearing a high-visibility vest shouted, time to strike, baby! as he exited the building after casting his vote.

Story continues

Boeing shares closed up 0.9% on Thursday. They are down 36% this year on concerns over safety, production and a $60 billion debt burden. A strike would deepen the financial pain and add to delays in delivering planes to airlines already struggling with capacity shortages.

ORTBERG'S PLEA

The duration of a potential strike isn't clear. A long strike would weigh not only on Boeing's financials, but on airlines which depend on the planemakers jets and suppliers who manufacture parts and components for its aircraft.

According to a note from TD Cowen, a 50-day strike could cost Boeing an estimated $3 billion to $3.5 billion of cash flow. The Boeing workers' last strike in 2008 shuttered plants for 52 days and hit revenue by an estimated $100 million per day.

S&P Global Ratings said an extended strike could delay the planemaker's recovery and hurt its overall rating. Both S&P and Moody's rate Boeing one notch above junk status.

UBS analysts estimated in a note that a short-lived strike that does not disrupt plane deliveries would not impact Boeings cash usage. However, a one- to two-month strike resulting in a 50% cut to September to December deliveries would mean a $4 billion cash headwind for Boeing.

Michael O'Leary, CEO of Boeing customer Ryanair, said on Thursday that a strike could further delay aircraft deliveries, but added he believed that if it happened, it would be short. "We would like to see the labor agreement sorted."

A strike would present Boeing with multiple challenges: it will need to decide how to respond at the bargaining table, after saying it had offered everything it could. It also must find a way to secure factories full of extremely valuable, partially built planes, without union workers to do the job.

On Wednesday, Ortberg sent a letter to workers, urging them to approve the deal.

"A strike would put our shared recovery in jeopardy, further eroding trust with our customers and hurting our ability to determine our future together," the letter said.

Ortberg and Boeing Commercial Airplanes boss Stephanie Pope hit the floor at the company's jet assembly plants in Everett and Renton this week to talk with workers about the proposed deal, a source said. Boeing said the average worker pay of $75,608 would grow to $106,350 by the end of the contract, excluding overtime.

Boeing machine repair mechanic Harold Wilson said he had mixed emotions about the contract and wanted to see better pensions and higher wages for younger workers.

"I think Boeing will be left struggling again."

(Reporting By Joe Brock and Matt McKnight in Seattle and Allison Lampert in Montreal; Additional reporting by David Shepardson in Washington and Nathan Gomes in Bengaluru; Editing by Jamie Freed, Nick Zieminski and David Gregorio)
Editor's note: The article was updated with a report from Bloomberg.

U.S. President Joe Biden is finalizing the details of a plan to lift some restrictions on Ukraine's use of American long-range weapons to strike targets deep in Russian territory, Politico reported on Sept. 11, citing unnamed officials familiar with the discussions.

A small group of White House officials have been holding talks on expanding the area within Russia that Ukraine can hit with U.S.-supplied weapons, an official told Politico.

The details of the plan are not yet finalized, Politico reported, but officials in the U.S., U.K., and Ukraine are discussing expanding the acceptable range of Russian targets, preventing cross-border incursions by Russian forces, and allowing Kyiv to attack Russia with U.K.-supplied weapons that contain American parts.

The Guardian reported on Sept. 11 that the U.K. has already privately decided to allow Ukraine to use its British-supplied Storm Shadow missiles for long-range strikes deep into Russia. The report comes as U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy visits Kyiv alongside U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

During a joint press conference with the two diplomats on Sept. 11, Blinken evaded directly saying that Washington would change its policy regarding long-range strikes.

The U.S. has been flexible and to willing to alter its strategy "from day one," Blinken said.

Biden is expected to discuss the long-range weapons issue with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer during their meeting at the White House on Sept. 13, an official told Politico.

According to Bloomberg's sources, the final decision is not expected before the U.N. meeting in New York at the end of the month, even though Biden might reveal a potential change in policy before then.

Zelensky will visit New York for the assembly, where he intends to present his U.S. counterpart with Ukraine's victory plan. Zelensky revealed little details about this strategy, except for that it involves Kyiv's cross-border incursion into Kursk Oblast.

Kyiv has long argued that restrictions on the use of long-range weapons are hindering its ability to defend Ukrainian cities from intensifying aerial attacks. Washington has consistently claimed that allowing Ukraine to hit deep into Russian territory with U.S. weapons could escalate conflict with Russia.

Both Blinken and Lammy said on Sept. 11 that Russia is already escalating the war, not only by continuing to launch mass attacks against Ukraine but also by accepting shipments of ballistic missiles from Iran.

The talks on loosening U.S. restrictions reportedly began after Defense Minister Rustem Umerov on Aug. 30 visited Washington and presented senior officials with a list of high-value targets in Russia that Ukraine wants to hit with Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS).

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Blinken, Lammy visit Ukraine as Kyiv awaits decision on long-range strikes

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President Joe Biden continues to cement his political legacy during his final months in office, marking the 30th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act at the White House on Thursday.

Highlighting the landmark legislation he shepherded as a US senator, the president hosted survivors, advocates, former staffers and allies at an event celebrating the legislation on the South Lawn of the White House. The Biden administration also is rolling out new measures to combat gender-based violence to coincide with the legislations anniversary, administration officials said.

In an op-ed publishing Thursday, the president hailed the tremendous progress made thanks to the legislation over the past 30 years and emphasized how the measure eased the stigma around domestic violence.

Back then, society largely turned a blind eye, dismissed cries for help, or blamed the victims. It was wrong, Biden wrote in the op-ed Thursday. I have long believed that ending violence against women requires a wholesale cultural change  one that brought this hidden epidemic out from the shadows.

The push comes as Biden has entered a distinct phase of his presidency after he abandoned his bid for a second term in the White House. While much of the spotlight is on the candidates on the campaign trail, the president is looking for ways to reinforce key legacy items from his time in office on foreign and domestic fronts.

The Violence Against Women Act, which Biden helped write and first introduced in 1990, is among the most personally significant measures he has helmed in his five-decades-long political career. The president has long called it his proudest legislative accomplishment as it extended historic protections and support to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault for the first time. He repeated that sentiment again on Thursday during his remarks at the White House.

The Violence Against Women Act is my proudest legislative accomplishment in all the years Ive served as senator, vice president and president, Biden said. I mean that from the bottom of my heart.

He made it happen, and he took it out of the shadows, said former Sen. Barbara Boxer, who worked with Biden on the legislation in the early 1990s. In those years, violence against women, especially in marriages and relationships, was the best kept secret. A woman would show up with a bruise on her face. She would never say her husband did it. It was hardly considered a crime.

Joe was irate about that, Boxer recounted in an interview with CNN. He said, Theres no such thing as, quote-unquote domestic violence. Its just violence. And we have to bring this issue out.

Biden announcing new measures to take on domestic violence

The president once again put the spotlight on the issue Thursday as he hosted the event ahead of the Friday anniversary of the laws signing. Survivors shared personal testimonials to stress why the protections put in place by VAWA are critical to those who have experienced abuse.

The new Biden administration efforts rolling out Thursday include the Justice Department announcing $690 million in grant funding to support survivors of gender-based violence and the creation of the Office on Gender-Based Violence at the Department of Housing and Urban Development to address housing issues facing survivors.

The Justice Department is also announcing funding for the National Resource Center on Cybercrimes Against Individuals to help combat cyberstalking, the non-consensual distribution of intimate images, and other forms of technology-facilitated abuse, according to the White House. The administration is also announcing voluntary commitments from technology companies to combat the creation of image-based sexual abuse, including content developed using artificial intelligence.

The conversation is now about: How do we evolve? How do we meet the next threat? said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco, who previously worked for Biden on the Senate Judiciary Committee. We are building now on a history and a legacy from the presidents work in really starting this conversation, pushing this legislation, pushing this change.

Changing the conversation around domestic abuse

Biden first introduced the Violence Against Women Act in 1990 as he looked to provide protections to survivors and change the conversation around the issue of domestic abuse.

The bill has three broad, but simple, goals: to make streets safer for women; to make homes safer for women; and to protect womens civil rights, Biden said at a Senate hearing in 1990.

As chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Biden held some of the first major hearings on domestic violence, which included female witnesses recounting their personal harrowing experiences with violent acts. As they looked to raise awareness about the issue, judiciary committee staff read letters from women who experienced violence from their partners and called battered womens shelters and police departments to gather data and hear personal stories of reports of violence against women.

It was really about trying to change attitudes and raise awareness to change the conversation about this problem, said Monaco, who was a young staffer at the time. It was about really shining a light on a problem, on an injustice, and showing what the law wasnt addressing and why it needed to change.

Boxer worked closely with Biden on the legislation while she served in the House and later in the Senate. In an interview with CNN, she recounted a moment where Biden joined a group of female lawmakers to discuss the bill but had the women take the lead.

What Joe Biden showed in those years is how much he respected women and how much he wanted to push us forward, Boxer said. He had such a feeling in his heart that he wanted the women to step out, and he didnt want to step on us. He wanted to work with us.

Biden later moved to include VAWA as part of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act, which President Bill Clinton signed into law in 1994. The sweeping crime bill included an assault weapons ban and put 100,000 new police officers on the streets. But it also set harsher sentencing laws and provided incentives for states to implement mandatory minimum standards  components many now argue contributed to an era of mass incarceration.

But the VAWA provisions transformed protections and support offered to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking. It created the National Domestic Violence Hotline, which has fielded more than 7 million calls since 1996. The law provided grants to support rape crisis centers, womens shelters and programs aiding survivors while also boosting initiatives to train law enforcement, advocates, prosecutors and judges about gender-based violence.

Combatting an abuse of power

With each reauthorization of the bill, Biden and proponents of the measure have worked to expand its coverage to include those who have endured dating violence and individuals of any sexual orientation or gender identity, as well as increase support services for immigrants and communities of color.

The legislation, which needs reauthorization every five years, has experienced some battles on Capitol Hill. The bill expired in 2019 under former President Donald Trump, making it a key priority for Biden to push forward when he entered the White House.

He was really focused on making sure that it actually did get reauthorized, that we did it with bipartisan support, said Jennifer Klein, director of the Gender Policy Council at the White House. And that we did what had been done three times before which was to make sure that the law not only was strengthened, expanded but also took on whatever issues had arisen.

In 2022, the law was reauthorized and included new protections for LGBTQ+ survivors and individuals in tribal communities and rural areas. It also established new protections to address online harassment and abuse. Efforts to close the so-called boyfriend loophole as part of the reauthorization were dropped and later included in a bipartisan gun safety bill passed later that year.

The president has long said his commitment to addressing violence against women has been rooted in the values instilled by his family.

My dad would say the greatest sin of all that anyone could commit was the abuse of power, and the cardinal sin was for a man to raise his hand to a woman or a child. Thats what this law has always been about: the abuse of power, Biden said in 2022.

This story has been updated with additional details.

CNNs Samantha Waldenberg contributed to this report.

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(Bloomberg) -- Nippon Steel Corp. is mounting a last-ditch push to muster support for its $14.1 billion takeover of United States Steel Corp., a deal opposed by President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and ex-President Donald Trump.

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Biden and Harris want the company to remain domestically owned while Trump has flatly said hed block it. The United Steelworkers union leadership also opposes the deal. But, among other stakeholders and some union members, the view is more mixed  with some supporting the deal because they worry that another buyer wont match Nippon Steels pledges to invest $2.7 billion into some mills.

Nippon Steel Executive Vice President Takahiro Mori traveled to Washington for meetings Wednesday. The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States must review the deal and send a recommendation to Bidens desk. As of Wednesday, it had yet to do so, according to a US official who asked not to be identified discussing private deliberations. People familiar with the matter said earlier this month that Biden planned to kill the sale once it reaches his desk.

US Steel closed up 7% in New York on Wednesday after recording the biggest intraday increase since Dec. 18 earlier. Nippon Steel shares rose as much as 2% at the open on Thursday, but had given up almost all of those gains as of late-morning in Tokyo.

Several US and Japanese business groups  including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Japan Business Federation  released a joint letter to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, who also chairs the foreign investment committee. We fear that the CFIUS process is being used to further political agendas that are outside the committees purview and putting the US economy and workers at risk, they said.

Some union members and political figures are expressing support for a deal that otherwise faces staunch opposition from union brass and the highest echelons of American politics.

Many of the rank and file at a trio of plants near Pittsburgh want the deal to go through, Jason Zugai, vice president of United Steelworkers Local 2227, said in an interview. He represents workers at one of three plants in Pennsylvanias Mon Valley that could benefit as Nippon Steel has pledged to invest at least $1 billion there.

The deal on the table would solidify the jobs in the Mon Valley for the next 50 to 100 years, Zugai said.

While some local members favor the offer, the overarching United Steelworkers union opposes the deal.

The bottom line about this merger is that it jeopardizes national security and critical supply chains, United Steel Workers President Dave McCall said in a statement, insisting that Nippons commitments come with so many conditions as to make their promises worthless.

Now USS and Nippon are politicizing the situation in a last-ditch attempt to save the deal, he said.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, a Democrat who has neither backed nor opposed the deal, publicly, is acting as something of a mediator behind the scenes. Shapiros office said earlier this month he was working with all parties to find a solution that protects Pennsylvania jobs.

The White House and Shapiros office declined to comment.

In his communication with the administration, Shapiro has not expressed opposition to blocking the sale and has said he supports the steelworkers, according to a person familiar with the matter who also asked not to be identified to discuss the talks.

US Steel has threatened to shutter plants and move its headquarters out of Pennsylvania if the acquisition collapses. But McCall has steadfastly opposed the deal, saying Nippon Steel is refusing to put its parent companys name on the agreement or offer sufficient guarantees to the union.

At the end of the day, therell still be people around interested in US Steel, he said in an interview last week.

The company has rebutted that. There is no scenario where US Steel would make these investments  absent Nippon Steel. A transaction with Nippon Steel is the best avenue to ensure that US Steel will be able to thrive well into the future, US Steel said in a statement.

US Steel and Nippon Steel took the extraordinary step Wednesday of publishing their private correspondence with the union, saying they want to fight public mischaracterizations of our communications with the USW.

Mori, in a Sept. 3 letter to McCall, said: Personally, I remain convinced that, if you and I can partner together, we can achieve amazing results for US Steel and the USWs membership.

Were confident that Nippon Steels acquisition of U. S. Steel will benefit American workers, local communities, and national security in a way no other alternative can, Nippon Steel said in a statement.

US-based Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. has expressed interest in buying some or all of US Steel, but was outbid by Nippon Steel. The companys chief executive officer has said the company might still be interested. Pennsylvanias two senators, Bob Casey, whos running for re-election, and John Fetterman, also oppose the deal.

Pennsylvania, home to both US Steel and the union, is a key battleground state and the issue has become entwined in the US presidential election. But neither Harris nor Trump raised the deal in their debate Tuesday, held in Pennsylvania.

Biden and Harris have both said US Steel should remain American owned and operated  guaranteed, Biden once said. Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, has vowed to kill the sale, and his running mate, Senator JD Vance of Ohio, is a longtime opponent of the deal.

Yoshimasa Hayashi, Japans top government spokesman and a candidate for the ruling partys leadership, said in an interview with Bloomberg last week, after reports that Biden was poised to block the deal, that hes holding out hope the sale can proceed. Its still going on and we dont know the result yet, Hayashi said.

In Allegheny County, which includes Pittsburgh and several US Steel facilities, county council member Sam DeMarco is in favor of the deal. As many as 7,500 jobs directly and indirectly rely on the operations of US Steel in the Pittsburgh area, DeMarco said.

So many of the folks that are in the rank and file, what theyre concerned with is that they have a job in the future and the ability to put food on the familys table and a roof over the familys head, DeMarco said.

At the Irvin plant, Justin Calderone, a shift manager and a former USW member, supports the deal.

I have not had many run-ins with people who are just like we cant be sold this and that, Calderone said. I would say 90% of the people here believe that the Nippon purchase is whats best for our facility.

Pennsylvania State Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward, a Republican, supports the sale.

My message to either party is take a look at the concessions that have been given. Take a look at the promised investment, she said in an interview, referring to Bidens decision. It would a devastating thing if Biden kills this then, four to five years after, US Steel says were leaving.

--With assistance from Shoko Oda and Andrew Janes.

(Updates with details of letter sent by business groups to US Treasury in 5th paragraph)

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'Biggest medical fraud of our time': Riley Gaines dives into the heart of gender-affirming care epidemic

Riley Gaines emerged as a central figure in the fight to preserve the hard-fought progress of women's sports after drawing attention to fairness in an age where including transgender athletes remains hotly-contested.

Now the former NCAA swimmer is emphasizing a more detrimental side effect of the gender-affirming care epidemic.

"Female athletes are not the biggest victims in this story. It's the children who've had their bodies mutilated," Gaines said, previewing the new Fox Nation special, "Transfixed."

In the special, available for streaming on the platform Thursday, Gaines spoke to Prisha Mosley, a detransitioner whose female-to-male journey began at age 16 and came to a surprising halt just a couple of years ago.

OPINION: I BEGAN GENDER TRANSITION AT 16. I WAS LIED TO IN A TERRIBLE WAY. NOW I AM SEEKING JUSTICE

"There's no way to replace the body parts I lost," Mosley lamented, reflecting on the surgical treatment she received after being told she was a boy.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Mosley, who was born a female, began taking male hormones and had her breasts removed at age 18, leaving scars across her chest.

Though hormonal interventions typically render patients infertile, Mosley became an exception after giving birth to a baby boy via C-section earlier this year.

The effects of her gender-affirming care, however, made her hips too narrow to deliver the baby naturally, made her insulin level high and atrophied her uterus, bladder and vagina, according to a report.

"I call it the biggest medical fraud of our lifetime," Walt Heyer, founder of the Sex Change Regret organization that educates people on the implications of sex changes, said of the gender-affirming care push.

JUDGE GRANTS DETRANSITIONER'S LAWSUIT AGAINST DOCTORS TO PROCEED IN COURT: 'SUFFICIENT' ALLEGATIONS

24-year-old Prisha Mosley shares her story of detransitioning after receiving gender-altering treatment at a young age.

Heyer's experience began in 1944, when he took interest in the clothing his seamstress grandmother created.

"She made me a purple chiffon dress, [a] full length evening dress, put me in the dress and told me how cute I was, and that kind of launched that whole confusion," he explained.

"At the age of four, it turned into emotional and psychological child abuse and, as a result of cross-dressing, my Uncle Fred began to sexually abuse me when I was eight years old because of the dress," Heyer said in the Fox Nation special. "And, because of the dress, my dad decided to do heavy discipline on me. So the dress caused me to be physically harmed and sexually harmed."

The effects manifested during marriage and fatherhood as an adult, when he felt depression along with an urge to cross-dress.

He sought out counseling as a result, turning to the best in the industry.

"He was a world-renowned therapist. I was making great money at the time and could afford the best therapists there was," Heyer recalled.

OPINION: STOP THE MUTILATION OF OUR GIRLS WITH SO-CALLED GENDER-AFFIRMING CARE

Walt Heyer faced sexual abuse early on in his life. He now insists sexual abuse is a trigger for gender dysphoria.

"And so I went to him, and he said I had gender dysphoria. When I explained to him that I'd been sexually abused, physically abused and emotionally abused as a child, I remember at that time I'm saying this, I'm 39 or 40 years old, and he said, 'Well, that doesn't matter.'"

But he later discovered it did matter, and now insists that sexual abuse is a common trigger for people with gender dysphoria. The condition, according to the Mayo Clinic, involves the psychological distress people experience when their gender identity conflicts with their biological sex or sex characteristics.

Heyer went on to transition, and then detransition. He now uses his voice to warn others about the harm of doing so, because Heyer and Mosley are far from the only people to experience challenges stemming from gender dysphoria.

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In today's age, gender-affirming care for minors remains heavily-debated and even restricted in some places.

In the U.K., for example, protests from transgender activists broke out after the National Health Service (NHS) stopped prescribing puberty blockers to minors, citing little evidence about their benefits and harms.

In the U.S., some surgeons, including American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) President Dr. Steven Williams, cautioned against the treatment for minors.

He told Fox News on Monday, "As physicians, we're driven by evidence, and our care also involves compassion and interaction with patients. But we have to really look to the evidence when we're thinking about what the appropriate care is for patients, and this is a newly-developing field. For adolescents right now, the evidence, there's just not enough of it yet."

To watch more of Riley Gaines' investigation into the gender-affirming care epidemic, sign up for Fox Nation and begin streaming "Transfixed" today.





Original article source: 'Biggest medical fraud of our time': Riley Gaines dives into the heart of gender-affirming care epidemic
McDonald's may be the world's most valuable fast food chain, but even the Golden Arches aren't immune to the odd controversy. Over the years, the iconic burger joint has been criticized for everything from its impact on public health to the questionable ethics of advertising foods high in fat, salt, and sugar to children through the likes of Ronald McDonald and pals.

But some of McDonald's controversies carry far more weight than debating the health value of a Happy Meal. Like the majority of fast food chains, McDonald's has had to launch its fair share of recalls. While no brand is keen to take the blow to its finances or reputation, McDonald's has still pulled chicken nuggets, sauces, and even Happy Meal toys from thousands of restaurants over concerns about the risk they pose to the health and safety of customers. These are some of the biggest recalls to hit McDonald's over the years.

Read more: McDonald's Menu Items That Even The Staff Won't Eat

All Chicken McBites In New Zealand (2022)

Chicken McBites on table - Robson90/Shutterstock

The Golden Arches may be recognizable across the globe, but not every restaurant serves the same menu. Chicken McBites, a crunchy, savory side, can be found in countries such as Cyprus, Pakistan, and New Zealand. Though popular, they were axed from New Zealand's menu for a time after a production issue meant the chicken did not cook properly in restaurants.

The issue was discovered after a customer in Timaru complained about the raw state of his meat. "Hey McDonald's Timaru didn't realise I had to cook my own chicken tonight almost walked off my plate," Keegan Mackway-Jones wrote on social media (via Stuff). The chain subsequently pulled the Chicken McBites from all restaurants in New Zealand, revealing that it was working with its supplier to clarify issues with their product size specification. This may seem pretty drastic, considering only one customer had complained. However, with raw chicken posing a significant risk of food poisoning from the likes of salmonella, better to be safe than sorry.

Sweet 'N Sour Sauce From 89 McDonald's Restaurants (2021)

McDonald's meal with sweet 'n sour sauce - TYangMD/Shutterstock

With the dawn of McDonald's Chicken Nuggets in 1983 came the introduction of dipping sauces. The initial lineup consisted of Honey, Hot Mustard, Barbecue, and Sweet 'N Sour, the latter of which has become a firm favorite with McDonald's customers and placed fourth in our dipping sauce flavor ranking.

In November 2021, though, the fan favorite was temporarily pulled from McDonald's stores in Ireland after the company realized one batch had used mustard during the production process. The issue was that it failed to mention this on the ingredients list, instead simply listing the sauce's standard Irish ingredients of glucose-fructose syrup, water, apricot puree, spirit vinegar, and soy sauce.

This error affected tubs with a best-before date of February 23, 2022. A statement from the Food Safety Authority of Ireland stressed that this undeclared mustard could potentially pose a health risk to some customers. "This may make the affected batch unsafe for consumers who are allergic to or intolerant of mustard," it said. "Point-of-sale recall notices will be displayed in all McDonald's restaurants."

Bottles Of Robinson's Fruit Shoots (2019)

Robinson's apple and blackcurrent Fruit Shoot bottle - NeilIrvine/Shutterstock

Robinsons Fruit Shoots are a staple childhood drink in the U.K., and just as much of a staple at McDonald's up and down the country. Flavored with apple and blackcurrant, it's one of the four choices available with the chain's U.K. Happy Meals -- which is why it once sparked a scare that it could pose a safety risk to young customers in 2019.

According to the U.K.'s Food Standards Agency (FSA), a fault was discovered with the spout on 200-milliliter bottles which meant that they could detach. This possible choking hazard was identified after multiple complaints, triggering a recall that affected Costco and Tesco as well as McDonald's.

Customers who'd already purchased the bottles were encouraged to return them for a refund. McDonald's issued its own cautionary statement, claiming it was "aware of packaging fault affecting the white drinking spout on a very small number of Fruit Shoot bottles" and that it had "decided to remove it from our premises and are currently awaiting new stock" (via Metro). With the affected bottles sold at McDonald's between June 22 and 28 and the recall going out on July 1, the majority of drinks purchased at McDonald's had probably already been long finished by customers. Regardless, it was still a necessary move to warn customers who may have been affected, just in case.

Salads From 3,000 McDonald's Restaurants (2018)

McDonald's salad - VGV MEDIA/Shutterstock

Food poisoning outbreaks typically inspire some of the most frantic product recalls. In July 2018, it was McDonald's salads that sparked a panic after over 500 people contracted cyclosporiasis -- a gastrointestinal illness caused by the parasite cyclospora -- and suffered from its typical effects of intense diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain, and vomiting. Of those affected, 24 were hospitalized.

It was the Illinois and Iowa Health Departments that first identified McDonald's salads containing romaine lettuce and carrots as the most likely culprit. Not long after, McDonald's stopped selling salads at 3,000 restaurants in 14 states across the Midwest. This proved to be more than a temporary pause in salad service. McDonald's ultimately ditched the supplier that provided said salads, Fresh Express, to find a replacement. "The health and safety of our customers and the people who work in McDonald's restaurants is always our top priority," it stressed in a statement (via The Independent). "We proactively decided to remove our lettuce blend in impacted restaurants and replace it through a different supplier."

In the following years, McDonald's salads managed to glide by backlash-free. Of course, it helps that nobody seems to have been eating them. In 2020, McDonald's totally axed salads from its national menu due to a lack of demand. It seems like this had more to do with financial reasons than anything else, but removing salads also lowered the chain's risk of a repeat incident.

32.6 Million Happy Meal Fitness Trackers (2016)

Hand holding Happy Meal box - Smith Collection/gado/Getty Images

McDonald's catches a lot of heat for the role it plays (or rather, doesn't play) in public health. For just as long, the chain has tried to counter these critiques with efforts such as introducing healthier options -- which, as we now know, proved pretty futile -- and boosting the visibility of its nutritional information. Some efforts have been even more creative, such as including mini plastic fitness bands as the free toy in Happy Meals.

Over 32 million of these fitness bands (known as "Step-It" bands) had been sold in the U.S. and Canada when McDonald's started receiving some concerning reports. While they were designed to encourage children to walk more and stay active, the bands were instead found to be irritating, even burning the skin of their wearers. After more than 70 complaints, McDonald's recalled all the bands, and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warned customers to take the wristbands away from children ASAP.

Anyone with a band at home was encouraged to return it to their local McDonald's where they would be offered a replacement toy and yogurt tube or apple slices. "Nothing is more important to us than the safety and well-being of our customers which is why upon learning about concerns with these bands we acted swiftly to stop distribution of these products," stressed McDonald's spokesperson Terri Hickey in a press release (via CNN). "We apologize to our customers who were impacted and for the inconvenience this recall has caused."

1 Million McDonald's Chicken McNuggets (2015)

McDonald's chicken nuggets - SrideeStudio/Shutterstock

There's a lot of misinformation out there about what goes into your chicken nuggets -- especially those from McDonald's. As lifelong nugget loyalists, we'd like to take this opportunity to clear a few things up. While they may have been specifically engineered to be as addictive as possible, no, McDonald's Chicken McNuggets don't contain any pink slime, despite what that viral social media post your grandmother saw would have you believe. They may be packed with fillers and additives, but they also contain real, white-meat chicken, plus a decent-ish dose of protein.

But one thing they shouldn't contain is plastic. That's why McDonald's recalled nearly 1 million McNuggets from a Thai factory in 2015. A customer in Japan had previously found tiny plastic fragments in their meal, and during the recall, another customer was served up McNuggets containing a flavorful piece of vinyl. The restaurant issued a statement apologizing to its customers, promising that it was "taking quick measures to analyze the cause of the contamination" (via Mother Jones).

After the factory concluded its own multi-step investigation, it insisted that the plastic definitely did not stem from any of its facilities. That was the final word on the matter, and it was never fully established where or how the plastic made its way into the nugget. It remains a real-life McMystery to this day.

Chicken And Beef In Multiple Cities In China, Hong Kong, And Japan (2014)

McDonald's restaurant exterior in China - Tada Images/Shutterstock

What is McDonald's without its hamburgers? The chain was forced to confront this exact question in 2014 when a scandal led to the temporary recall of all chicken and beef (which makes up the vast majority of the McDonald's menu) from locations in select cities.

The issue all came down to a supplier (rather than McDonald's itself). Multiple McDonald's locations in cities across China were stripped of meat after a video emerged exposing the inner workings of Shanghai Husi Food, a food-processing plant used by McDonald's. This included handling food with bare hands and picking up meat from the floor to place it directly back onto the processing line. After an investigation by the Shanghai Municipal Food and Drug Administration, it was found that the facility had also repackaged expired beef and chicken products.

McDonald's wasn't the only company supplied by Shanghai Husi Food in China. Burger King, Starbucks, KFC, and more also received products from the factory. However, it feels like the Golden Arches faced the brunt of the bad headlines after beef and chicken products were pulled from most McDonald's in northern and central China, chicken was axed from its Hong Kong restaurants (in addition to some veggie products and iced tea), and nearly 500 stores in Japan stopped selling nuggets. Sales subsequently plummeted in the region, with a 7.3% drop recorded in APMEA (Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa) in July 2014 alone.

2.4 Million Happy Meal Whistles (2014)

Happy Meal box on car - Tada Images/Shutterstock

They may be quite literally designed to evoke joy, but some Happy Meal toys have proven problematic for McDonald's. Kids are unpredictable with toys, which is why anything marketed to children needs to be up to scratch in all areas of health and safety.

In 2014, it was Hello Kitty whistles that were recalled en masse over a perceived choking hazard. The whistles were released as part of a 40th-anniversary collection for the character (who, contrary to popular belief, is not actually a cat). The a 3-inch-tall Hello Kitty clutching a birthday lollipop was found to contain detachable pieces that posed a safety issue for any young child tearing into their free toy.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) was alerted by reports of two children inhaling and coughing out this detachable piece. One of the children subsequently needed medical attention. The CPSC -- which exists purely to protect consumers from potential product-induced injury -- quickly issued a recall notice for 2.3 million products in the U.S. and 200,000 in Canada. McDonald's managed to recover approximately 1.6 million whistles, including those that never made it to stores or customers, and the company encouraged patrons to confiscate any whistles from their children and return them to a restaurant in exchange for another toy plus a yogurt tube or apple slices.

13.4 Million Happy Meal Shrek Cups (2010)

Hand holding glass with Fiona from 'Shrek' on it - jackanfer / X, formerly known as Twitter

Sometimes, the things we love most in life are capable of inflicting the most pain. Not to be dramatic, but that's kind of how we felt when McDonald's pulled back its collectible "Shrek Forever After" glasses in 2010. Launched to celebrate the release of the fourth film in the franchise, the glasses featured paintings of one of four characters (Shrek, Fiona, Puss in Boots, and Donkey).

Sadly, all four glasses were pulled from circulation after it was discovered that the Puss in Boots glass contained concerning levels of a toxic heavy metal known as cadmium. While the amount of cadmium wasn't particularly high, the biggest concern was that long-term exposure caused by drinking from the glasses could damage the liver, kidneys, lungs, nervous system, or brain. There were also worries that young children could unknowingly consume cadmium by holding the glasses then putting their unwashed hands in their mouth, with federal regulators finding that it only took eight touches to expose a 6-year-old to hazardous levels.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warned anyone who'd bought one of the $2 glasses to stop using them. About 9 million had already been sold by the time of the recall, with 3 million more awaiting sale. Fortunately, there were no reports of any illness -- although some fans remain oddly enthusiastic about collecting and using the cadmium-ridden glasses to this day.

Thousands Of Packets Of Apple Slices (2010)

Packet of McDonald's apple slices - McDonald's / X, formerly known as Twitter

McDonald's long and laborious fight against its reputation as a perpetrator of bad health habits was dialed up a notch in 2004 when it added bags of apple slices to the menu. Years later, it made apple slices a default side for Happy Meals, which made McDonald's the seller of 10% of all sliced apples in the country, and contributed to the tripling of apple consumption in the U.S. The chain's grip on the nation's apple interests made its 2012 recall all the more alarming. After production equipment tested positive for listeria, Missa Bay LLC -- and its parent company, Ready Pac Foods Inc. -- was forced to recall 293,488 cases and 296,224 individual packets of fruit, veggies, snacks, and sandwiches across the likes of Burger King, Wegmans, Wawa, and, of course, McDonald's.

Nobody fell ill, but apple slices with use-by dates of July 8 through August 20, 2012, were removed from stores, just to be safe. "In an abundance of caution, we stopped serving all existing apple products from Ready Pac's Missa Bay facility and removed them entirely from our restaurants and distribution centers," said a McDonald's spokesperson (via Patch). "This is a precautionary voluntary measure, only. It's important to note that McDonald's has not received any reports of illness with Ready Pac's recall." Similar to salmonella and E. coli, listeria can wreak havoc on the stomach, making this a lucky near-miss for the fast food restaurant.

Read the original article on Mashed.
American entrepreneur and billionaire Jared Isaacman became the first non-professional astronaut to walk in space on Thursday.

The 41-year-old bankrolled the Polaris Dawn mission that launched him and three others into space aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon spaceship.

Worth an estimated $1.9bn (1.46bn), Mr Isaacman made his fortune from payment processing company Shift4 Payments, which he founded in 1999 aged 16.

The businessman had long been passionate about flying, first taking pilot lessons in 2004 and later setting a world record for circumnavigating the world in a light jet.

Stepping out into space for his first time on Thursday, the businessman said: Back at home we all have a lot of work to do.

But from here Earth sure looks like a perfect world.

SpaceX engineer Sarah Gillis also did a spacewalk after Isaacman returned.

Ms Gillis, the violinist-turned-aerospace-engineer, is the Polaris Dawn's mission specialist.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

Polaris Dawn is not Mr Isaacman's first space mission. In 2021, he bankrolled and led the first private, all-civilian team to ever orbit the Earth.

That crew - named Inspiration4 - left on a SpaceX capsule from Florida and spent three days in space before splashing down successfully in the Atlantic Ocean.

Time magazine estimated that Mr Isaacman paid $200m (153m) to fellow billionaire Elon Musk for all four seats aboard the SpaceX craft.

That was a heck of a ride for us, Mr Isaacman radioed shortly after landing at the time. We're just getting started.

Mr Isaacman was born in Union, New Jersey, where, from an early age, he wasn't afraid to go against the grain and push boundaries.

At the age of 15, he dropped out of high school and later took a GED (a high-school equivalency exam), according to the Netflix docuseries Countdown: Inspiration4 Mission to Space.

"I was a horrible student," Mr Isaacman said in the series. "And I wasn't, like, happy in school, either."

A year later, he launched his successful company Shift4 Payments from his parents basement, according to a report by Forbes.

The company now handles payments for a third of restaurants and hotels in the US, including big names like Hilton, Four Seasons, KFC and Arbys; and processes over $260bn (199bn) annually, according to its website.

Mr Isaacman also founded Draken International in 2011, a defence firm that trains Air Force pilots and owns the worlds largest fleet of private military aircrafts.

In 2019, Mr Isaacman sold a majority stake in Draken to Blackstone, a Wall Street firm, for a nine-figure sum, Forbes reported, launching himself into billionaire status.

The magazine dubbed him a "thrill seeker" in a 2020 profile, reporting that for fun, Mr Isaacman bullets the MiG faster than the speed of sound and climbs mountains to unwind from non-stop, intense 80-plus-hour weeks".

He also set a world speed record in 2009 for flying around the globe.

In the docuseries, Mr Isaacman said: "I do believe you only get one crack at life."

"To the extent you have the means to do so, you have this obligation to live life to the fullest," he added. "You never know when it's going to be your last day."

Mr Isaacman is married, has two daughters and lives with his family in New Jersey.

He and the others on board the Polaris Dawn are expected to return on Saturday.
Tropical Storm Francine dumps rain on Louisiana, and wildfires blaze through parts of Southern California. Some Donald Trump allies expressed concern over his debate performance. And Taylor Swift and Chappell Roan win big at the MTV VMAs.

Heres what to know today.

Francine drenches Gulf Coast, causing 400,000 to lose power

Louisiana experienced flash floods and power outages for hundreds of thousands of customers as Francine made landfall yesterday and continued its path north.

The storm made landfall as a Category 2 hurricane yesterday afternoon, dumping rain in New Orleans and surrounding areas. Flash floods were reported in the city, and officials urged residents to stay at home. As of last night, more than 340,000 customers were without power in the state, according to the website poweroutage.us.

After making landfall, Francine weakened into a Category 1 hurricane and then a tropical storm. A tropical storm warning was in effect from Louisiana to the Alabama and Florida border. Follow live updates here.

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Three wildfires spread in Southern California

Meanwhile in California, multiple wildfires are burning parts of Southern California. The Bridge Fire is the largest active wildfire in the state, spanning nearly 50,300 acres with 0% containment, officials said in an update last night. An estimated 33 homes have been destroyed in the fire, which ignited on Sunday in the Angeles National Forest and ballooned in size amid a triple-digit heat wave.

The Line Fire, also in San Bernardino County, spans more than 36,400 acres and is 18% contained. Yesterday, the sheriff's office announced the arrest of a 34-year-old man accused of starting the fire. And in Orange County, the Airport Fire has burned about 23,140 acres and is 5% contained. The fire was accidentally sparked by heavy equipment being operated near an airfield, officials said. Tens of thousands of people have been told to evacuate or are under evacuation warnings. Heres what else we know.

SpaceX conducts first civilian spacewalk

Billionaire entrepreneur Jared Isaacman exits the Space X Polaris capsule during a space walk on Sept. 12, 2024.

Four private citizens orbiting Earth in a SpaceX capsule are attempting to make history by completing the worlds first all-civilian spacewalk. Billionaire entrepreneur Jared Isaacman, retired Air Force Lt. Col. Scott Kidd Poteet, and SpaceX engineers Sarah Gillis and Anna Menon are the crew of the Polaris Dawn mission.

During the outing, Isaacman and Gillis are expected to exit the SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule on a tether. Although they are the only ones planning to venture outside the spacecraft, all four crew members will wear and test newly designed spacesuits during the event. Thats because the Crew Dragon does not have a pressurized airlock, so the entire capsule will be depressurized and exposed to vacuum conditions.

The Polaris Dawn mission is designed to test procedures and technologies that could be used in future long-duration space missions. Already in their journey, the crew members flew to the highest orbital altitude that humans have reached since the final Apollo moon mission in 1972: 870 miles above Earths surface.

You can watch the spacewalk and read more here.

Trumps conspiracy-laced debate performance prompts concerns

Former President Donald Trump declared Tuesdays debate against Vice President Kamala Harris a win, but not all his allies see it that way. Instead, some supporters see a missed opportunity to turn the page on Harris honeymoon period as Trump strayed from his usual hyper-aggressive style, spent much of his time on the defense and repeated debunked conspiracy theories. It gave viewers a sense of how much Trump has been consumed by internet personalities outside the mainstream. (Just yesterday, he attended a Sept. 11 event with a far-right activist who has falsely claimed the terrorist attack was an inside job.) Tech reporter David Ingram reviewed some of the false claims Trump made.

I know everyone in the world has said this, but the inability or unwillingness to realize when hes being baited and not fall for it is constantly baffling, a longtime Republican operative said. Others inside Trumps debate camp, who were granted anonymity to speak freely, said that they agree his performance was lackluster. Senior national politics reporter Matt Dixon shared more of Trump allies post-debate reactions.

More 2024 election coverage:

Taylor Swift wins big at VMAs; Chappell Roan is best new artist

The 2024 MTV Video Music Awards ushered in a new era of iconic moments while paying homage to the biggest moments in its 40-year history. Megan Thee Stallion kicked off the night with a live snake wrapped around her body a la Britney Spears in 2001s Im a Slave 4 U performance. Things only got more exciting from there. Senior reporter Doha Madani highlights the biggest moments from last nights show.

 Taylor Swift tied Beyonce for most VMA wins. Swift won a total of seven awards, including her third consecutive award for Video of the Year. She also took the stage twice with Post Malone to gather accolades for their song Fortnight, shouting out all her collaborators  and her boyfriend Travis Kelce. Awww!

 Chappell Roan wowed the audience with her Joan of Arc inspired rendition of Good Luck, Babe! Her hot streak didnt stop there. Roan won Best New Artist  the first major award of her career. In her speech, she thanked the LGBTQ community for their contributions to pop music.

 The award for most iconic VMA performance went to... 2013s Roar by Katy Perry?! This years Video Vanguard winner beat out the 2003 mashup between Britney Spears, Madonna, and Christina Aguilera. Who can forget the kiss at the end?

 LL Cool J and Public Enemy also celebrated Def Jam Records 40th birthday. They took the stage in a time machine back to the 90s, hitting the crowd with staples such as Bring the Noise and Mama Said Knock You Out.

See more highlights from the 2024 VMAs, and view our gallery of the best red carpet looks.

Politics in Brief

Shutdown threat looms: Speaker Mike Johnson yanked a government funding bill off the House floor hours before an expected vote and after a growing number of disgruntled Republicans vowed to tank the measure.

Swing state no more: Florida has historically been held up as a massively important state for any White House aspirant, but this election cycle, its a comparative afterthought. Heres the proof.

Want more politics news? Sign up for From the Politics Desk to get exclusive reporting and analysis delivered to your inbox every weekday evening. Subscribe here.

Read All About It

Staff Pick: Eiffel family wants Olympic rings off the tower

Pedestrians take pictures of the Olympic rings on the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

It wasnt just the trite observations of visitors. While covering the Summer Olympics, every Parisian told me the same thing: The Olympics and Paralympics fundamentally changed the mood of the city. This air of bonhomie, it seems, was fleeting. That is to say, the French are arguing again. Now, a feud has emerged between Paris mayor and the family of Gustave Eiffel, the man behind the eponymous tower, about a plan to keep the Olympic rings affixed to the iconic landmark.  Alex Smith, senior reporter

NBC Select: Online Shopping, Simplified

Starting tomorrow, the new Apple iPhone 16 and 16 Pro will be available for pre-order. Heres what else to know about the upcoming releases, as well as pre-order dates for the AirPods 4 and Apple Watch Series 10 and Ultra 2. Speaking of tech, check out this editor-approved wireless charger for under $30.

Sign up to The Selection newsletter for hands-on product reviews, expert shopping tips and a look at the best deals and sales each week.

Thanks for reading todays Morning Rundown. Todays newsletter was curated for you by Elizabeth Robinson. If youre a fan, please send a link to your family and friends. They can sign up here.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
A bipartisan House group is introducing a resolution Thursday calling on the federal government to pull U.S. visas granted to third-country officials who have contracted the services of Cuban medical brigades.

The resolution, led by House Homeland Security Committee Chair Mark Green (R-Tenn.), follows the State Departments June Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report, in which the United States formally accused Cuba of profiting from forced labor through its international medical assistance program.

Cuba has been a cautionary tale against communism for over seventy years. From state sponsorship of terrorism to gross human rights violations, the Castro and Diaz-Canel regimes represent everything the United States should stand against, Green told The Hill, referring to former Cuban President Fidel Castro and the nations current president, Miguel Diaz-Canel.

Our resolution is a call on Congress to condemn the regimes human trafficking of medical personnel around the world and hold the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) accountable for using millions of U.S. taxpayer dollars to further this human trafficking operation.

Cubas medical brigade program has garnered severe criticism from U.S. officials and a slew of human rights organizations, but officials and medical professionals in some beneficiary countries have praised it.

On paper, the brigade program is Cubas top foreign aid asset  the island nation exports medical services at cheap rates to places otherwise underserved or entirely lacking medical services, drawing on the islands comparatively advanced medical system.

Cubas commitment with international medical cooperation is firm and immovable, so long as the sovereign governments of the countries who benefit continue to claim that help, said Cuban Foreign Affairs Vice Minister Carlos Fernandez de Cossio.

But what Cuba and some receptor countries call aid, U.S. officials call exploitation, and some medical professionals who have defected from the brigades say they were paid a tiny fraction of the amount charged by Cuba to their hosts.

The Cuban regimes aim isnt altruism, but profit. Cuban doctors receive only a small fraction of their earnings, and only when they return to Cuba. Its time to give Cuban healthcare workers the dignity and respect they deserve. One way we can do this is by revoking visa authorities for foreign organization officials who participate in Cubas human trafficking of medical personnel. This resolution calls on President Joe Biden to do just that, said Green.

In addition to the TIP, State Department officials delivered a second report to Congress in June, detailing payments from 74 countries to Cuba for medical services.

That report was mandated by the $1.2 trillion spending bill signed by President Biden in March, which also ordered third-country sanctions for officials who contracted those services.

But the State Department did not single out specific third-country officials in its report, arguing that, because of differing and complex payment schemes in each country, it was impossible to assess whether those officials had directly engaged in human trafficking.

Cuban brigades have been deployed, under different circumstances, to a wide range of countries.

The State Departments list of 74 receptors included NATO allies like the United Kingdom or Italy  countries that aggressively enforce their labor laws  as well as a wide range of countries with either limited capacity or willingness to provide oversight over foreign workers.

Some U.S. officials privately recognize that few alternatives exist to provide medical services in some areas where Cuban brigades operate, particularly smaller countries in the Caribbean  a reality often highlighted by Cuban officials.

The criticisms from anti-Cuban politicians in the United States and the threats against sovereign governments are incapable of breaking Cubas determination. Theyre also incapable of resolving the health issues affecting the most vulnerable communities in those countries, nor of guaranteeing health services like Cuba offers, said Fernandez de Cossio.

Access to health services is a human right and those politicians commit a crime by trying to impede it.

But the resolution specifically calls on the Biden administration to pull visas from PAHO officials, as well as officials from Brazil, Mexico and Honduras, larger countries that have historically used their relations with Cuba as a political statement of independence from the United States.

Those officials could include Mexican President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum, due to take office on Oct. 1, who as mayor of Mexico City publicly contracted Cuban medical brigade services.

The Cuban Medical Missions are a sinister human trafficking scheme and form of modern slavery. Socialist leaders like [President] Xiomara Castro in Honduras who exploit the labor of Cuban doctors should face the consequences, said Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-Fla.), one of the resolutions co-sponsors.

Reps. Carlos Gimenez (R-Fla.) and Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.) also sponsored the resolution.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
FILE - Omali Yeshitela, chairman of the International People's Democratic Uhuru Movement, St. Petersburg, addresses the recent killings of black males, and police on July 8, 2016, in Dallas. (Scott Keeler/The Tampa Bay Times via AP, File)

TAMPA, Fla. (AP)  Four Black rights activists were convicted Thursday in Florida federal court of conspiring to act as unregistered Russian agents.

Jurors deliberated all day Wednesday and returned the guilty verdicts late Thursday morning, the Tampa Bay Times reported. The conspiracy charges carry up to five years in prison. No sentencing date has been set.

All four of those convicted are or were affiliated with the African Peoples Socialist Party and Uhuru Movement, which has locations in St. Petersburg, Florida, and St. Louis.

They include Omali Yeshitela, the 82-year-old chairman of the U.S.-based organization focused on Black empowerment and the effort to obtain reparations for slavery and what it considers the past genocide of Africans. Also convicted were Penny Hess, 78, and Jesse Nevel, 34, two leaders of branches of the groups white allies. A fourth defendant, Augustus C. Romain Jr., 38, was kicked out of the Uhurus in 2018 and established his own group in Atlanta called The Black Hammer.

Yeshitela, Hess and Nevel had also been charged with the more serious crimes of acting as agents of a foreign government, but jurors found them not guilty of those charges.

Attorneys finished their closing arguments late Tuesday. The trial had been scheduled to last a month but moved quickly, concluding after a week of testimony.

Prosecutors said the defendants knowingly partnered with the Russian government to help the Kremlin sow political discord and interfere in U.S. elections.

Defense attorneys argued that Aleksandr Ionov, who runs an organization known as the Anti-Globalization Movement of Russia, concealed from the Uhurus his relationship with Russian intelligence. The attorneys also called the government's case dangerous for the First Amendment and asserted that the government was trying to silence the Uhurus for expressing their views.

Three Russians, two of whom prosecutors say are Russian intelligence agents, are also charged in the case but have not been arrested.

Although there are some echoes of claims that Russia meddled in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, U.S. District Judge William Jung previously has said those issues were not part of this case.

Prosecutors have said the group's members acted under Russian direction to stage protests in 2016 claiming Black people have been victims of genocide in the U.S. They also alleged that the members took other actions for the following six years that would benefit Russia, including opposition to U.S. policy in the Ukraine war.

The defense attorneys, however, have said that despite their connections to the Russian organization, the actions taken by the African People's Socialist Party and Uhuru Movement were aligned precisely with what they have advocated for in more than 50 years. Yeshitela founded the organization in 1972 as a Black empowerment group opposed to vestiges of colonialism around the world.
The legal battle between Fearless Fund and a conservative anti-woke-anti-DEI-anti-everything-else group has come to a disappointing settlement. The Fearless Fund, an Atlanta-based grant firm catering to minority-owned businesses, came under fire last August by the American Alliance for Equal Rights.

The nonprofit claimed the fund practiced racial discrimination in their Fearless Strivers Grant Contest. The contest, sponsored by JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Mastercard, allotted $20,000 in grant money exclusively to four Black women entrepreneurs who entered the bid, per The AP. Basically, Fearless Fund was accused of erring by disqualifying non-Black business folk.

Fearless Fund clapped back, claiming Alliance lacked grounds for a lawsuit because the terms of the contest were protected by the First Amendment and the organization could not show they suffered irreparable harm to justify injunctive relief. However, in a June decision, three judges in the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Alliance would be likely to win a discrimination lawsuit, court documents show.

Though, in a Wednesday ruling, the fund backed down from pursuing litigation and settled following a motion to dismiss the caseand at a troubling cost.

Read more from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution:

As of today, the Fearless Fund has permanently closed the grant contest and will never reopen it, the Alliance said in a statement. Fearless Fund confirmed the settlement in a statement, though did not disclose the terms. From the moment the lawsuit was filed, I pledged to stand firm in helping and empowering women of color entrepreneurs in need, Fearless Fund CEO and co-founder Arian Simone said. Our overarching mission remains focused on helping and empowering entrepreneurs who have been historically overlooked in the venture capital marketplace. Rather than appeal, last month, Simone said she and her team decided to settle because if they lost, the decision would apply nationwide.

All is not lost for the Fearless Fund. The firm can continue making investments and offering charity opportunities to underserved businesses as they operated before. Actually, backing down from holding the contest any further to avoid attacks of diversity and inclusion-based resources on a larger scale.

By strategically avoiding a Supreme Court ruling that could have eliminated race-based funding, we protected vital opportunities for the entire Black and brown community, said civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump, who represented the firm, via AP News.

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Anduril Industries has recently introduced its new Barracuda family of autonomous cruise missiles, addressing air forces need for affordably increased stockpiles of precision weapons. The Barracuda missiles are currently in the company flight-testing phase. This development comes as the U.S. military seeks to enhance its deterrence against peer competitors, particularly in potential conflicts with China.

The Barracuda family consists of three variants:

The Barracuda family consists of three members, each with unique characteristics. The smallest, the Barracuda-100, is designed for air launch and high-volume missions. Its sibling, the Barracuda-250, offers a middle ground in size and capability. The largest in the trio, the Barracuda-500, stands out with its adaptability to swarm attacks using cargo launch design.

Despite their differences, all three Barracudas share common subsystems that set them apart in bespoke-designed cruise missiles. They can travel long distances, carry payloads over 100 pounds, maneuver up to 5Gs, and loiter in the air for more than two hours. Andurils engineers explained that these capabilities allow for a wide range of mission types, from gathering intelligence to engaging targets with kinetic or other effects.

Barracuda-100: The smallest variant, with a range of 85 nm and a payload of 35 pounds, is designed for high-volume, low-cost missions. It can be launched from the ground or by rail launch from attack helicopters, tail dropped from C-130 transport aircraft, or launched from the air, which shortens its operational range to 60 nm.

Barracuda-250: This medium-sized variant, carrying the same warhead as the 100, is also air-launched, offering a balance between size and capability. This version extends the range to 200 nm for air-launched versions or 150 for surface-launched versions. It is designed for internal carriage on all types of F-35 and bombers or externally carried by multirole strike fighters (F15, F16, F18E/F). It can also be launched from the ground or surface vessels.

Barracuda-500: The largest variant carrying a bigger warhead (over 100 pounds), still smaller than current cruise missiles. It is configured for air launch only, either from strike fighters or transport aircraft such as the C-17 and C-130 using the Rapid Dragon palletized system, enabling the rapid deployment of missile swarms at targets within a 500 nm range.

Aimed at Cost-Efficiency

The philosophy behind the Barracudas design is equally innovative. In an age where military budgets are scrutinized, Anduril has focused on cost-effectiveness to enable mass production. The Barracuda missile requires less than ten tools to produce and 50% fewer parts than traditional systems, resulting in a product thats 30% cheaper than comparable missiles. The missile leverages commercially and widely available components across six common subsystems. Open systems architecture and software-defined, hardware-enabled design aim to enable rapid integration and testing, leveraging the latest advancements over the weapon lifecycle and implementing advanced, autonomous behaviors such as collaborative mission autonomy.

Anduril was selected by the US Air Force and Defense Innovation Unit as one of four competitors for their future Enterprise Test Vehicle. Anduril is pitching the Barracuda-500 for this program.
Members of the Japan Business Federation joined US groups to pen the letter to Janet Yellen (Richard A. Brooks)

Major Japanese and American business groups have urged US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen not to succumb to political pressure when reviewing Nippon Steel's proposed acquisition of United States Steel.

The $14.9 billion takeover, agreed by the firms in December, has met opposition from both presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.

US Steel warned last week it could shut its Pennsylvania headquarters and factories if the deal is blocked, after reports said incumbent Joe Biden plans to stop the sale.

Yellen is chair of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), which is reviewing the transaction.

The Japan Business Federation -- the country's largest business group -- wrote to Yellen along with the United States Council for International Business, the Washington-based Global Business Alliance and others.

"There have been persistent attempts recently to politicise the committee's work from across the political spectrum, allowing politics to undermine the clear and narrow statutory mandate of national security," they said.

"We fear this political pressure may be unduly influencing the outcome of the CFIUS review" which is "putting the US economy and workers at risk", warned the letter dated Wednesday and released to journalists on Thursday.

"America's investment climate will be severely tarnished if such political interference prevails."

Nippon Steel's vice president met CFIUS members in Washington on Wednesday in an apparent attempt to win support for the acquisition, Japan's Nikkei business daily and other media outlets said.

The takeover has been condemned by the United Steelworkers (USW) union, even as Nippon promised investments to keep Pennsylvania factories competitive and newer "mini mills" in the American South.

Wednesday's letter noted that the United States is the world's largest recipient of foreign direct investment.

Foreign-headquartered companies employ 7.9 million US workers, it said.

The letter also warned that American firms seeking to make investments abroad may face "reciprocal action as a result of politicising the US review process".

kh/kaf/dan
Blake Moore questions slow budget process as almost two-thirds of taxpayers could see a tax increase next year

Rep. Blake Moore, R-Utah, listens to proceedings at a field hearing for the House Ways and Means Committee at ARUP Laboratories in Research Park in Salt Lake City on Friday, July 12, 2024. | Brice Tucker, Deseret News

The House Budget Committee called in Congressional Budget Office Director Phillip Swagel to testify this week, with committee members saying they hope to see increased efficiency between the committee and federal agency.

Their work is tied closely together: The CBO issues economic forecasts and reports related to the federal budget, and the Budget Committee uses the information to draft legislation.

Utah Rep. Blake Moore, who is on the House Budget Committee, acknowledged the critical role the CBO plays in the legislative process. I think its an important opportunity for Congress to provide that needed oversight over CBOs operations, he said.

The relationship is particularly important, he said, heading into next years tax expirations.

Many provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 are set to expire in 2025. The Tax Foundation estimates roughly 62% of taxpayers will see a hike in their taxes.

We have seven or eight years of data now for some of the very similar tax provisions that we would hope to be able to reauthorize, said Moore, who often says 2025 is the Super Bowl of Tax because of the expiring tax breaks amid a divided Congress. Moore also asked Swagel about the issues his agency faces in issuing reports on time.

Federal budget office says White House fails to adhere to deadlines

The Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 requires the CBO to provide Congress with a budget and economic outlook report, commonly known as the CBO baseline. Moore noted that the last time the CBO released three baselines in one year was in 2019. What prevents CBO from returning to that timeline? Moore asked Swagel during Wednesdays hearing.

The CBO director noted Moores accuracy and said, The deviation from regular order and ... the lack of pace of congressional action on appropriations in the budget, thats what plays havoc with our ability to do these baseline updates.

What challenges would CBO have to overcome to return to releasing those baselines in a year? Moore asked before noting the appropriations process is a complete mess.

Swagel said CBO would ideally support Congress better by providing well-timed information at regular intervals. He pointed to the executive branch, saying the presidents office doesnt release the budget by the statutory deadline.

We get information from the executive branch on the actual spending for the prior year at the time of the presidents budget. So when the president is late, that affects our ability to update the baseline for the spring, Swagel explained.

Moore added, I would argue that my colleagues on the other side of this building, the Senate, need to understand that theyve got to be able to put things on paper sooner.

The House does a much better job, at least, of trying to pass appropriations bills on time, he said.

During the last appropriations process, the Senate had roughly 13 hours to approve $1.2 trillion in spending. Democrats and Republicans reached an agreement just before midnight on the day of the shutdown deadline. The votes passed early Saturday. The White House ultimately directed agencies to not shut down in the meantime.

Rep. Blake Moore on improper payments

Moore also raised the issue of reducing improper payments by federal agencies. According to the Government Accountability Office, annual improper payments increased from $106 billion in 2013 to $247 billion in 2022. The committee has since proposed the bipartisan Enhancing Improper Payment Accountability Act, which would codify stringent reporting requirements for federal programs dispensing more than $100 million per year.

Could you speak to what CBO currently relies on to evaluate improper payment rates in government programs? Moore asked.

Swagel relayed his concerns regarding the executive branchs actions on the matter. The White Houses office doesnt always do the greatest job of figuring out their own improper payments, he said.
Blinken was in Warsaw on Thursday after a trip to Kyiv a day earlier (Mark Schiefelbein) (Mark Schiefelbein/AFP/AFP)

Russia on Thursday claimed to have recaptured a swath of territory in its western Kursk region, where Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky conceded Moscow's troops were mounting a counter-offensive.

Kyiv launched a shock incursion into Russia's Kursk border region on August 6, advancing kilometres into Russian territory and seizing dozens of settlements.

The attack -- the biggest by a foreign army on Russian territory since World War II -- caught Moscow off-guard as its invasion drags through its third year.

Russia has insisted from the very start it would expel Ukrainian troops from the region.

But it had until now appeared to be on the back foot, marshalling a humanitarian response and evacuating some 150,000 people.

"Units of the 'North' group of troops liberated 10 settlements within two days," Russia's defence ministry said in a statement posted on its Telegram channel.

Speaking at a press conference in Kyiv, Zelensky said "Russians have launched counter-offensive actions."

He did not provide details on the extent of Russian operations, but said the incursion was still "going in line with our Ukrainian plan".

Ukraine's commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrsky said in late August that Kyiv had seized 100 settlements and almost 1,300 square kilometres (500 square miles) of Russian territory.

Kyiv says it does not want to annex parts of Russia -- as Moscow has done in eastern Ukraine -- but hopes it could force its enemy to divert troops and could be a powerful bargaining chip in any negotiations.

- 'Adjust' -

The Russian counter-attack comes as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken promised Washington would quickly review Kyiv's long-standing request to give it more leeway to use Western-supplied weapons to strike targets inside Russia.

"As we go forward, we will do exactly what we have already done, which is, we will adjust, we'll adapt as necessary, including with regard to the means that are at Ukraine's disposal to effectively defend against the Russian aggression," Blinken said Thursday in a press conference in Warsaw.

Washington currently only allows Ukraine to hit Russian targets in the occupied parts of Ukraine and some in Russian border regions directly related to Moscow's combat operations.

Kyiv wants more flexibility to hit Russian airfields and other military targets further from the front lines that it says are crucial to Moscow's invasion.

"The delay in this process leads to Russia moving these military targets deeper into Russia," Zelensky said Thursday.

President Joe Biden -- who has been hesitant to take actions that risk triggering direct conflict between nuclear-armed Russia and the United States -- will review the Ukrainian requests Friday in a White House meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

The Kremlin said Wednesday it would respond "appropriately" if the restrictions are lifted.

Speaking in Poland after a trip to Kyiv, Blinken was also set to discuss an appeal by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga for neighbouring countries to help shoot down missiles over its western region.

Russia has upped its air attacks on Ukraine in recent weeks amid the Kursk offensive, including targeting the country's energy infrastructure ahead of what is set to be another tough winter for Ukraine.

- 'Another war crime' -

The International Committee of the Red Cross and Zelensky said Thursday three aid workers were killed by shelling in eastern Ukraine.

Zelensky said ICRC vehicles were hit in the Donetsk region, calling it "another Russian war crime."

"I condemn attacks on Red Cross personnel in the strongest terms. It's unconscionable that shelling would hit an aid distribution site," ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric said in a statement, adding that "our hearts are broken today as we mourn the loss of our colleagues and care for the injured".

All three were Ukrainian citizens, the country's human rights ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets said.

Moscow's forces are also ramping up the pressure on the battlefield in the eastern Donetsk region, where the most intense fighting is taking place.

"Russians have cut off the water supply to Pokrovsk," the city administration said in a post on Telegram.

The key logistics hub lies around 10 kilometres (six miles) from the frontlines and is a major target for Russia's troops.

Donetsk Governor Vadym Filashkin on Wednesday accused Russia of cutting of gas supplies to the city, where around 28,000 people still live despite calls to evacuate.

Zelensky also said an Egypt-bound cargo ship carrying wheat was hit by a Russian missile in the Black Sea, shortly after leaving Ukrainian waters.

burs-ant-sct-jc/brw/giv
Blinken wraps up Ukraine-focused Europe trip in Poland with arms requests on the table

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, left, welcomes by Polish Foreign Minister Radosaw Sikorski, right, for talks in Warsaw, Poland, Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski)

WARSAW (AP)  U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken wrapped up a three-nation, Ukraine-focused European tour in Poland on Thursday after hearing repeated appeals from Ukrainian officials to use Western-supplied weaponry for long-range strikes inside Russia.

Blinken traveled to Warsaw after spending a day in Kyiv with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy during which they pledged to bring the Ukrainian requests to their leaders.

U.S. President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer are to meet in the United States on Friday amid signs both Washington and London are growing more receptive to allowing the Ukrainians to use their arms to hit targets farther inside Russia than previously okayed.

As what Russias doing has changed, as the battlefield has changed, weve adapted, Blinken said at a news conference in Warsaw.

Biden has allowed Ukraine to fire U.S.-provided missiles across the border into Russia in self-defense, but has largely limited the distance they can be fired.

Just last week Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin met with Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelenskyy and pushed back on the long-range ask, noting that Ukraine has already been able to strike inside Russia with its own internally produced systems including drones.

One of the key requests from Kyiv is to strike with U.S.-produced Army Tactical Missile Systems, or ATACMS. The Pentagon has noted they wouldn't be the answer to the main threat Ukraine faces from long-range Russian fired glide bombs, which are being fired from more than 300 kilometers away, beyond the ATACMS reach, said Pentagon spokesman Lt. Col. Charlie Dietz.

In addition, the U.S. supply of ATACMS missiles, which can cost up to $1.5 million each depending on the variant, are finite, Dietz said. We need to be judicious about where and when they are deployed.

At Ramstein Air Base last week Austin said the arguments the Ukrainians have used for long range strikes are like the discussions the U.S. had with Ukraine over Abrams tanks. While those systems were ultimately provided, they are currently not being used.

I dont believe one specific capability will be decisive, and I stand by that comment, Austin said in Germany.

At the Pentagon Thursday, press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder would not say if Austin's views had changed since last week.

As of right now, the policy has not changed. Ill just leave it there, Ryder said.

In Warsaw, Blinken said, One of the purposes of my visit to Kyiv yesterday was to hear from our Ukrainian partners what they believe they need now to deal with the current battlefield, including in eastern Ukraine and other parts of the country"

I can tell you that as we go forward we will do exactly what we have already done, which is we will adjust as necessary  in order to defend against Russian aggression," Blinken said.

He delivered a similar message in Kyiv a day earlier. In both cases, the language was similar to that which he used in May, shortly before the U.S. green-lit Ukrainian use of U.S. weapons just inside Russian territory.

The diplomatic visit unfolded as Russias bigger and better-equipped army bears down on Ukraines eastern Donetsk region and conducts aerial attacks on cities across the country using missiles, glide bombs and drones that claim many civilian casualties.

NATO member Poland, which shares a border with Ukraine, has been supportive of the Ukrainians and Blinken heard requests for easing weapons-use restrictions from Polish Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski.

Sikorski argued that Ukraine should be allowed to use Western weapons against Russia in self-defense, because Russia is committing war crimes by attacking civilian targets.

Missiles that hit these civilian targets are fired from bomber aircraft from over the territory of Russia. These bombers take off from airfields on Russias territory, Sikorski said. A victim of aggression has the right to defend itself.

So I believe that Ukraine has the right to use Western weapons to prevent war crimes, Sikorski added.

Blinken also met in Warsaw with President Andrzej Duda and Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who share Sikorski's pro-Ukraine stance.

On Wednesday, Blinken and Lammy announced that the United States and Britain had pledged nearly $1.5 billion in additional aid to Ukraine during their visit to Kyiv. Blinken announced more than $700 million in humanitarian aid, while Lammy confirmed that his country would provide another $782 million in assistance and loan guarantees.

Much of the effort was aimed at bolstering the energy grid that Russia has repeatedly pounded ahead of an expected difficult winter.

Ukraine's wish list is long and non-military assistance is certainly on it, but Ukrainian officials made clear their most important ask is for easing restrictions on where Western weapons can be used. Air-raid sirens sounded repeatedly during the visit, causing delays in their schedule and forcing them to cancel a wreath-laying ceremony.

Blinken said he would bring the discussion with Zelenskyy about the missiles back to Washington to brief the president and that Biden and Starmer will no doubt talk about the issue when they meet in Washington.

Relations between Ukraine and its Western partners have been increasingly strained by Kyivs repeated appeals for the Wests authorization to use long-range weapons from the United States and other allies to strike targets deeper inside Russia.

That issue took on added urgency after Russias latest reported acquisition of ballistic missiles from Iran, but Western leaders have so far balked at Ukraines request, fearing that, if granted, it could escalate the war.

Zelenskyy has said that he has a plan for victory which includes several components, including goals Ukraine hopes to achieve on the battlefield as well as diplomatic and economic aims.

In late August he described Ukraines incursion into Russias Kursk region as part of that plan, saying it had removed the Russian threat from Ukraines Kharkiv, Sumy and Chernihiv regions. He has said he hopes to present the plan to both Harris and Trump in September, not knowing which will win the presidency.

Lets count on some strong decisions, at least, Zelenskyy said Wednesday. For us, its very important.

___

Vanessa Gera contributed from Warsaw. Tara Copp contributed from Washington.
OWENSBORO, Ky. (WEHT) One of the U.S. Navys Blue Angels flew into Owensboro Wednesday morning ahead of this weekends air show. They honored some people for their impact on the community. One of them is a firefighter who donated his kidney to save the life of his sister-in-law.

The Blue Angel #7 landed to pick up a few unlikely guests including Olympic Gymnast Shawn Johnson East and a hometown hero known to some as Captain America.



Tyler Grant, an Owensboro Firefighter, dedicated to keeping his community and family safe.

Police warn parents of mobile game used to allegedly exploit teenagers

The emergency responder traveled over 600 miles and reached speeds up to 7 times the force of gravity as he was recognized by the Blue Angels for the way hes shaping and inspiring the local youth.

On the ground amongst his supporters is his sister-in-law Jessy Bennett, whos life he saved after almost a decade of navigating kidney failure.

Ive said for the longest time that Tylers like Captain America. He just always does the right thing. In fact, we even named the kidney Steveafter Steve Rogers in honor of Tyler, says Bennett.

During his 45-minute ride Grant did barrel rolls and flips, as his pilot stayed alert to check for any signs of Grant passing outa common effect of flying at such a high speed. Instead, the hometown hero soared into laughter.

Every time it would start to tunnel inTheyre like okay really work on your breathing or whatever. I would just start laughing. He was like I dont think anyones ever laughed that hard. While pulling Gs, says Grant.

4-time Olympic Gymnastics medalist Shawn Johnson East took a ride after Grant.

At just 16 years old, the olympian won gold in 2008 for the balance beam. 16 years later, she finds herself a little nervous about what shes describing as a pinch me moment.

The adrenaline junkie in me loves this. Ive jumped out of planes. Ive done like the Indycar ride alongsI love it. I just dont wanna puke. I feel like the only thing I keep finding are videos of people passing out and throwing up, and Im like great. Its just my goal not to do either, says Johnson-East.

Johnson-East shared on social media that she made it through the flight just fine. She says she and her husband have plans to return this weekend with her children for the Blue Angels full show and a taste of Owensboros Bar-B-Que.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW).
The Board of Public Works approved a $50,000 settlement with a student who filed a federal lawsuit claiming bias in a disciplinary procedure that resulted in his temporary expulsion from the University of Maryland College Park. File Photo by carmichaellibrary on Flickr.

A former student at the University of Maryland, College Park will receive $50,000 to settle a federal lawsuit that alleged he was discriminated against during a disciplinary hearing involving claims of sexual assault.

The Board of Public Works voted unanimously Wednesday to approve the settlement with the former student who was temporarily expelled. But not before Treasurer Dereck Davis raised questions about the university  and taxpayers  making the payout without holding a third-party hearing officer responsible.

This wasnt done by state employees or anything like that, Davis said. We hired somebody to handle this for us, and it appears they were negligent in some way in their handling of this matter. So, we might as well have done it ourselves that were going to end up paying for the mistakes anyway.

The settlement stems from a complaint filed at the University of Maryland College Park last fall by a female student who attended another university, according to a lawsuit filed in federal court.

The woman, identified in a federal lawsuit as Jane Roe, filed a complaint with university officials in early 2023 claiming she had been sexually assaulted a year earlier by the male student identified as John Doe.

The lawsuit alleged dozens of procedural errors, failures to collect evidence and interview witnesses, and inaccuracies and inconsistencies in Roes testimony at a disciplinary hearing.

Does attorney also raised concerns about bias against men by Angela Nastase, the universitys Title IX coordinator and director of the Office of Civil Rights and Sexual Misconduct, and Alyssa-Rae McGinn, who was hired to serve as hearing officer in the case. Both Nastase and McGinn were named as non-parties in the lawsuit against the university.

The lawsuit said McGinn, a second-year law school student at the time, was hired to replace Dan Schorr, an attorney with two decades of legal and investigative experience. It said McGinn had a history of advocacy on sexual assault issues: She was a regular contributor to a podcast on Title IX and civil rights heavily geared toward victims rights and noticeably devoid of content pertaining to respondents rights, the lawsuit said, adding that McGinn frequently conflates women with victims and men with respondent.'

Does lawsuit alleged that McGinn found in favor of Does accuser despite contradictions, inconsistencies, and factual errors because of the hearing officers bias and because the university was under increasing scrutiny over sexual assault cases and a federal Department of Education Civil Rights investigation.

The lawsuit, filed in December after Doe had exhausted all his university-level appeals, sought an injunction barring his expulsion and compensatory damages in excess of $75,000. U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett issued a restraining order in January barring the university from expelling Doe and ordering it to allow Doe to re-enroll and attend classes.

Im assuming we went with outside mediators or hearing officers because they had a certain level of expertise, Davis said. So, we were effectively contracting that out, and if they made mistakes in the performance of their duties as the vendor, the contractor, whatever we want to call them, they should be paying for the mistakes, not us.

Ariel Lichterman, an assistant Maryland attorney general representing the university, noted legal challenges to the universitys processes in handling the case.

And so, I think one of the challenges, as you bring up, was the hearing officers conduct but also the universitys processes and procedures, Lichterman said. And so again, without getting into the specific details, we believe there is some exposure in the case. As a result, we think its in the best interest of the state to proceed with resolving this matter.

Comptroller Brook Lierman (D) questioned the contract with McGinn.

Are there standard agreements that are signed between the USM and that third party administrator that would allow us to sue them to make up for what were paying? Lierman asked. Or are we holding them harmless for mistakes that theyre made  not mistakes, but negligence or even, especially, intentional behavior?

Lichterman said he was not familiar with the agreement between the university and McGinn.

I think it may be worth a follow up for us to understand the kinds of agreements that the university system is signing, since it is at the end of the day on us and the taxpayers, Lierman said. She said the university should make sure that they are holding their third-party hearing officers accountable for the work that they do when they are negligent or, heaven forbid, act intentionally.

Board approves land purchase over senators call for delay

The board also approved the purchase of nearly 42 acres of property that is currently a private luxury camping facility near Frostburg. The $9.6 million purchase of the Savage River Lodge was approved by a 2-0 vote, with Davis abstaining, over the objection of Sen. Mike McKay (R-Western Maryland).

McKay asked the board to briefly pump the brakes on the sale to allow for a meeting between residents and the Department of Natural Resources.

The public has questions, and all Im asking for is a delay to allow DNR to have a town hall. That Town Hall may not have anybody show up. I do believe there will probably be 25, maybe 50 people, McKay said. But at the end of the day, good governance and transparency starts where we have public input.

And I just ask for this grace that you pump the brakes. The property is not going to be sold under the feet of the state of Maryland, and just to give the public the ability of the constituents that I serve, the ability to ask questions is all Im asking for, he said.

Gov. Wes Moore described the property as a significant parcel  located within the Savage River State Forest. State officials said the property will expand camping opportunities in Western Maryland and provide additional protection to the Savage River.

Owners of the lodge, which has been in existence for 25 years, bill the property as a luxury experience with a bar and morning muffin service for eight yurts and eight private cabins. The property also boasted a restaurant, which was closed in anticipation of the sale.

Moore said the property is projected to generate over $1 million in revenue for the state, which exceeds the anticipated expenses after the initial startup costs.

But McKay said there are concerns about the property, comparing it to the state purchase of the former Woodmont Rod and Gun Club in 1995. After that purchase, he said, DNR found numerous maintenance issues that needed to be addressed, and in response, the agency pulled manpower, significant other resources available to its other projects and redirected them to the Woodmont facility.

This is just one example of a mistake that I dont want to see repeated. You see the Woodmont property, the public does have access to that one day a year, one day a year, he said.

DNR officials nixed the idea of a public meeting in advance of the sale because of contractual concerns.

We have a contract to purchase a piece of property with a private landowner, said Emily Wilson, DNRs director of land acquisition. Weve negotiated terms of that contract. I would say its probably not dissimilar to perhaps going through a procurement and an outside party coming in in the middle of a procurement.

Department officials said the agency would be open to a public meeting after the sale was complete. But Davis asked if that wasnt sort of like buying a car and then test driving it? I mean, whats the point of having that meeting if weve already made the purchase?

Davis, who abstained from voting on the purchase, noted the sale price is already public and called for more public transparency because of the use of public funding.

 This story was updated on Friday, Sept. 13, to correct Jane Roes school in the fourth paragraph.
Body of missing 15-year-old boy found in southwest Charlotte. He was shot, police say

The body of a 15-year-old boy missing since Sept. 4 was discovered Tuesday in southwest Charlotte, police said. Anthony Smith had been shot.

Police began a search after he was reported missing, according to a Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department news release Wednesday.

Police responded to the 600 block of Silverleaf Road on Tuesday and located human remains. The news release didnt specify exactly where, but the area includes a wooded neighborhood with single-family homes.

The state medical examiners office on Wednesday identified the remains as Anthonys, police said. Detectives are investigating the case as a homicide.

Reconciling the World Ministries, a church in Charlotte, was among those who posted photos and information about Anthonys disappearance on Facebook in recent days. The post said he was last seen in Fort Mill.

This is a developing story and will be updated.
Body recovered after man drowns in MS lake, sheriff says

MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A mans body was recovered Wednesday night from Moon Lake in Coahoma County, Mississippi, the county sheriff said.

Authorities believe the man may have drowned in an attempt to recover his boat.

The Coahoma County Sheriffs Office said deputies were called to Moon Lake around 7:30 p.m., following a report from a concerned citizen about a truck that had been on the boat ramp for several hours.

The countys Search and Rescue team along with state game wardens recovered the body around 9:30, and notified family. The victim has not been identified.

Moon Lake sits near the junction of Highways 61 and 49 near Lula, Mississippi.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
Incredible bodycam video released on Friday shows a K-9 in Washington state helping officers arrest a suspect in the buff.

In a press release entitled "K9 Bronco vs. Naked Guy," the Pierce County Sheriff's Department announced the arrest and explained the footage. Keeping the suspect's name anonymous, officials said that the incident began on the morning of Aug. 11, when deputies "attempted to contact a male sleeping in a stolen F550."

"[H]e fled leading deputies on a pursuit into King County," the press release stated. "Washington State Patrol took over the pursuit which headed into Snohomish County before he went south to Seattle, crashed and fled on foot."

The suspect had left his girlfriend and 4-year-old son in the stolen vehicle. The sheriff's department said that they quickly identified the man, who had several felony warrants and "was known to carry firearms."

MISSOURI POLICE OFFICER CHARGED IN DEATH OF K-9 OFFICER LEFT IN HOT CAR

A naked suspect was caught by a K-9 during a strange chase caught on bodycam video.

On Aug. 21, authorities encountered the couple again after a deputy spotted the stolen vehicle. The suspect and his girlfriend refused to cooperate with authorities when police initiated a traffic stop.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

The bodycam footage shows the situation escalating quickly when an officer shoots a hole in the stolen car's rear window.

"Deputies utilized a 40mm less lethal round to make a hole in the rear window of the vehicle," the sheriff's office explained. "The woman started to yell [that] she was getting dressed."

MISSOURI K-9 OFFICER DIES AFTER BEING LEFT INSIDE HOT CAR OVERNIGHT: 'TREMENDOUS LOSS'

The suspect had hidden in a backyard trash can before he was found by a K-9.

"After a few moments the suspect exited the vehicle and fled on foot, naked," the Pierce County Sheriff's Department added. "He had jumped several fences before deputies lost sight of him."

The bodycam footage shows an officer yelling, "He's running naked! Over the fence!" as a team of officers and the K-9 rushed into a backyard. The dog is then seen sniffing out a trash can, which is where the suspect was found.

"He was then taken into custody without any further attempts to flee," the press release added. "This suspect continuously tried to evade law enforcement until he came eye to eye with K9 Bronco. Only wearing a birthday suit, he finally made a good decision and surrendered to our deputies."

The man was arrested by authorities on suspicion of stealing a vehicle and evading arrest.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FOX NEWS APP

"Awesome Job Deputies and Good boy BRONCO!!!" the sheriff's department concluded.





Original article source: Bodycam footage shows K-9 ending bizarre pursuit involving naked suspect: 'Good boy'
Boeing mechanics (from L) Nick Hudson, Joe Philbin, Blake Thayer and Ajay Fraatz gather outside after submitting their votes on whether to strike (Jason Redmond) (Jason Redmond/AFP/AFP)

Talks between Boeing and striking US factory workers are due to resume early next week under a federal mediator, the government said Friday, after workers voted overwhelmingly to reject an earlier proposal from the embattled aviation giant.

Thousands of Boeing factory workers in the United States walked off the job Friday over the pay dispute, its first strike in 16 years.

Union leaders called for the strike to start just after midnight (0700 GMT), shortly after hourly workers in the Seattle region in the Pacific Northwest spurned the tentative contract with 94.6 percent of the vote, and to strike with 96 percent.

The strike shuttered two major plane assembly plants for the 737 MAX and 777 in the Puget Sound region and sidelines some 33,000 workers, further delaying the financially stressed company's turnaround efforts.

"We sent an overwhelmingly large message to Boeing that they cannot continue to treat us this poorly," Mike Corsetti, who has worked at Boeing for 15 years, told AFP Friday afternoon as he picketed in front of the Everett factory.

Thursday's vote was a decisive rejection of a deal line workers said was far less generous than depicted by Boeing executives, marking the latest show of defiance by unions following earlier major strikes in the auto and entertainment industries.

Boeing, led by new CEO Kelly Ortberg, had hoped a 25-percent wage hike over four years and a commitment to invest in the Puget Sound region would be enough.

But rank-and-file workers described it as a slap in the face after more than a decade of nearly stagnant wages.

Late on Friday, the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) said it had been in contact with both parties and supported their return to the negotiating table.

"As part of the effort to resolve the current labor dispute and end the work stoppage, which began at 12:01 am PDT this morning, the parties will resume meetings early next week," said a FMCS statement.

- 'Hollow' commitments -

Workers had sought a 40-percent wage hike and critics have said the 25-percent figure is inflated because the new deal also eliminates an annual company bonus.

Other points of contention include the deal's failure to restore a pension, as well as Boeing's pledge to build its next plane in the Seattle region, which critics said offers no promises beyond the four-year contract.

Some workers expressed anger about the compensation packages offered to Dennis Muilenburg and Dave Calhoun, two former CEOs who received multi-million dollar pay-offs even as the company faced turmoil.

Boeing Chief Financial Officer Brian West said Friday that the company had put "our best foot forward" and felt confident in the deal after it was endorsed by union leadership.

But Boeing leadership quickly understood that the offer "didn't meet the mark and was not acceptable" to the rank-and-file, West said at a financial conference.

"We want to get back to the table and we want to reach an agreement that's good for our people, their families, our community," he added.

Corsetti, 51, said he was not impressed with Boeing's conciliatory posture.

"It's all talk until they actually come up with a real offer," he said. "What they considered their final offer should have been the starting point, not the final point."

- Long strike ahead? -

The most recent stoppage by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), in 2008, lasted 57 days.

According to analysts at TD Cowen, a 50-day strike would deprive Boeing of between $3 billion and $3.5 billion in cash flow, and would have a $5.5 billion impact on revenue.

Richard Aboulafia, managing director of the AeroDynamic Advisory consultancy, said a lengthy strike would damage Boeing's turnaround prospects, but noted that a 2023 strike at Boeing supplier Spirit AeroSystems lasted less than two weeks.

Labor historian Nelson Lichtenstein predicted a "relatively shorter" strike at Boeing compared with past stoppages as the company faces pressure from Wall Street to improve its quality control enough to boost production and return to profitability.

"The quality question is totally linked to the frozen wages and lost institutional memory" due to staff turnover, said Lichtenstein, who teaches at the University of California at Santa Barbara.

To win a deal, Boeing will need to increase pay and augment a pledge to build the next airplane in the Seattle region to ensure that it is good beyond the four-year life of the contract, Lichtenstein said.

Boeing was the biggest loser on the Dow index on Friday, slumping 3.7 percent.

jmb/aha/des
SEATTLE (AP)  Machinists at Boeing voted Thursday to go on strike, another setback for the giant aircraft maker whose reputation and finances have been battered and now faces a shutdown in production of its best-selling airline planes.

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers said 94.6% of voting workers rejected the contract, which would have raised pay 25% over four years, and 96% approved the strike, easily surpassing a two-thirds requirement.

The strike by 33,000 machinists was set to begin at one minute after midnight Friday morning.

This is about respect, this is about the past, and this is about fighting for our future," IAM District 751 President Jon Holden said in announcing the vote.

Boeing responded that it was ready to get back to the table to reach a new agreement.

The message was clear that the tentative agreement we reached with IAM leadership was not acceptable to the members. We remain committed to resetting our relationship with our employees and the union," the company said in a statement.

Very little has gone right for Boeing this year, from a panel blowing out and leaving a gaping hole in one of its passenger jets in January to NASA leaving two astronauts in space rather sending them home on a problem-plagued Boeing spacecraft.

As long as the strike lasts, it will deprive Boeing of much-needed cash that it gets from delivering new planes to airlines. That will be another challenge for new CEO Kelly Ortberg, who six weeks ago was given the job of turning around a company that has lost more than $25 billion in the last six years and fallen behind European rival Airbus.

Ortberg made a last-ditch effort to salvage a deal that had unanimous backing from the union's negotiators. He told machinists Wednesday that no one wins in a walkout, and that a strike would put Boeings recovery in jeopardy and raise more doubt about the company in the eyes of its airline customers.

For Boeing, it is no secret that our business is in a difficult period, in part due to our own mistakes in the past, he said. Working together, I know that we can get back on track, but a strike would put our shared recovery in jeopardy, further eroding trust with our customers and hurting our ability to determine our future together.

Workers were in no mood to listen.

Holden said Ortberg faced a difficult position because machinists are bitter about stagnant wages and concessions they have made since 2008 on pensions and health care to prevent the company from moving jobs elsewhere.

It's hard to make up for 16 years, he said.

Story continues

The vote was also a rebuke to Holden and union negotiators, who recommended that workers approve the contract offer. Holden, who predicted that workers would vote to strike, said the union will survey members to decide what issues they want to stress when negotiations resume.

Union members posted complaints about the deal all week on social media, often demanding bigger raises. On Thursday, several dozen blew whistles, banged drums and held up signs calling for a strike as they marched to a union hall near Boeings 737 Max plant in Renton, Washington.

As you can see, the solidarity is here, said Chase Sparkman, a quality-assurance worker. Im expecting my union brothers and sisters to stand shoulder to shoulder, arm in arm, and let our company know that, hey, we deserve more.

The machinists make $75,608 per year on average, not counting overtime, and that would rise to $106,350 at the end of the four-year contract, according to Boeing.

However, the deal fell short of the unions initial demand for pay raises of 40% over three years. The union also wanted to restore traditional pensions that were axed a decade ago but settled for an increase in Boeing contributions to employees 401(k) retirement accounts.

Boeing worker Adam Vogel called the 25% raise a load of crap. We havent had a raise in 16 years.

Broderick Conway, another quality-assurance worker and 16-year Boeing employee, said the company can afford more.

A lot of the members are pretty upset about our first offer. Were hoping that the second offer is what were looking for, he said. "If not ... we're going to keep striking and stand up for ourselves.

The head of Boeings commercial-airplanes business, Stephanie Pope, tried this week to discourage the blue-collars workers from thinking that a strike would result in a better offer from the company.

We bargained in absolute good faith with the IAM team that represents you and your interests, she said. Let me be clear: We did not hold back with an eye on a second vote.

Voting took place at union halls in Washington state, Portland, Oregon, and a smattering of other locations.

Boeing believed it offered a significant benefit to the union by promising to build its next new plane in the Puget Sound area if workers ratified the contract. That plane  not expected until sometime in the 2030s  would replace the 737 Max. It was a key win for union leaders, who want to avoid a repeat of Boeing moving production of Dreamliners from the Seattle area to South Carolina.

The strike will stop production of the 737 Max, Boeing's best-selling airliner, along with the 777 or triple-seven jet and the 767 cargo plane at factories in Renton and Everett, Washington, near Seattle. It likely will not affect Boeing 787 Dreamliners, which are built by nonunion workers in South Carolina.

TD Cowen aerospace analyst Cai von Rumohr said before the vote that it is realistic based on the history of Boeing strikes  the last two were in 1995 and 2008  to figure that a walkout would last into mid-November, when workers' $150 weekly payments from the union's strike fund might seem low going into the holidays.

A strike that long would cost Boeing up to $3.5 billion in cash flow because the company gets about 60% of the sale price when it delivers a plane to the buyer, von Rumohr said.

Holden told members Monday the union got everything it could in bargaining and recommended approval of the deal "because we cant guarantee we can achieve more in a strike. But many of the rank-and-file remembered the concessions on pensions, health care and pay.

They are upset. They have a lot of things they want. I think Boeing understands that and wants to satisfy a fair number of them, said von Rumohr, the aerospace analyst. The question is, are they going to do enough?

Boeing has seen its reputation battered since two 737 Max airliners crashed in 2018 and 2019, killing 346 people. The safety of its products came under renewed scrutiny after a panel blew out of a Max during a flight in January.

And now it faces a strike that could cause it to fall farther behind European rival Airbus in orders and deliveries of new jetliners.

___

Koenig reported from Dallas.
California Utilities EIX, PCG, And SRE Offer Strong Buy Opportunities Despite Past Wildfire Concerns, Says BofA Analyst

BofA Securities analyst Ross Fowler reinstated the Buy rating on Edison International (NYSE:EIX), Pacific Gas & Electric Co. (NYSE:PCG) and Sempra (NYSE:SRE).

The analyst writes that the companies are trading at discounts due to past wildfire concerns. Despite higher customer rates and concerns over affordability, Californias mechanisms for managing wildfire risks are among the best in the country, and recent developments create a favorable entry point for investors, adds the analyst.

Last month, the Park fire, the largest wildfire currently burning in the U.S., ravaged over 426,000 acres in Northern California, particularly within Lassen National Forest.

The fire spread rapidly due to hot, dry conditions and dense vegetation. Due to the region's rugged terrain, firefighters face difficulties in managing the fire. This fire has become the fourth largest in California history and could surpass the third-largest Mendocino Complex fire.

Read: As Tropical Storm Debby Hits South Carolina, Bettors Predict An Aggressive Hurricane Season: Will It Be The Worst Ever?

EIX: The analyst reinstates the Buy rating with a $95 price target.

Fowler writes that the proposed settlement covering ~60% of wildfire liabilities could positively impact recovery from Woolsey fire expenses. The analyst adds that as an electric-only California utility, EIX is well-positioned to benefit from the states electrification policy.

The analyst expects project EPS of $4.97 (vs. consensus: $4.94) for 2024, $5.63 (same as consensus) for 2025, and $6.09 (street view: $5.99) for 2026.

PCG: Fowler reinstates the Buy rating with a price target of $24.

The analyst writes that management has effectively cleaned up the company post-emergence, and PCG is evolving into a more regulated utility.

Customer rates are high, but the analyst expects the company to resemble peers by 2026.

Projected EPS are $1.37 (vs. consensus: $1.36) for 2024, $1.50 (vs. consensus: $1.49) for 2025, and $1.62 (vs. street view of $1.61) for 2026.

SRE: Fowler reinstates the Buy rating with a price target of $94.

The analyst says that SREs performance is often overshadowed by LNG headlines, though the regulated utilities in California and Texas drive value.

Capital plans shift earnings toward regulated sectors, and future LNG projects offer equity sell-down opportunities, adds the analyst.

Fowler projects EPS of $4.80 (vs. cons.: $4.77) for 2024, $5.16 (vs. $5.15 street view) for 2025 and $5.67 (vs. analyst cons. of $5.53) for 2026.

Image via Shutterstock

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This article California Utilities EIX, PCG, And SRE Offer Strong Buy Opportunities Despite Past Wildfire Concerns, Says BofA Analyst originally appeared on Benzinga.com

 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
Boeing workers begin voting on whether to accept a tentative deal or strike

More than 33,000 International Association of Machinists District 751 Boeing workers started voting Thursday on whether to accept a tentative labor contract deal. File Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI

Sept. 12 (UPI) -- Boeing faces the potential for a strike as more than 33,000 workers will vote Thursday on a contract deal.

If the workers approve the deal, which includes a 25% raise over four years, a strike will be averted, but if they reject the proposal it could lead to a halt in production.

The vote is happening against a strike deadline of Friday at 12:01 a.m.

The bargaining committee of the International Association of Machinists District 751 representing Boeing workers is recommending workers vote yes on the tentative deal.

In a statement to members, the union negotiating team said in addition to the 25% raise over the four years of the proposed contract, the deal "secured the next commercial airplane program if launched during the life of the agreement, for our members in Puget Sound and Portland.

"Healthcare cost share is lowered, and retirement security is enhanced by adding an additional employer-paid benefit," it said.

Boeing's union workers also secured other improvements in career progression steps, vacation improvements, job code upgrades and worker input on safety and production quality.

Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg acknowledged in a staff note Wednesday that the reaction to the tentative agreement "has been passionate."

"I understand and respect that passion, but I ask you not to sacrifice the opportunity to secure our future together, because of the frustrations of the past," Ortberg wrote.

IAM District 751 President Jon Holden said earlier this week the proposed agreement is the best that can be achieved short of a strike. Holden told the Seattle Times Tuesday he expects IAM members to reject the deal and strike Boeing.

Boeing workers have experienced more than a decade of pay that hasn't kept up with the cost of living, so from their perspective, even relatively strong gains in the tentative proposed contract wouldn't make them whole on cost of living.

A strike could cost Boeing an estimated $1 billion a week.

If Boeing workers reject this deal and decide to strike, they will be following the footsteps of union workers in other industries pushing for gains, often turning to strikes and winning in an era if increased support for unions.

The United Auto Workers won a six-week strike against Detroit automakers last year.

The strike cost GM $1.1 billion and when it ended workers had made big gains.

The Teamsters won a historically strong contract in July and union airline pilots at American Airlines got a 46% raise over a four-year contract in 2023 while Southwest Airlines flight attendants won a 33% raise over the life of their new labor contract.

Boeing commercial airplanes division chief executive Stephanie Pope said in a Tuesday email that the contract Boeing is offering to union workers is the best the company has ever offered.

The IAM's Holden told his members the tentative deal is also the best the union has ever negotiated.

On social media and in marches at Boeing's Puget Sound facilities some of Boeing's union workers have called for a strike and urged fellow workers to reject the proposed deal.

Voting commenced Thursday with a strike deadline looming Friday at 12:01 a.m.
Springfield Ohio Bomb Threat Closes Government Buildings And Elementary School Two Days After Trump Amplified False Immigrant-Pet Claim During Debate; Mayor Says Threat Mentioned Haitian Issues  Update

UPDATE: Multiple city, county and school buildings in Springfield, Ohio, were closed today following a bomb threat received early this morning.

The closings included at least one elementary school, according to local reports.

More from Deadline

The Dayton Daily News report that Springfield Mayor Rob Rue said the threat mentioned frustration with the city related to Haitian immigration issues.

In addition to county buildings  including courts, drivers license bureaus, board of elections and others  the evacuations and closures included the citys Fulton Elementary School. Students were evacuated and moved to Springfield High School, where parents were instructed to pick them up.

In a statement released to local media by the Springfield City School District, a spokesman said, Based on information received from the State Fire Marshal, Fulton students were evacuated from their building to Springfield High School this morning. Students and staff are safe; however, the District is in the process of a controlled release to safely dismiss Fulton students to their parents. This is however, the ONLY District building that has been affected at this time.

Earlier today, Springfield City Hall was evacuated and closed today due to an emailed bomb threat that was received by multiple facilities throughout Springfield. The threat comes two days after Republican candidate Donald Trump spread a debunked claim during the presidential debate that Haitian immigrants were eating peoples pets in Springfield, Ohio.

While the citys mayor did not reveal details as to a possible motive, he said the threat made mention of frustration with the city related to Haitian immigration issues.

City of Springfield received a bomb threat that has prompted an immediate response from local and regional law enforcement, the initial Facebook post stated. As a precautionary measure, the building has been evacuated, and authorities are currently conducting a thorough investigation. Our primary concern is the safety and well-being of our employees and residents. We are working to address this situation as swiftly as possible.

According to city officials, the threat was received via an email message this morning at 8:24 am/ET. The email was sent to multiple agencies and media outlets. By 9:25 a.m., nearly a dozen police vehicles reportedly were surrounding the City Hall building.

We ask the community to avoid the area surrounding City Hall vicinity while the investigation is ongoing and to report any suspicious activity to the Springfield Police Division. We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we work through this matter.

Trump amplified the falsehood during the highly rated ABC debate between the former president and current Vice President Kamala Harris Tuesday night. Repeating misinformation that running mate JD Vance had promoted earlier on social media, Trump said, 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.

Debate co-moderator and ABC News anchor David Muir immediately shot down Trumps claim, saying the network had confirmed with the Springfield city manager that no credible reports of pets being harmed by the citys immigrant population had been received.

On Wednesday, Springfield City Manager Bryan Heck posted a video message on the citys Facebook page decrying the misinformation circulating on social media and further amplified by political rhetoric in the current, highly charged presidential election cycle.

The Haitian community in Springfield has increased significantly  and legally  in recent years due to an increase in manufacturing and warehouse jobs.

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Springfield has been thrust into the spotlight in recent days after an unfounded story of Haitian migrants eating pets went viral on social media (ROBERTO SCHMIDT) (ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP/AFP)

A government building and school were evacuated after an alleged bomb threat Thursday in Springfield, Ohio, local media reported, rattling the small city at the heart of an anti-migrant conspiracy theory amplified by Donald Trump.

Springfield has been thrust into the spotlight in recent days after an unfounded story of Haitian migrants eating pets went viral on social media, with the Republican ex-president and current White House candidate pushing the narrative despite it being debunked.

Democrats have accused Trump and his running mate, Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, of fanning racial tensions as they use the Springfield conspiracy theory to elevate immigration as a campaign issue ahead of November's election.

Despite local officials saying they had received no credible reports of pets being stolen and eaten, Trump repeated the claim during his debate Tuesday against Vice President Kamala Harris.

"Due to a bomb threat that was issued to multiple facilities throughout Springfield today, City Hall is closed today," a post on the municipal government's Facebook page said.

"City officials were alerted to this threat via an email message this morning at 8:24 am. The email was sent to multiple agencies and media outlets," it added.

Fulton Elementary School was also evacuated Thursday, though it was not immediately clear if it was related to the same bomb threat.

Arriving at the school to retrieve his child, Haitian immigrant Mackenso Roseme told AFP that the current tensions in the community were "worrying."

"I'm a little stressed. I think something might happen," he said.

A sign in English, Spanish and Haitian Creole informed Roseme and other parents that the students had been moved to a high school.

The bomb threat came from someone claiming to be from Springfield and mentioned Haitian immigration issues, the local Springfield News-Sun newspaper reported Mayor Rob Rue as saying.

Despite the bomb threats, Trump was still reposting memes related to the conspiracy theory hours later on his Truth Social platform.

He claimed Ohio was being "inundated with Illegal Migrants, mostly from Haiti, who are taking over Towns and Villages at a level and rate never seen before."

The White House had warned on Tuesday that such rhetoric could lead to real-life dangers in the community.

"This kind of disinformation is dangerous because there will be people that believe it, no matter how ludicrous and stupid it is, and they might act on that kind of information and act on it in a way where somebody could get hurt," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters.

Springfield, with a population of about 58,000, has seen an increase in Haitian immigrants in recent years -- 10,000 to 15,000 according to the Springfield News-Sun.

Social services, schools and housing have been stressed in the city for years, with some pointing to migration as a factor.

bur-des/mlm
Springfield has been thrust into the spotlight in recent days after an unfounded story of Haitian migrants eating pets went viral on social media (ROBERTO SCHMIDT) (ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP/AFP)

Government buildings and an elementary school in Springfield, Ohio were evacuated Thursday after an emailed bomb threat, police said, rattling the small US city at the heart of an anti-migrant conspiracy theory amplified by Donald Trump.

Springfield has been thrust into the spotlight in recent days after an unfounded story of Haitian migrants eating pets went viral on social media, with the Republican ex-president and current White House candidate pushing the narrative despite it being debunked.

Democrats have accused Trump and his running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance, of fanning racial tensions as they use the Springfield conspiracy theory to elevate immigration as a campaign issue ahead of November's election.

Trump doubled down on the rhetoric during a campaign rally in Tucson, Arizona on Thursday, saying that "migrants are walking off with the town's geese."

Immediately after mentioning Springfield in his speech, Trump added: "I'm angry about young American girls being raped and sodomized and murdered by savage criminal aliens," though provided no specific details.

Springfield authorities said there were no credible reports of pets being harmed by members of the immigrant community -- accusations that Trump also repeated in his Thursday debate against Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris.

The White House condemned the claims on Thursday as "filth" and said they were endangering people's lives.

On Thursday, Springfield police said that City Hall and several other government buildings had been evacuated after a bomb threat sent by email at 8:24 am (1224 GMT).

"Authorities investigated and cleared all facilities listed in the threat with the assistance of explosive detecting canines," the force said in a statement.

Fulton Elementary School and Springfield Academy of Excellence were also listed in the threat and evacuated, according to the statement.

"We are currently partnering with the Dayton office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation to identify the source of the email," it added.

- Tensions in community -

Arriving at the school to retrieve his child, Haitian immigrant Mackenso Roseme told AFP that the current tensions in the community were "worrying."

"I'm a little stressed. I think something might happen," he said.

A sign in English, Spanish and Haitian Creole informed Roseme and other parents that the students had been moved to a high school.

Mayor Rob Rue told the Springfield News-Sun that the person who sent the bomb threat claimed to be from the city and mentioned Haitian immigration issues.

Despite the bomb threats, Trump was still reposting memes related to the conspiracy theory hours later on his Truth Social platform.

He claimed Ohio was being "inundated with illegal migrants, mostly from Haiti, who are taking over Towns and Villages at a level and rate never seen before."

Springfield, with a population of about 58,000, has seen an increase in Haitian immigrants in recent years -- 10,000 to 15,000 according to the Springfield News-Sun.

Social services, schools and housing have been stressed in the city for years, with some pointing to migration as a factor.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine -- a Republican like Trump -- gave some context to the situation in Springfield during an interview Thursday.

DeWine said 15,000 immigrants from Haiti live in Springfield, "a dramatic change" for the city, and added they were there under Temporary Protected Status (TPS), which allows foreign nationals to live and work in the United States.

"Why did they come? They came for jobs," DeWine told Fox News reporters. "There's nothing wrong with us being welcoming."

A multiracial group of pastors called a press conference Thursday in Springfield, joining hands in prayer and calling on the community to come together.

"Today there were some things that happened, some threats of violence," Wes Babian, a former pastor of First Baptist Church, told AFP.

"That is part of what motivated the quick calling of clergy to come together to express our support for the Haitian community and our concern for the well-being of the entire community."

bur-des/jgc/bjt
Officials in Springfield, Ohio temporarily closed City Hall on Thursday because of bomb threats, the city said on its website.

The threats come amid increasing fear by Haitian immigrants of being targeted after former President Donald Trump and his vice president running mate JD Vance began promoting false claims about Haitians abducting wildlife and neighbors pets in the community and eating them.

The towns city manager has said they have no reports corroborating social media rumors that have found traction among Trump supporters and Tesla founder Elon Musk.

The city said that the bomb threats was issued Thursday to multiple facilities throughout Springfield and media outlets. City officials were alerted to the threat via an email message at 8:24 am. Thursday morning, the city said. The bomb threats was issued to multiple facilities throughout Springfield.

As a precautionary measure, the building has been evacuated, and authorities are currently conducting a thorough investigation, the city said. Our primary concern is the safety and well-being of our employees and residents. We are working to address this situation as swiftly as possible.

A voice note from an online Haitian media outlet out of Springfield warned residents to remain vigilant and said the threats were also issued at several schools frequented by Haitian children.

Springfield has seen an influx of immigrants from Haiti in recent years due to its low cost of living and job opportunities. Contrary to whats being portrayed by Trump supporters, many ended up there based on word of mouth from friends and relatives already in the city. They are also legally in the country, benefiting from temporary immigration protections the Biden administration recently granted due to the ongoing gang violence and humanitarian crisis in Haiti, or in the process of seeking asylum through the immigration courts.

Haitian-American elected officials as well as the Haitian Lawyers Association and the Haitian government have condemned the false claims while also showing solidarity with the Haitians in Springfield.

Donald Trump is once again fixating on fictitious stories rooted in racist stereotypes in hopes of scaring Americans into voting for him, said Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, a South Florida Democrat who is the first Haitian American Democrat elected to the U.S. Congress.

She said Trumps outrageous comment about immigrants eating Springfield, Ohio, residents pets is nothing more than a desperate attempt to stoke fear and division. Its insulting, its false, and its rooted in the worst kinds of stereotypes.

Haitians and other immigrants come to this country committed to education, hard work, and building a better life, not just for themselves but for all of us. They contribute to our economy, enrich our culture, and strengthen our communities, she said. Trumps comments are a distraction from the real issues we face, and we wont be fooled.

Florida House Rep. Dotie Joseph, a North Miami Democrat, accused Vance, a fellow lawyer, of trying to use Haitians as a scapegoat. Both he and Trump, she said, owe the Haitian community, an apology.

When you dont have integrity, you dont care about truth, you dont care about the impact on people, and you just want attention, she said.
SPRINGFIELD, Ohio  The Ohio town at the center of a culture war over debunked claims about Haitian migrants was forced to close City Hall on Thursday after it received a bomb threat, it announced on its website and social media channels.

The bomb threat "was issued to multiple facilities throughout Springfield, the city said. We ask the community to avoid the area surrounding City Hall vicinity while the investigation is ongoing and to report any suspicious activity to the Springfield Police Division.

In a press conference Thursday afternoon, Springfield police said that at least 6 buildings, including an elementary school, were closed and investigated as a result of the threat.

It wasnt immediately clear who made the bomb threat or if it was credible. Police said they are collaborating with the FBI in their investigation. The mayors office did not answer a call Thursday and its voicemail box was full.

The citys mayor, Rob Rue, indicated Thursday that the threat included complaints about Haitian migrants in the city, according to the Springfield News-Sun.

Springfield has recently been thrust into the national political culture war as conservative influencers and Republican politicians have repeated a debunked claim that immigrants from Haiti have been stealing and eating pets.

The Springfield Police Division told NBC News on Monday that there have been no credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured, or abused by individuals within the immigrant community.

Rue said at a City Commission meeting Tuesday that the claims were false. 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, he said.

That hasnt stopped Republicans from repeating and joking about it. Sen. JD Vance of Ohio, the GOP vice presidential nominee, wrote on X Monday that people have had their pets abducted and eaten by people who shouldnt be in this country.

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, posted a picture on X of two cats with the caption: Please vote for Trump so Haitian immigrants dont eat us.

In a viral moment in his debate Tuesday against Vice President Kamala Harris, Republican nominee Donald Trump repeated the claim. In Springfield, theyre eating the dogs, the people that came in, theyre eating the cats," he said. "Theyre eating the pets of the people that live there.

When ABC News anchor and debate co-moderator David Muir told Trump that Springfields city manager had said there were no credible reports of pets being harmed by immigrants, Trump replied that he had seen the claim on TV.

The people on television said their dog was eaten by the people that went there, Trump said.

The president of Springfields nonprofit Haitian Community Help and Support Center, Viles Dorsainvil, told NBC News on Wednesday that the recent vitriol aimed at Haitians in Springfield has them scared for their lives.

Denise Williams, president of Springfield's NAACP chapter, said in an interview Thursday that the bomb threat had sent a wave of concern through the community. She said her family pulled her two grandchildren out of school after the news of the threat circulated.

Ive been in the city for years. I raised my children here. Ive never seen anything like this, and Ive never seen anything like this in my whole career of doing what I do, never, Williams said. "I am absolutely disgusted with all of this."

Alicia Victoria Lozano reported from Springfield and Kevin Collier from New York.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
HONOLULU (KHON2)  Windward Community College is set to host a unique literary event tomorrow, featuring renowned author Tom Peek.

The event will be held in the library from 2 to 4 p.m. and is open to the public, free of charge. Attendees can look forward to an engaging reading session and a chance to interact with Peek and his wife, artist Cas Robinson, whose art adorns the books cover.

Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You

Desi Poteet, a Language Arts professor at Windward Community College, expressed excitement about the event.

Tom Peek is a remarkable author, Prof. Poteet said. He doesnt just read from his books; he truly connects with his audience. His approach to storytelling and interaction makes his events special and memorable.

Peek is known for his novel Mauna Kea, which explores the cultural and spiritual conflicts surrounding Hawaiis sacred Mauna Kea mountain.

The novel delves into the clash between science and spirituality through the story of a young man who confronts his grief and finds solace among Native Hawaiians and ancient deities. Prof. Poteet praised the book for its deep connection to Hawaiian culture.

Toms work is a love letter to the islands, she remarked. It beautifully captures the essence of Hawaii and the struggles to protect its sacred spaces.

The event will also feature Robinson, whose artwork graces the cover of Mauna Kea. Robinsons art, like Peeks writing, reflects a deep reverence for Hawaiian culture and landscapes.

The couples collaborative efforts highlight their shared commitment to preserving and celebrating the beauty of Hawaii.

Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in discussions and activities led by Peek and Robinson. Prof. Poteet highlighted that Peeks interactive style extends beyond the reading.

Tom and Cas will be working with our students, leading activities that honor their writing and artistic efforts, she said. Its a wonderful chance for our community to connect with these talented individuals and gain insight into their creative processes.

For those unable to attend, the event will be recorded and archived by the library, allowing for future access. Prof. Poteet emphasized the importance of this accessibility.

We want everyone to have the chance to experience Toms reading, even if they cant make it in person, she said.

The events organization was a team effort, and Prof. Poteet expressed gratitude to her colleagues who helped bring it together on short notice.

Ellie, our librarian, did an incredible job getting the word out, she noted. Her enthusiasm and dedication were crucial in making this event happen.

The librarys beautiful space, with its large windows and welcoming atmosphere, will provide a fitting backdrop for the event. Parking is available on campus, with the closest lot located near the public school and the Akeelah Theater.

In closing, Prof. Poteet invited everyone to attend. Its going to be a fantastic event, she said. Whether youre a student, staff member, or a member of the community, we hope youll join us for this special occasion.

You can click here for more information on attending the event and the novel. Click here to learn more about Tom Peek and his work.

Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHONs morning podcast, every morning at 8

With a blend of literary insight and artistic celebration, Windward Community Colleges event promises to be a memorable experience for all who attend.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
With both U.S. Senate candidates and a TV station willing, at least one debate likely

Democratic U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, shown at left at Rhode Island College in November 2023, and his Republican challenger, Rep. Patricia Morgan, shown at WPRI 12's East Providence studio during taping of a debate with her Republican primary opponent Raymond McKay on Aug. 16, 2024, have been invited to debate each other at WPRI in October. (Left: Michael Salerno/Rhode Island Current. Right: James Bartone/WPRI 12)

After coasting to victory in her Republican U.S. Senate primary race, state Rep. Patricia Morgan of West Warwick on Thursday challenged Democratic incumbent Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse to a public debate before early voting kicks off Oct. 16.

The Whitehouse campaign has indicated hes willing, and one TV station has already extended invitations to both candidates.

Morgan had some practice when she taped a debate with her GOP primary opponent Raymond McKay Aug. 16 on WPRI 12. She went on to beat the former Warwick city administrator 64.5% to 35.5% in Tuesdays primary.

Whitehouses televised appearances during his Democratic primary against Michael J. Costa were strictly through paid advertisements. Rhode Islands junior U.S. Senator fended off Costas long-shot bid 83.8% to 16.2%.

If Senator Whitehouse refuses to debate, it will be clear to everyone that hes more interested in protecting his career than standing up for Rhode Island, Morgan said in a statement Thursday morning.

Sheldon will debate during this campaign season, campaign coordinator Laura Fusco said in an email Thursday afternoon responding to an inquiry from Rhode Island Current.

When and where a debate will occur is still up in the air. WPRI-12 Business and Politics Editor Ted Nesi told Rhode Island Current the station has extended an invitation to the U.S. Senate candidates to debate in October.

Nexstar Media Inc., the stations parent company, requires candidates to poll at least 5% and must report at least $100,000 in campaign contributions  at least 25% of which must be raised from in-state constituents  in order to qualify for a televised debate.

During the most recent reporting period, Whitehouses campaign had more than $3.6 million on hand. Morgan reported around $144,000. The next filing deadline is Oct. 15  the final day for Rhode Island voters to request their mail-in ballots and one day before early voting kicks off.

Unless fundraising ramps up quickly in the two U.S. House races, WPRI wont be hosting debates between the Democratic incumbents and their Republican challengers.

Freshman U.S. Rep. Gabe Amo had $776,000 in his bid for a full term representing Rhode Islands 1st Congressional District as of Aug. 21. His Republican challenger Allen Waters had a little over $4,300 in his campaign account.

U.S. Rep. Seth Magaziners re-election campaign had $994,000 on hand, while Republican Steven Corvi failed to raise or spend more than the $5,000 minimum requiring a quarterly campaign finance report.

The general election will be held on Nov. 5.

Correction: This story has been updated to reflect the correct minimum for campaign contributions candidates must receive to be eligible to participate in a debate televised by a Nexstar Media outlet.

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Boy, 12, falls to his death from balcony on Royal Caribbean cruise ship returning to Texas

A 12-year-old boy has died after falling off the balcony of a Royal Caribbean cruise ship as it was returning to Texas.

The FBI is investigating the death, which occurred Saturday as the ship made its way back to Galveston following a seven-day trip. On the last day of the western Caribbean cruise Harmony of the Seas, a child fell from a balcony onto a lower deck and died.

A Royal Caribbean spokesperson shared the following statement with People magazine:

"We are deeply saddened to confirm the death of one of our guests. Our Care Team is providing support and assistance to the guest's family during this difficult time. For the privacy of the guest and their family, we have no additional details to share."

Although many details of the incident remained unclear Thursday morning, several news outlets reported the balcony from which the boy fell overlooks the inner part of the shift. The lower deck he landed on was allegedly the "Central Park" area, which is positioned on deck 8 and is the site of many of the vessel's bars, restaurants and shops.

The death occurred before the ship docked in Galveston.

The FBI has confirmed its investigation and its coordination with the U.S. Coast Guard as well as Customs and Border Protections, saying it is "the primary federal agency authorized to investigate potential crimes on the high seas." The agency had not disclosed further details, The Washington Post reports.

The deceased child's identity has also not yet been made public.

Cruise ship death follows similar death of teenager in November

Last year, a 16-year-old boy fell from the balcony of a different Royal Caribbean ship, Allure of the Seas, and died at a hospital. The world's fifth-largest cruise ship sailed out of Port Canaveral  the world's busiest cruise port. The incident occurred in November.

Read more: Teen passenger dies after fall on Royal Caribbean cruise ship based at Port Canaveral

Royal Caribbean International crusie ship Harmony of the Seas passes Jetty Park as she leaves Port Canaveral on Sunday afternoon.

Another child fell, died on same cruise ship in 2019

About five years ago, Harmony of the Seas had another passenger who died from falling from a balcony. At the time, the South Florida Sun Sentinel reported the minor passenger, age 16, had been attempting to access his room from a nearby balcony.

Read more: Teen dies after falling from Royal Caribbean cruise ship, landing on pier

Despite the latest tragedy, this type of cruise ship death is not common. However, multiple people do go overboard each year. Cruise industry researcher Ross Klein has collected data showing at least 386 people went overboard on a cruise ship between 2000 and 2020.

All ships have "safety barriers that are regulated by U.S. Coast Guard standards and prevent a guest from falling off," according to Carnival spokesperson Matt Lupoli in 2023. Every open deck and balcony is required to have railings "not less than 42 inches from above the cabin deck," according to the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2010 (CVSSA), with thick metal or Plexiglas panels underneath to prevent anyone from slipping through.

The safety barriers are positioned up to chest height for the average person.

Harmony of the Seas is one of the world's largest cruise ships, according to Royal Caribbean's website. It has 18 decks, a maximum capacity of 6,687 guests and 2,747 staterooms.

In 2018, it was named "Best Cruise Ship" by the Travel Weekly Readers' Choice Awards.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: 12-year-old boy dies on Royal Caribbean cruise ship heading to Texas
Boy, 12, reported missing from Washington Park

CHICAGO - Chicago police are asking for the public's help in locating a boy who was reported missing Tuesday from the Washington Park neighborhood.

Trevell Barner, 12, was last seen in the 300 block of East 56th Street, according to a CPD missing person alert.

He is 5 feet tall, 180 pounds with brown eyes and black hair. He was last seen wearing a white t-shirt and gray shorts.

Anyone with information is asked to call Area Five Detectives at (312) 746-6554.
Carlsberg is to set up a production plant in Kazakhstan as part of a new distribution deal in the country with soft-drinks giant PepsiCo.

The Denmark-based brewer, which already bottles PepsiCo products in countries including Norway and Sweden, has won the contract for Kazakhstan and neighbouring Kyrgyzstan.

The strategic partnership comes into effect on 1 January 2026. PepsiCo's previous distribution partner in both markets was RG Brands.

Carlsberg said it plans to invest roughly 100m ($110m) in Kazakhstan, where it held the number one position in the beer category in 2023 with a market share of 38%.

This new agreement adds significant volume to our business in Kazakhstan, strengthening our presence in the market and further building our business in Kyrgyzstan, Carlsberg CEO Jacob Aarup-Andersen said.

We are happy to see our longstanding partnership with PepsiCo expand further into these two markets, underlining the long-term potential in the collaboration between PepsiCo and the Carlsberg Group.

Carlsberg has bottling agreements with PepsiCo in Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Cambodia and Laos.

In July, UK soft-drinks producer Britvic, the bottler for PepsiCo in the UK, accepted a takeover bid from Carlsberg worth 3.3bn ($4.2bn).

Carlsberg secured an agreement from PepsiCo to waive a clause in its bottling contract with Britvic that would come into effect after the takeover.

At the time, Britvics non-executive chair, Ian Durant, said: Crucially, to remain competitive at a time when the market is being shaped by the trend of increasing consolidation among bottling partners, Carlsbergs agreement with PepsiCo provides the combined group with a strong platform for continued success.

This week, the UKs Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) called for comments on Carlsberg's proposed acquisition of Britvic.

In a statement, the CMA said it is assessing whether the brewers proposed takeover could result in a substantial lessening of competition within any market or markets in the United Kingdom for goods or services.

At the same time that Britvic accepted the deal, Carlsberg also announced it had agreed to acquire Marstons 40% stake in their UK brewing joint venture, Carlsberg Marstons Brewing Company (CMBC).

"Carlsberg to build Kazakhstan factory amid new PepsiCo deal" was originally created and published by Just Drinks, a GlobalData owned brand.







The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Tfl says a "limited number of customers" may have had bank account numbers and sort codes accessed [Getty Images]

A 17-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with the cyber security incident affecting Transport for London (TfL), the National Crime Agency (NCA) said.

TfL said that about 5,000 customers' sort codes and bank account details could have been accessed by hackers amid an "ongoing cyber security incident".

The NCA said the teenager was arrested in Walsall, West Midlands, on 5 September, after the cyber attack began four days earlier.

TfL said data including names, emails and home addresses had been accessed.

'Hugely disruptive'

The NCA said the teenager was arrested on suspicion of Computer Misuse Act offences.

He was questioned by NCA officers and has since been bailed.

The NCA said it was working with TfL and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) to minimise the risk to customers.

Paul Foster, head of the NCA's National Cyber Crime Unit, said: "Attacks on public infrastructure such as this can be hugely disruptive and lead to severe consequences for local communities and national systems."

Transport for London, which is based at Palestra House in Southwark, first reported the cyber attack on 2 September [Getty Images]

He added: "We have been working at pace to support Transport for London following a cyber attack on their network, and to identify the criminal actors responsible.

"The swift response by TfL following the incident has enabled us to act quickly, and we are grateful for their continued co-operation with our investigation, which remains ongoing."

TfLs chief technology officer Shashi Verma said the customers who had been affected would be contacted directly.

He added that an investigation into the cyber attack was taking place alongside the NCA and the NCSC.

'Refund data'

"Although there has been very little impact on our customers so far, the situation continues to evolve and our investigations have identified that certain customer data has been accessed," he said.

"This includes some customer names and contact details, including email addresses and home addresses where provided.

"Some Oyster card refund data may also have been accessed. This could include bank account numbers and sort codes for a limited number of customers.

"As a precautionary measure, we will be contacting these customers directly as soon as possible to advise them of the support we can provide and the steps they can take."

Mr Verma added that the "security" of its systems and customer data were "very important" to TfL.

"We continually monitor who is accessing our systems to ensure only those authorised can gain access," he said.

"We will continue to keep our customers and our staff updated.

"I would like to apologise for the inconvenience this incident may cause customers and I thank everyone for their patience as we respond to this incident."

The NCSC is urging anyone who thinks they may have been the victim of a data breach to be vigilant about suspicious emails, phone calls or text messages.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk

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Boy, 7, Died of 'Severe Malnutrition' on Christmas Day. His Family and Caregivers Are Charged in His Death

The arrests comes nearly a year after Deonte Atwell died on Dec. 25, 2023, two days after his seventh birthday

GoFundMe Deonte Atwell

An investigation into the death of a 7-year-old boy who died on Christmas Day has led to the arrest of his three relatives and two caregivers in Florida.

The news comes after Deonte Atwell died on Dec. 25, 2023, two days after his seventh birthday, in what prosecutors say was a result of "severe malnutrition."

Autopsy findings for Deonte, who was seven pounds at the time of his death and described as a "medically complex child," showed that his bones were protruding through gaping holes in his skin, the Broward State Attorneys Office said while announcing the arrests in a press release on Wednesday, Sept. 11.

Getty Stock image of police sirens

Deonte required "around-the-clock skilled nursing care" due to having thoracic spina bifida, a condition that occurs when the spine and spinal cord don't form properly, according to the Mayo Clinic, and hydrocephalus, a buildup of fluid in the brain. He also had a breathing tube and a feeding tube.

Related: 2 Boys Were Seen Running Naked Through Traffic, Covered in Human Waste, Say Police. Their Parents Face Charges

The Fort Lauderdale Police Department, who responded to the original 911 call that reported Deonte as being in respiratory distress, said in a separate news release that a thorough investigation showed that "several family members, as well as the home health nurses, did not conduct the appropriate medical services resulting in the aggravated abuse and death of the child."

The family members include his mother, Michelle Doe, 37, who had previously made a GoFundMe campaign asking for funeral funds for her "baby boy," whom she claimed had died "due to his birth defects."

Doe and Deonte's 21-year-old brother, Tyreck Irvin, have been charged with murder in the first degree, aggravated manslaughter of a child, aggravated child abuse and two counts of neglect of a child.

They also face charges connected to the neglect of two other boys, ages 9 and 16 at the time, who lived at the residence.

Related: N.Y. Man Accused by Police of Stabbing Pregnant Wife to Death, Wounding 2 Young Daughters

Broward County Jail Michelle Doe (left), Tyreck Irvin (center) and James Graham (right)

James Graham, Deonte's 70-year-old grandfather, has been charged with aggravated manslaughter of a child, neglect of a child and failure to report child abuse.

According to the Broward State Attorneys Office, evidence found at Deonte's home included 264 unopened bottles of feeding formula, which established that he died "during a scheme to defraud Medicaid, conservatively estimated at more than $10,000 but less than $50,000."

Mirlande Moltimer Ameda, 47, the owner of Samaritin Home Care Provider, Inc., has been charged with felony murder in the third degree, aggravated manslaughter of a child, Medicaid fraud and neglect of a child.

Broward County Jail Mirlande Moltimer (left) and Cassandre Lassegue (right)

Cassandre Lassegue, the 33-year-old nurse assigned to care for Deonte, was charged with murder in the first degree, aggravated manslaughter of a child, felony murder in the third degree, aggravated child abuse, and Medicaid fraud.

"It's sad to say that Deonte had suffered all the way through his death by the people that were supposed to be caring for him the most," said Detective Jacqueline Sanchez while speaking with reporters on Wednesday, per WPLG.

According to the Broward State Attorneys Office, Irvin, Ameda and Lassegue are being held at the Broward County Jail without bond. If Graham posts his $22,000 bond, he will be placed on house arrest and outfitted with a GPS monitor. Doe is scheduled to make her first appearance in court on Thursday, Sept. 12.

If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.

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Boy arrested after being accused of pointing gun at Phoenix school bus full of students

Phoenix police on Tuesday investigated reports of a boy pointing a gun at a school bus filled with students.

Witnesses called police about seeing the boy with the gun shortly after 8 a.m., police said. He was pointing the handgun at the bus while it drove away, they said. The incident happened near Christown Spectrum Mall.

Officers learned that the boy had been arguing with a student, police said. After the student got on the bus to leave, the boy brandished a handgun, police said. No shots were fired.

A school at 15th and Missouri avenues was locked down as officers searched for the boy, who was found in a nearby apartment, police said.

The school reopened after the boy was taken into custody, police said.

The boy was booked on multiple felony charges, police said.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix police arrest boy accused of pointing gun at school bus
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY)  An 11-year-old boy who alerted his principal after another student brought a bullet to class is in trouble at the school.

His family said hes being punished by St. John the Apostle School in Virginia Beach for speaking up and doing the right thing, and theyre upset because the reporting student received the same two-day suspension as the student who had the bullet.

The family also thinks the adults involved at St. John the Apostle School in Virginia Beach need to have, in their words, an ounce of grace in dealing with an 11-year-old child who was only trying to do the right thing.

The boy saw the bullet, but he was about to begin mandatory testing, so he waited to alert someone until the testing was over, which was about two hours.



We teach our children, see something say something but that means see something, say something when it is safe, said the familys attorney, Tim Anderson.

11 and 12-year-old accused of making threats against schools, over 40 threats across NC

He doesnt want retaliation or people to dislike him, so he is going to do it anonymously, said the reporting childs mother, Rachel Wigand.

To do that required his waiting until after testing, and then he told the school principal.

Said thank you for reporting that, but in the same breath you are suspended because it wasnt quick enough, Wigand said.

If you punish a child for reporting, they are not going to report anymore, Anderson said. It makes school more dangerous. She doesnt want that. I dont want that; nobody should want that.

A woman who answered the door at the school only replied, Im sorry, before slamming the door closed. There was no response to a question shouted through the door about why the student who reported the bullet was suspended.

The schools attorney, who serves as general counsel for the Catholic Diocese of Richmond, wrote to Anderson that the school will not reduce the discipline, said that the child should bring safety issues to staff immediately and please confirm parents will support the schools decision.

Do the parents support the schools decision?



I do not, Wigand said. I think it is extremely harsh, and unjust and the most ludicrous decision to do that, to suspend the reporting person.

Anderson said there is no policy in the schools student handbook for failing to report possession of ammunition.

There is no punishment if you dont immediately report it, Anderson said. I mean, what if he would have jumped up, and said theres a bullet in his bag. They would have locked down the school. It would have caused chaos.

According to the reporting childs mother, what happened changed the dynamic of the classroom when the two students returned to class Monday after the two-day suspension that began on Thursday.

He ultimately requested that he be allowed to be out of that desk group and move his desk over, she said.  There was no communication  between the two, according to my son.

They also argue that the way the school handled the situation by suspending both removed the element of anonymity, as opposed to getting the information, calling police, finding the bullet and suspending only the student who had the bullet without any reveal of Wigands son.

What message is the reporting students mother giving to her son now?

Ive told him that it is out in the school, she said. Hold your head high. That he did the right thing. He should relay that to the other students and say, if this were you, what would you do?'



Wigand and Anderson said that if the school does not reconsider the two-day suspension as part of Wigands sons record, they will go to court as a last resort.

Superintendent-Statement-1Download

A statement from Superintendent of Catholic Schools Dr. Michael Riley said he wouldnt comment about student or family matters, but expects students to bring safety issues to the attention of school staff immediately.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
Products grown on recently deforested land will soon be banned from the European Union (EVARISTO SA) (EVARISTO SA/AFP/AFP)

Brazil said Thursday it has urged the EU to suspend the implementation of a ban on imports of products driving deforestation, describing the new rules as "punitive".

The EU law, set to take effect at the end of December, will bar a vast range of goods -- from coffee to cocoa, soy, timber, palm oil, cattle, printing paper and rubber -- if produced using land that was deforested after December 2020.

The Brazilian government said the legislation was "a matter of serious concern", for the South American country is one of the EU's main suppliers of most of the products targeted by it.

"To avoid any negative impact on our trade relations, we request that the EU refrain from implementing (the law) at the end of 2024 and urgently reassess its approach to the matter," Brasilia said in a letter to the European Commission shared with AFP Thursday.

The letter was signed by the ministers of foreign affairs and agriculture.

It adds to concerns voiced by the United States as well as Latin American, Asian and African countries about the administrative burden the new law places on farmers and the forestry sector.

Within the EU itself, the agriculture ministers of around 20 member states -- led by Austria and Finland -- warned in April about the law creating new bureaucratic hurdles for the farm sector, at the risk of harming investment and distorting competition.

The largest group in the European parliament has called for it to be postponed.

Brazil said it considered the legislation "a unilateral and punitive instrument that disregards national laws on combating deforestation", adding it increased production and export costs especially for smallholders.

The commission confirmed it received the letter.

"We will reply in due course," a spokesman said.

It had earlier said it was "working intensively on the implementation of this new regulation", with no postponement planned at this stage.

The EU is the second-biggest market for consumption of the targeted products after China.

Firms importing the merchandise in question to the 27-nation EU will be responsible for tracking their supply chains to prove goods did not originate from deforested zones, relying on geolocation and satellite data.

Exporting countries considered high-risk would have at least nine percent of products sent to the EU subjected to checks.

The EU's environment commissioner in March visited Paraguay, Bolivia and Ecuador to address criticisms of the new law.

The bloc has also offered technical and financial help for importers to get their tracing systems up to the needed level.

EU imports are responsible for 16 percent of global deforestation, according to WWF data.

bur-ub/del/rl
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  Learning the historical significance of 9/11 reminds students that nearly 3,000 Americans died that day.

Everybody comes together and just remembers what happened on September 11th. And were all together as a school, and its just really beautiful, fifth-grade student Vivianna Marolla said.

Boy Scout Troop 317 led the ceremony. They saluted the American flag while band members played the national anthem.

Police officers, firefighters, and service members participated, honoring the 343 firefighters who died that day. Some students received fire hats and other mementos.

Its important for us to talk about it, to have examples of selfless service as we see in our first responders and our military. And I think that our students will become better citizens, Bay District Schools Superintendent Mark McQueen said.

Dozens remember 9/11 with memorial run on Clyde B Wells Bridge

Students are reminded, daily, what it means to be an American, pledging allegiance and hearing the national anthem each morning.

There are other countries and places that dont have this opportunity for education to be with your friends, to learn to learn freely. And so I think its just instilling those messages of freedom and that, you know, we have a lot more than we really think we do, Breakfast Point Academy Principal Clint Whitfield said.

Whitfield says they want students to understand 9/11s lessons that freedom does not come without a fight.

There are bad people in the world, but theres also a lot of good people, and thats the ones that we need to focus on and focus on at school. So we try to use it as a school lesson, Whitfield said.

The ceremony ended with a lone trumpet playing taps. The schools auditorium was packed. Middle school students watched a live stream of the event in their classrooms.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com.
BAY COUNTY, FL. (WMBB)  Breakfast Point Academy teachers and staff shared their 9/11 memories on Wednesday morning during a special ceremony.

None of our current school children were born when the attacks happened.

Learning the historical significance of 9/11 reminds students that nearly 3,000 Americans died that day.

Everybody comes together and just remembers what happened on September 11th. And were all together as a school, and its just really beautiful, 5th-grade student Vivianna Morolla said.

Temporary road closures going into effect in Panama City Beach

Boy Scout Troop 317 led the ceremony.

They saluted the American flag while band members played the national anthem.

Police officers, firefighters and service members participated, honoring the 343 firefighters who died that day.

Some students received fire hats and other mementos.

Its important for us to talk about it, to have examples of selfless service as we see in our first responders and our military. And I think in that our students will become better citizens, Superintendent of Bay District Schools Mark McQueen said.

Students are reminded, daily, what it means to be an American, pledging allegiance and hearing the national anthem each morning.

There are other countries and places that dont have this opportunity for education to be with your friends, to learn to learn freely. And so I think its just instilling those messages of freedom and that, you know, we have a lot more than we really think we do, Breakfast Point Academy Principal Clint Whitfield said.

Whitfield says they want students to understand 9/11s lessons that freedom does not come without a fight.

There are bad people in the world, but theres also a lot of good people, and thats the ones that we need to focus on and focus on at school. So we try to use it as a school lesson, Whitfield said.

Local doctors raise awareness about treating A-FIB

The ceremony ended with a lone trumpet playing taps.

The schools auditorium was packed. Middle school students watched a live stream of the event in their classrooms.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com.
The British government plans to give workers the right to request a four-day work week. Under the proposal, workers would still have to work a 40-hour week. A government spokesperson said that employers would not be required to grant those requests. Joe Ryle, the director of the 4 Day Week campaign, welcomed the government's proposal as a first step, but he said his organization's ultimate goal is to reduce the number of hours worked each week.

The post Brickbat: Four Days a Week appeared first on Reason.com.
The Bridge Fire, burning more than 51,000 acres across Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties, is now the largest active wildfire in California, per officials.

The fire, which was still listed at 0% containment as of Thursday evening, began on Sunday afternoon and the cause remains unknown. About 40 homes have been destroyed near the San Gabriel Mountains.

As of an update issued at 9 a.m. Thursday, 51,167 acres were burned.

Fire officials say the heat wave provided immense challenges to crews, and more progress can be made now that temperatures have dipped.

Mother nature has given us a bit of a break here, said L.A. County Deputy Fire Chief Mike Inman. We dont anticipate any kind of extreme fire behavior or weather events in the very near future.

Inman added that wind was the main challenge on Thursday. Thousands of smaller hot spots remained in the 50,000-acre mess, which allowed the blaze to continue but fire crews were able to surround the perimeter, preventing major spreading.

Evacuation areas as of Thursday evening included:

The community of Wrightwood

Area of Lone Pine Canyon from the community of Wrightwood to Highway 138 / Lone Pine Canyon Road south to the forest

East Fork communities east of Camp Williams Resort  including the cafe, mobile home park and campground  as well as the adjacent river community

The Baldy Village area from the dam to Mount Baldy Resort, San Antonio Heights to Wrightwood and east to Cucamonga Peak are also under a mandatory evacuation order

Community of Pinion Hills from Wrightwood north to Highway 18 and Beekley Road west to Los Angeles County

Resources: Incident Home Page | InciWeb | SBCo Sheriff on X

The blaze tore through the San Bernardino County community of Wrightwood on Wednesday, devastating families as homes and vehicles were destroyed.

Dozens of homes have been destroyed as the Bridge Fire continues burning in the San Gabriel Mountains of Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties. (KTLA)

The thousands forced to evacuate their homes were in a frenzy on Wednesday.

Luckily I was able to grab a few things, and the cat, Gino Lewis, an evacuee, told KTLA. I just got out of there as soon as I could. As soon as I got out of there I realized I could have been dealing with a life or death situation had I stayed really any longer at all.

Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a State of Emergency on Wednesday, which will deploy resources not only for the Bridge Fire, but also the Airport and Line fires ravaging Southern California.

Those affected by evacuation orders can head to the following evacuation centers:

Pomona Fairplex: 601 W McKinley Ave, Pomona, CA 91768

Entrance via Gate 3 at the corner of McKinley and White.

Jessie Turner Health and Fitness Community Center: 15556 Summit Ave, Fontana, CA 92336

San Bernardino County Fairgrounds building 6: 14800 7th St, Victorville CA 92395

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
Brigitte Macron (centre) has a cameo on "Emily in Paris" (Handout) (Handout/Netflix/AFP)

A court on Thursday ordered two women to pay 8,000 euros in damages to French First Lady Brigitte Macron after making false claims she was transgender, sparking online rumour-mongering by conspiracy theorists and the far right.

Brigitte Macron filed a libel complaint against two women who posted a YouTube video in December 2021 alleging the French president's wife had once been a man named "Jean-Michel".

The claim went viral just weeks before the 2022 presidential election.

Posts spread on social media claiming that the first lady, formerly Brigitte Trogneux, had never existed and that her brother Jean-Michel had changed gender and assumed that identity.

A Paris court sentenced the two defendants to pay a total of 8,000 euros ($8,800) in damages to the president's wife, and 5,000 euros ($5,500) to her brother Jean-Michel Trogneux.

They were also handed a suspended fine of 500 euros.

Brigitte Macron, 71, did not attend the trial in June and was not present for the ruling.

Defendant Amandine Roy, a self-proclaimed spiritual medium, interviewed Natacha Rey, a self-described independent journalist, for four hours on her YouTube channel.

Rey spoke about the "state lie" and "scam" that she claimed to have uncovered.

The disinformation even spread to the United States where Brigitte Macron was attacked in a now deleted YouTube video ahead of the November elections.

Rey was ill during the trial, but did not manage to have it postponed.

Former US first lady Michelle Obama, US Vice President and presidential candidate Kamala Harris and New Zealand ex-premier Jacinda Ardern have also been the target of disinformation about their gender or sexuality in a bid to mock or humiliate them.

Also on Thursday, Brigitte Macron made her Netflix debut playing herself in the hit series "Emily in Paris".

The show's star Lily Collins told Elle magazine the idea came to her and programme creator Darren Star when they met the first lady at the Elysee Palace in December 2022.

mdh/ah/as/jm
Cemex, S.A.B. de C.V. CX has been witnessing an improvement in investors sentiment these days on the back of various divestitures and acquisitions announced recently. On Sept. 10, Cemex stock gained 3% after it announced the divestiture of its operations in Guatemala to Holcim Group for approximately $200 million.



The deal mainly consists of a grinding mill, which had an installed capacity of nearly 0.6 million metric tons per year at 2023-end, three ready mix plants and five distribution centers.



On Sept. 4, CX decided to sell its remaining 34.8% interest in Neoris N.V. for approximately $209 million in cash, subject to certain adjustments related to cash, debt, transaction expenses, and closing working capital. Cemex will continue its commercial relationship with Neoris post deal closing, which is currently expected to take place by 2024-end.

CXs Stock to Rally on Solid Portfolio Rebalancing Strategy

In 2024, the company has accelerated the execution of its portfolio rebalancing strategy. So far, it has announced the sale of more than $2 billion in assets. The company now intends to redeploy most of the divestment proceeds in developed markets, primarily in the United States. These efforts are expected to drive sustainable growth for CXs business in the short and medium term.



CX will prioritize this divestment proceeds toward aggregates, urbanization solutions, and cement, with a strong focus on lower-carbon and circular economy initiatives, along with other general corporate purposes. For this, the company is targeting bolt-on acquisitions in developed markets.



To this, CX recently announced that it has acquired a majority stake in a recycling company, RC-Baustoffe Berlin GmbH & Co. KG, part of Ulm, Germany-based Heim Group.



In July, Cemex partnered with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation to continue to leverage the potential of the cement value chain in circularity. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation is the worlds leading circular economy network, working with ambitious, like-minded organizations globally.



Earlier in May, it collaborated with the Mission Possible Partnership to conduct an analysis of the potential of decarbonization levers at Cemex's Balcones cement plant in Texas in partnership with the Bezos Earth Fund. This analysis will accelerate Cemex's net-zero carbondioxide emissions commitment by 2050.

Will Cemexs Stock Gain in the Future?

Owing to the macroeconomic headwinds, CXs stock plunged 12.9% in the past three months compared with the Zacks Building Products - Concrete and Aggregates industrys 11.3% decline. The overall industry is plagued with a shortage of skilled laborers and rising wage costs.

Story continues

Zacks Investment Research



Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Nonetheless, the stock improved from a 25.5% decline in the year-to-date period, when the industry fell just 0.7%.



An uptick in spending on infrastructure and public construction is set to continue driving growth in the industry. The industry is also poised to benefit from improvements in the single-family residential construction market and advantageous pricing dynamics amid challenging conditions. Companies like Vulcan Materials Company VMC, Eagle Materials Inc. EXP and Summit Materials, Inc. SUM have been leveraging these favorable trends to their advantage.



The above-mentioned companies currently carry a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Potential Risks for Cemex

In the first half of 2024, Cemex witnessed lower Cement volume in the United States, Europe and SCAC regions. Ready-mix volume was down in almost all the regions, excluding Mexico, where it was up just 2% in the first half. Aggregates volume was also low in EMEA and SCAC regions.



Pricing declined in MEC regions for Cement and Aggregates. For Ready-mix, pricing was low in EMEA and SCAC regions.



For 2024, the company expects Ready-mix and Aggregates volume to decline across the regions (barring Mexico). Cement volume is likely to decline in the United States, MEA and SCAC regions in 2024.

CXs Zacks Rank

Cemex presently carries a Zacks Rank of 3.

3 Concrete & Aggregates Stocks to Keep an Eye On

Eagle Materials: This Dallas, TX-based company produces and supplies heavy construction materials, light building materials and materials used for oil and natural gas extraction in the United States. Eagle Materials has benefited from a proactive maintenance strategy, effectively managing costs and ensuring smooth operations. It has also made significant strides in sustainability and key projects.



Earnings for fiscal 2024 are expected to grow 13.2%.



Vulcan Materials Company: This Birmingham, AL-based company produces and supplies construction aggregates, asphalt mix as well as ready-mixed concrete. The companys focus on four strategic initiatives  Commercial Excellence, Operational Excellence, Strategic Sourcing, and Logistics Innovation  should enhance price performance and operating efficiencies.



VMC surpassed earnings estimates in three of the trailing four quarters and missed on one occasion, with the average surprise being 2.5%. Earnings for 2024 are expected to rise 11.7%.



Summit Materials: Based in Denver, CO, this is a construction material company. Summit Materials has been witnessing solid pricing growth across all lines of business and expects the trend to continue in 2024. The company has also been optimizing its portfolio as it intends to shift toward a more materials-led portfolio.



Earnings for 2024 are expected to rise 7%. SUM surpassed earnings estimates in all the trailing four quarters, with the average surprise being 19.3%.

Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report

Cemex S.A.B. de C.V. (CX) : Free Stock Analysis Report

Vulcan Materials Company (VMC) : Free Stock Analysis Report

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BRISTOL, Conn. (WTNH)  A parent of a Bristol student was arrested on Wednesday after making a concerning post on social media.

Bristol police investigating shots fired at park

David Arroyo, Jr of New Britain allegedly posted on the Hubbell Elementary Schools parent portal expressing his dissatisfaction with the school administrations handling of an issue. Later that day, Arroyo called 911 and said that the emergency he was calling for was going to be at Hubbell Elementary School.

Arroyo also posted a video of the interaction with the 911 operator on Facebook, striking concern amongst parents. The school was placed on lockdown after police located Arroyo in the parking lot.

He was arrested and charged with breach of peace.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.
Around 200 passengers on the British Airways Stanley Johnson flight from Malaga to London Gatwick that was diverted to Heathrow will not get compensation for the delay and inconvenience.

On 28 June 2024, a British Airways plane blocked the runway at Gatwick, which was closed to landings for 50 minutes. BA flight 2641 from the Spanish city was among 16 diversions  one to as far away as Brussels. The Airbus A321, with the former prime ministers father on board, landed at Heathrow. The plan was to refuel and fly on to Gatwick as soon as possible after the runway at the Sussex airport reopened.

One passenger, Richard Davenport, told The Independent: The plan was to refuel, and the aircraft was given a slot to fly to Gatwick. However, as Stanley Johnson decided he wanted to get off  along with another passenger  we subsequently missed the slot.

It took a few hours to sort, and ultimately BA cancelled the flight. All passengers then had to deplane, proceed through immigration, and then take a bus to Gatwick.

Read more: Air passenger compensation: What are your rights when a flight goes wrong?

With passengers arriving at their intended airport well over three hours late, some assumed that British Airways would be liable to pay delay compensation for the incident.

But BA appears to be relying on a clause in the European Union guidance on compensation that treats all airports serving a single city as equivalent. It could save the airline up to 70,000.

Another passenger, Annemarie from south London, made a claim for compensation but was told by British Airways: Were sorry your flight from Malaga on 28 June with us was delayed. We know this isnt what you expect when you travel with us, and we understand why you needed to complain about it.

Your claim has been refused because the diverted flight reached your destination within three hours after your scheduled arrival time.

Annemarie challenged the decision, saying: We did indeed land within the three hours, but it was the wrong airport! We never made it to Gatwick on the plane because the flight was cancelled, mid-journey, at Heathrow.

When we purchased our flights we expected to take off and return to Gatwick. That was the contract. British Airways failed to fulfil it. If we had wanted to fly to/from Heathrow we would have booked that route in the first place.

BA customer service said her claim had been reviewed but once again declined. The reasoning was opaque: The diverted flight reached your destination within three hours after your scheduled arrival time irrespective of the destination.

Annemarie told The Independent: It appears they seem to think that getting us to London was sufficient, despite the inconvenience caused by our daughter going to Gatwick to collect us only for us to be offloaded at Heathrow.

The exact EU wording is: A diverted flight by which a passenger finally arrives at an airport which does not correspond to the airport indicated as the final destination in accordance with the passengers original travel plan is to be treated in the same way as a cancellation unless ... the airport of arrival and the airport of the original final destination serve the same town, city or region.

Mr Davenport told The Independent: With a car parked at Gatwick, we didnt have to option to just leave at Heathrow. It left 99.5 per cent of passengers with a bitter taste.

Ironically, each passenger on the next two flights the Airbus was intended to operate has a claim for 350 in compensation. The trip from Gatwick to Heraklion and back was cancelled because of the delay.

Annemarie said she may continue to claim for compensation on the basis that the Heathrow-Gatwick flight was cancelled. British Airways is understood to be reviewing her case.

The last communication she received from BA was: We do understand how strongly you feel about this. When a customer has any kind of concern, we share the feedback with the relevant manager and focus on what we can do to avoid the issue happening in the future.

Stanley Johnson, meanwhile, insists that the captain invited anyone who wanted to disembark at Heathrow to do so. He told The Independent at the time: Three of us seized the opportunity and proceeded to the front exit, and waited on the steps outside the cabin for transport to the terminal.

For some reason the authorities couldnt organise this! V sorry for inconvenience caused but it wouldnt have happened if the authorities hadnt screwed up by announcing the disembark here option without being able to deliver it.

For more travel news and advice, listen to Simon Calders podcast
David Knowles, photographed in Ukraine. He was the creator of the Ukraine: The Latest podcast

Counter-terror police from Scotland Yard are supporting officers in Gibraltar investigating the death of Telegraph journalist David Knowles.

Detectives from the Metropolitan Police travelled to Gibraltar following a request for assistance for their colleagues in the British Overseas Territory.

Mr Knowles, 32, who was one of the presenters of The Telegraphs award-winning Ukraine: The Latest podcast, was on holiday in Gibraltar at the weekend when he died suddenly from a suspected cardiac arrest.

In a statement, the Royal Gibraltar Police (RGP) stressed that, despite the request for assistance from Scotland Yard, there were no specific concerns surrounding the death at this time.

The statement read: The Royal Gibraltar Police is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the sudden death of 32-year-old British national David Knowles on Sunday Sep 8 whilst holidaying in Gibraltar.

His Majestys Coroner in Gibraltar has been informed, and a coroners investigation is underway. Next of kin for the deceased have been informed, and a specialist RGP family liaison officer has been appointed. Arrangements have been made for a post-mortem examination to be conducted today.

A policing mutual aid request for specialist support was submitted to UK policing, although there are no specific concerns at this time with regard to the death.

Following the RGPs mutual aid request, detectives from UK Counter-Terrorism Policing have been appointed to provide support to the RGP investigation due to their existing capability and their experience of dealing with international enquiries.

The RGP will not be making further comment at this time regarding any aspect of the investigation.

MP pays tribute in Commons

A Counter-Terrorism Policing spokesman said: A request to UK Policing was received from the Royal Gibraltar Police to assist with an investigation into a sudden death of a British national in Gibraltar on Sep 8.

Primacy for the investigation remains with RGP and any further enquiries in relation to this should be directed to them.

A spokesman for Mr Knowless family said: We note the statement from the Royal Gibraltar Police today about David, particularly the assertion that there are no specific concerns at this time with regard to the death.

We do not wish to say anything further while the authorities continue their investigations, and ask that the familys privacy be respected.

Andy Slaughter, a Labour MP, paid tribute to Mr Knowles as he spoke in Parliament on Thursday.

Click here to view this content.

After suggesting that a debate should take place about investigative journalism, he said: Can I pay tribute to Telegraph journalist David Knowles, creator of the brilliant Ukraine: The Latest podcast, who tragically died last weekend at the age of only 32.

Im sure my right honourable friend will join me in sending condolences to Davids family and friends.

Lucy Powell, the Leader of the Commons, replied: I certainly would pay my condolences to Davids family. Investigative journalism is so important to our democracy, and we should do whatever we can as a country to support it.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
(KRON)  A brothel operating out of a South San Francisco apartment complex was busted last week, according to the South San Francisco Police Department. SSFPD detectives had been gathering information for several weeks regarding a commercial sex operation at an apartment in the downtown area of South SF.

Detectives with the SSFPD Criminal Interdiction Unit (CIU) conducted surveillance and were able to substantiate the reports of an active brothel. Detectives authored a search warrant for the apartment that was served on Thursday, Sept. 5.

Crying girl was pushed into viral San Francisco street vending video, police say

Police contacted two suspected Johns and two human trafficking survivors while serving the warrant. The survivors were debriefed and offered services, police said.

Officers also made contact with Xiuli Wei, 65, of Rowland Heights. Wei was determined to be assisting in managing the daily operations of the brother. According to police, he directly benefitted from its proceddeds.

Police also seized around $10,000 in cash from the apartment, which was believed to be proceeds from the brothels operation. Wei was arrested and booked into the San Mateo County Jail for pimping and pandering offenses.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
FILE - Media and protesters outside E. Barrett Prettyman US Federal Courthouse, Aug. 2, 2023, in Washington. Inside Washingtons federal courthouse, there's no denying the reality of Jan. 6, 2021. Day after day, judges and jurors silently absorb chilling sights and sounds from television screens  of rioters beating police, shattering windows and hunting for lawmakers. Hundreds of cases have systematically documented the weapons wielded, crimes committed, lives altered by physical and emotional damage. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, File)

Two brothers were arrested Thursday on charges that they assaulted a New York Times photographer inside the U.S. Capitol during a mob's attack on the building more than three years ago.

David Walker, 49, of Delran, New Jersey, and Philip Walker, 52, of Upper Chichester, Pennsylvania, also are charged with stealing a camera from the photographer during the Jan. 6, 2021, attack.

Philip Walker told investigators that he tossed a camera into a body of water on his way home from Washington, D.C., according to an FBI agent's affidavit.

Court records don't name the photographer or identify her employer, but New York Times spokesperson Danielle Rhoades Ha confirmed that the affidavit refers to staff photographer Erin Schaff, who wrote about her experience at the Capitol.

We are grateful to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Columbia and the FBI for their persistence in pursuing justice in this case," Rhodes Ha said in a statement. "Independent, fact-based journalism is a cornerstone of democracy and attacks against reporters should be a grave concern to anyone who cares about an informed citizenry."

Philip Walker told the FBI that he believed the photographer was a member of antifa, a term for anti-fascist activists who often clash with far-right extremists at political protests.

A livestream video posted on social media showed the photographer standing at the top of the East Rotunda Stairs just before the Walkers assaulted her and then ran down the staircase.

Schaff recalled that two or three men in black surrounded her, demanded to know her employer and became angry when they grabbed her press pass and saw that she worked for The New York Times.

They threw me to the floor, trying to take my cameras, she wrote. I started screaming for help as loudly as I could. No one came. People just watched. At this point, I thought I could be killed and no one would stop them.

Schaff said police found her but didn't believe that she was a journalist because her press pass was stolen.

They drew their guns, pointed them and yelled at me to get down on my hands and knees," she wrote. "As I lay on the ground, two other photojournalists came into the hall and started shouting 'Shes a journalist!'

Philip Walker was carrying what appeared to be Schaff's photographic equipment as he fled, the FBI said. David Walker pushed the photographer again when she tried to pursue his brother and retrieve her equipment, according to the affidavit.

A magistrate judge ordered David Walker to be released on $50,000 bail after his initial court appearance in New Jersey on Thursday, court records show. An attorney who represented Walker at the hearing didn't immediately respond to an email seeking comment.

The Walkers were arrested on complaints charging them with robbery, assault and other charges.

Other rioters were charged assaulting an Associated Press photographer outside the Capitol during the riot. One of them, Alan Byerly, was sentenced in October 2022 to nearly three years in prison.

Nearly 1,500 people have been charged with Capitol riot-related federal crimes. Approximately 140 police officers were injured in the attack.
The trial of Bryan Kohberger, the man accused of fatally stabbing four University of Idaho students, will be held in Boise, the Idaho Supreme Court announced Thursday.

The move relocates the trial roughly 300 miles from Moscow, Idaho, where the crimes occurred.

The courts decision follows a ruling by 2nd District Judge John Judge, who expressed concern that extensive media coverage, misinformation on social media, and public statements could prevent Kohberger from receiving a fair trial in Moscow.

As a result, the trial, scheduled for June 2025, will now take place at the larger Ada County Courthouse in Boise under 4th District Judge Steven Hippler.

Kohberger faces four counts of murder for the November 2022 killings of University of Idaho students Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen, and Kaylee Goncalves.

Prosecutors have stated their intent to seek the death penalty if Kohberger is convicted.

Transferring to Boise brings several logistical advantages, including larger courtrooms, more seating, enhanced security, and protected routes for sensitive witnesses.

Given the high-profile nature of the case, these considerations were cited as critical.

Kohbergers defense team requested the change of venue, citing strong emotions within the close-knit Moscow community and the challenge of finding an impartial jury due to continuous media coverage.

Prosecutors opposed the move, suggesting that a larger jury pool could be called and screened in Moscow to address bias concerns.

Kohberger, a former criminal justice student at Washington State University, was arrested six weeks after the killings at his parents home in Pennsylvania.

Authorities say DNA evidence, cellphone data, and surveillance footage link him to the crime, though his defense team contends he was out for a drive the night of the murders.

Kohberger has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
(NewsNation)  Bryan Kohberger will stand trial in Boise, Idaho, after a judge earlier this week ruled that the man accused of killing four University of Idaho students could not get a fair trial in the small college town of Moscow.

The case was transferred to the Fourth District Court of Ada County, Idaho, after Latah County Judge John Judge ordered the change of venue earlier this week.

Judge Steven Hippler ordered Thursday that Kohberger be transferred into the custody of the Ada County Sheriffs Department.

Boise is nearly 300 miles from Moscow, where the alleged slayings of the four students took place. Kohberger faces four murder charges in connection with the November 2022 stabbing deaths of Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves in their off-campus home in Moscow, Idaho.

Authorities in Monroe County, Pennsylvania, arrested Kohberger, then a student at Washington State University, on Dec. 30, 2022.

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The judge also agreed with Kohbergers lawyer on the massive publicity of the case making it difficult to find impartial jurors in Latah County. The new venue is the same courtroom where Chad Daybell was found guilty earlier this year of killing his ex-wife and two children in 2019. Daybell was sentenced to death in the slayings.

Despite efforts by the parties and the Court to protect the jury pool from being inundated with information that is potentially prejudicial and false, extensive media coverage by mainstream media sources such as newspapers, radio stations, and television news outlets has continued throughout the state and nationally, the judge said.

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The judge cited prejudicial misinformation, rumors, and patently false theories of the case on social media outlets such as Facebook, podcasts, and blogs that could create bias.

Kohbergers attorneys pushed for the trial to be moved to Boise. Kohbergers team brought forth witnesses to testify on how media coverage and public sentiment could impact potential jurors, even if they believed they could be impartial.

One witness also suggested the high level of public emotion around the case could put pressure on jurors who might worry their identity would get out and would not want to have to return to the community and explain why they voted to acquit him.

An attorney for the family of Kaylee Goncalves, one of the four students killed, told NewsNations Ashleigh Banfield that they want the case tried in Latah County.

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Bryan Kohberger's murder trial for the stabbing deaths of four University of Idaho students has been moved to Boise, the Idaho Supreme Court ruled on Thursday.

The court's order stated that all proceedings in the case be moved from Latah County, where Moscow, Idaho, is located, to Ada County, which includes the state capital of Boise. District Judge Steven Hipple was assigned to the trial, the filing stated, and Kohberger was to be transferred into the custody of the Ada County Sheriff.

Idaho Second District Judge John C. Judge filed paperwork on Sept. 9 stating he was concerned about Kohberger's ability to receive a fair trial at the Latah County courthouse in Moscow, where the university is located. Four college students  Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves  were fatally stabbed in a rental house near the campus, and their deaths and the ensuing arrest of Kohberger had shaken the tight-knit community in the small city.

From left: University of Idaho students Kaylee Goncalves, Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle and Madison Mogen were found dead on November 13 at an off-campus home in Moscow, Idaho. / Credit: CBS News

Kohberger's defense team said the ensuing media coverage after the murders was inflammatory and left Latah County residents strongly biased against their client. A company hired by the defense team surveyed the community and found that 98% percent of the respondents said they recognized the case and 70% of that group said they had already formed the opinion that Kohberger is guilty.

Judge also noted in last week's filing the Latah courthouse wasn't big enough to accommodate the case given the extensive media coverage and interest and that the county sheriff didn't have enough deputies to handle security.

Goncalves' family has expressed frustration over the impending courthouse move. On Monday the family issued a statement saying they were "incredibly disappointed" in the change of venue.

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(KRON)  A 22-year-old East Palo Alto man is accused of breaking into a staggering number of San Francisco Bay Area homes and stealing $2 million worth of victims property.

Francisco Antonio Cruz Ramirez appeared in a San Mateo County courtroom on Wednesday. He is charged with burglarizing 12 homes in South San Francisco, 12 in Belmont, three in Hillsborough, five in Foster City, seven in Burlingame, two in San Bruno, three in San Mateo, and 13 in unincorporated areas of the county.

His older brother, 25-year-old Raul Ramirez Cruz, burglarized 13 houses, prosecutors said. The brothers alleged burglary spree happened between September of 2018 and May of 2019, according to the DAs office.

The primary modus operandi (MO) was to make entry by shattering sliding glass doors and stealing from residences, prosecutors wrote.

Residents were inside five of the targeted houses when the home invaders broke in, the DAs office said. In total, property valued at $2 million, including more than 100 firearms, was stolen.

Law enforcement agencies from around San Mateo County teamed up for a year-long investigation into the brothers. On April 15, 2020, a California Highway Patrol officer in Modesto attempted to pull Ramirezs car over for a traffic violation. This triggered a lengthy pursuit that ended when Ramirez crashed his car.

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Ramirez suffered injuries in the crash and was transported to a hospital for treatment. Ramirez fled the hospital, but was located and taken to jail, the DAs Office wrote.

Ramirez was eventually extradited back to San Mateo County to face charges. He was also linked to numerous other home burglaries in other counties, according to investigators.

On Wednesday, Ramirez waived his right to a speedy trial. Judge Sean Dabel ordered him to return to the courtroom on February 21 to set a date for his jury trial. He remains in custody in lieu of $2.85 million bail.

Ramirezs brother pleaded no contest last year and was sentenced to serve two years in prison.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
Alberto Gonzales, a Republican attorney general under the George W Bush administration, has announced his endorsement of Kamala Harris.

As the United States approaches a critical election, I cant sit quietly as Donald Trump  perhaps the most serious threat to the rule of law in a generation  eyes a return to the White House, Gonzales, who served as the USs 80th attorney general from 2005 to 2007, wrote in an article for Politico.

For that reason, though Im a Republican, Ive decided to support Kamala Harris for president.

Gonzales said Trumps actions contravened fidelity to the rule of law, including the then presidents involvement in the January 6 insurrection on Capitol Hill.

Pointing to the intoxicating nature of power and how Trump appears unlikely to respect the power of the presidency in all instances, Gonzales wrote:

Perhaps the most revealing example relates to Trumps conduct on Jan 6, 2021, when he encouraged his followers to march to our nations capital in order to challenge the certification of Joe Bidens electoral victory.

Gonzales continued: Trump failed to do his duty and exercise his presidential power to protect members of Congress, law enforcement and the Capitol from the attacks that day. He failed to deploy executive branch personnel to save lives and property and preserve democracy. He just watched on television and chose not to do anything because that would have been contrary to his interests.

He also noted Trumps felony convictions, his civil liability for libel based on a sexual abuse, the pending federal elections interference case and the recently dismissed federal documents case, which he noted that the special counsel Jack Smith is continuing to pursue.

Notably, Gonzales did not raise Harriss policy track record as a reason for voting for her, writing in fact that she does not not have the same depth of experience in foreign policy or the relationships with foreign leaders that Biden has.

Related: 2024 US presidential polls tracker: Trump v Harris latest national averages

Nevertheless, he called on the American public to place their faith in her character and judgement, saying that based on her speech at the Democratic national convention and her debate performance against Trump on Tuesday evening, she was best suited, able and committed to unite us in a manner consistent with the rule of law.

Gonzales joins several other prominent Republicans who have crossed party lines and expressed their support for Harris, including the former Illinois representative Adam Kinzinger, Trumps former press secretary Stephanie Grisham, Trumps former White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci, and the former Georgia lieutenant governor Geoff Duncan.

Highest profile of all was the former vice-president Dick Cheney, who last week said he planned to vote for Harris. He joins his daughter, the former Wyoming Republican representative Liz Cheney, who also endorsed Harris.

In our nations 248-year history, there has never been an individual who is a greater threat to our republic than Donald Trump, he said. He can never be trusted with power again.
(Bloomberg) -- China has strongly advised its carmakers to make sure advanced electric vehicle technology stays in the country, people familiar with the matter said, even as they build factories around the world to escape punitive tariffs on Chinese exports.

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Beijing is encouraging Chinese automakers to export so-called knock-down kits to their foreign plants, the people said, meaning key parts of a vehicle would be produced domestically and then sent for final assembly in their destination market.

The instructions come as companies from BYD Co. to Chery Automobile Co. firm up plans to build factories in Spain to Thailand and Hungary as their innovative and affordable EVs make inroads in foreign markets.

Chinas Ministry of Commerce held a meeting in July with more than a dozen automakers, who were also told they shouldnt make any auto-related investments in India, the people said asking not to be identified discussing matters that are private, in another attempt to safeguard the know-how of Chinas EV industry and mitigate regulatory risks.

In addition, carmakers wanting to invest in Turkey should first notify the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, which oversees Chinas EV industry, and the local Chinese embassy in Turkey.

Representatives from the Ministry of Commerce, or MOFCOM, didnt respond to a request for comment.

Chinas directive comes at a time most major Chinese carmakers are looking to localize manufacturing so as to avoid tariffs on Chinese-made EVs. MOFCOM guidelines that demand key production should remain within China could hurt automakers efforts to globalize as they search for new customers to offset fierce competition and sluggish sales at home that are cutting into their bottom lines.

It could also come as a blow to those European nations wooing Chinese carmakers in the hopes their presence will bring jobs and a local economic boost. BYD is planning on building a factory in Turkey, for example, thats expected to have an annual capacity of 150,000 cars and employ up to 5,000 people.

During the meeting, MOFCOM noted that the countries inviting Chinese automakers to build factories are usually those enacting or considering trade barriers against Chinese vehicles. Officials told attendees that manufacturers shouldnt blindly follow trends or believe such calls for investment from foreign governments, according to the people.

Story continues

Several Chinese companies have already begun opening plants in the European Union to avoid duties. But Valdis Dombrovskis, an executive vice president of the European Commission, warned recently that such moves would only work if the firms meet rules-of-origin requirements that dictate a minimum level of value must be created in the EU.

How much of the value added is going to be created in the EU, how much of the know-how is going to be in the EU? Is it just an assembly plant or a car manufacturing plant? Its quite a substantial difference, Dombrovskis told the Financial Times last month.

Brazil, Spain

In Brazil, BYD and Great Wall Motor Co. have said explicitly they aim to increase the share of locally produced and locally sourced components in coming years. Thats aimed at meeting local component requirements of roughly 50% of a product in order to export to other Latin American countries without tariffs, based on Brazils trade agreements with them.

Turkish politicians said in July that BYD has agreed to construct a $1 billion plant in the west of the country. Any new factory is expected to improve BYDs access to the European Union, because Turkey has a customs-union agreement with the bloc. Turkey in June introduced a 40% tariff on vehicle imports from China.

BYD declined to comment.

In Spain, Chery Automobile has a partnership with a local firm to reopen a former Nissan Motor Co. plant in Barcelona. The Spanish plant will assemble cars from kits that have been partially knocked down, according to Chery.

Tensions between China and India meanwhile have remained elevated since a deadly clash broke out over a stretch of border in the Himalayas between the two nuclear-armed neighbors in 2020.

Chinese state-owned manufacturer SAIC Motor Corp., which controlled MG Motor India, was investigated over financial irregularities in 2022, Bloomberg reported. Last year, SAIC diluted its stake in the Indian MG operation, with its ownership forecast to be trimmed to 38-40% over time, according to one local media report.

Chinese EV stocks pared early gains Thursday with SAIC Motor falling more than 1% in Shanghai and Geely Automobile Holdings Ltd. and BYD slightly down in Hong Kong.

Listen on Zero: How China Left the World Far Behind in the Battery Race

--With assistance from Danny Lee, Ocean Hou, James Mayger, Anthony Palazzo, Charlotte Yang and Yujing Liu.

(Updates with shares moves, context throughout.)

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(FOX40.COM)  Several people in the community of Olivehurst in Yuba County had to evacuate their homes Wednesday evening after a nearby structure fire, according to the Yuba County Sheriffs Office.

The agency said the fire was at a business located just east of the Yuba County Airport, along Arboga Road and south of Melody Road.

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The airport is located south of Marysville, about 38 miles north of Sacramento.

The sheriffs office said the residents were told to evacuate their homes as a precaution and that there was a large amount of fire crews responding to the fire.

A stretch of nearby Canal St. was closed for some time, and residents were asked to avoid Arboga Rd. near the airport, according to the sheriffs office.

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Business in Wisconsin found to be place of prostitution following search warrant

BEAVER DAM, Wis. (WFRV)  Authorities in Wisconsin conducted search warrants on a business and a private residence on Wednesday and found them to be places of prostitution.

According to a release, the Beaver Dam Police Department, with assistance from the Dodge County Sheriffs Office, Watertown Police Department, and the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, conducted search warrants at a business in the 1600 block of N. Spring St. and a private residence in the 100 block of Elibes Ave. in Beaver Dam.

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As a result of the investigation, charges are being forwarded to the Dodge County District Attorneys Office for keeping a place of prostitution. The release did not identify any suspects.

The investigation remains ongoing, and no additional details have been provided.

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(KRON)  A class action lawsuit filed against the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) alleges that millions of newly freed Californians have been unlawfully denied money owed to them by law.

The University of California, Berkeleys Criminal Law & Justice Center, and Edelson PC filed the lawsuit in Alameda County Superior Court on Tuesday, with CDCR as the defendant.

Instead of giving newly freed California prisoners gate money  funds provided to a newly freed prisoner to help them re-integrate into society  attorneys allege that CDCR instead diverts the funds for the Departments cost of clothing and transportation, the complaint said.

Chesa Boudin, Founding Executive Director of Berkeley Laws Criminal Law & Justice Center and ex-public defender to San Francisco, believes this is an issue of of individual rights, and public safety.

California has long recognized that providing gate money helps people to successfully reintegrate into their communities, thereby enhancing public safety for us all, Boudin said.

Yet the Department of Corrections has improperly diverted these funds to other purposes and continued to do so even after being reprimanded by the courts. Our lawsuit seeks to ensure that the agency which punishes people who break the law is itself fulfilling the letter and spirit of the law, Boudin added.

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In 1973, the state, along with then-Governor Ronald Reagan, passed the gate money law, which requires CA prisons to release prisoners with $200 in hopes of helping them better assimilate to society in their first couple of days out of prison.

Even Ronald Reagan recognized the importance of smooth reentry for the formerly incarcerated, yet the Department of Corrections has been working systematically to remove legally required support. This wrong-headed and illegal practice has to end, Tinisch Hollins, Executive Director of Californians for Safety and Justice, said.

UCB Laws Criminal Law & Justice Center told KRON4 that many of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit left with a fraction of the $200 upon release. One plaintiff, according to UCB officials, was given $0 after his 30 years in prison, which allegedly left him with dirty clothes and no money to afford basic care products.

Attorneys allege the law does not allow CDCR to divert the funds for their own purpose and that CDCR exceeded its legal authority by dipping into gate money to cover its clothing and transportation costs, the complaint alleges.

This isnt the first time the CDCR has been accused of withholding release funds. In 2008, the state Court of Appeals reprimanded the department for not following the gate money law. Yet to this day, CDCR has continued to withhold gate money from people it releases from prison, the complaint said.

Having been recently released from prison, I know how critical gate money is for successful reentry. We need gate money for essential and urgent expenses, like transport, food, and shelter. Its not a gift from CDCR, but rather a legal duty. Tina-Marie Silva, Member of California Coalition for Women Prisoners

Approximately 30,000 people are released from California prisons each year.

KRON4 has contacted the CDCR for comment but has not heard back as of the publication of this report.

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SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  California health officials have moved to suspend and revoke the license of Veterans Village of San Diego to provide residential substance abuse treatment services due to serious concerns about safety following seven client deaths in recent years.

The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), who oversees non-medical substance use disorder treatment licensure, said current clients were informed of the suspension last week, about four days before it went into effect on Monday.

It came more than a year after the nonprofit entered into a probation agreement with the department to correct health and safety violations uncovered after reports regarding the deaths of five people enrolled in its treatment programming between January 2022 and October 2022.

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According to DHCS spokesperson Tessa Outhyse, the agreement began in March 2023 and sought to resolve these issues and the investigations into client fatalities. However, she said two more deaths were reported in September 2023 and March 2024.

These additional fatalities and further violations together revealed [Veterans Village of San Diego]s failure to adhere to the agreement, leading to the licensing action, Outhyse said.

Outhyse added that DHCS will be working with the county and other partners to transition the programs dozens of clients, including Medi-Cal members and those with other health coverage, to appropriate treatment facilities for behavioral health services with minimal disruption.

Medi-Cal placements in Veterans Villages drug treatment program is overseen by the county Health and Human Services Agency, while the Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System will be working to move veterans enrolled in the service.

Details about the violations and circumstances of the client deaths reported to the department that led to the substance abuse treatment programs suspension were not provided.

However, a four-part investigation by inewsource in June 2022 highlighted a number of complaints at the longstanding drug treatment facility, including widespread drug use, unsafe living conditions and high staff turnover, among other issues.

FOX 5/KUSI reached out to Veterans Village regarding the license revocation notice and is awaiting response.

Veterans Villages residential treatment center is one of the preeminent addiction treatment programs in San Diego County. It is one of myriad services offered by the nonprofit, largely tailored to veterans and their families.

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A group of five Vietnam War veterans founded Veterans Village in 1981 hoping to aid veterans facing issues like homelessness, unemployment and addiction, among other things. Its signature event, Stand Down, brings these together, providing a direct service connection to veterans.

While the license renovation notice has been issued to the nonprofit, the notice will not go into effect immediately. It will likely be months before the revocation process, including any potential appeals, wraps up. The nonprofit will not be able to provide licensed services in the meantime.

Addiction treatment has already been removed as a listed program on Veterans Village of San Diegos website.

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CADDO PARISH, La. (KTAL/KMSS)The September 11th Caddo Parish School Board meeting was full of concerned citizens, city leaders, and board members. Members of the community voiced concerns about Keith Burton, the one and only candidate out of six finalists to be interviewed.

Joe R. Gant Jr., a pastor at Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, said, Unless you have walked in where weve walked, youve lived the way weve lived, you dont quite understand whats happening with our children when they come to school.

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Another community member and former assistant principal of instruction, Allison Hammond, said, Youre saying Im looking at the data and choosing to put in place someone who has been in charge of academics for 10 years, as we sit with 40% of schools with Ds and Fs, and thats good enough?

There was a motion to postpone Burtons interview entirely, as some members felt the pending litigation and having only one candidate were concerns.

Dottie Bell, a Caddo Parish School Board (CPSB) member for District 12, said,  The reason Im saying postpone is because the community is saying, and were saying it to, I said, I voted no. That we needed to interview more than one.

District 7 board member Darrin Dixon echoed the sentiment.

Just interviewing other folks, if Mr. Burton was the best, then so be it, but well never get to know that because we never would have talked to anybody but him, said Dixon.

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However, other board members said it was a fair process, with Burton earning the most votes.

The candidate that was selected had nearly twice the score of the second candidate. We have people talking about in the business world, in the business world when this happens, you dont go through political theater to pretend to like other candidates have an option, said Don Little, Caddo Parish school board member for District 4.

Steve Umling, board member for District 1, said, I would like to see this board move forward. We made a selection, and its time to put all those conspiracy theories Ive been flying around behind us.

The motion to postpone was voted down and the interview was held in an open meeting.

During the interview, Burton spoke on rebuilding community trust, failing schools, and early childhood education.

For the last 11 years, Ive served you as our chief academic officer and Im very proud of our teams work and what weve accomplished not for a certain group of kids but for kids, said Burton.

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An April 25 rally on the campus of Northwestern University. Plans for pro-Palestinian vigils at the University of Maryland on Oct. 7, the anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel, have been blocked by campus officials. Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images

Civil rights groups are calling on the University of Maryland, College Park, to reverse its prohibition on student-led demonstrations on Oct 7, the anniversary of the Hamas terror attack that killed about 1,200 Israelis.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations and Palestine Legal said in a Sept. 4 letter to campus officials that they need to reverse the decision to avoid a legal clash with the First Amendment it will lose. They said Wednesday that their letter has been ignored, and called on students and concerned individuals to complain to the campus.

The First Amendment does not allow the government to make October 7th or any other day a free-expression-black-out date. The clarity of the constitutional violation, if maintained, courts conflict, said CAIR Senior Litigation Attorney Gadeir Abbas in a statement.

The issue is not limited to the College Park campus. The University System of Maryland, the governing body of the states universities, said on Sept. 1 that it will restrict Oct. 7 demonstrations for all institutions in the system.

The dispute began when two College Park student groups, Students for Justice in Palestine and Jewish Voice for Peace, got university permission to hold a vigil on Oct. 7 at McKeldin Mall to recognize lives lost since that day, highlighting Palestinians killed in the Israel-Hamas conflict.

But other Jewish student organizations and news outlets called on the university to cancel the vigil, arguing the event would appropriate the suffering the Jewish community has faced since the Hamas terror attack. The event was canceled a few days later and University of Maryland President Darryll Pines said that all campus activities on that day would be restricted to university-sponsored events.

Abel Amene, a senior studying economics and physics at College Park, and a member of the Students for Justice in Palestine, called the restrictions on campus activities an attempt to legally skirt the First Amendment protection and that the student group is seriously considering legal action.

Meanwhile, CAIR is urging College Park students and others to contact university administration to demand that they respect the rights of students to freely express their views and advocate for the causes they believe in, including the defense of Palestinian human rights.

The Hillel chapter at the University of Maryland did not respond to request for comment, but said in a previous joint statement with the Jewish Student Union that it supports Pines decision.

While this is not an ideal situation, it ensures that our physical and psychological safety is protected on this day of grief, the statement said.

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After Pines announcement, the university system released a statement on Sept. 1 saying that on Oct. 7  and only on Oct. 7  the USM will limit special campus events (those requiring approval or permitting) to ones that support a university-sponsored Day of Dialogue. University-approved events sponsored by organizations will resume on Oct. 8.

While USM claims the decision is out of respect for students and with their safety in mind, some faculty and students worry it will limit free speech on campuses and could lead to further restrictions down the line.

Marcus Johnson, assistant professor of government and politics on the College Park campus, called the decision a real concern. He is affiliated with Faculty and Staff for Justice in Palestine at the University of Maryland, but said he was only speaking for himself.

I find it a little bit disappointing  university campuses should be these spaces where students should learn to have the hard conversations, Johnson said. And yet the universities response to that is to kind of preempt that learning experience even from happening.

The University Systems statement says that the intent is not to abridge students right to free expression; the intent is, instead, to be sensitive to the needs of our students.

Day of Dialogue

The Sept. 1 USM statement does not have a clear outline defining a Day of Dialogue or what kinds of campus-sponsored activities will be permitted.

Our university communities may use this day to safely come together to reflect and to share, to learn and to listen, and, yes, to challenge one another. Thats the premise  and the promise  of higher education, the statement said.

Paul Stackpole, a senior writer with USM, said the decision to restrict campus activities came as an agreement between system Chancellor Jay Perman and the campus presidents.

It was neither instruction nor guidance. It was agreed upon, Stackpole said. He added that programming decisions for the Day of Dialogue are left to each of the universities to determine.

Communication staffers from Frostburg State University and Bowie State University said over email that discussions on Oct. 7 campus activities are in progress, but no firm details have been announced yet.

All our student organizations will be notified  and encouraged to participate in the planning and delivery of these campus activities, said Frostburg State Universitys Nicole McDonald last week.

Johnson believes the Day of Dialogue language is vague.

I dont fully know what that means except that its clear the universities want to be able to, in some ways, control and moderate speech, he said.

It feels more like this kind of squishy language thats useful for the university to figure out exactly what theyre going to allow, Johnson added. And in the meantime, stop the students from being able to organize what they would do autonomously.
The Bridge Fire straddling Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties was the largest of three major wildfires menacing Southern California on Thursday as federal assistance and the state National Guard were being deployed to help firefighters get the upper hand on the destructive blazes.

Some 2,500 structures are under threat from the Bridge Fire, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire). Since starting on Sunday, the wildfire has consumed 51,167 acres of extremely dry vegetation mostly in steep, rugged terrain, officials said.

As of Thursday afternoon, the Bridge fire had destroyed 39 structures, including homes and businesses, and was 0% contained, according to Cal Fire.

The blaze -- the cause of which is still undetermined -- "continued to exhibit extreme fire behavior," although cooler weather conditions were helping fire crews battling to save homes, Cal Fire said. The fire grew overnight roughly 13,000 acres "mainly on the north and east flanks," officials said.

PHOTO: Cal Fire firefighters tackle the Bridge Fire threatening mountain communities to the northeast of Los Angeles, in Wrightwood, California, U.S. September 11, 2024. (Ringo Chiu/Reuters)

At least 13 structures were destroyed in the Wrightwood area, with power infrastructure also affected. The Mountain High West and East Ski resorts were both affected by fire activity, while 20 homes in Mount Baldy and six wilderness cabins were destroyed.

Cal Fire warned that the expanding inferno may cause "spot fires" as it reaches areas of "receptive fuels with little to no fire history."

PHOTO: 3 major wildfires in Southern California (National Interagency Coordination Center)

The Bridge Fire is one of three large wildfires active in Southern California.

The Airport Fire

The Airport Fire continued to burn on Thursday across Orange and Riverside counties. The fire, which started on Monday, had consumed 23,140 acres as of Thursday and was 5% contained, according to Cal Fire.

The fire has left two civilians and 10 firefighters injured, according to Cal Fire.

PHOTO: A plane drops retardant on the Bridge Fire threatening mountain communities to the northeast of Los Angeles, in Wrightwood, California, U.S. September 11, 2024. (Ringo Chiu/Reuters)

At least 5,513 homes in Riverside County were under evacuation orders Thursday, and evacuation warnings have been issued for 9,581 homes. Some 53,000 Riverside County residents are affected by the fire.

wildfire map:

Gov. Gavin Newsom traveled to Southern California on Wednesday, proclaiming a state of emergency in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Orange and Riverside counties in response to the Bridge and Airport fires, his office said in a statement.

The Airport Fire began around 1 p.m. PT on Tuesday, sparked by county public works crews working on a fire prevention project by trying to move boulders to prevent public access -- mostly by motorcyclists -- to an area of the canyon with a lot of dry vegetation that could ignite easily, officials told ABC Los Angeles station KABC.

The Line Fire

Newsom has also declared a state of emergency related to the Line Fire, which authorities alleged was deliberately set on Sept. 5. That wildfire -- east of Los Angeles in San Bernardino County -- was 18% contained on Thursday after burning 37,207 acres, Cal Fire said.

Over 100,000 people have been displaced from the affected area amid evacuation orders and warnings, with 65,600 structures threatened.

PHOTO: A Cal Fire firefighter tackles the Bridge Fire threatening mountain communities to the northeast of Los Angeles, in Wrightwood, California, U.S. September 11, 2024. (Ringo Chiu/Reuters)

Justin Wayne Halstenberg, 34, was charged on Thursday with allegedly starting the Line Fire, officials said. Halstenberg is expected to be arraigned Friday on nine felony counts, including aggravated arson, arson causing great bodily injury and possession of materials and devices for arson.

San Bernardino County District Attorney Jason Anderson said at a news conference Thursday that three incendiary devices were found in the area where the fire ignited.

PHOTO: Color infrared overview of Line Fire in Running Springs, California, Sep. 11, 2024. (Satellite image 2024 Maxar Technologies.)

According to officials, the suspect allegedly tried to start the fire multiple times before succeeding.

Officials said they used automated license plate readers to identify a vehicle seen in the area of the Line Fire at the time it ignited and traced the vehicle to Halstenberg.

Newsom visited the Line Fire command post in Highland on Wednesday.

"California is deploying every available resource to combat these devastating fires, and we'll continue to work in lockstep with federal and local partners in this herculean effort," Newsom said.

ABC News' Marilyn Heck contributed to this report.

California Bridge Fire updates: Newsom expands emergency due to 'extreme behavior' originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
FILE - California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks to reporters in the spin room before a presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP)  California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill Thursday bringing back tough criminal penalties targeting large-scale stealing schemes and smash-and-grab robberies that have fueled voter frustration across the state.

The new law requires prosecutors to start imposing harsher sentences again for those who damage or destroy property valued at more than $50,000 while committing a felony. A similar law expired in 2018. The new law will sunset by 2030.

California already has some of the strictest retail and property crime laws in the nation  and we have made them even stronger with our recent legislation, Newsom said in a statement. We can be tough on crime while also being smart on crime  we dont need to go back to broken policies of the last century.

The decision to bring back tough penalties comes as Democratic leaders continue to work to prove that they are tough enough on crime while trying to convince voters to reject a ballot measure that would bring even harsher sentences for repeat offenders of shoplifting and drug charges.

While shoplifting has been a growing problem, large-scale, smash-and-grab thefts, in which groups of individuals brazenly rush into stores and take goods in plain sight, have become a crisis in California and elsewhere in recent years. Such crimes, often captured on video and posted on social media, have brought particular attention to the problem of retail theft in the state.

The new law is part of a bipartisan legislative package of about a dozen bills aiming to crack down on thefts, making it easier to go after repeat shoplifters and auto thieves and increase penalties for those running professional reselling schemes.

Violent sledgehammer crimes and flash-mob attacks by organized gangs must stop now, Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, who authored the bill, said in a statement. Our business owners and workers should not have to live in fear that these crimes will come to their doorstep.

The measure is also supported by the California Retailers Association, which said the new penalties would serve as a deterrent against smash and grabs and retail crime.

But opponents, including criminal justice advocates and public defenders, said the new law will result in more people behind bars for non-retail theft crimes. The measure increases prison time for a wide range of felony charges, they said. That means a person could receive a tougher sentence for offenses such as damaging vehicles while driving under the influence under the new law.

They also criticized the new law for modeling after a plan proposed in a tougher-on-crime ballot initiative, which Newsom and Democratic lawmakers spent months lambasting and unsuccessfully fighting to keep off the November ballot. The new law will expire in five years, while the ballot measure proposes a plan to make the harsher penalties permanent.

If were opposed to it being permanent, why aren't we opposed to it being temporary? said Taina Vargas, executive director of Initiate Justice Action, about the new law. This makes it apparent that, you know, certain individuals in the Legislature and the governor just want to give off the impression of doing something.

How to tackle crimes in California has become increasingly difficult to navigate in recent years for state Democrats, many of whom have spent the last decade championing progressive policies to depopulate jails and prisons and invest in rehabilitation programs.

As the issue could even affect the makeup  and control  of Congress, some Democrats broke with party leadership and said they supported Proposition 36, the tough-on-crime approach.

Newsoms administration has spent $267 million to help dozens of local law enforcement agencies increase patrols, buy surveillance equipment and prosecute more criminals. Law enforcement across the state has arrested 6,900 people for retail theft crimes in the first six months of the operation, Newsom's office said Thursday.

It is hard to quantify the retail crime issue in California because of the lack of local data, but many point to major store closures and everyday products like toothpaste being locked behind plexiglass as evidence of a crisis. The California Retailers Association said it is challenging to quantify the issue in California because many stores dont share their data.
A Northern California man has been federally indicted after he allegedly assaulted flight attendants on a flight from Orange County to San Francisco, forcing the plane to divert to the Inland Empire.

Charles Angel Salva, 30, is charged with interfering with flight crew members and attendants, the U.S. Department of Justice said in a news release.

On Monday, Salva was aboard a Frontier Airlines flight headed from John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana to San Francisco International Airport when he allegedly pulled down his oxygen mask and got his hand stuck in the overhead compartment in the process.

Salva, whom passengers said appeared to be claustrophobic, then began swearing at flight attendants, yelling things such as This airplane is going down! and We are all going to hell, prosecutor said.

He then grabbed at fellow passengers and ran towards the rear of the airplane when flight attendants tried to restrain him, the release said.

He also allegedly tried to choke a flight attendant, then pushed another attendant while saying he was going to kill everybody, prosecutors said.

During the incident, Salva kicked one flight attendant approximately six times in the leg, causing apparent bruising and swelling, which required medical attention, the DOJ said.

The flight then diverted to Ontario for safety reasons.

He was arrested on Wednesday and is due to appear in U.S. District Court in Riverside Thursday afternoon.

If convicted, he could be sentenced to 20 years in federal prison.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Dogs being transported after being sold at an auction in Missouri. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

California requires that dogs be examined by a veterinarian before they can enter the state for sale, a law meant to protect consumers from buying sick puppies and track disease outbreaks.

But the state purges thousands of the veterinary forms as they pour in from around the country, without even looking at them.

State officials have an easy answer for why they destroy the records: They shouldn't be receiving them. California requires that they be sent to the counties the dogs are bound for.

County officials, though, seem unaware they are supposed to collect them and, for the most part, don't.

The fallout is that some California consumers unknowingly buy high-priced pets from unscrupulous middlemen who import and resell the puppies with little oversight  at times from profit-driven mass breeders across the country, a Times investigation found.

The bureaucratic mess has angered animal advocates.

To say Im surprised and alarmed would be an understatement of epic proportions, said Gary Weitzman, head of the San Diego Humane Society. At the very least, they have to start with not destroying evidence.

Under California's convoluted law, individuals who bring in dogs are obligated to send the records to county public health departments, but few actually do.

Most states in the country receive the travel forms for dogs coming and going. These certificates of veterinary inspection are handled in many instances by state agriculture departments, which have provided copies to the California Department of Food and Agriculture for years.

Officials with the California agency said they don't forward the records to counties before they scrap them.

Most of the state's 58 county public health departments said they didn't have the records. Orange County was adamant that the state was supposed to be in charge of them. Ventura County provided only one travel certificate, and said if there were more, officials wouldn't know about it because importers weren't following the law.

Only San Diego County appears to regularly receive travel certificates, nearly all of which were for two private shelters that have imported 6,550 dogs since 2018 from other states, according to the county.

Dogs sold at a Missouri auction being transported inside a packed white van. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Eight other counties provided 162 travel certificates for the last six years. The Times, though, requested the records from other states and obtained tens of thousands of them for dogs coming into California.

In a statement, the state's agriculture department stood by its decision to destroy the records: "The sale and movement of household pets are outside of CDFAs jurisdiction. ... We have messaging on our website that provides the correct destination for certificates of veterinary inspection."

That messaging is a general statement that the forms should go to local public health departments where the dog will live or be sold.

State officials acknowledged creating an email address specifically to filter the records they receive  and more easily delete them  due to the high volume.

The agency said that senders get an auto-reply indicating that it doesn't regulate dogs coming into the state and that importers should send the travel certificates to counties. Reporters sent emails to the address and did not receive that response until recently.

Hard copies of the travel records that arrive from other states are destroyed without notification to the sender, agency officials said.

In a 2020 email exchange reviewed by The Times, Wisconsin officials were advised that travel certificates should be sent to counties. When they asked for the right contact information, California officials said they didnt have it.

Since travel certificates are supposed to detail who is bringing dogs into the state, they can be a resource in proving crimes, such as tax evasion, and revealing organizations claiming to be rescues that buy designer dogs from breeders.

Policymakers and the public rely on information like this to inform the scale of problems and to tailor solutions, said Jennifer Fearing, a longtime animal advocate in California.

Years ago, before new regulations were put in place, the food and agriculture agency routinely kept the documents sent from other states, Fearing said. While working as a lobbyist on behalf of the Humane Society of the United States, she said she was able to obtain records in 2010 that detailed how California was driving demand from Missouri puppy mills.

Fearing said at the time the state's agriculture department had shipped the physical records to another state agency, where she found them in stacks of cardboard boxes.

CDFA went from disinterested to destructive, she said after learning the records are now deleted.

Lee Benson, a spokesman for the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry, said travel certificates are critical in investigating the source of a disease outbreak.

It ensures theres not a situation where it's like, Oh, no, where did this animal go? Benson said.

He said Oklahoma no longer sends copies of the records to California at CDFA's request.

Apathy by California officials and confusion among counties over the records has enabled bad actors to buy dogs from out-of-state puppy mills and advertise them as locally bred, The Times found.

Reporters requested health certificates from all 50 states and analyzed the movement of nearly 88,000 dogs traveling into California since 2018.

California only requires travel certificates when a dog is sold or changes ownership. It doesn't require them for cats. Some of the documents The Times obtained were for people traveling with their pets or moving. Many, however, involve the sale of 8-to-12-week-old puppies.

Hundreds of records showed dogs going to destinations in California that do not exist and to people using various aliases.

A man cleans equipment outside at a pet transport company in Missouri. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

The records reviewed by The Times, however, did not give a full picture of the number of dogs coming into California.

Connecticut said it discovered a person handling the records had mistakenly believed that they could be destroyed after 30 days.

We have corrected this and will be keeping them 2 years as required by our record keeping rules, said Carole Briggs, staff attorney at the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, in a written response.

Clint Quarles, an attorney with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, said his state could provide only a random assortment of health certificates that staffers had not yet purged.

Those records show at least 736 dogs approved for transport to California since 2018.

There could be tons and tons and tons of CVIs out there that are animals of Kentucky origin going to California, but were just totally unaware of it, he said.

Indiana, which keeps the records sealed from the public but shares them with other state governments, said it sent more than 14,000 travel documents to the CDFA of dogs being brought into California since 2018. Those records would have been accessible under California's public records law, had they not been deleted.

Without the records, animal welfare groups say there are fewer opportunities to identify where dogs come from and where they end up. That's become especially important in recent years as states, including California, have restricted or banned dog sales at pet stores.

That's sort of a back-end way  or one of the only ways  that we can make those linkages, said Jennie Lintz, senior director of the Puppy Mill Initiative at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
(Bloomberg) -- Finance chiefs in Beijing are testing new ways to boost the economy by encouraging demand, breaking with long-established practice as threats to the countrys growth target mount.

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The trouble is, this embrace of a more expansionary policy in Chinas capital is effectively getting canceled out in the provinces  where authorities are in full belt-tightening mode.

Beijing allocated a large chunk of proceeds from this years special sovereign bond sales to subsidies for households and companies that buy new equipment in an attempt to boost demand  something that never happened before. Previously the favored way to spur growth was spending on things like roads, railways or industrial parks, much of it done by provincial governments.

Its a signal that policymakers focus of easing has been shifted slightly more to the demand side, said Lisheng Wang, an economist with Goldman Sachs Group Inc. The linkage between fiscal spending and infrastructure investment may have weakened to some degree.

Many economists have been calling for exactly such a shift, arguing that only ramped-up deficit spending  aimed at helping consumption, rather than the countrys powerhouse industries  can pull the economy out of a deflationary trap and ensure it expands at the target rate of around 5%.

Beijing has a chance to unleash more fiscal firepower this week, when top legislators gather for one of the final opportunities in 2024 to announce additional bond sales. Officials used a similar meeting last year to tweak the budget mid-year and allow more deficit-spending.

Some economists suggest third-quarter data will be crucial for determining whether additional stimulus is needed. If growth in gross domestic product falls below 4.7% during this time, the government might issue an extra 1 trillion yuan in special sovereign bonds, according to Jacqueline Rong, chief China economist at BNP Paribas SA.

Slowing Sales

Still, its not clear if the cautious change of direction in the capital is enough to offset whats happening at the local level. Thats because regional governments, whose spending was once a key driver of growth, are now focused on scaling back their dangerous debt burdens.

Chinas provinces are selling new special bonds, which are supposed to be spent on investments expected to generate returns, at the slowest pace since 2021  falling well short of their quotas, amid a dearth of suitable projects now that the country is saturated with infrastructure.

Story continues

Meanwhile, theyre running short of cash to meet daily spending needs  like paying salaries  which are funded by tax revenues, as their income gets squeezed by the real estate slump and broader economic slowdown. Many local authorities have resorted to delaying payments to contractors, imposing hefty fines and dinging companies with tax bills that date back for decades.

The moves suggest local governments have become grabbing hands in the economy, Nomura Holdings Inc. economists including Lu Ting wrote in a note. This may be the impetus for a second wave of economic shocks that could undermine the foundations of Chinas success story.

In the case of the city of Yueyang in central Hunan province, authorities recently outlined plans to compress the size of special bond issuance  and sell anything thats not nailed down.

Theyre scrambling to comply with President Xi Jinpings crackdown on so-called hidden debt used by Chinas regions in the past to stoke growth. The local government financing vehicles that were set up to enable off-balance-sheet borrowing have seen net financing outflow for three straight quarters.

A fiscal-confidence spiral could be a major risk looming ahead, Citigroup Inc. economists including Xiangrong Yu wrote in a note Wednesday. Declining revenues might spur tougher efforts to collect taxes, which could hurt confidence and slow growth, potentially causing revenues to fall even further.

We see a greater urgency to break the austerity trap as the economy loses steam, they wrote. While discussions about budget adjustments are not scheduled, a deficit revision could still be possible at the current Standing Committee of the National Peoples Congress meeting, they added.

Pivot to Demand

Against this backdrop, Beijing is having to shoulder more of the burden when it comes to driving growth via deficit spending.

In July, the government earmarked nearly one-third of the 1 trillion yuan ($141 billion) special bond sale for an existing plan to encourage purchases of greener and smarter equipment. It doubled the subsidy for new-car buyers, now offering up to 20,000 yuan for electric vehicles.

There was an immediate impact: applications jumped some 24% in the second half of August as the program was rolled out nationally. The plan could drive consumption and investment worth some 1.5% of GDP, according to Bloomberg Economics estimates.

There are plenty of ideas floating around for more sustainable ways to shore up consumption  like beefing up Chinas social safety net, improving public services for migrant workers, or encouraging childbirth with financial aid as the population shrinks.

But right now, overall public spending  which includes local governments  is shrinking, not growing. It contracted about 2% in the first seven months of 2024.

Fiscal policy must strengthen to stabilize the economy, said Jia Kang, a former head of a research institute under the Ministry of Finance. Either a budget deficit raise or extra special sovereign bond sales should be considered this year.

Differing Objectives

Along with a potential boost to central government outlays, there are also signs that Beijing may be easing some of the restrictions on how the provinces can borrow and spend.

For example, authorities are mulling letting local governments sell special bonds to buy unsold homes  as part of an effort to halt a property market collapse thats left developers deep in crisis.

Some economists argue that Beijing should use its own borrowing to transfer more cash to local authorities  helping to ease their budget crunch and repair balance sheets  instead of spending it on inefficient stimulus like traditional infrastructure.

Top leaders consider more than just economic growth, said BNPs Rong. Security and risk prevention are two other big concerns, and its very challenging to strike a balance between the three.

--With assistance from Jing Zhao.

(Updates with BNPs forecast in seventh paragraph)

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H.R. McMaster, Trump's former national security advisor, won't unambiguously tell voters what he seems to think: his former boss is unfit for another term. (Alex Brandon / Associated Press)

If its strength they need, theres strength in numbers.

Im referring to former officials who worked for Donald Trump, especially the national security stewards, who have declined to come forward publicly and directly warn voters that he's unfit to be president  even though, as insiders know well, thats how they feel.

Imagine the pre-election power of a news conference in which a phalanx of senior Trump advisors stood shoulder to shoulder to deliver that message, each providing first-hand examples of his derelictions of duty. What could better tip the few undecided voters against Trump than former military leaders, on national TV, giving witness to his disregard for the Constitution, the rule of law and Americas national interests? President George W. Bush, 2012 Republican nominee Mitt Romney and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, among others, should join, too. We know what they think about Trump. Its time to endorse Kamala Harris.

On Monday, 10 retired military officers, including six former generals and two admirals, released a letter in which they not only condemned Trump but also endorsed Harris as the best  and only  presidential candidate in this race who is fit to serve as our commander-in-chief. Trump, they wrote, is a danger to our national security and our democracy. His own former National Security Advisors, Defense Secretaries, and Chiefs of Staff have said so.

Read more: On a night of fierce exchanges, Harris sets the tone

The Harris campaign is exploiting earlier, unprecedented pans from Trumps former aides. It trolled Trump pre-debate with a new ad on Fox News, featuring condemnatory clips from Vice President Mike Pence, former national security advisor John Bolton, former Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley. At the debate, Harris guests included two outspoken Trump veterans, White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci and national security official and Pence aide Olivia Troye. And in the debate, she cracked, If you want to really know the inside track on who the former president is  just ask people who have worked with him.

The letter, the ad, Harris trolling  all of that is well and good, but we need to hear unambiguously from those White House, Cabinet and military notables who actually saw and conversed with Trump regularly. As I've noted before, no president in U.S. history has been so damned by so many once part of the inner circle.

Read more: Calmes: Why Trump's 'leave it to the states' abortion stance ties him in knots

Some, including retired Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster, a former White House national security advisor, have written critical books but otherwise declined to come right out to say, Voters, beware! Others, including Milley and former White House Chief of Staff John F. Kelly, have been sources for damning books and articles but mostly remain mute. Still more, including former director of national intelligence and former Sen. Dan Coats, who privately fretted that Trump was somehow beholden to Russian President Vladimir Putin, have been altogether silent. (And then there are the deplorable party-over-country Trump critics, notably former Atty. Gen. William P. Barr and former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley, who say they'll vote for him nonetheless because he's the Republican nominee.)

McMaster is among the most frustratingly reticent. Last month, promoting his latest book, At War with Ourselves: My Tour of Duty in the Trump White House, McMaster told CBS News that Trump was nasty, refused to prep, made contrarian decisions just to spite his advisors, was addicted to adulation and fomented an environment of competitive sycophancy. He said Mattis and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson considered Trump a danger to U.S. interests. McMaster said he didnt agree, though he did volunteer that Trump sees in authoritarian leaders, especially Putin, the qualities that he wants other people to see in him. Thats not dangerous?

Read more: Opinion: Trump missed the moment. But he's in better shape at this juncture than in 2016, 2020

Trumps actions in encouraging the Jan. 6 attack on Congress and upsetting the peaceful transition of power were an abandonment of his responsibilities to the Constitution, McMaster said. But when asked if Trump is fit to hold the office again, he demurred: Thats the judgment that the American people have to make. He wouldnt say how he would vote, despite allowing that the chaos he chronicled does foreshadow what we might expect in a second Trump administration.

McMaster, the author of books dealing with leadership, ought to be mobilizing the SOS news conference. What is stopping him and the rest?

In fairness, the military veterans among them are steeped in a culture of deference to civilian government and the commander in chief. That weighs heavily against any action smacking of politics. Yet they served in civilian roles and saw Trump as most Americans could not. Its their patriotic duty to speak up.

Read more: Column: H.R. McMaster's parting shot at his dictator-loving boss

Another possible reason for their reticence: Its well-documented that taking on Trump causes him to attack, which in turn provokes threats of violence from his most rabid supporters. Romney, the only Republican senator to twice vote for Trumps conviction on impeachment, last year revealed that he spends $5,000 a day for security. Most people, including former government VIPs, probably cant afford that.

There is another disturbing factor. Former Rep. Adam Kinzinger, Never Trump Republican, has talked to some of the boneless wonders who remain offstage. Im just going to spill the beans, he said on a recent Bulwark podcast: A lot of these folks, theyre making money now, OK?  consulting for private equity firms and defense contractors, for example. If their paymasters fear a vengeful Trump will be president soon, their denunciations of their former boss would make them a liability.

But, Kinzinger added, as if addressing the fainthearted: You saw this stuff and you actually care about the future of the country? I mean, youve got to speak out! This is like the most important moment.

Kinzinger held out hope for 11th hour surprises. So should we all.

@jackiekcalmes

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
(Bloomberg) -- Canadian Defense Minister Bill Blair cast doubt on the idea of an Asian NATO, saying that any US-led military alliance in the region would look different due to the diverse strategic interests there.

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I think theres different elements of strategic competition taking place in the Indo-Pacific, Blair said in an interview with Bloomberg News in Seoul late Wednesday. It may take a different form than what we see in NATO.

Blair is visiting Seoul and Tokyo this week, becoming the first Canadian defense minister in more than a decade to travel to South Korea. He highlighted Chinas growing assertiveness in the region in what he called the most rapid military buildup of any nation in decades to reshape the international system to suit its own goals.

Touching also on the US presidential election and Ukraine, Blair said he expected Americas support for Kyiv to continue no matter who will be in the White House next year.

The US and its Asian allies, Japan and South Korea, have been stepping up their cooperation as Washington pushes to clip Chinas efforts to increase its military and economic might. Beijing has bristled at the moves, calling them an attempt to sow discord among the Asian neighbors.

I think what were seeing is the emergence of a lattice of security arrangements and cooperation, information sharing. I think there is value in that, Blair said.

The idea of a North Atlantic Treaty Organization-like collective security arrangement in Asia was raised this week by Shigeru Ishiba, a front-runner in the race to become Japans next prime minister. Ishiba, a former defense minister, said such a pact would provide better deterrence against regional threats and highlighted the role of NATO in deterring Russian aggression in Europe.

China and North Korea occasionally accuse the US of trying to build an Asian version of NATO, but security analysts say such a deal is unlikely because the region is more diverse politically and economically than Europe and North America.

While views on the threat from Russia are largely uniform among NATO members, ties to China vary widely around Asia and sometimes shift when administrations change in individual countries.

Asian countries also have a deep undercurrent of distrust from legacies of past wars.

Turning to the US election, the Canadian minister played down the significance of comments made by candidates in the runup to the vote.

On Tuesday, former President Donald Trump twice declined to say if he wants Ukraine to win the war against Russia, instead telling the nights debate with Vice President Kamala Harris that he wanted the fighting to end.

A lot of things get said in a political campaign, but they dont necessarily turn into future government policy, Blair said. The United States commitment to peace and security around the world, its been enduring for a very long time.

His remarks echoed those of Admiral Rob Bauer, the chair of NATOs military committee, who said it was unlikely the US would stop supporting Ukraine.

The race for the White House remains tight ahead of the Nov. 5 election and the two candidates differ significantly on a solution to the conflict in Ukraine, currently well into its third year.

While President Joe Biden and Harris have pledged to back Kyiv for as long as needed, Trump has repeatedly raised doubts over US commitments to NATO. Russian President Vladimir Putin, meanwhile, has given little indication that hes ready to negotiate, except on his own terms.

Canada is among a minority of NATO members that do not meet the alliances requirement of spending 2% of gross domestic product on defense. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau promised in July that Canada would hit the target by 2032, but provided few details of how it would get there.

Blair said Canada would need to acquire big things to achieve that goal. The country is in the market for up to 12 submarines, which will cost billions.

Weve got some significant new investments to make in people and in platforms and equipment for our Canadian Armed Forces, he said. We know weve got to do more and were going to do more.

--With assistance from Alastair Gale.

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Canada to host conference on release of captured, deported Ukrainians in October

Canada will host a conference in late October on one of the points of Ukraine's peace formula pertaining to the release of Ukrainian captives and those deported by Russia, the Presidential Office announced on Sept. 12.

The release of prisoners and deportees is the fourth point of President Volodymyr Zelensky's 10-point plan, which also calls for the expulsion of all Russian forces from Ukrainian territory.

The first "thematic" conference dedicated to the third point of the peace formula, energy security, was held online in August. Kyiv aims to formulate joint positions with foreign partners that could be presented to Russia at the second peace summit.

The Canadian conference, co-hosted by Norway, will take place on Oct. 30-31.

"We must find a solution for all groups held by Russia: civilians, prisoners of war and children," said Presidential Office head Andrii Yermak, who held an online meeting with Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly.

The parties also discussed the format of the event, its agenda, the list of countries to be invited, and the expected result, according to the Presidential Office.

Kyiv aims to conduct an all-for-all prisoner exchange, which was one of the subjects at Ukraine's peace summit in Switzerland in mid-June. Neither Russia nor Ukraine disclosed how many POWs are in captivity. The numbers are estimated in the thousands for both sides.

Read also: Russian POW phone call restrictions spotlight Ukraine, Russias treatment of prisoners

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As nearly two dozen members of Jamaicas military and police forces arrived in Port-au-Prince on Thursday to begin their countrys participation in an armed security mission in Haiti, the international community reiterated the call for a surge in assistance to the non-United Nations security mission.

The 23 Jamaicans and two members of the Belize military landed late afternoon aboard a U.S. Coast Guard aircraft. They face a tough challenge. Earlier this week, armed gangs took their criminality to the sea. Two members of a cargo ship docking in the Port-au-Prince seaport were kidnapped, a source familiar with the incident confirmed to the Miami Herald.

The ocean heist raises new concerns for the Kenya-led security mission, which already lacked air support, and currently has no maritime assets.

Its going to take an incredible amount of effort to get us to where we need to be, but the fact is, we have no choice but to pursue the course that were on because right now its the only option in town, Canadas top diplomat to the U.N., Robert Rae, told the Miami Herald following his first official visit to the country as the newly elected president of the U.N.s Economic and Social Council.

Rae spent three days in gang-ridden Port-au-Prince meeting with Haitian authorities, civic leaders, U.N. representatives as well as the head of the Kenya-led security mission known as the MSS. His visit led off a string of high-profile visits to the troubled-county that have been taking place in recent weeks. Other diplomats have included U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who spent the day in Port-au-Prince last week before traveling to the other side of the island to meet with Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader, and Miroslav Jenca, assistant secretary-general for Europe, Central Asia and the Americas.

Jenca, arrived in Haiti last Friday and completed his visit on Wednesday. The U.N.s independent expert on human rights, William ONeill, is also currently traveling the country to report on the deteriorating human rights situation.

During Jencas visit, the U.N. diplomat met with Prime Minister Garry Conille and members of his cabinet; Edgard Leblanc Fils, the current head of the scandal-clad Transitional Presidential Council; the head of the Haiti National Police and commander of the Kenya forces, as well as members of the international diplomatic corps. He also spent time in the northern port city of Cap-Haitien where some are pushing for a greater U.N. presence given the tightening grip of armed gangs that now control more than 85% of the capital.

All of those he met emphasized that security remains the biggest challenge, Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman for U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said about Jenca. While some success has been achieved in anti-gang operations conducted by the Haitian police with the support of the Multinational Security Support mission in Port-au-Prince, it is imperative for the international community to urgently and substantially increase its support for the MSS as well as the Haitian national police. This is fundamental to improve security and allow progress on the political track and in development.

Jenca, in a social media post, said in his meeting with the foreign diplomatic corps that he had emphasized the importance of coordination in the international community to assist Haiti with its ongoing challenges.

Canadas ambassador to the United Nations, Robert Rae, recently spent three days in Haiti. Among the places he visited was a school serving as a shelter for people displaced by the ongoing violence.

The high-profile visits come at a pivotal time. Donor support for Haitis security and humanitarian crisis has been slow to pour inthe U.S. remains the biggest financial contributor of the MSS, providing more than $300 million for its operations as well as armored vehicles, radios and other equipment  and the Biden administration is seeking support from the U.N. Security Council to transform the ill-equipped and understaffed Kenya-led mission into a formal U.N. peacekeeping operation in order to guarantee staffing levels and funding.

The move not only requires support from Guterres, but also from China and Russia, who have been vocal critics of past U.N. peacekeeping interventions in Haiti. The U.S. is also likely to face tough questions even from its supporters. Among them: Why the effort on the ground has not yet produced the kinds of results the administration, and even Guterres, promoted in their effort to field an international armed force to help Haitis national police put down gangs?

Those goals include not only loosening the hold of violent gangs that have expanded their presence since 400 Kenyan police officers began arriving in late June, but opening up roads to allow more humanitarian assistance to reach the nearly 600,000 Haitians who have been displaced from their homes in the last three years by the violence and the more than 5 million in need of help.

My impression is that from talking to the commander, and also from talking to the prime minister, is that the challenge facing the mission has been that, as opposed to a U.N. mission, where theres a tremendous amount of work done, logistics, background, preparation, prior to people arriving in on site, a lot of this has been done on site, said Rae. And theres been challenges with getting the right equipment to the right people at the right time.

But having said that, its important to stress that these problems are being addressed, and theres a tremendous willingness on the part of donors to meet more regularly, he added.

Even with the missions shortcomings, Rae said, he believes it has been quite remarkable what the international community has managed to do in the absence of a U.N. mission, to get countries to agree, to come together, to get troops coming in, to provide additional equipment to the [Haiti National Police], to get the port open, to get the airport open, to get the airport secure.

I think people have to look at things in some perspective, he said. Six months ago, four months ago, things looked very dire in terms of where this was headed.

He acknowledged that countries supporting the mission face the task of explaining to the rest of the world how much there is still to do. The upcoming meetings in New York during the high level week of the U.N. General Assembly later this month presents such an opportunity, he said, in addition to asking for more donor support ahead of the Sept. 30 vote at the Security Council where the U.S. and Ecuador are asking for support on a resolution extending the current mission until October 2025 and for planning to commence on transitioning it into a U.N. peacekeeping operation.

More money needed for Haitis humanitarian crisis as well

In addition to seeking support for the security mission, the U.N. is also asking for more money to fund Haitis deepening humanitarian crisis. A request for $674 million had produced around 24% of funding as of August. The U.N. average, Rae said, is less than 30% around the world, and some projects are funded at only 15%.

Were in the middle of a global humanitarian crisis of displacement, he said referring to the estimated 120 million people around the world who have been forcibly displaced. We have more people now who are moving, who have been displaced internally, or who are on the move from one country to another than weve ever had since 1945 and were facing it with lower contributions and less money. Its a global crisis.

Still, he acknowledged, even with Haiti coming in at the global average, it is depressing as well, he said.

This is something thats going to be happening in New York during high level weekgetting a global focus on the problem, said Rae, who was recently elected president of the U.N.s Economic and Social Council. Theres no desire with anybody to sugar coat the message, the message is very tough: People are facing unprecedented health and food shortages and with no place to live, people with no place to find food, that problem is very clear for everybody.

Tasked with setting up a command center, the Caribbean soldiers and police are part of a phased deployment of Caribbean security personnel. Jamaican Defense Force Col. Kevron W. Henry, who accompanied Thursdays contingent, will serve as deputy force commander of the MSS and head of the Caribbean Community Joint Task Force. Also leading the group is Jamaica Deputy Superintendent of Police Adrian Hamilton.

Rae, whose nation helped trained 250 members of the Jamaica Defense Force and Jamaica Constabulary Force tapped for the Haiti mission, said the message he got from the head of the Multinational Security Support mission, Godfrey Otunge is that theyre ready for the Jamaicans to come.
SIOUX FALLS S.D. (KELO)  A Canadian man admits to causing thousand of dollars in damage to energy facilities in South Dakota and North Dakota.

15-year-old boy charged with weapon outside Axtell Park

Cameron Monte Smith pled guilty in federal court on Wednesday to destruction of an energy facility in both states.

Smith admits to using a high powered rifle to damage a transformer and pumpstation of the Keystone Pipeline near Carpenter in 2022 and a substation in North Dakota in May of 2023.

In both cases the damage was estimated at $100,000. He is scheduled to be sentenced in Bismarck next year.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
The candidates to be Japan's next leader include a former premier's son and a defense expert

This photo combination shows the candidates of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party for the party's upcoming presidential election. Top row from left, former Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba, and Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi. Middle row from left, Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa, Digital Minister Taro Kono, and Liberal Democratic Partys Secretary General Toshimitsu Motegi. Bottom row from left, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, former Economic Security Minister Takayuki Kobayashi and former Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato. Japan will have a new leader after outgoing Prime Minister Fumio Kishidas governing Liberal Democratic Party holds a vote on Sept. 27 to choose his replacement. (AP Photo)

TOKYO (AP)  Japan will have a new leader after outgoing Prime Minister Fumio Kishidas governing Liberal Democratic Party holds a vote on Sept. 27 to choose his replacement. They hope to shake off scandals that have dogged his government and regain public support.

A record nine candidates, including two women, seek the top job. Here are the main contenders:

Shinjiro Koizumi, 43

The son of popular former premier Junichiro Koizumi has been considered a potential prime minister candidate since he was elected to parliament in 2009. Despite his lack of experience, his background as a political blue blood, age and popularity are his strengths.

Koizumi has vowed to change an "old-fashioned LDP and accelerate reforms to revitalize Japan, including by making the job market more flexible. He said he will hold a snap election soon after taking office to seek the publics mandate.

Koizumi supports a revision to a 19th century civil code requiring married couples to choose one of their surnames, which has caused most women to adopt their husbands' surname. He wants to allow an option of keeping separate surnames that's supported by the countrys powerful business lobby.

He has said he will further strengthen the Japan-U.S. alliance and expand a cooperation network with other like-minded nations to deter Chinas growing influence. He wants to meet with his Chinese and South Korean counterparts soon after taking office, and hold talks with North Koreas Kim Jong Un. Junichiro Koizumi and Kim Jong Il held talks in 2002 on the issue of abducted Japanese citizens.

Shinjiro Koizumi regularly visits Tokyos controversial Yasukuni Shrine, seen by Asian neighbors as a symbol of Japans wartime militarism.

As environment minister in 2019, Koizumi made his international debut at a United Nations summit, saying a big-scale issue like climate change got to be fun, it's got to be cool, and it's got to be sexy, too." His choice of language was criticized as shallow.

Koizumi holds a masters degree in political science from Columbia University.

Shigeru Ishiba, 67

Ishiba is running in the leadership race for a fifth time. Political analysts put him and Koizumi as top two contenders.

Despite his popularity among general voters, Ishiba has struggled to win enough support from fellow party lawmakers. He has said this will be his final battle.

Ishiba has served as defense minister and in other key posts and is a security and defense expert. He has proposed an Asian version of the NATO military alliance. Ishiba is a supporter of Taiwan' s democracy.

Ishiba vows to push for gender equality and measures to address low births and Japan's declining population.

Sanae Takaichi, 63

As economic security minister, Takaichi is making a second bid to become Japans first female leader. A protege of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, she is a staunch conservative and attracts the right wing. In the 2021 party leadership vote, she finished third in a runoff.

Takaichi has vowed to fortify Japans resilience to natural disasters and security risks by bolstering food security, supply chains and military capability.

A regular visitor to Yasukuni, Takaichi is known as a revisionist of Japans wartime atrocities, and has called for a tougher stance on China.

Takaichi supports the imperial familys male-only succession, and opposes same-sex marriage and a revision to the law that could allow women to keep their maiden names.

Takaichi was elected to parliament in 1993 and has also served as minister of internal affairs and gender equality. She has said her role model is Margaret Thatcher.

Yoko Kamikawa, 71

A Harvard-educated former think tank analyst, Kamikawa serves as top diplomat for Kishida and supports his foreign and defense policies.

Kamikawa has a reputation for getting the job done. She has visited conflict zones including Ukraine and the Palestinian territories. She is known as low-key and diligent.

As justice minister in 2018, she signed off on the death penalty for 13 members of the Aum Shinrikyo doomsday cult responsible for the 1995 sarin nerve gassing of Tokyo subways and other crimes.

Taro Kono, 61

Once considered a maverick for criticizing party policies, Kono makes his third challenge after unsuccessfully running in 2009 and 2021. As digital minister, Kono has led the elimination of Japans reliance on fax machines, paper documents requiring hanko stamps and the my number social security identification system.

Son of former LDP Secretary General Yohei Kono, he has served as foreign and defense minister and was praised for pushing vaccinations during the coronavirus pandemic.

Kono has said Japan faces a worsening security environment in the region while at home, many people face a weakening economy, shrinking population and gender disparity that are tantamount to a emergency. He supports Japans ongoing military buildup, a stronger Japan-U.S. alliance and expanded defense cooperation with other like-minded nations.

Despite his earlier support for a nuclear energy phase-out, Kono now supports maintaining it to meet soaring demands to power advanced data centers and AI.

Kono has backpedaled from his support for a female emperor, a shift seen as an attempt to gain support from party conservatives.

Toshimitsu Motegi, 67

As party secretary general, Motegi holds the LDPs No. 2 position after Kishida. He has served as foreign and economy ministers and has a reputation as a tough negotiator.

Motegi has said he will achieve economic growth that would end deflation and announced a zero tax increase plan that would reverse a tax hike plan adopted by Kishidas government to cover growing defense spending and greater support to address declining births.

Motegi has said he will continue Kishidas security and foreign policies and decisively respond to Chinas coercive actions in the region.

A graduate of University of Tokyo and Harvard University school of public policy, Motegi was elected to Japans lower house in 1993 after working for consultancy McKinsey.

___

Find more AP Asia-Pacific news at https://apnews.com/hub/asia-pacific
Residents inspect the damage in the Israeli city of Ramla from a deadly car explosion that police say was likely a gangland hit. (Ahmad GHARABLI) (Ahmad GHARABLI/AFP/AFP)

Four people were killed and eight injured when a vehicle exploded in the central Israeli city of Ramla on Thursday in an apparent gangland hit, medics and police said.

Liad Aviel, spokesman for the Asaf Harofe Medical Center in central Israel, said it "mourns the deaths of four individuals injured in the Ramla incident", adding that six other casualties were receiving treatment there.

The Israeli police said it had launched an investigation into the cause of the explosion which was suspected to be linked to "a criminal conflict between crime families in the Arab neighbourhood".

Israel's far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir visited the site of the explosion and said police would "continue to fight this crime with all the tools at its disposal".

"But I warn: crime in the Arab community requires more extensive tools and broader powers."

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid criticised Ben-Gvir's visit to the scene.

"There have been incompetent ministers before him, but he's the first to turn failure into a profession," he wrote on social media platform X.

Israel's emergency medical service Magen David Adom said the vehicle "exploded while parked on the sidewalk near a store and residential building" in Ramla.

"As a result of the explosion, several passersby were injured by the blast and shrapnel," rescue worker Benny Cohen said in a statement.

"The burning car was parked next to the store entrance, which prevented people inside the store from getting out.

"We moved the injured we were treating away from the fire scene... The rescued victims were unconscious, and our teams began advanced resuscitation efforts and transported them to hospitals in critical condition."

Liat Cohen, another paramedic at the scene, said the unconscious victims included a month-old infant and a 50-year-old woman.

All suffered from smoke inhalation and were transported to hospital, he said.

"They tell us it's a settlement of personal scores, but an explosion downtown in midday in a crowded area, that's crazy," Judith Touati, a Ramla resident and mother of seven, told AFP.

"My children were there just an hour before".

Located east of Israel's commercial hub of Tel Aviv, Ramla is a mixed city, home to both Jews and Arabs.

Arab communities in Israel have long complained of violence connected to organised crime.

Organisations such as the Mossawa Center, a nonprofit representing Arabs in Israel, argue such violence should receive more attention from the government.

mib-lba/kir
MANHATTAN (KSNT)  The Riley County Police Department (RCPD) responded to multiple reports of vehicle burglaries and one vehicle that was driven into a structure Wednesday.

At 11:36 p.m. on Sept. 11, officers responded to the 2500 block of Blueline Circle, Buttonwood, Brockman and Ewing Streets for reports of vehicle burglaries. According to the RCPD, officers found multiple vehicles had been burglarized and one was driven into a structure in the 2500 block of Brockman Street, causing $10,000 in damage.

RCPD Spokeswoman Ashley Tokoi told 27 News there have been 84 reported vehicle burglaries as of Sept. 1, 2024. She said the number of incidents are still below the five-year average. She said there was a spike in reports between June and August. She said March and April set five-year lows.

In July this year, the RCPD had a string of nine vehicle thefts within 30 days. Police said many of the thefts couldve been avoided. They reminded people to keep valuables out of their cars, keep their vehicles locked, and not leave their keys in their cars.

The RCPD also worked four vehicle thefts over the weekend from Friday, Aug. 9 to Sunday, Aug. 11. Police officers filed a recovery of stolen property report on Aug. 9 after recovering and returning a stolen Ford F250 to its owner.

Eastern Kansas county reports elk vs. truck crash

Four of them have actually been instances where people have left their keys in their vehicles unlocked, making it a pretty easy target for a suspect, Officer Manning with Riley County Police Department told 27 News in August.

The RCPD is asking anyone with information in the community to contact Crime Stoppers by calling 785-539-7777. Using Crime Stoppers you can remain anonymous and qualify for a $1,000 cash reward.

For more crime news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
Carmel has lots of large, pricey homes. A task force outlined a need for modest options.

Work continues at Onyx+East, Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024 in Carmel. These townhomes will be part of the homebuilders largest project yet which will ultimately be a blend of 121 townhomes and single-family homes. This Onyx+East development is at the corner of Spring Mill Road and Illinois St.

CARMEL  The city of Carmel has a glut of large, expensive homes but lacks the modest housing options it needs for middle-class households and older residents looking to downsize, a group convened by the city's first-year mayor says in a new report.

The Carmel Housing Task Force, a group of nine residents, business leaders and politicians that met monthly from February to September, made 13 recommendations in a report released Thursday for how the city could ease high housing costs while balancing the concerns of residents wary of denser development.

The task force found that pricey single-family homes with at least four bedrooms dominate Carmel's housing stock. The city should encourage developers to build more "missing middle" housing types, such as townhomes, duplexes and small apartment buildings, while retaining the upscale suburb's single-family character, the report said. Three-quarters of housing units in Carmel are detached single-family homes.

As Carmel's population has more than doubled in the past 25 years, reaching about 102,000 in 2022, the report outlines how high demand has priced out or strained the budgets of anyone who earns below the city's 2023 median household income of roughly $143,000.

Although there are nearly 10% fewer households with children in Carmel than there were in 2010, smaller housing stock still lags behind large single-family homes. About 35% of households report living with one or more people under 18.

Half of all single-family homes in Carmel contain four or more bedrooms and are valued between $400,000 and $700,000, according to data from the MIBOR Realtor Association. Only 12% of homes fall into the $300,000-400,000 price range.

"While we are failing those who are living below the median income, we're not even doing well for people who are making above the median income," Carmel city councilor Adam Aasen, a task force member, said during Thursday's presentation of the report. "Six-figure earners are getting priced out of our community."

Carmel: Indianapolis homebuilder Onyx+East continues push into suburbs with smaller housing types in Carmel

The soaring cost of housing in Carmel reflects national and regional trends exacerbated by the pandemic. Between 2020 and 2022, according to the 2023 Central Indiana Housing Study, the price of single-family homes and rental apartments in the Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson metro area rose by 31.6% and 21.2%, respectively. Over that same period, the average wage in the area increased by only 8.8%.

The task force also addressed concerns about increasingly scarce public green space, and how development that's too dense could detract from Carmel's nationally renowned quality of life. The city should identify more parcels to preserve for recreational use, the task force said, and discourage new single-use apartment buildings that don't complement an area's walkability or retail activity.

Carmel: New commission to take on senior housing and loneliness issues in Carmel

With less land left to build on, the task force said, the city should also aim to redevelop underused commercial property and parking lots along the U.S. 31 corridor.

Much of the work of implementing the task force's 13 recommendations will fall to Carmel's Department of Community Services. The initial report calls on that department to create a housing strategy and vision plan by next year.

Jack Russell, a task force member who is president of Hamilton County's OneZone Chamber of Commerce, said thousands of national chamber leaders responding to a recent survey said the high cost of housing is one of the toughest workforce challenges facing their communities.

"We as a city need to continue to drive the conversation around this and be a player in this," Russell said, "because our competitors across the country are not Fishers. It's not Noblesville. It's places like Columbus (Ohio) and Nashville (Tennessee) and regions across our country.

"And if you're not at the table," he added, "you're on the menu."

The Carmel Housing Task Force's 13 recommendations

Continue the Carmel Housing Task Force's effort by creating a permanent Carmel Housing Commission to advise city leaders on specific housing policies.

Develop a housing strategy and vision plan that includes policies to promote the city's housing goals.

Protect existing single-family neighborhoods with residential infill guidelines that ensure new houses are designed to fit in with their surroundings.

Build upon Carmel's Comprehensive Plan with new housing policies based on the task force's recommendations.

Facilitate the development of missing-middle housing options by assessing the city's zoning regulations.

Adopt a development strategy for new apartment construction to encourage mixed-use projects and scrutinize financial incentives for single-use apartment buildings.

Acquire green space in the city's urban core and preserve existing trees while also planting new trees.

Assess current zoning regulations to determine whether revisions are needed to promote smaller housing types and green space.

Establish a committee to explore approaches related to Accessory Dwelling Units.

Create and publish maps and data to quantify existing housing inventory and desired outcomes.

Establish a home repair program to offer money for repairs to constrained homeowners.

Prioritize the infill, conversion or redevelopment of underused commercial property and parking areas, especially along the U.S. 31 corridor.

Actively seek new collaboration opportunities locally, regionally and statewide, with groups such as the Mayor's Advisory Commission on Senior Living and the Hamilton County Housing Collaborative.

Email IndyStar housing, growth and development reporter Jordan Smith at JTsmith@gannett.com. Follow him on X: @jordantsmith09

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Carmel's high housing costs price out middle-income households
Carnival Vista cruise canceled: What to know about the ship's repairs, when it will sail

Passengers who sailed on a Carnival Vista ship last month and are waiting to get a refund because the sailing itinerary changed  stop waiting.

Theres no refund coming.

Once guests were on board the Carnival Vista on Aug. 10, they were informed the ships cruising speed was limited due to a technical issue. Crew members informed passengers if they disembarked before the ship left port, they would get a full refund.

The vast majority did (stay onboard), said Matt Lupoli, Carnival's senior manager of public relations.

What options were Carnival Vista passengers given?

The Carnival Vista is docked at Port Canaveral's Cruise Terminal 6 this week for repairs to resolve issues related to the ship's cruising speed.

The ship was originally schedule for an 8-night southern Caribbean cruise with stops in places like Aruba, Curacao and Turks and Cacaos.

Instead, it headed to the Bahamas visiting Nassau, Princess Cays and Freeport.

Passengers were given two options:

Option 1: Disembark and get a full refund

Options 2: Remain on the cruise and get an undisclosed amount of onboard credit as well as credit for a future cruise.

Some passengers who remained on the cruise are saying they deserve a refund to make up for the difference in the cost of the cruise they purchased and the cruise the got. Carnival officials said thats what the credits are for.

The guests were given an option to either sale with the credits or get a refund. Those who sailed with the credits are not eligible for a refund.

When will Carnival Vista sail again from Port Canaveral?

Engineers continue working on the ship and its expected to be repaired in time for a sailing scheduled to leave Sunday.

The Sept. 15 itinerary includes Half Moon Cay, Bahamas as well as Grand Turk and Amber Cove before returning to Port Canaveral on Sept. 21.

An eight-night southern Caribbean cruise that was supposed to leave Port Canaveral on Sept. 7 was canceled. The thousands of affected passengers received a refund, plus a future cruise credit.

The Carnival Vista has a double-occupancy capacity of 3,934 passengers; a full capacity of 4,977 passengers; and a crew of 1,450. It began sailing in 2016.

How common is it for Carnaval cruise ships to have technical issues with cruising speed?

Although this is not a common issue, it has happened before.

The last time was on the California-based Carnival Panorama in November 2023. That ship was out of commission for multiple sailings.

Spitzer is a Trending Reporter. She can be reached at MSpitzer@Floridatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Carnival Vista docked at Port Canaveral for repairs. Here are details
The News

China is piling pressure on its finance sector, in part to curb alleged corruption, but analysts say the campaign risks harming the countrys already languid economy. Officials have arrested at least three senior investment bankers in recent weeks while firms have required staff to hand in their passports and seek approval for foreign travel, Bloomberg reported.

The arrests come just months after Chinese authorities instated a salary cap of 3 million yuan ($413,000) on top bankers at state-backed financial institutions, reversing a long-standing policy that tied income to performance to incentivize efficiency.

The broader crackdown has also seemingly spread to the countrys once-lucrative property industry: The chairman of China Evergrande Group, once the richest man in China, is now reportedly being held in special detention in a southern city, according to Reuters.

SIGNALS

Shakeup may prove beneficial in the long run, analysts say

Sources: Financial Times, Yaling Jiang, Bloomberg

Restrictions have hurt venture capital investment, resulting in a sharp fall in new businesses being founded, according to the Financial Times  from over 51,000 in 2018, to barely 1,000 last year. But the VC shakeup may yet be good for China, forcing younger and smaller companies to prioritize profitability: Its healthy for the market in the long term, the researcher Yaling Jiang wrote. An analyst told Bloomberg that the governments goal is to profoundly change the distribution of the profit pie in the financial sector, and even though the current restrictions will hurt industry morale, he believes it could spur better performance in the future.

China shifts priority to building up tech amid trade barriers

Sources: The Diplomat, South China Morning Post, Financial Times

Chinas leadership is placing more emphasis on building up a real economy, namely manufacturing and technology, instead of the financial industry, which authorities describe as illusory, in a bid to increase self sufficiency under mounting geopolitical tensions, according to The Diplomat. While salaries in artificial intelligence saw a boom, analysts believe such restructuring driven by political mandates rather than market forces could come at profound human costs, as young professionals grapple with job insecurity and high work demands. Analysts fear this may push high-skilled talent away, as even top graduates struggle to find jobs.
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  The owners of Cash Saver grocery stores in Memphis say they are looking into claims that customers EBT cards were wiped clean after visiting some of their locations.

Wednesday, Castle Retail Group said they had been made aware of recent EBT card issues at their stores, and were working with their point-of-sale system to conduct an internal investigation.

WREG had received complaints from nearly a half dozen people who said they noticed the money was missing after shopping at the Madison Avenue and Elvis Presley Boulevard stores.

Memphis police said they were investigating just one call they received in early August.

Ricky Monger said around $2,500 in SNAP benefits was stolen from his EBT card in April and August. He said he reported the theft both times to the Tennessee Department of Human Services and is still waiting to be reimbursed.

Monger said his card is only used at the Cash Saver on Madison. He said the card was used by someone in New York and Philadelphia.

We get the stamps on the 11th. We went to use the card, and there was nothing on it. About $3 was on the card, said Monger. Its very frustrating, and weve got five kids. Im borrowing money to buy food.

Dell Bledsoe gets $292 in SNAP benefits every month. She said on September 3, she used her card at the Cash Saver on Elvis Presley to buy a pack of chewing gum and a day later discovered most of her money was gone.

I wasnt feeling good, so I said, well if I had some Double Bubble gum so I could feel better, said Bledsoe. I checked my card. I thought it was a joke. They left $4.

Bledsoe said it appears someone in Philadelphia stole her benefits. Bledsoe said she called the states fraud hotline and Cash Saver to let them know what had happened.

I went up to Cash Saver yesterday and told everybody to watch out because somebody took all my food stamps off my card, Bledsoe said.

Pair caught on camera stealing SNAP benefits

In a statement, Castle Retail Group said:

We apologize for the headaches this has caused to those customers, and we encourage customers who have documented lost benefits to this EBT criminal activity in our stores to contact us so we can make those lost funds whole. We will cooperate with any external investigations and work closely with the State of Tennessees EBT Fraud Department to resolve this issue to the benefit of any affected customer.

Bledsoe said she is on disability and already struggling to pay rent and keep her lights on. She said she is still waiting to hear back from someone with the EBT fraud hotline to file a claim.

I dont understand how you get somebodys stamps, said Bledsoe. Its unacceptable what people are doing. They dont care that youre sick. They dont care that youve got nothing. I dont have anything.

State working to address EBT fraud; MPD takes nearly 200 reports

Over the past year, WREG investigators have been tracking an increase in EBT fraud and discovered Tennessee had reimbursed more than $900,000 in stolen SNAP benefits.

During the first two months of 2024, the Memphis Police Department said it handled 240 EBT-related cases but has not released any new numbers.

For information on preventing and reporting EBT fraud, click here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
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When archaeologist Ludovic Slimak unearthed five teeth in a rock shelter in Frances Rhone Valley in 2015, it was immediately obvious that they belonged to a Neanderthal, the first intact remains of the ancient species to be discovered in that country since 1979.

However, the once-in-a-lifetime find, nicknamed Thorin after a character in The Hobbit, remained a well-kept secret for almost a decade while Slimak and his colleagues untangled the significance of the find  a fraught undertaking that pitted experts in ancient DNA against archaeologists.

We faced a major issue, said Slimak, a researcher at Frances National Centre for Scientific Research and Paul Sabatier University in Toulouse. The genetics was sure the Neanderthal we called Thorin was 105,000 years old. But we knew by (the specimens) archaeological context that it was somewhere between 40,000 to 50,000 years old.

What the DNA was suggesting was not in accordance with what we saw, he added.

It took the team almost 10 years to piece together the story of the puzzling Neanderthal, adding a new chapter in the long-standing mystery of why these humans disappeared around 40,000 years ago.

The research, published Wednesday in the journal Cell Genomics, found that Thorin belonged to a lineage or group of Neanderthals that had been isolated from other groups for some 50,000 years. This genetic isolation was the reason Thorins DNA seemed to come from an earlier time period than it actually did.

Grotte Mandrin is the only known site to have been home to alternating groups of both Homo sapiens and Homo neanderthalensis. - Courtesy Ludovic Slimak

Until now, geneticists thought that at the time of extinction there was one Neanderthal population that was genetically homogeneous, but the new study reveals at least two populations were present in Western Europe at that time  and they lived surprisingly close to each other.

The Thorin population spent 50,000 years without exchanging genes with other Neanderthal populations, Slimak said in a news release.

We thus have 50 millennia during which two Neanderthal populations, living about ten days walk from each other, coexisted while completely ignoring each other.

Slimak said that the discovery suggested that Neanderthal communities were small and insular  factors that could be key to understanding their extinction because isolation is generally considered to be an evolutionary disadvantage.

Less genetic variation could make it harder to adapt to changing climate or disease, while less social interaction between groups makes it harder to share knowledge and technology.

They were happy in their valley and did not need to move, while Homo sapiens all the time they want to explore, to see what is there after this river, after this mountain. (We have) this need, this need to move, and this need to build a social network, Slimak said.

Thorin, a Neanderthal who lived between 40,000 and 50,000 years ago, had two extra lower molars. This trait is sometimes suggestive of an inbred population, the new study noted.. - Courtesy Ludovic Slimak

This pattern of small populations, isolated culturally and genetically from one another, was likely a major factor behind Neanderthal extinction, which occurred around the same time Homo sapiens arrived in Europe, he said.

DNA from Homo sapiens fossils from that time show that these early arrivals interbred with Neanderthals  traces of those encounters remain in present-day human populations. However, no corresponding genetic evidence of that interbreeding has been found in Neanderthal fossils from that time, including Thorins remains, the study noted.

Whatever behavior led to this lack of genetic intermingling on one side, along with small and isolated Neanderthal populations such as the one Slimak and his colleagues identified, likely contributed to the disappearance of the Neanderthals, said Chris Stringer, research lead in human evolution at Londons Natural History Museum who wasnt involved in the study.

Whatever the reasons for this imbalance (social, biological?) it contributed to the demise of the last Neanderthals, since their already small populations were losing reproductive age individuals to the other species, without any replenishment in return, Stringer said via email.

Coupled with economic competition from the newcomers over resources, this could have been a recipe for demographic collapse.

Its not clear whether Thorins full skeleton is interred within Grotte Mandrin, as the rock shelter in the Rhone Valley near Malataverne, France, is known. The remains were found near the surface in soft, unstable ground, and the excavation continues slowly, Slimak said, with archaeologists tweezing out one grain at a time. Its also unclear whether the specimen, which is male, was deliberately buried or not.

Archaeologists have excavated more of Thorins remains: 31 teeth, part of the jaw and five finger bones, so far. The shape of his teeth is typical of a Neanderthal, but he had two extra lower molars  a trait sometimes suggestive of an inbred population, the study noted.

Genetic mystery resolved

The initial genetic analysis suggested that Thorin was much older because his genome was distinct from other later Neanderthals, resembling the genomes of ancient humans who lived more than 100,000 years ago.

To understand Thorins origins and confirm the age of his remains, the team analyzed chemical isotopes in his bones and teeth to infer what type of climate he lived in based on the water he would have drunk and other factors. A Neanderthal in Europe 105,000 years ago would have a enjoyed a much warmer climate than one living 45,000 years ago during the Ice Age.

We worked for seven years to find out who was wrong  archaeologists or genomicists, Slimak said in the news release.

Slimak has been involved in the excavation of Grotte Mandrin for more than three decades and made a number of exciting finds at the rock shelter. Its the only known site to have been home to alternating groups of both Homo sapiens and Neanderthals, plus the earliest evidence of bow and arrow use outside Africa.

Grotte Mandrin keeps delivering surprises, Stringer said.

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PALISADE, Colo. (KREX)  As dark clouds roam above the sky, they rumble with thunder as tears fall from the sky.

Wednesday was a day of mourning, filled with emotion all around. A gathering for one member of the Grand Valley and a father of 5 children.

CDOT employee Trent Umberger died on Sept. 4 in a crash involving a Jeep Grand Cherokee. Umbergers coworker Nathan Jones was also killed in the accident, along with a passenger of the car that hit them.

A childhood friend Luke Young states, Just truly heartbroken for Trent and his family, especially his kiddos. Its just heart wrenching that his family has to go through this right now.

Colorado State Trooper Sam Goure states, Were definitely taking it hard, but we feel for the families of all three victims in this horrible crash.

CDOT held a procession for Umberger, starting from Canyon View Park in Grand Junction and ending at Orchard River View in Palisade. Community members lined up one at a time, side-by-side, to show their respect to Umberger like he was a family member.

Young states, I grew up with Trents family, his uncles and his cousins. Theyve been close friends of mine for years and Im just here to support them. And I just want to show my support for what the familys going through.

Goure states, Its just an amazing tribute to an amazing man from everything that Ive been told. I know people who knew him personally, and just a wonderful turn from the community to be here and just support the family and support the agency that lost somebody so great.

Goure tells WesternSlopeNow the procession grew to be 5 miles long and was filled with many people paying their respects.

Lindsey Almond, a resident of Grand Junction, states, Its very moving. Its very good to see that, just to see a lot of people out here for either the same reason or maybe more of a personal reason. If they were close to either of them, its really good to see that.

As Umberger is laid to rest in Palisade, the community honors him and his family with overwhelming support.

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CEDAR GROVE, N.J. (PIX11)  For the tenth year in a row, the Township of Cedar Grove commemorated the September 11th terrorist attacks with a large flag display on the high schools front lawn.

It contains 2,977 flags  one for each person who died on the day of the attack.

More Local News

Cedar Grove High School senior Kailyn Louizzi performed with her choir during a 9/11 ceremony Wednesday morning.

Im very grateful that my school does this, said Louizzi.

Cedar Grove Mayor Melissa Skabich described the memorial as a teaching opportunity for students, all of whom were born after the attack.

When you see a visual representation of what those lives actually look like, its overwhelming, said Skabich. And its a really nice way to teach them about something that happened way before they were born.

Members of the Cedar Grove Volunteer Fire Department spend a week placing the flags and name placards. They are out here  rain or shine  really taking the time to meticulously place every flag with respect and dignity, said Skabich.

Remembering 9/11: Six moments of silence honoring lives lost

The memorial attracts visitors from all over New Jersey, many of whom come to find a loved ones flag.

Weve been coming here for the past two to three years because they do all the beautiful flags, said Chris Kerrigan, the president of Fourth Watch Motorcycle Club. The club rides in honor of Port Authority Police Officer David LaMagne, who died on 9/11.

Kerrigan was particularly impressed with the students involvement. These are kids that werent even born back then, said Kerrigan. They dont know firsthand  like we do  what happened that day. And they take the time to remember everyone who was killed that day. It means a lot. Its awesome.

The flag display will remain up outside of Cedar Grove High School for two weeks after September 11th.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
This article was originally published in Maryland Matters.

Jamee Maiden, a 13-year-old eighth grader at William W. Hall Academy in Prince Georges County, said she was allowed to use her cell phone at certain times during the school day last school year.

Not this school year.

I feel like they help in class for certain things like research. If some people dont have computers, it is easier to access, she said.

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Prince Georges and Marylands 23 other school districts have various cell phone policies, but phones must be turned off during instructional time.

Related

So Your School Wants to Ban Cellphones. Now What?

While some states have started moving toward statewide policies on cell phones, Maryland is not there. Some districts this year allow middle and high school students to use them at lunch or during instructional time at the discretion of an administrator or teacher. Other districts allow high schoolers to use them in transition between various classes.

Montgomery County officials are working on an away all day volunteer pilot program that would require students in participating schools to not use their cell phones during the school day.

Liliana Lopez, a public information officer in the county, wrote in an email Friday that the deadline for schools to sign up was on Labor Day. The list is still being finalized, she wrote.

State Superintendent Carey Wright used one word several times during a recent interview on cell phone policies: balance.

Wright said officials in her department are gathering information on cell phone policies in other states and may present it to the state Board of Education soon.

There are a lot of districts looking at how do we structure a cell phone policy that gives time away from the cell phones to focus on instruction, she said. Its a balance that you have to find between whats good for children, whats good for instruction and whats good for families. Its not an easy thing to do.

Wright said an example of a good balance of cell phone usage could be allowing a certain time to students to access them during noninstructional time, and then put them in pouches.

Some of the school systems are developing schedules to do that, she said. Theyre in school to learn. If this is interfering with the learning process, thats where schools are wanting a stricter use of it during the school day.

At least two school districts implemented pilot programs for cell phone pouches.

Middle school students in Caroline County must turn their phones off and place them in locked pouches. However, they are allowed to remain with students throughout the school day.

In Baltimore County this school year, 16 middle and high schools are part of a pilot program for students to tuck their cell phones away in pouches. Last school year, some middle schools required students to place their cell phones in boxes when they entered a classroom.

Kimberly Sloane, whos in her seventh year as president of the Allegany County Education Association, would like for her jurisdiction to possibly approve a similar pouch policy.

Right now, Sloane said student cell phone use in class is mainly decided by teachers.

She recalled teaching a high school social studies class seven years ago when a mother called her daughter during class.

From the things I hear it has worsened. It is just not the appropriate time and space for them to have, Sloane said Thursday. Students have technology available with iPads and other computers during the school day. There is technology in the school for students to use.

Social media is a distraction

According to a Pew Research Center survey released in June, one-third of kindergarten through 12th grade teachers say cell phone distraction is a major problem. The percentage increases to 72% of high school teachers who claim its a problem in their classrooms.

The Florida legislature was the first in the nation to pass a policy last year to ban cell phone usage by students during class. It can only be done when a teacher allows it for educational purposes.

Just this summer, state lawmakers in Louisiana and South Carolina approved similar statewide restrictions.

In neighboring Virgina, Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) signed an executive order in July for the state Department of Education to issue guidelines for schools to establish cell-phone-free education. School districts there must adopt policies by January.

State legislators in Ohio, Indian and Minnesota approved policies that recommend school districts to create similar cell phone policies.

All those states provide exceptions for special needs students with an Individualized Education Program, or a 504 plan, which requires reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities.

Annette Anderson, assistant professor and deputy director of Johns Hopkins Universitys Center for Safe and Healthy Schools, said policies should be more nuanced to ensure parents, the community and educators are part of ongoing conversations to maintain and improve student achievement.

For instance, she said some students may need cell phones to connect with parents to look after younger siblings or assist their parents who may not be able to work.

I think that this brings up a need for more conversation in PTAs, and back-to-school nights and other venues where family engagement is a conversation that families and school staff can really talk about the pros and the cons of this, said Anderson, a parent with two children who attend Baltimore City public schools.

Anderson, a former school administrator, said she supports school districts that allow students to bring their cell phones in school, but that disabling social media sites such as TikTok or Instagram during the school day would benefit educators and students.

Several Maryland school districts filed a lawsuit last year against Google, Meta, ByteDance and Snap Inc. for targeting and manipulating youth.

I would probably come down on the side of advanced technology that allows students to use their phones, but disable social media, Anderson said. We have to have a way that those programs can be disabled during the school hours. Social media is a distraction.

Jamee Maidens mother, Phyllis Wright, said students dont need to use their cell phones during the school day. But the recent high school shootings in Georgia and in Harford County are why Wright wants her daughter to still have a cell phone in school.

We never know what might happen, Wright said. I would rather my child to have a phone than not have one.

Maryland Matters is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Maryland Matters maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Steve Crane for questions: editor@marylandmatters.org. Follow Maryland Matters on Facebook and X.
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)CenterPoint Energy urges its nearly 400,000 natural gas customers in Louisiana and Mississippi to take additional safety measures.

Electric preparedness and response work in the Greater Houston area is transitioning back to normal operations.

Light rain keeps it cooler today, warmer for weekend

Emergency Operations Centers remain activated in response to the potential impacts of Hurricane Francine on gas customers in Louisiana and Mississippi.

CenterPoint Energy Texas-based natural gas personnel are ready to be deployed to Louisiana and Mississippi to support any natural gas restoration work.

CenterPoint has released all 1,500 additional distribution frontline, mutual aid workers in the Greater Houston area and made them available to other utilities in areas of the Gulf Coast more likely to be impacted.

More than 1,300 vegetation management crews will continue to trim and remove high-risk vegetation in the Greater Houston area today, of which, the 700 additional mutual assistance vegetation management personnel will be released tomorrow to support the needs of other utilities.

Houston, Sept. 11, 2024  With Hurricane Francines expected landfall today, CenterPoint Energy continues to actively monitor and focus its response efforts on nearly 400,000 natural gas customers that could be impacted across Louisiana and Mississippi. The company is coordinating closely with emergency agency partners and has mobilized natural gas personnel, resources and support as part of its overall response efforts. Given the current state of the storm tracking away from the Greater Houston area, the company has made 1,500 distribution frontline, mutual aid workers, available to other utilities in areas more likely to be impacted.

We remain vigilant as Hurricane Francine draws closer, and our focus is on supporting all of our nearly 400,000 natural gas customers in Mississippi and Louisiana. We continue to urge our customers in the path of the storm to take the necessary safety and preparation steps to keep themselves and their loved ones safe, said Bo Murphy, CenterPoints Vice President of Louisiana and Mississippi Natural Gas.

As the storm has tracked away from Greater Houston, we have transitioned our electric work in Greater Houston back to normal operations. Were staying in close contact with our utility peers in Louisiana and Mississippi and will make our frontline distribution workers available for mutual assistance based on their needs, said Darin Carroll, Senior Vice President of Electric Business.

Preparedness Actions in Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas

The steps the company is taking to prepare and respond to Hurricane Francine include:

Readying Texas-based natural gas personnel to support colleagues in LA and MS: Secured Texas-based natural gas personnel to be deployed to support the companys nearly 480-member natural gas workforce in Louisiana and its nearly 200-member workforce in Mississippi and any necessary storm-related natural gas work in those states.

Released all 1,500 frontline mutual aid workers: Made available all additional distribution frontline, mutual aid workers secured for the Greater Houston area to other more-impacted utilities to the east.

Finishing storm-related vegetation management work in Greater Houston area: 1,300 vegetation management personnel will continue their work today, focusing on executing high-risk vegetation work with the intention to release the 700 mutual aid vegetation management personnel tomorrow based on the needs of other utilities in the path of the storm.

Coordinating with government officials: Providing regular updates to federal, state, county and city officials to communicate companys pre-storm activities and readiness posture and provide critical updates.

Conducting outreach to Critical Care Residential and Chronic Care customers: Conducted outreach to all 3,000+ identified Critical Care Residential and Chronic Care electric customers by email, phone or text.

Sharing customer communications: Shared safety and preparedness actions with CenterPoint customers across social media and other platforms to help keep customers informed and prepared.

Organizing additional call center staffing: Secured additional call center staff to handle a higher volume of calls during the storm and limit wait times.

Preparing to conduct patrols and assess damage: CenterPoint crews will be deployed across its service territory to assess damage and, in the case of natural gas customers, shut-off natural gas in areas of severe flooding for safety.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com.
A womans family is suing jail staff in Franklin County after they say employees failed to prevent a predictable escape attempt that ended in the womans death.

Brianna Hollon, 21, died in August 2023 after she jumped out of a van that was transporting her from a hospital to the Franklin County Regional Jail. Hollon had tried to escape three times before, the lawsuit says, but authorities failed to ensure she was properly restrained while being transported.

Because of her previous escape attempts, Hollon had shackles on her legs, wrists and waist during the ride. But she was still able to roll down the back window of the van and jump out, and the two staffers responsible for her care  deputy jailer Caitlin Hale and Sgt. Ashli Mayes  did not realize she was gone until Hale made a phone call sometime later.

Hollon had traumatic brain injuries and died a few days later.

The lawsuit, filed Sept. 6 by Hollons mother, Krystal Harrod, accuses seven corrections officers with the Franklin County jail and sheriffs office of deliberate indifference, negligence, and wrongful death.

Officials with the Franklin County jail did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the suit.

Hollon was imprisoned at the jail in August 2023 when she unsuccessfully tried to escape three times. She was eventually transported to Frankfort Regional Hospital after appearing to have a seizure.

According to the lawsuit, while Hollon was hospitalized, Mayes told her if she tried to escape she would be run over by a transport vehicle.

Mayes also sent a text message that said, I swear this (expletive) aint escaping, the lawsuit alleges.

But when Hollon was transported back to the jail her handcuffs were negligently placed, the lawsuit claims, and the back windows of the van were not locked.

Another jail deputy went searching for Hollon and found her on the side of Coffee Tree Road, still breathing and with a pulse.

She was taken back to the Frankfort Regional Medical Center, where she was stabilized and flown via helicopter to the University of Kentucky Hospital. But she died a few days later.

It was later revealed that Hale, the transport officer, had been fired from the jail in March 2023 for insubordination, poor work quality, tardiness and policy violations, according to the lawsuit. She was not eligible for rehire, court documents state.

But Hale was rehired anyway on August 9  just 20 days before Hollons death. In her hiring documentation seeking the transport position, Hale herself noted she lacked experience.

Mayes resigned in October 2023, according to records obtained the Herald-Leader.

I have enjoyed my time being employed at Franklin Regional Jail but for unforeseen reasons I need to step down and away from the jail at this time, Mayes wrote in her resignation letter.

Harrod is seeking punitive damages and a jury trial.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  Several Central Texas school districts have acknowledged a nonspecific school shooting threat circulating across social media platforms on Wednesday and Thursday.

A Hays CISD spokesperson advised parents of the threat through email Thursday morning, saying their law enforcement partners are investigating the threat.

The spokesperson followed that email up Thursday afternoon, telling parents, Those threats have been determined to have originated outside of our area and are similar to threats that circulated [Wednesday] in other parts of the state.

We continue to believe that there is no actual threat to the campus; but we also continue to remain vigilant, active in the investigation, and steadfast in our efforts to ensure all campuses are safe, the Hays CISD spokesperson continued.

Marble Falls ISD posted similarly on Facebook Thursday morning, saying administrators had no reason to believe the threats posed any risks to schools. Still, it said there would be an increased security presence on campuses.

Unfortunately, because of social media, kids are perpetuating these posts even though they have nothing to do with that students school or school district, a Marble ISD spokesperson wrote in a post on Facebook.

All campuses are running as normal. When we have anything like this come up, whether true or false, Marble Falls Police Department has an increased presence on campuses with assistance from other agencies, the post continued.

The district also sent a letter to parents and guardians regarding the threats.

On Thursday evening, we were made aware of a new social media threat that included MFISD among other local school districts. The threat was reported immediately to the police, and a student was taken into custody for investigation. We have since increased police and other protective agency presence on our campuses, the letter read in part.

Hays 6th grader questioned

Hays CISD sent an email to district families on Thursday, in which it claimed that the Hays County Sheriffs office detained a 6th grader from one of Hays CISDs middle schools for locally contributing to the spread of social media school shooting threats.

Hays County Sheriffs Office confirmed it charged a minor Thursday with felony false report.

In order to convict the child, prosecutors would need to prove that the child knew the social media posts were false. A HCSO public information officer tells KXAN that if convicted, the minor would not be sentenced to confinement in a state jail due to their age.

Hays CISD said that HCSO is investigating other students for violations of the statute. It is unknown if adults who shared the posts are also under investigation.

I know this type of social media activity is alarming and frustrating for you  our parents and students, said Hays CISD in an email to parents. Its equally that way for law enforcement, school administrators, and everyone who is disrupted and distressed because of these posts. Despite the fact these types of posts are sadly far too common, know that we never tire in our efforts to maintain safety and that we continue to take each and every threat seriously.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
The CEO of a troubled healthcare system in bankruptcy ignored a legal order to testify in front of Congress on Thursday.

Steward Health Care System CEO Dr. Ralph de la Torre had been summoned to Washington to answer questions on the health companys finances and the handling of its hospitals.

Doctors and nurses at Stewards hospitals have seen cutbacks, layoffs, shutdowns and problems with supplies, equipment and delayed payments to vendors and workers, including in South Florida.

Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, who chairs the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions committee that issued the subpoena in July, says the CEO will now face the consequences.

Sanders and ranking member Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana say they will ask the committee next week to vote on two resolutions to pursue both civil enforcement of the subpoena and criminal charges against de la Torre.

If passed, both resolutions would go to the full Senate for a vote. The resolution for civil enforcement will instruct the Senate Legal Counsel to bring a civil suit in the District Court of Columbia to require Dr. de la Torres compliance with the subpoena and his testimony before the HELP committee, according to a news release from Sanders office. The criminal contempt resolution would refer the matter to the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia to criminally prosecute Dr. de la Torre for failing to comply with the subpoena.

A photo of Dr. Ralph de la Torre, CEO of Steward Health Care, that ran in the Miami Herald in 2011.

Thursdays hearing comes after the committee launched its own inquiry into the healthcare systems bankruptcy and voted in July to subpoena the hospital executive after he refused to voluntarily testify about his companys financial crisis. Steward Health is also under a federal investigation for possible corruption related to business dealings involving state-run hospitals it managed in Malta, an island in Southern Europe.

READ NEXT: Elaborate Ponzi scheme. CEO of Miami-area hospitals to get subpoena, part of new probe

How many of Stewards hospitals could have been prevented from closing down, how many lives could have been saved, how many healthcare workers would still have their jobs if Dr. de la Torre spent $160 million on high-quality healthcare at the hospitals he managed instead of a yacht, two private jets, a luxury fishing boat and a massive contribution to a wealthy prep school? Sanders said in the hearing.

This is not the first time Stewards CEO has faced criticism for his lavish lifestyle, which recently included a family vacation in Paris for the 2024 summer Olympics while hospital closings were announced. A de la Torre spokesperson told the NBC affiliate in Boston that the CEO is not part of the companys transformation committee that is involved in the closure decisions and announcements.

Why did Stewards CEO not appear before Congress?

The CEOs no-show at Thursdays hearing wasnt a surprise. Last week, his attorney Alexander Merton told the committee in a letter obtained by the Miami Herald that de la Torre would not participate and asked to reschedule the hearing until after Steward Healths bankruptcy process was completed.

Merton, in the letter, said it would be inappropriate and also may run afoul of the federal court order prohibiting him from discussing Stewards bankruptcy-related issues during the process. He also criticized the committee, saying some of its members appear determined to turn the hearing into a pseudo-criminal proceeding in which they use the time, not to gather facts, but to convict Dr. de la Torre in the eyes of public opinion.

At Thursdays hearing, Cassidy said the committee told de la Torre that his objections to the committees subpoena have no merit and directed him to comply. The hearing continued without the hospital executive and included testimony from Massachusetts nurses and public officials from Louisiana on how patient care was affected at Stewards hospitals.

Rebecca Kral, a spokesperson for de la Torre, told the Miami Herald the CEOs rescheduling request is for valid reasons.

Importantly, the committee continues to ignore the fact that there is an ongoing settlement effort underway with all interested parties that paves the way to keep all of Stewards remaining hospitals open and preserve jobs, Kral said. Dr. de la Torre cannot testify or otherwise publicly comment so as not to interfere with this process. Dr. de la Torre will not do anything that could jeopardize this effort.

Steward makes a deal with landlord

Steward Health on Wednesday was given the OK in Houston bankruptcy court to move forward on a deal with its landlord that is meant to help keep hospitals open.

The health system, once considered to be the largest physician-owned healthcare network in the country with 31 hospitals, including eight in Florida, had been trying to sell all of its hospitals to thin its $9 billion debt after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in May.

In South Florida, the sale included Palmetto General Hospital in Hialeah, Coral Gables Hospital, Hialeah Hospital, North Shore Medical Center in North Miami-Dade and Florida Medical Center in Lauderdale Lakes.

READ MORE: Whos taking over 5 Miami-area hospitals in huge bankruptcy case? Changes are underway

But bad blood between Steward Health and Medical Properties Trust, the company that owns the land the hospitals sit on, complicated the sales. The two had disputes over unpaid rent and accused each other in court of attempting to interfere with potential sales to try and make more money.

While Steward did secure deals to sell some of its hospitals, including its three Florida Space Coast hospitals, the health system still had a batch of hospitals up for sale. Money was tight. And it wanted out of its leases.

That paved the way for a settlement with its landlord. Under the deal, Steward was given the OK in bankruptcy court to hand over the remainder of its hospitals to the landlord, which would then partner with other health companies to temporarily run the hospitals until it finds a permanent operator.

For the South Florida hospitals, Medical Properties Trust has tapped Healthcare Systems of America - Florida LLC to be interim manager, though Steward will still be involved, at least for now, due to licenses and contract obligations.

The hearing to finalize the settlement is set for next week.
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  A day after the debate, the presidential campaign paused Wednesday while the candidates took time to pay their respects for the lives lost on September 11th.

Nearly 3,000 people died at the World Trade Center in New York, the Pentagon and a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Vice President Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump shook hands and stood just feet apart.

Relatives read names of the people who died when hijackers crashed two airplanes into the World Trade Center 23 years ago.

It is such an amazing thing to see both the tragedy of 9/11 but the incredible lives people have built out of that tragedy, said Sen. JD. Vance (R-Ohio.) and Republican vice-presidential candidate

Terrorists also hijacked flight 93 on 9/11, they were likely headed for the U.S. Capitol.

Passengers and crew fought back, and eventually, the plane crashed in a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

President Joe Biden and Vice President Harris laid a wreath at the memorial followed by former president Trump.

At the Pentagon, a flag marked the spot where terrorists crashed American Airlines flight 77.

We remember. The men and women at the Department of Defense remember, said Secretary Lloyd Austin.

The candidates will be back on the campaign trail Thursday, Harris and Gov. Tim Walz will start a four-day tour of key swing states. Trump is headed to Arizona and California.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
(Bloomberg)  China is aiming to loosen Elon Musks lock on reusable launch vehicles  and close a yawning technology gap with the US.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Beijing is turning to aerospace startups and state-owned enterprises alike to develop an edge in rockets that can be used dozens of times to lift satellites into low-Earth orbit.

One company trying to meet that challenge is LandSpace Technology Corp., whose Zhuque-3 reusable rocket successfully completed a 10 kilometer (6.2 mile) vertical takeoff and landing return test flight at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on Wednesday. According to Chinese state media, it marked a significant breakthrough in Chinas commercial space industry and was a crucial step toward achieving high capacity, low cost, high frequency and reusability in future space launches.

Another startup in the wings is Deep Blue, a closely held firm thats also planning to test a reusable rocket as soon as this week. A successful demonstration would bring it too one step closer to providing the type of regular orbital deployment service offered by SpaceXs reusable Falcon 9 rockets.

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying a payload of 53 Starlink satellites lifts off from Cape Canaveral, Florida, U.S., April 21, 2022. REUTERS/Steve Nesius (REUTERS / Reuters)

Huo Liang, the chief executive officer of Jiangsu Deep Blue Aerospace Technology Co., said SpaceX is setting the pace for the rest of the space industry. Their rockets are now flying routinely, and repeatedly executing commercial missions, whereas China has not yet mastered this technology.

While Chinas space program has matched NASA with multiple landings on the moon and Mars, it hasnt kept pace by developing rockets that can be used again and again. Its not alone. Most other Asian, European and Russian craft also rely on single-use launch vehicles, giving Musks SpaceX a near-monopoly on the global market.

Jeff Bezos Blue Origin LLC has come close with its reusable New Shepard rocket, which makes sub-orbital missions taking passengers to space for a few minutes. His bigger New Glenn rocket, designed to deliver satellites to orbit and fly a minimum of 25 times, is expected to debut in November, four years behind schedule.

Blue Origin is owned by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. (Mario Tama/Getty Images) (Mario Tama via Getty Images)

Since 2017, SpaceX has been reusing the boosters of its rockets, enabling it to offer lower-cost launches at rapid intervals and build out its network of more than 6,000 satellites for its worldwide Starlink internet service.

Story continues

That gives it  and the US  a huge cost advantage over single-use rockets, allowing a steady cadence of launches year-round.

Chinese companies say theyre on the cusp of a sustained breakthrough, with rockets like Deep Blues Nebula-1 or similar prototypes under development. Much as the country has come to dominate manufacturing in many other industries, mass production of rockets is yet another target for conquest. The goal is not just to match SpaceX, but to beat it at its own game.

Deep Blue plans an orbital launch by next year as it works out the kinks in its rocket.

A reusable Chinese rocket, when it happens, will be significantly less expensive than a Falcon 9, said Carter Palmer, lead analyst for space systems with Forecast International, a Sandy Hook, Connecticut-based aerospace and defense market research firm.

Mountainside crash

It may be a while before that happens.

Even if Chinas rocket makers succeed with initial tests, speedy deployment of reusable rockets will take time and multiple test cycles. And there have been many setbacks as companies tinker with their technology, such as a test in June, when Beijing Tianbing Technology Co., also known as Space Pioneer, crashed a rocket into a mountainside 1.5 kilometers from the launch pad.

Europes Airbus SE (AIR.PA)-Safran SA (SAF.PA) joint venture ArianeGroup, Japans Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. (MHVYF, 7011.T) and Americas United Launch Alliance, a joint venture between Boeing Co. (BA) and Lockheed Martin Corp. (LMT), are struggling to come up with their own reusability strategies. Those would allow more launches and help amortize the cost and build time for each rocket.

Mitsubishi Heavy aims to eventually introduce a reusable launch vehicle but were not at the stage of developing anything concrete right now, CEO Seiji Izumisawa told Bloomberg Television on June 21.

For China, its a matter of civic pride and national security. President Xi Jinpings government wants a healthy commercial space industry that can serve domestic needs and compete against the US for customers  and influence  around the globe.

Theyre going to offer that up as one of the benefits of being on Chinas side in this great power competition: You dont have to rely on the United States for these sorts of things, said Oriana Skylar Mastro, center fellow at Stanford Universitys Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies.

Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, at a launching ceremony of SpaceX's Starlink internet service in Indonesia in May. REUTERS/Johannes P. Christo (REUTERS / Reuters)

Beijing also wants a counterweight to SpaceXs increasingly ubiquitous Starlink, which has played a prominent role in conflict zones such as Ukraine and is bringing reliable internet service to much of the underdeveloped world. China needs reusable rockets to build satellite networks in low-Earth orbit and other projects, from a lunar research base to an orbital solar power station, said Peter Garretson, senior fellow in defense studies at the American Foreign Policy Council.

All of those plans require a tremendous ability to move mass in the solar system at scale and you cant do that economically without reusable launch, he said. Reusability is an absolute linchpin in Chinas space economic development plan.

Gobi Desert test

LandSpace and Deep Blue are just several Chinese companies vying to emulate Musk by developing reusable rockets.

Subsidiaries of state-owned China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp. (CASC) and China Aerospace Science and Industry Corp. (CASIC) conducted similar tests earlier this year. One took place in the Gobi Desert in June under the auspices of CASCs Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology, which has an ambitious 2025 target for a first flight to space with a reusable rocket.

Beijing-based LandSpace has said commercial flights will start in 2025. Other Chinese companies working on reusable rockets include Galactic Energy Aerospace Technology Co. and Orienspace, which expects to launch its reusable Gravity-2 rocket by early 2026, co-CEO Yao Song told Bloomberg in February.

Zhuque-1, a privately developed Chinese carrier rocket by Beijing-based Landspace, lifts off from the launch pad at Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. REUTERS/Stringer (REUTERS / Reuters)

LandSpace, Galactic Energy and Orienspace didnt respond to requests for comment. The two state-owned enterprises also didnt respond.

To be sure, Chinas deep pockets are buoying its space industry. The government spent as much as $14 billion on its space program last year, according to the CIAs World Factbook, with much of that going to state-run enterprises such as CASC and CASIC. Private Chinese space companies are subsidized via investments by government-backed funds and use of publicly funded launch facilities. In February, the government announced the opening of a reusable rocket technology center in Beijing to help startups.

In terms of the importance, take a look at other countries or adversaries. Where are they investing? Theyre investing in space, Tim Keating, Chief Strategy Officer for Sierra Space, told the US Chamber of Commerces annual aerospace summit in Washington on Wednesday. In fact, I think Chinas in front of us. You look at the investment and you know that its not being placed just for someones health. So I would say thats the one telltale sign that we have a problem.

Deep Blue in July announced it raised nearly 1 billion yuan ($141 million) from Chinese investors such as a government-backed high-tech zone in Wuxi, a city near Shanghai. Rival Orienspace in January raised about 600 million yuan in a funding round that included another local governments fund. And Galactic Energy last December said it raised 1.1 billion yuan from local investors.

But while Chinas government has been very supportive of the sector, it remains to be seen if the country can nurture a national champion capable of beating SpaceX at its own game, said Jianwei Li, managing partner of Zhencheng Capital, a Chinese venture capital company in Beijing that an investor in Deep Blue.

Every company says they want to be Chinas SpaceX, but lets be realistic, Li said. Everyones not doing that well.

 Bruce Einhorn and Lulu Shen

With assistance from Bruce Einhorn and Lulu Shen.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

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PALISADE, Colo. (KREX)  A ceremony to remember the lives of Trenton Umberger and Nathan Jones was held at Palisade High School at 7 p.m. on Wednesday.

Slow Down Move Over Colorado hosted the Light Up Ceremony and moment of silence for Umberger and Jones.

Marketing Manager for Slow Down Move Over Colorado Randy Heiser, says Were just trying to get the word out there for people just to understand, slow down move over is exactly what it means.

Weve got two families that are completely devasted, said Randy, because one action where they didnt slow down, they didnt move over whatever the occurrence was.

A family member of Nathan Jones, Phyllis Conley wants to remind drivers about the roadside and how it is an office for many workers.

When you look at the entire community and the state. Especially, with CDOT and all of the tow truck drivers, this is their office. They dont have an office apart from this.

Please, remember to slow down or move over the next time you see workers, or someone stopped roadside.

Link: Slow Down Move over Colorado

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GERMAN FLATTS, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY)  The chairman of the Herkimer County Legislature was arrested on Wednesday after an investigation into an incident from July, according to New York State Police.

On July 18, State Police were dispatched to a vehicle in a ditch on Warren Road in the town of German Flatts. Officers say they inspected the vehicle and found a .22 caliber rifle in the rear passenger floorboard, as well as 500 rounds of ammunition nearby. Troopers secured the gun and found it to be registered to 49-year-old Robert Hollum of Mohawk.

Hollum serves as the chairman of the Herkimer County Legislature.

Troopers traveled to Hollums residence, who stated the vehicle had run out of fuel.

After an investigation, New York State Troopers arrested Hollum on Wednesday, September 11. He is currently being charged with:

Failing to Store a Firearm Safely, a Class A Misdemeanor.

Hollum was issued an appearance ticket, returnable to the Town of German Flatts Court. His court date is scheduled for Monday, September 30.

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CHESTER COUNTY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  A Chester man accused of developing a sexual relationship with a minor under the age of 16 is now in prison, South Carolina Law Enforcement (SLED) announced.

Jackie Lee Craven, 48, was charged with second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor under the age of 16.

Court docs stated that Craven was arrested on Wednesday stemming from an investigation involving incidents between May and August of this year. The Court docs also stated that the victim sent sexually explicit nude photos of herself to Craven during that course of time, which forensics and a computer crime lab were able to later confirm.

Court docs also stated that Craven later touched the minor with lewd intent at Cravens residence in Chester and that the two developed a sexual relationship.

Craven was held at the Chester County Detention Center.

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Charges in Case of 3 Chiefs Fans Found Dead Coming Soon, Homeowner's Lawyer Expects  But Not Against Homeowner

David Harrington, 37, Clayton McGeeney, 36, and Ricky Johnson, 38, were found dead in their friend's backyard last January

Ricky Johnson/Facebook David Harrington, Clayton McGeeney and Ricky Johnson

Charges could be coming in the case related to the deaths of three Kansas City Chiefs fans found in their friends backyard in January, though likely not against the homeowner, according to the homeowner's lawyer.

David Harrington, 37, Clayton McGeeney, 36, and Ricky Johnson, 38, were visiting their friend Jordan Willis home in Kansas City to watch the Chiefs play the Los Angeles Chargers on Jan. 7. Two days later, the trio was found dead in Willis backyard.

Willis attorney, John Picerno, tells PEOPLE that after speaking with prosecutors involved with the case, he believes charges will be filed in the coming weeks  but not against his client.

I do not anticipate that he's going to be charged with any kind of a homicide in any way or involvement in that, Picerno says. And so obviously, we're very pleased with that.

Picerno previously said Willis was unaware of how his friends died.

Related: Father of Chiefs Fan Found Dead in Yard Speaks Out: 'There Will Be a Wrongful Death Lawsuit'

Harringtons father, Jon, previously told PEOPLE Kansas City police had read him a toxicology report indicating that cocaine and fentanyl were found in his sons body, though the report has not been made public. Authorities have not disclosed causes of death for the victims.

Picerno says he believes the person who supplied the drugs to the men could potentially face charges.

Kansas City police have previously told PEOPLE the investigation is not a homicide investigation. In a statement to PEOPLE regarding Picerno's comments, a police spokesperson says, "[Investigators] did advise they are continuing to work with the Platte County Prosecutor's Office and could have some updates in the coming weeks."

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.

Prosecutors did not return PEOPLE's request for comment on Picerno's remarks.

In March, two months after his son died, Harrington said the results of the investigation wouldnt change anything for him.

I dont really care what they find out now, It doesnt matter to me, Jon said. Ive already said my goodbyes to David and its not going to change anything.

Jon said an awful lot of people showed up to Davids memorial on Jan. 21, which he said told him how much they were missing him.



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Young children sat on the carpeted floor of a Gaza City classroom, wrapping their hands around their heads as they learned, during a nonprofit organizations training program, how to brace for the impact of an airstrike.

Days later, on Aug. 10, the Israeli military bombed part of the school. At least 93 people were killed, according to local officials.

Israeli officials said their intelligence indicated that no women and children were in the area they targeted with three high-precision bombs: a mosque in the Tabeen school compound. In video and photos of the school, the mosque appeared to be connected to the school building, where displaced Palestinians were sheltering.

But leaders of the charity, Humanity & Inclusion, told NBC News that the Israel Defense Forces should have been aware of the risks of striking a compound where civilians were sheltering.

Displaced Palestinians were sheltering at the school in Gaza City.

In the days before, Humanity & Inclusion notified IDF coordinators in writing of its plans to visit the school inside the Tabeen building on Aug. 6 and Aug. 8 for humanitarian work, according to communications reviewed by NBC News and a top official at the nonprofit group.

Im highly surprised that the IDF would not know that this place, this school, was used as a shelter for civilians, Federico Dessi, the Middle East regional director for Humanity & Inclusion, a charity that works in dozens of countries around the world responding to conflicts and disasters, said in a phone interview on Aug. 16.

Israels Gaza Coordination and Liaison Administration approved both trips, and the charity coordinated the trips with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, he added.

While the charity did not outline the exact purpose of its visits in the requests, Dessi said he believed the information provided was enough to indicate to Israels Gaza Coordination and Liaison Administration, and the IDF more in general, that Humanity & Inclusions team were planning to conduct humanitarian work at the school.

Palestinian children are taught how to stay safe during airstrikes and around unexploded munitions at the Tabeen school in Gaza City on Aug. 6.

Humanity & Inclusions team in Gaza was aware that civilians were at the site since at least April  and that roughly 1,400 noncombatants were thought to be sheltering there, including more than 480 children under age 5, he said. The Gaza Civil Defense agency suggested the number of people sheltering at the facility, which had been an Islamic school for boys before it was transformed into a shelter, was higher, telling NBC News it believed thousands of people had been seeking refuge there.

Jens Laerke, a spokesperson for U.N. humanitarian affairs office, said the agency does not confirm notifications made on the Humanitarian Notification System, which is used to inform parties to the conflict about the locations of humanitarian sites and movements.

But, he said, the requirement to spare civilian assets is enshrined in international law, and it should apply regardless of whether the locations of humanitarian sites have been shared through the system.

In a statement on the day of the bombing, the IDF said it had targeted a Hamas command-and-control center embedded in a mosque in the school compound. The IDF said the strike killed at least 19 Hamas and Islamic Jihad operatives, which it updated to 30 on Aug. 12.

The mosque appeared to be part of the Tabeen school building, with imagery verified by NBC News showing part of a damaged minaret, along with part of the building.

Clothing and debris strewn across the yard of the Tabeen school after the attack.

The IDF said there was also a high probability that the commander of the Central Camps Brigade of Islamic Jihad, Ashraf Juda, had been at the site, though it said it was not clear whether he was killed in the attack.

Israeli officials did not provide evidence to back up their assertions.

Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories, or COGAT, Israels military liaison with the Palestinians, did not respond specifically to questions about the notifications Humanity & Inclusion said it sent Israeli officials, but it said coordination of requests for movement within Gaza can be complex.

The IDF meanwhile reiterated previous statements that it had taken numerous steps to mitigate the risk of harm to civilians.

Bloody remains

Video captured by NBC News crew on the ground in the hours after the attack shows bodies covered in bloodied shrouds as adults and children wander around the site. Wires hang from the ceiling as rubble and debris cover a red-stained floor strewn with bedding, books, a phone case and cans of food.

Nearly two weeks after the strike, Noah Al-Sharnouby, a first responder with Gazas Civil Defense, said he was still traumatized by what he saw in Tabeen school.

Anywhere you walked, body parts, he said. Anywhere you walked, theres women and innocent children.

Al-Sharnouby said he climbed stairs to find the head of an elderly man lying next to a small fire.

I pushed the head from the fire.  My body was shaking  I couldnt bear the sight, he added.

Many of the bodies were burned and dismembered beyond recognition, Gaza Civil Defense spokesman Mahmoud Basal told NBC News. In some cases, officials had little choice but to gather unidentified remains together to make up whole bodies for those who had identified parts of their loved ones.

Hands, legs, heads and remnants of entrails were placed in a bag and given to the citizen who identifies the body of his relative, Basal said.

At least 93 people are believed to have been killed in the strike, according to Gaza Civil Defense. Dr. Ahmed Radi at Al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City said he believes the number could have been higher.

Just about 80 were recognized by their families, and more than 20 people, no one can recognize them, Radi said. That was, like, the worst thing that I have seen.

Mustafa Mahany, who said he had been sheltering at the Tabeen school since October after his home was destroyed, told NBC News that he could not find the body of his eldest son.

We only saw body parts of him, he said.

Mahany said that in the days after the strike, he would also learn that two of his other children had been killed. A fourth was injured, he said.

I want to submit a complaint against Israel, Mahany said.

U.S.-made bomb

The IDF did not respond to questions about the dozens of civilians who local officials, first responders, humanitarian groups and hospital workers say were killed in the strike. The IDF spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, said in a video statement on X that intelligence had suggested no women and children were present in the targeted area.

The IDF also said numerous steps had been taken to mitigate the risk of harm to civilians, including the use of precise munitions, aerial surveillance and intelligence information.

It said the three precise munitions used in the strike cannot cause the amount of damage Gaza health officials and first responders reported, adding that no severe damage was caused to the compound targeted.

Video captured by NBC News crew on the ground shows part of the buildings interior and exterior heavily damaged but intact, the floor covered in debris and rubble.

Three munitions experts said at least one of the weapons used in the attack appeared to be a GBU-39, a U.S.-made 250-pound high-precision bomb manufactured by Boeing, based on an analysis of video shared on social media and verified by NBC News. The U.S. is Israels biggest arms supplier.

While the GBU-39 is designed for use in precision strikes and to reduce collateral damage, Richard Weir, an arms researcher at Human Rights Watch, said it can still have a significant impact if it is detonated in a closed and densely populated space.

Children walk through rubble at the Tabeen school after the strike.

Despite the fact that the GBU-39 is not as large as some of the other air-dropped bombs Israel uses, it is still capable of causing severe wounds, including dismemberment, he said in an email.

A State Department spokesman said the U.S. has consistently raised our concerns with Israel about the large number of civilian deaths in Gaza.

We will keep pressing them to take additional measures to safeguard non-combatants, including children, the spokesperson said, adding that Israel has said it has opened hundreds of investigations after incidents that led to loss of civilian lives, though it is not clear what the outcomes of the majority of those investigations have been.

Israeli officials maintain they are doing all they can to preserve Palestinian civilian lives, including issuing evacuation notices ahead of assaults, as they hunt for Hamas fighters and search for hostages taken during the Oct. 7 terrorist attack that killed 1,200 people and led to 250 others being taken captive.

Gaza health officials report that more than 40,900 Palestinians have been killed in Israels ensuing offensive, which has displaced the vast majority of the enclaves population and laid waste to most of its buildings, hospitals and infrastructure.





This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD)  Charleston County is working on a plan to reduce accidents on Dorchester Road, including widening and adding safety measures.

The South Carolina Department of Transportation conducted a study to see where they can prevent accidents along the roadway.

These are desperate infrastructure needs for Charleston County, said Mackenzie Kelley, the Engineering Manager at Capital Project with Charleston County Public Works.

As the Lowcountry population continues to grow, so does its traffic.

Charleston County and Dorchester County are growing rapidly with all the development going, so these corridor projects will reduce congestion in increased capacity so were ready to take on the increased congestion loads, said Kelley.

The states Department of Transportation has proposed road safety incidents beginning north of Michaux Parkway, extending southward towards Interstate 26, and ending just past Kent Avenue. The project will aim to reduce accidents for drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists along the road.

They are asking for the publics help in improving traffic and road safety.

We want to get feedback from the public to get their initial concepts especially the ones that drive this every day and sit in traffic we want to get their feedback in what improvements theyd like to see, said Kelley.

SCDOT will hold a drop-in meeting for public input on road safety on September 26th at Jerry Zucker middle school.

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Have Charlotte airport noise concerns? How to be heard at final community meetings

Next week will be the publics final chance to weigh in on the Charlotte airports plan to mitigate noise pollution in the surrounding areas.

On Wednesday, Sept. 18, and Thursday, Sept. 19, Charlotte Douglas International Airport will host informational sessions and public hearings on its proposed updated Part 150 Noise Compatibility Study.

The study is a requirement of the Federal Aviation Administration that determines whether an area is compatible with airplane noise levels. Through the study, the airport will create a noise exposure map, identifying areas affected by airplane noise and a compatibility program that will recommend ways to reduce noise impact and limit additional issues for the future.

The last compatibility study was completed in 1987 but the airports noise map and program were updated in 1996 and 1998. The noise exposure map was further updated in 2015.

In March 2022, the city of Charlotte committed to updating the study amid talks of constructing a fourth runway and the general growth of the facility. The city owns the airport, which is an American Airlines hub and one of the busiest in the world.

Since 2022, the airport has hosted two rounds of community meetings surrounding the study. Next weeks meetings will be the third.

Complaints about Charlotte airport noise

In the proposed study, the airport said it received 316,279 complaints about noise between Jan. 1, 2020, and May 30, 2024. That averages out to 264 complaints every day during that period.

About 1,000 people submitted more than one complaint.

An airplane from nearby Charlotte Douglas International Airport flies over Steele Creek Presbyterian Church on Friday. The church, founded when North Carolina was still a British colony, is the second oldest house of worship in Mecklenburg County. But to stay alive, this 257-year-old church may soon have to decide to give up its land, maybe even its name. The thoroughly modern reason: Its close proximity to the ever-expanding airport, which has its eye on the property thats been home to the church since Scots-Irish settlers had their first worship service there in 1760.

Most of the complaints centered around airplane noise, but other issues included aircraft altitude, frequency of overflights, disturbance of speech, disturbance of sleep, vibration, early morning or late night flights, and helicopter overflights.

According to the FAA, noise incompatibilities are considered homes and noise-sensitive public spaces such as schools, churches and hospitals that sit in an area where noise from the airport reaches 65 decibels or higher. That sound level can be compared to the babble in an office space.

To determine noise levels, sounds are measured day and night and then averaged. If an area hits that 65 decibel level or higher, mitigation measures need to be taken.

Rezoning, sound insulation and buyouts

Since the airport completed the initial study, it has spent more than $120 million on decreasing noise impact, according to the airports website. That includes home buyouts, noise abatement measures such as sound insulation, and rezoning properties to commercial or manufacturing spaces, which are compatible with the airport.

The website adds that about 1,000 homes, six churches and three schools received sound insulation. About 400 properties in high-noise areas were purchased by the airport.

The buyouts and rezonings have been a concern for residents in the nearby Steele Creek neighborhood, who say the airports growth is slowly encroaching on their community with little communication. The airport plans to turn the southern area into a manufacturing hub. Airport staff previously said mitigation efforts such as buyouts are voluntary.

Plans in the proposed study include similar mitigation measures, but the study needs to be approved by the FAA before additional actions are taken.

The overall goal is to reduce noise levels, reduce noise-sensitive development and provide mitigation measures that are sensitive to the needs of the community and its stability. This will happen as long as the mitigation actions are feasible, according to the airport.

Charlotte airport meeting details

The meetings will be open-house style with informational boards set up throughout the space. The same information will be presented at both meetings. Airport staff and noise consultants will be available for questions.

Wednesdays meeting will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Goodwill Opportunity Campus, 5301 Wilkinson Blvd. Thursdays meeting will be at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte at 4800 South Tryon St. from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The deadline to submit comments on the study is Oct. 4 by 6 p.m. Comments can be submitted online at this website or through email to CLTPart150@landrumbrown.com.

They can also be submitted via mail to Gaby Elizondo, Landrum & Brown at 4445 Lake Forest Drive, Suite 700, Cincinnati, OH 45242.

The proposed study update is available online and paper copies are available, upon request, at these locations:

CLT Center, 5601 Wilkinson Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28208

Steele Creek Library Branch, 13620 Steele Creek Road, Charlotte, NC 28273

Mountain Island Library Branch, 4420 Hoyt Galvin Way, Charlotte, NC 28214

West Boulevard Library Branch, 2157 West Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28208

Belmont Branch Library, 125 N Central Ave., Belmont, NC 28012

Hickory Grove Library, 5935 Hickory Grove Road, Charlotte, NC 28215

South Park Regional, 7015 Carnegie Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28211
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  Abortion rights are front and center at the historic presidential debate. Its a controversial issue that could be the deciding factor in this years presidential election.

Now local abortion rights supporters are coming forward calling for more.

The government and Donald Trump certainly should not be telling a woman what to do with her body, said Vice President Kamala Harris. Donald Trump hand selected three members of the United States Supreme Court with the intention that they would undo the protections of Roe v Wade and they did exactly as he intended and now, in over 20 states, there are Trump abortion bans, which make it criminal for a doctor or nurse to provide health care. In one state, it provides prison for life.

Did the presidential debate do enough to sway NC voters?

Each individual state is voting, its the vote of the people now its not tied up in the federal government. Theyre radical. The Democrats are radical in that and her vice-presidential pick, which, I think, was a horrible pick, by the way, for our country because he is really out of it, but, her vice presidential pick says abortion in the ninth month is absolutely fine. He also says execution after birth, its execution no longer abortion because the baby is born, is okay and thats not okay with me, said Former President Donald Trump.

The reproductive rights coalition is based in Charlotte because of South Carolinas six-week restriction and there are no clinics near the border.

They say while she championed abortion access, they were hoping she would clarify her stance on her plans post the codification of Roe v. Wade.

She didnt state unequivocally that abortion has no limits. There are people who think later-term abortions are somehow inappropriate. And if abortion is between a person and their doctor, it doesnt matter when as long as the doctors recommending it and the person agrees that it is, that should be their right. The other thing is that she only pushed Roe versus Wade. And again, Roe versus Wade was a big step forward for the country. Roe versus Wade was a big step forward for the country in the 1970s, but it left so many people behind it left people of color behind, Jennifer Patterson, a representative of the coalition.

They listened to former president Donald Trumps opinion on IVF. They were astonished that he was championing IVF.

QUEEN CITY NEWS

SOUTH CAROLINA

Again, protections for IVF is important, but we cant just protect IVF because rich white people love it. You know, we need to protect all kinds of reproductive access, not just IVF, you know, not just abortion, early in pregnancy. We need abortion later in pregnancy. We need a law, all kinds of access, Patterson said.

Their work still continues after the debate and rallies.

Were getting a lot of people from Florida, Georgia, and other states and I think the important thing is to keep making sure that North Carolina rules dont get more stringent, she said.

Right now, theyre working with two local Charlotte clinics on transportation to and from the locations. As well as making sure abortion education is available.

Its important for people with more privilege and more access to really broadcast that message and put it out there, you know, not just supporting personally, but posting educational articles on Facebook. I think those difficult conversations with family members or coworkers so that we can talk to people about basic human rights, she said.

Patterson says the coalition wouldve liked Harris to correct Trump on his claims about trans rights.

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CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY)  Antonio Lamotta, a 64-year-old man from Chesapeake, was sentenced Wednesday on felony and misdemeanor charges related to his conduct during the Jan. 6, 2021 breach of the U.S. Capitol.

Previous Coverage: Trump supporters get split verdict in weapons, election case

U.S. District Judge Jia M. Cobb sentenced Lamotta to six months in prison, 24 months of supervised release, and ordered him to pay $2,000 in restitution.

Lamotta was found guilty in March 2024 of felony civil disorder and two misdemeanor offenses of disorderly conduct in a Capitol building and parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building.

Previous Coverage: FBI arrests QAnon supporter in Chesapeake for Jan. 6 involvement

On Jan. 4, 2021, Lamotta traveled to Washington D.C. He was then at the rally near the Senate Russell Building on Jan. 6 before later going to the U.S. Capitol during the riots.

According to a release, Lamotta joined rioters in forcing their way into the building through the East Rotunda Doors. Despite law enforcement officers trying to clear the area, he turned to the rioters behind him and waved 19 times to urge rioters toward the Rotunda. When officers tried to push the line back, Lamotta attempted to stand his ground as some people around him violently resisted the officers.

Previous Coverage: Chesapeake man who was in DC during insurrection will remain free on bail, judge rules

Officers forced Lamotta and others out through the East Rotunda Door at around 3:30 p.m. Lamotta remained on Capitol grounds until around 5 p.m. He was arrested on Aug. 16, 2022, near the Philadelphia Convention Center, where votes were being counted after being seen in possession of a firearm without a permit to carry in the state.

Continue to check WAVY.com for updates.

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CHICAGO  Adding further political pressure on Mayor Brandon Johnson, a Jewish alderman on Thursday said a top official in his administration is unfit for the role following a controversial social media post made shortly after the Oct. 7 attacks on Israel.

Ald. Debra Silversteins criticism of Kennedy Bartley comes after several aldermen complained about Bartleys past remarks on police officers.

Bartley, a deputy in the mayors office who was hired to serve as a liaison to progressive and labor interests, posted on X two days after the massacre last year: From the river to the sea Palestine will be free. Amen! The comment, which resurfaced in screenshots on the website this week amid ongoing backlash against her from City Council moderates, prompted Silverstein, 50th, to call for her ouster.

Bartley has made her position clear on the war between Israel and Hamas  which is her right  but she has done so in a way that crosses the line into disrespect and overt antisemitism, Silverstein, the only Jewish member of the council, said in a statement.

Silverstein also said Bartley heckled Silversteins speech during a resolution on the Gaza war earlier this year. This was an insult to me, to my community, and to 1,200 innocent Israeli victims who were murdered by Hamas.  Kennedy Bartley is clearly not fit for the task, the aldermans statement reads in part.

The mayors office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Earlier this week, Fox 32 reported that Bartley referred to cops as fing pigs in a 2021 podcast.

About 1,200 people were slain and more than 250 others were taken hostage during last years Oct. 7 attack on Israel that was led by Hamas fighters. It was the deadliest massacre against Jews since the Holocaust and prompted Israel to invade the Gaza strip later that month, in a war thats ongoing and has killed more than 40,000 Palestinians.

That staggering toll has prompted fierce divisions in Chicago and other cities over whether Israels military response, which is aided by U.S. funding and weapons, is justified. Johnson became the first big-city mayor to endorse a ceasefire in Gaza in January and labeled the war genocidal ahead of the Democratic National Convention last month. His stance has earned him plaudits from progressives but also criticism from some leaders in the Jewish community.

Ald. Matt OShea, 19th, said Bartleys X post will renew concerns over the judgment of Johnsons leadership team, given that it came weeks before Israels full invasion of Gaza on Oct. 27.

This is disgusting that someone could comment on social media about such a vicious, brutal attack of innocent people, OShea, Johnsons handpicked chair of the Aviation Committee, said, questioning how this administration could not have known about this from a high-ranking member on their own social media account less than a year ago. This individual is not suited for leadership in government.

The river to the sea slogan used by Bartley has become a rallying cry for pro-Palestinian demonstrators who say it calls for liberation of the Palestinian people from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea after decades of Israeli occupation. Pro-Israel groups say the phrase calls for the eradication of its Jewish citizens, however.

Progressive Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, 35th, came to Bartleys defense Thursday and challenged the assertion that from the river to the sea was hate speech. Im shocked that there are still attempts to cancel people for using this phrase when expressing support for Palestinians, Ramirez-Rosa said in a statement.

I have worked closely with Kennedy for many years and can attest to her talent and strong work ethic, he said. Chicago benefits from principled and effective leaders like Kennedy serving in positions of influence in City Hall.

The Israel-Palestine conflict has surfaced again and again in Chicago politics over the past year. The City Council has voted to endorse two resolutions: one condemning the Oct. 7 attacks and another endorsing a Gaza ceasefire, the latter of which ended in Johnson casting a tie-breaking vote.

Mayoral ally Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez, 25th, also elicited outrage after he was seen speaking in front of a charred American flag during a pro-Gaza protest outside City Hall this spring, but he survived a censure attempt. Johnson has since selected him to be the next chair of the powerful Zoning Committee, but he will need to win over a majority of council members.

Meanwhile, Bartleys comments on police drew calls from OShea and Ald. Brian Hopkins, 2nd, to resign earlier this week. Hopkins is part of Johnsons City Council leadership team, serving as his public safety committee chair, and said his demand remains after seeing the post-Oct. 7 tweet.

If I die, especially at the hands of fing pigs, like, dont name s after me, Bartley said on a podcast three years ago that discussed the police slaying of Elijah McClain in Colorado.

The backlash from aldermen came after Bartley was recently promoted to oversee the city Intergovernmental Affairs Office, which lobbies aldermen and others to back the mayors initiatives. Her positions could make it more difficult for Bartley to negotiate with moderate and conservative council members on Johnsons behalf.

Police and Fire Committee Chair Ald. Chris Taliaferro, 29th, softened his earlier calls for disciplining Bartley, however, after she called him on Wednesday and demonstrated understanding that some comments that were made a few years ago could directly impact your position today.

Asked what he thinks about the new controversy over the post-Oct. 7 comment, Taliaferro said in a text: Wow. Im willing to sit down and speak with her.

____
SHANGHAI (Reuters) - China's commerce ministry has warned the country's carmakers of the risks of making auto-related investments overseas at a recent meeting, said two people briefed about the matter, as they seek global expansion to counter slowing growth in their home market.

At a meeting held in early July, the ministry told local carmakers not to invest in India, citing a directive from the central government, "strongly advised" against investing in Russia and Turkey, and used a more gentle tone to highlight risks in building factories in Europe and Thailand, one of the people said.

It also encouraged carmakers to use overseas factories for final vehicle assembly with knock-down components exported from China to mitigate potential risks stemming from geopolitical issues, said the person.

But no advice was given to them to make sure core electric vehicle technologies stay in the country, as first reported by Bloomberg News on Thursday, the two people said.

They declined to be named as they are not authorized to speak to the media.

The Ministry of Commerce didn't immediately respond to a faxed query for comment.

Ties between China and India have been strained since their militaries clashed on their disputed Himalayan border in 2020, prompting New Delhi to tighten scrutiny of Chinese investments and halt major projects.

China's state-owned SAIC Motor Corp Ltd has been struggling with its investments in India for years. It said in April the company would be bringing in Indian investors to create a more favourable operating environment for its MG brand in the country.

In Russia, Chinese-branded cars have seen their presence growing after western automakers retreated due to sanctions.

Chery is in talks with Russian manufacturers about producing cars in Russian plants, Russia's state-owned news agency TASS reported in August, citing Vladimir Shmakov, director of Chery's Russian branch.

Chinese automakers are increasingly looking for overseas expansion, as they grapple with a deepening overcapacity problem due to softening demand in China that has led to a prolonged and brutal price war. Their efforts to boost sales in major auto markets such as Europe and the United States have also met with higher EV tariffs.

As several European countries including Spain and Italy seek to lure investment from Chinese carmakers, companies remain cautious of independently setting up local production there, which requires a large amount of investment and a deep understanding of local laws and culture.

Geely, China's second-largest automaker by sales, is scouting locations for a plant in Europe but has not committed fully to building up local production, its executives told Reuters in Frankfurt this week.

Story continues

Others such as Leapmotor have chosen to partner with local firms. Leapmotor's joint venture with Stellantis started EV production at the Franco-Italian automaker's Polish plant this year.

(Reporting by Zhang Yan, Casey Hall; Editing by Miyoung Kim and David Evans)
Some Chicago aldermen call for mayor's aide to be fired after controversial comments

Some Chicago aldermen call for mayor's aide to be fired after controversial comments

CHICAGO - Several Chicago aldermen are calling for Mayor Brandon Johnson to fire one of his top aides after a 2021 podcast interview resurfaced in which she referred to police as "f---ing pigs."

The comments were made during a conversation about the killing of a young Black person in Colorado.

"If I die at the hands of the f---ing pigs, dont name s--t after me. I dont want legislation named after me. I would be honored if it got more folks to abolition," Kennedy Bartley, Mayor Johnson's Managing Deputy of External Relations, allegedly said on the podcast "This Is Your Afterlife with Dave Maher."

On Friday, Bartley took responsibility for the comments and expressed remorse that she had made them.

"I want to make it absolutely clear I dont stand by them," Bartley said in an interview with WTTW News. "I am embarrassed by them."

These remarks, uncovered by FOX 32, have led to growing calls for her removal from the mayors office.

Last week, Bartley's responsibilities reportedly expanded to oversee the mayor's legislative affairs team, which is in charge of lobbying the City Council and Springfield to support the Johnson agenda. It's led to turmoil in the department and at least one high-profile resignation.

On Wednesday, some aldermen expressed their frustration and indicated they would not work with Bartley.

"Im beyond disgusted," said Alderman Anthony Napolitano (41st Ward). "Its another demonization of the police department. She shouldve been vetted a lot better."

Alderman David Moore (17th Ward) echoed the sentiment, saying, "I dont want someone so left-wing that we cant work together to move things forward for our community."

In response, a spokesperson for the mayors office issued a statement but did not directly acknowledge the comments.

"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."

However, the assurance didnt satisfy all officials. Alderman Brian Hopkins (2nd Ward) and Napolitano are among those who insist Bartley should be removed from her position.

"She should be fired immediately. Not even given time to resign. Fired immediately, have her box waiting outside with all of her stuff in it at the front door of City Hall, on her way out," Napolitano said.

At least four staffers from the legislative affairs office have left since Bartleys role reportedly expanded, and it comes at a time when Mayor Johnson has announced a hiring freeze aimed at addressing a budget gap.
CHICAGO  To many, Little Village is not what it used to be.

So much so that a Starbucks will be opening up in one of the new storefronts that replaced small businesses in the Little Village Plaza, the shopping center adjacent to the neighborhoods iconic arch, a symbol of the Mexican community in Chicago.

Years of pleas from residents and community activists that space in the plaza remain home to small businesses were mostly in vain.

Now, they said, the high-profile site seems poised to become the most visible sign yet of the upcoming displacement of locals, mostly Mexican immigrants. The arrival of Starbucks in any neighborhood in cities across the country has long been a sign of accelerating gentrification, many said.

That means that working-class families that have been here for decades will eventually not be able to afford to live here, said Kristin Juarez.

The floor-to-ceiling Mexican flag that adorned the wall of the Little Village Discount Mall has been replaced by industrial-like single-colored walls and a national chain store.

At a community meeting last week, store leaders of the Starbucks that is set to open at the end of September were met with discontent and concern by many residents. A few others, however, praised the move, saying it could add economic value to the neighborhood and they view it a sign of progress.

The new store is part of the corporations Community Stores focus program, which launched in 2015 and aims to provide economic opportunity through local hiring, partnering with local artists and working with diverse contractors and subcontractors.

We are incredibly proud to open a Starbucks Community Store in the Little Village community, and we will continue to work closely with community members as this store and our partners (employees) connect with their neighbors, build partnerships with local organizations, and support community events, a spokesperson for Starbucks told the Tribune.

The store, which intends to hire 15 residents, would be Starbuckss fourth community store in Chicago. Other Starbucks Community Store locations include 63rd and Halsted in Englewood, which opened in 2016; 95th and Ashland, which opened in 2022; and North and Cicero, which opened in 2023.

During the community meeting, Ana Gutierrez, director of retail operations of the new location gave few details of how the store intends to partner with local organizations or if and how the store intends to collaborate with small business owners, such as other bakeries in the area.

But anything is possible, she said.

Most of the 40 attendees referred to the gentrification of the neighboring Pilsen as a way to justify their concerns, saying that new developments invite a less diverse, higher-income demographic to live in the neighborhood, increasing property values but also property taxes. They also questioned if their model considered how other immigrant-owned bakeries and coffee shops could be affected by their model.

I dont know why were pretending like youre (Starbucks is) coming here for us when youre coming here for the people that you want to eventually live here. We dont need a Starbucks, said Elizabeth Crisostomo. Most in the meeting echoed her concerns.

The concerns go hand in hand with an analysis of the new tax bills released in 2022 by Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas, that showed property owners in gentrifying Latino neighborhoods in Chicago would see some of the biggest increases.

According to the analysis, on the Lower West Side, property owners saw their median tax bill jump from $4,964 to $7,239, a 46% increase. Over the last two years, residents of Pilsen and Little Village have protested the increases and continue to demand financial aid and solutions from Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi and Board of Review Commissioner George Cardenas.

Over the last decade, the working-class community has experienced a slow but constant redevelopment, particularly near the California Pink Line Station, some community leaders and residents said. Old multi-unit houses have been sold and renovated, offering apartments for rent at prices that working-class families most likely cannot afford.

After a ward remap, the plaza is now in the 25th Ward of Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez. The purchase of the plaza by Novak Construction, however, was initiated and completed when it was part of the 12th Ward, which was overseen by Ald. George Cardenas in 2020.

Sigcho-Lopez could not be reached for comment.

According to Angela Clark, store development manager of the Midwest region plans to open the store in Little Village were already in place when she started working for the corporation two years ago. Clark, who is from Woodlawn, a predominantly Black community, said that she was sensitive to some of the issues they raised, but that she wanted to see the same level of investment in communities like Little Village that we see in other parts of the city.

The new store will provide opportunities, she said.

Hector Izaguirre was one of the few attendees who agreed with Clark, suggesting that the community must take advantage of the development to benefit from it rather than resist it.

But it is unfair for a corporation to come in to invest in the area now that it is a bit better, said one resident during the community meeting. Why didnt you come before? When did we have a bigger gang problem? When we needed you? Youre here because now weve worked to create a better community.

Though street violence still very much affects the community, recent reports show that anti-violence efforts over the last decade have helped to mitigate gang conflicts, making it a safer community, and for some certainly a more attractive neighborhood.

Like Pilsen, known for its rich culture, Little Village has a vivid history of Mexicans in the Midwest. Its strong in activism, there are murals, family-owned businesses, many selling Quinceanera dresses and other items for traditional celebrations and holidays, and restaurants with food that cant be found anywhere else in the city.

It is dubbed the Mexico of the Midwest, in part because people from neighboring cities and states would come to the La 26 in search of that authentic touch of Mexico not found anywhere else.

About a decade ago, the 26th Street stretch became known as the second-highest tax-generating district after the Magnificent Mile. Showcasing the economic and cultural power of the Mexican immigrant population.

The neighborhood is made up of immigrant families that lent a hand to each other when arriving in the country. That is still the case as Little Village has welcomed thousands of new migrants from Venezuela, Guatemala, and Ecuador in the last two years.

Rafael Hurtado, a son of Mexican immigrants and a lifelong resident of Little Village, said he recognizes the value of the area and has seen how it has slowly changed since he was a child. He chose to return to the neighborhood after graduating college by investing in property and getting involved with community projects.

This is the place that made me, my family is still here. It was one of the few places where my parents could invest and it paid off for us and I want to do the same, Hurtado said. If you want to make a change, you have to play your part too.

For a long time, he said, those children of immigrants who made it to professional white-collar jobs after graduating college, would typically leave the neighborhood: Everyone wanted to leave. No one wanted to stay, no one wanted to return.

Im very proud of my other friends who also decided to stay and who wont run away from here because we have a chance to preserve our community, Hurtado said.

He understands, however, why a new Starbucks makes some people more concerned about rising rents. Over the last five years, since he bought his properties, property taxes have also gone up and therefore, rent is a little higher.

On the other hand, corporations such as Starbucks can offer benefits to residents who work there, something that small businesses may not be able to offer.

Ideally, Hurtado and many more residents, including those who oppose Starbucks, agree that residents should be provided with resources to find ways to invest in the neighborhood and other opportunities to ensure they are not abruptly displaced.

Only about 6% of the residents are white, while 60% are Latinos, mostly Mexican and the rest are Black, according to the latest data. Though the average median household income is around $43,000, per capita income is $14,234, about a third of the city average, and 24% of residents live below the poverty level, compared to 17% citywide.

However, educational attainment in Little Village has been consistently improving over the years, thus resulting in higher incomes for some.

Jennifer Aguilar, executive director of the Little Village Chamber of Commerce said that their goal is to ensure that any corporation operating in Little Village, including Starbucks, is aware of the communitys needs, concerns and values.

Aguilar added that the chamber acknowledges the concerns of residents regarding the potential impact Starbucks could have on small businesses and the character of the neighborhood.

We want to clarify that while the chamber advocated for a local small business to occupy the space, the final decision was made by the property owners, and the chamber had no role in bringing Starbucks to the neighborhood, Aguilar said. Our focus now is to ensure that Starbucks engages in a responsible and positive way with the community, while continuing to support local businesses in Little Village.

____
ALTON, Ill.  Police credit a childs quick-thinking actions for preventing an attempted abduction earlier this week in Alton.

The Alton Police Department accuses Michael J. Roberts, 44, of attempting to lure the child into his vehicle on Tuesday. As of Thursday, he remains at large.

Investigators say, according to a phone call from a parent, a man approached his child at a bus stop Thursday morning and attempted to get the child in the vehicle. The child refused and pulled out a cell phone, threatening to call police.

Big changes coming to historic vacant buildings downtown

The suspect, later identified as Roberts, took off from the scene, initially north on Fosterburg Road from Moonlight Way.

We are relieved and thankful that this case played out the way it did, and that the juveniles wise and quick actions resulted in the suspect fleeing, said Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford. Im also thankful for the hard work and dedication that our officers and detectives display on a daily basis when it comes to protecting our area youth in cases such as this. At this time, we believe this to be an isolated incident, and have no information that any similar incidents have occurred.

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The Madison County States Attorneys Office has charged Roberts with one felony count of child abduction while he remains wanted.

Police say Roberts was last seen driving a black Dodge Charger with Illinois license plate number EU74699. If you have any relevant information on his whereabouts, contact the Alton Police Department at 618-462-3797 or your nearest law enforcement agency.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
Childrens Cancer Partners seeks schools to help raise funds through Kids in Lids

SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA)  Its a chance for students to help other kids with cancer.

Childrens Cancer Partners of the Carolinas provides a chance for them to learn how to care for others at a young age.

The program is called Kids in Lids and it brings students together to show concern for their friends and classmates who are in a life-or-death struggle with cancer.

A school hosts a day where caring kids bring a dollar to school and get to wear their favorite hats throughout the school day.

Participating in Kids in Lids youll help children from your school district get to their cancer treatments and benefit from resources.

Families with a child diagnosed with cancer also might need gas, transportation, food, and lodging covered while they are being treated far from home and hosting you helps to provide these services too.

As a school or organization, you can participate by clicking here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
Scores of delegates gathered in the Chinese capital for the Xiangshan defence forum, dubbed China's answer to Singapore's annual "Shangri-La" meeting (ADEK BERRY) (ADEK BERRY/AFP/AFP)

China will "crush" any foreign incursion into its sovereign territory including in the South China Sea, a senior Beijing military official said Thursday on the sidelines of a defence forum.

Washington and Beijing have verbally sparred over China's increasingly assertive approach in disputed maritime regions, including the South China Sea.

In recent months, Chinese vessels have engaged in a series of high-profile confrontations with Philippine ships in the waters, which Beijing claims almost in their entirety despite an international court ruling that its assertion has no legal basis.

Speaking to a small group of journalists including AFP at the Xiangshan forum, Chinese army Lieutenant General He Lei said: "We hope that the South China Sea will remain a sea of peace."

But, he said, "if the United States moves its pawns behind the scenes, if it pushes countries to the front line, or if the United States itself ends up on the front line, then we in the Chinese People's Liberation Army... will never have any patience".

"We in the Chinese People's Liberation Army will resolutely crush any foreign hostile encroachment on China's territorial, sovereign and maritime rights and interests with firm determination, staunch will, strong capability and effective means," He said.

On Wednesday, China and the Philippines held what they called "candid" talks on South China Sea issues, in particular over a disputed reef that has become a hotspot for recent bilateral clashes.

"Both sides agreed to continue discussions on areas of cooperation, especially on hotline mechanisms, coast guard cooperation, and marine scientific and technological cooperation," a readout from the Philippine foreign ministry said.

- 'Win-win cooperation' -

And on Thursday, Lieutenant General He said a resolution to tensions between Beijing and Washington over the issue "depends on the United States".

He also confirmed that US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Michael Chase would attend this week's Xiangshan forum in Beijing.

"I hope that during his visit, during his meetings here, Michael Chase will listen more to the voices of China and the Chinese military," he said.

"The message we are sending to the United States is that we want the two countries and armies to be partners, to be friends, we want to pursue China-US relations featuring win-win cooperation," he said.

"We want the United States to make more contributions to regional and world peace, security and stability," he added.

Scores of delegates were in the Chinese capital Thursday for the Xiangshan forum, dubbed China's answer to Singapore's annual "Shangri-La" meeting.

It is set to host more than 500 representatives from over 90 countries and international organisations, organisers have said.

Official speeches are expected on Friday, when the forum's opening ceremony will take place and top military representatives from Russia, Pakistan, Singapore, Iran, Germany and others will participate in roundtable discussion.

ehl-oho/je/sw
The News

China-made cranes used in US ports could pose a security threat, according to a new congressional report.

The report identified cranes manufactured by China-based ZPMC in particular, and alleged that the state-owned company has put pressure on some US port operators to give it remote access to the cranes modems, which ZPMC said was needed for maintenance. In some cases, the modems were installed without port authorities knowledge, the report stated.

The modems may be used to covertly collect sensitive information that could disrupt US ports and supply chains, the report warned.

In an acknowledgment of the risk to US infrastructure, the Biden administration recently announced plans to replace foreign-made cranes with American-manufactured ones, and imposed a 25% tariff on cranes made in China.

SIGNALS

Hacked cranes could open door to global supply chain chaos

Source: The Wall Street Journal

Beyond the immediate risks identified in the new report, the large presence of Chinese-manufactured cranes at US ports highlighted a broader strategic vulnerability that runs throughout American infrastructure. The cranes, which are thought to account for 80% of all ship-to-shore cranes in US ports, according to the report, could be a potential choke point in a future geopolitical conflict with the US, The Wall Street Journal wrote. The ability to disrupt port operations through embedded technology may also give China more leverage over the global supply chain in any future economic and military confrontations, the outlet noted, particularly as tensions between the two powers rise.

US faces expansive digital battleground

Source: Wired

The alleged risks identified with ZPMC cranes at US ports are part of a broader pattern, whereby China-backed cyber threats target key infrastructure, US security officials have said. Chinas digital strategy goes beyond ports to encompass water and electricity, Wired wrote, underscoring the need for more comprehensive digital diplomacy between Beijing and Washington. The administrations push to train US diplomats in cybersecurity is one such step, but future foreign policy should focus more heavily on securing digital fronts as well as physical ones, analysts said.

US suffers from old-school digital weaknesses

Source: CNBC

In February, the Federal Bureau of Investigation alerted that Chinese hackers appeared to have deeply infiltrated the US cyber infrastructure, threatening water treatment facilities, the electrical grid, and transportation networks. The vulnerabilities exposed in the latest congressional report reflect the fragility of US critical infrastructure and its unpreparedness to defend against increasingly sophisticated and targeted cyber attacks. The seeming lack of preparedness is compounded by the fact that old-school hacking techniques like email phishing are still effective due to poor cyber hygiene practices  like using outdated and easy to guess passwords and inadequate system segregation, CNBC noted.
(Bloomberg) -- China and the Philippines asserted their respective claims to a new flashpoint in the South China Sea at a meeting of diplomats on Wednesday, even as they sought ways to dial down tensions.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong and Philippine Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro met in Beijing and had candid discussion of the issues, including on Sabina Shoal, according to their respective statements.

China, which claims nearly the entire waterway, urged the Philippines to immediately withdraw its vessels from Sabina Shoal, according to a statement from Beijings foreign ministry. Lazaro emphasized that the shoal is within the Philippines exclusive economic zone, Manilas Department of Foreign Affairs said in its statement.

Both sides agreed to continue discussions and maintain communications through their bilateral consultation mechanism and other channels.

The latest round of talks underscores how Beijing and Manila are struggling to find a diplomatic solution to their evolving spat in the South China Sea as both sides defend their sovereign positions. The negotiations are also happening amid efforts by the US  a key Philippine ally  to stabilize security ties with China.

Wednesdays meeting follows talks in Manila in early July and comes more than a week after their coast guard vessels collided near Sabina Shoal in the Spratly Islands. The disputed atoll has emerged as a new hot spot, shortly after Manila and Beijing struck a deal to ease hostilities around the Philippines military outpost at Second Thomas Shoal.

Read: Why China Keeps Ramming Philippine Ships and Where Thats Headed

Manila has conveyed its displeasure to Beijing over the recent clash, which damaged a Philippine ship. The Philippine military also said earlier this month that it monitored 207 ships in the contested waters over the past week, the highest number this year, with a sizable flotilla spotted near Sabina Shoal.

During this weeks meeting, Manila and Beijing agreed to continue discussions on areas of cooperation, including hotline mechanisms, coast guard, and marine science and technology, according to the Philippine statement.

--With assistance from Foster Wong.

(Recasts story, updates with Philippines statement.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
China is taking over the South China Sea, and the US isn't doing enough to stop it, experts say

China has ramped up its confrontations with the Philippines in the South China Sea in recent months.

Despite having a defense treaty with the Philippines, the US hasn't come to its aid.

The US elections, two wars, and a fear of escalation are getting in the way, experts said.

Tensions between the Philippines and China have heightened around contested waters in the South China Sea in recent months.

But despite Chinese behavior becoming ever more aggressive, the US hasn't come to its ally's aid.

"My guess is that there is certainly no desire on the part of the US to be involved in any clash with China," Collin Koh, a senior fellow at the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies at Singapore's Nanyang Technological University, told BI.

In recent months China has engaged in increasingly aggressive operations against the Philippines around the disputed islands of Sabina Shoal, Escoda Shoal, and Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea.

In June, Chinese coast guards armed with swords and knives attacked Philippine vessels off the coast of Second Thomas Shoal, resulting in injuries and one soldier losing a thumb.

A month later, its largest coastguard vessel dropped anchor in the Philippines' exclusive economic zone off Escoda Shoal, which the Philippines deemed an act of "intimidation."

And as recently as last month, a spokesperson for the Philippine coast guard, Jay Tarriela, said China had deployed 40 vessels to block its delivery of supplies to soldiers stationed in Sabina Shoal.

Under its defense treaty, the US is supposed to come to the aid of the Philippines, its oldest treaty ally in Asia, if an armed attack occurs on its forces.

But it has so far failed to defend the Philippines in the contested waters.

Avoiding red lines

China has grown aggressive in its encounters with neighboring countries, ramming and sinking fishing boats, brandishing weapons, and firing water cannons, mostly via its coast guard.

Under the Mutual Defense Treaty, signed in 1951, the US must come to the Philippines' aid in the event of an "armed attack."

However, according to Timothy Heath, a RAND Corporation senior defense researcher, China is carefully avoiding triggering a US military response by "cleverly designing" operations that harm the Philippines "well below" the threshold of an armed attack.

China is exploiting "gray zone" operations by deploying mostly "non-military" assets like maritime law enforcement vessels and using "nonlethal" tactics, he told BI.

"Moreover, these incidents are occurring in disputed waters," he added.

Chinese Coast Guard holding knives and machetes as they approach Philippine vessels in the disputed South China Sea on June 17, 2024. Armed Forces of the Philippines via AP, File

According to a 2023 report by the Congressional Research Service, the US doesn't take a position on sovereignty over any of the geographic features in the South China Sea.

"Unless China uses armed force to attack Philippine forces or carries out aggressive actions in Philippine territory, there are limits to what sort of armed force the US is willing to employ against China," Heath added.

So far, China's security gamble appears to be working well, Koh said.

"China is comfortable with a long game, so long as it's able to mass maritime forces in the area," he said.

A Chinese Coast Guard firing a water cannon at a Philippine Navy-chartered vessel resupplying troops stationed at Second Thomas Shoal in March 2024. Ezra Acayan/Getty Images

Time for a reset?

The US routinely deploys its Navy and Air Force to conduct surveillance and reconnaissance missions near the contested waters.

And last month, Adm. Samuel Paparo, head of the US Indo-Pacific Command, seemed to suggest that some limited support for the Philippines could be on the way.

Speaking at a conference, he said that the "escort of one vessel to the other is an entirely reasonable option within our Mutual Defense Treaty."

Alexander Lopez, a Philippine National Maritime Council spokesman, meanwhile, called for a review of the treaty, saying it needed to be adapted to new security challenges.

Since 1951, "the strategic landscape has changed so much," he said.

Heath, from RAND, suggested that this is perhaps an attempt by the Philippines to lower the threshold for US military involvement.

"But that could raise the risk of a US-China conflict, which is in nobody's interests," he said.

Another issue is that the defense treaty does not define what constitutes an "armed attack," according to a legal analysis by the US Indo-Pacific Command.

According to Koh, this is a "growing concern" for the Philippines because it leaves it "open to so much interpretation."

Countering China's expansion

Sari Arho Havren, an associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute specializing in China's foreign relations, said the US is already supporting the Philippines in various ways.

It frequently reaffirms its commitments, and helps the Philippines in efforts to modernize its military and deepen partnerships with countries pursuing similar security goals in the region, she said.

"The US support to the Philippines has remained robust," she added, "and it is one of the most vital US alliances."

However, the US' hands are being tied by ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Israel, as well as fears over escalating tensions two months before the US presidential elections, Koh said.

"If there's going to be a clash, it will become fodder for either party, the Democrats and Republicans, who will capitalize on it to try to win the election," he told BI.

Against this backdrop, "China likely took the hint that the US isn't so committed because of distractions elsewhere," he said.

He added: "It appears that the Chinese calculations might have paid off."

According to Koh, because the US is seemingly unwilling to act now, the Philippines is unsure whether it will help and would rather de-escalate tensions with China.

However, long term, this could mean China effectively takes over areas of territory the Philippines claims.

Koh said China could hold the Philippines' future on the Second Thomas Shoal "hostage to the point that one day they'll be exhausted and have to leave."

"Ultimately," Koh said, China's "aim here is to demonstrate escalation dominance to the Filipinos but, of course, not just to the Filipinos but also to demonstrate to its allies like the US that they have an overwhelming numerical advantage there and that if there's going to be war, there will be costs."

For the US, those costs seem like ones it currently doesn't want to pay.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The News

Spains prime minister called on the European Union to reconsider tariffs against Chinese-made electric vehicles following his visit to China. Pedro Sanchezs comments suggest that European leaders could muster enough support to block Brussels trade escalations against Beijing, Bloomberg reported, setting the stage for internal fights with countries like France, which supports the tariffs.

Beijing is playing a divide-and-conquer strategy Euronews wrote, by threatening retaliatory duties on EU member states in hopes of pressuring them to thwart Brussels tariffs. Chinese goods are also being taxed elsewhere: India on Wednesday said it would impose up to 30% tariffs on some steel products imported from China.
Next Thursday, the city will release its initial plans to combine Chicagos legacy homeless shelter system with the system for migrants.

The event, from 3 to 5 p.m. at 2822 W. Jackson Blvd., it the culmination of monthslong discussions between city and state officials and nonprofit leaders about how to turn the two systems into a unified shelter structure, dubbed the One System Initiative.

Homeless advocates have long championed the move, saying it will better serve homeless Chicagoans and recently arrived asylum-seekers with wrap-around services: employment, food and health care. Some have pointed out, however, that providers helping asylum-seekers may be new to housing and homelessness, which could pose challenges.

The Phase 1 report will be released at the meeting on Sept. 19. It will include the announcement of community recommendations, according to Pooja Ravindran, chief of staff for the city of Chicagos Committee on Immigrant and Refugee Rights.

Initial planning began in March. The states office to prevent and end homelessness led the initiative, and more than 25 community-based agencies participated, a state spokeswoman told the Tribune in April.

State officials said then that moving toward one system would shift permanent shelter management to the nonprofit workforce, a change from the million-dollar out-of-state contractor currently staffing many of the migrant shelters.

Chicago first opened its shelters catering to migrants in early September 2022 after Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott began sending asylum-seekers to the city to make a message about strained resources in border cities. The citys homeless shelter system is separate and has a different intake system and set of referral services.

According to data Thursday, the city and state are currently housing 5,454 migrants in 17 active shelters  of close to 48,000 who have passed through in over two years.

In 2024, like the previous year, the city set aside $150 million to house, feed and care for them. But facing significant budget constraints and a slowdown of arrivals in Texas, city officials announced plans this week to close three shelters with migrant families on the South and West sides.

City officials told the Tribune the closures were made in anticipation of the unification of the two systems. They say the one system proposal will provide thousands of beds for people, regardless of whether theyve been here for five days, five years or their entire lives.

nsalzman@chicagotribune.com
China's commerce ministry reportedly warned the country's carmakers of the risks of making auto related investments overseas at a recent meeting, two Reuters sources said.

At a meeting held early July, the ministry told local carmakers not to invest in India, citing a directive from the central government, "strongly advised" against investing in Russia and Turkey, and used a more gentle tone to highlight risks in building factories in Europe and Thailand, one source said.

It also encouraged carmakers to assemble cars in overseas factories from KD kits exported from China to mitigate potential risks stemming from geopolitical issues, said the source.

No advice was given to ensure core electric vehicle technology stayed in the country, as first reported by Bloomberg News on Thursday, the two sources told Reuters.

The ministry didn't immediately respond to a Reuters query for comment.

As several European countries including Spain and Italy seek to lure investment from Chinese carmakers, companies remain cautious of independently setting up local production there, which requires a large amount of investment and a deep understanding of local laws and culture, Reuters noted.

Geely, China's second largest automaker by sales, is scouting locations for a plant in Europe but has not committed fully to building up local production, its executives told Reuters in Frankfurt this week.

Leapmotor's joint venture with Stellantis started EV production at the automaker's Polish plant this year, the report added.

"China warns on overseas car plants" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand.







The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Terry Alton has been Peterborough's city centre ambassador for three months [Shariqua Ahmed/BBC]

A former police officer is patrolling streets in a different way, with a new diplomatic role to help support and boost a city's wellbeing.

Terry Alton was appointed a "city centre ambassador" for Peterborough three months ago to engage with businesses and manage their concerns.

He works with Peterborough Positive, a campaign by the city's Business Improvement District (BID), to improve the city centre and realise its potential.

"I am the eyes and ears of Peterborough city centre," Mr Alton said. "I report any crime concerns, and identify areas that need tidying up."

Peterborough BID has been in operation for two and a half years and nearly 400 businesses have signed up to it.

Mr Alton said engagement with businesses had been positive.

Pep Cipriano, the BID chief operating officer, said he was excited to see the city "move in the right direction".

Terry Alton said feedback from businesses had been positive [Shariqua Ahmed / BBC]

As well as regular walkabouts in the city centre, Mr Alton also manages a local crime reporting app, known as DISC.

"We have the right team now and 90% of retailers know me," he said.

"Most of the time I get positive feedback. We also offer weekly advertising opportunities to help boost their profiles.

"We now have 163 businesses signed up on the DISC app which helps fill the policing gap."

Pep Cipriano said Peterborough city centre was moving in the right direction [Shariqua Ahmed /BBC]

Peterborough Positive campaign has worked with partner agencies and installed planters across the centre to make it more appealing [Peterborough Positive ]

The team also includes PC Jay Cullimore, a dedicated police officer for the city centre.

Mr Cipriano said it has been "challenging" to get it the campaign off the mark but he was "excited for the future".

He said the new cinema in Queensgate, the new Station Quarter and the University would help encourage more investment in Peterborough.

"Peterborough is about 10 years behind," he said.

"We are bridging the gap. But the key is to work together. We know there issues of anti-social behaviour but which city centre doesn't?

"It's small steps.

"We are slow in doing things in Peterborough. But partnerships are getting better."

The Peterborough Positive team includes a city centre ambassador Terry Alton and a dedicated police officer PC Jay Cullimore [Peterborough Positive ]

Follow Peterborough news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.

More on this story

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DEL MAR, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI)  The city of Del Mar has introduced a new ordinance meant to preserve long-term housing supply while supporting short-term visitors, following similar actions by other communities within the county.

Last May, the city of San Diegos new rules for operating short-term rentals went into effect, revisiting the previous ordinance signed into law in 2021 that capped short-term vacation rentals at one percent of the citys housing supply. Earlier this year, town council members in Pacific Beach discussed their own communitys rental ordinance.

The new ordinance introduced in Del Mar, voted on unanimously by the city council on Monday, is expected to be adopted on Sept. 23. Click here for more information about the short-term rental ordinance.

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It caps the number of short-term rentals in the city at 129, which according to a release Wednesday equals five percent of all of Del Mars available dwelling units based on data from the 2020 U.S. Census.

Any future increase in capacity would be subject to approval by the council and the California Coastal Commission, the release stated.

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In order to obtain a short-term rental permit in Del Mar, property owners would need to sign a self-certification document, stating that the unit follows all applicable regulations and laws including regarding safety.

Owners must register existing units in Del Mar by Dec. 31 and apply for a short-term rental permit within 60 days of when the ordinance goes into effect. The city said owners must also agree to live in the units for at least half of the year as their primary residence.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
A bomb threat on Thursday forced officials to evacuate City Hall in Springfield, Ohio, a city that has garnered considerable national attention because of Donald Trump and his running mates false claims that Haitian immigrants are eating pets, 2News reported.

The Springfield Police Division confirmed that the building had to be evacuated due to an unspecified threat and later updated that the evacuation was merely a precautionary measure in response to the threat.

Law enforcement is investigating the issue and witnesses describe a heavy police presence in the area, 2News reported.

According to a statement from the spokesperson for the city of Springfield, the city officials were alerted to the bomb threat at 8:24 am via an email that was also sent to multiple agencies and media outlets.

We ask the community to avoid the area surrounding City Hall vicinity while the investigation is ongoing and to report any suspicious activity to the Springfield Police Division. We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we work through this matter, the statement read.

The city government also posted about the incident on Facebook, writing: Due to a bomb threat that was issued to multiple facilities throughout Springfield today, City Hall is closed today."

"We ask the community to avoid the area surrounding City Hall vicinity while the investigation is ongoing and to report any suspicious activity to the Springfield Police Division," the post continued.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  City staff are currently working to release formerly sealed police personnel records requested via the Texas Public Information Act, according to an internal memo from the City Managers Office obtained by KXAN.

That memo outlines discussions had during Thursdays special-called meeting that took place in executive session.

The discussion pertains to the Austin Police Department (APD) g-file, which is an internal personnel file that contains primarily unsubstantiated complaints against officers that did not result in any discipline.

PREVIOUS: City of Austin moving toward compliance on police g-file ruling

The confidentiality of those files has been in flux since May 2023 when Austinites voted to pass the Austin Police Oversight Act, referred to in city discussions as Prop A.

The City Managers Office said in Thursdays memo that since a judges recent decision that the city acted unlawfully in keeping g-files private following the passage of the Austin Police Oversight Act. In the memo, the city has received official public information requests for these files. The memo goes on to say additional staff have been brought on to fulfill these requests and release this personnel information to the requestors.

The status of Austin Police oversight act, contract negotiations

The Austin Police Association (APA) said releasing these documents violates state law, and upon the ordinances implementation, many city discussions and court proceedings occurred to establish whether these unsubstantiated complaints could be unsealed. APA said these complaints are typically outlandish and because there is no evidence to support them, the files can be used to paint untrue negative pictures of officers. Advocates have long said the public has the right to know about these complaints and the internal investigation process into them.

The video below provides context to the g-file argument, but some aspects are now outdated.

Austin Police Association President Michael Bullock sent KXAN the following statement on the citys decision:

The very limited court ruling provided by the trial court did not mandate that the city release anything. I believe they are prematurely acting on a case that has not yet had a final verdict. If any material is released that is ultimately ruled should have been kept confidential, the city will have unfairly and irreparably harmed its officers and sent a clear message that their rights are not valued. Michael Bullock, APA President

City and law enforcement sources said the only thing that can stop the files from getting released at this point is another court decision. There are currently several open court cases related to the g-file making their way through the legal system.

Equity Action sent KXAN this statement on the citys decision:

After lying to this community for decades, the City of Austin is finally moving to a transparency system used by most law enforcement agencies in Texas  applying the Public Information Act to govern what can be released. Equity Action takes pride that our voter-approved Austin Police Oversight Act brought about this change and look forward to the improved oversight of police conduct this change can bring. Chris Harris, Board President of Equity Action

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
City of Madison honors those who lost their life during 9/11 attacks with memorial stair climb

MADISON, Ala. (WHNT)  9/11 is a day that affected the nation forever. 23 years later, the heartbreak is still very present.

We saw those buildings go up in the 70s and then come down in one day, said Margi Daly. I just dont know how to explain the feeling, honestly.

These acts shattered steel: Remembering Alabamians and Tennesseans who died in 9/11 attacks

Daly is a New Jersey native and was among many who came to Madisons remembrance ceremony.

That day, we were able to observe everything that happened from our back porch, she said.

She is directly affected by the tragedy as her cousin was a first responder.

I decided I would come and I would bring my cousins picture so that he could be with me because he had a lot of courage, and he was a very brave man, and we miss him a lot, she said.

The pain is still very real, and sharing that today is a milestone for her.

I have not been able to go to a memorial. This has been my first memorial in 23 years, Daly said.

Download the WHNT News 19 App to stay updated on the go.

Sign up for WHNT News 19 newsletters to have news sent to your inbox.

City officials, community members, and firefighters dressed head to toe in gear climbed 110 flights of stairs for the first responders who went into the Twin Towers.

What the guys in New York 23 years ago had to face, going up those stairs even after they knew the first building had fallen, so they are our true heroes, said Chief David Bailey.

He is the City of Madisons fire chief and was among many who climbed the steps of Toyota Field.

Pictures of many who lost their life were laid out. On the back of their pictures were their names, department and rank, or floor they worked on.

So, before climbing, Bailey, like many, chose a hero to bring along with him.

There were 343 firefighters that died that day, and they had pictures of all of them, he said. And this one was, sort of special to me.

9/11 anniversary brings Biden, Harris and Trump together at ground zero

On what was manys worst day, the Chaplain that Bailey is referring to stayed in the tower to offer support until the very end.

This day is filled with names that are worthy of remembrance year after year.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com.
Myrlie Evers, one of the last living icons of the Civil Rights era, announced on "CBS Mornings" that she's endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris for president because she says "the fight for justice is far from over."

In a short statement that aired Thursday  two days after Harris met former President Donald Trump face-to-face for the first time for ABC News' presidential debate  Evers explained why she decided to speak out in the 2024 presidential election.

"We need leaders who are willing to continue that fight [for justice]. Leaders who understand that justice is not just a promise but a right  enshrined in our constitution," Evers said.

Evers has vowed to continue her late husband Medgar Evers' fight for racial equality since his murder in June 1963. Medgar Evers, the Mississippi field secretary for the NAACP, was gunned down outside of his home after returning from a meeting. He died at age 37.

"My late husband Medgar Evers believed in the power of change. He knew we must never lose hope. Even in the darkest times. He often said, 'You can kill a man but you can't kill an idea.' That idea. The American idea of justice has carried us through our hardest days," Evers told "CBS Mornings."

She said she's proud to lend her voice to Harris' campaign for president, adding that the vice president, who has had a long career of public service  serving as a district attorney, state attorney general, senator and vice president  will be remembered as a changemaker.

"Kamala Harris who follows in our footsteps. Shirley Chisholm. Barbra Jordan. Maxine Waters. And my own. Those of us who have committed ourselves to supporting out communities as they thrive and grow," she said. "This election is about the future of our nation. It's about ensuring that the sacrifices of those who came before us, like my husband, were not in vain. It's about making sure that the progress we've made is protected. We are not going back."

In Tuesday's debate, Harris addressed Trump's false comments about her racial identity during a recent interview with the National Association of Black Journalists in Chicago, claiming that she "happened to turn Black" a few years ago.

"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. You know, I do believe that the vast majority of us know that we have so much more in common than what separates us. And we don't want this kind of approach that is just constantly trying to divide us, and especially by race," Harris said on Tuesday.

"You make a big deal about something, I couldn't care less," replied Trump when asked about the insensitive comment during the debate. "Whatever she wants to be is OK with me."

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A Clackamas County resident has been indicted for a crash that resulted in two deaths in Marion County in 2023.

A Marion County Grand Jury indicted Porfirio Perez Martinez for two counts of criminally negligent homicide for the deaths of two Portland residents, Lisa Rohrer-Boylan and Joan Rohrer. Martinez was arrested and lodged at the Marion County Jail on Sept. 6, 2024.

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The crash happened on Sept. 9, 2023, near St. Paul. It involved two vehicles: a refrigerated commercial box truck allegedly driven by Martinez and a Buick sedan.

The Marion County Sheriffs Office said they responded at around 5:40 p.m. to reports of a crash near the intersection of McKay Road Northeast and Case Road Northeast.

Investigators said the Buick was traveling east on McKay Road Northeast while the box truck was traveling west. The crash happened after the box truck allegedly left its lane and collided with the other car.

JOHS reports 21% increase in new housing placements

Lisa Rohrer-Boylan, the driver, was pronounced dead at the scene. Joan Rohrer, the passenger, was transported to a Portland area hospital via LifeFlight where she was later pronounced deceased from her injuries, a Marion County Sheriffs Office release said.

Martinez was also transported to Newberg Hospital and sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

Officials said the investigation took a year to complete, after which the case was presented to the grand jury.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
Claiming victory in his debate with Harris, Trump says he won't debate her again

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 Tuesday, September 10, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Pool Photo by Win McNamee/UPI

Sept. 12 (UPI) -- Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has rejected a second debate with Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, the former president announced on his Truth Social media platform Thursday.

"KAMALA SHOULD FOCUS ON WHAT SHE SHOULD HAVE DONE DURING THE LAST ALMOST FOUR YEAR PERIOD. THERE WILL BE NO THIRD DEBATE!" Trump posted on Truth Social, referring to Tuesday's debate against Harris and the June contest between Trump and President Joe Biden, a performance by the president that led to Biden dropping out of the race and ceding the nomination to Harris.

Not long after Tuesday's debate ended, the Harris campaign called for another debate meeting, but Trump responded on social media Thursday by saying that he believed he won the debate, which is the reason he says Harris wants to schedule a rematch.

"When a prizefighter loses a fight, the first words out of his mouth are, 'I WANT A REMATCH,'" Trump wrote Thursday on Truth Social.

Many public opinion polls after the debate showed that viewers gave Harris the edge in the contest. Later at a campaign rally in North Carolina, Harris challenged Trump to another round.

Journalists work in the spin room during the ABC Presidential Debate between Democratic presidential nominee and Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican presidential candidate, former U.S. President Donald Trump Tuesday in Philadelphia. Trump has rejected another debate with Harris, claiming he 'won' Tuesday's showdown. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI

"Two nights ago, Donald Trump and I had our first debate," she said during the North Carolina appearance.

"And I believe we owe it to the voters to have another debate, because this election and what is at stake could not be more important."

The Trump and Harris camps had been sparring over which network would host Tuesday's debate. Trump originally pushed for the contest to be hosted by Fox News in early September and for a second contest to be held later in September on NBC.

Trump was not immediately open to the ABC News hosted event, citing what he says is a conflict of interest because of his ongoing defamation lawsuit against ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos.

Looking forward, Harris campaign chair Jen O'Malley Dillon called for a second debate next month.

"Vice President Harris is ready for a second debate. Is Donald Trump?" Dillon said.

Trump retorted on social media:

"Why would I do a Rematch?" he wrote.

Vice presidential candidates, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Ohio Sen JD Vance, are set to face-off in the only scheduled debate between the two Oct.1.
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)  The allergy medication brand Claritin has launched a new campaign for its new Claritin Liquid, petitioning to rename Kansas largest city from Wichita to Wita.

The company has started a petition on Change.org to rename the city to take the Ich out of Wichita. They cite the report released this year by the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America that shows Wichita as the #1 worst city for people with allergies.

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The report says that while the city has an average amount of pollen, there are not enough doctors who specialize in allergies and over-the-counter allergy medications are rarely used. Oklahoma and Tulsa had worse pollen levels but better access to allergy specialists than Wichita.

Claritin says that if the petition reaches 1,000 signatures, company representatives will visit Wichita to pass out 1,000 samples of the new Claritin Liquid.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV.
CLYDE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)The City of Clyde has issued a boil water notice due to a break in the water main. Schools and other parts of the town were without water, resulting in an early release day. According to the school administration, the break drained the water towers.

On September 11, some schools in the area had no water, leading to an early release day. Schools and other parts of the town were without water, and people could not flush toilets or wash their hands. The Clyde CISD administration stated that the main break had drained all the water towers.

A boil water notice was issued as public works crews repaired a 12-inch water main break at Pine and North 2nd Street.

Wednesday morning, Clyde ISD officials were unsure whether classes would continue on Thursday. However, superintendent Bryan Allen shared that the city has completed the repair to the water line, and all campuses have had their water restored, meaning the school will resume the regular schedule tomorrow.

We want to thank the City of Clyde for such a quick response, Allen shared.

Due to the citys boil water notice, all water fountains at district locations will be turned off. Clyde ISD will provide bottled water for students starting tomorrow. The district also requests that parents send a bottle of water with their student(s) if possible.

The boil water notice will stay in place until the repairs are finished and water samples are sent for testing.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com.
BEIJING (Reuters) - China's Commerce Minister Wang Wentao will visit Europe in the coming days for discussions on the European Union's anti-subsidy case against China-made electric vehicles (EVs) as a vote on imposing more EV tariffs looms.

Wang will hold talks with the European Commission's Executive Vice President and Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis on Sept. 19, a spokesperson at the Chinese ministry said at a regular news conference.

The announcement of Wang's Europe trip followed the visit of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to China earlier this week where he unexpectedly said the EU should reconsider its position.

The European Commission, which oversees EU trade policies, is on the brink of proposing final tariffs of up to 35.3% on EVs built in China, on top of the EU's standard 10% car import duty.

The proposed final duties will be subject to a vote by the EU's 27 members. They will be implemented by the end of October unless a qualified majority of 15 EU members representing 65% of the EU population vote against the levies.

"We don't need another trade war," said Sanchez in China on Wednesday. "If you ask me, we need to reconsider our position."

Until now, Spain had been one of the more public supporters of EU tariffs on China-made EVs.

The comments from Sanchez reflect "rational and objective thinking" on his part, Mao Ning, a spokesperson at the Chinese foreign ministry, said on Thursday.

"(China hopes the EU) would work with the Chinese side to deal with the friction of economic and trade issues through dialogue and negotiation, so as to promote healthy and stable development of economic and trade relations between China and the EU," she said at a regular news conference.

(Reporting by Joe Cash, Jing Xu and Ethan Wang; Writing by Ryan Woo; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman)
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is searching for a 16-year-old boy who has been reported missing.

Alejandro Greene was last seen leaving his home on Meadow Grove Way in Charlotte, North Carolina.

ALSO READ: Missing teen found dead from gunshot wound, CMPD says

Police believe he may have caught a bus at the Greyhound Station en route to Atlanta, Georgia.

Family members told police that they were very concerned for Greenes well-being and safety.

Anyone with information about this whereabouts is asked to call 911 immediately.

VIDEO: Missing teen found dead from gunshot wound, CMPD says
(NewsNation)  The final suspect in the 2020 kidnapping and assault of two U.S. Army soldiers in Colombia was extradited to Miami Friday and faces four charges that could end in a life sentence, the U.S. Department of Justice announced.

Court documents allege Kenny Julieth Uribe Chiran, a 35-year-old woman from Bogota, and two others targeted, incapacitated, and kidnapped two U.S. soldiers in Bogota in order to rob them of their valuables, said a release from the DOJ Office of Public Affairs.

The victims, who were on temporary duty in Bogota, were watching a sporting event at a pub but lost consciousness until the next day. A medical examination confirmed benzodiazepines were in their system, according to the DOJ.

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Chirans co-conspirators, Jeffersson Arango Castellanos and Pedro Jose Silva Ochoa, were already extradited in May 2023 and April 2024, respectively. The former was sentenced to almost 49 years in prison, while the latter awaits a November trial.

The FBI is investigating and recognizes Colombian law enforcement for its assistance. If convicted, the maximum penalty is life in prison.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold speaks at a press conference on June 24, 2024 at the Cook Park Recreation Center in Denver ahead of the state primary election. (Lindsey Toomer/Colorado Newsline)

Colorado is the latest state to have its election system targeted by a lawsuit from a fringe conservative group repeating debunked claims of widespread fraud.

Two Colorado voters and the Missouri-based nonprofit United Sovereign Americans filed suit against Colorado state officials and U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland in the U.S. District Court of Colorado on Tuesday, alleging that its analysis of Colorado voter rolls shows the results of the states 2022 midterm elections were unreliable.

Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold, who is named as a defendant in the lawsuit alongside Attorney General Phil Weiser, called the complaint a sham lawsuit filed by election deniers as a part of a national campaign to undermine voter confidence.

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Colorado leads the nation in election security and accessibility, Griswold said. I look forward to the lawsuits quick dismissal.

United Sovereign Americans 48-page suit, which repeatedly misspells Griswolds name, seeks a writ of mandamus  an extraordinarily rare order that judges at the district court level are barred by federal rule from issuing  to compel Colorado officials to take preventative measures to ensure the integrity of the 2024 election.

The group has filed similar lawsuits in a half dozen states including Ohio, Pennsylvania, Florida, Texas and Maryland, where the suit was dismissed by a district court judge in a decision later appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit.

Claims of widespread fraud in recent U.S. elections have been debunked by elections officials, experts, media investigations, law enforcement, and the courts.

Efforts by conservative groups and Republican elections officials to purge voter rolls of inactive or allegedly ineligible voters have long been criticized by civil rights groups as a voter suppression tactic. Claims that large numbers of ineligible people are registered to vote have been fueled this year by far-right conspiracy theories alleging mass registrations of noncitizen voters.

Among the measures sought by United Sovereign Americans is an order requiring Colorado to submit voter registration requests (and any existing registrations reasonably in question) to the Department of Homeland Security to verify the citizenship or immigration status of persons seeking registration to vote.

Its illegal for noncitizens to vote in federal elections. A total of 16 U.S. cities, including San Francisco and the District of Columbia, allow noncitizens to vote in some local elections. Noncitizen voting at any level is constitutionally prohibited in Colorado by an amendment approved by voters in 2020.

A nationwide 2017 survey of local elections officials by the Brennan Center for Justice found just 30 reports of suspected noncitizen voters out of more than 23 million ballots cast in the surveyed jurisdictions.

Fractal technology

Ramey Johnson of Jefferson County and Michael Cahoon of Douglas County are named as plaintiffs in the lawsuit alongside United Sovereign Americans. Johnson is a former Lakewood City Council member and the 2024 Republican nominee for Colorados House District 30, a safe Democratic seat in Denvers western suburbs.

The plaintiffs are represented by Bruce Castor, a Republican attorney who represented former President Donald Trump during his second impeachment trial, alongside Denver-based attorneys John Zakhem and Andrew Nickel.

Kim Monson, a Colorado-based conservative radio host and founder of a group called the Colorado 2024 Election Project, has promoted and solicited donations for United Sovereign Americans efforts in recent months. She issued a statement this week calling the groups lawsuit a bold, preemptive step to ensure legally valid election results.

Monson says her project has raised about $100,000 in contributions so far, which helped fund the legal action and what she referred to as step 2  a further analysis of Colorado voter rolls by election denial group Omega4America. That group, which the Texas Tribune reported was initially funded by MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell, claims to expose fraud using fractal technology.

Fractals are an advanced mathematical concept with little relevance to the relatively simple database management tools necessary for maintaining or analyzing voter registration records, researchers at The Open Source Election Technology Institute, a California-based think tank, wrote last year.

There is no complexity in the administration of election data that would necessarily benefit from the application of fractal concepts, the OSET Institutes Gregory Miller wrote.

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FRUITA, Colo. (KREX)  Two area organizations are teaming up for a matching grant campaign to help support the Colorado National Monument.

The Colorado National Monument Association (CNMA) and Western Colorado Community Foundation (WCCF) launched the campaign which started Sept. 1 and ends Oct. 15.

The funds will go toward trail maintenance, historic preservation, education programs, the internship fund, resource stewardship, the Resiliency Ranger program and helping tribal groups. CNMA and WCFF will match every dollar donation up to $60,000.

We are thrilled to have this opportunity to give the monument unprecedented support, CNMA Executive Director Johanna van Waveren said in a press release. The needs of Colorado National Monument continue to grow, and CNMA, along with our community, is striving to meet these needs so we can continue to preserve our backyard National Park and bring educational and resiliency programming to the public. We couldnt do this without partners like the Western Colorado Community Foundation and other members of our community.

This campaign goes along with CNMAs 60th anniversary which marks a milestone of six decades of dedicated stewardship and community involvement, according to the CNMA.

This isnt the only event the Colorado National Monument Association is hosting. It is also holding A Monument Celebration at 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 25, at Monument Vista Place, 1785 Broadway in Grand Junction.

The event will feature a silent auction, live music by the Hot House West Jazz Band and dinner catered by Hillbilly Grill.

For more information, visit coloradnma.org/events.

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(COLORADO SPRINGS)  On September 11, 2001, 343 New York City firefighters and 23 police officers never made it home after responding to one of the most daring rescue operations in American history.

On Wednesday, the City of Colorado Springs remembered those lives lost in a ceremony held at the Fallen Police Officers Memorial at Memorial Park where law enforcement, firefighters, and military leaders all paid their respects and remembered this harrowed day.

On this day, 23 years ago, Americans from all walks of life across political, religious, and cultural lines came together, bonded not only by shared grief, but united in human resilience, compassion, hope, and national pride in the face of great tragedy, said Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade.

In remembrance of all those who responded and were tragically killed, leaders laid three wreaths during the ceremony to honor those lost at the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, and in the field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Wednesdays event also serves as a reminder to the new generation of why its so important to never forget.

It is imperative that we have to keep these memories alive, that we have to honor these moments because time tends to degrade those memories and takes away that passion, Colorado Springs Fire Department Chief Randy Royal said.

Colorado Springs stood still for that hour as the memorial took place. Those in attendance heard from Mike Gould, Retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant General and former United States Air Force Academy Superintendent.

Lt. Gen. Gould was the Commander of the Cheyenne Mountain Operations Center in 2001 when the attacks occurred and he recalled that harrowing morning and the actions he took to protect the country.

Among our teams actions on that day was to convene what was known as an air attack conference, he said. Gathering all the combatant commanders, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs, and the White House on a secure phone conference.

On a call with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in which Lt. Gen. Goulds team took action to ground all civil aircraft after the initial attack, a warning came through that could have changed Colorados history forever.

The FAA informed us that they were tracking a commercial aircraft who had departed Seattle flight plan to Denver, but he wasnt responding to any ground controller calls. Well, thinking perhaps that this was another hijacked aircraft and that our command center inside Cheyenne Mountain might be the target, we directed our engineering team to close and secure the access Tunnels blast doors to ensure that we could continue the mission if that attack occurred, Lt. Gen. Gould said.

But the attack never happened. It was the actions of his team that helped assist those first responders on ground zero in responding and preventing any more lives from being lost.

For those currently serving in the line of duty, Chief Royal issued a call to action, a vow to never forget and to keep protecting our country.

Our thoughts and prayers and heartfelt support should continue for those of the future, for those that passed as well as their families, he said. But we also need to continue to pray for our public survivors and our military partners as they actively perform those duties today.

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Colorado teen shot in the face by town councilman after going to home to ask permission to take homecoming photos

Colorado teen shot in the face by town councilman after going to home to ask permission to take homecoming photos

A 17-year-old Colorado boy was shot in the face Tuesday by a town council member after he and a friend went to a home to ask permission to take homecoming photos on the property, police said.

The shooting happened around 4:15 p.m. at a home on Pleasant Park Road in Jefferson County, the sheriff's office said.

When deputies arrived, the 17-year-old was "bleeding heavily from his face, as a second juvenile applied pressure to his friend's wounds with a t-shirt," the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office said in a news release Wednesday. The teen is recovering.

Brent Metz, the boyfriend of a woman who lives at the home, was arrested in connection with the shooting. Metz, 38, is a council member for the town of Mountain View, according to NBC affiliate KUSA of Denver . The town administrator declined to comment to NBC News on Thursday.

Metz was booked on charges of first-degree assault, felony menacing, illegal discharge of a firearm and reckless endangerment. It was not clear whether he has an attorney.

The sheriff's office said the woman, who was not at the home, had called deputies before the shooting to report two trespassers on her property. She also called Metz, who drove over to the home and allegedly blocked the teen's car from leaving, KUSA reported.

Metz then got out of his vehicle and is alleged to have fired one round through the windshield of the teen's car, the station reported.

The 17-year-old told deputies that he and his friend went to the home because they wanted to take pictures there, authorities said. He said they parked outside the gate, hopped the fence and walked up the driveway to look for the homeowner, the sheriff's office said in a news release.

When they could not find anyone at the residence, the boys "walked around the property trying to locate a homeowner" and then got back in their car, the sheriff's office said.

"They returned to their car and began writing a note to the homeowner, asking permission to use their property to take pictures," authorities said. "While they were doing this, a man they had never seen before pulled up next to them, exited the truck he was driving, and fired a round through the windshield, striking the 17-year-old driver in the face."

A sheriff's office spokesperson told KUSA that the teen's intention did not seem "malicious or criminal."

According to an arrest affidavit obtained by the station, one of the teens reported hearing Metz say "Oh s---, my gun just went off" after the shooting. Metz tried to help the 17-year-old, but his friend pushed him away, the affidavit says.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL)  The Columbus Police Department is asking for the publics help with finding a missing teenager.

Police say Naasir Clark, 14, was reported missing on Aug. 31. He was last seen near the 1400 block of Boxwood Boulevard at about 5 p.m.

Clark is described as standing at 5-foot-7 and weighing 120lbs with brown hair and eyes. He was wearing a white t-shirt with dark colored shorts.

Anyone with information is asked to call 911, the CPD Special Victims Unit at (706) 225-3449, or Cpl. Kasandra Maymi at (706) 225-4173.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL.
Column: The allure of Trump among California Republicans remains despite his depravity

Former President Trump speaks during a presidential debate with Vice President Kamala Harris at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia on Tuesday. (Alex Brandon / Associated Press)

Donald Trump finally met his match in a debate. Kamala Harris not only dominated and clobbered him, she goaded him into appearing unhinged.

It was arguably the best presidential debate performance since Ronald Reagan eviscerated President Carter in 1980 with his classic lines: There you go again and Ask yourself, are you better off than you were four years ago?

Its conventional to say that debates dont matter much in a races final outcome. But thats bunk. There are many times when they have. And the Harris-Trump debate is potentially one.

Harris came across as a tough scrapper who could think on her feet and conceivably handle the rigors of the Oval Office. Moderate swing voters in battleground states may have gained some confidence in her because she projected strength. And she didnt really sound like a San Francisco liberal.

In short, the debate may well have shown swayable voters that Harris is fit to be president  and the ranting, scowling Trump is unfit.

But its doubtful Trump will lose any hard-core supporters. He never does, no matter how outrageous his actions. And that has always intrigued me.

Read more: Column: Trump was Trump in his debate with Kamala Harris  which is why he came across so poorly

Look, hes everything our mothers told us not to be: a bully, braggart, whiner, liar and name-caller. He showed most of these ugly traits during the debate. Plus, hes a convicted felon.

Regardless of Trumps character faults, this is a very tight race because his core voters are steadfastly loyal.

In deep blue California, Trump received 6 million votes in 2020  more than in any other state, although he lost here by nearly 2 to 1.

Hell lose California again on Nov. 5 but doesnt seem to have hemorrhaged supporters despite shameless behavior.

A poll of likely voters last month by the UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies showed Harris leading Trump by 59% to 34%. He hadnt lost any support since February, but Harris was running 7 percentage points stronger than President Biden.

So, who are these dedicated Trump voters and what motivates them? How can they back someone with such unsavory character? I called around.

Character is a declining issue in politics  and a non-issue for a lot of people, said Republican strategist Rob Stutzman, a never-Trumper. I think the Bill Clinton era had a lot to do with it.

Read more: On a night of fierce exchanges, Harris sets the tone

Clinton and Trump both cheated on their wives. Clinton even did it next to the Oval Office. But Clinton never acted uncivilly and called his opponents crooked and stupid as Trump does.

Politics is a team sport, Stutzman added. Trump is on their team whether they like him or not.

Actually, many Republican voters just hate Democratic politicians.

Republicans hate the left and Trump embodies someone who will fight back against the left, Stutzman said.

I asked Republican strategist Matt Rexroad about that hate.

Its 100 percent true, he said. Anyone could be on the ballot with an R and [Republicans] would vote for them.

Trumps a protest vote against the status quo, Rexroad continued.

Thats particularly true of rural residents who tend to vote Republican.

They feel disenfranchised, Rexroad said. People in the biggest cities arent listening to them. A lot of people in San Francisco couldnt find Modoc County on a map if their life depended on it. They know Placer County because they drive through it on the way to Tahoe.

People between Bakersfield and Fresno, they dont like whats going on in Sacramento and Washington. They feel theyve been left behind.

Former Republican strategist Ken Khachigian, who grew up on a Visalia walnut and grape farm, says Trump speaks to the proverbial forgotten man.

San Joaquin Valley farmers are particularly frustrated that after record Sierra snowpacks they received only half the water they requested from the federal and state governments, Khachigian says.

And valley folks are unhappy about a lot of the handouts for illegal immigrants  free medical care and free other services, he added.

In Trump, he said, they see someone whos willing to [speak up] about whats going on  Hes seen as strength and vigor and intensity.

I called Mark Baldassare, chief pollster for the nonpartisan Public Policy Institute of California. He delved into the innards of several PPIC polls in recent months.

The negativity [of Trump voters] is one thing that struck me, he said. Its all doom and gloom. This is a group thats particularly sour about the way things are going in the country, the state and their own lives.

Roughly 98% believe that California and America are headed in the wrong direction. Around 92% think the state and nation will have bad times economically in the next 12 months. And 64% say their families are worse off financially than a year ago.

Also, 87% feel immigrants are a burden on California.

On many issues, Trump supporters views are the direct opposite of Democrats'.

Examples: 60% say addressing climate change is not an important concern, 63% favor more oil drilling off the California coast, 92% would rather have lower taxes and fewer services than higher taxes and more services, 89% favor protecting gun rights over controlling gun ownership and 71% approve of the Supreme Courts Dobbs decision overturning national abortion rights.

A sizable portion feel that government is the problem, not the solution, Baldassare says. They feel ignored. One way to get attention is to say, Im for Trump. Listen to me.

But they wont be allowed to listen to their candidate in a second debate. Trump has chickened out of another face-off with Harris.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
209 Walnut Street

COMMERCE, Okla.  A child is dead Thursday, and two Commerce residents are jailed as suspects in the case.

The Quapaw Marshals Service arrested Amber Murphy, 30, and Daniel Ash, 32, on charges of voluntary manslaughter and child abuse. They are being held in the Cherokee County, Kansas jail on $30,000 bond.

FOUR STATES CRIME

The couple lives at 209 Walnut Street in Commerce. Few details have been released, but officials say a two-year-old boy is dead, and Murphy and Ash are suspects in the case.

The parents took the toddler to Integris Baptist Regional Health Center, where he died.

The childs body will be taken to the Tulsa Medical Examiners Office, which will determine the cause of death. Sources close to the investigation said the preliminary investigation suggests the child died from malnutrition.

The couples other children are in state custody.

DEVELOPING

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A newly revealed patent from Chinese lithography systems maker Shanghai Micro Electronics Equipment (SMEE) shows how domestic firms could progress in the local advanced lithography tools market despite US sanctions.

The "extreme ultraviolet [EUV] radiation generators and lithography equipment" patent, filed in March 2023, was published publicly on Tuesday and is still being vetted by the China National Intellectual Property Administration, according to a record from company registry website Qichacha.

The patent shows how SMEE is progressing in EUV lithography, which is considered the Achilles' heel of the Chinese semiconductor industry. Despite years of efforts, SMEE remains behind ASML in reliably mass producing lithography gear that can be used for processes at the 28-nanometre level and below.

Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team.

Netherlands-based ASML currently has a near monopoly on EUV machines, and it has been restricted from exporting that equipment to China since 2019.

ASML engineers walk past a High NA EUV tool at the company's headquarters in Veldhoven, Netherlands, on November 20, 2023. Photo: ASML/Michel de Heer alt=ASML engineers walk past a High NA EUV tool at the company's headquarters in Veldhoven, Netherlands, on November 20, 2023. Photo: ASML/Michel de Heer>

SMEE was added to a US Commerce Department blacklist in December 2022, along with 35 other Chinese companies, which also restricted its ability to import certain US technologies.

China's market for lithography machines, which print highly complex circuit patterns onto silicon wafers, is 99 per cent controlled by ASML and Japanese companies Nikon and Canon. Only the Dutch firm produces machines capable of making chips smaller than 7-nm.

ASML is now facing mounting pressure to serve customers on the mainland, its second-largest market by revenue in 2023 after Taiwan. It has been only able to fill 50 per cent of orders from China due to a heavy backlog, according to its 2023 annual report.

As of September 6, when the Netherlands updated its export restrictions, ASML requires a licence to provide spare parts and software updates for its lithography systems in China. Servicing the equipment is also regulated, Reuters reported, citing a Dutch government statement.

In 2023, EUV machines accounted for 42 per cent of AMSL's system sales of 21.9 billion (US$24.2 billion), as global foundries from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company to Samsung Electronics snapped up these tools to continue manufacturing chips down to a 3-nm grade.

Story continues

EUV lithography uses light with a wavelength of just 13.5 nanometres - nearly X-ray level - a reduction of almost 14 times from deep ultraviolet lithography, which uses 193-nm waves. The advanced EUV scanners are considered necessary for mass producing semiconductors smaller than 7-nm, as they provide better production yields, a measure of the percentage of non-defective items produced in a manufacturing process.

China's top foundry Semiconductor International Manufacturing Corporation, which is also under US sanctions, had to resort to multiple patterning in its 7-nm process node to make the system-on-a-chip powering Huawei's flagship Mate 60 handset issued last year at the expense of lower yields.

This article originally appeared in the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the most authoritative voice reporting on China and Asia for more than a century. For more SCMP stories, please explore the SCMP app or visit the SCMP's Facebook and Twitter pages. Copyright  2024 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.

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Companies look to bring more than 300 jobs to Topeka

TOPEKA (KSNT)  Local businesses are working to expand in Shawnee County, possibly bringing hundreds of jobs.

At Wednesdays Topeka and Shawnee County Joint Economic Development Organization (JEDO) meeting, members approved two incentive funding proposals with the goal of expanding and bringing more jobs to the capital city, one is called Project Finish Line and the other is Project Brick.

PTMW Inc. to expand in Shawnee Co., bring 182 new jobs

According to the JEDO meeting agenda, Project Finish Line is a local manufacturing company working with GO Topeka to assist in an expansion in their corporation to Topeka. The project comes with a capital investment of $57 million, $37 million in real property and $20 million in machinery and equipment.

Project Finish Line is expected to bring 300 new jobs in five years, with an annual wage of $51,000. JEDO unanimously agreed to a total requested incentive of $2,136,000.

Printing, mailing company in Topeka expands with JEDO funding

Project Brick is a Topeka-based aviation company looking to expand and hire for 13 new positions, with the help of JEDO. The salaries will range from $60,000 to $110,000, according to the meeting agenda. Over 10 years, the total economic impact of this expansion is $18.9 million. JEDO unanimously approved the $112,000 total request incentive.

After these incentive approvals, GO Topeka will draft agreements to contract with each company. The next JEDO meeting is Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024.

For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

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The deed to a multi-million dollar home in Raleigh was swiped out from under the nose of the homes owner.

Craig Adams is frustrated. His 8,300-square-foot home is no longer in his name, despite Adams owning the home and still living in it with his wife. Despite him being up-to-date and in good standing with paying his mortgage and property taxes, Adams discovered the deed to his home is no longer in his name. Instead, it belongs to a complete stranger.

Found out that she had filed a false warranty claim date against this house and basically tried to steal (it), Adams told ABC11, The News & Observers media partner.

The she Adams is referring to is Dawn Mangum. Adams only learned about Mangum getting the deed in her name after the property management company for his HOA asked if he sold his home, because Mangum had contacted the company to get gate access to the private gated community where the house sits.

Paperwork filed with the Wake County Register of Deeds Office, signed by Mangum, lists Adams as a debtor, along with Dawn Mangum Estate. The Register of Deeds approved the deed transfer to Dawn Mangum Trust.

Adams went to the Wake County Register of Deeds to question how this happened.

Renters who lost thousands of dollars to landlord at NC State are now getting their money back.

Theres no effort to authenticate the validity of the change of deed. Nobody verifies the notary. Nobody verifies who owns the house thats trying to be transferred to a different owner, Adams said about what he learned during his visit.

Adams proved to the Register of Deeds that he owned the home and Mangum had no stake in it, but the deed remained with Dawn Mangum Trust.

Adams couldnt believe it.

They say theres absolutely nothing they can do to reverse this. Once its filed their only solution is that I have to go hire a private attorney, and the first quote I got was about $8,000 to file a civil suit against this woman.

Emails Adams got from the Wake County Register of Deeds and the County Attorney state while they sympathize with Adams, theyre bound by the limitations under North Carolina law. They said they cant remove a document once it has been recorded.

Also, according to North Carolina law, the Register of Deeds does not have a duty to verify the legal sufficiency of a deed when it is presented for registration, nor do they have a duty to verify or inquire as to the legal sufficiency of a notary acknowledgment or the capacity of the drafter.

However, the Register of Deeds told ABC11 that the office can refuse to record a document if fraud is suspected. However, in this case, there was no suspicion of fraud when the document was recorded.

The biggest concern is the citizens of Wake County are -- were so vulnerable! Anybody, I could go down and put this warranty deed, find out where you live, and I could presumably take ownership of your house. Its that easy, Adams said.

Troubleshooter Diane Wilson reached Mangum on the phone, who said everything was done by law as she thought the property was in foreclosure. She believes by law you can claim an abandoned property.

Mangum texted Wilson, My thing is not to take anyones home but to find abandoned property and restore it.

Once Mangum learned the property wasnt in foreclosure, she said she stopped all paperwork. She added shed like to return the ownership to Adams and claims the paperwork will be amended.

As for Adams, he said the foreclosure noted on the for sale listing was a mistake and was corrected.

He will have to hire an attorney and bring this before a judge to hear the case. In the meantime, he hopes his frustrating ordeal prompts change.

The biggest thing that needs to happen is the laws from the state legislature need to come down to the register. (It) needs to have a simple set of checks and balances, authenticate the document, authenticate the signature, authenticate who owns the home. Adams said.

The Wake County Sheriffs Department said it is actively investigating this case.

Wake County Registry of Deeds released the following statement about the case:

The Register of Deeds office is taking this situation very seriously, and is committed to assisting the homeowner in any way possible within the scope of the law.

Under North Carolina law, Registers of Deeds are statutorily obligated to accept and immediately register documents in conformity with G.S. 161-14. The Register of Deeds is not required to verify the legal validity of a deed when it is presented for registration, nor are they required to verify the credentials or legal standing of the notary or drafter of the document (G.S. 47-14). With more than 500 documents processed through the Wake County Register of Deeds office daily, it would be impossible to verify the legitimacy of each document or the credentials of each notary, nor does the Register of Deeds office have access to a database of commissioned North Carolina notaries to check against.

Register of Deeds staff are not attorneys and are explicitly barred from giving legal advice or from acting as an attorney in verifying a document.

As soon as the Register of Deeds office became aware of the fraudulent deed, it alerted the Tax Administration office that no tax information for the property should be changed. Register of Deeds staff also immediately notified and is working with the Wake County Sheriffs Office. The homeowner was also encouraged to file a police report.

The Wake County Register of Deeds office offers a free fraud alert system. When documents are recorded with a name that is being monitored, the property owner will be immediately notified that an action has taken place on their property. In this particular situation, the homeowners name was not included as the drafter or the Grantor or Grantee on the document, so the alerts were not triggered. The document also hasnt been indexed in the homeowners name. You can learn more about the free fraud alerts here.

Because the deed has been recorded, the Register of Deeds office does not have the authority under North Carolina state law to remove the document from the record without a court order. Wake County will gladly cooperate with any criminal law enforcement investigation or civil proceeding that is initiated on the homeowners behalf.

How do you prevent this from happening to your property?

You should check with your countys Register of Deeds Office and figure out if you can sign up for fraud alerts.

Fraud alerts wont stop the deed transfer from happening, but it would notify you immediately after anything is recorded that involves your name. That would at least ensure that you are notified and could stop something more from happening.

For Wake County, you can do that here. You can also check with your homeowners insurance company or a title insurance company, as some do offer fraud coverage for an additional cost.
By welcoming a child into your home, integrating them as part of your family, the safety and security required for a child to flourish can be achieved. I want to sincerely thank each and every one of you here tonight. I want to especially recognize my nominee: Alabama State Representative Donna Givens. Donna  your heart for the often-forgotten children of the world inspires me daily. I want to take a few moments to tell you all the story of why I nominated Representative Givens to be my nominee this year. As a freshman in the Alabama State House, Representative Givens championed a bill that increases protections for surrendered infants. She maneuvered her bill through the Alabama Legislature and saw it pass unanimously. Prior to her bill becoming law, infants could only be surrendered within seventy-two hours of birth at hospitals. Representative Givens legislation extended that period to forty-five days and enabled fire stations to accept surrendered infants 24 hours per day, if staffed by emergency medical personnel. Representative Givens bill has already saved lives. So far, just in the past year, three babies have been surrendered at fire station baby boxes. Babies whose mothers made the ultimate sacrifice of love, to surrender their babies knowing they would have a better life in better circumstances. These infants and the ones who will be surrendered in the future will have a chance to be adopted by families who will care for them and ensure their safety. Because of the work done by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute, and champions like Representative Donna Givens, I am reassured that the vision we all share  that a world where each child feels the love and support of a family  is well within reach. Thank you again for welcoming me to speak to you all tonight. I look forward to our continued work together. Thank you and may God bless you all.

Robert Aderholt
ST. CLAIR COUNTY, Ill.  Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski requests assistance from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) after a viral TikTok video showed a traffic buildup at an interstate exit in OFallon, Ill.

The video, which has reached over 40.9 million views and 13,000 comments on TikTok, shows a driver passing a long line of cars on westbound I-64, waiting to get off of Exit 16 at OFallon and Shiloh, on to North Green Mount Road.

In Budzinskis letter to IDOT, she mentions that the traffic has been a persistent issue at the exit and wants the department to take action to prevent accidents from happening.

The confusion and congestion at this interchange creates a dangerous situation for local drivers and impedes the flow of traffic, Budzinski said in the letter. Im grateful to the local resident who shared their experience with this exit on TikTok, and I look forward to working toward a solution that eases traffic and improves safety.

Big changes coming to historic vacant buildings downtown

IDOT is currently in Phase II of a three-phase project that will improve the I-64 interchange at Green Mount Road, along with the widening of I-64 from west of Green Mount Road to west of Route 158.

According to IDOT, the segment of I-64 has experienced 149 crashes in a 5-year period, which have included four fatalities.

Phase I of the project took 24 months to construct a study and the preliminary design of the project. Phase II will last 12-24 months to construct the final design, gather construction bids, and gather the right-of-way acquisition documents. Phase III of the project will begin the construction, which will last another 18-24 months.

I urge IDOT to implement this expansion project as soon as possible so that we can ensure the safety of the thousands of Southern Illinoisans and others who utilize I-64 and the Exit 16 offramp every day, Budzinski said.

To learn more about the project, visit IDOTs website.

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Oleh Nikolenko, Consul General of Ukraine in Toronto, has expressed his outrage over the decision by Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) to proceed with the screening of the film Russians at War despite widespread criticism, urging the organisers to reconsider it.

Source: Nikolenko on Facebook, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Nikolenko said that the Consulate General was puzzled by the position expressed in a statement from TIFF and the decision not to cancel the film's premiere.

"It is appalling that the festival defends its decision to screen the Russian propaganda film Russians at War by citing funding from Canadian agencies, especially when one of those agencies, TVO, has already denounced its support for the film and launched an internal investigation. TIFF's statement deliberately omits this fact, misleading the public," the consul stressed.

He noted that the festival organising committee also failed to mention that the film's director, Anastasia Trofimova, used to work for the propaganda TV channel Russia Today, which was banned in Canada in particular.

"Russians at War represents a clear conflict of interest, which TIFF is choosing to ignore," Nikolenko said.

He criticised the festivals claim that the director had purportedly made the film without the knowledge or involvement of Russian government agencies. He pointed to the cases of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who was sentenced to 16 years in a Russian prison and later released in a swap, as well as British reporter Nick Walsh and Italian journalists Stefania Battistini and cameraman Simone Traini, who faced persecution in Russia for crossing the border while covering an operation on Russian territory.

"Given how Russia treats journalists, it is naive to believe that Anastasia Trofimova spent over six months embedded with a Russian military unit without Russian military or government oversight. We believe the production of this film was permitted because it aligns with Russias narratives that downplay the atrocities of its invasion," said Nikolenko, calling for freedom of expression not to be confused with tolerating propaganda.

"Ukraine as no one else understands democratic values as we defend them with our lives, but we oppose any manipulation that justifies the selection of this project. It is not too late for TIFF to make the right decision and to cancel the remaining screenings of the film," the Consul General stressed.

Background:

The film Russians at War was screened at the Venice International Film Festival on 5 September. The director said she had spent seven months with a Russian battalion fighting in Ukraine, and it was a shock for her to see that they were "absolutely ordinary guys with families and a sense of humour".

The Ukrainian-Canadian community and the Consulate General of Ukraine in Toronto protested against the intention to screen Russians at War at a Canadian festival.

Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, who has Ukrainian roots, also expressed her concern.

Following the outcry, Canadian media organisation TVO (TV Ontario), which provided funding for the film's production, decided not to screen it in the future. However, the TIFF organising committee said it would not cancel the screening.

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A year after recalled applesauce pouches containing cinnamon left more than 500 kids with lead poisoning, new research is offering further cause for concern regarding the popular spice used in baked goods and frequently sprinkled on coffee and oatmeal.

Consumer Reports found troubling levels of lead in one-third of ground cinnamon and cinnamon-containing spice blends it tested, according to the findings released Thursday. The tests involved brands carried by mainstream grocery stores as well as those that sell international foods.

Purchased from 17 stores in Connecticut, New Jersey, New York and online, 12 of 36 brands measured above 1 part per million of lead  the threshold that triggers a recall in New York, the only U.S. state to regulate heavy metals in spices, according to the advocacy group.

Stop using these brands

Here are the 12 brands of spice blends and cinnamon that CR says to stop using:

Badia cinnamon powderBaiLiFeng five spice powderBowl & Basket ground cinnamonDeep cinnamon PowderEGN cinnamon powderMimi's Products ground cinnamonParas cinnamon powderRani Brand ground cinnamonSpicy King five spices powderThree Rivers cinnamon stick powderYu Yee Brand five spice powderZara Foods cinnamon powder

"If you have one of those products, we think you should throw it away," microbiologist James Rogers, director of food safety research and testing at Consumer Reports said of the 12 brands with the highest lead levels. "Even small amounts of lead pose a risk because, over time, it can accumulate in the body and remain there for years, seriously harming health," he added.



Brands that are OK to use

Here are brands of spice blends and cinnamon that CR says are OK to use:

Abido Spices 7 mixesGood & Gather ground cinnamon

Great Value ground cinnamonHappy Belly ground cinnamonKirkland Signature organic Saigon cinnamonMcCormick cinnamonMorton Bassett San Francisco ground cinnamonNatural Plus Green five spices powderPenzeys Ceylon cinnamonPenzeys ground cinnamonPenzeys Vietnamese CinnamonShan garam masala powderSimply Organic cinnamonThe Spice Lab organic ground cinnamonSwad garman masala powderTrader Joe's organic ground cinnamonWei-Chuan five spice powderZiyad Brand premium seven spice blendBest brands to use

The good news is half a dozen of the products tested as low-risk, and "demonstrate that it's possible to produce cinnamon with no lead or extremely low levels," said Rogers.

The six brands qualifying as good options are:

365 Whole Foods Market Ground Cinnamon 365 Whole Foods Market Organic Ground CinnamonLoisa Organic Cinnamon,Morton & Bassett San Francisco Organic Ground Cinnamon Sadaf Cinnamon Powder Sadaf Seven Spice Blend.

The complete list of products consumers should not use and nearly 20 deemed "OK to use," can also be found here.

Federal and state officials are still investigating the outbreak tied to 519 cases of food poisoning in 44 states and the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, according to a March update by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Food and Drug Administration followed up with a warning against 17 ground cinnamon products found to contain high levels of lead.

Short-term exposure to very low levels of lead may not result in symptoms, but longer-term exposure to the metal can cause permanent damage to the central nervous system, resulting in learning disorders and other developmental defects in children. Chronic lead exposure is associated with kidney issues, hypertension and adverse cognitive effects in adults, according to health officials.

Less than half of Americans plan to get COVID or flu vaccines this year, survey finds

Justin Timberlake back in court, expected to plead guilty in DWI case

New Senate report on Trump assassination attempt coming soon
By Jake Spring and Stefanie Eschenbacher

SAO PAULO (Reuters) - South America is being ravaged by fire from Brazil's Amazon rainforest through the world's largest wetlands to dry forests in Bolivia, breaking a previous record for the number of blazes seen in a year up to Sept. 11.

Satellite data analyzed by Brazil's space research agency Inpe has registered 346,112 fire hotspots so far this year in all 13 countries of South America, topping the earlier 2007 record of 345,322 hotspots in a data series that goes back to 1998.

A Reuters photographer traveling in the heart of Brazil's Amazon this week witnessed massive fires burning in vegetation along roadways, blackening the landscape and leaving trees like burned matchsticks.

Smoke billowing from the Brazilian fires has darkened the skies above cities like Sao Paulo, feeding into a corridor of wildfire smoke seen from space stretching diagonally across the continent from Colombia in the northwest to Uruguay in the southeast.

Brazil and Bolivia have dispatched thousands of firefighters to attempt to control the blazes, but remain mostly at the mercy of extreme weather fueling the fires.

Scientists say that while most fires are set by humans, the recent hot and dry conditions being driven by climate change are helping the fires spread more quickly. South America has been hit by a series of heatwaves since last year.

"We never had winter," said Karla Longo, an air quality researcher at Inpe, of the weather in Sao Paulo in recent months. "It's absurd."

Despite still being winter in the Southern Hemisphere, high temperatures in Sao Paulo have held at over 32 degrees Celsius (90 degrees Fahrenheit) since Saturday.

Hundreds of people marched in Bolivia's highland, political capital La Paz to demand action against the fires, holding banners and placards saying "Bolivia in flames" and "For cleaner air stop burning."

"Please realize what is really happening in the country, we have lost millions of hectares," said Fernanda Negron, an animal rights activist in the protest. "Millions of animals have been burned to death."

In Brazil, a drought that began last year has become the worst on record, according to national disaster monitoring agency Cemaden.

"In general, the 2023-2024 drought is the most intense, long-lasting in some regions and extensive in recent history, at least in the data since 1950," said Ana Paula Cunha, a drought researcher with Cemaden.

The greatest number of fires this month is in Brazil and Bolivia, followed by Peru, Argentina and Paraguay, according to Inpe data. Unusually intense fires that hit Venezuela, Guyana and Colombia earlier in the year contributed to the record but have largely subsided.

Fire from deforestation in the Amazon create particularly intense smoke because of the density of the vegetation burning, Longo said.

"The sensation you get flying next to one of these plumes is like that of an atomic mushroom cloud," said Longo of Inpe.

Roughly 9 million sq km (3.5 million sq miles) of South America have been covered in smoke at times, more than half of the continent, she said.

Sao Paulo, the most populous city in the Western Hemisphere, earlier this week had the worst air quality globally, higher than famous pollution hotspots like China and India, according to website IQAir.com. Bolivia's capital of La Paz was similarly blanketed in smoke.

Exposure to the smoke will drive up the number of people seeking hospital treatment for respiratory issues and may cause thousands of premature deaths, Longo said.

Inhaling wildfire smoke contributes to an average 12,000 early deaths a year in South America, according to a 2023 study in the academic journal Environmental Research: Health.

September is typically the peak month for fires in South America. It's unclear whether the continent will continue to have high numbers of fires this year.

While rain is forecast next week for Brazil's center south, where Sao Paulo is located, drought conditions are expected to continue through October in Brazil's northern Amazon region and center-west agricultural region.

(Reporting by Jake Spring and Stefanie Eschenbacher in Sao Paulo; Additional reporting by Santiago Limachi and Monica Machicao in La Paz; Editing by Katy Daigle and Sandra Maler)
Convicted former Democratic U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. is ramping up an effort to get politicians to encourage President Joe Biden to pardon the former congressman before the Democratic president leaves office early next year.

Jackson, who served about 17 months in federal prison after pleading guilty in 2013 to conspiring to defraud his campaign fund of roughly $750,000, has enlisted the help of south suburban mayors from his former congressional district and also put out a general call on his Facebook page for others to write letters of support to Biden.

If you would like to write a letter on my behalf on your (stationery), a church resolution, on official (stationery), please send to me in messenger because I have to upload it to the pardon office and to my file, Jackson wrote in a Facebook post Sept. 6.

That was the same day NBC News reported nine south suburban mayors had sent a letter to the White House requesting Jackson be pardoned. Jackson shared the NBC story and a copy of the letter in one of his posts that day on Facebook. But neither Jackson, who served in Congress from 1995 until he resigned amid burgeoning controversies in 2012, nor the NBC story mentioned the letter was drafted with Jacksons involvement and at his request.

Jacksons pardon effort comes less than a month after the former congressmans father, civil rights icon the Rev. Jesse Jackson, was honored on the United Center stage during the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on the same night Biden spoke.

In an email to the Tribune on Thursday, Jackson downplayed his role in encouraging the pardon push and referred questions to one of the nine south suburban mayors who signed the letter, Homewood Mayor Rich Hofeld, who, Jackson said, has been leading the effort for my full pardon in the south suburbs.

At this point, I believe it is most appropriate that he speak to the effort that he has initiated in the Southland, Jackson wrote.

But Hofeld told the Tribune and the Daily Southtown on Tuesday that Jackson called him in mid-August to see if he and other mayors would write a letter supporting a pardon.

Hofeld, whos been mayor in Homewood since 1997, said he was happy to help Jackson and that the two had a warm working relationship while they were both elected officials. Hofeld said he composed the letter, shared it with other mayors and emailed it to Jackson.

Homewood and other communities Jackson represented while he was in Congress benefited during his time in office, regardless of his improprieties, Hofeld said, adding federal funds for a rail park and rail viewing platform in Homewood were secured with Jacksons help.

In talking with other mayors they felt the same, he helped us all, said Hofeld, who said he met with Jackson at Village Hall Sept. 6, the same day the letter was sent to the White House.

In their letter, the mayors  three of whom didnt hold the office while Jackson was in Congress and one of whom overlapped with his tenure for only a year  wrote that they could always count on him to recognize and support our communities needs.

We do not want to diminish his misuse of campaign funds and his subsequent conviction; however, he has more to give to society. He knows this, and we who have worked with him, believe it, wrote the mayors, including Vernard Alsberry of Hazel Crest, Terry Matthews of South Chicago Heights, Don DeGraff of South Holland, James Ford of Country Club Hills, David Gonzalez of Chicago Heights, Richard Reinbold of Richton Park, Thomas Brown of East Hazel Crest and Terry Wells of Phoenix.

Like you, the mayors wrote to Biden, we also make decisions that affect people in their everyday life. Oftentimes we must reflect upon never judge a man based on his worst day. We believe that Congressman Jackson has better days ahead.

Alsberry, who was first elected mayor a year after Jackson resigned from Congress, credited the former lawmaker with being a major booster for a still-unbuilt airport in the far south suburbs. Alsberry called Jackson, the one who carried the water.

Jackson, 59, got in trouble, he did his time and it is time to get on with the rest of his life, Alsberry said. Hes still a young man.

Also noting Jacksons support for the long-discussed south suburban airport, Richton Parks Reinbold said Jackson was an advocate, not just for Richton Park but the entire district.

Neither the White House nor the Department of Justice, which handles pardon requests, responded to a request for comment on Jacksons case. Department of Justice records show Jackson made his initial request in 2022.

Hofeld said Jackson showed him other letters of support that have been submitted on his behalf, including from people Jackson served with in Congress.

Jacksons successor, U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly of Matteson, encouraged the Biden administration last year to pardon Jackson, Kelly spokeswoman Jessica Lee said this week. Lee declined to provide a copy of any letter Kelly sent on Jacksons behalf and said the congressman had no comment on why she feels he deserves a pardon.

Two years ago, then-U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush of Chicago, a civil rights activist and Black Panthers leader in the 1960s, sent the Biden administration a letter requesting a pardon for Jackson. Rushs successor, Jacksons younger brother, U.S. Rep Jonathan Jackson of Chicago, had no immediate comment through a spokesperson on whether the first-term congressman had requested a pardon for his older brother.

In the Thursday email to the Tribune, Jesse Jackson Jr. said hes also received letters of support from U.S. Rep. Danny Davis of Chicago, civil rights attorney Ben Crump and the Rev. Al Sharpton, who appeared on the DNC stage with Jackson Sr. and two of his other sons.

Jesse Jackson Sr. and his Rainbow/PUSH Coalition also have sent a letter to Biden requesting Jackson Jr. be pardoned and Jackson Sr. has hand-delivered letters to Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, Jackson Jr. said in the email.

Pardoning Jesse Jackson Jr., whose father Biden ran against in a crowded Democratic presidential primary field in 1988, could be fraught for the president. Thats particularly the case as he has publicly said he will not pardon his own son, Hunter, whos been convicted on federal gun charges and recently pleaded guilty in a separate federal tax case.

Jackson pleaded guilty in 2013 to conspiring to defraud his reelection campaign of about $750,000 that was used to pay for personal expenses such as home renovations two mounted elk heads and high-end merchandise, including mink clothes and a Michael Jackson autographed guitar. He was sentenced to 30 months and spent a portion of that time in a halfway house and on home confinement.

He was released from federal custody in September 2015.

His wife at the time, former Chicago Ald. Sandi Jackson, pleaded guilty in a separate case to filing false tax returns to help conceal the scheme and was sentenced to a year in prison. She served about 11 months before being released in September 2016.

Jackson never formally requested an individual pardon from President Barack Obama, though he did argue in a Facebook post in late 2016, about a month before the end of Obamas second term, that the president should issue a blanket pardon to former federal prisoners. Such an action, which wasnt taken, would have covered both Jackson and his former wife.

Jackson said he remains committed to this idea.

Sometimes being at the back of the line is the best position for advocacy to get the line moving, he said. My fathers position is that I am in the best position to help others breathe again when Ive put my oxygen mask on first.

In 2019, Jackson joined his father in asking for a pardon from Republican President Donald Trump, not for himself but for disgraced former Democratic Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who was sentenced to 14 years in prison for various crimes, including an attempt to sell Obamas former seat in the U.S. Senate. The younger Jackson was among those Blagojevich had considered appointing to the seat.

Trump ultimately commuted Blagojevichs sentence in 2020, releasing him from prison about six years early.

Jackson said his father also advocated for my pardon in the waning hours of the Trump administration.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A convicted murderer is accused of plotting to murder a judge presiding over his case along with a witness, the 8 News Now Investigators have learned.

Clark County District Court Judge Tierra Jones recused herself from the sentencing of Larry Porchia, 51, as a result of the alleged threat.



A Clark County jury returned a guilty verdict against Porchia for murder with use of a deadly weapon and first-degree kidnapping with use of a deadly weapon on Aug. 23 in connection with the killing of Asia Griego, 24, at the Clark County Wetlands Park on June 4, 2018.



Jones notified prosecutors and the defense team on Aug. 20 that she received a letter about a threat to her life and the life of a witness from an inmate at the Nevada Department of Corrections, according to court records.

Clark County District Court Judge Tierra Jones recused herself from the sentencing of Larry Porchia, 51, as a result of the alleged threat. (LVMPD/KLAS)

The inmate was identified as Harold Morgan. He pleaded guilty to theft and was sentenced to two to five years in the Nevada Department of Corrections on Aug. 2, according to court documents which refer to his last name as both Morgon and Morgan.

The 8 News Now Investigators obtained a copy of the letter to Jones, which stated Porchia organized a murder for hire on you and the witness testifying against him.



The letter stated that its author shared a dorm with Porchia and they discussed how Porchia was a hitman for a gang, how he killed the victim and how he wanted to arrange the murder of a government witness. The inmate also wrote that Porchia told him he owned land in Pahrump that he would give him as a partial payment along with $50,000 if he personally killed the witness or $25,000 if he posted the witnesss photo on the dark web to get a bounty hunter to accept the contract with payment via Bitcoin.

A convicted murderer is accused of plotting to murder a judge presiding over his case along with a witness, the 8 News Now Investigators have learned. (KLAS)





The letter continued to explain the alleged murder-for-hire plot with the same method for the judge if Porchia were convicted because he was upset with how Jones handled his criminal case. The plot was to be carried out if Porchia was found to be guilty in the murder case, according to the letter.



In person hes a real monster. Just listen to his phone calls., theyre [sic horrifying. Of course I would never carry out none of his request, the letter stated. I thought you and the district attorney should know, couldnt write you before now because he was closely watching me.

In an order issued from chambers dated Sept. 4, Jones explained her recusal.

Jones had no doubt she could be fair and impartial, but the suggestion of impropriety exists in the sentencing hearing in the case and any sentence that is not the minimum punishment can carry the appearance of impropriety and be perceived to be indicative of retaliation and/or bias form the threat to kill the judge, according to the order.

The inmate was identified as Harold Morgan. He pleaded guilty to theft and was sentenced to two to five years in the Nevada Department of Corrections on Aug. 2, according to court documents which refer to his last name as both Morgon and Morgan. (NDOC/KLAS)

Jones pointed out since Porchia was convicted, he could still carry out the threat.

In the instant case, it is undisputed that the judge received a letter stating that the defendant had solicited another person to kill the judge, if he was convicted in this case. It is further undisputed that the defendant was ultimately convicted, by a jury, the order stated. Based upon the threat in the letter to the judge, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department opened an investigation and took security measures. At the time of the reported threat, the ultimate determination of the case was in the hands of the jury and not the judge.

The 8 News Now Investigators reached out to defense attorneys Adrian Lobo and Ozzie Fumo who represent Porchia. They provided the following statement:

The purported threats made against Judge Jones and DA witnesses during trial are just one of the many procedural irregularities that have plagued this case since its inception. Mr. Porchia unequivocally denies that he made any threats to Judge Jones or DA witnesses, nor did enter any contract with Morgan in reference to the same. He has the utmost respect for Judge Jones and did not ever speak to Harold Passion Morgan about his case. Any information Mr. Morgan knew about Mr. Porchias case was gleaned from the close proximity that pretrial detainees are forced to live in while awaiting trial, which makes them vulnerable to people with the likes of Harold Morgan. Unfortunately, the defense was not afforded an opportunity to investigate Mr. Morgans credibility to attack this jailhouse informant. It was and remains the defenses position that Mr. Morgan is a self-interested person that has made a career out of providing information to law enforcement but no longer works with the FBI anymore and because of that and other reasons he should not have been permitted to testify. Mr. Porchia has litigated the interception/exposure of his privileged legal papers at length in this case and because of that he has been extremely cautious to not divulge any privilege information to anyone aside from his defense team. Additionally, Mr. Porchia has experienced other instances in the past during this case where other pretrial detainees (believed to be jailhouse informants) approached him trying to elicit information about his case. He never divulged any confidential information and immediately reported each occurrence to his legal team. To that end, Mr. Morgans assertion that Mr. Porchia confessed to killing Asia should have been met with skepticism. As for the actual murder and kidnapping charges in the case, Mr. Porchia has always asserted his innocence and continues to do as he did not kill Asia Griego or have anything to do with her tragic death. Unfortunately, the jury did not see it this way and while we respect the jurys verdict, Mr.Porchias counsels believe that the jury got it wrong in this case. Mr. Porchia will seek any and all appellate remedies available to him and is hopeful that he will be exonerated. Adrian Lobo and Ozzie Fumo

Porchia already had seven felony convictions for crimes including attempted robbery, pandering and possession of a controlled substance, according to documents obtained by the 8 News Now Investigators.

Tierra Jones is sworn in as a new judge during an investiture ceremony Friday, June 2, 2017, in Las Vegas. Jones is the first black female state court judge in Nevada. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Porchia killed Griego as retribution for a break-in where she and Carlos Portillo attempted to steal a BMW from Porchias girlfriend, according to prosecutors. Portillo was then accused of helping Porchia to commit the murder. He agreed to a plea deal and was scheduled to be sentenced for first-degree kidnapping on Oct. 10.



Judge Michelle Leavitt was scheduled to sentence Porchia on Oct. 2.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
Cooler weather helps, but Los Angeles fires still out of control

Three huge blazes are burning in hills around Los Angeles (DAVID SWANSON) (DAVID SWANSON/AFP/AFP)

Cooler weather on Thursday aided firefighters battling out-of-control blazes around Los Angeles, but officials warned the fast-moving fires were unpredictable and could suddenly explode.

Around 173 square miles (450 square kilometers) have been torched in the three fires, which have destroyed dozens of homes and forced hundreds of families to flee.

One woman whose home was leveled by the fast-moving Line Fire northeast of the city said she and her children had only minutes to evacuate.

"It happened really fast," Brooke Palenchar told broadcaster KTLA.

"We weren't able to grab much before we left... I have about three Tupperwares left of our lives."

Footage from the home showed only a brick chimney standing among twisted metal and charred debris.

Investigators believe the fire, which has consumed 37,000 acres (15,000 hectares) in a week, was started deliberately.

Justin Wayne Halstenberg, 34, from Norco has been arrested on suspicion of arson. Reports Thursday said detectives believe he may be a serial arsonist.

Thousands of firefighters from across the region are tackling the vast fire, working long, intense days.

"Our shifts are 24 hours, but due to the crew rotation, we end up working about 28-hour shifts," Captain Kyle Arledge of Ventura County Fire said.

- Pyrocumulous clouds -

To the west, the Bridge Fire in the Angeles National Forest -- the largest active blaze in California -- has now swelled to over 51,000 acres, destroying at least 33 homes.

Pictures from the town of Wrightwood show charred vehicles and the wreckage of buildings wreathed in smoke.

Three people -- including an off-duty sheriff's deputy -- who had been trapped by the fire in a remote area near Mt. Baldy were brought to safety on Wednesday.

Firefighters said the blaze remained entirely uncontained, and warned that it could suddenly explode because of the abundance of dry vegetation.

This could mean "the potential for large energy release that could create plume-driven fire behavior and column collapses, which may send spot fires out ahead of the fire's direction," said an update from Cal Fire, the statewide fire agency.

Plume-driven fires happen when a blaze begins to generate its own localized weather, forming what is called a pyrocumulous cloud.

Smoke from the fire stops the hot air from rising and forces it back down, creating gusts that can fan the flames, similar to the downdraft of a thunderstorm.

"Those winds can essentially go in any direction which makes it extremely dangerous in terms of fire growth at the surface," National Weather Service meteorologist Bryan Lewis told the San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

- 'Herculean effort' -

Southeast of Los Angeles, the Airport Fire was still growing, but cooler temperatures were making the battle easier.

The blaze erupted on Monday and began racing up canyons and hillsides.

Photographs and video from the Lake Elsinore area show houses and vehicles have been devastated.

Orange County Fire Authority Captain Steve Concialdi said a cooldown after days of stifling heat has brought much-needed relief, with the return of a morning blanket of cool and moist air from the sea.

"This marine layer and cooler temperatures along with the higher relative humidity are helping firefighters grow our containment... and extinguish hot spots," he said.

California Governor Gavin Newsom, who has declared a state of emergency in response to the fires, visited the command post at the Line Fire on Wednesday.

"California is deploying every available resource to combat these devastating fires, and we'll continue to work in lockstep with federal and local partners in this Herculean effort," he said.

Wildfires are a natural part of the wilderness cycle and are not unusual in California and other parts of the US West at this time of year.

But scientists say human-caused climate change is altering weather patterns and making natural cycles less predictable.

Two wet winters that sparked rapid growth of vegetation, coupled with two mild fire seasons have left large swathes of southern California primed to burn.

hg/des
We recently compiled a list of the 7 Best American Bank Stocks To Buy According to Hedge Funds. In this article, we will look at where Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C) stands against the other American bank stocks.

According to the Labor Departments Bureau of Labor Statistics, August marked a 142,000 increase in nonfarm payrolls, up from 89,000 in July but less than the 161,000 predicted by most analysts. As anticipated, the jobless rate dropped slightly by 4.2%. However, the real unemployment rate increased to 7.9%, the highest level since October 2021. Moreover, the average hourly wage grew by 3.8% over the previous year and by 0.4% over the previous month, exceeding the predicted increases by 3.7% and 0.3%.

Nonetheless, the U.S. market for digital banking platforms is growing rapidly, and it was estimated at $1.04 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.63% to reach $2.04 billion by 2031, according to Verified Market Research. Per the research, it is expanding due to a number of factors, including shifting customer preferences, the rise of mobile banking, technological advancements, and the need for customization.

On the other hand, according to the Research and Markets, the US retail banking market is expected to expand by $91.47 billion between 2023 and 2028, with a CAGR of 4.35% during that forecast period. The industry is being pushed by the further digital transformation of retail banking, the expansion of fintech company partnerships, and the increased emphasis on financial inclusion per the research.

In the United States, the average bank account balance increased from $5,300 in 2019 to $8,000 in 2022. In 2022, the median balance was $62,500, a 29% increase from 2019 as per the Forbes survey. The Federal Reserves Survey of Consumer Finances indicates that 98.2% of American families own a transaction account of some kind. As per the Federal Reserve: Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households in 2021, the percentage of people without banks is 6%, up 1% from 2020 to 2021. As of 2022, 78% of consumers preferred smartphone applications or websites over traditional in-person banking, revealing the dominance of digital banking according to the Forbes Advisor: 2022 Digital Banking Survey. For 57% of Americans, debit cards are their preferred mode of payment per the Forbes 2023 Banking Survey, and even though rates are likely to rise, only 48% of people have opened a certificate of deposit (CD) as per the survey.

According to the US Bank Market Report 2024, U.S. bank earnings are expected to fall 2.8% year on year, discounting gains from unsuccessful bank acquisitions in 2023. Pressure on net interest margins and rising credit costs are the causes behind this decline. As banks acknowledge losses on their commercial real estate portfolios and accumulate reserves, higher loan costs are expected. In 2025 and 2026, earnings are anticipated to grow despite these obstacles as loan loss provisions decline and profitability increases.

Looking forward, Deloittes 2024 banking and capital markets outlook outlines that, amidst a volatile global economy, the banking and capital markets industry will confront significant challenges in 2024. The industry is changing as a result of tighter rules, rising interest rates, and a declining money supply. Digital identity and generative AI are two examples of how quickly advancing technology will change how banks function and provide for their customers.

Banks need to adapt to modest organic growth and discover new revenue streams even with a strong base. The increase in private capital is one of the rising competitive forces that trading and investment banking will need to adjust to. In addition, the industry is reevaluating its tactics in light of evolving business models and recent regulatory changes.

Methodology:

We sifted through holdings of bank ETFs and online rankings to form an initial list of 20 American bank stocks. Then we selected the 7 stocks that were the most popular among institutional investors. The stocks are ranked in ascending order of the number of hedge funds that have stakes in them, as of Q2 2024.

Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletters strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 275% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 150 percentage points. (see more details here)

A team of financial advisors huddled around a desk, discussing the best investment strategy for their client.

Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C)

Number of Hedge Fund Investors: 85

Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C), the third-biggest U.S. lender, was founded in 1812, is headquartered in New York, and provides financial services and products. Corporate/Other, Institutional Clients Group, and Global Consumer Banking are the segments through which it conducts business.

The US-based company runs both a worldwide commercial banking franchise and a domestic retail banking subsidiary. Services, markets, and banking areas (which were originally grouped under the Institutional Client Group, or ICG) comprise the banks commercial operations, which also include large trading, investment banking, international corporate banking, and custody operations. Considering its unmistakable worldwide reach, Citis most unique business is its commercial banking segment. The banking company has maintained its position as the bank of choice for international businesses in part because of its extensive global presence.

Citigroups complex worldwide operations have made it difficult for the company to keep up with peers, but Citigroup is currently undergoing a strategic realignment. This includes significant actions like splitting up its consumer division in Mexico and putting money back into wealth and commercial banking. The firm may at last become a structurally stronger company.

When compared to other banks, Citis solvency, burden, and capitalization are its most crucial factors.

The firms shares dropped 2% in Q2 2024 despite the company exceeding analyst forecasts with solid revenue growth in Markets and Investment Banking. The decline was attributed to worries about rising spending and market share. The company also issued a warning, stating that costs for FY 2024 might exceed its estimated range.

Diamond Hill Capital Long-Short Fund stated the following regarding Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C) in its first quarter 2024 investor letter:

Other top Q1 contributors included Meta Platforms, Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C) and Walt Disney. Banking and financial services company Citigroups restructuring efforts are ongoing, and it continues remediating regulatory issues and building capital in anticipation of increased requirements. The company expects to see expenses fall meaningfully in the second half of 2024, bolstering the outlook from here.

The Hold rating given by DBS analyst Lim Rui Wen is a reflection of worries about small growth catalysts and restructuring difficulties. However, analysts also considered 2024 a transitional year for Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C), as the company becomes leaner under CEO Jane Frasers turnaround.

The financial companys short-term performance may be impacted by high investment costs and ongoing regulatory scrutiny, but the companys strategic exits and efficiency improvements are meant to boost future profitability.

Warren Buffetts Berkshire Hathaway is the largest shareholder in the company, with 55,244,797 shares worth $3.51 billion.

Overall C ranks 3rd on our list of the best American bank stocks to buy according to hedge funds. While we acknowledge the potential of C as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than C but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.

READ NEXT: $30 Trillion Opportunity: 15 Best Humanoid Robot Stocks to Buy According to Morgan Stanley and Jim Cramer Says NVIDIA Has Become A Wasteland.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
Image: NC DEQ

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper appointed Mary Penny Kelley as the Department of Environmental Qualitys new secretary on Thursday. She will replace outgoing Secretary Elizabeth Biser.

Kelley currently serves as the special advisor for Hometown Strong, a state government program dedicated to supporting North Carolinas rural counties. She served as executive director of the program from June of 2020 until June of this year. She previously served in a variety of roles at DEQ and the state Department of Justice.

Mary Penney Kelley

Mary Penny Kelleys long career in environmental law and experience within DEQ make her the right person to lead the department and continue to work to protect North Carolinas air and water, Cooper said in a press release.

He said he expects Kelley to continue Bisers work in North Carolinas fight against PFAS and other harmful chemicals.

Kelleys public service career started at the North Carolina Department of Justice in 1997 before she moved to Deputy Secretary and other roles at the North Carolina Department of Environmental and Natural Resources  now the Department of Environmental Quality.

Safe air, land and drinking water are vital for strong communities, healthy families and a growing economy and I look forward to continuing [to] protect these vital resources and hold polluters accountable, Kelley said in a press release.

The appointment takes effect on Sept. 17.

Biser, who has directed DEQs work since 2021, is stepping down to pursue opportunities in the private sector.

She was the first woman confirmed in the position. The state Senates Agriculture, Energy and Environment Committee refused to confirm Coopers previous nominee, Dionne Delli-Gatti.

It was the first time lawmakers rejected a cabinet-level appointment since 2017, the start of Coopers first term as governor.

I began my career at the Department, and it has been an honor and privilege to return and serve as Secretary, Biser said.

As Kelley will take office with only three-and-a-half months remaining in Coopers term, its unclear whether state lawmakers will pursue any kind of confirmation process to consider the appointment.
(WSPA)  The topic of death is never easy to discuss, but with the average funeral between $7,000-$12,000, doing your research today can save you from financial hardship when you lose a loved one.

In this Consumer Exclusive, we take an in-depth look at how families can save on death expenses while still honoring the wishes of the dead.

Have the talk

If there is anything that can bring peace in a time of grief, Debbie Workman said its the open discussions well before death, like the ones she had with her husband Ed.

My husband and I talked about it and I just couldnt see, neither of us could see putting that much money in the ground. We wanted instead of the mortuary having it, we wanted one of us to have it, the Inman widow said.

Never shy, even about tough talks, Workman said her husband chose cremation versus a burial and viewing, a cost savings Workman estimates at more than $8,000.

His urn was not purchased, but rather a precious family heirloom.

I have just come in here and laid my head down on it like this, and tell him how much I miss him, Workman said next to the urn.

Comparison shop (dont be shy)

Whether cremation or burial is your preference, sites like Funeralocity can help you compare pricing at crematories and funeral homes within a radius of your home.

It shows in the Greenville area the most basic cremation ranges from $850 to more than $4,000. A traditional full-service burial is as high as $12,000.

Tommy Harris, with Harris-Nadeau Mortuary in Chesnee, said another way families can save money is to set up whats called a pre-need contract which locks in todays prices. You must pay before death but can request a monthly payment plan.

Harris also warns when choosing a funeral home or a cemetery, make sure you research the owners, even if it appears to have a family name.

If it does not on the staff page or about us page tell you and show you who the owner or owners are, thats a red flag that thats more than likely a corporate-owned firm, Harris said. You are going to pay more at a corporate-owned firm because corporate-owned firms they answer to stockholders.

Families can take some comfort in knowing Federal law requires funeral homes to give you prices over the phone and hand you an itemized price list when you start talking about arrangements in person. You can use those to compare shops.

Cheaper caskets/urns

Now, when it comes to caskets or urns, you should know, federal law prohibits funeral homes from turning down third-party merchandise and they cant charge a fee for accepting it either.

Many families may want to use online resources like Casket Emporium, even Walmart and Costco. But make sure to compare apples to apples, and dont forget shipping costs.

Gift of Body program

Another option altogether is something that can help science: The Gift of Body program at the University of South Carolina.

You must register before death, and upon death, the bodies are preserved to help train medical students. At the end of the term, the family is invited to a celebration of life, a public ceremony thats put together by the medical students in appreciation for the donation which is helping them learn to heal others.

Amanda Mulalley, the program manager, said for the medical students donors are their first patients, a gift they honor.

As for loved ones, almost all expenses including cremation at the end of the term are covered.

Nowadays a lot of consumers no longer have life insurance or savings to accommodate funeral costs, memorial services, things like that, said Mulalley. So a lot of our donors tend to look at this as an economical plan as well just because our costs associated with the program are minimal compared to that of a funeral home or a cremation society.

Workman takes comfort in knowing the research she and her husband did ahead of time led them down the right path.

It ended up costing me like $2,100 something like that and I probably saved at least $10,000 even going a cheaper route with a funeral where most people during that time you know they go all out because they can be talked into anything at that time, Workman said.

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Could new development on I-20 in Abilene be Bucc-ees? Cant say at this time

ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  A large, new development off I-20 in Abilene has a lot of potential for big business, and developers are not ruling anything out  including beloved travel stop Bucc-ees.

During a meeting Thursday, city council members approved rezoning 10.1 acres located at the corner of Loop 322 and E Stamford Street from agriculture to heavy commercial.

This means several different types of businesses could potentially move-in, including large equipment rental, a hotel, or a travel stop.

When city council members explicitly asked the developer if the plot, which is ideally situated on Abilenes busiest highway, could be a Bucc-ees, he said that they cant say at this time what it would be or what it wouldnt be.

The name and type of business moving into the location has not been disclosed, but the rezoning did get unanimous approval by council.

BigCountryhomepage.com will update this article if additional information is released.

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The vehicle was allegedly towed in plain view of the child's mother, according to multiple reports citing police

News 4 San Antonio

The driver of a Texas tow truck company is under investigation after being accused of towing a car with a 5-year-old girl inside.

The driver is being investigated for possible child endangerment, San Antonio police say, according to KSAT, KENS 5 and the San Antonio Express-News. The driver is not named in the reports.

The investigation began on Monday, Sep. 1, when a car parked in an apartment complex in San Antonio, Texas, was towed away after the driver of the car briefly stepped out, police said, per the outlets.

The driver of the car  a 9-month pregnant woman whose 5-year-old was inside the car  told officers she left the car running with its emergency flashers on as she tried to contact a neighbor, the outlets reported, citing police.

She alleged to police the car was within her eyesight when the tow truck allegedly came and transferred her vehicle without first taking appropriate measures such as attaching chains to the car, the outlets reported.

A witness gave the woman a ride to follow the truck and dropped her at a location near where the car was towed, per the outlets. She then called 911 and was eventually reunited with her daughter at the companys location.

Authorities say the tow itself was legal, but are investigating the driver, per the outlets.

Trinity Towing, the company which employs the driver under investigation, was not immediately available for comment to PEOPLE.

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In statements shared by KTSA and KENS 5, the company disputed the womans claims and alleged she parked her car in a fire lane and that the ignition was switched off.

The car was locked, with the ignition off, and there were no signs of anyone inside or around the vehicle, the statement said, per KTSA. We later learned a little girl was asleep on the floorboard when we first towed the vehicle and was not visible to the driver.

Once they learned about the child inside, the driver got the child to unlock the door, the statement said, per KTSA, adding that the driver followed protocol but the situation could have been much more serious.

As of Thursday, San Antonio police did not release further information. According to the state's penal code, actions that put a child under the age of 15 "in imminent danger of death, bodily injury, or physical or mental impairment" can be categorized as child endangerment.

San Antonio police did not respond to PEOPLE's requests for further information.

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Read the original article on People.
Court grants injunction, voids against Amendment D, but it will still be on the Nov. 5 ballot

This is a developing story. ABC4 will update this post as new information becomes available.

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  Utahs 3rd District Court has ruled that the controversial proposed Amendment D is void, but will allow it to still be on Novembers ballot.

Judge Dianna Gibson ruled this morning to grant an injunction over the proposed amendment, but also granted the Utah Lt. Governors Office the ability to print election ballots this week as they currently stand. That means voters will still see Amendment D on the ballot, but elections officials will not count any votes made over it.

Background

In August, Amendment D was created by the Utah Legislature in an emergency special session specifically to add it to the Nov. 5 ballot. A summary of the amendment  which is the wording voters will actually see on the ballot  drew fire from critics. While the summary said the amendment would strengthen and clarify the citizen initiative process for future Utah elections, opponents said it would strip voters of their constitutional rights.

State officials have argued the Amendment is necessary to keep foreign influence out of Utahs law structure. The state has also argued that by blocking the legislature from repealing citizen initiatives, it is creating super laws that will remain on the books.

Opponents argue the amendment takes legislative power away from the public, power that was specifically granted to them by the Utah Constitution in 1985.

The League of Women Voters of Utah, Mormon Women for Ethical Government, and a group of additional plaintiffs sued, asking the court for the injunction it granted this morning.

Ruling

In her ruling, which can be read in its entirety below, Gibson does seem to agree with the plaintiffs.

[Amendment D] does strengthen and clarifies [sic] the Legislatures power to change laws passed by citizen initiative for any reason, but at the expense of the peoples Legislative power, she stated. The plain language of the proposed amendment provides no limitation on Legislative power.

She said the amendment would put the peoples legislative power below that of the Utah Legislature, instead of keeping both groups on the same level, as provided in the Constitution.

In a hearing yesterday, the state argued citizens were not having trouble understanding the amendments summary. Gibson disagreed, noting that the way it is currently written, the amendment does not disclose the chief feature, which is also the most critical constitutional change  that the Legislature will have the unlimited right to change laws passed by citizen initiative.

As such, Gibson declared the amendment as it will appear on ballots is counterfactual.

A voter has the right to know what they are being asked to vote upon, said Gibson. In many instances, the only real knowledge a voter may have on an issue is when the voter enters the polling location and reads the description of the proposed amendment on the ballot. This court cannot say that the Amendment D ballot language fairly and accurately summarizes the proposed constitutional amendments for the average voters.

Gibson also agreed with the plaintiffs arguments that the state did not properly publish the full language of the amendment. The public was not allowed to see the full amendment language until it appeared on the lieutenant governors website on Monday, Sept. 9. While the state argued it had done its job in this matter, Gibson disagreed.

Plaintiffs argued the state constitution requires that language to be published in Utah newspapers prior to the election.

[I]t is unclear how the court could interpret newspaper to mean an online website,' wrote Gibson. No evidence has been presented that either the Legislature or the Lieutenant Governor has caused the proposed constitutional amendment to appear in any newspaper in Utah.

But still on the ballot?

In Wednesdays hearing, representatives of Lt. Gov. Deidre Hendersons office did not argue legal matters before the court. Instead, they simply asked the court that if it was going to grant an injunction, that it would still allow ballots to be printed on time with the amendment on them. However, vote-counting authorities on the county level will be instructed not to count any votes for or against Amendment D that might be cast.

While the plaintiffs argued that this situation would still create confusion among voters, the state argued that rewriting and reprinting ballots would cost the state a minimum of $3 million. Gibson appears to have chosen this route in her ruling this morning.

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A U.S. Court of Appeals on Tuesday ruled that a former assistant principal may proceed with his religious discrimination lawsuit against his former school district, which he alleges fired him over religious comments he made objecting to a school play about the brutal murder of a young gay man.

A three-judge panel of the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals reversed a lower courts dismissal of the lawsuit and said the plaintiff, Corey McNellis, had provided enough circumstantial evidence against the defendant, Douglas County School District (DCSD), to give rise to an inference of discrimination.

[McNellis] alleged he was treated less favorably than other DCSD employees and claimed DCSDs termination decision was premised on [his] religious beliefs, U.S. Circuit Judge Veronica Rossman, a President Biden appointee, wrote for the court. We agree.

McNellis was fired in 2020, two years before he filed the lawsuit. His termination followed a DCSD investigation into religious comments he made in response to an email from the theater director announcing the schools play would be The Laramie Project  a play centered on the 1998 death of college student Matthew Shepard, whose death is widely seen as one of the worst anti-gay hate crimes in recent history.

McNellis replied, asking what avenues of recourse he would have as a Dad of a student here and also as an employee in the school to express concern about the play selection. The email, sent to all staff, spurred a subsequent conversation in which McNellis sent three additional emails with religious comments that allegedly were the basis for his termination.

As a [C]hristian I would love to collaborate with your project. Please let me know if the love that Jesus can provide will help your play, he wrote in one email, adding in a second, I understand people support this. Forgive me for having a different viewpoint and the audacity to publicly share it.

For the record, all of administration does not agree with me on this. I am totally solo. Good night Mustangs! he said in a third email.

The court noted that DCSD cited religious comments when administrators informed McNellis that he needed to stay home the next day, and when he was placed on leave and informed three days later of an investigation into the religious comments.

When he was ultimately terminated less than a month later, Defendant directly cited Mr. McNelliss emails regarding The Laramie Project as the reason for his termination, according to the court filing.

Here, Mr. McNelliss allegations that DCSD repeatedly invoked his religious comments before investigating and terminating him provide a plausible link between his termination and a discriminatory motive. Under these circumstances, and at this procedural stage, that is sufficient to nudge [his] claims across the line from conceivable to plausible, Rossman wrote in her decision.

The Hill has reached out to McNelliss lawyer and the school districts lawyer for a response.

While the three judges disagreed with the lower courts dismissal of McNelliss bias claims, they agreed McNellis could not prove his claims of retaliation and free-speech violations and upheld the lower courts dismissal of the claims.

The decision was unanimous. The two other judges include Judge Robert Bacharach, a President Obama appointee, and Judge Harris Hartz, a President George W. Bush appointee.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Republican Gov. Spencer Cox, Democratic state Rep. Brian King, and Libertarian Robert Latham participate in a debate at Salt Lake Community College organized by the Utah Debate Commission on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (Screenshot of Utah Debate Commission livestream)

A debate between three of Utahs candidates for governor ranged from former President Donald Trump to housing policy Wednesday evening, with current Gov. Spencer Cox spending much of his time rebutting criticism on two fronts as Democratic candidate Rep. Brian King and Libertarian Robert Latham targeted his record in office.

Both King and Latham slammed Cox over issues like energy, his support for former President Donald Trump, economic policies and a controversial proposal to amend the Utah Constitution.

Together they blasted Cox for his support of coal, including his signing of SB161, a bill that extends the life the coal-fired Intermountain Power Plant  King said the state should follow the free market, which is leaning more toward renewable energy, while Latham accused both Cox and the legislature of crony capitalism and giving a gift to lawmakers in coal country.

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Cox, in response, said Rocky Mountain Power needs to keep the coal plant open because it cant get permits for a nuclear project in time. The idea of removing an energy source prematurely will quadruple the price of energy in our state.

We do not have enough electricity production, and people like Rep. King want to stop that production from happening. Its insane, Cox said.

A controversial proposal to amend the constitution

The incumbent governor was also scrutinized for signing a recent resolution spurring a proposed constitutional amendment set to be included on Utah ballots for the general election, though it is being challenged in court. The proposal, Amendment D, has been called misleading by advocates, who say it would weaken voters ballot initiative power despite the language on the ballot question claiming it would do the opposite.

If approved, the amendment to the Utah Constitution would clarify that the Legislature has ultimate authority to change, repeal or replace any ballot initiative thats passed in the state. It comes following a Utah Supreme Court ruling that said the Legislature didnt have that power when it comes to undermining initiatives that reform government.

King called it nothing but a power grab, deceptive and something that all Utahns should vote against. Latham agreed, describing the language used by Senate President Stuart Adams, R-Layton, and House Speaker Mike Schultz, R-Hooper, as deceitful.

Cox deferred mostly to the Legislature, telling the audience that the governor doesnt have an opportunity to weigh in on constitutional amendments. Thats totally the purview of the legislature.

King, in response, said Cox was deceiving you in the same way the legislature is. Cox signed the bills enabling the constitutional amendment, King said, hes complicit with the legislature in this power grab. And thats not unusual. Hes a lapdog for the most extreme and most divisive voices in the legislature.

And Latham, adding to Kings argument, said that Cox had submitted whats called a friend of the court brief to the state supreme court, asking them to side with the legislature. Hes already displayed that hes with the people who put this very deceitful constitutional amendment forward, Latham said.

Cox, with the last word, said it should be left to the voters, and accused his opponents of attempting to deny Utah voters a voice in the matter.

The people should have this choice. If you dont support it, vote no, but trying to keep the people from voting on it is incredibly deceitful, he said.

Republican Gov. Spencer Cox, Democratic state Rep. Brian King, and Libertarian Robert Latham participate in a debate at Salt Lake Community College organized by the Utah Debate Commission on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (Screenshot of Utah Debate Commission livestream)

During media availability after the debate, Cox was pressed on whether he supports the amendment or not. He hinted at his support for the amendment, but didnt explicitly say how he would mark his ballot, telling reporters I understand why people are opposed to it, I understand why people support it.

I am very worried about our state becoming more like California, Cox said. Im very worried that every initiative is going to be litigated. Weve already seen initiatives being filed using that language from the supreme court, even though it has nothing to do with the function of government. People are trying to include that. And so, if I could have written it, I would have done some things differently. Ill just leave it there. I dont get that opportunity. I dont get an opportunity to weigh in on this at all  so yeah, I think on balance, its worth supporting but its close and I see why people are opposed to it.

When a reporter followed up asking whether he would vote yes or no, Cox said: I just answered that.

Coxs endorsement of Trump

Cox was also forced to defend his endorsement of former President Donald Trump, who he had previously said he would not be voting for, but later changed his mind after the assassination attempt targeting Trump earlier this summer.

Latham said the question of whether Cox would support Trump or not was an example of gaslighting, excluding Utahns who dont have a home in either party. He called on incumbent politicians to articulate how they would include all Utahns  women, underrepresented minorities  in our state government so that we have a government that reflects all of Utah, not just some of Utah.

King said it was commendable that Cox refused to support Trump and that the governors change of heart contradicts his calls to disagree better.

He endorsed a man who openly brags of sexually assaulting women. He endorses a man who tried to overthrow our constitutional republic. This is the worst example weve seen on the stage of American politics in our lifetimes. We need to walk the walk, not just talk the talk, and the governor right now is simply acting inconsistently with his statements, King said.

Cox, in response, said he reached out to Trump encouraging him to unify the country and disagree better, the name of his National Governors Association campaign. Cox said his hope was to help Trump, Republicans and Democrats come together and de-polarize.

Im committed to that. Its sad to me that my colleague would dismiss the vast majority of voters in our state who are going to support the former president. But Im going to do everything I can to help him and everybody else come together and treat each other with respect, Cox said.

Economic growth

Cox also pointed to Utahs economic growth during the debate, which he said marked the golden age of the state. Acknowledging some of the challenges that come with growth, he joked that he wants to build a wall around Utah and make California pay for it.

When people come here, Im grateful that youre here, and I want to remind you not to turn us into where you came from, Cox said, taking a shot at federal economic policies and spending that he said are causing inflation.

King said the statistics Cox referred to that highlight Utahs economic growth arent felt among middle and lower class Utahns.

We find people saying the same thing to us. If were the best economy in the country, why am I having such a hard time making ends meet? he said, telling the audience that Cox needs to do a better job of looking after middle class and working class Utahns.

Latham, parroting some of Kings talking points, echoed an oft-repeated phrase when describing policies passed by the legislature and signed by Cox: crony capitalism.

Ive been so disappointed in what Ive seen coming out of the legislature and then signed off by the governor, Latham said, which includes subsidies to buy new homes.

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DENVER (KDVR)  Wildlife biologists say Colorados Gypsum Ponds have the potential to be a great fishery for anglers, but illegally introduced invasive fish described as voracious predators that eat other fish are dominating the fish population.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife said in a press release Wednesday that the ponds were originally managed for catchable trout, but over the years multiple species have invaded the ponds, likely through illegal introduction.

California wildfire smoke expected in Colorado this week

Gypsum Ponds has the potential to be a great fishery with both warm water and catchable trout fishing opportunities, CPW Aquatic Biologist Kendall Bakich said. Recently, we discovered black bullhead catfish in the ponds. Bullhead catfish, smallmouth bass, and green sunfish currently dominate the pond fishery, and are voracious predators that eat other fish and limit the production of more desirable sportfish.

Invasive fish dominating Gypsum Ponds

Restricted invasive fish species were first documented in Gypsum Ponds in 2010, according to CPW. Since then, several efforts have been made to mitigate the potential for their escape and deplete the targeted species, but those efforts have not been successful.

Wildlife officers have begun draining ponds at Gypsum Ponds State Wildlife Area in their latest effort to eradicate the fish, and eliminate their threat to the adjacent Eagle River.

In June, CPW began lowering the ponds for outlet renovations and issued an emergency fish salvage on June 18 urging anglers to harvest fish from the ponds.

Past coverage: Emergency fish salvage in effect at Gypsum Ponds State Wildlife Area

Lowering the pond for the project created an opportunity to attempt an eradication, CPW said.

Attempting full eradication now while the ponds must be lowered for the outlet renovations is not only our best opportunity for successful eradication, it is also our best chance to prevent the spread of highly invasive fish species to the adjacent river, Bakich said.

Crews are still working to drain the ponds, which CPW said are expected to be refilled in April 2025. Once the ponds are lowered, CPW said it will determine which method, or combinations of methods, it will use to get rid of the fish.

CPW may use fish toxicant to eradicate

CPW said in the release that it may consider using a fish toxicant called rotenone, an organic compound derived from the root of a tropical legume, which has been used by CPW for over 80 years. If that route is deemed necessary, CPW said it will occur in late September or early October.

The purpose of using rotenone is to achieve ecological balance, control and remove non-native fish, and reintroduce native fish to lakes and streams. Rotenone is chosen for its immediate effectiveness and quick degradation in the environment. When applied, it is toxic only to gilled organisms such as fish and macroinvertebrates and will not threaten other species that visit the ponds or linger in the carcasses of fish or the treated habitat they may access, CPW said.

If application is necessary, placards will be posted around the ponds identifying application and restrictions during treatment.

CPW said construction work to improve water control structures in the ponds is expected to begin in late September when the water is lowered and is set to last about two months. There will be road closures in the area during that time, but anglers will be able to access the river on foot.

Future of fishing at the Gypsum Ponds

The rotenone is expected to break down naturally over the fall and winter before refilling begins next April. CPW said the ponds will likely return to normal levels within a few weeks, and rotenone levels will be monitored throughout the process.

In the spring, macroinvertebrates like insects and gastropods will repopulate the ponds when they are refilled from the Eagle River diversion, CPW said in the release.

In the long term, CPW said it plans to develop a diverse warm-water fishery in both ponds with distinctly different fish assemblages. They are considering some fish that are not a threat to the Eagle River including largemouth bass, bluegill, yellow perch and black crappie.

CPW said it will engage with the local community and anglers about the future pond management strategy this winter before finalizing plans.

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Crash causes backup on SR-176 during morning commute

Crash causes backup on SR-176 during morning commute

(WJW)  All lanes were blocked on State Route 176 South after a crash Thursday morning.

According to the Ohio Department of Transportation, all lanes were blocked beyond Spring Road, but have since reopened.

10th Annual Dick Goddard Cleveland APL Telethon is here

It is unclear at this time what led to the crash.

Aiden Clarks father said he doesnt want his sons death to be used for political gain

No further details were made available at this time.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifts off carrying the Crew Dragon spacecraft on a private human spaceflight mission Polaris Dawn at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Jennifer Briggs/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

The crew of SpaceX's Polaris Dawn mission on Thursday carried out the first commercial spacewalk in human history.

Live images showed tech billionaire Jared Isaacman and SpaceX engineer Sarah Gillis emerging from the hatch of the Crew Dragon capsule in space suits around 740 kilometres above the Earth.

The extravehicular activity (EVA) came two days after Isaacman, Gillis and two further crew members lifted off from Cape Canaveral spaceport on the west coast of Florida.

The astronauts tested a new space suit, designed for use on potential missions to the moon and Mars.

Isaacman and Gillis were attached to the spacecraft at all times, with air supplied via a hose.

The EVAs were carried out after a delay, the reasons for which SpaceX has not yet revealed.

Former German astronaut Ulrich Walter said the spacewalk was a potentially dangerous manoeuvre, as astronauts at the International Space Station (ISS) usually have several weeks to acclimatize for an EVA.

However, Walter said the fact that none of the four members were conventionally trained government astronauts represents "a sign of progress in space travel."

The Polaris Dawn mission is, for Walter, less about scientific achievements, but more about demonstrating the possibilities of space tourism.

"It's about showing people that even people who are not experienced astronauts can fly wonderfully," he argued.
MILAN (Reuters) - Commerzbank and UniCredit shares extended gains on Thursday after the Italian bank's CEO Andrea Orcel laid out plans to buy more of its German rival or even take it over, fuelling speculation about further dealmaking in the region.

By 0845 GMT shares in Commerzbank were up 2.6%, rising further after Orcel told Bloomberg TV that on the right terms he was interested in buying the remaining 12% of Commerzbank Germany's government owns, and even a merger. UniCredit also rose 2%.

"We would expect more newsflow on European bank M&A going forward, which could be a positive for valuations for banks that have historically been seen as targets," analysts at JPMorgan including Kian Abouhossein said in a note to clients on Thursday.

"Banking sector M&A historically has been triggered by momentum from deals being announced."

Analysts see the boost to UniCredit earnings from a deal that would propel its German business from a regional to a national one, with a strong focus on the country's small- and medium-sized enterprises.

However, potential political hurdles and the risks stemming from Orcel's approach.

"We note that any M&A talks could still fail on price, lack of government support, prospects of execution risks in particular on cost savings," JPMorgan analysts said in a note.

"Also, we do not think that Italy M&A is completely off the table and depending on share price moves, could still represent a potential alternative to Commerzbank acquisition," they added.

Orcel said in the interview on Thursday that his bank may increase or cut its holding in Commerzbank or it may seek to combine the two.

Europe's STOXX 600 banks index was up 1.5% in early trading.

(Reporting by Valentina Za, Stefania Spezzati and Marc Jones; Editing by Tommy Reggiori Wilkes)
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now)  More than 75 firefighters responded to an apartment complex after a fire broke out in Montgomery County early Thursday morning.

In a post on X, around 5:40 a.m., Pete Piringer with the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service said crews were called to the 18000 block of Lost Knife Circle for a building on fire.

Maryland man arrested for fatal shooting in Northeast DC

Once on the scene, firefighters found flames coming from the third floor of an apartment building.

(X/mcfrsPIO)

(X/mcfrsPIO)

(X/mcfrsPIO)

As units worked to contain the blaze, Piringer said firefighters assisted residents from the building.

EMS also evaluated patients at the scene for smoke inhalation, but it is unknown if anyone was hurt.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

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Crews unable to reach hiker who fell to their death off Arikaree Peak, despite attempts

DENVER (KDVR)  Crews were unable to reach a hiker who fell hundreds of feet to their death off a Colorado peak in late August.

Grand County said authorities were contacted by Boulder County, who reported a hiker that fell approximately 300 to 400 feet off Arikaree Peak on Aug. 28. The Grand County Sheriffs Office and search and rescue teams attempted to recover the hiker, but the county said weather conditions and dangerous terrain prevented the teams from reaching them.

Colorado district cancels class due to school safety concerns

During the first attempt, the county said a physician in the helicopter determined the hiker didnt survive.

Crews returned in early September, where they tried again to reach the hiker. However, the county said the steep terrain surrounding the peak and conditions were still too dangerous for the crew.

Our teams made every possible effort to safely reach the site of the fall, but conditions remain too dangerous for us to proceed, said Greg Foley, Grand County Search and Rescue Field Director. The safety of our personnel must come first.

The county announced on Wednesday that the agencies stopped recovery efforts due to safety concerns.

The county said this incident shows the dangers of backcountry travel due to the terrain and the challenges of rescuing someone in a remote area.

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Critics denounce their government as a dictatorship. But these people say theyve never felt so free

For decades, life choices were bleak for many in El Salvador: Leave or die. Dubbed the murder capital of the world, there was an average of a homicide an hour in early 2016, in this country of just 6 million people  two million fewer than call New York City home. Gang warfare drove an exodus of Salvadorans, mostly north to the US. But now, the security situation is so different that people are returning, even after building good new lives over decades in the US.

The transformation is because of President Nayib Bukele and his increasing grip on power that has allowed him to bring peace to the streets albeit with a cost. Some constitutional rights like due process have been suspended under emergency measures, leading to a massive increase in incarceration, and an outcry from human rights groups. CNN traveled to the country to see and hear what Salvadorans think.

Deported, and now grateful

When Victor Bolanos and his wife, Blanca, lost their asylum case in a US immigration court, their American dream came crashing down. When they agreed to accept a voluntary departure order, the couple knew they had to leave behind the life they had been building for over 15 years in Denver and return to their native El Salvador and the conditions that had made them flee.

We came back 6 years ago, and everything was unsafe, Victor recalls, seated in the modest home the couple now shares in the capital, San Salvador. At 65, his voice carries the weight of what they faced upon their return in 2018. When we came back the situation seemed difficult because of the insecurity, lots of robberies, lots of gangs.

Blanca and Victor Bolanos set up a business from home after returning to El Salvador. - Evelio Contreras/CNN

But a couple of years after their return, something unexpected happened. The relentless daily violence eased, and streets began to calm. The suffocating fear that had defined daily life started to fade.

El Salvador, once synonymous with violence and waves of emigration, saw a dramatic drop in crime. For many citizens, this shift offered more than just safety  it offered much needed hope. The world, too, took notice. Suddenly, the small Central American nation seemed to be reinventing itself under Bukele, who was elected President in 2019 at the age of 37. When his New Ideas party later took control of Congress, it was easier for rules to be bent or broken. Bukele won re-election, even though the countrys constitution had barred anyone standing for a second term. A temporary state of emergency granting authoritarian powers of detention is now more than two years old. Human Rights Watch says that even children are being caught up in severe human rights violations.

Yet in San Salvador, Blanca sits in her living room, carefully crafting handmade jewelry. Now, one feels safe, freedom is felt in our country, she says.

She and her husband, Victor, say the improved security has allowed them to start a small jewelry business from their home, something that once seemed impossible. Now you can have a business, if you look, there are entrepreneurs everywhere in the country, Blanca says, reflecting on how, not long ago, gang extortion would have crippled any such venture.

For decades, people from Central America, particularly from the Northern Triangle of El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala, have fled violence and insecurity, seeking protection and opportunity in the US. But new data from US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reveals a surprising trend  fewer Salvadorans are now heading north.

In 2022, CBP recorded more than 97,000 encounters with Salvadoran citizens at the Southern Border. By 2023, that number fell to just over 61,000, and 2024 is on track for an additional decline compared to 2023.

While these numbers may appear promising, the root causes of migration remain complex. Many Salvadorans still leave their country due to economic hardship and lack of opportunity. Although El Salvadors economy has shown slow, steady growth since Bukele took office, according to the World Bank, the nation still struggles to provide sufficient opportunities for its citizens.

Leaving Houston to build a beach resort

For the past 27 years, Diego Morales has built a life far from home. The 48-year-old real estate investor, husband, and father of three left El Salvador in 1997, chasing the safety, stability, and opportunity that the US had to offer. The idea of returning had never crossed his mind  until the grim stories of violence that had haunted his homeland for so many years were replaced by tales of newfound safety.

Diegos childhood was marred by a constant sense of danger. Id wake up, go to school and find dead people on the street, he recalls, his voice bearing the burden of the painful memories as he sits inside his well-kept, suburban Houston home.

But today, El Salvador is no longer the country he fled. Now its safe and many people are going back, Diego says, his words a reflection of the optimism spreading among Salvadorans and others abroad.

The countrys reputation has dramatically shifted. Once known for violence, El Salvador is now attracting waves of investors. Many people, even Americans  we have friends from Florida, from Austin, from Hawaii, looking to buy (property), he says, a sign of just how far the nation has come.

Diego himself is preparing for a return to the land he once left behind. He has already invested in Tamanique, his hometown about an hours drive from the capital, where he built a beach resort that he now runs remotely.

Along the Salvadoran coastline, you can find beach towns like El Tunco, El Zonte, and La Libertad buzzing with new construction, capturing the attention of tourists and real estate developers eager to capitalize on the countrys rebirth. Cliffs that were once gang lookouts are now being considered scenic locations for hotels.

As soon as President Bukele brought security to this country, everything went up (in value), Diego says, adding that land that cost around $100,000 five years ago is now going for ten times that price.

Diego Morales fled as a young man. Now his American-born children may follow him back to El Salvador. - Evelio Contreras/CNN

And the Salvadoran dream is not just his  his 23-year-old son, Jairo, a natural-born US citizen also plans to follow in his fathers footsteps. Weve had conversations its already starting, Jairo says, his eyes lit with the promise of returning to his roots.

El Salvadors government is courting those who left with a program of tax exemptions on belongings and vehicles for citizens who return home. Since 2022, nearly 19,000 Salvadorans have moved back under this initiative, according to government figures.

No mercy for gang members

A decade or so ago gangs like MS-13 and Barrio 18 terrorized communities, extorting businesses and waging brutal turf wars over control of neighborhoods, and El Salvador was the most violent nation in the Western Hemisphere, according to InSight Crime.

But something extraordinary has happened since then. By 2022, the number of murders began to drop dramatically, and the next year there were 154 homicides  a staggering 97.7% decrease compared to 2015, according to government figures. Bukele even tweeted that his countrys homicide rate was the lowest in all the Americas.

The sharp decline followed Bukele bringing in emergency measures giving police the power to detain suspects without charges for up to 15 days and deploying the military across the nation. The new rules, which are still in effect, allowed an unprecedented crackdown on gang activity, with more than 80,000 people detained since the state of emergency began in March 2022.

Central to this effort is the newly constructed Terrorist Confinement Center, or Cecot, a massive prison complex with the capacity to hold up to 40,000 inmates. The maximum-security prison currently holds 14,000 gang members  all accused of having murdered at least one person. Images from Cecot show tattooed men with their heads shaved in a warehouse-sized concrete room filled with metal bunks, or sitting in tight rows on the ground, wearing nothing but white shorts, their heads bowed and hands behind their backs. And, according to Salvadoran authorities, those sent to Cecot will never be released.

We have no mercy in crimes related to life, Security Minister Gustavo Villatoro told CNN. I think this is the way to face a serial killer. You have to work, you have to prepare your laws, so that when you put them in jail theyll never be released, because the society does not deserve that, he said. Somebody who every day kills people, rapes our girls  How can you change their mind? We are not stupid.

Villatoros words echo the brutal reality El Salvador has faced for years. He claims that gang members were required to kill at least one person as part of their initiation into groups like MS-13 or Barrio 18.

Imagine a serial killer in your state, in your community, being released by a judge, how would you feel as a citizen? he asks. We dont have facts that someone can change the mind of a serial killer, and we have more than 40,000 in El Salvador.

Security Minister Gustavo Villatoro said he studied the gangs before taking them on. - Evelio Contreras/CNN

The governments hardline approach was not spontaneous; it was meticulously planned. Villatoro and members of Bukeles cabinet had begun studying the gangs as early as 2017.

Before you start a war, you have to know your enemy, he explained.

While the governments relentless campaign has been praised by many for restoring peace, it has also attracted significant criticism. Human rights groups have accused the Bukele administration of widespread abuses in its battle against the gangs. Villatoro, however, dismisses these claims, asserting that the focus should be on the victims, not the criminals.

What about the society, the good citizens that you have in the country  Where were (these human rights groups) when we lost 30 Salvadorans in our country a day? he asks pointedly.

Bukele himself has been unflinching in his rhetoric. In 2022, he famously challenged human rights advocates, telling them to take the gang members if they cared so much. Come pick them up  well give them to you, two for the price of one, he declared.

The presidents iron-fist approach to security has earned him praise from some US conservatives, who have openly applauded Bukeles tactics. However, at this years Republican National Convention, former US President Donald Trump took an unexpected swipe at Bukele when addressing the countrys newfound safety.

In El Salvador, murders are down 70 percent. Why are they down? Theyre down because theyre sending their murderers to the United States of America, Trump claimed, offering no evidence to support his statement.

CNN asked Security Minister Villatoro whether Trumps assertion held any truth.

No, Villatoro replied. The problem with that, you (Trump) dont have facts, you dont have evidence, but instead, we have evidence of where we put our terrorists, the minister said, referring to Cecot, the massive prison where thousands of gang members are held

For months, CNN has sought access to Cecot, but the Salvadoran government has repeatedly denied our requests to go inside.

In other detention centers, lower-ranking gang members and other criminals are tasked with fixing what the gangs broke and erasing their presence. Some inmates are sent to rebuild homes while others smash tombstones commemorating underworld leaders.

Jailed for having long hair and tattoos

In early 2024, Juan Carlos Cornejo found himself swept up in Bukeles mass arrests after an anonymous call to the police accused him of illicit association. Hours later, he was in jail, confused and terrified.

Juan Carlos believes he was targeted simply because of how he looked.

I was accused of illicit association, but I have nothing to do with that. I like music, rock, so my appearance was different. I had long hair, he said from his dimly lit, mosquito-ridden home in Santa Ana, a city about 35 miles from the capital. I have tattoos, but these are artistic expressions, he said, his frustration palpable.

There was no investigation, nothing, he claims.

Juan Carlos was in prison for five long months. Before his detention, he had been working as a veterinary assistant, treating sick or injured pets, and he insists he had never been arrested before.

Juan Carlos Cornejo said his tattoos have nothing to do with gangs. - Evelio Contreras/CNN

His release came only after Socorro Juridico Humanitario (SJH), a group dedicated to providing legal counsel in cases of human rights violations, successfully filed a writ of habeas corpus on his behalf. But Juan Carlos story is far from unique. According to SJH, between 33,000 and 35,000 people have been detained in an arbitrary manner without any justification since the state of emergency began.

The only argument that was given  is that his arrest was due to an anonymous call that had been received, however, no proof was ever shown of this alleged call, the organization told CNN.

Despite widespread criticism of these tactics, the Bukele government stands firm. Officials argue that these measures  though harsh  are done lawfully and are necessary to secure the countrys future. And they highlight efforts to rehabilitate tens of thousands of inmates convicted of lesser crimes.

Armed soldiers on the streets  and thanked

Critics argue that Salvadorans have traded freedom for security, but the people we met say they have never felt so free. Theres the mother laughing as she takes her skipping toddler to the park, not afraid of getting caught in a gun battle or stumbling over a corpse or having to pay the gang extortion rent to simply enter her own neighborhood. Theres the father, no longer worried his son will be recruited by gangs. Unlike in places like Cuba or China, where residents can seem nervous to criticize repressive regimes, in El Salvador the optimism appears real.

Soldiers patrol a street. - Evelio Contreras/CNN

Teresa Lilian Gutierrez is caught in the middle, and her experience shows the many complexities of life in El Salvador today.

Now its safe, its calm, she told us on a street in La Campanera, once among the most dangerous neighborhoods in San Salvador. Before no one would visit, not even family.

But her son who helped her financially is not able to visit, she said.

Hes been detained for two years in Mariona (prison). He is not a gang member, he was taken in the state of emergency, she said, showing pictures of her son working as a cashier in a restaurant.

I ask the government to get him out, please  I spoke to the lawyer last year because they were going to release him, but she said no, theyre not going to give him to me, she said.

President Bukele enjoys one of the highest approval ratings in Latin America, a sentiment echoed by the people we meet while with the Salvadoran army touring a once gang-infested area outside San Salvador.

Armored cars and uniformed soldiers are no longer terrifying reasons to run but chances for curious children to ask questions or for supporters to grab a selfie.

It was so bad before, you couldnt go anywhere, one woman says, beaming as she snaps a picture with Defense Minister Rene Merino, who has become a symbol of the governments hardline security strategy. A few years ago, no one in this area would have looked members of the police or army in the eye, Merino said, but now its all changed. Moments later, another resident steps forward, and thanks the minister and poses for a photo, apologizing for interrupting our interview. In what feels more like a victory parade than a law enforcement patrol, we stop dozens of times over the course of a couple hours as residents excitedly relay their gratitude.

Only (God) knows how we were doing before, one woman told CNN, her voice trembling as her eyes filled with tears. Her emotions reveal the deep scars left by the violence that once consumed their daily lives  and the relief that has followed.

But the looming question is: what happens after 2029, when Bukeles term comes to an end? In a recent interview, the president declared he would not seek a third term, leaving many to wonder about the future.

For some, like Blanca Bolanos, the answer is already clear. I voted for Nayib this time, and the last, and if he runs again, I will vote for him, she says with unwavering conviction.

As the country grapples with its transformation, Bukeles legacy and controversial tactics will be tested. Whether El Salvadors newfound stability endures or falters, only time will tell. But for now, among those who say their lives have been changed, there is little doubt: they believe in Bukele, and they would follow him again.

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(Bloomberg) -- Croatia will host a summit in Dubrovnik at the beginning of October that will bring together Ukraine and the countries from southeastern Europe, Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic said on Wednesday in Kyiv.

Most Read from Bloomberg

We shall continue to assist you, to help you with military assistance, with political assistance, with our diplomatic initiatives, he said during a news conference alongside Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and leaders from Latvia and Lithuania.

Croatia will also support Kyiv in rebuilding energy infrastructure and providing specific know-how in de-mining, Plenkovic said.

Croatias prime minister is taking part in an annual Crimea platform event in Ukrainian capital.

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Following the attempted assassination of Donald Trump in July, President Joe Biden said there is no place in America for this kind of violence.

On that July day, most Americans claimed to agree with Bidens sentiment.

Recently, two students and two teachers were killed in Georgia, and Biden said that students across the country are learning how to duck and cover instead of how to read and write. We cannot continue to accept this as normal.

I hope most Americans can also agree with this sentiment by Biden following the Georgia high school massacre.

Political leaders across the country have solemnly repeated the all too familiar meme that shooting victims are in our thoughts and prayers. But too often the politicians who utter these words in the wake of the massacre of schoolchildren, the killing of police officers or mass murders continue to refuse to do anything to prevent these senseless killings.

Trump was extraordinarily lucky. He was barely grazed by the bullet of the shooters AR-15 semi-automatic rifle, but father, husband and local fire chief Corey Comperatore was not so fortunate. While protecting his family from the assassin, Comperatore was fatally shot in the head.

Comperatore never had a chance.

Neither did the four who died in Georgia in the nations 385th mass shooting this year.

The muzzle velocity of an AR-15 is so extreme that a single shot lands with a shock wave intense enough to blow apart a skull and demolish vital organs. The impact is even more acute on the compact body of children.

The firefighter uniform Corey Comperatore is pictured at the Republican National Convention. Comperatore, 50, was killed at former President Donald Trump's political rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

With the recent Supreme Court decision, a would-be assassin can now add a bump stock to his weapon and increase the number of rounds it can fire from 40 per minute to 400. This weapon was designed for war fighters and that is why it is the choice of mass murderers.

An AR-15 style weapon was used in Aurora, Colorado; Newtown, Connecticut; San Bernardino, California; Sutherland Springs, Texas; Las Vegas and Parkland, Florida, in which a total of 154 people were killed. The weapon also kills scores of police officers and death tolls rise every week.

For decades elected officials and law enforcement officers have argued that there needs to be a line drawn between firearms that civilians can rightfully own for hunting and self-defense and military weapons that are too lethal to be available to the public.

Trump is not among these public servants. He opposes a ban on lethal military weapons in the hands of civilians. The National Rifle Association was the largest special interest contributor to Trumps 2016 election, spending more than $30 million to benefit his campaign. In fact, Trump was in Pennsylvania just three months ago to speak at the NRAs annual convention where he promised to expand gun owner rights and roll back every Biden attack on the Second Amendment.

In 1994, with the support of then-Senator Joe Biden, Congress passed a ban on the sale of assault weapons. This common-sense measure resulted in a 66 percent reduction in crimes committed with these weapons of war.

Public opinion polls in the early 2000s showed that 75% of Americans supported the reauthorization of the ban, but the law expired in 2004.

In March 2021, widely supported by law enforcement groups, President Biden proposed a new ban on assault weapons following the Atlanta spa shootings and Boulder grocery store massacre, both of which had occurred in just the previous week.

On July 29, 2022, the House of Representatives narrowly voted in favor of important new firearms safety legislation, with 217 in favor to 213 against.

Former U.S. Rep. Jim Greenwood, a Bucks County Republican, says he will support Democrat Joe Biden for president.

As a Republican elected to protect and safeguard the interests of my constituents, I am ashamed to report that only two Republicans supported this bill in 2022.

Following House passage of this life-saving measure, it went to the Senate. However, Senate Republicans, armed with the power of the filibuster and fortified by NRA campaign contributions, prevented further consideration and this lingered until expiring at the end of the term.

Trump dodged an AR-15 bullet. Comperatore never had a chance. Neither did the victims at Apalachee High School. Neither will other innocent Americans, including schoolchildren and police officers, if the NRAs best friend, Trump, is elected again.

For the sake of these innocent lives, I am doing everything I can to make sure Trump is not elected again.

Republican Jim Greenwood represented Bucks County, Pennsylvania in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1993 to 2005.

This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: National assault weapons ban
(WPRI)  CVS Health announced Thursday that all of its Massachusetts pharmacies will now offer birth control prescriptions.

This change comes after hormonal contraceptive prescribing was approved as part of the 2024 Massachusetts state budget, signed in August 2023.

How does it work?

No doctors visit is required for the initial consultation  just walk in.

Patients can request a one-on-one birth control consultation with a pharmacist at any of the nearly 400 CVS pharmacy locations in Massachusetts.

The process begins with a brief health screening form and a blood pressure check. The pharmacist will review the results with the patient to determine if they are eligible for a prescription. If so, the pharmacist will discuss various birth control options and help the patient choose the most appropriate therapy.

Who is eligible?

BOSTON, MA  APRIL 1: Customers shop at the CVS Pharmacy, on Morrissey Boulevard, in Dorchester, on April 2, 2020. Some pharmacy workers worry about unsafe conditions at their stores. (Photo by Pat Greenhouse/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

Patients 18 and older are eligible for a consultation, but birth control will be prescribed on a case-by-case basis.

CVS pharmacists can prescribe different types of hormonal contraception, such as pills or patches, based on the patients screening results and lifestyle.

How much does it cost?

The consultation fee is $39, regardless of whether medication is prescribed. Patients can use HSA or FSA funds to cover this fee.

Medication costs and co-pays will vary depending on the patients insurance.

Patients will be encouraged to follow up with their doctors for future visits, and CVS can recommend local providers for those without a primary care physician.

For more information or to find a nearby store, click here.

NEXT: Sturdy Health holding flu, COVID-19 vaccination clinics

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KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE)  Four students have been charged in Morgan and Roane counties amid a rash of reported school threats across East Tennessee.

9th District Attorney General Russell Johnson issued a three-page release on Thursday giving a comprehensive update on the status of school threats in Roane, Loudon, Morgan and Meigs Counties. Johnson said between Wednesday and 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, three students had been charged for making verbal statements about threats, and one student had been charged with making a false report.

Lawyer warns of consequences for students making school threats

According to Johnson, one of the students charged was a Wartburg Elementary Student charged on Wednesday with making a verbal threat in the classroom toward the elementary school. The case is being investigated by the Morgan County Sheriffs Office.

Also on Wednesday, a Roane County High School student was charged with making a threat towards the high school. Johnson said the student was detained and is being held at the Knox County Juvenile Detention Center, and will most likely remain in custody until a hearing is held. The case is being investigated by the Roane County Sheriffs Office.

On Thursday, a Cherokee Middle School student was charged and taken into custody for making statements about a threat, Johnson said. He added that another student at the school was charged on Thursday in relation to a false report incident that happened earlier in the week and could have led to an emergency response to Cherokee Middle School. The Roane County Sheriffs Office is investigating the false report case.

We will prosecute these kids, Knox County DA issues stern warning amid school threats

Obviously, school shootings are the most horrific outcomes of threats, so that is why these are being treated by the DAs office and law enforcement as sincere and real. The goal of the investigation is to first evaluate the credibility and sincerity of the threat before charges are brought. Once charges are filed in the juvenile courts, the charged juveniles are entitled to due process of law. They are afforded additional privacy considerations during the investigation and throughout the juvenile court process. Parents and their children should know that these charges can lead to life altering consequences for those making the threats, so we tread carefully before bringing criminal charges against any juvenile, Johnson wrote.

According to Johnson, juveniles charged with such crimes can and sometimes do face immediate incarceration. Additionally, they may also require mental health evaluations and assessments through the Tennessee Resiliency Project at the Hellen Ross McNabb Center to address mental health and substance abuse concerns.

Parents, students left on edge by reported threats to Knox County Schools

In his release, Johnson stated that many counties are still receiving and investigating threats, and the vast majority are unfounded and made to cause disruption, confusion and chaos. He said authorities in Morgan, Loudon and Roane counties have seen copycat threats, mostly from out of state.

We are doing all we can to address what is a reaction that is hard to understand. These types of actions and reactions are far more serious than the old days of kids pulling fire alarms to cause disruption and to get out of class or school. These threats are far more harmful and potentially deadly. Parents, please talk to your children about these issues and be patient with law enforcement and the process. The Director of Schools especially requested that you make your children aware that if they see, hear, or read about a threat  have them share it with a schoolteacher or administrator. Do not spread it on social media or text messages to exacerbate the disruption, share it with the people in charge of the classroom or school, Johnson wrote.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  Thursday on the Daily 8, were looking at Minnesota Gov. Tim Walzs visit to Grand Rapids, what you can do this weekend in West Michigan, the official state Christmas tree this year and more.

You can watch the full Daily 8 for Sept. 12, 2024, in the video player above or check out any of the stories mentioned below:

Each weekday, the Daily 8 brings you the top eight stories we are keeping an eye on in and around West Michigan.

Join us again Friday for the Daily 8.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
PERRY, Iowa  The Dallas County Attorney announced on Thursday that a summary of the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigations report into the deadly Perry High School shooting may be released to the public.

The announcement comes after Dallas County Attorney Jeannine Ritchie received criticism after she said she would not publicly release the DCIs report into the January 4th shooting that took the lives of 6th grader Ahmir Jolliff and High School Principal Dan Marburger, the Des Moines Register reported.

Ritchie said that the DCI has turned over their report detailing their almost nine-month-long investigation to her office. The report is now being reviewed.

Archive: Deadly shooting at Perry High School

On Thursday Ritchie released the following statement regarding the report and whether it would be made public:

Over the past several days, I have received inquiries regarding the DCIs report regarding the shooting at Perry High School on January 4, 2024. As the Dallas County Attorney, my responsibility is to thoroughly review and analyze information compiled by law enforcement in order to determine whether criminal charges are appropriate and prosecutable. The DCI conducted its investigation over the course of approximately nine months. At this time, the entire report is being reviewed and analyzed. Once a decision is made as to whether any charges are appropriate, a statement with a summary of the report will be released. Jeannine Ritchie, Dallas County Attorney

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com.
CopperCorp Resources has started diamond drilling work at the Jukes Zone target area on its Razorback Copper-Gold-REE property in Tasmania, Australia.

This initial drilling programme includes two diamond drill holes, aiming to extend high-grade copper-gold mineralisation.

The results from this programme will inform future drilling plans and ongoing surface sampling, CopperCorp said.

The drilling campaign is set to explore depth extensions of high-grade copper-gold mineralisation, with an initial focus on two holes totalling up to 400m.

CopperCorp holds approvals for up to 1,320m of drilling across four sites at Jukes, with potential extensions based on initial findings and concurrent surface sampling.

The Jukes prospect, a historical site of mining activity, is situated 10km south of the Mt Lyell copper mine.

CopperCorp's drilling aims to test a new geological model that suggests a larger, north-north-west-trending mineralisation system.

Historical exploration at Jukes, including drilling in the 1970s and 1980s, yielded significant intercepts. However, these efforts did not fully explore the potential of the now-recognised larger mineralisation system.

No drilling has been conducted at Jukes since the 1980s, but CopperCorp's recent geophysical studies and 3D modelling have identified promising magnetic and gravity anomalies indicative of a structurally controlled mineralised system.

CopperCorp president and CEO Stephen Swatton said: We are excited to commence the drilling at Jukes as scheduled. This programme coincides with the start of the Tasmanian summer in which the Company will step up work programmes at several of its copper-gold targets located within the Razorback, southern end of Walford Peak and Linda South licences.

Over the past two months the company has undertaken a comprehensive surface sampling programme at Jukes, the results of which will be released over the next month. Sampling turnaround times in the assay laboratory for rock and drill samples are currently 23 weeks.

"CopperCorp begins drilling at Razorback property in Australia" was originally created and published by Mining Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.







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On the presidential debate stage, Donald Trump was given an opportunity to acknowledge he lost the 2020 election. He did not take it.

ABC News moderator David Muir read aloud recent quotes from the former president in which he appeared to admit being defeated by President Joe Biden, including last week when he said he "lost by a whisker."

"I said that?" Trump responded. He went on to say that such remarks were sarcastic and that he did not, in fact, accept his loss.

Trump's false claims and grievances about the 2020 race have long been a central theme of his third campaign for the White House. But recently, his rhetoric's escalated to threats to prosecute election workers and attempts to sow doubt on the 2024 outcome before a single vote has been cast.

In a social media post over the weekend, Trump pledged to jail election workers, donors, lawyers and others "involved in unscrupulous behavior" related to voting in the 2024 election if he wins. They'd be prosecuted, he said, under his scrutiny and "at levels, unfortunately, never seen before in our Country."

MORE: Two-thirds of Americans say Trump unprepared to accept the election outcome: POLL

Election officials and law experts condemned the statement as irresponsible and damaging at a time when public servants charged with overseeing elections face increased threats and harassment.

"The remarks are despicable and dangerous," Richard Hasen, a law professor at the University of California, told ABC News.

"The continued claims of cheating are unsupported by any reliable evidence -- but they will cause millions of people to continue to believe the false claims that U.S. elections are rigged," Hasen said. "After Jan. 6, 2021, a responsible person would be more circumspect with rhetoric about elections and cheating. Donald Trump is doubling down."

PHOTO: Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks during a presidential debate with Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Sept. 10, 2024, in Philadelphia. (Alex Brandon/AP)

Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, a Democrat whose state was an epicenter of false claims of fraud in 2020, similarly worried about the impact of Trump's statements.

"It makes me concerned that this will set other people off. I think the one thing that we've seen before is that words have consequences and meaning," Fontes told ABC News. "And while we are concerned, we are also prepared. Elections officials across the country have been working with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies to monitor and track threats, to make sure we're keeping our voters safe and make sure we're keeping our elections officials safe."

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, a Democrat who experienced protests at her home after Trump's 2020 loss, said her duty is to "rise above the noise and continue to ensure our elections are fair, secure, accessible, and that the results are accurate."

The Pennsylvania Department of State, noting it conducts two audits after every election, told ABC News it was "confident in the integrity of county officials and election administrators across the Commonwealth, despite irresponsible statements that are not based in fact or supported by evidence."

Several secretaries of state, including Benson and Fontes, were on Capitol Hill on Wednesday to testify on their 2024 election preparations.

Asked for comment on the concern from officials, Trump campaign spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said, "President Trump believes anyone who breaks the law should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, including criminals who engage in election fraud. Without free and fair elections, you can't have a country. Ask Venezuela."

MORE: Republicans are ramping up election fraud claims ahead of November

Trump's allegations of fraud in the 2020 election were debunked by his own administration officials. Dozens of legal challenges brought by his campaign or his allies in battleground states failed in the courts.

But the impact of the efforts to overturn results were tangible on election officials and poll workers.

Lawrence Norden, vice president of elections and government at the Brennan Center for Justice, earlier this year reported a survey of local election officials across the U.S. found 38% reported experiencing threats, harassment or abuse. Fifty-four percent said they were concerned about the safety of their colleagues. In some cases, Norden said, offices reported installing bullet proof glass or provided extra security training to staff. Some have left their positions altogether.

Norden said it was "very frustrating" to see Trump's comments after the steps taken by election workers to bring down the temperature these past four years, including efforts to combat misinformation and to improve transparency.

"Any political leader, and certainly somebody running for president of the United States, implying that election officials could be prosecuted is potentially doing two things," he said. "It's not going to change the behavior of any election worker or election official, but it's potentially encouraging further threats or violence, and it is laying the groundwork to potentially undermine or question election results that you don't like later on."

In addition to his threat to prosecute election workers, Trump has repeatedly accused Democrats of staging a "coup" in nominating Vice President Kamala Harris after Biden dropped out of the race. He's sent mixed messaging on voting methods, at times encouraging his supporters to vote in any way possible and at other times baselessly claiming mail-in ballots are ripe for abuse, despite using a mail ballot in Florida's 2020 primary. He's said a focus of his campaign is to make sure Democrats don't "cheat."

When asked during the CNN debate in June if he would commit to accepting the November outcome, he only said: "If it's a fair and legal and good election, absolutely."

'Dangerous': Trump's escalating 2024 election rhetoric criticized by officials, experts originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
NEW YORK  Lawyers for Daniel Penny, the former Marine charged with putting Jordan Neely in a fatal chokehold on a New York subway train, want to call experts at his manslaughter trial whose testimony will serve to smear the victim and devalue his life, prosecutors charged in new court filings.

Penny, who is out on $100,000 bond, is set to go on trial next month charged with second-degree manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide for the incident aboard an F train on May 1, 2023.

The Manhattan district attorneys office wants to block his legal team from calling psychiatrist Alexander Bardey to testify about the victims previous use of the synthetic drug K2 and how it interacted with his mental well-being. In filings to the court Monday, Assistant District Attorney Dafna Yoran asked a judge to prohibit the defense from calling Bardey and limit the volume of Neelys psychiatric records they can show the jury.

The psychiatrists testimony and the unredacted psychiatric records are inadmissible and their suggested introduction is a transparent attempt by the defense to smear the victims character so that the jury will devalue his life, Yoran wrote.

Yoran said it was black letter law in New York that the prior bad acts of a victim who is dead can only be introduced at a trial if their suspected assailant was aware of them at the time of the incident.

In this case, the defense does not even suggest that the defendant was aware of Mr. Neelys psychiatric history or prior use of synthetic cannabinoids, Yoran wrote.

Neely was homeless at the time of the incident and suffering from untreated severe mental illness, his family and prosecutors have said. Penny is accused of taking him down in a chokehold from behind after he got on the train at Second Avenue and began asking commuters for money.

The 30-year-old Neely was unconscious in Pennys grasp by the time the train reached the Broadway-Lafayette St. station, viral footage of the incident shows. Doctors pronounced him dead soon after at the hospital.

Penny, a former Marine who was studying architecture at the time of the incident, has claimed Neely was acting threateningly toward people on the train car.

In one of his initial interviews with police shown to a grand jury last year, Penny said that when Neely first got on the train, he wasnt really paying attention. He was just a crackhead, according to court records.

In relaying what he remembered to cops, Penny said he didnt see Neely with a weapon or putting his hands on anyone and heard him say, Sprite or ginger ale or something, and Ill kill you.

But later, Penny acknowledged that he didnt know whether Neely said Ill kill you or expressed that sentiment, according to court filings.

At a hearing Monday, which Penny did not attend, Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Max Wiley pushed back the trial date by two weeks to Oct. 21. The parties also discussed two witnesses based in Europe who have other videos taken at the time of the incident they have not turned over to either side or agreed to testify.

Pennys attorney, Thomas Kenniff, told the Daily News that the defense will respond to the DAs motion to preclude Bardeys testimony and the medical records in the coming weeks.

A spokesman for the Manhattan DA declined to comment.

______
DANVILLE, Ill. (WCIA)  A meeting to discuss improvements along a busy street in Danville will take place Thursday evening.

Vermilion Co. community holds 9/11 memorial service to honor past, present first responders

Community Development Administrator Logan Cronk said the City of Danville is planning to apply for multi-million-dollar grant which would be used to improve pedestrian traffic safety along East Voorhees Street.

The City said census data showed there is a need for improved pedestrian safety along the street. They have found that many individuals walk to work, and there is a large number of people who are employed around East Voorhees.

The City of Danville just unveiled a mobile app. Heres what it has to offer:

Danville will apply for the grant through the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program this year. Before that, however, they are interested in hearing from members of the public.

The public meeting will be held at 5 p.m. in the Danville Public Works building.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
What the data actually shows about whether undocumented immigrants vote in US elections

A version of this story appeared in CNNs What Matters newsletter. To get it in your inbox, sign up for free here.

House Republicans are flirting with the idea of forcing a government shutdown over the issue of noncitizens voting in US elections.

Government funding authority runs out on September 30, and House Speaker Mike Johnson  at the all-caps urging of former President Donald Trump in social media posts  wants to pair a temporary spending bill to keep the government running along with a bill that would require proof of citizenship for every American in order to register to vote.

The funding bill does not yet have enough support to make it through the House with just Republicans, and Democrats will likely oppose it.

Appearing Tuesday on The Lead, Johnson didnt get into specific details when he argued in favor of the citizenship legislation, known as the SAVE Act.

We have a number of states who have done audits of their voter rolls and found thousands of noncitizens on their voter rolls. And its in some of the swing states  Pennsylvania, Ohio, Georgia  states that could determine the outcome of the election, Johnson told CNNs Jake Tapper.

Johnson also later referenced Texas as a state where undocumented immigrants have tried to register to vote.

There are a number of states who have shown they have noncitizens on their voter rolls. That is enough to create chaos in the election. And we have to stop it, he said.

Critics argue its already illegal for noncitizens to vote and the risk of prosecution and deportation is an effective deterrent for people who have already sacrificed to come to the US. Its already a best practice for states to check voter registrations against their Department of Motor Vehicles or Social Security files, and reviews of voter rolls have shown very few noncitizens try to vote.

Reviewing voter rolls is a regular thing for states, and in a country of more than 330 million people, there will be a few glitches.

If someone moves out of the state, its proper that that voter registration be flagged and ultimately removed because theyre no longer an eligible voter in that state. Thats a normal process that happens in every single state, blue and red, David Becker, founder of the Center for Election Innovation & Research, told me in an interview for the What Matters newsletter before Johnson made his comments.

CNN has also fact-checked claims of widespread voting by undocumented immigrants.

With that in mind, heres a look at the evidence in the specific states Johnson mentions about the infinitesimal number of undocumented people registering to vote or actually voting in US elections.

Texas

Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, announced last month that an ongoing, yearslong review of voter rolls in Texas, which has nearly 18 million voters, had identified more than 6,500 potential noncitizens on the voter rolls. Of those, less than 2,000 have a voter history. He referred the latter to the state attorney generals office for investigation and potential legal action, but no one has been accused of voting illegally.

In 2019, a review of voter rolls in the state seemed to suggest 95,000 noncitizens were on the rolls. But a closer look told a different story, according to a Texas Tribune report at the time. Texas used an old list of people who at one time had told the state they were noncitizens, but it turned out that many of those people had become citizens. Texas agreed to a court settlement to end the review.

Voters wait in line on Super Tuesday at the Menchaca Road Branch of the Austin Public Library on March 5 in Austin, Texas. - Brandon Bell/Getty Images

More recently, there have been claims that the number of people registering to vote in several states has increased. Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson, a Republican, issued a statement in April refuting that claim and pointing out that Texans must provide either a drivers license number or Social Security number to register to vote.

We know that this system that we have in place is effective, Becker told me. States have routinely done checks for noncitizens in just the last couple of years. They found literally zero noncitizens to cast a vote. Even Texas had found only 0.03% possible noncitizens. And based on previous activity in the last few years, its likely that every single one of those had been recently naturalized.

Ohio

In a state with about 8 million registered voters, a recent review of Ohios voter rolls resulted in the removal of 154,995 abandoned or inactive voter registrations. A far smaller number, 597, have been referred by Secretary of State Frank LaRose to the states attorney general for further review and potential prosecution for possibly registering to vote as a noncitizen. However, an even smaller number, 138, appear to have cast a ballot in an Ohio election, he said in a statement.

LaRose, a Republican, wants more power to require proof of citizenship for voter registration. No one appears to have been charged with any crime.

Its rare. But we keep it rare by enforcing the law, LaRose said of noncitizens casting ballots during a hearing Wednesday on Capitol Hill, where he pushed for the legislation to require proof of citizenship to register.

Giving the opposing argument at the same hearing, Arizonas secretary of state, Democrat Adrian Fontes, argued that a 2004 ballot initiative that created a requirement for proof of citizenship to register to vote in his state had disenfranchised 47,000 people.

I take no pride in the idea that we have denied eligible citizens the right to vote in far greater numbers than we would have prevented the vanishingly rare noncitizen voting that is alleged to be happening across the United States of America, Fontes said.

Even though the instances of undocumented voter registration or voting are so rare and the few known instances are referred for prosecution, LaRose said during the hearing there should be zero tolerance, because, every year, dozens of elections in Ohio come down to a single vote. And those are usually local elections, but those matter.

Georgia

In 2022, Georgia, which has more than 7 million registered voters, announced the results of the first-ever citizenship review of its voter rolls. It found a grand total of 1,634 people who had attempted to register to vote were not able to be verified, according to a statement that year from Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, a Republican. They were placed into pending citizenship status.

None of the questionable registrations were associated with a vote in an election, although Raffensperger supports an additional citizenship verification requirement to register to vote.

Pennsylvania

In a state with more than 8.6 million registered voters, an admitted glitch in Pennsylvanias voter registration process enabled noncitizens legally in the US to unwittingly register to vote for a time. Between 2006 and 2017, when the glitch was discovered, at least 168 unauthorized people are thought to have been registered to vote in Philadelphia, a city of more than 1.5 million people. Those figures on the glitch come from a Republican member of the citys election commission.

Other evidence

Johnson didnt mention Kanas, but its worth noting that in that state, where there are nearly 2 million registered voters, a federal court threw out a 2020 law that intended to require proof of citizenship to vote  because the state planned to force more than 30,000 people to re-register to vote, when it was only 67 noncitizens, at most, who registered or attempted to register to vote in 19 years, according to an Associated Press report at the time.

Of the 39 noncitizens actually found on the Kansas voter rolls, the ruling said the district court found that many could be explained by administrative anomalies.

Finally, in terms of cases that have actually been prosecuted, the conservative Heritage Foundation  which argues there are too many vulnerabilities in the US election system  has documented a total of 25 instances of prosecution for voter fraud in which citizenship was an issue over more than 20 years.

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Data centres as vital as NHS and power grid, government says

Data centres in the UK are to be classified as critical national infrastructure, joining the emergency services, finance and healthcare systems, and energy and water supplies.

It means they would get extra government support during a major incident, such as a cyber attack, an IT outage or extreme weather, in order to minimise disruption.

Data centres are huge warehouses full of vast banks of computers that remotely power services such as artificial intelligence (AI) applications, data processing and streaming.

Their development has faced criticism over their energy and water use.

But the new Labour government says it backs the sector - with technology secretary Peter Kyle describing data centres as the engines of modern life.

There are currently 13 sectors listed as critical national infrastructure in the UK. The list was last updated nine years ago, when space and defence were added.

The previous government launched a consultation in December 2023 to discuss the potential addition of data centres.

A team of officials will now be set up to specifically monitor potential threats against data centres and coordinate a response in the event of a serious incident, such as the recent worldwide chaos sparked by an update from the cybersecurity firm Crowdstrike, which affected millions of people and businesses.

However there will not be any new regulations, nor is additional scrutiny of data centre operators existing contingency arrangements planned.

Its not surprising that data centres are now to be classed as critical infrastructure as they house so many critical online services, said Prof Alan Woodward, a cyber security expert from Surrey University.

Many people think of services as being in an ethereal cloud, but everything is based at some point on physical infrastructure and more often than not this is based in a data centre.

In 2023 the former deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden warned of Russian attempts to attack British infrastructure".

Lindy Cameron, the former boss of the National Cyber Security Centre, said more needed to be done to protect it from cyber threats.

Bringing data centres into the Critical National Infrastructure regime will allow better coordination and cooperation with the Government against cyber criminals and unexpected events, she said.

The need for data centres is growing, in part because of the proliferation of AI-based services, which require considerable computing power.

On Wednesday, Amazon Web Services announced it will invest 8bn building and operating data centres in Britain over the next five years.

Microsoft and Google are separately building their first UK such premises at the moment.

But environmental concerns about data centres and their demand on resources remain - they are energy-hungry and can require large quantities of water for cooling.

The chief executive of the National Grid said in March that data centre power use in the UK would increase six-fold in the next decade.

Plans to build the data centres also often run into local opposition - in June, councillors in Buckinghamshire rejected a proposed development because of its impact on the green belt.

Bruce Owen from Equinix, which runs data centres in the UK, told the Today Programme, on BBC Radio 4, he was "really encouraged" by the move.

The UK, for us, as a global data centre provider, is a critical market," he said.

Over our history within the UK weve invested over a billion pounds and were very encouraged by this signal, and therefore it encourages us to continue to invest and serve our customers in the UK.
This article was originally published in Chalkbeat.

New York Citys free online therapy platform for teens may violate state and federal laws protecting student data privacy, lawyers from the New York Civil Liberties Union and advocates charged in a letter Tuesday to the citys Education and Health Departments.

Teenspace, a $26 million partnership between the city Health Department and teletherapy giant Talkspace launched in late 2023, connects city residents between ages 13 and 17 with free therapists by text, phone, or video chat.

In less than a year, roughly 16,000 students have signed up, Health Department officials said. Sign-ups disproportionately came from youth who identified as Black, Latino, Asian American and female and live in some of the citys lowest-income neighborhoods, officials said in May.

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Information shared with a therapist is subject to stringent protections under the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, or HIPAA. But before connecting with a therapist through Teenspace, teens go through a registration process that asks for personal information like their name, school, mental health history, and gender identity. Advocates are concerned such information is being improperly collected and could be misused.

For one, teens enter the registration information before securing parental consent  a possible violation of federal student privacy laws, the letter contends.

And families dont get a chance to review the privacy policy  which discloses that registration information can be used to tailor advertising and for marketing purposes  before entering the registration information, advocates allege. Theres an option for teens to request that their data be deleted from the companys platform, but its hard to find, according to advocates.

Its all very invasive, said Shannon Edwards, a parent and founder of AI For Families, an organization that seeks to help families navigate artificial intelligence, who co-authored the letter along with NYCLU and the Parent Coalition for Student Privacy. Its also very unclear that parents understand what theyre getting themselves into.

Advocates also pointed to the risk of a potential data breach  something the city has experienced with multiple outside vendors in recent years.

Related

L.A. Schools Investigates Data Breach as FCC Approves $200M Cybersecurity Pilot

Advocates say similar privacy questions about Talkspace have been circulating for years and questioned whether city officials did sufficient due diligence or built in enough additional privacy safeguards before inking the contract.

Its the opacity of the relationship here, and the failure to make manifest what the city is doing to ensure there isnt this data accumulation and sharing for inappropriate purposes, said Beth Haroules, a senior attorney at the NYCLU who co-authored the letter.

Health Department spokesperson Rachel Vick said the agency has taken additional steps to protect the data of Teenspace users and ensure information is not collected for personal gain, including stipulations that require all client data to remain confidential during and after the completion of the citys contract and barring use of data for any purpose other than providing the services included in the contract.

Client data is destroyed after 30 days if a teen doesnt connect with a therapist, officials said.

A spokesperson for Talkspace referred questions to the Health Department.

The extent to which Teenspace is subject to state and federal laws governing student privacy in educational settings is somewhat murky, given that the contract is with the citys Health Department, not its Education Department.

But NYCLU attorneys contend the City cannot absolve itself of its responsibility to provide the protections inherent in federal and state lawssimply because the contract sits with DOHMH instead of DOE. The service is promoted on public school websites, and it is DOEs responsibility to ensure that student data is protected, regardless of which City agency signs the contract.

Parents may be more inclined to trust the platform because it has a stamp of approval from the school system, Edwards added.

A Health Department spokesperson didnt specify whether the program is subject to education privacy laws, but said its not a school based service.

Teenspace has been the citys highest-profile effort to address the ongoing youth mental health crisis.

We are meeting people where they are with a front door to the mental health system that for too long has been too hard to find, said Ashwin Vasan, the citys health commissioner, in May.

Some teens have praised the program, noting its a way to bring mental health care to young people who may not otherwise have access.

But some mental health providers have argued it cant replace the kind of intensive care a clinician provides, especially for kids with severe mental health challenges.

Company officials shared in May that they had helped 36 teens navigate serious incidents including reports of suicide attempts and abuse  cases they referred to child protective services, in-person therapists, or hospitals.

Talkspace CEO Jon Cohen previously told Chalkbeat the company uses an artificial intelligence algorithm to scan transcripts of therapy sessions to help identify teens at risk of suicide.

Even advocates critical of Teenspaces privacy protections acknowledge the severe shortage of mental health providers and say teletherapy can play a role in filling the gap.

We know you cannot find providers  there is such a need, said Haroules. But advocates said the city can do more to ensure its vendors are meeting strict standards for data privacy, especially with such sensitive information.

Everyone thinks, well, mental health is important for kids, these kids of services are required  when on the other side is: How are they getting to it? said Edwards. It doesnt matter what the app is, there has to be a standard.

This story was originally published by Chalkbeat. Chalkbeat is a nonprofit news site covering educational change in public schools. Sign up for their newsletters at ckbe.at/newsletters.
On September 12, 1974, military officers deposed Emperor Haile Selassie from the Ethiopian throne he had occupied for more than half a century. File Photo courtesy of Wikimedia

Sept. 12 (UPI) -- On this date in history:

In 1609, Henry Hudson discovered what is now known as the Hudson River.

In 1940, near Montignac, France, the prehistoric Lascaux cave paintings, believed to be 15,000-17,000 years old, were discovered by four teenagers who stumbled upon the ancient artwork after following their dog down a narrow entrance into a cavern.

In 1953, U.S. Sen. John Fitzgerald Kennedy married Jacqueline Lee Bouvier at St. Mary's Church in Newport, R.I.

In 1958, Little Rock High School in Arkansas was ordered by the U.S. Supreme Court to admit Black students.

Mae C. Jemison makes her remarks during commencement ceremonies at Washington University in St. Louis on May 20. As a NASA astronaut aboard the space shuttle Endeavour on September 12, 1992, Jemison became the first woman of color to travel into space. File Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI

In 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed legislation establishing Canyonlands National Park in Utah.

In 1974, military officers deposed Emperor Haile Selassie from the Ethiopian throne he had occupied for more than half a century. The government formally abolished the monarchy in March 1975, and military officers killed Selassie in August 1975.

Hurricane Gilbert caused damage at Kelly Air Force Base in Texas in September 1988. File Photo courtesy of the U.S. Department of Defense

In 1977, Steven Biko, leader of South Africa's Black Consciousness Movement, died of severe head trauma on the stone floor of a prison cell in Pretoria. His death became symbolic of police abuses during apartheid as six days earlier, he suffered a major blow to his skull during a police interrogation.

In 1988, Hurricane Gilbert made landfall in Jamaica before eventually moving over Mexico and Texas, killing more than 300 people.

On September 12, 1940, near Montignac, France, the prehistoric Lascaux cave paintings, believed to be 15,000-17,000 years old, were discovered by four teenagers who stumbled upon the ancient artwork after following their dog down a narrow entrance into a cavern. Photo by Prof saxx/Wikipedia

In 1992, Mae Jemison became the first Black American woman to fly in space, and Jan Davis and Mark Lee became the first married couple to go into space together aboard the Endeavor.

In 1994, a pilot crashed his small plane on the White House lawn, killing himself and creating an alarm about presidential security.

Prince William and Kate, the duke and duchess of Cambridge, attend a charity polo match at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club in Carpinteria, Calif., on July 9, 2011. On September 12, 2013, officials in Britain announced that Prince William, 31, had left the armed forces after more than 7 1/2 years of service "to focus on royal duties and charity work." File Photo by Hans Gutknecht/UPI

In 2001, after meeting with his national security team, U.S. President George W. Bush said at a news conference: "The deliberate and deadly attacks which were carried out yesterday against our country were more than acts of terror. They were acts of war. .... The American people need to know that we're facing a different enemy than we have ever faced. This enemy hides in shadows. ...This enemy attacked not just our people, but all freedom-loving people everywhere in the world. ... This will be a monumental struggle of good versus evil. But good will prevail."

File Photo by Ricardo Watson/UPI

The replica of the French frigate Hermione, which ferried the Marquis de Lafayette to America, passes by midtown Manhattan as it makes its way down the Hudson River in a Parade of Ships in New York City on July 4, 2015. On September 12, 1609, Henry Hudson discovered what is now known as the Hudson River. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI

In 2004, Iran announced it planned to start processing 37 tons of uranium yellowcake, which Western intelligence officials estimated could be used to build five nuclear bombs.

In 2005, the last of Israeli troops left the Gaza Strip, as planned, and the Palestinians immediately reclaimed the area Israel had controlled since the 1967 war.

President John F. Kennedy and first lady Jacqueline Kennedy with their children Caroline Kennedy and John F. Kennedy Jr. pose for a photo in Hyannis Port, Mass., on August 4, 1962. On September 12, 1953, the then-senator married Jacqueline Lee Bouvier at St. Mary's Church in Newport, R.I. File Photo by Cecil Stoughton/UPI

In 2006, Pope Benedict XVI, in his first papal trip to his native Bavaria, in Germany, angered Muslims in a speech with a 14th century quote criticizing Islam, leading to church bombings and other protests. The pope apologized for any offense caused, saying the words didn't reflect his own views.

File Photo by Stefano Spaziani/UPI

In 2013, officials in Britain announced that Prince William, 31, had left the armed forces after more than 7 1/2 years of service -- first in the army, then as a Royal Air Force search-and-rescue helicopter pilot -- "to focus on royal duties and charity work."

In 2018, the European Parliament took unprecedented action against Hungary, voting to censure the country's government for violating European Union values and spurring concerns about the health of its democracy. The vote was in response to Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who disparaged independent media, academics, the courts, minorities and refugees.

In 2023, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy announced plans to order an impeachment inquiry against President Joe Biden related to an investigation of his son, Hunter Biden. In August 2024, the impeachment panel released a report saying it found "impeachable conduct" by the president, but didn't recommend bringing formal articles of impeachment against him.

File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI
MARTINSBURG, W.Va. (DC News Now)  The U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of West Virginia said a D.C. man and a Berkeley County man were sentenced to prison for firearm violations.

Officials said 32-year-old Kevin Nicholas Munroe of Martinsburg, West Virginia was sentenced to five years in prison for the unlawful possession of a firearm and interstate violation of a protection order.

Court documents revealed West Virginia State Police (WVSP) was investigating a shooting that led officers to Munroe, who had an active domestic violence protective order against him that was filed in Los Angeles.

MPD, loved ones remember DC Officer Wayne David at funeral

Munroe, who is not allowed guns, was found in Martinsburg and had a .45 caliber revolver.

After serving his prison sentence, Munroe will serve three years of supervised probation.

WVSP said 52-year-old Mario Adonte Crawley of Washington, D.C., was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison for the unlawful possession of a firearm.

Police searched Crawleys car during a traffic stop in Kearneysville, West Virginia, and found a 9mm loaded handgun, according to court documents and statements.

Crawley is not allowed to have guns because of prior convictions of assault, obstructing justice, and armed robbery in Virginia and the D.C.

After serving his sentence, Crawley will serve three years of supervised release.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
DC Day of Service collects 450K meals for families in need

DC Day of Service collects 450K meals for families in need

WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  Volunteers at Union Market spent their 9/11 anniversary doing more than just recalling the deadly terrorist attacks.

Various organizations turned out for the annual 9/11 Day Food Drive. This years goal is to collect 9 million meals in 21 cities for families who cant afford food.

This warms my heart, said Program Manager Dustin Speakman.

Remembrance ceremony honors DC victims who died on 9/11 at Pentagon

There were more than 1,200 volunteers who turned out to pack meals for families in need.

Im happy were dancing and were having a good time, said Andrew Sigfrids, one of the Nestle volunteers who helped put neighbors.

Sigfrids said its important to give back to the community.

Its also important to remember everyone that we lost on 9/11, he said.

Volunteers packed 450,000 meals for the Capital City Area Food Bank, during the fourth year the event has been held in the District.

D.C. is obviously an important city in the in the history of 9/11, with attack on the Pentagon, Speakman said. But also because the citizens of D.C. come together in a major way to do great things.

Volunteers assemble packets that contain up to six portions each of red lentils, rice, salt and vegetables.

The effort caught the attention and appreciation of retired Army Lt. Col., Rob Grunewald, of Alexandria. He survived the Pentagon attack.

We heard a little rumble and the plane came into the building, behind us, Grunewald said. The fireball came into the room and instantaneously went black.

DMV community remembers lives lost on 9/11

Grunewald escaped with minor burns but 31 people he knew died in the attack.

Grunewald wants to see more events like this food drive. It reminds him of the nations attitude following the attacks.

After 9/11, if you recall, we were [a] kinder and gentler nation. People said please and thank you, opened doors, Grunewald said.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
Deadly virus contracted from mosquitoes has Massachusetts towns on high alert: 'An extremely serious disease'

Nearly a dozen Massachusetts towns are urging residents to stay indoors due to a dangerous mosquito-borne disease.

As the Washington Post reported, the eastern equine encephalitis virus is putting local communities at risk of severe and deadly outbreaks.

What's happening?

Eastern equine encephalitis is a rare, deadly disease spread by mosquitoes. The first human case of the virus this year was recently confirmed in Massachusetts  a Worcester County man in his 80s.

The disease causes approximately 30% of infected people to die, while survivors of the disease often suffer from ongoing neurological issues. Other virus symptoms include behavioral changes, seizures, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, drowsiness, and headaches.

Unfortunately, there are no preventative vaccines or treatments for this disease.

Oxford, Massachusetts, town manager Jennifer M. Callahan shared, "This is an extremely serious disease with terrible physical and emotional consequences, regardless if the person manages to live."

Why is eastern equine encephalitis concerning?

News of the spread of eastern equine encephalitis is concerning because it affects daily life in Massachusetts. Numerous towns are canceling public events, limiting outdoor activities, and closing parks in the evenings when mosquitoes are most active.

This is the latest in a series of troubling reports about the rise of mosquito-borne illnesses with potentially fatal implications.

Rising global temperatures have been increasing the prevalence of mosquitoes and expanding their range to new areas. Massachusetts and the rest of the Northeastern U.S. have been warming rapidly and have seen a significant increase in mosquito activity.

The Washington Post reported that there have been approximately 14 more mosquito-prone days (temperature between 50 and 95 degrees with at least 42% humidity) annually than in the past.

In addition to eastern equine encephalitis, communities are also seeing increases in dengue, Zika, and other mosquito-borne illnesses.

What's being done about eastern equine encephalitis?

To help prevent the spread of eastern equine encephalitis, Massachusetts communities continue to limit outdoor activities on town properties between dusk and dawn. In Plymouth and Worcester counties, towns are spraying public areas for mosquitoes during these hours.

Individuals can protect themselves by using mosquito repellants, wearing clothes that cover their skin, and eliminating any standing water around their yards. They can also add plants to their homes that naturally repel mosquitoes and try DIY hacks to keep mosquitoes away while avoiding exposure to toxic chemicals.

On mosquito-prone days and around dusk, limit your time outdoors and seek medical attention immediately if you begin having concerning symptoms after being bitten by a mosquito.

Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
TOKYO (Reuters) -Canada's Alimentation Couche-Tard is discussing how much it could raise the offer price to buy Japan's Seven & i Holdings, Bloomberg News reported on Thursday, citing unnamed sources familiar with Couche-Tard's internal talks.

Couche-Tard earlier this week said it was willing to continue the buyout talks after Seven & i rejected its $38.5 billion offer.

Couche-Tard must offer a significantly higher price than the initial proposal to get Seven & i to enter negotiations, but whether the suitor will submit another proposal to Seven & i remains uncertain, Bloomberg reported citing the sources.

Seven & i has tapped Nomura to advise its board in preparation for a potential takeover battle with Couche-Tard, the Financial Times separately reported on Thursday.

Seven & i declined to comment on the raised offer price and advisor appointment. Nomura declined to comment on its reported appointment.

Shares in Seven & i had risen more than 4% as at the end of morning trade on Thursday to 2,204 yen ($15.44), higher than the $14.86 per share Couche-Tard proposed.

Couche-Tard has said it was confident of arranging financing for the deal, which would be the largest-ever foreign takeover of a Japanese company.

Seven & i last week said the deal was not in the best interests of its shareholders and could face antitrust challenges in the U.S., where the combined company would be the biggest convenience store operator by a considerable margin.

($1 = 142.7200 yen)

(Reporting by Kantaro Komiya and Anton Bridge; Editing by Chang-Ran Kim and Christopher Cushing)
Mikayla Brown and her husband, Tyler, visit the grave of their son, Elijah, who died of a fentanyl overdose at 15, in Paso Robles, Calif., Friday, Aug. 2, 2024. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Coco loved being the life of the party  cracking jokes, doing pranks and making people laugh, her mom, Julianna Arnold, recalled recently.

Her favorite pastime was fashion, Arnold said. She didnt like looking at magazines or going to fancy stores, but preferred to make her own creations from used clothing she would find at thrift stores.... And they always looked fabulous on her.

In 2022, two weeks after she turned 17, Coco left home just outside New York City to meet with a dealer she'd messaged through Instagram who promised to sell her Percocet. She never made it home. She was found dead the next day, two blocks from the address that the guy had provided her.

Whatever the dealer gave Coco, her mother said, was not Percocet. It was a fake pill laced with fentanyl, which can be lethal in a dose as small as the tip of a pencil.

Fentanyl overdoses have become a leading cause of death for minors in the last five years or so, even as overall drug use has dropped slightly. In a 2022 analysis of fentanyl-laced prescription pills, the DEA found that six out of 10 contained a potentially lethal dose of the drug.

And social media, where tainted, fake prescription drugs can be obtained with just a few clicks, is a big part of the problem. Experts, law enforcement and childrens advocates say companies like Snap, TikTok, Telegram and Meta Platforms, which owns Instagram, are not doing enough to keep children safe.

A few taps away

The stories of these victims often play out similarly: The kids hear you can get pills on social media. A few taps later and then a package arrives. They retreat to the sanctity of their bedroom and take a pill. Fifteen minutes later, theyre dead. No one even knows until the next morning.

Paul DelPonte, executive director and CEO of the National Crime Prevention Council, likened this crisis to a Johnson & Johnson incident in 1982 when seven people died due to Tylenol bottles that had been tampered with. In that case, J&J recalled all bottles and stopped production until they discovered the source of the problem.

As a result, we now have tamper-resistant caps on over-the-counter medicines and in other products. Thats corporate responsibility, he said. For years, social media companies have known this has been happening, yet they continue to operate their platforms without any significant changes.

While data on the prevalence of drug sales on social platforms is hard to come by, the National Crime Prevention Council estimates 80% of teen and young adult fentanyl poisoning deaths can be traced to some social media contact.

In a sweeping 2023 report on the problem, Colorado's attorney general called the availability of fentanyl and other illicit substances online staggering.

Due to their ubiquity, convenience, and lack of regulation, social media platforms have become a major venue for drug distribution, the report said. Where once a teen might have had to seek out a street dealer, hassle friends, or learn to navigate the dark web to access illicit drugs, young people can now locate drug dealers using their smartphones  with the relative ease of ordering food delivery or calling a ride-share service.

Accidental overdoses in the U.S. have decreased slightly each year since 2021 according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. DelPonte attributes this in part to more education and awareness about the issue. Among young people ages 0 to 19, there were 1,622 overdose deaths in 2021, then 1,590 in 2022, and 1,511 last year.

The decline, DelPonte said, is very small.

A decade ago, people looking to buy illicit drugs online would visit the dark web. But this was quickly eclipsed by social media and messaging platforms rise. Using popular social media sites, encrypted chats, legitimate payment and shipping services, dealers moved into the light. Social platforms say they are constantly working to address the issue, while law enforcement has made some inroads.

Last May, for instance, the Drug Enforcement Administrations Operation Last Mile, targeting Mexicos Sinaloa and Jalisco Cartels, led to 3,337 arrests and the seizure of nearly 44 million fentanyl pills and other deadly drugs. More than 1,100 associated cases involved social media apps and encrypted communications platforms, the DEA said.

On Instagram, as recently as this summer, a simple hashtag search for popular prescription drugs brought up numerous results with accounts offering to sell illicit pills to anyone looking. Many accounts directed users to Snapchat or Telegram, where experts say encryption and alleged lax moderation make it even easier to engage in illegal activity. Money is sent through payment platforms and the drugs can be delivered by mail, DelPonte said.

Meta, for its part, has made it more difficult to search for drugs on its platform in recent weeks.

Never in a million years

Mikayla Brown lost her son Elijah, who went by Eli, to a suspected fentanyl overdose in 2023, two weeks after his 15th birthday. Eli loved skateboarding, video games and cooking. His favorite was spicy Cajun pasta his mom made and he just started to get into cooking himself.

Eli began experimenting with marijuana in high school and he was going through what seemed like a phase many teenagers go through, his mom said. The family decided hed go live with his biological father about three hours away in Woodland Hills in Los Angeles, to try to get a handle on what Brown called Elis rebellion era.

Brown said the family never in a million years would have thought he was getting into anything more dangerous than that. There was one exception, about a year before he passed away, his mom found him acting funny and he admitted to having taken Xanax, a prescription anti-anxiety drug.

On a September evening last year, Eli arrived home from a friends house, had dinner with his dad and stayed up late to watch a movie.

His father sent him to bed around "2 a.m., I guess, Brown said. And then when his alarm went off in the morning to wake up Eli for school he found him in his room...

Eli was unresponsive. His cause of death was accidental fentanyl overdose. But he wasnt trying to buy fentanyl, he was looking for Xanax, and, like Coco, ended up with tainted pills that killed him.

Until recently, a search for #Xanax on Instagram led to a warning page specifying that This may be associated with the sale of drugs and that the sale, purchase of trade of illicit drugs can cause harm to yourself and others and is illegal in most countries. A blue Get help link directed users to federal substance abuse resources. Underneath that link, users could click to see results anyway. After it was pointed out by the AP, the company quickly removed the ability to see results anyway for location-specific hashtags such as #xanaxdallas or #xanaxchicago. Later, it also removed the see results option entirely for common drugs such as Xanax, cocaine and Adderall, among others.

Meta also said it investigated accounts shared by The Associated Press and concluded they were not drug dealers, but financial scam artists based in Africa pretending to sell drugs locally.

Meta says it blocks and filters hundreds of terms associated with illicit drug sales and links to recovery and substance abuse resources when possible. But drug dealers and other bad actors constantly shift their strategies, coming up with fresh ways to avoid detection.

David Decary-Hetu, a professor at the School of Criminology at the University of Montreal, said Meta, in particular, has been quite effective in targeting people who sell drugs on its social platforms. But, he added, it doesnt mean its not going to happen.

In a statement, Meta said drug dealers are criminals who stop at nothing to sell their dangerous products. This is a challenge that spans across platforms, industries, and communities, and it requires all of us working together to address it.

The company added that it works with law enforcement and proactively took down 2 million pieces of content, 99.7% before they were reported in the first three months of 2024.

Our hearts go out to the families suffering at the hands of these criminals and we are committed to working with others to prevent these tragedies, Meta added.

A persistent problem

Cocos mother had many discussions with her daughter about being careful online.

The teen was in therapy  social media really affected her and she developed anxiety and depression, Arnold said. She frequently checked Coco's social media and limited her time on Snapchat to 15 minutes per day.

She knew about a lot of this stuff. We had talked about it. But then when this came up on Instagram, you know, I wasnt checking and I couldnt check all of her direct messages. Its hard to know as a parent, no matter how on top of it you are, she said.

Cocos death is still under investigation, Arnold said.

Arnold said it took five months to remove the dealers profile from Instagram. Occasionally, she checks to see if hes there under another name.

I typed in something that I thought maybe could work, you know, based on what his previous handle had been. And there he was. He was back up under a different a different handle, she said. But I recognized his photo and I reported it to the police. And now again, its taking months to get it taken down.

Experts often single out Snapchat as a particularly dangerous platform, something the company vehemently disagrees with. In October 2022, a group of parents who say their children bought fentanyl from drug dealers they met through Snapchat sued the company for wrongful death and negligence, calling it a haven for drug trafficking.

Despite Snap promoting and portraying Snapchat as a goofy app for kids to use to send each other silly pictures, its known common use is as an open-air drug market, the lawsuit claims. Snapchats role in illicit drug sales to teens, it continues, was the foreseeable result of the designs, structures, and policies Snap chose to implement to increase its revenues.

The vast majority of fentanyl deaths among young people, the lawsuit says, involve kids who dont know they are ingesting fentanyl. Rather, they are buying what they believe is marijuana, MDMA or prescription drugs like OxyContin. In January, a judge ruled that the lawsuit could move to trial.

Itll be yet another test for Section 230, a 1996 law that generally exempts internet companies from liability for material users post on their networks.

In a statement, Snap said it is heartbroken by the fentanyl epidemic and are deeply committed to the fight against it.

Weve invested in advanced technology to detect and remove illicit drug-related content, work extensively with law enforcement helping to bring dealers to justice, and continue to raise awareness and evolve our service to help keep our community safe. Criminals have no place on Snapchat, said Jacqueline Beauchere, Global Head of Platform Safety at the company.

While Snap wouldnt comment on the lawsuit itself, the company argues its design actually makes it more difficult for bad actors to operate. For instance, the company says, it doesnt allow people to get messages from people they havent added as friends or have a phone contact, and location sharing is off by default.

Regulatory remedies?

Advocates are hoping that regulation of tech companies could help address the problem, as it might help with other dangers kids face on social media. In July, the Senate passed the Kids Online Safety Act, legislation designed to protect children from dangerous online content. It still awaits a vote in the House. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., and Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., meanwhile, introduced a bill that would require social media companies to report illicit fentanyl, methamphetamine and fake pill activity occurring on their platforms to law enforcement.

We must do more at the federal level to combat the flow of fentanyl into our communities, and it starts by holding social media companies accountable for their part in facilitating illicit drug sales, Shaheen said.

But for parents like Arnold, Brown and others who already lost their children to overdoses, it is too late.

Social media companies have the ability to make their platforms drug-free zones, DelPonte said. Instead, they keep evading the meaningful changes to keep the public safe.
Dean Tran, a former state senator from Fitchburg, has been found guilty by a federal jury of fraudulently applying for pandemic unemployment assistance following a six-day trial.

The one-time Republican candidate for Congress was also convicted of making false statements on federal tax returns.

The guilty findings, on 23 charges, were delivered Wednesday afternoon in U.S. District Court in Boston, according to the office of Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy.

He was convicted of 20 counts of wire fraud and three counts of filing false tax returns.

Tran said Friday he planned to appeal the verdict and accused the prosecution of "political persecution."

Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 4.

Tran, 48, was arrested in November 2023, with authorities alleging he made $50,000 as a consultant for an automotive parts company, in addition to thousands more in income from his Fitchburg rental properties.

He reported that he was unemployed at the time. Authorities said he collected $30,120 in pandemic unemployment benefits during the same period.

In addition to the 23 counts in the wire fraud case, Tran faces one count of obstruction of justice and one count of making a false statement from a June 2024 federal indictment stemming from the wire fraud case.

Tran's sister Tuyet T. Martin was also charged with two counts of obstruction of justice and one count of perjury.

Tran face additional charges in unrelated cases.

He was indicted on two charges of violating state ethics law in September 2023. The charges stem from long-standing allegations he had his Senate staff campaign for him on state time.

In July 2022, Tran was indicted for allegedly taking a firearm from an elderly constituent and misleading investigators about what had happened.

In 2020, Tran was unseated in the state Senate by Sen. John Cronin, a Democrat. In 2022, he ran for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives but lost to incumbent U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan.

A statement Tran sent to the Telegram & Gazette claims the wire fraud investigation began at a time in 2022 when his congressional campaign was in "high gear." He characterized his political career as an Asian American in Massachusetts as "historic." Tran has alleged he is the victim of racism in the longstanding state ethics case and in his other prosecutions.

"My (Pandemic Unemployment Assistance) eligibility was vetted by the (Department of Unemployment Assistance) on several levels with no findings of misdoing. Matter of fact, I followed their directions. The IRS did not audit me. Why were these issues not brought to my attention?" Tran said in a written statement. "We cannot allow facts to be misconstrued and human mistakes turn into criminal convictions. This is not the America that we knew. Political persecution needs to stop. We will be filing several motions including appeal based on the findings during the trial.""

The following information about the wire fraud case comes from a press release from Levy's office:

Prosecutors presented evidence at the trial to show that after Tran's Senate term ended in 2021, he fraudulently received pandemic unemployment benefits while he was actually employed as a paid consultant for a New Hampshire-based retailer of an automotive parts company.

Prosecutors say Tran fraudulently collected $30,120 in unemployment benefits.

In addition, Tran was found to have concealed $54,700 in consulting income from the the automotive parts company from his 2021 federal income tax return and thousands of dollars in income he collected through his Fitchburg property from the IRS between 2020 and 2022.

Dean Tran defrauded the government out of unemployment benefits he had no right to receive. His fraud and calculated deception diverted money away from those who were struggling to get by during a very difficult time, Levy said in a statement. Our office and our law enforcement partners are committed to holding accountable public officials who lie and steal for personal gain.

According to Levy's office, wire fraud sentences can go up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentencing for filing false tax returns can go up to three years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of $100,000.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Dean Tran of Fitchburg, former senator, convicted of pandemic fraud
Death investigation underway after mans body pulled from river in New Hampshire, state police say

A death investigation is underway after emergency crews recovered a mans body from the Piscataquog River in Manchester on Thursday morning, state police said.

At 7:58 a.m. Thursday, the State Police Marine Patrol responded to Second Street in Manchester for a report of a body floating in the Piscataquog River, state police said.

Manchester Fire Department crews later removed the body of an adult man from the river, state police said.

The mans name was not released Thursday pending notification of next of kin. An autopsy will be conducted to determine cause and manner of death, state police said.

Manchester police officers and firefighters and representatives from the state medical examiners office responded to the scene to assist state police.

Anyone with information that may help investigators is asked to contact Marine Patrol Officer Casey Porter at Casey.G.Porter@dos.nh.gov or 603-630-4543.

The New Hampshire State Police Marine Patrol division is investigating.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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The Democratic presidential nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, and the Republican nominee, former President Donald Trump, took part in an ABC News debate on Sept. 10, 2024. World News Tonight anchor and managing editor David Muir and World News Tonight Sunday anchor and ABC News Live Prime anchor Linsey Davis were the moderators. (Photo courtesy ABC NEWS/MICHAEL LE BRECHT II)

Pennsylvania not only hosted the first debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, but there were clear overtures to Keystone State voters that made it plain how crucial the commonwealth is to both campaigns  from the back and forth on fracking to remarks about Pennsylvanians of Polish and Ukrainian descent.

Alison Dagnes, a professor of political science at Shippensburg University, noted that the fact the first debate was held in Philadelphia reaffirms that the state is the epicenter of the election.

She said that though neither candidate made major waves, even a small shift in support could alter the outcome.

It will matter at the margins, but this is an election thats being fought at the margins, Dagnes told the Capital-Star in an interview. So it might, it might push the needle a little bit.

Berwood Yost, director of the Center for Opinion Research and the Floyd Institute for Public Policy at Franklin & Marshall College, said both candidates talking about fracking was a clear signal to Pennsylvania voters, though the impact will probably be limited to certain regions.

The fracking belt runs from southwest up through the northeast, Yost said. It kind of runs in an arc across the state.

Yost said that even though many voters in places like rural southwest Pennsylvania have left the Democratic Party over the last two decades, Harris reversing her prior support for banning fracking could help her hold down Trumps margins in those more rural communities.

So that message is meant to invite people in those regions who maybe are independent voters, maybe Democrats who rely on that industry, Yost said. You see that as an important part of local economies too, it invites them there. It invites them to her candidacy.  That was a message targeted to those kinds of voters, not in the expectation that she wins them, but in the expectation that she stems the losses.

Pennsylvania was the nations second-largest gas producer in 2022. And though some environmental groups were dismayed by Harris support of the contentious extraction technique, which has been the subject of longstanding concerns over water pollution and health risks, the Pennsylvania Independent Oil and Gas Association, which endorsed Trump in 2020, told the Capital-Star it was encouraged by each candidates commitment to keeping America a leading exporter of energy and to remain independent from reliance on foreign oil and natural gas.

The group added that continued development of oil and natural gas resources, most especially through unconventional well drilling, is the only avenue for the U.S. to remain energy independent. It expects Harris to stay true to her word that she would not support banning domestic oil and natural gas development that is only made possible through the drilling and hydraulic fracturing processes that are directly regulated by state agencies with support from the federal government.

Yost also cited Harris referencing Polish Americans living in Pennsylvania, when talking about the war in Ukraine, as another play for voters in Pennsylvania, which has sizable populations of people of Polish and Ukrainian descent.

Will there be another debate?

Whether there will be another debate remains unclear. Trump and other Republicans complained Wednesday that the previous nights ABC News presidential debate was unfair.

But the campaigns also engaged via the news media about the possibility of a second debate before the Nov. 5 election.

Trump and his allies said the ABC News moderators, World News Tonight anchor and managing editor David Muir and World News Tonight Sunday anchor and ABC News Live Prime anchor Linsey Davis, sided with Harris by fact-checking a few of Trumps more outlandish claims.

It was three to one, Trump said Wednesday in a call to Fox News morning program Fox & Friends, referring to Harris and the two moderators. 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.

At the debate Tuesday night, Davis contested Trumps claim that a former Democratic governor floated the possibility of allowing abortion after a baby is born.

There is no state in this country where it is legal to kill a baby after its born, Davis said.

Muir also challenged Trump when the former president repeated baseless rumors that Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio, were stealing and eating residents pets, saying Springfields city manager had debunked the claim.

Terribly moderated debate, Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina told Fox News Sean Hannity immediately after the debate. It was three against one.

Representatives for ABC News did not immediately return an email seeking comment on the criticism.

Polling on debate

The perception that ABCs moderators were partial to Harris was not widely shared outside of Republicans.

In a YouGov survey of more than 3,000 adults, 40% said the moderators were fair and unbiased. The second-most common answer was dont know, with 29%, and 27% of respondents said the moderators were biased toward Harris.

A plurality of independents, 32%, and 69% of Democrats also said the moderators were fair. Just more than half of Republicans said Muir and Davis were unfair to Trump.

On his social media platform Truth Social overnight, Trump touted his debate performance and posted several screenshots of right-wing news outlet polls stating he had won the matchup.

Comrade Kamala Harris is going around wanting another Debate because she lost so badly  Just look at the Polls! Its true with prizefighters, when they lose a fight, they immediately want another. MAGA2024, Trump wrote in response to the Harris campaign suggesting a second meeting.

Trump defended his comments about Haitian migrants in Ohio. The false claims have been circulating among right-wing circles, and amplified on social media Monday by Trumps running mate, U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio.

He posted police audio published by the conservative news outlet The Federalist alleging migrants were seen carrying geese in late August. Trump also republished a video, fact-checked by the Canton, Ohio, newspaper The Repository, of a woman, with no known connection to the Caribbean nation, in Canton, who on Aug. 16 was arrested and charged with animal cruelty for allegedly killing and eating a cat.

Prior to the debate, Trump posted an AI-generated image of him surrounded by and hugging cats and water fowl on his private jet, as well as an army of cats wearing MAGA hats and carrying semi-automatic rifles.

The choice they will face

During a Sept. 11 memorial event in Shanksville, Trump reportedly said he was open to two more debates, hosted by NBC News and Fox News.

The NBC event would be Sept. 25, but Harris has not agreed to it, preferring a date in October.

Fox executives on Tuesday night renewed the networks offer to host another debate in a battleground state in October.

Trump campaign spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said in an email the former presidents Fox News comment was a reference to a town hall with commentator Sean Hannity earlier this month.

It was supposed to be on September 4, Leavitt wrote. Kamala didnt show up so it turned into a town hall with Sean Hannity.

The Harris campaign has said the vice president wants another debate with Trump in October. Campaign Chair Jen OMalley Dillon repeated that in a statement late Tuesday.

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, OMalley Dillon wrote. 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?
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  In an exclusive interview with CBS News, the pilot of the Alaska Airlines flight that had a door blow off mid-air in Portland shared the details of those terrifying moments for the first time.

Pilot Emily Wiprud had been the person to alert staff to declare an emergency in January when the flight heading to Ontario, Calif. suddenly needed to turn around after reaching an altitude of 16,000 feet.

Abandoned, derelict pirate boats still a headache on Willamette River

During the interview, Wiprud said she had felt an explosion and was forced forward with her headset ripped off. The explosion  unbeknownst to the pilot  had been caused by Flight 1282s door plug, which had apparently been missing the bolts necessary to keep it in place.

The flight returned to PDX within a half hour of departing from the airport, but Wiprud said she had no idea there was a hole in the plane until after she landed at Portland International Airport.

This photo released by the National Transportation Safety Board shows a gaping hole where the paneled-over door had been at the fuselage plug area of Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, in Portland, Oregon. (National Transportation Safety Board via AP)

This image from video provided by Elizabeth Le shows passengers near the damage on an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9, Flight 1282, which was forced to return to Portland International Airport on Friday, Jan. 5, 2024. (Elizabeth Le via AP)

(Courtesy: National Transportation Safety Board)

This photo released by the National Transportation Safety Board shows the door plug from Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024, in Portland, Ore. A panel used to plug an area reserved for an exit door on the Boeing 737 Max 9 jetliner blew out Jan. 5, shortly after the flight took off from Portland, forcing the plane to return to Portland International Airport. (National Transportation Safety Board via AP)

NTSB investigators examine the door plug ejected from Alaska Airlines Flight 1282. (NTSB)

FILE  This photo released by the National Transportation Safety Board shows a gaping hole where the paneled-over door had been at the fuselage plug area of Alaska Airlines Flight 1282, Jan. 7, 2024, in Portland, Ore. A whistling sound was heard on a previous flight of the Boeing 737 Max 9 whose door plug blew out during an Alaska Airlines flight on Jan. 5, an attorney representing passengers in a lawsuit against the companies said in new court documents filed Wednesday, Feb. 7. (National Transportation Safety Board via AP, File)

Alaska Airlines flight headed for Ontario diverts back to PDX, January 5, 2024 (Courtesy: KTLA)

I opened the flight deck door and I saw calm, quiet, hundreds of eyes staring right back at me, Wiprud said. And I looked at my flight attendants and I said, Are you OK? And in that response, I heard: hole, four, five empty seats, and injuries.

It was later revealed that all 177 people on board were safe.

The door was discovered the next day on Barnes Road near Highway 217 in the Cedar Hills neighborhood. Officials reported that the headrests were missing from seats 25A and 26A, and investigators found some clothing in the area.

Travel + Leisure names Oregon destination among best in US for fall foliage

After the incident, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ordered a temporary grounding of all 737 Max 9 aircrafts for an inspection. The planes have since made their way back into transit.

Wiprud will be honored Thursday by the Airline Pilots Association for safely landing the damaged plane.

For more details about Wipruds experience, watch the video player above.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
House Speaker Mike Johnsons (R-La.) Plan B for a stopgap federal spending bill is a no-go if it still includes a six-month time frame, according to GOP defense hawks.

If it goes past December 31, Im not voting for it, House Armed Services Committee Chair Mike Rogers (R-Ala.) told The Hill on Wednesday.

House GOP leaders earlier Wednesday pulled their six-month stopgap funding plan hours ahead of a scheduled floor vote amid opposition from defense hawks, hard-line conservatives and moderates.

Johnson appeared ready to press forward with a vote on his funding plan, which links a six-month continuing resolution (CR) with a bill backed by former President Trump that would require proof of citizenship to vote.

But at least 12 Republicans made it known they would not vote for the legislation, including Rogers, sinking the bills chances.

Johnson said theyll delay the vote until next week as they work to build consensus.

Now GOP defense hawks, who worry about the impact of not increasing funding for the Pentagon, say they want to see a shorter CR in the next iteration of Johnsons plan.

Im not putting any pressure on [Johnson]. Ive just told him that I will agree to CR  but I wont explore anything that goes past December 31, Rogers said when asked about conversations on the Speakers Plan B.

House Armed Services Committee Vice Chair Rob Wittman (R-Va.) said the longer the CR goes into the next year, the more problematic it becomes for U.S. defense.

The bottom line is we want to do whats best for the nations defense, he told The Hill. We just want to make sure [Johnson] understands that  I want to make sure that were all part of getting something done.

He added on the CR: Our effort is to just to make it as short as possible, because that minimizes the impact on defense.

Asked whether any CR that goes past three months would be a no-go for him, Wittman replied that he doesnt have any lines in the sand and that its a pretty dynamic situation.

And Rep. Ken Calvert (R-Calif.), who oversees the Pentagons budget, said Monday that while he was prepared to back Johnson, he didnt like the six-month time frame as it inhibits the Defense Department.

Its the largest enterprise in the world, he said of the U.S. military. You cant run that under that [six-month] period of time.

The Pentagon has also vehemently opposed any long-term CR, with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin over the weekend sending letters to top House and Senate appropriations leaders arguing such a bill would impose a litany of difficulties on the military.

Austin said an extended version of the temporary measure would set us significantly behind in meeting the challenges from China and the ongoing wars in Europe and the Middle East.

The letters are notable as the Pentagon typically has to endure a CR that lasts several months, given that lawmakers have failed to finalize the military appropriations bill all but one time since 2011  in fiscal 2019. But in that same time frame, the Defense Department has not had stopgap funding that lasts longer than three months.

Congressional deadlock over fiscal 2024 funding kept the government on a CR well past that deadline, impacting Defense operations until it was fully funded last March.

For fiscal 2025, the Pentagon has requested a $849.8 billion budget, arguing that operating under those levels once the Sept. 30 deadline has passed impacts an array of programs, services and projects.

Whats more, failing to pass appropriations bills by Jan. 1 triggers a limitation set by the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023, reached between President Biden and House Republicans last year.

Under that act, failure to pass full government funding by January will start a process to reduce the discretionary spending limits for national security by 1 percent below fiscal 2023 levels. Austin said that could force the Pentagon to lose $42 billion from the 2025 budget request.

The pressure campaign from the Defense Department as well as defense hawks is increasing the likelihood that House Republicans will wind up with a three-month CR backed by Democrats and the White House.

Lawmakers have until Sept. 30 to agree upon a short-term extension for the federal dollars or risk shuttering nonessential tasks within the Pentagon, in addition to dozens of government agencies.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Delicious and juicy harvest: What to expect for the fall season at Apple Hill farms

Since Labor Day, all of Apple Hills farms have opened for the season. Its set to be an especially tasty fall.

Not much infrastructure changes year-to-year at the El Dorado County network of farms, which has celebrated autumn harvests since 1964. The biggest differences are often to the apples themselves.

After early-season freezes destroyed nearly all of the 2022 crop, the pendulum swung back in 2023 with the strongest bumper crop Apple Hill Growers Association president and Delfino Farms owner Chris Delfino had ever seen in decades of farming. This year, a snowy winter coupled with amiable spring and summer weather will generate 60% to 70% of the 2023 output, Delfino said.

With the trees unburdened of 2023s record amount of fruit, customers should expect juicier, more flavorful apples, Delfino said. Early Fuji, Gala, McIntosh, Honeycrisp, Golden Delicious and Empire apples are ready now, while Cripps Pink (also known as Pink Ladies, a trademarked name), Arkansas Blacks, Winesaps, Late Fujis and Granny Smiths will be ripe in about a month.

When you have a cold winter and less apples, youre going to get higher quality, naturally, Delfino said. All that water in there, thats the natural gift God gives with those apples to produce that fiber and good juice in there, so youre going to get a better-tasting apple.

While October is generally regarded as Apple Hill prime time, Caminos high temperature will drop from the high 70s to mid-60s this weekend, bringing the autumn feel for which people flock east. Visiting in September can also help people duck the crowds that have deluged Apple Hill on weekends in recent years, and make sure You-Pick farms still have plenty of fruit on their trees.

If youd rather someone else pick (and perhaps process) your fruit, Apple Hills 50 farms have a bevy of offerings including caramel apples, apple cider doughnuts, hard cider, baked goods and wine. The season typically runs from early September through Veterans Day, with a dozen farms selling Christmas trees as an end-of-year addendum.

Crowds are more likely in the afternoon than the morning, so try to arrive around 10 or 10:30 a.m., Delfino said. His top piece of advice: Each farm is different than the last, so visit more than one.

Liz Khang of Sacramento buys apple donuts with her nephew, Xai Yanez, 4, while visiting Caminos High Hill Ranch in 2023.

What Im Eating

Sacramento has a pair of restaurants dedicated to Guilin-style noodles: Top Choice Restaurant in Little Saigon, and Old Gui Lin in South Land Park. Also known as mifen, these rice noodles with meat and broth have been a breakfast staple in their namesake southern China city since 200 B.C., though theyre also eaten for lunch and dinner.

I recently opted for Old Gui Lin, where families slurped bowls of noodles at four long tables inside the shopping center full of Asian business along Freeport Boulevard. A menu with photos hangs in the window, advertising a range of noodle soups that, truthfully, arent all that different from one another.

You can get Guilin rice noodles with crispy, chicharrones-like pork belly strips along with slices of pork and beef, pork ribs rice noodle soup with meat wrapped around circles of bone or slightly tough braised brisket dry tossed noodles (each $14). All come with the same slippery noodles and milky, tangy broth, though it comes as a pour-over version in the last of the three and is dyed auburn by chiles at the bottom of the bowl.

The soups greatest differences come at Old Gui Lins topping bar, a choose-your-own adventure replete with Zhenjiang vinegar, green onions, mustard greens and more. Add some funk to your bowl with pickled turnips, or some crunch with roasted peanuts.

The bar has chili oil, too, perfect for beef rolled pancakes ($10). Also known as Taiwanese beef rolls, the thick scallion pancakes are rubbed with hoisin sauce, filled with more scallions and slices of braised beef and wrapped into appetizing appetizers.

Old Gui Lin

Address: 5131 Freeport Blvd., Sacramento

Hours: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. seven days a week

Phone: 916-455-1687

Website: oldguilinca.com

Drinks: Boba tea bar, as well as sodas

Vegetarian options: Only appetizers such as pumpkin cakes, cold marinated seaweed and sweet-and-sour lotus root balls

Noise level: Pretty quiet

Outdoor seating: None

Openings & Closings

 Husicks by Forester will open Friday at 36510 Riverview Drive in Clarksburg. Chef/owner Matt Brown (formerly of The Jungle Bird, The Golden Bear and Bodega Kitchen & Cocktails) will whip up sandwiches, charcuterie and salads to go with Delta wines in the former Husicks Taphouse space.

 Dao Distillery will open Sept. 21 at 11460 Sunrise Gold Circle, Suite C, where Gold River Distillery once was in Rancho Cordova, The Bee reported. Binh Daos distillery will be the second in the U.S. (and first on the West Coast) to specialize in ruou de, Vietnamese rice liquor with a sweet, smooth aftertaste.

 Seasons Kitchen & Bar will close Friday, less than a week after chef Katerina Balagian helped lead the Tower Bridge Dinner. A downtown Davis fixture at 102 F St. for more than 20 years, it underwent a menu transformation under Balagian, serving up Cali-Middle Eastern dishes in a high-end environment over the past year.
Democratic candidate for governor Jennifer McCormick released a cannabis legalization plan on Thursday, which area legislators who have championed the issue praised.

The plan aims to legalize adult use of cannabis in Indiana in a responsible and well regulated industry, by first creating a medical marijuana industry with a transition into full adult-use cannabis, according to a new release.

Hoosiers have made it clear  they support adult-use cannabis and are frustrated by Indianas outdated prohibition laws, McCormick said in the release. By taking a responsible, phased approach, we can ensure that our state is prepared for full adult-use legalization while immediately providing relief through medical marijuana.

In the plan, McCormick proposes establishing an Indiana Cannabis Commission, which would be responsible for overseeing the legal cannabis industry, including regulation, licensing and ensuring compliance with safety standards, according to the release.

Then, the plan would immediately establish a medical marijuana industry to give Hoosiers access for medical purposes and allow the state to address potential challenges, according to the release.

From medical marijuana, the plan calls for a transition to adult-use cannabis. A phased approach would mitigate challenges and ensure the states cannabis market remained well-regulated and effective, according to the release.

The plan would also focus on regulating hemp-derived THC products that can be found in gas stations and smoke shops throughout the state, which would protect consumers and ensure that cannabis products meet safety standards, according to the release.

Legalizing marijuana would generate an estimated $172 million annually in tax revenues for the state, which would provide a boost to the states economy and funding for essential services, according to the release.

The four states surrounding Indiana  Michigan, Illinois, Kentucky and Ohio  have in recent years legalized marijuana in some form. Hoosiers have been traveling out of state to buy marijuana, which means Indiana loses out on sales tax revenue, said former State Senator Karen Tallian, who proposed many pieces of cannabis legislation.

Illinois collected $417.6 million in sales tax in 2023, which brought the states total marijuana sales tax collected to more than $1.6 billion since it was made legal beginning in 2020, according to the Illinois Department of Revenue.

Indiana is an island of prohibition surrounded by states with legal cannabis industries, said McCormick.

A spokesman for Republican gubernatorial candidate and U.S. Sen. Mike Braun referred to his previous statement on the issue of legalization in a March GOP primary debate.

Braun said he sees medical marijuana as the best case in terms of legalization, but he said he would take his cue from law enforcement at the debate, which was hosted at FOX59/CBS4 studios in Indianapolis.

When she was in the legislature, Tallian said former governor Mike Pence told her in no uncertain terms that he wouldnt sign a bill to legalize marijuana. Governor Eric Holcomb did not seem interested in legalization either, she said.

Tallian said marijuana legalization is no longer a partisan issue because Republicans have started to admit that its inevitable.

Im just really happy that we have someone who is willing to say marijuana out loud and talk about it instead of stonewalling with the fact that Indiana cant do anything until the federal government decriminalizes it, Tallian said.

State Sen. Rodney Pol, D-Chesterton, who has proposed marijuana legislation, said he was pleased to hear that McCormick proposed a plan to legalize cannabis because no other gubernatorial candidates or governors have addressed the issue head on.

Were on an island here and we have to address that, Pol said.

State Rep. Michael Aylesworth, R-Hebron, said hes long supported legalizing medical marijuana to help veterans with potential illness or disorders, like post-traumatic stress disorder.

But, Aylesworth said he doesnt support legalizing marijuana for recreational use or the idea of a cannabis commission to study legalization.

Shes using it as a campaign tool for her candidacy, Aylesworth said of McCormicks plan.

Tallian said officials with McCormicks campaign reached out to her to talk about a cannabis plan. They talked the most about the cannabis commission component, Tallian said.

A governor cant legalize it. Thats a job that only the legislature can do. But, the governor can create a commission to see what other states are doing and tee it up and give them an indication she would sign a bill, Tallian said.

Tallian, who proposed three bills to create a cannabis commission during her time as a legislator, said when legislators get involved to create the commission it becomes a big mess with everyone voicing their opinions. But a governor proposing the commission would likely be a smoother process, she said.

A cannabis commission should include people with different professional backgrounds, Tallian said, like people with economic and business, science and research backgrounds.

The commission shouldnt have a lot of people because it could convolute the discussion, but it shouldnt have too few people either because then the views could become too narrow, Tallian said.

It has to be a relatively compact number, Tallian said.

Tallian said she doesnt completely agree with the portion of the plan that calls for a phasing in from medical marijuana to adult-use marijuana because enough states have legalized marijuana that best practices could be pulled from.

But, Tallian said the phase-in approach could be a way to ease the state into the world of legalized marijuana.

Pol said it is a brilliant idea to start with medical marijuana and then adult-use legalization because Indiana tends to move slower than other states on issues like this one.

She knows the state legislature and she knows the people, Pol said.

Tallian said she supports regulating hemp-derived THC to protect Hoosier consumers. Pol said the measure is a long time coming.

If the plan were implemented, Tallian said elected officials should then look into decriminalizing the possession of marijuana.

In May, the Biden Administration moved to reclassify cannabis to a less restrictive category  from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug  under the Controlled Substances Act. If implemented, the McCormick plan would create insurmountable pressure on the legislature to pass a bill to legalize marijuana, Pol said.

Indiana is losing money as Hoosiers travel out of state to legally buy marijuana and losing money putting people in jail for marijuana possession, which impacts the economy as those charged face being fired from work, Pol said.

But, if the state legalized marijuana, it would further expand the states economy as people would live here to work in the marijuana business, Pol said. The sales tax could also fund different state services, he said.

When were told theres no money for free lunches or mental health, well here you go. Now we do, Pol said.

The economic benefits of marijuana are thin arguments, Aylesworth said.

Luckily, Indiana is in a strong financial position. Were not in debt. We pay our bills on time, Aylesworth said. We try to run the state budget like a home budget  we have a savings account for a rainy day.

akukulka@chicagotribune.com
Jennifer McCormick lays out her proposal for legalized marijuana on a virtual press conference Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. (Screenshot)

If elected governor, Democrat Jennifer McCormick would work to establish a medical marijuana industry before transitioning to full adult-use cannabis, she said Thursday.

Across the state, Terry (Goodin) and I are hearing Hoosiers who are ready for Indiana to take this step, she said in a press conference with reporters. Were on an island. All the states around us are  at some level, legalizing marijuana, and have benefited in several ways. And so it is time for Indiana to join in on this policy.

Three of Indianas four neighbors have legalized recreational marijuana  Illinois, Michigan and Ohio  while Kentucky has legalized medical marijuana.

McCormick and running mate Goodin want to start with a thoughtful commission to hammer out how legalization would work in Indiana. McCormick asserted that the issue isnt partisan, as many people have changed their minds on the topic.

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Its the third week in a row that McCormick has laid out a proposal on a specific topic; she has also released plans on education and ethics reform.

GOP gubernatorial nominee Mike Braun told IPBS News in April that he expects some form of legalization in every state within the next decade.

My key thing would be to get with law enforcement to see what they think, because theyre the ones that are gonna have to spend the time, put their lives on the line, Braun said.

Libertarian Donald Rainwater, who is also running for governor, supports both medical and recreational legalization.

Democrats and some Republicans have been pushing the General Assembly to legalize for several sessions but many conservative Republicans remain opposed. The Indiana Chamber of Commerce and some law enforcement groups have expressed opposition.

Republicans control both chambers of the legislature.

How it would work

McCormicks plan begins with creation of an Indiana Cannabis Commission to oversee the legal cannabis industry, including regulation, licensing, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. Her campaign said the independent body would help Indiana develop a well-regulated cannabis market, protecting Hoosiers and ensuring transparency as the state transitions to full legalization.

McCormick said the state should establish a medical marijuana industry first and learn from successes or barriers before legalizing recreational marijuana. She noted many Americans use marijuana to help with anxiety, terminal illness and mental health. She said there is no timeline for the process.

The plan also addresses the issue of unregulated hemp-derived THC products currently flooding Indianas gas stations and smoke shops. By regulating these substances, the campaign said, the state would protect consumers and ensure that cannabis products meet safety standards.

And then theres the money. McCormick said one estimate is that legalization could generate $172 million annually for Indiana.

She would prefer the money make its way to local government, saying its not a lot of money in terms of the states $22 billion annual budget.

We have heard from many towns and cities and schools and libraries and law enforcement that they are in need of dollars, McCormick said. We also could use some of those dollars in that mental health space and also combating illegal  substance abuse.

Some states have seen rising levels of addiction and issues with impaired driving, which she acknowledged. But she said Indiana can take lessons from other states that have already charted a path.

Learning from others is incredibly important  those who are around us have an established system. Its here, so theyre already dealing with many of the concerns and issues that we would be talking about in the commission, McCormick said.

She added that marijuana usage already exists in Indiana  Were just not receiving the revenue for that.

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WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  The conservative Project 2025 plan is getting a lot of attention during this election cycle.

Not only are Democrats campaigning against former President Donald Trump but also the controversial Project 2025 plan.

The most conservative, unhinged, and extreme agenda weve seen in modern times, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, (D-N.Y.) said.

The Heritage Foundation launched Project 2025 as part of their presidential transition project for the 2024 cycle. It calls for the elimination of certain government departments like education.

The agenda, Donald Trumps second administration would adopt. Should, God forbid, he return to office, Schumer said.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Georgia Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock say the plan will hurt middle-class families.

https://www.qcnews.com/news/politics/election/kamala-harris-talks-debate-with-trump-plans-for-gun-control-economy-at-charlotte-rally/

Washington Republicans Project 2025 would increase housing costs on working families, Warnock said.

Trump and his campaign have worked to distance themselves from Project 2025.

Theres a reason why Donald Trump is running from Project 2025. He knows its bad news, Warnock said.

Not all Republicans are on board with Project 2025 and worry about the impact it could have on Americans.

I reject it, I am not for a full scale, reshaping, firing people at all levels of government Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, (R-W.Va.) said.

West Virginia Senator Shelley Moore Capito says she just recently learned about Project 2025.

A month ago, somebody asked me my opinion of Project 2025, and I had this blank look on my face because I had no idea what they are talking about, Capito said.

As Republican lawmakers distance themselves from the plan, the group that created it says they are not backing down.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
Financial expert Dave Ramsey has a clear message for anyone trying to figure out why theyre not making progress with their money: You could be wasting $5,000 a year on things you don't need. In a recent tweet, Ramsey pointed out that spending just $13.70 daily on unnecessary purchases adds up to that much in a year.

Don't Miss:

The average American couple has saved this much money for retirement  How do you compare ?

Can you guess how many Americans successfully retire with $1,000,000 saved? The percentage may shock you.

It might not seem like much at first glance  after all, what's $13.70 a day? Maybe it's a coffee, a takeout lunch, or something you picked up online without thinking twice. Ramsey's point is that those small, everyday expenses can silently drain your bank account over time, preventing you from reaching bigger financial goals.

The Impact of Small Spending





How to waste $5,000 a year:

Spend $13.70 a day on things you don't need.  Dave Ramsey (@DaveRamsey) September 3, 2024

Ramsey's tweet puts into perspective how easy it is to lose track of your spending when done in small amounts. Many people don't realize how quickly those "little" purchases can add up. $13.70 a day may not feel like much, but when multiplied by 365 days, you've spent $5,000 on things you likely didn't need.

Trending: Teens may never need wisdom teeth removed thanks to this MedTech Company  Be an early investor for just $300 for 100 shares!

For someone struggling to save for an emergency fund, pay off debt, or build long-term wealth, that $5,000 could make a significant difference. Many people think they're not spending much on a daily basis, but once they take a closer look, they realize how many small purchases are eating away at their finances.

Simple Changes, Big Results

Ramsey offers straightforward advice to cut back on unnecessary spending: Be purposeful. Ensure your money is going toward something worthwhile, like paying off debt, saving for a down payment on a home, or setting up an emergency fund. Create a budget, keep track of your expenditure, and monitor it.

See Also: The number of 401(k)' Millionaires is up 43% from last year  Here are three ways to join the club.

What Could You Do With $5,000?

Think about what an extra $5,000 a year could do for you. Maybe it's the difference between living paycheck to paycheck and having a savings cushion. It could help pay off high-interest debt, contribute to retirement, or allow you to take a vacation without going into credit card debt.

Story continues

Ramsey often declares that "Your number one wealth-building tool is your income," emphasizing that true financial success comes from prudent saving and investing, not indebting oneself to creditors like Sallie Mae or Best Buy.

Trending: A billion-dollar investment strategy with minimums as low as $10  you can become part of the next big real estate boom today.

Ramsey examines how common it has become to rely on debt to fund wants and investments, pointing out that "when you give your income to someone else, you don't have it anymore."

He challenges the idea that debt is normal, particularly calling out the flawed thinking behind student loans and credit card rewards. With humor, he says, "Oh, Sallie Mae's been with us for 15 freaking years in our spare bedroom," highlighting how long student debt can weigh people down.

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This article Dave Ramsey Says You're Wasting $5,000 A Year If You 'Spend $13.70 A Day On Things You Don't Need' originally appeared on Benzinga.com

 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  Utah Democrats are celebrating while Republicans are denouncing this mornings ruling to block Amendment Ds votes from being counted in the Nov. 5 election.

Third District Court Judge Dianna Gibson made her ruling just after 9 a.m., determining the amendment will still be on the ballot, but votes for or against it will not count. You can read more about Gibsons ruling, here.

Shortly after Gibsons ruling was made public, Utah Democratic Party Chair Diane Lewis said Utahns were just given a victory.

It confirms that the Republican Supermajoritys attempt to take away the power of the voters and give it to political elites was as poorly planned as it was corrupt, Lewis said in a statement. Our system of checks and balances is functioning exactly at the framers of states constitution intended it to  protecting voters from misleading ballot language hand-crafted by the MAGA extremists who run the Republican Supermajority.

READ NEXT: Court grants injunction, voids against Amendment D, but it will still be on the Nov. 5 ballot

Utah Senate President Stuart Adams and Speaker Mike Schultz  both of whom called a special session in August to add Amendment D to Novembers ballot  said they were extremely disappointed by the ruling.

Its disheartening that the courts  not the 1.9 million Utah voters  will determine the future of policies of our state, the legislative leaders said in a joint statement. This underscores our concerns about governance by initiative as an out-of-state interest group from Washington, DC, with seemingly unlimited funds, blocked Utah voters from voicing their opinions at the ballot box. The people who claim to advocate for greater voter engagement are the same ones who obstructed Utahns from having the opportunity to vote on this important matter.

Lewis said she expected Utahs Republicans to continue fighting for a constitutional amendment, which Adams and Schultz seemed to confirm in their joint statement. The two Republican leaders said it was critical to find a path forward from external influence and they will continue to exhaust all options to prevent foreign entities from altering Utah.

Adams and Schultz indicated they would be appealing to the Utah Supreme Court to reverse the injunction.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
WASHINGTON  Several Democrats warned this week that unfounded Republican accusations about Haitian immigrants eating peoples pets could lead to violence against the Haitian community.

The biggest problem with this kind of really psychotic rhetoric is that, unfortunately, there are sad and demented people in our country that then do believe these things and eventually attack, Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) told HuffPost on Wednesday.

White House national security spokesperson John Kirby on Tuesday made a similar statement, warning that somebody could get hurt.

The rumors centered on the Haitian community in Springfield, Ohio. On Thursday, officials evacuated Springfield City Hall in response to a bomb threat. Springfield Mayor Rob Rue said the threat came from someone purporting to be from the city who was upset about its handling of the local Haitian population, according to the Springfield News-Sun.

Former President Donald Trump during Tuesday nights presidential debate blamed Vice President Kamala Harris for allowing Haitian migrants to enter the U.S. and supposedly devour peoples dogs and cats, citing an internet rumor about Haitians in Springfield.

Theyre eating the dogs. Theyre eating the cats. Theyre eating the pets of the people that live there, Trump said.

The Springfield city manager told The Associated Press on Wednesday that there have been no credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals within the immigrant community.

Reps. Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.) and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) also warned earlier this week about the possibility of violence resulting from the baseless stories about Haitian migrants.

Told of the bomb threat in Springfield, neither Frost nor Ocasio-Cortez claimed a link between the smears and the threats but said its the kind of thing that can happen.

I dont know about that specific situation, but it makes sense, Frost said. I mean, this wouldnt be the first time that a right-wing leader like Donald Trump has gotten people scared of a certain ethnic group or certain people and pushed them to do something like this.

When it comes to this specific incident, Ocasio-Cortez said, well have to wait on the details and what gets confirmed, but we do know that this is a pattern that Republican and extreme right-wing organizations have used.

The Trump campaign pointed to a story on the Federalist, a right-wing news site, about an August phone call to Springfield police from a resident who reported seeing people he believed were Haitians abducting geese from a public park. County police told another reporter they havent uncovered any other record of Haitians harvesting geese or eating pets.

Trumps running mate, Sen. JD Vance of Ohio, said its possible the pet-eating stories are untrue, but that his office had been hearing about it from constituents.

Whether those exact rumors turn out to be mostly true, somewhat true, whatever the case may be, Vance said on CNN, this town has been ravaged by 20,000 migrants coming in  health care costs are up, housing costs are up, communicable diseases like HIV and TB have skyrocketed in this small Ohio town. This is what Kamala Harris border policies have done.

In Springfield, an influx of Haitians has strained city resources and aggravated some residents, The Associated Press reported this week, but also provided a source of labor for the post-COVID local economy and helped revitalize its downtown. Haitians now make up about 15% of the population.

Haiti has suffered multiple catastrophes in recent years that have added to a long and often tragic history. In 2021, it suffered a massive earthquake that registered 7.2 on the Richter scale and the assassination of its president, Jovenel Moise.

Haiti is one of four countries where the U.S. has tried to ease legal immigration hurdles as a way to make illegal immigration less attractive, setting up a program for migrants who paid their own way and could prove they had financial sponsorship in the country. In addition, the Joe Biden administration expanded the Temporary Protected Status program for Haitian immigrants recently, allowing 300,000 of them already in the country to remain in the U.S. and look for work

Some Republicans have cautioned members of their party to back off the incendiary claims.

Ive not seen anything to independently verify these claims, said Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.), who also said his district just north of New York City along the Hudson River includes one of the largest Haitian diaspora communities in the country.

I urge caution with everybody from making broad-based statements on this stuff, Lawler told reporters on Thursday. Obviously, if theres a specific incident to refer to, refer to the incident. But at the end of the day, this idea the Haitian people are doing certain things is wrong.

Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah), a frequent Trump critic, also warned that the pet-eating rumors would result in people being targeted.

Its really unfortunate when President Trump promotes some kind of theory or some conspiracy or something thats been untested, where people are going to be targeted unfairly, Romney told HuffPost on Thursday. Its very, very disheartening to watch.

Igor Bobic contributed reporting.
Supporters of Thurston County Commissioner Emily Clouse gathered for a brief demonstration Wednesday to demand her reinstatement.

The small group chanted in the rain in front of The Atrium, the countys administrative headquarters in Olympia, about 15 minutes after the Board of County Commissioners wrapped up an executive session.

Dave Toler, an Olympia resident who organized the demonstration, said he feels the boards actions appear like an unjust political punishment.

I think a lot of us feel like we voted for (Clouse) to represent us, Toler said. It is not the place of the majority of the county commission to take our votes away for something that was alleged and has been proven to not be true.

Commissioners Wayne Fournier, Carolina Mejia and Gary Edwards voted to suspend Clouse from her appointed boards and commissions on Aug. 13. The decision occurred amid an investigation into a workplace dating relationship between Clouse and a county employee.

Since then, Clouse has continued to participate on the County Board but has been unable to vote on behalf of the county in her external appointments.

In a statement last week, the board said it heard a preliminary report about the investigation during a close-door meeting on Aug. 29.

That report ruled out some aspects of the accusations against Clouse but the board said it still had questions about Clouses judgment and conduct.

All four of Clouses seatmates signed on to that statement, including Commissioner Tye Menser who has repeatedly broken with the board on how handle the situation.

On Sept. 3, Menser said the inflammatory allegations against Clouse were unsubstantiated. However, the rest of the board declined to entertain a motion to reinstate Clouse.

Toler said Clouses relationship with a staff person probably was not appropriate. However, he said he feels the board was wrong to suspend her before the investigation was complete.

Jeff Sowers, a Thurston County resident who previously worked on Clouses campaign, said the demonstrators were showing up to support democracy.

I have this to say to the other county commissioners, Thurston County is not your banana republic, Sowers said. You need to respect the voters of Thurston County. Respect our democracy and you need to restore Emily now.

April Miller attended the gathering on behalf of the Olympia Democratic Socialists of America. Miller called the commissioners actions an egregious violation of democratic norms and an example of political retaliation for Clouses sympathy to socialist and progressive movements.

If this purge is successful, it will set a dangerous precedent that any elected official in Thurston County with connections to the organized left is liable to face a campaign of smears, undemocratic maneuvers and even suspension from office, Miller said. An injury to one is an injury to all.

Clouse did not attend the demonstration. Maia Robbins, Clouses attorney, said Clouse did not organize or approve of the event, but she appreciates the support.

She respects the communitys right to gather and express their views, and she trusts they will do so peacefully, Robbins said.

Rallying outside of the Atrium Building in Olympia on Wednesday after a Thurston County Commissioners executive session Dave Toller (center) leads a group of supporters for suspended commission member Emily Clouse, and who are asking for answers as to why it is still in force.

Robbins previously said Clouse may pursue legal action against her seatmates if they continue to prevent her from doing her full job.

While this is not a step Commissioner Clouse would take lightly, she will not be unjustly sidelined from her duties by less progressive voices on the Commission, Robbins said.

In their statement last week, the board said it will publicly release the investigations final written report along with a written statement when they are ready.

The board appreciates the patience of the public and staff as it works through what has become a very distracting situation, the board said.

Meanwhile, The Chronicle in Centralia reported that Lewis County District Court issued a $5,000 arrest warrant for Clouse on Aug. 12 after she failed to appear at an Aug. 9 court hearing about a traffic infraction. The court reportedly canceled the warrant the next day.

There was a miscommunication, and she cleared it up with the court, Robbins told The Chronicle.

The hearing stemmed from a July 29 traffic stop. A trooper reportedly pulled over Clouse on Interstate 5 in Centralia for speeding and cited her for driving with a suspended license.

Robbins said Clouses license was suspended because Clouse did not pay a late fee for a parking ticket she received in South Bend earlier this year.
Brazil's President Luiz Lula da Silva accompanied by Sonia Guajajara, the Minister of Indigenous People, looks on at the Tupinamba cloak in Rio de Janiero [Reuters]

Indigenous leaders in Brazil have celebrated the return of a sacred cloak that had been on display at a Danish museum for more than 300 years.

The 1.8m-long cloak, made of 4,000 red feathers from the scarlet ibis bird, was officially unveiled at a ceremony in Rio de Janeiro. It was attended by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

The cloak was taken from the Tupinamba people during the Portuguese colonial period and had been on display in Copenhagen since 1689.

Indigenous leaders say its return highlights the importance of demarcating their ancestral lands to keep their traditions alive.

A group of 200 Tupinamba people camped outside the building, with drums and pipes filled with medicinal herbs, waiting to see the precious cloak and to reconnect with their ancient traditions.

Yakuy Tupinamba travelled more than 1,200km (745 miles) by bus from the eastern Olivenca municipality to see the garment.

"I felt sadness and joy. A mixture between being born and dying," he told the AFP news agency.

Our ancestors say that when they [the Europeans] took it away, our village was left without a north," indigenous chief Sussu Arana Morubyxada Tupinamba said.

Several Tupinamba sacred capes, which have survived hundreds of years, are still on display in museums across Europe.

They are thought to date back to the 16th Century.

Community leader Sussu Arana Morubyxada says when the cloak was taken away, his ancestors' village lost its way [AFP]

Tupinamba leaders say this is not just about bringing artefacts back to their original homelands, but about recognising indigenous people, their lands and rights.

Brazil's president has previously pledged to recognise indigenous land reserves, but the Tupinambas' territory has not yet been formally demarcated by the government.

Speaking at the event President Lula said: "I am also against the time limit on Indigenous land claims.

"I made a point of vetoing this attack against the indigenous peoples. But the National Congress, using a prerogative backed by law, overruled my veto. The discussion continues in the Federal Supreme Court.

"And my position has not changed: I am in favour of the rights of the indigenous peoples to their territory and culture, as established by the Constitution.

"Therefore, I am against the absurd idea of the limit on land claims."

The Tupinambas say the mineral-rich territory is being devastated by large agriculture and mining businesses.
Department Of Homeland Security Will Treat Next Jan. 6 As National Special Security Event

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has designated the counting and certification of electoral votes of the upcoming presidential race by Congress, a National Special Security Event, the U.S. Secret Service announced Wednesday.

This is the first time the certification event, scheduled for Jan. 6, 2025, has been granted this designation, the agency said.

The move, which appears to be an effort to avoid a repeat of the violence seen on Jan. 6, 2021, when a mob of Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol, was first reported by The Washington Post.

National Special Security Events are events of the highest national significance, Eric Ranaghan, the Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Services Dignitary Protective Division, said in a statement.

Ranaghan added that the agency in collaboration with our federal, state, and local partners are committed to developing and implementing a comprehensive and integrated security plan to ensure the safety and security of this event and its participants.

The designation follows a request by Washington, D.C., mayor Muriel Bowser, the agency said. Reports by the House select committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection and the Government Accountability Office had also made a similar recommendation.

The Executive Steering Committee, comprising representatives from federal, state and local law enforcement and public safety partners, have already began planning for the event, which will mark four years since the Capitol riot.

Over 1,470 people have been charged with offenses related to the Jan. 6 insurrection, according to The Associated Press. GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump has suggested he would pardon the rioters if he wins in November.

The presidential inauguration, scheduled for Jan. 20, 2025, has also been designated a National Special Security Event, as were the two party conventions over the summer.

During Tuesday nights ABC News presidential debate against Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump suggested he had no regrets about any of his actions on Jan. 6, pinning the blame for the violence that unfolded at then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.).

The former president also, once again, refused to acknowledge his defeat in the 2020 election.
HOLLAND TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD)  Authorities say a woman was injured after crashing into a tree near Holland early Thursday morning.

The Ottawa County Sheriffs Office said it received a report of the crash around 1:40 a.m. Thursday on Howard Avenue near Lake Street in Holland Township.

Investigators said a 46-year-old Holland woman was heading southbound on Howard Avenue when she lost control of her Ford Escape, left the roadway and struck a tree.

The sheriffs office said the woman was taken to the hospital with moderate injuries. She was wearing her seatbelt.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

The crash remains under investigation.

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N.C. Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Elizabeth Biser, the first woman confirmed to lead the states environmental agency, resigned Thursday.

Gov. Roy Cooper nominated Biser in June 2021, and the N.C. Senate confirmed her to lead the agency in August of that year.

In recent months, Bisers leadership of the agency has been defined by an effort to enact enforceable groundwater and surface water quality standards for forever chemicals. DEQs proposed standards have met stiff opposition from powerful trade groups, namely the N.C. Chamber.

Under Governor Coopers leadership, we have advanced the fight against forever chemicals, used historic state and federal funding to increase access to clean water and proved that a healthy environment and a healthy economy go hand in hand, Biser said in a statement.

During her time in office, Biser also served as president of the Environmental Council of the States, a national nonpartisan group of environmental regulatory agency leaders. Bisers time leading the group ended on Sept. 6.

Biser will return to the private sector, according to a release from Coopers office.

Who will replace Biser?

Cooper has named Mary Penny Kelley to lead DEQ for the remainder of his time in office. Cooper leaves office in January.

Kelley, an environmental attorney, is coming to DEQ from a role as special adviser to the states Hometown Strong Initiative. That initiative is meant to boost the states rural communities, in part by helping them land federal grant funds.

Safe air, land and drinking water are vital for strong communities, healthy families and a growing economy and I look forward to continuing protect these vital resources and hold polluters accountable, Kelley said in a statement.

Gov. Roy Cooper has appointed Mary Penny Kelley to serve as secretary of the NC Department of Environmental Quality, succeeding Elizabeth Biser. Kelley has previously held several roles in North Carolinas environmental regulatory agency.

As an attorney for the N.C. Attorney Generals Office beginning in 1997, Kelleys portfolio included environmental issues such as coastal development and water quality.

Kelley became the then-N.C. Department of Natural Resources general counsel in 2005, rising to an assistant secretary role in 2009 and then to chief deputy secretary in 2012.

After leaving the department for much of the McCrory administration, Kelley returned in February 2017 in a senior adviser role focusing on community engagement and carbon-free energy issues. She left in late 2017 to work on Hometown Strong, serving as the initiatives executive director from June 2020 to June 2024.

Mary Penny Kelleys long career in environmental law and experience within DEQ make her the right person to lead the department and continue to work to protect North Carolinas air and water, Cooper said in a statement.

Cooper also vowed that Kelley would continue working to address PFAS in North Carolina.

How we got here

Biser was Coopers third appointment to the DEQ secretary role. Michael Regan served in the role for Coopers first term in office, leaving the job to serve as U.S. Environmental Protection Agency administrator under President Joe Biden.

Cooper initially chose Dionne Delli-Gatti to succeed Regan, but the N.C. Senate denied Delli-Gattis confirmation. After that, Cooper named Delli-Gatti as his clean energy director and appointed Biser to lead DEQ.

This story was produced with financial support from the Hartfield Foundation and Green South Foundation, in partnership with Journalism Funding Partners, as part of an independent journalism fellowship program. The N&O maintains full editorial control of the work. If you would like to help support local journalism, please consider signing up for a digital subscription, which you can do here.
DeSantis leans on the power of state government to defeat abortion on the ballot

After signing into law a strict abortion ban, Gov. Ron DeSantis is escalating his campaign against a November ballot question that would broaden access to the procedure  throwing the weight of his political power and state government behind a campaign to defeat Amendment 4.

In the past few weeks, the DeSantis administration launched a state-sponsored website that claims the measure threatens womens safety. He spearheaded a broad investigation into verified Amendment 4 petitions that has led to tens of thousands of signatures being pulled for review and state election police knocking on voters doors. He used his platform at a Florida GOP gathering last weekend to call out fellow Republicans by name for not yet donating money to help defeat the abortion amendment.

DeSantis enlisted his staff in the campaign, allowing his top aide to serve as the chairman for a political action committee targeting both the abortion amendment and a proposal to legalize marijuana. And earlier this year, a DeSantis appointee and longtime ally, working with other Republican political appointees on a little-known state panel, put language on the ballot questioning whether the initiative could lead to taxpayer-funded abortions.

As DeSantis engages in an all-out war against the abortion measure, critics say his reliance on state government and taxpayer-funded employees is pushing the legal boundaries of the distinction between campaign politics and state duties.

On Wednesday, Floridians Protecting Freedom, the group sponsoring Amendment 4, and the ACLU of Florida said they will be filing a lawsuit challenging the misuse of taxpayer dollars to lie to voters about this amendment.

Ron has repeatedly used state power to interfere with a citizen-led process to get reproductive freedom on the ballot, and this is their latest desperate attempt before Election Day, said Nikki Fried, the chairwoman of the Florida Democratic Party. They are losing, and they know it. They will do anything including breaking the law to sabotage the ballot initiative.

Florida Democratic Part Chairwoman Nikki Fried stands next to Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz during a 2022 press conference in Miami about abortion access.

DeSantis defends tactics in abortion amendment crackdown

DeSantis has defended the efforts to defeat Amendment 4, which would allow abortions in Florida before viability, usually up to 24 weeks of pregnancy, or when necessary to protect the patients health, as determined by the patients healthcare provider.

When the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration launched a website opposing Amendment 4, the governor said there is nothing inappropriate about it because everything thats put out is factual. State law bars the government from using its official authority to influence an election or a persons vote, but he noted that his administration has done similar taxpayer-funded public service announcements before.

It is not electioneering, DeSantis said this week. Its things that can absolutely be done through these public service announcements. And Im glad theyre doing it.

A screen grab of the website set up by the Florida Agency for Healthcare Administration in opposition of a constitutional amendment on the Nov. 5 ballot that would legalize abortion up until the point of viability, and beyond when in consultation with a health professional.

His chief of staff, James Uthmeier, who also serves as the chairman for a political action committee that DeSantis launched in November to defeat the pair of amendments, has framed the fight against Amendment 4 as a moral issue.

Its not a campaign issue  its a fight for what is right, just, and true, Uthmeier said on the social media platform X last week.

Read more: Florida high court considers claim DeSantis misusing office to fight Amendment 4

The governor defended using his election police to question people who signed petitions for Amendment 4, which, if approved, would overturn the states six-week abortion ban. That six-week policy, which became law in May, has become part of DeSantis anti-abortion legacy, which was part of how DeSantis tried to set himself apart from former President Donald Trump on the campaign trail for the Republican presidential nomination.

The Florida Department of State has asked at least six local supervisors for about 37,000 verified petitions, and investigators have knocked on doors, leaving at least one voter feeling shaken.

During a news conference in Miami Lakes on Monday, DeSantis said the officers were doing what theyre supposed to do.

Previous fraud investigations hinged on rejected petitions that local supervisors flagged as obviously false or suspicious, but the state did not ask for any of those materials. The state certified the amendment to appear on the ballot in January, and the state began reaching out to county supervisors for petitions only a few weeks ago.

DeSantis executive influence on full display

One Republican lawmaker argues the reason behind the governors efforts is two-fold: The governor personally believes the measure is bad policy, and quashing the abortion measure would be politically advantageous for DeSantis on the national stage, given that other states have so far supported abortion access when the choice has been presented on the ballot.

I think for him, these have generally passed in other states, state Rep. Randy Fine, R-Palm Bay, said in an interview. So, if he helps defeat it, it would be good for him politically. And if it passes, it would be very bad for him politically.

This election year, Florida is considered a relatively safe state for Republicans. But polls suggest that a majority of Floridians favor some level of abortion access. The abortion ballot measure needs 60% support to pass in November, a higher threshold than in other states where voters have supported abortion access following the U.S. Supreme Courts overturning of Roe v. Wade.

While some polls show Amendment 4 above that threshold, others have it sitting just below. The fight over undecided voters could be where the amendment either succeeds or fails.

If [DeSantis] is going to put his energy into something, this is the place to do it, said Fine, who opposes Amendment 4.

State records suggest DeSantis efforts to raise money to defeat the abortion amendment have been mixed, with a political committee affiliated with the governor failing to bring in major cash hauls through the end of August. That committee has raised about $3.6 million since it launched in May. This week, the Republican Party of Florida also paid for anti-Amendment 4 political advertisements, suggesting the state GOP may be the one to launch future ads as well.

Pro-Amendment 4 forces, on the other hand, have had little trouble finding resources to support their campaign, raising $12 million in the two months after the Florida Supreme Court allowed the question on the November ballot.

But DeSantis has found success when the state government is involved.

In July, a DeSantis appointee working in tandem with appointees from the Florida House and Senate  who were picked to be on a little-known state panel  voted to rewrite a financial impact statement for the proposed constitutional amendment, questioning whether the amendment would lead to state-funded abortions and warning of additional costs for litigation.

DeSantis office paid a professor at the Catholic University of America $300 an hour to speak before the panel that decided to append the financial impact statement to the ballot question, according to the Tallahassee Democrat. The Florida House brought on a conservative Heritage Foundation fellow, paid $75 an hour. The three appointees overrode state economist Amy Baker, who voted against the new language.

Amendment 4 sponsors called the final wording, and the path to get there, a dirty trick, noting how different the appended language was from the states first analysis.

At a Sunday talk at a conservative Tallahassee church, DeSantis pointed to that impact statement as a positive aspect, especially because it would be on the ballot, and not provided to voters from a partisan organization.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis stands up during the pledge of allegiance at the Republican Party of Floridas 2024 Victory Dinner, at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida on Saturday, September 07, 2024.

The day before that church event, DeSantis doubled down on the need for Republicans to fight the amendment. He said after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned federal abortion protections in 2022, there were people who talked big when it was easy to do but when you get a little bit of heat in the kitchen were nowhere to be found.

I could have done that, DeSantis said. Honestly with Amendment 4, I could have just said, you know what, its on the ballot, people can decide, let the chips fall where they may. But thats not the right thing to do.

DeSantis added: The right thing to do is stand up for whats right and take a stand.
DeSantis pushed for post-tenure review of Florida professors. The first results are in.

TALLAHASSEE, Florida  At least 10 university faculty members across Florida have been terminated with dozens more put on notice to improve their work since the state adopted post-tenure review policies championed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, according to data compiled by POLITICO.

The results of initial tenure reviews across the states public universities show that most faculty in Florida  91 percent  either met or exceeded the expectations set by their universities, a performance that earned them bonuses or raises. But the outcome was more damaging for a small minority. More than 60 faculty members statewide didnt meet expectations and were given one year to course correct or else face termination, in addition to the 10 that were shown the door this year.

The reviews are just a part of DeSantis' and Florida Republicans goal of reshaping the states higher education system. The governor has installed GOP allies in top university and college posts and pushed laws that changed tenure  which DeSantis said was necessary to counteract unproductive tenured faculty who were the most significant deadweight cost facing universities. Florida Republicans also limited how university professors can teach lessons on race  which is being challenged in court  and even changed how Florida higher education institutions are accredited.

Governor DeSantis expects universities to focus on pursuing truth and preparing students to be citizens of this republic. Professors who exceed expectations should be proud of their contributions, DeSantis spokesperson Jeremy Redfern said in a statement. However, there must also be accountability to ensure that professors at universities continue to perform and contribute to their university's academic success.

These audits show that the system is working as designed, he concluded.

Faculty tenure previously emerged as a banner issue for state Republicans fighting against what they consider a liberal bias or ideological indoctrination in higher education, leading to a 2022 law that ushered in significant changes for schools.

A key piece of that law required universities to perform post-tenure reviews for faculty every five years through a process that was carried out for the first time in 2024, reviewing 20 percent of professors statewide.

These faculty members, under a rule crafted by the Board of Governors in charge of Floridas university system, were graded by school officials based on their level of accomplishment and productivity  judged on assigned duties in research, teaching, and service  while also being evaluated for instances of noncompliance with state law, unapproved absences and substantiated student complaints.

Faculty unions fiercely opposed the tenure review law, arguing that it would turn tenure into a 5-year revolving contract and push professors away from Florida. The United Faculty of Florida claims that the policy effectively ends tenure while eroding academic freedom in the state.

Tenure is meant to be a guardrail protecting free speech for faculty that studied, taught and researched for years to earn it, said Robin Goodman, a professor at Florida State University who leads the schools United Faculty of Florida chapter.

People outside dont know how hard it is to get tenure, Goodman said. By the time you get it, its a way of life.

In the first year of Floridas post-tenure review, more than half of professors  437 out of 861  exceeded expectations in the eyes of their universities, the data shows. These results earned some faculty one-time bonuses ranging from $10,000 at University of Florida to $5,000 at Florida A&M University and Florida Atlantic University.

Another 350 faculty met expectations according to their schools, a performance mark that is on par with the expected contributions in a professors area that nets smaller bonuses or pay increases.

A significantly smaller number of tenured faculty members across Florida  64  failed to meet expectations, which requires them to develop performance improvement plans with school leaders to ratchet up production or hone their teaching skills over the next year. The states post-tenure rule spells out that faculty who dont meet the requirements detailed in those plans must receive a notice of termination from the universitys chief academic officer.

Further, 10 faculty members were determined to have unsatisfactory performance, resulting in automatic notices for termination. The tenure review data does not specify the fields taught by faculty at any performance level.

Some faculty members fear that tenure reviews could be used more as a cloak for political retaliation than rooting out unproductive professors as claimed.

Since the reviews are tied to compliance in state law, a wrinkle some unions attempted to bargain out of faculty contracts, there are concerns professors could face heightened scrutiny in areas broaching instruction on race and gender  culture war issues targeted by Republicans. One key law touted by the GOP, the so-called Stop Woke act meant to prohibit faculty from teaching lessons over issues like white privilege, has been blocked by courts for more than two years with an appeal pending. State officials this year have also called upon the university system to review courses that delve into topics including Israel, Palestinians and Zionism on the heels of campus protests.

For faculty members, they worry that if they say or research the wrong thing, it could mean their jobs.

If Im a professor and thats a piece of my course, of course Im going to be apprehensive going into the process, said Samique March-Dallas, a professor at FAMU and the president of the schools UFF chapter. If my scholarship is focused on an area thats pretty much under attack, how does that work?

Faculty unions in some cases are helping terminated professors file grievances  formal complaints alleging collective bargain violations  including two at the University of Florida, the school that was most aggressive in its reviews.

Under recently resigned president Ben Sasse, UF determined that 34 faculty members failed to meet expectations and five were unsatisfactory. Comparatively, 12 professors at University of South Florida didnt meet expectations and one was unsatisfactory. There were eight professors put on notice to improve and two terminated at University of Central Florida and none of either reported at FSU.

The tenure decisions at UF were not political, nor made because faculty had controversial ideas, according to Scott Angle, who stepped down as the universitys provost last month. Those faculty members who were terminated either fell behind as researchers or teachers and in some cases should have been fired 10 years ago, Angle said.

Angle contends that Floridas budding review policy will ultimately make tenure stronger by rooting out abuses where some faculty are using it to hide poor performance.

When post-tenure review came along, it gave us the opportunity to clean up the system, Angle said.
As new details emerge about the 34-year-old man from Riverside County accused of starting the now 36,500-acre Line Fire, as well as how he came to the attention of authorities, neighbors of Justin Wayne Halstenberg expressed their shock and dismay at his arrest.

Halstenberg, who lives in Norco, nearly 50 miles away from where the Line Fire started, was arrested on Sept. 9 for arson.

Investigators said they were able to use license plate readers and other means that put the 34-year-old in the vicinity of where the fire started in Highland on Sept. 5 and added that they have surveillance footage among other evidence collected during the investigation.

We were able to look at several different videos and determine who the suspect was, San Bernardino County Sheriffs Lt. Kari Klaus said.

In a Wednesday press conference, authorities said that they believe Halstenberg started the fire intentionally and may be responsible for others.

Detectives also said that a search of his home in the quiet community of Norco revealed evidence relating to the investigation.

Justin Wayne Halstenberg, 34, seen in a photo released by the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Office on Spt. 11, 2024.

Pickup allegedly driven by Justin Wayne Halstenberg, suspected of starting the Line Fire on Sept. 5, 2024. (SBSD)

A water dropping helicopter flies into thick smoke to drop water on the approaching Line fire which engulfed a home on Pine Cove Drive Sept. 10, 2024 in Running Springs, California. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

Firefighters on the scene of a home burning in the area of Pine Cone Drive in Runnings Springs amid the Line Fire on Sept. 10, 2024. (RMG News)

Patrick Raahauge, who went to high school with Halstenberg, told KTLAs Jennifer McGraw that he was surprised to hear the news of his arrest.

That shocks me. I never thought he would be the one that started the fire, he said. Calm, quiet guy. Nobody ever thought hed do anything like that.

Another woman, who spoke to KTLA off camera, said shes known Halstenberg his entire life. She expressed her dismay at Halstenbergs arrest, saying she doesnt believe hes responsible for the fire.

Brooke Pelanchar, whose family lost their home on Pine Cove Drive in Running Springs to the raging wildfire, said shes devastated and heartbroken at the loss.

Robbery suspects busted after beer run and pursuit in Southern California

Its just really surreal. It happened really fast, she told KTLA. We werent able to grab much. We have like three Tupperwares left of our lives. Its horrifically sad.

Norco resident Bernadette Staples, who has been directly impacted by another fire burning to the west, said shes been agonizing over whether Halstenberg could have started that fire too.

Why would they do that? she asked. Did they ever have any clue what impact it would have on so many lives, homes and jobs?

As of the most recent update by officials at CAL FIRE, the massive blaze has scorched 36,481 acres and is 18% contained.

More than 65,000 homes are under direct threat with evacuation orders all the way to Big Bear and many other communities under evacuation warnings.

The latest updates on the Line Fire can be found by following this link.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
(Reuters) -Delta Air Lines on Thursday signaled an improvement in third-quarter unit revenue trends on the back of strong travel demand and moderating capacity across the industry.

Airlines are trimming capacity after a rush to cash in on strong summer travel led to overcapacity and forced them to offer tickets on discount.

Delta said in July pricing power will improve from August as all major airlines moderate their capacity expansion plans.

The airline now expects positive unit revenue growth in domestic and transatlantic routes in September.

Delta also projected third-quarter profit per share to be at the top end of its previous forecast range of $1.70 to $2.00, excluding the 45 cents per share impact related to a global cyber outage in July.

It expects its 2024 earnings per share to be at or above the mid-point of its previous forecast of $6 to $7, excluding the impact from outage-related cancellations.

A software update in July by global cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike triggered system problems for Microsoft customers, including many airlines.

Atlanta-based Delta canceled about 7,000 flights over five days as the disruptions persisted at the carrier even as they eased at peers. The airline is facing an investigation from the U.S. Transportation Department for the disruptions.

The carrier had said it expects the outage, which disrupted travel plans of 1.3 million customers, would cost it at least $500 million.

As a result of the disruptions, the airline lowered its expectations for current-quarter revenue to a range of flat to up 1%, compared with 2% to 4% growth projected earlier.

Shares of the company were down 2% in choppy trade.

(Reporting by Shivansh Tiwary in Bengaluru; Editing by Sriraj Kalluvila and Maju Samuel)
An opening ceremony for 9 Dock was held at HMNB Devonport earlier [PA Media]

The biggest dry dock at a navy base in Plymouth has reopened after a 200m refurbishment, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has said.

An opening ceremony for 9 Dock was held at HMNB Devonport earlier.

The MoD said the project completed under contract by Babcock would allow UK submarines to go through maintenance work faster and therefore redeploy quicker.

Babcock chief executive David Lockwood said the project ensured the UK had a "sovereign, fit-for-purpose, deep maintenance capability now and in the future".

'Deterring our adversaries'

Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry Maria Eagle said 9 Dock and Devonport was vital for the future of the continuous at sea nuclear deterrent.

Speaking at the dockyard, Ms Eagle said the site made a "vital contribution to our nation's security".

The MoD said the Vanguard Class submarines required regular maintenance work - known as a deep maintenance period - to keep them in active service.

It said: "Without the planned works that take place in 9 Dock they will not be able to achieve their designed lifespan."

Ms Eagle said fleet was "at the heart of deterring our adversaries and keeping the UK safe".

Follow BBC Devon on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@bbc.co.uk.

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DES MOINES, Iowa (KCAU)  Another Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) within Siouxland will be closing for good soon.

The Dickinson County DRC will close permanently on Saturday, Sept. 14 at 6 p.m. Its provided assistance to victims of Junes historic flooding.

FEMA visiting Dordt University to help flood victims

If you or someone you know still needs FEMA assistance, the DRC will be open the rest of the week until Saturday from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. Its located at the Dickinson County Expo Building meeting room in Spirit Lake.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports.
Colleen Flanagan is removed after disrupting a Senate Finance Committee hearing to consider the Graham-Cassidy healthcare proposal, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., in September 2017.

Colleen Flanagan is removed after disrupting a Senate Finance Committee hearing to consider the Graham-Cassidy healthcare proposal, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., in September 2017. (Andrew Harnik/AP)

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In 2017, then-President Donald Trumps administration and a Republican majority Congress attempted, repeatedly, to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA), more colloquially known as Obamacare. But at the first presidential debate between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday, Trump told a different story.

I had a choice to make: Do I save [the Affordable Care Act] and make it as good as it can be or let it rot? And I saved it, Trump told debate moderators, in response to a question about his plans for the popular health care law if he wins the 2024 election.

The Affordable Care Act, passed in 2010, expanded private health insurance coverage to millions of Americans who may otherwise have gone uninsured. It also prohibited insurance companies from denying coverage for pre-existing conditions  any disability or health condition predating purchase of the insurance. Republicans criticize the law for generating higher premiums, although many experts disagree it has done so.

Efforts by Trump and other Republican lawmakers to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act failed. His claim that he saved it came as a surprise to many of the disabled protesters who used their bodies to try to block Republican efforts.

Anita Cameron, a disability activist and movement elder who has been arrested over 100 times during her protest career, took particular umbrage with Trumps claims.

I was laughing. Dude, what did you do? I know what I did and what people around me did. When me and my friends, other disability rights and disability justice activists, were getting arrested, I dont recall you being there, Cameron told The 19th.

Camerons sentiment is shared by her fellow disability activists and advocates who participated in the 2017 protest movement to stop the repealing and replacement of the Affordable Care Act.

When [President Trump] said last night that he saved the ACA, it was incredibly insulting. Because we did that. We risked injury. We put our bodies on the line to demand that they save our health care, Colleen Flanagan, told The 19th. Flanagan, who lives in Boston, is a little person and uses a wheelchair, she understood her life was on the line too. The Affordable Care Act prohibited health insurance companies from denying coverage to those with pre-existing conditions  like the osteogenesis imperfecta Flanagan was born with.

Flanagan was arrested over a dozen times that summer in various parts of the U.S. Capitol as part of the protests organized by ADAPT, a grassroots disability protest organization.

I was one of the ones dragged out of [Senate Majority Leader] Mitch McConnells office. I got dragged out of [then-Senator] Ron Portmans office. It felt like a matter of life and death, Cameron told The 19th during a 2023 interview.

Stephanie Woodward is removed from a sit-in at Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnells office as she and other disability rights advocates protest proposed funding caps to Medicaid in June 2017, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. (Jacquelyn Martin/AP)

Flanagan stressed not only the physical danger she and other protesters faced that year fighting for their health care, but also the expense.

Myself and other people with disabilities rely heavily on the health care system to be able to work, to be able to raise families, to be able to aspire towards the American dream. We went down to Washington, D.C. We spent our own money, our own time because President Trump threatened to destroy the health care system as we know it, Flanagan said.

Laura Halvorson, 40, lives in San Antonio, Texas. She has muscular dystrophy and uses a wheelchair. She participated in a number of ADAPT actions in 2017, including a die-in at McConnells office. She was surprised that Trump would make a claim as audacious as saying he saved the Affordable Care Act.

I dont know how he honestly thinks voters do not remember him saying he was going to repeal the ACA at the start of his presidency in 2017. Even after multiple failed legislative attempts,Trump and his administration even tried to get [the Supreme Court] to overturn the ACA. I would say trying to destroy the ACA is the opposite of saving it, she told The 19th.

Halvorson credits a number of people and groups with saving the Affordable Care Act. Trump is not among them.

A broad coalition of activist and advocacy groups from across the country, as well as constituents being outspoken to their elected officials, came together to save the ACA. These folks, along with Senator [John] McCains infamous thumbs down vote saved the ACA, Halvorson said.

Stephanie Woodward, 36, did not watch the entire debate. She recently gave birth to premature triplets who are still in the neonatal intensive care unit. She gave her interview while holding one of them. She and her family live in Rochester, New York.

I believe were on day 50 in the NICU, not something that would have been possible for our family without the Affordable Care Act. My husband and I both have preexisting conditions, and now our children, by being born, do too. I think the actions we took back in 2017 are directly impacting my life at this very moment, as I sit holding my baby, Woodward said.

Woodward uses a wheelchair. Images of Capitol police dragging her out of it to arrest her became some of the most iconic of that summer.

The 19th shared Trumps full debate answer on the Affordable Care Act ahead of the interview.

My first thought when hearing Donald Trump said he saved the ACA was: Why was I arrested 17 times that summer protesting against gutting the ACA? Woodward said. I believe that the American people saved it, and Im just grateful legislators listened to the American people.

During his debate answer, Trump did not confirm or deny he would again attempt to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act.

What we will do is, were looking at different plans. If we can come up with a plan thats going to cost our people, our population less money and be better health care than Obamacare, then I would absolutely do it. But until then Id run it as good as it can be run, Trump said.

Capitol Police remove Anita Cameron from in front of the office of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell inside the Russell Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill, in June 2017, in Washington, D.C. (Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

Moderator Linsey Davis followed up with a more direct question: So yes or no, you still do not have a plan?

I have concepts of a plan. Im not president right now. But if we come up with something I would only change it if we come up with something better and less expensive. And there are concepts and options we have to do that. And youll be hearing about it in the not-too-distant future, Trump said.

Woodward and her fellow protesters, former and current, are not convinced.

Cuts to the ACA mean cuts to disabled lives. Cuts to Medicaid mean cuts to disabled lives, she said.

If another attempt at repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act happens, disabled advocates say they are ready. But their response may look different than it did in 2017. Many advocates have had to adjust in light of the ongoing risk of COVID-19. Halvorson, for example, uses a portable ventilator to breathe and is at risk of severe complications from the virus.

While my days of direct action are probably over unless things change with the ongoing threat of COVID for myself and others who are immunocompromised, I will do everything I can to fight and speak out against any attempt to repeal the ACA, Halvorson said. If it were to happen, I would hope that disability groups join together again and fight  and also find ways for people to participate COVID safely and remotely and not leave COVID-conscious disabled activists by the wayside.

To check your voter registration status or to get more information about registering to vote, text 19thnews to 26797.

The post We did that: Disabled activists respond to Trumps debate claim that he saved Obamacare appeared first on The 19th.

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Beware the prosecutor who smiles. Be wary of the cornered sewer rat who feels threatened.

That sums up the contentious presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former president and convicted felon Donald Trump in Philadelphia Tuesday night. At every turn, she brilliantly laid out bait that he couldnt resist. By the end of the night, he was the cornered sewer rat  and he knew it. His closing speech was just a volcano of rage spewing at an opponent who had just thoroughly destroyed him.

Harris proved beyond all reasonable doubt she was presidential. Trump again proved he is not.

Then, on Wednesday the nation took a breath from the divisive politics of the day to remember our fellow Americans who died 23 years ago in the most infamous act of terrorism ever perpetrated against our country. Democrats and Republicans, political rivals and enemies for a brief moment acknowledged what the rest of us face on a daily basis; we are all in it together.

If only Donald Trump and his minions understood and practiced that ideal. But, as my dad used to say, wish in one hand and s**t in the other and see which one fills up first. Political realities these days, being an inexhaustible source of feculence, ensure that at least one hand is filled at all times with an undesirable solid waste disposal project  and usually it is courtesy of Donald J. Trump. Five minutes after a somber ceremony in Pennsylvania honoring those who died, Trump was back grifting; asking for money and calling Harris a Marxist.

Trump dabbles in the devious, delights in the disingenuous and hopes to destroy with deception. Being decrepit and a demonically driven demagogue, he has only been successful in duplicity with those who cannot differentiate between fact and fiction.

Immediately following Tuesdays debate (just think of how far weve come since Trump debated Biden in June) Trump again declared victory  saying in emails to his supporters that he destroyed the Harris campaign, while Harris issued an email declaring she had done the same to Trump.

The only thing both camps agree on, seemingly, is that the moderators sucked. I gave both moderators much better grades than their counterparts at CNN during the first debate. ABC News David Muir and Linsey Davis actually fact-checked both candidates in real time. Democrats thinks Trump got too much time to talk and was never muted. The right thinks Trump was fact-checked too often and the moderators sided with Harris. The fact that both sides have complaints about the moderators is an indication that they did a better job than their CNN predecessors. Muir was good at fact-checking Trump on the false claim of Haitian immigrants eating pets and pinning Trump down on his 2020 election loss. Davis was really good at getting Trump to shut up when he rambled. Trump and his supporters complained that he was fact-checked more than Harris, but thats merely an admission that he lied more often than she did.

I covered the Trump administration daily for four years. I came to know him as an unprincipled man of greed, lust and carnal desires that continue to rule him and thus make him unfit for office. As Harris said Tuesday night, hes a disgrace.

A year ago, I was not a fan of the vice president. I served as the pool reporter on a trip through Los Angeles and noted how laughably inept the staged visit was. I noted that she looked like a local city council member making an appearance rather than the person who was only a heartbeat away from the presidency. Worst of all, she simply wasnt impressive when she spoke.

Harris has grown considerably in her role since then.

Her acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention was impressive. Though she ad-libbed next to nothing of that speech, she delivered an impassioned call to voters to turn the page on Donald Trump and his outlandish, outmoded thinking. Tuesday night was impressive on another level  she proved not only that she could think on her feet, but she nailed the issues. From the beginning, when she forced Trump to shake hands to her closing when she charted a course for America that resonated, she owned Trump. She looked right at him with the gaze of a prosecutor as she called Trump out, and she looked out at the audience as if we were the jury as she made a plea for a better nation.

Trump couldnt offer a complete answer to any policy question. The closest he came was saying he had a concept of an idea for healthcare after nine years of dealing with the subject. I guess he was channeling his inner George Costanza. He never said how he could end the wars in either Gaza or Ukraine - though he claimed he would do both. Finally, he failed to explain why he called GOP lawmakers to kill a bipartisan immigration bill while he continued to try and campaign on the issue. Harris nailed him there when she said he wanted to run on a problem rather than fixing the problem.

Trump failed to understand the abortion issue and why women are so upset that men get to make choices about their bodies when women cannot. Again, Harris nailed him on that. Davis as moderator asked Trump why women should trust him. He couldnt answer that. Harris reminded everyone how unconscionable Trump was and that 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. At that point in time, they shouldve sent in a coroner to check for Trumps vital signs. He was dead in the water.

Mind you, Trump didnt know who was running the Taliban (Abdul?) and when Harris said he was manipulated by flattery from international leaders who laughed at him, he could only say that Viktor Orban loved him.

Trump is ultimately blind to what America is, and only attracts those who are willing to give up their independence to him and believe that despite whatever facts are available to the contrary  Donald is the only truth-teller.

Of course, to Donny Darko, a day in the life of an immigrant in the U.S. is to wake up in jail, get your transgender operation before you have your dogmeat breakfast, then take over Seattle or a small town in Ohio before you chow down on your favorite feline for dinner.

Bless his heart.

Donald Trump is many things. He is rude, crude, socially unacceptable, inflammatory and demonstrative. He constantly called the U.S. a failing nation, said only he could fix it and that world leaders (who laugh at him) are so afraid of him that if he isnt let back into the Oval Office, World War III will ensue.

To Harris credit, she never took the bait, even as he clumsily tried to talk about race. Same old lies, was all she could muster, in between laughs. Now thats extreme, she laughed off his absurd claims about immigrants eating dogs.

At the end of the day, even Trump staffers were quietly talking about the fiasco. Down ballot Republicans are very angry and worried, one Trump staffer told me. We did not do well. That was certainly the reason why Trump appeared in the spin room to talk to reporters after the debate. He was trying to shore up the press response to a horrible outing. It didnt work.

Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course.

The question, of course, is did this debate move the needle at all?

The Republicans, curiously, find themselves in the same position the Democrats were in following the last debate. Trump is seen as old, out of touch and delusional. When Harris mentioned that Trump was still having a hard time processing the fact that he lost the last election, to many people she was speaking directly to a loss of mental capacity. World leaders are laughing at you, she said to his face. Dictators, would eat you for lunch, she chided. And then, she used his own catchphrase against him when she said 81 million people fired you. He was a crushed lunatic. A cornered sewer rat. She reminded everyone that 200 former Republicans, including some of the highest members of the former Trump administration had endorsed her. He could only lamely say they were all bad people.

But does it matter? For the Trump cult, nothing has nor apparently will it ever make a difference. He consistently polls between 42-44 percent of the electorate who will vote for him. If that number drops below 42 percent in the next few weeks, then Trump is done.

The better chance, of course, is that of the two candidates on stage in Philadelphia Tuesday, only Kamala Harris did what she had to do to reach the fabled undecided voters. I could see her as the president of the United States, an undecided voter who is a friend of mine told me after watching the debate. I didnt see her that way before. As for Trump, Hes a lost ball in the high weeds, I was told.

Nope. Hes the cornered sewer rat. Norm Ornstein, an American political scientist and an emeritus scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, a Washington, D.C., conservative think tank, said on Mary Trumps Nerd Avengers show Tuesday night that a damaged Trump is still a very dangerous Trump. We cannot rest. We cannot give an inch. Dont let them get away with the stuff they will try to get away with.

The Republicans themselves understand the desperation. Though they are at the same place the Democrats were in June, they are well past their national convention and cannot switch candidates as easily as the Democrats did after Bidens lackluster performance in the June debate. In short, the Republicans are stuck with Donald Trump. Desperation is mounting as the GOP sees its chances to dominate either the Senate or the House dwindling.

That makes Trump and his minions more dangerous by the day.

We cannot pretend he is not one of the most dangerous people weve encountered in American history. He doesnt care about any of us, his niece Mary Trump said.

Be wary of that sewer rat.
When did women gain the right to vote? The history of the 19th Amendment.

Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential candidate, has made history as the first woman and the first Black and South Asian individual to be elected vice president. Should she win against Republican candidate Donald Trump in the upcoming November election, she would become the first female president.

Today, American citizens can vote regardless of race or gender, but that hasnt always been the case. When the U.S. was founded nearly 250 years ago, casting a ballot was reserved for white, land-owning men. It wasnt until 1920, after the passage and ratification of the 19th Amendment, that women were finally allowed to vote.

These days, women are among the most politically engaged groups in the U.S., registering to vote and participating in elections at a higher rate than men, according to the Center for American Women and Politics. Heres a look at key moments in the womens suffrage movement and the landmark legislation that expanded the opportunity to vote to all women.

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) stands with Democratic women House members during a photo-op recognizing suffragettes before the State of Union address on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. on February 5, 2019.

19th Amendment

Women in the U.S. won the right to vote for the first time in 1920 when Congress ratified the 19th Amendment. The fight for womens suffrage stretched back to at least 1848, when early suffragette leaders like Cady Stanton organized the first womens rights convention in the United States in Seneca Falls, N.Y.

However, in practice, the 19th Amendment only expanded the right to vote to white women. Though many women of color, including Sojourner Truth and Mary Church Terrell, fought for Black women to be included in the fight for voting rights, they were ultimately shut out from the suffrage movement.

More: Brilliant and politically savvy: The roles of African American women in the fight to vote

Indian Citizenship Act

Native Americans were granted U.S. citizenship in 1924 when Congress passed the Indian Citizenship Act. But many states had laws on the books that restricted Indigenous residents from accessing their right to vote.

It took until 1948 for Arizonas Supreme Court to strike down its constitutional provision denying Native Americans their right to vote, making it the last state in the nation to do so.

Voting Rights Act of 1965

Historically, voters of color, especially Black voters, faced voter suppression tactics in many southern states that supported racial segregation after the Civil Warthis period, often referred to as the Jim Crow era, frequently involved harassment, intimidation and physical violence when attempting to register or vote.

Signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson on August 6, 1965, the historical legislation outlawed the discriminatory voting practices adopted in many southern states after the Civil War, including literacy tests and poll taxes as a prerequisite to voting.

By the end of 1965, a quarter of a million new Black voters had been registered, one-third by federal examiners. By the end of 1966, only four out of 13 southern states had fewer than 50 percent of African Americans registered to vote. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was readopted and strengthened in 1970, 1975, and 1982.

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: When did women gain the right to vote?
This is an excerpt from You Must Stand Up: The Fight for Abortion Rights in Post-Dobbs America.

MILWAUKEE  On April Fools Day, Daphne Blount and several of her friends headed to Red Arrow Park, a pocket of open space in downtown Milwaukee, across the street from City Hall and a block from the river.

The day was chilly, windy and gray.

Blount handed out blankets from her car and they bundled themselves up in what she called burrito style. Theyd probably be there for a while  and it wasnt for pranks. Their excursion that Saturday felt existential: In just three days, there would be a state Supreme Court election that could eventually determine the future of abortion access in Wisconsin.

Blount and her friends drove downtown to support Judge Janet Protasiewicz, the candidate who believed that abortion was a right  not former justice Daniel Kelly, the anti-abortion candidate who had recently appeared alongside a pastor who, years before, had signed a letter saying that killing an abortion provider met the definition of justifiable homicide.

For Blount, the stakes in the election werent theoretical.

She was a first-year medical student, having returned to her home state of Wisconsin after graduating from the University of Minnesota. Shed been thinking of specializing in womens health care  now she wasnt so sure. Weeks before she started med school, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the constitutional right to abortion in Dobbs vs. Jackson Womens Health Organization, and a Wisconsin abortion ban from before the Civil War kicked in. Passed in 1849, then updated in 1858, before women could vote or even own property, it criminalized the provision of abortion at every stage of pregnancy. Its only exception was to prevent the death of the person who was pregnant.

Choosing to go into that specialty if youre going to stay in the state of Wisconsin, it is going to constantly be an uphill battle, Blount told me. So that has certainly been a component of me deciding to open my mind to looking at other specialties.  I do hope to practice in Wisconsin as a physician, I just dont know if I want to sign myself up to be constantly needing to fight for my patients to have access to human rights, basic reproductive care.

Several days after the Dobbs ruling, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers and Attorney General Josh Kaul, both Democrats  and both up for reelection  filed a lawsuit challenging the 1849 ban. Half the people who live here are now second-class citizens, Evers said at a press conference.

The case started making its way through the court system. No matter how a lower court might rule on the century-plus-old law, its supporters and critics both knew that the case would be appealed and end up at the Wisconsin Supreme Court, which  going into the April 2023 election  was split 4 to 3 in favor of conservative justices. But Justice Patience Roggensack, a conservative who sat on the court since 2003, was retiring rather than pursuing a third 10-year term. State Supreme Court elections in Wisconsin are nonpartisan, but Protasiewicz, a county circuit judge in Milwaukee, said that she was running to take on radical right-wing extremists who were jeopardizing Wisconsinites most closely held constitutional rights. Kelly, a conservative appointed to the bench who served for four years before losing reelection in 2020, had also made his politics clear: He was a paid adviser to the state and national GOP as former President Donald Trump ran for reelection in 2020 and contested the former presidents loss in Wisconsin and nationally. If an activist were to win next April, Wisconsins public policy would be imposed by four lawyers sitting in Madison instead of being adopted through our constitutional process, Kelly said when he announced. I wont let that happen on my watch.

The parameters of the battle to regain abortion rights in Wisconsin were set. Because Wisconsin has no citizen ballot initiative process, courts would be the only realistic route to seek relief from the preCivil War abortion ban  as well as from GOP-drawn gerrymandered maps that distorted party representation in the legislature in favor of Republicans. The outcome of the Supreme Court race would determine whether the states voters would get a chance for fairer representation in the state legislature  and whether Blount would have the chance to learn how to perform an abortion, not to mention whether she would be able to offer it as an option to her patients when she begins practicing, if she decides to be an OB-GYN in her home state.

Blount was at the pro-Protasiewicz rally due to her involvement with the group Medical Students for Choice (MSFC), a national nonprofit that was founded by student activists back in 1993. When she arrived in Milwaukee for medical school, Blount went to a student organization fair and her schools chapter of MSFC (as its members often call it) had a table that caught her attention because it seemed like they, in particular, were being very proactive in trying to make the situation better, get answers for students and fight for better educational access, she told me.

Blount said she kind of knew from the moment that Roe v. Wade fell that reproductive justice was going to be an important piece of going to medical school, because how are all the residents and med students in Wisconsin going to get their OB-GYN, family care and primary care education effectively when a very important piece of our education is now up in the air and in limbo?

Fortunately, Blount entered medical school at a time when many in her chosen profession were newly energized about taking on the role of activist.

After the Affordable Care Act was enacted in 2010, there were immediate and continued attempts to repeal it that prompted some physicians to advocate for a universal health care system. Pediatricians joined the front lines of the fight against gun violence. Doctors watched as the countrys rejection of science worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. When a Minneapolis police officer killed George Floyd in May 2020, it kicked off a series of nationwide racial justice demonstrations, and members of the national student-run group White Coats for Black Lives took to the streets to protest police violence and systemic racism as a public health crisis.

Blount, who was in Minneapolis the summer of Floyds murder, had thought about advocacy as a necessary part of urban and community health as she considered that as a career focus, but it wasnt until Roe fell that she realized other areas of medical practice  pediatrics, womens health  might require activism in order to care for her future patients. I think a big component for me has been feeling this kind of call to advocacy. That wasnt really on my radar when I applied to medical school, she said.

When I asked Blount why she might have a greater degree of comfort about activism as compared to medical students more broadly, she pointed to her undergraduate experience at the University of Minnesota, where students were open about changes they wanted to the curriculum and administration; her interest in community health, which brought her to medical school in the first place; and physician mentors who she has been able to emulate.

Ive kind of had the perspective that you cant improve a system without identifying its flaws, so I think Im a little bit more open to identifying areas where patients care is really limited and where we can improve, she said.

As the contours of Wisconsins Supreme Court election began to take shape, the MSFC chapter at Blounts school kicked into action. They created informational, nonpartisan flyers that listed candidate endorsements and quotes, noting that Protasiewicz had said a womans right to make decisions over her own body should be just that, not made by the government, but made by the person whos ultimately being affected. Kelly, meanwhile, had called abortion a policy deadly to children. As the general election drew closer, they distributed leaflets that advised potential voters on how to make sure they were registered, how to find their polling place and provided the deadline for requesting absentee ballots. The candidate elected in April will play a decisive role in upcoming cases that may include the legality of Wisconsins near-complete 1849 abortion ban, fights over legislative redistricting and the power of the executive branch in administering laws, one leaflet read. MSFC members staffed tables on campus that registered people to vote.

Blounts membership in the group was how she found herself bundled up like a burrito on a cold Saturday in a downtown park instead of studying or relaxing with her friends.

I think the biggest thing that has arisen for me over the last year has been this feeling that I cant be in this profession and not do everything in my power to improve the systemic issues that are really creating barriers for patients, she said.

Medical Students for Choice was founded in 1993, the year after the Supreme Court affirmed the constitutional right to an abortion in Planned Parenthood v. Casey, but said states could pass restrictions so long as they did not create an undue burden for patients seeking abortion care.

It was a time when violence against abortion providers was in the headlines. In December 1991, a masked gunman with a sawed-off 12-gauge shotgun shot and injured two clinic workers at Center Health Center for Women in Springfield, Missouri. In March 1993, in what was described by authorities as a first-of-its-kind slaying, an anti-abortion protester shot and killed 47-year-old Dr. David Gunn at his clinic in Pensacola, Florida  the 1993 murder was the one that the pastor who appeared with Kelly said was a justifiable homicide. Later that year, in August, anti-abortion extremist Rachelle Shelley Shannon, affiliated with the Christian terrorist organization Army of God, whose followers had been bombing clinics since the 1980s, shot and wounded Dr. George Tiller at his clinic in Wichita, Kansas. (In 2009, another anti-abortion activist ultimately shot and killed Tiller as he served as an usher during a Sunday morning church service.) We were created by medical students who were, obviously, feeling the pinch between the constitutional protection of abortion in the U.S. and the reality that abortion providers were being assassinated, MSFC Executive Director Pamela Merritt told me.

MSFC now has more than 220 chapters at medical schools and in residency programs in more than 20 countries. Its fastest-growing region of membership is the global South  there are chapters in India, Nepal, and Malawi. Medical Students for Choice fills a unique role helping future physicians reconcile the need for advocacy within their profession, Merritt said.

While abortion is taught in OB-GYN residency programs, it is not part of the core accreditation curriculum at U.S. medical schools, so students interested in becoming OB-GYNs  or family practice physicians, or anyone who anticipates a need to learn the full spectrum of reproductive care  can turn to MSFC for training they arent getting at their colleges and universities. Three or four times a year, MSFC holds very popular classes taught by alumni that students can attend in person or virtually. In one, students use a papaya as a stand-in for a uterus in order to practice manual vacuum aspiration, which can induce an abortion, and clear retained fetal tissue. (The Reproductive Health Access Project, which also aims to fill gaps in clinical education related to reproductive care but for family physicians, recommends finding a store supplying the smaller Hawaiian or Brazilian papayas, rather than larger Mexican onesThe papayas work best if they are somewhat ripe and not too green, but they do ripen quickly so dont buy them too far in advance.)

Medical Students for Choice was already a part of the pre-Dobbs educational safety net, providing trainings, three- to nine-day stints shadowing abortion providers in clinical settings, and financial assistance to set up externships. After Dobbs, depending on the school and state, MSFC programming became an educational lifeline for students who had literally no other route to receive abortion training. The reality is, medical schools have always been able to fall back, until June of 2022, on the fact that students who are super interested [in learning abortion care] could go to their local clinic and get an elective credit and get training, or the fact that if somebody later goes into residency and decides that they want to be an OB-GYN, then they are going to get that training, Merritt said.

MSFC also partners with the Center for Reproductive Rights to join lawsuits related to abortion and contraception. MSFC, the National Abortion Federation, Physicians for Reproductive Health, Planned Parenthood, and other similarly aligned groups filed an amicus brief in the Dobbs case when it was before the Supreme Court. Since then, the group filed a friend-of-the-court brief in the lawsuit challenging the FDAs approval of the abortion drug mifepristone. Anything where we feel that medical students have a vested interest, she said.

Merritt also noted that the way that medical education is structured makes student concerns about reprisal for challenging their administrators and schools very real. Many medical schools have for many years shied away from teaching abortion care due to their traditional alignment with the patriarchy, she said.

Plus, she continued, medical schools are bureaucracies that are risk-averse, and their boards often have members who are either small-c or politically conservative. The way medical school administrations are structured vests a lot of power with the deans, who make recommendations for students as they match with residency programs, and can ease  or obstruct  residents who need to travel out of state or to another institution for training. Basically, the people who are going to recommend you for match, for residency, are the same people that our chapter leaders are trying to get to make change. So the fact that we still have people who are eager and participating always inspires me because it is a scary business, the tragedy being that if you run afoul of your dean, and you dont get a certain number of recommendations, youre not going to get a residency. If you get fired from your residency program, youve lost your career  not just a job, Merritt said.

Still another way that MSFC reinforces abortion education is by supporting the medical students who are trying to change school curricula, because the number one thing  and this predates Dobbs  preventing medical students from getting consistent education is the fact it was not locked into the core accreditation curriculum for medical schools, Merritt said. So we have an entire passel of resources and support that we provide for that, and its really tailored to the situation, what kind of administration you have, who are your friends and foes, etcetera  a lot of campuses are working on curriculum reform, and even though they might not get a win while theyre in med school, theyre advancing the ball.

Initial data from the Association of American Medical Colleges on the first post-Dobbs residency matching cycle showed that students were already shying away from applying to programs in states that banned or restricted abortion. Learning to perform abortions is a required component of OB-GYN residencies, so in states where abortion is restricted, training doctors would have to spend time at another hospital out of state, which can be costly and logistically complicated. In states with full abortion bans, the number of OB-GYN residency applicants fell by more than 10 percent in the 2022-2023 cycle as compared to the year before. For states with abortion limits, the number of applicants dropped 6.4 percent, AAMC data showed.

The majority of medical residents ultimately build their practices in the state where they trained  and even before Dobbs, Wisconsin was facing an OB-GYN shortage.

The reality that advocates and providers need to wrap their head around is that this has done profound damage to the structure of our system and the distribution of OB-GYN providers in the country already  and that is not going to be fixed anytime soon, Merritt said. Even back in 2016, she said she was thinking: We need to dig in and really hold the line where we do have adequate care because were about to lose it big time, including in the entire South.

A one-word synonym for digging in and holding the line is activism, and Medical Students for Choice also aims to provide a grassroots education about how physicians can  and should  embrace it as a component of their medical practice. MSFC has shaped the careers of many doctor-leaders in the reproductive justice movement. Dr. Diane Horvath, who started Partners in Abortion Care in College Park, Maryland, founded an MSFC chapter when she was a medical student in Toledo, Ohio. While Dr. Leah Torres traces her initial interest in being a physician back to a womens studies course at the University of Michigan  where she learned that key medical studies on health issues that disproportionately affected women nevertheless used all-male subjects  she said she realized she wanted to be an OB-GYN in her second or third year of medical school at the University of Illinois Chicago, when she discovered a newly established chapter of Medical Students for Choice.

I went to a meeting or whatever and found my people, because the whole shtick was abortion, contraception  these are things that are under studied, if not taught at all, in medical school curriculum and we are working to change that and make it more accessible, Torres said. I thought: If were not learning about it in medical school, thats a problem. And so started my political advocacy.

Students, including medical students like Blount who embraced advocacy, were an important part of the coalition working to elect Protasiewicz in a race that The New Yorker described in a headline as a high-stakes election in the midwests democracy desert that could change the course of the entire country. 

In a boldfaced headline, it read as hyperbole, but the markers were there. By many measures, Wisconsin was the most gerrymandered state in the country. It does not track registered voters by party, but its statewide races, including for presidents, are often decided by a point or two, indicating a relatively evenly split electorate. In the 2022 midterms, Democrats were reelected as governor (Tony Evers), attorney general (Josh Kaul), and secretary of state (Douglas J. La Follette)but those were statewide offices. In the state legislative races, meanwhile, Republicans retained a disproportionate 6435 majority in the Assembly and a 2211 majority in the Senate. Plus, The New Yorker pointed out, the Electoral Integrity Project, founded in 2012 by Harvard University professor Pippa Norris, scored Wisconsins electoral maps at 23 out of 100 possible points for their democratic attributes  a score that the magazine noted was on par with that of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Before the Protasiewicz-Kelly race, the record for the most expensive judicial election in the country was believed to have been set in Illinois, where $15 million was spent in 2004. The amount of money spent in Wisconsin dwarfed that: By the general election on April 4, more than $45 million was spent, with the candidates combined campaign expenditures nearing $17 million, and roughly $30 million was spent by outside groups on issue ads and other campaigns, according to records analyzed by OpenSecrets and the nonprofit group Wisconsin Democracy Campaign.

Kellys campaign raised the relatively modest sum of $2.6 million, with its largest donations coming from the Republican Party of Wisconsin (about $800,000) and Illinois-based billionaire shipping magnates Elizabeth and Richard Uihlein (together the maximum allowed of $40,000). Longtime Federalist Society adviser Leonard Leo, who guided Donald Trumps judicial picks, also gave Kellys campaign the maximum-allowed donation of $20,000. In outside spending, Fair Courts America  a Uihleins-backed group that promises it is tracking the woke mobs activity and are ready to fight for free & fair courts at every level of our government  spent $5.5 million on Kellys behalf. The anti-abortion Women Speak Out PAC, affiliated with SBA Pro-Life America, spent another $2.2 million. Leos firm, the Concord Fund, has lobbied for Fair Courts America, while a Leo-affiliated network of dark money groups has spent millions on anti-abortion cases.

Meanwhile, Protasiewiczs campaign raised $14 million, with nearly $9 million of that coming from the Wisconsin Democratic Party, along with strong support from individual donors who identified themselves as lawyers, from the securities and investments sector, educators, and health care professionals. In outside spending, A Better Wisconsin Together Political Fund, which pools money from liberal-leaning donors like labor unions and Democratic redistricting groups, spent $6.2 million on Protasiewiczs behalf. A notable individual among the funds backers was Lynde B. Uihlein, who in 1990 founded the nonprofit Brico Fund, which supports feminist, environmentalist, and progressive projects in the state  she is also the Wisconsin-based cousin of the conservative power couple who supported Kelly.

It was unclear at first whether the stunning amount of money spent on the race would increase voter turnout  but the primary offered a preview. The judiciary had traditionally been an issue that mobilized conservative voters more than liberal voters, both nationally and within states, but there were signs that key progressive constituencies like students were more engaged than ever before even though the general election would happen in an off year, in an odd month.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported in early March that a dining hall on the University of WisconsinMadison campus, which typically had about 50 voters who participated in spring primary elections, had 515 ballots cast in the Supreme Court primary. A dorm on the same campus had a 39 percent turnout rate. A local elections supervisor told the newspaper that turnout was so high in the primary that some polling locations had to print more ballots, and there was noticeably high participation among young people and women, two demographic groups that tend to disproportionately back progressive candidates and causes  and support reproductive rights.

Ben Wikler, chair of the Wisconsin Democratic Party, told me that he believed that the backlash among the states women and young voters to Trumps presidency  and the state GOPs continued insistence that Trump won Wisconsin in 2020 despite all evidence to the contrary  is one reason why Wisconsin was still a swing state, unlike neighboring Iowa or nearby Indiana. They have refused to let up for even a second, he said.

On April 4, close to 40 percent of Wisconsins voting-age population cast ballots in the Protasiewicz-Kelly race  a higher turnout than in any other Wisconsin Supreme Court election in nearly 25 years that didnt coincide with a presidential primary. Wikler noted that a small shift in any demographic, whether its increased rural engagement or campus turnout or enthusiasm from Black or Latinx voters  all of those things can determine a statewide election here.

When the race was called for Protasiewicz, it was a decisive 11-point victory in a state where four of the last six presidential elections were decided by less than a single point. The British newspaper The Guardian reported that it amount[s] to a political earthquake in Wisconsin, one of Americas most volatile political battlegrounds. NPR said that the win by Protasiewicz comes at a pivotal time for the court, and for the Democratic voters who carried her to office. An NBC News headline blared: Liberals gain control of the Wisconsin Supreme Court for the first time in 15 years. The New York Times declared that voters chose to upend the political direction of their state. The result means that in the next year, the court is likely to reverse the states abortion ban and end the use of gerrymandered legislative maps drawn by Republicans.

If the 1849 abortion ban found its way to the state Supreme Court, the justices would likely vote to overturn it.

For Blount  and her fellow medical students  it was a potentially life-changing opening. Maybe it would be possible to get an education here. Maybe it would be possible to practice medicine here. Maybe it would be possible to build a life here.

Excerpted from You Must Stand Up: The Fight for Abortion Rights in Post-Dobbs America by Amanda Becker. Used with the permission of the publisher, Bloomsbury. Copyright  2024 by Amanda Becker.

The 19th has a relationship with Bookshop.org. If you make a purchase through the Bookshop links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The post We need to dig in and really hold the line: Wisconsin, abortion and trying to get a medical education appeared first on The 19th.

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NEW YORK (AP)  Disgraced movie mogul Harvey Weinstein has been indicted on additional sex crimes charges ahead of his retrial in New York, Manhattan prosecutors said at a hearing Thursday.

The indictment will remain under seal until Weinsteins arraignment on the new charges, which is scheduled for Sept. 18.

Harvey Weinstein taken to NYC hospital for emergency surgery, his representatives say

Weinstein, 72, is recovering from emergency heart surgery Monday at a Manhattan hospital to remove fluid on his heart and lungs and was not at Thursdays hearing.

Prosecutors retrying Weinsteins overturned rape conviction disclosed last week that they had begun presenting to a grand jury evidence of up to three additional allegations against Weinstein, dating as far back as the mid-2000s.

FILE  Harvey Weinstein appears in Manhattan Criminal Court, May 29, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson, Pool, file)

They include alleged sexual assaults at the Tribeca Grand Hotel, now known as the Roxy Hotel, and in a Lower Manhattan residential building between late 2005 and mid-2006, and an alleged sexual assault at a Tribeca hotel in May 2016.

Because the indictment is under seal, it was not known whether the new charges involved some or all of the additional allegations.

Prosecutors had been seeking to retry Weinstein after New Yorks highest court, the Court of Appeals, overturned his 2020 conviction on rape and sexual assault charges earlier this year and ordered a new trial.

It remains to be seen whether the new charges will be included in the retrial, as prosecutors hope, or handled as a separate case by the court.

The new charges come after prosecutors in Britain announced last week that they would no longer pursue charges of indecent assault against Weinstein, who was the most prominent villain of the #MeToo movement in 2017 when women began going public with accounts of his behavior.

Weinstein, who co-founded the film and television production company Miramax, has long maintained that any sexual activity was consensual.

At Thursdays hearing, Judge Curtis Farber ruled that because of Weinsteins health concerns, he will be allowed to remain at Bellevue Hospital indefinitely instead of being moved back to the citys Rikers Island jail complex.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Braggs office had signaled for months that new charges were imminent against Weinstein, who was once one of the most powerful people in Hollywood, having produced films such as Pulp Fiction and The Crying Game.

Harvey Weinstein will remain locked up in New York while awaiting rape retrial

In July, prosecutors told a judge they were actively pursuing claims of rape that occurred in Manhattan within the statute of limitations.

They said some potential accusers who were not ready to come forward during Weinsteins first New York trial had indicated they were now willing to testify.

New Yorks highest court threw out Weinsteins 2020 conviction in April after determining the trial judge unfairly allowed testimony against him based on allegations from other women that were not part of the case.

Prosecutors have said one of the accusers in that case, Jessica Mann, is prepared to testify against him again. Its unclear if the second accuser, Mimi Haley, would participate. Her lawyer, Gloria Allred, declined to comment.

The Associated Press does not generally identify people alleging sexual assault unless they consent to be named, as Haley and Mann did.

Weinstein, who had been serving a 23-year sentence in New York when his conviction was quashed, was convicted in Los Angeles in 2022 of another rape.

His 16-year prison sentence in that case still stands, but his lawyers appealed in June, arguing he did not get a fair trial in Los Angeles. Weinstein has remained in custody in New Yorks Rikers Island jail complex while awaiting the retrial.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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A dispute in a State Park Place home left a man with a gunshot wound to his chest and a woman he was dating has been arrested on charges of attempted first-degree murder and aggravated battery, authorities said.

Edith Caudillo, 27, was being held in the Madison County Jail on Wednesday on the two felonies.

The 31-year-old victim, Sergio Angulo-Peraza, was listed in stable condition in a St. Louis hospital Wednesday, authorities said.

The dispute occurred Tuesday when Caudillo went to a home in the 8900 block of Rene Avene in the State Park Place community near Collinsville to gather some personal items, according to a pretrial detention petition filed by the Madison County States Attorneys Office.

Prosecutors allege Caudillo pulled a gun from her waistband and shot Angulo-Peraza in his chest. A surveillance video shows that two shots were fired about five seconds apart, according to court records.

Court records do not list a defense attorney for Caudillo, who was arrested at the scene.

Prosecutors have filed a petition to have Caudillo held in jail prior to her trial. A hearing date has not yet been set.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect and victim were known to each other, as they were in a dating relationship, stated a news release from the Madison County Sheriffs Office.

Sheriffs deputies were called at about 5:37 p.m. Tuesday and received assistance from the Collinsville police officers.
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) is urging Donald Trump to stay away from far-right conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer, who was spotted traveling with the former president on his plane on Wednesday.

We have policy disagreements but the history of this person is just really toxic, Graham told HuffPost on Thursday. I mean, she actually called for Kellyanne Conways daughter to hang herself. I dont know how this all happened, but, no, I dont think its helpful. I dont think its helpful at all.

Earlier this week, Loomer wrote on social media that the White House will smell like curry if Vice President Kamala Harris, who is South Asian, wins the presidential election, earning a strong rebuke from Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.). She has also called the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks an inside job and is known for her virulent anti-Muslim rhetoric.

Loomer was seen palling around with Trump as part of his entourage at the Philadelphia airport ahead of the ABC News presidential debate Tuesday night. On Wednesday, she joined Trump in New York to commemorate the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

Graham, a top Trump ally who often speaks with the GOP presidential nominee, said the former president wasnt doing himself any favors spending time with Loomer.

Marjorie Taylor Greene is right. I dont say that a lot, Graham said.

I think what [Loomer] said about Kamala Harris and the White House is abhorrent, but its deeper than that, he added. I mean, you know, some of the things shes said about Republicans and others is disturbing. I mean, to call for someones daughter to hang themselves. Yeah, no, I think that the president would serve himself well to make sure this doesnt become a bigger story.

In a statement to The Associated Press, Loomer said she doesnt work for the Trump campaign and that she was invited as a guest to travel with the former president. She also shot back at Graham in a post on X, formerly Twitter, saying the South Carolina Republican has never been loyal to Trump.

He got booed in his own state at a TRUMP RALLY and was booed off stage because he is DISLOYAL to Trump and the American people, Loomer wrote, referring to a campaign event in February.

Greene, who is known for making all sorts of incendiary comments herself, condemned Loomer for her racist attack on Harris on Wednesday.

This is appalling and extremely racist. It does not represent who we are as Republicans or MAGA, Greene said. This does not represent President Trump. This type of behavior should not be tolerated ever.

House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries (N.Y.) called Trumps association with Loomer shocking, irresponsible and offensive.

The fact that on Sept. 11, this sacred day, he would bring a 9/11 conspiracy theorist to participate in events during this solemn commemoration should shock the conscience of all decent Americans, Jeffries said at a press conference Thursday.

Several House and Senate Republicans either declined to comment on Loomer or said they didnt know who she was.

Rep. Jim Jordan (Ohio), a senior House Republican and top Trump ally, said the November election will be about the records of the Trump and Biden administrations.

You guys can ask questions about all kinds of other people who may hang out with the president or may not hang out with the president, things theyve said. Thats not what this election is about, Jordan told HuffPost.

Greene declined to criticize Trump for associating with Loomer.

I dont know much about that relationship, but Ive been very disturbed by many of her comments, she said in an interview. I dont think she belongs with him.

Related...
ANKENY, Iowa  DMACC is offering an Artificial Intelligence (AI) focused program starting October 14. DMACC is the first school in Iowa to offer AI in the workforce focused curriculum.

DMACC is partnering with the Intel AI for Workforce Program to offer a nine-week online certificate class for DMACC students. The non-credit introductory course will introduce the growing uses and benefits of AI for businesses and organizations.

DMACC is also working with the Iowa Department of Education to possibly expand the program for Fall of 2025 and add an associate degree in AI.

Adventurelands 10th Annual Oktoberfest celebration is happening this weekend

At Intel, we aim to help equip students with essential AI skills, knowledge, and tools to thrive in an increasingly AI-driven world, said Brian Gonzalez, Executive Director of Government Partnerships at Intel. Were thrilled to share that Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) has joined our AI for Workforce program, and were eager to witness the positive impact it will have on students and the broader community in Iowa.

The program will be overseen by Dr. Anne Power, Executive Academic Dean for Business and Information Technology at DMACC. Professor Becky Deitenbeck will serve as the programs lead instructor.

The need for workers with AI skills is on the rise and will continue to grow, making this partnership especially exciting and important for DMACC, Dr. Power said. In collaboration with Intel, DMACC will now have the ability to deliver key AI learning experiences to students and better prepare them for some of the fastest-growing jobs in todays economy.

To learn more about the class visit their course registration page.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com.
Tina Willis (left), Robert Benson-May (center), and Tricia LaRue (right) have all used AI to save time at work. Tina Willis (left), Robert Benson-May (center), and Tricia LaRue (right)

More workers are finding ways to use AI technologies to save time on the job.

This includes doctors, dentists, coders, lawyers, bloggers, and marketing professionals.

They've used AI to record therapy sessions, draft emails, conduct research, and improve their code.

If you're not using AI technology at work, you could be missing out.

That's because a growing number of workers across the globe are using AI tools like ChatGPT on the job  and many say doing so is saving them precious time.

It's not just coders and writers who have found these tools helpful. In recent years, a growing number of professionals in other fields, like dentistry and law, are also leveraging AI to save time.

A survey of 31,000 global knowledge workers conducted in February and March by the research firm Edelman Data & Intelligence on behalf of Microsoft found that 75% of them were using AI at work. Nearly half of users said they started using AI in the prior six months, and 90% said the tech helped them save time. In the survey, knowledge workers referred to people who "typically work at a desk"  whether it be in the office or at home.

To be sure, some people may work for employers who restrict their use of AI, and AI tools sometimes produce flawed or inaccurate information that could ultimately force users to dedicate more time to a work task. But if used correctly and cautiously, several workers from a wide range of industries told BI that these tools can save them hours of time each week.

While some of these workers voiced long-term concerns about AI's potential to replace them, many said that for now, becoming an AI expert could be the best thing for their careers.

Here's how 10 people are using various artificial intelligence technologies to boost their productivity on the job.

Psychiatrists

Ozan Toy (not pictured) said he's used the AI tool Freed AI to save time documenting patient visits. Maskot/Getty Images

Ozan Toy, a psychiatrist and chief medical officer for an online psychiatry and therapy service, said he and other clinicians at his practice have recently started to use an AI program called Freed AI to help take notes during appointments with patients.

"Documenting visits has long been a difficult part of the process of completing visits with patients," Toy, who's in his 30s and based in Maryland, told BI via email. "This program essentially listens to visits as they are completed and helps generate a basic version of documentation for our practice's visits," he added.

Toy said adopting this technology has cut down the time clinicians spend documenting their visits. He said clinicians can edit the AI-generated notes to correct any errors, and that the practice asks patients to consent to be recorded through paperwork that is filled out before their first appointment.

Story continues

Dentists

Dan Munteanu (not pictured) said he's used AI technology to help create dental crowns and analyze X-rays. Tom Werner/Getty Images

Dan Munteanu, a 40-year-old dentist based in Quebec, Canada, said his clinic is using AI technologies to save time.

For example, he said the AI technology 3shape has helped create dental crowns from a digital impression that can be "milled" or 3D printed in the office. Munteanu said this tech was first implemented in his clinic last year and that his colleagues "loved the quality of the crowns and the efficiency of the workflow."

"AI crown design saves 15 minutes for each crown design," Munteanu told BI via email. "On average if a dentist does four crows in a day, he can save an hour of work."

Additionally, he said the AI technology DTX studio scans the dental X-rays the clinic takes of patients and helps identify any areas of concern.

"Sometimes we can be focused on a specific issue or tooth the patient has a concern about without necessarily looking at the big picture," Munteanu said. "In those cases, the AI tells us: 'Doc, look over here, something is not right!'"

Munteanu said the clinic has been using this technology for three years but that it was updated a few months ago. He estimated that using it saves the clinic "a couple of minutes per appointment."

AI tools could eventually assist with customer service at Munteanu's clinic, but he said the technology needs to improve significantly before it can be trusted with patient information.

Lawyers

Tina Willis said she's used ChatGPT and Claude to research cases as a lawyer. Tina Willis

Tina Willis, a 54-year-old injury and accident lawyer based in Orlando, said she uses the AI tools ChatGPT and Claude to conduct research for cases she works on.

"I think AI vastly speeds up my research, and I get more comprehensive answers when researching almost any issue," Willis, who runs her own practice, told BI via email.

However, she said she's careful to not put too much trust in the AI responses.

"I double-check that work carefully because AI definitely can hallucinate and even contradict itself," she said.

James Peacock, a 27-year-old estate lawyer in his 20s, found ChatGPT particularly helpful for one work task: summarizing.

"I've been copying the content of unreported cases into it and asking for a summary and it's able to pull out all the key facts and implications of a case, accurately, in seconds," he previously told BI. "This saves a lot of during research."

Coders

Ankit Anchlia said he's used AI tools to improve his code. Ankit Anchlia

Ankit Anchlia, a 36-year-old software engineer based in Texas, uses ChatGPT and Claude to improve his code and identify potential bugs. He said this tends to save him a "good chunk" of time, between a few minutes and an hour, depending on the task.

"I know AI-powered tools are continuously improving and can perform many of the same tasks that software engineers do, but I feel software engineers who can embrace AI and develop new skills will be in demand," he told BI via email.

James Delage, a 28-year-old resource manager based in Minnesota, estimated that he saves between 15 and 20 hours a week using ChatGPT for "manual tasks," including writing emails, organizing project data, and drafting code.

"I don't feel it's a race against the clock before AI takes my job, but that AI is a tool that'll need an operator," he previously told BI via email.

Marketing professionals

Tricia LaRue said she's used ChatGPT to write press released and conduct data analysis. Tricia LaRue

Tricia LaRue, a Missouri-based marketing professional, uses AI tools to help generate proposals, scripts, press releases, and social media content. She said she pays for the premium version of ChatGPT so she can upload spreadsheets and conduct data analysis to inform marketing strategy and campaigns.

"I don't think that we're at a point where AI can replace a competent team from a marketing agency," she previously told BI via email. "Those who utilize AI effectively and strategically will not be replaced."

Copywriters

Gabrielle Gerbus said she's used Jasper and ChatGPT to speed up her communication with clients. Courtesy of Gabrielle Gerbus

Gabrielle Gerbus, a 29-year-old freelance branding specialist based in California, said her work primarily consists of copywriting and brand strategy.

She said the AI tools Jasper and ChatGPT have helped her draft responses to clients  many of whom ask similar questions. She estimated that this saves her about four to five hours a week.

"I get sometimes 20 messages a day from clients," she previously told BI via email. "If I responded to all of these manually I would spend hours a day just responding to messages. With ChatGPT, I can plug in my tone and brand voice and cut that time down significantly."

Bloggers

Robert Benson-May said he uses ChatGPT and Claude to help write blog posts and create SEO tools. Robert Benson-May

Robert Benson-May, a 29-year-old part-time newsletter writer based in the United Kingdom, said using ChatGPT has saved him time during the writing process.

"I use it to create draft articles and Reddit posts for me, and then I edit the drafts to improve them further," he told BI via email.

Additionally, he said he's used the AI tool Claude to help him create small SEO tools and calculators.

Benson-May said he's somewhat concerned that AI tools will be increasingly used to generate a deluge of "spam blog articles" and social media posts in the years to come  which could make it harder for people to find his content.

"I'm trying to stay ahead of the curve by using the tools in better ways than other people," he said.

Account managers

Sainag Nethala, an account manager, said he's used AI tools to draft emails and transcribe meetings. Sainag Nethala

Sainag Nethala, a 32-year-old technical account manager based in Illinois, uses ChatGPT, Claude, Grammarly, and Otter.ai to draft emails and reports, transcribe meetings, and proofread his writing. He estimated that these tools collectively save him about 10 to 15 hours a week and that his employer is supportive of employees using AI tools.

"ChatGPT and Claude AI are fantastic for drafting emails and reports," he told BI via email. "They help me structure my thoughts and get a solid first draft quickly."

Have you used AI tools to become more productive at work? Are you willing to share your story? If so, reach out to this reporter at jzinkula@businessinsider.com.

Read the original article on Business Insider
DNA of 'Thorin,' one of the last Neanderthals, finally sequenced, revealing inbreeding and 50,000 years of genetic isolation

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Credit: Ludovik Slimak

"Thorin", one of the last Neanderthals to walk the planet, was part of a previously unknown lineage that was isolated for 50,000 years, a new analysis of his DNA finds.

Discovered in 2015 at the entrance to the Grotte Mandrin rock shelter in the Rhone River valley of southern France, Thorin  nicknamed after a dwarf in J. R. R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit"  has sometimes been called the "last Neanderthal" because he may have lived as recently as 42,000 years ago, close to when our closest human relatives disappeared. Although only his teeth and portions of the skull have been recovered so far, Thorin's genome was analyzed to better understand when and how Neanderthals disappeared.

In a study published Wednesday (Sept. 11) in the journal Cell Genomics , a team of researchers led by Ludovic Slimak of the Center for Anthropobiology and Genomics of Toulouse, France, detailed their discovery that Thorin came from a lineage of Neanderthals who were isolated for thousands of years, in spite of the fact that other groups lived nearby.

Slimak, who originally found Thorin's remains, theorized two decades ago that Neanderthals in the Rhone Valley were distinct from those in nearby regions based on differences he noticed in the stone tools at Grotte Mandrin. He proposed that Thorin and his relatives did not adopt the new tool-making style that was seen at other contemporary sites.

"It turns out that what I proposed 20 years ago was predictive," Slimak told Live Science in an email. "The population of Thorin had spent 50 millennia without exchanging a single gene with the classical Neanderthal populations."

Related: 'More Neanderthal than human': How your health may depend on DNA from our long-lost ancestors

Image 1 of 2

Gloved hands pull bits of bones out of the dirt

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Gloved hands pull bits of bones out of the dirt

Slimak and colleagues used part of a root of one of Thorin's molars to determine that he was male and to generate a whole-genome sequence. Compared with previously published late European Neanderthal genomes, Thorin was found to have high genetic homozygosity  identical gene variants often indicative of recent inbreeding  and no evidence of interbreeding with modern humans.

"Our results suggest small group sizes and long-term genetic isolation of the Thorin population from other late Neanderthal populations with genetic data available," the researchers wrote in their study.

The isolation of this Neanderthal group raises questions about when and why the species disappeared.

Using a variety of techniques, including radiocarbon dating and assessment of the geological layers in the cave, the research team found that Thorin died between 52,000 and 42,000 years ago. However, according to the study, evidence newly uncovered in 2023 suggests Thorin is much more likely to be 42,000 years old and therefore is among the very last Neanderthals.

"Everything must be rewritten about the greatest extinction in humanity and our understanding of this incredible process that will lead Homo sapiens to remain the only survival of humanity," Slimak said. "How can we imagine populations that lived for 50 millennia in isolation while they are only two weeks' walk from each other? All processes need to be rethought."

Related: 'Simply did not work': Mating between Neanderthals and modern humans may have been a product of failed alliances, says archaeologist Ludovic Slimak

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The mystery of the disappearing Neanderthal Y chromosome

10 unexpected ways Neanderthal DNA affects our health

Neanderthals didn't truly go extinct, but were rather absorbed into the modern human population, DNA study suggests

April Nowell , a Paleolithic archaeologist at the University of Victoria in Canada who was not involved in the study, told Live Science in an email that it "supports the hypothesis that Neandertals living in small, socially isolated groups struggled to keep their numbers viable." And, because it's scarce, "any hominin DNA from that time frame is interesting and adds to our knowledge," Omer Gokcumen , an evolutionary genomicist at the University at Buffalo who was not involved in the study, told Live Science in an email. Information from Thorin's genes and final resting place adds to a growing understanding among paleoanthropologists of the Neanderthals' last days on Earth.

While it is commonly assumed that humans were responsible for the extinction of the Neanderthals, the genetic and cultural isolation seen at the Grotte Mandrin rock shelter "raises new lines of questions to explore further their social and ethological organization, which could have played an important role in their later extinction," the researchers concluded.
Hospitals across Europe appear to be on life support.

Whether it's in France, Slovenia or Sweden, hospitals are facing staff shortages, lower wages and increasing levels of overtime, prompting industrial action across the healthcare sector which inevitably impacts patient care.

In Sweden, healthcare workers went on strike for the first time in 16 years to protest against their working hours and low pay over 78 consecutive days in 2024.

It's less common to see strikes in the Nordic countries than in other parts of Europe, yet after four months of collective bargaining negotiations, the Swedish Association of Health Professionals' hand was forced, and it went on strike from 11 April to 28 June.

"We met a dead end in the negotiations," said Sineva Ribeiro, president of the Swedish Association of Health Professionals, a trade union with a membership of 114,000 representing nurses, midwives, biomedical scientists and radiographers. "We had to go on strike. We had to have a conflict.

The trade union also issued an overtime ban. "In 2023, they [members of the association] did three million overtime hours," Ribeiro said. "So we knew that there was a lack of nurses, midwives, radiographs and X-ray nurses."

In the end, the Swedish Association of Health Professionals managed to obtain reduced working hours for 10% of its members  those who work night shifts  a 3.05% salary increase and an agreement that employers pay for nurse specialisations.

On the flipside, they agreed to abandon calls to reduce medical staff's weekly working hours from 40 to 37.

More generally, deteriorating working conditions are said to be one of the main factors forcing health workers out of Sweden and into neighbouring countries.

"We have about 20,000 nurses working in Norway because they pay more and they have less hours a week", Ribeiro said.

In addition, 13,000 qualified nurses have left the profession, leaving a taxpayer-funded black hole of more than 60 million, according to a report by the Swedish National Health Competence Council published in June.

"It is better [in Sweden] maybe than other EU countries," said Ribeiro. "But we still have a big lack of nurses who may treat the health of the population. And we never know when the next pandemic can come."

'A ticking time bomb'

But the reality is that there's a similar problem across the EU.

Public hospitals in countries around the bloc are confronted with parallel challenges, including an ageing population who will need more healthcare and difficulty in replacing healthcare workers who retire because the profession is not as attractive as it used to be.

"There is an increase of demand, basically because of four main factors the aging of the population, the increase of multimorbidity and chronic conditions, the backlogs accumulated during the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of waiting list, and also because of increased expectations of patients", explained Tomas Zapata, regional advisor on health workforce and service delivery at the World Health Organization (WHO) Europe.

He told Euronews that European countries' health sectors are facing a "workforce crisis", highlighted by the strikes by different types of healthcare professionals.

"We have more doctors and nurses than ever. So in the last 10 years, there has been a 20% increase of doctors in the whole region and a 10% increase in the number of nurses. However, the demand is growing at a faster pace. So that means that we are having this shortage, this gap between the demand and the availability of health workers", he said.

A regional report published by the World Health Organization (WHO) Europe in September 2022 warned of a "ticking timebomb" threatening health systems in Europe and Central Asia.

It said that one of the main challenges is the ageing health and care workforce, noting that 40% of doctors in 13 of the 44 countries it looked at are already aged 55 or older.

The report also highlights poor mental health among those in the medical profession affected by long working hours, inadequate professional support, and serious staff shortages.

In some countries, over 80% of nurses reported some form of psychological distress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. As many as nine out of 10 nurses were thinking of quitting their jobs, according to the report.

All of these issues are forcing doctors and other healthcare workers across Europe into strikes, in an effort for better working conditions.

Dentist graduates per 100 000 inhabitants in European countries in 2022 (Eurostat). - Eurostat

Germany demands 'top-notch' care

In January, thousands of doctors at state-owned university hospitals in Germany staged a strike after collective bargaining talks with hospital managers failed.

Some 5,000 doctors joined a "warning strike", organised by the Marburger Bund in the northern city of Hanover, the trade union said.

It demanded a 12.5% pay rise and higher bonuses for working nights, weekends and public holidays for 20,000 doctors in university hospitals.

They took to the streets again in March after the fourth round of negotiations with the 16 federal states (Lander) which run public hospitals, ended in failure. According to the Marburger Bund, approximately 7,000 doctors from 23 institutions across Germany took part in various demonstrations this time around.

"We cannot accept that university medicine remains the last wheel of the wagon in terms of doctors' salaries", Andreas Botzlar, second chairman of the Marburger Bund, said in a statement.

"The recent round of negotiations has left us with the impression that the Lander still do not understand what it is all about: we are demanding fair conditions for top-notch medicine. Not more  but also not less," he added.

Slovenia sees longest-ever doctors' strike

Doctors and dentists working in the Slovenian public healthcare service went on strike in January, in what has become the country's longest-ever doctors' strike.

They withdrew their consent for overtime work in a bid to pressure the government into honouring its commitments to a previously tabled health reform and bringing it back to the negotiating table.

In 2023, Fides, the doctors and dentists trade union, signed an agreement with the government to create a separate pay pillar in the public sector payscale for healthcare professionals, but this never came to fruition.

"Employees are leaving public institutions, and good paediatricians are being penalised for their willingness to help the public sector," Damjan Polh, Fides president, said in a statement. "Promises about reforms remain unfulfilled, and laws in the field of healthcare are written by those who do not understand it at all."

The government adopted a proposal to amend the Medical Services Act, which would establish a minimum working time requirement during a strike "to guarantee the stable operation of the healthcare system".

Fides has appealed to Slovenia's Constitutional Court to question such a measure's constitutionality and legality. According to the union, it would "further restrict the right of doctors to strike".

Most recently, the trade union informed the Slovenian government in August of additional strike demands to protect the medical profession.

Doctors protest amid a nationwide strike, in front of the Pantheon in Paris, Thursday Jan. 5, 2023. - Francois Mori/Copyright 2023 The AP. All rights reserved

Controversial reform in France

Over in France, a measure of a different kind has sparked outrage among medical students: there will be 1,510 fewer openings for junior doctors this autumn.

Only 7,974 positions will have been opened this year, compared to 9,484 in 2023, according to official government data from July.

In France, junior doctors, or "internes en medecine", are medical students who have completed their sixth year of study out of 12. They work full-time at a hospital or in another medical institution under the supervision of a senior while continuing their studies.

"We are all very scared (...) The work in hospitals is very difficult, it is very demanding mentally and physically for junior doctors," said Marie, who is finishing her sixth year of medical studies. "And now there will be fewer of us in the autumn while the workload won't diminish."

According to the government, the number of positions was reduced because the number of candidates who took part in the competitive entry exams to win the placements also fell.

The figures have raised eyebrows among trade unions, however.

"Every year, there is an adaptation of the position openings depending on the number of junior doctors who run," said Dr Agnes Ricard Hibon, spokesperson for the trade union SAMU Urgences de France. "Except that in this case, there have been way more people redoing the year."

Medical specialisations will suffer to different degrees: general medicine and ophthalmology positions are due to fall by 18%, while there will be 15% fewer openings in emergency medicine.

"There are some disciplines like plastic surgery, which are more impacted. Others are preserved such as pediatrics or pediatric surgery because there is a huge need", Hibon said.

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Yet some students claim many of their classmates chose to repeat their year and failed their exams on purpose, as they were the first cohort to sit the placement entry exams which were brought in by a contested medical studies reform in 2020. They claimed they didn't want to be a "crash test" cohort.

Nevertheless, Hibon said the decrease in the number of junior doctors shouldn't have a major impact on hospitals: "They are systematically supervised by senior doctors. They are not the ones who run the services," she said.

On the other hand, some students have launched a petition online asking for the reopening of junior doctor positions, which received more than 57,000 signatures as of September.

The petition states that the multiple academic reforms and changes in the way they are assessed and graded negatively affected their results and mental health.

As a result, around 1,000 students chose to repeat their fourth and fifth year and 400 other students failed the competitive exam, the petition claims, adding that certain positions have also become more competitive.

"A student who wants to carry out a placement in Digestive Surgery in Paris must be ranked among the top 23% of his class, compared with 35% last year", the petition says.

It adds that consequently, many students will be compelled to choose a discipline which is easier to get into but they may not necessarily be invested in.

Medical student Marie warns some students would rather complete their studies abroad than give up on their ambitions.

She said she sees daily distress messages on Facebook support groups asking for advice on how fellow medical students can pursue their studies in Switzerland or Belgium.

Medical doctor graduates per 100 000 inhabitants in 2022 in European countries. - Eurostat

To compensate, France might have to import foreign doctors in the opposite direction. "There may be a few more open positions for foreign practitioners who want to come and train in France," Hibon said.

However, French medical students see such a solution as unfair, both to them and the foreign doctors who may come in. "Foreign doctors are also being fooled because they are less paid than us, so they are also being exploited," Marie said.

More generally, the debate is taking place at a time when the whole medical sector in France is suffering from deteriorating mental health and working conditions  exhaustion, overtime, a lack of supervision, competition, important responsibilities and low wages  exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

All of these challenges have been bubbling for years across Europe, yet there may be hope on the horizon for the continent's hospitals by way of the Bucharest Declaration on the health and care workforce, which WHO Europe representatives adopted in 2023.

The declaration calls for political action to improve the recruitment and retention of health and care workers, improve health workforce supply mechanisms, optimise the workforce's performance and increase public investment in workforce education.

Yet it remains to be seen how countries will implement the declaration in practice, and regardless, the stakes are high: a doctor struggling with deteriorating working conditions will surely negatively impact the quality of care.

"When a caregiver is mistreated, we know 10 patients are mistreated after," Marie said.
The new COVID-19 shot is the best way to protect yourself from a bad infection this fall and winter. d3sign via Getty Images

It feels impossible to go somewhere right now and not hear people coughing, sneezing and sniffling  and thats because COVID-19 is everywhere. If you havent been recently infected, you probably know someone who has.

According to wastewater data from the Centers for Disease Control, dozens and dozens of states have very high or high levels of the virus at the moment, which begs the question: What does this mean for the upcoming respiratory virus season when illnesses like COVID usually spike?

We asked experts what they think this summer COVID surge means for the next few months. All three experts said theyve been surprised by surges and lulls time and time again, making it impossible to definitively say what will happen in the next few months  but here are their best predictions:

Infections may start to slow down during the early fall.

Dr. Scott Roberts, a Yale Medicine infectious diseases specialist and the associate medical director in infection prevention at Yale New Haven Health in Connecticut said he expects COVID cases to decrease in the early fall for a period of time.

With this atypical July through August surge, I would predict that we would undergo this pattern of falling cases that would extend through at least the next few months, he said. So, I would probably predict wed have a relatively decent end of September, October period, just based on the natural pattern weve seen with these waves.

Theres still a ton of COVID going around right now. In some places, it might be just starting to kind of slow down, possibly maybe enter a period of decline, but really, theres a lot of COVID happening right now, said Dr. Jennifer Nuzzo, a professor of epidemiology and the director of the Pandemic Center at Brown University School of Public Health in Rhode Island.

According to the CDC, test positivity rate is slightly down from the end of August. Roberts does not expect these predicted lower case numbers to stick around long-term, though.

COVID cases will likely rise again as we get later into fall and winter.

I anticipate that we will see higher numbers of COVID beginning with the fall and winter months, said Dr. Matthew Binnicker, the director of clinical virology at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

The fall and winter months typically see a higher rate of respiratory viruses like [COVID-19] and influenza, as people are indoors and respiratory viruses like [COVID-19] seem to be able to survive or persist in the cooler temperatures, lower rates of humidity allow for the virus to be spread further, he added.

Binnicker expects the rates to be even higher than what we saw during the summer surge, particularly during November, December and January.

Roberts said he also expects to see a winter wave, but thinks itll be lower than previous winters.

Everybody whos being infected right now, I think the odds of them getting infected over the winter are much less because theyre having an immunity boost to the current circulating variants, Roberts said. So unless theres some sort of variant from left field that were not expecting, I would predict that this winter wave in December, January, February would be lower than that of the past few winters. But I still do expect an uptick.

Winter is typically a time when COVID-19 surges  experts say that likely will happen again this year. AsiaVision via Getty Images

All that said, COVID is still an unpredictable virus.

As mentioned above, COVID-19 is unpredictable  we know this from the last four-plus years of the virus. While its helpful to anticipate what COVID-19 may do in the coming months, no one really knows.I could imagine a scenario in which we have a little bit less COVID this fall and winter, because so many people got sick over the summer. But I also dont know whats going to happen with how the virus mutates and if a new variant or a subvariant emerges that could change things, Nuzzo said.The unpredictability of COVID means its best to do what you can to not get sick or lessen the illness if you do end up infected.The best step is to get the updated COVID vaccine ... its been designed to elicit immune response against one of the more recent SARS-CoV-2 variants, Binnicker said.You can get the new shot now as long as its been two months since your last COVID-19 vaccine. The CDC also states if you recently had COVID, you can wait three months to get the jab  but you dont have to. If you dont know when to get the new shot, talk to your doctor who can help you make the best choice for you.Additionally, if you have any signs of COVID-19, stay home, Binnicker said. This will help keep other folks from getting sick. If you do have to go out, wear a mask, he noted.COVID-19 isnt the only respiratory virus thatll be going around this fall and winter.

COVID-19 is a hard thing to predict, it doesnt fit the regular respiratory virus pattern, which is a rise and peak during the fall and winter.Ive been wrong in my [COVID-19] predictions before ... but I can tell you with almost absolute certainty, were going to see RSV and flu go up since those have been pretty nonexistent since last winter, Roberts said. Flu and RSV ... are much more tried and true with the patterns of a seasonal winter spike.To protect yourself from the flu, get your flu shot, which Roberts recommends getting in October. Theres also a RSV vaccine for older people and high-risk folks.With coughing, sneezing, fever, body aches and headache being overlapping symptoms for these respiratory viruses, its important to take a COVID test, Binnicker said. If your test comes back negative, call your doctor who can test you for flu and RSV. This way, you can get the necessary medical treatment to get better and keep those around you well, too.

Related...
"Our fur baby was hastily and cruelly deemed disposable, his life carelessly ended by those who were supposed to protect and care for him," a petition reads

Change.org 12-year-old labrador Gunner

A dog owner in Texas is speaking out after his beloved 12-year-old Labrador was euthanized at an animal shelter.

John Gilcrease, a father of six, explained in a TikTok video that has garnered over 5 million views that he noticed that the family dog of almost 13 years went missing on Tuesday, Sept. 3, while trying to feed him dinner on their vast 8-acre property.

After failing to locate Gunner and posting about the dog's disappearance on social media, Gilcrease was informed the next day that his dog was at the Linda McNatt Animal Care & Adoption Center (also known as the City of Denton Animal Shelter).

His family called the shelter, which said they were closed until Thursday, Sept. 5. Once arriving at the center that day, Gilcrease was informed that Gunner was picked up nearly 12 miles from his home and had been "put down."

Getty Stock image of an examination room in veterinary office

Related: Flood Kills 80 Percent of Animals at Nigerian Zoo and Sets Loose 'Crocodiles and Snakes'

Dustin Sternbeck, the citys chief spokesperson, shared in a statement to the Denton Record-Chronicle that Gunner was euthanized because "he was geriatric, had severe mobility impairment and no control over his bladder and bowels."

The city of Denton states on its website that animal owners have a maximum of 72 hours to pick up their pets from the shelter before "the animal shall become the property of the Animal Services Center and the Animal Services Center shall disposition the animal through adoption, transfer to an animal welfare organization, or euthanasia."

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Getty Stock image of dog paws

In his statement to the Denton Record-Chronicle, Sternbeck said the hold period has a "provision to allow for humane euthanasia before the 72-hour period to alleviate animal suffering."

After monitoring the dog overnight and into the next morning, staff in consultation with a licensed veterinarian made the difficult decision to humanely euthanize Gunner based on his condition, in accordance with shelter policy and City Ordinance," his statement added, noting that Gunner's microchip had "outdated information."

In a statement to CBS News DFW on Wednesday, Sept. 11, the city included a more detailed timeline of events, adding that Gunner was given medication, but his condition did not improve.

"We are aware that there has been concern about the 72-hour stray hold period," the Sept. 11 statement reads. "While the hold period typically applies, there are exceptions, such as when an animal is suffering or has a poor quality of life, which allow staff to forgo the 72-hour requirement. Given Gunner's degenerative condition and severe suffering, our staff acted within policy to humanely euthanize him."

The city went on to say that its City Manager requested a "comprehensive and independent review of our shelter's processes and policies to identify additional ways to support the animals in our care." The results of the review will be released when it is complete, the Sept. 11 statement continued.

Related: Farmers Accused of Murdering 2 Women, Feeding Them to Pigs After Bodies Found in Sty

PEOPLE reached out to the Linda McNatt Animal Care & Adoption Center and the city of Denton but did not immediately hear back.

In a follow-up video, Gilcrease said he's seeking criminal charges against the shelter and asked his followers to sign a change.org petition.

"This center's reckless decision has irrevocably damaged our family. Our fur baby was hastily and cruelly deemed disposable, his life carelessly ended by those who were supposed to protect and care for him," the description reads.

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.



"We are calling for an urgent and thorough investigation into the euthanasia practices of Linda McNatt Animal Care & Adoption Center to ensure that no more families need to suffer as we have," it adds. As of this writing, the petition has acquired over 38,000 signatures.

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Read the original article on People.
The man was arrested in connection with an incident involving a 'dangerously out of control' dog, police said [Google]

A man has been arrested in connection with an incident in which two children were bitten by a dog on Eastbourne seafront.

Sussex Police said the suspect is believed to be the owner of a dog - thought to be a rottweiler - which was "dangerously out of control, causing injury" on 27 May.

The 64-year-old local man was arrested on 4 September and has been bailed pending further inquiries.

Ch Insp Di Lewis: "This is an ongoing investigation, so we ask people not to speculate further on social media."

The incident happened at about 10:20BST on a bank holiday Monday near the Holywell cafe.

The police, which launched a public appeal for information, said the young children involved needed hospital treatment.

Ch Insp Lewis said: "I would like to thank the public for their support for our investigation and for coming forward."

Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.

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An Oregon state senator has proposed exempting tips from state taxes. (Getty Images)

Sadly, bad tax policy ideas can be contagious.

The latest virus sprang from the Trump presidential campaign, hopped on to the Harris campaign and then landed here in Oregon. Mimicking the proposals by the presidential candidates, Oregon state Sen. Dick Anderson recently took the initial step to introduce legislation that would exempt tips from state income taxes.

Exempting tips from taxes would make our income tax system less fair while opening the door to yet more gaming of the system by the rich and powerful. Thats why its important to inoculate the public and policymakers against this bad idea and offer instead a real solution for what ails working Oregonians.

The unfairness of exempting tips from taxation stems from the fact that it gives preferential treatment to the income earned by one type of worker, putting other workers at a disadvantage.

Consider the following scenario. Sally, a single parent raising a child, works as a bartender. In a year, she makes $20,000 in wages and $25,000 in tips, for a total of $45,000 in income. Maria is also a single parent raising one child, and she works as a nursing assistant. All of her income for the year, also $45,000, is in the form of wages. If tips were exempted from state income taxes, only $20,000 of Sallys income would count toward taxes, compared to all of Marias income.

There is no policy or moral reason to treat bartenders differently than nursing assistants, retail store workers or any other kind of worker. Theres no good reason to treat Uber drivers, who earn tips, differently than Amazon drivers, who dont.

The obvious unfairness of exempting tips from taxes is not the only problem with the policy. Enacting it would also create yet another tax loophole the rich would seek to exploit.

If income from tips were no longer taxable, youd soon have hedge fund managers, lawyers, and other well-paid professionals trying to reclassify their fees as tips. CEOs and stock brokers would soon start earning tips rather than bonuses.

History shows that such shenanigans are what you get when you treat one type of income differently than another. Case in point is the infamous carried interest tax loophole. It allows private equity and hedge fund managers to reclassify their wages as investment (capital gains) income, which is subject to a much lower tax rate, resulting in a massive tax break for some of the wealthiest people in the nation.

The senator from Lincoln City is right to stress the need for policies that put money back in the pockets of those who need it most, but creating opportunities for the rich to game the tax system is not the way to do it. Nor is giving preferential treatment to one slice of workers over others.

Slice, by the way, is the right description for the share of workers who would benefit from exempting tips from taxes. Nationally, only about 2.5% of workers earn tips, and many of them earn incomes so low that they dont pay income taxes. So not only would exempting tips from taxation introduce a new inequity into the system, it would do little to address the widespread economic insecurity that afflicts Oregonians.

A better approach is to help all workers struggling to make ends meet, regardless of whether they work in restaurants, nursing homes, or wherever. And the most effective way of accomplishing that is clear: boost Oregons earned income tax credit, a refundable tax credit designed to put more money in the pockets of low- and moderate-income workers. Because its refundable, the tax credit helps workers who dont otherwise owe income taxes, unlike the tip tax exemption.

As good a policy as the earned income tax credit is, there is room for improvement. Among states with an earned income tax credit, Oregons credit is small, standing at just 9% of the federal earned income tax credit (its 12% for families with children under 3 years of age). Another shortcoming is the fact the credit excludes childless workers younger than 25 or older than 65, even if their incomes are low enough that they otherwise would qualify for the credit  as if these workers dont have bills to pay and basic needs to meet. Increasing the size of the credit and expanding it to currently excluded workers ought to be a top priority for lawmakers.

Helping Oregonians struggling to make ends meet should be one of the highest priorities for lawmakers, but exempting tips from taxation is a misguided proposal. If the goal is to improve the economic security of cash-strapped families, then strengthen the earned income tax credit.

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CLEVELAND (WJW)  A man accused of fatally striking a 7-year-old boy and dragging him beneath an SUV is now under indictment.

An indictment handed up Thursday charges Donald H. Mynatt III, 32, with second- and third-degree felony counts of failure to stop after an accident, as well as a felony count of tampering with evidence and a misdemeanor count of negligent homicide, according to a news release from the Cuyahoga County Prosecutors Office.

It happened Aug. 16 outside the Lakeshore Beach Apartments along Lakeshore Boulevard in Cleveland, according to authorities.

Aiden Clarks father said he doesnt want his sons death to be used for political gain

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Mynatt was driving an SUV on the main access road when he struck Prewitt, who was riding his skateboard, prosecutors said. Mynatt then pulled into a parking area, turned around and sped away. Prewitt was reportedly dragged beneath the vehicle.

First responders transported Prewitt to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Amir Prewitts death is a terrible tragedy, and my thoughts and prayers remain with his family, Prosecutor Michael OMalley is quoted in the release. Donald Mynatt selfishly thought he could evade justice, and thanks to the diligent work by the U.S. Marshals and the Cleveland Division of Police, that is not the case.

Mynatt allegedly abandoned the SUV, and it was found less than a day later. More than two weeks later, agents with the U.S. Marshals Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force found Mynatt hiding out in an abandoned office space above storage units in Lake County, according to the release. He was already a wanted fugitive in another case.

Records show Mynatts license had been suspended due to a child support issue, the FOX 8 I-Team reported. Hes had numerous license suspensions in the past, as well as a previous conviction in a hit-and-run.

Twin toddlers found dead in car

Prosecutors on Thursday noted Mynatt was not indicted on a count of aggravated vehicular homicide, which would require the state to prove Mynatt had been acting recklessly.

At this time, there is no evidence that the defendant was operating the vehicle while under the influence, driving at a high rate of speed, using a cell phone or engaging in any other conduct that would be considered reckless under the Ohio Revised Code, reads the release. The investigation remains ongoing.

Mynatts attorney claimed authorities charged the wrong person, the I-Team reported.

He remains jailed on a $5 million bond. Future court dates have not yet been set.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
Donald Trump in Arizona: 'We can vote our way out of this,' Emhoff says

Former President Donald Trump's first post-debate campaign event was Thursday in Tucson, focusing on housing and the economy in Arizonas second-largest city.

The trip marked Trumps second visit to battleground Arizona in the past month, and it came less than two days after he competed with Vice President Kamala Harris on the debate stage Tuesday night.

Trump appeared at Linda Ronstadt Music Hall for a 2 p.m. rally, according to his campaign.

The second gentleman Doug Emhoff was holding a competing political event in Tucson on the same day. The visit marks Emhoffs first trip to Tucson of the 2024 election cycle. He has previously visited Phoenix.

Follow coverage from Republic reporters of former President Donald Trump's campaign visit to Tucson and other political events of the day.

Second gentleman Doug Emhoff: 'We can vote our way out of this'

Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff spoke about the risk to reproductive rights posed by former President Donald Trump, and how his wife, Vice President Kamala Harris, is ready to be president.

He spoke for 27 minutes Thursday to supporters at a campaign event in Tucson, where earlier in the day Trump headlined a rally at Linda Ronstadt Music Hall.

Emhoff took the stage to a standing ovation and chants of "Doug!"

Emhoff attacked Trump and highlighted what he characterized as an extremist agenda that is trying to dismantle womens reproductive rights.

"We can vote our way out of this," he said.

He walked off to Beyonces song "Freedom."

 Sarah Lapidus

Emhoff attracts a small group of pro-Palestinian demonstrators

About a dozen members of a pro-Palestinian group demonstrated across the street from the downtown Tucson event center where second gentleman Doug Emhoff appeared Thursday.

The protest of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris' handling of Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza was promoted on Instagram by an account called az2palestine.

"Killer Kamala must be tired of talking over her constituents - shes sent her husband to do her dirty work on the campaign trail," the Instagram post said. "While shes been busy focusing on her #bratsummer, her administration continues to reign (rain) terror on families in Gaza.

"We demand that Biden/Harris comply with the ruling of the International Court of Justice and enact an immediate arms embargo."

Early on during the proceedings the group of demonstrators were either removed or left on their own.

 Sarah Lapidus

Warm-up speakers prep the crowd for Doug Emhoff

Second gentleman Doug Emhoff was set to appear before a standing-room-only audience of about 450 people at an event center near the Hotel Congress in downtown Tucson.

Pima County Supervisor Adelita Grijalva told the excited crowd that this is the biggest fight they have ever seen and that womens reproductive rights are on the line in the Nov. 5 election.

Tucson Mayor Regina Romero discussed what is at stake this election if Republican Donald Trump is elected again.

A speaker from the group men4choice also talked.

 Sarah Lapidus

Second gentleman Doug Emhoff arrives in Tucson

Shortly before 5:30 p.m., second gentleman Doug Emhoff landed at the Executive Air terminal at the Tucson International Airport for the Harris-Walz campaign.

On the tarmac, he greeted local officials including Tucson mayor Regina Romero, Pima County Board of Supervisors Chair Adelita Grijalva, Tohono Oodham Nation Chair Verlon Jose and Tohono O'odham Vice Chair Carla Johnson.

He was transported in a motorcade to a speaking event in central Tucson focused on reproductive freedom, according to the Harris campaign.

 Sarah Lapidus

Trump wraps up Tucson rally

Former President Donald Trump spoke at Linda Ronstadt Music Hall in Tucson for more than an hour on Thursday.

He ended his remarks by pledging to keep men out of womens sports and criticizing Vice President Kamala Harris' "liberal agenda."

Trump walked off the stage to the 1978 Village People anthem Y.M.C.A., waving to attendees and occasionally dancing.

 Stephanie Murray

Trump pledges to slash energy costs and ban mortgages for 'illegal aliens'

Former President Donald Trump, speaking in Tucson, pledged to "rapidly reduce inflation by slashing energy costs during his remarks on housing and the economy.

Trump promised to bring mortgage rates down to 2% and said he will ban all mortgages for illegal aliens.

He pointed to a man in the crowd who secured a mortgage when rates were lower and praised him, but noted other people were not as lucky.

Trump criticized the rise in energy costs in Arizona and promised to cut costs by 50% in his first year of a second term.

Youre number one in the country for the increase in your electric bills. What the hell is going on? Trump said. As president, I will end the Harris-Biden war on American energy.

 Stephanie Murray

Trump announces plan to end taxes on overtime pay

Former President Donald Trump, delivering remarks on the economy and housing in Tucson, said if elected he would end taxes on overtime pay.

Im also announcing that as part of our additional tax cuts we will end all taxes on overtime."

He also talked up his previously announced intention to end taxes on tips.

"It's time for the working man and woman to finally catch a break and that's what we're doing," Trump said. "If you're an overtime worker, if you're past 40 hours a week ... your overtime hours will be tax free."

 Stephanie Murray

Trump doubles down on false claims about migrants eating pets in Ohio

Former President Donald Trump doubled down on false claims that immigrants are eating house pets in Ohio, a point that came up Tuesday during his debate with Vice President Kamala Harris.

City officials in Springfield, Ohio, a community that has seen in recent years an influx of 15,000 to 20,000 immigrants from Haiti, say there are no reports of immigrants eating cats or dogs in the area.

Twenty-thousand illegal Haitian immigrants have descended on a town of 58,000 people, destroying their way of life. This was a beautiful community, now its ah  Trump said, leaving his sentence unfinished.

Residents are reporting that the migrants are walking off with the towns geese. Theyre taking the geese. You know where the geese are, in the park. And even walking off with their pets," Trump said.

My dogs been taken. This can only happen. These people are the worst, Im telling you. Biden and Kamala, this is the worst combination in the history of our country," Trump said. "The only one happy is Jimmy Carter because hes no longer referred to as the worst president. Not even close.

 Stephanie Murray

Trump debuts new nickname for Senate candidate Kari Lake

Former President Donald Trump gave a shoutout  and a new nickname  for Republican Senate candidate Kari Lake, whom he has endorsed.

Trump applauded her toughness on border-security topics.

"She may be angry, she may never speak to me again, but I'm going to give her a different name," Trump said, debuting her new nickname: "Border Kari Lake."

"Thank you, Border Kari," Trump said, laughing.

 Stephanie Murray

Trump rips ABC debate moderators, says he won't debate Harris again

Former President Donald Trump immediately addressed his debate against Kamala Harris when he arrived at the podium.

The crowd booed the ABC News debate moderators, whom Trump criticized for fact-checking him and not Harris.

"We had a monumental victory over comrade Kamala Harris," Trump said.

Trump made a point to address an exchange over abortion during the debate, reiterating his false claim that some states allow abortions even after birth.

Trump also pushed back on Harris claim that Republicans want to track pregnancies.

I dont want to do that, Trump said. Women, I wont be following you around to the hospital.

He also complained that the moderators didn't correct Harris when she linked him to the Heritage Foundation's Project 2025 agenda, which he said he hasn't read and has disavowed.

Trump said he won't square off against Harris again.

There will be no third debate, Trump said, to applause. "It's too late anyway. The voting's already begun."

 Stephanie Murray

Donald Trump takes the stage at Linda Ronstadt Music Hall

Former President Donald Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, took the stage in Tucson at 2:14 p.m.

He entered to the song God Bless the USA and stood onstage while the crowd cheered.

Signs behind the former president read MAKE HOUSING AFFORDABLE AGAIN and NO TAX ON TIPS.

 Stephanie Murray

Kari Lake rips Tucson 'city leadership' at Trump rally

Republican Senate nominee Kari Lake painted a dark picture of Tucson, decrying horrible city leadership during her remarks ahead of Trumps speech.

The crowd booed when she mentioned Rep. Ruben Gallego, her Democratic opponent, and President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

Tucson is tired of being put on the back burner. Tucson is tired of the crime and tired of the homeless crisis. This town is so ripe for success that I can feel it in the air every time I come down here. And sadly its one of those cases where you can see what bad leadership brings you, Lake said.

Lake, a former Phoenix TV news anchor, put her focus on the price of housing in Arizona in making her pitch for Republicans, a preview of what Trump is expected to address later in the afternoon.

Lets say hasta la vista to Kamala. Lets say adios to Ruben. And lets vote for Donald Trump, Lake said.

 Stephanie Murray

Trump supporters brave summer heat for chance to see former president

Former President Donald Trumps campaign stop in Tucson brought out supporters from all over the state. Despite the sunny day and minimal shade at parts of the line, his supporters persisted in hopes of getting inside the Linda Ronstadt Music Hall.

Hey, did Trump take a bullet for us? I can stand outside in 105-degree weather for a couple of hours. said Brian Blessing, who moved back to Tucson from San Diego three and half years ago.

Even if he didnt take a bullet for us, said Jody Butts, a former Border Patrol agent. Look what he did four years ago with the economy and with law enforcement.

Butts and Blessing are concerned for the future of the country with an economy, they say, is failing Americans.

Jill Carson made the trip down from Surprise to Tucson to support the former president. Her and her husband recently moved to Arizona from Connecticut. Her biggest concern this election is also the economy. I think its actually worse out here, she said.

Her spending power at the grocery store has decreased, walking out with less food for more money.

We used to go to the bakery, and we'd get black pumpernickel for 12.99, Carson said. Now, it's like half the size at the same price.

Tino Rodriguez, 39, drove from Phoenix with his daughter to sell water for those waiting in line. He saw a need for his side hustle when he attended a rally in metro Phoenix.

I know people (were) passing out over there, so we got to come over here and help out our Trump supporters, he said.

Rodriguez brought eight cases of water bottles with him. By 11:30 a.m., he had already gone through two of them.

 Raphael Romero Ruiz

Trump supporters in Tucson say debate moderators were unfair to him

Supporters attending Donald Trumps rally in Tucson said his performance at Tuesday's debate could have been better, but they blamed the moderators and the format at ABC News.

I thought there was some unfairness on how the moderators were towards him. I think it was obvious, said Danny de la Torre of San Manuel.

He describes himself as a liberal who voted for Biden in 2020, but this year is switching to vote for Trump. De la Torre cited the economy, immigration and abortion as the most important issues for him.

He wore a Latinos for Trump shirt while waiting in line to enter the rally on Thursday.

Slowly, paying attention to what the Democrats say, what they believe in, what theyre trying to put on the citizens of each country, I just dont believe agree with it anymore, he said.

Anne Moore from Tucson agreed that inflation and rising prices were an issue. She felt Trump was the better person to address it. But she lamented that didnt come through during the debate.

I was hoping he would do better, but he had three people coming at him, she said.

She pointed out that the ABC moderators only fact-checked Trump during the debate, and agreed with the former president that it was unclear who was coming into the country.

It was just frustrating. It should be a fair debate, Moore added. Anyone who watched, even my Democrat friends like, 'I get what you mean about the bias from the media.'"

Tucson resident Livan Alexandro de Lira felt Trump brought up many good points during the debate against Vice President Kamala Harris.

Its true. If she wanted to make a change, she wouldve done it four years ago, three years. But weve seen no change, he said.

 Rafael Carranza

Harris' campaign counters Trump's visit with abortion-focused ad

Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign countered Donald Trump's visit to Tucson with a new television ad focused on abortion rights, an issue that is expected to play well for Democrats this election cycle amid GOP-led restrictions on the procedure.

The ad replays a moment from this week's presidential debate when Trump took credit for the overturning of Roe vs. Wade, saying he "did a great service" in doing so and "it took courage."

And it replays Harris' response, set to emotional music.

"I think the American people believe that certain freedoms, in particular the freedom to make decisions about one's own body, should not be made by the government," she said.

You can watch the ad here.

 Laura Gersony

Donald Trump and RFK Jr. teamed up at a rally in Glendale

In Donald Trump's last visit to the state on Aug. 23, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s presence added a burst of energy to the full house at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, where Republicans matched the turnout the Democratic ticket drew to the same venue two weeks earlier.

Trump, the Republican presidential nominee and former president, retooled his message to get personal in attacks on Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee after she and other Democrats pummeled him throughout their four-day national convention in Chicago.

 Ronald J. Hansen and Stephanie Murray

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Donald Trump in Arizona: Live coverage of presidential campaign
UNIONDALE, Long Island (PIX11)  Former President Donald Trump will host a rally on Long Island Wednesday, his campaign announced this week.

The rally will kick off at 7 p.m. at the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, an area Trump claims is reeling from liberal policy.

Key takeaways from the Harris-Trump presidential debate

His rally will touch on issues like affordability and border control, according to his campaign.

Trump had been planning a campaign rally on Long Island before the shooting at a Pennsylvania rally in July, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman told the New York Daily News.

In May, Trump was met with protesters at a rally held in the Bronx. In April, Trump visited the Manhattan bodega where a worker killed a man in what officials argued was a case of self-defense.

Emily Rahhal is a digital reporter from Los Angeles who has covered New York City since 2023. She joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of her work here and follow her on Twitter here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
Former President Donald Trump has rejected the idea of a second debate with Vice President Kamala Harris, days after announcing himself as the victor in their initial head-to-head when the two met for the first time and he repeatedly lost his footing and his cool while sparring with his opponent in the upcoming election.

Trump, who is neck-and-neck with Harris in national polling two months after she entered the 2024 presidential race to replace President Joe Biden at the top of the Democrats ticket, announced the rejection of a second debate Thursday on his Truth Social platform.

More from The Hollywood Reporter

When a prizefighter loses a fight, the first words out of his mouth are, I WANT A REMATCH. Polls clearly show that I won the Debate against Comrade Kamala Harris, the Democrats Radical Left Candidate, on Tuesday night, and she immediately called for a Second Debate, he wrote, in part.

The former president went on in his post about his beliefs that Biden and Harris negatively impacted the economy and immigration in the country. He also claimed that Harris was a no-show at the Fox Debate, and refused to do NBC & CBS. But the candidates never agreed upon a debate on Fox News, although the network proposed multiple dates for one. NBC News, like several news networks, proposed to host a debate between the presidential candidates; CBS News is sponsoring a vice presidential debate on Oct. 1.

KAMALA SHOULD FOCUS ON WHAT SHE SHOULD HAVE DONE DURING THE LAST ALMOST FOUR YEAR PERIOD. THERE WILL BE NO THIRD DEBATE! Trump wrote in conclusion.

Harris said that she would like to have a second debate against Trump, writing on X (formerly Twitter), Two nights ago, Donald Trump and I had our first debate. We owe it to the voters to have another debate. On Fox & Friends on Wednesday, Trump had already suggested that he may not be up for an additional debate; at the suggestion by the hosts of a Fox News-hosted meetup with Harris, he proposed anchors that are friendly to him as potential moderators, including Sean Hannity, Laura Ingraham or Jesse Watters.

Following Tuesdays debate, 63 percent to 37 percent indicated they believed Harris had the better performance, according to a CNN poll from SSRS. The vice president managed to goad Trump into several angry rants about nonsensical topics and fake news that he presented as verified facts. Several times, the moderators had to fact-check his statements live on-air.

Best of The Hollywood Reporter

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Key Insights

Gorman-Rupp's estimated fair value is US$32.91 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity

Gorman-Rupp's US$36.29 share price indicates it is trading at similar levels as its fair value estimate

Today we will run through one way of estimating the intrinsic value of The Gorman-Rupp Company (NYSE:GRC) by taking the expected future cash flows and discounting them to their present value. Our analysis will employ the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model. It may sound complicated, but actually it is quite simple!

Remember though, that there are many ways to estimate a company's value, and a DCF is just one method. Anyone interested in learning a bit more about intrinsic value should have a read of the Simply Wall St analysis model.

View our latest analysis for Gorman-Rupp

Is Gorman-Rupp Fairly Valued?

We're using the 2-stage growth model, which simply means we take in account two stages of company's growth. In the initial period the company may have a higher growth rate and the second stage is usually assumed to have a stable growth rate. To start off with, we need to estimate the next ten years of cash flows. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years.

A DCF is all about the idea that a dollar in the future is less valuable than a dollar today, so we need to discount the sum of these future cash flows to arrive at a present value estimate:

10-year free cash flow (FCF) forecast

2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 Levered FCF ($, Millions) US$58.5m US$53.3m US$50.3m US$48.7m US$48.0m US$47.9m US$48.2m US$48.7m US$49.5m US$50.4m Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x1 Est @ -9.00% Est @ -5.55% Est @ -3.13% Est @ -1.44% Est @ -0.26% Est @ 0.57% Est @ 1.15% Est @ 1.55% Est @ 1.84% Present Value ($, Millions) Discounted @ 7.4% US$54.5 US$46.1 US$40.6 US$36.6 US$33.6 US$31.2 US$29.2 US$27.5 US$26.0 US$24.6

("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St)

Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = US$350m

After calculating the present value of future cash flows in the initial 10-year period, we need to calculate the Terminal Value, which accounts for all future cash flows beyond the first stage. The Gordon Growth formula is used to calculate Terminal Value at a future annual growth rate equal to the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield of 2.5%. We discount the terminal cash flows to today's value at a cost of equity of 7.4%.

Story continues

Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2034  (1 + g)  (r  g) = US$50m (1 + 2.5%)  (7.4% 2.5%) = US$1.0b

Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= US$1.0b ( 1 + 7.4%)10= US$513m

The total value, or equity value, is then the sum of the present value of the future cash flows, which in this case is US$863m. To get the intrinsic value per share, we divide this by the total number of shares outstanding. Compared to the current share price of US$36.3, the company appears around fair value at the time of writing. Remember though, that this is just an approximate valuation, and like any complex formula - garbage in, garbage out.

dcf

The Assumptions

We would point out that the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate and of course the actual cash flows. You don't have to agree with these inputs, I recommend redoing the calculations yourself and playing with them. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at Gorman-Rupp as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 7.4%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.194. Beta is a measure of a stock's volatility, compared to the market as a whole. We get our beta from the industry average beta of globally comparable companies, with an imposed limit between 0.8 and 2.0, which is a reasonable range for a stable business.

SWOT Analysis for Gorman-Rupp

Strength

Earnings growth over the past year exceeded the industry.

Debt is well covered by cash flow.

Dividends are covered by earnings and cash flows.

Weakness

Interest payments on debt are not well covered.

Dividend is low compared to the top 25% of dividend payers in the Machinery market.

Expensive based on P/E ratio and estimated fair value.

Opportunity

Annual earnings are forecast to grow faster than the American market.

Threat

No apparent threats visible for GRC.

Moving On:

Whilst important, the DCF calculation shouldn't be the only metric you look at when researching a company. DCF models are not the be-all and end-all of investment valuation. Rather it should be seen as a guide to "what assumptions need to be true for this stock to be under/overvalued?" If a company grows at a different rate, or if its cost of equity or risk free rate changes sharply, the output can look very different. For Gorman-Rupp, there are three additional elements you should assess:

Risks: Every company has them, and we've spotted 1 warning sign for Gorman-Rupp you should know about. Future Earnings: How does GRC's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other High Quality Alternatives: Do you like a good all-rounder? Explore our interactive list of high quality stocks to get an idea of what else is out there you may be missing!

PS. The Simply Wall St app conducts a discounted cash flow valuation for every stock on the NYSE every day. If you want to find the calculation for other stocks just search here.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
Former President Donald Trump's consistent threats to prosecute his perceived enemies  most recently this past weekend  are concerning to many legal and democracy experts, who say Trump's own history shows he could make good on those promises in a second presidential term.

On Saturday, the Republican presidential nominee alleged on Truth Social that there was "rampant Cheating and Skullduggery" in the 2020 presidential election, despite numerous recounts and audits disproving his claims that he only appeared to have lost because of voter fraud. Trump then brought those baseless fraud claims to bear on the 2024 election, saying various groups  including lawyers and "Corrupt Election Officials"  should beware that after he wins the 2024 election, "those people that CHEATED will be prosecuted."

The threat comes just a couple weeks after Trump circulated Truth Social posts calling for military tribunals against former President Barack Obama and for indicting the House committee that investigated the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol. He shared with his followers another user's post depicting rivals in jumpsuits, including President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump reacts in the spin room, on the day of his debate with Democratic presidential nominee and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on September 10, 2024.

Richard Painter, who was a White House ethics lawyer for President George W. Bush, likened the comments to a vision of President Vladimir Putin's Russia, where Putin's political opponents end up behind bars on charges such as "extremism" or "treason" after criticizing his regime.

"It's extremely dangerous for democracy, this idea that the winner just puts the loser in prison, prosecutes the loser," Painter told USA TODAY.

Trump Campaign National Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told USA TODAY in an email that Trump "believes anyone who breaks the law should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, including criminals who engage in election fraud."

"Without free and fair elections, you can't have a country. Ask Venezuela," Leavitt said.

The former president has previously suggested prosecuting his rivals would be legitimate revenge for his own legal troubles, which include one criminal conviction in New York state court and three other criminal cases.

Painter said that argument ignores some stark differences between Trump's own situation and what he is threatening to do.

"Joe Biden never campaigned on a promise to put Donald Trump in prison," Painter said. "When Donald Trump engaged in the conduct he did, an independent prosecutor was appointed," he added, referring to special counsel Jack Smith, who has significant independence from Justice Department leadership and secured grand jury indictments in the two federal cases Trump faces, one alleging Trump unlawfully attempted to subvert the 2020 election and the other alleging he mishandled classified documents.

Trump has previously tried to prosecute his rivals

Robert Gordon, a Stanford law professor, said even though Trump is "given to bluff and bluster," there is good reason to believe he means it when he says he will use the legal system to get revenge. Gordon noted that Trump tried to get the FBI and Justice Department to investigate and prosecute rivals during his first term. That broke with post-Watergate norms for keeping law enforcement investigations independent from the White House.

For instance, according to the Mueller report, Trump's first attorney general, Jeff Sessions, told federal prosecutors Trump asked him to reverse his decision to recuse himself from presidential campaign-related investigations and direct the Justice Department to investigate and prosecute Hillary Clinton around the summer of 2017.

In the spring of 2018, Trump also told White House counsel Donald F. McGahn II he wanted to order the Justice Department to prosecute both Hillary Clinton and James Comey, the former FBI director whom Trump had already fired during an investigation into Russian interference to help Trump in the 2016 US presidential election, according to the New York Times. McGahn had White House lawyers write a memo warning Trump that if he ordered law enforcement to investigate his rivals, he could be impeached.

After the March, 2019 release of the Mueller report, which looked at Russian interference in the 2016 election, Trump also called for federal officials to "investigate the investigators." Bill Barr, Trump's chosen attorney general after Sessions, later appointed special counsel John Durham to do just that.

"He made clear his position that as head of the executive branch, he has both the power and right to direct federal criminal justice enforcement at any targets he chooses; and does not respect the 'independence' of the Attorney General and of US Attorneys," Gordon told USA TODAY in an email.

Why Trump could succeed next time

Amanda Carpenter, a former staffer to Republican Sens. Jim DeMint and Ted Cruz, who now works for Protect Democracy, a nonpartisan nonprofit, told USA TODAY it will be easier for Trump to get underlings to go through with a prosecution  even without strong evidence  because checks on the president's power will be weaker.

"The prosecution he's threatening against people who challenge his authority is based on smears, conspiracies, and lies, and that is why, when he has gone to court for those election lies in the aftermath of the 2020 election, his claims are rejected again and again," she said, referring to Trump's more than 60 failed election-related lawsuits.

More: Fact check: Donald Trump received dozens of hearings on his 2020 election claims

Carpenter noted plans from Trump allies to erode Justice Department independence along with the Supreme Court's July 1 presidential immunity decision and the dwindling number of congressional Republicans who supported Trump's Jan. 6-related impeachment.

"Trump and his allies have spent their time out of office creating plans to systematically gut the checks and balances that stopped him from excessive law breaking in his first term," Carpenter said.

Defending Trump's call to prosecute rivals

At least one prominent law professor has come out in support of using the justice system for retaliation, saying Trump shouldn't have been charged with crimes and revenge prosecutions are the way to fix it.

University of California, Berkeley law professor John Yoo, a former Justice Department lawyer and prominent conservative, argued in National Review in May that the prosecutions against Trump threaten the ability of future presidents to act in emergencies because they will fear getting prosecuted for their conduct. Those responsible for Trump's criminal cases will only learn their lesson, Yoo said, if Trump's rivals also get prosecuted.

"Without the threat of prosecution of their own leaders, Democrats will continue to charge future Republican presidents without restraint," Yoo wrote.

In an email to USA TODAY, Yoo said he doesn't take Trump's posts seriously. On the post about military tribunals for Obama, he said such tribunals don't have the power to try American officials. The photos of Democrats in prison jumpsuits seemed to him "to be a joke."

"What I argued in my piece, and I continue to believe, is that Democratic district attorneys are prosecuting Trump and his campaign officials under contrived state criminal charges for their conduct in a federal election," he wrote. "If Democrats, however continue to interfere with federal candidates like Trump and their campaigns, then they are opening the door for Republican DAs to do the same."

Ilya Somin, a George Mason University law professor, said arguments that Trump should sic prosecutors on his rivals as vengeance  that "what's good for the goose is good for the gander," as the saying goes  ignore the question of who has actually committed a major crime.

"If the goose committed a serious crime, he deserves to be in prison, and if the gander didn't, then she doesn't," he told USA TODAY. "Trump committed serious crimes by trying to overturn the 2020 election by force and fraud."

What crimes does Trump claim his rivals committed?

Trump and the memes he reposted did not specify what crimes his nemeses allegedly committed, except in the case of the Jan. 6 Committee, which he accused of "sedition."

"Seditious conspiracy" is a federal crime, involving conspiring to attack or harm the U.S. government through various potential avenues, such as trying to overthrow or wage war against it. Trump didn't clarify how he believes the committee, which investigated the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol under House investigatory powers, committed that crime.

When it comes to prosecutions ordered by Trump, Somin doesn't expect that courts or juries would accept criminal charges merely based on someone having opposed Trump on some issue, but said even being investigated or charged would be a significant burden for those targeted.

However, given how much conduct is covered by federal law, if the Justice Department really wanted to charge someone with a crime, there's a good chance it could find one for almost any adult, Somin added. For instance, he noted evidence suggesting half of American adults have tried marijuana, even though marijuana possession is a federal crime.

"This is a common tool of various authoritarian regimes. I'm not saying that Trump could immediately or quickly get us all the way there, but there is a chance that he would take a step in that direction if he had the opportunity," he said.

Personnel is policy?

During Trump's first term, appointees from the Republican establishment slowed or blocked some of Trump's efforts to test or break legal boundaries.

Bill Barr, for instance, told CNN's Kaitlan Collins in an April interview that Trump "would lose his temper" and say that people he was upset with should be executed. "At the end of the day it wouldn't be carried out and you could talk sense into him," Barr said.

Vice President Mike Pence resisted Trump's multi-week campaign to get him to reverse the results of the 2020 election during Pence's constitutional role in counting the electoral votes.

Trump advisors and former aides have said that he will prioritize personal loyalty and commitment to his agenda in choosing appointees to his next administration.

One such person has already been chosen: Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance, who has said he wouldn't have certified the 2020 presidential election results, unlike Pence.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump is threatening to imprison rivals. Experts say the risk is real
DOTHAN, Ala (WDHN)  The Dothan-Houston County Airport Authority will receive an approximately $5.6 million discretionary grant from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Senator Katie Britts Office announced Thursday.

This grant will fund the final phase of a project to rehabilitate and repair the airports 8,503-foot paved runway.

According to Senator Britts Office, this work will extend the runways overall life and improve commercial, military, and general aviation operations. It will also help the over twenty businesses and agencies that call the Dothan-Houston County Airport home.

The funds were provided by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024 and announced by the Department of Transportation on September 6.

The Dothan-Houston County Airport Authority is thrilled to announce the receipt of over $5.6 million in Federal Funds aimed at enhancing infrastructure at Dothan Regional Airport. These funds will primarily go towards rehabilitating the asphalt on our main runway and initiating improvements to the airfields drainage system. This critical project, made possible through the steadfast support of Senator Britt, underscores the importance of collaborative partnerships in sustaining exceptional service for Military, Corporate, and General Aviation users throughout the Wiregrass Area, said Adam Hartzog, Dothan-Houston County Regional Airport Executive Director.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDHN - wdhn.com.
Downtown Dallas shooting hospitalizes 3; no suspect in custody, police say

Three people were hospitalized Thursday following a shooting in downtown Dallas, according to authorities and media reports.

At around 12:15 p.m., officers responded to a call about a shooting in the 1800 block of Commerce Street.

Three people were found shot at the scene, according to police. The victims were taken to local hospitals, but their conditions are unknown, police said in a news conference Thursday afternoon.

There is no information available about the suspect, according to police.

Call logs show the location matches that of the Continental Building next to the AC Hotel, Star-Telegram media partner WFAA-TV reported.

Residents of the Continental Building told the Dallas Morning News they heard multiple gunshots. Dayana Bailey, who has lived at her apartment in the Continental for three years, said she saw blood in the hallway and elevator when she left her unit, the Morning News reported.

She plans on ending her lease immediately, she told the Dallas newspaper.

Carolyn Brock, another resident, told the Morning News that those living in the building have repeatedly voiced their concerns over security.

The investigation is ongoing. More information will be published as it becomes available.
NUUANU, Hawaii (KHON2)  Its a disturbing sight for residents near Nuuanu as dozens of chickens were found either dead or dying in their neighborhood.

Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You

A Pauoa resident who did not want to be identified said he first noticed the 15 chicken carcasses on Tuesday near Booth District Park.

Oahu officials capture nearly 2K feral chickens since 2022

I found about 15 more dead ones off the Ewa side of the park, he revealed. And then now, Im up to a total of 63 dead chickens. As of today, I got three more dying.

The Hawaiian Humane Society confirmed an investigation was launched and they also looped in the Department of Agriculture. Residents said its painful to see.

This book is a love letter to Hawaii: Tom Peeks Mauna Kea

I rescued 20 babies like yesterday because all the moms are dead, said another resident.

The humane society said the Department of Agriculture is investigating the deaths as possible cases of botulism, an avian disease that induces progressive paralysis.

It starts with the legs. First, they get weak legs and then they cant use the legs at all. And then it starts to progress, so they cant hold their head up anymore. And then it affects their breathing and then their breathing gets more labored and then they pass away, Dr. Brian Walsh, Feather & Fur Animal Hospital Medical Director explained.

From 10 p.m. to 4 a.m., feral chickens remain nuisance for Hawaii residents

Regardless of how the animals died, the other issues is their carcasses being found around the neighborhood  whether it is in the street where people are walking their dogs or just in the park where children are at play.

So now then, everybody has to watch what their dogs are sniffing or even whatever theyre doing, Pauoa resident Claudia Virtudes said, Kids are picking up the chickens, catching the chickens.

Hawaiian Telcom opens grant applications for local non-profits

Dr. Walsh said thankfully, botulism is mainly a risk to humans through contaminated food. Cooking and eating dead chickens that are found on the street is still not a good idea, however.

Do not do that and do not let your dog eat it either, its not only can your dog get sick from botulism potentially, but there can be other bacteria that can make it sick as well, Dr. Walsh said.

Check out more news from around Hawaii

The HDOA investigates mass deaths in free-ranging chickens on Oahu and said botulism reports typically peak in August, September and October.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
BOSTON, Mass. (SHNS)The states top public health official urged Bay Staters to take precautions against COVID-19 amid rising cases, as well as from heightened mosquito activity that can lead to serious illnesses.

COVID and flu vaccines are now widely available, Department of Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein stressed Wednesday, as officials prepare for respiratory illness season this fall and winter.

Free flu and COVID vaccines available during The Big E

The country and the state are currently experiencing a wave of COVID-19 infections. This late summer peak has been more significant than prior summer waves and many have gotten sick, Goldstein told the Public Health Council. While fortunately not many have required hospitalization, there have been 110 confirmed COVID-19 deaths in Massachusetts since July 1  far too many deaths for a disease with a highly effective vaccine.

State and federal health officials recommend everyone ages six months and older get updated COVID and flu shots. Goldstein said people who recently contracted COVID and may not need or want to get vaccinated should still get flu shots.

With cases of Eastern equine encephalitis and West Nile virus also on the rise, Goldstein said Bay Staters should use insect repellent, wear long clothing, and consider rescheduling outdoor activities during the peak mosquito biting hours between dusk and dawn. Massachusetts has logged four human cases of EEE and 10 human cases of WNV.

EEE is rare but very serious and can lead to death in more than 30 percent of those patients who contract the illness, the commissioner said. Those who survive are often left with long-term neurological impairments. Children under the age of 15 and adults over the age of 50 are at particular risk. There are no specific treatments for EEE beyond supportive measures, and there are no vaccines to prevent EEE or lessen the severity of its symptoms.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
LIBERTY TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WKBN)  A Leavittsburg man is facing felony charges following a police chase last week.

Read next: Missing man found dead in Mahoning County

Jacob Naypaver, 30, is charged by two police departments with failure to comply, a third-degree felony.

According to a police report, Naypaver was riding a Suzuki motorcycle on Tibbetts Wick Road last Friday afternoon with an unreadable license registration. A Liberty officer attempted to pull Naypaver over at the intersection of Logan Way and state Route 304, but he sped off, splitting in between oncoming traffic and traveling at speeds over 100 miles per hour, according to a police report.

The Liberty officer said he called off the pursuit due to Naypavers reckless driving but made other police departments aware.

A short time later, Hubbard Township police located Naypaver on Wick Campbell Road, and another pursuit ensued involving Brookfield police as well, but they lost sight of him on Sodom Hutchings Road and state Route 82, the report stated.

Police then received a call from a witness who said that Naypaver lost control of the motorcycle on Smith Stewart Road and laid it down into a grass field. He then tried to hide the motorcycle behind a dilapidated garage, the witness said.

Police went to the area on Smith Stewart where Naypaver was arrested at gunpoint after he tried to run away.

When speaking with officers, Naypaver said he ran because he didnt have a motorcycle endorsement, and he thought police would back off if he drove over 60 miles per hour.

Naypaver is scheduled for a preliminary hearing Thursday in both Girard Municipal Court and Trumbull County Eastern District Court. His bond in Girard was set at $7,500 and $25,000 in the Eastern District Court.

In Ohio, driving without a motorcycle endorsement is a misdemeanor.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE)  A man is facing eight to 12 years in prison after he was convicted of killing another person in a head-on collision after drinking multiple margaritas in 2021, according to the Knox County District Attorneys Office.

DA Charme Allens office released on Wednesday that Dennis Wayne Hill, 68, was convicted of vehicular homicide by intoxication and driving under the influence during a seven-day trial. His sentencing is scheduled for November 8.

We will prosecute these kids, Knox County DA issues stern warning amid school threats

During the trial, prosecutors told the jury that on September 28, 2021, Tennessee Highway Patrol responded to a crash on Tazewell Pike. A THP Trooper and expert crash reconstructionist determined that Hill had driven partially off the right side of the road for more than 200 feet before accelerating back into the road and oncoming traffic. The DAs office said that was when Hill struck the victims vehicle head-on, killing him.

Allens office said Hill admitted to drinking multiple margaritas before driving. When his blood was drawn at the hospital hours later, Hills blood alcohol content was 0.094%, meaning his blood alcohol content at the time of the crash was between 0.129% to 0.164%, the DAs office explained. The legal limit in Tennessee is 0.08%.

Manhunt for suspect in Kentucky interstate shooting continues into day 5

Vehicular homicide is a Class B felony, which carries a sentence between eight and 12 years.

This is another senseless tragedy that could have been avoided, said DA Allen.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side.
Driver killed when pickup truck crashes into highway sign and tree, SC cops say

One person was killed Wednesday afternoon when a pickup truck ran off a Columbia-area road and crashed into multiple objects, according to the South Carolina Highway Patrol.

The single-vehicle collision happened at about 4:35 p.m. in Richland County, said Lance Cpl. Brittany Glover.

A 2018 Ford F-150 was driving north on Fish Hatchery Road when it ran off the left side of the road near the intersection with Kimmey Road, according to Glover. Thats in the Gaston area, between U.S. 321 and Interstate 20.

The pickup crashed into a highway sign before hitting a tree, and the driver died at the scene, Glover said.

The Richland County Coroners Office has not publicly identified the driver.

Glover said the driver was the only person in the pickup, and no other injuries were reported.

There was no word if the driver was wearing a seat belt.

Information about what caused the pickup to veer off the road was not available, and Glover did not say if the crash continues to be investigated by the Highway Patrol.

Through Sunday, 597 people had died on South Carolina roads in 2024, according to the state Department of Public Safety. Last year, 1,030 people died in crashes in South Carolina, DPS reported.

At least 32 people have died in Richland County crashes in 2024, according to DPS data. There were 61 deaths in the county in 2023, DPS reported.
EYEWITNESS NEWS (WBRE/WYOU)  State police announced DUI checkpoints will be placed across various roadways in Pennsylvania.

According to Pennsylvania State Police, sobriety checkpoints and roving patrols aim to deter drinking and driving. Police say they are operating with a zero-tolerance enforcement policy.

Police say checkpoints and roving patrols will be placed on roadways from September 13-15 experiencing high rates of DUI-related traffic violations and DUI-related crashes.

The counties participating in the DUI checkpoints are as follows:

Pike County

PSP did not give details on the areas where the patrols will be conducted.

PD: Woman goes on roof to avoid arrest, arson charges

State police encourage those who are out during the weekend and choose to consume alcohol to not drive a car.

Officials warn drivers Pennsylvanias DUI laws issue a legal limit of .08% blood alcohol concentration (BAC). DUI offenses can range from a $300 fine with six months of probation, all the way up to fines of $5,000 with prison sentences of up to 5 years.

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From Duval to Toronto: Air Canada nonstop flight from JAX airport to Toronto returns

O Canada! Nonstop flights from Jacksonville International Airport to our northerly neighbor are back.

Beginning on May 22, Air Canada flights from JAX to Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) will resume after a five-year hiatus.

According to a news release from the Jacksonville Aviation Authority, departing flights will leave Jacksonville at 10:00 a.m. EST, landing in Toronto at 12:45 p.m. EST.

Return flights will depart from Toronto at 6:30 p.m. EST, arriving in Jacksonville at 9:12 p.m. EST.

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JAA said the route will be operated on a CRJ900 with a two-class cabin by Air Canada Express. The aircraft has 12 business class seats and 64 standard/preferred seats.

These flights will connect Jacksonville with Toronto, our largest unserved Canadian market, but they are also perfectly timed to offer Northeast Floridians easy connections to additional destinations in Canada, Europe and Asia, JAA CEO Mark VanLoh said in a news release. We look forward to welcoming Air Canada back to JAX.

Air Canada previously flew nonstop from JAX to YYZ in May 2016 before concluding in April 2019. To book flights, visit www.aircanada.com.

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By Allison Lampert

(Reuters) - Boeing faces a likely strike on Friday by more than 30,000 workers that could shutter its Seattle-area plane factories over demands for a bigger pay increase than the 25% over four years that union leaders agreed to.

If there is no strike, the unionized workers could have to swallow a contract that most of them have said they oppose. That is because they need a supermajority to strike under rules from the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), the largest aerospace union in North America which represents Boeing's U.S. West coast workers.

Here's how the voting works:

Q. What's on the ballot?

A. Boeing workers have a two-part ballot. They are first asked to accept or reject the contract offer. The second question is whether they want to support a strike.

If a majority of workers vote to accept the proposed contract, the agreement goes into effect.

Q. What needs to happen for the workers to go on strike?

A. A majority of Boeing workers must reject the proposed contract and two-thirds of those voting must support a strike.

Q. What happens if a majority of workers reject the tentative agreement but less than two-thirds of those voting support a strike?

A. The contract offer is accepted by default.

Q. In general, how often are contracts ratified despite support from just a minority of workers?

A. Harry Katz, a professor of collective bargaining at Cornell Universitys School of Industrial and Labor Relations, said such a scenario is uncommon. In one rare case from 2002, IAM workers at a Boeing plant in Wichita, Kansas were forced to accept a contract with less than 40% support. That's because only 61% voted to authorize a strike, falling short of the two-thirds majority required under the IAM's constitution.

Q: Why does the IAM have such a high bar to call a strike?

A: The IAM says that if a simple majority was enough to call a strike, the chances of winning a good contract through a strike "decreases dramatically."

"Anytime you go into a possible strike situation, you want to be sure that a 2/3 majority of your membership support calling a strike. Going on strike with less than 2/3 results in a possible weak picket line," according to an IAM information package for workers about the Boeing talks.

"Calling a strike is serious business. The leadership needs to be sure that 2/3 of the membership support withholding their labor to walk the line."

Q. Do workers get strike pay?

A. Members will be paid $250 a week from the strike fund starting in the third week, a union spokesperson said.

Story continues

Q. When does the voting start and end, and when will we know the result?

A. Polling started on Thursday at 5 a.m. PT and will close at 6 p.m. PT. The result will be announced on Thursday evening, the IAM said. If a strike is sanctioned, it could start early Friday.

(Reporting By Allison Lampert in Montreal. Additional reporting by Joe Brock in Seattle; Editing by David Gregorio)
East Texas man arrested after confessing to having child pornography

PALESTINE, Texas (KETK)  A man was arrested after confessing to police that he had downloaded child pornography.

Tyler man arrested after allegedly threatening child, leading officers on multi-agency pursuit

Palestine Police Department Detective Winebrenner, an affiliate with the Texas Attorney Generals Office Southern Texas Internet Crimes Against Childrens Taskforce, got a tip about a suspect downloading child pornography. PPD executed a search warrant in the 100 block of Bent Tree Drive and several electronic devices believed to contain child pornography were seized.

After the search warrant, Derek Hernandez was interviewed by police.

During the interview, Hernandez confessed to downloading child pornography onto his digital devices, according to police. An arrest warrant was obtained for Hernandez, and Hernandez was arrested for possession of child pornography.

Teacher accused of improper relationship with student in deep East Texas

Police said more charges are pending as the digital forensic investigation continues.

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BUCKHORN, Ky. (FOX 56)  Imagine an hour-long ride to school every day. Many Buckhorn students faced this for the past two years, attending school in Hazard while their school was being rebuilt because of the 2022 floods.

Its been very difficult, but my staff and students are very resilient, and they have pushed through, and its so exciting to be home, Jennifer Hickerson, Buckhorn principal, said.

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Students are officially back to regular programs this year in high fashion. The renovated school has also added a preschool program, the first in nearly 20 years. Alissa Taylor, Kentucky state director for Save the Children, said the organization worked with Perry County Schools and other community partners to make the preschool a reality.

Its life changing. These kids are going to start kindergarten with a confidence because they have the school skills they need. Theyre familiar with the school, and the families are going to feel confident walking in and representing and advocating for their children, said Taylor.

The preschool has about three dozen students, with both morning and afternoon classes, an activity center and its own playground. This year, money to fund the program is coming from seed funding.

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Those involved say the best part of it all is knowing students will be getting a head start on their education, which should lead to more success down the road.

Early childhood education is so important to starting them off on the right foot and getting kids reading, and reading on grade level, so we are so happy to have the opportunity to house that in our own building and close to home again, said Hickerson.

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CAMBRIA COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ)  An Ebensburg man is facing charges after he allegedly broke into a control point shed that belonged to Norfolk Southern and stole and damaged over $8,000 in wiring.

Brandon Allen, 37, is facing charges after he allegedly broke into a shed and stole wiring in July of 2023, according to a criminal complaint. On July 15, 2023, the Norfolk Southern Police Department was called to a Pittsburgh Main Line (CP AR) milepost in Gallitzin Township. Police arrived on scene to find that a communications/control shed had been broken into.

Mugshot of Brandon Allen provided by Cambria County Prison

Police noted in the report that the door showed signs of forced entry on the doors and there were electronic components strewn about the building. They also noted that 16 bundles of wire had been cut and removed. Officers also found blood where the wires had been cut and collected a sample.

State police warn of utility scams across Pennsylvania

According to a Norfolk Southern C&S Supervisor, the total cost for the damage and stolen wire totaled $8,480. Police added, This value does not include monetary loss as a result of numerous train delays caused by the incident, as the mainline was inoperable for nearly four hours.

Allen was then allegedly caught selling seven pounds of copper wire and police identified the cooper as the same that was missing, according to the criminal complaint.

With blood being found at the scene officers applied for a search warrant for a DNA sample of Allen to compare. In June 2024, officers collected the sample and it was turned over to the Pennsylvania State Police Greensburg Regional Crime Laboratory for analysis.

On Sept. 5, analysis determined that the blood was a DNA match to Allen, according to the affidavit.

Allen is in the Cambria County Prison with bail set at 10% of $50,000. He is facing felony charges of burglary, criminal trespass and criminal mischief. Hes also facing charges of theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property, theft of secondary metal and damage to railroad property.

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He has a preliminary hearing scheduled for Sept. 24.

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When prosecutors cut deals with informants, it results in criminals dodging prison time, cases unraveling and  in rare but tragic instances  men serving time for crimes they did not commit.

High turnover among Metro bus drivers during a time of expansion in the transit system resulted in people with less-than-stellar driving records finding work behind the wheel. One of those drivers pleaded guilty in July to vehicular manslaughter after his bus struck a woman earlier this year.

Neglect and violence have plagued Ohios youth prisons and detention centers over the past several years, leading to injuries and even deaths in the facilities that use tax dollars to ostensibly protect and rehabilitate juvenile offenders.

These findings were revealed in three of more than a dozen major investigative reports that appeared in The Enquirer over the past year. The youth prison investigation  a collaboration with The Columbus Dispatch, Akron Beacon Journal and other USA TODAY Network affiliated news organization in Ohio  resulted in Gov. Mike DeWine immediately launching a task force to reform the states juvenile incarceration system.

The investigation was named a finalist for this years Scripps Howard Journalism Award for Local/Regional Investigative Reporting.

SPECIAL REPORT: Ohio's juvenile detention system struggles with violence, neglect

Often in this column, I talk about the importance of local journalism and our commitment to watchdog reporting. These investigations typically dont command the same number of website page views as, say, a story about how to watch the solar eclipse or the color of Joe Burrows hair. But their impact is significant, measured by the awareness raised and the meaningful changes they spark. Just two weeks ago, DeWines task force issued its recommendations in a 30-page report. The most sweeping reform involves shuttering the states three large youth prisons and replacing them with smaller, community-level facilities. DeWine said the first lockup to close will be the Cuyahoga Hills Juvenile Correctional Facility near Cleveland.

I cant overstate the investment these types of stories require, both in time and expertise. The youth prison investigation, anchored by our Statehouse reporter Laura Bischoff, involved the work of more than 20 journalists over an eight-month period. Its easy to tally up people and hours. Whats hard to measure is the emotional toll these stories extract from the journalists, who interviewed grieving families and reviewed hours of gut-wrenching surveillance videos.

"I spent so much time talking to people on the inside of the system  parents, employees, kids. At times it was personally emotional, exhausting and frustrating," Bischoff said. "On projects like this, I find resolve with the fact that the work will shine a light on the problems and injustices. And maybe some good change will come of the work."

Investigative journalism sometimes carries the occupational hazard of being harassed and threatened  usually a sign that were onto something. During my time as editor of the Reno Gazette-Journal in Nevada, our reporters were working on a story about overtime abuse in the city's fire department. One evening, my home phone rang (I still had a landline back then) and I answered it despite the caller ID reading unavailable. After I said, Hello, a man whispered: You better hope your house doesnt catch fire, because were going to sit back and watch  it  burn.

The Enquirer front page on Nov. 12, 2023. The special report on chaos in Ohio's youth prisons and detention facilities was published in USA TODAY Network publications across the state.

Winners of the Scripps Howard Awards will be announced in a web broadcast Oct. 20. Also a finalist in our category is the Chicago-based nonprofit City Bureau, which investigated missing person cases and found a disproportionate impact on Black women and girls. Their work won the Pulitzer Prize for local reporting this year.

The E.W. Scripps Co., which owned the Cincinnati Post before selling off its newspapers to focus on its broadcast operation, is based in Cincinnati. WCPO-TV is owned by Scripps. On top of its downtown headquarters on Third and Walnut streets is the famous Scripps lighthouse, a symbol of the companys motto adopted in 1923: Give light and the people will find their own way.

Thank you for supporting our efforts to shine that light in our community.

Enquirer Executive Editor Beryl Love writes a biweekly column that takes you behind the scenes at The Enquirer. Occasionally, he shares his thoughts on local issues, particularly as they pertain to a free press and open government. Email him at blove@enquirer.com. Love also serves as regional editor for the USA TODAY Network Ohio.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Enquirer-Dispatch investigation finalist for Scripps Howard award
In 1999, the writer Malcolm Gladwell wrote a famous, later-anthologized New Yorker article about a Chicago grandmother named Lois Weisberg. In the subhead to the piece, entitled Six Degrees of Lois Weisberg, Gladwell wondered aloud whether she ran the world.

That was tongue in cheek, but Gladwells point was that Weisberg was one of the worlds great connectors, making things happen by putting people together. If you asked Weisberg for a job and she liked you, Gladwell wrote, she would want to recruit you into one of her grand schemes, to sweep you up into her world. Among other things, Gladwell credited Weisberg with bringing about the founding of Friends of the Parks, the saving of the South Shore Line and the formation of Gallery 37 (an arts program and a youth job creator). He reported that she put two Chicago visitors named Arthur C. Clarke and Isaac Asimov together and that she greatly intimidated the powerful developer Al Friedman, persuading him and other developers to do more for the city. Gladwell also said that Weisberg, more than any other Chicagoan, made Blacks and whites living on the North Side more likely to socialize together. He quoted Helen Doria as saying that Weisberg was the epicenter of the city administration. And at the time that article came out, few of us disagreed. Certainly not her boss, Mayor Richard M. Daley.

Weisberg died in 2016 at the age of 90. Why is her story relevant now? Its that her job was commissioner of Cultural Affairs, a position from which she greatly bettered her city.

How? By bringing people together.

When she wanted attention for something, her Rolodex was filled with reporters from this and other newspapers. She knew what made for a good story, and she made sure plenty got written to advance her agendas.

Chicago still has a commissioner of Cultural Affairs  in fact, the role has been expanded since the Weisberg days to include special events, such as big festivals. The post currently is occupied by Clinee Hedspeth, formerly legislative director for Mayor Brandon Johnson when he was a Cook County commissioner.

Her portfolio includes most everything that makes a city fun, not to mention the stuff most likely to bring in tourism dollars. Hedspeth, who was hired after Johnson fired her predecessor, Erin Harkey, has been in the news of late not for putting people together but pulling people apart.

Hedspeth mostly has refused to engage with the media. In May, she declined to talk to a writer representing this newspaper about her specific visions and goals, despite being more than two months into the job. Morgan Elise Johnson, founder of the news site The Triibe, said on X this week that Hedspeth had been unresponsive to that organizations desire to profile Black leaders in the Johnson administration, which hardly was something intended to make her look bad. And, on Monday, WBEZ published a story outlining an open secret around town: senior Cultural Affairs staffers have been fleeing the office, with the implication that it had to do with their new boss. Not ideal, especially when Johnson has announced a citywide hiring freeze in the face of a yawning budget gap. Assuming thats a hard freeze, Cultural Affairs could be seriously depleted.

Hedspeths reported reaction to the WBEZ claims? A DCASE spokesperson said she was not available for an interview and did not reply to emailed questions.

A new commissioner arguably is entitled to bring in her own people and rebuild an office as she sees fit. So that might not in itself be an indication of a major problem. And you could argue that Hespeth still is new(ish) in her role and that no one should be forced to talk to the media at times when they would rather not. But the contrast between this aversion to public engagement and Weisbergs legacy is striking. Very much so.

On the face of it, Cultural Affairs may not look like the citys most important office. Certainly, Johnson has other personnel problems to worry about, including the Monday resignation of the clearly talented and hard-working Sydney Holman as deputy mayor of intergovernmental affairs, otherwise known as the mayoral bridge to City Council.

Now a moat.

Not good at all as Johnson heads into a particularly fraught budget season, and some of the aldermen are determined to fight Johnsons decision to remove the ShotSpotter gun detection technology.

But mayors have to keep many balls in the air at the same time. And Cultural Affairs is not just about supporting the arts and putting on festivals: its a bully pulpit for the citys culture, which means cultivating Chicagos identity as a producer of film, theater, visual arts and music and not just a consumer of such products from the coasts.

Cultural Affairs is the city department that has the most do with tourism but also that most shapes what Chicagoans can and will do when they are not working. A citys culture is why many people choose to stay or leave. And that noun includes who is having dinner with whom, who feels included and who does not. In short, the position should be held by the city governments number one connector.

At the end of the New Yorker piece, Gladwell describes Weisberg taking him to the Museum of Contemporary Art (a good thing in and of itself). He leaves her for awhile to look at the current exhibit and returns to find:

Her little corner had become a crowd. There was her friend from the state legislature. A friend in the Chicago Park District. A friend from her neighborhood. A friend in the consulting business. A friend from Gallery 37. A friend from the local business development group.  And on an on. They were of all ages, and all colors, swirling and turning in a loose circle.

Weisberg, he wrote, was at the center and the happiest person in the room.

Who would not want to live in such a city?

So who is this person in Johnsons world?

Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.
During his campaign, former President Donald Trump has proposed his share of bad policy ideas, such as a 20 percent tariff across the board. But tasking Elon Musk with heading a commission to make the government more efficient is one worth considering. In a speech to the Economic Club of New York, Trump said this commission will conduct "a complete financial and performance audit of the entire federal government."

Efficiency is subjective. Some people believe that empowering the IRS with more powers to collect more taxes is efficient. Some believe that efficiency means putting an end to waste, fraud, and abuse. I have a more extensive definition. Yes, an efficient federal government would be free of fraud and abuse, but it also wouldn't subsidize private sector activities like exports, manufacturing, green energy, or any other sectors, for that matter.

Nor would an efficient federal government subsidize state governments for activities that are not federal in nature. Chris Edwards at the Cato Institute reports that in 2019, $721 billion went from Washington, D.C., to the states for activities that states themselves should oversee, like transportation and education. That number exploded during the pandemic. As Edwards shows, such "grants-in-aid" programs produce irresponsible policymaking as they misallocate resources and undermine accountability and democratic control. Oh, and they also produce larger deficits.

Trump's definition of efficiency is narrower. He said: "As a first order of business, this commission will develop an action plan to totally eliminate fraud and improper payments within six months. This will save trillions of dollars. Trillions."

Trillions? I doubt it. You can't balance the budget on the back of fraud and improper payments alone. But ending this waste is the least that government officials should do. As such, a commission stepping in where our delinquent legislators are asleep on the job is welcomed.

According to the Government Accountability Office's (GAO) latest report on the issue, "Federal agencies made an estimated $236 billion in improper payments in FY 2023, and cumulative federal improper payment estimates have totaled about $2.7 trillion since FY 2003." The GAO also reports that five programs are responsible for 79 percent, or $186 billion, of these improper payments.

My research on this topic suggests that only 5 percent of the improper payments are underpayments, and most of the overpaid money is never recovered. Medicare, Medicaid, and that darling of the right and the left, the earned income tax credit, are all systematically at the top of the improper-payment culprit list every year.

Yet nothing happens except that the improper payments grow. It's another sign that government officials, Republican or Democratprobably including your own House and Senate representatives, dear readershave very little respect for our hard-earned dollars. We shouldn't tolerate such abuse.

This is only the tip of the iceberg. Hundreds of billions of dollars are for payments that, while neither fraudulent nor improper, fund activities that are redundant, do not achieve what they set out to, or even backfire.

Nevertheless, an efficiency commission is not without challenges. Political resistance is the first. Programs that shouldn't exist have strong political backing, either because they serve a particular constituency or because they benefit powerful interest groups. For instance, agricultural subsidiesoften and correctly criticized as wastefulpersist due to strong lobbying from farming interests. Political realities make meaningful cuts or reforms difficult.

Dominic Pino at National Review reminds us that the Grace Commission under President Ronald Reagan made 2,478 recommendations to save $424 billion over three years (in 1984 dollars). Most of the executive branch recommendations were implemented, but those that required legislative action weren't, likely for the reasons laid out above. Pino writes that "the recommendations that were implemented from the commission have saved the federal government a total of $1.9 trillion between the publication of the report and 2020."

The Grace Commission was a raging success compared to former Vice President Al Gore's attempt to cut waste as part of former President Bill Clinton's plan to "reinvent government." As The Wall Street Journal reports, "the Clinton Administration abandoned the effort amid union opposition and Mr. Gore's desire to appeal to his party's left as he sought the presidential nomination in 2000."

Cutting government spending is hard work. So is sending people into space. Musk does the latter better than NASA, so he might be up for tackling the former. The only question is whether that's the best use of his time, considering that Congress will continue to be an obstacle to efficiency.

COPYRIGHT 2024 CREATORS.COM

The post An Efficiency Commission Led by Elon Musk Would Be Good for the Government appeared first on Reason.com.
Einstein's 1939 letter, warning of atomic weapons, just sold at auction for $3.9 million

Einstein's 1939 letter to Roosevelt, warning of atomic weapons, sold at auction for $3.9 million.

Einstein later regretted the letter for its ultimate role in helping to develop the atomic bomb.

The letter belonged to late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen. The new owner's identity is unknown.

In the summer of 1939, Albert Einstein made what he considered his "one great mistake": signing a letter that would reach the desk of President Franklin Roosevelt and help usher in the nuclear age.

Now, a copy of that letter, also signed by Einstein, has sold at a Christie's auction for $3.9 million. The original that was sent to Roosevelt is part of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Library's collection in New York.

"This has been described as one of the most influential letters in history," Peter Klarnet, senior specialist for Americana, books, and manuscripts at Christie's, said in a statement.

The recent sale doesn't set a record price for Einstein memorabilia, though. Christie's previously auctioned one of the famed scientist's manuscripts for $13 million.

The letter that launched our nuclear age

The letter warned that Germany could develop "extremely powerful bombs" using uranium and urged the president to "speed up" the US's own work on the element, eventually leading to the Manhattan Project and the development of the world's first atomic bomb.

Though Einstein didn't write the letter, his worldwide esteem meant his signature added significance and credibility to the letter.

The copy that sold at auction on Tuesday was the only version in private hands, according to Christie's. It was part of a larger collection belonging to the late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen.

Allen bought the letter in 2002 for $2.1 million. Before that, it had belonged to publisher Malcolm Forbes, who acquired it from Hungarian physicist Leo Szilard's estate, The Guardian reported. Szilard wrote the letter, which Einstein signed.

Christie's didn't disclose the identity of the letter's new owner.

Einstein's influence on the Manhattan Project

Einstein's letter to Roosevelt sold for nearly $3.9 million at auction. CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2024

When Szilard wrote the letter, German scientists had recently discovered nuclear fission, the process of splitting atoms and releasing energy, which could be used to power an atomic bomb.

For Szilard and Einstein, the possibility of the Germans creating a nuclear weapon was reason enough to write President Roosevelt.

Both Szilard and Einstein were Jewish scientists who had fled Europe during Adolf Hitler's rise to power.

Once Germany surrendered, however, Szilard and Einstein no longer felt the use of nuclear weapons was justified.

"Woe is me," Einstein said when he learned of the attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan, in 1945 that killed an estimated 200,000 people.

Though Einstein was never a part of the Manhattan Project  the US Army Intelligence Office denied him the necessary security clearance  the Nobel Prize winner regretted his role anyway.

After the war, he spoke out against nuclear proliferation. Before his death in 1955, Einstein signed a manifesto written by philosopher Bertrand Russell.

Now known as the Russell-Einstein Manifesto, the document warned the public about an even greater threat than the atomic bomb: newly developed hydrogen bombs, which are far more destructive.

The manifesto led to the creation of the Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs, an organization that  to this day  is dedicated to ridding the world of weapons of mass destruction.

Read the original article on Business Insider
'You either support war or you don't'  Zelensky blasts China-Brazil 'destructive' peace initiative

President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized a peace initiative put forward by Brazil and China as "destructive" in an interview with Brazilian outlet Metropoles published on Sept. 12.

"You either support the war, or you don't support the war. If you don't support it, then help us stop Russia," Zelensky said.

"(Should we) just give up our land, forget that they are killing our people? What is the compromise in that? That's why I think it's destructive. It's just a political statement."

Brazil and China pitched a six-point peace plan in May that called on both Russia and Ukraine to avoid "escalation of hostilities" and "provocations."

It came as a parallel plan to Ukraine's peace efforts based on Zelensky's 10-point peace formula, which included a global peace summit in Switzerland in June.

China did not attend the summit despite the invitation, while the Brazilian representative who was present did not sign the resulting communique. The document was primarily backed by Ukraine's traditional Western partners, showing that Ukraine had little success in engaging the Global South.

"How can you offer 'here is our initiative' without asking anything from us?" Zelensky asked, saying the plan lacked respect for Ukraine and its territorial integrity. The president added that he offered to discuss the proposals with Chinese and Brazilian leaders.

"Why did you suddenly decide that you should take Russia's side or be somewhere in the middle? In the middle of what?" Zelensky said, calling Russian President Vladimir Putin a murderer and saying that he himself must take steps toward ending the war.

The six-point plan from Brazil and China calls for:

Non-escalation or provocations by either side. An international peace conference accepted by both Russia and Ukraine, and which includes "fair discussion" of all peace plans. An increase of humanitarian assistance to "prevent a humanitarian crisis on a larger scale," as well as an exchange of POWs, and no attacks on civilians. All possible efforts must be made to "prevent nuclear proliferation and avoid nuclear crisis." Attacks on nuclear power plants and other peaceful nuclear facilities "must be opposed." Enhanced international cooperation on several issues in order to "protect the stability of global industrial and supply chains."

Moscow has previously said it would accept Brazil and China as intermediaries for possible peace talks. The two countries refused to publicly take sides in the war, with China quietly serving as Russia's key economic lifeline and a source of dual-use goods.

There have been no direct negotiations between Ukraine and Russia since early 2022.

Moscow named Ukraine giving up on occupied territory and ceding additional ground as conditions for talks. In turn, Kyiv's 10-point peace formula includes a complete Russian withdrawal from the country.

Read also: We asked 5 prominent Ukrainians about Trumps debate comments on Ukraine

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  Under a judges order, residents of the Gateway Hotel have until 10 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 12 to vacate the building. Local non-government organizations were outside the premises helping the tenants on Wednesday with relocation assistance.

We are going to be assisting around 60 individuals. We are going to provide them shelter, food, and were going to connect them to services that are available in the community, said a spokesperson with the Opportunity Center for the Homeless, Araceli Lazcano.

The need for new homes comes after District Court Judge Maria Salas-Mendoza signed a 90-day temporary injunction on Sept. 9.

The County Attorneys Office wants to shut down the hotel, alleging that it is a public nuisance and a hotbed of criminal activity and illegal drug use.

Former resident and employee of the Gateway Hotel, Joe Lassich, told KTSM the building had been going down hill for decades, saying he expected a shutdown to happen sooner or later due to the number of health code violations he saw.

When I used to rent rooms for people, the people will come in that will give them the key. Theyll go up to the room and the first single time theres bedbugs. And I be like, you know, theres no refund, Lassich said.

The allegations in the lawsuit filed against the hotel go past bed bugs. According to court documents, there have been multiple law enforcement run-ins with the Venezuela-based gang, Tren de Aragua.

The hotel is alleged to be a common nuisance and a place where habitual criminal activity happens, according to a lawsuit against the hotel filed by the State of Texas and the County Attorneys Office.

The County Attorneys Office says it is not seeking to close down the hotel because it has been taken over by a specific gang or criminal organization, however.

Lassich said the real victims in this battle between the hotel owners and County are the long-term residents who are trying to put a roof over their heads.

The ones who are suffering right now are the residents that have been here for a long time. You know, thats my concern, he said.

Many of the individuals dont understand exactly what is going on but we are here just to let them know that there are resources and that we have a space available for them in our local shelters, said Lazcano, with the Opportunity Center.

Lazcano said volunteers will also be outside the hotel on eviction day, Sept. 12, to continue helping displaced individuals.

There will be a hearing on a permanent injunction on Dec. 9, according to the judges order.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
Wake of Police Director Mauricio Arriaza, other crew members and passengers who were killed when a military helicopter in which they were travelling crashed, in San Salvador

BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) - El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele will visit Buenos Aires in late September and meet his Argentine counterpart Javier Milei, an Argentine government source told Reuters on Thursday.

Bukele and Milei last met in June as the popular but divisive Salvadoran leader inaugurated his second-term in office. The source did not give further details on the visit.

Bukele, 42, a former advertising executive who won widespread popularity for a crackdown on gangs that helped to drastically reduce murder rates in the Central American country, but critics warn of alarming regressions in human rights.

An libertarian economist and political newcomer, Milei assumed the presidency in December. He has pushed harsh austerity measures intended to end Argentina's worst economic crisis in decades, with over half of Argentines living in poverty.

Milei has backed legislation to boost the role of the military in domestic security operations.

(Reporting by Lucila Sigal; Editing by Richard Chang)
There are hard turnarounds, and then there are easy turnarounds. Most investors should be wary of hard turnarounds, but easy ones can be worth a deep dive even for more conservative investors. This is why investors should forget about New York Community Bancorp (NYSE: NYCB) and, instead, buy Bank of Nova Scotia (NYSE: BNS) and its lofty 6.2% dividend yield.

Here's a quick comparison to help explain why.

New York Community Bancorp falls on its face

New York Community Bancorp's ambition was to become a larger bank. To that end, it bought Flagstar Bank in December 2022. Then there was a series of bank runs and failures in early 2023. New York Community Bancorp sailed through that difficult period without too much trouble and, in fact, tried to take advantage of the market dislocation.

In mid-2023, New York Community Bancorp (through its Flagstar subsidiary) bought parts of Signature Bank, one of the banks that failed. The bank's goal of getting bigger happened pretty quickly, which is where things started to go wrong. Because of its larger size, New York Community Bancorp suddenly found itself facing the prospect of increased regulatory scrutiny for which it was not prepared. Then, in an unfortunate bit of timing, the bank announced that some large loans were in trouble, hinting that it didn't have a good handle on its loan portfolio.

The stock crumbled, the board cut the dividend to a token penny per share per quarter, the board brought in new management, and New York Community Bancorp had to accept a $1 billion bailout. It is now working to improve its internal controls and clean up its loan portfolio. The new management team appears to be making the right moves, but the turnaround effort isn't expected to be done until at least the end of 2026.

NYCB Chart

There's turnaround potential in this stock for sure, since the $1 billion cash infusion puts the company in reasonably good financial shape, but there's barely any dividend to speak of and there are still a few years to go in the turnaround effort.

If you are looking for something likely to be more rewarding now, you might want to consider Bank of Nova Scotia, more commonly known as Scotiabank.

Bank of Nova Scotia shifts gears

Bank of Nova Scotia's story is spread over a longer period, and it isn't nearly as worrisome. While many of the Canadian bank's peers chose to expand into the U.S. market, Scotiabank chose to expand into Central and South America. The logic was that there was both less competition and more long-term growth opportunities in those regions. The problem is that the markets were also more volatile. Scotiabank has lagged its peers on key financial metrics like earnings growth and return on equity.

Story continues

The company has decided to shift gears. It is now looking to exit less desirable markets (such as Colombia) and expand in more attractive ones (like Mexico) as it tries to create a giant North American bank. A key part of the plan is to grow its business in the United States, like its peers. To that end, management just agreed to buy nearly 15% of KeyCorp (NYSE: KEY).

That's not something that a financially weak bank could have pulled off, since it really amounts to something of a helping hand to KeyCorp. And that's the big difference: Although Scotiabank is clearly looking to start growing its business in line with peers, it isn't really working from a position of weakness. It is still one of the largest and best-run banks in Canada (where it generates roughly two-thirds of its net income). It really just needs to work on the business outside of Canada.

So the lofty 6.2% dividend yield is a function of negative investor sentiment, but it probably overstates the risk. Notably, Scotiabank has paid a dividend every single year since 1833. And there's no indication that a dividend cut is imminent, though management has paused increases for the time being as it adjusts its business. If you like high-yield stocks, this is a turnaround that would be worth a deep dive, even if you are a conservative investor.

Scotiabank: The clear winner for most investors

To be fair, New York Community Bancorp is highly likely to turn its business around. But at this point, the only appeal here is stock price appreciation, and the turnaround isn't going to be complete until the end of 2026, at the earliest. That assumes everything works out according to plan. Bank of Nova Scotia's "turnaround" will probably take longer, but the bank is starting from a much stronger position. It's also paying you well to stick around, given the huge yield. If you like to sleep well at night, Scotiabank is the winner here.

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An elementary school in Springfield was evacuated Thursday after police say it was listed in a bomb threat.

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TRENDING STORIES:

Fulton Elementary School on S. Yellow Springs Street was evacuated Thursday morning based on information received from the State Fire Marshal.

Fulton students were evacuated from their building to Springfield High School this morning. Students and staff are safe; however, the District is in the process of a controlled release to safely dismiss students to their parents, a district spokesperson told News Center 7.

No other schools in the district have been evacuated at this time.

Fulton Elementary is less than two miles away from Springfield City Hall, where police are investigating a bomb threat that was received this morning. That threat prompted the city hall building to be evacuated.

Springfield police said someone emailed a bomb threat just before 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, sending the message to multiple agencies and media outlets, but didnt say which ones.

Due to the serious nature of this threat, all of the occupied buildings were evacuated, Springfield Police Chief Allison Elliot said.

The evacuated buildings listed in the threat included city hall, Bureau of Motor Vehicles Springfield Drivers Exam Station, Ohio License Bureau Southside, Springfield Academy of Excellence, and Fulton Elementary School.

All building were searched and cleared.

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KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE)  Three grade levels at Emerald Academy have started using personally assigned phone pouches to store students phones while they are at school.

According to Emerald Academy, the school is the first in East Tennessee to start using the Yondr Phone-Free Space system.

The schools use of the system requires students in 6th through 8th grades to secure their phone in a Yondr pouch when they arrive at school. The phones remain in the students possession, but they cannot use them until the pouches are unlocked at the end of the day. Each student is responsible for bringing their pouch to and from school.

Lawyer warns of consequences for students making school threats

Emerald Academy School Director Carlissa Weeks explained that the change was implemented to reduce distractions to the learning process.

Simply put, electronic devices  most notably cell phones with easy access to social media  are

increasingly a significant distraction in schools and to the learning process, Weeks said. The Yondr program aligns with our values of high expectations, excellence, respect, teamwork and commitment, and we believe implementing this new tool is another way to help fulfill our mission of preparing urban scholars for the college of their choice and community leadership.

Yondr explains that the pouches lock whenever they are in a phone-free area, but the phone can be removed by the pouch either by using an unlocking base or stepping out of the phone-free zone.

A photo of a Yondr lockable pouch taken Monday, Dec. 3, 2018. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Emerald Academy implemented the use of the pouches on July 29, one week after school began. According to Emerald Academy, Yondr has been implemented in more than 2,000 schools in 16 countries. A release from the school said that in 1,200 school partners that responded to Yondrs surveys, after implementing the program:

84% saw a change in student engagement

72% saw a positive change in student behavior

68% saw a positive change in academic performance

TN to reconsider banning cell phones in schools

For students in Kindergarten through 5th grade, Emerald Academy still requires them to keep all electronic devices turned off and in their backpacks for the entire school day.

The implementation came just ahead of a bill being reintroduced into the Tennessee General Assembly, pushing lawmakers to reconsider banning cell phone usage in schools. If the bill is passed, it would be up to each school district to decide how they would implement the policy.

Earlier this year, Hamblen County implemented a phone ban that made parents pay a fee to get their childs phone back before a set time after the second time it was confiscated because the child had it out when they werent supposed to. Parents and school officials told 6 News Reporter Dominic Webster earlier this year that the new rule had been implemented without many violations, and they were pleased with how it had worked.

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1568 Nome Street sits empty these days, with windows and doors boarded up and signs warning of danger posted outside. No one lives here anymore  the city of Aurora, Colorado, evicted several hundred tenants and shuttered the apartment complex last month, citing numerous code violations. But presidential candidate Donald Trump keeps bringing it up.

Look at Aurora, in Colorado. They are taking over the towns. Theyre taking over buildings. Theyre going in violently, the former president said in a debate on Tuesday night, pointing to the city as a harbinger of what unchecked migration could bring to towns across America.



Just a few days earlier, at a rally on Saturday, Trump had claimed without evidence that Venezuelan gangs were taking over swathes of Colorado  and hinted at bloodshed to come. You know, getting them out will be a bloody story, he said.

But what exactly is happening in Aurora? For weeks, rumors have been circulating that the notorious Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua has been running amok in the city and terrorizing a handful of apartment buildings, including the complex at 1568 Nome Street.

One of the condemned buildings owners told CNN that it and other buildings he owns were taken over by Tren de Aragua  a claim amplified by some local Republican officials and political candidates. He did not want his name used because of negative publicity surrounding the property. Viral videos have also purported to prove it; the footage, unverified by CNN, appears to show armed men walking down hallways, in one case kicking open a door, followed by several women and small children.

But Aurora police say gang influence is isolated, and the city of Aurora has countered that the real problem has been abusive housing conditions  apartments often had no heat or running water and were plagued by pests and mold. One of the now-evicted tenants has also launched a class action lawsuit to claim back rent for the months when the building was allegedly uninhabitable. The suit details over a year of code enforcement proceedings brought by the city against the buildings owners, along with a litany of complaints filed by residents with the city. Residents said there were bed bugs and black mold at the property along with a lack of heat and hot water, according to the legal filing.

Its true that many of those living in the complex are recent immigrants from Venezuela, housing advocates who work with the tenants told CNN. But was 1568 Nome Street condemned because it was being terrorized by a Venezuelan gang  or, instead, by cockroaches, bedbugs and other problems unleashed by a negligent landlord on vulnerable tenants?

What is Tren de Aragua?

Tren de Aragua, a transnational criminal gang that originated in a Venezuela prison, is the most disruptive criminal organization operating nowadays in Latin America, retired general Oscar Naranjo, a former vice president of Colombia and chief of the Colombian National Police, told CNN earlier this summer.

Local and federal US officials have told CNN that the gang, referred to by some as TdA, is now operating in the US. In July, the Treasury Department sanctioned the group as a transnational criminal organization, warning that the gang is involved in human trafficking and debt bondage. The State Department has also offered up to $12 million for information leading to the arrest of its leaders.

Terrorizing an apartment complex of Venezuelan migrants would not be far from the groups established modus operandi, according to witnesses interviewed by CNN. In Bogota, Colombia, Tren de Aragua has a track record of taking over low-income buildings and turning them into bases of operation, they say.

One incident fueling speculation about the gangs grip in Aurora: Local police announced this summer that they had arrested a man known as Cookie or Galleta, whom they linked to a July 28 shooting outside of 1568 Nome Street and described the man as a documented member of Tren de Aragua.

Police have firmly rejected theories that the gang has taken over any buildings in the city, but say theyre keeping a close watch for crimes allegedly committed by Tren de Aragua  even creating a special interagency task force to specifically address concerns about it.

Based on our initial investigative work, we believe reports of TdA influence in Aurora are isolated, police said in an August 28 statement.

On Wednesday, Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman and Council Member Danielle Jurinsky issued a joint statement acknowledging Trumps mention of their city in the presidential debate.

TdA has not taken over the city. The overstated claims fueled by social media and through select news organizations are simply not true. Again, TdAs presence in Aurora is limited to specific properties, all of which the city has been addressing in various ways for months, they said.

They did announce that Aurora police had linked 10 people across the city to Tren de Aragua, and that there had been issues with certain apartment buildings.

In line with these arrests, we can also now confirm that criminal activity, including TdA issues, had significantly affected those properties.

What tenants say

Several people who lived and worked at 1568 Nome Street told CNN say they were unaware of organized crime there  but that it ultimately was the state of the building that made it unlivable.



Shayra Caez, 44, told CNN that she worked at the property as a cleaner and that she never saw armed people in the buildings like those shown in the videos circulating online. I never seen these people like going up and down with guns or stuff like that, she said.

Everybody started talking about gangs and stuff like that after a shooting incident in the building earlier in the year, Caez said.



Asked about the evictions, though, she said, To be really honest with you, I think it was more because of the code violations, noting that basic issues with the building went unsolved for years  including a mold infestation that was painted over and workers tasked with fixing issues never being paid. No hot water, no heater  if people came to fix the boilers, for example, he never paid them, she said.

The class action lawsuit filed against the buildings owners last month also speculates that one of the reasons the city deemed the building unfit for habitation was the owners decision to cease paying the water bill in July.

The building owner interviewed by CNN has blamed gang activity for making it impossible to keep up the property, and city figures provided to CNN show crime incidents investigated by police more than doubled at the complex between 2022 and 2023, with dozens more crimes reported through the end of July this year. However, a spokesperson for the city told CNN that the condemnation of 1568 Nome Street ultimately came down to its owners failures  and slammed alternative narratives as a fabrication.

The city has documented substantial, longstanding, unresolved code violations and other poor conditions at the property for the last several years  Despite the citys exhaustive efforts to work with the property owners and their property management group, CBZ Management, they have failed to address the violations and have been uncooperative, city communications deputy director Ryan Luby told CNN last month.



Luby and several tenants have shared with CNN documentation of rodent infestations, uncollected trash, water leaks, and broken windows.

No one at the city is denying or ignoring the possibility of organized crime impacts at the 1568 Nome St. property or any other. However, what is critically important for the public and the property owners to understand is that the latest concerns they raise about possible gang activity on their property at 1568 Nome St. are immaterial and irrelevant to the longstanding code violations and the poor property conditions that triggered the buildings closure, Luby added.

CNN has reached out to CBZ Management for comment. Asked about these accusations, the building owner interviewed by CNN maintained that gangs are 100% causing the problems in the building.



Some locals now also place blame on the city for allowing the matter to spiral to national attention. In a September 1 op-ed, Colorado Sentinel editor Dave Perry called on city officials to counter Venezuelan gang hysteria, noting that northwest Aurora has a history of crime and other issues that long preceded the latest wave of migration.

This grisly attempt at terrorizing Aurora residents, in hopes of swaying voters to back anti-immigrant candidates and causes, must stop, he wrote.

Fear is already percolating through the city, with Venezuelan migrants at the receiving end, several people in Aurora told CNN. One young Venezuelan man named Danilo, who migrated to the US last year, told CNN that he hadnt noticed any gang activity in his building but has recently struggled to find steady work due to a stigma toward his nationality.

I have tried to look for a job here. They dont want us because we are from Venezuela, the 30-year-old said. I have gone to restaurants where they would ask: Where are you from? I would answer: I am from Venezuela, and theyd say, No. We only accept Mexicans or those who are born here.

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BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH)  An Endicott man was sentenced to prison on Thursday for the possession of a firearm.

Broome County District Attorney Paul Battisti announced that Elijah Gibson, 23, was sentenced to five years in State prison, followed by three years of post-release supervision for Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree.

On December 30, 2023, Gibson possessed a loaded and operable 9mm firearm in the Village of Endicott.

This 5-year prison sentence should send a clear message: the Broome County District Attorneys Office has zero tolerance for illegal firearm possession. Ensuring public safety is our top priority, and we are committed to holding accountable those who endanger the safety of our community. Our office remains committed to aggressively prosecuting individuals who possess illegal firearms and will continue to take a firm stance against such criminal activity. I commend the Village of Endicott Police Department for their swift response and arrest in this case, said Battisti.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WIVT - News 34.
Escambia County grand jury indicts man on 3 counts of first degree premeditated murder with a firearm

ESCAMBIA COUNTY, Fla. (WKRG)  An Escambia County grand jury indicted a man on three counts of first-degree premeditated murder with a firearm, according to the First Judicial Court State Attorney.

According to a news release from State Attorney Ginger Bowden Maddens office, 23-year-old Torrance Lamar Sumler was indicted for the shooting deaths of Markeese Turner, Michael Carstarphen Jr., and Trashaun Powers.

Gulf Shores International, among 13 Alabama airports, gets ALDOT funding

A mugshot of Torrance Sumler (Escambia County Sheriffs Office).

The three men were killed on April 28 on West Jackson Street.

According to the news release, the murders are charged under Floridas Criminal Gang Prevention Act and Floridas 10-20-LIFE statute. If convicted of first-degree murder, Sumler will receive a mandatory life sentence.

Freeport man, Special Forces veteran, accused of child sex abuse bonds out of jail: WCSO

Sumler will be arraigned on Sept. 13. He is currently being held in the Escambia County Jail with no bond.

The Escambia County Sheriffs Office is handling the investigation. Assistant State Attorney Amy Shea is prosecuting the case on behalf of First Judicial Court State Attorney Ginger Bowden Madden.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5.
ESCONDIDO, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI)  Just a week after a lithium-ion battery fire forced hundreds of businesses to evacuate in Escondido, the issue of battery storage facilities has become the focus of a heated debate at the County Board of Supervisors.

The board was considering a moratorium on new battery storage projects, raising the question: Should these facilities be located in residential neighborhoods?

Last weeks fire at a San Diego Gas & Electric storage yard in Escondido sparked safety concerns among residents, with dozens voicing opposition during the board meeting.

Battery energy storage projects frequently catch fire, as evidenced by countless incidents across San Diego County and the state of California, one opponent of the projects said.

Residents pointed out that hundreds of businesses were evacuated for days, while firefighters allowed the batteries to burn out. A similar fire at a lithium battery warehouse in Otay Mesa recently required 17 days of monitoring because of potential toxic fumes.

Many attendees at the meeting expressed opposition to the proposed Seguro project, which is a 23-acre battery storage site that could be built near hundreds of homes in the Escondido community of Eden Valley.

Youre talking about three or four hundred homes that will have to be displaced, even if its not a big fire, said JP Theberge of the Elfin Forest Harmony Grove Town Council.

Joe Rowley, an energy project consultant who lives in Escondido, also opposes the Seguro project due to its location in a neighborhood.

Battery facilities are industrial in nature. The risks they pose mean they should be located in an industrial setting, Rowley said.

However, supporters of the Seguro project, including employees of AES, the company behind the proposal, argue that the batteries are safe and essential for the county to meet its climate goals.

While the recent fire incidents were unfortunate, they were handled exactly how they should have been. The fires were contained within the system as designed, with minimal impact to surrounding areas and without emitting any toxic pollutants at dangerous levels, said one supporter.

In the end, the Board of Supervisors voted 4-1 in favor of a motion requiring fire specialists to analyze safety buffer zones for battery storage sites in residential areas.

I think the board is at least signaling that they care about residences, and we will see what happens when they come back with the guidelines, said Theberge. Guidelines could be nothing, or they could be significant.

The board will revisit the issue on Dec. 11, when they expect to receive more information from fire officials.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
Estonian President Alar Karis arrived in Kyiv on Sept. 12, marking another high-level visit to Ukraine this week.

"Arrived in the great city of Kyiv. Looking forward to all the meetings & discussions," Karis said on social media.

"We stand with the Ukrainian people in their struggle for freedom and independence."

Karis arrived only a day after 60 participants gathered for the fourth summit of the Crimean Platform, an international consultation and coordination format aimed at ensuring the liberation of the peninsula from Russian occupation.

Notable guests included Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, and Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina. The same day, Ukraine was also visited by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy to discuss assistance for Ukraine and Kyiv's use of long-range arms against Russia.



The Estonian president delivered a video address at the Crimean Platform, saying: "Struggling with state terrorism is the most burning issue of our era. Already a century ago, the Soviet authorities, which currently is glorified by the Kremlin, began to deliberately eliminate the Crimean Tatars."

"Crimea is not just a peninsula with beautiful nature and a good climate but a home to millions of Ukrainian citizens who do not want to be occupied and live under Moscows rule where people are humiliated and treated as states slaves," Estonia's head of state said.

Estonia has been among Kyiv's staunchest supporters since the start of the full-scale invasion began, offering humanitarian, developmental, and military assistance.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Blinken, Lammy visit Ukraine as Kyiv awaits decision on long-range strikes

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN)  A new ethics complaint has been filed against the mayor of Round Rock, Craig Morgan. It was filed in late August by Jill Farris, who lives in the city.

Farris argues Morgan has profited significantly by using his law firm as a vendor by the city for collections and fines placed against residents.

Transparency really is the option here. We just need to be able to talk about it. And if theres nothing there, then theres nothing there, Farris said.

As of May 2024, Craig Morgan and his law firm, McCreary, Veselka, Bragg & Allen PC (MVBA), earned at least $1,569,620.77 by suing Round Rock citizens to collect late property taxes, court fees, and library fines on behalf of the City  the same City that he represents as Mayor, the complaint said.

New Amazon facility coming to Round Rock

Farris also argues the fines and fees were not approved by the city council  instead improperly approved by city manager Laurie Hadley.

From all appearances, Morgan is negotiating these agreements behind closed doors with his City Manager, since he oversees these services for Williamson County on MVBAs behalf, the complaint said.

Death investigators coming to Williamson County

Morgan said in a statement this concern was investigated in 2017 after a KXAN report.

In a statement, Morgan said:

I have received a copy of the complaint and will fully respond to the Ethics Commission as they may request. It is important to note that this concern was investigated thoroughly in 2017. At that time, the investigation revealed that I did not violate the Round Rock City Charter or State Law. There are no new facts under this complaint. Every citizen has the right to bring an ethics complaint to the City. We will always do our due diligence to fully investigate any claim made, like we did in 2017. I look forward to the process and remain confident that no violations occurred. Mayor Craig Morgan

Farris said she just wants people to be aware and to be able to have a conversation about the citys financial dealings.

A hearing is set for Oct. 9 on the issue.

You can read the full ethics complaint below:

FARRIS-ETHICS-COMPLAINTDownload

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
EU chief diplomat proposes sanctions against Iran over transfer of ballistic missiles to Russia

Josep Borrell, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, has submitted a proposal to member states to impose sanctions on Iran over its supply of ballistic missiles to Russia.

Source: European Pravda, citing Peter Stano, spokesperson for the EU External Action Service

Details: Stano recalled that the European Union had warned Iran not to transfer ballistic missiles to Russia for use against Ukraine. However, since Iran appears to have done so, the EU will provide a "swift response".

"High Representative Borrell has already presented proposals to member states for targeted measures as part of the EU's response to this development," Stano said.

He called the missile transfer an escalation of Iran's military support for Russia's illegal aggression.

Background:

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In response to escalating migrant arrivals, several EU countries have reintroduced border checks within the Schengen zone  a region normally characterised by free movement. The measures, permitted under Schengen rules as a last resort to address significant threats to internal security or public policy, reflect growing concerns over migration and terrorism.

Germany, Austria, Denmark, France, Italy, Norway, Slovenia, Sweden and Finland have all reinstated or intensified border controls.

EU officials worry the moves risk creating logistical and economic disruptions, and are urging member states to work together to avoid uncoordinated policies that could disrupt both travel and trade in the Schengen area.

Germany has announced plans for tighter border controls at all nine of its land borders starting on 16 September.

"We want to further reduce irregular migration. To this end, we are now taking further steps that go beyond the comprehensive measures currently in place," Interior Minister Nancy Faeser told reporters on Monday.

"Until we achieve stronger border protection with the joint European asylum system, we must further protect our national borders."

Germany's move, which will initially last six months, follows a knife attack in Solingen linked to a suspected asylum seeker with ties to the Islamic State armed group.

Luxembourg has expressed concern about potential disruptions to cross-border traffic, with the government pledging to minimise negative impacts on commuters.



Read more on RFI English



Read also:

Macron proposes to reform European free-movement area after attacks

EU risks becoming 'complicit' in migrant deaths, watchdog warns

EU monitors new Meta measures on tackling disinformation ahead of June elections
By David Shepardson and Nora Eckert

WASHINGTON/DETROIT (Reuters) -General Motors is in talks to buy electric vehicle batteries that would use technology from China's CATL and be assembled at a new plant in the United States, a person briefed on the matter confirmed on Thursday.

Crosstown rival Ford Motor already plans to license CATL technology to produce low-cost lithium-iron batteries at a battery plant it is building in Michigan under a plan announced in February 2023.

But U.S. lawmakers including Intelligence Committee vice-chair Marco Rubio have raised concerns about Ford's plan.

In GM's case, the proposed plant would be funded and operated by Japanese consumer electronic firm TDK Corp, Bloomberg News reported, and is expected to be located in the south of the United States and to create more than 1,000 jobs.

Talks are still ongoing and many details are still unclear, the source told Reuters, with no final deal expected immediately. A deal could help GM produce lower-cost batteries and by assembling them in the United States, avoid new U.S. tariffs.

"Our EV strategy is focused on designing products that continue to lower cost, improve performance and localize production. Battery technology is a key enabler of that strategy. We wont comment on speculation," GM said.

CATL did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Automakers face tens of billions of dollars in capital costs to build new EVs and batteries, as they race to put out greener vehicles that comply with stringent emissions regulations amid heavy competition around the globe.

Industry officials previously said that if Ford was allowed to proceed with its CATL deal, other automakers would quickly follow suit so they could also cut costs.

Earlier, GM and Hyundai Motor announced that they have agreed to explore future collaboration across key strategic areas including potential joint vehicle development, supply chains and clean-energy technologies.

(Reporting by Nathan Gomes in Bengaluru, Nora Eckert in Detroit and David Shepardson in Washington; Editing by Shailesh Kuber and Alexander Smith)
Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bouhabib, right, looks at the European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, as they attend a joint press conference, in Beirut, Lebanon, Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

BEIRUT (AP)  The European Unions top diplomat on Thursday urged Lebanon and Israel to work on deescalating tensions along the border, saying that since his last trip to the region in January the drums of war have not stopped pounding.

The comments of Josep Borrell, the EU foreign policy chief, came as members of the militant Hezbollah group and Israels military carried out cross border attacks along the tense frontier on Thursday.

Western and Arab officials have visited Beirut over the past year to try to reduce tensions along the Lebanon-Israel border, but Hezbollah officials have said they will only stop carrying out attacks along the border when Israel stops its offensive in the Gaza Strip.

Since I lasted visited Lebanon in January the drums of war have not stopped pounding, Borrell told reporters in Beirut during a joint press conference with Lebanons Foreign Minister Abdallah Bouhabib. Since then the fears I was outlining have been growing, more escalation, fears of a spillover of the war in Gaza and fears of more widespread human suffering.

In late August, Israel and Lebanons Hezbollah pulled back after an exchange of heavy fire that briefly raised fears of an all-out war.

Borrell said that according to the United Nations more than 4,000 residential buildings have been completely destroyed in Lebanon and more than 110,000 Lebanese have been forced to leave their homes along the border. He said the same thing is happening on the Israeli side of the border.

The European official said that his message is that the European Union stands on the side of the Lebanese people to help to overcome the threats and challenges as much as we can.

More than 500 people have been killed in Lebanon by Israeli strikes since Oct. 8, most of them fighters with Hezbollah and other armed groups but also more than 100 civilians. In northern Israel, 23 soldiers and 26 civilians have been killed by strikes from Lebanon.

We need to deescalate military tensions and I use this opportunity to urge all sides to pursue this path, said Borrell, who on Tuesday visited U.N. peacekeepers deployed in southern Lebanon along the border with Israel.

He added that the full and asymmetrical implementation of the U.N. Security Council resolution that ended the summer 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war should pave the way for a comprehensive settlement including land border demarcation and allowing the return of people and reconstruction in the affected border areas.

The European Union is doing a lot but we dont have a magic wand, he said.
We already had our first taste of winternow it's Europes turn.

Reports of fresh snow are emerging across the continent. The WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series shared footage this morning of a snow covered trail: Okay its happening, its REALLY happening.

Webcam images from Zugspitze, Germany, painted a similarly snowy picture.

Winter's arrived in Zugspitze. Zugspitze Top of Germany

In Kitzbuhel, Austria, it almost looks deep enough to break out the skis.

Kitzbuhel, Austria's Bichlalm webcam. KitzSki

The snow should keep coming. According to an OpenSnow forecast, 28 inches of powder could fall at Saalbach Hinterglemm, Austria, in the next one to five days. At Andermatt, Switzerland, 11 inches of the white stuff are possible.

Its not all pre-season stoke, though. The Local reported that Austria is bracing for a few days of dangerous weather. Heavy rain, avalanches, and flooding are all possible, meteorologists warned. OBB, Austrias rail operator, advised against unnecessary trips by train. Eastern Austria is under a Red Rain Warning until September 15th due to the threat of flooding and mudslides. Disturbances in the infrastructure, e.g., traffic, utilities, and local supplies, are expected, the warning reads. Pay close heed to the ongoing weather forecasts and comply with the instructions of the Civil Defense.

In Switzerland, moderate danger snowfall warnings are in effect through September 14th. The Swiss Federal Office of Meteorology and Climatology cautioned drivers to be prepared for slippery conditions due to snow-covered roads.

Related: La Nina Lite: Meteorologist Releases Winter '24/'25 Forecast

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A former CIA officer has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for spying for the Chinese government.

Alexander Yuk Ching Ma, 71, was arrested in August 2020 after admitting to an undercover FBI agent that he sold US secrets to China.

Ma, a naturalised US citizen born in Hong Kong, worked for the CIA from 1982 to 1989. He went on to work for the FBI later in his career.

Part of his plea agreement states that he must co-operate with prosecutors "for the rest of his life, including by submitting to debriefings by US government agencies".

The plea deal requires him to submit to polygraph tests during those debriefings, according to the Associated Press news agency.

At a sentencing hearing on Wednesday, lawyers for the US government told the court that he has been co-operative, and has already taken part in "multiple interview sessions with government agents".

Officials say Ma collaborated with a relative, who was also a CIA agent, to supply secrets to intelligence officers employed by the Shanghai State Security Bureau.

One meeting in Hong Kong was recorded on video and shows Ma counting $50,000 (38,000) in cash for the secrets they shared, federal prosecutors say.

While living in Hawaii in 2004 he took a job at the FBI's Honolulu office as a contract linguist.

The FBI, already aware of his espionage activities "hired Ma as part of a ruse to monitor and investigate his activities and contacts", prosecutors said on Wednesday.

According to the AP, the unnamed collaborator was Ma's brother, who died before he could be prosecuted.

At a court in Hawaii on Wednesday Ma was jailed for 10 years, as agreed with prosecutors, followed by five years of supervised release.

"Let it be a message to anyone else thinking of doing the same," FBI Honolulu Special Agent-in-Charge Steven Merrill said in a statement, according to the AP.

"No matter how long it takes, or how much time passes, you will be brought to justice."
A former top FBI official has warned that Donald Trump could be a Russian asset if he wins the 2024 election, saying the Republican presidential candidates approach to Vladimir Putin raises some very serious questions.

Former FBI deputy director Andrew McCabe, who was fired by Trump in 2018, was asked on a podcast whether there is a possibility Trump is a Russian asset.

He responded: I do.

I dont know I would characterize it as [an] active recruited knowing asset in the way people in the intelligence community think of that term, he told the OneDecision podcast.

But I do think that Donald Trump has given us many reasons to question his approach to the Russia problem in the US.

McCabe also said the Republican presidential nominee has a fawning admiration for Russian dictator Putin in a way no other president has.

In the past, Trump has wildly claimed Putin would never have gone into Ukraine if he were president and has touted his very good relationship with him several times.

A former FBI official warns Trump could be a Russian asset if he wins the election. Trump is pictured with Putin in 2018 (AP)

Putin wouldve never gotten into Ukraine, but thats just on my relationship with him, he said last year.

My personality over his. I was the apple of his eye and I would say, Dont ever do it. It was tough stuff there but he would have never done it.

McCabe told the podcast that these kinds of comments all raise significant questions about the former president when it comes to his stance on Russia.

His approach to interacting with Vladimir Putin, be it phone calls, face to face meetings, things that he has said in public about Putin all raise significant questions about why he has this attitude and acceptance of Putin and off-handed comments of support to Putin, he told OneDecision.

McCabe also questioned Trumps stance on the USs support for Ukraine in the war against Russia as well as his attitude towards Nato, which he said raises some very serious questions about why Trump seems so much more accepting and supportive and has this fawning admiration for Vladimir Putin in a way that no other president  Republican or Democrat  ever has.

Former FBI deputy director Andrew McCabe (testifying in 2017) has said Trump could be an asset to Russia if he wins the election (Getty Images)

It may just be from a fundamental misunderstanding of this problem set, he continued.

Thats always a possibility, and I guess the other end of that spectrum might be that there is some kind of relationship or a desire for a relationship of some sort.

When he took office in 2016, Trumps relationship with Russia loomed over his presidency and the Mueller Inquiry was launched to investigate allegations his campaign had colluded with Russian intelligence operatives.

Special counsel Robert Mueller ultimately concluded that Russia did interfere with the 2016 election but did not establish that members of the Trump campaign conspired or coordinated with the Russian government in its election interference activities. The inquiry did however find hundreds of contacts between the Trump campaign and Russian officials during the 2016 campaign season.

During Tuesday nights debate in Philadelphia, Trump refused to say whether a Ukraine victory over Russia was in Americas best interests.

Instead, he said: I think its in the USs best interest to get this war finished and just get it done. Negotiate a deal.

Kamala Harris, meanwhile, argued she had contributed to preserv[ing] the ability of Zelensky and the Ukrainians to fight for their independence, adding: Otherwise, Putin would be sitting in Kyiv with his eyes on the rest of Europe.

The candidates were asked about the war in Ukraine during Tuesdays debate (AP)

Speaking on the podcast, McCabe also warned that violence and unrest could sweep the US if Trump loses the election in November.

I do have very serious concerns about what will happen in this country first if Trump loses a close election, he said. I think we could be in for a very unstable time here in the country we could have the possibility of violence and unrest.

The former FBI official touched on the legal ordeal he himself endured after he was fired by Trump in 2018 in what he claims was a politically motivated move by the then-president.

I know what it feels like to be targeted by Donald Trump. I know what it feels like to be on the receiving end of a campaign political vendetta, he said.

McCabe was the subject of a criminal investigation, which spanned more than a year, after he was fired by Trump.

The probe began following a referral from the Justice Departments inspector general, which said McCabe repeatedly lied about having authorised a subordinate to leak information to the media.

In 2020, the Justice Department closed the case against McCabe, declining to seek charges.
WASHINGTON  Vice President Kamala Harris went viral after asking about a coconut tree. Now, she's getting her very own coconut ice cream.

MoveOn, a progressive public policy advocacy group, is partnering with Ben & Jerry's co-founders Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield to release a special Kamala Harris-inspired ice cream flavor. They'll also take an ice cream truck on tour in key battleground states as part of a push to register voters.

The "Scoop the Vote" free ice cream truck tour kicks off on Monday in Philadelphia  with Cohen and Greenfield  and will make 20 stops in states that will likely help decide the election, including Michigan, Wisconsin, Arizona and Nevada. Limited edition pints of Kamalas Coconut Jubilee, a coconut flavored ice cream layered with caramel and topped with red, white and blue star sprinkles, will be raffled off at the stops.

Rahna Epting, executive director of MoveOn, exclusively told USA TODAY the tour is an effort to engage voters  particularly ones who aren't necessarily planning to vote  to register or cast their ballot in the 2024 presidential election.

There's a ton of folks that are already tuned into this election, and then there's a vast, vast set of folks that aren't, Epting said, adding that even non-political activities, like getting ice cream, can engage Americans.

Harris and former President Donald Trump are locked into a close race after President Joe Biden dropped out of the presidential election in late July. While Harris holds a slight lead nationally against Trump, the two candidates are close in several battleground states.

Harris holds a small lead over Trump in Wisconsin, 50% to 44%, and Michigan, 48% to 43%, according to CNN polls conducted by SSRS that were published last week.

The polls found that Harris and Trump are in a dead heat  meaning no clear winner  in Georgia, Nevada and Pennsylvania. Trump is leading Harris in Arizona, 49% to 44%.

Kamalas Coconut Jubilee, a special ice cream flavor being created by Ben & Jerry's co-founders Ben Cohen, is packaged as part of a collaboration with MoveOn, a progressive advocacy group.

If potential voters stop by the ice cream truck, they arent just going to get a free scoop. Epting said volunteers are going to be speaking about the election and policies that are top of mind for voters, such as the economy and reproductive rights.

We're not going to win this election through New York Times op-eds. We're not going to win this election through pushing out smart tweets, she said. We're going to win this election by actually talking to the voters that we know that if they turn out to vote, they are way more likely to vote for Harris-Walz than Donald Trump.

Some of the other ice cream flavors available on the truck are a play on additional Harris memes, like the Unburdened by what has Vanilla Bean, or a reference to policies, like the Fight For Our Rights Sorbet.

Cohen created the Harris-inspired ice cream flavor and is releasing it under the "Ben's Best" label, which is not affiliated with the Ben & Jerry's brand. He said he got involved because there are many who believe its time for the United States to get back on the right track.

I want to get a common decency at a minimum in the White House, Cohen told USA TODAY. I want someone who supports people of all races, all genders. And I think Kamala is a person who supports people. She doesn't try to make herself bigger by putting other people down.

In his kitchen with a tabletop ice cream maker, Cohen and Greenfield hand made the coconut ice cream, mixed up the caramel swirl and packaged 40 pints of the special Harris flavor. Not before, of course, they topped it with the star sprinkles, which is the jubilee part, Cohen said.

Greenfield said he believes theres been a renewed energy among Democrats with Harris at the top of the ticket, one that could bring more people into voting and the political process. Losing that momentum is one of the things he fears will be jeopardy in another Trump presidency.

This isn't the first time Cohen and Greenfield have created a special ice cream flavor in support of a candidate.

Cohen in 2016 released a special flavor in support of Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., who was running for president at the time. He released another limited edition flavor for Sanders in 2019.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ben & Jerry's co-founders unveil Kamala Harris ice cream flavor
By Michelle Nichols

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - When Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas travels to New York for the annual gathering of world leaders at the United Nations this month, he will for the first time be seated on the floor of the General Assembly among other U.N. member states.

But the Palestinian Authority, which represents the Palestinian people at the U.N. where the delegation is known as the State of Palestine, is not a full member and does not have a vote in the 193-member U.N. General Assembly.

WHAT IS THE CURRENT STATUS OF THE PALESTINIANS AT THE U.N.?

The Palestinians are a non-member observer state at the United Nations, the same status as the Holy See.

The General Assembly approved the de facto recognition of the sovereign state of Palestine in November 2012 by upgrading its observer status at the world body to "non-member state" from "entity." There were 138 votes in favor, nine against and 41 abstentions.

WHAT HAPPENED THIS YEAR?

The United Nations General Assembly in May overwhelmingly backed a Palestinian bid to become a full U.N. member by recognizing it as qualified to join and recommending the U.N. Security Council "reconsider the matter favorably."

That resolution also granted the Palestinians some additional rights and privileges from September 2024 - like a seat among the U.N. members in the assembly hall.

The May vote by the General Assembly was a global survey of support for the Palestinian bid to become a full member - a move that would effectively recognize a Palestinian state - after the United States vetoed it in the U.N. Security Council in April.

The Palestinians remain a non-member observer state as the 15-member Security Council has not acted on the General Assembly recommendation.

HOW DOES THE UNITED NATIONS ADMIT NEW MEMBER STATES?

Countries seeking to join the U.N. usually present an application to the U.N. secretary-general, who sends it to the Security Council for an assessment and vote.

A council committee of the 15 members first assesses an application to see if it satisfies the requirements for U.N. membership. The application can then either be shelved or put forward for a formal vote in the Security Council. Approval requires at least nine votes in favor and no vetoes by the U.S., Russia, France, China or Britain.

If the council approves the membership request, it then moves to the General Assembly for approval. A membership request needs a two-thirds majority to be approved by the assembly. A country cannot join the United Nations unless both the Security Council and General Assembly approve.

WHAT HAPPENED TO THE PALESTINIAN APPLICATION IN 2011?

A U.N. Security Council committee assessed the Palestinian application for several weeks to see if it satisfied requirements for U.N. membership. But the committee was unable to reach a unanimous position and the Security Council never formally voted on a resolution on Palestinian membership.

Diplomats said the Palestinians lacked the minimum nine votes needed to adopt a resolution. Even if they had won enough support, the United States had said it would veto the move.

(Reporting by Michelle Nichols; Editing by Howard Goller)
MOUNT STERLING, Ohio (WCMH)  Last week, 22 southeastern Ohio counties were declared natural disaster areas due to the prolonged drought categorized as extreme to exceptional, according to the U.S. Department of Agricultures Farm Service Agency.

The latest U.S. Drought Monitor shows D4-exceptional drought affecting areas southeast of Columbus, and D3-extreme drought spreading north into the southern two-thirds of Franklin County that extends eastward to the Ohio River into West Virginia.

Farmers and commercial growers in the driest areas in southern Ohio are working long hours to salvage withered crops that are expected to produce well-below-average yields in the fall.

George Lohstroh farms 125 acres along the Madison-Pickaway County border near Mount Sterling. The pumpkin patch at Lohstroh Family Farms along Route 56 near Mount Sterling spans 14 acres. Lohstroh said the current conditions reflect the worst drought he has experienced in his 40 years of farming.

Pumpkins showing drought stress in the field in eastern Madison County.

You can see we have a pretty good crop now, but its just taken a tremendous amount of extra efforta lot of diesel fuel, gasoline and time.

Soil moisture is severely lacking and represents the most severe drought in southeastern Ohio since 1988, putting stress on plants that support pumpkins; too little moisture and the fruit fails to mature.

Lohstroh explained the importance of watering the leaves that absorb nourishing sunlight, and also protect the pumpkins from sunburn damage. Leaves that have received insufficient moisture are essentially fried and have dropped or drooped down, and the sun did wind up burning them, he pointed out.

Dried-up leaves in a pumpkin patch.

Water from a well that taps into nearby Darby Creek has provided irrigation all summer, especially as the drought worsened. The cornfields beyond the pumpkin patch turned brown like November, and the corn will be harvested several weeks earlier than usual. Soybean fields that have been watered are still green, but some plants will likely produce only tiny beans.

The corn stalks are brown and wilted, looking more like late autumn, resulting in sharply reduced yields.

A smaller number of corn kernels and stunted ear size reveal the damage done by drought. Yields probably drop by 25 percent, maybe more than that, which affects a farmers income, Lohstroh said.

Each year brings challenges, said Cristin Lohstroh, Georges daughter, who helps manage the family farm. This year just happens to be no rainfall. So were able to mitigate some of that through hard work and effort into irrigating our crops, she said.

We here are blessed to be able to put the water on the crop and have a good crop of pumpkins. Its just been a lot of late nights and no suppers  when you have to keep the irrigation rolling.

Hard work and long days that stretch into the night to keep the crops watered has paid off with a respectable patch of pumpkins, including 40 varieties in all shapes and sizes, on display at the family farm in eastern Madison County.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Nevada elections officials hope for a faster and more efficient election with a new top-down voter registration system and more tabulation equipment.

In 2021, the Nevada Legislature passed a law requiring the Secretary of States Office to create a statewide voter system rather than each county having its own database. The new system is expected to speed up in-person check-in and same-day registration, the Secretary of States Office said. The system also means reduced time in reporting results.

Nevada law allows for mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day to be counted for the next four days. More than half of Nevada voters choose to vote by mail. Nevada law also allows for a person to cure their ballot if the signature on their ballot does not match their registration. The laws, plus the fact that all of Clark Countys votes are tabulated in one place, mean the counting process can take several days.

In a state where margins are close  President Joe Biden won Nevada in 2020 by 33,000 votes  news agencies are less likely to call Nevada for a particular candidate until the majority of votes are counted. In 2020, there was no clear winner in the immediate days after the election as counties across the country counted mail-in ballots.

FILE  An election worker prepares mail-in ballots at the Clark County Election Department on Nov. 8, 2022, in Las Vegas. The Republican National Committee on Friday, May 3, 2024, filed a federal lawsuit seeking to prevent Nevada from counting mail ballots received after Election Day, as the states law currently permits. (AP Photo/John Locher, File)

In 2020, the Associated Press, the outlet trusted by 8 News Now and other major news organizations in calling races, did not name Biden the winner until Nov. 7  the Saturday after Election Day.

This year, Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5. County clerks have until Nov. 14 to submit their totals to the Secretary of States Office. The state supreme court will certify the results on Nov. 26.

Counties can begin counting mail-in ballots as they are received beginning two weeks before Election Day, per state law  a change from 2020. Election leaders hope the upgraded system, plus more counting equipment in Clark County, could speak up the process.

Weve increased our equipment to ensure that we can complete whatever we receive from Election Day soon  maybe even a day sooner, Clark County Registrar of Voters Lorena Portillo told 8 News Now. Thats our goal. We want efficiency but most importantly accuracy.

All eyes are on Nevada this year  its more important than ever that Nevada is at the forefront of election security and transparency, Secretary of State Francisco Aguilar said in a statement. Ive said it once and Ill say it again  Nevada runs some of the most safe, secure and accessible elections in the country. The new voter registration and election management system only enhances those safeguards and increases our transparency.

The new voter registration and management system cost the state $30 million.

As 8 News Now reported earlier this summer, county election officials removed nearly 140,000 voters as part of routine maintenance. More than 100,000 voters became inactive in Clark County alone.

Voters can check their registration and opt in or out of receiving a mail-in ballot on Clark Countys website or with the Nevada Secretary of States Office.

New voters wishing to receive a mail-in ballot must register to vote by Oct. 22. Voters registering after Oct. 23 must vote in person. New voters can also register in person up to and on Election Day. Voters in Clark County do not have to go to a specific precinct to vote in person. Nevadas election machines do not connect to the internet and have no modem.

Following the 2020 election, then-President Donald Trump and Nevada Republicans cited allegations of widespread fraud. All of their allegations lost in court, including one citing of out-of-state residents voting in the election. The voters were actually military families and students who are legally allowed to vote in Nevada.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
FAA: Plane makes emergency landing at TF Green after possible brake issue

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  Authorities said a plane traveling from Maine to Pennsylvania landed at T.F. Green Airport on Monday evening after the crew reported a possible brake issue.

The Bombardier CRJ900 carrying 46 passengers landed safely at around 7:10 p.m., according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The flight had departed from Bangor International Airport and was en route to Philadelphia International Airport.

The FAA is investigating the incident.

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Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com.
Fact Check: Images of Bin Laden with Obama, Condoleezza Rice and Hillary Clinton Are Fake

Claim:

Images shared on social media authentically show Osama bin Laden posing with Barack Obama, Condoleezza Rice, and Hillary Clinton.

Rating:

Rating: Fake

On Sept. 11, 2024, a collage of three photos purportedly showing 9/11 mastermind Osama bin Laden with former U.S. President Barack Obama, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was posted on X (archived). The post's caption read, "Notice anything about this?"

(X user @AlphaFox)

Posts in various languages, such as Korean, Persian, or Spanish, have also shared the images over years. "Thought I unfollowed them all," a 2019 Reddit post read:

TinEye search results showed that the collage has been shared online at least since 2015.

The first of the three pictures allegedly shows Barack Obama posing with bin Laden. However, the original version of that photo did not feature bin Laden. According to www.attyandrewooten.com website, it showed "Attorney Andre Wooten seen here having some quality time with Senator Barack Obama." The photo was captured when the former senator visited Hawaii.

(X user @theMemesBot, www.attyandrewooten.com)

What's more, the image was used for the cover of the book "African American Attorneys In Hawaii," which at the time of this writing was available on Amazon.

The second picture allegedly shows Rice standing next to bin Laden. "Released Photo of Condoleezza Rice and Osama bin Laden in party 2 weeks before 9/11," one X post claimed.

Released Photo of Condoleezza Rice and Osama Bin Laden in party 2 weeks before 9/11 https://t.co/FH92KP49uj #svpol pic.twitter.com/VOkhnXWqcF  olofpalmskrutt (@olofpalmskrutt) February 19, 2015

Moreover, the above-mentioned post redirected to an article that read:

A newly declassified photo showing former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and super terrorist Osama Bin Laden has been released under the Freedom of Information Act. The photo purportedly shows the two partying at a wine and dine in an American owned bar at Kandahar, Afghanistan just two weeks before the infamous and fateful 9/11. Unnamed C.I.A. sources say the purpose of the soiree was to drug Bin Laden with truth serum and get him to divulge any impending terrorist plans. According to the sources Bin Laden got very drunk and was whisked away by his bodyguards before the truth serum could take affect.

We have also found a meme template featuring the picture with a title "September 11th 2001 Inside Job Controlled Demolition."

(imgflip.com)

In reality, the image was digitally edited, and we reported on it back in 2015. The photograph was originally created for an April Fool's Day Photoshop Contest in 2008 organized by FreakingNews.com, which described itself as a "photoshop contest site focusing on news, politics, and celebrities."

(X user @ElPizarronNene)

The third picture was also digitally edited for the the FreakingNews.com Photoshop Contest, similarly to the one featuring Condoleezza Rice. The organizer's directions for the contest read:

Contest Directions: Senator Hillary Clinton officially declared her bid for presidency 2008. Making her announcement Hillary said "I'm in". This is the phrase she rarely heard from Bill in their bedroom. In this contest you are asked to photoshop anything connected to Senator Hillary Clinton running for president of United States. Examples may be photoshopping magazine covers, campaign photos, or future presidency achievements.

We accessed the currently unavailable website of the contest via the Internet Archive's Wayback Machine, and the image's description in 2008 read "Going for the terrorist vote."

(www.freakingnews.com)

The original version of the picture could be found on www.swarmandal.com website and it showed Hillary Clinton shaking hands with an Indian musician, Shubhashish Mukherjee.

(X user @TopInfoBlogs, www.swarmandal.com)

In sum, all three photos visible in the viral image were digitally edited to insert the face of Osama bin Laden. Because of that we have rated this claim as Fake.

If you ever find a suspicious image on social media, free to send it to us so we can fact check it.

Sources:

Amazon.Com. https://www.amazon.com/African-American-Attorneys-Hawaii-Barbee-Wooten/dp/0986075515. Accessed 15 Nov. 2023.

Attyandrewooten. 7 Jan. 2020, https://web.archive.org/web/20200107162226/https://www.attyandrewooten.com/23a.html.

Hillary Clinton for President? Pictures - Strange Hillary Clinton for President? Pics. 21 Dec. 2007, https://web.archive.org/web/20071221112952/https://www.freakingnews.com/Hillary-Clinton-for-President-Pictures--1303.asp.

Home - Freaking News Pictures. 28 May 2018, https://web.archive.org/web/20180528191750/https://freakingnews.com/faq5.asp#11.

Mikkelson, David. "Condoleezza Rice and Osama Bin Laden." Snopes, 19 Feb. 2015, https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/condoleezza-and-osama/.

---. "Hillary Clinton Meets Osama Bin Laden." Snopes, 5 June 2015, https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/hillary-clinton-meets-osama-bin-laden/.

Shubhashish Mukherjee. https://www.swarmandal.com/AsiaInWashington.html. Accessed 15 Nov. 2023.
We recently published a list of 10 Worst Broadcasting Stocks to Buy According to Short Sellers. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Gray Television, Inc. (NYSE:GTN) stands against the other broadcasting stocks.

Election Volatility in the Stock Market

September is a relatively volatile month for the stock market every year, under the pretense of one reason or another. However, with rate cuts around the corner, 2024 might be different.

Mona Mahajan, a senior investment strategist at Edward Jones, recently joined CNBC to discuss the importance of long-term investors leaning into market weakness. She believes that market volatility, such as that of this September, is an opportunity for investors to diversify their portfolios.

In August, the S&P 500 was up 18%, which, according to Mahajan, suggested an unsustainable rise that would most likely be met by a pullback or correction. Last week, the market experienced a 4.2% decline following this.

A series of weaker-than-expected economic reports on employment contributed to the market decline. These reports included job openings, ADP employment data, and non-farm payrolls. The most significant report, non-farm payrolls, was lower than anticipated. Additionally, downward revisions to previous economic data further spooked the market.

To balance this, the unemployment rate was brought down to 4.2%-4.3%, and 144,000 jobs were added. While this isnt a big number, it shows that the economy is still improving. In a recession, job growth would be negative. Therefore, the current situation, while not ideal, is not indicative of a recession. In fact, the number of people filing for unemployment claims decreased on a week-to-week basis.

She advocates for long-term investors to take advantage of market downturns, as market volatility provides ideal entry points for investing in undervalued assets.

Mahajan also addressed the broader economic landscape, including the performance of large-cap technology stocks, which she noted may not be the haven they once were, as in 2023 or the first half of 2024. This suggests a need for investors to consider diversification beyond tech stocks. Still, she thinks that AI is a driving force in the market, suggesting that it will play a crucial role in various sectors over the next several years.

She says that historical patterns indicate that bull markets typically last longer than bear markets  the average S&P 500 bull market lasts about 5.6 years, which can encourage investors to maintain a long-term perspective rather than reacting impulsively to short-term market fluctuations.

Story continues

In Mahajans view, for the S&P 500, a multiple of 17 seems reasonable. This valuation is generally on the higher end compared to historical levels over the past 15 years.

Interest rates are currently at a high point of 5.5% but are expected to decline over the next year or two. This potential rate-cutting cycle could positively impact stock valuations. While earnings growth for the current year has been revised downward to around 10%, it is still expected to be strong. Given these factors, its possible that the S&P 500s multiple to exceed 17.

However, its important to note that election-driven volatility brings growth spurts for broadcasting media companies, with their revenues increasing because of the global advertising industry benefiting from political ad revenue due to election campaigns. We recently discussed this in another one of our articles, 10 Best Broadcasting Stocks to Buy. Heres an excerpt from it:

Forbes reported that the total spending reached $8.5 billion across TV, radio, and digital media in the last election cycle. This was 30% higher than the $6.7 billion projected earlier that year, and 108% more than spending in 2017-2018, which was a record at that time. GroupM projects a record-breaking $15.9 billion investment in political ad spending for the end of 2024. As campaigns intensify their advertising efforts, especially in the weeks preceding the election, broadcast companies can anticipate a significant rise in revenue, given the heightened demand for airtime to reach voters. According to Emarketer, 45% of the total digital political ad spending will be seen on CTV (connected TV). As major companies in the networking, entertainment, and streaming industry continue their ban on political content, the major benefit of this spending will go to broadcasting companies.

Methodology

To compile our list, we sifted through ETFs, stock screeners, and online rankings to compile a list of 15 broadcasting stocks. We then selected 10 stocks that were shorted but at the same time popular among elite hedge funds and that analysts were bullish on. The hedge fund data was sourced from Insider Monkeys database which tracks the moves of over 900 elite money managers. The stocks are ranked in ascending order of their short interest, as of August 15.

Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletters strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 275% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 150 percentage points (see more details here).

A satellite dish with a view to the night sky, preparing to receive transmissions.

Gray Television, Inc. (NYSE:GTN)

Short % of Shares Outstanding As of August 15: 7.10%

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 22

Gray Television, Inc. (NYSE:GTN) is a broadcasting company operating in around 180 stations across the US. It is the nations largest owner of top-rated local television stations and digital assets serving 113 television markets that collectively reach approximately 36% of US television households.

On September 4, InvestigateTV+, the companys award-winning news magazine, expanded its clearances for the 2024-2025 season. The program now reaches a wider audience, with the weekday edition available in 46% of the US and the weekend edition in 67%.

Earlier, management reported a 1.6% year-over-year increase in revenue in the second quarter of 2024. This mainly came from political advertising, which was higher than 2020 this time. Core advertising revenue fell 1.5% year-over-year because of the absence of the NCAA final four games, which were broadcast last year but not in 2024.

Q3 projections are also not very high because growth will mostly only come from the Olympics advertising revenue alone, with the companys 56 NBC affiliates generating approximately $19 million. Under such outlooks, its shares are shorted by 7.10%.

22 hedge fund holders have stakes in the company as of June 30. The largest one is held by Darsana Capital Partners with a position of $21,278,728.

It recently announced a live broadcast of the Harlem Globetrotters game and launched new networks in Ohio and South Carolina. There are comprehensive coverage plans for the 2024 Democratic National Convention.

The company received 8 National Edward R. Murrow awards for excellence in journalism this August, highlighting the companys commitment to quality journalism and its impact on local communities. making it a top stock for investment.

Miller Value Deep Value Strategy stated the following regarding Gray Television, Inc. (NYSE:GTN) in its Q2 2024 investor letter:

Our two largest detractors during the quarter were Nabors Industries (NBR) and Gray Television, Inc. (NYSE:GTN), whose share prices were down 17% and 16% respectively during the quarter. We think both companys share prices are at deep discounts to their long-term fundamental value; we have recently increased both holdings. Gray Television remained under pressure during Q2, with ongoing marketplace concerns on the company debt leverage. Gray has limited maturities over the next 2 years and recently announced an opportunistic debt repurchase program. After a slow start to political advertising due to weaker than expected primaries, we expect to see a nice ramp in political advertising in the back half of the year. Grays strong local TV stations, #1 and/or #2 in 89% of their markets, has the company well positioned to achieve $500-700M in high margin political advertising in 2024. In addition, Gray has been outpacing peers in growing their core business over the past couple of years and still appear to be in the early innings of an improvement cycle. Management has recently retrained their salesforce with a greater focus on expanding their high margin digital market share over the next couple of years. In addition, ATSC 3.0 (industry new IP standard), provides opportunity for Gray to stream more content and capture new high margin digital revenue streams overtime. We see the potential for $2.5B of free cash flow generation over the next 5 years that could allow the company to rapidly de-lever their balance sheet and accrue value to the equity holder. With a greater than 80% earnings and free cash flow yield, and an attractive 6.2% dividend yield, we believe patient investors have potential to be rewarded over the coming years.

Overall GTN ranks 2nd on our list of the worst broadcast stocks to buy. While we acknowledge the potential of GTN as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold great promise for delivering high returns and doing so within a shorter timeframe. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than GTN but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.

READ NEXT: $30 Trillion Opportunity: 15 Best Humanoid Robot Stocks to Buy According to Morgan Stanley and Jim Cramer Says NVIDIA Has Become A Wasteland.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
Fact check: Ohio woman accused of eating cat is from Canton, not from Springfield

CANTON  The ongoing court case of a 27-year-old Canton resident accused of killing and eating a cat has become an unlikely part of the debate over presidential campaign issues, at least among some people online.

A Cincinnati Enquirer story posted online Monday said some people are conflating her August arrest with unsubstantiated rumors alleging that Haitian immigrants in the southwest Ohio city of Springfield are eating pets.

A video posted on YouTube falsely purports to show police officers confronting a Haitian woman in Springfield about eating a cat.

In reality, the video actually shows police department bodycam video of Canton officers at the scene of the Aug. 16 incident in Canton. The video posted by the Fake News Network carries the title Haitian Woman Eats Neighbours Cat in Springfield.

In response to rumors spread on social media, Springfield City Manager Bryan Heck, through his office, released a statement Monday saying theres no evidence of any cats or other pets being harmed or eaten by the Haitian immigrants.

Despite Springfields efforts to debunk the pet-eating rumors, Trump continued to spread the false narrative about immigrants eating cats and dogs.

Theyre eating the dogs! The people that came in. Theyre eating the cats! Theyre eating, theyre eating the pets of the people that live there, Trump said during Tuesday's presidential debate.

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 hosted by ABC in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on September 10, 2024

Vance appeared to backpedal on Tuesday, posting on X, formerly Twitter: Its possible, of course, that all of these rumors will turn out to be false.

Ohio woman accused of eating a cat lives in Canton

The Canton woman charged with killing and eating a cat has no known connection to Haiti or any other foreign country.

Allexis T. Ferrell was charged with cruelty to companion animals, a fifth-degree felony, and Stark County court records show she has faced other charges since 2017, including theft and misuse of credit cards and endangering children.

Ferrell was first arrested in Canton in 2011, Canton police spokesman Lt. Dennis Garren wrote in an email on Tuesday. We have no reason to believe that she is not a U.S. citizen.

Springfied officials: 'No credible reports' of crime by Haitian migrants in Ohio

Canton woman accused of eating cat pleads not guilty by reason of insanity

Ferrell is being held in the Stark County Jail with a bond set at $100,000.

She has entered a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity. Her attorney has requested an evaluation to determine her sanity at the time of the alleged offense and whether she is competent to stand trial.

Stark County Common Pleas Judge Frank G. Forchione is scheduled to hold a competency hearing on Oct. 15.

The alleged incident of animal cruelty took place in the 1100 block of 13th Street SE at Jackson Sherrick Homes, a public housing complex owned and managed by the Stark Metropolitan Housing Authority. Ferrell lives in the complex.

The Cincinnati Enquirer contributed to this report.

Reach Nancy at 330-580-8382 or nancy.molnar@cantonrep.com. On X, formerly known as Twitter: @nmolnarTR.

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Ohio woman accused of killing, eating cat is American, not Haitian
Claim:

On Jan. 6, 2021, the day of the riot at the U.S. Capitol, then-President Donald Trump posted to followers to "remain peaceful" with "no violence" and also to "stay peaceful" and "support our Capitol Police and law enforcement."

Rating:

Rating: Mixture

Context:

Trump posted two tweets that mentioned being "peaceful." He also once mentioned during his Jan. 6 speech on the Ellipse for his supporters to "peacefully" protest. However, the truth was that the tweets were posted after the violence of the day had already begun. Meanwhile, the spoken mention of "peacefully" protesting occurred during a misinformation-filled speech, in which he also told the crowd, "We fight like hell. And if you don't fight like hell, you're not going to have a country anymore." Further, all of this followed many months of Trump baselessly and repeatedly predicting the 2020 U.S. presidential election would involve massive voter fraud.

During the Sept. 10, 2024, debate between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, ABC News moderator David Muir asked Trump whether he had regrets for his role in the violent events at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Following Trump's answer, Harris provided her own thoughts about the matter.

While the debate continued, a user on X named Chad Prather, host of "The Chad Prather Show," posted (archived) a screenshot of a Trump tweet (archived) from the day of the riot. Prather added to his post, in reference to Harris, "Since the moderators won't fact check her."

Since the moderators won't fact-check her. pic.twitter.com/MXuqGtaeoh  Chad Prather (@WatchChad) September 11, 2024

The promoted claim was that Trump tweeted to "remain peaceful" with "no violence," meaning that Trump could wash his hands of the matter in innocence. Users previously shared this genuine tweet alongside another one (archived) in a meme shared on X which Trump also said to "stay peaceful."

The meme appeared like this:

In early June 2022, we received reader mail that asked us to look into whether former US President Donald Trump tweeted to his supporters on January 6, 2021, the day of the US Capitol riot, to remain peaceful with no violence and to support our Capitol Police and law enforcement.

"Does anyone remember these tweets  probably not because they were removed," the meme incorrectly claimed.

In our research, we concluded that while Trump's @realDonaldTrump account truly did display these two tweets, Prather's post and other users' posts presenting Trump's words lacked crucial context. (We noted Trump himself repeatedly shared posts showing he held strong views about his words being taken out of context.)

In sum, Trump did tweet to his supporters who were already rioting at the Capitol to "remain peaceful" with "no violence" and also to "stay peaceful" and to "support our Capitol Police and law enforcement." However, anyone asserting any level of innocence for Trump's role in the Capitol riot through the sharing of these two tweets  or the lone mention of the word "peacefully" during his speech  would do so by ignoring the vast majority of the rest of the data available for this matter, mainly being the fact Trump posted his tweets after the violence at the Capitol had already begun and many months after he repeatedly promoted baseless accusations of voter fraud.

Context Is Key

On Jan. 8, 2021, Twitter announced a permanent suspension (archived) for Trump's account following the events at the Capitol. Tech entrepreneur Elon Musk later restored access to Trump's account following his 2022 purchase of the platform.

Meanwhile, on Trump's Facebook page, two posts showing the same words remained available. Facebook eventually also temporarily suspended his account.

The user who created the aforementioned meme claimed something about a cover-up to hide these tweets from the public. In reality, countless news organizations and other blogs reprinted the words from the two posts in articles published around the world.

Perhaps most important about the context behind the meme was that these tweets from Trump came after the violence at the Capitol had already started  and many months after he repeatedly promoted baseless predictions of massive voter fraud in the 2020 U.S. elections. After all, the driving force behind Trump's supporters violently protesting at the Capitol stemmed from the former president's own promotion of the false belief that the election had been stolen. To be clear, it is false to assert that the 2020 election was "stolen."

Two Tweets

Trump's account displayed the times of the posting of the first message as 2:38 p.m. EST on Twitter and 2:40 p.m. on Facebook. It read, "Please support our Capitol Police and Law Enforcement. They are truly on the side of our Country. Stay peaceful!"

The second tweet from the meme was posted a short time later, at 3:13 p.m. on Twitter and 3:14 p.m. on Facebook. The tweet said, "I am asking for everyone at the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful. No violence! Remember, WE are the Party of Law & Order  respect the Law and our great men and women in Blue. Thank you!"

USA Today published a timeline of the Capitol riot showing rioters had already breached the grounds before Trump issued his tweets about being "peaceful." In fact, after the grounds had been breached, Trump first tweeted, "Mike Pence didn't have the courage to do what should have been done to protect our Country and our Constitution, giving States a chance to certify a corrected set of facts, not the fraudulent or inaccurate ones which they were asked to previously certify. USA demands the truth!"

At 2:24 p.m. Trump tweets that "Mike Pence didn't have the courage to do what should have been done to protect our Country and our Constitution..." pic.twitter.com/0M5VIy7lt5  USA TODAY Graphics (@usatgraphics) January 8, 2021

With the help of a bullhorn, one of the people at the Capitol riot read to the crowd Trump's tweet about Pence. The following video, which was unveiled by the U.S. House panel investigating the riot, showed this to be the case:

They used my footage "Mike Pence didn't have the courage" in the phenomenal @frontlinepbs "Democracy On Trial" it was actually AFTER the 187 minutes at 4:23pm and he was encouraging them to keep fighting. The National Guard had been denied 14 times by Chris Miller at that point! pic.twitter.com/kudd0EqYmw  RealSandiBachom  (@realsandibachom) January 31, 2024

Rioters shouted, "Hang Mike Pence."

The U.S. House panel also reported receiving testimony claiming Trump seemingly showed approval of the crowd's chants to "hang Mike Pence."

'We Love You. You're Very Special.'

More than an hour after Trump's second tweet, a video appeared on his social media accounts about 4:17 p.m. In the video, Trump repeated the baseless allegations of voter fraud and falsely claimed he won the election in a "landslide" victory. He told supporters, "But you have to go home now." He also spoke to the violent rioters, saying, "We love you. You're very special."

Trump's last tweet of the day appeared at 6:01 p.m. He said, "These are the things and events that happen when a sacred landslide election victory is so unceremoniously & viciously stripped away from great patriots who have been badly & unfairly treated for so long. Go home with love & in peace. Remember this day forever!"

Text, Person, Human

This was one of Trump's final tweets before his Twitter suspension.

Ellipse Speeches

Earlier on the same day, Trump delivered a misinformation-filled speech to supporters on the Ellipse in Washington, D.C. According to The Associated Press, some supporters left early for the Capitol before he was finished speaking. Other supporters spent the morning "casing the entrances to the Capitol." During the speech, Trump used the word "peacefully" one time. According to a transcript, Trump said, "I know that everyone here will soon be marching over to the Capitol building to peacefully and patriotically make your voices heard." At the same time, he also told them, "We fight like hell. And if you don't fight like hell, you're not going to have a country anymore."

During the same speech, Trump told supporters, "We're going to walk down to the Capitol." In the speech, he said that he would be walking to the building with them. "I'll be there with you," Trump said. However, he did not walk with them, nor did he travel to the Capitol in any other manner.

Prior to Trump's speech, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and others warmed up the crowd with brief remarks. Giuliani said, "Let's have trial by combat!" Rep. Mo Brooks, R-Ala., also told those gathered at the Ellipse, "Today is the day American patriots start taking down names and kicking *ss."

Arrests, Charges and Suicides

As of August 2024, court records reflected arrests and charges for nearly 1,500 people for their alleged participation in activities related to the Capitol riot.

The Washington Post reported that 140 law enforcement officers were injured during the violence. CNN later reported Matthew Graves, the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, said, "We know from talking to the hundreds of officers guarding the Capitol that day that this 140 number undercounts the number of officers who were physically injured, let alone those who have suffered trauma as a result of the day's events."

Further, CNBC published "Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick, who collapsed in his office after responding to the riot, died Jan. 7 from two strokes. Washington's chief medical examiner has said that 'all that transpired' during the riot played a role in Sicknick's condition." The U.S. Capitol Police published of Sicknick's death on the day following the riot, "This does not change the fact Officer Sicknick died in the line of duty, courageously defending Congress and the Capitol."

Additionally, CNBC reported that at least four other officers involved in defending the Capitol later died by suicide.

Sources:

Acosta, Jim, and Paula Reid. "Trump Reacted with Approval to 'hang Mike Pence' Chants from Rioters on January 6." CNN, 25 May 2022, https://www.cnn.com/2022/05/25/politics/donald-trump-january-6-mike-pence-chants/index.html.

Bond, Shannon. "Trump Suspended From Facebook For 2 Years." NPR, 4 June 2021, https://www.npr.org/2021/06/04/1003284948/trump-suspended-from-facebook-for-2-years.

Breuninger, Kevin, and Dan Mangan. "Two More Police Officers Die by Suicide after Defending Capitol during Riot by Pro-Trump Mob, Tally Now 4." CNBC, 2 Aug. 2021, https://www.cnbc.com/2021/08/02/3rd-police-officer-gunther-hashida-kills-himself-after-capitol-riot-by-trump-mob.html.

Cohen, Marshall. "Fact Check: Trump Lies about Voter Fraud While States, CDC Encourage Voting-by-Mail as Pandemic-Friendly Option." CNN, 10 Apr. 2020, https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/10/politics/fact-check-trump-lying-voter-fraud/index.html.

Colvin, Jill. "What We Know about Trump's Actions as Insurrection Unfolded." AP News, 9 June 2022, https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-ivanka-trump-biden-presidential-elections-e8fc57e5de4fe00e848e63d923f7c758.

"District of Columbia | 43 Months Since the Jan. 6 Attack on the Capitol." United States Attorney's Office, 6 Aug. 2024, https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/43-months-jan-6-attack-capitol.

Duffy, Clare, and Paul LeBlanc. "Elon Musk Restores Donald Trump's Twitter Account | CNN Business." CNN, 20 Nov. 2022, https://www.cnn.com/2022/11/19/business/twitter-musk-trump-reinstate/index.html.

FOX 13 News Staff. "Capitol Riots: Complete List of Tampa Bay Area Arrests in Jan. 6 Attack." FOX 13 News, 9 June 2022, https://www.fox13news.com/news/capitol-riot-tampa-bay-arrests.

"Giuliani: 'Let's Have Trial by Combat.'" Politico.com, 8 Feb. 2021, https://politi.co/3aJR0cI.

Hoffman, Riley. "READ: Harris-Trump Presidential Debate Transcript." ABC News, 10 Sept. 2024, https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/harris-trump-presidential-debate-transcript/story?id=113560542.

Jackman, Tom. "Police Union Says 140 Officers Injured in Capitol Riot." Washington Post, 27 Jan. 2021, https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/public-safety/police-union-says-140-officers-injured-in-capitol-riot/2021/01/27/60743642-60e2-11eb-9430-e7c77b5b0297_story.html.

Kirkpatrick, David D., et al. "Before the Capitol Riot, Calls for Cash and Talk of Revolution." The New York Times, 16 Jan. 2021, https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/16/us/capitol-riot-funding.html.

Leatherby, Lauren, et al. "How a Presidential Rally Turned Into a Capitol Rampage." The New York Times, 12 Jan. 2021, https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/01/12/us/capitol-mob-timeline.html.

Mascaro, Lisa, and Mary Clare Jalonick. "Jan. 6 Panel Hears: Trump 'detached from Reality' in Defeat." AP News, 14 June 2022, https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-capitol-siege-donald-trump-campaigns-presidential-070ced9a013c58cf001d6d4137e4abc0.

"Medical Examiner Finds USCP Officer Brian Sicknick Died of Natural Causes." United States Capitol Police, 19 Apr. 2021, http://www.uscp.gov/media-center/press-releases/medical-examiner-finds-uscp-officer-brian-sicknick-died-natural-causes.

"Mo Brooks: 'Today Is the Day American Patriots Start Taking down Names and Kicking Ass.'" Politico.com, 8 Feb. 2021, https://politi.co/2YVe4Qn.

Petras, George, et al. "Timeline: How the Storming of the U.S. Capitol Unfolded on Jan. 6." USA Today, 6 Jan. 2021, https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/news/2021/01/06/dc-protests-capitol-riot-trump-supporters-electoral-college-stolen-election/6568305002/.

"President Trump Video Statement on Capitol Protesters." C-SPAN, 6 Jan. 2021, https://www.c-span.org/video/?507774-1/president-trump-claims-election-stolen-tells-protesters-leave-capitol.

Rabinowitz, Hannah, et al. "US Attorney Says Untold Number of Police Officers Injured While Protecting Capitol on January 6 | CNN Politics." CNN, 4 Jan. 2024, https://www.cnn.com/2024/01/04/politics/january-6-prosecutions-justice-department/index.html.

Trump Twitter Archive. https://www.thetrumparchive.com.

Tweets of January 8, 2021 | The American Presidency Project. https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/tweets-january-8-2021.

Twitter. Permanent Suspension of @realDonaldTrump. https://blog.twitter.com/en_us/topics/company/2020/suspension.

"WATCH: 'I Had Nothing to Do' with Jan. 6 Riot, Trump Says | ABC Presidential Debate." YouTube, PBS NewsHour, 10 Sept. 2024, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2w_qra6srU.

"WATCH: 'Let's Not Go Back,' Harris Says of January 6 Insurrection | ABC Presidential Debate." YouTube, PBS NewsHour, 10 Sept. 2024, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yaG276f0ffg.
Fact Check: Yes, Vladimir Putin Did Endorse Kamala Harris for US President. Some Called It 'Mischief-Making'

Claim:

Russian leader Vladimir Putin endorsed Democratic nominee Kamala Harris in September 2024 in the buildup to the U.S. presidential election.

Rating:

Rating: True

Context:

Although the Russian president did say on Sept. 5, 2024, that he endorsed the Democratic candidate for president, few people believed his comments were serious. Many news outlets and political pundits concluded that he was joking.

During the Sept. 10, 2024, presidential debate, former U.S. President Donald Trump claimed Vladimir Putin endorsed Kamala Harris in her bid to win the presidential election.

"Putin endorsed her last week. Said I hope she wins. And I think he meant it," Trump told ABC's debate moderators Linsey Davis and David Muir. The Republican nominee made the comment at 1:02:18 while facing off against U.S. Vice President Harris.

Examples of the claim then appeared on social media platforms, such as X, Facebook and YouTube.

In short, Trump was right to say Putin backed Harris earlier in September. The Russian president did offer his support to the Democratic candidate earlier that month. However, few people took his comments seriously.

Speaking at the Eastern Economic Forum in the Russian far-eastern city of Vladivostok on Sept. 5, Putin said he would "lend" Harris his support (archived):

As for my preferences [in the U.S. election], it is not up to us to decide. After all, the American people will have to make their own choice. As I have already said, we favoured Mr Biden, the current President, but they took him out of the race. That said, he advised his supporters to support Ms Harris. So, we will act accordingly and lend her our support.

He later added that the Democratic nominee has "a very contagious" laugh, whereas "no other President has ever imposed so many restrictions and sanctions against Russia" as Trump.

Video footage showed the Russian president had a raised eyebrow and a smirk on his face while making the remarks, leading numerous political pundits to conclude that his comments were not meant to be taken seriously.

British news outlet Sky News' Moscow correspondent Ivor Bennett claimed Putin was "mischief-making" by endorsing Harris:

Safe to say, Vladimir Putin is having a little chuckle himself here. His comments are almost certainly more mischief-making than a statement of fact because, as we know, Russia's president doesn't always say what he thinks.

Bennett said Putin may have hoped that by appearing to support the U.S. vice president it would actually harm her chances of winning the election. This, he wrote, would open the door for a second Trump term, which would mean "a cut to US aid to Ukraine, which in turn would significantly boost Russia's prospects on the battlefield."

New York Times reporter Julian E. Barnes added that "most observers believe" the Russian leader's comments "were said in jest," adding: "The U.S. intelligence agencies have assessed that Putin supports the election of Trump."

Bennett also suggested Putin's support of the former president was because Moscow believed a Trump administration would "cut back, or end, U.S. military aid to Ukraine."

Likewise, both the Associated Press (AP) and Reuters said Putin was "teasing" by endorsing Harris, with the latter calling it an "ironic remark." AP and Al Jazeera added that even the audience appeared to be in on the joke by laughing at his comments, while The Economic Times noted the moderator smiled at the endorsement. Bloomberg went as far to brand the support "trolling" (archived).

Therefore, Trump was right to claim Putin said he backed Harris, however it was reasonable to doubt the sincerity of the endorsement.

Sources:

- YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRh6598RmHM. Accessed 12 Sept. 2024.

Goldmacher, Shane, and Katie Rogers. 'Harris and Trump Debate: Sept. 10 Campaign News'. The New York Times, 10 Sept. 2024. NYTimes.com, https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/09/11/us/harris-trump-debate-election.

News, A. B. C. 'READ: Harris-Trump Presidential Debate Transcript'. ABC News, https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/harris-trump-presidential-debate-transcript/story?id=113560542. Accessed 12 Sept. 2024.

'Plenary Session of the 9th Eastern Economic Forum'. President of Russia, 5 Sept. 2024, http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/75029.

'Putin Quips He Prefers Harris to Trump Now That Joe Biden Is Out'. Bloomberg.Com, 5 Sept. 2024. www.bloomberg.com, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-09-05/putin-says-russia-backs-biden-s-choice-of-harris-in-us-election.

'Russians Mock US Election Allegations as Putin Teasingly Says He Supports Harris'. AP News, 5 Sept. 2024, https://apnews.com/article/russia-putin-united-states-kamala-harris-trump-721034cf80fed36d4ca22c2608c16911.

Soldatkin, Vladimir. 'Teasing Putin Says Russia Backs Kamala Harris, Cites Her "infectious" Laugh'. Reuters, 6 Sept. 2024. www.reuters.com, https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/putin-says-moscow-supported-its-own-citizens-major-east-west-prisoner-swap-2024-09-05/.

Staff, Al Jazeera. '"Russia Backs Kamala Harris": Putin's History of US Election "Endorsements"'. Al Jazeera, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/9/6/russia-backs-kamala-harris-putins-history-of-us-election-endorsements. Accessed 12 Sept. 2024.

'Teasing Putin Says Russia Backs Kamala Harris, Cites Her "infectious" Laugh'. The Economic Times, 5 Sept. 2024. The Economic Times - The Times of India, https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/teasing-putin-says-russia-backs-kamala-harris-cites-her-infectious-laugh/articleshow/113093497.cms?from=mdr.

'Vladimir Putin Claims He Wants "infectious" Kamala Harris to Win US Election over Donald Trump'. Sky News, https://news.sky.com/story/vladimir-putin-says-he-wants-infectious-kamala-harris-to-win-us-election-over-donald-trump-13209969. Accessed 12 Sept. 2024.
A batch of mail ballots on a table at the Rhode Island Board of Elections office in Cranston. (Christopher Shea/Rhode Island Current)

One candidate who ran for the General Assembly in Tuesdays primary asked the Rhode Island Board of Elections for a recount by the 4 p.m. deadline to request one on Wednesday.

The request came from Senate District 17 Democratic candidate Alexander Azar, Board of Elections spokesperson Chris Hunter confirmed.

Azar, the son of Lincoln Town Councilor Pamela Azar, lost by 68 votes to Cameron Deutsch in the primary for the district spanning parts of Lincoln, North Providence and Smithfield. Under state law, a candidate can request a recount if they are trailing by 2% or 200 votes (whichever is less) in races in which no more than 20,000 votes were cast.

The still unofficial results show Azar garnered 566 votes or 47.2% and Deutsch received 634 or 52.8%.

News of the recount came as a surprise to Deutsch.

I had reached out to him and his mom, who is a town councilor, and they both congratulated me, Deutsch said. But he has every right to file a petition.

Azar did not respond to an immediate request for comment.

Recounts are not uncommon in races for state offices  particularly during low-turnout primaries. In 2022, the states Board of Elections received nine recount requests for primary races in the State Senate, House of Representatives, and Providence City Council. All results were affirmed by the board.

Azars complaint is expected to be taken up by the Board of Elections early next week, Hunter said. The winner of the Senate District 17 Democratic primary will square off against incumbent Sen. Thomas Paolino, a Lincoln Republican, in the Nov. 5 general election.

The Board of Elections expects to finish tallying all primary election results by Sept. 16.

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MELBOURNE, Fla. - A community is grieving after a local father was robbed and shot to death at a convenience store in Melbourne.

FOX 35 learned from the victims mom, Craig Dewberry Jr., who was a father with an 8-year-old daughter before he was murdered.

Melbourne Police say Dewberry was killed on Tuesday afternoon at the Tip Top Mini Mart on Monroe Street. A suspect, Malachi Bell, was taken into custody later that night, but the victims mom thinks more people still need to be arrested.

A day after the murder, a memorial started growing at the mini-mart. Flowers and balloons were left on one side of the store. Just past the front door, people also put up a poster saying Rest In Peace.

"He said, I called to tell you that I love you," said Connie Staley, the victim's mother.

She says those were the last words she heard from her 27-year-old son before he died.

"He was like no other. He had so many friends. A lot of people loved Craig," she said. "He was one person that definitely did not deserve this at all. He didnt deserve this!"

MORE STORIES:

Melbourne police say a school resource officer at Stone Magnet Middle School was the first to hear the gunshots on Tuesday afternoon.

Police arrived at the shop on Monroe Street within two minutes, but the alleged shooters were already gone.

"Two or three people came and just shoot and just gone," said Gofran Patwary, who witnessed the shooting.

Craig Dewberry

He says it was just Craig on the ground left behind at the scene.

The store clerk says Craig visited the mini-mart every day, but the shooters were strangers.

"I just heard shots, and I didnt recognize them," the clerk added.

Melbourne police made an arrest on Tuesday night.

They say 21-year-old Malachi Bell was trying to run off to South Florida, but Indian River County deputies stopped him at a Greyhound bus station in Sebastian.

Bell is charged with first-degree felony murder and robbery with a firearm. While police haven't released a motive, Connie thinks the alleged shooter was trying to steal one of the necklaces her son always wore.

"This is where he be at every single day, so for me to think something like this happen to him, I would never thought it would happen right here," said Connie.

His family is committed to keeping his story alive and trying to process the tragedy.

"Im just still in a state of shock. It still feels unreal. Even with me being right here, it still hasnt hit me yet  my brother is gone," concluded Tyesha Staley, who rushed from South Carolina to be by her moms side after the murder.

Craigs mom says she will continue to fight for justice for her son. She thinks more people need to be held accountable and will not stop until they are.

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Couple Bob and Binney Wells gifted 455 acres to the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests for permanent conservation, continuing their family's legacy of stewardship.

The donation spans from the Hopkinton-Everett Flood Control lands to the Stumpfield-Mudgett Recreation Area and increases the total acreage of protected areas in the region to 10,000.

"We've always felt the Forest Society was an extremely responsible organization," Bob said in a statement, per the Concord Monitor. "There's a balance between how property is managed and used for recreation as well as for silviculture that we really appreciate."

Most of the land lies within the Contoocook River Watershed, with the southernmost parcel part of the Merrimack River Watershed. The area includes open forests of hemlock-hardwood pines and Appalachian oak pines, open grasslands, wet meadows, shrub wetlands, rocky ridge habitats, and even a beaver pond.

These diverse ecosystems offer sustenance and shelter to a wide range of native wildlife. For example, the forests play host to animals such as black bears, timber rattlesnakes, and bald eagles.

However, the University of New Hampshire notes that they are susceptible to construction, as residential and commercial developments are the leading cause of deforestation in the state. That makes the contribution from the Wellses  as well as similar efforts from Canada to Australia  a huge win for preserving natural landscapes.

"Land conservation is critical, not just for enjoying outdoor recreation, but in preventing massive loss of biodiversity in the age of climate change," said their son, Ted.

The Wellses, who have lived in Hopkinton since 1971 and first donated an easement to the Forest Society in 1984, drew inspiration from their respective families, both of which have a long history of land conservation and stewardship.

Bob became passionate about the subject after growing up on a 2,000-acre farm in Missouri that has been part of his family since the 1800s. Meanwhile, Binney's grandmother bought and donated 1,000 acres of land in Connecticut, which is now part of the Algonquin State Forest.

They have passed those core principles on to the next generation, as Bob and Binney donated the parcel along with their two children and their spouses as well as their four grandchildren. Their daughter, Hylah Wells Patton, told the Forest Society that her parents had considered gifting the land for a while.

"I think that it's by introducing people, and children specifically, to the natural world that you create caring for the landscape around us," Binney said. "We are so happy that we instilled these values in our children and that they and their spouses and their children (our grandchildren) are conserving this wonderful land."

"We're honoring the legacy that Bob and Binney started here 50 years ago," added daughter-in-law Anna. "They've shaped these hundreds of acres that we're on right now over those 50 years. That's a huge legacy that will now go on in perpetuity."

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WAHIAWA, Hawaii (KHON2)  Its been nearly 2 months since Mischa Johnson was last seen, but that hasnt deterred family and friends from continuing to search for any signs of her.

Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news

A quick prayer was said before heading out for the safety of the search party and hopes of finding any signs of the 19-year-old Mischa Johnson.

Mischas family asking for video of red mustang along Kamehameha Hwy

Were just gonna see if we find anything because theres no evidence recovered as far as a body or anything like that, said Mika Paresa, search party organizer. But the fact that his car was allegedly seen in this area, thats why were focusing here.

Family and friends believe Misha Johnsons husband, 23-year-old Dewayne Johnsons red Mustang was seen in the Wahiawa area after Mischa was last seen in July.

The area is the undeveloped land right before the Dole Plantation if youre headed to the North Shore. Search parties are dealing with uneven paths, thick brush and tall grass.

You have to go in to, to actually see, said Paresa. Its not visible by just looking in.

The group of about 30 people searched the area for hours. There have been several other searches before, both here and on Schofield, but this one was the first to combine both locals and military wives.

Family of missing pregnant woman pleads with public for help

The support weve been getting for the searches have been amazing because it felt like it was local searching, and then military wives, but now its like a cohesive effort to do the search and have justice for Mischa, said Paresa.

How can you not feel touched to come and search, said Jasmine Kawai-Aweau. For us, its just like you know when one person needs help, we all gotta come together and help.

Army CID said it did not want to interfere with the search, since it was organized by the public. Special agents said Dewayne Johnson remains in custody and the case is still under investigation.

Were gonna search as long as the family wants us to search, said Paresa. Thats really the bottom line. Were going according to their wishes and their wants so were here to support the family. Thats what were here for.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
Great Aunt Linda Jacob wipes away a tear as Gioya Wyatt speaks about her brother, Madison Carter. Family members of Madison Carter and Sheriff Tommie Johnson III at press conference to update the cold case double homicide involving Carter and Dominique Knight. The pair was shot to death while sitting in a parked car outside a home on Justin Place in Spencer on May 5, 2020. 0 Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024.

A family devastated by homicide four years ago has come forward to ask the public for help in finding the person who took the life of a beloved son.

Madison Carter, 30, was shot to death in 2020 while sitting in a parked vehicle in the 2700 block of Justin Place, near NE 23 and North Douglass Boulevard in Spencer.

Also found dead at the scene was Dominique Knight, 26. Authorities believe Carter was shot by a suspect while sitting in the front drivers seat of the vehicle. Knight got out of the passenger seat and collapsed in a yard.

At the Oklahoma County sheriffs office on Wednesday, Carters family, through tears, offered a reward of $10,000 for anyone who has information leading to the arrest of the suspect in the case.

All I wanna say is I miss my son, Tana Carter, Madison Carters mother, told reporters. I dont have words to say.

More: Neighbors rattled after teen shot to death in Midwest City

'Two young men are dead and their grieving families deserve answers'

Gioya Wright, younger sister to Carter, said on top of the grief from losing her brother, she feels unsafe knowing that a killer could be steps away at any time.

You could be, like I said, crossing this person's path as you're going to the grocery store, going to the gas station, Wright said. So it's very unsettling. It's frustrating. It's sad. You know, it takes my peace of mind. Makes me feel unsafe for not only just my family, but other people. If this person or persons are willing to do this to my brother and to his friends, they will do it to someone else.

Tana Carter, mother of Madison Carter, speaks to the media on Wednesday. Family members of Carter joined Sheriff Tommie Johnson III at news conference to update the double homicide cold case involving Carter and Dominique Knight.

Sheriff Tommie Johnson III said investigators have hit a roadblock in the case.

While this is still an active investigation, we have reached a number of leads that have run cold, Johnson said. We know someone, somewhere has information, and we are appealing to that person. Two young men are dead and their grieving families deserve answers.

More: Medical provider for Oklahoma County jail now says it will be ending its services

Joining Carters family was the Rev. Theodis Manning Sr. of Divine Wisdom Worship Center in Midwest City.

I'm here to first extend my condolences to all of the families and especially the mothers and fathers who have been affected by such tragedies that we are experiencing in our Black and brown communities, Manning said. Secondly, I wanna reach out to and make an appeal to our communities, that we come together. This has been going on way too long. It is time for us to step up, do our jobs as parents and community leaders and ministers.

Manning shared a direct message to those engaging in violence on the streets.

The people that you call your enemy are not your enemy, he said. They are other people, just like you, who have families. They have mothers, they have fathers, that when you take their life, you take them from their families. How would you feel if it was you standing here today and your loved ones were taken?

Wright said her brother was a good father. He was excited to be a dad, if a bit nervous around his first baby. The memory brought laughter through tears.

I helped Madison try to figure out how to change his diaper, she said. Mad didn't know a lot about changing diapers and taking care of kids. But it was nice to see him trying and step into that father role.

In the same spirit of the Rev. Mannings words, Wright shared a passage from Romans in the Bible:

Family members of Madison Carter join Sheriff Tommie Johnson III at a news conference on Wednesday.

Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for Gods wrath, she said. Step aside and let God do what he is supposed to do. For it is written: it is mine to avenge; I will repay. I thank God for those words, for his grace and mercy. And I thank him for what he's done and what he's going to do for my family.

Anyone with information about the case is urged to call the sheriffs office at 405-869-2501.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Family of Madison Carter, killed in Oklahoma, offers reward for info
An intriguing question has followed viral video clips of Donald Trump's seemingly unhinged rant about immigrants hunting people's pets: Who convinced the Republican nominee that the falsehood about migrants in an Ohio town was verified fact?

Was it running mate, J.D. Vance, the Ohio U.S. senator who espoused the fake news? Or maybe far-right activist Laura Loomer, one of the cohort of fringe social media pundits who parroted the outlandish and false reports about immigrants eating neighbors' pets during Tuesday's presidential debate with Kamala Harris?

The bizarre debate moment came as Trump rambled in defending his Make America Great Again rallies, calling America a "failing" nation, warning of World War III and decrying the flow of immigrants across the border  all within the span of a minute.

He then dropped this bombshell about migrants he said had descended on the Ohio town of Springfield.

"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," Trump claimed. "And this is what's happening in our country."

More: From our archives: Laura Loomer was banned in 2020 from social media for hate speech

Laura Loomer: How GOP House candidate explains her history of hate-speech, Islamophobia

Factchecks debunked far-right reports about immigrants eating people's pets in Ohio town

Republican congressional candidate Laura Loomer celebrates with Milo Yiannopoulos (left) and campaign director Karen Giorno (right) at a 2020 primary election night event in West Palm Beach.

Moderator David Muir of ABC News then pointed out the network had reached out to officials in Springfield who debunked the macabre accusation.

Trump's allegation nonetheless became the viral moment of the night, with many political observers saying the former president appeared unhinged in making the bombastic claim.

A real-time survey of undecided voters in seven swing states found that Trump's claims did not play well, however.

The Ipsos and MediaScience labs survey found those asked said Harris won the night as the vice president was seen by the voter sample as "level-headed, strong, and overqualified, whereas they described Trump as a bully and entertainer with a big ego," according to the firms' analysis.

The claim about the Ohio town was a pivotal, negative moment for the former president.

"That moment was not well received," said Elizabeth Jarosz, an Ipsos Market Research analyst. "It's a key moment that many people really remember."

Still, Trump doubled-down. On Sept. 12, at a rally in Tucson, Arizona, Trump added that Haitian immigrants in the Ohio town have also walked away with the town's flock of geese.

"They're taking the geese. You know where the geese are? In the park, in the lake," Trump said. "And even walking away with their pets. 'My dog's been taken.'"

Who came up with the outlandish claims?

The reports were spread and shared on extremist right-wing pseudo-news outlets and social media influencers.

One of those was Loomer, a twice-failed Florida congressional candidate who unsuccessfully competed for U.S. House districts in Palm Beach County in 2020 and Central Florida in 2022. Another significant proponent of the falsehood was Trump's own vice presidential running mate, Vance.

On Sept. 9, Loomer posted that "cannibalistic Haitians" in Ohio were "eating people's pets."

Disturbing reports came out this weekend about Haitian immigrants eating peoples pets in Ohio where Democrats like @SenSherrodBrown and the Biden-Harris regime imported over 20,000 cannibalistic Haitians who are now killing peoples pets and hunting domestic animals on the https://t.co/TKReL5HEkN  Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) September 9, 2024

Loomer's missive was really a salvo aimed at Democratic U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown of Ohio, who is in a hotly contested race to keep his seat on Capitol Hill.

Media reports, including from CNN and NPR, said Loomer traveled on Trump's plane to Philadelphia, where Tuesday night's debate was held, sparking speculation that perhaps Loomer was among those who placed the false story on Trump's radar.

Loomer was with Trump during 9/11 ceremonies

Loomer has a well-earned reputation as a far-right flamethrower.

When she won the GOP nomination for a congressional seat in 2020, militant extremist Proud Boys members and leaders attended her victory party. She was banned by the former executives of key social media companies for incendiary anti-Islamic and other comments, but restored to X, formerly Twitter, by its current owner Elon Musk.

Early this year, Trump allies and backers told NBC News they worried Loomer's buzzing around the former president's campaign orbit would be a liability.

Nonetheless, the Associated Press reported Wednesday that Loomer, who last year posted that 9/11 was an "inside job," also joined Trump as he commemorated the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks in New York and Pennsylvania.

Republican congressional candidate Laura Loomer celebrates with Roger Stone at an election night event at the airport Hilton in West Palm Beach, August 18, 2020. Loomer is one of five GOP candidates hoping to secure the nomination in the primary on Aug. 18. The winner will challenge the winner of Democratic primary between incumbent U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel and Guido Weiss in the November general election. [ALLEN EYESTONE/palmbeachpost.com]

Loomer, 31, told the AP that she was "invited as a guest" and doesn't work for the Trump campaign. She did not respond to questions about her past statements about 9/11. The Trump campaign did not respond to requests for comment on Loomer's inclusion in the commemorative events.

On Thursday, Sept. 12, Loomer upped the rhetoric on X with an inflammatory post that claimed Haitian immigrants also eat human beings. Curiously, in the missive she echoed Trump's frequent rally speech references to a 1990s fictional movie about a serial killer: "Only Hannibal Lecter himself would want to bring more of them to the United States!"

WATCH: @DonaldJTrumpJr and @EricTrump joined their father and JD Vance @jdvance today for a visit to Ladder 15 in NYC to honor those who lost their lives 23 years ago today in the 9/11 Islamic terrorist attacks. pic.twitter.com/NnBbjPxWia  Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) September 11, 2024

Three Florida House members rip comments about Haitians

South Florida members of Congress ripped Trump's comments, and his association with Loomer.

Its alarming that the former president continues to surround himself with conspiracy theorists, like Laura Loomer, who demonize and dehumanize decent people," said U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel, a West Palm Beach Democrat who handily defeated Loomer in 2020. "Remarks like these are not only untruthful, but they are also dangerous, irresponsible, and hurtful.

Indeed, bomb threats called into public facilities in Springfield have forced the evacuation of the town's city hall and elementary schools this week.

The comments from Trump, Vance and others about Haitian immigrants in America also drew a rebuke from Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, a Democrat whose district includes parts of Palm Beach County. On Sept. 11, she called out the rhetoric and its "racist stereotypes."

"Donald Trump is once again fixating on fictitious stories rooted in racist stereotypes in hopes of scaring Americans into voting for him. His outrageous comment about immigrants eating Springfield, Ohio, residents pets is nothing more than a desperate attempt to stoke fear and division. Its insulting, its false, and its rooted in the worst kinds of stereotype," Cherfilus-McCormick, the daughter of Haitian parents, wrote in a statement.

She added: "Lets be clear: Haitians and other immigrants come to this country committed to education, hard work, and building a better life, not just for themselves but for all of us. They contribute to our economy, enrich our culture, and strengthen our communities. Trumps comments are a distraction from the real issues we face, and we wont be fooled."

U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost, who is also of Haitian ancestry, also ripped Vance and Republican leaders for the absurd allegations and said Haitian-Americans and immigrants from the Caribbean nation "deserve leaders who will see them as human beings and will fight for them" rather than use them as pawns.

"Haitian Americans and folks of Haitian descent are our neighbors, family, friends, loved ones, and valued members of our communities. JD Vance and GOP leaders' racially motivated attacks against Haitian people are disgusting, bigoted, and based on flat-out lies," the Central Florida Democrat said in a statement. "That top Republican leaders in Congress and across the nation would bolster these lies online and attempt to frighten the American public to gain votes in the upcoming presidential election is disgusting  and proves that Republicans don't give a damn about communities of color, they want to villainize us."

U.S. Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris (R) speaks as former U.S. President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump listens during a presidential debate at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia.

Not the first time Trump repeats what he hears, prudent or not

Trump has a penchant for sponging up chatter he hears and turning it into podium talking points.

This spring, he unveiled a plan to end taxation of tips pocketed by service workers, he later said, based on a conversation he had with a waitress at one of his properties. He also mused about his self-perceived danger of being in a sinking electric boat, and whether it would be best to be electrocuted by the vessel's battery or eaten by a shark.

Two years ago, Dr. Deborah Birx, Trump's COVID response coordinator, revealed that the then-president's infamous suggestion to bring "the light inside the body" during a White House pandemic briefing stemmed from an offhand remark made to Trump about a New York City playground.

Trump's repeating of the strange allegation follows his equally dark equating of immigrants entering the United States via the southern border with Lecter, the fictitious character from "Silence of the Lambs."

Regardless, Trump's comment about feline-and-canine-munching-immigrants in Ohio led to perhaps the oddest exchange between a debate moderator and candidate in presidential election history.

After Muir's fact-check, based on what Springfield's city manager told the network, Trump doubled down.

"The 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," Trump insisted.

"I'm not taking this from television," Muir retorted. "I'm taking it from the city manager."

"But the people on television say their dog was eaten by the people that went there," Trump protested.

Antonio Fins is a politics and business editor at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at afins@pbpost.com. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Laura Loomer, Donald Trump and those cat-dog eating immigrants in Ohio
By Praveen Paramasivam

SRIPERUMBUDUR (Reuters) -Samsung Electronics employees will continue their strike for the fifth day after a meeting on Thursday between their union, the company's management and the state government could not reach any settlement, a union leader told Reuters.

Appliances including televisions, refrigerators and washing machines are made at the plant, which contributes 20% to 30% of Samsung Electronics' annual revenue of $12 billion in India.

The South Korean group is the biggest player in the consumer electronics industry in India, which is a key growth market for the company.

Tamil Nadu's labour minister held talks with union representatives and Samsung officials in a bid to resolve a strike which has disrupted the plant near Chennai for four days.

Hundreds of workers are seeking higher wages in one of India's biggest incidents of industrial unrest in recent years .

"They (Samsung management) asked us to stop striking, but wouldn't recognise the union or talk to us, so the strike continues," said union leader E. Muthukumar.

Many workers wearing Samsung's blue uniform shirt were seen sitting inside a makeshift tent near the factory, which employs around 1,800 people.

The talks on Thursday involved the southern Indian state's Labour Minister C.V. Ganesan, Labour Secretary K. Veera Raghava Rao, union representatives and Samsung officials.

"The government is sincere to resolve (the strike)," Rao had told Reuters earlier. Later calls to Rao went unanswered.

Samsung officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

It was not clear which Samsung representatives attended the meeting. Reuters reported this week that JB Park, the company's chief executive for Southwest Asia, had visited the state along with senior officials, aiming to resolve the matter.

The workers want Samsung to recognise their union, boost wages and cut working hours.

Samsung India actively engaged with workers "to address any grievances they may have and comply with all laws and regulations", a company spokesperson said on Monday.

(Reporting by Praveen Paramasivam; Writing by Dhwani Pandya; Editing by Aditya Kalra, Clarence Fernandez and Alexander Smith)
MANITOWOC, Wis. (WFRV)  A farm machinery and equipment manufacturer has announced a mass layoff at one of its northeast Wisconsin facilities, permanently affecting over 50 employees.

According to a WARN letter sent from CNH Industrial America LLC to the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) on September 10, the company announced a mass layoff at its St. Nazianz facility in Manitowoc County.

DHL closing Wisconsin plant in 2025 and will lay off 32 employees

Officials with CNH say that all the layoffs will take place on November 14 and will result in 52 people being permanently laid off. All of the affected employees have reportedly been notified.

It was also noted that there are no bumping rights associated with any of the positions and employees are not represented by a union.

CNHs St. Nazianz facility is located at 511 East Main Street.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton.
Last year you may have seen headlines about an extraordinary photo captured by satellite  a mountain of clothes in the Chilean desert. If you didn't stay with the story, you may not have learned that this heap owes its origins to secondhand clothes  the stuff we abandon, sometimes after only a few outings.

We may throw our discards into the trash bin. Or maybe we load them into plastic bags destined for thrift shops or resale boutiques. Perhaps we stuff them in clothing donation bins and boxes.

If those items arent sold or don't make the cut for donations here, they may very well make their way to other countries, where theres a brisk business in our used sweatshirts, dresses and pants. But the volume flowing into countries such as Chile and Ghana is crushing and cannot be handled by authorities, leading to environmental disasters  ghastly testimony confirming Americas nonstop need for new outfits.

The rise of fast fashion has only exacerbated the flow of our discards, many of which have been treated with chemicals or contain plastic-based fibers, further contributing to the microplastics that can make their way into our bodies.

American and European legislators are starting to pay attention to concerns about exploited workers and greenhouse gases associated with fast fashion, proposing laws that, they hope, would limit environmental impacts. But it's unclear if any kind of legislation can stop a $13 pair of jeans  wrapped in plastic and cardboard and traveling by container ship and truck  from being delivered to our front doors.

In the meantime, our leftovers continue to clog waterways, char the skies with toxic smoke and ruin places where other people live. And another 39,000 tons (or so) are expected at the dump in Chile's Atacama Desert this year.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
WICHITA COUNTY (KFDX/KJTL)  The father of a one-month-old girl who died and tested positive for meth has pleaded guilty to child endangerment.

Bowdrie Stillwell, 29, received eight months in state jail in the plea on Thursday, Sept. 12, in 89th District Court.

The baby died in early 2023, but Stillwell was not jailed or charged in Wichita County until this year after he was returned from serving a sentence in Oklahoma on a drug conviction.

On Jan. 7, 2023, Wichita Falls police responded to the 1300 block of Central Freeway East on a deceased infant. A preliminary autopsy showed no immediate cause of death.

One dead after Stephens County collision

Police said Stillwell admitted he was a meth user, and the mother denied using any drugs. Stillwell tested positive for meth, and the mother tested negative for all substances. The final autopsy report also showed meth in the babys blood.

The charge of endangerment alleged Stillwell put the child in danger of death, injury, or impairment by his drug use.

While in jail in Oklahoma, Stillwell wrote to a judge asking that he be extradited to Texas with 22 days remaining on his sentence.

He said his wife was pregnant with their second child, and he wanted to be here for his new son.

He told the judge they had lost their other child to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Stillwell also wrote that he was a struggling addict and had been sober for two years until their baby died.

Records show Stillwell has eight previous convictions in Wichita County, including possession of controlled substances, burglaries, and thefts.

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Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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This image made from video released by the City of Springfield shows Nathan Clark, father of Aiden Clark, speaking at a City Commission meeting, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024 in Springfield, Ohio. (City of Springfield via AP)

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (AP)  The father of an Ohio boy killed last year when a Haitian immigrant driver hit a school bus is imploring Donald Trump and other politicians to stop invoking his son's name in the debate about immigration.

Nathan Clark spoke Tuesday at a Springfield City Council hearing  the same day that the former president and Vice President Kamala Harris debated, and the city in Ohio exploded into the national conversation when Trump repeated false claims demonizing Haitian immigrants there, saying they eat pets.

This needs to stop now," Nathan Clark said. They can vomit all the hate they want about illegal immigrants, the border crisis and even untrue claims about fluffy pets being ravaged and eaten by community members. However, they are not allowed, nor have they ever been allowed, to mention Aiden Clark from Springfield, Ohio. I will listen to them one more time to hear their apologies.

Eleven-year-old Aiden Clark was killed in August last year when a minivan driven by Hermanio Joseph veered into a school bus carrying Aiden and other students. Aiden died and nearly two dozen others were hurt.

In May, a Clark County jury deliberated for just an hour before convicting Joseph of involuntary manslaughter and vehicular homicide. He was sentenced to between nine and 13 1/2 years in prison. A motion to stay his sentence pending an appeal was denied in July.

Trump's campaign and others, including his running mate, JD Vance, have cited Aiden's death in online posts. On Monday, the Trump campaign posted REMEMBER: 11-year-old Aiden Clark was killed on his way to school by a Haitian migrant that Kamala Harris let into the country in Springfield, Ohio. On Tuesday, Vance posted: Do you know whats confirmed? That a child was murdered by a Haitian migrant who had no right to be here.

Clark's death got wrapped up in a swirl of false rumors on Monday about Haitian immigrants eating pets. Then Tuesday, Trump repeated the statements, which local officials and police have said are not supported by evidence.

Clark declined to comment further on Thursday. A message seeking a response to Clark's statement was left with representatives of Trump.

Vance's spokesperson said in a statement that Harris owed an apology over her border policies and added that the Clark family was in Vance's prayers.

Clark also mentioned Republican senate candidate Bernie Moreno in his speech. Moreno campaign spokesperson Reagan McCarthy said it was Harris and Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown who should apologize and criticized their handling of the border.

Four government buildings and two schools were evacuated in the city Thursday after a bomb threat was emailed to multiple city agencies and media outlets, Springfield police chief Allison Elliott said. City officials said the buildings included Springfield City Hall, a local office of the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles, a licensing bureau and a drivers exam station. The city is working with the FBI to determine the source of the threat. Officials didn't specify whether the threats had to do with the discussions about immigration.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Thursday condemned the conspiracies regarding Haitians as hate speech. She deferred to the local police department regarding any threats to the Springfield community, but she described the situation as an attempt to tear apart communities and an insult to all of us as Americans.

Pastors from Springfield churches gathered Thursday to address the effects of the false rumors.

Vile Dorsainvil, the executive director of the Haitian Community Help and Support Center, attended the event and said it was necessary to bring peace to the community.

People have to understand each other, he said.

Many Haitians have come to the U.S. to flee poverty and violence. They have embraced President Joe Bidens new and expanded legal pathways to enter, and they have shunned illegal crossings, accounting for only 92 border arrests out of more than 56,000 in July, according to the latest data available.

The Biden administration recently announced an estimated 300,000 Haitians 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.

On Tuesday, Ohio Republican Gov. Mike DeWine said he would send law enforcement and millions of dollars in healthcare resources to the city of Springfield, which has faced a surge in temporary Haitian migrants. DeWine said some 15,000 Haitians have arrived in the city of about 59,000 people since 2020 under the Temporary Protected Status program, and he urged the federal government to do more to help affected communities.

Republican Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost also drew attention to the crisis on Monday 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.

___

Catalini reported from Trenton, New Jersey, and Smyth from Columbus, Ohio. Associated Press reporter Bruce Shipkowski in Troms River, New Jersey, contributed.
Father of Turkish-American activist wants US probe into her killing by Israeli soldiers

Media members and relatives gather outside the family house of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, the 26 year-old Turkish-American activist killed by the Israeli military, in the City of Didim, Turkey, Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)

DIDIM, Turkey (AP)  The father of the Turkish-American activist killed by Israeli soldiers in the occupied West Bank on Thursday welcomed Turkeys decision to initiate an independent investigation into her death and called on the United States to do the same.

Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, who held Turkish and American citizenship, was killed last Friday during demonstrations against settlements in the West Bank. A witness who was there, Israeli protester Jonathan Pollak, said she posed no threat to Israeli forces and that the shooting came during a moment of calm, following clashes between stone-throwing protesters and Israeli troops firing tear gas and bullets.

Turkey's Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc announced Thursday that Turkey had launched its own investigation into her death days after the Israeli military said in a preliminary report that Eygi was likely shot indirectly and unintentionally by its soldiers.

Mehmet Suat Eygi, who is based in Seattle but spoke in western Turkey, said he was very happy to learn that Turkey had opened an investigation into what he called the arbitrary murder of his daughter.

I hope that the American government does the same," he said.

He said his daughter was 10 months old when the family left Turkey for the United States. She studied in the schools there, she grew up with freedoms there. She is a citizen of that country, he said. I hope the American government will show the same sensitivity.

He was speaking in the Aegean coastal town of Didim, where Eygi used to come for vacations and spend time with family members  and where she is expected to be buried. Eygi's grandfather's home and the street where the house is located was adorned with Turkish flags  an honor usually bestowed to Turkish soldiers killed in conflict.

The Ankara chief prosecutor's office was leading the Turkish probe, Tunc said, adding that Turkey would seek international arrest warrants for those responsible for her death. He also said Turkey would present findings to a U.N. court overseeing a genocide case against Israel filed by South Africa over the war in Gaza.

We will take every judicial step for our martyred daughter, Aysenur, Tunc said.

Mehmet Suat Eygi said his daughter was a special person who cared about nature and human rights and traveled to Brazil, Australia and Mexico to campaign for environmental and human rights issues.

Eygi, who attended Seattle schools and graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in psychology this year, was married and was financially comfortable, her father said. "She could have enjoyed a comfortable life, but she pursued her ideals. She left everything and went to the hell of the Middle East. She was that idealistic, Eygi said.

Another relative, Ali Tikkin, told The Associated Press that Eygi's family believes she was deliberately targeted by Israeli soldiers.

There was no error or accident, he said. I think it was a message to the world.

Tikkin, who is married to Eygi's aunt, described the activist as a free-spirited person who began traveling the world on her own at an early age.

Even at the age of 18 or 19, she went to different countries of the world on her own. First she started traveling out of curiosity. Later she took part in organizations by the United Nations, he said. She was sensitive to events happening around the world.

A statement released by the Palestinian Ministry of Justice and signed by two forensic doctors said Eygi was brought to Rafidia Hospital in Nablus, in the West Bank, after she was hit with a bullet fired by the Israeli army. The young woman had no signs of life as her heart was not beating, the statement said, adding that the bullet entered from behind the left ear causing damage to the brain.

Medical staff tried for a sixth time to reactivate her heart with no luck and she was considered dead at 2:36 p.m. on Friday. The statement said the bullet damaged the brain and the skull and different shrapnel caused tears and bruises.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Thursday that the Biden administration was aware of outside analyses saying that Ezgi Eygi was shot 20 minutes after the clashes ended, raising questions about the Israeli militarys role in her death. This awful, awful killing never should have happened, said Jean-Pierre, but declined to say whether the administration was satisfied by the initial investigation by the Israel Defense Forces.

Turkish Foreign Ministry officials said Eygis body was expected to be flown from Tel Aviv to Baku, Azerbaijan and arrive in Turkey on Friday. Burial was likely to take place on Saturday.

__

Associated Press Writer Suzan Fraser contributed from Ankara, Turkey.
FBI called to investigate after suspicious package found at Springfield home, police say

The Federal Bureau of Investigations is investigating after a suspicious package was found at a Springfield home Wednesday.

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As reported on News Center 7 at 11, around 2:40 p.m. Springfield police received a call from the 800 block of Champion Avenue stating that a suspicious package was found on a doorstep.

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Police said that the package had a note on it stating it was from what the Anti-Defamation League considers a neo-nazi group.

The Dayton Bomb Squad investigated and ultimately gave the package to the FBI to investigate, according to a Springfield lieutenant.

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CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WBOY)  In remembrance of those who were killed in the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, the FBI CJIS Division unveiled a new memorial on Wednesday at its visitors center, which features a 22-foot beam taken from one of the World Trade Center towers.

We are so very excited to reveal this to the public, and were so very excited to be able to put it in a place where the public can come visit without restriction, said Acting Assistant Director Tim Ferguson. 2001 is a memory for all of us as U.S. citizens and it marks a turning point in the FBI that made us stronger for the better.

Alongside the beam sits a six-foot monolith that describes the events that occurred on 9/11 2001, as well as benches that are set up across the landscape of the memorial to imitate the cityscape of New York City at that time. The FBI is unsure of which tower the beam came from due to the extensive damage.

According to Ferguson, the cost of the memorial itself was approximately $700,000 and it took about five years to complete. An outside company provided their team with the schematics of the memorial in order to make make sure the details were just right.

Ferguson told 12 News that he was a combat officer in the US Army during the events of Sept. 11, 2001. He said that he thinks about that day often, as well as how he felt in the calm days leading up to this series of tragic events compared to the aftermath.

In many ways, we miss the peace and tranquilitybut Im convinced that its more powerful than ever to remember what we were on September 12th, 2001, said Ferguson. How we came together as a country to fight against a terrorist attack that happened on our own soil, and the amount of patriotism that we felt from coast to coast, there was no divisiveness. Everyone was together, everyone was unified, everyone was American.

Ferguson described being able to unveil this memorial as a remarkable moment, adding that it means a lot to him on a personal level to be able to do so on the 23rd anniversary of 9/11. The ability for us to unveil it and to put it out here where everyone in the public can come visit and remember is so important to me, and its important to every member of the CJIS division that were able to share this with our partners that are in the community, he added.

The FBI CJIS Division Visitors Center is open 24/7, so people can come out at any time, day or night, to view the memorial. He said that visitors are also able to take pictures with family members and/or friends who want to remember Sept. 11.

The center doesnt have any other events planned right now surrounding the memorial, but officials said that they plan to continue to mark Sept. 11 as a day of remembrance in the coming years.

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FBI looking for former bin Laden associate over alleged involvement with Al-Qaeda; 'We have not forgotten'

FBI looking for former bin Laden associate over alleged involvement with Al-Qaeda; 'We have not forgotten'

The FBI is seeking information on the whereabouts of a Saudi Arabian man who was a former associate of Osama bin Laden for questioning about his alleged involvement with the Al-Qaeda terror group.

The State Department is offering a $5 million reward for the location of Hamza Al Ghamdi, who served as a trusted member of bin Laden's security detail in the period leading up to the September 11 attacks.

VANCE SLAMS 9/11 PLEA DEAL DURING RALLY: NEED A PRESIDENT WHO KILLS TERRORISTS, NOT NEGOTIATES WITH THEM

Hamza Al Ghamdi, a citizen of Saudi Arabia, is wanted for questioning in connection with his membership in Al-Qaeda, an organization known to be responsible for committing acts of terrorism against the United States.

"We have not forgotten," Christie M. Curtis, Acting Assistant Director in charge of the FBIs New York City Field Office, said in a Thursday news release. "Twenty-three years later, the FBI is still seeking justice for the victims of the September 11th attacks by continuing to seek those who desire to harm us."

Al Ghamdi has participated in armed conflict zones, including Afghanistan and Tajikistan, and held significant roles within the Al-Qaeda network, the FBI said. In addition, he also operated Al-Qaeda guesthouses near Kabul, Afghanistan, where he provided logistical support to the group's members, authorities said.

BIDEN-HARRIS ADMINISTRATION BACKTRACKS, REVOKES PLEA DEAL FOR 9/11 TERRORISTS

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Hamza Al Ghamdi has allegedly participated in armed jihad in various conflict areas, including Afghanistan and Tajikistan, the FBI said.

As an associate, Al Ghamdi worked alongside the late senior Al-Qaeda leader Ayman Al-Zawahiri and embedded himself within the core of the terrorist groups operations.

Al Ghamdi also uses these names: Salih Saeed Albitaih Alghamdi, Hamza Salih Bin Sa'id Al-Ghamdi and Hamza Al Ghamidi, the FBI said.

Names on the 9/11 Memorial in New York City

The timing of the FBI's announcement came a day after the 23rd anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. The FBI noted that Al Ghamdi is not the same Hamza Al Ghamdi who was one of the terrorists on United Airlines Flight 175 that took over the plane and crashed it into the World Trade Center in New York City.





Original article source: FBI looking for former bin Laden associate over alleged involvement with Al-Qaeda; 'We have not forgotten'
FBI search for 'all Lockerbie victims' ahead of suspect's US trial

A total of 270 people died in the terror attack in December 1988 [Getty Images]

The FBI has launched an international search for victims of the Lockerbie bombing, including people who suffered emotional injury, ahead of a Libyan suspect's trial in the US.

It comes 35 years after the atrocity in which a total of 270 people were killed.

Abu Agila Masud has denied making the device that blew up Pan Am Flight 103 over the Scottish Borders town on 21 December 1988

A judge in the US federal court where the trial is taking place is considering whether to allow remote access for people directly affected by the case.

The FBI is now trying to find everyone who meets a legal definition of victims of the bombing and wants to watch the trial online.

Pan Am Flight 103 was brought down as it flew from London to New York.

All 259 passengers and crew on board the airliner were killed, along with 11 residents of Lockerbie who died when wreckage fell on their homes.

Abu Agila Masud is due to stand trial before a jury in Washington next May.

The search for people directly affected by the bombing is being undertaken by the FBI's counter terrorism division and the US Department of Justice.

The FBI says the Washington court wants a finalised list of individuals who meet the statutory definition of victim and wish to have access to the court proceedings".

The court also wants to know their total number and geographic location before it decides how to proceed.

Legislation passed by the US Congress to pave the way for remote access to the trial defines a victim of Lockerbie in two ways.

It includes someone who was present at or near the scene in Lockerbie when the bombing occurred or immediately thereafter and who suffered direct or proximate harm (e.g. physical or emotional injury) as a result".

The second group involves the spouse, legal guardian, parent, child, brother, sister, next of kin or other relative of someone who was killed on Pan Am 103 or killed or harmed on the ground in Scotland or someone who possesses a relationship of a similar significance to someone who was killed or harmed in the attack".

Dr Jim Swire, whose daughter Flora died on the plane, welcomed the decision to define people who witnessed what happened in Lockerbie as victims of the bombing, if they suffered harm.

He said: "Those affected by any disaster should never be restricted from access to the consequences of that disaster.

"So I think it's a good move that I entirely endorse."

Two-thirds of those who died on the plane were American. In total 43 UK citizens were killed along with people from 19 other countries.

The harrowing aftermath of the crash was witnessed by many residents of the town and surrounding area.

The bodies of people from the plane were found in Lockerbie and scattered across fields and hills.

They were collected by hundreds of police officers and personnel from the military, emergency services, local authorities and voluntary groups.

Many people were deeply damaged by what they witnessed and what they had to do.

The FBI is asking people who believe they fit the definition and would like remote access to the trial to fill out a survey.

In a message accompanying the request, the bureau said: We understand that this notice may be unexpected and raise questions for many who are connected to this tragedy.

Please accept our apologies for any apprehensions caused by this sudden outreach, and rest assured that we have a team of dedicated individuals prepared to address any concerns you may have about this process.

'Widespread location'

The FBI says it is trying to inform the court about the widespread geographic location of our victim population and to demonstrate how this may affect your personal and physical capabilities to access the trial proceedings in person".

Scotland's prosecution service relays information on the case to some of the relatives of the people who died.

A spokesperson for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service said they were continuing to support the US Department of Justice and the FBI in the prosecution of Abu Agila Masud.

Only one person has been convicted of involvement in the bombing, a Libyan who was found guilty of playing a key role in the plot to bring down the plane.

Abdulbasset al Megrahi was jailed for life after being found guilty of mass murder by a Scottish court sitting in the neutral Netherlands.

Terminally ill with cancer, he was released on compassionate grounds by the Scottish Government in 2009 and died three years later.

Megrahi always protested his innocence but his conviction was upheld twice by the appeal court, immediately after his trial and a second time after his death.

The FBI survey is available by clicking here.
A police line is put up in front of Apalachee High School after a school shooting took place on Sept. 4, 2024 in Winder, Georgia. The suspected shooter, who's in jail, is accused of killing two 14 year olds and two math teachers. (Megan Varner/Getty Images)

PITTSBURGH  A false alarm that a gunman was roaming one Catholic high school and then another in March 2023 touched off frightening evacuations and a robust police response in the city. It also prompted the diocese to rethink what constitutes a model learning environment.

Months after hundreds of students were met by SWAT teams, the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh began forming its own armed police force.

Wendell Hissrich, a former safety director for the city and career FBI unit chief, was hired that year to form a department to safeguard 39 Catholic schools as well as dozens of churches in the region. Hissrich has since added 15 officers and four supervisors, including many formerly retired officers and state troopers, who now oversee school campuses fitted with Stop the Bleed kits, cameras, and defibrillators.

When religious leaders first asked for advice after what are known as swatting incidents, the veteran lawman said he didnt hesitate to deliver blunt advice: You need to put armed officers in the schools.

But he added that the officers had to view schools as a special assignment: I want them to be role models. I want them to be good fits within the school. Im looking for someone to know how to deal with kids and with parents  and, most importantly, knows how to de-escalate a situation.

Gun violence is a leading cause of death for young people in America, and the possibility of shootings has influenced costly decision-making in school systems as administrators juggle fear, duty, and dizzying statistics in efforts to keep schools safe from gun harm. In the first week of September, the risks were made tragically clear again, this time in Georgia, as a teenager stands accused of shooting his way through his high school and killing two students and two teachers.

Still, scant research supports the creation of school police forces to deter gun violence  and what data exists can raise as many questions as answers. Data shows over half of U.S. firearm deaths are, in fact, suicides  a sobering statistic from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that reflects a range of ills. Gun violence grew during the covid-19 pandemic and studies found that Black children were 100 times as likely as white children to experience firearm assaults. Research on racial bias in policing overall in the U.S. as well as studies on biased school discipline have prompted calls for caution. And an oft-cited U.S. Secret Service review of 67 thwarted plots at schools supports reasons to examine parental responsibility as well as police intervention as effective ways to stop firearm harm.

The Secret Service threat assessment, published in 2021, analyzed plots from 2006 to 2018 and found students who planned school violence had guns readily at home. It also found that school districts that contracted sworn law officers, who work as full- or part-time school resource officers, had some advantage. The officers proved pivotal in about a third of the 67 foiled plots by current or former students.

Most schools are not going to face a mass shooting. Even though there are more of them  and thats horrible  it is still a small number, said Mo Canady, executive director of the National Association of School Resource Officers. But administrators cant really allow themselves to think that way.

They have to think, It could happen here, and how do I prevent it?

gun violence in schools

About a 20-minute drive north of Pittsburgh, a top public school system in the region decided the risk was too great. North Allegheny Superintendent Brendan Hyland last year recommended retooling what had been a two-person school resource officer team  staffed since 2018 by local police  into a 13-person internal department with officers stationed at each of the districts 12 buildings.

Several school district board members voiced unease about armed officers in the hallways. I wish we were not in the position in our country where we have to even consider an armed police department, board member Leslie Britton Dozier, a lawyer and a mother, said during a public planning meeting.

Within weeks, all voted for Hylands request, estimated to cost $1 million a year.

Hyland said the aim is to help 1,200 staff members and 8,500 students with the right people who are the right fit to go into those buildings. He oversaw the launch of a police unit in a smaller school district, just east of Pittsburgh, in 2018.

Hyland said North Allegheny had not focused on any single news report or threat in its decision, but he and others had thought through how to set a standard of vigilance. North Allegheny does not have or want metal detectors, devices that some districts have seen as necessary. But a trained police unit willing to learn every entrance, stairway, and cafeteria and who could develop trust among students and staffers seemed reasonable, he said.

Im not Edison. Im not inventing something, Hyland said. We dont want to be the district that has to be reactive. I dont want to be that guy who is asked: Why did you allow this to happen?

Since 2020, the role of police in educational settings has been hotly debated. The video-recorded death of George Floyd, a Black man in Minneapolis who was murdered by a white police officer during an arrest, prompted national outrage and demonstrations against police brutality and racial bias.

Some school districts, notably in large cities such as Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., reacted to concerns by reducing or removing their school resource officers. Examples of unfair or biased treatment by school resource officers drove some of the decisions. This year, however, there has been apparent rethinking of the risks in and near school property and, in some instances in California, Colorado, and Virginia, parents are calling for a return of officers.

The 1999 bombing plot and shooting attack of Columbine High School and a massacre in 2012 at Sandy Hook Elementary School are often raised by school and police officials as reasons to prepare for the worst. But the value of having police in schools also came under sharp review after a blistering federal review of the mass shooting in 2022 at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas.

The federal Department of Justice this year produced a 600-page report that laid out multiple failures by the school police chief, including his attempt to try to negotiate with the killer, who had already shot into a classroom, and waiting for his officers to search for keys to unlock the rooms. Besides the teenage shooter, 19 children and two teachers died. Seventeen other people were injured.

The DOJ report was based on hundreds of interviews and a review of 14,000 pieces of data and documentation. This summer, the former chief was indicted by a grand jury for his role in abandoning and endangering survivors and for failing to identify an active shooter attack. Another school police officer was charged for his role in placing the murdered students in imminent danger of death.

There have also been increased judicial efforts to pursue enforcement of firearm storage laws and to hold accountable adults who own firearms used by their children in shootings. For the first time this year, the parents of a teenager in Michigan who fatally shot four students in 2021 were convicted of involuntary manslaughter for not securing a newly purchased gun at home.

In recent days, Colin Gray, the father of the teenage shooting suspect at Apalachee High School in Georgia, was charged with second-degree murder  the most severe charges yet against a parent whose child had access to firearms at home. The 14-year-old, Colt Gray, who was apprehended by school resource officers on the scene, according to initial media reports, also faces murder charges.

Hissrich, the Pittsburgh dioceses safety and security director, said he and his city have a hard-earned appreciation for the practice and preparation needed to contain, if not thwart, gun violence. In January 2018, Hissrich, then the citys safety officer, met with Jewish groups to consider a deliberate approach to safeguarding facilities. Officers cooperated and were trained on lockdown and rescue exercises, he said.

Ten months later, on Oct. 27, 2018, a lone gunman entered the Tree of Life synagogue and, within minutes, killed 11 people who had been preparing for morning study and prayer. Law enforcement deployed quickly, trapping and capturing the shooter and rescuing others caught inside. The coordinated response was praised by witnesses at the trial where the killer was convicted in 2023 on federal charges and sentenced to die for the worst antisemitic attack in U.S. history.

I knew what had been done for the Jewish community as far as safety training and what the officers knew. Officers practiced months before, Hissrich said. He believes schools need the same kind of plans and precautions. To put officers in the school without training, he said, would be a mistake.

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By Arasu Kannagi Basil

(Reuters) - Mastercard has agreed to buy threat intelligence company Recorded Future from private equity firm Insight Partners for $2.65 billion, the payments company said on Thursday.

The acquisition will bring expanded threat intelligence capabilities to Mastercard, which recorded $9 trillion in gross dollar volumes last year, a metric that represents the total dollar value of all transactions processed.

The rapid adoption of new technologies has upped the risk of cyber threats, with companies increasingly facing hacking or ransomware attacks. In June, Arkansas-based Evolve Bank confirmed that it was a victim of a cybersecurity incident with customer data illegally released on the dark web.

Mastercard has been ramping up card fraud detection with generative AI technology.

The company is already collaborating with Recorded Future, which uses AI-powered analytics to identify potential threats, on a service that alerts financial institutions when a card is likely compromised.

Since the launch of the service earlier this year, the rate at which compromised cards are identified has doubled, compared to last year, Mastercard said.

The move (to buy Recorded Future) is consistent with Mastercard's strategic push into value-added services (VAS), with cybersecurity solutions featuring prominently, TD Cowen analysts wrote.

It offers the company another tool for surrounding transactions, both network- and non-network-based, the note said.

The deal, expected to close by the first quarter of 2025, adds conviction to the likelihood of Mastercard achieving mid- to high-teens percentage growth in VAS in fiscal year 2025, the note said.

The New York-based payments firm currently offers cybersecurity services such as identity fraud prevention and real-time decision-making, among others, to its clients.

In 2019, Insight Partners acquired a controlling interest in Recorded Future - which serves over 1,900 clients across 75 countries, including the governments of 45 countries - in an all-cash deal valued at more than $780 million.

(Reporting by Arasu Kannagi Basil in Bengaluru; Editing by Janane Venkatraman)
Nineteen alleged gang members were arrested Thursday as the Muscogee County Sheriffs Office coordinated with the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration and other agencies to detain dozens of people and serve search warrants.

Muscogee County Sheriff Greg Countryman said the 19 alleged gang members had ties to the Zohannon gang and the Crips gang. Countryman said an additional 12 people were arrested as part of Thursdays investigative activity, meaning 31 people face charges.

The 19 alleged gang members face various federal charges, such as drug trafficking, drug distribution, possessing drugs with intent to distribute, possessing guns in furtherance of drug trafficking, possessing guns as convicted felons, and more, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office. If convicted, the potential maximum prison sentence for the 19 defendants ranges from 10 years to life in prison.

The 12 additional suspects were arrested on state charges, according to the Muscogee County Sheriffs Office. Those defendants faced similar charges at the state level, such as drug possession, drug trafficking, theft, possessing a gun as a felon and more. Three of those suspects were arrested in Alabama.

Over the years, the Zohannon gang, Crips gang, and other criminal gang enterprises, have attempted to cripple the quality of life for the Citizens of Muscogee County, Countryman said in a statement Thursday.  ... Over the past two years, the Muscogee County Sheriffs Office has been investigating the Zohannon gang and other criminal gang enterprises. We have worked in partnership with the FBI, DEA, and other critical law enforcement partners, to leverage our resources to silence gangs in our community.

Federal investigations prompted lockdowns in Columbus

The various law enforcement agencies involved began court authorized arrests and searches Thursday morning. While few details were initially available, the FBI and the Muscogee County School District confirmed some of the activity was near schools, and all MCSD schools were placed in a soft lockdown as a result. That lockdown was lifted at 9:45 a.m.

The FBI emphasized that this was not related to any school activities or properties, officials said, and there was no reason to be concerned for public safety Thursday.

Tiffany Wilson, community engagement coordinator for Chattahoochee Valley Libraries said the local library branches in Muscogee County were remaining vigilant by staying updated on any developments throughout the day but they werent on a lockdown. As a precaution, outdoor programming was moved indoors for the day.

Countryman announced more details into the investigation would be made available at a news conference Friday morning.
A federal appeals court on Thursday denied former President Donald Trumps effort to delay his sentencing in the criminal hush money case because the state judge overseeing the matter already postponed the date.

In light of the state courts adjournment of sentencing until November 26, 2024, it is hereby ordered that the motion for an emergency administrative stay is denied, a three-judge panel of the 2nd US Circuit Court of Appeals wrote.

Trump asked the New York-based appeals court to get involved after a federal judge denied his request to move the state case to federal court.

While the case was on appeal, New York state Judge Juan Merchan, who oversees the state case, agreed to move Trumps sentencing, then set for September 18, until after the November presidential election, in part to avoid the appearance of aiding one political party or another.

The former presidents lawyers argued that even with the state adjournment, they wanted the appeals court to step in and put the case on hold until they can fully litigate their challenge to Trumps conviction on 34 counts of falsifying business records following the US Supreme Courts ruling on presidential immunity this summer.

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Federal judge steps down from Eastchester cop's suit against town over connection to chief

Andrew Krause, a federal magistrate judge overseeing a former Eastchester police officer's whistleblower lawsuit against the police department, unexpectedly removed himself from the case after disclosing a personal connection to the police chief.

At a hearing last week, Krause told attorneys for both the whistleblower, Anthony Barberan, and the police department that one of his school-aged children is a classmate and friend of one of the children of Chief Joseph Rodriguez. Krause also acknowledged that he has made social conversation with Rodriguez about their professional lives, including his work as a U.S. magistrate judge.

"He and I cross paths from time to time," Krause said.

Anthony Barberan, a former Eastchester Police Officer, is pictured Jan. 14, 2022. He's alleging an informal quota system for issuing traffic tickets within the department.

But Krause emphasized that he did not know Rodriguez was the town's police chief until earlier this year, and that once he did, he avoided "talking about work, to avoid venturing into any area that I think could start to become problematic."

Michael Sussman, Barberan's attorney, voiced some reticence to Krause's continued participation in the case.

"I just feel like its going to create concerns on my client's part, to be frank with you," he said at the hearing. "My client doesnt know you."

Krause first suggested he would stay on the case

Krause nevertheless suggested he would not recuse himself from the case. Referencing consultations he had with the administrative branch of the federal court system about this issue, he noted that this was far from a clear-cut case for recusal. "The responses Ive received were mixed," he said.

But the very next day, the case was reassigned to another federal magistrate judge, Victoria Reznik.

Barberan brought his lawsuit against the town in 2019, alleging racial discrimination and stereotyping. A federal district judge tossed out a large part of his lawsuit in 2021, but allowed some claims of discrimination to proceed. Barberan has also accused the department of operating a ticket quota system, which is illegal in New York.

Rodriguez was not the chief during this period of time but was still expected to be a significant witness in the case.

In a prior statement to The Journal News/lohud, Rogriguez said Barberan is engaging in "lying and deceit." Barberan was fired in 2021 following a disciplinary hearing where the hearing officer found that he had used excessive force during an arrest.

A decision in the case could come at any time. Rodriguez did not respond to a request for comment.

Asher Stockler is a reporter for the USA Today Network New York. You can send him an email at astockler@lohud.com. Reach him securely: asher.stockler@protonmail.com.

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Eastchester cop's lawsuit has overseeing judge step down over conflict
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  The government classified former Las Vegas City Councilwoman Michele Fiore as a domestic terrorist in 2020, a title she has kept amid recent legal troubles in federal court, her lawyer said in court documents.

In July, a federal grand jury indicted Fiore  now a suspended Pahrump Justice Court judge  on several counts of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Fiore engaged in a scheme to defraud charitable donors of more than $70,000 for her own personal benefit, a superseding indictment from August said.

Fiore has pleaded not guilty and a trial was scheduled for later this year.

In court documents filed Tuesday, Fiores attorney, Michael Sanft, said his client was classified as a domestic terrorist following her support for rancher Cliven Bundy and the armed standoff he had with the government in 2014. The documents surround what evidence could be entered in Fiores federal trial.

Sanft said the government upped security during Fiores July arraignment and that her threat-level status was increased in 2020.

The designation of Ms. Fiore as a Level I Domestic Terrorist which was subsequently modified to a Level II Domestic Terrorist without any discovery or justification received for said designation is disturbing in and of itself, Sanft wrote in court documents. The designation of an elected public official, who has served the State of Nevada for over a decade, as a Domestic Terrorist is equally inconceivable as it is an unfathomable proposition.

Court documents say from 2017 to 2022, Fiore allegedly founded and mismanaged funds that were intended to pay for memorial statues for a Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officer who died in the line of duty. Documents allege she spent money from charitable donations for a variety of personal expenses, including rent, travel  and a payment for Fiores daughters wedding.

During Mondays so-called calendar call, attorneys said in court that the trial could last over two weeks, and asked whether certain witnesses who live out of state could testify remotely. Dorsey advised that the court has the technological capacity to accommodate that request, and then federal prosecutors indicated that theyd like to discuss the logistics of certain witnesses in private. Dorsey questioned attorneys as to why the rest of the hearing should be conducted in private, especially considering that there was no jury present  and closed the courtroom despite neither party arguing that the reason for the privacy of those witnesses outweighs the vital interest in open judicial proceedings enumerated in Department of Justice guidelines.

Fiore unsuccessfully ran for state treasurer and governor as a Republican.

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Embers from the Service Fire in Wheeler County shower down near Spray on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. (Courtesy of Northwest Interagency Coordination Center)

Embers from the Service Fire in Wheeler County shower down near Spray on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. (Courtesy of Northwest Interagency Coordination Center)

As wildfires continue to threaten homes, rangeland and communities in Oregon, the federal government has announced millions in new funding to prevent the blazes that have blackened a record amount of acreage.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture said Tuesday it has approved $100 million to reduce the threat of wildfires in 14 states, including Oregon. The money will be used for restoring forest health, prescribed burns and other wildfire prevention strategies in 18 national forests that border homes and communities. The USDA, which oversees the Forest Service, allocated $9.4 million to forests in eastern and southern Oregon and $345,000 for a project in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area in Washington, which is also expected to benefit Oregonians.

The news comes as Oregons wildfire season roars on, with Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek announcing Wednesday she again invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act, this time for the Service Fire in Wheeler County, one of five blazes in the Fossil Complex northwest of Spray. The Service Fire has scorched nearly 22,000 acres and prompted the Wheeler County Sheriffs Office to issue Level 3, or go-now, evacuation orders for local residents.

This was the 17th time this year that Kotek has invoked the conflagration act in what has turned out to be a record fire season, with more than 1.7 million acres burned. Analysts say the threat of devastating wildfires in Oregon, California and elsewhere in the West is likely to continue with warmer weather and an extended drought in the region.

The $100 million grant follows $500 million announced in February, including more than $38 million for Oregon, as part of the USDAs wildfire prevention strategy from Oregon and Colorado to New Mexico and Tennessee.

In announcing the latest funding, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack noted that states are again confronting challenging wildfires this year, underscoring the urgent need to continue to protect our communities and infrastructure by restoring forest health across the country.

The biggest chunk of the Oregon grant  $4.9 million  will go toward a restoration project in the Elk Creek watershed in the Umpqua National Forest in southern Oregon. The project will build on an existing collaboration between the Forest Service and Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians and focus on prescribed burns and creating fire breaks in the watershed, which is a patchwork of private, tribal and national land.

Lindsay Campman, spokesperson for the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians, said in an email that after the Milepost 97 Fire, which burned more than 13,000 acres in 2019, the tribe has worked to prevent another fire in the area and that this money will help with that endeavor.

We are thrilled to continue working with our partners in forestry on this project, she said.

The USDA allocated another $4.4 million for a project in a watershed in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. The money will be used for planning, hiring of staff and forest restoration in an area of conifer trees that have not been hit by wildfires for much of the past 125 years. As a result, they have high levels of live and dead vegetation that could pose a fire danger.

The third Oregon project involves an allocation of nearly $133,000 for work in the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. The money will allow officials to complete an environmental analysis in the La Grande Ranger District, paving the way for forest restoration work.

The Columbia River Gorge project in Washington will cover 5,000 acres now owned by the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, with the $345,000 going directly to tribal staff and businesses to foster their traditional work against wildfires and land maintenance.

Oregons Democratic U.S. senators, Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, said the region needs the funding.

Oregonians know all too well the threat of climate chaos, which is fueling increasingly frequent and severe wildfires that threaten our homes, businesses and way of life, said Merkley, who chairs the Senate subcommittee that funds the Forest Service.

Wyden added: Protecting lives and property from these destructive wildfires demands an all-out approach.

Wyden has repeatedly pushed for wildfire funding, including in June, when he and Democratic U.S. Rep. Kim Schrier of Washington state introduced the National Prescribed Fire Act of 2024. The act would direct hundreds of millions of federal dollars to the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Department of the Interior for prescribed burns. This was Wydens third attempt to get the legislation passed after it died in the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources in 2020 and 2021.

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SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  FEMA and SBA will be visiting Dordt University to help people register for disaster assistance.

According to a release, the organizations will be at the Campus Center Terrace Room on Thursday, September 12, from noon to 7 p.m.

Jersey Mikes confirms new location in Sioux City

Representatives will be helping those who were affected by flooding and severe storms from June 18 to July 23.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports.
BLOUNTVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL)  Deputies and investigators at the Sullivan County Sheriffs Office (SCSO) say the job has always had its dangers, but historically, its been a human threat. Now, officers say fentanyl has created new dangers in nearly every aspect of law enforcement.

Its made us kind of more aware of our surroundings, said Lt. Chris Farmer. Were more aware of potential threats that we can perceive outside of the human threat of being ambushed or attacked by an individual and looking for chemical agents that are threats as well.

Farmer said knowing how to handle fentanyl, such as using gloves and what he calls universal precautions is critical for officers safety. Responding to a potentially deadly dose of fentanyl is now incorporated into officer training. Training includes how to administer a dose of naloxone and how to safely perform CPR.

They learn all these processes in the academy, and we teach CPR to the degree of even compression, only CPR, Farmer told News Channel 11. So, while they have gloves on, they dont have that face-to-face exposure if they dont have a mask available. There are methods to making sure that we keep somebody in the best possible shape that we can until EMS arrives.

SCSO: 16 employees, 5 inmates treated after substance exposure at jail

Farmer said that if hes been around fentanyl at work, he makes sure hes doesnt bring even a trace home.

I kind of go overkill with taking precautions. So really, Ill probably change clothes before I even get into my car to drive home, Farmer said. And I would take the clothes out and put them in a trash bag and then run them in the washing machine by themselves.

The danger to law enforcement isnt limited to officers in the field. Fentanyl has been smuggled into the Sullivan County Jail, creating a threat to jail staff and other inmates. In February, 16 correctional staff and five inmates were taken to the hospital after potentially being exposed to the substance. While that exposure proved to not be fentanyl, the threat still exists.

To try and eliminate such contraband, the sheriffs office uses a full body scanner during the booking process.

Ballad Health donates more than $230,000 to Sullivan Co. Sheriffs Office for new full-body scanner

Precautions are taken when processing evidence, too. Pills that are suspected to be fentanyl are double bagged, sealed and labeled hazardous, which is a newer precaution that officers have enacted.

Even the room where fentanyl evidence is stored now has features to decrease exposure, SCSO Evidence Coordinator Sergeant Chris McDavid told News Channel 11.

Such a small amount will kill someone, McDavid said. And when were in here working, we try to keep the area well-ventilated. [The system] sucks the air up, so hopefully we wont run into that, but we keep Narcan on hand here.

McDavid said that he estimates officers are being exposed to fentanyl, either in the field or through evidence collection, at least two to three times per week.

Data from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) track fentanyl seizures sent to the bureaus crime lab from the Tri-Cities region. Last year, those seizures totaled 263, which is about five a week. As of Aug. 19, 2024, TBI officials told News Channel 11 there had been 226 seizures. That leaves the region on pace for 356 fentanyl seizures, and possible exposure for officers, this year.



.

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JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL)  Whether the numbers reflect drug seizures by law enforcement or overdose deaths and hospital visits, the trajectory of fentanyls impact shot upward from 2019 through 2021  and it hasnt pulled back since.

Asked whether Northeast Tennessees fentanyl problem has plateaued yet, Sullivan County General Sessions Judge James Goodwin provided a grim anecdote.

Ive dismissed more cases in the last year-and-a-half because the defendants are deceased, and those orders are coming at an increasing number, Goodwin said. He was referring to people who die of an overdose before their court date  be it for theft, probation violation, or any other offense  makes it to the docket.

Fentanyl overdose deaths in Northeast Tennessee were nearly five times higher in 2021 than they had been in 2018. (Photo: WJHL)

So I dont think weve hit the plateau yet and  I would say fentanyl is somehow connected to at least 85 to 90% of our cases in some way, Goodwin said. Either seeking drugs, using drugs, dealing drugs  the thefts that go along with drug use, the burglaries, all that.

Grandfather raises child after mothers fatal fentanyl overdose

News Channel 11 analyzed data from the Tennessee (TDH) and Virginia (VDH) departments of health and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) dating back to 2018. The data show a more than fourfold increase in fentanyl overdose deaths between 2019 and 2021 across News Channel 11s primary viewing area of 16 Tennessee and Virginia counties.

In Northeast Tennessee, meanwhile, drug seizures sent from Northeast Tennessee to the TBI crime lab grew tenfold from 2019 to the first eight months of this year.

OD deaths create abyss for families, communities

The impact of a fentanyl overdose cant be overstated, even if the person survives. Theyve had a brush with death, and the reality that theyre toying with a substance that could kill them is undeniable. Friends have helped save them with Naloxone, or theyve stressed hospital emergency departments.

But when someone dies, the crater that a survived overdose leaves becomes an abyss. A child, a parent, a coworker is gone forever. From 2018 through 2022, that happened 495 in Northeast Tennessee and far Southwest Virginia.

50 pounds of fentanyl-laced pills seized at Nashville airport

In 2018, that impact happened somewhere in this region once a week. In 2019, that number was almost exactly the same, as the total number of overdose deaths rose from 51 to 52.

Then came a cocktail of circumstances that sent the numbers soaring. The drug was becoming widely available. In 2019, 32 of the drug seizures Northeast Tennessee authorities sent to the TBI contained fentanyl. That number nearly tripled, to 86, in 2020.

Meanwhile, the COVID-19 pandemic was sending Americans into isolation, which can exacerbate mental health and substance abuse issues.

The number of families and friends confronting the abyss of a loved ones death skyrocketed. In 2020, it doubled from one a week to two, with a total of 107 deaths that year.

The trend didnt let up in 2021. With the pandemic still raging, the number of fentanyl seizures coming from Northeast Tennessee to the TBI crime lab nearly doubled, to 159. Three workdays a week, in other words, a package containing fentanyl came from Northeast Tennessee authorities to the TBI  five times more than two years earlier.

The death rate kept pace. Just over four times a week  216 times  someone in the region ingested fentanyl, sometimes knowingly, sometimes mixed into other drugs, and died.

The fentanyl overdose death rate had quadrupled in just two years.

Since then, the available data show a leveling off of deaths in the region. The 2022 total of 220 deaths was just 2% higher than the 216 recorded in 2021.

Southwest Virginias 2023 death total of 66 marked a second straight year of decline from a peak of 77 in 2021  but what went up hasnt come down nearly as rapidly.

Tennessee hasnt reported 2023 overdose deaths yet, but Northeast Tennessees total rose by just 7% in 2022, from 139 to 149, after more than doubling in 2021 and tripling in 2020 from 2019s figure.

Overdose deaths in Southwest Virginia doubled from 2020 to 2021 but have tapered off slightly the past two years. (Photo: WJHL)

Hospital visits involving non-heroin opioid overdoses (mostly fentanyl) havent risen quite as fast in Tennessee as deaths have.

While only statewide data is available, it shows that from 2018 to 2021 those encounters didnt quite double, increasing 74% from 4,039 to 7,048.

While still a major increase by any standard, it pales in comparison to the increase in overdose deaths. Those jumped by nearly five times in Northeast Tennessee and rose almost four times statewide.

Judge Goodwin may not be able to rattle those statistics off the top of his head, but he sees the evidence of them firsthand.

The main thing that Ive seen are the number of orders that I get where the states asking me to dismiss a case because the defendants deceased, Goodwin said. Ill bet the vast majority of those are because of fentanyl overdoses.

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The Fernandina Beach Police Department has a new member on the force: Officer Hanna. Shes the new Community Engagement Ambassador.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

Hanna is assigned to Community Engagement Officer Tina Smith. Together, they will visit local schools, hospitals, and other places to meet with members of the community. Hanna will also consist of and console victims of certain crimes.

The police department got the K9 from a rescue in South Florida.

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According to a Facebook post, Hannas favorite food besides dry dog kibble is the treats she gets from the police chief. Though, he makes her sit and mind her manners first.

If she could meet anyone, it would be Chase from Paw Patrol.

And if Hanna wasnt in law enforcement, she would be a fire dog.

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MINDEN, La. (KTAL/KMSS)  A company in Minden that produces modular buildings that protect mission-critical equipment has broken ground on a manufacturing facility that will cover almost 300000 square feet.

Expected to be operational by July of 2025, Fibrehond Corporations new facility will be used in their electrical integration processes.

Edwards announces deal to keep Fibrebond, jobs in Minden

The company already occupies more than 1 million square feet on 254 acres.

A spokesperson with Fibrebond said the companys need for more space has been driven by the growth of artificial intelligence, cloud services, and increased investments in energy infrastructure.

Aerial view of Fibrebond. (Source: Fibrebond Corporation)

In 2024, more than 90% of Fibrebonds products were shipped out of Louisiana.

Fibrebonds goal has been to spend $125 million on capital expenditures between the years of 2022 and 2025. They expect the investment to help the company increase capacity by 200%. The new manufacturing space will allow for the more efficient installation of electrical equipment in newly produced modular buildings.

Fibrebond leveled twenty acres of land in Feb. 2023 to prepare for the build, which will allow the corporation to hire additional workers.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com.
MET Croatia Energy Trade, a subsidiary of Swiss integrated energy company the MET Group, has confirmed its 100th liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipment to a floating LNG terminal in Omisalj municipality on the island of Krk, Croatia.

Known as the BW Pavilion Aranthera, the LNG carrier arrived at the Krk FSRU several days ago.

The FSRU started operation in January 2021 and has an annual capacity of 2.9bcm. There is also an onshore section of the terminal.

Mario Matkovic, CEO, MET Croatia Energy Trade, said that in addition to this noticeable delivery, we are pleased that we had the opportunity to bring in the initial zero ship, planting a strong foundation for the future operations of the terminal.

He added in a press statement that his companys committtment to remaining a key player in the Croatian energy sector is demonstrated by our lease of substantial regasification capacities at the Krk LNG Terminal until October 2032.

MET Group delivered more than 30 LNG cargoes to Europe last year and has long-term regasification capacity bookings in Germany, Croatia and Spain.

In recent years, the company has also imported into eight countries including Belgium, Croatia, Greece, Italy, Spain and the UK.

In the press release, MET Group said it is keen to further diversify Croatias access to alternative energy sources.

The group also added that the significant lease at the Krk LNG Terminal not only secures Croatias energy resources but also helps central and eastern Europe to become an integral part of the global LNG market.

"MET Croatia makes 100th shipment of liquefied natural gas" was originally created and published by Offshore Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.







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After days of multiple wildfires across Southern California in extreme heat, a drop in temperatures finally gave crews a chance to gain the upper hand, though lingering risks remained, officials said.

Fire officials cautioned Thursday that several communities in Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside counties were still under evacuation orders, with some of the blazes continuing to show "extreme fire behavior" on the ground. Since last week, the Bridge, Line and Airport fires have raced across more than 100,000 acres combined, or more than 156 square miles of the Southland.

But the pace slowed dramatically in the last day.

"The conditions are improving a little bit  at least weatherwise," said Bryan Lewis, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Oxnard.

The Bridge fire has consumed at least 20 homes in Wrightwood, Mt. Baldy Village and other mountain towns  with more than 5,700 structures threatened, officials said Thursday.

The fire broke out Sunday in Angeles National Forest and exploded from 4,000 acres to more than 50,000 acres between Tuesday and Wednesday. It had blackened 51,167 acres by Thursday with no containment.

Firefighters were focusing their efforts to protect the communities of Wrightwood, Pinon Hills and Mount Baldy. After days of temperatures that reached into the triple digits, crews will carry on the fight with temperatures hovering in the mid- to low 70s into the weekend, with the possibility of drizzle on Sunday, Lewis said. The weekend weather was also expected to bring a light breeze with 10-mph gusts steering the fire east, he said.

"It's certainly a little less windy and a little bit higher humidity," he added. "It should translate to better firefighting conditions, for sure."

Despite the improving weather, firefighters will still have to grapple with steep and rugged terrain, as well as an abundance of fuel beds and vegetation from back-to-back wet winters. The region charred by the Bridge fire has a long history of fires and has trees stressed by historic drought, so a few days of increased humidity isn't enough to significantly reduce the landscape's ability to catch fire.

In the two other major Southern California fires  the Airport fire and the Line fire  at least 13 people, including several firefighters, have been injured.

By Thursday, the Airport fire had charred 23,410 acres in Riverside and Orange counties and was 5% contained, and the Line fire in San Bernardino County had burned 37,589 acres and was 21% contained. Neighborhoods east of both fires remained under evacuation orders.

Orange County Fire Authority officials acknowledged a flare-up occurred in an unburned pocket north of Trabuco Canyon on Thursday evening, but the blaze remained within the fire's existing perimeter. Crews were conducting reconnaissance along the Santiago Peak fire lines, and heavy equipment operators were constructing a bulldozer line toward Ortega Highway.

Kevin Fetterman, incident commander with the Orange County Fire Authority, said the Airport fire had been hard to mitigate because of dry weather conditions and terrain.

Depending on where crews are located, the conditions around the fire can be very different. Humidity levels on the Airport fire's west and east flanks were upward of 55%, while on the northern edge in Riverside County near Lake Elsinore humidity was as low as 25%, setting up the vegetation to burn readily. Temperatures around the fire were in the 60s on Thursday, a huge improvement from the extreme heat when the fire first made its run from Orange County to Riverside County.

There's even the potential for rain around the Airport fire on Monday, said Philip Gonsalves, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in San Diego.

"I don't think it will put the fire out but it will certainly help," he added.

For residents who fled the area as the fire spread across two counties, the improved weather conditions were welcomed as they eagerly waited for news about their neighborhood.

Emily Pang, 16, evacuated from her neighborhood in El Cariso two nights ago as flames and smoke ravaged the area. She said that, as far as she knew, her house was still standing  a miracle.

"I just accepted that the fire would take my house, she said, recalling the immense fear that took over as she watched flames engulf the area. Im just lucky to be alive.

Emily is sheltering at Temescal Canyon High School in Lake Elsinore with her parents. About 20 people were there Thursday, a worker said.

Several dogs were housed in a tent outside; a husky tied to a pole outside the center barked for its owner.

Emily was with a neighbor when the Airport fire erupted; her parents were blocked from driving to her, so she met them at the road below, bringing along her school awards, martial arts certificates and figurines that her sister brought back for her from Japan  keepsakes she said are part of her identity.

A friend was at the shelter to visit her; their high school near the mountains was also under evacuation.

Nhoun Pheak, 44, evacuated two days ago after a deputy knocked on his familys door off Temescal Canyon Road and told them to leave within 10 minutes. The area was filled with smoke.

He left with a backpack filled with clothes and a toothbrush; some of his family is at a hotel while he waits nearby at a shelter. He doesnt know whether his house is still standing but is hopeful to get back home soon.

Were not allowed to go back there yet, he said.

At least a dozen people have been injured at the Airport fire, including 10 firefighters, officials said.

In San Bernardino County, firefighters battling the Line fire expect the cooperating weather to slow the fire's growth, but they are still concerned that it could run up and down canyon slopes.

Authorities believe the Line fire was caused by arson. On Tuesday, they took 34-year-old Justin Wayne Halstenberg into custody.

Officials have released few details about how the fire was started Sept. 5.

The suspect's mother, Connie Halstenberg, said in a text message response to The Times that she was not talking to news media before making an additional comment.

"I do want to say this about my baby boy," she said. "He did not light that fire, I repeat he did not light that fire."

On Wednesday, Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for the three fires, which frees up additional state resources to respond and allows the affected counties to recover more funds from the firefight.

Times staff writers Andrew J. Campa, Nathan Solis and Hannah Fry contributed to this report.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
A fight at Druid Hills High School led to a temporary lockdown on Thursday.

Michelle Stewart, the principal at Druid Hills High School said several students and possibly some adults were involved in a physical altercation in the school parking lot.

Stewart said in a letter to parents that a student used pepper spray in the incident, but luckily there were no reports of serious injuries.

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The fight led to the school being placed on a temporary lockdown, Stewart said in a letter to parents. After the lockdown, the school returned to its regular schedule.

Stewart said the school will continue to investigate the incident and it has a strict policy against fighting.

Incidents like this impact safety, instructional time, and overall confidence within our school community. We ask for the support of our families and community partners in addressing these disciplinary issues by having open conversations with your children and other young people about the consequences of such unacceptable behaviors, Stewart said in the letter.

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IN OTHER NEWS:
A final report Thursday confirmed that the World Anti-Doping Agency did not show "favouritism" towards China in the case of 23 Chinese swimmers who were cleared to compete after testing positive for a banned drug.

But it also found WADA's anti-doping rules and administrative processes can be further strengthened, which the agency itself acknowledged.

The report's author, Swiss prosecutor Eric Cottier, said he found "WADA has done its work autonomously, independently and professionally, and that there is no evidence to the contrary."

This matched his interim findings announced in early July, but US Anti Doping Agency chief Travis Tygart, who has been an outspoken critic of WADA's handling of the affair, said the report "only validates our concerns."

Cottier noted also in the final report that some anti-doping rules were not followed by the Chinese anti-doping agency (CHINADA), but added "it does not change the outcome of the cases and the acceptance of the contamination hypothesis."

In April, the New York Times and German broadcaster ARD reported that the swimmers had tested positive for the banned heart medication trimetazidine (TMZ) at a domestic competition in late 2020 and early 2021.

It was determined by Chinese anti-doping authorities they ingested the substance unwittingly from tainted food at their hotel and no action against them was warranted.

The World Anti-Doping Agency accepted the argument of the Chinese authorities and did not sanction the swimmers, 11 of whom were selected for the Paris Olympics this past summer.

The case caused a global uproar, with US anti-doping authorities accusing WADA of a cover-up.

"While WADA management wants to close the book on this scandal regarding 23 positive TMZ cases by Chinese swimmers, the full report released today by WADA's investigator only validates our concerns and even raises new questions that must be answered," Tygart said in a statement.

"Clean athletes give their all to excellence and what this report shows is that the global anti-doping regulator did not give them the same in return.

"Not only was the scope of the investigation restricted to two surface questions, but the information that Mr. Eric Cottier did gather clearly shows that China did not follow the rules, and that WADA management did nothing about it."

Tygart called for a further investigation, "where the scope and the investigator are identified by neutral third parties and a proper results management process to bring finality to these positive tests.

"The Cottier report itself speaks to the desperate need for this expanded investigation, noting, 'The sense of justice or injustice, however, goes far beyond the scope of this investigation,'" Tygart said.

- Strengthen the system -

WADA director general Olivier Niggli welcomed the final report.

There are "certainly lessons to be learned by WADA and others from this situation," he said in a statement, while vowing to follow recommendations to strengthen the global anti-doping system for athletes.

This includes improving WADA's internal guidelines for managing doping cases; improving communications about alleged cases with national anti-doping agencies and athletes; and optimizing a database called ADAMS to alert officials when there are delays in analysing tests, for example.

WADA said a working group has been asked to submit recommendations in December.

Tygart said USADA was "heartened" by the establishment of the working group which "has the potential to make critical strides in ensuring that the global anti-doping system has the controls and systems in place to evenly apply the rules and protect clean athletes rights worldwide.

In a separate statement Thursday, WADA said it was also placing seven national anti-doping organizations on a "watchlist," giving them four more months "to correct outstanding non-conformities" to a new anti-doping code.

They are Namibia, Pakistan, Panama, Samoa, Senegal, Uganda and Uruguay.

amc/bb/dmc
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  The City of San Diego has been selected to receive low-cost loan financing for dam improvement projects, with Lake Hodges on the top of list for replacement.

Mayor Todd Glorias office announced on Wednesday that the U.S Army Corps of Engineers selected San Diego for a new federal financing program that will lend the city $240.6 million to repair the dam. The loan is intended to offer a lower cost burden.

Two women struck by vehicle in Rancho Penasquitos crosswalk

The Corps of Engineers is able to incentivize this local investment because its believed to enhance community resilience to floods, promote economic prosperity and improve environmental quality. The funds are made possible through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continues to pay dividends here in San Diego. I want to thank the Biden-Harris Administration for selecting the city to participate in this program that is going to help build a new dam at the Lake Hodges Reservoir, said Mayor Gloria. The safety of our critical infrastructure, like our city-owned and -operated dams, is essential to public safety and lowering costs for ratepayers across our city.

With these funds the city will be able to take steps to replaces the Lake Hodges Dam. This includes the construction of a new roller-compacted concrete dam about 100 feet downstream of the existing dam, which the mayors office said will meet current dam safety standards, as well as water supply and operational needs.

San Diego Registrar of Voters in search of more poll workers

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law shows what Congress can accomplish when we work together. I supported it because I knew it would deliver for San Diegans  and it has, said Rep. Scott Peters (CA-50). The Lake Hodges Dam is over a century old and one of 42 dams in California with restricted water storage. Its important that the design and construction of our most critical infrastructure be of this century and able to withstand whatever Mother Nature throws its way.

Looking ahead, the city will work to submit and finalize an agreement with the Corps of Engineers over the course of the next year.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
The General Staff of the Finnish Defence Forces has officially denied the information spread by the Russian media that drones were launched from Finnish territory to allegedly attack Murmansk Oblast in Russia.

Source: European Pravda citing Yle, Finland's national broadcaster

Details: Andrey Chibis, the governor of the Murmansk Oblast, reported on Tuesday that three drones had been used to attack the oblast.

Later, various Russian Telegram channels started spreading groundless claims that the Ukrainian drones had been launched from the territory of Finland. They were picked up by the Russian government-owned Rossiyskaya Gazeta (Russian newspaper) and the Kremlin-controlled NTV TV channel.

The General Staff of the Finnish Defence Forces told Yle that the accusations are not true.

"The territory of Finland has not been and will not be used for alleged actions against Russia," the statement said.

The Finnish General Staff added that Finland and its allies are monitoring the situation and will not comment further.

"It should be noted that this is a case of possible Russian information interference, and the allegations made should be viewed critically," the Finnish General Staff said.

Background: In July, after a strike on Russia's Olenya airfield in the Murmansk Oblast, less than 200 kilometres from the Finnish border, Finnish President Alexander Stubb called for getting used to the fact that war could come to his country.

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Fire at sea: US Coast Guard rescues two from commercial boat fire near Salish Sea

The U.S. Coast Guard, Puget Sound Sector rescued two from a life raft after a fire broke out on the commercial boat they were on.

On Tuesday, the Sector Command Center of the U.S. Coast Guard received a call from a boat about 3 nautical miles from Cape Flattery reporting a fire on board.

Five miles off Tatoosh Island, near the Makah Tribal Reservation, the TARKA II reported an emergency before abandoning the boat and getting onto a life raft.

A Motor Lifeboat from Coast Guard Station Neah Bay rescued the two people in the raft and brought them back to shore.

On Wednesday morning, the USCG along with tribal partners returned to the area and confirmed that the TARKA II fire was extinguished.

According to the USCG, there is no indication that any of the fuel has spilled into the ocean and with the assistance of the Washington State Department of Ecology, they are continuing to monitor for spills.

The owner is working with his insurance company to get the boat back.

In the meantime, nearby boats are being warned that the TARKA II is afloat and adrift in the sea.
AUSTINTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  Firefighters were battling a fire that was later ruled an arson in Austintown Thursday morning.

Crews were called to the intersection of Idlewood Road and Oakwood Avenue shortly before 5 a.m.

Firefighters said the fire caused damage to the front room and roof of the single-story house. The fire chief said that heavy flames were from the front of the house and through the roof on the left-hand side.

Firefighters said that the home was occupied, but that no one was home at the time of the fire. The fire is under investigation.

Brian Oehlbeck contributed to this report.

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Several firefighters were treated for heat exhaustion as they battled a raging blaze that destroyed a 134-year-old multi-family home in Lowell on Thursday.

The multi-alarm fire tore through a three-level home on Aiken Avenue and prompted a large emergency response.

Video from the scene showed smoke billowing from busted windows and siding melting off the home as firefighters doused the heavily charred structure with water.

Lowell Fire Chief Phil Charron said that eleven firefighters required medical attention; four serious enough to require hospital care.

EMTs were seen treating the firefighters suffering from heat exhaustion as concerned neighborhood residents watched from afar.

And it really shot up through the roof, said John McMeniman, who lives down the street. It had to be at least another 10, 15 feet in the air.

Many of the houses in this area of Lowell, known as Centralville, have old bones under their vinyl siding.

I know a lot of these houses have horsehair plaster still inside them, said Neighbor Lisa Hodgson.

Ancient construction materials may have intensified the fire -- and kept it burning. Hours after firefighters arrived, hoses were still pumping water onto the skeletal remains of the attic.

While a number of people lived in the house, only one encountered the fire.

Boston 25 News spoke with a woman who said her daughter lived on the first floor, where the fire may have started.

The woman did not share her name, but said her daughter lived in the doomed structure, with her husband and children -- and had just returned from grocery shopping.

She went in back for a second and could hear the fire alarm, she said. Her husband looked and said, theres a fire get out!

She said her daughter and husband grabbed two adult dogs and then tried to rescue two puppies still inside.

She opened the window to grab the puppies and the window burst on her, she said. The bedroom was up in flames.

Her mother said she was also suffering from, understandably, anxiety.

Shes okay, shes alive, shes out, her husbands out, her four kids are out. Theyre in school, thank God, she said.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP)  People began betting Thursday on which political party would win control of Congress in the November elections after a judge's ruling allowing the wagers  the only ones to be legally approved by a U.S. jurisdiction.

New York startup company Kalshi began taking what amounts to bets on the outcome of the November congressional elections after a judge refused to block them from doing so.

The ruling by U.S. District Court Judge Jia Cobb in Washington enabled the company, at least temporarily, to offer prediction contracts across the country essentially yes-or-no bets  on which party will win control of the Senate and the House in November.

The Kalshi community just made history, and I know we are only getting started, said Tarek Mansour, a co-founder of the company. Now is finally the time to allow these markets to show the world just how powerful they are at providing signal amidst the noise, and giving us more truth about what the future holds.

But the activity could prove short-lived. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission, an independent federal body which last year prohibited the company from offering such bets, said it would appeal the ruling as quickly as possible, citing the possibility of people trying to manipulate the election for financial purposes.

Kalshi did not say whether it intends to offer bets beyond the ones posted Thursday for congressional races, including potentially taking bets on the presidential race.

It also was not immediately clear whether sports books or online casinos would seek to offer similar political bets in light of the ruling.

Prices on Kalshi's so-called predictive contracts varied throughout the early afternoon. As of mid-afternoon, a bet on the Republicans to win control of the Senate was priced at 76 cents; a $100 bet would pay $129. A bet on the Democrats to win control of the House was priced at 63 cents, with a $100 bet paying out $154.

Better Markets, a nonprofit organization that says it advocates for the public interest in financial markets, called the development a dangerous move that opens the floodgates to unprecedented gambling on U.S. elections, eroding public trust in both markets and democracy.

Contrasting his client with foreign companies who take bets from American customers on U.S. elections without U.S. government approval, Roth said Kalshi is trying to do things the right way, under government regulation.

It invested significantly in these markets, he said during Thursday's hearing. They spent millions of dollars. It would be perverse if all that investment went up in smoke.

Story continues

But Raagnee Beri, an attorney for the commission, said allowing such bets could invite malicious activities designed to influence the outcome of elections and undermine already fragile public confidence in the voting process.

These contracts would give market participants a $100 million incentive to influence the market on the election, she said. There is a very severe public interest threat.

She used the analogy of someone who has taken an investment position in corn commodities.

Somebody puts out misinformation about a drought, that a drought is coming, she said. That could move the market on the price of corn. The same thing could happen here. The commission is not required to suffer the flood before building a dam."

Thursday's ruling will not be the last word on the case. The commission said it will appeal on an emergency basis to a Washington D.C. circuit court, and asked the judge to stay her ruling for 24 hours. But the judge declined, leaving no prohibition in place on the company offering election bets, at least in the very near term.

The company already offers yes-no positions on political topics including whether a government shutdown will happen this year, whether a new Supreme Court justice will be confirmed this year, and whether President Joe Biden's approval rating will be above or below a certain level by the end of the year.

The Kalshi bets are technically not the first to be offered legally on U.S. elections. West Virginia permitted such bets for one hour in April 2020 before reversing itself and canceling those betting markets, deciding it had not done the proper research beforehand.

___

Follow Wayne Parry on X at www.twitter.com/WayneParryAC
First Foundation partners with WVU, Ascend WV for free office space in five WV cities and towns

The West Virginia First Foundation will utilize Ascend WV coworking space in Morgantown, Fayetteville, Elkins, Martinsburg and Lewisburg to carry out its work of distributing nearly $1 billion of settlement funds to support the fight against opioid misuse in the Mountain State. (WVU Photo)

The West Virginia First Foundation has entered into a partnership with West Virginia University and Ascend West Virginia  which was launched during the pandemic through a financial gift from a sitting First Foundation board member  to open outreach offices in five cities and towns throughout the state, according to a Thursday news release.

The offices will be housed in Ascend WV locations in Morgantown, Fayetteville, Elkins, Martinsburg and Lewisburg and will come at no cost for the First Foundation, which is a private nonprofit tasked with distributing an expected $1 billion in state opioid settlement funds throughout the next 10 years. So far, these are the only offices announced to be opened by the First Foundation, which meets regularly through Zoom and is run by members from across the state.

I want to thank WVU and the Ascend WV program for their generous contribution of office space, said Jonathan Board, executive director of the First Foundation. Having these outreach locations will allow the foundation to be present within communities in every region of the state as we focus on serving the people who most need help.

Ascend WV started in 2020 and aims to recruit people from out-of-state with financial and recreational incentives to move to West Virginia for remote work. It launched through a $25 million gift from Marshall University President Brad Smith and his wife, Alys Smith, an attorney and philanthropist who was appointed last year by Gov. Jim Justice to sit on the First Foundations board of directors.

To date, according to Ascend, 406 individuals and their families from 38 states and five countries have relocated to West Virginia through the program.

The program operates in partnership with the Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative at WVU and the state Department of Tourism.

WVU President E. Gordon Gee said supporting the First Foundation is evidence that the university is a force for good.

This is the essence of being West Virginias land-grant flagship University, Gee said in the news release.

Danny Twilley, assistant vice president of economic, community and asset development at the Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative, said providing brick-and-mortar office space for the First Foundation lines up with the values of the collaborative.

Community engagement has been a cornerstone of our program from the start, whether were connecting ascenders with resources and opportunities in their new home, helping native West Virginians find their way back or supporting communities in their endeavors to thrive, Twilley said in the release.

The First Foundation is currently accepting applications for its 2024 grant cycle, where it is poised to distribute $19.2 million to organizations throughout the state undertaking work to combat the ongoing drug and overdose epidemic. Applications for the grants are due Oct. 5 and are expected to be awarded later this year.

The foundation is in the process of building a request for proposals to create a needs assessment survey for future grant cycles. Board, as the Foundations executive, is also working to hire several full time executive staff to help facilitate the organizations operations and the distribution of future funds.

For more information on how to apply for First Foundation grants, visit https://wvfirst.org/grants/.

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India's electronics market, currently worth $115bn, could balloon in value if Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaches his goal of creating a $500bn sector by 2030. At Semicon India 2024, a semiconductor summit, Modi outlined his plans to make the country a major player in the global chip industry.

He said he wants to create a workforce of 85,000 professionals including technicians, research and development experts, and engineers who will be ready to lead the country's growing semiconductor industry.

Investor interest

The government has so far approved $15bn worth of semiconductor investments.

These include Tata Group's proposal to build India's first major chip plant and American memory maker Micron Technology's plan to build a $2.57bn assembly facility in Gujarat. Israel's Tower Semiconductor is also looking to partner with billionaire Gautam Adani to build a $10bn fabrication plant in the west of the country.

Modi insisted: This is the right time to be in India [...] In the India of the 21st century the chips are never down.

As Western nations ramp up investment in domestic chipmaking and take China out of their supply chains, India may be getting ready to take up the slack.

"Modi targets $500bn electronics sector in India " was originally created and published by Investment Monitor, a GlobalData owned brand.







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MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)  Midlands Battle of the Badges Blood Drive ended at the Midland Police Department on Wednesday, pitting the Tall Citys Police and Fire Departments against each other to see who could donate the most blood.

Alice Perales, from the Midland Police Department, was one of the roughly 25 donors and she said shes donated blood throughout her life.

I do it every time I get a chance to. Every time we have one of our donations up here, I want to do my part to help out, said Perales.

Are these rainbow colored pills dangerous? MPD says yes

Vitalant said it received more blood than it anticipated today and expects to have the full blood totals from the blood drive by the end of the week.

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PRINCE GEORGES COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now)  Dozens of Prince Georges County first responders were honored Wednesday night at the National Harbor for 9/11.

From 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., the National Harbor hosted various activities to honor police, firefighters, EMTs and the Prince Georges County Fire Department and its K-9 units.

Rockville honors Montgomery County residents killed on 9/11

Prince Georges County Deputy Fire Chief, James E. McClelland, said it felt good to see first responders receive recognition.

It is nice people want to recognize us for our service and its a hard day even 23 years later and we are still recognizing those who made the supreme sacrifice that fateful day 23 years ago, McClelland said.

(Tim Reid/DC News Now)

(Tim Reid/DC News Now)

John Trevino and his wife were visiting National Harbor from San Antonio, Texas, and attended the 9/11 ceremony. Honoring first responders hits home for Trevino as he is a school resource officer.

Without all the men and women who serve and protect us, we wouldnt have all this today, and I find that very honorable, Trevino said. It warms my heart because we signed up to do this job to serve and protect the community and for the community to say thank you for what you do is for protecting us is wonderful.

During the ceremony, two Prince Georges County fire trucks crossed their ladders hanging an American Flag to honor lives lost on 9/11.

Remembrance ceremony honors DC victims who died on 9/11 at Pentagon

The event was very touching to Captain Calvin Tyson from the Prince Georges County Police Department. He said when 9/11 happened, it inspired him to become a police officer.

Its nice being honored and humbling especially today I remember where I was 23 years ago as a student at the University of Maryland and when I found out what happened on 9/11, I knew what I wanted to do, Tyson said.

According to event organizers, at least 160 people attended the activities.

First responders and their families were given a free dinner to honor their service, prizes were also given to police officers and firefighters.

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The first settlement agreement between the city and an alleged victim of ex-Chicago police Sgt. Ronald Watts puts Watts accuser in line for half a million dollars, records released Thursday show.

Alvin Waddys lawsuit was the first to reach resolution out of more than 150 that have been filed against the city related to Watts and his team. It remains to be seen how the agreed payout affects the rest of the cases, but given the sheer volume of lawsuits, the Watts scandal could become one of the most expensive in Chicago police history.

Waddy alleged in his lawsuit filed in Cook County Circuit Court in 2019 that Watts and his crew of tactical officers pinned a phony drug case on him in 2007 at a building in the now-demolished Ida B. Wells housing complex on the South Side.

After years of legal wrangling, Waddy and the city reached a settlement agreement in July, on the eve of trial. The payout still must be approved by the citys Finance Committee, which is scheduled to meet Monday, and then by the full City Council.

Apart from the potential payout, Waddys lawsuit has already cost the city more than $1.2 million in payments to the outside lawyers tasked with defending the city, according to records obtained by the Tribune through an open records request.

Watts was arrested in 2012 along with another member of his team, Officer Kallatt Mohammed, for shaking down a drug courier who turned out to be an FBI informant. Watts received 22 months in prison and was released in 2015.

In the years since, Watts and his tactical officers were accused of orchestrating a reign of terror at Ida B. Wells, systematically forcing residents and drug dealers alike to pay a protection tax and putting bogus cases on those who refused.

More than 200 Watts-related convictions have since been thrown out, and there are some 175 pending lawsuits against Watts.

While Waddys lawsuit was filed in Cook County court, the swath of other cases against Watts are pending in federal court, where they have been consolidated for their early stages since many of the facts and allegations overlap. The first trial is scheduled for January.

The first lawsuits against Watts came in 2016 amid the fallout of the shooting death of Black teen Laquan McDonald by white Chicago police Officer Jason Van Dyke.

The plaintiffs are almost all Black men who lived in the Ida B. Wells complex and were familiar with Watts and his crew. In case after case, the lawsuits allege when Watts targets complained  to the Police Department or in court  that judges, prosecutors and internal affairs investigators all believed the testimony of Watts and other officers over their accusers, records show.

Watts has denied wrongdoing in every lawsuit. Last year, he told a conservative radio host in a lengthy interview that he spent his career disrupting violent drug dealers and is now the victim of a smear campaign by ex-criminals and lawyers trying to cash in.

Also up for a vote at Mondays Finance Committee meeting is a payout in the case of Anthony Jakes, who alleged that Chicago detectives abused him into a false confession when he was just 15.

Jakes filed suit against the city in 2019; trial had been scheduled for December of this year before the parties agreed to a settlement of $11.6 million.

mcrepeau@chicagotribune.com

jmeisner@chicagotribune.com
Thunderstorms that hit New York and the New England region in August produced prolific rainfall that killed two people who were swept away by flash flooding, the Washington Post reported. It is the type of event that occurs once a millennium but might become more common in our warming world.

What's happening?

More than a foot of rain fell in parts of the Northeast on August 17 and 18. The weekend washout hit Connecticut particularly hard. Sandy Hook had 12.17 inches of rain, according to the National Weather Service, while Middlebury, Shelton, and Newtown received nearly 10 inches.

A wet first half of August for western Connecticut helped set the stage for flooding. Some parts of the state received 150-300% of their normal rainfall during the first two weeks of the month, according to the Northeast Regional Climate Center.

According to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the amount and intensity of rain made it a once-in-1000-year event. A Climate Central study says our overheating planet is supercharging the water cycle and making extreme precipitation like this more common.

"We need to address this issue as a longer-term challenge," said Sen. Richard Blumenthal, per the Washington Post. "Resilience against climate change is not just for the coastline. Flash flood and other disasters affect all of Connecticut. We all have a stake, in planning and preparing."

Why is flooding in the Northeast important?

Climate Central's analysis revealed that the most extreme precipitation days in every major region of the country intensified between 1958 and 2021.

Climate Central says for every 1 degree Fahrenheit of warming, the air can hold an extra 4% of moisture. This extra moisture means increasing the chances of heavier downpours, which contribute to the risk of flash floods. Most of the country is likely to experience a 10% or higher increase in precipitation falling on the heaviest 1% of days.

What's being done about extreme rainfall?

The National Weather Service advises everyone to be aware of their risk of flooding and have an evacuation route planned out. If you can't see across the road because it is covered by water, the NWS says: Turn around, don't drown. The two women who died in Connecticut were in separate cars before they were swept away and killed by the floodwaters.

New technology is being used in South Korea to predict flash floods more accurately and reduce the casualties and property damage they cause. Replacing traditional pavement with more absorbent surfaces, like "permeable pavements," can also help prevent some flash flooding.

It is also essential to reduce the amount of heat-trapping gases warming our world and thereby adding moisture to the atmosphere that can fuel flash floods. Upgrading to electric yard tools, choosing low-impact travel options, and supporting eco-friendly brands are ways to help.

Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Flooding in Chiang Rai following the impact of Typhoon Yagi

Flooding in Chiang Rai following the impact of Typhoon Yagi

By Panarat Thepgumpanat and Chayut Setboonsarng

BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thailand deployed military special forces in the northern province of Chiang Rai on Thursday after flooding marooned thousands that authorities are trying to reach with boats and helicopters.

At least 33 people have died across Thailand since mid-August from a spate of rain-related incidents including landslides, with nine fatalities this week in two northern provinces hit by adverse weather brought by Typhoon Yagi, according to the government.

Yagi, the strongest storm to hit Asia this year, has killed at least 197 people in Vietnam, where it made landfall on Saturday and flooded parts of capital city Hanoi.

In Thailand's northernmost province of Chiang Rai, flood waters had started receding from some areas of the hard-hit Mai Sai district, but many riverside settlements were still flooded, said the head of the district, Narongpol Kid-an.

"We are rushing to bring out people trapped inside their houses," he told Reuters. "There are still hundreds of people who need to be rescued."

Local authorities were using boats and helicopters, with support from Thai Navy SEAL special forces, to conduct rescue operations, he said.

"The situation is very delicate," Narongpol said. "When it rains, the water rises very quickly."

The Thai Navy said it deployed nine flat-bottom boats to deliver over a thousand aid packages in Chiang Rai.

Flood waters had also entered parts of Chiang Rai city, one of the largest settlements in northern Thailand, inundating key roads and urban areas.

Out of 10 scheduled flights into and out of Chiang Rai's airport on Thursday, nine had been cancelled, according to its website.

The airport itself had not been flooded but rising waters had made roads to the facility impassable, said Kornchit Chomphudeng, head of Chiang Rai's Office of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation.

"The flooding this time has spread over a wider area than the recent floods," he said.

A mountainous region bisected by the Kok River, Chiang Rai was one of five northern Thai provinces hit by severe floods last month.

Authorities were planning to rely on Thai Air Force helicopters to send food and water to some 3,000 people marooned in Chiang Rai's Ban Kwai Wua Dam area, the provincial office said. Another 200 people were trapped in a school, waiting to be evacuated to a rescue centre.

Thailand's Office of National Water Resources on Thursday issued a warning to 36 provinces, including the capital Bangkok, for potential flash floods due to heavy rainfall.

(Reporting by Panarat Thepgumpanat and Chayut Setboonsarng; Additional reporting by Napat Wesshasartar; Writing by Devjyot Ghoshal; Editing by Tom Hogue)
COLBERT COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT)  A crash that happened in Colbert County on Tuesday afternoon has left a Florence man dead.

According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), a 2021 Chevrolet Equinox was driving along AL- 20 near Gargis Lane, approximately three miles east of Muscle Shoals, when it was hit by a 2016 Ford F-350 around 2:10 p.m.

ALEA said that the crash killed Jerry D. Richardson, 76, of Florence. According to ALEA, Richardson died at the scene of the crash.

The crash remains under investigation by ALEAs Highway Patrol Division.

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The U.S. Coast Guard on Tuesday announced the crew of Coast Guard Cutter Diligence offloaded more than 4,125 pounds of cocaine worth an estimated $54 million in Port Everglades following three separate interdictions in the Caribbean.

Multiple Coast Guard assets, in coordination with U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations, the Joint Interagency Task Force South, and the Royal Navy seized the drugs in international waters and apprehended 11 suspected smugglers who will face prosecution in U.S. federal courts.

Surge of imports continues as possible East Coast port strike looms

I am extremely proud of our crews tenacity and professionalism, coupled with outstanding coordination with Coast Guard aircrews, during this complex counter-drug mission, Lt. Matthew Carmine, Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Napier commanding officer, said in a statement. Their steadfast efforts, along with those of foreign allies and partner agencies, continue to prove vital to countering drug trafficking organizations and safeguarding the people of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The Joint Interagency Task Force South, based in Key West, Fla., monitors the region and detects aerial and maritime transit of illegal drugs.

Once they spot a suspected smuggler and an interdiction is required, the law enforcement phase of the operation begins under the direction of the U.S. Coast Guard.

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TALLAHASSEE, Florida  A northeast Florida school district this week agreed to restore 36 books that were challenged and previously pulled from campus libraries in a settlement of a federal lawsuit fighting how local officials carried out the states policies for shielding students from obscene content.

The settlement reached by Nassau County school officials and a group of parents, students and the authors of the removed childrens book And Tango Makes Three marks a significant twist in the ongoing legal battles surrounding Floridas K-12 book restrictions, which have been derided as "book bans" by opponents. Under the agreement, that book and others such as the The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison and the The Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean Auel will once again be available to students after being removed last year.

The deal was heralded as a major development Thursday by the law firm Selendy Gay PLLC, which is representing the group including And Tango Makes Three authors Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson.

This settlement  a watershed moment in the ongoing battle against book censorship in the United States  significantly restores access to important works that were unlawfully removed from the shelves of Nassau County, Floridas public school libraries, Lauren Zimmerman, a lawyer with Selendy Gay, said in a statement.

School officials in Nassau County did not immediately respond to a request for comment surrounding the settlement. The district claimed to have removed Tango due to lack of circulation and other works due to impermissible sexual content. The lawsuit, though, contends that the school board did not publicly vet these titles, and the district has agreed to form a review committee to weigh some of the books.

As part of the agreement, Nassau school officials acknowledged that And Tango Makes Three  a kids book about a penguin family at New Yorks Central Park Zoo with two dads  contains no obscene material and is suitable for students of all ages. This book and the authors are also plaintiffs in a separate lawsuit challenging how the work was removed from school libraries in Escambia County, a case that remains ongoing.

These federal lawsuits target how local school boards are enacting policies crafted by Republican lawmakers and Gov. Ron DeSantis administration  specifically how parents and others can raise objections about potentially inappropriate books at schools.

State Republicans passed legislation in recent years opening the door for school book challenges and have since expanded those rules by requiring officials to yank contested titles within five days of being flagged for being pornographic, harmful to minors or depicting sexual activity, a shift opponents equate to censoring literary works, particularly those that had LGBTQ+ themes. The state is now trying to limit local book challenges after schools were flooded with hundreds of objections, even for works like Ernest Hemingways For Whom the Bell Tolls.

The Nassau settlement additionally stipulates that local schools will make the book The Perks of Being a Wallflower, by Stephen Chbosky available to high school students, as well as bring back a dozen other books for students ages 18 and older or with parental consent. That list includes "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer and The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini.

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story misidentified what region of Florida Nassau County is in; it is in northeastern Florida.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.  Floridas highest court on Thursday expressed skepticism about scrapping the congressional map muscled into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis that helped Republicans flip the House two years ago.

The legal battle over Floridas congressional map finally reached the state Supreme Court, which is now almost completely made up of DeSantis appointees. The case centers on whether legislators  at the insistence of the states GOP governor  should have followed voter-approved standards that provide protections for minority voters. The DeSantis map dismantled a North Florida seat held by former Rep. Al Lawson, a Black Democrat, and split Black voters into four districts.

The governor and his allies have defended their actions by contending that Lawsons seat was unconstitutional under federal law, and that supersedes the state-level protections voters passed back in 2010.

Several justices on the Florida Supreme Court sounded receptive to those arguments on Thursday, with Chief Justice Carlos Muniz wondering publicly if the court should completely nullify Floridas Fair Districts amendment that was approved by nearly 63 percent of voters.

It seems like now theres potentially a paradigm shift where you cant follow the roadmap, Muniz said. He later asked, do the voters get a chance to sort of start from scratch?

Lawsons seat  which stretched from just outside of Tallahassee to Jacksonville  was first created by the state Supreme Court nearly 10 years ago, joining Black population centers in areas that spanned the state. The courts decision came after a contentious round of litigation in the aftermath of the Fair Districts amendment, which also bans drawing new districts for partisan advantages or to protect incumbents. The amendment also guaranteed that seats designed for minority candidates would be protected.

Florida picked up an extra seat in the last round of reapportionment and state legislators initially planned to keep Lawsons seat largely intact. But DeSantis strongly objected and he ultimately vetoed a map that had reconfigured Lawsons seat but still functioned in a way that it would've likely be won by minority voters preferred candidate. The map pushed by the governor ultimately resulted in Republicans picking up four seats across the state, helping Republicans narrowly win the House two years ago.

Voting rights and civil rights groups including Black Voters Matter and the League of Women Voters of Florida  who were backed by the nonprofit affiliate of national Democrats redistricting committee  sued and have called the current map a textbook violation of Floridas constitution.

Circuit Judge J. Lee Marsh last year  citing the initial state Supreme Court ruling  ordered legislators to redraw it. But in an unusual move, the entire 1st District Court of Appeal took up the case and overturned Marshs decision and contended they were not bound by the previous state Supreme Court ruling.

Christina Ford, who represented the groups challenging the map, said the case is not particularly a close call but was interrupted by Justice John Couriel who said that the court had to consider whether the map complies with the U.S. Constitution. Ford countered that the court did not decide that question and could just order the Legislature to draw a new map.

Daniel Nordby, a lawyer for the Florida Legislature, contended however that it was too difficult to create a minority seat in North Florida that would pass constitutional muster and pointed out that there were seats in South Florida that were compact but yet had a large contingent of Black or Hispanic voters.

What is possible in South Florida simply isnt possible in North Florida, he said.

Some of those involved with the litigation called on the court to not go along with what they called a deliberate effort by DeSantis to silence Black voters.

We are having to fight for something we shouldnt have to fight for, said R.L. Gundy, a Jacksonville pastor who attended the court hearing and who blasted DeSantis as a dictator who didnt want to follow the Fair Districts amendment. I hope the Supreme Court will just simply follow the constitution.

The court wont act in time for this years elections, but a ruling could still have ramifications in the battle for Congress in 2026 and beyond. There have been two separate legal challenges in federal court and in March a panel of federal judges rejected a lawsuit that alleged the dismantling of Lawsons seat was discriminatory. A lawsuit challenging three South Florida congressional seats and seven state House seats is scheduled to have a key hearing in October.
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  Two Miramar men were sentenced to serve federal prison time for committing armed robbery of two postal carriers in 2023, U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday announced.

On Sept. 21, 2023, Christopher Raymond and Andre Hylton, both 20, traveled to Tampa in a rental car and stolen USPS serialized keys from two different mail carriers, one at gunpoint. They were arrested the following day.

Death penalty sought for double murder suspect in Hillsborough County

Raymond was sentenced to nine years in federal prison, while Hylton was sentenced to eight years.

The sentencing of these two individuals demonstrates the commitment of the United States Postal Inspection Service to the safety of Postal Service employees and customers, said Miami Division Inspector in Charge Juan A. Vargas. However, our work is not done, we will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners to make our communities safer by continuing to arrest those accountable for these crimes.

The case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service with assistance from the Tampa Police Department, the Miramar Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
Overview of Morgan Stanley's Recent Transaction

On August 30, 2024, Morgan Stanley executed a significant transaction involving the shares of Global Ship Lease Inc (NYSE:GSL), a prominent player in the container shipping industry. The firm decided to reduce its holdings by 883,922 shares, resulting in a remaining total of 625,457 shares. This move, marked at a trading price of $25.08 per share, reflects a strategic adjustment in Morgan Stanley's investment portfolio.

Insight into Morgan Stanley

Morgan Stanley, established in 1935, has evolved into a global financial services powerhouse with a presence in 42 countries. The firm operates through three main segments: Institutional Securities, Wealth Management, and Investment Management. Known for its robust financial advisory and asset management services, Morgan Stanley manages over $800 billion in assets. Its top holdings include major technology and financial services companies, showcasing a strong inclination towards these sectors.

Morgan Stanley's Strategic Reduction in Global Ship Lease Inc Holdings

Global Ship Lease Inc at a Glance

Global Ship Lease Inc, based in Greece, specializes in the ownership and chartering of containerships. Since its IPO in 2008, GSL has focused on securing long-term, fixed-rate charters with major liner companies, primarily MAERSK. Despite a challenging market, the company maintains a fleet of over 60 containerships and has demonstrated resilience with a GF Score of 78/100, indicating a likely average performance in the future.

Morgan Stanley's Strategic Reduction in Global Ship Lease Inc Holdings

Impact of Morgan Stanley's Trade

The reduction in GSL shares by Morgan Stanley might suggest a strategic shift or a reallocation of resources within its portfolio. Given the firm's significant presence and analytical capabilities, such a move could be indicative of broader market trends or a reassessment of the shipping sector's potential. The trade did not significantly impact Morgan Stanley's portfolio due to its vast diversification and size.

Market Dynamics and Comparative Insights

At the time of the trade, GSL's stock was fairly valued with a GF Value of $24.15, closely aligning with its trading price. Post-transaction, the stock experienced a 5.94% decline, reflecting market reactions and possibly broader economic considerations. Other significant shareholders like Donald Smith & Co. and firms such as Jefferies Group (Trades, Portfolio) also hold stakes in GSL, highlighting its relevance in the investment community.

Financial Health and Prospects of Global Ship Lease Inc

GSL's financial health is supported by a solid Profitability Rank and a reasonable interest coverage ratio of 8.73. However, its Altman Z score of 1.90 suggests some financial caution. The company's future outlook remains cautiously optimistic, driven by consistent revenue growth and strategic fleet expansions.

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Conclusion

Morgan Stanley's recent reduction in its holdings of Global Ship Lease Inc reflects a strategic decision within its vast portfolio. While GSL continues to hold a stable market position, the transaction underscores the dynamic nature of investment strategies in response to changing market conditions. Investors and market watchers will likely keep a close eye on GSL's performance and Morgan Stanley's future moves in the sector.

This article, generated by GuruFocus, is designed to provide general insights and is not tailored financial advice. Our commentary is rooted in historical data and analyst projections, utilizing an impartial methodology, and is not intended to serve as specific investment guidance. It does not formulate a recommendation to purchase or divest any stock and does not consider individual investment objectives or financial circumstances. Our objective is to deliver long-term, fundamental data-driven analysis. Be aware that our analysis might not incorporate the most recent, price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative information. GuruFocus holds no position in the stocks mentioned herein.

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.


FILE - A copy of the book titled "And Tango Makes Three" is photographed on a bookstore shelf in Chicago, Nov. 16, 2006. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh, File)

FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. (AP)  A school district in northeast Florida must put back in libraries three dozen books as part of a settlement reached Thursday with students and parents who sued over what they said was an unlawful decision to limit access to dozens of titles containing LGBTQ+ content.

Under the agreement the School Board of Nassau County must restore access to three dozen titles including And Tango Makes Three, a children's picture book based on a true story about two male penguins that raised a chick together at New York's Central Park Zoo. Authors Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson were plaintiffs in the lawsuit against the district, which is about 35 miles (about 60 kilometers) northeast of Jacksonville along the Georgia border.

The suit was one of several challenges to book bans since state lawmakers last year passed, and Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law, legislation making it easier to challenge educational materials that opponents consider pornographic and obscene. Last month six major publishers and several well-known authors filed a federal lawsuit in Orlando arguing that some provisions of the law violate the First Amendment rights of publishers, authors and students.

Fighting unconstitutional legislation in Florida and across the country is an urgent priority, Penguin Random House, Hachette Book Group, HarperCollins Publishers, Macmillan Publishers, Simon & Schuster and Sourcebooks said in a statement.

Among the books removed in Nassau County were titles by Toni Morrison, Khaled Hosseini, Jonathan Safran Foer, Jodi Picoult and Alice Sebold.

Under the settlement the school district agreed that And Tango Makes Three is not obscene, is appropriate for students of all ages and has value related to teaching.

Students will once again have access to books from well-known and highly-lauded authors representing a broad range of viewpoints and ideas," Lauren Zimmerman, one of the plaintiffs' attorneys, said in a statement.

Brett Steger, an attorney for the school district, did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.
The big story: K-8 schools are on the comeback trail in Florida.

School districts are increasingly turning to the once-popular grade configuration for a couple of key reasons. Some are consolidating schools that have seen enrollment decline. Others are trying to keep families from bolting to charter and private schools.

Is the model worth consideration? Experts say it has several benefits, but much depends on the way educators implement it.

Its hard to prove that one model is better than the other, said Michael Petrilli, a research fellow at Stanford Universitys Hoover Institution. Theres going to be tradeoffs. Read more here.

Hot topics

Attendance rates: Marion County schools are seeing improvement in daily attendance amid a campaign explaining the importance of being present, Spectrum 13 reports

Bus safety: Drivers who illegally pass stopped Hillsborough County school buses will begin receiving citations with fines instead of warnings, WFTS reports.

Chaplains: The Osceola County school board again voted against allowing religious chaplains to counsel district students, WMFE reports.

Class size: Teachers in south Florida say they struggle with too many students in their classes, WTVJ reports.

Counseling: Lee County school board members are debating changes to policy regarding whether guidance counselors must alert parents to students conversations about personal matters, WCGU reports.

Gender recognition: The Miami-Dade County school board rejected a resolution recognizing LGBTQ+ history month for the third year in a row, the Miami Herald reports.

School threats: Three Duval County students were arrested on accusations of making threats against schools, WJAX reports.  Two Volusia County students were arrested in connection with school threats of violence, the Daytona Beach News-Journal reports.  A Pasco County student was arrested on allegations of making social media threats against a high school, WFLA reports.

Teacher discipline: A Palm Beach County middle school teacher has been suspended for two days after reports he was arrested for violating probation, the Palm Beach Post reports.

Unions: The Broward County school district is investigating a feud between the president of the Broward Teachers Union and one of its stewards, the Sun-Sentinel reports.

Weather report: Escambia County schools canceled after-school activities as it prepared for Hurricane Francine, the Pensacola News-Journal reports.

From the police blotter ... A Seminole County teen was arrested on allegations of bringing a gun to school, the Orlando Sentinel reports.

In higher ed

Florida A&M: FAMU trustees discussed how to repair the damage done by the schools handling of a fraudulent $237 million gift, which some said embarrassed the school and harmed its reputation, the Tallahassee Democrat reports.

Southeastern University: The private school in Lakeland reported record enrollment including its largest group of incoming students, the Ledger reports.

Dont miss a story. Heres a link to yesterdays roundup.

Before you go ... Check out these two fascinating instruments, the didgeridoo and the sheng.
TALLAHASSEE  The Florida Supreme Court heard arguments Thursday in what could be a last-ditch bid by voting rights organizations to overturn a congressional redistricting plan pushed by Gov. Ron DeSantis that expanded Republican power in Florida.

DeSantis created what he called a race-neutral map by erasing a Jacksonville-to-Tallahassee district with a 46% Black voting-age population, leading to the defeat two years ago of U.S. Rep. Al Lawson, a Black Democrat from Tallahassee.

In arguments before justices, plaintiffs' attorneys argued that eliminating the district violated the states voter-approved Fair Districts constitutional provisions, which prohibit creating boundaries that reduce minorities ability to elect candidates of their choice.

This is not particularly a close call, said Christina Ford, attorney for Black Voters Matter, the state League of Women Voters and other organizations, pointing out that North Florida Black voters clearly have lost political influence.

The congressional redistricting plan prompted a protest by Democrats on the House floor in 2022, just moments before the map was approved by the Republican majority.

Map eliminated Black congressman from North Florida

The new boundaries resulted in the first time in 30 years that a Black Democratic member of Congress no longer represented any of North Florida. Some 370,000 Black voters across the region have been scattered among four congressional districts, now all held by Republicans.

But in Thursdays exchange, Justice John Couriel  a DeSantis appointee  was quick to challenge Ford. When Ford said that deciding whether the redistricting plan complies with the Florida Constitution is the sole question before justices, Couriel shot back.

Congressman, Al Lawson, speaks at a lecture as part of Joe Cresse Ethics in Government Lecture Series, in the DeVoe Moore Conference Room on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2018.

Well, obviously we have to consider whether or not it complies with the United States Constitution as well, right? Couriel said. He later went on to follow DeSantis position that the east-west Congressional District 5 was a racial gerrymander that had to go.

If CD 5 had been drawn in the configuration in which its drawn to maximize white performance, it would look like a district precisely of the kind that motivated the Voting Rights Act, Couriel said, citing the 1965 law passed to prevent racial discrimination in voting.

It would be a racial gerrymander, I think, is what wed be hearing from you, he told Ford.

Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Carlos G. Muniz speaks during a hearing of oral arguments at the Florida Supreme Court on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. The hearing regards Florida's redistricting map approved by Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2022.

Fair Districts' future may be at stake

Chief Justice Carlos Muniz even raised questions about the validity of the Fair Districts provisions, which were put in the state constitution by 63% of Florida voters in 2010. Muniz said it may not be the states role to create racial protections akin to the Voting Rights Act.

But Ford pushed back: I disagree that states dont have the power to take action to protect minority voters absent some sort of requirement from Congress.

With the new map in play, Republicans in 2022 captured 20 of Floridas 28 congressional districts, a four-seat gain that helped the party gain command of the U.S. House.

DeSantis took credit for the GOPs success in his costly but failed bid for the partys presidential nomination, which ended earlier this year after he was unable to overtake eventual nominee Donald Trump, who he later endorsed.

Theres no timetable for a Supreme Court ruling in the case. But the controversial maps boundaries are sure to be used for a second congressional election this November.

How map changed Gadsden County: Special session: Florida lawmakers heeding Gov. DeSantis' demand for new congressional map, enraging opponents

DeSantis sought court fight: Ron DeSantis eyes court fight over Florida congressional map to reduce minority seats

Representatives of the voting groups involved Thursday condemned the map at a news conference following the hearing.

It was a calculated move to gerrymander and diminish Black voting power. It did not happen by accident, said Genesis Robinson, with Equal Ground Education Fund, one of the plaintiffs.

Cecile Scoon, co-president of the League of Women Voters of Florida, cited the Fair Districts guidelines. This is the bedrock law. You cannot diminish, she said. The governor understanding the status of the law, still came forward with a map that diminished the minority voice  in Florida.

How the case got before the Florida Supreme Court

The Supreme Court review comes after Tallahassee-based Circuit Judge J. Lee Marsh last year sided with the voters groups and declared the map an unconstitutional violation of Fair Districts. The 1st District Court of Appeal later overturned that ruling, siding with the governor.

In its decision, the appeals court said the old Jacksonville-to-Tallahassee district clearly pulled from two far-flung segments of a racial group with disparate interests.

The 1st DCA also rejected arguments by advocates that the old CD 5 represented urban and rural Black Floridians in a region many lived for generations and which had been historically a Black community dating to the states plantation belt preceding the Civil War.

The states case before the Supreme Court is asking justices to conclude that their predecessors were wrong when they created the wide-ranging North Florida district just under a decade ago.

The 2015 Supreme Court, which included three members appointed by the states last elected Democratic governor, Lawton Chiles, took over congressional redistricting that year after ruling the GOP-led Legislatures earlier maps violated Fair Districts because of partisan gerrymandering.

But the seven-member Supreme Court now includes five justices appointed by DeSantis. A sixth, Justice Charles Canady, was recused from Thursdays redistricting hearing, presumably because his wife, Jennifer, is a member of the state House running for re-election.

The outcome of Thursdays hearing may prove the final word in Floridas once-a-decade redistricting effort.

The new congressional map was approved after DeSantis vetoed an earlier plan by the Legislature which retained CD 5 in its east-west configuration. It was immediately challenged in both state and federal courts for violating Black voting rights.

On the federal side, a three-judge panel in March upheld the DeSantis boundaries, rejecting claims that the GOP had engaged in deliberate discrimination.

The Florida branch of the NAACP and Common Cause were among the groups challenging the state in federal court. But following a five-day trial last fall, the court said plaintiffs failed to prove that prejudice motivated the maps creation.

Motive remains questioned

One of the judges, U.S. District Judge Adelberto Jordan, appointed by President Barack Obama, suggested another motivator in a concurring opinion.

I do not think that Governor DeSantis harbors personal racial animus toward Black voters. But I do believe that he used race impermissibly as a means to achieve ends (including partisan advantage) that he cannot admit to, Jordan wrote.

John Kennedy is a reporter in the USA TODAY Networks Florida Capital Bureau. He can be reached at jkennedy2@gannett.com, or on X at @JKennedyReport.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Will Florida Supreme Court nix congressional map pushed by DeSantis?
A teen who killed his father in Oklahoma last year but claimed self-defense, thereby avoiding prosecution, faces first-degree murder charges in Florida for allegedly stabbing his mother to death.

The 17-year-old faces first-degree murder charges in the death of his 39-year-old mother. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said at a Wednesday press conference that he is pushing the state attorney's office to try the teen as an adult and that he's confident the teen would reoffend if released.

"When you look at this, you see a kid," Judd said. "When I look at him, I see a psychopath. I see totally erratic behavior to the point that hes already, at 17 years of age, shot and killed his father and got away with it and stabbed his mother in the neck so hard that the knife went all the way through.

"Now hes killed two people and killed his mother and father, and I can assure you  beyond and to the exclusion of every reasonable doubt  based upon his conduct, had he gone to live with his grandmother at the end of this, and she crossed him, she would be next."

GEORGIA HIGH SCHOOL SHOOTING SUSPECT'S MOM DEFENDS HER SON IN MESSAGE TO VICTIM'S FAMILIES

A Florida teenager allegedly used this knife to kill his mother.

The teen initially told 911 dispatchers that his mother "fell into a knife" after a "very long fight" on Sunday, Judd said.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Deputies who arrived at The Hamptons  a 55-and-older community in Auburndale about 50 miles east of Tampa, where the teen's grandmother is a resident  found him "calm, cool, collected  and he had blood on him," Judd said.

The 17-year-old reportedly became "uncooperative," showed "zero remorse" and had no sense of urgency about his gravely wounded mom.

"He looked the deputy in the eye and said, 'I know my rights, I want an attorney,'" Judd said.

Despite the teen's claims of a protracted fight with his mother before her death, the home was "neat and clean [with] no evidence of any kind of long fight," Judd said.

MOTHER OF PARKLAND SCHOOL SHOOTING VICTIM PUSHES FOR BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION AFTER GEORGIA MASS SHOOTING

Hewlett Drive in Auburndale, Fla., is where the incident took place.

Witnesses allegedly saw the teen and his mother shouting at each other outside the residence before the teen grabbed his mother by the hair and dragged her inside as she repeatedly pleaded, "Let me go," police said.

The teen's grandmother, who was not present during the altercation, told WFLA that the teen had been verbally and physically confrontational with his mother on several occasions.

After his mother was pronounced dead, a medical examiner determined that the deep knife wound in her neck was inconsistent with an accidental injury.

"The medical examiner said it's just not reasonable or plausible that she died the way that he said she did," Judd said on Wednesday. "It just didn't happen."

Judd said that as investigators started "to peel back the layer of this onion," they "[found] out that this is not just a singular event"; last year, the teen's father also died by his hand.

"On Feb. 14, 2023, Valentines Day, in Lincoln County, Oklahoma, [he] said his dad pulled a knife on him, and he shot and killed his dad," Judd said. "He shot him once in the chest and once in the head, and he claimed self-defense."

FLORIDA BALLROOM DANCER HIT MOTORCYCLIST THEN DROVE OFF WITH BIKE STUCK TO HER CAR, POLICE SAY

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd is pushing for the teen to be tried as an adult, he said at a Wednesday press conference.

Oklahoma authorities dropped charges against the teen less than a month after the shooting because they could not disprove his "assertion of self-defense," Judd said.

The teen's mother paid $50,000 to bail him out of jail, the New York Post reported. Then he moved into her Charlotte County, Florida, home and was involuntarily committed to a hospital for mental health reasons within a month.

Around this time, Judd said, he made a threatening statement: "I'll kill myself, or I'll kill my mother by shooting or stabbing her."

In November 2023, the teen "pushed [his mother] to the ground and ... stomped on her" after she took away his video game privileges, Judd said. He was arrested and claimed self-defense again, but the argument failed that time, and he spent time behind bars, the sheriff said.

After another argument with his mother in February of this year, the teen fled to his grandmother's house in Auburndale. The teen's mother and grandmother both contacted the sheriff's office around that time and said they felt unsafe around him, Judd said, and at that point, the teen was turned over to family services.

But despite making more threats to kill his mother, the teen was reunited with his family despite making threats to kill his mother again about two weeks later, Judd said.

According to the sheriff, the teen got into "an argument about home chores" that led him to "flee from his mother's house and [go to] his grandmother's house" on Sept. 6. The suspect's mother drove to the grandmother's house the next day, which is when she and the teenager got into the altercation that cost her life.

Judd said he will share any information uncovered in his department's investigation that could incriminate the teen in his father's death with authorities in Oklahoma.

"If Oklahoma had been able to act, [the teen's mother] would be alive and well today," he said. "But because she took him in and tried to do like a mother should do and took care of him, shes now dead. Everybody that should be special to him in his life is dead when they cross him," he added.





Original article source: Florida teen kills both parents in 1 year: police
Flower shop has been in downtown Chapel Hill for 78 years. Where is it going next?

A locally owned Franklin Street business that has supplied Chapel Hill residents with flowers and gifts for 78 years is moving next year.

University Florist, which opened in 1946, will remain open at 124 E. Franklin St. until a new, bigger shop is built at 107 N. Roberson St,, said Charles House, who owns the business with his father, Henry House.

Charles House said the University Florist business model no longer works downtown, because they dont have as much walk-in traffic with online and phone orders, and theres limited parking on East Franklin Street.

We certainly will miss being downtown, but we havent moved very far, House said Thursday.

Thells Bakery shared the building when University Florist first opened, he said, and when the bakery closed in the mid-1980s, they expanded.

In May, they sold the East Franklin Street building to Chapel Hill Foundation Real Estate Holdings Inc., a not-for-profit corporation founded by the UNC-Chapel Hill Foundation, for $2 million in May, county records show. House said they have signed a lease with the Foundation until their new location opens.

They are really happy for the change, House said.

You have to change with the forces of nature when it compels you to do what you need to do, he added.

Crews continued to demolish a two-story house at 107 N. Roberson St. on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. University Florist plans to open a new shop at the location in 2025.

Big changes for Franklin Street

Crews began demolishing the two-story house on North Roberson Street this week, across from First Baptist Church. Construction on the new building could start by next spring, House said.

The Sun magazine, which occupied the house for many years, has moved into a smaller house at 109 N. Roberson St., which House said he and his father also bought.

Their existing location was one of the last buildings on the south side of East Franklin Street downtown that the Foundation and the state of North Carolina did not own, House said.

The only privately owned building that remains between University Methodist Church and South Columbia Street is the Top of the Hill building on the corner, owned by Riddle Commercial Properties, county records show.

The university has proposed a Porthole Alley project that would demolish much of the strip west of Porthole Alley, a key pedestrian connection to UNCs campus, along with the Porthole Building located behind it.

A new building ranging from three stories on East Franklin Street to taller in the back could add ground-floor retail and also provide space for the UNC Visitors Center, Undergraduate Admissions and other university programs. The project has been on hold for a few years, and an official application has not yet been submitted to the town.
Seniors living in Michigan's Thumb can now apply to get free food assistance.

The Detroit-based nonprofit Focus: HOPE is expanding its Food for Seniors Program to five counties: Huron, Sanilac, St. Clair, Lapeer and Tuscola. Two thousand seniors can apply to get items, such as milk, cereal and canned goods, monthly. Food boxes are available at several locations throughout the region and by delivery for homebound seniors. Residents in Wayne, Macomb, Oakland and Washtenaw counties can also get a food box at select health centers when they go in for an appointment or walk in.

Food deserts have a major impact on the lives of many with an even greater impact on seniors. It is vital that we reach these communities, that is why we are so excited to expand our reach into the Thumb Region and provide those seniors with a resource they can rely on," Frank Kubik, director of the Food for Seniors Program, said in a news release

Here is what to know about the expansion:

Who qualifies for the Food for Seniors program

Food for Seniors is a program for residents 60 years old and above who live in the following counties: Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, Lapeer, Sanilac, Huron, St. Clair and Tuscola. The program provides more than 42,000 seniors with monthly food packages. Focus: HOPE is encouraging another 2,000 seniors to apply, as older residents grapple with a lack of healthy and affordable food options. Seniors must also meet income eligibility requirements. A family of two, for instance, making $25,636 a year or less qualifies.

How to apply

Eligible seniors can apply for the program by calling Focus: HOPE at 313-494-4600, emailing food@focushope.edu or visiting a distribution site, during specific days and times, which are subject to change. Focus: HOPE also offers home delivery for qualifying seniors who are homebound or have disabilities. Those residents can call Focus: HOPE 313-494-4980 for that service. For more information about the program, go to https://www.focushope.edu/programs/food-for-seniors/.

Food distribution locations

Wayne County

Focus: HOPE: 1400 Oakman Blvd., Detroit; 313-494-4600; food@focushope.edu.

LA SED Senior Center: 7150 W. Vernor Highway, Detroit; 313-841-9540; 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., fourth Wednesday of each month. No appointment needed.

Gibraltar Food Pantry: 29885 Bayview Drive; 734-676-5266; 11 a.m. to noon, Wednesdays; 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesdays. Residents must call to enroll.

Lincoln Park Senior Center: 3240 Ferris Ave.; 313-386-1817; 10 a.m. to noon, Tuesday, after the first Monday of each month. No appointment needed.

Community Sharing: 2920 N. Milford Road, Highland; 248-889-0347. Residents must call to enroll and must be residents of Highland Township.

Macomb County

Lighthouse of Macomb: 28571 Gratiot Ave., Roseville; 586-776-1230. Residents must call to enroll.

Oakland County

Pontiac Public Library: 60 E. Pike St.; 248-758-3942; 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., first, second and third Wednesdays of each month. No appointment needed.

Dublin Senior Center: 685 Union Lake Road, White Lake; 248-698-2394; 11 a.m. to noon, second Tuesday of each month. No appointment needed.

Washtenaw County

Pittsfield Township Community/Senior Center: 701 W. Ellsworth Road, Ann Arbor; 734-822-2120; 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., second Thursday of each month. No appointment needed.

Ypsilanti Community Center: 2025 E. Clark Road; 734-544-3800; 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., first Thursday of each month. No appointment needed.

Huron County

Huron County Expo Center: 170 Soper Road, Bad Axe; 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., bi-monthly on the third Thursday of the month, starting Sept. 19

Lapeer County

American Legion Post 16: 1701 W. Genesee St., Lapeer; 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., bi-monthly on the third Thursday of the month. The next days are Oct. 17 and Dec. 19.

Sanilac County

St. Elizabeth Parish Center: 6817 W. Marlette Road, Marlette; 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., bi-monthly on the third Thursday of the month, starting Sept. 19.

St. Clair County

Port Huron Salvation Army: 2000 Court Street; 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., bi-monthly on the fourth Tuesday of the month. The next day is Oct. 22.

Tuscola County

Tuscola Fair Grounds: 188 Park Drive, Caro; 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., bi-monthly on the Thursday of the month. The next days are October 17 and Dec. 19.

Health screenings and food help

Health services are also available for seniors in Wayne, Macomb, Oakland and Washtenaw counties, through a partnership with Focus: HOPE and EPIC Health. Seniors can walk in or schedule an appointment online at www.zocdoc.com/wl/epichs/search. Residents can also get a supplementary food box.

Here are the EPIC Health locations:

Clawson: 909 W. Maple Road; 248-435-2028

Detroit Livernois: 18463 Livernois; 313-861-4400

Detroit 7 Mile: 20901 W. 7 Mile Road; 313-564-5510

Eastpointe: 22480 Kelly Road; 586-872-2011

Ferndale: 911 E. 9 Mile Road; 248-336-4000

Hamtramck: 4420 E. Davison St. ; 313-369-1500

St. Clair Shores: 28001 Harper Ave.; 586-772-7180

Southfield: 18591 W. 10 Mile Road; 248-621-9443

Southfield Telegraph: 29829 Telegraph Road; 248-970-0412

Royal Oak: 26300 Woodward Ave.; 855-234-9873

Westland: 33330 Palmer Road; 248-621-9443

For more information, go to epichs.org/focus-hope/.

Contact Nushrat Rahman: nrahman@freepress.com. Follow her on X: @NushratR.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Focus: HOPE expands Food for Seniors to more Michigan counties
(COLORADO SPRINGS)  Venu, owners of Ford Amphitheater, are inviting neighbors to an open house to tour the venue and discuss changes in the future with representatives from the company.

Venu is inviting the community to the Neighborhood Open House on Saturday, Oct. 5. At the event, neighbors will hear from leaders of the venue who will provide insights into the amphitheaters development, address questions from the community, and discuss its impact as well as any potential future plans.

Venu said attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about the steps being taken to ensure the amphitheater remains a valuable asset to the community.

Whether youre curious about the development process, have feedback to share, or simply want to get an inside look at the Ford Amphitheater, this event is your chance to engage directly with us, Venu said in its invite sent to local media.

Attendees are encouraged to submit questions in advance, ensuring that the topics most important to you are addressed during the evening. Due to the size of the event, we will not be taking live questions. Questions can be submitted here, and must be received by end-of-day on Thursday, Sept. 26. Due to the size of the event, no questions will be taken live.

The event and parking are free, and those interested in attending can RSVP by clicking here.

Gates open at 3 p.m. on Oct. 5, program starts at 3:45 p.m.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado.
Ukraines defence industry has grown approximately sixfold over the last couple of years, which was made possible largely thanks to foreign investments.

Source: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken during a press-conference in Kyiv on 11 September, as reported by Ukrinform news agency

Details: "Ukraines defense industrial base has increased six times over the last couple of years. Thats the result of tremendous investment that a number of us have made," Blinken said.

He said that, crucially, this "also sets up Ukraine for the long term". " Because one measure of success, one measure of Ukraines success is going to be its capacity to stand strongly on its own feet militarily as well as economically and democratically," Blinken explained.

He stressed that investment in the defence industrial base is "the best way to guarantee that theres not a repeat of Russia aggression, that Ukraine has the capacity to deter aggression and, if necessary, to defend against it".

Blinken said he hoped companies around the world would "see Ukraine as a very attractive place for investment, even with the ongoing aggression".

Background: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy were in Kyiv on 11 September to discuss the situation on the front, Ukraines current needs, the possibility of granting Ukraine permission to strike targets in Russia using US- and UK-supplied weapons, and other issues with top Ukrainian officials.

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On Sept. 12, Ukraine's Foreign Ministry issued a formal diplomatic note, also known as a demarche, to Mongolia during a meeting with a high-ranking Mongolian diplomat in Kyiv.

The ministry expressed deep disappointment that Mongolia, a signatory to the Rome Statute, did not arrest Russian President Vladimir Putin during his recent visit.

Putin visited Mongolia in early September at the invitation of Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh, which marked Putins first trip to an International Criminal Court (ICC) member country since the court issued an arrest warrant for him.

Putin's visit came six months after Mongolia appointed its first judge to the ICC.

The ICC issued an arrest warrant for Putin in March 2023 for the forcible transfer of children from Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine.

Ukraine will not leave these actions without an appropriate response. Mongolia's decision will be considered in Ukraine's future policies regarding bilateral relations with Mongolia and in shaping Ukraine's stance on supporting Mongolia in international forums, the ministrys press service said.

However, the statement also expressed hope that Mongolia will take steps to restore friendly relations, which benefit both nations.

Mongolian officials cited energy dependence as a reason for not executing the warrant, implying that their hands were tied.

"Mongolia imports 95% of its petroleum products and over 20% of electricity from our immediate neighborhood (Russia), which has previously suffered interruption for technical reasons. This supply is critical to ensure our existence and that of our people," Mongolian government representatives said following Putins visit.

Mongolia has not actively supported Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine but has also refrained from voting to condemn it at the United Nations.

Read also: China supplies Russias war machine, receives military tech in exchange, US says

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The UK Foreign Office has updated health advice for those travelling to Cape Verde after a dengue fever outbreak on the volcanic islands.

The group of islands, off the coast of West Africa, is home to white sands, beautiful vistas and tropical weather and is becoming increasingly popular with UK holidaymakers.

But the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) issued an update on Wednesday (11 September) after an increase in the number of reported of dengue cases.

The outbreak of the viral infection, which is spread by mosquitos that mainly feed during daytime hours, have come on the islands of Santiago, Fogo and Brava.

The Cape Verde government has raised the civil protection warning level for dengue in these areas.

The mosquitos that spread dengue are more common in towns, cities and surrounding areas, and cause a flu-like illness, which can occasionally develop into a more serious life-threatening illness.

However, the UK Department of Healths TravelHealthPro resource says severe dengue is rare in travellers.

They recommend travellers to take measures to avoid mosquito bites during daytime hours.

A dengue vaccine was very recently licensed in the UK for the prevention of the disease that can be administered to people from four years of age, however the Joint Committee on Vaccine and Immunisation and the World Health Organisation are in the process of reviewing the product, so recommendations on the use of this vaccine have yet to be published.

Dengue is very common in certain parts of the world, often found in tropical areas such as parts of Africa and Asia, Central and South America, the Caribbean, Pacific islands and some southern areas of North America, according to the NHS. It is not found in the UK.

The health authority said that the fever is not usually serious and often gets better on its own, but while some people may have a more severe type of dengue, this is rare. You cannot catch the infection from another person; instead, you are at risk if you get bitten by an infected mosquito.

While dengue does not always cause symptoms, if someone does start to develop symptoms, they usually start four to ten days after being bitten.

Some dengue symptoms are similar to flu, including a high temperature, headaches, pain behind eyes, muscle and joint pain, feeling or being sick, swollen glands or a blotchy rash, the NHS says. Severe dengue, while rare, can develop more serious symptoms such as severe tummy pain, being sick repeatedly, fast breathing, bleeding gums or nose, fatigue, restlessness or blood in your vomit or faeces.

Most people with dengue will feel better in a few days, and the NHS advises people to rest, drink plenty of fluids and take paracetamol, but not to take anti-inflammatory painkillers like ibuprofen or aspirin, as these can cause bleeding problems if you have dengue.

To prevent risk, it is recommended to wear long-sleeved clothing and trousers, use insect repellant on the skin, close windows and doors whenever possible and sleep under a mosquito net treated with insecticide.

For more travel news and advice, listen to Simon Calders podcast
A franchise chain that sells the greatest sandwich in America will make its Treasure Valley debut soon.

And, like so many restaurants that open in the area, diners can thank Idaho newcomers.

Capriottis Sandwich Shop will launch its first location in greater Boise at 200 N. Highbrook Way in Star. The store, which has a target launch date of December, is one of three planned by franchisees Brian and Amanda Robertson. The couple relocated to Idaho from Las Vegas in 2023, according to a press release. Capriottis is headquartered in Vegas.

A second Capriottis is planned for 2025 in Meridian, a Capriottis publicist said in an email. The site of the third location has not been determined, he added.

The Robertsons have been Capriottis fans for more than three decades, according to the release, and saw an opportunity in the Treasure Valley.

Since moving to Boise to be closer to family, Amanda Robertson explained, weve met plenty of people who have traveled out to Las Vegas purely to get their fix of Capriottis.

Boiseans dont need to road trip quite that far for a taste. The chain already operates Idaho franchises in Twin Falls, Ammon and Coeur dAlene.

Its like Thanksgiving every day when you order The Bobbie.

Founded in 1976, Capriottis has more than 175 outlets in the United States. Its signature sub, the turkey-powered Bobbie, is like the fast-casual chain version of a scrumptious refrigerator raid the day after Thanksgiving. The Bobbie was voted  The Greatest Sandwich in America by thousands of readers across the country, as reported by AOL.com, according to the release.

Capriottis is most famous for its 40-year nightly tradition of slow-roasting whole, all-natural turkeys in-house and hand-shredding them each morning to feature in a variety of subs, the release says. This includes The Bobbie, the shops acclaimed bestseller, made with homemade turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing and mayo on a soft roll.

Capriottis menu is filled with an array of cheesesteak subs, turkey subs, classic and vegetarian options  even several American Wagyu beef subs. Soups, salads and sides also are available.

Our entrance into the Boise market has been a long time coming, Capriottis CEO Ashley Morris said. The focus for our team is always on partnering with people who bring a passion for the brand, a commitment to community, and a purpose-driven mindset to the franchise. Thats exactly what weve found in Brian and Amanda, and what we hope Boise gets to experience as our footprint in the area grows from here.

Conquering Idaho is just a small step in Capriottis future plans. The chain aims to expand to more than 750 locations by 2032, according to the release.
Rob and Anne Minard, two political consultants who previously worked for former state House Speaker Lee Chatfield while he led Michigan House Republicans in 2019 and 2020, can stand trial on a series of charges related to an alleged financial misconduct scheme, a judge ruled Thursday.

In court filings, state prosecutors wrote the Minards, who have pleaded not guilty to all of the felony charges they face, stole over $600,000 from nonprofit organizations and political action committees.

Ingham County 54B District Judge Molly Hennessey Greenwalt ruled there is enough evidence for the Minards to face a jury trial.

"The volume of the evidence presented by the Attorney General at the preliminary examination supports this conclusion," Hennessey Greenwalt wrote in an eight-page order binding the Minards for trial.

Anne Minard, right, talks with her lawyer Gerald Gleeson, center, after her arraignment hearing in 54B District Court on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024, in East Lansing. At left is Anne's husband Rob Minard who was also arraigned.

Particularly, the judge pointed to three areas of evidence raised by prosecutors during the preliminary examinations, which took place over two days in August. Hennessey Greenwalt said receipts and emails produced by Attorney General Dana Nessel's Office during the hearings showed Anne Minard, 37, requesting reimbursements from nonprofits for rental car agreements that were greater than the actual cost of the agreements.

Secondly, Hennessey Greenwalt pointed to evidence that Rob Minard, 47, submitted a reimbursement request to a nonprofit organization to cover expenses related to a trip to a political conference that were paid for by another political entity. Minard pocketed the $2,563.98 personally, despite the trip expenses being covered already, prosecutors allege.

Finally, Hennessey Greenwalt said evidence suggests Anne Minard submitted personal reimbursement requests from a nonprofit organization for hotel expenses charged to a credit card which did not belong to either her or Rob Minard.

Unlike with a trial, there is no jury present for a preliminary examination. The standard of evidence is also lower in a preliminary examination  in a jury trial, prosecutors must prove the charge "beyond a reasonable doubt," while a judge at a preliminary examination has to determine whether there is probable cause to uphold charges and making a binding motion for a trial.

"An ordinary, reasonable person could conclude that these actions are inconsistent with innocent accounting mistakes and rather are indicative of defendants intent to defraud various entities for their own personal financial gain," Hennessey Greenwalt wrote.

Anne Minard's attorney, Gerald Gleeson, previously argued state prosecutors lacked standing to charge her, citing a lack of evidence toward a criminal enterprise and alleging a February 2022 search conducted at the Minard home of Anne Minards computer by investigators was done without enough probable cause to justify a warrant.

Hennessey Greenwalt denied Gleeson's motion to exclude the evidence gathered during the search, saying the warrant executed by investigators had enough legal standing.

The Minards are set to appear in Ingham County's 30th Circuit Court for an arraignment hearing on Sept. 25.

"The Minards engaged in a vast, complex scheme of fraud, and through this deception, stole hundreds of thousands of dollars from nonprofits and political action committees, Nessel said in a statement. My department is pleased to see this case progress and remains committed to pursuing political operatives who violate the law for their own personal gain.

The Minards face multiple felony charges including embezzlement, conducting a criminal enterprise and intent to defraud under false pretenses. The most serious charges faced by the Minards, conducting a criminal enterprise and conspiring to conduct a criminal enterprise, each carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison if convicted.

Chatfield, a Republican from Levering, was state House speaker from 2019 to 2020. During Chatfield's time as speaker, Rob Minard served as his chief of staff while Anne Minard was director of external affairs for him.

In a separate criminal case, Nessels office charged Chatfield in April with 13 embezzlement, conspiracy and larceny charges, alleging that he improperly used public funds and money raised through a nonprofit to pay for flights, meals and family vacations while he was in office. Chatfields wife, Stephanie, also faces a pair of felony charges of alleged embezzlement and conspiracy.

Both Lee and Stephanie Chatfield pleaded not guilty to all charges when they were arraigned in May. Preliminary examinations for Lee and Stephanie Chatfield are currently slated to take place in October, also in front of Hennessey Greenwalt.

Michigan State Police first opened an investigation into Lee Chatfield in January 2022, after his sister-in-law accused him of sexual assault. Through his attorney, the former lawmaker said he had a consensual affair with his brothers wife, but denied any criminal wrongdoing. Nessels office joined the investigation, which later expanded to probe potential financial misconduct.

In April, Nessel said the investigation into allegations of possible sexual assault was closed without charges. In August, a spokesperson for Nessels office said an investigation into Lee Chatfields financial conduct remains open and ongoing.

The proceedings of both the Minards and Chatfields have highlighted weaknesses in Michigans campaign finance laws, Nessel has said. Both Nessel and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson have said Michigan lawmakers should strengthen the states anti-corruption laws.

Contact Arpan Lobo: alobo@freepress.com

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Judge orders staffers for ex-Speaker Chatfield to stand trial
Former CIA agent to serve 10 years in prison for conspiracy to commit espionage

HONOLULU (KHON2)  Federal officials have announced the sentencing of a former Central Intelligence Agency officer who lived in Honolulu for conspiracy to commit espionage.

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Alexander Yuk Ching Ma, 71, was arrested in August 2020 when he admitted to an undercover FBI employee that he had facilitated the provision of classified information to intelligence officers employed by the Chinese government.

Oahu man sent bomb threats after receiving divorce decision

Court documents reported that Ma worked for the CIA from 1982 to 1989. He co-conspired with a now-deceased blood relative, known as co-conspirator number one, who also worked for the CIA from 1967 to 1983.

Both men held access to Top Secret security clearances for sensitive and classified CIA information during their time as CIA officers.

According to court documents, Ma was asked to arrange a meeting between co-conspirator #1 and the Shanghai State Security Bureau in a Hong Kong hotel room in March 2001.

Once co-conspirator #1 agreed, the two met with SSSB officers for three days where both former CIA officers unveiled classified U.S. national defense information in exchange for $50,000 in cash.

In February 2006, Ma asked co-conspirator #1 to identify four individuals of interest from photographs to the SSSB. Co-conspirator #1 identified at least two individuals.

Ma later confessed to knowingly and willfully conspiring with co-conspirator #1 to provide information that could injure the United States to the Chinese government.

Mas plea agreement states that he must cooperate with the United States for the rest of his life, including by submitting to debriefings by U.S. government agencies.

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According to government counsel, Ma has been cooperative and has taken part in multiple interview sessions with government agents.

He has been sentenced to 10 years in prison and will be supervised for five years following his release.

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Former CIA officer accepted gifts from China for top secret info, sentenced to prison

Former CIA officer accepted gifts from China for top secret info, sentenced to prison

A former CIA officer who received numerous gifts and money in exchange for spying for China was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Wednesday.

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) said in a press release that 71-year-old Alexander Yuk Ching Ma of Honolulu was sentenced for conspiring to gather and deliver national defense information to the Peoples Republic of China (PRC).

In August 2020, Ma was arrested after admitting to an undercover FBI employee that he provided classified information to intelligence officers working for the PRCs Shanghai State Security Bureau (SSSB).

Ma worked for the CIA from 1982 until 1989, and his co-conspirator and blood relative worked for the CIA from 1967 until 1983.

HOUSE GOP PRESSES HOCHUL ON ALLEGED CCP AGENT'S INFLUENCE IN NEW YORK, INCLUDING SECRET CHINESE POLICE STATION

Both men, the DOJ said, held top secret security clearances granting them access to sensitive and classified CIA information. The two men also signed nondisclosure agreements.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Ma admitted in the plea agreement that in March 2001 he was contacted by SSSB officers to arrange a meeting with them and his co-conspirator.

After convincing his partner, the two men met with SSSB intelligence officers in a Hong Kong hotel room for three days.

The DOJ said the co-conspirator provided the SSSB with a large volume of classified information for $50,000 in cash, and the two men agreed to continue assisting the Chinese agency.

CHINESE MILITARY COMPANY'S MACHINERY IN USE AT NATION'S TOP SECRET RESEARCH LAB, OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE SAYS

courtroom and gavel

Two years after agreeing to help the Chinese government, Ma applied for a job as a contract linguist for the FBIs Honolulu field office. The FBI was aware of Mas ties with the PRC and hired him to secretly monitor and investigate his activities and contacts with the SSSB.

Ma reportedly worked part-time at an offsite location for the FBI from August 2004 until October 2012.

The SSB asked Ma to get the co-conspirator to identify four people of interest in photographs in February 2006, and the identities of at least two were provided.

NEW REPORT SOUNDS ALARM ON CHINA'S ROLE IN DESTROYING US FAMILIES WITH DEADLY DRUG: DESTABILIZING CRISIS

The Department of Justice announced Wednesday that a CIA officer who provided top secret intelligence to China was sentenced to prison.

The DOJ said Ma confessed he knowingly and willfully conspired with his partner and the SSSB to communicate and transmit information he knew would be used against the U.S. or to help the PRC.

During Wednesdays hearing and in court documents, the government said Ma was convicted of a yearslong conspiracy to commit espionage. The documents exchanged were obtained by the co-conspirator from 1967 to 1983, the government said in the court documents.

As part of the agreement, Ma is required to cooperate with the U.S. for the rest of his life, which includes submitting himself to debriefings by U.S. agencies.

He was also sentenced to 10 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release.





Original article source: Former CIA officer accepted gifts from China for top secret info, sentenced to prison
Sean Diddy Combs was sued in federal court Tuesday by a former member of Danity Kane  the girl group he assembled on the MTV reality competition Making the Band  who is alleging he groped, assaulted and imprisoned her, and threatened her life when she tried to intervene in defense of his then-girlfriend.

Dawn Richard, who was handpicked by Combs to be a member of the urban pop band, also alleges in the lawsuit that she is owed several million dollars in unpaid wages from her time with Danity Kane and another group founded by Combs. She is requesting a jury trial. Her attorney, Lisa Bloom, said in a statement Wednesday: We will not rest until we achieve full and complete justice for Dawn in this case.

The suit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, joins a string of others that have accused Combs of various forms of sexual assault and misconduct. The lawsuits are filed under the Victims of Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Law, which allows people to file lawsuits over allegations of sexual abuse even after the statute of limitations had passed. Combs, who is also the subject of a federal inquiry, has denied the allegations.

In a statement Wednesday, his attorney said Combs is shocked and disappointed by Richards lawsuit.

In an attempt to rewrite history, Dawn Richard has now manufactured a series of false claims all in the hopes of trying to get a pay day  conveniently timed to coincide with her album release and press tour, Erica Wolff said, while pointing to Richards long history working with Combs. Its unfortunate that Ms. Richard has cast their 20-year friendship aside to try and get money from him, but Mr. Combs is confidently standing on truth and looks forward to proving that in court.

Richards lawsuit says she was empowered to come forward by the other lawsuits, including the one brought by Combs ex-girlfriend Casandra Ventura, who is best known by her stage name Cassie. Ventura, who was once signed to Combs Bad Boy record label, accused him of rape and repeated physical abuse over the course of their yearslong relationship, in an explosive lawsuit filed in November. She and Combs settled the suit a day later. They did not disclose the terms of the settlement.

Mr. Combs decision to settle the lawsuit does not in any way undermine his flat-out denial of the claims, his attorney Ben Brafman said at the time. He is happy they got to a mutual settlement and wishes Ms. Ventura the best.

Hours after she filed her suit, Richard and two other former members of Danity Kane expressed public support for Ventura. But the three women did not share personal knowledge about the specific accusations against Combs at that time.

Richards lawsuit, however, said she witnessed Combs brutally beat Ventura on numerous occasions. That abuse included striking Ventura with his hands and with objects, slapping her, punching her and throwing items at her, the lawsuit alleges. Whenever Ventura attempted to stand up to Combs, according to the suit, he would strike her or wrap his hands around her throat and choke her.

On one occasion, the lawsuit alleges, Richard witnessed Combs throw a scalding pan of eggs at Ventura before dragging her up a flight of stairs while he cursed and screamed. Richard said Combs told her after the alleged assault that, If you say anything, there will be consequences and that people end up missing, which the suit says left Richard feeling terrified.

On another occasion, in or around early 2010, the suit alleges Richard witnessed Combs punch Ventura in the face in the bathroom of a party in Los Angeles. Some of the times Combs allegedly abused Ventura, other celebrities were present, the suit alleges.

According to the suit, Richard tried multiple times to intervene, offered Ventura support and encouraged her to leave Combs. Each time Combs learned of her efforts to help Ventura, the suit alleges, he became enraged and threatened Richards life, telling her that he had the ability to make people disappear and could end people.

In May, Combs admitted that he beat Ventura in a hotel hallway in 2016 after CNN released video of the attack, saying in a video apology posted to Instagram that he was truly sorry and his actions were inexcusable. The video was later removed from his page.

Richard, who lives in California, was employed by Combs from 2005 to 2012, first as a member of Danity Kane and then the group Diddy  Dirty Money, the lawsuit says. It describes a hostile work environment, in which Diddy would allegedly berate and threaten his employees, attend meetings in his underwear, make unwanted advances and withhold earnings.

In her suit, which also names Harve Pierre, a former longtime president of his record label, and various record labels as defendants, Richard alleges that she is owed $3.3 million in unpaid wages, salaries and royalties from her time with Danity Kane and $1.55 million in unpaid compensation from Diddy  Dirty Money. Pierre did not respond to a request for comment.

Like other lawsuits, including Venturas, Richards suit depicts Combs as violent and controlling. Richards suit says that during auditions for Making the Band, Combs spoke to the female contestants in a hostile, condescending manner and made disparaging remarks, calling them fat, ugly, b------ and hoes. His hostility and aggression continued after the band was formed, the lawsuit says, and Combs regularly used derogatory terms to refer to the five women and denigrated their physical appearances, including by telling Richard she was too skinny and that she needed to do something about her face.

Throughout the productions of the Making the Band series, the suit alleges, she and the members of Danity Kane were deprived of basic needs such as adequate food and sleep.

According to the suit, his excessive demands included rehearsing for 36 to 48 hours without breaks, near-constant filming and intense workouts, which led Richard to experience extreme weight loss.

To further assert his power, the suit says, Combs insisted on holding meetings while dressed only in his underwear, and during a meeting in 2008 in the living room of his Miami residence, when Richard asked him to put clothes on, he refused, stating This is my f------house. That meeting lasted an hour, the suit says, causing Ms. Richard to feel violated and embarrassed, and amplifying her feelings of powerlessness.

While Richard was a member of Diddy  Dirty Money from 2009 to 2011, the suit alleges, Combs repeatedly forced her to strip down to her underwear and frequently made demeaning remarks about her body. On numerous occasions, under the guise of helping a stylist prepare Richard for performances, Combs would also barge into her changing room unannounced and grope parts of her body without her consent, the lawsuit also alleges.

In or around December 2010, Richard alleges she and her Diddy  Dirty Money bandmate were locked in one of Combs vehicles that did not have interior door handles for more than two hours after Diddy lashed out at them for being late. Though the bandmate was eventually freed, Richard alleges she had to use her bandmates phone to call her father to travel from Baltimore to New York to help free her. When later confronted by Richards father, who said he intended to call police, Combs warned him to think about your family and think about your daughters career, according to the lawsuit. The following evening, Combs told Richard not to call her father unless she was hospitalized, the suit says.

Frank Richard could not immediately be reached at numbers listed for him.

The suit also alleges Richard attended parties at Combs houses, where she witnessed what she believed were inebriated underage girls being sexually violated by Combs and his guests. At his drug-fueled parties, guests were required to surrender their phones, doors were locked and guarded by security, and Combs hired police officers to attend, sending a clear message to guests that his influence extended to law enforcement officers, and creating a climate of fear and a tacit warning that reporting him to authorities would be both unacceptable and futile, the suit says.

Richards lawsuit alleges that, for decades, following his rise to fame, Combs star-studded, larger-than life persona overshadowed his vicious temper and pervasive acts of violence directed toward those in his inner circle  specifically, women.

Richard is seeking compensatory and punitive damages for lost wages and other compensation, as well as emotional pain and suffering.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
A former family services worker with the Vermont Department of Children & Families was arraigned Thursday for allegedly having a sexual relationship with a juvenile under her care.

Sonja Herman, 31, was fostering two children in October 2023 when the Chittenden Unit for Special Investigations (CUSI) opened an investigation into alleged sexual abuse of a juvenile in DCF custody.

Investigators were able to develop probable cause to believe that Herman and the youth had sex over a period of several years, and that she had supplied the youth with alcohol and used marijuana with them.

On Thursday, Herman was arraigned in Chittenden County Superior Court on charges of sexual assault.

Herman was released on the condition that she not supervise or provide care for children under the age of 18.

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CHARLESTON, WV (WVNS)  A former school counselor who worked at an unnamed elementary school was sentenced to prison for his role in a child pornography investigation.

According to a press release from the U.S. Department of Justice, a search warrant was carried out on the home of 33-year-old Cory Thomas, of Charleston, on February 7, 2024. During the search, his cell phone and other electronic devices were taken.

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Further investigation into what was on the devices revealed at least 109 digital files of child pornography, with the majority being videos. According to court documents, the video and image files included, child pornography depicting prepubescent minors subjected to sadistic or masochistic conduct and the exploitation of toddlers.

When he was arrested, Thomas was working as a school counselor at an elementary. He was hired through a subcontractor and had also been a substitute teacher at one point in time.

The release stated that there was no evidence to suggest any criminal activity done by Thomas involved any students from any place he had worked at.

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Cory Thomas was officially sentenced on Thursday, September 12, 2024, to four years in prison, followed by 15 years of supervised release for the possession of prepubescent child pornography. He must also register as a sex offender.

Thomas arrest was a small part of a bigger operation called Project Safe Childhood. The initiative, which started in 2006, is aimed at fighting the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.

Stick with 59News for more local news, weather, and traffic updates.



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BOSTON (WWLP) A Federal court jury has convicted a former Massachusetts State Senator on 20 counts of wire fraud and three counts of filing false tax returns.

Former Massachusetts State Senator Dean A. Tran, aged 48 of Fitchburg, had been an elected member of the Massachusetts State Senate, representing Worcester and Middlesex Counties from 2017 to January 2021.

Former MA Senators Chief of Staff sentenced for tax fraud

According to investigators, after Trans term had ended in 2021 he falsely claimed $30,120 in pandemic unemployment benefits while being employed as a paid consultant for a New Hampshire-based retailer of automotive parts, the Automotive Parts Company.

He was charged with concealing income from the IRS earned from the job as well as income from collecting rent from tenants who rented his Fitchburg property from 2020 to 2022.

Dean Tran defrauded the government out of unemployment benefits he had no right to receive. His fraud and calculated deception diverted money away from those who were struggling to get by during a very difficult time, said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. Our office and our law enforcement partners are committed to holding accountable public officials who lie and steal for personal gain.

Former Massachusetts State Senator Dean Tran stole taxpayer funds intended for those Americans who lost their job due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The jurys verdict affirms the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector Generals commitment to investigate allegations of fraud involving the U.S. Department of Labors (DOL) unemployment insurance (UI) program. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to protect the integrity of the UI system from those who exploit this critical benefit program, stated Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent-in-Charge, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Northeast Region.

The conviction of Dean Tran demonstrates the IRSs commitment to the prosecution of all who choose to break the law, even elected officials, said Harry Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office. Elected officials are held to a higher standard when they take an oath to serve but to Tran, his oath meant nothing when he chose to steal from the American taxpayers on two separate occasions. Tran stole from a pandemic unemployment program designed to help those most in need. Tran proceeded to harm the American public further when he decided to not to report his taxable income, the most basic of principles all Americans are expected to follow.

Former State Senator Dean Tran was convicted of cheating taxpayers by cashing in on a public health crisis by diverting tens of thousands of dollars meant to support those out of work due to the pandemic to himself instead, said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. The FBI simply wont stand for opportunists thinking they can defraud the federal government, lie on their taxes, and get away with it. We will continue to aggressively pursue anyone foolish enough to do so.

Tran is scheduled for sentencing on December 4, 2024, where he could face up to 20 years in prison and have to pay several hundred thousand dollars in fines.

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WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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Former Michigan House Speaker aides to stand trial on several felony charges

LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)  Anne and Robert Minard  both top aides of former Michigan Speaker of the House Lee Chatfield  will stand trial on multiple felony charges including running a criminal enterprise and embezzlement.

54B District Court in East Lansing Chief Judge Molly Hennessey Greenwalt bound over the Minards of Bath Township, to stand trial in the 30th Circuit Court in Ingham County.

Robert (left, behind lawyer) and Anne Minard (right) were in court to be arraigned on state felony charges. Jan. 3, 2024 (WLNS)

In December, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel charged Anne and Robert Minard with running a criminal enterprise, conspiracy to run a criminal enterprise and embezzlement.

The couple operated a consulting firm, as well as numerous political nonprofits while working for the former speaker. Nessel alleges the pair ran a complex operation to financially exploit those organizations and misappropriated more than $500,000.

Both have been charged with:

One count of conducting a criminal enterprise, a 20-year felony

One count of conspiracy to conduct a criminal conspiracy, a 20-year felony

Three counts of false pretenses, $1,000 or more but less than $20,000, five-year felonies

One count of false pretenses, $20,000 or more but less than $50,000, a 15-year felony

One count embezzlement, $100,000 or more, a 20-year felony

One count of filing a false tax return, a five-year felony

Robert Minard has also been charged individually with one additional count of False Pretenses  $1,000 or more but less than $20,000, a 5-year felony.

Anne Minard has also been charged with:

Two counts of embezzlement, $1,000 or more but less than $20,000 from a non-profit or charitable organization, a 10-year felony

Two counts false pretenses, $1,000 or more but less than $20,000, 5-year felonies

The Minards engaged in a vast, complex scheme of fraud, and through this deception, stole hundreds of thousands of dollars from non-profits and political action committees, Nessel said. My department is pleased to see this case progress and remains committed to pursuing political operatives who violate the law for their own personal gain.

The Minards will next appear in the 30th Circuit Court in Ingham County on September 25.

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MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WBOY)  A New Jersey man who once worked as a substitute teacher in Monongalia County is facing charges after allegedly engaging in sexual relationships with students more than 20 years ago.

Brian Kain

According to a release from the Monongalia County Sheriffs Office, in May 2024, deputies were made aware of claims that Brian Kain, 50, of Brick, NJ, engaged in a sexual relationship with two students at Morgantown High School between 2000 and 2004 while he taught there.

A criminal complaint filed against Kain said that the allegations came from an anonymous former student, who was one of the victims in this incident and will be known as victim A. Victim A told deputies that she knew Kain both as a substitute teacher at Morgantown High School as well as her assistant band director.

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Victim A said Kain showed up at her house on Sept. 12, 2002, and they had sexual intercourse, an event that caused her to be so distraught over the incident that she didnt show up to school the next day.

After that encounter, victim A estimated that she had around 12 sexual encounters with Kain in September 2002; she was 17 at the time and Kain was 28. Victim A said that she broke off the relationship after September 2002, but that Kain continued to pursue her. She also told deputies she believed Kain had another underage victim, identified as victim B.

Deputies made contact with victim B, who told them that she met Kain in 2000 and that he was her neighbor. Victim B said that she and Kain began a sexual relationship when she was 16 and that Kain was her student teacher and then substitute teacher. She also said that their relationship at that time was both sexual and romantic.

Deputies interviewed Kain over the phone on Aug. 15, 2024, and he was also interviewed by the Brick Township Police Department in New Jersey on Aug. 21. During those interviews, Kain verified that he was a substitute teacher during the above time frames and also substantiated other points of interest in the victims statements.

Kain turned himself in to the Monongalia County Sheriffs Office on Thursday where he was charged with two counts of sexual abuse by a person in a position of trust. He has since been arraigned and released on a $25,000 bond.

The release said that Kain has also worked as a teacher in the Wheeling area as well as in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Anyone with information regarding Kain from 2000-2004 is encouraged to contact the Monongalia County Detective Division at 304-291-7218.

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(WJET/WFXP)  A former Philadelphia teacher has been sentenced to spend the next three decades in prison after being convicted for a catfishing scheme to get explicit photos from underage students.

United States District Court Judge John F. Murphy sentenced 33-year-old former teacher Jeremy Schobel, of Philadelphia, to 30 years in prison followed by 20 years of supervised release while registering as a sex offender.

Man pleads guilty to kidnapping charge in decade old New York cold case

Schobel was a teacher at Harriton High School in Lower Merion Township, PA, and the High School of Creative and Performing Arts in Philadelphia.

He spent more than three years creating extensive fake profiles of underage girls, usually from classrooms in Harrington High, to convince victims to send him sexually explicit photos and videos.

Pa-based Health Company reaches $65 million settlement after nude photos of cancer patients hacked

As a teacher, Jeremy Schobel was tasked with developing young minds, said U.S. Attorney Romero. As a predator, though, he chose to deceive and sexually exploit underage girls online  often from his school classroom. Todays sentence closes the book on Schobels years of catfishing and gives his victims a measure of justice. Protecting children from abuse will always be a top priority for my office and our partners at the FBI.

Schobel was first arrested in June 2023 on child exploitation charges before formally being indicted later in November 2023. He pleaded guilty to one count of receiving child pornography and five counts of manufacture of child pornography.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com.
Press Release

September 12, 2024 EDCOM 2: Local gov'ts key to addressing nutrition crisis - Gatchalian The Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2), together with DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, Undersecretary Gloria J. Balboa, National Nutrition Council Executive Director Azucena Dayanghirang, and DILG Bureau of Local Government Director Anna Liza Bonagua, gathered to discuss pressing challenges in early childhood care and development (ECCD) programs, particularly on the issue on nutrition. A study conducted by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies showed a concerning decline in life expectancy and high infant mortality rates, particularly in poorer regions. Stunting, a key indicator of chronic malnutrition, has stagnated with only 0-1% annual improvement. "Despite government efforts, access to essential health and nutrition services remains far from universal," said Dr. Val Ulep, PIDS Senior Research Fellow. The study also revealed that only 23% of children benefited from school-based feeding programs in 2022, and no significant impact on energy intake was observed, even for children enrolled in supplementary feeding programs. EDCOM 2 Co-Chairperson, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, brought up the critical role of local government units (LGUs) in addressing the nutritional and educational needs of children. "LGUs play a very important role in this nutrition issue, both for early childhood and nutrition. We need to mobilize our LGUs to implement effective programs and use them as conduits to channel funds for successful execution," Gatchalian said. According to DILG Director Anna Liza Bonagua, the tenure of local health workers often changes alongside local chief executives, leading to inconsistent health service delivery. "The devolution of health services is unsustainable if we cannot ensure the continuity of our barangay health workers. Tenure of our local chief executives also help in continuing good health and nutrition programs," Director Bonagua stated. Challenges in the implementation of nutrition programs were also brought to light. Only 2% of nutritionally at-risk pregnant women and 10% of children aged 6 to 59 months are covered by existing services. Additionally, school-based feeding programs face issues related to procurement and the provision of quality food during summer breaks. One key concern raised was the lack of convergence across government initiatives. Despite the mandate under Republic Act 11148, which calls for a comprehensive strategy for the first 1,000 days of life, effective coordination between agencies such as the NNC, DOH, and the DBM remains a challenge. "We need to ensure that funding is allocated properly and that our programs are reaching the most vulnerable communities," said DOH Secretary Herbosa. "The challenge is how to make the nutrition programs as even as possible. This is where we need the help of the DILG. LGUs know better than us in terms of the local situation," said Gatchalian. He added that under the proposed ECCD law, the DILG will have a more significant role in mobilizing local governments, with ECCD and nutrition programs becoming part of the criteria for the Seal of Good Local Governance Award.
Norfolk Southern said Wednesday it has fired CEO Alan Shaw for having an inappropriate relationship with a subordinate.

His ouster comes after two difficult years in the top job and just days after the companys board announced it was investigating him for alleged ethical lapses.

The Atlanta-based railroad said Shaw had an inappropriate consensual relationship with Norfolk Southern's chief legal officer, who was also terminated. Norfolk Southern promoted Chief Financial Officer Mark George to be the railroad's next CEO.

Shaw was leading Norfolk Southern in February 2023 when one of its trains derailed, spilled toxic chemicals and caught fire in East Palestine, Ohio, the worst railroad disaster in the last decade. Then, activist investor Ancora Holdings tried to take control of the railroad earlier this year and fire Shaw.

He weathered congressional hearings and difficult community meetings after the East Palestine derailment, while promising to make Norfolk Southern the gold standard for safety in the industry. He also managed to persuade investors not to back the majority of Ancoras board nominees. Three of its nominees did win seats on the railroads board, but that wasnt enough to give it control.

The derailment near the Ohio-Pennsylvania border prompted the nation to re-examine railroad safety and led lawmakers and regulators to call for reforms. But those proposals have largely stalled, and the industry has made only minimal changes since the derailment, such as installing more trackside detectors to spot overheating bearings like the one that caused the East Palestine crash.

The disappointing financial results Norfolk Southern delivered after the derailment, combined with questions about Shaws strategy of keeping more workers on hand during a downturn, made the railroad ripe for pressure from an investor like Ancora. Norfolk Southern's profits have consistently lagged behind the other major railroads that more aggressively adopted the lean operating model that has become the industry standard.

The railroad said Shaws firing was unrelated to Norfolk Southerns financial performance, and the board reaffirmed its financial guidance. The railroad has said it expects to improve productivity by about $550 million and boost its profit margin over the next two years.

Shaw received $13.4 million compensation last year in his first full year as CEO. The railroad said earlier this year that Shaw would be entitled to nearly $9.6 million in retirement compensation if he left the company. It wasnt immediately clear how being fired for cause will affect the $2.3 million severance pay Norfolk Southern had previously promised him. More details on his final compensation are expected to be disclosed Thursday.

Story continues

The railroad's Chairman Claude Mongeau said, The Board has full confidence in Mark and his ability to continue delivering on our commitments to shareholders and other stakeholders despite having only worked on the railroad since 2019. Previously, George was CFO for air conditioning maker Carrier Corporation and Otis Elevator Company.

Mongeau said George will work with John Orr  the chief operating officer hired during its fight with Ancora  to continue improving the railroad's profits by cutting costs and getting more efficient.

I look forward to my continued partnership with John and the entire (Norfolk Southern) team as we further our progress on optimizing operations and serving our customers, while creating a safe and satisfying workplace and delivering enhanced value for our employees, customers, shareholders, and communities, George said in a statement.

Norfolk Southern is one of the six largest railroads in North America with tracks crisscrossing the Eastern United States.
A former information technology manager for the Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections Office facing trial on 2019 battery and child pornography charges has died, according to law-enforcement records.

Jeffrey Darter died Aug. 19 at a residence in The Acreage, an incident report provided by the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office showed. He was 66. The agency confirmed it is conducting a death investigation but did not disclose additional details, citing the active investigation. It redacted most of the report it provided.

An attempt to reach Darter's attorney, Michael Salnick, was unsuccessful. A spokesperson for the Palm Beach County State Attorney's Office referred questions to the sheriff's office.

Court records show Darter was scheduled to appear at a plea hearing on Aug. 21. Salnick instead notified the court of his death. Circuit Judge Cymonie Rowe has directed that a written order formally closing the case be prepared.

Fentanyl OD killed Boynton baby girl: Lantana-area woman pleads guilty to selling drugs to child's mother

South Florida Internet Crimes task force investigated child porn case

Darter worked for the elections office for 28 years. His tenure as its IT manager included the recount in the 2000 presidential election, where Palm Beach County proved decisive in George W. Bush's narrow victory over Al Gore both in Florida and the national Electoral College.

He faced 30 counts of child pornography and two counts of battery on a law-enforcement officer following his arrest in November 2019. Darter denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty.

Police officer dies: West Palm Beach officer Jeremy Boykins fell ill during emergency team tryout

At that time, investigators with the South Florida Internet Crimes Against Children task force alleged that he possessed more than 170 images of adults sexually assaulting children. Elections Supervisor Wendy Sartory Link fired him in 2019 after investigators alleged that he shoved two detectives while trying to prevent them from accessing his cellphone.

His case was set to go to trial in October 2023, but was delayed as Darter's attorneys challenged the legality of a sheriff's search warrant and sought to suppress evidence investigators had obtained.

Julius Whigham II is a criminal justice and public safety reporter for The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jwhigham@pbpost.com and follow him on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, at @JuliusWhigham. Help support our work: Subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Former county elections official dies while awaiting child-porn trial
Alberto Fujimori was in power from 1990 until 2000 [Reuters]

Peru's former President Alberto Fujimori, who was convicted of human rights abuses and corruption, has died aged 86.

Fujimori governed Peru between 1990 and 2000 before being forced from office amid allegations of corruption.

His tough stance against a left-wing guerrilla insurgency at a time when the rebels looked likely to seize power won him plaudits from many.

But his war on the insurgents also resulted in serious abuses - such as the killing of 25 people by government-backed death squads, for which he was given a lengthy jail sentence.

Supporters gathered to mourn Fujimori's death [EPA]

In a sign of the support he still enjoyed more than two decades after leaving office, teary Peruvians began gathering outside his house as soon as his four children had announced his death.

Some chanted "Alberto Fujimori, national hero".

Keiko, Hiro, Sachie and Kenji Fujimori had earlier posted a joint statement, which said: "After a long battle with cancer, our father, Alberto Fujimori, has just departed to meet the Lord."

Fujimori's doctor, Jose Carlos Gutierrez, confirmed the former president had been diagnosed with "tongue cancer" and had died "of complications from the illness... at around 18:00 [23:00 GMT]" on Wednesday.

While his loyal supporters praised Fujimori for saving Peru from the Sendero Luminoso (Shining Path) rebel group, thousands of victims caught up in the armed conflict have been denouncing him as an authoritarian figure and a brutal leader.

They recalled how death squads had killed rebels and those they suspected of backing them under his government.

The son of Japanese immigrants, was first elected president when the rebel insurgency was at its height.

His government eventually managed to defeat the brutal Maoist rebel group Shining Path, but at a very high human cost.

His authoritarian government's crackdown resulted in the deaths of an estimated 69,000 people.

His time in office was marked by many dramatic twists and turns.

He was lauded for ushering in one of the most economically stable periods in Peru with his radical austerity measures - dubbed "Fujishock" - credited with putting the economy back on track and neining in skyrocketing inflation.

In 1992, two years after taking office, Fujimori closed Congress, accusing lawmakers of preventing him from taking the measures the country needed, a move which was denounced as undemocratic and authoritarian.

One of the key moments of his presidency - which cemented Fujimori's reputation for talking and acting tough - was the 1996/97 hostage siege.

Marxist rebels belonging to the Tupac Amaru Revolutionary Movement (MRTA), stormed the Japanese ambassador's residence in Lima and took 72 people hostage.

After a four-month stand-off, Fujimori sent in commandos to take the building. When all 14 rebels were killed and nearly all the hostages were rescued in the operation, his decisiveness was widely praised.

But after a decade in office, allegations of corruption saw him flee the country.

He sought asylum in Japan before returning to Chile, where he was arrested and extradited to Peru.

He was convicted first of embezzlement and, while already in prison, of human rights violations that targeted mainly poor indigenous communities.

Last December, Fujimori was released from Lima's Barbadillo prison after Peru's constitutional court reinstated a presidential pardon issued six years previously.

Alberto Fujimori departed the Barbadillo prison in Lima with his daughter Keiko in December [Getty Images]

His daughter Keiko was one of his most vocal defenders throughout his life and is also his political heir.

She is the leader of Peru's conservative People's Force party and has tried to follow in her father's footstep by running for president three times.

In July, she had announced that she would back her father's candidacy for president in 2026 - a remark which caused surprise as he would have been 87 at the time.

Following his death, she is widely expected to be her party's presidential candidate.

She said her father would be buried on Saturday and added that his supporters would be offered the chance to file past his coffin at the National Museum in the capital, Lima, beforehand.

The Peruvian government has declared three days of national mourning.
Paul Anderson, the former chief constable, is under investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct [Humberside Police]

The former chief constable of Humberside Police has been formally served a "notice for misconduct", according to the police watchdog.

Paul Anderson announced plans to retire from his position in June and, a day later, an investigation into allegations of misconduct was launched.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has told the BBC its inquiries are "continuing to progress".

Jonathan Evison, Humberside police and crime commissioner (PCC), confirmed he was aware of the IOPC's progress but was "unable to comment further" while the investigation continued.

Mr Anderson is facing allegations concerning "standards of behaviour, largely related to communication and behaviour towards colleagues", said the IOPC.

A spokesperson said: "Having obtained and reviewed material in the process so far, we have served a notice for misconduct.

"This does not necessarily mean that misconduct proceedings will follow.

"We will continue to gather and review evidence as the investigation progresses."

In response to an approach from the BBC, Humberside Police said the IOPC reported to the PCC and the force was unable to comment because it had "no oversight" of the investigation.

Timeline

12 June: Details of potential misconduct relating to the chief constable are sent to the PCC.

19 June: Humberside Police offers media interviews with the chief constable to celebrate his first year in the job and plans for the future.

22 June: Media interviews with Mr Anderson are cancelled after he is "called away urgently".

24 June: The PCC refers the misconduct allegations to the IOPC.

25 June: Mr Anderson announces plans to retire.

25 June: The IOPC confirms to Mr Evison that an independent investigation into the allegations against Mr Anderson is under way.

26 June: Mr Evison releases a public statement confirming the allegations and the investigation.

26 June: Humberside Police releases a statement saying it will "co-operate fully with the investigation".

1 July: Judi Heaton comes out of retirement and is appointed chief constable for a six-month period.

5 July: The PCC advertises for a new chief constable with a salary of 171,000.

27 August: The PCC confirms it has received no applications for the position and announces plans to readvertise the role.

A recruitment process to appoint a new chief constable was launched in July but failed attract a single application despite the role coming with an annual salary of 171,000.

The job is due to be readvertised in October, according to the PCC.

Judi Heaton, a former assistant chief constable at Police Scotland, has come out of retirement to take charge at Humberside Police for a six-month interim period.

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BECKLEY, WV (WVNS)  Tom Truman, who retired in 2022 from the Raleigh County Prosecutings Attorney as an assistant prosecutor, took the oath of office in Raleigh County Circuit court and returned as an assistant prosecuting attorney on Wednesday, September 11, 2024.

The Raleigh County Commission hired Truman during a special meeting on Wednesday, in order for Truman to oversee the prosecution of former Daniels pharmacist Natalie Cochran in her ongoing case.

Cochran is charged with first-degree murder in the February 2019 death of her husband, Michael Cochran.

The case has sparked national interest, with Dateline, CourtTV, 20/20 and the Lifetime series Snapped! reportedly expressing interest to local media outlets.

His experience is second to none. Hes been over there for 30-some years, Raleigh County Commission President Greg Duckworth said of Truman. He knows the system, knows the cases. It was a no brainer to get him in there to help through this transition.

UPDATED: Natalie Cochran granted continuance in Raleigh County murder trial

Truman said he worked on Cochrans case in 2022, prior to his retirement, and that he was convinced of Cochrans guilt.

Absolutely, said Truman. I was at the time. By the time I mean 2022, when I left there. But what I think doesnt count. Its what I can prove.

Raleigh County Prosecuting Attorney Ben Hatfield, who was on administrative leave pending an investigation into workplace allegations in his office, alleged Cochran was operating a Ponzi scheme through two businesses the couple owned.

Hatfield said Michael Cochrans mother and stepfather invested their life savings, and that Michael Cochran had started questioning Cochran about investors returns, allegedly prompting the pharmacist to use a lethal dose of insulin to kill him.

Cochran reportedly placed her husband at Bowers Hospice House in the days before he died.

Natalie Cochran arraignment for alleged 2019 murder delayed to Jan. 29

Truman said on Wednesday that that decision likely led the West Virginia Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to find no suspicious reason for Michael Cochrans death.

Thats what they go to Hospice to do, is die in comfort, and so there was no suspicion that would arouse a Medical Examiners involvement, said Truman. That, unfortunately is one of the many things that led to some issues the state will have to overcome at trial.

Truman told 59News that before Hatfield was placed on administrative leave, he hired a medical expert to test Michael Cochrans exhumed remains and that the results from the testing are beneficial to the states case.

Cochran, who pleaded guilty in federal court in 2022 to fraud charges and is currently serving an 11-year sentence in federal prison, has denied that she murdered her husband.

Natalie Cochran murder trial delayed until May 2023

During her sentencing hearing on the fraud charges, which stem from the Ponzi scheme, Cochran said her husband had struggled with substance use disorder and was sometimes aggressive.

Prosecutors said there was no evidence Michael Cochran was complicit in the Ponzi scheme.

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South Korean police have arrested two former Samsung executives suspected of leaking Samsung secrets worth $3.2 billion to China. The authorities reported that one of the arrested suspects, 66-year-old Mr. Choi, set up a joint venture building chips in China alongside some local officials and served as its CEO (via Bloomberg). He was allegedly assisted by a plant designer, Mr. Oh, in this venture, while he also attempted to recruit other South Korean experts to work for him.

However, Chois arrest comes after being suspected of leaking Samsung memory technologies to build 20nm DRAM chips at the Chinese factory, Chengdu Gaozhen. Samsung is one of the leading memory manufacturers, working with other major companies like Nvidia to produce VRAM while offering its own storage and memory solutions. The police said Chois move weakened the nations competitiveness when the countries are in a global chip war. With the capture of the companys head, the authorities claim that this will stop the operation of the Chinese venture. However, investigators are still looking into the case to determine if other cases of industrial espionage will spring up from this case.

This isnt the first time an employee of a South Korean tech company has been arrested for stealing trade secrets. Just last May, a former SK hynix employee was arrested at a South Korean airport for printing 3,000 pages of semiconductor process data. She was suspected of carrying these printed documents in bags for Huawei, although she has vehemently denied all the allegations.

Furthermore, Taiwan has accused China multiple times of intellectual property theft and poaching engineers to further its own chip development goals. While Beijing has remained mum on this issue, the country needs to develop its homegrown semiconductor technology, primarily as it relies on the West for almost 99% of its critical chipmaking tools. That means Washingtons sanctions and bans on the country have gravely set back its technological ambitions.

Nevertheless, China is still keen on building its domestic chip industry, especially as it owns many rare earth mines required for advanced silicon. And as the U.S. and its allies are currently locked in a chip war with the East Asian country, Chinese officials might secretly be condoning these actions. After all, alls fair in love and (chip) war.
TOPEKA (KSNT)  A Fort Riley man accused of causing a crash that killed a Kansas police officer earlier this year has been arrested for his alleged role in the crime.

According to a release from the Geary County Sheriffs Office, deputies arrested Gage Kaiser, 19, of Fort Riley, on Sept. 10 on a warrant out of Sedgwick County. Hes charged with involuntary manslaughter; while under the influence of alcohol or drugs and two counts of aggravated battery; DUI.

Court records show Kaiser is accused of killing Scott Hollingsworth, 26, of Peck, on March 16. Hollingsworth was a patrol officer with the Clearwater Police Department.

In a social media post, Clearwater police said Hollingsworth died after his vehicle was struck by another driver while was driving home from a shift.

Hollingsworth had just celebrated one year with the Clearwater Police Department. He left behind a wife and young daughter.

For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

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FORT SILL (KFDX/KJTL)  It was a powerful sight at Fort Sill Military Base Wednesday morning as hundreds gathered to mark the 23rd anniversary of 9/11.

The day started with speeches recounting the timeline of events that day, followed by a moment of silence at exactly 8:46 AM Eastern time, the exact moment the first plane hit the World Trade Center.

Hundreds who had gathered at Fort Sill stood united as they reflected on the lives lost and the bravery shown that day. Following the ceremony, attendees took part in a run of remembrance around the military base.

Fort Sill firefighter Brandon Wells said this event is more than just a tribute, its a way to show support for first responders and everyone who does their part to protect the nation.

Burkburnett police hold 4th annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Bulldog Stadium

Im honored that everyones come out here today to show their support and camaraderie and show that they care, and they dont want to forget what happened that day, he said. I became a first responder to help people. And any opportunity I can do that, Ill try to do that. And being out here may be one of those opportunities.

While 9/11 may be behind us, the spirit of resilience and unity continues to live on through events like this.

The Fort Sill 9/11 remembrance ceremony and run is a reminder that even in the face of tragedy, the nations spirit remains unbroken.

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Foundation pays off mortgage of officer killed in the line of duty in honor of 9/11

TARPON SPRINGS, Fla. (WFLA)  The Tunnel to Towers Foundation paid off the mortgage of murdered Tarpon Springs Officer in observance of the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

Charles Kondek Jr. was killed in the line of duty on Dec. 21, 2014, according to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

Kondek Jr. followed in his fathers footsteps, who was an NYPD Detective, by joining the NYPD in 1991. He served in New York City for six years, then transferring to Tarpon Springs.

According to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, Kondek Jr. responded to a noise complaint for loud music from a parked car, when approaching the vehicle, a career fugitive with an active warrant and stolen gun ran towards him firing seven times before running him over and fleeing the scene.

Photo Courtesy: Tunnel to Towers Foundation

Photo Courtesy: Tunnel to Towers Foundation



Kondek Jr. is survived by his wife Teresa and five children, Charles M., Holly, Andrew, Brandon, and Aleena.

Five years after Kondek Jr. was killed, Andrew graduated from the Law Enforcement Academy, and is now serving as a Tampa Airport Police Officer.

Age progression photo may help identify Clearwater boy gone missing 24 years ago

Knowing the forever home that my husband and I built, and the history here, is now debit-free, words cant describe our gratefulness. How can you thank someone enough for that, Teresa Kondek said.

Teresa is an advocate for law enforcement and assists widows and children left behind, according to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

Officer Kondek served the city of New York and then gave his life to protect the community of Tarpon Springs, Florida. On the 23rd anniversary of the terror attack on America, we are honored to pay off the mortgage on the homes of our heroes like Officer Kondeck, said Tunnel to Towers Chairman and CEO, Frank Siller.

The Tunnel to Towers First Responder Home Program pays off mortgages of law enforcement and firefighters who are killed in the line of duty, pass away from 9/11- related illness, and leave behind young children.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
Four Greenville Co. students charged with threats: school district

GREENVILLE COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA)  Greenville County Schools announced Thursday that four students were charged for making threats against schools in the district earlier this week.

District officials said the students are also being recommended for expulsion.

Upstate school districts, law enforcement speak on school threats

According to the district, the threats were made against four different schools.

Blue Ridge Middle School

One 13-year-old student was arrested in a case that is unrelated to an earlier threat.

The Greenville County Sheriffs Office said investigators found a text thread where the 13-year-old suspect made statements about bringing a gun to Blue Ridge Middle School. Officials identified the student and pulled the teen from school.

Deputies found no gun or weapon on the student.

The sheriffs office did not specify what the student was charged with.

Woodmont Middle School

The second arrest involved a student at Woodmont Middle School, through the district did not share what led to the charge against the student.

Greer Middle School

The third arrest involved a 13-year-old student at Greer Middle School.

On Monday, the Greer Police Department said a middle schooler was charged September 6, in relation to verbal threats of a shooting in the school.

Reports state a school resource officer was made aware of the threats made during a class on September 5.

Administration immediately began investigating and removed the student from the school. The school expressed plans to discipline the student in accordance to the districts behavior code.

Riverside High School

The fourth and final arrest concerns a 16-year-old student at Riverside High School. District officials specified that the threat is unrelated to a BB gun attack that occurred Tuesday night.

Superintendent Dr. Royster, Sheriff Hobart Lewis and multiple police departments emphasized the seriousness of threats made against schools.

[Threats] whether intended as a joke or not, are a crime in South Carolina and can result in serious legal consequences for students or adults, the district said.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
Four Milwaukee organizations receive donations from RNC Host Committee, more donations possible

RNC Host Committee Chief Operating Officer Alison Prange announces grants to four organizations on Thursday at Fisher House Wisconsin.

The Republican National Convention is over, but its Host Committee may just be getting started dolling out funds that went unspent from the massive event.

On Thursday, Host Committee Chief Operating Officer Alison Prange announced $40,000 in grants to four Milwaukee-area organizations with the potential for more to come down the road once the committee has completed its accounting.

"They are the first groups to receive charitable contributions following the convention," Prange said during a press conference at Fisher House Wisconsin, one of the organizations to each receive $10,000. Fisher House provides free lodging to families of veterans receiving care at the Milwaukee VA Medical Center.

She said she hoped the Host Committee, the non-political arm of the convention tasked with raising money to stage the event in Milwaukee, would be able to contribute more but declined to give a sense at this point for how much might ultimately be given away.

Prange estimated the Host Committee raised more than $85 million. The funding paid for the build-out of Fiserv Forum into a TV-ready space, transportation for delegates, rental of the three convention venues and the welcome party for 15,000 people the night before the convention kicked off, she said previously.

The RNC was held July 15-18 at Fiserv Forum, UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena and the Baird Center.

The Host Committee also plans to give away furniture and other things like copy machines and refrigerators that were purchased for the convention, Prange said.

The organizations to receive the grants are:

Fisher House Wisconsin

Kingdom Prep Lutheran High School

Notre Dame School of Milwaukee

Veterans Community Project

Alison Dirr can be reached at adirr@jrn.com.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee organizations receive donations from RNC Host Committee
Annabelle Chih / Bloomberg / Getty Images Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang at COMPUTEX 2024, an industry trade show, in Taipei, Taiwan, on June 2, 2024





Key Takeaways

Nvidia shares surged Wednesday after CEO Jensen Huang said the chipmaker is seeing "incredible" demand.

Everything is sold out, Huang said, as customers clamor for Nvidias products to support artificial intelligence.



The CEO also touted the return on Nvidia products for customers, saying every dollar a cloud company might spend on Nvidia infrastructure translates to $5 in rentals for the company.







Nvidia Corporation (NVDA) shares surged 8% Wednesday after CEO Jensen Huang said the chipmaker is seeing "incredible" demand.

Huang said at Goldman Sachs' Communacopia + Technology Conference that everything is sold out, as customers clamor for Nvidia infrastructure to support artificial intelligence (AI).

Our company works with every AI company in the world today, Huang said, according to a transcript provided by AlphaSense. "Everybody's counting on us."

Nvidia's chips are used by several major cloud providers, including Microsoft (MSFT) and Amazon (AMZN). Both companies have told investors they expect to boost spending on AI infrastructure.

Huang touted the return on Nvidia's products for customers as well, saying every dollar a cloud company might spend on Nvidia infrastructure translates to $5 in rentals for the company.



Nvidia GPS on Display at Oracle CloudWorld

Nvidia GPUs were also on display at Oracles (ORCL) CloudWorld conference Wednesday. The company unveiled an Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) Supercluster supported by Nvidia's Blackwell platform equipped with more than 100,000 GPUs to train and deploy AI models. The OCI Superclusters are expected to be available in the first half of 2025.

Oracle and Nvidia partnered at the conference to showcase how Nvidias platform can accelerate AI and data processing for enterprise customers.



Shares of Nvidia closed 8% higher at $116.91 Wednesday, partially reversing recent losses following a sales forecast that came up short of lofty expectations.

Read the original article on Investopedia.
Four States residents come together to honor lives lost on 9/11 and thank local first responders

CARL JUNCTION, Mo.  Students in the Four States took time Wednesday morning to honor those who lost their lives on 9/11.

This was the scene in Carl Junction Wednesday morning. Cadets from the Carl Junction Junior Air Force ROTC program hosted a remembrance ceremony. Students and teachers attended the gathering around the flagpole. The CJ Dynamics choir sang several songs and the band played the national anthem. Even though the students werent alive when the terrorist attacks happened, they felt it was important to take time today to mark the occasion.

It was a part of history and our ancestors and even most of our parents were affected by it, and it was really big, it was something that should not be forgotten about, said Commander Capt Katherine Mash.

I feel like its important to remember those who sacrificed their lives to protect our country and for the families and communities that have been impacted by what happened this day, said Gabe Sitton.

This is the second year the JROTC has hosted the 9/11 ceremony at Carl Junction High School.

WEBB CITY, Mo.  First responders throughout Jasper County didnt have to worry about going out for lunch Wednesday, it came to them.

Members of the Webb City and Carl Junction Rotary Club started grilling their famous smash burgers around ten a.m. The goal was to feed each and every one of the 221 responders throughout Jasper County. One of the biggest deliveries went to the police department in Joplin.

Peoples schedules are busy and a lot of the folks that are volunteering today have other jobs and other responsibilities so for them to take some time out of their busy week to serve us, it really means a lot to us, said Brian Lewis, Assistant Chief, Joplin Police Department.

We do it on 9/11, weve had a ceremony every year, we just want to take the time to thank our first responders, we all remember what 9/11 was and you never want to forget, said Jonathan Dawson, Webb City/Carl Junction Rotary Club.

Area school kids also played a role in the event, decorating each bag as a way to say thank you for all that first responders do for their community.

PITTSBURG, Kan.  A tradition continues at Pittsburg State University honoring what happened 23 years ago Wednesday.

ROTC cadets paid special tribute on this Patriot Day, doing a push-up for each name read aloudeach a victim of the 9/11 attacks in 2001. A cannon was fired four times at 8:46 signifying when Flight 11 crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center, 9:03 when Flight 175 crashed into the South Tower, 9:59 when the South Tower collapsed, and 10:28 when the North Tower collapsed.

An effort the Pitt State community is proud of because many of the participants werent even alive yet when the attacks happened.

Proud of our effort to remember and of the importance that we place on this day, and recognizing the sacrifices across our country to stand up for what is right and good and to try to be beacons of light for the rest of the country, said Susan Bon, PSU Provost & Executive VP,

First responders also joined the ROTC members for the tribute.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com.
Black rights activist Omali Yeshitela, seen at a White House protest in November 2009, was convicted of conspiring to act as an unregistered Russian agent (Nicholas KAMM) (Nicholas KAMM/AFP/AFP)

Four Black rights activists were convicted on Thursday of federal charges of conspiring to act as unregistered Russian agents, the Justice Department said.

Omali Yeshitela, 82, Penny Hess, 78, Jesse Nevel, 34, and Augustus Romain Jr., 38, face maximum sentences of five years in prison, the department said in a statement. A date has not yet been set for sentencing.

A jury in Tampa, Florida found them not guilty of the more serious charge of acting as agents of a foreign government.

Yeshitela is the founder of the African People's Socialist Party (APSP) and Uhuru Movement. Hess and Nevel are white allies of the groups. Romain is the leader of a Georgia-based spinoff known as Black Hammer.

According to prosecutors, the four carried out a number of actions in the United States between 2015 and 2022 on behalf of the Russian government and received money and support from Aleksandr Ionov, president of the Moscow-based group Anti-Globalization Movement of Russia.

Ionov used the APSP, Uhuru Movement and Black Hammer to promote Russian views on politics, the Ukraine war and other issues, they said.

"Ionov's influence efforts were directed and supervised" by Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB), the country's intelligence agency, the Justice Department said.

Ionov and two alleged FSB agents -- Aleksey Borisovich Sukhodolov and Yegor Sergeyevich Popov -- have also been indicted in the United States in connection with the case but are not under arrest.

The Justice Department said the Americans all knew Ionov worked for the Russian government.

Among the actions cited by prosecutors was the drafting by APSP in 2015 of a petition to the United Nations accusing the United States of committing genocide against African people.

Ionov also allegedly sought to influence the 2017 mayoral election in St Petersburg, Florida, in which Nevel unsuccessfully ran for office.

Leonard Goodman, an attorney for Hess, told the Tampa Bay Times that the four were prosecuted to censor their pro-Russian views.

"This case has always been about free speech," Goodman said.

cl/mlm
Fox News Power Rankings: Trump loses his edge as we brace again for post-debate impact

Former President Trump has lost his edge in Georgia and North Carolina in the latest Fox News Power Rankings , giving Vice President Kamala Harris a lead in the overall forecast for the first time.

However, with six toss-up states on the map worth a combined 78 electoral votes, this election is still anyones game.

Debate watchers declared Harris the winner of Tuesdays presidential debate. In a flash poll conducted by CNN in the hours after the showdown, 63% of watchers said they thought Harris had a better performance, and 37% said Trump did.

Fox News Power Rankings presidential forecast.

FOX NEWS POWER RANKINGS ISSUES TRACKER: TRUMP LEADS ON TWO TOP ISSUES, BUT HARRIS IS GAINING GROUND

Trump made headlines for unfounded claims about migrants eating pets and a rebuttal about the size of his rallies, leaving Harris, who stayed on topic and made appeals to moderates, largely out of the conversation after the debate.

When Trump was able to communicate effectively, he told voters that the nation was in decline because of the cost of living and illegal immigration. Issues polling continues to show that it is a strong message.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

As with any major event, it will take a few weeks to assess the debates impact on the horse race.

Polling shifts after previous debates.

Polling shifts after previous debates in the Trump era have been modest. For example, President Bidens abysmal performance in June cost him his candidacy but only two points in an average of high quality polls taken in the two weeks after the debate.

In 2020, political observers called Trump the clear loser of the first debate after he aggressively interrupted his opponent and the moderator, but he only lost a point in post-debate polls.

Biden saw no change at all in his level of support after the more evenly matched second debate.

However, a point or two means a lot in races that could be decided by only a few thousand votes, so do not confuse "modest" for "inconsequential."

The national race is still tight as a tick, and Trumps support is steady despite this unprecedented news cycle.

Former President Trump is polling steadily in an unprecedented news cycle.

Over the last 12 months of the Fox News Poll , between 48%-50% of registered voters have said they supported Trump.

Criminal indictments, a conviction, the primaries, a last-minute change in opponents and an assassination attempt did nothing to move the former president out of that three-point range.

Former President Trump has not moved out of a three-point range.

In other words, while Trump has not gained any support over the last year, he has not lost any support either. He remains very competitive in this race.

The Democrats numbers have improved. While Biden polled as low as 45% earlier this year, Harris is now only one point behind Trump at 49% in the latest Fox national survey .

Voters are evenly divided.

A series of recent polls from The New York Times/Siena , Marist , Pew and The Wall Street Journal show a similarly even race.

Harris gains extend to the battleground states, where two races are moving in her direction.

Last election, Bidens closest win was in Georgia, which he flipped on a 0.2-point margin, and Trumps closest win was in North Carolina, which he kept by 1.3 points.

With Harris as the nominee, both states are just as competitive today.

FOX NEWS POLL: HARRIS CLOSES GAP WITH TRUMP IN SUN BELT STATES

Recent polls in Georgia.

In Georgia, Trump is ahead by three points in a Quinnipiac poll among likely voters released last week (49%-46%) and leads by seven points in Sienas registered voter survey from early August (51%-44%). However, Harris edges Trump by one point in CNNs recent likely voter poll (48%-47%) and is ahead by two in Foxs August survey (50%-48%).

Democrats always perform well in the Atlanta metropolitan area, which contains highly populated counties like Fulton and DeKalb and makes up more than 60% of the states residents. Republicans run up the margins in the rural areas, and Trump has consistently brought them out to vote. Harris kicked off a bus tour in the southeastern city of Savannah last month as she attempts to chip away at the margins there.

In nearby North Carolina, Harris has three points over Trump in Quinnipiacs likely voter poll last week (50%-47%) and had the same margin in Sienas registered voter poll from early August (49%-46%). Trump is up by one point in Foxs August survey (50%-49%).

North Carolina has become more competitive as its population has grown. Over the last full decade, North Carolina added roughly 1.1 million people, many of them in suburban counties like Mecklenburg and Wake. The pandemic brought more wealthy, urban Americans from surrounding states, another sign that Republican victories may not be a sure thing anymore.

Georgia and North Carolina moved from Lean R to Toss Up.

Fox News Power Rankings battlegrounds.

Harris continues to have an edge in Michigan in this forecast. Biden won the state by just under three points in 2020, and voters have delivered the Democrats important victories since that race. The GOP also has a weaker ground game there than in other must-win states.

Harris leads this forecast with 241 electoral votes. Since Georgia and North Carolina have moved out of Trumps column and are now toss-ups, he has 219 electoral votes.

That leaves 78 toss-up votes up for grabs across six battleground states: Arizona, Georgia, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

States that poll close in an election tend to be won and lost together. Trump won seven of the eight battlegrounds in 2016 (the states listed above plus Michigan and Nebraskas second district), and Biden flipped six of the same eight in 2020.

Battlegrounds have been won and lost together.

Ballot measures that propose abortion rights guarantees in Arizona and Nevada could make those states outliers in a very close election. Those measures had support from three-quarters of voters in recent Fox News surveys .

However, the forecast shows that either candidate needs to win the bulk of the toss-up states to get to victory at 270 electoral votes.

If Harris has a good night by winning the six toss-ups, she reaches 319 electoral votes. Without them, she loses. Conversely, a good night for Trump would see him take home 297 electoral votes, and without the same states, he loses.

How a good night for Vice President Kamala Harris or former President Trump could shake out in the electoral college.

Harris is closer to the finish line than Trump, but the large number of states where neither candidate has an advantage means this race is still very competitive.

Election night will be here before you know it. With Labor Day behind us and early voting scheduled to start in the coming days, we are in the final sprint of this once-in-a-lifetime cycle.

Vice presidential hopefuls Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, will participate in a debate hosted by CBS News on Oct. 1 in New York City.

Fox News Media has proposed a second Harris-Trump debate to be moderated by Martha MacCallum and Bret Baier in October.





Original article source: Fox News Power Rankings: Trump loses his edge as we brace again for post-debate impact
Sean Hannity's opening monologue on Fox News suddenly went dark just as he was getting into the swing of an anti-immigrant rant.

Hosting his show on Wednesday night, Hannity took aim at Vice President Kamala Harris falsely claiming that she had allowed over 11 million illegal immigrants to enter the US.

I pray to God I'm wrong, he said, while touting unfounded claims that migrants with known terror ties from Iran, Syria, Egypt, Afghanistan, China, Russia, and Venezuela, are "scheming future terror attacks on our homeland.

Claiming Harris and President Joe Biden will have blood on their hands, the conservative host began playing a montage of Harris speaking at campaign events.

The illegals that Kamala wants to decriminalize, provide free housing, healthcare, eduction, now tax payer-funded   Hannity said, before he was cut off and his feed turned black.

Viewers were left with just clips of the Democratic presidential nominee smiling as she addressed rally crowds.

Fox News host Sean Hannity was in the middle of an anti-immigrant rant (Fox News)

After two minutes of commercials, Hannity suddenly reappeared on screen, saying something knocked us off the air.

He then said that the technical issue must have been caused by a left-wing radical, liberal conspiracy  before quickly clarifying for the idiots in the media that will print that tomorrow, that he was only joking.

Hannitys anti-immigrant rhetoric echoes that made by many Republicans and right-wing figures, who have made a concerted effort to blame the Biden administration, and specifically Harris  who they branded the border czar  for the rise in immigration at the USs southern border.

The unauthorized immigrant population in the US rose from 10.5 million to 11 million in 2022, according to the most recent data from the Pew Research Center.

A technical glitch plunged Hannity into darkness (Fox News)

While the Biden administration has come under fire for the rise in immigration, it was Republicans  at Trumps bidding  who blocked a bipartisan border bill which would have clamped down on the number of migrants able to claim asylum at the US-Mexico border back in May  with 42 Senate GOP members voting against it.

Harris has promised to revive the border bill if elected in November as immigration shapes up to be one of the biggest issues this election cycle.
DESOTO COUNTY, Miss.  First responders with DeSoto County Emergency Services were double-checking equipment Wednesday, with remnants of Hurricane Francine expected to come knocking Thursday morning.

Right now, with that storm coming through, wind, gusty-type wind and heavy rains in a short period of time is the biggest concern, said Chris Olson, Director of DeSoto County Emergency Services.

The storm is forecasted to follow a path from the Gulf Coast straight up Interstate 55 toward Desoto County and Memphis, weakening some as it makes its way north, but still a cause for concern.

Hurricane Francine aftermath expected in the Mid-South

It will take a slight bend to the west but by that time, it will have weakened a good amount, so we dont expect near the amount of challenges in north Mississippi and Desoto County as we do in south Mississippi, said Haley Fisackerly, president and CEO of Entergy Mississippi.

Olson stressed caution during most of Thursday.

You have the possibility of downed trees which cause power lines to come down too, so you want to be careful with the energized power lines cause any line down could be very dangerous, Olson said.

Now might be a good time to lower the umbrella on your patio and store some of your patio furniture so its not close to the windows of your house. All of these items could become very dangerous flying objects.

Check the latest forecasts from WREG Weather

Desoto County is part of the Mississippi Task Force Team and has already deployed two boats with Swift Water Teams to Hancock County.

Flash flooding is still a very real concern for some low-lying areas of DeSoto County.

With highest winds expected east of I 55, the time to prepare is now.

You want to make sure you have a couple of days worth of food and and water and medicines and have a way to be able to pay attention to what the weathers doing, Olson said.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
Francine hits the Mid-South: Keep track of power outages, weather in the Memphis area

Francine made landfall along the Louisiana coast as a Category 2 hurricane on Wednesday, and the remnants of the storm have moved north, battering the Mid-South with heavy rain and high winds.

The National Weather Service said the remnants of Francine will remain over the Mid-South into early next week. The Mid-South can expect scattered showers and possible thunderstorms in the afternoon or evening Friday. Memphis is not longer under a flood watch, but parts of West Tennessee are.

"Urban areas will be at particular risk of flooding from Tropical Depression Francine," according to the National Weather Service Memphis office.

More: What fans need to know about Southern Heritage Classic, including Hurricane Francine impact

Memphis weather forecast: Heavy rain to continue through Saturday

Friday has an 80% chance of precipitation during the day. There is a 50% chance of rain Friday evening. Friday will have a high of 71 degrees and a low of 66 degrees.

Saturday will continue in a similar fashion with a 70% chance of rain during the day and a 30% chance of rain in the evening. The high will be 77 degrees and the low will be 68 degrees.

Sunday will see an 80% chance of rain during the day and a 40% chance during the evening. The high will be 78 degrees and the low will be 67 degrees.

Are schools closed in Memphis, Shelby County because of the storm?

Collierville Schools and Memphis-Shelby County Schools dismissed students early on Thursday, but all schools in the Memphis area plan to operate as normal on Friday.

Memphis area school closings: See which districts are dismissing early due to Francine

Related: Hurricane Francine spurs flood watch in parts of Mid-South Thursday. Will it impact Memphis?

More: How will Francine impact Memphis? Here's how much rain to expect, path of the storm

Memphis power outages

As of 8:45 a.m., there were 248 separate outage events impacting 9,203 customers in various parts of Shelby County, according to the Memphis Light, Gas and Water outage map.

Where is Francine right now?

Keep track of the storm as it moves through the Mid-South.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Francine in Memphis: Power outages, school closure updates amid storm
A dispute over whether Francis Ford Coppola exhibited unprofessional behavior on the Megalopolis set is intensifying, with multiple parties filing criss-crossing lawsuits.

On Wednesday, Coppola sued Variety for defamation. He denied claims that there werent any of the traditional checks and balances in place to protect against sexual harassment and accused the publication of falsifying the statements. This followed one of the extras on Monday filing a lawsuit detailing claims of sexual harassment against the director.

More from The Hollywood Reporter

The lawsuits were filed with Megalopolis set to be released in roughly two weeks.

In a statement, Variety, whose parent company also owns The Hollywood Reporter, said, While we will not comment on active litigation, we stand by our reporters.

Variety reported in July that Coppola appeared to act with impunity on set following a prior story from The Guardian that claimed he tried to kiss some of the topless and scantily clad female extras. It reported, citing two sources, that his behavior was unprofessional and that the director kept leaping up to hug and kiss several women, often inadvertently inserting himself into the shot and ruining it. Coppola subsequently demanded a correction and retraction from Variety, which declined to do so, according to the complaint.

In the lawsuit, Coppola said that a video attached to the article purportedly showing him trying to kiss some of the extras did not actually do so. He also denied claims that the production didnt have a human resources department to deal with claims of sexual harassment.

Additionally, the director challenged allegations that he ruined scenes by inserting himself into certain shots.

The true facts are that there were four cameras shooting during the above-referenced scene and three of the cameras were mobile, with the crew often changing positions, the complaint states. Therefore, due to the multiple camera angles, at different times, members of the crew and Coppola were in some of the shots. That was anticipated and unavoidable. That is one reason why shots are edited.

For the production, cast and crewmembers signed a nondisclosure agreement, which the complaint states was meant to assure discretion and confidentiality and avoid outside interference or involvement. Coppola, who seeks at least $15 million, argued that Variety shouldve known its sources were unreliable because they signed a nondisclosure agreement, which they breached.

Coppolas denial of reports of unprofessional behavior runs up against a lawsuit filed by Lauren Pagone, an extra during the disputed nightclub scenes, in Georgia state court.

In her complaint, Pagone alleged that Coppola kissed and touched her without consent despite being told that there would be no sexual content in the shots. She said an intimacy coordinator wasnt provided for the scene with whom she could discuss her concerns. The lawsuit brought claims for battery, assault and negligent failure to prevent sexual harassment, among others.

In June, Lionsgate revealed that itd bring Coppolas $120 million passion project to U.S. theaters. It didnt pay for marketing, with the director footing the bill.

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FRANKLIN COUNTY, FL. (WMBB)  In Franklin County, sheriffs officials sponsored a community 9-11 event to honor the terrorists victims.

The event began at 8:15 a.m. Eastern time at the sheriffs headquarters in East Point.

Sheriff A.J Smith talked about the first responders who died trying to save those trapped in the World Trade Centers Twin Towers.

The event also honored the thousands of military personnel for their sacrifices during the war against terrorism that followed.

Participants lowered the American flag to half-staff and observed a moment.

Sheriff Smith says hes humbled by the bravery of the victims and all those who serve, and says Franklin County will never forget.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com.
The Jacksonville Sheriffs Office needs your help solving a credit card fraud case.

Investigators said the man in the photo walked into a business on the 7100 block of Wilson Boulevard and used a credit card that wasnt his.

After that, they said he changed clothes and went to another business to make more fraudulent purchases.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

Read: Shooting investigation in Jacksonville Beach

If you recognize the man, call JSO at 904-630-0500 or email JSOCrimeTips@jaxsheriff.org.

To remain anonymous, call First Coast Crime Stoppers at 866-845-TIPS or text **8477.

Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card



The Jacksonville Sheriffs Office continues to investigate the Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card that occurred recently in the 7100 block of Wilson Boulevard.



The pictured suspect is seen on video surveillance entering a business and using the pic.twitter.com/G27QfBHwVj  Jax Sheriff's Office (@JSOPIO) September 11, 2024

Read: CAUGHT ON CAMERA: Carpet-cleaning employee seen dumping dirty water down local public sanitary sewer

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It has been around six weeks since leading Kremlin critic Vladimir Kara-Murza swapped his prison long-johns and rubber flip flops for sharp suits, but he says he is still adjusting to reality (JOEL SAGET) (JOEL SAGET/AFP/AFP)

It has been around six weeks since Vladimir Kara-Murza swapped his prison long-johns and rubber flip flops for sharp suits, but the major opponent of the Kremlin says he is still adjusting to reality.

Kara-Murza was on August 1 released in the largest East-West prisoner swap since the Cold War, along with 15 other Russian dissidents and foreign nationals. He had been serving a 25-year sentence on treason and other charges after denouncing Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

"Well, you know, something like this doesn't go without consequences," Kara-Murza told Agence France-Presse in an interview this week, carefully choosing his words.

"It is, of course, going to be a process to transition back into normal life, to transition back into normal work."

Kara-Murza was twice nearly killed by poisoning for his activism even before being jailed and lost 25 kilograms (55 pounds) during his imprisonment. He looked gaunt and malnourished when he was released and flown to Germany as part of the swap.

Since his release, he has met with US leader Joe Biden, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron, but Kara-Murza says everything still feels "completely surreal."

During a meeting with AFP in Paris, Kara-Murza, who just celebrated his 43rd birthday, looked thin but healthy.

"Up until a few weeks ago I was absolutely certain that I was going to die in that Siberian prison, and everything that's happened with this exchange feels like a miracle, and it is a miracle."

But the ordeal has marked him forever.

- Solitary confinement -

He spent more than two years in Russian prisons including the Omsk maximum security penal colony IK-6.

"I was in solitary confinement for 11 months straight, without stop, without pause," he said.

He would wake up, attach his bunk to the wall at 5:00 am, and spend his days walking in a circle in a tiny, two-by-three-metre cell with a small, barred window under the ceiling or trying to sit at a small stool sticking out of the wall.

He was allowed to read and write for 90 minutes a day. There was nothing else to do, no one to speak to, nowhere to go.

"This is how you live day after day, week after week, month after month."

Kara-Murza said he understood from experience why solitary confinement lasting for more than 15 days is considered a form of torture according to international law.

"It is not very easy for a human being to, well, let me put it bluntly, to just stay sane in those circumstances," he said.

One day he heard the name of jailed opposition leader Alexei Navalny on the radio. It was a Friday evening, and the brief announcement said that Vladimir Putin's top enemy had suddenly died in his remote Arctic prison.

The news was so horrible and Kara-Murza's conditions so miserable, he began to think he had "sort of imagined it."

He was in solitary confinement and spent the weekend in "a total vacuum", with no visits from lawyers and no letters from supporters.

"I don't think I have the words to describe the feeling," he said.

"After months and months in solitary confinement, your mind starts playing tricks on you."

- History and faith -

Kara-Murza was deprived of regular contact with his family and other prisoners and was not allowed to go to church. But faith in God, knowledge of history and moral convictions sustained him.

"I know that everything in the end will be decided by Him," he said.

The 43-year-old, a joint Russian-UK national who studied at Cambridge, also sought solace in history.

"Nothing is new, and we have seen all of this in Russia before," he said.

He thought about Soviet dissidents who resisted the authorities before him, including Vladimir Bukovsky, who was exchanged for Chilean Communist leader Luis Corvalan in 1976.

Many years ago Kara-Murza, then a young journalist, was making a documentary film about the Soviet dissident movement, and he asked Bukovsky what helped him survive in detention.

"He responded very simply. He said: 'I knew that I was right.'"

Two decades later Kara-Murza truly understood what Bukovsky meant, having personally gone through a similar ordeal.

"I knew that I was right every minute of every day that I spent in prison," he said.

- Strange days -

The days leading up to the prisoner swap were bizarre.

On July 23, he was sitting in his cell alone when two prison officers arrived and escorted him into a prison office with a big portrait of Putin on the wall.

He was asked to write a request for a pardon, but he refused, dismissing it as a joke.

"But they didn't seem to be in the mood for laughing," Kara-Murza said. "Generally, most people in the Russian prison system don't have a very good sense of humour."

The opposition politician said he would never ask Putin for a pardon, telling the prison officials he considered him "a usurper, a dictator, and a murderer."

He was invited to put those words on paper, which he happily did.

"Nobody explained why this was happening, because in all my two-plus years in prison, nobody's ever suggested that I write anything like this," he said.

On July 28, he was suddenly woken up by a loud noise in the middle of the night. The doors of his cell burst open, and a group of officers barged in.

It was 3:00 am and they told Kara-Murza he had 10 minutes to get ready.

"I was absolutely certain that I was going to be let out and be executed," he said.

Instead, he was taken to the Omsk airport, in handcuffs. The terminal was bursting with people.

"After months and months and months in solitary confinement when I could not as much as say hello to anyone, to suddenly find myself in the middle of a busy passenger airport with people, families with kids, cafes and shops open, it was mind-boggling."

He was bundled onto a plane and sent to Moscow, accompanied by a prison convoy.

"Nobody explained what was going on," he said.

Three hours later another prison convoy picked him up in Moscow and put him into a prison van.

- Path to freedom -

When he was finally told to get out, he realised he had been brought to Russia's most infamous prison, Lefortovo, which over the years held dissidents such as Alexander Solzhenitsyn, Natan Sharansky and Bukovsky.

Kara-Murza demanded that his family and lawyers be notified of his transfer.

"Vladimir Vladimirovich, you have not been transferred to Moscow," one of the FSB officers told him, smiling. "You are still in Omsk."

Kara-Murza had given up trying to understand what was going on. Perhaps they wanted to open a new criminal case against him, he thought.

He was placed in a solitary confinement cell, which he said felt "like a five-star hotel" after his Omsk colony.

"Here I had a bed in which I could lie. Nobody cared. I had as many books as I wanted. I could write."

For several days he was held incommunicado.

Then came August 1. A group of officers led by the deputy director of Lefortovo walked into his cell with his bags from the storage. He was told to put his civilian clothes on and escorted down to the ground floor.

"There's a row of men standing, their faces covered in black masks and balaclavas. It was a pretty intimidating sight, like a scene out of some kind of a Hollywood action movie," he said.

Then, in the prison courtyard he saw a bus. He was told to get on board.

"And in there, I see in every row more men, more FSB operatives in black balaclavas," he said.

Next to them, Kara-Murza saw his friends and fellow political prisoners who had been serving time in different regions across Russia.

First he saw rights campaigner Oleg Orlov, who publicly compared Putin's rule to a fascist regime.

"That was the moment I knew what was happening," said Kara-Murza.

Another fellow Kremlin critic, Ilya Yashin, was on the bus as well. Yashin told Kara-Murza he looked bad.

"I said, yeah, thanks for the compliment. That was our first exchange."

They were all taken to Vnukovo Airport. The prisoners were glued to the windows.

"I was just looking at Moscow. Moscow is my hometown. I love my city," said Kara-Murza.

"Obviously, I realized that it would be a while before I'd be able to see it again."

Then the prisoners were bundled onto a government plane, escorted by the FSB operatives.

On the plane the FSB operatives became more relaxed and the prisoners were able to speak to each other.

Several hours later the plane landed in Ankara, and the historic prisoner swap took place on the tarmac.

Sixteen dissidents and Westerners including Wall Street Journal reporter and former AFP correspondent Evan Gershkovich were exchanged for eight Russian nationals, including a convicted hitman, and two minors.

Thirteen of the detainees freed by Russia, including Kara-Murza, went to Germany and three to the United States.

Later that evening Kara-Murza met with Chancellor Olaf Scholz, wearing the only clothes he had -- his black long-johns, black T-shirt and rubber flip flops.

as/sjw/rlp
By Niket Nishant, Nupur Anand and Chris Prentice

(Reuters) -Wells Fargo shares slid on Thursday after a U.S. banking regulator found its safeguards against money laundering and other illegal transactions were too lax and restricted its ability to expand in risky businesses.

The California-based bank, which has been under intense scrutiny since a 2016 fake accounts scandal, saw its stock close down 4%, paring a 6.5% loss after the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency announced the action earlier in the day.

The regulator said Wells Fargo was working to fix the problems and did not fine the bank. But it imposed a requirement that Wells Fargo seek permission before expanding into certain medium or high-risk areas, without naming them.

"We have been working to address a substantial portion of what's required in the formal agreement, and we are committed to completing the work with the same sense of urgency as our other regulatory commitments," the bank said in a statement .

The regulator said the lender's controls were deficient in identifying and preventing money laundering and sanctions evasion including measures to learn about customers and flag potentially suspicious transactions. Neither the OCC nor the lender gave details.

The bank was ordered to strengthen these along with other internal controls, due diligence procedures and currency transaction reporting.

Federal law requires financial institutions to monitor for suspicious activity in an effort to prevent illicit funds from flowing through the U.S.

"The bank has been going through a clean-up process for years," said Chris Marinac, director of research at Janney Montgomery Scott. "The latest move by the OCC shows that it is still very much under investigation and I would expect that to continue."

The fake accounts scandal in 2016 prompted heightened scrutiny and led to billions of dollars in penalties and several shareholder lawsuits against the bank.

CEO Charlie Scharf has sought to improve compliance since he took over in 2019. But the bank continues to operate under a Federal Reserve restriction that prevents it from increasing assets beyond $1.95 trillion until regulators deem it has fixed its problems.

"There was a false optimism earlier this year... that the asset cap would be removed soon, but these latest developments show that the bank still has work to do," Marinac added.

Brian Mulberry, portfolio manager at Zacks Investment Management, which owns Wells Fargo stock, said the news was a hit to Wells Fargo's reputation. "It could be a further setback when it comes to removing the asset cap as these developments show that they are still under a lot of scrutiny," he said.

Story continues

However, RBC Capital Markets analyst Gerard Cassidy wrote in a note that, despite the negative aspects of Thursday's news, "We do not believe the agreement will impact the prospects for lifting the asset cap, which was directed at consumer banking problems not money laundering.

(Reporting by Niket Nishant in Bengaluru and Chris Prentice and Nupur Anand in New York; Editing by Krishna Chandra Eluri, Shinjini Ganguli, Lananh Nguyen and Cynthia Osterman)
FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  The Fresno County Sheriffs Office is inviting county residents to attend the Oktoberfest fundraiser and support the Jeepers  but, who are they?

The Sheriffs Offices upcoming Oktoberfest will include dinner and dance on Oct. 5 at 5 p.m. at 735 3d Street in Clovis. The event aims to support the Sheriffs Jeep Rescue Unit or, as they are commonly referred to, The Jeepers.

The Jeepers, officials say, support the Sheriffs Office by responding to and performing duties related to search and rescue, fire, flood, and other disasters.

This unit consists of a group of qualified, trained, and mission-ready volunteers who are on-call to respond to any situation, in any weather, and at any time when requested by the Sheriffs Office.

According to sheriffs officials, the Jeepers established their roots in 1965, when the Sheriffs Office sought to reduce its response time for searches within the countys boundaries in the backcountry of the Sierra National Forest by accessing the four-wheel drive trails by vehicle.

The Sheriffs Office says they had requested help from the only four-wheel drive club in the area at the time, which was the Four-Wheel Drive Club of Fresno. Six members initially volunteered their vehicles, their time, and their experience and knowledge of the local four-wheel drive trails.

This is how officials say the inaugural group of volunteers established the Fresno County Sheriffs Jeep Rescue unit with the founding approval of the Sheriff. The Sheriffs Office describes the unit as one of the finest off-highway vehicles teams in the state, and says all of its members are first aid certified.

The volunteers that make up the unit include first responders and people registered as Disaster Service Workers with the California Emergency Management Agency. The Sheriffs Jeep Rescue Unit members are trained in map and compass and GPS navigation, man-tracking, and first aid.

To learn more about the Sheriffs Jeep Rescue Unit, visit their website. To buy tickets for Oktoberfest, click here.

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A bag of fentanyl seized in a drug raid is displayed at a Drug Enforcement Administration laboratory in Sterling, Va., on Aug. 9, 2016. (Cliff Owen / Associated Press)

Mo Ida Solomon's head rested on a coffee table. Her fingers, dusted with white powder, gripped the edge of it. Her half-opened eyes stared at nothing.

She died in July 2023 at her Los Angeles apartment. Eight months later, a homicide detective showed a photograph of Solomon's body to Casey Linder, who said they had been "good friends for a long time."

"Poor girl was just sitting at her table, crisscross applesauce, slumped over, fing dead," the detective told Linder. "The bottom line, Casey, is whatever you brought her killed her."

Los Angeles County prosecutors played the tape of Linder's interview at a preliminary hearing this week to support charging the 38-year-old Granada Hills resident with second-degree murder for allegedly supplying Solomon with a deadly cocktail of fentanyl, meth and Xanax.

Read more: The Mexican Mafia Tapes: Secret recordings reveal greed, betrayal  and a deal with the feds

Linder has pleaded not guilty. His lawyer, Alex Kessel, says the case is among the first attempts by L.A. County prosecutors to charge a defendant with murder for distributing fentanyl, a synthetic painkiller 50 times more potent than heroin.

Venusse Dunn, a spokeswoman for the district attorney's office, said Linder was the second alleged fentanyl dealer whom county prosecutors have charged with murder. A 21-year-old Colton woman was charged in April with distributing the drug to two men who died, and a Canoga Park woman has also been accused of murdering her twin 3-year-old sons by exposing them to fentanyl.

Linder's preliminary hearing marked the first time L.A. County prosecutors have presented evidence to support such a charge.

With fatal overdoses skyrocketing across the country, local prosecutors have increasingly turned to murder charges against dealers. Authorities in left-leaning jurisdictions, however, have until recently been reluctant to pursue such cases.

Critics of the tactic argue it locks up only the lowest-level distributors, rather than wholesalers. And in Linders case, as with others that have preceded it nationwide, the relationship between dealer and customer can seemingly blur into friendship. Solomon pleaded with Linder to bring her fentanyl while she was going through withdrawal, text messages showed.

"There's not a hint of evidence that this man wanted to kill his friend," Kessel said.

Those who support murder charges argue convictions bring justice to the victims' loved ones and deter the sale of a drug that is killing people at unprecedented rates. A medical examiner's official testified at Linder's hearing that fentanyl has caused a 35% increase in fatal overdoses in the last four years in Los Angeles County.

"It is a superdrug whose fatality is unique," Deputy Dist. Atty. Benjamin Schwartz told the judge.

To convict dealers of murder, prosecutors must show they acted with malice. Either they intended to kill a customer or they knew what they were selling could kill  and didn't care.

With Linder, prosecutors used his text messages and interview with detectives to make the case that he sold fentanyl to Solomon knowing it could kill her.

Kessel argued his client was charged in a "political move" by L.A. County Dist. Atty. George Gascon, who is facing a difficult reelection fight against an opponent who has positioned himself as tough on crime.

Read more: Poll shows Hochman has momentum to unseat L.A. County Dist. Atty. Gascon

Dunn, the district attorney's spokeswoman, said charging decisions don't "revolve around the election cycle."

"Our office regularly pursues charges of drug trafficking, distribution resulting in death and other serious drug-related offenses that carry significant penalties," she said in a statement. "Filing murder charges in these types of cases proves a significant challenge but we are committed to applying the law to the facts of each case and determining if a murder charge is appropriate."

Kessel questioned how Linder could be charged with murder for giving a friend something she begged him to provide. The lawyer offered the scenario of a gun dealer who sells a pistol to a suicidal man who then shoots himself.

"Do you charge the gun seller with murder?" he asked.

::

Just after 11 p.m. on the last night of her life, Solomon, 35, tapped out a string of text messages to Linder: "Caseyyyy. U busy. Hellooo ring a ding."

"O hey," Linder replied, according to messages shown in court.

Solomon said she "wanted to treat myself."

"Won't be a regular occurrence," she promised Linder. "Just need a lil relaxer."

Solomon had struggled with heroin addiction for years, according to testimony. She asked Linder often for black tar heroin but told him she worried about using fentanyl.

Read more: Boba Fett, blue fish, and fettuccine: How L.A. fentanyl sales boomed on Craigslist

"I'm begging for ur help casey," she wrote. "I don't wanna smoke this fenny cuz that's a whole nother ballgame."

In another exchange, Linder said he was out of heroin. Solomon said she was experiencing withdrawal symptoms and asked for fentanyl, telling him, "I'll pay extra."

After Linder didn't respond, she wrote, "I literally feel like I'm dying."

"I'll bring it if you're that sick," Linder said.

Two months later, text messages show, Solomon asked for heroin. Linder said he couldn't find any but "got some of that other stuff if that will do."

There was no doubt what drug he was referring to, a judge ruled at the preliminary hearing: fentanyl.

"Ya that'd will do," Solomon said. Linder said he'd be at her Mid-City apartment an hour after midnight.

"C u soon," Solomon wrote.

Los Angeles police found her 15 hours later. Her right hand gripped the edge of a coffee table strewn with clutter: two lighters, a can of Coca-Cola, an ashtray containing three cigarette butts, a bulbous glass pipe, a small plastic bag. Her left hand clutched a cylindrical plastic container.

Read more: In the fentanyl crisis, infants and toddlers become unsuspecting victims

The position of her body indicated she experienced a "quick response" to the drugs that killed her, testified Rakhshanda Javed, chief of the laboratories division for the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner.

A deputy medical examiner, Kevin Young, acknowledged the county did not perform a full autopsy of Solomon's body. Facing an overburdened caseload during the COVID-19 pandemic, he said, the county changed its policy to no longer conduct comprehensive autopsies on overdose victims.

Young said his office ruled Solomon's death an accidental overdose based on a lack of trauma to her body, her history of drug abuse and the fact she died surrounded by drug paraphernalia.

Kessel asked how Young could be sure she didn't die of an existing condition such as heart disease.

"There's no reason to suspect that," Young replied.

Eight months after Solomon died, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department searched the three-bedroom home where Linder lived with his father.

In Linder's bedroom, Det. Joshua Stamsek testified, he found digital scales, a nasal spray used to reverse an opioid overdose and black tar heroin, meth and fentanyl packaged in small amounts.

Linder was interviewed at a sheriff's station by Det. John Lamberti. After reading Linder his rights, the homicide detective showed him the photograph of Solomon's corpse.

"It's horrible," Linder said.

The detective said it was no secret Linder supplied Solomon with drugs. Linder said he hadn't in "a long time."

"And I don't even sell fentanyl," he volunteered.

"Who said fentanyl?" Lamberti asked.

"Oh," Linder said. "I just assumed that killed her."

Told he gave Solomon the drugs that killed her, Linder said, "No way." Sounding distraught, he insisted to the detective he didn't sell a drug that "fing kills people."

::

After two days of testimony this week, Kessel asked Superior Court Judge Eleanor Hunter to dismiss the murder charge. The prosecution's case, he argued, was riddled with doubt.

The authorities could not rule out that someone else might have brought the fatal drugs in the 15-hour window between when Linder said he would arrive and when the police found Solomon's body, Kessel said.

She was still alive at 3:30 a.m. when she sent a selfie to a friend on Snapchat, Lamberti testified. Kessel pointed to text messages she sent minutes earlier to an ex-boyfriend who Lamberti said had supplied her with drugs in the past.

And even if Linder did give Solomon the fentanyl that killed her, Kessel argued, "she made the conscious, voluntary decision" to take it.

Solomon wasn't tricked or forced, he said; Linder didn't sell her fentanyl disguised as a different drug. Nor did Linder see that she was overdosing and abandon her, the lawyer said.

Hunter wasn't persuaded, ruling there was enough evidence for Linder to stand trial for second-degree murder.

She pointed to his statement to the detective that fentanyl "fing kills people."

"He didn't care," Hunter said. "He still provided it knowing she was addicted, knowing she would take it."

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The Young Turks founder Cenk Uygur and acting White House chief of staff under Donald Trump Mick Mulvaney join NewsNations Dan Abrams Live to discuss the impact of the first debate between the former president and Vice President Kamala Harris. Harris was seen by many as having a good debate night Tuesday, a reversal of fortunes for Democrats compared to President Bidens negatively received performance in June.

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McCONNELLSBURG, Pa. (WHTM)  County government offices will soon be consolidated in the heart of a Midstate community.

Fulton County Commissioners approved an agreement August 27 to purchase the former Truist Bank building at 101 Lincoln Way East in McConnellsburg for $1 Million. The bank closed earlier this year.

This is an opportunity that we do not want to miss for the county to consolidate several government offices into one building, county commissioners said in a statement recorded in the meeting minutes. We, the Commissioners, are looking forward to acquiring this much needed space so that current county government departments can operate in a proficient and effective manner.

Fulton County owes over $1 million in court costs after allowing third-party access to voting machines

The former bank building is at the corner of Lincoln Way East and 2nd Street  the principle crossroads of McConnellsburg  and spans a block to West Pine Street. It is two blocks from the Fulton County Courthouse.

Currently, county offices are housed in the courthouse and several other buildings scattered in the vicinity of the courthouse.

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Fulton County murder suspect arrested after officer spots him walking in street, police say

CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga. - A simple warning about walking in the road led Clayton County police to find a man officials said was wanted for murder.

Authorities say an officer was conducting traffic enforcement on Aug. 30 around Tara Boulevard and Dixon Road when he noticed a man walking in the street.

The officer stopped the man, identified as TraZion Brown, to warn him about the dangers of crossing outside the crosswalk.

After running Brown's name through the Georgia Crime Information Center, the officer was surprised to learn the man was wanted by the Fulton County Sheriff's Office for a 2017 murder.

According to court records, Brown was wanted in connection with the deadly shooting of Gregory Gallishaw, a 35-year-old father of four, at a Fulton County apartment complex.

Brown was taken into custody. He's now at the Fulton County Jail charged with murder, felony murder, armed robbery, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

"Thanks to Officer Freemans proactivity regarding traffic enforcement and pedestrian safety, officers were able to apprehend and remove a murder suspect from the community without incident or injuries," the Clayton County Police Department told FOX 5.
THE FLORIDA KEYS, Fla. (WFLA)  Officials potentially saved several lives after stopping a boat from hitting a group of swimmers in the Florida Keys over the weekend.

On Sunday, crews with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission were flying over a large charity event that benefits the Alligator Reef Lighthouse to monitor swimmers, according to NBC affiliate WTVJ.

Thats when the pilot noticed a fishing boat  operated by 55-year-old Thomas Michael Reichert, of Naples  headed their way.

Officials first tried using their sirens and PA system to get Reicherts attention, but when that didnt work, the pilot flew right in front of the boat.

VIDEO: Jeep slams into parked truck at Bradenton bar, driver walks inside without notifying owner

I told them to stop the boat. They wouldnt, Senior Officer David Moss, who was aboard the chopper said. Chris Simons ended up flying the helicopter in front of the boat extremely low. I could see the actual boat and the swimmers at the same time as they got closer to the race area, and still continuing to hit the siren and the PA system. They werent stopping.

The maneuver forced the boat to come to a halt, just 20 feet away from the swimmers, WTVJ said. Other boaters also moved in to stop Reicherts boat.

They finally came down as other support boats came in [to] stop the boat, Moss added. They definitely got very close and if it wasnt for the helicopter and the other boats it definitely could have been bad.

Reichert was arrested for being under the influence and for possession of 12 wrung spiny lobster tails, WTVJ reported. Separating the tail from the body of a spiny lobster in Florida is illegal.

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WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  Attorney General Merrick Garland responded to Republican attacks against the Justice Department.

Former president Donald Trump has criticized the Biden administration and claimed they are weaponizing the department against him.

Attorney General Merrick Garland defended his departments integrity and said protecting itself from interference is more important than ever.

We will not allow this department to be used as a political weapon, said Garland.

The speech comes after former president Donald Trump criticized the Department of Justice at the debate in front of more than 60 million Americans.

They weaponized the Justice Department, said Trump.

Special Counsel Jack Smith is pursuing two federal cases against former President Trump.

Trump accused President Joe Biden and Vice President Harris of ordering the investigations which theyve denied.

Theyre the ones that made them go after me, said Trump.

After Watergate, the Department of Justice made rules to insulate the department from political leadership.

Our norms are a promise that we will fiercely protect the independence of this department from political interference in our criminal investigations, said Garland.

Republicans, including Pennsylvania representative Mike Kelly say, its fair to question whether politics is involved in the departments decision making.

I dont think theres any entity in this government that should be offended the American people are questioning, said Kelly.

The attorney general says the questioning has crossed over to conspiracy theories and dangerous falsehoods.

The Justice Department will not be intimidated by these attacks, said Garland.

Trump is facing two federal cases: the January 6th case in Washington D.C., is delayed while the judge tries to figure out if former President Trump is immune from charges for anything he did. A judge dismissed the documents case in Florida, prosecutors are appealing that decision.

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AUSTIN (KXAN)  The University of Texas at Austin Police Department said a gas leak has been successfully repaired Thursday afternoon, after a reported leak earlier in the day.

The University of Texas at Austin Police Department and the Austin Fire Department responded to a gas leak near UTs campus Thursday afternoon. (KXAN Photo/Todd Bynum)

The University of Texas at Austin Police Department and the Austin Fire Department responded to a gas leak near UTs campus Thursday afternoon. (KXAN Photo/Todd Bynum)

The University of Texas at Austin Police Department and the Austin Fire Department responded to a gas leak near UTs campus Thursday afternoon. (KXAN Photo/Todd Bynum)

Officials detected a gas leak near the intersection of 20th Street and University Avenue early Thursday afternoon, adding construction in the area caused the leak. UTPD and the Austin Fire Department responded to the incident, with UTPD officers directing traffic near the intersection.

UTPD asked people to avoid the area, adding in a final update Thursday afternoon University Avenue will likely remain closed to traffic through the night. However, pedestrians can still use the sidewalks in the meantime.

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Gascon and Hochman spar in their first face-off of the L.A. County D.A. race

Los Angeles County Dist. Atty. George Gascon squared off via Zoom on Wednesday with Nathan Hochman, his challenger in the November election, with the two candidates exchanging pointed but polite blows in their first head-to-head encounter of the race.

The virtual forum was marked by technical glitches, rapid-fire switches between topics, and attacks by both candidates. Gascon defended his prosecutorial record while laying out a progressive vision for another four years in office. Hochman, in turn, attempted to pitch himself as the tougher-on-crime alternative.

Read more: Poll shows Hochman has momentum to unseat L.A. County Dist. Atty. Gascon

A lightning rod of controversy since taking office four years ago on a platform of criminal justice reform, Gascon has since rolled back some of his boldest policies in the face of withering criticism. But he said he still prioritizes reducing the incarceration rate while also holding lawbreakers accountable and keeping crime low.

We have evolved," Gascon said, noting that the D.A.'s office under his leadership has prosecuted "over 100,000 serious and violent crimes.

Citing one example, he pointed to his stance on sentencing enhancements, which can extend prison terms for certain crimes. Gascon initially halted the use of most enhancements, including for hate crimes, but said: "Very early on there were concerns about hate crime allegations, and we brought those [enhancements] back in.

Read more: D.A. Gascon touts record of prosecuting those who commit hate crimes

Hochman, a former federal prosecutor, repeatedly claimed that his opponent was misrepresenting facts, and described the district attorney as presiding over extreme policies that leave Angelenos less safe.

The choice for D.A. could not have more stark contrast, Hochman said. You have tried a social experiment with public safety, he said later, and it has failed and it is time to end it.

Billed as a candidate forum, the event was put on by Jewish Federation Los Angeles and moderated by Alex Cohen, a political journalist at Spectrum News 1. It began nearly 10 minutes late amid technical difficulties, and the candidates struggled with the mute button and strictly imposed time limits on their responses to questions.

Hochman sat in front of an antiseptic white background, well-lit in a pressed dark suit and close-trimmed coif. Gascon was brightly backlit and had knickknacks and a potted plant behind him as he spoke.

Read more: He's not George Gascon. But is that enough to make Nathan Hochman L.A.'s next D.A.?

Both men picked and chose information and data that helped make their respective cases to voters. Hochman highlighted figures published by the California Department of Justice that show violent crimes in L.A. County rose 12.1% between 2020 and 2023. Property crimes have also increased, he said.

Don't let Gascon gaslight you into believing crime is down when the California DOJ and your own personal experiences show [the opposite]," Hochman said.

The state Justice Department data show that while rapes fell between 2020 and 2023, homicides remained steady in the county. But Gascon pointed to Los Angeles police statistics that show that citywide, homicides fell 17% from 2022 to 2023.

Hochman called the incumbent out for referencing city statistics while the office's purview is the county. He also lambasted the district attorney over incidents that occurred within the city of L.A.  which has its own city attorney  including protests, intimidation and violence on campuses and outside a synagogue.

Gascon responded to a barrage of such Hochman attacks by calmly stating that his opponent "struggles with the truth. Tonight he fails to understand the role of the D.A."

Read more: Spotty redactions and public records reveal names of deputies in case against D.A. advisor

On the heels of Tuesday's widely viewed presidential debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, Gascon made one last dig at his opponent, who is now an independent but previously ran for state attorney general as a Republican.

"Tonight we heard another Trumpian political fearmonger," he said. "You've now heard two very different visions of the future of our community."

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Gaza economy shrinks to less than a sixth of its pre-war size, UN report says

By Emma Farge and Cecile Mantovani

GENEVA (Reuters) -Gaza's economy has shrunk to less than a sixth of its size when the Israel-Hamas war began nearly a year ago, while unemployment in the occupied West Bank has nearly tripled, a U.N. report said on Thursday, underscoring the challenges of reconstruction.

The report by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) described Gaza's economy as "in ruins" more than 11 months after Israel launched a military campaign there that has reduced much of the Strip to rubble in response to the deadly Oct. 7 attacks on southern Israel by Hamas militants.

The U.N. trade body said the Palestinian Authority (PA), which exercises limited self-rule under Israeli occupation in the West Bank, is under "immense pressure" that is jeopardising its ability to function.

"The Palestinian economy is in freefall," UNCTAD Deputy Secretary General Pedro Manuel Moreno told reporters in Geneva.

"The report calls for the international community to halt this economic freefall, address the humanitarian crisis, and lay the groundwork for lasting peace and development," he said, calling for a comprehensive recovery plan.

Declining international aid and revenue deductions and withholdings by Israel - which UNCTAD estimated at more than $1.4 billion since 2019 - are adding to the strain on the Palestinians, the report said.

Israel's Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who ordered the funds to be withheld, accuses the PA of supporting the Oct. 7 attack on Israel. The PA denies promoting violence. Israel also routinely deducts so-called "martyr payments" paid by the PA to families of militants and civilians killed by Israeli forces.

The document described "a rapid and alarming economic decline" in the occupied West Bank, which has suffered a surge in violence since the Gaza war.

JOB LOSSES

A total of more than 300,000 jobs have been lost in the West Bank since the war began, UNCTAD said, driving up the unemployment rate there from 12.9% to 32%.

UNCTAD blamed the decline on the unrest, which the U.N. says has resulted in the deaths of more than 650 Palestinians since Oct. 7 as well as new Israeli trade restrictions such as checkpoints.

Israel, which does not give Palestinian death tolls, says around 40 Israelis have been killed in attacks by Palestinians outside Gaza since Oct. 7. It says its actions in the West Bank have been necessary to counter Iranian-backed militant groups and prevent harm to Israeli civilians.

The war was triggered when Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 people and taking about 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. Israel's subsequent assault on Gaza has killed more than 41,000 Palestinians, according to the enclave's health ministry.

(Reporting by Emma FargeEditing by Gareth Jones)
(Bloomberg) -- Oil gained for the second straight day after storm Francine disrupted crude production in the Gulf of Mexico and algorithm-driven traders took a break from sharp selling in recent sessions.

Most Read from Bloomberg

West Texas Intermediate rose more than 2% to settle at almost $69 a barrel while Brent settled near $72 a barrel. Oils volatility has cooled amid the gains after hitting the highest in nine months on Tuesday.

Francine  which is now weakening from its previous hurricane force  had forced the shut-in of about 670,000 barrels a day in the Gulf of Mexico, the US Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement said. Thats equivalent to more than a third of the regions oil output.

Model-driven investors known as commodity-trading advisers also showed signs of letting up after days of heavy selling.

We are not seeing selling in these markets, nor are there any meaningful orders close in Brent, WTI, and products,said Stephen Roseme, managing member of Bridgeton Research Group LLC. However, if the market were to resume a lower path, new selling will ultimately enter the market, but not in the nearby window.

Daily price moves are also being heavily swayed by options markets, which are holding more than 90 million barrels of Brent put options at $70 a barrel over the next 12 months. When prices fall below that level, traders who sold those contracts must sell futures to manage their risk, and as prices rally away from $70, they do the opposite.

Crude is still markedly lower this year, with steep declines spurred by the prospect of weakening demand in top importer China and signs of a slowdown in the US.

The International Energy Agency reinforced those concerns Thursday, saying global oil demand growth is slowing sharply as Chinas economy cools. The organization sees a glut next year even if OPEC+  which already has relaxed planned production curbs by two months  prolongs supply cuts.

The market now needs to face the question of whether too much negativity has been priced in at current levels, said Ole Hansen, head of commodities strategy at Saxo Bank. The IEA was most certainly not that upbeat, basically confirming the slowdown is a China story for now. With the impact of Francine fading in the coming days, the market will still be left vulnerable to fresh selling attempts.

Story continues

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Palestinians stand in the courtyard of a school after an Israeli attack at the school of United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) at Nuseirat Refugee Camp. Omar Ashtawy/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

Palestinian authorities on Thursday reported at least 18 people were killed in an attack on a United Nations facility in the Nuseirat refugee camp. central Gaza.

The building was a former school run by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

Six UNRWA staff were among the dead, the agency said on social media platform X. "This is the highest death toll among our staff in a single incident."

Among those killed was the manager of the UNRWA shelter and other team members providing assistance to displaced people, the agency wrote.

"This school has been hit five times since the war began. It is home to around 12,000 displaced people, mainly women and children. No one is safe in Gaza. No one is spared."

Schools and other civilian infrastructure must be protected at all times, UNRWA wrote.

"They are not a target. We call on all parties to the conflict to never use schools or the areas around them for military or fighting purposes."

UN General Secretary Antonio Guterres wrote on X that what was happening in Gaza was "totally" unacceptable. "These dramatic violations of international humanitarian law need to stop now."

A spokesman for the Israeli air force said the hit in Nuseirat targeted a command and control post of Palestinian militant organization Hamas, adding it was carried out after measures to minimize the risk of harming civilians were taken.

Two Israeli soldiers killed in helicopter crash

Earlier on Wednesday, the Israeli military said two soldiers were killed when a rescue helicopter crashed in the Gaza Strip overnight.

It said seven others were injured and transported to a clinic for treatment.

The Yanshuf helicopter belonging to the Israeli air force was on a mission to evacuate an injured soldier to a hospital for medical treatment. It crashed while landing in the Rafah area in Gaza, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said.

An initial inquiry indicated that the crash was not caused by enemy fire, the IDF said, noting the cause of the incident was still under investigation.

The families of the two IDF soldiers have been notified.

Since the beginning of the war in Gaza, 706 Israeli soldiers have been killed, according to military sources. Some 340 have been killed since the start of the ground offensive on October 27, with more than 4,400 soldiers injured.

The war began after the unprecedented October 7 massacre, which saw militants from Hamas and other extremist Palestinian organizations invade southern Israel, killing more than 1,200 people and taking some 250 others as hostages into Gaza.

More than 40,000 people have been killed in Gaza and more than 98,000 others injured since the start of the war according to the Hamas-controlled health authority in Gaza. The figures do not distinguish between civilians and fighters.

Palestinians stand in the courtyard of a school after an Israeli attack at the school of United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) at Nuseirat Refugee Camp. Omar Ashtawy/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

Palestinians stand in the courtyard of a school after an Israeli attack at the school of United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) at Nuseirat Refugee Camp. Omar Ashtawy/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
UNRWA said six of its staffers were killed at the Nuseirat school, the deadliest single incident for its team (Eyad BABA) (Eyad BABA/AFP/AFP)

Israel faced international condemnation Thursday after a strike killed 18 people at a school-turned-shelter for displaced Palestinians in war-torn Gaza, where the Israeli military said it targeted Hamas militants.

The attack flattened part of the UN-run Al-Jawni school in Nuseirat on Wednesday, leaving only a charred heap of rebar and concrete.

"For the fifth time, Israeli forces bombed the UNRWA-run Al-Jawni School, killing 18 citizens," Gaza civil defence spokesperson Mahmud Bassal wrote on Telegram, referring to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees.

UNRWA later said six of its staff had been killed in two Israeli strikes on the school and its surroundings, calling it the highest death toll among its team in a single incident.

"Among those killed was the manager of the UNRWA shelter and other team members providing assistance to displaced people," it said on X. "Schools and other civilian infrastructure must be protected at all times, they are not a target."

UN chief Antonio Guterres branded the strike "totally unacceptable". His spokesman Stephane Dujarric said that women and children were also among the 18 dead.

T

he Israeli military said it had conducted a "precise strike" on Hamas militants within the school grounds. It did not elaborate on the outcome, but said "numerous steps" were taken to reduce the risk to civilians.

- EU outrage -

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said he was "outraged" by the deaths and that the strikes showed a "disregard of the basic principles" of international humanitarian law.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said: "We need to see humanitarian sites protected, and that's something that we continue to raise with Israel".

Israeli military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani said UNRWA had not provided the names of its killed workers, "despite repeated requests".

He said a military inquiry found that "a significant number of the names (of the dead) that have appeared in the media and on social networks are Hamas terrorist operatives".

In response, UNRWA spokeswoman Juliette Touma said the agency was "not aware of any such requests", that it provided Israel each year with a list of its staff and that it "called repeatedly" on Israel and Palestinian militants "to never use civilian facilities for military or fighting purposes".

She said the agency was "not in a position to determine" if the school had been used by Hamas for military purposes, but UNRWA had "repeatedly called for independent investigations" into "these very serious claims".

Israeli government spokesman David Mencer said the school was "no longer a school" and had become "a legitimate target" because it was used by Hamas to launch attacks.

UNRWA, which coordinates nearly all aid into Gaza, has been in crisis since Israel accused a dozen of its 30,000 employees of being involved in the October 7 attacks that sparked the war.

The UN immediately fired the implicated staff members, and a probe found some "neutrality related issues" but stressed Israel had not provided evidence for its main allegations.

- 'Going through hell' -

Survivors of the strike scrambled to recover bodies and belongings from the rubble, saying they had to step over "shredded limbs".

"I can hardly stand up," a man holding a plastic bag of human remains told AFP.

"We've been going through hell for 340 days now," he said.

UNRWA head Philippe Lazzarini said after the school strike that at least 220 members of the agency's staff had been killed in the war.

"Humanitarian staff, premises & operations have been blatantly & unabatedly disregarded since the beginning of the war", he said on X.

Across Gaza, many school buildings have been repurposed to shelter displaced families, with the vast majority of the territory's 2.4 million people repeatedly uprooted by the war.

A UN report published Thursday found that Gaza's economy was now less than one-sixth of the size it had been in 2022.

"It will take decades to bring Gaza back to where it was in October 2023",

UN Trade and Development economist Mutasim Elagraa warned: "It will take decades to bring Gaza back to where it was in October 2023."

- No truce breakthrough -

In Gaza City, civil defence spokesman Bassal said two children were among seven people killed in two strikes in the Zeitun neighbourhood, while two people were killed in the Jabalia camp.

Medical sources said five people were killed in strikes in the southern province of Khan Yunis.

The bloodshed shows no signs of abating despite months of ceasefire negotiations mediated by Egypt, Qatar and the United States.

A Hamas delegation met Egyptian and Qatari mediators in Doha on Wednesday, the Palestinian Islamists said, though there was no indication of a breakthrough.

Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,205 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures. The count includes hostages killed in captivity.

On Thursday, the Israeli military said that the head of the elite Unit 8200, responsible for signals intelligence, Brigadier General Yossi Sariel, would resign over the failure to prevent the attack.

Israel's retaliation has killed at least 41,118 people in Gaza, according to the territory's health ministry. The UN human rights office says most of the dead have been women or children.

burs-rcb/dcp
GENEVA, Ala. (WDHN)  Although Geneva County officials are not expecting Hurricane Francine to directly impact the area, they are prepared for the worst to respond to a potential tornado or even flooding.

Since becoming aware of Hurricane Francine at the beginning of the week, Geneva County EMA has been ensuring they have the personnel and equipment ready to respond if the hurricane has any impact in the area.

When we first get the information the storm is heading our direction, we make sure all our vehicles are fueled up and our equipment is in the right place we have to make sure all of our towns are ready so they can do the same thing for their cities, EMA Director Brian Smith said.

With the Wiregrass area being far east of the hurricane, EMA officials say the county should dodge the high winds but the amount of rain could be a concern.

Especially with the number of dirt roads Geneva County has, He said.

Another concern during heavy periods of rain is the two rivers could flood.

Right now we have been really dry for a while so the river is down and it can afford to take in a good bit before flooding, but it depends on what happens north of us and then it flows through here, He said.

Smith said they are not ruling out the potential for tornados as potential severe weather is expected to move through the area Wednesday night into Thursday morning.

Smith encourages residents not to only rely on sirens during warnings but also download EMA weather apps to get constant updates throughout the night.

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Geneva police search for suspect after man was stabbed multiple times on Elmwood Ave

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  Geneva police are searching for a suspect after a man was reportedly stabbed multiple times while sitting in his vehicle on Elmwood Avenue.

The Geneva Police Department says officers responded to Geneva General Hospital around 8:00 a.m. for the report of a person stabbed. They found a 30-year-old man with numerous serious stab wounds to the upper body.

According to GPD, the man was sitting in his parked vehicle on Elmwood Avenue when he was approached and stabbed multiple times with a knife.

The suspect is described as a slender muscular black man between the ages 30 and 35 who is around 6-feet tall. He is also described as clean shaven with short hair and was last seen wearing red sweatpants and a light grey hoodie.

Police say the victim is being treated for his injuries and is expected to make a full recovery.

Officers are currently canvasing the area and following up on several leads. The Geneva Police Departments Detective Bureau determined that this was an isolated incident and there is no further threat to the community.

The investigation is still ongoing. Geneva police ask anyone with information or video surveillance footage to contact Geneva Police Department.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst.
George W Bushs attorney general has slammed Donald Trump as the most serious threat to the rule of law in a generation in a scathing op-ed, adding himself to the growing list of Republicans endorsing Kamala Harris for president.

Alberto R Gonzales, who served as Bushs White House counsel from 2001 to 2005 when he then became the US attorney general from 2005 to 2007, penned an op-ed in Politico explaining, unabashedly, why he plans to vote for Harris in November following her debate against Trump.

In it, he warned of the dangers he believes Trump poses to the countrys rule of law, pointing to the state of the other governmental branches, the former presidents role on January 6 2021, and his ongoing legal woes.

As the United States approaches a critical election, I cant sit quietly as Donald Trump  perhaps the most serious threat to the rule of law in a generation  eyes a return to the White House, Gonzales wrote.

For that reason, though Im a Republican, Ive decided to support Kamala Harris for president.

The former AG emphasized that the character of the next president is particularly important, pointing to the other two branches of government.

The current members of the House of Representatives and the Senate have proven spectacularly incapable or unwilling to check abuses of executive power, he wrote brutally.

Gonzales then alluded to the Supreme Courts July immunity ruling, which granted Trump some immunity from criminal prosecution for official acts. The former AG warned: Power is intoxicating and based on Trumps rhetoric and conduct it appears unlikely that he would respect the power of the presidency in all instances; rather, he would abuse it for personal and political gain, and not on behalf of the American people.

Former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales (seen in 2019 in Washington DC) has endorsed Kamala Harris for president (Getty Images)

To exemplify this, Gonzales turned to Trumps role during the Capitol riot, when he refused to call on the mob of his followers to stop the attack as they sought to block the certification of the 2020 election for President Joe Biden.

Trump failed to do his duty and exercise his presidential power to protect members of Congress, law enforcement and the Capitol from the attacks that day, Gonzales wrote.

Trump still describes that day as beautiful. And as for those subsequently convicted of committing crimes, he describes them as hostages. He also has promised to pardon the convicted rioters if elected. Why? Because they were acting in his interests.

On top of this, Gonzales argued that Trumps many ongoing legal battles  as well as his conviction in his criminal hush money trial in New York and the civil judgment in the E Jean Carroll defamation cases  show that Trump is someone who fails to act, time and time again, in accordance with the rule of law.

These cases demonstrate that there is little evidence to support the notion that the GOP presidential nominee has the integrity and character to responsibly wield the power of the presidency within the limits of the law. He added: And no amount of rationalization to support Trump because of his policies can overcome the disqualification of this man based on his lack of integrity.

Trump supporters storm the US Capitol on January 6 2021 (Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

While Gonzales admitted that he doesnt know Trump well personally, having only met him one time, he underscored the weight of his former administration officials refusal to endorse the Republican presidential candidate for a second term. Their lack of support is an indictment of his character at a level equal to his many, many criminal indictments, Gonzales argued.

In stark contrast to Trump, he continued, Harris has a strong track record of respecting the rule of law, given her time as prosecutor and state attorney general.

Gonzales admitted that he does not align entirely with Harriss views and remarked that she does not have the same level of foreign policy experience and relationships with world leaders that Biden does.

That said, he underscored that while its unclear exactly how Harris will govern if elected, there is little mystery or doubtabout how Trump will act and govern based on past behavior and comments.

After closely watching the election cycle in recent months, namely the Democratic National Convention and Tuesday nights debate, Gonzales said he believes Harris is the best suited, able and committed to unite us in a manner consistent with the rule of law.

His endorsement marks the latest in a growing list of Republicans and former Trump administration officials who have vowed to vote for Harris in November.

That list includes Bushs vice president Dick Cheney, Melania Trumps former aide Stephanie Grisham, former vice president Mike Pences counterterrorism advisor Olivia Troye, as well as Republican former Congress members Joe Walsh, Tom Coleman, Jim Greenwood, Denver Riggleman, and Adam Kinzinger.
A court in Georgia has dismissed two of the 10 criminal charges against Donald Trump and one other charge against his allies for alleged attempts to interfere in the 2020 presidential election.

Fulton County Judge Scott McAfee ruled on Thursday that the southern state did not have the authority to bring the specific charges related to the alleged filing of false documents in federal court.

Judge McAfee allowed the rest of the case to move forward, including eight charges against Trump, out of the original 13.

Three other charges against Trump were dropped earlier this year after the same judge ruled that the charges lacked detail.

Steven Sadow, a lawyer for Trump, praised the ruling, saying: "President Trump and his legal team in Georgia have prevailed once again."

Judge McAfee on Thursday said that the two dropped charges fell under federal jurisdiction, rather than under Georgia state law.

The dropped charges against Trump include conspiracy to commit false documents and conspiracy to commit forgery, according to court documents.

Two of his co-defendants had their charges of forgery dropped as well.

According to the indictment filed in August 2023 by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, Trump conspired with 18 other defendants to interfere in the election result.

The group "refused to accept that Trump lost, and they knowingly and willfully joined a conspiracy to unlawfully change the outcome of the election in favor of Trump".

Part of the alleged plot included Trump's phone call to Georgia's top election official, in which he pleaded with him to "to find 11,780 votes" - the margin in which he lost to Mr Biden.

Trump - and 14 co-defendants - have pleaded not guilty to racketeering and other state charges related to alleged efforts to overturn the former president's loss in Georgia.

Four others have pleaded guilty.

The case has largely been put on hold since June, after Ms Willis was found to have had a romantic relationship with one of the lead prosecutors in the case.

A Georgia appeals court is currently considering whether Ms Willis must step aside from the case due to the allegations of misconduct presented by defence lawyers.
Judge Scott McAfee has dismissed some counts in the election interference prosecution against Donald Trump and others in Georgia. But he rejected a challenge to the top racketeering charge, while noting that the state case could still be affected by further litigation in light of the Supreme Courts decision on presidential immunity.

The RICO  or Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations  charge is facially sound and constitutionally sufficient as alleged, McAfee wrote in an order Thursday. The judge added in a footnote that the Supreme Courts July 1 ruling in Trump v. United States will likely affect the allegations of Count One, particularly the overt acts contained within, referring to the RICO count.

However, unlike the many other challenges raised by the Defendants, the impact of Presidential immunity has not been fully briefed or argued by the parties, and this order does not reach that issue, explained McAfee, who added that his order also doesnt address defense arguments brought under the U.S. Constitutions supremacy clause or federal officer immunity.

So while the top charge in the initial 41-count racketeering indictment is upheld in this latest order, theres more litigation to be had before any trial can proceed. And the prospect of any trial is far off  certainly against Trump. Theres no trial date in the case, which has been on hold while defendants appeal McAfees decision rejecting their attempt to force the disqualification of Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis. That matter, which is unrelated to the substance of the case, is pending in the state appeals court and wont be resolved before Novembers election, which is another factor that could throw a wrench into the case, at least as far as it concerns Trump. But even if he loses the election, a Georgia trial against him is not imminent. (Trump has pleaded not guilty.)

In a separate order Thursday, McAfee dismissed three counts, including two faced by Trump. That order concerned whether the indictment was barred under the defense argument that the allegations concerned federal matters that the state cant prosecute. McAfee decided that the indictment isnt barred entirely on those grounds but also that the state is pre-empted from prosecuting allegations of perjury and false filings in federal court.

As with his ruling on the RICO charge, McAfee signaled that there could be more litigation to come on these issues, noting that presidential immunity and related doctrines still hadnt been litigated on that score.

The trial judge previously dismissed six other counts in March, which Willis has appealed. As with that prior dismissal, the more important bottom line from the latest dismissal might be that the top charge and the majority of the case remain intact; plus, other issues like the disqualification appeal and immunity could have at least as much of an impact on the case. Trump still faces eight counts if the case were to go forward to trial today, but whether it ever goes forward and the degree to which he can further curtail the proceedings are the bigger questions.

So between the top charge remaining intact and more litigation possibly still to come, the overall significance of this latest action is yet to be determined. First, well see what happens in the appeal over Willis disqualification. If the DA and her office are kicked off the case, then the prosecution itself is imperiled, as its unclear when another office or prosecutor would be assigned. But even if the defenses disqualification appeal is eventually rejected, McAfees orders note that the presidential immunity issue, among others, remain unresolved.

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This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
A Georgia judge has again dropped multiple charges in former President Trumps 2020 election interference case on Thursday, two of which Trump himself faced marking yet another legal win for the 2024 GOP nominee.

Judge Scott McAfee granted a motion from some of Trumps co-defendants to quash three counts in the sprawling racketeering indictment brought by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis (D), finding they lie beyond this States jurisdiction.

The ruling also hands the former president a sizeable victory, as he faced two of the charges in question.

President Trump and his legal team in Georgia have prevailed once again, Steve Sadow, Trumps lead defense attorney in the case, said in a statement.

The former president and a slew of his allies are accused of attempting to subvert Georgias election results to keep Trump in the White House after he lost the 2020 presidential election. Trump has pleaded not guilty.

Trump now faces eight total counts after originally being charged with 13.

The prosecution is currently on hold for Trump and many of his co-defendants as they appeal their efforts to kick Willis off the case over her once-romantic relationship with a top prosecutor, who has since stepped aside.

But McAfees ruling on Thursday responded to a dismissal motion filed by two of the former presidents co-defendants, pro-Trump lawyer John Eastman and Georgia Sen. Shawn Still (R), whose prosecutions are not frozen, as they are not part of the appeal.

The judge tossed three counts related to the filing of false Electoral College documents claiming Trump won Georgia in 2020. McAfee found the allegations were subject to federal criminal laws, and the state had no jurisdiction.

Punishment for filing certain documents would enable a state to constrict the scope of materials assessed by a federal court and impair the administration of justice in that tribunal, McAfee wrote in his ruling.

The judge meanwhile declined Trumps co-defendants requests to drop additional counts, including the racketeering charge at the center of the indictment.

McAfee did, however, preview that the Supreme Courts decision carving out broad presidential immunity will likely affect the allegations underpinning that central charge.

However, unlike the many other challenges raised by the Defendants, the impact of Presidential immunity has not been fully briefed or argued by the parties, and this order does not reach that issue, McAfee wrote in a footnote.

The Hill has reached out to the Fulton County district attorneys office for comment.

It marks the second time that the judge has tossed some of the counts in the case.

McAfee previously dismissed six charges in the sweeping racketeering indictment, including three against Trump, after ruling state prosecutors did not allege sufficient detail regarding the nature of the violations.

Each of those dismissed charges pertained to the defendants having allegedly solicited public officers to violate their oaths.

Trumps previously dismissed charges included one stemming from a phone call with Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger (R), where Trump urged him to find 11,780 votes, and another accusing him of attempting to get Georgia House Speaker David Ralston to violate his oath of office by unlawfully appointing presidential electors through special session of the legislature.

Story was updated at 4:51 p.m. ET

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A Fulton County judge tossed three charges in a case around an alleged fake elector scheme in Georgia, including two charges faced by former President Donald Trump.

Judge Scott McAfee dismissed two counts of filing false documents and one count of conspiring to file false documents in connection with the alleged plan to send fake electors to Congress after the 2020 election. The wide-ranging case features several defendants, but Trump was charged with the conspiracy count related to false electors and the false document charge.

In the 22-page ruling, McAfee found that the charges fell under federal jurisdiction and couldn't proceed in Georgia state courts. He also separately upheld a racketeering charge filed against Trump and others, denying defendants arguments that the state of Georgia didnt have the authority to try that charge.

In March, McAfee dropped six charges in the indictment, including three against Trump, citing a lack of sufficient details, whittling down the original 13-count case against Trump. In June, a Georgia appeals court paused proceedings against Trump and some co-defendants, as courts considering whether to allow embattled District Attorney Fani Willis to remain on the case.

Thursdays ruling only directly impacts Trump lawyer John Eastman and state Senator Shawn Still for now, as Trumps case is still removed to appeals court. Nonetheless, Trump attorney Steve Sadow celebrated the ruling as a win for Trump, writing in a statement that President Trump and his legal team in Georgia have prevailed once again.

In July, a Nevada judge tossed an entire case surrounding a fake elector plot in that state, ruling that the case was filed in the wrong venue and couldnt proceed.

Trump was re-arraigned earlier this month in a separate federal case for various fake elector schemes and other election subversion projects after special counsel Jack Smith submitted a superseding indictment, replacing initial charges in response to the Supreme Courts sweeping ruling on presidential immunity this summer.
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)  A man who authorities say recruited homeless people in Evansville to fraudulently cash checks is now behind bars in Vanderburgh County.

According to an affidavit, Jacorey Bryant, 34, of Decatur, Georgia, was directed by Joseph Terrell toward addresses where mail could be stolen. Bryant and another man, Kendravis Arnold, would then reportedly steal checks and return them to Terrell. Police say Terrell would then print the counterfeit checks and mail them to a target city, where Bryant and Arnold would recruit homeless men to cash the fraudulent checks in exchange for a portion of the money.

Police say they were able to connect Bryant to at least four fraudulent incidents in Evansville, including an incident that lead to the arrest of Michael Wickliffe in February. Arresting documents say police found photos of stolen checks from September of 2022 to May of 2023 that totaled $547,349.80.

Bryant was booked into the Vanderburgh County Jail on September 12 on four counts of forgery and four counts of fraud. He is being held without bond.

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(Bloomberg) -- For the first time in two decades, China no longer looks like the engine driving global crude demand, which is uncharted waters for many of the traders and executives that gathered for the APPEC oil conference in Singapore this week.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Chinas economic situation is dire, with its property market in the doldrums and consumer confidence weak as it struggles to recover from a pandemic-induced slowdown. Add to that structural changes from an aging population, the energy transition and a growth model that leans less heavily on big-ticket infrastructure, and its bad news for oil.

For crude merchants and analysts, that means a big adjustment.

Ive had the discussion internally with my traders. I asked them one question  how long have you been trading? Theyll say 10 years, said Janet Kong, the chief executive officer of Hengli Petrochemical International Pte., a trading arm of one of Chinas largest private refiners. My reply is, you havent really traded a world where China is not a bullish factor.

Chinas evolution into the worlds biggest oil importer has supported crude prices for decades and provided business opportunities for merchants from Shanghai to Dubai and London. A tolerance for low-digit GDP growth  perhaps even missing this years 5% target  makes that difficult to sustain.

An informal Bloomberg survey of ten analysts and traders on the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Petroleum Conference found that oil consumption in China is expected to grow by no more than 300,000 barrels a day in 2025. Thats in-line with the latest projection from International Energy Agency, which cut its expectations this week, and lower than estimates by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries.

The poll showed that a 200,000 barrel-a-day expansion is expected for this year.

Respondents, who asked for anonymity as their views are not public, cited higher penetration of electric vehicles, the steady uptake of liquefied natural gas-powered trucks and government restrictions on crude imports and fuel exports. Theres also little spare storage capacity for Beijing to expand its strategic oil reserves.

Global oil demand growth is slowing sharply as Chinas economy cools, according to a monthly report from the IEA. Chinese demand contracted in July for a fourth straight month, and fuel use elsewhere is tepid at best.

Story continues

Half Life

From a structural perspective, China now looks unlikely to be the behemoth for oil demand and perhaps even for other commodities that it once was, Energy Aspects Ltd. analysts including Amrita Sen and Livia Gallarati said in a note earlier this week, We remain confident that the government will not allow economic growth to collapse, but growth will no doubt be lackluster for the foreseeable future.

Other APPEC attendees, including Henglis Kong, cited the changing nature of oil demand. Chemical feedstocks to produce products such as fibers account for one-third of the nations total consumption  at about 5 million barrels a day  and that proportion may grow as road transport goes green. But those goods have a far longer half life than fuels, Kong said, which translates to less crude being refined over time.

Chinas challenging outlook clouded the annual event in Singapore, which is Asias largest oil conference. With Brent crude near $71 and the worlds second-largest economy showing few signs of an imminent revival, traders and refiners are bracing for lower profits.

Still, refining capacity in China continues to increase. Expansions at China Petrochemical Corp.s Zhenhai and Cnooc Ltd.s Daxie refineries, and a brand new greenfield facility by Shandong Yulong Petrochemical Co. will add a combined 740,000 barrels a day of capacity.

However, the worlds No. 2 oil consumer will have to live with processing rates under 70%, traders and analysts surveyed by Bloomberg said.

Shifting Sands

Not everyone is calling a peak for Chinese fossil fuel consumption  or writing off the potential for Beijing to boost growth. Trafigura Group Chief Economist Saad Rahim said China was still adding 8 million to 9 million new combustion engine vehicles a year.

To me, if youre adding new vehicles, it doesnt feel like peak, he said.

Others agree there is still room for growth, even in a less commodity intensive environment.

If the Chinese economy improves, well see more discretionary driving, said Sri Paravaikkarasu, director of market analysis at Phillips 66 International Trading. But we should all embrace a slower demand growth from China in the coming years.

On the Wire

Finance chiefs in Beijing are testing new ways to boost the economy by encouraging demand, breaking with long-established practice as threats to the countrys growth target mount.

China has strongly advised its carmakers to make sure advanced electric vehicle technology stays in the country, people familiar with the matter said, even as they build factories around the world to escape punitive tariffs on Chinese exports.

Typhoon Bebinca is forecast to hit the east coast of China early Monday, threatening to bring excessive rainfall that could disrupt oil refineries and LNG import terminals and paralyze transport.

Lead futures in Shanghai may be bottoming out as Chinese smelters cut output to shore up margins.

The Weeks Diary

(All times Beijing unless noted.)

Thursday, Sept. 12:

Chinas monthly CASDE crop supply-demand report

Summit on Chinas Belt and Road initiative in Hong Kong

Meeting of Chinas National Peoples Congress standing committee in Beijing

Friday, Sept. 13:

China weekly iron ore port stockpiles

Shanghai exchange weekly commodities inventory, ~15:00

Meeting of Chinas National Peoples Congress standing committee in Beijing

Saturday, Sept. 14

China new home prices for August, 09:30

China industrial output for August, including steel & aluminum; coal, gas & power generation; and crude oil & refining. 10:00

Retail sales, fixed assets investment, property investment, residential sales, jobless rate

--With assistance from Yongchang Chin and Serene Cheong.

(Updates with details from latest IEA report in paragraphs 6 and 9.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
Georgia man who killed 6-year-old boy while speeding to Christmas dinner sent to prison

A middle Georgia man who was accused of causing a crash that killed a 6-year-old boy on Christmas Day 2021 has been sentenced to prison, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Court records show James Bucky Hammock was scheduled for a plea hearing on Tuesday. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution says during that hearing, Hammock pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide and was sentenced to 12 years in prison.

Hammock told police after the crash that he was speeding because he didnt want to be late for Christmas dinner with his family, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

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Three people, including 6-year-old Ahmad Hill, were injured in the crash near Macon. The boy was sent to an Atlanta hospital where died days later, according to WGXA-TV.

Hammock, then-41, was initially arrested for reckless driving and driving too fast for conditions. After Hills death, his charges were upgraded to vehicular homicide.

The boys mother, Tammie Hill, addressed the court during Tuesdays hearing.

He deserves all the time (in prison), the max time, she said. He doesnt deserve the chance to get out and live his life.

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Hammock was also able to address the court after receiving his sentence.

He offered an apology for the familys loss, for any responsibility I might have had in this.

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The 14-year-old charged with shooting up a Georgia high school last week brought a rifle into the school inside his backpack, authorities said.

Colt Gray brought the gun to Apalachee High School in Winder on his own on Sept. 4, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) confirmed.

The assault-style rifle could not be broken down, but Gray hid it in his backpack, authorities added.

"It would have stuck out, but he had some things that made it concealed," Barrow County Sheriff Jud Smith told WSB-TV Atlanta.

GEORGIA HIGH SCHOOL SHOOTING SUSPECT'S MOM DEFENDS HER SON IN MESSAGE TO VICTIMS' FAMILIES

The suspected shooter was identified as 14-year-old Colt Gray, a student.

Gray was able to leave the classroom because he asked a teacher if he could go to the front office and speak to someone. The teacher allowed him to leave and take his belongings with him.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

"Which was not uncommon. He asked to go up front and speak to someone at the front, and when you do that you take your belongings with you," Smith told WSB-TV, "so the teacher allowed him to leave."

Gray then went to the restroom, where he hid from teachers.

Later, he allegedly took out the rifle and began shooting, leaving two students and two teachers dead. Seven other victims had gunshot wounds, and two others suffered other injuries, police said.

The victims were identified as Richard Aspinwall, 39; Cristina Irimie, 53; and Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo, both 14.

GEORGIA SCHOOL SHOOTING SUSPECT INVESTIGATED FOR POSSIBLE INTEREST IN SANDY HOOK, PARKLAND MASSACRES

Apalachee High School does not have metal detectors, GBI said.

The suspect's mother, Marcee Gray, called the school counselor the morning of the shooting to warn officials about a concerning message she had received from her son, she said in an interview with ABC News.

She said the last message she had received from her son was, "Im sorry, Mom," and that his father had received similar texts  "Im sorry" and "Youre not to blame for this."

GEORGIA SCHOOL SHOOTING: NEW AUDIO OF ALLEGED SHOOTER, FATHER ENCOUNTER WITH POLICE OVER 2023 ONLINE THREATS

Colt Gray has been charged with four counts of felony murder and more charges are expected.

His father, Colin Gray, 54, is accused of "knowingly allowing" his son to possess the weapon he used in the attack, police said. He was charged with two counts of second-degree murder, four counts of involuntary manslaughter and eight counts of cruelty to children.





Original article source: Georgia school shooting: Authorities reveal how suspect brought gun into building
Colin Gray, the father of accused 14-year-old Georgia school shooter Colt Gray, is asking to be separated from the other inmates in jail, where he is being held on charges of second-degree murder, manslaughter and cruelty to children.

In a court filing on Wednesday, attorneys Jimmy Berry and Brian Hobbs said the elder Gray, who is being held without bond, is unsafe among the general population.

[M]ost notably social media has led to a nonstop barrage of information being transmitted to the public leading to an incalculable number of threats against the Defendant and calling for both harm and violence to befall the Defendant, and in some cases, even calling for the death of the Defendant, they said.

It is certain that those feelings of anger and retribution manifested in the collective psyche, of both the public and the community at large, are not also represented in the individuals currently incarcerated, they added in their motion to the Superior Court of Barrow County.

The Barrow Countys Sheriff Office did not immediately respond to The Hills request for comment.

Gray was arrested the day after police say his son shot and killed four people at Apalachee High School in Winder, Ga. Colt Gray has been charged with four counts of felony murder.

The FBI says Colt Gray was interviewed in 2023 regarding prior threats he made online, including photos of guns. The bureau said it referred the information to the Jackson County Sheriffs Office.

In their filing, Colin Grays attorneys said, In fact, so many lives in the community of Barrow County have been touched in unfathomable ways, it would be reckless to assume there are NO inmates, either currently or in the near future, being housed in the Barrow County Detention, who wish to harm the Defendant.

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A police cap lies on a table during the quarter-hour debate on the terrorist attack in Solingen and the stabbing attack on a bus in Siegen in the North Rhine-Westphalia state parliament's Committee on Internal Affairs. David Young/dpa

Lawmakers in Germany gave a broad welcome on Thursday to a package of security-related measures introduced by the coalition government in the wake of a deadly stabbing in Solingen near Dusseldorf.

Three people were killed and eight others injured the knife attack at a street festival last month. The main suspect is a 26-year-old Syrian who according to the law should have been deported to Bulgaria in 2023.

A senior figure in the opposition conservatives, Thorsten Frei, said that the proposals from the centre-left government contained "many sensible measures," representing a marked changed of tone from earlier in the week, when related migration talks between party leaders ended in acrimony.

Frei added however that measures for rejecting certain arrivals at the German borders and further powers to combat irregular migration and terrorism were missing.

The bills presented by Chancellor Olaf Scholz's Social Democrats and its coalition partners the Greens and the liberal Free Democrats (FDP) include: a tightening of the law on the carrying of knives in public; the cancellation of benefits for asylum seekers whose claims should be processed in other countries - as in the case of the Solingen suspect; and authorization for the biometric analysis of publicly accessible data online to identify and locate suspects.

Everything "that is practically and legally possible" is being done to ensure the safety of citizens, Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said.

On Tuesday evening, cross-party talks between Scholz's coalition and the centre-right opposition on new migration measures collapsed amid bitter criticism.

Conservative opposition leader Friedrich Merz initially opposed a fresh round of talks on migration, but said on Thursday that he may be open to negotiations, in response to a call from FDP chief Christian Lindner to find a joint solution to the migration issue.

Merz also suggested on Thursday that border officials turn more people away at the border as a deterrent, starting on October 1.

Politicians from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) used the debate on Thursday to highlight an upcoming election in Brandenburg, the state that surrounds Berlin.

"If you want a real change in migration policy, you have to vote AfD," said AfD lawmaker Bernd Baumann.

Migration and security have been two of the most contentious topics on the German campaign trail in September, with mainstream parties under pressure from the far-right.

The AfD performed well in two state elections on September 1, winning a state election for the first time, and currently polling in the lead in Brandenburg.
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife Elke Budenbender commemorate the victims of the knife attack at the Solingen city festival at a wreath-laying ceremony at the Fronhof. In the suspected Islamist attack in Solingen, an attacker killed three people with a knife at a city festival and injured eight others Rolf Vennenbernd/dpa

Lawmakers in Germany gave a broad welcome on Thursday to a package of security-related measures introduced by the coalition government in the wake of a deadly stabbing in Solingen near Dusseldorf.

Three people were killed and eight others injured the knife attack at a street festival last month. The main suspect is a 26-year-old Syrian who according to the law should have been deported to Bulgaria in 2023.

A senior figure in the opposition conservatives, Thorsten Frei, said that the proposals from the centre-left government contained "many sensible measures," representing a marked changed of tone from earlier in the week, when related migration talks between party leaders ended in acrimony.

Frei added however that measures for rejecting certain arrivals at the German borders and further powers to combat irregular migration and terrorism were missing.

The bills presented by Chancellor Olaf Scholz's Social Democrats and its coalition partners the Greens and the liberal Free Democrats (FDP) include: a tightening of the law on the carrying of knives in public; the cancellation of benefits for asylum seekers whose claims should be processed in other countries - as in the case of the Solingen suspect; and authorization for the biometric analysis of publicly accessible data online to identify and locate suspects.

Everything "that is practically and legally possible" is being done to ensure the safety of citizens, Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said.

On Tuesday evening, cross-party talks between Scholz's coalition and the centre-right opposition on new migration measures collapsed amid bitter criticism.

Conservative opposition leader Friedrich Merz initially opposed a fresh round of talks on migration, but said on Thursday that he may be open to negotiations, in response to a call from FDP chief Christian Lindner to find a joint solution to the migration issue.

Merz also suggested on Thursday that border officials turn more people away at the border as a deterrent, starting on October 1.
A police officer applies flutter tape to cordon off the premises of the Islamic Center in Fuerstenwalde during a search. Brandenburg's Interior Minister Stuebgen has banned the Islamic Center Fuerstenwalde al-Salam association. The association in the Oder-Spree district of Brandenburg is directed against "the idea of international understanding and the constitutional order", according to the statement. Lutz Deckwerth/dpa

Brandenburg's Interior Minister Michael Stubgen (CDU) has banned an Islamic association outside of Berlin, saying it is associated with the Muslim Brotherhood and the terrorist organization Hamas and promotes anti-Semitism.

Stubgen, in a statement released on Thursday, also said the Islamic Centre Furstenwalde al-Salam opposes the constitutional order.

The Muslim Brotherhood, an Islamist movement founded in 1928 in Egypt, is banned there.

Hamas, the Palestinian Islamist militia group which started the current Gaza war after it invaded Israel on October 7, is the Brotherhood's branch in Gaza.

"The ban is now being enforced by police," explained a spokesman for the ministry. The group's premises in Furstenwalde, about 80 kilometres south-east of Berlin, and private residences in Brandenburg and Berlin are being searched.

"We cannot tolerate associations that oppose the constitutional order or the notion of harmony among nations," said Stubgen in the statement.

The "embers of the Stone Age culture of Islamism" must be extinguished at the outset to prevent them from growing, he said.

The announcement comes about 10 days before the September 22 state election in Brandenburg, in which migration and religious extremism are playing a role and the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is leading in the polls.

Stubgen said in particular "the indoctrination of young people with extremist ideologies in an organized manner" poses risks.

"Treacherous radicalization strategies of extremist organizations and movements" are behind this, he added. "This evil must be tackled at the root," said Stubgen.

The minister had already announced months ago that he intended to take action against the association.

Police officers search the premises of the Islamic Center in Fuerstenwalde. Brandenburg's Interior Minister Stuebgen has banned the Islamic Center Fuerstenwalde al-Salam association. According to the statement, the association in the Oder-Spree district of Brandenburg is directed against "the idea of international understanding and the constitutional order". Lutz Deckwerth/dpa
Police officers search the premises of the Islamic Center in Fuerstenwalde. Brandenburg's Interior Minister Stuebgen has banned the Islamic Center Fuerstenwalde al-Salam association. According to the statement, the association in the Oder-Spree district of Brandenburg is directed against "the idea of international understanding and the constitutional order". Lutz Deckwerth/dpa

Brandenburg's Interior Minister Michael Stubgen (CDU) has banned an Islamic association outside of Berlin, saying it is associated with the Muslim Brotherhood and the terrorist organization Hamas and promotes anti-Semitism.

Stubgen, in a statement released on Thursday, also said the Islamic Centre Furstenwalde al-Salam opposes the constitutional order.

The Muslim Brotherhood, an Islamist movement founded in 1928 in Egypt, is banned there.

Hamas, the Palestinian Islamist militia group which started the current Gaza war after it invaded Israel on October 7, is the Brotherhood's branch in Gaza.

"The ban is now being enforced by police," explained a spokesman for the ministry. The group's premises in Furstenwalde, about 80 kilometres south-east of Berlin, and private residences in Brandenburg and Berlin are being searched.

"We cannot tolerate associations that oppose the constitutional order or the notion of harmony among nations," said Stubgen in the statement.

The "embers of the Stone Age culture of Islamism" must be extinguished at the outset to prevent them from growing, he said.

The announcement comes about 10 days before the September 22 state election in Brandenburg, in which migration and religious extremism are playing a role and the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is leading in the polls.

Stubgen said in particular "the indoctrination of young people with extremist ideologies in an organized manner" poses risks.

"Treacherous radicalization strategies of extremist organizations and movements" are behind this, he added. "This evil must be tackled at the root," said Stubgen.

The minister had already announced months ago that he intended to take action against the association.

Last winter, Stubgen demanded a swift ban on Hamas in Germany, saying that was needed to take action against the Islamic centre.

According to the interior ministry, the association was founded in 2018 in Furstenwalde and operates the al-Salam Mosque there. The Islamic Centre Furstenwalde offers Friday sermons and a wide range of services for Muslims from the region.

In July 2023, the association was classified by the Brandenburg's domestic intelligence agency as a having confirmed extremist purpose.

At that time, Stubgen said, "The association acts against the liberal democratic basic order, spreads anti-Semitic narratives and denies Israel's right to exist. We must not tolerate this."

According to assessments by the agency, known as the Office for the Protection of the Constitution, the association's extremist agenda can be demonstrated through its activities and social media posts.

Posts make clear references to Islamist extremist organisations. For example, the association disseminated content from organizations close to the Islamist Muslim Brotherhood on its social media channels.

Additionally, anti-Semitic content is disseminated that questions Israel's right to exist, the domestic intelligence agency said.

A police officer applies flutter tape to cordon off the premises of the Islamic Center in Fuerstenwalde during a search. Brandenburg's Interior Minister Stuebgen has banned the Islamic Center Fuerstenwalde al-Salam association. The association in the Oder-Spree district of Brandenburg is directed against "the idea of international understanding and the constitutional order", according to the statement. Lutz Deckwerth/dpa
Berlin  Authorities in the German state of Brandenburg on Thursday banned an Islamic center in the town of Furstenwalde over alleged affiliations with the militant groups Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood. The Interior Ministry of Brandenburg state, which surrounds Berlin, said the decision to force the closure and ban all operations of the Islamic Center Furstenwalde al-Salam association (IZF) was made after a series of coordinated police raids earlier in the day.

Authorities searched the association's premises in Furstenwalde as well as several private residences across Brandenburg and in Berlin, which, like Washington D.C., is an independent region that does not sit within any state's boundaries.

The operation's aim was to secure evidence supporting allegations of extremist activities linked to the IZF, the ministry said.

The Interior Ministry said in a statement that the IZF was involved in activities "directed against the idea of international understanding and the constitutional order," justifying the ban. It said about 30 people at the association, which, along with its associated mosque was a relatively small organization, were suspected of connections with Hamas.

A police officer tapes off the Islamic Center in Furstenwalde during a search of the premises in Germany's Brandenburg state, east of Berlin, Sept. 12, 2024. / Credit: Lutz Deckwerth/picture alliance/Getty

Interior Minister Michael Stubgen said Brandenburg was committed to safeguarding democratic values and maintaining public security but said the state "cannot tolerate associations that are directed against the constitutional order or the idea of international understanding."

Founded in 2018, the IZF had operated the al-Salam mosque and provided a variety of services to the local Muslim community, including Friday prayers, educational programs, summer camps and religious training for children.

The Brandenburg Office for the Protection of the Constitution, however, classified the IZF an extremist organization in July 2023, citing the promotion of antisemitic narratives, denial of Israel's right to exist and dissemination of content associated with the Muslim Brotherhood.

The Muslim Brotherhood was briefly elected to power in Egypt but has since been designated a terrorist organization by the country's new leadership, which came to power by overthrowing the group. The U.S. government has not formally designated the Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist organization, but Hamas has carried the designation for more than two decades.

Thursday's raids around Berlin were part of a broader effort to curb extremism and prevent radicalization, particularly among young people in Germany.

"Young people do not become extremists in a vacuum," Stubgen said. "There are always perfidious radicalization strategies by extremist organizations behind this."

"This evil must be tackled at its roots," he said. "We also owe this to those Muslims who live here in good faith and once fled from Islamists."

During the raids, the ministry said police seized documents, electronic devices and other items that could show further links between the IZF and extremist propaganda and support for organizations such as the Muslim Brotherhood.

The raids came just weeks after authorities in neighboring Austria, acting on intelligence provided by U.S. authorities, foiled an alleged ISIS-linked terror plot to target fans at Taylor Swift Eras Tour concerts in the country, forcing their cancellation.

Germany has faced numerous attacks by extremists, including by people motivated by radical Islam, and the federal and state governments have intensified their commitments to tackle religious and political radicalization by working closely with the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution.

The German government is also under pressure to show it is addressing the issue amid the rise of far-right, anti-Islam and anti-immigrant nationalist political parties, particularly in the east.

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Germany taunts Trump in scathing fact-check of his energy claims during debate: We also dont eat cats and dogs

Germany taunts Trump in scathing fact-check of his energy claims during debate: We also dont eat cats and dogs

Fact-checking Donald Trump during the presidential debate did not end with the moderators. On Wednesday, the German Foreign Office posted on X mocking the former president while clarifying a statement he made about energy in Germany.

On Tuesday evening, Trump criticized Harriss clean energy approaches like reducing fracking and fossil fuel emissions. He claimed those policies do not work and cited Germany as an example.

You believe in things like were not going to frack, were not going to take fossil fuel, were not going to do things that are going to make this country strong whether you like it or not, Trump said.

Germany tried that and within one year they were back to building normal energy plants. Were not ready for it. We cant sacrifice our country for the sake of bad vision, Trump added.

But Germany refuted that claim, telling the former president, 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.

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. #Debate2024 pic.twitter.com/PiDO98Vxfo  GermanForeignOffice (@GermanyDiplo) September 11, 2024

But they didnt leave it there and went a step further to take a dig at the former president for repeating a debunked conspiracy theory that Haitian immigrants in Ohio were abducting and eating pets.

PS: We also dont eat cats and dogs, they wrote.

Germany, known for its green initiatives, has been working toward transitioning the country to a low-carbon economy. It set a goal to end fossil fuel heating systems by 2045.

But they have faced setbacks over the last few years when they, controversially, chose to shut down their remaining three nuclear power plants last year and faced potential energy shortage issues at the start of the UkraineRussia war.

This meant Germany had to rely more on its coal-powered plants longer than anticipated to avoid a catastrophic shortage and starve-off price increases.

But the country has not built any new coal plants and continues to shut down some each year.

In response to the German Foreign Offices fact-check, some Trump allies criticized the nation for supposedly interfering in the presidential debate.

Richard Grenell, Trumps former U.S. ambassador to Germany, accused the German government of election interference.
GJPD urges use of bike locks due to recent rise in thefts

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX)  Bike thefts over the past month have nearly doubled compared to this time in 2023, the Grand Junction Police Department said in a release Thursday.

GJPD says bike thefts across the city have gone up, particularly affecting the Colorado Mesa University campus and its surrounding areas. Officials say the estimated loss is more than $30,000.

Between Aug. 1 and Sept. 5, GJPD received 49 reports of stolen bikes, a marked increase from the 28 thefts reported during the same date range in 2023.

Officials say bike thefts tend to be crimes of opportunity; thieves usually target bikes that are left unsecured or in vulnerable locations.

GJPD shared the following tips for preventing bike theft:

Avoid cable locks, which are easy to cut. Use a high-quality lock such as a U-lock or heavy-duty chain.

When locking your bike, lock the frame to a solid immovable object. Do not lock the bike by its wheels since they can be removed.

Personalize your bike. Stickers or other items that make the bike more recognizable can help deter thieves.

If possible, bring your bike inside and avoid storing it outside overnight.

Store your bike in a well-lit area with high visibility and avoid isolated areas, even if they seem more convenient.

Take photos of your bike and record the serial number somewhere.

GJPD also recommends residents register their bikes with the department. Its free to register and information is kept on file to make it easier for them to return any stolen bikes they recover. The form is available at the Grand Junction Police Department at 555 Ute Ave.

Anyone whos had their bike stolen or witnesses suspicious behavior is encouraged to report it immediately. Residents can contact nonemergency dispatch at 970-242-6707, file a report on the GJPD website or submit an anonymous tip through the Crime Stoppers website.

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(Bloomberg) -- Oracle Corp. said annual revenue will rise to at least $104 billion in fiscal 2029, an optimistic signal on the growth prospects of the software makers cloud infrastructure business. The companys shares jumped to reach record highs.

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Executive Vice President Doug Kehring delivered the forecast Thursday at Oracles annual briefing for financial analysts. Oracle also raised its sales outlook for fiscal 2026 to at least $66 billion from a prior target of $65 billion. On average analysts estimated revenue of $64.5 billion for 2026, according to a Bloomberg survey.

The Austin-based company, known for its database software, is focused on expanding its toehold in cloud infrastructure, which rents out computer power and storage to compete with Amazon.com Inc., Microsoft Corp. and Alphabet Inc.s Google. Oracles cloud has developed a reputation for success with generative artificial intelligence workloads  the company touted customers including including Reka and Elon Musks xAI.

Oracles shares rose as much as 7.8% on Friday to a record high of $173.94. If the gains hold, the stock is on track for its best week since 2002. The company has been one of the best-performing software stocks of the year, rallying 53% through Thursdays close.

The company has also struck deals with its larger cloud infrastructure rivals to allow its namesake database software to run more easily on their platforms. Most database customers havent yet moved moved to the cloud, Kehring said during the event Thursday. Oracle has said moving on-premise database customers to the cloud will be a major pillar of revenue growth.

(Updates share price in the fourth paragraph.)

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FILE - A moment of Google I/O event in Mountain View, Calif., on May 14, 2024. European Union regulators say theyre investigating one of Googles artificial intelligence models over concerns about its compliance with the blocs strict data privacy rules. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

LONDON (AP)  European Union regulators said Thursday they're investigating one of Google's artificial intelligence models over concerns about its compliance with the bloc's strict data privacy rules.

Ireland's Data Protection Commission said it has opened an inquiry into Google's Pathways Language Model 2, also known as PaLM2. It's part of wider efforts, including by other national watchdogs across the 27-nation bloc, to scrutinize how AI systems handle personal data.

Google's European headquarters are based in Dublin, so the Irish watchdog acts as the company's lead regulator for the bloc's privacy rulebook, known as the General Data Protection Regulation, or GDPR.

The commission said it wants to know if Google has assessed whether PaLM2's data processing would likely result in a high risk to the rights and freedoms of individuals" in the EU.

Large language models like PaLM2 are vast troves of data that act as building blocks for artificial intelligence systems. Google uses PaLM2 to power a range of generative AI services including email summarizing. The company said it would assist with the watchdog's inquiry.

We take seriously our obligations under the GDPR and will work constructively with the DPC to answer their questions, Google said in a statement.

The Irish watchdog said earlier this month that Elon Musk's social media platform X has agreed to permanently stop processing user data for its AI chatbot Grok. The platform did so only after the watchdog took it to court the month before, filing an urgent High Court application to get X to "suspend, restrict or prohibit" processing of personal data contained in public posts by its users.

Meta Platforms paused its plans to use content posted by European users to train the latest version of its large language model after apparent pressure from the Irish regulators. The decision "followed intensive engagement" between the two, the watchdog said in June.

Italy's data privacy regulator last year temporarily banned ChatGPT because of data privacy breaches and demanded the chatbot's maker OpenAI meet a set of demands to resolve its concerns.
Google's latest update for its AI-powered research tool NotebookLM can turn the materials you want to pore over into a podcast-like audio discussion. The new feature called Audio Overview takes information from documents you've uploaded and then generates a "deep dive" discussion between two AI hosts. In addition to summarizing your sources, Google says the hosts will be able to find links between different topics and even banter back and forth. Based on the example the company posted with its announcement, the AI hosts sounded human enough to listen to, though you could still determine that the voices were AI-generated from their inflections and odd pronunciations of certain words.

Since the feature is still in its experimental stages, Google admits that it has its limitations. The hosts can only speak English at this time, and they sometimes say inaccurate information, which means you will have to double check your material and ensure you didn't just learn something that's not factual. You also can't interrupt the hosts while they're speaking yet, and it still takes several minutes for NotebookLM to generate an Audio Overview for notebooks with larger files. Biao Wang, Google Labs product manager, wrote in the feature's announcement post that his team is "excited to bring audio into NotebookLM" despite those limitations, since they "know some people learn and remember better by listening to conversations."

The company launched NotebookLM back in 2023 as some sort of a digital assistant that you can ask questions about the documents you upload. In June this year, Google announced that NotebookLM has officially started running on Gemini 1.5 Pro, giving it new features and tools, and has expanded to over 200 countries and territories.
Neil Parrott, Republican candidate for Maryland's 6th Congressional District, greets guests during a campaign event in Frederick, Maryland, in October 2022.

Neil Parrott, Republican candidate for Maryland's 6th Congressional District, greets guests during a campaign event in Frederick, Maryland, in October 2022. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call/Getty Images)

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A Republican U.S. House candidate in Maryland repeatedly opposed a state law to remove marriage as a defense for certain classes of rape and sexual assault, stating that under such legislation, You just pat them in the wrong way, they take it sexually inappropriately.

Neil Parrott, who served in the Maryland House of Delegates for 12 years, is running for a third time for the 6th Congressional District. Parrott and Democrat April McClain Delaney are vying for the Western Maryland House seat vacated by Rep. David Trone, who unsuccessfully ran in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate.

In 2020, 2021 and 2022, Parrott was consistently among the small group of lawmakers who voted against attempts to repeal Maryland laws prohibiting defendants from being prosecuted for second-degree rape and fourth-degree sex offenses if the victim was married to the accused person or was incapacitated during the assault.

In floor debate for the second reading of H.B. 153 in February 2022, Parrott appeared to argue the legislation was unnecessary and would criminalize regular physical contact between spouses.

In common law, in Maryland, its already against the law to rape your wife, thats no question about that, its against the law. But were talking like fourth-degree offense, Parrott said. I mean, you just pat them in the wrong way, they take it sexually inappropriately. Thats marriage. Those things are protected in marriage, and this law gets rid of that.

This is ridiculous, and thats why Im voting no, and I encourage the body to vote no, he said.

All 50 states have outlawed marital rape since 1993. But in some states like Maryland, legal loopholes and exemptions allowed some of those accused of raping and assaulting their spouses to evade prosecution.

The legislation Parrott opposed in 2022 passed by a vote of 125-6 on the second reading and 131-3 on its third reading, with Parrott voting against it both times. But the effort didnt make it to the governors desk until 2023 when Gov. Wes Moore signed into law another iteration of the legislation, S.B. 129.

Parrott did not respond to requests for comment.

Neil Parrotts comments trivializing marital rape, and his opposition to protecting victims of domestic violence are deeply disturbing, and only reinforce his troubling record of disregarding women in the Marylands state legislature, said Chandler Dunn, a spokesperson for Delaneys campaign. Once again Neil Parrott is proving his views are out of step with Marylands basic values and principles, and the threat he would pose to women as a member of Congress.

Parrott, who got his start in politics as a Tea Party activist, had a reliably conservative voting record when he served in the legislature representing a Washington County-based district from 2011 to 2023.

Delaney served in the Biden administration working on technology policy as an official in the Department of Commerce and was previously in a leadership role at Common Sense Media, a nonprofit focused on protecting child online safety. In her first television ad, she said shes running for Congress to rein in MAGA extremists and find common ground.

April McClain Delaney, Democratic nominee for House of Representatives in Marylands 6th district, speaks outside Harry Grove Stadium on in Frederick, Maryland, in July 2024. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Delaney is also married to former Rep. John Delaney, who represented the district before running in the 2020 Democratic presidential primary.

Delaney has outraised and outspent Parrott. She has contributed almost $1.9 million of her own money to bring the campaigns total fundraising to nearly $3 million and has spent $2.7 million through the end of June, campaign finance filings show. Parrott has raised over $554,000 and spent over $360,000.

Election forecasters, including The Cook Political Report and Sabatos Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia, have rated the district, which backed President Joe Biden by 10 points in the 2020 election, as a likely Democratic hold.

But recent polls have shown Parrott and Delaney locked in a tight race  an independent poll from Gonzales Research & Media Services conducted in late August showed Parrott leading Delaney by two percentage points, 41 to 39 percent. A previous poll fielded in early August by Public Opinion Strategies for the National Republican Congressional Committee showed Delaney ahead by two points, 42 to 40 percent.

The post This GOP House candidate defended law that made spousal rape harder to prosecute appeared first on The 19th.

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GOP State Senator's Former Chief Of Staff Said She Made Him Perform Sex Act

A man who served as chief of staff for a California state senator is now suing her for alleged sexual harassment, claiming she abused her power, coerced him into performing oral sex to prove his loyalty and later fired him when he refused her advances.

Chad Condit was hired to work for state Sen. Marie Alvarado-Gil in July 2022 and became her chief of staff five months later, according to the lawsuit filed in Sacramento County on Sept. 5. She began asserting her power over him by forcing him to help with tasks for her children and grooming him by making intimate and sexual comments, the suit says.

Condit is the son of Gary Condit, the former U.S. representative who became known for an alleged affair with intern Chandra Levy, who disappeared in 2001 and was later found dead in Washington, D.C. Gary Condit was ruled out as a suspect in her killing and later denied having an affair with her.

Alvarado-Gil commented to plaintiff several times that she assumed plaintiff would be like his father  insinuating that he should be open to a sexual relationship with her, Chad Condits lawsuit says.

His attorney, in a statement Wednesday, called for an unbiased investigation of Alvarado-Gil, who represents a district covering part of Californias Central Valley. In August, Alvarado-Gil left the Democratic Party to become a Republican.

Og Gavrilov, Alvarado-Gils attorney, said in a statement to HuffPost that the lawsuit is an outlandish story, presented without evidence, to get a payday.

As far as Plaintiffs counsel comments go, Plaintiffs counsel better have some real evidence to back up these outlandish claims and platitudes because I will embarrass them at trial,  Gavrilov said.

State Sen. Marie Alvarado-Gil listens to the discussion of a bill on July 10, 2023, at the Capitol in Sacramento, California. The Republican lawmaker is being accused of sexual harassment. Rich Pedroncelli/Associated Press

The lawsuit said Alvarado-Gil also hired Condits wife to work on her campaign, a move his attorneys said was to insert herself into a position of control over the couples lives.

The lawsuit cited one alleged incident when Alvarado-Gil demanded Condit show her loyalty by having him perform an oral sex act on her during a trip to Inyo County. The suit said that at this point, Condit was numbed and acted without thinking due to months of Alvarado-Gil creating a dominant-submissive relationship.

Alvarado-Gil appeared to enjoy her power and demanded this show of loyalty on several occasions, the lawsuit said, adding that there was no sexual intercourse.

While performing oral sex on the senator in a car, Condit suffered three herniated disks in his back and a collapsed hip injury, according to the lawsuit. His attorney said he was in a position of anxiety and feeling pressured by the Senator.

Condit was fired in December 2023, allegedly in retaliation for refusing to continue accepting Alvarado-Gils advances, but the lawmaker continued to target him and his family with unwanted hostile behavior and lies,

according to the lawsuit.

Attorneys say Condit showed the signs and symptoms of abuse, becoming numb, emotionally detached, according to the lawsuit.

The fact that he is a man does not take away from the shame at being put into

submission by his boss, the lawsuit said.

His attorneys said Wednesday that the California Senate is currently conducting an internal investigation into their accusations and that they urge a thorough, unbiased investigation to ensure accountability and uphold the principles of a safe and respectful workplace for all employees.

Her inappropriate sexual behavior towards Mr. Condit, and predatory fixation on his family, is conduct that no employer should engage in, and it is unbecoming of a state Senator, their statement said.

State legislative officials did not immediately respond to HuffPost about the existence of an investigation.

Dive deep into true crime cases and follow the latest headlines with HuffPosts Suspicious Circumstances newsletter. Sign up here.

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GOP strategist refuses to give straight answer about Trumps racist comments about migrants in testy CNN segment

A conservative political analyst sparked a heated conversation on CNN after refusing to give a straight answer about Donald Trumps debunked conspiracy theory targeting Haitian migrants.

The exchange happened during a CNN panel on Wednesday, during which participants discussed the debunked right-wing claim that Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio are eating pet cats and dogs. The unfounded claim, which Trump and his running mate JD Vance have amplified, appears to have originated from a post describing a fourth-hand account on a Springfield Facebook group.

There is no evidence to support the theory and city officials have rejected the claim.

Things became heated when political commentator Ana Navarro asked Scott Jennings, a conservative political analyst, his thoughts on the theory.

He was amplifying a conspiracy theory that I think you would agree puts a target on the backs of Haitian immigrants and that it is based on racism, Navarro told Jennings during the Wednesday night panel. Would you agree on that?

Scott Jennings and Ana Navarro speak during a CNN panel on Tuesday. Jennings did not give a straight answer when Navarro asked him about Donald Trumps racist conspiracy theory that Haitian migrants in Ohio are eating pets (CNN)

Anti-Black racism, to be more pointed, panelist Nina Turner added.

Jennings went silent and Navarro continued: Do you think that if there were 20,000 Scandinavians that had been sent to Springfield that your people would be saying that theyre eating cats and dogs and geese?

Im not going to answer for him, for his memes, for anything else, Jennings responded.

Im asking you, Navarro clarified, do you think that is based in racism?

Im not going to answer, I dont know, Jennings said.

That was a long pause, Scott, host Abby Phillip responded, referring to his earlier silence.

Because I dont know the answer, he continued. Im not going to sit here and answer for somebody. I dont talk to Donald Trump about what the motivations are.

The Independent has contacted Jennings for comment.

The baseless conspiracy theory has been a key topic in the political sphere this week. Trump even tried to promote the claim during his debate with Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday but was quickly fact-checked by the moderators.

ABC News did reach out to the city manager there, moderator David Muir said. He told us there had been no credible reports of specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals within the immigrant community.

Well, Ive seen people on television. People on television say, My dog was taken and used for food, so maybe he said that and maybe thats a good thing to say for a city manager, Trump responded, continuing to peddle the false claim.
GOP sues NC elections board for allowing use of UNC digital IDs for voting

The North Carolina Republican Party and the Republican National Committee filed a lawsuit Thursday against the State Board of Elections for allowing students at UNC-Chapel Hill to use digital IDs to vote.

On Aug. 20, the State Board of Elections approved the use of the universitys One Card. The One Card is a form of student identification that exists only on the iPhone or Apple Watch and allows students to enter campus buildings, make purchases, access parking lots or enter sporting events. Students without an Apple product or who choose not to use the digital form still have a physical option.

But the Republican Party is challenging the boards decision, arguing that the digital ID does not meet the standards of the law, enacted by the North Carolina General Assembly, that requires a form of ID to be one of several listed tangible items from drivers licenses to registered voter ID cards.

Among the Republicans arguments for why the digital IDs should not be allowed:

 They could be easier to alter.

 The screens could be hard to see.

 Network or hardware problems could prevent the ID from being used.

 It leads to questions about whether iPads or laptops can be brought into polling places.

 Would the device become the possession of NCSBE if a dispute arises?

Republicans say the list of potential problems are vast, yet to be discovered and are best left to state lawmakers to consider.

The General Assembly passes the laws in North Carolina, the lawsuit states. State agencies must follow, but not amend or deviate from those laws.

The North Carolina state legislature holds a Republican super majority. The board of elections is majority Democrat.

The two Republicans on the board, who both disagreed with allowing digital IDs to be used, made several of the points lawyers used in the litigation.

A large section of the lawsuit defines both tangible and card for the judges.

And it says the board of elections knew the One Card wasnt a proper form of identification because it previously denied the use of photo copies or photos on a phone of someones ID.

When the board decided to allow One Cards, executive director Karen Brison Bell explained, This is not merely a copy or a photocopy. These are issued IDs with expiration dates displayed, The News & Observer previously reported.

The lawsuit counters that ...the law does not allow the NCSBE to expand the circumstances of what is an acceptable student identification card, beyond a tangible, physical item, to something only found on a computer system.

The lawsuit was filed in Wake County Superior Court. It is not clear how quickly the case will be taken up.

On Monday, the North Carolina Supreme Court ruled that the North Carolina State Board of Elections could not send out mail-in ballots, expected to be sent to members of the military and other North Carolina residents who requested them on Sept. 6. Instead, the board must reprint the ballots to remove Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s name. The process has potential to force the board to miss the federal deadline to mail out mail-in ballots.

In the Spotlight designates ongoing topics of high interest that are driven by The News & Observers focus on accountability reporting.
Conservatives have once again turned to the courts to keep people from voting on reproductive rights. Missouri and Nebraska were set to be among the 10 states where voters will weigh in directly on abortion rights, but anti-abortion groups have gone to court to block either one from moving forward. The conservative Missouri Supreme Court rejected this gambit earlier this week, while a ruling from the Nebraska Supreme Court is expected soon. But whatever happens, its worth paying attention to the strategy in these cases: a kind of heads-I-win-tails-you-lose plan that either blocks voters from deciding about abortion rights or confuses the electorate about what is being decided.

A group of anti-abortion advocates and lawmakers had sued Missouri Attorney General Jay Ashcroft for having certified the ballot measure. Nebraskas high court is considering two suits, one filed by a neonatologist opposed to abortion, a second by an Omaha resident.

The anti-abortion plaintiffs in both states made arguments aimed not just at courts but at voters. Mostly, they relied on whats called a single-subject requirement for state initiatives. Like many states, Missouri and Nebraska have rules requiring that ballot measures address only a single topic. The rationale for the rule is simple: Voters should know what they are approving, and social movements shouldnt be able to hide unpopular proposals behind vague language in ballot measures with wide support.

The anti-abortion plaintiffs argued that Missouris Amendment 3, which protects the right to make decisions about reproductive health care, covers more than one subject. Why? The plaintiffs claimed that reproductive health care could be interpreted to encompass infinite subjects. In particular, the Missouri plaintiffs insisted that protecting reproductive health care would legalize cloning in the state and override Missouris ban on gender-affirming care.

The Nebraska suit made a related argument. In that state, voters will have a choice of two ballot measures. One, the subject of two lawsuits, would establish a right to reproductive freedom. A second would make it unconstitutional for the state to permit legal abortion after the first trimester. The anti-abortion plaintiffs contend that the abortion-rights ballot measure covers more than one subject because it addresses a right to abortion, limits on the states ability to restrict abortion, and the meaning of fetal viability.

Both of these arguments seem ridiculous on their face. Consider the argument that the phrase reproductive health care involves more than one subject. Would a ballot measure simply legalizing abortion involve more than one subject because abortion could cover miscarriage and the voluntary termination of pregnancyor medication and surgical abortion? The Nebraska-specific arguments make no more sense. With recognition of a constitutional right come limits on the governments power to restrict that right, so to say that this is a separate subject is absurd. The subject of viability, meanwhile, has been inseparable from conversations about abortion since Roe. As the conservative Florida Supreme Court recognized earlier this year, The subject of abortion has historically involved two major interconnected matters: the viability of the fetus and the health of the mother.

These lawsuits reflect conservatives latest attempt to stop the momentum of abortion rights at the polls. Abortion opponents would prefer to keep voters from having a say at all. After having lost one ballot fight after another, anti-abortion lawyers like their chances better when conservative judges are the ones making the choice. Thats why anti-abortion groups successfully kept an Arkansas abortion-rights proposal off the ballot by arguing that its organizers failed to submit paperwork confirming that paid canvassers had been trained on how to collect signatures. In South Dakota, the state Supreme Court allowed a trial to go forward on similar allegations raised by abortion opponents.

Even if these lawsuits fail in court, theyre secondarily designed to confuse enough voters to make a difference in the final tally. The Nebraska plaintiffs have used their lawsuitand the media coverage its provokedto publicize claims that the ballot measure would produce results that voters in the reliably red state would find extreme. The Missouri plaintiffs, by contrast, used their suit to promote the argument that the ballot measure, which was designed to address the harms of the states sweeping ban, is not so much about abortion, contraception, or in vitro fertilization as about things more Missourians oppose, like cloning or gender-affirming care.

This kind of strategy could make a difference in what seem likely to be close races. For example, a recent poll shows that 52 percent of Missourians plan to support Amendment 3 on abortion rights. Nebraska, too, poses a new hurdle for abortion-rights supporters. The state allows abortion until 12 weeks, which could make it easier for conservatives to persuade ambivalent voters to accept the status quo.

Confusion and the possibility of intimidation have been at the center of conservatives anti-abortion strategies post-Roe even when they fail in court. In Florida, abortion opponents took their case to the conservative state Supreme Court but failed to keep abortion rights off the ballot. That did nothing to stop Gov. Ron DeSantis from using the states public health website to lobby against the ballot measure, which the state labeled vague and a threat to existing abortion restrictions. DeSantis even sent election police to knock on the doors of voters who had signed a petition to get abortion rights on the ballot, as part of an investigation into fraud in the gathering of signatures.

The message across these campaigns is the same. After years of complaining that Roe v. Wade was antidemocratic, abortion foes dont believe they can win a fair fight. Thats why so many ballot cases have gone to court: The anti-abortion movements best chance is to confuse voters or prevent them from even having a say.
Sen. Mike Lee, Republican of Utah, introduced the Senate version of the Houses bill that would require proof of citizenship to register to vote in federal elections

Sen. Mike Lee, Republican of Utah, introduced the Senate version of the Houses bill that would require proof of citizenship to register to vote in federal elections. (Ariana Figueroa/States Newsroom)

WASHINGTON  A handful of U.S. Senate Republicans called Wednesday for the chamber to pass a bill to keep the government open that would also require proof of citizenship to register to vote in federal elections to deter voting by people who are not citizens, something that is rare and already illegal.

Republican Sens. Rick Scott of Florida, Mike Lee of Utah, Roger Marshall of Kansas, Ron Johnson of Wisconsin and Tommy Tuberville of Alabama urged the chamber to take the Houses approach to a stopgap government funding bill by adding the proof-of-citizenship measure.

We have to make sure we ensure that theres actually zero fraud, Scott said.

The senators argued that because elections can be decided by as little as a few hundred votes, legislation requiring proof of citizenship is needed.

Protecting the integrity of our system by requiring proof of citizenship isnt controversial. Its actually common sense, Marshall said. Just as we have laws to prevent speeding, we need laws to prevent illegal voting.

Shutdown politics

The press conference came hours after U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana pulled the stopgap spending bill from heading to a floor vote after several House Republicans came out against it.

Congress must pass a bill to fund the government by the end of the month to avoid a partial government shutdown.

Scott said he and the other speakers Wednesday did not support shutting the government down over including the provision.

Nobody up here wants to shut down the government, Scott said.

Lee introduced the Senate version of the House bill, S. 4292.

Look, we all know that elections, including and especially presidential elections, tend to be decided within a pretty narrow range, in fact, within a few states, and very often within just a few counties nationwide, Lee said. And it would be folly for us to leave open this vulnerability.

Johnson blamed the Biden administration for its immigration policy and claimed that the administration was paroling immigrants into the country in order to vote for Democrats.

I can think of no other reason than to bring in a bunch of people, very grateful to you, and encourage them and facilitate their ability to vote unlawfully, Johnson said.

Tuberville, who was sworn into Congress three days before the Jan. 6 insurrection on the U.S. Capitol, said the legislation is needed so that people can have confidence in their elections.

Whats (going to) happen, 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, he said. Its coming, and Im not so sure thats not what the Democrats want.

The House passed the election bill in July, but it has gone nowhere in the Senate, where Democrats hold a slim majority.

Democratic Senate leaders have also opposed attaching the bill to government funding and the White House has already said President Joe Biden would veto such a measure.

The provision is supported by former President Donald Trump, the current GOP presidential nominee, who urged congressional Republicans to force a government shutdown if Democrats dont accept the GOPs inclusion of the voting bill.
We got a copy of the MarketWalk Traffic Study in Myrtle Beach. Heres what we learned

Reality Check is a new Sun News series holding those in power accountable, shining a light on local issues, and answering readers essential questions. Have a question or concern we can answer? Email online@thesunnews.com.

A room full of engaged Market Common residents demanded answers.

They groaned at the mention of more people accessing their pool and growing pedestrian safety hazards.

What was causing them so much stress? A proposed development in the last undeveloped parcel of land in the Market Common.

A traffic study was mentioned by the developers running the meeting in attempts to offer reprieve to the crowd.

Instead, the announcement was a shock to almost everyone in the room who demanded to see a copy.

After filing a Freedom of Information Act request with the City of Myrtle Beach, The Sun News exclusively obtained a copy of that traffic study for the proposed MarketWalk Development in Market Common.

In response to the queries about traffic, an engineer on the proposed project, Walter Warren, said at last Thursdays meeting that the project has been through a full and complete traffic impact analysis and has been reviewed by Council.

Warren later said in the meeting the study was approved and reviewed by Myrtle Beach city staff members as well.

This is a corporate rental development that only serves those who financially gain and is largely unwanted by the residents it will directly affect, a petition created by Kayla Tencza said.

As of 3:15 p.m. on Wednesday, that petition had 319 signatures.

Here are some of our biggest takeaways from from the 101 page report Warren referenced in his response.

Whens the new development expected to be done?

According to the study, if the project progresses forward, construction for the new residences and potential Starbucks are expected to be completed by 2028.

How much traffic does Farrow Parkway see now?

Based on the numbers provided by the South Carolina Department of Transportation, the average daily traffic on Farrow Parkway in 2023 was 18,300 per day.

The average daily traffic for Phillis Boulevard, where the new development would go, was 3,300 vehicles per day in 2023, according to SCDOT.

The same data also showed that in 2023 on Myers Avenue, which intersects with Farrow Parkway, had a daily traffic volume of about 5,850 vehicles.

The report did not cite current average daily traffic statistics from 2024.

How much has Market Common grown?

Historical growth patterns at this site were evaluated to determine a background growth rate for the project, page 3 of the report said. A growth rate of 2.2% per year was established and approved by the City Engineer.

Traffic data in 2014 matched the same number in 2017 at 17,500 vehicles, Table 2 showed.

That number grew to 18,200 the next year in 2018, and then again slightly in 2019 to 18,500 before tapering off.

The study says that any traffic patterns after 2019 cant be considered because of  the drop in traffic volumes due to Covid 19.

How did the state grade the neighborhoods congestion?





Overall, the state gave a passing grade to the traffic in every intersection in the Market Common neighborhood, according to the studys reported findings.

Even with the estimated additional 2,916 trips that are expected to be added if MarketWalk is built, 2028 traffic predictions in the study show no grades below a D.

According to the Transportation Research Boards Highway Capacity Manuals definitions, any grade at a D or better is considered acceptable, the study said.

How much more traffic will this development bring?





The study estimates that 2,916 total additional average daily trips would be added to this area if the new development was built.

The Starbucks would bring 1,493 average daily trips and the town homes would be responsible for 670, and the cottages come in at 691.

Underneath Table 3 where this data is explained, the study notes that there are no estimates for average daily trips that may happen within the new proposed community.
LONDON, Ky. (FOX 56)  Kentucky law enforcement, along with several other agencies, is still searching for Saturdays alleged I-75 shooter, 32-year-old Joseph Couch.

Thursday morning, Gov. Andy Beshear spoke with law enforcement in Laurel County about the search effort as the search enters its 6th day.

Who is Joseph Couch? Alleged I-75 shooter warned he was going to kill a lot of people

Beshear applauded law enforcement on its work during the ongoing manhunt for Couch, as well as offering condolences to the victims affected in the shooting.

Alongside Beshear at the conference was Col. Phillip Burnett Jr. with Kentucky State Police.

Gov. Beshear visits Laurel County amid search for I-75 gunman (Gov. Andy Beshear)

Gov. Beshear visits Laurel County amid search for I-75 gunman (Gov. Andy Beshear)

Gov. Beshear visits Laurel County amid search for I-75 gunman (Gov. Andy Beshear)

Gov. Beshear visits Laurel County amid search for I-75 gunman (Gov. Andy Beshear)

Gov. Beshear visits Laurel County amid search for I-75 gunman (Gov. Andy Beshear)

Burnett Jr. said theres no significant update on finding Couch, but officials are following up on all tips that they receive. He added that crews are out right now utilizing every tool at their disposal and will expand the search radius in the Daniel Boone National Forest if necessary.

Kentucky school districts on high alert after surge of statewide threats

Couch reportedly shot and injured several people in Saturdays shooting off I-75. He faces five counts of attempted murder and five counts of first-degree assault for wounding five people.

Beshear said four of the five victims have been released from the hospital and the fifth is expected to survive.

Couch is still considered armed and dangerous and Beshear said the goal is the same: to protect Kentuckians and bring safety and stability back to this region.

Were grateful to local law enforcement who responded so quickly, ensuring that this situation did not get worse, and immediately opened an investigation that continues. Im grateful for the cooperation, knowing that justice and safety is the end goal, Beshear said.

Kentucky I-75 shooting: Reward for information on suspect Joseph Couch upped to $35K

Theres a $35,000 reward for information that leads to Couchs arrest. Beshear said he would be heading to Frankfort for a blood drive at the capitol building and encouraged Kentuckians to donate blood as well.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News.
OSAKA, Japan (AP)  Visitors to Tokyo and Kyoto might not realize it, but Osaka  one of Japans biggest and oldest cities, known more as a business hub than a tourist destination -- is gearing up to host next years World Exposition.

The city has been plastered with the Expos red-and-blue Myaku-Myaku mascot for months and is abuzz with preparations. For many here, the excitement is mixed with nostalgia for the last World Expo hosted by Japan, back in 1970.

There are doubters, especially outside Osaka. Construction costs are turning out to be exponentially higher than expected. Preparations have been marred by political and business infighting. And many Japanese, jaded after Tokyos difficult experience hosting the Olympics during the COVID pandemic, question whether the idea of a World Expo is still relevant.

But in Osaka, many older residents say such events are more necessary than ever.

Many retain vivid memories of the 1970 Expo. They remember schoolchildren attending multiple times, particularly those from the Osaka area. There were long lines to see the moon rocks on view at the U.S. pavilion; prototypes of electric cars; displays featuring the first ethernet cables (LAN); and the introduction of Western foods like yogurt and baguettes.

It was a time when traveling abroad was still a dream for most, and Expo 70 was a rare chance for ordinary Japanese to hear live performances by bands from around the world, and visit a huge array of pavilions representing various nations and interests.

Mostly, though, the enduring impact was the chance for personal interactions with international pavilions and visitors.

My experience as an interpreter at World Expo 70 was transformative, says Takahiro Shinyo, who went on to join the Japanese foreign service, serve as a Japanese ambassador to Germany, and is now a visiting professor at Kwansei Gakuin University, just outside Osaka.

It opened my eyes to the power of international cooperation and the potential of human ingenuity, he says.

And while a lot has changed since 1970, he says World Expos remain just as relevant today.

The value of direct interpersonal contact that World Expos facilitate cannot be replicated online, he says. The face-to-face interactions, the exchange of ideas, and the shared experiences that take place at these events contribute to a deeper understanding and appreciation of our global community.

As in 1970, this World Expo is being staged in Osaka just a few years after the Olympics were held in Tokyo. But while the 1964 Olympics were an enormously successful and popular event at the time, the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, held during the pandemic, were considered a disappointment to many Japanese.

Story continues

World Expos happen every five years, and last up to six months. The most recent, in 2020, was in Dubai.

The upcoming Expo in Osaka is scheduled for April 13-Oct. 13, 2025, with the theme Designing the Future of Our Lives. Organizers anticipate 28.2 million visitors, over 3 million of them from other countries. Nearly 5 million tickets have already been sold.

The Expo will be held on an island built off the coast of western Osaka using the same technology as at nearby Kansai International Airport, which floats in Osaka Bay. The fair promises multiple prototypes of flying cars, and spokeswoman Sachiko Yoshimura said organizers hope visitors could even take a flying car from the airport to the Expo.

That said, organizers say their emphasis is not on cutting-edge technology as much as international cooperation.

This Expo is not just a showcase of industry. Its about having all the nations come together and unite as one, said Yoshimura, in a glassed-in office near the top of a skyscraper overlooking the site of the upcoming event.

Although the grounds of World Expo 2025 have begun to open up for limited tours of the construction site, the general public can get a sense of the impact of a World Exposition in Osaka by visiting ExpoCity, the site of the 1970 World Expo. It features an immersive Expo 70 Pavilion, including the still-intact Steel Pavilion, and galleries of Expo '70 memorabilia like uniforms worn by World Expo hostesses.

Visitors to ExpoCity can climb inside the nearby Taiyo no To (Tower of the Sun) sculpture, a symbol of Expo '70 and designed by Japanese artist Taro Okamoto. There is also a playground, a lake with paddle boats and, nearby, Expo Restaurant, which sells what are billed as the same style meals served at that fair.

-

Getting there: ExpoCity is a short monorail ride from Itami Airport, in Osaka. Tickets to the 2025 World Exposition range in price from 4,000 yen (about $25) to 6700 yen (about $42), depending on entry days, and can be purchased online at expo2025.or.jp.
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds gave a keynote address to the U.S.-India Business Councils India Ideas Summit in Delhi, India Sep. 12, 2024. (Photo courtesy of the Iowa governor's office)

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds gave a keynote address at the U.S.-India Business Councils India Ideas Summit Delhi Thursday as part of her trade mission to India.

Reynolds, alongside state Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and a delegation of agricultural and business leaders, traveled to India for a 10-day trade mission organized by the Iowa Economic Development Authority and U.S. Department of Commerces Commercial Service. The mission is focused on ways Iowa can collaborate with the country through international trade, according to a news release from the governors office, especially in the sectors of agriculture, biotech, manufacturing and insurance.

In the address Reynolds gave at the India Ideas Summit, the governor told Indian and American business and government leaders that she wanted Iowa to play a leading role in growing partnerships between the U.S. and India.

Iowa is a place where families thrive, businesses grow, and government is responsive to the needs of our industries, Reynolds said. Yet, at the same time, we also know our state is at its strongest when we forge long-term, global relationships.

The summit was one of the first stops on the Iowa leaders trip to the country. Other planned stops include a visit to the Seghal Foundation, a charity organization with a location in Des Moines, that focuses on sustainable agriculture and clean water work, as well as education for women and girls in rural India.

Reynolds also plans to host two Iowa-India Trade and Investment events in Delhi and Mumbai with her delegation to meet with business leaders, U.S. Embassy and U.S. Consulate, Indian government officials, and key business leaders.

With Indias tremendous growth and massive consumer market, this trade mission is an excellent opportunity to promote Iowa as an investment destination for Indian companies  particularly those in advanced manufacturing, biotech, finance, and insurance  and a strong trade partner in agricultural exports, Reynolds said in a statement.
OKLAHOMA CITY  Gov. Kevin Stitt has challenged Oklahoma schools to adopt phone-free classroom policies, calling the proliferation of cellphones in schools a real and worsening problem.

The Republican governor issued an executive order on Wednesday creating the Oklahoma Phone-Free Schools Challenge to encourage schools to limit student cellphone use through cost-neutral strategies. He stopped short of issuing a statewide ban on cellphones in schools and is not requiring districts to participate in the challenge.

Stitt said cellphones and social media have caused a worrying trend of distraction, bullying and learning difficulties in schools. His executive order also cites concerns of a negative impact on childrens mental health.

Those of you in the classroom know the best way to solve this problem, not big government, the governor said in a pre-recorded video. Parents, we need to talk to our kids about their screen time and make sure that theyre getting the most out of their school day.

Several large Oklahoma school districts are cracking down on cellphone use

Stitt enters the school cellphone debate at a time when multiple Oklahoma districts are tightening restrictions on mobile devices in their classrooms and campuses. Seven other states, most of them Republican-led, have mandated that districts implement cellphone-limiting policies or ordered outright bans on cellphone use in schools.

Legislation seeking to limit student cellphone use has been introduced across the country, including in Oklahoma. A bill failed in the state Senate this year that would have offered grants to schools that enact a phone-free campus policy.

Although some Republicans at the state Capitol have said they would support a statewide school cellphone ban, Stitt declined to do so. Instead, his executive order challenges schools to work with families and policy makers to develop commonsense and cost-neutral solutions to reduce student cellphone use.

More: More of Oklahoma's biggest school districts are cracking down on student cellphone use

The policies should be unique to each school, Stitt said, and could be as simple as collecting phones in a cardboard box at the beginning of class.

As governor and as a dad, I want to fix it, Stitt said in his video. But, I know government sometimes makes one-size-fits-all directives, and thats the problem, not the solution. So instead, I want to partner with teachers and parents in addressing this crisis, not make top-down demands that are impossible to meet. Thats why instead of issuing an order, Im issuing a challenge.

In a prerecorded video, Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt challenged school districts to crack down on student cellphone use.

Stitts secretary of education, Nellie Tayloe Sanders, and the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services will compile a best practices report detailing policies that schools develop by Nov. 29, according to the executive order. The Stitt administration will share the report with legislative leaders and state Superintendent Ryan Walters.

Prohibiting cellphones in schools has become a growing trend nationwide. About 76% of all U.S. public schools, including 43% of high schools, prohibit non-academic use of cellphones, according to a report from the National Center for Education Statistics.

Oklahomas largest district, Tulsa Public Schools, forbids elementary and middle-school students from using cellphones, smart watches or headphones during the entire school day, and high-school students have to put away these devices during class time.

Bixby Public Schools, south of Tulsa, recently prohibited use of cellphones during school hours for all students in pre-K through ninth grade. High-school sophomores, juniors and seniors are allowed to access their cellphones only during non-instructional time, according to a district announcement.

Bixby added the new restrictions after seeing a significant rise in cyberbullying, unauthorized recordings, loss of academic focus, safety concerns and diminished social interaction.

These issues, along with the ongoing power struggles over phone usage, have had a detrimental effect on school culture and supportive relationships, the district wrote in a back-to-school notice. It is urgent that we address these issues with the new policy.

Oklahoma Voice is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Oklahoma Voice maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Janelle Stecklein for questions:info@oklahomavoice.com. Follow Oklahoma Voice onFacebook andTwitter.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt asks schools to adopt cellphone bans
Governments around the world have Big Tech on the defensive. Politics could change that.

Big Tech companies are facing a reckoning in both the U.S. and European Union, with a raft of lawsuits, cases and major court rulings. But even as antitrust experts see a galvanizing moment, theres concern that political changes in Washington and Brussels could make this a high-water mark for the movement.

After decades of almost unchecked growth by a handful of tech players, the global push to rein in Big Techs dominance has notched major successes, in part because of deep support from both President Joe Biden and EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager. Both are leaving office within the next few months.

It could be very, very, very different after November, said Florian Ederer, an economist at Boston University that specializes in competition policy.

Their successors will inherit the most active antitrust landscape in decades. On Tuesday, the EUs top court found that Google violated EU antitrust law and owes Brussels nearly $2.7 billion. A day earlier, the Biden administration launched its second big attack on the company. EU regulators also secured an unappealable order that Apple pay more than $14 billion in back taxes to Ireland.

These come on top of a raft of antitrust lawsuits that Washington has brought against the tech giants in recent years  including a case against Amazon brought by the Federal Trade Commission and a DOJ lawsuit targeting Apples alleged iPhone monopoly. An FTC-led antitrust case against Meta is also still percolating. In August, the Justice Department notched a preliminary win against Google in a separate suit related to Googles dominance in online search. (The company plans to appeal.)



In November, however, U.S. voters will replace Biden with either Donald Trump or Kamala Harris  both of whose antitrust policies are something of a wild card. And in Europe, Vestager, a hardened antitrust hawk, is stepping down just as the EU starts to fret over its inability to compete with the U.S. or China on technology.

You can't really make too much of a prediction in Europe until you see whos in charge, said Bill Baer, former head of the DOJs Antitrust Division during the Obama administration.

Despite this weeks win, some experts also fret that Europes antitrust regulators are only nibbling on the margins of Big Techs business model and have yet to draw real blood.

Three billion dollars is a lot of money to me, but it's not that much to Google. And it took seven years to happen, said Rebecca Haw Allensworth, an antitrust expert at Vanderbilt Law School. Is there a bite where the bark is?

Once the White House changes hands, its not clear that Americas antitrust enforcers  particularly FTC Chair Lina Khan and Jonathan Kanter, head of the Department of Justices Antitrust Division  can keep up the pressure on Big Tech. They could be replaced or ordered to stand down by Harris, and would likely leave the government if Trump wins.

I'm not sure how long Jonathan Kanter or Lina Khan would be in office and would serve under a Trump administration, said Ederer. And like other observers, Ederer said Trump would be unlikely to replace them with officials taking the same aggressive posture toward Big Tech.

But for many in the antitrust community, this is a profoundly important moment in the fight against overwhelming corporate growth  one in which transatlantic strategies seem to be coming together.

The momentum is unstoppable, said Gina Cass-Gottlieb, Chair of the Australia Competition and Consumer Commission, in an interview at a conference on Tuesday. We will be grappling with digital markets and the significant influence of digital platforms for some time.

In her view, from Australia to Europe and the United States, regulators are just getting started.

On Tuesday, the EUs highest court found that Google acted in an illegal and discriminatory fashion by preferencing its own shopping search results over rival services. Google spokesperson Rory O'Donoghue told POLITICO's Edith Hancock that the company was "disappointed" with the ruling, and said it made changes in 2017 to comply with the Commission's decision.

The ruling is an unqualified win for Vestager, the EUs outgoing commissioner for competition. But its also a morale boost for U.S. antitrust regulators  including Kanter, whose lawyers took Google to court on Monday over similar allegations of self-preferencing, this time in advertising technology.

It adds some legitimacy to what you're doing, said Allensworth. If you're not the only one out there saying that the things that these tech platforms are doing are anti-competitive, that can bolster your efforts.

Allensworth said the global antitrust effort against Big Tech is virtually unrecognizable from 10 years ago, when regulators  particularly those in the U.S.  typically handled the tech giants with kid gloves. While real change has taken time (Vestager filed the shopping case against Google way back in 2017), Allensworth said its now unmistakable.

It's more like a sea-level-rising change, she said. It's a slow sea change, it's not like a tide overnight.

Tuesdays win against Google in Europe will inevitably impact Washingtons plans to rein in Big Techs market dominance. In some ways, regulators on both sides of the Atlantic are moving in tandem  more than once, Bidens antitrust officials have met with Vestager and issued statements on their shared competition goals in the tech sector.

Coordinating with your counterpart when you're going after the same company for similar conduct would seem to be just sort of logical, said Allensworth.

But Allensworth also warned that cooperation between EU and U.S. antitrust regulators comes with its own risks, and that some may argue we ought not to be using other regulators to do our business.

Carl Szabo, vice president and general counsel at tech lobbying group NetChoice, took that a step further. To what extent is our government working with foreign governments to undermine American businesses? he asked. Are the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission using the European Union as a proxy for what they can't do legally here?

While Europes successful case against Google shares characteristics with both of the DOJ cases against the tech giant, American judges may not come to the same conclusion as their European counterparts.

And the U.S. antitrust cases are often seen as bolder, as well.

Ederer said Khan, Kanter and other U.S. competition regulators arent afraid to swing for the fences by targeting Big Tech with novel arguments and aggressive remedies, including potential breakups of the most dominant companies. He said theyre prepared to lose cases in order to test the limits of U.S. antitrust law  contrasting their boldness with the cautious approach taken by Vestager and EU regulators.

The European interventions have been a bit more around the edges, Ederer said. It's not cases that existentially threaten these tech companies.

Despite Vestagers departure and increasing anxiety over Europes ability to attract tech investments, most antitrust experts believe the bloc is unlikely to let up on Big Tech anytime soon.

I dont think so much will change, Andreas Mundt, head of Germanys antitrust authority, said on Tuesday. Mundt did worry that the EUs next competition regulator may weaken merger enforcement to protect European firms, but said that fear was not exclusive to the tech sector.

Things are less settled in Washington, where lobbyists like Szabo expect Trump to behave far less aggressively toward the tech giants. The former president has recently cozied up to venture capitalists, including some with big investments in artificial intelligence  a dynamic that could cause him to downplay emerging probes into the AI sector.



We can look at the way President Trump ran the Federal Trade Commission under his prior administration, said Szabo. That was a much more reasonable, bipartisan approach.

A Trump spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Its also not certain that Harris will retain Bidens hawkish antitrust stance. The Democratic nominee for president got her political start in San Francisco, and at least one major tech donor to her campaign has called for her to fire Khan from the FTC. Karen Dunn, the Google lawyer spearheading the companys defense in its latest U.S. lawsuit, rushed from the courtroom on Monday to help Harris prepare for this weeks presidential debate.

But Baer said its a mistake to assume that Harris ties to Big Tech mean shell downplay antitrust enforcement against Silicon Valley. And former Biden officials Brian Deese and Bharat Ramamurti, who were instrumental in the current White Houses aggressive antitrust stance, are also advising Harris on economic policy.

Harris spokespeople did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Whoever wins in November, many experts believe years of bipartisan outrage over Big Tech cant be put back in the bottle  and that it will be difficult, if not impossible, for even a skeptical president to downplay or pull the plug on existing antitrust cases.

This doesnt fade away with a new government, said Mundt. I dont believe the general mindset will change.

And Tim Wu, a professor at Columbia Law School and Bidens former adviser on tech competition, said the politics arent necessarily in Big Techs favor.

No one is going to be the candidate of corporate power, Wu said on Tuesday.

Josh Sisco contributed to this report.
CHARLESTON, WV (WVNS)  Governor Justice announced the 2023 tourism performance for West Virginia.

According to Governor Justice, the total economic impact of the tourism industry in West Virginia accounted for almost $9 billion in 2023, with an approximate 75 million visitors.

Tourism at three parks in southern West Virginia contributes millions to local economy

The press release stated that those who visited the state spent a total of $6.3 billion, according to Tourism Economics, which is an Oxford Economics company that measures tourism spending and economic impact.

The $6.3 billion total was a 5.6 percent increase from 2022, both of which were above the spending and visitation in West Virginia in 2019.

Photo Courtesy: Governor Justice

Photo Courtesy: Governor Justice

Governor Justice receives Lifetime Achievement Award for his leadership in growing West Virginias tourism industry. Photo Courtesy: Governor Justice

From day one, I knew that investing in our tourism industry was going to be a key driver in West Virginias rise. Theres a reason were on worldwide travel guides saying West Virginia is the state to visit. Its because we have four incredible seasons and the nicest people on the planet. What weve been able to accomplish in this industry is truly amazing, and I cannot thank Secretary Ruby and everyone involved in the tourism industry enough for making our state shine bright like the diamond we are, because its working. I wont be your Governor for much longer, so please keep up the good work. There isnt a person on this planet who is prouder than I am of what weve been able to accomplish so far, and I believe that its just the beginning. Governor Justice

The tourism industry in the Mountain State grew since Governor Justice took office in 2017, with a growth of more than 40 percent in visitor spending, almost $2 billion in annual spending, despite the pandemic.

911 Centers in local counties work with the Hatfield McCoy Trail System to add a system to increase response times on trails

The money that visitors spend in the Mountain State help the economy in the state. Some of the spending amounts included more than $1.7 billion spent on food and beverages in 2023, $1.5 billion spent in recreation, which was 24 percent of the $6.3 billion, and 16 percent of the $6.3 billion was spent on transportation, and 20 percent spent on retail.

We continue to reap the benefits of Gov. Justices commitment to tourism and the investments he has made in our state. The growth weve seen is nothing short of incredible. The governor promised to take the tourism industry on a rocket ship ride, and hes certainly done that. The growth weve seen is proof that the world has started discovering the true gem that we have right here in Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Chelsea Ruby | West Virginia Tourism Secretary

$1 billion in tax revenues were established by tourism in West Virginia in 2023, and $597.8 million went to local and state governments. The press release stated that the tourism in the Mountain State helps support almost seven percent (nearly 60,000) jobs in the Mountain State, as well as $2.1 billion total income.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS.
CHARLESTON, WV (WVNS)  Governor Jim Justice (R-WV) asked the West Virginia Fusion Center to be the main agency to investigate recent threats aimed towards schools in the Mountain State.

According to a press release, Governor Justice told state agencies to work together to investigate the online threats and warnings that more than 45 schools in West Virginia received in September 2024.

Local schools acknowledge online threats made towards schools in West Virginia and Virginia

We will tenaciously pursue these bad actors and anyone creating an unsafe environment for our children. I just wont tolerate it. Not for one instant. Each and every one of these threats will be investigated and all our resources are working together to protect our students, our schools, and our communities. Governor Justice

Multiple law enforcement agencies, including the West Virginia Department of Homeland Security, as well as various school districts, are aware of the online threats made towards schools in the state. The agencies are working with federal, local, and state partners to investigate the threats.

Increased security to be seen at Raleigh County Schools amid online threats

School superintendents throughout West Virginia had a discussion on Thursday, September 12, 2024 about the safety measures and protocols, and ongoing response regarding the threats. Additional resources will be provided in West Virginia counties by Homeland Security if necessary.

We are working with local, county, regional, state, and federal authorities to investigate and address these threats. As we fulfill our mission to protect our students, teachers, and staff and coordinate our response and investigation with local and federal authorities, we ask the public to share any and all information they may have regarding these threats. Mark Sorsaia | Secretary of Homeland Security

According to the press release, receiving threats towards the beginning of the school year is not a rare occurrence, and the threats are taken seriously and the school safety unit has a zero tolerance policy when handling the threats. Those who make the threats could be subjected to disciplinary measures such as suspension, expulsion, and legal consequences.

Our ongoing priority is to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of our students and communities. We will continue our investigation of each event and are prepared to respond if needed. We ask the community to download our emergency response phone app and assist us in keeping our communities safe. Rob Cunningham | Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security

The West Virginia Fusion Center, under the West Virginia Department of Homeland Security, will handle state level response efforts and investigations regarding the threats.

These threats are incredibly disruptive to student learning and well-being. We implore our families and communities to work with their local law enforcement agencies or school safety officers to report suspicious activities. Students deserve to attend schools where they feel safe and can learn in a productive and nurturing environment. Michele L. Blatt | State Superintendent of Schools

FBI releases statement about threats made towards schools in West Virginia and Western Pennsylvania

The press release from Governor Justice stated that the West Virginia Department of Homeland Security would give out more information when it becomes available, and that 911 should be called if there is an immediate threat or if law enforcement is needed.

Governor Justice also stated in the press release that West Virginia partnered with My Mobile Witness to add a see something, send something reporting system on mobile devices. The See Send app can be found on Google Play and the App Store.

The app can also be used for web-based reporting that is not from cell phones. After the app is downloaded to a device, members can enter details such as name (or anonymously if necessary), state, and phone number, and the person can then send a tip for topics such as School Threat or Safety Issues, Crime/Suspicious Activity,  or help for Suicide or Addiction.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS.
GRAFTON, W.Va. (WBOY)  As a way to honor those before them, Grafton High School students took time out of their day on Wednesday to give back to veterans.

About 30 Grafton High School students spent their Wednesday morning helping wash headstones at the West Virginia National Cemetery in honor of Patriots Day.

The West Virginia National Cemetery hosts ceremonies during Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and for Wreaths Across America which typically brings volunteers to help clean headstones. Though cemetery director, Richard Colosky, mentioned that volunteers for Patriot Day havent really caught on.

FBI CJIS unveils new 9/11 memorial in Bridgeport

I think its important to get the youth involved, especially an event like this because most of these kids werent even alive when Sept. 11 happened. Its nice to see that theyre coming out and contributing to keeping the memory alive of the veterans who have served and put forward some community service. It helps the cemetery greatly in keeping our national shrine standards, said Colosky.

You can get involved and volunteer at the West Virginia National Cemetery by contacting the cemetery through its phone number, 304-265-2044, and by getting involved with organizations like Wreaths Across America.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com.
Scotland's only oil refinery is to close by the summer of next year, with the loss of 400 jobs.

Petroineos said the closure of Grangemouth was due to it being unable to compete with sites in Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

The company said the decision would "safeguard fuel supply for Scotland" by converting the site into a terminal able to import petrol, diesel, aviation fuel and kerosene into Scotland - but would require a workforce of fewer than 100 employees compared to the current 475.

The company announced last November it intended to close the plant, but union leaders had hoped the facility could remain open longer to provide time for a green alternative to be established at the site.

The BBC understands the refinery - the oldest in the UK - is currently losing around $500,000 (383,000) a day and is on course to lose around $200m (153m) in 2024.

Petroineos said they expected the new hub for finished fuels to open by early summer next year.

First Minister John Swinney said he was "deeply disappointed" at the news, while a joint three-point plan was unveiled by the Scottish and UK governments regarding the future of the site.

Workers said the announcement was a "kick in the teeth" while unions labelled it a "terrible indictment" of both governments and of the company.

The refinery was opened by BP in 1924.

It expanded into petrochemicals in the 1950s and serves as the primary supplier of aviation fuel for Scotland's main airports, while being a major supplier of petrol and diesel ground fuels across the Central Belt.

It accounts for about 14% of the UK's overall refining capacity and supplies almost two-thirds (65%) of demand for refined oil products in Scotland.

Ineos acquired the site in 2005 and are responsible for the entire plant, while the the refinery itself is owned by Petroineos - a joint venture between Ineos and PetroChina.

Fuel demand 'in decline'

Petroineos stated that the size of the site meant that "high levels of capital expenditure each year" were spent on it, which outweighed the company's earnings.

Franck Demay, the company's CEO, said: "Demand for key fuels we produce at Grangemouth has already started to decline and, with a ban on new petrol and diesel cars due to come into force within the next decade, we foresee that the market for those fuels will shrink further.

"That reality, aligned with the cost of maintaining a refinery built half a century ago, means we are exploring ways to adapt our business.

The action we are taking to create an import terminal will safeguard fuel supply for Scotland. We currently expect Grangemouth to be ready to operate as a national distribution hub for finished fuels in Q2 next year."

Between 250 to 280 of the redundancies are expected to occur in the three months after the plant closes, with 100 retained for between six to 12 months to help decommission and to build up the import business: , with a further 20 working on decommissioning and10 to manage demolition, which will continue until 2030.

20 jobs will go at Finnart on Loch Long, which is the pipeline terminal taking much of the Gulf of Mexico and South American crude oil.

Workers marched in August to protest against the proposed closure [BBC]

In a social media post the first minister stated the Scottish government would work closely with the UK government to "deliver an investment plan" that would help to "secure an industrial future for the site".

This will see 100m of funding to support local energy projects, and examining options - via a feasibility study called Project Willow - to build a new long-term industry at the refinery site.

But a source close to the firm said even if such plans were viable they would not come in time to save the jobs which are expected to be lost next year.

The UK government energy secretary Ed Milliband said the two governments were "working in lockstep" to protect jobs and invest in the area.

Chris Hamilton, a plant operator who has worked at Grangemouth for 11 years, told BBC Scotland News the closure would have a huge impact on the area.

He said: "This site dominates the local skyline, it has dominated the local economy and it has dominated the local jobs market. As a worker, we have known about this since last November but hearing it today isn't any easier."

Mr Hamilton, a union official at the plant, added: "It's a kick in the teeth. It seems like we have not really started [looking at] the alternative possibilities for the site and yet here we are facing closure next year. I don't know where I'll go next."

Workers on 'scrapheap'

Petroineos said it has invested more than $1.2bn (900m) in the refinery since 2011 while recording losses of more than $775m (594m) during the same period.

The company had also been under pressure to decide whether to spend money on securing a new licence for its crude distillation unit, which was due to expire next spring.

Insiders say that doing so would have involved an investment of 40m, said to be an unattractive prospect given the scale of the plant's losses.

Derek Thomson, the Scottish secretary of trade union Unite, said: "There's been no plan by the UK or the Scottish government and what we're effectively going to see is 400 workers put on the scrapheap".

He added that the decision would have "devastating consequences" for the wider area.

Consultation on the redundancies will begin this month.

The firm said the new terminal would be able to import petrol, diesel, aviation fuel and kerosene into Scotland from vessels arriving via the Firth of Forth.

Grangemouth is one of six refineries in the UK and the only one in Scotland.

In recent years the site has been targeted by environmental protestors calling for it to be closed.

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar called the news "a deeply disappointing decision".

Michelle Thomson, the Falkirk East MSP, called for similar support for Grangemouth as that provided for Tata Steel earlier this week, to help ease the green transition.

At First Minister's Questions she said she had been in discussions with a third party regarding a purchase of the refinery, and later told BBC Scotland it was an international company not based in Russia.

A spokesman for Petroineos told BBC Scotland that there had been "plenty of time" for potential buyers to express an interest and that it would "have engaged seriously with any credible proposition".

The spokesman added the company had reached out to Thomson for further details.

The INEOS businesses at Grangemouth - INEOS O&P UK and INEOS FPS - released a statement saying it was "business as usual for those companies.

[BBC]

This is what the energy transition looks like, and its neither "just" nor attractive for those at the sharp end.

Not only has Grangemouth refinery faced competition from more modern, efficient plants elsewhere: not only is the flow of North Sea oil reducing to uneconomic levels: but with the demise of petrol and diesel vehicles, and eventually greener aircraft, demand is expected to plummet in its domestic market.

So from a climate change perspective, no further oil refining should be welcomed.

But it looks less welcome from the point of view of a strategic economic asset in a world where energy security is a much higher priority than it was, with the decision to close being taken by a joint venture half of which is very close to the Chinese government.

To make this a "just transition", as governments would like it to be for energy workers and consumers, a biofuel or hydrogen refinery would be taking its place as the oil business winds down.

At Grangemouth, thats a long way over the horizon, and long after 400 jobs have gone.

As with the steelworks at Port Talbot, seeing many more job losses this week in a tougher Welsh jobs market than Grangemouth, the newer, greener replacement technology requires fewer workers.

The transition also requires better advance planning. The biofuels market doesn't exist at scale. It requires the UK government to shape it, providing a price floor for Sustainable Aviation Fuel, for instance, so as to reduce investor risk.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT)  On Aug. 13, the Greater Birmingham Humane Society announced the temporary closure of the Jefferson County Intake Facility in Woodlawn due to an outbreak of Canine Pneumovirus.

GBHS Director of Development and Marketing Stephanie Salvago explained that, due to another animal recently testing positive, the intake facility is still unsure of its reopening date.

Despite the uncertainty, GBHS has not slowed down with its adoption events.

It has made having adoption events harder because we only have so many animals to choose to take there, to the different events, Salvago said.

Below are some of the upcoming adoption events hosted by GBHS:

Tailgate and Tails. This event will take place at Side Bar on Sept. 14, and it will feature a volleyball tournament. The event starts at 11 a.m., and adoptable dogs will be there from 2-6 p.m.

Puppy Palooza. This event will take place at the Vestavia Hills City Center on Sept. 21 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This event will feature live musical, vendors, kids activities, activities for dogs, complimentary drinks, adoptable dogs and more.

Pooches on the Patio. This event will take place at Vino & Gallery Bar on Sept. 19 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Vino will offer classic dishes alongside its regular menu. This event will also feature a photo booth.



Every event is kind of different, but the thing that always remains constant is really just getting the animals out of the shelter and getting them in front of the public. We let the public interact with them and see them outside of the shelter, Salvago said.

Salvago explained that these events typically allow visitors to get more up close and personal with the adoptable dogs, but people are still encouraged to visit the adoption facility at 300 Snow Drive to meet the animals as well.

We love going out and doing these community events, and while they are so great, and we do encourage people to come out and see the animals, we want to remind people that theyre not limited to our adoption events, Salvago said. Even with the Canine Pneumovirus, we still have adoptable animals outside. So, you can come in, you can check our website and see all of the animals that we have available.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42.
FILE PHOTO: Swings are seen outside the closed school in the village of Ormenio

ATHENS (Reuters) - Greece outlined measures to boost its lagging birthrate on Thursday, from vouchers and childcare benefits to tax breaks for new parents, although experts questioned the plan's effectiveness.

Greece has one of Europe's lowest fertility rates, a dire demographic state driven by a decade-long economic crisis, emigration and changed attitudes among the young. The prime minister has called it a national threat and a "ticking time bomb" for pensions.

It currently spends around one billion euros a year on pro-child measures. Yet it recorded its lowest ever number of births in 2022.

The measures outlined on Thursday by the family, interior, finance and health ministries include tax relief for new parents, daycare vouchers, a rise in the minimum wage from 2025, pension increases and social contribution reductions.

But demography experts and even government officials acknowledge the long road ahead.

"It is a given that the demographic problem ... cannot simply be solved by benefits and cash incentives," deputy finance minister Thanos Petralias told journalists on Thursday.

Petralias said fixing the problem also required improving the education and health systems, boosting incomes and better work-life balance conditions.

Tumbling birthrates are a problem for governments across Europe, where countries including France, Italy, Norway and Spain have spent billions of euros on pro-child measures, to little effect.

The measures are part of a broader plan aimed at reversing the downward trend of Greece's birthrate, which officials had told Reuters would be unveiled in May but has been pushed back to later this year.

The plan includes affordable housing for young people, financial incentives for assisted reproduction, and incorporating migrants into the workforce.

"They (these measures) will have no dramatic impact on births," said Byron Kotzamanis, a leading demography expect in Greece.

"There needs to be a different policy to tackle the problem at its core," he said, adding this included giving young people incentives to remain in Greece and attracting back those who left.

(Reporting by Karolina Tagaris, Editing by William Maclean)
Greek PM says German border plan will be burden for Greece

ATHENS (Reuters) -Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said on Thursday that a German plan to impose tighter checks at its land borders amounted to unilaterally scrapping Europe's open-border Schengen zone and would burden frontline states such as Greece.

Germany said this week that the checks within what is normally a wide area of free movement - the Schengen zone - would start on Sept. 16 and initially last for six months, as the country tries to clamp down on irregular migration.

"Germany had an extremely tolerant and I would say socially generous policy against migrants which is now triggering a big social backlash," Mitsotakis said in an interview with a Greek radio station.

"The response cannot be unilaterally scrapping Schengen and dropping the ball to countries which sit on Europe's external borders," he said.

Instead, the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, a revamped migration system which recognises the importance of guarding Europe's external borders, should be implemented, Mitsotakis said.

Greece was on the frontline of Europe's migration crisis in 2015-16 when more than a million refugees - many of them fleeing civil war in Syria - arrived, mainly via Turkey. Most eventually moved on to Germany and other western European destinations.

The number of arrivals in Greece has since fallen sharply but many migrants, mainly from Libya and Egypt, still reach Greek shores before also heading towards western Europe.

Mitsotakis' conservative government, which won a second term last year, has tighetened its migration policy since 2019.

A cement and barbed-wire fence that Greece is extending along its northern border with Turkey to prevent migrants from entering the country will be completed within a year, Greek Citizen Protection Minister Michalis Chrisochoidis told state television on Thursday.

"We are doing our duty to Europe, we're guarding our borders," Chrisochoidis said.

(Reporting by Angeliki Koutantou; Editing by Kevin Liffey and Gareth Jones)
By Federico Maccioni

DUBAI (Reuters) - PGIM, the investment management arm of U.S. insurer Prudential Financial, has opened an office in Abu Dhabi, it said on Thursday, joining a slew of money managers coming to the United Arab Emirates capital to tap a growing pool of wealthy clients.

PGIM, which had $1.33 trillion in assets under management as of June-end, obtained a Financial Services Permission (FSP) to operate in Abu Dhabi's financial centre ADGM, where it will cater to regional institutional and professional clients.

Asset managers, banks, hedge funds and family offices have increased their presence in the UAE in recent years, driven by a post-pandemic economic rebound, the UAE's relatively neutral political stance, convenient time zones and tax-free status.

In Abu Dhabi -- where state funds ADIA, Mubadala and ADQ manage $1.54 trillion in assets, per sovereign wealth fund tracker Global SWF -- some of the big names include the billionaire founder of hedge fund Bridgewater Associates, Ray Dalio, who opened a branch of his family office last year, and peers Brevan Howard.

The oil-rich emirate also lured banks such as Goldman Sachs and Rothschild, which have traditionally favoured neighbouring Dubai as their regional hub but are now setting up smaller offices in Abu Dhabi and Riyadh.

Company registrations at ADGM surged 31% in the first half of 2024 compared with a year earlier, while assets under management soared by 226%, the financial centre said. Morgan Stanley was among the asset managers that received an FSP in the period.

PGIM said it has served clients in the Middle East "for many years", but Abu Dhabi would be its first office in the region.

"Abu Dhabi remains a key market," its Middle East head Mohammed Abdulmalek said.

The firm said it has over 1,400 employees globally, spread across 41 countries, without disclosing the number of staff it plans to employ in Abu Dhabi.

(Reporting by Federico Maccioni; Editing by Sumana Nandy)
Check your refrigerator ASAP.

Getty Images

A recall was just announced on Greek yogurt sold at Costco, according to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). This is due to mold found in the product.

The Kirkland Signature branded yogurt impacted was sold in 24-packs, have a printed UPC of 0 96619 22215 5 and a best by date written as 2024 AU 10. The Greek yogurts recalled were sold in Canadian Costco locations in the following provinces: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec and Saskatchewan.

If you have this recalled product in your refrigerator, dispose of it or return it to your local Costco location. While the CFIA notes that the microbial contamination is non-harmful, the presence of mold in food can cause illness to consumers. Its best to avoid food with unusual mold growth to lower your risk of food poisoning.

For more information about this recall, contact the CFIA toll-free at 1-800-442-2342 or email information@inspection.gc.ca.

Related: Frozen Waffles Sold at Costco Recalled Due to Plastic in Product

Read the original article on Eating Well.
Greensboros Key to the City going to Henry and Shirley Frye; How they became civil rights icons

GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP)  Mayor Nancy Vaughan will present Justice Henry Frye and his wife Shirley with the prestigious Key to the City, the City of Greensboro announced in a press release Thursday.

The Fryes made a name for themselves through tremendous contributions to the Greensboro community, to the state of North Carolina, to nonprofit, academic, civic and professional organizations and to North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, the Fryes alma mater from which they both graduated in 1953.

Shirley Frye(R) and Henry Frye attend the World Business Lenders Fall Social on October 24, 2019 in Jersey City, New Jersey. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for World Business Lenders)

According to the A&T Alumni website, Frye was the first African American to complete the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill three-year law program in 1959, the first Black assistant district attorney in the United States in 1963, the first African American in North Carolinas House of Representatives in the 20th Century in 1968, and our states first Supreme Court justice of color in 1983.

North Carolina A&T State University is Americas most affordable doctoral research school, Money magazine says

On Aug. 24, 1956, Frye attempted to register to vote but was denied due to an alleged failure of a literacy test. He decided to become a lawyer, heading to the University of North Carolina School of Law with no idea hed later break barriers at the school and in the state.

The next day, Frye married Shirley Taylor, his sweetheart he met in 1950 while on A&Ts debate team.

In a 1955 edition of the Alumni Newsletter, which predates the A&T Today, Frye was listed as one of the youngest alumni donors to the university, the alumni website states. He later served as the parliamentarian for the NC A&T State University Alumni Association. In 1972, Frye became the first recipient of A&Ts Alumni Excellence Award, the highest honor presented to active alumni.

The alumni website also highlights the achievements of Shirley Taylor Frye, the first African American president of the YMCA of Greensboro. She has been involved in more than 100 associations and affiliations, serving on the Greensboro City Schools Board of Education, being vice chairwoman of the United Way of Greensboro and administrating at Bennett College and NC A&T. She was also the vice president of community relations for Greensboros CBS-affiliate television station for more than 10 years.

North Carolina A&T State University names James Martin II new chancellor

She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., The Links, 100 Black Women, Women Administrators in Education and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

Frye also has an endowed scholarship in her honor for NC A&T journalism students, nicknamed Crosby Kids, and was awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, one of North Carolinas highest civilian honors from the governor.

In April 2022, A&T established the Justice Henry E. and Shirley T. Frye Archival Collection, featuring the couples personal archives, professional documents and artifacts.

I am proud that my alma mater, which gave me my foundation to do all I was able to do, is receiving this collection, Frye said.

On Feb. 20, a bronze statue dedicated to the Fryes was unveiled in Center City Park.

In May, A&Ts former Academic Classroom Building was renamed Henry E. and Shirley T. Frye Hall.

A community celebration will occur Tuesday, Sept. 17 at 6 p.m. at Center City Park in front of the bronze statue erected in the couples honor. There will be a performance by NC A&Ts Cold Steel Drumline and Blue and Gold Marching Machine.

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STATESBORO, Ga. (WSAV)About 100 people participated in a Memorial Stair Climb Wednesday to honor the lives lost on 9/11 at Paulson Stadium early morning.

The Georgia Southern University Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) Program hosted their 6th annual Memorial Stair Climb.

343 firefighters died when the towers collapsed, many while climbing stairs to rescue victims trapped.

Bluffton shares message of hope on 9/11

The event is meant to replicate the search and rescue efforts on the World Trade Center, said Nick Bingham, a Military Science Professor at Georgia Southern University. It is really a physical mission for these cadets, but really it is all about the remembrance. Remembering the vulnerability, we felt as a nation following the event.

Campus veterans, local law enforcement and local fire departments were invited to participate in the event. For honor and motivation, participants will wear a badge with the name and photo of someone lost in the attacks.

(This is for) understanding the lives lost, said Ben Calvert, a Battalion Commander. The people who took those calls that morning, those 343 firefighters that unfortunately lost their lives, and the many more that chose to serve after that. That is the reason we are out here today. To remember those who answered the call.

Participants climbed 110 flights, thats 2,200 stairs, to honor those brave first responders.

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PESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP)  A pair of gunmen on a motorcycle opened fire on Thursday and killed a policeman guarding a group of polio workers going door-to-door in a vaccination campaign in northwestern Pakistan, police said, the second attack on the country's anti-polio campaign in as many days.

A female polio worker, in a separate incident, was allegedly raped by two men in southern Pakistan, officials said.

The latest fatal attack took place in Bannu, a district in the restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, according to police officer Nasrullah Khan. The policeman who was gunned down was standing on a street corner and the attackers fled the scene, Khan said.

In a similar attack Wednesday in Bajur, also in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, a group of gunmen on motorcycles killed two people, a polio worker and a police escort.

No one has so far claimed responsibility for the two attacks, which have spread fears among the polio workers. Authorities on Monday launched a new, nationwide polio vaccination campaign amid stepped-up security to protect the polio workers.

On Monday, a roadside bomb exploded near a vehicle carrying officers assigned to protect polio workers in the district of South Waziristan, also in the same province, wounding six officers and three civilians. The militant Islamic State group later claimed responsibility for Mondays attack.

In a separate incident, two men allegedly raped a polio worker after she was requested to come into a house to administer polio drops to the children in the southern Sindh province, a government official Zahur Marri said Thursday.

He said the woman was assaulted in the Jacobabad district the previous day after being lured by two men to vaccinate the children. Marri said police were conducting raids to arrest the accused.

Though people often harass female polio workers during anti-polio drives, such sexual assaults are rare.

Anti-polio campaigns in Pakistan are regularly marred by violence. Militants target vaccination teams and police assigned to protect them, falsely claiming that the campaigns are a Western conspiracy to sterilize children. Since January, Pakistan has reported 17 new cases of polio, jeopardizing decades of efforts to eliminate polio in the country.

The potentially fatal, paralyzing disease mostly strikes children under age 5 and typically spreads through contaminated water.

Pakistan and Afghanistan are the only countries in which the spread of polio has never been stopped.

____

Associated Press writer Asim Tanveer contributed to this story from Multan, Pakistan.
Haitian-American community leaders and organizations rebuked former President Donald Trump and his running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, for repeating false claims this week that Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, are eating household pets and demanded a retraction of the statements.

During his Tuesday night debate with Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris on ABC, Trump, the GOPs presidential pick, pushed a baseless, xenophobic, viral, right wing social media conspiracy theory that Haitian immigrants in Ohio are eating the dogs and eating the cats  that theyre eating the pets of the people that live there.

Vance made similar claims a day before the debate.

City officials told multiple media outlets this is unsubstantiated.

The claims were swiftly debunked by fact-checking news outlets and widely criticized by groups representing Haitian Americans.

The National Haitian-American Elected Officials Network lambasted the remarks as reckless rhetoric and underscored that they perpetuate harmful stereotypes that undermines the fabric of our diverse nation.

We will not allow xenophobic rhetoric to overshadow the truth of our peoples positive impact, the organization wrote in a statement shared with Capital B. The organization is demanding the Trump-Vance campaign retract offensive statements and engage in meaningful dialogue to address the harm caused.

The Haitian immigrant community are not puppets for political games, the organizations chairwoman, North Miami Vice Mayor Mary Estime-Irvin, said in the statement.

The Trump-Vance campaign in a statement said that there are real issues impacting the people of Ohio, but did not directly address calls from that community for a retraction and a conversation.

We hope the media will continue to cover the stories of the very real suffering and tragedies experienced by the people of Springfield, Ohio, which have been largely ignored by the liberal mainstream media until now. While the media may find these stories and experiences unimportant and inconvenient, President Trump will continue giving a voice to Americans who are expressing their concerns about the influx of illegals and rising migrant crime in their communities, Karoline Leavitt, Trump campaign national press secretary, said in a statement.

Experts in politics and Black history said the remarks

tap into racist misinformation, perpetuating a macabre historical narrative about Black people as dangerous and other.

Haiti boasts a rich melange of African and Caribbean cultural traditions, roots in revolt against enslavement and a history that extends back to and is intertwined with the first century of Americas founding. Haitians have left an indelible imprint on U.S. culture and politics. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are more than 1.1 million people in the U.S. with Haitian ancestry  many of them living in enclaves in and near Miami, New York, and New Jersey, among other areas.

The predominantly Black nation is also considered the poorest in the Western Hemisphere, with a history of immigration to American shores  sometimes during times of political upheaval.

As a result, they have also been a group exploited as a foil for those looking to peddle a particular brand of misinformation, political experts in Black studies said.

The myth of the scary Black interloper who seeks to deny what some white Americans perceive as their birthright is an age-old trope, political experts said.

Haitian immigrants give you the perfect mix of scary Black and also foreign, said Alvin Tillery, a professor of political science and the director of the Center for the Study of Diversity and Democracy at Northwestern University.

Such attacks are grounded in anti-Blackness and anti-immigrant sentiments that appeal to the segment of Trumps base that is deeply uncomfortable with demographic shifts that show America is becoming more racially diverse, Tillery added.

Anti-Black and anti-immigrant stereotypes are rhetorical techniques that Trump has used in past political cycles as a call-to-action to the nativist and racist segments of his base, political experts told Capital B.

We have long argued that Trumps anti-immigrant rhetoric is racially loaded, said Andra Gillespie, a professor of political science and the director of the James Weldon Johnson Institute at Emory University.

Trump has frequently criticized Black and brown immigrants

In 2015, when Trump launched his initial bid for the presidency at Trump Tower, he claimed When Mexico sends its people, theyre not sending their best, He added: Theyre sending people that have lots of problems, and theyre bringing those problems with us. Theyre bringing drugs. Theyre bringing crime. Theyre rapists. And some, I assume, are good people.

It is a refrain he has repeated often.

Back in 2018, he called El Salvador, Haiti, and African nations shithole countries during a meeting with a bipartisan group of senators at the White House.

The Washington Post reported that at the time, he wondered why the U.S. would offer immigration protections for people from those counties and suggested America would be better off encouraging immigration from Norway, a European nation that is predominantly white.

Trump often criticized Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minnesota, who immigrated to the U.S. from Somalia with her family in the 1990s. In one particularly memorable episode, he maligned her and other members of the progressive Democratic group dubbed the Squad, telling them to go back to where they came from. Reps. Ayanna Pressley, D-Massachusetts, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-New York, and Rashida Tlaib, D-Michigan, are American-born.

Trump and Vances most recent comments also tie into broader standing stereotypes of Blacks and criminality, Gillespie said, pointing to the ways in which this particular false narrative could be read as an emotionally manipulative ploy and play on subconscious bias.

Its stealing pets, which people hold near and dear to their hearts. And then there is the part about eating animals not commonly consumed in America, she added, saying that could be a vague reference to wrongly held beliefs about voodoo.

Trump is merely the latest in a long line of some American presidents who, at times, have also leaned into racist political narratives, said Tillery, who also runs the 2040 Strategy Group, and the Super PAC Alliance for Black Equality.

When he was the governor of California, Ronald Regan and President Richard Nixon once shared a chuckle over calling United Nations delegates from African countries monkeys.

A decade of Trump rhetoric has shifted political rhetorical norms

Trumps comments about Haitians have initial shock value, but a decade of Trump dominating headlines with similarly offensive rejoinders has dulled sensibilities, Gillespie said.

Ten years later, what weve seen is that Trump can say overtly racist stuff and be given a pass to say it, she said.

The question we have today is not just is this a bridge too far, but are people going to respond to it positively or negatively. And, if negatively, how?

The post Haitian American Group Demands Retraction of Trumps Statements appeared first on Capital B News.
Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (Credit: U.S. House)

Florida elected officials of Haitian descent are speaking out after former President Donald Trump doubled down on false attacks against Haitian immigrants made by his vice-presidential pick, U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance.

Of the nearly half-million Haitian Americans in the Sunshine State, one represents Florida in the U.S. House of Representatives, three sit in the Florida House of Representatives, and several more serve in municipal governments. Florida is home to more Haitians than any other state, according to World Population Review.

U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, representing the Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach area, said Trump intended to create fear and division.

Donald Trump is once again fixating on fictitious stories rooted in racist stereotypes in hopes of scaring Americans into voting for him, Cherfilus-McCormick said in a news release.

Vance claimed that people have had their pets abducted and eaten by people who shouldnt be in this country. False claims about Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, started in a Facebook group focused on local crime, NBC News reported.

Vance made the claim on social media, saying where is our border czar?  a title Republicans have attached to Vice President Kamala Harris.

The Facebook post quickly made headlines this week, with Trump repeating the claim during his debate with Harris on Tuesday.

In Springfield, theyre eating the dogs, the people that came in, theyre eating the cats. Theyre eating, theyre eating the pets of the people that live there, Trump said.

Police in the area say they have no credible reports of immigrants hurting pets.

His outrageous comment about immigrants eating Springfield, Ohio, residents pets is nothing more than a desperate attempt to stoke fear and division, Cherfilus-McCormick, the first Haitian American Democrat elected to Congress, said.

Its insulting, its false, and its rooted in the worst kinds of stereotypes. Lets be clear: Haitians and other immigrants come to this country committed to education, hard work, and building a better life, not just for themselves but for all of us. They contribute to our economy, enrich our culture, and strengthen our communities. Trumps comments are a distraction from the real issues we face, and we wont be fooled.

According to the Florida Immigrant Coalition, all elected officials of Haitian descent it asked to comment on the matter responded except Florida Rep. Berny Jacques, a Republican.

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Rep. Dotie Joseph, the state House minority leader pro tempore, said Vances comments were racist and xenophobic.

As a lawyer, the VP-wannabe knows how to research, so he certainly knew and should have known that his racist and xenophobic claims are false  even if he doesnt practice law, Joseph said in the news release.

But when you dont have integrity you dont care about truth, you dont care about the impact on people, and you just want attention. I am also a graduate of Yale, and also happen to be a lawyer engaged in public service, but unlike the shameless comment, I believe in truth, integrity, and loving thy neighbor.

Joseph, who graduated with a bachelors degree from the same institution where Vance earned his law degree, said we all see that Vance is losing and desperate for political attention.

Vance referred to Haitians who live in Springfield as illegal immigrants. The city of Springfield website states otherwise: Haitian immigrants are here legally, under the Immigration Parole Program.

Vance, who represents Ohio, was joined by Sen. Ted Cruz, a Texas Republican, in claiming Haitian immigrants do such things.

Please vote for Trump so Haitian immigrants dont eat us, Cruz posted to X with a picture of kitten.

The House Judiciary Committee Republicans X account made a similar post, saying Protect our ducks and kittens in Ohio! with an artificial intelligence-generated image of Trump with a duck and cat.

Agenda of hate and chaos

State Rep. Marie Woodson said she refuses to believe those who also care deeply about this country will support the continuation of the Trump-Vance agenda of hate and chaos.

For those who do not believe former President Donald Trump and Sen. J.D. Vance for their disdain of immigrants who do not look like them, it was made crystal clear at the recent debate with Vice President Harris, Woodson said.

Trumps unhinged rants about migrants indicate he has no problem spreading lies and vicious characterizations about Haitians and others. Which group will he use next to divide and put fear in our neighbors, friends, and workplaces? Migrants are human and should not be treated as pawns for a selfish goal of divide and conquer.

U.S. Reps. Maxwell Frost and Cherfilus-McCormick spoke out about Vances comments earlier this week before Trump reiterated them at the debate Tuesday.

Also speaking out were Miami-Dade Commissioner Marleine Bastien, Coral Springs Commissioner Nancy Metayer Bowen, North Miami Mayor Alix Desulme, and North Miami City Clerk Vanessa Joseph.

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SPRINGFIELD, Ohio - An Ohio town that has seen its population swell with thousands of Haitian refugees has had to battle differences in culture and even driving practices as it adjusts to its new reality.

"Weve got an influx of folks that have come in, and I think we were a little bit shocked that it was close to 20,000 people in a community of 60,000, and thats caused some issues between the folks that live here and the folks that are coming in," Ohio State Rep. Kyle Koehler told Fox News Digital.

The comments come as Springfield, which is located roughly 50 miles west of Columbus, has entered the national spotlight in recent weeks, most recently when former President Donald Trump pointed to the town during one of his responses in Tuesdays debate.

"They're eating the dogs, the people that came in, they're eating the cats," Trump said during a response to a question about immigration. "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."

RESIDENTS OF SPRINGFIELD, OHIO ATTEND CITY COUNCIL MEETING TO SHARE FRUSTRATION ABOUT MIGRANT CRISIS HITTING THEIR COMMUNITY

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. After earning the Democratic Party nomination following President Joe Bidens decision to leave the race, Harris faced off with Trump in what may be the only debate of the 2024 race for the White House. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

The issue has also caught the attention of Ohio Republican senate candidate Bernie Moreno, who argued that the Biden administration's "open border" policies "have flooded Springfield, Ohio, with thousands of illegal Haitians who are sucking up social services and destroying a small town here in Ohio."

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

"We need to deport illegals, not invite them to wreak havoc on our communities like Sherrod Brown and Kamala Harris have done," Moreno told Fox News Digital.

While local officials and multiple media outlets have disputed the point that Trump raised in the debate, there is still a new reality faced by longtime members of the Springfield community. Chief among them, according to Koehler, are cultural differences between locals and the Haitian refugees who are new to the town.

The lake at Snyder Park in Springfield, Ohio, from which local residents have claimed Haitian refugees have taken geese to slaughter and eat.

"They dont understand the laws, they dont understand some of our customs, we dont understand some of their customs, and that clash and the overwhelming amount of people that have come at one point has really caused some issues," Koehler, who is now running to represent the area in the state Senate, said.

One more extreme example of that, Koehler recalled hearing second hand, allegedly played out at a local Walmart, where he said there were stories of "people showing up at the Walmart on a Saturday morning, going into the bathroom, and stripping down and bathing themselves."

State Rep. Kyle Koehler says he has heard secondhand of migrants stripping down to bathe in washrooms in the local Springfield Walmart.

FOCUS GROUP REACTS TO TRUMP CLAIM THAT MIGRANTS ARE 'EATING THE DOGS' IN OHIO TOWN

"Again, not something we do here, something someone might do in another culture, or something someone might do if they dont understand the culture theyre in now," Koehler said. "Whether thats true or not, those stories get passed around, and it inflames the situation we have in our community."

Another issue causing concern among the local population is road safety, Koehler noted.

"The driving in town is horrendous," Koehler said, noting that a lot of that issue can also be chalked up to cultural differences.

One notable situation occurred last October, when a school bus carrying dozens of children in the area collided with a minivan, resulting in over 20 kids being hurt and one, Aiden Clark, being killed.

The driver of the minivan was later identified as Hermanio Joseph, a Haitian immigrant who was found guilty earlier this year of involuntary manslaughter and vehicular homicide for his role in the incident.

The tragic incident inflamed tensions in the community, with Koehler noting that road safety had been one of the more visible concerns for locals.

"We do have a really abnormal number of car accidents that are happening," Koehler said. "And its not only the number, but the severity of them. When you go on a street that is a 35-mile-an-hour speed limit and theres a car sitting on its hood, and Im not talking about one, Im talking about five or six accidents a week like that, you begin to wonder."

Nevertheless, Koehler stressed the positive attributes of Springfield, arguing that the town was once in decline but is now on the way back.

"We have a wonderful town," Koehler said.





Original article source: Haitian refugees dont understand the laws, lawmaker says amid fatal wreck, cultural clashes
HALSTEAD, Kan. (KSNW)  The City of Halstead will host a public meeting on zoning regulations related to a proposed energy storage facility.

In October 2023, Boston-based Concurrent LLC submitted an interconnection application to the Southwest Power Pool, which oversees power transmission in Kansas and several neighboring states.

Concurrent wants to build a system that would collect and store renewable energy during times of low demand so that it can be delivered during times of high demand. The proposed Tallgrass Prairie Energy Center has a planned capacity of 200 megawatts and up to 800 megawatt-hours.

Arial view of the Halstead Industrial Park with the outline of the location for a proposed Battery Energy Storage System (courtesy Harvey County Economic Development)

School, hospital briefly on lockdown in Lakin

The company plans to install the facility in Halstead Industrial Park. Once operational, it would store enough power for 200,000 to 800,000 homes.

The public meeting will be held Monday, Sept. 16, at 6:30 p.m. at Halstead City Hall. A draft of the proposed zoning regulations is below:

Draft_Halstead_Zoning_Regulations_-_BESSDownload

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CNN

An adviser to Vice President Kamala Harris dished Wednesday about how he approached his role as Donald Trump during mock debate sessions, telling CNN about his three layers of bronzer and other alterations to his appearance.

Philippe Reines, who previously had the same role during Hillary Clintons debate preparation sessions in 2016, said that he had a hard time getting all the makeup off afterward.

I see why [Trump] is always like that, Reines told The Source anchor Kaitlan Collins.

Reines described acting loud and buffoonish during the sessions.

I was focused on the left side of the screen, just making sure that she could get used to what she would see and feel, he said. You want them to say what they want to say, because its a job interview. Youve got millions of people who are trying to side. And [Trump] knows that the only way he can get the job is by not letting her speak, not letting her get her ideas out. And to do that, you have to be loud. You have to be buffoonish. You have to lie like theres no tomorrow.

to do:



facial

haircut

spiritual cleanse pic.twitter.com/xpYQW17yg3  Philippe Reines (@PhilippeReines) September 11, 2024

Reines said he only broke character maybe once or twice.

My alarm in my house went off once, and I had to answer the phone to give them the safe word. That was just bad timing, he said.

As for Harris initiating the handshake with Trump, Reines said that was not rehearsed.

Its not a matter of rehearsal. I mean, its a human thing to do, he said. In her mind, that was the right, bigger thing to do.

And regarding Harris baiting Trump about certain things like crowd sizes, Reines said it really was about facts.

When you talk about someone talking about sharks and electrocution, or Hannibal Lecter, those are facts, and theyre making a larger point. You are talking about someone detached from reality, he said. If she had just been sitting there going tit-for-tat with him, that would be pointless. But she gave it space to tell people this is what he did, this is why he was fired, this is what we inherited, this is what President Biden and I tried, and this is what Im going to do going forward.

If you dont give yourself the space to do that, to carve that out, Reines continued, then Trump is going to pretend that he just came on the scene a month ago and that he has never had a record, [that] he has never failed on immigration. I mean, the border wallits not there. Its just not there. We all heard it. Its important to make that clear, and she did a phenomenal job of doing that.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Vice President Kamala Harris is circulating her first detailed goals for rural America in a bid to woo voters the party has been hemorrhaging support among for decades  and who will help determine the outcome of the November elections.

The new document is the furthest Harris has gone in her career to outline how she would approach policy for rural communities and comes as her running mate, Gov. Tim Walz, who has been tapped as a sort of special envoy to more rural areas of battleground states in the final sprint, is set to visit Wausau, Wisconsin, Friday. Harris herself is venturing into some of Pennsylvania's largely rural, red counties Friday as part of her battleground blitz over the next few days.

As part of her broad plans, the campaign promises significant new federal investment for rural communities under a Harris-Walz administration and warns that Trumps policies will leave rural America behind, according to the new two-page outline obtained by POLITICO. The document, like similar campaign materials, is meant to help engage and organize voters on the ground with just weeks to go.

The campaigns new rural outline also pledges to scale up programs to help rural communities access federal funding while expanding small-business financing and other aid. It also attempts to beef up Harris limited ties to agriculture and small-town voters, with the document noting both she and Walz are from top agricultural-producing states and that rural communities are essential to the success and character of our nation. Harris has yet to release a full policy platform for rural communities, as some Democrats are pressing the campaign to do. Her campaign said the new document isnt a whole new policy plan for rural America, but is part of their aggressive rural organizing efforts.



Those kinds of details, even small, from Harris campaign are critical. Harris, who recently hired her own campaign rural engagement director, is now trying to win over skeptical undecided voters and Democratic-leaning residents in rural regions and small towns who may not otherwise vote. In doing so, she might be able to shave off a few percentage points from Trumps margins in battleground states in whats shaping up to be an incredibly tight race.

But Harris is facing steep challenges in driving turnout in rural counties in swing states where Trump threatens to run up the score against her. Some Democratic lawmakers and local organizers fear Harris will do worse than President Joe Biden in rural and rural-adjacent counties, after he managed to claw back some ground in 2020 after Trumps 2016 blowout.

Harris has grown her lead against Trump in Wisconsin to 5 points among likely voters, with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and other third-party candidates on the ballot, according to a pre-debate Marquette University Law School poll. Though, thats just outside the polls margin of error, indicating an incredibly close race. Kennedy is still trying to remove his name from the states ballot, after dropping out of the race and endorsing Trump in late-August.

Wisconsin is already among the top states in the country for voter turnout, so its hard for either Trump or Harris to make significant gains at this point.

Were talking about a game of inches, rather than yards, said Charles Franklin, director of the Marquette Law School poll.

Walz coming to Wausau makes a lot of sense, Franklin added, as Democrats are trying to lose by less in rural regions. The city of 40,000 people sits in a red county Trump won by 18 points in 2020.

But, Franklin noted, as Trumps support has fallen off in Wisconsins traditionally red, suburban strongholds, the former president is making a more concerted effort to shore up his support in rural counties. The former president recently held a rally in Mosinee, just to the south of Wausau where Walz will be Friday.

The Biden-Harris administration and congressional Democrats have poured billions in federal investments into rural communities, but have had mixed results in rebuilding support among voters there.

Walz is from a small town in Nebraska and represented a largely rural, conservative-leaning congressional district in southern Minnesota. But hes so far had limited direct interactions with rural voters since Harris tapped him as her running mate, beyond visiting a family farm during a recent campaign stop in Pennsylvania.

While Walz appears more in-tune with small-town voters than other national Democrats, campaign officials understand he too runs the risk of facing less-than-welcoming receptions from Trump supporters in rural areas.

Walz will meet with volunteers in Wausau Friday, where Democrats see several key opportunities to mobilize support among a growing population of Hmong and Native residents in the region, with many being small farmers.

On Saturday, Walz will hold a rally at the University of Wisconsin-Superior, in the port city that largely relies on mining and manufacturing industries and borders Minnesota.
The risks of investing in China are outweighing the benefits, according to the European Business in China Position Paper 2024/2025.

EU Chamber of Commerce in China President Jens Eskelund said China's status as the undisputed leader of FDI is slipping further away as he expressed concern about there being a tipping point now.

The main obstacles that foreign companies face nowadays are not necessarily different than what they were ten years ago. Market access and regulatory barriers have been mainstay complaints since before the pandemic.

However, at the time, China's rapid economic growth meant that the benefits outweighed the negatives. This made China, with its established infrastructure and a large supply of cheap labour, well-placed to attract FDI.

Post-pandemic, slow consumption has caused growth to lag in the country. The environment for foreign businesses has also been uncertain at times. Raids, strict rules on handling data and tough anti-espionage laws that have seen foreign workers jailed have all made the investment environment more unpredictable.

The rise of export control policies regarding the microchip and advanced computing sector in China is also expected to significantly impact a substantial proportion of EU companies operating in China. Almost 25% of respondents to the European Chambers Business Confidence Survey 2024 expect their operations to be affected, while 30% are unsure about the potential impact on their businesses.

China has also been accused of encouraging overcapacity, where output exceeds demand, leading to artificially low prices (this has especially been the case for the electric vehicle sector). If investment in the manufacturing sector continues, paired with low domestic demand, it will lead to higher exports and more trade friction, according to Eskelund. Of the chamber's members, 42% claim they are suffering from this overcapacity issue.

He urged government officials to aim for a more balanced approach between supply and demand and to focus on policies that will spur domestic consumption.

"Post Covid, China is no longer the undisputed leader in attracting FDI " was originally created and published by Investment Monitor, a GlobalData owned brand.







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Seventy-nine Democrats voted against a bill effectively banning Chinese military companies from doing federal business in the United States, but the Harris-Walz campaign declined to say where it stands on the legislation amid concerns over Gov. Tim Walzs ties to an institute that did business with one of the companies targeted in the bill.

The Biosecure Act, HR 8333, passed the House by a vote of 306-81, with 79 Democrats and two Republicans voting against it. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Brad Wenstrup, R-Ohio, would not allow federal agencies to "procure or obtain any biotechnology equipment or service produced or provided by a biotechnology company of concern."

One of the companies called out in the act, Beijing Genomics Institute (BGI), has been labeled a "Chinese military company" by the Pentagon and has done extensive work with a medical research institute with deep ties to Walz, Fox News Digital previously reported.

Fox News Digital reached out to the Harris-Walz campaign multiple times for comment over the last six days on whether it supports the Biosecure Act, but they refused to say where the campaign stands.

FORMER CIA OFFICER ACCEPTED GIFTS FROM CHINA FOR TOP SECRET INFO, SENTENCED TO PRISON

The House Oversight Committee is investigating Gov. Walz's China ties.

BGIs presence in the United States was brought to the forefront again this week after Fox News Digital reported that the House Oversight Committee is aware of a machine operated by BGI that is in use at Los Alamos, the nations most secretive government laboratory.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

"I spoke in favor of my bill, the BIOSECURE Act, on the House floor today. This legislation is the first step towards breaking our reliance on Chinese biotech and pharmaceutical companies while protecting the genetic data of millions of Americans from the CCP," Wenstrup posted on X shortly before the bill was passed.

"From harvesting genetic data for research to aiding and abetting the CCP in genocide, Chinas biotech companies have proven they will stop at nothing to assist the CCP. Its time we reclaim our independence and protect the health care of all Americans."

NEW REPORT SOUNDS ALARM ON CHINA'S ROLE IN DESTROYING US FAMILIES WITH DEADLY DRUG: 'DESTABILIZING CRISIS'

Earlier this year, the House Oversight Committee announced it is investigating Gov. Tim Walzs ties to China.

Earlier this year, the House Oversight Committee announced it is investigating Walzs ties to China and on Thursday the Washington Examiner reported that the investigation has expanded and documents have been requested.

Walz worked briefly in China as a teacher, traveling to Guangdong in 1989 for a teach abroad program to teach English and American history. Walz has made dozens of trips to China and The Wall Street Journal , citing local media reports, reported that one trip to China doubled as his honeymoon in 1994, and he planned his wedding date to coincide with the fifth anniversary of the Tiananmen Square crackdown.

"I've lived in China and, as I've said, I've been there about 30 times.... I don't fall into the category that China necessarily needs to be an adversarial relationship. I totally disagree, and I think we need to stand firm on what they're doing in the South China Sea, but there's many areas of cooperation we can work on," Walz said in an interview with Agri-Pulse Communications.

He was also quoted by a local outlet in 1990 reflecting on his visits to China, saying, "No matter how long I live, I will never be treated that well again."

"They gave me more gifts than I could bring home. It was an excellent experience," Walz said, adding that he was "treated exceptionally well."

The remark came in the wake of the Tiananmen Square massacre in 1989 and amid continued and still ongoing mass human rights abuses by the communist regime.

Fox News Digitals Morgan Phillips and Cameron Cawthorne contributed to this report





Original article source: Harris campaign silent on House bill banning contracts with 'Chinese military company' amid Walz ties
Rep. Terri Sewell, D-Alabama, who serves as the foundation's board chair, said the Black Caucus membership has grown from 13 to the current 60 members in Congress. (Photo by William J. Ford/Maryland Matters)

WASHINGTON, D.C.  Buoyed by the prospect that one of their own could make history as the first woman elected president, the Congressional Black Caucus converged on the nations capital Wednesday for its annual conference of elected officials, allies and leaders in business, education and health care.

Vice President Kamala Harris, who formally accepted the Democratic nomination for president less than three weeks ago, was a member of the Congressional Black Caucus while a U.S. senator representing California. On Tuesday night, she faced former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, for the first time in a debate, where he defended his disparaging remarks last month about her race. Harris is Black and Asian.

The election was top of mind at the conference, which runs Wednesday through Sunday, as attendees spoke of the energy and excitement over Harris chances.

Just a few weeks ago, we witnessed history happening in this country when we saw the first African American woman get the nomination for one of the major party tickets to be president of the United States, Nicole Austin-Hillery, president and CEO of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, told the attendees who clapped and cheered inside the exhibit hall of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. We are a part of that history.

Donna E. King, a vice president of the Foss Park District commissioners in North Chicago, Illinois, said Harris looked presidential during Tuesdays debate.

It touched my heart because I got to see an African American woman running for president said King, who served in the Army for two years, eight months and 28 days. She prosecuted to the facts that this nation cant have a 34-time convicted felon as our president. Thats unheard of. Im sure that all of our forefathers are turning over in their graves.

Rep. Kweisi Mfume, D-Maryland, told Maryland Matters Tuesday that Harris ascension raises the importance of the caucus, its work and influence.

It gives it a significant boost and an increased level of importance as a result of Vice President Harris being the party nominee, and being so close to what we think is the opportunity to alter the course of history and to focus us on the future and take us away from this ongoing focus on the past, Mfume said.

Mfume is among the 60 Black congressional lawmakers that make up the largest class in the caucus 53-year history. The Black Caucus represents a major voting bloc, comprising nearly a fourth of the U.S. House Democratic Caucus.

The caucus longtime mission has been to amplify Black voices and policies to improve Black communities. Last year, there were 13,000 conference participants. With more than 9,000 participants registered, this years goal is 15,000, according to the office of Black Caucus Chair Rep. Steven Horsford (D-Nevada).

Dozens of sessions will tackle issues and solutions in education, health, criminal justice and activism. Harris and President Joe Biden are slated to attend the conferences Phoenix Awards Dinner on Saturday.

The conferences theme is From Vision to Victory: Amplifying Black Voices, which Horsford said extends beyond Election Day on Nov. 5. A National Town Hall on Thursday will focus on protecting democracy and economic prosperity and wealth-building. The discussion will center around a report the caucus released Monday that includes recommendations for companies to adopt diversity, equity and inclusion policies in the workplace.

That means victories for our people every single day around full economic participation and the opportunity to thrive economically and not just to survive, Horsford said. We recognize this is an ongoing work that is necessary for all of us to come together because democracy is a team sport.

The caucus report calls on CEOs from Fortune 500 companies to generate policies that create perpetual accountability for Corporate America, help close this massive gap of inequality, and support the values of our Caucus.

When we lift up Black America, we lift up everyone, Horsford said.

Founded in 1971 with 13 members, the Congressional Black Caucus is an outgrowth of the Democracy Select Committee that brought together congressional representatives who often felt isolated. When Mfume took office in 1987, there were 17 members as he replaced one of its founders, former Rep. Parren Mitchell, the first African American from Maryland elected to Congress.

With Harris in the national spotlight, the conference will also focus on Black women in politics in a discussion Friday hosted by Rep. Emilia Sykes (D-Ohio).

Panelist Ashanti Gholar, president of Emerge, a national organization that helps train and recruit Black women to run for elected office, said the conference will allow for attendees to celebrate Harris Democratic nomination for president in person, which couldnt be done four years ago, because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

California-based Emerge was founded in 2002 before Harris run for San Francisco district attorney.

This is a chance to really celebrate her and shes on top of the ticket now, Gholar said. Its just so powerful and inspiring. We finally get to give her her flowers that we werent able to do four years ago.

For women seeking public office the obstacles are many.

The reality for women is  that we cannot take the sexism, the racism, the misogyny out of politics. It is there, Gholar said. What we can do is make them competent on what it takes to run for office.

Editors note: This story has been updated to correct the group was not involved in Harris campaign.
Harris would be 'more aggressive' than Biden in supporting Ukraine, ex-US ambassador says

Democratic candidate and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris will be "more aggressive" in supporting Ukraine than U.S. President Joe Biden if she wins the November election, former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine William B. Taylor said on Sept. 12.

"She will have the ability to be even stronger if she wants to. And my bet is she's going to be a little more aggressive than President Biden," Taylor said at a meeting at the American University Kyiv attended by the Kyiv Independent's journalist.

The meeting with Taylor occurred shortly after the first debate between Harris and Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, on Sept. 10.

During the debate, Trump refused to say that he wanted Ukraine to win the war and dodged a question as to whether a Ukrainian victory was in the United States' best interests. Harris, in response, accused Trump of giving up on Ukraine.

Taylor highlighted that Harris "clearly supports" Ukraine and will continue to do so "until it prevails."

The former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine also said that Biden has done "a great job" of assembling and maintaining a coalition of partners but has been "slow to make some decisions."

"He was slow to make some decisions about HIMARS, Abrams, and F-16s, and now he is slow to make decisions about attacking deep into Russia," Taylor said, adding that despite the slow pace, his decisions were correct.

Harris has already shown in some issues that she is "more aggressive" than Biden, according to Taylor.

The former ambassador also noted that if Harris wins the presidential election, she will likely bring a new team to the White House.

"If she's elected, she will have a new secretary of state, probably a new national security advisor. She has the opportunity to bring in people who are even more supportive of Ukraine or not. My bet is they will be more supportive," Taylor said.

Harris became the presumptive nominee after Biden dropped out of the race in July and now has a chance of becoming the first female U.S. president in history.

Harris will take on Trump in the general election scheduled for Nov. 5, running alongside her vice presidential running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.

Read also: Trump refuses to say he wants Ukrainian victory, Harris accuses him of surrender in presidential debate

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Vice President Harris is expected to ramp up her activity in the coming days, seeking to build off momentum from her performance in Tuesdays debate against former President Trump.

Harris is embarking on what the campaign is calling the New Way Forward Tour with stops in North Carolina on Thursday. She will travel to Pennsylvania on Friday while her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D), visits Michigan and Wisconsin.

The campaign is expected to launch new ads in the coming days that feature key moments from Harriss debate with Trump. The first such ad debuted late Wednesday, contrasting Trumps depiction of the country as a failing nation with Harriss call for a new generation of leadership.

In addition, Harris is expected to do more media interviews, focusing on reaching voters in key battleground states.

Harris plans to do local media interviews with outlets in battleground states during her travel. She is also expected to participate in a sit-down with the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) next week, the campaign said.

Former President Trump sat for a contentious interview with NABJ reporters in late July, drawing backlash for questioning Harriss biracial heritage. He also criticized Harris for not attending the same event, which took place days after she replaced President Biden as the Democratic nominee.

Harris has drawn criticism from Republicans for her lack of media sit-downs since becoming the Democratic candidate. Shes done one major interview, with CNN.

During Tuesdays debate, Harris repeatedly got under Trumps skin, baiting him with comments about his rally crowds, Project 2025, foreign leaders mocking him and critics such as the late Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) as she called for the country to turn the page on the former president.

A CNN rapid poll of debate watchers found that 63 percent said Harris won the debate, compared to 37 percent who said Trump won.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
GREENSBORO, N.C.  Riding a fresh wave of momentum after her debate performance, Vice President Kamala Harris is ramping up her campaign Thursday by holding two rallies in North Carolina as she tries to wrestle back the key battleground state and close off one of former President Donald Trumps main paths to victory.

Both campaigns see the state as playing a key role in November. Trump narrowly won it in 2020, and no Democrat has prevailed in the presidential race here since Barack Obama in 2008. Theres also a hard-fought battle for governor, in which Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein faces Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson.

Voters across North Carolina are building a powerful coalition to elect Vice President Harris and to defeat Donald Trump and his allies like Mark Robinson, who are pushing an extreme Project 2025 agenda to rip away our freedoms, raise costs on our families and undo the Medicaid expansion we fought so hard to deliver, said Dory MacMillan, the Harris campaigns North Carolina communications director. This is going to be a close race  but we have built a campaign ready to win close races and to reach voters across the political spectrum in our cities and in rural areas.

According to a Quinnipiac University poll out this week, Harris leads Trump 49% to 46% in North Carolina, within the surveys margin of error. Its still an extremely tight race, but its an improvement for Democrats from where President Joe Biden stood in the spring. A Quinnipiac University poll in April found Trump leading Biden 48% to 46%, again within the margin of error.

A Harris campaign official said her team is entering a new, more aggressive phase with staffers spending all day Wednesday reviewing video from this weeks debate to select moments to drop into new TV and digital ads.

Follow live updates on the 2024 election

For months, the Biden team insisted that North Carolina was within reach, but Biden struggled to overtake Trump partly because of his failure to motivate younger voters. Now, the Harris campaign says its seeing an unprecedented rush of volunteers in the state, especially young adults.

Since Harris became the presumptive nominee, another campaign official said, more than 20,000 new volunteers have signed up. The official said nearly 2,000 North Carolinians signed up to volunteer during Tuesday night's debate, almost a quarter of them students at campus watch parties.

Younger voters traditionally are not engaged in politics to the same level as older voters, said John Dinan, a political science professor at Wake Forest University. The challenge is: How do you engage them?

Its not clear how much of a boost Taylor Swifts endorsement this week will provide.

Its certainly going to help the Harris campaign, Dinan said, though he added just how much Swift moves the needle is an open question.

In a little more than 12 hours after Swift's endorsement on Instagram, more than 337,000 people visited a custom URL in her post that directed people to a government site that helps with voter registration, according to the General Services Administration, which oversees the website. State-specific data wasnt available.

Anderson Clayton, the youngest chair of a state Democratic Party, said that Democrats have registered more than 2,500 students at Appalachian State University this year and that 200 students at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill registered on Tuesday alone.

Young people are not monolithic voters, Clayton, who was elected state chair at age 25, said Wednesday on MSNBC. We care about the issues that every other person on the ballot is looking at.

Health care has been a huge issue for the Harris campaign, particularly in North Carolina. In March, Biden and Harris campaigned together here, touting the state's expansion of Medicaid. Harris also vowed to eliminate medical debt for millions of people, and policy experts say a program in North Carolina could offer a road map for the federal government.

Other demographic considerations could make the difference here. One of every 5 North Carolina residents is Black, and there is a growing number of Latino voters. Both are key constituencies for Democrats. The Harris campaign official said it has opened 26 field offices across the state, with six more opening in rural communities in the last month.

The Trump campaign, meanwhile, is mounting its own effort to court voters. Matt Mercer, a state GOP spokesman, argued Republicans have out-registered Democrats for years because of better policies. He accused Democrats of playing catch-up and questioned how much work was being done in their new field offices.

Republican leadership in North Carolina is tested and has proven to have a superior ground game, he said. It wasnt abandoned in 2020 like Democrats did.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
JERUSALEM  Vice President Harris endorsement of a Palestinian state during and prior to her debate with former President Trump would further destabilize the Middle East and bring about additional terrorism, according to Israeli and American experts.

During Tuesday's presidential debate on ABC, the Democrat presidential candidate reiterated her support for a two-state solution: "I will always give Israel the ability to defend itself, in particular as it relates  to Iran and any threat that Iran and its proxies pose to Israel. But we must have a two-state solution where we can rebuild Gaza, where the Palestinians have security, self-determination and the dignity they so rightly deserve."

The two-state solution means an independent Palestinian state on Israels borders that encompasses the West Bank territory (known in Israel by its biblical name of Judea and Samaria) and the Gaza Strip. Biden faced intense criticism in February for ignoring the outbreak of Palestinian terrorism in Judea and Samaria while singling out Israeli residents of the region for sanctions.

WITNESS TO TERRORISM: HOW HAMAS RADICALIZED PALESTINIANS FOR THEIR GENOCIDAL ATTACK ON ISRAEL

Vice President Harris speaks during the presidential debate in Philadelphia on Sept. 10, 2024.

Trumps former ambassador to Israel, David Friedman, told Fox News Digital, "After Oct. 7th, the two-state became a dead letter. A Palestinian state between Israel and Jordan will destabilize both countries and bring only additional terror and misery."

Friedman, who authored the new book, "One Jewish State: The Last, Best Hope to Resolve the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict," added, "Vice President Harris should stop parroting failed theories and trying to force a square peg into a round hole. She should empower Israel to reach a just and workable solution on its own and not interfere in matters where she is neither competent nor well-informed."

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

In early September, Friedman blasted Biden on Fox News' "Your World" for creating rifts within Israeli society.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets Vice President Harris at the White House on July 25, 2024.

Jonathan Conricus, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies who served in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) for 24 years as a combat commander and spokesperson, told Fox News Digital, "The so-called two-state solution may have been possible to implement 31 years ago, but four straight Palestinian rejections of Israeli peace offers have made it clear that the current Palestinian leadership does not aspire to end the conflict and achieve peace. Palestinian rejectionism has also eroded the political support for the peace process in Israel, since it has become abundantly clear that the Palestinian leadership does not seek peace."

EXTREMISTS RISE IN NEW PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY GOVERNMENT AS BIDEN THREATENS ISRAEL OVER GAZA WAR

This image shows the remains of a home in Kibbutz Nir Oz, Israel.

According to Conricus, "Polling of the Palestinian population in Gaza and Palestinian Authority-controlled areas shows clear popular Palestinian support for Hamas, signaling that the Palestinian population supports the genocidal vision of annihilating Israel through jihad, as demonstrated by Hamas on Oct. 7. Global leaders would do well to listen to the two parties to the conflict to understand how the situation has changed and adapt diplomatic solutions to current possibilities. And whatever the outcome of the Oct. 7 war that Hamas waged against Israel, giving Hamas the ultimate prize of statehood would be devastating for regional stability and peace and for American global standing. Terror must not be awarded with statehood."

Joel Rubin, former deputy assistant secretary of state and Democrat strategist, told Fox News Digital, "The two-state solution is on life support right now, but just because this is a difficult moment to envision a peaceful endgame between Israel and the Palestinians thats rooted in diplomatic compromise, that does not mean it should not be the goal. After all, Israel fought multiple existential wars with Egypt and then, only years after the Yom Kippur War, concluded a peace deal that has held and provided Israel with deep security along its southern border for more than four decades. That is what a two-state solution is all about: Ending the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians in a manner that provides stability and security for the long haul."

NETANYAHU HITS BACK OVER GLOBAL PRESSURE TO MAKE CEASE-FIRE CONCESSSIONS, SAYS DEMANDS ARE IMMORAL, INSANE

A terrorist from Hamas takes part in a military parade.

Rubin, who is a longtime Jewish community activist, added, "We have seen it achieved with Arab states. There is no reason that it cant be done with the Palestinians as long as the political will is there, extremism is rooted out and security arrangements are solid. So, for Vice President Harris to make this a priority is an inherently pro-Israel position, one that seeks to provide Israel with the long-term security and stability that it still clearly does not have."

In late August, Harris noted her endorsement of a Palestinian state in an interview with CNN. She said, "I remain committed since Ive been on Oct. 8 to what we must do to work toward a two-state solution where Israel is secure and in equal measure the Palestinians have security and self-determination and dignity."

ZIONISM EXPLAINED FROM ITS BIBLICAL ORIGINS TO THE REBIRTH OF THE STATE OF ISRAEL

The Harris campaign did not respond to multiple Fox News Digital press queries.

Harris and Biden have provided significant funding for the Palestinian Authority (PA), which is led by Mahmoud Abbas. The PA president is considered by some to be a moderate when compared to the Iranian regime-backed Hamas leadership. Abbas, however, supports stipends for convicted Palestinian terrorists and their families regarding the infamous "pay for slay" system that might mean the PA compensates Hamas terrorists.

This image shows a funeral procession for Palestinian terrorists in Jenin in the occupied West Bank on July 5, 2023.

Fox News Digital reported in November that many of the newly released convicted Palestinian terrorists who were part of a swap that secured the freedom of some Israeli and foreign hostages held by the terrorist movement Hamas could receive U.S. funds via the PA.

Itamar Marcus, director of Palestinian Media Watch, an Israeli-based organization researching Palestinian society, told Fox News Digital at the time, "The American and European funding boosts the Palestinian Authority budget by $600 million. The Palestinian Authority pays the salaries of imprisoned terrorists and the family members of the martyrs, and the amount comes to $300 million a year."

Last month, Abbas, according to a report in Israel Hayom, and other regional media, told the Turkish Parliament that "America is the plague, and the plague is America" and "We implement Shari'a law: victory or martyrdom."

The 88-year-old Abbas, who has clung to power since he took over the presidency of the PA in 2008, has been embroiled in antisemitism and Holocaust-distortion scandals over the years.

In 2022, Fox News Digital reported that Abbas delivered a tirade against Israel in Berlin, where the Holocaust  the mass extermination of European Jewry  was organized, claiming the Jewish state carried out "50 holocausts."





Original article source: Harris' support for Palestinian state rewards terrorism, experts warn
Harris takes page out of Trumps playbook, goes on the attack during presidential debate

Harris takes page out of Trumps playbook, goes on the attack during presidential debate

During the first presidential debate Tuesday, Vice President Kamala Harris took a page out of former President Donald Trump's playbook, attacking Trump by using his exact words against him.

Trump has repeatedly touted the world is laughing at the United States, and that the country has become a "disgrace" as a result of the Biden-Harris administration's foreign policies.

Harris instead painted Trump as the "disgrace" that the world is laughing at Tuesday night.

PHOTO: Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Harris gestures as former President and Republican presidential candidate Trump speaks during an ABC News presidential debate in Philadelphia, on Sept. 10, 2024. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images)

"I have traveled the world as vice president of the United States and world leaders are laughing at Donald Trump," she said.

In addition to appropriating one of Trump's regular lines, Harris also told the former president that dictators "can manipulate you with flattery and favors" and foes like President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia "would eat you for lunch."

MORE: Harris' relentless debate strategy takes Trump off talking points: ANALYSIS

At the start of the debate, Harris said Trump would deliver "the same old tired playbook, a bunch of lies, grievances and name-calling." However, she seemed to take a page out of this playbook with name-calling of her own.

She continued to reverse the foreign policy blame onto Trump and referred to him as "weak" and a "disgrace"  terms he has repeatedly directed towards her party and administration.

"It is very well known that Donald Trump is weak and wrong on national security and foreign policy," she said. "It is well known that he admires dictators, wants to be a dictator on day one, according to himself."

She added that military leaders that have worked with Trump "say [he's] a disgrace."

PHOTO: Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump attend a presidential debate in Philadelphia, Sept. 10, 2024. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images)

In terms of overall strategy, Harris also used Trump's tactics against him, taking on an attack stance and attempting to get under his skin.

The vice president mocked Trump for talking about "fictional characters like Hannibal Lecter" and said he was "fired by 81 million people"  just a few of her many jabs throughout the night.

MORE: The best zingers from the Harris-Trump ABC News debate

According to a New York Times analysis, Trumps total speaking time spanned longer than Harris, but the vice president spent more time attacking her opponent.

Harris spent 17 minutes and 25 seconds attacking Trump, while Trump spent 12 minutes and 54 seconds attacking Harris, the report said.

ABC News has reached out to Harris' campaign regarding her debate strategy.

While Trump did not explicitly acknowledge Harris' use of his signature phrasing and typical attack strategy, he insinuated that she was copying him.

"Everything that she believed three years ago and four years ago is out the window. She's going to my philosophy now," he said during the debate. "In fact, I was going to send her a MAGA hat."

Harris takes page out of Trumps playbook, goes on the attack during presidential debate originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Donald Trump and Kamala Harris had their first and so far only debate on Tuesday (SAUL LOEB) (SAUL LOEB/AFP/AFP)

Donald Trump said Thursday he would not take part in another debate with Kamala Harris, as the White House rivals headed back to battleground states that are set to decide a nail-bitingly close US presidential election.

The Republican former president lashed out two days after his first televised clash with the Democratic vice president, when Harris put Trump on the defensive and got under his skin with a series of barbs.

"THERE WILL BE NO THIRD DEBATE!" the 78-year-old wrote on his Truth Social platform, including in his tally the earlier debate with Joe Biden in June that drove the incumbent out of the race, and his Tuesday showdown with Harris.

Trump claimed that "polls clearly show that I won the Debate against Comrade Kamala Harris" -- despite several snap surveys that showed Harris came out well on top in the clash viewed by more than 67 million Americans.

At a rally in key swing state North Carolina, Harris insisted they should debate again before the November 5 election. It was not clear if she was aware of Trump's statement.

"Two nights ago Donald Trump and I had our first debate and I believe we owe it to the voters to have another," Harris said to cheers from supporters in the city of Charlotte.

"Because this election and what is at stake could not be more important," added the Democrat, who later addressed a second rally in nearby Greensboro.

- 'More aggressive' -

The 59-year-old referenced several Trump statements on issues including abortion and his widely mocked assertion that he had "concepts of a plan" to reform the US health care system.

The Harris campaign said earlier that she was entering a "more aggressive" phase of her White House bid and was "seeking to capitalize on her decisive debate victory and build on momentum."

Trump took the stage Thursday in Tucson, Arizona, doubling-down on criticism of the ABC journalists who hosted his debate with Harris.

He called the vice president a "lunatic" and referred to the two journalists, David Muir and Linsey Davis, as being biased in her favor.

"The worst two anchors anybody's ever seen," he said, later accusing Davis of looking at him "with hatred in her eyes."

Trump was due to speak mainly about the country's "struggling economy," his campaign said, but in a more than hour-long speech he frequently made digressions to insult Harris and repeat ugly and unfounded allegations and conspiracy theories about migrants.

Trump and Harris remain neck and neck in the polls with just 54 days until the election, with the result expected to hinge on a few thousand voters in half a dozen swing states including North Carolina and Arizona.

Harris has erased Trump's lead since Biden ended his reelection bid on July 21 but insists she is the underdog in perhaps the shortest and most dramatic campaign in US political history.

The election is also further stoking political tensions in an already deeply polarized nation.

- 'Filth' -

The White House on Thursday condemned a false story about migrants eating pet cats and dogs in Ohio -- which Trump pushed during the debate -- as "filth" and said it put "lives in danger."

On Thursday, Trump repeated those false allegations against Haitian migrants in his Tucson speech.

The US government has declared the formal electoral count on January 6, 2025 a "special security event" -- amid apparent fears of a repeat of the storming of the US Capitol in 2021 by Trump supporters who refused to accept his defeat by Biden.

The announcement came as Republican Alberto Gonzales, who was attorney general under president George W. Bush, said he backed Harris because of Trump's behavior on that day made him a threat to the rule of law.

Trump and Harris though have their eyes firmly fixed on the battlegrounds.

Harris returns to pivotal Pennsylvania on Friday for campaign events in Johnstown and Wilkes-Barre before attending an awards dinner Saturday with Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff.

Trump will deliver remarks in Las Vegas on Friday on the cost of living, as he targets Nevada, yet another swing state.

Harris's running mate Tim Walz barnstorms Michigan and Wisconsin from Thursday to Saturday as part of the campaign's New Way Forward swing state tour.

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ALEXANDRE ZHOLOBOV/Getty Images

Russia's energy revenue could take another hit if Ukraine doesn't renew a key gas deal by the end of the year.

Losses could mount to $6.5 billion a year for Moscow, per Bloomberg's calculations.

Europe, which gets around 5% of its gas supply through the deal, could also be affected.

Russia could end up losing billions if Ukraine turns its back on a deal to keep gas flowing from the country.

Ukraine's state-run energy giant, Naftogaz, is up to renew its gas pipeline deal with Russia's Gazprom by the end of the year. The two nations are in talks, but an agreement is unlikely before the deal expires in December  potentially hitting Russia with losses as high as $6.5 billion a year, according to calculations from Bloomberg.

Ending the pipeline deal would be a blow to Russia's gas trade, which is a key lifeline for the economy as it navigates a third year of war in Ukraine. Moscow has already weathered big losses from Western sanctions targeting its oil and gas sales, which plunged 24% last year.

Ukraine, too, could face losses. The nation could lose around $800 million a year in transit fees, the report said, citing estimates from a Kyiv consulting firm.

Europe's energy security could also be affected. The continent has shifted away from Russian energy over the past two years, but it still gets gas from Russia via two pipelines. The deal set to expire at the end of the year accounts for 5% of Europe's total gas flows, the report added.

Moscow, which once supplied as much as 40% of Europe's gas, has dialed back its energy flow to Europe and ramped up its exports elsewhere. Recently, Russia established a gas pipeline deal with China, which has become one of its largest trading partners.

Still, experts say Russia's economy remains on rocky footing, especially given the mounting costs of its war against Ukraine. The nation is worse off financially after slowing its natural gas exports to the continent, one Yale analysis found, given its difficulties passing off its energy supplies to other nations without steep discounts.

Read the original article on Business Insider
OAKLAND, Calif. - In their first time facing each other in a debate and first-in person meeting ever, Vice President Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump worked to sway voters and draw contrast to each other.

The more-than 90-minute debate was light on new policy detail and heavy on sharp attacks and insults. Following the debate, both campaigns claimed victory. Harris told supporters immediately following the debate, "This is very much two different visions for our country," said Harris. "Ours, which is a vision for the future and his, which is about the past taking us backward."

The former president, his team and supporters railed against the moderators for fact-checking some of his false claims about abortion and Haitian immigrants in Ohio, in real-time. "In Springfield, theyre eating the dogs, the people that came in, theyre eating the cats," Trump said when prompted about a question on immigration. "Theyre eating the pets of the people that live there."

Springfields city manager said there have been no credible reports of specific claims of pets being harmed and he released a video Wednesday morning. "It is disappointing that some of the narrative surrounding our city, had been skewed by misinformation circling on social media, and further amplified by political rhetoric," said Bryan Heck.

Fact-checks of the debate revealed a number of other false statements or misleading claims from Trump, as well as a handful from Harris. When asked about the withdrawal from Afghanistan, Harris said, "As of today, there is not one member of the US military who is in active duty in a combat zone in any war zone around the world, first time this century."

There are US service members in places like Iraq and Syria. The nominees sparred over foreign affairs, immigration, abortion and the economy, but experts say the policy answers left them wanting. "She showed America, shes a strong forceful to take the upper hand, can handle people like Trump," said Peter Loge, professor of school of media and public affairs at George Washington University. "But I think voters still have lots of questions."

What many are talking about after the debate, is the vice presidents ability to stick to her plan and goad Mr. Trump throughout the debate, putting him on the defense and off-topic. Harris goaded him about crowd size, the results of the 2020 election, and other topics. "She was extraordinarily well-prepared

for bringing the case to Donald Trump, prosecuting Trump on his record," said Lauren Wright, political research scholar at Princeton University.

After the debate, the Harris campaign challenged Trump to a second debate in October. When asked about it, he said he was "looking at it," but had not made a decision.
After Harris-Trump debate, independents weigh in on who gets their vote | 2024 Election

Vice President Kamala Harris (right) and former President Donald Trump (left) during the second presidential debate on Sept. 10, 2024. (Photographer: Doug Mills/The New York Times/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

PHOENIX - With weeks remaining until Election Day, both major presidential candidates are fighting for the votes of independents.

The independent vote is an important one: According to Arizona's voter registration report from July 30, 33.95% of registered voters in the state are not affiliated with a party. Meanwhile, 29.1% of the state's registered voters are Democrats, and 35.41% are registered Republicans.

"Historically, this group is notoriously unpredictable," said Arizona State University professor Thom Reilly, referring to independent voters. "They were supporting [former President Barack] Obama by eight percentage points, then they switched to Trump by four percentage points, then Biden by 13 percentage points. In January, independents were leaning towards Trump by 10 percentage points, and then recent polls suggest that maybe there is a 2% to 4% shift towards Harris."

After Tuesday night's debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, we asked people if the heated debate changed any minds, and two people, identified only as "Andy" and "Jerimiah", said they have made up their mind.

Also Watch: Debate recap: Experts weigh in | Battleground Ep. 32

"I'll be voting for Kamala this election," said Andy.

"Donald Trump," said Jerimiah.

Neither said the debate played a role. Rather, their deciding issues are ones experts predict will highly influence voters: abortion and the economy.

"For me, personally, it's like stance on abortion issues," said Andy.

"Its about money," said Jerimiah. "I like money."

"A good portion of independents probably have decided on their candidate, but I think if theres one group of voters that perhaps a debate might be more informative, or perhaps have the ability to shift or solidify who they vote for, it would be independent voters," said Reilly.

Reilly also said the race will probably come down to who shows up, including young people. He said in 2022, only a third of registered Gen Z voters showed up.
CHARLOTTE, N.C.  With the first and potentially only debate between Vice President Harris and former President Trump now in the rearview mirror, both major party nominees are resuming their barnstorming through the key general election battleground states.

"Ours is going to be a tight race until the end," Harris told supporters on Thursday at a rally in Charlotte, North Carolina. "We are the underdog weve got some hard work ahead of usbut hard work is good work."

Harris arrived in North Carolina's largest city on Thursday afternoon for the first of back-to-back rallies in the key southeastern swing state ahead of a nighttime event in Greensboro.

On Friday, the vice president holds two campaign events in Pennsylvania, site of Tuesday's debate and the battleground state with the most electoral votes up for grabs.

FIRST ON FOX: HARRIS AIMS TO TROLL TRUMP - AGAIN - OVER CROWD SIZES

With less than eight weeks until Election Day on Nov. 5 and early voting getting underway in a number of key states, the Harris campaign says it's entering a new and more aggressive phase as it aims to build on what many political pundits considered a strong debate performance by the vice president.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

WHAT THE LATEST FOX NEWS POWER RANKING IN THE PRESIDENTIAL RACE SHOW

"This is the homestretch. The pace of the campaign is going to get a lot more hectic," veteran Democrat strategist and former Democratic National Committee Chair Donna Brazile told Fox News.

Brazile, who managed then-Vice President Al Gore's 2000 presidential campaign and who's close to Harris, said that "I wouldn't take my foot off the gas."

Vice President Harris and former President Trump shake hands at their debate in Philadelphia on Sept. 10, 2024.

While Harris takes the stage in Charlotte, Trump will be in Arizona, a crucial southwestern battleground. On Friday, Trump heads to another swing state, Nevada.

North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Arizona and Nevada, along with Georgia, Michigan and Wisconsin, were the seven states with razor-thin margins that decided the outcome of President Biden's 2020 election victory over Trump and will likely determine whether Harris or the former president will win the White House this year.

The latest national polls and surveys in the swing states indicate the battle between Harris and Trump remains a margin-of-error race.

Harris arrived in North Carolina as the latest Fox News Power Rankings, released on Thursday, indicate that Trump has lost his edge in the Tar Heel State as well as in neighboring Georgia, with the battlegrounds now considered toss-ups in the White House race.

Fox News Power Rankings presidential forecast

An hour before Harris arrived in Charlotte, Trump in a social media post ruled out doing another debate with the vice president.

Harris, near the top of her rally, responded, telling supporters "I believe we owe it to the voters to have another debate. Because this election and what is at stake could not be more important."

For the second straight day, the Harris campaign launched a new digital ad using clips from her debate performance against Trump to spotlight key policy differences with the former president.

Meanwhile, the Trump campaign fired up a new ad in Pennsylvania that takes aim at Harris over the issue of fracking.

Harris has been pilloried by the Trump campaign and allied Republicans for only giving one major interview since taking over as the Democrats' standard-bearer and for holding no news conferences. And Trump's campaign announced this week that the former president would hold another news conference on Friday in Los Angeles. (But it should be noted that Trump took no questions at his previous event that was billed as a news conference.)

Republican presidential nominee former President Trump is shown at a campaign event in Mosinee, Wisconsin, on Sept. 7, 2024. A recent poll has Trump trailing Democrat nominee Vice President Harris in the battleground state.

Sources in the Harris political orbit say the vice president is expected to sit for more media engagements in the coming days and weeks. Harris is expected to take part in a discussion with journalists at the National Association of Black Journalists this month. Harris was criticized by Trump for not attending a prior engagement with the group, which the former president attended in person.

Harris' running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, continues a weeklong campaign swing across the battlegrounds. Walz is in Michigan and Wisconsin on Thursday and Friday.

Trump's running mate, Sen. JD Vance of Ohio, was heading a pair of top-dollar fundraisers in New York City on Thursday, but he is expected back on the campaign trail in the next few days.

Brazile, pointing to the calendar, said that "it's time to get busy where it matters by engaging with people where they are."

Get the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more at our Fox News Digital election hub.





Original article source: Harris, Trump enter post-debate 'homestretch' with dueling rallies in key battleground states
DARLINGTON COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW)  A Hartsville man was jailed on an attempted murder charge earlier this week in connection with an August shooting in Darlington County, authorities said on Thursday.

Vontaise Carraway was charged with attempted murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. He was taken into custody in Lugoff, South Carolina, on Monday with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals.

Darlington County deputies responded on Aug. 2 to the 1100 block of W. Lynches River Road for a shooting, the sheriffs office said. Carraway allegedly shot the victim multiple times, who was taken to a hospital in a private vehicle.

Carraway remains in Darlington County jail as of this writing on a $35,000 bond, online booking records show.

* * *

Caleb is a digital producer at News13. Caleb joined the team in January 2023 after graduating from Liberty University. He is from Northern Virginia. Follow Caleb on X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW.
NEW YORK  Disgraced film producer Harvey Weinstein has been charged in a new indictment that remains under seal, prosecutors said Thursday.

The Manhattan district attorneys office announced the new indictment at a court hearing but did not announce the charges as Weinstein could not be arraigned on them. He was rushed to hospital from Rikers Island on Sunday and underwent emergency heart surgery on Monday.

Weinsteins attorney, Arthur Aidala, said he was still in a fragile condition. The Pulp Fiction producer, 72, is expected to return to court on Sept. 18. Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Curtis Farber signed an order allowing Weinstein to remain at Bellevue Hospital in the meantime.

His heart condition and fluid around his heart and lungs were at the point where if there had not been emergency surgery, he would have expired, Aidala told the Daily News after the hearing.

He has a shunt in his chest that allows fluid, water and blood, to drain out of his body into a bag, and until that ceases, theyre going to keep that shunt in him.

The New York Court of Appeals in April overturned Weinsteins 2020 conviction for raping aspiring actress Jessica Mann in 2013 and sexually assaulting Miriam Haley, a former production assistant, in 2006, finding the trial court judge wrongly allowed testimony from three women about uncharged instances of sexual misconduct.

Manhattan prosecutors are slated to retry the 2020 case in November. The indictment announced Thursday may be tried separately.

The News last week reported that prosecutors were scrutinizing a set of sexual assaults alleged against Weinstein by three women that were not included in his first trial, involving incidents in 2016 and 2005 or 2006. Its not clear whether those allegations are contained in the new indictment.

After he was found guilty in New York, Weinstein faced a separate trial in Los Angeles, leading to his second conviction in December 2022 on rape charges and a 16-year sentence. He is appealing in that case and is expected to return to California to serve out that sentence when his New York matters are resolved.

Weinsteins precipitous fall from grace came in late 2017 following bombshell exposes in The New Yorker and The New York Times alleging hed raped, sexually abused, and mentally tormented scores of young women throughout his career, supercharging the global #MeToo movement against workplace sexual harassment.

Weinstein denies all allegations.

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Harvey Weinstein, currently recovering from emergency heart surgery at Bellevue Hospital, will face additional charges in New York City after a grand jury issued an indictment that remains under seal.

Disgraced movie mogul Harvey Weinstein has been hit with new criminal charges, a prosecutor said on Thursday, as the Manhattan district attorney's office prepares to retry the 72-year-old after an appeals court reversal of his 2020 rape conviction.

Jurors in Manhattan found Weinstein, 72, guilty on rape charges, but the New York Court of Appeals tossed out his conviction in April after finding the former Hollywood titan did not get a fair trial because a judge improperly allowed testimony by accusers he was not formally charged with assaulting. Th court, by a 4-3 vote, ruled the testimony of prior bad acts witnesses should not have been allowed in Weinstein's case because it was unnecessary to establish defendants intent and served only to establish defendants propensity to commit the crimes charged.

The court ruling led to Weinsteins 23-year sentence in New York being reversed, but he remains in custody after he serving a 16 years sentence connected to his 2022 sexual assault conviction in Los Angeles.

The new indictment was filed under seal, prosecutor Nicole Blumberg told Judge Curtis Farber. Currenty, Weinstein's retrial is slated to begin on Nov. 12. No details were provided about the new allegations at Weinstein's Manhattan court hearing Thursday.

Weinstein was not in court for the hearing Thursday after he was rushed to the hospital on Sunday from his cell at Rikers Island for emergency heart surgery, his defense attorney Arthur Aidala said. He is currently recovering at Bellevue Hospital in Manhattan.

Last week prosecutors in the United Kingdom announced they had discontinued a criminal case against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein after concluding there "was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction."

The Crown Prosecution Service said there was not enough evidence to keep pursuing the case that led to charges in 2022 that stemmed from an alleged sexual assault against a woman in her 50s in London in 1996.
A grand jury has indicted Harvey Weinstein on additional charges, prosecutors said in New York City criminal court Thursday.

The additional charges are currently under seal, but Weinstein is expected to be arraigned at a later date. In a press conference following the hearing, Weinsteins attorney, Arthur Aidala, said he believed the grand jury considered three incidents of alleged sexual crimes, with one taking place in 2005-06, one in 2006 and one in 2016. Aidala did not yet know what new charges or how many his client faces.

More from The Hollywood Reporter

The hearing comes days after Weinstein was rushed to Bellevue Hospital in New York to undergo heart surgery. Weinstein did not appear in court Thursday as he did not receive medical clearance.

Aidala said that he had spoken to Weinstein twice Wednesday and that he has some sort of shunt in his chest attached to a bag draining fluids from his body, in addition to being hooked up IVs and oxygen. He does not know how long he would be in that condition, but said Weinstein still wanted to appear in court and it may be possible that he appears at the next hearing, on Sept. 18, if he is medically cleared.

Judge Curtis Farber granted the defenses motion to hold Weinstein in Bellevue Hospitals prison ward for the time being, rather than Rikers Island. His attorneys argued for the stay at Bellevue, saying that Weinsteins health could not be properly monitored at Rikers Island and it was necessary to hold him at the hospital to stop what may be the death of Mr. Weinstein.

Weinsteins visit to Bellevue this week was his third visit in the recent past, according to the decision read in court by Farber. He has to be properly monitored due to the build up of fluids around his heart, which is what led to his most recent surgery and hospital visit, Farber said. Weinstein did not testify in front of the grand jury, Aidala said, but he wants to appear in court to speak to his current health condition.

Prosecutors will file a motion to consolidate this new indictment with the original indictment. Weinsteins attorneys are pushing to try the cases separately and proceed with the November retrial related to the original 2020 rape charges.

Weinstein was being held at Rikers Island as he awaits a retrial in November, after his 2020 rape conviction in New York, and 23-year sentence, was overturned in April. Weinstein could also face additional indictments, as a grand jury has been impaneled and presented with up to three previously uncharged allegations against him, according to media reports.

In a statement Thursday afternoon, Jessica Mann, one of the women who brought claims against Weinstein in the 2020 trial, said she would stand with any new accusers who have come forward.

For those who continue to have the courage to come forward against Harvey, you are not alone. I will stand alongside you as we fight for a future where monsters like Harvey no longer hide in our closets, they sit alone behind bars, Mann said.

As I said when Harvey was found guilty the first time, I have found my voice. I look forward to continuing to use it as I face Harvey again in court soon and prove that my life is valuable. That, I know now, is something he will never be able to take away, she continued.

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NEW YORK -- A grand jury has indicted Harvey Weinstein on additional sex crimes charges, prosecutors said in a New York court Thursday.

Prosecutors said the indictment will remain under seal until the disgraced Hollywood movie mogul can appear to be arraigned. Defense attorney Arthur Aidala said all he knows about the new charges is that they could include up to three additional allegations dating to 2005.

Weinstein wasn't in court Thursday because on Monday the 72-year-old was rushed from Rikers Island to Bellevue Hospital for emergency surgery to remove fluid on his heart and lungs. Aidala told the judge Weinstein "almost died" prior to the procedure.

Weinstein is awaiting retrial on rape and sexual assault charges in New York City after the state's highest appeals court overturned his 2020 conviction, in which he was serving a 23-year sentence. The judge set a trial date for Nov. 12, although the defense pushed back on that date.

"Ethically, we cannot be ready," Aidala said. "What we are requesting, and have from the beginning, because they did float the idea early on -- 'Oh, we are taking to other people out there' -- that we should go to trial on the original case, as is always done when a case is reversed. He's not well. I mean, I know lawyers sometimes are known for exaggeration. I can't exaggerate a heart operation. I can't exaggerate a lung operation. He was in the Intensive Care Unit."

The judge ruled Weinstein will remain at Bellevue for treatment for now. A hearing on his health is scheduled for Sept. 18.

Accuser Jessica Mann, who testified during the first trial and has attended other recent hearings, released a statement later Thursday that read, in part, "This decision once again shows that people who abuse their position of power cannot avoid justice; only at times delay it with means such as wealth, fame, and connections."

Weinstein's conviction overturned

Weinstein's 2020 conviction was thrown out this spring after the state's top court ruled the judge in the original trial unfairly allowed testimony about other allegations that were not a part of the case.

Weinstein was found guilty of sexually assaulting an assistant in 2006 and raping an aspiring actor in 2013.

After the New York case is complete, Weinstein is expected to return to California to serve his pending 16-year sentence for a separate rape conviction.

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Harvey Weinstein indicted on new charges in New York

Disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein is facing new charges in New York City, prosecutors have said.

The details of the indictment will be sealed until he appears in court to be formally charged on 18 September, they said.

However, multiple reports from US media, including the BBC's partner CBS News, have said the charges are linked to allegations of sex crimes.

Manhattan prosecutors recently told a court hearing they had evidence of up to three more allegations against Weinstein from incidents dating back to 2005.

New York prosecutor Nicole Blumberg said in court on Thursday that multiple accusers were prepared to testify against Weinstein, according to Time.

Speaking to reporters outside of court, Weinstein's lawyer Arthur Aidala said: We dont know anything. We dont know what the exact accusations are".

"We know literally as much as you do," the magazine reported him saying.

The judge in the case has ordered Weinstein to stay in a prison hospital for the time being, after the 72-year-old was rushed to a New York hospital for emergency heart surgery on Monday.

Mr Aidala told the court his client "almost died", CBS News reported.

The BBC has reached out to Harvey Weinstein's lawyers for comment.

Weinstein is awaiting a retrial in the city after an appeals court overturned his 2020 conviction of rape and sexual assault charges.

The case was thrown out after it was ruled that the judge in the original trial had allowed evidence to be presented about allegations that were not part of the case.

The retrial is scheduled for November and it is unclear if the new charges will be added to that indictment, or brought separately.

Once Weinstein's legal cases are complete in New York, he is expected to return to California to serve a 16-year sentence for a rape conviction, against which he is also appealing.

More than 100 people have made sexual misconduct and rape allegations against Weinstein dating back to the 1970s.

Weinstein has maintained his innocence.

Before his fall from grace, he co-founded the film studio Miramax which produced award-winning films like Pulp Fiction and Shakespeare in Love.
Harvey Weinstein Indicted On New Charges In New York Related To Sexual Assault Allegations

Harvey Weinstein's New York case is far from over, as the disgraced Hollywood executive has now been indicted on new charges.

The additional charges stem from sexual assault allegations from three accusers, although it is unclear how many are the charges as they remain under seal at the moment.

Harvey Weinstein, who is currently being held in Bellevue Hospital after heart surgery, is expected to be arraigned on the charges at a later date.

Harvey Weinstein Was Absent From The Indictment Hearing

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According to The Hollywood Reporter, after having his conviction for sex crimes in New York overturned, Weinstein is now facing a new set of indictments in the same city.

On Thursday, a grand jury allowed Manhattan prosecutors to prosecute additional charges against the disgraced Hollywood mogul in relation to a set of sexual assault allegations from three accusers.

For the indictment, Weinstein was missing from court after suffering an earlier medical emergency that led him to be rushed to Bellevue Hospital in New York for heart surgery. He was previously being held at the Rikers Island jail complex prior to the health scare.

Weinstein is expected to be arraigned on the charges at a later date, possibly after he has received medical clearance.

All About The New Charges

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The additional charges that Harvey was indicted on remain under seal, leaving the identities of the victims unknown.

However, Matthew Colangelo, the prosecutor, had previously shed some light on the allegations during an earlier hearing.

According to the New York Times, Colangelo revealed that one of the claims involved sexual assault, which took place at the Tribeca Grand Hotel.

Then, the second sexual assault allegedly happened during the 2005 to 2006 "winter season" at a residential building in Lower Manhattan, in either Tribeca or SoHo.

Colangelo also shared that a third sexual assault incident occurred in May 2016 in a Tribeca hotel.

The prosecution is now expected to consolidate the indictment as they move forward with the case.

Harvey Weinstein Is Being Held Back At Bellevue Hospital

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In the meantime, Weinstein will continue to recover in Bellevue Hospital's prison ward following his surgery.

It comes after Judge Curtis Farber granted the defense's motion to hold Weinstein there rather than return him to Rikers Island.

According to his attorney, Arthur Aidala, Weinstein currently has "some sort of shunt in his chest" alongside other medical apparatus being attached to him. He also shared that the 72-year-old is still making use of artificial oxygen to breathe.

While making his argument, Aidala also claimed that holding Weinstein at Bellevue would "stop what may be the death of Mr. Weinstein" and that his health could not be properly monitored at Rikers Island.

UK Crown Prosecution Service Recently Dropped Two Charges Against Harvey Weinstein

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Over in the United Kingdom, the Crown Prosecution Service dropped two charges of indecent assault against Weinstein, as they believe there is "no longer a realistic prospect of conviction" on the matter.

The charges were authorized in June 2022 and are based on alleged offenses against a woman, with the incident reportedly occurring in 1996.

"Following a review of the evidence in this case, the CPS has decided to discontinue criminal proceedings against Harvey Weinstein," Frank Ferguson, head of the CPS' special crime and counterterrorism division, said in a statement, per THR.

He added, "The CPS has a duty to keep all cases under continuous review and we have decided that there is no longer a realistic prospect of conviction."

The Disgraced Producer's Legal Woes Have Greatly Affected His Finances

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According to the Daily Mail, Weinstein's estate suffered more decline due to his legal troubles and retrial after his 2020 rape convictions were overturned.

The convicted sex offender was reportedly worth around $300 million before he was sentenced to over two decades of jail time in 2018.

Experts now say that amount has since dropped to around $25 million due to a combination of personal, business, and legal reasons.

"Following Harvey Weinstein's rape, sexual misconduct and assault charges, he no longer owns the empire he once did," Southern California financial expert Jack Cohen told the publication.

He added, "Between the legal fees, divorce settlements, and child support, in addition to currently being imprisoned and not being able to conduct any business or produce income, I estimate his current net worth to be around $25million, which is a huge drop from his past worth of between $240million and $300million, when he was at his peak of his career and very successful."
On September 11, the Communications Commission (ComCom) upheld Georgian Dream's complaint and issued a protocol of administrative violations against Mtavari TV for refusing to air GD's political campaign advertisement.The TV channel refused to broadcast the advertisement, claiming that the video contained "hate speech" and could violate the Broadcasting Law or the Advertising Law of Georgia.The channel specifically pointed to two frames from the video: in one frame, CSO representatives are shown in black with the words "Say no to moral degradation" written over them in red (See Frame 1); in another frame, opposition politicians are also shown in black with blood stains over them and the words "Say no to the dark past" are written over them, again in red ink (see Frame 2).According to ComCom, during a public meeting yesterday, the Commission listened to arguments from both sides and determined that the ad "doesn't contain hate speech or supporting violence or incitement to violence". It noted: "The video produced by the campaign unit is intended to present the pre-election vision of the political union," ComCom said, adding: "Therefore, the video presented does not violate the requirements of the legislation in force and the broadcaster was obliged to broadcast it."The recall of Ukraine's charge d'affaires in Georgia, Mykhailo Kharishin, by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha is connected to a number of complex reasons, including the desire to enhance the work of ambassadors.According to Ukrainian media, this statement was made by the spokesperson for Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Georgii Tykhyi, during a briefing.Commenting on the issue, he said that "this is not about a name or certain nuances" but rather about "complex reasons that led the new head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to make such a decision.""This decision was made in the context of strengthening the work of ambassadors, analyzing their activities, engagement, and results, as well as considering the need to align the diplomatic system with the realities of war, where results are crucial," he added.The representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also called it "inaccurate" to connect the decision to recall the charge d'affaires to individual issues.On September 9, it became known that Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha had recalled Ukraine's charge d'affaires in Georgia, Mykhailo Kharishin.As the minister wrote on Facebook, the foreign ministry must respond to the realities of a country at war. He stated that the ambassadors of a country at war cannot be detached from the realities of that conflict.
New Starbucks chief executive Brian Niccol wants faster, more personaable service - Abeer Khan/Bloomberg

Starbucks new super-commuting chief executive has said the chain is taking too long to serve coffee to customers, as he vowed to overhaul the company after a tumultuous year.

Brian Niccol, who has drawn criticism over plans to commute 1,000 miles on a private jet from his home in Newport Beach, California to Starbucks headquarters in Seattle, Washington, said the chain was not always delivering, in an open letter posted on the company website.

From his experience of Starbucks stores, he said: It can feel transactional, menus can feel overwhelming, the product is inconsistent, the wait too long or the hand-off too hectic. These moments are opportunities for us to do better.

It comes after Mr Niccol, the former boss of Mexican food chain Chipotle, was parachuted into the top job at Starbucks to replace ousted chief executive Laxman Narasimhan, who left with immediate effect last month less than two years into the role.

In his letter, Mr Niccol pledged to refocus Starbucks, turning it back into what he called a community coffeehouse.

Brian Niccol will commute from California to Washington in his new role - Mark Lennihan/AP

He said: People start their day with us, and we need to meet their expectations. This means delivering outstanding drinks and food, on time, every time.

Shares in the company soared by 25pc following Mr Niccols appointment in August, as investors welcomed his previous turnaround record at Chipotle.

However, he has since been subject to an environmental backlash over his super-commute, as critics argue it clashes with Starbucks commitment to reduce carbon emissions.

A Starbucks spokesman said last month: Brians schedule will meet or exceed the hybrid work guidelines and workplace expectations we have for all partners. He will also have a residence in Seattle.

In recent months, Starbucks has been grappling with a combination of falling sales, boycotts over a perceived link with Israel amid the conflict in Gaza, and pressure from activist investors.

Revenues have fallen for two consecutive quarters, by 4pc in the first three months of 2023 and 3pc in the quarter that followed.

In his open letter, Mr Niccol promised to challenge perceptions of the company in the Middle East, where he said it would work to dispel misconceptions about our brand in the wake of the conflict in Gaza.

Controversy over Israel arose after Starbucks sued the Starbucks Workers United (SWU) union for trademark infringement last year after the union expressed solidarity with Palestine in a social media post.

While the company says it has never given money to Israel or its military, allegations of support on social media have fuelled boycotts and protests. In March, its Middle Eastern franchisee said it would have to sack thousands of workers owing to a downturn in sales.

Story continues

Starbucks shares rose by more than 1pc on Wednesday.

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Harvey Weinstein Indicted on New Charges in New York Rape Case, Does Not Attend Court After He Almost Died

Harvey Weinstein has been indicted on new charges by a New York grand jury, prosecutors announced Thursday, though the disgraced movie mogul did not attend the hearing after a serious health scare that required emergency heart surgery.

Arthur Aidala, Weinsteins attorney, told the judge Thursday that prosecutors informed him of three new criminal complaints, from 2005, 2006 and 2016, but did not give additional details, according to multiple media reports. Aidala also told Judge Curtis Farber that his client almost died before the Monday morning procedure.

Assistant District Attorney Nicole Blumberg said her office plans to file a motion to consolidate all charges into a superseding indictment. Weinsteins next court hearing is set for Sept. 18, though no arraignment date has been set.

The disgraced media mogul was found guilty of rape in February 2020 and sentenced to 23 years. The New York Court of Appeals threw out that conviction in April after ruling that Weinstein did not get a fair trial after the judge erroneously admitted testimony of uncharged, alleged prior sexual acts.

Following his successful appeal, Weinstein was transferred from an upstate prison to various facilities, including Rikers Island and Bellevue Hospitals prison ward. On Thursday, Judge Farber ordered that Weinstein remain in Bellevue and not be transferred back to Rikers, in response to defense concerns about his medical care at the jail.

Weinstein is also appealing a separate conviction and 16-year prison sentence for criminal sexual assault in Los Angeles. The California case allowed New York to keep him in custody while prosecutors rack up new charges.

The post Harvey Weinstein Indicted on New Charges in New York Rape Case, Does Not Attend Court After He Almost Died appeared first on TheWrap.
The former Hollywood mogul faces a retrial on sexual assault and rape charges after an appeals court overturned his 2020 conviction in April

STEVEN HIRSCH/POOL/AFP via Getty Harvey Weinstein in court in May 2024

Harvey Weinstein has been indicted by a grand jury on new charges in New York, prosecutors said Thursday, Sept. 12, in Manhattan Supreme Court.

Weinstein did not appear in court because he is still recovering in the hospital from heart surgery earlier this week.

His attorneys attended the hearing, where prosecutors announced that a grand jury indicted Weinstein on the additional charges, The Hollywood Reporter was first to report.

Weinstein, 72, will be arraigned on the additional charges, which are allegations from three alleged victims, at a later date, prosecutors said, ABC News and NBC News report.

The additional charges are under seal, according to NBC News.

NBC News was first to report that a grand jury had been convened to hear from alleged victims who had come forward with new accusations against the disgraced former Hollywood studio head.

Prosecutors said they will file a motion to consolidate all the indictments related to his case, THR reports.

On Monday, Sept. 9, Weinstein, 72, underwent emergency heart surgery at Bellevue Hospital in Manhattan, Juda Engelmayer and Curtis Rothfeld said in a statement sent to PEOPLE.

The night before, Weinstein was transferred from New York Citys Rikers Island where he has been jailed since his 2020 rape conviction was overturned in April, to Bellevue, his representatives said.

"We can confirm that Mr. Weinstein had a procedure and surgery on his heart today however cannot comment any further than that," Weinsteins representatives said.

Related: Harvey Weinstein's Lawyers Want Him to Stay in Hospital Rather than Jail, as Rape Retrial Looms

He underwent pericardiocentesis surgery to alleviate the massive amount of fluid on his lung and heart, Rothfeld told NBC News.

Weinstein was kept in the ICU after his surgery, NBC News reports.

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.



In February 2020, Weinstein was found guilty in New York City of first-degree criminal sexual act and third-degree rape during a the landmark #MeToo case, the New York Times reported at the time. He was sentenced to 23 years in prison.



On April 25, 2024, the New York Court of Appeals overturned that conviction in 4-to-3 decision.



The states highest court overturned the conviction after finding that trial judge James Burke erroneously allowed three women whose allegations were not a part of the criminal case against Weinstein to testify about his prior bad acts.



On July 19, Manhattan Supreme Court Judge Curtis Farber set a tentative date for a retrial on Weinsteins rape and sexual assault charges for Nov. 12.



At an earlier hearing on July 9, prosecutors said Weinstein could potentially face new charges during the retrial.



During the July 9 hearing, assistant District Attorney Nicole Blumberg said the state was still investigating additional claims of sexual assault and wasn't ready to send an indictment to the grand jury at this time.

Related: No New Indictment Announced Against Harvey Weinstein During Court Appearance, but Still a Possibility: Prosecutor

"We spoke to several individuals who claimed Weinstein raped them in Manhattan," Blumberg said during the hearing, noting that the claims would fall within the statute of limitations.

They have a defendant and are looking for crimes," Aidala said at the hearing in regard to the alleged investigation. "That's not how its supposed to be.

Weinstein currently remains imprisoned for a 2022 conviction of rape in California, where he was sentenced to 16 years in prison in 2023.



Weinsteins attorney, Arthur Aidala, and the Manhattan District Attorneys Office did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs requests for comment.

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go to rainn.org.



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Read the original article on People.
Harvey Weinstein appears in Manhattan Criminal Court on July 19, 2024 in New York City. - Credit: Adam Gray/Getty Images

Harvey Weinstein has been indicted on new sex crime charges, New York City prosecutors announced Thursday.

The grand jury indictment will remain sealed until the disgraced producer is formally arraigned on Sept. 18, at which point the exact charges, number of victims, and sexual abuse allegations will be revealed, the Associated Press reports.

More from Rolling Stone

Weinstein did not attend Thursdays hearing, as hes currently hospitalized after undergoing heart surgery earlier this week.

At a May hearing that followed the overturned conviction against Weinstein, prosecutors said that they may bring additional charges against him, with Assistant District Attorney Nicole Blumberg telling the court that some people who were not ready to speak out in 2020 now appear ready to do so.

Those potential charges  reportedly stemming from allegations made by three additional victims, and not the two women who were the basis of the initial New York trial against Weinstein  were subsequently presented to a grand jury, who indicted Weinstein on the still-sealed charges.

According to CNN, a judge has yet to rule whether to combine the new charges with the planned retrial against Weinstein after his conviction on the first New York trial was overturned by a Court of Appeals; Weinstein remains behind bars due to his conviction on sex crime charges in Los Angeles.

However, as a result of Weinsteins frequent health ordeals, the judge ruled Thursday that he can remain at Bellevue Hospital indefinitely instead of the Rikers Island jail complex, where he was previously housed following the overturned conviction and ahead of the retrial.

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HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WHLT)  The City of Hattiesburg will receive more than $4.3 million to address risks posed to public housing residents from lead-based paint and other housing-related hazards.

U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) said the Hattiesburg Housing Authority will receive the competitive grant funding through the FY2024 appropriations provided to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) earlier this year.

Hattiesburg homeless shelter in need of donations

Enhancing the health and safety of Mississippians is a priority and these HUD resources will help protect families and improve housing conditions for some of our most vulnerable citizens. I commend the City of Hattiesburg for its commitment to the community in successfully pursuing this funding, and I look forward to seeing the positive impacts, Hyde-Smith said.

Funded through the HUD Capital Fund Housing-Related Hazards (HRH) and Lead-Based Paint (LBP) Program, Hattiesburg will receive a $2.29 million LBP Capital Fund Program grant, as well as a $2.0 million HRH Capital Fund Program grant.

The LBP funding will be directed toward lead-based paint mitigation and the HRH grant will support reducing residential fire safety risks.

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HONOLULU (KHON2)  Hawaiian Telcoms Bell Charitable Foundation is inviting nonprofit organizations in Hawaii to apply for grants this October.

The foundation, part of altafiber, focuses on supporting local groups that drive change in economic and social mobility, as well as environmental sustainability. The application period runs from Oct. 1 to Oct. 31, 2024.

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The Bell Charitable Foundation was established by Hawaiian Telcoms parent company, altafiber, to support nonprofits working in areas where their services are offered.

Our mission is to advance the common good by investing in organizations that promote economic and social mobility, technological advancements, health and well-being, and environmental sustainability, said a spokesperson for the foundation.

This Octobers grant cycle will distribute approximately $500,000 to qualifying organizations.

Grants are available for U.S.-based, tax-exempt nonprofits working in key areas such as improving access to technology, enhancing community health, fostering economic stability and advancing environmental protection.

In the past year, the foundation has made significant contributions to local causes.

For example, in 2023, it awarded $140,000 in digital equity grants to celebrate Hawaiian Telcoms 140th anniversary.

Overall, Hawaiian Telcom has contributed more than $5.5 million since 2017 through grants and sponsorships to support various nonprofits and charitable efforts across Hawaii.

Geraldine Ibarra, Community Relations Manager for Hawaiian Telcom, encourages nonprofits to apply.

We are excited to continue our support for local organizations that make a real impact, Ibarra said. This funding provides a critical opportunity for groups to expand their reach and enhance their programs.

Organizations interested in applying for a grant can find more details and requirements on the foundations website at bellfdn.org. Applications are open until Oct. 31; so, interested nonprofits should prepare their proposals soon.

The foundations commitment to supporting local communities aligns with Hawaiian Telcoms broader goals of improving connectivity and closing the digital divide in Hawaii.

By providing these grants, the Bell Charitable Foundation aims to empower nonprofits to address pressing issues and contribute to the overall well-being of the community.

For additional information or questions about the grant application process, potential applicants can contact Geraldine Ibarra via email at geraldine.ibarra@hawaiiantel.com.

Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHONs morning podcast, every morning at 8

With this latest round of grants, Hawaiian Telcom and the Bell Charitable Foundation reaffirm their dedication to fostering positive change and supporting the growth and development of nonprofit organizations throughout Hawaii.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
Healthcare network under scrutiny on Capitol Hill following bankruptcy and hospital closures

The CEO of a nationwide healthcare system may soon face criminal contempt charges after refusing to testify on Capitol Hill.

Steward Health Care CEO Dr. Ralph de la Torre was subpoenaed by the U.S. Senate. Lawmakers wanted to question him about the financial crisis plaguing the private, for-profit hospital network.

Thursday, former and current nurses from these hospitals warned Senators that the patients lives are at risk under de la Torres management.

We have IV pumps and computers with battery lives of 7-10 seconds, said Ellen MacInnis, a nurse at St. Elizabeths Medical Center.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

We were forced to transfer patients to other facilities because we didnt have the physical bed for them to lay down in, said Audra Sprague, former nurse at Nashoba Valley Medical Center.

During Thursdays hearing, these nurses from Steward Health Care hospitals told Congress the company stripped facilities of necessary funding which has led to understaffing and limited resources for patient care.

Audra Sprague said the damaging effect of staffing concerns firsthand as an employee and as a parent. She told lawmakers one night her son needed emergency care, so she took him to the hospitals emergency room.

But when they arrived, Sprague said there were only two nurses on duty with 18 people in the waiting room. That night, she cared for her son as his nurse.

I had to be his nurse that night and not his mother and he deserved to have both, said Sprague. He deserved to have a one-on-one nurse and a mother to support him, and I wasnt able to do that.

In other cases, nurses warn that limited supplies and medical equipment led to deadly outcomes.

When a patient becomes less well, or they die because the resources that they need were unavailable - thats greed, said MacInnis.

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Steward, the private for-profit hospital network, filed for bankruptcy in May which impacted more than 30 hospitals across eight states. Recently, the company closed two hospitals in Massachusetts.

Stewards greed has put lives at risk and their action is going to kill people, said Sprague. They have unchecked greed across the board and its not just a business failure, its a human tragedy waiting to happen in our region.

Despite multiple requests to testify including a subpoena, the chair reserved for Dr. de la Torre remained empty at Thursdays congressional hearing.

Dr. de la Torre is a coward. He would not come here allow you to confront him with the reality of what he has left as his legacy, said Sen. Ed Markey, (D) Massachusetts.

In a letter to lawmakers, attorneys for de la Torre said the senate committee is seeking to turn the hearing into a pseudo-criminal proceeding in which they use the time, not to gather facts, but to convict Dr. de la Torre in the eyes of public opinion.

Both Democrats and Republicans say they will keep pushing to hold him accountable.

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We need answers, and it seems the principle to give those answers is Dr. Ralph de la Torre, said Sen. Bill Cassidy, (R ) Louisiana. This is what our bipartisan work has been about - answers for our constituents, answers to inform legislation.

Massachusetts Senator Ed Markey is leading one effort to try to crack down on companies, like Steward Health Care.

He introduced the Health Over Wealth Act in July. The proposal would require more transparency for private equity firms and for-profit companies that own healthcare operations.

According to the bill summary, the legislation would create safeguards to help protect workers, patients, and health care quality, access, and safety at these facilities.

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The governments announcement that almost all foreigners will require online permission to change planes in the UK from next year has caused consternation at Heathrow  with fears of huge financial losses as a possible four million passengers choose other hub airports to avoid the added red tape.

From April 2025, overseas transit passengers at Heathrow must register and pay 10 for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) just to spend two hours between flights. Other leading hubs have no such obligation. Losing connecting travellers could undermine the viability of some air routes, further damaging inbound tourism.

Labour has decided to back the Tories scheme to require all non-British or Irish nationals to have online permits ahead of travel to the UK.

On Tuesday the minister for Migration and Citizenship, Seema Malhotra, announced the ETA scheme will apply to the vast majority of overseas arrivals by 2 April 2025.

In backing the previous governments plans, she said: Digitisation enables a smooth experience for the millions of people who pass through the border every year, including the visitors we warmly welcome to the UK who are predicted to contribute over 32bn to our tourism economy this year.

Read more: What is the UKs new ETA travel scheme with a 10 charge  and what does it mean for visitors?

But analysis by The Independent indicates the scheme as planned will cause serious financial damage for Heathrow airport and its retailers, as well as UK airlines.

The demand for transit passengers to apply online and pay for a permit will make London Heathrow an outlier. Other global hubs  including Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Istanbul, Paris CDG, Dubai and Singapore  require only that travellers have permission to enter their final destination.

The government says: Requiring transit passengers to obtain an ETA stops people who may use connecting flights to avoid gaining permission to travel to the UK.

At present ETAs are required by six Gulf nations: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

In July, Heathrow airport revealed that 90,000 potential passengers had switched to other airport in the few months since the scheme began for nationals of the first half-dozen countries.

Weve seen the loss of a significant number of transfer passengers already, a Heathrow spokesperson said.

The Independent has extrapolated these figures to model the potential impact were passengers from other nations to follow the same pattern.

At present almost all transit passengers at Heathrow  comprising 30 per cent of the total  need only to be documented for their destination.

But initial figures for Gulf nationals suggest one in six prospective transit passengers has switched from Heathrow to a different hub because of the ETA demand.

From April 2025, though, almost all airside transit travellers will need ETAs. If the same proportion is deterred, Heathrows passenger figures could fall by four million.

British Airways would sustain the most damage from a slump in transit passengers, with Virgin Atlantic also hard hit. Heathrow is also a key hub for the Star Alliance, offering connections between carriers such as Lufthansa, United, Air Canada and Singapore Airlines.

A significant number of flights at Heathrow rely on transit passengers to be profitable, and some links could be jeopardised if the number of connecting travellers dwindles. In addition many airport retailers are dependent on connecting travellers spending cash as they wait for onward flights.

Calculating the loss to the UK economy of the policy is fraught with complication, but The Independent estimates it is likely to be in the range from 2.5bn to 5bn annually, counting lost revenue to airlines and spending in airport shops.

Airlines that allow an incorrectly documented passenger to fly to the UK without an ETA will face a fine of up to 2,000.

Heathrow and the Home Office have so far declined to comment on The Independents calculations. But an airport spokesperson said: We dont disagree with the long-term roll-out of the scheme, but including airside transit passengers will make the UK less competitive and harm economic growth.

We want to work in partnership with Home Office ministers over the next few months to address this issue.

While Heathrow is not the only UK airport with airside transit, very few passengers elsewhere are on connecting international flights. The impact of the ETA demand is expected to be minimal at other airports.
POLAND Twp., Ohio (WKBN)  A missing man who was found deceased in Poland Township early Thursday morning has been identified.

The Mahoning County Coroners Office has identified the man as Christopher Frangos.

Frangos was involved in a four-wheeler accident. The news release from the coroners office said an examination will be conducted and the incident is under investigation; however, police previously said they suspect no foul play.

Read next: One dead in Columbiana County shooting

Police searched for Frangos at about 1 a.m. on Kennedy Road after he was reported missing. The Mahoning County Sheriffs Office used its drone to help in the search, as well as the Ohio State Highway Patrols thermal helicopter.

WKBN

Wilson Corbisello and Patty Coller contributed to this report.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
Here's how victims of the Airport, Line and Bridge fires can get help  and how to pitch in

Paul Faulstick, 67, walks among the burned-out ruins of a friend's property along Bear Canyon Road in Mount Baldy on Thursday. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Thousands of Southern Californians have been ordered to abandon their homes and workplaces in the face of the advancing Bridge, Line and Airport fires, which firefighters are still struggling to contain.

To help these victims, multiple evacuation centers have been established to provide shelter and food. A few agencies and nonprofits are also extending various forms of aid.

Here is a guide to the evacuation sites for people and their animals and to the financial and health resources available, along with some ways for people to donate to fire victims.

Resources for Airport Fire victims

Evacuation shelters



Rancho Santa Margarita Bell Tower Regional Community Center, 22232 El Paseo in the Rancho Santa Margarita. The shelter, where a long-term care and reception center has been established, will remain open overnight.

Temescal Valley High School, 28755 El Toro Road in Lake Elsinore.

Santiago High School, 1395 E. Foothill Parkway in Corona.

For small animals: The Orange County Animal Shelter, 1630 Victory Road in Tustin. Owners bringing their pets to this location are required to submit photo identification and veterinary or vaccination records, as well as providing any special food or medications.

For large animals: Orange County Fair & Events Center, 88 Fair Drive in Costa Mesa. Access into the fairgrounds is through Gate 9 off Arlington Drive. For more information, call (714) 820-2830.

For large animals: Los Alamitos Race Course, 4961 Katella Ave. in Cypress. Enter the Stable Gate. For more information, call (714) 820-2830.

For large animals: Nohl Ranch Saddle Club, 6352 E. Nohl Ranch, Anaheim. Limited stalls are available in addition to paddocks and round pens. For more information on availability, call (714) 308-1093.

For large animals: Murrieta Equestrian Center Center, 42670 Juniper St. in Murrieta.

Medical & Mental health guidance



Any evacuees who need prescription medications and are unable to obtain them through their healthcare provider or pharmacy should call the Orange County Public Information Hotline at (714) 628-7085. The hotline staff will ask callers for their name and telephone number. County officials will screen and process requests and will respond to calls at the telephone number provided.

Orange County residents in need of mental health support can contact the county Health Care Agency's behavioral health information and referral line, which operates 24/7 at (855) 625-4657.

Assistance information



CalFresh recipients may be eligible for replacement benefits for food lost during recent wildfires, and the deadline to report food loss has been extended to Sept. 23. CalFresh recipients who lost food during any of the summer fires (Airport, Eagle, Hawarden, Macy, Nixon, Post, Record or Tenaja) can report their losses by calling (877) 410-8827, visiting a Department of Public Social Services office, or submitting a report at BenefitsCal.com by Sept. 23.

Resources for the Line and Bridge fire areas

Evacuation shelter information



For people and small and large animals: San Bernardino County Fairgrounds, 14800 7th St. in Victorville.

For small and large animals: Devore Animal Shelter, 19777 Shelter Way in San Bernardino. Devore can offer temporary shelter and care to residents who reside in the service area of the Big Bear Animal Shelter, which is closed due to the Line fire. Animals that were at the Big Bear shelter have been temporarily relocated to the Devore and Apple Valley Animal Shelters. Devore is open seven days a week; operating hours vary. The shelter can be reached at (909) 386-9820 and after hours at (800) 472-5609. Pets staying temporarily at this facility should have identification (collar and tags) and any necessary medications. When dropping off your pet, ensure they are in an appropriately sized pet carrier.

For people and small animals: Jessie Turner Community Center, 15556 Summit Ave. in Fontana.



Mental health guidance



The San Bernardino County Behavioral Health Department's community-based mobile crisis response teams, which provide services 24/7 in English and Spanish for people of any age experiencing a psychiatric emergency, can be reached by calling (800) 398-0018 or texting (909) 420-0560.

Other resources

U-Haul is offering 30 days of free self-storage and U-Box container usage to residents affected by the wildfires in San Bernardino and Riverside counties

The 30-day offer applies to new storage and U-Box rentals and is based on availability. People seeking more information or needing to arrange storage should contact the U-Haul office with a participating location nearest them:



For the U-Haul Co. of San Bernardino, participating locations are in Apple Valley, Barstow, Fontana, Ontario, Pomona, Redlands, Rialto, San Bernardino and Victorville. Contact the office at (909) 885-4378.



For the U-Haul Co. of Riverside, participating locations are in Cathedral City, Corona, Hemet, Indio, Moreno Valley and Riverside. Contact the office at (951) 485-2005.

The Inland SoCal United Way Wildfire Fund is providing up to $500 to affected Riverside and San Bernardino County households who meet eligibility requirements. The funds are intended to cover expenses associated with the wildfire, such as replacing lost items or paying for hotel stays.

Eligible households must be residents of either Riverside or San Bernardo County whose households earn less than 80% of the area median income, and who can demonstrate a cost incurred or income lost due to a wildfire or evacuation within the last 6 months.

Applications can be submitted online with a government-issued identification showing an address that was affected by wildfire, along with documentation demonstrating a wildfire-related cost or loss, such as a hotel bill, police report or insurance claim.

The organization can also help fire victims with immediate assistance or resources. Dial 211, and a community resource advisor will assist you.

Donation opportunities

The California Fire Foundation is currently raising money to support victims and evacuees from the Bridge, Line and Airport fires. The foundation supports fire survivors, firefighters and communities affected by natural disaster. Donations can be made online.

Inland SoCal United Way is accepting donations for victims of the Line, Bridge and Airport Fires. A donor can select to make a general one-time donation or choose which fire-affected area to support online.

Tax-deductible donations for schools and disaster victims can be made online with the SupplyBank.org Disaster Relief Fund, or by mailing a check for SupplyBank.org to 7730 Pardee Lane, Oakland, CA 94621.

GoFundMe.org is collecting donations to provide direct relief to people in need through its Wildfire Relief Fund. Recipients, who are verified by GoFundMe, are individuals who are fundraising for themselves or on behalf of someone else. The company may also provide grants to fundraisers benefiting small businesses and community relief efforts, or to vetted nonprofits coordinating long-term recovery.

The Red Cross is accepting donations to help people recover from recent natural disasters. Donate by calling (800) 733-2767 or by visiting the Red Cross website.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
There has been a notable increase in the number of young adults using Adderall since the coronavirus pandemic (-) (-/AFP/AFP)

Adderall is an effective treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but a sharp rise in US prescriptions over the past two decades has sparked concerns among researchers about rare but serious side effects.

In a striking new study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry on Thursday, a team led by psychiatrist Lauren Moran of Mass General Brigham in Boston found that individuals taking high doses of the stimulant face more than a fivefold increased risk of developing psychosis or mania.

Key factors include the lack of upper dosing guidelines and the notable increase in young adults using the medicine since the Covid-19 pandemic, driven in large part by the rise of telemedicine providers.

Moran told AFP her interest grew from her time at a hospital inpatient unit treating college students in the greater Boston area.

"We were just seeing a lot of people coming in without much of a psychiatric history, developing the first episode of psychosis or mania in the context of using prescription stimulants," she said.

When the Food and Drug Administration became aware of such cases in the 2000s, it added a warning to the drug's label -- but relatively little research had been done to quantify the rates of side effects or how they related to the dosage level.

For their investigation, Moran and colleagues reviewed the electronic health records of people aged 16 to 35 admitted at Mass General Brigham hospitals between 2005 and 2019. That is the typical onset age range for psychosis, or losing touch with reality.

The researchers identified 1,374 individuals experiencing their first episode of psychosis or mania -- a disruptive state characterized by high energy, erratic behavior -- and compared them to 2,748 control patients who were hospitalized for other psychiatric conditions.

By analyzing Adderall use during the previous month and adjusting for other variables like substance use, they were able to specifically determine the impact of stimulants.

They found those who had taken Adderall were 2.68 times more likely to have been hospitalized with psychosis or mania compared to those who were not -- and this increased to 5.28 times more likely at higher doses of 40 milligrams and above.

Put another way, 81 percent of psychosis or mania cases may have been prevented if they were not on the high dose, the paper said.

A separate analysis found no increased risk with Ritalin, another stimulant prescribed for ADHD. Moran suggested this could be due to key differences in how the two drugs work.

- Telemedicine companies -

Both medications raise dopamine levels, a chemical messenger involved in the brain's reward system, motivation and learning. However, while Adderall, an amphetamine, increases dopamine release, Ritalin works by blocking its reabsorption.

For Moran, a critical takeaway was the need for clear upper dose limits on labels. The current label recommends treating patients with 20 milligrams, but in practice, doctors vary widely in their prescriptions.

This variability partly stems from severe impairment from ADHD symptoms that require higher doses, but Moran has occasionally observed "carelessness in dose prescribing," while at other times, patients may "shop" for a doctor willing to prescribe what they want.

"People, including clinicians, might think they can eliminate all ADHD symptoms, but that's not a realistic expectation," she added.

Telemedicine companies, in particular, have come under scrutiny for allegedly overprescribing Adderall, contributing to shortages for those who genuinely need the medication.

The Drug Enforcement Administration, which had proposed revoking telehealth prescriptions for Adderall, extended them through the end of 2024 in response to significant public feedback.

ia/st/sco
Stellantis struggles this year are causing divisions between the company and its dealers, and this week, the rift was on full display.

The automakers U.S. dealers went public with their concerns about the companys direction in the face of down sales and market share, prompting a stern response from a company that would prefer to keep the dispute behind closed doors.

The Stellantis National Dealer Council, in an open letter this week to CEO Carlos Tavares, said the council has been sounding the alarm to the companys U.S. executives for more than two years, warning that the course Tavares had set was going to be a disaster in the long run.

A disaster not just for us, but for everyone involved  and now, that disaster has arrived, reads the letter, noting that its intent is to sound the alarm not only for Tavares, but also for the companys board, employees, investors and suppliers.

Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares speaks at his company's U.S. headquarters in Auburn Hills in June. This week, Stellantis' U.S. dealers issued an open letter airing their concerns about the company's direction.

The letter, a copy of which was obtained by the Free Press, describes "reckless short-term decision-making to secure record profits last year, with devastating yet entirely predictable consequences in the U.S. market. Those consequences, the letter said, include the rapid degradation of the companys iconic American brands, Jeep, Ram, Chrysler and Dodge.

The bill has come due for the decisions that you made to engineer those profits in 2023, and your attempt at a soft landing on the backs of your employees, your dealers and your suppliers is frankly just wrong, the letter said, noting that it wasnt the dealers, federal government, UAW or the employees that created the problem.

Stellantis: 'We have started a path that will prove successful'

The letter, signed by Dealer Council Chairman Kevin Farrish and others, noted that it does not seek an apology or Tavares resignation. Those do not put people back to work," the letter says. "We simply ask that you do the right thing: write the check, pay your bill and lets move forward. The dealers meet at the companys Auburn Hills offices in October, and the group, which noted Tavares' compensation last year of almost $40 million, would like to see the CEO in attendance.

Stellantis, in a statement provided by spokeswoman Shawn Morgan, said the company takes absolute exception to the letter, noting that it had introduced an action plan last month developed with the dealer body that has already shown results, with August sales up 21% over July, market share up 0.7 points and dealer inventory reduced for two consecutive months by 42,000 units or about 10% in total.

We meet and talk monthly, have weekly calls and personal conversations at the highest level. This is where such dialogue should take place, the statement said. At Stellantis, we dont believe that public personal attacks, such as the one in the open letter from the NDC president against our CEO, are the most effective way to solve problems. We have started a path that will prove successful. We will continue to work with our dealers to avoid any public disputes that will delay our ability to deliver results.

Story continues

Although it might seem unusual for a dealer group to be so public about its concerns, the companys struggles have been increasingly obvious to observers, with sales down 21% in the second quarter and profits falling 48% in the first half of this year, respectively. After reporting $20 billion in net profit last year, Stellantis has lost a string of key executives, and its upcoming product launches are heavy on electric vehicles at a time when enthusiasm among consumers is a bit more tempered than it was.

Tavares has also faced increasing criticism from the UAW about his performance and recent job cut announcements, in addition to calls from the great-grandson of Walter P. Chrysler to do more to save the Chrysler and Dodge brands.

John McElroy, host of "Autoline After Hours," told the Free Press for an article last month that "the rose is off the bloom as far as the Stellantis group goes.

Dealer: 'We're in crisis mode'

David Kelleher, president of David Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, described an increasingly tough environment for dealers like him. Hes concerned about the company's focus on electric vehicles at a time when he said American consumers arent ready to fully embrace them, in light of limitations on charging infrastructure, although he believes that will eventually change.

The upcoming and great looking Jeep Recon, for instance, hed expect to blow off the shelf if it would also be available in a gas-powered version.

But crucially, its the lack of new and replacement models in general that Kelleher said has become a pressing problem. He noted that he used to have a vehicle offering for every consumer, and thats no longer the case, saying the lack of a sedan or a more affordable entry-level SUV is an issue.

Were in a crisis mode, he said, explaining that hes selling fewer vehicles and that hundreds of dealers are losing money.

Kelleher said he looks around the industry and notes that others are doing well.

I dont have an OEM partner, he said, using an industry abbreviation for automakers  original equipment manufacturers  and pointing out that its been a big change from the Great Recession when we partnered with them.

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Contact Eric D. Lawrence: elawrence@freepress.com. Become a subscriber. Submit a letter to the editor at freep.com/letters.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Stellantis dealers call out Tavares as company takes 'exception'
The quality of 2024 wines is expected to be good, but the quantity is not (Christophe ARCHAMBAULT) (Christophe ARCHAMBAULT/AFP/AFP)

Heavy rainfall, hail and mildew have destroyed most of the wine harvest in eastern France's Jura region for this year, leaving winegrowers struggling.

The Jura, nestled between the famous Burgundy wine region and Switzerland, is one of France's oldest wine-growing areas, featuring some 200 vineyards spread over 2,000 hectares.

Their unusual elevation and the region's cool climate give a distinctive flavour to its wines some of which are famous, notably the white wine known as "Vin Jaune" (yellow wine).

But this year is delivering a bitter taste for winegrowers as the Jura -- the smallest of France's 17 major wine-growing regions -- is headed for a spectacular drop of 71 percent in this year's wine production volume, according to a government estimate.

The main culprit is a period of frost in April that destroyed many of the budding vines.

"The vines had already grown shoots of three or four centimetres (1.1-1.2 inches)," said Benoit Sermier, 33, a winegrower in the Jura. "Those leaves were very thin and fragile, and sub-zero temperatures destroyed them, costing us 60 percent of the harvest."

- 'Particularly unfavourable' -

Although this year's harvest is expected to be of high quality, a lack in quantity is putting winegrowers in a precarious position, as frost in previous years has not allowed them to build up enough wine stock for lean times, said Sermier, who heads a local wine cooperative.

Winegrowers were also hit hard by incessant rain in July, which forced them to reapply protective vine treatments "every three or four days", said Patrick Rolet, who grows organic wine and owns cattle. "I don't think any winegrower remembers having ever seen this much rainfall," he said.

The persistent humidity also facilitated the spread of mildew, a fungus that can devastate entire vineyards.

"Compared with the past 25 years, our losses are historic," said Olivier Badoureaux, director of the Jura winegrowers committee.

France's overall wine volumes are headed for a fall of almost a fifth this year because of the unfavourable weather, France's agriculture ministry said last week.

Overall wine production is now estimated to drop by 18 percent to 39.3 million hectolitres.

A little over a month ago before wine harvesting began, the ministry had still targeted up to 43 million hectolitres.

But "particularly unfavourable" weather forced the revision, as the extent of damage done by frost, hail and also mildew became clearer.

- 'Humid conditions' -

The Charente region, in the southwest of France, is looking at a 35 percent drop in wine production this year, the biggest fall in terms of volume of any French region.

This, said the agriculture ministry, was due to "a smaller number of grape bunches" and "insufficient flowering because of humid conditions".

Losses in the Val de Loire and Burgundy-Beaujolais regions are also expected to come in above average.

Champagne production, meanwhile, is likely to drop by 16 percent, but will remain some eight percent above its average over the past five years.

The impact of bad weather is being compounded by winegrowers' decision over recent years to reduce the size of vineyards in response to falling wine consumption in France, especially of red wine.

sb/jh/giv
Vice President Kamala Harris at a campaign event at Throwback Brewery, in North Hampton, NH. Credit - Danielle ParhizkaranThe Boston Globe via Getty Images

This article is part of The D.C. Brief, TIMEs politics newsletter. Sign up here to get stories like this sent to your inbox.

If you read the coverageand campaign finance toplinesyou might think Kamala Harris has rocketed to a commanding position against Donald Trump. Even before drawing unmatched positive reviews for her debate performance, her public favorability numbers had jumped by almost 20 points since her low point in January and 10 points from Democrats summer nadir. In battleground states, shes doing an average of about 4 percentage points better than Joe Biden was before she replaced him as the presidential nominee.

But at Thursdays mark of 53 days before Election Day, history suggests Harris supporters have good reason to be skittish. In RealClearPolitics national poll of polls, shes leading Trump by 1.3 pointswithin the margin of error. Going back 20 years, the eventual losers of presidential contests at this point were, on average, down 2.6 points in the RCP average. Harris is only faring a bit better than that.

While it's harder to climb out of a deficit this late in a cycle, even a leading campaign can stumble if outside forces intervene. Thats what arguably explains how Hillary Clinton blew a 1.5-point advantage at this point in 2016 (Looking at you, James Comey) and how John McCain seemed to be up by 2.3 points before losing in 2008 (A pesky Wall Street meltdown unfolded in the interim).

Still, Democrats have a clear advantage over Republicans when it comes to enthusiasm, which could make all the difference in turnout. Democratic enthusiasm right now tops even levels seen right before Barack Obamas 2008 election, according to Gallup polling.

Most pollsters agree that, after the debate, the race is in the midst of a reset, one that will show up in the next round of surveys that will come out early next week. Even then, any bump may be short lived, but sufficient if it lasts deep enough into early voting.

That explains why Democrats remain bullish about their odds, from the top of the ticket down to individual state legislative races. The campaign finance reports that are due this weekend should offer some hints about how millions are sloshing around in some fairly inefficient places; Texas Senate candidates have already raised $97 million for a contest that has remained firmly Sen. Ted Cruzs to lose.

To be sure, this race stopped being a potential blow-out when Biden stepped aside. With the President off the ticket, Republicans are finding it tougher to link their rivals with an unpopular incumbent that even his strongest allies had to acknowledge had become a drag down-ballot. Strategists for House and Senate campaigns in both parties are bullish overall, although there are clear races that are more problematic for one side than the other. Republicans, however, are openly fretting that their money machines might not be able to keep pace with Democrats new zeal.

Still, the top of the ticket is what is driving so much of the conversation, and that trickles down into the other pieces of the political ecosystem. Harris stans are right to think she salvaged Democrats fortunes up and down the ticket, but they are far from a lock for the biggest prizes in politics. The fight for every last vote is one that is going to be a vicious one, as the hostility on display during Tuesday nights unevenly matched debate showed. Theres no reason to think the other contests will dodge the same twist toward nasty.

What is less known, however, is this: will any of it harden either presidential candidates softest supporters and ensure they turn out? Trumps die-hards have proven their ability to tune out inconvenient hassles, while Democrats tend to be intractable when turned into true-believers. Historical trends, though, show ideological optimism is seldom sufficient to break inertia, especially absent some dramatic intervention. And counting on that is not a sensible strategy for Harris or her KHiveeven if its what history tells us works best to retake the upper position.

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Correction, Sept. 13

The original version of this story misstated where Kamala Harris was in relation to Donald Trump in the RealClearPolitics national polling average on Sept. 12. She was leading Trump by 1.3 percentage points, not trailing him.

Write to Philip Elliott at philip.elliott@time.com.
MIDLAND COUNTY, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- A Midland man was sentenced this week in connection with the 2021 hit and run death of a pedestrian. 23-year-old Armando Barba was sentenced to 15 years in prison by a Midland County jury after pleading guilty to one count of Failure to Stop and Render Aid and one count of Tampering with Physical Evidence.

Barba pled guilty at the start of trial on Tuesday, and the jury selected was then tasked with determining his punishment. After hearing evidence Tuesday and Wednesday, jurors deliberated for about 3 hours on Thursday before returning a verdict of 15 years prison on Failure to Stop and Render Aid and 10 years prison on Evidence Tampering just after 1:00 PM. The jury also imposed the maximum fine of $10,000 for each charge.

The evidence presented in the case showed that 23-year-old Theron Brown was leaving a concert at the Rusty Bucket BBQ and Tavern in south central Midland just after midnight on June 6, 2021, when the defendants vehicle struck him as he tried to cross Industrial Avenue. Brown later died from his severe injuries sustained in the crash after Barba left the scene.

Related: Midland murder suspect who stabbed ex more than 20 times sentenced to life

Barba was caught a few days later after Midland Police Department investigators used debris from his vehicle left in the roadway to identify the color and model year and released the information to the public. A Crime Stoppers tip led police to discover the gray Mercury Grand Marquis hidden at a residence, where efforts were underway to conceal the crime by replacing damaged parts of the vehicle. Other evidence in the case showed that Barba and friends had been drinking throughout the evening, but

his flight from the crash scene made it impossible to prove that intoxication was a factor in the crash. The charge for fleeing a crash where death occurs is just as serious as causing a death by intoxicated driving.

Barba faced a maximum punishment of 20 years in prison, and his two sentences must run concurrently. He had no prior criminal history and was eligible to be granted probation, but probation was denied by the jury. He will have to serve at least one quarter of his sentence before he is eligible for parole. Eligibility for parole does not mean parole will be granted.

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A woman living with HIV says she has been unable to access publicly funded IVF treatment in Ireland due to a lack of laboratory facilities.

Ireland introduced free fertility treatment for eligible patients in 2023 including some treatments for people living with HIV.

But currently, there are no labs that can provide services for HIV-positive women who require IVF as legally there must be separate storage facilities for their samples.

The Irish government said it was planning to open a new fertility centre in 2025 with a view to developing a public service inclusive of... IVF [and other treatments] that can treat and care for individuals living with HIV positive".

The Health Service Executive (HSE), which runs public healthcare in Ireland, told BBC News NI that advances in HIV treatment mean it is working to review its practices.

It said some laboratories elsewhere had started using "effective scheduling and cleaning" - not necessarily separate lab areas - to "mitigate risk related to any potential cross-contamination of samples".

With HIV 'the doors start closing'

Like thousands of people in Ireland, Ainara Pederoso and her husband Peter plan on having a family.

After moving to Cork and marrying, the couple began trying for a baby.

When they were not successful, they had tests and it became clear because of an underlying issue with Peters fertility, they would need IVF treatment.

Ainara, who is from the Canary Islands, said she contracted HIV from a previous sexual partner and was diagnosed in 2017.

She said the virus had been detected early and was "undetectable" in a matter of months.

Undetectable, according to HIV services, means that the risk of the virus being transmitted to a partner through sex or to a foetus is zero because the level of the virus  known as viral load  is so low.

Ainara said she found it hard to get answers to questions about accessing fertility treatment.

When I told them I had HIV is when all the doors start closing," she said.

We know that in the UK, people with HIV can get on the government scheme.

In Northern Ireland and other UK regions, eligible patients who live with HIV can access fertility treatments including IVF - in which eggs are removed from ovaries and fertilised with a partner's sperm or a donor's sperm in a laboratory.

They contacted private IVF providers but none could facilitate them.

Ainara has begun a petition to highlight the need for public lab facilities in Ireland.

I know that this is not going to benefit me. I'm not doing this for pity.

I was ready for hate because of the stigma, but someone has to speak about this.

"Everyone said: We didn't know about this. You were so brave. Thank you for speaking about us.

Many people have said they had to go abroad and adopt, or just gave up because they can't afford adoption, or afford a fertility treatment.

Ainara hopes to influence change by speaking publicly.

The first impression after my diagnosis was not thinking about having a child or getting a family, it was the fear of having to say this to my parents, and I hid it for two years, she said.

I've noticed since I started the petition, women contacting me and saying: Please don't say my name, because many people in my family don't know, or I just want to so support you, but please don't share my message.

So a lot of women out there with HIV are scared because of the stigma and how people around them are going to react if they break the news, which is a shame, because indeed, we have kind of normalized that HIV is out there."

IVF involves removing eggs from ovaries and fertilising with a partner's sperm or a donor's sperm in a laboratory [Getty Images]

High rates of HIV in Ireland

Official figures show Ireland has one of the highest rates of HIV in western Europe.

From 2019 to 2022, there was an increase in the overall number of diagnoses from 11.1 cases per 100,000 people to 17.2 cases per 100,000.

Two-thirds of Irelands HIV diagnoses in 2022 were among men while the rate of women being diagnosed doubled.

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre monitors transmissible diseases and largely attributes the changes to an increase in people with a previous HIV diagnosis made outside Ireland and migration.

The HSE told BBC News NI the government is planning to open a new national public fertility centre in Cork in 2025 with a view to developing a public service inclusive of... IVF [and other treatments] that can treat and care for individuals living with HIV positive".

Regarding IVF, it said no private provider in Ireland is currently positioned to offer care if either the female or the male is HIV+.

At present, the statement said: It is important to note that no patient living with HIV is being denied treatment because eligible patients can get funding for treatment abroad."

Ainara said she and Peter did not appear to meet the requirements for publicly funded treatment abroad.

They are paying for IVF treatment in Spain.

[Getty Images]

What is HIV?

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks and destroys the body's T lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, the reduction of which can then lead to the development of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

The infection is transmitted by body fluids, often during unprotected sex, but also through injecting drugs using unsterilised needles.

Individuals with AIDS have a weakened immune system and so are more vulnerable to opportunistic infections.

Currently, people living with HIV are given antiretroviral drugs which work by stopping the virus replicating in the body.
Rebecca Gemil shares an update on Hurricane Francine with followers on the Deaf Hurricane Information Group page on Facebook.

Rebecca Gemil shares an update on Hurricane Francine with followers on the Deaf Hurricane Information Group page on Facebook.

Thunder will rumble, winds will howl, storm sirens will wail, and emergency alerts will squawk.

So many of the warning signs of severe weather are audible, making tornados and hurricanes a dangerous time for deaf people.

When Hurricane Francine began as a tropical disturbance in the Gulf of Mexico last weekend, two women  Debbie Barefield of Savannah, Georgia, and Rebecca Gemil of Austin, Texas  went into action, posting video after video for the Deaf Hurricane Information Group on Facebook.

In the videos, they aggregated storm tracking from the National Hurricane Center, alerts from the National Weather Service, safety tips from authorities and weather stories from local Louisiana news sites, interpreting every major report into American Sign Language.

Many in the deaf community cannot read English text and only understand ASL, Barefield said, which is why their video posts are so critical.

The women have continued the work, sometimes posting dozens of times per day and late into the night, and plan to keep going until Francine, which made landfall Wednesday in South Louisiana as a category 1, no longer threatens the deaf and hearing impaired community.

Barefield, a professional interpreter who teaches ASL, and Gemil, who works at an animal shelter, were among seven women across the southeastern states who founded the group in 2017 ahead of Hurricane Harvey, which struck southeastern Texas as a Category 4 storm, killing hundreds and inflicting over $125 billion in damage.

In an interview Wednesday over Facebook Messenger, Barefield said the Deaf Hurricane Information Group was able to summon rescuers to save a deaf couple in Texas trapped in their mobile home by Harveys floodwaters.

Deaf people are the last to receive news, Barefield said.

Closed captioning services can be very inaccurate and unreliable, and many deaf people dont have the luxury of being able to just pick up a phone and call 911 when situations turn bad, she said. For emergency services, the deaf use a video relay service that interprets their emergency requests to a 911 dispatch center, which often causes a delay in response times.

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In recent years, state and local governments have done a better job of having ASL interpreters at emergency press briefings, storm shelters and among first responders. But it wasnt always that way, according to Barefield.

The hearing community often doesnt think of the needs of the deaf unless they know a deaf person, she added.

After a tornado smashed through Adairsville, Georgia, in January 2013, emergency responders left behind a deaf woman and her two children. The crews went knocking on doors at the scene. The deaf woman didnt respond, so they painted a red X on her door and moved on.

It wasnt until ASL interpreters briefed rescue workers that just knocking on doors searching for survivors was not enough. Crews went back through the impact zone and found the woman and her two children.

The goal of the Deaf Hurricane Facebook Group is to prevent similar situations.

Gemil pointed out that New Orleans has a similar group, ASL Emergency Alerts  Greater New Orleans. City officials created it just this year around the start of hurricane season, though it is only for emergency alerts and doesnt serve as a liaison between first responders and deaf individuals the way the Deaf Hurricane Information Group does.

Since Hurricane Harvey, five of the groups original founders no longer manage the group. They were all volunteers and didnt have the resources to continue such a time-consuming job, Barefield said.

According to a 2019 study published in Social Science and Medicine, disabled people are particularly vulnerable during and after natural disasters. They are more likely to lose their homes, suffer property damage, die in disasters, get separated from family members, be ignored by relief volunteers in shelters, and suffer injuries or health-related complications, the study found.

Nearly 19% of Louisianas adult population is either deaf or hearing impaired, according to statistics from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.

Its 5:00 AM on Sept. 12th, Barefield wrote in her latest post on the groups page. How is everyone? Need anything? Let us know. I had little sleep in the last two days and fell asleep in my chair. Just woke up. Please let us know for anything.

At around 8 a.m., Gemil posted that Francine had downgraded to a tropical depression.

Thank u [sic] for the information, one of the groups followers replied.

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The act of certifying the presidential election results will now be given the highest security designation the federal government makes available, the Department of Homeland Security announced Wednesday.

Jan. 6, 2025, will now be designated a National Special Security Event (NSSE) by the Department of Homeland Security  on par with events like the Democratic and Republican national conventions. This designation allows for "significant resources from the federal government, as well as from state and local partners, to be utilized in a comprehensive security plan," according to the agency.

PHOTO: Vice President Mike Pence and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi preside over a Joint session of Congress to certify the 2020 Electoral College results on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 6, 2021. (J. Scott Applewhite/POOL via AFP via Getty Images, FILE)

National Special Security Events are events of the highest national significance, Eric Ranaghan, the special agent in charge of the U.S. Secret Services Dignitary Protective Division, said in a statement. The U.S. Secret Service, in collaboration with our federal, state, and local partners are committed to developing and implementing a comprehensive and integrated security plan to ensure the safety and security of this event and its participants.

MORE: Judge in Trump's election interference case grants extension sought by special counsel

An NSSE is designated by the Secretary of Homeland Security and is led by the Secret Service.

Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser made a request for the designation, according to the agency.

PHOTO: Trump supporters near the US Capitol following a 'Stop the Steal' rally on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington, D.C. (NurPhoto via Getty Images, FILE)

Jan. 6 is a formality, but the last time Congress attempted to certify the results of the presidential election, a group of supporters of former President Donald Trump breached the Capitol in an attempt to stop it.

MORE: A visual timeline on how the attack on Capitol Hill unfolded

The results of Jan. 6 resulted in hundreds of prosecutions by the Justice Department and criminal charges brought by Special Counsel Jack Smith against Trump, who has denied any wrongdoing.

Homeland Security designates next Jan. 6 as a 'National Special Security Event' originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  The owners of the home Larry Acree was illegally staying in are suing Acree for damages related to property and emotional distress.

On February 29, civil processors, Independence police and homeowner Craig Fedynich arrived at an Independence home to evict Acree.

Kansas City man facing charges in Waldo drugstore burglary

Acree would not leave and shot and killed Civil Processor Drexel Mack and Independence Police Officer Cody Allen.

Fedynich witnessed the whole attack and is filing a civil suit for PTSD.

In addition to emotional distress, according to court documents, Fedynich claims he found bullet holes, destroyed flooring, broken doors and dead and decaying animals inside the property.

The lawsuit seeks an unspecified amount of money for damages.

Earlier this month a trial date was set for July 6, 2026 and could take around six weeks from jury selection to sentencing.

Court records show that Acree owed thousands of dollars to the county as property taxes went unpaid.

Acree faces two counts of first-degree murder, seven counts of first-degree assault, and nine counts of armed criminal action in what investigators say was an ambush on Allen, Mack and others who responded to his Independence home on Feb. 29.

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The Jackson County Prosecutors Office notified the 16th Circuit Court back in May that its seeking the death penalty against Acree.

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KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD)  After leading Western Michigan University for the past seven years, University President Edward Montgomery has announced that he will retire next summer.

Montgomery took on the role in 2017 and has steadily led Western to remarkable milestones, the university says. In 2021, he oversaw WMUs receipt of a massive $550 million donation, believed to be the largest single donation ever made to a public university in the country.

WMU to receive $5 million for carbon capture research

It has been an honor to serve as your ninth president, Montgomery wrote in a message to the campus community. Looking back, Ive found that some of my favorite WMU moments have been presiding each year over multiple commencement ceremonies. I have shaken tens of thousands of hands and said to each graduate, Well done. I consider them my kids, and I root for their success today and well into tomorrow.

In a statement, WMU Board of Trustees Chair Shelly Edgerton described Montgomery as exactly the leader we have needed during a pivotal period in our history.

Western owes him a deep debt of gratitude for his insightful, courageous and principled leadership as he skillfully guided the institution, Edgerton said.

Montgomery wrote that the university is in a good position, citing factors like a record student retention rate of 81.1%, higher research productivity and a campus environment that includes a new student center and aviation facility.

WMU students move in, excited for new beginnings

In my first State of the University address in 2017, I charged us with improving retention and graduation rates, diversifying our revenue streams and becoming a college of choice. It is undeniable that we have momentum on all three counts, Montgomery wrote to the community. But this is not the time to spike the ball in victory or to stop pushing and striving. Our students and our community need us and depend on Western to continue to meet their evolving needs.

Montgomerys term ends June 30, 2025, at which point he will retire and start the next chapter with his wife. The university says it intends to start searching for its next president this fall.

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Campaigners who fought to overturn the murder conviction of a man with learning disabilities, who felt forced to confess, have spoken of their relief at seeing his conviction quashed after 33 years.

Three judges ruled that the conviction of Oliver Campbell, who now lives in Suffolk, in 1991 for the murder of Baldev Hoondle in east London the previous year was "unsafe".

Mr Campbell, now in his 50s, told the BBC he felt he could now "plan the rest of my life".

One campaigner said they hoped Mr Campbell's case could become a "beacon of hope" for other people wrongly convicted.

Three justices at the Court of Appeal ruled the conviction "unsafe" based on new evidence that would provide more information than available at trial regarding Mr Campbell's "mental state when he made his confessions".

Mr Campbell was jailed for life in 1991 over the murder of Mr Hoondle, who was shot dead during a botched robbery in Hackney carried out by two men.

His lawyers and supporters said his confession at the time mirrored what he had watched on BBC's Crimewatch.

'Battled for him'

Maggie Barradell became aware of Mr Campbell's case while working for former Labour Ipswich MP Sandy Martin.

She said it was clear to her it had been a "flawed conviction from the start".

"If you know Ollie you know hes not capable of it, that's the first thing. And when you look at the evidence theres absolutely nothing there," she said.

"It was a confession under duress because Ollie was told it would make things better and he could just leave and he just wanted to go home.

"Hed been there for two days, 11 interviews, its just unacceptable.

"Especially for somebody with the learning disability Ollie has. You wouldnt do that to anyone, you couldnt do that today you wouldnt be allowed to."

She credited Mr Campbell's resilience and the people who have "battled for him" in helping secure the quashed conviction after so long.

She said the overturning of his conviction was "brilliant" but she was acutely aware of the life Mr Campbell has not had as a result of his time in prison and on licence since being released in 2002.

'Staggeringly long time'

Mr Martin first took up Mr Campbell's case in parliament.

He said: Its a remarkable day and obviously Im very, very pleased for him and I know hes very pleased for himself.

"Nobody should have to live with a conviction for a murder that they didnt commit for 33 years."

He said although improvements had been made he believed "there are a lot of lessons that could and should be learnt".

"We cannot afford to live in a society where innocent people are convicted of murder, its just not on," he said.

Mr Martin said it had been a "staggeringly long time" in quashing Mr Campbell's conviction.

"But maybe, just maybe, Olivers case will be a beacon for other people who have had longstanding wrongful convictions and we will see some of those overturned," he added.

Teresa MacKay has been supporting Mr Campbell since he moved to a prison in Suffolk [Steve Martin/BBC]

Campaigner Teresa MacKay, first met Mr Campbell when he was moved to Hollesley Bay Prison, near Woodbridge.

She said: "I couldnt see him killing a fly, hes totally incapable, hes known as a gentle giant."

"We just hope he is able to have a better life," she added.

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More on this story
Staff at a Belfast hospital were disciplined after a plaque marking its formal opening by the Duke of York went missing, according to emails seen by the BBC.

The plaque sparked an investigation by health officials after it was removed without permission from Belfast City Hospital in January 2022.

It came after Prince Andrew faced civil action in the US over sexual assault allegations - claims he has denied.

The Belfast Trust said the plaque has since been recovered, staff "behaviours" were addressed "in accordance with trust disciplinary procedures," and no decision has been made on reinstating the plaque.

Prince Andrew unveiling the plaque at the official opening of the hospital building in 1986 [BBC]

Prince Andrew officially opened the Belfast City Hospital tower in June 1986, and a plaque marking the occasion was placed near the front entrance.

It went missing after the Duke of York was sued by Virginia Giuffre, who alleged he sexually assaulted her in 2001 when she was 17.

The case was settled out of court without Prince Andrew accepting liability, but he agreed to pay an unspecified amount to Ms Giuffre and to her charity for victims' rights.

Amid the controversy, his military titles and royal patronages were returned to the late Elizabeth II.

At the time, the Belfast Trust said the plaque was removed "without direction" and it had launched an investigation "into its whereabouts".

According to emails obtained by BBC News NI, the trust carried out a "significant event audit" on the removal of the plaque, which lasted several months.

The incident was investigated by independent consultants appointed by officials, according to an email from a senior staff member in December 2023.

That staff member said it led to "action taken to address staff behaviours in accordance with trust disciplinary procedures".

In another email, he said it had been claimed the plaque had been removed "out of sensitivities arising from allegations circulating on national media at the time".

Staff being disciplined 'outrageous'

Belfast City Hospital [BBC]

The trust had received a complaint in January 2022 saying the plaque was "causing offence" and asking for it to be removed, according to the emails.

Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) health spokesperson Colin McGrath described the idea of staff being disciplined over the matter as "outrageous".

The Stormont assembly member said that "if anything, they've done the trust a favour by removing the reference".

"Either back your staff or back a commemorative display for Prince Andrew. I know which side I would be on," he added.

People Before Profit (PBP) assembly member Gerry Carroll said the hospital should not have a plaque bearing Prince Andrew's name.

"I have no doubt that workers and the general public would be aghast to find out that this existed.

"Workers in the hospital shouldnt be reprimanded for stating their opposition to this."

Plaque 'in storage'

In a statement, the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust said no decision had been made on reinstating the plaque at the city hospital.

"A thorough investigation was carried out by Belfast Trust, and action was taken to address staff behaviours in accordance with trust disciplinary procedures," a spokesman said.

"A decision has not yet been made regarding the plaque, and it remains in storage."

Details of the plaque's disappearance have emerged ahead of the latest TV drama series about Prince Andrew's headline-making interview with journalist Emily Maitlis for BBC Newsnight.

The 2019 interview, widely viewed as a "car crash," saw the Duke of York talk candidly about his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The three-part Amazon Prime series A Very Royal Scandal comes just months after a rival dramatisation of the Newsnight interview, Scoop, was released on Netflix.

In the weeks after the plaque went missing, some Northern Ireland political parties had called for the Union flag not to be flown at Belfast City Hall to mark Prince Andrew's birthday.

Councillors later agreed to the move, instead deciding it should be flown on 1 July to mark the anniversary of the Battle of the Somme.
(Reuters) - Automaker Stellantis told its U.S. dealers on Wednesday that its August sales were up 21% from July, and its dealer inventory was reduced for two consecutive months by approximately 10%.

Stellantis National Dealer Council's President criticized CEO Carlos Tavares for the "rapid degradation" of the automaker's brands and urged him to spend more money to clear old inventory, Bloomberg News reported, citing an open letter dated Sept. 10.

The retailers accused the chief of "short-term decision making", which boosted profits last year and padded his compensation which they claim have shrunk market share, the report added.

The automaker also said market share was up 0.7 points in August compared to last month and added that it doesn't believe that "public personal attacks, such as the one in the open letter from the NDC president against our CEO, are the most effective way to solve problems."

The dealership could not be reached out for comment and its President, Kevin Farrish, did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

Tavares, who described Stellantis' first-half results as "humbling," had said the French-Italian automaker's North American business suffered from a mix of high vehicle inventories, manufacturing issues and a lack of "sophistication" in how it addressed the local market.

In August, Reuters reported that Tavares visited the U.S. to reassure employees,investors and meet dealers in the Detroit area to discuss issues such as reducing inventories and adjusting vehicle production.

Stellantis' first-half operating income fell 40%, mainly due to poor business performance in North America, its profit powerhouse. Vehicle sales in the region for its top brands, Ram and Jeep, have both declined at least 33% from the first half of 2019 to the same period this year, according to research firm Cox Automotive.

(Reporting by Urvi Dugar; Editing by Alan Barona)
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  Happy Wednesday, Utah! Its a windy and smoky day in the Beehive State with critical fire conditions.

Our big trough digs into the western U.S., bringing stronger south-to-southwesterly winds to much of the area on Wednesday afternoon. Expect windy conditions, especially in western valleys and possibly further east.

READ NEXT: Smoke fills the Wasatch Front  Heres where its coming from

Relative humidity will drop below 15% in most valleys south of I-80, which means fire weather alerts have been issued for most of western, central, and southern Utah. Critical fire conditions are possible through Wednesday evening.

The timing of a cold front moving into northern Utah is expected Wednesday night, continuing through central, southern, and eastern Utah on Thursday. This may keep winds elevated through Thursday, especially in the southern and eastern valleys.

A Red Flag Warning has been issued for eastern Utah on Thursday. After the cold front passes, temperatures in the north will drop significantly, around 20 degrees, bringing highs in the Wasatch Front down to the upper 60s. Meanwhile, southern Utah will only cool by about 5-10 degrees.

Due to the ongoing wildfires in Southern California, smoke and haze will continue across the Beehive State on Wednesday evening. The front may also bring more smoke into the area from the Oregon and Idaho wildfires on Thursday. The best chances for measurable precipitation on Thursday will be across northern Utah and southwest Wyoming, especially north of I-80.

By Friday, most models show the upper trough moving away from the area, with drier air moving back in for the weekend. Northern Utah might stay cooler through Friday, but temperatures should bounce back by the weekend as a dry westerly flow takes over.

We could be tracking yet another fall-like storm system for next week. Stay tuned!

Well give you the latest updates in our 4Warn Weather forecast both on-air and online, we are Good4Utah!

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Hotels, housing and more: What to know about 5 Centre County construction sites

Construction season may be winding down, but there are still a number of projects in the works and active sites across Centre County.

From the development boom taking place along Shiloh Road, to larger building projects like Mount Nittanys Toftrees outpatient center and the Beaver Stadium renovations, 2024 has been a busy year for construction and development in Centre County.

Not every project is as recognizable  or comes with as high a price tag  as the stadium renovation, for example. There are other work sites that you may drive by and wonder whats happening, or longtime projects youve been looking for an update on.

Weve rounded up five of those projects here, and plan for a regular series to keep you updated. If you have questions about sites or something you think we should include in the future, email jmichael@centredaily.com.

Shady Lane Estates

Work is underway for a 90-lot housing development in Walker Township, directly across East College Avenue from the Zion Cemetery. Called Shady Lane Estates, the development will feature duplexes.

The construction of the estates is going to be completed in by two different companies, JVH Excavating of Goldsboro and Centre County-based company Berks Homes, according to JVH representative James Hoffman.

JVH Excavating will construct the lots that each duplex will sit on, and Berks Homes will construct the duplexes.

The excavating company has broken its share of the work up into three separate phases, and is currently working on the first phase  the construction of the first 40 duplex lots. The remaining 50 duplex lots will be built across the final two phases.

After the first phase is competed, Berks Housing will then come onto the site and begin the construction of the first 40 duplexes.

Crews work on the land off of old Cemetery Lane between East College Avenue and Zion Road in Zion on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024.

Hoffman anticipates the first 40 lots to be finished by June 2025, although no other timeline was provided for the completion of the second and third phases, as well as the overall Shady Lane Estates project.

Berks Housing did not respond to a request for comment.

Jersey Mikes

A new 1,500-square-foot Jersey Mikes, located in College Township at 430 Shiloh Road between Premiere Drive and East Trout Road, is under construction.

This will be Centre Countys third Jersey Mikes location, joining the 2135 S. Atherton St. and 2009 N. Atherton St. locations.

According to College Township Assistant Manager Mike Bloom, Cedar Cliff Properties started work on the eatery in the summer, with intentions on finishing construction before the end of the year.

The sandwich shop will include a new feature that the other two Jersey Mikes in the area do not have  a pickup window for online or pickup orders.

Also coming in along Shiloh Road is a Home2 Suites hotel by Hilton, and plans for a $20 million Pennsylvania Game Commission regional office are also in the works.

Benner Pike hotels, gas station rebuild

Not dissimilar to Shiloh Road, Benner Pike has a number of active construction sites worth noting.

The first construction site, located directly across from the Bellefonte Lanes and next to the G.M. McCrossin building, will be a 12,000-square-foot Tru by Hilton Hotel.

The construction crew working on the 98-room hotel broke ground in June, and is anticipating the hotel to be completed in June 2025.

People mingle at the site of the Tru Hotel by Hilton that will be built along Benner Pike on Tuesday, June 11, 2024.

A bit further down road toward Bellefonte, at the intersection of Amberleigh Lane and Benner Pike, will sit a 52,015-square-foot, dual-brand hotel being built by the InterContinental Hotel Group. It also broke ground in June.

The two brands that the hotel will offer are Avid Hotels, a brand focusing more on shorter-term stays, and Candlewood Suites, a brand that caters more toward longer-term stays, with rooms available for shorter stays as well.

Between the two brands, the hotel will offer over 107 rooms. IHG anticipates the hotel being finished in July 2025.

Another active construction site along Benner Pike is the rebuild of Sheetz, found at 2850 Benner Pike across from the Greystone Court Villas.

After the rebuild is complete, the new 6,139-square-foot store will offer fill-up spots for 12 vehicles, indoor and outdoor seating, a drive-thru and a new car wash.

Construction continues on the new Sheetz on Benner Pike on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024.

The Sheetz closed in early July for the rebuild and plans to be up and running again by December.

These three construction sites are just a few of many ongoing projects along Benner Pike. A new McDonalds has been built next to Giant, Centre Countys first Wawa is in the works and a potential Arbys could be coming. A fulfillment center warehouse and several other projects are also planned in the area.

College Township hotel

Construction of a new hotel at 1414 Dreibelbis Street in College Township started in 2019 and was originally scheduled to open no later than fall 2020.

The future 63,000-square-foot Holiday Inn University Park has faced a number of delays, including those related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the CDT previously reported.

According to College Township Assistant Manager Mike Bloom and the townships Principle Planner Lindsay Schoch, work is still being done on the site by a small construction crew, although a timeline for the hotels completion was not provided.

The hotel was planned to have 101 rooms, a fitness center, an indoor swimming pool, and bar and lounge, a restaurant and some meeting spaces.

StarGrande LLC, the project developers, did not respond to a request for comment.

A view of the construction at 1414 Dreibelbis St. on Tuesday, July 2, 2024 .

Patton Crossing

Patton Crossing, the site of the former Penn State Mobile Home Park on North Atherton Street, has seen on and off construction for several years.

Patton Township approved a master plan for the 30-acre area in 2019 with sprawling plans to construct a hotel, housing and several new businesses.

Since then, only an Aldi has been constructed on the grounds, despite a groundbreaking for Centre 1st Banks headquarters being held in 2022.

According to Patton Township Manager Amy Farkas, Patton Township has not heard from Centre 1st Bank regarding a timeline for the project, although they also have not provided any indication of backing out.

The construction thats been going on recently at the Patton Crossing has solely been infrastructure work on the retaining wall, the roadway entering Patton Crossing (Wolts Lane) and the traffic light at the intersection of North Atherton Street and Wolts Lane, Farkas said.

Now that the majority of all that infrastructure work has been completed, the next step is for potential businesses to submit development plans to the township.

The full scope of the Patton Crossing project is expected to be complete by 2042.

Centre 1st Bank did not respond to a request for comment.
This article was originally published in Stateline.

Owen Driscoll, a 17-year-old senior at Rufus King International High School in Milwaukee, was skeptical about starting school after Labor Day this year, three weeks later than before. But he is beginning to see the advantages.

Last year when we were on the old schedule, we had a few heat days [off in August] because it was so unbearable, he said, noting that few classrooms are air-conditioned. That made it hard to get into the rhythm of school, he said.

By delaying the start date and extending the school year into June, heat days are more likely at the end of the year, Driscoll acknowledged. But by then, he said, students are ready to be done and appreciate the unscheduled time off.

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Higher summer temperatures, driven by climate change, are pushing more school districts around the country to start the school year later. Its contrary to a decades-long trend toward moving up start dates. In addition to the change at some schools in Milwaukee, school officials in Philadelphia and in Billings, Montana, also have cited heat as a reason to push back their start dates.

We see examples all over the country, said Karen White, deputy executive director of the National Education Association, the largest teachers union in the country.

I think its only gotten worse, White said. We are at a point in time [in the school year when] parents and educators and students should be excited. Its difficult when you are sending your kid to a classroom thats more like a hot yoga class.

White said climate change has led some teachers to demand air conditioning in collective bargaining. She pointed to an agreement in Columbus, Ohio, that called for climate-controlled classrooms by the 2025-26 school year.

In Philadelphia, district spokesperson Christina Clark said that beginning school after Labor Day will minimize the number of heat-related school closures, which exacerbate inequities between schools that have air conditioning and those that do not.

Hot temperatures during the first few days of school leads to headaches, lack of attention and general frustration, Clark wrote in an email to Stateline.

In Billings, Montana, Superintendent Erwin Garcia noted that one of the districts oldest high schools has no air conditioning and the other has it in only half the building.

I noticed classrooms can be 90 degrees, 95 degrees, almost 100 degrees. And our students and teachers have to go through that process for two to three weeks, Garcia told local station KTVQ last December, when the district was discussing changes. The school board voted to push back this years start date to Sept. 3. The 2023-24 school year began on Aug. 22.

He estimated that fully air-conditioning the two oldest high schools would cost $24 million  and that the district would have to ask taxpayers for the money, according to KTVQ.

A lawmaker in Texas, where most schools started the week of Aug. 12, plans to file a bill in the next legislative session to delay school openings as a way to reduce stress on the states power grid.

With 1,100 new residents daily and an ever-expanding economy, opening schools before Labor Day is an awfully wasteful stress on our power grid. Cooling thousands of buildings  often the largest buildings in a community  during the hottest months of the year makes no sense, Texas Republican state Rep. Jared Patterson wrote on the social platform X.

Schools should be completely closed during July & August, saving taxpayer dollars on cooling expenses and our grid at the same time, he wrote last month.

In general, schools in the Northeast start later, schools in the Deep South, earlier. In places that are hot for much of the year, such as Arizona, Florida and Texas, the heat is less of a concern because nearly all schools are fully air conditioned. In the six New England states, however, almost no students go back before the end of August, while in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania, about three-quarters of students dont return until after Labor Day, according to a survey by the Pew Research Center.

Contrary to popular belief, the school calendar has little to do with the agrarian economy, according to historians. If it did, spring planting and fall harvesting seasons would be days off school for farm kids.



What is true is that in recent years, historically hot summers have forced many schools  no matter when their start dates  to temporarily close. Last month, for example, some schools in Illinois, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin all closed or dismissed students early because of excessive heat.

And last year, schools in nine states  Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Wisconsin  during the first week of September either closed or let kids out before scheduled dismissal, according to a survey by CBS News.

Climate change will probably hasten a push back to a September start in places that have somewhat temperate Junes, said Joshua Graff Zivin, an economist and director of the Cowhey Center on Global Transformation at the University of California San Diego.

Zivin said more schools should invest in air conditioning, but even with it, a hot commute to school or home temperatures too high to get a good nights sleep affect students performance and might lead to calls for later school start dates.

A U.S. Government Accountability Office study in 2020 found 41% of school districts across the country need to update or replace heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems in at least half of their schools, amounting to about 36,000 schools.

The federal agency didnt measure how many schools have no air conditioning at all, according to Jackie Nowicki, a director in GAOs team that focuses on education.

In Milwaukee, Adria Maddaleni, chief human resources officer for the Milwaukee Public Schools, said the later start was partially the result of a parent survey. Only about a quarter of classrooms in the district have air conditioning.

I thank the Lord we did not have early start this session, Maddaleni said in an interview, and we didnt have to worry about canceling school.

Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@stateline.org. Follow Stateline on Facebook and X.
Amid interminable stagnation in Congress that has precluded legislation from passing, a majority of House Democrats have come together to press President Joe Biden to use his executive authority to close the de minimis loophole and stop the free flow of cheap, China-made goods into the U.S. market.

On Thursday, U.S. Representatives Rosa DeLauro (D-Ct.), Earl Blumenauer (D-Or.) and Tom Suozzi (D-N.Y.) released an open letter to the Commander in Chief signed by 126 of their Congressional contemporaries asking that the administration update the policy, which they said is undercutting American manufacturing and imperiling the jobs of workers across the country.

More from Sourcing Journal

At a press conference about the matter, the legislators, along with members of impacted industries, spoke to the unmanageable deluge of 4 million packages from mass direct-to-consumer e-commerce that are pummeling the countrys ports on the daily.

The trade provision, which allows parcels hailing from overseas worth under $800 to enter the country duty free, has given exportersmainly from Chinaa workaround for the punitive tariffs on many of the countrys products. Packages that enter under the de minimis provision are also the perfect vehicle for counterfeits, fentanyl precursors and other illicit products, they argued.

Congress provided the executive branch with broad discretion to designate what products may qualify for de minimis treatment in Section 321 of the Tariff Act of 1930, the Members wrote to President Biden. In the absence of a legislative solution at this time, we urge you to use the full range of your authorities to disqualify commercial shipments from de minimis treatment, so that packages entering the United States no longer evade inspection, information disclosure requirements, or the requisite tariffs and taxes.

Disqualifying commercial shipments from de minimis treatment would slash the volume of small-package imports, and instead of millions of individual packages arriving daily in express air delivery centers and via international mail, legitimate goods ordered online would arrive at formal ports aggregated in shipping containers with detailed information about the goods submitted in advance online, they added. This would make it possible for Customs and other regulatory agencies enforcing product safety, labor rights, drug interdiction, and other policies to target shipments that need inspection and seize violating imports.

Rep. DeLauro told the press and industry leaders on Wednesday that the de minimis exception has created economic incentives that encourage foreign entities to produce mass amounts of cheap products simply for the purpose of taking advantage of tax-free sales into the U.S. market.

The Congresswoman asserted that beyond the economic ramifications, the trade exception makes it almost impossible to enforce the ban on goods made with forced labor. This is a multifaceted problem. It requires strength, a capable enforcement plan to be able to fix it, and the plan needs real teeth, and it must be implemented quickly, she added.

While lawmakers would rather see the de minimis issue dealt with legislatively, the Democrats on the call said their patience was wearing thin. Despite the fact that the concept of de minimis reform has engendered broad bipartisan support, politicking has precluded a concrete resolution.

Rep. Blumenauers Import Security and Fairness Act, introduced for the first time in 2022, presented such an opportunity, proposing that products from non-market economies and other countries of concern be excluded from de minimis benefits.

You see this broad bipartisan coalition on Earls bill that negotiated very heavily. You see the people speaking on this callthat represent families that are suffering in the fentanyl crisis, textile companies that are closing, law enforcement that sees this happening on a regular basis, trade experts that see consumers and companies in America getting ripped off, said Rep. Suozzi.

This is a practical, everyday solution that will have an impact on real peoples lives. And much like the Senate bipartisan bill on the southern border, weve got the bill, weve got the legislation, but we cant get it off the dime because of politics, the New York Congressman added. Not because of policybecause of politics. And weve got to instead seek executive orders.

Whether the solution comes from Congress or straight from the presidents desk, theres no time to lose, according to National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) president and CEO Kim Glas.

I cant amplify this enough: the U.S. textile industry is facing a five-alarm fire, she said, noting that the sector has seen 18 textile plants shutter in recent months as a result of lost business.

Eighteen plants that converted their operations literally overnight during Covid-19, when the country didnt have life-saving PPE and nurses were wearing garbage bags, and medical technicians were reusing N-95 masks, she added. When a U.S. textile plant goes down, it is a strategic industry. We are here to be part of the front lines.

I worry about the next day. I know more textile plants will be shuttered, she lamented, calling textiles the most impacted manufacturing industry.

Theres other manufacturers who are also impacted, as well as American retailers, and we are with you in this fight, Glas said. Theres a sense of urgency right now to get this done.
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  A partial government shutdown draws closer as House Speaker Mike Johnson postponed the vote on the temporary spending bill. Lawmakers say time is running out and Congress needs to come to an agreement.

Congress has until October 1st to pass a stopgap spending bill to avoid a federal shutdown.

Were going to continue to work on this, said House Speaker Mike Johnson.

Things took a turn on Capitol Hill Wednesday after House Speaker Mike Johnson pulled the vote on the government spending bill as Republicans voiced some opposition.

Were having thoughtful conversations, family conversations within the Republican conference, said Johnson.

Democrats are opposed to the plan as Johnson tied the six-month funding bill to the SAVE Act which requires people to show proof of citizenship when registering to vote.

The American people demand and deserve that. We do everything possible to secure the elections, said Johnson.

Kansas Republican Senator Roger Marshall sees the SAVE Act as necessary.

Is there anything more vital to the survival and success of our democracy, to a republic than election integrity? asked Marshall.

California Democrat Congressman Ro Khanna says it doesnt make sense to tie this provision to funding the government.

Im hopeful that Speaker Johnson will come to the Democrats and say, I need your votes and lets fund government. I think itd be a colossal mistake for them to shut down government, before the election. And I hope they see the light of day, said Khanna.

Senate Democrat leader Chuck Schumer says Johnsons government spending bill omits critical funding for other programs and it will not make progress in the Senate.

He should scrap it. Scrap his plan and start over, said Schumer.

Johnson says he will work with his Republican colleagues through the weekend to reach a consensus on the bill.

The White House promises to veto the bill if it made its way to the presidents desk, since it is already illegal for undocumented immigrants to vote.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  Wednesday House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) called off a vote to pass a six-month government funding plan. Johnson appeared to acknowledge the bill does not have enough support from Republicans to clear the House, raising pressure from Democrats to work across the aisle.

Johnson told reporters Republicans will work through the weekend to whip votes.

Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) says there are a handful of GOP members who will never support a short-term spending plan. The few that have publicly opposed the bill argue the price tag is too high.

Despite the pushback Johnson says he stands behind the speakers strategy to dig in. Im putting everything I have into backing the Speakers play to make sure we have the votes necessary to avoid a government shutdown and to make sure illegal immigrants do not vote in our elections.

Democrats are opposed to the plan because it includes the Save Act, a provision outlawing undocumented immigrants from voting in U.S. elections.

Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) says the bill should be debated separately from the government funding bill.

Its controversial, we have disagreement about voter ID laws that will have a disproportionate impact in targeting legal voters, says Khanna.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) says House Republicans pushing the provision are wasting their time, the bill is dead on arrival in the Democrat controlled Senate.

The White House vows to veto the legislation. In a veto message, the Office of Management and Budget writes it is already illegal for non-citizens to vote in federal elections.

Johnson says with Election Day around the corner, its important Republicans pass the bill to send a message to the American public. Ultimately Congress has until Sept. 30 to avoid a government shutdown.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
Houston County schools search for new leader, position expected to start in June 2025

The Houston County School District is in search of a new leader, with current Superintendent Mark Scott set to retire at the end of the 2024-2025 school year.

On Tuesday, school board members voted 7-0 to begin the districts superintendent selection process with an internal and external job posting to be published by the school districts human resources department on Friday.

Applications for the new superintendent role will close on Sept. 27, two weeks after the initial job posting, school officials said.

The start date for the leadership position is June 2, 2025.

Board members will use a rubric to narrow the pool of applicants and determine which potential candidates will be selected for an interview.

Thats really where I think the difficult work for you all is going to be in evaluating the applications (and) making sure theres continuity in there  making sure that the applicants meet the minimum qualifications based on experience, Scott said at the meeting.

Scott also noted that the scoring rubric qualifications should be based off the boards community surveys, including key stakeholder feedback.

Board member Lori Johnson advised the board to take thorough notes while meeting with students, teachers and administrations for community responses before it reconvenes at a later time to design the rubric.

Scott announced his retirement in July during the districts opening ceremony at the beginning of the school year. He began his tenure as the HCSD superintendent in 2014.

For over a decade, Ive had the immense privilege of serving this incredible community. Together, weve faced challenges and celebrated successes and continuously strive to provide the best possible education for all students, Scott said, pausing several times to wipe away tears. Together, weve accomplished more than I ever imagined that we could.
Two of Polaris Dawn's four astronauts could make history today by performing the first ever commercial spacewalk at around 700 kilometers (435 miles) above our planet. Jared Isaacman, the mission leader and funder, and SpaceX engineer Sarah Gillis will leave the confines and safety of the Crew Dragon capsule for 15 and 20 minutes each. The other two crew members, Scott Poteet and Anna Menon, will stay inside the vehicle to monitor the spacewalkers' status and make sure everything's in order. SpaceX will stream the event live on its website and on X starting at 4:50AM Eastern time. In case the spacewalk has to be called off, the astronauts will have another opportunity on September 13 at the same time.

Watch Dragons first spacewalk with the @PolarisPrograms Polaris Dawn crew https://t.co/svdJRkGN7K  SpaceX (@SpaceX) September 12, 2024

As The New York Times explains, the Crew Dragon has no airlock like the International Space Station does, so the astronauts will have to let the all the air out of the vehicle before opening one of its hatches. All four will have to wear the company's extravehicular activity (EVA) suits, which are upgraded and tougher versions of its suits for intravehicular activity (IVA).

SpaceX's EVAs come with new joints that can flex and rotate, thereby providing greater mobility. Their helmets are equipped with a heads-up display (HUD) and camera, and the spacesuits as a whole have a Faraday layer that can protect them from electric fields. The Polaris Dawn crew's spacewalk will put the suit to the test as they subject it to the harsh environment of outer space while conducting mobility tests. "The development of this suit and the execution of the spacewalk will be important steps toward a scalable design for spacesuits on future long-duration missions as life becomes multiplanetary," the Polaris Dawn's website reads. The whole operation, from the beginning until the astronauts close the hatch to repressurize Crew Dragon, will last for two hours.

The civilian mission launched in the early hours of September 10 after multiple delays. In addition to accomplishing the first commercial spacewalk, the mission has other objectives, including sending a crew farther than any Dragon mission before and farther than anybody has been since the Apollo program, even reaching parts of the Van Allen radiation belt.
BUDAPEST (Reuters) -Hungary is ready to sue the European Commission to reimburse the costs of protecting the European Union's external border, which Budapest says has cost it some 2 billion euros ($2.20 billion), Prime Minister Viktor Orban's chief of staff said.

Nationalist Orban closed down a major transit route through Hungary for hundreds of thousands of asylum seekers fleeing war and poverty in 2015, bolstering his support at home but earning him widespread criticism from many EU allies.

"We are ready to sue the European Commission after it had reimbursed partially or in full the costs incurred by other member states protecting the Schengen border," Gergely Gulyas told a news conference on Thursday.

"Hungary has spent two billion euros on protecting the Schengen border in the past years without getting any meaningful contribution whatsoever from the EU."

Orban has displayed a sense of vindication after Germany on Monday announced plans to impose tighter checks at all of its land borders in what it called an attempt to tackle irregular migration.

The controls within what is normally a wide area of free movement - the European Schengen zone - will start on Sept. 16 and initially last for six months in a shift from Berlin's previous open-door policy.

"We can see that there are changes in Europe," Gulyas said. "In 2015 the Hungarian Prime Minister was the first to clearly say that unless the EU enforces community law and the Schengen Agreement ... then Schengen will collapse."

Gulyas said the decision by Berlin to impose border controls from Monday means that Germany was destroying the free movement area within the EU.

"First it destroyed it by not making EU member states efficiently protect the external border, and now it is destroying it by imposing internal border controls."

($1 = 0.9083 euros)

(Reporting by Krisztina Than and Gergely Szakacs, Editing by William Maclean)
Weather Aware Thursday for Impacts from Francine

We are closely tracking Tropical Depression Francine as it moves across Mississippi. It will spread heavy rain, gusty winds, and a few tornadoes across Alabama.

Thursday: Francine will track north across Mississippi on Thursday. Alabama will be on the right side, or the wet side of the storm.

We will have bands of heavy rain move across Central Alabama throughout the day. 2-5 inches of rain is forecast with some spots exceeding 8 inches of rain. Flash flooding is possible, especially in poor drainage areas. Significant flash flooding cant be ruled out. It will be windy with sustained winds of 15-25 mph and gusts to 40-50 mph at times. This could cause trees to fall and power outages. Secure anything that can blow around outside.

There is also a low threat of tropical tornadoes across Alabama starting early Thursday morning and lasting until the evening. The rain will keep high temperatures only in the 70s.

Friday: Francine will track north of Memphis on Friday, stall, and weaken. Feeder rainbands will continue to spiral into the center of the system throughout the day across Alabama.

Some tornadoes are still possible along with heavy rain in a few more outer bands.

Weekend Outlook: Francines remnants will stay stalled well north of Memphis this weekend. This will keep Central Alabama partly to mostly cloudy and humid with scattered showers/storms on both Saturday and Sunday. Highs will be in the lower 80s.

Be sure to follow the CBS 42 Storm Team:

Follow Us on Facebook: Chief Meteorologist Dave Nussbaum, Meteorologist Michael Haynes, Meteorologist Alex Puckett, and Meteorologist Jacob Woods.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42.
We recently published a list of 10 Most Buzzing Stocks To Buy Now. In this article, we are going to take a look at where AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) stands against the other buzzing stocks.

Stock Market Volatility

September and October tend to be the most volatile months for the stock market, particularly during election years. This was recently discussed by Sam Stovall, the chief investment strategist at CFRA Research, who expects the volatility to stay until the end of October.

Stovall says that while the S&P 500 recovered all its 2022 bear market losses by January this year, and reached 22 new all-time highs by March, equities have digested some of these gains and experienced sector rotation away from 2023 high flyers into more defensive areas of the market. Hence, the year started great, but the markets are declining once again. The S&P 500s average volatility in October 2023 was 35% higher than the average for the remaining 11 months of the year.

Investors are concerned that the Fed will be slower to lower interest rates while inflation remains sticky and GDP growth begins to cool. Stovall expects three 25-basis point cuts this year, followed by another four in 2025. He thinks that while a 50 basis point cut is rare since it only ever happened twice, in 2001 and then 2007, it is still not unlikely given that the economy is worse than expected.

According to Stovall, investors need to be prepared for this increased volatility as the market digests the Feds actions and the potential impact on the economy. The market will likely remain uncertain until the Fed can find the right balance between slowing down the economy and stopping inflation, without causing a recession.

Tom Lee, Fundstrat Global Advisors managing partner and head of research, is of a similar idea, suggesting that investors should remain cautious over the next 8 weeks, due to both uncertainty surrounding elections and the September cuts. He says that the stock market may experience a 7-10% pullback, considering there have already been two 7% corrections this year.

Lee thinks at least a 5% pullback can be anticipated, but if its only 1-2%, then thats negligible. But despite the recommended caution for the 8 weeks starting September, he thinks the volatility does not translate into a tough full-year. He views this pullback as a buying opportunity, believing that the market has not yet reached its peak for 2024.

As Lee encourages investors to be ready to buy the dip, we are here with a list of the most buzzing stocks to buy now.

Note: All price/volume data is as of September 6.

Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletters strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 275% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 150 percentage points (see more details here).

Story continues

A person in the field using their smartphone to connect to wireless communication services.

Volume: 52.499 million

Average Volume (3-Month): 32.828 million

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 71

AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is the worlds third-largest telecommunications holding company by revenue and the second-largest wireless carrier in the US behind Verizon but ahead of T-Mobile. Its portfolio spans wireless, wireline, and broadband services, both domestically and internationally.

It has nearly 28 million consumer and business locations with fiber and remains on track to pass more than 30 million fiber locations by the end of 2025.

Its a compelling investment due to its focus on modern connectivity solutions, expanding its 5G and fiber networks, and offering superior broadband speeds and reliability.

The company has strong pricing power which allows it to generate healthy revenue and maintain profitability. 71 hedge funds hold it currently. As of June 30, the highest stake holder was Citadel Investment Group with a value of $518,594,606.

However, in Q2 2024, there was a decline of 0.4% in the companys year-over-year revenue. The earnings per share still managed to stay at $0.57.

Consumer Wireline in Mexico drove more than 80% of the total revenue offset by continued declines in Business Wireline. Mobility service revenues grew by 3.4%. It delivered 419,000 postpaid phone net adds in this quarter.

Postpaid phone average revenue per user was up 1.4% year-over-year. Broadband revenues grew 7% due to strong fiber revenue growth of 18%. It also added 239,000 AT&T Fiber, and 139,000 AT&T Internet Air subscribers in Q2.

For the full year, broadband revenue growth guidance is more than 7%. The mobile business is performing well and is expected to grow in the remaining 2024. The focus on selling both mobile and internet services is driving strong returns on investment, making it a top buzzing stock.

Miller Value Income Strategy made the following comment about AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) in its Q3 2023 investor letter:

Our third-largest holding at quarter end was AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T), a leading provider of communications and connectivity services in the US. At $15/share, the stock trades at the same price it did almost thirty years ago. The share price is much less interesting to us in relation to where it has traded in the past than in relation to how much cash the company generates and what management is doing with it. At just over 6x earnings, the stock trades near its lowest price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple ever, also representing close to its largest-ever P/E discount to the stock market. The business converts most of its earnings to free cash flow, implying a forward free cash flow yield north of 15%. Just under half of free cash flow is going toward the dividend (7.5% yield), while much of the balance is going to debt paydown. In other words, if the stock does not fall below its lowest-ever valuation, investors clip a rock-solid 7.5% in cash, while owning a growing portion of a very steady business as management reduces debt outstanding. A discounted cash flow model will suggest that intrinsic value for shares begins with a 2, suggesting the stock is undervalued on an absolute basis. The lack of volatility in the underlying fundamentals also makes it unique when compared to many other things we own, which reduces the probability of permanent capital impairment and argues for a significant weight in the portfolio. AT&T looks particularly attractive when compared to some of the larger names dominating the S&P 500. Compare the stock to Apple, for instance, whose revenues and profits are likely to shrink this year, even as it trades at 29x this years earnings estimate. The ongoing return to rationality and capital accountability, along with extreme valuations in the megacap tech stocks, have us more excited about our portfolios prospects than we can remember for quite some time. As always, we remain the largest investors and welcome any questions or comments.

Overall T ranks 9th on our list the most buzzing stocks to buy. While we acknowledge the growth potential of T as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold great promise for delivering high returns and doing so within a shorter timeframe. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than T but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.

READ NEXT: $30 Trillion Opportunity: 15 Best Humanoid Robot Stocks to Buy According to Morgan Stanley and Jim Cramer Says NVIDIA Has Become A Wasteland. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
Debris pulled from a flooded home is piled up on the curbside of a street in Kenner's University City neighborhood.

Soggy debris pulled from a flooded home is piled up on the curbside of a street in Kenner's University City neighborhood Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, after Hurricane Francine dumped at least 7 inches of rainwater the day before. (Elise Plunk/Louisiana Illuminator)

KENNER  Nearly 100% of drainage pumps in Jefferson Parish were available for Hurricane Francine, but officials say the storms heavy, prolonged rains Wednesday overwhelmed the infrastructure to clear floodwater.

Kenner was one of the hardest hit areas, specifically its University City neighborhood where an estimated 50 to 75 homes took in flood water. Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng said the count might go up as people return home from evacuation to check the status of their homes.

We were just outpaced with the sheer amount of water that Francine dumped on us, Sheng said at a Thursday afternoon news conference.

Out of 194 pumps across the parish, 192 were available and have the capacity as a system to clear 1 inch of water in the first hour and a half-inch every subsequent hour. Sheng said rainfall amounts of 7-9 inches fell Wednesday in East Jefferson, with one report of more than 12 inches. By comparison, 5 inches of rain fell over the same period in West Jefferson, where Sheng said flood damage was limited to just one house in Bridge City.

Jefferson Parish Councilwoman Arita Bohannon, who represents Kenner, claimed failed drainage pumps at Armstrong International Airport contributed to flooding in South Kener, but Public Works Director Mark Drewes said high water would still have affected neighborhoods because of the intensity of rainfall.

Even if they were running, we would still have had flooding, Drewes said.

Water covers the front yard of a home in the University City section of Kenner on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. Hurricane Francine dumped at least 7 inches of water on the area the day before. (Elise Plunk/Louisiana)

Cleanup was already underway by midday Thursday for many of the storm-hardened residents of Kenner. Soggy heaps of carpet piled up next to bagged trash and waterlogged floorboards in front of houses in University City. Neighbors checked on neighbors, sitting together on porches with cups of coffee to reflect on damage and commiserate over loss of power.

We lost our electricity around 6 p.m. [Wednesday], and then we started getting the wind and the rain, and the water came up to my doorstep, inches away from coming in, Audrey Mayronne said.

It was scary because our house got totaled for two previous hurricanes, Katrina and Ida, said Debra Hingle, whose garage took water during Hurricane Francine. She still considers herself lucky.

At least it didnt get in the house, she said.

Joshua Mellinger sat outside with James and Minnie Schmidt, enjoying the still-stiff wind in lieu of air conditioning, and recounted the worst of the flooding at around 9 p.m. the night before.

My truck gave out on Loyola, Mellinger said. There was another guy  he had a car, so he had pulled over, so he got out of his car and came and helped me. A young woman also stopped to help, the three of them pushing Mellingers car out of the flooded street.

It was unreal how hard the rain came down, Minnie Schmidt said. I didnt think it was going to be that bad.

Two cars in front of a home in Kenners University City neighborhood sit on blocks Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, helping them avoid flood damage from Hurricane Francine. The storm passed through the area the day before, leaving behind at least 7 inches of rain. (Elise Plunk/Louisiana Illuminator)

Power outages remain a concern for residents, businesses and schools on both banks of Jefferson Parish. Officials have asked the public to limit their use of water while it uses mobile generators to power sewer lift stations, which carry effluent to sewage treatment systems.

Wet wells feed the lift stations, and Drewes said 28% of the parishs wet wells and 514 lift stations had exceeded their capacity as of 4:30 p.m. Wednesday. As of Thursday morning, 55% of the stations were at capacity. That rate was down to 20% as of the afternoon once parish crews brought generators, vacuum trucks and tankers to the facilities without power.

As Entergy Louisiana restores power throughout the parish, Drewes said he expects the sewer system to normalize. As of 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Entergy reported more than 43,000 customers in Jefferson Parish, or 20%, are without electricity.

A decision on school closures and openings for Friday is expected this evening once system and campus leaders make a complete assessment of storm damage, Jefferson Parish Schools chief operations officer Patrick Jenkins told reporters. Roof damage and leaks have occurred at some schools, and the status of the parish sewage system will also affect whether classes resume, he said.

Sarah Babcock, parish chief administrative assistant, said there were just 12 people, most of them from Kenner, at a parish-run shelter in Terrytown as of Thursday afternoon. That site will close today, and anyone remaining will be moved to a shelter at Johnny Bright Playground in Metairie. Priority will be given to anyone whose homes arent livable and residents who need medical assistance, Babcock said

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Members of the Brown family stand on the corner of Polk Street in Houma while waiting for law enforcement after losing their power Sept. 11, 2024, during Hurricane Francine.

Members of the Brown family stand on the corner of Polk Street in Houma while waiting for law enforcement after losing their power Sept. 11, 2024, during Hurricane Francine. ( Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

As Hurricane Francine made its way through southeast Louisiana, it left behind a broad swath of power outages Wednesday night that has forced some residents to ride out its worst effects in the dark.

Even as the Category 2 storm weakened, Francines rains flooded several parishes with some residents needing rescue.

More than 441,000 utility customers across southeast Louisiana were without electricity as of 6:30 a.m. Thursday, according to FindEnergy.com. Power restoration crews have had to wait until winds are less than 30 mph before beginning repair work.

Entergy Louisiana reported more than 292,000 customers without power across its entire service area. Its New Orleans subsidiary had more 49,000 customers lacking electricity, according to its outage map.

Outside of New Orleans, FindEnergy.com showed Jefferson Parish with the highest number of outages (66,369), followed by Lafourche (36,702) and St. Tammany (33,286).

The power problems have been compounded in Jefferson and Orleans parishes, where officials say electricity has been knocked out to sewer lift stations. Without the ability to move effluent, raw sewage could flow back into homes, and officials have asked residents there to limit the amount of water they flush and send down the drain.

Jefferson Parish emergency contractors are dealing with the severe weather conditions as they attempt to provide temporary power to the lift stations and vacuum out those that are full. The waste will be taken in tanker trucks to a sewage treatment plant.

Due to water infiltration getting into the sewer lines, we are asking all residents to limit water usage at their homes and businesses. Please limit non-essential activities like washing dishes & doing laundry in an effort to minimize overloading the Parish sewerage system. pic.twitter.com/ciBhy6zJk2  Jefferson Parish (@JeffParishGov) September 11, 2024

In New Orleans, the Sewerage and Water Board asked consumers to conserve water and limit use of appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers.

It is critical that we dont place added stress on our system as we work to bring it back to full capacity, S&WB executive director Ghassan Korban said. We will be using generators and other equipment to provide additional functionality to support our system.

Signage is strewn across an intersection after Hurricane Francine swept through Houma on Sept. 11, 2024. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

Flooding was reported in several parishes, with Francine dumping 8 inches rain or more in some areas. Rising river levels on the North Shore are expected to threaten the usual low-lying areas.

In Lafourche Parish, the sheriffs office reported rescuing several families from high water. More than two dozen people were taken from flooded homes in Thibodaux by early evening, with more rescues there and in Kramer reported. The entire parish remained under a curfew until 10 a.m. Thursday to allow first responders to clear roadways.

Officials in St. Charles Parish and St. John the Baptist reported water in homes, some of which also dealt with flooding three years ago from Hurricane Ida.

Gov. Jeff Landry will taken by helicopter to inspect some of the worst damage Thursday afternoon, flying over St. Mary Parish on his way to Houma, where hes expected to spend 90 minutes on the ground. He will then fly back over Lafourche Parish to inspect the storms impact.

This is a developing story that will be updated.

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Members of the Brown family stand on the corner of Polk Street in Houma while waiting for law enforcement after losing their power Thursday during Hurricane Francine. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

As Hurricane Francine made its way through southeast Louisiana, it left behind a broad swath of power outages Wednesday night that has forced some residents to ride out its worst effects in the dark.

Even as the Category 2 storm weakened, Francines rains flooded several parishes with some residents needing rescue.

More than 441,000 utility customers across southeast Louisiana were without electricity as of 6:30 a.m. Thursday, according to FindEnergy.com. Power restoration crews have had to wait until winds are less than 30 mph before beginning repair work.

Entergy Louisiana reported more than 292,000 customers without power across its entire service area. Its New Orleans subsidiary had more 49,000 customers lacking electricity, according to its outage map.

Outside of New Orleans, FindEnergy.com showed Jefferson Parish with the highest number of outages (66,369), followed by Lafourche (36,702) and St. Tammany (33,286).

The power problems have been compounded in Jefferson and Orleans parishes, where officials say electricity has been knocked out to sewer lift stations. Without the ability to move effluent, raw sewage could flow back into homes, and officials have asked residents there to limit the amount of water they flush and send down the drain.

Jefferson Parish emergency contractors are dealing with the severe weather conditions as they attempt to provide temporary power to the lift stations and vacuum out those that are full. The waste will be taken in tanker trucks to a sewage treatment plant.

In New Orleans, the Sewerage and Water Board asked consumers to conserve water and limit use of appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers.

It is critical that we dont place added stress on our system as we work to bring it back to full capacity, S&WB executive director Ghassan Korban said. We will be using generators and other equipment to provide additional functionality to support our system.

Flooding was reported in several parishes, with Francine dumping 8 inches rain or more in some areas. Rising river levels on the North Shore are expected to threaten the usual low-lying areas.

In Lafourche Parish, the sheriffs office reported rescuing several families from high water. More than two dozen people were taken from flooded homes in Thibodaux by early evening, with more rescues there and in Kramer reported. The entire parish remained under a curfew until 10 a.m. Thursday to allow first responders to clear roadways.

Officials in St. Charles Parish and St. John the Baptist reported water in homes, some of which also dealt with flooding three years ago from Hurricane Ida.

Gov. Jeff Landry will taken by helicopter to inspect some of the worst damage Thursday afternoon, flying over St. Mary Parish on his way to Houma, where hes expected to spend 90 minutes on the ground. He will then fly back over Lafourche Parish to inspect the storms impact.

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NEW ORLEANS  Francine was downgraded to a post-tropical cyclone Thursday after slamming the Louisiana coast as a powerful Category 2 hurricane on Wednesday, with 100-mph winds that ripped roofs from buildings and trapped dozens of residents inside their homes amid rising floodwaters due to torrential rain.

The eye of then-Hurricane Francine moved onshore at 5 p.m. CT in Terrebonne Parish, pushing hurricane-force wind gusts into southern portions of the state near Baton Rouge.

Winds whipped across the region as Francine approached, made landfall, and moved inland on Wednesday and Thursday. New Orleans reported wind gusts of 78 and 76 mph, while Dulac reported a 97-mph gust and Eugene Island experienced the highest wind gust at 105 mph.

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The top wind reports from Hurricane Francine.

Between the ferocious winds and heavy precipitation, Francine is now responsible for plunging more than 400,000 utility customers in Louisiana and Mississippi in the Southeast into darkness.

A rare Flash Flood Emergency was issued Wednesday night for parts of the New Orleans metro, where 0.50 inches of rain fell in only 9 minutes and 4.5 inches of rain fell in only 3 hours, leading to life-threatening flooding.

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A Louisiana state trooper working to remove downed trees on Interstate 10 was injured when a tree fell and hit the trooper, according to the Louisiana State Police. The trooper suffered minor injuries and was treated at a local hospital.

The top rain reports from Hurricane Francine.

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) officially had its second-wettest September day on record on Wednesday, receiving 7.33 inches. It was also the citys ninth-wettest day overall since 1946.

WATCH: HURRICANE FRANCINE'S FURY SLAMS LOUISIANA WITH FEROCIOUS WIND, TORRENTIAL RAIN

President Joe Biden approved an emergency declaration for Louisiana ahead of the hurricanes arrival.

"After declaring a state of emergency, we have now determined that this storm is of such severity that an effective response is beyond the capabilities of the state and local governments," Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry said. "This federal assistance is needed to save lives and property."

The relentless rain that hammered the region led to numerous reports of flooding, trapping residents inside their homes as water crept higher and higher.

According to information provided by Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre, more than two dozen people, including children, needed to be rescued from the flooding.

The sheriffs office said deputies responded to calls from residents who became trapped in their homes in Thibodaux as flooding cut off escape routes. The residents were safely evacuated and were taken to an emergency shelter.

Keith Osbornes home was flooded during Francines wrath.

"Electricity went out at 7 (p.m.)," Osborne told FOX Weather. "We were just watching the water come up the sidewalk and when it got about a foot away from the door, it started coming in through the garage. And once that happened, it was a losing battle after that."

Osborne said they lost everything when Hurricane Katrina came through New Orleans in 2005.

"You just do the best you can do," he said. "Were too old to pick up and move somewhere else, so were going to put it back together as best we can and move on, and hope we get 20 more years between storms  Ill be happy with that."

HURRICANE FRANCINE AFTERMATH COULD LEAD TO RISE IN BACTERIAL INFECTIONS IN SOUTH, CDC WARNS

Utility companies cant go out to make repairs and try and restore power until conditions improve across the region.

At the height of the outages, nearly 500,000 customers across several states were without power, with most in Louisiana.

St. Charles Parish President Matthew Jewell was on Facebook Live on Wednesday night providing important updates to residents when the room was plunged into darkness.

HURRICANE FRANCINE CAUSING CANCELLATIONS ACROSS GULF COAST AIRLINE, CRUISE TRAVEL

Weather alerts, such as Wind Advisories, Flood Watches and other hazardous weather outlooks, were posted as far north as southern Missouri and as far east as Tennessee as what is left of the tropical cyclone makes its way through the South.

Francine became a hurricane on Sept. 10, marking the peak of the 2024 hurricane season when a named storm is most likely to be roaming the Atlantic Basin. As Francine heads north and eventually dissipates, the NHC is also tracking several other systems in the Atlantic.

The Category 2 hurricane produced damage figures that could reach upwards of $1.5 billion along the Gulf Coast, according to CoreLogic, a global technology company.

"CoreLogic Hazard HQ Command Central estimated Hurricane Francine insured wind and storm surge losses to be up to $1.5 billion. Losses include damage to buildings, contents, and business interruption for residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural property," the company stated on Thursday. "The vast majority of the modeled losses stem from damage in Louisiana with Mississippi and Alabama contributing slightly."





Original article source: Ferocious Francine slams Louisiana ripping roofs from buildings, leaving hundreds of thousands without power
FILE - Bryan Kohberger, the man accused of fatally stabbing four University of Idaho students, is escorted into court for a hearing in Latah County District Court, Sept. 13, 2023, in Moscow, Idaho. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, Pool, File)

BOISE, Idaho (AP)  The trial of a man charged in the fatal stabbings of four University of Idaho students will be held in Boise, roughly 300 miles (483 kilometers) from where the crimes occurred, the Idaho Supreme Court announced Thursday.

The Idaho Supreme Court's order appointing a new judge and transferring the trial set for June 2025 comes in response to a ruling from 2nd District Judge John Judge, who said extensive media coverage of the case, the spreading of misinformation on social media and statements by public officials made it doubtful that Bryan Kohberger could receive a fair trial in university town of Moscow, Idaho.

Kohberger faces four counts of murder in the deaths of Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves, and prosecutors have said they intend to seek the death penalty if he is convicted. The four University of Idaho students were killed some time in the early morning hours of Nov. 13, 2022, in a rental house near the campus.

The ruling means that all hearings and other proceedings in the case will now be held at the Ada County Courthouse in Boise, before 4th District Judge Steven Hippler. The Boise building is much larger than the courthouse in Moscow, with bigger courtrooms, space for overflow seating and a larger security area for screening visitors. It also has protected routes for sensitive witnesses to enter and leave the courtroom  something that Judge had noted the Latah County courthouse lacked.

The judge also ordered Kohberger to be transferred to Ada County.

Kohbergers defense team sought the change of venue, saying strong emotions in the close-knit community and constant news coverage would make it impossible to find an impartial jury in the small university town where the killings occurred.

But prosecutors opposed the switch, arguing that any problems with potential bias could be resolved by simply calling a larger pool of potential jurors and questioning them carefully. They noted the inconvenience of forcing attorneys, witnesses, family members of the victims and others to travel to a different city.

The right to a fair trial and impartial jurors is enshrined in the U.S. Constitution, and it is not uncommon for a trial to be moved to a new location in an effort to protect those rights.

Kohberger, a former criminal justice student at Washington State University, opted to stand silent when asked to enter a plea in the case last year, and so a not-guilty plea was entered on his behalf by the judge.

Authorities have said that cellphone data and surveillance video shows that Kohberger visited the victims neighborhood at least a dozen times before the killings; that he traveled in the region that night, returning to Pullman, Washington, along a roundabout route; and that his DNA was found at the crime scene.

His lawyers said in a court filing he was merely out for a drive that night, as he often did to hike and run and/or see the moon and stars.

Police arrested Kohberger six weeks after the killings at his parents home in Pennsylvania, where he was spending winter break.
Idaho murders suspect Bryan Kohberger gets new judge in change of venue in student stabbings trial

Idaho murders suspect Bryan Kohberger gets new judge in change of venue in student stabbings trial

Idaho's Supreme Court has assigned Bryan Kohberger's upcoming student murders trial to a judge in Ada County after his defense team successfully sought a change of venue to take the proceedings away from rural Latah County, where he is accused of killing four college students.

A one-page order signed by Idaho's Chief Justice Richard Bevan assigned District Judge Steven Hippler to the case.

Latah County District Judge John Judge granted the defense's request for a change of venue last week, citing a number of factors that he said collectively were in favor of moving the trial to a larger courthouse, further removed from the location of the crime.

IDAHO JUDGE RULES ON BRYAN KOHBERGER'S MOTION TO CHANGE VENUE IN STUDENT MURDER TRIAL

Madison Mogen, top left, smiles on the shoulders of her best friend, Kaylee Goncalves, as they pose with Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, and two other housemates in Goncalves' final Instagram post, shared the day before the four students were stabbed to death.

The court also ordered Kohberger's transfer from the jail in Moscow, Idaho, where he's been held since January 2023, into the custody of the Ada County Sheriff's Office.

The change of venue could impact scheduling surrounding the trial, which is expected to begin next June after prior delays, according to Edwina Elcox, a Boise-based defense attorney who previously represented another high-profile Idaho murder suspect, the "cult mom" Lori Vallow.

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"I think they will want to get things moving and established," she told Fox News Digital. "Judge Hippler will want his own timelines and deadlines set, and strictly adhered to."

Bryan Christopher Kohberger arrives at Monroe County Courthouse in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania on Jan. 3, 2023, before waiving extradition to Idaho to face murder charges in the stabbing deaths of four university students.

Ada County also has a larger courthouse to accommodate more members of the public and what is expected to be a large contingent of journalists.

Prosecutors sought to have the trial held at the courthouse in Moscow, next to the jail where the 29-year-old Kohberger has been held without bail since shortly after his arrest in Pennsylvania at his parents' house, roughly seven weeks after the Nov. 13, 2022 slayings.

Kohberger's lawyers argued that the suspected quadruple murderer cannot get a fair trial in Latah County due to "extensive, inflammatory pretrial publicity."

Read the Supreme Court order

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Bryan Kohberger talks to his attorney Anne Taylor before a hearing on Aug. 18, 2023 in Moscow, Idaho. Kohberger is accused of killing four University of Idaho students in November 2022.

Judge wrote that he based his decision on the "totality" of factors, including legal and logistical concerns, expert testimony and the concerns of lawyers on both sides. But he deferred to the state Supreme Court to choose a new location.

Kohberger is accused of entering an off-campus rental home around 4 a.m. on that date and fatally stabbing 21-year-olds Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves as well as 20-year-olds Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin.

He was a criminology Ph.D. student at Washington State University, just 10 miles away across the state line at the time of the murders. He could face the death penalty if convicted.

Goncalves' family previously denounced the change in venue but said relatives would welcome the appointment of a new judge in the case.

"What was the point of the non-dissemination order, private meetings, closed door tactics, allowing the Defendant to be dressed in a suit for every televised hearing etc...if not to keep the trial in Latah County?" the fmaily said in a statement last week after Judge ordered the change in venue. "As victims' families you are left to just watch like everyone else and really you have little rights or say in the process and at the same time you are the most invested in the outcome."





Original article source: Idaho murders suspect Bryan Kohberger gets new judge in change of venue in student stabbings trial
Bryan Kohberger, who is charged with first-degree murder in the stabbing deaths of four University of Idaho students in November 2022, listens to arguments during a hearing in October 2023.

The Idaho Supreme Court issued its decision Thursday on where the murder trial of Bryan Kohberger will be held, and also assigned a new judge to the case.

Kohbergers trial, and all further proceedings, will be held at the Ada County Courthouse in Boise and presided over by 4th District Judge Steven Hippler, the justices said. The trial is set to take place next year, between June 2 and Aug. 29. Its unclear whether the new changes will delay that further.

The Supreme Court also ordered that custody of Kohberger  a former Washington State University graduate student accused of killing four University of Idaho students  be transferred to the Ada County Sheriffs Office. Officials confirmed that Kohberger would be held in the county jail but declined to provide additional details on his transfer and detention.

Latah County will continue to pay for costs accrued throughout the trial, according to Idaho Code 19-1806 referenced by Nate Poppino, Idaho Supreme Court communications manager.

Ada County meets criteria set by judge

Judge John Judge of Idahos 2nd Judicial District in Latah County granted Kohbergers request for a venue change last week, handing the defense a significant win in the legal process.

Judges main reasons for moving the trial out of Moscow and Latah County included the countys small jury pool, too few law enforcement officers and court clerks, and a small courthouse.

Ada County checks all of those boxes. It is the states largest county by population (557,590), and that will offer significantly more potential jurors than Latah Countys population of 39,517. As necessitated by that population, Ada County also employs significantly more clerks and sheriffs deputies, and has a much bigger courthouse.

The Ada County Courthouse already has proved to be a suitable site for high-profile trials such as those for Chad and Lori Daybell.

The Trial Court Administrator and the Fourth Judicial District Court, in collaboration with multiple county departments and offices, do an outstanding job coordinating the vast logistical, security and media issues related to high profile cases in Ada County, the Ada County Board of Commissioners said in an emailed statement to the Idaho Statesman. We are confident they will do the same on this high-profile case as well.

Sandra Barrios, the Fourth Judicial District Court trial court administrator in Ada County, said it was too soon to provide details about the trial, but she expressed confidence in the courthouse staffs abilities.

We are part of a unified judicial system, and are prepared and ready to do our part to help our sister courts, Barrios said. We have been through significant trials in the past (and are) confident that we can do so again.

Judge did not make a recommendation on where the venue should be moved in his order  which also saw him step down from the case  but he did bring up Ada County multiple times.

Some 67% of Latah County survey respondents reported believing Kohberger is guilty, with 51% of those indicating it would be hard for Kohberger to convince them of his innocence, Judge wrote. While similar percentages answered these questions the same in Ada County, the impact of these numbers when considering population size are drastically different.

The University of Idaho killings

Kohberger, 29, is charged with four counts of first-degree murder and one count of felony burglary in the November 2022 stabbings of four U of I students at an off-campus home in Moscow. The victims were Ethan Chapin and Xana Kernodle, both 20, and Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves, both 21.

Goncalves family previously criticized the change in venue decision, saying they were incredibly disappointed.

The only good thing about this decision is it will be Judge Judges last decision in this case, a statement from the family read. The family has always felt that Judge Judge favored the defense and it was a common theme that whatever the defense wanted or needed they got.

Kohberger stood silent when asked to enter a plea at his arraignment. As a result, Judge entered not guilty pleas to each of the charges on Kohbergers behalf, as mandated by Idaho law.

Prosecutors intend to seek the death penalty if Kohberger is convicted by a jury. His defense has filed a number of challenges to remove capital punishment as a possible sentence, and a court hearing on the issue was scheduled for Nov. 7 in Moscow.

Prosecutors objected to moving the trial, arguing that it was not necessary or convenient, which are elements that must be met under Idaho criminal rules. The defense said the level of pretrial publicity in the case  most of it prejudicial against Kohberger  meant he couldnt get a fair trial in the community where the crimes took place. His attorneys specifically sought a move to Boise.

The interest of justice requires that the trial be moved to a venue with the resources, both in terms of personnel and space, necessary to effectively and efficiently handle a trial of this magnitude and length, Judge wrote in his decision granting the venue change.

Per Idahos criminal rules, Judge left the decision of the trial location to the Idaho Supreme Court. He also left it up to the five justices to assign a new judge after citing Idaho code that indicated his desire not to continue with the trial.

Idaho Statesman reporter Kevin Fixler contributed.
A U.S. Forest Service firefighter was injured while fighting a wildfire in Idaho's Salmon River Ranger District. (Getty Images)

U.S. Forest Service firefighter Justin Riley Shaw has been transferred to a Denver hospital, while recovering from a traumatic brain injury he suffered while battling a wildfire in Idaho.

Shaw, 26, was struck by a tree the night of Aug. 10 during initial attack operations on the Coffee Can Saddle Fire in Idahos Salmon River Ranger District, according to a news release from the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest.

Shaw is an assistant crew foreman for the Salmon River Ranger District.

He has been transported by air ambulance to PAM Health Denver, a post-acute medical hospital, where he will continue recovering and preparing for a long rehabilitation with Craig Hospital in Denver, Shaws parents Joe and Dawn Shaw said in a statement Wednesday.

Shaws parents thanked Shaws crew, fellow firefighters, the U.S. Forest Service, medical staff and people who have written to them and donated to Shaws recovery GoFundMe for their support.

Thank you to all the prayer warriors out there lifting Justin and our family up in prayer. You have really come through when he was not medically stable and had pneumonia, Shaws parents said in a statement. Please continue to pray for his recovery. We are so thankful for you.

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Craig Hospital, a world-renowned rehabilitation hospital, specializes in neurorehabilitation and research for people with spinal cord and brain injury, the statement said.

Shaw was initially transported via Life Flight to St. Josephs Regional Medical Center in Lewiston before being transported to Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane.

The quarter-acre fire was extinguished within a couple days, Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests Information Specialist James Wimer told the Idaho Capital Sun.

Ways to support

A GoFundMe, set up by Shaws family, has raised over $100,000 toward its $125,000 goal as of midday Thursday.

Cards or letters of encouragement can be emailed to Justinshawrecovery@gmail.com, or mailed to:

Justin Shaw

5365 Wangaratta Way

Littleton, CO 80130

Or

Slate Creek Ranger Station

304 Slate Creek Road

White Bird, ID 83554
FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  The man who was shot and killed following an incident in Fresno earlier this week was named by the Fresno Police Department on Thursday.

Officers say 35-year-old Sylvester Choi was the man found dead following a shooting on the 3700 block of North Abby Avenue on Tuesday. Officers say they were alerted to the scene following two ShotSpotter alerts of gunfire in the area. They arrived to find Choi on the ground with multiple gunshot wounds and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators say there were two other victims involved in the incident: one who received a gunshot wound to the leg and another who was dropped off at Community Regional Medical Center in Downtown Fresno with multiple gunshot wounds. The other two victims are both recovering from their injuries.

35-year-old Sylvester Choi (image provided by the Fresno Police Department)

According to the Fresno Police Department, Choi and the other two victims were at a gathering together when an unknown suspect shot at the group, with gunshots striking all three victims.

A motive for the shooting has not yet been determined. Anyone else who was at the gathering who may have witnessed the shooting is asked to contact Fresno Police Department Homicide Detective V. Miranda at 559-621-2452 or Detective J. Espinoza at 559-621-2415.

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WASHINGTON (AP)  Top Biden administration officials on Thursday discussed the future of artificial intelligence at a meeting with a group of executives from OpenAI, Nvidia, Microsoft and other companies. The focus was on building data centers in the United States and the infrastructure needed to develop the technology.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters at the daily press briefing that the meeting focused on increasing public-private collaboration and the workforce and permitting needs of the industry. The computer power for the sector will likely depend on reliable access to electricity, so the utility companies Exelon and AES were also part of the meeting to discuss power grid needs.

The emergence of AI holds a mix of promise and peril: The automatically generated text, images, audio and video could help to increase economic productivity but it also has the potential to displace some workers. It also could serve as both a national security tool and a threat to guard against.

President Joe Biden last October signed an executive order to address the develop of the technology, seeking to establish protections through steps such as the watermarking of AI content and addressing consumer rights issues.

Attending the meeting for the administration were White House chief of staff Jeff Zients, National Economic Council Director Lael Brainard, national security adviser Jake Sullivan, deputy chief of staff Bruce Reed, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, among others.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Alphabet President and Chief Investment Officer Ruth Porat, Meta Chief Operating Officer Javier Olivan, and Microsoft President and Vice Chairman Brad Smith were among the corporate attendees.

Matt Garman, the CEO of AWS, a subsidiary of Amazon, also attended. The company said in a statement that attendees discussed modernizing the nation's utility grid, expediting permits for new projects and ensuring that carbon-free energy projects are integrated into the grid.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WTVO)  DMVs throughout Illinois are now accepting digital wallet payments via Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.

Allowing for digital wallet payments like Apple, Google and Samsung Pay reinforces our steadfast commitment to improving the customer experience at the DMV by leveraging new technology, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias said. Adopting digital wallets increases the accessibility and ease of purchase customers already enjoy at stores and restaurants they visit.

Digital wallets use credit card information stored on smart devices to be used instead of traditional plastic cards with a magnetic strip or chip by utilizing near-field communication technology.

The digital payment method uses end-to-end encryption to add an extra layer of fraud protection, the Secretary of States office said.

Illinois residents can rest assured that their payment and personal information is safe when they visit the DMV, Giannoulias said. The security surrounding the payment and the speed at which it is processed leaves no room for fraudsters to steal information.





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NORMAL, Ill. (WMBD)  Illinois State University has broken multiple records this school year.

The university accepted a record high 4,285 first time in college students for this school year, up 3% from last years incoming class.

Jeff Mavros, executive director of Admissions and Recruitment Marketing, said the increase in students makes for better education opportunities.

Its a great thing, he said. Were educating hundreds more students with what we think is an incredible experience to set them on their way to future goals, and to do those things that they want to do with their lives and become really engaged citizens in our world.

ISU Redbirds flocking to their new dorms

A second record broken with the incoming class involves it being the most diverse class in ISUs history, with 45% of this years first-year students coming from traditionally underrepresented groups.

The third record broken is the most amount of honors program students in an incoming class ever, with 450 new students enrolled in the program.

Students of the university took to Instagram after a post was made about the record acceptance class to comment on what they thought about the increase of students.

So this is why I cant find parking, wrote one student.

Hey lets make more housing! another wrote.

Mavros said, the university has been here before.

He also said the university is making sure students have what they need to be successful.

Anytime you bring in a class this large, youve also got to think about the logistics of it, he said. For freshmen especially when the largest group coming in would be First Time In College students, they need all of the things, so weve got to provision them with classes, and housing and meals, and everything that pulls on resources from the institution.

Mavros also adds, Weve got space for everyone, weve got courses for everyone. Everyone is going to be on time to graduate as they normally would.

Students who live in the dorms are learning how to share their space with their new classmates.

There is a lot of people in Watty, we have the biggest freshman class, so some of the lounges on the floor, they turn them to quads and things like that, said Khortez Eakins, a freshman at ISU. People hate on Watty, but its like the best housing at ISU.

Its really inconvenient for the students thatve been there and I feel like its inconvenient for the students that have come in because its like they dont really have their own room., said Serenity Rainey, a sophomore at ISU. Its like more of a shared space.

However, Levester Johnson, Vice President for Student Affairs, is always checking on students.

We do these things called tweet tweets, Johnson said. Thats where we ask students to follow us on social media. We send out a message and say, Hey, were going to do a pop-up event where were handing out coupons for Starbucks and we just want to check in on you and see how youre doing.'

Johnson also has advice for new students still working to get comfortable.

If youre not feeling well, if youre feeling like youre not fitting in, if you feel like you need some support, tell someone, he said. Just tell someone. could be an RA on your floor. It could be your advisor. It could be your best friend. But just simply tell someone.

The total enrollment for the university this year is 21,546.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CIProud.com.
Tiffany Henyard, the self-anointed "supermayor" of a Chicago suburb, is under fire after she threw an $85,000 party that featured R&B singer Keke Wyatt and rapper J. Holiday last month, but hardly anyone attended, according to media reports.

Henyard, the mayor of Dolton, Ilinois, has come under heavy criticism for her spending of taxpayer funds for first-class travel, concerts and more.

"That was a flop," former Dolton trustee Valeria Stubbs, who went to see the mini-concert for herself at the "Taste of Thorton Township" event, told WGN-TV.

POLICE ALLY OF SCANDAL-RIDDEN MAYOR TIFFANY HENYARD INDICTED ON BANKRUPTCY FRAUD CHARGES

Tiffany Henyard, mayor of Dolton, Illinois, has come under fire for her excessive spending.

Wyatt was paid $30,000 to sing for 30 minutes. J. Holiday was paid $20,000 for a half-hour set, according to records obtained by the news outlet through the Freedom of Information Act.

The township spent another $6,600 to rent inflatable bounce houses. Other costs included money for comedians, a sound system, staff and equipment.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

In total, the gig costs taxpayers at least $85,769.

"I was flabbergasted," Lansing resident Jennifer Robertz told the news outlet. "I was pissed off. Thats my money. Thats the peoples money."

Fox News Digital has reached out to Henyard.

FORMER CHICAGO MAYOR LORI LIGHTFOOT HIRED TO INVESTIGATE SO-CALLED 'WORST MAYOR IN AMERICA' AT $400 AN HOUR

Mayor Tiffany Henyard seemed confrontational with the Dolton residents she was elected to represent during a contentious board meeting on Aug. 5, 2024.

Henyard, a Democrat, has feuded with residents and local officials over her excessive spending and corruption allegations. She recently extended the impasse with the Village of Doltons Board of Trustees when she proceeded with a board meeting despite it being postponed by trustees.

At the meeting, she declared that she cleaned up the village despite its finances being plunged into the red.

Henyard has vetoed the board's request to launch a federal investigation into her alleged misuse of funds and also vetoed their hiring of former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, who has been tasked with leading a special investigation into the mayor.

In May, the board appointed a mayor pro tempore to serve in place of Henyard should she refuse to execute her duties. Lightfoots investigation into the towns financial situation revealed in a preliminary report that Dolton's general fund balance was $5.61 million in 2022, but by May 2024 the balance had dropped to a deficit of $3.65 million.

Tiffany Henyard enjoyed outfits professionally styled by a fashion expert.

Trustees have instituted layoffs and said they are crafting their own budget to try to get the villages finances in order.

Fox News Digital's Michael Dorgan contributed to this report.





Original article source: Illinois 'supermayor' Tiffany Henyard throws extravagant party while under fire for excessive spending: report
There is an undeniable trend of Gen Z males shifting to the political right. Some see them as the guardians of democracy that will save us from those half-baked democrats, and some see them as the next generation of Patrick Bateman American psychos. This trend emerged  at least to me  around the 2016 election. During this time, I just began to hear the words Republican, Democrat, and foreign policy, mostly at home. Yet, like most things at the time, most of my perspective came from the latest lunch table gossip in my small-town Colorado middle school. My almost all-male friend group in a nearly all-white school completely loved Donald Trump, the sole reason being that my buddies thought that man to be hilarious. Thank god 11-year-olds cant vote. But perhaps the lunchroom polls of sixth grade predicted the blooming conservative movement we see today and will begin to have widespread consequences this election cycle.

Fast forward eight years later, and my generations mental capacity has moved beyond those lunchroom conversations. Now, Trumps jests and outbursts no longer appear funny, and the comedic value of a presidential candidate does not determine whether we love them. But what does? As an 18-year-old, it is often hard to understand why so many of my peers have become attracted to Trump. Despite being born into a liberal home, my education solidified my moderate left position. If you ask me why I am liberal, I can give several answers that beef up my arguments and will inform my first-time vote in November. So the question is, what are those answers for my GOP peers?

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When I ask my conservative friends why they are conservative, I get varied answers. Many cite their hatred of the democratic party, stating that big government is inefficient or that the Democrats are backward in their foreign policy dealings. Some refer to Republican stances on immigration or the economy. These are understandable critiques of Democrats and sensible praises of Republicans. However, I almost always get the answer that the nation is changing too fast. Of course, not wanting rapid change is the natural stance of the conservative. But, when I do a little digging, I find the reasons for this anti-progress headspace to be convoluted.

For hundreds of years, white men ruled the Earth. Images of successful white men in our grandparents America, working class and white collar alike, can inspire a sense of calm and security for those of us who fit the bill. Today, although equality is on the rise, white men are still privileged. And the biggest check on progress  the danger to these accomplishments and why equality still remains so far off  is the party of Trump.

This trend can be seen outside of politics as well. The rise of problematic influencers such as Andrew Tate, the romanticization of convoluted characters such as Patrick Bateman or Jordan Belfort, and the pushback against woke culture embody an attraction towards things that represent the outdated order. Even more so, Ive noticed a deep disdain for things that represent the new worlds direction. The LGBTQ movement, the clean energy movement, and the evolving roles of American women are all things Ive heard complaints about in conversation. These attitudes directly correlate with the partisan divide, and conservative politicians no doubt play into these beliefs to win the hearts of young men. This political mindset is further fanned by the indestructible echo chambers of social media, turning into an inferno within the underdeveloped head of a Gen Z boy.

I refuse to believe that anyone consciously thinks this way. Gen Z males believe in equality. However, subconsciously, we are deceived into thinking that we are no longer equal and we no longer have the same opportunities. I hear it: often disguised as jokes, behind a facade of other political reasoning, or within random conversation. I have also felt it myself. I was convinced, put under the spell of populist conservatism  and just as quickly unconvinced. Many of my friends have had the same journey.

My guess is that Trumps populist rhetoric, coupled with misogynist influencers and the echo chambers of social media, have caused these beliefs, feelings, and actions within our generation. My hope is that once he vacates the political realm, millions will emerge from this rah-rah daydream and become conservatives who once again represent the necessary brakes on liberalism.

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IMF logo is seen outside the headquarters building in Washington

By Rodrigo Campos

(Reuters) - The International Monetary Fund's director of the Western Hemisphere Rodrigo Valdes has fully delegated all negotiations with Argentina to other officials, the fund said on Thursday.

"To best support the ongoing constructive engagement with the Argentine authorities, Western Hemisphere director Rodrigo Valdes has fully delegated program negotiations," IMF spokesperson Julie Kozack said at a scheduled press conference.

She said Deputy Director of the Western Hemisphere Department Luis Cubeddu and mission chief for Argentina Ashvin Ahuja, "whose work is directly overseen by fund management," are in charge of talks with Argentine authorities.

Argentine president Javier Milei had earlier this year criticized Valdes, and in July Kozack said Valdes had the full support of the fund's management.

In a reflection of the tensions that had built between Valdes and the right-wing administration led by Milei, an Argentine government source welcomed the move in a briefing on Thursday and reiterated criticism of the IMF official.

"He is a leftist who does not understand our economic program," the person said, a reference to Valdes' time as finance minister under leftist Chilean president Michelle Bachelet from 2015-17.

The IMF did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the statement.

Valdes, who earned a Ph.D. in economics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, has held his position at the IMF since May 2023. He previously worked in the private sector, including at Barclays Capital and BTG Pactual.

(Reporting by Rodrigo Campos; additional reporting by Marta Lopez and David Lawder; editing by Jonathan Oatis)
Jose Patino, a 35-year-old DACA recipient and Arizona community organizer, says it took him a long time to overcome the fear of sharing his personal information  including his legal status  on social media. (Photo courtesy of Jose Patino)

For more than a decade, San-Francisco-based Miguel has been successfully filing renewals for his Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status every two years, at least until 2024.

For some reason, this year, it took more than five months to get approval, during which his enrollment in the program lapsed, leaving him in a legal limbo.

He lost his work visa and was put on temporary unpaid leave for three months from the large professional services company where hes worked for a decade.

In those three months, I was trying to do a lot of damage control around getting an expedited process, reaching out to the ombudsman, congressmen  all of the escalation type of actions that I could do, he said.

He was also being cautious about what he put in his social media and other online postings. Like many, he realized such information could put him at risk in an uncertain political environment around immigration.

Given my current situation, I try not to brand myself as undocumented, or highlight it as the main component of my identity digitally, Miguel said.

Miguel, who came to the United States at age 7 with his parents from the Philippines, says he was already mindful about his digital footprint before his DACA protections lapsed. His Facebook and Instagram accounts are set to private, and while amplifying the stories of immigrants is one of his goals, he tries to do so from an allyship perspective, rather than centering his own story.

While his DACA status has now been renewed  reinstating his work permit and protection from deportation  and Miguel is back at work, hes taking extra precautions about what he posts online and how hes perceived publicly. Its the reason that States Newsroom is not using his full name for this story.

Miguels company is regulated by the SEC, and has to take a nonpartisan approach on political issues, he said, and that extends to employees. Staying neutral about political issues may be a common rule for many American workers, but its more complicated when an issue is a part of your core identity, Miguel said.

I think thats been a huge conflicting area in my professional journey, he said. Its the separation and compartmentalization that I have to do to separate my identity  given that it is a very politicized experience  with my actual career and company affiliation.

Digital footprints + surveillance

Its not unusual for your digital footprint  the trail of information you create browsing the web or posting on social media  to have real-life ramifications. But if youre an immigrant in the United States, one post, like, or comment on social media could lead to an arrest, deportation, or denial of citizenship.

In 2017, the Department of Homeland Security issued a notice saying it would begin tracking more information, including social media handles for temporary visa holders, immigrants, and naturalized U.S. citizens in an electronic system. And Homeland Security would store that information.

But in recent years, theres been more data collection. In 2019, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was found to have contracted with commercial data brokers like Thomas Reuters CLEAR, which has access to information in credit agencies, cellphone registries, social media posts, property records, and internet chat rooms, among other sources.

Emails sent by ICE officials were included in a 2019 federal court filing, showing that information accessed via the CLEAR database was used in a 2018 deportation case, the Intercept reported. ICE agents used an address found in CLEAR, along with Facebook posts of family gatherings, to build a case against a man who had been deported from his home in Southern California and then returned. The man had been living in the U.S. since he was 1, worked as a roofer and had children who are U.S. citizens.

Ultimately, a Facebook post showing the man had checked in at a Southern California Home Depot in May 2018 led to his arrest. ICE agents monitored the page, waited for him to leave the store, then pulled him over. He was charged with felony illegal reentry.

Ray Ybarra Maldonado, an immigration and criminal attorney in Phoenix, said hes seen more requests for social media handles in his immigration paperwork filings over the last few years. It can be nerve-wracking to think that the federal government will be combing through a clients posts, he said, but clients have to remember that ultimately, anything put on the internet is for public consumption.

We all think when we post something on social media that its for our friends, for our family, Ybarra Maldonado said. But people have to understand that whatever you put out there, its possible that you could be sitting in a room across from a government agent someday asking you a question about it.

Ybarra Maldonado said hes seen immigration processes where someone is appealing to the court that they are a moral, upstanding person, but there are screenshots of them from social media posing with guns or drugs.

Ybarra Maldonado suggests that people applying for citizenship or temporary protections consider keeping their social media pages private, and to only connect with people that they know. He also warns that people who share info about their legal status online can be the target of internet scams, as theres always someone looking to exploit vulnerable populations.

But maintaining a digital footprint can also be a positive thing for his clients, Ybarra Maldonado said. Printouts from social media can provide evidence of the longevity of someones residence in the U.S., or show them as an active participant in their community. Its also a major way that immigrants stay connected to their families and friends in other countries, and find community in the U.S.

Identifying yourself online

For Jose Patino, a 35-year-old DACA recipient, that goal of staying connected to his community was the reason he eventually began using his full name online.

When he was 6, Patino and his mother immigrated from Mexico to join his father in West Phoenix. From the beginning, he said, his parents explained his immigration status to him, and what that meant  he wasnt eligible for certain things, and at any time, he could be separated from them. If he heard the words la migra, or immigration, he knew to find a safe place and hide.

In Patinos neighborhood, he described, an ever-present feeling lingered that the many immigrants living there felt limited and needed to be careful. He realized he could work, but it would always be for less money, and hed have to keep quiet about anything he didnt agree with. Most people in his neighborhood didnt use social media or didnt identify themselves as undocumented.

You dont want your status to define your whole identity, he said. And its something that you dont want a constant reminder that you have limitations and things that you cant do.

But like most millennials, when Patino went to college, he discovered that Facebook was the main way of communicating and organizing. He went back and forth at least 100 times, over signing up with the social media platform, and eventually made a profile with no identifying information. He used a nickname and didnt have a profile photo. Eventually, though, he realized no one would accept his friend requests or let him into groups.

And then little by little, as I became more attuned to actually being public, social media protected me more  my status  than being anonymous, he said. If people knew who I was, they would be able to figure out how to support me.

Patino and others interviewed for this story acknowledged that the DACA program is temporary and could change with an incoming federal administration. In his first few months of his presidency in 2017, Donald Trump announced he was rescinding the program, though the Supreme Court later ruled it would stand.

That moment pushed Patino toward community organizing. He is now very much online as his full self, as he and his wife, Reyna Montoya, run Phoenix-based Aliento, which aims to bring healing practices to communities regardless of immigration status. The organization provides art and healing workshops, assists in grassroots organizing, and provides resources for undocumented students to get scholarships and navigate the federal student aid form.

Now, Patino said, he would have very personal conversations with anyone considering putting themselves and their status online. The community has gained a lot of positive exposure and community from immigrants sharing their personal experiences, but it can take a toll, he said. His online presence is now an extension of the work he does at Aliento.

Basically, I want to be the adult that my 17-, 18-year-old-self needed, he said. For me, thats how I see social media. How can I use my personal social media to provide maybe some hope or some resources with individuals who are, right now, maybe seeing loss or are in the same situation that I was in?

Tobore Oweh, a 34-year-old Nigerian immigrant who arrived in Maryland when she was 7, has spent the last decade talking about her status online. After she received DACA protections in 2012, she felt like it was a way to unburden some of the pressures of living life without full citizenship, and to find people going through similar things.

That was like a form of liberation and freedom, because I felt like I was suppressing who I was, and it just felt like this heavy burden around immigration and just like, its just a culture to be silent or fear, Oweh said. And for me, sharing my story at that time was very important to me.

She connected with others through UndocuBlack, a multi-generational network of current and former undocumented Black people that shares resources and tools for advocacy. Being open about your status isnt for everyone, she said, but shes a naturally bold and optimistic person.

She referred to herself as DACA-mented, saying she feels she has the privilege of some protection through the program but knows its not a long-term solution. Shes never felt super safe, but was uneasier through the Trump administration when he made moves to end the program.

Everyone with DACA is definitely privileged, but you know, we all are still experiencing this unstable place of like, not knowing, she said.

Since sharing more of her experiences online, Oweh said she feels a lot more opportunities and possibilities came into her life. Oweh moved to Los Angeles seven years ago and runs a floral business called The Petal Effect. She feels safe in California, as the state has programs to protect immigrants from discrimination through employment, education, small businesses and housing.

For Oweh, it was never a question of if shed use social media, but rather how she would. She feels the accessibility to community and for sharing resources far outweighs the risks of being public about her status.

Growing up, it wasnt like what it is now. I feel like, you know, future generations, or you know, the people that are here now, like we have more access to community than I did growing up just off of social media, Oweh said. So its been instrumental in amplifying our voices and sharing our stories.

Being vocal about your status isnt right for everyone, Beleza Chan, director of development and communications for education-focused Immigrants Rising, told States Newsroom.

Social media, student organizing, protests and blogging led to the passing of the DREAM act and DACA in the last two decades, and those movements were essential to immigrants rights today. But those feelings of security come in waves, she said.

I think the political climate certainly affects that, Chan said.  In the previous years, it was undocumented and unafraid, and since Trump, its been like youre undocumented and youre very afraid to speak up.
A water vapor-enhanced satellite image shows Hurricane Francine as of just before 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. The storm is approaching the New Orleans metropolitan area after making landfall in the afternoon. (NOAA image)

Sheriffs in three Louisiana parishes evacuated state prisoners and local detainees ahead of Hurricane Francine coming ashore as a Category 2 storm with 100 mph winds Wednesday.

Almost 150 incarcerated people 104 men and 43 women  were evacuated to the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola from a temporary lockup holding overflow detainees in New Orleans, said Ken Pastorick, spokesman for the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections.

The men and women sent to Angola from New Orleans will be kept separate from each other and apart from the maximum security prisons general population, Pastorick said.

Orleans Sheriff Susan Hutson also freed other people who were being held for low-level crimes ahead of Hurricane Francine, according to The Times-Picayune.

Lafourche Parish Sheriff Craig Webre also moved approximately 60 state prisoners in a transitional work program to the St. Charles Parish jail to ride Hurricane Francine.

Cameron Parish, which is under a mandatory evacuation order, transferred 23 incarcerated men from its local jail to a Catahoula Parish jail in the northeastern part of the state, Pastorick said.



While Webre evacuated the men in his transitional work program, he has not moved any detainees from Lafourches main jail. Opened in 2019, his new detention center was constructed to withstand a Category 4 hurricane and held up during Hurricane Ida in 2021, he said.

When we built this jail  it cost us some extra money, Webre said. We are redundant with emergency generators and other systems.



Its a lot safer to keep people there than put people on the highway, Webre said.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE





State inmates in the transitional work release program live in a separate building from the fortified jail. The work release facility is temporary because the permanent workforce center was damaged during Hurricane Ida. Three years later, Webre said he still hasnt received enough money from the federal government to rebuild or repair the original building yet.

Prisoners in work release problems typically hold supervised, private sector jobs for six months to two years immediately before their release, Webre said.

Webre said his temporary workforce center is well constructed but a generator hasnt been attached to the building yet. Without an independent power source, the sheriff didnt think he could keep state inmates in the building through the hurricane.



We have the generator. We just dont have the switch. Were not able to find one for this particular generator, Webre said.

Ahead of Hurricane Francine, state prisoners filled more than 16,000 sandbags for distribution in the community, Pastorick said. Most of that work takes place at Elayn Hunt Correctional Center in St. Gabriel. The sandbags are then moved to the Louisiana National Guards Gillis Long Center in Carville.

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BECKLEY, WV (WVNS)  There will be an increased security presence across Raleigh County Schools amid threats made towards schools in the county.

FBI releases statement about threats made towards schools in WV and Western PA

While the Sheriffs Office said they believe none of the threats to be credible, they are continuing to investigate every threat as such and will heighten security across all schools in Raleigh County.

The Raleigh County Sheriffs Office has been notified of multiple threats directed towards schools in the county. Our investigation suggests that these threats may be part of a larger trend affecting schools across West Virginia and other states. At this time, we have no reason to believe that these threats are credible. Out of an abundance of caution, we will be increasing security measures at Raleigh County schools over the next few days. Raleigh County Sheriffs Office | Facebook

A similar message was posted on the Raleigh County Schools Facebook page.

Raleigh County Schools is aware of social media threats against schools throughout our state and nation. We have worked closely with the Raleigh County Sheriffs Department, Beckley Police Department, WV State Police, and Homeland Security to investigate the threats. At this point, we have no reason to believe these threats are credible. Out of an abundance of caution, schools will have an increased presence of law enforcement. Raleigh County Schools | Facebook

This comes at the same time as the FBIs statement about school threats aimed towards school districts in West Virginia and Western Pennsylvania.

Stick with 59News for more local news, weather, and traffic.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS.
In a major change of policy, Ukraine will be allowed to use British Storm Shadow air-launched cruise missiles against targets in Russia, according to the Guardian. That news came as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv to talk about the future of the war.

Britain finally allows Ukraine to hit Russia with Storm Shadow missiles, The Guardian reports.

Let them rip.#StormShadow pic.twitter.com/7n7mX4J0Of  Obliko Morale (@_Obliko_Morale) September 11, 2024

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 publication reported, citing anonymous government officials.

Ukraine can use U.K.-donated Storm Shadow air-launched cruise missiles in Russia, sources told the Guardian. (BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images)

The news comes on the heels of comments by the Chairman of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee that Blinken would tell Zelensky he can use U.S.-produced Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) short-range ballistic missiles inside Russia as well.

ATACMS being launched by an M270 MLRS. (US Army)

However, during a joint press conference Wednesday in Kyiv following their meeting with Zelensky, neither Blinken nor Lammy offered indications that such permissions are forthcoming. They both said they would discuss the matter with their respective bosses, U.S. President Joe Biden and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Among other things, we discussed long-range fires, but a number of other things as well, Blinken said of his meeting with Ukrainian officials. Im going to take that discussion back to Washington to brief the president on what I heard. I know that David is doing the same, and both of our bosses, no doubt, will discuss this when they meet on Friday in Washington.

One of the major reasons the Biden administration has so far declined permission for Ukraine to use ATACMS on Russian soil is the fear of expanding the conflict beyond Russia and Ukraine and escalating the standoff between NATO and the nuclear-armed country. However, when asked about those concerns, Blinken said it was Russia raising the stakes.

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.

Firefighters responding to a massive Russian barrage on Aug. 26, the largest of the war. (Photo by Ukrainian Emergency Service/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Iran too has escalated the conflict by providing those missiles, Lammy said.

Were very concerned about the escalatory action that were seeing from Iran particularly, weve looked at the breadth of things today, and as weve said, Of course, I go back to Keir Starmer able to assist him with some of the operational detail that we learned from the Ukrainians today.

Russia meanwhile threatened retaliation should ATACMS or Storm Shadows hit its soil.

Moscow already said it suspects the Biden administration has changed its policy, said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. The Russian response will be an appropriate one, he told reporters on Wednesday.

The involvement of the United States of America and European countries in the conflict over Ukraine is direct, and each new step increases the degree of this involvement, he said.

Close Putin ally Vyacheslav Volodin, the chairman of the State Duma, the lower house of parliament, said Moscow would be forced to use more powerful and destructive weapons against Ukraine if Kyiv started firing long-range Western missiles at Russia, according to Reuters. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said Russia would destroy any new ATACMS deliveries, the Guardian reported, citing the state news agency Tass.

On Tuesday, officials from the U.S. and the U.K. told The War Zone there had been no change in the restrictions imposed on donated weapons. In contrast, the Netherlands said there were no such impediments on its weapons, particularly the donated F-16 Vipers.

Zelensky and other Ukrainian officials have urged its allies to remove the restrictions so his country can hit Russian airfields and troop staging areas to reduce the threats they pose. The use of either ATACMS or Storm Shadow by Ukraine would greatly extend the number of targets they can reach.

In May, the Biden administration allowed Ukraine to use Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (GMLRS) munitions fired by the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, or HIMARS and the M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) on targets in Russia. They have a range of up to about 50 miles.

U.S.-supplied HIMARS in Ukraine with meme paint job. (Hannibal Hanschk via Ukrainian Government)

Some ATACMS variants can reach nearly 200 miles, while the Guardians sources said it was likely that Urkaines Storm Shadows would at least reach about 190 miles, but the non-export configured missiles can go even farther. Those sources added that there would likely be unspecified restrictions placed on their use in Russia.

Any change in White House policy regarding the use of ATACMS would likely require a new tranche to be sent to Ukraine. Citing a U.S. official, CNN reported that several hundred ATACMS have been transferred to Ukraine and Ukraine has used most of them.

U.S. officials have tried to tamp down expectations about what these weapons could bring to the table for Ukraine.

During a press conference last week in Germany following a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin suggested that the airfields Russia uses to launch attacks on Ukraine were out of reach of these donated weapons.

I dont believe one specific capability will be decisive, and I stand by that comment, he said. I think Ukraine has a pretty significant capability of its own to address targets that are well beyond the range of ATACMS or even Storm Shadow for that matter.

However, in August, Ukraine carried out drone strikes on two Russian airbases in the Voronezh region, both within the range of those weapons. Damage inflicted on the Borisoblebsk Air Base in Voronezh Oblast, about 185 miles from Ukraine, can be seen in the images below.

Radio Svoboda obtained satellite imagery showing the aftermath of Ukrainian drone strikes on the Borisoglebsk Air Base in Voronezh Oblast of Russia on August 14.



Two maintenance hangars on the territory of the air base were destroyed by the Ukrainians.



Borisoglebsk is a pic.twitter.com/hn1NhEMRXQ  Status-6 (Military & Conflict News) (@Archer83Able) August 14, 2024

While Ukraine recently acknowledged it has drones that can reach about 1,100 miles, they dont have nearly the punch of ATACMS or Storm Shadows, and for some variants of the former, the area effects. This makes it so many targets are just not addressable using drones, or doing so would only result in superficial or limited damage.

Barring any leaks, we may not know about the use of either weapon inside Russia until video or images emerge either from Ukraine showing them in use, or their wreckage found.

Starmer wouldnt expect me to go into detail about that at this press conference, because I am not prepared to give Putin the advantage, Lammy explained. But as the closest of allies, we look forward to discussions we will have, not just on Friday, but discussions I suspect that will go on over the next few weeks.

Regardless, having the ability to strike even hardened targets hundreds of miles from the border will be a huge leap in capability for Ukraine and it will put everything from key logistical centers to bridges to airfield to command and control nodes, as well as air defenses and Russias own surface-to-surface missiles, at great risk. How that will change the trajectory of the conflict is unclear, but it would be a major problem for Moscow regardless.

Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com
A newly released CDC report has shed light on alarming suicide rates within the American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations, sparking urgent discussions on suicide prevention strategies.

During a media briefing on the report on Tuesday, the CDC revealed that AI/AN communities continue to experience some of the highest suicide rates in the United States. This comes as part of a broader concern about mental health challenges in marginalized communities across the country.

The report, presented by Dr. Debra Houry, CDC Deputy Director for Programming Science and Chief Medical Officer, was released on September 10, coinciding with World Suicide Prevention Day and Suicide Prevention Month.

Often, suicide prevention focuses on helping people who are in crisis; while this is critically important, CDCs approach to suicide prevention is to increase factors that promote resilience and to reduce factors that increase suicide risk, to keep people from ever getting to a crisis, Dr. Houry stated in a media briefing.

The report, authored by Dr. Alison Cammack, a health scientist with the CDCs Suicide Prevention Team, examined how county-level factors such as health insurance coverage, broadband internet access, and household income correlate with suicide rates across the country.

Suicide rates were lowest in counties with higher levels of health insurance coverage, broadband internet access, and household income, Dr. Cammack stated in a media briefing.

More significantly, the study found that AI/AN communities in counties with the highest access to these factors had suicide rates half as high as those in counties with the lowest access.

The findings highlight the stark disparities faced by AI/AN populations. For instance, suicide rates among AI/AN individuals were notably higher in counties with limited access to broadband internet and healthcare, reflecting the challenges many tribal communities face in securing vital services.

Health insurance, broadband internet, and household income were identified as critical factors linked to lower suicide rates.

Health insurance coverage can help people access mental health and primary care services and treatment, said Dr. Cammack. High-speed internet access connects people to prevention resources, job opportunities, telehealth services, and friends and family. Household financial resources such as income and economic support can help families secure food, housing, healthcare, and other basic needs.

Despite these findings, barriers to accessing such resources remain for many AI/AN individuals, particularly in rural and tribal areas.

Developing programs and policies that improve housing stability, economic security, connection to community, internet access, and healthcare access are community-level conditions with policies that can save lives, Dr. Houry said.

The CDC, alongside local organizations and tribal nations, continues to prioritize efforts to prevent suicide within AI/AN populations. CDC-funded programs specifically target health departments, tribes, and organizations to provide the resources and data necessary to inform suicide prevention strategies.

By doing what works, we can have an impact, Dr. Houry said. I hope that the take-home message is that we can all make a difference by implementing these community-level prevention programs and identifying the warning signs. We can all save a life.

The briefing concluded with a call to action for policymakers and communities alike to continue working toward providing accessible healthcare, economic support, and mental health services.

For those in crisis, help is available through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which provides free and confidential support 24/7.

About the Author: "Kaili Berg (Aleut) is a member of the Alutiiq\/Sugpiaq Nation, and a shareholder of Koniag, Inc. She is a staff reporter for Native News Online and Tribal Business News. Berg, who is based in Wisconsin, previously reported for the Ho-Chunk Nation newspaper, Hocak Worak. She went to school originally for nursing, but changed her major after finding her passion in communications at Western Technical College in Lacrosse, Wisconsin. "

Contact: kberg@indiancountrymedia.com
WASHINGTON (AP)  Former President Donald Trump plans to deliver remarks next Monday about cryptocurrency and the launch of the company World Liberty Financial, a crypto platform controlled by the Republican nominee's sons Donald Jr. and Eric.

His speech will come 50 days before Election Day, an extraordinary use of dwindling campaign time to promote a personal business. The Republican former president has long mixed his political and business interests and marketed sneakers, photo books and Trump-branded Bibles during his 2024 campaign.

We're embracing the future with crypto and leaving the slow and outdated big banks behind, Trump said in a video posted Thursday to X, the social media site that will also host his address on the subject at 8 p.m. EDT on Monday from his Mar-a-Lago home.

As part of his presidential campaign, Trump has pledged to turn the United States into the crypto capital of the planet, raising red flags that he could use the federal government to help support a business tied to his family.

Cryptocurrencies are forms of digital money that can be traded over the internet without relying on the global banking system. The trading often depends on online marketplaces that charge fees for transactions, so that the cryptocurrencies can be exchanged for U.S. dollars and other currencies.

Trump opposed crypto during his presidency, but he has since warmed to the sector. He has suggested the government create a strategic reserve of Bitcoin and has vowed to block the creation of a Federal Reserve-administered Central Bank Digital Currency, a digital form of central bank money that would be available to the public.
An edited image of an Indian news broadcast has been shared repeatedly online alongside a false claim it showed Sri Lankan opposition candidate Sajith Premadasa had won the island nation's upcoming presidential elections. The image was manipulated from footage originally aired by the Indian news channel WION (World Is One News).

"Indian Today, Our congratulations to the 9th executive president Sajith Premadasa," read the Sinhala-language Facebook post on September 5.

The post was shared alongside a screenshot of what appeared to be a television report, with the faces of presidential candidates Ranil Wickremesinghe, Sajith Premadasa and Anura Kumara Dissanayake shown in the background. A purported vote percentage for each candidate was superimposed below their faces.

The Sinhala-language overlaid text at the top and the bottom of the image read "Sajith Premadasa's victory reported by International media."

Screenshot of the false post, taken on September 11, 2024

A similar false claim was also shared here and here.

Sri Lanka will vote for a new president on September 21, 2024, the first polls since ex-president Gotabaya Rajapaksa was toppled by protests during the island's worse economic crisis two years ago. Postal voting -- reserved for government employees -- was held from September 4 to 6 (archived link).

A record 39 candidates are running for this year's presidential elections (archived link).

Wickremesinghe, 75, faces a daunting challenge from 57-year-old career politician Premadasa, the parliamentary leader of the opposition, as well as from leftist leader Dissanayake, 55, whose National People's Power (NPP) coalition is popular among the young.

However, the TV report image was altered to include the purported vote percentages.

Doctored image

A keyword search for the logo in the bottom left-hand corner of the edited image found the verified YouTube account for World Is One News (WION), an Indian-English language media outlet (archived links here and here).

Another keyword search found WION's original news report about Sri Lanka's presidential election on August 28, 2024 (archived link).

The news report introduced the three main election candidates and their respective stances on various issues, including the $2.9 billion bailout loan from the International Monetary Fund to stabilise the economy (archived link).

The report also mentioned another presidential candidate, Namal Rajapaksa, son of Mahinda Rajapaksa, a former president and prime minister.

WION's report did not say Premadasa had topped any election surveys or presidential polls.

Below is a screenshot comparison of the false post (left) and the original video report (right):

Screenshot comparison of the false post (left) and and the original video report (right)

The video report also did not include any numbers or percentages to indicate the proportion of votes for each candidate.

In response to the false posts, WION's managing editor Rabin Sharma told AFP: "The grab you sent is doctored and disinformation".

Saman Sri Rathnayake, commissioner general of elections at the Sri Lanka Elections Commission previously told AFP that it has "not issued any approval" for opinion polls or surveys ahead of the election.

AFP has previously debunked misinformation about the Sri Lankan presidential elections here, here and here.
In Indiana governor's race, what plans do candidates have for legalizing marijuana?

Jennifer McCormick, the Democrat running for governor of Indiana, wants to put the Hoosier State on a path to legalizing marijuana if shes elected in November.

McCormick this week released a plan that would legalize medical marijuana and set up Indiana to eventually follow that with legalized recreational weed. The plan would also establish a commission to oversee the states future cannabis industry, which her campaign says could potentially provide an additional $172 million in annual tax revenues to Indiana.

But McCormick, if she is elected later this year, would still have to work with a current Republican supermajority in both chambers at the Statehouse to get policies passed.

The Democrat faces Republican U.S. Sen. Mike Braun and Libertarian Donald Rainwater in the election this November. Braun has previously stated interest in medical marijuana while Rainwater said he favors legalizing all forms of cannabis.

Heres what you need to know about marijuana stances in the governors race.

What is Democrat Jennifer McCormicks plan for marijuana?

McCormicks plan includes establishing the Indiana Cannabis Commission  made up of experts in marijuana plant growth, law, healthcare and business  to oversee the states future industry, including safety, regulation and licensing efforts.

The plan aims to legalize medical marijuana in Indiana. Once the states medical marijuana industry is established, McCormick would follow with full recreational legalization for adult Hoosiers.

McCormick said the proposal also includes regulation for hemp-derived THC products to protect consumers in Indiana.

Democrat candidate for Governor of Indiana Dr. Jennifer McCormick addresses a roomful of Democrat party supporters Friday, July 12, 2024. Democrats Hoosier Hospitality Dinner was held at the Indiana Roof Ballroom, on the eve of the party's state convention, where attendees will vote on their presidential delegates.

In a press conference Thursday morning, McCormick said its time for action on marijuana in Indiana, especially considering the actions of surrounding states and high interest from Hoosiers. Ball States 2023 Hoosier Survey shows just over 54% of Indiana residents believe marijuana should be legal for personal use and just over 32% supported medical use.

Indiana's weed challenge: Ohio voted to legalize recreational marijuana. Why Indiana is unlikely to do the same

In 2023, Ohio voters approved the legalization of recreational marijuana, making it the thd state surrounding Indiana with approved recreational weed. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear last year signed a bill to legalize medical cannabis in that state starting in 2025.

We're on an island. All the states around us are, at some level, legalizing marijuana, and have benefited in several ways, McCormick said. It is time for Indiana to join in on this policy.

What are Republican Mike Brauns views on marijuana?

U.S. Sen. Mike Braun, the Republican nominee in the governors race, in a debate earlier this year indicated he was open to discussing legalization of medical marijuana, but not recreational.

"Medical marijuana is where I think the case is best made, that maybe something needs to change, but I'll take my cue from law enforcement," he said at the debate. "I hear a lot of input where that's helpful and I think that you need to listen and see what makes sense."

U.S. Sen. Mike Braun, who on Tuesday won Indiana's Republican gubernatorial primary, poses Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at IndyStar in Indianapolis.

What are Libertarian candidate Donald Rainwaters views on marijuana?

Rainwater said he is in favor of legalizing all forms of cannabis and that it should be regulated just like tobacco and alcohol.

The Libertarian previously said prohibition on marijuana in Indiana contributes to violent crime and the incarceration of too many nonviolent individuals.

"Too many taxpayer dollars are being spent on Indiana's failed war on cannabis," he said last year. "Whether you believe cannabis is helpful or harmful, I believe that every Hoosier citizen should be afforded the same rights to make the decision concerning cannabis use for themselves, the same as they can for alcohol and tobacco."

Libertarian Donald Rainwater, an Indiana gubernatorial candidate for 2024, speaks with IndyStar on Friday, Dec. 4, 2023, about why he's running for office and what he plans to do if elected. "I still honestly believe in limited government, I don't believe any of them do," he said of his fellow candidates. "They are running for governor in order to have the ability to spend the largest state budget in the history in the state of Indiana. My intent is to run for governor so that I can reduce the size and scope of state government and stop the growth of big government in Indiana."

What about the Indiana General Assembly?

Marijuana-related bills are an annual topic at the Indiana Statehouse, but proposed legislation by both Democrats and Republicans always die during the legislative session. In 2023, one bill on marijuana decriminalization received a hearing in a legislative committee but stopped there.

The Republican supermajority and leadership at the Statehouse, which holds most of the power on changing current laws, have repeatedly squashed attempts to legalize marijuana. Indiana law does not allow for citizen-led ballot initiatives, such as the one in Ohio on marijuana in 2023.

Gov. Eric Holcomb has consistently stated he would not support legalization while marijuana remains a Schedule I drug at the federal level. Ahead of the 2024 legislative session, Senate Pro Tempore Rodric Bray, R-Martinsville, and House Speaker Todd Huston, R-Fishers, closed the door on any hope for progress on marijuana-related bills.

Contact IndyStar state government and politics reporter Brittany Carloni at brittany.carloni@indystar.com or 317-779-4468. Follow her on Twitter/X @CarloniBrittany.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: In Indiana governor's race, here are candidate views on legalized weed
(Getty Images)

Indianas top education officials applauded the states improved chronic absenteeism rates on Wednesday but conceded that too many Hoosier students are still missing a significant number of school days.

The latest attendance numbers released by the Indiana Department of Education reported that 17.8% of K-12 students  roughly 219,00 kids  were chronically absent during the most recent 2023-24 school year, meaning they missed at least 18 days.

Its the second year in a row that the number of chronically absent students went down, dropping from 19.2% in 2023, and 21.1% in 2022.

Its an improvement  and we always want to celebrate improvements and data moving in the right direction but we still have some work to do, said John Keller, IDOEs chief information officer, during Wednesdays State Board of Education meeting.

Keller maintained that the reasons for absences vary, but the interpretation of the why is really going to have to be a locally determined thing.

Our general focus has been making sure that there are no insights in the data that remain unturned. But what were doing is holding up the mirror on this attendance data and allowing schools to slice it any way they can possibly think of, Keller said. Im guessing there are probably different approaches that we use to address the most chronic of the chronic absenteeism, versus things that are maybe a little bit more episodic and not as much of a long-term pattern. But thats what were trying to look at with broader analysis.

Educators around the state have pointed to family challenges some students face at home, along with hard-to-break tendencies to keep kids home when even mildly unwell  a habit borne out of the pandemic  as key factors.

Story continues below.

9.11.24-SBOE-slides

Schools are getting creative to try to combat the growing problem, like increasing communication with parents and incentivizing absence-prone students to come to class.

IDOE officials are also working on responses to improve school attendance, including development of a new Attendance Insights dashboard that breaks down weekly habitually truant and chronic absenteeism rates at the local and school levels. The state has already made the tool available to Hoosier school officials and plans to launch a public version later this month.

It is statistically significant  students who are coming to school 94% of the time are doing better, significantly, said Indiana Secretary of Education Katie Jenner. As a parent or a grandparent or whatever, that 94% or more really, really matters. Teachers could have told us this before we ran the data, right? But running the data, it is very clear students need to be in the classroom in order to make the greatest performance.

A deeper look at the data

Student absences have been on the rise since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in Indiana and across the nation. Chronic absenteeism surged during the pandemic, nearly doubling to peak at 21.1% in 2022, according to IDOE.

Keller said the latest data suggests Indiana has turned the corner and appears to be reversing from its high-absence period during the pandemic. He emphasized that all grades levels improved their chronic absenteeism rates in 2023-24 by one to two percent when compared to the year prior.

These are not insignificant improvements, Keller said. But obviously, we have not returned to the pre-pandemic attendance.

According to the 2023-24 data, 23.7% of students who receive free or reduced lunch were chronically absent  nearly 11% higher than their peers. English language learners were also slightly more likely to miss class; 18.5% of English learners were chronically absent during the last school year, compared to 17.7% of non-English language learners.

The Indiana Code specifically defines chronic absenteeism as being absent 18 or more days within a school year for any reason  a higher standard than habitual truancy, which is ten or more days without an excuse.

Under the compulsory education laws in Indiana, children must regularly attend school from the time theyre seven years old until they turn 18, with some exceptions.

But unless theyre excused, students who cut class too often could end up under a juvenile courts supervision. Built-up absences could also prompt prosecutors to file misdemeanor charges against Hoosier parents, given that they are legally responsible for making sure their children go to school.

Keller took notice of consistent, dramatic differences in academic performance for students who are chronically absent versus those with better attendance.

The data pretty much speaks for themselves. There are stark differences between the populations on all these measures, he said, referring to noticeably lower scores on IREAD, ILEARN and the SAT among chronically absent students.

No matter the quality of the interventions, it doesnt matter so much if (students) are not in the room, Keller continued.

IDOE officials further noted that students who are chronically absent are significantly less likely to read by third grade, master key ELA and math skills, or be college-ready.

The magnitude of that is startling, Jenner said. We look at the high schools, which is certainly the most significant, but if you look at kindergarten and first grade  that is a lot higher than it should be. Thats when our teachers are working on the foundations with kids. So, weve got to make sure that habit is early, that kids are getting to school.

New tools going live

At IDOE, Keller said state officials have shifted their focus from just a school-focused look at attendance to honing in on individual students.

The old way of looking at attendance was adding up all the days kids could have attended school, looking at all the days they did attend, and then creating a rate out of that number, Keller explained. Now were looking at the student level and saying, For this kid, did they attend 94% of the time they could have attended?

Other ongoing analyses at the state level are digging into patterns of chronic absenteeism.

Are the students who are chronically absent in any grade this year, were they the prior and the prior and the prior and the prior years? Keller questioned.

Data shows that in 2023-24, about half of the chronically absent students had been chronically absent in one of the last prior three years. And half of them were new to the roster, if you will, Keller said.

The new Attendance Insights dashboard  meant to help state and local officials investigate data trends  went live for school officials Aug. 23. A public version will be available later this month or early in October.

... it doesn't matter how much the school sends letters, makes phone calls  parents have to understand that your kids in our buildings is how they can progress academically and build the skills they need to be successful

 State Board of Education member Pat Mapes

The dashboard shows several years worth of week-by-week attendance data  including excused and unexcused absences, as well as rates of chronic absenteeism and habitual truancy  for individual schools. Because schools already report their attendance numbers to IDOE, Keller said the dashboard will show the most up-to-date data.

Filters additionally allow users to break data down by students race, ethnicity and socioeconomic and English learner statuses.

We want to set the table for schools to do that analysis, identify trends and patterns, areas where data collection can be improved, Keller said. We want to work with a variety of stakeholders to identify root causes.

Board member Pat Mapes said the dashboard can help school and district administrators show parents that difference between academic achievement and whether or not youre at school.

Because it doesnt matter how much the school sends letters, makes phone calls  parents have to understand that your kids in our buildings is how they can progress academically and build the skills they need to be successful, Mapes said. Weve really never had anything like this to be able to pull data out to really make that story.

Also in the works is an early warning system that studies more than a decade of data patterns among students who graduated high school  and those who did not graduate  to identify possible behaviors of concern and risk factors for becoming chronically absent.

Currently, the 11 Hoosier school corporations are participating in a two-month pilot.

We want to get it out as soon as possible. We want to stop the trial, take away the placebo, and give everybody access, Keller said. But were not going to do it until were confident.

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Indicted former MS town aldermans attorney says debt already paid

DESOTO COUNTY, Miss.  The attorney for a former Mississippi town alderman accused of improperly taking unemployment benefits says the money has already been paid back to the state.

This was paid in July. How can the state auditors office not know that? attorney Tony Farese said.

Former Horn Lake alderman indicted on fraud charge

Charlie Roberts was indicted on charges of unemployment compensation fraud, DeSoto County District Attorney Matthew Barton and state auditor Shad White announced in a press conference Wednesday.

Roberts received the benefits during the pandemic despite being employed as a Horn Lake town alderman, his attorney admits. When he was informed that he had been overpaid, his wages were garnished and Roberts sold his house.

After the home was sold earlier this year, Roberts paid the state $16,948 to settle the overpayment. The check cleared July 23, 2024, Farese said.

He said the total amount demanded by the state was more than $23,000.

Farese said that shouldve been the end of it  until Wednesdays announcement.

Roberts had to pay a $7,500 bond for release from the DeSoto County jail.

Im tired of political shenanigans by Mr. Whites office, Farese said. If Shad White and his office had been properly investigated, they would have seen that Mr. Roberts had already paid.

D.A. Barton responded later: We will defer questions to the Mississippi Department of Employment Services.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
A new study in the Journal of the American Medical Association Network adds to the evidence that, if you are a young Indigenous person in America, the health care system is far more likely to fail you if you get sick with cancer.

To learn this, researchers analyzed cancer statistics for more than 290,000 patients between the ages of 15 and 39 from 2004 to 2017. The selected patients had all been diagnosed with at least one of the 10 deadliest cancers, including breast, colon, lung, ovarian and testicular cancers. They then examined disparities in rates of both diagnosis and survival among those patients based on where they fall within America's five federally defined races (Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian, Black and non-Hispanic white).

They discovered there are significant differences when it comes to both getting diagnosed early and ultimately surviving, with white people having the best odds. The rates are especially steep among groups often overlooked in medical research, the Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) and American Indian or Alaska Native (AIAN) communities.

For example, NHPI patients with melanoma suffer under a 34 percentage point difference in 10-year overall survival rates compared to white melanoma patients. In the same vein, AIAN lung cancer patients suffer under a 15 percentage point difference in 10-year overall survival compared to white patients. The list goes on and on.

"For example, we identified the lowest 10-year overall survival rates were observed among AIAN patients with cancers of the central nervous system, lung, ovary and testis, and among NHPI patients with cancers such as cervix, colon or rectum, sarcoma and melanoma," Dr. Kekoa Taparra, lead author and a resident in radiation oncology at Stanford Health Care, told Salon. "These findings are not just numbers for me; they reflect the lived experiences of my own ohana [family] in Hawaii. Ive witnessed many NHPI patients from my ohana, communities in Hawaii, and across the country who have been diagnosed with cancer in this age range."

Taparra's personal story includes his aunty, who was diagnosed with breast cancer "at the age I am today, ultimately dying from her cancer. These data truly underscore the urgent need for targeted research and interventions within these communities."

The study repeatedly underscores that Indigenous communities are consistently underrepresented in medical research about cancer, and Taparra explained that this is in part explainable by the demographics of who is actually included in that research. They were as racially diverse as the cohort being studied.

Want more health and science stories in your inbox? Subscribe to Salon's weekly newsletter Lab Notes.

"Its significant to point out that nearly half of the authors who helped contribute to this research are Indigenous scholars, emphasizing the importance of representation in research," Taparra said. "When scholars come from the communities they study, they bring essential perspectives that ensure the data is accurately contextualized, avoiding the pitfalls of academic tourism that often overwrite Indigenous narratives. This diversity of thought fosters a more inclusive and potentially novel approach to research, ensuring that critical issues like the health disparities faced by Indigenous NHPI and AIAN patients receive the attention, funding and policy advocacy they deserve."

As the study states in its conclusion, "Indigenous data inclusion has uncovered racial disparities previously masked by data omission and aggregation, emphasizing the need for consistent inclusion of these federally defined racial categories."

To fix this problem, the authors urge that future health research on such important subjects consistently include NHPI and AIAN populations both as subjects of research and scientists crunching the numbers.

"This would allow for more accurate identification of health disparities and enable the development of targeted interventions," Taparra said. "Moreover, these standards were set over a quarter century ago and remain largely ignored. Our research, which emphasizes the importance of such data, demonstrates that NHPI and AIAN patients experience some of the most significant gaps in 10-year OS [overall survival] rates when compared to other racial groups."

Taparra also urged "culturally competent healthcare that understands and addresses the unique challenges faced by NHPI and AIAN communities."

This is an ongoing problem and far from the first study to demonstrate racial inequalities in cancer survival rates. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has detailed the various ways that racism leads to disparities in how marginalized groups are diagnosed with and treated for various types of cancer. Similarly, a 2022 study in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention said that there is "abundant evidence" that a number of social factors including systemic racism put racial minorities at a disadvantage in addressing cancer.

"Many observed racial/ethnic disparities in cancer outcomes are avoidable and thus, unjust," the authors wrote. "Structural racism, which contributes to many health disparities, involves the complex interplay of macro-level systems, policies, as well as institutional practices and processes which accumulate over time and result in the unfair advantage of one racial group over another."
Indonesian leader spends final weeks of his term in unfinished new capital

FILE PHOTO: Annual State of the Nation Address, ahead of the country's Independence Day, in Jakarta

FILE PHOTO: Annual State of the Nation Address, ahead of the country's Independence Day, in Jakarta

By Ananda Teresia

JAKARTA (Reuters) - Indonesian President Joko Widodo will from Thursday spend the final weeks of his term in the country's planned new capital, Nusantara, amid doubts about the continued pace of development of his flagship $32 billion megaproject.

The massive infrastructure undertaking on the island of Borneo has suffered a series of setbacks, including construction delays, land issues, and a lack of foreign investment. This June the two top officials overseeing Nusantara abruptly resigned.

Jokowi, as the outgoing leader is known, reiterated on Thursday that it could be decades before Nusantara is finished.

"It could take 10, 15, or even 20 years," Jokowi told top military and police officials during a meeting in Nusantara's recently completed eagle-shaped palace.

"Moving to the new capital is not only about moving to a new building, palace or location," he added. "But is a change of mindset and working patterns."

Intended to ease the burden on the congested, polluted and densely populated current capital Jakarta, the parliament passed a law to move its capital in 2022.

But ahead of the Oct. 20 inauguration of president-elect Prabowo Subianto and Jokowi's eldest son, vice president-elect Gibran Rakabuming Raka, doubts have grown about Nusantara's future viability.

Analysts say the development of Nusantara is unlikely to continue at the same breakneck speed in the next administration.

Prabowo, who ran on a platform of continuing Jokowi's policies, is expected to prioritise his own signature $28 billion "free nutritious food program" targeting malnutrition and stunted growth in schoolchildren across the world's fourth-most populous nation.

Jokowi told officials on Thursday that Prabowo had promised to speed up construction.

Located on the eastern side of Borneo island, Nusantara is about 1,200 km (745 miles) from Jakarta.

Nusantara's presidential palace and its first hotel were recently completed, while housing for state officials, an airport and toll roads are still under way.

On Friday Jokowi is expected to hold his second cabinet meeting in Nusantara and may announce several new investments.

($1 = 15,413.0000 rupiah)

(Writing by Kate Lamb; Editing by Alison Williams)
There are essentially no beers made without hops, a problem given the shrinking harvests. One group of researchers is giving hope they may be able to be grown indoors. Sven Hoppe/dpa

Shrinking harvests of hops are making beer more expensive, but researchers are raising hopes that this indispensable ingredient in brewing could be grown indoors to make it cheaper.

Earlier this year, a Spanish business called Ekonoke also said it had figured out how to grow hops indoors. Now, Japans Kirin, which makes the beer of the same name, appears to be on the cusp of a breakthrough in increasing hop yields through indoor cultivation.

The Kirin Beverage Research Institute for the Future and the University of Tokyos CULTA Inc began last year to research ways to grow hops indoors, something long been regarded as difficult due to the spread of the plants roots and the need of much water and light.

For beer lovers, any such breakthrough could not only mean an easing in price hikes, but potentially greater variety in flavour, much of which comes down to increasingly expensive regional hop varieties.

"With this indoor cultivation technology, CULTA Inc has succeeded in harvesting hops in other seasons, whereas outdoors they could only be harvested in the summer," Kirin Holdings announced recently.

In late 2023, a team of Czech scientists warned that the production of hops in Europe could be set to fall sharply. The price of beer has increased in most countries in recent years, in part due to increased competition for shrinking supplies of hops, which are used more heavily in so-called craft beers.

The smaller harvests have been attributed to climate change and the surging costs of farming and crop-growing, in particular for items such as fertilizer and fuel for machinery.

And while industry representatives in other beer-drinking nations such as England say their countries could easily grow more hops, the prospect of all-year indoor crops and harvests could add more fizz to what could become a flat industry if a hops shortage takes hold.

"In the future, we will accelerate our research on the adaptation of hops to climate change by increasing the number of harvests and harvest evaluations per year," Kirin Holdings said.
Officers at the York County jail have taken a man back into custody after they mistakenly released him late Tuesday, the sheriff said.

John Michael Snipes turned himself in at the Moss Justice Center in York before 5 p.m. Wednesday, York County Sheriffs Office spokesman Trent Faris said.

Officers mistakenly released Snipes, 40, around 10:30 p.m. Tuesday after what appeared to be human clerical error, York County Sheriff Kevin Tolson said in a written statement released Wednesday.

A detention officer did not print sentencing documents concerning Snipes while a separate medical emergency was going on in the jail at the same time, according to the statement.

After realizing the mistake, deputies searched for Snipes in the area near the jail, which is located in the Moss Justice Center in York, west of Rock Hill.

Tolson said the sheriffs office is looking into how the mistake happened.

We are conducting a full investigation into what transpired so we can take corrective actions to ensure this mistake is not repeated, Tolson said.

Snipes pleaded guilty earlier Tuesday in criminal court at the Moss center to a drug charge, according to deputies and court records. He was waiting to be transferred to to the S.C. Department of Corrections when the mistaken release happened, Tolson said in the statement.

The sheriff runs the jail that currently houses just over 500 people. The jail processes around 6,500 inmates in and out each year, officials said.

The county jail is already under an outside investigation by the State Law Enforcement Division after a 22-year-old man was found dead in his cell last week.
Augmenting its footprint in the growing local semiconductor industry, Austin Community College is expanding its advanced manufacturing programs after the school's board of trustees recently accepted a $200,000 gift from Samsung Austin Semiconductors to purchase equipment to help build a training facility at the college's campus in Round Rock.

The money will allow ACC to buy specialized training equipment, providing its Round Rock campus the same experiential learning apparatus that's used at its Highland Campus, which houses the college's nationally recognized Semiconductor Technician Advanced Rapid Start, or STARS, program.

The STARS program allows students to become certified technicians, and it helps current manufacturing employees to upskill quickly. With the new equipment, the college will offer this program in Round Rock, a campus that's closer to Taylor, where Samsung is expanding its semiconductor plant with a $6.4 billion federal investment from the federal CHIPS and Science Act.

At the end of 2025, the new advanced manufacturing classroom, specialized equipment and lab are expected to move into a yet-to-be-constructed building at the Round Rock campus where it will house ACC's semiconductor manufacturing center of excellence. College board members on Monday, when they formally accepted the gift, also voted to name the advance manufacturing classroom the Samsung Austin Semiconductor Advanced Manufacturing Lab.

Samsungs investment in Taylor will add thousands of new positions to its existing workforce of 10,000 employees in the Austin area, according to the agenda item in the ACC booklet. Samsung Austin Semiconductors said the college is its leading training provider, and its investment in ACCs programs will help expand its workforce.

Our partnership with ACC is designed to continue to inspire and motivate others to join in our exciting field, Jon Taylor, Samsung Austin Semiconductors corporate vice president of fab engineering and public affairs, said in his remarks to the board Monday.

A high-level manufacturing employee can make around $160,000 in Central Texas, according to the Austin Regional Manufacturing Association. Industry leaders in Central Texas have partnered with ACC on curriculum, internship opportunities and program development, and students often get connected to jobs before they graduate, said Laura Marmolejo, ACC's dean of advanced manufacturing.

The connection also allows the curriculum to stay innovative and closely connected to employers' needs, Marmolejo added. The new equipment will allow ACC to expand its offerings and reach more people, connecting them to a career as quickly as two months.

Our training gets you into the company, and the career path is strong, whether it's by working your way up or education, Marmolejo said. There's always innovation going on. There's always challenges. Anybody really can find longevity with this industry if they are interested.

Marmolejo said ACC is in talks with the Georgetown school district about manufacturing, in hopes of setting up the Round Rock campus to be another hub for advanced manufacturing education, as is the Highland campus.

I always say we have the people here, we just need to get them trained, Marmolejo said. Nobody knows theres a diamond in the rough here of great jobs and long-term job opportunity.

This is the colleges second recent investment in new equipment necessary to provide hands-on automation experience after U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett helped secure $1.5 million in federal appropriations to purchase the specialized machinery for the Highland Campus, according to an announcement by the Austin congressman and the college late last month.

ACC's existing lab, NXP Advanced Manufacturing Lab at the Highland campus, was also funded with a gift.

ACC, a longtime partner of Samsung Austin Semiconductor, has been instrumental in helping build the semiconductor industry in Central Texas, Samsung spokesperson Michele Glaze said in an interview after the decision.

Were very appreciative of the wealth of innovation that ACC has been bringing to our community, Glaze said. Its a win for ACC, its a win for our companies, and then its a win for the student.

The industry's growth in the Austin area is expanding opportunities for residents to get involved in a career that can span manufacturing, robotics, artificial intelligence and more, Glaze said.

We have dozens of companies that are coming to Central Texas to be part of this semiconductor ecosystem. They're going to need talent, Glaze said. When an investment is made in a company like Samsung, we hire from within the community.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: ACC Round Rock to open advanced manufacturing 'hub' after Samsung gift
The Iowa State Objections Panel voted 2-1 on Aug. 28, 2024 to remove from the general election ballot Libertarian congressional candidates Marco Battaglia in the 3rd District, Nicholas Gluba in the 1st District and Charles Aldrich in the 4th District, shown here from left. (Photos by Robin Opsahl and Jack O'Connor/Iowa Capital Dispatch; illustration via Canva)

Libertarian candidates running for office in three of Iowas congressional districts will not appear on the 2024 general election ballot, the Iowa Supreme Court ruled Wednesday.

The expedited ruling came just one day after the justices heard oral arguments on the case about whether candidates Nicholas Gluba in 1st Congressional District, Marco Battaglia in the 3rd District and Charles Aldrich in the 4th District would be put back on the ballot. The Libertarian congressional candidates were removed in late August by the State Objections Panel in a 2-1 decision over the state partys failure to conduct its nominating process in accordance with state law.

Iowa voters, several of whom hold GOP leadership positions in the state, challenged the three candidates nominations on the basis that the Libertarian Party of Iowa held its county conventions too early for delegates to take action. The state Libertarian Party, which regained major party status in 2022, held both its precinct caucuses and county conventions Jan. 15.

Iowa Code states convention delegates elected at precinct caucuses do not officially take the position until the following day, meaning these conventions  as well as the June 8 special nominating conventions  were improper, the objectors argued.

The state panel sided with the voters objections, removing the three congressional candidates from the ballot. Gluba, Battaglia and Aldrich asked for judicial review of the decision  after a district court judge upheld the panels decision Saturday, the case moved to the state Supreme Court.

In Tuesday arguments, attorneys representing the Libertarian candidates said the county conventions were not conducted in full accordance with state law, but that the process was done with substantial compliance that should meet the states standards for getting candidates onto the ballot. However, attorneys representing the panel and objecting voters said strict compliance with Iowa laws should be enforced to ensure regularity in the nominating and election processes.

The Iowa Supreme Court upheld the district courts decision in the Wednesday ruling. The state Supreme Court decision stood with the interpretation that strict compliance is required with the Iowa Code involving partisan nominations.

Gluba, Battaglia, and Aldrich could have qualified for the November general election ballot by filing nomination petitions with signatures like the other political party candidates, justices wrote in the decision. They relied instead on an alternative procedure afforded by Iowa law. Having done so, they had to be in compliance with that procedure. In sum, like the district court, we find that strict compliance was required and the Libertarian Party did not comply.

Jennifer DeKock, the lawyer representing Battaglia, argued Tuesday that Libertarian county conventions were conducted just over three hours  181 minutes  prior to when the process would have complied with state law, beginning at midnight.

Does the failure to wait 181 minutes after caucus to begin convention justify kicking Libertarian candidates off the ballot, and violating Iowa voters constitutional rights to political opportunity? DeKock asked.

The justices state that the argument that the rule requiring precinct caucuses and county conventions are held on separate days is arbitrary and hyper-technical could apply to many of the rules governing elections.

Why require forty-seven signatures from at least half of the counties? the opinion stated. Why should that matter if a candidate has several thousand signatures and the entire district elects the representative? Gluba, Battaglia, and Aldrich do not contend that the two-day requirement would have been too burdensome for the Libertarian Party to meet; it just wasnt met here.

The decision came quickly by request of the Iowa Secretary of States office, which must certify ballots for the upcoming Nov. 5 election. While the ballots were initially supposed to be certified Sept. 3, the district court judge overseeing the Libertarians court challenge granted a temporary injunction on finalizing the ballots.

With the Iowa Supreme Court decision, the state office will be able to move forward with finalizing the candidates appearing on the 2024 general election ballots in time for Sept. 21, when ballots must be certified and ready for overseas and military voters.

While the candidates will not appear on state ballots, all three congressional candidates plan to move forward with write-in campaigns for the general election, Battaglia and Aldrich told reporters Tuesday.
The UK has imposed sanctions on ten vessels it claims are operating as part of Vladimir Putins shadow fleet in the latest attempt to limit Russias revenues as the military conflict with Ukraine continues.

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy said on Wednesday that Putins war machine is funded by a dark and illicit economic system that this government is committed to destabilising.

Russia's extensive fleet consists of frequently unseaworthy and ageing tankers that ship Russian gas and oil products worldwide. The country heavily relies on oil exports as the primary funding source for the war in Ukraine, making up approximately 25% of the Russian budget in 2023.

The targeted ships are all "high-volume offenders", vessels operating around the clock to transport as much Russian oil as possible.

These ships will now be prohibited from entering UK ports and denied access to the UK Ship Register.

Lammy added that the new sanctions "further undermine Russias ability to trade 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.

According to several UK media reports, the ships Nikolay Zuyev, NS Asia and Zaliv Aniva have collectively transported more than $5bn (Rbs455.68bn) worth of Russian oil since Russia began its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Since February 2022, sanctions have cost Russia more than $400bn in lost assets and revenues, while the UK has imposed sanctions on several individuals and entities.

Lammy said: 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.

However, despite a 1.1% revenue drop, Rosneft, the Russian energy company, announced a 45.5% boost in net profit and a 25.1% increase in EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation) for the first quarter of 2024 (Q1 2024).

During Q1 2024, the company generated $27bn in revenues and attained an EBITDA of Rbs857bn.

"UK hits ten oil vessels with sanctions in fight against Russias shadow fleet " was originally created and published by Offshore Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.







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US secretary of state Antony Blinken, during a visit to London, accused Iran of supplying the missiles to Russia (Alberto Pezzali/PA) (PA Wire)

The Biden administration rolled out another round of sanctions this week targeting the military partnership between Iran and Russia, the latter of which has relied upon Tehran to provide equipment to supply its stagnating invasion of Ukraine.

But some on Capitol Hill remained skeptical that the new measures  which mirror a number of largely similar actions taken over the past several years  will do much to halt the Iranian weapons trade with Moscow.

On Tuesday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken told reporters in the UK at a press conference alongside foreign minister David Lammy that Russia had recently acquired new ballistic missiles from Iran and would likely use them in the war against Ukraine in the coming weeks. The US, he said, would repond with a round of sanctions, while a number of European countries including the UK would announce their own measures.

Dozens of Russian military personnel have been trained in Iran to use the FATH-360 close-range ballistic missile system, which has a maximum range of 75 miles. Russia has now received shipments of these ballistic missiles and will likely use them within weeks in Ukraine, said the US secretary.

UK officials announced their own round of sanctions while also halting all flights to Iran.

There was a somewhat muted reaction on Capitol Hill, however, as the actions were seen as part of a long line of sanctions and threats which have, in the long run, had mixed effects on curbing either Tehrans military relationship with Moscow or its own activities throughout the Middle East, including support for militant groups such as the Houthis in Yemen, Hamas in the occupied Palestinian territories, and Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Some skeptics of the Biden administrations approach towards the Iranian regime assembled for a panel discussion and conference on Tuesday hosted by the Organization of Iranian-American Communities (OIAC). One was retired General James L. Jones, former President Barack Obamas national security adviser from 2009-2010, who told The Independent in a statement that sanctions were part of a kit that the US can use to curb Tehrans ambitions, but added: They have to be enforced.

US secretary of state Antony Blinken, during a visit to London, accused Iran of supplying the missiles to Russia (Alberto Pezzali/PA) (PA Wire)

They have to have consequences, he continued. We have to do better communicating with the Iranian regime that the politics... the strategy of appeasement is not going to be part of our kit anymore.

Tom Cotton, one of the Senates most hardline conservatives, issued a more direct condemnation of the administration and accused the White House of surrendering the Red Sea to the Houthis despite efforts by the US Navy to keep shipping lanes open and safe from attack.

For nearly 11 months, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have surrendered the Red Sea to an Iranian-backed terrorist group, he wrote on Twitter. The Biden-Harris strategy of appeasing the ayatollahs continues to cause global chaos.

At a congressional hearing in December, some lawmakers argued that the Biden administration has been insufficient in enforcement of sanctions. Republicans in general also strongly opposed the presidents approval of a deal that resulted in the return of Americans wrongly imprisoned in Iran in exchange for the Treasury Department unfreezing billions of dollars of Iranian funds held up in the US financial system.

Three companies were hit by the latest US measures, including two based in Russia and one in Iran, for their alleged roles in the ongoing supply of military materials bound for the battlefield in Ukraine. Irans national airliner was among the three entities targeted by the measures, and was cited by the US for allegedly being used by the Iranian government to transport materials used in the construction of drones as well as playing a role in the recent transfer of ballistic missiles. Irans military drone program has been a growing thorn in the wests side in recent years; Tehrans affiliated forces have in past years directed drone-based attacks against both Israel and Saudi Arabia.

A fact sheet released by the State Department further alleged that Iran Air constitutes a key element of Irans illicit proliferation network enabling Irans acquisition of sensitive-western origin dual-use materials for use in the development of UAVs, some of which are provided to Russia for use in Ukraine.

The White House, commenting on the sanctions on Tuesday, threatened further significant economic costs against Tehran if it continued to supply Russia with arms and other military assistance.

The new Iranian president and the foreign minister have repeatedly claimed that they want to engage with Europe and garner sanctions relief. Destabilizing actions like this just fly in the face of that rhetoric and ultimately hurt their own economy, said national security council (NSC) spokesman John Kirby.
Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in Iraqi Kurdistan Thursday on a visit hailed by the regional president as the first by an Iranian president to the autonomous region.

Pezeshkian's visit to Iraq is his first trip abroad since he took office in July.

The Kurdistan leg is the latest sign of warming relations between Iran and the Kurds after years of tensions, most recently culminating in Iranian air strikes against Iranian-Kurdish rebels in the region two years ago.

Stepping off the plane in regional capital Arbil, Pezeshkian was welcomed by regional president Nechirvan Barzani on a red carpet lined with Kurdish peshmerga forces standing at attention with rifles at their sides.

Barzani hailed the first visit by an Iranian president to the region, describing it as a "historic day".

Pezeshkian also held talks with Kurdistan's prime minister, Masrour Barzani, as well as veteran Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani, who presides over the ruling Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP).

"We hope to expand economic and commercial cooperation with the Iraqi Kurdistan region," Pezeshkian said, according to a statement from his office.

Pezeshkian later headed to Sulaimaniyah, a city where the KDP's historical rival, the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), wields influence including in the security services.

On Wednesday in Baghdad, the first leg of his three-day visit, Pezeshkian announced the signing of more than a dozen agreements to strengthen ties between Iran and Iraq.

His trip comes at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East due to the war in Gaza, which has drawn in Iran-backed armed groups and complicated Iraq's relations with the United States.

- 'Never pose a threat' -

Iran's ties with Iraqi Kurdistan have improved in recent months, aided by efforts to neutralise Iranian Kurdish opposition groups, which have long operated in the region.

During a meeting with Pezeshkian also attended by Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, the Kurdish president pointed to "Kurdistan's desire to develop relations and expand cooperation with the Islamic Republic of Iran in all areas".

"The Kurdistan region will never pose a threat to Iran and neighbouring countries," a statement from Barzani's office said, adding that Arbil "respects the security deal signed between Iraq and Iran".

Tehran carried out repeated strikes on rebel groups in Kurdistan in 2022, before Iraq signed a security agreement with Iran the following year. Baghdad committed to disarm the groups and relocate them from border areas to camps.

"We have succeeded... in regulating the security situation in the border areas," Iraqi Prime Minister Mohamed Shia al-Sudani said on Wednesday, reiterating Iraq's refusal to allow any acts of aggression to be launched against Iran from its territory.

Iran had accused the rebel groups of smuggling weapons from Iraq to carry out attacks on its security forces.

It also accused Kurdish opposition movements of fuelling protests that shook Iran after the September 2022 death of Mahsa Amini, an Iranian Kurd arrested by the morality police.

The Iranian president left the Kurdistan region in the afternoon, landing in the Shiite holy city of Najaf, Iraq's state news agency INA reported.

He is scheduled to visit Shiite shrines in both Najaf and nearby Karbala.

cbg/tgg/jsa/kir
Google and other big tech firms have come under tight scrutiny in Europe (PAU BARRENA) (PAU BARRENA/AFP/AFP)

An Irish regulator helping to police European Union data privacy launched an investigation Thursday into Google's artificial intelligence development.

The inquiry comes as the EU and other major regulators around the world crack down on big tech over a raft of issues including taxation, competition and disinformation.

The EU has also adopted the world's first sweeping rules to govern AI, which came into force in August.

"The Data Protection Commission today announced that it has commenced a cross-border statutory inquiry into Google Ireland," where the US tech giant has its European headquarters.

The probe will look into the "development of its foundational AI model", the DPC said in a statement.

The rise of AI has fuelled excitement about its potential, with chatbots that show humanlike ability to answer questions to generate everything from essays to recipes and computer codes.

But the emergence has also sparked concerns about the technology taking jobs away from people and even posing an existential threat to humanity.

The Irish regulator said that its investigation "concerns the question of whether Google has complied with any obligations that it may have had to undertake" under the EU's strict General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

This would have been "prior to engaging in the processing of the personal data" of EU citizens related to the development of Google's foundational AI Model, Pathways Language Model 2 (PaLM 2).

"We take seriously our obligations under the GDPR and will work constructively with the DPC to answer their questions," a Google spokesperson said in response.

The Dublin-based watchdog said that "a data protection impact assessment, where required, is of crucial importance in ensuring that the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals are adequately considered and protected when processing of personal data is likely to result in a high risk.

"This statutory inquiry forms part of the wider efforts of the DPC" and other regulators overseeing "personal data of EU/EEA data subjects in the development of AI models and systems," it added.

The European Economic Area includes the EU plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.

Social network X recently committed to stop harvesting European users' personal data to train its Grok AI chatbot, while Facebook-owner Meta has delayed the release of its most powerful generative AI models in Europe, citing EU regulation.

Google describes PalM2 as a "next generation language model with improved multilingual, reasoning and coding capabilities".

- Tech crackdown -

The EU has sought to rein in big tech firms.

Companies will have to comply with the bloc's new AI regulation by 2026, though rules covering AI models like OpenAI's ChatGPT will apply 12 months after the law enters into force.

The DPC's announcement comes two days after the European Commission scored two major legal victories in separate cases that left Apple and Google owing billions of euros.

Putting an end to a long-running legal battle, the European Court of Justice ruled that the iPhone maker must pay 13 billion euros ($14.3 billion) in back-taxes to Ireland -- home to the European headquarters of Apple, Meta, TikTok and X thanks to its low tax regime.

The court also upheld a 2.4-billion-euro fine against Google, one of a string of high-profile EU competition cases targeting the group.

The court dismissed an appeal by Google against the 2017 fine, slapped on the search engine for abusing its dominant position by favouring its own comparison shopping service.

In the United States, meanwhile, Google has this week faced the start of a major antitrust trial, with the government accusing it of unfairly dominating online advertising and stifling competition.

bcp/fg
A man from the Republic of Ireland has been found dead in a police cell in Portugal.

Police in Portugal said the 29-year old man had been detained on suspicion of assault in Albufeira on Tuesday.

The National Republican Guard - the gendarmerie force of Portugal - said he took his own life. He was found dead in his cell on Wednesday morning.

A spokesperson said emergency services were called immediately but he was declared dead at the scene.

An investigation is under way into the circumstances of the mans death, the spokesperson added.

The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs said it was aware of the case and was providing consular assistance.

As with all consular cases, the department does not comment on the detail of individual cases," a spokesperson said.
(Bloomberg) -- Islamic State in Somalia, the global terrorist groups affiliate in the Horn of Africa, has grown in influence through its ability to mobilize funds for disbursement to the network on the continent, according to the International Crisis Group.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Although the jihadist groups impact at home is overshadowed by bigger rival al Shabaab, which is linked to al Qaeda, it appears to play an outsized role in the global operations of the Islamic State, the Brussels-based organization said in a report.

It has emerged as a key component of the Islamic States network, in large part because it can raise substantial revenue, largely through extortion, ICG said in the report. It has sent funds to branches throughout Africa and reportedly even as far away as Afghanistan.

Other than shaking down businesses in Puntlands seaport city of Bosasso, IS-Somalia exports small quantities of gold mined in the north-eastern Bari region, where it is based. The US estimates its accumulated as much as $6 million since 2022, ICG says.

With only about 500 fighters holed up in the caves of Puntlands Cal Miskaat mountains, IS-Somalia has limited territorial reach and has claimed less than a dozen raids since 2023, compared to about 60 attacks in 2019. Half of its militants are foreign, drawn from Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia and Yemen, and last year, authorities arrested four Moroccans on suspicion of belonging to its ranks.

Its leader, Abdulkadir Mumin, split from al Shabaab to form the group nine years ago and was the target of a US airstrike in May, according to the ICG. Hes now in charge of a wider region after IS instructed affiliates in the Democratic Republic of Congo and in Mozambique to report to Somalia.

The unit has remained resilient against the Puntland government due in part to its location in the rugged and isolated mountains, but also because of the interclan animosity that pervades most of Somalias politics, ICG said. Al Shabaab, which controls swathes in the central and south of the nation, has also failed to overpower it through military means and considers the smaller rival a thorn in the flesh for enticing away dissatisfied fighters.

Efforts to stamp out the group have failed due to disputes between Somalias government and authorities of the semi-autonomous Puntland, ICG said, urging closer coordination by the two.

They should set aside their differences in order to forge a united front against the group, while also encouraging defections and addressing the grievances of communities that host IS-Somalia, ICG said.

You can follow Bloombergs reporting on Africa on WhatsApp. Sign up here.

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TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)  The Indiana State Police say that social media threats targeting schools have been a common theme lately.

Public Information Officer Sgt. Matt Ames says that ISP is also investigating in Putnam County, and there has been an incident in Avon as well. ISP urges parents to monitor their childs social media activity, and for students to report suspicious posts to their school resource officer.

If someone makes a social media threat or any threat towards any schools at all, there will be a full investigation, Ames said. That student may still think its something very simple, however, once the investigation is done and turned over to the prosecutors office, then you are going to find out, hey guess what, this wasnt a funny matter. Unfortunately you are going to have criminal charges pinned against you.

Ames added that school resource officers have gone through mandatory training to handle situations where a threat has been made.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyWabashValley.com.
Israel-Hamas war latest: Blinken says US will keep pressing Israel to spare Gaza humanitarian sites

Palestinian flags are seen during a vigil on Alki Beach for Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, a 26-year-old activist from Seattle, who was killed recently in the West Bank, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)

The U.S. secretary of state said Thursday that the United States will continue to press Israel to do more to spare humanitarian sites in the Gaza Strip, a day after an Israeli airstrike on a U.N. school complex sheltering displaced Palestinians killed 14 people, including six U.N. staffers.

Meanwhile, Turkey announced its own investigation into the death of a Turkish American activist who was shot and killed by Israeli forces last week while protesting settlements in the occupied West Bank. And a Syrian pro-government media outlet and an opposition war monitor said an Israeli strike hit a car in southern Syria on Thursday, killing two people.

The Health Ministry says more than 41,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since the Israel-Hamas war began. It does not differentiate between fighters and civilians in its count. The war has caused vast destruction and displaced about 90% of Gazas population of 2.3 million, often multiple times.

Hamas-led militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, in their Oct. 7 attack that sparked the war. They abducted another 250 and are still holding around 100. Around a third of them are believed to be dead.

Here's the latest:

UN chief condemns killing of at least 18 people in Israeli airstrike on UN school

UNITED NATIONS  The United Nations chief is condemning the death of at least 18 people including six U.N. staff members in an Israeli airstrike on a U.N. school serving as a shelter in Gaza, and is calling for an independent investigation to ensure accountability, his spokesman said.

The airstrike, which also killed women and children, raised the death toll of staff from the U.N. agency helping Palestinian refugees in Gaza, known as UNRWA, to 220, U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Thursday.

The Israeli Defense Forces said they had targeted a Hamas command-and-control center in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza.

According to the secretary-general, the continued lack of effective protection for civilians in Gaza is unconscionable, Dujarric said.

Civilians and the infrastructure they rely on must be protected and meet the essential needs of the civilian population, the spokesman said.

The secretary-general calls upon all parties to refrain from using schools, from using shelters, and the areas around them for military purposes, Dujarric said. All parties to the conflict have the obligation to comply with international humanitarian law at all times.

Guterres reiterated his call for an immediate cease-fire and release of all hostages taken during its Oct. 7 attack in southern Israel, the spokesman said, adding this horrific violence must stop.

4 killed in car explosion in Israel as gang violence surges in Arab communities

Medics say four people were killed and eight others injured when a car exploded Thursday in central Israel, an incident described as criminal that comes as gang violence surges within Israels Arab communities.

The deadly car blast in the city of Ramle set off a wave of anger against Israeli security forces, whom residents accuse of failing to fight the escalating internal gang wars and gun violence affecting Palestinian citizens of Israel.

Israels far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, sought to deflect blame Thursday, claiming that Israels attorney general refused his request to place suspects in pre-trial detention. As he arrived at the crime scene to speak with residents, he was drowned out by angry hecklers. Scuffles between victims family members and police erupted outside the hospital where the injured were being treated.

Critics say that Ben-Gvir, who has been convicted of anti-Arab incitement and supporting a Jewish terrorist organization, has done little to fulfill his campaign promises of fighting violent crime in Arab communities. Palestinian citizens of Israel accuse authorities of prioritizing fighting crime in Jewish areas and neglecting Palestinian ones. On Wednesday, two other residents were killed in the same city. Its unclear if the two incidents in Ramle were related.

Israeli police pledged to take the case seriously and hunt down the perpetrators.

We will not let go of any criminal or anyone that is trying to hurt innocent civilians, police Chief Dani Levi said.

Israeli airstrike kills 3 in southern Lebanon, officials say

BEIRUT  Lebanons Health Ministry says an Israeli airstrike on southern Lebanon killed three people, including a child.

The ministry says the Thursday night airstrike on the southern village of Kfar Joz also wounded three people.

The Lebanon-Israel border has been witnessing daily exchanges for nearly a year as Lebanons militant Hezbollah group says its backing up its ally Hamas in Gaza.

More than 500 people have been killed by Israeli strikes in Lebanon since Oct. 8, most of them fighters with Hezbollah and other armed groups but also more than 100 civilians. In northern Israel, 23 soldiers and 26 civilians have been killed by strikes from Lebanon.

Israeli military says Hamas brigade in Rafah has been dismantled

JERUSALEM  The Israeli military said Thursday that it has completed the destruction of Hamas brigade in the city of Rafah, the southernmost city of Gaza.

The military said in a statement that Israel had killed 2,000 militants and destroyed 13 kilometers (8 miles) of underground tunnel routes dug deep under the area. It also said that it had killed over 250 militants in Rafahs western Tel al-Sultan district in recent weeks, including the commander of the battalion and most of the chain of command.

Israel began its operation in Rafah in early May, forcing more than a million Palestinian civilians to flee the city. The Israeli offensive over the past 11 months has killed 40,000 Palestinians in Gaza, according to the enclaves health authorities that do not distinguish between civilians and militants.

Top Israeli intelligence commander has resigned, the military says

JERUSALEM  The Israeli military says that a top Israeli intelligence commander has announced his resignation, the second such senior figure to step down amid the fallout from Hamas devastating Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel last year.

In a statement Thursday, the Israeli military said that Brig. Gen. Yossi Sariel, leader of Israels vaunted military intelligence Unit 8200, notified the army of his plans to step down and leave his post in the near future. The military confirmed to The Associated Press that he resigned over the security failure of the Oct. 7 attack.

Earlier this year, the head of Israeli military intelligence, Maj. Gen. Aharon Haliva, announced his resignation over his role in the armys stunning failure to anticipate or quickly respond to the deadliest assault in Israels history.

On Oct. 7, Hamas militants blasted through Israels border defenses, rampaged through communities unchallenged for hours, and killed 1,200 people, most of them civilians, while taking roughly 250 hostages into Gaza.

The attack set off the war against Hamas in Gaza, now in its 11th month.

The 8200 divisions long-held reputation as a formidable spy unit that produced some of the countrys top high-tech entrepreneurs and chief executives has suffered since its apparent failure to detect the Hamas-led attack.

Israeli military says it has killed two Hezbollah militants in southern Syria

JERUSALEM  The Israeli military said Thursday that its warplanes struck and killed two Hezbollah militants in southern Syria, the latest in a series of attacks on the Iran-backed Shiite group near the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.

The military identified one of those killed as Ahmed al-Jabr. It accused al-Jabr of conducting militant operations in the Syrian province of Quneitra near the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights.

Hezbollah did not announce the deaths of any militants Thursday. But a Syrian pro-government radio, Sham FM, and an opposition war monitor, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, reported that an Israeli strike hit a car in southern Syria, killing two people in the village of Khan Arnabeh.

Israel has frequently carried out such airstrikes over the past months on the edge of the Golan Heights, captured by Israel during the 1967 Mideast war and annexed in 1981.

Israel says it is targeting Iran-linked militants. Israel has vowed to stop Iranian entrenchment in Syria, where thousands of Iran-backed fighters are deployed. Syria is a key route for Iran to send weapons to Lebanons Hezbollah group.

The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has escalated throughout the past 11 months of the Israel-Hamas war, largely along Israels tense northern border with Lebanon.

Hezbollah on Thursday claimed several attacks on northern Israel and the Israeli military reported air raid sirens set off by the militant groups explosive drones falling in open areas. The Israeli military also said it intercepted a suspicious aerial target that crossed from Lebanon into Israeli territory.

Medical teams in Gaza wrap up their final day of a polio vaccination campaign

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip  The World Health Organization says medical teams in Gaza are wrapping up the final day of an emergency polio vaccination campaign following the discovery of the territorys first-known case of the illness in more than 25 years.

Dr. Rik Peeperkorn, the U.N. health agencys representative, told reporters in a news conference from Gaza that the health workers had reached more than an estimated 552,000 children under the age of 5. They used a new oral polio vaccine targeting the specific type of polio seen in Gaza, which is a mutated strain that originated in an older oral vaccine.

Peeperkorn said WHO and its partners have yet to do a final analysis of how many children were actually covered, but added that it was more than expected. On Wednesday, Palestinian health officials said more than half a million Gaza children have been vaccinated.

We are quite confident that we reached an enormous amount of children in this short time, Peeperkorn said, referring to the four-day vaccination campaign. He said authorities were aiming to cover more than 90% of children in this immunization round and in the second one, to be held next month.

Blinken says U.S. will continue to press Israel to do more to spare humanitarian sites in Gaza

WARSAW  U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken says the United States will continue to urge Israel to do more to spare humanitarian sites in the Gaza Strip after an Israeli airstrike on a U.N. school complex sheltering displaced Palestinians killed six U.N. staffers.

When asked on Thursday at a news conference in the Polish capital about Israels bombing of the school complex in central Gaza the day before, Blinken told reporters that we need to see humanitarian sites protected.

Thats something we continue to raise with Israel, he said.

Wednesday's strike on the U.N.-supported al-Jaouni Preparatory Boys School in Nuseirat refugee camp, in central Gaza, killed at least 14 people, including two children and a woman, hospital officials said. Among those killed were six staffers from the U.N. Palestinian refugee agency, known as UNRWA, the main U.N. relief agency in Gaza.

UNRWA described the strike as the deadliest single incident for its staff members. Among those killed at the school, it said, were the manager of the shelter and others working to help the thousands of displaced people taking refuge there, including teachers.

The head of UNRWA, Philippe Lazzarini, said at least 220 UNRWA staffers have been killed in Gaza since Israels military offensive began in response to Hamas deadly Oct. 7 attack on Israel.

The Israeli military said it was targeting Hamas militants planning attacks from inside the school.

Blinken blamed Hamas for continuing to hide its fighters among civilians and said the bombing underscores the urgency" of reaching a cease-fire in the embattled territory.

WHO says the Emiratis have evacuated nearly 100 wounded and sick Palestinians from Gaza

CAIRO  The World Health Organization says the United Arab Emirates has evacuated nearly 100 critically wounded and sick Palestinians from Gaza, including cancer patients, for medical treatment in the Gulf Arab state.

The U.N. health agency said on Thursday that a total of 252 Palestinians from Gaza, including 97 patients and their relatives, flew the previous day to Abu Dhabi in the UAE from the Ramon airport in Israel.

It was the biggest exit of Palestinian medical patients in Gaza through Israel since the war began.

WHO said that the patients, among them 45 children and 52 adults, were suffering from severe injuries or critical conditions such as brain tumors and amputations. It was the second such evacuation flight that the UAE has coordinated to provide advanced medical care to Palestinians.

With few exceptions, Israel has barred Gazas Palestinians from entering Israel throughout the war.

Gaza has been completely sealed off since May, when Israeli forces captured the Gaza side of the border with Egypt, including the Rafah crossing between Egypt and the coastal strip, leading to its closure.

A UN report says Palestinian economy is in free fall since the Israel-Hamas war erupted

GENEVA  The Palestinian economy is in free fall, the United Nations reported on Thursday, with production in Gaza plunging to one-sixth of its level before Israeli forces began a blistering military response to the Oct. 7 attack on Israel.

The report from the U.N. Trade and Development also warned of rapid and alarming economic decline in the West Bank, citing expanded Israeli settlements, land confiscations, demolition of Palestinian buildings and violence by settlers as dampening economic prospects.

Economic output in Gaza plunged to just over $221 million in the half-year, including the last quarter of 2023 and first quarter of 2024  the last quarter for which figures are available  or about 16% of the total figure for the same half-year period in 2022 and 2023, when the total was just over $1.34 billion, the agency said.

The Palestinian economy is in free fall, Pedro Manuel Moreno, the agencys deputy secretary-general, told reporters and urged the international community to "address the humanitarian crisis and lay the groundwork for lasting peace and development.

That would include a comprehensive recovery plan for Palestinian areas, more international aid, the lifting of Israels blockade on Gaza, as well as the release of revenue and withheld funds for Palestinians retained by Israel, he said.

Israel will revoke press accreditations for Al-Jazeera reporters working in the country

JERUSALEM  The Israeli body that accredits journalists said on Thursday that it will revoke the press cards of Al-Jazeera reporters working in the country.

The move comes after Israel shut down the Qatar-based broadcasters local operations in May. Authorities already prevent Al-Jazeera broadcasts and block its websites.

Israel accuses Al-Jazeera of incitement and threatening national security over its coverage of the war in Gaza.

Nitzan Chen, the director of the Government Press Office, said the use of GPO cards in the course of the journalists work could in itself jeopardize state security at this time of military emergency.

Al-Jazeera denies the allegations and has accused Israel of trying to silence its coverage.

With several correspondents reporting from inside Gaza, the channel has provided round-the-clock coverage of the war since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack that ignited it. Its coverage has focused on civilian casualties in Gaza, and it often airs Hamas videos and statements in their entirety.

Israeli strikes have killed four Al-Jazeera reporters since the start of the war. The government office said the revocation of the press cards would be subject to a hearing. It will apply to Al-Jazeera journalists and broadcasters but not producers or photographers.

Turkey launches its own probe into the killing of Turkish American activist in the West Bank

ANKARA, Turkey  Turkeys justice minister says his country is investigating the death of a Turkish American activist shot and killed by Israeli forces last week while protesting settlements in the occupied West Bank.

The 26-year-old activist from Seattle was taking part in a demonstration against settlements in the Palestinian territory when she was fatally shot last Friday. Israel is investigating the killing of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi and its military later said she was likely shot indirectly and unintentionally by soldiers.

Turkish Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc said on Thursday that the Ankara chief prosecutors office was leading the Turkish probe. He also called on U.N. agencies, including the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, to investigate.

Tunc said Turkey would present its findings to a U.N. court overseeing a genocide case against Israel filed by South Africa over the war in Gaza.

We will take every judicial step for our martyred daughter, Aysenur, Tunc said.

Meanwhile, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said Eygis body was likely to be brought to Turkey on Friday. Her burial is scheduled to take place in the Aegean coastal town of Didim, in western Turkey, in line with her familys wishes.

An uncle of the slain Turkish American activist says the US should protect the rights of its citizens everywhere

DIDIM, Turkey  An uncle of the Turkish American activist killed by Israeli forces during a protest in the occupied West Bank said the United States needs to protect the rights of its citizens everywhere.

Ali Tikkin also welcomed Vice President Kamala Harriss remarks about the shooting that killed Aysenur Ezgi Eygi in which the U.S. vice president said the activist's death was unacceptable and demanded complete accountability for it.

The U.S. should protect the rights of its citizens and follow them to the end, said Tikkin, who is married to Eygis aunt.

He spoke on Thursday in the Turkish Aegean coastal town of Didim, where Eygi is expected to be buried, describing the 26-year-old from Seattle as a free-spirited person who began traveling the world on her own at an early age.

Even at the age of 18 or 19, she went to different countries of the world on her own. First she started traveling out of curiosity. Later she took part in organizations by the United Nations, he said. She was sensitive to events happening around the world.

The Israeli military said this week that Eygi was likely shot indirectly and unintentionally by soldiers. But Tikkin stressed that her family believes she was deliberately targeted by Israeli soldiers.

There was no error or accident," he said. I think it was a message to the world.

An airstrike hits a car in southern Syria, killing 2 people, pro-government media and a war monitor say

BEIRUT  A Syrian pro-government radio and a war-monitoring group say an Israeli strike hit a car in southern Syria, killing two people. The Sham FM didnt give further details on the Thursday morning strike on the village of Khan Arnabeh, near Syrias Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition war monitor, also reported that two people were killed in the airstrike, without giving further details.

There was no immediate comment from Israel, which has carried out such airstrikes over the past months on the edge of the Golan Heights, captured by Israel during the 1967 Mideast war and annexed in 1981. Israel says it is targeting Iran-linked militants.

Israel has vowed to stop Iranian entrenchment in Syria, where thousands of Iran-backed fighters are deployed. Syria is a key route for Iran to send weapons to Lebanons Hezbollah group.
Israel names Hamas gunmen it says were targeted in strike that killed UNRWA staff

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - The Israeli military on Thursday named nine men it said were Hamas militants killed in Gaza airstrikes that the U.N. Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA said had left six of its staffers dead.

The military said three of the Hamas men had doubled as UNRWA workers. Reuters was unable to independently verify their identities. There was no immediate comment from Hamas.

UNRWA said six staffers were killed in two airstrikes that hit a school in central Gaza on Wednesday, the highest death toll among its staff in a single incident.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday condemned the attack, U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said, adding that the attack had killed at least 18 people, including the UNRWA staff, women and children. He said it took the total number of UNRWA staff killed in the conflict to 220.

"This incident must be independently and thoroughly investigated to ensure accountability," Dujarric said. "The continued lack of effective protection for civilians in Gaza is unconscionable."

UNRWA said the school compound in central Gaza had been serving as a shelter for displaced people. The Israeli military said it was also being used by Hamas militants.

Guterres calls upon all parties to refrain from using schools, shelters, or the areas around them for military purposes, Dujarric said.

UNRWA Director of Communications Juliette Touma said on Thursday that Israeli authorities had not asked the agency for a list of the staff killed in the attack on the school. The Israeli military said it did submit such a request.

"The names that appear on today's statement from the Israeli Army have not been flagged to us before by the Israeli authorities in previous occasions prior to today," Touma said.

The Israeli military says it takes steps to reduce the risk of harm to non-combatants in Gaza while it battles militants who use Palestinian civilians as human shields. Hamas denies this.

The Gaza war was triggered on Oct. 7 when Hamas attacked Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking about 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. Israel's subsequent assault on Gaza has killed more than 41,000 Palestinians, according to the enclave's health ministry.

(Reporting by Maayan Lubell; Additional reporting by Michelle Nichols in New York; Editing by Andrew Heavens)
At least 18 people, including United Nations staff, were killed in an Israeli airstrike on a UN school-turned-shelter in the Nuseirat camp in central Gaza on Wednesday, according to the Gaza Civil Defense and hospital officials. At least 44 others were injured, they said.

UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian humanitarian relief, said on X that six of its employees were killed when two airstrikes hit a school and its surroundings in Nuseirat, in what is the highest death toll among our staff in a single incident.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that the Israeli Air Force had conducted a precise strike on terrorists operating inside the school compound. It claimed the school was used by Hamas terrorists to plan and execute terrorist attacks against IDF troops and the state of Israel.

Later on Thursday, the IDF said three of the UNRWA employees killed in the strike were members of Hamas, but did not immediately provide evidence to support the allegation.

UNRWA said the three people named by the IDF were teachers, and their names were not included in previous lists of UNRWA staffers that Israel claimed were members of Hamas, including a list from July.

The IDF said earlier that numerous steps were taken to mitigate the risk of harming civilians, saying the incident was a further example of the Hamas terrorist organizations systematic abuse of civilian infrastructure in violation of international law.

The strike targeted the Al Jaouni UNRWA facility, which has not operated as a school since October. An estimated 12,000 displaced people, including women and children, have been sheltering in the school, said UNRWA.

Palestinians walk in the courtyard of the Al Jaouni school after an Israeli air strike hit the site, in Nuseirat in the central Gaza Strip on September 11, 2024. - Eyad Baba/AFP/Getty Images

This is the fifth time that the school compound has been targeted since October 7, according to the UN agency and a Gaza Civil Defense spokesperson.

Mahmoud Basal, a Gaza Civil Defense spokesman, said search operations were ongoing amid the rubble, with children and women among the injured.

The strike drew condemnation from various officials, including the UN chief.

Whats happening in Gaza is totally unacceptable, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a post on X. These dramatic violations of international humanitarian law need to stop now.

His spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, added on Thursday that the IDF stated that they had targeted a command-and-control center in the compound. This incident must be independently and thoroughly investigated to ensure accountability.

UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini said UN staff were working and providing support to families who have sought refuge in the school.

Since the beginning of this war, at least 220 UNRWA staff have been killed in Gaza, he wrote on X. The longer impunity prevails, the more international humanitarian law and the Geneva conventions will become irrelevant.

Sam Rose, a senior official at UNRWA, told the BBC in an interview on Thursday that the school had been used as a polio vaccination center just a week before it was struck.

Earlier this month, the United Nations led a campaign to vaccinate hundreds of thousands of children in Gaza against polio, amid a resurgence of the disease in the strip since the war began.

The head of the World Health Organization Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus also condemned the strike, writing on X: Indeed, terribly tragic. No words can reflect the true horror and loss of life in Gaza.

Hospitals, schools and shelters have been repeatedly bombarded, resulting in deaths of civilians and humanitarians, he added. The carnage in Gaza must stop. Ceasefire!

People use a blanket to transport a victim after an Israeli air strike hit the Al Jaouni school in Nuseirat, in the central Gaza Strip on September 11, 2024. - Eyad Baba/AFP/Getty Images

A colleague of the UN workers who were killed told CNN that the group had been distributing food aid earlier and had just sat down to eat lunch when Israel bombed the school.

The strike hit the school seconds after she had left to fetch water for the rest of the team from the next room, she said, asking to remain anonymous because she isnt authorized to speak to the media.

Suddenly, I heard a big explosion. Everything shook. I ran back to see that they had all vanished all torn to pieces, she told CNN on the phone, referring to her colleagues.

All six of the UNRWA workers had worked as teachers at the school before the war started and they were well-known members of the local community, she added.

They are all loved by everyone. They helped and provided aid to everyone What Israel is claiming is an unacceptable lie. No resistance fighters existed or operated from the school, she said.

We are all civilians here

Footage from the scene showed debris strewn around a compound and blood stains on the ground. A hole punctured what appeared to be a classroom and among the rubble was canned food and the dust-covered belongings of displaced Palestinians.

A man carrying human remains said: Brutality, I dont know what to say.

Another man searched desperately for his wife and four children. I dont know where they are, my son, my three daughters are all missing, Hani Haniya said from a classroom in the building. They normally sit here, I dont know where my wife is, she survived the last strike.

Displaced Palestinians take shelter at a UN school and watch after an Israeli air strike hits the site in Nuseirat, Gaza Strip, on September 11, 2024, amid the ongoing war in the Palestinian territory between Israel and Hamas. - Majdi Fathi/NurPhoto/Getty Images

Inside a wrecked room at the school, Fadel Abu Hdayyeh said it was used to store food for displaced Palestinians. Those who were working here were providing aid. We dont have any resistance fighters here, none of them enter the school. Look around, its all food aid, he said.

The people who were distributing the aid are the ones who died, civilians. We are all civilians here who are dying, he added.

Hassan Al Hilu, who had been displaced from Gaza City, was working on the schools sewage pipes when the strike hit the building. He was thrown in the air by the blast, injuring one of his hands.

They are all very good people. I know them all. They are all UNRWA workers. They were always working on distributing aid, like rice, coupons, cleaning products to people in the school, Al Hilu told CNN. They were eating (when the strike hit).

Rabia Al Burdeini, who lives next to the school, told CNN that some of the victims were torn to pieces while others lost their limbs. Suddenly, without any prior warning.

At Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, footage showed trucks and ambulances transferring injured people and bodies to the hospital. The emergency room floor was overcrowded with the injured while medical teams struggled to provide aid.

Nuseirat is one of Gazas most densely populated camps, and its population has swelled since the war began.

Since the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, more than 41,000 people have been killed and 95,000 injured in Gaza, according to the latest figures from the Palestinian Ministry of Health. CNN cannot verify casualty numbers. Medical records in the war-torn enclave do not differentiate between civilians and militants killed.

Earlier Wednesday, an Israeli bombardment killed one child and six other people in the Qizan Al-Najjar area, near Khan Younis, according to Gazas Civil Defense. That followed an overnight strike on a family home in the town of Khuzaa, east of Khan Younis, where at least 11 people were killed, according to the Civil Defense.

In a separate attack, at least nine members of the same family were killed in an Israeli strike in Jabalya, northern Gaza, it said. Footage of the aftermath, published by Gazas Civil Defense, showed the dismembered limbs of children. CNN has reached out to the IDF for comment.

This story has been updated with additional developments.

CNNs Lucas Liliholm contributed to this report.

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The United Nations' relief agency of palestinian refugees said six of its workers were killed in an Israeli airstrike on a central Gaza school File Photo by Debbie Hill/UPI

Sept. 12 (UPI) -- Israeli airstrikes on a central Gaza school being used to shelter displaced Palestinians killed more than a dozen people, including six United Nations workers.

The strike happened Wednesday, with the Israel Defense Forces saying in a statement that it had conducted a "targeted strike" on "militants operating in a command-and-control complex in the area that formerly served as the Al-Ja'oni school in Nuseirat."

At least 18 Palestinians, including women and children, were killed in the attack and others were injured, the Gaza Civil Defense emergency services said.

The U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees said six of its employees, including the manager of the site, had died in the strike, which was the highest death toll it has suffered in a single incident amid the nearly year-old war.

UNRWA in a statement called on both sides of the conflict -- the Israelis and Hamas -- to "never use schools or areas around them for military or fighting purposes."

"This school has been hit five times since the war began," it said. "It is home to around 12,000 displaced people, mainly women and children."

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres lambasted the attack, stating: "What's happening in Gaza is totally unacceptable.

"These dramatic violations of international humanitarian law need to stop now," he said on X.

Philippe Lazzarini, the UNRWA commissioner-general, repeated his call for a cease-fire in the wake of the attack.

"Humanitarian staff, premises & operations have been blatantly & unabatedly disregarded since the beginning of the war," he said. "The longer impunity prevails, the more international humanitarian law & the Geneva conventions will become irrelevant."

At least 220 of the agency's workers have been killed in Gaza during the war.

Israel and UNRWA, the main humanitarian organization functioning in Gaza, have been feuding amid the war, with the former accusing employees of the latter of being involved with Hamas. It says nine of its employees were involved in Hamas' Oct. 7 attack that killed 1,200 Israelis and ignited the ongoing war.

Following the surfacing of the allegations early in the conflict, UNRWA identified and had the contracts of nine employees terminated. It was not clear if they were the same nine that the IDF said it had identified.

UNRWA, which is one of the U.N.'s largest organizations, has more than 30,000 employees who work in five areas of operations, including the Gaza Strip.

Israel has also leveled accusations that Hamas uses civilian infrastructure, including UNRWA-run schools, as military facilities, command-and-control centers, storage facilities and location to launch attacks from.

Danny Danon, Israel's ambassador to the United Nations, responded to the U.N. chief by accusing the intergovernmental organization of condemning Israel "while Hamas continues to use women and children as human shield."

"I suggest you carefully investigate who these terrorists were, what they were doing in the past and what atrocities they were committing when they were eliminated before making statements," he said, accusing the UNRWA dead of being militants without offering proof.

Gaza's Palestinian Ministry of Health, which does not differentiate between civilians and militants, states that 41,118 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed in the war.

Israel says that it takes "numerous measures" to minimize the risk to civilians.
By Christian Kraemer, Tom Sims and John O'Donnell

FRANKFURT/BERLIN (Reuters) - UniCredit's opening gambit in a takeover play for Commerzbank has rekindled a debate about the future of German banking, prompting Berlin to pause selling shares in the lender and turning the spotlight on Deutsche Bank as a possible rival suitor.

Italy's second-largest bank swooped to take a 9% stake in Commerzbank earlier this week, catching German authorities off guard and getting a hostile reception from local management, who want to fend it off.

UniCredit CEO Andrea Orcel said on Thursday he was interested in a merger but that he was in no rush and that his stake in the German bank was, in any event, a good investment.

His blunt approach, picking up a stake in the market before stepping in to buy shares the German government was selling via an overnight placing, has annoyed some officials in Berlin and was unwelcome at Commerzbank's Frankfurt headquarters, sources told Reuters.

Commerzbank, considered important enough for a state rescue after the 2008 financial crash, is one of Germany's few major privately-owned banks and a big lender to the country's so-called Mittelstand of medium-sized companies.

The German government said earlier this month it intended to cut its stake in the bank.

Hans-Peter Burghof, a banking expert with Germany's University of Hohenheim, said a tie-up with UniCredit would "produce reduced competition in Germany, which is not good for Germany, especially in the segment of medium-sized companies."

The Finance Ministry declined to comment, and Commerzbank declined to comment on Orcel's remarks.

As events unfolded, investors also turned their attention to another potential marriage: a takeover by Deutsche Bank.

The combination is "in the best interests of Deutsche Bank and Germany," analysts at JPMorgan wrote in a note to clients.

"In a world of geopolitical and trade tension, having a larger German bank as a listed national champion and Hausbank (local bank) for German corporates could be an attractive option," they said.

The JPMorgan analysts said it would also allow Deutsche to cut back its reliance on more volatile investment banking, a long-standing concern for its investors.

Deutsche Bank declined to comment and referred to a statement this week saying it was focused on its growth strategy.

But in Germany, there are doubts about the viability of a Deutsche/Commerzbank union.

Deutsche Bank explored a takeover of Commerzbank five years ago, at the request of the German government, but walked away, people with knowledge of those talks told Reuters at the time.

Story continues

One major hurdle was what one German official told Reuters at the time would be a multi-billion-euro financial hole because any merger could trigger an adjustment to the valuation of some investments, such as Italian government bonds that Commerzbank holds. A tie-up could have crystallised a loss.

Potential job cuts and the impact on customers are also big concerns.

Trade union chief Stephan Szukalski, who is also a non-executive director on Deutsche Bank's supervisory board, said he would be very surprised if Deutsche were to take up talks with Commerzbank.

Szukalski, speaking in his capacity as a union boss, said he predicted that such a combination would lose corporate clients who wanted a choice of banks.

"It wouldnt pay off," he said. "Of course we'd be against it. 100%....it would simply be the false move. Banks need to complement each other when there's a takeover."

In the meantime, Orcel said he's going to seek approval from the banks' chief regulator, the European Central Bank, for UniCredit to increase its stake should it wish to.

"Cross-border mergers have been hoped for by many authorities, and it will be very interesting to see that process unfold in the weeks to come," ECB President Christine Lagarde told reporters on Thursday.

(Writing by John O'Donnell; editing by Elisa Martinuzzi and Jane Merriman)
Hamas's October 7 attack has spurred a literary output so extensive that nearly one year later, some Israeli bookstores have entire sections devoted to the country's deadliest day since independence.

The roughly 50 Hebrew-language titles surveyed by AFP include detailed, unflinching testimonies from survivors.

There are also offerings from other genres from comic strips to a book of poetry written by one of the victims and published posthumously.

Israeli-Belgian cartoonist Michel Kichka told AFP these early publishing efforts are necessary to build "a stone for the building that will recount this day for history".

Kichka contributed to the French-language comic collection "At the Heart of October 7", which was published on Wednesday.

It brings together Israeli authors in an effort to, according to its publisher, "collect the words of those who lived through the horror, to leave a trace and to prevent these tragedies from sinking into oblivion".

The Hamas attack on southern Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,205 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures, which includes hostages killed in captivity.

Militants seized 251 captives during the attack, 97 of whom are still held in the Gaza Strip, including 33 the Israeli military says are dead.

Israel's retaliatory military offensive has killed at least 41,084 people, according to the Hamas-run Palestinian territory's health ministry, which does not provide details of civilian and militant deaths.

- Solidarity the thread -

The United Nations rights office says most of the dead are women and children.

Few of the books about October 7 refer to the ongoing bombardment and destruction in Gaza.

However, photojournalist Ziv Koren does include in his book "The October 7 War" some pictures he took in the territory while he was with Israeli soldiers.

Much of his collection, though, like the other titles, focuses on what happened in Israel.

By recounting heroic acts of civilians responding to the attack, "At the Heart of October 7" seeks to highlight "the solidarity of Israeli civil society", said Kichka, who also wrote a book on the Holocaust called "Second Generation".

The concept of solidarity is a common thread among many of the titles, which also emphasise the military's slow response as Hamas militants attacked kibbutzim and targeted the Nova music festival near the border with Gaza.

Bookseller Shabtai Cordova said that testimonies laying bare what happened on that day tend to sell the best.

"They make readers feel that they are part of this story," said Cordova, who is also a writer but said he has been unable to bring himself to produce anything about October 7.

French-Israeli sociologist Eva Illouz said the process of writing "allows us to clarify reality and sublimate emotions that are difficult to bear".

- Telling their stories -

In "October 8: Intellectual Genealogy of a Righteous Hatred", due out early next month, she describes her "anger" at the political left abroad, which she said had failed to support Israel.

A former defence ministry spokesman, Alon Penzel, chose the image of a teddy bear covered in blood for the cover of his book "Testimonies Without Boundaries".

His work features accounts from rescue workers, doctors and other witnesses.

In "The Besieged", Nitzan Horowitz, a journalist and former leader of the left-wing Meretz party, and French journalist Herve Deguine chronicle the experiences of 27 young people at the Nova festival.

Among them were 16 who were killed and four who were taken into Gaza as hostages, including Hersh Goldberg-Polin, an Israeli-American who Israel says was "executed" by his captors in a Gaza tunnel in late August.

Chaim Perry, who was kidnapped from Nir Oz kibbutz on October 7, had been planning to publish a book of poetry addressed to his granddaughter, for his 80th birthday.

He wrote about taking her to see the moon, and his family was awaiting his safe return so it could be published.

They made it available after the army confirmed in June that Perry had died in captivity.

mib/sbh/rcb/jd/srm
Damage on the outskirts of Masyaf this week [Getty Images]

Details are emerging of an apparent raid by Israeli special forces on a "Hezbollah missile production facility" in Syria.

Israel's government has said nothing about the operation which, according to US media reports, took place at the beginning of the week.

Syrian state media say 18 people were killed on Monday in the raid near the Syrian city of Masyaf - around 25 miles (40km) north of the Lebanese border - and several dozen were injured.

According to the New York Times, Israeli special forces descended from helicopters, placed explosives inside the Iranian-built facility and removed sensitive information.

American and other officials quoted in the paper paint a picture of a daring operation, designed to destroy the underground military facility.

Air strikes were apparently used to neutralise Syrias defences and prevent reinforcements from reaching the site.

Separately, a report by the Axios news site - citing three sources said to be familiar with the operation - says the elite Shaldag unit of the Israeli Air Force carried out the raid.

Axios also reports that Israel informed the US before the operation was slated to take place, and was not met with any resistance from the White House.

The BBC has not yet been able to independently verify these reports.

People inspect a damaged area in the aftermath of what Syrian state media reported was an Israeli strike in Masyaf [Reuters]

Israel's government has not commented, but the raid seems to have been designed to prevent Iran from supplying precision missiles to Hezbollah, its Lebanese ally and proxy.

Israel attacked the facility six years ago and has mounted dozens of air strikes against Syria since the war in Gaza began almost a year ago.

But, putting Israeli troops on the ground inside Syria is highly unusual.

This would be one of the most sophisticated operations of its kind in years.

Last Sunday, at least 18 people were killed in Israeli air strikes on a number of military sites in the vicinity of Masyaf, according to the Syrian health minister.

Israeli strikes have reportedly been stepped up since the start of the war in Gaza in October last year, in response to cross-border attacks on northern Israel by Hezbollah and other groups in Lebanon and Syria.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) - a UK-based monitoring group with a network of sources on the ground - Israeli air and artillery strikes have targeted Syrian territory on more than 60 occasions since the start of the year.

This has resulted in damage to or destruction of about 140 targets, including weapons depots, vehicles and Iran-backed militia headquarters, the SOHR said.

The strikes have killed at least 208 fighters - including 46 members of Syrian government forces, 43 members of Hezbollah and 24 Iranian Revolutionary Guards - as well as 22 civilians, the monitoring group added.
The Al-Jaouni School in Nuseirat in central Gaza was hit by Israeli forces for the fifth time in 11 months on Wednesday night, prompting furious complaints by United Nations leaders.

At least 17 people -- including six employees with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, known as UNRWA -- were killed in the latest strike, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Civil Defense and UNRWA.

Al-Jaouni School -- like many others in the devastated territory -- doubles as a shelter for displaced Palestinians, and according to U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was housing around 12,000 people when it was bombed. Before Wednesday's strike, the school was last attacked on July 6.

PHOTO: A member of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees checks the courtyard of a school after an Israeli air strike hit the site, in Nuseirat in the central Gaza Strip on Sept. 11, 2024. (Eyad Baba/AFP via Getty Images)

"What's happening in Gaza is totally unacceptable," Guterres wrote in a post on X, accusing Israel of "dramatic violations of international humanitarian law" over continued attacks on schools-turned-shelters in Gaza. The strikes "need to stop now," he added.

UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini wrote on X: "Endless & senseless killing, day after day."

"Humanitarian staff, premises & operations have been blatantly & unabatedly disregarded since the beginning of the war," he added, noting at least 220 UNRWA staff have been killed in Gaza.

MORE: Israel-Gaza live updates: 6 UN workers killed in strike on Gaza school

UNRWA confirmed Wednesday's strike as the deadliest single incident for agency staff since Oct. 7. The manager of the shelter was among those killed, it said.

"No one is safe in Gaza," the agency wrote on X. "No one is spared."

The Jordanian Foreign Ministry, meanwhile, "strongly" condemned the latest school bombing. "The protection of civilians and vital facilities that provide basic services to Palestinians, humanitarian facilities and shelters must be ensured," it said in a statement.

PHOTO: A Palestinian woman gestures at the courtyard of a school after an Israeli air strike hit the site, in Nuseirat in the central Gaza Strip on September 11, 2024, amid the ongoing war in the Palestinian territory between Israel and Hamas. (Eyad Baba/AFP via Getty Images)

The Israel Defense Forces defended its strike, saying it targeted "a Hamas command and control center in the area." The Israeli army said it took steps to minimize civilian casualties.

The army wrote on social media on Thursday that nine of those killed -- including three of the dead UNRWA staffers -- were Hamas operatives. Two of those killed participated in Hamas' Oct. 7 attack, the IDF said. Neither were listed by the IDF as UNRWA staff.

Israel's Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories body dismissed U.N. criticism, hitting back at Lazzarini's post on X and alleging Gaza schools "have been Hamas weapons storage facilities, tunnel access points, and bases of operation for over a decade."

MORE: 70% of schools in Gaza destroyed or damaged during Israel-Hamas war, ABC News analysis finds

The latest strike on the Al-Jaouni School is one of many Israeli attacks on Gaza's schools since Oct. 7. In August, the U.N.'s human rights office accused Israel of "systematic attacks" on such facilities. An ABC News analysis found that at least 70% of schools in Gaza are visibly destroyed or damaged.

There were 25 strikes on schools serving as shelters -- including Al-Jaouni -- between Sept. 1 and June 1, in which 354 people were killed, according to individual tallies released by the Hamas-run Gaza Ministry of Health and collated by ABC News.

ABC News' Jordana Miller, Will Gretsky, Nasser Atta and Victoria Beaule contributed to this report.

Israel's 5th strike on same Gaza school 'totally unacceptable,' UN says originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Analysts from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) have suggested that Russian forces intend to cut off the Ukrainian advance in Kursk Oblast ahead of a coordinated operation to push out Ukraine's defence forces.

Source: ISW

Quote: "Russian forces began counterattacks along the western edge of the Ukrainian salient in Kursk Oblast and reportedly seized several settlements northeast and south of Korenevo on 10 and 11 September.

The size, scale, and potential prospects of the September 11 Russian counterattacks in Kursk Oblast are unclear and the situation remains fluid as of this report. It is premature to draw conclusions about Russias new counterattacks and ISW will continue following the situation."

Details: Geolocated footage published on 11 September suggests that Russian forces have regained positions east of Zhuravli, northeast of Korenevo.

Some Russian sources claimed that Russian forces fully captured Snagost, though ISW has not visually confirmed these reports.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces have reportedly launched fresh attacks against the Russian counteroffensive west of Snagost and across the Ukrainian salient in Kursk Oblast.

Quote: "Available visual evidence suggests that Russian forces counterattacking in Kursk Oblast are operating in company-sized units and may be using elements of more combat-experienced units to conduct counterattacks."

"Russian forces may intend to temporarily bisect the Ukrainian salient in Kursk Oblast before beginning a more organised and well-equipped effort to push Ukrainian forces out of Russian territory."

Details: Russian forces are currently carrying out counterattacks along the western edge of the Ukrainian salient in Kursk Oblast, an area primarily made up of fields and small settlements.

These initial counterattacks may aim to secure more tactically advantageous positions before launching a broader counteroffensive against Ukrainian forces operating northeast of Korenevo and near Sudzha.

Russian forces might seek to cut the Ukrainian salient and advance toward the international border southeast of Snagost, complicating Ukrainian logistics and threatening fire support positions near the border ahead of a larger-scale counteroffensive.

Quote: "It would be premature to assess the impact of two days of Russian counterattacks on the month-long Ukrainian incursion into Kursk Oblast, particularly amid ongoing Ukrainian cross-border assaults, and ISW will continue to evaluate the impact of the Russian counterattacks in the coming days."

To quote the ISW's Key Takeaways on 11 September:

Russian forces began counterattacks along the western edge of the Ukrainian salient in Kursk Oblast and reportedly seized several settlements northeast and south of Korenevo on 10 and 11 September.

Available visual evidence suggests that Russian forces counterattacking in Kursk Oblast are operating in company-sized units and may be using elements of more combat-experienced units to conduct counterattacks.

Russian forces may intend to temporarily bisect the Ukrainian salient in Kursk Oblast before beginning a more organised and well-equipped effort to push Ukrainian forces out of Russian territory.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy arrived in Kyiv on 11 September and reiterated support for Ukraine but did not clarify current Western policy on Ukraines ability to strike military objects in Russia with Western-provided weapons.

The People's Republic of China (PRC) continues to promote its alternative peace plan for the war in Ukraine.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reiterated his support for Ukraine on 11 September.

Russian forces recently advanced southeast of Kupiansk, near Toretsk and near Pokrovsk.

Ukrainian Kharkiv Group of Forces Spokesperson Colonel Vitalii Sarantsev reported on 11 September that Russian forces are replenishing their tactical, operational and strategic reserves.

Russian occupation authorities illegally held regional elections in occupied Crimea on 6 to 8 September and likely fabricated increased voter turnout numbers to claim that residents broadly support Russia's illegal occupation of Crimea.

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LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)  A Jackson Police sergeant made quite a discovery recently during a traffic stop last Saturday night near downtown, according to a social media post by the police department.

Police said the sergeant saw a car driving at night without headlights, leading to the initial stop.

Jackson Police find meth, crack, cocaine and psilocybin mushrooms during a traffic stop. (Photo: Jackson Police)

During the stop, the sergeant noticed a gun which ended up being a BB gun, police said, and when searching the car found a significant amount of meth, crack cocaine, powder cocaine, psilocybin mushrooms, a digital scale, and a meth pipe, police said.

Police did detain three people, but did not name them. Police later confirmed they released two of them and arrested the other. Police did no release the persons name.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News.
Kenyan members of the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) stand at attention as they await the arrival of U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024. (Roberto Schmidt/Pool photo via AP)

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP)  Two dozen soldiers and police officers from Jamaica arrived in Haiti on Thursday to join a U.N.-backed mission led by Kenya to fight powerful gangs.

Jamaica is the second country to join the mission, which was approved by the U.N. Security Council in October 2023 and began when the first contingent of Kenyan police arrived in Haiti in late June. Joining the Jamaicans were two senior military officers from the Central American country of Belize, according to its government.

The U.S. Coast Guard told The Associated Press that one of its planes transported the Jamaicans and Belizeans to Haiti.

Earlier this week, authorities in Jamaica announced the imminent deployment and said the 20 soldiers and four police officers would be responsible for providing command, planning and logistics support.

They will work alongside Haitis military and police to fight gangs that control 80% of the capital of Port-au-Prince.

Jamaica had pledged a total of 170 soldiers and 30 police officers, but Prime Minister Andrew Holness said it wasnt possible to deploy them all at once.

The Jamaicans were deployed as the U.S. warns that the Kenyan-led mission lacks resources, and says that it is considering a U.N. peacekeeping mission as one way to secure more money and personnel.

The U.S. and Ecuador recently circulated a draft resolution asking the U.N. to start planning for a U.N. peacekeeping operation to replace the current mission. But experts have said its unlikely the U.N. Security Council would approve it.

The current mission is expected to have a total of 2,500 personnel, with the Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Benin and Chad also pledging to send police and soldiers, although it wasnt clear when that would happen.
James and Bridgette Morris announce name of new church in wake of Gateway scandal

The son of Gateway Churchs former senior and lead pastor, James Morris, and James wife, Bridgette Morris, have announced the name of the new church theyre starting following their departure from the North Texas-based megachurch.

The pair coined their newly founded church, Passage Church, the Morrises announced in an email shared on X by Amy Smith, of the watchdog blog Watchkeep.

In the statement, the couple explained how they came up with the name, saying it resembles a journey from one place to another.

Passage Church is on the move and filled with people pursuing God in every season, James and Bridgette Morris wrote in the statement.

Every persons life is filled with transitions and journeys; we will be a place that helps people no matter what stage of their journey, the couple goes on to say.

The naming of the church comes about two months after James Morris stepped down from his position at Gateway. Although he was originally set to take over his father, Robert Morris, former position as the lead pastor of the Southlake campus, the church elders, James Morris, and Bridgette Morris all collectively agreed on the couples resignations as pastors, church leaders confirmed in a July 25 statement.

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Gateways exodus began when Robert Morris resigned after admitting to sexually abusing a girl in the 80s and 90s, starting when she was 12 years old. Cindy Clemishire, who is now in her 50s, told Watchkeep that the abuse happened in Texas and Oklahoma and went on for four years.

James and Bridgette Morris also issued a separate statement on their website announcing plans for their church.

The couple said the idea started as a dream in their youth and they are taking the time to rest and pray after this last season, according to the website statement.

The Morrises have not yet announced where the church will be located and when it is set to open, but said they will provide updates regarding when and where they will hold their first interest meeting.

They anticipate having that meeting in early October, according to the email statement.

Gateways Houston-based campus also underwent a dissociation from the megachurch. The Houston campus, led by Robert Morris son-in-law Ethan Fisher, had its name changed in August to Newlands Church.

In a promotional video announcing the name, Fisher said the rebranding of the church was a call into something new.
A federal jury on Thursday found a Kannapolis man guilty of attacking police during the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol.

Brett Alan Rotella, 35, is awaiting sentencing, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia.

FBI search warrants say that Rotella followed retreating police officers into a tunnel, busted a locked doors glass pane to get through it, handed a ladder to a mob that they used against police and directed that mob, among other things.

He would hold up his fist and yell, Hold! to get the group behind him to stop, and he would count down with his fingers to signal when it was time for a big shove, the records say.

We just want things to be right, he said at one point, according to court documents. Something has to happen or were all fed!

When Rotella left his house in July 2023 and went to a nearby Aldi, FBI agents tracked him and compared his tattoos in person to pictures from Jan. 6. A judge approved an extensive search warrant. They arrested him shortly after.

The Washington, D.C. jury found him guilty of several crimes Thursday:

Felony obstruction of law enforcement during a civil disorder.

Two felony counts of assaulting, resisting or impeding certain officers.

Misdemeanor entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds.

Misdemeanor disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds.

Misdemeanor impeding passage through the Capitol grounds or buildings.

U.S. District Judge Randolph D. Moss will sentence him in December.

Members of the U.S. House committee that investigated the Jan. 6 attack found that former president Donald Trump provoked his supporters to violence through his false allegations of fraud in the 2020 election.

Federal prosecutors have been handling Jan. 6 cases. More than 1,500 people have been charged in nearly every state for crimes related to the breach at the Capitol. The investigation is ongoing, according to the Department of Justice.
Scotlands last remaining oil refinery will shut down next summer with 400 job losses amid a looming ban on new petrol and diesel cars.

Grangemouth refinery, co-owned by Sir Jim Ratcliffes Ineos, will be closed partly due to falling demand for fossil fuels as Britain pushes to ban the sale of new petrol cars by 2035 to hit net zero targets.

The decision has infuriated Ed Miliband, the Energy Secretary, who said he was deeply disappointed with the move  as did Gillian Martin, his Scottish Government counterpart.

The announcement has also sparked a rift with Labours union backers, including Sharon Graham, the general secretary of Unite, who called it an act of industrial vandalism  and partially blamed Mr Miliband.

This is now the last chance for this Labour Government to show whether it is really on the side of workers and communities, she said.

Scotland will lose not only its last remaining oil refinery but also the source of 80pc of its fuel  Grangemouth produces most of the petrol, diesel, heating oil and aviation fuel used in Scotland and other markets in northern England and Northern Ireland.

Frank Demay, the chief executive of Petroineos, the joint venture between PetroChina and Sir Jims Ineos which runs the refinery, said the site would become an import terminal, bringing fuels refined abroad into the UK. He said lower demand for fuel in future, triggered by the ban on new petrol cars from 2035, was partly to blame.

He said: The energy transition is happening ... That reality, aligned with the cost of maintaining a refinery built half a century ago, means we are exploring ways to adapt our business.

The action we are taking to create an import terminal will safeguard fuel supply for Scotland. We expect Grangemouth to be ready to operate as a national distribution hub for finished fuels in the second quarter of next year.

The announcement will be highly controversial in Scotland, where Grangemouth is seen as a cornerstone of the nations remaining heavy industry.

Scottish politicians and the Government have been conflicted over Grangemouths fate  on the one hand wanting to protect jobs and please the unions but also wanting to move the country away from its reliance on oil and gas.

Mr Miliband said: It is deeply disappointing that Petroineos have confirmed their previous decision to close Grangemouth oil refinery.

We will stand with the workforce in these difficult times, that is why we are announcing a package of investment to help the workforce find good, alternative jobs, invest in the community and serve a viable industrial future for the Grangemouth site.

Ms Martin said: We have communicated our disappointment to Petroineos today. The Scottish Government has consistently made clear our preference was for refining to continue as long as possible and we have continued to press the shareholders for a positive decision until the 11th hour.

Ms Graham said: This is an act of industrial vandalism, pure and simple.

This dedicated workforce has been let down by Petroineos and by the politicians in Westminster and Holyrood who have failed to guarantee production until alternative jobs are in place. The road to net zero cannot be paid for with workers jobs. The Government must put its money where its mouth is to ensure the jobs are safeguarded.

This is yet another example of workers paying for a crisis they did not create while billionaire owners laugh all the way [to] the bank.

Grangemouths importance goes beyond fuels. It also supplies raw materials to the adjacent petrochemical and plastics plant run by Ineos Olefins and Polymers Europe, whose raw plastics and polymers go into products ranging from construction materials to clothing. Grangemouth provides 4pc of Scotlands GDP and 8pc of the nations manufacturing base.

Sir Jim had hoped to build a plant at Grangemouth that would turn natural gas into hydrogen, powering the entire complex with minimal emissions and preserving jobs and manufacturing. However, such a scheme would rely on having long-term supplies of natural gas  and Mr Miliband has made clear there would be no new permits to extract gas from the North Sea.

Mr Miliband will co-chair an immediate virtual meeting of the Grangemouth Future Industry Board, with Ms Martin and Ian Murray, the Scottish Secretary, to discuss next steps with local industry leaders. These include Falkirk Council, trade bodies and unions. An in-person meeting of the Grangemouth Future Industry Board is scheduled for later in the autumn.

Derek Thomson, the Unite Scottish secretary, criticised UK and Scottish politicians, saying: Unite does not accept that the future of the refinery should have been left to the whim and avarice of shareholders.

The complex is critical to the nations manufacturing base and energy security. The governments involved cannot simply hide behind the convenient smokescreen that this is a commercial decision which they couldnt influence.

The Grangemouth refinery was established on the Firth of Forth, on Scotlands east coast, in 1924  one of the UKs first refineries. At the industrys peak there were around 20 such plants but Grangemouths closure will mean just five remain.

The 1,700-acre site, Scotlands largest industrial complex, directly employs 2,000 people plus up to 5,000 contractors, across Ineoss refinery and other businesses.

Petroineos said it was seeking training and other opportunities for its threatened workers including turning the site into a centre for low-carbon fuel production.

Petroineos is simultaneously working with UK and Scottish governments to analyse options for Grangemouth to become a low-carbon fuels manufacturing hub, it said.

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First Minister John Swinney said of self-ID that these are operational matters for Police Scotland - KEN JACK/GETTY

John Swinney has been taken to task for repeatedly refusing to intervene to stop Police Scotland allowing rapists to self-identify as women.

Three female MSPs angrily challenged the First Minister at Holyrood over the forces disclosure that it allows people who are charged or convicted of rape or attempted rape to self-declare their gender.

Rachael Hamilton, a Scottish Tory MSP, said the policy opens the door to a grotesque situation where a male rapist can demand to be called a woman and further traumatise his victim.

She told First Ministers Questions it was an insult to the victims of rape and serious assault and asked Mr Swinney whether he was prepared to allow a repeat of the notorious Isla Bryson case.

The First Minister said these are operational matters for Police Scotland and insisted there would be outrage if he tried to interfere with the running of the force.

Labours Pauline McNeill argued that the Police Scotland policy made a mockery of the SNP Governments strategy for tackling violence against women.

Ash Regan, of the Alba Party, said it was offensive that rapes being committed by men could be attributed to women in Scotlands official crime figures. Rape is defined in law as involving penetration by a penis without consent.

In a direct challenge to Mr Swinney, she said: Will the First Minister show leadership and address this horrible situation urgently?

Ash Regan defected from the SNP to the Alba Party over her views on self-ID - JANE BARLOW/PA

The exchanges came after a Scottish Parliament committee asked the force how it records the sex of people who are charged or convicted of rape or attempted rape.

Police Scotland replied that the sex or gender identification of anyone who comes into contact with the force would be based on how they present or how they self-declare.

No evidence or documentary proof of biological sex would normally be required other than a persons self-declaration, the force said.

Police Scotland said the only exceptions would be if their biological sex was pertinent to any investigation with which they are linked as a victim, witness or accused, or there needed to be further inquiry based on risk.

The force said allowing people to self-identify their gender was consistent with the values of the organisation and was consistent with the values of respect, integrity, fairness and human rights whilst promoting a strong sense of belonging.

Police Scotlands policy on self-ID is in support of fairness, integrity, and human rights - ANDREW MILLIGAN/PA

The response followed the case of Isla Bryson, who was born male and convicted of raping two women when living under the name of Adam Graham.

The predator was initially sent to womens prison, prompting a public uproar that saw the rapist move to the male prison estate.

Although Bryson had not legally changed gender, Scottish Prison Service guidance at the time stated that trans criminals should be sent to the jail that matched their self-identified gender that they were living in prior to their conviction.

Referring to Nicola Sturgeons blocked plans to allow people to self-identify their legal gender, Ms Hamilton told MSPs that the Police Scotland policy echoed the language of the SNP.

She said: The only strong sense this should inspire is disgust. Does the First Minister agree with me and women across Scotland that male rapists should not get their own way? Or is he content to let another Isla Bryson situation happen?

Mr Swinney protested that I have never in my life believed that a male rapist should get his way. However, he added: There would be outrage if I was to interfere in the actions and the decision making of Police Scotland.

And the law is clear that I cannot do that, but I am sure that Police Scotland will have heard the exchanges in Parliament today and will consider the issues if there are any issues that they wish to address.

Isla Bryson was jailed for eight years in 2023 after attacking two women in Clydebank - MIKE GIBBONS

Ms McNeill, Scottish Labours justice spokesman, said the First Minister cannot ignore responsibility and challenged him over the forces assertion that the policy was consistent with their values.

I think the (Scottish) Government needs to be clear  is it consistent with their values? she asked.

Mr Swinney insisted a second time he could not interfere in the operational business of Police Scotland but Ms Regan highlighted media coverage reporting an increase in women committing sex crimes.

Ms Regan, who resigned as a minister in Ms Sturgeons government because she could not support self-ID, said: The reality, of course, is that these crimes are committed by men and they are being recorded as womens crimes.

This is offensive to women and it is grossly disrespectful to the victims of these crimes. So why are Scottish institutions still acting as if self-ID is the law when it is not?

Mr Swinney said that in 2021/22, the last year for which figures were available, all rape and attempted rape convictions were recorded as being perpetrated by males.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: The sex/gender identification of individuals who come into contact with the police will be based on how they present or how they self-declare, which is consistent with the values of the organisation.

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As the German economy navigates a complex landscape marked by fluctuating industrial output and cautious economic forecasts, investors are increasingly turning their attention to stable dividend stocks on the German exchange. In this environment, companies that offer consistent dividend payouts can provide a reliable income stream and serve as a buffer against market volatility.

Top 10 Dividend Stocks In Germany

Name Dividend Yield Dividend Rating All for One Group (XTRA:A1OS) 3.15%  MLP (XTRA:MLP) 5.44%  OVB Holding (XTRA:O4B) 4.71%  SAF-Holland (XTRA:SFQ) 5.46%  Allianz (XTRA:ALV) 4.87%  Mercedes-Benz Group (XTRA:MBG) 9.52%  DATA MODUL Produktion und Vertrieb von elektronischen Systemen (XTRA:DAM) 7.63%  FRoSTA (DB:NLM) 3.33%  Uzin Utz (XTRA:UZU) 3.29%  MVV Energie (XTRA:MVV1) 3.76% 

Click here to see the full list of 32 stocks from our Top German Dividend Stocks screener.

Underneath we present a selection of stocks filtered out by our screen.

Simply Wall St Dividend Rating: 

Overview: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft develops, manufactures, and sells automobiles, motorcycles, and related spare parts and accessories globally, with a market cap of approximately 44.40 billion.

Operations: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft's revenue segments include 132.39 billion from Automotive, 3.15 billion from Motorcycles, and 37.87 billion from Financial Services.

Dividend Yield: 8.4%

Bayerische Motoren Werke's dividend yield of 8.44% is among the highest in Germany, but it faces challenges. Despite a low payout ratio of 36%, indicating earnings coverage, its high cash payout ratio (5457.9%) suggests dividends are not well-supported by free cash flow. The company's dividend history has been volatile and unreliable over the past decade, raising concerns about sustainability despite recent strategic partnerships and share buybacks totaling 3.35 billion since July 2022.

XTRA:BMW Dividend History as at Sep 2024

Simply Wall St Dividend Rating: 

Overview: MLP SE, with a market cap of 602.23 million, provides financial services to private, corporate, and institutional clients in Germany through its subsidiaries.

Operations: MLP SE generates revenue through its various segments, including Financial Consulting (429.61 million), FERI (231.23 million), Banking (206.97 million), DOMCURA (129.26 million), Deutschland.Immobilien (51.61 million), and Industrial Broker (36.51 million).

Story continues

Dividend Yield: 5.4%

MLP SE's recent earnings report shows strong growth, with net income rising from 2.39 million to 10.31 million year-over-year for Q2 2024. Despite a history of volatile dividend payments, the current payout ratio of 54.2% and low cash payout ratio of 11.1% indicate that dividends are well-covered by both earnings and cash flows. Trading at 47.5% below estimated fair value, MLP offers a compelling valuation for dividend investors despite its inconsistent past performance.

XTRA:MLP Dividend History as at Sep 2024

Simply Wall St Dividend Rating: 

Overview: Uzin Utz SE develops, manufactures, and sells construction chemical system products in Germany, the United States, Netherlands, and internationally with a market cap of 245.15 million.

Operations: Uzin Utz SE's revenue segments are as follows: Western Europe (81.64 million), South/Eastern Europe (27.70 million), USA - Laying Systems (73.60 million), Netherlands - Wholesale (33.66 million), Germany - Laying Systems (209.68 million), Netherlands - Laying Systems (83.59 million), Germany - Machinery and Tools (31.94 million), and Germany - Surface Care and Refinement (34.21 million).

Dividend Yield: 3.3%

Uzin Utz offers a reliable dividend yield of 3.29%, supported by a low payout ratio of 33.8% and cash payout ratio of 19.9%, ensuring sustainability from both earnings and cash flows. Dividends have been stable and growing over the past decade, although the yield is below the top tier in Germany. Recent half-year results show steady performance, with net income rising to 12.38 million despite slight declines in sales and revenue compared to last year.

XTRA:UZU Dividend History as at Sep 2024

Key Takeaways

Embark on your investment journey to our 32 Top German Dividend Stocks selection here.

Are these companies part of your investment strategy? Use Simply Wall St to consolidate your holdings into a portfolio and gain insights with our comprehensive analysis tools.

Enhance your investing ability with the Simply Wall St app and enjoy free access to essential market intelligence spanning every continent.

Curious About Other Options?

This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Companies discussed in this article include XTRA:BMW XTRA:MLP and XTRA:UZU.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com
'Join or Die' film comes to Detroit with message that building group bonds key to healthy democracy

Theres a very old-timey photograph from the Detroit Public Library's archive in Join or Die that shows the tuxedo-wearing members of a banjo club. It was formed in days of yore by men who belonged to the Detroit Athletic Club.

American club life was once so thriving, we had clubs inside of clubs, says the new documentarys narrator.

The message of Join or Die fits the blunt, grabby title. As the movies own description puts it, it is about why you should join a club  and why the fate of America depends on it.

The documentary, which has had about 250 community screenings across the country so far, is coming to Detroit on Sunday. It is presented by Cinema Detroit, the independent theater that switched to a pop-up format in 2023, and the In Real Life Movie Club, formed to help connect people within their communities. The IRL Club will hold its first event with screenings of "Join or Die" across the country.

Cinema Detroit is showing Join or Die on Sunday as the first of a series of screenings at Planet Ant, the Hamtramck theater known for its live theater and improv comedy.

The movie is inspired by and chronicles social scientist and "Bowling Alone" author Robert Putnams extensive research on the decline of community groups in America. As Cinema Detroit's Paula Guthat told the Free Press in August, it is "a fascinating look at how we got here and what we might be able to do it reverse it.

An image from "Join or Die," a documentary about "why you should join a club ... and why the fate of American depends on it," directed and produced by Rebecca Davis and Pete Davis.

Using lively animation, vintage photos and footage, and interviews with Putman and his fans and students (including Hillary Clinton to Pete Buttigieg), Join or Die builds a convincing case that forging community bonds could be the antidote to the heated divisiveness that plagues the United States.

For such a hot topic, "Join or Die" is a thoughtful journey that is calm and civil in tone as it asks three key questions: What makes democracy work? Why is American democracy in crisis? And, most importantly  what can we do about it?

It is produced and directed by the sister-and-brother team of Rebecca Davis, a news producer at NBC News for a decade, and Pete Davis, an author, civic advocate and former student of Putnams who also narrates the movie.

A respected academic, Putnam became famous in 2000 for Bowling Alone, an unexpected best-seller that popularized his years of study on the broader implications of declines in social capital  the social network of positive relationships that help societies run well  and in civic engagement. Putnam has influenced top thinkers and leaders and received numerous honors for his work, including the National Humanities Medal in 2013 from then-President Barack Obama, a former seminar student of his.

I think what were seeing in this moment where so much of community and civic identity and civic life has fallen away from peoples daily rhythm, theyre grasping for something they can hold onto.  A lot of what theyve ended up grasping onto is political hats or identities.

So what does joining a club have to do with saving the United States? As the film carefully argues, the social networks fostered by all kinds of groups weave a fabric that helps hold people accountable for their actions and encourages reciprocity of kindness and trust and more.

Robert Putnam, the legendary social scientist whose groundbreaking "Bowling Alone" research into America's decades-long decline in community ties is the sujbject of the documentary "Join or Die."

Putnam's research continues to be popular as Americans experience more and more social isolation and angry political discourse. And while social capital has waned, what 2024 does have in abundance is social media, or as Rebecca Davis says, It should maybe be (called) anti-social media.

Join or Die," however, isn't about the perils of social media. It offers a different perspective. We consciously did not touch on technology because we know that everyone is experiencing it daily and have all of their own opinions on it," says Pete Davis. "One of our hopes was that with this new lens (of the movie), you can look at anything thats going on in our daily life, including technology, and ask, Is this actually helping us connect with each other?"

And social media followers are not to be confused with social capital, according to Pete Davis.

Theyre not the people that are bringing you soup when youre sick. Theyre not the people that are having hard conversations across" differences, he says. "Theyre not the people that are working on cool ideas together to clean up the park or fight city hall or whatever needs to be done in your city.

Social connections forged in groups can unite people in a multitude of ways and, sometimes, lead to positive changes. But these days, Rebecca Davis points out, a dominant role is often played by a divisive connection.

As Rebecca Davis puts it, "our political identity has really taken on an outsized influence in our lives.

To highlight new and progressive ways of reviving civic commitment, Join Or Die looks at six community groups trying fresh approaches, including Plainsong Farm & Ministry, an Episcopal church that congregates on a farm in Rockford, Michigan.

The Plainsong Farm & Ministry in Rockford, Michigan, is one of the community groups featured in the documentary "Join or Die."

We wanted community groups that could inspire the viewer to do what these leaders have done, or to join things like what these leaders have done. And we wanted them to be the real deal, says Pete Davis, explaining that they found out about Plainsong through a magazine article, adding:

We loved that it was at the intersection of different things ... and we loved that it was bringing on young people."

Rebecca Davis says that she and her brother, who started working on "Join or Die" in 2017, always saw it as a potential organizing tool. The films website invites local groups to apply to host a screening. We have all these social media tools  and we meet so many people as were touring this film around that say,I moved to a new town. I dont know how to get involved. How do I find out?'

Pete Davis laughs when hes asked if he remembers what grade he got in Putnams class. I dont, he admits.

What he does know is that the course influenced his life. He is a co-founder of Democracy Policy Network, a policy group dedicated to furthering ideas that strengthen and deepen democracy.

its that type of class that sticks with you your whole life, he says.  You see yourself not as someone who took a class, but someone whos kind of joined the Putnam army of people who want to rejuvenate civic life in America. One of our goals of this film was, Can we open up the spirit of that class to millions more people?

Contact Detroit Free Press pop culture critic Julie Hinds at jhinds@freepress.com.

"Join or Die"

5:30 p.m. (Doors open at 5 p.m.)

Presented by Cinema Detroit at Planet Ant, 2320 Caniff, Hamtramck.

Tickets are $10 general admission, $15 admission and donation to Cinema Detroit

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: 'Join or Die' documentary offers answer to America's divisive politics
Jon Bon Jovi helped save a woman from Nashville bridge. Its namesake did the same nearly 70 years ago

Editor's note: This story contains descriptions of suicide. If you or someone you know needs help, call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.

Jon Bon Jovi helped save a woman, but the history of life saving acts on the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge dates back 70 years, when John Seigenthaler did the same.

In a video posted by Metro Nashville Police, a woman working on the set of a music video for Bon Jovi noticed the woman on the other side of the railing Tuesday night. She and the rock star both gently approached the woman ultimately helping her back over before sharing a hug.

While there's been far more moments of joy along the bridge, it is hard to ignore Bon Jovi's lifesaving act nearly 70 years to the day since Seigenthaler saved a man.

John Seigenthaler and the bridge

John Seigenthaler introduces Allen Newharth during the U.S. Business Hall of Fame, a part of Junior Achievement's annual induction activities, at Gaylord Opryland Resort April 9, 2008.

Finished in 1909 the bridge is made from 48 spans including four steel trusses and two reinforced concrete trusses, according to the Nashville Downtown Partnership. In 1998, the bridge was closed to automobile traffic and restored for pedestrian use.

On October 4, 1954, Seigenthaler, long before his storied career at The Tennessean, was a young reporter working the city news desk. A heartbroken man called the newspaper before noon explaining his intentions that day and asked to speak to a reporter. While one reporter called police, Seigenthaler went to the bridge.

While straddling the railing, Seigenthaler spoke with the man who sat upon a gas pipe that ran alongside the bridge. They remained like that for what Seigenthaler thought was 40 minutes. The man stood up, looked to the water and suddenly Seigenthaler grabbed for him. A dozen or more officers then grasped for Seigenthaler pulling both men back to safety.

For that life-saving act, and dedicated service to the people of Nashville, the city renamed the bridge the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge in April 2014.

How to help someone in crisis

Helping someone  whether that's a friend, family member or stranger  through a crisis begins with clear communication, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

"It is essential they feel heard and understood, so make sure to give them your undivided attention," the alliance said. "This is more than just listening, but also using body language, like eye contact, to show how youre listening."

It is ok to ask if the person is thinking about or wants to harm themselves, the alliance said. Knowing the answers to those questions can better inform next steps.

"If you feel that you are not able to de-escalate the person in crisis without additional support, call someone. You dont need to do this alone," the alliance said.

This includes:

Calling 911 if there is a life-threatening emergency.

Calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 to speak with a trained crisis counselor.

Calling the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-4673 for access to resources and trained experts in those fields.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Jon Bon Jovi helps woman on Nashville bridge. Its namesake did the same
A federal judge on Tuesday blocked Utah from enforcing an ambitious new law that would have required social media companies to verify peoples ages, apply privacy settings and impose certain restrictions on minors.

U.S. District Judge Robert Shelby issued the preliminary injunction against the Utah Minor Protection in Social Media Act, which was set to take effect Oct. 1. The judge said the defendant, NetChoice, is substantially likely to succeed on its claim that the law is unconstitutional because it violates the First Amendment.

NetChoice is a nonprofit trade association for internet companies including Google, Snap Inc., X, and Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram. The law will be blocked pending the outcome of the groups case.

Supporters of the new law say the legislation is a key step aimed at reversing the worrying mental health trends pervasive among children and teens in states across the country. Experts, and even social media users themselves, often point to the platforms as contributing factors to their worsening mental health.

The legislation also replaces similar laws that were passed in 2023 but then were challenged as unconstitutional.

The court recognizes the States earnest desire to protect young people from the novel challenges associated with social media use, Shelby wrote in the order.

But owing to the First Amendments paramount place in our democratic system, even well-intentioned legislation that regulates speech based on content must satisfy a tremendously high level of constitutional scrutiny, he continued. And on the record before the court, Defendants have yet to show the Act does.

Republican Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, who has championed the cause behind the social media legislation, said he was disappointed in the decision Tuesday. Cox said, however, that he expected a long battle, but it is a battle worth waging, as the harm social media is causing our children continues.

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, Cox continued in a post on social platform X. This must stop, and Utah will continue to lead the fight.

The states attorney general, Sean Reyes, also said he was disappointed but said his office was analyzing the ruling to determine next steps.

We remain committed to protecting Utahs youth from social medias harmful effects, Reyes added in an emailed statement.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Supporters with signs stand on the Capitol steps during a rally by Better Boundaries in Salt Lake City on Monday, Aug. 26, 2024. | Brice Tucker, Deseret News

A Utah judge decided Amendment D is declared void. The amendment will remain on the ballot, but the Lieutenant Governors Office has been ordered not to count the votes.

The decision came on Thursday in 3rd District Court, in response to a lawsuit filed by League of Women Voters of Utah and Mormon Women for Ethical Government that alleged the ballot language of a constitutional amendment was deceptive. Utah Senate President Stuart Adams and House Speaker Mike Schultz, who wrote the language, said the language was straightforward.

The matter was expedited because the printing of ballots needs to begin by Thursday to ensure ballots are mailed out in a timely manner. Judge Dianna Gibson delivered the ruling early Thursday following an emergency hearing on Wednesday evening.

We are extremely disappointed by the lower courts policymaking action from the bench. Its disheartening that the courts  not the 1.9 million Utah voters  will determine the future policies of our state. This underscores our concerns about governance by initiative as an out-of-state interest group from Washington, D.C., with seemingly unlimited funds, blocked Utah voters from voicing their opinions at the ballot box. The people who claim to advocate for greater voter engagement are the same ones who obstructed Utahns from having the opportunity to vote on this important matter, said Adams, R-Layton, and Schultz, R-Hooper, in a statement.

The statement continued, The courts actions have introduced significant uncertainty into the electoral process, raising concerns about the impartiality and timing of judicial interventions. Such interference during an ongoing election undermines public confidence in the integrity of the process. The court is denying the right of the people to vote and should not be exerting undue influence on this election.

We will not stop fighting for Utahns. Its critical we find a path forward that safeguards our state from external influence and keeps Utahs future in Utahs hands, said Adams and Schultz. We will continue to exhaust all options to prevent foreign entities from altering our state and clarify the over a century-long constitutional practice, including our appeal to the Utah Supreme Court. We urge them to undo this wrong and preserve the voices of Utahns.

Today, the court has ruled the legislatures bait-and-switch has failed, said Katharine Biele, League of Women Voters of Utah president, in a statement. Make no mistake, this rush to amend the constitution was unnecessary, and we hope lawmakers reconsider their tactics. Citizens voted them into office in good faith, a faith that they would respect their constituents and work transparently. We believe in representative government and the principles that make our democracy work. The court agrees.

It has been inspiring to see the outpouring of interest and support from a cross-partisan group of Utahns over the past few weeks as we worked together to advocate for fidelity to the constitution, said Emma Petty Addams, co-executive director of Mormon Women for Ethical Government in a statement. This ruling represents a positive and empowering outcome for the people of Utah.

Amendment D was a deceptive power grab written by two leaders of the legislature. We applaud the Courts decision and interpretation of the Utah Constitution to void Amendment D on the November ballot, said Ryan Bell, Better Boundaries board member. Amending our founding document should never be shrouded with misleading language and rushed in this fashion. Utahns overwhelmingly want and deserve a proper balance of power in our state government and the Court agreed.

The people of Utah are entitled to an accurate summary of any proposed constitutional amendment that impacts their fundamental rights and they are entitled to the constitutionally required notice, by publication in a newspaper two months before the election, said Gibson in the order. These requirements are fundamental to the integrity of our democracy.

The order said the ballots can be printed as certified, but the Lieutenant Governors Office is responsible for notifying all county clerks of the injunction. While Utah voters will still see the amendment on the ballot, votes will not be counted.

Gibson said the only real knowledge many voters have regarding an issue is the language they read on the ballot.

This court cannot say that the Amendment D ballot language fairly and accurately summarizes the proposed constitutional amendments for the average voter, said Gibson, adding, it likely violates the Utah Constitution. The order also said the Utah Legislature did not meet the requirement of causing the proposed amendment to be published in Utah newspapers.

The injunction promotes the public interest, said Gibson. The people of Utah are entitled to an accurate summary of any proposed constitutional amendment that impacts their fundamental rights and they are entitled to the constitutionally required notice, by publication in a newspaper two months before the election. These requirements are fundamental to the integrity of our democracy.

What this means for Utah voters

Utah voters will still see Amendment D on their ballots come November. But votes for it will not be counted.

Even if a Utah voter were to vote yes or no on the proposed amendment, the votes would not be counted because the amendment has been declared void.

Oral arguments on Wednesday

Wednesdays oral arguments started with the attorney for the League of Women Voters of Utah and Mormon Women for Ethical Government, Mark Gaber, who argued the proposed amendment would remove a constitutional right from voters: the ability to reform the government through the initiative process.

Amendment D proposes to eliminate that right and allow the government to unilaterally reject Utahns reforms for any or no reason at all, compelling, not narrowly tailored otherwise, said Gaber. But the language certified by the defendant doesnt reveal that.

Scrutiny is required when whats happening is a fundamental provision in the declaration of rights that has existed since the Constitution was created in 1895 is at issue, said Gaber.

Citing a Florida Supreme Court decision, Gaber said the court needs to extra vigilant in ensuring that the ballot language is not misleading voters into throwing away a constitutional right.

The attorney for the Utah Legislature, Tyler Green, said, There are 1.73 million Utahns who expect an election to be run the way its always been running fairly, and the relief that plaintiffs are asking for today fundamentally throws that into jeopardy.

Green said the upcoming election involves a presidential race as well as statewide races  removing the Amendment D from the ballot could impact the way the election is run.

The equities weigh so heavily in favor of making sure that the election itself can happen and can happen in a way that doesnt undermine voter confidence and voter integrity, said Green.

Attorney Mark Gaber, representing the League of Women Voters of Utah, presents during an injunction hearing in 3rd District Court in Salt Lake City, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, challenging the inclusion of Constitutional Amendment D on the general election ballot.

Reactions to the decision

Utah Senate Minority Leader Luz Escamilla and House Minority Leader Romero: We thank the plaintiffs for their commitment to ensuring Utahns voices are heard. By defending voters rights in court, they have played a vital role in protecting our democracy.

The court found Amendment D invalid due to its deceptive language and the Legislatures failure to publish the text as required. The Legislatures actions aimed to override voter decisions and increase their own power. By shifting responsibility for drafting the ballot question from nonpartisan staff to the President and Speaker, they allowed themselves to omit key details that would mislead voters.

Jeff Merchant, executive director for Alliance for a Better Utah: This ruling is a win for Utahns rights and a win for justice. The legislature failed to meet the constitutional deadline for transparency, and this rightfully got struck down. However, we should have never gotten to this point; Utahns deserve better from those who claim to represent.

Lawsuit filed to get amendment off ballot

Utah League of Women Voters and Mormon Women for Ethical Government filed a lawsuit to remove the proposed amendment from the ballot.

The suit was filed in Salt Lake Countys 3rd Judicial District Court. The two plaintiffs mentioned are also the groups that sued the Utah Legislature over redistricting. After a ballot initiative was passed by Utah voters, it was amended. The changes meant the Utah Legislature could select its own maps over the independent redistricting commissions proposed maps.

The Utah Legislature ended up doing so, and the plaintiffs sued. Litigation for that case is ongoing. This more recent lawsuit was filed because the plaintiffs say the language that would be on the ballot is deceiving.

We filed this suit because the ballot language of Constitutional Amendment D is deceptive and misleading, Emma Petty Addams, co-executive director of Mormon Women for Ethical Government told the Deseret News. It does not accurately represent the impact of the amendment and is therefore unconstitutional.

Mark Gaber, Campaign Legal Center attorney who worked on the suit, said, The language that they use is the exact opposite of what would happen if the amendment went into effect. In fact, it was designed to weaken the initiative process so that the legislature could, with unfettered power, repeal any initiative of the voters for any or no reason at all.

Arguments for removing the proposed amendment from the ballot.

The certified ballot summary for Amendment D flagrantly fails to disclose the effect of the Amendment and misleads and deceives voters, said the attorneys for the plaintiffs. Indeed, the ballot summary voters deceptively asks vote(r)s to surrender a fundamental constitutional right they have possessed since 1895 by encouraging them to vote yes in order to supposedly strengthen their initiative rights.

The attorneys said the proposed amendment would eliminate a constitutional right and fails to mention it would do that. Then, the attorneys also said the amendment would not strengthen the ability for citizens to pass initiatives and does not reflect the proposed amendments sweeping language.

This Constitution-free zone created by the Amendments text is a far cry from the existing constitutional provision, which strictly limits the Legislatures power to impair voter-initiated government reforms, said the attorneys.

The attorneys argued the ballot language violated the right to vote clause because it would unduly influence and distort the election outcome.

Because of the deceptive nature of the ballot summary, Utah voters cannot cast their ballots freely according to their own conscience, but rather would be deceived into surrendering existing constitutional rights by language that says they are protecting those rights, said the attorneys. Such an election is not free.

Attorney Tyler Green, representing the lieutenant governors office, presents during an injunction hearing in 3rd District Court in Salt Lake City, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, defending a challenge to the inclusion of Constitutional Amendment D on the general election ballot. | Chris Samuels

Response from attorneys for the Utah Legislature

Attorneys for the Legislature asked the court to allow Amendment D to remain on the ballot. In court documents, these attorneys said asking to remove the amendment from the ballot is a suppression tactic.

The alternative  an order to remove Amendment D  would inject confusion and potential catastrophic errors into the nearly final ballot-printing process, said the attorneys. Such an order would also almost certainly preclude appellate review.

In its argument to the court, the attorneys said Proposition 4 was funded by out-of-state special-interest groups and labor unions. Pointing to publicly available disclosures, they said the biggest donor was Action Now Initiative, a Texas based group founded by John and Lauren Arnold.

The attorneys said voters approved of the initiative in a vote with a 0.6% margin  6,944 votes. Then, the attorneys ran through the timeline: the changes the Legislature made to the initiative, how the Legislature redistricted and then how they were sued over it. After receiving a letter from several different organizations and local officials across the state, the attorneys said the Legislature convened a special session to put the proposed amendment on the ballot.

This proposed amendment is already certified by the Lieutenant Governors Office, said the attorneys. Afterward, it is up to Utahs 29 counties to proceed with printing and mailing ballots.

Arguments against removing the proposed amendment from the ballot.

Plantiffs demean the state and its voters by suggesting that they are incapable of considering the amendment. Plaintiffs also say, paradoxically, that the ballot is a suppression tactic. The only suppression tactic is plaintiffs demand to deny 1.73 million Utahns the right to vote, attorneys for the Utah Legislature argued.

The attorneys also pointed toward the potential violation of further laws if the amendment was removed from the ballot. Removing Amendment D would require coordination among all of the counties and their separate printers, cost the State up to $3 million, risk serious violations of federal law, and otherwise jeopardiz(e) the orderly election for all candidates and issues, not just Amendment D.

In addition, the attorneys said the plaintiffs do not meet the requirements for an injunction that would disrupt the election process. Plaintiffs do not grapple with Utah law, nor with analogous federal Purcell principles, which the Utah Supreme Court has relied upon.

The attorneys argued removing the proposed amendment from the ballot would deprive 1.73 million Utah voters from further review. One ballot printing begins tomorrow, returning Amendment D to the ballot would entail up to $3 million in costs and risk violating federal law.

Addressing the claim the ballot language was deceptive, the attorneys said, Plaintiffs subjective view that Amendment D eliminates a right is not grounds for removing or voiding the amendment.

The attorneys said the critique around the word strengthen, they said this critique ignores that, if approved, Amendment D will necessarily strengthen the initiative process by prohibiting foreign influences on the process. As for the word clarify, the attorneys said it is more accurate than describing the amendment to eliminate any right.

The full text of the proposed amendment has been covered by statewide media outlets, argued the attorneys, adding it will be available in a voter information pamphlet and at precincts.

Judge Dianna M. Gibson makes remarks during an injunction hearing in 3rd District Court in Salt Lake City, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, challenging the inclusion of Constitutional Amendment D on the general election ballot.

Ballot language

Here is the full text of the ballot language in question:

Should the Utah Constitution be changed to strengthen the initiative process by:

 Prohibiting foreign influence on ballot initiatives and referendums.

 Clarifying the voters and legislative bodies ability to amend laws.

If approved, state law would also be changed to:

 Allow Utah citizens 50% more time to gather signatures for a statewide referendum.

 Establish requirements for the legislature to follow the intent of a ballot initiative.

The proposed amendment text

Here is the text the Legislature proposed adding to the Utah Constitution:

(3) (a) Foreign individuals, entities, or governments may not, directly or indirectly, influence support, or oppose an initiative or a referendum.

(b) The Legislature may provide, by statute, definitions, scope, and enforcement of the prohibition under Subsection (3) (a).

(4) Notwithstanding any other provision of the Constitution, the peoples exercise of their Legislative power as provided in Subsection (2) does not limit or preclude the exercise of Legislative power, including through amending, enacting, or repealing a law, by the Legislature, or by a law making body of a county, city, or town, on behalf of the people whom they are elected to represent.
Donald Trump had two counts tossed from his criminal case in Georgia over his efforts to overturn the 2020 election, after the presiding judge decided on Thursday they fell under the supremacy clause in the US constitution that bars state prosecutors from charging federal crimes.

The supremacy clause declares that state law must yield to federal law when the two conflict, the Fulton county superior court judge Scott McAfee wrote in his order.

The judge decided that two charges against Trump and an additional count against several Trump allies, who were charged as co-defendants, should be struck. But he decided the remainder of the indictment  including the Rico racketeering charge  could remain.

Trump now faces eight charges, down from 13 charges. Trump pleaded not guilty to the sprawling 2020 election interference case in Fulton county last year along with 18 other co-defendants. Four have since taken plea deals and agreed to testify against the other defendants.

Related: Judge delays sentencing in Trump hush-money case until after US election

The charges that were dismissed against Trump  the filing of false documents and conspiring to file false documents  related to the Trump campaigns gambit to submit fake elector certificates declaring Trump as the winner even though he had lost.

The fake elector certificates were then sent to the National Archives ahead of the congressional certification of Joe Bidens election win on 6 January 2021, which the Fulton county district attorney, Fani Willis, charged as criminal forgery counts.

President Trump and his legal team in Georgia have prevailed once again. The trial court has decided that counts 15 and 27 in the indictment must be quashed/dismissed, Trumps lead lawyer, Steve Sadow, said in a statement.

The 22-page order issued by McAfee comes as the fate of the case hangs in the balance ahead of the Georgia appeals court deciding whether Willis can continue with the case, following her alleged relationship with her deputy, Nathan Wade.

McAfee declined to remove Willis from the case as long as Wade resigned to resolve the conflict of interest allegation, a decision that Trumps lawyers have appealed.

Trumps attorneys continue to argue that Willis has a conflict of interest, but also argued that she should have been disqualified for comments she made about the case at a speech at Big Bethel AME church in downtown Atlanta. In the wake of revelations about her relationship with Wade, Willis attributed the legal attack to racist motivations.

Separately on Thursday, McAfee rejected a motion from the former Trump lawyer John Eastman and Trump fake elector Shawn Still to toss the entire indictment on grounds that it relied on an overly broad interpretation of the Georgia state racketeering statute.
Judge drops more charges in Trump election interference case here in Georgia

The judge in the Fulton County election interference case has drop three more charges in the indictment against former President Donald Trump and 14 of his supporters and allies accused of trying to overturn the 2020 election here in Georgia.

Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee filed an order Thursday, saying Counts 14, 15, and 27 lie beyond this States jurisdiction and must be quashed.

Two of the charges specifically pertain to Trump.

His attorney here in Georgia, Steve Sadow, sent a statement to Channel 2 Action News, saying: President Trump and his legal team in Georgia have prevailed once again.

The counts deal with filing false charges.

Earlier this year, McAfee dropped six other charges in the indictment, with three of those impacting the former president.

RELATED STORIES:

The case is currently on hold as the Georgia Court of Appeals decides whether or not Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis can remain on the case.

Trump and other co-defendants filed a motion to remove Willis from the case over her relationship with special prosecutor Nathan Wade.

Willis and Wade acknowledged the relationship, which they said ended last summer, but they have argued it does not create any sort of conflict and has no bearing on the case.

Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee ruled that Willis would be allowed to stay on the case if Wade stepped aside. Wade resigned the same day as the ruling.

Trump and his attorneys later submitted an appeal arguing the indictment should have been dismissed, and that Willis and her team should have been disqualified from the case.

The appeal will be heard in front of three justices, and oral arguments in the case are expected in December.

Four of the original 19 people indicted have taken plea deals in the case.

At this point, eight charges remain against Trump.

RELATED NEWS:
A judge overseeing the Georgia case charging Donald Trump with conspiring to interfere in the 2020 election tossed out three more of the prosecutions charges Thursday, two of which involve the former president.

Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee said the three counts were legally flawed because they involved claims that Trump or his allies violated state law by submitting fraudulent documents to a federal court in Atlanta.

One count pertained to a lawsuit Trump filed there on Dec. 31, 2020 against Republican Gov. Brian Kemp in an attempt to block the certification of the states electoral votes in favor of Joe Biden.

The other two dismissed charges involve certifications sent to the federal court of a so-called alternate slate of electors that Trump aides and allies drafted as part of their efforts to try to dispute the results in Georgia. Similar efforts were made in other swing states.

McAfee said a U.S. Supreme Court decision from 1890 dictates that state courts do not have jurisdiction over alleged falsehoods told to federal ones.

Punishment for filing certain documents would enable a state to constrict the scope of materials assessed by a federal court and impair the administration of justice in that tribunal, McAfee wrote in a 22-page opinion. Georgia does not have a legitimate interest and jurisdiction to punish such statements.

The ruling is another in a string of recent legal victories for the former president and Republican presidential nominee, although it doesnt derail the case against him in Georgia, nor the most serious charge there of racketeering conspiracy. No trial date is currently set in the case, and there is no chance of one taking place before the November election where Trump faces Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee.

The criminal case brought against Trump in August 2023 by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis is largely on hold at the moment after a state appeals court agreed to take up the issue of whether Willis romantic relationship with a top prosecutor on the case, Nathan Wade, so tainted the prosecution that it must be dismissed or reassigned.

In March, McAfee ruled that either Willis or Wade must step aside from the case to avoid the appearance of conflict. Wade resigned a short time later.

The Georgia Court of Appeals has set arguments on that issue for Dec. 5 and froze the case until further notice for ten of the defendants, including Trump. McAfees ruling Thursday was on motions brought by two defendants who didnt join in the appeal, but the logic of his decision means that when and if the judge gets full control of the case he would almost certainly dismiss the two related counts against Trump.

In his ruling Thursday, McAfee rejected a broader argument by defense attorneys that almost all the actions in the indictment shouldnt be prosecuted in state court because they were fundamentally federal. For instance, the drafting of allegedly false elector certificates to be sent to the National Archives can be prosecuted by the state even though the archives are federally run, the judge concluded.

In March, McAfee knocked out six of the 41 counts in the case, including three against Trump. The judge said the charges could be re-filed with more detail.
A North Dakota judge vacated the states near-total abortion ban on Thursday, saying that a pregnant resident had a fundamental right to choose an abortion until their fetus was viable.

State District Judge Bruce Romanick also said that the ban was unconstitutionally void for vagueness in how it defined exceptions.

The ban, passed by the Republican-led state Legislature last year, allows abortions only in the case of rape or incest, and only then in the first six weeks of pregnancy, before many people know theyre pregnant. An exception also exists for patients facing life-threatening health risks.

The lawsuit challenging the ban was filed by several North Dakota physicians and the Red River Womens Clinic, which until 2022 was the states sole abortion provider. That summer, the clinic moved two miles away, from Fargo across the border to Moorhead, Minnesota.

Romanick found in his 24-page ruling, which is certain to be appealed by the deeply conservative state, that the North Dakota Constitution guarantees each individual, including women, the fundamental right to make medical judgments affecting his or her bodily integrity, health and autonomy, in consultation with a chosen health care provider free from government interference.

He also said that a woman has a right and responsibility to decide what her pregnancy demands of her in the context of her life and in the context of her health.

Tammi Kromenaker, the director of the Red River Womens Clinic, told the Daily Beast in a statement that Romanicks decision gave her hope.

I feel like the court heard us when we raised our voices against a law that not only ran counter to our state constitution, she said, but was too vague for physicians to interpret and which prevented them from providing the high quality care that our communities are entitled to.

Kromenaker said there were no plans as of Thursday to reopen the clinic in Fargo, according to the Associated Press, meaning that despite the ban being rolled back, the procedure will remain unavailable to patients in North Dakota.

The decision to move to Moorhead was made just weeks after the U.S. Supreme Court issued its 6-3 decision on Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization, overturning Roe v. Wade and 50 years of precedent.

Spokespeople for Republican Gov. Doug Burgum and the Republican State Attorney General Drew Wrigley did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Bridget Turbide, the executive director of North Dakota Right to Life, told The Washington Post that they were disheartened by the decision, which she said was not unexpected.

We are going to keep working and fighting for this issue, she said.

A total of 18 states currently ban abortion either completely or after six weeks of pregnancy. Legal challenges to many of them remain pending.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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FILE - People line up to vote near tents set up by candidates' supporters, Nov. 8, 2022, in Nolensville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey, File)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP)  A Tennessee judge has ruled that four people can't be denied their voting rights because their specific felony offenses bar them from having a gun, even under a state directive that added gun rights as a prerequisite to casting a ballot again.

But the four people requesting their voting rights back arent guaranteed to have them restored. Davidson County Criminal Court Judge Angelita Blackshear Daltons ruling last week grants the four petitions to get back full rights of citizenship, including voting, and the Nashville jurist excluded gun rights because their offenses spurred permanent gun bans.

However, if someone cant get their gun rights back because an offense disqualifies it, there is state case law that says they can still get their voting rights and other citizenship rights back, she ruled.

Earlier this year, Tennessee began requiring people with a felony conviction to get their right to bear arms back if they want their voting rights restored. The decision further toughened a strict, complicated system of voting rights restoration that had already been the subject of a federal lawsuit for years, leaving some people concerned they would have no shot at voting again because their offenses strip away gun rights for good.

The latest rulings dont require changes to the states system, but the four applicants now need their paperwork processed by state officials who have concluded that restoration of gun rights is necessary for getting back voting rights. Its unclear how they will treat the court actions.

Keeda Haynes, an attorney with the nonprofit Free Hearts representing the petitioners, said she hopes the state will side with the judges order, but shes unsure what will happen. In other instances, the state has denied voting rights restoration attempts when a judge has restored citizenship rights but included exceptions for gun rights, she said.

The fact that you cannot get your gun rights back should not preclude you from being able to register to vote, Haynes said, as Tennessees Oct. 7 voter registration deadline for the November election looms.

Advocates have warned that tying gun and voting rights restorations could permanently disenfranchise many more voters than state law specifies, because felony drug crimes and felonies involving violence prompt a ban on gun rights.

In turn, the judge ruled that full rights of citizenship can still be restored even when someone's gun rights still have to be barred due to restrictions in state law, citing a 2002 Tennessee Supreme Court ruling. She noted that the gun-banning offenses are not among those specified in state law as ineligible for voting rights restoration.

The Nashville district attorney's office offered similar legal reasoning in filings in the cases.

A spokesperson for the Tennessee secretary of state's office declined to comment on the ruling because of ongoing litigation.

A federal lawsuit filed in 2020 argued that the state has failed to make clear which officials can sign the necessary forms, provides no criteria for denial and offers no avenue for appeal, among other criticisms. Now it challenges the new restrictions as well.

The changes were established in July 2023. At the time, election officials interpreted a different state Supreme Court ruling that year as requiring people convicted of felonies to get their full citizenship rights restored by a judge, or show they were pardoned, before they could apply for reinstated voting rights. In January, the elections office confirmed that gun rights were among those required.

Voting rights advocates have argued that the state's legal interpretations have been way off base.

Tennessee had established a process under a 2006 law for people convicted of a felony to petition for voting rights restoration. It allows them to seek restoration if they can show they have served their sentences and do not owe outstanding court costs or child support. An applicant wouldnt have to go to court or get a governors pardon.

Now, applicants must get their citizenship rights back in court or through a pardon by a president, governor or other high-level official, then complete the old process.

Expungement offers a separate path to restore voting rights, but many felonies are ineligible.

Earlier this year, the Republican supermajority Legislature decided against making changes to let people go through voting rights restoration without also seeking their gun rights back. They also did not pass the elections office's tougher rules into state law. Instead, GOP leaders planned to study citizenship rights issues this summer and propose various changes next year. Lawmakers return in January.

Tennessee has more than 470,000 estimated disenfranchised felons, and they face a convoluted restoration process that is also unavailable for select offenses, according to a report from The Sentencing Project last updated in 2023. The report states that 9% of Tennessees voting age population is disenfranchised because of a felony conviction. Thats even higher for African Americans at more than 21%.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  Federal Judge David Alan Ezra ruled on Sep. 5 that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service applied the wrong standard while determining the conservation status of the Golden-Cheeked Warbler, a migratory bird that nests in Central Texas.

The ruling doesnt strip the species of its endangered status.

Golden-cheeked Warblers endangered status subject of legal battle

The question before the Court is not whether the Warbler should be delisted as endangered or even whether delisting may be warranted,and the Court has no view on those questions, Ezra wrote. This conclusion does not dictate or suggest that the statutory standard for proceeding to a 12-month review is satisfied, and, without such a finding, the Services statutory duty to undertake such a reviewis not triggered.

The ruling requires the Service to issue new findings on the warblers status within 90 days, if feasible. It also orders both parties to file a joint status report within that time frame.

Although the Service has twice failed to employ the correct evidentiary standard in reviewing the long-pending Petition, there is no reason to believe that the agency is acting in bad faith or that it is unprepared to adhere to the Courts decision, said Ezra in his order.

Attorneys for the defense said that they were disappointed by the judges decision, but would continue to fight for the Golden-Cheeked Warbler.

The court acknowledged evidence that the warbler still faces significant threats to its continued existence, said the defense attorneys in a statement. We are confident that the science shows that the Golden-Cheeked Warbler still needs the protections of the Endangered Species Act to survive.

Central Texas bird featured on stamps honoring Endangered Species Act

Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham said she was thrilled by the ruling, in a press release from the Texas Public Policy Foundation, which represented Texas in the lawsuit.

I look forward to the thorough review of the evidence we provided, which in part shows Golden-Cheeked Warblers are far more prevalent in Texas than originally reported, Buckingham said. It is my hope that their endangered status will ultimately be reconsidered, which will give property owners the ability to make decisions regarding their own land without the federal government impeding with an unjustified ESA classification.

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We recently published a list of 10 Best US Stocks to Buy Under $5. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Uranium Energy Corp. (NYSE:UEC) stands against the other stocks to buy under $5.

Investors are becoming increasingly nervous amid a slowing U.S. economy. Signs of weakness in consumer spending and manufacturing points to an economy that is overheating amid the high interest rate environment

In August, nonfarm payrolls grew by 142,000, an increase from 89,000 in July but short of the 161,000 forecast. The unemployment rate decreased to 4.2%, while the real unemployment rate climbed to 7.9%, the highest since October 2021.

According to Dan North, an economist at Allianz Trade, the recent string of economic data has been disappointing, signaling something is wrong. A slowing economy always takes a significant toll on investors sentiments in the equity market.

The slowdown comes when the stock market is at a pivotal level heading into the year-end. The leading market indices are hovering close to all-time highs amid a slowing economy that needs the U.S. Federal Reserve to tweak its monetary policy.

The earnings season has also added another caveat seen by increased volatility. After months of blockbuster gains, significant stock sell-offs linked to artificial intelligence and semiconductors have come into play. Geopolitical worries, the forthcoming presidential race, and shifts in Federal Reserve strategy usher in uncertainty.

Valuations have gotten out of hand as most stocks are trading way above their historical highs. Given that the stock market experiences about four deep pullbacks of more than 5% every year, there is growing concern that one could be on the way heading into the year-end.

Appearing in an interview on CNBC, George Lagarias, the head economist at Forvis Mazars, stated that although its impossible to predict the magnitude of the Federal Reserves upcoming rate adjustment, he is in favor of a 25-basis point reduction. Analysts do not see the need for a 50 basis point or more reduction as it could confuse the markets and the economy, portraying a sense of urgency.

A more profound interest rate cut would take a significant toll on stocks trading at premium valuations as they would be the hardest hit with heightened volatility. On the other hand, emerging stocks that havent caught the Streets attention yet could offer some good buying opportunities.

Currently, the market appears favorable for the growth of penny stocks and small-cap companies. Chris Retzler, portfolio manager at Needham Small Cap Growth Fund, suggests that while smaller companies are volatile, their long-term outlook is positive. He anticipates a market broadening in the second half of 2024, which could benefit smaller companies that have recently underperformed.

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Retzler highlights the liquidity of smaller companies as a key growth factor. As funds shift from larger to smaller companies, many small-cap stocks may see significant price increases. Additionally, the expectation of lower interest rates over the next year is favorable for penny stocks, which require less capital to see price and valuation growth.

Investing in penny stocks or small-cap companies can be risky due to their volatility and limited historical data. However, these high-risk investments can also offer substantial rewards for those with a higher risk tolerance. While many of these companies face significant issues, some are hidden gems.

Our Methodology

We screened for US-listed companies that are trading under $5 and picked the stocks that were the most popular among elite hedge funds and that analysts were bullish on. The stocks are ranked in ascending order of the number of hedge funds that have stakes in them.

At Insider Monkey we are obsessed with the stocks that hedge funds pile into. The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletters strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 275% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 150 percentage points (see more details here).

A mining worker in a hard hat and coveralls hammering away at the uranium rich walls of the mine.

Uranium Energy Corp. (NYSE:UEC)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 28

Current Share Price: $4.37

Uranium Energy Corp. (NYSE:UEC) is an energy company engaged in the exploration, pre-extraction, extraction, and processing of uranium and titanium concentrates in the United States, Canada, and Paraguay. It operates as a critical supplier of Uranium in the U.S. and Canada. It is one of the best U.S. stocks to buy under $5 as Uranium prices show signs of edging higher.

The stock sentiments received a significant boost early in the year after the spot price of Uranium rose from $49 to $95. While the price has since pulled back to about $68, Uranium Energy Corp. (NYSE:UEC) is one company well positioned to benefit as prices edge higher amid strong Uranium demand.

Uranium Energy Corp. (NYSE:UEC) is currently developing several projects in both North and South America, aiming to establish a reliable supply of nuclear fuel, provided that the demand for Uranium stays high. The use of nuclear energy appears to be attracting new supporters as a consistent source of power that does not release carbon dioxide, positioning it as a sustainable energy option.

Uranium Energy Corp. (NYSE:UEC)s competitive edge in the industry stems from its inked advantageous deals to buy Uranium when its price was quite low. The firm has created one of the biggest stockpiles of Uranium in the U.S. It obtained a contract from the U.S. Department of Energy to provide 300,000 pounds of U3O8 as part of the nations effort to create a local uranium reserve.

Uranium Energy Corp. (NYSE:UEC) has made a smart move by agreeing to purchase Uranium at record-low prices, which enables it to accumulate a cost-effective stockpile of the nuclear energy source. The earnings from selling this stockpile can, in turn, support the company in financing its extensive plans for developing mines, which is an intriguing narrative.

The company is well positioned to benefit from the U.S. government banning Russian uranium imports as the Nuclear Fuel Security Act also supports the growth of the U.S. uranium industry, ensuring a reliable supply of clean energy.

As of Q2 2024 end, 28 out of the 912 hedge funds part of Insider Monkeys database were Uranium Energy Corp. (NYSE:UEC)s investors. Richard Driehauss Driehaus Capital is the firms largest shareholder among these, as it owns 9.15 million shares that are worth $54.98 million.

Overall UEC ranks 7th on our list of best US stocks to buy under $5. While we acknowledge the potential of UEC as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold great promise for delivering high returns and doing so within a shorter timeframe. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than UEC but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.

READ NEXT: $30 Trillion Opportunity: 15 Best Humanoid Robot Stocks to Buy According to Morgan Stanley and Jim Cramer Says NVIDIA Has Become A Wasteland.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
A Delaware judge said that a jury will have to decide whether Newsmax engaged in actual malice against Smartmatic as the conservative news outlet amplified claims made by allies of Donald Trump that the voting machine company helped rig the 2020 presidential election.

The ruling from Judge Eric M. Davis is just the latest in a series of lawsuits filed by Smartmatic and another election systems company, Dominion Voting Systems, over claims made by Newsmax, One America News Network and Fox News guests and personalities in the aftermath of the election.

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Smartmatic sued Newsmax in November, 2021, claiming that as the network sought a larger audience, it published dozens of reports indicating that Smartmatic was in a criminal conspiracy to rig the results of the election, and that its technology and software were used to switch votes from former President Trump to now President Biden.

In his ruling, Davis wrote that there remains a dispute as to whether Newsmax recklessly disregarded the truth. On one hand, Newsmax argues it was simply reporting matter on a public concern and it had no duty to conduct its own investigation. On the other hand, Smartmatic believes Newsmax reported the allegations knowing they were false.

The judge added, The jury must determine if Newsmax was doing what media organizations typically doinform the public of newsworthy eventsor did Newsmax purposely avoid the truth and defame Smartmatic.

Davis also ruled that the statements regarding Smartmatic software or voting machines altering the results of the Election are factually false. The reports and investigations conducted by multiple state and federal agencies since the Election universally come to the same result.

Smartmatic did not provide any election machine software outside of Los Angeles during the cycle, Davis noted.

Among other things, the judge cited internal emails, including those from Newsmax host Bob Sellers and producer Jerry Burke.

How long are we going to have to play along with election fraud? Sellers wrote on Nov. 13, So the election official, who did his job and is assuring Americans that their votes are valid, will get fired because Trumps narrative is that there was widespread fraud, for which there is no evidence.

A trial is scheduled to begin on Sept. 30.

Read the Newsmax opinion.

In his ruling, the judge rejected Smartmatics claims that it was defamed by statements made on Newsmax about its prior history in Venezuela.

Davis wrote, Smartmatic fails to explain how the statements concerning its history in Venezuela is materially false nor has Smartmatic proven it is false. Venezuelan government financing agencies invested over $200,000 into a smaller company owned by some of the same owners as Smartmatic. Scholarly studies conducted by Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology found the Venezuelan election was compromised.

The judge added, The statements regarding Smartmatic and its ties to Venezuela are substantially true or present a triable issue of fact; and there has been reporting on the same in the United States as early as 2006 when Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney first raised concerns.

In August, a federal grand jury in Florida indicted Smartmatic executives on allegations related to a bribery scheme in the Philippines. Smartmatic said that the employees indicted were placed on leave. No voter fraud has been alleged and Smartmatic is not indicted, the company said.

Davis also ruled that the jury would have to decide whether Newsmaxs coverage of the aftermath of the election was protected by the neutral reporting privilege. He cited, among other things, a clip in which Newsmax personality Greg Kelly is interviewing Sidney Powell, one of the leading purveyors of the claim that the election was rigged.

We have so much evidence I feel like its coming in through a firehose, Powell said in one clip.

Kelly responded, I believe her and I dont believe the critics and the naysayers. Why? Because quite frankly, they dont deserve credibility anymore.

Davis wrote, A jury could easily find that such a statement is not neutral or disinterested.

He also ruled that a jury will have to decide whether Newsmax was protected by a Florida fair reporting privilege as one of its correspondents, Emerald Robinson, as she reported on an affidavit in which a whistleblower claimed to have firsthand experience of manipulating vote software called Smartmatic in the 2013 presidential election in Venezuela. Smartmatic, though, noted that the affidavit, filed with a Georgia lawsuit by Trump allies, was not sworn or signed.

Ms. Robinson reported the affidavits were sworn when they were not, Davis wrote. A reasonable jury could find Ms. Robinsons misstatement was material so the fair report privilege may not apply. Conversely, a reasonable jury could find that because the contents were read accurately, the fact that the affidavit is sworn or unsworn is immaterial.

The judge also rejected Smartmatics contention that Newsmax was guilty of express malice, where the primary intent of publishing the statement was to injure a plaintiff. Davis found that there is no evidence that Newsmax acted with evil intent towards Smartmatic or that Newsmaxs proceeded with the intention to hurt Smartmatic. The record is devoid of facts showing that Newsmax harbored any evil or a motive arising from spite or ill as to Smartmatic. He cited a November, 2020 email that Newsmax CEO Chris Ruddy sent to hosts and producers in which he makes it clear to his staff that Newsmax cannot project Biden the winner because Pres. Trump is contesting the election. . . and he believes the President has a right to have a recount or review of these votes.'

Erik Connolly, Smartmatics lead trial attorney, said in a statement, Todays ruling vindicates our position. As we have said before, Newsmaxs own people knew they had no proof that Smartmatic was involved in any type of fraud involving the 2020 election, and yet they continued to peddle that false narrative. Newsmax must be held accountable to the fullest extent under law. We look forward to going to trial and presenting our case.

In a statement, Newsmax said, While Newsmax is disappointed that any part of Smartmatics lawsuit is going to trial as we believe it is a threat to a free press, we are pleased that the Court found no evidence that Newsmax acted with evil intent toward Smartmatic and that the neutral and fair reporting privileges are available to Newsmax at trial.

Newsmax also noted that Davis cited Smartmatic controversies in Venezuela and the Philippines.

The DOJ alleged Smartmatic executives engaged in money laundering and allegedly bribed an election official, Newsmax said.

Smartmatic can hardly claim that Newsmaxs coverage harmed its reputation. This case is not about the left versus right, but about a free press being allowed to do its job.

Davis also presided over Dominions defamation lawsuit against Fox News. Just as the case was about to go to trial, the network settled the litigation for $787.5 million.

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YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  A man who pleaded guilty in June to possessing child sex abuse material was sentenced Thursday to four years and nine months in prison in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court.

Read next: Missing man found dead in Mahoning County

Derrick Earvin, 24, was sentenced by Judge Anthony Donofrio on three counts of illegal use of a minor in a nudity-oriented performance and three counts of pandering obscenity.

Police searched Earvins Arcadia Lane home in May 2023 after receiving several tips from the state Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Several electronic devices were found during the search that showed sexual abuse of children, police said.

He was indicted on January 4 by a grand jury.

Assistant Prosecutor Daniel Yozwiak asked for a sentence of seven years in prison. Yozwiak said the case was investigated after the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force received a tip that Earvin was downloading and trading child sex abuse material online.

Yozwiak said that Earvin also had a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old girl and he had similar convictions in juvenile court and that he admitted accessing child sex abuse material online.

Assistant Prosecutor Mark Lavelle said his client is suffering from a mental illness, but he also added that his client knows with his previous record that he would be going to prison for some period of time.

Lavelle said his client does need treatment but the state prison system is not a good place for him to get treatment.

Lavelle said his client has been asking for help and that he has been honest about his crimes.

Earvin told the judge he was sorry for his actions and he knows his actions were very, very serious. Im very disappointed in myself.

Earvin said the girl he was in a relationship with lied to him about her age.

Judge Donofrio said he agreed with Lavelle that people like his client are wired differently, but Earvina past history do not make him a good candidate for probation.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
EMW Women's Surgical Center before it closed. (Photo by Deborah Yetter)

Franklin Circuit Judge Phillip Shepherd has scheduled a hearing Sept. 27 on whether to unseal a case that appears to involve efforts by the Kentucky attorney generals office to subpoena employment records of two University of Louisville physicians who previously provided abortion services at a private clinic in Louisville.

Shepherds order Thursday comes a month after the Kentucky Court of Appeals rejected the attorney generals efforts to obtain the employment records through a grand jury subpoena, calling it a fishing expedition.

While the appeals court identified the plaintiffs only by pseudonyms Jane Doe 1 and Jane Doe 2, and the employer as John Roe, the Kentucky Lantern, citing sources with knowledge of the case, reported Aug. 9 that the case involved two U of L physicians, and their part-time employer, EMW Womens Surgical Center, where the physicians provided abortion care and trained medical residents.

Parties have not commented on the details of the case, which remains sealed.

Abortion services have been largely banned in Kentucky under state law since the U.S. Supreme Court in 2022 overturned the 1973 landmark Roe v. Wade decision which had established abortion as a constitutional right. Kentucky law now permits abortion only to save the life of a patient or prevent disabling injury.

Shepherds order Thursday said secrecy prevented the press or public from getting involved in the proceedings because they had no knowledge of the pendency of the case.

Members of the public or press who might have objected to the sealing of the record had no notice or opportunity to be heard  nor was any party who might have objected to the sealing of the record able to participate in the appeal, he said.

Shepherd has directed that any party, including the press or public, who wants to intervene in the case or be heard over the matter of keeping the record sealed, file a motion with the court by Sept. 20.

The Kentucky Supreme Court has held that the public and the press have a right to be heard in connection with any decision to close judicial proceedings, his order said.

The dispute arose last year under former Attorney General Daniel Cameron, an anti-abortion Republican, who sought a subpoena for employment records of Jane Doe 1 and 2. The effort followed a call from some Republican legislators for an investigation into whether the public salaries of the doctors, on the faculty at U of L medical school, overlapped with any payments they received for their work at EMW.

But the clinic and the doctors went to Franklin Circuit Court to quash the subpoenas as improper, initially asking the case be sealed to protect their privacy. Camerons office also asked that it be sealed to protect the secrecy of the investigation.

The judge agreed to quash, or reject the subpoenas, but the attorney general appealed the decision and also asked the appeals court to order that the case remain sealed while an appeal was pending.

Shepherds order notes that the parties  Jane Does 1 & 2 and the employer  took no position on whether the records should remain sealed at that point.

Meanwhile, Cameron left office at the end of 2023 and Republican Russell Coleman took over as attorney general in 2024, taking over the case.

On Aug. 9, the appeals court rejected the attorney generals efforts to obtain the employment records of the two Jane Does with a subpoena, saying it was outside the scope of his office.

It also sent the case back to Shepherd to determine whether the case should now be unsealed, which he will take up at the hearing Sept. 27.

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A Chicago court ruled this week that Trump Tower in Chicago violated the Illinois environmental protection law with its use of water from the Chicago River.

In his ruling, Cook County Circuit Court Judge Thaddeus L. Wilson sided with a 2018 lawsuit from Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul (D) and a coalition of environmental groups. Raouls office filed the suit based on a referral from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, which accused the building of neglecting to obtain necessary Clean Water Act permits for its cooling water intake system.

Later that same year, Raouls office, Trump International, as well as the Sierra Club and Friends of the Chicago River, agreed to join an interim order requiring the building to abide by expired National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits and report its daily discharges of heated water.

Last year, Raoul amended the suit to further accuse Trump Tower of violating both state law and state pollution control board rules, alleging it underreported discharge figures for several years.

Structures of the towers size are required under federal law to conduct studies of their water intake due to the amount of marine life affected by the process.

In the summary judgment, Wilson ruled the Trump Organization liable on all counts. Raouls office said in a statement that it intended to seek an injunction and civil penalties at a future hearing, which has not yet been scheduled.

The recovery of the Chicago River into the healthy heart of our downtown is a major accomplishment for the people of Chicago and the Clean Water Act, said Sierra Club Illinois Director Jack Darin. Trump Tower openly violated the Clean Water Act for years, putting the river and the wildlife that call it home at risk. Were proud to hold these scofflaws accountable, and applaud our pro bono attorneys and the Attorney General for stepping up to protect our river and its recovery.

When the lawsuit was initially filed, during the Trump presidency, the organization alleged it was politically motivated.

The Hill has reached out to the Trump Organization for comment on this weeks ruling.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
An active oil field on Rockwood Street sits near Alliance Ted K. Tajima High School in Los Angeles. Last week, a Los Angeles Superior Court judge struck down a law passed by the city to phase out oil wells. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

A high-profile law intended to phase out oil production within Los Angeles city limits has been struck down by a judge who ruled that the state, not the city, has jurisdiction over many aspects of drilling operations.

The ruling by Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Curtis A. Kin invalidated a law spearheaded by environmental justice activists and unanimously backed by the L.A. City Council in 2022. The law barred new oil and gas extraction and required that all existing operations stop production within 20 years.

However, the ruling could be moot if Gov. Gavin Newsom signs a bill allowing cities and counties to reduce or eliminate oil and gas operations. Assembly Bill 3233 recently passed the state legislature and is on the governor's desk.

Los Angeles has dozens of oil and gas fields and more than 5,000 oil and gas wells. Activists say that low-income communities of color are disproportionately harmed by the wells, which are largely concentrated in Wilmington and the harbor areas, as well as downtown, West L.A., South L.A. and the northwest San Fernando Valley.

Oil wells emit likely carcinogens, including benzene and formaldehyde, and living near wells is linked to health problems including respiratory issues and preterm births, according to studies.

In a 16-page ruling dated Sept. 6, Kin wrote that "while the city has a general interest in protecting the health of and environment for its residents, with respect to oil and gas production, the [state] is charged with balancing those concerns for all Californians, along with meeting the energy needs of the state."

A representative for Warren Resources, one of several companies that sued the city last year over the ban, didnt immediately respond to a request for comment.

Representatives for City Atty. Hydee Feldstein Soto, City Council President Paul Krekorian and Councilmember Katy Yaroslavsky, who chairs the city's committee on energy and the environment, declined to comment.

Stand Together Against Neighborhood Drilling, a coalition of community groups that campaigned to pass the law, blasted the ruling in a statement.

Read more: In historic move, Los Angeles bans new oil wells, phases out existing ones

It is appalling that the oil industry has been given a free pass to continue their harmful and racist business practices. We will not stop fighting! STAND-L.A. wrote on the social media platform X.

"This isn't the final word," Tyler Earl, senior staff attorney for Communities for a Better Environment, which is part of STAND, said in an interview. "There is a variety of different ways that this will not be the final, final decision."

Earl cited the state bill and said the city can appeal the ruling.

In his ruling, Kin cited a recent California Supreme Court case involving a Monterey County ballot initiative that barred oil drilling. The court sided with Chevron and other oil companies, ruling that state regulations took precedence over the county ban.

While the city [of L.A.] has the authority to determine the location of wells within its boundaries, wrote Kin, citing the Chevron case, the Ordinance at issue here goes beyond the regulation of location and bars or regulates the oil production methods that may be used to extract oil from existing wells.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks to reporters in the spin room after a presidential debate with Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

ATLANTA (AP)  The judge overseeing the Georgia election interference case against Donald Trump and others on Thursday tossed out three counts in the indictment  including two counts brought against the former president  saying that they lie beyond the states jurisdiction.

The case against Trump and others who are appealing an order allowing Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis to continue prosecuting the case is on hold while that appeal is pending. But Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee issued orders Thursday based on motions filed by two defendants, Shawn Still and John Eastman, who are not part of that appeal, meaning the case against them is not paused.

In the Georgia case  one of four criminal prosecutions against the Republican presidential nominee  a grand jury in August 2023 returned a 41-count indictment against Trump and 18 others, accusing them of participating in a wide-ranging conspiracy to illegally try to overturn Trumps narrow loss in the 2020 presidential election in Georgia. Four people pleaded guilty last year after reaching deals with prosecutors.

Trump and other defendants tried to get Willis and her office removed from the case, arguing that a romantic relationship she had with Nathan Wade, the special prosecutor she hired to lead the case, created a conflict of interest. McAfee ruled that there was not a conflict of interest that warranted Willis disqualification, as long as Wade left the case. Trump and others have appealed, and the Georgia Court of Appeals is scheduled to hear arguments in December.

The judge in March had thrown out six counts of the indictment, a ruling that prosecutors are appealing. Even with a total of nine counts quashed, 32 counts remain, including an overarching racketeering charge brought against all of the defendants.

At issue in Thursdays ruling are two counts having to do with the filing of a document with the federal court in Atlanta that declared that Trump had won the state of Georgia and 16 Republicans who signed the document were the duly elected and qualified electors from the state.

One of the counts charges three of those Republicans, including Still, with filing false documents. The other charges Trump and others, including Eastman, with conspiracy to file false documents.

McAfee wrote that punishing someone for filing certain documents with a federal court would enable a state to constrict the scope of materials assessed by a federal court and impair the administration of justice in that tribunal to police its own proceedings. He conclude that those two counts must be quashed as beyond the jurisdiction of this State.

The third count charges Trump and Eastman with filing false documents, saying they knowingly and unlawfully filed a a lawsuit with the federal court in Atlanta while having reason to know that the document included at least one materially false statement about the 2020 election in Georgia.

McAfee cited case law that says complaints filed in federal court fall within the scope federal perjury statutes and said the charge must be quashed.

A spokesman for Willis said prosecutors are reviewing the order and declined to comment.

Buddy Parker, a lawyer for Eastman, in an email applauded McAfees ruling. Steve Sadow, Trumps lead attorney, also celebrated the dismissal of two charges against the former president, saying in an email that Trump and his Georgia legal team have prevailed once again.

Lawyers for Eastman, Still and other defendants had argued that the Republicans who acted as electors for Trump were within their rights and were acting as provided for by the federal Electoral Count Act. McAfee wrote that that statute is intended to govern the counting of electoral votes by Congress and that the states prosecution is not barred because it doesnt impair that vote counting. While the Trump electors may have believed their actions were legal, that is a matter for trial and not a pretrial motion, the judge wrote.

In a separate order Thursday, McAfee rejected Eastman and Stills attempt to dismiss the broad racketeering count in the indictment. That count is supported by 161 alleged acts that defendants are accused of engaging in to accomplish a common goal of challenging Trumps electoral loss.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in July that former presidents have absolute immunity from prosecution for official acts that fall within their exclusive sphere of constitutional authority and are presumptively entitled to immunity for all official acts. McAfee noted that his rulings do not take that into account because those issues have not yet been fully briefed or argued by the parties in the case before him.
The judge overseeing former President Donald Trump's election interference in Georgia on Thursday dismissed two of the remaining 10 against him. Photo by Archie Carpenter/UPI

Sept. 12 (UPI) -- The judge overseeing former President Donald Trump's election interference case in Georgia's state court on Thursday dismissed two more of the remaining counts against the 2024 Republican nominee.

In a decision that extends a recent streak of legal victories for Trump across several cases, Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee quashed a pair of criminal counts leveled against him, reducing the number of charges now faces in Georgia from 10 to eight.

Trump originally faced 13 counts in broad-ranging indictment brought against him and 18 of his supporters in August 2023 by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, but McAfee likewise tossed out three of those in March.

Trump and the others were charged for allegedly trying to subvert the 2020 presidential election results in Georgia. Trump has pleaded not guilty.

The proceedings have been on hold since June after the Georgia Court of Appeals ordered a pause as it considers an effort by Trump's attorneys to have Willis dismissed from the case for alleged misconduct. That decision likely delayed any criminal trial until after November's election.

In his 22-page decision, McAffe on Thursday upheld a motion brought by two of Trump's co-defendants, lawyer John Eastman and Georgia Republican State Sen. Shawn Still, seeking the dismissal of Counts 14, 15 and 27, which relate to an alleged effort to certify "fake" Electoral College electors falsely claiming Trump had won the state's vote.

Those counts are a federal matter and not under the state's jurisdiction, he ruled. Two of them, Counts 15 and 27, applied to the former president.

"Because Counts 14, 15 and 27 lie beyond this State's jurisdiction and must be quashed, the Defendants' motions to dismiss the indictment under the Supremacy Clause are granted in part," McAfee wrote.

"Punishment for filing certain documents would enable a state to constrict the scope of materials assessed by a federal court and impair the administration of justice in that tribunal," he added.

McAfee, however, rejected the defendants' pleas to have the entire case dismissed.

"President Trump and his legal team in Georgia have prevailed once again," Trump lawyer Steven Sadow said in a statement issued to media outlets.

The ruling comes as Trump has scored a string of legal victories in recent months. Last week, the judge overseeing his "hush money" criminal case in New York postponed his sentencing until after Election Day. It had previously been planned for Sept. 18. In that case, Trump was convicted of 34 counts of falsifying business records.

On July 15, the federal judge in charge of Trump's prosecution from allegedly mishandling classified documents dismissed it on the grounds that the appointment of special counsel Jack Smith was unconstitutional. Smith's team filed for an appeal last month.
Judge Dianna M. Gibson listens to arguments during an injunction hearing in 3rd District Court in Salt Lake City, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, challenging the inclusion of constitutional Amendment D on the general election ballot. (Pool photo by Chris Samuels/The Salt Lake Tribune)

In a remarkable ruling issued Thursday morning  the second time in less than three months the courts have rebuked the Utah Legislature  a judge declared a controversial constitutional amendment question on the Nov. 5 ballot void.

After hearing oral arguments less than 24 hours prior, 3rd District Court Judge Dianna Gibson sided with plaintiffs who alleged the ballot language of constitutional Amendment D (which would enshrine the Utah Legislatures power to repeal and replace ballot initiatives), violated the Utah Constitution because it was false and misleading  written to trick voters into giving up their constitutional rights.

The people are entitled to an accurate summary of any proposed constitutional amendment that impacts their fundamental rights and they are entitled to the constitutionally required notice, by publication in a newspaper two months before the election, the judge wrote. These requirements are fundamental to the integrity of our democracy.

The same plaintiffs (the League of Women Voters of Utah, Mormon Women for Ethical Government, and individual voters from Salt Lake County) have been in a yearslong legal battle alleging the Utah Legislature engaged in unlawful gerrymandering and violated the Utah Constitution when it repealed and replaced Better Boundaries 2018 voter-approved ballot initiative that required lawmakers to use an independent redistricting commission. That same case is also before Gibson after it was remanded back to district court by the Utah Supreme Court.

Plaintiffs argued Amendment D should be struck from the ballot entirely. While the judge wrote removing it would be legally justifiable, she opted to keep the language on the ballot because striking it so close to ballot printing deadlines may jeopardize Utahs ability to comply with all election deadlines and may significantly increase the parties exposure to legal, financial and timing risks when it comes to the Nov. 5 election.

That also allows the ballot question to remain in case state officials successfully appeal the decision.

However, the judge also noted state officials were somewhat responsible for the impact on ballot printing by holding a special session to place the constitutional amendment on the ballot so close to the general election.

They truncated the deadlines, sidestepped normal processes, and proposed in short order a constitutional amendment, with inaccurate descriptions, to shift power from the people to the Legislature, the judge wrote.

When the Utah Supreme Court issued a unanimous opinion in July remanding the anti-gerrymandering case back to district court, that ruling set limits on the Utah Legislatures power to repeal and replace government reform initiatives.

At the time, the Republican-controlled Utah Legislature reacted with defiance. The Legislature called itself into an emergency special session last month to sidestep the Utah Supreme Courts interpretation of the constitution and instead ask voters to rewrite the Utah Constitution in favor of lawmakers interpretation of their power over ballot initiatives.

Anti-gerrymandering groups then sued, alleging Amendment Ds ballot language written by top Republican legislative leaders was false and misleading because it mischaracterized the true effect of the constitutional amendment. While the ballot question said the amendment would strengthen and clarify Utahs ballot initiative process if passed, plaintiffs argued in court it would actually weaken voter initiatives because it would enshrine in the Utah Constitution the Legislatures power to change or repeal any ballot initiative.

Plaintiffs also successfully argued state officials failed to meet publication requirements for proposed constitutional amendments. The Utah Constitution explicitly states the Legislature shall cause the text of constitutional amendments to be published in at least one newspaper in every county of the state, where a newspaper is published, for two months immediately preceding the next general election.

The judge ruled the Utah Legislature failed to meet those requirements.

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While the Legislature has every right to request the amendment, it has the duty and the obligation to accurately communicate the subject matter of the proposed amendment to voters and to publish the text of the amendment to voters and to publish the text of the amendment in a newspaper in each county two months before the election, Gibson wrote in her order. It has failed to do both.

State election officials, whose attorneys had urged the judge to issue a ruling Wednesday night because they needed to begin printing the first batches of ballots Thursday, accepted the judges ruling.

We appreciate the courts prompt attention and serious consideration of this matter. State and county election officials will move forward as ordered, Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson said in a prepared statement.

Better Boundaries board member Ryan Bell issued a celebratory statement in reaction to the ruling.

Amendment D was a deceptive power grab written by two leaders of the legislature. We applaud the Courts decision and interpretation of the Utah Constitution to void Amendment D on the November ballot, Bell said. Amending our founding document should never be shrouded with misleading language and rushed in this fashion. Utahns overwhelmingly want and deserve a proper balance of power in our state government and the Court agreed.

Utah Senate President Stuart Adams, R-Layton, and House Speaker Mike Schultz, R-Hooper, issued another scathing statement in response to the ruling, saying they were extremely disappointed by the lower courts policymaking action from the bench.

Its disheartening that the courts  not the 1.9 million Utah voters  will determine the future policies of our state, the House speaker and Senate president said. This underscores our concerns about governance by initiative as an out-of-state interest group from Washington D.C., with seemingly unlimited funds, blocked Utah voters from voicing their opinions at the ballot box.

Their statement appears to be referring to Campaign Legal Center, a nonprofit based in the nations capital with a mission of advancing democracy through the law, fighting for every Americans right to participate in and affect the democratic process, according to its website. The Campaign Legal Center joined the League of Women Voters of Utah and other plaintiffs in the lawsuit fighting to void Amendment D.

Adams and Schultzs statement continued, going on to question the judges impartiality and claiming interference in the election.

The courts actions have introduced significant uncertainty into the electoral process, raising concerns about the impartiality and timing of judicial interventions. Such interference during an ongoing election undermines public confidence in the integrity of the process, they said. The court is denying the right of the people to vote and should not be exerting undue influence on this election.

In what critics characterized as a red herring to entice voters, Utahs legislative leaders added a second prong to Amendment D that would also ban foreign individuals, entities or governments from influencing an initiative or referendum. There is no evidence that foreign entities have contributed to any ballot initiatives or referenda in Utah, but legislative leaders argued its meant to prevent it from ever happening.

But the biggest constitutional change at the heart of Amendment D would make clear the Utah Legislature has the ultimate power to amend, enact or repeal any law adopted by a ballot initiative.

Thats even though the Utah Supreme Court interpreted the Utah Constitution as granting voters the right to alter or reform their government through ballot initiative, and ruled the Utah Legislature does not have unfettered discretion to change laws enacted by ballot initiatives and cannot change government reform initiatives in ways that impair the reform. Lawmakers could, however, make legislative changes to government reform initiatives if theyre able to show they were narrowly tailored to advance a compelling government interest, according to the Utah Supreme Court ruling.

Utahs top Republican legislative leaders, however, argued the constitutional amendment was needed because the Utah Supreme Courts ruling paved the way for invincible super laws enacted by ballot initiatives that the Utah Legislature would have no way of changing and invite California-style governance to the Beehive State. They have criticized the ruling as one that upset a 100-year balance in the powers theyve long assumed the Utah Constitution granted the Legislature.

Adams and Schultz said they would continue to fight. A Senate spokesperson said state officials plan to appeal the decision, which could bring the case before the Utah Supreme Court.

We will not stop fighting for Utahns, Adams and Schultz said. Its critical we find a path forward that safeguards our state from external influence and keeps Utahs future in Utahs hands. We will continue to exhaust all options to prevent foreign entities from altering our state and clarify the over a century-long constitutional practice, including our appeal to the Utah Supreme Court. We urge them to undo this wrong and preserve the voices of Utahns.

Utah Democrats celebrated the ruling. Senate Minority Leader Luz Escamilla, D-Salt Lake City, and House Minority Leader Angela Romero, D-Salt Lake City, issued a joint statement thanking the plaintiffs for defending Utah voters rights and playing a vital role in protecting our democracy.

The Legislatures actions aimed to override voter decisions and increase their own power, Escamilla and Romero said. By shifting responsibility for drafting the ballot question from nonpartisan staff to the President and Speaker, they allowed themselves to omit key details that would mislead voters.

Escamilla and Romero also criticized GOP legislative leaders for not acknowledging the role they played that led to Thursdays court decision.

While the Republican supermajority claims this decision undermines the peoples ability to decide on the amendment, they ignore their own role in distorting the process, they said. Their manipulation of the wording, failure to publish the amendment as required, and withholding critical information, have deliberately obstructed a fair and transparent vote.

Escamilla and Romero also urged Utah voters to stay informed and engaged as the situation develops.

Protecting the integrity of our democracy is essential to ensuring the will of the people is respected, they said. We are committed to defending a system that amplifies, rather than undermines, voters voices.

Read the judges full ruling here:

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Alaska lawyer Joshua Kindred speaks during a judicial nomination hearing at the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary in 2019

By Nate Raymond

(Reuters) -The federal judiciary's top policymaking body has made a referral to the U.S. House of Representatives for lawmakers to consider potentially impeaching a now-former federal judge in Alaska who resigned after being accused of sexual misconduct.

A spokesperson for Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson on Thursday said he had received a letter containing a notification from the U.S. Judicial Conference of possible grounds for former U.S. District Judge Joshua Kindred's impeachment.

The referral was a rarity for the Judicial Conference, which U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts heads. It last made such a referral in 2015. Only 15 judges have ever been impeached, and only eight have been convicted by the Senate.

It was unclear what the House would do with the referral. While Kindred is no longer in office, he could be barred from holding any federal office in the future if he was impeached in the Republican-controlled House and convicted in the Democratic-led Senate.

Kindred could not be reached for comment.

Kindred, who was appointed to the bench by Republican former President Donald Trump in 2020, resigned in July after a judicial misconduct inquiry found he fostered an inappropriate sexualized relationship with one of his law clerks and created a hostile work environment for court employees.

The 9th Circuit Judicial Council's inquiry found that he went on to have two sexual encounters with the clerk in October 2022 after she took a new job in the U.S. Attorney's Office in Alaska, which he later lied about.

The inquiry found that Kindred also used crude language with his law clerks and discussed with them his sex life, their relationships and his "disparaging" views of colleagues and public figures.

The judicial council reprimanded Kindred and asked for his voluntary resignation. The council had also certified the matter for the Judicial Conference to consider referring Kindred for potential impeachment.

The Judicial Conference's Committee on Judicial Conduct and Disability last month upheld the decision.

Representative Hank Johnson of Georgia, the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee's courts subcommittee, in a statement said he was glad the Judicial Conference took the allegations seriously and made the impeachment referral.

"The behavior exhibited by former Judge Kindred is despicable and unbecoming of any federal judge," he said.

(Reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston; editing by Diane Craft and Jonathan Oatis)
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes)  Our Beloved Julia Denise Brown, 70, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, September 5, 2024, with her daughter and dear friend right by her side. A devoted mother, beloved nana, and cherished retired educator, she was a rare jewela gift to all who knew her and a radiant spirit that will be forever remembered.

Born on June 3, 1954, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Rev. Jesse Benjamin Hockett and Ernestine Elizabeth Hockett, Julia was a product of the Cleveland Public School System.

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During her school years, an educator who became like a second mother, Eleanor Bailey Avery, inspired Julia to pursue higher education. She attended Hiram College, where she earned a Bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education.

While at Hiram, Julia served as the secretary of the campus ministry. In 1974, she was baptized in Jesus name and filled with the Holy Ghost at Pentecostal Church of Christ, Cleveland, Ohio, under Bishop Charles W. Watkins. Her spiritual journey and purpose-driven career began when the then Elder Norman L. Wagner visited Hiram and spoke at a chapel service. This encounter led Julia and a group of college students to travel regularly to Youngstown, Ohio, for services at Mount Calvary Pentecostal Church. Julias fellowship with the church community led her to complete her student teaching at Calvary Christian Academy during its inaugural year.

In 1977, Julia D. Hockett married Ernest E. Huffman Brown and moved to Youngstown, where she built a legacy as an educator that spanned generations. She and Ernest shared 26 years of marriage, raising three daughters who lovingly called her Mommy. As a guiding light for her daughters, she nurtured them with reminders of Gods promises, wisdom, and joy. Her love extended deeply to her two granddaughters, who affectionately called her Nana. She was their biggest cheerleader, encouraging their dreams and celebrating every milestone with pride. Julia lived a life filled with faith, grace, kindness, and unwavering love.

Julia dedicated nearly 40 years of steadfast service to education and ministry, teaching at Calvary Christian Academy and Legacy Academy for Leaders & the Arts for the majority of her career. Her teaching was more than a job; it was her calling. She touched lives, imparting gems of knowledge that would shine for years, inspiring countless students and colleagues with her passion and dedication.

Known for her gentle spirit and generous heart, she was a rare jewelunique, beautiful, and precious. Her laughter was infectious, her smile could light up any room, and her kind words were always perfectly timed. She loved unconditionally, gave selflessly, and lived her life with an elegance that reflected her deep faith.

Julia will be deeply missed by her daughters: EAngele Crista Brown of Cleveland, Ohio; Erica Chelle Brown of Durham, North Carolina; and Eres Cristen (Rev. Dr. Christopher) McKee of Jacksonville, Florida; her granddaughters, Karis Iman McKee and Koryn Ivana McKee; her siblings, June Butler of Cleveland, Ohio, and Kevin Hockett of Kent, Ohio; and a host of bonus siblings, nieces, nephews, and all who were blessed to be touched by her remarkable life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Rev. Jesse B. Hockett and Ernestine E. Hockett; twin siblings, Maurice Hockett, Sr., and Marcia Hockett; brother, Myron Hockett; and sister, Joyce Hockett.

Visitation is Monday, September 16, 2024 from 10:00  11:00 a.m. at Mt. Calvary Pentecostal Church, 1812 Oak Hill Avenue, Youngstown, OH 44507. A Celebration of Life will follow at the church.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Julia Denise Brown, please visit our floral store.

A television tribute will air Thursday, September 12 at the following approximate times: 7:10 a.m. on FOX, 12:22 p.m. on WKBN, 5:08 p.m. on MyYTV and 7:27 p.m. on WYTV. Video will be posted here the day of airing.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
Gabon: quel role et quels debats pour lAssemblee qui examine la future Constitution? - alibreville.com

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News Politique Article Politique Gabon: quel role et quels debats pour lAssemblee qui examine la future Constitution? Publie le jeudi 12 septembre 2024 | RFI

 Autre presse par DR

Le Palais Leon Mba, siege de l`Assemblee nationale,

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Au Gabon, les 168 deputes et senateurs de la transition sont reunis depuis ce 12 septembre et pour 10 jours, sur convocation du chef de la transition. Ils doivent examiner et proposer des amendements au projet de Constitution redige par des experts et remis recemment au general Oligui Nguema. Ce jeudi est une journee procedural : on installe le bureau et on adopte le reglement interieur. On rentrera dans le vif des debats le 13 septembre avec l'audition du Premier ministre et des membres du comite de redaction.





Deux points font principalement debat : en ce qui concerne les pouvoirs du chef de l'Etat du Gabon, certaines voix s'alarment d'un systeme desequilibre, puisque le president est le seul detenteur de l'executif, qu'il a le pouvoir de dissoudre l'Assemblee, mais qu'il n'y a plus de Premier ministre et pas de censure du gouvernement. En clair, ce serait un texte taille sur mesure pour le general Oligui Nguema.



Le second point : les regles d'eligibilite a la presidence. Il faut avoir entre 35 et 70 ans, etre de seule nationalite gabonaise, ne de parents gabonais et marie a un ou une gabonaise. Un cadre  ouvertement xenophobe  pour un des deputes de la transition.
By Laura Matthews

NEW YORK (Reuters) - A federal judge on Thursday cleared the path for Americans to use derivatives to bet on events such as the outcome of U.S. elections, dealing another blow to the regulator overseeing the market.

Predictions marketplace KalshiEX LLC sought to list contracts that would let users bet on whether a particular party will control the House of Representatives and Senate in a given term.

But the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission prohibited Kalshi from listing and clearing its cash-settled political event contracts due to concerns about unlawful gaming and other activities not in the public's interest.

Kalshi later sued, saying the CFTC exceeded its authority.

In her opinion released Thursday just weeks ahead of the Nov. 5 presidential and congressional elections, District Court Judge Jia Cobb wrote that Kalshi's contracts don't involve unlawful activity or gaming, rather elections which are neither.

"This case is not about whether the Court likes Kalshi's product or thinks trading it is a good idea," Cobb stated. "The Court's only task is to determine what Congress did, not what it could do or should do. And Congress did not authorize the CFTC to conduct the public interest review it conducted here."

The CFTC did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Kalshi CEO and co-founder Tarek Mansour told Reuters in a written statement, "Now is finally the time to allow these markets to show the world just how powerful they are at providing signal amidst the noise and giving us more truth about what the future holds."

Following the court's decision, Cantrell Dumas, director of derivatives policy at Better Markets, a nonprofit promoting public interest in financial markets, said the ruling prioritizes corporate profit over public interest.

"Allowing Kalshi's political event contracts is a dangerous move that opens the floodgates to unprecedented gambling on U.S. elections, eroding public trust in both markets and democracy," said Dumas.

(Reporting by Laura Matthews; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)
Credit - Courtesy of David EsquivelUniversity of California, Los Angeles

Lea este articulo en espanol aqui

When Julio Frenk steps into the role of chancellor at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), in January, after nearly nine years as president of the University of Miami, he will be the first Latino to hold the top job in the schools 105-year history.

What guides his leadership is the concept he calls reciprocating the generosity of strangers. Its the idea of accepting people who are very different from you, who speak differently, and live differently, Frenk, 70, says. His Jewish father fled Nazi Germany in the 1930s for Mexico, where, despite the countrys lower economic standard of living, he found people who practiced that philosophy. It changed my fathers life and made my own possible.

Frenk, who earned a medical degree in Mexico and has also served as dean of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, sees that mindset as critical for the two fields in which he has built a careerhealth care and higher education. In health care, he says, the idea is that the entirety of society is your patient. As Mexicos Secretary of Health from 2000 to 2006, he developed a universal insurance program that provided access to health care for 55 million uninsured in the country. As a college administrator, he has been focused on how institutions of higher education can offer a model that serves those outside of academia as well. What we can do internally within a university [is] to make sure we promote diversity, inclusion in every sense, equity, and the sense of belonging, he says. If we do that in the right way, then we are setting an example for our larger society.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
Jury awards $6M to family members of Black Lives Matter protester killed by a car on Seattle freeway

FILE - A photo of Summer Taylor, who suffered critical injuries and died after being hit by a car while protesting over the weekend, sits among flowers at the King County Correctional Facility where a hearing was held for the suspect in their death on July 6, 2020, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson, File)

SEATTLE (AP)  A jury in Seattle ruled Thursday that the driver of a vehicle that struck and killed a Black Lives Matter protester on a closed interstate must pay the protesters family $6 million.

The same King County jury found the state of Washington was not negligent in the death, the Seattle Times reported.

Summer Taylor, 24, was hit and killed by a car that drove the wrong way on Interstate 5 i n Seattle during protests in July 2020. Another protester was critically injured.

Taylors family sued the state, saying officials did not take proper precautions that would have protected the protesters on the interstate bridge. The driver, Dawit Kelete, 30, was sentenced in September 2023 to 6.5 years in prison for vehicular homicide and other charges.

The state patrol closed the interstate during nightly protests over the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officers. An attorney for Taylors family said the state was also to blame for not properly closing an exit ramp from the freeway.

No patrol car, no spike strips, no flashing lights, no barricade, nothing.  Thats negligence, the familys attorney, Karen Koehler, said during closing arguments.

The state had argued that Taylors presence on the freeway was illegal, and Taylor and Kelete were both at fault.

Had either of them chosen to follow the law that the rest of us are bound by, this doesnt happen  this accident never happens, Steve Puz, senior counsel for the Washington Attorney Generals Office, said during opening statements.

Damages included $1.75 million for each of Taylors parents and $2.5 million for their brother.

Taylor was a veterinary assistant who one day hoped to attend veterinary school at Washington State University. Taylor was remembered by their family as someone dedicated to racial and LGBTQ+ justice.
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  Jurors Thursday in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court found a man guilty of killing another man and wounding his fiance and their child following a chase on the South Side.

Vashuad May, 22, was found guilty on charges of aggravated murder, two counts of attempted murder, two counts of felonious assault with firearm specifications and being a felon in possession of a firearm following a two-day trial before Judge R. Scott Krichbaum.

May will be sentenced Monday.

Jurors began hearing testimony after they were seated Tuesday. They started deliberating Wednesday afternoon before reaching their verdicts today.

May was on trial for the April 26, 2022, shooting death of Rawsheem Aponte, 24. Police said that a car Aponte was driving was chased on several South Side streets before it ended up at a dead end on Mohawk Avenue.

There, a man police said was May got out of another car, ran over to Apontes car and fired several shots from an AR-15 style rifle, killing Aponte and wounding his fiance, Rekia Wright as well as their 3-year-old daughter.

Wright testified that Aponte had been in a feud with members of the May family, but she never said what the feud was about.

Prosecutors said two cars chased Apontes car but once Aponte got to Mohawk Avenue, there was only one car that followed him there. That car, a white Malibu, was found a few days after Aponte was killed.

Police issued a warrant for Mays arrest a couple of days after Aponte was killed, but he managed to elude police until he was found in November by U.S. Marshals in Minnesota and brought back to Youngstown.

Prosecutors said Wright had identified May as the shooter, and she testified she knew it was him because she knew his eyes.

Prosecutors also said that May made a rap video a few days before Aponte was killed where he wielded a rifle similar to the one used to kill Aponte and that May held the rifle the same way the person who shot Aponte did.

Jurors viewed that video and another from a surveillance camera from a nearby home on Mohawk Avenue that showed the shooting.

Defense attorney Aaron Meikle said his client did not kill May and police did not have solid evidence that he was the man who fired the shots that killed Aponte and wounded the others.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
HARTINGTON, Neb. (KCAU)  After three full days and 200 potential jurors, the jury has been selected for the murder trial of a Nebraska man charged with four counts of first-degree murder.

Jason Jones is charged with four counts of first-degree murder, four counts of use of a firearm to commit a felony, and two counts of first-degree arson. Hes accused of killing Dana, Gene, and Janet Twiford, as well as Michelle Ebeling, and setting their residences on fire back in Aug. 2022.

Jones has pleaded not guilty. Hes not going to appear in court due to suffering burns on 40 to 49 percent of the body.

Opening statements are anticipated to begin Thursday at the Dakota County Courthouse.

South Sioux City man given 30 years in prison for child porn charge

Jones wife, Carrie Jones, is also charged with one count of first degree murder, tampering with evidence and accessory to a felony. Court documents say she played a role in the murder of one of the victims, though details remain sealed.

Carrie Jones pleaded not guilty to the charges in May 2023. Her trial is set for Nov. 25 in Cedar County Court.

To view KCAU 9s previous coverage of this case, click here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports.
CALLAWAY COUNTY, Mo.  A juvenile was arrested on Wednesday in connection to a Columbia, Missouri, murder.

According to the Callaway County Sheriffs Office, the juvenile was found after a traffic stop in the 3100 block of US Highway 54 in Kingdom City, Missouri, around 2 p.m.

Police said during the stop, three vehicle occupants were inside the vehicle, including the juvenile wanted by Columbia PD for the April 11 murder.

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The suspect is in custody at the Columbia Police Department and faces charges of second-degree murder, tampering with physical evidence, and felony stealing. Police said the other vehicle occupants were released without charges.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump met face-to-face for the first time Tuesday night at the presidential debate. And before the debate even started, their greeting said a lot about their mindsets, body language experts told HuffPost.

Harris initiated the handshake by striding over to Trumps lectern and reaching out her hand.

The fact that she encroached on his space says to me that that was a show of power, said behavioral scientist Abbie Marono, because this initiation sends a signal of Im not afraid of you.

Trump is known for pulling people off balance with his handshakes, said body language expert Mark Bowden, which is why Harris choice to walk toward him with a lot of velocity helped.

The best way to deal with that is to come in hot and with a strong, rigid arm so that actually his instinct is to try and stop you rather than pull you, he said. Shes got the velocity advantage and the intent advantage, so he cant hang on to her hand in any way.

Candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump shake hands as they take the stage in their first presidential debate. https://t.co/tkEn0wzLvL#ABCDebatepic.twitter.com/X68E3Fzi6R  ABC News (@ABC) September 11, 2024

Kamala Harris, she said in introducing herself while shaking Trumps hand. Lets have a good debate. Trump replied, Nice to see you. Have fun.

Marono said Harris introduction is both professional and a polite way to signal Im approachable, Im warm, Im inviting.

Trump, meanwhile, looked caught off guard because he did the handshake while not directly squaring his shoulders off with Harris and because his greeting makes no sense in the context of a presidential debate, said Denise Dudley, clinical psychologist and author of Work It! Get In, Get Noticed, Get Promoted.

Marono explained that showing dominance involves controlling someones space and their time. Harris went for one elbow pump with her handshake while Trump kept his hand with hers for additional smaller handshakes. By holding her there, its kind of reclaiming a little bit of that power, she suggested.

When their 90-minute debate ended, Trump promptly exited the stage. But if Trump wanted to counter Harris dominance display, he should have gone for a final handshake after their debate concluded: OK, you approached me. Im going to show you the same level of respect at the end and encroach on [your] space, Marono suggested.

There are no rules that obligate presidential candidates to shake each others hand during debates, but Dudley said it was a huge power move for Harris to do so.

Some people, they think, well, the position of power is march in here and ignore my opponent, and to not shake her hand or his hand, Dudley said. But the true position of power is to own your own self and your own space, and to be the person who can walk in, put out a hand and say, Hello, Im Kamala Harris. Thats the position of power.

Very few of us are going to have political opponents were greeting for the first time on national television. But at some point, most of us are going to encounter a colleague whom we dislike or someone who might be trying to intimidate us.

You can masterfully disarm your professional or personal foe with a purposeful handshake. The best thing we can possibly do is to rise above it and behave in a professional way, Dudley said.

Heres how:

1. Keep your grip firm.

Marono said its best to avoid an overly strong grip that comes off as aggressive but to also avoid hesitating, because it signals you lack confidence. You dont squeeze too tightly, but you dont do the dead-fish where [you] give them only your fingertips, Dudley advised.

Instead, have a really firm grip, Marono said.

2. Look them in the eyes.

Both Harris and Trump made eye contact while shaking hands Tuesday. Eye contact while shaking hands is a sign of confidence, Marono said. It shows youre engaged. It shows that you are showing respect to the other person. You are there. You are present.

3. You dont need to smile, but keep your expression neutral.

When youre meeting someone you do not like, you dont have to fake a cheerful smile, but do not scowl or grimace, because it comes off as immature and, therefore, less powerful, Dudley said.

4. Do one elbow pump.

Ideally, you want to pump your hand from your elbow because it displays confidence but not aggression.

Trump is known for reeling in other peoples hands and pulling them up and down in a saw motion with his shoulder, said Dudley, who has studied videos of Trumps greetings. Do not do this, because it puts people off their balance, she said. We want to let people stay stable while theyre shaking our hand.

Why This All Matters

Ultimately, each handshake is a new opportunity to show someone where they stand with you and your intentions. Bowden said handshakes were an ancient custom for people to show that they were not hiding knives or swords in their dominant hands. And that intent of non-hostility remains. Asking for and receiving a handshake signals Were from the same community. We hold the same tradition, Bowden said.

Harris and Trumps encounter was the first debate handshake seen between Republican and Democratic presidential nominees since 2016. And thats why each physical interaction between Harris and Trump is fascinating to observe.

On Wednesday, Harris and Trump attended the same commemoration on the anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. And they shook hands again after Harris appeared to be prompted by former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg to do so.

This time, Trump patted one hand on top of Harris while they shook hands, which is a sign of intimacy if you are friends with someone. But clearly, Harris and Trump are not friends, so it comes across as patronizing, Dudley said. It also is something that we women get a lot from men, and its a sexist move.

Dudley noted it would have been stronger for Trump to have initiated the handshake himself instead of having it mediated by a third party.

In both cases, he missed an opportunity to appear presidential, to appear like a strong candidate, to appear as if he was not cowed by her, which, as time went on [during the debate], it sure seemed like she was getting to him for sure, Dudley said.

Related...
Kamala Harris held rallies Thursday in North Carolina, first in Charlotte and then in Greensboro, calling for another round of debate with Donald Trump, two days after her strong showing in Philadelphia against the former president.

I believe we owe it to the voters to have another debate, she said to applause, because this election and what is at stake could not be more important. On Tuesday night, I talked about issues that I know matter to families across America, like bringing down the cost of living  but thats not what we heard from Donald Trump.

Related: Trump says he wont participate in future debates as Harris says we owe it to the voters to have another  live

Holding rallies in two of North Carolinas largest cities highlights the importance of the state as a national battleground that the campaign now sees as winnable.

In Charlotte, Harris laughed and mocked Trumps answer during the debate when he was asked about his plan to replace Obamacare. He has no plan to replace it. He said concepts of a plan  no actual plan. Concepts. And understand whats at stake with that: 45 million Americans are insured under the Affordable Care Act, and hes going to end it based on a concept.

Harris touched on familiar themes in her campaign, calling for an opportunity economy with support for small businesses and first-time homebuyers, and a renewed child tax credit. She noted the support of the former Republican representative Liz Cheney and her father, the former vice-president Dick Cheney. I will always put country above party and be a president for all Americans, Harris said.

She also called on voters to look up on Google Project 2025, a transition plan for a second Trump administration created by former Trump advisers through the Heritage Foundation. It is a detailed and dangerous blueprint for what he would do if he was elected president, she said.

Trump has repeatedly disavowed the document. I have nothing to do  as you know and as she knows better than anyone  I have nothing to do with Project 2025, Trump said during Tuesdays debate. Thats out there. I havent read it. I dont want to read it, purposely. Im not going to read it. This was a group of people that got together, they came up with some ideas. I guess some good, some bad. But it makes no difference.

Harris has ignored Trumps rejections. Donald Trump will give billionaires and big corporations massive tax cuts and cut corporate taxes by a trillion dollars even as they pull in record profits, she said in Charlotte. He will add more than $5tn to the national debt.

She said that one out of three women now live in states with abortion access restricted by the end of Roe v Wade protections, which she described as a Trump abortion ban.

Abortion is legal in North Carolina, but is banned after 12 weeks and six days of pregnancy. It is, however, the closest state with any meaningful abortion access for most women living in the American south.

Harris also talked about the potential increase in taxes on households implied by Trumps proposals to shift to a national sales tax and the imposition of tariffs on imports, describing it as a Trump sales tax that would cost the average family nearly $4,000 a year.

The Harris campaign has been pressing that point in blanket advertising on television, cable and social media in North Carolina. The campaign had $50m in ad buys in the state reserved through the end of the race, according to ad tracker AdImpact.

In Greensboro, protesters intermittently shouted at the vice-president to call attention to the administrations actions with regard to the war in Gaza. A man stood up near the end of Harriss address to shout war criminal at Harris, while holding a sign that said 17,000 Children. A rally staffer escorted him from the event, while another attendee tore the sign to pieces. The crowd booed the man as he shouted his protest.
The days are passing as we inch closer to the 2024 Presidential Election. On Tuesday, September 10, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump met face-to-face to square off in their first presidential debate against each other.

Win Mcnamee / Getty Images

Both candidates presented their arguments to US citizens, but the debate drew eyes worldwide. So, I asked non-American members of the BuzzFeed Community to share their honest reactions to the debate. Here's what they had to say:

Note: Some submissions have been edited and condensed for clarity.

1."Its embarrassing she even has to debate this child. There are so many people globally who are hoping Americans vote for Kamala because, as the USs closest allied country, we are f*cking terrified of Trump getting in. We can already see the hateful rhetoric spewing into our right-wing government."

Canada, 33 Saul Loeb / AFP via Getty Images

2."It was no contest between a courageous, articulate, and compassionate candidate and a delusional, chaotic, and obnoxious one."

"Sadly, even this disastrous performance may not lead to the erosion of Trump's hardcore support base  which speaks of the real divide in America today. If (when) Harris wins, she will still have a monumental task ahead to bridge this divide and bring all Americans together."

India, 45

3."Kamala definitely won. No doubt. Trump seemed unprepared and uncomfortable. He was comfortable telling lies, though."

Brazil, 33 Sean Gladwell / Getty Images

4."I still don't understand how a man who has always been this disgusting won a previous election and is running for another."

"How do people not see that he is a greasy, failed, silver-spoon-fed slob of a bad businessman that is a train wreck?"

Canadian in Canada, who watches closely because I write policies to lobby governments, and the looney ideas that start down there bleed up to us."

surprisedfish60

5."Trump looks stupid with nonsense comments and lies, as we are used to seeing from him."

Canada, 47 Win Mcnamee / Getty Images

6."I think they both came out of it on equal footing, tbh  no one was particularly better or worse."

"I will say, though, that I know Americans have to make the best of two not-so-great choices, and I can't speak to what would be best for you domestically, but from where I'm standing, Harris is not who you guys want representing you on the international stage. (As a South Asian woman, I know people expect me to align more strongly with her, but I want to remind everyone that there is a distinction between representation and GOOD representation)."

India, 27

7."Kamala definitely struggled at the beginning. Trump has an unusual way of speaking, but it's very much like a businessman. Trump spoke about some similar struggles we have in Canada  the US is not as unique as they may think. Kamala kept trying to get a good sound bite and meme-able moment. Far too many hand gestures and theatrics. US schools need to put public speaking back into the curriculum."

Canada, 20 Win Mcnamee / Getty Images

8."It was a battle between sanity and insanity, and thank god sanity won. Well done, Kamala."

Canada, 88

9."Trump, as usual, looked very desperate and hateful about his rival and immigrants, LGBTQ+, minorities, and, of course, women's rights. He is also very ridiculous when he talks about his solutions to different issues, like the war in Ukraine and Palestine. Harris looked a lot more relaxed and nicer than her rival, but I thought she would be superior in the debate. She was not."

"As they are running for President of the US, they seem very emphatic while they talk about their country vs. the rest of the world, but it also seems that the world will be irrelevant if one or the other is the winner. In addition, the Palestine issue appeared to be an issue where they are similar, if not equal. The massacre will be the same and will be covered by impunity; it doesn't matter who wins. In this particular issue, the world can be sure that there is nothing they will do to stop it. And Palestine can be sure that they, at least the candidates running said, are alone and will be. Sad." Colombia, 40 Win Mcnamee / Getty Images

10."Kamala aced it."

UK 63

11."Kamala Harris showed she was a true legislator and able to debate with strong conviction and understanding of the issues before her. Trump was slow and dithering and wandering off-topic."

"He showed that age really does matter, and as you get older, that cognitive decline has a more dramatic effect. Kamala was right when she said other world leaders are laughing at Trump, so the question is: Does America really want a clown to lead them, or are they ready for Kamala to bring prosperity and put them back on the real international stage?" UK, 57 Saul Loeb / AFP via Getty Images

12."Trump was totally unhinged. Harris got all the way under his skin, he could not manage. I do wish, though, that she would have provided more detail on her proposed policies and answered the moderators' questions. I think that would have swayed the debate totally in her favor. As it stands, I don't think Trump looked good, but she did not look exceptional either."

Trinidad and Tobago, 26 ABC / Via youtube.com

13."It is wild that the orange buffoon is a candidate in the first place. The inarticulate right-wing puppet got shown up, but it is concerning how many deluded supporters he continues to have."

Australia, 33

14."Pure, unadulterated embarrassment for my American friends. The one stereotype about politicians is that they are smooth talkers and Trump sounds like a drunk screaming at strangers on the street. Kamala was the only grown up in the room."

UK, 43

15."Harris's face said way more than words. She had fun. She didn't take him seriously as an opponent. But the fact that Trump is even there makes me see Americans being as stupid as they are portrayed to be."

New Zealand, 33 Saul Loeb / AFP via Getty Images

16."Sad. Just sad. There was no actual debate, just political point-scoring."

"No real issues were adequately discussed. Nothing was proposed that will truly help your country. Trump is a moron, and I REALLY don't want to see him elected, but that doesn't mean Harris is without her faults. There's only so long she can ride the 'I'm not Trump' wave. In fairness to her, though, most of the non-debate was due to Trump spouting nonsense, which is difficult to debate against. Hope you find some better candidates next cycle."

UK

17."It was comical. I still cant get over that people are swallowing the crap coming out of Trumps mouth."

"There is such a minimal policy difference between the two. Mainly coming down to immigration and abortion rights. Its a shame. As the rest of the world asks America not to f*ck it up again as we all begin to descend into our own Trumpian nightmares." Wales, 35 ABC / Via youtube.com

18."I struggle to believe how anyone in the US could take Donald Trump seriously. Every single word out of his mouth is either hyperbole, untrue, or straight-up delusion."

Australia, 33

19."I can't believe how easily Trump took the bait, how eager he was to spread outright lies. Next, it will be that 'pets are being eaten by illegal migrants awaiting gender reassignment at the local public school.' Or are they snacking on those full-term unwanted babies? Come on. Buddy will lead us all into WWIII if he gets in."

Canada, 53 ABC / Via youtube.com

20."Trump came across as that nonsensical, weird uncle your parents advise to stay away from at a family get-together. What a mess."

Australia, 37

21."Harris made Trump look like the unqualified fraud he is. She is absolutely right that other countries see him as an absolute joke. Im queer, and my wife and I decided a few months ago we wouldnt even consider vacationing in the US with the current political climate, but with Harris in office, I think we would reconsider that stance."

Canada, 27 Saul Loeb / AFP via Getty Images

22."I thought Harris did well, and Trump was unsurprisingly more of the same. As your neighbor to the North, I still find it baffling and appalling that Trump is even in the running. He has made the US laughable on the world stage."

Canada, 46

What did you think of the debate? Share your thoughts in the comments.
(NewsNation)  The owner of the property where three Kansas City Chiefs fans were found dead in January wont face criminal charges, his attorney told NewsNation, but prosecutors havent confirmed that claim.

I am very confident that it wont be Jordan, said John Picerno, attorney for homeowner Jordan Willis. From Day One, we talked about the fact that he had absolutely nothing to do with causing harm to his lifelong friends.

The Platte County Prosecuting Attorneys Office in Missouri also hasnt confirmed the lawyers claims that criminal charges against others tied to the investigation may be forthcoming.

Picerno told Dan Abrams Live on Thursday that he believes charges will be filed within the next few weeks, and it will be someone involved in making, distributing or selling the drugs that were found in the three mens systems.

US police chiefs release handbook on UAPs

The prosecutors office told Fox News Digital there is noting to report or comment on at this time.

Its still an ongoing investigation, a representative told the outlet. I assume when something is done, [Platte County Prosecutor] Eric [Zahnd] will be doing a press release. We dont have a timeline to report, unfortunately.

Police have previously said there were no signs of foul play and that they were not investigating the case as a homicide.

Investigation into the Chiefs fans deaths

The investigation began early this year at the home of Kansas City resident Jordan Willis.

The mans friends David Harrington, 37; Ricky Johnson, 38; and Clayton McGeeney, 36, went to his house on Jan. 7 to watch the Kansas City Chiefs game.

Kickoff was at 3:25 p.m. CT and ended almost exactly three hours later, according to a post on the teams social media pages. For the next 50 hours or so, loved ones heard nothing from the three men.

A composite picture of the three Kansas City Chiefs fans found dead in

McGeenys fiancee entered through the basement after banging on the door to no avail. She found one man dead on the back porch and called the police, who found the other two men dead in the backyard.

Police issued a statement the next morning saying they found no obvious signs of foul play.

Picerno told NewsNation in January that Willis had no idea his friends bodies were in his backyard and said he wouldnt have done anything to harm them.

Nearly 60 dogs rescued from alleged Texas dogfighting ring

What could happen

Prosecutors sometimes file criminal charges against people who they believe provided the drugs that later caused an overdose death. The kinds of charges a person might face in that scenario vary by state and possible so-called Good Samaritan exceptions.

Some counties throughout the U.S. have increasingly used such cases as a response to the national opioid problem, particularly as fentanyl-related deaths have grown more pervasive.

As of Thursday, however, prosecutors hadnt announced any charges related to the January investigation.

Jennifer Marquez, David Harringtons mother, told Fox News Digital she hadnt received any recent updates about the case.

The Chiefs fans death investigation

Willis reportedly told police his friends froze to death as temperatures dipped in the area.

Preliminary autopsy and toxicology results later showed all three men had cocaine and fentanyl in their systems.

Willis faces no charges in connection with their deaths. Some of the mens families, however, have said they would like to see Willis held responsible.

NC authorities tow car resembling one sought in Asha Degree case

It was his home. He had the party, Marquez told Fox News Digital.

He doesnt use that particular door. He goes out in the front, Picerno told NewsNation host Dan Abrams. He had absolutely no knowledge they were out there. They were his friends. They were at his house socializing. If he had found them there, or if they were in danger, he would have called the police and tried to help them.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
Nykia Gatson tells lawmakers during a Jan. 24, 2024, hearing about being homeless after aging out of foster care

Nykia Gatson, a former foster kid, is helping to inform Kansas' first-in-the-nation permanency option that allows youth in foster care who are 16 years or older to choose a trusted adult, regardless of blood relation, to guide them into adulthood. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

TOPEKA  As Kansas officials, foster care service providers and advocates work to improve a system with a checkered past, new initiatives bring optimism for kids who have historically been left behind.

The fewest number of children entered the states foster care system in 2023 since 2006, according to data from the Kansas Department for Children and Families. But older and disabled youths in the system have been left without a permanent place to live at a higher rate than their peers. The state and foster care service providers are seeking to remedy the disparity in several ways, and two solutions are in their early stages.

In 2023, lawmakers directed $6 million from the state general fund toward developing a more comprehensive cache of therapeutic family foster homes. In March, DCF began to disperse about $4.7 million of that across seven agencies.

Eligibility requirements for a therapeutic foster home are flexible, but the homes are geared toward children who require a high level of care. That includes kids who have medical or developmental needs and those who have a tendency to run away or use substances or aggression to solve problems. Particularly, therapeutic foster homes can prevent sending a child to a group home, said Tanya Keys, deputy secretary of DCF.

Therapeutic foster homes provide 24/7 care and involve a childs family or prospective family in the childs services and schedule. Therapeutic practices, which could include working on behavioral techniques with a child for at least an hour each day or logging a childs behavior, are integrated into the households day-to-day routine and reported back to professionals.

The purpose is really to provide for that safety and permanency and stability, and, really, to make sure that were doing that in a family-like setting, Keys said Wednesday at a child welfare oversight committee hearing.

As of late August, 14 children were being cared for in therapeutic family foster homes, according to DCF data. A therapeutic foster home is not a permanent place for children to stay. Ideally, 80% of kids will move to a family-based placement within nine months of beginning their stay at a therapeutic foster home, but there is no time limit on stays, Keys said.

The Kansas foster care system struggles with permanency, which refers to the idea of foster children having a stable place to stay long-term. While entries into the system are lower than in past years, children move from place-to-place in Kansas at a rate higher than the federal recommendation. Kansas foster kids move at a rate of 7.3 times in a 1,000-day period compared to the federal performance measure of 4.8 times.

That rate could change once the SOUL Family legal permanency option, which was born out of House Bill 2536, is implemented. Gov. Laura Kelly signed the bill into law in April, adding a new, first-in-the-nation option for foster kids 16 years old and older.

Traditionally, three options exist for permanent placements for children in the foster care system: adoption, reintegration and custodian appointment. Under the SOUL Family option, kids 16 and over can choose a trusted adult, regardless of blood relation, to raise them into adulthood instead of bouncing from home to home waiting to be adopted or to age out of the system. SOUL stands for Support, Opportunity, Unity and Legal Relationships.

Through intentional and strategic conversations, were able to ensure that young people are fully involved in planning and decision making regarding their futures, said Nykia Gatson, who sits on a subgroup that connects and integrates the youth perspective with the SOUL model, at the Wednesday hearing.

The SOUL Family model emphasizes that young people must be actively and meaningfully engaged in the permanency planning process, she said.

Cornerstones of Care is a behavioral health organization that primarily serves foster kids in Atchison, Leavenworth and Wyandotte counties. It identified three test cases to test how the SOUL Family process works.

DCF Secretary Laura Howard said Wednesday the department is prepared to implement the SOUL Family option, but no youths have been formally identified yet.
Key speakers at the event included leading Uzbekistan textile producers, international investors, and representatives from public organisations and regulatory bodies, who explored the sector's potential and outlined the steps needed to ensure Uzbekistans success in the global textile and apparel arena.

In recent years, Uzbekistan's textile and apparel industry has undergone significant reforms and modernisation, aligning itself with international regulations and the highest quality standards.

The introduction of cotton-textile clusters in 2017, along with progressive labour regulations and an eventual lifting of the cotton boycott in 2022 has transformed the industry, with the country now part of the Better Cotton Initiative and the Better Work programme.

Strong government support continues to attract investors including Youngone Corp which operates two factories in the country and is planning to expand further, bringing $55m in investments and creating over 5,000 jobs. The country's Prime Minister recently told an audience it is welcoming new investment into the sector.

Between January and July of this year alone, Uzbekistan exported over $1.7bn worth of textile products to 85 countries across all continents. By 2026, the country aims to triple its export volume to $6.5bn, underscoring its commitment to global growth and market expansion.

The international textile community has taken notice of Uzbekistans prospects. According to Karim Shafei, international partner at Gherzi Textil Organisation, Uzbekistan has the potential to become a game changer in the global textile industry and value chain.

Mirmukhsin Sultanov, acting chairman of Uztextileprom said: Uzbekistans textile story is deeply rooted in history, dating back to the ancient Silk Road when we became a central hub for textile trade and craftsmanship. Today, we continue that tradition through reform and modernisation, embracing technology, innovation, and sustainability. The textile industry is a major driver of our national economy.

Sultanov added, "From the introduction of cotton processing by the Chinese in 2000BC to todays conference, we have achieved remarkable milestones. As we aim for our ambitious $10bn export target by 2030, we are confident that even greater successes lie ahead as we expand further into global markets."

"Uzbekistan eyes tripling of textile, apparel exports to $6.5bn by 2026" was originally created and published by Just Style, a GlobalData owned brand.







The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
A man incarcerated in the Lansing Correctional Facility in Leavenworth has been sentenced to more than 50 additional years in prison after murdering his cellmate last year.

AlRyon Perkins, 31, was convicted Wednesday of second-degree murder after allegedly beating and strangling his cellmate, 29-year-old Darionce Terrell Charles-Lott.

Perkins will serve an additional 653 months in prison. He had previously completed 110 months of a 525-month sentence handed down in June 2015.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation was informed of Charles-Lotts death at 10:45 p.m. on Nov. 25, 2023. Charles-Lotts death was ruled a homicide on Dec. 13, and the murder charge against Perkins was filed on March 7, 2024.

Perkins pleaded guilty to murdering Charles-Lott on July 31. According to court records, Perkins told investigators that after strangling Charles-Lott, he tied a sheet around his neck and smothered him with a pillow to make sure he was gone.

Charles-Lott had been serving a 172-month sentence for aggravated battery in Wyandotte County.

Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the victims family as they continue healing, Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson said in a statement Thursday.

Perkins was originally incarcerated in 2011 after he was convicted of raping a child under the age of 14, according to court documents. Perkins was also charged with aggravated criminal sodomy, aggravated indecent liberties with a child, aggravated kidnapping, theft and two counts of aggravated burglary.

In September 2014, the criminal sodomy charge was dropped and Perkins pleaded guilty to the rest.

Previous reporting by Katie Moore was used in this article.
Kansas veteran continues to serve after more than three decades

AUGUSTA, Kan. (KSNW)For more than thirty years, an Augusta woman served our country, and shes still helping those who wear uniforms today.

Florence, Kansas native Brenda Corbin didnt plan to join the military.

Well, laughed Corbin. Young and dumb and dropped out of college, so I had to have money for school.

Kansas Air Force veteran went on over 700 flights across the world

She joined the Army Reserves at 23 years old.

So I was old in basic training, Corbin said.

It was February when she headed to Fort Dix, New Jersey.

Idiot. Cold, laughed Corbin. I was afraid I was going to chicken out, so I took the first one I could get.

She became an X-ray tech.

And right after I got out of school, here comes the Desert Storm, Corbin said.

She served in a hospital unit in Saudi Arabia. Her unit was kept further back than the active duty units, which meant she often treated civilians.

I remember one time we had three 10-year-olds. All three of those 10-year-olds had lost their leg in a cluster bomb explosion, Corbin said.

After four years, she became a career counselor helping service members with a new assignment or transition.

You need to decide what side of the fence are you going to be on. Are you going to stay in the military? Are you going to get out?' Corbin said.

Those 33 years of service took her to many parts of the country, including Fort Dix and Fort Sam Houston.

I go to Fort McCoy, WI; Fort Knox, KY; Fort Hood, TX, Columbus, OH, and then finished up in  St. Charles, MO, Corbin said.

She served 29 years as a career counselor and wore many hats during that time, including as an instructor and supervisor.

In the reserves, you dont have a full complement of staff; youve got a person who learns to multi-task and learn a lot about, youre kind of a jack of all trades, Corbin said.

Courtesy: Brenda Corbin

In 2021, she ended her official service with the rank of master sergeant.

Now, in her civilian job with Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, shes navigating the legalities between reserve service members and their civilian employers.

Kansas Navy veteran who repaired electronic aircraft components spent 15 years in service

Council service members every day, it seems like in addition to employers, to try to help them come to some type of resolution over any kind of dispute that they may have, Corbin said.

She has fond memories of her decades of service, memories, and friendships that built more than a career but a life.

When they say youre army family, almost anywhere you go. You have an opportunity to build lifelong friendships, Corbin said.

If you want to nominate a veteran for our Veteran Salute, email KSN at news@ksn.com.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV.
Kari Lake is mum on her pal Laura Loomer's racist 'curry' comment

This week, one of Kari Lakes pals lamented that if Kamala Harris is elected, the White House will smell like curry and have a call center staffed by workers that nobody will understand.

The comment, by Trump favorite Laura Loomer, was so obviously racist that even U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene called her out, blasting her comment as appalling and extremely racist.

So, there is a bottom  at least for some leaders in the America First movement.

Meanwhile, Lake, who has lauded Loomer as a warrior and posted a heart emoji next to her name?

Ill get to her response in a bit.

Loomer calls herself an investigative journalist

Loomer, a former Tucson resident, is one of those internet trolls who lives in the cesspool that oozes beneath the garbage dump that is X (formerly Twitter).

Shes a Trump adviser who twice ran unsuccessfully for Congress and now poses as an investigative journalist. This, as she spews conspiracy theories and flits around the U.S. Capitol, recording people who refuse to talk to her then posting the video for her 1.2 million followers on X.

She calls this getting Loomered.

Upon the death of U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, Loomer wrote good riddance to a ghetto b----.

She then announced that Joe Biden is dying and maligned former Arizona U.S. Rep. Gabby Giffords as brain dead after Giffords endorsed Kamala Harris.

This week, Loomer informed us that Haitian immigrants arent just eating cats and dogs. They eat HUMANS and that only Hannibal Lecter himself would want to bring more of them to the United States!

Loomer, a Trump adviser, made a racist post

Loomer, by the way, flew with Donald Trump on his private plane to Tuesdays debate, which may account for his impassioned Theyre eating the dogs proclamation.

She also accompanied Trump to New York and Pennsylvania on Wednesday on the anniversary of the terrorist attacks. Imagine taking to that hallowed ground someone who just last year pronounced 9/11 an inside job.

But it was Loomers Sunday comment, responding to a Harris post about her grandparents in India, that should have sent Loomers allies screaming for the exits.

If @KamalaHarris wins, the White House will smell like curry & White House speeches will be facilitated via a call center and the American people will only be able to convey their feedback through a customer satisfaction survey at the end of the call that nobody will understand, Loomer wrote.

Curried collards ... . Yum, replied one of her MAGA fans.

Cooked in the White House bath tub! Loomer added.

Even Marjorie Taylor Greene called her out

Credit to Marjorie Taylor Greene for taking a stand.

This is appalling and extremely racist, Greene wrote on X.

It does not represent who we are as Republicans or MAGA, Greene wrote. This does not represent President Trump. This type of behavior should not be tolerated ever. @LauraLoomer should take this down.

Loomer unloaded on Greene for daring to call her out and said she was only joking.

Sure, she was.

Its interesting, I think, that it was all too much for Greene, who, by the way, is one of the biggest conspiracy kooks in Congress.

But not, apparently, for Lake.

Lake remains silent about her pal Loomer

Lake has been an unabashed admirer of Loomer and is known to repost her work.

In January, Lake posted a picture of the two of them campaigning in Iowa.

Ran into this Warrior in Iowa tonight, Lake gushed.

In April, Loomer posted a picture of the two of them at Lakes Mar-a-Lago fundraiser.

Lake teams up with Greene: Genius plan to court moderates

Kari Lake is going to be an amazing US Senator! She has my complete and total endorsement, Loomer wrote.

Thank you, Laura. And thank you for being an incredible investigative journalist, Lake replied. President Trump loves you and appreciates you and so do I.

In May, Lake sent birthday greetings to Loomer and posted yet another picture of the two of them.

Lake could've reached out to moderate voters

There they were again in August, posing arm in arm at Kari Lakes birthday party.

Cant wait till we see this powerhouse in the US Senate! Loomer cooed.

Thank you, Laura, Lake replied, adding a heart emoji beside her name.

Yet Lake is curiously silent about Loomers blatant racism. Loomer is a creation of the MAGA movement Lake embraces.

Here was her chance to show something to those all-important moderate Republican and independent voters who will decide Arizonas Senate race.

Here was Lakes chance to disassociate herself from the bilge that is Laura Loomer. To be a little like the late U.S. Sen. John McCain.

Clearly, Kari Lake is no John McCain

During the 2008 presidential campaign, McCain attended a raucous town hall meeting in a Lakeville, Minn., gymnasium, where angry Republicans denounced Barack Obama.

I cant trust Obama, one woman said after McCain handed her the microphone. I have read about him and hes not, hes not uh  hes an Arab. Hes not  

McCain could have let her finish. It might have even boosted his popularity.

Instead, he grabbed the microphone and shut her down.

No, maam, he said. Hes a decent family man [and] citizen that I just happen to have disagreements with on fundamental issues and thats what this campaigns all about. Hes not (an Arab).

Meanwhile, Lake pals around with a woman who worries whether the White House will smell like curry if Kamala Harris is president.

Clearly, shes no John McCain.

Reach Roberts at laurie.roberts@arizonarepublic.com. Follow her on X (formerly Twitter) at @LaurieRobertsaz and on Threads at @LaurieRobertsaz.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Laura Loomer made a blatantly racist post and pal Kari Lake is silent
Kentucky among the worst states to have a baby: Forbes

KENTUCKY (FOX 56)  Kentucky is under fire again when it comes to the health of mothers and babies.

Forbes has released a new list ranking the best and worst states to have children.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

The list looked at five metrics, including infant mortality rate, maternal mortality rate, needs being met for obstetricians and gynecologists, and the cost of having a baby.

Kentucky, on average, scored among the lowest percentile across these categories, ultimately landing as the seventh worst state to have a baby.

The biggest issue based on Forbes reporting for Kentucky is the maternal mortality rate. Kentucky has a maternal mortality rate of 38.4, the sixth highest on the list, according to Forbes.

In July, the Commonwealth Fund released the 2024 State Scorecard on Womens Health and Reproductive Care. The Commonwealth Fund also showed Kentucky doing poorly, placing the Bluegrass State at 40 out of 51 for womens health and reproductive care outcomes.

Dr. Sara Collins, senior scholar and vice president of the Commonwealth Fund, previously told FOX 56 that Kentucky was a "mixed bag" when it comes to women's health, with women having better access to insurance coverage.

LATEST KENTUCKY LISTS AND RANKINGS:

But the Commonwealth Fund also highlighted Kentucky's failings seen in the Forbes list. Showing, Kentucky ranked in the bottom half for women's health at the 48th spot in deaths among women of reproductive age, the third worst in the country.

"These causes of death include many that are preventable and treatable with adequate healthcare, such as pregnancy and substance use, Collins previously told FOX 56 News.

Differences in reporting between Forbes and the Commonwealth Fund are likely due to different data sets being used. For the maternal mortality rate, Forbes used data from the CDC from 2018 to 2021, and the Commonwealth Fund used CDC data from 20202022.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News.
FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56)  Youve seen them on cigarette and alcohol containers; surgeon general warnings are public statements from the nations doctor to keep the public informed about critical health issues and risks.

A group of attorneys general, including Kentuckys Attorney General Russell Coleman, are now calling for similar warnings on social media platforms.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

A letter has been sent to Congress expressing the attorneys alarm and what they say is social media companies role in young peoples mental health.

The letter was addressed to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.). Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.).

Social media platforms are designed to addict usersespecially our kids to spend countless hours digging for their algorithmic fix, Coleman said in a news release. Even as our Office continues to hold these companies accountable for the harm they inflict on our youth, its time for our federal partners to step in and protect Kentuckys sons and daughters.

The letter highlights a bipartisan interest in safeguarding young people and research showing connections between social media and depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.

As State Attorneys General, we sometimes disagree about important issues, but all of us share and abiding concern for the safety of the kids in our jurisdictionand algorithm-driven social media platforms threaten that safety, the letter reads.

LATEST KENTUCKY LISTS AND RANKINGS:

The coalition of attorneys general said this is just their latest attempt to protect young people, pointing to other efforts to hold social media companies accountable, as well as some legislative efforts on the state and local levels, but said they have not been sufficient.

And a surgeon generals warning on social media platforms, though not sufficient to

address the full scope of the problem, would be one consequential step toward mitigating

the risk of harm to youth, the attorneys general argue.

A surgeon generals warning requires congressional action to go into effect.

In June, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy called for the same action in an opinion piece published in the New York Times.

Surgeon general calls for social media warning labels, like those required on cigarettes

It is time to require a surgeon generals warning label on social media platforms, stating that social media is associated with significant mental health harms for adolescents. A surgeon generals warning label, which requires congressional action, would regularly remind parents and adolescents that social media has not been proved safe, Murthy said. Evidence from tobacco studies show that warning labels can increase awareness and change behavior.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News.
KENTUCKY (FOX 56)  School districts across the state are now on high alert following a surge of threats in multiple counties this week, including Anderson, Boyle, and Marion.

We live in an age where you cant take threats lightly, and that also means you cant make threats lightly, said Sam Wade, Jessamine County High School school resource officer.

Some schools even prompted evacuations and cancellations. FOX 56 talked to school officials throughout the state who said it is alarming to see so many school threats pop up in such a short time, but they said thats why active communication amongst law enforcement agencies and school systems is crucial.

With the shooting that occurred in Georgia, as tragic as it was, and then us having a shooting in Laurel County so close to home, I think you have some bad actors that like to piggyback and try to see as much panic and chaos that they can cause, said Wade.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

Kentucky school leaders say every threat is taken seriously and investigated thoroughly.

Even if a student says we were joking, it was not really a threat, were going to treat every threat seriously and were going to turn it over to local law enforcement to deal with, said Kim Adkins, the director of student services for Hardin County Schools.

When we come across something like this, if a threat has been made and we can track it back to who made that threat or someone trying to cause panic with those threats, then we do follow up with charges.

Adkins, who leads school safety efforts in Hardin County, said it is imperative to teach children from a young age about the weight behind their words.

Read more of the latest Kentucky news

We talk to them about what terroristic threats are and how it will be handled by local law enforcement. We send information out to the parents on how to talk to their students about that.

Adkins also encourages parents to monitor their childrens electronic devices because she said threatening messages are often posted to social media.

She also said school resource officers remain on high alert in schools and within the community.

So, any time they hear something or see something out in the community that could potentially blend over into the school district, they try to get in front of that to investigate any threat.

Read more of the latest Lexington & central Kentucky news

We are there to do our best to make schools safer and to do everything we can to make sure students are protected, added Wade.

He noted that Jessamine County Schools will be sending a letter home to parents following the threats made in other districts this week to highlight the importance of cooperation and communication with law enforcement if incidents like this do pop up.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News.
Kentwood PD: Pedestrian hurt after being hit by vehicle

KENTWOOD, Mich. (WOOD)  Police in Kentwood say a pedestrian was hit by a vehicle and seriously hurt Thursday morning.

It happened around 8:50 a.m. on the 5100 block of Eastern Avenue SE, near Lyles Street SE, according to a release from the Kentwood Police Department.

Police say a vehicle hit a pedestrian who was crossing Eastern. Then, the original vehicle hit another vehicle.

The pedestrian was hospitalized with injuries that were serious but not considered life-threatening, according to the Kentwood Police Department.

According to the release, the drivers and passengers of both vehicles were also checked, and one person was taken to the hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

Investigators say everyone involved has been cooperative. If you know anything, youre asked to contact police at 616.698.658 or Silent Observer at 616.774.2345.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
Ukraine says Russia has started a counteroffensive in its Kursk border region

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy prepares to meet U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy at the Mariinsky Palace in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

KYIV, Ukraine (AP)  Russia has launched a counteroffensive in its Kursk region to dislodge Ukraine's forces who stormed across the border five weeks ago and put Russian territory under foreign occupation for the first time since World War II, Ukraine's president said Thursday.

Russias Defense Ministry said that Moscows forces had recaptured 10 settlements in Kursk and listed their names but didn't describe the fighting as a counteroffensive. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia was taking counteroffensive actions but that Ukrainian forces had anticipated the moves and were ready to fight.

Ukraine launched its daring incursion into Kursk on Aug. 6, partly in the hope that Russia would divert its troops there from Donetsk in eastern Ukraine where a push by the Russian army is threatening to overrun a belt of key defensive strongholds.

The cross-border operation also raised Ukrainian morale after months of gloomy news from the front by exposing Russian vulnerabilities and seizing some initiative on the battlefield. It also sought to establish a buffer zone to prevent Russian attacks.

Moscows muddled response suggested Russia hadnt planned for such a development and was caught by surprise. Assembling forces for a counterattack, given the long distances involved and other demands along the 1,000-kilometer (600-mile) front line, was expected to take some time.

The Russian army has been hacking its way deeper into eastern Ukraine, especially Donetsk, and has battered Ukrainian territory with relentless missile and drone attacks.

A Russian missile attack Thursday killed three people and injured two others, all of them Ukrainian workers with the International Committee of the Red Cross, Ukraines Human Rights Ombudsman, Dmytro Lubinets said.

The toll was the largest among staffers at the Geneva-based humanitarian organization since a bomb blast killed three at the Aden airport in Yemen in 2020.

The key eastern Ukraine city of Pokrovsk is without a drinking water supply or natural gas for cooking and heating, authorities said, as the Russian armys attritional slog across the Donetsk region lays waste to public infrastructure and forces civilians to flee their homes.

A water filtration station in Pokrovsk was damaged in recent fighting, and more than 300 hastily drilled water wells are the citys last source of drinking water, Donetsk regional Gov. Vadym Filashkin said.

The previous day, Russians destroyed a natural gas distribution station near Pokrovsk, Filashkin said. Some 18,000 people remain in the city, including 522 children, he said. More than 20,000 people have left in the past six weeks as Russian forces creep closer to residential areas, Filashkin said.

Evacuation is the only  choice for civilians, he added.

Pokrovsk is one of Ukraines main defensive strongholds and a key logistics hub in the Donetsk region. Its capture would compromise Ukraines defensive abilities and supply routes and would bring Russia closer to its stated goal of capturing the entire Donetsk region, which it partially occupies.

Russian troops backed by artillery and powerful glide bombs have turned Donetsk cities and towns such as Bakhmut and Avdiivka into bombed-out shells, though the push has cost Russia heavily in troops and armor.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday ended a Ukraine-focused European tour after hearing repeated appeals from Ukrainian officials to use Western-supplied weaponry for long-range strikes inside Russia.

President Joe Biden has allowed Ukraine to fire U.S.-provided missiles across the border into Russia in self-defense, but has largely limited the distance they can be fired. Extending the limit could bring Russian retaliation.

Russian President Vladimir Putin in turn warned that allowing long-range strikes would mean that NATO countries, the United States, and European countries are at war with Russia ... if this is so, then, bearing in mind the change in the very essence of this conflict, we will make appropriate decisions based on the threats that will be created for us.

Ukrainian forces have held out as long as possible in Donetsk, even when strongholds such as Chasiv Yar appeared to be in danger of imminent collapse.

Russia has fired missiles especially at the power grid, potentially dooming Ukrainians to a bitterly cold winter this year.

The United States and Britain pledged nearly $1.5 billion in additional aid to Ukraine on Wednesday during a visit to Kyiv by their top diplomats. Much of that will go to restoring the electricity supply.

Were again seeing Putin dust off his winter playbook, targeting Ukrainian energy and electricity systems to weaponize the cold against the Ukrainian people, Blinken said. An overnight drone attack on Konotop, a town in Ukraines northern Sumy region, largely knocked out the electricity supply, regional officials said.

The blasts also blew out an incredibly high number of windows in the city and damaged many of the towns tram tracks, Mayor Artem Semenikhin said.

Russia launched a total of 64 Shahed drones and five missiles over eastern, central, and northern regions of Ukraine, Ukraines air force said in its Thursday morning report.

Ukraine has expressed frustration that its Western partners wont let it use sophisticated modern weapons they supply to hit places inside Russia where the missiles and drones are launched from. Some Western leaders fear that would trigger an escalation of the war.

But after Iran recently supplied ballistic missiles to Russia, according to the U.S., those rules of engagement could be set to change in coming days as heavier Russian bombardments could swamp Ukraines meager air defenses.

Pentagon spokesman Lt. Col. Charlie Dietz said Thursday that U.S. long-range guided missiles, such as ATACMS, wouldnt be able to reach all the locations from where Russia launches some of its assets. He added that the supply of ATACMS is finite, and we need to be judicious about where and when they are deployed.

In other developments, Ukrainian Military Intelligence claimed to have shot down a Russian Su-30SM jet over the Black Sea.

A post on the agencys social media Thursday said the warplane was hit with a portable surface-to-air missile.

Also, Zelenkskyy posted photos of a ship loaded with grain that he said was struck by a Russian missile Thursday shortly after leaving Ukrainian territorial waters.

The merchant ship was taking wheat to Egypt, Zelenskyy wrote on his Telegram page, adding that nobody was injured in the strike.

Ukraine last year managed to break through Russias Black Sea blockade and ship millions of tons of grain using a route that hugs Ukraines southern coast.

___

Tara Copp in Washington and Jamey Keaten in Geneva contributed.

___

Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
"Walkabouts" won't technically be on the schedule, but will proceed under another name

Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty King Charles and Queen Camilla at Trooping the Colour on June 15, 2024

King Charles and Queen Camilla won't call meeting well-wishers "walkabouts" when they tour Australia and Samoa in a show of sensitivity towards indigenous groups there.

On Sept. 10, Buckingham Palace released new details about the King and Queen's trip in October. The tour is especially significant, as it marks the sovereign's first tour to Commonwealth countries since his accession and is planned as he continues treatment for cancer. Following the announcement, The Telegraph reported that the term "walkabout" will not be used during the royal tour and will be "deliberately avoided" during such an event for the first time ever because of another meaning.

"While the term has become a shorthand for a member of the royal family meeting and greeting well-wishers, it is used in Aboriginal culture to mean when a person travels on foot into the bush in times of ritual, meditation, change, grief or coming of age," The Telegraph reported. According to the outlet, the switch is a gesture of respect towards Australia's indigenous communities.

Instead, the palace will reportedly trade the phrase for an "opportunity to meet the public."

Hollie Adams - WPA Pool/Getty Images King Charles and Queen Camilla greeting people after church on Easter on March 31, 2024.

Related: King Charles to Meet Australian Cancer Researchers in First Major Tour Since His Diagnosis

Walkabouts are a key way for members of the royal family to directly connect with the public both at home and abroad, and originate organically when people come out to see members of the family. The late Queen Elizabeth is informally credited as the inventor of the walkabout, which originated when she decided to greet people on foot (instead of simply driving by car) during a tour of Australia and New Zealand in 1970. Walkabouts were instantly a hit, and the royal family has employed them ever since.

On Easter earlier this year, King Charles took part in a surprise walkabout when he went to say hello to well-wishers outside St. George's Chapel at Windsor Castle. The move was unexpected because the monarch sat apart from the rest of the royal family and other attendees during the church service as a precautionary measure amid his ongoing cancer treatment.

Hollie Adams - WPA Pool/Getty Queen Camilla and King Charles greet people after church on Easter on March 31, 2024.

At the time, the King was advised to limit the number of people he came in contact with amid his treatment after the palace announced in February he had cancer and would be postponing public-facing duties. The sovereign continued to work behind the scenes, resumed public royal work in late April and had a busy summer, making major engagements like a trip to France for the 80th anniversary of the D-Day Landings, appearing at Trooping the Colour and more.

When his return to public-facing work was announced in late April, the palace described the King's treatment as ongoing and shared a positive sentiment from his doctors.



"His Majestys treatment program will continue, but doctors are sufficiently pleased with the progress made so far that The King is now able to resume a number of public-facing duties. Forthcoming engagements will be adapted where necessary to minimize any risks to His Majestys continued recovery," a Buckingham Palace spokesperson said at the time.

Chris Jackson/Getty King Charles and Queen Camilla at the British Normandy Memorial to mark the 80th anniversary of the D-Day Landings on June 6, 2024.

Related: Has King Charles Finished Cancer Treatment? Palace Answers Burning Questions About Monarch's Health

The palace didnt disclose when the Kings treatment might be completed.

"It is too early to say, but His Majestys medical team are very encouraged by the progress made so far and remain positive about The Kings continued recovery," said the spokesperson.

To that end, King Charles and Queen Camilla will not visit nearby New Zealand (another Commonwealth country) when they go to Australia and Samoa from Friday, Oct. 18 to Saturday, Oct. 26. When the tour was announced in July, a spokesperson said that a New Zealand leg was ruled out as "the Kings doctors have advised that such an extended program should be avoided at this time, to prioritize His Majestys continued recovery."

"In close consultation with the Australian and New Zealand Prime Ministers, and with due regard for the pressures of time and logistics, it has therefore been agreed to limit the visit to Samoa and Australia only," the spokesperson said.

Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty King Charles and Queen Camilla at the Braemar Gathering in Braemar, Scotland on Sept. 7, 2024.

Buckingham Palace added that the couple "send their warmest thanks and good wishes to all parties for their continued support and understanding."

While it was prefaced that the tour of Australia would be relatively limited compared to previous visits, the palace unveiled a busy rundown on Sept. 10 of what's to come. It was confirmed that the King and Queen would attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, verifying months of speculation around whether he would attend the summit in Samoa that starts on Oct. 21. The meeting is held biennially, and Charles is head of the Commonwealth, comprised of 56 nations.

Aaron Chown - WPA Pool/Getty King Charles meets members of New Zealand's Black Ferns rugby union team at Buckingham Palace on Sept. 11, 2024.

Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!

"The Kings visit to Australia will be His Majestys first to a Realm as Monarch, whilst the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa is the first The King will attend as Head of the Commonwealth," the palace said in the latest announcement. "In both countries, Their Majesties engagements will focus on themes designed to celebrate the best of Australia and Samoa, as well as reflecting aspects of The King and Queens work."

The itinerary includes a kickoff with the Australian prime minister, visit to the Australian War Memorial and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander memorial and, for the King, a meeting with two medical experts pioneering treatment for melanoma, one of Australia's most common cancers.

Other outings on the autumn tour will be a barbecue in Western Sydney, engagements for the Queen around her work on literacy and ending domestic violence, meetings for the King with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representatives and groups to learn more about their efforts strengthening community and culture and an Ava Faatupu ceremony welcome in Samoa before CHOGM begins.



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Kinston, N.C. (WNCT)  Its been 23 years since the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks against the United States. Communities across Eastern North Carolina are honoring the lives lost that day.

In Kinston, AMVETS Post 1111, Lenoir County Emergency Services and Green Lamp had a service where the community came together in Pearson Park to remember that day.

Today is to truly remember what happened when all these lives were lost. Dont let it be in vain, Chairman of Lenoir County Commissioners Linda Sutton said. Let us all remember the feeling that we had on September the 12th of how united we were and how we were so thankful for the freedoms that we have.

Click the video above for more information.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT.
By Marta Nogueira

BELO HORIZONTE, Brazil (Reuters) - Brazilian miner Vale expects that by 2030 some 10% of its iron ore output will come from the reuse of mine waste known as tailings, an executive told Reuters, reducing the amount of potentially dangerous material still stored in dams.

In 2024, the mining giant expects to recover about 7 million metric tons of iron ore through its "circular mining" program, Vale's executive vice president of technical affairs, Rafael Bittar, said in an interview on Wednesday.

He did not provide specific projections for how much iron ore will be produced from tailings and waste by 2030, but the expected increase in Vale's overall production implies the volume will likely jump in coming years.

The firm, one of the world's largest iron ore producers, on Wednesday revised its 2024 outlook upwards and now expects to produce up to 330 million tons this year. From 2030 onwards, it sees annual output of more than 360 million tons.

"This program aims to reuse waste that is already in our dams," Bittar said on the sidelines of a mining conference. "This is a reality and it will come very strongly (for the industry), so we anticipated it and designed this program."

Vale's initiative to reduce its tailing volumes gained ground after the fatal collapse of two dams in Mariana and Brumadinho in 2015 and 2019, respectively, which jointly killed hundreds and caused severe environmental damages.

Part of Vale's tailings are stored in dams. Since the disasters, the firm has been working to eliminate all its upstream dams, which are seen as riskier.

Last year alone, Vale generated 48.5 million tons of iron ore tailings.

(Reporting by Marta Nogueira;Editing by Elaine Hardcastle)
Taking knives similar to this one out of circulation would "absolutely save lives", according to a senior police officer [Ben Schofield/BBC]

A knife wholesaler whose weapons have been used in several killings has surrendered more than 35,000 "zombie" blades.

Police said the knives and machetes were designed to "kill and maim".

Under a government surrender scheme Luton-based Sporting Wholesale will receive 10 compensation for each knife.

The company said it would not comment.

Sporting Wholesale's knives were delivered on 36 pallets carrying hundreds of boxes [Ben Schofield/BBC]

Supt Alex House, who leads on knife crime for Bedfordshire Police, said the knives and machetes had "no other use" than as weapons.

"Theres no other practical use for them," he told the BBC. "If you look at the design... the purpose is to kill and maim."

Zombie knives were first banned in 2016 but a new, broader definition designed to outlaw more blades will take effect in England and Wales on 24 September.

From then it will be illegal to own a knife with a sharpened blade longer than 8in (20cm), if it also has other features, including:

A serrated cutting edge

More than one hole in the blade

Spikes

More than two sharp points in the blade

The different models of knives were checked to make sure they met the new "zombie" knife criteria [Ben Schofield/BBC]

The weapons will be shredded and their metal recycled by a specialist company.

Mr House added that it was a "horrific amount of knives".

"The fact that we have now got them all here and they are going to be destroyed will absolutely save lives."

Under the Home Office surrender and compensation scheme Sporting Wholesale could receive more than 350,000 for its knives [Steve Hubbard/BBC]

Sporting Wholesale imported knives in bulk and sold to retailers. It owns the knife brand Anglo Arms, which the company admitted in 2021 had gained a "reputation with gangs".

The company said earlier this year that "over the last five to six years knife crime has increased". It added "as a result... we reduced the Anglo Arms range to cover practical and traditional knives only".

Eddy Eliaz is the firm's managing director and major shareholder.

His younger brother Adam Eliaz is the director and major shareholder in DNA Leisure, an online retailer, located on the same industrial estate. DNA Leisure also surrendered 1,542 knives.

Both companies announced in June they would no longer sell knives, beyond their current stock.

A post on Sporting Wholesale's website said "after supplying the trade with cutlery and archery products for over 20 years" it was "saddened to say that Sporting Wholesale Ltd are now ceasing the sale of these items".

It added one final shipment of the products was due to be delivered "but no new orders will be placed".

"This is all quite unfortunate, but the UK is now not a place where these items can be openly sold," it continued.

Eddy Eliaz is the managing director and major shareholder of Sporting Wholesale [Twitter]

The move followed press coverage the previous month of the sentencing of Rayis Nibeel and an accomplice for the murder of Omar Khan in Luton.

In 2023 Nibeel had bought 79 knives and machetes from DNA Leisure despite being only 16. He used a family member's ID to buy the blades online over 13 separate transactions.

DNA Leisure said that Nibeel had committed "fraud" and the company had used an "age-verified courier" to make the deliveries.

The knife that killed Mr Khan was sold as part of a pair by DNA Leisure, which described them as the "Anglo Arms bayonet style fixed blade knife set". In April this year, a similar set was being sold for 29.95 by DNA.

The type of knife used to kill Omar Khan in Luton was among those surrendered to police [Ben Schofield/BBC]

A wound from an Anglo Arms machete killed 14-year-old Gordon Gault after an attack in November 2022 in Newcastle. Two teenagers were jailed for manslaughter.

A murder trial also heard how an Anglo Arms bullet lock knife was used to fatally stab Joshua Clark and Haidar Shah in Halifax in October 2023.

Of those attacks, only the weapon used to murder Omar Khan is being outlawed.

There has been criticism that the new ban, which was designed by the previous Conservative government, does not go far enough.

On 9 September, the Labour government held a summit at Downing Street focused on knife crime. It said it was considering a further ban on ninja swords and making it harder to buy dangerous weapons online.

Police found at least a dozen different models of knives among those surrendered [Ben Schofield/BBC]

Bedfordshire Police said it is also working to tackle a black market, which could be bolstered by the stricter ban.

Det Insp Graham Newton, from the force's anti-gangs unit, said while the zombie knife law change was welcome, he was aware that "like other prohibited items, there will be some people that try to make a criminal gain".

Det Insp Graham Newton said some closed social media groups were used to arrange illegal knife sales [Ben Schofield/BBC]

He promised that detectives would be as "inventive" in trying to catch illegal sellers as the sellers themselves.

"We need to stop the knives at source and then stop the violence happening on the street."

Si Philbert, a youth practitioner with Wingman Mentors and St Giles Trust, said while the new ban was "not enough" it was "a start" and "overdue".

Wingman works with Bedfordshire's Home Office-funded Violence and Exploitation Reduction Unit to try to prevent knife crime.

Si Philbert said many young people who carry knives do so out of fear [Ben Schofield/BBC]

"If zombie knives didnt exist," Mr Philbert, 49, added, "wed still have a problem with knife crime."

Mr Philbert said "nine times out of 10" young people carry knives out of fear.

He said he encouraged young people to "change their environment" from a "war zone" to a "safer space... where they dont feel like they need to protect themselves".

"If you can prevent them from picking up a knife in the first place, its better than just banning the knives."

The zombie knife surrender scheme is open until the end of 23 September.

Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.

More on this story
In a troubling turn of events, citizen panels assigned to review controversial police actions and inject the civilian perspective into local police departments are being disbanded across Florida.

A new state law set the stage for ending the states 21 panels. In essence, civilians in Florida will no longer be able to complain about alleged police brutality outside of the departments internal affairs office. If a department rejects citizens complaints, there is no other recourse.

Two local panels, one covering Miami Police and another the Miami-Dade Police Department  designed to ward off the notion of the fox guarding the hen house have been dismantled. Its a blow to citizens rights to police transparency and accountability and closes a line of communication between the public and police departments.

Its only the latest attack by the Florida legislature on citizens participation in their governance.

Gov. Ron DeSantis and Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Mark Glass gleefully announced the end of civilian oversight at the signing of the new law, which took effect July 1 after the passage of House Bill 601.

DeSantis characterized these panels as political and stacked with activists. Glass was even more dismissive: These men and women in law enforcement do not need to be scrutinized again and again by committees that have no idea what they are talking about, Glass said.

So much for community buy-in.

This rhetoric implies that the voices of those who advocate for police accountability are inherently biased. In reality, these civilian panels, if run effectively, are crucial, not only for seeking punishment for officers but for fostering community trust in law enforcement.

In Miami-Dade, the two-year-old Independent Civilian Panel, revived after the 2020 murder by Minneapolis police of George Floyd, is officially dead, Executive Director Ursula Price told the Herald Editorial Board. The 13-member board barely got off the ground before becoming the victim of the new law. A new county sheriff elected in November has the discretion to keep it.

And in Miami, the city commission has voted to stop funding its 23-year-old Civilian Investigative Panel, a decision Executive Director Rodney Jacobs is fighting in court, saying the commission is misreading the new law. In an opinion article for the Miami Herald, Jacobs wrote that in a city like Miami, where the scars of police misconduct run deep, this is not just a betrayal of our laws; it is a betrayal of our humanity. A powerful accusation.

Police departments traditionally dislike civilian scrutiny of their actions, siding with Glass that citizens dont know what its like to be law enforcement officers.

Its a bit of an imperious view. However, Miami Police Chief Manny Morales has indicated his department may create a community advisory panel.

Miami and Miami-Dade have had scandals involving mistreatment of citizens. In fact, the latest incident between Miami Dolphins star player Tyreek Hill and four Miami-Dade motorcycle officers could have ended in front of the Miami-Dade civilian panel, if Hill felt the department did not act on his complaint of police misconduct and failed to reprimand the officers.

Of course, Hill is famous and has an expensive attorney. But an average Joe with the same complaint would have to resort to such a civilian oversight. Now, there is no recourse.

It is true that civilian panels have not always been effective. Without subpoena power, their bite is usually limited. Miami-Dades ICP took over a year to start hearing cases. And those bodies are also expensive to fund.

However, disbanding these boards signals a regression in the progress made since the Black Lives Matter racial justice protests four years ago.

Now, as these boards are dismantled, the message is clear: citizens are no longer welcome in conversations about police conduct. Only law enforcement can recommend reprimand for officers.

This is a profound setback for justice and accountability in Florida.

Click here to send the letter.
What you should know about this highly contagious respiratory tract infection

CHICOPEE, Mass (WWLP)  Children can be exposed to different diseases, especially now that they are back in school.

Doctors recommend children be vaccinated many times for whooping cough while they are infants, before they start Kindergarten, and then again before middle school. Receiving these vaccines can prevent children from contracting the disease.

As COVID-19 continues to spread, how can you protect yourself?

Whooping cough or pertussis is an infectious bacteria but is very preventable by vaccine. It is on the rise around the country and in Massachusetts, but it is only returning to pre-pandemic levels.

They call it whoop because of the noise they make. They are having difficulty breathing. They are making a funny noise. They start losing some oxygen, they have trouble said Dr. John OReilly, a pediatrician at the Baystate Health High Street Clinic.

A cough is developed which affects the respiratory system and can cause damage to the linings in the lungs but the body takes a long time to recover.

Pertussis used to be called the 100-day cough, so in these kids, even healthy adolescents, they are going to be having this cough for months and months and months, said Dr. OReilly.

In Massachusetts, there have been over 250 cases so far this year as of late July. 75% of those cases are adolescents ages 11-19, while less than 1% of cases have been in children under 6 years old.

The disease can be spread by anyone.

Probably there is an adult, their neighbor, their friend, their family member, who has a cough, that doesnt really recognize it as a serious illness, but when that child inhales that pertussis bacteria, then the child gets sick, said Dr. OReilly.

Infants receive the vaccination at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and 18 months. When children start attending school, they will be exposed to new germs and diseases so it is recommended they get another vaccination before Kindergarten and then again before they attend middle school as the other vaccine will begin to wear off.

The school and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health are pretty strict and if your child has not been vaccinated and there is a case reported, they are out of school for 3 weeks, said Dr. OReilly.

Dr. OReilly is warning parents to not wait until it is too late and get the vaccines when they are recommended so their children can be healthy and have a good school year. He also said pediatricians want to see kids thriving, in school, keeping active and not getting preventable diseases.

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What to know about Tim Walz's post-debate swing through Wisconsin in Wausau and Superior

Democratic Vice Presidential nominee Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz waves at the crowd at Laborfest 2024 hosted by labor unions and union members of the Milwaukee Area Labor Council on Monday September 2, 2024 at the Henry Maier Festival Park in Milwaukee, Wis.

WASHINGTON  Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Walz will make a two-day swing through central and northeastern Wisconsin this week as part of a battleground state push in the final weeks of the presidential campaign.

Walz, the governor of Minnesota, plans to meet with Democratic volunteers in Wausau on Friday following stops in Grand Rapids and Lansing, Michigan, according to the Harris-Walz campaign. On Saturday, Walz plans to hold a rally at the University of Wisconsin-Superior.

The stops are part of what the campaign says is a "more aggressive phase on the campaign trail" following Vice President Kamala Harris' strong debate performance against former President Donald Trump on Tuesday night. That strategy, the campaign said in a memo, involves "stumping across battleground states" as Harris seeks to build post-debate momentum.

Harris planned to hold back-to-back rallies Thursday in Charlotte and Greensboro, North Carolina, before traveling to Pennsylvania Friday.

Visit marks the Harris ticket's first stop in central Wisconsin

Walz's visit to Wausau will be the first visit to the central part of Wisconsin for Harris or Walz this cycle. Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff stopped Wausau in July. Trump rallied in Mosinee last week. And President Joe Biden earlier this year campaigned in Superior  months before he dropped out of the presidential race.

A Marquette University Law School poll released Wednesday showed Walz was the only candidate on either ticket with a net positive favorability rating. Walz is viewed favorably by 43% of registered voters in Wisconsin and unfavorably by 37%, the poll found. Ohio Republican Sen. JD Vance, Trump's running mate, is viewed favorably by 37% and unfavorably by 47%.

The poll showed Harris with a 4-point lead over Trump in Wisconsin.

The Harris campaign said Thursday it plans to launch "a suite of new TV and digital ads" in addition to the visits. Those ads, the campaign said, that will feature clips of Tuesday's debate.

In Wisconsin, Harris and Democrats have out-dueled Trump and Republicans on the airwaves in Wisconsin's main media markets. Advertising data showed Democrats have spent more on ads so far this cycle and have more TV ad space reserved than Republicans in the weeks until Nov. 5.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: What to know about Tim Walz's post-debate swing through Wisconsin
I know where NHS money needs to be spent - sorting out its people problem

To survive, the NHS must be reformed, a new report warns. Judith Woods has some suggestions - Carl Court/Getty Images

The trouble with the NHS is this The real issue with healthcare in Britain is this The fundamental reason for the chaos is

Well be hearing a lot of sentences that begin this way as Labour puts on its big 165 billion paper pants and squares up to the sclerotic behemoth that is our national health service (sorry all you terminally useless Tory health secretaries  smelling salts are available from the 1922 Committee).

Grandiloquent experts will spout forth, tripping over each other to analyse what went wrong and how to fix it. Someone might even pompously attempt to convey the sheer scale of the challenge by claiming, Its like turning round an oil tanker. But we Radio 4 listeners know from this weeks More or Less statistics programme that it only takes a smidge under five minutes for a 330 metre ship to swing 180 degrees.

There will be talk of digitisation, of preventative intervention and of the interconnection of primary, secondary and social care. All necessary, all in need of reform.

But if I could speak as a patient (and paraphrase Keir Starmer), the biggest reimagining of the NHS I can visualise would be giving this organisation back its heart.

For me, and a great many others who find themselves cowed and intimidated by the very medics we are reliant on for care, the NHS is first and foremost suffering from a people problem.

Before I am drowned out by a chorus of disapproval, I dont mean all of its people. Family and friends report critical care is unparalleled; cancer teams routinely go the extra mile.

But I have found myself treated abominably. I have hollered in pain and distress as bungling nurses refused to read my notes and gave me the wrong treatment; I have been variously humiliated, mismanaged and  there is no other word for it  bullied.

If lived experience has any value, I could tell a tale or two about midwives more intent on meeting targets than keeping my baby alive, the incompetent agency nurse who for hours kept force-feeding me water for acute urine retention (a post-op condition that requires a catheter) until I was drenched in sweat and biting my arm in order not to scream.

The irritated doctor who eventually came told me off for having a urethra that was too narrow  and tried unsuccessfully to catheterise me in full view of my fellow patients.

The staff nurse, who sneered that I had only had metalwork removed from my previously broken back, ordered me to go home as he needed the bed. He gestured me into a broken wheelchair without any brakes and I nearly skidded under the wheels of an ambulance on the way out.

Discharged too early and against all protocols, I was rushed into a different hospital that night.

I could detail how my brother-in-law, an ex-police officer, was left for no fewer than 49 hours on a trolley in A&E with three collapsed spinal discs. Robbed of all dignity, his pain management was patchy; the slightest movement sent his sciatic nerve into overdrive, electric shocks shooting down his legs.

I felt as though I had been transported to the NHS version of Guantanamo Bay, he told me. No peace, no quiet, lights on round the clock. There I was, lying immobile in a public place in huge distress, but nobody seemed to see me or acknowledge me. After 30 hours, I literally cried myself to sleep.

Mistakes happen, of course they do  resources are stretched; bed shortages are routine. But in what universe is it deemed acceptable to scold the sick and subject them to inhuman conditions? I dont just mean the staff on the ground, but those higher up (to a large degree, they are the ones who create this culture).

But when you are in hospital, anxious and in pain, is it too much to expect  if not kindness  then respect? Sadly, compassion is no longer a given. An elderly friend advises her circle to curry favour with the nurses as soon as they arrive on a ward in order to stand out.

Its a fact of life that poorly old ladies in hospital are ten-a-penny and nurses can be terribly brusque and brutal, she says. We get treated so grudgingly  if at all  that sucking up to them is the only way to be noticed.

I am a retired professional with all my marbles, not some gaga old dear, but however much it sticks in my craw to fawn and flatter them by asking questions about their lives, Ive learned that its the only way to make it out in one piece.

What an indictment. Thats even before we touch on the fact that in the years since the NHS was founded languishing in A&E has been more deadly than going to war.

This was highlighted by Lord Darzi, leading surgeon and former health minister, in his new report: According to the Royal College of Emergency Medicine long waits are likely to be causing an additional 14,000 deaths a year  more than double all British Armed Forces combat deaths since the health service was founded in 1948, he concludes.

Fifteen years ago, patients turning up could expect to find 39 people ahead of them in the queue. Now the number is beyond 100.

Appalling figures  but those implementing change need to remember, need to be reminded, that behind every number is a person in extremis. Every death is a preventable tragedy. How scandalous that lives are being lost at such a rate in the one place they could be saved.

I dont know the ins and outs of overhauling a system so huge and sprawling. Despite huge cash injections, productivity is low, demoralised staff have become inured to suffering and retention is an uphill struggle.

We bent over backwards to protect the NHS during the pandemic  at times, it felt as though its survival was deemed more important than our own. But what use is any healthcare model if those who work in it dont care as much as they should?

Better pay, better training and  dare I say it  a way of rooting out those who are simply not of the required calibre should be a priority. People are the beating heart of healthcare; we must do what it takes to restore not just their sense of pride and duty but their compassion and humanity.

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We know our worth: Hundreds of more workers at 4 prominent Boston hotels walk off the job

Hundreds of more workers at four prominent hotels in Boston went on strike Thursday morning, just days after nearly 1,000 other workers at other city properties walked off the job during Labor Day weekend.

About 400 workers including room attendants, house persons, front desk agents, doorpersons, bellpersons, cooks, dishwashers, banquet servers, engineers, and others walked off the job at Moxy Boston Downtown, The Newbury Boston, W Boston Hotel, and The Dagny, according to Unite Here Local 26.

Unite Here Local 26 says the workers are protesting arduous workloads and wages that arent enough to afford the cost of living.

Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, and Omni hotel properties are locked in unresolved contract negotiations, prompting strikes in 12 cities nationwide, including Boston, as hotel workers fight for meaningful raises, fair workloads, and the reversal of COVID-era cuts.

Im on strike because I need higher wages to pay my bills and support my daughters through college. Its also really important that I maintain my health insurance and make sure I have a pension that will enable me to retire with dignity, Alicia Cacho, a front desk agent of 12 years at The Newbury Boston said in a statement Going on strike is a difficult thing to do, but Im thinking about my familys future in the long term. The hotel owners know how hard we work and how expensive it is to live in Boston. We know our worth, and were willing to do whatever it takes to win the raises, benefits, and job security that we deserve!

Carlos Aramayo, president of Unite Here LOCAL 26, says room rates are at record highs and the hotel industry in America made over $100 billion in gross operating profit in 2022, but the wages workers are paid still arent enough to cover the cost of living.

The Union and the hotel companies are still far apart on strike issues including raises, workloads, and COVID-era cuts, Aramayo said in a statement. Without a significant wage increase, many hotel workers simply cannot afford to live in Boston, the city that they welcome guests to. Our members shouldnt have to work more than one job. Were asking the hotels to hire and schedule more staff because strenuous workloads are breaking workers bodies. The travel industry is booming in Boston, and its unacceptable for hotel companies to boost profits by cutting their offerings to guests and abandoning their responsibility to workers.

Earlier this month, workers at Fairmont Copley Square, Park Plaza, Hilton Logan Airport, and Hilton Seaport went on strike over the failed contract negotiations.

The negotiations between the hotels and the union have reportedly dragged on since April.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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(NewsNation)  Bryan Kohbergers murder trial being moved out of Moscow, Idaho will give him a better shot at a fair trial with an impartial jury, legal experts say.

His ask for a venue change came as no surprise to legal experts as the move is often used by defense attorneys in high-profile cases so that their client can get a bigger pool of jurors who may not be as intimately familiar with the case as a local jury, Richard Blok, an Idaho criminal defense attorney told NewsNation.

As a defense attorney, you want the jurors to see the defendant for the first time in their suit, sitting next to defense counsel, right? That wasnt going to happen in Moscow or anything even remotely approaching it, he said.

Thats the whole game of a change of venue.

Bryan Kohberger trial over Idaho killings expected June 2025

Latah County Judge John Judge granted Kohbergers defense team a venue change Monday after they requested the trial be moved from the small town of Moscow, arguing the small jury pool was likely tainted by pretrial publicity.

Judge stated several reasons behind his decision to allow Kohberger to change jurisdictions including hardship on the local courthouse staff and the massive publicity of the case making it hard to find impartial jurors in the small local pool.

Despite efforts by the parties and the Court to protect the jury pool from being inundated with information that is potentially prejudicial and false, extensive media coverage by mainstream media sources such as newspapers, radio stations, and television news outlets has continued throughout the state and nationally, Judge wrote in his order.

Kohberger faces four murder charges in connection with the November 2022 stabbing deaths of Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves in their off-campus home in Moscow, Idaho. Authorities in Monroe County, Pennsylvania, arrested Kohberger, then a student at Washington State University, on Dec. 30, 2022.

He is eligible for the death penalty if convicted.

Bryan Kohberger defense asks about evidence during hearing

The stakes are high and a jury with less bias could make a difference for Kohberger, NewsNation Legal Analyst Sara Azari said of the venue change. She said a motion for venue change is rarely granted so this is a big deal for the defense team.

The lack of bias in a jury could very well make a difference, she said.

But on the other hand, or on the flip side, if the evidence is really overwhelming against Kohberger, it really doesnt matter if the case is tried in Boise, Idaho or on Mars.

While Idaho has precedent for bringing in a jury from outside rather than changing venues, the judge probably didnt do that in this case due to the logistics of where Moscow is, Blok said.

The jury would have to go over a mountain range, he said. The area is not an easily accessible place so its easier for the judge and the lawyers to move than a jury, he said.

While its unclear where the trial will be moved, most legal experts say the likely place is Ada County, where Boise sits and the population is much greater.

Bryan Kohbergers attorneys want death penalty off the table

The Idaho Supreme Court will decide the new venue.

Shanon Gray, the attorney representing the family of University of Idaho murder victim Kaylee Goncalves, said that a change to Ada County would be an incredible inconvenience.

Its six hours away and its a completely different world over there, he said. It ends up being you have to move over there for a month. You cant come back and forth. They (the victims families) have children they have to care for, they have family members that will want to be over there. All the witnesses, most of them are around Latah County, so it would be a massive inconvenience.

Gonclaves family says they will not view the venue change as a win for the defense team.

This isnt the end. This isnt the end of the road. This is not over, Gonclaves mother Kristi said.

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The News

Russia has launched a significant counteroffensive to push Ukrainian forces out of Kursk, the southern border region which was partially occupied by Ukraine last month.

Speaking at a news conference, Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the Russian counteroffensive actions were according to our Ukrainian plan. Russias defense ministry has said it has reclaimed 10 of the more than 100 settlements Ukraine has said it seized in the incursion, which caught Russia by surprise last month.

Zelenskyy has said Ukrainian troops will remain in Kursk indefinitely, as the territory was key to Ukraines victory plan, raising the possibility that it could be used as a bargaining chip.

SIGNALS

Ukraine expects to hold on in Russia

Sources: Financial Times, The Washington Post, DeepState

So far, Ukrainian officials have expressed confidence that their soldiers will rebuff Russias counteroffensive. A senior Ukrainian official told the Financial Times that Russia had made little progress, and that they were not seeing a major Russian push. But a Ukrainian commander fighting in Kursk said that the situation is serious, everything is being shelled, and the road on which supplies were brought is no longer usable. Even so, the official said we are in control. We are holding, The Washington Post reported. According to DeepState, a Ukrainian group that monitors the battlefield, the countrys forces still control more than 800 square kilometers of the territory.

Kremlin redirects troops from Ukraine

Sources: Espresso.TV, NBC News, Institute for the Study of War

So far, Ukrainian officials have expressed confidence that their soldiers will rebuff Russias counteroffensive. A senior Ukrainian official told the Financial Times that Russia had made little progress, and that they were not seeing a major Russian push. But a Ukrainian commander fighting in Kursk said that the situation is serious, everything is being shelled, and the road on which supplies were brought is no longer usable. Even so, the official said we are in control. We are holding, The Washington Post reported. According to DeepState, a Ukrainian group that monitors the battlefield, the countrys forces still control more than 800 square kilometers of the territory.

US and UK inch closer to allowing strikes deep inside Russia

Sources: The Guardian, Bloomberg, The Moscow Times

As Ukrainian troops have been hunkering down in Kursk, Ukrainian diplomats have been pushing hard for permission to use Western-supplied missiles and fighter jets to strike deeper inside Russia. The diplomatic campaign appears to be yielding results: The Guardian reported that the UK could soon allow Ukraine to use British long-range missiles to strike Russia. The US and UK are negotiating about how this might work, as British missiles tend to rely on American navigational data to maximize their accuracy, Bloomberg noted. Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that allowing Ukraine to strike deeper into Russia would put NATO at war with Russia.
KENTUCKY (FOX 56)  Kentucky State Police (KSP) encourages parents to speak with their children after a surge of school threats across the Commonwealth.

Since Monday, at least 12 counties school days have been disrupted due to reported school threats.

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We live in an age where you cant take threats lightly, and that also means you cant make threats lightly, said Sam Wade, Jessamine County High School school resource officer. With the shooting that occurred in Georgia, as tragic as it was, and then us having a shooting in Laurel County so close to home, I think you have some bad actors that like to piggyback and try to see as much panic and chaos that they can cause.

Most of the threats have originated from social media and spread among students on apps such as Snapchat.

Troopers urge parents to have a conversation with their children about the dangers and consequences of posting threatening messages on social media or online, KSP said. Troopers also ask parents to speak with their children about reporting any concerning information they may come across on social media or online to an adult.

Schools and law enforcement encourage parents and students to say something if they see something concerning, despite any doubts that the threat is substantiated.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

Kentucky State Police thoroughly investigates all reported threats of school violence regardless of context or intent, KSP said. KSP collaborates with local law enforcement officers and school administration personnel to provide a safe environment for students to focus on furthering their education while in school.

So far, five juveniles are facing terroristic threatening charges as a result.

According to the Kentucky Revised Statute, threats of violence directed toward a school are terroristic threatening 1st degree, which is a Class C felony, KSP said.

RELATED | Kentucky school districts on high alert after surge of statewide threats

A Class C felony is a serious crime, per KSP, and those charged may be subject to five to 10 years in prison.

Even if a student says we were joking, it was not really a threat, were going to treat every threat seriously and were going to turn it over to local law enforcement to deal with, said Kim Adkins, the director of student services for Hardin County Schools.

When we come across something like this, if a threat has been made and we can track it back to who made that threat or someone trying to cause panic with those threats, then we do follow up with charges, Wade said.

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Russia launches counteroffensive in Kursk  can it push Ukraine off its own turf?

More than a month after Ukraine launched an unprecedented incursion into Russian territory, Russian forces have begun counterattacking in Kursk Oblast, aiming to eventually drive Ukrainian troops out of the partially occupied border region.

President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed reports about the Kursk counteroffensive at a press conference on Sept. 12, cryptically adding that "everything is going according to our Ukrainian plan."

He did not provide further details, but the developments unfolded as Zelensky continued pleading for Western allies to lift restrictions on the use of their long-range missiles supplied for strikes in Russian territory.

Ukraine's unexpected incursion into the border area patch of Russia's Kursk Oblast launched on Aug. 6 and marking the first invasion of Russian territory since World War II has dealt a blow to President Vladimir Putins image and lifted the spirits of Ukrainians and their allies two and a half years into Moscows full-scale invasion. The captured territory could also give Ukraine valuable leverage in future peace negotiations.

However, as Russian forces continue to make grinding gains in eastern Ukraine, some analysts have raised concerns about the effectiveness of using Ukraines limited resources to seize Russian territory. If Moscow's counteroffensive successfully reclaims the Ukrainian-held areas in Kursk Oblast, there is worry that these efforts may ultimately prove to be in vain.

A Ukrainian mechanic who is driving an American Stryker armored vehicle after returning from a combat mission in Kursk Oblast looks at the camera on Aug. 14, 2024, near the Russian border in Sumy Oblast, Ukraine. (Kostiantyn Liberov/Libkos/Getty Images)

Russia's Defense Ministry claimed on Sept. 12 that its forces had recaptured 10 settlements in Kursk Oblast since the counteroffensive began along the western flank of the Ukrainian-held area around Sept. 10. The settlements reportedly include Apanasovka, Byakhovo, Vishnevka, Viktorovka, Vnezapnoye, Gordeyevka, Krasnooktyabrskoye, Obukhovka, Snagost, and 10-y Oktyabr.

The extent of what territory Russias forces have reclaimed remains unclear, as Moscows claims have not been independently verified, according to Emil Kastehelmi, an OSINT analyst with the Finland-based Black Bird Group and military history expert.

"The Russians have gained local success, likely by pushing the Ukrainians back several kilometers and taking at least 2-4 villages," he said.

Pentagon spokesperson Major General Pat Ryder called Moscow's gains "marginal" at this stage but "something obviously that we're keeping an eye on."

Ukraine's military has not yet commented on Russia's counteroffensive in the region.

In his latest update on the situation on Sept. 6, Zelensky said Ukraine controlled over 1,300 square kilometers and approximately 100 settlements in Kursk Oblast. According to the Ukrainian crowd-sourced monitoring group DeepState, Ukrainian forces held around 875.3 square kilometers as of Sept. 12.

Read also: Putin delays new mobilization, despite Kursk incursion exposing troop shortages

What is Russia trying to achieve?

Kastehelmi said that the Russian counterattack aims to "open a land route" from Glushkovo to Korenevo to mitigate the impact of Ukrainian strikes on bridges over the Seim River, which posed a logistical challenge for the area to the south.

"To continue supplying the area, the Russians were forced to deploy temporary bridges, which were also targeted by Ukrainian strikes. This problem is solved with the current counterattack," Kastehelmi said.

A map of claimed Ukrainian advance in Russia's Kursk Oblast as of Aug. 20, 2024. Stationary bridges were hit in the settlements of Glushkovo, Zvannoe, and Karyzh. Source: Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi. (Nizar al-Rifai/The Kyiv Independent)

Additionally, the counteroffensive reduces Ukrainian-held territory in Kursk Oblast, potentially complicating further Ukrainian advances toward Lgov, "depending on how far the Russians can advance with their current attack," Kastehelmi added.

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW), in its latest assessment on Sept. 11, said that Russian forces might aim to temporarily split the Ukrainian salient in Kursk Oblast to establish better tactical positions before launching a more coordinated campaign to expel Ukrainian troops from Russian territory.

Soldiers drink coffee and eat hotdogs between tasks in a petrol station near Sumy on Aug. 15, 2024, in Sumy Oblast, Ukraine. (Ed Ram/For The Washington Post via Getty Images)

"Russian forces may be working to establish more tactically favorable positions during these initial counterattacks before beginning a wider counteroffensive operation against Ukrainian forces operating northeast of Korenevo and near Sudzha," reads the report.

Sudzha is the largest Ukrainian-held settlement in Kursk Oblast and home to a key processing point for Russian gas being exported to Europe through vast pipelines traversing Ukraine.

The town seems secure at the moment, lying around 25 kilometers southeast of Obukhovka, the closest village Russia claims to have recaptured during its counteroffensive.

A Ukrainian combat medic serving near Sudzha told the Kyiv Independent that "things are more or less stable" in the area, adding that his unit is "expecting an offensive from the Russian side."

Read also: Morning in Sudzha: Inside Ukrainian-occupied Russia as Kursk operation continues

Will Russias counterattack affect broader battlefield?

Kyiv has said that one of the main objectives of the Kursk incursion was to divert Russian forces from the eastern Ukrainian Donbas front, where Moscow is closing in on the strategic city of Pokrovsk and advancing in other sectors.

According to Zelensky, as of early September, Russia had pulled over 60,000 troops to face Ukraine's ongoing incursion in Kursk Oblast, while Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi estimated in late August that 30,000 troops had been diverted to the region.

While it remains unclear how many Russian troops are involved in the counteroffensive, elements from several brigades, including the 155th Marine Brigade, 51st and 56th Airborne Regiments, are reportedly participating.

Despite redeployments, Russia appears to have enough reserves to sustain offensives in both Kursk and Ukraines Donetsk Oblast, according to Kastehelmi.

Though signs of stabilization have been observed near Pokrovsk in the last two weeks, Russia has not ceased its main offensive operation in the area, with continued attacks probing for weaknesses, according to Dara Massicot, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peaces Russia and Eurasia Program.

Meanwhile, the situation is growing increasingly difficult near Vuhledar, a small mining town south of Pokrovsk critical for Ukrainian defense in the southern part of Donetsk Oblast.

"The counterattack in Kursk is unlikely to change the general situation in Ukraine's favor elsewhere, but there is a possibility that some areas could face less pressure for a certain time. However, the effect is likely rather local," Kastehelmi said.

Will Russia push Ukrainian forces out of Kursk Oblast?

Several days into the counteroffensive, it's too early to assess whether Ukraine will be able to hold the captured land in Kursk Oblast and what this development could mean for the war, experts say.

Ukrainian military expert Serhii Zghurets wrote in his guest article for Espreso television channels website that the Russian counteroffensive in Kursk Oblast was anticipated. According to Zghurets, the attack could allow Ukrainian forces to achieve some of the initial goals of the Kursk operation.

"Russia has finally taken the step that our military planners anticipated when preparing for the offensive with the invasion of Kursk Oblast. Specifically, forcing the enemy to redeploy forces to this new front from other areas, including Pokrovsk, creating a buffer zone in Sumy Oblast, and ensuring maximum destruction or capture of the enemy's personnel and equipment," Zghurets wrote.

A Ukrainian military vehicle drives past a burning car on a road near the border with Russia in Sumy Oblast, Ukraine, on Aug. 14, 2024. (Roman Pilipey / AFP via Getty Images)

The ISW wrote in its Sept. 11 report that Moscow might consider transferring additional, more capable units from Ukraine to respond to the Ukrainian operation in Kursk Oblast.

"It remains unclear if the Russian authorities responding to the Kursk incursion assess that the current Russian force grouping in Kursk Oblast  largely comprised of conscripts, irregular Russian forces, and smaller elements of regular and more elite Russian units  can successfully push Ukrainian forces from the area."

Massicot echoed this suggestion, noting that "the Russians redeployed forces from many places along the front line to support Kursk, but the force there remains highly variable in terms of force quality."

Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces have begun new attacks in Kursk Oblast and appear to have contained the initial push of the Russian counteroffensive, "but the situation can still change," according to Kastehelmi.

Ukraine will likely try to solidify its positions in Kursk, building fortifications on the Russian side of the border if it plans to hold the area long-term, said Kastehelmi.

"The Ukrainians might try to advance in some areas, but the advances will likely be gradual instead of rapid," Kastehelmi added.

Note from the author:

Hi there, this is Dinara Khalilova, the author of this article. We need your support to continue reporting on key developments on the battlefield and the challenges Ukraine faces in its fight against Russian aggression. Please consider becoming a member of the Kyiv Independent community.

Read also: What the fall of Pokrovsk would mean for Russias war in Ukraine

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(Bloomberg) -- Republican Vice Presidential nominee and Ohio Senator JD Vance said some big tech mergers could lead to censorship, signaling a potentially aggressive stand from a second Trump administration on antitrust regulation.

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When you have companies like Facebook and Google censoring American citizens, making it harder for Americans to speak in their own political process, that is a major problem, Vance said Thursday on CNBC. And yeah, I do think that there should be an antitrust solution to it.

When pressed, Vance made a distinction between big companies and small ones, saying not all mergers are bad. But he voiced support for FTC chair Lina Khans approach to breaking up big tech monopolies.

I think our antitrust policy has been pretty clear on this, he said. Sometimes in the technology space, in the private equity space, you need to let some companies buy other companies. Thats how investors get capital returns; thats how you promote capital formation. He added that he doesnt care about a medium-sized business buying a small-sized business but agrees with Khan on big tech.

Such a position would be a departure from traditional Wall Street Republicans and could cut into former President Donald Trumps support. To be sure, Trump and Vance have received the backing of several business moguls such Point Bridge Capital founder Hal Lambert and hedge-fund billionaire Bill Ackman.

In Congress, Vance has supported stricter filing rules for mergers and legislation that eliminates tax breaks for mega mergers. He has also raised concerns about foreign companies seeking to take over US manufacturers, such as Nippon Steel Corp.s bid to buy United States Steel Corp., which Biden is poised to block. Harris and Trump have also said they oppose the move. Vance has also criticized Meta Platforms Inc.s purchase of Instagram and WhatsApp.

Vice presidents historically havent had a heavy role in shaping antitrust policy. The Biden White House has prioritized antitrust regulation, creating the Competition Council, in which officials meet regularly. That approach could continue if Trump and Vance were elected.

Vance, who defended his running mates widely criticized performance in Tuesdays debate, also slammed companies like Apple Inc., which he accused of benefitting from Chinese slave labor.

Story continues

Every competitor wants access to American markets. If you want access to American markets, you cant use Chinese slave labor to produce your products. Youve got to be able to use American workers, he said. Do I think Apple is an evil company? No. Do I think that sometimes they benefit from Chinese slave labor? Yeah, and thats pretty sick.

The bipartisan Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, which went into effect in 2022, aimed to strengthen the prohibition against the importation of goods made with forced labor.

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Two more juveniles have been charged with threatening middle schools, marking the latest in a string of arrests and class cancelations because of threats to schools across Kentucky this week.

The latest charges threats happened in Garrard County and Lawrence County.

In Garrard County, the sheriffs office was notified at 8 p.m. Wednesday of an online post circulating that contained a threat to Garrard County Middle School.

Sheriffs officials determined the location of the person responsible for the post, and a juvenile was charged with first-degree terroristic threatening, a felony, according to a Facebook post from the department.

The investigation determined the post was created and distributed after school hours, and the juvenile acted alone, according to the statement.

And on Thursday, Lawrence County School officials contacted Kentucky State Police in Ashland and requested investigative help after administrators received a threat to Louisa Middle School.

A 12-year-old was charged with third-degree terroristic threatening.

Earlier this week, a 16-year-old boy and 14-year-old girl were arrested in Marion County after officials say they made threats that, in at least one case, caused concern for schools in several states.

The students were arrested Monday and Tuesday in separate incidents in Marion County, Kentucky State Police said.

Marion County Public Schools canceled classes Monday because of that threat, according to a statement posted on the school districts website.

School threats continued on Wednesday, as Adair County Superintendent Jason Faulkner said in a Facebook post that classes were canceled because the district, about 40 miles south of Marion County, received a substantiated threat on Wednesday morning.

Kentucky State Police Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. said his agency will continue to work with school resource officers, local law enforcement and school administrators to ensure the safety of all students.

As a trooper and a father who has children in our school system, I can assure you that we will take any threat seriously and make arrests where possible, Burnett said.





Kentucky Department of Education Commissioner Robbie Fletcher commented on the string of threats in a statement Thursday:

While we are concerned about the amount of time our students are missing due to these hoaxes, our primary concern is the safety and well-being of the students and staff members that are in our schools every day across Kentucky. We ask our families to talk with their students about the very real and serious consequences that can happen if they call in a threat against another student or their school. A threat like this can result in a student facing suspension, expulsion and/or alternative placements, in addition to the consequences from our justice system. Fletcher said.





Kentucky State Police and Kentucky Department of Education officials urge parents to talk with their children about the dangers and consequences of posting threatening messages on social media or online.

Families should also speak with their children about reporting any concerning information they may come across on social media or online to an adult. Ensuring that any information reported is accurate and truthful is crucial, as false reports can lead to unnecessary fear and confusion. However, Kentucky State Police officials say this should not discourage anyone from reporting potential crimes or threats.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE)  The 2025 SEC schedule for Lady Vol softball has been released.

The reigning SEC champs will first set out to face their title at Georgia, starting March 7th.

No. 7 Tennessee on guard with MACs Kent State up next

Tennessee will follow up their bout with the Bulldogs by beginning their home slate, taking on Arkansas on March 21-23.

The Lady Vols away schedule also features matchups with SEC newcomers Oklahoma and Texas, two softball powerhouses. Tennessee will visit the Sooners for the first time since 2014 and havent been in Longhorn land since 2012.

However the last time the Lady Vols faced Oklahoma was in the 2023 Womens College World Series, where the Sooners shutout Tennessee, handing them their first loss in Oklahoma City that year.

The finale of the Lady Vols away schedule will come on April 25-27 at Ole Miss.

Vols dominate NC State in the Dukes Mayo Classic

As for their home competition, Mississippi State will visit on April 4-6, then its Auburn coming to town on April 18-20 before Tennessee finishes out their regular season slate with Texas A&M on May 1-3.

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LAMAR, Mo.  A Lamar landmark is coming down. But even as the building bearing his name is torn down, memories of the impact Dr. Vern Bickel made on Lamar remain intact.

Jim Bicknel says this sight brings with it mixed emotions.

Its a sad situation, said Bickel.

But seeing the demolition of the clinic his father, Dr. Vern Bickel, built in 1937 also turns back time.

Were happy with the memories that we had of it, said Bickel.

Dr. Bickel came to Lamar in 1935, and two years later, built the hospital that would bear his name.

My dad built the hospital, brought in other doctors, Dr. Kane first, then Dr. Arnold, Dr. Carol came in, delivered lots and lots of babies.

It even served as a home for a short period.

We lived in the basement of the hospital for several weeks while my father was finishing up building a house on North Gulf.

That house is now the home of Joe Davis, with the Barton County Historical Society, who says after so many hours researching Dr. Bickels legacy

I just feel like I know the guy, said Davis.

Davis says while the physical building may be gone, in a way, it will live on. A stone marker from the top of the building, marking it as the Bickel Hospital, was saved and may end up in Memorial Park, the site where the Bickel Hospitals successor, Barton County Memorial Hospital, once stood.

To pay tribute to Dr. Bickel, because he was such an instrumental guy in this town, not only with the clinic, but with the hospital, he was the first chief of staff up there, said Davis.

For now, the memories of what this building was will continue to live on, even in the man whos in charge of demolition work.

I remember my mother taking me here, I mean, I do remember coming here as a kid, said Mike Ehrsam, owner of Ehrsam Construction.

And even if not all of those memories were the most pleasant

I wasnt a big fan of coming down here very often, said Bickel.

You didnt leave this place without a shot. You got a shot for something, said Ehrsam.

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Tenants who stop paying rent can stay for three months under Labour

Landlords will be banned from taking action against non-paying tenants for up to three months, under Labour rent reforms set to launch next summer.

Currently, tenants can only fall into two months of consecutive rent arrears before a landlord is allowed to begin proceedings to repossess their property.

But under the new Governments flagship rental reforms, tenants will be able to miss three consecutive months of rent before a property owner can start getting their home back.

Tenants will also be entitled to four weeks notice before they have to leave. Currently, if a tenant falls into rent arrears, they are only entitled to two weeks notice.

Labours Renters Rights Bill replaces the last governments Renters Reform Bill, which had kept the threshold for a non-paying tenant to two months before action could be taken.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said the changes would allow tenants more time to repay arrears and remain in their homes, while ensuring landlords do not face unsustainable costs.

Paul Shamplina, of law firm Landlord Action, said: This is bad news for landlords. A common scenario we see is tenants trying to bring rent arrears just below the mandatory threshold before action can be taken. It has become a common tactic used by savvy tenants.

So now, under the latest changes, anything less than three months will be a discretionary ground  meaning it is up to the discretion of the judge.

The Government has signposted landlords to this discretionary ground, saying they can use this if rent is repeatedly late.

Mr Shamplina is also concerned about what he called the crumbling, unfit court service. The Government has said it will ban Section 21, otherwise known as no-fault evictions, from next summer for all new and existing tenancies.

This leaves Section 8, which requires a landlord to apply for a hearing before they can evict a tenant. This route is currently used if a landlord wants to recover any lost rent, but will soon apply to all types of evictions.

Mr Shamplina said: We already have cases where landlords are owed two years of rent but cant reclaim their properties, with one of our cases dragging on for 19 months without a hearing date yet.

Now, there will be 35 grounds for possession, rather than 17. But my big fear is the functionality of the courts. Landlords need to know they can get their properties back in a timely fashion.

Wait times for court eviction orders reached 55 weeks last year, according to data collected by the countrys largest estate agents.

Companies including Savills, Hamptons and Knight Frank analysed 10 county courts back in September 2023, and what they found revealed wait times nearly double those quoted by the Ministry of Justice.

They also found, anecdotally, that bailiff wait times were adding on a further six months in some cases.

Mark Reading, chair of the Property Litigation Association industry body, said: Under this bill, every possession claim will become a contested claim.

Given the depletion of resources in the courts, and the tens and tens of court centres which have closed, without a significant cash injection to digitise everything there is not enough resource to cope with the influx of cases.

It currently takes a year to complete a Section 8 eviction order. You can see how this could easily become two years to gain possession.

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KANSAS CITY, Mo.  A 31-year-old prisoner at the Lansing Correctional Facility has been sentenced for beating and strangling his cellmate, according to the Leavenworth County Attorney.

According to court documents, AlRyon Perkins was sentenced on Wednesday, September 11 to 653 months in the Kansas Department of Corrections for second-degree murder.

Missouri officer, charged in K-9s death, fired from police department

Court documents also show that on November 25, 2023, Lansing Correctional Facility staff were made aware of a homicide inside Perkins cell. Perkins admitted to investigators that he strangled the victim with his hands before flipping him around and using his arm to strangle him.

Perkins later went on to detail how he tied a sheet around the victims next and sat on him with a pillow to make sure he was gone.

Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the victims family as they continue healing, said Leavenworth County Attorney Todd Thompson.

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A police officer applies flutter tape to cordon off the premises of the Islamic Center in Fuerstenwalde during a search. Brandenburg's Interior Minister Stuebgen has banned the Islamic Center Fuerstenwalde al-Salam association. The association in the Oder-Spree district of Brandenburg is directed against "the idea of international understanding and the constitutional order", according to the statement. Lutz Deckwerth/dpa

German police have seized laptops and money during raids targeting a newly banned Islamic association based outside Berlin.

The interior minister of the state of Brandenburg, Michael Stubgen, said "a considerable amount of cash" had been seized.

Stubgen announced on Thursday that he has banned the Islamic Centre in Furstenwalde in eastern Brandenburg, saying it has links to the Muslim Brotherhood and Palestinian terrorist organization Hamas. The centre has also been promoting anti-Semitism on social media, authorities said.

In a statement released on Thursday, Stubgen said, "We cannot tolerate associations that oppose the constitutional order or the notion of harmony among nations."

Some 70 police officers have been conducting searches at the Islamic Centre in Furstenwalde, some 40 kilometres south-east of Berlin, since the morning.

There was also a raid in Berlin, where the imam of the mosque lives, Stubgen said. The premises of the association were sealed, he added.

The announcement comes about 10 days before the September 22 state election in Brandenburg, in which migration and religious extremism are among the main concerns of voters and the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is leading in the polls.

Migration policy has been the dominant topic in political debate in Germany since a knife-wielding assailant killed three people and wounded eight others last month in the western German city of Solingen, near Dusseldorf.

The suspected attacker is a 26-year-old Syrian man who had evaded an order to be deported from Germany to Bulgaria, where he was first registered in the European Union.

Stubgen had announced months ago that he intended to take action against the Islamic association, which is active on a national level.

The interior minister said the Brandenburg centre has links to the Muslim Brotherhood, an Islamist movement founded in 1928 in Egypt, where it is banned.

Hamas, the Palestinian Islamist militia group which invaded Israel on October 7, triggering the current Gaza war, is the Brotherhood's branch in the Palestinian territory.

In July 2023, the Islamic Centre was classified by Brandenburg's domestic intelligence agency as having a confirmed extremist purpose.

At that time, Stubgen said, "The association acts against the liberal democratic basic order, spreads anti-Semitic narratives and denies Israel's right to exist. We must not tolerate this."

Security authorities have warned that young people in particular could be indoctrinated and radicalized with extremist ideologies.

According to the interior ministry, the association was founded in 2018 in Furstenwalde and operates the al-Salam Mosque there.

Leisure and educational activities for women, children and young people are organized there in addition to Friday sermons.

Religious lessons were also offered during holiday camps for children.

According to assessments by Germany's domestic intelligence agency, known as the Office for the Protection of the Constitution, the association's extremist agenda can be demonstrated through its activities and social media posts.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A sex worker allegedly stole tens of thousands of dollars in cash and several high-end watches from a Las Vegas Strip hotel guest in a possible drugging incident, according to documents the 8 News Now Investigators obtained.

In all, police believe Chaunique Prentiss, 34, stole several watches more than $100,000, $30,000 in cash, an iPad, and the victims passport and drivers license, documents said.

On Aug. 30, Metro police responded to the Fontainebleau Las Vegas for a report of a man who said someone drugged him and his property was stolen. Police reviewed surveillance video, which showed the man going to his room with an unknown woman whom officers later identified as Prentiss.

More video showed the man stumbling from his hotel room to a hotel bar where he came in contact with Prentiss, police said. At 5:49 a.m., the victim and Prentiss exited the elevator to head to the mans room. About a half hour later, Prentiss enters the elevator alone and leaves the property.

In all, police believe Chaunique Prentiss, 34, stole several watches more than $100,000, $30,000 in cash, an iPad, and the victims passport and drivers license, documents said. (LVMPD/KLAS)

Police located Prentiss through a prostitution advertisement, they said. Police said they also tracked her making purchases on the victims credit cards at several stores. She also allegedly made a transaction at a pawn shop where she used her name and address, police said.

On Sept. 7, police arrested Prentiss outside of her home. While under arrest, Prentiss reportedly told police she still had the stolen property in the home, documents said. Officers located several items inside her bedroom.

When speaking with officers, Prentiss said the guy was supposed to take care of her but he was sleeping and she could not wake him up, documents said. Prentiss advised she made a mistake and has never done anything like this before and that she did all of this on her own.

Police were awaiting results from a urine test to see if the victim was drugged, they said.

Prentiss faced four charges of theft and stealing a persons credit card, records said. Las Vegas Justice Court Judge Daniel Westmeyer set her bail at $10,000 and ordered her to stay off the Las Vegas Strip.

A preliminary hearing was scheduled for Dec. 16.

In an unrelated case 8 News Now reported Tuesday, a woman is accused of stealing nearly $40,000 from a man after they drank together at a casino resort and she was invited to his apartment.

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TOPEKA (KSNT)  Members of the Race Against Breast Cancer team, Event Chair Tiffany Criss and Honorary Chair Commissioner Vicki Schmidt previewed this years upcoming race.

Early registration ends Friday, Sept 13. For more information watch the interview above, or head to their website here.

Eastern Kansas county reports elk vs. truck crash

For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

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A tropical storm, the North American monsoon and the jet stream will team up to bring a wide range of weather conditions to the southwestern United States, including flooding downpours, severe thunderstorms, strong winds and a big push of chilly air that can produce some snow from this weekend into early next week, AccuWeather meteorologists say.

Eastern Pacific Tropical Storm Ileana, will lose wind intensity as it moves onshore in western Mexico this weekend, but as a tropical rainstorm it will pump moisture into part of the southwestern U.S.

An example of such a tropical rainstorm was Hilary from 2023. Hilary was initially a powerful Category 4 hurricane over the eastern Pacific. By the time it reached the U.S. as a tropical rainstorm, it continued to produce torrential rain and trigger flooding over California and parts of the interior Southwest for days.

The tropical moisture moving ashore late this week will become intertwined with the ongoing North American monsoon, boosting the intensity and coverage of the spotty thunderstorm activity, AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Dave Houk said.

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The North American monsoon is the annual shift of prevailing breezes in the southwestern U.S. that helps to transport moisture northward from the Gulf of Mexico and the eastern Pacific.

"Thunderstorm activity will increase in southern Arizona on Saturday afternoon and may reach into the Phoenix area by Saturday night," Houk explained, "And, as the tropical flow of moisture increases from Sunday to Monday, ahead of a big dip in the jet stream, drenching showers and locally gusty thunderstorms will expand in coverage over Arizona and spread into New Mexico."

While rainfall in most of the interior Southwest will generally be under an inch from Saturday to Monday, some of the rainiest spots may receive 3-4 inches of rain and a higher risk of flash flooding and debris flows. Some of the Arizona cities at risk for flash flooding include Phoenix, Tuscon and Flagstaff, with the potential for the same in Gallup, New Mexico, and Durango, Colorado.

Aside from the dangers created by torrential downpours, any non-flooding rainfall would help to ease drought problems.

The same big dip in the jet stream will kick up south-to-southwesterly winds over much of the region from Sunday to Monday. The strength of the wind may not be the only problem for trucks and other high-profile vehicles, but dust storms can occur where little or no rain falls.

A higher-level concern will be the potential to fan the flames of existing wildfires or trigger new fires where sparks from utility lines or power equipment occur. Any wildfire could move rapidly with winds that may average 15-30 mph with much higher gusts.

The jet stream dip will usher much cooler air into the Southwest, with most valleys and low-elevation areas along the coast experiencing a temperature drop between 10-15 degrees Fahrenheit from this weekend to early next week.

For example, the Palm Springs, California, area can expect highs near 100 this weekend, but highs early next week will be mainly in the upper 80s to near 90 early next week. Highs in Las Vegas will be in the mid- to upper 90s this weekend and will be swapped with highs in the mid-80s on Monday and Tuesday and then the low 80s by Wednesday.

In the mountains, the cool sweep will be more dramatic. Highs in the 70s on Saturday will be swapped with highs in the low 50s by Monday around Lake Tahoe, California.

"The air will get chilly enough to allow some snow to fall over the northern and central Sierra Nevada, and the ground can be covered in spots over Donner Pass, California, from later Sunday night to Monday," Houk said.

The same pattern will bring showers to some of the lower elevations in Central California as well. Both San Francisco and Sacramento received a bit of rain in late August; the setup could bring a few hundredths to a couple of tenths of an inch of rain in some cases from Sunday night to Monday.

"It is not uncommon for a tropical [feature] such as the one to be in the vicinity early next week to initiate a significant pattern change to the Southwest, including an end to the North American monsoon," Houk said.

In the wake of Ileana and the jet stream dip that follows, winds will be more westerly across the Southwest region moving forward into the fall, which should result in a periodic downward trend in temperatures. The pattern will mean little to no monsoon-based thunderstorm activity but may allow enough moisture from the Pacific to bring some sporadic rain events to parts of California.

Want next-level safety, ad-free? Unlock advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts when you subscribe to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app. AccuWeather Alerts are prompted by our expert meteorologists who monitor and analyze dangerous weather risks 24/7 to keep you and your family safer.
Laughter may be as effective as drops for dry eyes, study authors say

Repeating Hee hee hee, hah hah hah, cheese cheese cheese, cheek cheek cheek, hah hah hah hah hah hah a number of times a day over an eight-week period might just reduce the symptoms of dry eyes, a study suggests. Christin Klose/dpa

Researchers say laughter therapy may be just as good as drops for treating dry eyes.

Repeating Hee hee hee, hah hah hah, cheese cheese cheese, cheek cheek cheek, hah hah hah hah hah hah a number of times a day over an eight-week period might just reduce the symptoms of dry eyes, a study suggests.

Laughter exercise has been trialled for a number of conditions, so international researchers wanted to assess whether it could help patients with dry eye disease.

Dry eye disease is a common condition which occurs when tears are not able to give the eyes enough lubrication, leading to symptoms including itchy, sore and red eyes.

Experts from China, the US and Queens University Belfast examined almost 300 people aged 18 to 45 with dry eye disease.

Over eight weeks, half received sodium hyaluronic acid eye drops  also known as artificial tears  while the other half were given laughter therapy.

Researchers wanted to assess whether there was a meaningful change in participants score in a measurement of disease called the ocular surface disease index.

Laughter therapy comprises various interventions designed to provoke laughter, smiling and pleasant feelings, the authors wrote in The BMJ.

The research team adapted and developed a laughter exercise to optimally engage the ocular muscles of participants.

People taking part in the laughter exercise branch of the latest study viewed an instructional video and people were requested to vocalise the phrases Hee hee hee, hah hah hah, cheese cheese cheese, cheek cheek cheek, hah hah hah hah hah hah 30 times per five-minute session.

They were told to do this around four times every day for an eight-week period.

Meanwhile, the other group was instructed to use eyedrops four times daily for eight weeks.

At the end of the study, researchers found that the decrease in the ocular surface disease index score was statistically significant in both groups.

While they said that the biological mechanism of laughter exercise on dry eye disease is unclear, they concluded that laughter exercise was non-inferior to artificial tears (0.1% sodium hyaluronic acid) in improving dry eye disease symptoms and clinical signs.

The team added: Laughter exercise is a safe, environmentally friendly, and low-cost intervention for patients with symptomatic dry eye disease and limited corneal staining.
(Bloomberg) -- Verizon Communications Inc. will take a pre-tax charge of as much as $1.9 billion in the third quarter tied to 4,800 planned job cuts.

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The biggest US mobile carrier said it announced a voluntary separation program for some US-based management positions in June. Over half of the employees concerned will exit in September and the rest by the end of March, according according to a securities filing Thursday.

As part of other continuing restructuring initiatives, Verizon said it plans to cease use of some real estate assets and exit non-strategic portions of certain businesses. As a result, the company expects to record pre-tax charges of $230 million to $380 million in the third quarter.

Verizon and its US telecommunications company peers have been spending heavily to bulk up on fiber-optic assets while growth in mobile subscribers slows. Last week Verizon agreed to pay $9.6 billion for Frontier Communications Parent, adding 2.2 million fiber subscribers across 25 states. The deal, valued at $20 billion including Frontiers net debt, was the biggest for Verizon in more than a decade.

The company is also exploring selling thousands of mobile-phone towers across the country to raise cash. A sale could bring in more than $3 billion, Bloomberg has reported.

In July, Verizon reported second-quarter operating revenue that missed analysts estimates as fewer people upgraded wireless equipment. The shares were down less than 1% to $43.46 Thursday morning in New York. they are up 15% this year.

(Updates with context on business strategy from fourth paragraph.)

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The presence of hard-right conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer alongside Donald Trump on the campaign trail in recent days has raised questions, including from some Republicans, about the influence the controversial former congressional candidate may have on him.

Ms Loomer is well-known for her anti-Muslim rhetoric and for spreading conspiracy theories, including that the 9/11 attacks were an "inside job" carried out by the US government.

She joined Trump at an event on Wednesday commemorating the attacks, raising eyebrows and prompting outrage in some US media outlets.

And on Tuesday, the 31-year-old travelled to Philadelphia on board Trump's plane for the presidential debate in the city.

Perhaps the most memorable moment of that debate came when Trump repeated a baseless claim that illegal immigrants from Haiti have been eating domestic pets in a small Ohio city. "They are eating the pets of the people that live there," he said.

City officials later told BBC Verify that there have been no credible reports" this has actually happened.

Trump said he was repeating claims he had heard on television, but the theory was aired by Ms Loomer just a day before the debate. On Monday, the fringe pundit and social media influencer repeated the claims to her 1.2m followers on X.

While the level of access Ms Loomer has to Trump is unclear, and his running mate JD Vance has also spread the baseless theory, Ms Loomer's post and her presence in Philadelphia has led some Republicans to blame her for the former president making the unfounded claim on stage.

An anonymous source close to the Trump campaign told US news outlet Semafor that they were "100%" concerned about Ms Loomer's proximity to Trump.

Regardless of any guardrails the Trump campaign has put on her, I dont think its working, the source was quoted as saying.

A number of senior Republican politicians have also publicly criticised Ms Loomer and cautioned against Trump bringing her into his inner circle.

"Laura Loomer is a crazy conspiracy theorist who regularly utters disgusting garbage intended to divide Republicans," North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

"A DNC [Democratic National Committee] plant couldn't do a better job than she is doing to hurt President Trump's chances of winning re-election," Mr Tillis added.

Speaking at a news conference in California on 13 September, Trump said only that Ms Loomer is "a supporter" and that he was unaware of recent comments she made about Harris, or her comments about 9/11.

I dont control Laura. Laura has to say what she wants. Shes a free spirit," he added

Ms Loomer did not respond to several requests for comment from the BBC.

But on Twitter/X, she said that she operates "independently" to help Trump, who she referred to as "truly our nation's last hope".

"To the many reporters who are calling me and obsessively asking me to talk to them today, the answer is no," she wrote. "I am very busy working on my stories and investigations and dont have time to entertain your conspiracy theories."

Born in Arizona in 1993, the self-styled investigative journalist has worked as an activist and commentator for organisations including Project Veritas and Alex Jones's Infowars.

In 2020, she ran - with Trump's support - as a Republican candidate for the US House of Representatives in Florida, but lost to Democrat Lois Frankel.

She tried again two years later, when she unsuccessfully ran to unseat Representative Daniel Webster in a Republican primary in a different Florida district.

Ms Loomer departed Trump's plane in Philadelphia ahead of the presidential debate [Reuters]

Now, she is known for her vocal support of Trump and for promoting a long string of conspiracy theories including claims that Kamala Harris is not black, and that the son of billionaire George Soros was sending cryptic messages calling for Trump's assassination.

These posts led her to be banned from a number of platforms including Facebook, Instagram and even, according to her, Uber and Lyft for making offensive comments about Muslim drivers. She once described herself as a proud Islamophobe.

Ms Loomer frequently attends events in support of Trump and has been seen previously at his Florida residence Mar-a-Lago.

Earlier this year, she travelled on his plane to Iowa where she was given a shout-out by him on stage at an event. You want her on your side," Trump said. The former president has also shared several of her videos on Truth Social.

And last year, the New York Times reported that Trump had expressed an interest in hiring her for his campaign, relenting only after top aides expressed concern that she could damage his electoral efforts.

Everyone who works for him thinks shes a liability, one Trump aide said of Ms Loomer in a report in NBC News in January.

Another outspoken Trump supporter, Marjorie Taylor Greene, took issue with Ms Loomer this week over her comments questioning Harris's race and a post in which she said the White House "will smell like curry" if Harris - who is partly of Indian descent - is elected.

Greene said Ms Loomer's comments were "appalling and extremely racist" and did "not represent who we are as Republicans or MAGA" - prompting a flurry of furious messages in her direction.

This feud in Trump's orbit played out just a day after Ms Loomer appeared at events with Trump commemorating the anniversary of 9/11 in New York and Pennsylvania.

Asked about her attendance there by the Associated Press, she said she did not work for the campaign and was "invited as a guest".
CHATHAM COUNTY, Ga. (WSAV)  School threats from social media have increased across the Costal Empire since the Apalachee shooting.

These threats arent just affecting students, staff and parents, but law enforcement too.

Manpower and Resources are the backbone that keeps law enforcement agencies running. Captain Gary Murphy, the Chatham County Sheriffs Office (CCSO) said at any time a part of that can be taken away to assist with an incident.

Any time they ask, or we are in the area, and we see that they need our assistance, we are going to respond to help, Murphy said.

Mother of Noah Bush seeks to pass juvenile penalty law in aftermath of sons death

CCSO assist other agencies when it is needed, helping any way they can. For example, they assisted the Board of Education Police Department (BOEPD) when Myers Middle School and Windsor Forest High School received a threat on Tuesday.

When we respond to a school threat, the officers that work the street here, they dont do their normal job which is serve all the paperwork that the courts generate, Murphy said. So, they have to stop doing that and respond wherever they are needed.

Depending on the threat, they may have to deploy even more officers from different municipalities.

We have a joint SWAT team between the sheriffs office and the county police, said Murphy. Now, some of the local municipalities are on the SWAT team. So, you have people coming from the sheriffs office, the county police, and local municipalities that respond.

He wants individuals to know that they should not treat school threats as a prank as it takes boots off the ground in areas that may need actual assistance.

After the school shooting incident in Winder, Georgia, at least 20 counties in the state of Georgia have dealt with school threats. Chatham County, Effingham, Bryan, Bulloch and Liberty Counties are a part of that number.

If someone is caught making a threat, it could come with a hefty price like a felony. Some could face up to a $1,000 fine and possibly prison time.

People need to think about the ramifications of what they are doing when they are younger, Murphy said. I mean something like a decision you make when you are younger could affect you for the rest of your life. People in general should think about what they are going to do now and how thats going to affect them later.

He went on to say they will continue to take every threat serious to make sure students, faculty and staff are safe.

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With the temperature well over 100 degrees, a farmworker takes a break in the shade of a peach tree in a Riverside County orchard. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Erika Patricia Deluque Barros said she was working in a tomato field in Yolo County when she first started feeling shaky and nauseous. An immigrant from Colombia with little experience working in the fields, she said she didnt know at the time that the summer heat could make her sick.

I didnt know the sun here could kill, Deluque Barros said. I didnt know what sunstroke was, and nobody had told me what could happen.

Two weeks later, she said, she was working in searing heat and once again started feeling dizzy and nauseous. She said she took a break under a tree, but felt faint as soon as she returned to work. It felt too hot to work safely, she said, so she and five others got permission from their supervisor to leave early.

But when the laborers returned to the field early the next morning, according to a complaint filed with the state Labor Commissioner's Office, they were handed their final checks and fired.

I was surprised; I was humiliated; I felt bad, Deluque Barros recalled. On one hand, I keep thinking, 'I should have tolerated it, because I needed the work. But on the other hand, Ive also been thinking that people should have dignity and shouldnt have to put up with so much just for a job.

The state Agricultural Labor Relations Board is investigating the incident as a retaliatory firing. And the workers  now dubbed the Yolo Six  have been held up as an example of the need for California to do more to enforce compliance with heat safety rules for farmworkers that have been in place for nearly two decades.

A bill on Gov. Gavin Newsoms desk aims to compel employer compliance with the state's outdoor heat safety standards by making it easier for farmworkers to make a workers' compensation claim for heat illness.

SB 1299 would change the burden of proof in workers compensation claims when a farmworker develops a heat-related injury after laboring outdoors for an employer who fails to comply with the heat standards. Instead of the farmworker having to prove the injury occurred on the job, as is typical in workers compensation cases, it would be the employers responsibility to prove the illness was not work-related.

Opponents of the bill, including the California Chamber of Commerce and the California Farm Bureau, acknowledge the importance of protecting farmworkers from heat illness, but argue the issue should not be addressed through the workers compensation system.

The legislation comes as many farmworkers continue to labor in unsafe conditions and the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health confronts a severe staffing shortage that is hampering its ability to enforce heat regulations for outdoor workers.

First enacted in 2005, the states heat illness prevention rules require employers to provide outdoor workers with fresh water, access to shade at 80 degrees and warmer, and cool-down breaks whenever a worker requests one. Employers must also maintain a heat illness prevention plan with effective training for supervisors to recognize the signs and symptoms of heat illness.

Enforcement of the rules has proved challenging.

In 2009 and 2012, the United Farm Workers sued Cal/OSHA, accusing the agency of failing to enforce the regulations.

A 2022 study by the UC Merced Community and Labor Center found many farmworkers were still laboring without the protections.

Of the more than 1,200 farmworkers surveyed, 43% reported their employers had not provided a heat illness prevention plan and 15% said they had not received heat illness prevention training. Additionally, 20% reported their employers did not monitor the temperature on hot days, 15% said their employers failed to provide enough shade for breaks when temperatures reached 80 degrees and higher, and 22% said their employers did not monitor for heat illness when the temperature reached 95 degrees.

This has just been a really persistent challenge of, how do you make sure that the laws on the books are the laws in the fields? said Antonio De Loera-Brust, communications director for the UFW, which sponsored SB 1299.

The bill's author, Sen. Dave Cortese (D-San Jose), described SB 1299 as a creative workaround that is taking the tools that we do have available and trying to cobble together an approach that will hopefully spur greater compliance.

Under the bill's provisions, if an employer fails to comply with the rules, any resulting heat-related injury to an employee shall be presumed to arise out of and in the course of employment. It would create a rebuttable presumption, which is more commonly used for law enforcement officers and firefighters who develop certain injuries that could arise from the risks inherent to their jobs.

The employers hate the workers comp presumptions so much that it makes me feel like it might actually work, Cortese said. The avoidance factor is so high with them that theyll say, 'My God, its actually easier for us to provide shade and water than to have to deal with a proliferation of expedited workers comp claims.

Were trying to take something that they view as kind of a thorn in their side and use it as a disincentive for the kind of behavior were seeing, he said.

Read more: Why workers still swelter, weeks after new heat standards took effect for indoor worksites

Ashley Hoffman, senior policy advocate for the California Chamber of Commerce, took issue with the approach during an Assembly committee hearing in June, contending there is no evidence that the workers compensation system is failing in regard to heat claims filed by agricultural workers.

She pointed to a legislative analysis by the California Workers Compensation Institute that found very few agricultural heat illness claims had been filed in California. The analysis also found heat illness claims filed by agricultural workers have a denial rate of 11%, lower than the 12.4% to 13.3% denial rates for other outdoor occupations covered by the heat standard and the 14.7% denial rate for all claims.

Utilizing a very unique workers' compensation system with its own unique procedures to address this separate problem, when the data shows us that the system itself is functioning well and how its supposed to with regard to these claims, we do not believe is the right solution, Hoffman said during the hearing.

Bryan Little, director of employment policy for the California Farm Bureau, called the legislation a solution in search of a problem. He noted Cal/OSHA is already hiring for a new agricultural unit that would significantly expand enforcement offices, including in the communities of Lodi, Salinas, El Centro and Fresno.

I dont know what else to say, Little said. Its problematic in terms of just continuing to add rebuttable presumptions to workers comp law when you dont really need it and Cal/OSHA is already moving to address the problem.

Newsom has until Sept. 30 to sign or veto the bill.

This article is part of The Times equity reporting initiative, funded by the James Irvine Foundation, exploring the challenges facing low-income workers and the efforts being made to address Californias economic divide.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  With just 55 days until Election Day, Congress is laser focused on making sure Americans feel confident in casting their ballots.

However, Democrats and Republicans have different ways of ensuring election integrity.

We need to strengthen Americans confidence in our elections, said U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil, (R-Wis.) as he opened his committees hearing Wednesday.

The House committee invited six secretaries of state to testify, and some lawmakers defended them from attacks on their own integrity.

When you call people liars who are testifying before Congress, thats a federal offense, said U.S. Rep. Joe Morelle, (D-N.Y.). If you have evidence of it, you ought to bring it.

The hearing came amid Republican concerns that undocumented immigrants will flood the polls and overwhelmingly vote Democrat in the November election.

If one person that is not an American citizen has the ability to vote in our election, there is a serious problem, said U.S. Rep. Anthony DEsposito, (R-N.Y.).

Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, (D-Ariz.), said his office works to remove noncitizens from voter rolls, and there is no proof that they are voting in large numbers.

The paranoia around a fake problem, Fontes said.

However, Steil supports federal legislation to prevent noncitizen voting and require voter ID.

More confidence leads to greater participation, which is a good thing for our country, Steil said.

Democrats are pushing their own voting rights package they argue defends against GOP attacks on voter access.

Were going forward by making sure that our democracy works for everyone, said U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell, (D-Ala.), during a press conference Tuesday with other members of Congress and civil rights leaders.

Sewell said the legislation would squash strict voter ID requirements and bans on early voting and vote by mail.

The secretaries of state at Wednesdays hearing hailed from Arizona, Florida, Michigan, New Mexico, Ohio and West Virginia.

State and local election officials from across the country sent a letter Wednesday to the U.S. Postal Service, warning that widespread problems with its mail delivery system threaten to disrupt voting.

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WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  Following Tuesday nights debate, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are taking victory laps.

The two sparred for 90 minutes on key issues like the economy.

Investing in small businesses, in new families, in what we can do around protecting seniors, Harris said.

Why didnt she do it? Were a failing nation, Trump said.

Both candidates view the issues of abortion access very differently.

The government and Donald Trump certainly should not be telling a woman what to do with her body, Harris said.

Each individual state is voting, its the vote of the people now its not tied up in the federal government, Trump said.

On Capitol Hill, lawmakers are reacting to the debate. Democrats say Harris had a strong night and Republicans say it was a good night for Trump but took issue with the moderators.

We werent able to pressure Kamala a little bit more on issues that shes been flipping on, said Rep. Burgess Owens (R-Utah.).

I was almost feeling bad for Donald Trump towards the end. It was not a good performance by him, said Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.).

Immediately after the debate, the Harris campaign said it wanted to do that again.

Trump had pushed for multiple debates but Wednesday said, You know when you win you dont really necessarily have to do it a second time. So, well see.

George Washington University political scientist Todd Belt believes we will see the two on a debate stage again before the election, I personally would like to see another one, because I dont think we got as much policy specifics as we could have.

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo.  In a major legal decision, a St. Louis County court ruled in favor of Northside Urgent Care Hospital, which had been sued by the Homer G. Phillips Nurses Alumni Association over the hospitals use of the name Homer G. Phillips Memorial Hospital.

The nurses, just like the Red Cross, should be able to control the use of the trademark name, President of Homer G. Phillips Nurses Alumni Association Yvonne Jones said.

The lawsuit filed by the group argued that using the name engaged in trademark infringement. Jones added that they do not have the trademark, while the association does.

The original Homer G. Phillips Hospital, a beacon of healthcare for the African-American community, closed decades ago. Its nursing school is remembered by former students who fought to protect its legacy.

We are on the national registry as far as our building; as far as Im concerned, there is no other Homer G. Phillips, and there will never be another one. You cant really compare those two, Homer G. Phillips Nursing School Alumna Lois Collier-Jackson added.

Big changes coming to historic vacant buildings downtown

The court highlighted that while both organizations may share the iconic name, their purposes are different enough to prevent confusion.

Darryl Piggee, a Homer G. Phillips Memorial Hospital Board Member, stated, Our only goal was to honor the life and legacy of Homer G. Phillips and all he did to improve the lives of everyone in our community.

Since the hospital opened in January, Piggee says they have treated more than 3,000 patients in the community and offer shorter wait times than other local emergency rooms.

(The) dismissal of a group of nurses suit against the new hospitals use of the name Homer G. Phillips is disappointing. While we seek increased access to healthcare, this facility does not honor the legacy of the original hospital nor does it provide the hundreds of beds that were once available, Alderman Rasheen Aldridge (Ward 14) said.

While this may be a setback for the alumni group, they vow to continue honoring the legacy of Homer G. Phillips, the man behind one of St. Louis most historic hospitals.

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A Republican group is suing Georgias State Election Board to rein in unelected appointees on the board from overruling elected officials in the Georgia General Assembly.

The suit was filed in Fulton County court by Eternal Vigilance Action on Wednesday.

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According to Eternal Vigilance CEO Scot Turner, a former state legislator, said he supports the lawsuit, of which he is a plaintiff, to oppose empowering the administrative state to act with the force of law.

Georgias laws written and approved by elected legislators and signed by a governor spell out how to conduct our elections, and our state constitution does not allow rules promulgated by unelected appointees on the State Election Board to supersede our laws, Turner said in a statement.

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The lawsuit, according to a release from Eternal Vigilance, says the SEB has promulgated rules that contravene the Election Code and violate the state constitutions separation-of-powers and nondelegation mandates. It demands that the court declare the boards rules unconstitutional and prevent their implementation.

In further commentary on the lawsuit, and the situation unfolding ahead of the November election, Turner said conservative activists were successful in a series of court battles to rein in unelected bureaucrats with the U.S. Supreme Court decision to overturn Chevron Deference.

The lawsuit filed in Fulton County is an attempt to apply the same principle on the state level, according to Turner.

He said Georgia Republicans should support this conservative approach not only because it upholds our values, but also because they dont want rules that allow Democratic election officials in our states largest population centers to delay certification for all of Georgia when Republicans win.

As far as the overreach the lawsuit is working to rein in, recent moves by some of the Georgia State Election Boards members regarding voting rights, election certification and a vote by certain members of the board to hand-count ballots at polling locations on election night.

Sec. of State Brad Raffensperger has come out against some of the proposed changes, particularly the hand counting proposal, saying the board was misguided. The Sec. of State has also said the recent actions by board members should have voters concerned and that they might not even be legal.

Another day, another lawsuit for doing the right thing, Republican board member Janelle King said in response to the lawsuit. I will continue to do the work of the people with the goal of restoring faith in our election process.

Channel 2 Action News has requested comment from the other members of the State Election Board and is waiting for their response or responses.

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LDWF says be mindful of displaced wildlife following Hurricane Francine

BATON ROUGE, La. (KLFY)  The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries reminds people to be aware that you may see animals that youre not used to seeing for a while.

In a Thursday news release, LDWF said wildlife species will seek higher ground and be displaced by Hurricane Francine into habitat with which they may not be familiar.

The LDWF urges the public to be especially cognizant of wildlife forced into populated areas by flood water from the storm, the release read. Rising waters force wildlife from flooded habitat into adjacent residential and commercial areas where they may come into contact with residents. LDWF urges citizens to minimize contact with animals while they seek temporary refuge from their flooded home range.

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Wild animals not posing a threat to humans should be left alone and should not be fed, as feeding wild animals will encourage them to remain in the vicinity of a new food source when they should be allowed to find natural habitat and food sources on their own.

LDWF recommends the following basic tips:

Avoid areas where displaced wildlife has taken refuge.

Avoid interaction with and do not feed displaced wildlife.

Avoid roadways near flooded areas to reduce likelihood of disturbance and collisions with wildlife.

LDWF said the Louisiana black bear is a species of concern when high water moves bears out of their habitat. Also, flood waters will carry alligators and snakes into populated areas where they may not normally be noted in significant numbers. Following the impact of flood waters, exercise extreme caution when salvaging possessions from flooded areas. Venomous snake species in Louisiana include the canebrake rattlesnake, the copperhead, the cottonmouth, the eastern diamondback rattlesnake, the harlequin coral snake, the pygmy rattlesnake and the Texas coral snake.

LDWF to award 10 black bear hunting licenses, heres how to get one

Deer and feral hog populations may also appear in populated areas as flood waters move wild animals out of natural habitat. LDWF recommends allowing these species, when sighted individually or in groups, to move unimpeded through flooded areas as they seek higher ground.

To report nuisance or displaced wildlife, go to this LDWF web page.

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This is the least we can do to give back  Community members climb thousands of steps to honor those lost on 9/11

When the planes hit the twin towers, hundreds of New York firefighters climbed up and down the skyscrapers to save as many people as they could, and for some, at the expense of their own lives.

It shouldnt have ever happened, said Brian Knickerbocker with the West Mead Fire Department.

343 firefighters lost their lives 23 years ago so that others could live, but their sacrifices have not been forgotten.

To honor those who lost their lives, the community was invited to the Crawford County Fairgrounds to recreate the 110-story climb the firefighters scaled at the World Trade Center.

Local firefighters climb over 2,000 steps in honor of the lives lost on 9/11

You put all the gear on and do it and realize about halfway through, they were really going through a lot of bad stuff, and we dont have the stresses of the situation going on, other people that were injured wanting their help coming down the staircase, said Knickerbocker.

Anyone was welcome to participate in the climb, and dozens of firefighters showed up in full gear to feel what the first responders went through during the 9/11 attacks.

How you feeling so far? asked JET 24/FOX 66 reporter Tyler Gallagher. Tired, a little sweaty, replied Aaron Ehrgott with the Vernon Central Volunteer Fire Department.

17 times up and 17 times down. Thats the number of times people at the Crawford County grandstand were walking up and down the bleachers to honor those firefighters who risked their lives on 9/11 climbing up the towers.

Ceremony held in Erie Co. to honor those lost during 9/11 attacks

You hear it a lot, its the ultimate sacrifice, right? They gave their lives. They went one more time to help one more person get out. So, as long as theyre willing to do that, right, its honoring them. Their one more step is our one more flight, said Alexander Vincent with the West Mead #2 Fire Department.

For some firefighters, the climb had a more personal meaning.

Being from Connecticut, I had a couple of my uncles working the towers. I lost my cousin in the north tower, said Richard Russo with the West Mead #2 Fire Department.

Russo said he wasnt alive when the attacks happened, but still came out to honor those who died in the attacks.

Lake Erie Speedway hosts 9/11 tribute firework display

They went up in the towers and they didnt make it back, so this is the least we can do to give back  im shaking a little  and just try to remember them the best we can and never forget, said Russo.

West Mead Fire Department was also accepting cash donations at the climb to benefit the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.

The event organizer said any additional donations for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation can be collected at the Meadville Central Fire Station on Park Avenue.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com.
'Leave our president alone': Kremlin slams Harris-Trump kerfuffle over who Putin will eat for lunch

So who, exactly, is Vladimir Putin going to eat for lunch?

At the U.S. presidential debate, one of the foreign policy topics the candidates hit on was a perennial topic for presidential debates in recent times: Vladimir Putin's ''puppet." Kamala Harris or Donald Trump?

Putin, Harris told Trump in a heated exchange, was a "dictator who would eat you for lunch." Russia's leader, she said, "would be sitting in Kyiv right now with his eyes on the rest of Europe" if Trump was president. Trump, for his part, groused that Putin actually loves Harris: "Putin endorsed her last week. Said I hope she wins. And I think he meant it."

Russia really didn't love it.

"We still hope that they will leave our president alone," Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said during a press briefing on Wednesday.

U.S. intelligence officials have said that Russia is ramping up its election interference efforts as Election Day nears, working specifically to help Trump defeat Harris and targeting down-ballot elections. The comments marked one of the first times, if not the first, that U.S. intelligence officials have explicitly said Putin was trying to get Trump elected in the current election cycle after allegedly backing him in 2016 and 2020.

How would Harris and Trump end Russia's war with Ukraine?

The back-and-forth about Putin was part of a discussion about Moscow's invasion of Ukraine and U.S. national security interests.

Trump repeated his claim that he knew the best way to get both sides to reach a war-ending deal. He didn't say how he'd help facilitate that. Trump also didn't say whether he wanted Ukraine to win the war, while Harris spoke about Ukraine's "righteous defense."

For Harris, bringing up Putin was aimed at touting her foreign policy credentials  and to make an appeal to voters in Pennsylvania, a state she needs to win in order to win the presidency. When riffing about how she believes Putin would be sitting in Kyiv if Trump was in charge, Harris noted that it would allow the Russian dictator to have an entry into Poland. "And why don't you tell the 800,000 Polish Americans right here in Pennsylvania how quickly you would give up for the sake of favor and what you think is a friendship with what is known to be a dictator," she said.

Why are you so negative?

Russia seemed unimpressed with the discussion.

"We are not happy about this," Peskov said during the press briefing.

The U.S., he said, "as a whole, no matter which party the candidates come from, retains a negative and unfriendly attitude toward our country. The surname Putin is used as an instrument in the internal political tug-of-war in the United States."

President Vladimir Putin chairs a meeting with members of Russia's Security Council via video link on Aug. 23, 2024.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova meanwhile described the debate as like watching two famous boxers fighting on the Titanic, the doomed British ocean liner. "At the end people ask, 'Who won?' Does it matter? This is the Titanic. In 15 minutes theyll hit the iceberg," she told Russian-state-owned Sputnik Radio.

Earlier this month, Putin appeared to joke that his country favors Harris in the November election.

"She laughs so expressively and infectiously that it means that everything is fine with her," the Russian president said during a forum in the eastern port city of Vladivostok. However, it can be difficult to glean Putin's true political positions and intentions because he and other members of his inner circle often respond to Western accusations of misinformation, espionage and wrongdoing with sarcasm and even outright falsehoods.

A P.S. from Germany: we 'don't eat cats and dogs'

Foreign officials typically try to avoid commenting directly on political campaigns in other countries because they may find themselves having to work with someone who they have previously portrayed in an unflattering light. Some German diplomats nevertheless appeared to break with that unofficial protocol following Tuesday's debate.

After Trump criticized Germany's energy policy, claiming the country was having second thoughts about its renewable energy transition, Berlin's foreign ministry issued an uncharacteristically blunt rebuttal.

"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," the ministry said in a post on X. It followed that with, "PS: We also dont eat cats and dogs," a reference to false rumors Trump amplified during the debate suggesting that Haitian immigrants in Ohio are abducting and eating pets.

Michael Roth, a lawmaker who chairs the German Parliament's foreign affairs committee, was even more forthright, saying that Harris "dismantled" Trump in the debate and positioned herself as a candidate of change.

"She deliberately provoked Trump, and he fell into the trap. Although Harris has been part of the government for years, Trump seemed like an aging incumbent  old, angry and confused," Roth posted on X.

One place that did appear hyper-concerned about offending the future U.S. president was Ukraine, which has been pleading with allies for months to let it fire Western long-range missiles into Russian territory to ward off Russian missile attacks and other assaults on Ukrainian territory. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who is in Ukraine this week, has appeared to suggest that the U.S. and Britain are close to allowing that to happen.

"Great debates," wrote Mykhailo Podolyak, a longtime adviser to Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, on Wednesday morning on X, striking a neutral tone. "The teams have done good preparatory work. Emotionality is optimal and rationality in the arguments is evident. The positions of the candidates are clear."

Contributing: Josh Meyer

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Don't bring up Putin in U.S. election debates, Kremlin says
We recently compiled a list of the 12 52-Week Low Dividend Stocks To Consider. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. (NYSE:VSH) stands against the other 52-week low dividend stocks.

Dividend stocks have noticeably lagged over the past year or so, with tech stocks dominating the spotlight. However, with major tech companies beginning to implement dividend policies, there is renewed optimism for investors, offering a mix of growth and dividend potential. Currently, all eyes are on the Feds upcoming decision on interest rate cuts, which could significantly benefit dividend-paying stocks.

While keeping an eye on the future performance of dividend stocks is crucial, its also wise to look back and see how these equities have weathered different market storms. A report from S&P Dow Jones Indices revealed that dividends have been crucial in generating overall equity returns. Since 1926, dividends have accounted for about 32% of the total return for the broader market, with capital appreciation contributing 68%. Consequently, both reliable dividend income and the potential for capital appreciation are key factors in setting expectations for total returns.

Also read: 14 Best 52-Week High Stocks to Buy According to Short Sellers

Inflation is rarely a friend to investments, as the past year has demonstrated. However, dividend stocks have historically held their ground during periods of high inflation. In the 1940s, 1960s, and 1970sdecades characterized by high inflation and total returns below 10%dividends made a significant contribution to overall returns, as reported by Hartford Funds.

Among dividend strategies, the Dividend Aristocrats Index is the most well-known, tracking companies with at least 25 consecutive years of dividend growth. These stocks are generally less volatile than other asset classes, according to S&P Dow Jones Indices. Over the long term, the Dividend Aristocrats have outperformed the broader market with lower volatility, resulting in higher risk-adjusted returns. The indexs ability to protect against downside risk is evident in its capture ratios: it has outperformed the market in 69.34% of down months and 43.61% of up months. Moreover, the Dividend Aristocrats experienced a smaller drawdown compared to the benchmark index.

Analysts believe that the movement of returns on investments is shaped by market forces. Daniel Peris, a portfolio manager with Federated Hermes and author of a recent book on the future of dividends, suggested that stock market price appreciation alone might not meet the needs of income-seeking investors in the coming years. This, he believed, would likely drive companies to increase their payouts to remain competitive with cash and bonds. He indicated that more companies might start offering dividends and make them a more significant part of their value proposition. However, investors need to be cautious when investing in dividend equities. According to Michael Clarfeld, who manages the Dividend Strategy portfolios at ClearBridge Investments, dividend investing is about making informed decisions by examining a companys cash flows and how they distribute payouts to investors.

Story continues

The recent dip in the performance of dividend stocks has made them more attractive to investors. The Dividend Aristocrats Index has seen an increase of nearly 9% since the beginning of 2024, while the broader market has returned 16.5%. These stocks could present a good entry point for investors due to the steady income they offer, providing stability and predictability for a portfolio during volatile times. Given this, we will take a look at some of the best 52-week low stocks that pay dividends.

Our Methodology:

For this article, we first listed down all dividend stocks that recently hit their 52-week lows. We then used Insider Monkeys exclusive database of 912 leading hedge funds to get the hedge fund sentiment for each stock. Finally, we narrowed our list to 12 of these stocks that had the highest number of hedge fund investors, as tracked by Insider Monkey in Q2 2024.

Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletters strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 275% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 150 percentage points. (see more details here).

A close-up of discrete semiconductors in a manufacturing lab.

Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. (NYSE:VSH)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 19

1-Year Share Price Decline as of September 4: 28.19%

52 Week Range: $18.72  $25.50

Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. (NYSE:VSH) is an American manufacturing company that specializes in discrete semiconductors and passive electronic components. On September 3, the stock reached its 52-week low of $18.93 per share as it dealt with challenges in the global semiconductor industry, such as supply chain disruptions and fluctuating demand. In the past 12 months, the stock is down by over 28%.

In the second quarter of 2024, Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. (NYSE:VSH) reported revenue of $741.2 million, which showed a 17% decline from the prior year period. As the first half of the year has already passed, it has become clear that the industrys recovery is proceeding more slowly than initially anticipated. Consequently, Vishay Intertechnology is extending the timeline for the Itzehoe, Germany expansion project beyond 2024, while maintaining its planned capital investment of $2.6 billion from 2023 to 2028. For 2024, the company now plans to allocate between $360 million and $390 million towards capital expenditures.

Despite the challenging outlook, Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. (NYSE:VSH) intends to expand its capacity and improve its margins in the upcoming quarters. This was also highlighted by First Pacific Advisors in its Q2 2024 investor letter. Here is what the firm said about VSH:

Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. (NYSE:VSH) is a manufacturer of discrete semiconductors and passive components, mostly for the general industrial and auto markets. Although the industry is cyclical, competitive dynamics are stable and VSH benefits from electric vehicles and industrial electrification. Vishays products are similar to ball bearings but for a technological rather than a mechanical economy: high value-to-cost, and they go into nearly everything. Shares have followed operating performance that has drifted down from post-Covid highs following the industrial cycle and a slowdown in electric vehicle (EV) production. Management has an ambitious plan to grow capacity, sales, and margins. We are cautiously optimistic and have been incrementally adding to our position.

Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. (NYSE:VSH) could be grabbing investors attention due to this positive outlook. The companys ongoing dedication to its shareholders is also a key factor contributing to its increasing popularity. In the first six months of the year, it returned $52.6 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases. The company pays a quarterly dividend of $0.10 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.09%, as of September 4.

At the end of June 2024, 19 hedge funds in Insider Monkeys database owned stakes in Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. (NYSE:VSH), down slightly from 21 a quarter earlier. These stakes have a total value of more than $293 million. With over 2.6 million shares, Fisher Asset Management was the companys leading stakeholder in Q2.

Overall VSH ranks 6th on our list of the 52-week low dividend stocks to consider. While we acknowledge the potential for VSH as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter timeframe. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than VSH but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.

READ NEXT: $30 Trillion Opportunity: 15 Best Humanoid Robot Stocks to Buy According to Morgan Stanley and Jim Cramer Says NVIDIA Has Become A Wasteland.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
When will leaves peak in Indiana? See predictions on fall foliage.

It's almost fall, y'all.

From the Hooser National Forest to Turkey Run State Park, Indiana's parks and forests are gearing up for another autumn full of vibrant red, orange and yellow hues. But the color show is fleeting, and the timing depends on the location.

Find out foliage predictions below to make sure you see the best colors before they fall to the ground.

When will leaves peak?

The Smoky Mountains, a travel guide for the national park, releases an annual fall foliage prediction map to forecast the peak of autumn colors across the United States.

Indiana's trees should start turning darker by the last week of September and peak around October 21, according to this year's predictions.

Northern Indiana leaves will shift colors first, followed by the rest of the state. By the end of October, leaves are expected to be past peak in most of Indiana.

Fall foliage guide: Where to see vibrant fall colors around Indiana

What will the weather be like this fall?

The National Weather Service predicts a warmer than usual fall, which could dull the intensity of leaves, the U.S. Forest Service said. Extreme drought or excessive rainfall can also be detrimental to fall colors.

Parts of Indiana are currently designated as "abnormally dry" by the U.S. Drought Monitor, but most of the state should be spared from drought impacts.

USA Today contributed to this report.

Alysa Guffey is a business reporter for IndyStar. Contact her at amguffey@gannett.com or on X: @AlysaGuffeyNews.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Fall foliage when will leaves peak color in Indiana
NORTHERN LEBANON TOWNSHIP, Pa. (WHTM)  A Lebanon County grandmother helped police arrest a man who allegedly scammed her out of $7,000 and came back for more, only to be arrested in a police sting.

Northern Lebanon Township Police say on September 6 an 81-year-old woman reported she was the victim of a grandparent fraud scheme after a man claiming to be her grandson said he was arrested and needed bail money.

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The woman provided $7,000 in cash to a Hispanic man who came to her home claiming to be a government courier.

A second call was made to the woman the following day by the same man who said they needed another $15,000 for the grandsons legal defense. The woman contacted a family member who alerted them that this was a scam. The woman contacted the police who worked with her to contact the scammer for another cash pick-up.

The same man who picked up the $7,000 arrived at the home to retrieve $14,200 when they were arrested by police inside the home. Additional officers located the suspects vehicle outside the residence.

The suspect was identified as Juan Carlos Garcia Hernandez of Hazleton, and police say they found evidence of additional identity theft victims involved in the fraud operation.

Garcia Hernandez is facing charges of felony theft by deception and conspiracy with additional charges pending, according to police.

The Department of Homeland Security was contacted to assist with the investigation.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
View from the speaker's dais of the chamber of the House of Representatives in the Maine State House in Augusta.

View from the speaker's dais of the chamber of the House of Representatives in the Maine State House in Augusta. (Photo by Jim Neuger/ Maine Morning Star)

Every seat in the Maine Legislature  all 35 in the Senate and 151 in the House of Representatives  will be on the November ballot.

Since 2018, Democrats have held a trifecta of power with Democratic Gov. Janet Mills and majorities in both chambers of the Legislature. But there are 43 seats in the Maine Senate and House without an incumbent running, clearing a path for either party to add to its total  and some of those races are seeing fundraising numbers well beyond whats typical for a state race.

Heres a closer look at those races of note for the Nov. 5 election.

Wide open Senate seats draw big money

For the Senate, there are eight seats without an incumbent running, split evenly between the two parties.

Democrats are sure to keep one of their seats since there is no Republican running for District 28 in Cumberland County against outgoing House Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross, who is looking to replace state Sen. Ben Chipman, who termed out this year.

But the other seven races are wide open and some have turned into rather expensive contests.

The race for District 24 in Sagadahoc County has drawn noteable funds for both parties as former state Rep. Denise Tepler tries to keep the seat blue. She has raised more than $65,000, which is about $10,000 more than Republican challenger Jeffrey Pierce.

In Kennebec County, state Rep. Reagan LaRochelle is trying to flip Senate District 15, which was held by Republican state Sen. Matt Pouliot, who announced in January that he wouldnt seek reelection.

LaRochelle raised almost $68,000 as of Aug. 19, which was the fifth most of any legislative candidate.

Democrats are also aiming to flip Senate District 19 in Oxford County, which was held by Republican Lisa Keim. Democrat Bruce Byrant raised more than $80,000 as of Aug. 19, which was the second most raised for any legislative seat this election. He will face Republican Joseph Martin.

Former state Rep. Bettyann Sheats is also among the top five fundraisers this election in her attempt to flip District 20 in Androscoggin County. The Democrat has raised almost $75,000 to turn the district blue since Republican Eric Brakey is leaving Maine to lead a New Hampshire libertarian group.

Sheats will face former state Rep. Bruce Bickford, a Republican, and Dustin Ward, who is unenrolled.

Both Sheats and LaRochelle have been spotlighted by the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, the national partys arm that focuses on winning state legislatures across the country.

Samantha Paisley, interim communications director for the DLCC, said the group provides resources and support to build winning and successful campaigns for such candidates. This can include recruiting staff or helping with other campaign infrastructure.

Democrats on defense in open House races

Of the 35 seats in the House without an incumbent running, two thirds of them were most recently held by Democrats. An independent held one of the seats and the other 13 were filled by Republicans.

Democrats are sure to hold onto four of those seats since there are no Republican challengers for Districts 93, 118, 129 and 132. The only seats that Republicans are guaranteed to hold are Districts 18 and 36. There are other House races without a Democrat running, but those races have third party candidates that prevent those races from being a sure bet.

In order to gain a majority of the House, either party needs to have 76 members. During the 131st Legislature, there were 82 Democrats, 67 Republicans and two independents. With 29 seats that could flip in the 132nd, that leaves Democrats little wiggle room to maintain their majority.

Unlike the big ticket Senate races, House races arent seeing the same level of fundraising  except one.

Republican Laurel Libby, who is running for reelection in Auburn has raised almost $125,000, far more than any other legislative candidate. Libby, who is seeking a third term, will face Democrat Daniel Campbell, who has raised a little more than $17,000.

The Dinner Table PAC, which was founded in 2021 by Alex Titcomb alongside Libby with a mission to create a conservative majority in the Maine House, has publicly backed a handful of candidates for the general election, though the organization is not allowed to coordinate with campaigns.

According to general election filings with the Maine Ethics Commission, the Dinner Table has spent between $1,000 and $8,000 each to support five Republican candidates who are running in races without an incumbent and could flip their district. They include Arthur Mingo (District 9), Marcus Emerson (District 59), Randall Gauvin (District 75), Rolf Olsen Jr. (District 86) and Quentin Chapman (District 88).

Emerson is running for the seat that is being vacated by LaRochelle.

The Dinner Table has also spent just under $8,000 to support Republican Amy Bell, who is looking to take District 142 from Democratic incumbent Anne-Marie Mastraccio. The group is similarly backing Republican Ray Thombs Jr. who is facing the independent incumbent William Pluecker for District 44.

Titcomb told Maine Morning Star he could not explain why the organization chose to support those candidates in particular.

On the Democratic side, as of Aug. 29, the Maine Democrat State Committee has spent a combined $53,257 on independent expenditures, which arent coordinated with candidate campaigns, for LaRochelle and Sheats races and almost $125,000 on incumbent senators.

This story was updated to include spending from the Maine Democrat State Committee.

Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated Reagan LaRochelle had termed out of the Maine House of Representatives. Also, we adjusted language to clarify that the Democratic and Republican parties arent contributing to candidate fundraising.

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If Lenexa rejects homeless shelter, Johnson County could be back at square one. Then what?

Reality Check is a Star series holding those with power to account and shining a light on their decisions. Have a suggestion for a future story? Email our journalists at RealityCheck@kcstar.com.

If the Lenexa City Council on Tuesday denies a special use permit to operate a homeless shelter, Johnson County could be sent back to the drawing board  possibly needing to find a new location and deciding whether to commit alternate funding in the face of a fast-approaching federal deadline.

The decision would be a major setback after the county has spent months evaluating the Lenexa site, following years of planning for a much-needed shelter.

Late last month, the Lenexa Planning Commission voted 9-0 to deny a special use permit request to operate a year-round shelter at the La Quinta Inn and Suites off of Interstate 35 and 95th Street. The permit is required for the county to close on the real estate purchase, and needed for reStart, the Kansas City-based homeless services agency, to run the shelter.

In its recommendation to reject the permit, Lenexa city staff said the use is inconsistent with the character of the neighborhood, would create a concentration of negative external impacts in the community, detrimentally affect nearby properties and strain law enforcement resources.

But the Lenexa City Council has the final say to approve or deny the permit, or send it back to the planning commission with reasoning for it to be reconsidered.

The council will consider the permit request at its meeting next Tuesday evening.

In the meantime, the county commission at its Thursday morning meeting will vote on submitting a letter to the council urging it to approve the permit.

We believe this project is consistent with the character of the surrounding neighborhood, will not negatively impact property values in the area, and will have a significant positive effect on public health, safety and welfare, the letter reads.

Lenexa Mayor Julie Sayers has declined to comment on the permit request ahead of Tuesdays meeting.

Denial of the permit would put the current shelter plans in jeopardy, requiring the county to move funds around and consider whether officials need to seek out a new location.

If the council rejects the permit, Johnson County is expected to reallocate the more than $6 million in federal Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds  money that had been dedicated to purchasing the hotel site  to other programs.

Proponents have viewed the use of federal COVID dollars as key in pushing the project forward, allowing the county to buy a site and establish a shelter without pulling money from elsewhere in its budget.

The county in December entered into a real estate agreement to purchase the hotel and a shuttered restaurant nearby, at 9461 and 9471 Lenexa Drive. Staff then spent 270 days evaluating the site and doing other due diligence activities in preparation to close on the sale.

Under the federal program, those dollars must be obligated and under contract by the end of the year, and spent by the end of 2026. But if the Lenexa council denies the shelter permit, Jody Hanson, spokeswoman with the county, said about $6.2 million would need to be reallocated.

Its possible those dollars could be redirected to other programs, such as an eligible wastewater project, something county staff previously mentioned as a back-up for the money. If not obligated in time, the county would lose that money altogether.

But reallocating those funds wouldnt necessarily spell doom for paying for a future shelter with federal dollars, if commissioners remain dedicated to the idea.

Will Johnson County remain committed to a shelter?

Understanding the tight timeline to obligate the COVID funds, the commission in February built in a buffer for itself by setting aside $6 million in available countywide support funds to purchase the shelter.

The countywide support funds also came from federal COVID-19 relief dollars, that allowed the county to calculate revenue lost due to the pandemic and put that money in general reserves to fund a variety of uses, such as salaries.

The commission set that money aside in the event officials could not close on the sale of the hotel by the end of the year. Those funds do not have the same timeline restrictions as the other federal dollars.

Commission Chairman Mike Kelly said if Lenexa denies the special use permit, the board would need to decide if it wants to continue committing those funds to the shelter project.

The commission also has dedicated $3.7 million in countywide support funds to provide reStart to renovate the hotel. Of that, 10% would go toward early operating costs and capacity building.

Earlier this month, the commission approved an amendment to the real estate contract, delaying the payment of $150,000 from Sept. 9 to Sept. 20, after the council will vote on the permit.

Whatever the outcome of Tuesdays council meeting, county commissioners said they will be weighing their options moving forward.

We always, as a matter of practice, have contingency plans knowing that we need to be prudent and innovative and nimble when unexpected circumstances arise, Kelly said.

A no vote by the Lenexa City Council would deal a serious blow to the current plans. And it is unclear how difficult it could be to find a new site, in a city willing to allow a shelter.

Still Kelly said he remains hopeful the project will move forward and federal funding will be used for establishing a shelter.

He previously said theres community consensus around addressing the long-time need for a permanent shelter. He added the county is taking several steps toward addressing the lack of affordable housing and increase in homelessness, and the shelter is only one piece of that work.

I know as a community we will continue to work toward solutions. And I welcome all cities to the table to determine how best we can address these issues, Kelly said. The homeless services center still provides the right solution at the right time. I look forward to those continued conversations.

Does the Lenexa site stand a chance?

For proponents of the shelter project, the hotel site in Lenexa checked a lot of boxes, including sitting off of I-35, next to commercial properties, with access to public transportation.

But Lenexa city staff said the city could need increased law enforcement to oversee the proposed shelter, which they said it doesnt have money for. And they argue Lenexa faces a higher burden than other cities, considering it is also home to Johnson Countys temporary winter shelter at Shawnee Mission Unitarian Universalist Church.

Staff also cited the countys speedy timeline for pushing the project forward, arguing that the plans for managing and sustaining the shelter were inadequate.

After a public hearing where more than 70 people spoke, both for and against the shelter, last month, the planning commission denied the permit.

In the letter Johnson County commissioners will vote on submitting to Lenexa ahead of the councils vote, the board vows to work with the city to provide additional service by the sheriffs office, including deputies and mental health co-responders, to respond to calls. It also says officials will explore programs and funding, such as housing vouchers, to help off-set any overflow at the winter shelter.

When we can address homelessness via housing and supportive services instead of through criminalization and hospitalization, we get a much better return on our investment and give folks a much higher chance of exiting homelessness, the letter reads.

ReStart has proposed turning the hotel into a 50-bed shelter, with private rooms and bathrooms. Another part of the project would include 25 transitional housing units, to help residents move into permanent homes. The organization intends to provide residents with several resources, including access to health care, job opportunities and more.

The total project cost is estimated at about $10.5 million, which includes renovating the hotel. Officials estimate it would cost about $1.7 million a year to operate the shelter, which would be funded through grants and private donations. Leaders also are asking the county and its cities to help fund $500,000 of the annual operating cost.
Letters to the Editor: Let judges hit 'record' when no court reporters are available

To the editor: I applaud the Los Angeles County Superior Court's decision to allow electronic recording of certain hearings. This addresses an unconstitutional failure in California's justice system that has long denied many their right to appeal.

For years, a shortage of court reporters has left hearings unrecorded, effectively barring appeals for those who can't afford private reporters. In the past 18 months, 525,000 people in L.A. had no record of their court proceedings. This has drastic consequences for domestic violence survivors seeking to challenge dangerous custody decisions or denied restraining orders.

L.A. still prioritizes court reporters, but when they are not available, the choice between an electronic record or no record at all is clear. Allowing judges to press "record" when reporters are unavailable is a victory for justice and accessibility.

Our courts must prioritize constitutional rights and ensure everyone has a fair chance at justice, regardless of their ability to pay.

Erin Smith, Burlingame, Calif.

The writer is co-founder and former chief executive of the Family Violence Appellate Project.

..

To the editor: In 1973, I directed a study for the state's Judicial Council in 30 municipal courts of California using tape recorders. The study demonstrated their effectiveness.

In 1975, when I was administrative director of courts in Kentucky, we replaced all court reporters with tape recorders and a few years later went to videotaping of all trials. The video system is more accurate, cheaper and more expeditious than traditional court reporting systems.

It is well beyond time for California to catch up with this innovation.

William Davis, Carson City, Nev.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The Committee on Education and the Workforce has advanced a bill that would forcibly out transgender students to their guardians.

The committee voted Wednesday to report H.R. 736, the so-called PROTECT Kids Act, favorably out of committee, meaning it will now go to the U.S. House of Representatives for vote.

The legislation would require elementary and middle schools that receive federal funds to forcibly out trans students if they wish to alter their gender markers, pronouns, or preferred name. This also encompasses which school facilities they are permitted to use, such as bathrooms and locker rooms.

The bill previously passed the House in 2023 as part of Republicans so-called Parents Bill of Rights Act (H.R. 5) with bipartisan opposition; every Democrat and five Republicans voted against it, while every other Republican voted in favor. Even if the bill advances out of the House, it is unlikely to pass the Democrat-controlled Senate or be signed into law by President Joe Biden.

The Congressional Equality Caucus, a bipartisan group of out representatives who promote LGBTQ+ equality, has condemned the legislation, with chair Mark Pocan slamming Republicans' priorities for student safety in the wake of a mass shooting at a Georgia high school in which four people were murdered.



Just a week after a deadly school shooting, Republicans on the Education and the Workforce Committee decided that, instead of working to protect kids, their time would be best spent attacking the ones they dont liketrans kids. Its outrageous, Pocan said in a statement. While many young trans people have loving and accepting families, some do not. By forcing teachers and administrators who want to take certain steps to affirm trans students to out those students instead, MAGA Republicans are endangering the safety and wellbeing of students whose families may not accept them, all to score some cheap political points.
BRISTOL, Tenn. (WJHL)  When it comes to fentanyl overdoses, Dr. James Kneff, a doctor in the emergency department of Bristol Regional Medical Center (BRMC), said medical staff have only minutes to save a life.

So typically, these patients come in blue. Literally, their skin will be blue [which] is what we call cyanotic, Kneff said. Their lips will be blue, their fingernail beds will be blue. Theyre not breathing, or they dont have those respiratory drives and theyre just kind of unresponsive, not breathing.

Photo: Sara Diamond interviews Dr. James Kneff at Bristol Regional Medical Center regarding the increased number of fentanyl overdoses in the past few years. (WJHL)

The crews in the ER have less than five minutes to get the patient into the trauma room, administer oxygen, begin an IV and begin Naloxone treatment, according to BRMC nurse Angela Bennett. She described those cases as all-hands-on-deck moments in the ER.

So the impact on our resources at a local level is tremendous because we have to stop and we have to emergently manage these patients because its a life or death moment for them, said Bennett.

Grandfather raises child after mothers fatal fentanyl overdose

The problem of fentanyl overdoses has been steadily increasing in our region since before 2020 when there was a significant spike.

According to data from the Tennessee Department of Health from 2019 to 2022, annual fentanyl overdose deaths skyrocketed in Northeast Tennessee, increasing 548%. Statewide deaths rose 158% during that same time. The nonfatal overdose rate reported by hospitals rose 76% during those years.

Bennett said it is tough when despite her teams best efforts, she sees a family lose a loved one to an overdose in the ER.

You see the impact, she said. You see the impact on the families when we cannot revive these patients. Theyre in these trauma rooms crying for their loved ones and want to somehow make it right, and the damage has been done.

Kneff has a warning for families.

If you dont know where it came from, you dont know what it is, Kneff said. Unless youre getting a prescription pill from a pharmacy, you have no idea what could be in that. So any the first time could be your last time.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.
Linda Ronstadt to JD Vance: 'This cat lady' will be voting for Kamala Harris

Singer and multi-Grammy Award winner Linda Ronstadt referenced JD Vance's 2021 "childless cat ladies" comment in a statement decrying Donald Trump's Arizona rally.

The former president held his first post-debate campaign event Thursday in Tucson, Ronstadt's hometown, at her namesake hall.

It saddens me to see the former president bring his hate show to Tucson, a town with deep Mexican-American roots and a joyful, tolerant spirit," Ronstadt shared in a statement on Wednesday ahead of the event.

Singer Linda Ronstadt decried Donald Trump and JD Vance ahead of the former president's Arizona rally.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer criticized the Trump administration's "zero tolerance" border separation policy.

"In Nogales and across the southern border, the Trump Administration systematically ripped apart migrant families seeking asylum," she wrote. "Family separation made orphans of thousands of little children and babies and brutalized their desperate mothers and fathers."

She also called Trump a "rapist."

In a P.S. to vice presidential candidate and Ohio senator Vance, Ronstadt said: I raised two adopted children in Tucson as a single mom. They are both grown and living in their own houses. I live with a cat. Am I half a childless cat lady because Im unmarried and didnt give birth to my kids? Call me what you want, but this cat lady will be voting proudly in November for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz.

Vance's cat lady comment from a 2021 Fox News interview resurfaced this summer, and has been called out by Jennifer Anniston, Taylor Swift and other female celebrities. After backlash over the comment, Trump defended his running mate at the National Association for Black Journalists convention.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Linda Ronstadt: 'This cat lady' is voting for Kamala Harris
Line Fire in San Bernardino County grows to over 37,000 acres; suspect charged

Charges were filed Thursday against the man suspected of starting the Line Fire burning in San Bernardino County.

The massive blaze grew by nearly 1,000 acres overnight but officials say that weather conditions have helped slow its spread.

The Line Fire is believed to have been intentionally set a week ago on Sept. 5 near Base Line and Aplin streets in Highland.

As of 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Cal Fire said the blaze had scorched 37,589 acres and was 21% contained.

Latest udpates from Cal Fire

More than 3,000 firefighting personnel are assigned to the Line Fire, which is burning north of Highland, south of Big Bear, east of Running Springs and west of Angeles Oaks.

Cal Fire said the cooler conditions and smoke shading will help crews battling the wildfire, which has jumped Highway 330.

The man accused of starting the fire, 34-year-old Justin Wayne Halstenberg of Norco, has been arrested and charged with multiple felony counts.

Justin Wayne Halstenberg

We filed charges this morning against Mr. Halstenberg as a result of whats known as the Line Fire, San Bernardino County District Attorney Jason Anderson said during a news conference late Thursday morning.

Among the nine charges filed against Halstenberg are arson causing damages of over $7 million, great bodily injury to a firefighter and three counts of possession of incendiary devices.

Anderson said Halstenberg, who used to be a FedEx driver, tried to set three fires in the area, with one attempt turning into the Line Fire.

He also said that more charges could be filed. This is an ongoing crime. The fire is still burning, so things could change  whether additional people are injured or whether additional structures are burned, Anderson said.

A home belonging to a family with nine children was destroyed as a result of the fire spreading to Pine Cone Drive in Running Springs.

A home destroyed by the Line Fire is seen in Running Springs. (KTLA)

Governor Gavin Newsom visited Highland and walked through neighborhoods on the edge of the Line Fire on September 11, 2024. (California Governors Office)

A water dropping helicopter flies into thick smoke to drop water on the approaching Line fire which engulfed a home on Pine Cove Drive Sept. 10, 2024 in Running Springs, California. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

Firefighters on the scene of a home burning in the area of Pine Cone Drive in Runnings Springs amid the Line Fire on Sept. 10, 2024. (RMG News)

The out-of-control Line Fire burns in the San Bernardino National Forest above homes off Lugonia Avenue on September 9, 2024 in Redlands, California. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

Firefighters monitor the advancing Line Fire in Angelus Oaks, Calif., Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

HIGHLAND, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES  2024/09/07: A California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection car blocks highway 330 as the fire burns in the distance. The Line Fire grows to over 7000 acres in San Bernardino County and remains 0% contained. Cause of the fire is unknown. (Photo by Jon Putman/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Firefighters clean burned trees and branches as the Line Fire grows on September 8, 2024 in San Bernardino, California. (Photo by Qian Weizhong/VCG via Getty Images)

HIGHLAND, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES  2024/09/07: A California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Fire tanker making a retardant drop. The Line Fire grows to over 7000 acres in San Bernardino County and remains 0% contained. Cause of the fire is unknown. (Photo by Jon Putman/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Justin Wayne Halstenberg, 34, seen in a photo released by the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Office on Spt. 11, 2024.

Pickup allegedly driven by Justin Wayne Halstenberg, suspected of starting the Line Fire on Sept. 5, 2024. (SBSD)

It happened really fast. We werent able to grab much before we left, so I have about three Tupperware left of our lives, Brooke Palenchar said. But were safe and were healthy and we cant ask for anything more than that really.

Damage Inspection Teams are still working to identify any other structures that may have been damaged or destroyed.

Evacuation orders remain in place for several mountain communities including a section of Big Bear.

The latest updates on evacuations and information about evacuation centers and road closures can also be found on the Line Fire incident website.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom visited the area Wednesday and toured a scorched section near Highland.

The Governors Office also announced a state of emergency was declared due to wildfires burning across four counties in Southern California. The state of emergency authorized the use of National Guard resources in the area.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
City officials in Boston are on a mission to pass legislation that would shift the landscape of Black-owned restaurants in Black and brown communities with a new liquor license law.

The legislation, first introduced in April 2023, officially passed through both chambers of the State House in late July. However, because the bill has two different versions, its fate is still in the air. Royal Smith, a Boston Black Hospitality Coalition member pushing for the law to go into effect, is also the operator of District 7 Tavern in the citys Roxbury neighborhood. Baystate Banner reports that he is optimistic that legislators will do the right thing by officially allowing restaurants to obtain liquor licenses.

Im excited to see the form it takes, he said. This, really, is truly going to grow the city. Its going to provide neighborhoods that people want to go to.

Still, Smith is awaiting Gov. Maura Healeys official approval. If the Massachusetts governor signs the liquor license law, each year, for three years, five restaurateurs in each of 13 zip codes predominantly in Black and Brown communities in the city will be able to get new liquor licenses for their businesses. If passed, roughly 200 new liquor licenses will be available to establishments in those parts of the city.

The following zip codes are affected: Charlestown, Dorchester, East Boston, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain, Mattapan, Roslindale, Roxbury, the South End, and West Roxbury.

Regardless of where you live in the city, you should be able to go downstairs or down the block and be able to get a good meal and get a cocktail if you feel like it, said state Sen. Liz Miranda, the person responsible for sponsoring the bill in the Senate. She also represents the 2nd Suffolk district, home to parts of nine of the zip codes that the legislation would affect.

This is about dreams becoming reality and about economic, racial, and geographic equity, she continued. I think sometimes people get stuck on the word liquor, and if you dont like liquor, you think that this is going to cause a lot of problems in our community, but it is not.

The neighborhoods in question have seen a decline in access to sit-down restaurants. Business owners find it hard to sustain their businesses without the benefits of alcohol sales.

They cannot maintain transferable liquor licenses, which cost roughly $600,000 on the secondary market.

For Smith, its all about bringing more opportunities to Black and brown neighborhoods across the city of Boston, which is home to 2.1 times more white residents than any other race or ethnicity, per a 2022 Census report.

Theres going to be more options in Boston besides Irish bars, said Smith. We just want to make sure that for anybody that is affected by this bill, were not just opening places to close them. We want sustainability.

He added, Ultimately, if this thing is done right, this thing will change the skyline of Boston.

RELATED CONTENT: Black-Owned Colorado Bar Battles Liquor License Suspension Amid Allegations Of Racial Discrimination
Join Native New Online editor Levi Rickert on Friday for this weeks Native Bidaske as he holds a discussion about the upcoming Great Lakes Tribal Economic Summit that will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 17 and Wednesday, Sept. 18 at the Four Winds Casino in New Buffalo, Michigan.

The Great Lakes Tribal Economic Summit is presented by Tribal Business News, a sister publication of Native News Online.

Never miss Indian Countrys biggest stories and breaking news. Click here to sign up to get our reporting sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning.

Rickert welcomes Tribal Business News Associate Publisher Brian Edwards and attorney Tanya Gibbs, a partner at Mshkawzi Law, LLP and a tribal citizen of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians.

The discussion will be about the topics to be featured at the Great Lakes Tribal Economic Summit, hosted by Native News Onlines sister publication Tribal Business News on Tuesday, September 17, and Wednesday, September 18, 2024 on the homelands of the Pokagon Potawatomi at the Four Winds Casino in New Buffalo.

In addition to her extensive legal work on behalf of tribal business enterprises, Gibbs formerly led the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians Odawa Economic Development Management Inc.

According to Edwards, this years summit will feature more than 20 speakers sharing news, information and best practices in key areas of non-gaming economic development for tribes.

The Great Lakes Tribal Economic Summit will be co-hosted by the Michigan Economic Development (MEDC) and Grand Valley State University Seidman College of Business.

Registration and sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more information, CLICK HERECLICK HERE.

Tune into the stream on Friday, September 13 at 12 pm EDT on Native News Onlines Facebook, Twitter, or//www.youtube.com/@NativeNewsOnline>" style="text-decoration: none;"> YouTube platforms.

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Lithuanian president says Lithuania wants to buy short-range missile systems for Ukraine

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda has said that Lithuania is likely to soon approve the purchase of short-range anti-aircraft missile systems for Ukraine.

Source: Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda during a joint press-conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on 12 September, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Nauseda said that Lithuania has given Ukraine 647 million of security assistance since the beginning of Russias full-scale invasion and has committed to allocating 0.25% of its GDP (approximately 190 million) to aid Ukraine each year.

"We are also researching the possibility of purchasing short-range anti-aircraft missile systems for Ukrainian air defence. I hope that we will have a favourable decision within the next two or three weeks and will be able to give these systems to Ukrainians," Nauseda said.

He also mentioned that Lithuania has invested 10 million to fund Ukraines production of long-range Palianytsia missile drones and is interested in working alongside Ukraine to design and manufacture naval drones.

"Lithuania will continue working alongside allies to mobilise support for Ukraine. During the European Council and NATO meetings, I always stress that we have to increase the amount of aid, because the current volumes and the speed with which [the aid] is given are insufficient," Nauseda said.

He added that the West must give Ukraine additional long-range missiles, aircraft and air defence systems as soon as possible.

Background:

During a joint press-conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on 12 September, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda promised to help Ukraine win the war against a "monster".

In August, Lithuania provided Ukraine with the latest aid package, which included loaders, anti-drone systems, and folding beds for Ukrainian soldiers.

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Vice President Kamala Harris plans to travel to North Carolina today for rallies at Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte and, later, in Greensboro.

The visits are Harris first public rallies since the presidential debate Tuesday night against Republican Donald Trump. Recent polls show North Carolina as a virtual tie between the two candidates. Though, Harris led by three points in two of the most recent polls by Quinnipiac and WRAL.

Below are live updates from Harris visit to NC, with the most recent at the top.

Lively atmosphere outside Harris rally

12:30 p.m. A DJ amped up those who arrived early at Bojangles Coliseum for Harriss first rally since Tuesdays presidential debate.

People in line danced to songs such as the Cha Cha Slide and Justin Timberlakes Cant Stop the Feeling as they waited for doors to open about 12:30 p.m. Harris is scheduled to speak later in the afternoon.

Whos ready to see the first female president of the United States? one person shouted in the parking lot.

Johnson C. Smiths marching band was seen going through security. Traffic flowed relatively quickly into the coliseums parking lots, where vendors sold T-shirts and hats.

Inside the coliseum, event staff are handing out light-up bracelets like youd get at a concert.

Why hasnt Harris done what she says, GOP asks

The North Carolina Republican Party preempted Harris visit with a question: why hasnt she done the things she is saying she would do?

Harris is in office now. So, why hasnt she done anything about high prices, the North Carolina GOP asked in a news release. The GOP said Harris has no vision, no solutions and no answers on how shed be different than President Joe Biden.

Kamala Harris is wrong on the economy, wrong on the Southern border, and wrong for North Carolina families. President Trump has the right policies and the proven record to Make America Great Again, said NCGOP Communications Director Matt Mercer.

The release cites Harris plans to raise taxes on corporations and capital gains as well as letting Trumps tax cuts expire as being part of the largest tax hike in American history. Her plan to give first-time homebuyers at $25,000 tax break would cause prices to rise even more and do nothing to increase the supply of new homes, the GOP said.

Traffic, road closures from Kamala Harris visit

Charlotte drivers can expect road closures around the city with Vice President Kamala Harris visit for a campaign rally Thursday.

The Democratic presidential nominee will hold a rally at Bojangles Coliseum in the afternoon, so roads multiple roads, including Interstate 77 and East Independence Boulevard between Interstate 277 and Eastway Drive., will be closed starting at 2 p.m., according to a news release from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.

Traffic delays are also anticipated around Charlotte Douglas International Airport 2:30-7 p.m. Please seek alternate routes if you must travel during these times on Thursday, CMPD said Wednesday.

Drivers in Greensboro should stay alert for traffic impacts near the Greensboro Coliseum and Gate City Boulevard, WGHP in High Point reported.
Key takeaways from the first Utah gubernatorial debate between Cox, King, Latham

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  Three candidates took the stage at Salt Lake Community College Wednesday night in the gubernatorial debate.

Utahns had the chance to listen to incumbent Gov. Spencer Cox, who is the Republican candidate; Brian Smith King, who is the Democratic candidate; and J. Robert Latham, who is the Libertarian candidate.

Heres what to expect for the Nov. 5 general election in Utah

On Wednesday, the candidates discussed their stances on key issues including the economic state of Utah, sustainable issues, housing affordability, and Amendment D, among others.

Here is a brief breakdown of what the candidates said about some major issues.

What did the candidates say about their plans to strengthen the economy?

Early on in the debate, candidates were asked how they planned to strengthen the economy amid Utanhs concerns about the rising costs of everyday items.

Cox said Utah was in its golden age after the moderator mentioned Utahs growing economy. Cox also said inflation could be attributed to wasteful spending coming out of Washington, D.C.

After Cox referenced Utahs growing economy, King countered by saying that statistics arent everything.

King said his campaigns first priority would be looking out for everyday Utahns.

Latham, mentioned increased housing costs and encouraged voters to look at a free-to-build program sponsored by the Libertas Institute.

What did the candidates say about their plans to ensure affordable and sustainable power?

King began the discussion about sustainable power by saying Utah should follow the free market, saying Utah has tremendous renewable energy sources.

Renewable energy is not the future, its the present knocking on our door saying, Why are you late?' King said.

Latham spoke next, saying nuclear power could add to Utahs energy mix, but he wants to make sure energy companies would not spoil the environment.

Cox said renewable energy could not grow quickly in Utah because the radical environmental movement and the Democrats in Congress will not pass permitting reform to make that possible.

In a rebuttal, King claimed that part of the reason Rocky Mountain Power was raising rates was because Utahs legislature was fighting to keep coal-powered plants open despite the fact that they are an increased cost, and theyre passing those costs onto consumers of the state of Utah.

Rocky Mountain Power issued a statement to ABC4.com, saying, in part, that is not true what Representative King said concerning the reason for the request to increase rates.

The power company referenced a June 2024 press release, and clarified that net power costs, transmission and generation projects, and insurance premiums are the drivers for the rate request.

What did the candidates say about their plans to expand public transportation options?

When asked about public transportation plans, several candidates referenced the opportunities that they said can come with the 2034 Winter Olympics coming to Salt Lake City.

We have to increase transit, and were going to do that over the next 10 years, Cox said.

Cox also said he wants every community in Utah to be connected by trails for walking and biking.

King said the Olympics will provide the chance for more transit-oriented development and bigger transit projects.

Latham said he would advise voters to listen to the guidance of legislators because they are studying the issues, but the transit plans should make sense for the average Utahn commuter.

What else did the candidates say?

ABC4s Jordan Tracy was at the debate and highlighted some other discussions that took at the debate, including Cox and King discussing Coxs change of heart about former President Donald Trump.

The candidates discussed housing issues in Utah, and Cox said his administration has a plan to build 35,000 starter homes.

King asked, If were the best economy in the country, why is it that so many people have such difficulty getting into a home?

King also said he would make sure Utahs housing stock is purchased and available for Utahns, not people from out-of-state.

The candidates also discussed Amendment D, with King calling it deceitful and urging voters to vote against the amendment in November. Latham echoed that sentiment and also called the ballot measure deceitful.

Cox, on the other hand, said trying to keep Utahns from voting on the measure was deceitful.

The candidates also discussed artificial intelligence, and several echoed concerns about privacy for children.

The liveblog entries can be viewed below.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
Insurance institution Lloyds of London proposed a list of changes that have been put out for consultation - Ben Stansall/AFP/Getty Images

Lloyds of London is cracking down on boozy and bullying behaviour in its latest push to change the insurance industrys reputation as hard-drinking and old-fashioned.

The 336-year-old insurance market, which only allowed women on to its floor in 1973, has admitted that some of the measures it has imposed so far to deal with poor conduct are unclear.

In a proposed list of changes, which have been put out for consultation, the centuries-old institution suggests a ban on conducting any business when under the influence of alcohol where it leads to unprofessional behaviour.

The argument is understood to affect the whole of Londons insurance market, rather than just Lloyds own employees, who were banned from drinking during the day in 2017.

Lloyds, which was founded in the 17th century, is the worlds largest insurance marketplace and is made up of around 50 insurers and hundreds of brokers.

Lloyds also warned that conduct such as illegal drug-taking, harassment or bullying is also inherently unacceptable by its very nature and ought to be actionable as such, irrespective of whether or not tangible harm to Lloyds or the Lloyds market can be demonstrated.

It said it wanted to align itself more with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the City watchdog, by making clear that bad behaviour outside of work still counts as misconduct if it occurs in the presence of other market participants.

Lloyds has worked hard to change the reputation of the insurance market ever since the sector was rocked by claims of sexual harassment which surfaced in 2019.

However, a senior insider told The Telegraph before Lloyds consultation was published that the organisation was still catching people out on harassment.

That is despite a swathe of new rules coming into force in 2019 in response to female workers saying they felt like they were working in a meat market where they were judged on their looks.

One woman said at the time that she had been harassed by her drunk boss but told it would be bad for her career to complain.

Lloyds responded with measures that included lifetime bans for those found guilty of the worst misbehaviour, and turning its on-site pub One Under Lime into a coffee shop.

Dame Inga Beale, ex-chief executive of Lloyds of London, feared her former employers toxic culture would not change in her lifetime - Simon Dawson/Bloomberg

Dame Inga Beale, the only woman ever to run the group, delivered a scathing attack on her then-employer that year by saying she feared its toxic culture would not change in her lifetime.

In 2022 Lloyds issued a record fine to an underwriting group for bullying and the sexual harassment of female staff on an annual boys night out.

Story continues

Although it is cracking down further on bad behaviour, Lloyds said in its consultation paper that it will not seek to become more directly interventionist.

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Local attorneys partner with Bank of America to support first responders

Many of the victims on Sept. 11, 2001 were first responders, and now theres a new effort locally to make sure police, firefighters, and emergency medical workers have everything in order as they put their lives on the line.

After 18 years at the Gastonia Fire Department, building inspector Rodney Thompson moved to the Charlotte Fire Department earlier this year.

We actually make sure that buildings, properties, and life is taken care of, Thompson told Channel 9.

But on this 9/11, people are taking care of him.

Sometimes in our job, we get caught up in taking care of the community and taking care of others that we kinda forget about ourselves, Thompson said. And its a great thing when you have attorneys and stuff to remind us that we need to pay attention to our homes and our families as well.

Bank of America partnered with the North Carolina Bar Association and several law firms to help first responders with wills, powers of attorney and other long-term planning.

Headlining an event Wednesday was a former soldier-turned-investment banker named John Maguire. He jumped into action to carry a firefighter chaplain out of the rubble on 9.11. It was one of the most memorable images from that day.

Thats a message of 9/11 that endures, that were all one country, regardless of our background or political affiliation. Were here to support one another, Maguire said.

Thompson couldnt agree more, thats why hes dedicated his life to service.

From being in the Marine Corps to coming to the fire department, taking care of the community, taking care of the people, Thompson said. Somebodys got to do it, you got to know your calling in life. Once you figure it out, and if its protecting the people, then go for it. Go all in.

Bank of America organized the event in nine different cities Wednesday.

A spokesperson said that around 500 first responders received help.

(WATCH: Deputies investigating after firearm found on campus of Chester High School)
EAST LIVERPOOL, Ohio (WKBN)  The Columbiana County Drug Task Force has kept busy into September, executing numerous search warrants as part of its mission to remove drugs from the streets.

Most recently, the task force, in conjunction with other local law enforcement, executed a search warrant Thursday where it recovered items indicative of drug trafficking. Two raids were conducted last week that resulted in suspected drugs and drug paraphernalia as well.

Jesse Smith, director of the task force, says a lot of narcotics investigation work is about opportunity.

Weve been pretty fortunate the last couple of weeks to get the opportunity to get in some good target houses, specifically in East Liverpool, Smith said. That doesnt mean that were not pursuing targets in the rest of the county  but weve just had good opportunities. Our East Liverpool agent has done a really good job with his investigations in that area, and its paid off for us.

The task force is a collaborative effort of local police departments, along with the Columbiana County Sheriffs Office and prosecutors.

Smith said most of these cases start as tips that are then passed along to the proper jurisdiction. Next, agents work to gather more information  this can be done through a number of tactics, such as traffic stops and informants. Once the necessary information is gathered, a search warrant is issued, leading to further investigation and potential arrests.

Smith said over the last few years, the task force has changed its approach to how it polices drugs and drug trafficking in Columbiana County.

We realized that its not all about targeting the demand. The reason people sell drugs in Columbiana County is because there are drug users in Columbiana County, Smith said. And we would be foolish to think we could completely eradicate drug trafficking in Columbiana County by just going after drug dealers.

He said theyve partnered with the state and the countys mental health board to help get people treatment.

Our goal right now is to get as many people dealing with substance use disorders, as many drug addicts as we can, get them into treatment, and we can really curb the supply part of this, and hopefully, in doing that, drug traffickers  especially out of town drug traffickers  will no longer see Columbiana County as just a place to make money and go sell drugs and ruin our communities.

Smith said they are still pursuing, charging and prosecuting as many mid-to-upper-level drug traffickers as they can.

I believe doing a combination of both of those things essentially is whats going to make the biggest difference in our county, Smith said.

Thursdays search took place in the 600 block of Minerva Street, where agents reported recovering suspected fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, psilocybin mushrooms and prescription pills, along with cash and other paraphernalia. The prior weeks raids took place in the 200 block of Ravine Street and the 600 block of Minerva Street  a different address from Thursdays raid.

Confiscated items from Sept. 12 raid. Courtesy: Columbiana County Sheriffs Office.

Smith said Minerva Street isnt a necessarily bad area for drug trafficking, but that the street is dense with houses and it just happened the two homes the task force had information on were near each other.

The task force state charges for trafficking and possession of the drugs are pending lab testing.

In 2023, the task force reported initiating 258 cases involving narcotics-related offenses in Columbiana County.

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ERWIN, N.Y (WETM)  Two local first responders were each awarded the First Responder of the Year award for their service.

Robert J. Richards Jr. of the Caton Fire Department was honored for his 50 years of service, serving in different capacities as lieutenant, captain, EMS, and others. He mentioned it felt good to receive the award and acknowledged that many unsung heroes deserve recognition for their service.

They put their hearts out to their community every day, and people dont even recognize it, but I do. I see them, I love them, I thank them, said Richards.

Elmira College remembers 9/11 with annual flag placing ceremony

In addition, he noted the personal sacrifices made by first responders, inlcuding time away from their families.

Trooper Brandon Salyerds of the New York State Police was honored for his service of 17 years and involvement in the community. Trooper Salyerds who is a K-9 handler, said the highlights over the years involved going to schools, giving speeches and demonstrations, getting the youth involved, and perhaps inspiring people to consider a career in law enforcement.

Family and friends, it takes a village to have some people to go out and be able to do this, said Trooper Salyerds.

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A former Clermont County housing official pleaded guilty on Thursday to stealing thousands of federal dollars meant to help low-income residents.

Timothy Holland, the former executive director of the Clermont Metropolitan Housing Authority, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to federal program theft. Holland served as executive director from 2012 to 2019, according to a press release from U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio Kenneth Parker.

In 2018 and 2019, the Clermont housing authority received more than $5.9 million in annual federal funds to operate and maintain public housing and housing assistance in the county.

Timothy Holland, the former executive director of the Clermont Metropolitan Housing Authority, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to federal program theft.

From at least 2016 to 2019, Holland caused the organization to lose at least $86,929, the press release said. He was found guilty of using the housing authority's credit card in 2018 for spending over $9,500 on himself at retailers like Amazon, Sirius Radio, LL Bean and Home Depot. The following year, he used the credit card on more than $25,000 worth of personal purchases.

Holland also used the housing authority's business car for personal trips to Canada, and used the credit card to pay for gas and hotels. The former official was found guilty of using the housing authority's money for home decor and renovations, including a "man cave" with a $900 game table and 65 TV.

Holland agreed to the recommended sentence of three months to one year and one day in prison. He will have to pay almost $87,000 in restitution to the Clermont Metropolitan Housing Authority

The defendants selfish and fraudulent actions not only put vital federal programs at risk, but also jeopardized the availability of HUD-assisted housing for those in our most vulnerable communities who rely on housing assistance programs, Shawn Rice, Special Agent in Charge with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, said in the release. HUD OIG (Office of Inspector General) will continue to work with the U.S. Attorneys Office and our law enforcement partners to vigorously pursue those who seek to profit by abusing HUD-funded programs.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Ex-Ohio official used $86K in federal money on trips, 'man cave'
Local rotary clubs team up to help Panama City rescue mission

BAY COUNTY, FL. (WMBB)  This is a big week for Rotary Clubs around the world.

During Celebrating Community Week, Rotarians conduct projects that will benefit their communities.

The Panama City and Panama City Beach rotary clubs are teaming up with Optimist and Lions clubs to help the Panama City rescue mission.

Theyve been conducting a food drive for several weeks.

On Wednesday, they delivered food bags to the mission to be distributed to the missions clients.

Dozens remember 9/11 with memorial run on Clyde B Wells Bridge

They also dropped off cleaning supplies and clothing.

We just partnered up together just try to give back as much as we can. Thats why were here at the rescue mission, trying to help the homeless in our area, try to get them back on their feet again and see if we cant make a better community for everybody, PCB Rotary Club President Don Cooley said.

Organizers have tried to make the food bags nutritious, with a protein source, a drink, and breakfast for the following morning.

The food drive will continue through November.

The Rotary Clubs Celebrate Community Week runs through Saturday.

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GHENT, WV (WVNS)  Multiple school districts in West Virginia and Virginia are aware and taking precautions due to threats made towards schools in the two states.

According to the Facebook pages for schools in multiple counties in West Virginia and Virginia, the schools and law enforcement are aware of the threats that appear to be going around the state.

Increased security to be seen at Raleigh County Schools amid online threats

The school and law enforcement Facebook pages that posted that they know about the threats include:

Mercer County Public Schools  WV

McDowell County Schools  WV

Raleigh County Schools

Monroe County Schools

Fayette County WV Schools

Greenbrier County Schools

Wyoming County Board of Education

PCS District (Pocahontas County)

Summers County Schools and the Summers County Sheriffs Office

Nicholas County Board of Education

Mingo County Board of Education

Tazewell County Public Schools and the Tazewell County Virginia Sheriffs Office

Mercer County Public Schools issued a statement on Wednesday, September 11, 2024 about the threats of mass violence that were made towards schools in the county.

After consulting with law enforcement, due to continued threats circulating on various forms of social media, for our area as well as surrounding areas, the increased presence of law enforcement on our campuses will remain throughout the week. We know of multiple incidents where these threats are being made for no other reason than to invoke fear (terrorism) in an effort to disrupt school systems; however, in the times we are living in, we continue to take each threat seriously and with the utmost urgency. Please be aware collaboration is happening between various law enforcement agencies as well as homeland security across not only our state, but also across the nation. Parents and Guardians, we encourage you to heavily monitor your childs social media accounts. Please, have a conversation with them about the seriousness of their words and actions both online and in person. Students, please know the most severe form of disciplinary action will be taken towards those found to be making such threats and those found responsible will be prosecuted to the fullest extent by law. There is no room in our society for jokes about violent plans or mass threats. Please continue to report any threats that may cause harm to our students, staff, and greater community. If you see something, say something isnt just a slogan, it has become a way of life and the only true way we can prevent this type of violence in our communities. Mercer County Public Schools  WV Facebook | Edward Toman, Superintendent of Schools | Melissa Clemons, Safety Coordinator  Mercer County Public Schools

FBI releases statement about threats made towards schools in West Virginia and Western Pennsylvania

According to the posts on some of the schools Facebook pages, known counties where increased police presence and/or increased security will be at schools include:

Mercer County, West Virginia

McDowell County, West Virginia

Raleigh County, West Virginia

Monroe County, West Virginia

Greenbrier County, West Virginia

Mingo County, West Virginia

Tazewell County, Virginia

A post on the Nicholas County Board of Education Facebook page stated that schools in Nicholas County would be closed for students and employees on Thursday, September 12, 2024. According to the post, the closure is due to an investigation for the safety of both students and employees of the schools.

According to the Pocahontas County Schools Facebook page (PCS District), they reminded students, guardians, and staff about the SeeSend app that can be used to report possible threats in schools, and that a shortcut for it can be found on the Pocahontas County Schools website.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS.
Nadav Shoval claims that he was removed after calling out concerning conduct by directors

A billion-dollar technology business backed by the New York Times and Samsung has been caught in a bizarre leadership battle as its chief executive refuses to step down despite being sacked by the company.

US technology company OpenWeb, which has raised hundreds of millions of dollars from investors, told employees on Tuesday that its founder, Nadav Shoval, was stepping down to be replaced by its chairman, Tim Harvey.

However, Mr Shoval, known as one of Israels top technology entrepreneurs, said he was refusing to go and that he had been removed after calling out concerning conduct by directors.

OpenWeb is used by websites such as the Huffington Post, Fox News and Sky Sports. It allows news publishers to manage comments on articles and collect feedback on stories, then target adverts to boost revenues. It takes a cut of advertising revenue.

OpenWeb chairman Tim Harvey was announced as Mr Shovals replacement

I have not stepped down as OpenWebs CEO, Mr Shoval, who founded the company in Tel Aviv in 2014 before moving it to New York, wrote on LinkedIn.

I recently notified the company that they breached my contract, which was intended to directly call out concerning conduct by the board of directors.

Instead of addressing the issues, the board chose to announce a leadership transition at a sudden company-wide meeting, continuing to act against OpenWebs best interests.

I do not accept these actions. I will continue to fight for OpenWebs mission and purpose alongside our team.

Mr Shoval did not respond to a request for comment on what concerning conduct he had reported.

OpenWeb did not respond to a request for comment. It told the Israeli website Geektime: OpenWeb welcomes Tim Harvey as interim CEO in place of Nadav Shoval. The company thanks Nadav for his passion and contribution as founder and CEO of OpenWeb.

The companys board includes Scott Galloway, a prominent American entrepreneur and podcast host, and Avishai Abrahami, the chief executive of Israeli software giant Wix.

The New York Times invested in the company in 2021 as part of a $150m (115m) funding round. Other investors include the ad giant Dentsu and Lord Alliance, the Liberal Democrat life peer who formerly chaired the clothing retailer N Brown Group.

It was valued at $1.5bn in 2022 in a fundraising round led by Canadian investor Georgian Partners. The company works with around 1,000 publishers.

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CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WBOY)  Several schools and law enforcement agencies in north central West Virginia have released statements after a series of threats were made directed toward schools in the area.

According to a statement from the FBI, multiple schools have been affected by a series of recent threats directed toward multiple school districts across Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

As a result of these threats, multiple school districts have released statements about the level of credibility to the threats and the plans in action for the schools.

In a post on its Facebook page, Fairmont Senior High School stated that they are working with local authorities to assess the situation and that it has been determined that the threat is not credible. The Marion County superintendent confirmed to 12 News that there were threats at several schools, including Fairmont Senior and North Marion high schools.

For this reason, the post continues, schools will continue as normal, and the school board will take all necessary precautions to ensure a secure environment for everyone and that [t]he safety of our students and staff remains our highest priority.

Preston County Schools received a threat specific to Central Preston Middle School

Marion County Schools and a number of other school districts have released statements, saying they have increased law enforcement presence in schools and are in close communication with law enforcement partners.

In Harrison County, the board of education released a statement saying that it is aware of the recent threats directed toward multiple school districts, and that it is working in close coordination with our law enforcement partners to provide assistance where appropriate.

West Virginia University also released a statement.

As of now, the only school that has announced any sort of dismissal is Preston High School, but 12 News has not confirmed if that closure is related to these series of threats or a different situation.

A number of law enforcement agencies, including the Upshur and Barbour counties sheriffs departments have also released statements.

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LONDON, Ky. (FOX 56)  The London Police Department is assisting in the ongoing search for Joseph Couch, but that doesnt mean they arent tending to the needs of their local community at the same time.

While London police assist in the ongoing search for Joseph Couch, officers said law enforcement is helping the ciommunity with daily needs. London Police Department public information officer Hobie Daugherty said his team has a good way of finding that balance.

RELATED:

People take once unthinkable precautions as police search for the Kentucky highway shooter

Our units were some of the first ones called to the scene. Weve tried to be as part of this as we can. We have several detectives assisting in the investigation, and we have multiple officers on roving patrols constantly. Were utilizing every piece of technology we can, so if you can think of it, were attempting to use it, Daugherty said.

This means its all about resources and keeping a close eye on local crime tips.

We still have to answer calls and make sure that the community is safe not just from this situation, but also from anything else going on, Daugherty said.

For local businesses like Sauced, it means they can keep the grind going. The sheriffs office is just a hop-skip-and a jump away, and thats why the crew here feels safe. Shift manager Noah Shelton said hes glad to be part of a community thats safe enough to keep working without worry of crime.

Were actually not worried about crime here just because the London Police Department is right here, and the Sheriffs Department is right there. It holds up pretty good for us, Shelton said.

It means the team can keep slinging pizza, while customers can keep enjoying it.

Ive talked to a few people that said theyve been run ragged through it, and I know thats rather hard for them. Im very thankful that theyre able to keep looking for the suspect, Shelton said.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

Whether its chowing on some hot pizza, or getting a good nights sleep, the police here just want people to feel safe.

We realize that everybody is on edge, but were out and about doing what we can to bring some normal life to the community so people can function and go through their daily lives as needed, Daugherty said.

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Grace Recor never got the chance to meet her uncle, U.S. Army Cpl. Leo J. Barlosky  "my mother only told us that he went to war and didn't come home."

As a captured young soldier during World War II, Barlosky was forced to endure the horrors of the Bataan Death March in the Philippines, mere months after the Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. He was only 24 when he died of diphtheria at an enemy prison camp on July 27, 1942, and he was buried in a common grave.

Barlosky's body was not identified after WWII ended. And he remained unaccounted for on the other side of the planet for generations. But in a September 2022 breakthrough, Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency laboratory analysis identified the Pennsylvania native's remains.

Tuesday  more than 82 years after his death  Barlosky was finally laid to rest with military honors during a funeral service at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery in Mims.

Honoring veterans: 'Of solemnity': Mims couple guides mule-drawn caisson at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery

Recor was not born until 1947, five years after her lost uncle's death. But the Apopka resident felt a rush of emotion last week while watching a plane carrying his casket taxi up to the passenger terminal at Orlando International Airport.

"They had the color guard, and the fire department came and they did the arches over the airplane with the water cannon. It was really, really something to see," Recor recalled.

"And I didn't think I was going to get so emotional, but I did. I don't ... you know, it just like overcame me, I guess," she said.

Death at age 24 in a Philippines prison camp

This portrait of U.S. Army Cpl. Leo J. Barlosky was published in Aug. 13, 1945, by The Hazelton (Pennsylvania) Plain Speaker newspaper.

Born in February 1918 in Audenried, a village in east-central Pennsylvania, Barlosky had served in the Army for six years in Maryland; Savannah, Georgia; and Manila before he was assigned to the Philippines with the 7th Chemical Company, Aviation, The Hazelton (Pennsylvania) Plain Speaker newspaper reported.

Invading Japanese forces started pouring into the Philippines immediately after the Pearl Harbor attack, and U.S. and Filipino troops were forced to surrender in April 1942 after months of intense fighting. That's when 60,000 to 80,000 American and Filipino POWs on the Bataan peninsula were forced to march about 65 miles  and subjected to ghastly war crimes, the National WWII Museum reported.

"The Bataan Death March is remembered as an absolute tragedy. The prisoners of war were forced to march through tropical conditions, enduring heat, humidity, and rain without adequate medical care. They suffered from starvation, having to sleep in the harsh conditions of the Philippines," the museum website said.

"The prisoners unable to make it through the march were beaten, killed, and sometimes beheaded," the website said.

Barlosky was imprisoned in inhumane conditions at the Cabanatuan POW camp in the Philippines, where the American death march survivors were confined. He was first reported missing in action on May 7, 1942, The Plain Speaker reported.

"An estimated 3,000 prisoners died or were killed during the march. And as many as 26,000 prisoners who made it to camp later died of starvation and disease, like Cpl. Leo J. Barlosky," Rev. J.B. Kump, a retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel and minister at Great Outdoors Community Church in Titusville, said during Barlosky's eulogy.

Identified by Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency

A mule-drawn caisson delivers U.S. Army Cpl. Leo J. Barlosky's remains alongside flowers and a folded U.S. flag during his interment ceremony at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery.

A timeline of events after Barlosky's death, according to his Army personnel file:

1942: Barlosky is buried in Common Grave 225 at the Cabanatuan prison camp cemetery.

After WWII: American Graves Registration Service personnel exhume the cemetery and move remains to a temporary U.S. military mausoleum near Manila.

1947: AGRS personnel attempt to identify remains from Common Grave 225. Barlosky and others are buried at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial as "unknowns."

2018: Remains associated with Common Grave 225 are disinterred and sent to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency laboratory for study at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii.

2022: DPAA officials identify Barlosky's remains.

"I thank the government for remembering the heroes. And still looking for them, to recover them to bring them home," said Gail Utitus. Her husband, Martin, is Barlosky's nephew. The couple traveled from Milford, Connecticut, to attend Tuesday's memorial service.

Barlosky is memorialized on the Walls of the Missing at the Manila American Cemetery in the Philippines. He had married his wife, Martha, while he was serving in Savannah, the Plain Speaker reported.

'They answered the call to save the world'

The flag and cremains were carried to the ceremony by Solemn Pride on a mule drawn caisson with a U.S. Army Honor Guard escort. Sgt. Cheyenne Corin came in from Ft. Stewart to play Taps. U.S. Army Cpl. Leo J. Barlosky, a WWII prisoner of war who was subjected to the Bataan Death March and died in captivity, was laid to rest 82 years after his death Tuesday during an interment ceremony at Cape Canaveral National cemetery.

Tuesday afternoon, Barlosky's memorial procession led from North Brevard Funeral Home along U.S. 1 to Cape Canaveral National Cemetery. Dozens of well-wishers waved and held American flags along the route, including a large continent outside American Post Legion 1.

At the national cemetery, a black powder-coated caisson pulled by a pair of mules delivered Barlosky's remains to Committal Shelter 2, where more than 60 mourners gathered for his funeral service. The mules were driven by Mims residents Tom and Denise Fitzgerald, who have escorted more than 700 veterans and first responders since 2018.

During his remarks, Kump hailed Barlosky as a hero of America's Greatest Generation.

"These men and women came of age in the Great Depression, when economic despair hovered over the land like a plague. They had watched their parents lose their businesses, their farms, their jobs and their hopes. They had learned to accept a future that played out one day at a time. Then  just as there was a glimmer of economic recovery  war exploded across Europe and Asia," he said.

Kump counted Barlosky among countless young men who left ranches in South Dakota, "main street" jobs in Georgia, assembly lines in Detroit and the ranks of Wall Street to serve their nation. Quoting Tom Brokaw's book "The Greatest Generation," Kump said, "they answered the call to help save the world from the two most powerful and ruthless military machines ever assembled  instruments of conquest in the hands of fascist maniacs."

"We are fortunate that the untiring efforts of the U.S. military over all of those years to identify and return the remains of this American warrior allow us now to give him final honors, and to demonstrate our gratitude for his service on behalf of the family and the American people," Kump told the audience, concluding his remarks.

"For now, Cpl. Barlosky is home at last."

Rick Neale is a Space Reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Neale at Rneale@floridatoday.com. Twitter/X: @RickNeale1

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This article originally appeared on Florida Today: 'He went to war and didn't come home': Lost WWII POW buried in Florida
The long-range missiles Ukraine could soon be firing deep into Russia

The U.S. and U.K. may be on the verge of what could be a hugely significant move regarding the war in Ukraine, with reports suggesting both countries might soon allow Kyiv to use their long-range weapons to strike targets deep in Russian territory.

U.S. President Joe Biden is finalizing the details of a plan to lift some restrictions, Politico reported on Sept. 11, citing unnamed officials familiar with the discussions.

According to the Guardian, the U.K. has already privately decided to allow Ukraine to use its British-supplied Storm Shadow missiles for long-range strikes deep into Russia, though no public announcement has been made.

Kyiv has long argued for the restrictions to be lifted so it can strike military targets such as airfields located deep inside Russian territory. With the bans in place, Kyiv says it cannot effectively defend Ukrainian cities from intensifying aerial attacks.

To date, Washington has consistently said that allowing Ukraine to hit deep into Russian territory with U.S. weapons could escalate conflict with Russia.

If the restrictions are lifted, here are the two missiles that could be put to work immediately, as well as two that can't.

A screenshot of an ATACMS launch on Oct. 17, 2023. (Valerii Zaluzhnyi/Telegram)

ATACMS

ATACMS, whose full name is MGM-140 Army Tactical Missile System, is a short-range supersonic tactical ballistic missile.

They're fired from HIMARS, a multiple rocket launcher system mounted to a 6x6 FMTV truck chassis, providing devastating firepower launched from a highly mobile platform.

HIMARS, whose prowess became a popular motif of internet memes, was a game-changer for Ukraine when they first arrived in the summer of 2022.

Initially supplied with GMLRS rockets with a range of around 70 kilometers, they allowed Ukraine to target Russian forces on the other side of the front line far more accurately than they had previously.

In the fall of 2023, the U.S. began supplying Kyiv with an older model of ATACMS with a range of around 165 kilometers, greatly increasing the range that Ukraine could strike within.

Close footage of Ukrainian army M270 MLRS and M142 HIMARS launching US-supplied MGM-140 ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles at a S-400 battery in Crimea last night. pic.twitter.com/rjpjHvvXBT  OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) August 2, 2024

In the spring of 2024, the New York Times reported that the U.S. had shipped around 100 updated versions of ATACMS missiles, which can reach up to 300 kilometers.

Ukraine has put them to good use, particularly to strike targets in occupied Crimea, with Russian airfields, military ferry crossings, and the Crimean Bridge coming under repeated attack.

This video grab, taken and released on October 8, 2022, shows thick black smoke rising from a fire on the Kerch Bridge (aka the Crimean Bridge) that links Russia-occupied Crimea to Russia. (AFP via Getty Images)

Their use inside Russian territory, even if Western partners were to grant Ukraine permission, may have already been blunted. Russia has reportedly transferred 90% of its military aircraft to bases outside the reach of long-range ATACMS, a United States official told the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) in remarks published Aug. 27.

Storm Shadow/SCALP

Storm Shadows are long-range, air-launched cruise missiles jointly developed by the U.K. and France (the French versions are called SCALP), and first began arriving in Ukraine in May 2023.

The missile has a range of around 550 kilometers but the export versions supplied to Ukraine have been limited to 300 kilometers.

Its 450-kilogram warhead packs a far bigger punch than that of Ukraine's attack drones. Storm Shadows have been responsible for some of the most devastating strikes on Russian-occupied Crimea.

One of the most spectacular was caught on video in September of last year, when Ukraine struck the headquarters of Russia's Black Sea Fleet with at least three of the missiles, reportedly killing more than 30 officers.

Ukrainian Anglo-French Storm Shadow/SCALP-EG cruise missiles hitting the headquarters of the Black Sea Fleet, Sevastopol, earlier today. pic.twitter.com/9jjnTgTZbW  Jimmy Rushton (@JimmySecUK) September 22, 2023

The ships of the Black Sea Fleet have also fallen victim to Storm Shadows. In December, the landing ship Novocherkassk, docked at Feodosia, was reduced to a burning wreck using the missiles, Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson Yurii Ihnat said.

A Storm Shodow/SCALP, a conventionally armed long-range deep strike weapon, is displayed at the MBDA exhibition hall during the Farnborough International Airshow 2024 at Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre in Farnborough, England on July 22, 2024. (John Keeble/Getty Images)

JASSM

Ukraine does not currently possess Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles (JASSM), but recent reports suggest the U.S. could be sending some in the coming weeks.

Politico reported on Aug. 15, citing undisclosed sources, that President Joe Biden's administration is "open" to supplying Kyiv with the long-range cruise missiles to bolster the recently provided F-16 fighter jets.

The missile can be launched over 200 miles (nearly 322 kilometers) from fourth-generation F-16s and would significantly boost the combat capabilities of the aircraft, as they are not expected to fly close to the border with Russia due to the risk of being shot down.

The propellers of a C-130 Hercules and a Lockheed Martin JASSM cruise missile exhibit at the Farnborough Airshow in Farnborough, England on July 16, 2018. (Richard Baker / In Pictures via Getty Images Images)

Taurus

While the U.S. and the U.K. are now at least open to discussing the possibility of allowing Ukraine to use Storm Shadows and ATACMS to strike deep inside Russian territory, the same can't be said for Germany and its Taurus missiles.

Taurus is a joint German-Swedish-made cruise missile with a range of over 500 kilometers, which would allow Kyiv to hit targets even deeper inside Russia.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has consistently been against sending long-range missiles to Ukraine, even for strikes on Russian-occupied territory in Ukraine.

A TAURUS (Target Adaptive Unitary and dispenser Robotic Ubiquity System) KEPD 350 air-launched cruise missile is on display during the press presentation at the International Aerospace Exhibition (ILA) in Schoenefeld, near Berlin, on June 3, 2024. (Ralf Hirschberger / AFP via Getty Images)

According to reports in May, Scholz fears that this would risk Berlin getting involved in the war.

Scholz has come under pressure from European allies to change his mind In late May, then-U.K. Defense Secretary Grant Shapps urged Berlin and other allies who have the ability to send long-range missiles to do so and to allow Kyiv to use them against Russian-occupied Crimea, which is part of Ukraine, he said.

Russia illegally annexed Crimea in 2014 in the wake of the EuroMaidan Revolution in Ukraine. It has occupied the peninsula since.

Read also: Putin delays new mobilization, despite Kursk incursion exposing troop shortages

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  There is a new leader at Youngstown Area Goodwill Industries.

Dr. Shelley Murray was named as Chief Executive Officer (CEO). She replaces CEO Annie Phillips who announced her resignation Wednesday. Murray served as Goodwills interim CEO since Jan. 1.

Before Goodwill, Murray spent 20 years in education, most recently at Valley Christian Schools. She has served in various roles including principal, vice principal and head of schools.

Board President Hasheen Wilson wrote in a prepared statement that Murray has demonstrated remarkable leadership during her time as interim CEO.

She has increased the visibility of Goodwill in our community and has significantly enhanced the spirit of collaboration within our organization. Under Shelleys leadership, weve also seen increases in revenue and efficiencies, further strengthening our ability to serve those in need, Wilson wrote.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
Perhaps few things in life better represent a combination of conceit and naivete than a self-funding tech financier running for Congress as an independent. (Greg Kidd for Nevada video stillshot)

Ah, the noble independent nonpartisan running for Congress.

No bending before partisan whims or bowing before partisan powerbrokers for them. The independent nonpartisan stands bravely  and alone, if necessary  doing not what is right for a party, but what is right for the public. The nonpartisan politician is not bound by petty partisanship, but strives to rise above it.

So high-minded, no?

Or silly.

Can go either way.

At least voters get a choice (no thanks to NVDems)

Greg Kidd is a a venture capitalist who made a bundle investing in ethereal San Jose-area creations like enterprise-grade crypto solutions and other endeavors of as yet mostly indeterminate practical functionality.

Now just another normal salt-of-the-earth Nevadan trying to get by among the mansions, compounds, and tony enclaves of Lake Tahoes beautiful shores, Kidd is running as an independent against Mark Amodei, the Republican incumbent in Nevadas second congressional district.

CD2 was created after the 1980 census as a reliably red district from the start, and more than 40 years later it still is. Amodei is only the fourth person  and the fourth Republican  to hold the seat, having first been elected to finish Dean Hellers term in 2011 (long story) and getting elected six times since then. The Nevada Democratic Party couldnt find (or couldnt be bothered to find) a Democrat to file against Amodei this year.

But Kidd, an erstwhile Republican, did file, as a nonpartisan. Then, presumably via innovative frictionless digital asset transfer infrastructure, he provided $1.5 million to his campaigns finance account. As of the end of June, more than a million of that had been spent on ads and polling, and of course consultants, who are always happy to find ways for obscenely wealthy self-funding vanity candidates to spend their money.

Who knows how much more Kidd will have spent by the time 3rd quarter spending totals are announced after the end of this month? Oh right, the ad, polling, and consulting firms.

Meanwhile Amodei had only raised a bit more than $800,000 by the end of June.

So does that mean Kidd might actually have a shot at defeating Amodei?

The Cook Political Report with that nice Amy Walter doesnt think so; it continues to list CD2 as solidly Republican.

But some Nevada Democrats are excited, or intrigued, or at least obligatorily respectful of the very rich throwing a little sand in the gears of Amodeis reelection. So Kidd has received many kind words and endorsements from Northern Nevada Republicans. He even got to stand next to Tim Walz when the Democratic vice-presidential nominee breezed through Reno the other day.

And last month, Democratic Sen. Jacky Rosen endorsed Kidd.

In what is obviously an entirely unrelated development, Kidd contributed more than $15,000 to Rosens Senate reelection effort earlier this year,

Its easy to make fun of Kidd. Tech-besotted venture capitalist bros who are convinced only they can fix it are a dime  or a stablecoin, as the case may be  a dozen.

But Kidd is doing something Nevada Democrats would/could not  challenging Amodei and giving voters a choice. For that, the voters of CD2 should be thankful. To Kidd. But not to Nevada Democrats.

Kidd is also pro-abortion rights. I take our freedoms seriously, including a womans right to choose, reads Kidds campaign webpage. That right should be enshrined in state and federal constitutional protections.

By contrast, perhaps the most noteworthy thing about Amodei anymore is how he becomes more cravenly sophisticated at apologizing for Trump and Trumpism with each passing year.

Kidd offers voters in CD2 someone else to vote for besides whichever area libertarian is on the ballot this year. That, at least, somewhat excuses the combination of conceit and naivete displayed by a self-funding tech financier running as an independent.

Of course its still daft, though.

Theres a reason House independents are exceedingly rare

Lets pretend, for the sake of argument, that being a nonpartisan candidate with oodles of money to drop on a campaign automatically covers a candidacy in magic unicorn dust, and Kidd could actually beat Amodei.

Independents in the U.S. Senate can be a coveted commodity, because in the 100-member Senate, one vote can matter a lot.

But independents are exceedingly rare in the U.S. House. In fact, although the House has 435 members and the Senate 100, there have been more independents serving in the Senate in this century than there have been in the House.

And with the sole exception of the eight terms served by Bernie Sanders in the 1990s and 2000s, every independent in the U.S. House in nearly the last 40 years has been transitory; somebody gets elected as a partisan, but then gets disillusioned with or drummed out of their party, so they turn independent for a brief period prior to their exit.

Theres probably a pretty simple explanation for so few independents in the House. Whether its committee assignments, allowing legislation to advance, or doling out office space, House leaders and committee chairs are going to be naturally and institutionally more inclined to reward members of their own party, and put an independent at the back of the line.

Who would Kidd vote for to be House speaker  Democrat Hakeem Jeffries or Republican Mike Johnson? Asked that question, Kidds campaign sent a statement that was noncommittal, saying hell support the leadership candidates who are going to do the most for Nevada.

But maybe Kidd could earn some institutional credit, and favors, during the vote for speaker, and that would make him important?

Oh please. With 435 members, even in a very closely divided House, the likelihood of Kidds vote for speaker being decisive to control of the House would still be nanoscopic.

As a practical matter, a newbie nonpartisan member of the U.S. House would have less clout than even a normie newbie. Running as an independent will have an aesthetic appeal to some CD2 voters. But if they elected Kidd, those voters would almost certainly be represented by the least powerful and most easily ignored person in the entire United States Congress.

Unless

Maybe a Congressman Kidd could make friends and influence congressional colleagues by helping to assure their campaign accounts got stuffed with real currency made available via profitable cryptocurrency exchanges and/or platforms Kidds investments helped to create.

After all, if theres one thing that transcends congressional partisan bickering these days, its crypto fever.

Alas, such nakedly transactional political relationships would not be the breath of fresh air people inclined to vote for a nonpartisan are looking for. Presumably even a neophyte like Kidd knows that.

Meanwhile, back in the reality-based community A Democrat winning in CD2 is a very tall order. And yet more than once Democrats have mounted a seriously competitive challenge in the district. Nevada Democrats owe it to the voters of the second congressional district to get back to trying that in 2026.

This column was updated to include a statement from Kidds campaign declining to say who Kidd would support for House speaker.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (FOX 56)  A Louisville man deemed a chemist by trade has pleaded guilty to amended charges on Thursday that wont result in jail time.

In July 2023, Louisville Metro Police searched two properties on Applegate Lane after receiving a tip that the man living or squatting there had homemade explosives. As a result, police arrested 53-year-old Marc Hibel, who was described in a press conference as a chemist by trade and a hoarder.

RELATED | State of emergency declared to demolish chemist by trade Ky. home after arrest

Hibel appeared in court on Thursday and FOX 56s sister station, WDRB, was there. WDRB reported that Hibel entered a guilty plea to two counts of criminal trespassing, wanton endangerment, and a new possession of a controlled substance charge for LSD.

He entered an Alford plea, meaning that he maintains his innocence after claiming the chemicals found were benign and didnt pose a threat to the community but acknowledges that there was enough evidence for a jury to convict him, per WDRB.

Evidence showed, as FOX 56 previously reported, that Hibel invited undercover investigators into the residence and showed them what he described as homemade explosives, according to the arrest citation. Upon further investigation, Hibel was found to have laboratory-grade equipment and chemicals, including TNP, or picric acid, which is a highly sensitive explosive. He also allegedly stated that he had previously made explosives and homemade blasting caps, which he would detonate in his backyard.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

Both of the contaminated sites have been cleaned and Hibels home was demolished, WDRB reported.

Hibels attorney, Thomas Rasinski, claimed that Hibel is a retired chemist who collected a lot of things, intending to dispose of some and use other materials to start his own business with another chemist, per WDRB.

According to court documents, the recommended sentence would be three years in prison that will instead be probated for five years.

Read more of the latest Kentucky news

WDRB reported that, per terms of the plea agreement, Hibel must continue mental health treatment, stay away from Appelgate Lane, and not own any chemicals or hazardous materials.

Hibel is set to be officially sentenced on Nov. 4

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (FOX 56)  A Louisville man was sentenced on Wednesday after violating the terms of his supervised release.

The Department of Justice said 56-year-old William Joseph Popp was sentenced to 10 years for possession of child pornography and 1 year in 6 months for violating his previous federally supervised release.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

According to court documents, during his supervised release, Popp had a prohibited cellphone with internet capabilities that had searches for child pornography and photos and videos of child pornography that had been downloaded from the internet.

Popps plea agreement shows authorities later located two more cellphones with searches for child pornography and photos and videos of child pornography.

LATEST KENTUCKY LISTS AND RANKINGS:

The Department of Justice said Popp was on supervised release for possession of child pornography in 2014.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News.
Low-paid migrant workers are an immediate drain on the public purse, costing taxpayers more than 150,000 each by the time they hit state pension age, according to the Governments tax and spending watchdog.

The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) said the average low-earner who came to Britain aged 25 cost the Government more overall than they paid in from the moment they arrived.

The cumulative bill rose to an estimated 151,000 by the time they could claim the state pension at 66, the watchdog said.

This is because low-paid migrants  who the OBR assumes earn half the average wage  put more demand on public services such as the NHS compared to their relatively low-tax payments.

The OBR estimated the cost to the public purse rose to almost 500,000 if they lived to 80, and more than 1m if they lived to 100.

By contrast, the average British-born worker boosts the public finances by 280,000 by the time they reach 66, even adjusting for education and health spending before they start work.

While low-paid migrants are a drain on public finances, the OBR found that the average migrant worker pays more in tax than they receive in public services throughout their lives compared to British-born workers. This is mainly because they are not educated in the UK.

Migrants also pay visa fees and health care charges, which the OBR estimates at around 12,500 for a migrant on a Skilled Worker visa who settles in the UK. Most migrants are also not eligible for welfare benefits for the first five years of their stay.

The watchdog also highlighted the benefits of attracting more highly-paid migrants to the UK.

Workers earning 30pc more than the average salary could expect to contribute a net 925,000 to the Treasurys coffers until state pension age, the watchdog said.

These people would still be a net benefit to the public finances even if they lived to 100, the OBR said in its latest fiscal risks report.

By contrast, the OBRs long-term tax and spending projections showed an illustrative low-wage migrant worker arriving at 25 and earning half the UK average becomes less fiscally beneficial than the average UK resident in their early 40s.

David Miles, an OBR official said: I think the characteristics of migrants, in terms of their earnings and how long they stay, are as important, if not more important, than the absolute numbers.

The OBRs analysis will boost the case for the Government to cut down on low-skilled migration.

Net migration rose to a record-high 764,000 under the Conservatives.

Sir Keir Starmer has previously warned that employers have become too reliant on overseas workers and should always have a choice of recruiting a British worker first.

The Prime Minister has promised to cut sky-high migration figures, but refused to put a target on his ambition.

The Tories overhauled the UKs visa system earlier this year, increasing the baseline minimum salary to be sponsored for a Skilled Worker visa from 26,200 to 38,700.

The previous government also banned social care workers from bringing dependents on their visa.

Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, has said she supports some further restrictions on visas introduced by the Government.

Mr Miles said that the wages of migrants made a material difference on Britains long-term debt trajectory. UK debt is already close to eclipsing the size of the economy.

In a scenario where all migrants earn 50pc less than average in the UK, the stock of debt would rise to 350pc of GDP by 2074, the OBR said, instead of hitting 275pc.

If all migrants earned 30pc more than the domestic population, debt would only rise to 225pc of GDP over the same period.

The characteristic of migrants, perhaps not surprisingly, matters a great deal, said Mr Miles.

The Imperial College professor has previously urged policymakers to get more people working instead of relying on immigration to reduce Britains debts.

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LYNN HAVEN, Fla. (WMBB)  Lynn Haven continued its tradition of remembering the 9/11 victims. The ceremony took place at Sharon Sheffield Park.

Citizens, first responders, and veterans endured the rainy conditions on Wednesday morning as they attended Lynn Havens annual 9-11 remembrance ceremony.

When we talk about being a patriot of the United States of America, I think thats what it means that it means remembering those who fight for our freedoms and those who lost their innocent lives, especially during Nine-Eleven, Lynn Haven Mayor Jesse Nelson said.

This years keynote speaker was Don Arias, a retired Air Force Lt. Colonel, who was stationed at Tyndall Air Force base on the day of the attacks.

When Arias heard the news, he called his brother who was working on the 84th floor of Tower 2 at the World Trade Center.

It would be their last conversation.

Ill never forget the courage my brother Adam showed when he assisted rescuers leading people to safety, nor will I forget the terrible price he paid for being an American, Lt. Arias said.

He has since been an advocate for 9-11 families and emphasized the importance of honoring the victims and those who serve.

Officials also honored Lynn Havens first responders during the ceremony, acknowledging their role in the communitys safety.

I think its important that you just have the event you just talk about the day that things happen. And so our plans going forward is that on 911 next year, were all here itll be again outside. Well have another speaker, something different, City manager Vickie Gainer said.

City officials say they have already started planning next years 9-11 remembrance event.

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Hundreds gather on a Seattle beach to remember an American activist killed by the Israeli military

Hundreds of people turned out at a beach in Washington for a vigil remembering Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, the 26-year-old human rights activist from Seattle killed by the Israeli military during a protest in the occupied West Bank
Once again, with the assistance of the spirit medium in Florence, I was able to summon the great political philosopher Niccolo Machiavelli from the netherworld where he mournfully dwells. Our previous two meetings had been at restaurants personally associated with him, the first outside of Florence and the second in Seattle, Washington, but this time, perhaps because of the subject matter I intended to discuss with him, I had a hankering for us to meet in the nations capital. In searching the terms Machiavelli and Washington, D.C. together, however, I came across a November 2016 article in The Washington Post by David Ignatius called Donald Trump Is The American Machiavelli. I thought it would make for an amusing start to our conversation if I shared it with him.

Niccolo, I said, Guarda questo! Look at this! He perused the piece for a short while, after which a rueful smile crossed his face. He read aloud from it:

To say that Trump displays attributes that Machiavelli deemed necessary in the fractious, perpetually warring states of the 16th century is not to recommend him as a modern leader. Nobody would want a neo-feudal dictator to lead a 21st-century democracy, you might think. But the American public voted Tuesday for Trump, perhaps in part because it shares Machiavellis concept of strength, or as he liked to call it, virtue.

Niccolo paused his reading and looked at me. Who is this David Ignatius?

He is a columnist for The Washington Post and is a leading expert on foreign affairs.

Well, he may be an expert on foreign affairs, Niccolo said, but not on my political philosophy. He has made the common mistake of thinking that my short treatise, The Prince, expresses the whole of my political philosophy. That is not the case. And to associate me with such a person as your Donald Trump! That is a terrible thing.

Also, Niccolo continued, Ignatius clearly misunderstands the word virtu, which does not equate to the English word virtue. It is much more complex, with many dimensions, and a capacity for ruthlessness in certain extreme circumstances is only one of them.

In what circumstances would it be appropriate?

I hope that this will not be the case, but such circumstances may soon be upon you. Trump has made it clear that he intends to be president of the United States whether he is legitimately elected or not. He intends to get there by any means necessary. I keep track of your columns, and I know you have written one suggesting that American liberals prepare themselves for possible mass violence from Trump and his supporters.

Yes, I rejoined, but first we must work to make sure Trump does not get elected. As we have discussed in the past, luck, or Fortuna, and virtu, a kind of composite political excellence, are the variables that determine political outcomes. In 2016, Fortuna, the goddess of luck in your framework, smiled on Donald Trump, for whatever reason. Perhaps the goddess felt it was time to punish liberals for falling prey to the siren song of neoliberalism, a political theory that puts financial markets at the center of economic policy rather than the welfare of the masses of American people. Next time around, Fortuna turned against Trump, and he lost, massively in the popular vote though narrowly in the Electoral College. This time, there is dramatic evidence that Fortuna is strongly on the side of the Democratic ticket, Kamala Harris and Tim Walz.

What evidence is that, exactly?

While Joe Biden was still the candidate for president, Democrats were in the doldrums, and Republicans were riding high. Donald Trump felt sure of winning the presidency again and was boastfully proclaiming that he would. But the minute Joe Biden stepped out on the stage in what was to be their first debate, looking like a sickly and befuddled lost soul, the political environment shifted dramatically, and Biden was persuaded to withdraw. If that debate had not been scheduled when it was, if it had taken place in September after the Democratic convention, as it was supposed to, Democrats would not be in the advantageous position they are now. That debate could be considered a world-historical piece of luck!

And now, Niccolo, pregoif you pleasegive a discourse on the elements of virtu that the two Democratic candidates must display in order to maintain the favor of Fortuna and win the election.

I am credited with challenging Aristotles three-part division of political systems: Monarchy, Aristocracy, and Democracy, each one having a degenerate; or Tyranny, Oligarchy, or Mobocracy, in their degenerated forms. I argued, and argue still, that there are at base really only two categories of political systems, Tyranny or a Republic. A Republic is a form of government in which all the members of a polity participate, and a Tyranny is the opposite, one in which only a few hold meaningful power, be it an oligarchy or a single tyrant holding sway over everybody else. It could not be more clear that Signore Trump has aspirations to dismantle Americas republican form of government, created by your founders, and replace it with a tyranny of which he will be in total control. But looking at the opponents Donald Trump faces, I see Kamala Harris and Tim Walz as people with great virtu, along with a corresponding gift of great humor, which the goddess also appreciates, as does the American public. The economic program she outlined recently is a good step in the direction of reversing the decline of economic equality that began for your country in the 1970s and 1980s.

And now, arrivederci, my friend. I must be off, to the dark depths where I normally dwell.
The New York Times reported in April 2023 that Donald Trump was prepared to add Laura Loomer to his 2024 campaign team. The news was not well received.

For those unfamiliar with Loomer, shes a right-wing activist, a radical conspiracy theorist and a failed Republican congressional candidate who has described herself as pro-white nationalism. When Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee died of cancer in July, Loomer described the Texas Democrat as a ghetto b----, while suggesting the late congresswoman was going to hell.

More recently, as my MSNBC colleague Jahan Jones noted, Loomer has used her platform to lob overtly racist and sexist attacks at Kamala Harris.

Shes so extreme that even Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga.  by some measures, Congress most unhinged member  has described Loomer as mentally unstable and poisonous.

After the Times report was published last year and the news sparked an immediate backlash, the former president apparently backed off his plans and rescinded the directions hed given to his team about hiring Loomer.

That was a year and a half ago. This week, it became clear that Trump is palling around with the right-wing activist once again. In fact, Loomer attended the presidential debate this week and traveled on the Republican nominees plane.

A day later, Trump attended a Sept. 11 remembrance and brought Loomer along  despite the fact the radical activist has pushed false conspiracy theories about the terrorist attacks having been an inside job.

In theory, it seems utterly bonkers that a major-party candidate for the nations highest office would bring a 9/11 truther to a 9/11 commemoration. In practice, Trump did it anyway, assuming hed get away with it. (In fact, if a Democratic presidential hopeful brought a 9/11 truther to a 9/11 commemoration, its likely that would become one of the defining scandals of the year. For the GOP candidate, its just another outrage, added to a lengthy list of other outrages.)

At a news conference, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries condemned Trumps choice of company, calling the decision shocking, irresponsible, and offensive. The New York Democrat said the former presidents actions should shock the conscience of all decent Americans.

Leader Jeffries: Trump bringing 9/11 conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer to a 9/11 ceremony was shocking and offensive to the thousands of people who lost their lives on September 11th. Donald Trump is a conspiracy theory-peddling racial arsonist and a pathological liar. His actions pic.twitter.com/0drGCdKwso  Kamala HQ (@KamalaHQ) September 12, 2024

As it turns out, Democratic leaders arent the only ones displeased. Semafor reported that even some Republicans are worried about Loomers influence with Trump. The Washington Post report published a related report, highlighting the GOP candidate's partisan allies who want to see him distance himself from her.

If recent history is any guide, the former president will respond to all of this by flaunting his associations with the right-wing activist even more, and if voters return Trump to the White House, its hard not to wonder whether Loomer would be considered for a role in his administration.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Theres no denying the fact that Senate Democrats are facing an unusually difficult election cycle, and theres no mystery as to why: Several incumbents are running in increasingly red states where Donald Trump is all but certain to win with relative ease.

The 2024 Senate landscape, however, has one important exception: Maryland.

By any fair measure, the Old Line State is a Democratic stronghold, and Vice President Kamala Harris is expected to cruise to an easy victory in Maryland in the fall. But the states voters will also choose a new U.S. senator on the same ballot, and former two-term Republican Gov. Larry Hogan appears to be running a competitive statewide campaign.

As one would expect, hes doing so by trying to distance himself from his own party. The Washington Post reported last week:

Former Maryland governor Larry Hogan is running a new ad describing himself as one of the few Republicans who never caved to Donald Trump and touting his record sending National Guard troops to the Capitol during the Jan. 6, 2021, attack. Scenes of the rioting that day have littered ads for Democratic candidates over the years, but Hogan is probably the only Republican in the country to feature them as he seeks to distinguish himself from the former president in a deep-blue state.

The commercial features a narrator who tells viewers that the GOP candidate was an early critic of Donald Trump.

Around the same time, Hogans campaign released a similar ad, assuring Maryland voters hed be an independent swing vote in the Senate.

The strategy is in line with common sense. If, hypothetically, the former Republican governor ran ads featuring his arm around Ted Cruz, hed lose in a landslide. Maryland is one of the nations bluest states, so it stands to reason that Hogan is going out of his way to distance himself from his party and commit to an independent streak.

But its not quite that simple. A Democratic source tracking media buys confirmed that the National Republican Senatorial Committee  the entity within the party responsible for electing Republican Senate incumbents and candidates  has partnered with Hogan, jointly investing over $1.6 million in support of Hogan since early August.

The Maryland Republican has also benefited from fundraising events with prominent conservative officials from his party, including Senate Minority Whip John Thune, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and former House Speaker Paul Ryan.

A recent Maryland Matters report added, On Sept. 12, hell be in Nashville, at a fundraiser sponsored by Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee (R) and former Gov. Bill Haslam (R), along with former U.S. Sens. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) and Bill Frist, the one-time Senate GOP leader. U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) is listed as the featured speaker.

Are these Republican officials trying to propel Hogan past Prince Georges County Executive Angela Alsobrooks because they believe hell be an independent vote in the Senate? Or is it more likely theyre counting on Hogan to strengthen his partys increasingly conservative Senate conference?

Chances are, its the latter.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
For Donald Trump legal watchers, Fulton County Superior Court feels like a ghost of winter past. It was where we watched, mostly from our computer screens, the telenovela-like hearings into whether District Attorney Fani Willis should continue prosecuting the Georgia election interference case. After Judge Scott McAfee ultimately ruled against disqualifying Willis, Trump and various co-defendants appealed almost instantly, virtually freezing that case in carbonite. And Fulton County  with its mug shots and guilty pleas and motley cast of lawyers and defendants  faded away.

For political operatives and party activists, however, Georgia's most populous county has never receded in importance or controversy. Fulton County was ground zero for Trump's baseless allegations of widespread election fraud, despite Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, various senior Justice Department leaders, and others telling him otherwise. Even today, MAGA acolytes are not only attempting to revive investigations into ballot irregularities in Fulton County during the 2020 election but are already sowing doubt about the integrity of elections this cycle  and insisting that county election board members therefore need enhanced discretion and investigative power when it comes to certifying votes.

And that brings me right back to Fulton County Superior Court, where the most consequential trial of the 2024 election season will play out. But it won't be in Willis' criminal case against Trump, his advisers and his enablers. And although this trial, set to begin Oct. 1, involves both the Democratic National Committee and its GOP counterpart, it technically has nothing to do with Trump at all.

In fact, it's perhaps the least-sexy-but-hugely-significant case imaginable. There are no allegations of splattered ketchup, clandestine Oval Office meetings, surreptitious gatherings of fake electors, or missing presidential call logs in this one.

Instead, the case turns on the legality of two rules recently passed by the five-member Georgia State Election Board. Board members are appointed by different elected officials or parties. Currently, there are three Trump loyalists among them. And among the rules the MAGA three have pushed are one requiring county election board members to conduct a "reasonable inquiry" before certifying election results (without defining what constitutes a "reasonable inquiry") and another allowing them to demand any and all "election related documentation created during the conduct of elections" from their own county, again before certification occurs.

The plaintiffs  various county election board members, voters, two Georgia state House candidates, and both the DNC and Georgia Democratic Party  allege those rules could upend the straightforward and mandatory act of certification. Their lawsuit further alleges the new rules give broad license for individual [county] board members to hunt for purported election irregularities of any kind, potentially delaying certification, which Georgia law requires to be completed by 5 p.m. ET six days after Election Day.

If past is prologue, theyre not wrong. In March, Fulton County election board member Julie Adams refused to certify her countys primary results, asserting she could not fulfill her responsibilities without access to documentation. While Adams was ultimately outvoted, she later sued in a now-dismissed case, insisting she needed and was entitled to a plethora of data, including all qualified county electors showing those who signed in at polling locations as well as those who returned absentee ballots, the numbers of votes cast on particular machines and during advance voting, information on provisional and drop box ballots, digital images of ballots as they were cast, and all absentee ballot applications and envelopes, among other data. Yet Adams herself attached to her suit an email from a county elections administrator flatly telling her that most of what she sought could not be gathered for her review before the certification deadline.

But what would have happened if Adams had not been outvoted but instead had like-minded colleagues? The DNC and their fellow plaintiffs understand well that chaos could ensue. Therefore, they want Fulton County Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney to declare, through a court order, that the new rules are valid only to the extent that county boards still must certify their results by Nov. 12. Or, if McBurney finds the rules and the applicable law cannot be harmonized, the plaintiffs are asking him to enjoin  or prevent the enforcement of  the rules altogether.

Ordinarily, litigation about the interpretation and legitimacy of state regulations often takes months to play out. But here, the plaintiffs urged McBurney to expedite the case because county board members cannot conduct elections under "an uncertain legal regime." Accordingly, on Tuesday, as most of the political world geared up for the first and potentially only presidential debate of this cycle, McBurney quietly scheduled a livestreamed bench trial (meaning the judge acts as jury) for Oct. 1.

But is what happens at that trial really that critical? Absolutely.

Imagine a world in which local election board members are empowered, through the guise of doing their own "research," to delay or refuse the certification of county results. That could hold up the certification of the entire state's results and even potentially its certificate appointing electors. And if that were to happen, Georgia's missing electors would be subtracted from the total needed to win the electoral college. Put another way, the failure to certify thousands of votes could end up depriving the rightful winner of a presidency voted upon by nearly 200 million.

But even supposing Raffensperger and Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp would forge ahead and certify the states votes and its slate of electors respectively without individual counties results, that, in and of itself, could lead to an outcry about the illegitimacy of Georgias slate. Meanwhile, the election-related documents collected by election deniers could be widely disseminated in a deliberately cherry-picked effort to promote yet another tale of a stolen election. Yes, the actual winner could still be inaugurated, and maybe that variation of the story ends without violence and incivility. But history shows us otherwise.

All in all, the Georgia election board case so few are talking about is poised to become the trial of this election cycle. The only question is whether those who care about free and fair elections can see it coming.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
After voters handed Republicans a narrow majority in the House of Representatives, GOP leaders had high hopes. The party and its members appeared convinced as this Congress got underway that Republicans wouldnt just rack up victories, theyd also impress the public with their vision and legislative prowess.

So much for that idea.

The GOP-led House has generated one fiasco after another. Resignations in the chamber have reached a generational high. Legislative progress has slowed to a pace unseen in nearly a century. Lawmakers have struggled mightily to complete basic tasks. In the spring, House Speaker Mike Johnson organized a retreat focused on unifying his conference, and most of his members didnt show up.

Soon after, one of the partys most radical members launched an effort to oust the incumbent House speaker, which comes six months after the previous ouster of the last House speaker. It was around this time when a Punchbowl News report concluded, This is the most chaotic, inefficient and ineffective majority weve seen in decades covering Congress.

Can things get worse. Of course they can. NBC News reported:

Speaker Mike Johnson on Wednesday yanked a government funding bill off the House floor hours before an expected vote after a growing number of disgruntled Republicans vowed to tank the measure.

The beleaguered House speakers original plan was to pass appropriations bills months ago that would fund the government through the next fiscal year. That plan collapsed in July when Johnsons own members balked.

As members returned to Capitol Hill from their August break, the GOP leader embraced a new plan: The House would, at Donald Trumps direction, push a temporary spending bill that included cuts and a far-right election scheme called the Save Act, which would require proof of citizenship to register to vote.

If Democrats opposed the scheme, Johnson said, then Republicans would allow the government to shut down at the end of the month.

The House speakers plan faced swift and bipartisan opposition, but he said he was pushing forward anyway. Johnson was backed by his partys former president, who published thoughtful messages online, including one that said, in reference to federal operations, CLOSE IT DOWN!!!

Johnson said hed bring his plan to the House floor on Wednesday. Then he came to terms with the fact that too many of his own members refused to support his bill  at which point the speaker pulled his bill and scrapped his plans.

No one seems to have any idea what GOP leaders will do next. If the Louisiana Republican continues to insist on pushing a far-right spending bill, filled with radical and unnecessary anti-election measures, hell certainly make Trump happy, but Johnson wont have a bill that can pass either chamber.

If the House speaker backs down and agrees to a clean, bipartisan bill, hell prevent a shutdown, but hell be dependent on Democrats to save his skin  again  and further weaken his standing within the GOP conference he ostensibly leads.

Complicating matters, Johnsons latest embarrassment comes on the heels of several months worth of similar setbacks.

Extreme MAGA Republicans have been in the majority for over 18 months, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said in a statement in July. Can anyone name a single thing extreme MAGA Republicans in the House have done in order to make life better for the American people? A single thing that they have done? You cant. ... They are incapable of governing.

Two months later, the New York Democrats assessment continues to ring true.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Maddow Blog | Trump: Fox hosts are no longer good enough for possible second debate

UPDATE (September 12, 2024, 3:36 p.m. ET): Shortly after I published this piece, Donald Trump published an item to his social media platform declaring, THERE WILL BE NO THIRD DEBATE!

In context, I think hes counting his debate against President Joe Biden in June as the first debate, and this weeks debate as the second. Or put another way, as far as the Republican nominee is concerned, there will no additional presidential debates this election cycle.

Donald Trump spent weeks hedging on whether hed debate Vice President Kamala Harris, leaving little doubt that he was less than confident about the outcome. As it turns out, the former presidents foresight was uncharacteristically accurate: On Tuesday night, the Democratic nominee prevailed with relative ease.

Almost immediately after the event in Philadelphia, Harris campaign announced that it wants a second debate. Not surprisingly, the Republican nominee seemed far less eager.

As my MSNBC colleague Clarissa-Jan Lim noted, Trump published an item to his social media platform the morning after the debate, pretending hed triumphed the night before and asking, [W]hy would I do a Rematch?

Hours later, the former president told reporters that he would participate in additional debates on NBC and Fox News, before adding moments later, [B]ut right now we have to determine whether or not wed want to do it.

In case that wasnt quite confusing enough, one of Trumps senior advisors told CNN the morning after the debate that the GOP candidate is going to do three debates, right around the same time that the former president himself appeared on Fox and said, I dont know that I want to do another debate.

But that wasnt all.

During the same on-air appearance, Foxs Steve Doocy raised the prospect of a debate moderated by his colleagues Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum. As a New York Times report noted, Trump didnt exactly endorse the idea.

Well, I wouldnt want to have Martha and Bret; I would love to have somebody else other than Martha and Bret, Mr. Trump said, before ticking off his preferred alternatives, including the Fox pundits Sean Hannity and Jesse Watters. Lets give other people a shot, he said.

The Republican added that, as far as he was concerned, Baier and MacCallum werent good during Foxs post-debate coverage, which apparently means theyve fallen out of favor.

Foxs Brian Kilmeade defended the Fox anchors and assured Trump that Baier and MacCallum would be extremely fair. That apparently didnt prove persuasive  because fairness almost certainly isnt what the former president is looking for.

In case anyones forgotten, when Trump tried in August to get out of the ABC event, he published an online item specifically saying he wanted a Fox News debate, adding, The Moderators of the Debate will be Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum.

That, of course, was before the anchors failed to pretend he fared well on Tuesday night.

What happens now? Your guess is as good as mine, though with roughly 54 days until Election Day, time is of the essence. Watch this space.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
STATE PARK PLACE, Ill.  A woman from the unincorporated Metro East community of State Park Place was arrested Tuesday for allegedly shooting her boyfriend at their home.

According to a statement from the Madison County Sheriffs Office, the shooting happened just after 5:30 p.m. at a home in the 8900 block of Rene Avenue.

While en route to the residence, the sheriffs deputies and officers with the Collinsville Police Department were told the suspected shooter was still at the scene.

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Authorities arrived at the home and found a 31-year-old man had been shot once in the chest. The victim was rushed to a St. Louis-area hospital, where hes said to be in stable condition.

The sheriffs office said law enforcement detained the victims girlfriend, identified as 27-year-old Edith Caudillo, for the shooting. A motive for the shooting was not provided.

On Wednesday, the Madison County States Attorneys Office charged Caudillo with attempted first-degree murder and aggravated battery with a firearm. She remains in custody.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
The fashionable way for any writer from a minority background to recall their life story these days is to tell the reader about how hard things werehow they were bullied in school, denied jobs and other opportunities, and how their family business was covered in hateful graffiti.

But that really wasnt my experience at all. I grew up as the son of two Pakistani Muslims in the Deep South. Occasionally I ran into some bozos here or there, but for the most part, I felt welcome and at home. People often asked me where I was from, but that just gave me an opportunity to tell them a much more interesting story than they might have expected.

That was even true after 9/11. I remember my dad telling me that one of his friends, a white Southern guy who Im sure marked his ballot for Bush-Cheney, came up to him and told him that if anyone messed with us, we should come to him first. He would take care of it.

This was life for me growing up in a conservative region of the country. There were many issues where I didnt see eye to eye with my friends and neighbors, but I was optimistic about my place in the country. Racism and bigotry were real problems, but increasingly I saw them as situated in the rear-view mirror. Even when I did run into frustrationsthe first big one being in high school, when I watched my country invade Iraq under flimsy pretensesI told myself that things wouldnt always be this way. My recently launched newsletter, The American Saga, is all about learning from our mistakes and getting better.

Were not a perfect country, but were constantly improving.

Thats why my heart sank when I watched much of the right work itself into a frenzy this past week over the presence of Haitian immigrants in the town of Springfield, Ohio. The entire episode reminded me of the moral panics earlier in American historyof nativist hysteria that targeted Jews, Catholics, Italians, and others who did not perfectly match the image of the White Anglo-Saxon Protestants that settled this country.

For those who arent familiar, it all started like this: In early September, the New York Times covered the immigration debates in Springfield in a nuanced piece that dove into the dynamics at play there. For years, Springfields population had been dwindling, and its economy had struggled. Starting around 2014, the town decided to try a rejuvenation strategy: It worked with other Rust Belt communities to encourage more people from around the world to move there.

The latest wave of these immigrants were Haitians. As the Times reports in its lengthy piece, the influx of an estimated 20,000 Haitians and other immigrants helped revitalize the towns economy. They come to work every day. They dont cause drama. Theyre on time, Jamie McGregor, who runs a family-owned metal business in the town told the Times. But tensions soared after a tragedy last year, when a minivan barreled into a school bus in a traffic accident, and the driver happened to be one of the Haitian immigrants. Many in the town blamed not just the reckless driver but the entire Haitian community. Not one person asked anyone in this community how we felt about them coming in here and invading our city, one resident said of the Haitians at a town hall meeting in July.

As the Times noted, one of the immigrants most vocal critics was Republican Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio. Speaking at the National Conservatism Conference in Julyjust a few days before being announced as Donald Trumps running mateVance implored the audience: Go to Springfield  and ask the people there whether they have been enriched by 20,000 newcomers in four years.

Vance pointed to rising housing costs and health spending as problems in the area. I dont know the ins and the outs of the economic problems associated with the rapid growth in the city, but state and local officials have been working on it.

Debates about immigration, assimilation, and the way American communities are changed by foreign-born newcomers are fair. What happened over the past few days, however, was not.

Earlier this week, Vance and other leading Republicans escalated their panic. They were no longer telling a story of a small town grappling with social and demographic change. Rather, they turned up the rhetoric, depicting a place where vicious invaders were destroying the American way of life, one animal at a time.

Months ago, I raised the issue of Haitian illegal immigrants draining social services and generally causing chaos all over Springfield, Ohio, Vance tweeted on Monday. Reports now show that people have had their pets abducted and eaten by people who shouldnt be in this country.

Its not clear where Vance got his reports, but the senator from Ohio is notoriously online. All over social media, right-wing sources had flooded the zone with claims that Haitian immigrants had stolen and eaten peoples petscats in particular. One of the sources for this claim was a video popularized by influencer Ian Miles Cheong (who lives in Malaysia). In that video, a woman is being questioned by police for killing and eating a cat.

But there were problems with that video. For one, it was shot in Canton, Ohio, not Springfield. More importantly, theres no indication that the woman is Haitianshe has an American name. Its not clear why she engaged in this act of animal cruelty, but if I had to guess, mental illness or drugs were the main culprits, not some foreign culture.

Then there was a photograph of a black man carrying what appears to be a goose. It was accompanied by rumors that Haitian locales are snatching up geese and ducks. I chased that photo down to a Reddit post from Columbus, Ohio, that was posted more than a month ago. The Federalist posted a phone call from a resident who says he saw individuals with geese, although county officials say it was the only such call they received in 11 months and found no evidence to support it.

These rumors were enough for senior GOP lawmakers to go all in. Texas Sen. Ted Cruz posted an image of two cats alongside the quote, Please vote for Trump so Haitian immigrants dont eat us. The House Judiciary Committee warned that Kamala Harris laughs while illegal aliens eat your pets. Donald Trump himself put his own spin on Springfield, hysterically warning in his first televised debate with Harris that peoples dogs are now being eaten by the towns migrants.

Im not one of those people who says that Americans are required to fearlessly embrace any and all immigration. Again, its entirely fair to debate what kind of and how much immigration we want to allow. It is, after all, our country.

Most people are anxious when the world is changing around them. I remember living in Northern Virginia in 2020 when Confederate statues were falling and streets were being renamed left and right in the region. Even I, as someone who had zero connection to the Confederacy and no sympathy for its cause, felt a little uneasy having to learn new names for things Id always referred to by another word.

I cant imagine what its like being an older established person who grew up never meeting someone from another country and seeing your community start to look entirely different. Not only do people look different, they speak different languages, they have unusual customs, and you might even have to change things about your life to accommodate them.

Those of us who are relatively tolerant toward immigrants have to understand the perspective of these more conservative people because theyre our countrymen. We have only one America, and we have to learn to share it with people whose families have been here for generations and relative newcomers alike. Moreover, in a past life I worked in politics. I know that when its campaign time, partisans on both sides are often overcome with a sense that anything is justified because you sincerely believe your party is better suited for governing than the other one. The ends justify the means.

But consider this: Millions of people now believe that immigrants are butchering their beloved cats and dogs. How will those people approach immigrantsor people they think are immigrantsif thats what they believe? Are we setting ourselves up for another Buffalo or El Paso mass shooting?

Last month, a neo-Nazi group called Blood Tribe marched through Springfield. One of its leaders spoke at town council meeting there, decrying the Haitian savages. BloodTribe took to Gaba far-right social network platformand bragged three days ago: No one else is more on top of whats happening in #Springfield from the WN perspective than we are. Our boots are literally on the ground there weekly. If they commit some horror, it wouldnt be the first. In 2023, a Springfield man was arrested for hate crimes against Haitians, including robbery and assault.

Is this the conservatism I grew up with? Feeding into this? The leaders of the current Republican Party understandably want to win the election. But its less understandable to want to take the soul of the country down with them.

Read more at The Dispatch

The Dispatch is a new digital media company providing engaged citizens with fact-based reporting and commentary, informed by conservative principles. Sign up for free.
A massive rift within former President Donald Trumps inner circle exploded into the open Wednesday night, exposing tensions running high inside MAGAworld after their candidates debate disaster.

Two of Trump's most trusted allies went for each other in a spectacular and public spat after it emerged that far-right commentator Laura Loomer had accompanied Trump on a private plane to the debate.

Axios reported on Thursday that Loomer had been egging him on during the flight after his other advisors urged caution and tried to convince Trump to stick to messages on key voter concerns like the economy instead of pushing old grievances and sharing easily debunked conspiracies such as Haitian immigrants eating peoples pets.

Trump appeared to take Loomers advice and turned in a fiasco of a performance marred by one rambling diatribe after another. A day later, Republican House Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene chose to jump on a three-day-old Loomer post and kick-start a civil war.

Greene excoriated Loomer on X for an extremely racist message she posted about Vice President Kamala Harris.

Trump Lauds White Nationalist Deemed Too Racist for Uber Eats

In the Sept. 8 tweet, which quoted a post by Harris celebrating her South Asian background, Loomer wrote that if the Vice President wins the election the White House will smell like curry & White House speeches will be facilitated via a call center and the American people will only be able to convey their feedback through a customer satisfaction survey at the end of the call that nobody will understand.

Three days later, the day after the debate, Loomera 9/11 conspiracistaccompanied Trump to Wednesdays solemn memorial ceremonies in New York City and Pennsylvania.

Greene, who has previously used homophobic and racist slurs and claimed being called a white supremacist was akin to a Black person being called the n-word, decided it was finally the moment to call out discrimination.

This is appalling and extremely racist, she said on Wednesday, quoting Loomers post on X. It does not represent who we are as Republicans or MAGA. This does not represent President Trump. This type of behavior should not be tolerated ever.

Greene called on Loomer to remove the bigoted post.

This is appalling and extremely racist. It does not represent who we are as Republicans or MAGA.



This does not represent President Trump.



This type of behavior should not be tolerated ever. @LauraLoomer should take this down. https://t.co/z9s5fZlgQi  Marjorie Taylor Greene  (@mtgreenee) September 11, 2024

The combative Loomer responded with a series of broadsides, accusing raging antisemite Greene of infidelity and of behaving like a leftist for attacking her over what she said was a joke. (Greene, for what its worth, has a long record of flirting with antisemitic tropes and voted against an antisemitism awareness bill in Congress because she claimed it could convict Christians of antisemitism for believing the Gospel that says Jesus was handed over to Herod to be crucified by the Jews.)

Laura and I used to be friends going back to 2018, Greene retorted. I used to defend her and support her.

A post from happier days. Twitter/X

She suggested Loomer, who has mounted multiple failed congressional bids in Florida, was bitter because she refused campaign advice from Greene that would have helped her win.

The two staunch MAGA figures left their feuding unresolved.

Loomer, a noted Islamophobe who last year shared a video alleging 9/11 attacks were an inside job, told the Associated Press that she had been invited to attend the memorial ceremonies with Trump as a guest

Not everyone in Trumpworld approved of the guestlist.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Bernie Moreno, a Republican U.S. Senate candidate in Ohio, has been lying to his constituents not only about his background but about his plans to cash in on his time in office.

Moreno was in the national news this week after he helped to spread racist, right-wing rumors that Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, were abducting and eating their neighbors pets.

Moreno, who was born in Colombia, claimed in a post on X that Haitian immigrants were sucking up social services in Springfield. We need to deport illegals, not invite them to wreak havoc on our communities, Moreno wrote, even though the Haitian immigrants in Springfield are not undocumented and are under temporary protected status.

Those arent the only lies that the MAGA Republican has told on the campaign trail, however. Apparently, Moreno has also been lying about his business dealings, repeatedly claiming that hes sold all of his companies so he can head to Washington, D.C., with no hidden agenda.

Ive sold all my operating businesses, Moreno said in November, according to the Statehouse News Bureau. I wanted to go to Washington, D.C., free of any conflicts of interest. No individual stocks, no individual bonds, no corporate holdings. Ive made that sacrifice to run for the U.S. Senate.

During a December appearance on the Ola Hawatmeh Show, a conservative YouTube channel, Moreno repeated his claims. This is what I do full time every single day. Ive sold all my operating businesses. I believe that people go to D.C., they shouldnt have conflicts of interest. I dont own any operating companies, dont have any individual stocks. The title of the episode touted Moreno, a former car dealer, as an Entrepreneur Turned Politician.

Ive sold all my business interests to do this, Moreno said again during a Ohio Republican Senate debate in March, eliciting some applause from the audience. He added that he was concerned about the people who made a lot of money while in Washington.

But in April, just a few weeks after winning the Republican primary, Moreno spent $9.5 million on a plot of land in Sunbury, Ohio, according to NBC News. Around the same time, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services entered into a mortgage agreement with a company called M20 Realty LLCone of the 20 businesses that Moreno owns, according to a recent financial disclosure statement. Moreno has signed off on $40 million worth of Mercedes-Benz financing to open up a new dealership, according to the Statehouse News Bureau.

Moreno had signed the mortgage as M20 Realtys manager and also signed a landlord-tenant agreement between M20 Realty and M20 Motors on behalf of both companies, according to the Delaware County, Ohio, recorder. Moreno said the Sunbury project has been in the works for four years, according to NBC News. In 2022, M20 motors registered for the name Mercedes-Benz Sunbury.

Campaign spokeswoman Regan McCarthy hit back at claims that Moreno had presented his financial interests dishonestly. The Sunbury dealership is not currently an operating company and is going to be run by Bernies son, McCarthy told the Statehouse News Bureau. This is an investment by Bernie in a business for his son, not a business for himself.

In addition to his future plans, it seems Moreno has also been lying about his past. When he applied to open an Infiniti car dealership in Coral Gables, Florida, a document submitted claimed that he had received an MBA from the University of Michigan. Moreno had even signed the application. However, the Michigan Office of Public Affairs told the Ohio Capital Journal Monday that Moreno held only a bachelors degree in business.

When the campaign tried to dismiss the claim by referring to a different document with the correct information, the Journal found yet another document filed a year later with the wrong credentials. The campaign told the Journal that the third document had been prepared by a staffer who made a mistake.

The Journal found that the false credential popped up in several places, in fact. In 2014, it appeared in a bio for Moreno published when he joined the Cleveland Foundation board of directors. Another campaign spokeswoman told the Journal that Moreno never told the foundation that he held an MBA. Im not sure why they listed that, youd have to ask them.

A 2018 biography of Moreno from when he chaired the Cleveland State University Board of Trustees claimed that he held multiple degrees from Michigan, but he only has one. The claim that he had received an MBA also appeared on the website for a car dealership he owned in North Olmsted, Ohio. Both mentions have since been removed from those websites.
The Latest: With the debate behind them, Harris and Trump jockey for swing states

Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are heading to swing states they hope to win, both of them trying to expand their narrow paths to victory in a closely fought presidential campaign
Residents of Hungary have become less supportive of EU expansion in 2024 compared to the previous year, with particular scepticism towards Ukraine's membership.

Source: European Pravda, citing Telex

Details: A survey by the Policy Solutions analytical centre shows that while last year most respondents supported the accession of several candidate countries, only 45% of those surveyed in 2024 were positive about Montenegro, which had the highest support. In contrast, Hungarians show the least support for Ukraine among the candidate countries, with 61% rejecting Ukraines membership this year.

Ukraine's EU accession is most popular among voters of the opposition TISZA party: 34% support it, while 53% oppose it. Voters from this party prefer Montenegro (50%) among EU members, while Viktor Orban's Fidesz party voters would rather see Turkiye join.

The survey indicates that most Hungarians are tired of the EU-government debates, with two-thirds believing the government should meet all interim benchmarks set for funding allocation. This figure has remained unchanged from last year.

While 40% of pro-government voters reject the idea of Hungary conceding to the European Commission, 54% believe the government should make concessions to secure EU funds.

Background:

A summer survey by Policy Solutions showed that Hungarians perceive a greater threat from Ukraine than from Russia.

As previously reported by European Pravda, the issue of whether the EU should support Ukraine is divisive for Hungarian society.

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MEXICO CITY (Reuters) -A majority of Mexican state legislatures have approved a controversial judicial overhaul, the country's president said on Thursday, marking a final legislative step in its constitutional approval process.

The reform, which stipulates that thousands of judges be elected by popular vote, was approved by two-thirds of Senators on Wednesday following a contentious all-night debate, and will now go into effect when it is published in the government's official gazette.

The sweeping overhaul was approved by the lower house earlier this month, with lawmakers from the leftist Morena ruling party and its allies providing the margin of victory as the country's opposition came up short in its efforts to derail it.

Changes to Mexico's constitution require a two-thirds vote in Congress, followed by the approval of a majority of state legislatures in Mexico's 32 states.

At his regular morning press conference, outgoing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador announced that 18 local legislatures had already given their seal of approval.

"The reform to the judiciary has already been approved," said Lopez Obrador, referring to all the state legislatures that had put it to a vote up over the past couple days.

The president, who made the reform his top priority during his final month in office, added that it "would be good" if its publication in the government gazette took place on September 15, a day ahead of the country's independence day.

(Reporting by David Alire Garcia and Raul Cortes Fernandez; Editing by Sarah Morland)
KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Malaysian authorities widened on Thursday their investigation into a prominent Islamic business organisation, a day after police rescued more than 400 children suspected of being sexually abused at charity homes run by the group.

The Selangor state Islamic religious department said it was scrutinising the group's religious education facilities and had asked police to hand over any teaching material seized during Wednesday's raids on the homes to determine if any offences were committed under Islamic laws.

Muslim-majority Malaysia runs a dual-track legal system, with Islamic laws running alongside secular ones.

State religious authorities are empowered to enforce laws against "deviant" teachings with the majority of Muslims following Sunni Islam.

Police conducted coordinated raids on 20 premises run by Global Ikhwan Services and Business (GISB) across two Malaysian states on Wednesday, arresting 171 adults, including 'ustazs' or Islamic religious teachers. Those rescued included 201 boys and 201 girls, aged between one and 17.

Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain said the raids were in response to reports filed this month alleging neglect, abuse, sexual harassment and molestation at the premises.

Two of the premises raided were registered with the state government as Islamic schools, the Selangor Islamic religious department said in a statement on Thursday.

The department said it had monitored the schools as recently as July but found no offences committed. It said it would investigate further and take appropriate action should any violations be found.

A GISB spokesperson on Thursday said the group will cooperate with authorities.

GISB in a statement the previous day denied the allegations of sexual abuse, saying it did not manage the charity homes that were raided and would file a police report.

A 19-year-old girl was charged in court on Thursday with child abuse in connection with the case, state news agency Bernama reported.

Robert Gass, a UNICEF representative in Malaysia, said the organisation was "deeply shocked and appalled" by the alleged abuse and called for long-term professional medical and psychosocial support for the children.

GISB, which has been linked to a banned religious sect in Malaysia, is involved in businesses ranging from supermarkets to laundromats and operates in multiple countries including Indonesia, Singapore, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, France, Australia and Thailand, according to its website.

The group has acknowledged its links to the now-defunct Malaysia-based Al-Arqam religious sect, which was banned by the government in 1994, but now describes itself as an Islamic conglomerate based on Muslim practices.

(Reporting by Danial Azhar; Editing by Martin Petty)
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  The man accused of fatally shooting a 21-year-old and wounding another in Lemon Grove last weekend pleaded not guilty in court on Wednesday.

Joshua Gonzalez, 27, was arrested Sunday on charges in connection to the death of Diego Omar Valera-Trujillo, a 21-year-old from Spring Valley, the day prior. Another unidentified individual was also wounded by gunshots in the incident.

The judge presiding over his arraignment Wednesday denied his request for bail over concerns raised by prosecutors that he would flee to another country if released.

Deputy district attorney Chris Chandler said hours after the shooting, Gonzalez drove his car to Mexico in an apparent effort to relocate. He later drove back, rented a U-Haul truck and began moving out of his home when he was located by police, Chandler said.

The court finds clear and convincing evidence that the defendants charge of criminal offense, theres no less restrictive conditions or combinations of conditions that could reasonably protect the safety of the public or the victim, Judge Peter Lynch said during Gonzalezs arraignment.

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The shooting occurred just after 11:30 p.m. Saturday in the 3100 block of School Lane. San Diego County Sheriffs deputies were dispatched to scene after receiving reports of gunshots. Responding deputies later discovered Valera-Trujillo suffering from multiple bullet wounds.

According to Chandler, Valera-Trujillo had been at a skate park in the area with a group of friends when a woman ran towards them from a car in the parking lot and asked for their help to get to safety. She had been visibly assaulted prior to approaching, the prosecutor added.

The group then separated the woman from the driver of the car, identified as Gonzalez, leading to the argument that escalated into the fatal shooting, Chandler said.

Two people were shot, Valera-Trujillo and a bystander, according to the prosecutor. Gonzalez was arrested after he was found in the U-Haul near his Lincoln Avenue home on Sunday at 5:30 p.m.

Gonzalez will be back in court on Oct. 16 for a readiness hearing after Wednesdays arraignment, while a preliminary examination will be held in November.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
A Georgia man convicted of wounding a woman in a shooting eight years ago has been accused of fatally shooting another woman on Saturday.

Davante Parks, 26, turned himself in to the Richmond County jail on Sunday after authorities say he fatally shot Laquana Lang, 27, in her home in Augusta, according to an arrest warrant cited by WRDW, a CBS affiliate, and WJBF, an ABC affiliate.

Authorities reportedly said in the warrant that Langs children, ages 2 and 5, were left alone in the house for hours with their mothers body, and eventually had to crawl and walk through her blood to get help.

Laquana Lang, 27, was fatally shot at her home in Augusta, Georgia, on Sept. 7. Facebook

Deputies identified Parks as the childrens stepfather, according to WRDW. Facebook pages for Parks and Lang said they were in a relationship.

Parks was booked on charges including murder and two counts of child cruelty in the first degree, jail records show. It was not immediately clear if he has an attorney representing him.

The Richmond County coroners officer told HuffPost that Lang was shot at least once inside the home, and was pronounced dead on the scene at 11:06 a.m. An autopsy has been scheduled.

Court records show that Parks had been released on parole in July after pleading guilty to aggravated assault and a firearm-related charge in 2018. According to Georgias State Board of Pardons and Paroles, he became eligible for parole after serving a third of his 12-year sentence in 2020. However, he was not released until July, at which point he had served eight years.

Parks shot and injured a then-25-year-old woman at an apartment complex in 2016, The Augusta Chronicle reported. This week, McKie told WJBF she was shocked to see Parks name in the headlines again, and that she hadnt realized he had been paroled.

McKie said her recovery from the shooting was difficult, and she had just gotten to a point where she felt comfortable leaving her home without needing to look over her shoulder.

I havent been to sleep since I heard he was out, and Saturday I had to find out from a Facebook post that it was him that was out, she told WJBF. Nobody told me he was out.

The district attorneys office didnt immediately respond to HuffPosts request for a statement.

A spokesperson for the Georgia parole board said that staff with local district attorneys offices typically work with crime victims to get them registered with the state to be notified about an offenders parole status. No one was registered as a victim in connection to Parks aggravated assault case in the state system, the spokesperson said.

The state is working on a program that could change the registration process to allow state officials to directly contact crime victims and ask them if theyd like to be notified about parole updates, according to the spokesperson.

Need help? In the U.S., call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) for the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

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Man accused of setting fire to Downtown Bakersfield building appears in court

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  A man accused of starting a fire that resulted in hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage to a building in Downtown Bakersfield was arraigned in Superior Court on Wednesday.

Michael Leon Webber, 48, pleaded not guilty to charges of arson, drug possession and possession of tear gas by a person with a prior conviction. Hes due back in court Sept. 24.

16 stolen vehicles recovered, 1 arrested in Rosamond: KCSO

The fire occurred Sept. 2 and caused an estimated $750,000 in damage to the Toucan building at 19th and N streets, city fire officials said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo.  A man has been arrested after allegedly shooting at an employee who was on break outside the Peterbilt dealership in northeast Springfield.

According to online court records, Joshua Cody Dansby, 38, has been charged with first-degree assault, unlawful use of a weapon, unlawful possession of a firearm, and two counts of armed criminal action.

A probable cause statement from the Springfield Police Department (SPD) says the incident happened at around 9:30 a.m. on Sept. 11. The victim, an employee of Peterbilt, was on break and sitting at a picnic table south of the shop. The statement says the victim noticed Dansby, who he had never previously met, lingering in the area.

No verdict yet in Springfield quadruple murder trial

The probable cause statement says Dansby walked up behind the victim, who heard a single gunshot and immediately turned around to find Dansby pointing a handgun directly at him. The victim told SPD that Dansby was clearly trying to chamber a second round of ammunition.

The victim hid behind a tree to avoid being shot, documents say, and yelled out to Dansby, asking What are you doing? Documents say Dansby responded by saying I dont know.

Officers with the Strafford Police Department found and detained Dansby near I-44 east of Peterbilt. When SPD took custody of him, documents say he told police I just shot someone. He initially refused to speak with police, but initiated a conversation with an officer, confirming the gun was in the grass east of Peterbilt. When the officer asked if Dansby knew the victim, Dansby told him it would sound odd, but he had believed the victim was his father.

Stockton man charged with child abuse, assault

Documents say it was later determined that the gun Dansby used was stolen from a vehicle on the Peterbilt parking lot and contained a single round of ammunition.

SPD also determined Dansby had multiple prior felony convictions from Oklahoma for charges that include aggravated assault and battery, burglary, domestic assault and sexual battery.

Dansby is being held in the Greene County Jail without bond.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR - OzarksFirst.com.
WALTHAM, Mass. (WWLP)  A man from Waltham was sentenced to prison after admitting to downloading hundreds to thousands of child pornography materials for approximately 20 years.

Agawam woman sentenced to prison in false tax return case

According to the Department of Justice in Boston, in January 2022 law enforcement seized approximately 10 electronic devices belonging to 48-year-old Robert Daigle. One of the devices revealed approximately 1,100 child pornography images and approximately 900 child pornography videos. A second device had approximately 380 child pornography images.

Daigle pleaded guilty to one count of receipt of child pornography and was sentenced on Thursday to 71 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A Tunica, Miss. man has been arrested and charged with a womans shooting on Casino Center Drive in Robinsonville.

The Tunica County Sheriffs Office said they received a 911 call about a shooting around 3 a.m. on February 5.

Deputies responded and found a woman with multiple gunshot wounds. She was airlifted to Regional One in Memphis and survived her injuries, authorities said.

DeMarion Hamilton, 28, of Tunica has been charged with attempted murder, drive-by shooting, shooting into a vehicle and conspiracy, the sheriffs office said Wednesday.

Two other John Doe warrants have been issued for suspects who were involved.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
CALVIN, WV (WVNS)  One man is dead and another was arrested after an apparent murder in Nicholas County.

According to West Virginia State Police, on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, Troopers responded to a gunshot complaint at the Beaver Lake Campground in Calvin, West Virginia.

Further calls stated the victim, identified as Joseph Paul Turner, was laying on the ground with a gunshot wound to his head while the suspect, identified as Cliff Salisbury, was seen walking around carrying a rifle. Multiple Troopers and other local law enforcement responded to the scene and found Salisbury, taking him into custody without incident.

Details remain limited and the investigation into the shooting remains active.

Stick with 59News for updates as they become available.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife reported Thursday that another wolf has been found dead in Grand County.

CPW said in a statement that they received a "mortality signal" from the wolf's collar on Sept. 9 and confirmed it on Sept. 10.

The wolf, known as 2307-OR was a male that who was part of a group of five wolves from Wallowa County, Oregon. Two of those five became a mating pair and produced four pups this spring. The male of the pair died several days after being captured at the end of August. The wolf showed signs of deep puncture wounds unrelated to the capture, and a necropsy is being planned.

However, CPW did not say whether a necropsy would be conducted on the wolf found this week. CPW said, "As a federally listed species under the Endangered Species Act, we are in direct consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service about the next steps."

"While this is sad news, these types of restoration efforts consider anticipated mortalities in our planning and a degree of wolf mortality, just like for any wildlife, is expected both during restoration efforts and on an ongoing basis, said CPW Director Jeff Davis.

CPW did not reveal any signs of what may have killed the wolf.

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That leaves two wolves in Jackson County that have been there for several years, and seven of the original 10 wolves brought to Colorado from Oregon last December, including the female from the Copper Creek pack. One wolf was killed by a mountain lion in Larimer County earlier this year.

The Copper Creek pack was relocated to a facility CPW won't identify. CPW plans to release the four pups once they're grown and can be fitted with collars

Wolves reportedly killed three calves in the past week in Grand County, attacks that took place after the Copper Creek pack had been relocated. CPW has not yet confirmed the depredations.

CPW still plans to bring 10 to 15 more wolves to the same northern region at the end of the year or sometime in early 2025. They haven't said where they're getting the wolves, but on Monday, they confirmed that an agreement is pending.

Ranchers in Jackson and Grand counties who have fought to keep their livestock alive have turned to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, asking the federal agency to take over the decision-making on the wolf restoration program.
Man arrested in York County in connection to stabbing incident

YORK COUNTY, Va. (WAVY)  A man was arrested in York County in connection to stabbing on Wednesday, deputies said.

Around 10:40 p.m., deputies were dispatched to the area of The Council North for a report of a stabbing.

Marcelino Hernandez. Courtesy: York County Sheriffs Office

Upon arrival, deputies located the victim, a 22-year-old man, with a stab wound to his chest. He was transported to the hospital with non life-threatening injuries. During their investigation, deputies located the suspect 38-year-old Marcelino Hernandez.

Hernandez was arrested and charged with felony aggravated malicious wounding and is currently at the Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail.

If you have any information about this case, you can submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-888-LOCK-U-UP, downloading the P3 tips app to a mobile device, or visiting www.P3tips.com and submitting a tip.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
A maintenance worker in Connecticut has been arrested after allegedly breaking into a residence and sexually assaulting a pet, according to the Farmington Police Department.

Arrest records show 65-year-old Jose Ramos-Cordero of New Britain was arrested Monday and charged with burglary in the third degree, disorderly conduct, and sexual assault of an animal, and was released on $10,000 bond.

The incident occurred Monday when Ramos-Cordero, a maintenance worker at Brookdale Gables, a senior living facility, allegedly broke into a tenants apartment while the resident was away.

Going to be a school shooter: Texas girls jailed over alleged threat

Police were allegedly shown video of Ramos-Cordero on the floor of the residence attempting to engage with the tenants dog in a sexual manner.

Ramos-Cordero is scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 17.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
Man charged with DUI after hitting construction worker on highway

HOPKINTON, R.I. (WPRI)  A Connecticut man was arrested in Hopkinton on Tuesday after he reportedly hit a construction worker with his car on I-95 North in Stonington.

Connecticut State Police said the victim suffered minor injuries after being hit from behind by a GMC Sierra. Workers were in the left lane of the highway, which had been shut down for a construction project, when the victim was struck.

WATCH: Dashcam footage released of stolen Ferrari chase

Connecticut troopers caught up to the vehicle near the state line and gave Rhode Island State Police the vehicles updated location.

Rhode Island troopers were able to arrest the driver, 46-year-old Julio Macancela, and charge him with driving under the influence of liquor and/or drugs.

Macancela will eventually face charges in connection with the incident in Stonington as well.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com.
Man claims he attacked strangers in Puyallup to break Freemason curse on his family: docs

PUYALLUP - A man who investigators say was armed to the teeth with a hatchet, machete and hammer told police he was looking for strangers to stab to break a Freemasons curse put on his family.

The suspect, 31-year-old Shaun Durano, appeared in Pierce County court on Wednesday.

According to court documents FOX 13 Seattle obtained, Durano stalked the Riverwalk Trail in Puyallup, looking for someone to stab. Durano told police the only way to break the Freemasons curse on his family "was to point the sharp end of his blade at the person."

Court documents say Durano threatened and lunged at two different people with a machete.

FOX 13 Seattle obtained video of King County Sheriffs helicopter locating Durano hiding along the busy Puyallup trail:

In court, the state wanted a high bail due to the victims being strangers to Durano.

"Given the lack of familiarity with these individuals, the location, and the weapon utilized, the state is highly concerned about the community safety risk that he poses," the prosecuting attorney said.

FOX 13 Seattle cameras captured Durano using sign language. According to the American Sign Language alphabet, he spelled out the word "hostage." He also signed several other words, but none of them were spelled correctly.

Shaun Durano in court

Despite Duranos seemingly delusional statements at the time of his arrest, investigators reported he had enough knowledge to know how to run and hide from police.

This was not Duranos first time trying to escape law enforcement this summer.

In late June, Bonney Lake police reported Durano tried to run away from them, while still in handcuffs, after officers caught him breaking into an auto shop and trying to steal a car.

In court, Durano faced punishments for both crimes.

The judge placed a $50,000 bail on Durano for the Puyallup incident, and a $10,000 bail for the Bonney Lake incident.

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CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY)  19-year-old Esteban Santillan confessed to officers that he stole $40 from a childrens lemonade stand in Chesapeake, according to court documents.

Santillan confessed to the incident and was positively identified as the male in the video surveillance footage, read court documents obtained by 10 On Your Side.

Esteban Santillan

The court documents are for the felony charge Santillan currently faces, stealing U.S. currency valued at $5.00 or more from a person (Virginia Code 18.2-95). He was initially charged with petit larceny, a misdemeanor.

The story of the brazen theft went viral August 14 when a man, who police say is Santillan, stole a jar containing $40 from siblings Rebecca and Josh Caldwell. The two, 10 and 8 years old, respectively, had set up their lemonade stand in front of their home on Bells Mills Road.

10 days after the theft, the siblings opened a second lemonade stand and received an outpouring of support from the community. They ended up raising $6,200.

Previous: Thousands raised for Chesapeake kids who had lemonade money stolen

They plan to use the proceeds to support their sisters mission trip, along with a four-wheeler for Rebecca and a dirt bike for Josh.

Court documents also revealed Santillan has only lived with his brother in Hampton Roads for about a year and a half. The rest of his family is in Connecticut, where his social media pages show he went to high school.

Santillans social media pages also show he was currently a student at Tidewater Community College, which has a campus near the kids home on Bells Mill Road. Santillan listed a current address about two miles from that neighborhood.

Santillan is expected back in court Oct. 8.

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Man convicted of killing Chicago police officer Ella French, wounding her partner, sentenced to life in prison

A judge sentenced a man to life in prison Wednesday for shooting and killing Chicago police Officer Ella French and injuring her partner, marking an emotional end to the case months after jurors viewed harrowing body camera footage throughout a weeklong trial.

Emonte Morgan, 24, was found guilty in March of killing French, seriously injuring Officer Carlos Yanez Jr. and shooting at Officer Joshua Blas during a traffic stop on Aug 7, 2021 on the South Side. Life was the statutory minimum in the case, prosecutors had told Judge Ursula Walowski, who added another 57 years on other counts.

Your actions turned this into what it is today, Walowski said. You made these decisions. You pulled the trigger.

French, 29, was gunned down after she and her partners pulled over a vehicle around 63rd Street and Bell Avenue occupied by Morgan, his brother, Eric Morgan, and a woman Eric Morgan was dating. The shooting rattled the city and Police Department, and her police work elicited praise in many corners across the city.

Walowski handed down the sentence after family members gave emotional victim-impact statements in a room full of police officers. Morgans defense had argued for a 40-year prison term.

Frenchs mother, Elizabeth French, thanked the prosecutors and investigators in the case, as well as Walowski, before describing the pain shes felt every day for more than three years.

Photos of her daughters childhood  her as a baby, receiving her first communion, graduating high school  can be painful reminders, she said.

The memories, they sneak up on me sometimes and I am filled with grief and sadness, French said, her voice cracking. I dont know that closure will ever be possible for me  Someday my daughter and I will meet again. Until then I will miss Ella every day.

Before concluding her statement, Elizabeth French turned to look at Morgan and address him directly. By then, many of the observers and supporters seated in the courtroom were sniffling and dabbing tears from their eyes.

Sometimes life sucks, Elizabeth French told Morgan. It sucked for me when you killed my daughter  but life gives you choices.

There was your choice, to become the murderer of my daughter, she added. Life in prison means you will still have your life, something you took away from Ella.

During one of the statements, emotions ran over.

Yanezs father, Carlos Yanez Sr., himself a retired CPD officer, took a deep sigh as he walked from the courtroom gallery to the witness stand.

The elder Yanez, his voice shaking, recounted the hours after the shooting when he and his wife were rushed to the hospital to learn their sons condition.

It was so surreal and painful that I was praying it was me instead of him, Yanez Sr. said.

Though Yanez remained, relatively, composed during his few minutes on the witness stand, he concluded his statement by raising his voice and looking directly at Morgan seated at the defense table.

All this pain was brought upon our family by a (expletive) a who shouldve been put down a long time ago, Yanez Sr. yelled.

Morgans mother, Evalena Flores, was seated in the gallery, too, just a few feet away from Carlos Yanez, one of Frenchs partners on the night of the shooting.

As Yanez Sr. yelled on the witness stand, Morgans mother yelled, Your son is a (expletive) a!Cook County sheriffs deputies quickly moved to escort her from the courtroom as Yanez Sr. walked back to the gallery. He yelled at Morgan again.

I hope you (expletive) rot in jail, you piece of (expletive).

Prosecutors have said that Emonte Morgan fired multiple shots at the officers after French and two fellow officers stopped a gray SUV driven by Eric Morgan. Emonte Morgan was also shot during the confrontation.

Eric Morgan previously pleaded guilty to aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, aggravated battery with a dangerous weapon and obstruction of justice and was sentenced to seven years in prison.

In arguing for a lighter sentence, Morgans lawyers asked for a chance at rehabilitation.

Emonte Morgan is not beyond redemption. Emonte Morgan is able to be rehabilitated, assistant public defender Kristine Neal told Walowski.

Before the sentence was handed down, both he and his mother addressed the court. Each claimed that the prosecution was unjust and the street stop that precipitated the shooting was unlawful.

Ella French was not murdered, Morgan said, standing at the defense table. She had an accidental death.

Addressing reporters after the hearing, Cook County States Attorney Kim Foxx echoed Walowskis sentiment that Morgans actions  and his alone  were responsible for Frenchs killing and the catastrophic injuries suffered by Yanez.

There were choices that the defendant made on that evening that could have left a young woman alive, another officer uninjured and people going home safely to their families, Foxx said. This ending, with a young man spending the rest of his life in prison, is what happens when one uses gun violence in the manner in which they did.

During the trial, jurors repeatedly watched violent footage of the shootings of French and Yanez, as well as the aftermath as officers and doctors frantically tried to save them. They heard testimony from Blas and Yanez, the latter testifying about his long recovery and the injuries he still suffers from.

Yanez was confined to a wheelchair after the shooting but now walks with a limp. He uses hearing aids and wears a prosthetic eye.

Morgans defense attorneys, though, had argued that the body camera footage was too close and muffled during the crucial moments of the shootings, making it difficult to discern what happened. They contended that the traffic stop was needless, questioning whether the tragedy could have been avoided.

At one point after a break in the hearing, Walowski asked for those present to observe a moment of silence in memory of the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks.

A short time later, assistant states attorney Scott Clark recalled how he told Elizabeth French that Morgans sentencing was scheduled for Sept. 11.

This is a perfectly appropriate date to handle a case like this, Clark said. (Ella French is) gone because she chose the life of a hero.

_____
Mark Glover, 64, fell from the gangway of the Pelican of London into the drydock of Sharpness, in Gloucestershire, on the evening of 2 October 2023 [MAIB]

A sailing ship, where a volunteer fell and drowned, did not have a safe means of access from its gangway, a report has stated.

Mark Glover, 64, fell from as he was returning to the Pelican of London moored in Sharpness Docks, Gloucestershire.

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) report said Mr Glover was above the legal limit for duty on board a sailing ship when he fell and drowned on the evening of 2 October 2023.

The report recommended the vessel's owners, Seas Your Future, to review policy and procedure for dealing with drugs and or alcohol. The charity has since improved handholds and rigging to their gangway.

Gangway net

A report into the death said the vessel's drug and alcohol policy did not specify parameters for crew returning from time ashore.

The MAIB said drug and alcohol policies in place did not help crew members recognise the limits that applied to crew returning from recreational time ashore.

The report also found there was no safe means of access to the vessel from the gangway and on board training and risk assessments did not mitigate the risk of fall from the area.

Seas Your Future, a charity who take young people from disadvantaged backgrounds on tall ship voyages, were also recommended to amend and review their policy and training for the rigging and approval of the gangway when used and their risk assessment procedure.

The report said Mr Glover, a professional seafarer and a volunteer relief cook, lost his balance as he went to step down from the inboard end of the gangway onto the top step of the bulwark ladder when returning on board the vessel.

His fall was neither prevented by the guard rope or by the gangway net.

Under the influence of alcohol, and likely suffering from cold water shock, he was unable to climb out of the water and "rapidly succumbed to drowning".

The report also said how his absence was not noted until the following morning, with a search later taking place.

His body was recovered by police divers on the afternoon of 3 October 2023.

'Amendments'

Following the incident, Seas Your Future have made a number of changes - including introducing an approval process for rigging and making the gangway safe, fitted bulwark stanchions to provide secure handholds when joining and departing the ship and revised the drug and alcohol policy.

They have also made amendments to the SMS and emergency procedures, including for missing persons.

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Phepisa Mabuza "meant so much to so many", his mother said [Family handout]

A man who was "hearing voices" died after a mental health service ignored national guidance and failed to see him within 72 hours, a report said.

Phephisa Mabuza, from Southend-on-Sea, Essex, was found dead on 14 March 2023 after falling from height in Dover, Kent.

The 22-year-old's mother had called 111 the day before and pleaded with the Essex Partnership University Trust (EPUT) for a nurse to see him as his psychotic disorder was worsening, a prevention of future deaths report said.

EPUT said its policy on mental health triages had been "wrongly coded" at the time and staff had since been informed of the correct process.

The trust is currently the subject of an independent inquiry into the deaths of almost 2,000 mental health patients under its care.

National guidance dictated that Mr Mabuza, who was deemed a Category D patient, should have been seen face-to-face within 72 hours of the 111 call, Kent coroner Patricia Harding said.

However, the coroner said EPUT departed from the UK Mental Health Triage Scale by instead telling its staff they should act within seven days to Category D patients.

She implored the trust to inform her of changes it planned to make by 9 September.

Mr Mabuza had taken a train from Essex to Dover before he was found dead at the White Cliffs [BBC]

Mr Mabuza, known as Jazz, was last seen walking alone towards the White Cliffs of Dover at 14:18 GMT on 13 March 2023, where he was found the next day.

Earlier that day he had travelled by train from Southend-on-Sea to Dover and withdrawn money on route.

He had not taken olanzapine, prescribed for psychosis, for a number of months and was "hearing voices in the days before his death", the report said.

Ms Harding said he died from "multiple injuries" he suffered in the fall, but stressed it was not clear how he fell or his intention at the time.

'Mistreated and failed'

Her report outlined how, on 10 March, Mr Mabuza's mother, Xolile Ngcobo, dialled 111 and spoke to a mental health nurse who conducted a "very brief" telephone triage with the pair.

The nurse contacted EPUT's first response team to make a face-to-face appointment with Mr Mabuza and requested his GP reconsider prescribing olanzapine again.

However, a system failure meant the prescription request did not go through and it was not there when Ms Ngcobo went to collect it on 13 March.

Speaking after an inquest into his death in May, she said her son was "mistreated and failed by those who were there to protect him".

Ms Ngcobo added: "He meant so much to so many and he will forever live on in our memories."

EPUT chief executive, Paul Scott, said on Thursday: "My sincere condolences remain with Phephisas family, friends and loved ones following their very sad loss.

"We have responded to the coroner and taken steps to address the concerns raised to ensure people in crisis receive the right care at the right time."

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Man facing life in prison, pleads guilty in murder of Menifee County mother

FRENCHBURG, Ky. (FOX 56)  A man pleaded guilty on Tuesday in connection with a deadly beating in 2020.

Commonwealth Attorney Ashton McKenzie said 40-year-old Anthony Hall entered an open plea and a Menifee County jury returned with his prospective sentencing.

Jodi Shelbiana Stapleton (Via Ashton McKenzie, Commonwealths Attorney for the 21st Judicial Circuit)

Hall is looking at two life sentences, one for murder and one for kidnapping, and two 5-year sentences for tampering with physical evidence and the abuse of a corpse.

McKenzie said the judge determined that each sentence sentence would run consecutively to each other.

On March 30, 2020, 35-year-old Jodi Shelbiana Stapleton was reported missing after being last seen in Wellington.

Read more of the latest Lexington & central Kentucky news

An arrest warrant was issued for Hall, and he was later found in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and arrested.

McKenzie said Stapletons body wasnt recovered until after Hall was arrested and interviewed by the Spartanburg Sheriffs Department.

Anthony Hall is charged with murder and tampering with physical evidence. (Spartanburg County Detention Center)

Stapletons body was later found at a home in Menifee County.

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Her mother and son testified about how loving and caring she was. Describing her as someone who was always laughing and smiling, McKenzie wrote.

Court documents show Halls sentencing is set for Oct. 24.

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Man flees, crashes vehicle in Fabens; now facing new charges

Man flees, crashes vehicle in Fabens; now facing new charges

EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  A 42-year-old man, who was wanted on a warrant, is now facing other felony charges after he allegedly fled from law enforcement, crashed his vehicle into a rock wall and led a deputy constable on a brief foot chase in Fabens.

Thats according to the County Constables Office Precinct 6.

Raul Fuentes Jr., 42, has been charged with evading arrest or detention with a motor vehicle and manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance (cocaine), according to the County Constables Office.

Fuentes original charge was for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, according to the County Constables Office.

At roughly 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 11 along the 1200 block of North Fabens, a deputy constable was on patrol and recognized Fuentes at a stop sign in his vehicle.

The deputy constable got behind the vehicle and turned on his emergency lights and sirens to try to stop Fuentes vehicle, the County Constables Office said.

Fuentes then fled from the scene at a high rate of speed and led the constable deputy on a short vehicle pursuit, the County Constables Office said.

The County Constables Office said the pursuit ended when Fuentes crashed his vehicle into a rock wall at the intersection of K Avenue and 2nd Street.

Fuentes exited his vehicle, threw a black container into a yard and ran from the scene, according to the County Constables Office.

The deputy constable apprehended Fuentes after brief foot chase and later retrieved the black container, which later tested positive for about 29 grams of cocaine, the County Constables Office said.

The County Constables Office said Fuentes was booked on three felony charges with a total bond of $120,000 bond.

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U.S. Rep. Yadira Caraveo, a Thornton Democrat seeking a second term in Colorado's battleground 8th Congressional District, is pictured in a TV ad released Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, by Republican-aligned Congressional Leadership Fund that blames Caraveo for problems stemming an influx of immigrants into the state. Caraveo is facing a challenge from state Rep. Gabe Evans, R-Fort Lupton, in the closely divided district.
Man found with major burns near Boston hotel, police say

A man was found suffering from major burns near a hotel in Boston on Wednesday night, authorities said.

Officers responding to a report of a person on fire at Park Plaza behind the Four Seasons Hotel just before 8:15 a.m. located a burn victim, according to the Boston Police Department.

The man, whose name hasnt been released, was rushed area hospital. His condition is unknown at this time.

A Boston Police Department spokesperson says theyre investigating whether or not the incident was politically motivated.

No further information was immediately available.

An investigation is ongoing.

Tonight around 8:11, BPD responded to the Park Plaza area for a person on fire. Upon arriving to the scene, Boston EMS located one male victim behind the Four Seasons hotel with major burns and took him to a local area hospital. Detectives are currently canvassing the area for pic.twitter.com/qcpV1JCty7  James (@JCullityNews) September 12, 2024

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Man indicted for attempted rape of teen in Upper East Side: DA

Man indicted for attempted rape of teen in Upper East Side: DA

Editors note: The video aired on August 11, a day after the alleged incident.

UPPER EAST SIDE, Manhattan (PIX11)  A man accused of attempting to rape a 19-year-old woman in Manhattan on August 10 was indicted on multiple charges, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg announced Wednesday.

Quincy Burks, 30, faces attempted rape and sexual abuse charges.

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As alleged, Quincy Burks tackled and sexually assaulted a young woman in a horrific late-night attack, said District Attorney Bragg. I am thankful for the doorman who intervened, our fellow New Yorkers who called 911, and the swift work of the NYPD.

Burks allegedly followed the victim from Carl Schurz Park to East 90th Street at around 1 a.m., officials said. He then allegedly threw her to the ground, pulled down her pants, and sexually assaulted her.

When a doorman nearby heard the victim screaming and ran over, the defendant fled, officials said.

Teen shot in the back in Hells Kitchen: NYPD

The victim was taken to New York Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medical Center for treatment and observation.

Burks was arrested on August 12 by the NYPDs Manhattan Special Victims Squad.

Submit tips to police by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), visiting crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, downloading the NYPD Crime Stoppers mobile app, or texting 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. Spanish-speaking callers are asked to dial 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).

Ben Mitchell is a digital content producer from Vermont who has covered both local and international news since 2021. He joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of his work here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
DES MOINES, Iowa  The Des Moines Police Department is investigating after a man was reportedly shot on the northwest side of Des Moines.

According to a DMPD post on X, at around 7:40 p.m. police were notified that a man had arrived by private vehicle at a local hospital. They then responded to 19th Street and College Avenue where evidence believed to be connected to the shooting was found.

4-year-old dies after accidental shooting in Mahaska County, officials say

The adult male victim is reported to have non-life threatening injures and is receiving treatment.

DMPD says there is no indication of danger to the neighborhood. Please expect police presence in the surrounding area as the investigation continues.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com.
Adam Watson was previously found guilty of murder following a trial [Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary]

A man who murdered a woman he had paid for sex has been given a life sentence with a minimum of 21 years.

Adam Watson suffocated and strangled Samantha Holden, 56, in her flat in Farnborough, Hampshire, on 9 September 2022.

Watson, 37, went on to flee the country before being arrested two days later at a hotel in Belgium. He was then extradited back to the UK, Winchester Crown Court heard.

Giving a statement during sentencing, Ms Holden's daughter Rebecca Elliott described her mother as her "best friend, my soul mate and most importantly my mum".

Judge Angela Morris revealed Watson, who was previously found guilty of murder following a trial, had attacked another woman in 2013.

He pleaded guilty to sexual assault in this instance and told the court that he only did this to spare the woman from a court hearing.

Watson was sentenced to eight years and eight months, at a court in Newcastle, for this crime, Judge Morris said.

He was on an extended licence period for this crime when he killed Ms Holden.

At Thursday's sentencing, the court heard how police were called to Ms Holden's flat shortly after 16:00 BST when her body was discovered by her 18-year-old son.

She was lying down covered in a blue dressing gown and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Watson's DNA was found on Ms Holden's neck and fingernails, the court heard.

He said he first contacted Ms Holden in May 2022 through an adult website, where she offered services under the name "English blonde lady".

He said they had met for sexual encounters several times before her death.

It was because of this, Judge Morris said Ms Holden "trusted" Watson.

After killing Ms Holden, Watson disposed of her phone at St Pancras station before fleeing to Belgium.

'Broke my heart'

Ms Holden's daughter Mrs Elliott, 24, read a statement during sentencing.

She spoke about getting engaged and of her mother's excitement for the wedding and how she had "bought her dress" for the day.

She said she remembered the day her mother was killed "so clearly" and it was "difficult to put into words the full impact" it has had on her and her brother.

"The manner in which she died continues to haunt me," she said.

"The thought of my mum having such a terrifying last moment."

She added knowing that her mother's body had to be examined afterwards "broke my heart".

The judge also told the court how in 2008 Watson was charged with three counts of wounding with intent against members of his own family.

The lawyer for the prosecution, Amy Vigars, elaborated on this and told the court how Watson attacked his father, his brother and his sister and "amputated his own left little finger" during the incident.

While in 2013 he attacked another woman who had rejected his sexual advances, leaving her unconscious when he subsequently hit her and put his hand around her neck.

Watson, of Dukes Court, Farnborough, did not look at Mrs Elliott as she delivered the statement, instead choosing to stare at the courtroom floor.

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YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  A man already sanctioned in federal court on a parole violation for having what prosecutors say was a sexual relationship with a teenager has now been charged with sexual battery and gross sexual imposition.

Brandon Turjonis was indicted Thursday by a Mahoning County grand jury on two charges of sexual battery and two charges of gross sexual imposition, third and fourth-degree felonies respectively.

Not only is Turjonis accused of having a sexual relationship with the minor, but he violated a no-contact order when he repeatedly contacted the teen from jail, according to court records.

Turjonis admitted to violating the no-contact order, in violation of his parole, and was ordered to spend six months in federal prison, according to court records. However, that sentence was put on hold until these latest charges were filed.

Investigators believe Turjonis started a relationship with the girl despite warnings from his parole officer.

Turjonis was originally convicted of a weapons charge. In 2020, police arrested him after a standoff on Youngstowns South Side. He was sentenced to just under four years in federal prison but received credit for the time he had served prior to the sentencing and was ultimately released on parole.

Kristy Regula contributed to this report.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
(Photo illustration by Getty Images)

A Canadian man has pleaded guilty to charges related to shooting at energy facilities in North Dakota and South Dakota.

Cameron Monte Smith pleaded guilty in federal court Wednesday to two counts of destruction of an energy facility, one count in each state.

Smith faces up to 20 years in prison for each count.

Court documents show that Smith caused more than $1.2 million in damage by shooting with a high-powered rifle at the Wheelock substation near Ray in northwest North Dakota in May 2023.

The substation is operated by Mountrail-Williams Electric Cooperative and Basin Electric Power Cooperative. The shooting knocked out power to more than 240 people, The Bismarck Tribune has reported.

Smith caused more than $495,000 in damage to a transformer and pump station of the Keystone Pipeline in eastern South Dakotas Clark County in July 2022, court records show. The Keystone Pipeline, operated by TC Energy, carries oil from Canada through North Dakota and South Dakota to facilities in Illinois and Texas.

Cameron Smith orchestrated and executed attacks on critical energy infrastructure in North and South Dakota using a high-powered rifle, said U.S. Attorney Alison Ramsdell. Thanks to our partners in the District of North Dakota, the FBI, ATF, and the National Security Division, this defendant has been held to account for his criminal activity, and he will now be subject to serious time in federal prison.

Court records say the final damage estimates had not yet been determined.

Smith had also been charged with possession of a firearm and possession of ammunition by an illegal alien, but those charges are expected to be dropped under a plea agreement. Smith was alleged to have possessed a .450-caliber Bushmaster rifle and 9 mm Sig Sauer pistol.

A sentencing hearing is scheduled for Dec. 16 in Bismarck.

Smiths defense attorney did not respond to an email request for comment late Wednesday.

North Dakota Monitor is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. North Dakota Monitor maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Amy Dalrymple for questions: info@northdakotamonitor.com. Follow North Dakota Monitor on Facebook and X.
A man has pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in North Dakota to charges related to shooting energy facilities in North Dakota and South Dakota. (Photo illustration by Getty Images.)

A Canadian man has pleaded guilty to charges related to shooting at energy facilities in North Dakota and South Dakota.

Cameron Monte Smith pleaded guilty in federal court Wednesday to two counts of destruction of an energy facility, one count in each state.

Smith faces up to 20 years in prison for each count.

Court documents show that Smith caused more than $1.2 million in damage by shooting with a high-powered rifle at the Wheelock substation near Ray in northwest North Dakota in May 2023.

The substation is operated by Mountrail-Williams Electric Cooperative and Basin Electric Power Cooperative. The shooting knocked out power to more than 240 people, The Bismarck Tribune has reported.

Smith caused more than $495,000 in damage to a transformer and pump station of the Keystone Pipeline in eastern South Dakotas Clark County in July 2022, court records show. The Keystone Pipeline, operated by TC Energy, carries oil from Canada through North Dakota and South Dakota to facilities in Illinois and Texas.

This defendant deliberately and very violently attacked our nations energy infrastructure, District of North Dakota U.S. Attorney Mac Schneider said in a news release. Our law enforcement partners put an end to those attacks, and this guilty plea provides a measure of accountability for the defendants actions and extensive damage he caused. Our career prosecutors and colleagues in the District of South Dakota deserve credit for working cooperatively to ensure this defendant faced justice in federal court.

Court records say the final damage estimates had not yet been determined.

Smith had also been charged with possession of a firearm and possession of ammunition by an illegal alien, but those charges are expected to be dropped under a plea agreement. Smith was alleged to have possessed a .450 Bushmaster rifle and 9 millimeter Sig Sauer pistol.

A sentencing hearing is scheduled for Dec. 16 in Bismarck.

Smiths defense attorney did not respond to an email request for comment late Wednesday.

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Man receives sentence for dog left alone in Niles home

NILES, Ohio (WKBN)  A Niles Municipal Court judge sentenced a man who police said left a dog alone in a home without access to food or water.

The judge sentenced Dean Kirsch to one year of probation and also permanently banned him from owning any animals, according to court records.

Kirsch pleaded guilty to a charge of animal cruelty during a hearing on Wednesday.

The 8-year-old dog, now named Iggy, was found alone inside a house on Hyde Avenue on Sept. 1 when a concerned neighbor called police.

The caller said no one had been at the house for at least a week, and the dog was frantically trying to get out.

Police said when officers went to check on the dog, the house was found to be vacant, with animal waste throughout the house.

Police added that the dog had no access to food or water and looked thin.

The Healthy Hearts and Paws Project took Iggy in.

Nadine Grimley contributed to this report.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
Man rushed to hospital after being struck by car in Somerville

Authorities are investigating after a man was hit by a car in Somerville Thursday morning.

Officers responding to the area of Broadway and McGrath Highway around 10:40 a.m. for a report of a pedestrian struck found a 58-year-old man suffering from injuries, according to Somerville Police.

The man was transported to Massachusetts General Hospital. His condition is unknown at this time.

Police did not say if the driver remained on scene or if they would face any charges.

The cause of the collision remains under investigation.

No further information was immediately available.

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Man sentenced to 12.5 years in prison for 2023 fatal shooting in Albuquerque

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  A man learned his fate in court for shooting and killing another man during a custody exchange with a 2-year-old child. Last March, Tristan Isaacs was meeting with Brittany Sena to exchange custody of their 2-year-old child.

Life sentence for mans role in two Albuquerque murders

During the exchange, Senas boyfriend, Christopher Rodriguez got into a fight with Isaacs before fatally shooting him 5 times. A jury convicted Rodriguez earlier this summer of voluntary manslaughter and tampering with evidence. Judge Brett Loveless sentenced him to 12.5 years behind bars.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
AFA event canceled

A remembrance ceremony, scheduled to take place Wednesday afternoon at the Air Force Academy, was canceled due to concerns about lightning.

The annual event was to feature the placement of wreaths at the academys 9/11 memorial, keynote remarks by Special Agent Steve Moustakas with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, and a 19-hour cadet relay, during which each student would circle the terrazzo, carrying a baton and wearing a firefighters helmet, for 15 minutes apiece.
NORFOLK, Neb. (KCAU)  A Harlington, Texas man has been sentenced for misusing more than $700,000 worth of funds from a Norfolk nonprofit.

According to court documents, Jeffrey Stewart, 33, has been sentenced to serve between 15 and 18 years at the Nebraska Department of Corrections for the unauthorized use of a financial transaction device, more than $5,000. He will be credited 417 days for time served for this count. He has also been sentenced to an additional 30 days at the Department of Corrections for obstructing government services. This will be served consecutively.

Jeffrey Stewart (Courtesy: Madison County Sheriffs Office)

Stewarts lawyer, Justin Kalemkiarian, asked that Stewart be instead credited 425 days due to time served. The court said they would only be crediting him the 417 days, but it is something the Department of Corrections could look into.

In addition to time served, Stewart has also been ordered to pay $740,000 in restitution and $2,935 in costs.

3rd member of Norfolk PD on paid leave; Third party to investigate

Stewart had pleaded no contest to his charges in July and the judge found him Stewart guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Stewarts original charge was theft by taking $5,000 or more, which is a felony, and had that charge reduced in a plea deal that changed it to the unauthorized use charge. His second charge was original unauthorized use which was amended to obstructing governmental operations.

Stewart was accused of misusing more than $740,000 from the organization North Fork Area Transit (NFAT) from about April 16, 2022 through Dec. 11, 2022. NFAT is a nonprofit transit agency that provides transportation services to Norfolk and the wider Madison County area.

Stewart had been the general manager of NFAT until December 2022 when he was suspended. In his position, Stewart was accused of using a company credit card for personal purchases, according to court documents.

The obstruction charge Stewart was found guilty of stems from more recent events. According to court documents, from about May 31, 2024, through June 4, 2024, he intentionally obstructed the enforcement of the law or other governmental functions.

In July 2023, Stewart turned himself in at the U.S.-Mexico border. He was put in the custody of the Madison County Sheriffs Office after being extradited from Cameron County, Texas.

In September 2023, Stewarts case was moved from county court to district court, and his bond was increased to $1 million. On July 29, his lawyer requested that this bond be reduced to $250,000; however, this request was denied.

For previous coverage of this case by KCAU 9, click here.

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Man in serious condition after apparent shooting at Moiliili park

MOILIILI, Hawaii (KHON2)  Honolulu police have opened an attempted homicide investigation after a man was shot in Moiliili.

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EMS responded to the incident on Kalo Place around 8:20 p.m. on Wednesday to find a 29-year-old man suffering at least one gunshot wound to the lower backside and lacerations to his head.

The patient was transported to an emergency room.

No arrests have been made but police records show they are looking for two male suspects.

The investigation remains ongoing.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
FILE - Authorities look for the bodies of seven girls who have been missing for decades in a rural wooded area in Macomb Township, Mich., on May 8, 2018. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File)

A man sentenced to life for killing a 13-year-old girl while being a suspect in the deaths of about a half-dozen others has died in a Michigan prison.

Arthur Ream, 75, died Aug. 15 of cancer at a prison hospital in Jackson, Michigan, the state Corrections Department said Thursday. The Detroit News first reported his death.

Cindy Zarzycki was last seen on April 20, 1986, and believed to be a runaway after going to a Dairy Queen in Eastpointe, a mostly blue-collar suburb north of Detroit.

The case went cold, but Ream eventually was arrested and charged. In 2008, he led investigators to Zarzycki's remains buried in a wooded area in Macomb Township, about 30 miles (50 kilometers) northeast of Detroit.

Still, he denied killing her. Ream told a police detective that Cindy was with his son the day she died and claimed she fell from an open elevator at his carpet warehouse in Warren.

In a 2008 videotaped interrogation, Ream told police, Im into, was into, teenage girls. OK?

In the video, he said Cindy's death had been driving him crazy for 22 years.

I cant make up for the wrong Ive done, he said during the interrogation. Thats the only thing ... that Id really ever want to do. Thats just like with Cindy. The next day ... I knew what I did was wrong. But how do you take it back? You cant take it back. So you just try to hide it. The more you hide it, the worst it gets.

His apparent admission of guilt didn't last long. I didnt kill Cindy, and Im not going to get up there and say I did, Ream said during the same interrogation.

He later was convicted of first-degree premeditated murder in her killing.

Ream was no stranger to Michigan prisons or crimes involving juveniles. He was sentenced in 1998 to four to 15 years in prison for criminal sexual conduct involving a person between 13 and 15 years old. He was released from prison in 1980 after serving five years of taking indecent liberties with a child.

While serving his life sentence for Zarzyckis murder, Ream would boast to fellow prisoners about killing four to six other people, leading police in 2018 to excavate in the same Macomb Township wooded area in a search for as many as seven other girls.

Other possible victims include 12-year-old Kimberly King, who disappeared in 1979 while visiting her grandmother in Warren; Kim Larrow, who was 15 when she was last seen in 1981 in Canton Township, west of Detroit; and Kellie Brownlee, who was 17 when she vanished in 1982 from suburban Novi.

Attorney R. Timothy Kohler, who was appointed by a judge to represent Ream in his 2008 murder trial, has said his former client was not a likable guy.

I didnt want to particularly hear his story, other than my sense that he was denying any allegation of intentionally murdering Cindy, Kohler said in 2018. He claimed his innocence. He never told me that he did anything. Frankly, I dont think I was interested in knowing that.

_____

AP researcher Rhonda Shafner in New York contributed to this report.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A man was recovering from his injuries after another person shot him in the arm while waiting for a bus, Las Vegas Metro police said.

The shooting happened around 11 p.m. Wednesday on Sahara Avenue and Maryland Parkway in the east valley.

A person was at a bus stop when two people approached him and demanded money, officers said. The man attempted to leave the area when one of the suspects shot him.

The intersection was closed for some time as police investigated.

No other information was available Thursday.

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HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. (PIX11)  A man says he is suing the Nassau County Police Department after being wrongfully arrested in a case of mistaken identity.

Tyrone Phifer announced his lawsuit against the police department and released video of his arrest during a press conference in Hempstead Thursday morning.

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Nassau county and defendants..have systematically failed to identify the improper abuse, misuse, and violative acts by police officers and officials, while further failing to subject such officers and officials to discipline, closer supervision, and/or restraint, the complaint said.

Phifer recounted the events from Dec. 22, 2021, when he says he was approached by police after leaving an appointment at the foot doctor. He says he was then placed in a restraining hold, during which police tackled him to the ground, kneeled on him, and pulled him up by his arms, according to court documents.

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After 10 months of criminal court proceedings, Phifer was found innocent of multiple charges, including obstructing governmental administration.

The grandfather of eight says hes continuing to recover from the distress of being wrongly charged and racially profiled.

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman issued a statement in response to the lawsuit.

I was unaware of the alleged incident that took place while my predecessor was County Executive. My administration and police officers make determinations based on facts and evidence without any regard for race, religion, ethnicity, or lifestyle, Blakeman said.

Dominique Jack is a digital content producer from Brooklyn with more than five years of experience covering news. She joined PIX11 in 2024. More of her work can be found here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
A man who prosecutors say was with two other gang members at the time they killed actor Johnny Wactor has pleaded guilty to attempted robbery and grand theft charges.

Leonel Gutierrez, 18, was arrested last month along with two other people on suspicion of murder in Wactor's May 25 shooting death after a lengthy investigation by Los Angeles police turned up DNA and fingerprints on a car jack that linked them to the shooting.

Los Angeles County Dist. Atty. George Gascon charged Robert Barceleau and Sergio Estrada, both 18, with murder in Wactor's death. Authorities say Barceleau shot the "General Hospital" actor after Wactor confronted him, Estrada and Gutierrez as they jacked up his car to steal its catalytic converter. Guttierez, also known as "Tripps," was charged only with attempted robbery and grand theft with allegations of a principal armed with a firearm.

Guitterez made an open guilty plea in Los Angeles County Superior Court on Thursday, meaning his admission was made without any prior agreement with prosecutors about his potential sentence. When he is sentenced by Judge Kerry L. White on Nov. 1, he could get up to four years and eight months in prison.

Whether Guiterrez will face additional charges remains to be determined. Interim LAPD Chief Dominic Choi has said that searches of the suspects' homes uncovered evidence tying them to thefts in L.A., Beverly Hills and the Inland Empire.

Wactor's slaying galvanized calls for justice from his friends and family and shined a light on crime in downtown L.A.

Wactor, who also worked as a bartender, had just finished his shift at the Level 8 bar when he and a colleague came upon the three men and thought they were about to tow the actor's vehicle. But when they realized they had interrupted a theft in progress, Wactor tried to de-escalate the situation, asking the men to leave and showing his open hands to indicate he wasnt a threat, according to the colleague, Anita Joy. Nevertheless, he was shot at close range, Joy said. A security guard from the bar said he found Joy and the mortally wounded Wactor and called 911.

Johnny Wactor was shot to death after interrupting men trying to steal his car's catalytic converter on May 25, authorities say. (Willy Sanjuan / Invision / Associated Press)

Police launched an extensive search for the suspects, ultimately focusing on gang members tied to catalytic converter thefts in the region. Witnesses said one of the men had a distinct F tattoo on his face, which police tied to the Florencia 13 gang.

Barceleau, Estrada and Gutierrez were targeted after police said their fingerprints matched those lifted from a jack used and left behind by the would-be thieves. The three were arrested on suspicion of murder while a fourth man  Frank Olano, 22  was arrested on suspicion of being an accessory to murder.

According to two law enforcement sources who spoke to The Times on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the case publicly, Barceleau and Estrada made incriminating statements about their role in the killing in jail after their arrests.

Barceleau, who is also known as "Smallz," was charged with special circumstances murder during an attempted robbery with personal use of a firearm, attempted robbery, grand theft and aggravated circumstances of using a firearm. If convicted, he faces life without the possibility of parole. Estrada, a.k.a. Prieto, was charged with murder with the use of a firearm, attempted robbery and grand theft with a firearm.

Olano was charged with one count of accessory after the fact to murder, one count of receiving stolen property and three counts of being a felon with a firearm.

Barceleau is being held without bail, and Estrada is being held in lieu of $2.07 million bail. Olano's bail was set at $1.08 million

The LAPD is continuing to investigate the men's possible links to thefts in Los Angeles, the unincorporated Lennox area, Beverly Hills, Rialto and Ontario, Choi said. The chief said more than 50 search warrants were conducted in Wactor's case, culminating in the arrests of the four men with known associations to the notorious South Los Angeles street gang.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The suspect is believed to be hiding out in the vast Daniel Boone National Forest.

An intense manhunt in search of a suspected gunman  said to be armed and dangerous  entered its seventh day as authorities extended the search area Friday.

Authorities in Kentucky allege that Joseph Couch, 32, opened fire near Interstate 75 last Saturday, leaving five people wounded. Law enforcement officials say they're hoping this manhunt will wear down the suspect, who is believed to be hiding in the vast and dense Daniel Boone Forest, about 8 miles from London, Ky.

A reward leading to Couchs arrest has increased to $35,000. Out of an abundance of caution, area schools started remote learning on Thursday after being closed earlier this week.

They havent found this individual yet, but thats not for lack of trying, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear told reporters Thursday. There are so many individuals, so many resources that have been brought to bear and will continue to be brought to bear.

Yahoo News spoke to former FBI agents who have searched for suspects in manhunts across the U.S. They say the manhunt is still in the early stages due to the difficult terrain, which will be a challenge for law enforcement  and a potential advantage for Couch.

Whos involved in the manhunt?

Kentucky State Police are leading the manhunt for Couch. The Laurel County Sheriffs Office is leading the criminal investigation into Saturdays shooting.

Several additional agencies involved in the manhunt include: the London City Police Department, the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the U.S. Marshals Service, Kentucky Fish and Wildlife, the Federal Forestry Service and the Kentucky National Guard, which have Black Hawk helicopters to help search the thick undergrowth of the forest.

In addition to boots on the ground, authorities are using drones, helicopters and search dogs in an effort to search through what Beshear described as the most rugged terrain that anyone could hide in.

What has the search been like?

Photo illustration: Yahoo News; photos: Getty Images

Since Saturday, federal, state and local officers have been on the ground conducting daunting grid searches in the Daniel Boone National Forest by exit 49 off I-75 near the scene of Saturdays shooting, where officials recovered a silver vehicle registered to Couch.

Kentucky State Police Master Trooper Scottie Pennington said Friday that authorities have "extended the search deeper into Daniel Boone National Forest." He previously told reporters that there was no indication that Couch had exited the woods. Were going to stay in the woods until we find him. Thats our job. If hes dead or alive, its our job to try to find him.

The Daniel Boone National Forest is massive, spanning 21 counties in eastern Kentucky. It's about the size of Puerto Rico, which has a land area of about 3,400 square miles.

KSP along with state, local, and federal partners continue the search for Joseph Couch. This video depicts the dense area law enforcement encounter during the search. -Trooper Scottie Pennington Post 11 pic.twitter.com/Bf6zkSdOXz  KY State Police (@kystatepolice) September 10, 2024

The search area has other challenges: Its full of sinkholes and cliff beds that are dangerous for searchers on the ground.

Authorities have worked through rough terrain, theyve worked in the dark and understand in this terrain theyve put their own lives on the line, Beshear said Thursday.

What is a grid search?

In a manhunt, authorities commonly use a technique called a grid search. Retired FBI agent Scott Duffey told Yahoo News that these allow law enforcement to methodically search a very large area one section at a time.

Duffey said those boots on the ground will walk in a straight line at a designated starting point, walking toe to heel, very slowly, looking from left to right and in front of them. Once that section is done, its marked off as complete.

In order to ensure the fugitive doesnt backtrack through that completed search area, stationary officers are posted around that perimeter.

The idea is to keep moving him forward until there is no place left to go, Duffey explained.

Communication is key in a manhunt

With all of the different law enforcement and federal agencies involved, Pennington said its a constant communication effort.

We have to tie those networks together to go out and do grid searches, Pennington told reporters, adding that it helps keep the boots on the ground safe, as well as to relay anything they find in their search for Couch.

Its got to be the right communication and thats why these things take so long, Pennington said.

What could law enforcement use to detect Couch?

Retired FBI agent Ray Carr told Yahoo News he worked on the 2014 manhunt for Eric Frein, which took 48 days and resulted in over 1,000 people looking for him.

What I'm hoping they may have done is use helicopters with infrared which sends off heat sources, Carr explained. When it's very, very warm out, those infrared heat sources aren't as viable as when it's cold. According to Carr, one thing Laurel County sheriffs officials may have done when searching Couchs home in their investigation was retrieving a piece of the suspects clothing as a source for a tracking dog to locate him.

Duffey said that due to the terrain of the manhunt where there are cliffs and hills, it's not at all out of the realm of possibility that if [Couch] is still alive, that he can easily remain aloof to law enforcement for two weeks.

How long can Couch survive?

For now, Kentucky State Police are hoping to wear Couch down. I hope he doesnt have water. I hope he doesnt have food. And I hope hes just worn out and eventually hell walk out of the forest. Thats what I hope happens, Pennington told reporters Tuesday.

If Couch dies, Pennington said there are signs that could tip off searchers.

If it continues to be hot outside, and [Couch] has passed away, nature takes care of itself, you can see a lot of things from the air a lot of times, buzzards start to fly and if your body is decaying out there, that could help in this investigation. Not saying that will happen, but thats human life, Pennington said.
Marianne Williamson denies backing Trump over eating pets smear against immigrants after saying voodoo is real

Marianne Williamson denies backing Trump over eating pets smear against immigrants after saying voodoo is real

Marianne Williamson has denied backing Donald Trumps claim that Haitian immigrants in Ohio are eating peoples pets, after saying the unverified reports should not be dismissed out of hand and that voodoo is real.

This week, Trump, JD Vance and other right-wingers have promoted the unfounded conspiracy theory that Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio are eating residents cats and dogs.

The theory  which city officials have said there is no evidence for  was even discussed on the debate stage as Trump faced off against Kamala Harris. Debate moderator David Muir pointed out the claim was unfounded, but Trump doubled down.

Former Democratic presidential candidate and self-help author Williamson responded to the uproar by writing on X: Continuing to dump on Trump because of the eating cats issue will create blowback on Nov. 5.

Haitian voodoo is in fact real, and to dismiss the story out-of-hand rather than listen to the citizens of Springfield. Ohio confirms in the minds of many voters the stereotype of Democrats as smug elite jerks who think theyre too smart to listen to anyone outside their own silo.

Williamson, a self-help author, previously campaigned for president as a Democrat (AFP via Getty Images)

But Williamson, 71, insisted her comments did not mean she was backing Trumps claims.

Following a request for comment, she responded to The Independents initial story on her tweet by saying: I absolutely did not give credence to Trumps claims!

Linking to a National Geographic article she added: I said that the practice itself is verifiable (see below), and that automatically dismissing the stories of people in places like small town Ohio are very bad for Democrats and actually helps Trump.

However, officials in Springfield have said there have been no credible reports of cats or dogs being harmed.

Meanwhile, some academics have previously suggested the historical use of the word voodoo had racist undertones.

Myths and racist sentiments surrounding voodoo lie at the heart of the right-wing conspiracy theory targeting Haitians in Ohio, Dr. Willie Mack, a University of Missouri professor who studies race and immigration, told The Intercept. Voodoo originated from vodu, which means spirit or god in the West African language Fon.

Anti-Haitian racism has a deep-rooted history in the United States, dating back centuries. Americans have long been fed images of Haiti as a voodoo and backwards, uncivilized Black country, Mack told The Intercept.

Vodou is a religion practiced in Haiti which blends African tribal traditions and theology with European beliefs.

Dr. Danielle Boaz, associate professor of Africana studies at the University of North Carolina, Charlotte, says the term voodoo has a long racist history and that those who use it are promoting the idea that religions from Africa are primitive, evil and barbaric.

Vodou was frequently labeled as voodoo in Anglophone newspapers and other literature in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and devotees were falsely accused of committing atrocities like cannibalism and human sacrifice during their ceremonies, Boaz wrote for The Conversation.

Although Vodou has no ultimate source of evil in its cosmology, it is often denounced as devil worship, Boaz continued. These myths have led to discrimination and violence against devotees.

Williamson ran in 2020 and again this cycle. The author suspended her Democratic campaign in February before unsuspending it weeks later. Williamson also said she would run against Harris for the Democratic nomination after President Joe Biden dropped out, but ultimately decided against it.

This story was updated on September 12 with Marianne Williamson's comments about her initial tweet
Maricopa County's top prosecutor wants lawmakers to pass a bill that would allow for harsher punishments of people involved in gang-style beatings.

County Attorney Rachel Mitchell said at a news conference Wednesday she wants a new category of crime called "swarming" to hold people who act in groups to assault others, like the "Gilbert Goons," accountable.

"This is, for the most part, what we have been seeing in recent cases of teen violence," Mitchell said. "Three, four, five or more people targeting one person. This mob mentality that is demonstrated in these cases is significantly more dangerous for the victim. And that danger needs to be reflected in our laws."

Her proposal would make it a more serious felony  Class 4  if two or more people engaged in the beating. Many of the people charged in Goons attacks faced Class 6 felonies, which is the least serious type in Arizona and can be turned into a misdemeanor. Class 4 felonies cannot be converted to misdemeanors.

Mitchell held the news conference in the Community Chambers of Queen Creek, the town where Preston Lord, 16, was fatally beaten in a gang-style attack at a Halloween party last year.

Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell speaks during a news conference on Sept. 11, 2024, at the Queen Creek Community Chambers.

Seven people were charged with first-degree murder in Lord's death. All have pleaded not guilty.

State Rep. Matt Gress, R-Phoenix, spoke at the conference, expressing support for the proposal and said he and Rep. Julie Willoughby, R-Chandler, would bring it to the Legislature in January.

Queen Creek police Chief Randy Brice said a more serious charge would help keep violent people off the street by prompting potentially higher bond amounts. It would also lead to stiffer penalties, he said.

"So we hope to see that that's a deterrent," Brice said.

Brice said he spoke with the Lord family on Wednesday and that they supported the measure. The Lord family later released a statement through their lawyer.

"The Lord family is grateful for this critical step in addressing assaults involving multiple perpetrators on one victim. This proposed legislation is necessary to handle assaults where a victim is overwhelmed by a group of attackers," said Bryn K. DeFusco. "The dangers posed by these types of attacks go beyond individual acts of violence. They often lead to severe physical and psychological harm and, in Preston's case, the unimaginable. The Lord family looks forward to bi-partisan support for this bill, which will provide justice and enhance the community's safety."

A December investigation by The Arizona Republic detailed how Lord's death was tied to the Goons, a gang of teenagers who recorded their blitz-style attacks on teens in parks and parking garages, outside fast-food restaurants and at house parties. Most beatings took place in Gilbert. Two of the people charged in the Lord case have also been indicted in Goons attacks.

Authorities in May announced the Goons were a hybrid criminal street gang. But Gilbert police Chief Michael Soelberg said there was not enough evidence to bring gang charges.

Police began making arrests tied to the Goons in January and have so far arrested 18 people in ten attacks. Some were arrested multiple times on suspicion of involvement in separate attacks, bringing the total number of arrests to 30.

Many more people, who can be seen in videos beating up others, have not been arrested or charged.

Mitchell said once police started submitting group teen attack cases to her office, prosecutors found they were limited by current law: unless an attacker caused serious injury or used a weapon, the crime was considered a misdemeanor. Prosecutors were able to increase the charges to a Class 6 felony by arguing that the ability victims had to resist their attackers was impaired, she said.

But Mitchell said the lowest felony charge was not enough.

"I describe Class 6 felonies as being a sort of purgatory, if you will, between misdemeanors and felonies," Mitchell said. "And that simply does not speak to the seriousness of these crimes, especially to our young people."

The Maricopa County Attorney's Office has charged a dozen people in Goons attacks. Nine of them have admitted involvement or accepted a plea deal. The six people who have been sentenced so far have received probation.

Only one person, Tyler Freeman, faces prison time. He pleaded guilty in August to two brass-knuckle attacks from 2022. He faces at least 2 1/2 years in prison and is set to be sentenced on Oct. 11. In 2023, the 18-year-old was convicted in two other brass knuckle assaults.

Mitchell acknowledged that many people charged in Goon attacks have received probation. She said that under state law, most crimes are probation-eligible unless a weapon was involved or the person charged had a prior felony conviction in adult court.

If Mitchell's proposal passes, people charged with Class 4 felonies could still get probation, she said. But if someone does face prison time, they would have a higher sentencing range.

Reach reporter Elena Santa Cruz at elena.santacruz@gannett.com or 480-466-2265. Follow her on X at @ecsantacruz3.

Robert Anglen is an investigative reporter for The Republic. Reach him at robert.anglen@arizonarepublic.com or 602-444-8694. Follow him on X @robertanglen.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Rachel Mitchell proposes harsher punishments in Goons-like beatings
An elections worker scans mail in ballots at the Maricopa County Tabulation and Election Center on Nov. 7, 2022. Photo by Justin Sullivan | Getty Images

For the first time in nearly 20 years, voters in Maricopa County will cast their votes on a two-page ballot and election officials say theyre ready, even if that means everything is now double.

It is an enormous amount of work to do in a very short time, Maricopa County Director of Elections Scott Jarrett told reporters Wednesday. This is the Super Bowl of elections, and we are ready.

There are some 13,572 different ballots in the county, and the average one will include 79 contests, including the presidential race, positions on local school boards, seats in the state legislature as well as judicial retention. The last time voters have been given a two-page ballot was in 2006, when there were 19 ballot measures.

Jarrett told reporters that, while much of the focus on why the ballot has become so long this year has been on the large number of ballot propositions, most of which were sent by lawmakers to avoid Gov. Katie Hobbs veto pen, there are other reasons for the length.

One of those reasons, he said, is a rise in third-party candidates. Maricopa County voters will see third-party candidates in more contests than in previous election cycles, creating more information that needs to fit on the ballot itself.

Still, Jarrett conceded that the biggest reason for the lengthy ballot is the ballot propositions, which have to include language explaining each proposition to voters.

Republican lawmakers are responsible for 11 of the ballot propositions, the largest number of legislative referrals since 1984, when legislators sent 13 measures to the ballot. Maricopa isnt alone either in the two-page ballot: Nine of Arizonas 15 counties will have a two-page ballot.

In Maricopa, the ballots also will vary in length depending on which precinct a voter may be in. While it will still be two pages, the number of issues being voted on will vary. For example, the longest ballot is for the Lonesome voting precinct in west Phoenix, while the shortest is the Desert Oasis precinct in northwest Maricopa County.

Earlier this year, prior to the primary election, the county conducted a mock election to stress test their equipment on the possibility of a two-page ballot. That mock election, a first of its kind for the county, helped elections officials understand where bottlenecks in the system occur, Jarrett said.

The two biggest bottlenecks they discovered were the voting booth itself and the on-site tabulators. Voters will take longer in the voting booth to complete a two-page ballot, and care needs to be taken with on-site tabulation to ensure voters dont insert in the pages too quickly, which causes jams and other issues.

Due to some of these anticipated issues, the county said it is increasing the number of tabulators at certain sites from two to three. And 13 voting centers that are expected to have higher voter turnout will have three tabulators.

I am fairly confident in the model that weve built on, Jarrett said, adding that lines are normal. They are not unusual.

During the 2022 midterm elections, some areas experienced long lines due to issues with on-site ballot printers at 70 polling locations. Those printing errors caused tabulators to reject some ballots. Voters were then told to put their ballots in a secure drawer for later tabulation at county headquarters. Those ballots were still counted, and the printers have all been replaced by the county.

During their tests and mock election, the county discovered that inserting the two-page ballot back to back created issues with the tabulator jamming, meaning a voter would have one page tabulated and another would have to be put aside to be tabulated later. However, Jarrett said that additional training, as well as signage on the tabulators notifying voters to wait to put in their second page, will hopefully prevent that from becoming a major issue.

Another possible issue the county is hoping to get ahead of by implementing voter education campaigns is how the two-page ballot impacts early voters. A voter in theory could send only one of the two pages and their vote would be counted, just not on all the races. If a voter wanted to try to send a second page that was left out after the fact, they would be unable to.

Additionally, Jarrett spoke of a scenario in which voters in a family that live in different places in the county may fill out their ballots together and mix up which one goes in which envelope. In that scenario, the ballots would not be counted.

Jarrett stressed the importance for voters to understand that they need to send both pages when voting early. Currently, the counties are waiting on guidance from the Secretary of States Office on how to best notify voters of this possible issue should their vote not be counted, Jarrett said.

With the doubling of the ballot comes a doubling of the workload.

Jarrett said the county has expanded its workforce and that it will be implementing night shifts in order to get results out by the deadlines mandated in state law. Maricopa will have approximately 14 days to tabulate, do post-election testing and file reports on the results  all while dealing with potential recounts and other issues.

Jarrett said that the county has bought new tabulation equipment for the central processing center that is faster than the ones used in previous elections, and theyve also doubled the number of adjudication stations, where bipartisan teams of elections officials and observers resolve issues with ballots that cant be read by the tabulators.

As in every election, results wont be finalized on election night. When counting stops on Nov. 5, the results wont include ballots deposited that day in drop boxes or last minute mail-in ballots.

Jarrett said that they are strongly encouraging people to vote early in order to help make for a smoother Election Day and to enable the county to more effectively and accurately count ballots.

We have the staff, we have the skills, we are ready, Jarrett said when asked how staffing might impact the election results.

Counties across the country have been seeing a drain in election workers as threats against them continue to skyrocket, especially in Maricopa County where conspiracy theorists have focused much of their attention.

The county has also increased the number of vote centers from 147 in 2022 to 246 for 2024.

Jarrett said he expects that lines will average between 15 to 20 minutes, but some areas could see wait times as long as an hour at busy times. But Jarrett stressed that voters at those locations could go to a different nearby vote center if they need to vote faster.

Those who anticipate voting early can also learn about what exactly is on their ballot on the county website so they are prepared if they chose to vote in person on election day. Voters who want to ensure they are on the early mailing list or check their voting registration status can go to BeBallotReady.Vote.

Early ballots for the general election will be sent to voters on Oct. 9.

***UPDATE: This story has been updated to show that there will be 13,572 different styles of ballots in Maricopa County.

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Boulder is one step away from becoming the new home for the internationally recognized Sundance Film Festival.

The Sundance Institute, the nonprofit responsible for running the annual independent film event, announced Thursday that Boulder has made the list of top three finalists to potentially host the festival beginning in 2027.

Colorado officials including Gov. Jared Polis placed a bid for Boulder to host Sundance in June as event organizers put out a request for host cities as they consider leaving the festival's 40-year home in Park City, Utah.

The festival may still stay in Utah as a joint bid with Park City and Salt Lake City is one of the three finalists. Cincinnati, Ohio, is the third finalist. Writers from both The Hollywood Reporter and Vulture Magazine have speculated that Boulder is the No. 1 candidate.

The other finalists announced in July  Atlanta, Louisville, Kentucky, and Santa Fe, N.M.  didn't make the cut.

The Sundance Institute said their three finalists had the best infrastructure, capabilities and equity values to host the festival.

"Each has shown us the blend of exciting possibilities, values, and logistics needed to produce a vibrant, inviting and inclusive Festival," Eugene Hernandez, festival director and head of public programming, said in a news release. "Were excited for a future Sundance that can discover, support and inspire artists and audiences for the next 40 years."

What might Sundance mean for Boulder's own longtime film festival?

Polis said in a statement that Boulder is the "next natural home" for the Sundance Film Festival.

"Here in Colorado, we cherish our creative communities, the jobs they create, and the economic contributions they make to our entire state, and the Sundance Film Festival would perfectly complement the work and creative activity already happening here in Colorado," Polis said.

Boulder would keep the festival in the Mountain West region, state officials have pitched.

The city also has a remote connection to Sundance Festival founder Robert Redford, who went to the University of Colorado Boulder for one year and worked at The Sink as a janitor, according the the university. His children also attended CU.

Nearby in Estes Park, the Stanley Hotel temporarily hosted the Sundance Institute's 2024 Directors Lab for budding filmmakers as the Sundance Resort Utah was under construction. That program will return to Colorado next year as well.

State officials have called this a "once in a lifetime opportunity" for Colorado to become the festival's new home.

Sundance generated more than $118 million for Utah and created more than 1,600 jobs in 2023, according to an economic impact report from Y2 Analytics. It also has ties to the winter sports industry, as 23% of festival visitors said they intended to ski or snowboard during the festival, the report found.

The Colorado Economic Development Commission approved a $1.5 million incentive in June to attract the festival, more than the $1.3 million Utah gave to the festival in 2023.

The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade is also contributing $325,000 and the Colorado Office of Film, Television and Media is contributing $250,000 over five years. The Colorado Tourism Office is contributing $50,000 and the Colorado Creative Industries $25,000.

The Sundance Institute is expected to announce the host city after the 2025 Sundance Film Festival in winter or early spring.

The Robert Redford-founded festival has been a launching pad for many top filmmakers over the years, from Quentin Tarantino to Ryan Coogler. Its also premiered many eventual Oscar nominees and winners, including CODA, their first best picture winner, and the past three documentary winners 20 Days in Mariupol,Navalny and Summer of Soul.

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What's next to win?

When asked about how Colorado plans to lure the festival away from its current home, Polis told The Denver Gazette he believes Boulder would help Sundance grow.

"As the festival achieves new heights, they want a partner that's able to not only keep up with it, but really help be a part of taking Sundance to the next level," Polis said in an interview.

The governor and state leaders met with Sundance organizers as they toured each finalist city over the summer before narrowing their choice to three.

Officials said they showed the organizers Denver International Airport, CU Boulder's campus and Macky Auditorium Concert Hall, and the hotel capacity across the Denver metro region and had several prominent Colorado filmmakers join their meetings to help make the case for Boulder.

Polis said Boulder would benefit from the festival as it's usually hosted in late January, a slower period in the city, which could stimulate the region's ski resorts and hotels.

"Colorado doesn't necessarily need or want more visitors during Christmas week or during different times of year where it's already very crowded," Polis said. "But we absolutely all benefit from the increased visitation and investment during the weeks proposed for the festival."

It's hard to know exactly what the organizers are looking for in a host, said Eve Lieberman, Colorado's executive director at the Office of Economic Development and International Trade. But she added they seemed interested in Boulder's proximity to Denver International Airport and the many flight connections it offers, as well as CU Boulder's infrastructure and its students

Now the state is focusing on having the best bid, Polis said.

"We are working on making sure that Colorado's incentive package is competitive and really a part of helping to seal the deal," the governor said. "The benefits are far beyond for businesses and for Colorado consumers who might enjoy the festival."

Colorado leaders may consider enhancing its incentives now that it made the final stage of selection, Lieberman said. But also, they believe Boulder's assets speak for themselves.

The city is bringing diverse venues, a vibrant creative community, the iconic Flatirons mountains and many willing partnerships to the table, Lieberman said.

"Those are probably our primary attributes that we're leaning forward with," she said.

The Denver Gazette sought reaction to today's news from Kevin Smith, CEO of Denver Film, who was traveling and unavailable. For five decades, Denver Film has presented the Denver Film Festival, which is now a staple on the late-fall Denver metro cultural calendar. In his place, Denver Film spokesman Marty Schechter said: "Like everyone else, well wait and watch the next phase of this process unfold."

Two keen observers of the process have been sisters Kathy and Robin Beeck, who co-founded the Boulder International Film Festival 20 years ago and in early March drew 20,000 film enthusiasts to Boulder and Longmont to see nearly 80 films.

It would be a huge boon for the city of Boulder, and it would be a huge boon for our economy, Kathy Beeck told The Denver Gazette last month. And while we certainly haven't talked to anybody at Sundance about this, we feel like we have laid the groundwork for a festival like Sundance to come to Boulder.

Senior Arts Journalist John Moore and wire services contributed to this report.
A Marine vet fatally subdued a screaming man on a NYC subway. Now, a secret video has emerged  but there's a catch.

A Marine vet fatally subdued a screaming man on a NYC subway. Now, a secret video has emerged  but there's a catch.

A Marine vet will be tried for manslaughter for subduing a screaming man in an NYC subway car.

This week it emerged in court that a couple from Europe may have extended video of the incident.

But the couple has declined for more than a year to turn their footage over to prosecutors.

Manhattan prosecutors are in talks with a husband and wife who were among those on a Manhattan subway car last year watching as a 24-year-old Marine veteran subdued and fatally strangled a homeless street performer who'd been screaming at passengers.

As Daniel Penny prepares for his October 21 manslaughter trial, the couple have emerged as key but reluctant witnesses.

The couple had been visiting New York City  from "Europe, someplace," as the judge described it on Monday  when they filmed Penny grappling on the car's grimy floor with Jordan Neely.

The tragedy roiled a post-pandemic city that was struggling, with mixed success, to reduce crime and convince tourists and commuters to return to its streets, restaurants, theaters, and offices.

Penny's lawyers now believe the husband and wife's testimony and footage could be among their best evidence in the divisive case, potentially shedding more light on Neely's actions in the minutes before his death and bolstering their defense that the killing was justified.

However, the couple has refused to turn the footage over to prosecutors. They have also refused to testify before the grand jury that indicted Penny or the trial jury that is due to be picked beginning on October 21.

Since recording the video on May 1, 2023, the husband and wife "have gone back to their home, which apparently is in Europe, someplace," New York Supreme Court Justice Maxwell Wiley said Monday, according to a transcript of an unannounced pretrial hearing.

"They have so far refused to share the video they took," the judge continued. "They refused to share it with the DA, or with anybody else, and they are so far refusing to come back to testify."

Images from bystander video of the death of Jordan Neely. Juan Alberto Vazquez/Reuters

To date, the judge noted, the pair has only agreed to meet with the DA a few times, via video. The judge called those meetings "ongoing."

Prosecutors have turned over their notes from those meetings to defense lawyers, who are eager to find out the husband and wife's identities and the video's contents.

"Not only is it probative, I mean, it is incredibly favorable to the defense, or at least certain parts of it," Thomas Kenniff, a defense attorney, said of the couple's testimony and video on Monday.

"Maybe more probative than any testimony of the issues that are going to be at issue in this trial."

The defense noted that because the husband and wife live outside the United States, their testimony and video may be immune to subpoenas from either side.

Still, Kenniff suggested that based on the DA's notes, the couple's footage and testimony are so good for the defense that prosecutors are making less than a good-faith effort to secure either.

"If we are at the same point a few weeks from now, then that's, I think, a very serious issue," Kenniff said, warning that his client's right to present a defense was being compromised.

Prosecutors have possession of at least two other eyewitness videos, according to court filings, but both start after Penny has begun to choke Neely.

The next hearing in the case is set for October 3.

Penny, of Long Island, remains free on $100,000 cash bail, and his online defense fund has raised $3 million.

He has pleaded not guilty to an indictment that alleges he was reckless or at least negligent when he used excessive force on Neely, continuing to choke him for nearly a minute after the prone man had stopped moving.

Neely was a homeless street performer and Michael Jackson impersonator. He had schizophrenia, multiple assault arrests, and a history of using K2, a powerful synthetic marijuana, according to court papers filed by both the prosecution and the defense.

Prosecutors have noted that, according to multiple eyewitnesses, Neely was verbally threatening passengers at the time Penny jumped him. In a court filing on Monday, prosecutors conceded that there was a "synthetic cannabinoid present in his blood at autopsy."

Still, "the defense should not be permitted to introduce damaging background information regarding the victim's character and history," Dafna Yoran, the lead prosecutor, wrote in the filing.

"The only reason to do so is to influence the jury to devalue Mr. Neely's life," Yoran wrote.

Kenniff and a spokesman for the district attorney's office declined to comment on this story.

Read the original article on Business Insider
NEW YORK (PIX11)  Sgt. Jason Thomas had just retired from the Marine Corps about a year earlier. On the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, he was dropping his daughter off at his mothers Long Island home when she told him planes had flown into the twin towers.

Thomas quickly made his way to Lower Manhattan where he witnessed the towers collapse. Thomas had to take cover. He remembers the debris, dust clouds and glass falling from the sky.

I knew the city needed help, Thomas said.

Thomas ran into danger and into the rubble to help trapped people get out.

More Local News

Thomas ran into another Marine veteran, Staff Sgt. David Karnes, and together the two searched for survivors.

Is anyone down there? United States Marines! Thomas yelled into the crevice.

At one point, Thomas fell into a hole, but he was able to pull himself out. The two Marines found two Port Authority officers in the hole. William Jimeno and John McLoughlin were both alive but in bad shape.

Thomas was able to help get the officers out, saving their lives. His heroism is something that remains an inspiration to many others.

While navigating through the debris, Thomas set up a camera at the highest point. He had taken several pictures for his family just in case he did not make it out.

The camera got lost in the rubble, but a firefighter found it and placed it in a box in his basement until years later when Hurricane Sandy hit and the basement was flooded. The firefighter developed the pictures on the camera and returned them to Thomas.

Thomas said if he had to do it all over again, he would, as his mother always taught him he is his brothers keeper.

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The U.S. Marine Corps legacy F/A-18C/D Hornets are getting a major boost in stand-off strike capability in the form of AGM-158 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) cruise missiles. JASSM breathes new life into the aging Marine Hornets, enabling them to hit targets on land at substantially greater ranges than they can now, keeping the jets further away from threats, and helping to maintain their relevance going forward, especially in future high-end fights.

In August, personnel at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in California evaluated procedures for loading JASSMs onto Hornets as part of ongoing integration work, according to a release this week from the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (3rd MAW). An F/A-18D from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 232 (VMFA-232) was used for this validation and verification testing. Elements of Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 11 (MALS-11) also participated in the test event.

Personnel at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar unload an AGM-158A JASSM cruise missile during testing in August 2024 as part of work to integrate the missile onto the F/A-18C/D Hornet. USMC

The Marine Corps is in the process of phasing out its F/A-18C/D Hornets, with the last of them expected to head into retirement at the end of the decade. Around 84 jets are expected to remain in service until the very end and are being heavily modernized in the meantime. Those upgrades include new APG-79(V)4 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars and improved electronic warfare suites. The Marines have at least been interested in integrating JASSM and potentially other longer-range weapons onto the aircraft for years now. You can read more about the Corps plans for the legacy Hornets here.

JASSM has substantially more reach than any strike weapon Marine Hornets can currently carry. Though the official maximum range for the baseline AGM-158A variant is classified, publicly available sources put it at between 230 and 330 miles. The extended-range AGM-158B JASSM-ER, the only version of JASSM currently in production, is understood to be able to fly roughly twice as far, at least. The AGM-48D Harpoon anti-ship cruise missiles and AGM-84H/K Standoff Land Attack Missile-Expanded Response (SLAM-ER) derivatives available for Marine Hornets now have reported ranges of around at least 80 and 170 miles, respectively.

A US Marine Corps F/A-18C Hornet with a live AGM-84D Harpoon anti-ship cruise missile under its wing. USMC

A US Navy legacy Hornet with a SLAM-ER missile under its right wing during testing. USN

The missiles in the JASSM family are more survivable and lethal than the existing stand-off strike options for Marine legacy Hornets. This is thanks the their stealthy design and highly advanced navigation capabilities, which help them skirt hostile defenses and successfully reach their targets. The missiles use of an imaging infrared sensor with scene/image matching capability in the terminal phase helps the weapon find and hit its mark accurately even in the face of heavy radiofrequency electronic warfare jamming.

The integration of the AGM-158A joint air-to-surface standoff missile into the F/A-18s arsenal significantly enhances the Hornets capabilities, enabling it to strike targets from well beyond the reach of enemy air defenses, Marine Maj. Bradley Kirby, an aviation ordnance officer with 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, said in a statement in the release about the testing at Miramar in August.

This, in turn, opens new options for employing Marine F/A-18C/Ds in future conflicts. Giving the Hornets the ability to employ JASSM could be especially valuable in potential high-end fights, such as one against China in the Pacific, where ever-growing air and missile defense threats are expected to present significant challenges even to more modern stealthy platforms. With the Hornets ability to operate from shorter airstrips, including ones on far-flung islands, thanks to deployable arresting gear systems, the Marines could also push JASSM-armed aircraft further forward to begin with.

Integrating JASSM on the Corps legacy Hornets also has broader implications in the near and long term. No other aircraft in the services current fleets can currently employ JASSM, though there are plans to integrate it onto all three variants of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. Its also worth pointing out that AGM-158s are too big to fit inside the internal bays on any version of the F-35 and will have to be carried under their wings, which will increase their radar signature. The Marines are already in the process of supplanting their remaining F/A-18C/Ds, as well as AV-8B Harrier jump jets, with a mixture of F-35Bs and Cs.

A rendering of an F-35 carrying a pair of AGM-158C Long-Range Anti-Ship Missiles (LRASM) under its wings. LRASM is derived from the JASSM and this is how Joint Strike Fighters would carry the latter missiles in the future, as well. Lockheed Martin

The JASSM not only surpasses the capabilities of any other weapon currently in the Hornets extensive weapons portfolio, but also the Marine Corps at large, Maj. Kirby noted following the test event at Miramar. This added capability will greatly increase 3rd Marine Aircraft Wings ability to support the joint force and enable greater freedom of maneuver across all operational domains.

The JASSM validation and verification process allowed Marines to contribute valuable feedback that will inform the development of checklists to be used by both the Marine Corps and the Navy against future adversaries, Warrant Officer Josiah Hood, ordnance officer with VMFA-232, also said, highlighting how the integration of the missile on the F/A-18C/D is feed into plans to add these weapons to the F-35s arsenal.

The expectation is that any future large-scale conflict will also require significant overall stand-off strike capacity. The Air Forces work on the Rapid Dragon palletized munition system to turn cargo planes into platforms to launch JASSMs is a prime example of other ways the U.S. military is looking to address that demand. Arming Marine F/A-18C/Ds with AGM-158s also adds to the total available launch platforms for those missiles.

Integrating JASSMs onto legacy Hornets could open a door to adding other weapons to the available arsenal for those jets, including the Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) derivative of the AGM-158. The Marines have also talked about integrating longer-range Harpoon variants and the latest AGM-154C-1 variant of the unpowered Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW) glide bomb on their F/A-18C/Ds in the past. Earlier JSOW variants are already cleared for use on legacy Hornets. The Navy halted work on a cruise missile derivative of JSOW in 2021 ostensibly to focus resources on an extended-range version of LRASM.

An AGM-154 JSOW under the wing of a Finnish legacy Hornet. MKFI via Wikimedia

Its also interesting to note here that the U.S. Air Force is now in the process of acquiring Joint Strike Missiles (JSM), derived from the increasingly popular Naval Strike Missile (NSM) that is in U.S. Navy and Marine Corps service, primarily as a bridge to integrating the larger LRASM onto its F-35A. LRASM is also expected to be an option in the future for the other two existing F-35 variants.

JSM is less capable in many regards to JASSM and LRASM, but also significantly smaller and can fit inside the weapons bays on F-35As and Cs. JSM, which has a reported maximum range of around 350 miles, also has the ability to hit targets both on land and at sea. Plans to develop a version of LRASM with secondary land-attack capability have been axed, at least for the time being. All of this might make the JSM, which has already been fit-checked on the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet along with a host of other aircraft, an attractive additional stand-off strike option for Marine legacy Hornets.

Pictures showing work on integrating the Joint Strike Missile (JSM) on all three variants of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, as well as the F-16. Kongsberg Pictures showing work on integrating the Joint Strike Missile on all three variants of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, as well as the F-16. Kongsberg

There has also been a surge in interest in new lower-cost cruise missiles and other types of stand-off munitions recently across the U.S. military that might feed into future Marine planning for the F/A-18C/D.

Just integrating JASSM onto the Marine Corps legacy Hornets will give the jets a major boost in capability in the twilight of their careers.

Contact the author: joe@twz.com
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) and far-right commentator Laura Loomer butted heads on social media Wednesday, after Loomer made an egregiously racist post about Vice President Kamala Harris.

In a post on X, Loomer said that the White House will smell like curry if Harris, who is South Asian, wins the presidential election.

White House speeches will be facilitated via a call center and the American people will only be able to convey their feedback through a customer satisfaction survey at the end of the call that nobody will understand, Loomer wrote on X in response to a post Harris had made about her family.

That went too far for Greene, who jumped to Harris defense.

This is appalling and extremely racist. It does not represent who we are as Republicans or MAGA, she responded. This does not represent President Trump. This type of behavior should not be tolerated ever.

Loomer, known for her extreme anti-Muslim beliefs, fired back at Greene in multiple posts attacking her personally, and also doubled down on her smears of Harris.

Loomer was seen palling around with Trump as part of his entourage at the Philadelphia airport ahead of the ABC News presidential debate Tuesday night. On Wednesday, she joined Trump in New York to commemorate the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

In a statement to The Associated Press, Loomer said that she doesnt work for the Trump campaign and that she was invited as a guest.

Last year, Loomer posted a video on social media claiming the 9/11 terror attacks were an inside job, a conspiracy she tied to then-President George W. Bushs defense secretary, Donald Rumsfeld, according to the AP.

Greene, too, has spewed dangerous rhetoric and offensive statements over the years, including aspects of the sprawling Qanon conspiracy theory, which posits that former President Donald Trump is fighting a deep state of child-abusing Democrats, CNN reported. In 2021, she used an offensive term for Asian people to tout diversity within the Republican party.

CORRECTION: A prior version of this story incorrectly stated that Donald Rumsfeld was George W. Bushs secretary of state.

Related...
MAGA stalwart Marjorie Taylor Greene called out far-right agitator Laura Loomer on Wednesday, accusing the failed congressional candidate of racism and misrepresenting the Republican party for a post about Kamala Harris featuring racist stereotypes about South Asians.

On September 8, in response to a post from Harris featuring photos from a childhood visit to India, Loomer, a self-proclaimed proud Islamophobe who was once kicked off Twitter for anti-Muslim remarks, claimed:If @KamalaHarris wins, the White House will smell like curry & White House speeches will be facilitated via a call center and the American people will only be able to convey their feedback through a customer satisfaction survey at the end of the call that nobody will understand.

If @KamalaHarris wins, the White House will smell like curry & White House speeches will be facilitated via a call center and the American people will only be able to convey their feedback through a customer satisfaction survey at the end of the call that nobody will understand. https://t.co/EebUiKKxVw  Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) September 8, 2024

This is appalling and extremely racist, Georgia Representative Greene said in response on X. It does not represent who we are as Republicans or MAGA. This does not represent President Trump. This type of behavior should not be tolerated ever.

This is appalling and extremely racist. It does not represent who we are as Republicans or MAGA.



This does not represent President Trump.



This type of behavior should not be tolerated ever. @LauraLoomer should take this down. https://t.co/z9s5fZlgQi  Marjorie Taylor Greene  (@mtgreenee) September 11, 2024

Loomer then fired back, calling Greene a raging anti semite and claimed her post was a funny joke about Kamala Harris using her Indian mom as a way to dodge questions.

Both women, in fact, have long been accused of spreading hate, accusations that havent stopped either from getting praise from Donald Trump.

Loomer has made hateful remarks about Representative Ilhan Omar, who was born in Somalia, and once called for a new ridesharing service that didnt allow Muslims.

The far-right personality unsuccesffuly ran for Congress in Florida in 2022, and has been praised by Donald Trump on multiple occasions.

She even flew with Trump to Tuesdays presidential debate, and was with him the following day.

Loomer flew with Trump to Tuesdays presedential debate (REUTERS)

Greene has her own history of inflammatory remarks, including spreading conspiracies about 9/11, the Parkland shooting, and claiming before she was elected that a prominent Jewish banking family used a space laser to start fires in California.

She also accused congresswomen Omar and Rashida Tlaib, both of whom are Muslim, of not being really official members of Congress because they didnt take their oaths of office over a Bible.

I really want to go talk to these ladies and ask them what they are thinking, and why they are serving in our American government, Greene said. They really should go back to the Middle East.

Greenes history of inflammatory claims prompted Democrats to strip her of her committee assignments in 2021.

Greene is a longtime ally of Trump, and regularly appears at his campaign rallies, including an event in June where she compared the former president to Jesus Christ.

Trump, for his part, regularly taunts Harris over her heritage, intentionally misprouncing her name and accusing Harris  whose father is from Jamaica, who attended an HBCU, and who pledged one of the nations largest Black sorrorities  of only suddenly deciding to turn Black.
To Our Guild Leadership and Staff:



We are proud rank-and-file union and trade association members from every corner of our industry  working on screen, stage, set, and in the field  united in solidarity with the global call for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and a just, lasting peace. As artists and storytellers, we cannot stand idly by as our industry refuses to tell the story of Palestinian humanity.



Following SAG-AFTRAs statement in sympathy with Israel regarding October 7, many SAG-AFTRA and sister guild members have watched in horror as the Israeli government wages a war of collective punishment on the civilian population of Gaza  killing over 40,000 Palestinians, injuring over 90,000 more, forcibly displacing 2 million people, and openly targeting members of the press and their families. As the IDF continues its assault on safe zones, schools, and hospitals, and as civilians in Gaza die from starvation, dehydration, and lack of medical supplies and fuel, major human rights groups have labeled these acts as war crimes, human rights atrocities, and even genocide. The UN has described Gaza as a graveyard for children  and estimate that by mid-July half of the population  more than a million people  could face death and starvation. As of now, there is no end in sight  only escalation, death, and destruction.



Despite these clear violations of human rights and Israels decades-long occupation of Palestinian land and lives, our union leadership has remained silent. Thus, they have made conditional which atrocities we choose to condemn and which innocent lives we choose to acknowledge and mourn. Moreover, SAG-AFTRA and nearly all our sister guilds have remained silent in the face of flagrant and unprecedented attacks on freedom of the press, including the deliberate targeting and murder of Palestinian journalists and their families by the IDF. The Committee to Protect Journalists has declared the war on Gaza the deadliest period for journalists covering conflict since CPJ began tracking in 1992. Some of those journalists were members of news organizations whose domestic affiliates are represented under SAG-AFTRA contracts. While SAG-AFTRA issued a public statement at the outset of the Ukraine war demanding that journalists of all nations working in the war zone are kept safe, its words now ring hollow if they only apply to some journalists of certain identities.



On December 13, 2023, Israeli forces attacked The Freedom Theatre in the Jenin refugee camp and kidnapped several of its members  fellow actors and directors, who have called for solidarity from theatre workers worldwide. Palestinian trade unions have called for international labor solidarity, reminding us that the struggle for Palestinian justice and liberation is a lever for the liberation of all dispossessed and exploited people of the world. Worldwide labor has heeded that call, including major Australian, British, Belgian, Indian, and American unions. On Nov 15, our British peer union, Equity UK, called for an immediate and lasting ceasefire, stating: We send our solidarity to Palestinian artists suffering in the horrendous conditions created by Israeli bombing, occupation, and apartheid. Since then, UAW International has called for a ceasefire and announced the formation of a Divestment and Just Transition working group; The Animation Guild (IATSE Local 839) became the first Hollywood union to call for a ceasefire in Gaza; five of the 10 largest American labor unions and federations have officially called for a ceasefire including the NEA (National Education Association), SEIU (Service Employees International Union), and the AFL-CIO; and unions collectively representing a majority of organized workers in the US formed The National Labor Network for Ceasefire. In July, 7 major unions representing over 6 million workers published a letter to President Biden demanding an arms embargo on Israel.



The global call for a ceasefire  from organized labor, artists and fellow SAG-AFTRA members, human rights groups, world leaders, and the majority of the American public  grows louder every day. And yet, our government continues to sponsor the Israeli forces assault on Palestinian civilians, and our industry union leadership still refuses to speak out. We reject this silence. Our calling as artists, news reporters, and storytellers is to bring truth to the world. To fight the erasure of life and culture. To unite for justice in the name of the most vulnerable among us. Its exactly what we did during our historic strike in 2023.



We are the labor that built and sustains this business. When our leaders cant stand up publicly for peace and justice, then we must do what we always do: organize, fight for change, and win. Our guild leadership must join the largest and most diverse peace movement in a generation  the integrity of our legacy demands nothing less. When confronted with genocide, oppression, and injustice, let us ring the bell for humanity and liberation. An injury to one is an injury to all.



We, the undersigned members of SAG-AFTRA, IATSE, WGA, Teamsters, DGA, AEA, AFM, Hollywood Basic Crafts, CSA, PGA, and more, demand our leadership issue a public statement calling for a permanent ceasefire, release of all hostages  both Palestinian and Israeli, and immediate funding and delivery of desperately needed humanitarian aid; to speak out against the targeting and killing of innocent Palestinian civilians, health workers, and our journalist colleagues; to condemn our industrys McCarthyist repression of members who acknowledge Palestinian suffering; and to eliminate any doubt of our solidarity with workers, artists, and oppressed people worldwide.



In solidarity,



SAG-AFTRA & Sister Guild Members for Ceasefire
GROVE, Okla.  On Thursday, the newest Marshalls Department Store held a grand opening in Grove, and donated $10,000 to an abused childrens organization.

The Grove High School band and cheerleaders welcomed the early shoppers before 8 a.m.

Marshalls celebrated the grand opening with a $10,000 donation to the Delaware County Childrens Special Advocacy Network.

We are so excited to have Marshalls in Grove and so excited for this donation, said Jill McAbee, DCCSAN director. We plan to use the money for direct services for local victims of child abuse,

DCCSAN provides forensic interviewing, counseling, court preparation, and crisis intervention for Delaware County children.

The agency wants to be sure every child in this county who has been a victim is going to get what they need to heal from the abuse, such as counseling, she said.

We are just as much invested in justice for kids as we are healing for kids, McAbee said. Justice and healing go hand in hand.

McAbee said some of the money will go to fund brave packs, which contain comfort items for children.

When they [a child] leaves our building, we want them to have something in hand that is a physical illustration that somebody cares, McAbee said.

This is a tremendous opportunity for Grove, said Mayor Ed Trumbull. This has transformed our community.

Known as Shoppes of Grove, the former Wal-Mart building was remodeled into Grove Event Center, and then more remodeling turned it into a three-boutique mall.

The transformation is unbelievable, Trumbull said.

With Starbucks yards away, its bringing more opportunities to Grove, he said.

Grove City Manager Debbie Bottoroff said the Sept. 6 opening of Bealls and Marshalls will have a snowball effect on other retail businesses.

Hopefully, other retail businesses will follow suit, bringing more business into Grove, Bottoroff said.

Shoppes of Grove also contains a Ross Dress for Less store, which is expected to open in October.

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WILLIAMSTON, N.C. (WNCT) In Martin County, the school district is seeing historic growth from last year into this year.

Representatives with the district said theyre seeing growth in school size and academic success at every school in the system.

The district has been on the rise and are celebrating a few things from this past school year like none of the schools receiving an F grade. Wednesday was Ice Cream Day at Riverside Middle School to celebrate the teachers.

Its been amazing, the kids want to learn, they want to be here, they want to do well, Riverside Middle School teacher Ms. Landon Leggett said. So, thats been really exciting to see.

All of our K-8 schools met growth as measured by the North Carolina Accountability System, Martin County Schools Superintendent Dr. Michelle White said. This is the first time thats ever happened since this accountability model was released.

Click the above video to see more.

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A new mural in downtown Macon is honoring Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. and serving as a reminder of his last visit to the community.

Kevin Scene Lewis, a local artist known already for his work depicting civil rights heroes, has painted the icon on a building on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.

The fact that Martin Luther King, Jr. was here in Macon and did his last speech at Zion Baptist shows the importance Macon held in the civil rights movement, he said. I really love it because its a great opportunity for discussion with the community.

The mural was commissioned by Keep Macon-Bibb Beautiful as part of the Keep America Beautiful 2024 Martin Luther King Jr. Community Improvement Grant, according to Asha Ellen, Keep Macon-Bibb Beautifuls executive director.

The purpose of the grant is to beautify streets and roads named after Dr. King, said Ellen.

From left, William P. Randall, Ralph David Abernathy, Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and an unidentified man during Kings visit to Macon on March 23, 1968, to speak at New Zion Baptist Church. (File Photo)

She said Keep Macon-Bibb Beautiful was also a 2023 recipient of the Martin Luther King Community Improvement grant and used the funds to plant over 20 trees on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd from Oglethorpe Street to Hazel Street.

For the 2024 grant, Ellen said Keep Macon-Bibb Beautiful commissioned Lewis to pay homage to Kings last visit to Macon on March 23, 1968.

Dr. King spoke at New Zion Baptist Church - the church was located at 310 Edgewood Avenue not far from the site of the mural which is located at 1410 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, she said.

Cars drive by as Kevin Scene Lewis works on a mural of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, off of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Macon, Georgia. The mural will depict King as well as cherry blossoms and Zion Baptist Church, the last place King visited in Macon before his assassination in 1968.

Ellen went on to say that the mural will benefit the community in several ways, including sharing a piece of Macons history that many are unaware of. It will also revitalize surrounding neighborhoods. She said it can also help raise awareness to younger generations about Kings message of nonviolence.

King visited Macon just 12 days before being assassinated on April 4 in Memphis, Tennessee. It was Kings final visit to Macon as part of his Poor Peoples Campaign.

Ellen said the March 23 Macon stop is unknown to many Maconites.

In my opinion, Dr. Kings visit was a very historic moment in Macons history that we should all at least be aware of, she said.

Lewis, the artist who created and restored the John Lewis Mural in Warner Robins when it was vandalized in June, said it was an honor to be commissioned for the mural.

Lewis explained that while he is always a fan of beautifying places with art, he feels like he has hit a home run when his work gives viewers the opportunity to learn something.

Kevin Scene Lewis works on a mural of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, off of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Macon, Georgia. The mural will depict King as well as cherry blossoms and Zion Baptist Church, the last place King visited in Macon before his assassination in 1968.

The mural was a collaboration of public, private and nonprofit organizations coming together for the community, according to Ellen. The building is owned by Brandon and Nadiyah Harris who donated its use for the mural installation.

A native of Ohio, Lewis said he has fallen in love with the Macon community.

I am really grateful and thankful that I have been able to show my art in this beautiful city of Macon, he said. Ive lived all over the world and this has, by far, been the warmest and most welcoming city to me and my family.

Kevin Scene Lewis works on a mural of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, off of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Macon, Georgia. The mural will depict King as well as cherry blossoms and Zion Baptist Church, the last place King visited in Macon before his assassination in 1968.

King was born on Jan. 15, 1929, in Atlanta. He was a Baptist minister and social activist who led the civil rights movement in the United States from the mid-1950s until his assassination.

Kings most famous work is his I Have a Dream, speech delivered in 1963. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964.

The mural was set to be presented to the community at a news conference Friday morning.
BALTIMORE  As Joppatowne High School students begin returning to classes after last weeks fatal shooting on campus, the school has updated security measures.

Principal Melissa Williams said in an announcement video that the school has received inquires on how safety will be improved. She said staff have been diligently preparing to come back to school after 15-year-old Warren Curtis Grant died Friday.

Additional personnel from Harford County Public Schools and the county sheriffs office will be on campus for the return, according to the announcement. While the police officers will be identifiable in their uniforms, the additional school district staff will wear orange vests as they assist in the halls, cafeteria and classrooms.

Until the arrival of new lockers by next week, students will be prohibited from bringing bookbags and large purses to school. Those who bring bags big enough to hold books or laptops will be stopped and searched, with the bags confiscated until a parent or guardian can pick them up.

After the new lockers are installed, ensuring that every student has one, the larger bags must be stored in lockers upon arrival to school. Those who do not adhere to the new guidelines will be subject to searches and disciplinary actions.

Joppatowne High School had grades 10 and 12 return to school Thursday with a three-hour early dismissal. All students will be back on Friday with school dismissing three hours early.

Teachers have planned flexible lesson plans that allow for different student needs. We want our students to be able to process and decompress throughout the day, while allowing students who are ready to get back to their studies, teacher Erica Richardson said in the video.

The school plans to be back to its regular hours for all students Monday.

Grant died in a hospital Friday afternoon after being shot during a dispute in a first-story bathroom at the school. Another student, 16-year-old Jaylen Prince, is being charged as an adult for the killing.

We are all grieving, Richardson said in the video. But by coming together as a community, we can grieve together and support one another.
The Broomfield Police Department issued a shelter-in-place for apartment residents while an active-shooter situation occurred Thursday morning.

Officers responded to the Arista Flats apartments on Central Court  near the 1stBank Center between U.S. Highway 36 and Wadsworth Parkway  around 6:30 a.m. for the report of shots fired, according to a social media post from the department.

Police announced that shots were still being fired around 8:07 a.m.

Limited evacuations were completed at the apartment complex and the Jefferson Academy school, about three miles away, was placed on secure lockdown.

The departments SWAT team, crisis negotiators and surrounding law enforcement agencies responded to assist around 9 a.m., the department said.

So next door to me, I heard some loud banging almost 7 a.m. And I heard some screaming and some yelling and then a few minutes I did hear some loud noises, which I later realized were gunshots. A lot of them, resident Reya Rossel told the Denver Gazettes news partner, 9News. She said she believed the shooter was one of her neighbors.

Both the suspect and a woman from inside of the apartment were taken to a nearby hospital around 10 a.m. The scene was then considered secure, the department said.

The extent of the injuries are currently unknown.

Police were initially called to the apartments on a disturbance report by a neighbor. When the officers arrived, they heard a man making threats. Quickly after, they heard gunshots, Rachel Haslett, a spokesperson for the department, told the media during a press conference.

The suspect was allegedly firing shots into the parking lot and surrounding units, damaging some nearby apartments and vehicles.

SWAT and crisis negotiators attempted to communicate with the man for around four hours, but he fired shots at police from the apartment sporadically throughout.

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He was aiming for our officers, as well, Haslett said, noting that initially it was an active shooter and barricaded hostage situation. A lot of people were in danger.

The officers then forced entry into the apartment. One officer fired his weapon at the suspect, but it is unknown whether the suspect was shot. The officers were then able to detain the man, Haslett said.

The suspect busted out one of the windows, leaned out and unloaded a full clip toward the police, Anthony Rurupe, a nearby resident, told The Denver Gazette.

It didnt really look like he was trying to aim at anybody. It looked like he was just indiscriminately unloading on anything to the west, he said.

Rurupes partner, Jennifer Komperda, had been walking their dogs around 7 a.m. when a neighbor yelled that there was an active shooter. The duo then watched the scene unfold from their window.

We could hear them over the intercom begging and pleading for him to come out, Rurupe said. Officers asked them to evacuate their side of the building, due to its close proximity to the shooting.

SWAT members then used the couples apartment balcony to get a good view of the suspects apartment.

After evacuating, the couple heard one really powerful shot, as if from a high-powered rifle, and then multiple shots like fireworks.

Rurupe, who has lived in Broomfield for around two years, said the area is usually very low crime and lowkey.

It feels a little surreal. Its kind of hard to believe that this is really going on right now just a block down the road, he said.

Its going to be an active crime scene and its going to be closed for a while, Haslett said.
Maryland man arrested for fatal shooting in Northeast DC

WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  D.C. police arrested a man from Maryland who was involved in fatally shooting another man in Northeast Monday.

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said 32-year-old Bryant Nelson of Temple Hills, Md. was arrested Wednesday after he allegedly shot and killed 46-year-old Townsend Reginald Sowell, of Northeast D.C.

PHOTOS: Car crashes into building in Northwest DC

The shooting happened early Monday morning at around 1:20 a.m. in the 2800 block of 7th Street.

There, officers found Sowell suffering from gunshot wounds. He died at the scene.

Nelson was charged with first-degree murder while armed (premeditated.)

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DARTMOUTH, Mass. (WWLP)  A woman from Dartmouth pleaded guilty in connection with embezzling money from multiple employers.

According to the Department of Justice in Boston, 41-year-old Jasmyne Botelho allegedly stole at least $280,000 from her employer between September 2017 and April 2020. To hide her scheme, Botelho falsified her employers books and records to make it appear payments had been sent to vendors rather than to Botelho.

Familys worst nightmare: Uber driver accused of raping, killing woman

She also allegedly inflated her payroll from another employer by more than $160,000 between May 2022 and December 2023. To hide this scheme, she manipulated her employers payroll and accounting software to hide her inflated payroll as well as phony reimbursements she paid herself.

Botelho pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud and is scheduled to be sentenced on December 18th. She faces up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000.

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WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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Maui visitor rescued after falling 10 ft onto rocks at Twin Falls

TWIN FALLS, Hawaii (KHON2)  Maui Fire Department rescued a California hiker after he fell approximately 10 feet while hiking at Twin Falls.

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Fire officials received the call on Tuesday around 12:41 p.m. when it was reported that the 30-year-old visitor fell onto rocks and sustained trauma injuries to his upper and lower body.

100% of debris cleared from Lahaina Impact Zone residential properties

Engine 2 and Rescue 10 aboard Air 1 responded to the scene, where firefighters hiked to the victims location where they prepared him to be airlifted.

He was then airlifted to a landing zone adjacent to Hana Highway.

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EMS took over care and transported the man to Maui Memorial Medical Center.

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This is an adapted excerpt from the Sept. 12 episode of "Ana Cabrera Reports."

This week, Donald Trump and his allies have continued to amplify lies about Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, falsely claiming the community is abducting and eating their neighbors pets. These lies are ugly and offensive but we have to remember, Trump is doing this for a reason.

The former president is looking to plant the seeds for a second-term immigration agenda, which would include the destructive, divisive and inhumane deportation of millions of people. To do that, he has to establish these beautiful Americans as the "other"  as people who are lesser than.

But lets just look at the facts here. Haitian immigrants have played an extraordinarily important role in boosting Springfields economy. The citys downtown has been revitalized in recent years, as more Haitians have come in and helped meet the demand for labor. According to officials, Haitians now make up about 15% of the population. Along with adding to the economy, like other immigrant groups, theyre also contributing to the amazing cultural mosaic that is Ohio and the United States of America.

Most Americans can see right through Trumps lies because, as we all know, immigration is not concentrated in any one community in this country. Across the U.S., we can see the positive contributions immigrants make to their communities.

In New York City, each and every day we witness first-hand the ways immigrants and migrants add to our economy. New York City Schools Chancellor David C. Banks even said recently that migrants have been a godsend to the citys schools, helping boost a declining student population.

The Democratic Party and all its allies should continue to tell the truth to the American people and call out Trump for these disgusting lies. But we should also never forget that the strategy behind what hes doing is even scarier.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
MBTA to give update on South Coast Rail at community meeting

TAUNTON, Mass. (WPRI)  As testing continues on the South Coast Rail, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) will be hosting a community meeting on the project in Taunton.

MBTA General Manager Phil Eng and the project team will be present to give updates on the construction.

RELATED: South Coast Rail wont be ready until spring 2025

The meeting will be at 6 p.m. on Sept. 18 at Taunton City Hall on Summer Street.

Eng is scheduled to talk about the testing process that is currently underway, as well as the timeline of the project.

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MCPD: 16-year-old boy arrested after shooting at teen who got off school bus in Germantown

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now)  Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) said it arrested and charged a 16-year-old boy for allegedly shooting at another teen boy after he got off of a school bus in Germantown in March.

According to MCPD, on March 13 at around 3 p.m., 16-year-old Jaiden Ochieng arrived in the 19300 block of Archdale Road in a stolen Hyundai.

Moments later, when a 15-year-old boy got off the school bus, Ochieng got out of the Hyundai and chased after him before allegedly shooting at him, according to MCPD.

Ochieng then left the scene.

The victim was uninjured.

Officers who arrived at the scene found two shell casings in the area of Trophy Court and Archdale Road.

Police later identified Ochieng as the suspect.

Family of woman killed in Silver Spring apartment fire to file lawsuit

Officers obtained an arrest warrant for Ochieng, charging him with attempted first-degree-murder, first-degree assault, use of a firearm in the commission of a violent felony and theft related charges.

On Sept. 6, officers arrested Ochieng in the 13300 block of Copper Ridge Road, where they recovered a stolen loaded gun that Ochieng had tossed before his arrest.

Additional charges were added to include possession of a firearm on school property, possession of a loaded handgun and underage possession of a firearm.

Officers transported Ochieng to the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit.

He has been charged as an adult and is being held without bond.

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NEWARK, N.J. (PIX11)  A dog seen running on highways near Newark Liberty International Airport for weeks has been rescued, according to a New Jersey animal rescue.

A professional trapper caught the Jack Russell Terrier, who was named Monkey by the Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge.

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And, even more unexpectedly, it only took minutes for this adorable dog to warm up to human touch, despite evading rescuers for so long, the rescue wrote in a Facebook post.

He is still scared of people but likes other dogs. Monkey, who is treat-motivated, is being socialized and trained to walk on a leash, according to the rescue.

Its not known when hell be up for adoption. You can donate to help in Monkeys recovery here.

Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
Attorney General Merrick Garland vowed Thursday that the Justice Department wont be cowed by what he called an unprecedented spike in threats aimed at prosecutors, FBI agents and other investigators.

In an unusual 22-minute speech to the DOJ workforce, Garland toed a careful line, decrying threats and abuse coming largely from supporters of former President Donald Trump, while not mentioning the Republican presidential nominee by name.

Speaking with the hotly contested presidential race in full swing, the attorney general also insisted that the Justice Department has not and will not allow political considerations to impact its decisions.

Over the past three-and-a-half years, there has been an escalation of attacks on the Justice Department's career lawyers, agents, and other personnel that go far beyond public scrutiny, criticism, and legitimate and necessary oversight of our work, Garland said while speaking to the U.S. Attorneys annual conference in Washington, repeatedly interrupted by applause from the hundreds of DOJ employees on hand.

While the attorney general denounced the outright threats, he also decried a series of activities that Trump and his allies have often engaged in or fueled, including conspiracy theories, dangerous falsehoods, efforts to bully and intimidate career public servants by repeatedly and publicly singling them out.

You have made clear that the Justice Department will not be intimidated by these attacks, Garland said. But it is dangerous and outrageous that you have to endure them  You deserve better.

Garlands speech came just inside a 60-day preelection window, when prosecutors typically refrain from filing new cases against candidates out of concern about roiling the electoral process. He made no explicit reference to the presidential campaign, although some of his remarks seemed intended to discourage political rhetoric aimed at DOJ, particularly attacks on individual prosecutors or investigators.

The way you do that work makes clear that the public servants of the Department of Justice do not bend to politics. And that they will not break under pressure, the attorney general said.

Garland appeared to allude to claims of political interference with DOJ during the Trump administration when he called the time just before he was sworn in a particularly difficult period for the department.

In a statement, Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung described the attorney generals remarks as disgraceful and said Garland has done tremendous damage to a once great institution.

As the attorney general repeatedly praised the agencys adherence to norms, he seemed to exhort the career workforce to resist any politicization of the department in the future, regardless of the outcome of the November election.

Our norms are a promise that we will not allow this department to be used as a political weapon, Garland said. And our norms are a promise that we will not allow this nation to become a country where law enforcement is treated as an apparatus of politics.

Parts of Garlands speech had a valedictory tone as he reviewed his three-and-a-half years leading the department, although he made no announcement Thursday of any plan to resign.

The Justice Department has filed dozens of cases in recent months charging individuals with making threats  often death threats  against judges, FBI agents and prosecutors. Some appear to have targeted officials connected to criminal or civil cases against Trump.

Trump has not been charged in connection with the threats and has denied encouraging violence against anyone. He and his allies have also insisted that the Justice Department was weaponized against him during his term in office.

In May, federal prosecutors pursuing a criminal case accusing Trump of hoarding classified information at his Florida home asked a judge to impose a gag order on him after he repeatedly and falsely alleged that FBI agents were authorized to shoot him during a search of his residence in 2022. The search was deliberately conducted while he was not home.

Special counsel Jack Smith did not ask U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon to expedite the gag order, which Trumps lawyers opposed as an unwarranted intrusion on his speech during the campaign. The gag request was still pending in July when Cannon dismissed the case on unrelated grounds.

Trump is under a gag order imposed by a judge in Washington limiting his comments about prosecutors, potential witnesses and court personnel in the case Smith is pressing over Trump's efforts to undermine the results of the 2020 presidential election.
Attorney General Merrick Garland told staff at the Department of Justice that the agency will not be used as a political weapon as Donald Trump campaigns on a message of political persecution with barely veiled threats to turn the government into a tool of retribution.

In an at-times emotional speech to Justice Department staff on Thursday, Garland defended a promise that we will not allow this Department to be used as a political weapon, and that the agencys norms are a promise that we will not allow this nation to become a country where law enforcement is treated as an apparatus of politics.

The Justice Departments public servants do not bend to politics and will fiercely protect the independence of this Department from political interference in our criminal investigations, Garland said.

His remarks follow attacks from the Republican presidential candidate and his allies who have accused Garland and President Joe Biden of weaponizing the Justice Department to criminally prosecute him in two cases under special counsel Jack Smith.

Attorney General Merrick Garland told staff on September 12 that the agency will not be used as a political weapon (EPA)

Trump was criminally charged for his efforts to reverse his election loss in 2020, and for allegedly withholding reams of classified documents after leaving office, then obstructing efforts to get them back.

But another special counsel, Robert Hur, has separately investigated Biden for his own withholding of classified documents from his time as vice president, though Hur ultimately decided against charging the president

His son Hunter Biden, however, pleaded guilty last week to tax fraud charges brought by a third special counsel, David Weiss.

The Justice Departments investigation into Democratic Senator Bob Menendez also yielded guilty verdicts for corruption and bribery.

Yet, Trump continues to baselessly insist that the department is singling him out, and that the multiple criminal investigations and lawsuits against him are the product of a Biden-directed scheme to derail his election chances.

In a lengthy post on his Truth Social and X accounts on Saturday, Trump threatened long term prison sentences for Lawyers, Political Operatives, Donors, Illegal Voters, & Corrupt Election Officials he accused of cheating in the 2020 and 2024 elections.

Trumps campaign called Garlands latest remarks disgraceful.

Garland has done tremendous damage to a once great institution, according to Trumps communications director Steven Cheung.

Using phony charges to interfere with the presidential election on behalf of the Democrat Party has to be stopped and those driving these Hoaxes have to be held accountable, he said.

Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith is prosecuting a case against Donald Trump for his allegedly criminal attempts to subvert his 2020 election loss (AFP via Getty Images)

In his remarks on Thursday, Garland rebuked the dangerous escalation of conspiracy theory-driven attacks against the agency and its staff.

Over the past three and a half years, there has been an escalation of attacks on the Justice Departments career lawyers, agents, and other personnel that go far beyond scrutiny, criticism, and legitimate and necessary oversight of our work, he said.

These attacks have come in the form of conspiracy theories, dangerous falsehoods, efforts to bully and intimidate career public servants by repeatedly and publicly singling them out, and threats of actual violence, he added.

It is dangerous and outrageous that you have to endure them, he said.

Less than two months before Election Day, Garland stressed that federal prosecutors and agents may never make a decision regarding an investigation or prosecution for the purpose of affecting any election or the purpose of giving an advantage or disadvantage to any candidate or political party.

Trumps attacks and attempts to undermine confidence in elections have appeared to fuel threats to poll workers and election officials at the local level, far from the work of federal prosecutors.

More than a third of local election officials have reported threats, harassment or abuse due to their jobs, according to a 2024 survey from the Brennan Center for Justice at the New York University School of Law.

Since 2020, the Justice Department has recorded an unprecedented spike in threats against the public servants who do administer our elections, Garland said earlier this month.

In a democracy, people vote and argue and debate  often loudly  in order to achieve the policy outcomes they desire, he said in remarks before a meeting with the Justice Departments Election Threats Task Force on September 4.

And the Justice Department will continue to relentlessly protect the rights of all Americans to peacefully express their opinions, beliefs, and ideas, he added. But the promise of our democracy is that people will not employ violence to achieve their preferred outcomes.
Mexican city of Culiacan is near a standstill over fears of cartel clashes

Schools and businesses in Culiacan, Mexico, are closed and security has been increased as violent clashes play out between factions of the Sinaloa cartel. (AP Graphic)

MEXICO CITY (AP)  Schools and businesses in Culiacan, the state capital of Sinaloa remained closed and festivities around Mexican Independence were canceled Thursday as fears over clashes between factions of the Sinaloa cartel disrupt life in the northern city of 1 million.

Sinaloa Gov. Ruben Rocha and outgoing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador  both of the ruling Morena party  have downplayed the tensions, which started Monday, and said that local, state and federal forces are ensuring safety in the area.

But despite the recent deployment of special forces soldiers, planes and heavily armed helicopters, the fear continues. Even Rocha recognized that the clashes, which have followed the arrest in the U.S. of two cartel leaders in late July, could continue.

Security forces are dissuading some violent acts but above all reducing the risks to the population to a minimum, Rocha said in a video posted to social media Thursday.

Still, for safety reasons, he said there will not be any celebration for the Sept. 15-16 holiday, adding that school will be suspended Thursday and Friday because so few students showed up.

In 2008, a grenade attack in the city of Morelia, west of Mexico City, during the independence celebrations killed eight and wounded dozens, in what was an unusual cartel mass attack on civilians.

The Sinaloa governor maintained the state has sufficient security presence to protect people, but around Culiacan people appear to have a very different view.

The government doesnt control anything, absolutely nothing, said Ismael Bojorquez, director of the weekly newspaper Riodoce in Culiacan, which specializes in coverage of organized crime. There is a lot of fear. The people are defenseless.

As an example, he said that on Tuesday gunmen in a convoy of 15 trucks drove into the city and later left without any authority stopping them.

Bojorquez said that cartel gunmen have their shootouts, kidnap and burn, then the government arrives to clean up and take away the burned vehicles.

Faced with inaction from the government, residents took their own precautions including not sending their children to school, he said.

Juan Carlos Ayala, a professor of philosophy at the University of Sinaloa, said that just between Wednesday and Thursday he came upon three shootouts.

The city appears empty, he said. Theyre clashing everywhere.

He noted that the internal clash created a lot of uncertainty. They all know each other, they know where each other lives. They come, wreck the houses, take relatives.

A 65-year-old retiree named Jesus, who lives in a rural community on the outskirts of Culiacan and gave only his first name for safety, said he had asked his children to leave his grandchildren home and to not believe that things are calm even if the government says so.

As of Wednesday, the state prosecutors office had reported nine dead, eight injured and 14 abducted, but the actual number of fatalities may be higher since the cartels often pick up their own dead.

The surge in violence had been expected after Joaquin Guzman Lopez, a son of former Sinaloa cartel leader Joaquin El Chapo Guzman, landed near El Paso, Texas on July 25 in a small plane with Ismael El Mayo Zambada.

Zambada was the cartels elder figure and reclusive leader. After his arrest, he said in a letter circulated by his lawyer that he had been abducted by the younger Guzman and taken to the U.S. against his will.

Now there appears to be a struggle for power between the remaining sons of El Chapo, known locally as the Chapitos, and those loyal to Zambada.

Theres obviously a fight for power inside the cartel, Bojoquez said. The only thing the government is doing is watching, observing the clash between the Chapitos and El Mayos people, he said. Theres no action against the drug trafficking cells. ___

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Areas around Colorado Springs are under a red flag fire warning through 8 p.m., Thursday due to high winds and low humidity.

"With the potential for 30-35 mph wind gusts this afternoon and relative humidity in the teens, elevated to critical fire danger conditions will be met," Meteorologist Alan Rose with Gazette news partner KOAA said. "A red flag warning will go into effect today at noon and continue until 8 p.m."

Rose said daytime highs will be hotter today because of the down-sloping winds, and highs topping out in the 80s and 90s on the Plains.

Most highs will be in the 70s in the mountains and mountain valleys.

"We could also see some haze and smoke by this evening from large fires burning in California (too)," Rose said.

Expect a widespread haze from noon to 4 p.m. Sunny skies are in the forecast alongside a high of 85 degrees.

Looking ahead to Thursday night, expect continued areas of smoke. Expect partly cloudy skies and a low of 55 degrees.

According to Rose, temperatures will drop slightly heading into Friday with continued areas of haze.

"As low pressure lifts northward into Canada on Friday, the wind will weaken over the Pikes Peak region. Highs will be around five degrees cooler thanks to the passage of an early morning cool front. Our high in Colorado Springs on Friday will top out in the lower 80s," Rose said.

"Highs will warm up this weekend, with mid-80s set to return to Colorado Springs by Sunday. Another disturbance that drops into the West Coast this weekend will bring the potential for showers to the mountains by Sunday, with dry skies expected for now on the I-25 corridor and eastern Plains."

Here's the 4-day forecast from the National Weather Service.

Friday: Expect widespread haze after 8 p.m. Sunny skies are in the forecast and a high of 82 degrees.

Saturday: Expect sunny skies and a high of 84 degrees.

Sunday: Mostly sunny skies are in the forecast and a high of 84 degrees.

Monday: Expect mostly sunny skies and a high of 83 degrees.
Mexico will amend its constitution this weekend to require all judges to be elected

MEXICO CITY (AP)  Mexico is poised to amend its constitution this weekend to require all judges to be elected as part of a judicial overhaul championed by the outgoing president but slammed by critics as a blow to the countrys rule of law.

The amendment passed Mexicos Congress on Wednesday, and by Thursday it already had been ratified by the required majority of the countrys 32 state legislatures. President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said he would sign and publish the constitutional change on Sunday.

Legal experts and international observers have said the move could endanger Mexicos democracy by stacking courts with judges loyal to the ruling Morena party, which has a strong grip on both Congress and the presidency after big electoral wins in June.

Lopez Obrador says the overhaul would crack down on corruption in a system that most Mexicans agree is broken. But critics believe the move will deal a blow to checks and balances and make it easier for cartels and criminals to influence the courts.

The overhaul has fueled weeks of strikes and protests by judicial employees, law students and many other Mexicans.

On Wednesday, it crossed its biggest hurdle by passing Mexico's Senate. Angry protesters stormed the chambers Tuesday in a last ditch effort to block the proposal, but senators moved to another location and passed the measure in the early morning after hours of verbal sparring.

As of Thursday, 18 legislatures already had ratified the overhaul.

Lopez Obrador said he would time his signing of the measure for Sunday's celebration of Mexico's Independence Day. The event will allow the populist leader to solidify the judicial transformation as his legacy, just weeks before he leaves office on Sept. 30.

With now 18 approving it, well, now its legal, Lopez Obrador said during in a morning news briefing on Thursday.

It's an incredibly important reform, reaffirming that in Mexico there is authentic democracy. The people electing their representatives, electing their public servants in all three branches, that is democracy," he said. ___

Follow APs coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america
NEW MEXICO (KRQE)  New Mexicos Attorney General is calling on federal lawmakers to require surgeon general warnings for social media. Raul Torrez joined 41 other colleagues in a letter to Congressional leadership saying social media platforms have fueled a mental health crisis among young people.

New Mexico Department of Justice suing Snapchat over content concerns

It comes months after U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy said warnings about the dangers are needed like the ones on cigarettes. I would like a very clear identification of the potential harm: the risk of anxiety, the risk of depression, the potential for increased suicidal ideation, the fact that someone could be subject to sexual predation, said AG Torrez.

Torrez said a warning could appear on an app store before the platform is downloaded on a device.

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Fencing, barbed wire and warning signs surround a wastewater injection well owned by Occidental Permian, Ltd. and situated next to Jefferson Elementary School and Bensing Park in Hobbs, New Mexico. More than 8.7 million barrels of wastewater have been injected in the well in the past decade according to data from the New Mexico Oil Conservation Division. (Photo by Jerry Redfern / Capital & Main)

Guzzler. Bottomless Pit. Deep Thirst. Big Swig.

More like: No Dice.

The thirsty well names reflected the hopes of companies to fill them with oilfield wastewater, a problematic and toxic byproduct of the oil trade. But a series of earthquakes in the Permian Basin of New Mexico has prompted the states Oil Conservation Division to cancel these four and 71 other waste injection wells planned along the states southern border with Texas.

Capital & Main first published this article. It is republished here with permission.

In addition, recent research by the states seismology lab has uncovered thousands of previously uncatalogued quakes in the area, further clarifying the link between wastewater injection and seismic activity. Meanwhile, a state agencys plans to allow that wastewater to be used outside the oilfield took a beating.

The canceled wells were planned in the County Line Seismic Response Area, covering roughly 500 square miles of some of the most lucrative acreage in the Permian Basin, the countrys most productive oil basin. Earlier quakes in the area led to the creation of the zone and the states Seismicity Response Protocol in late 2021 that laid out how and when to reduce or halt wastewater injections following local temblors.

Up to 2.3 million barrels of so-called produced water a day would have been injected into the now-canceled wells. That water is oilfield waste, pumped from wells along with the oil and natural gas. In New Mexico, on average, about four barrels of the wastewater are produced for each barrel of oil extracted. The water is extremely briney, laced with hydrocarbons, often spiked with drilling chemicals and regularly contains radioactive isotopes.

And nobody really wants the stuff.

While some companies do use produced water to drill new wells, most pay to have it hauled away and pumped it into underground formations. These formations are not empty rooms just waiting to be filled with brine: They are porous rock. Injecting produced water increases the pressure in that rock and, in turn, in the surrounding formations. That often leads to earthquakes as the rocks shift under the pressure.

Urbi Basu studies these induced quakes from her new perch as the manager of the Seismological Observatory at the New Mexico Bureau of Geology. She initially arrived from India to study induced seismology in the Permian Basin for her postdoctoral work at New Mexico Tech. There, she tested a trio of machine learning tools to find which worked best in Permian Basin geology, using old seismological data to uncover previously undetected quakes.

Basu said she found thousands of such quakes  small ones  as the ground beneath the Permian Basin shifted from all of the injected water. No one can feel those earthquakes, she said, but they are important. Generally, seismologists scan seismic data looking for spikes in readings that signal a possible quake, then line up those spikes with data from other recording stations to pinpoint a quakes epicenter and calculate its intensity.

But its difficult for humans to differentiate the signal of tiny quakes in seismic data from the human-caused noise of rumbling trucks, machinery and underground explosions from hydraulic fracturing. However, a computer can recognize the minute structures in a tiny quakes signal that distinguish it from technological background noise. Manually we will always have some human error, Basu said, but the machine learning does not miss out on those things.

The most likely causes of earthquakes in that area is injection activities, she said. So if there was no injection activities, even the smaller earthquakes wouldnt be happening.

The research has real-world implications, helping state agencies and oil companies find and avoid previously unknown faults. That really helps in finally choosing well locations, Basu said, because no one really wants to drill at a known fault.

Knowing the location and number of small quakes helps geologists track swarms of little quakes that can be a harbinger of larger quakes to come. That knowledge also alerts New Mexicos Oil Conservation Division to shut down injection wells  or stop them from being drilled in the first place, as happened earlier this year.

Gerasimos Razatos, acting director of the Oil Conservation Division, said, The previous frequency and intensity of earthquakes in this area required the [Seismic Response Area] to be created. And once they started regulating injections, seismic activity declined in the seismic response area.

Another reason for Basus work is to track injections and resulting quakes, since the quakes can show up miles from the problematic injection well. Earthquakes might be happening 70 or 50 miles away, Basu said, and in other places they might be happening very close to the injection area.

Oil isnt the only thing under the ground in New Mexicos Permian Basin. The Waste Isolation Pilot Plant, the nations only permanent repository for high-level radioactive waste from the nuclear weapons industry, sits 2,150 feet underground in the middle of the basin, about 15 miles north of the Seismic Response Area. The federal government has approved a controversial second high-level nuclear waste storage facility in the area, that one for waste from the nuclear power industry.

Meanwhile, the amount of wastewater that operators would like to inject in the ground keeps growing as oil and gas production increases. Last year, the industry generated more than 2.3 billion barrels of toxic wastewater in New Mexico, more than three times the amount of fresh water used per year in Albuquerque, the states largest metro area. That reflects a 220% increase over the amount that came out of the ground annually when Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham was first elected in 2018. All of that wastewater in a perennially dry state gave the governor an idea.

In the last legislative session, Lujan Grisham proposed a new program that would buy brackish water from deep natural aquifers or wastewater from oil and gas producers and sell it to companies that would clean it up and resell it to industries that use water for their operation, such as solar panel manufacturing and hydrogen production. Of the two water types, produced water is the most readily available since the oil and gas industry produces millions of barrels of it daily. By comparison, the state doesnt know how much brackish water may exist, or where.

The plan, as initially proposed, would have cost half a billion dollars. Industry liked the idea of being paid for its waste. The Legislature didnt, and it failed to pass. But the idea lives on. Jodi McGinnis Porter, deputy communications director for Lujan Grisham, said the administration remains committed to seeking investments in treating brackish and produced waters for clean energy and advanced manufacturing projects.

Current state rules allow oilfield wastewater to be used only in oilfield operations or reinjected in the ground. Any other use is illegal. For nearly five years, companies  overseen by the states Produced Water Research Consortium at New Mexico State University  have conducted sometimes controversial pilot projects as they attempt to clean oilfield wastewater to a level that the Environment Department might allow it to be used outside the oilfields. After the legislative session, the New Mexico Environment Department proposed changes to the rules that would be the first necessary step for Lujan Grishams plan.

They would allow wastewater to be used outside oilfields after it has been cleaned in an approved way and to an approved level. New Mexicos Water Quality Control Commission held its latest round of hearings on the proposal in mid-August following initial hearings in May.

Norm Gaume, the former director of the New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission who spent a dozen years as an operations and maintenance manager of Albuquerques water, wastewater and stormwater pumping systems, has his doubts about the states proposed rule changes.

After nearly five years, The pilot projects to date have produced no data that meets any standards of science, he testified. That science is hard. Generally speaking, testing for chemicals in water requires you to know what chemicals youre looking for in the first place, and its not always known what is coming out of a well. Companies often use proprietary drilling chemicals that have been ruled trade secrets. And everything that goes down a well bore during drilling  including trade secrets  comes back up with the oil, gas and briney produced water.

A scientific paper submitted into evidence for the hearing by the New Mexico Oil and Gas Association  which strongly favors Lujan Grishams plan  indicated just how difficult it is to clean so-called produced water. The papers authors, who include researchers from New Mexico State University, studied wastewater treatment processes and found that some actually created new chemical compounds that exhibited levels of toxicity ranging from very high to high in one or more toxicity categories. In effect, the water treatment ended up creating new toxic chemicals.

Mariel Nanasi, a lawyer and executive director of New Energy Economy, a green energy advocacy group, vigorously fought the rule changes during the hearings, and wants to make sure that people dont confuse produced water with fresh water.

Just because Clorox and butter are both sold in a supermarket, that does not mean that they have anything to do with each other, she said.

And if it were possible to economically clean the pollution from produced water, she said that industry would already be doing it. They have scientists at work all the time. If this were feasible, they would produce the science and produce the evidence to demonstrate that they could treat oil and gas waste, she said. But they cant. And its obvious.

A final ruling on the proposed produced water rules changes by the Water Quality Control Commission is expected late this year or early in 2025..
A compact but rich new exhibit is entering the Minneapolis Institute of Art's permanent collection.

On Saturday, Sept. 14, the Mia will unveil its Tibetan Buddhist Shrine Room, a collection of Tibetan religious artifacts in two rooms of its second-floor galleries.

The new space is the result of a donation of more than 200 pieces of devotional art from child psychologist and photographer Alice S. Kandell, a collector of regional artifacts who made a large donation to the Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art in 2011.

The Mia's Tibetan Buddhist Shrine Room exhibit Photo by Dustin Nelson

Mia Director and President Katie Luber called it a "significant donation" during an unveiling on Thursday.

The two-room display features a room of gilt-bronze sculptures, a mandala that was already in the museum's holdings, texts, and more.

In a dimly lit adjacent room, a shrine has been constructed. It's the centerpiece of the new exhibit, featuring dozens of silk wall hangings, carpets, bronze sculptures of deities, and more. The room is intended to evoke how the objects would be arranged in a household shrine, a space of contemplation and devotion with attention paid to all five senses.

"Everyone who goes in there has a moment of something, it may be spiritual, it may be peacefulness," Kandell said during Thursday's event.

The Mia's Tibetan Buddhist Shrine Room exhibit Photo by Dustin Nelson

Kandell's interest in Himalayan culture and Tibetan Buddhism began in college. A missed opportunity to visit the region resulted in a friend, Hope Cooke, marrying the crown prince of Sikkim. While Kandell pursued a doctorate at Harvard, she was invited to the coronation when the crown prince would be made king.

Her interest grew from there, and she began collecting.

During Thursday's event, Kandell said she has been careful to always acquire objects from families directly and never through the art market with a promise of not putting her collection back on the market.

Now, that collection has entered the Mia, a logical place to share Tibetan culture. The Twin Cities region is home to more than 5,000 Tibetans, the second-largest community in the U.S., according to the Tibetan-American Foundation of Minnesota, which worked with the museum on the exhibit.

"I decided it didn't belong to me," Kandell said. "Art belongs to the public, to the ages, and particularly to the Tibetan people."

As she further touched on issues surrounding displays of cultural heritage and looting, she shared a letter from the Dalai Lama, who appeared alongside her at the unveiling of the Smithsonian's Tibetan Shrine in 2011.

"The events of 50 years ago caused much of the Tibetan cultural heritage to be destroyed in its own land," she read. "Therefore, I'm very happy to know that some of our sacred images have survived and are being treated with appropriate respect."

A mandala from the Mia's permanent collection, now on display outside the Tibetan Buddhist Shrine Room Photo by Dustin Nelson

To make space for the new installation in Gallery 256, the Mia moved other exhibits in its permanent collection, relocating its Oceanic and Latin American displays.



The Mia will celebrate the opening with a series of events throughout the year, including a live mandala creation that began on Monday.

Tibetan nuns from the Jangchub Choeling Nunnery in India have been creating a mandala in the Target Wing Rotunda. The work will be completed on Friday and displayed for a week before the sand is dispersed in the Mississippi River.

The Mia's Tibetan Buddhist Shrine Room opens on Sept. 14 and is free to visitors.

Related: Planned gift of Dutch paintings brings new depth, stories to Mia collection
Miami Beach proposes new sanitation, police spending in budget. Here are the highlights

Miami Beach officials are proposing a nearly $1 billion budget for 2025 that would increase spending on law enforcement, street cleaning and other city priorities while keeping the tax rate flat as property values continue to grow.

The $952 million plan, unveiled Aug. 30 by recently hired City Manager Eric Carpenter, capitalizes on a strong real estate market after a third straight year in which property values rose citywide by at least 9%.

Spending under the proposal, an increase from the $942 million budgeted for the last fiscal year, reflects the priorities of elected officials who have put a premium on public safety and quality-of-life improvements.

The plan, Carpenter wrote in a budget message, includes numerous enhancements that directly respond to resident feedback and priorities set forth by the Mayor and City Commission that emphasize public safety, homelessness, and cleanliness.

The hikes are found within the citys operating budget, which is slated to jump from $829 million to $878 million. Meanwhile, a budget for capital improvements  infrastructure projects like park upgrades and roof replacements  would drop from $114 million to $74 million.

The city must spend $1.2 billion over the next five years to fight sea-level rise and address other infrastructure needs, according to a five-year plan rolled out alongside the annual budget. Thats in addition to $1.3 billion appropriated for ongoing projects such as road-raising on West Avenue and roadway repairs along 41st Street.

Asked about the proposed capital decrease, Miami Beachs chief financial officer, Jason Greene, told the Herald the city also appropriated $84 million earlier this year for water and sewer projects and $20 million for infrastructure projects approved as part of a 2018 general obligation bond referendum.

The City Commission will hold an initial public hearing on the budget on Monday, Sept. 16. A final hearing is set for Wednesday, Sept. 25.

Among the proposed spending increases:

$3.9 million in total for the mayor and commission, up from $2.9 million in the prior year. The increase is due in part to six new full-time positions, including several in Mayor Steven Meiners office, such as a public safety enforcement advisor.

$1.9 million to continue a high visibility police overtime detail aimed at protecting Jewish residents and institutions, which began after the Hamas attacks on Israel last October. About $2 million had been spent on the effort as of July, according to city officials.

$759,000 for six sanitation workers focused on pressure cleaning streets and sidewalks.

$394,000 in one-time funding and $224,000 in recurring funding for education initiatives at seven private and charter schools in the city, including $85,000 for a coordinator to oversee the programs.

$344,000 for two detention officers, on top of eight currently employed, to transport people to jail.

$325,000 for four positions, on top of two currently, in the police departments Real Time Intelligence Center.

$325,000 for three area managers to oversee the citys three distinct sections: South Beach, Mid-Beach and North Beach.

$306,000 to implement a residential parking pilot program in North Beach.

$200,000 to reimburse Miami-Dade County for the salaries of two staffers in the countys crime lab to test marijuana and other drugs seized by Miami Beach police.

$121,000 for a full-time bicycle-pedestrian coordinator to help the city deliver key pending bicycle-pedestrian projects and initiatives that are stalled due to staff shortages.

$115,000 for a third municipal prosecutor on a team that prosecutes city ordinance violations.

$105,000 for each of the citys seven elected officials ($15,000 apiece) to attend conferences and other events. The funding was approved at a July commission meeting.

Carpenter is calling for a flat tax rate following a bump in the rate last year to pay for the citys general obligation bonds, including $439 million approved by voters for capital projects in 2018 and $159 million approved in 2022 for arts and culture projects.

If the millage rate remains flat, the property tax bill for the median homesteaded property in the city (valued at $266,000) would be $1,682, an increase of $49, according to the city.

For a homesteaded property valued at the city average ($756,000), the tax increase would be $138.

Yearly increases in assessed value of properties with homestead exemptions are capped at 3% under Florida law.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has filed criminal charges against 11 pro-Palestinian protesters at the University of Michigan, alleging that several of them used "physical force to counter" police officers clearing a tent encampment in Ann Arbor. One of the protesters was charged with ethnic intimidation after he allegedly attacked a pro-Israel rally.

The charges brought by Nessel's Office were filed Wednesday in 15th District Court in Washtenaw County, where there have been a number of protests on campus over the past year demonstrating against Israel's military actions in Gaza. Universities and officials in Michigan have struggled to balance the right to free speech with the rights of other students to attend classes and activities without feeling threatened.

Nessel issued a stern warning to protesters not to engage in what she called "illegal activity."

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced on Sept. 12, 2024, she's pressing charges against 11 pro-Palestinian protesters at the University of Michigan. She's pictured here on March 16, 2020, at a news conference.

"The right to free speech and assembly is fundamental, and my office fully supports every citizens right to free speech under the First Amendment," Nessel said in a statement. "However, violent and criminal behavior, or acts that trample on anothers rights, cannot be tolerated. I hope todays charges are a reminder to everyone who chooses to assemble, regardless of the cause, that the First Amendment does not provide a cover for illegal activity."

Out of the 11 people charged, nine stemmed from protests on May 21, when police cleared a tent encampment at the Diag at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Protesters had set up tents calling upon the university to divest from Israel. Two of the nine were charged with trespassing, a misdemeanor with a maximum 30-day sentence, for "failing to vacate the encampment" despite being given "ample time following clear lawful orders to do so," Nessel's Office said in a news release Thursday announcing the charges.

In addition, seven of the pro-Palestinian protesters on May 21 were charged with trespassing and an additional count of resisting or obstructing a police officer, a felony with a maximum two-year sentence. The seven demonstrators "attempted to halt or push back the police by making direct contact with the officers bodies or physically obstruct an arrest," Nessel's office alleged.

None of the 11 defendants have yet been arraigned. Nessel declined to press charges during protests at the honors convocation on March 25 inside Hill Auditorium, or at the University of Michigan's Museum of Art on April 22. Nessel added her office is still investigating protests outside the homes of some university regents.

U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Detroit, the only member of Congress of Palestinian descent, criticized Nessel for the charges in a post on X, calling them "frivolous charges that only serve to silence those speaking out against" Israel. Tlaib said "this shameful attack on students rights will fail."

In addition to the nine charged from the May 21 protests, Nessel charged two other pro-Palestinian protesters, one a Michigan alumnus and the other not tied to the university, for attacking a pro-Israel counterprotest on April 25 at the Diag that was demonstrating against the pro-Palestinian tent encampment. The two pro-Palestinian protesters are accused of attacking Israeli and American flags at the pro-Israel rally.

U-M students chant "Occupation No More" and "Israel Is a Terrorist State" as they rally during the encampment for Gaza at the Diag in Ann Arbor on Monday, April 22, 2024.

One of them was charged with disturbing the peace, a 90-day misdemeanor, for kicking over flags of the pro-Israel counterprotesters and with ethnic intimidation, a misdemeanor with a maximum one-year sentence. It's unclear what exactly the ethnic intimidation charge was specifically about, but appears to be related to the alleged victim's support for Israel or his Jewish faith. Court records said it was because of the victim's "religion, or gender, or national origin." Nessel's Office said the suspect "self-professed" to an investigating officer his ethnic intimidation. Nessel's Office did not immediately return a message Thursday seeking clarification on that charge.

In the other case involving the pro-Israel rally on April 25, a pro-Palestinian protester is accused of destroying Israeli and American flags. The suspect was charged with two counts of malicious destruction of personal property of less than $200, a 93-day misdemeanor. He's accused of swiping Israeli and American flags from the pro-Israel demonstrators at the Diag, breaking two of them and then placing them in a garbage can.

Two weeks ago, police arrested four pro-Palestinian protesters on campus.

Protesters set up a tent encampment at the Diag on April 22, echoing a similar encampment at Columbia University in New York City. Police shut down the encampment a month later.

"During the police action to clear the encampment, several demonstrators defied orders from law enforcement to vacate the camp, and physically obstructed the police and pushed against their bodies," Nessel's Office said.

Nessel added: A campus should not be lawless; what is a crime anywhere else in the city remains a crime on university property."

Contact Niraj Warikoo: nwarikoo@freepress.com or X @nwarikoo

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: 11 pro-Palestinian protesters at University of Michigan face charges
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  A Michigan art dealer will spend several years in prison for cheating clients out of millions of dollars.

Dawn Ison, the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan, announced Wednesday that Wendy Halstead Beard, of Birmingham, has been sentenced to 5 years and three months in prison and ordered to pay more than $2 million in restitution.

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Beard pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud that allegedly stems from a multi-year scheme of selling artworks and pocketing the profits without the owners knowledge or taking money from buyers but not delivering the promised artwork. According to Ison, Beard ultimately defrauded dozens of customers, most of whom were elderly.

On at least one occasion Beard victimized two individuals with one photograph  never providing the photograph to the purchase while also failing to pay the original consigner following the sale, the U.S. Attorneys Office stated.

The Detroit News reported that she stole more than $3.5 million in photographs and ill-gotten profits. She was first arrested two years ago after FBI agents recovered about 700 photos from her Oakland County home and a studio in Florida.

Private investigator: Questions need to be answered in GVSU students death

After several customers reportedly questioned Beard about their artwork and proceeds, Beard used several excuses, inventing more and more ridiculous justifications for not returning property or providing payment. She allegedly told some customers that she had been in a coma or had received a double lung transplant. She also allegedly created a fake employee to interact with her customers.

Beards ongoing deception was of a level that we rarely see, even in fraud cases, Ison said in a statement. (The) sentence will hopefully bring a measure of closure for the more than three-dozen victims who trusted Wendy Beard with their valuable artwork.

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According to the Detroit News, Beard is the daughter of Tom Halstead, a nationally recognized gallerist who died in 2018. Investigators believe her connection to her father and his well-groomed reputation helped fuel her scheme.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  A Michigan man faces terrorism charges after allegedly disguising his vehicle as a bomb to prevent it from being repossessed.

The Macomb County Sheriffs Office confirms that 45-year-old Robert Fitz, of Harrison Township, near Detroit, has been arraigned on two charges, one count of false report or threat of terrorism and one count of using explosives with intent to frighten.

The terrorism charge is a 20-year felony. The explosive charge is also a felony that, if convicted, can lead to up to 5 years in prison.

According to the sheriffs office, deputies were dispatched to a home around 9 a.m. Tuesday for a suspicious situation. Knowing that his car was set to be repossessed, investigators believe Fitz dressed the vehicle like it was rigged with explosives.

Michigan art dealer sent to prison for cheating clients out of millions

Fitz allegedly placed a propane tank in the passenger seat with electrical wire running from the tanks regulator to the cars center console. A second tank was fixed to the front wheel on the drivers side with copper wire running underneath the car. He also allegedly put up several signs telling people not to touch the vehicle because it would blow up.

Several nearby homes were evacuated while the Michigan State Police Bomb Squad was called in. It quickly discovered that the apparatus was not actually explosive and the suspect was taken into custody.

Neighbors told WXYZ-TV that they were able to return to their homes after approximately 90 minutes.

Fitz was arraigned on Wednesday and awarded a $50,000 cash surety bond.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
Michigan teen allegedly murders mother of teen rival who was trying to protect her son

Michigan teen allegedly murders mother of teen rival who was trying to protect her son

A Michigan teenage boy is being charged as an adult after he allegedly shot another teen and killed his mother as she was trying to protect him, authorities said.

Anthony Deshawn Sneed, 15, is charged with felony murder as a juvenile defendant, second-degree murder, assault with intent to murder, armed robbery, and four counts of felony firearm possession stemming from a Sept. 4 shooting in Clinton Township.

DETROIT POLICE ARREST SUSPECT IN MANSION MURDER OF NEUROSURGEON ROLLED UP IN CARPET

The Wayne County Prosecutor's Office said Sneed got into a fight with the son of Tanseen Sherrod, Fox Detroit reported.

The Wayne County Prosecutor's Office said a teenage boy has been charged with shooting a rival teen and killing his mother.

Sneed allegedly stole a handgun from the other teen. When Sherrod tried to intervene in an effort to de-escalate the dispute, she was fatally shot by Sneed, authorities said.

Details about the fatal altercation were not disclosed.

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The other teen was shot and sustained critical injuries. His condition was not disclosed.

Sneed fled the scene and turned himself in to Detroit authorities the next day.





Original article source: Michigan teen allegedly murders mother of teen rival who was trying to protect her son
Microsoft outage causes issues with multiple services: Now seeing signs of recovery

NEW YORK (WPIX)  Microsoft is investigating after tens of thousands of people reported issues with Microsoft 365 services, the company said Thursday morning.

Around 9 a.m. ET, over 23,000 people had reported issues with Microsoft 365 to Downdetector. The issue impacted Outlook, Teams, cloud services, Exchange Server, Skype for Business Server, SharePoint, and more, according to Downdetector.

CrowdStrike outage impacted NYC more than initially thought, mayor says

About 75% of the issues reported on Downdetector were related to Outlook, though there were reports of issues with Teams and the Microsoft Store, among other Microsoft services.

The company said it is investigating issues with multiple Microsoft 365 services.

Were investigating an issue where users may be unable to access multiple Microsoft 365 services, a representative of Microsoft 365 wrote in a post shortly after 8:30 a.m. ET.

A little over an hour later, Microsoft provided an update: Were reviewing network telemetry and recent changes to our networking infrastructure. Additionally, were working with a third-party ISP to understand the underlying cause.

Shortly after 10:00 a.m. ET, Microsoft said it had confirmed that a change with a third-party ISPs managed-environment was to blame for the issues.

The ISP has reverted the change and were now seeing signs of recovery, the company wrote.

Microsoft did not identify the internet provider it was working with. However, reported issues with AT&T on Downdetector also spiked when Microsoft services issues arose.

Users on X also noted problems accessing Microsoft services while using AT&T. As of 10:20 a.m. ET, reports of problems accessing Microsoft and AT&T on Downdetector had greatly declined.

Thursdays outage comes after issues with CrowdStrike in July, whose network update caused disruptions with Microsoft Windows operating systems, as well as banks, media companies, and hospitals.

Major airports were also impacted by the CrowdStrike outage, with flights grounded out of Newark Liberty Airport, John F. Kennedy Airport, and LaGuardia Airport.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
The man accused of assaulting and killing 52-year-old Michael Smith in 2023 pleaded guilty to manslaughter after his trial earlier this year ended in a mistrial.

James McGinley, 41, had been facing manslaughter and assault charges for allegedly assaulting Smith on May 16 in the area of North Nevada Avenue and Cimarron Street. Smith died from his injuries on June 24, according to previous Gazette reporting.

Previous Gazette reporting details that McGinley initially pleaded not guilty to all charges and his trial began on July 22, but after four days it ended in a mistrial. Kate Singh, a spokeswoman for the 4th Judicial District Attorneys Office, confirmed in August that the mistrial was the result of a hung jury.

A hung jury is when all jurors presiding over a case cant come to a unanimous verdict, ending the trial without a guilty or not-guilty verdict and resulting in the need for a second trial.

At the time, Singh stated she was unable to provide the specific numbers of the split between guilty and not guilty verdicts as that information is protected.

On Wednesday McGinley appeared in court for a disposition hearing where he pleaded guilty to one count of manslaughter, something his attorney stated was a possibility at his prior court appearance.

"I had punched Mr. Smith in the face, and he fell down and hit his head," McGinley stated to the court during the hearing.

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Judge Laura Findorff stated that the terms of the plea agreement leave sentencing open to the court, meaning the court will have the final say in McGinley's sentence.

The sentencing range for a Class 4 felony in the state of Colorado is two to six years in prison with a minimum of three years parole.

The additional charges of assault and criminally negligent homicide will be dismissed as part of the plea agreement.

McGinley will return to court on Nov. 20 for his sentencing hearing. He appeared to court Wednesday out of custody of the El Paso County jail since posting a $25,000 surety bond in June, according to court records.
NEW YORK (PIX11)  Microsoft has identified the cause of an outage that impacted Microsoft 365 services Thursday morning, representatives for the company said in a social media post.

Around 9 a.m., over 23,000 people had reported issues with Microsoft 365 to Downdetector. The issue impacted Outlook, Teams, cloud services, Exchange Server, Skype for Business Server, SharePoint, and more, according to Downdetector.

CrowdStrike outage impacted NYC more than initially thought, mayor says

About 75% of the issues reported were related to Outlook.

Were investigating an issue where users may be unable to access multiple Microsoft 365 services. Please look for MO888473 in the admin center for more details and further updates, a representative of Microsoft 365 wrote in a post. Were reviewing network telemetry and recent changes to our networking infrastructure. Additionally, were working with a third-party ISP to understand the underlying cause.

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In a later post, representatives for the company said that a change in a third-party internet service provider caused the outage.

The ISP has reverted the change and were now seeing signs of recovery, according to the post from Microsoft 365.

The outage comes after issues with CrowdStrike in July, whose network update caused disruptions with Microsoft Windows operating systems, as well as major companies and airports.

Dominique Jack is a digital content producer from Brooklyn with more than five years of experience covering news. She joined PIX11 in 2024. More of her work can be found here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
The 2020 primary ballot in Monmouth County shows how Neptune Township committee candidate Kevin McMillan was placed in the sixth column, stranded in what critics of this ballot design have called ballot Siberia.

Clerks in Middlesex and Burlington counties have reached a settlement with attorneys for Rep. Andy Kim that will stop the use of controversial county-line ballots.

The agreements, which a U.S. District Court judge approved Thursday, bar the counties from preparing ballots that group candidates by any measure other an office sought, ending the two counties fights over the future of the county line  a ballot design, unique to New Jersey, that groups candidates by slogan and which critics say gives party-backed candidates an unfair advantage at the polls.

New Jersey voters deserve a fair ballot and I wont stop fighting until we get one, Kim (D-03) said in a statement. Im hopeful this will spark momentum to get all counties to permanently abide by the historic ruling made by the Federal District Court in New Jersey and upheld by the Third Circuit Court of Appeals. We are building a new era of politics in New Jersey.

Kim sued most of New Jerseys county clerks in February when he was embroiled in a fight for the Democratic nod for U.S. Senate with first lady Tammy Murphy, who had the backing of key party officials. Kim and two congressional candidates argued the ballot design improperly advantaged some candidates and infringed on associational freedoms.

The agreements bar clerks from preparing ballots that do the following:

Arrange candidates by columns or rows, rather than by office sought.

Position candidates on the primary ballot automatically based upon a ballot draw for candidates for a different office.

Place an incongruous separation between candidates for the same offices.

Bracket candidates together so that candidates for different offices are featured in the same column or row.

Place candidates underneath another candidate seeking the same office if the rest of the candidates are listed horizontally.

Burlington County will pay $25,000 in attorneys fees as part of the settlement in the Kim case, while Middlesex will pay $32,533.

The settlement comes months after U.S. District Court Judge Zahid Quraishi barred the use of county lines in Junes Democratic primaries via a preliminary injunction. Quraishi found that Kim and his two co-plaintiffs would likely win on the merits if the case came to trial. Clerks attempts to appeal the decision were unsuccessful, and in June, they printed primary ballots that eschewed the county line and instead grouped Democrats by office sought, known as office-block ballots.

Burlington County Clerk Joann Schwartz, who went beyond Quraishis order and also printed office-block ballots for Junes Republican primary, has simultaneously proposed an identical settlement in a similar case lodged by former congressional candidate Christine Conforti that also challenged the constitutionality of county lines. Quraishi is hearing that case, too.

Burlington County agreed to pay $7,500 in counsel fees for the Conforti case.

The Middlesex County Democratic Organization, which intervened in the Conforti case, also proposed a settlement that would remove it from that case and bar it from intervening in litigation challenging Quraishis preliminary injunction against party lines.

Politico New Jersey on Wednesday reported settlement proposals were looming from the two counties. The New Jersey Monitor in August reported the parties were approaching settlement talks.

Numerous other county clerks remain party to the litigation.

We hope that todays announcement encourages the remaining county clerks to stop wasting taxpayer dollars and that the remaining litigants embrace the inevitable. Until then, we are prepared to continue to seek a final court judgment and are confident that we will ultimately prevail, said Antoinette Miles, state director for New Jersey Working Families, a plaintiff in the Conforti case.

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Midland murder suspect who stabbed ex more than 20 times sentenced to life

MIDLAND COUNTY, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- A Midland County jury has convicted a suspect in connection with the 2022 death of a Midland woman.

32-year-old Raven Robert Rodriguez was convicted of Capital Murder in the stabbing death of 28-year-old Mariela Galindo Lozano and has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

The evidence presented at trial showed that in the early morning hours of December 8, 2022, the defendant broke into his ex-girlfriends hotel room and chased her on to the balcony of the Homewood Suites in Midland. Rodriguez then stabbed Lozano more than twenty times before fleeing the scene. Surveillance footage captured the murder and break-in in its entirety.

Evidence also showed there was a history of domestic violence between the couple, who had been together for nearly thirteen years and shared five children together. The evidence showed that the couple had broken up several days before the murder.

In Texas, Capital Murder is the highest level of felony recognized and the penalties are either death or life without parole. The State waived the death penalty in Rodriguezs case in March of 2023 and the only option for punishment with a conviction of Capital Murder was life without parole.

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In our Reality Check stories, The State journalists dig deeper into questions over facts, consequences and accountability. Read more. Story idea? Email statenews@thestate.com.

A city across the river from downtown Columbia is up against the clock to finish a deal it needs to hold onto a $10 million grant to alleviate flooding issues in one of its key neighborhoods. Negotiations have caused tensions to flare between the mayor and some members of the City Council.

Cayces City Council in a special meeting Wednesday approved an agreement to purchase an easement from the Congaree Bluff subdivision, a necessary step to move forward with a large stormwater and drainage project in the citys Avenues neighborhood. City staff have until Sept. 19 to finalize the agreement with the subdivisions homeowners association.

The grant to do the work came to the city in June 2023 through the S.C. Infrastructure Investment Plan, overseen by the states Rural Infrastructure Authority. Cayce Mayor Elise Partin said the authority was owed an update Thursday showing that the city is on its way to completing the project, which is why the City Council had to hold a special meeting to approve the Congaree Bluff agreement.

Ahead of the Wednesday meeting, Deputy City Manager Michael Conley said Cayce is looking good to complete the work on schedule and fulfill the terms required to receive the grant money.

We are about 60% in on the engineering, he said. We have some right-of-way and some easements to get so we can get some of the water pipes to the river.

But there is a time crunch for the city to get started with construction and to complete the project, as the terms of the grant stipulate that all of the money has to be spent by December 2026.

The terms of the grant also stipulate that the project has to be completed as submitted, so if the city cant get the easements it requires, amendments would have to be submitted to the Rural Infrastructure Authority, Conley said, which could put a drag on Cayce getting the work done in time.

Securing the easement going through Congaree Bluff is required to do the work as planned.

Leaflet Map

Congaree Bluff Subdivision Map

It is one of the easements that we do have to get, Conley said. Its going across their common space thats next to their neighborhood.

Partin said there are eight other easements needed to move forward with the stormwater project, all of which have been secured.

Cayce has been working to solve drainage and stormwater issues in the Avenues for a while now, with Conley noting that localized flooding is common in the neighborhood.

A $750,000 grant allowed a fix for a small portion of the Avenues, which was completed last year. The $10 million will allow the city to tackle the whole neighborhood, which essentially extends from 12th Street to the Congaree River between Knox Abbott Drive and Holland Avenue, Conley said.

Partin noted that funding has been a critical struggle as the city has looked to address issues in an area filled with county and state roads when Cayce is the lowest-taxing entity of those three stakeholders.

We in this decade are saying weve got to really figure out how we navigate decades-old infrastructure issues, Partin said.

The mayor noted frustration with one of her fellow City Council members, Mayor Pro Tem Tim James, when discussing the difficulty to secure the Congaree Bluff easement. The tension continues a pattern of animosity between Partin and the rest of the City Council.

I have no respect for Tim James, the mayor said. So, you know, that always makes everything precarious.

It always comes down to Tim James cant handle anyone not liking him, she added. So any conversations, any negotiations, have to not include anything that might make somebody not like Tim James.

James, who is also the president and CEO of the Greater Cayce West Columbia Chamber of Commerce, said that he didnt feel like an outlier in discussions related to the Congaree Bluff easement. He added that he didnt want to jump to using eminent domain to force the subdivision to comply with the project.

Ive always been very cautious of an overreach of government, said James, who lives in the Avenues and represents the district on the City Council. Ive been very vocal about making sure that if we ever have to be viewed as overreaching, that we have done everything that we possibly can to be able to work with the citizens before that takes place.

City Councilman Hunter Sox echoed this sentiment, decrying Partins comments about James.

Sox said hes been meeting with residents about drainage issues in the area for a while and about a month ago, attended a meeting with Tim with the neighborhood association, and staffs been working real well with the HOA and the residents over there.

Were pretty confident, staffs confident that, and so is the homeowners association president, that theyll be able to get the votes so we can come to a decision, Sox added. I know for a fact since Ive been there, but I dont know ever that theres been a precedent set where were just going to go take peoples property without asking them, with it being such a big chunk of land.

Sox said one lesson the city can glean from the process with Congaree Bluff is the need to begin such discussions earlier so they dont happen right up against the deadlines for a project.

Its going to affect people all the way up the avenues that have had drainage issues, he said.
GEORGETOWN COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD)First responders in Georgetown County gathered today at Midway Fire Rescue to remember and honor the victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks.

Today, we were reminded of all those who made their ultimate sacrifice that day, whether they arrived on a firetruck, police car, or ambulance or even civilians who pitched in and helped out, said Brent McClellan, Midway fire chief.

On September 11, 2001, nearly 3,000 people were killed when hijackers crashed four planes into the World Trade Center in New York, The Pentagon in Washington, and a field in southwest Pennsylvania.

News 2 spoke to Chief James Crawford, who was on call to work that day, and he told us he had no idea what he was up against until he got to the scene.

I wasnt sure what was going to happen. Our country was attacked at the immediate time. I was a firefighter with Pittsburgh, so we were responding there to help as much as we could, and then after that, I didnt know if Id be deployed to war. It was just a very, very troubling time.

Officials News 2 spoke to told us first responders are always on the frontline, and that day is the ultimate example of their bravery and commitment.

The firefighters were only in the towers because people needed rescue. The building was on fire, and they were just out doing what they swore they would do. They promised to help people and save people, and thats exactly what they did that day, said Keith Ziegenhorn, master firefighter for Midway Fire.

Officials are inviting the public to view the memorial at the fire station. It will be open all day and is free of charge.

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How the migrant community of Springfield got caught in a political firestorm

Springfield, Ohio  At the St. Vincent de Paul Society community center in Springfield, Ohio, Haitian immigrants receive food and clothes and get help finding work.

"They're here and they're our responsibility," said Kaci Rollins, who runs the community center.

Rollins tells CBS News that the supplies are an open-armed welcome for asylum seekers fleeing violence and starvation from countries in collapse.

Rollins said the migrants "want work," adding that some of them "work three jobs, they never stop working."

Since 2020, about 15,000 Haitians have settled in Springfield. The city has a population of just under 60,000.

Republican Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced Wednesday that in an effort to deal with the "surge of migrants" in Springfield, he is deploying Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers to patrol Springfield's roads, as well as providing $2.5 million in healthcare funding.

"These Haitians came in here to work because there were jobs, and they filled a lot of jobs," DeWine told CBS News in an interview Wednesday. "And if you talk to employers, they've done a very, very good job and they work very, very hard."

But when it comes to immigration, Springfield has become tense since last August, when a minivan driven by a Haitian immigrant without a valid license collided head-on with a school bus, killing 11- year-old Aiden Clark.

And on Tuesday night, former President Donald Trump poured fuel on the local grievances by repeating a baseless conspiracy theory during the debate with Vice President Kamala Harris.

"In Springfield, they're eating the dogs, the people that came in, they're eating the cats. They're eating the pets of the people that live there, and this is what's happening in our country, and it's a shame," Trump said.

Moderator David Muir immediately responded, reading a statement from the Springfield city manager saying, "There have been no credible reports of specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals within the immigrant community."

DeWine on Wednesday echoed that, telling CBS News that "there's no truth" to Trump's claims.

And while the claims are false, the pain in the migrant community has been real for long time.

"We try every single day to make us better," one migrant told CBS News. "And when you make us better, the neighborhood is going to be better, the city is going to be better."

Springfield was once a manufacturing hub. Since 2000, those manufacturing jobs have dropped by nearly half, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, from about 13,000 to 7,000 in 2024.

Haitian immigrants, most of whom have temporary protected status and work permits, have been blamed for stealing jobs. But business owners like job recruiter Alex Muller see their presence as vital. Muller says many locals left the workforce during the pandemic.

"They've been very welcoming, they've been very kind, and they're very grateful to have the opportunity to provide for themselves and their families," Muller said.

It's a complicated issue that cannot be divided along political lines. Nathan Clark, the man whose son was killed in last year's bus crash. understands that more than anyone.

"Using Aiden as a political tool is, to say the least, reprehensible," Clark said at a Springfield City Commission meeting Tuesday. "My son, Aiden Clark, was not murdered. He was accidentally killed by an immigrant from Haiti. This tragedy has (been) felt all over this community, the state and even the nation, but don't spin this towards hate."

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The figure of the migrant criminal haunted the 2024 presidential debate stage between Vice President Harris and Donald Trump. From the very first question posed by ABC News moderator David Muir regarding the state of the economy, Trump painted a picture of a nation under attack. Millions of people [are] pouring into our country from prisons and jails, from mental institutions and insane asylums, he insisted in the opening minutes of Tuesday's debate. According to Trump, these masses steal jobs from hard-working Black and Latinx communities. They are uncivilized and barbaric, feasting on pets and taking over buildings and small towns. They're destroying our country. They're dangerous, he warned. And we have to get them out. We have to get them out fast.

Trump has weaponized the myth of the migrant criminal since his first run for office  notoriously claiming the Mexican government is forcing their most unwanted people into the United States. They are, in many cases, criminals, drug dealers, [and] rapists. During his first months in office in 2017, Trump created the Victim of Immigration Crime Engagement Office. And throughout his presidency, he consistently invited relatives of people killed by migrants to State of the Union addresses  using grieving family members as instruments in his political theater, warning the American public that any of us could be the next victim. Trump has built his political career on the threat of migrant criminals, using individual cases of harm to portray all migrants as potentially dangerous, and therefore deserving of removal from the country.

But Trump is not alone in conflating migrants with crime. When asked about immigration during the presidential debate, Vice President Harris also conjured the southern border as an unruly and lawless place where transnational criminal organizations traffic in guns, drugs, and people. She reminded Americans, as she likes to do, that she is the only candidate to have prosecuted such criminals. Harris boasted that she supported a bipartisan border security bill that would have expanded Trump-era measures, such as instituting periodic border closures for asylum seekers. The bill would have poured a record-breaking amount of money into the Border Patrols and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)s budgets, exceeding Trump-era allocations. According to the National Immigrant Justice Center, it would have decimat[ed] the US asylum system, choking off access to protection for many and rendering the system unfair and punishing for the few who are able to access it.

Though Republicans tend to use more degrading and dehumanizing language  like Trump calling a migrant who committed murder an illegal alien animal  Democrats are increasingly embracing law-and-order politics when it comes to immigration. Earlier this year, for example, New York City Mayor Eric Adams publicly challenged sanctuary city protections that prevent law enforcement from cooperating with ICE. If it were up to him, Adams said, he would allow local police to work with ICE to remove immigrants suspected  not only those convicted  of serious crimes. As district attorney for San Francisco, Harris also supported a 2008 policy that allowed cooperation with ICE by turning over young people arrested for certain crimes, against the recommendation of the city council.

A Harris-Walz campaign advertisement promotes the vice presidents record of fighting violent crime. The spot calls Harris tougher than Trump, a border-state prosecutor [who] took on drug cartels and jailed gang members for smuggling guns and drugs into the United States. At the Democratic National Convention, speakers called for securing the country and blamed Trump for blocking a bipartisan bill that would have further militarized the southern border. When Harris took the stage, she honored her immigrant mother, who was only 19 when she crossed the world alone, while also calling for stricter immigration and asylum controls. The vice president insisted that we can create an earned pathway to citizenship  and secure our border. Harriss speech begs the question: What does it mean to earn citizenship? And if some are able to earn it, then who isnt? Who is locked out of being included? Historically, the answer has been the criminal migrant.

But, as A. Naomi Paik explains in her book Bans, Walls, Raids, Sanctuary, what counts as a crime changes over time and differs from place to place. Paik shows that for the first century of US history, the southern border was largely unregulated. Over time, racist and eugenicist anxieties and capitalist demands for a disposable labor force (among other reasons) contributed to the construction of the criminal (and therefore excludable) migrant  a category that is both racialized and gendered. At different times this category has included anarchists, heathens, sex workers, polygamists, as well as queer, mentally ill, and illiterate people. And beginning in the 1970s, and '80s with the War on Drugs, this category exploded and began to ensnare more and more people.

For the first time, in 1986, the Anti-Drug Abuse Act authorized the deportation of migrants charged with drug offenses. A decade later, Bill Clinton signed the 1996 Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act into law, creating the aggravated felony, a category of offenses that carries severe consequences  including deportation  for noncitizens. Aggravated felonies include offenses like shoplifting, filing a false tax return, and failing to appear in court.

In her book From Deportation to Prison, Patrisia Macias-Rojas traces this punitive turn in immigration, showing how the US government appropriated the race-blind language of civil rights to criminalize migrants, casting them as responsible for their law-breaking behavior. Even though it was the state that decided that these offenses now merited deportation, migrants were painted as inherent deviants and delinquents.

Some of the rhetoric we are hearing now about migrant criminals emerged with Marielitos, the name given to the 125,000 Cubans who arrived in 1980 from the Port of Mariel. As Kristina Shull wrote in Detention Empire, during this period, politicians and the media accused Fidel Castro of emptying prisons and mental institutions and releasing undesirables into the United States. Marielitos  between 30-50% of whom were Afro-Cubans  were linked with contagious diseases, sexual deviance, and criminal behavior. Shull wrote further, Marielitos haunted politicians on both sides of the spectrum who embraced narratives surrounding the urgent need to contain the threat of foreign  racialized, queer, and deviant  bodies.

The year after Marielitos arrived in the US, Ronald Reagans Task Force on Immigration released recommendations that, according to Shull, changed the future of American detention and deportation policy. Based on the task forces recommendations, Reagan embraced new strategies to assure the exclusion of unwanted immigrants: the use of the specter of another Mariel to legitimize more permanent detention facilities, the use of detention as a deterrent to illegal immigration, and the detention of asylum-seekers upon arrival. Then and now, both political parties in the US have been complicit in turning migrants into criminals  weaponizing race, gender, class, and sexuality to exclude people from the country.

In Harris's first sit-down interview with CNN as the Democratic presidential nominee, she reiterated that there should be consequences for people who cross the border without authorization. We have laws that have to be followed and enforced, she told CNN anchor Dana Bash. Harris set herself apart from Trump by claiming to be the only presidential candidate to have prosecuted transnational criminal organizations who traffic in guns, drugs, and human beings, effectively conflating migration with threats to public safety.

Harriss approach to immigration may seem very different than Trumps: He explicitly calls migrants monsters and animals and warns of waves of crime if they are allowed into the country, while Harris comes from an immigrant family and celebrates immigration as part of Americas origin story. But Democrats cant have their cake and eat it too. Their more neutral language is just as dangerous, ignoring the history of criminalizing migration that implicates prior administrations, Republican and Democratic alike.

Studies have long shown that there is no correlation between migrants and crime. Still, Trump continues to build a campaign on the imagined threat of the migrant criminal and Harris continues to emphasize the need to enforce our laws. Both of these approaches miss the point. In Bans, Walls, Raids, Sanctuary, Paik suggests that the construction of migrants as criminals shifts responsibility away from governments that dislocate and dispossess people, that create conditions that make people leave home, and criminalize their movements once they do. Targeting drug smugglers ignores the fact that the US is responsible for criminalizing drug use. Deporting migrants who shoplift (through the aggravated felony designation) ignores the fact that US neoliberal policies too often impoverish and abandon poor residents. And excluding asylum seekers ignores the fact that the US (and the Biden administration, specifically) has, over time, eliminated pathways to seeking asylum. When we discuss migrant crime, this history must be front and center.

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Finance Minister Caoimhe Archibald with the First and Deputy First Ministers, Michelle O'Neill and Emma Little-Pengelly as they speak to the media ahead of their meeting with the Chancellor [BBC]

Northern Ireland's first and deputy first ministers have met with the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, to discuss Stormont's budget.

The Finance Minister, Caoimhe Archibald, who also attended the meeting, described it as "useful" and said ministers stressed the need to "prioritise investment in public services".

Deputy First Minster Emma Little-Pengelly told BBC News NI that the delegation would stress the need for sufficient funding "to run adequate public services".

First Minister Michelle O'Neill said, "Labour needs to change tack," adding that the executive was "here for what's right and what's fair".

'No begging bowl'

"The Labour government should not be trying to balance the books on the backs of pensioners, on the backs of hard-working people," Little-Pengelly said.

The deputy first minister also insisted that the delegation was "not going to the government with a begging bowl".

Instead, she said ministers would be asking the chancellor to "step up and support us" in their efforts to reform and improve Northern Ireland's public services.

"Were going with plans, were going with proposals in terms of the sustainability of our budget; in terms of looking at sensible decisions  the things that we need to do in Northern Ireland," she explained.

"But of course in order to have that transformation you need to invest. You need to be able to give us what is required to run adequate public services."

Archibald said that NI ministers recognised the challenge that the Labour government faced, adding that it was an "inherited mess" from the previous Conservative government.

"We impressed upon the chancellor the need to use the upcoming budget to prioritise investment in public services and public sector workers," she said.

She added that they had stressed the need to "have a different approach than what we have seen in the last 14 years under the conservatives".

"The executive is committed to putting our finances on a stable footing but the most important thing from our perspective is that we see investment in public services and that we get our fair share of that" Archibald added.

On Monday, the Northern Ireland Executive's draft programme for government (PfG) was published.

The 88-page document, entitled Our Plan: Doing What Matters Most, sets out the executive's ambitions under several core areas.

It outlines nine "immediate priorities" the executive intends to work on this year and for the duration of its electoral mandate.

When asked on Monday how the priorities would be funded, First Minister Michelle O'Neill told BBC News NI that Northern Ireland's funding model is not right.

"That needs to change, so we'll be at the Treasury's door again on Thursday to continue our engagement around the funding model here," she added.

Rachel Reeves has been in her new role as Chancellor of the Exchequer since her appointment after the July 5 election [Reuters]

On Tuesday, the finance minister told assembly members (MLAs) that Stormont departments are currently facing spending pressures of 767m.

That means departments believe they need 767m more than what is currently in the budget.

Caoimhe Archibald said Stormont can expect to get about 500m extra, partially as a consequence of Octobers Westminster budget.

She said while that will go a "significant way" towards easing the pressures, ministers will have to play their part and there would only be "full certainty" of the amount towards the end of this year.

Archibald also warned that if ministers did not operate within budget it would have "grave consequences" for future public funding.

The finance minister said the Treasury has been "explicit" that any overspend this year would trigger the suspended repayment of a previous 559m overspend.

"We must face up to the challenges, strive to live within our budgets and avoid a scenario in 2025-26 of having to deal with paying back any overspend from this year along with a further 559m from previous years, by taking the responsible decisions that we need to achieve financial balance this year," she told the Assembly.
The States of Assembly has responded to a petition to create dedicated dog-friendly beaches in the summer months [BBC]

Minsters have responded to a petition calling for Jersey to have dedicated dog-friendly beaches during the summer months.

More than 1,000 people signed a petition proposing that dogs should be allowed to run freely on beaches all-year-round, while not allowed on the island's most popular beaches at any time during the summer.

In a response, the States Assembly said it had written to the Comite des Connetables to ask its views and seek suggestions for beaches that might be appropriate for dogs to be walked off the lead at any time.

It also said it would raise the issue at the Council of Ministers.

The petition calls for dedicated dog-friendly beaches [BBC]

The government's response said: "The solution must be proportionate and ensure that due consideration is given to all points of view.

"Islanders and visitors must be able to use Jerseys beaches without being unduly affected by other peoples pets."

It said officers would be asked to explore "additional options", including changing the start time, reviewing the arrangements for May and maintaining the current regime.

At reaching 5,000 signatures, the petition would be considered for debate by the States Assembly.

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Missing 16-year-old from Charlotte could have caught bus to Atlanta: CMPD

CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  A missing 16-year-old from Charlotte could have caught a bus to Atlanta and family is very concerned for his safety, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police said.

CMPDs Missing Persons Unit is asking for the publics help in locating Alejandro Greene.

The 16-year-old was last seen leaving his home on Meadow Grove Way in Charlotte. Its believed that he may have caught a bus at the Greyhound Station en route to Atlanta, police said.

Greenes family is very concerned for his safety and well-being.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call 9-1-1 immediately.

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A 36-year-old woman was arrested Wednesday afternoon after allegedly digging her fingernails into an officer's arm during a traffic stop.

At approximately 1:47 p.m., officers with the Colorado Springs Police Department were dispatched to the 1000 block of Mazatlan Circle for a disturbance.

While checking the area, officers reportedly located a suspicious vehicle. They contacted the person driving the vehicle regarding a traffic violation, who provided officers their sibling's identity.

There was an arrest warrant for the sibling and when officers told the female she was under arrest, she struggled against officer control and allegedly "intentionally clawed her fingernails into the officers arm." The officer sustained minor injuries, according to police.

Nakiya Edwards, 36, was arrested and booked into El Paso County Jail for second degree assault, criminal impersonation and obstruction of a peace officer.
CARROLL COUNTY, Miss. (WJTV)  One man was injured during a home explosion in Carroll County.

The incident occurred at a home on McCarley Road around 6:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 10.

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Carroll County deputies said James Duke, the homeowner, was asleep when the explosion happened. He was able to escape the fire and drive his lawnmower to his brothers home to seek help.

Duke was airlifted to the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) in Jackson where he is being treated for third degree burns.

One man was injured during a home explosion in Carroll County. (Courtesy: Carroll County Sheriffs Office)

One man was injured during a home explosion in Carroll County. (Courtesy: Carroll County Sheriffs Office)

The North Carrollton Fire Department responded to the fire, and firefighters were able to put out the fire. The State Fire Marshals Office and a gas company are investigating the cause of the fire. Investigators believe the explosion happened due to a space heater.

I thank the Lord for protecting Mr. Duke and all the first responders involved. With the weather getting cooler these sorts of accidents are more common. Lets all take this as a reminder to have our heating units checked before the first cold spell gets here. We will be keeping Mr. Duke in our prayers for a quick and complete recovery, said Carroll County Sheriff Clint Walker.

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MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Mo.  At least two Missouri law enforcement agencies are warning of confusion around online lists of schools labeled as targeted, which have prompted safety concerns among some students and parents in recent days.

The Crawford County and Montgomery County Sheriffs Offices have informed the public that there are no credible threats regarding such lists that came to their attention.

Earlier in the week, a similar situation emerged in Georgia, where authorities continue to investigate a list that went viral on social media platform TikTok that appeared to include a title of Targeted Schools, according to Nexstar affiliate WRIC. Police say the list was related to an official document from the Georgia Department of Education for the states Targeted Assistance Program, which provides resources and support to schools identified as needing improvement.

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Georgia authorities say the Targeted Schools list was mistakenly interpreted as a list of potential threats. It appears some law enforcement agencies in Missouri are navigating through similar false alarms.

The Crawford County Sheriffs Office says the Steelville School District went on a soft lockdown Tuesday after a concerned parent mistook a Targeted Schools list showing schools due to received COVID-19 pandemic relief funding.

It was later determined that there was no actual threat and the safety of school staff and students were never in danger, said the Crawford County Sheriffs Office via Facebook.

On Wednesday, the Montgomery County Sheriffs Office explained that it was aware of screenshots of school lists making rounds on social media that included the word targeted. Several people also informed the MCR2 School District in Montgomery County of such lists.

Montgomery County deputies reported that the lists they came across were of Title I Targeted Assisted Schools, which exist for several states, including Missouri.

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A targeted assistance school is a public school that receives Title I funds to provide supplemental services to a select group of students who are at risk of failing to meet state academic standards. The goal of these programs is to improve teaching and learning so that students can meet the states performance standards, said the sheriffs office via Facebook.

After communication with the MCR2 School District, the Montgomery County Sheriffs Office says we all agree this is a nationwide hoax and there is no credible threat. Along with that, the school district implied it would increase law enforcement presence at the schools Thursday morning.

The warnings from Crawford County and Montgomery County authorities follow two recent school threats at St. Louis-area schools, one in Illinois and one in Missouri, in recent days, along with recent school shootings in Georgia and Nebraska.

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. (KTVI)  A couple from Missouri is suing the city of Florissant and a city police officer, alleging that the officer stole nude photos from the couple during a traffic stop earlier this year.

Attorney Richard Voytas Jr., of Voytas Law in St. Louis, filed the suit on behalf of his clients last week. The couple has been identified only as Jane Doe and John Doe due to the nature of the case and concerns of retaliation, and the officer is identified as Joe Smith as his identity has not been made public.

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The suit alleges that the officer conducted a traffic stop of Jane Doe in February 2024, claiming that Janes rear taillight was out. He asked if she had insurance, then directed her to pull up proof of insurance on her cell phone and unlock the device, according to the documents.

The officer allegedly took Janes phone back to his police vehicle and disconnected the phone from her cars Bluetooth. The suit says the officer sat in his car for at least 10 minutes before returning the womans phone. He drove off without issuing Jane a ticket.

Investigators with the FBI contacted Jane Doe in July, asking her to identify a nude photograph of a woman who Jane recognized as herself, according to the lawsuit. She told investigators she only ever shared the photo with her husband, but federal authorities told Jane the image  and others  were found in the possession of the Florissant police officer who had pulled her over.

Officer Smith is accused of accessing Jane Does private messages during the traffic stop after finding a pinned conversation between her and John Doe. The suit alleges the officer scrolled back years into the couples conversation and found nude pictures the two had exchanged, along with intimate messages.

The officer used his phone to take pictures of the couples intimate photos, which he then shared with others, which is how the FBI became aware of the officers actions, the lawsuit alleges.

Voytas and his clients believe the officer has committed the same crime against others in Florissant.

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On Wednesday afternoon, the Florissant Police Department posted a message on its Facebook page acknowledging the lawsuit against the officer.

We are deeply concerned by these allegations and want to assure the community that we take any claim of officer misconduct very seriously. The safety of everyone in our community remains our top priority, the message reads in part. We hold our employees to a high standard of integrity and expect them to treat every member of our community with dignity and respect.

The Florissant Police Department added that the accused officer is no longer working for the city, and there is no indication that any other member of the Florissant Police Department was involved in the alleged misconduct.

The couple who filed the lawsuit is seeking a jury trial, Voytas indicated.

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DE SOTO, Mo. (KTVI)  A Missouri father who overcame addiction was killed last week by a suspected intoxicated driver while he was riding his motorcycle, authorities said.

On Wednesday afternoon, Amvets Post 48, a veterans organization in De Soto, was packed with family and friends of 55-year-old James McAnally.

His loved ones said he had fought a battle with addiction but turned to faith and got sober nearly eight years ago.

He really just changed his life and did his best for himself and me, said his daughter Mariah McAnally, who was moved by the hundreds of residents who came to De Soto to express condolences and offer support.

Longtime friend Mark Panagos said McAnally would routinely help others battling addiction. He believes countless lives have been turned around because of his friends willingness to check on those with struggles.

The demon that he was battling was the demon that ended up ultimately  through a lady that made some bad decisions  took his life, said Panagos.

Missouri cop accused of stealing womans nude photos during traffic stop

Investigators say McAnally was riding his motorcycle on Missouris Highway 30 on Sept. 4 around 5:30 p.m. when he was struck by a suspected intoxicated driver. The driver was taken into custody.

Family and friends hope the tragedy reminds others to watch out for motorcyclists and to drive sober.

Watch out what youre doing so you dont hurt somebodys family, McAnallys daughter urged.

Friends say McAnally loved being outdoors and thoroughly enjoyed his work as a tree service operator. Tributes also included praise from those who said McAnally helped keep their lives on track.

He was a hard worker, loved his family, and was active in the church, said Pastor Michael Ogle, a longtime friend. Theres so many people that have come from everywhere, and hes the common denominator.

Panagos noted that if anyone is struggling with addiction, help is available. He said, You dont have to do it alone.

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A judge upheld the murder conviction of Marcellus Williams, who is scheduled to be executed by the state of Missouri later this month.

The crucial ruling was Williams most likely chance at avoiding death by lethal injection on Sept. 24. It followed an unprecedented legal battle under a 2021 Missouri law, allowing prosecutors to intervene on Williams behalf to try to overturn his conviction and sentence.

In January, St. Louis County Prosecutor Wesley Bell filed a motion to vacate Williams conviction, setting off a flurry of developments in his case which culminated during two court hearings last month.

Tricia Rojo Bushnell, an attorney for Williams, said in a statement Thursday that a prosecutors decision to move to vacate a conviction is not done lightly.

Prosecuting Attorney Bell filed a motion because there is overwhelming evidence that Marcellus Williams trial was constitutionally unfair, including revelations that the State contaminated the most critical evidence in the case  the murder weapon.

We will continue pursuing every possible option to prevent Mr. Williams wrongful execution. There is still time for the courts or Governor Parson to ensure that Missouri does not commit the irreparable injustice of executing an innocent person, Bushnell said.

Williams, 55, was found guilty in the 1998 murder of Felicia Gayle in St. Louis County. He was convicted primarily on the word of two witnesses, who have since died. No forensic evidence linked Williams to the crime.

Williams previously faced execution dates in January 2015 and August 2017. Those were halted to conduct further investigation and DNA testing.

During the Aug. 21 hearing, prosecutors announced that new testing results showed two investigators were likely contributors to DNA evidence on the murder weapon. The contaminated evidence muddled Williams case, and he agreed to plead no contest and be re-sentenced to life without parole.

But the Missouri Attorney Generals Office opposed the deal and filed to the Missouri Supreme Court, which struck it down.

A full evidentiary hearing took place a week later before St. Louis County Circuit Judge Bruce Hilton, who had to find clear and convincing evidence of innocence or constitutional errors to overturn the conviction.

Hilton issued a 24-page judgment Thursday morning. He wrote that he considered more than 12,000 pages of documents and heard testimony from six witnesses called by Williams legal team. One of those witnesses was Keith Larner, a prosecutor during Williams 2001 trial, who touched the murder weapon without gloves multiple times. Forensic evidence on the knife was consistent with Larners DNA profile, who testified that he had not heard of touch DNA in 2001.

Hilton concluded that Larner had a good faith basis and reasons for handling the knife without gloves.

The new DNA results, he said, weakened Williams case.

In light of the DNA report, Hilton wrote that Williams cannot demonstrate that the genetic material on the knife handle can form a basis for a clear and convincing showing of Williams innocence.

He also found that the destruction of fingerprints by police from the crime scene was not done in bad faith.

Other claims, including that Williams received ineffective assistance of counsel during his trial and that potential Black jurors were improperly struck from the pool, were also rejected. Hilton said many of those points had been previously raised in appeals and were nothing more than re-packaged arguments.

Gayles family has said they want the case to be finalized, but do not want to see the death penalty carried out.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  A Savannah, Missouri, police officer charged in the death of a K-9 officer earlier this year has been fired from the police department.

Savannah Police Chief David Vincent said in a closed session meeting on Monday, Sept. 9, the Savannah Board of Alderman voted to terminate employment with Savanah Police Lt. Daniel Zeigler.

Charges were filed Friday in Andrew County against Zeigler whos charged with one count of animal abuse.

The charges were filed by the Missouri Attorney Generals Office.

Senior residents kicked out of low-income Kansas City apartment

According to court documents, on June 20, Zeigler and his K-9 partner Horus completed their overnight shift just before 5 a.m.

Just before 6 p.m. the same day, Zeigler contacted Chief Vincent and informed him Horus was dead.

Vincent determined Horus had been left in the police vehicle following the end of the shift and had died of heat exposure, court records say.

Court documents state the nearest weather reporting location at Kansas City International Airport, reported a high of 88 degrees at 5:53 p.m. on June 20.

One witness described seeing the deceased K-9 officer in the yard near the police vehicle that evening and described Zeigler flipping out and yelling in disbelief that he thought he had brought the K-9 in at the end of his shift, according to court document.

A second witness described assisting in the burial of Horus later on June 20 and stated during the burial he heard Zeigler tell Vincent that Horus death was his (Zeiglers) fault.

Court documents say on June 26, a functionality test was performed on the police vehicle that was operated by Zeigler on June 20. As part of the test, the vehicle was parked outside in direct sunlight with the ignition turned off. When the internal temperature reached 90 degrees, the vehicle began to honk repeatedly, rolled down the rear windows and activated a fan.

Homeowner sues Independence shooting suspect Larry Acree

The test was to demonstrate the AceK9 system inside the police vehicle was in working order and would have had to been manually turned off/deactivated on June 20, contributing to the death of Horus by removing a safeguard to prevent such an incident, court documents say.

The Savannah Police Department held a memorial service on Saturday, Sept. 7, for Horus.

Since K-9 Horus death, the community of Savannah and many others have been expressing their outrage and seeking justice for the loss of the young German Shepherds life on social media.

Many community members shared frustration after Horus was originally buried with no marker and created a makeshift memorial at the burial site.

An anonymous donor purchased a permanent headstone that was placed at the burial site last month.

A bill was recently signed by Gov. Mike Parson called Maxs Law. It was created after a St. Joseph K-9 was killed in the line of duty in 2021 and would increase penalties for injuring and killing animals in law enforcement.

It states that if a law enforcement animal is assaulted and dies, the person responsible could face a Class D Felony charge in the state of Missouri.

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A Class D Felony is the second-lowest class of felonies in the state and could lead to a prison sentence of no more than seven years, one year in a county jail or a court-imposed fine of up to $10,000.

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A mom who's been traveling with her kids for 19 years says these are the top hidden-gem destinations for families

When Tara Cannon travels with her family, she opts for hidden gems over hot destinations. TheBetterBeyond.com

Tara Cannon seeks unique, crowd-free travel destinations for her family.

The Vancouver-based family has traveled to 30 countries in the last 19 years.

They prefer hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path alternatives to popular spots.

Tara Cannon is passionate about traveling to unique locales with her family of four.

"I've always wanted to avoid the crowds. I've always wanted to avoid cruise ship destinations, and I've always wanted to have an experience where I'm learning something new," Cannon, who has traveled to 30 countries over the past 19 years, told Business Insider.

The Vancouver-based family seeks out hidden gem destinations that keep the kids active, and they've found some off-the-beaten-path alternatives for hot spots from Maui to the Caribbean.

Cannon's kids hike in Moorea. The Better Beyond

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Panama is a lesser visited alternative to Costa Rica.

Cannon's daughter in Panama. The Better Beyond

"Costa Rica obviously has been at the forefront of adventure travel, sustainability, and protecting wildlife for years," Cannon said. "Panama is a little bit behind them, but they are definitely trying to develop their wildlife travel and adventure travel a lot more than they ever have in the past."

Cannon, who documents her travels on her blog, The Better Beyond , has visited Panama multiple times  the first in 2000.

"We took our first jungle adventure to Panama when my daughter was six," she said, adding that they stayed at a tree house hotel  and the kids loved it.

For families, Cannon recommends spending some time in Panama City.

"It has a great old town  Casco Viejo. It has all these beautiful buildings and great restaurants and really neat hotels," she said. "You can go to the Miraflores Visitor Center, which is where the locks are for the Panama Canal. You could see Caymans quite easily right from the city."

Cannon added that it's worth taking day trips out to the jungle to go hiking, rafting and see various local animals, including monkeys and sloths.

In the Caribbean, travel to off-the-beaten-track archipelagos like Iles des Saintes also known as Les Saintes.

A coast in Les Saintes. Alain BIRET/Getty Images

"When we're going to the Caribbean, I look for the least busy, off-the-beaten-track islands," Cannon said. "Our favorite these days is this group of islands called Les Saintes."

To get to the islands, Cannon flies into Guadalupe and takes a ferry.

"It's a similar experience to being on a bougie island like St. Barts, but without the high cost," she said. "People are speaking French, and it has wonderful bakeries. You get this great French food, and you get beautiful beaches on a much smaller budget."

Skip the crowds in Europe by visiting Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain

La Concha Bay in San Sebastian. Spain Gonzalo Azumendi/Getty Images

"Europe is so crowded these days," Cannon, who also authors a blog called Pint Size Pilot, said. "But last summer, we ended up in San Sebastian, which is on the northern coast of Spain. It's amazing for kids."

She added that the beach town is not packed with people in the summer, like so many European destinations.

"It has this boardwalk with a beautiful playground and carousel," Cannon said. "It has an amusement park right beside the beach where you can ride a funicular up a mountain."

She also recommended taking children to the aquarium and the tourist train right near the beach.

"There's this mini train that goes all along the beach, and it's full of kids all the time," she added.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Montgomery County Clerk of Courts allowed to stay in office

Montgomery County Clerk of Courts allowed to stay in office

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  After a court ruling, Montgomery County Clerk Mike Foley will not be suspended from office.

According to a release, a Special Commission panel found the evidence presented against Foley to be insufficient in warranting his removal from public office.

The special prosecutor failed to offer sufficient facts to warrant this Special Commission finding Mr. Foley continuing his role as Clerk of Courts would adversely affect the function of the office and/or adversely affect the rights and interests of the public. Accordingly, Mr. Foley shall not be suspended from public office, a statement from the panel.

Foley is scheduled to appear at the Montgomery County Courthouse this morning at 10 a.m. to discuss the panels verdict.

Foley was one of two local officials alleged of conducting improper political activities using public resources.

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The Airport fire torched vintage vehicles next to a destroyed home off Ortega Highway in Lake Elsinore. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

The Airport fire, which sparked Monday in Orange County's Trabuco Canyon, has gained ferocity. On Wednesday, the fire was still burning out of control as it moved into Riverside County, scorching thousands of acres and burning homes.

Although fire officials didn't have specific numbers on structures burned, they told The Times that multiple homes had been affected.

Joel Pavelka, who lives in the small mountain town of El Cariso, was trying to stay upbeat.

I am crossing my fingers, we are OK for now, said Pavelka as he watched smoke billow over the Santa Ana Mountains near the spot where he has lived for 20 years.

Read more: SoCal fires burn 100,000 acres, destroy dozens of homes and injure 13

The small, tight-knit Riverside County community sits in the heart of Cleveland National Forest, home to campgrounds and trails across the scenic mountainside. To the west lies the Pacific Ocean and to the east is Lake Elsinore. Over the years, wildfires have burned the mountains.

On Wednesday afternoon at Lake Elsinore Market, as the sun began to set, the silhouette of helicopters dropping water from the nearby lake could be seen.

The Airport fire left behind a singed dining room table with an unfinished jigsaw puzzle and a melted water cooler. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Pavelka and a small group of evacuees had been camped out for more than a day watching the winds whip up hot spots near their homes and getting reports from neighbors who had stayed behind. Smoke filled the air, and the glow of the fire colored the landscape a hazy orange.

The Airport fire began unintentionally with a spark from heavy equipment as rocks were being moved in the Trabuco Canyon foothills. Since Monday, it has burned more than 20,000 acres, with 0% containment, while two other major fires burned in San Bernardino County and the Angeles National Forest.

Read more: Photos: Fires ravaging California after heat wave

More than 5,000 homes were under evacuation orders in Riverside County, affecting over 19,000 residents, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Division Chief Todd Hopkins said at a Wednesday news conference.

At the market, the evacuees sat on fold-out chairs outside a camper.

I am glad you're OK, Barbara, said a man passing by the group.

A man in uniform walks away from cars parked near blackened trees (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Barbara Shea-han, who owns the Lookout Roadhouse on Ortega Highway in Lake Elsinore, is well-known in the area. She said her house and restaurant were still standing, but many of her neighbors hadn't been so lucky.

Its awful. My house burned down" many years ago, she said. "I know exactly how they feel. It is debilitating.

Read more: Southern California is suddenly besieged by fire. Experts say fall will be worse

Shea-han had been out running errands down the mountain in Irvine on Tuesday morning. When she returned, Ortega Highway, the only road to get to her home, had been shut down. She tagged along with a news crew to sneak back up to the community.

Looking at the vegetation, it looks like a moonscape with trees. All you see is rocks and earth, she said. It will be weeks before we can get the restaurant back open.

And perhaps days before they can sleep in their beds.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
More than 100 people die from mpox in one week as outbreak spirals across Africa

The last week alone saw 3,160 new mpox cases and 107 fatalities  equal to 11 per cent of infections - Arlette Bashizi/Reuters

More than 100 people have died from mpox in Africa in the last week alone, almost 15 per cent of all fatalities reported this year, as the outbreak of a mutated strain spirals across the continent.

In a briefing on Thursday Dr Jean Kaseya, head of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said the concerning variant had now been spotted in 14 countries in the region, with more than 26,500 infections and 724 deaths recorded since January.

But in a sign that the worst may be to come, the last week alone saw 3,160 new mpox cases and 107 fatalities  equal to 11 per cent of infections and 14.7 per cent of deaths detected so far in 2024.

Its too much, its not acceptable, Dr Kaseya told journalists, adding that children under 15 have been disproportionately affected.

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, became a major focus when it lapped the globe in 2022, predominantly in gay and bisexual men. But while that epidemic was caused by clade 2, the most dangerous form of mpox has been endemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo for decades, known as clade 1.

Yet early last year the situation worsened dramatically. Tens of thousands of people have since been infected, while a concerning mutant variant, clade 1b, has emerged in the countrys east.

As this variant began to sweep across international borders, the World Health Organization (WHO) last month declared a global health crisis  its highest health alert  and clade 1b has since been spotted as far afield as Thailand and Sweden.

Not just an African issue

When we say, we need to stop this outbreak now, its because we dont know if we can get another mutation, Dr Kaseya warned. Let us remind each other, its not just an African issue as some newspapers quoted, its a global issue. Countries are reporting cases across the world.

But in much of the DRC, healthcare workers on the frontline are still facing a chronic shortage of resources to respond  in some places, even soap and antiseptic wipes are unavailable.

The outbreak has also highlighted profound inequalities in access to vaccines. Although at risk individuals can walk into a clinic in London and access an mpox shot, not a single vaccine has yet been rolled out inside the DRC.

Children under the age of 15 have been disproportionately affected by this outbreak - Moses Sawasawa/AP

While some of this can be attributed to bureaucratic hurdles  including delayed regulatory approval in the DRC and slow WHO procedures  experts have also warned that there has also been tendency for Western countries to stockpile their available supplies as a biosecurity measure.

The mpox vaccines were first developed to target smallpox, a close viral cousin. While it was wiped out in the 1980s, yet there are lingering concerns about the threat of a deliberate smallpox outbreak.

Vaccines are useless on shelves

However, according to analysis by Reuters, countries including Japan, the United States and Canada have several hundred million doses of vaccines. The first shipment of shots only arrived in the DRC last Friday.

Its not a technical question, its a political one, Maria Van Kerkhove, acting head of pandemic and epidemic prevention at the World Health Organization, told Reuters. Vaccines are useless on shelves. Why wouldnt we get them to the people who need them right now?

In Thursdays briefing, Dr Kaseya said more vaccine donations are trickling into the DRC  as well as the first shipment of 99,000 doses from the European Union, 50,000 shots arrived from America and 15,000 from the agency Gavi on Tuesday. Still, this is a tiny number compared to the millions at risk in the vast country.

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More than half of Latinos asked have never heard of Latinx, and only 4% use it, Pew study finds

The federal government officially adopted the word "Hispanic" as a descriptor in the 1970s.

Even though Latinos in the U.S. have become more aware of the word "Latinx," about half of the Hispanic population still has never heard of the gender-neutral alternative, the Pew Research Center found in a study published Thursday.

The number of Latinos who have heard of "Latinx" has nearly doubled since 2019, when only 23% of the Hispanic population reported being aware of it.

Now, almost half of the U.S. Latino population (47%) say they have heard of "Latinx," according to the study. But increased awareness of it has not made it more popular.

The share of the Hispanic population who use "Latinx" to describe themselves remained statistically unchanged from 2019 to 2023.

Only 3% of the Hispanic population nationwide used the word to describe themselves in 2019, which rose to 4% in 2023. While the percentage may appear low, that is still an estimated 1.9 million people who use "Latinx" to describe themselves, according to the study.

Amid increased visibility, controversies and even bans on the use of "Latinx," another gender-neutral alternative broke into the mainstream consciousness in the late 2010s: Latine, which is often considered a more Spanish-language-friendly version of its predecessor.

But the newer word remains largely unknown among U.S. Hispanics, according to Pew. Seventy-nine percent of Latinos have not heard it; 18% reported that they have.

From "Hispanic" and "Latino" to "Latinx" and "Latine," the different pan-ethnic terms used to describe people who can trace their roots to Latin American countries and Spain have long been a source of debate as communities grapple with identifying which terms best represent their experiences. But defying racial and ethnic categorizations, often defined in narrow terms, is an indication of how big and diverse the Latino population is becoming.

The word "Hispanic" emerged in the 1960s when Puerto Rican civil rights groups and others, such as the National Council of La Raza, now called UnidosUS, advocated for a way to count people who could trace their roots to Spanish-speaking countries in Latin America, the Caribbean or Spain to identify specific needs and fight for policies that could improve their lives.

The federal government officially adopted the word "Hispanic" as a descriptor for the population in the 1970s  paving the way for other terms, such as "Latino," "Latinx" and "Afro Latino," among others, to emerge. But "Latino" is the only other term included on the census form alongside "Hispanic."

Other key takeaways from the study:

Among U.S. Latinos, college graduates (74%) and adults ages 18 to 29 (60%) are more likely than the general Hispanic populations to say they have heard of "Latinx."

67% of Latino adults identifying as lesbian, gay or bisexual say they are familiar with "Latinx." But only 13% say they have used it to describe themselves.

9% of Afro-Latinos say they use "Latinx."

About a third (36%) of Latinos aware of "Latinx" view its widespread use as "a bad thing," while 12% see it is "a good thing."

38% of Hispanics view the growing use of "Latinx" as neither good nor bad; 14% say they are not sure.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
More police than normal at all Atlanta schools Thursday morning after threats

Atlanta Public Schools announced on Wednesday night that they would be increasing police presence at all of their schools on Thursday.

This comes after they say they were made aware of some concerning social media posts making threats against schools.

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APS says their police department is working alongside the FBI, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Atlanta Police Department to monitor the threats being made and figure out who is responsible for them.

Atlanta police and the Fulton County sheriffs office will join APS in beefing up security on Thursday.

Honestly, I was thinking about some of the kids just involved in that recent shooting, and kinda wondering if Im doing the right thing letting her go to school, parent Akira Smith said.

Just before Noon, school district officials told Channel 2s Steve Gehlbach that nothing had materialized.

TRENDING STORIES:

Your safety, security, and well-being are our highest priorities. We are committed to implementing all necessary safety measures to safeguard them and maintain a secure learning and working environment. We have asked schools to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity, the school district wrote in a statement to parents.

Since last weeks deadly shooting at Apalachee High School, more than two dozen students and adults across the state have been arrested for making threats against schools.

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IN OTHER NEWS:
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)  The Green River Area Development District (GRADD) presented four awards at its Annual Meeting Wednesday, including naming the city of Morganfield as the Community of the Year.

Officials explain the GRADD Community of the Year Award honors a city or county who has initiated significant efforts to improve the quality of life for their residents. Morganfield was recognized for its work to develop a new park downtown on a former vacant car lot. The park, now named Homestead Park, honors Morganfields unique history with a mural painted by local artists. Plans to construct a splash pad, ADA-accessible restrooms and a parking lot using grant funding are also underway.

Some parts of the Tri-State are maternity care deserts

GRADD says in addition to the park project, the city has recently completed a multiyear project to renovate the sewers at the Earle C. Clements Job Corps at a cost of $6 million. The city also just completed another sewer project, spending $179,000 on a sludge diversion project.

Union Co. Tourism Office offering ransom on Hwy 60 Yard Sale signs

On top of the Community of the Year Award, GRADD recognized three individuals for outstanding commitments to the GRADD region:

Kim Humphrey, River View Coals Director of Community and Employee Programs, received the Charles Reid Regional Citizenship Award for her decades-long service to volunteer organizations and boards in the GRADD region. The award is presented annually to a citizen from the public or private sector who has played a major role in regional development efforts.

Mike Baker, of Hancock County, received the Texal Brooks Regional Leadership Award, which honors a current or former GRADD Board or committee member who has demonstrated outstanding regional leadership. Baker received the award for his outstanding commitment to workforce development efforts throughout the GRADD region.

Kentucky State Senator Steven Meredith was awarded the Wendell Ford Legislative Leadership Award, which is presented to a local, state or national elected official who has dedicated his/her life to working with legislative issues and services for our regions citizens. Senator Meredith was instrumental in securing funding for aging and Medicaid Waiver programs during the 2024 Kentucky General Assembly Legislative Session.

What distinguishes the GRADD region is its leadership, said GRADD Executive Director Joanna Shake. This years award recipients exemplify heart and humility in service along with passion and purpose. Its a privilege and an honor to have such commendable leaders within our district.

(Courtesy: GRADD)

(Courtesy: GRADD)

(Courtesy: GRADD)

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MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WBOY)  A Morgantown man is facing charges after officers with the Morgantown Police Department say that he broke into multiple buildings, including a school, over the past few weeks.

According to a release from the department, on Aug. 31, Dustin Vernon Gomes, 38 of Morgantown, broke into the Suncrest Middle School sixth-grade annex building, which is currently undergoing repairs. A criminal complaint filed against him said that he went through a window and stole several items, including several backpacks, an umbrella and a hooded jacket with Monongalia County Schools on the front.

Woman charged after allegedly driving while high on meth with 2 children and explosives in her vehicle in Upshur County

More than a week later on Sept. 9, Gomes broke into an administrative building at a Morgantown Energy Associates (MEA) Power Plant on Beechurst Avenue. While there, officers said he stole several other items, including the keys to a Jeep Rubicon, which he then took from the buildings parking lot.

The criminal complaint said that Gomes was seen on surveillance cameras with the Jeep in a car dealership parking lot going through stolen items.

Gomes was arrested on Thursday, Sept. 12, and has been charged with two counts of breaking and entering as well as one count of grand larceny.

As of Thursday afternoon, Gomes does not appear in the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation system. 12 News will update this story when more information becomes available.

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Pet-eating claims: Unsubstantiated claims that Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio, are eating neighbors pets have gone from city commission meetings to the 2024 presidential campaign. During his debate with Vice President Kamala Harris, former President Donald Trump repeated claims that immigrants in the Ohio town are eating neighbors pets. Springfield city leaders have said those claims are unsubstantiated. Residents who spoke with NewsNation say the situation is out of control and the city lacks the ability to handle the migrants. Some Haitian residents of the city feel they are victims of misconceptions about the community and their status in the country. Full report >



Zoom in: Springfield is a town of just under 60,000 people, according to the 2020 census, and since then an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 migrants have settled there looking for work, many of them from Haiti. City leaders are faced with balancing the need for workers versus managing finite resources in the community. But the number of immigrants has strained health care services and schools, and the number of car accidents has skyrocketed. Residents also tell NewsNation they are concerned with crime. Read more >


Mother charged with reckless endangerment after daughter pepper sprayed during school bus fight in Nashville

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  A woman was arrested for reportedly waving a gun in response to a Wednesday afternoon fight involving her daughter on a bus carrying Nashville high schoolers.

According to the Metro Nashville Police Department, McGavock High School students got into a fight, during which one of them pepper sprayed others on the bus. As a result, the bus driver pulled over at Lisa Lane and Lebanon Pike.

13-year-old students arrested for making threats against Nashville schools, police say

While medics were treating a student for pepper spray exposure, authorities said 36-year-old Angela Sweeney arrived at the scene and tried to get on the bus. However, the driver prevented the mother from doing so.

Officials said Sweeney was apparently upset that her daughter had been pepper sprayed. The woman allegedly went to her car, grabbed a handgun, and started to wave it around, but she didnt point it at anyone before she drove off.

Police said they stopped Sweeney on Lebanon Pike and took her into custody without incident. Officers also recovered the handgun.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

According to the Davidson County Sheriffs Office, Sweeney is being held in the Downtown Detention Center on a $75,000 bond for felony reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon.

Besides the pepper spray exposure, nobody was injured over the course of the incident on Wednesday, Sept. 11, authorities reported.

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Motorcyclist hit, killed by semi that fled, 4 other vehicles

Motorcyclist hit, killed by semi that fled, 4 other vehicles

EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  A 50-year-old man was killed Sunday night, Sept. 8 when he became dislodged from the motorcycle he was riding along Interstate 10 and was hit by a semitruck and four other vehicles.

Police said the semitruck did not stop and fled the scene.

1 person killed in motorcycle crash at I-10 East, Airway

Ricardo Cuellar, 50, was killed in the multi-vehicle crash that happened at about 9:30 p.m. Sunday at Interstate 10 East near Airway.

Cuellar was riding his motocycle when he somehow became dislodged from his bike, police said.

He was then hit by a semitruck that did not stop and continued east on Interstate 10, police said.

Police said he was then hit by four other vehicles which all remained on the scene.

Cuellar died at the scene, police said.

His motorcycle continued to travel for several hundred feet until it struck another vehicle, police said.

Police are asking anyone with information about how Cuellar became separated from his motorcycle or information about the semitruck to call the El Paso Police Departments non-emergency number at (915) 832-4400 or you can remain anonymous by calling (915) 566-TIPS (8477).

This is the 44th traffic fatality of this year in El Paso, compared to 53 at the same time last year.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  35-year-old Shawn Delancey was charged with murder, manslaughter, and child abuse in the death of the little boy in March of 2023.

Today, Delancey agreed to a plea deal in a Davison County courtroom. He pleaded guilty to 2nd-degree manslaughter and child abuse. A murder charge was dropped.

In March 2023, at his home in Mt. Vernon, Delancey was babysitting 3-year-old Mahlon Pollard, also known as May.

According to court documents Delancey said the child was upset, and he first attempted to calm him down with a bath. During the bath, Delancey told investigators Mahlon was flailing around. He admits he became frustrated, yelled at Mahlon to calm down, grabbed him by the upper chest and shook him violently.

20-year-old shot in Aberdeen

Court documents say the boy later became unresponsive. Today in court it was revealed he died as a result of a traumatic brain injury.

Judge Chris Giles asked Delancey if he understood that the plea deal meant he would forgo a jury trial. Delancey told the judge he understood. Under the terms of the plea agreement, the maximum sentence Delancey will face is 15 years. He is scheduled to be sentenced on December 6th.

The judge ordered a pre-sentencing report, which will allow for input from the victims family.

It will also include background information on Delancy and character witnesses on his behalf.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
I moved from New Jersey to Puerto Rico for a whirlwind romance. I felt a lot of culture shock, but I miss the island now that I'm gone.

I moved from New Jersey to Puerto Rico for a whirlwind romance. I felt a lot of culture shock, but I miss the island now that I'm gone.

When I moved from New Jersey to Puerto Rico, I experienced a few culture shocks.

Unlike in New Jersey, many strangers greeted me while walking on the street in San Juan.

I used to rush through mealtimes, but in San Juan, I made an effort to actually savor my food.

At age 21, my frigid home state of New Jersey was pretty much all I knew. That is, until I downloaded Tinder.

My swipe right on a dating app turned into a whirlwind romance with a guy from Peru. A year and a half into our relationship, he accepted a job requiring relocation to San Juan, Puerto Rico, and I accepted his invitation to join him.

So, I packed my bags and headed out to experience a new way of living. Here are the biggest differences and culture shocks I experienced while living in Puerto Rico.

I immediately admired the welcoming attitude of the people I met in Puerto Rico

I appreciated the calm environment in Puerto Rico. Fallon Shay

As many New Jersey residents know, blunt and brusque interactions are the norm in the Tristate area. We keep our interactions efficient and to the point.

In some places, like Manhattan, keeping to myself as much as possible served me well. But these old habits made me feel like a fish out of water in Puerto Rico.

One of the first things I noticed when I moved was how friendly the people I met in San Juan were. Whether heading to the grocery store or out for a stroll, I was greeted by a hearty "Buen dia" or "Buenas tardes" and a smile.

Soon enough, I became comfortable greeting others on the street and more open to interactions with strangers.

I learned to sit and enjoy food instead of looking at meals as on-the-go endeavors

My mealtimes in northern New Jersey were often hasty endeavors, filled with clipped conversation overshadowed by looming to-do list dread. This urgency was reflected in many of my grab-and-go food choices, such as pizza slices and Taylor ham, egg, and cheese bagel sandwiches.

But in Puerto Rico, many people I ate with encouraged diners to sit down and actually enjoy their food. Though long mealtimes aren't unheard of in New Jersey, it had been a while since I'd been present for a full meal.

During my stay, I enjoyed foods like mofongo con camarones (crispy plantains and shrimp served alongside vegetables, rice, and beans) and tembleque (a coconut pudding).

Every dish was delectable, with different savory, rich, and vibrant notes coming to life with each bite. But most of all, I appreciated my ability to let go of my preference for rushed mealtimes.

I was surprised by how supportive locals were when I was learning Spanish

With just a few beginner's Spanish lessons under my belt, diving headfirst into an atmosphere where nearly 95% of the population speaks Spanish felt disorienting.

I purchased a premium Duolingo subscription and ritualized my morning sessions, taking meticulous notes on my ever-growing Spanish vocabulary. Then, I started using it  my first big achievement was ordering un cafe con leche at my local coffee shop.

Though it was initially petrifying, stepping out of my comfort zone helped me learn the new language. Much to my surprise, many people encouraged my efforts to speak in their native tongue, excusing my grammatical errors with kindness and understanding.

I was used to blunt, to-the-point interactions in New Jersey, so I was initially taken aback by strangers' understanding nature as I adjusted to speaking Spanish. But thanks to many people's compassion, slowly but surely, my Spanish improved.

I wouldn't trade my time in Puerto Rico for the world

I'll always cherish my time in Puerto Rico. Fallon Shay

My move to Puerto Rico was a transformational experience. In hindsight, this relocation made me a more well-rounded individual with a soft spot for the island.

Though the relationship that brought me to Puerto Rico didn't last, the island left a mark on me. As a city girl at heart, the transition back into Northeastern culture was seamless  still, I'll always hold the memories I made on the island dear to my heart.

Spanish lessons remain a treasured part of my daily routine. I've found several esteemed Puerto Rican restaurants in New Jersey and still keep in touch with my closest friends from San Juan.

I cherish the memories I made, and a piece of my heart will always remain in Puerto Rico.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Movie producer Harvey Weinstein indicted on new charges: US media

Harvey Weinstein appears in Manhattan Criminal Court in New York City in July 2024 (Adam GRAY) (Adam GRAY/POOL/AFP)

Disgraced American film producer Harvey Weinstein is facing new charges, US media reported Thursday, just days after he was rushed to hospital for emergency heart surgery.

The new indictment of the 72-year-old Weinstein, who has been convicted of sex crimes in New York and California, was brought by a Manhattan grand jury, the New York Post and New York Times said.

Prosecutors announced the new charges, which are under seal, at a court hearing on Thursday before Judge Curtis Farber.

Weinstein did not attend the hearing and the judge said he will be arraigned on September 18 if his health allows.

Weinstein was rushed to Bellevue Hospital on Monday from New York's Rikers Island prison for emergency heart surgery.

His spokesman Juda Engelmayer told AFP that Weinstein is "weak" but "out of danger."

The New York Times quoted Weinstein's lawyer, Arthur Aidala, as saying at Thursday's hearing that his client "almost died."

Weinstein is serving a 16-year sentence after being convicted on rape charges in California.

He was also convicted in New York in 2020 of the rape and sexual assault of actor Jessica Mann and of forcibly performing oral sex on a production assistant. He was sentenced to 23 years in prison in that case.

An appeals court, however, overturned that conviction in April and Weinstein is now awaiting a retrial.

The once-powerful film mogul has made court appearances in a wheelchair, looking frail and pale.

In 2017, the allegations against Weinstein helped launch the #MeToo movement, a watershed moment for women fighting sexual misconduct.

More than 80 women accused him of harassment, sexual assault or rape, including prominent actors Angelina Jolie, Gwyneth Paltrow and Ashley Judd.

Weinstein claimed any sexual relations in question were consensual.

cl/des
BALDWINSVILLE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV)  Members from the Moyers Corners Fire Department came together on Wednesday, September 11, to honor those who died in the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

The department also remembered fallen Syracuse Police Officer Michael Jensen and Onondaga County Sheriffs Lieutenant Michael Hoosock.

Its a tradition that started two decades ago at the Moyers Corners Fire Department.

Brian Skipworth, who was a member of the fire department and in the army, decided one day to put on his rucksack and carry a flag on 9/11 and do a run, said Robert Dreitlein, a member of the Moyers Corners Fire Department.

Inspiring Dreitlein, a 30-year veteran of the department, to do the same.

It started out with just me and my wife. She was always there by my side helping me out, Dreitlein said.

Every year, on September 11, for more than 15 years, Dreitlein puts on his fire helmet and running shoes, stepping off from station one. Dreitlein carries the American flag while running 7.2 miles, all to honor those who lost their lives 23 years ago.

9/11 was a tragedy that the whole world experienced and hope to never see ever again, just to keep the memory going and moving forward, said Dreitlein.

But this year, they are honoring fallen officers Michael Jensen and Michael Hoosock.

We also are going to be carrying the thin blue and red line American flag, said Dreitlein.

Dreitlein also carried the end-of-watch memorial sticker in honor of Lt. Hoosock.

Hoosock was a longtime member of Moyers Corners and a friend to all.

He was a very close friend, a fellow firefighter and an awesome guy all the way around, Dreitlein said.

Dreitlein says Hoosock never participated in the 9/11 run but was always willing to lend a helping hand.

He had a great sense of humor and just how he could tell a story. I miss that, said Dreitlein.

Making sure both fallen officers and the victims of 9/11 are never forgotten.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSYR.
The chair of Guernsey's Medical Specialist Group (MSG) is "delighted" an appeal against a ruling that Depty Gavin St Pier broke States rules has been thrown out.

Deputy Commissioner for Standards Martin Jelley dismissed St Pier's appeal against a ruling in 2023 that he breached the States code of conduct.

Originally an independent panel ruled some of St Pier's comments were "seriously and fundamentally misleading", during a speech on safeguarding in April 2022.

States members will vote on whether to formally reprimand St Pier in October. St Pier has declined to comment.

MSG Chair Dr Steve Evans said this decision "completely justified" why the MSG brought a complaint against the former chief minister.

The three complaints from the MSG, British Medical Association and Dr Sandie Bohin were made following a speech where St Pier named Dr Bohin as one of the clinicians involved in an investigation into safeguarding concerns, which found no wrongdoing.

Dr Evans said: "We are delighted and relieved that the more than two-year ordeal for our consultant paediatrician Dr Sandie Bohin is coming to an end.

"Deputy St Piers conduct was grossly and manifestly unfair to Dr Bohin.

"By naming her in the States on 27 April 2022 and by making misleading statements, he caused serious damage not just to her reputation but also to trust in the medical profession and the safeguarding service in Guernsey as a whole."

Follow BBC Guernsey on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk.

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How much will AI help in the next pandemic?

AI is increasingly being used to follow and prepare for new variants of coronavirus [AstraZeneca]

It's been dubbed "Disease X" - the next global pandemic, which some experts predict is pretty much bound to happen.

Over the next decade, according to certain forecasts, there's a one in four chance of another outbreak on the scale of Covid-19.

It could be influenza or coronavirus - or something completely new.

Covid-19, of course, infected and killed millions of people worldwide, so it's a frightening prospect.

So could AI help to alleviate it?

Researchers in California are developing an AI-based early warning system that will examine social media posts to help predict future pandemics.

The researchers, from University of California, Irvine (UCI) and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), are part of the US National Science Foundation's Predictive Intelligence for Pandemic Prevention grant programme.

This funds research that aims to identify, model, predict, track and mitigate the effects of future pandemics.

The project builds on earlier work by UCI and UCLA researchers, including a searchable database of 2.3 billion US Twitter posts collected since 2015, to monitor public health trends.

Prof Chen Li is spearheading the project at UCI's Department of Computer Science. He says they have been collecting billions of tweets on X, formerly known as Twitter, over the past few years.

The tool works by figuring out which tweets are meaningful and training the algorithm to help to detect early signs of a future pandemic, predict upcoming outbreaks, and evaluate the potential outcomes of specific public health policies, says Prof Chen.

We have developed a machine-learning model for identifying and categorising significant events that may be indicative of an upcoming epidemic from social media streams."

The tool, which is targeted at public health departments and hospitals, can also "evaluate the effects of treatments to the spread of viruses", he says.

However, its not without problems. For example, it is reliant on X, a platform not accessible in some countries.

The availability of data outside the US has been mixed, admits Prof Chen.

So far our focus has been within the US. We are working to overcome the data scarcity and potential bias when we expand the coverage to other regions of the world.

Developed by Harvard Medical School and the University of Oxford, an AI tool called EVEScape is making predictions about new variants of coronavirus.

Researchers are publishing a ranking of new variants every two weeks, and they claim that the tool has also made accurate predictions about other viruses, including HIV and influenza.

One of the unique strengths of our approach is that it can be used early in a pandemic, says Nikki Thadani, a former postdoctoral research fellow who was involved in the development of EVEScape.

It could be good for... vaccine manufacturers, and also for people trying to identify therapeutics, particularly antibodies to get some insight early on into which mutations might arise even a year in the future.

AI is being used to identify antibodies, which can be used to make new vaccines [Getty Images]

It's a point picked up by AstraZeneca's vice president of data science and AI R&D, Jim Wetherall.

The pharmaceutical giant uses AI to help speed up the discovery of new antibodies. Antibodies are proteins used by the body's immune system to fight off harmful substances. They can be used to make new vaccines.

Mr Wetherall says the firm can "generate and screen a library of antibodies and bring the highest quality predictions to the lab, reducing the number of antibodies that need to be tested, and cutting the time to identify target antibody leads from three months to three days".

This is helpful for pandemic preparedness, he says, "because as we have seen with Covid-19, the potential volatility of viruses means that we need quicker ways to identify candidates to keep up with rapidly mutating targets."

The Oslo-headquartered Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) - which funded EVEScape - views AI as a tool to help in its goal of preparing for and responding to epidemics and pandemics.

We just have to be as broadly well prepared as possible, says Dr In-Kyu Yoon, director, programmes and innovative technology at CEPI.

And what AI does is it speeds up that that preparation process.

However, he says AI still needs to develop and mature. AI still depends on the information that is inputted, and I don't think anybody would say that we actually have all the information.

"Even if the AI then can try to evaluate, analyse it and predict from that, it's based on information that's put in. AI is a tool and the tool can be applied to various activities that can increase the quality and speed of the preparation for the next pandemic.

"[But] it would probably be wrong to say that AI can slow down or prevent the next pandemic. It's up to people to determine where to apply it.

At the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr Philip AbdelMalik also highlights the role people play in AI's efficacy.

As the WHO's unit head of intelligence, innovation and integration, he says AI has definite value. It can pick up on chatter around particular symptoms, for example, and spot potential threats before governments have officially announced them.

Also, it can pick up if people are advocating potentially dangerous treatments online so the WHO can step in.

However, while he can see its benefits, he is quick to flag up the challenges.

He says hes always careful to say AI is not going to generate decisions for us. Plus, Dr AbdelMalik is concerned about the issues surrounding ethical use of AI and equitable representation.

If I'm feeding it a lot of information that I'm not reviewing, and so it contains a lot of misinformation, or it's representative only of certain subpopulations, then what I'm going to get out is also going to be representative of just some subpopulations or contain a lot of misinformation.

"So it's that old adage of, you know, garbage in, garbage out.

Dr Philip AbdelMalik says that humans need to still make the decisions, not the AI [WHO]

But overall, experts believe were in a better position for the next pandemic, partly because of the progress made in AI.

I think this pandemic was kind of a wake-up call to a lot of people who think about this space, says Nikki Thadani.

Our model [AI tool EVEScape], and a lot of other efforts to really refine how we think about epidemiology, and how we think about leveraging the sort of data that you can have before a pandemic, and then integrating it with the data that's coming in through a pandemic, that does make me feel better about our ability to handle pandemics in the future.

But, she says, there's a long way to go both on more of the fundamental biology and modelling she has worked in, but in epidemiology and public health more broadly, to help make us more prepared for future pandemics.

We're much better off now than we were three years ago, says Dr AbdelMalik.

"However, theres something more important than technology to help us when the next pandemic hits, and thats trust.

Technology to me is not our limiting factor. I think we really have to work on relationships, on information sharing and building trust. We keep saying that, everybody's saying that, but are we actually doing it?"

Read more about AI
How much did Trump inherit from his father?

(NEXSTAR)  Among the various topics touched on during Tuesdays presidential debate was the inheritance former President Donald Trump received, used as a point of contrast by Vice President Kamala Harris as she tried to relate to the middle class.

How much Trump received has seemingly been a sensitive point for the former president. He has often claimed it was a very small loan, but a 2018 report by the New York Times largely refuted that.

Trump to Harris: Im talking now

The Times claimed that, after reviewing financial documents, it determined Trump received more than $413 million  in 2018 dollars  from his New York City developer father, Fred, for years.

According to the Washington Post, Trump benefited from trusts set up for family members as well as loans from his father and his fathers estate. The New York Times said it found Trump and his father avoided gift and inheritance taxes by using a sham corporation and undervaluing assets, The Associated Press reported.

Harris trolls Trump over rallies during debate

At the time, a lawyer for Trump and the White House dismissed the claims.

Trump has largely done the same, claiming his father only gave him a very small loan that he turned into a company thats worth many, many billions of dollars. However, as Harris noted during Tuesdays debate, Trumps companies have filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection seven times.

In 2021, Trump fell off the Forbes 400 list for the first time in 25 years. He returned to the list in 2022, but fell off again in 2023.

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  The search for a woman who disappeared from Nashville in August took investigators to Lebanon Thursday afternoon.

A spokesperson for the Metro Nashville Police Department confirmed a multi-agency search was underway for 23-year-old Blanca Guadalupe Berrios Orellana at a location off of Burnt House Road.

PREVIOUS: Metro police searching for Antioch woman missing almost 2 weeks

Metro Nashville Cold Case Homicide detectives, along with Murfreesboro police, reportedly developed some information that led them to the location. An urban search and rescue team was also dispatched to the area.

Blanca Guadalupe Berrios Orellana (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department)

Orellana was reported missing by her mother on Aug. 21. However, the last time anyone saw her was a few days earlier on Aug. 18 at her apartment on Old Hickory Boulevard in Antioch.

According to her mother, the 23-year-old said she was going to Murfreesboro to visit a family member.

UNSOLVED TENNESSEE: Find more of the states cold cases, missing persons, and other mysteries 

The Wilson County Sheriffs Office and Tennessee Bureau of Investigation were also assisting in the search at the Lebanon location Thursday. No further information was immediately available regarding the search.

Orellana is described as 5-feet, 2-inches tall and about 120 pounds with brown eyes and a small scar under her chin.

Anyone who has seen her or who has any information on her whereabouts is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463 or the Department of Emergency Communications at 615-862-8600.

 Download the News 2 app to stay updated on the go.

 Sign up for WKRN email alerts to have breaking news sent to your inbox.

 Find todays top stories on WKRN.com for Nashville, TN and all of Middle Tennessee.

This is a developing story. WKRN News 2 will continue to update this article as new information becomes available.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  Multicultural Community Services in Springfield held a picnic Wednesday to recognize their front-line employees as part of National Direct Support Professionals Week.

The local non-profit has 19 group homes that support individuals and families with disabilities. Almost 800,000 in Massachusetts have disabilities, according to MRC.

Executive Director Karen Fletcher told 22News about the importance of celebrations like this picnic. We are appreciating all the people who do the work directly with the people that we support because we recognize that our supports are only as good as the people providing them. So we really want to give back to our employees to have them recognize how much they are important to us.

Fletcher also told us their retention rate is only 6.5%, beating the national average of over 40%.

National Direct Support Professionals Week lasts from now until September 13th.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
Multiple arrests are made in evacuated SoCal neighborhoods. Pair of suspects also has opossums

Riverside County sheriff deputies check the area where many vintage and antique cars have been damaged next to a destroyed home in the aftermath of the Airport fire off Ortega Highway on Wednesday in Lake Elsinore. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

A number of homes in Southern California wildfire areas have been left empty as residents have been forced to flee looming fires. Now multiple people have been arrested in emptied neighborhoods. Officials said one pair had items that would aid them in carrying out thefts  as well as, strangely, wild opossums.

Arrests were made Wednesday in areas under evacuation orders near the Line and Bridge fires.

A patrolling unit attempted to stop an off-highway vehicle on State Route 18 in Running Springs, a community under siege by the Line fire on Wednesday at 2 a.m., according to the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department. Officials said the two men in the vehicle, Robert Jones and Jose Valdez-Roque, abandoned it shortly after and were found near Deep Creek Drive and State Route 18.

Jones and Valdez-Roque were arrested and booked at West Valley Detention Center on charges of unauthorized entry to a closed emergency area.

The communities of Running Springs, like others including Arrowbear Lake and Green Valley Lake, are under mandatory evacuation orders due to the Line fire, which started Sept. 5 in San Bernardino County. The fire has since spread to more than 36,000 acres with 18% containment.

A 34-year-old man suspected of starting the fire was arrested Tuesday night in Norco. The suspect, Justin Wayne Halstenberg, who is a FedEx contract delivery driver, is being held without bail at the West Valley Detention Center.

Another pair was arrested later that morning at North Mountain and North Euclid avenues in the community of San Antonio Heights, which is under an evacuation warning due to the Bridge fire.

Vincent Olivas, 32, and Melissa Segura, 23, were arrested on suspicion of possession of drugs, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department. Officials said the pair were also found to be in possession of items to aid in theft and several wild opossums. The animals were uninjured and released back into the wild, according to KTLA.

The San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department could not be reached to comment.

The Bridge fire broke out Sunday in the Angeles National Forest northeast of Glendora and has since burned more than 50,000 acres with 0% containment.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Myanmar residents flee deadly floods in boats and on makeshift rafts

Rescue workers race to evacuate residents affected by severe flooding in Myanmar (Sai Aung MAIN) (Sai Aung MAIN/AFP/AFP)

Carrying children on their backs or rowing the elderly on makeshift rafts through rising waters on Thursday, tens of thousands of Myanmar residents fled severe flooding triggered by the deadly Typhoon Yagi.

Torrential rains have lashed conflict-racked Myanmar in the wake of Typhoon Yagi which smashed into Vietnam at the weekend, wrecking infrastructure and causing deadly landslides across the region.

Floods have tipped rivers in Myanmar over their danger levels, cut communications and displaced more than 53,000 people, authorities said.

Around 600 people were sheltering in a school building after fleeing their homes near the surging Sittaung river in Taungoo town, about 220 kilometres (135 miles)from Yangon, local rescuers told AFP.

"It's worse this time. It's nothing like before," said one 76-year-old woman at the school who did not want to give her name.

"The water came halfway up our house."

"We left some stuff behind. I don't think about it anymore. We got here to save ourselves. We brought some pots and pans with us. The rest we left on the bar under the roof. I don't care if they survive the water or not."

Myanmar's fire service said 17 bodies had been recovered from flooded villages in the Mandalay region since Wednesday.

Separately, a rescue team had recovered the body of one dead woman near the military-built capital Naypyidaw, one of its volunteers told AFP.

"The whole village was submerged and people had stayed on the roofs of their houses and in trees the whole day and night," he said, requesting anonymity in order to talk to the media.

Junta authorities had no "casualty or damage figures yet", Lay Shwe Zin Oo, director of social welfare, relief and resettlement ministry, told AFP earlier.

Authorities had opened "around 50 camps for some 70,000 flood victims" expected near Naypyidaw, Bago region, and in Kayah, Mon and Shan states, she said.

Emergency workers were also rowing boats through towns to evacuate stranded villagers.

- Sudden rise -

Some families piled their belongings and children into rescue boats where they sat under plastic sheets.

Others carried children on their backs or rowed elderly people through the water on makeshift rafts of tyres and wooden pallets.

"The water has risen so quickly," another woman at the school told AFP.

"Around 300 feet (90 metres) from the school it's at head height," she said.

More than 3.3 million people in Myanmar are currently displaced, according to the United Nations, with most of them forced to flee their homes by conflict unleashed by the military's coup in 2021.

More than 200 people have been killed in Vietnam, Laos and Thailand by floods and landslides unleashed by Typhoon Yagi.

The rainy season typically brings months of heavy downpours to the Southeast Asian country but scientists say man-made climate change is making weather patterns more intense.

As the rain pelted down at the school near Taungoo, rescuers distributed dried noodles to a queue of people.

"I am going straight home the moment the water level drops," the 76-year-old woman said.

"When the water reaches up to my waist, I will go home."

lmg-ees-hla-rma/pbt
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW)  A mix of remembrance, hope and pride spread through Myrtle Beachs Plyler Park on Tuesday for an evening tribute to the nearly 3,000 people killed in the 9/11 terror attacks.

Among the rippling American flags, moments of prayer and a satellite performance by the world-renowned Mormon Tabernacle Choir, city first responders praised the heroism not only of their own, but the citizen heroes created in a moment.

After 9/11, we were simply Americans, Myrtle Beach Fire Chief Tom Gwyer said. My hope is that we never forget that American spirit, because it is that that makes us, the United States of America, the greatest nation in the world.

The remembrance, co-sponsored by the city, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and Mount Olive AME Church, capped off a string of tributes across the region on the 23rd anniversary of the attacks.

Gwyer said small acts of kindness across the country and selfless instincts of Ground Zero firefighters have stayed with him a generation later.

That spirit was present in every stranger that helped another stranger. It was illustrated when the first responders rushed to the World Trade Center with little care for their own being, he said.

Myrtle Beach Police Chief Amy Prock agreed.

Make no mistake at all. Those we are honoring today impacted countless lives, whether it was their family and close friends, their brothers and sisters on the job, members of the public that they saved during and after the attacks. They made positive impacts on so many people, she said. We could stay here all night talking about that.

* * *

Adam Benson joined the News13 digital team in January 2024. He is a veteran South Carolina reporter with previous stops at the Greenwood Index-Journal, Post & Courier and The Sun News in Myrtle Beach. Adam is a Boston native and University of Utah graduate. Follow Adam on X, formerly Twitter, at @AdamNewshound12. See more of his work here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW.
Scientists were able to pin down the location of the tsunami to a remote fjord in East Greenland [Jeff Kerby]

A massive landslide in a Greenland fjord triggered a wave that shook the Earth for nine days.

The seismic signal last September was picked up by sensors all over the world, leading scientists to investigate where it had come from.

The landslide - a mountainside of rock that collapsed and carried glacial ice with it - triggered a 200m wave.

That wave was then trapped in the narrow fjord - moving back and forth for nine days, generating the vibrations.

Landslides like this, scientists say, are happening more frequently with climate change - as the glaciers that support Greenland's mountains melt.

The results of the investigation into this event, which are published in the journal Science, are the result of a detective mission involving an international team of scientists and the Danish Navy.

When colleagues first spotted this signal last year, it looked nothing like an earthquake. We called it an unidentified seismic object, recalled Dr Stephen Hicks from UCL, one of the scientists involved.

It kept appearing - every 90 seconds for nine days.

A group of curious scientists started to discuss the baffling signal on an online chat platform.

At the same time, colleagues from Denmark, who do a lot of fieldwork in Greenland, received reports of a tsunami that happened in a remote fjord, explained Dr Hicks. So then we joined forces.

The team used the seismic data to pin down the location of the signals source to Dickson Fjord in East Greenland. They then gathered other clues, including satellite imagery and photographs of the fjord that were taken by the Danish Navy just before the signal appeared.

A satellite image showed a cloud of dust in a gully in the fjord. Comparing photographs before and after the event revealed that a mountain had collapsed and swept part of a glacier into the water.

The researchers eventually worked out that 25 million cubic metres of rock - a volume equivalent of 25 Empire State Buildings - slammed into the water, causing a 200m-high mega-tsunami.

In the after photographs of the location, a mark is visible on the glacier - left by the sediment that the giant wave hurled upwards.

Scientists say it was 'pure luck' that there were no boats in the area when the landslide happened [Wieter Boone]

'Wave couldn't dissipate its energy'

Tsunamis, usually caused by underground earthquakes, dissipate within hours in the open ocean. But this wave was trapped.

This landslide happened about 200km inland from the open ocean, Dr Hicks explained. And these fjord systems are really complex, so the wave couldn't dissipate its energy.

The team created a model that showed how, instead of dissipating, it sloshed back and forth for nine days.

Weve never seen such a large scale movement of water over such a long period, said Dr Hicks.

Scientists say the landslide was caused by rising temperatures in Greenland, which have melted the glacier at the base of the mountain.

That glacier was supporting this mountain, and it got so thin that it just stopped holding it up, said Dr Hicks. It shows how climate change is now impacting these areas.

In a satellite image captured just after the landslide (right) there is a visible cloud of dust [Copernicus Sentinel Data, 2023/ESA]

While this event was in a a remote area, these fjords are visited by some Arctic cruise ships. Fortunately none were in the area where this landslide occurred. But the lead researcher, Dr Kristian Svennevig from the National Geological Surveys for Denmark and Greenland (GEUS), said this was an increasingly common phenomenon in the Arctic.

We are witnessing a rise in giant, tsunami-causing landslides, particularly in Greenland, he told BBC News.

While the Dickson Fjord event alone doesn't confirm this trend, its unprecedented scale underscores the need to carry out more research.

The event at Dickson Fjord, Dr Hicks added, is the perhaps first time a climate change event has impacted the crust beneath our feet all the world over.
COP29 will create significant opportunities for businesses to thrive amidst new climate realities.

This was stated by Anthony Hobbly, Climate and Risk Representative of the UKs Howden Group, at the International "Sustainable Development and Climate Innovations" forum held in Baku, Azernews reports.

He praised the teams efforts in organizing negotiations ahead of the COP29 climate summit, which will be held in Baku this November.

"Climate change impacts economic development, investors' incomes, and business activities, making climate decisions globally significant," Hobbly emphasized.

According to him, "Finance addresses many challenges, including the threat of climate change. To ensure effective climate finance, it is crucial to raise substantial funds in the market."

He added, "Climate change increases risks, including credit risks. Therefore, banks are actively participating in climate negotiations."

Hobbly expressed satisfaction with the British Chamber of Commerce (BCCA) for organizing events in Baku that contribute directly to implementing COP decisions.

"Imagine COP29 being held in Baku. Over the past decade, the world has recognized the importance of environmental protection for successful economic development and city functioning. I am confident that the negotiation process at COP29, like previous COP sessions, will produce important outcomes," Hobbly said.

He also noted that political will is essential for organizing climate financing and promoting energy transition measures.

"I believe COP29 will provide significant opportunities for businesses to succeed by addressing new climate realities and combating climate change," he added.

It should be noted that the 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) will be held in Azerbaijan this November. The decision was made at the COP28 plenary session in Dubai on December 11 last year. Baku is expected to host around 70,000 to 80,000 foreign guests.
Federal oversight of the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women began in August 2021 after years of complaints that officials there turned a blind eye to sexual assaults of inmates. (Courtesy of the Department of Corrections)

State and federal officials want a judge to terminate some federal oversight of the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women, more than three years after federal justice officials said the state failed to protect incarcerated people from sexual abuse by staff.

The officials, citing the Department of Corrections substantial compliance with the federal monitor, are asking the judge to release the state from six requirements of an agreement known as a consent decree, which requires the state to increase supervision at the prison, make it easier for prisoners to report abuse, improve transparency, and more. The request was filed Aug. 26.

Bonnie Kerness, with American Friends Service Committees prison watch program, told the New Jersey Monitor there have been improvements in the prisons atmosphere and better communication between prison officials and the prisons board of trustees, which she serves on.

Kerness stressed that lifting these six portions wouldnt let Edna Mahan officials backslide, because oversight would still continue.

The whole ambiance of the place has changed, and this is according to the women, Kerness said. Not that there arent issues  but in terms of what the Department of Justice is saying should change, that has been largely corrected.

The states only womens prison has long faced scrutiny over systemic failures that officials said put incarcerated women at serious risk of sexual abuse. Federal officials launched an investigation into the prison in 2018 and released a scathing report two years later confirming Enda Mahan officials were aware of the rampant sexual abuse at the Hunterdon County facility.

In January 2021, a series of violent cell extractions led to the suspension of 30 officers and criminal charges against more than a dozen.

The state entered into the consent decree with the federal government in August 2021.

Dan Sperrazza, spokesman for the corrections department, said the new filing underscores the commitment to providing a safe and dignified environment for all incarcerated persons. The U.S. Attorneys Office declined to comment.

The six sections of the consent decree the filing asks a judge to lift pertain to supervision of prison staff, education of prisoners on reporting sexual harassment and abuse, internal and external reporting of abuse and harassment, and more. They represent half of the areas federal officials have been overseeing since the consent decree was approved three years ago.

The federal monitor, Jane Parnell, has issued five reports during her oversight of the prison. In her latest report from May 16, she said the state and Edna Mahan continue to make steady progress in areas both required and not required by the consent decree.

Consent decrees have historically been used by the federal government to force reforms when government entities are found to have violated federal law.

Its not clear how long it will be before the consent decree is entirely lifted. The New Jersey State Police was under federal oversight for 10 years after troopers on the Turnpike shot at a van of unarmed Black men in 1998, wounding three of them. The Newark Police Department has been under a consent decree since 2016 that was required to last five years. In June, parts of it were lifted, CBS News reported.

Kerness agreed that some guardrails should remain in place due to concerns about issues in prisons statewide, like drug use and low recruitment and retention for staff.

There has been a considerable amount of progress, and the board sees it, but theres still enough of a concern that they want to maintain access to the facilities, she said.

The parties are scheduled to appear Nov. 19 before U.S. District Court Judge Zahid Quraishi to terminate certain sections of the consent decree.

Gov. Phil Murphy ordered the prison to close in 2021. The first phase of that process ended in November 2023.

Most of the women incarcerated at Edna Mahan currently live in a facility about five miles away. The federal monitors May report said only a high-security unit and mixed-use space remain used on the original grounds.

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An Impressionist masterpiece that birthed one of art historys most important movements is making its US debut. Claude Monet completed his green-gray vision of the harbor at Le Havre in a single sitting and titled the work  unwittingly giving Impressionism its name.

First staged at the Musee dOrsay, the show at Washington DCs National Gallery of Art seeks to recreate the first Impressionist exhibition held in 1874, when a group of radical artists defied the rules of the Paris Salon to exhibit their work. It will invite visitors to immerse themselves in this decisive moment, a major rupture in the history of art, the Musee dOrsays president said.
(WJET/WFXP)  NASA is on the brink of launching its most ambitious planetary mission yetthe Europa Clipper. The spacecraft will head to Europa, Jupiters icy moon which scientists believe may be able to support life. This mission aims to uncover some of the moons mysteries while providing us with a complete map of the moon.

On Oct. 10, the launch window will open for the Europa Clipper mission, beginning a multi-year mission that will bring the spacecraft to Jupiters icy moon. Preparations for the launch have been in the works for the past 11 years, and the mission is far from over once Europa Clipper is launched.

Liftoff remains scheduled for Oct. 10 aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket. NASA has three weeks to launch the spacecraft before standing down for more than a year to await another proper planetary alignment.

Preparations began in 2013 with the pre-mission discussions and planning. Four years later, in 2017, the mission moved into the design phase, where it was officially designated as the Europa Clipper mission. Only two years later, fabrication began on the spacecraft, which took three years, with assembly and testing beginning in March 2022.

NASA spacecraft to study Jupiter moons underground ocean cleared for October launch

The spacecraft was moved to NASAs Kennedy Space Center this year where it now awaits launch. The final stages of assembly and testing took place over the summer.

Depending on the launch date of the spacecraft, the Europa Clipper is expected to make a flyby of Mars in February of 2025, coming within 200 to 600 miles of the surface of the red planet. This is an important step in the trip to Jupiter. As it begins to enter the gravitational pull of Mars, scientists will use this opportunity to accelerate the spacecraft toward Jupiter.

The next leg of the trip will take the spacecraft back to Earth in December of 2026 for its second gravity assist. It will swing by about 2,000 miles from Earth. Combined with the earlier Mars flyby, this flyby will give the spacecraft enough energy to reach Jupiter, a trip that will take nearly 4 years.

Jupiters moon Europa may have less oxygen than expected, a finding that might put a damper on life

Once it arrives, it will use its powerful engines to break over six hours. NASA says that this 6-hour burn is unusually long for a space probe, but the engines have been designed and tested to ensure it can handle the task.

Utilizing multiple flybys of Jupiters moons, Europa Clipper will slowly reduce its orbit to reach the correct orbit around Europa. The year is now 2031, and the spacecraft makes its first flyby of Europa, collecting the first close-up observations of the mission.

NASA plans to collect data for the mission over the next three years, at which point the current mission plan calls for an end in September 2034. At this point, the plan is for the Europa Clipper to deorbit and crash into the surface of Ganymede, the largest moon in our Solar System.

NASA will be previewing the mission at 11 a.m. EDT on September 17 at the agencys Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California. The briefing will air live on NASA+ along with the agencys website and social media. If you are interested in asking questions during the briefing, you can take to social media using the hashtag #AskNASA.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Donald Pettit, NASAs oldest active-duty astronaut and Oregon native, is headed to space again.

Pettit, 69, is from Silverton, Oregon, and this spaceflight, which took off from Kazakhstan, marks his fourth spaceflight since his first in 2002.

According to CBS, Pettit launched to the International Space Station alongside two Russian cosmonauts, Aleksey Ovchinin and Ivan Vagner, on Wednesday.

Travel + Leisure names Oregon destination among best in US for fall foliage

Before being recruited by NASA in 1996, Pettit studied Chemical Engineering at Oregon State University and got his doctorate in the same subject from the University of Arizona.

In the past, Pettit has spent over a year on the ISS, expanding the living quarters there and helping to install a regenerative life support system on board.

This trip, which is his first spaceflight in 12 years, is expected to last for 6 months.

Abandoned, derelict pirate boats still a headache on Willamette River

In an interview with CBS, Pettit said that in recent years it seems like more and more people are heading to space now.

I think space is a hopping place right now, Pettit said. It is starting to open up like the Wild West, and I think we are going to see an incredible expansion of humans living and working in an orbital environment.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
Heavy rain will continue across parts of Middle Tennessee on Friday, as the remnants of Tropical Depression Francine move through the region. According to the National Weather Service, scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected to last through the weekend.

Areas west of Interstate 65 will experience the most rain, with minor flooding possible, said the weather service. The flood watch continues in effect for portions of western Middle Tennessee where one to three inches of additional rain is possible through Saturday morning.

A low threat of tornadoes (level 1 of 5) is also in place west of I-65 until Friday afternoon, however tornadoes associated with tropical storms are weak and brief, explained the weather service.

The remnants of tropical storm Francine will bring periods of rain into the weekend. Some of the rain could be heavy today mainly from I-65 west. There is also a low end tornado threat this morning from I-24 west, after this morning the threat for severe weather is low. #TNwx pic.twitter.com/cNSsYmAAif  NWS Nashville (@NWSNashville) September 13, 2024

Going into next week, remnants of the storm will continue to weaken. Isolated showers and thunderstorms may be possible on Monday and Tuesday, however by Wednesday, temperatures will begin to warm up reaching the upper 80s, said the weather service.

National Weather Service issues flood watch for portions of Middle Tennessee, tornado threat in place

A flood watch was issued from 10 a.m. Thursday until Saturday morning for portions of western Middle TN, which is the area favored to see the highest rain totals. Counties in the watch include: Giles, Hickman, Humphreys, Lawrence, Lewis, Marshall, Maury, Perry, and Wayne. The heaviest rain is expected Thursday evening through Friday, said the weather service.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reminds public about water safety ahead of severe weather

Ahead of possible flooding, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is reminding the public to practice caution around bodies of water.

All of our flood risk management projects are currently functioning as intended, said Lt. Col. Robert Green, USACE Nashville District commander in a statement. If you are planning on being on or near the water over the next few days, we urge the public to use caution and be prepared for sudden water condition changes and direct any immediate emergency needs to local emergency services.

The Corps of Engineers, which manages 10 dams and four locks in the Cumberland River Basin, does not anticipate significant rises along the mainstem of its managed river system, despite forecasts.

Due to the recent drought conditions, water levels are low throughout the Cumberland River Basin, giving us additional capacity to manage the expected incoming weather over the next few days, said acting chief of water management for the Nashville district, Robert Dillingham in a statement.

However; its important to note that flash flooding in unregulated streams remains possible, especially in urban areas," he added.

The Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District will continue monitoring weather developments and provide updates as necessary, they wrote in a news release.

Where is Tropical Depression Francine?

Diana Leyva covers trending news and service journalism for The Tennessean. Contact her at Dleyva@gannett.com or follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, at @_leyvadiana

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville severe weather: Francine brings scattered showers to area
After more than a month of a leadership vacuum atop the National Guard, the general nominated to be the next chief of the National Guard Bureau took a key step forward Thursday as he testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Lt. Gen. Steven Nordhaus, right now a top Air Force officer with the North American Aerospace Defense Command, breezed through a genial confirmation hearing before the committee, suggesting he could soon be confirmed to lead the National Guard Bureau. As the hearing wrapped, committee Chairman Jack Reed, D-R.I., told Nordhaus and Vice Adm. Alvin Holsey, the nominee to be U.S. Southern Command chief who also testified at the hearing, he hoped to approve their appointments with "diligence and speed."

If confirmed, Nordhaus would take over leadership of the National Guard at a time when the service has been increasingly relied upon for a broad range of missions, some of which are far outside its normal scope. In addition to having to respond to natural disasters that are more frequent and more destructive because of climate change, the Guard has also been tapped by governors to fill labor shortages completely unrelated to military training such as school bus drivers and corrections officers.

Read Next: Air Force Looks to Add Telescopes on Sacred Hawaii Volcano as Outrage Continues over Fuel Spill

Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., the ranking member of the committee, told Nordhaus that his most difficult task if confirmed could be balancing the "constant tension" between the Guard's state and federal missions.

"The National Guard cannot be the solution to every local labor shortage," Wicker said in his opening statement. "These decisions erode military readiness, and they improperly take service members away from their families and their civilian employment, not to mention their statutory mission."

Several thousand Guardsmen also continue to help patrol the U.S.-Mexico border, a mission that previous National Guard Bureau chief Gen. Daniel Hokanson argued is hindering the Guard's preparations for warfighting.

At his confirmation hearing Thursday, Nordhaus raised similar concerns.

"They're not back home training for great power competition missions. They're not back home with their families and their employers getting set up so that, the next time they're asked to deploy overseas for a combat role, they have that spin for the National Guard," Nordhaus said of the Guardsmen deployed to the border.

In written answers to the committee, Nordhaus also expressed concern about the operational tempo more broadly.

"For both the Army and Air National Guard, current recruiting and retention data indicate that the current operational tempo is not having a significant impact," he wrote in answers to questions posed by the committee ahead of the hearing. "However, we remain cognizant of the stress that a high [operations tempo] has on National Guard service members seeking to balance military, civilian employment and family roles."

The National Guard Bureau has been without a Senate-confirmed leader since the beginning of August, when Hokanson's term expired and he retired. Lt. Gen. Jonathan Stubbs, director of the Army National Guard, has been serving as acting chief since the bureau's vice chief position is also vacant. Previous vice chief Lt. Gen. Marc Sasseville retired in May, and a replacement has not been nominated.

Nordhaus was nominated by the White House only a week before Hokanson retired. The nomination also came just before the Senate went on a five-week summer recess, meaning this week was the first opportunity the Senate Armed Services Committee had to hold a hearing.

The leadership vacuum in the National Guard comes during the height of hurricane and wildfire season, when state governors are calling up their National Guards to respond to devastation wrought by the natural disasters. Leadership in the National Guard Bureau plays a key role in coordinating and communicating between national and state officials, and the chief sits on the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

With Nordhaus' hearing now done, the committee will need to vote to advance the nomination, and the full Senate will need to approve it before he can assume the role as chief.

Related: National Guard Has New Acting Boss as Nominations Sit in Senate
National Park Service to receive record-breaking $100M grant: 'To ensure our national parks are for everyone, for generations to come'

The National Park Service is set to receive the largest grant in its history from the Indianapolis-based foundation Lilly Endowment Inc., the Associated Press reported.

The $100 million donation will be received and handled by the National Park Foundation, the official nonprofit wing of the National Park Service. The money will be used to address needs at the more than 400 national park sites in the United States.

"This grant will allow us to supercharge our efforts to ensure our national parks are for everyone, for generations to come," said Will Shafroth, president and CEO of the National Park Foundation.

Shafroth identified restoring coral reefs at Biscayne National Park in Florida and restoring populations of trout species in western national parks as two areas of immediate concern that portions of the money could go toward addressing.

The National Park Foundation is in the midst of a massive fundraising effort, which has already proved successful in that it inspired the donation from the Lilly Endowment.

"We believe the National Park Foundation's ['Campaign for National Parks' fundraising push] will enhance the programming in and promote the future vibrancy of our country's marvelous system of parks, monuments, and historic sites," said N. Clay Robbins, chair and CEO of the Lilly Endowment.

As evidenced by the damaged coral reefs and depleted trout, national parks are facing more challenges than ever because of pollution and the overheating of our planet and resulting changes to climates. National parks have suffered directly from overheating, which has bolstered wildfires, among other extreme weather events.

One National Park Service ecologist warned that "it's certainly possible that the parks could lose the iconic feature for which they've been named," such as Montana's Glacier National Park and Florida's Everglades National Park.

Hopefully, this huge charitable donation will give our parks some of the resources needed to continue to fight against these growing challenges.

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Campaigners say national parks should have more powers to buy up private land [Getty Images]

Restoring nature in the UKs national parks is being held back because nearly 90% of their land remains in the hands of private owners, campaigners say.

The Campaign for National Parks (CNP) has called for the authorities overseeing the protected landscapes to be given more powers to buy up private land under what they call a Peoples Charter so they can do more to boost biodiversity.

New research estimates that just under 595,000 acres of 5.7m acres of land covered by Britains 15 national parks is in public ownership.

The government said it was still committed to protecting 30% of land for nature by 2030 and to making national parks wilder, greener and more accessible.

Victoria Vyvyan of the Country Land and Business Association says private landowners play a vital role in protecting landscapes [CLA]

It is 75 years since the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 paved the way for the creation of a range of legally-protected landscapes, managed for the nation.

Today there are 10 parks in England, three in Wales and two in Scotland, which are run by national park authorities (NPAs) that have a legal responsibility to conserve and enhance the natural beauty and wildlife of the area.

Access campaigner and environmental researcher Guy Shrubsole, who has mapped current land ownership within the boundaries of the 15 parks, said mostly they were not, in fact, owned by the nation.

Some NPAs own almost no land at all, including in the South Downs - the newest park - and in the Yorkshire Dales, where its authority owns less than 0.4% of the land, made up of car parks, woodland and small nature reserves.

Landowners, farmers and national park authorities work together to protect landscapes and enhance nature [Getty Images]

The biggest land-owning authorities are in Bannau Brycheiniog, also known as the Brecon Beacons, which still owns approximately 13% of the land, followed by Exmoor with around 9%.

Mr Shrubsole said NPAs  which also act as planning authorities - were almost powerless to influence the private landowners who own the vast majority of land in our parks and who too often fail to steward the nature in their care.

But the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) said farmers and other private landowners played a vital role in creating cherished landscapes".

Victoria Vyvyan, the CLAs president, added that criticisms overlook a simple truth: alongside feeding the country, many farmers are investing their own time and money protecting nature and fighting climate change.

Let them lead  its cheaper and more effective, she added.

Dr Rose ONeill, of the Campaign for National Parks, called for a new 'People's Charter' to help boost biodiversity [CNP]

In England, a 100m government scheme, known as the Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) programme, currently provides funding for farmers and land managers to work in partnership with NPAs to deliver environmental projects.

But Jayne Butler, executive director of National Parks England, pointed out that the programme had yet to be extended beyond this financial year and NPAs had suffered years of underfunding.

She said that our experience of working in partnership with many landowners is that ownership of land in itself is not the decisive factor in driving nature recovery, but rather whether there is the right blend of resources, funding and powers in place.

Earlier this year, a report by the CNP said that NPAs have little influence over what happens on land they do not own, including areas held by other public bodies such as the Ministry of Defence and Forestry England, which manages nearly half of the New Forest, and by water companies.

Parks 'in decline'

Dr Rose ONeill, the CNPs chief executive, told the BBC that national parks absolutely need more powers and resources as well as reform of governance and ownership.

She called for the government to create a new Peoples Charter for the parks that would include "a requirement that any land over a certain size is first offered for community or public purchase when put up for sale, supported by a Treasury-backed capital fund to support public sector purchase of land in national parks.

Meanwhile, new national parks are to be created in Galloway, Scotland, and in the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley area in Wales.

Plans for a new national park for England were also announced by the previous UK government, while new regulations and powers for national parks are currently being reviewed.

A UK government spokesperson acknowledged that Britain is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world and that its national parks are in decline.

That is why we have wasted no time in announcing a rapid review to deliver our legally-binding environment targets to better protect our natural environment, he said.

We will also create more nature-rich habitats and help our national parks become wilder, greener, and more accessible to all as we deliver our commitment to protect 30% of land for nature by 2030.
Outgoing NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg is to become the next chairman of the Munich Security Conference, multiple sources confirmed to dpa on Thursday, following reports by news outlets Politico and Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND).

There was initially no official confirmation. A spokeswoman for the Munich Security Conference (MSC) told dpa that they do not comment on personnel matters as a matter of principle.

NATO also did not comment. Stoltenberg is expected to assume the role of chairman of the MSC after the February 2025 meeting of the international security conference.

With Stoltenberg, a former prime minister of Norway, the world's largest conference on foreign and security policy will be led by a non-German. The MSC was founded in 1963.

Each February, top political and defence officials gather in southern Germany to debate international security matters.

The current chairman of the MSC is Christoph Heusgen, a former German ambassador to the United Nations between 2017 and 2021. Before this, Heusgen was the foreign policy adviser to former German chancellor Angela Merkel from 2005.

Heusgen only took over the chairmanship of the MSC from Wolfgang Ischinger in 2022. Ischinger is president of the MSC Foundation Council and founded the foundation in 2011.

RND reported that Ischinger is said to have described Stoltenberg as the "incomparably best choice" for the post.

Stoltenberg has been the top NATO official since 2014 and will be replaced by former Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte on October 1.
On 11 September, four Russian military aircraft were spotted in the airspace over the Baltic Sea near the Latvian border without a flight plan or operational transponders, prompting NATO to scramble patrol aircraft.

Source: Delfi, citing the Latvian Air Force, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The Latvian military said they had identified two Su-30SM fighters and two Tu-22M3 bombers.

NATO patrol planes took off from Latvian territory to identify and escort the Russian aircraft.

In the first eight months of 2024, 109 occurrences of Russian military aircraft flying over the Baltic Sea near Latvian territorial waters have been recorded.

Latvia's president Edgars Rinkevics announced on Sunday, 8 September that a Russian military drone had crashed in Latvian territory on Saturday. The army stated that the UAV had flown into Latvian airspace from Belarus and was spotted immediately.

NATO said it had no information suggesting that the crash of the Russian drone in Latvia was intentional.

Representatives of the Latvian National Armed Forces later said that the drone, discovered the day before in the country's east, was equipped with explosives and had been used to launch attacks on Ukraine.

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BERLIN (Reuters) -NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg will take over from German diplomat Christoph Heusgen as chair of the Munich Security Conference, a person familiar with the matter told Reuters on Thursday.

The event, known as the "Davos for defence", is a major international forum for political and military leaders and takes place once a year in the German city of Munich.

Stoltenberg will step down in October from his role at NATO, which he has held since 2014, with former Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte announced in June as the organisation's next boss.

Asked about the report, a NATO official, who declined to be named, said: "We do not comment on rumours. Mr. Stoltenberg is fully focused on the completion of his tenure as NATO Secretary General."

(Reporting by Andreas Rinke, additional reporting by Andrew Gray, Writing by Victoria Waldersee, Editing by Alexandra Hudson)
No more Violent Entry or Direct Action exercises for Royal Marines - Getty Images/Chris Jackson

The Royal Navy has ditched unprofessional exercise names such as Violent Entry and Direct Action after fears that they were putting people off joining.

Direct Action, a course used to train more than 1,000 Royal Marines a year, has been renamed Dragon Warrior. It is among a number of other Commando Training Centre programmes which have undergone a rebrand.

Base capture test Violent Entry will now be called Green Salamander, and an exercise named Final Thrust will now be known as Commando Forge.

New recruits will no longer undertake an exercise called Final Thrust, rather theyll take part in one called Commando Forge - Getty Images /Carl Court

It had been suggested that the previous names were juvenile and unprofessional, and were preventing the force from attracting top talent. The new names are understood to be better aligned with conventions used by allies.

A former instructor at the base in Lympstone, Devon, told The Sun: The woke police have nailed us and its ridiculous.

Were preparing young men and women to go to war and what we do is violent and aggressive. Its amazing that military people have the time to worry about stupid issues like this.

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A Free Speech Union spokesman told the newspaper it is typical of the woke double-think that has infected our Armed Forces.

A Royal Navy spokesman said: The Commando Force is a modern and professional employer. All aspects of training exercises are regularly adapted and updated, including to align with standard-naming protocols.

Diversity push causes concern

In February, The Telegraph revealed that the Armed Forces spending on diversity and inclusion personnel had doubled to almost 2 million over the past five years. According to data disclosed by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) under Freedom of Information laws, the total salaries of employees working full-time on diversity soared from 900,000 in 2019 to 1.98 million in 2023.

A leaked report, entitled The British Armys Race Action Plan and commissioned by the MoD, was described as wicked in an open letter to Grant Shapps, the then defence secretary, from 12 former senior military officers.

The proposals form part of a broader MoD diversity push, which has caused concern among former defence chiefs.

More than 7 million has been spent on the salaries of diversity and inclusion personnel since 2019, excluding national insurance and pension costs.

It came after Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton was last year forced to apologise for an RAF diversity drive that discriminated against white men.

Other government departments have been attempting to crack down on diversity and inclusion activities in recent years over fears that taxpayer money is being wasted.

The latest development comes as Sir Keir Starmer is set to open the door to an increase in the size of Britains Armed Forces after announcing a review of the nations readiness to fight future wars.

It is understood that this includes troop numbers, which were cut to their smallest size since the Napoleonic era under the former government.

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NBC News suing Butler County in effort to get 911 calls from assassination attempt on Trump

NBC News is suing Butler County in an effort to get the 911 calls from the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump.

According to the lawsuit, NBC News submitted a right-to-know request for the 911 calls from the July 13 shooting at Trumps Butler Farm Show rally.

Butler County denied the request, the lawsuit says, arguing the recordings are exempt from disclosure and are related to an ongoing criminal investigation.

NBC argues the county didnt consider the public interest in releasing the recording.

NBC News pointed out that body camera footage of the incident has already been released.

Pennsylvanias Office of Open Records will make the final call on releasing the recordings.

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The North Carolina State Board of Elections reprimanded a county election official for spreading false and misleading statements to state lawmakers and advocating for Republicans to win the 2024 elections.

Linda Rebuck, a Republican member of the Henderson County Board of Elections, sent an email to Republican state lawmakers last month in which she warned of a concerted effort to turn Henderson County blue via improper verification of absentee and new voter applications.

I want to strongly state my belief that if you do not intervene immediately either legislatively or legally, we are going to lose NC to the Dems in November which will likely mean we lose the country, Rebuck wrote. The responsibility will be yours, one way or the other.

In a letter responding to Rebuck, the state boards executive director, Karen Brinson Bell, said her statements, which had been forwarded to a wide audience, were sensationalistic and inflammatory and will undermine voter confidence with no facts to back them up.

Brinson Bell also noted that state law prohibits members of election boards from publicly supporting any candidate.

Whether or not the statements violate these provisions, it undermines the publics confidence in the fair administration of elections if their elections officials are widely communicating their desire for a particular outcome in an election they oversee, she wrote.

Rebuck did not respond to an email from The News & Observer requesting comment.

In her response to Rebucks email, Brinson Bell noted that she had made several incorrect statements about voter verification.

Rebuck claimed that the state was instructing county officials to register voters who did not provide the proper identification information, such as a drivers license number or the last four digits of their Social Security number.

Brinson Bell noted that in statewide training and guidance emails, the state board explicitly told county officials not to accept any registrations from new voters who did not include this identification and did not check the box to indicate that they do not possess either of those forms of identification.

If a registrant does check the box saying they have neither identification number, then they will be sent a request for identification letter and be required to show an ID before they vote.

Rebucks email also noted concerns about preventing noncitizens from voting. She said the state board had failed to implement a new law requiring clerks of Superior Court to provide lists of people who had been excused from jury duty for indicating they are noncitizens.

The North Carolina Republican Party and the Republican National Committee have also sued over this matter.

Brinson Bell responded that this allegation was false, and the clerks have already provided those lists. The Administrative Office of the Courts confirmed that the law has been implemented.

Nine total registrants have been identified through that process and the board is contacting them to encourage them to cancel their registration.

The National Voter Registration Act prohibits the board from outright removing the registrants from the rolls within 90 days of an election.

Brinson Bell forwarded her letter to the full board as well as all of the states county election directors.

We hope that in the future you will reach out to us should you need clarification to avoid the potential spread of false or misleading information, which undermines our common goals of administering elections according to the law and promoting confidence in our elections, she said.
NC has fewer teacher vacancies this school year. But why are so many not licensed?

North Carolinas public schools have fewer vacant teaching positions this school year, but more students are being taught by people who dont have teaching degrees.

New figures released Thursday by the N.C. School Superintendents Association shows school districts opened the school year with 3,142 teaching vacancies. Thats 12% less than last year and 30% less than two years ago when schools opened with 4,467 teaching vacancies.

But the new data shows that school districts hired 5,242 residency-licensed teachers this school year, a 45% increase from two years ago. These educators are allowed to work in the classroom at the same time theyre trying to complete their licensure requirements.

While the numbers in teacher vacancies show improvement, its clear that staffing shortages overall remain one of the main challenges superintendents and school districts face, especially early each school year. Jack Hoke, executive director of the N.C. School Superintendents Association, said in an email Thursday.

Fewer people want to be teachers

Residency license teachers are people who are typically making a career change. They start teaching with less training than a person who was an education major in college.

Schools are turning more to residency license teachers because fewer students are attending traditional teacher preparation programs.

According to the National Council on Teacher Quality, theres been a 51% decrease in the past decade in traditional enrollment in North Carolina teacher preparation programs.

Between 2010 and 2023, the UNC System saw a 50% drop in the number of undergraduate education majors.

On average, residency license teachers are less likely to stay in the profession than traditionally trained educators.

School districts like Wake County have increasingly relied on in-house programs like the Future Teachers Program that offer jobs to high school seniors who agree to teach in the district after college graduation.

Emily Brugler, a first-year pre-kindergarten teacher, prepares her classroom at South Lakes Elementary School on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024, in Fuquay-Varina, N.C. Brugler has a traditional teaching degree, unlike many of the new teachers being hired in North Carolina.

The state also expanded the Teaching Fellows program this year to include Appalachian State University and East Carolina University. Theyre now among 10 institutions that provide up to $10,000 a year in financial aid for college students who agree to teach certain subjects in North Carolina public schools.

No extra teacher pay raises this year

This week, state lawmakers approved a mini-budget that includes $463 million more for private school vouchers and $95 million for public school enrollment growth. State House Republicans said they were unable to convince their Senate colleagues to provide additional teacher raises in the mini-budget.

This means teachers only got the raises this year that were previously built into the two-year budget adopted in 2023.

.The National Education Association ranked North Carolina 38th in the nation in teacher pay in the 2022-23 school year and projected the state had fallen to 41st in the 2023-24 school year.

Also earlier this year, the state Department of Public Instruction released a report showing the teacher turnover rate has risen by 47%. This means 1 in 9 educators left the profession between March 2022 and March 2023.

Bus driver vacancies going up

Each year, the N.C. School Superintendents Association surveys school districts about how many vacant positions they have on the first day of classes.

This year, the states 115 school districts reported having 8,335 vacancies among teaching, support staff and central office positions. Thats down 15% from last year and 26% from two years ago.

One of the big exceptions to the decline was in bus driver vacancies. Statewide, there are 1,315 vacant bus driver positions. Thats one more from last year and 16% more than in 2021 when there were 1,132 vacancies.

Bus driver vacancies have led to longer bus rides and more crowded buses across the state. Its also led to days when families have had to provide their own transportation when no bus drivers have been available.

The fact that many districts are still struggling with vacancies highlights the need for continued efforts to address these shortages, Hoke said. We will continue advocating for higher pay for teachers and other school staff and an overall increase in state funding to ensure our students have the qualified educators and other service providers they deserve.
Like most independent pharmacists across North Carolina, Kevin Layne has struggled to keep his business afloat.

Layne has owned and operated Laynes Family Pharmacy in Rockingham County with his twin brother, Keith, since 2001. At their peak, they had 70 workers. That number has dropped to 25.

But the pharmacy is bustling. There are hundreds of bins with prescriptions that need to be filled, and the Laynes file through them like a well-oiled machine.

We have business, but what we dont have is profitable business, Layne said.

If business continues to decline, he worries he will join the ranks of independent pharmacies that have been forced to furlough their workers and eventually close their doors. Two pharmacies in his county closed in August.

Since January 2022, 100 community pharmacies in North Carolina have closed. Nationally, 300 independent pharmacies closed last year alone, according to the National Community Pharmacy Association (NCPA), which represents independent community pharmacies.

Nearly a third of independent pharmacy owners may close their stores this year, Douglas Hoey, CEO of the NCPA, said in a news release in February.

Why are independent pharmacists struggling across the country?

Plunging prescription reimbursements by big insurance plans and their pharmacy benefit managers, said Hoey. This is an emergency.

He warns that if these closures continue, millions of patients could be stranded without a pharmacy.

The so-called pharmacy deserts these closures create disproportionately affect rural areas and people of marginalized groups, meaning it is not just an access problem, but also an equity one.

What is a pharmacy benefit manager?

Many people have never heard of pharmacy benefit managers, known as PBMs. But nearly everyone is affected by them.

Rep. Wayne Sasser, R-Montgomery, is a retired pharmacist and one of the sponsors of a bill in the NC General Assembly to regulate pharmacy benefit managers. According to Sasser, PBMs hide way in the weeds of whats actually going on.  Theyre manipulating everybody.

PBMs were created and contracted by insurance companies in the late 1960s, to help insurance companies process claims for medications.

Sasser said PBMs soon expanded their role to make additional money. They started negotiating directly with drug manufacturers. Now PBMs determine which medications your insurance covers and how much you and your insurance plan pay for that medication.

A PBM might tell a drug manufacturer, for example, that if the manufacturer pays the PBM $300 each time a particular drug is prescribed, the PBM will place the drug on its list of drugs the insurance company will cover  its formulary. That $300 comes as a rebate  some portion of the manufacturers list price for the drug.

What do PBMs do with the $300?

PBMs argue that their negotiations with manufacturers keep drug prices and insurance premiums down because a portion of these rebates are passed on to health plans paying for the drug.

This is why the Pharmaceutical Care Management Association (PCMA), the national association representing PBMs, believes that legislation limiting their ability to negotiate lower drug costs for Medicare Part D patients through rebates would increase premiums 25% and cost taxpayers $170 billion.

Connor Rose, senior director of state affairs at PCMA, responded to a request for comment by saying that pharmacists are trying to increase the price of prescriptions through Sassers bill, which would make rebates more transparent and reimburse pharmacies more fairly.

Since PBMs report these rebates to the health insurance company in aggregate for all drugs they cover, it is unclear what rebate the PBM is negotiating for each drug. The health plan can also be in the dark about whether the money it receives from a PBM is actually less than the amount the PBM received from the manufacturer.

Recent lawsuits show that this may be the case. In July, CVS Caremark agreed to pay the state of Illinois $45 million to settle allegations that the PBM did not pass rebates along to the state.

Thats why Sasser sees the $300 the drug manufacturer pays to the PBM as a bribe and not a rebate.

Regulators are beginning to look at PBMs

PBM practices have caught the attention of the Federal Trade Commission and the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability. The committee has been investigating PBMs and their role in rising health care costs for over a year. And an FTC report found that the three largest PBMs  OptumRx, CVS Caremark and Express Scripts  manage 80% of all prescriptions filled in the U.S.

These companies are also vertically integrated, meaning the PBM is owned by or closely associated with an insurance company and a network of its pharmacies. CVS Health, for example, owns both CVS Caremark, which is a PBM, and the insurance company Aetna.

Why did large insurance companies start integrating with PBMs? They found out how they could make more money in the PBM business than they could make in the health insurance business, said Sasser.

CVS Healths Health Services division, which includes CVS Caremark, had a total revenue of $186.8 billion in 2023. UnitedHealth Groups Optum, which includes OptumRx, had a total revenue of $226.6 billion. Cigna Groups Evernorth, which includes Express Scripts, had a total revenue of $153.5 billion. All three companies are in the top 25 of the Fortune 500 list of largest U.S. companies. CVS Health and United Health Group are in the top 10.

Pharmacists who care for patients every day versus $100-plus billion PBM corporations who never touch a medication  which has patients interests in mind? asked Penny Shelton, executive director of the NC Association of Pharmacists, which represents pharmacies.

Sasser agrees. PBMs are just a cash cow, and they have no liability, he said. They cant lose.

Davida Lewis speaks with pharmacist Keith Layne at Laynes Family Pharmacy on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024, in Eden, N.C.

CVS Caremark, CVS Health and Evernorth did not respond to requests for comment. Optum referred a reporter to the PCMA.

Independent pharmacies driven into the red

Shelton said pharmacist complaints about PBM practices can be boiled down to two categories  insufficient reimbursement and steering customers toward the PBMs own pharmacies.

Most people do not realize that pharmacies have no say in what they are paid for the prescription medications they dispense, said Shelton.

Wesley Hickman, owner of Hickmans Pharmacy in Leland in Brunswick County, said, Our dispensing fees have gone down to zero in some cases, and that is untenable because youre just being paid based off the cost of the drug, not the service you provide.

The dispensing fee helps keep the lights on, cover pharmacist salaries, and pay for bottles used to dispense prescriptions.

Layne said that for some medications, PBMs pay his pharmacy up to $200 less than the cost of the drug.

When this happens, Layne said, some pharmacists will just tell customers, Oh, were out of that. And thats not always true. He said what pharmacists often cant tell people is your insurance will not pay me enough to reorder the drug to have it on my shelf.

Pharmacists the N&O spoke to attributed the need to lie to customers to gag clauses in their contracts with PBMs that prevent them from discussing how a drug is priced.

Some pharmacists continue to dispense drugs like Eliquis, which is used to prevent blood clots and strokes, because although they lose money dispensing it, Eliquis is a life-saving medication.

Layne said their policy now, so that we can be honest with our customers, is that they dont stock most brand name drugs anymore. We cant afford it.

Pharmacist Keith Layne works at Laynes Family Pharmacy on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024, in Eden, N.C.

PBMs find ways to favor their own pharmacies

Not all pharmacies are affected equally. The FTC report included case studies of PBMs with affiliated pharmacies, like CVS pharmacies and CVS Caremark, reimbursing their own pharmacies at much higher rates than unaffiliated pharmacies for the same drug.

PBMs also steer customers away from community pharmacies and toward their own brick-and-mortar or mail-order businesses. They do this in a variety of ways  refusing to allow unaffiliated pharmacies to dispense high-dollar specialty drugs, for example, or reducing co-pays if patients visit one of their own pharmacies or receive their medication through the PBMs affiliated mail-order pharmacy.

Hickman said one PBM offered him a contract that would reimburse him less than what I pay for the drug. He said he declined the contract but told the PBM he was open to negotiation. He never heard back and only found out there would be no negotiations when patients began to write to him with complaints.

We had about three patients come in today that we are no longer going to be in-network with that were very upset about it, Hickman said. They didnt want to go to a chain pharmacy.

Sasser notes that it is illegal in North Carolina for PBMs to force patients to go to their own affiliated pharmacies. The problem, he said, is that we dont have anybody in charge of enforcing that legislation.

Pharmacists Keith and Kevin Layne, twin brothers and founders of Laynes Family Pharmacy, are photographed on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024, in Eden, N.C.

The benefits of a local touch

Sen. Gale Adcock, D-Wake County, empathizes with local independent pharmacies. She said when pharmacies start closing because of PBM practices, Our citizens in rural communities have even less access to care. That is not right, and its scary to me.

According to local pharmacists, its more than access to health care thats affected. Its also quality.

Anybody can slap a label on a bottle of pills, said Layne. But do they know that youre allergic to a certain dye or shellfish?

Whats unique about local independent pharmacies, Layne said, is that they serve the communities they are a part of.

These are my neighbors, he said. I care about them, and Im sorry  you dont get that through a lot of the chains, and you certainly dont get it through mail-order.

Another concern with mail-order pharmacies, Hickman pointed out, is that many drugs are protein-based, and if you expose proteins to a high enough temperature, they become denatured. This means the protein can no longer function properly.

Hickman said, Theyre gonna have to call back and get a new drug sent to them, when they can just walk in, and I can go open my fridge, and I can put a label on it and then sell it to them. A New York Times article recently highlighted how hot summers could reduce the efficacy of medications delivered through the mail.

For Hickman, having customers tell him about being forced to go elsewhere made for a hard day, particularly because his son was with him. Youre told this story of the American dream, that if you work hard enough  youll get ahead in this country. And I dont see that future for him if we dont fix this.

House Bill 246  leveling the playing field?

With Congress and the FTC attempting to rein in PBMs, Rep. Sasser drafted House Bill 246 to address some of the issues that independent pharmacists face in North Carolina.

On April 27, 2023, the bill passed unanimously in the House and was passed on to the Senate. On May 1, 2023, the bill was referred to the Senate Rules Committee. Over a year later, its still there.

Sen. Bill Rabon, chair of the Senate Rules Committee, did not respond to a request for comment.

According to Sasser, the bill seeks to ensure pharmacies are reimbursed fairly. PBMs would have to reimburse pharmacists at least the national average drug acquisition cost (NADAC), which is calculated based on surveys of how much pharmacies spend to acquire a drug, plus a dispensing fee.

And it would require PBMs to be transparent about the rebates they receive from manufacturers to place a drug on a health plans list of covered drugs. They also would have to report how much of this rebate they keep.

Hickman argues that transparency is essential to understanding why pharmacies are struggling. If one person could see it all, he said, I think it would become very clear where the issue is.

PBMs insist on keeping pricing and rebate information secret. In 2023, when the NC State Health Plan was looking into the cost of GLP-1 weight loss drugs, The N&O reported, the state treasurer published a chart that included the amount of the rebate the health plan was receiving from its PBM, CVS Caremark. The treasurers office had to estimate the rebate based on how much the state spent on the drug overall, because the treasurer does not have access to the actual amount of the rebate.

And even though it was just an estimate, the plan had to quickly take down the chart and post a revised version, with the estimates redacted. It said it did so in response to pressure from the PBM.

Two months later, when the health plan board imposed a moratorium on new prescriptions for the weight loss drug until it could address the cost, CVS Caremark notified the plan that it was in violation of its contract and would lose its rebate going forward. Sam Watts, the State Health Plan director, said losing the rebate would cost the state $54 million.

Another component of HB 246 would allow pharmacies with the appropriate accreditation to stock specialty drugs, which are often high-dollar drugs defined by PBMs as specialty because they treat complex conditions. This would free patients from having to go to the PBMs own specialty pharmacies.

Lastly, the bill seeks to protect health plans by eliminating spread pricing  charging the health plan more for a drug than the PBM pays the pharmacy, and pocketing the difference.

The Congressional Budget Office estimates that eliminating spread pricing and increasing transparency could save state Medicaid offices and taxpayers an estimated $1.1 billion over the next decade.

The bar chart shows the overall revenue of the parent company that owns the PBM in red and the revenue of the health services division within the company that houses the PBM in blue. The revenues represented in the chart were obtained from each companys 2023 results report.

Sasser says the bill is not intended to pick on PBMs.

The rest of the industry is regulated where the consumer is taken care of, he said. So thats what we want to happen with pharmacy benefit managers.

According to Shelton, the head of the pharmacy association, Members and leadership within our association have met with the majority of NC senators. We know we have bipartisan support for HB 246.

Independent pharmacists wonder, then, why the bill has not been heard on the floor of the Senate.

Some point the finger at Republican Senate leader Phil Berger, who along with Rules Chair Rabon decides what bills move through the committee and to the floor for a vote. Sasser said the only thing Ive been told is that (Berger) says the bills not coming to the Senate floor.

Randy Brechbiel, a spokesperson for Berger, said the bill inserts the legislature into regulating the free market and passes costs onto consumers and insurance premiums.

Adcock said that claim is a false narrative.

Ive seen no data that indicates this will in any way cost either patients or employers or insurers more money, Adcock said. You can say anything, but you need to back it up with evidence.

Layne and other independent pharmacists spoke with Berger about the issue, to limited avail.

I know Phil, I know his wife, I know his children, I know his grandchildren, Layne said. Weve been their pharmacist for decades.

I think Phil is a good man, he said. Ive always had a lot of respect for him, but its perplexing to us why we cant do something on the state level to make it better, and thats what I would like to see.

Could the bill be better? he asked. I dont know. Maybe so, but thats what the representatives and senators are for.

We need help, said Layne. The way it is now, were on a downhill slide with no end in sight. I wonder if the PBMs will be happy until all of the independents are out of business.

NC Reality Check is an N&O series holding those in power accountable and shining a light on public issues that affect the Triangle or North Carolina. Have a suggestion for a future story? Email realitycheck@newsobserver.com
Compared with the gregarious nature of modern humans, Neanderthal communities appear to have been surprisingly insular, according to past research, keeping to themselves more often than not.

One group appears to have taken reclusivity to an extreme. A new study on genetic material lifted from the molars of a specimen named Thorin has found his ancestors hadn't mixed with their neighbors for millennia.

"The Thorin population spent 50,000 years without exchanging genes with other Neanderthal populations," explains Paul Sabatier University archaeologist Ludovic Slimak.

Coincidentally, this group of Homo neanderthalensis' isolation coincides with our own ancestor's forays into Europe.

"Thorin corresponds to the phases of Neanderthal reoccupation of Grotte Mandrin after the earliest modern human incursions in the continent," Slimak and colleagues explain in their paper.

Discovered in 1979 in France's Rhone Valley caves, Thorin's 100,000 year old remains represent the most complete Neanderthal found in France, dating to the last millennia of their existence in this region.

The fossilized remains of the Neanderthal, Thorin. (Ludovik Slimak)

Around this time Neanderthal populations in Spain were being overturned, with changes in genes indicating a replacement by new populations of Neanderthal as drastic climate warming changed environmental conditions after the previous ice age and drove other lineages to expand into new territory.

Hot on their heels were Homo sapiens.

"These genetic differences may signify a major process of population replacement following or related to the expansion of anatomically modern humans through Europe," Slimak and colleagues write.

While many of us carry some Neanderthal DNA, we have yet to find Neanderthals with recent human DNA.

Thorin was no exception. The closest match to Thorin's genetics was another Neanderthal found in Gibraltar, Spain. And even then, the last time Thorin's ancestors mated with the other known groups of Neanderthals was 50,000 years earlier.

"This means there was an unknown Mediterranean population of Neanderthals whose population spanned from the most western tip of Europe all the way to the Rhone Valley in France," says Slimak.

But the genetic material from fossils representing Mediterranean populations is incomplete, making any claims on this mysterious group hard to confirm.

Distribution of the different Neanderthals through time and space. (Slimak et al., Cell Genomics, 2024)

Regardless, the isolation of Thorin's people raises questions on how his species as a whole ultimately met its end about 40,000 years ago.

Genetic seclusion aside, there is also cultural archeological evidence that this Neanderthal group was extremely insular. This may be a clue to how our extinct cousins faded from existence despite sharing many of the traits that helped us excel in challenging environments, from their technological skills to their aptitude for creativity.

In contrast, the wave of humans that washed through Asia as Neanderthals disappeared seemed to maintain cultural connections across Europe, suggesting there was resilience in fostering strong ties.

"It's always a good thing for a population to be in contact with other populations," says Vimala. "When you are isolated for a long time, you limit the genetic variation that you have, which means you have less ability to adapt to changing climates and pathogens, and it also limits you socially because you're not sharing knowledge or evolving as a population."

Rather than a dramatic end full of conflict between two types of human, the decline of Neanderthals may have been a long and complex process brought on by their own desire to withdraw into themselves.

This research was published in Cell Genomics.

Related News
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD)  The Peoria City Council approved additional funding at Tuesdays meeting for nearly $2.9 million for the police departments co-response unit.

The money is from the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority, and comes when the unit is beginning to take shape.

The units focus is to give assistance to victims of crimes and help them with mental health, behavioral, or other issues.

The Peoria Township building, 427 W. Main St., is where the unit is currently housed and is currently led by one director and one licensed clinical social worker.

Co-Responder program is making headway

Carle Health is a partner of the program, and they are looking to hire seven more social workers. The team has already responded to several crime scenes and has assisted people with housing and relocation.

Derrick Booth is the executive director of community services for Carle Healths Trillium Place, and he said the co-response model pays dividends.

The biggest piece of support that the co-responder provides are really after the calls. Its the follow-ups, the case management, he said.

Peoria Police Chief Eric Echevarria said the department is looking to hire more staff and supplies with the added funds.

The council also approved a $1 million, one-year extension of a memorandum of understanding with Carle and other service providers for added expenses.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CIProud.com.
HAMPTON COUNTY, S.C. (WSAV)  Several media companies and a journalist named in a defamation lawsuit by Buster Murdaugh have filed a notice of removal to take the case to federal court.

Buster Murdaugh is suing Netflix, Warner Bros. Discovery and others over claims that he is connected to the death of Stephen Smith, his classmate who was found dead in Hampton County after an alleged hit-and-run in 2015.

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division reopened Smiths case in 2021 as they were investigating the murders of Buster Murdaughs mother and brother, Maggie and Paul  a case in which his father Alex Murdaugh was convicted.

SC Supreme Court to take up Murdaughs jury tampering appeal

No suspects have been named in Smiths case.

The defendants in Buster Murdaughs case claim that because they operate outside of Hampton County where the suit was originally filed, the move to federal court is warranted. The exception is journalist Michael DeWitt, editor of the Hampton County Guardian and author of The Fall of the House of Murdaugh.

The notice argues that he is a sham defendant, named for the sole purpose of keeping the case in the most advantageous jurisdiction, Buster Murdaughs hometown of Hampton.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  In July, the Nevada Department of Education released a new set of dyslexia guidance documents for districts and charters, a refresh that proponents said was much needed.

According to the National Center for Learning Disabilities, one in five people nationwide face learning or attention issues like dyslexia, which makes spelling, reading, and writing difficult. Among those individuals are 8 News Now anchor Ozzy Mora and Joshua Gregory, a young Clark County School District student, who described his experience with dyslexia.

Readings the hard part. Anything on paper that I have to read, [] gets really hard, so I need help, Gregory said, saying that seeing many words on a page was enough to cause him stress. His mother, Jennifer Gregory, works at CCSD. As a dyslexia specialist, Jennifer noticed her sons struggle.

I was seeing the signs early on, Jennifer said. Not able to count one to 10 in a consecutive way.

Jennifer explained the processing disorder and how dyslexia affects how the brain sends and receives words before transferring them to speech. Abbie Olszewski, an assistant professor of Speech Pathology and Audiology at the University of Nevada, Reno, said dyslexia is often misunderstood.

The root cause of dyslexia is when you have difficulty with your phonological system of language, Olszewski said, explaining that some with dyslexia may be unable to identify how many sounds are in words.

The Nevada Department of Education released new guidance concerning dyslexia in July, including refreshed information about programs, screenings, and misconceptions about dyslexia.

You need to be intentional about the instruction, said Jhone Ebert, Nevada Superintendent of Public Instruction, concerning dyslexia programs, drawing attention to strengthened communication between educators and parents.

Ebert said the original guidance was issued in 2015, but the updates development had previously been put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
Smoke from the Bridge fire envelopes trees behind a home in Wrightwood on Wednesday. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Visibility was at a minimum in this rustic San Gabriel Mountains town on Wednesday as flames from the explosive Bridge fire chewed through several homes and outbuildings.

Though most people were gone, a thick layer of ash coated the remnants of their lives  a satellite dish, lawn furniture, a quaint greenhouse and potted plants.

Some residents hesitated to leave at first, according to Deputy Chief Mike Inman of the Los Angeles County Fire Department, but they got the message soon enough.

"They never believed it would happen, but then they believed it when they saw it come to town," Inman said from Wrightwood Elementary School on Wednesday morning.

Read more: SoCal fires burn 100,000 acres, destroy dozens of homes and injure 13

The Bridge fire is one of three fast-moving wildfires that sparked amid a record-breaking heat wave in Southern California in recent days, sending residents across Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties fleeing for safety. At least 13 homes in Wrightwood as well as surrounding cabins were burned.

Many evacuees sought shelter at the San Bernardino County Fairgrounds in Victorville.

San Bernardino County firefighters work to save a home from the Bridge fire burning in Wrightwood. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)

One of them, a Pinon Hills resident named Joel who declined to give his last name, said the Bridge fire was the first time in more than 20 years that he felt the need to leave.

"That fire was just moving too fast yesterday," Joel said as he sat next to a trailer he used to transport three horses.

His neighbor, who identified herself as Alice, said she had less than an hour to gather her pets and belongings. Though she is worried about her home, her mind is also on the crews fighting to protect the area, she said.

"Just pray for the firefighters," she said.

The fires came on fast and strong as triple-digit temperatures baked overgrown vegetation that sprouted after back-to-back wet winters. Experts say the region's grasses and hillsides are rife for fast-moving flames, and crews are struggling to gain a foothold on the blazes, which also include the 22,000-acre Airport fire and the 35,000-acre Line fire.

But the 48,000-acre Bridge fire remains uncontained, and has become the largest and highest-priority fire in the state, officials said. About 2,500 structures are threatened by the fire, and at least 20 homes have already been destroyed in Mt. Baldy, 13 homes in Wrightwood and six cabins in the Angeles National Forest's wilderness area.

Read more: Photos: Fires ravaging California after heat wave

On the north side of Highway 2 on Wednesday, fire lapped at thick vegetation that surrounded a two-story house with a brick chimney. Crews doused flames with their hoses, but allowed some fire to burn downhill and through the vegetation to create a defensive space around the home.

"This is just one piece that we're seeing of the larger Bridge fire," San Bernardino County Fire spokesperson Eric Sherwin said from a nearby church parking lot, where the smell of burned wood swirled through the air.

Strong westerly winds "shoved the fire into Wrightwood" when it crossed Highway 2 on Tuesday night, with gusts reaching up to 50 mph, Sherwin said.

San Bernardino County fire captain looks over the charred landscape from the Bridge fire burning in Wrightwood. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)

Though the flames encroached on the area's famed Mountain High Ski Resort, officials said it survived mostly unscathed. Less certain is the fate of the nearby property of Bungee America, a bungee jumping business that operates off "the Bridge to Nowhere"  a 1930s-era arch bridge that spans the San Gabriel River and was originally intended to connect to Wrightwood.

Ron Jones, founder of Bungee America, told the L.A. County Regional Planning Commission on Wednesday that there's a high likelihood the fire has consumed his property, which includes a helicopter hangar, outhouse and storage containers. Fortunately, he said, the bridge itself is a reinforced concrete structure that has "stood the test of time for the past 88 years" and implied it's likely to remain standing.

Read more: Southern California is suddenly besieged by fire. Experts say fall will be worse

The Line fire has shown similarly dangerous behavior as it continues to threaten the areas of Running Springs, Arrowbear Lake and nearby Big Bear.

Big Bear resident Darleen Sandoval said she and her husband decided to evacuate their home of 13 years because 12 kids live there and it no longer felt safe.

Though their home is still standing, the experience has been emotional, Sandoval said. The parents plan to play up the fire as a vacation for the kids  maybe taking them camping or finding some other fun way to pass the time.

Still, she said she can't outrun the stress of being caught between two places.

"I think I'm just a little numb to it," Sandoval said.

Others are similarly uncertain about what lies ahead.

Though Wrightwood has had brushes with wildfire in the past, this time felt particularly perilous as emergency crews drove through the area and ordered people to leave, said Michelle Speers, a longtime resident.

She grabbed some documents, clothes and a handful of other items and helped her daughter, grandchildren and neighbor load up their cars. Then she sped down the highway away from her beloved community.

"We heard about other residents who stayed up there," Speers said. "But we don't know when we'll be able to head back home."

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
(WHNT)  Wednesday marked 23 years since 2,977 people died as a result of terrorist attacks in New York City, Arlington, Va. and Pennsylvania.

Cities, businesses and organizations across the Tennessee Valley to remember the lives lost on that day over two decades ago.

These acts shattered steel: Remembering Alabamians and Tennesseans who died in 9/11 attacks

News 19 attended some of the events commemorating those who died during the attacks and those who sacrificed their lives to save people trapped in the Twin Towers. You can see our coverage of all those events below.

Huntsville First Responders

At 7:46 this morning at Huntsvilles Fire Station One a call went out to radios across Huntsville asking emergency personnel to turn on their lights and sound their sirens. 7:46 a.m. local time is when the first plane struck the World Trade Center.

Huntsville Fire Chief Mac McFarlen says one of the first things he did as chief was create this annual ceremony.

The saying that goes with 9/11 is Never Forget. Well, we mean it., McFarlen said. Were all here together. Were all a part of this event because were out here together every day. It was the same thing on 9/11 across the country.

City of Fayetteville

The City of Fayetteville remembered those who lost their lives during the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks with a ceremony held in the courtyard at the Lincoln County courthouse Wednesday morning.

Mike Keenan spoke at the ceremony, he was stationed in Korea. He says that America needs to remember whats important.

I just hope that everybody can start focusing on whats important and not focusing on the details, said Keenan. The fact is there is a lot of evil and a lot of hatred in the world right now that wants to do us harm and wants to see us fail. Weve got to support those that are doing the good work out there.

Fayetteville Mayor Donna Hartman said she remembers dropping her son off at middle school before hearing about the attacks. She hopes that 23 years later, the day of remembrance will reunite our country.

I just hope that a day of remembrance like this will bring our country back together so we can focus on one joint United States, you know this is our country we need to protect it, sometimes politics tends to tear us apart, said Hartman. I hope that we can come together and people will reflect on this day.

City of Madison Memorial Stair Climb

Madison City officials, community members, and firefighters dressed head to toe in gear climbed 110 flights of stairs for the first responders who went into the Twin Towers.

What the guys in New York 23 years ago had to face, going up those stairs even after they knew the first building had fallen, so they are our true heroes, said Chief David Bailey.

He is the City of Madisons fire chief and was among many who climbed the steps of Toyota Field.

On what was manys worst day, the Chaplain that Bailey is referring to stayed in the tower to offer support until the very end.

This day is filled with names that are worthy of remembrance year after year.

Tap here to read more about Madisons memorial stair climb.

Workout Anytime Memorial Stair Climbs

Workout Anytime gyms in the Tennessee Valley hosted a memorial stair climb challenge  encouraging participants to climb 2,071 steps.

This equates to 110 flights, roughly the number of stairs in the World Trade Center.

Workout Anytime Manager Sean Hall says many first responders feel supported by the challenge and participate themselves.

It means the absolute world to them because whenever they come in here they tell me Im so glad you guys are doing this because it makes me feel better that you guys are doing this, showing your support for us,' Hall said. Workout Anytime loves supporting the armed forces and first responders, so anything we can do to show support to them.

All week, Workout Anytime will sell raffle tickets, memorial t-shirts, and Chick-Fil-A sandwiches with proceeds supporting first responders. On the last day, each gym will host a community event with the local police and fire departments.

News 19 also compiled a list of Alabamians and Tennesseans who died in the attacks, based on the Memorial Guide. You can see the full list of Alabamians and Tennesseans who died in the 9/11 attacks here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com.
This article was originally published in Chalkbeat.

Robert Brown and his wife moved to Newark after 10 years of living in Florida, where they faced challenges in getting special education services for their two sons who have autism.

Their children, Warren, 9, and Nathaniel, 6, are both nonverbal and require speech, applied behavior analysis, and occupational therapies. Nathaniel has a more severe disability, Brown said, and requires the same services as his older brother along with behavioral therapy and a classroom aide.

After enrolling his sons in Newark Public Schools in July using the Newark Enrolls application online, he thought they were all set.

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But on Sept. 3, Newark Public Schools first day of school, Brown took his sons to McKinley Elementary School, the school they were supposed to attend, only to be told McKinley had space for Warren, but not for Nathaniel. The younger boy has been forced to stay home ever since  missing the crucial first week of a school year as well as much-needed services that help with Nathaniels disability.

The Browns are not the only family whose return to school has been marked by confusion and disruption. Several other parents of children with disabilities told Chalkbeat Newark that on the first day of school, they were told their child did not have a school placement. Other parents said they were told their child was enrolled at a different school.

The issues families are grappling with this year speak to a growing need in the district where an increasing number of students require special education services. This school year, roughly half of Newark Public Schools nearly 40,000 students is made up of vulnerable students in need of additional support and resources. This fall, roughly 7,000 students need special education services and another 11,000 are English language learners.

The district said its not experiencing a problem with enrollment and that those seeking a placement can visit the Newark Enrolls website or the school closest to their home for direct assistance and support, Paul Brubaker, Newark Public Schools communication director, said in a Sept. 6 email to Chalkbeat. Students who have completed the enrollment process and are placed at school receive the services and accommodations they are entitled to from their first day of attendance, Brubaker added.

But Brown said thats not what his family has experienced.

After a plan to move to New York fell through, the family scrambled to secure an apartment in Newark over the summer. Brown said he enrolled his sons in the district by using the Newark Enrolls application. By early August, he had already sent the district his childrens Individualized Education Program, a written plan that outlines the services a student with a disability needs in school, along with a list of 10 schools he would prefer his children to attend.

Were going through the motions, but its frustrating, you know because I did everything early, I figured that, you know, that would have helped, Brown said. I know theres an overcrowding problem, but you know, he needs to go somewhere. He cant be out of school, this isnt the 1700s.

Brown says hes reached out to the districts Board of Education and a special needs coordinator at the states department of education, which are in the process of finding a school for Nathaniel but the principal at McKinley told him no seats are available for students with disabilities across the city.

And the clock is ticking. Brown is set to begin work in a few weeks, while Nathaniel sits at home along with his sick grandmother who is cared for by Browns wife.

Nathaniel, who has severe autism, will run around the house and scream when hes told not to do something, Brown said. The family goes to bed by 10:30 p.m. every night so Nathaniel can sleep through the night but often he wakes up around 3:30 a.m. full of energy. His sons neurologist prescribed medication for Nathaniel but in the end, Brown said, his son needs the proper services to help him manage his disability.

Like Brown, Alyssa Drysdale was told on the first day of school that her kindergarten daughter Eva, who has an IEP, was not enrolled at the school she was supposed to attend: Quitman Street Elementary School where she had gone to pre-K last year.

Drysdale waited over an hour on the first day of classes in the schools gym with her daughter Eva, who requires speech therapy and may need an aide this school year as she can be easily triggered in a classroom environment. Drysdale wasnt told why she and other parents had to wait until she spoke with school staff who told her that Eva wasnt enrolled in the school, Drysdale said.

The schools principal and her staff were working to find a placement for Eva when Drysdale realized she needed to check her car. As she was walking out, she saw her car getting towed.

I see my car in the back of a tow truck, and I had to pick up Eva, and shes so heavy, and Im literally chasing the tow truck down. Like, please, oh my God, can I have my car back now? I wasnt expecting to take this long, Drysdale said.

When she went back to the school, Drysdale just wanted to cry there, like I was so sad. She spoke with a caseworker who said to wait for a call from the district with a placement for Eva. In the meantime, Drysdale said, they offered a take-home packet so Eva could do school work at home.

Instead, Drysdale said she returned the next day to drop Eva off at the school.

I do work overnight, but the only time I do get to rest is during school, so I ended up dropping her in the morning, but this situation was a little weird to me, Drysdale said.

The next day, a caseworker told Drysdale they would take Eva while the school figured out a permanent placement for her. But Drysdale isnt sure if her daughter will move to another classroom or when her speech therapy, which Eva needs so she can learn to express herself better, will begin, Drysdale said.

She can express her needs, Drysdale said, but as far as being in depth, she wouldnt be able to explain herself.

Newark students with disabilities face recurring problems

Browns and Drysdales enrollment issues are just a fraction of the problems parents of students with disabilities have faced in Newark. Students with disabilities also face greater learning challenges as they have been some of the hardest hit by the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, with some requiring makeup services from learning disruptions.

In 2019, the New Jersey Department of Education cited the district for failing to meet key mandates related to education plans for students with disabilities.

In 2022, the state department also found the district had problems with reporting in education plans, notifying parents of meetings, and missing meetings with parents and students with disabilities as part of responsibilities mandated under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA). The state ordered the district to take corrective action by November 2022.

This years enrollment problems are also affecting high school students. Tameerah Greens son, Jaimir Velez, is a 10th grade student with an IEP, who last year, attended Eagle Academy located inside Weequahic High School. On Aug. 16, Green received a letter from the district confirming that her sons district-provided transportation would arrive on the first day of school and drop him off at Eagle Academy.

But on Sept. 3, after her son was picked up by his bus and dropped off at Eagle Academy, Green received a call from Clark Thompson, the schools child study team social worker, notifying her Jaimir was supposed to attend Malcolm X Shabazz High school, not Eagle. No one had told her about the school change prior to that morning.

Jaimir has a learning disability and needs a stable environment with familiar teachers to avoid sparking behavioral issues, Green said. The mother sent Jaimir to Eagle Academy the next day, on Sept. 4, but when he returned home, Jaimir said a teacher told him he wasnt supposed to be at the school.

On the third day of school, Jaimir started to complain about headaches and stomach cramps, which Green feels is a result of not feeling welcomed at the school. Jaimir hasnt been back to school since Sept. 4.

I took him to the doctor today to make sure everything was fine but I know where its coming from, said Green on Monday.

Advocate Nadine Wright-Arbubakrr has a long history of working with Newark families to secure school services such as transportation and, through her nonprofit Nassans Place, offers summer camps for children with disabilities. But this is the first time she has heard about parents of students with disabilities facing enrollment issues during the first days of school.

How is it possible that these parents continue to deal with these problems every school year? Its just not fair, said Wright-Arbubakrr, who founded Nassans Place more than 10 years ago to help families navigate the problems she once faced as a Newark parent of a student with autism.

With the second week of school underway, Brown and his family are hoping the district can find a school for Nathaniel soon. In the meantime, hes looking at schools outside of the district, including The Deron School of New Jersey, a private K-12 school that offers programs for students with disabilities at its Montclair and Union campuses.

But ultimately, he hopes Newark can provide his youngest son with a public school education, because thats why we came here.

Im going to start working in maybe a couple weeks, but Im not going to be here, then everything, mostly, is going to be on my wife, Brown said. Were already overwhelmed.

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This story was originally published by Chalkbeat. Chalkbeat is a nonprofit news site covering educational change in public schools. Sign up for their newsletters at ckbe.at/newsletters.
Researchers in China have discovered a new tick-borne illness, Wetland virus.

Research shows it has the potential to invade the brain.

Right now, China is the only country with cases.

Tick-borne infections are on the rise, causing about half a million new illnesses in America each year. But while most people are familiar on some level with infections like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, theres a new tick-borne infection to have on your radar. Its called Wetland virus, and its a newly-discovered illness spotted in China that has the potential to invade the brain.

Thats the main takeaway from a new scientific report published in The New England Journal of Medicine. For the study, scientists in China analyzed hospital data on patients who visited the hospital with a fever and a history of tick bites. They also sequenced data from a patient with an ongoing fever and multiple organ dysfunction after being bitten by a tick.



Meet the experts: Infectious disease expert Amesh A. Adalja, M.D., senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security; Thomas Russo, M.D., professor and chief of infectious disease at the University at Buffalo in New York

Based on the findings, the researchers discovered a new tick-borne illness theyve named Wetland virus, or WELV. But what is Wetland virus and how concerned about it should you be during tick season and beyond? Infectious disease doctors explain.

What is Wetland virus?

Wetland virus is a newly discovered tick-borne infection. It was detected and named after a patient who went to the hospital with persistent fever and multiple organ dysfunction after being bitten by a tick at a wetland park in Inner Mongolia.

After researchers sequenced the infection, they discovered that the patient had a new virus, which they named Wetland virus.

Its an orthonairovirus, says Thomas Russo, M.D., professor and chief of infectious disease at the University at Buffalo in New York. Thats very different from Lyme disease, which is a bacterial infection, he points out.

At this time, its very geo-specific to a northeastern region of China, Dr. Russo says.

Wetland virus has been detected in some animals, toosheep, horses, and pigsand it may originate in animals but spread through the bite of ticks, Dr. Russo says. However, that isnt totally clear at this point.

Wetland virus symptoms

There have only been a few cases of Wetland virus detected, making it tricky to fully pin down the symptoms. However, research has uncovered a few.

Symptoms are non-specific and include fevers, chills, and muscle aches, says infectious disease expert Amesh A. Adalja, M.D., senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security.

One of the 17 patients featured in the study also had neurological symptoms, meaning the infection had spread to the brain. Were always a little more concerned about neurologic symptoms, Dr. Russo says.

Wetland virus treatment

Unfortunately, Wetland virus cant be treated with antibiotics. In fact, doctors tried to treat the original patient featured in the study with antibiotics and it didnt work. Doctors also havent found a treatment plan that works.

There is no specific treatment for this virussupportive care is what would be indicated, Dr. Adalja says. Meaning, that doctors would recommend things like taking acetaminophen and ibuprofen for fever and muscle aches, along with drinking plenty of water and resting, if you happen to get infected with Wetland virus.

How to lower your risk of Wetland virus

Doctors stress that Wetland virus has, as of press time, only been detected in a specific part of China. Meaning, it has not been picked up in the U.S.or anywhere else, for that matter.

Americans should not be concerned about this at all unless they travel to that part of the world and get tick bites, Dr. Russo says. Its unclear if the virus circulates outside of China and hasnt been detected yet, but Dr. Adalja says that it may be geographically restricted to the area in which it was discovered.

Overall, Dr. Russo says its a good idea to do your best to prevent tick bites whenever youre in areas where they live to lower your risk of getting a range of tick-borne infections. That includes doing things like staying away from areas with tall grass, brush, and leaf litter; wearing long pants; tucking your pants into your socks; and using an EPA-approved repellent that contains at least 20% DEET when youre going into places where ticks live.

The discovery of a tick-borne infection that can invade the brain is freaky, but Dr. Russo says that scientists are discovering new illnesses all the time. In the era of molecular diagnostics, where we can do sequencing, were going to identify a number of pathogens that could cause disease in humans, he says.

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LOS ANGELES - California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a State of Emergency for Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties in the wake of the Airport and Bridge fires torching parts of Southern California.

The declaration comes as the Airport Fire burned more than 23,000 acres across Orange and Riverside counties. In addition to the Airport Fire, the Bridge Fire has burned nearly 50,000 acres across Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties.

What will this mean? The State of Emergency gives California's state government the green light to provide extra help and/or resources to help the areas impacted by the emergency. The State of Emergency also activates National Guard response.

In addition to the three fires, the Line Fire has burned parts of San Bernardino County, specifically in the Highland area. Newsom had issued a State of Emergency for areas impacted by the Line Fire back on September 7.

#BREAKING @CAgovernor @GavinNewsom just declared a state of emergency in L.A. & San Bernardino counties in response to the Bridge Fire & in Orange and Riverside counties in response to the Airport Fire.



These photos, provided by the Governor's office, shows him visiting Highland pic.twitter.com/V77oQnPn0k  Elex Michaelson (@Elex_Michaelson) September 12, 2024

Below is a copy of the State of Emergency declared by Newsom on September 11:

RELATED:
Newsom declares state of emergency as wildfires burn across 4 counties in Southern California

Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency Wednesday night as three major wildfires continue burning across four counties in Southern California.

The fires are actively burning with little to zero containment as thousands of firefighters from across the state have responded to help battle the destructive blazes:

Line Fire in San Bernardino County

Bridge Fire in the San Gabriel Mountains of Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties

Airport Fire, which began in Orange County and spread into Riverside County

State officials have secured federal assistance to support efforts to contain the fast-moving fires which include:

Massive air and ground response

Nearly 6,000 fire personnel on the ground across 162 crews

520 fire engines

141 water tankers

75 dozers

51 helicopters

9 fixed-wing aircraft, including 7 CAL FIRE aircraft and 2 National Guard C-130 aircraft

Additional equipment and support from CAL FIRE, the California National Guard and the Governors Office of Emergency Services

California is deploying every available resource to combat these devastating fires, and well continue to work in lockstep with federal and local partners in this herculean effort, Newsom said. We are deeply grateful to all the heroic firefighters and first responders on the ground working 24/7 to keep Californians safe.

LAKE ELSINORE, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES  2024/09/11: A Cal Fire bulldozer retreats as there Airport Fire overtakes Ortega highway. The Airport Fire originating from Trabuco Canyon, now makes its way through Lake Elsinore on the Ortega Freeway. The fire is now 19,000 acres and has forced evacuations to Lake Elsinore residents. (Photo by Jon Putman/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

A Smokey Bear sign in front of the raging Airport Fire. The Airport Fire originating from Trabuco Canyon, now makes its way through Lake Elsinore on the Ortega Freeway. The fire is now 19,000 acres and has forced evacuations to Lake Elsinore residents. (Photo by Jon Putman/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Orange County, California September 10, 2024-Orange County firefighters from engine 126 battle the Airport Fire along Ortega Highway in the Santa Ana Mountains Tuesday. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

Firefighting aircraft drops fire retardant on the Airport Fire on Sept. 10, 2024. (Jon Chenier)

Governor Gavin Newsom visited Highland and walked through neighborhoods on the edge of the Line Fire on September 11, 2024. (California Governors Office)

Governor Gavin Newsom in Highland being briefed on the Line Fire on September 11, 2024. (California Governors Office)

Firefighters monitor the advancing Line Fire in Angelus Oaks, Calif., Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

A firefighter battles the Airport Fire, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in El Cariso, an unincorporated community in Riverside County, Calif. (AP Photo/Etienne Laurent)

The Bridge Fire burns near homes in Wrightwood, Calif., Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Orange County, California September 10, 2024- A house burns from the Airport Fire in El Cariso Village along Ortega Highway Tuesday. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

Dozens of homes have been destroyed as the Bridge Fire continues burning in the San Gabriel Mountains of Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties. (KTLA)

Members of the media look upon the quickly growing Line Fire. (Photo by Jon Putman/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Smoke rises as the Bridge fire continues to burn on September 9, 2024 near Glendora, California. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)

Orange County, California September 10, 2024-Orange County firefighters from engine 126 battle the Airport Fire along Ortega Highway in the Santa Ana Mountains Tuesday. (Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

LAKE ELSINORE, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES  2024/09/11: Lake Elsinore residents look upon the growing Air port Fire after receiving evacuation orders to leave. The Airport Fire originating from Trabuco Canyon, now makes its way through Lake Elsinore on the Ortega Freeway. The fire is now 19,000 acres and has forced evacuations to Lake Elsinore residents. (Photo by Jon Putman/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Firetrucks are seen around a building as scorched trees smolder during the Bridge Fire in Wrightwood, Calif., Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Two firefighters look out over the remains of a home destroyed in the Bridge Fire, in Wrightwood, California on September 11, 2024. Out-of-control wildfires surrounding Los Angeles continued to grow on September 10, forcing families to evacuate and blanketing the sky with choking smoke. Three separate blazes have erupted around the United States second-biggest city, fueled by a punishing heat wave and fanned by gusting winds. (Photo by Robyn Beck / AFP) (Photo by ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images)

A plane makes a drop on the Airport Fire burning near a home on Sept. 10, 2024. (Derek McCoy)

Dozens of homes have been destroyed as the Bridge Fire continues burning in the San Gabriel Mountains of Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties. (KNN)

Two firefighters watch as the Bridge Fire burns near homes in Wrightwood, Calif., Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

GLENDORA, CALIFORNIA  SEPTEMBER 9: A firefighting helicopter makes a water drop at the Bridge Fire on September 9, 2024 near Glendora, California. Heatwave conditions and steep slopes are fueling the expansion of the fire. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)

A Sky5 aerial view of aircraft working to contain the Bridge Fire.

A Sky5 aerial view of the Bridge Fire.

A water dropping helicopter flies into thick smoke to drop water on the approaching Line fire which engulfed a home on Pine Cove Drive Sept. 10, 2024 in Running Springs, California. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

Firefighters watch as the Bridge Fire burns near homes in Wrightwood, Calif., Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

The fires ignited during a week when most Southern California cities saw triple-digit temperatures amid a record-breaking heatwave.

Right now, in our season, we dont get a lot of recovery from higher humidity, said Cal Fire Battalion Chief Andrew Bennett. In Southern California, the fuel is dry toward the end of the year, so our fire season is really just starting now.

The fires have prompted mass evacuations in numerous communities. Authorities have urged residents living near the fire zones to heed all evacuation orders and warnings.

The latest evacuation orders, road closures and updates can be found here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday signed the last of a bundle of retail theft bills crafted by Democratic lawmakers to address the rise in organized retail theft crimes that have shaken Californians.

California already has some of the strictest retail and property crime laws in the nation  and we have made them even stronger with our recent legislation," Newsom wrote in a statement released Thursday morning. "We can be tough on crime while also being smart on crime  we dont need to go back to broken policies of the last century."

The new law is the last of 13 pieces of legislation that have been at the center of a political saga that took place at the state Capitol this summer over how the state should address organized property crimes. The legislation Newsom signed Thursday, Assembly Bill 1960, will add tougher penalties for individuals who take, damage or destroy property while committing any felony.

"I authored this new law to hold appropriately responsible those who damage stores and property because our business owners and workers should not have to live in fear that these crimes will come to their doorstep," said Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas (D-Hollister) on Thursday. Rivas took over as author of the bill in late June, after the original author, Assemblymember Esmeralda Soria (D-Merced), received some backlash from opponents.

Read more: Newsom signs legislative crime package addressing organized retail theft

Advocates from the Vera Institute of Justice along with a coalition of criminal justice reform organizations are alarmed that language in the bill is "identical" to parts of Proposition 36, a November ballot measure opposed by Newsom and Rivas, and that has divided lawmakers and law enforcement across the state. If passed by voters, the initiative would reform a decade-old law that reduced sentences for low-level, nonviolent property and drug crimes.

The coalition fears the law could add years of prison time to individuals for a wide range of conduct far beyond retail theft, calling it a "one-size-fits-all" policy.

"[The bill] would increase prison time based on accidental behavior, because there is no requirement that the damage was intentional," advocates wrote a letter to Newsom on Aug. 30 urging for a veto of the bill. "That means AB 1960 could add years of prison time for a car accident while driving under the influence."

Rivas told The Times in late August that the difference between his bill and the ballot measure is the inclusion of a sunset clause, which will make the bill expire on Jan. 1, 2030. Bills can include expiration dates to allow lawmakers to review the impacts of that law after it's been implemented.

A source who worked on the retail theft laws said AB 1960 originally didn't get signed along with the 10 other pieces of retail theft legislation, because of ongoing conversations that took place between the Newsom administration, the Legislature, and retailers who wanted to decide if any changes should be made.

California District Attorneys Assn. and law enforcement groups supported the bill.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
What next for Bibby Stockholm migrant barge?

The barge has capacity for up to 500 men, aged between 18 and 65 [BBC]

The next steps to shut down a barge off the south coast that houses asylum seekers have been revealed by the government.

It was previously announced the contract for the Bibby Stockholm, which is moored off Portland in Dorset, would expire in January.

After they leave the barge, none of the migrants will be moved to Portland, Weymouth, or the wider Dorset Council area, the Home Office has confirmed.

They will instead be "dispersed across the country", it continued.

The three-storey vessel has 222 rooms for asylum seekers to live in [Getty Images]

What is the Bibby Stockholm?

The Bibby Stockholm is a barge used to house male asylum seekers while they await a decision on whether they can stay in the UK.

Since docking in Portland in July 2023, the barge has faced controversy, with some locals on Portland claiming they had not been consulted.

Traces of Legionella bacteria were found in the vessel's on-board water system, just days after the first migrants boarded in August 2023.

Welfare concerns were also sparked after Albanian migrant Leonard Farruku, 27, was found dead in his cabin. He was thought to have taken his own life.

The government said everyone on the barge had been provided with "adequate, functional accommodation" which met all relevant legal requirements.

Its closure was announced in July.

The first asylum seekers boarded the barge in August 2023 [Getty Images]

When will the barge leave Portland?

The Bibby Stockholm will start shutting down at the end of November - an operation which is expected to take "several weeks".

In early January, the vessel will be handed back to its owners, Bibby Marine.

It is not yet known when the barge itself will leave Portland.

The government said the decision was a matter for Bibby Marine and Portland Port.

What will happen to the asylum seekers?

Asylum seekers currently on the Bibby Stockholm will be moved off the barge to receive their asylum decision.

The decision will determine whether or not they can continue living in the UK and each person will be moved off the barge before being told their result.

They would either be asked to leave the UK or would be "dispersed across the country", the Home Office said.

No asylum seekers will be moved to Portland, Weymouth, or the wider Dorset Council area, the government added.

It has not revealed whether that includes the entire county of Dorset, leaving questions over whether migrants could be housed in the Bournemouth, Christchurch or Poole (BCP) Council area.

BCP Council has declined to comment.

In December, a migrant housed on the Bibby Stockolm used his phone to translate a message about the conditions on board [Getty Images]

Why are they being moved off the barge?

The decision to close the barge was announced in July, shortly after the Labour government came into power.

It is part of a commitment to clear the backlog and fix the asylum system, according to the Home Office.

Ending its use is part of a plan to save about 7.7 billion in asylum costs over the next ten years.

It would have cost more than 20m to carry on using the barge next year.

The previous Conservative government introduced the Bibby Stockholm to ease the pressure on the asylum system.

Asylum-seekers are issued with ID swipe cards and have to pass through airport-style security scans to get on and off [Getty Images]

Will those on board get any support?

Residents on the barge will be given information explaining how their asylum claim will be progressed.

The migrants will have access to legal representatives, the government added.

Private rooms for in-person or over-the-phone discussions will also be provided.

It was not mentioned whether the men would receive any counselling or mental health support.

The Home Office has been approached for further comment.

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When is the next debate? Vice-presidential one set, another presidential one still undecided

Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump met for their first debate Tuesday night, and it was far different scene the June debate between Trump and President Joe Biden.

Trump and Harris met face-to-face for the first time during the presidential debate on Tuesday in Philadelphia, and it was one of the few times the two had even been in the same room. Harris attended Trump's State of the Union addresses as a California senator, but aside from that, the two have never been in the same room together. And the much anticipated meeting between the presidential candidates was filled with some sharp barbs as they discussed election security, immigration, and the economy, but muted microphones helped maintain civility.

The debate, moderated by ABC News anchors David Muir and Linsey Davis, allowed Harris to introduce herself and the policies she would focus on during her tenure in the White House if she would win, which many wondered about after she took over the Democratic nomination after Biden bowed out in July.

Unlike after the June debate, where people wondered if Biden should run, this debate put both candidate's qualifications and stances on different policies into the spotlight.

A question that remains is if we will see another Trump, Harris face-off again before the general election in November. While that decision is still up in the air, Americans will get the chance to see their running mates, Republican JD Vance and Democrat Tim Walz debate in October.

When is the vice presidential debate between JD Vance and Tim Walz?

Walz and Vance will take part in a debate on Oct. 1 that will be moderated by CBS News and will take place in New York City, according to CBS News.

Start time, rules and broadcast details will be announced at a later date.

Who are the moderators for the Oct. 1 vice presidential debate?

The vice-presidential debate will be moderated by "CBS Evening News" anchor and managing editor Norah O'Donnell and "Face the Nation" moderator and CBS News foreign affairs correspondent Margaret Brennan, the network announced last month.

Who is Kamala Harris' vice president pick?

Harris's campaign for the White House came together quickly after Biden stepped aside as the presumptive candidate for the Democrats in July after mounting pressure from the party for him to step aside after his first debate with Trump.

Harris, who was Biden's VP pick before his departure, chose her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Walz, just ahead of the Democratic National Convention in August.

Who is Donald Trump's vice president pick?

Trump announced his vice presidential selection at the start of the Republican National Convention on July 15.

"After lengthy deliberation and thought, and considering the tremendous talents of many others, I have decided that the person best suited to assume the position of Vice President of the United States is Senator J.D. Vance of the Great State of Ohio," Trump shared in a post on Truth Social on Monday.

Will there be another presidential debate between Harris and Trump?

Before the Sept. 10 debate, the former president floated dates for other debates ahead of the general election.

"I think they'll be very revealing," Trump told reporters during a snap news conference at his Florida Mar-a-Lago estate on Aug. 8. "We'd like to do three debates."

But after Tuesday night, his thoughts on more debates changed.

On Wednesday he told Fox News that hes not sure he wants a rematch after his less-than-stellar debate performance, according to reports from USA TODAY.

Id be less inclined to because we had a great night. We won the debate. We had a terrible, a terrible network, Trump said.

While Trump might be unsure about another debate, his adviser, Jason Miller, told CNN that the former president would attend the NBC debate proposed for Sept. 25.

Harris's campaign has stated that the vice president wants another debate with Trump, but no dates have been confirmed.

When is election day 2024?

The general election is Tuesday, Nov. 5.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: When is the next debate? Vice-presidential candidates to face off
When is the next debate? Vice-presidential one set and what Trump said about a third debate

Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump met for their first debate Tuesday night, and it was far different scene the June debate between Trump and President Joe Biden.

Trump and Harris met face-to-face for the first time during the presidential debate on Tuesday in Philadelphia, and it was one of the few times the two had even been in the same room. Harris attended Trump's State of the Union addresses as a California senator, but aside from that, the two have never been in the same room together. And the much anticipated meeting between the presidential candidates was filled with some sharp barbs as they discussed election security, immigration, and the economy, but muted microphones helped maintain civility.

The debate, moderated by ABC News anchors David Muir and Linsey Davis, allowed Harris to introduce herself and the policies she would focus on during her tenure in the White House if she would win, which many wondered about after she took over the Democratic nomination after Biden bowed out in July.

Unlike after the June debate, where people wondered if Biden should run, this debate put both candidate's qualifications and stances on different policies into the spotlight.

A question that remains is if we will see another Trump, Harris face-off again before the general election in November. While that decision is still up in the air, Americans will get the chance to see their running mates, Republican JD Vance and Democrat Tim Walz debate in October.

When is the vice presidential debate between JD Vance and Tim Walz?

Walz and Vance will take part in a debate on Oct. 1 that will be moderated by CBS News and will take place in New York City, according to CBS News.

Start time, rules and broadcast details will be announced at a later date.

Who are the moderators for the Oct. 1 vice presidential debate?

The vice-presidential debate will be moderated by "CBS Evening News" anchor and managing editor Norah O'Donnell and "Face the Nation" moderator and CBS News foreign affairs correspondent Margaret Brennan, the network announced last month.

Who is Kamala Harris' vice president pick?

Harris's campaign for the White House came together quickly after Biden stepped aside as the presumptive candidate for the Democrats in July after mounting pressure from the party for him to step aside after his first debate with Trump.

Harris, who was Biden's VP pick before his departure, chose her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Walz, just ahead of the Democratic National Convention in August.

Who is Donald Trump's vice president pick?

Trump announced his vice presidential selection at the start of the Republican National Convention on July 15.

"After lengthy deliberation and thought, and considering the tremendous talents of many others, I have decided that the person best suited to assume the position of Vice President of the United States is Senator J.D. Vance of the Great State of Ohio," Trump shared in a post on Truth Social on Monday.

Will there be another presidential debate between Harris and Trump?

Before the Sept. 10 debate, the former president floated dates for other debates ahead of the general election.

"I think they'll be very revealing," Trump told reporters during a snap news conference at his Florida Mar-a-Lago estate on Aug. 8. "We'd like to do three debates."

But in the week following the debate, Trump has decided that he won't be participating in any other debates. The former president took to Truth Social to announce that there wouldn't be another debate, while also attacking Biden and Harris.

"KAMALA SHOULD FOCUS ON WHAT SHE SHOULD HAVE DONE DURING THE LAST ALMOST FOUR YEAR PERIOD. THERE WILL BE NO THIRD DEBATE!" Trump wrote on a Truth Social post while also claiming he won the Sept. 10 debate.

At a campaign stop in North Carolina, Harris told the crowd, "we owe it to the voters to have another debate," in response to Trump's unwillingness to meet her on stage again before the November election.

ABC News/538, citing three national polls and one swing-state poll, reported that "57 percent of debate watchers nationally said Harris turned in the better performance; only 34 percent said Trump did."

Another poll from CNN/SSRS found 63% to 37% of debate watchers said that Harris performed better on stage in Philadelphia.

When is election day 2024?

The general election is Tuesday, Nov. 5.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: When is the next debate? Vice-presidential candidates to face off
NHS isnt underfunded and more money will not fix it, says top doctor

Prof Sir John Bell, who has advised successive governments, argues the NHS already has enough cash - Jeff Moore/PA Wire

The NHS is not underfunded and the answers to its problems are not more money or more staff, a leading clinician has said.

Prof Sir John Bell said the UK spends more on healthcare than many other leading nations but has worse outcomes.

It comes after a landmark report by Lord Darzi, a surgeon and former health minister, warned the NHS is in a critical condition and doing less work despite record funds.

Sir John, a former Oxford regius professor who has advised successive governments, argued the health service already had enough cash that had to be spent more wisely.

Speaking to BBC Radio 4s The Today Podcast, he said: I think it is not underfunded to be honest. I think we need to get better at using the money that is in it.

We did run a healthcare service for, actually, many of my early years when I was a practising physician, which was profoundly underfunded and the outcomes werent bad, people did pretty well.

But then over the last five, 10 years we have been pumping up the amount of money going into the NHS so when you look at it as a comparator, as a percentage of GDP we actually spend more money than Spain.

We spend more money than Japan, we spend more money than a lot of developed economies that have healthcare systems that deliver much better outcomes. So the answer is not in my view pouring more money or indeed pouring more people into the system.

Prof Sir John Bell said the UK spends more on healthcare than many other leading nations but has worse outcomes - Aaron Chown/PA Archive

The NHS budget for the current year is 165 billion, a record outside of the pandemic.

But Lord Darzi warned in his long-awaited report of an urgent need to shift more care out of hospitals in order to boost productivity.

While hospital staff numbers have risen by almost one-fifth since 2019, NHS productivity is actually at least 11.4 per cent lower than it was five years ago.

Sir Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister is set to warn in a speech that the health service must reform or die - Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire

Lord Darzis report added that accident and emergency care is in an awful state, while no progress whatsoever was made to improve early cancer diagnosis between 2013 and 2021.

At an event in central London on Thursday, Sir Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, was set to warn that the health service must reform or die.

Insisting that taxpayers cannot afford to pour more money into the NHS, Sir Keir was expected to say: 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.

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'It would be nice to smarten up the area'

Consultation seeks residents' views on the future of the town's shopping centre [Google]

Business owners are backing a regeneration plan to "freshen up" part of a town centre in Surrey.

Plans to regenerate Leatherhead town centre are being drawn up by Mole Valley District Council.

It has been asking residents for their views on the Transform Leatherhead project as part of a consultation which closes on Monday.

Jonathan Jackson, who owns The Framing Art Gallery, in Bridge Street, said: "I think there are more people coming to live here and it would be nice to smarten up the area, down by the river especially."

There are proposals for the regeneration of the Swan shopping centre and land within the town's one-way system, known as Bull Hill, as well as by the riverside.

Keira Vyvyan-Robinson, the council's cabinet member for property and projects, said local opinion is "absolutely vital" for the future of the development.

David Farmer, owner of Surrey Hills Cycle Works, in Leatherhead, said it looked like the project was "finally moving forward", having been in the works for many years.

He added: "It's a very complicated process in Leatherhead because there's so many stakeholders and so many different facets to the regeneration of the Swan Centre."

He hoped the final stage of the consultation would "push things forward".

Mr Jackson told BBC Radio Surrey he would like to see the town's "dated" Swan shopping centre "freshened up".

Cllr Vyvyan-Robinson said the next steps would be announced by Leret Partnership, the joint venture between the council and Kier Property.

"Keep an eye on our social channels in the coming months," she added.

Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, and on X. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.

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LAGOS  Nigerian officials are banking on a new investment fund for artificial intelligence backed by Google to accelerate interest in deploying the technology.

The hope is that AI will help to solve the countrys development challenges.

The fund was rolled out at a conference co-organised by the US State Department this week, after officials from both countries met in April, to target early-stage entrepreneurs whose services involve AI.

Ten startups will each receive 10 million naira, or about $6,000 equity-free. It is a critical step in taking advantage of future technologies to develop homegrown innovation that addresses local challenges, Nigerias digital economy minister Bosun Tijani, whose office will supervise the fund, said.

Tijani has made AI advancement the centerpiece of his agenda since being tapped for the role last year, based on his reputation as a key architect of Nigerias tech ecosystem that has produced four of Africas seven billion-dollar startups.

He recently published a draft of the countrys national AI strategy, a document produced after a year of collaboration between AI researchers of Nigerian descent. A program to train three million tech specialists is another pillar of his plan.

Know More

These early moves for AI will prepare Nigeria to be integrated in an inevitable global transition affecting every sector, analysts say.

We cant fold our arms and wait to have everything necessary before we start, said Segun Adekunle, executive secretary of the Nigeria Computer Society, an independent professional body. We dont want to be left behind, so the earlier the better.

The buzz in Nigeria reflects a very high level increase in AI interest across Africa, said Chinasa T. Okolo, a Brookings Institution fellow who worked on Nigerias AI strategy and one for the African Union. Theres a very big interest from outside funders, so more African governments are starting the process of developing national strategies which will hopefully evolve to regulation in a couple of years, Okolo told Semafor Africa.

Most African countries are ranked in the lower bands of the International Monetary Funds AI Preparedness Index. While the US, Canada, China and most of Europe score above 65%, Nigerias score is 34%  also the sub-Saharan African average.

South Africa is the only African country with a score of up to 50%.

Alexanders view

Optimism about what AI can bring to Nigeria stems from recent history. From the liberalization of the telecoms market in the early 2000s to the spread of broadband internet to 44% of the current population, digital technology has boosted productivity and opportunity in the economy and increased Nigerias participation in the global labor market.

To raise AI into the public consciousness and seed future leaps in economic development, Nigerian policymakers should begin creating small pockets of functional use, says Oswald Guobadia, a former technology aide to Nigerias immediate past president. A strategic approach would be to evaluate AIs application in recurring processes involving a large number of people, like getting national identity documents or decongesting markets, he said.

Some Nigerian startups are at the early stage of advancing AI adoption. Clafiya, a three-year-old health startup offering remote consultations with physicians and a savings account through an app, is working to test an AI-enabled WhatsApp chatbot for users next month. It wants to be able to offer predictive analytics on diseases in the near future.

But these ambitions depend on a massive increase in data and information availability in Nigeria, Clafiyas co-founder and CEO Jennie Nwokoye told me. We have to build that infrastructure, otherwise it seems we will be doing very surface-level AI, she said. For Okolo, the Brookings fellow, the strongest signal of greater AI adoption in Africa would be increased government investments in digital and telecoms facilities.

Room for Disagreement

Nigerias high poverty and illiteracy rates, as well as perennial electricity supply shortages, are more pressing concerns requiring government attention and resources, critics of the governments AI agenda often say.

We have places in this country where there are no seats in classrooms and we are talking about AI, Daniel Egunjobi, an entrepreneur developing online video lessons for national exams, told me. If I am uneducated and cannot use an Android phone, how can I type on ChatGPT?

The Google-backed AI fund has also been roundly panned for being too little to make a difference given the cost of AI-related equipment. The latest graphics processing chip by the American AI giant Nvidia costs between $30,000 and $40,000 per unit.

Notable

The Nigerian government has backed a project led by a Lagos-based startup developing a large language model to increase the representation of local languages in global AI systems.
Nine South Florida children have been arrested since August, accused of posting threats against Broward County schools online.

The threats prompt large, sometimes expensive, responses from law enforcement, breed fear in parents and students and potentially leave lasting effects on the children who allegedly made the posts  often as a joke with no way to actually carry out a violent act.

Online threats against schools have been an ongoing issue in South Florida, and across the country, for years. Police said months after the Feb. 14, 2018, mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School that such threats were on the rise. When students returned to in-person classrooms in 2021 after the pandemic, police once again said they were seeing an uptick. And so far, only in the second month of the 2024-25 school year, the online threats and subsequent arrests have continued.

Between Aug. 10 and Tuesday, a total of nine Broward County students ages 11 to 15 have been arrested for making threats against schools, the Sheriffs Office said in a news release Wednesday. The threats were often posted on Snapchat, Instagram or TikTok, and after their arrests, the Sheriffs Office said several students said they intended them as a joke.

It was unclear Wednesday evening whether any students have been arrested on similar charges in Palm Beach County and in Miami-Dade County.

Girl, 14, arrested for making online threats of violence at multiple Broward schools, officials say

Six of the nine Broward students have been arrested since Sept. 4, when two teachers and two students were killed in a shooting at a Georgia high school. Superintendent Howard Hepburn at a news conference Tuesday said he was in shock that students are making these types of threats after the latest school shooting.

Sheriff Gregory Tony emphasized just before the start of the school year: None of this stuff is a joking or laughing matter  We are going to track you down and arrest you.

School Board member Debbi Hixon told the Sun Sentinel on Sunday that the number of threats are a serious problem.

Frustrating is not even the right word. Its disheartening. Its maddening. Its disgusting that our students, our staff, our community in general have to live with this anxiety on this constant basis, said Hixon, whose husband was killed the Parkland school shooting. How will you ever feel safe and comfortable in your school if [threats] are made every day?

Recent arrests

The first arrest came two days before school began. By the end of the first week of school, two 13-year-old students were arrested for posts they allegedly made on Snapchat.

On Sept. 4, an 11-year-old boy in sixth grade was arrested for making a false bomb threat at Somerset Academy Key Middle and High School in Deerfield Beach. Then last Friday, a 14-year-old Blanche Ely High School student was arrested after allegedly writing,  Im shooting this school up on Snapchat, the Sheriffs Office said.

Three students were arrested over this past weekend  a 14-year-old girl on Saturday and two on Sunday. An 11-year-old boy allegedly posted on Instagram a threat of a school shooting at Central Charter school in Lauderdale Lakes on Sunday, the Sheriffs Office said, and a 15-year-old boy threatened to shoot one of his classmates at Cooper City High School in a message on WhatsApp.

Most recently, a 12-year-old girl in Lauderhill was arrested late Monday for allegedly making online threats against multiple schools, and on Tuesday, the FBI tipped off the Sheriffs Office about a threat of a shooting at North Broward Preparatory School that was shared on TikTok. A 13-year-old Parkland girl who said she did it in response to a dare from friends was arrested, BSO said.

Students arent getting the message on school threats, superintendent says after another arrest

Consequences

A charge of making written threats to kill, do bodily injury or conduct a mass shooting is a felony in Florida.

Broward State Attorney Harold Pryor in a statement this week said each case is handled on an individual basis and that a panel of senior prosecutors reviews evidence in each case to decide whether to file charges or refer them to programs for help. Prosecutors review each students behavioral history and needs, the statement said.

In a prepared video statement, Judge Elijah Williams, assigned to the Juvenile Delinquency Division, warned students that if they are charged and found guilty, they will be facing a maximum of up to three years in a lockdown facility.

South Florida criminal defense attorneys Lawrence Meltzer and Stephan Dobrinsky, of Meltzer & Bell, P.A., routinely represent students who are accused of making written threats. Speaking generally and not about a specific case, they said while law enforcement and school officials should and do treat cases seriously and with sensitivity, oftentimes the lives of young children are being upended over baseless posts, when they had no actual access to weapons and were not truly a danger to others.

Its almost like a scarlet letter, Meltzer said. When you are accused of this written threat to kill based on a flippant remark, where its not serious, and its jokingly said  everything gets blown out of proportion. Good kids lives are turned upside down.

Defense attorneys Meltzer and Dobrinsky said children accused of making these threats are generally expelled. Meltzer said sometimes children have to go to alternative schools where their educational needs may not be met. Many end up in diversion programs, Dobrinsky said.

Sun Sentinel staff writer Anthony Man contributed to this report.
NEWARK N.J. (PIX11)  A first-class sergeant in the United States Army has been charged with bank fraud and aggravated identity theft, the U.S. Attorneys Office District of New Jersey announced Wednesday.

Jane Crosby, 33, a Sergeant First Class and an Army recruiter, allegedly attempted to defraud a credit union by using fake identification to obtain money and multiple lines of credit, according to court documents.

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Crosby engaged in a fraudulent scheme to defraud Credit Union-1 by using her position as a U.S. Army Recruiter to obtain personal identifying information (PII) belonging to recruits, recruit candidates, and others (the Victims), and then submit fraudulent account applications to Credit Union-1 without the Victims knowledge. Read a 10-page indictment obtained by PIX11 NEWS.

Court documents allege Crosby used the personal information of at least seven victims to apply for up to $266,000 in loans and credit accounts. She reportedly submitted a Pre-Active Duty Membership, a bank account application used to pay the salaries of active duty military members.

Officials say Crosby submitted multiple applications to a credit union for these seven U.S. Army recruits without their knowledge or consent. The applications included the victims names, social security numbers, copies of their passports, and drivers license information.

Crosby faces seven charges of aggravated identity theft and one count of bank fraud. If convicted of bank fraud, she could spend up to 30 years in prison and pay a $1 million fine. If charged with aggravated identity theft, she faces a minimum term of two years in jail and a $250,000 fine.

Matthew Euzarraga is a multimedia journalist from El Paso, Texas. He has covered local news and LGBTQIA topics in the New York City Metro area since 2021. He joined the PIX11 Digital team in 2023. You can see more of his work here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
HOBOKEN, N.J. (PIX11)  On a beautiful morning 23 years ago, Rocco Riccardi saw the world change before his eyes.

23 years ago, I watched the second plane hit, said Riccardi. I was on the roof of City Hall in Hoboken -I used to work for the City- and I saw the second plane hit. Its still in my mind all these years later.

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His patriotism is unmistakable, and so is his heart. Thats why, on the anniversary of 9/11, he came to Hoboken Police Headquarters, where the Department and New York Blood Center hosted their annual blood drive.

I think every day we should give back to our community, not just one day, said Riccardi. But its a day for reflection also.

We used to do it every year in August since 1985, said retired Hoboken Police Officer Dennis Figueroa helped start the blood drive. After 9/11, the drive became part of whats become a national day of service.

Today, his sons currently on the force, Dennis Jr. and Jonathan, are keeping the tradition alive.

It brought the Country together and it brought people as one, said Dennis Figueroa Jr., and thats what we try to do here.

Its good for the community, its good for everybody, said Jonathan Figueroa.

Hobokens generosity comes at a time when blood is still in critical need. According to the New York Blood Center, the areas supply of Type O blood is just three days.

Riccardis message is to give back however you can, and while doing so, think of those who never came home that day 23 years ago.

What our Country stands for, freedom, reflection, prayer, and the people we lost, remembering them, said Riccardi.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
No bail for man charged in murder of Lawrence mother found dead near lake

A man previously arrested for allegedly misleading police on an investigation into the death of a missing Lawrence mother is now being held without bail on a charge of murder.

Christian Montero, 35, of Lawrence, was arraigned Wednesday in Lawrence District Court on the upgraded charge of murder in connection with the death of 37-year-old Carol Flaz-Burgos, whose body was found last week near Kenoza Lake in Haverhills Winnikenni conservation area, according to the Essex District Attorneys Office.

The DAs office brought the murder charge against Montero following the results of a medical examiners autopsy. Last week, Montero was ordered held without bail after pleading not guilty to charges of witness intimidation and misleading investigators.

Flaz-Burgos body was found on Sept. 3 by a specially trained K9, three days after the mother of two vanished from her apartment building. Authorities said Montero and Flaz-Burgos lived near each other in the same building but didnt elaborate on how or if the two knew each other.

An investigation into Flaz-Burgos whereabouts was launched on Aug. 31 after a 911 caller reported calling her phone several times with each attempt going to voicemail, Assistant District Attorney Jessica Fleet said during Monteros initial arraignment.

When police arrived at Flaz-Burgos apartment, they found her keys, purse, and wallet on a dresser but there was no sign of her, according to Fleet.

Fleet told the court that Flaz-Burgos was last seen walking just a couple of doors down to Monteros apartment. Flaz-Burgos was texting and spotted on surveillance video making the sign of the cross before she entered, Fleet said.

Flaz-Burgos was never seen again on the surveillance video but Montero was spotted about two hours later pulling a beach wagon that appeared to be filled with clothing, according to Fleet. At about the same time, cellular data showed Flaz-Burgos phone moving away from the apartment building on Broadway and toward Haverhill, Fleet added.

In conversations with police, Fleet alleged that Montero misled investigators by feeding them a fake alibi. Cellular data later reportedly showed his phone location in Haverhill, not on Trenton Street in Lawrence where he claimed to be.

Officers from many different agencies including the Lawrence Police Department, Massachusetts State Police, Haverhill Police Department, and Methuen Police Department have spent numerous hours trying to confirm or dispel the defendants alibi, Fleet told the Court. This false information that he provided to the investigators did mislead the investigators.

During Wednesdays hearing, Fleet asked the court to impound a police report that has not yet been made public.

Monteros case is slated to return to court on Oct. 16 for a probable cause hearing.

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No prison time for VA employee who attacked elderly veteran on the job

The Department of Veterans Affairs employee who viciously beat an elderly veteran at an Atlanta VA clinic will not serve any prison time, Channel 2 investigative reporter Justin Gray has learned.

In a plea agreement, Lawrence Gaillard was sentenced to 2 years on an ankle monitor and 8 years probation.

But that ankle monitor time is considered time served and the ankle monitor was removed on Aug. 18.

The Fulton County District Attorneys office pushed for a 2-year prison sentence, but Fulton County Superior Court Judge Jane Barwick instead went with 2 years time served.

Gray first broke the story of the attack in April 2022 and first obtained the surveillance video of the attack later that summer through a Freedom Information Act request.

The April 2022 incident started when Vietnam Veteran Phillip Webb, 73, knocked on Gaillards office door. Gaillard was a patient advocate at the VA.

Webb said he knocked on the door in the waiting room to let Gaillard know he was going to the bathroom. He was waiting to discuss scheduling hernia surgery.

In the surveillance video, the two men appear to have a brief argument and Gaillard puts his finger up to Webbs face.

When Webb tries to push it away, Gaillard charges, shoving him against the wall, choking him with both hands around his neck, then body-slams the elderly veteran to the ground and stomps on his head. He then kicks Webb in the head a second time.

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I guess he got upset because I hit at his door, Webb told Gray.

Webb was hospitalized for three days with a brain bleed.

He was Mike Tyson-ing me there, Webb said. Im just stunned. I dont know what to say.

In August 2022, a Fulton County Grand Jury returned a six-count felony indictment. Those charges could have carried as much as a 20-year prison sentence.

The fact that someone was entrusted to care for him and treat him like this, it is completely offensive, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis said at the time.

Under Georgias First Offender Act, Gaillard instead pleaded to aggravated battery and aggravated assault charges.

Along with probation, he is required to not work at the VA, write an apology letter, and stay away from the victim. Hes also required to undergo treatment for PTSD.

It was a non-negotiated plea. That means prosecutors and the defense could not come to an agreement on sentencing, so the judge made the decision.

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No need to be so scared, man apparently says hours before venomous snake bites him

FLORENCE, S.C. (WBTW)  Just hours before Jeffrey Leibowitz was bitten by one of the worlds deadliest snakes, he apparently handled the reptile freely and posted advice on social media about how to keep it at bay.

Theres no need to be so scared of them if you just know their limitations and you use them, Leibowitz apparently said in a video posted online around 7:50 p.m. ET on Sept. 5.

By 2 a.m., that same inland taipan snake sent him to the hospital. Police said Tuesday morning that he was still hospitalized in serious condition.

A viewer told Nexstars WBTW that social media pages belonging to a Leibowtiz show photos and videos of him handling many different types of snakes, including several known to be venomous. His public, verified Instagram page has 15,000 followers and more than 2,800 posts.

WBTW asked the viewer for permission to show the footage but has not received a response.

The page features dozens of short-form clips, known as reels, depicting the man believed to be Leibowitz handling several of the animals  a dangerous method discouraged by the African Snakebite Institute, Rattlesnake Conservancy, state Department of Natural Resources and other such organizations.

Often if one is calm when working with a snake and does not restrict its movement too much, the snake may be reluctant to bite. However, these animals are still unpredictable and at any moment the situation can turn bad, the African Snakebite Institute says on its website.

An Aug. 31 post on Leibowitzs Facebook page shows a man petting an inland taipan: They have nothing in their DNA whatsoever that says, be friends with humans. I just want to get him used to my presence.

Police began investigating on Friday after Leibowitz was bitten in the webbing between his index finger and thumb, a police report said. The snake, one of 14 venomous snakes he owned, is native to Australia and is known for having the most potent and dangerous venom among its species.

Florence man remains in serious condition after bite from worlds deadliest snake, authorities say

Police obtained a search warrant and contacted state wildlife officials for assistance in handling the snakes. Police who went to Leibowitzs home encountered substandard living conditions and dangerous snakes in plastic totes with holes big enough that they could escape.

The search yielded two cats and 14 snakes, including one green mamba, two gaboon vipers, one fer-de-lace, one death adder, one eastern diamondback rattlesnake, two black forest cobras, two adult rattlesnakes (species unknown), two neotropical rattlesnakes, one small rattlesnake (species unknown), and one inland taipan.

Leibowitzs father told police that his son had been given antivenom even though the police report said due to a prior inland taipan snake bite in recent months, the antivenom was in short supply.

During their investigation, police talked with an EMS supervisor, who said Leibowitz was known on social media for having a large collection of venomous snakes in his home. Officers then looked at videos Leibowitz had posted on Facebook, which included one where he asked if anyone had antivenom for an inland taipan, reports said. He then said he would be at McLeod Hospital.

Will Dillman, assistant chief of wildlife at South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, said it was unlikely that any zoo or reptile sanctuary would accept the snakes because of their conditions and unknown diseases they may have. Officers contacted multiple organizations, including River Banks Zoo, Alligator Adventure, Reptile Lagoon, Edisto Island Serpentarium, and South of the Border. However, none would accept them due to the safety risks they could pose.

Eventually, the snakes were secured and Leibowitzs father gave police permission to have them euthanized.

The man shown on Leibowitzs Facebook and Instagram pages often spoke in hushed tones to the snakes, calling them cute and admiring how much they enjoyed cuddling.

Shes fine. Shes a good girl. I love her, he said on Aug. 31 as a South Pacific rattlesnake coiled around his arm. Unfortunately, sometimes she tries to bite, but weve talked about it  They all give what they get. Give them lots of love, thats what youre going to get.

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Nobody Is Eating Our Citys Dogs Mr. TrumpId Know, Im the Dog Warden

The Clark County dog warden has refuted viral pet-eating allegations in Springfield, Ohio, after Donald Trump regurgitated unfounded claims that the citys pets were being poached by Haitian immigrants on Tuesday.

Nobody has any proof of anything, Sandi Click told the Daily Beast. Its all just a bunch of hearsay.

Click, who is responsible for animal welfare investigations, rescues, and enforcement in Springfield, said that, although she has received calls about alleged animal cruelty, these tips are all third or fourth hand information without any pictures.

We spend the time trying to debunk these rumors, and it takes away from the time we need to spend caring for the animals and investigating legitimate complaints, the warden added, chalking up some of the buzz to people needing something to talk about.

Trump Pushes Deranged Dog-Eating Conspiracy During Debate

The Springfield Police Department has also fielded similar complaints, and, according to Officer Matthew Hogan there has been no found evidence of the claims being true.

Prior to the Sep. 10 presidential debate, city officials dismissed theories about immigrants brutalizing animals saying there are no credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused. Despite Springfields statement, Trump still claimed, Theyre eating the dogs. The people that came in, theyre eating the cats, proof of which he said came from the people on television.

Rumors about the Ohio towns animals being under siege appear to have originated from a series of social media posts, particularly on Facebook, where one user posted that a cat belonging to a friend of a neighbors daughter had been found hanging from a tree.

Right-wing commentators and Trump allies then piggybacked on the conspiracy theories, with the likes of Ted Cruz, Elon Musk, and Donald Trump Jr. circulating AI generated animal memes depicting the former president as the savior of Ohios household pets.

People should listen more carefully when they hear something and not jump to conclusions, because not everything on social media is true, Click said, expressing disappointment that the online frenzy has taken over the Ohio city.

Nobody focuses on the myriad of issues that we need to work together as a community to overcome, she continued.

Springfield, which has welcomed up to 20,000 immigrants, many from Haiti in the past several years, has become a central landmark of the U.S. immigration divide as the city grapples with its expanding population.

The contention has grown after the tragic death of 11-year old Aiden Clark who was killed in a bus crash involving a Haitian migrantwith political leaders like GOP vice presidential pick JD Vance alleging that Haitian illegal immigrants in Springfield are draining social services and generally causing chaos, and using Clarks death to substantiate such claims.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw is interviewed by reporters in front of some of the tank trailers that are being used to transport water away from the derailment site, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023, in East Palestine, Ohio.

NEW YORK  Norfolk Southern on Wednesday fired its chief executive officer, Alan Shaw, andpromoted its chief financial officer to run the railroad after an internal probe into allegations Shaw had violated company ethics policies.

The company tapped Mark George as president and chief executive, ending days of frenzied speculation about Shaw's future since the company acknowledged on Sunday that it was probing allegations Shaw had an inappropriate relationship with a direct report.

"Shaw's departure is unrelated to the company's performance, financial reporting and results of operations," thecompany said in a statement, adding that Shaw was terminated for cause.

East Palestine train derailment: Norfolk Southern, victims reach $600M settlement

The company also said it terminated Nabanita Nag, Norfolk Southern's chief legal officer, with whom Shaw had aconsensual relationship.

Reuters earlier reported that George, who had been in the running for the top job when Shaw was appointed in 2022, was a candidate to replace him.

Reuters also reported earlier that executives and lawyers were discussing terms of a potential exit package for Shaw,including severance, according to two sources.

Shaw had been with the company for decades and led the company during a disastrous 2023 derailment in East Palestine, Ohio that is expected to cost the company more than $1 billion to settle claims.

The investigation into Shaw's conduct comes months after the CEO survived a bitter proxy contest with activisthedge fund Ancora Holdings that saw investors vote in three new directors to the company's 13-member board.

George will join the board, the company said.

Claude Mongeau, executive chair of the board who has been a director since 2019, praised George for having financial experience and operational expertise.

"He embodies our corporate values and is a champion of our safety culture. In close partnership with our accomplishedchief operating officer, John Orr, they will continue to improve Norfolk Southern's operating performance," Mongeau said in the statement.

Reporting by Svea Herbst-Bayliss; Editing by Jamie Freed and Cynthia Osterman

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw, chief legal officer fired
Norfolk Southern has ousted Alan Shaw as its CEO, saying the executive violated the Atlanta-based freight railroad's policies by having a consensual relationship with a subordinate, it announced late Wednesday.

Also fired was its chief legal officer, Nabanita Nag, the employee with whom Shaw was said to be involved, according to initial findings from an ongoing investigation disclosed Sunday by the company's board of directors. The company said it had hired a law firm to oversee an independent probe into allegations Shaw engaged in behavior inconsistent with the company's code of ethics and policy.

"Shaw's departure is unrelated to the company's performance, financial reporting and results of operations," Norfolk Southern said in a Wednesday news release.

Mark George, the railroad's chief financial officer, is replacing Shaw as CEO, effective immediately.

The board's unanimous decision to fire Shaw follows two tough years at the helm. In May, Shaw survived a bid to oust him as CEO over complaints about his performance, including his handling of last year's East Palestine, Ohio, train derailment  the worst railroad disaster in the last decade.

The derailment near the Ohio-Pennsylvania border led to calls for reform by lawmakers and regulators, yet have resulted in only small changes like installing more trackside detectors to spot overheating bearings like the one that caused the East Palestine crash.

Shaw began with Norfolk as a cost systems analyst in 1994, rising through its ranks to become CEO in May of 2022.

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(NewsNation)  Norfolk Southern has fired CEO Alan Shaw for having an inappropriate relationship with his subordinate, the companys chief legal officer, the railroad announced Wednesday.

Shaws firing comes just days after the companys board said it was investigating him over alleged misconduct.

Norfolk Southern said Shaw violated company policies by engaging in a consensual relationship with Nabanita Nag, the companys executive vice president of corporate affairs, chief legal officer and corporate secretary.

Norfolk Southern sets salary and bonus for newly promoted CEO after firing Alan Shaw

The Norfolk Southern Board of Directors voted unanimously to terminate both Shaw and Nag.

Shaws departure comes after a tumultuous couple of years in charge of the Atlanta-based railroad. Since taking over in May 2022, hes been criticized for the companys handling of the toxic East Palestine, Ohio, derailment and faced a hostile takeover attempt from an activist investor.

Shaws departure is unrelated to the companys performance, financial reporting and results of operations, the company said in a statement Wednesday.

Norfolk Southern results complicated by derailment insurance payments, proxy fight and productivity

Last year, Shaw received a base salary of $1.1 million and total compensation topping $13.4 million.

Norfolk Southern said Shaw is ineligible for severance and will have to forfeit any outstanding stock awards because he was fired for cause, according to an SEC filing.

The company promoted CFO Mark George to replace Shaw.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  A North Dakota judge struck down a near-total abortion ban in the state Thursday, stating the ban was in violation of the North Dakota Constitution.

Wildfire burns near White River, headed north

According to a Planned Parenthood (PP) press release Thursday, the ruling Thursday follows a 2023 decision when the North Dakota Supreme Court blocked the states trigger abortion ban from taking effect, citing right to life saving abortions. Planned Parenthood doesnt operate a health center in North Dakota.

According to the Associated Press and KX News in Bismarck, North Dakota, District Judge Bruce Romanick said the law violates the state constitution because it is too vague.

North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley said the state will appeal the ruling, contending there are flaws in the judges analysis.

Romanick cited how North Dakota Constitutions guarantees inalienable rights, including life and liberty.

The abortions statutes at issue in this case infringes on a womans fundamental right to procreative autonomy, and are not narrowly tailored to promote womens health or to protect unborn human life, Romanick wrote in his 24-page order. The law as currently drafted takes away a womans liberty and her right to pursue and obtain safety and happiness.

In a news release, Katie Christensen, North Dakota State Director for Planned Parenthood, said abortion is a personal decision that should stay between a patient and their provider, not the government.

Today, were celebrating for North Dakotans, who deserve to make decisions about their own bodies and futures. Were cheering for doctors who have trained for years to provide the best quality care and should be able to do so without fear from politicians, Christensen said. The freedom to make personal, private medical decisions is necessary to have the inalienable rights to life, liberty, and happiness.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
A North Dakota judge restored abortion rights in the state on Thursday, ruling that a statewide ban was unconstitutional and writing that women held an inalienable right to the procedure.

Pregnant women have a fundamental right to choose abortion before viability exists, North Dakota District Judge Bruce Romanick wrote.

The states restrictive ban went into effect after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022. It limited the scope of abortion access to rape or incest victims within the first six weeks of pregnancy, with exemptions allowed in cases of severe medical emergencies. The ban carried a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine for healthcare professionals who aided in an abortion.

Romanick was asked to rule on a lawsuit against the state of North Dakota by the Red River Womens Clinic. That Fargo clinic was the last one in the state at the time the lawsuit was filed. It has since moved across the border into Minnesota. The state asked Romanick to dismiss the lawsuit. He instead overturned the North Dakota law in a 24-page ruling that said the law as currently drafted takes away a womans liberty and her right to pursue and obtain safety and happiness.

Republican Gov. Doug Burgum is expected to appeal the decision.

Though the ruling restores abortion rights statewide, there are currently no clinics performing elective abortions in the state. For most North Dakota residents, the nearest clinic is in Minnesota.

The ruling is one of several state backlashes to abortion bans since Roe v. Wade was overturned, including a series of Kansas Supreme Court rulings finding a constitutional right to abortion and a slate of ballot initiatives in nearly a dozen states to restore access to reproductive care.
A North Dakota judge struck down the states near-total ban on abortions Thursday, ruling the law was unconstitutionally vague and infringed on womens medical freedom.

The North Dakota Constitution guarantees each individual, including women, the fundamental right to make medical judgments affecting his or her bodily integrity, health, and autonomy, in consultation with a chosen health care provider free from government interference, District Judge Bruce Romanick ruled.

Pregnant women in North Dakota have a fundamental right to choose abortion before viability exists.

Advocates said they expect the ruling to take effect in the coming weeks, meaning abortion will be legal in the state.

However, there are no freestanding abortion clinics left in North Dakota.

The Red River Womens Clinic, one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit, was the last such clinic in the state, but it moved from Fargo to Moorhead, Minn., in 2022 following the Supreme Courts Dobbs decision that overturned Roe v. Wade.

North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley (R) said he would appeal Thursdays decision.

The State of North Dakota will appeal this ruling because Judge Romanicks opinion inappropriately casts aside the law crafted by the legislative branch of our government and ignores the applicable and controlling case law previously announced by the North Dakota Supreme Court, Wrigley said in a statement.

Romanick, who was reelected in a nonpartisan race in 2018, also said the law was unconstitutionally vague because the medical exceptions defined in the statute were unclear and violated the due process of physicians.

A physician can exercise reasonable medical standard for a medical exception but would still be at risk of going to jail if another doctor disagrees.

As written, it can have a profound chilling effect on the willingness of physicians to perform abortions, Romanick wrote.

He previously ruled against the states abortion ban last year, saying the constitution includes the right to obtain an abortion to preserve the womans life or health.

As a result, North Dakota lawmakers revised the law to ban abortion in all cases except incest or gross sexual imposition if the woman has been pregnant for less than six weeks, or to prevent death or a serious health risk.

Meetra Mehdizadeh, staff attorney at the Center for Reproductive Rights, praised the ruling while also acknowledging its limits.

We cannot ignore the reality on the ground. Right now, there are no abortion clinics left in North Dakota. The ban forced them to close their doors and relocate across state lines, and so even though abortion is now legal, theres still very limited access to care for those who need it, Mehdizadeh said.

But she told reporters Thursday that medical providers now have clarity about how to treat pregnant patients with potentially severe complications.

Doctors dont have to guess as to what the law allows them to do, they can rely on their own best judgment and consultation with their patients to determine whether a patient who is experiencing pregnancy complication should be able to get an abortion, Mehdizadeh said.

Theres not going to be this ambiguity and fear for doctors  and pregnant patients who are experiencing pregnancy complications will not be forced into a position where they either have to wait to get sicker to qualify for the exception or leave the state to get timely medical care.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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The Burleigh County Courthouse is pictured on Thayer Avenue in Bismarck, North Dakota, on March 13, 2024. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)

The Burleigh County Courthouse is pictured on Thayer Avenue in Bismarck, North Dakota, on March 13, 2024. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)

A judge vacated North Dakotas abortion ban in a Thursday ruling, finding the law unconstitutionally vague and an infringement on medical freedom.

South Central Judicial District Court Judge Bruce Romanicks order came as part of a lawsuit challenging the law brought by reproductive health care doctors and an abortion clinic last year.

Romanicks ruling declared the law unconstitutionally void for vagueness and found that pregnant women in North Dakota have a fundamental right to choose abortion before viability exists.

The ban, enacted by the Legislature in 2023, makes abortion illegal in all cases except rape or incest if the mother has been pregnant for less than six weeks, or when the pregnancy poses a serious physical health threat.

Abortion in SD

The plaintiffs, which include reproductive health care doctors and the Moorhead, Minnesota-based Red River Womens Clinic, in their complaint said the law not only infringes on individual rights, but also puts health care providers in danger by not specifying when an abortion could be performed for health reasons.

Attorneys for the state have previously argued that the law is not unlawfully vague, and was written with extensive input from North Dakotas medical community  including some of the plaintiffs.

Tammi Kromenaker, director of the Red River Womens Clinic, said Thursdays decision gives her hope.

I feel like the court heard us when we raised our voices against a law that not only ran counter to our state constitution, but was too vague for physicians to interpret and which prevented them from providing the high quality care that our communities are entitled to, Kromenaker said.

The clinic had been North Dakotas sole abortion clinic but moved from Fargo to Minnesota after a prior abortion ban went into effect.

The ban, which was adopted with overwhelming support by both chambers of the Republican-dominated Legislature, established penalties of up to five years in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000 fine for any health care professionals found in violation of the law.

The North Dakota Supreme Court last year struck down a similar abortion law adopted by lawmakers in 2007.

That law, often referred to as a trigger ban, went into effect after the U.S. Supreme Court in 2022 overturned the federal right to abortion established by Roe v. Wade.

The state is expected to appeal the decision.

State Sen. Janne Myrdal, R-Edinburg, who sponsored the 2023 bill that created the ban, blasted the judges ruling Thursday. She said lawmakers had worked to fix legal issues the North Dakota Supreme Court had identified in the trigger ban.

North Dakotas Legislature meets again in 2025 but Myrdal said the focus should be on defending the law that was passed in 2023.

The losers today are the unborn children and their moms and dads, not any activists. Theres no winner in this, she said.

Romanick announced earlier this year he would retire and not seek reelection in November. The former Burleigh County prosecutor was first elected in 2000 and reelected in 2012 and 2018.

Judge Romanick will go into his retirement after a long career having made the wrong decision on the most important case hes ever had, Myrdal told the North Dakota Monitor.

Meanwhile, North Dakotas Democratic-NPL Party called the ruling a victory for womens reproductive rights.

North Dakotans deserve the freedom to make deeply personal health care decisions without interference from government extremists, Rep. Karla Rose Hanson, D-Fargo, said in a statement. This law was especially cruel for victims of sexual violence  providing a rape and incest exception but only within six weeks, before most women know theyre pregnant.

EDITORS NOTE: This story has been extensively updated with additional information since its initial publication.

North Dakota Monitor is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. North Dakota Monitor maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Amy Dalrymple for questions: info@northdakotamonitor.com. Follow North Dakota Monitor on Facebook and X.
A North Dakota district judge has ruled in favor of plaintiffs challenging the state's abortion ban. The Burleigh County Courthouse is pictured on Thayer Avenue in Bismarck on March 13, 2024. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)

A judge vacated North Dakotas abortion ban in a Thursday ruling, finding the law unconstitutionally vague and an infringement on medical freedom.

South Central Judicial District Court Judge Bruce Romanicks order came as part of a lawsuit challenging the law brought by reproductive health care doctors and an abortion clinic last year.

Romanicks ruling declared the law unconstitutionally void for vagueness and found that pregnant women in North Dakota have a fundamental right to choose abortion before viability exists.

The ban, enacted by the Legislature in 2023, makes abortion illegal in all cases except rape or incest if the mother has been pregnant for less than six weeks, or when the pregnancy poses a serious physical health threat.

The plaintiffs, which include reproductive health care doctors and the Moorhead, Minnesota-based Red River Womens Clinic, said in their complaint the law not only infringes on individual rights, but also puts health care providers in danger by not specifying when an abortion could be performed for health reasons.

Attorneys for the state have previously argued that the law is not unlawfully vague and was written with extensive input from North Dakotas medical community  including some of the plaintiffs.

Tammi Kromenaker, director of the Red River Womens Clinic, said Thursdays decision gives her hope.

I feel like the court heard us when we raised our voices against a law that not only ran counter to our state constitution, but was too vague for physicians to interpret and which prevented them from providing the high quality care that our communities are entitled to, Kromenaker said.

The clinic had been North Dakotas sole abortion clinic but moved from Fargo to Minnesota after a prior abortion ban went into effect.

The ban, which was adopted with overwhelming support by both chambers of the Republican-dominated Legislature, established penalties of up to five years in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000 fine for any health care professionals found in violation of the law.

The North Dakota Supreme Court last year struck down a similar abortion law adopted by lawmakers in 2007.

That law, often referred to as a trigger ban, went into effect after the U.S. Supreme Court in 2022 overturned the federal right to abortion established by Roe v. Wade.

The state is expected to appeal Thursdays decision.

State Sen. Janne Myrdal, R-Edinburg, who sponsored the 2023 bill that created the ban, blasted the judges ruling Thursday. She said lawmakers had worked to fix legal issues the North Dakota Supreme Court had identified in the trigger ban.

North Dakotas Legislature meets again in 2025 but Myrdal said the focus should be on defending the law that was passed in 2023.

The losers today are the unborn children and their moms and dads, not any activists. Theres no winner in this, she said.

Romanick announced earlier this year he would retire and not seek reelection in November. The former Burleigh County prosecutor was first elected in 2000 and reelected in 2012 and 2018.

Judge Romanick will go into his retirement after a long career having made the wrong decision on the most important case hes ever had, Myrdal told the North Dakota Monitor.

Meanwhile, North Dakotas Democratic-NPL Party called the ruling a victory for womens reproductive rights.

North Dakotans deserve the freedom to make deeply personal health care decisions without interference from government extremists, Rep. Karla Rose Hanson, D-Fargo, said in a statement. This law was especially cruel for victims of sexual violence  providing a rape and incest exception but only within six weeks, before most women know theyre pregnant.

Order (1)

This article first appeared in the North Dakota Monitor, a sister site of the Nebraska Examiner in the States Newsroom network.
File footage of a North Korean missile test was broadcast at a train station in Seoul after South Korea's northern neighbour fired multiple ballistic missiles (Jung Yeon-je) (Jung Yeon-je/AFP/AFP)

North Korea fired multiple short range ballistic missiles into waters east of the Korean peninsula Thursday, Seoul's military said, the nuclear-armed country's first major weapons test since early July.

Leader Kim Jong Un's regime has staged dozens of launches this year, part of a testing spree that experts say could be linked to North Korea's alleged illicit supplying of weapons to ally Russia for use in Ukraine.

Pyongyang has denied any sanctions-busting weapons trade with Russia, but with diplomacy long stalled, it declared South Korea its "principal enemy" this year and recently moved nuclear-capable weapons to border areas.

Seoul's Joint Chief of Staff said it had detected multiple "short-range ballistic missiles" fired early Thursday morning from Pyongyang into the East Sea, or Sea of Japan.

The missiles splashed down after flying around 360 kilometres (220 miles), the JCS said, adding it had "immediately detected, tracked, and monitored" the launch and was sharing information with allies Tokyo and Washington.

It said the test was "a clear provocation that seriously threatens peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula".

Japan's defence ministry also confirmed the missile test, with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida saying the country had "already lodged a protest with North Korea".

It is Pyongyang's first ballistic missile test since July 1, and comes days after the isolated country marked a key anniversary celebrating the founding of the ruling regime.

North Korea has regularly launched missiles around September 9, its foundation day, including conducting its fifth nuclear test on the same day in 2016.

A JCS spokesperson told reporters it was possible the Thursday ballistic missile launch could mean the North "tested it for export to Russia".

North Korea has recently bolstered military ties with Moscow, with President Vladimir Putin making a rare visit to Pyongyang in June, where he signed a mutual defence agreement with Kim.

Experts have long said North Korean missiles are being deployed in Ukraine, and a new Conflict Armament Research report this week employed debris analysis to show "that missiles produced this year in North Korea are being used in Ukraine".

- Flood damage -

The lack of missile launches in recent months was likely due to widespread flooding that has devastated parts of North Korea, Park Won-gon, a professor at Ewha Womans University, told AFP.

Even in August, when the United States and South Korea staged large-scale joint military drills that typically infuriate Pyongyang, Kim did not fire off any missiles, Park said.

The Thursday launch "can be the first step back to their previous pattern", he added, warning that Kim had pledged satellite launches this year but had not delivered, so this or an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) could be next.

"North Korea has been focusing on low-power tactical missile tests, capable of carrying nukes and attacking South Korea," Park said.

Pyongyang last month said a record downpour in late July had killed an unspecified number of people, flooded dwellings and submerged swathes of farmland in its northern regions near China.

38 North, a North Korean analysis programme run by the Stimson Centre think-tank, reported on Wednesday that North Korea's main nuclear test site was damaged by floodwaters.

Satellite imagery showed multiple bridges and command facilities had been washed away.

Relations between North and South Korea are at one of their lowest points in years, with the North recently announcing the deployment of 250 ballistic missile launchers to its southern border.

The North has also been bombarding the South with trash-carrying balloons, including a five-day straight blitz last week.

Seoul's military said Pyongyang had launched another salvo of trash-carrying balloons late Wednesday, but the majority of them did not make it across the border, likely due to wind conditions.

In response, Seoul has suspended a tension-reducing military deal with Pyongyang and restarted some propaganda broadcasts from loudspeakers along the border.

hs/ceb/sw
People watch the news of a North Korean missile launch at a train station in Seoul, South Korea on Thursday. North Korea launched several short-range ballistic missiles into the East Sea, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said. Photo by Jeon Heon-kyun/EPA-EFE

SEOUL, Sept. 12 (UPI) -- North Korea launched multiple ballistic missiles into the East Sea on Thursday, South Korea's military said, days after leader Kim Jong Un called for a nuclear weapons buildup.

"Our military detected several short-range ballistic missiles launched from the Pyongyang area into the East Sea around 07:10 [Thursday]," Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a text message to reporters.

The missiles flew roughly 225 miles before splashing down in the body of water also known as the Sea of Japan. The JCS said it was analyzing the launch and closely sharing information with the United States and Japan.

Hawaii-based U.S. Indo-Pacific Command said that it detected the launch and was consulting with regional allies and partners.

"The United States condemns these actions and calls on the DPRK to refrain from further unlawful and destabilizing acts," the command said in a statement. "While we have assessed that this event does not pose an immediate threat to U.S. personnel, or territory, or to our allies, we continue to monitor the situation."

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea is the official name of North Korea.

The launch was the first since July 1, when North Korea fired what it claimed were missiles carrying a new "super-large warhead."

North Korea this week celebrated its 76th anniversary of its founding, and leader Kim Jong Un called for a nuclear weapons buildup in response to threats posed by the United States and South Korea.

U.S. and South Korean forces wrapped up a 13-day amphibious landing exercise near the southeastern city of Pohang on Saturday. The allies also recently concluded their annual summertime Ulchi Freedom Shield joint exercise, which the North condemned as the "most offensive and provocative war drills for aggression."

Tensions have grown on the Korean Peninsula over the past few years, with Pyongyang steadily unveiling military hardware and testing new weapons, some of which could be intended for shipment to Russia.

North Korean state media on Monday showed Kim inspecting a new 12-axle transporter erector launcher, or TEL. The launcher appears to be an upgrade to the 11-axle version used to mount their Hwasong-17 intercontinental ballistic missile, generating speculation that a new ICBM may be revealed soon.

Last month, North Korea also showed off new "suicide" attack drones and an upgraded multiple rocket launcher.

Pyongyang and Moscow have strengthened their relationship in the wake of the Kremlin's invasion of Ukraine, with Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin signing a mutual defense treaty in June.

Washington and its allies accuse North Korea of supplying munitions to Russia, which Pyongyang has denied. A recent South Korean intelligence report said the North has sent 13,000 shipping containers suspected of carrying arms to Russia since mid-2022.

On Tuesday, South Korea and the member states of the U.S.-led United Nations Command called on Russia and North Korea to "immediately cease" their collaboration.

"The defense ministers and representatives expressed serious concern over military cooperation between Russia and the DPRK ... including weapons transactions and technological cooperation which constitute a violation of relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions," South Korea and the UNC said in a joint statement. "They urged Russia and the DPRK to immediately cease all such activities and abide by these resolutions."

The UNC plays a key role in maintaining and enforcing the armistice agreement that halted fighting in the 1950-53 Korean War, with duties that include controlling DMZ access and communicating with the North Korean military.

Last month, Germany became the 18th member state to formally join the UNC.
Barry Fagin is Senior Fellow in Technology Policy at the Independence Institute in Denver. His views are his alone. Readers can contact Dr. Fagin at barry@faginfamily.net. He has recently returned from a scientific conference in Spain.
(Bloomberg) -- North Korea fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles off its east coast early Thursday, South Koreas military said, days after leader Kim Jong Un vowed to bolster his nuclear weapons capabilities exponentially and prepare his troops for combat.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The missiles were launched from an area near Pyongyang, flying some 360 kilometers toward waters off the nations east coast, South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff said. Japans defense ministry said the missiles reached an altitude of 100 km.

Japanese broadcaster NHK said the projectiles appear to have landed outside Japans exclusive economic zone, citing Japanese defense ministry sources it did not identify.

We strongly condemn North Koreas missile launches as a clear act of provocation that seriously threatens the peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, South Koreas military said in a statement.

The latest firing came as senior defense officials from around the globe gathered in Seoul for a series of security meetings. On Tuesday, defense officials from the US, South Korea and Japan met and agreed to update their plan for multi-year trilateral exercises by the end of the year.

The three countries have been stepping up their cooperation to better counter North Koreas growing threats, signing a pact on joint military training in July in an accord that built on a major trilateral summit hosted by President Joe Biden at Camp David in August 2023.

The firing marked North Koreas first missile launch in over two months after Kims regime shot off two ballistic missiles that it said could carry 4.5 ton-class super-large warheads on July 1. South Koreas military said one of those missiles encountered trouble in flight and disappeared from radar after flying about 120 kilometers (75 miles)  indicating a failed test.

North Korea stayed relatively quiet during the joint training between the US and South Korea last month after heavy floods hit the countrys northern region. Pyongyang has long bristled at the drills, calling them a rehearsal for invasion.

In a speech marking the 76th anniversary of the countrys founding this week, Kim said North Korea will bolster its nuclear weapons capabilities and have troops ready for combat as he accused Washington of expanding a nuclear-based military bloc in the region.

North Korea has fired more than 30 ballistic missiles and one space rocket so far this year, exceeding its total from 2023. The tally is still short of the more than 70 ballistic missiles tested in 2022  a record for the state.

North Korea may be considering a nuclear test near the time of the November US presidential election to raise its profile, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeols national security adviser Shin Wonsik said in July, when he was serving as defense minister.

--With assistance from Ryotaro Nakamaru.

(Updates with details missile flight range)

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(FOX40.COM)  A Modesto area school has been given the all-clear after being searched for a reported explosive device on the campus on Thursday, according to Modesto City Schools.

Im very glad to let you know that the Modesto Police Department has just given us the all-clear to resume the school day at Modesto High School, the district wrote in a news release. After a thorough search, police officers did not locate any form of explosive on our campus.

Teen arrested in connection to threats made at Roseville school

Students were allowed back on campus at 11 a.m. after being evacuated from the campus at around 8 a.m.

Despite the lengthy delay to the school day, students will be dismissed at their usual time.

I want to thank you for your cooperation and patience today, the district wrote. This incident caused significant disruption to Modesto High School and to families today, and we appreciate your help in keeping our students and staff safe.











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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40.
Its not over: Survivors of Nassars abuse say the fight for justice is far from finished

Former gymnast Kaylee Lorincz sits outside the Hannah Administration Building on Michigan State University campus in 2018 surrounded by teal pinwheels placed by Parents of Sister Survivors Engage (POSSE) to represent support for survivors of ex-MSU and Olympic doctor Larry Nassar. | Photo courtesy of Kaylee Lorincz

When facing the man that sexually abused her starting at age 10 and facing down the university leaders who she says have let sexual abuse survivors down at every turn, Kaylee Lorincz told the Michigan Advance shes had a faithful companion that has carried her to today: her 10-year-old self.

Every time she had to speak in court or advocate for herself as a teenager against former Michigan State University and Olympic doctor Larry Nassar, Lorincz, now 25, said she took her attorneys advice and wrapped her arms around that 10-year-old girl and brought her with her.

And that strength is needed on days like Wednesday, where Michigans Attorney General Dana Nessel announced that long-withheld documents from MSU that survivors had hoped would reveal information about who at the university knew about Nassars sexual abuse of patients, revealed nothing pertinent to the investigation. Nessel said she was closing the case.

Lorincz said she and other survivors are holding fast to a commitment for accountability from MSU.

They just want to be able to slide everything under the rug and act like it didnt happen, Lorincz said. This has consumed my life for so long, I really wasnt sure who I was anymore  This is something that will affect me for the rest of my life.

And as someone who was balancing starting college classes with court appearances, Lorincz said back in 2018, she didnt have much space to heal. But healing is coming now from making sure that this conversation doesnt end and people dont forget about what happened with Larry Nassar and Michigan State University, because we cant allow this to happen again.

Nessel noted the efforts of the survivors and their families who relentlessly advocated for a cultural change at MSU are the ones responsible for progress. Their work demanding that the university release some 6,000 documents requested by the Attorney Generals Office for six years is what made their release to the media Wednesday possible. The office says it plans to disseminate the documents to the public in the future.

This will be something that is talked about for a very long period of time and these survivors will be admired by many for years, decades to come, well remember what happened here, not just because of the horrific acts of Larry Nassar and others, but because of how the survivors banded together and made substantive change all over the country, Nessel said.

Since Nassar was sentenced sentenced to effectively three life sentences across three courts between 2017 to 2018 on child pornography charges and several charges of criminal sexual conduct with minors, survivors have mobilized in Michigan and on a national scale to fight against sexual violence.

Since 2018, dozens of pieces of legislation have been introduced in Michigan aimed to prevent another tragedy like Nassars abuse from happening again, with things like school-related policies and resources and in-court procedures being made into law to support survivors reporting violence.

Former Assistant Attorney General Angela Povilaitis, who led Michigans prosecution of Nassar, wants the public to remember that in the midst of all that has happened, the boldest voices for change have always been the survivors, she told the Michigan Advance in a statement.

I continue to be inspired by the Nassar survivors & their families, who have tirelessly pursued justice, demanded accountability from all institutions & individuals, & continue to do all they can to prevent sexual abuse and assault, Povilaitis said. Their advocacy and bravery has & continues to empower so many other survivors to come forward and demand accountability.

Nessel said Wednesday that prosecutors have never seen a group of survivors band together in sisterhood and impact such widespread systemic changes. The sister survivors have created nationwide awareness in schools on sexual abuse prevention. They have worked to ensure survivors are believed and are treated better in the judicial system and have changed the culture in how sexual assault is seen by the public at large.

Survivors have put in hard work and so has the state attorney generals office, Nessel said. After reviewing the thousands of documents that MSU had for years held back under attorney-client privilege, she said she believes they were unjustly retained by the school and ultimately resulted in a painful six-year waiting game for survivors and their families.

While we begin each investigation in pursuit of the truth and facts first and foremost and take criminal or civil charges as a secondary consideration, it is my belief that by withholding the remaining 6,000 documents, MSU unnecessarily prolonged that hope that the questions survivors had would be answered and denied them closure that they were entitled to many years ago, Nessel said.

The impact of Nassars abuse and the events of the attorney generals investigation is not lost on MSU, university spokeswoman Emily Guerrant said as part of a response issued Wednesday.

But while the university respects the thorough efforts by investigators, MSU claims that it has fully complied with the attorney generals office supplying more than 100,000 documents in total for the investigation. And as for the other thousands of documents requested, the university maintains that its application of attorney-client privilege was appropriate.

Since 2016, the university has taken significant steps to improve campus safety and culture through robust prevention, support, and response efforts. We are working to become a more accountable organization each day, guided by an unwavering commitment to providing a safe campus and equitable environment for all, MSUs statement reads. We echo the attorney generals comments in acknowledging the role survivors have made in advocating for change and improvements surrounding assault and abuse in our state and globally.

Justice for survivors was blocked by the MSU Board of Trustees for years, former Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette said in a statement Wednesday. It was Schuettes office that announced it was investigating Nassars abuse at MSU back in 2018 and he says MSU fought back to retain thousands of documents in the investigation.

The years-long delay in response from the University caused the survivors to continue to wonder what they, and law enforcement, did not know. The reality for many survivors has been the inability to fully move on because these documents and the knowledge held within them was still out there  a lingering sense of anxiety surrounding a part of their lives that many would like to put into the past, Schuette said. The continued revictimization of the survivors due to the long standing delay tactics is wholly unfair and simply wrong.

Nessel announced during her news conference with reporters that the information in the documents would be released to the public. Schuette said hes eager to review them and encouraged others to do so.

Although time has passed, we all must know the whole truth about what happened at Michigan State University and the monster named Larry Nassar, Schuette said. My sincere hope is that through the release of these documents, the survivors and their families will be able to continue the process of healing.

Bill Schuette

Because MSU clung so tight to the documents, survivors like Melissa Hudecz had hoped there was a reason that the school didnt want to release them.

Its going to be something about who knew what when, Hudecz told Michigan Advance back in January. Theyve fought and held on to them for so long. If there was nothing in there, why would they not release them?

On Tuesday night, Hudecz and dozens of other survivors were briefed by members of the Michigan Attorney Generals Office and were told that there were no chargeable offenses in the documents.

I think as a whole, we were all very grateful to have the opportunity to ask questions and process information and have each other for support in that moment. We had a lot of good discussions. We got a lot of questions answered, Hudecz said.

Hudecz is now an occupational therapist after surviving Nassars abuse starting at age 14. She and other survivors are utterly exhausted going to MSU Board of Trustee meetings, working with lawyers, calling lawmakers and knocking on every door of power that could enact real change when it comes to sexual violence in Michigan, she said.

Its not over until things get better and for things to get better, we have a lot of work to do in our country, in our institutions and we cant do it alone, Hudecz said. We need people to be paying attention to these issues.

Given that MSU is one of three universities in Michigan in which the governing bodies are elected positions, Hudecz said people need to understand that elections other than the presidential race matter in November. Two, eight-year positions on MSUs board are up for grabs.

As frustrating as it is I hope that the takeaway at the end of the day is MSU is still allowing this behavior at their university, and that the people of the state of Michigan need to hold them accountable and hold them to a higher standard, and that were stronger together, and all of our voices matter.  Its exhausting, and we need help, Hudecz said.

The pain survivors and their families have endured in this process has been excruciating, a group founded by parents of Nassars abuse, Parents of Sister Survivors Engage (POSSE) said in a statement Wednesday. And the message from MSU rings louder for survivors than it ever has: MSU once again has shown it was never interested in helping the survivors of Larry Nassar to heal.

Redactions in the hard-won documents were an immediate concern when the MSU Board of Trustees agreed to turn over the documents during a meeting at the end of 2023. Survivors and parents on-campus held each other in relief, gasping as the votes from each trustee came in in a unanimous decision.

Nessel noted that after six years, statute of limitations may have run out on any crimes that may have been perpetrated by MSU employees, and that may explain the sudden change of heart in releasing the documents, but the documents received dont reflect legal wrongdoing.

But things have been lost as time has passed, said Danielle Hagaman-Clark, chief of the Criminal Justice Bureau for the Attorney Generals Office. Specifically emails received from MSU reflect that former University President Lou Anna K. Simon had long been deleting text messages.

Thats what makes us believe that there [was] additional information out there that would have been relevant to our investigation and that they were deleted, Hagaman-Clark said.

POSSE said it doubts every document MSU should have sent over to the attorney general was sent as they have a history of inaction and secrecy.

Its a stain on the university that should leave all of us in the state asking for greater accountability from a public institution that exists to serve Michigans people by educating the youth of the state. And part of education is having adults model our expectations. MSU has done a poor job of modeling accountability and transparency, POSSE said in a statement.

When it comes to looking for role models in adults, Lorincz said shes living her life as if the 10-year-old version of herself is watching. The road ahead is uncertain, but shes got a lot to live up to.

I do it for the 10-year-old me who had a very different life and I think Ive learned a lot.  And I think Im a much different person than I would be, but I think I live my life by trying to make that 10-year-old me proud and happy, Lorincz said.

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A year after a wildfire, the U.S. Forest Service assesses the damage to figure out how many trees need to be planted to restore the forest. But research shows that much more time is needed to calculate tree mortality. (Oregon Department of Forestry/Flickr)

A year after a wildfire, the U.S. Forest Service assesses the damage to figure out how many trees need to be planted to restore the forest. But research shows that much more time is needed to calculate tree mortality. (Oregon Department of Forestry/Flickr)

One year after a wildfire burns in a forest, the U.S. Forest Service assesses the damage.

What the agency finds at this one-year mark informs its post-fire restoration efforts, including how many trees foresters are required to plant to replace ones that died due to the fire. But according to a growing body of research, one year just isnt enough time to determine how many trees have died following a wildfire.

Two recent studies, created independently of each other, that examined the effects of wildfires in Oregon, Washington as well as other parts of the West, found that trees scorched by fire can continue to die for as long as five years after a wildfire.

While there is as yet no scientific consensus about what these findings mean for post-fire restoration, the implication, according to some scientists, is that the ecological damage caused by wildfires has been underestimated and restoration efforts are not keeping up.

The amount of climate-warming carbon lost to the atmosphere when trees die likely has also been underestimated, according to one of the two studies, implying that the current carbon-absorbing power of some forests has been overestimated.

The phenomenon being investigated is called post-fire delayed tree mortality.

What were finding is fire effects are not static, theyre dynamic, (tree) mortality continues to happen for years, hence the word delayed, said Andres Holz, associate professor at Portland State University, director of the universitys Global Environmental Change Lab and coauthor of one of the studies.

The research potentially has wide implications: Though scientists do not know how many acres have been affected by post-fire mortality, wildfires burn millions of acres of forest a year. Last year, 56,580 wildfires burned in the U.S., scorching nearly 2.7 million acres (over 4,200 square miles), and in 2022, nearly 68,990 fires burned more than 7.5 million acres (over 11,800 square miles), according to the National Interagency Fire Center based in Boise, Idaho. The center coordinates fire resources nationwide.

Previous field research has shown that trees continue to die for years after wildfires. Holz and his colleagues research is some of the first to use satellite imagery to study the phenomenon remotely.

Wildfires in Cascades

Holzs study, published in April in the journal Ecosphere, examined the effects of delayed tree mortality following wildfires in the Cascades and the northern and southern Rocky Mountains. To do this, Holz and his coauthors compared images of forests burned by wildfires taken one-year post-fire to images of the same forests taken five-years post-fire.

The analysis revealed that many forest sections that had previously shown up as green pixels in satellite images taken one year after a fire were no longer green by year five, suggesting that trees had continued to die over the four-year period. This one-to-five-year comparison was done in areas burned by 30 wildfires.

The studys lead author, Sebastian Busby, said the research was inspired by fieldwork he did in the Cascade Mountains as a Portland State University graduate student working with Holz. Busby is now a forest carbon analyst for the nonprofit Nature Conservancy.

While in the Cascades, Busby said he used GPS data and fire severity maps created one year after a fire to locate where a fire perimeter should have stopped only to find that the reach of the dead trees had surpassed the perimeter. That was also reflected in the comparisons of the satellite imagery.

By year five, delayed mortality led to a decline in tree cover at the examined fire perimeters from 5% to 25%, according to the study. Busby said its likely that trees that previously had been lightly burned but were still living one year after a fire had been weakened enough by the flames to later die from other causes, including drought and insect attacks.

The study also looked at fire refugia, or patches of trees in a wildfire area that experience low-intensity fire or no fire and continue to survive.

The way I always think about (fire refugia) is theyre islands within an ocean, and the ocean is a severely burned forest, said Busby.

These living islands provide the seeds that forests use to naturally regenerate. Busby and Holz found that while some fire refugia remained unchanged by year five, others shrank in size or disappeared entirely.

Trees continue to die over time and sometimes at high magnitudes, said Busby. So, if you actually look further out in time, theres less and less seed source available.

The problem, Busby said, is most forest management agencies stop assessing fire damage one year after a fire. This means they are likely overestimating the number of surviving trees and the quantity of seeds they provide. According to Holz, this suggests the U.S. Forest Service is likely underestimating the number of trees it needs to replant.

Researchers disagree

Matthew Reilly, a U.S. Forest Service research forester and lead author of the second paper, also used satellite imagery to study post-fire tree mortality. His study, published last year in the journal Fire Ecology, examined tree mortality following six fires in Oregon, Washington and California. The study also found that trees in a wildfire zone can die up to five years later, with islands of surviving trees shrinking in the years that followed. The big thing that we found very consistently is that fire refugia are essentially being cut in half in terms of their area, Reilly said. Theyre not only cut in half, but they are now more fragmented.

The study found that post-fire tree mortality occurred on 14% of the total area examined in the study. This amounted to 7,725 hectares, or over 29 square miles.

The total area impacted by post-fire mortality in the Western U.S. remains unknown. However, Holz, Busby and Reilly said the methods they developed in their two studies could be used to determine that number in the future. They agree the number is likely to be very large.

Because delayed mortality is a known problem, but nobody knows how big that problem really is, Reilly refers to it as sizing up the elephant in the room.

But he disagreed that his agency and other land managers arent planting enough trees post fire though he said the findings could help inform strategies related to the agencys restoration practices.

Reilly said his study also suggests that by underestimating tree death scientists have also overestimated the amount of carbon thats stored by trees, which helps fight climate change.

We know that theyre underestimating it, but we dont quite know by how much yet, he said.

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Oregon wildfire smoke through dense trees

A year after a wildfire, the U.S. Forest Service assesses the damage to figure out how many trees need to be planted to restore the forest. But research shows that much more time is needed to calculate tree mortality. (Courtesy of the Oregon Department of Forestry)

One year after a wildfire burns in a forest, the U.S. Forest Service assesses the damage.

What the agency finds at this one-year mark informs its post-fire restoration efforts, including how many trees foresters are required to plant to replace ones that died due to the fire. But according to a growing body of research, one year just isnt enough time to determine how many trees have died following a wildfire.

Two recent studies, created independently of each other, that examined the effects of wildfires in Oregon, Washington as well as other parts of the West, found that trees scorched by fire can continue to die for as long as five years after a wildfire.

While there is as yet no scientific consensus about what these findings mean for post-fire restoration, the implication, according to some scientists, is that the ecological damage caused by wildfires has been underestimated and restoration efforts are not keeping up.

The amount of climate-warming carbon lost to the atmosphere when trees die likely has also been underestimated, according to one of the two studies, implying that the current carbon-absorbing power of some forests has been overestimated.

The phenomenon being investigated is called post-fire delayed tree mortality.

What were finding is fire effects are not static, theyre dynamic, (tree) mortality continues to happen for years, hence the word delayed, said Andres Holz, associate professor at Portland State University, director of the universitys Global Environmental Change Lab and coauthor of one of the studies.

The research potentially has wide implications: Though scientists do not know how many acres have been affected by post-fire mortality, wildfires burn millions of acres of forest a year. Last year, 56,580 wildfires burned in the U.S., scorching nearly 2.7 million acres (over 4,200 square miles), and in 2022, nearly 68,990 fires burned more than 7.5 million acres (over 11,800 square miles), according to the National Interagency Fire Center based in Boise. The center coordinates fire resources nationwide.

Previous field research has shown that trees continue to die for years after wildfires. Holz and his colleagues research is some of the first to use satellite imagery to study the phenomenon remotely.

Wildfires in the Cascades

Holzs study, published in April in the journal Ecosphere, examined the effects of delayed tree mortality following wildfires in the Cascades and the northern and southern Rocky Mountains. To do this, Holz and his coauthors compared images of forests burned by wildfires taken one-year post-fire to images of the same forests taken five-years post-fire.

The analysis revealed that many forest sections that had previously shown up as green pixels in satellite images taken one year after a fire were no longer green by year five, suggesting that trees had continued to die over the four-year period. This one-to-five-year comparison was done in areas burned by 30 wildfires.

The studys lead author, Sebastian Busby, said the research was inspired by fieldwork he did in the Cascade Mountains as a Portland State University graduate student working with Holz. Busby is now a forest carbon analyst for the nonprofit Nature Conservancy.

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While in the Cascades, Busby said he used GPS data and fire severity maps created one year after a fire to locate where a fire perimeter should have stopped only to find that the reach of the dead trees had surpassed the perimeter. That was also reflected in the comparisons of the satellite imagery.

By year five, delayed mortality led to a decline in tree cover at the examined fire perimeters from 5% to 25%, according to the study. Busby said its likely that trees that previously had been lightly burned but were still living one year after a fire had been weakened enough by the flames to later die from other causes, including drought and insect attacks.

The study also looked at fire refugia, or patches of trees in a wildfire area that experience low-intensity fire or no fire and continue to survive.

The way I always think about (fire refugia) is theyre islands within an ocean, and the ocean is a severely burned forest, Busby said.

These living islands provide the seeds that forests use to naturally regenerate. Busby and Holz found that while some fire refugia remained unchanged by year five, others shrank in size or disappeared entirely.

Trees continue to die over time and sometimes at high magnitudes, Busby said. So, if you actually look further out in time, theres less and less seed source available.

The problem, he said, is most forest management agencies stop assessing fire damage one year after a fire. This means they are likely overestimating the number of surviving trees and the quantity of seeds they provide. According to Holz, this suggests the U.S. Forest Service is likely underestimating the number of trees it needs to replant.

Researchers disagree on whether land managers are planting enough trees

Matthew Reilly, a U.S. Forest Service research forester and lead author of the second paper, also used satellite imagery to study post-fire tree mortality. His study, published last year in the journal Fire Ecology, examined tree mortality following six fires in Oregon, Washington and California. The study also found that trees in a wildfire zone can die up to five years later, with islands of surviving trees shrinking in the years that followed.

The big thing that we found very consistently is that fire refugia are essentially being cut in half in terms of their area, Reilly said. Theyre not only cut in half, but they are now more fragmented.

The study found that post-fire tree mortality occurred on 14% of the total area examined in the study. This amounted to 7,725 hectares, or over 29 square miles.

The total area impacted by post-fire mortality in the Western U.S. remains unknown. However, Holz, Busby and Reilly said the methods they developed in their two studies could be used to determine that number in the future. They agree the number is likely to be very large.

Because delayed mortality is a known problem, but nobody knows how big that problem really is, Reilly refers to it as sizing up the elephant in the room.

But he disagreed that his agency and other land managers arent planting enough trees post fire though he said the findings could help inform strategies related to the agencys restoration practices.

Reilly said his study also suggests that by underestimating tree death scientists have also overestimated the amount of carbon thats stored by trees, which helps fight climate change.

We know that theyre underestimating it, but we dont quite know by how much yet, he said.

Oregon Capital Chronicle, like the Idaho Capital Sun, is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Oregon Capital Chronicle maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Lynne Terry for questions: info@oregoncapitalchronicle.com. Follow Oregon Capital Chronicle on Facebook and X.

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NEW YORK (PIX11)  People take their commutes around New York seriously. Riders are always looking for a better option.

A New York City Council hearing held this week discussed the future of the ferry.

Ridership on NYC Ferry has grown about 8% this year, according to the New York City Economic Development Corporation. The agency operates the service in the city and participated in the hearing.

When the boats first hit the water seven years ago, they changed the ride for people near the docks.

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Service has expanded to include Astoria, Bay Ridge, East 90th Street in Manhattan, and the Soundview neighborhood in the Bronx.

While some may be sightseeing, regular commuters will gladly point out the benefits of their rides.

From Brooklyn to 34th Street and I get in my steps. It works out for me, said Shelia.

Wall Street/Pier 11 landing is the busiest spot, followed by Manhattans East 34th Street and Dumbo in Brooklyn.

Its a way to start the morning and less rush hour than the subway, said Paola.

NYC Ferry is focusing on the finances. The cost of a single ride, which many tourists choose, is $4.50.

The 10-trip ticket is in line with the subway fare at $29.

NYC Ferry thanks the New York City Council for an in-depth hearing, which showed that NYC Ferry continues to set ridership records while substantially decreasing the per passenger subsidy, all while delivering an amazing rider experience for New Yorkers, said New York City Economic Development Corporation spokesperson Adrien Lesser.

Bay Ridge to Wall Street express service launched March 2023.

New York City Council member Justin Brannan represents the area, and he calls the 20-minute ride a game changer.

There needs to be borough equity. We get more riders on the ferry if we get them to the ferry. The good news is ridership is up and the subsidy is down, Brannan said.

Brannans district includes Coney Island, which has been calling for ferry service.

Estimates to build a dock have been $250 million. Brannan finds the number unbelievable.

Canarsie, Willets Point, Staten Island, LaGuardia Airport, and Far Rockaway have also been discussed as possible areas to study.

The New York City Economic Development Corporation said the focus is continuing to lower the taxpayer subsidy and provide quality service.

The high subsidy and waterfront service to new developments have been criticisms.

The City Council has suggested the idea of shuttle buses to transport people to the ferries from the surrounding areas.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
NEW YORK -- NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban announced his resignation Thursday, about a week after federal agents raided his home, along with other members of Mayor Eric Adams' administration.

Caban sent a letter to the department, saying the news surrounding the raids had "created a distraction." His resignation is effective at 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13.

"I hold immense respect and gratitude for the brave officers who serve this department, and the NYPD deserves someone who can solely focus on protecting and serving New York City, which is why -- for the good of this city and this department -- I have made the difficult decision to resign as Police Commissioner," Caban wrote.

Adams said he respects Caban's decision to step down and touted NYPD achievements under his leadership, including getting more than 18,000 illegal guns off the streets and major reductions in shootings and robberies.

"Edward Caban concluded that this is the best decision at this time. I respect his decision and I wish him well," Adams said Thursday afternoon. "Commissioner Caban dedicated his life to making our city safer, and we saw a drop in crime for 13 of the 14 months he served as commissioner."

The mayor also announced Tom Donlon will take over as interim commissioner of the department. Donlon released a statement, saying he is "honored and humbled" to take the helm.

"My goals are clear: continue the historic progress decreasing crime and removing illegal guns from our communities, uphold the highest standards of integrity and transparency, and support our dedicated officers who put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe," he wrote. "I want to thank outgoing Commissioner Caban for his service to this department throughout his more than 30-year career and I look forward to building on the progress this administration has made keeping New York City the safest big city in America."

Caban was sworn in as New York City's 46th police commissioner in July 2023. He took over for Keechant Sewell and became the first Latino to lead the department.

Thursday's resignation comes after U.S. attorneys seized cellphones from the commissioner and his twin brother last week, as well as the schools chancellor and two deputy mayors. Sources say Caban's twin, James, allegedly worked as a fixer for restaurants and nightclubs, smoothing things over between police and popular establishments around noise complaints and other violations.

Earlier this week, the commissioner denied reports he would step down, and the mayor was grilled by reporters about his future with the department.

Caban's resignation is not an admission of guilt, and sources tell CBS News New York's Marcia Kramer he insists he has done nothing wrong. His attorney said in a statement he is not a target of any investigation, and he expects to fully cooperate with the government.

At this point, no one has been charged with any wrongdoing.

Read Caban's full letter of resignation

Ahead of the City Hall announcement, the police commissioner sent the following letter to members of the department:

"To the Members of the New York City Police Department: On yesterday's solemn day of remembrance, as we came together to honor our fallen brothers and sisters, I was reminded of the unwavering dedication and resilience of the NYPD. Serving as your Commissioner has been the greatest honor of my career, and I am proud to stand next to you each and every day. I have dedicated over 30 years of service to this department. Every day, whether as a patrol officer on the streets of the Bronx, the Commissioner of the department, and my many stops in between, I have been inspired by the courage, tenacity, and selflessness of each of you. The greatest city in the world would not be so without the greatest police force in the world. Together, we have removed thousands of firearms from the streets, brought justice to countless victims of violent crimes, and helped to heal and bring communities together. The families, business owners, tourists, as well as all who walk the streets, take the subway, and live freely and safely in New York, do so because of you. My complete focus has always been on the NYPD  the department and people I love and have dedicated over 30 years of service to. However, the news around recent developments has created a distraction for our department, and I am unwilling to let my attention be on anything other than our important work, or the safety of the men and women of the NYPD. I hold immense respect and gratitude for the brave officers who serve this department, and the NYPD deserves someone who can solely focus on protecting and serving New York City, which is why  for the good of this city and this department  I have made the difficult decision to resign as Police Commissioner. Thank you for the trust you have placed in me, and for the opportunity you have given me to serve alongside the members of this great department. I feel strongly that we have the best police force in the world, and have complete faith in the leaders across the NYPD. Edward A. Caban"

The Police Benevolent Association shared a statement, thanking Caban for "always listening to our concerns and being willing to work with us on the issues affecting our members."

"But no matter who is leading the NYPD, this remains a uniquely challenging period for police officers on the streets. The NYPD is severely understaffed. Police officers are severely overworked and overburdened. We are constantly assaulted by violent criminals and constantly attacked by anti-police activists who want us punished and prosecuted for simply doing our job. All of this puts public safety at risk. We need the next police commissioner to continue working with us to face those challenges head-on from day one," the PBA statement continued.

Feds raid NYC Mayor Eric Adams' inner circle

In addition to the U.S. attorney issuing search warrants for the cellphones belonging to Caban and his brother, the feds also sent the NYPD an evidence preservation letter, ordering it not to destroy any electronic files, sources told CBS News New York.

While that is typical protocol, sources said additional electronics were also removed from the Verizon Building, which houses the office of Deputy Mayor Philip Banks, one of several members of the mayor's administration whose homes were raided last week.

Adams said at the time he was not aware of any misdoings by the staff members, including Schools Chancellor David Banks and his fiancee, First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, as well as mayoral advisor Timothy Pearson.

Philip and David Banks are brothers, and their other brother, Terence, also had his home searched, his attorney told The Associated Press.

On Thursday, Kramer asked New York Gov. Kathy Hochul if she has any concerns about working with the Adams administration moving forward.

"When there is evidence of wrongdoing, when there's evidence of a crime, we take steps necessary to remove them from those positions when that individual is found in committing a crime themselves," the governor replied. "Gathering intelligence by law enforcement is a different stage of the process."

At this point, no one has been charged, and it's unclear exactly what federal authorities are investigating.

City officials support Caban's decision to leave

"It's important that we lead with integrity. And for Commissioner Caban to say, you know what, I'm going to do this, it's been recommended, I think it's a noble thing to do," Councilmember Yusef Salaam said.

"We still don't know what happened, so we're all waiting for that. But you can't have the department under scrutiny like this," Councilmember Robert Holden said.

"I'm sorry to see him go. I think he was an effective leader for the department," Councilmember Joe Borelli said.

"Very disappointing. You know, we had high hopes, the first Latino police commissioner," Councilmember Oswald Feliz said.

"I think anybody who honestly looks at the department for the last year knows that the department was well run," Councilmember Kalman Yeger said.

Councilmember Tiffany Caban, who is not related to the police commissioner, said the resignation was the start of needed changes.

"We have structural problems with our police department, and it shows in year-over-year records in police brutality misconduct cases," Caban said.

"Even if he's done nothing, and Edward Caban is a pretty decent guy, he is enmeshed in a scandal, so it's wise, he chose a brave and good course to step aside," said Rich Esposito, former NYPD deputy commissioner and CBS News law enforcement contributor. "[NYPD members] like clarity, officers like a clear chain of command, and now they have one again."

So should more resignations follow from top city leaders whose homes were raided?

"There's a shroud around so many folks at top levels. It's really hard to move forward pretending that's not the case. So the mayor has to still, and had to do something, and so maybe this is a step to help restore trust," Public Advocate Jumaane Williams said.

Everyone stopped short of saying Adams should step down.

"I would love to see a city that is run by a mayor that is delivering for everyday New Yorkers," Tiffany Caban said.

"Let's see what happens. I think it's a challenging situation," Councilmember Gale Brewer said.

"Because of the magnitude of the situation and the number of investigations going on right now within the administration, the distractions are still going to be there," City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams said.

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Edward Caban, who was appointed last year, resigned Thursday as federal agents probe the Police Department's nightclub enforcement. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI

Sept. 12 (UPI) -- New York City Mayor Eric Adams on Thursday announced that former FBI official Tom Donlon will become interim police commissioner, replacing Edward Caban, who resigned amid a federal investigation.

In a video statement Adams said, "I'm taking immediate action in appointing Tom Donlon as interim police commissioner."

Donlon ran the FBI's National Threat Assessment Center and the FBI-NYPD Joint Terrorism Task Force. He also was New York's director of the Office of Homeland Security.

Caban, appointed by Adams in 2023, resigned Thursday as federal agents probe the Police Department's nightclub enforcement.

"The news around recent developments has created a distraction for our department, and I am unwilling to let my attention be on anything other than our important work, or the safety of the men and women of the NYPD," Caban said in an email to NYPD members.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams (shown) on Thursday appointed former FBI official Tom Donlon as interim police commissioner. Edward Caban resigned as commissioner amid a federal probe into Adams administration officials. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI

Caban's phone was seized by federal agents last week as investigators conducted conducted on the homes of top Adams administration officials.

According to statement from Caban lawyers Russell Capone and Rebekah Donaleski, they have been informed by the government that Caban is not a target of "any investigation being conducted by the Southern District of New York, and he expects to cooperate fully with the government."

Adams' phone and iPad were seized in a federal investigation in November 2023 into his campaign fundraising. The devices were returned. No charges were filed.

Federal investigations are targeting the Adams administration. Federal prosecutors have not publicly revealed exactly what they are investigating.

During a virtual press briefing Thursday, Adams said he was surprised by the federal probes.

"I take them extremely seriously," he said. "I've spent more than 20 years in law enforcement, and so every member of my administration knows my expectations that we must follow the law."

According to the New York Daily News, FBI agents also searched the homes of First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, her partner, Education Department Chancellor David Banks, and Banks' younger brother, Terrence, a consultant with clients who do business with the city.

That investigation is separate from the one that seized Caban's phone and searched his brother's home and those of other NYPD officials.

According to The CIty, at least four investigations are looking into the Adams administration.

They include a campaign fundraising probe; an inquiry into whether the Adams campaign conspired to accept illegal donations from Turkey; a straw political donation scheme that resulted in charges and guilty pleas from former NYPD inspector Dwayne Montgomery; and an indictment of former Adams Buildings Commissioner Eric Ulrich on bribery charges last year.
New York City Police Commissioner Edward Caban has resigned days after federal agents raided his home, his brother's and that of other city officials and seized their electronic devices.

In a resignation letter shared with Fox News, Caban wrote that rank and file officers deserved leadership without distractions.

"I have therefore decided it is in the best interest of the Department that I resign as Commissioner," he told Fox News Digital in a statement through his attorneys. "After 30 years of service to this city, I hold immense respect and gratitude for its brave officers, and must put their interests before my own. I believe firmly in the vital role of leaders with integrity, who, by example, demonstrate the difference between right and wrong every day. I will continue to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation."

NYPD COMMISSIONER'S BROTHER IS EX-COP BEING PROBED AS ALLEGED FIXER FOR NYC CLUBS: REPORT

New York City Mayor Eric Adams, left, and New York City Police Commissioner Edward Caban attend a news conference at 1 Police Plaza in New York City on April 3.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams said during an early afternoon news briefing that he had accepted Caban's resignation, which came about 14 months after his predecessor also resigned from the department.

"This is the best decision at this time," Adams said. "I respect his decision and I wish him well."

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

In a statement, Caban's attorneys Russell Capone and Rebekah Donaleski told Fox News Digital that the former commissioner had made the safety of New Yorkers his life's work and that he is not the target of the federal probe.

NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban has resigned amid a federal probe.

"We have been informed by the government that he is not a target of any investigation being conducted by the Southern District of New York, and he expects to cooperate fully with the government," they said.

Other people in Adams' orbit have also been swept up in the federal investigation.

New York Mayor Eric Adams makes a public safety and quality-of-life-related announcement at 14th Street Y.

Sources told Fox News Digital that Caban's twin brother, James, was also under investigation in connection with his nightlife consulting business.

Rumors of a pending resignation have swirled for days in connection with the Caban raids. Federal agents served warrants on three other high-ranking Adams aides on the same day  First Deputy Mayor Sheena Right, Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Philip Banks III and Timoth Pearson, a former NYPD official turned mayoral adviser.

James Caban poses in front of the New York City skyline.

Last year, federal agents seized Adams' devices as he was leaving an event in Manhattan and raided the home of one of his top fundraisers. Adams has denied any wrongdoing, but confirmed last month he had received a subpoena from federal prosecutors and said he and his team are cooperating.

Adams told reporters little Tuesday in response to repeated questions about Caban's fitness for the job or whether he should resign, but said he had full confidence in the NYPD as a whole.

"What's important to me, and the reason I keep saying NYPD, because Commissioner Caban is part of a team there, and an entire team has to function," he said. "One person does not determine the success of the New York City Police Department."

The New York Post reported Wednesday that one of Caban's top aides has suspected ties to the Chinese Communist Party and worked for a group that spreads Chinese propaganda in the U.S. It's the latest in a string of China-linked officials in New York politics.

HOUSE GOP PRESSES HOCHUL ON ALLEGED CCP AGENT'S INFLUENCE IN NEW YORK, INCLUDING SECRET CHINESE POLICE STATION

Last month, prosecutors secured an indictment for Linda Sun, a former top aide to New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, who is accused of being a Communist agent, visa fraud, alien smuggling and money laundering.

Winnie Greco, another Adams aide, was also raided in connection with a campaign fundraising investigation.

Adams appointed Caban as the NYPD's first Hispanic commissioner in July 2023.

He has been replaced by Interim Commissioner Tom Donlon, a retired FBI agent who previously led the National Threat Center and oversaw the Terrorism Watch List.

Fox News' Landon Mion and Maria Paronich and The Associated Press contributed to this report.





Original article source: NYPD boss resigns as Dem mayor's inner circle faces possible corruption probe
New York City Police Commissioner Edward Caban is stepping down, he and his attorneys confirmed.

Word of the resignation also came in a letter from Caban's attorney to City Hall. The resignation is effective Friday.

His resignation comes amid a federal investigation into possible corruption in New York City government that last week saw authorities seize cellphones belonging to Caban and other NYPD officials, according to sources familiar with the investigation.

MORE: FBI raids homes of 2 top deputies for NYC Mayor Adams, NYPD commissioner subpoenaed: Sources

Caban's attorneys, Russell Capone and Rebekah Donaleski, said in a statement that they have been informed that Caban is "not a target of any investigation being conducted by the Southern District of New York" and that he "expects to cooperate fully with the government."

Caban also said he will "continue to fully cooperate with the ongoing investigation."

"My complete focus must be on the NYPD -- the Department I profoundly honor and have dedicated my career to serving," Caban said in a statement. "However, the noise around recent developments has made that impossible and has hindered the important work our city requires. I have therefore decided it is in the best interest of the Department that I resign as Commissioner."

In an email to the NYPD obtained by ABC News, Caban did not address the probe directly, only saying he made the "difficult decision to resign" amid "recent developments."

"My complete focus has always been on the NYPD -- the department and people I love and have dedicated over 30 years of service to. However, the news around recent developments has created a distraction for our department, and I am unwilling to let my attention be on anything other than our important work, or the safety of the men and women of the NYPD," he said in the email. "I hold immense respect and gratitude for the brave officers who serve this department, and the NYPD deserves someone who can solely focus on protecting and serving New York City, which is why -- for the good of this city and this department -- I have made the difficult decision to resign as Police Commissioner."

PHOTO: Edward A. Caban, center, speaks after being sworn in as NYPD police commissioner outside New York City Police Department 40th Precinct on Monday, July 17, 2023, in New York. Mayor Eric Adams on the right. (Jeenah Moon/AP, FILE)

New York City Mayor Eric Adams said during remarks on Thursday that he accepted Caban's resignation and has appointed former FBI agent and former New York Homeland Security Director Tom Donlon as interim commissioner.

"I respect his decision and I wish him well," he said of Caban. "Commissioner Caban dedicated his life to making our city safe, and we saw a drop in crime for the 13 of the 14 months that he served as commissioner."

Federal agents last week also searched the homes of Deputy Mayor Phil Banks, Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright and Schools Chancellor David Banks, according to sources. The FBI seized evidence, including electronics, as part of the searches, according to sources. No charges have been filed.

Federal prosecutors in Manhattan have declined to disclose details about what they are investigating, but sources said one focus involves city contracts and a second involves the enforcement of regulations governing bars and clubs.

Adams, who held the press briefing virtually after testing positive for COVID-19 earlier this week, said during his remarks Thursday that he was "surprised" to learn of inquiries into his administration.

"I take them extremely seriously," he said. "I've spent more than 20 years in law enforcement, and so every member of my administration knows my expectations that we must follow the law."

The mayor's chief counsel said last week that investigators had not indicated to them that the mayor or his staff are targets of any investigation.

Adams also insisted last week that he was aware of no "misdoings" by anyone in his administration and pledged cooperation with the ongoing investigation.

"I say over and over again, as a former member of law enforcement, I'm very clear. We follow the rules. We make sure that we cooperate and turn over any information that is needed and it just really would be inappropriate to get in the way of the review while it's taking place," Adams said in an interview with CBS New York on Sept. 5. "I am not aware of any misdoings and I'm going to, again, follow the rules and I will continue to tell the team to do that. And that's what they have been doing, to my knowledge."

MORE: Federal authorities ramp up investigation into NYC government corruption: Sources

Several high-ranking NYPD officials, including Caban, received subpoenas for their cellphones on Sept. 5, according to sources. The following day, investigators sought the phones of additional police officials, including precinct commanders in Manhattan, and interviewed police officials at a building next to police headquarters, sources said.

"The Department is aware of an investigation by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York involving members of service. The Department is fully cooperating in the investigation," an NYPD spokesman said on Sept. 5, referring additional questions to the U.S. Attorney's Office, which declined to comment.

Caban's family has connections to nightlife. Richard Caban, the brother of Edward Caban and a former NYPD lieutenant, owned a now-shuttered Bronx restaurant, Con Sofrito. Edward Caban's twin brother, James Caban, a former NYPD sergeant, owned a Bronx apartment building that once had a bar on the first floor named Twins.

PHOTO: Police Commissioner Edward Caban speaks during the press briefing by mayor Eric Adams on cannabis and public safety announcement in the Bronx borough of New York, July 31, 2024. (Lev Radin/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Caban began his NYPD career in 1991, as a police officer in the Bronx. He rose through the ranks, becoming the NYPD's first deputy commissioner in 2022.

Adams appointed him as commissioner in July 2023 after Keechant Sewell, the city's first female commissioner, stepped down.

Following news of the subpoena, City Councilman Robert Holden called on Caban to step down.

"I do think he has to do something because it does cast a bad, deep shadow over the police department," Holden said on CBS' "The Point with Marcia Kramer" on Sunday.

"We have to have confidence that he's staying within the law. He sets an example for the whole department," Holden said.

NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban resigns: 'My complete focus must be on the NYPD' originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
NEW YORK (WPIX)  New York Police Department Commissioner Edward Caban resigned on Thursday amid a federal investigation involving alleged corruption, according to Mayor Eric Adams.

Caban said he decided to resign after the news around recent developments had created a distraction for our department, according to an email to the police department obtained by The Associated Press.

I am unwilling to let my attention be on anything other than our important work, or the safety of the men and women of the NYPD, he added.

The resignation came one week after it emerged that his phone was seized as part of a federal investigation that touched several members of the mayors inner circle.

I spent more than 20 years in law enforcement, Adams said during a press conference Thursday. And so, every member of the administration knows my expectations that we must follow the law.

Last week, federal officials seized phones from Caban and two NYPD lieutenants who worked in the commissioners office and on his detail, sources told Nexstars WPIX. A lieutenants phone in the 10th Precinct was also confiscated.

Federal authorities also requested phones from NYPD Chief of Staff Raul Pintos and two precinct commanders in Queens and Manhattan, according to sources. Sources said none of the officials are being questioned, but the NYPD has been asked to isolate emails from high-ranking executives.

The subject of the investigation, which is being led by the U.S. Attorneys office in Manhattan, remains unclear, as does whether federal authorities were seeking information linked to one investigation or several.

Cabans attorneys, Russell Capone and Rebekah Donaleski, said in a statement Thursday that they had been told by the government that he is not a target of any investigation being conducted by the Southern District of New York, and he expects to cooperate fully with the government.

In July 2023, Caban became the first Hispanic person to hold the position of police commissioner of the NYPD.

Tom Donlon appointed as interim NYPD commissioner after Cabans resignation

New York City experienced a drop in crime during Cabans time as the NYPD commissioner, Adams said. He oversaw the removal of 18,000 illegal guns from the streets.

The NYPD also saw the lowest recorded number of shootings in New York City history in August, according to Adams.

Caban started his NYPD career in 1991, patrolling in the South Bronx. In 2022, Caban was the NYPDs first deputy commissioner, according to NYC.gov. His father and three brothers were also in the NYPD.

He concluded that this is the best decision at this time, Adams said of Caban. I respect his decision and I wish him well.

At Thursdays news conference, Adams praised Caban for making our city safer and said he had named Tom Donlon, a retired FBI official, as the interim police commissioner. Donlon previously served as the chief of the FBIs National Threat Center and once led the Office of Homeland Security in New York, before starting his own security firm in 2020.

The incoming interim police commissioner released a statement saying, I am honored and humbled to be named interim-Commissioner of the New York City Police Department, the greatest law enforcement agency in the world. My goals are clear: continue the historic progress decreasing crime and removing illegal guns from our communities, uphold the highest standards of integrity and transparency, and support our dedicated officers who put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe.

He continued by thanking Caban for his service to the NYPD and said, I look forward to building on the progress this administration has made keeping New York City the safest big city in America.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
NEW YORK  NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban resigned Thursday, marking the first staff departure into Mayor Eric Adams' administration since several federal raids last week.

In an email to the police force obtained by POLITICO, Caban cited the probe ensnaring his deputies and brother as a distraction for our department.

And in an address to New Yorkers, the mayor said he had accepted Cabans resignation and wished him well.

Commissioner Caban dedicated his life to making our city safer, Adams said, delivering remote remarks from the mayoral residence where he is quarantining with Covid.

Tom Donlon, formerly New Yorks director of homeland security and a Bronx native, will become the NYPDs interim commissioner, Adams announced.

He will be the third person to lead the nations largest police department since Adams took office in 2022  further calling into question the mayors approach to what has been his signature issue since the 2021 campaign. Adams retired as an NYPD captain in 2006.

Caban stepped down one week after federal investigators seized his phone and requested the phone of his twin brother, his chief of staff and other high-ranking police officials as part of a sprawling corruption probe into Adams inner circle that began with raids on other advisers last fall

The mayor in his remarks Thursday repeated, I was as surprised as you to learn of these inquiries.

Donlons first public statement as the incoming commissioner made no reference to the ongoing federal probe.

My goals are clear: continue the historic progress decreasing crime and removing illegal guns from our communities, uphold the highest standards of integrity and transparency, and support our dedicated officers who put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe, he said.

Caban bid farewell to his fellow officers with an email calling his service the greatest honor of his career.

My complete focus has always been on the NYPD  the department and people I love and have dedicated over 30 years of service to, he wrote. However, the news around recent developments has created a distraction for our department, and I am unwilling to let my attention be on anything other than our important work, or the safety of the men and women of the NYPD.

His attorneys, Russell Capone and Rebekah Donaleski, shared the same statement publicly.

We have been informed by the government that he is not a target of any investigation being conducted by the Southern District of New York, and he expects to cooperate fully with the government, they said.

Caban had been expected to leave his post, POLITICO first reported, amid mounting pressure after the feds escalated their influence-peddling probe into the highest echelon of the Adams administration.

The top cop is the first to step down after agents searched the homes of at least five of the mayors closest friends and top appointees. The homes of First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, Schools Chancellor David Banks, Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Phil Banks and a third Banks brother, Terence Banks, were raided last week. No one has yet been accused of wrongdoing.

The probe ensnaring police officials involves a federal inquiry into a business Cabans twin brother James, a former police officer, ran providing security and protection for nightclubs and bars  and whether that operation benefited from his ties to the police commissioner, according to several published reports.

At 14 months, Edward Cabans tenure at the helm of the police department has been even shorter than that of his predecessor, Keechant Sewell, who resigned unexpectedly after 18 months on the job.

Caban was a no-show at Wednesdays Sept. 11 memorial ceremony in Lower Manhattan.

Adams had declined to express confidence in his police commissioner on Tuesday while also declaring that rumors are always out there, but any insinuation of Cabans resignation did not come from my blessing.

When he was asked to guarantee Cabans continued employment, though, the mayor stopped short.

I dont think anything in life is guaranteed, he said during his weekly City Hall press briefing Tuesday.

Adams and Caban frequently invoked falling crime rates.

The number of police officers held accountable for their misconduct also fell sharply under Caban  while complaints against cops skyrocketed by more than 50 percent.

As commissioner, Caban set an antagonistic tone toward the press, allowing his officers to attack reporters publicly and fostering a culture so averse to transparency that even the New York Post editorial board declared his press office, increasingly authoritarian.

His top deputies have been known for berating reporters, using social media and cursing at a Post reporter.

In 2023, Caban visited Qatar twice  first on the dime of the countrys ministry of the interior and then later thanks to the generosity of the embassy of the state, which wanted him to observe and collaborate on security practices.

He also made tours to Sydney, Australia, for the annual Pearls of Policing Conference, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, for a conference on combating anti-semitism, and the Dominican Republic, where he met with national police to agree to protect New York City polling stations for Dominicans living in the states.

Caban was the NYPD's first Latino commissioner and comes from a family of police officers.

New York City Council Member Diana Ayala, who like Caban is Puerto Rican, told POLITICO this week that the Adams administration was making him a scapegoat, when other top administration figures were also caught up in investigations.

James Caban's attorney, Sean Heckner, said in a statement, Mr. Caban unequivocally denies any wrongdoing. His work  as a consultant and acting as a liaison between the Department and a private company  is perfectly legal, especially given his previous career as a NYPD officer.

Sally Goldenberg, Michael Gartland and Jeff Coltin contributed to this report.
MIDTOWN, Manhattan (PIX11)  The NYPD launched its Operation Front Door Wednesday, an initiative aimed at cracking down on pedicab price gouging and illegal street vending that police officials said are impacting the quality of life in Midtown Manhattan.

PIX11 News crews watched as NYPD officers seized dozens of unlicensed pedicabs that they said have a number of violations, from illegal motors to loudspeakers. The pedicabs were then loaded onto a flatbed truck and taken to the pound. Officers also shut down vendors selling illegal products around Midtown.

NYPD officials said the operation comes in response to a surge of complaints from local residents and tourists, many of whom have expressed frustration over vendors setting up shop without permits and an increasing number of pedicabs charging excessive rates.

Mayor Eric Adams echoed these concerns, stating that the pedicabs and illegal vending are impacting the well-being of the area.

More Local News

Operation Front Door means that were going to ensure our welcome mat, Times Square, is the front door of our city, tourism industry, and were going to show people that this is the best place to come and spend time, said Adams.

Eliza Petrosyan, a tourist from Armenia, echoed Adams sentiments.

Prostitution on Roosevelt Avenue in Queens is getting worse, residents say

As tourists its not comfortable for us when they are approaching all the time and asking us to go to any corner and suggesting us some bags, watches. We dont even know how to refuse them, said Petrosyan.

When asked if they have plans to address other quality-of-life issues in the city, such as open-air drug markets, the NYPD stated it has several active investigations targeting those issues as well.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban submitted his resignation Thursday, telling fellow cops he made the decision out of concern hed become a distraction if he stayed put in the wake of his cell phone being seized by federal authorities as part of a sprawling corruption investigation that has ensnared the upper echelons of Mayor Adams administration.

The resignation, which is effective Friday, comes just over a week after the feds confiscated electronics from Caban and four other top Adams administration officials in a coordinated early morning operation that also included searching several of their homes.

Cabans twin brother, former NYPD Officer James Caban, also had his phones confiscated, as did several senior police officials, with sources saying the feds are investigating whether the commissioners sibling sold security favors to nightclubs.

Commissioner Caban, who hasnt been accused of wrongdoing and first became a cop in 1991, sent an email around noon Thursday to members of the department saying his complete focus has always been on the NYPD.

However, the news around recent developments has created a distraction for our department, and I am unwilling to let my attention be on anything other than our important work, or the safety of the men and women of the NYPD, Caban wrote in the email, a copy of which was obtained by the Daily News. The NYPD deserves someone who can solely focus on protecting and serving New York City, which is why  for the good of this city and this department  I have made the difficult decision to resign as Police Commissioner.

Ten minutes before sending out the email, Caban informed his inner circle of advisers, including chief of staff Raul Pintos, about his resignation on a conference call, a police official told The News. Pintos was among the NYPD officials who had electronics seized by the feds last week.

In a live-streamed address later in the day from Gracie Mansion, where he has been quarantining with COVID-19 since Monday, the mayor confirmed he had accepted Cabans resignation. I respect his decision, and I wish him well, he said.

The mayor also announced Tom Donlon, a former top official in the FBIs New York field office who has never served in the NYPD, will be taking over as acting commissioner.

My goals are clear: continue the historic progress decreasing crime and removing illegal guns from our communities, uphold the highest standards of integrity and transparency, and support our dedicated officers who put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe, Donlon, a top investigator of the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, said in a statement provided by Adams office.

It was not immediately clear who the mayor will appoint as Cabans permanent replacement. That person will become the third police commissioner in the less than three years that have passed since Adams took office in January 2022.

Caban, sworn into office in July 2023 as the citys first Latino top cop, replaced Keechant Sewell, who resigned a month earlier after sources said she was frustrated with being micromanaged by some of the mayors top aides, including Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Phil Banks and senior public safety adviser Tim Pearson.

Banks and Pearson were among the officials who had their phones taken and homes searched by FBI agents and other feds last week.

The flurry of law enforcement activity began early last Wednesday, when FBI agents also searched the homes of First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright and her partner, Education Department Chancellor David Banks.

Terence Banks, the younger brother of Phil and David Banks who is a consultant with clients who have city business, also had his devices seized and home raided.

The raids are part of what sources say is a federal investigation looking into whether kickbacks were given to city officials in exchange for awarding contracts to certain private companies.

The probe that prompted the raids at the Banks homes is separate from the one that has ensnared Commissioner Caban, his brother and other NYPD officials.

James Caban works as a consultant providing security for nightlife venues in the city and sources say hes being eyed for trying to sell police favors to clubs and venues. The 10th Precinct in Manhattan, which includes the nightlife-heavy neighborhoods of Chelsea and Hells Kitchen, is as a particular focus of the probe, according to sources.

Russell Capone and Rebekah Donaleski, white-collar crime defense attorneys retained by Commissioner Caban, issued a statement after his resignation announcement saying he has been informed by the government that he is not a target of any investigation.

He expects to cooperate fully with the government, the statement adds.

Amid calls for the commissioners resignation, Adams said last Saturday he supports a good healthy review of the top cop but that he had full confidence in him.

A source close to the mayor said a growing number of his close advisers have in the past few days privately urged him to let Caban go.

The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive conversations, said Caban deserves credit for his tenure as commissioner, citing drops in some crime categories and other public safety improvements. But the person said the police commissioner holds a unique position in city government that necessitated his resignation in light of last weeks events.

Everyone deserves their due process and allegations are dangerous, but when youre the police commissioner, its a little different, the source said, noting that the top cop needs to interact on an almost daily basis with federal authorities as part of the job.

Caban hasnt spoken publicly about the federal investigation touching on him. He spent last weekend with his family in Florida and was back for work at 1 Police Plaza on Monday.

Since last weeks raids, City Hall sources have each day hinted a Caban resignation is imminent. But a source directly familiar with the matter said a resignation kept being pushed back due to discussions about how to package it from a communications standpoint.

Cabans exit likely wont spell an end to scrutiny of the Adams administration.

Four separate federal investigations continue to loom over the mayor, looking into everything from alleged bribery involving top administration officials to his campaigns ties to the Turkish and Chinese governments.

The mayors electronics were seized by FBI agents last November as part of the Turkey investigation. They also raided the homes of his top political fundraiser as part of that probe, which is focusing on allegations that the Turkish government funneled illegal foreign money into his 2021 campaign coffers.

The mayor hasnt been accused of wrongdoing, but Council Speaker Adrienne Adams suggested the plethora of investigations targeting his inner circle will hamper his administrations work even with Commissioner Caban out of the picture.

Because of the magnitude of the situation and the number of investigations going on right now within the administration, the distractions are still going to be there, the speaker told reporters. My hope is that with the commissioner choosing to tender his resignation, that does alleviate a little bit of the pressure and stress on the NYPD at this time.

With Josephine Stratman
OAK RIDGE, Tenn. (WATE)  The project to build an airport in Oak Ridge has been paused as the city reevaluates the proposed location. The announcement follows Orano choosing Oak Ridge as the location for its new enrichment facility.

The State and the City have pledged to work together on the possible relocation of the airport to accommodate one of the largest, single economic investments in the history of the State of Tennessee, said Oak Ridge Mayor Warren Gooch. We are committed to evaluating available options to determine the optimal path forward.

HomeSharing: New housing option coming to Blount County

Airport project grantors including TDOT Aeronautic and the Appalachian Regional Commission have offered the city support as they explore new site selection for the Oak Ridge Airport. The airport was proposed to be built at the East Tennessee Technology Park in Oak Ridge. The new 750,000-square-foot uranium enrichment center is set to be built at the K-25 site within the East Tennessee Technology Park in Oak Ridge. Officials shared that the center is the single largest investment in Tennessee history.

The Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority (MKAA) began working to develop a small airport in another East Tennessee community in 2009 according to the FAA. The City of Oak took over the project in 2020 and MKAA transferred grant funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and the Tennessee Aeronautics Economic Development Fund (AEDF) to the city. In August, the Federal Aviation Administration assessed the potential environmental impacts and found no significant impacts for the proposed airport project.

According to the city, Oak Ridge is the largest community in the state without an airport for general aviation. The hope is that the proposed airport would fill the need and help to support McGhee Tyson Airport as the region continues to grow according to the FAA. The project has secured $34 million in funding and 122 acres have been acquired for the development of the airport, according to the city.

New Oak Ridge uranium enrichment facility to support more than 300 jobs

Given the influx of Orano, Kairos Power, and many other nuclear companies locating to Oak Ridge, the City believes an airport is crucial to support the new nuclear industry, said Oak Ridge City Manager Randy Hemann. These companies have chosen to locate in Oak Ridge due to the support of the State of Tennessee as well as the existing nuclear ecosystem of research provided by Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the current and growing talent pipeline, and the many existing industries that provide for needs ranging from manufacturing to specialized transportation.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side.
BARNEGATA local criminal defense attorney and former assistant Ocean County prosecutor has drawn charges of aggravated assault with a firearm and unlawful possession of a weapon after a dispute over his neighbors' dogs.

Louis A. Pintaro was arrested at his West Bay Avenue home on Aug. 24 following the encounter that Saturday afternoon. He is accused of drawing a .22-caliber Walther handgun from his waistband and pointing it at his neighbors' dogs as they approached his property, then at one of the dogs' owners.

In a statement from his attorney, Pintaro "vehemently denies " that he pointed the gun at his neighbor and was simply defending himself and his 15-year-old dog from an attack on his property.

According to an affidavit of probable cause, Kathleen Barton and Karl Preston were outside their home on Memorial Drive with the dogs when Pintaro, who lives behind them, came out with his dog. Barton and Preston told police that their dogs, who are trained to protect them, ran toward Pintaro's yard but stayed on their property.

One is a service dog, police said.

Pintaro told police he pulled out the handgun because he was "fearful for his elderly dog," according to the affidavit.

More: Barnegat man admits to shooting in Atlantic City, hiding gun in 2022

Preston told police Pintaro pointed the gun at the dogs and then at him. Barton also said she witnessed Pintaro point the gun at both the dogs and Preston.

Pintaro admitted to police that he pulled out the pistol but said he pointed it only at his neighbors' dogs and not at his neighbor, according to the affidavit.

Pintaro was taken to Ocean County Jail and was released two days later, according to the jail.

His attorney, Mitchell J. Ansell of Ocean Township, released a statement Wednesday night, saying that Pintaro was in his backyard with his dog on a leash "with his legally owned, small-caliber handgun, which was lawfully possessed on his private property."

Ansell added, "We are confident that once all the facts are brought before a judge/jury he will be vindicated and his good name will be restored."

Pintaro is listed as an attorney for the law offices of Jonathan F. Marshall, which he joined in 2021, according to the firm's website.

He graduated from the University of Miami School of Law and was admitted to the New Jersey bar in 1993. He then served as an assistant Ocean County prosecutor until 2003, Ansell said.

He handled jury trials and cases at Superior Court in Toms River involving sex offenses, weapons, drug charges, domestic violence, robbery, eluding, aggravated assault among other crimes, according to his law firm's website.

The weapons charge he faces carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.

Ken Serrano covers breaking news, crime and investigations. Reach him at 732-643-4029 or kserrano@gannettnj.com.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Barnegat criminal defense attorney charged for pointing gun at dogs
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)  Owensboro Community and Technical Colleges (OCTC) Veterinary Technology program is hosting pre-admission conferences for students who have an interest in veterinary technology.

Officials say before applying for admission to the OCTC Veterinary Technology Program, students must attend at least one Pre-Admission Conference for the Fall 2025 program. Prior to applying to the program, students should attend one of the pre-admission conferences on either September 24, 2024 at 5-6 p.m. or March 25, 2025 at 5-6 p.m. These will take place at the OCTC Downtown Campus, RM 23/Vet Tech Teaching Hospital, located at 1501 Frederica Street in Owensboro.

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OCTC says upon completion of the two-year program, graduates are prepared to sit for the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE). Areas of study include office and hospital procedures, client relations and communications, anatomy, physiology, parasitology, microbiology, clinical techniques, pharmacology, anesthesiology, surgical and medical nursing, radiology and clinical pathology training. These open houses are designed to give prospective students an overview of the program and demonstrations to simulate the lab experience.

Run for the Fallen to go through western KY counties

OCTC mentioned its VET 100 class, which is also known as Intro to Veterinary Technology. It will take place in Spring 2025 and is now open to all students. There are no pre-requisites and it is offered online. Officials say students will learn the basics and see if a career in Veterinary Technology is right for them. Students do not have to be in the Veterinary Technology program to enroll in this course. This course introduces students to veterinary technology, hospital operations, professional standards and ethics, common domestic breeds and the basic concepts of animal behavior. It also emphasizes preventative health programs and nutrition of common domestic species. Registration for the Spring 2025 semester opens on October 1, 2024.

OCTCs vet tech program is a selective admissions program and has a limited number of seats available each year. To begin the program in the Fall 2025 semester, the application window is currently OPEN and closes May 1, 2025. For more information, please attend a pre-admission conference or contact Dr. Laura Boarman at 270-686-4585 or by emailing Laura.Boarman@kctcs.edu. To learn more about OCTCs Veterinary Technology Program, please visit this website.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW).
MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- Earlier this week, the Midland Police Department arrested a man after a child made a sexual assault outcry and said the abuse had been happening since 2019. Aaron Graham, 31, has been charged with continuous sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14, a first-degree felony.

According to an affidavit, on September 3, MPD officers responded to a home after a woman called 911 and reported a disturbance. At the scene, the woman told investigators shed confronted her boyfriend, identified as Graham, after she caught him in her daughters bedroom.

In an interview with the police, the mother said she and Graham had fallen asleep in bed together; later, she awoke and discovered that Graham was no longer in bed. The woman said she left her bedroom to find Graham and found that her nine-year-old daughters bedroom was shut and locked. The woman said she had a bad feeling and began banging on the door to find out what was going on. Eventually, Graham opened the door and said that it was not what it looked like and that he didnt know how the door became locked.

Inside the room, the woman said she found her daughter crying in bed. At that point, the child made a sexual assault outcry; when the mother tried to call 911, she said Graham asked her if she was really planning on sending him back to prison and then left the scene before police arrived.

Crime: OPD searching for multiple theft suspects

The little girl was then taken to the Midland Childrens Advocacy Center and a forensic interview was conducted. Investigators said the child accused Graham of sexually assaulting her multiple times between 2019 and 2024. During a SANE exam, investigators said a nurse healed trauma, indicative of a previous sexual assault.

Graham was arrested on a warrant and booked into the Midland County Detention Center on September 10 and remained in custody as of Thursday afternoon on a $500,000 bond.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Yourbasin.
SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage)  An Odessa woman pled guilty in Tom Green County during the week of Sept. 9 to possessing a controlled substance with intent to deliver, according to the 119th Judicial District Attorneys Office.

According to a report issued by the office on Sept. 12, 30-year-old Brandy Todd pled guilty to a charge of possessing a controlled substance in an amount between 4-200 grams with intent to deliver in exchange for 12 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Such a charge is a first-degree felony and punishable by 5-99 years of imprisonment and a $10,000 fine.

The report stated that two Texas Highway Patrol troopers conducted a routine traffic stop on a pickup operated by Todd on Dec. 21, 2023, for speeding on FM 765 in Tom Green County. Upon contacting Todd, one of the troopers noticed syringes inside the vehicle containing what he expected to be liquid methamphetamine.

Repeat offender in San Angelo senteced to 60 years for burglary

The vehicle was subsequently searched, and the troopers discovered that it contained marijuana, Xanax, and a pink notebook containing a drug ledger as well as the syringes. Todd was taken into custody and searched, and a bag containing 196 grams of meth was found to be concealed in her pants leg.

During Todds trial, the State offered evidence related to the defendants other pending charges for possession of methamphetamine in Williamson County and for smuggling illegal immigrants in Kinney County.

Methamphetamine continues to plague our community and feeds the majority of felony cases we see in our office, the district attorneys office said. Our office is committed to working closely with all of our law-enforcement agencies to aggressively prosecute drug dealers and hold them accountable. As this case demonstrates, our community wont tolerate drug dealers either.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ConchoValleyHomepage.com.
This image from video released by the City of Memphis on Jan. 27, 2023, shows Tyre Nichols being attacked by five Memphis police officers on Jan. 7, 2023. City of Memphis via AP, File

MEMPHIS  Memphis Police Department Lt. Larnce Wright said Thursday that three former officers charged in the death of Tyre Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man, did not follow department policy when they beat him in January 2023  testimony that contradicted the argument presented by defense attorneys earlier in the week.

Nichols died three days after being beaten by Memphis police officers following a traffic stop. Two of the officers involved, Emmitt Martin and Desmond Mills Jr., have already pleaded guilty to federal charges related to the incident. The trial for three others who face federal conspiracy and civil rights charges  Tadarrius Bean, Justin Smith and Demetrius Haley  began this week.

In the courtroom, prosecutor Kathryn Gilbert played body camera footage from the night of Jan. 7, 2023, which showed officers beating Nichols. She paused the video and asked Wright if the use of force displayed in the footage was consistent with Memphis police training.

No, maam, replied Wright, who has been training Memphis police officers for seven years. It is not consistent with our training.

Wright listed physical techniques all Memphis police recruits are taught during their training academy, including open- and closed-hand strikes and two types of kicks  all of which Wright said officers would only be authorized to use if a civilian posed a threat.

But Nichols never posed a threat, Wright said. More than that, he noted, officers continued to strike Nichols while one of his arms was being held by officers and he was nearly defenseless, which was a violation of departmental policy.

Wright said the footage showed Martin kicking Nichols in the head as officers took turns beating him while placing him in handcuffs. Bean and Smith held Nichols arms.

Haley then kicked Nichols in his upper torso.

They should have stopped him after the first kick, Wright told Gilbert, referring to Martin. They probably should have pulled him to the side.

Gilbert asked Wright if kicking is the kind of force officers are advised to use when handcuffing someone.

Wright responded: No, maam.

John Keith Perry, an attorney representing Bean, said during opening arguments on Wednesday that the officers had worked a dangerous job in one of the most dangerous areas of the city. He argued that officers had followed their training during their interaction with Nichols.

Candles spell out Tyre Nichols' name on the anniversary of his death, Jan. 7, 2024, in Memphis. In March 2024, a judge indefinitely postponed the state court trial of four former Memphis officers charged with second-degree murder in the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols until after the conclusion of a federal trial. AP Photo/Karen Pulfer Focht, file

Michael Stengel, an attorney representing Haley, made a similar argument, saying that officers were trained to kick and punch in the police academy.

This argument is typical of defense attorneys in such cases, experts told HuffPost.

Adante Pointer, an attorney who represented the family of Oscar Grant, a Black man who was killed by a police officer in Oakland, California, in 2009, called it a disingenuous argument.

When it came to trial, all of those officers said, This is the way we are trained. This is a common defense theme that officers use. Oscar Grant was one, Pointer said. In every one of those cases, theyll have an expert come and say that. For all of these cases, you can see the flip side of the coin. (Johannes Mehserle, a former Bay Area Rapid Transit officer, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter after fatally shooting Grant.)

The argument also speaks to a power dynamic between police and the people they are supposed to serve.

They claim to follow some parts of training but ignore others, Pointer said. You are supposed to adjust the amount of force you are using based on the level of resistance. If someone is defenseless or passively resisting, that does not allow you to escalate the use of force all the way to deadly force.

Anne Bremner, who represented a Tacoma, Washington, police officer in the case of Manuel Ellis, a Black man who was killed by police in March 2020, said it was unusual for officers to testify against each other. But it is becoming more common, especially in cases like Nichols  where, as Bremner said, deadly use of force clearly wasnt warranted.

I think the blue line has changed, she said. There is a change in charging officers and there is change in officers testifying.

If what the [Nichols] prosecution claims is true, this is terrible, reprehensible conduct.
How often do the baby boxes of the Tri-State get used?

HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)  A Safe Haven Baby Box infant surrender recently happened at an Indiana fire station, according to officials with the Georgetown Township Fire Protection District.

According to the fire protection district, Fire Chief William Banta said the baby was surrendered to the baby box at the Georgetown Township Fire Station #1, which was installed in December of 2022. Safe Haven Baby Boxes said that the surrender is also the first time that particular baby box has been used since its installation.

How often do the baby boxes of the Tri-State get used?

What are baby boxes?

According to Safe Haven Baby Boxes, a Baby Box is a safety device provided for a states Safe Haven Law and legally permits a parent in crisis to safely, securely and anonymously surrender a baby if they are unable to care for their newborn.

Officials with the organization say a baby box is installed in the exterior wall of a designated fire station or hospital. It has an exterior door that automatically locks upon placement of a newborn inside the box and an interior door that allows a medical staff member to secure the surrendered newborn from inside the designated building.

Local fire officials explain there is also information located inside the baby box for the surrendering parent. If the surrendering parent is in need of medical care, personnel can immediately provide that care to the parent.

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Where are the baby boxes?

Indiana

Posey County Mount Vernon Fire Department 311 College Street, Mt Vernon

Vanderburgh County Evansville Fire Station #3 310 N. Fourth Ave., Evansville Evansville Fire Station #16 2801 Washington Avenue, Evansville Scott Township Fire and EMS Station 2 12845 SR 57, Evansville

Warrick County Ohio Township Fire Department Headquarters 3433 Libbert Road, Newburgh Boonville Fire Department 410 S 4th St., Boonville

Spencer County Ohio Township Volunteer Fire Department 615 Sycamore St, Rockport

Dubois County Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center Ferdinand Ambulance Station 202 E. 3rd Street, Ferdinand

Gibson County Princeton Fire Territory 500 North Embree St., Princeton



Kentucky

Muhlenberg County Owensboro Health Muhlenberg EMS 504 Doss Drive, Powderly

Daviess County Owensboro Fire Department, Station #1 512 West 9th Street, Owensboro



Illinois

There are no baby boxes in southeastern Illinois, but there are laws in place regarding infant surrender. According to Safe Haven Baby Boxes, the only option for infant surrender in Illinois is a face-to-face surrender, and only for babies who are up to 30 days old. According to Child Welfare Information Gateway, a newborn infant may be relinquished to a: Hospital Police station, including a municipal police station A county sheriffs office A campus police department located on any college or university Any of the district headquarters of the Illinois State Police Fire station Emergency medical facility



Some parts of the Tri-State are maternity care deserts

Have any Tri-State babies been placed in a baby box?

Officials throughout the Tri-State say no babies have been surrendered to these boxes.

How did Tri-State organizations go about getting these boxes?

The costs and installation processes varied between the places that have baby boxes.

Vanderburgh County

Evansville Fire Department Chief Tony Knight explains there are costs associated with the install. These costs were paid by Right to Life at $5,800 each. Contracts had to be written and approved by the Safety Board, and policies had to be written and approved by the Local 357 and the Safety Board.

Spencer County

According to Ohio Township Trustee Chad Bennett, the township worked with Right to Life of Southwestern Indiana to purchase the box, which cost $10,000.

Warrick County

Boonville Fire Chief Steven Byers says the Safe Haven Baby Box, including installation, was approximately $15,000. The fire department was able to complete this project and provide this resource to the community because of a donation from Right to Life of Southwest Indiana.

Chief Byers explains officials began the process in early 2020 by reaching out to Safe Haven Baby Boxes to get information on their program. The Boonville Fire Department was in the process of building an addition to the fire station and wanted to integrate the Safe Haven Baby Box to provide a resource for mothers in crisis. That organization put the fire department in contact with Right to Life of Southwest Indiana to begin the planning and potential funding for the program.

According to Chief Byers, after extensive reviews, planning and a donation and partnership with Right to Life of Southwest Indiana, a contract was signed and the installation process began. Personnel received extensive training from Safe Haven Baby Boxes concerning the Safe Haven Law, operations and protocols for the Baby Box, and the testing phase was completed. Once the alarm and Baby Box testing were complete, the resource went live to the community.

Posey County

Safe Haven came and installed the baby box, although Mayor Stephen Steve Loehr of Mt. Vernon says he doesnt have the details in regard to the process.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW).
Donald Trump used the presidential debate to invoke baseless claims about migrants in Springfield, Ohio [Getty Images]

Leaders in the US state of Ohio are trying to douse baseless claims that Haitian immigrants in a town there have been eating residents' pets as food.

The allegations carried in right-wing media were amplified by Donald Trump at his presidential debate with Kamala Harris on Tuesday.

"This is something that came up on the internet, and the internet can be quite crazy sometimes," Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said on Thursday. Trump repeated the false claims again at a rally in Arizona soon after.

On Tuesday, a parent in the town of Springfield accused Republicans of politically exploiting his son's death in a crash caused by a Haitian migrant.

Authorities say some 15,000 migrants of Haitian origin have resettled over the past couple of years in Springfield, a south-western Ohio town with a population of less than 60,000 people.

Some local residents have expressed frustration over the influx, saying the newcomers are straining city resources, from housing to healthcare.

In recent weeks unsubstantiated claims have surfaced on social media that the migrants are abducting and eating animals, from pet cats and dogs to park ducks.

Trump, his running mate JD Vance, the world's richest man Elon Musk and other conservatives have amplified the reports.

But Springfield Mayor Rob Rue said on Tuesday that "we have not been able to verify any credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals within the immigrant community".

"The news story regarding a cat being killed or consumed did not originate in Springfield," he added. "It actually involved a Canton woman who was arrested for animal cruelty last month."

Canton is an Ohio city north-east of Springfield.

"I think we go with what the mayor says," Governor DeWine told CBS on Wednesday. "He knows his city."

A moderate Republican who has endorsed Trump's re-election bid, DeWine has pledged to invest in Springfield's healthcare and education systems to address its "unprecedented" population increase, but he also defended the newcomers.

"These Haitians came in here to work because there were jobs, and they filled a lot of jobs. And if you talk to employers, they've done a very, very good job and they work very, very hard," he said.

On Thursday Springfield officials evacuated city hall following reports of a bomb threat. It is not yet known whether the incident was connected to the immigration controversy.

'This needs to stop now'

The latest rebuttal comes after a Springfield father told Trump to stop using his son's death in a school bus crash, caused by a Haitian immigrant, for "political gain".

Hermano Joseph was jailed for involuntary manslaughter and felony homicide after crashing into the bus in August 2023, killing Aiden Clark, 11.

On Monday, the Trump campaign used Aiden's picture in a social media post attacking his Democratic rival Kamala Harris.

On Tuesday, Trump's running mate JD Vance referred to Aiden in a post on Twitter/X, saying that "a child was murdered by a Haitian migrant".

Aiden's father, Nathan, said in a city commission meeting later the same day that the message had reopened wounds: "They have spoken my son's name and used his death for political gain. This needs to stop now."

Mr Clark said he wished his child had been killed "by a 60-year-old white man" so "the incessant group of hate-spewing people would leave us alone".

"My son was not murdered. He was accidentally killed by an immigrant from Haiti," he continued.

"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," Mr Clark said on Tuesday.

"However, they are not allowed, nor have they ever been allowed to mention Aiden Clark from Springfield, Ohio."

The Trump campaign told the BBC it was "deeply sorry to the Clark family for the loss of their son".

"We hope the media will continue to cover the stories of the very real suffering and tragedies experienced by the people of Springfield, Ohio, due to the influx of illegal Haitian immigrants in their community," the campaign said.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said he trusts local authorities in Springfield whove assured people there is no evidence behind the wild claims (CBS News /YouTube)

Mike DeWine, the Republican governor of Ohio, rejected Donald Trump and JD Vances claims that Haitian immigrants are eating pets in Springfield, saying he trusts local officials who have asserted there is simply no evidence of it.

While speaking with CBS News on Wednesday evening, DeWine was asked whether or not the conspiracy theory, amplified by the former president during the presidential debate, was true.

The internet can be quite crazy sometimes, DeWine said, refering to how the baseless rumors initially began online.

The mayor of Springfield says No theres no truth in that. They have no evidence of that at all so I think we go with what the mayor says, he knows his city, he added.

Claims that the citys large community of Haitian immigrants were abducting and then eating cats and eating dogs have recently been used by far-right members of the Republican Party to push anti-immigration policies and rhetoric.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine appeared on CBS News on Wednesday night to discuss the false claims that Haitian immigrants in Springfield are eating pets (CBS News /YouTube)

But on Tuesday evening, the former president brought those accusations into the national  and international  spotlight by boldly repeating them.

Both the mayor of Springfield and the city commissioner have said there are no credible claims or evidence that Haitian immigrants are eating pets, assertions DeWine said people should trust.

Springfield, the 12th-largest city in Ohio, has seen a massive increase in Haitian immigrants, welcomed into the United States under protected status, over the last few years.

While many have positively contributed to the citys workforce, the community has also had to address the inherent challenges that come with adding 15,000 to 20,000 new residents, like managing health care, education, and more.

DeWine said the state has already allocated resources to Springfield to help pay for more childhood vaccinations, primary health care, and training for drivers  but insisted the federal government should contribute as well.

I think the federal government has to start looking at places like this and treat it like you would a natural disaster, DeWine said on Wednesday.

The governor said residents of Springfield are concerned about the challenges he named but they recognize that Haitian immigrants are working very hard to try and provide for their families.

DeWine did not directly comment on Trumps decision to promote rumors on the national stage.

The Independent has reached out to DeWines office for further comment.
Ohio Governor Says There's No Merit To Claims About Immigrants Eating Pets In Springfield

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R) on Wednesday dismissed false claims spread by former President Donald Trump and his running mate, Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), that Haitian immigrants in the city of Springfield are stealing and eating peoples pets, citing local officials.

In an interview on CBSs America Decides, DeWine said the wild claims first surfaced online.

This is something that came up on the internet and the internet can be quite crazy sometimes, DeWine said.

The GOP governor added that city officials, including the blue collar citys mayor, Rob Rue, have maintained there is no evidence to support the activity is taking place.

I think we go with what the mayor says. He knows his city, DeWine said.

While DeWine said Haitians in Springfield have filled job vacancies and work very, very hard, he also noted that the surge of migrants is putting a strain on the citys resources.

Still, he did not directly answer whether he worried the racist rhetoric used by Trump and Vance could endanger lives of members of that community.

DeWine is supporting Trump in Novembers election.

The White House earlier this week denounced the falsehood as dangerous, with National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby warning that people could act on it in a way where somebody could get hurt.

Trump also brought up the debunked claim during the debate with Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday.

In Springfield, theyre eating the dogs, Trump said. The people that came in, theyre eating the cats. Theyre eating the pets of the people that live there. And this is whats happening in our country. And its a shame.

His comments prompted a fact check by ABCs David Muir, one of the moderators of the event.

Vance has also doubled down on embracing and spreading this false information, despite Springfield City Manager Bryan Heck telling ABC News there are no credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals within the immigrant community.

The city manager said theres no verifiable evidence. A lot of residents on the ground have said that there is, Vance told NBC News Yamiche Alcindor on Tuesday evening. That just means the city manager, I think, isnt fully in touch with whats going on in the ground there.

Related...
SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (WCMH)  All eyes are on Springfield, Ohio as millions of dollars are now being sent there to help with the Haitian migrant influx  and as political leaders keep the western Ohio city at the forefront.

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, former President Donald Trump said during a presidential debate on Tuesday.

I think we should take the word of the city manager and the mayor that theyve found no credible evidence of that story, of Haitians eating pets, Governor Mike DeWine said. That information is now very, very public. So, Im not specifically calling them up to tell them something thats clearly very, very public. I think, again, we listen to the people who live in the community.

Springfield man doesnt approve of Vance using sons death

The cultural difference and the fact that our community is having trouble assimilating 20,000 new residents in a town of 60,000 is really the issue thats been brought up, Kyle Koehler, former state representative and current Republican candidate for Ohios Senate, said. And the president talked about things that werent part of the problem.

Its outrageous on many different levels for the former president to make remarks on a national stage that he has been that is not properly vetted. Hes intellectually lazy in doing that, Democratic candidate for Ohio Senate Dan McGregor said.

This comes as Attorney General Dave Yost has directed his office to research legal avenues to stop the federal government from sending an unlimited number of migrants to Ohio communities.

Yost said they are going to find a way to get this disaster in front of a federal judge and will exhaust all options.

The problem is not migrants, it is way, way too many migrants in a short period of time, Yost said. The problem is a massive increase in the population without any communication or assistance from the federal government.

Yost was not available for an interview on Wednesday. DeWine said Springfield is facing issues and need remedies for things like access to healthcare and drivers safety. Koehler said part of the issue he hears most about from residents is road safety.

What we know about Hatian immigrants in Springfield

DeWine said on Tuesday that he sent more law enforcement to that community to help with that issue. But Koehler said it might be worth taking it a step further and changing the state law. Right now, anyone over 18 does not have to take drivers education to take a drivers test and receive their license.

You dont have to take the classes. You dont have to do anything other than take the permit test and then take the driving test, which only lasts a few minutes, he said. We need to change the laws so theyre fair, so that anyone over the age of 18 whos going to take their driving test for the first time has to take some classes.

Koehler said the spotlight on Springfield right now is not the way we wanted to be brought up, he said while the city is experiencing massive growing pains, they are also experiencing a renaissance.

Springfield is growing. We have the jobs, he said. Thats why theyre coming here. And we appreciate that, but we need help trying to assimilate 20,000 people.

But others said the national spotlight on Springfield and the migrants lends itself to other issues, like an evident lack of resources and what some consider poor federal policies.

My office has received several calls from Springfield residents. Im pleased the Governors office is working to help alleviate the additional demands on county and city resources, Senator Bob Hackett (R-London) said in a statement. This is a perfect example of the Biden administrations open border policy that first overloaded resources in New York City and Chicago with thousands of migrants. What did they think would happen in a town the size of Springfield?

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McGregor and Democratic candidate for Ohios 38th House district Desiree Tims said the rhetoric about migrants can be harmful.

It takes away their dignity. It takes away their humanity. And it doesnt do anything to bring our community closer together, Tims said.

Tims said it is normal to talk about policy issues like immigration, but said this conversation takes it to a new level.

I think its normal to talk about policy issues, she said. What is abnormal? What has been abnormal since Donald Trump entered into this political sphere is the coupling of racist rhetoric, a coupling of division, hatred.

I am deeply offended by the incessant and defamatory remarks former President Trump makes about my country and in this case about Springfield and Clark County, McGregor said. His remarks are defamatory precisely because they are false.

However, there is agreement on both sides of the aisle that help is needed.

I think any time theyre going to pour into a local community, those dollars are always welcome. However, I think we have to make sure were talking to local officials on the ground, Tims said. What does the mayor of Springfield want and need for the Springfield community? What are members around the community of Springfield, Clark County, actually saying?

(Springfield residents) are not anti-Haitian. They just are seeing problems. And they want elected officials, they want all of us to do everything that we can to alleviate those problems, DeWine said. If we can help alleviate these challenges, then that natural welcoming, that we have as Midwesterners and Ohioans, that will continue to take place.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Ohio renters were late on their payments so they burned down their landlords home

Two men have pleaded guilty to setting a house on fire over a rental disagreement.

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Tyric Green, 21, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to 10 counts of aggravated arson, among other charges, according to Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael OMalley. DAndre Morris, 22, pleaded guilty on Sept. 5 to aggravated arson and attempted aggravated arson, among other charges.

According to the prosecutors office, Green failed to make three months of rent payments on the apartment he shared with his grandmother. After the landlord notified the grandmother, Green forged a letter from a bank regarding the deposit of the funds.

On April 19, Green and Morris went to his landlords home near the intersection of West 106th Street and Clifton Boulevard and attempted to start a fire with ignitable liquid while the occupants were inside, but were unsuccessful. The prosecutors office said they returned the following night at about 2 a.m. and the fire took.

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A 29-year-old man, a 26-year-old woman, a 7-month-old baby and a dog and cat were inside of the home. The three victims and their cat leaped to safety from a second-floor window, the prosecutors office said. The dog, named Salami, did not survive. Green and Morris fled the scene.

Green and Morris will be be sentenced on Sept. 24.

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NEWBURGH, Ind. (WEHT)  The Ohio Township Fire Department honored those who lost their lives on 9/11 by completing its first stair master challenge.

Members of the fire department had the opportunity to climb 110 flights of stairs. Fire fighters also had the option to take the 2,200 steps with their 70 pound equipment. Firefighter Geoffrey Taylor said the challenge was easy when he remembered what it was all about.

Doing this is a huge challenge to undertake, he said. Climbing 110 stories is not an easy thing to do even without gear. But it is a very easy thing to do when you honor those who have sacrificed everything. You suffer for 20 or 30 minutes to honor those who gave their lives for this nation.

Members of the community also had the opportunity to participate. Taylor said seeing people participate was a bright spot.

Oh that was super cool to see, he said. Ive got two kids of my own so when kids come around the station its awesome to see. I really love when kids can get involved with the things that we do here because thats one thing we really want to teach kids is fire safety so having them around the station as much as possible really helps out.

Overall, Taylor said the event was a success; however, he hopes for even more departments next year.

I would like to see more agencies with us, he said. More fire departments and everyone else. Having the public at the station is one of the biggest things that we like the most.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW).
OHSU study finds prevalence of guns in the US led to rise in gun deaths

OHSU study finds prevalence of guns in the US led to rise in gun deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A new study lead by Oregon Health & Science University found the prevalence of guns in the United States is leading to the rise in gun deaths opposed to the mental health crisis.

The research, led by OHSUs Dr. Archie Bleyer, analyzed mental health disorder and firearm data from 2000 to 2019 in the U.S. and 40 other countries with similar sociodemographics.

According to the study, even though the prevalence of mental health disorders in the U.S. is similar to the other countries, death by firearms is 20 times greater in the U.S.

Abandoned, derelict pirate boats still a headache on Willamette River

We have the same degree of mental health issues as other countries, but our firearm death rate is far greater and continuing to increase, Bleyer said. In most of the countries, firearms deaths are decreasing.

Since the year 2000, the rate of total firearm deaths increased 23% in the U.S. while the other 40 countries combined saw a 27% decrease in gun-related deaths in that same time, the study found.

Every other country, deaths by firearms went down, despite a similar amount of mental health disorders, Bleyer said, emphasizing the study does not diminish the mental health crisis in the U.S.

Two human skulls discovered in Gifford Pinchot National Forest within a month

We do have significant mental health problems, there is no doubt about that, said Bleyer, a pediatric oncologist who shifted his focus on the trend of more young people dying from bullets than cancer. We dont have enough mental health providers, facilities, treatments. Its the way that we have facilitated killing ourselves that leads to death with firearms where we take this to the extreme.

According to Bleyer, polling shows most of the public, and leaders of the Republican and Democratic parties believe mental health disorders lead to the high death rate in the U.S., but his study focuses on the influence on the prevalence of guns in the country.

Over the past decade, deaths by suicide rose 18% in the last decade, Bleyer said, noting gun deaths by homicide increased 39% since 2000. The other 40 countries, however, saw those same rates decrease despite similar or sometimes higher, mental health disorder rates.

Oregon family battles ultra-rare disease

The difference is simply guns, OHSU said in a blog announcing the study. The U.S. has 4% of the worlds population, but almost 25%, or one in four, of the worlds firearms  and half of its non-military assault weapons  are in U.S. households.

That percentage is also increasing, Bleyer noted.

Firearm deaths is a public health crisis in the U.S., Bleyer said. Mental health disorder prevalence does not explain the higher firearm death rate. The difference is we have a way in this country of taking those mental health problems to the extreme by using firearms, which lead to death.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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This is a guard tower overlooking the maximum-security building at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester.

The capital punishment system in Oklahoma is broken. It does not work as it should. From start to finish, it is so badly broken that we cannot know whether someone who has been condemned to death is actually deserving of the ultimate penalty.

Several years ago, I co-chaired  along with former Gov. Brad Henry and former Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals Judge Reta Strubhar  the Oklahoma Death Penalty Review Commission. A private, non-partisan group of 11 Oklahoma residents, we reviewed the entire death penalty process, from the initial arrest and interrogation all the way through, and even beyond, execution. Some supported capital punishment. Some were opposed.

More: Oklahoma's death penalty system is broken, commission tells lawmakers

For over a year, commissioners took testimony and received and reviewed evidence. We heard from law enforcement, prosecutors, defense attorneys, judges, families of murder victims and families of the wrongfully convicted. We gathered data, reviewed scholarly articles, commissioned studies and conducted interviews.

After much deliberation, we reached a consensus that led to an almost 300-page, detailed report, which is available online (https://www.courthousenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/OklaDeathPenalty.pdf). Its 10 chapters cover a general overview, forensics, innocence protection, the role of the prosecution, the role of the defense, jury issues, the role of the judiciary, death eligibility, clemency and the execution process.

The report takes no position on the death penalty itself. But it made 45 specific recommendations and one general recommendation, which is its centerpiece:

In light of the extensive information gathered from this year-long, in-depth study, the Commission members unanimously recommend that the current moratorium on the death penalty be extended until significant reforms have been accomplished.

Our examination of all aspects of Oklahomas implementation of the death penalty left us all with deep concerns about whether the state administers capital punishment fairly, consistently and humanely. That is why we unanimously recommended that executions not take place until significant reforms occur.

Unfortunately, the moratorium that was in place in 2017, when the commission published its report, no longer exists. Yet, the state has implemented virtually none of the commissions recommended reforms. As a result, we cannot be sure that those who receive the death penalty are guilty of a capital offense.

Last month, the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board recommended clemency for Emmanuel Littlejohn, whose execution date is Sept. 26. His case seems to demand re-examination.

We know that only one shot was fired. Prosecutors obtained a conviction of Littlejohns co-defendant after telling jurors that he fired the fatal shot. That co-defendant was sentenced to life without parole. The same prosecutors later told Littlejohns jurors that Littlejohn fired the fatal shot. Littlejohn was sentenced to death. Littlejohns jurors were never told his co-defendant received a sentence of less than death.

More: There are three things that need to happen before our system can render 'Justice for All.'

At his re-sentencing, jurors asked the judge whether Littlejohn could be released on parole even if he was sentenced to life without parole. The judge did not answer, leaving jurors confused. Oklahomas Court of Criminal Appeals later ruled that future juries should receive guidance in response to such questions. But that does not help Littlejohn.

Oklahomans certainly agree that, before we execute someone, we must know for certain that person deserves the death penalty. We cannot know that in this case. When Gov. Stitt reviews Littlejohns case, lets hope he strongly considers the Parole Boards recommendation.

Andy Lester is a partner in the Oklahoma City office of the law firm, Spencer Fane LLP. He previously served as a United States Magistrate Judge for the Western District of Oklahoma.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Governor should consider clemency for Emmanuel Littlejohn
In people with type 1 diabetes, insulin must be taken every day as their pancreas cannot produce the hormone itself. However a new class of this drug could ease the burden by needing only weekly doses. Franziska Gabbert/dpa

A new class of insulin taken once a week could be just as effective for managing blood sugar in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes as daily injections, according to trials.

Reducing jabs could lessen the burden for people with the conditions, experts said, although one study found there were higher rates of low blood sugar among type 1 diabetics.

Researchers suggested additional evaluation should be made when starting these patients on the drug, and while deciding on their optimal dose.

Findings from two US trials of efsitora, developed by pharma company Eli Lilly, have been presented at the annual meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes in Madrid.

Both explored the drugs effectiveness when compared to standard insulin, also known as degludec.

Insulin is usually offered to type 2 diabetics when other medications are not managing their blood sugar levels properly.

In people with type 1 diabetes, insulin must be taken every day as their pancreas cannot produce the hormone itself.

A phase 3 trial led by Dr Richard Bergenstal, of the International Diabetes Center, HealthPartners Institute, Minneapolis, included 343 patients with type 1 diabetes on efsitora and 349 on degludec.

All patients were given the drugs in combination with insulin lispro, which was taken at meal times.

At week 26, the mean glycated haemoglobin level (HbA1c)  a measure of how much glucose is attached to haemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen  decreased from 7.88% to 7.41% in patients on efsitora compared to 7.94% to 7.36% in the degludec group.

However, there was a 21% higher risk of level 2 or level 3 severe hypoglycaemia, also known as low blood sugar, in the efsitora group over 52 weeks.

The highest rates were during the first 12 weeks of treatment.

Dr Bergenstal said: Our study showed that once-weekly efsitora improved HbA1c in people with type 1 diabetes with similar HbA1c reduction to degludec.

More work is needed to evaluate efsitora dose initiation and optimisation of basal-bolus insulin dosing to maintain efficacy while mitigating the risk of hypoglycaemia with weekly efsitora treatment in people with type 1 diabetes.

Another phase 3 trial, conducted by doctors at the MultiCare Rockwood Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology in the US, included 928 people with type 2 diabetes who had not yet started insulin therapy.

The patients were taking oral diabetes drugs but were not meeting their blood sugar goals.

As part of the year-long study, 466 patients were given efsitora and 462 were given degludec.

At week 52, mean HbA1c levels decreased from 8.21% to 6.97% in patients on efsitora compared to 8.24% to 7.05% in the degludec group.

Researchers said: In adults with type 2 diabetes who had not previously received insulin, once-weekly efsitora was noninferior to once-daily degludec in controlling high blood sugar by reducing glycated haemoglobin levels.

A once-weekly insulin has the potential to simplify dose administration and diminish barriers to starting insulin therapy by means of a reduction in injection burden as compared with a once-daily insulin.

The trial also found efsitora could be effectively used by patients on GLP-1 receptor agonists, a family of drugs used to treat diabetes and obesity which includes the likes of semaglutide.

Katie Bareford, senior clinical adviser at Diabetes UK, said: Everyone with type 1 diabetes and some people with type 2 diabetes need to take regular doses of insulin, either via injections or a pump. Keeping blood sugars in target range with insulin therapy can be relentless and exhausting.

A reduction in the number of insulin injections could lessen the burden of living with diabetes and better support people in their efforts to manage their diabetes.

We welcome these findings and look forward to further research on once weekly insulin injections to ensure they are safe and effective for everyone who could benefit.
One of four men arrested in connection with the killing of former "General Hospital" actor Johnny Wactor is out on bail after pleading guilty to charges of attempted robbery and grand theft on Wednesday.

Leonel Gutierrez, 18, was one of four people arrested last month in the fatal shooting of Wactor, who was gunned down on May 25 in DTLA by associates of Florencia 13, a violent street gang, when he interrupted a crew stealing his catalytic converter at 3:30 a.m. Wactor stepped between the reputed gang members and a female coworker, Anita Joy, when the fatal bullet rang out.

Gutierrez was charged with one count of attempted robbery with an allegation of principal armed with a firearm; and one count of grand theft with an allegation of principal armed with a firearm, prosecutors said.

The suspected gunman, Robert "Smallz" Barceleau, 18, was identified by a surveillance video that showed the F tattoo on his face, a known Florencia 13 insignia. Sergio "Prieto" Estrada, 18, is also a known associate of the gang. Both were charged with murder in Los Angeles County Superior Court. A third suspected gang member, Frank Olano, 21, was charged with one count of accessory after the fact to murder; one count of receiving stolen property; and three counts of being a felon with a firearm.

Before his death Wactor was costarring alongside his best friend Micah Parker in an independent film "American Sognare," which was centered around the death of a mother figure to four friends. The movie was slated to raise money for cancer research after each of the four producers were touched by a cancer diagnosis, like the one that took the life of Wactor's father.

The movie, Parker told Los Angeles, was completed in his honor and recently submitted to the Sundance Film Festival.

Wactor's murder has led his friends and family to openly protest Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascon, whose office no longer adds gang enhancements for violent offenders who are known associates of street organizations. That strategy has been criticized by his opponent, former federal prosecutor Nathan Hochman.

The issue is likely to play out in a Spectrum 1 News debate on zoom tonight co-sponsored by Los Angeles magazine. Hochman makes the argument that Gascon's criminal justice reforms have created upticks in violent crime across the city, and the incumbent argues that antiquated laws that his challenger supports, including enhancements for gang members, unfairly targeted people of color and led to prison overcrowding.

The Los Angeles District Attorney's Office is the largest prosecutorial area in the city and is responsible for pursuing criminal charges for felony and misdemeanor crimes in 78 cities included in the county's sprawl. The debate is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. and can be viewed by signing up here.
One injured during storm clean up in Mississippi

JONES COUNTY, Miss. (WHLT)  One person was injured in Jones County as Francine moved across Mississippi overnight. The storm has weakened into a tropical depression.

According to the Jones County EOC, there was one known reported storm clean up-related injury. They said one home was damaged in Laurel.

Mississippi roads closed due to flash flooding from Francine

A peak, more than 8,000 customers were without power in Jones County. Most of the outages have been restored. Communications carriers also experienced some outages.

EOC officials said Jones County road crews, city public works departments, city and volunteer firefighters, with assistance from law enforcement for traffic control, responded to multiple downed trees clearing roadways overnight.

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ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)  An Odessan was killed in a crash at the intersection of Yukon and Andrews Highway Wednesday afternoon, sending two others to the hospital.

According to the Odessa Police Department, at about 5:28pm on Wednesday, September 11, Odessa Police and Odessa Fire Rescue responded to the intersection, referencing a major crash.

Investigation revealed a gray 2007 Pontiac was heading west on Yukon and a white 2017 Ford F-350 was heading east on Yukon. The driver of the Pontiac, a juvenile, failed to yield right-of-way and turned south in front of the F-350, causing the collision. A gray 2019 Honda was hit during the crash as it was merging onto Yukon from Andrews Highway.

A passenger in the Pontiac, later identified as 17-year-old Fabian Navarro, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Pontiac and the driver of the F-350 were transported to Medical Center Hospital with minor injuries. The driver of the Honda was not injured.

Next of kin have been notified. This crash remains under investigation.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Yourbasin.
Sobering data from the National Center for Education Statistics indicates nearly one-third of U.S. public schoolchildren are behind grade level, with the data pointing to even more devastating numbers for students in select regions.

The report is based on responses to the June 2024 School Pulse Panel that asked about grade proficiency in subjects like English, social studies, math, science, computer science, and foreign languages. Responses indicated that an average of 32% of students nationwide were behind grade level as of the end of the 2023-2024 school year, compared to 33% in June 2022.

Students in the Northeastern U.S. saw the most significant decline in grade level proficiency, with the number of those falling behind climbing to 31% from 26% two years ago.

The Midwest also saw an uptick, though small, from 30% to 31% within the same timeframe, and schools surveyed in the West took home the title of those with the highest number of students behind grade level with a climb from 37% in 2022 to 39% this year.

6.5 MILLION STUDENTS CHRONICALLY ABSENT AFTER THE PANDEMIC, NEW STUDY SHOWS

Many students in public schools across the nation are behind grade level, new NCES data shows.

"The government school system has become more of a jobs program for adults than an education initiative for kids," Corey DeAngelis, a self-described "school choice evangelist," told Fox News Digital while commenting on the data.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

"The government school system is failing too many students while spending nearly $20,000 per student per year. No child should be trapped in a one-size-fits-all failure factory any longer. The money should follow the child to the school that best meets their needs. That would give the assigned government-run schools a real incentive to do a better job."

Schools in the South saw the only decrease, with 29% of students currently behind grade level, down from 34% in 2022.

Daniel Buck, an author and educator, also sounded off on the upticks among specific regions in a message to Fox News Digital.

WHAT'S GOING ON WITH AMERICA'S PUBLIC SCHOOLS? ENROLLMENT DROPS AND CHRONIC ABSENTEEISM TELL A DRAMATIC TALE

Chronic absenteeism remains a concern among teachers and education experts following the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Im sadly unsurprised by this newest data. Our public schools are hampered by useless policies, stifled by needless bureaucracy, and beset by ineffective instructional and curricular practices. Unfortunately, progressive ideology and the political power of unions have kept policymakers from implementing any meaningful changes beyond another blank check," he said.

Dr. Sheri Few, president and founder of United States Parents Involved in Education, said the results reflected a sobering reality.

"If schools dropped the inappropriate emphasis on woke issues and refocused on teaching math, reading, science and history, progress could be made. In the meantime, parents need to realize the truth  there is at best, a 35% chance your child will learn to read or do math at grade level if you send them to public school!" Few told Fox News Digital.

U.S. schools continue to grapple with the devastating aftershocks of the COVID-19 pandemic, including chronic absenteeism and learning loss that some feel may be to blame for the less-than-satisfactory numbers.

REPUBLICANS ADVOCATING FOR MORE CHRISTIANITY IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS FACE PUSHBACK

"Chronic absenteeism might have something to do with the continued failing results in too many government schools," DeAngelis said.

"The kids learned from the power-hungry teachers unions who did everything they could to avoid going back to school starting in 2020. The teachers unions told everyone that school wasn't important and we're still seeing the consequences. Since 2000, the number of students in the government school system increased by about 5%. The number of teachers has increased by 10%. But the number of administrators has increased by 95%  Funding students directly with school choice will finally give the system an incentive to cater to the needs of children and their families as opposed to the other way around."

The same NCES data reflects those absenteeism concerns, indicating that 78% of schools surveyed found that students missed too much school time after staying home due to "minor symptoms."

To help mitigate some of the absences, 69% of schools opted for incentives to boost attendance. Overall, the numbers show public schools have a 90% daily attendance rate nationwide.





Original article source: One-third of US public school students are behind grade level, data shows: 'Failing' our children
One of three missing Mesa teenagers found safe in Phoenix

A missing Mesa teenager was found in Phoenix Tuesday after she disappeared from a group home on Aug. 25, according to the Mesa Police Department.

Cruz Jasso, 17, left her group home near Higley Road and Southern Avenue, accompanied by two other girls, Arisay Robles Ruiz, 17, and Zalila Fredricks, 16, Mesa police said.

On Tuesday around 8 p.m., authorities received a call from someone who claimed to be Jasso, said Sgt. Rob Scherer, a Phoenix police spokesperson.

Phoenix officers responded to the call near 19th Avenue and Roosevelt Street and confirmed the caller was indeed Jasso. They contacted the Arizona Department of Child Safety to assist her.

There were no updates Wednesday on the location of the two girls who disappeared alongside Jasso, said Det. Brandi Myers, a spokesperson for the Mesa Police Department.

Ruiz was described as a white female, about 4 feet, 9 inches, and 110 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a black top and jeans.

Fredricks was described as a Black female, about 5 feet, 3 inches tall, and 127 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a pink jumpsuit.

The group was the second trio of girls to run away from the group home in one week, police said.

On Aug. 26, another group went missing from the same group home. They were found safe two days later by Phoenix police near 7th and Mohave streets and transferred to separate residences at the request of the Department of Child Safety.

Myers said the name and address of the group home were not being made public because juveniles live there.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: One of three missing Mesa teenagers found safe in Phoenix
Ope, theres a lawsuit squeezin right by ya.

Minocqua Brewing Company and Ope Brewing Company in West Allis are in a legal battle over the word ope.

On Wednesday, Minocqua Brewing Company posted on its Facebook page that the brewery was contacted by an attorney for Ope Brewing Company after it released the OPE: A lager with big dad energy beer.

After giggling, we thought about it a little more academically and told the lawyer that our cans had the Minocqua Brewing Company name above the beer name "Ope," which was clearly different than us actually stealing their company's name, the company posted to its page. We also said that the word "Ope," with the stylized picture of Tim Walz on it, was unique enough to differentiate our beer from their company.

The beer announcement coincided with the announcement of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz being chosen as Vice President Kamala Harris Democratic presidential running mate.

The lawsuit itself has been going on since Aug. 15, and a scheduling conference is set for Oct. 1 at the Milwaukee County Courthouse.

Minocqua Brewing Company said it tried to collaborate with Ope Brewing Company.

They said they wanted 50% of the profits, but didn't want to do any of the work to make the beer, Minocqua Brewing Company said. We laughed, thinking they couldn't be serious, but since we really didn't want to get into another legal quagmire, we gave them a counter-offer. We offered them 5% of the profits to get them off of our backs, and told them they wouldn't have to lift a finger to help. ... They sued us anyway.

*update--we found a few more 4 packs of OPE left in stock and added them to the inventory, so we're no longer sold out... Posted by Minocqua Brewing Company on Wednesday, September 11, 2024

Minocqua Brewing Company said it created a temporary new label called "Big Dad Energy" to avoid any more problems but it has about 30 four-packs of the lager with the original Ope label on the online store.

A few hours after the Minocqua brewing post, Ope Brewing Company posted its side of the story on its Facebook page.

First and foremost, we never wanted to become embroiled in any legal battle over the name of our beer or brewery, and certainly not with another independent brewer, Ope Brewing Company said. We own the trademark in the State of Wisconsin for Ope as related to beverages and beer, liquor and wine (including hard seltzers), and food service. We also have a pending federal trademark for Ope.

Ope Brewing Company went on to say that when it saw Minocqua Brewing Company was going to put out the beer, Ope called the same day of their announcement to notify them of our existing trademark.

We told them that we would love to resolve this matter in a friendly manner and asked if they would please just not use our trademark for their beer  as it had only just been announced as a presale, there was time for them to rebrand, Ope Brewing Company said, adding Minocqua Brewing Company continued with the name of the beer. Over the course of the next week, we asked them multiple times by phone and in writing to change course. We did not rush to the Courthouse without warning; it was only after Minocqua Brewing refused to respect our trademark after multiple requests, that we filed our lawsuit.

Good Afternoon,As you all might have seen, Minocqua Brewing Company posted a narrative this morning about an "Ope" beer... Posted by Ope Brewing Co on Wednesday, September 11, 2024

Ope Brewing Company was granted a temporary restraining order against Minocqua Brewing Company on Aug. 30 by Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Thomas McAdams.

If we dont enforce our rights in the name of our beer and taproom, then we lose those rights. That is the same as losing our livelihoods and everything we worked for over the years, Ope Brewing Company said. Ultimately, this all comes down to respect and keeping our small business alive, including protecting the rights in and to the name 'Ope' in relation to our products and services. We have no problem if you want to buy 'Big Dad Energy' from Minocqua Brewing. We also ask that you do not post comments attacking or even defending either brewery."

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Ope! Brewing serves a lawsuit to Minocqua Brewing over new beer
OPELIKA, Ala. (WRBL)  Nearly 100 long-term residents of Opelikas Springwood Hotel were forced to leave on short notice after the State Fire Marshal closed the property due to serious health and safety violations. One of those residents, 72-year-old Michael Ray, is now homeless, relying on his only friend in the world to help him through this crisis.

The bond between Ray and 40-year-old Tay Johnson began two years ago when Ray moved into the Springwood Hotel, and Johnson worked next door at the Grub Mart. Their friendship blossomed over time, with Johnson recalling their connection.

Michael always comes and shops at the Grub Mart. You see that bike over there? He told me about it, and I went and bought one myself. Weve just been friends ever since, Johnson shared.

As Ray faced eviction, Johnson stepped up, offering what support he could. Hes 100% solid. Hell help anybody. He doesnt care what color you are; hes good people, Ray said of Johnson. Right now, hes the only friend Ive got.

Ray is one of many left scrambling after the hotels sudden closure. Opelika Fire Chief Shane Boyd explained the dire conditions leading to the State Fire Marshals decision, citing severe structural issues and fire risks.

Everything we put in place to protect life and safety in apartment complexesalmost every aspect of it was compromised in this facility, Chief Boyd said.

With nowhere to go, Ray is moving his belongings to the Grub Marts sidewalk where Johnson can keep an eye on him. Im homeless. Im gonna put my stuff over there on the side of that building, and thats where Im gonna live until I can get something, he said.

Johnson, doing what he can, promised to find Ray a room for a few nights. I might need help one day, so hopefully, someone will return the favor, Johnson added.

Ray, who lives on a fixed income, paid $325 a week to stay at Springwood, a price he says reflects the lack of affordable housing in the area. He admitted the conditions were poor, saying, Its got alien insects, rats, and roaches. Its awful bad in there.

The Opelika Police Departments social services team is assisting displaced residents, but the situation remains grim. Chief Boyd emphasized the tough decision to evacuate the residents.

Do I want to stand here and tell you were gonna have to remove people in a 24 or 36-hour window, or am I gonna stand in front of a burnt-down building and explain why some of these people didnt make it out alive? Nobody is happy about where we are, but I think this was the best outcome for all involved, even though it was a bad one, Boyd said.

As for Ray, he remains hopeful, grateful for Johnsons help, and determined to find work. Im a welder, of course I do a lot of other thingsyou show me how to do something, and Ill do it, he said.

The co-owner of Springwood Hotel told WRBL they plan to make repairs and reopen, but no timeline has been provided.

Meanwhile if youd line to assist Tay as he helps Michale you can reach him at the Grub Mart located at 1000 Columbus Pkwy, Opelika AL 36801. The stores number is 334-749-0514.

This is what true friendship looks like  showing up, standing by, and being there for one another when life gets rough. Tays kindness reminds us all of the power of human connection. In a world where we can feel so divided, lets be the friend who steps in.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL.
VIDEO: DOJ announces Operation Ghost Busted (File, 2023)

BRUNSWICK, Ga. (WSAV)  The final defendant in Operation Ghost Busted, said to be the largest drug trafficking prosecution in the Southern District of Georgia, has been convicted.

According to U.S. Attorney Jill Steinberg, 36-year-old Blake Screen, of Brunswick, was found guilty of Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Methamphetamine and Fentanyl, and Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl.

He faces up to 20 years in prison, plus financial penalties and a period of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.

Screens sentencing will be scheduled after a pre-sentence investigation by U.S. Probation Services, Steinberg said.

Local schools see threats, arrests after Apalachee High shooting

As the final defendant awaiting adjudication in this conspiracy, Blake Screens conviction represents a milestone in this investigation, Steinberg stated. The investigators and prosecutors performed outstanding work in removing this drug trafficking operation from our community and holding the conspirators accountable.

In total, 76 defendants were indicted in Operation Ghost Busted, a drug conspiracy that officials say operated in and out of state prison facilities, coordinated by members of the white supremacist street gang, the Ghostface Gangsters.

Of the other 75 original defendants, 70 have been sentenced to prison terms, some facing as much as life in prison after pleading guilty. Four are awaiting sentencing and one defendant died while awaiting trial.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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As a refugee medical examiner for Los Angeles County, I have had the privilege of being the first doctor many new arrivals see in the U.S. In these moments of vulnerability, refugees share not just their medical history but their personal stories  tales of resilience, hope and the arduous journeys that brought them here.

I have screened engineers who supported our forces in Afghanistan, Ukrainians whose homes were reduced to rubble, religious minorities discriminated against in Nigeria, Iran and Turkey, and a Guatemalan prosecutor who joked that hes traded dodging bullets for battling Los Angeles traffic.

Through our services to protect their health as well as the health of our public from any imported infections, I have seen the transformative power of Americas promise  the relief in a mothers eyes when her child receives long-delayed medical care; the determination of a former translator to build a new life, practicing English phrases during our check-up; the joy of an elderly couple finally safe from fear, the tuberculosis patients laughter, echoing, as they share plans for their grandchildrens future. These moments reflect the very best of our nation.

In last nights presidential debate, the issue of immigration took center stage, as expected. Vice President Kamala Harris, in particular, stood at a crossroads.

The current administration has taken important steps to restore Americas commitment to refugees, raising the annual admissions cap from a historic low of 18,000 under the previous administration to 125,000. Although this is progress, it still falls short of historical highs (the peak was 231,700 in 1980); ongoing crises on our border and across the globe call for an even bolder approach. As the nation watched, Harris had an opportunity to reaffirm, not apologize for, this commitment, by making it clear that America will continue to lead the world.

Founded by refugees, the U.S. has long been a beacon for those fleeing war, persecution and violence. From the Puritans and Quakers who sought religious freedom to the more recent waves of refugees from places like Vietnam and Bosnia, Americas legacy of welcoming the worlds vulnerable is woven into the fabric of who we are.

It is crucial to understand the difference between refugees and asylum seekers. Refugees apply from their home countries and travel to the U.S. after being approved. They receive support through a thoughtful resettlement process that is a model of public-private partnership and comprehensive support. From humanitarian groups like the International Rescue Committee to faith-based organizations like Global Refuge to government agencies like mine, theres an entire network dedicated to welcoming refugees, offering English classes, job preparation, apartment hunting, school enrollment and more.

In Minnesota, for instance, the Minnesota Council of Churches has resettled Karen refugees from Myanmar, many of whom have revitalized their congregations. In Texas, refugee-run businesses in Houston have boosted the local economy, with the city proud to be among the most welcoming for refugees in the nation. In Vermont, communities provide not just material support but also friendship and cultural exchange.

In contrast, asylum seekers request their status after arriving in the U.S. The system for asylum requests, particularly at the southern border, is under immense strain. Were seeing record-high numbers, with over 4 million encounters and 1 million asylum requests in 2022 and 2023 alone.

Unlike refugees, asylum seekers dont receive any resettlement support while their cases are being determined. Having left everything behind to survive, those without U.S. contacts often find themselves  and their host cities  under significant strain. Given the concerns with border security, we should focus on the refugee process.

Raising the cap, expanding the eligibility for pathways such as the Priority 3 Family Reunification Program and expediting applications are possible starting points. More refugees will mean a more controlled, supportive process where the benefits go both ways. When given the chance, refugees repay that opportunity by becoming self-sufficient, integrated and successful Americans.

Contrary to some perceptions, refugees improve the safety of their surroundings. A prime example is the city of Lewiston, Maine, which experienced an influx of Somali refugees in the early 2000s. Despite false allegations by Donald Trump, the city experienced a steady decline in crime, with the acting police chief defending its Somali residents.

Similarly, the Rust Belt city of Buffalo saw its crime rates drop by 40 percent between 2010 and 2017, as its refugee population grew. Local officials attributed part of this success to the revitalization of neighborhoods by hard-working refugee families.

Refugee employment rates mirror or even exceed that of the general population, and refugee-owned businesses generate significant revenue. In Idaho, for example, refugees have played a crucial role in the states dairy industry, helping it become one of the largest in the nation. And in Georgia, Clarkston, often referred to as the Ellis Island of the South, has seen its economy grow due to its large refugee population.

The New American Economy Fund found high rates of refugee entrepreneurship, creating opportunities for American workers and contributing more than $20 billion in federal, state and local taxes when this was studied back in 2015. In California alone, they found refugees made substantial contributions to the states economy, with $17.2 billion in spending power.

Recent polling found that about 72 percent of Americans believe that taking in civilian refugees from countries experiencing violence and war should be an important goal for U.S. immigration policy. This broad public support is mirrored in Congress, where bipartisan groups of lawmakers have championed refugee resettlement. From the Refugee Act of 1980, which standardized resettlement services for all refugees admitted to the U.S., to the Lautenberg Amendment, which aided Soviet Jews and Evangelical Christians, to more recent efforts assisting Afghan and Ukrainian refugees, support for refugees has transcended party lines.

Unfortunately, we are living in fractured times. As we reflect on this weeks debate and consider our nations future, lets consider which candidate used the opportunity to paint a more confident, joyful and generous vision of America  one that challenges us to see refugees as Ive seen them, not as burdens but as future neighbors, colleagues and friends who enrich our lives.

Naman Shah, MD, Ph.D., is director of medical and dental affairs at the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, a Paul and Daisy Soros Fellow, and a Public Voices Fellow of the OpEd Project. The views expressed in this commentary are his own.

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If foreign leaders were hoping that the presidential debate would provide clarity about the future direction of American security policy, they were surely disappointed.

Donald Trump and Kamala Harris exchanged barbs about NATO and allies; about who lost Afghanistan; about who loves Israel more and Iran less; and about which of them is the weaker leader and greater butt of foreign laughter. But neither offered any specifics about foreign and national security policies.

Trump did say that, if necessary, he would employ the military to drive out illegal immigrants from the country, contrary to the 1878 Posse Comitatus Act, which bars federal troops from participating in law enforcement unless expressly authorized by law (as opposed to an executive order). But he said nothing about funding the military to meet external threats from China, Russia, Iran or North Korea.

Trump also asserted that he could resolve both the Ukraine and the Hamas wars almost instantly  indeed, even before he even took office. He did not say exactly how he would do either. He also quoted Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbans praise for his policies, deftly eliding the fact that Orban is an outlier within both NATO and especially the European Union.

While Harris outlined some specifics regarding domestic policy, she offered virtually none related to foreign and security policy. She spoke of respect for the military, but was silent about increasing funding for its urgent requirements. She underlined the importance of allies, but didnt mention any them, other than Ukraine (which is not a formal ally) and Israel (which is), by name.

Harris asserted that she would continue Americas support for Ukraine  in contrast to Trumps refusal to say the same  but she was silent about acceding to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskys constant pleas for more weapons, notably F-16 fighter aircraft and long-range ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles. Moreover, she was silent as to whether she would reverse the Biden administrations prohibition on Kyiv employing American weapons to strike deep into Russian territory.

Harris proclaimed that she would always support Israels ability to defend itself, but she said nothing about whether she would put a hold on weapons shipments that she deemed unnecessary for that defense, as Biden did briefly earlier this year. Despite her support for a cease-fire leading to an end to the Israel-Hamas war and the release of hostages, did she spell out how she would make that happen. In fact, she offered no idea as to how Israel and the Palestinians could achieve the ever-elusive two-state solution, other than stating that she supported that outcome.

Neither candidate had anything to say about Chinese aggression in the South China Sea, especially against Americas ally, the Philippines. Neither outlined any steps to diminish the North Korean nuclear threat. Harris avoided any mention of renewing efforts to reach a nuclear agreement with Iran, while Trump asserted that he would reimpose maximum sanctions on Iran, though the sanctions he imposed while president did not stop Tehrans relentless drive to become a nuclear power.

Neither candidate had a word to say about terminating Houthi attacks on American forces and international shipping in the Red Sea, or about defeating ISIS in Syria, or about the ongoing slaughter in Sudan. Indeed, neither mentioned Africa at all.

Not surprisingly, Trump said nothing about Chinese violations of human rights, or about the importance of human rights generally. But neither did Harris. Nor did either say anything about Chinese theft of American intellectual property, and the dangers China poses as a link in critical American supply chains.

Perhaps, as the race for the White House enters its final stages, Americas allies, partners and adversaries will learn more specifics about each candidates plans for the U.S. role on the international stage. They certainly learned very little in the first, and perhaps only, debate between the 2024 presidential nominees.

Dov S. Zakheim is a senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies and vice chairman of the board for the Foreign Policy Research Institute. He was undersecretary of Defense (comptroller) and chief financial officer for the Department of Defense from 2001 to 2004 and a deputy undersecretary of Defense from 1985 to 1987.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Harris has gone through a meandering journey on trans rights over the years, in contrast with her history of unambiguous support for gay rights.

Now she wants to do transgender operations on illegal aliens that are in prison, former President Trump said midway through Tuesdays debate against Vice President Kamala Harris. This is a radical left liberal that would do this. The only mention of LGBTQ rights at the debate felt random and even like a throwaway line, but there's an interesting story about Harris past record on queer and trans rights wrapped up in the former presidents comment that gives us an opportunity to discuss the candidates back-and-forth views on trans rights.

A 2019 candidate questionnaire from the American Civil Liberties Union asked Democratic presidential candidates whether they would use their executive authority to ensure that transgender and nonbinary people who rely on the state for medical care  including those in prison and immigration detention  will have access to comprehensive treatment associated with gender transition, including all necessary surgical care.

Harris answered yes and elaborated that it is important that transgender individuals who rely on the state for care receive the treatment they need, which includes access to treatment associated with gender transition. CNN published about her answer on that questionnaire shortly before Trump appeared onstage for the debate.

The communications director for her campaign told ABC News that gender-affirming care for people in government custody is not part of her current platform. Harris has gone through a meandering journey on trans rights over the years, in contrast with her history of unambiguous support for gay rights. Harris often touts that when she was a district attorney, she was among the first public officials to perform same-sex weddings in San Francisco.

In 2004, then-San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom challenged the states ban on such marriages, allowing ceremonies for a 29-day period. During that time, Harris herself officiated over gay weddings. Recently, as detailed by NBC News, one of the couples she wedded reunited with her on the campaign trail.

However, before a 2015 settlement between the state of California and the Transgender Law Center, Harris led a California attorney general office that fought a lawsuit seeking gender affirming care for trans prisoners in the state.

Which brings us to that 2019 questionnaire. At that time, trans issues were much less contentious and nationalized than they are now. Back then, we were under a Trump presidency and trans issues were more top of mind for the liberal Democratic base. Candidates in the 2020 Democratic primary were competing to show their liberal bona fides on trans issues. That posed a slight problem for Harris as her office had fought hard against health care for trans prisoners. (It was also a small issue for Liz Warrens campaign as she had also at one point shown some opposition to a similar policy).

The lawsuit pitting the Transgender Law Center against the state of California was not settled until after Harris had left the attorney generals office for the U.S. Senate. But by 2019, a position opposing such care was untenable for someone seeking national office representing the Democratic Party, and so Harris couldnt be seen as an opponent.

Harris explanation was that she had fought internally within her department to support providing gender affirming care for prisoners, even as her office led the legal argument against providing such care. It was a mixed and muddled response that trans voters criticized.

So what does all this mean for this election now? Its concerning to me as a trans American that her campaign sought to distance itself from that 2019 questionnaire answer. Trans issues are even more contentious now, and Trump has promised to ban trans health care altogether as president. There must be a Democratic alternative candidate willing to full-throatedly oppose attacks on trans rights.

According to NBC News, during Augusts Democratic National Convention, the words trans or transgender were uttered a total of two times. On the other side, Republicans spent the week of their convention demonizing us and calling for our removal from society.

Its a worrying rhetoric gap. We need to know if Harris is going to protect us when the chips are down. Is she Attorney General Harris, whose office opposes gender affirming care; Democratic primary candidate Harris who says such care is a necessity; or the Democratic presidential nominee whose campaign hasnt said anything other than its not on her platform?

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
A row of white stickers on the gray granite marked where each of the arriving VIPs was supposed to stand in an enclosed area at the 9/11 memorial plaza in New York City.

BLOOMBERG read the black lettering on the one for former Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who made the memorial possible and who stepped out to greet them as they arrived on Wednesday morning.

Bloomberg has unfailingly good manners, and he stepped out to greet the first arrival. He led Donald Trumpformer president and now the Republican nominee once againover to his sticker, which sat to the left of his own.

TRUMP.

Bloomberg did the same with the next arrival, leading him to the sticker to the right of his own.

POTUS, read the one for President Biden.

Trumps Surprise Compliment to Harris About That Debate

Bloomberg also escorted the next person to the sticker to the right of that one.

VPOTUS, read the one for Kamala Harris, current vice president and current Democratic candidate for president.

Bloomberg did not forget the man whose sticker was to the left of Trumps.

VANCE was occupied by U.S. Sen. JD Vance, the current Republican candidate for vice president.

Behind them was a second row of white stickers, these marked USSS for U.S. Secret Service agents.

Vice President Kamala Harris, U.S. President Joe Biden, former NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg, former President Donald Trump and Sen. J.D. Vance all attend the annual 9/11 Commemoration Ceremony at the National 9/11 Memorial and Museum. Michael M Santiago/Getty Images

There they all stood, Americas choices for who will lead us into the immediate futurewhere another attack always remains a possibility.

Bloomberg again showed the value of manners when he quietly said something to Trump, and then to Harris. The two candidates to become the next POTUS had met for the first time in a debate the night priorduring which there was no mention of terrorism. Trump had grumbled afterwards that the encounter had been rigged but, at Bloombergs bidding, he now held out his hand to Harris.

You did a good job, Trump appeared to say.

Thank you, thank you, Harris replied.

There came just a moment of the unity that followed the attack on the World Trade Center exactly 23 years before.

But then a woman standing among the 9/11 family members outside the VIP pen began to shout as if to a savior.

Donald! Donald! Donald! We love you, Donald! Woo! Donald, we need you! We won! We won!

A man joined in, We love you, Donald!

Trump has told a host of lies about 9/11 over the years, saying he was able to watch from his apartment four miles away as people jumped from the burning towers and had seen TV news footage of hundreds of Muslims in New Jersey cheering the attack, images that were later proven not to exist.

Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and former President Donald Trump shake hands. Michael M Santiago/Getty Images

He also said he had lost hundreds of friends, but was not seen at any of the funerals, not even those the FDNY asked the public to attend because their surviving members were thinly spread between so many services. He insisted he had spent a lot of time at Ground Zero, when he in fact appeared only briefly at the perimeter for an interview with German television two days after the towers fell. He did not return until April of 2016, when he toured the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. He had not attended any of the annual observances prior to this one, in an election year.

But no matter how many more lies he has told, no matter how badly Harris had beaten him in the debate, there are still many who support himeven among the families of the 2,977 innocents who were murdered at The World Trade Center that day.

That fact remained as the shouting ceased and the solemn reading of the names commenced. A white gloved firefighter rang a ceremonial silver ball five times to mark the moments of silence, for when each of the two planes struck and when each tower fell.

At the end of the observance, somebody with the memorial knelt and scraped off each of the stickers. Trump headed crosstown. He had been invited to the quarters of FDNY Engine 4, Ladder 15, which lost 16 members that dayshowing America the very best in us.

Vice President Kamala Harris shakes hands with former President Donald Trump as former Mayor of New York Michael Bloomberg and President Joe Biden look on. ADAM GRAY/AFP via Getty Images

The official death count does not include the babies of the 10 pregnant women who died at the World Trade Center on 9/11. Their names are each inscribed with an additional four words at the memorial pools. Among them is Helen Crossin Kittle, a 34 year-old computer specialist on the 103rd floor of the North Tower. She was five months pregnant.

Helen Crossin Kittle and her unborn child, the inscription reads.

The 10 unborn children would now be 23 years old. One way we can honor the lives they will never have is by extending moments of unitylike the one we witnessed for far too brief a time on Wednesday beside the footprint of the North Tower, where Kittle died.

Bloombergwho ran unsuccessfully for president in 2020, but was not even nominated because he is just smart and qualified and decent and politically courageousshowed us one thing we need in order to do that: simple manners.

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Viewers cheer as they watch a debate between Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at the Angry Elephant Bar and Grill, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in San Antonio. | Eric Gay

Did you notice what was missing from the Donald Trump-Kamala Harris debate Tuesday night?

It wasnt the consumption of household pets. Not the accusation that the other candidate is a Marxist. Not the claim that one candidate left with the worst unemployment rate since the Great Depression. Not accusations about Project 2025. Not the love letters to North Koreas dictator, Kim Jong Un. Not even the promise to end all wars in a single day. All of those were covered.

No, it was the $35 trillion elephant trying to hide in the corner of the room. As my old scoutmaster would say to the candidates, If it had been a snake, it would have bitten you.

And yet, the ballooning national debt, the one the Penn Wharton Budget Model last year predicted would reach unsustainable levels and crash the economy in about 20 years, sat completely ignored through the entire evening.

You also may have noticed two of its friends  the Social Security and Medicare trust funds  cowering in the corner, as well. Both of these popular programs face forced cuts in the next decade or so, if nothing is done to reform them. Rest assured, no one will ignore them then.

Shame on the moderators for not pressing this issue in what may be the only presidential debate this campaign season. Compared with all the topics volleyed about on the pickleball court of election rhetoric Tuesday night, none will be seen as more important, in retrospect, if politicians fail to confront the uncomfortable realities of economic doom.

Once investors lose faith in the nations ability to pay its debts, the Wharton brief said, no amount of future tax increases or spending cuts could avoid the government defaulting on its debt whether explicitly or implicitly. It added, Unlike technical defaults where payments are merely delayed, this default would be much larger and would reverberate across the U.S. and world economies.

Im not sure I want to be around to watch the presidential debate in the year that snake decides to bite.

Politicians love to bask in the sunshine, even if theyre doing so on the deck of a boat that is heading toward a large waterfall. So, it may not be surprising to see both Trump and Harris campaigning on promises that would add to the nations spending woes.

Earlier this week, Reuters reviewed estimates based on these promises by four budget forecasters  the aforementioned Penn Wharton Budget Model, the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, the Tax Foundation and Oxford Economics.

Harris wants to expand the child tax credit, provide a $6,000 tax credit for newborn babies, provide a $25,000 credit for first-time homebuyers and cancel taxes on wages from tips. The forecasters differ on their estimates on these, saying it could add up to $1.4 trillion to deficits over a decade, or actually reduce them by up to $400 billion.

This is because of Harris proposed tax hikes. She would keep the Trump tax cuts in place for people earning less than $400,000, plus add the trillions in tax hikes on corporations (raising the corporate rate to 28%) and on the wealthiest Americans that President Joe Biden has proposed.

These would largely offset her new spending, but its more than worth noting that these calculations are separate from the Congressional Budget Offices assumptions that the debt will jump by $22 trillion by 2034, even if no one promises anything.

Trump would keep the entirety of his 2017 tax cuts, which are set to expire in 2025. That could keep Washington from collecting another $4 trillion. He also would exempt tips from taxes and cut corporate income taxes from 21% to 15%. He would also exempt Social Security income from taxes.

Reuters said some of the forecasters estimate Trumps promises would add $6.6 trillion to deficits over 10 years. But not all of them included the $3.8 trillion he would gain from his promised increases in tariffs. The Tax Policy Center said these would be offset by the increased cost of imported goods.

The problem with these figures is that the promises are beginning to come faster than experts can keep up. Harris $50,000 for startup businesses, for instance, is too new and too undefined to include.

Reuters quoted Shai Akabas, economic policy director for the Bipartisan Policy Center, saying its normal that candidates are going to put their popular policy priorities ahead of fiscal responsibility on both sides.

Is there any good news?

Well, as we watch the red ink fall from the sky like Dr. Seusss oobleck, we may be grateful for one thing. No president could enact any of these promises without a compliant Congress.

So, with a nod to the nations inspired founders, heres hoping for more gridlock on Capitol Hill. Maybe it can keep those snakes at bay for a few more years.
Since former President Donald Trump began his foray into politics in 2015, one of the central aims of his movement has been to fix our trade relationship with China.

Theyre ripping us off, Trump would say at his rallies, pointing to the more than $300 billion trade deficit with Beijing and the hollowed-out American rust belt.

Trump followed through on his tough talk by imposing tariffs on Chinese imports during his presidency. Once viewed as extremely controversial, these tariffs are one of the only aspects of the Trump presidency that President Biden has continued and even expanded.

Now, as the election nears, Trump is locked in a competition with the Biden-Harris administration over who will do more to protect American industry. Whereas the Biden-Harris administration is in the final stages of raising tariffs on China, Trump promises hell raise them even higher.

Its no secret that U.S.-China relations have soured over the last several years. The recent U.S. attempt to ban TikTok and Chinas new initiative to delete America from its technology sector are the latest escalations in an economic war that has no end in sight.

But Trump recently put a new spin on his trade policy with China that, while overlooked, could help end the economic tit-for-tat. In Grand Rapids, Mich., on July 20, after promising to raise tariffs on the Chinese auto industry, Trump said for China to sell cars in the U.S., they have to build plants here and they have to hire our workers.

When Im back in the White House, the way they will sell their product in America is to build it in America, he said. They have to build it in America. And they have to use you people to build it.

Were used to Trump ripping bad trade deals for shipping jobs to China. But here, hes suggesting he can get China to ship their jobs to us.

With Chinas excess industrial capacity and Americas gutted manufacturing industry, such a deal has the potential to give both sides what they want. Beijing avoids the tariffs, and workers in Michigan get stable, good-paying jobs. Its a creative way to get more products Made in America and end the current trade impasse.

Theres evidence this is already happening. As Chinas economic slowdown persists, several Chinese companies are building or developing plans to build factories in the United States. If the policy Trump suggested were pursued at scale, it would help local American businesses, transfer foreign technology to the U.S. and provide Americans with expertise they could then use to build their own plants.

It remains to be seen whether Trump will continue to tout this policy on the campaign trail. If he does, other politicians will surely follow his lead, as they have done on trade for the past several years.

The cold war against China has gotten dangerous. In this atmosphere, mutually beneficial economic cooperation would be a good first step toward easing tensions, and a great way to one-up the Biden-Harris administration in the contest over who will deliver for the American economy.

With his pragmatic approach to China, Trump is uniquely positioned to pull off the Art of the Deal.

James Bacon was a special assistant to the president and director of operations for presidential personnel in the Trump White House.

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A physicians first obligation is to do no harm to their patients. Public officials should feel the same: First, do no harm to your constituents. If that obligation were being met, we would not be having a conversation about saving the Great Salt Lake. But we are, and we must.

Tens of thousands of Utahns became downwinder victims of Americas nuclear weapons program, and more join the ranks every day, because federal officials of several administrations discounted their obligation to do no harm. But a second round of downwinder victims is looming. As one conservative Utah lawmaker said to The New York Times, if we allow the lake to shrivel up and disappear, Utahns face a new environmental nuclear bomb ,  only this one largely of our own making, because state officials are trivializing their obligation.

Gov. Spencer Cox said last year, The future of the lake has never been more secure. That is a statement of hope, not reality. Some birds have returned to the lake, but the downward trend continues, and lake levels are still well below the 30-year average and the level generally accepted as healthy. Despite two good years of winter precipitation and recent water donated by the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Compass Minerals and others, if the lake were a patient, it would still be in the intensive care unit, primarily because its main inlet is being diverted to satisfy unsustainable agricultural demand. Experts at Utah Rivers Council say that recent legislation doesnt address the heart of the problem and may even make the situation worse.

Furthermore, what is commonly disseminated as the current lake elevation is an artificially enhanced number because planned manipulation of the causeway will raise the southern half at the expense of the northern half.

As more of the lake bed is exposed, minimal winds launch that dust over the Wasatch Front. Inhaling any dust is hazardous in and of itself, but this lake bed dust also contains heavy metals like arsenic, mercury and lead; pesticides and industrial chemicals from nearby mining and agricultural run-off; forever chemicals from the discharge of over 28 sewage treatment plants into the lake ecosystem; bacterial toxins; and even radioactive metals like uranium, strontium and cesium from the four decades of detonating nuclear bombs at the Nevada nuclear testing range.

When inhaled, the smallest dust particles are picked up by the blood and delivered throughout the body, which triggers an inflammatory chemical cascade. They can penetrate and attack any of the bodys 30 trillion cells and can cause harm to all major organs. The clinical consequences include virtually the entire list of diseases known to be caused by smoking cigarettes: heart and lung disease; multiple pregnancy and fetal development complications, from premature birth to cerebral palsy, birth defects and stillbirths; all types of cancer; impaired brain development and function; neurodegenerative diseases; and even arthritis, diabetes and intestinal diseases. Pollution nanoparticles of any type can even disrupt genetic function and harm the health of future generations.

Meanwhile, dust storms from Great Salt Lake have increased to about 15 per year from essentially none 15 years ago. Patients have told us that when near the lake during stronger winds, they have been forced onto the ground covering their faces to protect themselves.

What is happening to the populations surrounding other disappearing terminal lakes, such as the Aral Sea in the Middle East, Lake Urmia in Iran and the Salton Sea and Owens Lake in California gives us a preview of what to expect in Utah. Life expectancy among the population surrounding the Aral Sea has plummeted 13 years, no doubt due to the many health consequences from what is now a toxic dust bowl. Yet, so far, Utah is not learning any lesson. Our Legislature remains determined that private interests have an absolute right to divert flows from the lake, regardless of the consequences to the public at large.

A shriveled-up Great Salt Lake may be the biggest threat to the future of this state.

As we have seen with other dying lakes, the health of the Great Salt Lake is directly tied to the health and well-being of millions of people who live near it. But our leaders are refusing to meet their legal obligation to protect the lake and their moral obligation to protect their own citizens. They should feel, as we do, the imperative to do no harm.

Dr. Brian Moench is the president of Utah Physicians for a Healthy Environment. He is a former adjunct faculty member of the University of Utah Honors College, where he taught the public health consequences of environmental degradation. He is the author of two books on environmental contaminants and public health, Death by Corporation and The Great Brain Robbery.
It was the slightest bit disarming when it happened  Im talking now, if you dont mind, please, former President Donald Trump said during Tuesdays presidential debate. He was trying to use the Im speaking line on Vice President Kamala Harris, the same way Harris used it on Mike Pence during their 2020 vice presidential debate. Does that sound familiar? Trump quipped with a little smirk, as if to make it completely obvious he was being cute, performing a hostile homage.

Id say this was one of the very few times being a powerful, white man did not benefit Trump. Women are used to being interrupted. Thats why when Harris said it to Pence in 2020 it was such a powerful encapsulation of the experience of female life. Trump tried to make the line his, but he flailed and failed, and that quickly became a theme of the debate. And somehow, Harris used the power imbalance to be powerful. She was able to bait Trump by mentioning the crowd size at his rallies. She was able to use the optics of a woman standing up for herself to her advantage.

That moment when Trump told Harris he was talking now reminded a lot of us of what its still like to be a woman in the world. That line, coming from Trump, somehow served as a brutal reminder of what his administration took from our gender  the right to bodily autonomy.

One of the sometimes subtle, sometimes not-so-subtle threads running through this entire truncated Harris-Trump campaign cycle has been misogyny. The thrice-married adulterer Trump, who paid off not one but two women during the 2016 campaign cycle, is someone who behaves in a deeply misogynistic way. Not that thats enough to disqualify him in the minds of many American voters.

Most of the time, that misogyny and sexism is focused on Harris, like when Trump posted a crude sexist meme about her on his social media platform. And Trump is not the only one to delight in this sexist commentary. You could say his running mate, JD Vance, sometimes almost makes Trump look like a feminist: Whereas Trump has flip-flopped on the matter, Vance vocally supports a national abortion ban, as he told a podcast in 2022: I certainly would like abortion to be illegal nationally. Vance has somehow managed to double down on some of Trumps worst instincts, from his comments about childless cat ladies to his belief that post-menopausal women exist to care for their grandchildren.

Quiet, please, Trump said at another point during the debate, as Harris tried to interject with an answer. Once again, it didnt work, landing with a patronizing thud. During the debate, it became clear to me that Harris has more available to her than female politicians historically have. So she was able to take the high road, to ignore his pettiness. And by not overly focusing on her own identity, shes been able to allow Trump to bait himself into obsessing about it.

A number of Republicans showed us who they were that debate night. The sexism was largely focused on details that somehow mattered a lot when it came to Harris, but not at all when it came to her male opponent. GOP pollster Frank Luntz posted, If she wants to win, Harris needs to train her face not to respond. It feeds into a female stereotype and, more importantly, risks offending undecided voters. The sexism here rests in the notion that womens faces must always be pleasing to the viewer, part of an old, tired notion that many of us are very weary of.

But for a lot of people, the impact of Harris debate performance has landed very differently. One Georgia swing-state voter told Sarah Longwell for a piece she wrote in The Atlantic, I was actually pleasantly surprised at Harris. She addressed most of the issues pretty well, and she gave Donald Trump what other candidates couldnt. She was a little bit sarcastic, talking back with him, which I appreciated. It turns out theres more available to women politicians than there used to be in the 1980s, when Luntz was in his prime.

The world has changed since Geraldine Ferraro was the first woman to run for vice president. Its even changed since Hilary Clintons 2016 campaign, when a confident, pantsuited former secretary of state failed to break the glass celling by only a few thousand voters in a few swing states.

Roe is no longer the law of the land. Women know what its like to lose. Harris showed us theres more available to women politicians than ever before. Can she translate that to an electoral victory? No one knows. But shes making space for herself and showing others that they can, too.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
The tragedy of New York Mayor Eric Adams, whos facing a dizzying number of investigations targeting him and his inner circle, was foreseeable. Indeed, it was foreseen.

We all know youve been investigated for corruption everywhere youve gone, a rival candidate said to the then-Brooklyn borough president during a mayoral debate in 2021. Youve achieved the rare trifecta of corruption investigations.

That didnt deter Democratic voters, and Adams  an ex-cop and native son of the city who ran on his biography and a promise to restore public safety after crime rates and fears shot up during the pandemic  eked out a victory in the partys closed primary, which made him a sure thing to be the citys 110th mayor and just its second Black one.

Once that was official, Adams proclaimed himself the future and the face of the new Democratic Party. He also started publicly partying all night at clubs, sometimes with felonious friends, when he wasnt talking about how God had told him 30 years ago hed be the mayor in 2022 and should share that good news with the world  something hed never publicly mentioned before winning the election.

The new mayor immediately brought in a crew of cronies with sullied records, including a deputy mayor for public safety overseeing the NYPD, Phil Banks, whod abruptly retired as the chief of department in 2014.

Banks left that post about a year before it came out that hed been an unindicted co-conspirator in a case involving two guys who went to prison for bribing the previous mayor. One of them testified theyd treated the police chief to plane trips around the world and the services of a prostitute when they werent smoking cigars and storing their diamonds in the chiefs office at One Police Plaza.

Banks, whos denied any wrongdoing but says he regrets the association, had his home hit and his phones seized in the FBIs synchronized early-morning raids last week. Again, he said through an attorney hes done nothing wrong.

Those raids, though, are a sign that this new probe is far enough along for prosecutors to go public with it  and get a federal judge to sign off on their concerns that the deputy mayor for public safety and the police commissioner might destroy evidence if given the opportunity.

Last weeks raids were reportedly distinct from earlier raids of top Adams allies in two previously reported probes being conducted by two different federal prosecutors, who both needed sign-off from Justice Department bosses in Washington, D.C., to go after the mayor of Americas biggest city.

Theres the ongoing investigation into Adams travel and ties to Turkey, along with campaign cash that appears tied to the Turkish government. And the ongoing investigation into Adams travels and ties to China, along with campaign cash given through secret donors. The mayor had his cellphone seized by FBI agents last year as part of that case.

And now two new investigations that appear to be about influence schemes involving Adams appointees at the highest levels of his police department and administration steering public money to family members.

In just three years, Adams has bested his old corruption probe trifecta: There are now four separate, though possibly overlapping, federal investigations targeting his inner circle and the mayor himself.

No one has been charged with any wrongdoing in those investigations, and Adams says he always follows the law while asking the public to respect the process and withhold judgment.

New Yorkers might know more soon, as the feds have already impaneled at least one grand jury. With the citys primary next June, prosecutors are up against long-standing Justice Department guidelines about not having cases interfere with elections.

But New Yorkers are already rendering a verdict in the court of public opinion. Adams at the end of last year hit the lowest approval rating ever recorded for a New York mayor as voters have been choking on all this smoke, also including the corruption trial of his former buildings commissioner, the guilty pleas from members of a crew including another ex-cop and old friend of the mayors for their own straw-donor scheme involving his campaign, and the guilty plea of a Chinese billionaire who also sneaked money into his campaign, as well as those of other American politicians.

Tim Pearson, another ex-cop and old friend of Adams who now runs a shadowy new mayoral oversight agency, also had his phones seized by the FBI last week. Pearson has been accused in multiple civil suits of ruining the career of a police officer who wouldnt sleep with him and the supervisors who tried to protect her while hunting for crumbs of his own from city contracts. Taxpayers are covering his legal bills at the mayors behest and over the objections of the citys former top lawyer, who was then pushed out.

So many of Adams problems seem to involve the gap between his mantra of stay focused and grind and his need to swagger and test limits.

Polling shows New Yorkers still like much of his agenda but dont like him or how hes executing it. He keeps repeating crime is down but not saying down from when or how much, and the data is mixed and most New Yorkers dont really believe him.

It hasnt helped that Adams police department is increasingly unhinged in its public communications, with one reporter at the cop-friendly New York Post getting attacked this week as a f---ing scumbag and the official NYPD account even giving me the wannabe Trump-y nickname Harry Deceitful Siegel earlier this year.

No wonder Democratic challengers are lining up to take on Adams next year, assuming hes still there, in what would be the first contested primary against a Democratic incumbent since David Dinkins upset Ed Koch in 1989.

Asked at a news conference Tuesday what he would do if he were indicted, Adams said he intended to remain as mayor and run for re-election before adding that he wouldnt engage with hypotheticals.

The tragedy of Eric Adams is that hes done this to himself.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum is leading a call asking Congress to require surgeon general warnings on social media platforms for their potential harms on youth mental health.

In a Sept. 9 letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Rosenblum urged the lawmakers to pass a law requiring the warning on all algorithm-driven social media platforms, citing research linking social media use to depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts in kids and teens.

The letter, which was signed by 42 attorneys general, pointed to the ways social platforms make irresistible recommendations, which can lead to infinite scrolling, and a stream of notifications designed to keep kids engaged on the platforms.

Portland college students react to Trump v Harris presidential debate

Last week we heard from experts from across the nation and across industry, academia, and government. The message we heard was loud and clear: our youth face challenges we never had to contend with when we were young, and many of those challenges are amplified by the platforms, companies, and features prevalent across social media, Rosenblum wrote.

She added, We attorneys generalthe Peoples Attorneys for our country and its territoriesstrongly urge Congress to take the Surgeon Generals proposed social media platform warnings seriously and hold tech companies to a higher standard of conduct and responsibility.

Rosenblum also pointed to recent actions some states have taken against social media companies, including lawsuits filed by 45 states and the District of Columbia against Meta in 2023, and state investigations and lawsuits against TikTok.

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Despite the legal moves, the attorneys general said legislation requiring a surgeon general warning is crucial as social media platforms have demonstrated an unwillingness to fix the problem on their own, the letter stated.

I welcome the opportunity to testify before Congress in support of NAAGs letter and policy, and strongly recommend Congress move with urgency on this consensus issue of youth safety and well-being, Rosenblum wrote.

The push for the surgeon general warning is part of an initiative  called Americas Youth: Attorneys General Looking out for the Next Generation  by Rosenblum in her role as president of the National Association of Attorneys General.

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KOIN 6 News reached out to Meta  the parent company of Facebook and Instagram  and TikTok for comment. This story will be updated if we receive a response.

The call from the attorneys general comes after Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy penned a New York Times opinion piece in June similarly calling for the social media warning label.

The mental health crisis among young people is an emergency  and social media has emerged as an important contributor. Adolescents who spend more than three hours a day on social media face double the risk of anxiety and depression symptoms, and the average daily use in this age group, as of the summer of 2023, was 4.8 hours. Additionally, nearly half of adolescents say social media makes them feel worse about their bodies, Murthy wrote.

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It is time to require a surgeon generals warning label on social media platforms, stating that social media is associated with significant mental health harms for adolescents, he added, noting Congress needs to pass a law requiring the surgeon general warning.

As Attorney General Rosenblum serves her last term, KOIN 6 News reached out to Oregon attorney general candidates Rep. Dan Rayfield and Will Lathrop on whether they support the call for a surgeon general warning on social media.

In a statement to KOIN 6, Republican candidate Will Lathrop said, I have fought my entire career to keep children safe  it is what I will do as Oregons next Attorney General. I support measures that protect children and warn parents about the dangers of social media.

Rep. Rayfied said, Parents and our children have the right to know the risks of social media and its impact on our kids mental health. This bipartisan approach led by Attorney General Rosenblum is a great first step to keep parents and kids informed and safe.

Resources are available if you or someone you know is in crisis.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation recognized nine current and former Chickasaw Nation Emergency Management team members with Red Feather Awards for their above-and-beyond effort throughout the investigation into Faith Lindseys 2019 disappearance. Pictured, from left: Sara Billings, JP Maples, Brandon Burchfield, Steve Dunn, Steve Cash, OSBI Investigative Division Director John Jones, George Jesse, Dewayne Price, Adam Kuhlman and Carol Williamson. (Photo/Chickasaw Nation Media)

When 17-year-old Faith Lindsey went missing in October 2019, the ensuing investigation brought together numerous law enforcement agencies and led to multiple searches across three Oklahoma counties. At every turn, Chickasaw Nation Emergency Management (CNEM) assisted the investigation with manpower and state-of-the-art search tools.

During the investigation, it was discovered that Lindsey, a Chickasaw citizen, had been murdered, and in August 2022, Tanner Dean Washington pleaded guilty to one count of murder in Indian Country. Washington was sentenced May 6 to serve life in federal prison. His sentence does not allow for parole.

Following the sentencing, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) recognized nine Chickasaw Nation Emergency Management employees with Red Feather awards for their above-and-beyond effort throughout the investigation.

Red Feathers are an OSBI tradition used to recognize professionalism, integrity, hard work and going the extra mile, said OSBI Investigative Division Director John Jones.

Jones said this case that brought together the OSBI, FBI, CNEM, Chickasaw Lighthorse Police, the Seminole County Sheriffs Office and the Pontotoc County Sheriffs Office is a sterling example of teamwork.

This case is literally the blueprint for success, Jones said. Without the teamwork of our Chickasaw Nation partners, this case does not come to fruition. We are very grateful for the teamwork, resources and the effort that were provided to us and to the citizens of Oklahoma to get justice in this matter.

During the investigation, CNEM assisted in five searches across Garvin, Pontotoc and Seminole counties. CNEM utilized a variety of newly acquired drones, provided a cadaver dog and contributed significant manpower to physically search challenging terrains.

OSBI Deputy Director Steven Carter commended the Chickasaw Nation and CNEM for providing this assistance whenever and wherever asked.

Assistance with searches outside the Chickasaw Nation was provided without hesitation, Carter said. The successful investigation and prosecution of this case was possible due to your willingness to provide unique skills and expertise.

Six current CNEM team members recognized with Red Feathers include George Jesse, Sara Billings, Carol Williamson, J.P. Maples, Brandon Burchfield and Steve Cash. Former CNEM employees receiving Red Feathers were Adam Kuhlman, Dewayne Price and Steve Dunn.

CNEM Executive Officer Steve Cash said he is proud of the perseverance exhibited by every CNEM team member who contributed to the searches and investigation.

I was excited for our team to be recognized because I know how much effort they put into each search, Cash said.

Cash said the Chickasaw Nations longstanding partnerships with the OSBI and other agencies were vital to a comprehensive, coordinated investigation.

We are thankful to Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby and the Chickasaw Nation for enabling us with the training, support and resources to respond to requests like these, Cash said. Were incredibly honored to receive these Red Feather awards.

About Chickasaw Nation Emergency Management

Chickasaw Nation Emergency Management (CNEM) was established in 2017 to provide a comprehensive and integrated system to help save lives, prevent injuries, protect property and preserve the Chickasaw Nations invaluable cultural and economic resources in the event of a major emergency or disaster.

The CNEM service area includes the Chickasaw Nations treaty territory of 7,648 square miles and encompasses 13 Oklahoma counties. The CNEM team coordinates with local, state, tribal and federal disaster relief and public safety entities, both within and outside the Chickasaw Nation. For more information, visit Chickasaw.net/CNEM.
The other side are talking about eating dogs: Democrats still delighted about what happened at Trump-Harris debate

U.S. Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN) was one for the first Democrats to say President Joe Biden needs to step aside, along with Rep Hillary Scholten (D-MI) (Right). ((Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images))

Representative Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey did not mince words when The Independent asked about if Vice President Kamala Harriss debate performance confirmed that she and other Democrats were right in calling for President Joe Biden to step aside.

Yes, she told The Independent. I think we're seeing people come out, especially young people. I'm hearing a lot of reports from parents who said their kids weren't going to vote, and now they are voting.

We're having busloads of people going to Pennsylvania to knock on doors right now, Sherrill added, saying that there had been a great response to Harriss performance in the debate.

Sherrill, a who flipped a seat held for decades by Republicans in 2018, is the exact type of Democrat who knew that Biden could be a drag on Democrats in November after his disastrous debate performance.

Now, Harriss debate triumph and Republicans inability to defend Donald Trumps shambolic performance has many of the Democrats who told Biden to go saying told you so.

Representative Seth Moulton of Massachusetts offered a withering criticism when he claimed Biden did not even recognize him during an event to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

Oh, my God, absolutely, he said, when asked if the debate showed it was right for Harris to ascend to the top of the ticket. He did, however, quickly then pivot to giving the president credit: The enthusiasm that you see among Democrats and many independents who wanted another choice throughout the country is because President Biden was willing to step aside. It was the greatest turnaround in American political history.

Some were more careful in their words.

Senator Michael Bennet of Colorado, the first Democratic Senator to warn that Biden might lose, seemed giddy that Harris mentioned the expanded Child Tax Credit during the debate. The two are friends, and crafted the Child Tax Credit bill together when Harris was a senator.

She mentioned it right off the bat, and she was the first co-sponsor when Sherrod Brown and I introduced that bill, he told The Independent.

Senator Peter Welch, the first Democrat to say Biden should step aside, said simply that Harris was doing great.

The day after Bidens meltdown, Representative Angie Craig of Minnesota famously said, I'm still processing what happened last night, before adding that it was clear Biden needed to step aside. But this week, she refrained from gloating.

I think the vice president showed last night that she was ready to be commander-in-chief, she told The Independent.

Craigs fellow Minnesotan Dean Phillips ran a quixotic primary challenge against Biden, during which he mainly argued that Biden was too old and out-of-touch. But Craig was mum about if they spoke at all.

I talk with Dean Phillips all the time, she said. We didn't talk about the debate today.

During the agonizing month before Biden stepped aside, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries met privately with the president but stopped short of endorsing him. As the shepherd of the Democrats in the House, he needed to protect his flock and likely articulated his concerns to Biden.

But, as is usually the case, he chose his words carefully when talking about the switchout.

President Biden will go down in history as one of the most consequential presidents of all time, and made the selfless decision to pass the torch to Vice President Kamala Harris, who's doing a tremendous job, he told The Independent.

Even John Fetterman, a Biden diehard, said that Harris did a great job and immediately leaped to her defense when her flip-flopping on fracking was brought up.

Was she talking about eating dogs? he said. Well then, she had a great night. So please do not ask me about fracking and other obscure things when the other side are talking about eating dogs and that kind of s**t.

Of course, Jeffries, and any other serious political operator, knows that they still have to give Biden his due and cannot openly admit the president was weak. They also know that they cannot prematurely celebrate an election that remains a dead heat.

Next month Governor Tim Walz, Harriss running mate, will square off against Senator JD Vance at another debate. The near-universal praise of Walz is another sign of how Harris has gotten a fractured party excited.

Tim Walz is great because he's not going to be doing any fancy-schmancy s**t, Moulton, who bonded with Walz over their shared military service when Walz was a congressman, said. He's just going to show America that Democrats are for the people and Republicans under Trump are just weirdos.
A phone conversation took place between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, Jeyhun Bayramov, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Xavier Bettel, Azernews reports.

During the phone call, the two ministers discussed issues of cooperation between the two countries, as well as the regional and international security situation.

Both parties emphasized the importance of such contacts in the development of the existing relations between Azerbaijan and Luxembourg and in discussing issues of mutual interest.

Minister Jeyhun Bayramov also provided detailed information to his counterpart about the current situation and realities in the post-conflict period in the region, as well as the progress of the normalization process between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

It was emphasized that Armenia's ongoing territorial claims against Azerbaijan in its legislation, as well as the rapid militarization of the country, are the main factors threatening the sustainable peacebuilding process in the region.

During the phone conversation, the ministers also exchanged views on other bilateral and multilateral issues of mutual interest.
Other states have regulated PBMs. Heres how they fared.

While House Bill 246, which would regulate pharmacy benefit managers in North Carolina, has been locked in a Senate committee for more than a year, other states have imposed similar regulations and reported saving millions of dollars.

Rep. Wayne Sasser, R-Montgomery, one of the sponsors of HB 246, disputes the PBMs claim that regulating them would raise the cost of medications.

The history of other states is contrary to that philosophy, he said. In fact, in other states, the cost of healthcare has actually come down for the patient, not gone up.

Arkansas Act 900, passed in 2015, allows a pharmacy to challenge PBM reimbursements that are less than the amount it cost for the pharmacy to acquire the drug. The act was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in an 8-0 decision in 2020, setting precedent for states to regulate PBMs.

Kentucky enacted SB188 in 2024, ensuring that PBMs include pharmacies within a close distance of patients in their networks as long as pharmacies abide by reasonable terms.

The Washington State Healthcare Authority estimated that it saved $156.8 million in 2021 by eliminating spread pricing, where PBMs charge health plans more than they pay to pharmacies.

Kentucky and West Virginia started using one PBM, saving Kentuckys Medicaid program $282 million in 2021 and 2022 and West Virginias Medicaid program an estimated $54.4 million in 2018.

On Feb. 20, 2024, North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein joined a group of 39 attorneys general, sending a letter asking members of Congress to regulate PBMs.
Getty Images.

A school voucher lawsuit currently in the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas will likely make its way before the Ohio Supreme Court eventually  meaning whichever candidates are elected to the states high court this fall could end up ruling on this pivotal school funding case.

Six candidates are running for three seats on the Ohio Supreme Court. Republicans currently hold a 4-3 majority. If Democrats win all three races, the court would flip 4-3 Democratic. However, if Republicans win all three races, it would become a 6-1 Republican court.

Incumbent Democratic Justice Michael P. Donnelly is being challenged by Republican Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas Judge Megan Shanahan.

Incumbent Democratic Justice Melody Stewart is being challenged by incumbent Republican Justice Joseph Deters, who decided not to run for his current seat and instead chose to go up against Stewart.

Democratic candidate Lisa Forbes, of the Eighth District Court of Appeals, and Republican candidate Dan Hawkins, of the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, are fighting for Deters open seat.

Vouchers Hurt Ohio lawsuit

Vouchers Hurt Ohio filed a lawsuit in 2022 targeting the EdChoice private school voucher program, arguing the program has grown disproportionately while resources for public school districts have dwindled. The lawsuit has gone on to gain support from more than 200 Ohio school districts. Since filing the lawsuit, Ohio enacted universal school vouchers through last years state budget.

Everybody has an interest in the school voucher case, Ohio Education Association President Scott DiMauro said. Im sure, regardless of who prevails in the lower courts, that case is going to make its way to the Supreme Court, and so composition on the court thats going to be open to looking at that issue fairly, and looking at what the constitution says is really important for the future of public education in Ohio.

The lawsuit has a Nov. 4 court date, the day before the election.

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Having a court that will heed the words of our State Constitution that calls for a thorough and efficient system of common schools across the state is really important to us in a court thats going to be balanced, thats going to be fair, that is going to exercise good judgment and not act in the way that suggests that its in the pocket of interest, DiMauro said.

The Ohio Supreme Court has been under Republican control since 1986. Partisan labels were added to the previously-nonpartisan races by the state legislature in 2021.

When you have a court now that is unbalanced, and that is partisan, I think youre less likely to have that kind of outcome that is really looking at the text of the constitution, and fundamentally is going to act in a way thats in the best interest of all students across the state, including the close to 90% of kids who attend our public schools, DiMauro said.

The Buckeye Institute, a public policy think tank, supports private school vouchers.

We think vouchers are clearly constitutional from the national standpoint as it relates to the Federal Constitution, said Buckeye Institute Research Fellow Greg Lawson. I think the makeup of the (Ohio Supreme) Court would have potentially some impact on what the outcome of that case could be. But again, its highly questioned. We dont know how the election is going to turn out, so its hard to read the tea leaves until after the dust settles.

Its vital the Ohio Supreme Court remains independent, DiMauro said.

I think what this Republican legislature has done over the past years  is that they want a court thats going to be an extension of their political power, DiMauro said. Theyve very deliberately tried to make this a partisan court, and we need a court that will be above partisan politics in order to serve as a check and balance on the legislature and a check and balance on the governor.

Follow OCJ Reporter Megan Henry on X.

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Frederick Hutchinson Center in Belfast, a building previously used by the University of Maine for classes that served a mix of undergraduate and non-traditional students. (Courtesy of Samantha Warren/ UMaine System)

The University of Maine will not sell an unused former midcoast educational hub to a church as previously planned.

The systems decision to sell the Frederick Hutchinson Center in Belfast to Calvary Chapel Belfast, part of a nationwide association of evangelical churches, drew criticism from other community organizations that bid for the center. Those groups appealed the decision to Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration Ryan Low. After reviewing one of those appeals, the system found that the scoring criteria for the sale should have considered the entire value of the proposals and not just the purchase price.

That means the sale process for the center will restart. Whether the system will solicit a new round of proposals, or list the center with a commercial broker, remains to be seen. However, the group behind the successful appeal, a joint collaboration between the Future of Hutchinson Center Steering Committee and Waterfall Arts, will not automatically receive the contract, according to Samantha Warren, spokesperson for the system.

The Hutchinson Center once served thousands of traditional and nontraditional students in the midcoast region, and also provided conference and meeting spaces for the community. The center also hosts a connectivity hub, which provides network connectivity for numerous public schools and libraries in the Belfast, Camden and Rockland area.

The UMaine System had initially anticipated moving the internet hub as part of the sale, according to the request for innovative proposals the university put out last year. However, the Future of Hutchinson Center groups proposal would allow the hub to remain at the center, which Low said was an added benefit the system did not originally consider in its review of the proposals

As Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, I uniquely appreciate that the avoidance of hundreds of thousands of dollars in relocation expenses presents clear financial and operational benefits that are decidedly in the best interests of the System, Low said in his response to the groups appeal. And thus should have been valued in the criteria by which all proposals were scored.

Future of Hutchinson Center spokesperson Shane Flynn said the group remains interested in purchasing the center and continuing to use it for education programming partnering with local organizations, including an added interest in arts education, as evidenced by its partnership with Waterfall Arts.

However, the universitys decision to not sell to the church was the right one, Flynn said.

We think that the process was not correct, and it appears that he agrees with that, he said. Those who care so much about the Hutchinson Center are going to feel that eventually someone at the university has listened, and we are very heartened by that.

Multiple groups raised issues with how the university system went about determining and evaluating the sale criteria even before it announced the original sale to Calvary Chapel. However, Low said that while the universitys process had full transparency and integrity and adhered to long-standing public procurement policies, the evaluation criteria did not allow the system to consider the value of keeping the network hub in place.

Please know that my final decision is specific to a single deficiency of the evaluation criteria and is not a reflection on the merits of the proposals submitted by any respondent or any other aspect of the universitys process, he said in his response to the appeal.

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London Councils is calling for additional funding for boroughs, to prevent any more facing effective bankruptcy [Getty Images]

More councils in London will face effective bankruptcy unless the government provides more funding support, according to new analysis from London Councils.

The cross-party group said the capital's borough councils faced a collective 700m funding shortfall, mainly due to housing and homelessness pressures.

It said shoring up borough finances was critical for boosting their ability to help tackle the housing crisis.

The government said it planned to "fix the foundations of local government" and said it would "work closely with the sector to do so".

The "skyrocketing" number of homeless Londoners has put pressure on councils [Getty]

London Councils, an organisation that represents London's 32 borough councils and the City of London, said "skyrocketing" numbers of homeless Londoners requiring temporary accommodation and "the worsening state of social housing budgets" threatened the overall stability of borough finances.

It said that stabilising council budgets was its "top priority" and added it was necessary, not just to tackle the housing crisis, but also to drive economic growth.

London Councils has sent a submission of its analysis to the Treasury ahead of the government's budget on 30 October.

Boroughs are facing ever-increasing levels of demand for services, for example a 10% increase in those needing temporary accommodation between April 2023 and April 2024.

London Councils estimated that boroughs were currently collectively spending approximately 3m every day on temporary accommodation, like hotels, for homeless people.

'Wreaking havoc'

London councils has now written to the government, ahead of the budget calling for additional funding for boroughs, to prevent any more facing effective bankruptcy.

It said it had also asked for a review into how funds were distributed, and said the current system had not been updated since 2013.

Cllr Claire Holland, Chair of London Councils, said: The housing crisis is having a devastating impact on Londoners lives and wreaking havoc on town hall finances across the capital."

She added: At a time when we need to invest in social housing and support homeless Londoners, boroughs are facing an unrelenting squeeze on our resources.

"The unavoidable reality is that spiralling costs and years of underfunding threaten to break boroughs budgets."

Cllr Holland said the current outlook for London borough finances was "bleak", but added they were "committed to working with the government to find a better way forward."

'More funding stability'

A Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government spokesperson said: "We are facing the most acute housing crisis in living memory, with record levels of homelessness and too many families living in temporary accommodation in our towns and cities, including in London.

"We are taking action and developing a long-term strategy with councils and local leaders to end homelessness for good.

"We'll also provide councils with more funding stability, end competitive bidding for pots of money and reform the local audit system."

Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk

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WASHINGTON  Attorney General Merrick Garland said Thursday that Justice Department staffers have suffered an escalation of bullying attacks during the last three and a half years in the form of conspiracy theories and being singled out with threats of actual violence.

It is dangerous to target and intimidate individual employees of this department simply for doing their jobs, Garland said in a speech to the staff. And it is outrageous that you have to face these unfounded attacks because you are doing what is right and upholding the rule of law.

He said the department has reinvigorated its norms to maintain its independence from political intereference.

Attorney General Merrick Garland gives remarks during a meeting of the Department of Justices Election Threats Task Force at the Justice Department in Washington on Sept. 4, 2024.

Garland didn't cite specific incidents, but he took over the department after what he called "a difficult period" in the wake of its entire upper leadership threatening to resign over former President Donald Trumps demands for unfounded investigations of widespread fraud in the 2020 election, which officials told him were baseless.

Trump has called Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith  who secured indictments against the former president on charges he tried to steal the 2020 election and hoarded classified documents after leaving the White House  a "thug" who does "political hit jobs." U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan ordered Trump not to call Smith a "thug" or "deranged" because she ruled he was impermissibly targeting people related to the trial.

Chutkan and Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, who is prosecuting Trump in Georgia on charges of election racketeering, have each received death threats after the former president criticized them.

Trump has recently said he would prosecute and jail his political enemies if returned to the White House.

WHEN I WIN, those people that CHEATED will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the Law, which will include long term prison sentences so that this Depravity of Justice does not happen again, Trump said in a post on Truth Social.

Trump's campaign called Garland's conduct "disgraceful" and said people driving the investigations of Trump "have to be held accountable."

"The disgraceful conduct of Attorney General Merrick Garland has done tremendous damage to a once great institution," Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung said in a statement. "Using phony charges to interfere with the presidential election on behalf of the Democrat Party has to be stopped and those driving these Hoaxes have to be held accountable."

Garland's speech also comes at a time of increasing threats against public officials. A gunman was killed when he tried to breach the FBI's Cincinnati field office.

To restore confidence in the departments independence, Garland revived and strengthened rules to keep it independent:

Regulating contacts between the department and the White House and Congress.

Strengthening guidelines for sensitive FBI investigations. The FBI has updated training and policies since past criticism of its surveillance.

Implementing remedial measures to comply with the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. The department overhauled its surveillance warrants and training after a flawed investigation into a Trump campaign adviser.

Updating protections for the press in law enforcement investigations.

Our norms are a promise that we will not allow this department to be used as a political weapon, Garland said. "And our norms are a promise that we will not allow this nation to become a country where law enforcement is treated as an apparatus of politics."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: DOJ not a 'political weapon' Garland says after Trump complaints
One hundred and fifty-one miners have been trapped underground at the Dobropillia mine due to a blackout caused by Russian attacks in Donetsk Oblast, Mykhailo Volynets, chairman of the Trade Union of Miners of Ukraine, reported on Sept. 12.

The city of Dobropillia, with a pre-war population of about 28,000 people, is located in the Pokrovsk district of Donetsk Oblast, nearly 20 kilometers (13 miles) north of Pokrovsk, which has been a key target of Russian forces over the past few months.

Russian strikes have cut off power to Dobropillia and nearby settlements, including coal mines. The blackout caused gassing and flooding of the mines. There is also a threat of flooding of mining equipment, according to Volynets.

The chairman added that the situation in the region remains "difficult."

At least one person was killed, while six others were injured due to Russian strikes in Donetsk Oblast over the past day, Governor Vadym Filashkin reported on Sept. 12.

The number of attacks and casualties increased in the Donetsk sector of the front line after Russian forces intensified their offensive in the area.

Russian troops recently slowed down their assault on the city of Pokrovsk but advanced in the areas of Vuhledar and Kurakhove.

Read also: Silent killer: Russia boosts grinding Donbas advance with chemical warfare

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
DORCHESTER, Mass. (WWLP)  An owner of a temporary employment agency based in Dorchester pleaded guilty to a multi-year tax fraud scheme.

According to the Department of Justice, 62-year-old Det Tran of Dorchester owned and operated HTP Temp. Inc. (HTP), an agency that provides temporary workers for client businesses. From at least 2018 through 2021, Tran paid $8 million in off the books cash wages to HTP employees, evading more than $2.1 million in employment taxes owed to the IRS.

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On Wednesday, Tran pleaded guilty to two counts of failure to collect and pay over employment taxes and is scheduled to be sentenced on December 10th. He faces up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater.

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The historic Hotel Conneaut at Conneaut Lake is seeing some major changes.

The century-old hotel is under new ownership as of the start of 2024 and work has been ongoing for months to transform the property into something that will continue to stand for generations.

Traffic shifts in effect on Crawford County roadway starting next week

Hotel Conneaut and Conneaut Lake Park mean so much to the people of the Conneaut Lake Community and the surrounding area and their new owners hope to continue to welcome guests for years to come.

Generations of people visiting Conneaut Lake dating back to 1903 have fond memories with both Hotel Conneaut and Conneaut Lake Park.

Anybody who has any connection with Conneaut Lake, they hear about their parents met there, they danced there, and got married. Or, somebody used to go there as a kid and now they enjoy bringing their children to it, said Julia Catalano, a member of the Conneaut Lake Historical Society board of directors and chair of the research committee.

Now under new ownership, the goal is to continue to create new memories and become a premier destination for people from all over.

The totals are in! New benchmark hit with this years Crawford Gives

Over the last several months, work has been done to totally re-imagine the property where Conneaut Lake Park and Hotel Conneaut reside.

We realized very quickly that we had to restructure the entire property to make it profitable. What so many people have done in the past is rely on the amusements, which are weather dependent, for the profitability, said Linda Joseph, co-owner of the Hotel Conneaut and Conneaut Lake Park. What were doing really is were building a family vacation resort and we really want to have something for all ages.

Landscaping and hardscaping efforts show changes to the lakefront, boardwalk, beach, patio, and the yard outside of the hotel.

Inside, renovation crews have redone the lobby, ballroom, hallways, a lounge, which now looks like a 1920s speakeasy and all of the rooms on the first floor.

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We were told these renovations are crucial to the future of the hotel, but Joseph said shes sticking up for things people have loved about the hotel for decades.

I was born and raised in Andover, Ohio, and then I moved to Conneaut Lake in my teens. This area is very close and personal to me as well as Conneaut Lake Park, the hotels co-owner said. I sort of take care of the nostalgic aspect of things and make sure we keep the old thats appropriate in combination with the new thats important.

Despite strong emotions and requests from some locals to leave it untouched, Joseph said this is the best way forward to offer new experiences to last another hundred years.

It really has a hold on people, the lake in general, and the hotel is such a good anchor and visible piece of history, Catalano said.

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Were leaving this to our children and our grandchildren and we want to create something for them and leave something for them thats appropriate for their generation. I think thats what were doing, Joseph went on to say. Its one of the most amazing properties in Pennsylvania if not in the country.

Construction crews just recently broke ground on the second and third floors of the hotel and hope by the end of next year, every room will be ready for guests and events.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com.
(WJET/WFXP)  Pennsylvania-based health company Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN), one of the largest primary care groups in Pennsylvania, has reached a $65 million settlement after the data of nearly 135,000 patients and employees were exposed.

Of those patients, over 600 had their personal medical record photos, which included nude photographs, hacked and posted on the internet.

As part of the settlement, each Settlement Class member will receive a payment ranging from $50 to $70,000, with those who had their nude photos published online receiving the maximum. The attorneys estimate that the funds will be distributed early next year.

According to the lawsuit, the data breach occurred on February 6, 2023, exposing personally identifiable information and protected health information including one or more of the following: address, email address, Social Security number, passport information, drivers license number/State ID number, health insurance provider, medical diagnosis/medical treatment information, medication, lab results, and nude photographs (collectively Sensitive Information).

The data breach was later identified as the work of the notorious cyber-hacker group ALPHV, also known as BlackCat. ALPHV has gained notoriety for cyberattacks against academia and healthcare institutions. In total, around 132 gigabytes of information and images were uploaded to the dark web.

At the time of the data breach, the hackers told LHVN that if the ransom was not paid, the sensitive images would be released publicly. Despite having this knowledge, LVHN did not pay the ransom, and the images were subsequently released. The lawsuit said that Rather than act in their patients best interest, LVHN put its own financial considerations first.

As a result, the plaintiff and class have suffered embarrassment and humiliation by having these previously unknown nude images of themselves receiving cancer treatment posted online. The class action lawsuit pointed at LVHNs failure to properly secure and safeguard sensitive information it had collected and stored.

J. Doe v. Lehigh Valley Health Network, Lackawanna County Court of Common Pleas, No. 23-CV-1149

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A child receives a dose of polio vaccine during a door-to-door vaccination campaign in Karachi on September 9 (Rizwan TABASSUM) (Rizwan TABASSUM/AFP/AFP)

More than 100 Pakistan police who provide security for polio vaccination teams in restive border areas went on strike Thursday after a string of deadly militant attacks this week.

Police officers who are routinely deployed to protect polio workers going door-to-door frequently come under attack by militants waging a war against security forces.

Hundreds of police and polio workers have been killed over the past decade.

"Any constable who learns of the protest is leaving their polio duty to join the demonstration," said a police officer at the sit-in who asked not to be named.

He told AFP that negotiations have failed between the protesting police and senior officials in Bannu district, in the northwestern border province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Since the launch of the latest vaccination drive on Monday, at least two police officers and one polio worker have been shot dead in separate attacks in rural districts near the border with Afghanistan, including one officer escorting a team on Thursday.

Nine people were also wounded on Monday in a bomb attack on a polio vaccination team claimed by the Islamic State group.

Most attacks are claimed by the Pakistani Taliban, a separate group from the Afghan Taliban but with a similar ideology.

In the latest attack, two motorcyclists opened fire on the police officer.

"The polio team was in a nearby street at the time, so they remained unharmed," Ziauddin Ahmed, the district police officer, told AFP.

- Polio and militancy surge -

Pakistan has seen a surge in polio cases this year, recording 17 cases so far in 2024, compared to six in 2023.

Pakistan and Afghanistan are the only countries in the world where polio remains endemic despite an effective vaccine.

Health officials had aimed to vaccinate 30 million children in a week-long campaign.

"A partial polio campaign is underway here, but many police officials have abandoned their duties to join the sit-in," another protesting police officer told AFP on condition of anonymity.

According to the United Nations children's agency (UNICEF), the number of polio cases in Pakistan has fallen dramatically from around 20,000 annually in the early 1990s.

Pockets of Pakistan's mountainous border regions however remain resistant to inoculation as a result of misinformation, conspiracy theories, and some firebrand clerics declaring it un-Islamic.

Pakistan has witnessed a surge in militant attacks since the Taliban government returned to power in neighbouring Afghanistan in 2021, mostly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, but also in southwestern Balochistan, which abuts Afghanistan and Iran.

Islamabad accuses Kabul's rulers of failing to root out militants sheltering on Afghan soil as they prepare to stage assaults on Pakistan -- a charge the Taliban government denies.

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As a 4-year-old Palestinian child waited on Sunday to cross into Jordan for a chance at a life-saving medical procedure, a gunman was crossing from the other side to attack Israeli border guards.

Accompanied by his mother and fiercest advocate, Huda, Ahmed Hammad had left Gaza a few hours earlier for an emergency surgery to change his pacemaker, a necessary device he had since he was just a baby that has a battery that is now days away from completely depleting.

As doctors first warned about the situation in March, the family soon organized to request an emergency evacuation, according to the humanitarian agents helping them. But Hammad's case was repeatedly rejected by Israeli officials who cited security concerns, they said.

PHOTO: Ahmed Hammad is seen in an undated photo. (Courtesy Huda Hammad)

Until Sunday, when he made it out of Gaza for the first time, traveling to the crossing in the West Bank, just to be returned to the war-torn Gaza Strip a few hours later. All crossings from Jordan were shut down after the gunman coming from Jordan killed three Israeli civilians at Allenby Bridge crossing, Israeli officials said.

It has been over 11 months since Hamas militants carried out a surprise attack that prompted a retaliatory war from Israel, which has left over 41,000 killed and 94,000 injured in Gaza, according to the Hamas-controlled Gaza Health Ministry. The health care system in the Strip collapsed as a direct result, leaving cases like Hammad's in a limbo of bureaucracy that quickly took most of the time he had left to save his life.

Humanitarian agencies, such as Save The Children and Doctors Without Borders, say there are thousands of other children like him waiting to evacuate for medical reasons.

Hammad, who is nonverbal, has people who raised their voice on his behalf, pleading his case to the relevant authorities more urgently as every day went by.

His mother, Huda, who said she already lost a daughter early in the war due to malnutrition and lack of health care, has been documenting Ahmed's journey on Instagram.

In posts shared with a growing number of supporters from all around the world, Huda uploaded photos of her son resting in a tent, as well as videos of the frequent, painful seizure-like activity that came with his pacemaker's battery dwindling.

PHOTO: A family waits at the Jordan border on Sept. 8, 2024. (PCRF)

Also fighting on behalf of Ahmed is Tareq Hailat, head of the Treatment Abroad Program at the Palestine Children's Relief Fund (PCRF), which provides free medical care to Palestinian children who lack access to it.

"He needs to get out, or that battery runs out and he's going to die," Hailat told ABC News.

He added that surgeries like the one Hammad needs were ordinary in Gaza before Oct.7 but are now impossible in what humanitarian agencies, such as Doctors Without Borders, call a destroyed health care system.

Hailat said that the situation with medical evacuations for children of Gaza deteriorated after the Israeli military took over the Philadelphi Corridor, a strategic ribbon of land running 9 miles at the border with Egypt that includes the Rafah crossing, a main evacuation point.

"Since the Rafah border has been closed, there's only been about maybe a hundred children that have been pulled out. Before, we would pull out almost 50 every single day," Hailat said.

When asked about the system in place and why emergency cases like Hammad's can wait for months without updates, Hailat said there is no system in place and the permission appears to be given arbitrarily.

"We ask the same question every single day: why is this particular child not being able to be pulled out? And it really has to do with the fact that it's all in the hands of COGAT and no one else," Hailat told ABC News, referring to the Israeli military's Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories. "So we have to wait and plead until they approve, and we have to exert as much pressure as possible."

Hammad's peacemaker will soon lose power, which would leave him to face likely cardiac arrest, according to his doctor and advocates.

ABC News has reached out to COGAT for comment.

PHOTO: Ahmed and his mother Huda are seen in an undated photo. (Courtesy Huda Hammad)

Dr. Oday Sallout, a cardiac and pediatric surgeon at the European Hospital in Gaza who has been following Hammad's case, said he has a "complete heart block" condition, with his heart's upper and lower chambers disassociated and not working in combination.

"This creates a mess, with complications including sudden loss of consciousness and ultimately the risk of cardiac arrest," Sallout said in an interview. "With a pacemaker he can sustain a good life, but it must be changed. I've learned he was first approved to evacuate without his mother, which is like a death sentence for someone like Ahmed."

Hes dependent on his mother, so separating them could be catastrophic, Sallout said.

After the Palestinian Ministry of Health flagged the case, Hammad was approved through the World Health Organization to be welcomed for treatment in multiple countries, including Spain and the United Arab Emirates.

But he needs to leave Gaza first.

Palestinian child awaits Gaza evacuation as pacemaker battery nears depletion originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Displaced Palestinians fleeing from the city of Rafah crowd along a market street in Deir el-Balah. The occupied Palestinian territories have experienced an unprecedented economic collapse due to Israeli military actions, according to a UN report released on 12 September. Abed Rahim Khatib/dpa

The occupied Palestinian territories have experienced an unprecedented economic collapse due to Israeli military actions, according to a UN report released on Thursday.

The humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, where war has been raging ever since the October 7 attacks on Israel, is "beyond catastrophic," the UN has repeatedly said.

The UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in Geneva said that in the last quarter of 2023 the Gaza Strip's gross domestic product (GDP) "has plunged 81%, leaving its economy in ruins."

This corresponds to a 22% decline for the entire year. This summer, the GDP is said to have been only one-sixth of what it was in 2022.

Israel has been blockading and bombarding large parts of the Gaza Strip in a war launched after Palestinian militant group Hamas led unprecedented attacks on Israel on October 7 that killed more than 1,200 people.

According to the Hamas-controlled health authority in Gaza, more than 40,000 people have been killed in the Palestinian territory since the start of the war.

Economic tensions, land occupation, violence from Israeli settlers and the destruction of Palestinian facilities have reportedly had devastating economic consequences in the West Bank as well.

The UNCTAD report covers the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.

For the United Nations, the Gaza Strip is also considered an occupied territory because Israel controls all access points.

However, Israel does not regard itself as an occupying power since the withdrawal of military and civilians from the Gaza Strip in 2005.
Palm Springs police reopened North Gene Autry Trail between Salvia Road and Via Escuela on Thursday morning after an overnight closure due to reduced visibility from blowing sand.

Police announced the road was reopened shortly after 9 a.m. Thursday.

Adam Roser, a National Weather Service meteorologist, told The Desert Sun that Wednesday would likely be the windiest of the next few days and it should die down later in the night. On Tuesday, the Palm Springs Fire Department said on Facebook that the winds were expected to bring smoke into the city from the Airport and Line fires to the west.

The South Coast Air Quality Management District's smoke advisory was extended through Thursday night in parts of Southern California due to those fires and the Bridge Fire, which straddles the border between Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties.

Ani Gasparyan covers the western Coachella Valley cities of Desert Hot Springs and Cathedral City. Reach her at ani.gasparyan@desertsun.com.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Palm Springs reopens Gene Autry Trail after overnight closure
PANAMA CITY BEACH, FL. (WMBB)  A Panama City Beach man is behind bars for crimes he allegedly committed more than 30 years ago.

On Monday, Panama City Beach Police said they arrested 50-year-old Michael Gottler.

Investigators said Gottler repeatedly sexually abused two girls between 1989 and 1992. One of the victims was between the ages of 4 and 7 at the time, officials confirmed.

Officials said Gottler admitted to the abuse in front of several witnesses.

Gottler is being held in the Bay County Jail on a $500,000 bond. He is being charged with two counts of sexual assault on a child under 12 years old.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com.
GULF COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  Gulf County Sheriffs Office deputies safely prevented a vehicle fleeing Bay County from further endangering the public, on Tuesday night.

According to GCSO, Deputy Hamm got behind a car on Highway 22, which the Bay County Sheriffs Office was pursuing. The driver veered into oncoming traffic, forcing other vehicles to swerve, officials said.

As the chase continued down Highway 71. Deputy Hamm coordinated with Sgt. Page to deploy spike strips, which were successful. The vehicle stopped just south of Flemings Curve, officials confirmed.

The driver, 27-year-old Mackenzie Wade Cullison, of Panama City Beach, consented to provide two breath samples, measuring a blood alcohol content of .262 and .277.

Cullison is being charged with fleeing and eluding law enforcement with lights and siren active and DUI.

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PANAMA CITY, FL. (WMBB)  A Panama City man was arrested after sexually assaulting an 11-year-old girl.

BCSO officials arrested 57-year-old, Gregory Alan Scott, who is facing felony charges.

According to an arrest affidavit, the incident allegedly occurred in January 2022.

Investigators said the victim had a cognitive delay. She commented to a teacher about being embarrassed when she showed her skin and other parts of her body to Scott, investigators said.

When the initial interview with investigators was done in December 2022, the victim said she didnt want to talk about it.

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However, during an additional interview in March 2023, the victim reportedly said that Scott did something bad and private parts were involved.

The victim was also interviewed this past Monday when she reportedly told authorities that Scott had sexually abused her on two separate occasions, officials wrote.

The Child Exploitation Team was also involved in this investigation and their findings did indicate sexual exploitation.

Scott was charged with capital sexual battery of a victim less than 12 and lewd or lascivious molestation.

Scott was taken to the Bay County Jail, and being held on a $2,500,000 bond.

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The North Carolina Trusted Elections Tour stopped in Raleigh on Sept. 11, 2024. (Christine Zhu/NC Newsline)

A panel of election officials, attorneys, and cybersecurity experts sought to demystify the elections process in North Carolina while also answering questions about ballot security at a townhall in Raleigh on Wednesday.

The event at Meredith College was one of 27 stops on the North Carolina Trusted Elections Tour, organized by the North Carolina Network for Fair, Safe, and Secure Elections. The network, which is led by former state Supreme Court Justice Bob Orr and former Charlotte Mayor Jennifer Roberts, represents a bipartisan group of individuals and organizations that was brought together by The Carter Center to create dialogue around election security and access.

Roberts and Orr offered brief remarks kicking off Wednesdays gathering, which was attended by a mixture of around 20 community members and Meredith College students. Turnout has varied across the tour, with some nights having around a dozen audience members while others have attracted nearly 100.

The panel responded to audience questions and shared their insights regarding the democratic process.

Among other things, speakers noted that both federal and state law require voters to be U.S. citizens.

Registration forms ask for either the last four digits of a voters social security number or their drivers license, which the elections board can verify with the Social Security Administration or Department of Motor Vehicle records, according to Paul Cox, general counsel of the North Carolina State Board of Elections.

We verify that the person is, in fact, the person theyre claiming to be, Cox said.

Election security has increasingly become a concern in recent years, said David McLennan, a professor of political science at Meredith College and the founder of the Meredith Poll, which surveys North Carolinians about their opinions on public issues.

McLennan attributed these worries to a combination of distrust in the electoral process and lack of knowledge around how it works.

For example, he noted, voters have voiced skepticism about drop off boxes  which North Carolina doesnt use. In other instances, they show up at a polling place too early.

Sometimes the national discourse around voting and voting problems filters into the state, McLennan said.

Panelists also discussed the fact that this year marks the first presidential election in which North Carolinians must show a photo ID when voting, a law enacted in 2018 but only implemented in local elections last year after years of litigation.

Documents can include a North Carolina drivers license, a U.S. passport, military or veterans ID card, tribal enrollment card, college or university student ID, government ID, and other options.

Theres virtually no privately-issued IDs that are accepted, except for private universities, Cox said in response to an audience member who asked about IDs for voters in assisted living facilities.

Attendees were curious about the repercussions of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s recent successful move to have his name removed from ballots, which has delayed the mailing of absentee ballots.

Its costly for county election boards, many of which had already started printing out ballots.

Were paying a premium to get them reprinted, Wake County Board of Elections member Gerry Cohen said.

With more than 1 million residents, Wake County is the most populous in the state. Cohen estimates the reprinting process will cost Wake County more than $100,000.

Brad Reaves, a computer science professor at North Carolina State University, addressed qualms about cybersecurity and technology.

He said that although nobody has the resources to compromise an election, plenty of entities have the ability to erode trust in the system by spreading misinformation and disinformation.

For example, there was an AI-generated call in New Hampshire using President Joe Bidens voice to ask voters not to cast their ballots for him.

So much misinformation and disinformation starts with trying to induce fear and panic so that it shuts off the rational parts of your brain, Reaves said.
Part of Loop 101 is going to get wider. Here's where and what to know

The Arizona Department of Transportation will be hosting a meeting next week to present details about its soon-to-launch project of widening Loop 101 between Interstate 17 and 75th Avenue.

The meeting will provide information on the planned addition of a new lane in each direction and other improvements.

Work is scheduled to start Sept. 27 and expected to take two-and-a-half years to complete.

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To improve traffic flow, the project will also add a third southbound left turn lane on 75th Avenue for traffic entering the eastbound freeway.

The project will involve crews widening several bridges, reconstruction of on- and off-ramps, resurfacing the freeways pavement and improving the ramp connecting westbound Loop 101 to northbound I-17.

During construction, individual on- or off-ramps will be closed for about 60 days while crews rebuild them to fit with the wider freeway. The project team will make accommodations for drivers to access businesses and residences.

The public meeting was scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 19, at 6:30 p.m. at the Foothills Recreation and Aquatic Center in Glendale.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Part of Loop 101 is going to get wider. Here's where and what to know
Parts of the Carola Bridge over the Elbe have collapsed. Robert Michael/dpa

Stabilization work is under way the day after the partial collapse of the Carola Bridge, a major artery across the Elbe river in the German city of Dresden, with authorities warning that the whole bridge is at risk of falling into the water.

A support structure was completed overnight on one side of the concrete bridge to stabilize the section that connects to the river bank, a spokesman for the fire brigade said on Thursday.

A similar substructure is to soon be erected on the other side of the bridge, which leads to Dresden's popular Old Town district.

In the early hours of Wednesday, an approximately 100-metre section of the bridge collapsed into the Elbe.

This section is to be demolished in a controlled manner in coordination with engineers and the German military, fire brigade spokesman Michael Klahre said.

Klahre said that without the support structures being erected at either end, it would only be "a matter of time before this bridge collapses further."

The accident caused no injuries, but at any other time of day the collapse could have led to a catastrophe, officials said.

The Carola Bridge has a pedestrian and cycle path alongside the tram tracks crossing the Elbe River. All were affected by the accident.

The cause is still being investigated, but the police do not believe the collapse was caused by an external factor.

Parts of the Carola Bridge over the Elbe have collapsed. Robert Michael/dpa
A passenger was given an $11,780 fine after his bad behavior led to a flight being diverted and eventually canceled

A passenger was given an $11,780 fine after his bad behavior led to a flight being diverted and eventually canceled

An unruly passenger was ordered to pay $11,780 after causing a flight cancellation.

The Jetstar flight U-turned, and passengers had to stay in hotels overnight.

About half of the bill went towards fuel costs after the plane had to dump fuel before landing.

An unruly passenger has been ordered to pay 17,630 Australian dollars ($11,780), including fuel costs, after causing a flight to be canceled.

In Monday's announcement, the Australian Federal Police said the man was flying from Perth to Sydney last September.

Australian outlet 7News named Wade Corbett, aged 33 at the time, as the man accused of being drunk and disruptive on board the Jetstar flight.

Airline staff had requested assistance from law enforcement after his unruly behavior, the AFP said.

The pilots turned the plane around to Perth, and they had to dump fuel before landing.

Corbett was ordered to pay 8,630 Australian dollars (around $5,800) to the airline for the flight's fuel costs. He was also fined an additional 9,000 Australian dollars (around $6,000).

After the plane returned to Perth, the flight was canceled. According to 7News, the crew had reached their maximum working hours, so the airline had to arrange overnight accommodation for the passengers.

Corbett pleaded guilty to one count of disorderly behavior on an aircraft, and one count of failure to comply with safety instructions.

"This incident should serve as a warning that criminal behaviour on board can come at a heavy cost to the offender," said the AFP's acting superintendent, Shona Davis.

"It's far simpler to obey the directions of airline staff than cause unnecessary issues, which can end up hitting you in the hip pocket," she added.

Corbett's bill wasn't as costly as the fine faced by an 18-year-old British passenger earlier this year.

Aditya Verma was accused of joking about blowing up an easyJet flight, prompting fighter jets to scramble and escort the airliner.

Spanish authorities tried to give him a $120,000 bill, but he was found not guilty of public disorder.

Read the original article on Business Insider
PATERSON, N.J. (PIX11)  There are many aspects to policing in Paterson, New Jersey.

But this job, in New Jerseys third largest city, does indeed come with certain hazards, and a level of intensity that often convinces Patersons cops to go looking for higher-paying, less dangerous work  in neighboring suburban communities.

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But that could change, with the expected passing of a new police union contract granting across-the-board raises with an emphasis on those with 4 to 8 years on the job.

Union officials say they represent a bulk of the cops leaving the department.

They should have changed it. They are the front line right there. Most of the cops going to Bergen County and other towns are making a hundred and something thousand a year, living like kings. Everybody got a family to feed, said long-time Paterson resident N. Jones.

PBA Union officials say over the last six years, more than a hundred Paterson cops left for higher-paying law enforcement work elsewhere.

This new contract  hammered out by the union and Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh, would see a 6-year police department veterans salary increase from $56,383 to $88,000 a year.

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But Patersons proposed increases still pale in comparison to many Bergen County towns, including Northvale where this year, a 6-year police department veteran is set to earn more than $108K a year.

We obviously cant compete with Bergen County. My intentions were to keep us competitive. It took me 18 years to hit $100K. These new kids, its going to take eight years. Thats what we were trying to get  get these kids the money they deserve and make them feel appreciated, said Angel Jiminez, president of the PBA.

Mayor Sayegh acknowledges another factor in the law enforcement talent drain; traditionally less dangerous police work in those neighboring, more affluent, often quieter communities.

Quite frankly, Paterson has its challenges. Public safety is paramount and we also understand that we are understaffed. Our goal is to get to 439 police officers. On a good day, we are at around 400, said Mayor Sayegh.

Paterson to fix pothole-plagued street

The next step? A vote in the City Council, led by council president Alex Mendez. We are all on the same page. We have to sign it, execute it, and make our police department stronger.

Both Jiminez and Mayor Sayegh say that ideally, even 429 officers in New Jerseys third largest city is not enough and that ideally, Paterson should have at least 600 officers working in its department. The City Council is expected to vote on the new contract in about two weeks.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
First responders had to extract a patient from a burning vehicle that crashed on State Route 8 near Summit Lake on Wednesday.

Fire crews and medics responded just after 5:30 p.m. to an entrapment motor vehicle accident with a fire near Wilson Road Northwest, according to a Facebook post by the McLane Black Lake Fire Department.

Crews extinguished the fire and began a very technical vehicle extraction, the post says. An Airlift Northwest helicopter with purple University of Washington Medicine branding then landed on State Route 8 to airlift the patient to a hospital.

The post indicates Washington State Patrol helped keep traffic flowing while the helicopter was on the ground.

Trooper John Datillo posted about the incident on X, describing it as a single vehicle collision with serious injuries that initially blocked the eastbound left lane.

All eastbound lanes and part of the westbound lanes were later blocked while the helicopter responded to the scene, according to a separate Washington State Department of Transportation post on X.

A follow-up WSDOT post indicated the roadway reopened about 8:15 p.m. Wednesday.

The Olympian asked Datillo to provide more details about the crash, but he said he did not have details to share as of Thursday morning.
Rep. Sandra Cano, a Pawtucket Democrat, listens during a meeting of the Senate Finance Committee at the Rhode Island State House on Tuesday, May 7, 2024. (Will Steinfeld/Rhode Island Current)

Rhode Island Sen. Sandra Cano resigned from office and ended her reelection campaign Thursday, citing a new, unspecified opportunity.

Cano has represented Pawtuckets District 18 since 2018, and served as the first Latina chair of the Senate Education Committee. Health care and education reforms, including a financial literacy program in public high schools and expanded insurance coverage for fertility treatments, are among the key legislative wins she cited in a resignation letter to Senate President Dominick Ruggerio and Rhode Island Secretary of State Gregg Amore.

When I reflect upon the progress we have made, I am filled with gratitude for the dedication and collaboration of countless colleagues in government, community advocates, and members of the public, who have all worked tirelessly to bring about positive change, Cano wrote. Representing the people of Pawtucket in the Senate has been the honor of my lifetime. I hope and believe that I was able to bring about impactful change through my service, and I look forward to continuing to contribute to building stronger communities in new ways in the future.

Her letter did not offer any details about the new opportunity except that it required her to resign from elected office and not seek reelection.

Cano did not immediately return calls for comment Thursday.

Rumors swirling around Smith Hill suggest Cano might be in the running for job as New England regional administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration, though Cano denied this when speaking to The Boston Globe Rhode Islands Dan McGowan. The presidentially-appointed post is currently vacant.

Cano, who works as commerce director for the city of Pawtucket, was poised to face independent challenger Cathyann Palocsik in the November general election. She was unopposed in the primary.

Under state law, the Rhode Island Democratic State Committee has until 4 p.m. Friday to name a new candidate for the November race.

Liz Beretta-Perik, state party chair, was not immediately available to comment Thursday.

Ruggerio in a statement Thursday thanked Cano for her service.

Senator Sandra Cano has been a valued member of my leadership team, Ruggerio said. She has earned the respect of all her colleagues through her wisdom, tenacity, and passion. The indefatigable advocacy she brought to the Senate has made an extraordinary impact that will benefit Rhode Islanders for generations to come. While I hate to see her leave the Senate, I know that she will continue to make a tremendous difference working with her in a new capacity.

Cano, a Colombian immigrant who came to the United States as a teenager under political asylum, began her political career in 2012 on the Pawtucket School Committee, advancing to a seat on the Pawtucket City Council in 2014.

She also ran, and placed third, in the special Democratic primary for the open 1st Congressional District seat in 2023.

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Penguins miraculous survival story, fascinating cave find, what to watch this fall: Catch up on the days stories

Editors Note: CNNs 5 Things newsletter is your one-stop shop for the latest headlines and fascinating stories to start and end your busy day. Sign up here.

 Welcome to 5 Things PM! With the approach of fall and cooler weather, the US is entering a riskier season for the spread of the bird flu virus. Experts explain why they are worried.

Heres what else you might have missed during your busy day:

5 things

Gekidan Penters

1 Survival story: A runaway penguin survived for two weeks while lost at sea in Japan during a typhoon. Pen, who was born and raised in captivity, paddled for 28 miles  and though destructive, the storm may have actually helped. Her keeper called it nothing short of a miracle.

2 Significant breakthrough: A drug currently used to treat HIV has been found to dramatically reduce the risk of infection in people who took a twice-a-year injection, the drugmaker said. Gilead plans to use the clinical trial results to start the drug approval process in multiple countries.

3 Mass extinction: Some 250 million years ago, a devastating event known as the Great Dying wiped out more than 90% of all life on Earth. A new theory suggests that a prolonged climate phenomenon could have played a pivotal role.

4 Prime viewing: Looking for something new to watch this fall? Grab a pumpkin spice latte and a comfy seat. Weve got you covered with the best in upcoming film and TV.

5 Fossil find: Scientists spent years piecing together the story behind a puzzling cave discovery in France. The ancient remains might explain why Neanderthals disappeared.

Watch this

 Flood rescue: A good Samaritan waded into the water to break a window and save a driver inside a submerged pickup truck during Hurricane Francine in New Orleans.

Top headlines

 Trump says he wont participate in another presidential debate

 NYC police commissioner resigns as investigations swirl around mayors inner circle

 Harvey Weinstein indicted on new sexual assault allegations

4.7

 Thats the magnitude of an earthquake that rattled Los Angeles and other parts of Southern California, with several aftershocks reported.

Check this out

 Far-out fashion: Celebrities dressed to the nines on a nostalgia-heavy night for MTVs Video Music Awards. Check out some of the red carpets best looks.

Rapper Lil Nas X at the MTV Video Music Awards. - Angela Weiss/AFP/Getty Images

Your health

Check your cabinet: High levels of lead were found in 12 brands of cinnamon and spice blends, according to testing from Consumer Reports.

Sports spotlight

 Record ride: American Lael Wilcox just became the fastest woman to cycle around the world. She covered 18,125 miles in three and a half months. I had so much fun  felt like I couldve just kept riding forever, Wilcox said.

Quiz time

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images North America/Getty Images

 Which airline rewards program was just ranked the worlds best?

A. Virgin Atlantic Flying Club

B. Air France/KLM Flying Blue

C. Delta SkyMiles

D. United MileagePlus

 Scroll down for the answer.

Good vibes

 We like to wrap things up on a positive note: Railcars once packed with Atlanta commuters are now 65 feet below the Atlantic Ocean and filled with inquisitive fish, endangered sea turtles and coral. Marine biologists are happy with the progress, which is part of an effort to develop reef habitats and wildlife with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

Thanks for reading

 Quiz answer: B. Air France and KLMs Flying Blue program came out on top in the rankings from Point.me, a points and travel reward search platform. Test your knowledge with CNNs weekly news quiz in tomorrow mornings 5 Things newsletter.

 Check out all of CNNs newsletters.

5 Things PM is produced by CNNs Tricia Escobedo, Meghan Pryce and Kimberly Richardson.

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A Pennsylvania man was recently arrested and jailed after he allegedly drugged and sexually assaulted several women that he met through a dating site, including a teenager.

Bristol Township resident Andrew Gallo was charged with five counts of rape by causing impairment and six counts of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, according to the Bucks County District Attorney's Office.

The suspect was also charged with four counts of strangulation, two counts of selling or furnishing liquor or malt or brewed beverage to minors and one count of corruption of minors. He was arrested by authorities on Wednesday.

Authorities say that Gallo met victims through a website called sugardaddymeet.com, where he used the usernames DREWSTER4200 and KAE.

TEEN HITS NYPD OFFICER WITH STOLEN CAR, RAMS VEHICLES BEFORE DRAMATIC ROOFTOP ARREST, VIDEO SHOWS

Bristol Township, Pennsylvania, resident Andrew Gallo is accused of raping victims he found on a dating website.

"The sugardaddymeet.com website advertises itself as a platform for generous men and attractive women looking to form honest relationships," the district attorney's office said. "After meeting the females on the site, Gallo would arrange dates with them at his house, boasting about the great drinks he would make for them."

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Gallo reportedly slipped controlled substances, including methamphetamine, into the women's drinks. The victims' ages ranged from 17 to 30.

"The victimsdescribed feeling strange after consuming the drinks, not how they would typically feel after imbibing alcohol," the press release added. "They described feeling a lack of control during the sexual encounter and unable to stop anything Gallo wished to do."

RITZY FLORIDA BEACH TOWN POLITICIAN ARRESTED FOR ALLEGED DUI: 'I THINK THE MAYOR IS DRUNK'

Andrew Gallo was charged with several counts of rape on Wednesday.

"The victims reported side effects from the drugs that including [sic] staying up for days, hallucinations, and psychosis."

Authorities also executed a warrant at Gallo's residence in August and found a tequila bottle that had methamphetamine in it.

"The victims in this case are so courageous," District Attorney Jennifer Schorn said during a Wednesday news conference. "They came forward to report crimes that quite frankly predators like this assume the victims wont have the strength to do so and I commend them for their strength and courage."

CLICK TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Gallo is currently being held in Bucks County Correctional Facility. Fox News Digital reached out to sugardaddymeet.com for additional comment, but did not immediately hear back.





Original article source: Pennsylvania man accused of raping women from dating website, including teenager
Pentagon allocates $1.2 billion for production of AMRAAM missiles, including for Ukraine

The U.S. Defense Department awarded a contract worth around $1.2 billion to the Raytheon defense contractor for the production of air-to-air AMRAAM missiles, the department said on Sept. 11.

This will include foreign military sales to Ukraine and other countries, including Bahrain, Bulgaria, Canada, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Norway, Switzerland, and the U.K.

The AIM-120 AMRAAM is a beyond-visual-range radar-guided missile used as air-to-air weaponry by American and allied fighter jets. Ukraine can deploy these missiles from its new F-16 fighters and ground-based anti-aircraft platforms to fend off Russian aerial strikes.

The missiles, spare parts, and other associated equipment will be produced in Tucson, Arizona, and are estimated to be completed by Dec. 31, 2028.

Kyiv has been increasingly calling for faster deliveries of anti-aircraft weapons and ammunition as Russia launched a new wave of drone and missile attacks against Ukrainian cities in August.

The U.S. previously announced a new $250 million aid package for Ukraine during a Ramstein group meeting on Sept. 6, pledging air defense missiles, armored vehicles, artillery shells, and other supplies.

Read also: Howitzers, missiles, armor  what Ukraine was promised in Ramstein

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
A moldy Pizza Munchable is pictured here. A junior student at the school said they were served this meal on Tuesday, Sept. 10.

A moldy lunch has caused quite a stir on Peoria social media and has once again raised questions about food quality at Peoria Public Schools.

A parent of a Peoria High School student posted photos of a meal she and her son say was served Tuesday at the school. The images of that meal show moldy pizza dough on a dish called a "pizza munchable."

Candace Howard and her son, Alinyjah Nellum, a junior at Peoria High School, say something needs to be done to fix the quality of food at Peoria Public Schools so that no more students are served moldy or low-quality food.

"You just spent all this money on phone bags but you're feeding our kids ... they might as well go out back and eat out of the trash, that's basically the grade of food they're getting out of the lunchroom," Howard told the Journal Star on Wednesday.

More: 'It felt like they didn't respect us': Employees upset after abrupt Red Lobster closure

Peoria Public Schools, meanwhile, says it is trying to figure out how it is possible a pizza munchable  which is a cold dish served with round dough circles, shredded cheese and cold sauce  was served on Tuesday at Peoria High School, given that it was only on the menu for Monday.

Nellum says the pizza munchables are served out of a fridge, grab-and-go style, and he took one out of a fridge for lunch on Tuesday. He took a few bites and then spit the food out when he saw the mold. He was going to just throw the food away, but a friend told him to show a cafeteria worker.

When Nellum brought the food to a cafeteria worker, he says she quickly snatched it away and hid it in her arm while telling him to grab something else for lunch. Nellum, not wanting anymore moldy food, said he decided not to eat anything at all.

"I told her I didn't want anything else because if that could have mold on it, what could anything else have?" Nellum said.

Peoria Public Schools spokesperson Marjorie Kauth said all of the pizza munchables provided by the district's food vendor, Organic Life, were served on Monday and none remained left over to be served on Tuesday.

Kauth also said the cafeteria workers at Peoria High School told district officials that no student had complained about moldy food.

"Organic Life used this post as an opportunity to reinforce their food safety protocols, which is regularly review their food inventory, discard any questionable items whether or not the item is within its expiration date and remind staff of food handling and storage protocols and diligently follow all protocols," Kauth said.

But Nellum says he did, in fact, take a pizza munchable out of the grab-and-go fridge on Tuesday and said there were about four other pizza munchables in the fridge when he grabbed his lunch.

Nellum said, like most students at Peoria High School, he normally eats the salads served at lunch, but on Tuesday he decided to have a pizza munchable instead because he didn't see any salads.

Nellum said students at the high school often have issues with the food that is served, outside of the pizza and salads. He said a friend of his had an undercooked chicken sandwich and said other students have encountered moldy, stale and soggy bread.

More: 'Serious criminal charges' possible as Peoria police investigating anti-violence group

This is not the first time food quality at Peoria Public Schools has been a hot button issue for parents and students.

In 2022, more than 100 parents shared their concerns with the Journal Star over the poor food quality at Peoria Public Schools, and state Rep. Jehan Gordon Booth, D-Peoria, even pushed a bill in Springfield that aimed to increase the quality of food served in schools.

Still, Howard says there are concerns about what children are eating at school  worries she plans to bring before the school board at its next meeting on Sept. 23.

Howard, who also has a grandson at Peoria Public Schools, worries about incidents like this happening at district elementary schools where children might not be able to recognize things like mold.

"They would just be eating it without knowing it, and then here we are as parents and grandparents trying to figure out what's wrong with our kids, why is our kids getting sick when this is what's happening to them  this is what they're feeding them at this school," Howard said.

She said her son will not be allowed to eat the food the school serves anymore, and despite her limited resources, she is going to find a way to send him to school with a lunch.

"At this point, it's something I have to try to manage, something I have to try and make available, because I can't just tell him 'well today might be better,'" Howard said. "I wouldn't go eat at a restaurant again after I found a bug in my food or got moldy food. I wouldn't go back there. He has to go there to learn, but he does not have to eat."

More: A home inventory 'crisis' is hitting Peoria and Illinois. Here's what the experts say

This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Photos of lunch at Peoria High School cause Facebook uproar
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD)  A Peoria teenager allegedly tried to stage a Mapleton womans death as a suicide, a Peoria County prosecutor said Wednesday.

Assistant States Attorney Terry Muench said Nathaniel Archuletas story of carrying Mary Halcomb to landing at the base of stairs in a South Peoria home was not plausible. No blood was found on him and his statement that he dropped the gun she allegedly used by her head didnt make sense.

Muench noted and pointed to pictures given to Judge Mark Gilles  but not displayed in open court  that he said showed her fingers wrapped around the gun handle. That, the prosecutor said, was evidence of him trying to shift blame away from him.

Gilles agreed, noting that nothing could be done to protect the community from Archuleta, noting he was on juvenile probation after being found guilty of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.

Archuleta is charged with involuntary manslaughter, first-degree murder and unlawful possession of a handgun in connection with the incident Friday which occurred in a home on South Griswold Street.

Gilles called the death of Holcomb gruesome and noted the inconsistencies in his statements to police. Archuleta will next appear in court on Oct. 10 for his arraignment. The teen faces at least 45 years and possibly up to life in prison if convicted of all charges.

The judge also ordered him held in custody at the county jail pending the outcome of his case.

The third-floor courtroom was filled to capacity as friends and family of Mary Halcomb sat on one side while the other was people who supported Archuleta. The room was still and quiet. No one talked and even made a sound.

After the hearing, one person on Halcombs side walked out carrying a stuffed animal. Another woman had her mouth covered with a tissue.

The victim of Friday nights deadly shooting has been identified as a Mapleton woman

The charges

The possession charge alleges he was under 21 and therefore could not lawfully have a gun. The involuntary manslaughter charge accused him of knowingly and recklessly handled a loaded handgun knowing such acts created a strong probability of death or great bodily harm to Halcomb.

The murder charge states he shot her, causing her death. Because prosecutors allege he personally discharged the gun, he faces additional time.

The possession charge alleges hes under 21 and also had been convicted in juvenile court of a felony, making him ineligible to possess a weapon.

The Allegations

According to police, officers responded to the area after receiving a report of a person being shot at 10:41 p.m., Friday. When officers arrived, they located the stairs landing with a gunshot wound to her head and neck.

Officers interviewed Archuleta who said at first she had killed herself in an upstairs bedroom and he carried her down to the landing. The gun she used, he said, fell near her head. When questioned by police, he changed his story, saying he was cleaning his gun when it went off.

Muench said that was implausible, as the gunshot wound was in the same spot on both sides of her head, meaning it was fired perpendicular to her body. That wasnt the way most people clean a gun by holding it up high and next to another person.

There was also evidence of stifling or soot that was found on her body which indicates she was shot at fairly close range.

When officers searched the upstairs room, they found blood on the walls and on a bed where Archuleta said he was cleaning his gun.

Police also noted there was a handwritten note on a wall in the bedroom where Halcomb professed her love for Archuleta and if she violated that trust, he could euthanize her.

He admitted to police he was upset that Halcomb had been texting another man but denied killing her or placing the gun in her hands.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CIProud.com.
Person of interest in 2004 New York murder may be living in Tampa Bay

Person of interest in 2004 New York murder may be living in Tampa Bay

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  The sole person of interest connected to the murder of a 25-year-old woman in New York may be living in Tampa Bay, according to the Chautauqua County Sheriffs Office.

On Aug. 10, 2004, 25-year-old Yolanda Bindics, a mother of four, was reported missing to a local police department after she did not return home from a shift at a Family Dollar Store in Jamestown.

Age progression photo may help identify Clearwater boy gone missing 24 years ago

Two years later, Bindics skeletal remains were discovered in the Boutwell Hill State Forest in the Town of Charlotte on Sept. 10, 2006. Her death was determined to be a homicide.

The father of Bindics youngest child, Clarence Carl Carte, is a person of interest in her murder.

(Clarence Carte leaves Jamestown, New York Kwik Fill looking at the Family Dollar Store across the street.)

(Cartes Dodge Durango, Aug. 27, 2004)

(Dodge Durango leaving Kwik-Fill 161 Fluvanna Ave., Jamestown, NY. Aug. 10, 2004)

(Clarence Carl Carte at Kwik-Fill 161 Fluvanna Ave., Jamestown, NY. Aug. 10, 2004)

Yolanda Bindics vehicle

Since June 2022, 176 interviews have been conducted. Officials said a Jamestown Police Officer, Michael Watson, was an original person of interest but is no longer considered a suspect.

Newly released drone footage and images captured on a security camera shows Carte in the Family Dollar Store around the same time Bindics was finishing her shift. These visuals captured him leaving a Kwik Fill store, located across the street where Bindics was working that evening.

Chautauqua County Sheriffs Office, NY

17-year-old murders mom in Polk County after killing dad in 2023, officials say

Officials believe that Carte may be living in the Crystal River area.

We are confident that we are so close to having this solved, Yolandas sister, Anne Chmielewski, said in a press conference in New York.

20 years is long, Chmielewski added.

Anyone with information about Yolanda Bindics murder is asked to call the anonymous tip line at 716-703-5955.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
Alberto Fujimori waves to journalists at his home in Santiago in May 2006 - AFP

Perus former president Alberto Fujimori, who spent 16 years in prison for crimes against humanity, died on Wednesday at the age of 86 in Lima.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, his children Keiko, Hiro, Sachie and Kenji Fujimori wrote: After a long battle with cancer, our father, Alberto Fujimori, has just departed to meet the Lord.

We ask those who loved him to join us in praying for the eternal rest of his soul. Thank you for so much, Dad.

Fujimori, who led Peru from 1990 to 2000, was released from prison on humanitarian grounds in December, two-thirds of the way through a 25-year sentence for crimes against humanity during his rule.

Sources close to his family told AFP earlier on Wednesday that his health had deteriorated rapidly after completing treatment for mouth cancer in August.

Journalists gather outside Fujimoris house in Lima following his death - Reuters

Just a month earlier, his daughter Keiko had announced that he would run for president again in 2026.

Fujimori, who was of Japanese heritage, was sent to prison in 2009 over massacres committed by army death squads in 1991 and 1992 in which 25 people, including a child, were killed in supposed anti-terrorist operations.

Ruthless legacy

Fujimori was loved by many for crushing the notorious left-wing Shining Path rebels, but hated by others for the ruthless, authoritarian way he governed.

Born in Lima on July 28, 1938, Fujimori was an agricultural engineer by training, then worked as a university lecturer in mathematics.

He studied in France and the United States, eventually earning a Masters degree in mathematics.

Upon his return to Lima, he took a high-level post at his former university, before embarking on his unlikely career in politics.

In 1990, he defeated writer Mario Vargas Llosa to win the presidency - a surprise result.

One of the most dramatic episodes of Fujimoris time in power was a four-month hostage ordeal at the Japanese embassy in Lima, which began in December 1996.

Supporters of the former president cried outside his house after learning of his death - Shutterstock

Commandos ended up raiding the embassy, saving nearly all the VIPs held by Tupac Amaru guerrillas and killing the 14 hostage-takers. That strengthened Fujimoris reputation for fighting terrorism with a firm hand.

At the same time, he won popular support for boosting the economy of the South American country, a major mineral exporter.

His neo-liberal economic policies won him the support of the ruling class and international financial institutions.

Fujimoris downfall began in 2000 after Montesinos was exposed for corruption. The president fled to Japan and sent a fax announcing his resignation.

Congress voted to sack him instead and ban him from public office for 10 years. He was eventually arrested when he set foot in Chile and extradited back to Peru for trial.

Fujimori leads armed forces commanders during a military ceremony in Lima on July 28, 1991 - AFP

Fujimori was also found guilty of crimes against humanity for two massacres carried out by army death squads.

While in jail, Fujimori was in and out of the hospital with heart, back and stomach trouble. He had several operations to remove cancerous growths from his tongue.

In December 2017, then-president Pedro Pablo Kuczynski pardoned Fujimori due to his ill health.

But the Supreme Court later annulled the pardon and in January 2019, he was returned to jail from hospital.

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Former Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori, whose complicated and painful legacy included stabilizing the countrys economy before being jailed for human rights violations and corruption scandals, has died at the age of 86.

After a long battle with cancer, our father, Alberto Fujimori, has just departed to meet the Lord. We ask those who loved him to accompany us with a prayer for the eternal rest of his soul, his daughter Keiko Fujimori said Wednesday night on X.

Fujimori, who ruled Peru from 1990 to 2000 during some of the nations most divided times, had been fighting for his health, his primary care physician Alejandro Aguinaga said earlier on Wednesday in brief statements to reporters outside the home of Keiko Fujimori.

Fujimori had previously revealed he had been diagnosed with a new malignant tumor in May.

A deeply divisive figure in his country, Fujimoris tenure in office brought the country back from the brink of economic collapse, and saw the defeat of a terrorist group that had destabilized the country.

But he was also a authoritarian leader who used security forces to crack down on opponents, and was later convicted of serious human rights violations and corruption.

From political outsider to strongman

The son of Japanese immigrants, Fujimori studied at an agricultural university in the Peruvian capital of Lima before traveling overseas for his graduate education in the US and France.

Once back in Peru, he hosted a television show focused on environmental issues before launching a presidential bid in 1989 as the leader of a new party  Cambio 90 (Change 90)  eventually defeating future Nobel literature prize-winning author Mario Vargas Llosa.

His rise saw him join a small number of politicians of Asian descent to lead a non-Asian country.

Fujimori inherited a country in economic crisis. Soon after taking office, he implemented austere economic policies known as the Fujishock, which reined in hyperinflation.

He also claimed victory over the Shining Path rebel movement, one of the oldest guerrilla groups in Latin America, after his government captured the groups leader, Abimael Guzman, who was responsible for tens of thousands of deaths. Years later, his handling of a months-long hostage siege by another rebel group at the Japanese ambassadors residence garnered him international praise.

Peru's former President Alberto Fujimori arrives for the reading of a verdict on charges of embezzling state funds and using them to manipulate the media, at a police base in Lima on January 8, 2015. - Ernesto Benavides/AFP/Getty Images

For some Peruvians, Fujimoris domestic victories transformed him from a political outsider to the strongman the country needed. But the former president had an authoritarian streak, using security forces to repress opponents. Soon, abuse of power and corruption allegations emerged and cast a dark shadow over his national achievements.

In the early 90s, Fujimoris then-wife, Susana Higuchi, publicly denounced him as corrupt and claimed his family had illegally sold clothing donated to Japan. After the pair divorced, Fujimori installed the couples eldest daughter Keiko as Perus first lady ahead of his second term.

In 2000, Fujimori stood for an unprecedented third term in office despite questions about the constitutionality of running yet again. He won, prompting his main opposition candidate to claim election fraud.

But his government crumbled spectacularly later that year, after videos of Vladimiro Montesinos  his powerful intelligence chief for over a decade  were leaked, showing Montesinos bribing an opposition congressman. The scandal quickly snowballed as numerous incriminating videos emerged.

Fujimori denied any wrongdoing, but his standing with the public began to shift. Many Peruvians were left unconvinced and insisted he must have been aware of his top aides abuse of power and embezzlement.

That November, during a trip to Japan, Fujimori tried to quit the Peruvian presidency by sending a fax home announcing his resignation. The move threw the countrys political landscape into chaos. Days later, Perus congress instead fired him and labeled him morally unfit to govern.

He remained in Japan for a number of years, defiant that he would one day return to the upper echelons of Peruvian politics. In the mid-2000s, he traveled to Chile while preparing to stage a political comeback but was promptly arrested and eventually extradited back to Peru to face human rights abuse charges, among other alleged violations.

Legal battles

Fujimori has been in and out of prison over the last few years as a result of his declining health, after being convicted in four different criminal trials.

In 2009, a special supreme court tribunal sentenced him to 25 years in prison for authorizing the operation of a death squad responsible for killing civilians.

In separate trials, the former president was also found guilty of breaking into Montesinos home to steal incriminating videos, taking money from the government treasury to pay the spy chief and authorizing illegal wiretaps and bribing lawmakers and journalists.

Peru's former President Alberto Fujimori speaks during an interview with the Asahi Shimbun newspaper on June 7, 1994, in Tokyo, Japan. - The Asahi Shimbun/Getty Images

He received a medical pardon for his human rights abuses in December 2017 from then-Peruvian President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski. Kuczynskis office issued a statement at the time, saying Fujimori suffers from a progressive, degenerative and incurable disease, adding prison conditions mean a serious risk to his life, health and integrity.

I am aware that what resulted during my administration, on one hand, was well-received but I recognize that on the other hand, I have also disappointed other compatriots. To them, I ask forgiveness from the bottom of my heart, Fujimori had said in a video filmed from his hospital bed and posted to Twitter in 2017.

But the pardon sparked violent protests in the capital of Lima and attracted widespread criticism from human rights organizations and lawmakers.

It was ultimately overturned and in January 2019 he was returned to prison. Separately in 2018, a Peruvian court ruled he could face trial for allegedly authorizing the 1992 kidnappings, torture and killings of six people in the central Peruvian town of Pativilca, according to state-run news agency Andina.

Even with multiple criminal convictions Fujimori always held his ground, arguing that any actions he took were for the good of the country. He maintained that position until the very end.

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ST. LOUIS  PETA is calling on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to revoke the Animal Welfare Act license of Tonia Haddix, a controversial wild-animal broker featured in the recent HBO docuseries Chimp Crazy. The animal rights organization sent a letter to the USDA on September 12, 2024, urging immediate action.

Haddix, who operates a roadside zoo in Camden County, Missouri, gained notoriety for her involvement in a legal battle over the care of chimpanzees, particularly one named Tonka. The case, highlighted in Chimp Crazy, revealed that Haddix had falsely claimed Tonkas death while keeping him caged in her basement.

PETA argues that Haddixs actions, including committing perjury in federal court and violating court orders, demonstrate her disregard for animal welfare and the law. Despite these incidents, Haddix still holds a valid USDA license allowing her to sell wild animals legally.

Jim Edmonds massive Frontenac home hits market for $9 million

The organization previously provided evidence to the USDA of Haddixs perjury and animal mistreatment, but claims the agency has yet to take action. PETA contends that the USDAs inaction may embolden other bad actors in the exotic animal trade.

The Chimp Crazy docuseries, which began airing on August 18, 2024, explores Haddixs complicated history with exotic animal ownership and the broader issues surrounding private ownership of such animals. It builds on earlier reporting by FOX 2s Chris Hayes, which detailed Haddixs legal battles and her defiance of a 2020 consent decree regarding the care of seven chimpanzees.

In 2023, a federal court ordered Haddix to pay over $220,000 in attorneys fees and costs to PETA, concluding a lawsuit related to the Tonka incident. Despite this ruling, Haddix has maintained her stance, stating she would do anything to protect Tonka from what she calls the evil clutches of PETA.

PETAs Letter to the USDA:

September 12, 2024 Sarah Helming Deputy Administrator, Animal Care USDA-APHIS-Animal Care Dear Ms. Helming: I am writing on behalf of PETA to urge the USDA without further delay to revoke Tonia Haddixs federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA) license (license no. 43-B-3839). I am shocked that Ms. Haddix is still able to legally sell wild and exotic animals and even operate a roadside zoo because she still has an AWA license from your agency. If you have seen the HBO docuseries Chimp Crazy, you will know that I was involved in the campaign that ultimately secured the freedom of a chimpanzee named Tonka. You will also know that Ms. Haddix committed perjury and lied under oath during a Zoom hearing, stating that Tonka had died, when he was actually alive in a cramped cage in her basement, isolated from any other members of his species, denied expert veterinary care, and without the ability to appropriately exercise or even feel the sunlight on his skin. It has now been more than two and a half years since Haddix lied under oath in that court hearing and more than two years since PETA rescued Tonka from impending death in Haddixs dismal basement. I am dismayed and disheartened to learn that the USDA has done nothing to ensure that Haddix cannot hurt more animals. She has shown through her actions and her own statements on Chimp Crazy that she has no regard for the law or for animal welfare. Surely, such a person has no business holding an AWA license. A national audience has now seen the extent of Haddixs wildly cruel behavior. By continuing to allow her to peddle vulnerable wild animals to the highest bidder and operate her roadside zoo, the USDA is showing other AWA licensees and the American public that the agency that has been charged by Congress with ensuring the humane treatment of animals like Tonka will ignore even the worst of the worst behavior, which will only embolden the many bad faith actors already under the USDAs jurisdiction. Despite the overwhelming evidence of Haddixs perjury and unfitness to hold an AWA license, she continues to conduct her business with the imprimatur of legitimacy granted to her by AWA licensure. Until the USDA does the right thing, it will be complicit in her wrongful behavior. Very truly yours, Alan Cumming PETA Honorary Director

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Firefighters battle the Bridge Fire in Wrightwood, Calif., on Wednesday. (Ringo Chiu/Reuters)

Three major wildfires burning across four counties in Southern California have torched dozens of homes and forced thousands to evacuate, blanketing parts of the state under smoke and leading California Gov. Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency on Wednesday night.

More than 6,000 fire personnel across 162 crews have been deployed to fight the Bridge, Airport and Line fires, part of a massive response that includes more than 500 fire engines, 141 water tankers and 50 helicopters, according to Newsoms office.

California is deploying every available resource to combat these devastating fires, and well continue to work in lockstep with federal and local partners in this Herculean effort, Newsom said. We are deeply grateful to all the heroic firefighters and first responders on the ground working 24/7 to keep Californians safe.

Vehicles burned in the Airport fire are seen in El Cariso Village near Lake Elsinore, Calif., on Wednesday. (Zoe Meyers/AFP via Getty Images)

According to the Associated Press, at least a dozen people, mainly firefighters, were treated for heat-related injuries. No deaths have been reported.

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These are the three major wildfires currently burning in the state:

The Airport Fire in Orange County, which has burned over 35 square miles and is 5% contained.



The Line Fire in the San Bernardino National Forest, which has burned 57 square miles and is 18% contained.



The Bridge Fire east of Los Angeles, which has burned 78 square miles and is 0% contained.

All three fires erupted over the weekend amid a blistering heat wave that saw triple-digit temperatures across southern California.

Firetrucks are seen around a building as scorched trees smolder during the Bridge Fire in Wrightwood, Calif., Wednesday. (Jae C. Hong/AP)

The Bridge Fire exploded overnight Wednesday, torching at least 33 homes, forcing the evacuation of 10,000 people and threatening mountain communities northeast of L.A., where officials are imploring those under evacuation orders to leave.

Smoke billows at the Mountain High Ski resort as the Bridge Fire continues to burn in Wrightwood, Calif., on Wednesday. (Mario Anzuoni/Reuters)

Cal Fire firefighters tackle the Bridge Fire, which is threatening mountain communities to the northeast of Los Angeles, in Wrightwood, Calif., on Wednesday. (Ringo Chiu/Reuters)

A charred sign lies on the ground after the Bridge Fire burned mountain communities to the northeast of Los Angeles, in Wrightwood, Calif., on Wednesday. (Ringo Chiu/Reuters)

Two firefighters watch the Bridge Fire burn near a structure in Wrightwood, Calif., on Tuesday. (Jae C. Hong/AP)

A burned-out car is seen after the Bridge Fire tore through Wrightwood, Calif., on Wednesday. (Ringo Chiu/Reuters)

The Bridge Fire burns in Wrightwood, Calif., northeast of Los Angeles on Wednesday. (Ringo Chiu/Reuters)

There is no property that is worth risking your life for, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said.

The charred remains of a home are seen in Wrightwood, Calif., on Wednesday. (Ringo Chiu/Reuters)

A plane drops retardant on the Bridge Fire in Wrightwood, Calif., on Wednesday. (Ringo Chiu/Reuters)

The Bridge Fire burns in Wrightwood, Calif., on Tuesday. (Jae C. Hong/AP)

A charred pickup truck is seen in Wrightwood, Calif., on Wednesday. (Ringo Chiu/Reuters)

California is in the middle of its wildfire season but already has seen nearly three times as much acreage burn than during all of 2023. According to the states Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, nearly 1 million acres have burned already this year.

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Right now, in our season, we dont get a lot of recovery from higher humidity, Cal Fire Battalion Chief Andrew Bennett told KTLA. In Southern California, the fuel is dry toward the end of the year, so our fire season is really just starting now.

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Photos show a US Air Force B-2 Spirit bomber flying with Japanese F-35s for the first time

Photos show a US Air Force B-2 Spirit bomber flying with Japanese F-35s for the first time

A US B-2 Spirit bomber flew with Japanese F-35 stealth fighters for the first time.

The aircraft rendezvoused as part of ongoing Bomber Task Force operations in the Indo-Pacific.

The Air Force's B-2 bombers boast massive firepower and advanced stealth capabilities.

New photos captured a US B-2 Spirit bomber flying with Japanese F-35 Lightning II fighter aircraft for the first time.

The aircraft flew together in the Indo-Pacific as part of the ongoing Bomber Task Force mission, which integrates bombers into operations with US allies and partners and demonstrates the ability to operate bombers anywhere in the world.

US Pacific Air Forces shared photos on Wednesday that showed the B-2 and F-35As flying in formation.

The historic first flight was part of Bomber Task Force missions. US Pacific Air Forces

The operation was the first time that a B-2 stealth bomber has flown with Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-35s, according to a press release from PACAF.

The US Air Force B-2 launched from Royal Australian Air Force Base Amberley in Australia. Once the B-2 rendezvoused with the Japanese fighters, the "pilots conducted integration and aerial refueling operations," PACAF said.

B-2s, normally stationed at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, have been conducting Bomber Task Force missions for the past three weeks. But Wednesday's event was significant, PACAF said.

Lt. Col. Justin Meyer, the 110th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron commander, said that "the opportunity to integrate our B-2 Spirit pilots with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force 5th generation aircraft is a significant milestone for our bilateral integration operations."

The US and Japan practiced flight integration and aerial refueling operations. US Air Force photo by Senior Airman Samantha White

"The advanced capabilities of these aircraft, combined with the strategic prowess of the B-2, enhance our collective readiness and interoperability. This collaboration not only strengthens our defense posture but also underscores our commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region," he added.

Bomber Task Force operations are a priority for the US Air Force, as it seeks to demonstrate its capability and integrate its bomber aircraft, such as the stealth B-2 Spirit, supersonic B-1 Lancer, and B-52 Stratofortresses, into missions with US allies and partners.

The goal of the operations in the Indo-Pacific, according to Pacific Air Forces, is to "demonstrate the credibility of US forces to address a complex and uncertain security environment. These operations showcase the United States' commitment to train alongside allies and partners in order to build interoperability and bolster a collective ability to support a free and open Indo-Pacific."

The stealth capabilities of B-2 Spirit bombers are particularly unique in the US Air Force. HUM Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

The B-2 Spirit, a strategic bomber, boasts massive firepower and stealth capabilities that differentiate it from most other US bombers, aside from the new B-21 Raider. Its payload capacity and ability to execute long-range penetrating strike missions make it a significant deterrent to US adversaries.

The aircraft first saw combat during the Kosovo War in 1999, striking Serbian targets with conventional munitions, and has since flown sorties over Iraq, Afghanistan, and other conflict areas. The bombers routinely fly in Europe and the Indo-Pacific.

B-2 bombers are stationed in Missouri but have been engaging in missions for Bomber Task Force for a few weeks now. US Indo-Pacific Command

A day after posting photos of the B-2 and F-35s together, US Indo-Pacific Command shared pictures of a B-2 conducting a hot-pit refueling in Guam. The practice involves refueling an aircraft while the engines are still running so that it can immediately take off again.

INDOPACOM said that the mission demonstrated "capabilities of deployed assets to sustain flight operations that deter malign actors in the free and open Pacific."

Read the original article on Business Insider
ATHENS, Ga. - The University of Georgia marked the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks with its inaugural memorial stair climb at Sanford Stadium on Monday.

Over 150 participants, including members of UGAs Army and Air Force ROTC, Athens-Clarke County fire and police departments, and the UGA Police Department, gathered at the stadium at 6 a.m. to honor the lives lost in the World Trade Center attacks. The event, organized by UGAs ROTC groups, paid tribute to the first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice on that day.

Participants climbed 120 steps in the stadium 19 times, mirroring the 110 stories of the World Trade Center towers that first responders ascended on September 11, 2001.

"My stepdad was a fireman in New Jersey during the attacks, so its always been something big to me," said Emaleigh Drake, a UGA ROTC senior who helped organize the event. "The firefighters are already completing this in their gear, so we need to make sure it's strenuous on us."

Drake added that the organizers chose not to count the 120 steps back down as part of the set, believing it wouldn't be challenging enough.

The memorial event also featured a speech from a 9/11 survivor. Organizers hope to make the stair climb an annual tradition, continuing to honor the heroes who gave their lives that day.
A piece of Mexico in Chicago: The Little Village arch, now a landmark in Chicago, is restored

For the last three decades, a majestic arch above West 26th Street has served as a gateway to Little Village, the largest and most recognized Mexican immigrant community in Chicago.

Bienvenidos A Little Village, reads a banner right below a grand mechanical clock that, ironically, did not tell time for as long as most people can remember.

But on Wednesday, right after the clock marked 10 a.m., Mayor Brandon Johnson, city officials and the Little Village Chamber of Commerce celebrated its restoration and solidified the significance of the presence of Mexican immigrants and Mexican Americans here.

The arch, which resembles the arched entrances found in rural towns in Mexico, underwent a comprehensive restoration over the last year after it was designated a city landmark in 2022.

The project, spearheaded by the Chicago Department of Transportation, rehabilitated the structure to preserve its original character. The original Mexican clock manufacturer restored the elements of the archs iconic clock.

This arch is a symbol of Little Villages culture, people and what I like to call the soul of who we are, Johnson said. Its important that this arch stands the test of time and, of course, we have to remain proud, because it is a representation of Chicagos Mexican community.

The project also included reparations of nearby sidewalks, pavements and planters. During the ceremony, Johnson committed to investing in the strength and vibrancy of Little Village and other Mexican communities across Chicago.

According to the latest census data, one of every five Chicagoans is of Mexican descent. La Villita has long been a principal port of entry for Mexican immigrants to the Midwest, creating a culture of colors, smells and a character that resembles that of a small town in Mexico.

For many, the arch is a piece of Mexico, said Gerardo Guerrero, deputy consul of the Consulate General of Mexico in Chicago. Its not just the arch that reminds us of our Mexico. You can also smell the scent of the tortillas.

Guerrero thanked officials for the recognition of the arch as a landmark and commended the resilience of the Mexican community in Chicago and the contribution of immigrants in the country economically and culturally.

Mothers with their children, abuelos and many more workers passed by as officials spoke of the residents contributions and the significance to the fabric of the city.

It was in 1987 when then-Ald. Jesus Chuy Garcia and community members proposed the idea of a celebratory marker to highlight the growing population of Mexicans.

Designed by Mexican architect Adrian Lozano, the arch was built over six months in late 1990. In 1991, Mexicos president at the time, Carlos Salinas de Gortari, visited Chicago and stopped in Little Village to speak at a rally near the new arch.

Salinas reassured the crowd that the Mexican government had not forgotten them. Salinas gave the city and community the bronze clock  manufactured by Relojes Centenario, the oldest clockmaker in Mexico  to be installed on the arch.

Ronald J. Baltierra, 77, and David Ramirez, 76, two Vietnam War veterans who helped to build the arch, attended the ceremony Wednesday morning, overwhelmed by joy and emotion after Johnson presented them with a proclamation in honor of their contribution to Chicago.

I put my heart, my soul, everything into it when I had the opportunity to build this, said Baltierra, whose family is from Salamanca and Irapuato, Guanajuato. This (arch) means so much to me right now. Even though  Im proud to be an American  Ill fight for America, Ive done it once and Ill do it again  but it means so much to me to build something like this knowing that thats where my heritage is.

Baltierra, who now lives in the suburb of Downers Grove, said he visits La Villita every time his children and children are in town.

I want them to be proud of this too, Baltierra added.

Ramirez stood by Baltierras side as he recalled the time they helped Little Village homeowners repair and renovate their homes under a city program. The two were members of American Legion, a veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness.

Were very proud to be here and represent the original builders 35 years ago. We really appreciate the restoration that theyve done here. It is almost exactly as we constructed it, Ramirez said.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony came just days before the celebrations and commemoration of Mexicans Independence Day across the city on Monday. For the first time in almost 40 decades, an official ceremony to honor Mexicans in Chicago will take place downtown Sunday night.

This is a time to recognize all the ways in which Chicagos Mexican community has enriched our lives and the city, Johnson added, highlighting the economic strength of the 26th Street corridor, mostly made up of immigrant and family businesses.

larodriguez@chicagotribune.com
Pinal County has begun an audit of its voting systems after one of its leaders raised doubts about the results of the recent primary election  a glimpse at how election denialism could possibly ensnarl local officials statewide in November.

The examination, which county officials called "an election and cybersecurity technical assessment," comes after Supervisor Kevin Cavanaugh said he believed the outcomes of several races were "incorrect."

One of the contests he questioned was his own primary for county sheriff, which he lost by a 2-to-1 margin. He voted with the rest of the Board of Supervisors last month to certify primary results but said he did so "under duress."

His comments drew ire from his fellow supervisors and other county figures, all of whom are Republicans.

Technical experts with Pro V&V, a federally accredited voting systems testing laboratory, examine election equipment in Pinal County on Sept. 11, 2024.

Officials and local GOP leaders said they were confident in the heavily conservative county's primary results. But county officials said they now believe they must prove the integrity of their elections.

Supervisor Jeff McClure said the audit was intended to put the issue to rest so voters could confidently go to the polls in November.

"When one member of the board continues to make unfounded allegations, doubt can spread and negatively impact community confidence in our elections process," he said. "In this unusual situation, we have deemed it necessary to have our systems reviewed by qualified experts under the direction of outside counsel to determine definitively whether or not the countys election technical systems were compromised."

Some voters were already assured. Kirk Fiehler, first vice chair of the Pinal County Republican Committee, said he and other GOP observers were in the county's election center "all night and all day during the primary."

He said he believes the election results are accurate.

"If it doesn't come out that way, I'd be very surprised," he said.

Pinal County Supervisor - District 1 Kevin Cavanaugh at the Pinal County meeting in Florence on May 15, 2024.

Meanwhile, Cavanaugh recently announced that he would make a last-minute bid for the county recorder seat as a write-in candidate. The move pits him against incumbent Dana Lewis, adding to a growing list of contested county recorder races statewide. Election skeptics are also running for the seat in Maricopa, Yuma, Coconino, Navajo and Cochise counties.

"Write-in candidacies in a general election are basically impossible to win," Cavanaugh said last month. "But we cannot let these kinds of vote cheating go unanswered."

How will the audit work?

Officials said technical experts with Pro V&V, a federally accredited laboratory that tests voting systems, would examine equipment at the county's election center. Political party observers, representatives from the Arizona Secretary of State's Office, and others were permitted to watch the proceedings, which were expected to continue through the end of the week.

"This review is focused on the election equipment and no ballots will be touched," said county spokesperson James Daniels, adding that supervisors currently expect the results of the audit in early October.

But county leaders shared few other details of what exactly the audit would entail. They couldn't immediately say how much the examination would cost.

Larry Moore, the founder of Clear Ballot, said Pro V&V is a well-respected laboratory that conducts a "really specialized kind of audit."

Clear Ballot is one of the largest tabulation and election technology companies in the nation, and Moore was one of three retired election experts who debunked the partisan "audit" of ballots in Maricopa County ordered by the Arizona Senate after the 2020 presidential election.

He said technical experts likely would make copies of the software run on Pinal County's election equipment during the primary election and take it back to their laboratory for review.

"They don't really compare results," Moore said. "They look more at the hardware and basically make sure the correct software is on the machine."

"If you're running certified software, it's enormously accurate," he said.

Sasha Hupka covers county government and election administration for The Arizona Republic. Reach her at sasha.hupka@arizonarepublic.com. Follow her on X: @SashaHupka. Follow her on Instagram or Threads: @sashahupkasnaps. Sign up for her weekly election newsletter, Republic Recount.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Pinal County begins audit to prove integrity of Ariz. primary election
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT)  The Upsilon Eta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha is hosting a community event in Fairfield this weekend centered on economic growth and success.

The Pink Economic Wealth Expo: Creating a Foundation for The Future will provide strategies for building finances and sustaining wealth. Attendees can learn from leading business experts, financial advisors and successful entrepreneurs.

The expo will take place on Saturday at Miles Colleges Gymnasium from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is free and registration can be completed online.

Magic City Classic tailgating spaces go on sale Thursday

Highlights of the event will include interactive workshops, networking opportunities and a local vendor shop featuring local small businesses.

The Pink Economic Wealth Expo is more than just an event; its an initiative to foster economic empowerment and growth within our community. We are committed to providing resources and opportunities that will help individuals and families build lasting wealth, Tanesha Howard, chairman of the Building Our Economic Wealth Committee, stated in a press release.

For more information, please contact Tanesha Howard at akatude44@gmail.com.

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GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT)  Students across Eastern North Carolina are learning about the history and importance of 9/11.

At Lakeforest Elementary School in Greenville, the Greene Lamp Community Action Program hosted a day of service for third- through fifth-grade students.

During the day of service, Greenville city leaders joined the school in a moment of silence and the National Anthem. Speakers reflected on the day in 2001, especially informing those students who werent born yet.

Our kids really need to understand the importance of the sacrifices and the commitments that our people had on September the 11th, Lakeforest Elementary School Principal Anthony Perkins said. Also, they need to understand that as a community, we work together and the community builds itself. So, if our students understand that, thats going to give us a brighter future.

During the event, students heard individual stories from speakers about where they were during the 9/11 attacks. They encouraged the students to also ask their parents questions about the day and to never forget what the country went through.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT.
PITTSFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  Police are urging residents in the Springside Avenue area to lock their car doors after a series of car break-ins.

Officers responded to multiple calls on Wednesday morning about cars being entered during the night, with surveillance footage capturing the suspect, although the images and videos are of poor quality.

State Police to hold sobriety checkpoint in Hampden County

Authorities are advising the public to take simple precautions, noting that most car break-ins can be prevented by locking vehicle doors. While incidents of car windows being smashed are rare, they tend to involve valuable items such as laptops, jewelry, and purses left in plain sight. In most cases, thieves prefer not to break windows due to the noise it generates, which increases the risk of being caught.

Remember to hit the lock button when you park your car, the Pittsfield Police Department stated in a Facebook post. They emphasize that securing car doors can prevent 99.9% of motor vehicle break-ins.

Residents in the Springside Avenue area are advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to local authorities.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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The Iowa Transportation Commission is providing $500,000 in grant money to help build a two-bay garage in Forest City for public transit buses.

The commission is also granting funds to help the city of Mason City replace two transit buses that are past their useful life.

This garage project is one of four public transit projects around the state approved for DOT funding Tuesday, according to a press release from the Iowa Department of Transportation. The projects are funded under the state Public Transit Infrastructure Grant Program for new or improved facilities to support public transit services.

Transit systems can apply to have up to 80% of a project funded through the program. To qualify, a transit system must secure local funding for a minimum of 20% of the project costs.

Kevin Kramer, transit administrator with the North Iowa Area Council of Governments, told the Globe Gazette the garage is a joint project with the city of Forest City. The city operates its own public transit system using NIACOG buses.

The garage will be located at the Forest City Public Works grounds. It could be completed a year from now, according to Kramer.

The Iowa Transportation Commission received the funds to help replace the Mason City transit buses through the Federal Transit Administrations Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Formula Program as well as the Federal Highway Administrations Carbon Reduction Program.

The new Mason City buses will cost $214,000 each. The federal portion is $182,100 for one of those vehicles and $181,900 for the other. The local matching funds for the buses will be $31,900 and $32,100, respectively.
At This Place in History, were at Greenmount Cemetery in Burlington, Mike Hoey said. Steve Perkins isnt available to join us this week, but one of Steves predecessors as executive director of the Vermont Historical Society has stepped in to join us. Kevin Graffagnino is here. Now, Kevin, someone that youve written about very recently brings us here.

Well, I just published this book about (early Vermont leader) Ira Allen, Graffagnino said. Ira was a nuanced, complicated man.

Kevin, some of the complications of Ira Allens life you were just referring to are among the reasons hes buried in Pennsylvania, Hoey said. Why dont we talk about why that is?

He is flailing in the mid-1790s here in Burlington, Graffagnino continued. He owns much of Chittenden County (and) he owns much of Franklin County, but he cant get any cashflow. His big trade is with the city of Quebec. Whats troubling him most is that his goods, shipping on water, get hung up on the rapids and the shallows of the Richelieu River. (If the) waters too high, your rafts are wrecked; (if the) waters too low, they cant pass.

So, he goes to London in 1796 and he says to the British, I want to build a canal on the Richelieu River so that we can take ships from Burlington to Quebec to England and back. Burlington, in effect, will be a seaport. Now, if this happens, Ira Allen is the richest person in northern New England. The British say, eh; were not so sure. They keep him waiting for months and then they finally look at him and say, if we build a canal, well do it without you because we dont need you.

Englands greatest enemy is France. He crosses the British Channel. He goes to Paris. He tells the revolutionary French government, the French-Canadian majority in Canada are yearning to breathe free. The British boot is on their necks. Lets have a revolution. Oh  and when were done with that, well build a ship canal around the Richelieu and Ill bring my goods to France instead.

They give him 20,000 muskets (and) 24 cannon. He loads most of them on a ship called the Olive Branch and the British capture him, and they finally say, you know, if you just had some paperwork proving that you paid for the guns, we might believe that you really were just doing it as an entrepreneur to sell them to the state militias.

He goes back to France, not knowing that all the people he dealt with have been deposed or killed, and the new people in charge look at him and say, funny little guy, only speaks English  he must be a British spy. They throw him in prison and they leave him there for a year.

He finally gets back home, five years after he left (for what was supposed to be a six-month trip). Hes bankrupt. He is beset by creditors; he has no hope of resolving his financial difficulties. He calls a party at his home across the river in Winooski, gets his creditors together and says all will be good. He wines them; he dines them. While theyre eating in his front parlor, he gets on a boat, winds up in Philadelphia, spends the last decade of his life there and dies in abject poverty.

The dream  commerce, Burlington a big city, the university educating the sons of farmers and mechanics  it all comes true. Its just that it happens too late for him, and thats true of many frontier visionaries.

Graffagninos new book, Ira Allen: A Biography, goes on sale tomorrow.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC22 & FOX44.
Plan approved for pylon route between two villages

Strengthening the network was vital to deliver "cleaner, greener electricity", National Grid said [PA Media]

A 29km (18 mile) power line route is to be built between two villages after divisive plans were approved by the government.

The pylons and cabling will stretch between Bramford, Suffolk, and Twinstead, north of Halstead in Essex.

The application, consisting of 18km (11.1 miles) of overhead lines and 11km (6.8 miles) of underground cables, was approved on Thursday.

The proposal was granted despite the project being branded "unacceptable" by the deputy leader of Suffolk County Council, Richard Rout.

The views of residents had been given "full consideration" ahead of the decision by the government, the Planning Inspectorate said.

National Grid had previously warned the region's existing high-voltage network did not have the capability to "reliably and securely transport all energy that will be connected by 2030".

James Greenhalgh, the project's director, said the scheme was "vital to ensuring the UK benefits from the huge amount of clean energy projects planned".

He added National Grid was "delighted" the application had been approved.

However, Rout had said the project set a wholly unacceptable precedent for future projects by the electricity operator.

Follow East of England news on X, Instagram and Facebook: BBC Beds, Herts & Bucks, BBC Cambridgeshire, BBC Essex, BBC Norfolk, BBC Northamptonshire or BBC Suffolk.

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Colorado mining town's polluted legacy has a potential for profit, but some are wary of the risk

Nick Michael with CJK Milling stands on top of discarded piles of ore in Leadville, Colo. on Thursday, June 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Thomas Peipert)

LEADVILLE, Colo. (AP)  Rust-colored piles of mine waste and sun-bleached wooden derricks loom above the historic Colorado mountain town of Leadville  a legacy of gold and silver mines polluting the Arkansas River basin more than a century after the city's boom days.

Enter a fledgling company called CJK Milling that wants to remine some of the waste piles to squeeze more gold from ore discarded decades ago when it was less valuable. The waste would be trucked to a nearby mill, crushed to powder and bathed in cyanide to extract trace amounts of precious metals.

The proposal comes amid surging global interest in re-processing waste containing discarded minerals that have grown more valuable over time and can now be more readily removed. These include precious metals and minerals used for renewable energy that many countries including the U.S. are scrambling to secure.

Backers say the Leadville proposal would speed cleanup work thats taken decades under federal oversight with no foreseeable end. They speak in aspirational tones of a circular economy for mining where leftovers get repurposed.

Yet for some residents and officials, reviving the city's depressed mining industry and stirring up waste piles harkens to a polluted past, when the Arkansas was harmful to fish and at times ran red with waste from Leadvilles mines.

We're sitting in a river that 20 years ago fish couldn't survive," Brice Karsh, who owns a fishing ranch downstream of the proposed mill, said as he threw fish pellets into a pool teeming with rainbow trout. Why go backward? Why risk it?

Leadville  home to about 2,600 people and the National Mining Museum -- bills itself as America's highest city at 10,119 feet (3,0084 meters) above sea level. That distinction helped the city forge a new identity as a mecca for extreme athletes. Endurance race courses loop through nearby hillsides where millions of tons of discarded mine waste leached lead, arsenic, zinc and other toxic metals into waterways.

The driving force behind CJK Milling is Nick Michael, a 38-year mining veteran who characterizes the project as a way to give back to society. Standing atop a heap of mining waste with Colorados highest summit, Mount Elbert, in the distance, Michael says the rubble has a higher concentration of gold than many large mines now operating across the U.S.

In the old days, that wasnt the case, he said, but the tables have turned and thats what makes this economic  Were just cleaning up these small piles and moving on to the next one.

City Council member Christian Luna-Leal grew up in Leadville  in a trailer park with poor water quality  after his parents immigrated from Mexico.

Disadvantaged communities have always borne the brunt of the industrys problems, he said, dating to Leadvilles early days when mine owners poorly treated Irish immigrants who did much of the work. Almost 1,300 immigrants, most Irish, are buried in paupers graves in a local cemetery.

Stirring up old mine waste could reverse decades of cleanup, Luna-Leal said, again fouling water and threatening the welfare of residents including Latinos, many living in mobile homes on the town's outskirts.

There is a genuine fear ... by a lot of our community that this is not properly being addressed and our concerns are not being taken as seriously as they should be, Luna-Leal said.

The companys process doesnt get rid of the mine waste. For every ton of ore milled, a ton of waste would remain  minus a few ounces of gold. At 400 tons a day, waste will stack up quickly.

CJK originally planned to use a giant open pit to store the material in a wet slurry. After that was rejected, the company will instead dry waste to putty-like consistency and pile it on a hill behind the mill, Michael said. The open pit downslope would act as an emergency catchment if the pile collapsed.

The magnitude of mining waste globally is staggering, with tens of thousands of tailings piles containing 245 billon tons (223 billion metric tons), researchers say. And waste generation is increasing as companies build larger mines with lower grades of ore, resulting in a greater ratio of waste to product, according to the nonprofit World Mine Tailings Failures.

This month, gold prices reached record highs, and demand has grown sharply for critical minerals such as lithium used in batteries.

Economically favorable conditions mean remining has caught on like wildfire, said geochemist Ann Maest, who consults for environmental organizations including EarthWorks. The advocacy group is a mining industry critic but has cautiously embraced remining as a potential means of hastening cleanups through private investment.

CJK Milling could help do that in Leadville, Maest said, but only if done right. The rub is they want to use cyanide, and whenever a community hears theres cyanide or mercury they understandably get very concerned, she said.

Overseeing Leadvilles water supply is Parkville Water District Manager Greg Teter, who views CJK Milling as potential solution to water quality problems.

Many waste piles sit over the districts water supply, and Teter recalls a blowout of the Resurrection Mine compelled residents to boil their water because the district's treatment plant couldn't handle the dirt and debris.

More constant is the polluted runoff during spring and summer, when snowmelt from the Mosquito mountains washes through mine dumps and drains from abandoned mines.

Every minute, 694 gallons (2,627 liters) on average of contaminated mine water flows from Leadvilles Superfund site, according to federal records. Most is stored or funneled to treatment facilities, including one run by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.

Up to 10% of the water is not treated  tens of millions of gallons annually carrying an estimated six tons of toxic metals, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency records show. By comparison, during Colorados 2015 Gold King Mine disaster that fouled rivers in three states, an EPA cleanup crew inadvertently triggered release of 3 million gallons (11.4 million liters) of mustard-colored mine waste.

As long as Leadville's piles remain, their potential to pollute continues.

There are literally thousands of mine claims that overlay each other," Teter said. We dont want that going into our water supply. As it stands now, all the mine dumps are ... in my watershed, upstream of my watershed, and if they remove them, and take them to the mill, thats going to be below my watershed.

EPA lacks authority over CJKs proposed work, but a spokesperson said it had potential to improve site conditions by supplementing cleanup work already being done. Moving the mine waste would eliminate sources of runoff and could reduce the amount of polluted water to treat, said spokesperson Richard Mylott.

Other examples of remining in the Rockies are in East Helena and Anaconda, Montana and in Midvale, Utah, Mylott said. Projects are proposed in Gilt Edge, South Dakota and Creede, Colorado, he said.

Despite the mess from Leadville's historic mining, Teter spoke proudly of his industry ties, including working in two now-closed mines. His son in law works in a nearby mine.

If it were not for mining, Leadville would not be here. I would not be here, the water manager said.

There are no active mines in our watershed, but Im confident in what CJK has planned, he said. And Ill be able to keep an eye on whatever they do.

___

Follow Brown on X, formerly Twitter: @MatthewBrownAP
Poland suggests there was no drone that violated border

Polish representatives are allegedly inclined to believe that there was no violation of the border by a Russian drone, and the radar detected a "meteorological phenomenon".

Source: RMF FM with reference to unnamed sources in the army, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Reportedly, at the moment the main theory is that on the day of the alleged violation of the Polish border by an unknown object during a large-scale Russian attack on Ukrainian cities, the radars detected a meteorological phenomenon, and not a drone.

Among other things, it is assumed that the air defence activated on the territory of Ukraine at that time might have affected the operation of monitoring devices.

Meanwhile, it is not ruled out that the search for possible debris of this object might be resumed.

The military keeps analysing the data of the radar system of Poland and its allies and remains in touch with the Ukrainian side to specify the details.

Background:

On 26 August the Polish army reported a violation of their countrys airspace during a Russian missile-drone attack against Ukraine. Supposedly, this object was a drone since its speed was too low for a missile.

After durable searches were conducted in the district, where the object disappeared from radars, the debris has still not been found. The searches were stopped on 5 September.

The meteorological phenomenon theory was suggested by a Polish Sejm spokesperson after speaking to the military.

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The crew has gone deeper into the stars than any astronaut mission since the '60s

SpaceX/X Polaris Dawn

For the first time in history, civilian astronauts have successfully completed a spacewalk.

The crew of the private Polaris Dawn mission entered the deep black void between the stars in the early hours of Thursday, Sept. 12. Video of the milestone was streamed on X, the social media platform (formerly known as Twitter) owned by SpaceX founder Elon Musk.

While only two of the four members of the crew physically left the SpaceX capsule  engineer Sarah Gillis, 30, and Jared Isaacman, the 41-year-old billionaire tech entrepreneur who is funding the flight  pilot Scott "Kidd" Poteet, 50, and medical officer Anna Menon, 38, were also suited up and exposed to the vacuum of space.

Related: SpaceX Launches Historic Polaris Dawn Mission as Civilian Crew Looks to Attempt First-Ever Private Spacewalk

Polaris Program/AFP via Getty Sarah Gillis

That's because the spaceship does not have an airlock, so the capsule had to be opened and depressurized for all. To avoid decompression sickness, the crew had their nitrogen removed from their blood in a process pre-takeoff.

The spacewalk was one of the key goals of Polaris Dawn's mission. While standing in the hatch and looking down at Earth, Isaacman got reflective.

Back at home, we all have a lot of work to do, but from here, it sure looks like a perfect world, Isaacman said.



First view of Dragon's forward hatch open pic.twitter.com/2KpzA2ILfq  SpaceX (@SpaceX) September 12, 2024

The four members of the Polaris Dawn took off in a SpaceX Dragon capsule from Florida early on Tuesday, Sept. 10.

Their goal? To fly deeper into the cosmos (870 miles, to be exact) than any other since the Gemini 11 took off in 1966.

This is a stepping stone, Menon, a NASA veteran, told PEOPLE earlier this year as she and the other astronauts prepared for takeoff. Its helping to build technologies that will get humans closer to Mars and beyond.

We hope to inspire future generations, Gillis added.



Getty The crew of the SpaceX Polaris Dawn mission

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Over their five-day journey, in addition to their spacewalk, the team is planning dozens of studies and experiments while in orbit to help understand the effects of spaceflight and radiation on humans.

Menon also read her children's book, Kisses from Space, to a group of kids back on Earth via zoom, including her own and a few young cancer patients. Proceeds from the book raise money for St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital.



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Alberto Fujimori was released from prison on humanitarian grounds in December, two-thirds of the way through a 25-year sentence for crimes against humanity (Jaime RAZURI) (Jaime RAZURI/AFP/AFP)

Peruvians began three days of national mourning Thursday for polarizing former president Alberto Fujimori, who ruled his country with an iron fist and then spent 16 years in prison for crimes against humanity.

Fujimori, who died on Wednesday aged 86 after a long battle with cancer, lay in state at the national museum where hundreds of supporters lined up to pay their respects at his open casket.

He was loved by many for crushing leftist guerrillas and shoring up the economy, but reviled by others who saw him as a power-hungry autocrat guilty of brutal human rights abuses.

"He is the best president Peru has ever had," Isabel Perez, a 56-year-old nurse, said outside Fujimori's house, where supporters gathered earlier in the day to see his coffin carried out.

"He was an authoritarian," said passerby Elizabeth Martinez, 61.

Congress held a minute of silence in honor of Fujimori, whose state funeral will take place on Saturday.

Fujimori, who led Peru from 1990 to 2000, was released from prison on humanitarian grounds in December while serving a 25-year sentence for crimes against humanity during his rule.

His fierce military campaign against Shining Path and Tupac Amaru leftist rebels was credited with bringing peace to Peru, but brutal tactics by military death squads would later lead to his imprisonment.

The conflict left more than 69,000 people dead and 21,000 missing from 1980 to 2000, most of them civilians, according to a government truth commission.

Sources close to his family told AFP Wednesday that Fujimori's health had deteriorated rapidly after he completed treatment for tongue cancer in August.

- Divisive legacy -

Fujimori was last seen in public last Thursday as he was leaving a Lima clinic where he said he had undergone a CT scan.

"After a long battle with cancer, our father, Alberto Fujimori, has just departed to meet the Lord," his children Keiko, Hiro, Sachie and Kenji Fujimori wrote in a joint statement on X.

The government said Fujimori would have "the funeral honors that correspond to a president in office."

Despite his legal woes, Fujimori remained influential in Peruvian politics.

His daughter Keiko -- who has made three failed bids for the presidency -- announced in July that her father would run for president again in 2026.

As news of his death spread quickly on social media, supporters and detractors quarreled over his legacy.

Fujimori was convicted and sent to prison in 2009 over massacres committed by army death squads in 1991 and 1992 in which 25 people, including a child, were killed in what he presented as anti-terrorist operations.

In December 2017, then-president Pedro Pablo Kuczynski pardoned Fujimori due to his ill health.

But the Supreme Court later annulled the pardon and, in January 2019, he was returned to jail from hospital.

He was released again in December 2023 after a court reinstated his pardon.

- Hostage crisis -

The son of Japanese immigrants, Fujimori said he had paved the way for Peru to become one of the leading countries of Latin America.

But critics accused him of making up his own rules and riding roughshod over the country's institutions.

As he turned 80 in 2018, Fujimori told AFP: "Let history judge what I got right and what I got wrong."

One of the most dramatic episodes of his presidency was a four-month hostage ordeal at the Japanese embassy in Lima in late 1996 and early 1997.

The standoff ended with Fujimori sending in commandos who rescued nearly all 72 hostages and killed 14 leftist rebels.

Japan's top government spokesman, Yoshimasa Hayashi, said Thursday that Japan "will never forget the efforts made by former President Fujimori" in helping to get the hostages released.

But he also acknowledged that there were "a variety of evaluations" of Fujimori, including "the fact that he was convicted of human rights violations during his term in office and served in prison."

Fujimori left office when he became engulfed in a major corruption scandal and went into self-imposed exile in Japan.

He memorably faxed in his resignation but was arrested years later in Chile and sent back to Peru for trial.

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Barclays on Calverley Road, Tunbridge Wells, was vandalised on Thursday [Ben Moore/BBC]

Police are appealing for information after a Barclays bank branch in Tunbridge Wells was vandalised.

Three people are believed to have smashed the Calverley Road branch's front window, damaged its cash machines and thrown red paint on the premises at 01:50 BST on Thursday morning.

Barclays said in a statement it believed the bank was targeted for providing financial services to defence companies.

A spokeswoman said: "They have resorted to intimidating our staff, repeated vandalism of our branches and online harassment."

The company said it had repeatedly been targeted and was increasing security measures and surveillance as a precaution.

The spokeswoman said: Protest groups have criticised Barclays for providing financial services to defence companies which is a sector we remain committed to as an essential part of keeping this country and our allies safe."

Kent Police said several patrols were at the scene and that inquiries were ongoing to locate suspects.

Follow BBC Kent on Facebook on X and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk.

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A false threat sent police officers to a middle school in Moline.

The situation started with a screenshot from Snapchat that indicated a school shooting might happen. The school resource officer at John Deere Middle School got the screenshot. The post did not mention the school. Moline police detectives traced it to a school district in Ohio.

The Moline Police Department addressed the situation in a press release:

The Moline Police Department investigated a social media post that circulated amongst local middle school students last night. The Moline Police Department School Resource Officer (SRO) assigned to John Deere Middle School (JDMS) received information of a social media post that indicated there would be a school shooting at a middle school. The post did not directly name JDMS. The post was a screenshot of a Snapchat with an additional layer of text that said the poster didnt know if it was true. This post then began circulating amongst local social media users with additional text saying send this around warn people. Detectives worked to follow the circulation of the social media post to local users and eventually traced the post back to a school district in Ohio that originated on Tuesday. The police department worked with the Moline-Coal Valley School District administration to ensure John Deere Middle School families and staff were notified and added additional police presence on Wednesday morning as a precautionary measure. Moline Police Department

The department still notified families and school employees while assigning more officers to the area as a precaution. The Moline Police Department reminds the public they can always report concerning behavior or posts to a trusted source such as their local police department, school administrators or Crime Stoppers of the Quad Cities at 309-762-9500 or by using the P3 Tips mobile app.

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Police investigating after East St. Louis man found dead in his home

A man was killed at his residence Wednesday night, police said.

St. Clair County Coroner Calvin Dye Sr. identified the victim as Keith L. Giles,36, of the 700 block of N. 75th St. Dye said Giles was pronounced deceased at the scene at 6:42 p.m., about 45 minutes after East St. Louis Police called on Illinois State Police to assist in the investigation.

According a state police press release early Thursday morning, Giles had been struck by gunfire.

Illinois State Police said the investigation is in its infancy and no further details will released.

Radio transmissions picked up on a scanner indicated the police were looking for a tan-colored Chevy Tahoe with oversized rims that may have been involved in the incident.
(WHTM)  The individual responsible for making threats via Snapchat toward multiple middle schools in the West Shore School District on Sept. 11 has been identified by police, according to the Lower Allen Township Borough of Police.

Police said officers were able to track down and make in-person contact with the juvenile suspect responsible for the threats made on Wednesday and their parents, but no charges have been filed.

According to police, the threat has been mitigated. Still, there will be an increased police presence today at schools in the West Shore School District.

The school district said in a statement that they had been made aware of messages posted to Snapchat threatening a shooting event Thursday morning at Allen, New Cumberland, and Crossroads Middle Schools. There were also allegations regarding Crossroads Middle School, the district said.

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Those threats were then reported to Lower Allen and New Cumberland police for investigation.

The police departments have also been made aware of similar threats to other schools in Cumberland County and other locations, Lower Allen Township Police said in a statement. We realize that any threat made against a school is troubling and take any such complaint with all seriousness.

The school district has notified parents of the threats through District communication protocols, the department continued. Their goal is to notify families and avoid unnecessary concerns. Currently, the District does not believe there is a need to alter their normal schedule for either school for Thursday, September 12. Should that change, they will notify students, staff, and families in the morning ahead of a.m. bus routes.

West Shore said that the threat appears to be an ongoing issue with several school districts across the Commonwealth, not only the West Shore School District.

Also Wednesday, the Mount Carmel Area School District in Northumberland Countys Anthracite Region said they had become aware of a social media post referencing a school shooting at Mount Carmel Elementary School.' That threat was deemed not credible by Mount Carmel Township Police.

Anyone with information on the threats is asked to contact police in either Lower Allen Township via lcrone@latwp.org or New Cumberland Borough at cvickrow@newcumberlandborough.com.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
Police investigating source of bomb threat in Springfield: See something, say something

Police investigating source of bomb threat in Springfield: See something, say something

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (WDTN)  Two days after being mentioned in Tuesdays presidential debate, Springfield Police Division was dispatched to their city hall after a bomb threat.

A massive police presence from multiple departments was seen in Springfield this morning as Police responded to a bomb threat message.

Many Springfield residents are expressing frustration on 2 NEWS social media pages.

Police received the message via email at 8:24 a.m., leading to an evacuation of all employees in the building and multiple surrounding buildings.

Springfield school evacuated, Ohio BMV locations and county offices closed

Other bomb threats had also been called in, less than five miles away on Champion Ave. Local SWAT and FBI agents responded to a call about a suspicious package at someones home.

Additional law enforcement support was provided by Springfield Officers, Dayton Pd, Montgomery County Sherriff, Dayton Airport, Police, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Clark County Sheriff, Clark County Emergency Management Agency, The Ohio Fire Marshalls Beauru, Springfield Fire And Rescue Division, and The Department Of Public Safety.

Another evacuation order was issued at several other locations, including Fulton Elementary School, and numerous other buildings immediately surrounding Springfield City Hall.

At this time, the police have not commented on who the threat originated from or whether or not they have any suspects linked to the threatening message. They are asking for the publics help in identifying who may be responsible.

Officials to speak after todays Springfield City Hall bomb threat

I would like to stress that we are deeply committed to the safety of our entire community. Safety is a shared responsibility and it takes all of us- I encourage the public- if you see something, say something, said Springfield Chief of Police Allison Elliott.

Springfield PD says they have cleared all of the potentially affected buildings.

Springfield City Hall will be closed for the remainder of the day.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
DENVER (KDVR)  A driver who shot at a car, causing it to crash into the 1999 Broadway skyscraper on Sept. 6, appears to have been part of a road rage shooting in the area, according to Denver police.

According to an arrest affidavit issued by the Denver Police Department, the incident started at about 3:28 p.m. Friday when officers were told about a shooting and car crash on North Broadway. A gunshot victim was located on the scene and rushed into surgery.

17-year-old shot in the face looking for spot to take homecoming photos

The victim told officers he was shot in a road rage incident, and he didnt want to talk about it. However, a witness told police that the suspect vehicle in the shooting was inside a parking garage near 18th and Welton streets and pointed the vehicle out to police as it was leaving the garage.

The affidavit details how officers conducted a high-risk stop on the white Chevrolet SUV in the 700 block of 25th Street and contacted the driver, William Whitfield, 27. Upon taking him into custody, the affidavit states, Whitfield spontaneously uttered that he had been pepper sprayed and he then started shooting.

A vehicle in a building's revolving door behind police tape

In an interview with police, Whitfield said the incident began as road rage after the victim and his front passenger accused Whitfield of cutting them off in traffic. He said the victim and passenger began arguing and threatening Whitfield, and he ran a red light to try and avoid further confrontation.

However, the victim drove alongside him through the light. Whitfield then told police he thought the passenger of the vehicle had a firearm, and when stopped at a red light at Welton and Broadway, the passenger used pepper spray against him.

At that point, Whitfield told police he shot at the vehicle but could not recall how many times he fired. He then drove into the parking lot at 18th and Welton to clean off his face. Police noted in the arrest affidavit that Whitfield did not call police or attempt to flag down an officer.

Denver police also noted in the affidavit that the passenger inside the victims vehicle was not found at the scene.

Out-of-town visitor recalls gunshots, car crash

Jessica Snodgrass was visiting Denver for the weekend from Kentucky and told FOX31s Rachel Saurer that she was in an Uber headed to her hotel when she heard what she believed to be gunshots.

We heard pop, pop, pop and we look over. It was right in our eyesight, she said. We see this car  I first thought it was maybe they were getting away or whatever, and it went over the median and into the building.

Affidavits detail charges against gang-linked brothers at Aurora apartments

The shooting victims vehicle crashed through the revolving door of the skyscraper. Snodgrass told Saurer that she did not want to stay around the scene for too long because she was worried about the gunshots.

We dont know where the shots came from. It seemed like the vehicle was in motion when it happened. Yeah, it was just kind of surreal, Snodgrass said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (WCMH)  The internet is rife with debate over an Ohio town, with even former President Donald Trump jumping in on extreme claims over immigration during the Tuesday debate.

During his face-off with current Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump referenced allegations that immigrants were eating pets in Springfield.

In Springfield, theyre eating the dogs, Trump said. The people that came in, theyre eating the cats. Theyre eating, theyre eating the pets of the people that live there.

He joins others like Elon Musk, who reposted claims Monday on X from a Republican strategist that 20,000 Haitian immigrants had moved in, and were killing and eating residents animals.

Vote for Kamala if you want this to happen to your neighborhood! Musk wrote, later sharing an AI-generated picture of a duckling and kitten with the caption Save them.

An Ohio city reshaped by Haitian immigrants lands in an unwelcome spotlight

Musk added his voice to a similar claim Monday morning from Trumps running mate, Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio). Vance, who grew up an hour away from Springfield, repeated the same allegation on X that people have had their pets abducted and eaten by people who shouldnt be in this country.

The Ohio Attorney Generals Office announced around a half hour after Vance made his post that it would review legal options to stop the U.S. government from sending an unlimited number of migrants to Ohio communities. Dave Yost commented on the strain on Springfields economic, medical, and educational systems, and alluded to a 2023 school bus crash that left a student dead.

The problem is not migrants, it is way, way too many migrants in a short period of time, Yost wrote.

In a Tuesday news conference, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine acknowledged Springfield had recently received an unprecedented surge of around 15,000 Haitian immigrants, bringing a strain on healthcare providers, translators, and rental availability. He did not repeat any claims about animal abductions or other behavior by migrants, but also did not denounce what other Republicans have said.

As far as other things that might be occurring in the community, I would refer to local officials who have spoken out, DeWine said.

DeWine announced he would direct the Ohio State Highway Patrol to bring troopers to assist Springfields police with traffic concerns, including erratic driving. He also said he would allocate $2.5 million over the next two years for the Ohio Department of Health to assist the Clark County Health Department with a heightened demand for medical care.

The goal is to reduce dangerous driving, regardless of who the driver is, DeWine said. I am not against this program. What I do say though, is with this program there has to be a plan, to prevent situations like were seeing in Springfield. If they do occur, we clearly need help from the federal government.

At the local level, the city government is also telling a different story compared with Musk and Vances claims.

Claims pets are being eaten by immigrants

The claims stem from the City of Springfields own acknowledgment of a surge in its population, primarily due to an influx of legal immigrants. The people from Haiti, known as one of the poorest developing countries in the world, received temporary protected status from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, allowing them to stay in the U.S. due to conditions in the Caribbean island nation.

Nexstars WCMH reached out to the City of Springfield to hear their take on allegations of animals being eaten. An official could not answer any specific questions, citing an influx of media inquiries, but did share a statement.

In response to recent rumors alleging criminal activity by the immigrant population in our city, we wish to clarify that there have been no credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured, or abused by individuals within the immigrant community, a Springfield spokeswoman wrote. Additionally, there have been no verified instances of immigrants engaging in illegal activities such as squatting or littering in front of residents homes. Furthermore, no reports have been made regarding members of the immigrant community deliberately disrupting traffic.

The Springfield Police Division corroborated the citys account, telling the Springfield News-Sun that officers had not received any local reports of pets being stolen or eaten. Investigators said the viral story originated in a Springfield Facebook group, where the poster referenced a neighbors daughters friend finding her cat hanging from a branch at a Haitian neighbors home.

Police in another Ohio town did encounter a similar kind of incident, but did not share any details that implicated the suspect as a Haitian immigrant. Nexstars WJW reported that Canton officers arrested 27-year-old Allexis Ferrell after accusing her of killing and eating a cat.

During public comment at an Aug. 13 Springfield City Commission meeting, several residents spoke up with their own accounts of what was going on in their town. One woman didnt repeat the claim about local pets, but said she and her husband were considering moving away over behavior she witnessed from people labeled squatters.

It is so unsafe in my neighborhood anymore. I have the homeless that were trying to camp out, and I have made concessions with them  I have men that cannot speak English in my front yard screaming at me, throwing mattresses in my front yard, the woman said. I understand theyre here under temporary protected status  but whos protecting us?

How many immigrants have arrived in Springfield?

A section on the City of Springfields website gave some context to social media users claims that 20,000 Haitian immigrants had overtaken the area. The city government referenced multiple datasets to estimate its immigrant population sits somewhat lower, but called it impossible to give an exact number.

Based on data provided from numerous sources, such as Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Springfield City Schools, area healthcare providers and social services agencies, the total immigrant population is estimated to be approximately 12,000  15,000 in Clark County, the citys website read.

Mayor Rob Rue gave a conflicting number in an appearance on Fox & Friends, saying the citys public services were overwhelmed by 14,000 to 20,000 migrants the city brought in. Prior to the immigration situation, the 2020 census put Springfields population at 58,662.

Between the mayor and citys accounts, the possible thousands have a perceivable effect in certain places in Springfield. The New York Times reported that around 350 new students, mainly from migrant families, enrolled in local elementary and middle schools. With a language barrier in play, Springfield City Schools said they had to hire six Creole translators to assist, bumping district expenses for the services to $436,000, compared with $43,000 four years prior.

Another resident at the same Aug. 13 meeting for the city commission, who acknowledged growing pains with new neighbors, disagreed with issues taken up by some of the other commenters.

Newcomers that I know, are receptive to kindness and want to, in the best of their ability, help themselves, the man said. Our community has been in a population decline for nearly 70 years. We need more and new people.

A deadly incident with a school bus driver

Hermanio Joseph was driving a minivan on Aug. 22, 2023, when he crashed into a school bus carrying 52 elementary school students to the Northwestern Local Schools district. He had no U.S. drivers license but did have a valid Mexican drivers license, according to investigators. The crash left more than 20 students hospitalized, and 11-year-old Aidan Clark dead after being ejected from the bus.

Yosts office alluded to this crash as part of locals complaints that prompted its investigation. The crash even drew the attention of the New York Times, who reported the legal Haitian immigrants crash was fuel to the fire for resentment from natives.

A jury ultimately found Joseph guilty of involuntary manslaughter, and a judge sentenced him to between nine and 13 years in prison.

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JUNCTION CITY (KSNT)  Junction City police say it is increasing officer presence at USD 475 schools after shooting threats were made against Junction City Middle School.

Wednesday afternoon, the Junction City Police Department was made aware of threats that were circulating on TikTok against the Junction City Middle School. According to a social media post from Junction City, Kansas Police Department, the threats stemmed from an apparent list of schools identified as targets for a potential school shooting.

School Resource Officers and USD 475 conducted a thorough investigation, and determined the threat is unfounded. This means there is no credible evidence that suggests any students are in immediate danger.

Topeka man indicted on 333 felony counts after allegedly falsifying court documents

These threats appear to be part of a concerning online trend not unique to USD 475. Similar threats have been reported in other districts across Kansas, as well as in states such as Pennsylvania, Georgia, Texas, Tennessee, and Florida. JCPD is actively working with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) to investigate the origins of this post fully and ensure the safety of our schools. Statement excerpt from Junction City Police

According to police, the list includes Title 1 schools from across Kansas, which are receiving federal funding to support educational programs. Junction City police say, along with Geary County Sheriffs Office and USD 475, the agencies will ensure there will be an increased officer presence at district schools over the next couple of days to make sure there is a safe learning environment.

The Junction City Police Department encourages the community to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity of concerns immediately.If you have any information regarding this threat, please contact the JCPD at (785) 762-5912.

For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

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The victims, aged between one to 17, were said to have endured various forms of abuse. [Getty Images]

Malaysian police have rescued 402 children and teenagers that they suspect were physically and sexually abused across 20 care homes.

Warning: This story contains descriptions of sexual and physical violence.

The victims, aged between one to 17, were said to have endured various forms of abuse, with some allegedly forced to perform sexual acts on other children, said Police Inspector-General Razarudin Husain at a press conference.

Police have arrested 171 suspects, including religious teachers and caretakers.

The care homes are allegedly linked to a prominent Islamic conglomerate which has issued a statement denying any wrongdoing.

Police raids on Wednesday across 20 welfare homes in the states of Selangor and Negeri Sembilan were prompted by reports earlier this month of child exploitation, molestation and sexual abuse at another facility in Negeri Sembilan state.

At a press conference on Wednesday, Insp Razarudin told reporters that some of the suspects - aged between 17 to 64 - would allegedly touch the children, claiming it was part of a religious treatment. Some children were also reportedly taught to perform similar sexual acts on other children at the home.

Children were also "punished using heated metal objects" and those who were ill were not allowed to seek medical treatment until their condition turned critical, he added.

The children will be temporarily housed at a police centre in the capital Kuala Lumpur and will undergo health checks, said Insp Razarudin.

Initial investigations found that many children were placed in these homes by their parents so they could undergo religious education, according to state news agency Bernama.

The raids come days after police opened an investigation against the Islamic Global Ikhwan Group (GISB) business group over child exploitation. The police has since confirmed that the two cases are linked.

Deputy Inspector-General of Police Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said initial investigations have revealed that GISB's modus operandi is to set up welfare homes to collection donations, said a report by the New Straits Times.

The group denied the allegations in a statement posted to Facebook on Wednesday.

"The company will not compromise with any activity that goes against the law, particularly regarding the exploitation of children," it said.

GISB has hundreds of businesses across 20 countries, operating across sectors from hospitality, to food, to education.

The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia, or Suhakam, has called for stricter regulations in welfare homes.

"The problem is that these places are not properly regulated or supervised," Suhakam's children's commissioner Farah Nini Dusuki told online news site Free Malaysia Today.

"We have a serious issue with monitoring and supervision, which is why we need the community to be more alert," she said.

Visit BBC Action Line for details of organisations that can provide advice, information and support for people affected by sexual abuse.
Police Served a Weapons Warrant at Teacher's Home. They Allegedly Found Video of Her Sexually Abusing Student

Marina Ramirez Rico, 34, of California, is charged with five counts of having sex with a minor, police allege

Monterey County Sheriff's Office Marina Ramirez Rico mugshot

A California middle school teacher is facing criminal charges after detectives investigating another case allegedly found a video of her having sex with a former teenage student.

On Monday, Sept. 10, Soledad Police detectives arrested Marina Ramirez Rico, 34, on allegations of having sexual intercourse with a 15-year-old male former student, Soledad Police said in a release.

During an investigation on a different case, detectives allegedly found a video showing the two having sex, the release said.

Police said they were executing a search warrant at Ricos house during an alleged weapons investigation, local outlets ABC 13 and KSBW report.

The alleged sexual abuse took place when Rico was a teacher at Soledad High School and the victim was a student there.

Rico is now a teacher at Main Street Middle School in Soledad, according to police.

Detectives immediately notified the school administration. The district took precautionary measures to ensure the safety of students, police said.

When detectives took Rico into custody, they found further evidence of that crime during the arrest, police said.

She was taken to Monterey County Jail on multiple charges related to sexual intercourse with a minor, police said.

She is charged with five counts of having sex with a minor, according to online jail records, KSBW reports. She was released from jail after posting $50,000 bail.

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Rico was placed on administrative leave after her arrest, the superintendent for Soledad Unified School District told local outlet KION.

The superintendent did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment.

The Soledad Police did not immediately respond to PEOPLE request for information about the alleged weapons investigation.

Soledad Police are asking anyone with information about this case or who knows of anyone who may had had inappropriate contact with Rico to call Detective Lozano at 831-223-5164.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.



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Police: Threats were made against other schools, not Abilene

ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  Threats of violence against schools elsewhere in Texas caused alarm in Abilene Wednesday due to similar campus names.

Police say social media threats made against Bonham, Travis, and Horace Mann schools were determined to be about campuses in the Amarillo school district.

The Amarillo Police Department was able to contact the originator of the social media post, which was a student in their district, who has been contacted along with their parents.

No credible threats were ever made against Abilene ISD.

APD and AISD worked together to identify any possible threats to our schools, students, and faculty and found none associated with this threat, a press release explains.

Stick with BigCountryHomepage.com for any additional details.

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Slovenia's 11th-hour Commissioner nominee change has turned into a public squabble between the country's prime minister and the opposition.

For the populist right-wing SDS, it's a matter of respecting procedures.

Liberal Prime Minister Robert Golob, however, said it was nothing other than high-stakes obstructionism meant to embarrass him in Brussels.

"It surprises me time and time again how the opposition tries to delay with procedural complications, even those decisions of the government over which it has absolutely no influence, and it has no influence on the selection of the commissioner," Golob said in a statement on Thursday.

After Tomaz Vesel, the original European Commissioner nominee, resigned last week, the government in Ljubljana named Marta Kos as a replacement candidate on Monday.

Golob hoped that this meant the matter was done and dusted both at home and in Brussels, right on time for European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's divvying up of portfolios this week.

However, SDS MP Franc Breznik, who chairs the parliamentary committee for EU affairs  in charge of issuing an opinion on the future Commissioner  refused to schedule Kos' hearing until he received the letter from von der Leyen sent to Golob requesting Vesel's withdrawal.

While the committee's opinion is not binding, the law says a hearing must take place before the government's decision becomes official.

In fact, despite demands to rush Kos' hearing by Friday, the law grants him as much as two weeks to do so  something that could further delay von der Leyen, much to Golob's dismay.

Jansa: 'Slapping around of Slovenia' Golob's fault

While Golob claimed that von der Leyen made guarantees that Slovenia's reputation in Brussels wouldn't take a hit due to the holdup, the prime minister  whose popularity has recently taken a dip  has now come under significant fire for what the opposition claims was catering to the EU's whims.

Vesel, who presided over Slovenia's Court of Auditors, did not withdraw his candidacy willingly, but was forced to resign to make way for a woman Commissioner, according to SDS MEP Romana Tomc, who defended Breznik's decision to put his foot down on Wednesday.

"With this, (Golob) damaged the reputation of Slovenia and did not protect the sovereignty that we have as a member of the European Union," Tomc said in a post on X.

SDS leader and three-time PM Janez Jansa labelled the situation "a shame".

"This slapping around of Slovenia is only possible in this situation where we have a weak government," Jansa said in a statement last Saturday.

FILE: Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Jansa talks to journalists as he arrives for an EU summit at the European Council building in Brussels, 25 June 2021 - AP Photo/Olivier Matthys

A perennial presence in the Alpine country's politics for more than three decades, Jansa  an ally of Hungary's Viktor Orban and one of Donald Trump's most fervent supporters in Europe  who long emphasised his hard-line leadership was best for Slovenia, often trades barbs with Golob.

While SDS considered Vesel palatable, silently approving him, Kos is a much more divisive figure.

In the run-up to the general election in April 2022, Jansa openly accused Kos  then-Golob's Freedom Movement party vice-president  of her alleged pro-Kremlin stances after she said in an interview that Slovenia was interested in having normal relations with Russia.

Meanwhile, Kos parted ways with the Freedom Movement amid inter-party fallout after she dropped out of the presidential race later that same year for "personal reasons"  something the prime ministers critics claim she was forced to do, just like Vesel.

While her return to the fold has been seen as a sign that Kos' relationship with the premier was on the mend, others believe that trying to fix what was not broken only made it worse.

According to Tomc, whose SDS is part of the EPP group in the European Parliament, even if Kos were to get the domestic parliamentary committee's sign-off on time, she would be deemed unfit for the job and not get the backing of the Slovenian delegation in the European Parliament.

"She resides in Switzerland and not in the EU, she is a former employee of the secret service, and her only visible political role as ambassador ... is shadowed by mobbing, which is said to have caused her to end her mandate early," Tomc said.

Former ambassador to Germany and Switzerland, Kos resigned from her Bern post in 2020 after employees at the embassy made accusations of mismanagement.

After her nomination, Kos said that as a convinced European, she felt a great responsibility, first of all to Slovenia, and then also to the EU.

"I am happy and honored that today the government unanimously nominated me as a candidate for member of the European Commission," she told the press after the government's meeting on Monday.

She would not be rejoining the Freedom Movement at this time, Kos added.

Golob refused to comment on the process of appointing Slovenia's Commissioner until the parliamentary procedure was over.
Pope marvels at Singapore's skyscrapers and asks that the lowest migrant workers not be forgotten

Chief Executive Officer of the Singapore's National Parks Board Hwang Yu-Ning presents Pope Francis with a 'Dendrobium His Holiness Pope Francis', a specially bred orchid variety named after him at the Parliament House in Singapore, Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. Pope Francis flew to Singapore on Wednesday for the final leg of his trip through Asia, arriving in one of the world's richest countries from one of its poorest after a record-setting final Mass in East Timor. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

SINGAPORE (AP)  Pope Francis on Thursday praised Singapores economic strength as a testament to human ingenuity but urged the city-state to look after the weakest, too, especially foreign workers, as he opened the final leg of his tour through some of Asias poorest countries in one of the worlds richest.

Francis marveled at Singapore's modern skyscrapers that seem to rise from the sea in both his opening speech to the city-state's leaders and again in the afternoon, when he celebrated Mass before an estimated 50,000 people at Singapore's national stadium.

The most beautiful building, the most precious treasure, the most profitable investment in Gods eyes, is ourselves, he said.

Singapore celebrated Francis' arrival by unveiling a new hybrid orchid named for him, the "Dendrobium His Holiness Pope Francis." Presented during an official welcome ceremony, the orchid exudes a serene and pure beauty of ivory white petals with a pink tinge at the center, according to the National Parks Board.

Francis arrived in Singapore from East Timor and began his official program Thursday by meeting with President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong before addressing government authorities and the diplomatic corps at the National University of Singapore.

There, Francis praised the government's commitment to sustainable development and providing public housing and quality education and health care to its people. But he urged authorities to look out for the poorest and beware of rewarding excellence at all costs, a reference to Singapores highly competitive work and educational culture.

I would like to highlight the risk entailed in focusing solely on pragmatism or placing merit above all things, namely the unintended consequence of justifying the exclusion of those on the margins from benefiting from progress, he said.

In a common appeal from historys first Latin American pope, Francis called especially for dignified pay and conditions for migrant workers, who have helped build Singapore into one of the worlds most advanced financial powerhouses.

These workers contribute a great deal to society and should be guaranteed a fair wage, Francis said.

Singapore has no minimum wage policy for locals or foreigners.

Singapore was the last stop of Francis 11-day tour that is the longest and farthest of his papacy after earlier stops in Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and East Timor. The economic disparities were obvious upon arrival Wednesday as Francis landed in Singapores high-tech airport aboard the lone aircraft belonging to Aero Dili, the national carrier of East Timor, where around 42% of its people live below the poverty line.

Singapore has long touted as a success story its transformation from a colonial port lacking natural resources into a financial and trade power in just a few decades since independence from Malaysia in 1965. The former British colony 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' praise for the country's astonishing economic growth was significant, given he has long been known to bristle at the excesses of capitalism. According to the International Monetary Fund, Singapores gross domestic product per capita of $133,740 was the fourth highest in the world, above the U.S. and other developed countries.

Foreigners account for over a third of Singapores workforce. According to official data, the foreign workforce of 1.5 million includes 286,000 domestic workers and 441,000 people in construction, shipping and maintenance jobs, helping to support Singapores trade-reliant economy. Many are migrant workers from Pakistan, Bangladesh and other poorer Asian countries.

Human Rights Watch said in a report last year that foreign migrant workers face labor rights abuses and exploitation through exorbitant debts owed to recruitment agents, non-payment of wages, restrictions on movement, confiscation of passports, and sometimes physical and sexual violence. It said domestic workers are excluded from many key labor protections, such as limits on daily work hours, sick leave and annual leave.

Francis is visiting Singapore to encourage its Catholics, who make up about 3.5% of the population of just under 6 million, while highlighting Singapores tradition of interfaith coexistence. According to a 2020 census, Buddhists make up about 31% of the population, Christians 19% and Muslims 15%, while about a fifth of the population claimed no religious belief whatsoever.

In his remarks to the pope, President Shanmugaratnam highlighted Singapores commitment to environmental sustainability and interfaith harmony, saying both were the result of hard work and dedication over decades.

We are a multiracial, multireligious, and multicultural society, he said. For us, solidarity and harmony have therefore been at the core, and will remain core features in our national development.

He praised Francis consistent call to care for Gods creation, saying Singapore too had made sustainability a priority ever since independence nearly six decades ago. Singapores greening plan through 2030 envisages greater reliance on solar energy, waste reduction and imposition of carbon taxes to transition to a low-carbon economy.

As a small city-state, we have sought to balance development with environmental responsibility, he said.

Francis said Singapore's environmental policies were a model for the rest of the world, calling it a shining example of what humanity can achieve by working together in harmony, with a sense of responsibility and a spirit of inclusiveness and fraternity.

In the afternoon, Francis celebrated Mass before an estimated 50,000 people at the countrys national stadium, attended also by church leaders from two Asian regions where the Holy See has delicate relations: the archbishop of Hong Kong, Cardinal Stephen Chow, and the archbishop of Yangon, Myanmar, Cardinal Charles Bo.

Scores of children were allowed to approach Francis' popemobile to receive a coveted papal rosary, and one lucky couple scored a papal autograph on the Vatican parchment they had made commemorating their wedding.

And in the streets of Singapore, dozens of people came out to greet him even just to cheer as his motorcade passed by.

We just wanted to make sure that we caught his attention, and that we really communicated our love and warm welcome to him here in Singapore," said Lissy Puno, who made posters and bracelets to commemorate the visit.

Francis will visit a center for the elderly Friday and preside over an interfaith youth event before returning to Rome.

___

Ng contributed from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

___

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the APs collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
Port of Green Bay sees over 145k tons during August, total ships up to 102 on the year

GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV)  Tonnage totals for the Port of Green Bay tallied over 145,000 tons during August, raising the year-to-date total to 1,010,804.

According to a release, the Port of Green Bay tallied 146,176 tons during August. Compared to last year, totals have decreased by about 8%.

Major grocery store chain raising starting pay to $23 an hour

While the mild winter last year has had an impact on this years salt imports, the Great Lakes have also seen a slight decrease in July and August limestone totals from a year ago, explained Dean Haen, Port of Green Bay Director. Like any other shipping season, we do expect to see fluctuations in commodities tonnage and are looking forward to seeing what the tail end of our season brings.

Limestone, at 54,725 tons, was the leading cargo during August. Other cargo included cement, at 49,014 tons; petroleum products, at 26,421 tons; and coal, at 16,016 tons.

Community Update: Green Bay Police Chief talks upcoming community soccer match and Packers gameday security ahead of the home opener

In August, 18 ships entered the Port of Green Bay, bringing the year-to-date total to 102 vessels. During the same period last year, 100 ships visited the port.

The terminal operators and manufacturers that rely on the Port contribute significantly to our high quality of life in northeast Wisconsin, and were proud to be a key partner in supporting their work, stated Haen.

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Government ministers are fond of saying that decarbonisation does not mean deindustrialisation, as if the constant use of the phrase makes it true. But tell it to the workforce of the steelworks in Port Talbot and Scunthorpe. They are seeing a transition from old-style blast furnaces to new greener electric arc production and thousands of jobs are being lost as a result.

The Indian company Tata, which owns the works at Port Talbot, says the losses from the current production methods are too great and the Government has agreed a deal involving 500 million of taxpayers money to support the transition. But once the blast furnace has closed, it will be another five years at least before the new furnaces are connected to the grid.

Moreover, the new furnaces do not make virgin steel, a heavily carbon intensive process, but rather melt scrap to produce recycled steel. If the blast furnaces at Port Talbot and Scunthorpe are closed, the country of Bessemer and Darby will have no ability to make its own steel for the first time since the Industrial Revolution.

That will leave the UK dependent on imports from countries that couldnt care less about decarbonisation and vulnerable in times of crisis if stocks cannot be accessed. Conceivably, recycled steel using scrap thrown away in Britain would make us more self-sufficient for some types but not all.

Jonathan Reynolds, the Business Secretary, told MPs a strategy setting out the future of the industry would be published next year, but blast furnaces have clearly had their day, which bodes ill for the last two in Scunthorpe. It turns out that decarbonisation does mean deindustrialisation.

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ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA)  In a little over a year, Positive Impact Ministries may have to move their food giveaways out of a food desert where, for years, theyve served nearly 700 families a week.

A food desert is known as an area that has limited access to healthy and nutritious foods.

The hunger relief ministry fills that need by giving out free food every Saturday at Tangerine Plaza on 22nd Street South in St. Petersburg.

Ministry leaders said there is an agreement with the city and a company to put affordable housing and a grocer in the plaza. The company has 15 months to get financing for it. If that happens, Positive Impact Ministries would have to find another place to distribute their food.

What are we going to do? Put a specialty grocery store in there? Who can afford that? No I think our neighbors need us in there, Positive Impact Ministries Founder Karalynne Brubaker said. If we do not get to stay there where are the neighbors going to go?

Nichole Willingham uses their services.

Its hard for me to get food or keep food so I appreciate them very much. Ive been going ever since they started, Willingham said. Thats the only place for this community to go and get food.

She has a 3-year-old son. If she doesnt get food from the giveaway, she has to catch a bus to Walmart. Ministry leaders said her neighborhood has been considered a food desert, and theyve had a vision for the plaza to be a resource for the community.

We would put a no cost neighborhood market. We will put a healthy food pharmacy, a culinary arts center, a community cafe, said Karen Rae, the Executive Director of Positive Impact Ministries.

Rae said their plan would create more than 100 jobs and help stimulate the economy. But they said the city didnt go for it when they presented it. Instead, they said the city is continuing a plan for affordable housing and a grocer in the plaza. It would force Positive Impact to relocate.

Lets just say the rent there would be anywhere from [$1,700] to $2,700 a month, who can afford to live there? Brubaker said. Its more than just giving somebody food. Were saving a generation of children that need our help.

Like Willingham and her family.

Ask yourself, if you were in need, what would be more important, free food or affordable housing?

I would say food. Because we need food, Willingham said.

Food is the very first thing that people can kind of let go of. I call it a Spaghetti-O and Cheerio breakfast and lunch because they cant afford any more than that, Brubaker said.

For some, having a grocery bill taken care of would free up money for other needs. Though there can be a stigma associated with giving free food.

That stigma is that those who are getting free food are lazy, entitled, unemployed, maybe drug addicted or have mental health issues and that is not true, Rae said. That description represents a very small percentage of the families and individuals that we provide groceries for. For us to be able to provide grocery for them is not a hand out, it is a hand up.

Rae said they support working class people and anyone who comes with the need. They say people line 18th avenue south in cars and wait for hours to get food, telling them the need is there.

When Willingham learned whats at stake, she shook her head in disbelief.

That would really hurt me because theyve been there so long, Willingham said.

The ministry has looked at other places, and has even been invited to other locations around the city, should they have to relocate.

But how can we do that? Itd feel like were turning our back on people weve been serving, Brubaker said. I dont think we have an option until there is no option there for Tangerine Plaza.

An email was sent to the city council member of the district over the plaza. The ministry leaders said they dont feel the city has closed an ear to them but instead feel the city is going through with a process theyve already had in place.

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SULLIVAN, Ind. (WTWO-WAWV)  A parent in Sullivan County shared a letter, with WTWO, that was sent to Southwest School Corporation parents.

The letter from Superintendent Chris Stitzle addressed rumors about a possible threat to schools.

It said no credible threat was found targeting our school corporation. It also said the schools mentioned in the Snapchat group were from a list of Georgia schools receiving Title One funding.

Sullivan County Sheriff Jason Bobbitt said the following: We have been advised of the situation and we will do our due diligence to protect the students and staff of our schools and the corporations.

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Actress Monica Dolan (left) at the National Television Awards accompanied by Jo Hamilton, who she played in Mr Bates vs the Post Office [PA Media]

One of the sub-postmasters who inspired an ITV drama about the Post Office IT scandal has used an award ceremony to criticise the government over the compensation scheme for those falsely accused.

Jo Hamilton was one of a group of real sub-postmasters who joined the stars of Mr Bates vs the Post Office on stage as they picked up three prizes at the National Television Awards on Wednesday.

Addressing the audience at the O2 arena in London and viewers watching on ITV, Mrs Hamilton said she was disappointed by a lack of progress with payouts since Labour came to power.

"What I'd like you to know is I went to Westminster a couple of weeks back and saw the new minister," she said. "And trust me, nothing has changed."

In response to her comments, ministers said they were working "tirelessly" on the compensation schemes for those affected.

As boos rose from the celebrity crowd - aimed at those she was referring to in power - she added: "It's true, and almost all of these people behind me haven't been paid yet."

Mrs Hamilton said more than 300 of the 555 workers who won a landmark civil case against the Post Office in 2019 had still not yet received full compensation, including campaign leader Sir Alan Bates. She added: "They've offered him 30% of his claim."

Sir Alan rejected the latest offer in May, saying the situation was "frustrating for myself, frustrating for everyone".

The compensation scheme Mrs Hamilton referred to was launched by the previous Conservative government and offers a fixed payment of 75,000 - although many victims have turned that down and pushed for more.

As of 30 August, 87m has been paid under the scheme, including interim payments. On 9 September, Labour announced a new scheme which has a target of making an offer to 90% of sub-postmasters who have submitted a full claim within 40 days.

Mr Bates was not at Wednesday's award ceremony. He married his partner Suzanne on Sir Richard Branson's private island in the Caribbean last month.

Mrs Hamilton told the ceremony: "He has a plan, so when he comes back to the nation for help, please be there to support him."

Mrs Hamilton recently met Post Office Minister Gareth Thomas.

A Department of Business and Trade spokesman said: "We recognise the immeasurable suffering postmasters have endured and that they have waited too long to receive redress.

"That's why we are working tirelessly across government to bring them some relief with full, fair and swift redress."

Speaking on Thursday, the Prime Minister also said the government will compensate the victims of the Post Office scandal just as quickly as we can.

Asked about Mrs Hamilton's remarks, Sir Keir said he would keep to his commitment to pay the victims compensation.

But he added: Almost everywhere we look theres a bigger problem than we anticipated.

Everything, pretty well, has been broken by the last government. We are getting on with this as quickly as we can.

But I did make that commitment and I will stick by that commitment. We will get on with this just as quickly as we can.

'Renew the pressure'

Toby Jones's portrayal of Sir Alan earned him the National Television Award for best drama performance.

The actor said afterwards that the success was "a great opportunity to renew the pressure on the government".

He said: "We're still waiting for the government to make a commitment to pay the compensation before the end of the year.

"I'm sure one of the reasons that the show had been so popular is because there's popular will that that should happen sooner rather than later."

The ITV drama led to a public outcry about the treatment of hundreds of workers who were wrongly convicted and accused of theft, fraud and false accounting because of a faulty Post Office accounting system.

According to government figures, 253 compensation offers have been made to the 555-strong group, 207 of which have been accepted.

The government spokesman said more than 289m had so far been paid to more than 2,800 people across four compensation schemes that are in place. Most of those were not convicted or part of the group court action.

On Monday, the government also announced a new independent appeals process for those who were not convicted but handed over their own money to make up shortfalls caused by the Horizon system.
A power outage has canceled classes at a local elementary school for Thursday.

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John F. Kennedy Elementary School announced on social media there will be no school due to a power outage.

If your child rides a bus, they will stay here until busses return from middle school routes, they wrote on its Facebook page.

JFK Elementary School is located at the 5000 block of Polen Drive.

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Rep. Adline Clarke, D-Mobile, speaks to Rep. Marilyn Lands, D-Huntsville (left) on the floor of the Alabama House of Representatives on April 16, 2024 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. Clarke has introduced a measure that would allow people with a disability to receive assistance in delivering absentee ballots, and absentee ballot applications, to an election manager. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

An Alabama legislator has prefiled a bill that would allow people with disabilities to receive assistance when they submit their ballots.

HB 31, sponsored by Rep. Adline Clarke, D-Mobile, would allow people who are blind, disabled, or unable to read or write to designate another individual to deliver an absentee voter application, or the ballot itself, to an election manager to be considered during an election.

I have a lot of seniors in my district, about five senior living apartment complexes, and I often get calls from those seniors for help with absentee voting, Clarke said in an interview Wednesday. I will often deliver an application to them so that they can submit that to the absentee election managers office for an absentee ballot.

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Under the bill, a person with a disability must designate a person to deliver the application at least five days before an election. The legislation also allows a disabled individual to designate a person to deliver the ballot to the election manager in person or place the ballot in an envelope to be mailed to the election manager by the time of the election.

HB 31 is part of a set of proposals from Democratic lawmakers who want to extend opportunities to vote for a larger part of the electorate as the state has imposed greater restrictions on voting in the name of election security and integrity.

SB 1, sponsored by Sen. Garlan Gudger, R-Cullman and signed by Gov. Kay Ivey in March, criminalizes certain forms of assistance in the preparation of absentee ballots.

Gudgers proposal makes it a Class C felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison, for a person to receive a payment or gift for distributing, ordering, requesting, collecting, completing, prefilling, obtaining or delivering an absentee ballot application. The person with a disability who offers payment could face a Class B felony, punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Supporters of the bill said it would end a practice they called ballot harvesting.

Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen said in an emailed statement Wednesday that he would review the proposal.

I support the strong protection of the absentee elections process, which is why I publicly supported Alabamas ban on ballot harvesting last legislative session, the statement said.

Voting rights groups filed a lawsuit in April challenging the law, arguing that volunteers who provide aid could be punished for purchasing a stamp or sticker to someone with a disability. They also allege that a person dropping off a ballot could face a misdemeanor charge.

A federal judge in August allowed one claim from the plaintiffs to proceed  that the restriction in the law which prohibits other people from returning another persons ballot application violates Section 208 of the Voting Rights Act. That part of the law addresses voters ability to obtain assistance because of a disability.

Clarke said that she filed her bill independent of SB 1, but that when SB 1 was filed, I saw an even greater need for HB 31.

She added that submitting an absentee ballot can be cumbersome, which includes multiple steps such as placing the ballot into multiple envelopes.

Ideally, to ensure that your ballot gets to the election managers office, you really need to go to the post office, have it weighed, so that it has sufficient postage, Clarke said. For a person who is disabled, that is a big burden.

Democrats have filed other voting rights bills, though they face uphill battles in the Republican-controlled Legislature. SB 7, filed by Sen. Kirk Hatcher, D-Montgomery for the 2025 session, allows for automatic voter rights restoration in some cases; absentee voting without qualification and same-day voter registration.

The bill would also require the Alabama Secretary of States Office to maintain a statewide database for elections and voting and create an Alabama Voting Rights Commission to review and block measures from local governments that attempt to restrict voter access.

Kathy Jones, president of the League of Women Voters of Alabama, supports the bill. Many people in the state are elderly and a significant portion of the electorate have a disability and need assistance with delivering their absentee ballots, she said.

People who are blind, or unable to read or write, or otherwise disabled, need to be able to have someone pick up or deliver their absentee ballot application, or the ballot itself, in order to participate in the electoral process, Jones said. Not being able to have that access, they would have to have transportation and be able to get down to the courthouse or the election center, and that is not feasible for a lot of people.

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In an exclusive opinion editorial, Joe Biden, the 46th president of the United States, writes for Glamour.

Tonight, on the South Lawn of the White House, more than 1,000 survivors, advocates, and allies will gather to mark the 30th anniversary of the first comprehensive law addressing violence against women in our nations history: the Violence Against Women Act.

As we celebrate our progress on this landmark legislation, well also hear powerful stories from heroic survivors: a longstanding champion who has fought alongside us for 30 years; an advocate for Indigenous women, LGBTQ+ survivors, and underserved communities; and a young, heroic man who was shot while intervening to stop a sexual assault while in college.

When I first introduced the Violence Against Women Act as a senator in 1990, too few thought the government had a role to play in ending violence against women. Domestic violence was considered a family matter. Back then, society largely turned a blind eye, dismissed cries for help, or blamed the victims.

It was wrong.

I have long believed that ending violence against women requires a wholesale cultural changeone that brought this hidden epidemic out from the shadows. So, as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I began to do just that.

I invited health professionals, advocates, and courageous survivors to testify to the entire nation. Their harrowing stories have stuck with me more than 30 years later.

My committee conducted, researched, and authored groundbreaking, data-driven reports on violence against women, to shine a light on the truth and shake the nation out of its indifference. We brought together a coalition that included shelters, religious organizations, survivors, prosecutors, and advocates. And I invited health professionals, advocates, and courageous survivors to testify to the entire nation. Their harrowing stories have stuck with me more than 30 years later.

One woman recounted being beaten by her husband while pregnant, while anothers husband stabbed her 13 times, leaving her permanently paralyzed. Another survivors landlord hired two men to slash her face with a razor after she rebuffed his advances. And a yet another was abducted from a parking lot and raped.

Thousands of demonstrators gather 09 April 1995 in JOYCE NALTCHAYAN/Getty Images

With each shocking testimony, hearts and minds began to change. Thanks to these courageous women, and advocates fighting alongside them, the Violence Against Women Act was signed into law on September 13, 1994. The law had several goals: ensuring safety in homes and communities, support and services for survivors, and justice and accountability.

With VAWA in place, we started to increase justice for survivors and accountability for perpetrators. We created the first-ever national hotline and supported shelters, rape crisis centers, housing, and legal assistance for women all across the country. We trained police officers, prosecutors, advocates, judges, and court personnel to make our justice system more fair and responsive to the needs of survivors. And, over time, we expanded access to sexual assault services on college campuses, invested in ending the backlog of rape kits, and increased protections for underserved communities.

Standing up to abuse of power is hard, but I know we can do thiswe must do this.

Every time weve reauthorized this law, Ive worked across the aisle to strengthen itas a senator, as vice president, and as president. Most recently, we secured the highest-ever funding of more than $700 million to implement the laws programs. And today, ahead of the laws 30th anniversary, Ill announce new actions my administration is takingfrom funding more services for survivors, to expanding housing protections, to keeping guns out of the hands of domestic abusers, to tackling the next frontier of gender-based violence and abuse: deepfake images and videos generated by artificial intelligence. The work never stops. But over the last 30 years, weve made tremendous progress.

According to the Department of Justice, between 1993 and 2022, the reported domestic violence rate dropped by 67%. The rate of reported rapes and sexual assaults declined by almost 56%. Earlier this year, our National Domestic Violence Hotline fielded its 7 millionth call since 1996. And millions of survivors have been provided with victim advocacy services, protection orders, housing, and legal aid. Theres more to do, but we will not rest until it gets done.

And that includes standing with women and girls worldwide who are facing down violence to demand basic human rights, and against rape and sexual violence used as weapons of war and terror.

Today, as we mark three decades since we passed into law the Violence Against Women Act, we celebrate our progress while recommitting to the work ahead.

My dad was a gentle, kind man who always taught me to stand up to the abuse of powerwhether psychological, economic, or physical. That lesson was the driving force behind my decision to create the Violence Against Women Act 30 years ago. And as we look to the future, we cannot stop fighting until every woman and girl on this planet is not only free from violence, fear, and abusebut empowered to reach her full potential.

Toward that aim, Congress must continue to build on the progress we have made under the Violence Against Women Act here in the United States, and pass the International Violence Against Women Act to strengthen justice and accountability for gender-based violence around the world. And we must each do our part at home, at work, in the military, in schools and on campuses, in communities, and online to prevent this from happening in the first placeand summon the courage to intervene when it does.

I believe America is a great nation, because we are a good people. Standing up to abuse of power is hard, but I know we can do thiswe must do thisfor all the women and girls suffering in silence; for all those we have lost; and for all those we can still save.

Joe Biden is the 46th president of the United States.

Originally Appeared on Glamour
After the presidential debate, here's where Trump and Harris are campaigning next

After the presidential debate, here's where Trump and Harris are campaigning next

Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump dueled it out during their first presidential debate on Tuesday and, with the debate behind them, they are now traveling to different swing states where they will get the chance to speak directly with voters.

Trump has his sights set on Arizona, where he will hold a rally in Tucson, while the Harris team is heading to North Carolina, where she's scheduled to hold events in Charlotte and Greensboro.

Arizona and North Carolina are both considered among prized battlegrounds for the 2024 election and the opposing campaigns undoubtedly understand that securing either will help expand their narrow paths to victory in a closely fought presidential race.

Thursdays events come after both candidates spent Wednesday commemorating those who lost their lives during the terror attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

TOP 5 MOMENTS DURING TRUMP-HARRIS PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE

Democratic presidential nominee, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, U.S. President Joe Biden, former NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg, former U.S. President Donald Trump and Republican vice presidential nominee, U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance, R-OH, all attend the annual 9/11 Commemoration Ceremony at the National 9/11 Memorial and Museum on September 11, 2024 in New York City.

Polling experts say only a handful of battleground states will ultimately decide the outcome of the election and the candidates respective destinations give insight into their strategies.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Harris hit the ground running in her first post-debate campaign push, releasing a new ad that featured quotes from their showdown.

The current vice president also announced that she would be returning to North Carolina for a pair of rallies.

Trump won North Carolina in both of his previous White House bids. The former president held rallies throughout the state last month and Republicans have been confident about his chances to win the state for a third time.

However, Trump's 2020 margin of victory in the state was just 1.3 percentage points, his narrowest win of any state that year.

Battlegrounds have been won and lost together

The Harris campaigns eagerness to return to North Carolina points to their hope that its diversifying population will give them a chance to flip the state this go around. Harris's campaign said Thursday's trip will be her ninth to the state this year.

ABC DEBATE MODERATOR ACCUSED OF ONLY FACT-CHECKING ONE CANDIDATE

Historically, Democrats haven't won North Carolina's electoral votes since 2008, when former President Obama was elected for the first time.

Registered independents  also known as unaffiliated voters  are the states largest voting bloc, so it is widely up for grabs.

A state Supreme Court ruling this week affirming that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. must be removed from North Carolina ballots could bring additional votes Trumps way. Kennedy, a lifelong Democrat who was running as an Independent, endorsed Trump in the race.

Historically, Republicans have dominated North Carolina in recent years and the state has voted red in 10 of the last 11 presidential elections (Obama won the state in 2008).

TRUMP SLAMS BIDEN-HARRIS ADMIN FOR LETTING 'MILLIONS OF CRIMINALS' INTO THE COUNTRY

In Arizona, the political trend is similar  with one major exception.

While Trump won Arizona in 2016, he lost it in 2020. Republicans have won Arizona in nearly every presidential election since World War II, but President Biden eked out a narrow victory in 2020.

US Vice President Kamala Harris, right, and former US President Donald Trump shake hands during the second presidential debate at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US, on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024.

More recently, the state has only voted for the Democratic presidential nominee in two of the last 18 elections (Clinton in 1996 and Biden in 2020).

Arizona was particularly tumultuous for Trump in 2020 as he previously clashed with the late U.S. Senator and 2008 Republican presidential nominee John McCain.

Republicans still outnumber Democrats in Arizona, but a third of voters are independents.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump and Republican vice presidential nominee, U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance, R-Ohio, visit with firefighters outside FDNY Engine 4/Tower Ladder 15 fire house in lower Manhattan on the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks on September 11, 2024, in New York City.

Wednesdays somber display provided respite from partisan politics in the high-speed campaign season.

At a fire station in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, close to where United Airlines Flight 93 crashed after passengers fought back against their hijackers, Trump met with locals. Biden and Harris visited the same fire station earlier in the day.

Trump and Harris met in-person later the same day, when both traveled to Manhattan for another 9/11 ceremony.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.





Original article source: After the presidential debate, here's where Trump and Harris are campaigning next
Juvenile in custody regarding threats to Preston County Schools, officials say

UPDATE: Sept. 12, 7:26 p.m.

KINGWOOD, W.Va. (WBOY)  The Preston County Sheriffs Office announced Thursday night that a juvenile is in custody in regard to the threats made toward Preston County Schools that resulted in an early dismissal at Preston High School Thursday.

The release did not provide any further details but did confirm that no credible threat toward the community is believed to exist at this time.

As of Thursday evening, Preston County Schools will still remain on a remote learning schedule for Friday, Sept. 13

UPDATE: Sept. 12, 4:55 p.m.

KINGWOOD, W.Va. (WBOY)  After several schools were placed on precautionary hold, and Preston High School was dismissed early for a reported threat on Thursday, Superintendent Brad Martin announced in a video that all schools in the county will have a remote learning day on Friday, Sept. 13.

Martin said that an anonymous message relating to a possible threat against the high school was received Thursday morning, and law enforcement responded to the scene. During investigation, names specific to Central Preston were included in another threat, Martin said.

Code Yellow at RCB lasted 15 minutes after threat report Thursday morning

Central Preston and Kingwood Elementary students were on precautionary hold for the rest of the day. The threats are still being investigated by law enforcement.

UPDATE: Sept. 12, 11:56 a.m.

KINGWOOD, W.Va. (WBOY)  After dismissing Preston High School students for a possible threat Thursday morning, Preston County Schools now says that it has received a threat specific to Central Preston Middle School.

In a Facebook post, Preston County Schools said that Central Preston students are still on precautionary hold, and law enforcement are expected to remain at the school for the remainder of the day.

As of noon, the school is expected to be dismissed at normal time, but parents and guardians can pick up their children by signing them out at the front window, the post said.

All after-school and extracurricular activities at both Central Preston Middle and Preston High have been canceled for the day.

UPDATE: Sept. 12, 11:22 a.m.

KINGWOOD, W.Va. (WBOY)  Preston County Schools announced that all Preston High School students have been picked up or taken home by bus after a possible threat was made to the school Thursday morning.

WV schools release statements in regard to recent threats

The updated post says that law enforcement are still actively investigating and that all extra-curricular activities at the high school have been canceled for the day.

We appreciate the efforts of our school and transportation staff and law enforcement in assisting in an orderly dismissal of students and appreciate parents patience as we have been dealing with this difficult situation, the post said.

The school district also said that additional information will be released later in the day.

ORIGINAL: Sept. 12, 9:55 a.m.

KINGWOOD, W.Va. (WBOY)  Preston High School has been placed on precautionary hold status after a possible threat was made against the school.

According to a post from the Preston County Schools Facebook page, officials received an anonymous message related to a possible threat against Preston High School.

The post states that law enforcement is on scene; 12 News has reached out to the Preston County Sheriffs Department, who confirmed that deputies are at the school.

As of now, the Facebook post from Preston County Schools says the school has been placed in a precautionary hold status while a course of action is planned, and that the school system is working on an early dismissal plan for Preston High School only.

The post also stated that officials are attempting to dismiss Preston High School students by 10:30 a.m.

An earlier post from Preston County Schools on Wednesday said it was aware of and monitoring school threats on social media.

It also comes after an FBI statement on Wednesday about school threats in the region:

The FBI is aware of recent threats directed toward multiple school districts across Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia. We remain in close coordination with our law enforcement partners to provide assistance where appropriate. That includes gathering intelligence, sharing information, tracking down leads, and working with partners to identify and mitigate threats quickly and effectively. Issuing a threat of any kind promoting violence can be a violation of state and/or federal law. Those found responsible will be thoroughly investigated, and FBI Pittsburgh will immediately engage with our local, state, and federal partners to leverage the full extent of the law. These threats disrupt school, waste resources, and put first responders and innocent people in unnecessary danger. FBI Pittsburgh stands committed and ready to respond to any immediate threat involving any educational institution 24 hours a day. We encourage students, teachers, administrators, and parents to remain vigilant and to promptly report suspicious activities that could represent a threat to 911, to the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI, or online at tips.fbi.gov.

12 News has attempted to contact the Preston County Board of Education but has been unable to leave a message at this time.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com.
(Bloomberg) -- Armed groups waging a civil war in Sudan are suspected to have looted priceless artifacts from a museum that houses much of the North African nations rich cultural heritage.

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Fighters have taken away boxes of ancient statues, vases and other items from the National Museum in the capital, Khartoum, over the past year, according to senior museum staff. UNESCO said its deeply concerned about the reports of looting and damage of several museums in Sudan.

In recent weeks, this threat to culture appears to have reached an unprecedented level, with reports of looting of museums, heritage and archaeological sites and private collections, the United Nations agency said in a statement on Thursday. The organization calls on the international community to do its utmost to protect Sudans heritage from destruction and illicit trafficking.

Conflict has raged in Sudan since last April and as many as 150,000 people have died, according to US estimates. More than 10 million others have been displaced, with many fleeing into Chad, South Sudan and Egypt. Theres a risk of Sudans neighbors being drawn into the conflict, either directly or through the backing of proxy forces, which would have potentially grave implications for regional security.

Several attempts to broker a cease-fire between the army and rival Rapid Support Forces paramilitary group have failed. Fighters have been accused of raiding the countrys vast natural resources  from gold to gum arabic thats a key component in sodas and cosmetics  to fund their campaigns.

In one recent incident, armed RSF members removed three truckloads of artifacts, said Ikhlas Abdellatif and Shadia Abdrabo, the National Museums director and senior curator respectively. Interpol and UNESCO are providing investigative support to the museum to document the crimes, according to Abdellatif.

The RSF emerged out of the janjaweed militias that committed the Darfur genocide two decades ago. Nazar Sid Ahmed, a member of the groups negotiating team, denied that it was involved in looting.

Anyone who wants to make sure of the museums property remaining in place can do so, he said. We are ready to take them to see it on the ground.

Aiman Badri, an officer at UNESCOs Sudan office, confirmed that the agency is working closely with the museum and local partners to try and locate missing items. Claims that artifacts had been taken and posted for sale online and in neighboring countries are credible, he said.

The museum was undergoing renovation prior to the war, so many items that were usually on display had been packed into boxes, according to Abdrabo, who fled Sudan for France when the fighting erupted. She said she had received testimony, videos and pictures from contacts in Sudan showing that funeral statuettes dating back to the Napatan period between 700 and 300 BC had been looted.

Bloomberg saw one such video, but couldnt verify where it was shot.

One of the museum officials sources, who works with the RSF and declined to be identified because of fears for their safety, confirmed that some artifacts that appeared in a video he took had been looted.

Among the museums vast collection are a gold-gilted statuette of a Kushite king, vases dating as far back as the third century AD and paintings from the medieval Nubia period that were found inside the Faras Cathedral.

The museum contained artifacts dating from pre-historic times to the early 19th century and its unclear how many of them had been taken, said Tomomi Fuahiya, an assistant professor at the Polish Center of Mediterranean Archeology at the University of Warsaw and member of the Sudan Heritage Protection Initiative at the University of Birmingham.

Culturally its the best collection in the country, she said.

Artifacts have also been stolen from the Darfur Museum in the southwestern town of Nyala and the Sheikan Museum in El Obeid in the south, Abdrabo said. Archives containing thousands of documents were also taken from the Omdurman Ahlia University, while others were destroyed in a fire last year.

Heritage for Peace, an organization dedicated to preserving national patrimony during wartime, has appealed to both warring parties to protect Sudans heritage, prevent illicit exports of cultural property and stop illegal digging at archaeological sites.

Sudanese state media outlets reported that more than 200 researchers had petitioned South Sudanese President Salva Kiir to recover Sudanese artifacts that had been brought to his country for sale.

--With assistance from Paul Richardson and Michael Gunn.

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Pride event 'might be cancelled' over rising costs

About 11,000 people attended this year's Clacton Pride, its organiser said [Amy LT Photography]

The organiser of a free-to-attend Pride event said it could be cancelled because of fundraising struggles.

Cheryl Piper said about 11,000 people attended this year's Clacton Pride, but rising costs for things like security and first aid have put its future in doubt.

Ms Piper and the rest of the orgainsers have arranged monthly fundraising events in preparation for next year's festival.

But she warned the event "might have to be cancelled" or become ticketed.

"We raise funds throughout the year but it's just not covering [our costs] at the moment," she told BBC Essex.

Ms Piper said Clacton Pride had received a National Lottery grant to help pay for this year's event.

"We can't rely on grants," she continued. "They're hit and miss."

She said she hoped the event would stay free-of-charge.

Ms Piper first had the idea to set up a Pride festival in the town about five years ago.

She said: "I didn't actually realise how big the LGBTQIA community was in Clacton. It's absolutely huge."

People flocked to the Essex coast from as far as Scotland and Spain to attend this year's Pride, she added.

"We're reaching people, it's just the funds we need."

The first Clacton Pride festival was held in 2022.

This year, performers including the EastEnders actress Heather Peace took to the stage.

Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.

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PRINCE GEORGES COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now)  Police in Prince Georges County are investigating a double shooting Wednesday afternoon.

PHOTOS: Car crashes into building in Northwest DC

The Prince Georges County Police Department (PGPD) said two males were shot at around 4:40 p.m. near the Marlboro Pike and Silver Hill Road area.

(Anthony Deng/DC News Now)

(Anthony Deng/DC News Now)

PGPD said it did not know the ages of the victims yet or the extent of their injuries.

This story is developing.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
CHICAGO, Ill. (WTVO)  Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and the Illinois Office of Tourism on Thursday made a dig at Florida after that states tourism office quietly removed the LGBTQ Travel section from its website last month.

Floridas decision to disrespect and disavow a whole group of tourists for how they live or who they love is disheartening and raises questions about whos really welcome in the Sunshine State. Illinois stands proudly with the LGBTQIA+ community and offers valuable travel resources for destinations, experiences, and events 365 days a year, said Governor JB Pritzker. Here in the Land of Lincoln we embrace all that makes each of us unique and we celebrate it with pride. While Visit Florida removed LGBTQIA+ information from their site, we decided to make it even easier to access valuable resources for the community directly on our homepage at EnjoyIllinois.com. Consider this my personal invitation to come Enjoy Illinois, where all are welcome!

Illinois follows Connecticuts lead after that state launched an LGBTQ travel campaign, also taking a swipe at Florida.

The change to Visit Floridas website was first reported by NBC News, which noted a search query still pulls up some listings for LGBTQ+-friendly places despite the elimination of the section.

Florida is one of the most popular states in the U.S. for tourists, and tourism is one of its biggest industries. Nearly 141 million tourists visited Florida in 2023, with out-of-state visitors contributing more than $102 billion to Floridas economy.

Before the change, the LGBTQ+ section on Visit Floridas website had read, Theres a sense of freedom to Floridas beaches, the warm weather and the myriad activities  a draw for people of all orientations, but especially appealing to a gay community looking for a sense of belonging and acceptance.

In 2023, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis enacted laws removing instruction on sexual orientation in K-8th grade, a ban on gender-affirming care such as puberty blockers for minors; requiring people to use the restroom associated with their birth sex; allowing healthcare providers to deny transgender care on religious, moral, or ethical beliefs; and instructed universities to remove curriculum on subjects like critical race theory and gender studies.

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A major Democratic super PAC is investing heavily in abortion messaging in battleground states.

American Bridge 21st Century released its latest round of TV and digital ads on Thursday  airing in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan and backed by $15 million buy  focused entirely on contrasting Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump on abortion. The ads, exclusively obtained by POLITICO, hammer Trump for nominating the Supreme Court justices who overturned Roe v. Wade.

Its the latest evidence that Democrats are prioritizing abortion as a top issue for Harris, who forcefully attacked Trump over his positions on it at Tuesdays debate. Earlier this year, American Bridge officials said their ads would cover the economy and democracy, as well as abortion, but right now, with Trump and [JD] Vance, abortion has come back to the forefront and its a very comfortable [issue] for Harris, who has a stellar record on it, said Bradley Beychok, co-founder of American Bridge, pointing to Trump's refusal during the debate to commit to vetoing a national abortion ban.

Weve been pretty consistent that were going to talk about abortion, democracy and freedom, which is a campaign-in-a-box thats won a lot of elections, Beychok continued. Weve won a lot of elections talking about abortion and talking about taking away freedoms, so were not going to be able to say it enough.



The new round of ads are targeting white women who live in exurban and suburban areas in those three swing states. This group is a critical voting bloc for Harris. Its also a demographic American Bridge targeted with its 2020 efforts, when it dropped $62 million into TV and digital ads to boost President Joe Biden. In 2024, American Bridge announced it would spend $140 million throughout the cycle.

The ads feature direct-to-camera appeals from swing-state women, who urge voters that America cant go back to the Trump era. One ad airing in Michigan is narrated by Anna, an OB-GYN, who had an abortion when the child I wanted and loved had a devastating diagnosis.

Politicians like Donald Trump have no right to make that medical decision for me and my family, she said in the ad. Kamala Harris believes its women  and not politicians  who should be making their own health care decisions.



In another ad airing in Pennsylvania, Susan, a nurse practitioner, said Trump seems dedicated to taking us backwards, adding that she cant imagine what hes thinking when he says he wants to punish women who have had an abortion.

The contrast ads echo the abortion-focused ads coming from the Harris campaign, which has feature women talking about their own experiences with abortion in a post-Roe world.
A new mural on a prominent street corner suggests Jewish people are carrying out a new Holocaust and intertwines a Star of David and a swastika.

The mural carries the words, "The irony of becoming what you once hated," in all capital letters.

Milwaukee Jewish community leaders Thursday decried it as "vile" and "horribly antisemitic."

A pro-Palestinian mural is seen on a building, at 2309 N. Holton St.in Milwaukee on Thursday. The mural replaces a prominent mural of Breonna Taylor that was put up in 2020 as part of the protest movement following George Floyd's death.

"This mural is not intended to actually change anything on the ground (in Israel and Gaza). It has no capacity to do that. It's only meant to be hurtful to our Holocaust survivors who see it," said Miryam Rosenzweig, president of the Milwaukee Jewish Federation.

The mural is posted on a building at the corner of North Holton and East Locust streets owned by Ihsan Atta, a Palestinian-American landlord who is the registered agent for the property management company Fala7 Investments LLC.

The mural replaced one on Breonna Taylor that was well-known to those in the area. Taylor, a Black woman, was shot and killed in her home in 2020 by Louisville police during a botched raid. The police killings of Taylor and George Floyd in Minneapolis sparked nationwide protests about police violence. Another prominent mural of Floyd on a building also owned by Atta remains at the corner of East North Avenue and North Holton Street.

Atta told WTMJ-TV in June that he was planning to replace the Taylor mural with a pro-Palestinian one to call attention to the Israel-Hamas war. He told the Journal Sentinel Thursday that he kept the Taylor mural after removing it and plans to either give it to Taylor's family or hang it somewhere else in the Riverwest neighborhood.

The new mural includes images of drones, bombed-out buildings, women wearing head coverings carrying children, an apparent mass grave and an empty swing set.

Rosenzweig said the mural aims to "scare the Jewish community, to threaten them, and to harass and intimidate." It also denies the atrocities of the Holocaust by equating it to the Israel-Hamas war, she said.

"It's very much trying to blame all Jews," Rosenzweig said, adding that a key antisemitic trope is blaming all Jewish people for the actions of the Israeli government.

The phrase on the mural is found in some pro-Palestinian art and online memes. Atta said he created the idea for the mural in collaboration with some local tattoo artists, and he argued it was not antisemitic to compare the Holocaust and Israel's devastation in Gaza. The Holocaust was the systematic, state-sponsored murder of 6 million Jews.

"The fact that (Rosenzweig) says that it relates the Holocaust to what's going in Gaza is exactly the point. It is what's going on. It is a holocaust that's going on," Atta said. "For her to say that it's comparable, she's absolutely right."

More: At Shabbat dinner near UWM encampment, Jewish students process complex feelings on protests, war

Atta has previously compared Israel to Nazi Germany. Two days ago he reposted a meme on Instagram that attempted to draw similarities between Adolf Hitler and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

He argued that it was OK to combine the Star of David and swastika symbols because, he said, the star is used not only as a religious symbol, but a political symbol. It is found on the Israeli Air Force insignia.

"The swastika, to me, is equivalent to the Star of David," Atta said.

Atta also disagreed with the concept that Jewish residents could feel threatened by the mural. He said he thought Jewish people "should be able to relate" to how painful a genocide is for a population.

"I think the only people that are being threatened are the Palestinians," he said, whose perspective he argued was being stifled on the global stage.

Atta is the brother of two prominent local Muslim leaders: Othman Atta, executive director of the Islamic Society of Milwaukee  the state's largest mosque, and Janan Najeeb, president of the Milwaukee Muslim Women's Coalition.

Since the mural is on a privately owned building, the Milwaukee Jewish Federation is not planning to take any steps to try to have it removed, Rosenzweig said.

"For those who see this imagery, I would ask you to stand up against this level of hate  to see it for what it is  as you would stand up for hate against anyone," she said.

Sophie Carson is a general assignment reporter who reports on religion and faith, immigrants and refugees and more. Contact her at scarson@gannett.com or 920-323-5758.

The mural at the corner of North Holton and East Locust streets was apparently put up this week.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Pro-Palestinian mural of swastika, Star of David set up in Milwaukee
The Age of Trump has assaulted and undermined Americas governing institutions and the rule of law, civil society, and shared sense of normalcy. Beginning to heal these many great challenges, as President Obama and Michelle Obama implored last month in Chicago, will take much hard work. In total, it will be a project of democratic renewal that will last decades and not just one debate or election cycle. Doing the work of democratic and civic renewal will require that the American people develop a different relationship to time.

The attention economy with its endless and empty content and algorithms is how the late capitalist experience machine distracts and profits. This dynamic of constant stimulation in an age of spectacle has contributed to epidemic rates of loneliness, social atomization, depression and other mental and emotional unwellness. We've seen a decline in the type of social capital essential for a healthy democracy. How can the American people and their leaders do the work of reinvigorating democracy and defeating Trumpism and the larger neofascist threat if average attention spans have been greatly decreasing over the last two decades?

For example, research shows that the average Americans ability to focus on a computer screen has decreased from 2.5 minutes in the early 2000s to 47 or so seconds today. Other research suggests that many Americans can only pay attention to one task for 8 seconds  that is less than a goldfish.

For decades, the American news media with its endless 24/7 coverage, sensationalism, traffic-chasing, and an if it bleeds it leads ethos has contributed to this problem instead of intervening against it. The Age of Trump has been enabled and normalized by that behavior and how the corrupt felonious traitor sexual assaulter as confirmed by a court of law ex-president is worth billions of dollars in advertising revenue to the news media.

Anton Jager describes this late capitalist media and political environment with its rejection of substantive mass politics in favor of empty identity politics and performance, with its brands and virtue-signaling to get attention on social media and across the digital space as an example of hyper-politics:

hyper-politics is what happens when post-politics ends  something like furiously stepping on the gas with an empty tank. Questions of what people own, and control are increasingly supplanted by questions of who or what people are, replacing clashes of classes with the collaging of identities and morals.

Social theorist Henry Giroux offers a complementary framework (what he calls emergency time) for understanding the crisis in American and global democracy:

The Republican Party is now mostly a vehicle for fascist politics. The United States has reached the endpoint of a cruel economic and political system that resembles a dead man walkinga zombie politics that thrives on the exploitation of the working class, immigrants, the poor, dispossessed, and helpless children dying under the bombed-out rubble of state terrorism. White Christian nationalism merges with the most extreme elements of capitalism to enforce cruel and heartless policies of dispossession, elimination, and a politics of disposability. Mouthfuls of blood saturate the language of authoritarianism, and policies of destruction, exploitation, and utter despair follow. Public time based on notions of equality, the common good, and justice fades into the dustbin of a white-washed history. As James Baldwin once noted, until the Nazis knock on their door, these lets be balanced types refuse to have the courage to name fascism for what it is. In the face of emergency time, it is crucial to develop a great awakening of consciousness, a massive broad-based movement for the defense of public goods, and a mobilization of educators and youth who can both say no and fight for a socialist democracy. The fight against fascism cannot take place without new ideas, vision, and the ability to translate them into action. Dangerous memories and the resuscitation of historical consciousness help. And are even more necessary as democracy is choking on the filth of demagogues, white nationalism, class warfare, militarism, and Christian nationalism. Those Americans who believe in democracy and justice can no longer accept being reduced to a nation of spectators; they can no longer define democracy by reducing it to a voting machine controlled by the rich; nor can they equate it with the corpse of capitalism; they can no longer allow the silence of the press to function as a disimagination machine that functions to largely depoliticize the public; they can no longer allow education to be pushed as machinery of illiteracy, historical amnesia, and ignorance.

Ultimately, the American people and their leaders need to take a breath, slow down, and gain perspective as they try to step away from the spectacle.

As I often warn here at Salon and elsewhere, the American people are not well. Sick societies produce sick leaders. In the Age of Trump, it appears that we "the Americans" are even more afflicted with a 21st-century version of the malady known as Americanitis." In an essay in Smithsonian Magazine, Greg Daugherty applies this therapeutic language: Too much stress, too little sleep, rushed meals, technology that seems to change faster than we can begin to keep up with. If those complaints sound familiar, chances are theyd have resonated with your great-great grandparents too":

More than a century ago, Americans had much the same concerns, and some leading thinkers and medical practitioners even took it a step further. They suggested that the countrys legendary work ethic and go-getter spirit might be a form of mental illness that they called Americanitis. The Journal of the American Medical Association acknowledged the condition as early as 1898, linking it in one article to the increased noise level in industrialized America. Who shall say how far the high-strung, nervous, active temperament of the American people is due to the noise with which they choose to surround their daily lives? the author asked. It wasnt long before Americanitis had spread beyond the medical journals and into everyday vocabulary, shorthand for a deadly mix of hurry and worry. Orison Swett Marden, a self-help author and editor of Success magazine, and Elbert Hubbard, the flamboyant Sage of East Aurora, were two of the many popular writers to address the subject. Marden devoted a chapter to The Cure for Americanitis in his book, Cheerfulness as a Life Power. How quickly we Americans exhaust life! he wrote. Hurry is stamped in the wrinkles of the national face. The cure, as he saw it, was to stop worrying so much. Instead of worrying about unforeseen misfortune, he advised, set out with all your soul to rejoice in the unforeseen blessings of all your coming days. Hubbard attributed the disease to an intense desire to git thar and an awful feeling that you cannot. He advised readers to cut down your calling list, play tag with the children, and let the world slide. Remember that your real wants are not manya few hours work a day will supply your needsthen you are safe from Americanitis and death at the top. Theodore Dreiser raised the question AmericanitisCan It Be Cured? in The Delineator, a womens fashion magazine he edited. The morning paper gives us a daily list of deaths by suicide, apoplexy, and insanity, he lamented, men in the prime of life rushing into eternity, desperate because they are left behind in the race, or driven mad by the rush of the business world. He recommended learning to relax the muscles.

Harris, Walz, the Democrats, and other pro-democracy leaders and organizers have a great challenge ahead of them. They need to continue to sound the alarm about the existential dangers of Trump and the MAGA movement and the larger neofascist tide without creating a sense of mass despair, futility, learned helplessness, and nihilism that fuels the vibe that nothing really matters anymore.

They must also continue to mine the energy of joyful warriors for democracy. But being joyful warriors must not mean being conflict-avoidant or retreating from a high-dominance leadership style against Trump and his MAGA forces and their agents. In all, Harris and Walz can be joyful warriors who still pack a great punch and are willing to do all that is necessary to defeat Trump and the other enemies of American democracy.

Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course.

Whatever the outcome on Election Day, the American people will need to take a breath and collect themselves as they prepare for the hard work of democratic renewal if Harris and Walz win or what will be the even more difficult work of resistance if the worst outcome of Dictator Trump and his running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, taking the White House comes to pass. Either way, time is not (and will not be) on the side of the American people.

On this, Rick Wilson, co-founder of the pro-democracy organization the Lincoln Project, recently counseled here at Salon:

That was my first big campaign,1988. At this point in the election contest, Dukakis was ahead by 17 points. Here are the lessons from that defeat. Don't ever take anything for granted. Run through the tape. Never take your foot off the pedal. It's a simple and what should be an inviolate rule. You have to run all the way through. You have to fight all the way down. You can never, ever, take a break from the campaign at this early point. You've got to drive through the tape. One of the things we have to watch for here is that Trump can beat Trump. Harris can beat Trump. Trump, I do not believe can beat Harris with the popular vote. But Trump could beat Harris because of the Electoral College.My worry tank is diminished meaningfully. My hope tank is on three-quarters, but I'm going to stop for gas again soon before Election Day in November.
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON)  A man described as a prolific auto burglar has been arrested along with a teenage accomplice, according to the San Francisco Police Department. The arrests were the result of a citywide operation.

According to police, the teenage accomplice, described by law enforcement as a male juvenile, conducted multiple auto burglaries on the same day at two different tourist destinations. On Saturday, Sept. 7, SFPD officers with the Central, Northern, Southern, Tenderloin and Taraval stations were assigned to an auto burglary suppression operation.

Central Station plainclothes officers were working in the area of the Palace of Fine Arts at around 3:15 p.m. when they observed an auto burglary. The suspect, police said, fled east on Girard Road.

Most San Franciscans feel its unsafe to park on city streets: KRON4 poll

Officers tried to maintain surveillance of the suspect vehicle but lost it due to the driver performing evasive, illegal maneuvers, which risked public safety. Police put out a description of the suspect vehicle and a short time later, an SFPD sergeant spotted it headed south on Masonic Avenue at Golden Gate Avenue.

Officers surveilled the vehicle near Alamo Square  another known tourist destination often hit by auto burglars. The sergeant put out the vehicles location and a description of the suspect when they saw him commit another auto burglary at Fulton and Scott streets.

Surveillance of the vehicle continued as it fled south on Buchanan Street with the suspect continuing to commit moving violations. This, police said, caused them to lose sight of the vehicle.

Drugs and crime not the top issues facing San Francisco, according to voters: KRON4 poll

The vehicle was picked up again by a third SFPD sergeant as it headed east on Interstate 80 near 4th Street. Officers tailed the vehicle to the 800 block of West MacArthur Boulevard in Oakland. A police sergeant saw the male juvenile suspect take property from inside the suspect vehicle and get into a nearby vehicle. That second vehicle was recognized as being associated with 27-year-old Robert Sonza of San Francisco, a known auto burglar.

The vehicle continued to flee at a high rate of speed. Officers planned to use a tire deflation device to stop it before into a crash at Piedmont Avenue and Pleasant Valley Avenue. Sonza, police said, got out on the drivers side and took off on foot.

The teenage accomplice also got out on foot and was taken into custody on the 5000 block of Piedmont Avenue in Oakland. Investigation revealed that the suspect vehicle involved in the Alamo Square and Palace of Fine Arts incidents was stolen.

Photo: SFPD

Photo: SFPD

Photo: SFPD

Photo: SFPD

Inside the vehicle, officers found a burglary tool and property from a Sept. 2 auto burglary near the Palace of Fine Arts. The second vehicle was also searched, yielding more stolen property and a firearm.

Property from recent auto burglaries was recovered and reunited with multiple victims, police said.

Despite the dangerous driving of the suspects, SFPD personnel continued their surveillance from a distance for the sake of public safety and took the suspect and his accomplice, a known, prolific auto burglar, into custody, said SFPD Chief William Scott.

Sonza was arrested for the following charges:

Receiving stolen property

Accessory after the fact

Resisting or delaying arrrest

Carrying a loaded firearm

Person convicted of misdemeanor violation of a firearm related offense

Felon in possession of a firearm

Carrying a concealed firearm in a vehicle

Possession of large capacity magazine

Conspiracy to commit a felony

The juvenile accomplice was cited for:

Theft of a vehicle

Receiving stolen property

2 counts of burglary

Possession of burglary tools

Resisting or delaying arrest

After being cited, they were released to their parent, police said. While arrests have been made, police say the investigation is ongoing.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) published a proposed regulation that provides flexibility for REAL ID requirements.

TSA published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would provide federal agencies with the flexibility to begin enforcement of the REAL ID regulations.

Local doctor speaks on new FDA mandate to detect breast cancer sooner

The goal of the proposed rule is to make sure that TSA and other federal agencies are prepared to start enforcing REAL ID laws on May 7, 2025.

There is no extension of the REAL ID deadline by the proposed rule. Instead, it will allow TSA to examine implementing REAL ID through a phased enforcement strategy.

Travelers without a REAL ID-compliant ID or another form of acceptable ID after the May 7 deadline could face delays at airport security checkpoints.

Missouri news: Headlines from St. Louis, Jefferson City and across the Show-Me State

TSA is engaging with the public, licensing jurisdictions and states to facilitate a smooth transition to REAL ID enforcement beginning May 7, 2025, TSA Administrator David Pekoske said.

REAL ID provides an important security enhancement, and this rule allows us to plan for a range of scenarios to help minimize the potential impact to travelers, industry stakeholders and states during implementation.

Following the 9/11 Commissions recommendation, the REAL ID Act was enacted. It set minimum security requirements for state-issued identification cards and drivers licenses to prevent unauthorized individuals from entering nuclear power plants, boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft, and gaining access to certain federal facilities.

Click here to learn more information on REAL IDs.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
The proposed plans are for 85 acres of land adjacent to the A1 and M25 in Hertfordshire [DC01UK]

Plans submitted to a council for a 3.75bn "world leading" data centre could generate up to 700 new jobs.

Hertsmere Borough Council are due to consider plans from DC01UK for the site on 85 acres of land adjacent to the A1 and M25, close to South Mimms services in Hertfordshire.

The company claimed the project "would be one of the largest data centre campuses in Europe" and create 500 jobs during construction and 200 permanent jobs once completed.

Peter Kyle, secretary of state for science, innovation and technology, said: "This huge 3.75 billion proposed investment is a vote of confidence in our plans to support the sector to thrive, ensuring everyone across society can feel the economic benefits of its growth."

The plans also include turning the currently closed White Hart Pub in the village of South Mimms into a technology and innovation hub, which DC01UK said would provide training and apprenticeship opportunities for local residents.

The Grade II-listed building dates back to the late 17th century and was altered and extended sometime in the 19th or 20th century.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, previous plans to part-demolish the pub and replace it with flats were submitted by Griggs Homes and approved by the council.

The council had rejected a bid to designate the former pub as an asset of community value.

Data centres are huge warehouses that remotely power services such as artificial intelligence (AI) applications and streaming.

In the UK they are set to be classified as critical national infrastructure such as the emergency services and energy and water supplies.

The company said the new centre, called DC01UK, could be operational in 2029.

The site is part of the Green Belt, but DC01UK argues that net biodiversity would increase under its plans, which include low-carbon buildings, renewable power generation, and retaining 50% of the green space.

The firm said the location was chosen as it is close to the Elstree substation for energy requirements as well as the UKs national and international fibre optic routes.

Developers plan to retain 50% of the green space [DC01UK]

A DC01UK spokesperson said about plans for the site: The ambition for this project is to build the next generation of national digital infrastructure to power the needs of tomorrow.

"DC01UK is a unique and world-leading project. It will be the UKs premier data centre, providing critical infrastructure for the UKs future."

Councillor Jeremy Newmark, leader of Hertsmere Borough Council, said the application would be subject to the planning process but described it as "incredibly exciting news".

He added: "The project is aligned with the councils vision. It will be a major boost for our economic development, creative and climate change strategies."

Additional reporting by Local Democracy Reporting Service

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More on this story

Related internet links
Protesters demand justice for Tyre Nichols after Memphis Police last year released footage of the traffic stop and alleged beating by five Memphis police officers that eventually killed him. File Photo by Tannen Maury/EPA-EFE

Sept. 11 (UPI) -- Three former Memphis police officers facing charges for their roles in Tyre Nichols' beating death in January 2023 "stood by his dying body and laughed," a federal prosecutor said Wednesday.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Rogers told jurors of the defendants' alleged behavior during her opening arguments as the trial of the three former Memphis cops got underway Wednesday in the U.S. District Court of Western Tennessee.

Rogers told the jurors they would see and hear "horrifying" video and audio footage of the beating of Nichols, 29, on the night of Jan. 7, 2023, which caused him to die three days later.

The three former police officers -- Tadarrius Bean, Justin Smith and Demetrious Haley -- are charged with federal civil rights crimes in the case, including excessive use of force and unlawful assault.

Two other former officers -- Desmond Mills Jr. and Emmitt Martin III -- pleaded guilty to the same charges and agreed to testify against the three defendants.

A still from a police video shows Tyre Nichols immediately after five Memphis police officers allegedly beat him, which eventually caused his death from blunt force trauma on Jan. 10. 2023. File Photo via City of Memphis/UPI

All five former police officers were members of the Memphis Police Department's now-defunct Scorpion Task Force that was tasked with reducing street crime in Memphis.

When the officers finally caught Nichols, they used excessive force that eventually killed him, Rogers said.

Protesters hold signs at a "Justice for Tyre Nichols" protest in Times Square on Jan. 27, 2023, in New York City. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI

A coroner's report said Nichols died of blunt-force trauma after the officers allegedly repeatedly struck him with fists, feet and police batons after using a taser and pepper spray.

Rogers told jurors the officers beat Nichols for running from them and called it a "run tax" after they tried to pull him over for allegedly driving recklessly.

She said the officers stood around and did nothing when Nichols needed medical help and never posed a threat to the officers.

Bean's defense attorney John Perry told jurors the officers did their jobs and evidence would show they are innocent of the crimes of which they are accused.

He said Nichols drove for 2 miles after the officers turned on their blue police lights and fought "like Hell" with the officers after refusing to give them his hands.

Nichols and all five former police officers are Black.

U.S. District Judge Mark Norris is presiding over the case and said it likely will take several weeks to conclude.
A rendering of the $800 million data center under construction in Aiken County by Facebook parent company Meta (Provided by Meta)

Utilities always paint a dire scenario to the Public Service Commission and Legislature about why they should get their way.

They must get the revenue increases, and thus rate hikes, they ask for so they can provide safe and reliable energy. Permission to build more energy generation must be given or the economy will be hurt.

But this absolute need for big rate increases and much more energy generation seems to dissipate when those rate hikes are not allowed, and construction projects fail to be approved or just fail.

When utilities dont get everything they ask for, both they and our economy go on just fine.

Several weeks ago, at a meeting of the Senate Special Committee on South Carolinas Energy Future, the CEOs of Dominion Energy, Duke Energy, and Santee Cooper stated that they needed to build big new power plants to supply the amounts of new energy they say the state needs.

When questioned about what is causing the need for the expensive new gas plants they propose, the response was enlightening. It wasnt because of residential or industrial growth.

What is driving 65% to 70% of this future energy demand are the anticipated new artificial intelligence (AI) data centers in the state.

AI data centers handle complex calculations and process large amounts of data for big tech companies. They require enormous amounts of electricity to operate.

Sen. Tom Davis, R-Beaufort, asked the utility executives if there was an economic advantage for South Carolina to have these data centers within our state borders.

The response offered was that industry needs AI data centers to be close to the end users to reduce latency, the time it takes for the user to send a command to the data center and receive a response.

Latency differences are measured in milliseconds. But while reducing latency might be good for some business needs, it is not necessary for most data center services.

So, what are the economic advantages to our state to have AI data centers within our borders and thus require the construction of large gas plants that all utility customers must pay for?

These data centers dont create many jobs.

They dont seem to be critical to our states industrial recruitment. Despite our lack of these data centers, our Department of Commerce reports that South Carolina is consistently ranked as one of the top five states to do business in the nation.

AI data centers do contribute to local revenue through more property taxes.

Local governments are willing to give sweetheart incentives to close the deals. Dorchester County recently gave Google a fixed 4% property tax rate for 53 years to locate a new data center in the county. Also, during those 53 years there will be no reassessment of the value of the property. And the company will pay no property tax on vehicles, equipment, etc. as all other businesses must do.

The state layered on at least one of its own incentives. Dorchester County got an economic development rider from the Public Service Commission cutting Googles new data centers electricity costs to only 6 cents per kilowatt hour, about 60% below whatDom Dominion Energy residential customers pay.

But while new AI data centers might provide some economic benefit to a few local governments, the costs are borne by all the utilitys ratepayers and all South Carolina taxpayers.

Amazon, Google, Meta and the other giant tech companies want more AI data centers so they can sell more services and make higher profits. For example, Microsofts AI cloud computing business income generated $1 billion in revenue in just three months.

Our states investor-owned utilities want to build more energy generation for new data centers because building things is the way they make more profits in our regulated system.

Everybody makes a lot of money by building more AI data centers and energy generation except the consumers who are forced to pay higher utility bills for new power plants and cover the government incentives with their taxes.

That simply isnt fair.

The Legislature should protect taxpayers and ratepayers.

Stop all state and local government incentives for AI data centers.

Require data centers to self-produce a minimum of 50% of their energy needs with clean energy like solar and battery storage.

Instruct the Public Service Commission not to approve any provision to reduce electric rates for AI data centers or allow any socializing of AI data center related utility costs to other consumer groups.

With that, AI data centers are welcome in South Carolina.
Irish language campaigners have staged a protest at Belfast's new Grand Central Station after the transport hub was opened without Irish language signage.

Around 100 protesters took part, with a large flag bearing the logo of the campaign group, An Dream Dearg, draped across the stations floor.

Dr Padraig O Tiarnaigh, a spokesperson for the organisation, says they have been liaising with Translink and the Department for Infrastructure for several years on the issue.

Translink has defended its approach, saying Irish language signs will be added in the station as the development progresses.

'An entire community excluded'

The group behind the protest says their confidence in Translink to make changes is low [Pacemaker Press]

"Translink hasnt listened to us or a motion from Belfast City Councilwe are saying John O Dowd has to intervene," said Dr O Tiarnaigh.

"Our confidence in Translink to change this is very low at the minute.

"We need ministerial direction for Translink to do this. We have had two years of trying to get this over the line, and its now opened.

"We are right on the foot of the Gaeltacht community here, and that entire community has been excluded."

A spokesperson for the Department for Infrastructure said: Minister ODowd is committed to the visibility and promotion of Irish language across public services and in our society.

"He is continuing to engage with Translink in relation to Irish language signage at Grand Central Station and is confident that the matter can be resolved.

Grand Central Station opened to the public on Sunday.

The 340m public transport hub has been built behind the previous bus and rail stations serving Belfast.

Translink have defended their approach saying there is an Irish language welcome sign, and that more signs in Irish will be installed. [BBC]

Translink has defended its approach and says Irish will appear in the station as more signage is added.

In a statement, the company says it is looking forward to working with the Irish and Ulster Scots language commissioners when they are appointed by Stormont.

It added that it is "continuing to work closely with local communities to ensure that all aspects of the areas diverse culture are recognised and highlighted as part of the ongoing arts and heritage programme."

Translink also says Irish is used as part of the multilingual welcome signage that is already in place at the station.
If you suspect child abuse or neglect contact the DCFS 24/7 hotline: 855-323-3237. For more information, visit dcfs.utah.gov.

PROVO, Utah (ABC4)  A Provo mother was charged with 44 counts of child sex crimes involving her 10-year-old daughter, according to court documents filed Monday. She originally faced 76 counts in this matter.

Provo mother accused of 76 counts of child sex crimes involving 10-year-old daughter

The charges, filed in the Fourth District Court, include:

16 counts of human trafficking of a child.

16 counts of aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor.

Eight counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a child.

One count of sodomy of a child.

One count of object rape of a child.

One count of rape of a child.

One count of lewdness involving a child.

ABC4.com is declining to publicly name the mother in an attempt to protect the identity of the victim. Police said the mother filmed her daughter and uploaded sexually explicit videos to the messaging platform, Kik. She was arrested last week after Provo City Police were tipped off to the alleged abuse.

The state of child abuse in Utah, and what we can do about it

A man was also arrested as part of the investigation. Chris Seamann, 52, of Mesquite, Nev. was arrested last Friday morning on a warrant from Utah for his alleged involvement.

Seamann is a convicted sex offender, according to the National Sex Offender Registry. He was convicted in Nebraska for first-degree forcible sexual assault back in 1993.

The mother reportedly told police she liked to use Kik for adult purposes and talked about men she spoke with, including Seamann. The mother allegedly stated that she was looking for attention from someone that wasnt bullying. She also told police she and her daughter met Seamann on multiple occasions.

On multiple occasions, the mother and Seamann allegedly exchanged money. The man reportedly paid $20 per session. During the incident in Springville, Seamann reportedly gave the mother a laptop and $125 for payment, according to the probable cause statement.

The mother told police that she allegedly had done this multiple times over 5-6 years. Police reportedly asked the mother when the victim was abused by the man last, and she outlined an instance in graphic detail that took place in Springville on Sept. 3.

The mother was taken to Utah County Jail where she is being held without bail. Seamann is currently jailed in Nevada awaiting potential extradition to Utah.

Smoke fills the Wasatch Front  Heres where its coming from

The Utah Attorney General issued a statement praising the Utah ICAC task force.

While such betrayals may seem incomprehensible to most of us, the tragic reality of human trafficking and child exploitation is family members, including parents, can be the most serious perpetrators, Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes said.

Reyes noted that hes grateful for the investigators involved.

Utahs ICAC task force led by Commander Sete Aulai includes over 200 expert investigators from our office and affiliate agencies across the state. I am inspired by the courage and resilience of survivors as familial abuse cases are extremely difficult to investigate, he said.

Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
SCHUYLKILL HAVEN, SCHUYLKILL COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)  Pennsylvania State Police Schuylkill Haven say they have arrested a juvenile for making threats to bring a firearm to school.

Authorities say they were informed of a juvenile student making threats to bring a firearm into a school. Police took the juvenile into custody on September 11 as a result of the investigation.

Police have not released the name of the male student or the school where the threat was placed.

Arrest made in Dunmore Elementary Center death investigation

State police notified all potentially involved schools and said there are no current threats to any of them.

The juvenile has been charged with two counts of terroristic threats and one count of disorderly conduct. He was taken to the Schuylkill County Juvenile Probation Center.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com.
Six weeks on from the Southport attack in which three children were killed and a further eight were injured, along with two adults, sense is beginning to prevail. Jonathan Hall KC, the independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, gave a speech at a conference organised by the Counter Extremism Group think tank. In it, he spoke out against the danger of an information vacuum following such an atrocity.

Hall said: One of the problems and the consequences of the Southport attack was that there was an information gap, a vacuum, which was filled with false speculation. He added: I personally think that more information could have been put out safely without comprising potential criminal proceedings.

In taking this position, he was joined by another eminent lawyer, Lord Carlile of Berriew, who is a former independent reviewer of terrorism legislation. Carlile said I think we should get out more information if we possibly can. We have learned from these events that when somebody is arrested, and there was a potential issue like this arising, the police probably need to tell the media who has been arrested and what their background is.

I have no doubt that millions of others in Britain would agree with the common sense approach of Hall and Carlile. I know that I do, which is why I posted a video the day after the attack which was very much aligned with their opinion. It is worth repeating what I said in it, for as a result of it, I have been blamed personally for the riots which followed.

Having expressed my horror at what had happened, I noted that Sir Keir Starmer was heckled when he visited the town. I then said: It shows you how unhappy the public are with the state of law and order in our country. I have to say there are one or two questions. Was this guy being monitored by the security services? Some reports say he was, others are less sure. The police say its a non-terror incident, just as they said the stabbing of an Army Lieutenant Colonel in uniform on the streets of Kent the other day was a non-terror incident.

I just wonder whether the truth is being withheld from us. I dont know the answer to that, but I think it is a fair and legitimate question. I also spoke with Valdo Calocane in mind. He killed three people in Nottingham in June 2023. It later came to light that he had a history of mental illness and was known to the authorities. Only last month it emerged that a doctor warned three years before the attacks that Calocanes illness was so acute he could end up killing someone.

As a result of misinformation about the Southport attacker that appeared online  which had nothing to do with me  the riots there spread to other parts of the country.

In no way did I  or do I  condone that mindless thuggery. But children had been massacred. Members of the public were angry and fearful. As Lord Carlile has said, institutions had a responsibility to provide some details about the attacker in order to counter the internet rumours that helped to trigger the violence. This information could have been released in a way that did not compromise any future criminal trial.

Instead, the public was kept in the dark. So was every media outlet. The only facts that anybody officially had to go on came via the bland statement (which has never been updated) put out by Merseyside Police on the evening of the attack, in which the force said a 17-year-old male who was born in Cardiff had been arrested. Three days after the attack, on 1 August, the suspect was named publicly for the first time as Axel Muganwa Rudakubana, after a judge at Liverpool Crown Court lifted reporting restrictions. But doesnt this lack of swift clarity now look like a major dereliction of duty?

Incredibly, as the riots took hold, many prominent individuals in politics and the media chose to leap on the fact that I had asked those perfectly legitimate questions in my video. In doing so, they set up a ludicrous narrative which blamed me personally for inciting the disorder.

But with two legal experts now implying that the type of information which I asked about should have been forthcoming straight away, I wonder what Tom Tugendhat, James OBrien, Trevor Phillips and the others who criticised me think now. Or do they disagree with the assessment of Hall and Carlile?

My view is that Sir Keir Starmer  who, as he never tires of telling us, was the tough guy Director of Public Prosecutions for five years - bears a heavy responsibility for not ensuring that some authority was candid with the public at the earliest opportunity. For one thing, the information vacuum that had been created could have been filled by it being made clear that the perpetrator was not a Muslim, as had been rumoured online. Instead, nothing was added to that bland police statement. Starmer did make a speech from Downing Street about what had gone on in Southport, but he merely warned people not to prejudice the forthcoming prosecution.

Does he really think the public didnt have a right to know more about a crime like this? Is that a healthy state of affairs? Isnt it the case that the active decision to keep the facts about the Southport killer from the public inflamed tensions?

The boot is on the other foot now. The refusal to brief the media in a sensible way about the Southport attacker was an unforgivable mistake. Even Lord Carlile  a friend of Sir Keir Starmer  thinks so.

For this reason it is absolutely necessary that Starmer is forced to explain why he thought it was a good idea for key information about the Southport attack to be withheld from the public. I, for one, will be doing my best to hold him to account on this.

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In purple North Carolina, Democrats hope to defeat a MAGA candidate for governor even as the presidential race remains close

Four years ago, North Carolina voters handed Democrats one of the partys toughest losses and one of its most consequential wins.

Despite years of Democrats hoping that changing demographics in the fast-growing state would tip the presidential race, Donald Trump defeated Joe Biden here by 1 point, his narrowest winning margin in the country. But further down the ballot, voters reelected Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper, who has spent much of the next four years serving as a check on the Republican-controlled legislature and advancing priorities such as Medicaid expansion.

With 54 days until the November election, voters in the Tar Heel State seem equally split this year. At the presidential level, Trump and Kamala Harris have increased their campaigning in the state, where both have made multiple visits and ramped up ad spending. On Thursday, Harris will return, rallying supporters in Charlotte and Greensboro.

The race to succeed the term-limited Cooper, however, seems to be leaning toward the Democratic nominee, North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein.

Stein and his Democratic allies have covered the airways with millions of dollars worth of devastating TV ads highlighting Republican opponent Mark Robinsons past remarks on abortion and a troubled day care center he and his wife ran in the early 2000s  spending the GOP hasnt yet matched. Prominent state Republicans, including Sen. Thom Tillis and former Gov. Pat McCrory, have declined to endorse Robinson, the incumbent lieutenant governor. Democrats have a new presidential nominee who has energized the base, and recent polls have shown Stein edging toward a double-digit lead.

But North Carolina is still a purple state with a history of elections decided by razor-thin margins. Democrats are hoping that Steins record as attorney general and his centrist, economy-focused campaign will win over voters, regardless of what happens at the presidential level. Republicans argue that Robinsons focus on parental rights in schools will boost him and that conservatives will choose even a controversial Republican over a Democrat come November.

Both parties acknowledge that early polling leads dont preclude close races as past cycles have shown.

We obviously feel good about what were seeing in the polling, but this is North Carolina, said a source familiar with the Stein campaigns thinking. This is going to be a tight race.

Jonathan Felts, the executive director of the North Carolina Republican Council of State committee, said Democrats had failed to finish off Robinson before Labor Day and predicted that Republicans core support would stabilize in October.

We are a cantankerous lot who find fault with everything, Felts said of his party. And then, when its time to actually make a binary decision  Democrat vs. Republican  our base comes home.

North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein speaks at a campaign event for Vice President Kamala Harris in Raleigh on August 16, 2024. - Mike Stewart/AP

A ticket-splitting state

Historically, North Carolina voters have favored ticket-splitting. In the 12 presidential elections of the past half century, the state has backed the Democratic nominee just twice  Jimmy Carter in 1976 and Barack Obama in 2008. But the state has only elected three Republican governors in the past 100 years  the most recent being McCrory in 2012.

McCrorys 10,000-vote loss in 2016 has been attributed in part to legislation he signed that forced transgender people to use the bathroom of the gender matching their birth certificate in state government buildings. The law, HB2, led to massive boycotts from companies and missed revenue opportunities, before being repealed in 2017. That same year, however, Trump beat former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton by 4 points.

Theres no connection between the gubernatorial ticket and presidential ticket, said North Carolina Republican strategist Paul Shumaker. Theres still a good 25% of voters who dont even know who the gubernatorial candidates are right now. The presidential candidates are much more better defined.

A Quinnipiac poll of likely voters released this week had Stein leading Robinson 51% to 41% overall, with the attorney general holding a 38- point advantage among women. A Fox News poll from last month found the attorney general up 54% to 43% among registered voters, with a 21-point advantage among women. Both polls showed Stein winning the support of virtually all the Democrats surveyed, leading with independents and capturing the support of about a tenth of Republican voters. Both polls also showed the presidential race with no clear leader.

Democrats have swamped Republicans on the airwaves, according to AdImpact data through September 11. America Works USA, a political action committee allied with the Democratic Governors Association, has spent $18.3 million on TV ads, while Stein has spent more than $29 million in ads touting his work to clear a backlog of rape kits in the state and criticizing Robinson over the day care center he operated with his wife. The most damaging ads have featured Robinsons past remarks criticizing abortion.

Robinson has said he supports the states 12-week abortion limit, which includes exceptions for rape, incest and the life of the mother, despite his past support for bans with no exceptions. Hes attributed his opposition to the procedure to his and his wifes decision to seek an abortion 30 years ago.

Everything Josh Stein and his campaign say about Mark Robinson is either an outright lie or twisted so far out of context it might as well be, Robinson campaign spokesman Mike Lonergan said in a statement.

Robinsons campaign has spent more than $8.9 million on the airwaves through September 11, and the Republican Governors Association has spent $9.9 million attacking Steins law enforcement record. One Robinson ad, in particular, criticized Steins handling of racial justice protests in 2020.

As Attorney General, Josh Stein has been intent on keeping North Carolina communities safe  whether it be urging Congress to spend $300 million to detect fentanyl at the border, clearing the rape kit backlog, or putting drug traffickers, murderers, rapists and child sex abusers behind bars, Stein campaign spokeswoman Morgan Hopkins said in a statement.

Robinson also has the support of Trump, who called him Martin Luther King on steroids as he endorsed the lieutenant governor in March ahead of the states Republican primary. Robinson has embraced the former presidents backing and campaigned with him in Asheville last month. There, the lieutenant governor made an argument that many of his own supporters have made for him: Its not about the personality or how brash Trump may seem, but his policies.

Were suffering because of bad policy, Robinson said. We need to get the good times back. And how do we get the good times back? We reelect President Donald Trump to fix this economy.

Contentious remarks

The governors race may come down to how much Robinson has turned off moderate and independent voters after years of comments in interviews and Facebook posts that have been criticized as anti-LGBTQ, antisemitic and misogynistic.

Stein has sought to capitalize on that history by arguing that Robinson is unfit for the office and framing his inflammatory comments as distractions.

We have to focus on the fundamentals: great schools, solid infrastructure, affordable and accessible health care, safe communities, the attorney general told voters at a campaign event with business leaders this summer. And we must leave to the side these job-killing culture wars.

Robinson has also made an economic pitch, focused on his experiences growing up in poverty, being laid off and watching his jobs get sent overseas.

Susan Myers, an entrepreneur from Pink Hill, North Carolina, said those experiences showed that Robinson has lived a real life. Myers said she was a longtime supporter of the lieutenant governor and had held a fundraiser for him at her home during his 2020 race.

I was amazed at the turnout in a very rural area, she told CNN. Hes a rock star. He draws people across racial and sexual and income and education barriers, and thats what we need.

She was willing to look past his history of contentious remarks.

There are a lot of lies, a lot of taking a little bit here, a little bit there, Myers said of the criticisms of Robinson. Marks not a lifelong politician, so he said things off the cuff that maybe he shouldnt have said.

Voters arrive at a polling location in Charlotte, North Carolina, on March 5, 2024. - Grant Baldwin/Getty Images

A contrast in styles and biographies

Democrats say Steins record  and his lack of viral moments  is part of his appeal.

He is a public servant, state party chair Anderson Clayton said. Hes not a showboat.

Stein grew up in Chapel Hill, where his father  civil rights attorney Adam Stein  helped found the states first racially integrated law firm. The attorney general received a bachelors degree from Dartmouth and law and public policy degrees from Harvard University.

Hes also highlighted his work clearing the states massive backlog of untested rape kits. During his first term in office, Stein worked with the Republican-controlled legislature to conduct an audit that revealed there were more than 16,000 untested rape kits in the state and to pass legislation to clear the backlog and reform the testing system. Steins office announced in April that the backlog had been cleared.

Republicans have argued that despite his inflammatory comments, Robinson appeals to working-class North Carolina residents in a way that the Ivy League-educated, two-term attorney general may not.

Robinson grew up in Greensboro, the ninth of 10 children, and speaks often of how his mother kept the family afloat after his father died. After serving in the Army Reserves and briefly attending college, Robinson spent years working in furniture manufacturing. In 2022, he received a bachelors degree from the University of North Carolina, Greensboro.

In 2018, he rose to prominence after his remarks at a Greensboro City Council meeting defending gun owners rights after the Parkland , Florida, school shooting. (Months earlier, Robinson took to Facebook to label survivors of the shooting calling for gun control spoiled, angry, know it all CHILDREN and media prosti-tots.) Two years later, he won his first political campaign, for lieutenant governor, in the same cycle that Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper and Stein won second terms.

Both candidates have centered their pitch on the economy and education. Earlier this summer, the two shared a stage for the first time at a town hall style event hosted by the Wilmington Business Journal.

Stein spoke first, touting his record as attorney general and repeating his warning of job-killing culture wars and the memory of the states bathroom law.

Then he blasted what he called Robinsons division and hate, and ran through a list of his opponents past comments, including describing homosexuality as filth, calling public school teachers wicked people, suggesting that Pearl Harbor and 9/11 might have been inside jobs, and referencing women who cant keep their skirts down to explain his support for banning abortion.

Friends, being governor is not performative outrage, Stein told the crowd. It is a real job. Its an important job. It is a hard job.

When he took the stage minutes later, Robinson said he would be focused on the economy and education.

There are a lot of folks are going to say that Mark Robinson is some culture warrior, is going to be focused on the culture wars. That is not true, he told the crowd. That is not the message that we have been presenting, and that is not what we will be doing as governor.

A few minutes later, however, the topic turned to those battles when Robinson was asked to elaborate on his pledge to remove what he believes to be inappropriate materials from classrooms. He pointed to the book Gender Queer, a memoir about coming out as nonbinary and frequent target of bans.

Deloris Rhodes, a former high school principal who moved to Wilmington after she retired, said shes been following Robinson since he was elected lieutenant governor in 2020. She bristled at his efforts to overhaul public school education in the state.

In his 2022 memoir, Robinson called for eliminating science and social studies classes for elementary school students, a proposal he later backed away from, and shuttering the State Board of Education.

Anyone that has common sense knows that theyre going to vote for Josh Stein, Rhodes said.

Heather Horak, a 48-year-old Wilmington resident who attended the event, said she appreciates Robinsons approach to education policy. Horak is an unaffiliated voter whose politics defy easy categorization. She supported Democratic presidents  including Obama twice  until 2016, when she backed Trump. Her support for Trump this year was only solidified after independent Robert F. Kennedy Jr dropped out and endorsed the former president. At the same time, Horak also supports abortion rights.

Horak said she wasnt focused on negative ads about Robinsons conduct because it didnt affect the issues that matter to her. She wanted people to vote on policy, not emotions, she said.

If  whoever your candidate is  is just triggering your emotions and you say, I dont like that person because I think theyre a bully, I dont like that person because hes got a harsh tone, lets be realistic and look at the facts, she said. Thats my biggest concern.

CLARIFICATION: This story has been updated to reflect that the ad that criticized Josh Steins handling of racial justice protests in 2020 was from Mark Robinsons campaign.

CNNs David Wright contributed to this report.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin says if the West lets Ukraine use long-range precision weapons to strike targets deep in Russian territory, this means NATO is entering the war.

Putin warned that he would see such a move as meaning NATO countries, including the US and European nations, are fighting with Russia, which would change the nature of the war.

"We will make appropriate decisions based on the threats we will be exposed to," he said in response to a question from a journalist in St Petersburg, without providing further details.

Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, claiming Russia is threatened by Kiev's aim of joining NATO.

While Ukraine depends heavily on Western support in seeking to fend off Moscow's troops, Western countries insist they - and NATO - are not at war with, or threatening Russia.

But Kiev has repeatedly called on the US and Britain to allow Ukrainian forces to use long-range missiles deep in Russian territory to disrupt Russian logistics and attack military airfields far behind the frontline.

So far, the US has only given Kiev permission to use its munitions to strike inside Russian territory if the targets are just across the border from the embattled eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv.

The British government has not yet commented on exactly what Ukraine may do with the weapons it provides.
Putin warns that allowing Ukraine to strike deep into Russia will draw West into war

Russian leader Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that strikes by the Ukrainian Armed Forces on Russia using long-range weapons would imply the direct involvement of Western countries in the war, since Ukraine is apparently unable to find targets on its own without Western intelligence.

Source: Russian media outlet Kommersant

Quote from Putin: "Therefore, it is not a question of allowing the Ukrainian regime to strike Russia with these weapons or not allowing it. This is about making a decision on whether NATO countries are directly involved in the military conflict or not. If this decision is made, it will mean nothing less than the direct involvement of NATO countries, the United States and European countries in the war in Ukraine."

Details: The Kremlin leader is convinced that the Ukrainian army cannot launch strikes using modern Western-produced long-range precision systems.

He said that if the West helps Ukraine strike deep into Russia, "the very essence of the conflict will change", and the Kremlin "will take appropriate decisions based on the threats that will be posed for us".

Background:

According to Politico, the White House has been finalising a plan to ease restrictions on Ukraine's use of US-provided weapons for strikes on Russian territory.

The Guardian has reported that the UK has decided to allow Ukraine to use Storm Shadow cruise missiles to strike targets in Russia.

At a press conference with Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda on 12 September, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that during a meeting with the US and UK foreign ministers on Wednesday, he presented a "direct and detailed" vision of lifting restrictions on long-range strikes on Russia for Ukraine.

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HONOLULU (KHON2)  In the ahupuaa of Waikiki, which lies in the moku of Kona here on Oahu, stands a residential roadway given the name typically translated as supernatural or divine power.

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We are speaking of Mana Pl.

The word mana carries a broad spectrum of translations, including miraculous power, to worship or the stage in growth for fish in which colors appear.

The Queens popular composition written while imprisoned

But another meaning to mana is to place in authority or authorize, reflective of Queen Liliuokalanis final actions as reigning monarch.

Lydia Kamakaeha became Liliuokalani on April 12, 1877, when her brother, King David Kalakaua, proclaimed her as his heir.

Following the kings death, then-Princess Liliuokalani was forced to immediately ascend the throne as Queen despite her own wishes.

Throughout her short two-year reign, the Queens effort was directed toward regaining power for the Hawaiian monarchy.

On the morning of Jan. 14, 1893, the Queen informed her ministers of her plan to proclaim a new constitution.

Before OCCC was Oahu Prison, a coral fortress

After failing in the legislature later that day, the Queen made demands to move forward with her efforts. But when her political opponents found out, they declared she was in revolution and must be removed from office.

Following the wishes of two-thirds of her people, the Queen wanted to replace the constitution forced upon King Kalakaua at gunpoint which took away much of his power.

When she was informed that she had been deposed and a protest would only threaten the loss of life, Queen Liliuokalani yielded her authority to the United States government until the time when facts were proven and she be reinstated.

The Queen wrote to President Cleveland who then initiated an investigation which found that she was Hawaiis constitutional sovereign.

Check out whats going on around the nation on our National News page

However, the Provisional Government ignored the orders of the United States and never restored the Queen.

Today, to many, the Hawaiian Kingdom still exists. Did you know? Now you do!

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
Questions over Vindmans military records evolve into campaign finance probe for super PAC ties

Questions over Vindmans military records evolve into campaign finance probe for super PAC ties

A Virginia congressional candidate whose brother was a star witness in the first then-President Donald Trump impeachment is facing allegations of campaign finance violations and misrepresenting his military record.

The campaign staff of Eugene Vindman, a Democratic candidate in Virginias 7th Congressional District, referred press inquiries about the candidates military record to VoteVets, a political action committee (PAC) that supports progressive military veterans running for office. VoteVets has endorsed Vindman, a former Army infantry officer and Army lawyer.

Two watchdog groups  the Functional Government Initiative and the Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust  allege in separate complaints to the Federal Election Commission that this is illegal coordination between the campaign and the super PAC. The FEC complaints allege VoteVets PAC provided a service to the Vindman campaign by managing its press inquiries.

VINDMAN WINS THE DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY FOR VIRGINIAS 7TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

Alex Vindman, left, and Eugene Vindman stand outside the U.S. Capitol on March 13, 2024 in Washington, D.C. VoteVets held a press conference with senators and representatives pushing for an aid bill for Ukraine.

"The law is quite clear that providing a service to a campaign is an in-kind contribution. Communication is something a campaign usually pays for, not having a super PAC make statements," Kendra Arnold, executive director of the Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust (FACT), told Fox News Digital.

Eugene Vindman is the brother of retired Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, a former National Security Council member who testified in the 2019 House Intelligence Committees investigation into Trumps phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. This led to Trumps first House Democrat-led impeachment.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Eugene Vindman is running against Republican Derrick Anderson, a former Army Green Beret.

FACT is basing its complaint on a documented email exchange between a Washington Free Beacon reporter, Vindmans campaign manager and Travis Tazelaar, the political director VoteVets PAC.

"We have seen campaigns push the limits with super PACs, but this is not just pushing the limits. Its an explicit in-kind contribution," Arnold said.

VINDMAN SAYS MUSK SHOULD BE 'NERVOUS' AFTER TELEGRAM CEO WAS ARRESTED: 'FREE SPEECH ABSOLUTISTS WEIRDOS'

Yevgeny "Eugene" Vindman, the brother of Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, director of European affairs at the National Security Council, arrives back to the House Intelligence Committee hearing on the impeachment inquiry of President Trump in the Longworth Building on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2019.

Last month, Vindman's campaign manager Jeremy Levinson said in the email to a Washington Free Beacon reporter, "I am looping in VoteVets who is going to be providing comments on our behalf to your initial inquiry."

The campaign manager added, "All future questions on this matter or any matters can be directed to him."

To say "or any matters" is problematic, Arnold said.

"The traditional timeline for an FEC investigation is long. We hope they can expedite this case given the circumstances," Arnold said. "The Vindman campaign referred the press to VoteVets on this and any other issues."

In this case, Tazelaar responded to the Free Beacons media inquiry with a statement on Vindman's behalf.

A Vindman campaign spokesperson was dismissive of the FEC complaints.

WWII VETERAN RECEIVES STANDING OVATION, 'USA' CHANTS AFTER MOVING SPEECH

"The bottom line is that we worked with the coordinated side of the VoteVets organization on the response to the Free Beacon outreach," a Vindman campaign spokesperson told Fox News Digital. "The FEC rules are clear that this interaction does not violate its rules and would not constitute an in-kind contribution."

Similarly, David Mitrani, the general counsel to VoteVets, said there was no FEC violation.

Eugene Vindman is running as a Democrat to represent Virginia's 7th Congressional District.

"The claims made in Functional Government Initiatives complaint is simply false," Mitrani told Fox News Digital in a statement. "VoteVets activities are in full compliance with campaign finance laws."

The statement only addressed one complaint. In a follow-up email, a VoteVets spokesperson said the statement was intended to address complaints from both the Functional Government Initiative and the Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust.

The six-member Federal Election Commission is equally made up of Republicans and Democrats and rulings often end in tie votes.

Federal law on coordinated communication, or 11 CFR 109.21(h); 11 C.F.R. 106.1(c)(1), covers when campaign work "is paid for, in whole or in part, by a person other than that candidate, authorized committee, or political party committee." The law also prohibits an outside "vendor," within 120 days of the election from developing "media strategy, including the selection or purchasing of advertising slots," developing "the content of a public communication," and "producing a public communication."

The controversy over campaign finance laws stems from the questions over Vindmans military record.

'STOLEN VALOR' LETTER DEALS POLITICAL BLOW TO WALZ AS HE TOUTS MILITARY RECORD AT DNC AND MORE TOP HEADLINES

Vindmans GOP opponent Derrick Anderson said Vindman "should answer all these legitimate questions about inflating his military resume."

"I respect that he served in the military, but voters deserve answers  not another D.C. politician that hides from them," Anderson told Fox News Digital in a statement. "Right now, Vindman wont even debate me on TV because hes not willing to answer questions about the simple fact that hes not being straight with voters about his resume."

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Vindman had previously said he "fought for our nation in combat," however a 2019 Daily Mail article said Vindman "has not seen combat." In mid-August, the Washington Free Beacon reported that when it contacted the Vindman campaign, campaign chief Levinson copied VoteVets Tazelaar and referred "all future questions" to the PAC.

In its response to the Beacon, the VoteVets spokesperson reportedly said, "There was no front line in Iraq  and the Vindman family was grateful that Eugene was able to return home unscathed while so many other of our brothers and sisters in arms did not."





Original article source: Questions over Vindmans military records evolve into campaign finance probe for super PAC ties
Race to become Japan's next PM kicks off

Leading the polls so far is Shinjiro Koizumi, 43, a surfing former environment minister who is better known as a son of a popular former prime minister (STR) (STR/JIJI PRESS/AFP)

Japan's leadership race kicked off Thursday with a record nine candidates including the surfing son of a former prime minister and an arch-nationalist vying to be the first woman premier.

Whoever wins the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leadership vote on September 27 will succeed unpopular Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, whose three-year term was tarnished by scandals and unease over rising prices.

The contest comes as Japan beefs up defence spending and cooperation with fellow US allies to counter China and as the world's fourth largest economy struggles with a slow-burn demographic crisis.

The conservative LDP has governed almost uninterrupted for decades and holds a majority in parliament, meaning the winner is essentially guaranteed to become premier.

Leading the polls are Shinjiro Koizumi, 43, a former environment minister and the son of ex-premier Junichiro Koizumi, and veteran former defence minister Shigeru Ishiba, 67.

"I want to change the politics of Japan, left behind by the changing times," Koizumi said as the candidates each made a campaign speech at the LDP headquarters.

His pledges include labour market deregulation, making political funds more transparent, and to "settle issues that have been debated for years" such as allowing married couples to have separate surnames.

Meanwhile Ishiba, highlighting regional tensions, referred to North Korea's ballistic missile test on Thursday morning.

"They are not doing this as a joke," he said, arguing of the need to build an organisation like NATO in East Asia.

- Prominent women -

Also in the running are two prominent women -- still a rarity in Japanese politics and business.

Hard-right Sanae Takaichi, 63, is a regular visitor to the Yasukuni shrine to Japan's war dead -- including those convicted for war crimes committed during Japan's brutal occupation of China and Korea.

Japan's economic security minister, Takaichi promised to "make the LDP a party that the Japanese people can believe in".

And although her support within the party is limited, Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa, 71, is seen as a deft leader who aspires to mentor younger female politicians.

Outspoken reformist Taro Kono, 61, is also a candidate, as is Toshimitsu Motegi, dubbed the "Trump whisperer" for his handling of the former US president in tough trade talks.

Others include chief cabinet secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi and former economic security minister Takayuki Kobayashi, the only other candidate under 50 along with Koizumi.

In his emotional speech on Thursday, Koizumi also described meeting his birth mother for the first time this year.

- Snap polls predicted -

Displayed outside its party headquarters on Thursday was a large poster reading "The Match" with black-and-white photos of previous leaders.

Speculation is rife in local media that the winner will call a snap election for as soon as late October or early November.

The main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party is also in the midst of its own leadership contest.

The LDP race is seen as the most open in years, with Kishida having pushed many of the party's powerful factions to disband following a damaging slush fund scandal.

"A healthy degree of policy debate has been taking place as the LDP seeks renewal," said analyst James Brady from consultancy firm Teneo.

"Most candidates are making generous spending promises, while some oppose planned tax hikes," he wrote in a note.

LDP presidents are in office for three years and can serve up to three straight terms.

The opinion polls are only a rough guide, since only LDP lawmakers and regional party representatives have a vote following a series of public debates among the candidates.

hih/kaf-stu/rsc
Rachel Morin, a 37-year-old mother of five, left for a jog in her sleepy Maryland community on Aug. 5, 2023, and never came home.

Police found her brutalized remains stuffed in a culvert and, after a months-long investigation, identified her suspected killer as an illegal immigrant from El Salvador who is also accused of murder in his home country and raping a mother and her 9-year-old daughter in Los Angeles.

The case attracted national attention even before the suspect was identified as a migrant from El Salvador, Victor Antonio Martinez-Hernandez, 23. Afterward, former President Trump expressed his condolences to the family and invited Morin's mother, Patty, as well as other victims' relatives to the southern border.

The House Judiciary Committee invited the same families to testify on Capitol Hill.

REP NADLER PICTURED WITH HEAD DOWN, EYES CLOSED DURING TESTIMONY FROM MOTHERS OF MIGRANT CRIME VICTIMS

Rachel Morin was dragged off a hiking trail on Aug. 5, 2023, and brutally murdered.

The panel's top-ranked Democrat, Rep. Jerrold Nadler of New York, appeared to nod off at one point, closing his eyes, lowering his head and irking spectators. More than a year after the murder, neither President Biden nor Vice President Harris have contacted the family, Patty Morin told Fox News Digital.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

"It showed what the attitude of the entire Democratic Party is," said Cathie Groenewold, Morin's church friend who took the picture. "And they thought we were using this as a stunt, or the Republicans were using this as a stunt, but Im sorry, these women are drawing attention to a serious issue."

BIDEN-HARRIS OPEN BORDER POLICY FREED ILLEGAL 3 WEEKS BEFORE JOCELYN NUNGARAY MURDER, MOTHER SAYS

Patty Morin said she traveled to the Capitol in a bid to get lawmakers to take the border crisis more seriously. If routine protocols had been followed  like taking a DNA swab and a photo of Martinez-Hernandez when he was stopped at the border  her daughter could still be alive.

Patty Morin, right, testifies before the House Judiciary Committee in Washington, D.C., about border policy and the death of her daughter in Harford County. Alexis Nungaray, left, testified about the killing of her daughter in Houston.

That's because Interpol already had an arrest warrant with his name on it in connection with another woman's death.

"I realize some of you are disinterested in this because you just think it's a partisan thing, but these are American people," Morin told lawmakers at the hearing. "We need to close the borders.  These people that are coming over the border, if they're coming over illegally, it's because they have something to hide."

She said migrants who immigrate through the legal process are vetted to protect both themselves and the American public.

Victor Antonio Martinez-Hernandez, 23, arrives in Maryland. He is charged with first-degree murder and first-degree rape in Rachel Morin's death on the Ma & Pa Heritage Trail in Bel Air, Maryland.

"I just left the southern border," she continued. "When I spoke to Border Patrol, and they showed me their gunshot wounds. They told me their stories about how they suffered broken necks, broken backs, fractured skulls. It's a war zone there, and we need to close it. We need to put those policies back into place that kept our citizens safe."

She even revealed publicly for the first time that she survived a kidnapping herself as a child in an effort to convince lawmakers to do something about the threat of violence against women.

BIDEN-HARRIS BORDER CRISIS: VICTIMS OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT CRIME TESTIFY IN HOUSE HEARING

Former President Donald Trump comforts Patty Morin, mother of Rachel Morin, who police say was murdered by an undocumented migrant, at the U.S.-Mexico border on Aug. 22, 2024, south of Sierra Vista, Arizona.

TRUMP MEETS WITH RACHEL MORIN FAMILY AT BORDER

"I can tell you that what I suffered as a teenager at the hands of a criminally insane man is nothing compared to the horrors that my daughter suffered, and it's because of these open borders," she told the lawmakers.

Her daughter had been brutalized so badly, she testified, that even after the morticians tried to make her up for the funeral, she was unrecognizable.

"I wanted them to know from a victim's perspective that I, in a small way, understood some of the things that my daughter endured and the importance of speaking up and advocating for her and for all the women that don't have a voice here in America," he said. "The way that they just brush off this immigration like it's nothing when women are literally getting attacked every day."

After the hearing, however, Morin told Fox News Digital she believed her story had fallen on deaf ears. Few Democrats asked the witnesses questions, she said, she accused Nadler of falling asleep and said she felt slighted by California Rep. Eric Swalwell's demeanor, too.

"What I would really like to come across is that I really want the American people, members of Congress, senators, presidents  I want everyone to actually listen to our voices, listen to our words, listen to what we have to say and take it to heart," she said. "Its hard to verbalize the message to them because they already have the mindset that this is a political thing, that youre either for immigration or you're against immigration. I dont think Americans are against immigration if its done correctly."

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.





Original article source: Rachel Morin's mom calls out Biden-Harris for ignoring them after migrant murder
WASHINGTON (WPRI)  U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo was among those in attendance at Gov. Dan McKees campaign fundraiser Wednesday in the nations capital, 12 News has learned.

The decision by McKees predecessor to attend his event drew notice from some Rhode Island political insiders in light of the two Democrats once-frosty relationship, as well as Raimondos long friendship with former CVS executive Helena Foulkes, who challenged McKee in 2022 and is planning to do so again in 2026.

An invitation obtained by 12 News shows the fundraiser was hosted by Ancora L&G, a real-estate development firm, on the rooftop of its office building in Washington. McKees administration selected Ancora in 2022 to build Rhode Islands new $165 million state health laboratory.

The fundraising invitation listed all four members of Rhode Islands congressional delegation, along with Ancora executives, as the named hosts of the event. Congressmen Seth Magaziner and Gabe Amo both attended the fundraiser, while U.S. Sens. Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse did not.

Mike Trainor, a spokesperson for McKees campaign, said construction executive Brad Dimeo was another host of the event. The governors finance team was still calculating how much money was raised at the event as of midday Thursday, he said.

It was a successful event, Trainor told 12 News. Were gratified that the entire delegation cohosted and that two of them attended, and it was just good.

McKee has said repeatedly he plans to seek reelection in 2026 despite polls showing he has suffered a drop in his job approval rating.

Foulkes is already an all-but-declared candidate against McKee in the 2026 Democratic primary, after she placed a close second to him in 2022. There is also growing chatter about House Speaker Joe Shekarchi running for the job, though he has said he will only consider doing so if McKee declines to run.

Like McKee, Foulkes has already been raising money for her 2026 campaign. She currently has $470,000 in her campaign account, slightly ahead of McKees $421,000 total, according to their latest R.I. Board of Elections filings.

Ted Nesi (tnesi@wpri.com) is a Target 12 investigative reporter and 12 News politics/business editor. He co-hosts Newsmakers and writes Nesis Notes on Saturdays. Connect with him on Twitter, Threads and Facebook.

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RALEIGH COUNTY, WV (WVNS)  The Raleigh County Sheriffs Office made a statement regarding false threats about an active shooter.

According to a post on the Raleigh County Sheriffs Offices Facebook page, the Sheriffs Office gave a statement about false reports of an active shooter on Thursday, September 12, 2024.

Local schools acknowledge online threats made towards schools in West Virginia and Virginia

The Raleigh County Sheriffs Office is aware of inaccurate reports circulating on social media regarding an active shooter and a child being shot at a local middle school. The reports are unfounded and baseless. Raleigh County Deputies did respond to assist Beckley Police Department on a report of an active shooter at a local bank earlier this morning. That report was completely false as well. Raleigh County Sheriffs Office | Facebook

The statement about the false reports of an active shooter in parts of Raleigh County come after online threats towards schools throughout the state continue to circulate on social.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS.
Adrianna Adame

Buffalo's Fire

As a Native interpreter for the National Park Service for 24 years, Loren Yellow Bird gets to tell guests a different version of history.

Fort Union was one of those sites that introduced alcohol and smallpox to the Native people, said Yellow Bird, a citizen of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation who served 23 of those years at Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site. I didnt sit there [and say], Yeah, these guys were really great to all of us and we were so lucky that they came here. I put a different spin on it, which I think they want [to hear].

The interpretive specialist has spent the last year working for the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, which covers 4,900 miles from Pennsylvania to Oregon. The trail, which commemorates the Lewis and Clark Expedition from 1804 to 1806, is also a part of the National Trails System. He now works with partner sites to send educational materials to them and assists in providing Indigenous knowledge. Yellow Bird also serves as the vice chairman of the Interpretation, Education and Volunteer Midwest Regional Council of the National Park Service.

We look at the needs of parks from basic hiring practices to educational webinars, working with tribes, he said. My work is a lot more expansive from the prior work I did at Fort Union.

As an interpreter, Yellow Bird talked to visitors on a daily basis. He often led school groups on tours, where he talked about the Assiniboine, Dakota and other Indigenous peoples who occupied that region. Many of the schools came from Fort Peck and other parts of Eastern Montana.

Loren Yellow Bird came to the Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Sites 50th Anniversary celebration and shared stories about his time as a park ranger at the site on Aug. 17. (Photo credit/ Jodi Spotted Bear)

Before Yellow Bird joined the National Park Service full-time, he got his start at the Knife River Indian Villages. He originally went to the site for a school project about earth lodge designs while he was attending what is now known as Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College. After he left the U.S. Navy Reserve, he had grown interested in learning more about his Arikara and Hidatsa heritage.

I was never really looking for a career in the National Park Service, he said. My initial drive was to try to get involved in the culture and language. I was in the military reserves at that point. Then I had a family and I wanted to do something a little bit more.

The rangers at the Knife River Indian Villages took notice of the MHA citizen and his interest in the site. Bill Lutz, the chief ranger at the time, gave Yellow Bird a job application and encouraged him to apply. Yellow Bird discussed the opportunity with his then-wife before mailing in the application. At the time he was the father of two sons before having triplet boys in 2001.

Back then, he was working for minimum wage, $3.35 an hour, at his parents store in White Shield on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation near his home. The NPS was offering $8.70 an hour for the summer job. He got hired soon after applying.

I was driving daily to work from White Shield to Stanton, which took a little over an hour to get there, one way, Yellow Bird recalled. I started working with them and then I got very into it. From that point, it just snowballed for the next three [years] after that.

Eventually he took a break from his work to continue his education at North Dakota State University in Fargo. Once Yellow Bird graduated with his bachelors degree in history and anthropology, he wavered between going for a graduate degree or beginning his career. At the time, the Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site was looking to hire an Indigenous interpreter who could discuss the history of the location. In 2001, the NPS offered Yellow Bird a full-time job at the trading post, where he spent the next 23 years of his career.

Since Yellow Bird began working for the NPS, he has also taken assignments in Mount Rushmore, the Badlands, Sand Creek, Bents Old Fort and Little Bighorn. Though he doesnt have a favorite, he enjoyed reconnecting with his culture and talking to folks who came by. I liked Knife River more in terms of the interactions I had because I had a lot more people from back home coming there.

Yellow Bird recalls several highlights from his career. Not long after the interpreter began working at Fort Union, his aunt came to the site. We had a good visit and then she explained to me that my great-grandfather was born there, he said. A man named Joseph Young Bird, who is my moms grandpa So it was really interesting in terms of me having a connection to that site.

There were some moments during his guided tour when he needed to address racism and cultural stereotypes. During one tour, a man kept interrupting to ask him inappropriate questions. It got to the point where I just stopped the tour, looked at him I said, Go, what do you have? And so he asked, why are we all alcoholics? And I said, I am a Native man, I dont drink. And then he said, Well, you guys are all uneducated. And I was like, You know, I just completed a college degree.

Another incident involved third graders from a school just off the reservation. He recalled that two Native girls were the only minorities in the school group. This little boy was running around, just kept yelling, Im going to kill every Indian, Yellow Bird said. If I see them, Im going to blast them with my gun. Im going to kill them!

Yellow Bird, who has six children of his own  five boys and one girl  recalled how bad he felt for the two girls. I saw these two little girls just sitting there, just with no emotion, Yellow Bird said. I come out there, and I said, you better not be trying to do that to no Indians. I said, Im an Indian. He stopped, looked at me. This guy that worked for me at the time said its against the law to have firearms on a federal site. And the little kid went and sat down real quick.

The ranger calmly addresses these kinds of situations and tries to use these moments as teaching opportunities. Usually students are excited to meet the MHA citizen. For some children, having Yellow Bird as an interpreter is their first time meeting an Indigenous person. Even though its not the current focus of his work, interaction with youth remains important to Yellow Bird. He always tries to answer all their questions, but also makes sure to teach them the Native perspective of history when given the opportunity.

I think its important because, in the end, we all have a stake in it, he said. We have a history here, our own history  and who better than us, our own people, to be able to tell some of that.

Though Yellow Bird now mostly works from home to collaborate on behind-the-scenes projects, he always invites people to come visit all of the national and state sites. He encourages visitors to learn about the whole history of a place. Most of all, he urges organizations such the NPS to continue giving Indigenous people a voice.

Well be able to do that for as long as were continuing to be invited to be part of the conversation  and I think we have a lot to say, Yellow Bird said.

Attendees of the 27th Annual Tribal Leadership Summit will have the opportunity to listen to Yellow Birds presentation Our Voice Remains at 4 p.m. on Sept. 4 in the Prairie Rose Meeting Room, Room 102, at the Bismarck Event Center. Yellow Bird, alongside Walter Echohawk, a Pawnee attorney based in Oklahoma, will explore turn-of-the-century policies and the changes Indigenous people faced during the era of Western expansion. The session will delve into the experiences of tribes in the West throughout the 20th century and will also cover significant legislation such as the Native American Citizenship Act.
Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-8th) speaks reporters as he leaves the final meeting of the House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6 Attack on the U.S. Capitol in late 2022. Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images.

U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-8th), whose personal life and political career were incalculably upended by his sons suicide, is introducing his first major mental health and suicide prevention legislation since Tommy Raskin died on Dec. 31, 2020, at the age of 25.

The Stabilization To Prevent (STOP) Suicide Act would create a grant program at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, to expand the use of evidence-based models for stabilizing individuals with serious thoughts of suicide.

The bipartisan bill will be co-sponsored by U.S. Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.).

We have to intervene to help people who are suffering and provide a long-term stabilization plan, Raskin said in an interview Wednesday.

Raskin has spoken frequently and eloquently about the loss of his son, a Harvard Law student who had long battled depression, during the loneliest days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Tommy Raskins death came less than a week before the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol, a defining moment in his fathers political career. The congressman wrote a highly regarded book in 2022 called Unthinkable: Trauma, Truth, and the Trials of American Democracy, which examined the dual crises that came to dominate his life.

Raskin was the lead manager of former President Donald Trumps second impeachment trial and served on the special House committee that examined the causes of the insurrection. He has made the preservation of U.S. democracy a cornerstone of his congressional work and political barnstorming.

But while Raskin has spoken about mental illness and suicide prevention since his sons illness, and was active in the congressional push to expand the national 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, the new bill is his first major piece of mental health legislation since his familys tragedy. The bill, which was several years in the making, is expected to be introduced Thursday or Friday.

Its a melancholy event for me, Raskin said. The rates of suicide have just been drastically increasing.

The bill comes as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that suicide rates in the United States increased by about 36% between 2000 and 2022. Almost 50,000 people died by suicide in 2022, the most recent data available. That same year, an estimated 13.2 million adults seriously thought about suicide, and 1.6 million adults attempted suicide.

Its almost like we have a Vietnam War every year, with people taking and losing their lives, Raskin said. It has been a very stressful and difficult period for people in this country, for young people especially.

The measure aims to fill a gap in suicide crisis care by providing grants for mental health providers to create or expand programs to deliver outpatient or virtual stabilization services to people experiencing serious thoughts of suicide. The idea is to expand crisis stabilization services for at-risk individuals to better direct care and to relieve pressure from emergency service providers, who are called into action in the most serious cases.

I wanted to do something that is more sustained and durable, Raskin said.

Under the bill, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration would provide grant recipients with training and technical assistance and would publicize an evaluation of services supported by the grant program to ensure the dissemination of best practices. Grant recipients would be required to provide a continuity plan for how they will continue to finance the provision of stabilization services when the grant funding expires.

Eligible grant recipients would include community health centers, rural health clinics, certified community behavioral health clinics, primary care and behavioral health providers, state health agencies, and school-based or campus-based health centers.

Raskins office said several mental health organizations have agreed to support the Raskin-Bacon legislation, including the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Anxiety and Depression Association of America, Association for Behavioral Health and Wellness, Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, National Council for Mental Wellbeing, National Alliance on Mental Illness, National League for Nursing, Sheppard Pratt, and Trust for Americas Health.

Raskin conceded that with just a few months left in this Congress  and with both parties once again hurtling toward a budget impasse  it may be tough to get the legislation through this year.

Where theres a will, theres a way, he said. Im hopeful that this is something we can bring home quickly. If anything, were laying down a marker to pass something in the next Congress.

And, Raskin said hopefully, mental health is one of those issues where we still get authentic bipartisan engagement, which is good.

In 2021, in unanimous votes, the Maryland General Assembly passed the Thomas Bloom Raskin Act, a tribute to Raskins son, which established voluntary mental health check-ins from trained and accredited mental health professionals through the states 211 system. The law also connects callers with crisis services if needed.

Raskin spent 10 years in the Maryland Senate before being elected to Congress.

Raskin said Bacon, one of the last Republican moderates in the House, who represents an Omaha-based district that President Biden won in 2020, was a good partner for this legislation because he has already worked on mental health issues and entered Congress at the same time as Raskin, in 2017.

Hes someone Ive known for a long time and feel comfortable working with, Raskin said.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF)  The Richmond County School System (RCSS) confirmed that the new Belair Middle School is expected to open next month in a press release on Thursday.

District leaders and contractors announced a tentative date for the first day of school at the new Belair Middle School facility is set for Monday, Oct. 21, 2024.

On the announcement, Superintendent Dr. Kenneth Bradshaw issued the following statement:

I am grateful to Belair Middle School staff, students, and families for their patience and resilience during this transition. Thanks to their hard work, students settled seamlessly at the temporary Langford facility. Since the summer, our maintenance staff have worked diligently with our contractors to open the doors of our new, state-of-the-art building for the Belair Middle School community. We are excited to officially announce a move-in date soon.

According to RCSS, administrators will continue communicating with families to prepare children to transition to the new building. A two weeks notice will be given to families of an official move-in date and Open House event.

The Richmond County Board of Education will also host a Called Building Committee Walk-Through of the new Belair Middle School on Wednesday, Oct. 2 at 4 p.m.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJBF.
Ready for some poutine? Air Canada announces new daily, nonstop flight out of CVG

This article has been updated.

Ready to hop a flight to Canada for some poutine? Next spring, travelers in the Cincinnati area will be able to catch a daily, nonstop flight from the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport to Montreal.

Air Canada announced Wednesday that the service will begin May 22.

Air Canada announced a new nonstop flight from CVG to Montreal.

The daily flight will depart from CVG at 1:15 p.m. and land in Montreal at 3:30 p.m. Another daily flight will depart Montreal at 6:10 p.m. and arrive in Kentucky at 8:30 p.m.

It will be serviced by a CRJ-900 aircraft that seats 76 people, according to the Air Canada website.

Montreal is full of history and charm, and we are grateful to Air Canada for this addition as it is also an excellent way to connect travelers onward to Europe, Asia, and beyond, Candace McGraw, chief executive officer at CVG, said in a statement.

Air Canada already offers two daily flights from CVG to Toronto.

The flight to Montreal is the latest international flight added at CVG.

A nonstop flight to Cancun, Mexico was added by American Airlines in December. And British Airways launched its first nonstop flights from CVG to London-Heathrow Airport last June.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: New daily, nonstop international flight announced at CVG
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A Russian Soyuz rocket launches three people toward the International Space Station on Sept. 11, 2024. | Credit: NASA+

Earth orbit is busier right now than it's ever been.

Three people launched toward the International Space Station (ISS) today (Sept. 11) aboard a Russian Soyuz capsule, pushing the total number of people in Earth orbit to a new high-water mark.

"With the trio now in orbit, there is a record of 19 people currently in orbit," NASA commentator Anna Schneider said during the agency's webcast of the Soyuz liftoff. The old record was 17, set last year.

The Soyuz that launched today is carrying NASA's Don Pettit and cosmonauts Alexey Ovchinin and Ivan Vagner. The trio is expected to arrive at the ISS around 3:30 p.m. EDT (1930 GMT), just three hours after launch.

They'll join nine people aboard the orbiting lab: NASA astronauts Michael Barratt, Tracy Caldwell-Dyson, Matthew Dominick, Jeanette Epps, Barry Wilmore and Suni Williams, and cosmonauts Nikolai Chub, Alexander Grebenkin and Oleg Kononenko.

Wilmore and Williams were supposed to be home already; they launched this past June on Crew Flight Test (CFT), the first-ever crewed mission of Boeing's Starliner capsule. CFT was supposed to last just 10 days or so, but Starliner suffered thruster problems in orbit, and NASA kept the capsule docked to the ISS for three months while studying the issue. Ultimately, the agency decided to return Starliner to Earth uncrewed  which happened over the weekend  and bring Williams and Wilmore home on a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule next February.

Related: The most extreme human spaceflight records

There are also three people living aboard China's Tiangong space station at the moment  Li Cong, Li Guangsu and Ye Guangfu of the nation's Shenzhou 18 mission  and four astronauts inhabiting a free-flying Crew Dragon.

That quartet  Jared Isaacman, Scott Poteet, Sarah Gillis and Anna Menon launched Tuesday (Sept. 10) on the five-day Polaris Dawn mission. Their Crew Dragon, named Resilience, has already gotten farther from Earth than any crewed vehicle since the Apollo era, and Polaris Dawn aims to make more history soon: Isaacman and Gillis plan to conduct the first-ever private spacewalk at around 2:20 a.m. EDT (0620 GMT) on Thursday (Sept. 12).

RELATED STORIES:

 Soyuz rocket launches new US-Russian crew of 3 to ISS (video)

 The Karman Line: Where does space begin?

 International Space Station  Everything you need to know

The record for most people in space overall is 20, set in May 2023 and then tied on Jan. 26 of this year. On both occasions, 14 orbiting spaceflyers were joined briefly in the final frontier by six space tourists who reached the suborbital realm aboard Virgin Galactic's VSS Unity space plane.

VSS Unity gets more than 50 miles (80 kilometers) above Earth, which NASA and the U.S. military regard as the beginning of outer space. But the vehicle doesn't reach the 62-mile-high (100 km) Karman line, which some other people and organizations recognize as space's boundary.

For Karman line devotees, the "most people in space" record is 19, set during the NS-19 flight of Blue Origin's suborbital New Shepard vehicle on Dec. 11, 2021  and tied today with the Soyuz launch.
A record 9 lawmakers are vying to become Japan's leader, with pledges of change and stronger defense

The candidates of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party for the party's upcoming presidential election attend the meeting of their speeches at the party's headquarters in Tokyo, Japan Thursday, Sept.12, 2024. Candidates are front row from from left, Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi, former Economic Security Minister Takayuki Kobayashi, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, former Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa, former Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato, Digital Minister Taro Kono, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Liberal Democratic Partys Secretary General Toshimitsu Motegi at the partys headquarters n Tokyo, Japan Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. (Kyodo News via AP)

TOKYO (AP)  A record nine Japanese lawmakers formally entered the race on Thursday to replace outgoing Prime Minister Fumio Kishida as head of the governing party and leader of the nation, hoping to regain public support for the party following corruption scandals.

Voting in the Sept. 27 Liberal Democratic Party leadership contest is limited to its lawmakers and 1 million dues-paying grassroots members, with the winner assured of becoming prime minister because of the governing coalition's domination of parliament.

The vote comes as Japan is seeking to play a greater role in regional security, economics and diplomacy in response to threats from China, North Korea and Russia.

Kishida, who took office in 2021 and backed a rapid military buildup and doubling of defense spending, announced last month he is stepping down when his current three-year term as party leader and prime minister ends in September to allow a new leader to shake off damage from the corruption scandals.

The nine candidates include two women. None is expected to win a majority in the first round of voting because of the large number, and a runoff is likely.

Many of the candidates have stressed their ability to achieve reforms and tackle pressing issues such as Japan's declining birthrate, stagnating incomes, gender inequality and security threats.

I will do everything to protect Japan, Shigeru Ishiba, a former defense minister and a favorite among the public, said in his 10-minute policy speech at the party headquarters. He called for the formation of an Asian version of NATO, noting that North Korea has test-fired missiles that have landed in waters off Japan's western coast.

This vote is about whether the LDP can change, and who can change it, said former Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, a leading contender and the son of former popular Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi. As prime minister, I will change Japan, which has fallen behind the times.

Koizumi pledged to accelerate reforms to create a society with greater choices for people, including the option for married women to keep their maiden names, a change that has been stalled for decades by his partys conservatives.

Digital Minister Taro Kono, another popular candidate who has served as defense and foreign minister, said Japan cannot rely solely on the United States for its protection and should play a greater role in regional security. Unlike past leadership elections, when we mainly discussed the shape of our country, this race is about discussing how to shape the world, Kono said.

Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa, seeking to become Japans first female prime minister, said, The single fact that Im standing here at the starting line shows there is a new LDP, and its a big step forward.

Party leadership votes used to be largely power struggles decided by leaders of rival factions who typically endorsed one candidate from their group, often by seniority. But reforms introduced by Kishida following a money donation scandal led to the dissolution of all but one faction, that led by former Prime Minister Taro Aso. That has allowed more diverse candidates, including younger lawmakers, to come forward.

Also running are Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi, former Economic Security Minister Takayuki Kobayashi, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, party Secretary-General Toshimitsu Motegi and former Health Minister Katsunobu Kato.

Starting Thursday, the candidates will campaign around the country to appeal to party supporters and participate in joint speech and debate sessions in Tokyo.
Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov has received the newly appointed Ambassador of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria to the Republic of Azerbaijan, Zakia Ighli, Azernews reports.

During the meeting, the development prospects of the existing cooperation agenda between Azerbaijan and Algeria, as well as regional and global issues, were discussed.

Minister Jeyhun Bayramov warmly congratulated Ambassador Zakia Ighli on her appointment and wished her success in her diplomatic activities.

Minister Bayramov noted that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries and emphasized that mutual visits and intensive political dialogue have played a significant role in the development of cooperation over the years. He highlighted the existence of prospects for the development of cooperation in various areas, including economy, trade, energy security, and humanitarian issues, and stressed the importance of utilizing the political consultation mechanism to discuss these opportunities.

The importance of continuing mutual support and cooperation within regional and international organizations, particularly the UN, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the Non-Aligned Movement, was noted.

Minister Jeyhun Bayramov also provided detailed information on the current situation in the region after the 44-day Patriotic War, the realities and challenges of the post-conflict period, large-scale reconstruction and development work in the liberated territories, as well as the normalization and peace agenda between Azerbaijan and Armenia. He thanked Algeria for its support of international legal norms and principles, particularly territorial integrity and sovereignty, during both the past conflict and the post-conflict period.

Additionally, other matters of mutual interest were discussed during the meeting.
Helenas population is growing, and the city wants its citizens help on how to grow with it.

On Sept. 25 and Oct. 2, events will be held at the Helena Civic Center at 340 Neill Ave. related to Helena Forward, the code name for something more professionally called a Land Use Plan.

Passed by Montana Senate Bill 382 in May 2023, a Land Use Plan is a requirement for major Montana cities to ensure housing developments are available over the coming 20 years of population growth.

It's a way to fight housing scarcity, something at the top of headlines across the state. However, with it comes readjusting other city plans for long-term development. It will replace Helenas previous growth policy, which was last updated in 2019.

Thats where Helena Forward comes in, which started gaining momentum earlier this summer and will continue development until winter 2025, according to its website. The final plan will be approved and adopted by the planning and city commissions.

It's supposed to offer a roadmap for future growth, focusing on issues like housing, economic development, transportation and tourism. So far, it's only been gathering information to weave into a larger plan in a few months, like through meetings with stakeholders.

"To the surprise of no one, the big complaint is housing," city senior planner Ellie Ray said, who has sat in on some of the meetings. "Transportation has been an overriding issue, too."

On Sept. 25, the Helena Citizens Council will set up at the Civic Center from 4:30-6:30 p.m. to hear suggestions and ideas. Snacks and a raffle are planned as incentives.

On Oct. 2, a workshop will be held at the Civic Center from 6:30-8:30 p.m. to learn how to use the tools on the Helena Forward website and discuss ideas in general.

A shared map tool can be used to point out what in the city works, what needs improvement and what needs to be added. For example, a new bike path can be marked, or a park can be highlighted as in dire need of renovations.

As of Thursday, 310 comments have been made by 23 users. The most liked comment so far marks the Cathedral of Saint Helena as an important community landmark, and "problematic intersections" are some of the most common complaints.

The current plan is being developed by both city employees and Chicago urban development firm Houseal Lavigne Associates. The final plan will be a combination of several ongoing projects, Ray said, such as an infrastructure study and the Metropolitan Planning Organization's look into city transportation.

Those who want to contribute but cant make the meetings can visit helenamt.gov/helena-forward/.

On it is a list of planned events, the interactive map tool and a questionnaire, which asks about what housing youd like to see more of and what impacts different developments (like gas stations or office buildings) have on the city.
Mirjana Spoljaric, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), has said that the ICRC members killed in the Russian attack today would have been distributing firewood and coal briquettes to vulnerable households in the village of Viroliubivtsi, Donetsk Oblast.

Source: ICRC statement, quoting Spoljaric

Quote: "I condemn attacks on Red Cross personnel in the strongest terms. Its unconscionable that shelling would hit an aid distribution site. Our hearts are broken today as we mourn the loss of our colleagues and care for the injured. This tragedy unleashes a wave of grief all too familiar to those who have lost loved ones in armed conflict."

Details: The ICRC said their team was preparing to distribute firewood and coal briquettes north of the city of Donetsk when the vehicles they were using came under fire. The organisations statement did not specify who carried out the attack.

However, it pointed out that its vehicles were clearly marked with the Red Cross emblem.

Background:

Three staff members of the International Committee of the Red Cross were killed and two others were wounded this morning by Russian artillery shelling on Viroliubivka in Kostiantynivka hromada, Donetsk Oblast [a hromada is an administrative unit designating a town, village or several villages and their adjacent territories  ed.].

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Remains from 1856 Shipwreck Found Off the Coast of Massachusetts, Says Research Group

A research team in New Jersey has discovered the remains of a steamship that went missing in 1856 off the coast of Massachusetts

Andrew Donn; Atlantic Wreck Salvage Research group discovers remains of ship that sank in 1856

A research team in New Jersey has discovered the remains of a steamship that went missing in 1856.

The Atlantic Wreck Salvage (AWS), which uses the D/V Tenacious vessel for its searches, shared in a Facebook post that they discovered the remains of the transatlantic passenger steamship Le Lyonnais off the coast of Massachusetts.

"A discovery team from D/V Tenacious first side scanned potential targets in September of 2023 and returned in August of 2024 to dive them, one of which was Le Lyonnais," the Wednesday, Sept. 4 announcement, from the organization reads.

Atlantic Wreck Salvage Research group discovers remains of ship that sank in 1856

Related: Poetry Book Checked Out in 1974 Returned to Library 50 Years Later: 'We're Glad to Have It Back'

"The wreckage lies approximately 200 miles from our launch point at Fleet Marina in New Bedford, MA on the eastern edges of Georges Bank," the post continued.

According to Fox News, Le Lyonnais, built in 1855, was on its first return voyage to Le Havre, France, when it collided with the Adriatic on Nov. 2, 1856.

While the Adriatic managed to sail away, the damage from the collision caused the Le Lyonnais to be left with a hole and sink days later, leaving 114 out of its 132 passengers dead. The survivors were "stuck in a lifeboat for a week," according to Fox News.

Andrew Donn Research group discovers remains of ship that sank in 1856

Related: 12-Year-Old Boy Falls to His Death from Balcony of Cruise Ship Heading for Galveston, Texas

The Atlantic Wreck Salvage identified the wreckage as Le Lyonnais' after finding a horizontal steam engine and iron hull plates, the Asbury Park Press reported.

"Those clues with the location, sonar data and measurements, further solidified that we were diving the lost French liner," team member Joe Mazraani told the publication.

His partner, Jennifer Sellitti, who is set to detail the discovery in her forthcoming book The Adriatic Affair: A Maritime Hit-and-Run Off the Coast of Nantucket, told Fox News that it was "difficult to explain" how she felt finding the Le Lyonnais after searching for it for eight years.

Andrew Donn Research group discovers remains of ship that sank in 1856

"For the team, the feeling was a mixture of relief and joy, but there was also a sense of 'What's next?' " she said.

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

"For me, personally, I have spent so long trying to learn and tell the stories of the people who sailed aboard Le Lyonnais that finding her felt like closure  like a way to help those who died so long ago to finally rest in peace," continued Sellitti.



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Remains Found in Submerged Car in Illinois River Identified as 2 Men Who Vanished Nearly 50 Years Ago

The individuals were last seen at a farm auction near the Winnebago-Ogle County line on Feb. 19, 1976, authorities said

Scott Olson/Getty Stock image of the Pecatonica River in Freeport, Ill.

Bones found in the Pecatonica River in Illinois earlier this year have been identified as two men who went missing more than 50 years ago.

The Winnebago County Coroners Office shared an article from WFIR on social media confirming that its office has identified the remains found in the river as those belonging to Clarence Owens and Everett Hawley  two men who disappeared in 1976.

Winnebago County Sheriff Gary Caruana shared in a statement to the outlet that the latest findings brings us one step closer to providing closure to the families of Clarence Owens and Everett Hawley who have waited many years for answers that have been affected by this tragic case.

This is a testament to the dedication and perseverance of our detectives and forensic experts. Its a reminder that no case is ever truly closed no matter how much time has passed, he added.

Related: Human Remains Identified as Portland Teenager Who Went Missing 54 Years Ago

Over 100 bones were found inside a 1966 Chevrolet Impala submerged in the river on March 11 by fishermen, per WFIR and CBS News. After the car was discovered, the Winnebago County Sheriff's Office linked the vehicle to the pairs disappearance.

The pair were last seen at a farm auction near the Winnebago-Ogle County line on February 19, 1976. Witnesses said they had arrived at the event in an Impala with a new coat of gold paint, according to a nonprofit database on missing and unidentified people, the Doe Network, per CBS News.

Related: Womans Remains Identified Five Decades After She Went Missing

Owens and Hawley were 65 and 75-years-old, respectively, when they disappeared, according to the Winnebago County Sheriff's Office. Police noted that their bodies had not been found for several decades.

However, that all changed when the bones found in March were submitted for forensic analysis. A forensic anthropologist in St. Louis, Missouri discovered that the bones belonged to two adult men in April and noted at the time that the bones did not show any signs of trauma, WFIR reported.

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The remains were then submitted for DNA testing to the Illinois State Police Division of Forensic Services in order to determine the identities of the bodies. Through DNA extraction and profiling, officials were eventually able to link the DNA found in the bones to living relatives of the two men, per WFIR.

Winnebago County Coroner Jennifer Muraski told WFIR that the cause of Owens and Hawleys death is still unknown and that no foul play is suspected in their deaths.



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FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  For many across the United States, 9/11 is a day to commemorate the lives lost during the attacks on September 11, 2001; but for veterans like Andrew Coughlan, the meaning of 9/11 goes beyond that.

Andrew Coughlan served in the United States Army from 2002 to 2006. He was first stationed in Fort Drum, New York, and was deployed to Iraq from 2003 until 2004. He now serves as the Central Valleys Alumni Regional Director with the Wounded Warrior Project.

Who is Todd Beamer? A 9/11 hero celebrated in Fresno

Coughlan says he vividly remembers September 11, 2001.

I remember being a Tuesday morning. Im sitting in criminal justice class. It was an intro to criminal justice at the local community college, Coughlan said.

I remember sitting there and one of the other teachers came and knocked on the door and just said Hey, everybody go to the welcome area. I remember looking up and seeing everything develop live on the TV. It was it was definitely life-changing for me.

Coughlan was a senior in high school at the time. His older brother was serving in the Air Force and Coughlan says 9/11 helped solidify his decision to follow his brothers footsteps into the military.

Two years later exactly, Coughlan landed in Baghdad on September 11, 2003.

Coughlan says 9/11 is a day to remember those who lost their lives during the initial attack  but he says its equally important to remember the lives that were changed forever following that day.

The events 23 years ago had a lasting impact on just how we live life today, Coughlan said.

Coughlan says his deployment was pretty easy, except for a few days. He says he lost many friends during his deployment and saw many of them be severely wounded.

July 19, 2004, was definitely one of the hardest days of my life, Coughlan said. My team leader and one of my best friends were killed.

On September 11, 2004, Coughlan came home from Iraq.

He says the day will always be significant for him and, as with many veterans, it can bring back unpleasant memories. But Coughlan says it can also be an opportunity to remember the feeling of unity felt around the nation in the days following the initial attack.

Coughlan says that sentiment is something easily lost when people talk about 9/11.

I always think back to what were those days immediately following 9/11, Coughlan said. It didnt matter what walk of life you are from, we were grieving together, but we bonded as well.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com | KSEE24 and CBS47.
Rent is eating up a greater share of tenants income in almost every state

An apartment maintenance man changes the lock of an apartment after constables posted an eviction order in Phoenix. In Arizona, low wages, a housing shortage, and short-term rental and vacation homes are eating away at the stock of affordable housing for renters. John Moore/Getty Images

There were 21 states where a majority of tenant households spent 30% or more of their incomes on rent and utilities last year, compared with just seven states in 2019.

Nationwide, about 22 million renters are shouldering that percentage. Anyone paying more than 30% is considered cost burdened, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and may struggle to pay for other necessities, such as food, clothing, transportation and medical care.

Three presidential swing states had among the biggest increases in the share of renters who spent that much on housing: Arizona (to 54% from 46.5%), Nevada (to 57.4% from 51.1%) and Georgia (to 53.7% from 48.4%). The numbers are based on a Stateline analysis of American Community Survey data released today by the U.S. Census Bureau. Florida and Maine also saw large jumps.

In Arizona, low wages, a housing shortage, and short-term rental and vacation homes are eating away at the stock of affordable housing for renters, according to Alison Cook-Davis, associate director for research at Arizona State Universitys Morrison Institute for Public Policy.

Youve got people across the state kind of pulling their hair out, saying I thought Arizona was supposed to be the affordable state, Cook-Davis said.

Rents in Arizona have shot up 40% to 60% in the last two years, she said. And the states eviction filings spiked 43% to 97,000 between 2022 and 2023, she said.

In places such as Arizona and Nevada where the housing bubble of the late 2000s left vacant houses, the construction of apartments and other homes has not caught up with population increases, Cook-Davis added.

A University of Nevada, Las Vegas, data brief reported in May that the Las Vegas area had the highest percentage of cost-burdened renters in the state, at 58.3%, more even than the New York City metro area (52.6%) or San Francisco metro area (48.9%).

Todays newly released census figures showed that in addition to Arizona, Nevada and Georgia, the states with the highest jumps in the share of cost-burdened renters were Florida, which increased to 61.7% from 55.9%, and Maine, at 49.1% from 44%.

That jump left Florida as the state with the highest rate of cost-burdened renters. It was followed by Nevada (57.4%), Hawaii (56.7%), Louisiana (56.2%) and California (56.1%).

Youve got people across the state kind of pulling their hair out, saying I thought Arizona was supposed to be the affordable state.

 Alison Cook-Davis, associate research director for Arizona State Universitys Morrison Institute for Public Policy

Florida isn't the deal it used to be, said Christopher McCarty, director of the University of Floridas Bureau of Economic and Business Research. Florida still has disproportionately lower-paying jobs compared to other states, and rents are increasing compared to other states as well.

The states with the lowest rates of cost-burdened renters as of 2023 were North Dakota (37%), Wyoming (41.2%), South Dakota (41.3%), Kansas (43.5%) and Nebraska (44%).

The share of cost-burdened renters increased since 2019 in every state except Vermont (down to 47.8% from 54%), Wyoming (down to 41.2% from 44%), North Dakota (down to 37% from 38%) and Rhode Island (down to 48.1% from 49%).

There's hope for the future in Arizona and other states with increased home construction, Cook-Davis said.

If you keep building, eventually this will sort itself out. But that could take years. It's a slow process," she said.

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Rent is eating up a greater share of tenants income in almost every state

An apartment maintenance man changes the lock of an apartment after constables posted an eviction order in Phoenix. In Arizona, low wages, a housing shortage, and short-term rental and vacation homes are eating away at the stock of affordable housing for renters. (John Moore/Getty Images)

There were 21 states where a majority of tenant households spent 30% or more of their incomes on rent and utilities last year, compared with just seven states in 2019.

Nationwide, about 22 million renters are shouldering that percentage. Anyone paying more than 30% is considered cost burdened, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and may struggle to pay for other necessities, such as food, clothing, transportation and medical care.

Three presidential swing states had among the biggest increases in the share of renters who spent that much on housing: Arizona (to 54% from 46.5%), Nevada (to 57.4% from 51.1%) and Georgia (to 53.7% from 48.4%). The numbers are based on a Stateline analysis of American Community Survey data released today by the U.S. Census Bureau. Florida and Maine also saw large jumps.

In Arizona, low wages, a housing shortage, and short-term rental and vacation homes are eating away at the stock of affordable housing for renters, according to Alison Cook-Davis, associate director for research at Arizona State Universitys Morrison Institute for Public Policy.

Youve got people across the state kind of pulling their hair out, saying I thought Arizona was supposed to be the affordable state, Cook-Davis said.

Rents in Arizona have shot up 40% to 60% in the last two years, she said. And the states eviction filings spiked 43% to 97,000 between 2022 and 2023, she said.

In places such as Arizona and Nevada where the housing bubble of the late 2000s left vacant houses, the construction of apartments and other homes has not caught up with population increases, Cook-Davis added.

A University of Nevada, Las Vegas, data brief reported in May that the Las Vegas area had the highest percentage of cost-burdened renters in the state, at 58.3%, more even than the New York City metro area (52.6%) or San Francisco metro area (48.9%).

Todays newly released census figures showed that in addition to Arizona, Nevada and Georgia, the states with the highest jumps in the share of cost-burdened renters were Florida, which increased to 61.7% from 55.9%, and Maine, at 49.1% from 44%.

That jump left Florida as the state with the highest rate of cost-burdened renters. It was followed by Nevada (57.4%), Hawaii (56.7%), Louisiana (56.2%) and California (56.1%).

Youve got people across the state kind of pulling their hair out, saying I thought Arizona was supposed to be the affordable state.

 Alison Cook-Davis, associate research director for Arizona State Universitys Morrison Institute for Public Policy

Florida isnt the deal it used to be, said Christopher McCarty, director of the University of Floridas Bureau of Economic and Business Research. Florida still has disproportionately lower-paying jobs compared to other states, and rents are increasing compared to other states as well.

The states with the lowest rates of cost-burdened renters as of 2023 were North Dakota (37%), Wyoming (41.2%), South Dakota (41.3%), Kansas (43.5%) and Nebraska (44%).

The share of cost-burdened renters increased since 2019 in every state except Vermont (down to 47.8% from 54%), Wyoming (down to 41.2% from 44%), North Dakota (down to 37% from 38%) and Rhode Island (down to 48.1% from 49%).

Theres hope for the future in Arizona and other states with increased home construction, Cook-Davis said.

If you keep building, eventually this will sort itself out. But that could take years. Its a slow process, she said.

Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@stateline.org. Follow Stateline on Facebook and X.

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Andrew picked up his son from Leeds Prison on Tuesday when he was released early [BBC]

Prisoners let out of jail as part of the government's early release scheme were likely to go on to reoffend, a father of one of them has said.

Andrew, 70, from Cleckheaton, said his son had been sleeping rough following his release from Leeds Prison on Tuesday and he was already "mixing with the wrong people".

"I can only imagine that it'll start him on this cycle of criminality again to get the money he needs for drugs," he said.

The Napo probation union said some of those being released early had not had rehabilitation opportunities in prisons due to the probation service being overstretched.

Andrew's son, who the BBC is not naming to protect his identity, served six weeks of a nine-month sentence before being released under the Ministry of Justice's emergency plan.

"When he was released, the theory was he'd have an appointment for benefits. That wasn't organised at the prison," Andrew said.

"His property wasn't at the prison, it was found later to be at Lincoln prison. So he was without a bank card, without a door key, so he got back to Huddersfield unable to get into his property."

Andrew said that despite his son being offered a room at his house, he took the decision to sleep rough, leaving him "at risk".

He said he feared that would "start him on this cycle of criminality again to get the money he needs for drugs".

'Sad situation'

Ian Lawrence, general secretary of the Napo probation union, said in many cases support services were not available for those leaving prison early, with the probation service being "full".

"We've got a massive, massive case load and we'll do our best to try and re-integrate people into society," he said.

"But, if typically a probation practitioner is only getting five minutes face-to-face with somebody, as opposed to what could be up to half an hour to assess their needs and work through their problems, then it's quite likely people may go on to re-offend. It's a very sad situation."

Andrew said he had made up a bed for his son, but he had chosen to sleep rough instead [BBC]

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) said the emergency release plan launched this week was introduced because the justice system was "in crisis".

Prisons were "on the brink of collapse", a situation inherited from the previous Conservative government, a spokesperson added.

"If we had not acted, there was a real risk to public safety with courts forced to stop locking up dangerous criminals and police unable to make arrests."

The prison and probation service did offer basic housing for offenders who would otherwise be forced to sleep on the streets, the MoJ spokesperson said.

It is important for offenders to have a roof over their head when they leave prison, otherwise there is a high risk they will reoffend and end up back behind bars."

Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North or tell us a story you think we should be covering here.

More on this story
A popular Connecticut recreation area that has been closed since the summer due to safety concerns could soon reopen if officials approve planned changes to the site.

Cotton Hollow Preserve in Glastonbury, which has been gated off since July 16, may undergo several changes if the town passes a proposed $97,000 improvements project. The decision was made to close the preserve after the town said several illicit and prohibited activities were observed like drug and alcohol use, cliff jumping, lighting of fires, swimming and camping.

Town staff is of the opinion that several things must be done to achieve significant safety improvements at The Preserve, said Glastonbury Town Manager Jonathon Luiz. First, amendments should be made to the Town ordinance that regulates The Preserve. Second, infrastructure improvements are required. Third, more funding for the park ranger program is necessary. Fourth, more dedicated police enforcement is needed. Fifth, more education is needed via the internet to clarify what is permitted and prohibited within The Preserve.

At Tuesdays council meeting, the town approved a public hearing along with a council vote on Sept. 24. The town manager told the Courant that the preserve should reopen sometime in late October if the proposal passes.

The bulk of the money, or around $40,000, would be used for tree work to remove safety threats posed by broken treetops and downed trees, according to the town. An additional $20,000 would be allocated for paving the existing gravel parking lot on Hopewell Road. The lot would become the dedicated parking area for those visiting the preserve. According to Luiz. Currently there is no dedicated parking lot.

If the lot is full then motor vehicles would be turned away and asked to check back when an open parking spot becomes available, Luiz said. The $20,000 covers material costs, as this work would be performed by town highway staff using existing equipment.

The town is also looking to spend $20,000 for a video camera system, according to Luiz. The towns highway department will provide and install poles that the cameras will be mounted on. In addition to cameras, $13,000 is planned for new gates to be installed at the Grange Pool entrance/exit, Cotton Hollow parking lot on Hopewell Road, Matson Hill Road parking lot and emergency access drive.

Parks and Recreation and the Police Department are coordinating responsibilities for opening and closing of the gates. In the event there is not sufficient staff to open the gate for the Cotton Hollow parking lot off of Hopewell Road, that parking lot will remain closed, Luiz said.

The smallest portion of the proposed funding includes $3,500 for new, more prominent signage that would display rules and regulations at the preserve. The signs would be placed at the Cotton Hollow parking lot near Grange Pool and the entrance to Cotton Hollow near the Cotton Hollow Kitchen parking lot. Signs addressing cliff jumping would also be placed inside the preserve, according to the town.

But the town said those improvements are not enough and will seek to boost both police and park ranger presence in the preserve.

More dedicated police enforcement is vital, Luiz said. Visitors have grown accustomed to ignoring rules displayed on signs and rules communicated verbally by the park rangers. A proposed funding enhancement for a dedicated police presence will be presented during budget season.

The town estimates that the additional police presence will cost $30,000 per year.

The town is also seeking additional funding to the Park Ranger Program to ensure a park ranger is stationed at the Cotton Hollow parking lot eight to 10 hours per day during peak summertime usage, the town said. The town said they estimate the additional park ranger presence will cost another $15,000 per year.

Stephen Underwood can be reached at sunderwood@courant.com
Work to repair the North Pier has wrapped up ahead of schedule.

The Army Corps. of Engineers has announced that the $3.9 million federally funded project is complete.

The corps. have been working since April to shore up 1,800 feet of damaged structure along the channel between Lake Erie and Presque Isle.

The work involved encasing a piece of timber crib in new concrete and reattaching a piece of sheet pile to the structure.

Overnight lane restriction to be in effect along Eries Bayfront next week

The North Pier is critical for commercial navigation and is a popular fishing spot.

Its safe for the viability of the harbor. Navigation is our first priority. Of course, recognize the pier is a really valued recreational asset for the community. So it is now open again. Construction for this phase is complete, said Timothy Noon, project lead for the Army Corps. of Engineers.

The pier which is adjacent to the U.S. Coast Guard station was closed to the public while the work was being done.

Those visitor restrictions have now been lifted. Additional work is being planned but wont begin for another year.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com.
NEW MEXICO (KRQE)  Its no secret New Mexico scores as one of the worst states for child well-being, and the rates of abuse and neglect within the child welfare system reflect one piece of the problem. Wednesday, state analysts shared with lawmakers how best to spend the states money to tackle the problem.

Story continues below

We know that the rate of maltreatment, thats the number of children for every thousand is how the feds measure it, in New Mexico is considerably higher than the nation, said Rachel Mercer Garcia, principal analyst for the New Mexico Legislative Finance Committee (LFC).

Its estimated that 13% of New Mexico kids in the child welfare system experience abuse or neglect, compared to less than 8% at the national level. Thats according to data analyzed by the LFC. If you break down what is that maltreatment, these are the federal categories that are collected by the administration of children and families, and the majority of that tends to be neglect, Mercer-Garcia said.

State analysts told lawmakers: the rate of maltreatment when kids are either in state custody or involved with the system has consistently been higher over time than other states and the rate of repeat maltreatment has been significantly higher than the national average for more than a decade.

In New Mexico, that rate currently is about 15 percent, that has gone up slightly over the last year. And that is the rate at which children experience another instance of abuse or neglect after coming into contact with the system a year prior, Mercer-Garcia said.

Analysts said there are conditions in the state that contribute to those stark statistics, like many adults having bad experiences in their own childhood: We know that about a quarter have four or more adverse childhood experiences, and those are risk factors that likely contribute and underlie the data you see in front of you when it comes to child maltreatment, Mercer-Garcia said.

The number of children in foster care in the state has risen since the pandemic to just over 2,000 kids. Analysts told lawmakers their recommendation would be to invest in programs that intervene with at-risk families before theres a problem that requires the state to step in; not only because its less costly, but: Children in foster care often experience consequences due to family disruption and multiple placements that results in lasting trauma, Mercer-Garcia said.

The New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department has said one of the ways they are trying to improve the agency is to boost staffing. In the past year, the turnover rate was more than a third of child welfare workers at the agency; almost three times what is considered an acceptable rate.

We continue to be last in the nation when it comes to child well-being. Money is not fixing the issue, its policy. New Mexico must change its policies in order to start saving these kids, said Sen. Crystal Brantley (R).

Its important to reform our foster system all together one to make sure one to make sure were sending our kids to safe homes and that were not just moving them from one dangerous situation to another, said Brantley.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) special forces raided an Iranian weapons facility in Syria shortly before a series of strikes in the region, killing at least 18 people and wounding dozens of others, according to reports.

Initial reports did not indicate that any Israeli troops had been on the ground during the operation, but The Times of Israel cited opposition Syrian TV revealing that Israeli helicopters hovered over the ground while special forces descended by rope.

The IDF special forces clashed with forces on the ground, killing a number of Syrians and capturing up to four Iranians. The U.S.-owned Arabic-language Al Hurra network noted that the intensity of the raids and the death toll were "unusual."

The Syrian foreign ministry condemned the attack as "blatant aggression," saying nearby residential areas had "material damage."

HARRIS' SUPPORT FOR PALESTINIAN STATE REWARDS TERRORISM, EXPERTS WARN

Syria claimed that the strike hit a scientific research center, but the opposition reported that the facilities belonged to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) dedicated to developing ballistic missiles and drones.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

A burnt area in the aftermath of what Syrian state media reported was an Israeli strike in Masyaf, Hama province, Syria, Sept. 9, 2024.

The nature of the facility remains in contention, however. Western officials have long asserted the facility serves as a weapons manufacturing plant that produces chemical weapons like sarin gas. Syrian authorities have denied these allegations and maintain the facility is purely a scientific research center.

Syrian state news agency SANA reported that the attack happened at around 11:20 p.m. local time but added few details about the facilities. But regional intelligence sources said a major military research center for chemical weapons near Masyaf had been hit several times, Reuters reported.

HEZBOLLAH RELIES ON SOPHISTICATED TUNNEL SYSTEM BACKED BY IRAN, NORTH KOREA IN FIGHT AGAINST ISRAEL

Israeli security forces and medics transport casualties along with local residents at a site where Hezbollah hit an Israeli village where children were playing soccer on July 27, 2024.

A senior regional military source close to Iran and Syria denied the accounts, maintaining the facility was purely for research purposes.

Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani said Tehran strongly condemned the "criminal attack" in Syria.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani speaks at a press conference in Tehran, Iran, Jan. 8, 2024.

"We do not confirm what was reported by media outlets linked to the Zionist regime (Israel) about an attack on an Iranian center or a center under Iran's protection," he said during a news conference in response to a question about the attack.

Researcher Eva J. Koulouriotis claimed on social media platform X that the IDF first hit roads leading to the facility, and special forces entered the facility and extracted equipment and documents before destroying it and withdrawing.

IDF UNINTENTIONALLY KILLED TURKISH AMERICAN CITIZEN DURING RIOT, ISRAEL CONFIRMS

Koulouriotis added that the facility had provided logistical support for Hezbollah and its activities in Lebanon, which marks the raid as a significant counterstrike against the terrorist group, which has attacked Israel since Oct. 7.

People inspect a damaged area in the aftermath of what Syrian state media reported was an Israeli strike in Masyaf, Hama province, Syria, Sept. 9, 2024.

Israel and Hezbollah have maintained a slow but deliberate exchange of attacks over the intervening months. The IDF in late August launched heavy airstrikes on Hezbollah positions across Lebanon as a preemptive strike, claiming Hezbollah had prepared to attack Israeli territory.

Israel also holds Hezbollah responsible for a missile strike in July that killed a dozen children and teens. It responded with a strike that hit Hezbollah targets in Lebanon.

Reuters contributed to this report.





Original article source: New reports reveal IDF hit Iranian military facility in Syria during 'unusual' raid
The father of an 11-year-old Springfield, Ohio boy who was killed in a bus accident involving a Haitian immigrant wants Republicans to stop using his son as a political tool, and apologize for doing so, he said in a speech on Tuesday.

I wish that my son, Aiden Clark, was killed by a 60-year-old white man. I bet you never thought anyone would say something so blunt, but if that guy killed my 11-year-old son, the incessant group of hate-spewing people would leave us alone, he said before the Springfield City Commission on Tuesday.

In 2023, Clark's son Aidans school bus was accidentally struck by a minivan driven by Hermanio Joseph, a Haitian immigrant in Springfield, Ohio. Joseph was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter.

Aidens death has since been used by Republicans including vice-presidential nominee JD Vance and other Republicans to spread anti-immigration rhetoric and hate, falsely claiming that Aiden was murdered by a Haitian migrant. On Monday, Donald Trump's X account posted about Aiden.

"11-year-old Aiden Clark was killed on his way to school by a Haitian migrant that Kamala Harris let into the country in Springfield, Ohio. Kamala Harris has refused to say Aiden's name," the post reads.

It's exactly kind of message Clark wants to stop. Using Aiden as a political tool is, to say the least, reprehensible for any political purpose, Clark said.

Claiming Aidans death as murder is one of many baseless claims Republicans have spread about Haitian immigrants, the most absurd of which is a rumor that Haitian migrants in Springfield are eating ducks and pet cats.

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," Clark said before asking Trump and Vance for an apology.
Rep. Charley Thomson, flanked by other Republican Iowa lawmakers, speaks at a Charles City news conference about a lawsuit challenging approval of a carbon pipeline permit. (Screenshot from livestream on Thomson's Facebook page)

Republican lawmakers opposing the Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline said the Iowa Utilities Commissions approval of the project was an attack on God-given Fifth Amendment rights.

The remarks came from a group of nearly 40 lawmakers who filed a state and a federal lawsuit against the commission for granting eminent domain rights to Summit Carbon for its proposed carbon sequestration pipeline.

This is a serious erosion of private property rights that we enjoy as Americans and Iowans under the Constitution, Sen. Sandy Salmon said in a Wednesday press conference in Charles City.

The lawsuits come from the Republican Legislative Intervenors for Justice.

The group formed in opposition to the pipeline and has advocated against its potential for eminent domain since the Iowa Utilities Commission hearings for the project.

We could not be more disappointed that the Iowa Utilities Commission, despite what we believe to be overwhelmingly compelling evidence to the contrary, approved the eminent domain authority, Salmon said.

The lawsuits, filed in Floyd County and the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Iowa, argue the commissions decision had errors in following due process, determining insurance requirements and applying the laws of eminent domain.

Eminent domain can be granted in Iowa when it is rationally related to a conceivable public purpose, according to the Iowa Utilities Commision.

The lawsuit argues that the commission did not sufficiently analyze reasons like the existence of a federal tax incentive and a controversial theory of climate change, to consider them grounds for eminent domain.

Further, it holds that precise risks associated with the proposed project have not been disclosed and those who would be affected have not received sufficient notice.

The lawsuit, and lawmakers gathered at the press conference allege the project is not for public gain, but for the benefit of the private company.

This is a group of investors using eminent domain to seize peoples property for tax credits, said Rep. Charley Thomson, who leads the group of 36 lawmakers.

Thomson said the Republican group plans to push for legislative action against pipelines in the state and the functions of the Iowa Utilities Commission.

Similar efforts in the past have not been picked up in the Senate.

Summit Carbon Solutions cannot begin construction in Iowa until the project is approved by regulators in the Dakotas, per conditions set by the Iowa Utilities Commission.

Summit Carbon Solutions is confident in the Iowa Utilities Commissions thorough review process, the company said in an email statement.

This pipeline will help grow markets and support the long-term viability of our farmers and rural communities, contributing to economic growth and American energy independence.

The lawsuit urges the commission to withdraw its decision and reconsider.

The purpose of government is not to promote different parts of the economy, Sen. Dennis Guth said. The purpose of government is to protect those God-given rights.

The Iowa Utilities Commission declined to comment on the pending litigation.
Republican Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine in an interview on Wednesday dismissed claims amplified by former President Trump earlier this week that Haitian migrants are eating pets in Springfield, saying the internet can be quite crazy sometimes.

This is something that came up on the internet, and the internet can be quite crazy sometimes, DeWine told CBS News.

Look, the mayor  of Springfield says theres no truth in that. They have no evidence of that at all, he added.

So if we go with what the mayor says, he knows his city.

Trump referenced the unfounded conspiracy theory during Tuesdays presidential debate against Vice President Harris.

What they have done to our country by allowing these millions and millions of people to come into our country  and look at whats happening to the towns [in the] United States. A lot of towns dont want to talk. Not going to be Aurora [or] Springfield, the former president said. A lot of towns dont want to talk about it, because theyre so embarrassed by it. In Springfield, theyre eating the dogs.

Trump was referring to a false allegation that gained national attention after the former presidents running mate, Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), repeated the false claims in a post on the social platform X.

Springfield police and other city authorities denied any pet abductions had been reported.

ABC News moderator David Muir pushed back on Trumps claim at the debate, saying officials found no evidence supporting the allegations of migrants eating pets, adding that the network checked with the city manager.

I saw people on television talking about it, Trump insisted after Muir pushed back, saying, Well find out.

Springfield city manager Bryan Heck told The Hill earlier this week that the false controversy takes away from the citys real struggles onboarding immigrants to social services.

DeWine, during the CBS interview, noted that an influx of migrants seeking asylum have entered Ohio for many reasons, such as seeking health care and safety.

Youve got people coming in from a country that dont really have good health care. And so it raises issues about getting them vaccinated, getting their children vaccinated. So its put a real pressure on primary care, DeWine said, adding that the state has requested more than $2 million in federal dollars to meet those needs.

Again, Haiti is not a country that many people dont drive at all. There arent that many cars per capita. And people who do drive, you know, the laws in Haiti are very, very different than they are in the United States, the governor said.

Despite this, DeWine said companies are benefiting from the Haitian workforce.

These Haitians came in here to work because there were jobs, and they have filled a lot of jobs, DeWine said on CBS. And if you talk to the employers, theyve done a very, very good job, and they work very, very hard.

In later comments, he added that most Springfield residents hes talked to are concerned about the issues that I just talked about. But they will tell me these Haitians are working very hard, you know. Theyre trying to provide for their families.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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A CNN panel got extremely heated on Wednesday night as Republican strategist Scott Jennings was asked if he believed Donald Trumps debate comments about Haitians eating pets were rooted in racism.

Jennings, a contributor to the network and former special assistant to George W. Bush, was pressed about the issue on NewsNight With Abby Phillip after the former president and other GOP figures boosted the claim about cats, dogs, and geese being consumed in Springfield, Ohio. Local authorities say theres no evidence to support the outlandish rumors.

Nobody Is Eating Our Citys Dogs Mr. TrumpId Know, Im the Dog Warden

I do think its a legitimate conversation to have about the societal public safety health impacts any time cities or communities get drastically changed because of our immigration system, Jennings said. Whether thats in Springfield, whether thats on the border with Mexico, whether thats New York City, which has had issues. So I dont think thats an illegitimate conversation to have.

The real question, Jennings went on to say, is whether those conversations are had flippantly or seriously.

Ana Navarro chimed in to point out that Trump wasnt being sarcastic or hyperbolic when he spoke about Springfield in the debate. He was amplifying a conspiracy theory that I think you would agree puts a target on the backs of Haitian immigrants and that it is based on racism, she said. Would you agree on that?

Jennings didnt say anything in response, instead looking down at the table. The awkward silence was punctured only by panelist Nina Turner adding: Anti-Black racism, to be more pointed.

Do you think that if there were 20,000 Scandinavians that had been sent to Springfield, theyyour people would be saying that theyre eating cats and dogs and geese? Navarro continued.

Raising both his hands, Jennings said: Look, Im not gonna answer for him, for his memes, or anything else.

But Im asking you, Navarro pressed, Do you think that conspiracy is based on racism? I mean, its an easy answeryes or no?

Im not going to answer, Jennings said. I dont know. I dont know!

That was a long pause, Scott, host Abby Phillip pointed out.

Because I dont know the answer, a flustered Jennings replied. And Im not going to sit here and answer for somebody. I dont talk to Donald Trump about what the motivations are, and I dont answer to you either!

He then dodged a question from Phillip asking what his own answer was to Navarros question.

The bottom line is immigration is a top-two issue in this election, Jennings said. It must be discussed, and were either going to go down a rabbit hole here which is not the real issue, or were going to talk about the real issues, in which communities, cities, whatever, are dealing with real societal and policy impacts.

Navarro was unimpressed.

The reason we are going down the rabbit hole is because the man you support is making us go down that rabbit hole, she said. The reason were not talking about the legitimate issues you have brought up is because he is claiming with no facts that Haitian migrants are eating pets! And that is a dangerous conspiracy theory to be spreading to America.

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Former President Donald Trump's false claim about Haitian immigrants abducting and eating pets in Springfield, Ohio, is putting some of his most steadfast defenders in an indefensible position. Scott Jennings, a Republican strategist who once served as a special aide to former President George W. Bush, attempted to put a positive spin on Trump's remarks while appearing on CNN's "NewsNight With Abby Phillip," but quickly fell into silence as his fellow panelists pressed him further.

I do think its a legitimate conversation to have about the societal public safety health impacts any time cities or communities get drastically changed because of our immigration system, Jennings said. Whether thats in Springfield, whether thats on the border with Mexico, whether thats New York City, which has had issues. So I dont think thats an illegitimate conversation to have.

The real question, Jennings continued, is whether people have those conversations flippantly or seriously. The question of whether immigrants feasting on cats, dogs and geese is a realistic concern or not has already been answered by local authorities who say there's no evidence to support Trump's claim.

Ana Navarro, another panelist, said that Trump was "amplifying a conspiracy theory that I think you would agree puts a target on the backs of Haitian immigrants and that it is based on racism."

"Would you agree to that?" she asked Jennings.

The former Bush aide did not respond, instead looking dejectedly at the table. An awkward silence followed, punctured only by panelist Nina Turner commenting that the racism is "anti-Black racism, to be more pointed."

Navarro did not accept Jennings' silence.

Do you think that if there were 20,000 Scandinavians that had been sent to Springfield, they  your people  would be saying that theyre eating cats and dogs and geese? she pressed.

"Im not gonna answer for him, for his memes, or anything else," Jennings responded, raising both his hands. When Navarro demanded a yes-or-no response, he refused to oblige. "I'm not going to answer. I don't know! I don't know!" he said, insisting that he doesn't talk to Trump about his thoughts or answer to Navarro. Jennings then tried to shift the conversation to "the real issue" of immigration, but Navarro reeled him back.

"The reason we are going down the rabbit hole is because the man you support is making us go down that rabbit hole, she said. The reason were not talking about the legitimate issues you have brought up is because he is claiming with no facts that Haitian migrants are eating pets! And that is a dangerous conspiracy theory to be spreading to America.
Some Republicans are concerned that far-right activist Laura Loomer is influencing former President Donald Trump and worry she may have had something to do with his poor debate performance against Vice President Kamala Harris.

Loomer traveled on Trumps plane on debate day, as well as the next morning, and one person close to the presidents campaign said theyre now afraid that she may be making Trumps weaknesses worse, Semafor reports.

The far-right activists possible influence over the former president is getting more scrutiny after Trump repeatedly lost his focus in the face of Harriss provocations, at one point shouting about rumors that Haitian migrants in Ohio are stealing and eating household pets, without any evidence to back it up.

Regardless of any guardrails the Trump campaign has put on her, I dont think its working, the Trump insider told the outlet.

The New York Times reported last year that Trump told his staff to give Loomer a position on the campaign but backtracked when Republicans shared their concerns.

Far-right activist Laura Loomer listens as Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump speaks during a Get Out The Vote rally at Coastal Carolina University on February 10, 2024 in Conway. Some Republicans are concerned about the effect she may be having on the former president (Getty Images)

Loomer has become well known for her incendiary behavior, once protesting her Twitter ban by handcuffing herself to the New York offices of the social media company while wearing a yellow Jewish star as she compared her treatment to the Holocaust. The divisive far-right activist has also said that shes supportive of white nationalism and insisted the US is a white Judeo-Christian ethnostate that is being ruined by diversity.

Republican consultant Dennis Lennox told Semafor, Trump lost the debate because of his performance or lack thereof.

Thats what happens when you wing it, live in the Fox News, X bubble, and rely upon Matt Gaetz, let alone Laura Loomer, he added.

However, one person close to the Trump campaign told the outlet that Loomer wasnt a part of debate prep sessions.

She doesnt interfere, or whatever other people call it, the individual said. Shes actually very encouraging and a positive person to be around.

On Wednesday, the Harris campaign shared a CNN segment deeply critical of Loomer, calling out her racist post on X about Harriss Indian heritage. Loomer claimed that Harris was furious about her reporting.

I dont care if the media finds my factual posts offensive, she added. I find their weaponization of government and their policies which have destroyed our country to be OFFENSIVE! Stay mad!

Right-wing Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene called Loomers post denigrating Harriss heritage appalling and extremely racist.

She added: It does not represent who we are as Republicans or MAGA. This does not represent President Trump. This type of behavior should not be tolerated ever. @LauraLoomer should take this down.

Greene has warned Trump against associating himself with Loomer, with whom she used to be allied. Loomer has called Greene a traitor. Last year, Greene said Loomer was mentally unstable and a documented liar.
The News

She was on the plane with him the day of the debate and on the ground with him the morning after. Some Republicans are worried she had something to do with what happened in between.

Laura Loomer, the right-wing agitator known for egging on Donald Trumps most inflammatory instincts, has been regularly popping up around the former president. After a debate in which Trump shouted about false viral rumors of pet-eating Haitians in an Ohio town, her potential influence is drawing more scrutiny from both parties.

One person close to the Trump campaign said they were 100% concerned about her exacerbating Trumps weaknesses.

Regardless of any guardrails the Trump campaign has put on her, I dont think its working, the person said.

Loomer has long been a presence in Trumps orbit, much to the chagrin of some of his allies inside and outside the campaign. Last year, the New York Times reported Trump ordered his staff to give her a formal campaign role  only to drop the idea after fierce pushback from Republicans.

Her recurring appearances with Trump around the debate has reopened some of those old wounds. If a common complaint after Trumps performance from Republicans was that he was too online, then the appearance of Loomer  who once protested being banned from Twitter by handcuffing herself to its New York office building while wearing a yellow Jewish star to liken her treatment to the Holocaust  put it under bright lights.

Trump lost the debate because of his performance or lack thereof, Dennis Lennox, a Republican consultant, said. Thats what happens when you wing it, live in the Fox NewsX bubble, and rely upon Matt Gaetz, let alone Laura Loomer.

Loomer didnt respond to a text message about her trip with Trump. On Wednesday afternoon, after the Harris campaign shared a critical CNN segment about her that referenced recent posts denigrating the nominees Indian heritage, Loomer wrote that the vice president was furious about her investigative reporting.

I dont care if the media finds my factual posts offensive, Loomer wrote. I find their weaponization of government and their policies which have destroyed our country to be OFFENSIVE!

Know More

Even by the standards of the extended MAGA universe in 2024, Loomer has stood out as an extreme figure. She has called herself pro-white nationalism and described America as a white Judeo-Christian ethnostate destroyed by diversity. After Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, a prominent member of the Congressional Black Caucus, died of cancer in July, Loomer posted online that she was a ghetto bitch and suggested she was going to hell.

Loomer earned her prominence in the MAGA movement by confronting Democrats on camera with aggressive questions that they usually refused to answer  she called it being Loomered. After ambushing several Muslim candidates in Michigan and Minnesota, including longtime target llhan Omar, Democrats began recognizing her and keeping her out of events.

But shes also proved an extremely polarizing figure among Republicans by using the same tactics against them if she thinks theyre crossing Trump. Loomer traveled to Iowa before this years caucuses, confronting Ron DeSantis at the hotel where his campaign team was staying, calling him an absentee governor whod betrayed President Trump by running against him. DeSanctimoniouss soul literally left his cowardly body when he saw me, she posted on X.

She also has feuded with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who shes called a traitor. On Wednesday, Greene called Loomers comments mocking Harris Indian heritage appalling and extremely racist, adding that it does not represent President Trump and that this type of behavior should not be tolerated ever.

The View From Democrats

The Harris campaign declined to comment on Loomers tag-along with Trump, but staff have kept an eye on her appearances on the trail, and have drawn attention to them on X. Democrats are convinced that the GOP nominee is making unforced errors, by listening to divisive figures from the online right and trading some potentially effective lines of attack for more obscure ones that make some Republicans uncomfortable.

Shelbys view

Theres no doubt Loomers a divisive figure within Trumps inner circle, but its also not clear how much has changed lately in terms of her access. Shes traveled and spent time with the former president at points throughout his presidential campaign.

One Trumpworld source downplayed her role on the campaign, telling Semafor she was not involved in debate preparations. She doesnt interfere, or whatever other people call it, the person said. Shes actually very encouraging and a positive person to be around.

Trump keeping controversial figures close to him  even when they agitate others in his camp  is also nothing new. One former Trump administration official noted that Trump enjoys the Game of Thrones grappling for power among those close to him, and that these types of people are ones his team has been dealing with for years.

I think its dangerous. I think it shows poor judgment, but I dont think its a turning point, because I think that hes practiced in that before, this person argued.

Its also hard to single her out given that Trump has so many entry points into her particular corner of online combat  Vance, for example, prominently encouraged the cat memes about the Ohio pet rumor before the debate and defended bringing it up afterwards.

Ultimately, for those who believe Trump underperformed on Tuesday night and went off script, the blame doesnt clearly lie with Loomer or any outside conservative faction: It lies with the candidate himself.

Notable

The Associated Press noted that Loomer accompanied Trump to memorials for 9/11 in Pennsylvania and New York. She shared a video claiming the attacks were an inside job last year.

The Washington Post profiled Loomer in May, contrasting Trumps public affection for her with the reluctance of his aides to discuss her influence on the record.
They know were winning ... and yet theyre pulling every trick in their playbook, an attorney with the ACLU of Florida said of Republicans attempting to undermine a pro-choice amendment on the state's ballot. Illustration:Jianan Liu/HuffPost;Photo:Getty Images

When Donald Trump attempts to defend his unpopular but ever-changing stance on abortion, he never fails to come back to his safest talking point: He allowed the states to decide how to regulate abortion.

He presents it as a shining example of simply letting democracy flourish. Its the vote of the people now, he said during the presidential debate on Tuesday. Its not tied up in the federal government. I did a great service in doing it.

But in three states with critical abortion rights measures on the ballot in November, Republicans are engaged in a dedicated campaign to strip voters of that choice. Conservatives are making last-ditch court efforts in Florida, Missouri and Nebraska to remove abortion rights questions from the ballot, using either government intimidation or far-fetched legal theories.

Desperate attempts to keep abortion off the ballot signal just how popular pro-choice policies are. Recentpolling in all three states shows that a majority of voters would support their states abortion rights amendment.

In Florida, for example, anti-abortion Republicans have weaponized a supposed nonpartisan government agency to spread misinformation and have launched an unprecedented investigation into thousands of already-verified petition signatures under the guise of voter fraud. And this is all happening less than two months before Election Day.

I could have just said, You know what, its on the ballot, people can decide, let the chips fall where they may. But thats not the right thing to do, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) said this week at a Tallahassee megachurch where he rallied conservative Christian groups to vote against the states pro-choice amendment. The amendment would restore abortion access until fetal viability (about 22-24 weeks into a pregnancy), loosening Floridas current six-week abortion ban.

Abortion rights amendments, the majority of which enshrine access to the procedure until fetal viability into the state constitution, have been extremely successful in both red and blue states since the fall of Roe. When Americans get to vote directly on abortion, they overwhelmingly vote pro-choice. Republicans now know this and are doing everything in their power to keep abortion bans in place.

The only way conservatives know how to win right now is to change the rules rather than allow the people to decide on the merits of an issue, said Chris Melody Fields Figueredo, executive director at the Ballot Initiative Strategy Center, who has worked with citizen-led campaigns in all 10 states where an abortion rights amendment is in play.

Pro-choice amendments in Missouri and Nebraska were challenged by a conservative Christian law firm that argued that both measures violated state law requiring amendments to only address a single subject. Republicans in both states claimed that reproductive freedom encompasses more than one issue (conservatives in Florida also used this argument).

This came after years of abortion rights advocates working tirelessly in each state to get enough voter signatures for the question to appear on the ballot, get those signatures verified by the state and get the measure certified, among other steps.

A conservative judge in Missouri ruled in favor of the complaint against that states abortion rights amendment, filed by the Christian law firm on behalf of two Republican state lawmakers. The issue was taken to the state Supreme Court mere hours before the deadline to remove a question from the ballot.

The night before the state Supreme Court arguments, Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, an anti-abortion Republican, decertified the ballot measure in a largely symbolic but unprecedented attempt to block it from appearing in front of voters. An amendment has not been ordered off the Missouri ballot in several decades, and yet GOP lawmakers were working overtime to suppress the vote in the eleventh hour.

The fact that [abortion] is controversial does not mean that the courts and state officials should cast aside the fundamental right to have that vote, said Chuck Hatfield, a lawyer for Missourians for Constitutional Freedom, the group behind the pro-choice amendment.

Less than three hours before the deadline, the Missouri Supreme Court ruled that Ashcroft had missed his window to decertify the measure and that the question to enshrine abortion access in the state constitution could appear on the ballot.

Ultimately, the fight for reproductive freedom is also the fight for our democracy.Chris Melody Fields Figueredo

Nebraskas Supreme Court heard similar oral arguments this week to block the states abortion rights amendment, which would restore access to the procedure until fetal viability and loosen the states 12-week abortion ban. In addition, Nebraska may include a competing anti-abortion measure, which would enshrine the 12-week abortion ban into the state constitution.

The state Supreme Court ruled on Friday that both abortion-related measures will appear on the November ballot.

The strategy used in Nebraska and Missouri isnt new, and its already been successful in other states. Last month, Arkansas conservative Supreme Court ruled in favor of the states attorney general, who used a paperwork technicality to argue that a pro-choice measure should be kept from going before voters in November. The amendment would have loosened the states near-total abortion ban.

Two of Arkansas state Supreme Court justices accused Republicans of changing the rules during the ballot process to intentionally disqualify the pro-choice measure. This requirement was made up out of whole cloth, the justices wrote in their dissent. Regnat Populus  The People Rule  is the motto of Arkansas. Todays decision strips every Arkansan of this power.

The abortion rights amendment in Florida was already certified by the states Supreme Court, one of the most conservative in the nation, in April. But that doesnt mean the GOP attacks have stopped; it simply means theyve moved on to the next strategy in their anti-abortion campaign: misinformation.

Floridas Agency for Health Care Administration, a publicly funded nonpartisan government group, launched a targeted campaign against the states pro-choice amendment that included TV ads and a transparency page on the state website that demands voters keep Florida from becoming an abortion tourism destination state. The campaign is full of false claims about the amendment, as well as misleading statements that downplay the dangers of the states current six-week abortion ban.

Months before Floridas AHCA launched its ad campaign against the amendment, Florida Republicans funneled $1 million in taxpayer money to the state agency for marketing. The ACLU of Florida filed a lawsuit this week against AHCA on behalf of Floridians Protecting Freedom, the collective that created the abortion rights amendment, arguing that its illegal for state agencies to take part in political campaigns.

They know were winning, they know Floridians are against Floridas cruel and extreme abortion ban, and yet theyre pulling every trick in their playbook, Keisha Mulfort, an attorney with the ACLU of Florida, said in a press call this week.

It is deeply troubling to see Florida politicians wield the full power of state government to intimidate and mislead Floridians on Amendment 4 while also suppressing their voices, Mulfort continued. They claim to defend freedom, yet theyre using state resources to pressure certain communities into silence.

Florida already has some of the highest thresholds for getting a ballot measure approved: Floridians Protecting Freedom had to get nearly 1 million validated signatures and meet thresholds in half of the states 28 congressional districts in less than a year. In order to pass, the measure must get at least 60% of the vote, rather than a simple majority.

The pro-choice measure cleared nearly all of these hurdles, and yet DeSantis and his GOP supermajority continue to change the goalposts at every step. Over the summer, DeSantis replaced a state economist on an administrative committee with a Heritage Foundation pundit to create a deceptive financial statement that will appear alongside the pro-choice amendment. Most recently, DeSantis directed the Florida Department of State to investigate 36,000 already-verified signatures for fraud, even though Floridians Protecting Freedom paid election supervisors over $1 million to count and verify each signature. The nearly 1 million signatures needed to get the abortion measure on the ballot were verified by the state over seven months ago, in February.

Republicans have used these anti-abortion tactics in states across the country, including in Arizona and South Dakota, where abortion will be on the ballot in November despite GOP attacks. Even after Ohioans voted to codify abortion rights into the state constitution last year, the Republican-controlled government is still fighting the legitimacy of that decision. Republicans may be scrambling to find a popular post-Roe policy stance on abortion, but it doesnt mean they wont do everything in their power to keep abortion bans in place.

Certain politicians, who tend to be from the GOP, are in real time undermining what our democracy means and moving us more towards authoritarianism and minority rule, said Fields Figueredo, from the Ballot Initiative Strategy Center. Ultimately, the fight for reproductive freedom is also the fight for our democracy.

Related...
Rescue swimmers searched the waters off Magnuson Park after a car was spotted in Lake Washington.

Swimmers with the Seattle Fire Department were dispatched to the park at 1:12 a.m. Thursday after someone reported seeing the car in the lake near the 7800 block of 62nd Avenue Northeast.

Crews arrived and found a sedan in the lake. Rescue swimmers entered the water and searched the car and the surrounding area, but no one was found.

The incident was turned over to Seattle Police and the car was pulled out of the lake and towed away.
A new program aims to promote climate-smart grazing practices by providing compensation and technical support to Native American beef producers.

The Farm Journal Foundation, a nonprofit that promotes global food security, is providing Native American beef producers with technical assistance, education and direct payments for implementing climate-smart practices. Its program has funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Climate-smart practices can include rotational grazing, where livestock are moved to different areas of a pasture, planting native grasses and brush management, among other things.

Participating producers receive about $10,000 in compensation for implementing such practices. They can also access in-person education as well as online technical assistance and other resources.

Farm Journal Foundation is specifically seeking 70 to 100 Indigenous producers in Montana, Florida and Oklahoma to participate in the program. The three locations were determined due to their differing climates.

Maddie Skellie, program manager at Farm Journal Foundation, said Native American producers have faced barriers when trying to access similar federal grant opportunities in the past.

Native American farming operations, for example, may not fit the standard criteria envisioned by federal policymakers. And historically, federal programs may not have prioritized tribal resource concerns.

Skellie said this program aims to improve accessibility by offering incentives to Native American producers who might not have previously had the benefit of monetizing their practices.

Additional project partners include Intertribal Agriculture Council, Ecosystem Services Market Consortium and Yield Lab Institute.

To participate in the program, fill out a survey at FarmJournalFoundation.org. For more information, visit FarmJournalFoundation.org/tribal-agriculture.
Officers involved in shooting at Mansfield hotel, suspect in custody

Police are investigating after officers were involved in a shooting at a hotel Thursday afternoon.

Officers responded to the Red Roof Inn on Forbes Boulevard around 3:42 p.m. for a report of shots fired, Mansfield police told Boston 25 News.

The Mansfield officers responding to the hotel found officers from North Attleboro who told them they were investigating a party for drug activity when the suspect drove away from the hotel in a Black BMW.

One of the North Attleboro officers then fired a single shot at the fleeing vehicle, Mansfield police say.

North Attleboro police said three officers suffered injuries in the scuffle including one who was dragged by the BMW. All injured officers have been released from the hospital and are expected to make a full recovery.

The MBWs glass was shattered from where the fired bullet struck.

The suspect, Kevin Burke, of North Attleboro, was taken into custody in North Attleboro shortly after 5:00 p.m. after abandoning his car, officials said. Burke suffered a superficial gunshot wound to the arm, North Attleboro police said.

Frank Hewitt, who lives near Cottage Street in North Attleboro, 8 miles away from the Red Roof Inn, said he found the suspect hiding from police outside his home.

There was a kid behind a dumpster  cops came flying down the road, Hewitt described. His shirt looked like it was ripped off.

Officers were attempting to serve a warrant before the shooting, a law enforcement source told 25 Investigates.

Massachusetts State Police assisted in the investigation by providing support with Airwing and K-9 assets.

The Bristol County District Attorneys office also is assisting Mansfield police in the investigation.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
South West Water organised the meeting for Brixham residents to ask questions about the cryptosporidium outbreak [BBC]

A Brixham resident who was unwell following the water parasite outbreak in Devon said the boss of a water company should be "held accountable".

Helen Ireland said she was one of the 57 confirmed cases of cryptosporidium in May. She said eight other people connected to her household were also unwell.

Ms Ireland was among residents invited to a meeting at Brixham Town Hall earlier to ask South West Water (SWW) questions about the outbreak.

Caroline Voaden, the Liberal Democrat MP for South Devon, said SWW boss Susan Davy had been told some "uncomfortable truths" at the meeting.

Brixham resident Helen Ireland fell ill after the cryptosporidium outbreak [BBC]

Ms Ireland said: "I just think Susan Davy should not be in her role, she should be held accountable.

"I don't believe she has been accountable. She hasn't done any interviews, she hasn't spoken to anyone, so I am quite interested to see what she has to say."

Speaking after the meeting, Ms Ireland said it had "raised more questions" rather than answering them.

"What I do hope is SWW understands the strength of feeling within the area and they will listen to us and will be more open and honest in the future, she said.

Residents not satisfied

Clive Alexander, 79, said there was a sense of anger and distrust at the meeting, adding he felt the water boss should resign.

He said: Susan Davys main job tonight was to apologise unreservedly to these people. What she didnt do was understand the actual feeling of the anger and the distrust of SWW."

Brixham resident Michael Roseveare described it as a useful opportunity for the local people to air their frustration and concerns.

Mr Roseveare added: They are clearly not satisfied with the way SWW has responded.

MP Caroline Voaden said there was still a huge level of distrust between Brixham residents and SWW [BBC]

South Devon MP Caroline Voaden said she believed there was still a "huge level of distrust" between Brixham's community and SWW.

SWW told them the water was safe to drink and it clearly wasnt," she said.

"I felt it was really important Susan Davy, as chief executive came to Brixham so she could hear for herself peoples concerns and the questions they havent had answered."

Following the meeting, Ms Voaden said the water company had been told some uncomfortable truths.

They looked very uncomfortable at certain points of the evening. I do think people thought they were heard," she said.

I know there were some people in the room who had questions they really wanted to put to Susan Davy and they did that.

Pennon's Chief Executive Susan Davy attended the meeting [PA Media]

Managing director of water services at SWW David Harris said the company knew the "rare events in Brixham earlier this year had a significant impact on local people and businesses".

"And for that we are truly sorry," he said.

"While the situation has thankfully been resolved, we know some people may still have questions.

"We have organised this event to give customers the chance to hear from us in person and we look forward to answering as many questions as we can at the community meeting.

The cryptosporidium outbreak left residents in the area having to boil or use bottled water after the parasite which causes sickness and diarrhoea was first detected.

The advice remained in place for 54 days for some properties before it was finally lifted on 8 July.

Follow BBC Devon on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@bbc.co.uk.

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PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  Newport Restaurant Group (NRG) has raised more than $3,000 for Farm Fresh Rhode Island in honor of the nonprofits 20th birthday.

Farm Fresh works to increase community access to local food through things like farmers markets and farm-to-school programs.

ALSO READ: More farmers markets to begin accepting SNAP benefits

For the month of August, NRG restaurants Avvio in Cranston, Bar Cino in Newport, and Waterman Grille in Providence offered a special tomato dish using produce from Farm Fresh and Greenview Farms.

From each of the more than 1,500 dishes sold, the restaurants donated $2 to Farm Fresh.

We are so thankful to our loyal guests who participated in this fundraiser, so that this wonderful organization can continue its efforts to not only connect farmers with restaurants, but to also increase access to fresh local food for those who need it the most, Director of Culinary Arts with Newport Restaurant Group Kevin DiLibero said.

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The Boeing Starliner capsule floats down toward New Mexicos White Sands Space Harbor on Friday night.

The Summary

Boeing officials have made few public comments about the company's Starliner spacecraft over the last six weeks.

The capsule returned to Earth on Saturday without a crew, ending a problem-plagued test flight.

Boeing representatives did not appear at the post-landing briefing, even though they were initially scheduled to do so.

Just over an hour after Boeings Starliner capsule made its uncrewed return to Earth, NASA convened a standard post-landing briefing to discuss the end of the tumultuous test flight.

Conspicuously absent from that event early Saturday morning: any official from Boeing.

In fact, the last time Boeing representatives participated in a news briefing about the Starliner mission was in late July. At that time, the capsule had already spent weeks longer than expected at the International Space Station due to hardware issues, and questions were swirling about whether the two NASA astronauts who rode the Boeing-made vehicle to orbit could safely return in it.

NASA officials have said they are committed to working closely with Boeing, but the companys absence from events and its limited public statements have raised questions about Boeings commitment to transparency and the future of the Starliner program.

Boeing did not respond to multiple requests for comment about the companys change in public visibility.

Ahead of the post-landing news conference last week at the agencys Johnson Space Center in Houston, a NASA public advisory included the names of two Boeing officials slated to take part.

Eric Berger, a senior editor for Ars Technica who was there, wrote on X that two chairs had been removed from the dais shortly before the briefing began. The lineup appeared to have been changed at the last minute.

Just confirmed that there will be no Boeing representatives at the post-landing Starliner news conference. (John Shannon and Mark Nappi were originally supposed to be here). Asked NASA why. Response: "You'll have to ask them." So what's up @BoeingSpace?  Eric Berger (@SciGuySpace) September 7, 2024

It's seemingly a last minute change because there were five chairs set up at the news conference here at JSC, and they just removed two seats right now.  Eric Berger (@SciGuySpace) September 7, 2024

Joel Montalbano, the deputy associate administrator of NASAs Space Operations Mission Directorate, was asked about Boeings absence during the briefing

We did talk to Boeing before this. They deferred to NASA to represent the mission, he said.

In response to an NBC News inquiry days later, a NASA spokesperson referred back to Montalbanos response at the news conference.

Instead of appearing at the briefing, Mark Nappi, vice president and program manager of Boeings Commercial Crew Program, issued a statement on the companys website.

I want to recognize the work the Starliner teams did to ensure a successful and safe undocking, deorbit, re-entry and landing, he wrote. We will review the data and determine the next steps for the program.

Boeing said the capsule would be taken to NASAs Kennedy Space Center in Florida, where engineers will analyze data from the flight. No other details were provided about the status of the spacecraft.

Starliner launched astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams to the International Space Station in early June. The capsules first crewed test flight, the mission was expected to last around eight days. But helium leaks in the spacecrafts propulsion system and thruster malfunctions that cropped up as it was docking with the space station sidelined the Starliner and its crew in space for months.

NASA held several media briefings over the summer to provide updates about the ongoing investigations into the thruster problems and what the findings could mean for the remainder of the flight. Early on, NASA and Boeing officials jointly appeared at the briefings, but Boeing representatives were not included in any news conferences in August.

That month, NASA was deliberating about how and when Wilmore and Williams could be brought home safely. Agency officials were asked about Boeings absence at most of those August briefings and said the companys representatives were not taking part because the updates concerned NASA deliberations.

On Aug. 24, the agency announced that it would call on SpaceX to bring the astronauts home and send Boeings Starliner back to Earth without a crew onboard. The pair is scheduled to stay at the space station until February then return with members of an upcoming ISS crew.

In a statement on X following NASAs decision, Boeing wrote: We continue to focus, first and foremost, on the safety of the crew and spacecraft. We are executing the mission as determined by NASA, and we are preparing the spacecraft for a safe and successful uncrewed return.

The Starliner capsule ultimately returned to Earth smoothly, landing at New Mexicos White Sands Space Harbor just after midnight on Saturday.

The crewed test flight was intended to demonstrate that Boeing could reliably ferry astronauts to and from the space station, paving the way for NASA to certify it for routine flights to the orbiting lab.

Boeing developed its Starliner spacecraft under NASAs Commercial Crew Program, an initiative launched in 2011 to support privately built space vehicles in order to fill the gap left by NASAs retired space shuttles.

Even before the most recent flight, the Starliner program was more than $1.5 billion over budget and years behind schedule. In 2019, an uncrewed test flight to the space station was cut short because of technical glitches and the company was forced to repeat it in 2022.

Rival company SpaceX developed its Crew Dragon spacecraft as part of the same program and has been conducting routine flights to and from the space station since 2020. NASA has said it wants both private companies certified for such flights in order to have redundant options for reaching low-Earth orbit.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON)  San Franciscos Transamerica Pyramid is set to be unveiled to the public Thursday following a billion-dollar renovation. The iconic building was designed by architect William Pereira, who is known for his futuristic designs that also include the flying-saucer-like Theme Building at Los Angeles International Airport.

Was Kamala Harris father a Marxist? A look into Trumps statement on VP

The Pyramid first opened in 1972 and was considered controversial at the time. Now, 50 years later, few could imagine the city without it.

The Transamerica Pyramid was purchased by the SHVO real estate development and investment firm in 2020 for $600 million. Since then, the 853-foot-tall structure has undergone a years-long renovation with SHVO working in partnership with UK architecture firm Foster + Partners.

Michael Shvo, chairman and chief executive officer of SHVO Co., during an interview at the TransAmerica building in San Francisco, California, US, on Monday, April 24, 2023. Photographer: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Most of the structures 763,000 square-footage is dedicated to office space. Notable tenants listed on the SHVO website include Northwestern Mutual, Callan Associates, Sterling Bank & Trust, and Baker Hostetler.

New on-site amenities at the Pyramid listed by SHVO include a fitness center, lounge, restaurants, meeting rooms and a sky bar. At ground level, the Pyramid has a redwood park thats open to the public. The buildings ground level interior has also been completely overhauls.

An outdoor gallery featuring works by the French artists Les Lalanne was also installed in the redwood park.

The developers hope to create a destination that people will want to visit and work in. The citys elected officials see it as another step in the ongoing effort to revitalize downtown.

The revised Transamerica Pyramid Center is set to be unveiled in a public ceremony at the Transamerica Redwood Park on Clay Street on Thursday. San Francisco Mayor London Breed and former mayor Willie Brown are among those who are expected to attend.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
A $1,000 reward is being offered for information about sturgeon and salmon illegally harvested and then dumped near the Washougal River in Clark County.

The carcasses of three filleted sturgeon and about two dozen tule Chinook salmon were discarded about five miles up the river last week, according to Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Police.

Police said the fish were dumped sometime on or before Thursday, Sept. 5 when they were reported to officers.

The fish were found in some blackberry bushes, and all but two of the salmon appeared to have been filleted.

In addition, a dozen black plastic bags filled with yard waste were found a bit downstream of the fish pile, and a bit upstream, a lone tire.

Officers combed the area but found no evidence as to who may have dumped the carcasses. Police dont yet know where the fish came from.

CCA Washington -- the Coastal Conservation Association -- is providing a reward of $1,000 for information leading to convictions in the case.

If you have information that could help solve the case, youre asked to contact the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife at 1-877-933-9847, email reportpoaching@dfw.wa.gov, or send a text tip to 847411 (TIP411) by entering WDFWTIP, followed by a space, and then entering your report.

You can also fill out the online reporting form at this link.

Tips can be left anonymously.

If you provide information that leads to an arrest, you may also be eligible for a reward of up to $500 from WDFW.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - AUGUST 23: Former Presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. gives remarks at the Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel on August 23, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona.Kennedy announced that he was suspending his presidential campaign and supporting Republican presidential candidate, former U.S. President Donald Trump.(Photo by Rebecca Noble/Getty Images)

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has asked Wisconsins District 2 Court of Appeals to remove his name from the states presidential ballot, saying hes running against the clock.

The request comes after a Dane County Circuit Court judge, working in a different appellate district, rejected Kennedys request to issue an injunction last week before the Wisconsin Elections Commission had a chance to respond. The judge, Stephen Ehlke, instead set a scheduling conference that happened on Wednesday.

Kennedys legal maneuvers come after he ended his presidential campaign last month and endorsed former President Donald Trump. Polls show Kennedys presence on the ballot largely pulls support from Trump.

Kennedy had asked the WEC to remove his name from the ballot, a request the body denied earlier this month. His campaign had filed nomination papers with the state on Aug. 6 and state law does not include a mechanism to take back that filing.

His attorneys argued to the more conservative friendly 2nd District that the briefing schedule in the Dane County case would take too long and by the time a decision is reached, ballots will already be printed and sent out.

County clerks across the state have already begun printing ballots, with the first absentee ballots required to be put in the mail Sept. 19. In 2020, the state Supreme Court denied an attempt by the Green Party to have its candidates put on the ballot because the lawsuit was filed after ballots had been printed.

Kennedys attorneys argued the appeals court should take up the case so the WEC cant run out the clock.

Its victory will not be one of principle and precedent but procrastination, Kennedys attorneys argued.

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Vicki Gunvalson's home is close to the ongoing California fires, which are reportedly growing out of control.

The "Real Housewives of Orange County" star's sprawling estate is in a neighborhood near the Airport fire currently raging in California.

Vicki Gunvalson's home is currently in a sensitive spot. The fire has destroyed several homes, and mandatory evacuations have been issued in Orange County and Riverside County.

Vicki Gunvalson's Home Is Currently In The Voluntary Evacuation Area

MEGA

According to the map released by the Orange County Sheriff's Department, the three-bedroom, three-bathroom, 4,620-square-foot pad in Coto de Caza, California, which she purchased for $1,035,000 in 2021, is encircled in a voluntary evacuation area.

Sources close to the reality star shared that Gunvalson has not needed to leave the property despite increasing concerns about the growing fire.

The Airport Fire started on Monday afternoon in Orange County and has reportedly spread over 22,000 acres as of Tuesday. As of Tuesday, thousands of homes were in danger, and over 11,000 people had been evacuated.

According to In Touch, the 62-year-old put the property on the market in 2020 for $1,599,000, but it never sold.

The Orange County Fire Authority Claimed The Fire Started 'Accidentally'

MEGA

On the cause of the fire, the Orange County Fire Authority Incident Captain Paul Holaday announced on Tuesday at a news conference that it was "accidental, unintentional, by heavy equipment working in the areas of the RC Airport."

According to ABC10, the massive fire began on Monday around 1:20 p.m. near Rose Canyon Road and Trabuco Canyon Road.

Commander Kevin Fetterman disclosed that the fire has been difficult to tame due to the terrain, dry conditions, and the fact that some areas have not burned in years.

California is no stranger to wildfires; in fact, it is currently heading toward its peak wildfire season. However, it has reportedly already seen nearly three times as much acreage burn than all of 2023 combined.

The Bravo Star Survived A Major Health Scare Last Month

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Vicki Gunvalson (@vickigunvalson)

The last few months have been rough for the reality star. The Blast reported that Gunvalson shared her experience with a nasty health crisis that left her traumatized.

The business mogul recalled passing out in a meeting with a client who was luckily a former physician and was able to tell Olivia (her boyfriend, Michael Smith's daughter), who was with her at that time, that she was "possibly having a stroke."

The star shared that she could not remember anything during her moment of unconsciousness and even after Olivia rushed her to the hospital.

Upon their arrival at the health clinic, Gunvalson stated that she was diagnosed with a sinus infection and sent home hours later to relax and use her medicine.

Her boyfriend, Smith, also hopped on the next flight out of Arizona to see her and found her passed out again in the bathtub when he arrived home.

Smith described the moment as "one of the scariest" times of his life as he grabbed her out of the water and put her into the bed based on the doctor's order to allow her to sleep.

Gunvalson's Health Emergency Required A Second Trip To The Hospital

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Vicki Gunvalson (@vickigunvalson)

Smith continued that Gunvalson slept for over 13 hours, and he had no choice but to take her back to the hospital.

It was then discovered that she was previously misdiagnosed and she had a massive infection. Smith added, "It was actually sepsis, but it was pneumonia."

He stated that the doctors explained it as "when your body is fighting that big of an infection your whole body attacks it what affects the brain and everything else in your body because your body sends everything it has to fight it." He described it as "dangerous" and "scary."

Gunvalson admitted that she does not remember much and likened her case to "stroke or PTSD where the brain just goes into quiet mode, it just won't remember to protect you."

The 'RHOC' Star Is Yet To Come To Terms With The Scary Episode

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Vicki Gunvalson (@vickigunvalson)

The impact of the health scare and the risk associated with it after her neurologist explained the severity to her has left Gunvalson super emotional since her recovery.

The reality star recalled being told she had a "10 to 20 percent chance of survival," adding, "I cry a lot, and Michael keeps saying, 'Why do you keep crying? I don't have an answer."

Gunvalson found her current reality hard to believe. She admitted on the podcast that she and her beau were having the time of their lives in Barcelona a week before her world came crashing down.

However, her boyfriend was optimistic that the 62-year-old would soon regain her strength and bounce back from the unpleasant health incident.

Vicki Gunvalson Defending Herself Against Fraud Allegations

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Vicki Gunvalson (@vickigunvalson)

Gunvalson is also trying to clear her name in a fraud lawsuit filed by a former client named Diane Field. Field accused Gunvalson and her business associate of fraud and elderly abuse after she consulted the reality star's investment firm for financial advice.

Gunvalson issued a statement through her lawyers detailing that she has remained a well-respected insurance broker over the last three decades and has helped over 7,000 clients achieve their financial goals.

Her lawyers explained that the 62-year-old only obeyed Field's directions about "the annuities and the life insurance policy." They insisted that the mom-of-two did not engage in any conduct that could be considered financial elder abuse, breach of fiduciary duty, or fraud.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  The Rhode Island Community Food Bank is in desperate need of supplies with many of their shelves empty.

Empty shelves at the RI Food Bank

They say the demand for food has grown since the pandemic with donations needed now more than ever.

From July 2023 to June 2024, the Food Bank distributed 18.3 million pounds of food, which is up from 16.2 million pounds the previous year.

Shelves are empty in the Food Banks warehouse as food is quickly distributed to member food pantries, which are experiencing high numbers and long lines.

We need the public to be aware that its their donations that help us keep our shelves stocked and provide a reliable source of healthy, culturally relevant food to our pantries and meal sites so that no one is turned away, Food Bank CEO Andrew Schiff said.

The East Bay Community Action Program (EBCAP) is among the pantries, meal sites and senior programs that receive food from the Food Bank.

Its an absolutely unprecedented time coming off a global pandemic where we talk about being in the recovery phase. The reality is, many Rhode Islanders have not recovered, EBCAP President and Executive Officer Rilwan K. Feyisitan, Jr. said.

One of the most alarming things weve seen recently is people who used to be donors coming in for services. Were seeing immense issues with housing insecurity among our clients, which goes hand in hand with food insecurity. Housing always eats first, he continued.

The Food Bank helps more than 82,000 people through a statewide network of 147 member agencies.

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Florida Sen. Rick Scotts (R) reelection campaign will run an ad labeling his opponent, former Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (D-Fla.), a silly socialist during the Miami Dolphins game on Thursday.

The 30-second spot hits Mucarsel-Powell over her record on immigration, accusing her of wanting to give tax money to people here illegally.

The Hill is the first outlet to view the ad, a part of a seven-figure television and digital statewide ad buy airing in English and Spanish.

In the ads release, Scotts campaign tied Mucarsel-Powell to progressive Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), calling them self-proclaimed socialists.

Voters have kicked her out of office before because her voting record favored the socialist agenda and illegal aliens, not Florida families, the Scott campaign said.

The spot marks the latest in a round of attacks between Scott and Mucarsel-Powell. Scott has repeatedly labeled Mucarsel-Powell as a socialist, while she has attacked him over his stances on abortion, social security, and Medicare.

Last week, Mucarsel-Powells campaign hit back against Scotts use of the socialist label against her in her own ad. In the spot, Mucarsel-Powell talks about her background coming to the U.S. from Ecuador and features footage of former Guillermo Rodriguez, who led a coup in Ecuador and led the country for about four years in the 1970s.

For me, freedom isnt some political slogan. Its why I came to America, she says in the ad.

In an interview with Newsweek last week, Mucarsel-Powell spoke about having a legal pathway for immigrants to live and work in the U.S., but she maintained the country cannot continue to criminalize immigrants and accused Scotts rhetoric of inciting violence against immigrants.

Weve seen an incitement of violence against immigrants because of these talking points that Rick Scott continues to use, and a lot of them are completely false, she told the outlet.

Polls show a relatively tight race between Scott and Mucarsel-Powell. A poll released last week from The Hill and Emerson College Polling showed the former congresswoman trailing the senator by 1 point. However, a Morning Consult poll released on Monday showed her 5 points behind Scott.

The Hill/Decision Desk HQ polling average shows Scott leading Mucarsel-Powell by just less than 3 points.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A tractor pulls carts of cut sugar cane past cane fields set afire to aid with harvesting. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

A federal Super PAC backing Rick Scotts candidacy for reelection, which last week aired an ad in the Orlando television market in both English and Spanish, has received major contributions from the sugar industry in Florida.

U.S. Sugar Corp. has contributed $525,000 to Project Rescue America in the past 13 months, and Florida Crystals Corp. made a one-time donation of $250,000 to the PAC in February, according to FEC records. The second quarter filing showed that the PAC has raised more than $6 million for the Naples Republican since it was created in April.

Its not exactly breaking news that the sugar industry carries considerable influence in Florida politics, as the companies have been major contributors to the states politicos over the decades. Thats despite the fact that when he was a neophyte candidate for governor in the Sunshine State 14 years ago, Scott blasted his GOP primary opponent, Bill McCollum, for accepting contributions from the industry.

Hes owned by U.S. Sugar, the Orlando Sentinel quoted Scott saying of McCollum. Theyve given him nearly a million dollars for his campaign. And its disgusting.

Scott soon got over it, accepting more than $1 million in contributions from Big Sugar for his former political committee, Lets Get to Work.

The money U.S. Sugar has contributed to Scotts super PAC represents by far the most significant expenditure the company has given to any candidate this election cycle, according to Open Secrets.

The company also contributed $7,500 to Polk County Republican U.S. Rep. Scott Franklin, $5,021 to GOP incumbent U.S. Rep. Kat Cammack, $5,000 to Central Florida Republican U.S. Rep. Daniel Webster, and $2,500 to former Florida Senate President Mike Haridopolous, now running in the open Eighth Congressional District seat vacated by Republican Bill Posey earlier this year.

Crop burning

Last year, a federal court ruled against U.S. Sugar, Okeelanta Corp. (which does business as Florida Crystals), and the Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative of Florida after they filed a lawsuit in 2021 against the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers over the design and intended use of the Everglades Agriculture Area Reservoir, a decision hailed as a win for Everglades restoration by environmental groups. The companies are appealing the decision.

The Sierra Club has engaged in a stop the burn campaign pushing the sugar industry in South Florida to end daily burning of sugarcane fields at harvest time in low-income communities south of Lake Okeechobee known as the Glades.

Florida State University researchers published a report finding that between one and six people die each year because of health complications brought on by the crop burns. U.S. Sugar has said the process is strictly regulated and well controlled through the Florida Forest Service.

Regarding the fundraising, Rick Scott has proven in the past to spend whatever it takes from his own bank account to fund his campaigns. Hes put more than $14 million of his own money into his campaign, with more likely to come.

In his 2018 squeaker of a contest against then-Democratic incumbent Bill Nelson, Scott spent more than $63 million of his largesse. Scott has raised more than $30 million in his campaign account but had just a little under $4 million at the end of July.

Mucarsel-Powell had raised $14.3 million as of the end of July and had $4.3 million cash-on-hand.

Scott has consistently led Mucarsel-Powell in public opinion polls. The most recent survey, conducted by Redfield & Wilton Strategies for The Telegraph, shows Scott with a three-point lead, 44%-41%. The best survey for Mucarsel-Powell came from Emerson College last week, showing Scott with a one-point lead, 46%-45%.
Ridership of Milwaukee's streetcar, The Hop, dropped nearly 30% during the RNC

Ridership of Milwaukee's streetcar, The Hop, was down nearly 30% during the Republican National Convention in July, however, the streetcar still reported its highest 2024 monthly total of rides thanks to a boost from Summerfest, according to data presented at Wednesday's Milwaukee Public Works meeting.

During July, 63,383 passengers took the Hop, a slight decrease from July 2023. Ridership of the Hop is at 61% of pre-pandemic levels.

Here's a breakdown of at how many people took the Hop in July 2024:

Ridership of the Hop dropped during the 2024 RNC and Bastille Days, but rose during Summerfest

During the Republican National Convention, both City Hall stops were close to the West State Street entrance to the RNC soft perimeter, and could transport riders to the Third Ward and Intermodal Station. However, city spokesperson Tiffany Shepherd said the RNC caused less movement in the downtown business area, as locals steered clear of traffic and delegates were bused to venues.

Hop ridership dropped 28% during the RNC compared to the same week the previous year. Ridership during Bastille Days also decreased 22% compared to 2023, with 14,269 riders taking it during the festival.

However, ridership increased 30% over last year during Summerfest with 28,383 total trips during the festival. An average 3,154 passengers took the Hop during Summerfest.

Ridership numbers in July 2023 were high due to the combination of Bastille Days and Harley Fest during the same week, which attracted visitors from out of town to travel to both events in the downtown business area.

How to take the Hop streetcar:

The Hop M-Line operates Monday through Friday from 5 a.m. to 12 a.m., Saturday from 7 a.m. to 12 a.m., and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Streetcars arrive every 15 minutes during peak hours and every 20 minutes during off peak hours and on Sunday.

The L-Line streetcar provides service every 20 minutes on Sunday to existing stations at Wisconsin Avenue northbound and southbound, City Hall northbound and southbound, Historic Third Ward eastbound, and stations Michigan at Jackson eastbound, Clybourn at Jefferson westbound, and the Lakefront inside the Couture transit plaza.

How much does it cost to ride The Hop?

Rides are free, no tickets are needed.

For more information:

For more information and complete ridership data for the The Hop is available online at https://thehopmke.com/ridership.

RELATED: Do visiting Republicans also think The Hop is a boondoggle?

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee streetcar The Hop: Ridership dropped 30% during the 2024 RNC
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  Though the R.I. Department of Transportation has repeatedly said engineers believe that the eastbound Washington Bridge can handle extra weight from two-way traffic, records obtained by Target 12 show state engineers had concerns earlier this year.

At an April 19 press conference to announce a third lane of westbound traffic would open on the eastbound Washington Bridge, RIDOT Director Peter Alviti assured the public that the added lanes of traffic would not impact the bridges condition.

We had two brand-new reports done on it and they both came back and said that its adequate for the use that well be using it for the next several years, Alviti said at the time.

Records obtained by Target 12 show less than a week later, on April 25, RIDOT filed whats called a critical expense request form. RIDOT spokesperson Charles St. Martin said the term for the expense request is standard and does not mean that the need for the expense is critical.

The form, signed by state engineer John Priess, said RIDOT needed $2.75 million to enter into a contract with Kistler. The Swiss technology company has weigh-in monitoring system technology that can weigh trucks in real time at any speed. RIDOT wanted to use the technology on the eastbound bridge.

The eastbound Washington Bridge has become considerably more sensitive since the closing of the westbound bridge, the form stated.

In early September, RIDOT said it was installing the new weigh-in monitoring system on the eastbound Washington Bridge as a precautionary measure. Construction had already gotten underway on Aug. 19th.

In a statement to Target 12 on Wednesday, St. Martin stated again that the purchase and installation of the system was proactive and there are no indications of any issues with the bridge.

This purchase should provide peace of mind to anyone who has concerns about the increase in traffic now that there are six active lanes on the bridge, St. Martin said.

St. Martin added that the state has also used the technology proactively to monitor the structural health of bridges used for traffic diversions during construction. However, the needs for the Washington Bridge were a bit different.

RIDOT had been researching this technology and found that Kistler was the only company that successfully integrates the weigh-in-motion and bridge structural health monitoring systems to give a complete overview, analysis and live monitoring of a structural condition based on live traffic, St. Martin said.

Documents obtained by Target 12 show the technology could also be used for enforcement, like issuing tickets for overweight vehicles. But doing so would require legislation to be enacted by the R.I. General Assembly.

St. Martin said no such legislation is in the works, the state would not use the system to issue tickets to overweight or speeding vehicles, and RIDOT did not include any automated ticketing features in its contract with Kistler. Target 12 also confirmed no legislation was filed this past session, and that the legislature had not received any proposed bill from RIDOT.

The weight sensors will be active by the end of the month, while the structural health monitoring component will be active by the end of the year, according to St. Martin.

State officials announced in March that the westbound bridge  which had passed inspection as recently as last July, only to be abruptly closed on Dec. 11  must be demolished and rebuilt. The bridge was built in 1968 with a design that experts now describe as unusual.

No companies submitted bids to rebuild the westbound bridge when the deadline came and went in early July.

Gov. Dan McKee has acknowledged he doesnt know when the new westbound bridge might be finished or how much it may cost to build. RIDOT recently surveyed construction companies for guidance and is preparing a second bidding process.

The governor was in Washington on Wednesday to lobby a White House official for the Biden administration to approve a $221 million federal grant that would help cover the cost of the new westbound bridge.

The eastbound bridge is much newer than the westbound side. Though it was first built in 1930, the bridge underwent a replacement and reopened in 2008.

St. Martin said the design life of the eastbound bridge is 75 years, while the design life for the bridges deck is 50 years. He added that the deck is scheduled for reconstruction sometime after 2050 and the bridge itself is scheduled for a rebuild sometime after 2080.

RIDOT will maintain this bridge on an ongoing basis to keep it in a state of good repair, St. Martin said.

Additionally, RIDOT will perform inspections of the eastbound bridge every six months, he said. The next one is taking place sometime this fall.

RELATED: 30 years of traffic and frustration on the Washington Bridge

Alexandra Leslie (aleslie@wpri.com) is a Target 12 investigative reporter covering Providence and more for 12 News. Connect with her on Twitter and on Facebook.

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Risky salvage of Sounion tanker to restart in Red Sea this week, sources say

ATHENS (Reuters) -Experts will this week resume a risky operation to salvage the Sounion tanker that was repeatedly attacked by Yemen's Houthis in the Red Sea last month and still holds about one million barrels of crude oil, maritime sources said on Thursday.

The towing of the 900-foot (274.2-metre), Greek-registered vessel - which was struck by multiple projectiles, lost power and caught fire on Aug. 21 - was paused after it was deemed unsafe by the companies initially involved in the project.

The salvage operation will be particularly delicate, given the full load and a host of other factors, officials said.

Any spill could be one of the largest from a ship, risking catastrophic environmental damage in an area that is particularly dangerous to enter.

The Houthis - who say they are acting in solidarity with Palestinians caught up in the Israel-Gaza war - detonated charges on the tanker after the initial attack, causing more fires. It is unclear if any explosives are still active.

At least two tugboats owned by a Greek-based salvage company are already in the area and will deal with the towage, one of the sources said.

"There is an action plan in place and there is progress," another source added. "The towing operation is expected to begin in the next two days."

The ship's crew has been evacuated. Greece has also been in touch with regional power Saudi Arabia to ask for assistance.

The Iran-aligned Houthi militants said they would allow salvage teams to tow Sounion to safety.

Despite that, the Houthis have "threatened salvage crews, complicating an already challenging operation and risking the lives of more mariners," Robert Wood, deputy U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, said during a U.N. Security Council briefing on Thursday.

The EU's naval mission in the Red Sea, Aspides, will protect the vessels involved in the towage and monitor the entire operation, an Aspides official reiterated on Thursday.

A French frigate and a Greek frigate participating in Aspides were already in the area, one of the sources said.

The Houthis have damaged more than 80 ships in missile and drone attacks since November, sinking two vessels, seizing another and killing at least three crew members.

(Reporting by Yannis Souliotis in Athens, Jonathan Saul in London and Lisa Baertlein in Los Angeles; Writing by Renee Maltezou; Editing by Andrew Heavens)
'The Roaring Lion' portrait of Winston Churchill stolen from Canadian hotel is found in Italy

Fairmont Chateau Laurier General Manager Genevieve Dumas looks on as Ottawa Police Services Detective Akiva Gellar speaks about the stolen Yousuf Karsh portrait of Winston Churchill, during a news conference in the hotel in Ottawa, Canada, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press via AP)

OTTAWA, Ontario (AP)  Canadian police say a renowned portrait of Winston Churchill that was reported stolen from an Ottawa hotel has been tracked down in Italy.

Investigators will travel to Rome later this month to retrieve the 1941 portrait of the British leader taken by Ottawa photographer Yousuf Karsh, police said in a news release.

Once in Ottawa police custody, the portrait will be ready for the last step of its journey home to the Fairmont Chateau Laurier, where it will once again be displayed as a notable historic portrait, police said.

Police said The Roaring Lion was stolen from the Fairmont Chateau Laurier in Ottawa, sometime between Christmas Day 2021 and Jan. 6, 2022, and replaced with a forgery. The swap was only uncovered months later, in August, when a hotel worker noticed the frame was not hung properly and looked different than the others.

It was determined that the portrait was sold through an auction house in London to a buyer in Italy, both of whom were unaware that the piece was stolen, the release said. With the help of public tips, forensic analysis, and international co-operation, investigators tracked down the individual responsible for the theft.

Nicola Cassinelli, a lawyer in Genoa, Italy, purchased the portrait in May 2022 at an online Sothebys auction for 5,292 British pounds. He says he got a phone call from the auction house that October advising him not to sell or otherwise transfer the portrait due to an investigation into the Ottawa theft.

Cassinelli said he was surprised to learn that the answer to the high-profile heist might be hanging on his living room wall. He plans to attend a ceremony at the Canadian Embassy in Rome next Thursday to mark the return of the portrait.

At a press conference at the hotel Wednesday afternoon, Genevieve Dumas, general manager of the Fairmont Chateau Laurier, said the theft happened at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Everything was closed, and we narrowed the gap to 12 days, Dumas said. The way that happened, there was nobody in the hotel and we discovered it only eight months later.

Ottawa police Det. Akiva Gellar said the portrait was recovered after a very extensive investigation that took more than two years but offered few specifics.

Much of the investigation is still very sensitive because the matter is before the courts, he said.

A lot of the details about how we found it, and further details will be released during the ceremony in Rome, said Gellar. And later down the road, once we have the portrait back in Canada, we will be able to speak more about that.

Police arrested a 43-year-old man from Powassan, Ontario, in April and have charged him with stealing and trafficking the portrait.

The man, whose name is protected by a publication ban, faces charges that include forgery, theft over $5,000 and trafficking in property obtained by crime exceeding $5,000.

The famous image was taken by Karsh during Churchills wartime visit to the Canadian Parliament in December 1941.

It helped launch the career of Karsh, who photographed of some of the 20th centurys most famed icons, including Nelson Mandela, Albert Einstein and Queen Elizabeth.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will campaign Saturday for Donald Trump in Glendale, returning to the same city where he boosted the GOP nominee at a rally last month.

Kennedy will hit the Arizona campaign trail with former Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii. The event comes weeks after Kennedy ended his own independent presidential campaign and endorsed Trump during an event in Arizona.

Kennedy and Gabbard will visit Arizona Christian University in Glendale at 6 p.m. on Saturday. Theyll sit for a conversation moderated by Jessica Reed Kraus, who writes about the campaign on Substack and her @HouseInHabit social media accounts.

The event is part of the Team Trump Reclaim America Tour, according to the Trump campaign.

Gabbard is backing Trump this election cycle, but previously ran for president in the 2020 Democratic primary. She faced President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris during that race.

After Kennedy suspended his presidential bid, Trump brought him on stage during a rally at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale last month. As Kennedy took the stage, organizers played loud rock music and lit up the stage with pyrotechnics.

Trump had high praise for Kennedy, the son of the late Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, D-N.Y.

I've known him a long time. We've been a little bit on the opposite side of the equation, but I will say this, he is a brilliant  I still think of him as young. He's not that young. I always call him young, but he's not that young. But he is a phenomenal person, a phenomenal man who loves the people of this country as much as anybody can love the people of this country, Trump said.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: RFK Jr., Tulsi Gabbard to campaign for Donald Trump in Glendale
Robert De Niro confronted News Corp heiress Elisabeth Murdoch at a dinner party and insisted she should challenge her dad for allegedly damaging the United States, according to a new report.

You can still love your father, but you can tell him he is wrong for what he is doing to this country, De Niro, 81, recalled saying to Elisabeth, 56, of 93-year-old Rupert. The Wall Street Journal reported the 2022 confrontation left her visibly shaken.

I called Elisabeth and told her I was sorry, the legendary actor told the paper. I saw how upset she was and felt badly about that.

Rupert Murdochs Courtroom Family Fight Will Make Succession Look Boring

De Niro is an ardent Democrat who, earlier this week, took part in a Paisans for Kamala livestream fundraiser of Italian Americans who support the Democratic ticket in this years presidential election.

Earlier this year, he showed up outside Donald Trumps hush-money trial in New York City and called the former president a clown. Meanwhile, the stalwart conservative Murdoch media empire, especially Fox News, has backed Trump publicly, despite private reservations that reportedly include Rupert Murdoch wishing the former president was dead.

The dinner party where De Niro challenged Elisabeth Murdoch was hosted by someone with politics much closer to the Godfather actor than her dad: her younger brother, James, 51.

James Murdoch has made headlines in recent years for breaking ranks with his familys arch-conservative legacy, donating tens of millions to progressive causes. He and his father are not currently on speaking terms, the Journal reportedin 2019, James told The New Yorker that was often the case for periods of time.

His older brother Lachlan, 53, has been tapped by dad as his successor for pledging to shepherd the family media empires right-wing bent.

Rupert Murdoch with the heirs to his media empire: James Murdoch, Elisabeth Murdoch, and Lachlan Murdoch. Tom Stoddart/Getty

In the fallout of Lachlan Murdochs planned elevation to the throne, the other three of Ruperts eldest four childrenElisabeth and James along with 66-year-old Prudenceare currently mired in a heated legal bout with their father. All four were set to receive equal shares in the family trustwhich holds crucial voting shares in Fox Corp and News Corpbut in a Shakespearean betrayal, Rupert MUrdoch filed a petition late last year to hand control exclusively to Lachlan.

Sisters Elisabeth and Prudence Murdoch are said to be more politically moderate, though are less open about their views than the thumbing-his-nose-at-the-father James Murdoch, who earlier this month endorsed Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris.

A closed-door court battle, set to kick off Sept. 16 in Nevada, could resolve the succession drama and, in the process, determine who will ultimately control the Murdoch empire, including Fox News and The Wall Street Journal itself.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  The City of Rochester held groundbreaking ceremonies at the Goodman Street and Allen Street fire houses Thursday, as they gear up for big renovations.

The city said the firehouses impacted by the renovation project will be inoperable for about a year. During that time, crews will be relocated to nearby firehouses. Response times will be increased by about one minute, the city said.

The locations will get upgraded roofs, sprinkler systems, lockers, decontamination areas, kitchen areas, and fire alarm systems.

Officials say theyre also hoping to make the firehouses more gender inclusive. That means creating private sleeping areas to replace the previous open-bay cubicles, and adding two unisex bathrooms with private showers.

These firehouses were on their way to functional obsolescence because they no longer fully meet the needs of a modern fire service, Rochester Mayor Malik Evans said in a statement released Thursday. I am proud of these improvement projects because they reflect our commitment to public safety, firefighter safety and workplace equity. By providing our employees with the best possible equipment, facilities, and work conditions to perform their critical mission, we are creating a safe, equitable and prosperous Rochester by inspiring hope and delivering opportunity for everyone.

The $17.6 million renovation project is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, along with cash capital and city bonds.

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DE PERE, Wis. (WFRV)  Greater Green Bay Habitat for Humanity launched its brand-new neighborhood revitalization program, Rock the Block, which began in De Pere on Thursday.

The event kicked off with a volunteer blitz, during which members of the community rolled up their sleeves and joined the effort to transform and uplift the designated De Pere neighborhood.

St. Norbert College President discusses challenges institutions face as higher education rapidly changes

Volunteer shifts are available on Sept. 12 through Sept. 14.

We love our neighborhood and want to be part of improving it, said Rock the Block homeowners Phillip and Karen. Were very excited to be part of a program that will help us maintain our home and benefit our neighborhood.

Phillip and Karen are among 34 homeowners participating in Rock the Blocks volunteer effort. They cannot wait to see the transformation.

Wisconsin could see northern lights on Thursday amid geomagnetic storm

For many, challenges like physical barriers, cost, and amount of work have kept homeowners from being able to complete some of the necessary improvements or repairs to their homes exterior.

Rock the Block volunteers have made an impact on more than just neighborhood revitalization. They serve the community by keeping neighborhoods clean and safe, improving property values, unifying and empowering the community with a common purpose, and increasing neighborhood and homeowner pride and quality of life.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton.
RockFire festival gears up to end its final year in a blaze of glory

Whats described as a night of art, history and flickering firelight in Barre will end after this year.

RockFire, a festival held on inactive quarry sites, was created nearly 15 years ago by Pierre Couture. He was inspired by a water-themed festival in New York, and decided to create his own adaptation that would celebrate Vermonts granite quarries.

The peak of the granite boom was 74 independent quarries all operating up here 1500 men, a couple thousand acres, completely clear cut, the largest industrial site in Vermont at the time. and the whole celebration of the event is to celebrate the cultural aspects of the granite workers who were here, said Couture.

Cultural aspects of RockFire include bagpipes, organs, and traditional French-Canadian tunes played as visitors explore the quarries on candle-lit paths.

People can also enjoy the sunset, eat food from local vendors on top of Millstone Hill, listen to live music headlined by the Krishna Guthrie Band, plus watch metal working demonstrations from the Iron Guild and fire dancers. Granite art from local sculptors will also be featured.

You wander through this evocative terrain of historic quarries, so we go in and around old quarries, we light the walls sort of as a really ethereal sort of otherworldly sort of background, Couture explains.

In the past, Couture used money raised from the festival to help restore Barres failing 300-acre forest. Thanks to the popularity of this celebration, Couture has continued to hold this event even after the forest was restored.

This years earnings, and donations from Gofundme, are going towards restoring a vandalized art piece.

Granite columns taken from an old mausoleum in Barre, accompanied by a sculpture of the ancient Greek god Hepaestus crafted by a local artist, were all toppled last summer, said Couture.

He told us that much-needed repairs will include laying a concrete floor to give it a nice rock finish, and then with the columns up for the event, and then next year with funds that are generated were going to put a metal band along the four columns to help gold it all together.

Between the physical toll and the strain of the vandalism, Couture has decided to bring RockFire to a close. But with an estimated attendance of over a 1,000 people, he is sure it will be a night to remember.

The 13th and final RockFire event will be held at Millstone Hill in Websterville on Saturday.

Events will run from 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. Tickets are available for purchase online and at the site.

You can learn more about the event at RockFire: The Elemental Experience  Millstone Hill in Websterville, Vermont (rockfirevt.com)

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ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO)  Rockfords Nanaksar Sikh Temple commemorated the innocent people who lost their lives in the tragic September 11th attacks.

The temple held a candlelight vigil remembering the victims of those attacks. Prayers were held inside the temple along with a candlelight ceremony outside.

The leader of the temple said it is important to remember the attacks and honor the victims every year.

The Sikh community condemn the terrorism the Sikh feel they believe in love, peace, harmony, and brotherhood, said Nanaksar President Baba Ji. The prophets of the religion, they never told us to fight in the name of faith. If someone does that, these are, its terrible, these are very wrong.

The temple is located on 3rd Avenue and prides itself on serving all members of the community.

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By Tora Agarwala and Sudipto Ganguly

GUWAHATI, India (Reuters) - More than 100 Rohingya Muslims from Myanmar including women and children have been on hunger strike since Monday to protest at their indefinite detention at a camp in northeastern India, authorities told Reuters.

More than one million Rohingya refugees fled to countries including Bangladesh and India after a military-led crackdown in Myanmar in 2017. They have little hope of returning home, where they are largely denied citizenship and basic rights.

The protesters include about 103 Rohingya Muslims and 30 Christian Chin refugees, also from Myanmar, and many have refugee cards issued by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), said a Rohingya who is in touch with the protesters in Matia Transit Camp in Assam state.

The camp is India's largest detention centre for undocumented migrants who enter India illegally.

"Many of them have finished their terms, but are still stuck in detention. They are not criminals, they fled persecution," the person said, adding that 36 Rohingya protesters possessed UNHCR cards.

"The jail conditions are not good, relatives cannot even visit ... they just want to be free and shift somewhere where life is better," the person added.

The protesters want to be handed over to UNHCR and resettled in a third country, the person said, adding that they have written letters to the Assam government seeking their intervention in the last few months.

"They are demanding they be released," said Ravi Kota, Assam's most senior bureaucrat, adding that the state government has sent prison and interior ministry officials to the camp to "understand their issues" and submit a report.

"Not all were detained under a single court order, so we are trying to find out what are these orders, what are the charges, and what the legal status is," he said.

Reuters was not immediately able to establish for how long the refugees were initially ordered to stay in the camp.

UNHCR said in a statement there are 676 Rohingya refugees in immigration detention across India and 608 of them have no ongoing court cases or sentences pending.

Consistent with international law and standards, UNHCR takes the position that the detention of asylum seekers should be an exceptional measure of last resort, it said. It added that UNHCR is ready to work with New Delhi to address the situation of all asylum seekers and refugees in detention.

The Rohingya suffered from poor healthcare facilities, a lack of water and inhumane treatment in the camp, said Rohingya Human Rights Initiative (R4R), a rights group. "Our people fled genocide and persecution, only to be imprisoned in a country where they sought refuge," R4R chief Sabre Kyaw Min said.

The Burmese Rohingya Organisation UK also urged New Delhi to release the refugees, saying their detention was a "grave injustice".

(Reporting by Tora Agarwala in Guwahati and Sudipto Ganguly in Mumbai; Editing by YP Rajesh and William Maclean)
Royal Observatory's photographer of the year won with eclipse image

The winning image captured Baily's beads around an eclipse [Ryan Imperio]

Ryan Imperio has been named the Royal Observatory Greenwichs Astronomy Photographer of the Year for a photograph that captures the progression of Bailys beads during the 2023 annular eclipse.

Bailys beads are formed when sunlight shines through the valleys and craters of the Moons surface, and are only briefly visible when an eclipse is beginning or ending.

Kerry-Ann Lecky Hepburn, one of the judges and a meteorologist, said the winning image was an "impressive dissection of the fleeting few seconds" when Baily's beads can be seen.

"This image left me captivated and amazed," she added.

Mr Imperio, who won 10,000 for winning the competition overall, said he "never expected to be selected" and was "both thrilled and honoured" with the award.

For the 2024 competition there were over 3,500 entries from 58 countries.

Mr Imperio's entry was also among the winners selected for the Our Sun category of the competition.

Young Astronomy Photographer of the Year award winner captured the California Nebula [Daniel Borsari]

The Young Astronomy Photographer of the Year award was won by Daniel Borsari for his image "NGC NGC 1499, A Dusty California".

This image features the California Nebula - also known as NGC 1499 - an emission nebula in the constellation of Perseus.

The image was created by taking lots of pictures of the nebula and combining them into one.

Its located about 1,000 light years from Earth and its visible thanks to the ionization of gases by the blue giant star Persei.

Neal White, a prize judge and an artist, said Mr Borsari's image showed "the future of astronomy photography being fearlessly, and openly, taken forward by a new generation".

See more of the winning images:

NGC 5128 can only be seen from the southern hemisphere, so the photographers travelled to Namibia [Bence Toth / Peter Feltoti]

Bence Toth and Peter Feltot from Hungary were the winners in the Galaxies category.

Their picture shows the galaxy NGC 5128 and its relativistic jet - beams of radiation and particles travelling close to the speed of light.

The galaxy can only be seen from the southern hemisphere, so the photographers travelled to Namibia to capture the image.

The aurora australis seen over Queenstown, New Zealand [Larryn Rae]

Larryn Rae triumphed in the Aurorae category with a picture of the aurora australis over Queenstown, New Zealand.

The image is a panorama composed of 19 pictures, capturing the pink beams of solar radiation that lit up the sky in February 2023.

Gabor Balazs captured Sinus Iridum on the Moon, also known as the Bay of Rainbows [ by Gabor Balazs]

"Shadow peaks of Sinus Iridum" by Gabor Balazs, from Hungary, took the top spot in the Our Moon category.

The photograph captures Sinus Iridum - also known as the Bay of Rainbows - a massive crater 260km across.

Part of the crater's wall has effectively been destroyed, giving it the appearance of a bay.

The photographer used a monochrome camera with a filter to capture the area.

This picture shows the rare moment the International Space Station goes across the Sun [Tom Williams]

Tom Williams from the UK was first in the People and Space category with his image which captured the silhouette of the International Space Station (ISS) on a backdrop of the Sun.

Crossing the field-of-view in just 0.2 seconds, ISS transits of the Sun are particularly rare to see on Earth.

Tom Williams also took home another prize for his composite of Venus [Tom Williams]

Mr Williams was also selected as the winner in the Planets, Comets and Asteroids category.

His composite shows the phases of Venus, using ultra-violet and infrared filters that reveal the cloud structure within the upper atmosphere of the planet.

The Milky Way and Gum Nebula light up the sky over the Tasman Valley in New Zealand [Tom Rae ]

Tom Rae captured this image of peaks of the Tasman Valley in New Zealand set against the night sky of the southern hemisphere during summer.

It includes the hydrogen clouds of the Gum Nebula - the red blob near the centre - as well as a band of the Milky Way.

Capturing this supernova remnant required 260 hours of photography [Marcel Drechsler, Bray Falls, Yann Sainty, Nicolas Martino, Richard Galli]

This impressive photograph is the result of 3,559 frames, 260 hours of exposure time and telescopes located on three continents.

The team worked to explore and photograph a previously unknown gigantic supernova remnant (SNR) in the centre of the famous constellation Cassiopeia.

"SNR G107.5-5.2, The Nereides Nebula in Cassiopeia" was created by Marcel Drechsler in Germany, Bray Falls in the USA, and Yann Sainty, Nicolas Martino and Richard Galli in France.

The Sir Patrick Moore Prize for Best Newcomer award [Xin Feng / Miao Gong]

The Sir Patrick Moore Prize for Best Newcomer award went to Xin Feng and Miao Gong from China.

Their image is of SH2-308, the Dolphin Head Nebula, which appears low in the northern hemisphere and can only be seen for five hours a day.

Their image comprises a total of ten days of shooting.

The Annie Maunder Prize for Image Innovation [Sergio Diaz Ruiz]

Sergio Diaz Ruiz from Spain was awarded the Annie Maunder Prize for Image Innovation for his image of Earth.

This image was created by mixing the 16 bands monitored by the GOES-18 weather satellite to encode land masses, oceans and atmospheric features as different colours.

The winning and highly commended images will be on display in exhibition at the National Maritime Museum, London from 13 September 2024.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  A teenager is facing charges after police said he punched an officer in the face at the Franklin High School campus in Rochester.

According to the Rochester Police Department, officers patrolling the campus saw the 17-year-old around 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, even through he had been suspended for fights at the school Tuesday. When security tried to get him to leave, he allegedly tried to start more fights.

Officers approached the boy and tried to take him into custody. Thats when police said he punched one officer in the face.

The boy was arrested and charged with assault, criminal trespass, and resisting arrest. He was arraigned Wednesday evening and taken to the Monroe County Childrens Center.

The officer was treated for injuries and was out of work Thursday, according to the RPD.

Franklin High School officially became Padilla High School at the Franklin Campus this month, with the beginning of the 2024-25 school year.

Full statement from RCSD Superintendent Demario Strickland

We are deeply concerned about yesterdays incident outside of Padilla High School during which an officer was injured while attempting to de-escalate a situation involving a student. Districtwide, we have taken significant steps to help ensure a safe environment for all, including partnering with the City of Rochesters Pathways to Peace program to provide conflict resolution support and working closely with the Rochester Police Department, which maintains a regular presence during school dismissal at selected schools. Additionally, we have increased safety protocols, including additional Safety and Security staff, and are providing students with access to counseling and restorative practices aimed at addressing the root causes of these conflicts. We are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive school environment, and we will continue to prioritize measures that promote positive student behavior and ensure the security of everyone on campus.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst.
What are the rules about renting and eviction, and how are they changing?

The government is introducing a law to ban so-called "no-fault" evictions.

The Renters' Rights Bill will also outlaw rental "bidding wars", and stop landlords from blocking tenants on benefits or who have children or pets.

What are the current rules about evictions?

Landlords already have to follow strict rules if they want a tenant to leave, which vary according to the type of tenancy.

Failure to follow the correct process can mean the eviction is illegal.

Most tenants in England's 4.6m privately rented homes have an assured shorthold tenancy, usually for a fixed term of six or 12 months, or rolling - with no end date.

There are two main types of eviction notice for people with these tenancies, which the landlord must provide in writing:

section 8 - where they provide a reason for wanting the tenant to leave, such as late rent payments

section 21 - where they don't provide a reason (a "no-fault" eviction)

Once the notice period ends - at least two months under section 21 - the landlord can start eviction proceedings in court.

According to the housing charity Shelter, there have been more than 26,000 no-fault evictions in England since 2019, when the Conservatives first promised to change the law.

But it is illegal for landlords to change the locks or use force to evict a tenant.

Other tenancy contracts have different rules, and eviction rules also vary in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

How will evictions work in the future?

The Renters' Rights Bill - which must be approved by MPs and peers - will ban section 21 evictions in England, and introduce a new system for evicting tenants where the landlord has grounds for asking them to leave.

If the bill becomes law, new tenants will have a 12-month "protected period" where they can't be evicted if the landlord wants to move in or sell the property.

After this period, the landlord will have to give them four months' notice to leave.

The landlord will still be able to reclaim the property for other reasons, such as rent arrears or criminal behaviour.

Once the protected period ends, tenancies will move to what the government calls "a periodic basis", with no fixed end date. Landlords will have to provide a specific reason and give notice to end a tenancy.

When the new system is implemented, all existing tenancies - including rolling ones - will convert to the new system.

Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook hopes the changes will take effect before summer 2025.

A new system for private providers of social housing will be introduced separately.

How often can my landlord increase my rent, and by how much?

It depends on your rental agreement and where you live in the UK.

If you are on a fixed term in England, the landlord:

normally can't put the rent up until the term ends - unless the contract has a rent review clause

must give at least one month's notice, or six months' notice if the fixed term is a year

If you are on a rolling agreement, the landlord:

can usually only put up the rent once a year

must give at least one month's notice

In England, landlords can only increase your rent by a "fair and realistic" amount, in line with average local rents.

Under the new plans, all private landlords will only be allowed one annual rent increase at the market rate.

They will also have to publish how much rent they want when re-letting a property, banning rental bidding wars

The rules about rent rises are different in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

What are the rules about deposits?

The most landlords can ask for is five weeks' rent - or six if you pay more than 50,000 a year.

If you have an assured shorthold tenancy in England or Wales, landlords must put your deposit in a government approved tenancy deposit scheme (TDP).

This means you will get your deposit back if you:

meet the terms of your tenancy agreement

do not damage the property

pay your rent and bills

At the end of your tenancy, the landlord must return the deposit within 10 days of agreeing the amount owed.

The TDP can help resolve disputes.

Different schemes operate in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

What condition does a rental home have to be in?

Tenants in England have the right to "live in a property that's safe and in a good state of repair".

Similar rules apply in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

A home could be unfit if, for example, the electrics are unsafe, it's damp, or there's a problem with mice.

The new law will extend a series of mandatory building safety rules for social properties to private renters.

It also specifies a timeframe for landlords to resolve serious hazards. Failure to do so risks a fine of up to 7,000 or prosecution.

Can a landlord refuse to rent to me if I have children or claim benefits?

No current laws explicitly stop landlords from rejecting families with children.

However, since women are more likely to live with children, any such refusal in England, Wales and Scotland is likely to be indirect discrimination under the Equality Act 2010, says Shelter.

The charity has a guide on how to challenge a ban. Housing Rights can advise in Northern Ireland.

Similarly, refusing to rent because someone is on benefits may break equality law, according to Citizen's Advice.

The new bill directly outlaws blanket bans for tenants with children or who are on benefits.

What are the rules about pets?

A legal tenancy agreement can specify that no pets are allowed.

But if it says permission can be sought for a pet, a landlord needs a reason to refuse.

[Getty Images]

The new law will give all tenants a legal right to request to keep a pet.

If passed, the landlord can only refuse on reasonable grounds, although they will be able to ask tenants to take out extra insurance.

When can a landlord enter a rental property?

In England, the landlord must give at least 24 hours' notice to enter.

They must visit at a reasonable time of day, unless it's an emergency.

After any initial inspection when a tenant moves in, visits should be at least three months apart, according to the National Residential Landlords Association.
From the Boiling Frogs on The Dispatch

Nostalgia is a thief and a liar. It steals the pleasure we should take in progress and replaces it with nonsense about the past.

If you find yourself pining for days gone by, chances are youre not pining for an era that was better. Youre pining for the simplicity of youth.

I hate nostalgia, especially as a reactionary political gimmick, but were all prone to it. This week, I found myself feeling nostalgic for the relative sobriety and judiciousness of  Donald Trumps first presidential campaign.

I realize that Im fooling myself, as nostalgists usually are. After all, from his first moments as a presidential candidate in 2015, Trump was demagoguing illegal immigrants as rapists and drug dealers. He landed on Americas political radar in 2011 by tantalizing suckers with lies about Barack Obamas birth certificate. Hes always been a cretin and a smear merchant with a taste for intimidating critics. If he had displayed a shred of sobriety or judiciousness as a candidate in 2016, he wouldnt have become a darling of feral populists to begin with.

But if you were the sort of partisan conservative who was keen to find reasons to support him that year, you could find them. He chose the very sober Mike Pence as his running mate. He ended up with Kellyanne Conway as his campaign manager and RNC Chairman Reince Priebus as a top adviser, both of them old political hands. After he won and began to fill out his Cabinet, he selected sensible figures like business executive Rex Tillerson and retired Marine Gen. James Mattis for top positions.

You could also assure yourself that there were alternate power bases in right-wing politics that could and would check him as needed. Rush Limbaugh, the most influential man in populist media, was still a Reaganite. Fox News under Roger Ailes remained a propaganda organ committed to the best interests of the Republican Party more so than of the partys new leader.

Trump would never be sober or judicious himself, but it was conceivable that the political operation supporting him would be.

Not anymore.

This week, in the span of about 96 hours, a lie about Haitian immigrants killing and eating peoples pets made it from the dregs of online populism to J.D. Vances social media account to Trumps own lips before a national TV audience. When Trump visited New York and Pennsylvania on Wednesday to commemorate the anniversary of the September 11 attacks, he brought with him a 9/11 truther who recently mused about how the White House might smell with Indian American Kamala Harris living there. And his self-discipline, which has always been terrible, was exposed at Tuesdays debate as worse than its ever been for the second time in less than two months.

Any 2016-vintage pretense that the inmates arent running this asylum is gone. The man in charge cant restrain his worst impulses, assuming he ever could, and the people around him seem eager to encourage rather than restrain them.

Do Americans realize it? Do they care?

Bad impulses.

Trump has decided to pal around with someone whom MTG thinks is too racist, one of my editors noted on Thursday morning.

MTG, of course, is Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, one of the kookiest, least decorous populist figures in a party thats chock full of em. Even Greene was offended, though, when MAGA influencer Laura Loomer sneered that a White House inhabited by Harris will smell like curry and would probably employ a call center with an unintelligible customer satisfaction survey tacked on at the end.

This is appalling and extremely racist, Greene said of Loomers jab, reviving an old beef between them. It does not represent who we are as Republicans or MAGA.

Doesnt it? Loomer posted her shot at Harris on September 8; two days later, she was by Donald Trumps side as he arrived in Philadelphia for debate night. Shes also the 9/11 conspiracy theorist who accompanied him on his visits to New York and Pennsylvania on Thursday. She represents who we are as Republicans better than Greene herself does, it seems, if proximity to the partys leader is any indication.

Its hard for me to believe that anyone in Trumps 2016 operation would have allowed him to be seen publicly with Loomer, particularly at moments when public scrutiny would be higher than usual.

Granted, that might be the nostalgia talking. The candidate of eight years ago would have had no moral misgivings about showing off Loomer on the trail. But as recently as last April, he retained the basic good sense not to offer her a job on his campaign after his aides advised against it. The fact that hes now willing to treat her like a member of the inner circle at prominent political events feels significant.

Maybe its another example of his degrading impulse control. He couldnt resist ranting for an extra hour during what was supposed to be a short, powerful convention speech, Axios noted Thursday. Then, at the debate, he couldnt resist letting Harris get under his skin repeatedly with calculated barbs, throwing him off-message. Perhaps, egged on by his yes-men, he can also no longer resist including some of the sleaziest, most sycophantic demagogues in his movement in his personal entourage.

Or perhaps its a calculated choice, a signal by Trump that his second term is all about letting the inmates run the asylum. Loomer, after all, isnt the only crank hes fine being seen with. He had dinner with two famous antisemites at Mar-a-Lago around the time he launched his 2024 campaign, and in nine days his VP will follow through on a scheduled event with Tucker Carlson fresh off Tuckers credulous chat with a guy who thinks Churchill, not Hitler, was the main villain in World War II.

Even if you prefer poor impulse control to calculated choice as an explanation, though, youre left with two questions. First, what sort of political impulse is Trump feeling that would lead him toward a character like Loomer? And second, what does this extremely poor impulse control portend for how hell govern in a second term?

Even by the standards of the first Trump administration, Loomer is a completely unserious political figure, an order of magnitude beyond your generic unserious politician, congressional expert Matt Glassman argued this week, sounding nostalgic. Shes operating completely outside of reality. Its hard to emphasize how concerning it is that shes in the room. Imagine who else will be in the room with President Trump in 2025.

That said, I think its possible to make too much of his association with Loomer. Shes a convenientfrankly, too convenientscapegoat for whats wrong with him and his political operation.

Semafor reported on Thursday that some Republicans (anonymously, as always) suspect Loomer of having poisoned Trumps brain with the fake news about immigrants eating cats and dogs. She flew with him to and from the debate, so she had his ear; and in a universe of Too Online populist chuds, hardly anyone is more Too Online than Loomer. She had the means, motive, and opportunity to supply him with the pet-eating anecdote, probably his worst and weirdest moment at the debate. Its easy to blame her.

Easy, but probably wrong. Isnt there a more obvious, and much more significant, culprit in this case of brain-poisoning?

Pet sounds.

It wasnt Laura Loomer who made the Haitians eating pets lie break big in right-wing media. It was the Republican nominee for vice president.

Months ago, I raised the issue of Haitian illegal immigrants draining social services and generally causing chaos all over Springfield, Ohio, J.D. Vance tweeted on Monday. Reports now show that people have had their pets abducted and eaten by people who shouldnt be in this country. Where is our border czar? Some 24 hours later, his running mate was repeating the claim at a debate watched by 67 million people.

I dont have the space to rehash how those reports came to be, but Zaid Jilani did a fine job of it elsewhere on the site today and the Washington Post fact-checked it in considerable detail in its own pages. The nutshell version: Racial tensions flared in Springfield last year after a Haitian immigrant killed a local boy in a car accident; in an unrelated incident, a black woman (and U.S. citizen) elsewhere in Ohio was charged with killing and eating a cat; also unrelated, someone took a photo of a black man carrying a dead goose in yet another city in Ohio; and at some point, someone called the police in Springfield to report seeing a group of Haitian people who all had geese in their hand.

Somehow, this all came together into a narrative about the large Haitian migrant community in Springfield catching, killing, and eating their neighbors cats and dogs. That narrative, which ended up in the lap of a U.S. senator who might be next in line to the presidency in a few months, seems to have originated on a white-nationalist social media platform.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, a Republican, did his best to set the record straight, and the parents of the boy killed in the car accident begged Trump and Vance to stop exploiting their sons death. But Vance was unbowed, as any good Trumpist must be at moments when shame is appropriate. The rumors of pet abduction may or may not be true, he conceded Tuesday, but the Haitians in Springfield are a scourge regardless. Dont let the crybabies in the media dissuade you, fellow patriots, he told populists who have been promoting the smear. Keep the cat memes flowing.

Its hard to know where to begin.

Start with this: Vance, the apprentice, seems to have already adopted his masters propagandistic habit of caring only whether an allegation is useful and not at all whether its true. Maybe the Haitians are eating cats, and maybe they arent; whats important is that, by using his high public profile to promote the claim, Vance has legitimized it in a way that will leave uninformed people convincedwronglythat its true.

Trump has done that for ages, from using his fame to promote the Obama birth certificate lie to laundering smears of his enemies through the journalism of the National Enquirer. A patina of respectability is all you need to lend credibility to the sleaziest slanders. Vance is a quick study.

This incident should also finish off any pretensions that J.D. Vance might be a different kind of populist.

To a certain kind of nationalist-curious conservative intellectual, having a fellow traveler with J.D.s brainpower so close to the presidency raises tantalizing possibilities about enacting family-forward populist economic policies. Trump will always be Trump, but Vance supposedly represents something smarter and more substantive. Hes the thinking mans MAGA, a more cerebral America-First-er who prefers kitchen-table issues to demagoguery.

In reality, it turns out hes a sewer rat, the same gutter Know-Nothing populist trash that youll find among the worst elements of Trumps movement. Lets hear no more after this, please, about Vance being different now that hes started a Two Minutes Hate directed at a group of immigrants.

The real significance of this episode, though, lies in how difficult it is to imagine his predecessor on the Republican ticket stooping to the same behavior. Mike Pence is no angelno one who spent four years apologizing for Trump could bebut he was certainly more immune to the scummiest impulses of populism than Vance is.

For evidence, look no further than J.D.s appearance this week on the All-In podcast, where he interrupted his posts about Haitian pet-eaters to again confirm that he would have blocked the certification of Joe Bidens victory on January 6 had he been in Pences shoes. Nowhere is nostalgia for Trumps first term more potent than it is on this point: Vance would have been an eager enabler of the single most destructive authoritarian impulse his boss had during his first term, not a constraint on it as Pence was. The replacement of one man by the other on the ticket is the radicalization of Trumps operation in miniature.

With Vance whispering in Trumps ear in a second term instead of Pence, the pipeline from white-nationalist Twitter memes and Russian-bot talking points to the Oval Office will operate more efficiently. Jonathan Chait aptly described him as an important bridge between the GOP and elements of the radical right that have been activated by Trump. A figure like Tucker Carlson doesnt need J.D. to convince Trump to take his calls, but the advice he gives Trump might prove more influential now that Vance is there to amplify it behind closed doors.

And not just Vance, of course. The Tillersons and Mattises will be replaced with Jeffrey Clarks and Mike Flynns next time. Millions of Americans will vote Republican this fall out of a foolish sense of misplaced nostalgia for the first Trump administration, expecting that the second will pick up right where the first one left off in 2020 before COVID arrived. (Especially with respect to grocery prices.) Theyre in for a surprise.

Im too jaded at this point about the American character to believe theyll find it an altogether unpleasant one.

Whats left?

On that note, two questions. One: Are we sure Trumps digression at the debate about Haitian immigrants eating pets will hurt him?

It was received wisdom on Wednesday among the commentariat (including me) that the smear would show swing voters that hes the same old crank at best and even crazier than he used to be at worst, but I confess that thats mostly wishful thinking on my part. A Dispatch colleague told me this afternoon that their Trump-supporting friends are completely convinced that migrants in Springfield are chowing down on cats and dogs despite the total lack of evidence and the fact that those friends are quite well-educated.

How many people who watched the debate, having heard nothing about the Haitians before, saw Trump mention it and assumed there must be something to it if he was willing to bring it up? And then went online and found scores of MAGA drones frantically tweeting that its true?

Trumpist righties have had lots of practice at creating their own reality. Theyre good enough at it to have given their man a 50-50 shot at the presidency after four criminal indictments, two impeachments, and one insurrection. I would not bet against them on this.

Now, the other question: Whats left in this deplorable party for traditional conservatives?

In terms of policy, each leg of the three-legged stool described by Ronald Reagan has either collapsed or is collapsing. In terms of personnel, practically every sensible, trustworthy human in the Republican chain of command has been chased out of the party and replaced with glassy-eyed power-worshippers or mega-kooks. Even the supposedly serious conservatives who remain  arent.

Its not enough to say that a second Trump term is unlikely to be good, although thats true enough. The party of Vance and Loomer will be dangerous, embarrassing, and often both at once. And that will prove true this winter even if Trump ends up losing after all.

His operation thrives on threats and propaganda, fantasizes about persecuting its political enemies, hatches malign schemes to install coup-enablers in influential positions, and on most issues, apart from immigration, barely makes a pretense of having a policy agenda. Its popularity cant even be excused as a reckless backlash to mass privation, as happens sometimes in countries following an economic calamity. Theres nothing civically healthy or politically redeeming about any of this. What on earth are people doing supporting it?

Read more at The Dispatch

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Russia and China's anti-US alliance is growing even more threatening

Russia this week launched large-scale naval and air drills with China.

Military cooperation between the two powers is growing.

Some experts say it could be a threat on a level the US hasn't seen in decades.

China and Russia have long railed against what they claim is the malign influence of US power.

Now they're sending a signal to the West that they have the combined military strength to challenge US dominance.

On Tuesday, the Russian military launched large-scale naval and air drills alongside China in the Sea of Japan.

Taking place in the Pacific and Arctic oceans, as well as the Mediterranean, Caspian, and Baltic seas, the "Ocean-24" exercise is massive.

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, it involves more than 400 warships, submarines, and support vessels, over 120 planes and helicopters, and more than 90,000 troops.

"This exercise aims to deepen the strategic cooperation level between the Chinese and Russian militaries and enhance their ability to jointly deal with security threats," China's National Defense Ministry said Monday, according to the AFP newswire.

It's the second time in only three months that the powers have held joint military exercises, with drills in July near the southern Chinese port of Guangdong.

It's a sign of the powers' growing military alignment, with the China Power Project finding that of the 102 joint exercises held by the militaries since 2003, more than half took place in the past seven years.

Graeme Thompson, an analyst with the Eurasia Group, told Business Insider that Russia and China were sending a message.

"Russia's naval exercises are intended to signal that Moscow is still a global power that can operate in a range of blue-water theaters around the world," he said. "China's participation is part of a long-running trend of deeper Sino-Russian strategic cooperation and military integration."

An anti-US axis

China's leader, Xi Jinping, and Russian President Vladimir Putin in May as Putin was greeted by a ceremonial guard during a red-carpet welcome in Beijing. Kremlin via Anadolu via Getty Images

On the eve of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, China's leader, Xi Jinping, and Russian President Vladimir Putin declared a "no limits" partnership as part of their shared mission to challenge US global dominance.

In the three years since, China has provided Russia with crucial diplomatic and economic support as it has faced isolation over the Ukraine invasion. According to the US, Beijing is also providing the Kremlin with increasing support for its weapons industry.

In defiance of the West, both nations are flexing their power and showcasing their capacity to project military strength.

The Pacific  where the US and its allies, including South Korea and Japan, have a major naval presence  could be a flash point.

The joint exercises are taking place in the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk.

China and Russia both have territorial disputes with Japan, while China is menacing Taiwan with the threat of invasion, a move that could trigger conflict with the US.

"There's clearly an intention on the part of Beijing and Moscow to show that they can jointly project power in the Indo-Pacific," Thompson said.

China is continuing to strengthen its partnership with Russia despite increasingly stark criticism from the West.

The July military exercises came after NATO accused China of being a "decisive enabler" of Russia's war in Ukraine.

Great-power competition intensifies

A US military show at a base in Alaska in July Anadolu via Getty Images

Some experts are warning that joint Russian and Chinese military strength poses a serious challenge to the West.

It's a threat on a scale the US hasn't faced in decades, with its military focused on fighting militant groups in the face of chaos in the Middle East.

"A full-scale China-Russia alliance would present the United States with a threat unlike any it has confronted since the end of the Cold War," Chels Michta, an analyst, wrote in an article for the Center for European Policy Analysis in November .

The Congressional Commission on the Strategic Posture of the United States in October urged the Pentagon to revise its strategy so it could fight both powers at the same time.

Some analysts, though, are pointing to tensions between Russia and China that could weaken the alliance.

Russia has become a junior partner to Xi's China, and it is increasingly reliant on it to keep its war machine and economy running.

And China is likely using the war in Ukraine for its own purposes, to weaken and distract the West as it mulls military action in Taiwan, analysts at the Royal United Services Institute in the UK wrote in July.

But for now, the alliance is growing closer, and Thompson said that the US would be watching the latest military exercises between Russia and China closely.

"This is yet another signal that the geopolitical environment continues to deteriorate amid ongoing great power competition," he said.

Correction: September 12, 2024  An earlier version of this story misspelled the surname of an analyst with the Eurasia Group. It's Thompson, not Thomson.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Russia's defence ministry says its forces have recaptured 10 settlements seized by Ukrainian forces in a surprise incursion in Russia's Kursk border region last month.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that Russia had begun "counter-offensive actions, which is going in line with our Ukrainian plan".

Russia said its "Units of the North" forces had reclaimed the settlements over two days in the area around Snagost, on the western flank of the area occupied by Ukraine in its campaign launched on 6 August.

The first indication of a counteroffensive had come from Chechen special forces commander, Maj Gen Apti Alaudinov, who said six Ukrainian brigades had suffered heavy casualties.

A Ukrainian officer fighting in the Kursk region told the BBC that the Russian counteroffensive had begun some distance to the west of Sudzha.

"The fighting is very tough and the situation is not in our favour as of now," the officer said on condition of anonymity.

Ukraine's offensive was launched with the apparent aim of distracting Russia from its push into eastern Ukraine. It now claims up to 1,300 sq km (500 sq miles) of Russian territory.

However, Russian forces continued to seize villages in eastern Ukraine and are closing in on the strategic town of Pokrovsk.

Analysts from the US-based Institute for the Study of War said the size, scale and potential prospects of the Russian counterattacks were unclear and it was premature to draw any conclusions.

One social media account linked to a Ukrainian brigade said Russian forces had unexpectedly launched their attack near Snagost and that the Ukrainians were fighting back.

[BBC]

In the weeks since Ukrainian forces entered Kursk region, they have destroyed three bridges across the River Seym to keep the Russians at bay, and several pontoon bridges erected afterwards.

However, reports suggest the Russians were able to cross both the Seym and other smaller rivers as part of their counteroffensive.

Russian military expert Anatoly Matviychuk told the Moskovsky Komsomolets newspaper that more than 100 sq km of territory had been recaptured and "the enemy's reserves, reinforcements, and logistical supplies can no longer reach Kursk region".

Russia's military was caught by surprise by the scale and intensity of the Ukraine incursion into Kursk region early last month.

Although Moscow was stunned by the ease with which Ukrainian forces seized towns and villages including Sudzha, President Vladimir Putin said almost a month afterwards that they had failed.

Ukrainian forces had tried to make Russia nervous - "to scurry, to send troops from one area to another and to stop our offensive in key areas, above all in Donbas" - he said.

Not only had it not worked, Putin argued, but Ukraine's offensive had merely helped Moscow's "primary objective", which he identified as capturing the Donbas - Ukraine's industrial regions of Donetsk and Luhansk.

Russia attacked the northern Ukrainian town of Konotop on Thursday, wounding 14 people [Sumy prosecutor's office]

Russian forces are now only a few kilometres outside Pokrovsk and its adjoining town Myrnohrad and fierce fighting is reported on the approaches to the Pokrovsk.

An overpass between the two towns was destroyed overnight into Thursday and the Donetsk regional head said a water supply line to Pokrovsk had also been cut, although he said the town had access to several wells.

Separately, on Wednesday the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said three of its staff had been killed in eastern Ukraine.

They had been delivering aid in the Donetsk region.

Zelensky called the attack a Russian war crime but the ICRC did not identify who was behind it, adding that it was "unconscionable" that "shelling would hit an aid distribution site".

Meanwhile, a Russian drone attack left 14 people wounded in the northern Ukrainian town of Konotop, a key hub used by Kyiv for preparing its Kursk campaign.

Prosecutors in the Sumy border region posted photographs showing damaged apartment blocks in the town. Power supplies to Konotop were down because of the strike and officials said energy infrastructure had been significantly damaged.
Russia has launched a counter-attack in the Kursk border region where Ukrainian forces last month launched a surprise cross-border incursion.

The Russians have started counteroffensive actions, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said during a news conference Thursday, his first comments since reports emerged of Russia fighting back in Kursk.

Ukraine has been anticipating a Russian reaction and a counteroffensive is in line with the Ukrainian plan, Zelensky said.

Zelensky has previously said that the surprise attack on Russias Kursk region was the initial step in a four-part victory plan.

The Russian Ministry of Defense said in a statement Thursday that Russian forces had penetrated into the Kursk region, capturing 10 settlements.

A social media video geolocated by CNN showed a Russian mechanized assault group in the settlement of Snagost on the western edge of territory controlled by Ukraine.

On August 6, Ukrainian forces stormed into the Kursk region in a shock, lightning strike that caught even American officials by surprise. It marked the first foreign attack on Russian soil since World War Two and saw thousands of troops burst through the border into the region armed with heavy weaponry.

It signaled that, despite Russias advantage in terms of men and armor, its military has vulnerabilities.

The attack left Russia scrambling to shore up its defenses, with US officials telling CNN that Moscow had to divert thousands of troops from occupied territory inside Ukraine to counter the threat. Russian President Vladimir Putin was forced to bring in conscripts, backpeddling on a promise he made not to use them on the frontline.

Last week, Zelensky said Ukraine had captured around 100 settlements in the Kursk region, and around 1,300 square kilometers (500 square miles) of territory.

One aim of the incursion was to divert Russian forces away from the eastern frontline in Ukraine, where they continue to make incremental gains. Another apparent goal was to boost morale in the Ukrainian army after a torrid few months.

Experts told CNN that Ukraines bold gambit to breach Russias border  planned in total secrecy  had stunned even Kyivs closest allies and shifted the playing field of a more than two-year war.

In a joint public appearance on Sunday, both CIA chief Bill Burns and Head of MI6 Richard Moore endorsed Ukraines invasion of Kursk, with Moore saying that it changed the narrative, and Burns that it was a significant tactical achievement.

Red Cross workers killed

In a separate development, Russian shelling killed three employees of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) while they were working in eastern Ukraine, Zelensky said.

The ICRC said its workers were killed when their vehicles were hit as they prepared to distribute wood and coal briquettes to residents in the region.

The organization did not say who was behind the shelling.

We are shattered, ICRC Ukraine Spokesman Pat Griffith told CNN. Three of my colleagues killed, two injured, during an aid distribution in Donetsk region.

The three ICRC staffers who were killed in the artillery shelling were Ukrainian nationals, Ukraines Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets said.

ICRC teams are regularly present in the Donetsk region and their vehicles are clearly marked with the Red Cross emblem, the organization said.

The ICRC called for the respect of international humanitarian law, including by taking every precaution possible to ensure that those engaged in humanitarian activities are not targeted or caught in hostilities.

Zelensky called the shelling on the ICRC team another Russian war crime.

CNNs Radina Gigova contributed to this report.

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Russia "started" the conflict in Ukraine and can end it "straight away, Sir Keir Starmer has said after Vladimir Putin suggested Moscow would regard Western missiles being fired into Russia as a serious escalation of the war.

The PM is in Washington for talks with US President Joe Biden on Friday, as allies of Kyiv discuss giving Ukraine permission to fire their missiles at targets inside Russia.

Putin told Russian state television that this would mean nothing other than the direct participation of Nato countries - the US and European countries - in the war in Ukraine.

"It is their direct participation. And, of course, this substantially changes the very essence, the nature of the conflict.

He added: If that is the case, we will take corresponding decisions based on the threats that will be created to us.

Asked for his response to the remarks on his flight to Washington, the prime minister struck a robust tone repeatedly stating that Russia had started the war.

Russia started this conflict. Russia illegally invaded Ukraine. Russia can end this conflict straight away, he told reporters, later adding: To reiterate, it was Russia who started this in the first place. They caused the conflict, theyre the ones who are acting unlawfully.

The prime minister and Foreign Secretary David Lammy are on a blitz of international diplomacy, as Ukraines allies discuss how to respond to Iran stepping up its support for Russia.

Lammy told the BBC this clearly changes the debate as he visited Kyiv alongside the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

On Sunday, the day after the prime minister returns from Washington, he will fly to Rome to meet the Italian Prime Minister, Georgia Meloni.

Italy currently holds the rotating presidency of the G7 group of industrialised countries.

A week later world leaders will gather in New York for the annual UN General Assembly.

There has long been a hesitancy to allow Ukraine to fire Western missiles into Russia, because of fears it could be seen as provocative and draw the US, European countries and others directly into the conflict.

But with winter approaching and Russia getting extra support from Iran, minds appear to be changing.

You can read more about the Anglo-French cruise missile, called Storm Shadow, that could be used here.

When asked about the prospect of allowing the missiles to be used, the public remarks of senior figures remain guarded.

There are really important developments likely in the next few weeks and months, both in Ukraine and the Middle East, and therefore a number of tactical decisions ought to be taken, the prime minister told reporters, without disputing the issue is on the agenda."

He noted that both Blinken and Lammy had recently visited Ukraine.

"They're obviously with us to report into the process on a really important joint trip.

Speaking earlier in the day, Putin said: This isnt about allowing or banning the Kyiv regime from striking Russian territory. It does that already with drones and by other means.

"But when we talk about high-precision, long-range weapons made in the West this is a completely different matter... The Ukrainian army is not able to strike with modern, high-decision, long-range systems. It cant do this. It is only possible with intelligence data from satellites that Ukraine doesnt have, data thats only from satellites of the European Union, the USA, Nato satellites."

"The key point," he added, "is that only servicemen of Nato countries can input flight missions into these missile systems. Ukrainian servicemen cannot do this. Therefore this is not about permitting or not permitting the Ukrainian regime to strike Russia with these weapons.

"This is about whether or not Nato countries take the decision to directly participate in the military conflict.

This is the prime ministers second visit to Washington in a little over two months, having travelled here in July for the Nato Summit and a visit to the White House, shortly after winning the general election.

Sir Keir said he would not be meeting the vice-president and Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris during the visit.

When asked by journalists on the flight to the US, he said: No, because she will be in other parts of the US as you'd expect, rather than Washington, she'll be as you'd expect in swing states... That's fine.
(Bloomberg) -- Russia, Iran and China are ramping up attempts to stoke divisions within the US ahead of Novembers presidential election, according to a top Department of Justice official.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The trio is seeking to warp the views of US voters, Matthew Olsen, assistant attorney general for national security, said at an event at Columbia Law School in New York on Thursday.

The US has already taken action this month to disrupt what it says are Kremlin-backed influence campaigns intended to meddle in the US elections. But, Olsen warned that its unlikely the US can completely eliminate foreign influence campaigns given the disparate and fragmented social media environment.

Federal and state officials are bracing for a flood of efforts to influence the run-up and outcome of the US presidential election on Nov. 5, from influence campaigns to cyberattacks. The US has identified Russia as its top concern, warning that its capable of undertaking widespread and advanced campaigns.

Olsen added that social media and other telecommunications firms are being exploited by adversaries and that its the Justice Departments responsibility to share information on where Russia, China or Iran are exploiting their platforms to spread propaganda and disinformation.

The reality is that the intelligence community, including the FBI, is able to see a lot of this activity that maybe those companies are not able to see, he said, adding that its a two-way street, where social media firms can share information with the FBI.

Concerns of government coercion over FBI warnings to social media firms reached the Supreme Court earlier this year. While the court sided with President Joe Bidens administration, the Justice Department unveiled new policies earlier this month that include refraining from pressuring social media sites from removing or blocking content.

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2024 Bloomberg L.P.
Vladimir Putins Russia is again rattling its nuclear sabre. On Sept. 1, it warned of a new nuclear doctrine to counter Western escalation in Ukraine. Putin has hinted that Russia might, as one option, resume nuclear testing. The U.S. and NATO must carefully consider their nuclear responses.

I was the last U.S. nuclear testing negotiator with the USSR before it collapsed in 1991. My opposite, a top Soviet nuclear figure, did not hide his fury at Mikhail Gorbachev, the last leader of the Soviet Union, for ending testing in 1990.

Today, Russia is increasing its reliance on nuclear arms in threatening Ukraine. Recently, Moscow hosted a nuclear exercise near Ukraine and another in Belarus. Russia may also have moved several dozen tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus. A resumption of nuclear testing would further escalate this nuclear intimidation.

Efforts to end nuclear tests date to 1963, when the United States and the Soviet Union signed the Limited Test Ban Treaty, forcing nuclear tests underground. In 1974, the two countries signed the Threshold Test Ban Treaty, limiting test yields to 150 kilotons of TNT, or 10 times the Hiroshima blast.

International negotiations in the 1990s produced a draft Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT). But the U.S. Senate refused to consent to the Treaty in 1999and it has not entered into force. Opponents faulted the CTBT for being unverifiable and risking the viability of the U.S. deterrent. Proponents said the pact would lock in U.S. design superiority and help deter the spread of nuclear weapons.

Both Russia and the U.S. say they have not conducted tests that would undermine the CTBT. But the U.S. has charged Russia with undertaking secret supercritical tests (producing a self-sustaining fission chain reaction).

Since ending nuclear testing in 1992, the U.S. has assessed the performance of its nuclear arms through research and modeling, testing electrical components, and sub-critical nuclear testing. Russia lacks the best supercomputers, but its weapons may have greater tolerances and be easier to assess. Some Russian specialists likely favor new nuclear testing to improve warhead designs or address aging or corrosion.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said in June that if necessary, we will conduct nuclear tests, but there was no need yet. If Russia does test, it is likely to abide by the limits prescribed by the Limited Test Ban and the Threshold Test Ban agreementsbut not allow U.S. on-site monitoring.

A demonstrative blast, suggested by a Putin ally, might be aimed at pressuring the West to cease military support for Ukraine. But the West would surely refuse.

The U.S. has warned of catastrophic consequences if Russia were to strike Ukraine with nuclear arms. But despite Moscows heightened nuclear threats, NATO officials say no changes are needed in the alliances nuclear posture.

A Russian resumption of nuclear testing could change this calculus. The Kremlin could view the lack of a U.S. or NATO nuclear response to its intimidation as a sign of weakness. But a U.S. or NATO nuclear military response might be the only way to induce Russia to pull back from its irresponsible nuclear behavior.

One such response could be for the U.S. to resume nuclear testing. This would show determination, and perhaps bring some technical benefit. But testing would be costly if its not needed for technical reasons, it may draw strong international criticism, and it could provide political cover for proliferators to test. This seems like an unattractive option.

Another option could be for the U.S. to deploy new nuclear-armed sea-launched cruise missiles (SLCM-Ns), which Congress is already funding. The U.S. Navy is reluctant to encumber warships that already have conventional missions. But SLCM-N deployments could enhance NATOs theater nuclear posture and raise the military cost to Russia of its nuclear threats.

Third, the U.S. and NATO could put nuclear forces in Poland if it were interested. The U.S. would have to provide Poland with dual-capable F-35 aircraft to deliver nuclear bombs. (Warsaw is already buying another F-35 variant.) This option could respond directly to Russias movement of nuclear arms into Belarus, and it could enhance NATOs theater nuclear posture.

A 1997 NATO-Russia accord states that the alliance has no intention, no plan, and no reason to put nuclear arms in new member states. But Russias aggression in Ukraine and nuclear intimidation would seem to render this pledge obsolete.

A U.S. or NATO nuclear military response might be the only way to induce Russia to pull back from its irresponsible nuclear behavior.

William Courtney, an adjunct senior fellow at RAND, was U.S. Commissioner in negotiations with the USSR to implement the Threshold Test Ban Treaty, and subsequently ambassador to Kazakhstan and Georgia.

This op-ed was updated after publication to correct the year of the Limited Test Ban Treaty of 1963.
Kazakhstani specialists are reportedly servicing Russian Su-30SM fighter jets using French equipment from Thales and Safran despite the sanctions.

Source: a study by Inform Napalm, a volunteer intelligence community

Details: The Kazakh company Analyst Research Consulting (ARC) Group is collaborating with the Russian military and servicing Su-30SM aircraft, which are equipped with French aviation technology from THALES and SAFRAN.

Russia is reported to have up to 130 units of modernised Su-30SM fighter jets in service as of 2024. The Russians have lost at least 15 of these aircraft in the war of aggression against Ukraine.

The study suggests that Russia could have suffered even greater losses due to sanctions, as the Su-30SM aircraft rely on foreign-made avionics, primarily from French companies THALES and SAGEM (now SAFRAN following its acquisition). This equipment requires regular maintenance to keep the aircraft operational.

The devices can only be serviced by specialists certified by the manufacturer and using the original equipment. After the full-scale invasion, Russia seemed to have lost access to such capabilities, but the Russians found an excellent channel to circumvent sanctions using a Kazakh contractor.

The Kazakhstani company ARC Group was established in 2014. According to its website, "the company is the exclusive distributor of Safran Electronics & Defence in the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Republic of Kyrgyzstan and promotes Safran products in these countries".

Its main customers are government and law enforcement agencies. Back in October 2021, ARC Group entered into its first agreement with Rosaviaspetskomplekt, a narrow-profile Russian company engaged in repairing, maintaining, and supplying aviation with special components.

The agreement's subject matter can be formulated as follows: the Kazakh side, with French-certified specialists and equipment, will carry out the repairs of French equipment on Russian Su-30 aircraft.

Additionally, the Russians cover the costs for a complete cycle of turnkey services, in particular, the training and certification of Kazakh specialists in France and the purchase of the necessary equipment from French suppliers.

Certainly, the contracts with French companies include export control regulations that explicitly prohibit the transfer of any goods to the Russian Federation. However, the study highlights that similar agreements with the Russians  nearly identical in terms of amounts and conditions  suggest that the Kazakh side may not have adhered to these regulations.

Background: A senior official stressed that Kazakhstan would not blindly follow the sanctions against Russia. The country will now seek to protect its own economic interests.

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Editor's note: The article has been updated to indicate that the ship was sailing through Romania's exclusive economic zone at the time of the attack.

A Russian missile struck a cargo ship carrying Ukrainian wheat to Egypt through the Black Sea on Sept. 12, President Volodymyr Zelensky reported.

Romania's Coast Guard later confirmed that the vessel was sailing through Romania's exclusive economic zone, about 55 km from the Romanian port of Sfantu Gheorghe, at the time of the attack.

Kyiv was forced to set up a new export route in the Black Sea last year after Russia unilaterally terminated the Black Sea grain deal. Initially envisioned as a humanitarian corridor to allow the departure of ships stranded there since the start of the full-scale war, it has since grown into a full-blown trade route.

Traveling along the route, Ukrainian ships are regularly at risk of being attacked by Russia. Since the beginning of the all-out war, mines have also been drifting along the trade route, which also poses a risk to maritime transport.

The attack on the ship marked the first missile strike on a civilian vessel transporting grain through the Black Sea since the start of the full-scale invasion. Although some ships were previously damaged by Russia while moored in Ukrainian ports, Reuters reported.

"The internal stability and life of dozens of countries in different parts of the world depend on the normal and uninterrupted operation of our export food corridor," Zelensky said, adding that Ukrainian food supplies are "critical" to the countries of Africa and the Middle East.

According to preliminary data, no one was killed in the attack.

Zelensky said that Ukraine is one of the key global contributors to food security and that the Ukrainian government will continue to do "everything possible" to protect Ukrainian ports and supply food to the global market.

"We are waiting for the world's reaction. Wheat and food security should never be a target for missiles," the president added.

Ukraine has exported over 64 million metric tons of goods to 46 countries since the temporary Black Sea corridor began operating, according to the Infrastructure Ministry.

This volume included 43.5 million metric tons of agricultural products exported through the Black Sea shipping route over the past year.

Read also: Ukraine downs Russian Su-30 aircraft above Black Sea, military intelligence claims

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Russian attacks across Ukraine killed at least six people and injured at least 44 over the past day, regional authorities reported early on Sept. 12.

Ukrainian air defenses shot down 44 of the 64 Shahed-type drones launched by Russia overnight, the Air Force said. Three drones reportedly flew back to Russia, while four others were "lost" on Ukrainian territory.

Russia also attacked Ukraine with two Iskander-M ballistic missiles, one Kh-59/69 cruise missile, and two Kh-22/32 cruise missiles.

Russian strikes against Sumy Oblast injured 16 people over the past day, the regional authorities reported.

Fourteen of them were injured during an overnight drone attack against the city of Konotop, which inflicted heavy damage on energy and civilian infrastructure. Two other civilians were injured during attacks against the Krasnopillia and Myropillia communities on Sept. 11.

A Russian attack against the Kamianske district in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast on Sept. 11 injured four people: a 22-year-old man and women aged 32, 37, and 58, Governor Serhii Lysak reported.

Russian attacks against Donetsk Oblast killed six civilians and injured 13, Governor Vadym Filaskin said.

Russia struck the city of Kostiantynivka twice on Sept. 11, killing three and injuring five. Two others were killed and five injured during an attack against the village of Kostiantynopil.

One civilian was killed in Zoriane, and three were injured in Dobropillia, Hirnyk, and Yelyzavetivka, the governor reported.

Russian attacks against Kherson Oblast injured 11 people over the past day, according to the regional governor, Oleksandr Prokudin.

The city of Kyiv came under the seventh aerial attack in September. Russia likely used Shahed-type kamikaze drones, all of which were downed on approach to the capital, the city administration said. No casualties were reported.

Chernihiv, Cherkasy, Kharkiv, Khmelnytskyi, Kirovohrad, Luhansk, Mykolaiv, Poltava, and Zaporizhzhia oblasts also came under attack, but no casualties were reported.

Read also: Russia now has Irans Fath-360 ballistic missile  heres what it means for Ukraine

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Russian attacks cut off gas, water in Pokrovsk, governor says

Russian attacks have cut off gas and water supplies in the town of Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast, Governor Vadym Filashkin said on Sept. 12.

The eastern front near Pokrovsk has been the scene of fierce fighting for several months and a focal point of Russia's offensive in Donetsk Oblast. The city is an important logistical hub for Ukrainian forces.

Pokrovsk authorities urged residents to evacuate on Aug. 15 after Russian forces reached about 10 kilometers (6 miles) from the town's outskirts.

A modular filtration station that supplied Pokrovsk with water has stopped working due to the ongoing fighting in the area.

"It is currently impossible to resume its operation. We are working to solve this problem," Filashkin said.

According to the governor, drinking water is delivered to residents, and more than 300 wells have been drilled in the Pokrovsk community.

A day earlier, Filashkin said that Russian forces destroyed a gas station that supplied Pokrovsk with gas.

Around 26,000 people remained in Pokrovsk as of early September. The town had a population of around 60,000 in January 2022.

As the security situation deteriorates, Pokrovsk's train station was closed for civilian evacuations earlier this month. Evacuations now depart from the train station in Pavlohrad in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, a city 100 kilometers (62 miles) west of Pokrovsk.

Read also: Russia claims capture of town near Pokrovsk, Kyiv says fighting ongoing in the area

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Russian forces attacked the Kostiantynivka community in Donetsk Oblast and the village of Borova in Kharkiv Oblast on Sept. 12, killing five people and injuring at least nine, local authorities reported.

Russia attacked a residential area in Borova with cluster munitions, setting at least five houses on fire, Kharkiv Oblast Governor Oleh Syniehubov said, citing preliminary information.

"The enemy launched a 'double-tap' attack," he added.

A man and a woman were killed, and at least seven other people suffered injuries, according to the governor.

Russian forces also shelled the village of Viroliubivka near Kostiantynivka, hitting the territory of the enterprise, Donetsk Oblast Governor Vadym Filashkin said.

The attack destroyed a truck with humanitarian aid and a car, killing three employees of the International Committee of the Red Cross mission and injuring two others, President Volodymyr Zelensky said.

"Everything is absolutely clear in this war: Russia brings evil, Ukraine defends life. And if someone wants to hear 'both sides,' in Russia this is perceived only as permission to kill further," he added.

Russian attacks across Ukraine killed at least six people and injured at least 44 over the past day, regional authorities reported.

Read also: Russian strike on Konotop injures 14, heavily damages energy infrastructure

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While waiting for a green light from Western countries to use their long-range weapons to strike targets deep inside Russia, Ukraine is relying on domestically produced drones, which are considerably cheaper than missiles and no less effective.

In recent months, Ukraine has increased the number of strikes using homemade drones against Russian critical infrastructure essential to powering Russia's war machine. Faced with attacks using dozens of drones at once, the Russian air defense proved to be overstretched and not always effective.

"Despite Russia's extensive air defense capabilities, there are limitations to protecting all targets effectively," Mattias Eken, a defense and security expert at RAND Europe, told the Kyiv Independent.

"The objective is to demonstrate to the Russian populace that the state's defense capabilities are insufficient, highlighting vulnerabilities within Russia," Eken added.

Read also: Ukraine strikes Russian airfields with homemade weapons in hopes of preventing devastating attacks at home

New challenges for Russian air defense

Since early September, Ukraine has conducted two mass attacks on Russia, reportedly using at least 144 drones in one and 158 in the other, according to the Russian authorities.

Moscow Oblast Governor Andrey Vorobyov said a residential building in the town of Ramenskoye was damaged as a result of the latest attack. According to Vorobyov, a 46-year-old woman was killed, and three other civilians were injured. The town is located 46 kilometers southeast of Moscow.

Kyiv has neither commented nor confirmed its involvement in these strikes.

The Sept. 10 attack targeted various Russian regions, including Bryansk, Moscow, Tula, Kaluga, Belgorod, Kursk, Oryol, Voronezh oblasts, and the Krasnodar Krai. Russia's Defense Ministry claimed that the highest number of drones72was reportedly downed over Bryansk Oblast, followed by Moscow Oblast (20) and Kursk Oblast (14).

"If Ukraine maintains pressure on Russian industrial and military sites and potential targets, that is going to have a significant consequence on how Russia fights," said Samuel Bendett, a senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security think tank, adding that Ukraine resorts to combined long-range attacks using various types of drones.

With the beginning of the full-scale invasion, drones became a game changer for Ukraine. The Ukrainian government began investing more in domestic production, creating incentives and grants, and simplifying bureaucratic procedures for manufacturers.

Read also: Ukraine pins hopes on home-made drones to counter Russia

In the meantime, nearly 20 countries have united in a drone coalition, aiming to bolster Ukraine's arsenal of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). In March, Digital Transformation Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said that Ukraine has expanded its drone market to the point where it can produce "more than one or even two million drones a year" with the help of partners.

As Ukraine increases its drone production, Russian air defense is increasingly showing its vulnerability. Recent Ukrainian targets have included oil refineries, airfields, weapons and ammunition depots. With dozens of drones entering vast Russian territory overnight, Russian air defense cannot cover it all.

"Utilizing a large number of drones plays a crucial role in overpowering and fatiguing Russia's air defense systems. Equally important is ensuring that the cost of drones remains lower than the missiles deployed to intercept them," Eken said.

"Ukraine's strategic use of long-range drone strikes is posing challenges for Moscow by creating dilemmas in defense planning." However, Ukraine's launch of a large number of drones is not the only issue creating challenges for Russian air defense.

"Ukraine's strategic use of long-range drone strikes is posing challenges for Moscow by creating dilemmas in defense planning."

According to Eken, Russian tactical radars are optimized for detecting jets rather than small, slow-moving targets like drones. Russian anti-aircraft systems such as Pantsir S1, Tunguska, and Strela often struggle to detect small drones until they are in close proximity, around 3-4 kilometers (1.5-3 miles), near the minimum effective range for engaging them with missiles.

"While systems like Pantsir and Tunguska are equipped with rapid-fire cannons as a backup, their effectiveness against small drones has been questioned," Eken added.

Read also: Kursk counteroffensive: Will Russia push Ukraine out of its turf?

Is Russia ready to face even greater threats?

To counter Ukrainian drones, Russian forces are trying to reorganize their air defense units. "Russians are borrowing a page from the Ukrainian playbook right now," Bendett said, describing the recent approaches the Russian army took.

Russia has begun to launch mobile air defense units, as Ukraine does. The Russian Defense Ministry also plans to use mobile large-caliber machine guns and light air defense guns mounted on trucks and jeeps, Bendett said, calling this a "long-term solution."

"A lot of Russian commentators are very upset at their government's inability to deal with this threat," Bendett said.

"And they are calling for volunteer units like the ones that exist in Ukraine, where regular citizens patrol the skies listening to acoustic and visual signals to try and track these drones."

Yet this approach requires cooperation between the military and civil society, as in Ukraine. But this is not the case in Russia today, and it will take time to develop, the expert added.

According to Eken, Russia will likely also need to upgrade its radar technology to effectively counter the increasing presence of small, cost-effective drones. This technology integrates optical and acoustic detection systems to reliably detect drones at long ranges.

"Additionally, radio-frequency jamming will likely be a valuable tool in addressing this issue. Looking ahead, the development of novel anti-drone ammunition equipped with proximity fuses, as well as advancements in microwaves and lasers, may offer solutions in the medium to long term," Eken said, adding that the process of developing and implementing these technologies is expected to take "several years," while Russian defense industry is already "under strain" due to the ongoing war.

As Russia is trying to improve its air defense capabilities, Ukraine has announced the first successful test of a ballistic missile of its own production and presented a new developmentthe Palianytsia drone missile.

Read also: Everything we know about Ukraines new Palianytsia missile-drone

Experts do not believe that the new turbojet engine-powered drone will make significant changes on the battlefield, but they highlighted its ability, similar to a drone, to adjust its target and trajectory during flight.

As for potential ballistic missile attacks from Ukraine, they may be even easier for Russia to deal with, at least in theory, Eken said.

Russian air defense systems were primarily designed to intercept high-speed bombers, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles. This is particularly evident in cities such as Moscow, where one of the world's few permanent stationary missile defense systems, the A-135, is deployed.

"Nevertheless, intercepting advanced ballistic missiles is notoriously difficult in practice, given their speed and trajectory," Eken added.

Read also: Russia now has Irans Fath-360 ballistic missile  heres what it means for Ukraine



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By Anastasiia Malenko and Tom Balmforth

KYIV (Reuters) -President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Thursday that Ukrainian forces had anticipated Moscow's counteroffensive in the Russian region of Kursk, his first comments on the pushback this week more than a month after Ukraine's cross-border incursion.

Ukraine's troops captured an enclave of western Russian territory in a surprise raid that began in early August, a move aimed at wresting the battlefield initiative from Russia including by diverting Moscow's forces from the eastern front.

Its forces made rapid initial gains before stalling, while the situation around the eastern Ukrainian town of Pokrovsk, which has been the focus of Russia's main offensive operations in recent weeks, remained perilous.

"The Russians have begun counter-offensive actions. It is going according to our Ukrainian plan," Zelenskiy told a news conference in Kyiv with Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda.

A Russian commander said on Wednesday that his soldiers had taken back control of about 10 settlements in Kursk region in a counterattack. Reuters has not been able to independently verify the battlefield reports on either side.

Zelenskiy repeated earlier assertions that Ukraine had also noticed a buildup of forces across the border with Belarus, Russia's main ally in its full-scale war on Ukraine.

"We have seen it for a long time  this process is under control," he said.

His comments came as fighting continued on several fronts.

Russian shelling killed three Ukrainians working for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and injured two others in a village in the frontline Donetsk region, according to Ukrainian officials.

Russian forces also knocked out power and water to a rail hub in northern Ukraine and severed water supplies to Pokrovsk, causing disruptions behind front lines.

ESCALATING RISK

More than 2-1/2 years since Russia's invasion, the war in Ukraine is at a critical juncture, with Moscow regularly pounding Ukrainian infrastructure as its troops try to complete the capture of the whole of Ukraine's eastern Donbas region.

Ukraine has also launched mass drone attacks on Russia, targeting its oil refineries and other strategic facilities.

Washington says Iran supplied hundreds of ballistic missiles to Russia in a major escalation of the conflict. Moscow has warned the West against greenlighting deep strikes into Russian territory with Western weapons, warning it would respond.

Russian forces have been gaining ground in parts of east Ukraine including the area around Pokrovsk, whose capture could enable Moscow to open new lines of attack and complicate Ukrainian logistics.

Donetsk's regional governor said a filtering station had stopped working because of heavy fighting, severing the water supply to Pokrovsk. He said it would be impossible to fix soon and renewed calls to civilians to flee the town.

Pokrovsk, which straddles several important roads that pass through the Donetsk region and has a rail line, has also lost supply of electricity and gas used for cooking and heating, local authorities said.

Russian momentum has slowed in the areas nearest the town, but Moscow's forces have pressed south from that line of attack, closing in on the nearby town of Ukrainsk, open-source intelligence reports by Ukraine's Deep State analysts indicate.

The city of Konotop, a rail hub in Sumy region which Kyiv used as a staging ground for its cross-border incursion, reported heavy damage from an overnight Russian drone attack.

Local officials said at least 14 people had been hurt in an attack that "significantly" damaged energy infrastructure and cut electricity to the settlement.

Rescuers were working to restore power in the town, which had a pre-war population of about 83,000.

Across the country, Russia attacked using 64 drones, the air force said. It shot down 44 of them over nine different regions.

Such attacks have become almost nightly occurrences since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.

(Reporting by Anastasiia Malenko and Yuliia Dysa; Writing by Tom Balmforth; Editing by Mike Collett-White and Philippa Fletcher)
A modular water treatment plant, which had been supplying water to the town of Pokrovsk in Ukraines Donetsk Oblast, was shut down as a result of Russian attacks and cannot currently be repaired.

Source: Vadym Filashkin, Head of Donetsk Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram

Details: According to Filashkin, municipal services were working to resolve the issue. "75 public wells have been drilled in the Pokrovsk hromada at the expense of the local budget, and another 250 wells near apartment buildings have been funded by homeowner associations," he said.

Filashkin explained that drinking water was being supplied to the Pokrovsk hromada and eight reverse osmosis systems have been put in place to allow local residents to access drinking water free of charge.

"The situation is difficult and will not improve any time soon," Filashkin summed up.

Background: Energy infrastructure in the city of Konotop, Sumy Oblast, has been severely damaged in the latest Russian attack.

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UPDATE STORY: Decatur police have announced the arrest of an 11-year-old and 13-year-old in connection with the school threats, and an additional police presence was planned near local schools on Thursday. Click here for more information.

DECATUR  Macon County law enforcement are investigating social media posts made Wednesday threatening shootings at several local schools.

"All law enforcement agencies take this kind of threat extremely seriously, and as the investigation continues, we will assist with protective cautions as requested by local school districts," the Macon County Sheriff's Office said in a news release issued Wednesday night.

The social media post consists of a list of Macon County schools with threats of shootings attached to them.

"Be aware that over the last several days these same types of threats have occurred in other jurisdictions around the state, but have not resulted in any actual incidents occurring," the news release stated.

The Decatur Police Department said in a release that it had become aware of a school threat for Thursday at Stephen Decatur Middle School, and that detectives with its Adult Investigations Unit are actively investigating these threats.

Decatur Public Schools released the following statement and sent out robocalls to all district families:

"District administration and the Board of Education has been notified of the threat posted on social media towards Decatur Public Schools and other school districts in Illinois. We appreciate the swift action that was taken by students, parents, administration, staff, and law enforcement, to report and investigate the alleged threat. The District takes all threats seriously and any identified individuals will be dealt with accordingly. The District will operate on a normal schedule tomorrow. As an additional safety precaution, District 61 will place all schools on a 'hold in place,' which means there will be limited visitor access to our schools and restricted movement within the schools. There may also be additional police presence at our schools. If you see or hear anything that would be helpful to the investigation, please contact the Decatur Police Department."

The police department said that it is "working closely with school officials and the community to address and investigate these threats promptly, striving to maintain a safe and secure environment for students, teachers and staff. Our priority is to prevent violence and uphold the trust placed in us by the community."

The Mount Zion Police Department issued a release stating that it was "following up leads and working with other agencies to track down the source of these posts. At this time no information has been uncovered that substantiate these threats. However, we take them very seriously and will have an extra police presence at our schools."

The threat comes a week after a shooting at a Georgia high school that left two students and two teachers dead, and nearly a dozen others injured.

Anyone with information about these threats is encouraged to contact the Criminal Investigations Division of the Decatur Police Department at 217-424-2734 or Crimestoppers at 217-423-8477.

States are required to background check child care workers, but many are falling short States are required to background check child care workers, but many are falling short
By Mark Trevelyan

LONDON (Reuters) -Russia should clearly state its willingness to use nuclear weapons against countries that "support NATO aggression in Ukraine", according to an influential foreign policy hawk who is pressing President Vladimir Putin to adopt a more assertive nuclear posture towards the West.

Sergei Karaganov told Kommersant newspaper in an interview that Moscow could launch a limited nuclear strike on a NATO country without triggering all-out nuclear war.

The United States, he added, was lying when it said that it guaranteed nuclear protection to its allies.

The main goal of Russia's nuclear doctrine, Karaganov said, "should be to ensure that all current and future enemies are sure that Russia is ready to use nuclear weapons".

In comments published weeks after Ukraine captured a part of Russia's Kursk region, from which Moscow's forces are still fighting to eject it, he said:

"It is time to declare that we have the right to respond to any massive strikes on our territory with a nuclear strike. This also applies to any seizure of our territory."

Karaganov's statements are closely watched by Western security experts as an indicator of Russian thinking on foreign, defence and nuclear policy.

His opinions do not represent official policy but the Kremlin has given him repeated opportunities to voice them in influential forums and put them directly to President Vladimir Putin.

For more than a year, he was the most prominent figure calling for changes to Russia's nuclear doctrine, which Moscow has now said it will revise.

The current doctrine states that Russia would be prepared to use nuclear weapons in response to a nuclear attack by another country or a conventional attack that threatened the existence of the state.

That doctrine was irresponsible and even suicidal, Karaganov said, however, because it did not adequately deter Russia's enemies and led them to believe there were hardly any circumstances in which Moscow would use a nuclear weapon.

Russia was heading for disaster unless it succeeded in shifting that assumption and re-establishing deterrence, he said.

Two-and-a-half years into its war with Ukraine, it risked bleeding itself dry on the battlefield and exhausting itself economically, something that could lead to "decline and possibly even collapse".

INFLUENTIAL VOICE

Karaganov has called in the past for Russia to consider a pre-emptive nuclear strike to "sober up" its enemies.

Since the start of the war in Ukraine, Putin has issued repeated statements that the West has interpreted as nuclear threats. But he has also said Russia can win the war without resorting to nuclear weapons.

Some analysts in the West say Karaganov performs a useful function for the Kremlin by voicing views that stir alarm in the West while making Putin appear calm and moderate by comparison.

In the interview, Kommersant journalist Elena Chernenko asked Karaganov how he could be sure that the policy he was advocating would not lead to all-out nuclear war.

"The assertion that any limited use of nuclear weapons will necessarily lead to a general nuclear Armageddon does not stand up to criticism," he said.

"I assure you that all nuclear powers have plans for the calibrated use of nuclear weapons under certain scenarios."

Karaganov added, "I am not calling for a dangerous path, I am calling for saving the world and Russia. Either we win this war, or we fall apart.

"The West can fight endlessly, this war is very beneficial to it. And I am not calling for a nuclear war at all, I would very much like not to bring things to this, but to stop before having to make a terrible choice."

(Reporting by Mark Trevelyan; Editing by Guy Faulconbridge and Clarence Fernandez)
FILE PHOTO: Jailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny is seen on a screen during a court hearing in Moscow

FILE PHOTO: Jailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny is seen on a screen during a court hearing in Moscow

LONDON (Reuters) - A Russian judge ordered the trial of three lawyers for the late opposition leader Alexei Navalny closed to journalists and the public on Thursday, citing the potential for provocations from Navalny's allies abroad, an independent news site reported.

Vadim Kobzev, Igor Sergunin and Alexei Liptser were detained last October and charged with belonging to an "extremist" group, which can carry up to six years in prison. The trio have been held in pre-trial detention since, and in November were added to Russia's list of "terrorists and extremists".

Navalny, who died in an Arctic penal colony in February under mysterious circumstances, was himself convicted under extremism and other charges, and his political movement, the Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK), banned.

The state prosecutor in the trial, which opened on Thursday at a district court just east of Moscow, petitioned Judge Yulia Shilova to close the proceedings, citing a letter from Russia's Centre for Combating Extremism, known as Centre E.

According to independent news site Mediazona, the letter says that employees of Navalny's based outside Russia may be engaging in actions to influence witnesses and other aspects of the trial. All of Navalny's top allies live outside Russia.

A spokeswoman for Navalny did not immediately reply to a Reuters request for comment.

Russian authorities have cast Navalny and his supporters as Western-backed extremists seeking to destabilise Russia. His allies and wife Yulia Navalnaya, who has taken up her husband's mantle following his death, say they are fighting for a free, democratic Russia without President Vladimir Putin.

Defence attorneys for Navalny's lawyers pushed back against the judge's decision on Thursday, saying to close the trial would violate basic tenets of legal transparency.

"Publicity is one of the inviolable judicial principles," Mediazona cited Andrei Grivtsov, the lawyer for Kobzev, as saying.

Grivtsov added that the case materials were previously made public at preliminary hearings, and "there were no security violations" recorded.

Trials for serious crimes, such as treason, are often held behind closed doors in Russia, where acquittal rates are near zero.

In June a judge presiding at a trial for two leading Russian theatre figures barred journalists and observers from the court, citing unspecified alleged threats to some of the participants.

The director and playwright were later given six years in prison for "justifying terrorism" in a ruling condemned by independent observers as politicised.

(Reporting and writing by Lucy Papachristou; Editing by William Maclean)
By Pavel Polityuk, Yuliia Dysa and Tom Balmforth

KYIV (Reuters) -Ukraine accused Russia on Thursday of using strategic bombers to strike a civilian grain vessel in a missile attack in Black Sea waters near NATO member Romania, escalating tensions between Moscow and the military alliance.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said the vessel carrying Ukrainian grain to Egypt had been hit overnight by a Russian missile just after it left Ukrainian territorial waters. There were no casualties, he said.

The U.S. ambassador to Ukraine "strongly condemned" the attack and said Russia was responsible. A United Nations spokesperson said the incident was a "stark reminder" of the threats still faced in the Black Sea by civilian vessels.

There was no immediate comment from Russia.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said the strike was "a brazen attack on freedom of navigation and global food security". Ukraine's navy said Russian Tupolev Tu-22 bombers had fired a number of cruise missiles at 11:02 p.m. local time (2002 GMT) on Wednesday.

It was the first time a missile has struck a civilian vessel transporting grains at sea since the start of Moscow's invasion in February 2022. Some vessels have been damaged during Russian attacks on Ukrainian ports where they were moored.

The incident comes as Zelenskiy has been trying to court the Global South, including countries such as Egypt - the destination of the grain according to Ukraine - and convince them to join the West in supporting Ukraine in the war.

The strike coincided with discussion over whether NATO allies will allow Ukraine to make deeper strikes into Russia, a step Moscow has warned will elicit a response. The West has accused Iran of a major escalation by supplying ballistic missiles to Russia.

British maritime security company Ambrey said in a note that a Saint Kitts and Nevis-flagged bulk carrier had been struck by a Russian-launched missile after leaving the Ukrainian port of Chornomorsk in Ukraine's Odesa region.

The vessel sustained damage to its port side, including a cargo hold and a crane, it said.

The Navy identified the vessel as the Aya bulk carrier.

U.S. Ambassador Bridget Brink wrote on X: "We strongly condemn Russias attack on a commercial cargo ship in the Black Sea last night. This escalatory attack is a blatant violation of international law that threatens global food security."

U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said attacks on civilian vessels and port infrastructure "are prohibited under international law and must stop.

"Ensuring the safety and sustainability of agricultural exports passing through the Black Sea remains critical for supporting global food security and keeping global prices under control."

Ship tracking data showed the vessel's last reported position was off the Romanian port of Constanta. The vessel's Athens-based manager, VRS Maritime Services, could not be immediately reached for comment.

STRONGER WHEAT PRICES

Traders said the incident had contributed to stronger wheat prices by adding to concern over tightening supply in the Black Sea export zone. U.S. futures rose as much as 2% to hit a two-month peak. [GRA/]

Zelenskiy posted images showing the twisted metal of a damaged crane and other damage.

An industry source told Reuters the strike had taken place not far from the mouth of the Danube river. Dmytro Pletenchuk, spokesman for Ukraine's navy, told Reuters the vessel was in Romania's maritime economic zone.

A country's maritime economic zone is an area that extends beyond its territorial waters.

Romania's Naval Authority said the vessel had not been in its territorial waters and that its assistance had not been requested in any way.

Zelenskiy, writing on X, said: "Wheat and food security should never be targets for missiles."

Ukraine is a major global grain exporter that has had to battle Russia in the Black Sea to revive its exports through its sea ports since Russia's invasion imposed a de facto blockade.

The exports were revived later that year - albeit with smaller volumes - from the three ports of greater Odesa under a deal mediated by the U.N. and Turkey that broke down last year.

In August 2023, Ukraine established its own shipping corridor - without Russia's blessing - after using naval drones and long-range weapons to strike back at Russia's Black Sea Fleet and push its vessels away from the west of the sea.

The shipping corridor hugs the western coast of the Black Sea before exiting Ukrainian waters and south past Romania and Bulgaria.

(Additional reporting by Jonathan Saul, Olena Harmash, Luiza Ilie, Gus Trompiz; Writing by Tom Balmforth; Editing by Jon Boyle, Timothy Heritage, Andrew Heavens, Ron Popeski and Diane Craft)
By Andrew Osborn and Barbara Erling

LONDON/WARSAW (Reuters) - Russian pranksters released footage on Thursday of a video call with Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski after apparently tricking him into thinking he was speaking to former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko.

Vladimir Kuznetsov and Alexei Stolyarov, who use the aliases Vovan and Lexus, have duped a number of Western politicians over the years into discussing topics of interest to Moscow.

The duo, who have denied Western accusations of having links to Russia's intelligence services, were given a top state award in the Kremlin in July for their exploits.

Reuters could not verify the authenticity of the video call, which shows Sikorski speaking in English as he discusses Poland's support for Ukraine and other topics.

Pawel Wronski, a spokesperson for the Polish foreign ministry, told Reuters the material had probably been gathered in March, and questioned whether and how it had been edited.

He said Sikorski's comments were similar to things the minister had said many times to various politicians.

"You can put it all together, there is nothing here to be ashamed of in any way," said Wronski.

"He (Sikorski) has talked to Poroshenko many times, so it is difficult to even remember whether such words were said or not. It is not known in what circumstances it was recorded."

The pranksters released the video on the same day as Sikorski held talks with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in an apparent attempt to embarrass him.

Sikorski is heard saying he thinks it will take a decade or more for Ukraine to join the European Union, that he thinks some Western countries want to use the prospect of Kyiv joining NATO as a possible bargaining chip with Russia, and that fighting a war with Moscow in western Europe is "an absolute red line."

Asked about the prospect of Donald Trump becoming the next U.S. president, he says he has spoken to "Trump's people" who told him Trump would threaten Moscow with further escalation to try to get a peace deal.

He is also heard criticising efforts by Kyiv to organise peace conferences involving multiple countries to put pressure on Russia, saying such initiatives are ineffective.

(Reporting by Andrew Osborn in London and Barbara Erling in Warsaw)
Multiple commentators for Russian state television on Sept. 11 expressed disappointment in former U.S. President Donald Trump's performance in the first debate against Vice President Kamala Harris.

TV hosts argued that Trump must have been "sabotaged" to perform so poorly against Harris.

Harris and Trump faced off in Philadelphia on Sept. 10 in their first and possibly only debate since President Joe Biden withdrew from the race in July. The Harris camp regarded the night as a win, with pop star Taylor Swift endorsing the vice president just after the debate.

Russian state TV personalities complained that Trump was "disadvantaged" in the debate, with some criticizing the moderators for fact-checking Trump's claims in real time.

Kremlin propagandist Vladimir Solovyov expressed outrage when moderator David Muir fact-checked Trump's baseless allegation about immigrants eating people's cats and dogs.

"Why would he do that? I thought he was supposed to be unbiased!" Solovyov said.

Alexey Naumov, a panelist from the Russian International Affairs Council, also bemoaned Trump's poor showing against Harris.

"(Harris) managed to lure Trump into every trap she set up for him," he said.

"I wish I hadn't watched that."

Dimitri Simes, a former Trump adviser who was recently indicted by the U.S. for violating sanctions against Russia, complained that the visual effect of the split-screen undercut Trump's height advantage over Harris by making the candidates appear on the same level.

Simes also offered his perspective on Trump's refusal to back a Ukrainian victory and his purported plan to end the war in 24 hours if re-elected president.

According to Simes, Trump will end the war by ordering President Volodymyr Zelensky to accept all of Russian President Vladimir Putin's demands. He will then immediately cut off all U.S. aid to Ukraine if Zelensky refuses to comply, Simes predicted.

The U.S. recently announced a sweeping crackdown against Russian propaganda outlets for alleged attempts to interfere in the 2024 presidential election. Previously, Moscow has been accused of launching disinformation campaigns to back Donald Trump against Hillary Clinton and Biden in the 2016 and 2020 elections.

Read also: We asked 5 prominent Ukrainians about Trumps debate comments on Ukraine

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
A flight of a Russian Shahed attack drone was detected in close proximity to the Khmelnytskyi Nuclear Power Plant during the nighttime attack on 12 September.

Source: Serhii Tiurin, Head of Khmelnytskyi Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram

Quote: "during the nighttime attack the flight of a Russian attack UAV of the Shahed type was detected in close proximity to the Khmelnytskyi Nuclear Power Plant.

Later this Shahed was downed by Ukraines air defence.

Russia consciously made missile and attack drone routes above nuclear facilities of Ukraine, it was not the first time. This is a part of the Russian tactic of terror."

Details: Tiurin thanked Ukrainian air defence for efficient work and eliminating the threat for critical infrastructure facilities.

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Editor's Note: This is a developing story and is being updated.

Russia attacked the city of Konotop in Sumy Oblast overnight on Sept. 12, injuring civilians, damaging schools, and disrupting the electricity and water supply, Mayor Artem Semenikhin reported.

Fourteen people were injured, local authorities reported. The consequences of the attack are still being investigated.

Russia launched a "massive" drone attack "on energy and civilian infrastructure facilities" in Konotop, the regional administration said.

Two of the injured civilians were hospitalized after the attack, according to Semenikhin. One of the victims is in a coma.

Seminikhin reported that the attack "heavily damaged" the city's energy infrastructure and that the electrical supply situation remains "critical." Engineers are at work restoring power to medical and water facilities, he said, but it is uncertain when residential power will be restored.

The attack struck the city center, causing fires, blackouts, and infrastructure damage. He said that educational facilities and residential buildings were hit.

"I hope that we managed to evacuate all the residents from their homes," Seminikhin said.

"Now we are launching backup power sources to supply the network with water, because there is not enough water to extinguish the fires."

Seminikhin later said that the city had restored water facilities, but that the water supply would be temporarily suspended the following day. He urged residents to stock up on water in anticipation of supply disruptions.

Seminikhin also warned residents that transportation by tram would be limited, as the attack destroyed a section of the city's tram tracks.

Russia has previously targeted energy infrastructure in Konotop with missile strikes.

Sumy Oblast lies on Ukraine's northeastern border with Russia and is subject to daily attacks. Approximately 21,000 residents have been evacuated from the region, including 5,000 children, according to local authorities.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Blinken, Lammy visit Ukraine as Kyiv awaits decision on long-range strikes

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Russian strikes on Ukrainian substations may provoke emergency at nuclear power plants

Further Russian strikes on Ukraine's power infrastructure could trigger an emergency at one of Kyiv's three operational nuclear power reactors.

Source: Herman Halushchenko, Ukraines Minister of Energy, writes Bloomberg

Details: There are thousands of electrical substations in Ukraine, but 10 critical nodes related to nuclear power reactors are in danger. Their destruction might throw the country into darkness and cause a radiation emergency.

Russian assaults are putting nuclear threats closer to Ukraine's borders with the European Union, he said.

Quote: "They know exactly what they're doing," Halushchenko said. "It is no coincidence that they are attacking substations critical to nuclear safety."

Substations maintain stability by managing high-voltage power transmission. Nuclear facilities, unlike fossil or renewable sources, require a steady supply of power to maintain security systems operational.

Without this, the fuel in the reactor core can overheat, resulting in uncontrolled and potentially deadly radiation emissions.

Last week, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) took the unprecedented step of expanding its monitoring mission in Ukraine to a substation, highlighting the risk to nuclear safety.

IAEA inspectors are usually concerned with the accounting of nuclear materials rather than the management of national energy networks.

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The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has published a video showing the purported destruction of a Russian Su-30SM Flanker multirole fighter, which it claims was brought down by a shoulder-launched surface-to-air missile over the Black Sea.

The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has published a video that it claims shows the destruction of a Russian Su-30SM Flanker multirole fighter, which it says was brought down by a shoulder-launched surface-to-air missile over the Black Sea. The engagement appears to be part of the latest round in the battle to control oil and gas platforms close to Russian-occupied Crimea and reinforces the tactical advantage that these can provide.

#



          -30



                -30   .



https://t.co/PIrbGOUTJJpic.twitter.com/toqbmJGHxO  Defence intelligence of Ukraine (@DI_Ukraine) September 12, 2024

Ukrainian reports suggest that the Su-30SM  operated by Russian Naval Aviation  was brought down while attempting to attack an oil platform in the Black Sea yesterday. The successful shot, using an undisclosed type of man-portable air defense system, is said to have been taken by Ukrainian special forces from Ukraines Defense Intelligence Directorate, or GUR. Other unconfirmed reports suggest the missile was fired from a boat belonging to the GUR while it was raiding a Russian-held platform in the Black Sea. The video doesnt provide concrete evidence of a missile shot downing the jet, as far as we can tell.

-1 russian Su-30SM jet



Warriors of the @DI_Ukraine special unit destroyed a russian Su-30SM combat aircraft with MANPADS over the Black Sea.

Great job! pic.twitter.com/yaKnzWXyYF  Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) September 12, 2024

Last flight of the russian Su-30SM jet.



A video released by @DI_Ukraine shows the destruction of a russian plane over the Black Sea. The cost of an aircraft is $50 million. pic.twitter.com/mtH3eC6JcS  Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) September 12, 2024

The pro-Russian Rybar channel on Telegram suggests claims that the Flanker may have been brought down during what it says was a Ukrainian attempt to capture the Krym-2 oil platform. In response to this mission, Rybar says that Russian aircraft were sent to the area, where one then fell to a man-portable air defense system.

The Russian Su-30SM might have been shot down by a Ukrainian MANPADs. Blogger "Rybar" reports a Ukrainian force attempted to land on the "Krym-2" oil platform. Russia aircraft were sent to the area & in the ensuing engagement, Ukrainian forces used MANPADS against the aircraft. https://t.co/wcEGrWG7G3 pic.twitter.com/QuZKpA9q0C  raging545 (@raging545) September 11, 2024

While the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has made many claims of Russian aircraft  as well as drones and missiles  being brought down by its air defenses, videos of such incidents are rare. Its more unusual still for them to be shared on official channels by the ministry.

In this instance, however, a Ukrainian surveillance drone operating in the vicinity of the engagement recorded some of the last moments of the two-seat Russian fighter. Unconfirmed reports suggest that the drone used to monitor the engagement was a Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2, a type widely used in the opening months of the conflict but much less frequently encountered since then, although they have been active over the northwestern Black Sea throughout the conflict.

Creedence to the Ukrainian claims is given by accounts on unofficial Russian channels, including some closely associated with the Russian Armed Forces, which also confirm that a Su-30SM was lost on a combat mission in this area at the same time.

A bit earlier today Ukrainian sources began to claim that Russian Su-30 was downed over the Black Sea. Now Russian sources associated with Russian military aviation seem to confirm this in the usual manner. pic.twitter.com/Ow6x637azn  Special Kherson Cat (@bayraktar_1love) September 11, 2024

Further claims about exactly what happened are provided on the Telegram messaging app by the Ukrainian Monitor channel, which reported that a Su-30SM disappeared over the Black Sea at around 11:40 p.m. on September 10. The same source says the fighter had just launched one or more Kh-31P (AS-17 Krypton) anti-radiation missiles when it went missing. The missiles were apparently directed against (presumably air defense) targets in the Odesa region.

A Kh-31 (AS-17 Krypton) missile mockup. Boevaya mashina/Wikimedia Commons Boevaya_mashina

The Ukrainian Militarnyi defense website says that the Su-30SM had fired four missiles out of six available, after which it disappeared from the radar screen.

Monitor claims that Russian search and rescue operations were underway as of yesterday, at the site of the fighters disappearance  around 40 miles from the port of Zaliznyi. This account says there is no information about the fate of the two crew members.

According to the account from the GUR, the Russians lost contact with the Flanker at around 5:00 a.m. on September 11, several hours later than claimed in some other reports. The GUR says a Russian search and rescue operation was launched around 8:00 a.m. yesterday, involving an An-26 twin-turboprop transport, as well as Mi-8 and Ka-27 helicopters.

Approximate positions of key locations in and around Crimea related to the apparent shootdown of the Su-30SM. Google Earth

This led to the Russians reportedly locating a characteristic stain of aviation fuel in the sea, around 45 miles northwest of Cape Tarkhankut, and also soon found the wreckage of the destroyed Su-30SM.

The GUR says the aircraft in question was operated by the 43rd Independent Naval Assault Aviation Regiment of the Russian Naval Aviation. The units Su-30SMs are home-based at Saki, on the Russian-occupied Crimea peninsula and they came to prominence during several encounters with NATO forces in the Black Sea in 2021.

Saki has previously come under Ukrainian attack, which may have forced at least some of its aircraft to be redeployed to safer airfields. In August 2022, for example, satellite imagery revealed that at least 10 jets were seriously damaged or destroyed by Ukrainian attacks on Saki.

A satellite image of Saki Air Base taken on August 10, 2022, the day after a series of explosions ripped through the base. PHOTO  2022 PLANET LABS INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRINTED BY PERMISSION

The Militarnyi website says the fighter that was shot down was operating from the air base at Krymsk, in Russias southwestern Krasnodar Krai, directly adjacent to occupied Crimea. This base already accommodates Russian Aerospace Forces Su-30SMs, and a temporary combat deployment by Russian Navy aircraft is a possibility.

According to the Oryx open-source tracking group, prior to this latest incident, the Russian military had suffered 11 Su-30SMs destroyed or damaged beyond economical repair. Since this number is based on losses that can be verified based on publicly available imagery, the actual total is very likely higher.

Regardless, the loss of a Su-30SM  the most modern combat type in the Russian Naval Aviation inventory  is significant, with a value of around $50 million, according to the GUR.

Russian Navy Su-30SM crew members after a training flight over the Black Sea Fleet from Saki Air Base. Russian Ministry of Defense

While its not entirely clear if the shootdown was the result of a carefully planned operation or was a more opportunistic engagement, it reinforces the fact that Russian military aircraft operating over the Black Sea are vulnerable to man-portable air defense systems as well as longer-range surface-to-air missiles and may also prompt a change of tactics.

Otherwise, the incident reflects the ongoing battle for control of the Black Sea oil platforms, which have been fiercely fought over since the start of Russias full-scale invasion, with the GUR being especially active.

Before Russia seized the Crimea peninsula, the Black Sea shelf provided Ukraine with a large part of its natural gas.

The annexation of Crimea in 2014 led to the offshore drilling platforms being occupied by Russia and they were used for military purposes after full-scale invasion, including for surveillance, communications, and air defense.

By September last year, however, Ukrainian forces  spearheaded by the GUR  had regained control of several of the oil and gas platforms close to Crimea. These platforms can also be useful operational nodes for the Ukrainian military, including helping to exert control further out into the Black Sea.

Russian air power has been used regularly in this campaign, with mixed results. Among its frequent targets have been Ukrainian special forces boats operating between the platforms and the mainland. On at least one occasion, Ukrainian troops apparently fought off an attack by another Su-30SM, with some reports suggesting the fighter received damage when they fired upon it.

The Ukrainian mosquito fleet firing MANPADS at a Russian Su-30SM fighter near an abandoned oil rig in the Black Sea pic.twitter.com/pbeTmSy2bQ  What the media hides. (@narrative_hole) August 23, 2023

For Ukraine, control of the platforms is not only of military significance but also highly symbolic, bearing in mind its longer-term aim of regaining Crimea. Part of this effort has been the successful campaign to deprive the Russian Black Sea Fleet of its ability to fully control the Black Sea.

With the Black Sea region still very much a key flashpoint in the conflict, Russian air activity is likely to remain a feature of the fighting. However, the loss of a Su-30SM is a reminder to Moscow that Ukraine poses a threat to its operations in the air over the Black Sea as well.

Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com
In the lead-up to last nights debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, many hosts on Russian TV were predicting that the former president would leave Philadelphia the victor, airing mocking clips of the vice president and repeating critical lines from the likes of Fox News.

Now, with many regarding Tuesdays debate as a clear Harris win, some Russian channels have been left scrambling to explain what happened.

Their explanations have ranged from subterfuge to biased moderators, according to an analysis and translations from Russia analyst and Daily Beast columnist Julia Davis.

State TV host Vladimir Solovyov joined many on the right in hammering the debate moderators for real-time fact-checking, including debunking Trumps baseless claim that Haitian immigrants in Ohio are eating peoples pets.

Russian TV commentators blamed bias, sabotage, and Trumps own performance for a poor showing in the debate (AFP via Getty Images)

Why would he do that? I thought he was supposed to be unbiased, Solovyov said.

Others on Russian TV claimed Trump had been sabotaged or disadvantaged.

Some, however, argued the debate performance was in fact Trumps own responsibility.

She [Kamala Harris] managed to lure Trump into every trap she set up for him... I wish I hadnt watched that, a panelist from the Russian International Affairs Council, Alexey Naumov, reportedly said.

One notable Russian TV appearance came from Dimitri Simes, a foreign policy expert and former Trump campaign adviser, who has been accused of breaking U.S. sanctions while working for a Russian state TV network.

Simes, who has denied wrongdoing, offered his best guess about the details of Trumps plans on the war in Ukraine, one of the areas where the former president was vague on Tuesday.

Simes told one program that the former president would tell Ukraine to concede to all of Putins demands and threaten to cut off U.S. aid if he didnt.

Back in the U.S., Trump was offering explanations of his own, simultaneously claiming debate host ABC was a terrible network and claiming he won the night.

Id be less inclined to because we had a great night, Trump told Fox News when asked if there would be a second debate. We won the debate.

Potential voters dont seem to agree.

A snap CNN poll after the debate found 63 percent believe Harris won the debate, a sentiment shared by a variety of commentators, including from The Independent.

Pop star Taylor Swift also endorsed the Harris campaign the night of the debate, adding further momentum to the Democratic side, even as it enraged conservative commentators like Megyn Kelly.

In perhaps the ultimate sign that things werent quite well in GOPland, Trump himself went into the spin room on Tuesday night, a duty usually reserved for campaign aides and surrogates looking to put an after-the-fact gloss on whatever actually happened during the debate.
Russian forces attacked the Nikopol district in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast on the evening of 11 September and the morning of 12 September, using Grad multiple-launch rocket systems, artillery and kamikaze drones.

Source: Serhii Lysak, Head of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram

Quote: "The aggressor attacked the Nikopol district throughout the evening, night and morning. They fired from Grad multiple-launch rocket systems and artillery, used kamikaze drones and dropped munitions from drones. The enemy struck Nikopol, Myrove and Marhanets hromadas [hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories  ed.].

Four houses were destroyed in the district centre [the city of Nikopol]. One of the houses caught fire and a fire engine also burned. The fire has been extinguished. Two outbuildings, two power lines and two gas pipelines were damaged."

Details: Chervonohryhorivka hromada was also attacked. Dry grass caught fire there. Two houses and three outbuildings were damaged.

No casualties have been reported.

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Russian forces launched 69 aerial assets on Ukraine on the night of Thursday, 11-12 September. Ukrainian air defence units have destroyed 44 loitering munitions, three flew back to Russia, and four more disappeared from radar.

Source: Ukraine's Air Force

Quote: "The Air Forces air surveillance troops detected and escorted 69 enemy aerial assets on the night of 11-12 September 2024 (as of 09:00). The invaders attacked Chernihiv Oblast with two Iskander-M ballistic missiles from Kursk Oblast and one Kh-59/69 air-to-ground missile from Bryansk Oblast, two Kh-22/32 cruise missiles from Tu-22M3 aircraft (from the airspace over the Black Sea towards Zmiinyi Island), 64 Shahed-type loitering munitions (launch areas: Russia's Kursk, Yeysk, and Chauda in occupied Crimea).

Aircraft, anti-aircraft missile troops, mobile fire groups and electronic warfare units from Ukraine's defence forces repelled the enemy aerial attack."

Details: It is reported that 44 loitering munitions were shot down in the course of the anti-aircraft effort. Three drones flew back to Russia, and four more disappeared from radar on the territory of Ukraine (no information on casualties or damage was received).

Quote: "As of 09:00, four attack UAVs remain in the airspace of Ukraine, combat operations are underway!

Most of the enemy missiles did not reach their intended targets thanks to the active counteraction from the defence forces.

Air defence assets were responding in Kyiv, Kherson, Khmelnytskyi, Cherkasy, Sumy, Dnipropetrovsk, Kirovohrad, Zaporizhzhia and Poltava oblasts.

Together to victory!"

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Grain ship hit by Russians in Black Sea was in Romanian economic zone  media

The BBC has reported, citing Nick Thorpe, its correspondent in the region, that the Romanian coast guard has confirmed that a Russian missile hit the Aya, a vessel carrying grain from Ukraine to Egypt, in Romania's exclusive economic zone on the night of 11-12 November.

Source: BBC News Russian; Reuters

Details: The vessel is said to have reported an explosion on board to the local coastguard post at around 23:00 local time on Wednesday, while in Romania's exclusive economic zone, about 55 km from the Romanian port of Sfantu Gheorghe in the Danube Delta.

The ship maintained its course and managed to reach the major port of Constanta.

As reported by Reuters, the UK-based maritime security company Ambrey said that the St Kitts and Nevis-flagged bulk carrier was hit by a missile launched from Russia after it left the Ukrainian port of Chornomorsk in Odesa Oblast.

The vessel sustained damage to the port side, including the cargo hold and crane, the report said.

Tracking data showed that the vessel's last location was off the Romanian port of Constanta.

A source in the industry told Reuters that the strike occurred near the mouth of the River Danube. Ukrainian Navy spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk told Reuters that the vessel was in Romania's maritime economic zone.

The Romanian Navy said the vessel was not in its territorial waters and that it had not received any requests for assistance.

The BBC recalled that while Romania is a NATO member, the alliance's collective defence guarantees apply only to the sovereign territory of its countries. The exclusive economic zone is not one of them.

Background: On Thursday, 12 September, Russia launched an attack on a civilian cargo ship in the Black Sea transporting wheat bound for Egypt.

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Russians launched counter-offensive in Kursk Oblast, everything goes as planned  Zelenskyy

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed that Russian troops have launched a counter-offensive in Kursk Oblast.

Source: Volodymyr Zelenskyy at a joint press conference with his Lithuanian counterpart Gitanas Nauseda in Kyiv on 12 September, as quoted by Interfax-Ukraine

Quote: "The Russians have launched a counter-offensive. This is going in accordance with the Ukrainian plan."

Read also: Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi's raid: how the Ukrainian offensive in Russia's Kursk Oblast is progressing and what to expect next

Background:

On 11 September, the Deep State monitoring project reported that the situation on the left flank of the Ukrainian grouping in Russias Kursk Oblast has deteriorated, as Russian forces have begun active assault operations.

On 27 August, Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, said that since the beginning of the operation in Kursk Oblast, Ukraine had captured 594 Russian soldiers and controlled more than 100 settlements or 1,294 sq km of territory.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that such actions are aimed at creating a buffer zone to prevent Russian military operations against Ukraine.

Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin persistently diminishes the success of the Ukrainian operation in Kursk Oblast, trying his best to convince Russian society that the control of the Ukrainian Armed Forces over a hundred settlements in Russia means nothing. However, on 5 September, he said that Russian soldiers' "sacred duty" is to win back the part of Russias Kursk Oblast currently controlled by the Ukrainian military.

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The Russians attacked residential buildings in the village of Borova in Kharkiv Oblast on the night of 11-12 September. Rescuer workers have pulled an elderly woman who survived the strike out from under the rubble.

Source: Oleh Syniehubov, Head of Kharkiv Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram; State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SES) on Telegram

Quote from Syniehubov: "12 September, 04:47, Izium district, Borova hromada, village of Borova. As a result of the attack, structural elements of a destroyed two-storey residential building were burning." [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a town, village or several villages and their adjacent territories  ed.]

A destroyed building.

Photo: SES

Details: Later, SES reported that rescuer workers had freed an 86-year-old woman from the rubble of the destroyed building, where she had been trapped under debris from structural elements. She is currently in hospital.

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Two dead and seven injured as Russians attack Izium district in Kharkiv Oblast with cluster munitions  photo

Two people have been killed and seven injured in a Russian cluster munitions strike on a residential neighbourhood in Borova, Izium district, Kharkiv Oblast. Residential buildings caught fire as a result of the attack.

Source: Oleh Syniehubov, Head of Kharkiv Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram

Details: Syniehubov said early reports indicate that the Russians used cluster munitions to attack the residential area. A civilian was killed in the attack, and a woman's body was also recovered from the rubble. So far seven people are known to have been injured, including three workers from the State Emergency Service of Ukraine.

They were firefighters who were putting out a fire caused by the strike when Russia attacked again. Two fire engines were damaged. The people injured in the attack have been hospitalised and are being provided with all the assistance they need.

Photo: State Emergency Service of Ukraine

The Russian strikes caused fires to break out in four different locations: a commercial facility, two houses, and grass in an open area.

Background: The Russians attacked residential buildings in the village of Borova in Kharkiv Oblast on the night of 11-12 September. Emergency workers rescued an elderly woman who survived the strike from under the rubble.

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Workers at the Sheraton Grand Hotel downtown authorized their union to call a strike, should contract negotiations fail. The union is the latest in a series of hotel guilds to push back against yearslong staffing shortages.

The vote passed with 97% of workers in favor, the union said Wednesday evening. The vote does not mean that a strike will occur immediately, but gives the union bargaining team the ability to call a strike if the company and the guild fail to agree on a contract.

The previous contract expired at the end of June. The union has been pushing for a new deal that raises wages, adds predictability to workers schedules and reduces the additional workloads employees took on during pandemic-era staffing shortages.

For the workload, the wages just do not entice people to stay, said Aamir Deen, president of Unite Here Local 49. So there just needs to be a really significant change in the workload and the wages together, if this jobs going to be sustainable, and if Sacramentos guests are going to be taken care of the way we all believe they should be.

Sheraton is a brand of Marriott International. Company representatives did not respond to requests for comment Wednesday.

Sheraton Grand Hotel workers Lupe Ventura, center, and Alex Ivanitsky, right, who are represented by hospitality workers union United Here Local 49, participate in a strike authorization vote on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, in downtown Sacramento. The union is asking for higher wages and the reversal of COVID-era staffing cuts.

Why staffing shortages are a sticking point in labor contracts

Should the union call a strike, it would be the latest in a series that the union has launched nationally this summer against Marriott, Hilton Worldwide and Hyatt Hotels. Contracts covering 40,000 hotel workers represented by Unite Here are set to expire this year, and workers have walked out in dozens of cities to draw attention to their complaints about wages and staffing shortages.

The union has contended that hotels have prolonged the staffing shortages of the COVID-19 era. While guests have returned, the guild has said, staffing levels have remained low, leaving the remaining employees with unmanageable workloads. Unite Here Local 49 is now pushing to add language to its contract around workload and staffing levels.

Its not uncommon for workers to attempt to solidify such rules in their contracts, said Jake Rosenfeld, a sociology professor at Washington University in St. Louis, who studies labor issues. Unions in the manufacturing industry have pushed for contract language around workload and employment levels in the past, and in the last five years nurse unions have fought for hospitals to adopt language around nurse-to-patient staffing ratios.

But such efforts are often unsuccessful. Employers are reluctant to relinquish control of decisions around where to expand and where to reduce their business.

They can kind of cede ground on benefits levels and wages. But in terms of where to expand their business or where to retreat, thats really seen as under their control, and their control only, Rosenfeld said. So it can oftentimes be a really contentious bargaining point.

Carmen Riestra, a uniform attendant at the Sheraton, said that with fewer people working her schedule has become unpredictable. Riestra, 57, of Sacramento, has to pick up shifts she normally wouldnt, and doesnt know what her schedule will look like week-to-week.

Maria Melgoza, 76, of West Sacramento, said she has a heavy workload as a housekeeper. Plus, the job doesnt pay enough to cover living costs in the current economy, but she earns too much to qualify for public assistance.

The Sheraton workers unionized soon after the hotel opened about 20 years ago, and members protested in front of the hotel in 2022 to draw attention to wages and staffing levels. But organizers said this week marks the first time the groups relationship has escalated to a strike authorization vote.

These strikes seem to be kind of a long time coming, in many ways, said Rosenfeld, the sociologist. Across the country, he added, hotel staffing levels feel stuck in 2021, while other industries have fully returned to normal operations.

Its no surprise at all that front desk staff, housekeepers  hotel workers of all sorts  are now fed up and frustrated, he said. Because I think theyve been waiting a long time to get back to the pre-pandemic normal.
SAINT JO (KFDX/KJTL)  The City of Saint Jo has issued a boil order notice for residents following a requirement imposed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

The order was issued due to a water main break on Highway 82. Residents must either boil water before consuming it in any way or purchase bottled water that is safe for consumption.

When boiling water for consumption, it must reach a roiling boil of 212 degrees Fahrenheit or 100 degrees Celsius for at least two minutes to destroy any harmful bacteria. Then, let the water cool to a suitable temperature for its intended purpose.

The city said it would issue another notice once the boil order was rescinded.

Visit TCEQs website for more information on safely boiling water during a Boil Water Notice and the types of everyday actions that require boiling water.

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An evening view of the Egyptian Theatre marquee during the 2024 Sundance Film Festival on Jan. 18, 2024, in Park City, Utah. (Photo by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images)

Three cities are still under consideration to host the Sundance Film Festival after Park Citys contract expires in 2026. Among the finalists is a joint vision between Park City and Salt Lake City designed to keep the event in Utah.

In addition to the Utah communities, Boulder, Colorado and Cincinnati, Ohio are moving forward in Sundances final phase of selection, according to a Thursday news release. The Sundance Institute assessed the cities ethos, equity values, infrastructure and capabilities to host the festival.

As we move to the next phase in our search for a sustainable home for the Sundance Film Festival, we see great promise and potential in Boulder, Cincinnati, and Salt Lake/Park City, Eugene Hernandez, festival director, said in the release. Each has shown us the blend of exciting possibilities, values, and logistics needed to produce a vibrant, inviting, and inclusive Festival. Were excited for a future Sundance that can discover, support, and inspire artists and audiences for the next forty years.

The decision comes after the Sundance Institute toured theaters, performing arts facilities and restaurants in Salt Lake City to get a feel for what the festival would be like outside of Park Citys boundaries.

Atlanta, Georgia, Louisville, Kentucky and Santa Fe, New Mexico were eliminated from the candidate cities.

The institute is expected to announce its final decision in the late winter or early spring of 2025. For now, the festival will continue to take place in Park City and Salt Lake City until 2026.

In a joint statement on Thursday, Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall, Park City Mayor Nann Worel and Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson said they were proud to unite forces to keep the festival in the state.

We are eager to forge an even stronger bond to inspire artists and elevate the festival experience, the mayors wrote. With our extensive event infrastructure, world-class venues, and warm hospitality, were ready to help Sundance shine on the global stage.

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SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  Do you want to play a role in the November presidential general election while earning money? The Registrar of Voters is looking for more poll workers to be placed at vote centers located throughout the county.

On Wednesday, the Registrars office said it is particularly in search of poll workers who are bilingual in English and Chinese, Vietnamese or Filipino. In addition, individuals who are bilingual in English and Laotian are needed at select vote centers in the region.

Election Day is around the corner: Important dates San Diegans need to know

The responsibilities of a poll worker include attending a two-day paid training with a $95 daily stipend, opening and closing a vote center, remaining politically neutral, answering voter questions, assisting a diverse population and providing excellent customer service.

Federal law requires the office to provide bilingual speakers and voting materials in Spanish, Filipino, Vietnamese and Chinese.

Meanwhile, state and county requirements include a need for Arabic, Japanese, Korean, Laotian, Somali and Persian (Farsi and Dari) speakers at select vote centers throughout San Diego County.

Due to the Voters Choice Act, vote centers have replaced traditional polling locations and are open for an extended amount of time before Election Day. This means poll workers are now required to staff vote centers for up to 11 days in the two weeks leading up to Tuesday, Nov. 5.

Harris trolls Trump by posting most of debate as new ad

Poll workers between Oct. 26 and Nov. 4 will receive a stipend of $145 for each day of service, according to the County of San Diego. In addition, on Election Day, poll workers will get a stipend of $240. Bilingual poll workers will receive an additional $5 for each day of service at the vote centers plus $10 on Election Day.

Applications can be found at sdvote.com. For more information, call (858) 565-5800 or email pollworker@sdcounty.ca.gov.

Poll workers must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen and registered to vote in the state of California or have been lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the country.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON)  The San Francisco Police Department is considering changing some of its police district boundaries in an effort to maximize resources and better deliver policing services to the community, SFPD Chief Bill Scott announced on Thursday.

These changes, Scott said, aim to improve workload balance, increase resources to high need areas, and enhance an officers ability to respond to emergency calls more quickly.

The SFPD is doing everything within its power to deliver the highest quality service to everyone in our city, Scott said. By making some adjustments to our station boundaries, our officers will be more efficient and effective as they continue to do a tremendous job policing San Francisco.

SFPD is proposing 15 changes to eight district boundaries. Some of the key changes, according to police, include:

Moving Tenderloin and Southern stations back to Market Street

Moving the Castro neighborhood from Mission Station to Park Station

Making Van Ness Avenue the boundary between Northern, Central, and Tenderloin stations

SFPDLargeMap_with_proposed_changes-1Download

The rest of the changes are included in the list above. Police said there will be no changes to the Ingleside or Taraval stations.

Roberto Hernandez, from the Mission Merchants Associations Board of Directors, told KRON4 that the Mission District desperately needs deployment changes.

Im really excited that they are finally taking structural change in addressing the highest crime area in the city, Hernandez said, claiming the Mission District does not have enough on-foot policing.

I know for our neighborhood, crime has definitely gone up Part of the problem is the resources of the police department being deployed, and theyre not being deployed to our neighborhood, Hernandez said.

San Francisco police are required to review district station boundaries every 10 years and make adjustments when appropriate. According to the PD, important factors include:

Population data

Calls for service and arrests

Community input

Decline in SFPD staffing numbers

Changes to resident and non-resident populations

Impacts of criminal behavior

The last time the SFPD conducted a boundary analysis was in 2015. In September and October, the SFPD will hold community meetings to discuss the changes.

After public input, SFPD will submit the recommendation to the police commission for approval. Community members can get more info on the project here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) said Wednesday that the U.S. is moving toward an oligarchic form of society and urged Vice President Harris to make that message more central to her campaign.

In doing so, Sanders said on CNNs The Lead with Jake Tapper, Harris would appeal to the supporters of former President Trump who once backed the Vermont senator in his presidential bids.

Heres the message, Sanders said, when asked how Harris could target those voters. And its a message that I know is difficult for many politicians to bring forth. And that is the recognition that increasingly, the United States is moving toward an oligarchic form of society.

Sanders, who ran for the White House in the 2016 and 2020 elections, pointed to the growing inequality in the country and the accumulation of wealth among a handful of select billionaires.

The billionaire class and the 1 percent have never, ever had it so good. Period. End of discussion, the senator said, noting they have more income and wealth inequality than any time in American history.

At the same time, Sanders continued, there are tens of millions of people, working people, struggling to put food on the table. That is the reality.

He did not place blame on any specific politician but called on todays political leaders to address the inequality, as well as the outsize influence wealthy Americans can have on elections.

Its not Kamala Harriss fault, its not Joe Bidens fault, not Donald Trumps fault. Its been that way for a long time, getting worse, the Vermont independent said. But, you know what? You got to recognize that.

Sanders also gave Harris advice for what her message should be: Look, working people of America: I am on your side, and I am prepared to take on the billionaire class, including these wealthy campaign contributors who right now are dominating the political process.

He said she should work to get rid of the Supreme Courts Citizens United decision, which paved the way for corporations and other outside groups to spend unlimited funds on elections.

He added that the decision allows billionaires to buy elections.

I think you got a working class that is hurting, that I think is turning to Trump only because they dont see real alternatives, Sanders said. And I think if she gives them an economic alternative that says, I am going to stand for you; Im going to take on these greedy people who want it all, I think she could turn some Trump people around and win this election. Maybe win it big.

The Hill has reached out to the Harris campaign for a response.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Virgil Vigil, president of Union Protectiva de Santa Fe, begins to cry during his testimony in support of The Soldier's Monument that was removed from the Santa Fe Plaza. Vigil filed the lawsuit against the city and opened testimony on day one of the civil trial on the matter. (Photo by Shaun Griswold / Source NM)

Opposing sides in the trial over the future of a controversial monument in New Mexicos capital city opened Thursday morning with witness testimony about the statues significance to Santa Fe and the region.

Attorney Shellie Ann Patscheck gave the opening statement for the plaintiffs. She said they intend to show they have an interest in protecting the Santa Fe Plaza, the historical district around it, and the monuments in the city.

Stanley Harris gave the opening statement for the defense. He said while Mayor Alan Webber and the city government are at the center of peoples passionate views of a complicated history, the court is supposed to judge one legal issue governed by one part of state law: whether the mayors emergency proclamation on June 18, 2020 was legal.

The remainder of Thursday morning and the rest of the afternoon was expected to be taken up by witness testimonies. The trial is expected to continue through the end of the day on Friday.

The first witness was Virgil Vigil, president of the Union Protectiva de Santa Fe and the main plaintiff in the case.

Vigil shared about his own 30 years of military service that began in the Vietnam War, the history of military service among the roughly 350 members of his fraternal organization suing Santa Fe, and the Soldiers Monuments significance to his identity as an American soldier.

I take it very personal (sic) when people put down the soldiers, when they are not looked upon in an honorable way, Vigil said, his voice breaking on the witness stand. I take it personally when we destroy monuments.

The second witness was David Rasch, a museum collections consultant and a former historic preservation officer for the city of Santa Fe. He discussed the obelisks aesthetic, cultural and historic significance.

He said the Soldiers Monument was originally built to commemorate American soldiers who fought both in the U.S. Civil War, and some of the earlier so-called Indian Wars against Indigenous tribes.

One of four bronze plaques installed at each compass direction on the obelisks base included offensive language which dedicated the monument to the heroes who fought savage Indians.

The verbiage on them is probably the source of the unrest in our community, Rasch said.

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Crime has more than doubled on L.A.s Metro system in the last five years, jumping from 0.84 crimes per 100,000 riders in 2019 to 2.18 this year. The transportation authority spends nearly $200 million of its $9 billion annual budget contracting law enforcement that polices nearly 2,000 buses and 400 trains and yet violent incidents continue to plague riders. Just this year, Metro passengers have been shot and stabbed on buses and trains in Studio City, Silver Lake, and East Hollywood. One man hijacked a Metro bus with a fake gun causing the driver to crash into the Ritz-Carlton hotel downtown.

The problem isnt just limited to Los Angeles. For more than a decade, a handful of agencies like the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District have had a rule in place that allows bus and train operators to deny access to passengers who engage in behavior that directly affects, disturbs, or threatens other riders. A prohibition order would ban offending riders from 30 days to a year.

The Santa Monica Daily Press reports that L.A.s Metro system has access to a similar rule, but only BART is currently using the mechanism to enforce bans on vandalism, defecation, lewd conduct, or violence. Governor Newsom signed a new bill recently that adds the Santa Monica Big Blue Bus to the list of agencies allowed to block riders. The use of prohibition orders gives us another tool to improve the safety and security of our customers and operators, Santa Monica Department of Transportation Director Anuj Gupta told the SMDP. The new powers are part of our broader customer experience plan aimed at enhancing Big Blue Bus safety, convenience, and attractiveness.

The law was authored by Senator Ben Allen (D  Santa Monica) who represents the coastal districts between Malibu and El Segundo. SB 1417 will be an important tool to reduce dangerous disturbances on Santa Monicas Big Blue Bus, the Senator said in a statement. To provide a safer and more enjoyable experience for riders. Enforcement is set to begin in January of next year.
SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage)  Several San Angelo schools can expect an increased law enforcement presence on Sept. 12 due to rumors circulating online about a threat to Central High School. Heres what the San Angelo Police Department chief said about it.

The SAPD reported via social media at 9:14 p.m. on Sept. 11 that it was aware of a potential rumor toward Central High School tomorrow. It stated that it was actively investigating the situation and taking all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of students and staff as well.

PREVIOUSLY: SAPD identifies students in rumors regarding Central High School

SAPD Chief Travis Griffith then addressed the public in a video posted to social media at 11:45 p.m. that same day. In it, he clarified what the rumor was about and said that it was false.

One of the statements that were made was about someone that was tackled at Central (High School) that was maybe trying to do an active shooter type situation and arrested with a gun, Griffith said. Those are not true. That did not happen.

Despite stating that the rumor was false, Griffith said that the police department and possibly other law enforcement agencies would send extra officers to multiple schools in San Angelo on Sept. 12 to assuage public concerns.

For peace of mind and nothing more, were going to be putting extra staff into the schools tomorrow, Griffith said. So at various times at various schools, youll see additional police officers, possibly state and county, just popping in, checking in to really ease your mind.

Griffith asked anyone with information regarding the incident to contact the SAPD.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ConchoValleyHomepage.com.
WHO says 22,500 injured people in Gaza need long-term rehabilitation

Relatives of Palestinians who were killed after an Israeli attack on Gaza City, mourn as the bodies are brought to the Al Mamadani Hospital. Omar Ashtawy/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

At least 22,500 people in the embattled Gaza Strip require medical rehabilitation measures that could take years, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Thursday.

According to an analysis by the Geneva-based WHO, the immense demand for therapies, prosthetics and walking aids cannot be adequately met.

"We urgently need assistance in the area of rehabilitation," WHO representative Richard Peeperkorn said in a video call from the Gaza Strip. "We cannot wait before there is a ceasefire and peace arrangement."

The figures cited by the WHO refer to severe injuries from the start of the war in the Gaza Strip nearly a year ago until July, accounting for roughly a quarter of all injuries during this time.

Most patients requiring rehabilitation have suffered limb injuries. The WHO estimates that approximately 3,000 to 4,000 amputations have been performed since the beginning of the war.

Since December, the Gaza Strip has had no functioning facility for limb reconstruction and rehabilitation. According to the WHO, the shortage of essential materials and medical personnel has compounded the crisis.

Many specialists fled during the conflict, and dozens were reportedly killed.

The war began after the unprecedented October 7 massacre, which saw militants from Hamas and other extremist Palestinian organizations invade southern Israel, killing more than 1,200 people and taking some 250 others as hostages into Gaza.

More than 40,000 people have been killed in Gaza and more than 98,000 others injured since the start of the war according to the Hamas-controlled health authority in Gaza.

Relatives of Palestinians who were killed after an Israeli attack on Gaza City, mourn as the bodies are brought to the Al Mamadani Hospital. Omar Ashtawy/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
WATERTOWN, N.Y. (WWTI)  The Small Business Association is opening up a pair of locations to help Northern New York businesses and residents dealing with the fallout of Julys severe storms.

The SBA announced on Thursday that affected by severe storms, tornadoes and flooding on July 10, are eligible to apply for low-interest disaster loans. This announcement was made by SBA Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman.

Severe flooding in Lowville brings significant damage to homes and roads

New York businesses and residents in Jefferson, Lewis, St. Lawrence, Clinton, Franklin, Hamilton, Herkimer, Essex, Oneida, Oswego, Warren and Washington counties are eligible for the program. Vermont residents in Addison and Chittenden counties can also apply for assistance if affected by the storms.

The SBA is strongly committed to providing the people of New York with the most effective and customer-focused response possible to assist businesses of all sizes, homeowners and renters with federal disaster loans. SBA Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman

Both locations will open today at 11 a.m. The Lewis County location will be at the Lewis County Outdoor Services Building at 7356 East Road in Lowville. The Essex County location will be at the Essex County Public Safety Building at 702 Stowersville Road in Lewis.

The twin centers will be open from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and closed on Sundays. Both locations will be open from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturdays.

The Lewis County locations will permanently close at 4 p.m. September 27 while the Essex County location shuts down 4 p.m. September 30.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWTI - InformNNY.com.
The historic South Caroliniana Library on the Horseshoe of the Univerisity of South Carolina, Monday, Oct. 30, 2023 in Columbia, S.C.(File/Mary Ann Chastain/Special to the SC Daily Gazette)

COLUMBIA  Some South Carolina college professors say legislative attempts to crack down on diversity, equity and inclusion programs are having a chilling effect on higher education in the state, according to survey responses from university faculty across the South.

The anti-DEI wave is impeding what we teach mostly because of its looming threat and the unknown of what will be flagged as problematic or (eventually) illegal, wrote a Hispanic, female tenured professor who has taught at one of the states public universities for more than five years.

Participation in the survey released last week was small in South Carolina, and respondents did not identify where they work, so its impossible to tell whether the opinions are widespread at any particular campus. Also, some professors indicated they prefer being in South Carolina than other states.

The American Association of University Professors in August surveyed about 3,000 college faculty across Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and Arkansas.

Just 120 of the professors who responded  or 4%  work at South Carolina colleges.

The president of the Georgia chapter, Mattew Boedy, led the effort, which began last year after states such as Georgia, Florida and Texas banned diversity, equity and inclusion efforts and weakened tenure protections.

Boedy told the SC Daily Gazette this week he wanted to know whether those policies were impacting faculty career decisions. The 2023 survey covered only four states, but this year Boedy expanded it to 12 to get a broader picture.

One of the questions asked professors to share examples of how changes are impacting their work.

From my perspective, South Carolina public institutions seem to be much better protected than much of the South, a white, female, tenure-track assistant professor wrote in response. It is night and day from other Southern state schools, and I simply would not apply to a faculty position in Florida or Georgia, for example, if I were to want to move.

Others indicated they arent experiencing issues at all. No changes in South Carolina, reads one brief response.

I havent really seen any impacts at my institution, but we also have a very good relationship with our state legislature, wrote a white female lecturer at a public, four-year university in South Carolina for 16 years.

A relatively new professor said she moved to South Carolina to get away from politics at a non-Southern state.

I left a (tenured-track) job in Indiana due to politics and academic freedom. It became clear the university was not going to back their faculty. It is the opposite where I am now. In SC the university values faculty and does not treat us as replaceable bodies. I feel supported here, wrote the white female assistant professor at a four-year public university.

Of the South Carolina respondents, 80% taught at one of the states public four-year universities, and the overwhelming majority were white: 87% compared to 13% of another race or ethnicity. The survey did not identify respondents by name or college where they work.

Faculty teaching (Race, Equity and Inclusion) approved courses are nervous of blowback from conservative students for teaching divisive concepts and are not confident of administrative support in the face of student complaints, wrote a white, male, tenured professor who has taught for more than 16 years at one of the states public, four-year schools.

I ask students not to video record classes out of concern of being placed online and becoming targeted, as this has happened at other institutions, wrote a white, female, tenure-track assistant professor.

A bill banning public colleges from factoring applicants political stances into hiring, firing and admission decisions passed the state House but died with the end of session without a vote in the Senate.

But some state schools preemptively scrubbed diversity, equity and inclusion terminology from their institutions.

The University of South Carolina struck the terms diversity, equity and inclusion from a cabinet-level office in August 2023. It also changed the title of its leader, Julian Williams, to vice president of access, civil rights and community engagement.

Four months later, Clemson University renamed its own equity and inclusion office, changing it to the Division of Community Engagement, Belonging and Access.

Legislation restricting which subjects we can teach, mandating certain readings, legislators monitoring syllabi all make it difficult to teach without fear of repercussions, wrote a second Hispanic, female, tenured professor with more than 10 years of experience at a South Carolina public university.

Im very mindful of what I teach in certain classes for fear of legislative backlash, wrote a Black, female, tenure-track professor who also has taught more than 10 years in a state school.

In addition to DEI concerns, many said salary is why theyre considering leaving the state. Some of the South Carolina respondents reported making less than $50,000.

To a lesser extent, respondents expressed worries over tenure, as well as abortion access and LGBTQ issues.

In 2022, state House members filed a bill prohibiting public colleges from awarding any new tenure positions, but the legislation was never taken up.

I do think that I would seriously consider whether or not I wanted to leave if tenure was actually eliminated, wrote a white female professor at a public, four-year university.

Since last year, South Carolina has banned abortions past six weeks of pregnancy, before many women know theyre pregnant.

I appreciate the surveys focus on tenure, contracts, and academic freedom but the thing that weighs more heavily on many of us employed in southern states is the lack of reproductive freedom and gender-affirming care, wrote a white female assistant professor at a public, four-year university in South Carolina five years or less.

Many faculty are currently at an age where they capable of conceiving, yet we do not have access to proper reproductive care, she continued. I have a daughter, and this is why Im most considering leaving the South.

In May, Gov. Henry McMaster signed a law banning hormone therapy and surgeries for transgender youth. A sentence in that law that prohibits the use of public funds directly or indirectly for gender transition procedures led MUSC Health University Medical Center to go a step further, stopping all hormone treatments for transgender youth and adults.

With those things in mind, 54% of respondents said they would not recommend South Carolinas universities to a colleague working in a different state or to graduate students starting their careers in academia.

Of those who had the greatest concern about these issues, nearly all said they have applied for jobs in other states and will continue to do so.
an image shows the word "public" becoming the word "private" in front of the word "school"

Photo: Getty Images

COLUMBIA, SC  The South Carolina Supreme Court has thrown out the states fledgling K-12 voucher program as unconstitutional, leaving GOP leaders scrambling on what to tell parents who have already received money.

In a 3-2 split decision issued Wednesday, the states high court ruled taxpayer dollars cant be used to pay for private school tuition. The ruling was handed down on the same day that lawmakers in North Carolina moved to dramatically expand their states voucher program  a program previously approved by the North Carolina courts.

For the nearly 3,000 students already enrolled, parents can no longer use their $6,000 for private tuition, though they can still spend it on tutoring and other education services, a spokesman for the state Education Department said Wednesday afternoon following a review of the ruling.

The program already in place for this school year violates the state constitutions prohibition against public dollars directly benefiting private schools, writes Justice Gary Hill for the majority.

The decision represents a major  and shocking  upset for South Carolinas ruling Republicans, who were confident the law two decades in the making would be upheld.

Hills opinion concludes by disputing the dissent authored by Chief Justice John Kittredge, whose recent promotion was seen as making the court that already traditionally agreed with the Legislature more conservative.

The dissent claims our decision pulls the rug out from under the feet of the General Assembly and ultimately, the feet of the students the law was designed to serve, Hill writes. Our duty is to serve the Constitution, the supreme policy of our land. As such, our obligation is not to allow a rug to cover up well marked constitutional ground, no matter how inconvenient that ground may prove to be.

The entire concept behind the Constitution and the rule of law is that the end cannot justify the means, he continued.

Joining Hill are former Chief Justice Don Beatty, who retired this summer, and acting Justice James Lockemy, a retired judge who filled in on the case heard in March.

Their ruling agrees with attorneys for the South Carolina Education Association and NAACP.

We are grateful that our court has confirmed that public funds are confined for public good, said SCEA President Sherry East. We have been anxiously awaiting this decision, and we are happy with the outcome.

However, she added, My next fear is that this comes up again in January.

Patrick Kelly, lobbyist for the Palmetto State Teachers Association (which did not join the lawsuit), called it a good day for the rule of law in South Carolina.

However, he said, We need to do right by those families already allocated money.

I dont have an answer for what right looks like, but what wrong looks like is a child who has started the year at one school not being able to finish the year there, Kelly said.

Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey, R-Edgefield, said thats what will happen.

The court likely requires those poor children to be uprooted from their new schools in the middle of a semester, he said in a lengthy statement criticizing the ruling.

The law Republicans celebrated with much fanfare last year culminated an effort that began with then-Gov. Mark Sanford in 2004.

It provided $6,000 scholarships toward tuition, tutoring, and other K-12 school-related expenses. The law capped participation in the first year at 5,000 Medicaid-eligible students. Actual participation was lower: Of the more than 7,900 applicants for this school year, 2,880 K-12 students were eligible and approved.

Advocates thought they found a workaround to the constitutions ban on tax dollars directly benefiting private education by putting the money into a trust fund for parents to allocate. The first $1,500 allotment has already been transferred to each students account.

But the majority opinion dismissed the states argument that the direct beneficiaries were students, not private schools.

The tuition benefits directly subsidize the educational function of private schools, Hill wrote. And the size of the tuition benefit is significant.

GOP leaders had no contingency plan for how to handle such a ruling. They developed one on the fly Wednesday.

After the ruling, the company contracted by the state Education Department to create and oversee the online portal that parents use to receive and designate their state aid was told to cease processing all payments for private tuition, said agency spokesman Jason Raven.

The agency is developing a response to parents to explain the rulings impact and their options.

No reimbursements are needed for tuition payments already made. Quarterly allotments of $1,500 will continue as scheduled to parents accounts. But they must use it for expenses other than private school tuition, Raven said.

As of last week, the agencys list of approved recipients of the state aid included 259 private schools, 92 tutors, 13 educational therapy services, and 22 public school districts. (The law allowed parents to use the aid to send their child to a public school outside the district where they live, which can charge tuition to cover unpaid local property taxes.) The agency did not immediately provide a breakdown of how many students were using the money to attend a public versus private school.

Families cried tears of joy when the scholarship funds became available for their children, and todays Supreme Court ruling brings those same families tears of devastation, said state Superintendent Ellen Weaver, who before her 2022 election led the group thats been pushing for the school choice legislation.

The late timing of the initial filing and subsequent ruling on this case midway through the first quarter of the new school year wreaks havoc on the participating students and their families, she said in a statement.

Her agency stressed later Wednesday that the ruling did not change student eligibility requirements, indicating parents will continue to be enrolled for future school years. Under the law, eligibility rises to 15,000 students in higher-income homes by year three.

GOP leaders in the House were so confident the ruling would be in their favor, they pushed legislation through that chamber earlier this year that would expand eligibility to all students, regardless of their parents income. That bill did not become law, however. Calling it premature, senators never took it up.

House Speaker Murrell Smith, a co-sponsor of the expansion bill, called the ruling disappointing.

The Sumter Republican noted there are similar scholarship programs for college students and poor 4-year-olds. Lottery-backed scholarships can be used at any college in the state  public or private. Similarly, students eligible for state-paid, full-day 4K can attend a public or approved private preschool. But those popular programs have never been challenged and are not part of the courts decision.

This ruling will not only strip choice from countless families across our state, hindering educational opportunity from many deserving children, but it also puts in jeopardy current programs that include higher education and preschool that are essential for South Carolinians, Smith said in a statement.

Gov. Henry McMaster also pointed to those programs as one of the reasons his office will ask the state Supreme Court to quickly reconsider its ruling.

The Supreme Courts decision may have devastating consequences for thousands of low-income families who relied on these scholarships for their childs enrollment in school last month, he said in a statement, adding he hopes theyll reverse it so that the children of low-income families may have the opportunity to attend the school that best suits their needs.

Kelly, with the teachers advocacy group, said the ruling means if legislators want to use tax dollars for private K-12 tuition, theyll ultimately need voters permission.

Last year, the House approved a resolution asking voters whether the state constitutions ban on taxpayer money flowing directly to private schools should be repealed. The proposal never got a vote in the Senate.

Kelly said legislators first step should be expanding students choice options in public schools.

Before we reopen the (Education Scholarship Trust Fund) can of worms, lets revisit what the Supreme Court is saying is allowed under the constitution, he said. Allowing parents to enroll their children in the public school of their choice would open meaningful opportunities to pathways that currently do not exist.

A bill authorizing whats considered the public-school version of school choice passed the House last year. That proposal also died with the end of session without a vote in the Senate.

This report was first published by the South Carolina Daily Gazette, which like NC Newsline, is part of the national States Newsroom network. Gazette reporter Skylar Laird contributed.
Dr. Edward Simmer, interim agency director for the Department of Public Health, speaks at a press conference on the launch of the new department on Monday, June 24, 2024 (Provided by the Department of Health and Environmental Control)

COLUMBIA  A federal grant for South Carolinas rape crisis centers will help survivors access the care they need.

The state Department of Public Health announced Wednesday receiving $925,400 to support the states 15 rape crisis centers and raise awareness of sexual violence in poor, rural and other underserved communities.

Services provided by the nonprofits include emergency hotlines, counseling, legal advice, referrals and transportation to shelters and medical appointments.

The two-year grant comes from the Department of Justices Office on Violence Against Women. The states public health agency also supports the nonprofits with state taxes. This year, its budget included $1.3 million to distribute among the centers.

In South Carolina, 20% of women report being raped at least once and 40% experience some sort of sexual violence. Because sexual assault often goes unreported, those numbers could be higher, according to a 2019 report by the state Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault.

This funding is critical to sustaining the services provided by rape crisis centers in communities across our state that provide hope, healing and a pathway to wellbeing for survivors of these devastating intimate assaults, said Sara Barber, the coalitions executive director.

Crisis centers also work to prevent sexual assault from happening in the first place through education programs. In some cases, representatives go into schools or host classes to teach people how to recognize sexual violence and address common misconceptions, according to the centers websites.

Black women and LGBTQ people, especially those who are living in poverty, are more likely to experience sexual violence, according to the coalitions 2019 report. They are also less likely to trust health care professionals, making them less likely to seek out help when they need it, the report found.

The two-year federal grant will go in part toward raising awareness in those communities, according to the state agency.

Supporting rape crisis centers is essential not only for the immediate and long-term care of survivors but also for cultivating a community that recognizes, addresses and strives to prevent sexual violence, said Danielle Wingo, director of the health departments Bureau of Maternal and Child Health, in a statement.

In addition to the Department of Justice grant, the state recently received approval for a second, five-year round of funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Through that grant, the state will receive $668,500 annually toward addressing health inequities in sexual violence, according to the state agency.

SCs rape crisis centers

Source: SC Department of Public Health
ROCKFORD  DNA testing on skeletal remains found in a car pulled from an Illinois river confirmed they are those of two men who vanished in 1976 after leaving a farm auction, authorities said.

Testing performed by the Illinois State Police Division of Forensic Services confirmed they are the remains of Clarence Owens and Everett Hawley, the Winnebago County Coroner's Office said Tuesday.

Hawley, 72, of Stockton, and Owens, 65, of Freeport, vanished after leaving a farm auction on Feb. 19, 1976, near the Winnebago-Ogle county line, the Winnebago County Sheriff's Office said

Hawley was a real estate broker in Freeport, while Owens was a salesperson in Hawley's firm.

"This bring us one step closer to providing closure to the families of Clarence Owens and Everett Hawley who have waited many years for answers that have been affected by this tragic case," Winnebago County Sheriff Gary Caruana said in a statement.

In March, people fishing along the Pecatonica River discovered a submerged vehicle in the river using a sonar fish finder. Recovery crews then used a crane to pull the 1966 Chevrolet Impala sedan from the river in the village of Pecatonica, the Rockford Register Star reported.

The men had left the farm auction in that vehicle, authorities said.

More than 100 bones were retrieved from the vehicle and the river at the site about 100 miles west of Chicago. DNA extracted from the bones was compared with DNA profiles from the men's relatives to identify them.

Before the DNA testing, the remains were examined by a forensic anthropologist in St. Louis who found no evidence of trauma.

Winnebago County Coroner Jennifer Muraski told WIFR-TV that how the two men died is still unknown, but no foul play is suspected.
For the second time in four years, the state Supreme Court has struck down a plan by South Carolina lawmakers to bypass the state constitutions ban on direct public support for private schools.

A 2020 decision was unanimous. Wednesdays 3-2 ruling was no less of a reprimand.

The ruling leaves nearly 3,000 students at new schools in the lurch, but any politician looking to blame the justices should look in the mirror instead. They have no one to blame but themselves.

They should know better. More than 1 in 4 state lawmakers are lawyers, and books have been written about the many times their forebears got caught trying to evade the requirements of the state constitution since it mandated a free public school for all South Carolinas children in 1868.

Lawmakers thought their new scheme to create a trust by which to funnel public funds to private schools  without, as the Supreme Court noted, naming a trustee  would change the nature of public money, but the justices didnt buy it.

They called the ruse unconvincing and a veneer.

Justice D. Garrison Hill cut to the chase in his majority opinion: Once we apply the plain and popular meaning of direct benefit to the Act, the presumption of constitutionality withers.

The ruling has upended plans already underway to give 2,880 students $6,000 scholarships this year to leave their public schools. Supporters and low-income families benefiting from the program have called it crucial for a more flexible, customized education. But Hill wrote that while using public funds for certain types of contracts, training and programs with private schools is allowed, using tuition payments for private institutions is not: Our decision draws the line.

The ruling creates immediate questions about what will happen to scholarship recipients who have already obtained their first $1,500 installment and enrolled in new schools. These families dont have much means or many opportunities as is; the family income of these beneficiaries cant be more than 200% of the federal poverty level, which is $62,4000 for a family of four. The ruling also creates longer-term questions about additional private choice programs in South Carolina.

State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver said the decision wreaks havoc on families who are still counting on $4,500 in more state aid this school year. Nearly half these students  48%  are Black, 30% are white, 6.5% are Hispanic or Latino, and 10% are in other minority groups or multiracial, according to state data reported in the South Carolina Daily Gazette.

Weaver said she would work with Gov. Henry McMaster and the General Assembly to find a way forward to support these students and educational freedom for all South Carolina families.

McMaster said the ruling could have devastating consequences for the families who relied on these scholarships for their childs enrollment in school last month and may also jeopardize the future enrollment of tens of thousands of students in state-funded four-year-old kindergarten programs and state-funded scholarships utilized by students at private colleges and HBCUs.

He said the state would ask the Supreme Court to reconsider its ruling.

Given the clarity of the constitution and the rarity of reconsideration, it seems to be a long shot. If Weaver, McMaster and members of the General Assembly want to devise a program that will withstand court scrutiny, they should be working on it now  and working with lawyers who have a better grasp of constitutional law, but their first priority should be a fix for the 3,000 families with uncertain futures. And when lawmakers reconvene in January, they should also revisit open public school enrollment, which is currently restricted in South Carolina. Choice is choice.

They could also heed Alexander Hamilton, who wrote in The Federalist No. 78: The Constitution ought to be preferred to the statute, the intention of the people to the intention of their agents.

South Carolinians know well the states tortured past with trying to get around the constitution, especially as it relates to integration: An experiment with separate schools for Black and white students was mandated in the state constitution in 1895 and mostly accepted until the 1940s when several Black families in Clarendon County asked for a school bus like the 30 their white neighbors had so their children didnt have to ford streams and walk miles to school each day.

Walter Edgars South Carolina: A History records that the school board chair replied, adding a racial slur, We aint got no money to buy a bus for your  children. History records that in 1949, that school district spent $179 for each White student and $43 for each Black student.

In 1950, Thurgood Marshall filed a lawsuit on behalf of 21 parents of those Black students to challenge South Carolinas separate but equal public school system. Briggs v. Elliott later folded into Brown v. Board of Education, and we all know the rest. But did you know the General Assemblys response was to ratify the repeal of the states constitutional mandate to provide public schools and repeal the states compulsory attendance law? As Wednesdays ruling noted, It was unclear how they envisioned South Carolinas children would learn to read and write.

In 1963, the General Assembly passed Act 297 to provide publicly-funded tuition for students in South Carolina to attend private school. It was another way to foil integration, as Hill wrote, and it ended in 1968 after judges saw it for what it was, an attempt to evade constitutional law.

The latest court ruling will force lawmakers to reconsider their options, but it lays out a clear way to send private schools public aid. Its to ask the public to amend the constitution, an approach that has been successfully used at least 100 times since 1974 and twice in 2022 alone.

If lawmakers want to pursue their private choice plan and believe the public will support it, they should put it to such a vote. If they dont, they should move onto other issues. There are plenty.

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Rev. David Kennedy, head of the Laurens County NAACP and New Beginning Missionary Baptist Church, speaks during a news conference Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. (Skylar Laird/SC Daily Gazette)

COLUMBIA  The state Supreme Court will not halt the states first execution in 13 years over an inmates claims of new evidence and legal errors, the court said in a Thursday order.

Freddie Owens, who changed his legal name to Khalil Divine Black Sun Allah, is scheduled to die Sept. 20 by lethal injection. Unless his attorneys file another motion to halt his execution that convinces the high court, the only way to prevent his execution would be for the governor to grant him clemency.

Gov. Henry McMaster has declined to say whether he will give Owens clemency, saying he will announce his decision minutes before Owens is scheduled to die. Civil rights groups are circulating a petition asking McMaster to give Owens a lighter sentence.

Freddie Owens in February 2023 (Provided by SC Department of Corrections)

Any alternative is better than the death penalty! reads the petition circulated by South Carolinians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty.

Owens has been scheduled for execution twice before, both times in 2021. The state Supreme Court halted both executions amid questions about the legality of the available execution methods. The high court resolved those questions in a July order, allowing executions to resume.

Five other inmates have exhausted their appeals processes, meaning the high court can schedule them for execution. The Supreme Court said it will wait at least five weeks between issuing death warrants after inmates attorneys expressed concern about back-to-back executions.

Requests for stays

Owens attorneys claimed to have unearthed new evidence about his 1999 trial, at which Owens was convicted of fatally shooting gas station clerk Irene Graves, a mother of three, during a string of robberies two years prior.

Steven Golden, who was robbing the gas station alongside Owens, was the only eyewitness. He told attorneys last month he had a secret agreement with prosecutors saying they would give him a lesser sentence in exchange for testifying against Owens.

A juror in the original trial also told attorneys she had seen a stun belt around Owens waist, which attorneys argued could have implied Owens was guilty before the jury came to that conclusion.

In a second request, Owens attorneys contended prosecutors failed to prove Owens shot Graves, only that he was present at the time of the robbery. Because of that, and because more egregious crimes in other cases have led to life sentences or less, Owens sentence was excessive, they argued. They also noted the now-46-year-old was only 19 at the time of the robbery.

The court disagreed on all fronts. The evidence Owens attorneys presented as new was available throughout his normal appeals process and referenced in older court filings, the order reads.

Owens assertion that he was somehow not a major participant in the murder is  to say the least  absurd, the order continued: Not only did Owens go into the gas station with a gun, knowing that could lead to a killing, but witnesses identified him as the one to shoot Graves by the mask he wore.

In deciding Owens sentence was appropriate for the situation, the court considered not only the bare facts of the case but Owens other behavior. Included was the fact that Owens admitted he brutally murdered his cellmate during the twenty-four-hour waiting period between his 1999 criminal conviction and his first sentencing trial, the order reads.

Because of that, Owens attorneys did not meet the high bar needed to halt an execution once it is scheduled, the order reads.

Calls for clemency

McMaster told reporters soon after Owens execution was scheduled that he will not publicly share whether he will grant clemency until the day of the execution. About 15 minutes before Owens will be injected with a lethal drug, corrections officials will call McMaster and Attorney General Alan Wilson and ask whether Owens has any pending legal questions or if McMaster will grant him clemency.

Advocates from the American Civil Liberties Union, NAACP and South Carolinians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty hope a petition will convince McMaster to say yes. The petition, which the groups plan to give McMaster before Sept. 20, had just over 2,800 signatures as of Thursday.

The governor has the unique authority to save the life of a South Carolinian, and we call on him to use the authority now and grant clemency to Khalil, said Jace Woodrum, director of the state ACLU.

Along with repeating the arguments Owens attorneys made in asking the Supreme Court to pause his execution, civil rights leaders pointed to disparities in who is sentenced to death. People who are Black, poor or disabled are less likely to have the resources to defend themselves in court, often leading to a higher likelihood of being sentenced to death, said Rev. Hillary Taylor, executive director of South Carolinians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty.

Freddie Khalil Owens fits all three of these categories, Taylor said during a Thursday news conference.

Raised in poverty, Owens was physically abused at home and later in the states juvenile justice system, his attorneys have said. He suffered organic brain damage at some point during his childhood, leaving lasting damage to his frontal lobe, which controls impulse control and emotional regulation, according to court filings.

His attorneys raised that issue in requests to halt Owens scheduled executions in 2021, but the state Supreme Court denied them without addressing the issue. The state cant execute anyone considered incompetent, but that is a standard with a high bar, his attorneys have said.

Individuals with intellectual, developmental, or psychiatric disabilities are often condemned without proper consideration of how their disabilities affect their behavior, understanding, and ability to participate meaningfully in their defense, disability rights group AbleSC said in a statement calling for the governor to grant Owens a lighter sentence.

Civil rights leaders also pointed to the fact that Black people are disproportionately sentenced to death. Of the 282 people executed in South Carolina since 1912, 74% were Black and 26% were white, according to Department of Corrections data.

That gap has gotten smaller since executions resumed nationwide in 1976. Of the 42 people executed in the state since then, 38% were Black and 62% were white, though those numbers are still disproportionate in a state with a population that is 25% Black and 63% white, according to the Death Penalty Information Center.

Of the 32 men listed on South Carolinas death row, 15 are Black and 17 are white, though one white prisoner is on death row in California for crimes committed in that state.

We are asking our governor and all of those who participate with him: Have mercy, said Rev. David Kennedy, who leads the Laurens County NAACP and New Beginning Missionary Baptist Church. We execute justice. We dont execute people.

No South Carolina governor has granted clemency since at least 1976, when the U.S. Supreme Court reinstated the death penalty, according to the Death Penalty Information Center.

Because the last execution in the state took place 13 years ago, this will be the first time McMaster will have to make that decision. The governor, however, has maintained his long-held support for the death penalty as a form of justice for victims families, especially after an inmate has exhausted their legal processes.

Still, advocates said they felt asking him was worth trying.

There is always hope, Taylor said.
JASPER AND HAMPTON COUNTIES, S.C. (WSAV)The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) and other partners have acquired more than 10,000 acres in Jasper and Hampton counties.

The 10,570 acres will be used to protect critical plant and animal habitats while also expanding public recreation opportunities in the Lowcountry. The SCDNR said that there are opportunities for hiking, bird watching, nature photography, hunting and fishing on this new property.

The SCDNR said that the $50 million purchase of the Buckfield and Slater properties establishes what will be known as Coosawhatchie Heritage Preserve/Wildlife Management Area (WMA).

In total, 10,570 acres are protected and make up the property, with an additional 1,992 acres pending, the SCDNR said. Another 13,100 acres of adjoining and nearby land is already protected by public and private entities.

35th Annual Beach/River Sweep to take place on May River

The property acquisition was a joint effort of the Open Space Institute Land Trust, The Nature Conservancy in South Carolina (NCSC), the S.C. Conservation Bank and SCDNRs Heritage Trust Program, along with help from state and federal lawmakers in securing funding, the SCNDR said.

This is another huge victory for conservation in South Carolina and a tribute to the invaluable partnerships that have helped protect Coosawhatchie Heritage Preserve and Wildlife Management area for generations to come, SCDNR Director Robert Boyles said. I am proud that over the last five years SCDNR, with the strong support of our devoted partners, has protected or is in the process of protecting 56,000 acres owned and managed by the agency. We remain steadfast in our commitment to the perpetual stewardship of this precious public resource.

There are approximately 68 priority plant and animal species identified in South Carolinas State Wildlife Action Plan that are known or expected to be found on the property, according to SCDNR. Those include federally at-risk species, including the gopher tortoise, Eastern diamondback rattlesnake and Florida pine snake.

A gopher tortoise at Seabranch Preserve State Park. (Photo by: Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

Eastern diamondback rattlesnake / eastern diamond-backed rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus) venomous pit viper native to the southeastern United States. (Photo by: Arterra/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

Florida pine snake, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

The permanent protection of these properties is significant because it is home to rare are charismatic species like the gopher tortoise and diamondback rattlesnake, the NCSC Coastal and Midlands Conservation Director David Bishop said, but even more important is the larger network it creates by linking other protected properties. Were pleased that this special place will be open for the public to appreciate.

The SCDNR said that the Coosawhatchie HP/WMA consists of upland mixed pine hardwoods, sand ridges, open fields, bottomland hardwoods and waterfowl impoundments. The property also protects more than eight miles of frontage along the Coosawhatchie River, three miles along the Tulifiny River and 25 miles of internal creeks and streams.

This is yet another significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to protect our states most precious natural resources, Gov. Henry McMaster said. By prioritizing conservation, we are not only protecting our environment and wildlife but enhancing our quality of life by ensuring these beautiful landscapes are not lost to overdevelopment but preserved for future generations to enjoy.

The property will be closed during scheduled hunts. Please reference the current SCDNR laws and regulations guide for applicable hunting and fishing rules.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV.
(Bloomberg) -- German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said hes asked the European Union to suspend a new regulation designed to reduce deforestation, as criticism mounts over the new rules.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The German leaders comments add to objections voiced by nations like Brazil, Indonesia and Malaysia, which argue that it will have a negative impact across global commodities markets. Scholz said he shared concerns raised by publishers about the regulation, known as EUDR, and its potential impact on print products when its implemented at the end of this year.

To be clear: the regulation must be practicable, Scholz said on Thursday at a BDZV newspaper lobby congress in Berlin. Scholz said he had personally asked European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, a former German defense minister, to put the EUDR on hold until issues raised by the BDZV have been clarified.

The push back against the deforestation rules  aimed at tackling biodiversity loss  partly reflects resentment from the EUs trading partners over the blocs attempts to impact climate policies beyond its borders. It also coincides with criticism of the EUs green agenda by some European businesses, concerned that environmental regulations could threaten their competitiveness.

The law, formed in the wake of a pledge made at the COP26 climate conference in Glasgow three years ago, has also been slammed for creating red tape and not giving those impacted, including farmers, enough time to prepare. The EUDR also puts at risk more than $110 billion of annual trade across six continents.

In a statement in March, the BDZV said it and other lobby groups had written to the German government and the commission urging them to mitigate the risks, sanctions and burdens for companies posed by the regulation.

In its current form, the EUDR represents not only a major threat to the production of printed products for the general public, but also to press products, election documents, technical documentation, labels and packaging, which are part of critical infrastructure, according to the statement.

Brazil has also urged the EU to delay implementing the law. In a letter to EU officials, seen by Bloomberg, it said the rules cover more than 30% of its exports to the bloc.

The EUDR was designed without a proper understanding of the production and export processes of different products and of the realities on the ground in each country, Mauro Vieira, Brazils minister for foreign affairs, and Carlos Favaro, minister for agriculture, wrote to EU commissioners, including Maros Sefcovic, the blocs Green Deal chief. We consider that unilateral, coercive, and punitive measures erode trust.

A spokesman for the EU confirmed the receipt of the Brazilian letter, but declined to comment on Scholz remarks.

Scholzs comments and Brazils call for a delay add to pressure on the EU to postpone the rules, which aim to tackle the deforestation caused by the expansion of commodities industries such as beef, timber, soy and coffee.

Indonesia and Malaysia have also criticized the law, which they say would hit smallholder farmers the hardest. Several EU countries and lawmakers have also slammed the law for penalizing the agricultural sector.

The Financial Times earlier reported the letter from Brazil.

--With assistance from Simone Iglesias, Agnieszka de Sousa and Ewa Krukowska.

(Updates with Scholz comments starting in first paragraph.)

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CORTLAND, Ohio (WKBN)  The halls of Lakeview High School in Cortland were quiet Thursday after administrators made the last-minute decision to close.

Superintendent Ashley Handrych said administrators and police learned of a series of online messages that left them thinking the district was being threatened. They determined there is no credible threat, and the investigation is ongoing into who and where the messages came from.

Still working with the police department to unravel that and determine exactly where it came from, Handrych said. In that moment, my first concern was the safety of our students and our staff. Thats not something Im ever going to play fast and loose with.

This latest incident comes just hours after several local districts were forced to deal with another series of social media posts this week that were quickly discredited.

It turns out a list like this of districts set to receive federal education funds was being circulated online using the term targeted for schools receiving money. It came on the heels of this months school shooting in Georgia when tensions were already running high.

Anytime there is an incident like Georgia, we prepare ourselves  okay, what are we going to have to deal with, said Lt. Scott Weimer with the Canfield Police Department.

Although no credible threats could be identified, police in both Howland and Springfield townships had extra patrols around schools as a precaution. Authorities stress whenever a possible threat is perceived, they will act quickly.

Part of that is a threat assessment, and I hate to say that, but thats the reality of today. We do threat assessment to determine if there is a threat to the school, Weimer said.

Weimer says its important for students and parents alike to come forward with any suspicions they have and let authorities and administrators do their jobs to keep everyone safe.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
(Photo by Douglas Sacha/Getty Images)

Amid a spate of school shooting threats less than a month into a new school year, Florida school districts are reminding students and communities of the danger and potential long-term consequences of making even hoax threats.

Violent threats against schools have been reported in districts around Florida including in Seminole, Broward, Duval, Madison, Leon, Taylor, Levy, Columbia, and Sarasota counties.

The repercussions of making a threat can last a lifetime, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd reminded students this week.

Its sad, but do you know what many of these students told us? Judd asked. They were just joking. Well, they werent laughing when they were put into handcuffs, arrested for serious felony charges. Im here to tell you that we take all threats of violence very seriously and joking is not an excuse that works.

Making a threat against a school can result in arrest, felony charges, expulsion from school and placement in alternative education. Families, please encourage your children not to be careless with their words and actions. @PolkCoSheriff pic.twitter.com/h6RVoJjsEP  Polk County Public Schools (@PolkSchoolsNews) Sept. 9, 2024

Social media is everywhere. Its easier than ever to find yourself making careless comments that you will later regret, Polk Superintendent Fred Heid said.

Or you might feel pressured to join the latest challenge on social media and cause damage to school or personal property. Unfortunately, you will have set into motion far-ranging consequences. Saying youre sorry wont make the issue go away.

Threats have led to arrests for young Floridians, including an 11-year-old girl who threatened to carry out a school shooting in a social media post Wednesday, according to the St. Lucie County Sheriffs Office.

WPTV reported that the school did not enter a lockdown and the threat was not found to be credible. However, the girl will face severe disciplinary consequences, Sheriff Keith Pearson said.

Spectrum News reported Wednesday that a Lake Brantley High School student was found with an unloaded gun inside the Seminole County school. The student was taken into custody.

The student acquired the gun by stealing it, Spectrum reported.

The Leon County Sheriffs Office arrested a 13-year-old on Thursday for having a loaded handgun and a substance that seemed like cocaine in his backpack, the Tallahassee Democrat reported. The student is being charged with a felony possession of weapon on school grounds, among other charges of possession of cocaine with intent to sell and possession of a weapon by a minor.

The Democrat reported this as the fifth instance of weapons on school grounds in the county.

Since Aug. 1, nine people have been arrested in Duval County for making school threats, according to Jacksonville Sheriffs Office.

Duval County Schools Superintendent Christopher Bernier called upon parents warn their children against rash or joking threats.

Parents, we need you to have a difficult conversation with your children. There are certain things you should never say in an airport as you approach security. Bernier said during a news conference Wednesday with the Sheriffs Office.

Similarly, you should never write or state a threat to harm a school, student, or a person in our community. If that happens, this community will use every tool it has to address it.

Two 14-year-old students were arrested this week for making threats toward North Port High School in the Sarasota School District.

District Superintendent Terry Connor made a statement Thursday to address the rise in social media threats.

These events disrupt the learning environment, Connor said in a video uploaded to YouTube. They waste valuable resources and create unnecessary fear and anxiety. We will not tolerate this behavior in our schools.

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Effects of Parkland

The Broward County School District emphasized that school threats are not a joke, adding that officials will prosecute those who make them.

Its a crime when you make a threat to our school. It is definitely not a joke, Broward County Schools Superintendent Howard Hepburn said in a video for the school community.

Broward, site of the 2018 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School that killed 17 in 2018, has arrested nine students for making online threats, the South Florida Sun Sentinel reported Wednesday. The oldest age of those threatening was 15, the youngest 11.

We plan to prosecute to the fullest extent of the law for any issues of threat in our schools, be it in person or online, Hepburn said. These threats are not a joke, and I want the parents and also the students to understand that one bad decision can ruin or change a young persons trajectory for the rest of their life.

School threats are not a joke, Lori Alhadeff, the mother of a Parkland shooting victim who now chairs the Broward school board, said in the video with Hepburn. They are dangerous, and they have life-altering consequences.

Districts and the state government have increased attempts to secure schools against shootings in recent years, including HB 1473. The law passed this year mandates classrooms be locked, as well as all campus doors, gates, and other access points when students are present.

Some schools took extensive action during the summer to comply with the new law. Officials on the state school safety commission expressed that legislative clarification may be needed for the new law. During a July meeting of the commission, Judd expressed that his staff was having a really hard time interpreting the demands of the law.

Just give me something to explain what all campus access doors means, because I cant physically keep them locked and I dont want to violate the rules, so we need help with some definitions, Judd said, emphasizing the importance of school safety but the technical challenges the law presents.

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This story was updated to include the Leon County firearm and drug arrest after news broke Thursday afternoon.
Dumfries and Galloway Council is consulting on a change to its school week [Getty Images]

Two teaching unions have called on a council to postpone its consultation on plans to change the school week.

The Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) and Scottish Secondary Teachers' Association (SSTA) said there were "nuts and bolts issues" which needed to be sorted in Dumfries and Galloway.

It comes after Unison warned the plans to finish early on a Friday would be "yet another headache" for families.

The council said it was looking to "develop and enhance" provision in the region to ensure it better suited pupils and staff.

Dumfries and Galloway Council is looking at moving to a four-and-a-half day arrangement.

It is currently undertaking a "detailed consultation process" into the potential for the change.

However, that has now provoked criticism from teachers.

EIS local association secretary Andrew O'Halloran said the consultation was not being carried out in line with Local Negotiating Committees for Teachers (LNCT) guidelines.

"Education officials were unable to provide clarity about a whole range of contractual issues, which we would have expected the council to have thought about before launching the consultation," he said.

He said there were also concerns about the lack of an equality impact assessment and the validity of a questionnaire with "some questions constructed to give a preconceived outcome".

SSTA district secretary Jay Young said: "To make a change to the school week without understanding the full implications for all involved is not a sensible way forward for a council.

"To try and push this through without proper consideration could be deemed 'foolhardy' and a waste of valuable council time and money.

"Hopefully, the council will now review the process and engage with all parties to ensure it fully understands the implications of such a change."

They have now asked the council to pause the consultation until the proposals are "fleshed out in full".

'Open forum'

The council said its consultation was open until 11 October and was gathering lots of feedback from a range of groups.

It said working with trade unions was a "key part" of that process and a working group had been set up to give them a "direct route" to have their say.

"We take their concerns seriously and any questions raised by the trade unions will be answered, and we will provide the information their members are seeking," it added.

A meeting was scheduled for Thursday when the council said it hoped the "open forum" would be used to discuss issues further.

It said its aim was to gather all feedback before making any decision.
Schools continue to adapt across Kentucky as the search for Joseph Couch extends another day

Barbourville, KY (FOX 56)  Schools in the area have been navigating unusual circumstances as the search for Joseph Couch continues.

Canceling classes across districts is something some administrators said they deem necessary to keep students and staff safe.

RELATED:

Manhunt for I-75 alleged shooter Joseph Couch continues into day 5

Barbourville Independent Schools superintendent Dennis Messer emphasized the unpredictable nature of current events and the importance of preparedness. In todays world, its ever-changing, and its too often these events are happening. This has happened in our community and with our neighboring county, so we practice for this.

According to Messer, students in Barbourville Independent Schools have not been in the classroom this week. However, remote learning was utilized on Tuesday and Wednesday through ENTI days, which are typically reserved for weather-related closures.

We have utilized two ENTI days, which is basically virtual learning. We usually use those during weather-related events, but we have used them with our students this week. Our teachers have been in contact with students throughout the process, Messer said.

Messer stated that he and other district leaders have been in constant communication with local law enforcement about the status of the manhunt, and decisions are made based on what is deemed best for students and staff.

I feel like with three days off, schools will have to return to normal. We believe weve got a plan in place to ensure that when our kids come, theyll be safe here and on our campus, Messer said.

Barbourville Independent Schools plan to resume in-person classes tomorrow, with additional security measures to be implemented. Messer said, Were going to have some extra police presence on campus tomorrow. Weve been in contact with local officials, and theyve agreed to do additional patrols around campus throughout the day. Well stick to our safety protocols and make sure that the campus is locked down and safe for our students. We look forward to seeing smiling faces in the morning and getting back to some sense of normalcy.

Animal rescue asking for donations after at least 30 dogs removed from alleged Spencer County hoarding case

Other schools in the region are also adjusting their schedules. Rockcastle County Schools resumed classes on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, with enhanced safety protocols in place. A statement from the district read, Rockcastle County Schools will reopen with enhanced safety protocols in place following close coordination with local and state law enforcement. We are committed to ensuring a safe return for all.

In contrast, Corbin Independent Schools have decided to remain closed for the remainder of the week.

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ELIZABETHTON, Tenn. (WJHL)  Over the last two days, multiple schools in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia have received threats over social media.

School districts and law enforcement agencies across the Tri-Cities region have released information regarding the multitude of circulating threats. In most cases, either the authorities or school administrators have declared the threats to not be credible after investigating.

Police: Juvenile charged with four counts of death threats at a school in Washington County, Va.

At least one juvenile has been arrested in the region connected to school threats, and one high school briefly entered a precautionary lockdown on Thursday morning. The rash of school threats comes roughly one week after a shooting at Apalachee High School in Georgia, which resulted in the deaths of two students and two teachers and left nine other people injured.

Below is available information from police and school districts in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia.

Northeast Tennessee

Carter County  Around 11 p.m. Wednesday, Carter County Schools announced that it was aware of a social media post that included a threat to one of the districts schools and was working with local law enforcement. Carter County Schools stated it would have enhanced security measures in place at all schools on Thursday and was treating the threat with the utmost seriousness.

The Carter County Sheriffs Office issued its own statement on Thursday afternoon saying that after investigating the threats, no local connection was found and the threats appeared to be both old and from out of the state. The sheriffs office stated the threats were not credible and have been previously circulated.

Elizabethton  On Thursday morning, Elizabethton Police Chief Jason Shaw issued a statement, saying the police department was aware of a social media threat from the YourNext social media post. Shaw stated that investigators worked through the night and found that the photo in question is about two years old, comes from out of the area and has been circulated before. Additionally, the post comes from an out-of-state IP address with no local connection found.

Several schools across Tri-Cities region receiving threats in wake of Georgia shooting

Hawkins County  Hawkins County Schools informed parents that it had received social media threats on Wednesday evening and was working with the Hawkins County Sheriffs Office and the Rogersville Police Department. The Hawkins County Sheriffs Office later reported that it had located a person of interest and additional law enforcement would be at schools on Thursday.

At 9:10 a.m. Thursday, Hawkins County Schools posted saying that the suspect who is believed to be responsible for threats against both Hawkins County Schools and Rogersville City School had been arrested and was in court that morning.

Volunteer High School entered a Green Lockdown for less than an hour Thursday morning out of precaution while law enforcement responded to a rumor, according to the school district. Hawkins County Schools said class schedules were not affected, as Green Lockdown keeps students in classes and closes the exterior of the school.

Johnson City  Around 6:20 p.m. on Wednesday, Johnson City Schools sent a message to parents and guardians of students, stating that the school district was aware of an online threat that was circulating. The hit list reportedly contained the names of several schools in multiple states. The message stated that Johnson City Schools had worked with the Department of Homeland Security and the Johnson City Police Department, who determined no Johnson City Schools were on the list and there was no credible evidence of any threats.

Kingsport  John Sevier Middle School received a threat over social media on Wednesday morning. Assistant Superintendent Andy True told News Channel 11 Wednesday that the school district worked with the Kingsport Police Department and found the threat was not credible. True said Kingsport City Schools has structures in place to provide school counselors to any student who needs one.

Rogersville  Shortly after 10:30 p.m. Wednesday, Rogersville City School posted on its Facebook page that the Rogersville Police Department had located a person of interest regarding social media threats the school had received earlier that evening. At 5:27 a.m. Thursday, the school announced a person was in custody for making the social media threat. Additional Rogersville police officers were present at the school Thursday.

Sullivan County  The Sullivan County Sheriffs Office issued a news release on Thursday stating it had been informed of social media threats against schools in Sullivan County and in neighboring jurisdictions. The sheriffs office reports it investigated the threats and found them to not be credible. The sheriffs office asked that if anyone ever discovers a threat to contact law enforcement rather than share them and cause panic.

Southwest Virginia

Washington County  A juvenile suspect was charged with four counts of threats of death or serious injury at a school on Wednesday, according to the Washington County Virginia Sheriffs Office. The sheriffs office reported the social media posts tied to the threats included aerial views of four local schools with disturbing sound effects. While the post was investigated, the sheriffs office, Virginia State Police and the Abingdon Police Department assisted with extra patrols at the schools in the county.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.
BAE Systems Australia Unveils Advanced Autonomous Combat Vehicle ATLAS CCV

BAE Systems Australia has unveiled the Autonomous Tactical Light Armour System (ATLAS) Collaborative Combat Variant (CCV), an advanced 88 uncrewed ground vehicle for military operations. This innovative UGV offers high autonomy for on and off-road missions, featuring sophisticated sensors and a VANTAGE Automated Turret System with a 25mm Bushmaster cannon. Developed as a self-funded project with partners like Supacat and Valhalla Turrets, the ATLAS CCV can perform reconnaissance, surveillance, and direct fire engagement roles. Its modular design allows for mission-specific configurations and future upgrades, significantly advancing autonomous military systems. (Read more)

Ukraine Bolsters Combat Medical Capabilities with Unmanned Evacuation Vehicles

The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has approved FoxTac unmanned evacuation and logistics transporters for military use after screening by the governments defense innovations arm Brave1. The sophisticated four-wheeled robotic vehicle can carry up to 150 kg, operates quietly with a low profile, and is controllable from up to 700 meters away. Lt. Col. Ihor Shcherbakov of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Medical Service emphasized the systems potential to save lives and maintain unit combat effectiveness. This adoption reflects Ukraines efforts to integrate advanced technologies into its military operations, particularly for enhancing battlefield medical response capabilities amid ongoing conflict.

Piaseckis Tilt-Duct VTOL Achieves First Hover, Advancing Military Aviation Technology

Piasecki Aircraft successfully conducted two 1-minute tethered hover tests of its Aerial Reconfigurable Embedded System (ARES) demonstrator on September 6, 2024, in Essington, Pennsylvania. The innovative tilt-duct VTOL aircraft was tested both as a standalone flight module and with the U.S. Armys Mobile Multiple Mission Module attached, showcasing its stability and adaptability. This milestone is part of Piaseckis $37 million contract with the U.S. Air Force and Army to develop ARES as an autonomous platform for missions like casualty evacuation and cargo resupply.

Anduril and Oracle Join Forces to Enhance Global Military Command and Control

Anduril Industries has partnered with Oracle to integrate its Lattice C2 platform with Oracle Cloud Infrastructure and OCI Roving Edge Infrastructure. This collaboration aims to deliver secure, scalable mission capabilities across all classification levels, from data centers to tactical edge environments globally. The integration combines Andurils Menace hardware with Oracles cloud technologies to enable real-time operational awareness and autonomous decision-making in challenging, disconnected environments. This partnership represents a significant advancement in military command and control systems, addressing the need for advanced, adaptable communication tools in modern warfare scenarios.

DroneShield and Supacat Debut Mobile Counter-Drone System at Land Forces 2024

DroneShield and Supacat Asia Pacific unveiled an integrated counter-UAS solution at the Land Forces 2024 exhibition. The solution combines DroneShields DroneSentry-X Mk2 system with Supacats Medium Utility Vehicle (MUV). This mobile platform is designed for Army operations in archipelagic environments, offering wide-area UAS detection and adaptive disruption capabilities. The integration leverages Supacats modular design philosophy to provide rapid adaptability and superior mobility. This collaboration aims to enhance military responsiveness against emerging drone threats, providing increased protection for deployed forces in modern warfare scenarios.

Army Boosts Reconnaissance Capabilities with New Company-Level Drone Systems

The U.S. Army has selected two Small Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (SUAS) for company-level operations: the Ghost X by Anduril Industries and the C-100 UAS from Performance Drone Works. The $14.417 million contract, part of a Directed Requirement approved in June 2023, aims to enhance reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition capabilities at the company level. The systems, vetted for compliance with the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act, were chosen within five months of the initial notification, demonstrating the Armys commitment to rapid modernization. Gen. James Rainey, Commanding General U.S. Army Futures Command, emphasized the importance of adaptability and considering UAS as complete systems, not just air vehicles. (Read more)

More news coverage in our topical channels includes:
The next online meeting of the European Network of National Human Rights Institutions (ENNHRI) Working Group on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities has been held, Azernews reports.

The main goal of the meeting, which included participation from staff of national human rights institutions that are members of the Working Group, as well as representatives of international organizations, was to discuss the promotion, protection, and monitoring of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and the work done in this regard over the past period.

After the speech by ENNHRI Secretary General Debbi Kohner, information was provided about the measures taken over the past year by national human rights institutions in various countries regarding the rights of persons with disabilities, and positive practices were highlighted.

At the meeting, Shahla Aslanova, Chief Advisor of the Ombudsmans Office on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, spoke about the activities of the Azerbaijani Ombudsman. She informed participants about the establishment of an independent monitoring group within the institution for monitoring and promoting the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, as mandated by the amendment to the Constitutional Law On the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan. She also highlighted the recent changes to other legislative acts in the country related to the Ombudsmans new powers, the organization of educational events for state agency employees to increase awareness on this topic, and the addition of an accessibility menu to the Ombudsmans updated website.

Additionally, it was reported that this year, within the framework of international cooperation, the Azerbaijani Ombudsman presented a parallel report to the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and was involved in a project carried out by the UN Partnership on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in the country.

It was noted that, as part of the upcoming International Baku Forum on Climate Change and Human Rights organized by the Ombudsman in October, measures to ensure accessibility for persons with disabilities are also planned.

Representatives from other member countries of the Working Group, in addition to those from Azerbaijan, also spoke at the meeting.
FILE - Trees stand in wooded areas alongside Interstate 75 near Livingston, Ky., Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, as police search for a suspect in a shooting Saturday along the Interstate. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley, File)

Carol Hasty's grandchildren are back in school a few days after a gunman opened fire on a nearby highway in Kentucky but she's not happy about it  even with the increased police protection.

Hasty said schools in Rockcastle County should have stayed closed, with students shifting to virtual learning from home, until the assailant who sprayed bullets onto Interstate 75 is caught. Rockcastle County is just north of where 12 vehicles were hit and five people wounded in the Saturday attack.

The search continued Thursday in a rugged, wooded area where Joseph Couch, the suspected gunman, is presumed to be hiding. The attack was in Laurel County in southeastern Kentucky but the closest town is Livingston in Rockcastle County. Livingston is 63 miles (101 kilometers) south of Lexington, Kentucky.

Rockcastle County schools reopened Wednesday and Hasty's grandchildren  a seventh-grade girl and a fifth-grade boy  are riding the bus to school. Their bus gets a police escort, Hasty said, but that hasn't eased her safety concerns when the gunman is still at large.

If he wanted to shoot a bus, it dont matter if there are 10 police cars," Hasty said by phone Thursday.

Schools remained closed in several other districts in the area, with virtual instruction underway in some, as residents remain on edge as the intense police search continues.

In Rockcastle County, school officials worked with law enforcement to enhance security when schools reopened, the district said in a social media post. More police are assigned to school campuses, all students and staff stay inside during the school day and classroom doors are locked. Some bus routes were suspended and police escorts were provided for buses in areas closest to the shooting site. School administrators there didn't return a call Thursday seeking comment.

The district has worked diligently to ensure a safe return for students and staff, with enhanced safety protocols to prioritize the well-being of the entire school community, the district said on social media.

Sherry Barron said school officials had a tough decision to make, but she would have preferred virtual learning at least through this week to give searchers more time to find the suspect. Her seventh-grade son wasn't worried about going back to school, she said, and she trusts the safety plan.

The kids are safe," she said by phone. "So I felt very comfortable with sending him to school.

During a Thursday stop in Laurel County to meet with law enforcement officials, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said Rockcastle County officials had devised a good safety plan. And authorities have double-downed on efforts to keep area residents safe as the search continues, he said.

We will not pull resources away from the search for those other activities," the governor said. "We just want to make sure that people are ready to try to get back to their day-to-day lives, that theres that extra (law enforcement) presence where people can feel just a little bit better.

Kentucky State Police troopers have been brought in from across the state to aid in the search focused on a remote area about 8 miles (13 kilometers) north of London, the county seat for Laurel County where law enforcement has been stationed.

The search continues from the ground and air in a coordinated effort among local, state and federal agencies, state police Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr. said Thursday.

Its very treacherous terrain and it takes time, but were going to clear that area," Burnett said. "And then, after we clear this area, then we may have to expand and tailor our activities going forward.

Four of the people wounded have been released from the hospital and the other victim is expected to survive, Beshear said.

Being somebody that's had friends in these mass shootings that did not go as well, this is a blessing even in a really terrible situation, the governor told reporters later at the Kentucky statehouse.

One of Beshear's closest friends died in a 2023 mass shooting at a bank in Louisville, Kentucky.

Shortly before the weekend shooting in southeastern Kentucky, Couch, 32, wrote in a text message: Im going to kill a lot of people. Well try at least. In a separate text message, Couch wrote, Ill kill myself afterwards. The messages were revealed in an arrest warrant affidavit.

The affidavit did not describe the relationship between Couch and the woman who received the texts. Couch and the woman have a child together but were never married, according to an attorney who handled the custody arrangement for the couple and their son born in 2016.

Beshear said the threat of gun violence is an evil that is currently in our society and should spur a real conversation about doing something. He touted a measure known as a red flag law that allows courts to issue temporary orders barring someone from possessing guns based on some showing of imminent danger. Kentucky has no such law and few regulations on purchasing guns and carrying them in public.

A red flag law might not have stopped all of these, but it could stop some of them, Beshear said.
Peter Neff understands the allure of the worlds fifth-largest continent.

The camera roll on his phone is brimming with videos and photos of his trips to Antarctica, where the glaciologist and climate scientist has spent days and weeks at a time collecting ice core samples. His work helps develop a record of past climate conditions and anticipate whats to come.

When the pandemic lockdowns started to keep everyone at home, Neff, a professor at the University of Minnesota, upped his social media presence by posting explanations of his work online under the username Icy Pete. He reposted a video to TikTok that had done well on X, which captures the sound a chunk of ice makes when it falls 90 meters down a borehole (Pew! Just like the sound of a gunshot in a cartoon). It was an immediate success, garnering more than 30,000 views.

A view of the sloping iceberg in Antarctica in February. Scientists like glaciologist Peter Neff are focusing on mapping changes in Antarctica's glaciers and ice sheets. (Sebnem Coskun / Anadolu / Getty Images)

In 2024 (and 2022), Neff was featured as a Climate Creator to Watch , a collaboration between startup media Pique Action and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and his posts had gained more than 4 million likes.

As a scientist, my job is to tell folks what the situation is and what we could choose to do to not make it worse, or to make it better, Neff said in an interview. I hope I can provide information that is accurately used to describe the challenges that we face, because it is quite serious.

As the internet accommodates a growing range of voices, scientists studying climate and the environment have taken to sharing their work online, translating obscure topics and discoveries into accessible bits of information. Instead of waiting years for their studies and work to be published in academic journals, scientists like Neff have used social media to extend their reach  and their brand.

Read more: Even frozen Antarctica is being walloped by climate extremes, scientists find

Joe Hanson , the biologist who hosts PBS "Be Smart" series, is a well-known voice on climate issues on YouTube. One 44-second video explaining the Keeling curve (a daily record of global atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration) has 2.4 million views. His 28-minute video tackling climate change myths has been viewed more than 900,000 times. Climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe has an authoritative presence on Instagram and partners with influencers to spread the gospel of climate science. Peter Kalmus took the internet by storm in 2022 when he and other scientists chained himself to the door of the J.P. Morgan Chase office building in downtown Los Angeles to protest the companys fossil fuel investments and were subsequently arrested. On X, his ClimateHuman account has more than 330,000 followers.

The potential to attract likes is enormous. According to the Pew Research Center , one survey found about half of U.S. adults said they reported seeing news at least sometimes while using social media platforms.

Neff has studied glaciology for 15 years and has traveled several times to the Antarctic region to study ice cores  cylinders of drilled ice that serve as records of past climate change and are extracted from ice sheets and glaciers. Among his many titles, he is the director of field research and data for the Center for Oldest Ice Exploration.

Katharine Hayhoe at the COP27 U.N. Climate Summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, in 2022. Hayhoe has an authoritative presence on Instagram and partners with influencers to share climate science. (Nariman El-Mofty / Associated Press)

On TikTok, Neff explains the process of how to go from old air in ice to an air sample in 60 seconds. While an academic journal entry might take on more scientific terms and explanations, Neff breaks down the process of his work with ice cores in laymans terms, rushing through the narration  drill your ice core borehole, load ice in the vacuum chamber, melt that ice  in a matter-of-fact voice for a video that has more than 617,000 views as of this writing.

Neffs TikTok account had 224,000 followers, and a graduate student and fellow Antarctica scientist, Austin Carter, who also posts about their work through the Center for Oldest Ice Exploration, has eclipsed him with nearly 254,000 followers.

According to a study published in January by the Center for Countering Digital Hate, a British nonprofit that monitors online hate speech, climate denialism has shifted from denying global warming is happening to claiming climate solutions wont work and that the climate movement is unreliable across all platforms. (The study, which reviewed about 12,000 videos using artificial intelligence, also found that YouTube makes up to $13.4 million from channels posting denial.)

Neff has some unkind words for climate deniers. At one point, he deleted a video that showed sun halos in Antarctica because it had gone viral among flat Earthers who were trying to use the video as proof that the world is not, in fact, round.

These people are brick walls  and youre not going to change anybodys mind, he said. You dont know what people are going to do with your content once you post it.

Read more: The Arctic Ocean could be 'ice-free' within the decade, researchers warn

The climatologist stresses the role scientists can play in spreading fact-based information.

Im trying to just educate people  especially with all of our work being publicly funded, Neff said. Were obligated to share about it.

Ayana Elizabeth Johnson , a marine biologist, took a different path to social media stardom. As the former executive director of the La Jolla-based Waitt Institute , which implements sustainable ocean plans and policy, she led communication efforts to make sure Barbudan fishing communities had input in proposing policy. She began running Facebook pages for the effort, and found she had a knack for communicating her work to the public. Next, she began blogging for National Geographic and writing freelance stories.

Marine biologist Ayana Elizabeth Johnson speaks onstage during a NYC Climate Strike rally and demonstration at Battery Park in 2019. (Ron Adar / SOPA Images/Sipa USA /Associated Press)

To me, all of climate, environmental communication is about how can we repeat each others successes and avoid others failures, said Johnson, who has studied marine biology for about 12 years. So that requires getting in the weeds a little and hopefully, in a way thats appealing and welcoming as opposed to like, boring and insufferable.

Johnson has acquired her expertise through many endeavors. Shes the Roux Distinguished Scholar at Bowdoin College, a co-founder of the think tank Urban Ocean Lab and the All We Can Save Project, both of which promote sustainable marine and climate solutions. This month, Johnson will release her book What if We Get it Right? which features conversations with farmers, climate activists and financiers  among others  in an effort to map out possible climate futures. In addition, she appears in several publications and platforms in an effort to convince the general public that there is still hope in avoiding climate catastrophe.

On TikTok, where she does not have an account, a snippet from one of her Ted Talks with five facts about parrotfish has more than 400,000 views. Johnson is often featured on podcasts as a guest to talk about ocean conservation, and followers share her climate action Venn diagram to inspire action and defeat hopelessness.

She gained a big chunk of her followers in 2020, after the Washington Post published her op-ed that tackled climate policy and racism. The content she posts under her name is personal and conversational (she has more than 120,000 followers on Instagram) but the organizations that she runs stick to policy-driven posts.

Conversations among members of the public, scientists and policymakers are all part of working toward a climate solution, Johnson said. That is really at the heart of the way I attempt to share information, is not by me being out there just like screaming into the void as one person but by trying to make this a collective conversation.

For now, Johnson said she will continue her begrudging relationship with social media and continue to be a voice that people can rely on when it comes to climate policy ahead of the November presidential election, and even local races, which have a direct impact on voters.

Theres an intense amnesia in the United States about the Trump administration, and how awful that was for the environment, she said, citing the hundreds of environmental regulations on clean air and water that he rolled back. I just really want to do my little part in helping people understand how to be a climate voter. The people who follow me care about this issue, but its really hard to get good information from a person that you trust.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  A scuba diver has died after exploring a shipwreck on Lake Michigan.

The Kenosha County Sheriffs Office in Wisconsin says dispatchers received a distress call around 11:30 Tuesday morning for a diver who had not returned to the surface.

The diver, identified as 72-year-old Patrick Kelly, from Illinois, was exploring the wreckage of the S.S. Wisconsin off the coast of Pleasant Prairie  a village about 40 miles south of Milwaukee. The wreckage is about 6 miles off the coast and 130 feet under the surface of the water.

An undated file photo of the S.S. Wisconsin from the Milwaukee Public Library. (Courtesy Wisconsin Historical Society)

When Mr. Kelly did not resurface when he was scheduled to do so, his wife, who was on board their vessel, sent out a distress call requesting immediate help, the sheriffs office said in a news release.

The Nelson: 125 years later, one of Lake Superiors darkest tales retold

The Kenosha County Sheriffs Office responded, along with local fire crews and the U.S. Coast Guard. After several hours of searching, the lakes conditions deteriorated and recovery efforts were postponed. Crews returned the next morning and eventually recovered Kellys body.

Using a combination of sonar and several remotely operated vehicles, Mr. Kelly was located approximately 125 feet below the surface on the bottom of Lake Michigan in the area of the S.S. Wisconsin, the release stated.

A cars frame and a tire are visible within the wreckage of the S.S. Wisconsin. (Courtesy Wisconsin Historical Society)

An archaeologist surveys the capstan of the S.S. Wisconsin. (Courtesy Wisconsin Historical Society)

A glass porthole remains in tact on the S.S. Wisconsin, which sits approximately 130 feet below the surface of Lake Michigan. (Courtesy Wisconsin Historical Society)

A portion of the S.S. Wisconsins smokestack remains in tact on the bottom of Lake Michigan. (Courtesy Wisconsin Historical Society)

According to the Wisconsin Historical Society, the S.S. Wisconsin was built in 1881 and went down on Oct. 30, 1929, claiming nine lives. The ship was reportedly caught in a storm, which caused its cargo to shift and forced the boat to take on water. The ship sank after its pumps couldnt keep up with the incoming water.

Lake Michigan Triangle: The might of the Great Lakes is more powerful than any myth

Whats left of the boat is sitting upright at the bottom, including some I-beams that remain intact. Divers can also see three cars trapped in the ships rear cargo hold.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
Typhoon Yagi smashed into Vietnam at the weekend, bringing a colossal deluge that has triggered severe flooding and landslides (Xuan Quang) (Xuan Quang/AFP/AFP)

Millions of people across Southeast Asia struggled Thursday with flooded homes, power cuts and wrecked infrastructure after Typhoon Yagi swept through the region, as the death toll passed 250.

In worst-hit Vietnam, the fatalities rose to 226, with nine confirmed dead in northern Thailand -- where one district is suffering its worst floods in 80 years.

Myanmar's national fire service confirmed the country's first Yagi-related deaths after 17 bodies were recovered from flooded villages in the Mandalay region, while more than 50,000 people have been forced from their homes.

Yagi brought a colossal deluge of rain that has inundated a swathe of northern Vietnam, Laos, Thailand and Myanmar, triggering deadly landslides and widespread river flooding.

One farmer on the edge of Hanoi told AFP his entire 1,800 square metre peach blossom plantation was submerged, destroying all 400 of his trees.

"It will be so hard for me to recover from this loss -- I think I will lose up to $40,000 this season," said the farmer, who gave his name only as Tu.

"I really don't know what to do now, I'm just waiting for the water to recede."

The United Nations children's agency (UNICEF) said the typhoon had damaged more than 140,000 homes across 26 provinces in Vietnam.

Floodwaters in Vietnam are receding, draining through the Red River -- the main watercourse in the area -- into the sea.

Authorities in several districts in the Red River delta ordered more than 50,000 people to evacuate their homes as a precaution while the runoff passes through.

- Communications cut off -

The floods have devastated more than 250,000 hectares of crops and huge numbers of livestock, Vietnam's agriculture ministry said, with farmland around Hanoi hit hard.

In the deadliest single incident, a landslide in Lao Cai province annihilated an entire village of 37 houses, killing at least 42 people with 53 still unaccounted for.

Rescue teams pulled victims from the mud on Thursday, carrying them on stretchers to makeshift shelters where neighbours and relatives carefully washed the bodies in readiness for burial.

Survivors picked through the mud and wreckage to retrieve what family heirlooms and possessions they could find.

Fifteen bodies have been recovered in Cao Bang province after a landslide on Monday pushed a bus, along with several cars and motorbikes, into a stream, state media said Thursday.

- Myanmar camps -

Myanmar's junta government has set up around 50 camps to help people affected by the floods, Lay Shwe Zin Oo, director of the social welfare, relief and resettlement ministry told AFP.

The Global New Light of Myanmar, the state-run newspaper, said train services on the main line between Yangon and Mandalay were suspended because some sections were flooded.

The Mekong River Commission, the international body overseeing the crucial waterway, issued a flood warning on Thursday for the historic Laotian city of Luang Prabang.

The Mekong is expected to hit flood levels in the coming days in Luang Prabang, a UNESCO world heritage site, the commission said in a bulletin.

In Thailand the death toll has risen to nine, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation said, including six killed in landslides in Chiang Mai province.

All flights were suspended in and out of the airport in Chiang Rai, some 145 kilometres (90 miles) northeast of Chiang Mai, aviation authorities said.

Further north, Mae Sai district on the border with Myanmar is suffering its worst floods in 80 years, Suttipong Juljarern, a senior interior ministry official said in a statement.

The Jet Ski Association of Thailand has sent 16 jet skis to help with relief efforts, Dechnarong Suticharnbancha, the body's president told AFP.

Some of the currents in the floodwaters are too strong for normal boats but jet skis are able to navigate them because of their powerful engines.

A video showing champion jet skier Kasidit Teeraprateep rescuing an old woman from a torrent of murky water circulated on Thai social media.

Heavy monsoon rains lash Southeast Asia every year, but human-made climate change is causing more intense weather patterns that can make destructive floods more likely.

Climate change is causing typhoons to form closer to the coast, intensify faster and stay longer over land, according to a study published in July.

burs-pdw/ssy
The southern giant petrel was one of seven species studied [Professor Richard Phillips]

Several seabird species are having to fly further to find food because of sea ice melting in Antarctica, a study has claimed.

Albatrosses and petrels which breed on islands near the continent could be negatively impacted by its receding sea ice, academics from Durham University and the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) said.

They studied foraging data collected for seven species from 1992 to 2023, with their findings published in the Progress in Oceanography journal.

BAS previously warned the floating sea ice had reached a record low level which was "extremely unlikely" without climate change.

Sea ice forms on the sea's surface during winter and melts during the summer.

Several species of albatross and petrel fly "huge distances" to parts of the Southern Ocean to feed in the "nutrient-enriched waters" left by melted ice or scavenge on seals on the ice itself, the Durham academics said.

It is believed albatrosses feed in the nutrient-rich waters of melted sea ice [Professor Richard Phillips]

A spokesman said: "The findings suggest Antarcticas shrinking sea ice could force seabirds to travel further from their breeding grounds to find food, or it could alter the patterns of where that food can be found.

"In turn, this could affect the ecosystems these birds are a part of."

Dr Ewan Wakefield, of the university's Department of Geography, said: "Antarcticas receding sea ice, driven by climate change, could affect not just the penguins, familiar to many people, that breed on the continent, but also huge numbers of seabirds breeding hundreds or thousands of miles away."

The study looked at satellite data for seven species living on South Georgia, about 1,000 miles (1,600km) from Antarctica, analysing 2,497 trips made by 1,289 birds over a 31-year period.

Birds such as the white-chinned petrel are thought to scavenge on seals in the sea ice [Professor Richard Phillips]

The report said Antarctic sea ice was relatively stable during the period when the data was recorded, but over the past five years had reached record lows, with BAS saying there were more than 770,000 sq miles (2m sq km) less ice than usual in the winter of 2023.

The academics said further study was needed on what exactly the birds were eating, how they actually "interacted" with sea ice and the impact during the beginning and end of the breeding season.

The research also included BirdLife International, the University of Barcelona, the University of Helsinki, Stony Brook University and the University of Coimbra.

Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. Send your story ideas to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk.

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SEATTLE - Baggage and flight information displays at Seattle-Tacoma International are fully back online after nearly three weeks of outages related to a cyberattack in August.

FOX 13 previously reported that some of the displays were coming back. Wednesday's announcement from Sea-Tac Airport confirms the full restoration of the service throughout the airport.

All flight and baggage information displays are now showing every airlines schedule throughout the terminal. Travelers are seeing their normal travel experience at SEA. We appreciate all your patience over the last few weeks. pic.twitter.com/vaRAkadlsR  Seattle-Tacoma Intl. Airport (@flySEA) September 11, 2024

"All flight and baggage information displays are now showing every airlines schedule throughout the terminal. Travelers are seeing their normal travel experience at SEA. We appreciate all your patience over the last few weeks," read a post from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on X (formerly Twitter) on September 11.

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Seattle market sees rise in home listings, higher prices

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Billionaire rap mogul Sean Diddy Combs has been mired in numerous accusations of sexual assault and other misconduct in the last year.

On Monday, a Lenawee County circuit court judge in Michigan issued a $100-million default judgment against Combs, who was sued for sexual assault by inmate Derrick Lee Cardello-Smith.

Cardello-Smith, 51, reportedly filed a civil suit in June that alleged Combs, 54, drugged and sexually assaulted him in 1997 at a party in Detroit. During a virtual hearing in August regarding a request for a temporary restraining order, Cardello-Smith indicated he would be requesting a default judgment in the case since Combs had failed to respond to the lawsuit within the mandated timeline. Combs was absent from Mondays hearing.

Read more: Sean 'Diddy' Combs hit with $100-million default judgment in inmate's sexual assault suit

Judge Anna Marie Anzalone set Combs payment schedule to $10 million a month for 10 months starting Oct. 1.

Attorney Ann Olivarius, the chair and senior partner of law firm McAllister Olivarius, told The Times via email that while "default judgments are common ... the stakes involved here are high."

"Generally false accusations of sexual assault are rare and it is uncommon for a defendant to simply ignore proper service," said Olivarius. "Combs and his attorney must have known that Judge Anzalone had deemed Derrick Lee Cardello-Smiths service to be proper. I can only conclude that they took a calculated risk by refusing to respond to that service."

Combs, through his legal representatives, denied the allegations and accused Cardello-Smith of committing fraud on the court from prison.

Mr. Combs has never heard of him let alone been served with any lawsuit, Combs attorney Marc Agnifilo said in a statement to The Times on Tuesday. Mr. Combs looks forward to having this judgment swiftly dismissed.

Read more: Diddy sued by Danity Kane's Dawn Richard; sexual assault, inhumane treatment alleged

In addition to being named in numerous civil lawsuits alleging sexual misconduct, Combs has been the subject of a federal inquiry into sex trafficking allegations that led to the March raids of his homes in L.A. and Miami. Combs has denied nearly every sexual misconduct allegation levied against him but publicly apologized for assaulting Cassie Ventura, after video surfaced of him violently attacking his then-girlfriend.

"While raids on Combs properties have been conducted as part of a criminal sex trafficking probe, no criminal charges have yet been filed against him," said Olivarius. "The ongoing scrutiny of Combs past is a reminder that the civil justice system can add firepower to a criminal system that is often struggling to cope. Civil courts can help bring serial predators to justice through media attention."

Here is everything we know about Cardello-Smith's lawsuit against Combs.

Who is the accuser?

Cardello-Smith was described as an inmate known for his long history of challenging the judicial system with civil lawsuits by the Detroit Metro Times. He is currently serving time at the Earnest C. Brooks Correctional Facility on numerous counts of criminal sexual conduct and kidnapping, according to online records. It was previously reported that between 2020 to 2024, Cardello-Smith was a named plaintiff in more than 30 civil lawsuits, some concerning prisoner rights.

"[Cardello-Smith] has filed multiple suits while incarcerated and has represented himself in each case," said Olivarius. "I have no idea how accurate his testimony is, but I would expect the defense to push hard on this, seeking to undermine the credibility of his allegations."

What are the allegations?

In his lawsuit, Cardello-Smith claims that he met Combs while working in the restaurant and hospitality industry around Detroit. He alleges he was drugged and sexually assaulted by Combs while he was working at a party in 1997.

Read more: What to know about the Sean 'Diddy' Combs arrest, lawsuits, raids

What is a default judgment?

A default judgment is generally a ruling found in favor of the plaintiff when the defendant fails to properly respond to a court summons or appear in court. The specific criteria and procedures vary by jurisdiction, but the plaintiff usually requests the judge to decide the case without the defendant's input since the defendant didn't respond to the official notice that they are being sued.

Can Combs appeal?

According to Olivarius, Failing to engage with the courts is not a good defense strategy, but its also a relatively easy thing for the defense to put aside.

It all comes down to whether Combs has a meritorious defense, said Olivarius. The courts are more likely to engage with the argument that the suit was without merit than they are to enforce a $100-million default judgment.

A defendant subject to a default judgment can file a motion that asks a court to vacate the judgment in some situations. This includes a defendant providing a valid reason for not appearing in court or ignoring the summons, such as not knowing about the lawsuit because they were not properly served.

Adds Olivarius: Beyond this, Combs and his attorney can appeal the $100-million judgment, even if the verdict holds. The courts have broad discretion here so its not a foregone conclusion that the default judgment will hold and its far from certain that the award will hold.

There have been some questions raised about whether Cardello-Smith served Combs properly in connection with this lawsuit. Agnifilo has stated Combs was never served. But during the August virtual hearing, Judge Anzalone noted that the court has proof of proper service. At the same hearing, Cardello-Smith claimed that Combs had visited him in prison to discuss the lawsuit.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Authorities continue to search for a young mother who disappeared in Los Angeles County in 2015.

Monique Figueroa, 27, was last seen leaving her Littlerock home to visit the Florence area on May 19, 2015, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department.

Her father was the last person to see her drive away from their home on the 7200 block of East Avenue U-12 at around 4 a.m.

Her disappearance is being investigated as suspicious and as a possible kidnapping, said LASD. Investigators also said there is a strong likelihood that foul play was involved.

Moniques daughter was 2 years old at the time and family members said she would never abandon her.

Shes a good mother, she wouldnt leave, said Jeff Figueroa, Moniques father. She wouldnt just leave a 2-year-old daughter at home. Shes a really good girl. She always worked and she wouldnt just disappear like that.

Monique Figueroa is seen in photos provided by her family.

Monique Figueroa is seen in photos provided by her family.

Monique Figueroa is seen in a flyer distributed by the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department.

Monique Figueroa is seen in photos provided by her family.

On May 30, 2015, Moniques 2004 black Mercedes Benz SUV was discovered in the unincorporated area of Juniper Hills, about seven miles from her home, authorities said. Monique, however, was nowhere to be found.

Jeff said his daughters vehicle had scratches on it like itd been run off the road.

He said he was concerned his daughters boyfriend was involved in her disappearance. Moniques boyfriend was arrested in March 2015 and was in jail at the time she disappeared, according to online county inmate records.

In June 2016, detectives received a tip that remains were possibly buried on a vacant multi-acre field on the 11100 block of Pearblossom Highway.

Investigators spent days digging holes and using cadaver dogs to identify possible burial sites, but nothing was found. Detectives had searched the same property twice before, each time coming up with nothing, authorities said.

At the time, Jeff told KTLA he was frustrated that more wasnt being done to find his daughter.

A candlelight vigil was held for Monique in 2015 at Littlerock Community Church where more than 100 friends and family members gathered. Her loved ones are hoping that Monique might still be alive today.

Monique is described as a Hispanic female standing 5 feet 3 inches tall and weighing 140 pounds. She has shoulder-length brown hair and hazel eyes.

SoCal mother of toddler found dead in hot car was drunk, passed out inside: police

On Sept. 11, a $20,000 reward was renewed by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone responsible for her disappearance.

My heart goes out to Moniques loved ones who every day bear the pain of her disappearance, said L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger. By extending this reward yet again, I want to send a clear message: we are not giving up. We must find whomever is responsible for her disappearance and hold them accountable. If anyone has any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, please step forward and speak up.

Anyone with information can call the LASDs Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500 and ask to speak with Deputy Karen Shonka or Deputy Mark A. Perez. Anonymous tips can be submitted to L.A. Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at lacrimestoppers.org.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
Live oaks stand outside the Leon County Courthouse on March 11, 2022. (Photo by Michael Moline/Florida Phoenix

The ACLU of Florida and Southern Legal Counsel filed a joint lawsuit Thursday against the Agency for Health Care Administration, seeking an order for it to cease efforts on its agency website and other media to persuade voters to oppose Amendment 4.

Thats the proposed constitutional amendment on the November ballot to restore the abortion rights that were available under Roe. v. Wade; its sponsored by a group called Floridians Protecting Freedom (FPF). The state now forbids abortions after six-weeks gestation with few exceptions. Gov. Ron DeSantis has defended the postings as in the interests of transparency.

The venue for the case is a state trial court in Leon County. The Florida Supreme Court has agreed to expedite a separate petition filed directly with it asking the court to block the DeSantis administrations campaign against the amendment.

Under the guise of providing facts to the public, the website contains harmful statements that are fundamentally misleading at best, if not outright false. It includes multiple statements that lead only to the conclusion that AHCA is using its official authority or influence for the purpose of interfering with an election, or to influence votes and affect the result of the decision on Amendment 4, the complaint reads.

This interference in the democratic process infringes on the political power the people reserved to themselves through Article I, Section 1, and their right to propose amendments to the Florida Constitution through ballot initiative under Article XI, section 3, it continues.

Accordingly, this Court should declare that AHCAs actions violate FPFs right to propose revisions and amendments to Floridas Constitution, order AHCA to remove the advertising, materials, and information that violate FPFs rights, and enjoin AHCA from disseminating such advertising or other materials in the future.
The U.S. Secret Service on Wednesday paid tribute to those who died during the Sept. 11 attacks but accidentally included the 19 hijackers in a now-deleted social media post.

CHARLIE DANIELS WOULD BE PROUD AS NONPROFIT MARKS 10 YEARS OF HELPING AMERICA'S VETERANS

Smoke pours from the twin towers of the World Trade Center after they were hit by two hijacked airliners in a terrorist attack September 11, 2001 in New York City.

"The flag hanging in our headquarters is a solemn reminder of 9/11 and our missions purpose. A testament to freedom and sacrifice, it honors all 2,996 lives lost, including our own Master Special Officer Craig T. Miller & Special Agent in Charge Charles L. Friend," the organization wrote in a post on X.

The Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks killed 2,977 people in the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, when the hijackers took over four commercial planes.

The 19 hijackers appeared to be included in the figure first posted by the Secret Service.

HOW TO TALK TO CHILDREN ABOUT 9/11 AND THE TRAGIC EVENTS THAT UNFOLDED

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

American flags at the 9/11 memorial. The U.S. Secret Service accidentally honored the 19 hijackers in a now-deleted social media post.

The post was deleted and another with the correct number, 2,977, was posted online.

"This is a correction of an earlier version of this post. In the original post, we erroneously included the total number of deceased from the Sept 11 attacks, which included the hijackers. Our intent was to only honor the victims of that tragic day and we deeply apologize for the error," the Secret Service posted.

In August, the Biden administration backtracked on a controversial plea deal for the terrorists behind the attack following public outrage.

Sept. 11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammad, as well as Walid Muhammad Salih Mubarak Bin 'Attash, and Mustafa Ahmed Adam al Hawsawi all await trial in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.





Original article source: Secret Service accidentally includes 9/11 terrorists in social media post honoring terror attack victims
There will be heightened security for Congress on Jan. 6, 2025, the U.S. Secret Service said Wednesday. The new plans are an effort to prevent a replay of the disastrous events four years ago when Donald Trump supporters stormed the Capitol as part of an attempt to stop the certification of electoral votes.

The Department of Homeland Security has designated the election certification as a National Special Security Event for the first time, at the request of Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser, the Secret Service said. The designation opens up a raft of federal, state and local resources to increase security for the process. (Other major events with the designation include presidential inaugurations, the parties national conventions, the United Nations General Assembly and the Super Bowl.)

The heightened security around the certification process is being put into place amid fears of yet another damaging response to the presidential election results. In 2021, Trump urged his supporters to march to the Capitol building to protest the electoral certification, during which a riot broke out, resulting in five deaths.

At Tuesdays presidential debate against Kamala Harris, Trump refused to take responsibility for the violence, saying he had nothing to do with that, other than they asked me to make a speech. He has also called the Jan. 6 rioters hostages and patriots and vowed to pardon them if re-elected.

Nearly four years on from the Jan. 6 riot, the political landscape has arguably become even more toxic and polarized. Election workers and government officials have reported a huge surge in threats and abuse. Trumps fearmongering about election fraud is a constant refrain. With much of Republican Party now behind him, his latest gambit is to falsely accuse Democrats of trying to get noncitizens to vote for them, which is illegal and incredibly rare.

Trump also continues to reject the 2020 election results, falsely blaming widespread voter fraud for his loss. In recent months, he has repeatedly declined to commit to accepting the election results in November, setting the stage for potentially even more post-election tumult.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
(Bloomberg Government) -- Federal officials are beefing up security for the counting and certification of votes at the US Capitol on Jan. 6, 2025, seeking to avoid planning missteps that left law enforcement unprepared for the violence that erupted in 2021.

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Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas designated the forthcoming vote-counting proceedings as a National Special Security Event, a label that comes with increased planning and resources.

Its the first time the typically routine congressional meeting to certify the quadrennial presidential result has received the special security designation, highlighting early efforts to prepare for any disputes over election tallies as former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris face off at the polls in November.

National Special Security Events are events of the highest national significance, Eric Ranaghan, special agent in charge of the Secret Services Dignitary Protective Division, said in a statement Wednesday.

A federal watchdog faulted the Department of Homeland Security for failing to use that designation for the 2021 joint session of Congress that was disrupted by angry Trump supporters who disputed his defeat in the 2020 presidential election.

Jan. 6 Security Planning Marred by Confusion, Watchdog Says

The Secret Service, which has been mired in controversy for security lapses surrounding the attempted assassination of Trump in July, will lead planning for the January electoral vote certification. Representatives from federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies will meet in the coming weeks to craft plans.

To contact the reporter on this story: Ellen M. Gilmer in Washington at egilmer@bloombergindustry.com

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Robin Meszoly at rmeszoly@bgov.com; Bill Swindell at bswindell@bloombergindustry.com

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See how hundreds of immigrants became U.S. citizens at Kauffman Stadium ceremony

In the front row at Kauffman Stadium, Ahmed Mohamedsalih, originally from Sudan, smiled at his wife, Waad Taha, as he stood and proudly recited the Oath of Allegiance, officially becoming a U.S. citizen. He was one of more than 600 immigrants from 95 countries who took the oath during Thursdays naturalization ceremony in Kansas City.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Jill A. Morris presided over the event, with Court Executive Paige Wymore-Wynn administering the Oath. Jeff Diskin, Royals director of professional and sport development, addressed the new citizens, emphasizing the diverse backgrounds of Kansas City Royals players. The ceremony, hosted by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri, is part of Immigration Services efforts to celebrate new citizens at iconic locations.

Mohamedsalih, a college student at Metropolitan Community College, is currently taking ESL classes and aspires to become a commercial lawyer. After waiting four years for citizenship, he expressed his excitement and pride. I am very excited and very proud of myself, Mohamedsalih said. He lives with his family in Platte City, Missouri.

Ahmed Mohamedsalih, a native of Sunday, smiles at his wife, Waad Taha, before taking the Oath of Allegiance Thursday.

The Kind family, originally from South Africa, now living in Martin City, celebrated and waved American flags after becoming American citizens during the naturalization ceremony. Diane and Neil Kind, along with their sons Benjamin, Joshua, and Nathan, proudly took the Oath of Allegiance and then the family celebrated with hugs all around. The family moved to the United States in 2013. It is an honor and a privilege to become citizens of this great country, Neil Kind shared in a text message.

The Kind family, originally from South Africa, celebrated together after becoming American citizens during a naturalization ceremony Thursday at Kauffman Stadium. From left, brothers Benjamin, Joshua, and Nathan Kind, along with their parents Diane and Neil Kind, took the Oath of Allegiance during the event.

Wearing iridescent shoes and a blue and black tuxedo, Joshua Ubogu, 29, from Jefferson City, Missouri, was overjoyed at becoming a U.S. citizen. Originally from Nigeria, Ubogu has lived in the United States for ten years and works as a data analyst. He plans to celebrate his new citizenship with family and friends, including his brothers Edward and Raymond Okolo, who were on hand to support and celebrate him at the stadium during the ceremony. Im super elated, he said as he waved a small U.S. flag in the air and the brothers took photos.

Joshua Ubogu, 29, of Jefferson City, Missouri, waves an American flag after becoming a U.S. citizen Thursday.. He plans to celebrate his citizenship with family and friends. Im super elated, he said.

Wearing red lipstick and a bright pink blazer, Zulma Salas beamed with pride as she sat in the front row with her family to be sworn in as U.S. citizen. Originally from Durango, Mexico, Salas said she has waited six years to take the Oath of Allegiance. Her nieces celebrated by giving her bouquets of flowers with messages saying New Citizen and Congratulations, Mama.

Zulma Salas from Monet, Missouri, takes her Oath of Citizenghip Thursday at Kauffman Stadium. She is a native of Durango, Mexico.

Zulma Salas received a special arrangement of flowers from family members at the citizenship ceremony.

After ten years of waiting, Lorena Alvarez Meza, originally from Jalisco, Mexico, took selfies with her family during the naturalization ceremony as she became a U.S. citizen. I am so excited, said Alvarez Meza, who plans to register to vote as her first action as a U.S. citizen. She now lives with her husband and two children in Lees Summit. Fortunately for Alvarez Meza, the League of Women Voters was registering new Americans to vote near the exit to the stadium.

Lorena Alvarez Meza, a native of Jalisco, Mexico, takes a selfie Thursday with her family including daughter, Eliza Franco, 8, her husband, Carlos Franco, and son Iker Franco, 10, as during the naturalization ceremony at Kauffman Stadium where she would become a U.S. citizen.

Following a naturalization ceremony, the League of Women Voters was present to register eligible voters. Citizens from more than 95 countries took the oath of U.S. citizenship during the official ceremony held at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024.

As the oaths were completed, the cheers of the crowd signified new beginnings and the rich tradition of chasing the American dream.

Dipakbhai Patel, left, and his wife, Pritibala Dipakbhai Patel, natives of India, proudly stand as their country was recognized before the pair took the Oath of Allegiance Thursday. The couple live in Branson, Missouri and work in the tourism industry. Theyve waiting five years to become U.S. citizens.

Fatima and Senaid Hodzic of Bosnia stood as their country was recognized before they took the Oath of Allegiance to become American citizens Thursday. The couple now live in Kansas City.

Abubakar Karaye, a native of Nigeria, takes the Oath of Allegiance Thursday. Karaye is a transportation associate living in Belton, Missouri.

The scoreboard at Kauffman Stadium commemorated the naturalization ceremony in the stands there.

Jonathan Castro, 29, a native of Ecuador, holds a flag and his citizenship documents during the naturalization ceremony at Kauffman Stadium. Castro, who works in underground construction, lives with his family in Grandview,

Jonathan Castro, 29, center, celebrated with his family after becoming an American citizen Thursday.

Obed Byishimo, left, a native of Democratic Republic of the Congo, takes the Oath of Allegiance Thursday at Kauffman Stadium. Byishimo is a student living in Columbia, Missouri.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Jill A. Morris, right, speaks during a naturalization ceremony where more than 600 individuals from 95 countries became American citizens at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024.

Abubakar Karaye, waves the American flag as his native country of Nigeria is recognized during a naturalization ceremony at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024.
Vermont U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders said Wednesday he is prepared to pursue contempt charges against Steward Health Care CEO Ralph de la Torre if he fails to show up at a hearing Thursday despite being issued a subpoena.

Sanders said de la Torre needs to answer to the American people about how he was able to reap hundreds of millions of dollars while Steward Health Care, which operated about 30 hospitals nationwide, had to file for bankruptcy in May.

This is something that is not going to go away, Sanders told The Associated Press. We will pursue this doggedly.

Steward has been working to sell its more than a half-dozen hospitals in Massachusetts, but received inadequate bids for two other hospitals  Carney Hospital in Boston and Nashoba Valley Medical Center in the town of Ayer  both of which have closed as a result. Last week, a federal bankruptcy court approved the sale of Stewards other Massachusetts hospitals.

He has decided not to show up because he doesnt want to explain to the American people how horrific his greed has become, Sanders said. Tell me about your yacht. Tell me about your fishing boat. I want to hear your justification for that. Tell that to the community where staff was laid off while you made $250 million.

Sanders said that to hold de la Torre in contempt would require a vote by the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, which he chairs, or  depending on what action they take  a vote of the full Senate.

Lawyers de la Torre have said that he wont testify before the committee investigating the Dallas-based hospital company because a federal court order prohibits him from discussing anything during an ongoing reorganization and settlement effort.

Sanders said there are plenty of questions de la Torre could still address.

Lawyers for de la Torre also accused the committee of seeking to turn the hearing into a pseudo-criminal proceeding in which they use the time, not to gather facts, but to convict Dr. de la Torre in the eyes of public opinion.

It is not within this Committees purview to make predeterminations of alleged criminal misconduct under the auspices of an examination into Stewards bankruptcy proceedings, and the fact that its Members have already done so smacks of a veiled attempt to sidestep Dr. de la Torres constitutional rights, the lawyers said in a letter to Sanders last week.

De la Torre hasnt ruled out testifying before the committee at a later date  a suggestion Sanders described as 100% a delaying tactic.

Sanders also said the committee has received no indication that de la Torre will change his mind and attend Thursdays hearing, which will also include testimony from nurses who worked at two of the hospitals owned by Steward in Massachusetts.

 You have a guy becoming fabulously wealthy while bankrupting hospitals and denying low-income and middle-income folks the health care they so desperately need, Sanders said. He said that more than a dozen patients have died in Steward hospitals as a result of inadequate staffing or shortages of medical equipment.

When a hospital shuts down in a community, especially a low-income community, its a disaster. Where do people go? Wheres the nearest emergency room? Sanders added.

The committees options include holding de la Torre in criminal contempt, which could result in a trial and jail time; or civil contempt, which would result in fines until he appears. Both would require a Senate vote.

De la Torre also refused invitations to testify at a Boston field hearing earlier this year chaired by Sen. Edward Markey, a Democrat from Massachusetts and also a member of the committee.

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Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., speaks during a Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions hearing to examine the bankruptcy of Steward Health Care on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024 on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Kevin Wolf)

BOSTON (AP)  Members of a Senate committee looking into the Steward Health Care bankruptcy said they plan to adopt two resolutions next week to hold Steward CEO Ralph de la Torre in contempt  one for civil enforcement and another for certification to the United States Attorney for criminal contempt  after he refused to attend a U.S. Senate hearing Thursday despite being issued a subpoena.

If approved, both resolutions will go to the full Senate for a vote.

The first resolution instructs the Senate legal counsel to bring a civil suit requiring de la Torre to testify before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. The criminal contempt resolution would refer the matter to the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia to criminally prosecute de la Torre for failing to comply with the subpoena.

We were hopeful that Dr. de la Torre would comply with our bipartisan subpoena and appear before the committee to testify to the harm Steward has caused to patients, health care workers, and the communities in which they live," said Vermont U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, the committee's chair.

Unfortunately, we have no choice but to move forward and pursue both civil enforcement of the subpoena and criminal charges against Dr. de la Torre," he added.

In a written statement, Steward defended de la Torre's decision not to attend the hearing and to again ask that it be rescheduled, saying that not only is it inappropriate for him to testify about Stewards bankruptcy while those proceedings are ongoing but that he's also banned by a federal court from doing so.

The Committee continues to ignore the fact that there is an ongoing settlement effort underway with all interested parties that paves the way to keep all of Stewards remaining hospitals open and preserve jobs, the statement said. Dr. de la Torre will not do anything that could jeopardize this effort.

The announcement of next week's planned vote following a hearing into Steward.

Sanders said de la Torre and his Texas-based Steward, which operated about 30 hospitals nationwide and filed for bankruptcy in May, is a prime example what happens when private equity investors purchase hospitals, strip their assets and saddle them with debt they can never pay back.

Dr. de la Torre became obscenely wealthy by loading up hospitals from Massachusetts to Arizona with billions of dollars in debt and selling the land underneath these hospitals to real estate executives, Sanders said.

Steward has been working to sell its more than a half-dozen hospitals in Massachusetts but received inadequate bids for two other hospitals  Carney Hospital in Boston and Nashoba Valley Medical Center in the town of Ayer  both of which have closed as a result.

A federal bankruptcy court last week approved the sale of Stewards other Massachusetts hospitals.

Steward has also shut down pediatric wards in Massachusetts and Louisiana, closed neonatal units in Florida and Texas, and eliminated maternity services at a hospital in Florida.

At the same time, de la Torre has reaped hundreds of millions of dollars personally and bought a $40 million yacht and a $15 million luxury fishing boat, Sanders said.

Ellen MacInnis, a nurse at St. Elizabeths Medical Center in Boston, testified at the hearing that under Steward management, patients were subjected to preventable harm and even death, particularly in understaffed emergency departments.

One 81-year-old man who came in for chemotherapy for his pancreatic cancer died before staff could get to him, according to MacInnis, who said there were 95 patients in the emergency department on that shift but only 11 nurses.

She said there were other nights when emergency room staff didnt have Similac, Pedialyte or even diapers and were forced to run out to a 24-hour store to get supplies. She also said there was a time when Steward failed to pay a vendor who supplied bereavement boxes for the remains of newborn babies who had died and had to be transported to the morgue.

Nurses were forced to put babies' remains in cardboard shipping boxes," she said. These nurses put their own money together and went to Amazon and bought the bereavement boxes.

MacInnis also pointed to the death of a 39-year-old woman who had a normal childbirth but was bleeding and might have been saved by a device called an embolization coil, but there hadn't been any in the hospital because they had been repossessed by the vendor.
A bipartisan group of senators will pursue contempt of Congress charges against Steward Health Care CEO Ralph de la Torre after he defied a subpoena and failed to attend a Senate hearing Thursday.

Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.)  the chair and ranking member, respectively, of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee  said de la Torre needs to answer questions about how Steward managed its hospitals, as well as how he was able to reap millions of dollars even as the system was failing.

A witness cannot disregard and evade a duly authorized subpoena, Cassidy said at the hearing. Therefore, today, the chair and I will be asking the committee to report a resolution to authorize civil enforcement and criminal contempt proceedings against Dr. de la Torre requiring compliance with the subpoena.

The committee will vote next week to adopt two resolutions: one for civil enforcement and another that would refer the matter to the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia to criminally prosecute de la Torre for failing to comply with the subpoena.

If passed by the committee, both resolutions will be advanced to the full Senate for a vote. Contempt of Congress is a misdemeanor, and it could lead to fines or imprisonment.

We were hopeful that Dr. de la Torre would comply with our bipartisan subpoena and appear before the committee, to testify to the harm Steward has caused to patients, health care workers, and the communities in which they live. Unfortunately, he failed to appear, Cassidy and Sanders said in a joint statement Thursday. We have no choice but to move forward and pursue both civil enforcement of the subpoena and criminal charges against Dr. de la Torre.

The HELP committee in July issued a subpoena to compel de la Torre to testify about the failure of Steward Health Care. The committee voted on a strong bipartisan basis, 16-4, to authorize the subpoena  the first issued by the panel in decades.

De la Torre last week told the committee he wouldnt participate in Thursdays hearing while Steward was still in the middle of bankruptcy proceedings and asked for the hearing to be postponed. Steward filed for bankruptcy in May and has been trying to sell all 30 of its hospitals across eight states.

Lawmakers refused to postpone the hearing and told de la Torre he was expected to show.

Instead of having a chance to grill de la Torre during Thursdays hearing, senators heard from nurses at two Steward hospitals in Massachusetts who talked about the impact of corporate ownership on patients, including dangerous levels of understaffing.

They also heard from two local Louisiana politicians who testified about how Steward mismanaged hospitals in their area.

In a statement ahead of the hearing, a spokesperson for de la Torre reiterated his position that it would be wholly inappropriate for him to testify on matters related to Stewards bankruptcy while those proceedings are ongoing.

The Committee continues to ignore the fact that there is an ongoing settlement effort underway with all interested parties that paves the way to keep all of Stewards remaining hospitals open and preserve jobs, the statement said. Dr. de la Torre cannot testify or otherwise publicly comment so as not to interfere with this process. Dr. de la Torre will not do anything that could jeopardize this effort.

Steward took over a failing hospital system run by the Archdiocese of Boston in 2010, and  backed by private equity company Cerberus Capital Management  converted it into for-profit institutions. Cerberus sold the real estate that the hospitals were built on to fund debt-fueled purchases of hospitals across the country.

De la Torre turned Steward into the countrys largest for-profit health system. The owners paid themselves millions in dividends and Cerberus exited its ownership agreement with $800 million profit.

Meanwhile, the hospitals were reportedly starved for resources, to the point where bills werent being paid and medical instruments were being repossessed.

Sanders on Thursday pledged that the committee will continue its work investigating Steward and de la Torre.

This is not the last discussion of this, and if Dr. de la Torre thinks he is comfortable by not being here today: Dr. De la Torre, if youre watching, youre wrong. This will be pursued.

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The Philadelphia United Methodist Church will be hosting a roast beef dinner on Friday, September 20 at the church on 21 Main Street.

The meal starts at 4 p.m., but only takeouts are being served. The menu is roast beef, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, cabbage salad, roll and dessert.

The cost the meal is $12.

All proceeds will benefit the churchs steeple fund.

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MEMPHIS, Tenn  Representatives for Serenity Towers were back in the courtroom Thursday morning after a power surge left all of the elevators out of service for days again.

Special Master Marcus D. Ward called for the hearing after a power surge last week took out the AC, water heater, and elevators.

So, we called a setting to make sure everyone understood what the issues were, obtain the status of where we were, and what needed to be done to get a timeframe on when theyre going to be done, said Ward.

City of Memphis files lawsuit against Serenity Towers and Millennia

He says all four elevators were fixed three to four days after they went out.

However, code enforcement says the AC and the water heater are still not up to code.

A representative for Serenity told the judge management informed him before the hearing the air had been corrected, but he had no further details.

The judge acknowledged this is not the first time a power surge has occurred at the complex.

Ward says they have temporary solutions to address the issues when they happen which include boil water advisories and temporary air conditioning window units or fans.

The biggest part about all of this is notifying the tenants and letting them know whats going on, said Ward. This is a 60-year-old building. Its going to have its comprises.

Another temporary solution Ward suggested for when the elevators are down is having a private ambulance service available on-site to assist tenants who are disabled or elderly.

Some of the residents sometimes just need someone to help them in the event the elevators break down get downstairs just to access their doctors appointment or do something thats not necessarily considered a medical emergency, said Ward.

The judge gave Serenity time to respond to that option.

Attorney says potential buyer in line for Serenity Towers

Ward says while they have several temporary fixes, hes still looking at the greater picture.

The maintenance plan is there to say what happens when things break down, but the ultimate goal is to make a full assessment and say this particular item is broken down for a certain period of time, said Ward. Its time to replace it. Whats it going to cost?

Ward says a sweep of the entire building to address all issues is expected to happen later this year.

A date for the sweep will be determined during the next court hearing on September 19.

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MADISON, Ala. (WHNT)  The Madison City Schools (MCS) Superintendent, Dr. Ed Nichols, released a statement on Wednesday assuring families they do everything possible to protect their students during school.

Nichols said in his statement that he understands the anxiety of wanting to keep students safe after the shooting at Apalachee High School in Georgia.

MCSS to remain in Heightened Awareness after continued threats

The superintendent said that although many of the online threats have not been directed at MCS, the posts are still being investigated.

If we get any type of threat, it is investigated not only by the school district but in coordination with the Madison Police Department, Nichols said.

Additionally, Nichols said if the threats were legitimate, he and his team would lock down the school where the threat was made and the surrounding schools and would alert the community.

He encourages people who have concerns about a threat to contact their administrator or an SRO, call the Text to Protect line at 256-604-2345, or email texttoprotect@madisonal.gov. Messages sent to Text to Protect will go to the MCS team and the police department.

Middle school student accused of making terrorist threats arrested in Muscle Shoals

The superintendent said that using these points of contact instead of posting on social media will help streamline the investigative process.

I just want you to know that we take these seriously and that were working very hard with all our administrative team to make sure that our kids can come to school and they can have a good day every day, Nichols said.

Nichols said that their Safety Coordinator is reassembling the safety committee that MCS had several years ago to examine better ways to improve security at their schools.

He said MCS has done a lot in the past year to improve school security, such as adding unarmed security personnel, working to expand the number of SRO officers and implementing a crisis alert system.

Were working to do everything we can to tighten that security blanket around your children and our kids, Nichols said.

If you have a family member who needs to sign up to receive updates from MCS, they can click this link to subscribe to alerts and receive information.

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Seven dead after six crashes across Kansas on the same day. How these wrecks unfolded

The Kansas Highway Patrol worked six different vehicle crashes across Kansas Wednesday that left seven people dead, reports show.

Heres a look at those crashes.

Wilson County

The first crash was reported at 6:35 a.m. along U.S. Highway 400 in southeast Kansas where a man and woman died after crashing into a semi-truck.

A 2005 Mercury Grand Marquis being driven by 76-year-old Donald Christeson was heading west on U.S. 400. A semi-truck heading south on a side road made a left turn onto eastbound U.S. 400 and failed to yield, a KHP crash log said.

The Mercury struck the trailer axle of the truck. Christeson and his passenger, 61-year-old Teresa Mansfield, died at the scene of the crash. The driver of the semi, a 74-year-old man from Fredonia was not hurt, according to the KHP.

Christeson was from Liberty and Mansfield was from Independence, Kansas.

Marshall County

The second crash occurred at 11:49 a.m. along U.S. Highway 36 in northeast Kansas where a woman died after a vehicle crossed a highway center line and struck another vehicle.

A 1999 Jeep Cherokee being driven by 23-year-old Emily Larson of Bremen, Kansas was heading west on U.S. 36; A 2020 Buick Enclave was eastbound. For unknown reasons, Larson crossed the center line and struck the Enclave, a KHP report read.

The Jeep came to a stop in the roadway while the Enclave stopped on a shoulder. Larson died at the scene of the crash. The driver of the Enclave, an 89-year-old woman from Marysville, Kansas suffered serious injuries and was taken to a hospital in Nebraska, the KHP said.

Sedgwick County

A 21-year-old Sedgwick, Kansas, woman died after a multi-vehicle wreck north of Wichita at 3:20 p.m.

Katelyn Heier died at the scene of the crash, KHP crash logs show.

The crash was reported along northbound I-135 just north of the 85th Street exit near Valley Center. Heier was heading north on I-135 in a 2010 Toyota Camry during heavy traffic. For unknown reasons, she rear-ended a 2006 Honda Accord in front of her. The Accord had two occupants.

The driver and passenger of the Accord, a 46-year-old man and 20-year-old man, both from Bentonville, Arkansas, were not injured.

The 39-year-old Wichita man driving the F-450 was not injured. His passenger, a 37-year-old man from Clearwater, said he had minor body pain.

Thomas County

A woman died after a crash between two vehicles at 4 p.m. along U.S. Highway 83 in northwest Kansas.

A 2014 Jeep Cherokee was heading north on the highway while a 2011 Dodge Charger was driving southbound on the same road. The Cherokee attempted to make a left turn onto a private driveway, when the Charger collided with it, the KHP said.

All three occupants in the Cherokee were taken to Logan County Hospital with suspected serious injuries. All three are from Oakley, Kansas.

Susan Englert, 68, of Rochelle, Illinois, was in the Charger. She was taken to Citizens Medical Center where she died from her injuries. The driver and other two occupants in the Charger were taken to a medical center suspected serious injuries, according to the crash log.

The other three occupants in the charger were from Michigan and Colorado.

Cowley County

A Kansas Highway Patrol emergency communications supervisor said one person died from natural causes after a crash north of Winfield in south-central Kansas.

The deceased persons identity was not released, what kind of vehicles were involved is unknown. The supervisor said two other people were injured in crash.

The crash was reported at 6:18 p.m. along 101st road and 146th road, north of Winfield. The crash log narrative said one vehicle was heading south on 101th while another vehicle was heading north on the same road, the KHP said.

The southbound vehicle crossed the center line into the northbound lane and collided with the northbound vehicle, according to the report.

Cherokee County

The crash occurred at 8:02 p.m. in southeast Kansas where a man on a motorcycle died after rear ending a pickup truck.

The wreck was reported on SE 70th street and SE Quakervale Road in Riverton. A 2015 Dodge pickup truck was northbound on 70th waiting in traffic to turn left onto Quakervale, the KHP said.

William Meiers-Vilmer, 36, of Pittsburg, was also heading north on 70th on a Honda motorcycle when he failed to slow down and rear-ended the Dodge. He was thrown off the bike, according to the crash log.

Meiers-Vilmer died at the scene of the crash. The driver of the Dodge, a 35-year-old man from Baxter Springs was not hurt.
SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA)  The Spartanburg County Sheriffs Office announced Thursday that arrests have been made in connection to threats made to schools through various social media platforms.

The sheriffs office has revealed six students have been charged in connection to the online threats. Due to the nature of the investigations, those are the only details the sheriffs office has released at this time.

Since the recent mass shooting in Georgia, deputies said some individuals have taken to social media to spread fear and disrupt schools across the nation.

Spartanburg County School Districts stated that officials are aware of a list message circulating among students. The school district said the list has circulated across South Carolina and other states in recent days.

Law enforcement recommended that students report concerning information directly to law enforcement and school administration but not to post, alter or repost them on social media.

The sheriffs office also stated that parents and guardians can help by having conversations with their students to explain the seriousness of threats to schools and of adding to the circulation of rumors.

The sheriffs office said deputies are working closely with school administrators and parents to address any concerns.

The incidents remain under investigation by the SCSO.

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SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  Representatives from local South Bay governments and the Air Pollution Control District held a news conference Thursday on the odor and sewage crisis impacting the Tijuana River Valley.

Its a crisis thats not just affecting the Tijuana River Valley, but the entire South Bay region. At the end of the day, officials say more work still needs to be done, even though action is being taken to stop the sewage flow.

Chula Vista police arrest 12-year-old after threatening messages circulate at schools

Representatives from the Air Pollution Control District and scientists met near the Tijuana River Valley Thursday morning.

SkyFox footage, as seen in the video at the top of this article, appears to show the flow of the wastewater coming from Tijuana has been reduced.

According to the International Boundary and Water Commission on Wednesday, the flow has stopped. It said Mexico is now using a third pump at its treatment plant in Tijuana that is helping to divert its sewage into Mexican citys own wastewater infrastructure.

Dr. Kimberly Prather, an atmospheric chemist at University of California San Diego says while that is welcoming news, theres still a lingering health concern.

We had a hypothesis that if they stopped the flow, if they could lower the flow at that point, levels of hydrogen sulfide would go down, she explained. Clearly, were not done. There are probably another thousand gases that you cant smell that could affect your health and other ways that we dont even know. But this has been a good one does demonstrate the issue.

Representatives from the Air Pollution Control District, who are also local South Bay leaders, Repeated their calls to Governor Gavin Newsom and President Joe Biden to declare an emergency over this crisis. They also called for better collaboration with the county.

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City says drinking water not affected by sewage spill at Bloedel Donovan Park

The waterfront at Bloedel Donovan Park remained off-limits Thursday after a serious sewage spill i to Lake Whatcom on Wednesday afternoon, city officials said.

About 25,000 to 50,000 gallons of raw sewage spilled when a contractor working on the Electric Avenue bridge hit the buried pipe, according to a statement issued at 5 p.m. Wednesday.

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Drinking water was not affected, Public Works Department spokeswoman Riley Grant said online.

Our technology had indicated the (sewer) line was located in a different position, leading to the unexpected rupture, Grant said.

It was the second such incident involving a bridge crew in the past 24 hours. A natural gas pipeline was severed Thursday morning during work on the Meador Avenue bridge, forcing a shelter in place or evacuation order.

In the Bloedel-Donovan Park incident, Grant said the sewer line was shut off and sewer service was redirected to an adjacent line.

As a precautionary measure, access to the beach at Bloedel Donovan Park remains temporarily closed until water quality testing confirms that there are no residual concerns. Community members, including dogs, should avoid contact with water in the areas near Bloedel Donovan Park until we can confirm water quality impacts Grant said.

Sewage is expected to disperse as it combines with water from Lake Whatcom, which is the source of drinking water for about 100,000 Bellingham-area residents.

We are monitoring the situation closely to assess any potential downstream or ecological effects, Grant said.

In an update about the situation Thursday afternoon, Grant said that the citys drinking water was not affected because the water treatment plant intake is located over a mile upstream from the site of the spill.

Our treatment plant is designed to remove a wide range of contaminants, including pathogens and other harmful substances that may be present in untreated sewage, she said.

City engineers released more water from Lake Whatcom into Whatcom Creek in an effort to flush the sewage.

Staff are collecting water quality samples along Whatcom Creek, coordinating with Whatcom County Health and Community Services and will share results when they are available, Grant said.

The sewage spill is not expected to delay the scheduled re-opening of the Electric Avenue bridge next week.
Sexual harassment training for bar staff coming to Polk County, as initiative grows across the state

Sexual harassment training for bar staff coming to Polk County, as initiative grows across the state

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa  Two organizations that provide training for hospitality staff, including preventing sexual harassment, are growing in popularity across Central Iowa.

In a resolution passed in August, Polk County announced that it is partnering with Safe Bars, a Maryland-based organization launched in 2013 with the goal of creating safer environments in venues that serve alcohol, by providing training for hospitality staff.

Adventurelands 10th Annual Oktoberfest celebration is happening this weekend

The Polk County Board of Supervisors approved $10,500 that will go toward the new public safety initiative known as Polk County Safe Bars. This new program is a partnership between Polk County, the City of Des Moines, and the Greater Des Moines Partnership. Safe Bars will provide intervention training for staff members in spaces like bars, restaurants, hotels, breweries, clubs, and event venues.

The details of the partnership between the county and Safe Bars will be announced at a press conference at Grimaldis Pizzeria in West Des Moines on September 26th. The resolution states that venues in Downtown Des Moines already expressed interest in these trainings.

However, this isnt the only push for hospitality training in Central Iowa. Safe Bar Network is a national nonprofit that also provides this type of training. Earlier this year, they started training sessions with college bars in Ames and Iowa City. Now, theyre seeing growth in the Metro.

Safe Bar Network partnered with the Ankeny and West Des Moines Police Departments to reach out to local venues and discuss harm prevention.

Were not saying that bars are unsafe places, because theyre not. We have really active, engaged, vigilant hospitality staff at venues all across the state. But when communities step up and say Hey our third spaces are important, and our staff deserve training, thats amazing, said Darian Everding, the Business Development Representative for Safe Bar Network.

Examples of training provided by the Safe Bar Network are how to handle sexual harassment and overserving.

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SAN FRANCISCO - The San Francisco Police Department said it is clearing up misconceptions about a widely circulated video showing officers arresting a woman accused of illegal street vending as her child cries hysterically in the background.

The video, which was obtained by the news outlet Mission Local, has attracted widespread attention.

In response to criticism stemming from the video that showed officers tackling and handcuffing the street vendor, the department said the video only shows a glimpse of the confrontation that went down Sunday morning along the Embarcadero.

The police department called the video an "orchestrated effort by people illegally vending hot dogs to undermine the citys efforts to enforce the law."

Officers said the incident started around 10:30 a.m. when San Francisco's Vending Enforcement Task Force, which includes police, port workers, and city public health and public works employees, were issuing warnings to people vending illegally near Pier 33 on the Embarcadero.

An hour later, the team returned to the area to enforce health and safety regulations. During this time, they tried to confiscate hot dog carts from vendors who didn't have street vending permits and who refused to leave the area, authorities said.

"A woman who did not have a permit refused to cooperate with the city enforcement task force and would not let employees take a cart, gripping it tightly," the police department explained in a social media post.

According to officials, the woman got into a tug-of-war with a Port employee over the hot dog cart. Police tried to defuse the situation after separating the woman from her cart, but she allegedly ran back to the cart, grabbed it, and struck the port employee, authorities said. This altercation was not seen on the video footage obtained by Mission Local.

"SFPD officers witnessed the battery and attempted to handcuff the woman who continued resisting. Even after getting her on the ground, the woman continued to hold her arms under her and resisted being detained," the police department said.

A child believed to be the vendor's daughter, can be heard crying in the background of the video. At one point, the girl moves toward her mother while she is on the ground and two officers are restraining her.

Police said a witness reported that someone in the group told the girl to "begin crying near the officers to manipulate the situation."

"The combination of the crying child with her mother on the ground being handcuffed created a dramatic moment that was carefully edited," the police department wrote.

The street vendor was cited for battery and obstructing a peace officer duties and was released at the scene.

The woman complained of experiencing pain and was evaluated by paramedics at the scene and cleared, authorities said.
Share of foreign-born people in the US is at its highest rate in over a century, survey says

A man, part of a group of 50 new United States citizens from 25 different countries, takes part in a naturalization ceremony before the San Diego Padres host the Minnesota Twins in a baseball game at Petco Park, Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

MIAMI (AP)  The percentage of U.S. residents who were foreign-born last year grew to its highest level in more than a century, according to figures released Thursday from the most comprehensive survey of American life.

The share of people born outside the United States increased in 2023 to 14.3% from 13.9% in 2022, according to estimates from the U.S. Census Bureaus annual American Community Survey, which tracks commuting times, internet access, family life, income, education levels, disabilities, military service, and employment, among other topics.

International migrants have become a primary driver of population growth this decade, increasing their share of the overall population as fewer children are being born in the U.S. compared with years past. The rate of the foreign-born population in the United States hasnt been this high since 1910, when it was 14.7%, driven by waves of people emigrating in search of a better life.

We knew that here you can have savings, live well. Here you can have normal services such as water and electricity," said Luciana Bracho, who moved legally to Miami from Venezuela as part of a humanitarian parole program with her boyfriend, parents and brother in April 2023. "I like Miami and the opportunities that I have had.

In 2023, international migrants accounted for more than two-thirds of the population growth in the United States, and so far this decade they have made up almost three-quarters of U.S. growth.

The growth appears to have been driven by people coming from Latin America, whose share of the foreign-born population increased year-over-year to 51.2% from 50.3%, according to the estimates. Latin America was the only world region of origin to experience an increase among those U.S. residents born in another country, as the share of foreign-born residents from Europe and Asia dropped slightly.

Nicole Diaz, a Venezuelan opposition activist, left after receiving threats to her life and lived in Peru and Ecuador before moving to the Miami area legally in February 2023 with her husband and 9-year-old daughter. Diaz described herself as 100% happy living in South Florida, where they pay $2,300 a month for a two-bedroom apartment.

After being in different countries, working here is relaxed, despite the language, Diaz said. But housing is very expensive, and we have been evaluating moving to another state because here all the salary goes for the rent."

Among the states with the largest year-over-year bumps in the foreign-born population was Delaware, going to 11.2% from 9.9%; Georgia, to 11.6% from 10.7%; and New Mexico, to 10.2% from 9.3% The share of the foreign-born population dropped slightly in Washington, D.C., Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota and Oregon.

The Census Bureau figures dont distinguish whether people are in the United States legally or illegally. Illegal immigration has become a top issue in the 2024 presidential race, even as illegal border crossings from Mexico plunged this summer after reaching a record last December.

The rate of U.S. residents who identify as Hispanic, no matter what race, jumped last year to 19.4% from 19.1% in the previous year, according to the survey. At the same time, those who identify as non-Hispanic white alone dropped from 57.7% to 57.1%. The share of U.S. residents who identify as Black alone dropped slightly, from 12.2% to 12.1%, and it increased slightly for those who identify as Asian alone from 5.9% to 6%.

Residents in the United States continued to get older, with the median age increasing from 39 in 2022 to 39.2 in 2023. The nation's aging is taking place as a majority of baby boomers have become senior citizens and millennials are entering middle age. While the share of children under age 18 remained steady at 21.7% year-over-year, the share of senior citizens age 65 and over increased to 17.7% from 17.3%.

Meanwhile, a post-pandemic bump in working from home continued its slide back to pre-COVID-19 times, as the share of employees working from home dropped last year to 13.8% from 15.2% in the previous year.

In 2021, the first full year after the pandemic's start, almost 18% of employees were working from home, up from 5.7% in 2019. But return-to-office mandates in the past two years have reversed that trend and caused commute times to bump up slightly last year, growing on average to 26.8 minutes from 26.4 minutes.

The survey also showed that the median cost of renting, plus utilities and related expenses, grew faster than median home values in 2023 for the first time in a decade. The 3.8% jump in rental costs was the largest annual increase since at least 2011. Despite the spike in rental costs, the share of renter income spent on rent and utilities remained unchanged at 31% in 2023, suggesting that incomes kept pace with rent hikes, the Census Bureau said.

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Schneider reported from Orlando, Florida.

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Follow Mike Schneider on the social platform X: @MikeSchneiderAP.
Share your ideas to improve The State of Black California at a session with legislators

The California Legislative Black Caucus is convening a community conversation Saturday morning in Sacramento to hear ideas from policymakers, residents and grassroots advocates on how government can work to improve the lives of African Americans in the Golden State.

The Black Caucus is collaborating with the California Black Freedom Fund to hold these sessions on The State of Black California.

With this series, California Black Freedom Fund seeks to foster conversation and build bridges between community and policymakers, rather than sitting on the sidelines, said Marc Philpart, executive director of the California Black Freedom Fund, in a news release announcing the series.

Assemblymember Dr. Akilah Weber, D-La Mesa, said she sees the series as vital platform for collaborative change-making.

As legislators, its our duty to listen, learn, and lead, she said, adding that this is a chance for community members to directly contribute to a more just and inclusive future for our state.

Saturdays event also will include a presentation of The State of Black California report produced by the UCLA Ralph J. Bunche Center for African American Studies, detailing changes to the socioeconomic positions of Black Californians between 2000 and 2020. Participants also will be able to get an update on legislation related to the 2024 Reparations Priority Bill Package proposed by the Legislative Black Caucus.

The Sacramento session will begin at 9:30 a.m. and is expected to end at 1 p.m. at the California Museum, 1020 O St. Participants should go to www.stateofblackcalifornia.org/event/sacramento to register.
Lauren Chen brings people together.

When the Russians were on the hunt for American influencers to produce propaganda, they hired a conservative YouTuber to scout for stars, according to the Department of Justice. And Chen, unnamed by the DOJ but identified by NBC News from business records, delivered. She connected employees of the Russian state media operation RT with unwitting right-wing content creators and their millions of followers, according to a federal indictment unsealed last week.

Chen, co-owner with her husband, producer Liam Donovan, of Tenet Media, an online collective of pro-Trump creators, negotiated a series of lucrative deals with the high-profile influencers to pump out online videos  in what turned out to be a nearly $10 million covert Russian propaganda campaign, the DOJ alleged. The DOJ did not name Tenet Media but NBC News identified the company based on its description in the indictment.

Unlike the influencers alleged to have been victims of RT and Tenet Media, who denied knowing they were working for Russia, Chen has said nothing since the indictment made news. Chen, who is referred to as Founder-1 in the indictment, did not respond to requests for comment. She has not been charged with a crime.

Lauren Chen on the set of "Candace" in Nashville, Tenn., in 2021.

Years before she would allegedly recruit famous conservative influencers for Russias propaganda operation, including Dave Rubin, Tim Pool, Benny Johnson and Lauren Southern, Chen served as another type of conduit. At a time when the alt-right was just forming its online network  a community on YouTube, where the loudest and most reactionary voices got rich and famous and leaned on one anothers growing audiences to become more so  Chen gained a following by bridging some of the internets most noxious far-right voices to more mainstream conservative creators.

Youre like the biggest thing on YouTube, The Daily Wires Michael Knowles gushed in a 2017 interview with Chen where the pair discussed the political power of online conservatism and defended speaking with white nationalist Richard Spencer, though both said they disagreed with his ideas.

Everyone goes on everybodys shows, Knowles said. We are dominating the Internet.

Those connections made Chen an ideal recruiter. In early videos announcing the Tenet Media channel last year, Southern and other contributors specifically noted their relationship to Chen, who had known most if not all of the contributors professionally, having come up together online roughly a decade ago and having appeared on each others shows for years. Indeed, the indictment suggests based on her internal communications that Chen knew that the money for Tenet was coming from the Russians, and that she was being funded not for her commentary but for her connections.

Chen started posting online in 2016 under the moniker Roaming Millennial. The Chinese Canadian was a fresh voice in the far-right online ecosystem, a young woman of color who had lived all over the world, in Shanghai, Singapore and London, entering a mostly white, American male-dominated movement. Chen posted anti-immigration, anti-LGBTQ rights, anti-feminism and anti-diversity content, explaining in her YouTube channels bio section that she hoped to opine on the debate between hate speech and free speech, crediting Milo Yiannopoulos, one of the first professional far-right internet trolls, for her foray into video.

Its fair to describe them as my offspring, my sort of ideological descendants, Yiannopoulos told NBC News this week of Chen and the other Tenet commentators, though he hardly remembered Chen despite having appeared on her channel. She was such a nonentity, Yiannopoulos said. Terminally unremarkable.

No one can remember anything Lauren Chen did, because shes never done anything, Yiannopoulos added. Until now.

On numerous podcasts and videos, Chen has described coming from a naturally conservative family and moving further right in college, first at the University of Southern California where she joined the College Republicans club and then at Brigham Young University where she studied political science and screenwriting. About a year after graduating, she started making videos.

At the time, YouTube was becoming the place for young conservative activists to make a name for themselves. Political and algorithmic incentives amplified the most extreme and entertaining voices and reactionary takes, making stars of creators on the ideological fringes. Open white nationalists and conspiracy theorists alongside mainstream libertarians and conservatives became online influencers, tapping into a countercultural appeal that worked in the new attention economy.

Chen described her early 2016 videos as little dinky slide show presentations about social issues. Even those early videos showed an affinity for RT; she quoted the Russian-controlled media outlet in videos including Hate Speech or Free Speech? The Dangers of Censorship.

As her following grew, what was once a side hobby became a full-time gig. In 2017, after a year of railing online about the perceived censorship of conservatives and offering right-wing hot takes on racial and gender issues, Chen joined a digital startup and began to take posting seriously.

Over the next two years, while social media companies including YouTube, Facebook and Twitter were cracking down on far-right creators, including Yiannopoulos, and banning accounts for hate speech and harassment, smaller creators like Chen, who shared much of the political ideology of the far right but were more polite and less overtly extreme in their videos, grew more popular.

She interviewed Spencer for her channel in 2017. Spencer is known as the creator of the alt-right, a 15-year-old movement described by the Southern Poverty Law Center as being unified by the core belief that white identity is under attack.

Spencer, who promoted and spoke at the deadly Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, that same year, called Chen a very nice girl, shes very smart. Shes basically kind of alt-right sympathetic, I mean shes not really alt-right.

Before the platforms were outlawing their most outspoken extremists, Chen acted as a kind of bridge between them and more mainstream conservative creators. In a 2018 network analysis of 65 political influencers on YouTube, Stanford researcher Rebecca Lewis, then with the research nonprofit Data & Society, connected conservative pundit Ben Shapiro to Spencer through Chen, who appeared on Shapiros YouTube show. Lewis well-known study argued the linked collaborations created pathways to radicalization and the mainstreaming of extremist ideas.

By connecting to and interacting with one another through YouTube videos, influencers with mainstream audiences lend their credibility to openly white nationalist and other extremist content creators, Lewis wrote.

By 2019, Chen had more than 400,000 subscribers and 45 million views on YouTube as an alt-lite creator, which she parlayed into even more mainstream success. She contributed to the anti-feminist magazine Evie and joined CRTV, an online channel for incendiary conservative voices, including Mark Levin and Michelle Malkin, that merged with Glenn Becks TheBlaze in 2018. Chen joined TheBlaze as a video creator with her own show titled Pseudo-Intellectual.

In the spring of 2021, Chen began working for RT, writing at least monthly op-eds for the state-backed media channel, with headlines including Americas white supremacy is a myth, and If youre American and oppose war with Russia, expect to be smeared as unpatriotic. At the same time, according to the indictment, the Russian government, through RT, was paying Founder-1, identified by NBC News as Chen, to create and publish over 200 videos to her personal YouTube channel without disclosing the sponsorship. In January 2023, Founder-1 received an Influencer Talent Scouting contract from RT employees, which included finding commentators for Tenet, according to the indictment.

While Chen fronted Tenet  albeit quietly; her name was not featured on the company website and she didnt include her title of CEO on any of her social media platforms  she aligned herself publicly with fringe and extremist voices, including posts praising white supremacist streamer Nick Fuentess take on the Israel-Gaza war, and goading other conservatives who supported U.S. funding for Ukraine, such as posting that former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley should move to Ukraine and run for its presidency. Her positions on Ukraine and Israel seem likely to have cost her some of her former mainstream conservative support.

Following the unsealing of the indictment, TheBlaze fired Chen and Turning Point USA removed her author page from its website. YouTube terminated all four of Chens pages, erasing thousands of videos and nearly a decade of work, including the channel for Tenet Media.

At the channels launch last November, several of the six commentators Chen allegedly recruited for Tenet released announcements on their personal channels. In his video, Tenet commentator Matt Christiansen said that Chen and Donovan picked me because they see a lot of value in my material. In a since-deleted video, Lauren Southern told her followers, The reason Im going with Tenet is because I know the people running it and I know theyre going to let me actually speak my mind.

CORRECTION (Sept. 12, 2024, 4:39 p.m. ET): A previous version of this article incorrectly described Michael Knowles interactions with Richard Spencer. They have spoken but have not appeared on a video together.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
She laid in the road: Florida child denied bus, gets hit by car riding bike to school

NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. (WFLA)  An 11-year-old Florida girl was hit by a car while riding her bike in the dark to school last week, according to police.

The driver was arrested for allegedly fleeing the scene, but the crash is pointing to a bigger problem.

Jennifer Reznick said she has been pleading with the Pasco County School District for years to let her daughter, Cherie, ride the bus.

She said she was fighting to prevent the what ifs, such as what if her daughter gets hit by a car, but that became a reality last week.

She laid in the road, obviously shocked and stunned she had just been hit by a car, Reznick said.

VIDEO: Jeep slams into parked truck at bar, driver walks inside without notifying owner

In addition, New Port Richey police said the driver fled the scene.

She gets knocked to the ground, [and] her bicycle is bent, Traffic Homicide Investigator Cpl. Al Hazime said. The driver gets out of the vehicle to check on her. What he does after that is leaves her in the dark, an 11-year-old girl by herself.

Hazime said Johnny Parker, the dayshift officer assigned to the case, received an anonymous tip that helped lead to an arrest.

He followed up to verify and through his interview, he determined that this was the guy that was involved, Hazime said. The damage of the car was consistent with that of the crash and he did confess to being there.

He said that the 77-year-old driver went to jail.

The law allows for some leniency, but what you cant do is abandon a child or anyone for that matter in the dark after youve hit them, Hazime said.

In Pasco County, you have to live more than two miles from a school to ride the bus. Reznick lives just one-tenth of a mile short of that.

She said even after her daughter was hit by a car on the way to school, the school district wont bend that rule for Cherie.

This is not a safe situation, Reznick said. Ive asked repeatedly for a bus and Ive been denied and Im still being denied even after my child was hit by a car.

FWC helicopter stops suspected DUI boater from hitting swimmers

Superintendent Kurt Browning said it comes down to not having enough bus drivers.

Its unfortunate, but I keep asking my staff the question, when is two miles not two miles? If you make an exception here, then the next parent comes in and says  I live 1.9 miles, I need a bus, and we say we cant do that and they say, But you did it here, here and here, why arent you doing it for me?' he said.

Its unfortunate, but thats what we have to do, Browning said.

New Port Richey police said Cherie had her helmet on, had the correct lights on her bike and stopped when she was supposed to.

Reznick said Cherie got banged up but is expected to be OK.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
She moved to Charlotte. Her NY ex followed. Cyberstalking got him 15 years in prison.

She moved to Charlotte. He threatened to follow her, and he did. Now, hell spend 15 years in a federal prison for cyberstalking and threatening to kill her.

Russell Martini badgered his victim  his ex-girlfriend  with messages and threats for more than a month after she left him and their Long Island home, according to court documents. The most haunting words, though, are the ones he said after he showed up and dragged her down the outdoor steps of her new Charlotte apartment.

Go ahead and call the cops. I can kill you before they get here.

Martinis cyber abuse  which got him charged with cyberstalking, stalking, kidnapping and making interstate threats  started in 2022 about a week after his girlfriend ended their four-year relationship and left New York.

In a plea deal last year, he pleaded guilty to cyberstalking, stalking and interstate threats. The U.S. Attorneys Office dropped a kidnapping charge, which carried a maximum penalty of life in prison, and two interstate threat charges.

On Wednesday, in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina, a judge sentenced the 47-year-old to 15 years in prison followed by nine years of supervised release, plus computer monitoring.

Stalker turned cyberstalker

Martinis attack wasnt his first time conflating aggression and love, a psychiatrist testifying in his case said.

Six years ago, he drove a woman off the road when trying to meet up with her.

They later married.

Martini was convicted of stalking a woman in 2018, court records show, and his threats to women started in 1998, Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimlani Ford said. Charges and convictions on stalking, harassment and assault dont currently taint his criminal record because they are too old, she said.

His 2022 victim, referred to only as Jane Doe in court documents, told the judge Wednesday that Martinis sentence should serve as some justice to those victims, too.

In 2019, more than 3.4 million Americans 16 and older reported being stalked either physically or over the internet, according to a report by the U.S. Justice Departments Bureau of Justice Statistics. Women were twice as likely to be targeted as men, and in two-thirds of the cases, the victim knew the tormentor.

Judge Robert J. Conrad denied pleas from Martinis defense attorneys to shorten his sentence to 11 years. The argument from his public defender, Taylor Goodnight, rested on a psychiatrists testimony.

Dr. Donna Maddox, an expert who evaluated Martini for two hours, diagnosed him with bipolar disorder, substance abuse disorder and major neurocognitive disorder. A previous brain injury, one Martini said he wasnt aware he had until he met with Maddox, she testified, made three of the eight major parts of his brain dysfunctional.

His trifecta of diagnoses caused a severe lack of judgment when he entered a state of mania, began using drugs again and planned an attack on Doe, Maddox said while testifying.

Do people choose to have these disorders? Goodnight asked.

They dont choose, but they are responsible for what they do, Maddox replied.

Ford, representing the United States, said the defense rested too heavily on ifs.

Maddox said Martini needed to go to therapy, take medication and stay away from drugs in order to maintain a clear mind and lessen the chances of Doe or another victim being harmed.

Hes never successfully done any of those things, Ford said.

Martini read a statement to the judge before two long-bearded deputy U.S. Marshals led him back to the federal courtrooms holding area. His mother and stepfather were in the row of seats closest to him.

Id like to apologize to the victim for scaring her so much, he said, someone I cared about so dearly.

Martini said he was spiritually broken in 2022 and has since become a good Catholic who wants to be a man people want to be around.

He asked Conrad to send him to the federal prison in Petersburg, Virginia, for its faith-based program.

Charlotte cyberstalking

About a week after Doe left Martini on March 25, 2022, he created fake social media accounts under her name, his indictment shows. He posted topless photos of her, and he threatened to post videos next. Hed share them with her family, too, he said.

He did, according to court records, and he didnt stop there. With each press of the send button, his threats got more aggressive, more deadly.

Not even her pregnant sister was safe, Doe said in court.

You are going to be in a pool of blood, he wrote to Doe. I am killing animals right in front of you. You are hurting me so badly ... thats it your (sic) dead. I am coming

The next day, he boarded an Amtrak to Charlotte.

... Tomorrow is your last chance, the Bay Shore, N.Y., man said in an email, according to his federal indictment. ... we get back together willingly or I take you by force Think Im kidding(?) good think that.

On May 7, 2022, he followed through, showing up to her apartment and dragging her down the stairs. An armed bystander held him at gunpoint, Ford said in court, and he ran away.

He left his backpack behind, in Does parking lot. Gloves, duct tape and lubrication were inside it, Ford said.

I think that gives you a good idea what he was going to do, she said to Conrad.

Doe, while giving her statement, said she had been sentenced to life in a prison fortified by her depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and a constant fear of being in public. Her emotional scars are rivaled by the physical scars Martini left after his down-stair dragging.

People ask me what happened? and I have to say I fell, she said as Martini, who sat to her right, listened.
The Guilford County Sheriffs Office has identified the man who was fatally shot during an attempted robbery of a Brinks Armored Truck on Tuesday.

The man was Devonte Eugene Scott, 26, of Albemarle, the sheriffs office said in a news release.

Deputies responded about 9:15 a.m. to an initial report of an attempted robbery in the Stony Creek Village shopping center, 6307 Burlington Road in Whitsett.

While on the way, they learned that a shooting had occurred. Scott was found deceased in the parking lot when deputies got there.

Information on the shooter has yet to be released by law enforcement.

At the time of his death, Scott was free on a $40,000 bond after being charged with felony conspiracy to rob an armored truck driver in another case.

A Rowan County warrant says that Scott and at least one other person conspired to rob Keandre Randerson, the driver of a Brinks Truck who was completing a money pickup at a 5 Below store in Salisbury on June 13.

The warrant states that the suspects were waiting outside the store for victim.

According to a June 14 article in the Salisbury Post, Randerson noticed suspicious men wearing fake security hoodies standing near the truck and called authorities from inside the store.

When a deputy approached, the article says, the men ran and got into a gold-colored Nissan Altima attempting to leave the scene.

Shortly afterward, officers with the China Grove Police Department noticed the Altima and a vehicle chase ensued. The pursuit ended when three people got out of the car and attempted to flee on foot. Two of those people, including Scott, were captured.

Scott was released on bond in Rowan County June 26 and was awaiting a court appearance scheduled for Oct. 2.

Authorities say the investigation into the Whitsett case is active and ongoing.

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She would want everything, including her killing, to be about Palestinians; Vigil held for UW grad

Hundreds of people joined together Wednesday to honor the life of 26-year-old activist Aysenur Ezgi Eygi.

Witnesses say she was shot and killed by Israeli soldiers while protesting against settlements in the West Bank on September 6.

Loved ones and strangers gathered Wednesday at Alki Beach to share memories of Eygi and hold a vigil in her memory. Eygi grew up in West Seattle and had just graduated from the University of Washington, friends and family say.

I remember the article, said Eygis close friend Marium Khan. The headline said that, American activist killed in the West Bank. I felt my heart drop, and I thought, No.

Khan spent time with Eygi before her trip overseas.

The portion of her trip to Palestine was so immensely important to her. She was somebody that stood for justice and peace and liberation and freedom for everybody, said Khan.

Khan said Eygi had been heavily involved with protests against the war on campus, and had traveled across the world in support of various other movements for peace.

She said Alki Beach held a special place in Eygis heart.

We came here and did a bonfire a couple of weeks before she left, and she was pointing out her old school and where she used to live, Khan said. This is a special place to her with special people, so I hope that were able to honor her memory.

Still, Khan said Eygi would have wanted people to focus on the cause over her killing.

I know that she would want everything, including her killing, to be about Palestinians and about why she went there, Khan said. And not just the fact that shes not here with us anymore.

Friends shared memories at her vigil Wednesday. Many said Eygi was a ray of sunshine and had a way of making you feel like you were the only person in the room.

The Israeli military has said Eygi was likely shot indirectly and unintentionally by its soldiers. The message was condemned by U.S. policy leaders, as well as Eygis family, who have pushed for an independent investigation.

Many on Wednesday spoke of Eygi as a martyr for a cause she cared deeply about.

All of us here have a duty to honor Aysenurs martyrdom by uniting in the struggle, said one friend.
A Nurse performs a rapid test for AIDS, syphilis and hepatitis. The Tennessee Department of Health will no longer take federal funds for the prevention and treatment of HIV. (Photo: Getty Images)

A Nurse performs a rapid test for AIDS, syphilis and hepatitis. The Tennessee Department of Health will no longer take federal funds for the prevention and treatment of HIV. (Photo: Getty Images)

Shelby County continues to experience one of the highest HIV rates in the nation  designated one of 48 hotspots that are collectively responsible for half of all new U.S. infections.

Despite the urgent need for intervention, the Shelby County Health Department has had to forfeit more than $3 million of the $8.6 million in federal HIV prevention funding it has received in the past five years, according to information provided to lawmakers by the Tennessee Department of Health.

The funding came from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which  until last year  provided Tennessee with annual HIV prevention funding, distributed through the Tennessee Department of Health to local health departments and nonprofit organizations. Between 2019 and 2023, Shelby Countys share of the funding ranged from $816,000 to $1.7 million annually.

But in four of the past five fiscal years, Shelby County failed to tap all available CDC dollars. The money can be used to purchase HIV tests, hire public health workers to administer them and perform contact tracing to identify potentially additional cases. Last year, the county drew down just $410,000 of its $1.5 million grant.

In an August 23 letter to lawmakers highlighting the unspent funds, Tennessee Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Ralph Alvarado blamed understaffing by the Shelby County Health Department and CDC bureaucratic red tape.

A spokesperson for the Shelby County Health Department, in turn, blamed delays in executing contracts with the state health department, a process that also requires approval from the Shelby County Board of Commissioners and acceptance by county contracting officials.

The spokesperson also cited the COVID pandemics lingering impact in the past four years as reassigned sexual health workers limited HIV investigations funded by the grants.

The upshot of losing out on $3 million in HIV funding in Shelby County troubled advocates who work within limited budgets to educate, test and provide resources to individuals impacted by HIV.

Folks are making decisions between $3,000 medications and a roof over their heads, said Cherisse Scott, CEO of Sister Reach, a Memphis reproductive health organization.

The question is moot, and the answer is mute: Dr. Ralph Alvarado, commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Health, isn't taking questions. (Photo: John Partipilo)

Sister Reach operates mobile vans that travel into underserved communities to offer testing and support. At $63 per HIV test, its a struggle to provide the service, she said.

The fact is those dollars have not trickled down Scott said.

Rep. G.A. Hardaway, a Memphis Democrat, said Wednesday he planned to discuss the HIV expenditures with Shelby County health officials and local HIV advocates  and potentially the Tennessee Comptrollers office, which is charged with investigating uses of public funding.

Anytime we have federal dollars that cannot be spent in a timely fashion, we have to figure out why, said Hardaway, who noted that local health officials may not have been in a position to responsibly spend money that came to them late in a grant cycle.

We dont want to get into a pattern where theres too much red tape or were creating a situation where people are being rushed into spending in a way that would be ineffective, he said.

Rising HIV rates

The letter from Dr. Alvarado outlining Shelby County HIV spending was sent in response to questions from Democratic lawmakers concerned that teens seeking HIV tests, along with other healthcare services, were being turned away from public health clinics if they did not have a parents permission.

Public health clinics, beginning July 1, began turning away unaccompanied teens shortly after Gov. Bill Lee signed a new state law requiring parental consent for healthcare services, the Lookout reported.

The state health department has since reversed course, instructing public health clinics to resume providing sexually transmitted disease testing and birth control to teens.

Rising rates of HIV in Shelby County sparked concern earlier this year when the Tennessee Department of Health and the Shelby County Health Department jointly issued a news alert.

Shelby County is experiencing a peak in a six-year trend of increasing HIV and syphilis infections, Tennessee Department of Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tim Jones said in the new release. Testing is critical in reducing these rates.

The release noted a 36% increase in HIV rates in Shelby County since 2018 and a 40% increase among those 15- to 19-years old between 2018 and 2023.

The news has prompted renewed action among nonprofit advocates to stem the growing rates of HIV.

Conflicting disease data

But in his August 23 letter to lawmakers, Dr. Alvarado said the number of newly diagnosed HIV infections have decreased in the past 14 months  a message at direct odds with previous public statements from his department.

Dr. Alvarado noted there had been a two-year backlog in investigating HIV cases at the Shelby County Health Department. Once the backlog was resolved, he noted, there was not a significant, acute spike or outbreak indicated, as reported by the press.

The letter does not make clear how resolving the backlog in investigations resulted in fewer reported cases. Investigations, which include contact tracing to identify and test intimate partners, may result in more positive cases rather than fewer. The state health department did not respond to questions about the investigations.

Dr. Alvarado provided lawmakers with charts showing the number of HIV infections in Shelby County decreased from 358 in 2022 to 329 in 2023. Among teens in the county, the number of new infections increased from 22 to 37 during the same time period.

The data provided uses infection numbers, not rates of infections  a typical public health metric previously cited in health department press releases about HIV prevalence in Shelby County that measures the number of infections compared to population size.

The department did not respond to numerous requests seeking clarity on HIV infections in Shelby County.

Dr. Alvarado noted the decrease in the number of HIV infections coincided with the rejection of federal HIV funding from the CDC by the Lee administration.

Lee last year announced he would forgo all future CDC HIV prevention funding in a move widely seen as a politically-motivated effort to block the federal dollars from also going to Planned Parenthood clinics in Tennessee.

The state has since allocated its own funding for HIV prevention efforts. Shelby County this year received $1.7 million in state dollars and has thus far spent $885,000 on prevention efforts.

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A Russian strike on Red Cross vehicles in eastern Ukraine killed three people, the country's president Volodymyr Zelensky said Thursday.

"Today, the occupier attacked the vehicles of the International Committee of the Red Cross humanitarian mission in Donetsk region," Zelensky said.

The International Committee of the Red Cross confirmed that three of its staffers had been killed when shelling hit a site of a planned frontline aid distribution in the region.

It did not say who was behind the shelling.

"I condemn attacks on Red Cross personnel in the strongest terms,"

ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric said in a statement.

"It's unconscionable that shelling would hit an aid distribution site," he added.

"Our hearts are broken today as we mourn the loss of our colleagues and care for the injured," she said.

"This tragedy unleashes a wave of grief all too familiar to those who have lost loved ones in armed conflict."

The attack happened in the village of Virolyubivka, a dozen of kilometres away from the front line in Donetsk.

The ICRC said its team had been preparing to distribute wood and coal briquettes to vulnerable households to help them prepare for winter when their vehicles were hit.

Two other staff members were wounded in the attack, ICRC said, adding that the aid distribution "had not begun, and no residents were affected by the explosion".

The ICRC did not provide any details about the staff members killed, but Ukrainian parliamentary commissioner for human rights Dmytro Lubinets said they were Ukrainian citizens.

- Vehicles 'clearly marked' -

There was no immediate comment from Russia, which routinely says it only hits military targets.

ICRC highlighted that its teams "are regularly present in the Donetsk region, and our vehicles are clearly marked with the Red Cross emblem".

"The deaths of three ICRC colleagues come amid a sharp rise in the number of humanitarians killed around the world over the last two years," it lamented.

The UN Humanitarian mission to Ukraine said 50 workers were killed or injured in Ukraine in 2023, including 11 killed in the line of duty.

"Since the beginning of the year, this repeated pattern of attacks appears to have intensified," the UN humanitarian coordinator Denise Brown said in a statement in February.

The ICRC urgently called in Thursday's statement "for the respect of international humanitarian law, including by taking every precaution possible to ensure that those engaged in humanitarian activities are not targeted or caught in hostilities".

Thursday's strike came just days before Spoljaric is due to carry out a long-planned visit to Moscow -- her second visit since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, ICRC spokesman Jason Straziuso told AFP.

She is due to meet with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and other senior government officials on "critical issues in conflicts globally, such as the respect of international humanitarian law, prisoners of war, the fate of the missing, and protections for humanitarian workers," he said.

Bur-brw-nl/apo/jj
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  Mahoning County Sheriff Jerry Greene is clearing up some misinformation about the status of Mahoning County as it pertains to detainers requested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the county.

Greene issued a news release Thursday saying that Mahoning County is not a sanctuary county and that to become one would take a resolution with the Board of Mahoning County Commissioners and that has never happened and never will happen, Greene wrote.

We fully support and defer to Sheriff Greene and his department in setting and implementing policies that ensure the safety and security of our residents, commissioners wrote in a prepared statement.

Greene said the issue came up after dated information showed up in an ICE internal tracker that contained erroneous information. He said he talked to the deputy field office director of the Detroit Field Office of Enforcement and Removal Operations with ICE, which oversees all of Ohio, and learned that information contained in an ICE internal tracker, which was extremely dated, contained erroneous information. Greene did not say what that information was.

Although it was dated June 2024, Green said it had not been updated or actively tracked for the past four years.

The report has been retired, as Executive Order 13768 was rescinded, Greene wrote.

Executive Order 13768 was signed by former President Donald Trump in 2017. It said that sanctuary jurisdictions that dont comply with immigration laws will not receive federal funding.

Greene said that he was assured by ICE that the agency values the strong partnership with the Mahoning County Sheriffs Office and recognizes that all ICE detainers have been honored and continue to be honored. Greene added that ICE is confident that detainers placed on illegal immigrants discovered in Mahoning County are honored.

Mahoning County was confirmed by Homeland Security/ICE as being a cooperating agency with immigration enforcement, Greene wrote.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
ANTWERP TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD)  The Van Buren County Sheriffs Office is asking for the publics help to identify two suspects in the thefts of multiple vehicles and trailers near Mattawan.

Authorities say the thefts happened around 8 p.m. Wednesday and 5 a.m. Thursday on County Road 364 in Antwerp Township.

Stolen were a 2003 white Ford F250 flatbed with side lockers bearing the logo OEI Outdoor Environments Inc. and license plate BC75165, a trailer with plate D370851, a closed trailer with the OEI logo and plate D370850, a red Dingo excavator and a 1996 Ford F600 bucket truck with plate DA03379.

The sheriffs office said the two suspects, a man and woman, were caught on camera. Now, authorities need help to find out who they are.

An image released by the Van Buren County Sheriffs Office shows two suspects in vehicle and trailer thefts.

An image released by the Van Buren County Sheriffs Office shows one of the suspects in vehicle and trailer thefts.

An image released by the Van Buren County Sheriffs Office shows one of vehicles stolen near Mattawan.

An image released by the Van Buren County Sheriffs Office shows one of trailers stolen near Mattawan.

Anyone with information about the suspects or where the stolen vehicles may be is asked to call the Van Buren County Sheriffs Office at 269.657.3101, Crime Stoppers at 1.800.342.7867 or Silent Observer at 269.343.2100.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
AURORA, Colo. (KDVR)  The city of Aurora is setting the record straight after Tuesday nights presidential debate.

Former President Donald Trump said violent immigrants are taking over the city. Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman and Council Member Danielle Jurinsky say there are problems, but they are being blown out of proportion.

17-year-old shot in the face looking for spot to take homecoming photos

Jurinsky said she appreciates all of the attention that has been given to the issue of a Tren de Aragua presence in Aurora, but the former president throwing out Aurora at the largest political event could make it seem like its the entire city dealing with gang problems. She said it certainly is not.

You look at Aurora, in Colorado, Trump said at Tuesday nights debate in response to a question about the countrys economic health. They are taking over the towns. They are taking over buildings. They are going in violently.

Trumps words spurred a joint response from Aurora city leaders.

Listen, if the entire city had been taken over, I would have left with my family, Jurinsky said. The entire city of Aurora has not been taken over.

City officials: Gang issues isolated to 2 complexes

After videos of men with guns at an apartment complex went viral, Coffman and the police department have said these are isolated incidents at two buildings in a small corner of the city.

FOX31 asked Jurinsky, who has been vocal about the gang problems, what her message would be to people who feel as if she is backpedaling on previous statements she has made about the issue.

That doesnt exist. I have never said that, Jurinsky said. I have always been very specific about certain apartment complexes. Its unfortunate, because what happened is certain media outlets put that out. 

She said she believes things could have been handled differently.

I think what could have been done differently was for folks to put their political agendas aside and to just maybe listen to what Im saying, she said. I physically went into one of these buildings and moved residents out. I was elected to be the voice of these people, Aurorans, and so that was the capacity I was acting in.

Aurora police identify 10 Tren de Aragua members

A joint statement says Aurora police have been arresting people for various criminal activities who had suspected but not necessarily confirmed activity with the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua.

To date, police say they have now linked 10 people to TdA and have arrested eight of those people, two of whom were taken into custody in connection to a July shooting at one of the specific properties that have experienced issues with TdA activity.

In line with these arrests, city leaders are now confirming that issues with criminal activity had significantly affected those properties.

I think there has been a lot of hard conversations that had to happen over the past couple of weeks. Theres a lot of irrefutable proof, and I think this is a hard thing to come out to admit that youre having a problem within your city, Jurinsky said.

Jurinsky: This is not just an Aurora issue

Other prominent Republicans including U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert have claimed gangs are taking over. She said in a statement: The bottom line is illegal Venezuelan gangs are terrorizing Coloradans at apartment complexes and around different communities. President Trump correctly identified the problem, and Im glad it was a focus in last nights presidential debate.

Meanwhile, Jurinsky wants to reassure people in Aurora that the people causing terror are but a small fraction of those who are coming across the U.S. southern border.

Small in numbers but mighty in force, and we are seeing that, the police are seeing that, the people are seeing that, Jurinsky said. This is not just an Aurora issue. This is absolutely nationwide. Were seeing more and more cities coming out daily with reports of Tren de Aragua in their cities. I hope Aurora trailblazed his entire situation and sheds light onto the problem and exposes the Tren de Aragua gang, and that now federal partners will step in and help.

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The statement said recent arrests have been made in Denver and Arapahoe County.

For this reason, a special task force was established with Aurora and other local state and federal partners to address concerns about TdA and other criminal activities affecting the community.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
Port Royal officials say they are looking for a police chief who can develop a strategic plan to help the department keep pace with one of Beaufort Countys fastest growing communities, which they say is putting a strain on local law enforcements staffing.

On Wednesday, three police chief finalists introduced themselves to residents of the town then answered questions from Town Council members about their skills in developing a strategic plan, community policing and recruiting and retaining police officers.

They also shared their personal sides which revealed one candidate is a professional vocalist, one is an experienced barbecue cook and another loves playing pickleball.

Town Manager Van Willis says he will make a decision on who to hire by Monday.

The hiring of the towns top cop comes at a critical time for the police department. Port Royal grew by more than 2,000 residents between 2020 and 2023 alone, with its population officially standing at 16,287 as of July 2023. Because of the steady growth, the town has placed a moratorium on new apartment construction. That growth, Willis says, has led to a corresponding increase in service calls.

The three finalists were the result of a nationwide search to replace Alan Beach and drew 35 applicants for the chiefs job leading the department of 32 officers. The finalists met with the public Wednesday evening prior to a Town Council meeting. Beach announced his retirement in July and left his post earlier this month.

The finalists are:

 Capt. Andre Massey, an operations captain who has been with the Port Royal department since 1998.

Andre Massey

 Kevin Pierce, a former Pennsylvania State Trooper who retired two weeks ago as chief of South Coatesville, Pa., police department.

Kevin Pierce

 And Jeffrey Meyers, who retired in August 2023 as deputy chief of the Fort Myers, Fla. Police Department.

Jeffrey Meyers

Nationally, departments have faced a decline of officers since the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2020 killing of George Floyd, according to 214 law enforcement agencies that responded to a survey by the Police Executive Research Forum, although the survey reported an uptick in hiring in 2023 after four years of decline.

Councilman Jorge Guerrero, noting Port Royal officers are working very hard to keep up with demand for service, asked the finalists about their plans for recruiting and retention.

One of the toughest issues facing police departments when it comes to retention and recruitment, said Meyers, the former deputy chief in Fort Myers, is no one wants to be a police officer anymore. That department had recruitment success through a pathway to policing program targeting area schools and investing a lot of money in officers to make them happy so they would be more likely to tell their friends about openings in the department. Satisfied officers, Meyers said, are the best recruiting tool.

Massey, the local candidate, said he would look to local military bases and colleges in targeting recruitment efforts and the use of a ride-along program, social media and also word of mouth. The department, he said, needs more officers who can speak a second language especially Spanish to better communicate with the areas growing Hispanic population. He would support a stipend for those officers and those with college degrees. Thats going to keep people around a little bit more, Massey said.

Recruitment and retention of officers is a big problem and the quality of candidates has dropped, said Pierce, the former South Coatesville, Pa., chief. Policing used to be a job where people would line up to apply, he said. Recruitment, Pierce said, must begin early. He cited a summer police camp that he was a part of for years that introduced young people to police work and speakers from the FBI and CSI agencies. If we have the manpower, we should have a designated recruitment officer, Pierce said.

The candidates were also asked to share some details about them unrelated to law enforcement.

Pierce, who was born and raised in Philadelphia, is a professional vocalist, and became known as the singing trooper during a long career with the Pennsylvania State Troopers, singing the national anthem across the region including NASCAR events and the Little League World Series.

Meyers was born and raised and Cleveland. Im a big Cleveland Browns fan, he said. Have mercy on me. His parents vacationed in Hilton Head when he was young. The 55-year-old said he found out I was too young to retire. The English bulldog owner loves playing pickleball.

Massey, 56, who spent 12 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, loves to barbecue and even has owns his own tow-able grill. He loves cruising with his wife taking cruise ship trips  and working out. He can be seen in the early mornings walking about the downtown area of Port Royal with former chief Beach.
A sinkhole in South Dakota is packed with mammoth fossils that experts have been digging up for half a century. Take a look.

A sinkhole in South Dakota is packed with mammoth fossils that experts have been digging up for half a century. Take a look.

Dozens of mammoths were trapped in a South Dakota sinkhole over 100,000 years ago.

A bulldozer uncovered the first fossil 50 years ago, and experts have been finding bones ever since.

The Mammoth Site museum allows visitors to watch the excavation of these ancient mammals in real-time.

Amid the evergreen forests and picturesque hilltops in the Black Hills of South Dakota is a massive sinkhole time machine.

Tens of thousands of years ago, dozens of mammoths met their doom in this sinkhole death trap deep enough to fit a four-story building.

Today, the sinkhole is a treasure trove for paleontologists who get a rare glimpse into our nation's ancient past.

You can watch these experts uncover its fossilized secrets  from toe to tusk  in real-time at The Mammoth Site museum, which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary.

Over the last half a century, excavators have uncovered fossils from 61 mammoths and many other ancient creatures, and they aren't even halfway through digging to the sinkhole's bottom.

There may still be dozens of undiscovered mammoths in its unexcavated parts.

"I never fail to be inspired when I walk into the museum," Chris Jass, the museum's director of research, told Business Insider. "You're standing right where those animals lived, where they died."

Take a peek into the Pleistocene past when mammoths roamed over 100,000 years ago.

The first fossil was found 50 years ago.

The future location of the Mammoth Site in 1974. The Mammoth Site

In the midst of a construction project in 1974, a bulldozer operator realized he'd uncovered a giant tusk.

By the late 1970s, paleontologist Larry Agenbroad insisted a building be constructed over the site to protect it and give researchers time to excavate the sinkhole's huge number of fossils.

He spent decades uncovering mammoths until his death in 2014.

Visitors get an up-close look at how the mammoths died.

Visitors are able to watch excavators at work. Jesse Brown Nelson/The Mammoth Site

One of the things that makes the Mammoth Site special is that visitors can see the fossils as they're uncovered, with paleontologists doing the slow work of excavating them, one bone at a time.

It's a different experience seeing animals lying where they died instead of upright and on display. "It evokes a fairly powerful emotional response in a lot of people," Jass said.

Stuck in a sinkhole would have been an awful way to die, and the bones illustrate that. "They tell the story better than any of us could," he said.

The sinkhole was deadly because its walls were too steep and slippery for mammoths to climb out of.

The Black Hills has many sinkholes, including one that captured dozens of mammoths. The Mammoth Site

The Black Hills region of South Dakota is prone to sinkholes, Jass said. Basically, water underground erodes its surroundings forming subterranean caves.

"Eventually those caves grow to sizes that can't support the weight above, and you get a collapse," he said.

The Mammoth Site's sinkhole is 150 by 120 feet and at least 65 feet deep.

The walls were made of a rock called Spearfish shale, which was incredibly slippery. The unlucky mammoths who investigated the sinkhole then had to contend with both the wet rock and their own 10-ton body weight.

Jass compared it to trying to drive over a wet surface when the vehicle's back end loses traction. "You are slipping and sliding as you try to go up very steep slopes," he said.

The mammoths are far older than experts originally thought.

Excavating is a slow process. The Mammoth Site

There are two types of mammoths in the sinkhole: the woolly mammoth and its less furry, larger cousin, the Columbian mammoth.

South Dakota is a bit further south than the woolly mammoth's range, which is why most of the site's mammoths are the Columbian species.

For decades, researchers working on the site thought the mammoths were around 26,000 years old.

Now, with revised dating, they've learned the sediments are between 140,000 and 190,000 years old, Jass said.

The new dates have led Jass and his colleagues to evaluate the fossils in a whole new context.

The sinkhole is full of young, male mammoths.

So far, excavators have found over 60 mammoths. The Mammoth Site

The sinkhole has helped researchers learn more about mammoth behavior, specifically young males' behavior.

Modern elephants travel in matriarchal herds, mostly made up of females and babies. Mammoths were the same.

"When young males reach sexual maturity, they are essentially kicked out of those herds and left to fend for themselves or form groups with other male mammoths," Jass said.

That's likely the reason all the skeletons in the sinkhole appear to be males, mostly between the ages of 12 and 28.

"We think that it was those more impulsive, slightly more adventurous teenagers that got themselves stuck in the sinkhole," he said.

It also shows this wasn't a single catastrophic event that trapped all these mammoths. If it had been, there would have been both males and females and a larger range of ages, Jass said.

Many of the enormous mammoth skeletons are incomplete.

Visitors get a close-up view of experts working on fossils in the Mammoth Site's lab. The Mammoth Site

Some of the mammoth skeletons have nicknames, like the nearly intact Napoleon Bonaparte. However, many of the skeletons aren't as complete as Napoleon and require restoration in the museum's basement labs.

For a decomposing body to stay intact, it needs to be buried quickly. Skulls, for example, can get separated from bodies after death fairly easily because there's not a lot keeping them attached, Jass said.

In fact, the museum dubbed a headless fossil Marie Antoinette but switched to Murray when experts realized the mammoth was male.

Tusks also get dislodged once the soft tissue disappears. And the dying mammoths probably played a role, kicking their predecessors and dislodging bones as they tried to get out of the hole, Jass said.

The mammoths weren't alone in getting trapped in the sinkhole.

In addition to mammoths, excavators have found other animals in the sinkhole, including a short-faced bear. Will Dunham/Reuters

Excavators have discovered bits and pieces of coyotes, prairie dogs, llamas, extinct camels, and even the near-complete skeleton of a short-faced bear.

Short-faced bears were enormous animals that stood 11 feet tall. Its remains are the most complete besides the mammoths, Jass said.

But there's a reason mammoths make up most of the sinkhole's population.

"Some of those smaller animals were just a bit more agile," Jass said. Even the bear is a surprise, he said. Jess said he would have expected it to manage to crawl out, unless it was injured.

It's also possible floods washed bones into the hole, and some of these smaller animals weren't trapped at all. "There's more for us to uncover, and we've got tantalizing bits of some of those other animals," he said.

There are still dozens more fossils to find.

Scientists have excavated about 25 feet of the sinkhole, not quite halfway to the bottom. Jesse Brown Nelson/The Mammoth Site

Dozens of mammoths likely remain undiscovered in the sinkhole. Having the building located around the site allows excavators to take their time finding them because they're protected from any weather that might otherwise degrade them quickly.

Still, there are some areas experts are reluctant to touch. Jass said there's about 45 feet of sinkhole below Napoleon's fossil, but it's such an amazing specimen he doesn't want to move it. Instead, researchers are focusing on a couple of other spots that haven't been explored yet.

Jass estimated the sinkhole contains around 100 mammoths in total. "Those probably won't all be dug up in my lifetime, but eventually, yeah, I would estimate that we'll get to that number," he said.

Read the original article on Business Insider
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  The city of Sioux Falls is gearing up for the upcoming Citizen Planning Academy. The goal is to get citizens involved in city planning and help shape the future of Sioux Falls.

Multiple fire departments repond to Black Hawk fire

Well have a variety of topics that we continue to do and then a variety of topics in regards to planning, zoning, growth, management, infrastructure, housing, transportation and then any of those community quality of life issues, said Jeff Schmitt, Planning Projects Coordinator for the City of Sioux Falls.

There are two classes planned for October 7th and October 24th. The deadline to apply for the academy is September 27th. Click here to apply.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
Russian troops are trying to occupy the grey zone on the left bank of the Dnipro River on the Prydniprovske front.

Source: Dmytro Lykhoviy, spokesperson for the Tavriia Operational Strategic Group of Troops, on the air of the national joint 24/7 newscast

Quote: "The enemy is using significant efforts to occupy the grey zone on the so-called islands, or the area that is cut by straits, mouths of the Dnipro, and various water obstacles on the left bank. The fighting there is somewhat complicated by the need for logistics using boats and jet skis."

Details: He noted that compared to the previous period of relative calm, there is a sharp increase in the intensity of the fighting.

The spokesperson said Ukrainian troops are managing to hold positions on the left bank of the Dnipro River, starting from the mouth of the river and further east of Krynky.

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TAYLORSVILLE, Utah (ABC4)  Six people were taken into custody on Wednesday, Sept. 11, accused of pushing down a repairman at a Taylorsville ATM and running off with $200,000.

The following are all facing a charge of second-degree felony robbery, according to court records:

Calvin Brantley, 29

LaShawn Charleswell, 31

Tiras Jackson, 44

Harold Oliver, 37

Jevaunte Reese, 32

Keaira Nicole Woods, 26

Lt. Aaron Cheshire with the Taylorsville Police Department told ABC4.com that the alleged robbery happened around 9:30 a.m. Three people, later identified as being from the list of suspects, allegedly pushed over a technician working on an ATM near 4000 West and 5400 South in Salt Lake City.

The suspects then robbed the technician of $200,000 and fled the scene in a Jeep Cherokee, according to court documents. Detectives later discovered a number of license plates had been stolen from Jeep Cherokees at car rental companies earlier in the morning.

Sundance Film Festival selects 3 finalist cities for new venue, Utah makes the cut

One of those stolen license plates came from a white Jeep Cherokee which was rented to [a woman] who claimed her license plate was stolen from a hotel parking lot, court documents state. The white Jeep she had rented was identified and tracked using a GPS device previously installed by the rental car company, who updated law enforcement of its location.

Police said law enforcement was alerted the Jeep Cherokee was at a rest stop off I-15 in the area of Paragonah near Cedar City. All six suspects were allegedly seen getting out of the Jeep and were taken into police custody. Detectives said clothes matching the items worn in the alleged robbery were found in the Jeep along with a bag containing $200,000 in cash.

Detectives indicated only Woods was willing to speak with police upon being taken into custody. Woods allegedly told police she helped with the robbery and identified the other suspects as being involved as well.

The remaining five suspects reportedly refused to speak with police. However, through identification, detectives learned Jackson was from Louisiana and Charleswell was from out of state, though officers did not disclose from where.

An investigation into the alleged robbery is ongoing. Lt. Cheshire told ABC4.com the FBI is also involved in the case.

Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

MJ Jewkes contributed to this report.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
Fires burn after an Israeli air strike on Sunday night in Syria, which preceded a ground attack - SANA/AFP via Getty

Israeli special forces last week destroyed an underground missile factory in Syria used by Irans Revolutionary Guard (IRGC), it has been reported.

The special operation in the city of Masyaf on Sunday was the first ground attack Israel has carried out against an Iranian target in Syria for several years.

Sayeret Matkal, an elite Israel Defense Forces (IDF) unit, destroyed the facility with help from the Israeli air force, three people briefed on the operation told Axios. They said the IRGC was developing ballistic missiles there for Hezbollah.

The sources claimed the Iranian plan was to produce precision missiles close to the Lebanese border, so that they could be delivered to Hezbollah quickly and with less risk of Israeli air strikes.

Air strikes by Israel on Masyaf in Syria preceded a ground attack - Louai Beshara/AFP via Getty

It was the first Israeli ground attack in Syria in recent years - Louai Beshara/AFP via Getty

Israeli intelligence allegedly discovered the building, built deep inside the mountain in Masyaf, in 2018 and monitored it under the codename deep layer.

The attack, for which Israel has not claimed responsibility, involved heavy air strikes prior to a ground raid that Syria claimed killed at least 16.

According to the Axios report, the Israeli unit killed several Syrian guards before using explosive devices to blow up the underground facility, which included sophisticated machinery.

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Windows were blown out in Masyaf by the attack - Omar Sanadiki/AP

Israel briefed the White House before the mission, which did not oppose it, the sources said.

Israel has carried out numerous air strikes in Syria since its civil war began, largely targeting weapons convoys and military facilities belonging to Iran and Hezbollah.

Air strike kills UN aid workers

Earlier, the head of the United Nations lashed out at Israel following a deadly air strike that reportedly killed 18, including six UN aid workers.

UNRWA, the UN agency that works with Palestinian refugees, called it the highest death toll among our staff in a single incident. At least 44 other people are said to have been injured.

Antonio Guterres, secretary-general of the UN, strongly condemned the strike which flattened a former school in Nuseirat in central Gaza, calling it totally unacceptable.

A father carries his sons body after the Israeli strike in central Gaza - Mohammed Saber/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

These dramatic violations of international humanitarian law need to stop now, Mr Guterres said, adding that 12,000 people were sheltering in the al-Jaouni school buildings.

Josep Borrell, the top EU diplomat, said he was outraged by the bombing and the US called on Israel to protect humanitarian sites.

International condemnation

Israel has been condemned by the international community for the high death toll among aid workers during the war, with nearly 300 killed, according to the UN. UNRWA says the al-Jaouni compound has been targeted five times.

Survivors of the strike described scrambling over shredded limbs as they tried to retrieve bodies and belongings from the rubble. I can hardly stand up, a man holding a plastic bag of human remains told AFP.

The IDF said that it had carried out precise strikes on terrorists who were operating inside a command and control centre embedded within the building, which has not been used as a school since October.

A child is treated at Al Avde hospital after an Israeli strike in Gaza - Hassan Jedi/Anadolu via Getty Images

Nadav Shoshani, an IDF spokesman, said the Israeli army had requested that UNRWA provide details and names of the killed workers, in order to thoroughly review the claim.

To date, no answers have been provided by UNRWA despite repeated requests, Mr Shoshani said. In response, UNRWA spokesman Juliette Touma said the agency was not aware of any such requests.

The IDF later published the names of nine Hamas members it said had been killed in the strike, three of whom Israel claimed also worked for UNRWA: Muhammad Adnan Abu Zayd, Yasser Ibrahim Abu Sharar and Ayad Matar.

A Palestinian woman with some of the dead - Dawoud Abo Alkas/Anadolu via Getty Images

Casualties were brought to Al Avde hospital on Wednesday - Anadolu

A colleague of the killed UN workers, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the group had just sat down to lunch when Israel bombed the school.

Suddenly, I heard a big explosion. Everything shook. I ran back to see that they had all vanished all torn to pieces, she told CNN.

She said that all six had worked as teachers at the school before the war. They are all loved by everyone. They helped and provided aid to everyone, she added.

Earlier this year, nine UNRWA workers were fired after the agency reviewed Israeli evidence of their participation in the Oct 7 massacre.

The agency has also come under fire in recent years for its schoolbooks, which contain anti-Semitism and glorification of terror and jihad.

Benjamin Netanyahu, Israels prime minister, meanwhile took aim at Hamas, saying the terror group was trying to conceal the fact that it continues to oppose a deal to release the hostages, and is foiling it.

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LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) A skimming device was found in Lancaster County on Sept. 11, according to the Northern Lancaster County Regional Police Department.

Police said officers were dispatched to the Sheetz at 1305 Lancaster Road in Manheim for a recovered ATM skimming device on Wednesday.

This is the latest of multiple cases over the past few months where skimming devices have been found in ATMs and gas pumps around the Midstate.

Police warn about skimming devices placed on ATMs

Police encourage cardholders to review their bank transactions and report any fraudulent or suspicious activity to local police departments.

Northwest Community Credit Union has some tips for identifying skimmers on ATMS:

Florida man arrested in connection to skimming devices in Cumberland County fuel pumps

Always check for skimming devices before using an ATM or gas pump. To better identify skimming devices on ATMs, look for signs of peeling or residual glue around any part of the ATM, check for bulkiness on the card slot, and wiggle the bulky areas to check if they are loose or have been placed on top of the original.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
Ironically, it was a notification on his phone that prompted author and podcaster Carlos Whittaker to embark on a seven-week screen-free journey that would change his life.

Whittaker, who lives in Nashville on a "suburban farm" with his wife, three children and dog, knew he used his phone a lot, but didn't consider it a problem until he sat down and did the math.

After getting an alert that he had averaged seven hours and 23 minutes of daily phone time that particular week, Whittaker realized that if he lived to be 85, he would spend more than a decade of his remaining life on the device.

KEEPING KIDS SAFE: 'WAIT UNTIL 8TH' PLEDGE AIMS TO EMPOWER PARENTS TO RESIST SMARTPHONES FOR CHILDREN

In the summer of 2022, Whittaker embarked on a seven-week journey across the United States, navigating his life without the use of any screens.

He documented the mission in his latest book, "Reconnected: How Seven Screen-Free Weeks with Monks and Amish Farmers Helped Me Recover the Lost Art of Being Human," which was published on Sept. 10.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Carlos Whittaker, pictured, lived without screens for seven weeks in 2022 in an experience he described as life-changing.

"That's exactly what I did," Whittaker told Fox News Digital in a Zoom interview. "I lived with these monks and the Amish, and it absolutely changed my life."

The author spent two weeks at a monastery, two weeks with the Amish and three weeks with his family, living entirely without screens.

Before and after the experiment, Whittaker's brain was scanned and analyzed by neurologists  and he details those results in his book.

Whittaker, who described himself as an evangelical Christian, was connected to St. Andrew's Abbey  a Catholic, Benedictine monastery in California  which allowed him to stay in a guest cabin for the first part of his journey.

LIMIT OF 3 HOURS OF WEEKLY SCREEN TIME FOR KIDS HAS POSITIVE EFFECT ON BEHAVIOR, MENTAL HEALTH: STUDY

Whittaker almost quit the experiment at the very beginning.

"When you can't get out of your head by picking up your phone and scrolling TikTok or X or whatever it is, and you're stuck in your own thoughts  that's something we're not used to, and I definitely wasn't used to it," he said.

This sudden digital detox led to "four days of panic," he said, as he experienced "panic attacks, night sweats, heart palpitations [and] jitters."

Whittaker said he nearly quit his experiment right as it began, finding the sudden lack of a smartphone to be physically taxing.

Not having his phone felt like "coming off the drug of knowledge and the drug of control," Whittaker said.

But on day five of the experiment, something changed.

"It literally felt like an elephant stepped off my chest and I could breathe again," he said. "And I got it. But those first four days were the crazy days."

INCREASED USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA TAKES MENTAL HEALTH TOLL ON TEENS

In the book, Whittaker writes about how he initially felt uncomfortable living among Benedictine monks and found their prayer routine to be "boring." (Benedictine monks pray the Liturgy of the Hours, a daily prayer, at different times throughout the day.)

"I'll be blatantly honest, the first two days, I was bored out of my mind," he said. "We were praying five or six times a day."

But eventually, he said, "I got it," adding that he has kept up the practice of praying the Liturgy of the Hours even after leaving the monastery.

"I missed it so much. It created a rhythm in my day," he said. "It gave some stability to some parts of my faith that maybe were unstable."

Whittaker lived among the Benedictine monks at St. Andrew's Abbey in California for two weeks, joining them for daily prayer and Mass.

"What I learned from the monks is that every day, I had multiple opportunities to lower the volume of life and slow down  and when you lower the volume of life, the volume of God goes up," he said.

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After his time at the monastery, Whittaker moved to the Midwest and lived for two weeks with an Amish family. (The Amish are a religious group that eschews most modern technology.)

Getting permission to live among the Amish, however, was more challenging. Whittaker was rejected by many people he contacted, as they were wary of an outsider temporarily joining their community.

Whittaker spent two weeks living with an Amish family as part of his screen-free experiment.

"We finally ended up with a sheep-farming family that was like, 'Absolutely, come on in,'" he said. "And they helped me become as Amish as I could in 14 days."

Throughout his seven screen-free weeks, Whittaker journaled and recorded videos each night on a small, screen-free camera.

LIMITING SCREEN TIME IN INFANTS MAY DECREASE RISK OF AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER, STUDY FINDS

Those videos will be compiled into a documentary, also called "Reconnected," that will be released on Oct. 25, he said.

While Whittaker has largely returned to life as it was before his experiment  including the use of a smartphone  he has made changes that he says have improved his life.

"This book isn't about how bad phones are. This book is about how beautiful it is on the other side of the phone," he told Fox News Digital.

"Instead of setting up all these rules and restrictions for my screen time, once I fell in love with wondering, with noticing, with savoring, with 90-minute meals  with all of these things I was doing without my phone, I just picked up my phone less."

Today, Whittaker uses his phone about 3- hours a day, four hours less than before the experiment.

BALANCING THE PROS AND CONS OF SOCIAL MEDIA SCREEN TIME

"I've legitimately added half of my life back, half of the years back that I was losing before."

Whittaker offered a few tips for those who want to limit their daily screen time.

"The first thing everyone needs to do is stop charging your phone in the bedroom and start charging it in another room," he said.

"Buy an alarm clock. I know it's the craziest, most old-fashioned thing, but all it's going to do is wake you up."

One of Whittaker's suggestions to cut down on screen time is to buy an alarm clock.

People should avoid looking at their phones for "at least 30 minutes in the morning," Whittaker suggested.

"Just drink your coffee. When you're just drinking the coffee, [it] tastes so much better. You get to savor it," he said.

Whittaker subscribes to a newspaper rather than relying on the constant buzz of a smartphone app.

"I've actually placed my smartphone in permanent 'do not disturb,' so I never get a 'ding,'" he told Fox News Digital.

Whittaker said his smartphone is permanently on "do not disturb" for everyone except his family and his assistant.

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Whittaker has set up his phone so that only his assistant and family can immediately reach him.

"I never get a buzz. I never get a notification," he said.





Original article source: Slashing screen time for mental health: Carlos Whittaker shares his unplugged journey
UPDATE (9/13)  The SC Law Enforcement Division announced that Bissonnette and Ussery are now in custody.

(WSPA)  Agents with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division are looking for two individuals who escaped from the Department of Juvenile Justice.

On August 28, 17-year-old Robert Richard Louis Bissonette IV, of Anderson, and 18-year-old Malachi Joseph Ussery, of Columbia, escaped from the Three Rivers Behavioral Health Facility in Lexington County.

Officials said Bissonette was last seen Friday, September 6 in West Columbia on Sunset Boulevard. He may have a shaved head or shorter hair than the picture shared from SLED.

Bissonette is described as 56 weighing 137 pounds and has hazel eyes with brown hair.

Ussery is 6 weighing 140 pounds and has blue eyes and brown hair according to officials. It is reported that Ussery has a violent criminal history.

Law enforcement has been advised to use extreme caution if they encounter either Bissonnette or Ussery.

Anyone who may know about Ussery or Bissonnettes whereabouts should immediately call 911 and then report this information to SLED at (866) 4728477.

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SLO County ordered another study of potential offshore wind port sites. Where could it be?

Two separate studies have now have been ordered to determine the potential for building an offshore wind port on the Central Coast, with the second and most recent one coming from San Luis Obispo County.

On Tuesday, the SLO County Board of Supervisors approved $1 million in grant funds for the Mott MacDonald consulting group to prepare a study considering three different locations for an offshore wind operations and maintenance port: Port San Luis, the Cal Poly Pier and Morro Bay.

The terminal would serve as a support hub for the offshore wind turbines in the Morro Bay Wind Energy Area and serve as a place for maintenance and service operation vessels to restock supplies and change crew members between two-week trips, said County Planning and Building Department Division manager Susan Strachan.

Basically, its a place for vessels to dock, Strachan said.

It would also include warehouses, offices and storage yards, but these structures do not need to be located directly next to the coast, she said.

The Cal Poly Pier in Avila Beach.

The countys vote follows another recently approved study ordered by the Port San Luis Harbor District in collaboration with port project developer Clean Energy Terminals to evaluate the potential for building a port near Avila Beach.

Port San Luis will now see not one, but two independent studies into its potential to host an offshore wind port. Morro Bay and the Cal Poly Pier in San Luis Obispo Bay will also be considered only by the countys study.

This SLO County beach town is considering an offshore wind port. What could it look like?

Funded entirely by the $1 million Caltrans grant, the county is now slated to pay Mott MacDonald up to $684,750 to carry out the study and distribute the remaining $315,250 to the Port San Luis Harbor District, Cal Poly and the city of Morro Bay for staffing resources and community engagement and outreach costs, Strachan said.

The board approved the motion to enter into the contract with Mott MacDonald on a 4-1 vote, with Supervisor Debbie Arnold the sole dissenter.

For us to not go forth with the study would be completely irresponsible, Supervisor Dawn-Ortiz Legg said as she cast her yes vote.

But community critics did not share the same sentiment.

Why do feasibility studies when (Clean Energy Terminals) is already doing one for Port San Luis and ... Morro Bay is is not a viable alternative, Mandy Davis, president of local anti-offshore wind nonprofit REACT Alliance, said during public comment. You are looking to do something that is 100% unnecessary.

Other attendees were concerned that the port project would interrupt the Central Coast way of life, noting the minimal access to both Morro Bay and by one road to Avila Beach that would be congested by a massive infrastructure project.

You will destroy a gem of San Luis Obispo, a Morro Bay resident said during public comment.







Study looks at Port San Luis, Cal Poly Pier, Morro Bay for potential offshore wind port

The proposed study would be divided into two parallel parts  one focused on the San Luis Bay area covering Port San Luis and the Cal Poly Pier, and another focused on the Morro Bay area, Strachan said during the board meeting.

Costs would be more or less split between the two sites, with $281,300 requested for San Luis Bay for an expected 5-month timeline and $341,200 for a 9-month study in Morro Bay, totaling $622,500. With a 10% contingency, the county will offer Mott MacDonald up to $684,750.

The two prongs differ slightly in their details  for example, the San Luis Bay study would include wave modeling to determine when wave conditions would preclude vessels from docking, as well as an assessment of potential co-uses and benefits to the community, while the Morro Bay study includes two public meetings with Mott MacDonald to discuss the draft and final study results.

But both sides of the study will conduct environmental and permitting assessments in partnership with a local firm and develop conceptual waterfront infrastructure designs at the three different locations, Strachan said.

County staff made it clear that no plans have been designed yet and that a formerly proposed design for a much larger, more obstructive staging and assembly port is no longer on the table.

There are no larger facilities proposed to go on the Central Coast, Assistant County Administrative Officer Rebecca Campbell said at the meeting. This picture is not representative of the facility that would be here.

Campbell said that an earlier study explored whether those facilities could be accommodated along the SLO County coastline and determined they could not. The development of those larger construction facilities are now being pursued in Long Beach and Humboldt, she said.

Clean Energy Terminals is evaluating the potential for building a 3,000-foot-long pier as part of an offshore wind operations and maintenance port in San Luis Obispo Bay. This is much smaller than the port included in an early feasibility study published by REACH in 2022, shown on the left.

Instead, a proposed operation and maintenance port would primarily include service operation and crew transfer vessels, Strachan said.

The service operation vessels are typically 250 to 300 feet long and can accommodate up to 100 wind technicians and crew members, she said. They would spend up to two weeks at a time performing maintenance on ocean wind turbines, before returning to port to resupply and swap out crews.

The smaller crew transfer vessels are around 65 to 90 feet long and make shorter daily trips of around 30 miles or less to the wind farms, Strachan said. These vessels would dock at the proposed port daily to pick up and drop off technicians and crews servicing the turbines.

Port facilities would also include warehouses, offices and storage yards to support the offshore operations. While these supporting infrastructure elements do not necessarily need to be located directly on the waterfront, they are an integral part of the overall operations and maintenance hub.

Community has a split reaction the proposed study

Despite the majority support from the Board of Supervisors, many community members spoke in opposition to the proposed study.

The absurdity of the fact that the county is looking at doing feasibility studies does not escape me or many others in this county, REACT Alliance president Davis said.

She also claimed that wind companies had declared Morro Bay an unviable alternative in private meetings.

Its narrow. Its shallow. It is a marine protected area. It is the site of endangered species habitat, Davis said. The ridiculousness of even looking at Morro Bay is pretty mind-blowing.

Strachan later said that Morro Bay wrote a letter to the Board of Supervisors in support of the county study.

A boat heads out from Port San Luis as the sun rises near Avila Beach on Monday, Jan. 29, 2024.

Multiple others also brought up the ways in which the study appears unnecessary, including Cambria resident Ted Key.

It would seem that the proposed technical assessments is a repetition of what (Clean Energy Terminals) is already doing in Avila, Key said during public comment. Why repeat it?

Morro Bay resident Nicole Dorfman supported that allocation of funds to Morro Bay for the offshore wind efforts, but found it disingenuous and schizophrenic for the county to support clean energy at the same time as supporting an increase in Vandenberg missile launches that massively contribute to carbon emissions

Were talking about these wind turbines as solving the climate crisis, but I really think thats a false narrative, Dorfman said.

SLO County activists oppose offshore wind projects. So theyre taking fight to national level

However, a number a proponents spoke on behalf of the study, too.

Any decision for or against offshore wind development is a decision against or for fossil fuel development, Director of Cal Polys Initiative for Climate Leadership and Resilience Erin Pearse said.

Karen Tillman, Cal Polys director of economic development, highlighted the necessity of a study at this time.

The Central Coast region is uniquely positioned to become a leader in clean energy, Tillman said. The offshore wind industry offers an unprecedented opportunity for our region in terms of economic development, job creation and contributions to Californias ambitious climate goals. At the same time, we must protect the natural beauty and environmental integrity that define the Central Coast.

The board ultimately voted to support the motion, pushing the study into its next steps.

This is a study, Supervisor John Peschong said. Were going to do science and were going to figure out if the thing is actually viable. ... Well have another public comment on this in the future when the results are known, and well get a pretty good idea of what were able to actually get accomplished.

Supervisor John Peschong asks questions at the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors meeting on May 21, 2024.
We now wont know the line-up of the next European Commission for at least another week, thanks to a hold-up in parliamentary proceedings in Slovenia.

It's not the only time selection of a Commissioner has caused political problems, given the many different ways the 27 member states pick their candidates for the EU executive. Euronews takes you through some highlights.

Ursula von der Leyen, the Commission chief whos been appointed to serve another term, has asked national governments to send in nominations; once she has the full list, shell announce the portfolios theyll each get.

Under the EUs treaty, candidates to serve in the EUs executive have to be competent, independent and committed to Europe. But von der Leyen needs to double check shes getting high-quality names, as MEPs will pore over those criteria when deciding whether to approve the new executive.

Shes said she wants people with senior experience in government, diplomacy or EU institutions  and has pushed back on a number that dont fit the bill, in particular when they jeopardised her goal of gender balance.

Exactly how each country selects its nominee varies  and sometimes becomes a political hot topic.

In Slovenias case, the candidate, diplomat Marta Kos, was only officially selected by the government on Monday 9 September, after a last minute swap-out of Tomaz Vesel.

Vesel, ex-head of the national Court of Auditors, was originally proposed before the summer, a decision re-confirmed by the government as recently as last week (3 September), before Ljubljana relented and agreed to send a woman.

That U-turn is creating a political storm in Slovenia, which threatens to further delay von der Leyen's plans.

By law Kos must now attend a hearing of the Slovenian National Assemblys EU Affairs Committee, which had originally been scheduled for tomorrow (13 September).

Though lawmakers' views are non-binding, the chair of the committee Franc Breznik has threatened to delay the hearing by as long as two weeks while he gets more details about the pressure the government put on Vesel to step down, according to Slovenian media.

Commission spokesperson Eric Mamer gave events in Slovenia as the official reason for the delay in presenting the full slate of candidates and their portfolios originally due this week (11 September).

Kos' hearing conveniently gives von der Leyen a few more days to tweak her top team, not least given concerns from left-wing MEPs over gender balance and policy assignment, but Breznik's threat could imply a much bigger delay.

In other countries  such as Lithuania  the procedure is rather different: the choice has to be endorsed by lawmakers, after being agreed by both prime minister and president, something thats created its own headaches.

The original top-tipped candidate, foreign minister Gabrielius Landsbergis, had to bow out after independent-minded President Gitanas Nauseda threatened to veto.

Yet that complexity may well be the reason why Vilnius didnt fulfil von der Leyens demand to put forward both a male and female name for the post.

In the Lithuanian case, we have such a complicated nomination procedure that for us even to nominate one candidate is quite a challenge, former Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius told Euronews after he was eventually selected as Lithuanias pick. To nominate two candidates, perhaps it would be almost not an achievable result."

In other places, such as the Netherlands, lawmakers only need to be informed of the Commission nominee  as Prime Minister Dick Schoof did just before re-appointing Wopke Hoekstra.

Hoekstra was for some a surprising choice because Christian Democrat Appeal, the party he previously led, is not among the four in Schoofs coalition.

Formally speaking, that didnt bar the government from choosing him, and Schoof may have felt that naming an incumbent already close to von der Leyen upped his chances of getting a good portfolio.

In other places, there isnt consensus over exactly how to pick their Commissioner  and the choice can represent a political minefield.

In France, picking a candidate has traditionally been seen as a prerogative of the president, as part of his responsibility for foreign policy.

Thats what Emmanuel Macron did before the summer, when he apparently told European Council counterparts of his intention to renominate Thierry Breton for the role  but his decision, taken during an unprecedented lacuna in French politics, proved explosive.

In a series of fiery interventions on French radio, Marine Le Pen, his rival from the far-right National Rally party, called his decision a kind of administrative coup detat, adding that its the prerogative of the Prime Minister to name the European Commissioner.

At the time, France was in the middle of legislative elections in which Le Pen hoped her party would seize control.

In reality, nobody gained a majority; France lumbered on with a caretaker government during a two-month period in which the Breton nomination was formalised, before Macron picked centre-right Michel Barnier for Prime Minister.

In Belgium, meanwhile, the choice of Commissioner is just another element of the four-dimensional chess game that leads to the formation of the government.

No clear winner emerged from June federal and regional elections, leading to extensive coalition negotiations. During those talks, parties are allocated points based on seat shares which they spend on prestigious positions  of which EU commissioner is just one, alongside the Prime Minister and other government roles.

The complexity of that process means Belgium already holds the world record for time spent without a government  and its also why the country was the only one to miss von der Leyens 30 August deadline to pick a name.

It eventually settled on French-speaking liberal foreign minister Hadja Lahbib as its EU candidate, as five-party talks to form a federal government collapsed and restarted.
Last summer, Chicago was inundated by flash flooding, and one small business owner has used the devastating experience to spread the word about preparedness.

What's happening?

In July, Mityne Lewis' home and day care center on the west side of the city took on 3 feet of water. The onset of the event was jarring, as the water was already ankle-deep and "rising fast" when they went downstairs to check on things as news outlets reported widespread flooding in the area.

"What I saw shocked me and often replays in my head to this day," Lewis wrote in Fortune last month. "... There was no time to turn on the sump pump, so I began grabbing things as quickly as I could  day care equipment, curriculum materials, rugs. Amid my frenzy, things turned from bad to worse.

"My business records, housed in cardboard boxes on the floor, began to disintegrate before my eyes. The furniture was starting to float."

Lewis and their spouse tried to salvage what they could but then realized they should get out of the water because plugged-in appliances were in that water as well. The water receded as quickly as it had risen, but supplies as well as business and tax documents were ruined and had to be discarded.

Why is this important?

Lewis was right when they wrote that historically bad floods, blazing wildfires, and unprecedented hurricanes are ravaging communities everywhere. The burning of dirty energy sources such as coal, gas, and oil is causing rising global temperatures that make extreme weather events more frequent and more intense.

This is stretching homeowners, businesses, and governments to the limit. Insurance companies are pulling out of areas all across the United States, including the wildfire-prone West but also the Midwest. That leaves people in limbo, weighing whether they can afford to remain or must move, though a home may not be sellable if it can't be insured.

"When my day care couldn't operate, parents had to stay home with their kids or scramble to find someone who could watch them," Lewis wrote. "... Many must forgo their daily wages to accommodate. It's a reminder that weather-related disasters have downstream consequences beyond the physical damage they inflict. When businesses go offline, it causes a ripple effect that significantly disrupts a community's economy long after the storm has passed."

What's being done about flood risk?

Many locales require residents to have flood insurance, but it may now be necessary even elsewhere because of rising sea levels and heavy rainfall, two more consequences of our reliance on dirty energy.

Lewis didn't have flood insurance because they didn't live and work in "a traditional flood zone" and didn't feel it was necessary. But in urging others to prepare for such unforeseen events, they noted that "every $1 invested in disaster preparedness saves $13 in damages, cleanup, and economic costs."

Lewis suggested researching grant options, including the Readiness for Resiliency Program, which helps small businesses with $5,000 grants after natural disasters. They also said to make a plan and practice that plan; other vital preparedness steps include backing up business records, putting together an emergency kit, and building a rainy day fund.

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Smoke from California wildfires obscures the view of casinos northbound on the Las Vegas Strip in Las Vegas, Nev., Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. | STEVE MARCUS

Smoke from three major wildfires in Southern California blew into Utah Wednesday, causing air quality to plummet as the sky filled with haze.

The Bridge, Line and Airport fires in California, meanwhile, have collectively burned over 100,000 acres as of Wednesday, with containment still out of sight, NBC Los Angeles reported.

Smoke and cold front push into Utah

The wildfire smoke sweeping into Utah Wednesday will be joined by a cold front that is expected to push into the state Thursday morning.

As winds from the southwest bring smoke, the cold front from the Pacific Northwest will likely clear out some of that smoke, KSL meteorologist Matt Johnson said.

However, Johnson warned, the cold front will likely bring in smoke from the northwest again  varying in thickness at times, KSL reported.

Utah experienced similarly smoky conditions last week as a dry cold front pulled wildfire smoke from the northwest, settling in Utah and southwest Wyoming, as the Deseret News previously reported.

The National Weather Service predicted that though the smoke will likely decrease for many places, Utahns should still except smoky conditions through Thursday.

Wildfire smoke has pushed into southwest Wyoming and Utah. How long will it last? Here is a model simulation. Smoke will likely decrease for many places, expect it through Thursday. #utwx #wywx pic.twitter.com/cO7PWYE9kz  NWS Salt Lake City (@NWSSaltLakeCity) September 11, 2024

Utahns can also expect a sharp temperature drop  20 degrees for northern Utah and 10 degrees for southern Utah  starting Thursday, according to NWS Salt Lake City.

Southern California wildfires rage on

Three major wildfires are currently scorching Southern California as gusty winds push smoke eastward.

The Bridge fire started Sunday in Angeles National Forest and has quickly became the largest current wildfire in California, at 48,000 acres, spanning into San Bernardino County. As of Wednesday afternoon, the fire was at 0% containment and had destroyed 33 homes, according to CBS News.

The Line Fire started last Thursday, Sept. 5, and has burned through 35,000 acres in San Bernardino County since then. As of Wednesday afternoon, the fire was at 14% containment. The San Bernardino County Sheriff announced Wednesday that they had arrested a suspect for allegedly starting the fire.

The Airport Fire in Orange and Riverside Counties spanned 22,000 acres and was at 0% containment as of Wednesday afternoon. Eight firefighters have been injured in the fire that was sparked Monday by heavy equipment operating in the area, Orange County Fire Capt. Steve Concialdi stated, per The Associated Press.

And in Nevada, fires in north continue to grow in size

Per CNN, A fire south of Reno has consumed nearly 5,600 acres and is 0% contained as of Tuesday, according to the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. The size of the Davis fire was downgraded from an earlier 6,500 acres. At least 14 structures have been destroyed.

Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo, Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek and California Gov. Gavin Newsom have all declared a state of emergency in their respective states.
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  Utahns stepping outside will notice the familiar Wasatch Front mountains are missing from the skyline. They have instead been replaced by a thick cloud of smoke.

Utahs air has reached moderate levels, which could cause problems for those with existing heart issues or any respiratory ailments, according to the Utah Department of Environmental Quality. However, IQAir, an air-quality moderating service, reports Salt Lake City has the fifth worst air in the world and is unhealthy for sensitive groups as of Wednesday afternoon.

The most polluted cities in the world as of Wednesday afternoon per IQAir (Courtesy: IQAir)

The smoke is bringing heavy impacts to air quality with elevated particulate matter taking us into the unhealthy for sensitive groups category along the Wasatch Front. Tooele County is seeing poor air quality with local fires adding to upper-level smoke, explained Alana Brophy, ABC4 chief meteorologist. Thick smoke is impacting visibility as well, and you can expect that to be an issue for the remainder of today and Thursday.

So, where is the smoke coming from?

Ahead of an incoming cold front, Utah has a strong southwesterly wind blowing throughout the state. ABC4s 4Warn Weather Team said these winds are about 25 miles per hour with gusts reaching as high as 45 miles per hour.

This strong southwestern flow is dragging dense wildfire smoke from wildfires in southern California into the state.

KTLA, ABC4s sister station in southern California, reports the Golden State is ablaze with three major wildfires.

The San Bernardino Line Fire spread to nearly 35,000 acres as of Wednesday morning with only 14% containment. The Bridge Fire had burned nearly 48,000 acres in the San Gabriel Mountains of Los Angeles and San Bernardino with no containment. Finally, the Airport Fire sparked in Trabuco Canyon in Orange County on Monday afternoon. As of Wednesday morning, it has burned over 22,000 acres with no containment.

Several Utah fires have also been contributing to the smoke. Lightning from an overnight storm sparked multiple fires near Farmington Canyon and the Davis-Morgan County line. These fires are fairly small in comparison, spreading less than 10 acres as of the latest update on Wednesday afternoon.

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Another lightning-caused fire sparked evacuations and a plume of smoke near Tooele County. Dubbed the South Willow Fire, flames have spread over 40 acres of private land as of the latest update.

Finally, over 350 acres have burned in Box Elder County just west of Promontory Point. Utah Fire Info said structures are being threatened by the flames and a few homes east of Promontory have been evacuated. Details on this fire are limited, but officials do believe it was human-caused.

When will the smoke clear out?

Chief Meteorologist Alana Brophy said it can be a little hard to predict when exactly Utahs smoke will clear out, but you can expect it to stick around at least for the next few days. Utahns can expect the smoke to start decreasing with cleaner air coming in heading into Friday.

You can expect smoke to decrease with cleaner air on the horizon heading into Friday, said Brophy. Our storm system, or exiting trough, will be lifting out of the region and bring a more westerly flow Friday, which should start to ease some of the smoke and improve air quality by the weekend.

However, the coming shift in the winds may not provide too much relief for Utah. Brophy explained the winds have the chance to bring more smoke from wildfires that continue to burn in the Pacific Northwest.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
Smoke and haze from wildfires that burned in southern California and around metro Phoenix clouded Valley skies Wednesday morning before dissipating as the day progressed.

That daily pattern was expected to continue until the southern California fires subside, said Ted Whittock, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

A layer of smoke floated at about 20,000 feet Wednesday, according to the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality.

The air quality was rated moderate Wednesday but was expected to improve Thursday, said Matthew Pace, a meteorologist with the department.

Why is the air quality in Phoenix bad? Your questions about air quality answered

But dust was expected to blow into the Valley on Thursday afternoon, which would raise additional air quality concerns, Pace said.

Winds between 15 and 20 mph in the Phoenix metro area brought dust Wednesday but also pushed wildfire smoke in and out of the state, he said.

On Thursday, a breezy day was expected again as winds could reach between 20 and 30 mph, he said.

The National Weather Service reported sunny skies but gusty conditions for Thursday, with a high of 103 and a low of 77.

Wildfires burning near Los Angeles sending smoke to metro Phoenix

Three major wildfires north of Los Angeles had burned over 100,000 acres as of Wednesday night.

The Line Fire was about 35,000 acres, caused evacuations in San Bernardino County, and was 14% contained.

Authorities on Wednesday arrested Justin Halstenberg, 34, in connection with the fire.

The nearby Bridge Fire, burning north of Glendora, had scorched nearly 50,000 acres since Sunday, prompting local evacuation and warning orders, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department.

The Airport Fire in Trabuco Canyon was over 23,000 acres and was at 0% containment, according to the Orange County Fire Authority.

Arizona wildfires sending smoke into metro Phoenix

The Point Fire started on Tuesday north of Phoenix in the Tonto National Forest and quickly spread to over 700 acres by Wednesday, according to park officials. The fire burning north of New River was at 0% containment.

The Preacher and West fires near Payson combined burned nearly 5,000 acres, according to InciWeb.

The Siphon Fire northeast of Phoenix in the Superstition Wilderness had burned about 2,350 acres since Tuesday, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: What to know about smoke blanketing metro Phoenix skies
A snap poll has revealed the state of the presidential race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump in the immediate aftermath of the debate on Tuesday night.

According to a CNN flash poll conducted by SSRS, 63 percent of registered voters who tuned in to the ABC News debate believe that Harris won the debate.

This is nearly double (37 percent) the voters who believed that Trump was the winner.

The snap poll shows that Harris was able to make a positive impression on voters, who felt better understood by the Democrat after the debate.

Post-debate, 44 percent said Harris better understands the problems facing regular Americans today, while 40 percent backed Trump.

This is a changeup from before the debate, when 43 percent of voters felt that Trump was more in touch with their problems, compared to 39 percent for Harris.

Harriss favorability also rose after the debate, with 45 percent saying they view her favorably compared to 39 percent before the two candidates took to the stage. However, a significant 44 percent of registered voters said they view her unfavorably in the aftermath of the debate.

By contrast, voters opinions of Trump were largely unchanged, with 39 percent rating him favorably and 51 percent unfavorably.

The results highlight a slight shift towards Harris compared to prior to the debate and come after an average of national polls shows Harris with a 2.8 point lead over Trump.

The vice president has been pulling away from the former president in the polls since late July, although Trumps percentage has been creeping ever so slightly closer to his opponents as of last week.

Despite Harriss growth in favorability, the issue of the economy still appears to be an obstacle for her campaign.

Donald Trump and Kamala Harris debated each other for the first time in this years presidential election on Tuesday night (AP)

In the snap poll, 55 percent of voters said Trump would handle the economy better than Harris, while 35 percent said the reverse  a 20 point margin slightly wider than prior to the debate.

A significant majority of registered voters watching the debate said their voting intentions were no different than before Harris and Trump took to the stage in Philadelphia  82 percent to be exact.

A further 14 percent said the debate made them reconsider their vote but failed to change their minds, while just 4 percent said their voting intentions had actually changed post-debate.

CNN highlighted how debate watchers who took the poll were six points likelier to be Republican-aligned than Democratic-aligned, meaning those polled were about four percentage points more GOP-leaning than all registered voters nationally.

One key figure who appears to have been influenced by the debate is Taylor Swift, who officially endorsed Harris for president only moments after the debate wrapped up.

The debate was the first  and likely only  between Harris and Trump as well as the second of the 2024 presidential election, after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race in July, weeks after his disastrous debate with Trump in June.

Less than an hour after leaving the stage, the Harris campaign challenged Trump, who said it was his best debate ever, to another round.

They want another debate because they lost, Trump claimed to reporters in the spin room following the debate. So, well, you know, think about that.

Make sense of the US election with The Independents experts in our exclusive virtual event, Harris vs. Trump: who will make history? Reserve your space here.
Jordanhill School in Glasgow is known for its brown blazers, which cost up to 135

Schools have been told to ditch blazers from their uniforms by the SNP.

In new guidance, headteachers have been urged to instead require pupils to wear only generic non-branded, gender-neutral items and consider alternatives to ties and formal trousers.

Ministers insisted flexible and inclusive uniform rules would drive down costs for families and promote the comfort, happiness and freedom of children.

However, critics called on the Scottish Government to instead address declining standards and rising violence in Scottish classrooms, as experts highlighted evidence that uniforms could improve behaviour and attainment.

Nine out of 10 of Scotlands best-performing state schools currently require pupils to wear blazers, while the other asks its oldest pupils to wear one.

Jordanhill School in Glasgow, widely regarded as Scotlands top state school, is known for its brown blazers, which cost up to 135 and must be worn even when travelling to and from the site.

Boroughmuir High, Edinburghs best-performing state school, sees its black blazers as an integral part of the dress code. Its blazers cost up to 47.50, although the school also sells 3 badges which can be sewn onto cheaper jackets.

However, under the new guidelines, published on Thursday by Jenny Gilruth, the SNPs Education Secretary, schools are told they should not include items such as blazers or other branded outerwear as a compulsory part of their uniform policy.

Should headteachers insist on maintaining blazers, they have been told they should only be an optional item and it must be clear that these are not needed or expected.

Parents should also be permitted to buy cheap optional blazers and sew, iron or pin on a badge rather than having to buy bespoke items from a specialist supplier, the guidance says.

The new rules also call for schools to give careful consideration to required clothing which pupils may find restrictive, such as ties or formal trousers, because of fears they will not support pupils comfort and wellbeing.

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More urgent priorities

Liam Kerr, education spokesman for the Scottish Tories, said uniforms could be crucial in fostering schools identity and community spirit.

While its sensible for schools to follow guidance on making sure that uniform is affordable, the SNP government should not be attempting to dictate policy on blazers, badges or other school insignia, he said.

After the SNPs serial failures on standards, the attainment gap and funding, many people will feel the Education Secretary has much more urgent priorities to be dealing with.

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The SNP government has backed away from plans, set out in an earlier consultation, to compel schools, including those in the independent sector, to follow the rules.

However, the party said its new non-statutory guidance would apply to all state schools to support them in setting policies, with private schools strongly encouraged to also take account of it.

It calls on schools to avoid categorising items of clothing or uniform as suitable for a particular sex or gender and instead include a range of comfortable and practical, gender-neutral options.

The guidance says teachers should permit generic items that can be bought from a range of suppliers adding that school uniform is a barrier to participation and engagement for some pupils.

Significant burden

Lindsay Paterson, professor of education policy at the University of Edinburgh, said that evidence suggested uniforms could improve behaviour.

However, he acknowledged that while blazers were effective they were unlikely to be affordable for all families.

Branded items can have an important role to play, provided the branding is affordable, Prof Paterson said.

But the new guidance fails to assert strongly the beneficial effects of uniform. Its otherwise worthy aims of inclusion and affordability lack the coherence that would arise from a strong policy of encouraging uniforms in all schools.

Jenny Gilruth, the SNPs Education Secretary, said uniform costs could be a significant burden for families - Andrew Milligan/PA

Ms Gilruth said the costs of uniforms could be a significant burden for families and claimed the measures could play a crucial role in ending child poverty.

She added: This new national guidance contains measures for schools to develop and implement their own affordable and sustainable policies that recognise the individual needs of all pupils.

It makes clear that schools are expected to do all they can to limit school clothing costs for families as part of our wider aim to reduce the cost of the school day.

The guidance also encourages schools to develop flexible and inclusive policies which promote generic items of clothing and do not include compulsory branded items, supporting our efforts to be more sustainable.

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The bearskin caps worn by soldiers outside Buckingham Palace now cost more than 2,000 each, according to figures from the Ministry of Defence (MOD).

The cost of the ceremonial caps, made from the fur of black bears, soared by 30% in a year, according to figures revealed in response to a Freedom of Information request from animal welfare campaigners.

The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) group are against using real fur in principle, but they say it is also now a financial as well as an ethical issue, with 1m spent on fur caps in recent years.

The MOD said: We are open to exploring faux fur alternatives if they pass the necessary requirements."

However, the ministry spokesman said a fake fur version would have to satisfy "safety and durability considerations" and that "no alternative has met all those criteria to date".

The sharp increase in price is explained by the MOD as the result of a change in the "contractual arrangements" for the caps, which are all made from the fur of bears hunted in Canada.

The cost of the caps worn by the King's Guard rose from 1,560 each in 2022 to 2,040 in 2023.

Elisa Allen of Peta called on the MOD to "stop wasting taxpayer pounds on caps made from slaughtered wildlife, and switch to faux fur today".

The distinctive tall caps are worn on ceremonial events such as Trooping the Colour, and the figures from the MOD show that 24 new caps were bought in 2023 and 13 in 2022. Over the past decade the amount spent on replacement caps has been more than 1m.

Defenders of using real fur caps have argued that they are long-lasting and maintain their appearance for such showcase military occasions.

Animal welfare campaigners have claimed it is cruel and unnecessary for the King's Guard to use real fur, saying it takes the fur of one bear to make each bearskin.

The decision on the use of real fur is up to the MOD rather than the royals, but as the BBC previously revealed, Queen Camilla switched this year to only buying fake fur clothes, saying in a letter she would "not procure any new fur garments".

There has been criticism from Peta of how black bears are caught and killed, with accusations that hunters can use crossbows, and the animals might suffer for a long time.

However, the MOD says all of the fur it uses comes from legal and licensed hunts from the regulated Canadian market, and that bears are not "hunted to order" to make the caps.

In opposition, Labour's then-shadow defence minster Stephanie Peacock had called for "an immediate review of the possible alternatives to bear fur, taking an in-depth look at contracts and costs".

She had told the House of Commons: "It is incredibly important that traditions develop and adapt if they are to survive."

With Labour now in government, the Ministry of Defence says it would welcome the submission of samples of fake fur for testing.

However, any alternative material for the caps would need to perform in areas such as water absorption and keeping its shape.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  Several school districts around central Arkansas are taking safety precautions after being notified of potential threats made through social media.

The following school districts have said that officers would be on school campuses in the area Thursday:

Hot Springs School District

Mountain Pine School District

Cutter Morning Star School District

Magnet Cove School District

Malvern School District

Fountain Lake School District

Lake Hamilton School District

Officials with the Jessieville School District said that a message was sent out to parents regarding the issue.

Increased police presence expected at schools in Cabot after report of threat

According to Hot Springs School District officials, a message was sent to parents Thursday morning regarding a social media post listing schools to shoot. The message said that Hot Springs and several other districts in Garland County were included in the list.

School district officials said they are working with local law enforcement. Officials with the Hot Springs School District said they do not believe there is an imminent threat to the district, but they are taking the matter seriously.

Maumelle police say social media post is believed not to be a threat to local schools

Hot Springs School District officials said that a weapon detection system has been used at the junior academy and high school since last year and will continue for guests and students entering the campus.

School leaders with the Malvern School District and Lake Hamilton School District also said that there is no credible evidence of a credible threat at this time. Officials with Fountain Lake School District said their school district was not mentioned in the alleged post, but they are still taking precaution.

In the past week, several school districts have taken precautions regarding threats to schools around central Arkansas this week.

Police arrest juvenile accused in social media threat made against Russellville Junior High School

Since Monday, school districts in Maumelle and Cabot have announced an increase in police patrol. Last week, police in Russellville arrested a juvenile after being accused of making a social media threat against a school.

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President Joe Biden was photographed wearing a Trump 2024 hat, and its drawing mixed reactions from both Democrats and the MAGA faithful.

The president briefly put the red cap over his own while visiting a firehouse in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, to commemorate the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks.

The Trump campaign posted a photo of Biden wearing the hat on social media, forcing White House spokesperson Andrew Bates to provide additional context.

At the Shanksville Fire Station, @POTUS spoke about the countrys bipartisan unity after 9/11 and said we needed to get back to that.

As a gesture, he gave a hat to a Trump supporter who then said that in the same spirit, POTUS should put on his Trump cap. He briefly wore it.

At the Shanksville Fire Station, @POTUS spoke about the country's bipartisan unity after 9/11 and said we needed to get back to that.



As a gesture, he gave a hat to a Trump supporter who then said that in the same spirit, POTUS should put on his Trump cap. He briefly wore it. https://t.co/7VKZnkVMY7  Andrew Bates (@AndrewJBates46) September 11, 2024

Video footage from the event shows Biden playfully bantering with a Trump supporter, making jokes about both of them being old.

After Biden autographed a hat for the man, the Trump supporter asked the president if he wanted his own John Hancock in return.

Biden hilariously barked, Hell no!

There we go. Biden is acting cool. Even when the guy calls him an old fart. The U.S. President is taking the MAGA hat and reminding the people of not eating dogs and cats. Hes joking about Trump. And definitely not a Trump fan. pic.twitter.com/UsjM0tdUvn  Bastian Brauns (@BastianBrauns) September 12, 2024

Considering that Biden has reportedly referred to Trump in private as a sick fuck, the fact that he put on his political opponents hat inspired divided opinions on social media.

Some found the exchange positive and gave Biden props for being a good sport with a slightly hostile crowd.

This is what America should be. This man was able to jokingly insult the sitting President and banter a little without having to worry, both had a good time, even if they dont agree  Kathy (@gallymeroreboot) September 12, 2024

Joe is such a good man, and he showed that Trump supporter so much grace and kindness. I guarantee that man has said some pretty terrible things about Biden, yet Biden showed him nothing but respect.  Tonya Bailey (@tbailey1976) September 12, 2024

Biden putting on a MAGA hat and joking with a Trump supporter highlights his attempt to reach across divides with humor. The right-wing lunatics, of course, are losing it over a harmless joke, but it shows Bidens willingness to engage without the usual hostility. Its the kind  The Rational Rebel (@CaliLogicalMind) September 12, 2024

This is a pretty funny exchange here. Biden handled it well.  Burt Macklin (@BurtMaclin_FBI) September 12, 2024

 I gotta say, kudos to Joe. He was a good sport with a slightly hostile crowd. That seems a bit out of the ordinary for him.  Gideon 6ix (@Gideon_6ix) September 12, 2024

Yeah, it's a nice little moment! A guy can dunk on the president and nothing bad happens, they just riff for a minute.  David Weigel (@daveweigel) September 12, 2024

A few Biden critics gave him points for the exchange despite clearly disliking the president.

:: Puts the Trump hat on ::



Now remember, dont eat dogs and cats.



I hate his policies, but, point for Biden.



  Joe Lonsdale (@JTLonsdale) September 12, 2024

Am I wrong for saying I found this to be adorable? I know he's destroying the country, but come on, this is adorable   George (@BehizyTweets) September 12, 2024

In all honesty, as much I don't like him and I think he needs help, this was actually fairly genuine and funny.



Truly this was a funny side to Biden.  Mickamious (@MickamiousG) September 12, 2024

Humanizing exchange and Biden knew the jokes and played along



Putting on the hat and referencing the cats and dogs was possibly deliberate



He could somewhat redeem himself if he called out his party



Ffs, Dems love the Cheneys now so ANYTHING is possible   WhoRepresentsMe (@WhoRepresentsU) September 12, 2024

Others insisted that Bidens gesture was a Democratic self-own.

Biden either has no clue whats going on or he really hates Kamala that much.  Cash Loren (@CashLorenShow) September 12, 2024

He did it, he actually did it. I'm not even sure Biden understood what he was doing, but I'm now convinced he did actually put on a Trump hat. Too many different videos from too many different angles.



Kamala is cringing, and I'm here for it.



Glorious.  Laurie (@laurieinri) September 12, 2024

So he took away that poor man's Trump hat? lol

Funny seeing him smile when people cheered him on.

Considering the only reason people were cheering him on, was for putting on a Trump hat.  Enough Places To Hide (@NuffPlaces2Hide) September 12, 2024

And some people gave Biden credit, but called his bipartisan gesture a gift for the Trump campaign.

Yeah, he just seems like a nice old guy at this point.



He handled the situation pretty well but putting on the Trump hat was a gift for the Trump campaign.  Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) September 12, 2024

Im waiting for the right wing memes saying that Joe Biden now supports Donald Trump. Just like the fake Taylor Swift AI "endorsements" this will backfire too.



This clip only makes us realize how much were going to miss Joe Biden and his ability to reach across the aisle. By  urban myths, legends (@urbanmyths) September 12, 2024

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Soldier who fled to Texas after car crash in UK which left nurse unable to walk to be extradited next month

A US soldier who fled the UK following a car crash which left a nurse unable to walk will reportedly be extradited from America next month.

Issac Calderon was charged with causing Elizabeth Donowho serious injury by dangerous driving last year but failed to appear at a court hearing.

West Mercia Police later said he had boarded a commercial flight back to Houston, Texas days prior to his scheduled appearance at Kidderminster Magistrates Court last December.

He was tracked down to his parents house in Humble, Texas by journalists this summer and an extradition request was filed in the state.

According to BBC Hereford and Worcester, US authorities have approved Mr Calderons extradition and have asked West Mercia Police to collect him from Texas early next month.

The 23-year-old was understood to be working for the US military and had visited a Special Air Service in Hereford when he was involved in a collision on the A4103 near Shucknall in Herefordshire on July 31, 2023.

He was described as a US soldier during the court hearing that took place in his absence in December.

Ms Donowho, of Malvern, Worcestershire, said she suffered two broken ankles which left her unable to walk for six weeks after the crash.

Elizabeth Donowho - PA/Jacob King

The 56-year-old also suffered a fractured sternum and a broken bone in her hand.

Mr Calderon also required hospital treatment following the collision, and was later served with a court summons.

The incident drew comparisons with the case of Anne Sacoolas, a US government employee who returned home after killing teenager Harry Dunn while driving on the wrong side of the road.

However, it is understood that there are no issues surrounding diplomatic immunity in Mr Calderons case.

Ms Donowho said she was told in the aftermath of the crash that because the driver was American he was a flight risk and they were working much more quickly than usual to get him to court.

They cited the case of Anne Sacoolas and repeated that he was obviously a flight risk, she told The Telegraph last year.

They said they had spoken with our military police, who had then spoken with American military police who had guaranteed that he would stay in the country to face justice.

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CHARLESTON, S.C. (WBCD)  September 11th marks the anniversary of another tragedy in the sky; one that began in Charleston 50 years ago.

It was September 11, 1974. An Eastern Air Lines plane carrying 78 passengers and four crew members departed from Charleston at 7 a.m., according to a report from the National Transportation Safety Board. Roughly 30 minutes later, Flight 212 would end in disaster.

The Chicago-bound plane was scheduled to make a stop in Charlotte. With just three statute miles to go, NTSB said the plane crashed, killing all but 11 people on board. The agency determined the flight crews lack in altitude awareness was the probable cause of the crash.

We were one of the lucky ones, that he had lived, said Steve Weaver, of Mount Pleasant.

Weaver recalled being 14 years old and coming home from school that day when he learned his late father, Charles Weaver, made it out of the crash alive.

My aunt had greeted me to explain what had happened with Daddy in the plane crash and that he had survived, but they were bringing him by ambulance from Charlotte to Charleston, Weaver told News 2 on Wednesday.

Weaver explained his father was on a business trip, traveling with his best friend who sadly died in the crash. A small decision made by the pair in the cabin, may have changed the Weaver family forever.

Dad had a middle seat, so he had to get up and go across Mr. Grady to get his coffee and when he came back Harry said, Charlie, why dont you just sit on the aisle? And Ill sit in the middle seat, Weaver shared.

He said years of survivors guilt followed his father, who also never returned to church unless it was for a funeral or a wedding.

You know, people always asked Dad why he didnt go back to church, and his answer would be, I dont need to be in church for God to be taking care of me, Weaver said.

Overall, Weaver said he and his family went on to live normal lives. On the 50th anniversary of the tragedy, he asked people to remember those who were not as lucky.

Just want the community to not forget the other 72 souls that we lost on that flight, he added. The father and two brothers of tv host, Stephen Colbert, were among those killed in the crash.

The NTSB said one of the 11 survivors died from their injuries 29 days after the incident.

Some of the clips used in this story were provided to WCBD by University of South Carolina Moving Image Research Collections.

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When a former Ecuadorian official faced trial this year on charges of moving millions in cash bribes from Odebrecht contractors into Miami, there was one person conspicuously missing as a co-defendant: his son.

But now, four months after Ecuadors ex-comptroller Carlos Ramon Polit was convicted of money laundering, prosecutors have followed up with an indictment charging the son, John Christopher Polit, with the same crime. Polit, 43, who has worked as a securities broker, is accused of washing more than $10 million in corrupt payments to his father through Miamis banking system and real estate market.

The indictment alleges that between 2010 and 2018, the son conspired with the father by making the proceeds of Carlos Polits bribery schemes disappear through investments in Miami-area real estate, restaurants, a dry cleaner and other businesses. The son also created shell companies in Florida to hold these assets and conceal them for the benefit of the Polits and their relatives, according to the indictment.

John Polit surrendered to federal authorities on Tuesday. At his first appearance in Miami federal court, he was granted a $14 million personal surety bond secured with his familys assets. Polit, who also had to make a $100,000 deposit as part of the bond, was released late Tuesday. He awaits arraignment on Sept. 19.

His defense attorneys, Omar Ortega and Reinaldo Dorta, said theyre reviewing the allegations. In an interview, Ortega noted that the indictments against the father and the son mirror each other.

We will be defending John against these accusations, Ortega said.

Father could face 20 years in prison

In many ways, the prosecution of the son will be a bookend to the fathers case. In April, a 12-person Miami federal jury unanimously found the 73-year-old former Ecuadorian official guilty of conspiring to commit money laundering and five related counts, carrying up to 20 years in prison. Polit, who immediately surrendered to prison authorities and is being held at the Miami Federal Detention Center, is scheduled for sentencing on Sept. 27.

The two-week corruption trial not only showcased Polit, but the giant Brazilian engineering firm Odebrecht, which bribed the former Ecuadorian official over several years to make $100 million in government fines on a hydroelectric power plant project vanish.

In 2016, Odebrecht admitted to a massive bribery scheme across the Americas and agreed to pay $2.6 billion in a record corruption settlement with the Justice Department. Polits trial was a spinoff of that high-profile scandal, offering for the first time the prosecution of an Odebrecht-linked defendant on conspiracy and money laundering charges in the United States.

At the fathers trial in Miami, his defense attorneys tried to compartmentalize the roles of the father and son, suggesting that Carlos Polit, who accepted the bribes from the Odebrecht contractors, had nothing do with the corruption proceeds being allegedly laundered by John Polit in Miami. But prosecutors Alexander Kramer and Michael Berger showed through a series of witnesses, wire transfers, bank deposits and investments that their roles were intertwined in a classic conspiracy.

He used his power to ensure he got his money, Justice Department prosecutor Kramer told the jurors in closing arguments, explaining that Carlos Polit didnt have to launder the money himself to be found guilty. He was just as responsible as his son. When his son was hiding that money [in Miami] ... that was Carlos Polit breaking the law.

Laundered funds used to buy Cocoplum home

Polits son, John, was listed as co-conspirator 1 in the indictment charging the father, who stood trial alone. John Polits name came up repeatedly in the bribery payment transfers through Panamanian and Miami banking accounts.

The money moved through intermediary companies into nearly a dozen local real estate deals, including the purchase of a Miami office building and a luxury home in exclusive Cocoplum in Coral Gables.

Carlos Polits defense attorneys, Howard Srebnick and Jacqueline Perczek, tried to distance their client from the alleged bribery-fueled money laundering scheme, saying the real criminals were the two former Odebrecht executives who cut plea deals in Brazil and non-prosecution agreements with the U.S. government for their testimony against Polit at the Miami trial.

Lived in swanky Miami River condo

Polit, who after his arrest in March 2022 was released on a $14 million bond and lived in a condo high-rise along the Miami River, wielded tremendous sway over Odebrecht when he became Ecuadors comptroller in 2010. The Brazilian firm was found to have committed contractual and technical violations on a $320 million power-plant project built near an active volcano in central Ecuador called Minas de San Francisco, according to prosecutors.

Polits position, which was created to combat the fraudulent use of government funds, required him to sign off on public budgets that prosecutors say enabled him to demand more than $10 million in bribery payments from Odebrecht. In exchange, prosecutors contend, Polit made the government fines go away and allowed the engineering firm to continue working in Ecuador.

The Miami case, probed by Homeland Security Investigations, was built not only upon an electronic trail of financial records but also Odebrecht witnesses and recordings.

Jose Santos, who worked as an engineering and construction executive at Odebrecht for 38 years, testified that he was asked to resolve the companys huge fines with the Ecuadorian government over the power-plant fiasco and then found himself being extorted by Polit in 2010.

Santos said Polit offered Odebrecht an ultimatum: Pay the comptroller an initial $6 million bribe to make the fines disappear or never work in Ecuador again.

Asked by a prosecutor if he paid Polit a series of cash bribes, Santos testified: Yes, I did.

At first, Santos said he delivered the cash in a carry-on bag to Polit at his apartment in Quito, and then he arranged for wire transfers and indirect payments by one of Odebrechts subcontractors in Ecuador.

During the Miami trial, prosecutors said that at one point Santos asked Polit what he was doing with all the bribery cash payments.

Polit told Santos: My son in Miami makes the money disappear.

As part of the indictment, prosecutors also accused Polit of a separate conspiracy involving accepting $510,000 in bribery payments from an insurance executive who lost his Ecuadorian government contracts to a rival businessman. After the payments were made, Polit restored his business dealings with the government, prosecutors said. Some of that money was also transferred to Miami, prosecutors said.

All of these allegations figure significantly in the new indictment filed against his son.

Five years ago, McClatchy-Miami Herald and other news media collaborated on an investigative project that zeroed in on Odebrechts parallel off-books accounting system. Leaked documents showed links between Polits Miami-based son and a U.S. shell company, Ventures Overseas LLC, which became a pass-through for Odebrechts bribery payments to the father.

The McClatchy-Miami Herald investigation showed that the son had taken on mortgages on several pricey properties in the Miami area, including the luxurious home in Cocoplum that had earlier been purchased outright.
Sons of Erin in Westfield honors three victims lost in the 9/11 tragedy

WESTFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  The Sons of Erin in Westfield honored three victims lost in the 9/11 tragedy. All three residents once called Westfield home.

On this day, 23 years ago, Westfield lost 3 beloved people from its community. Jimmy Shays daughter, she is a nice, nice girl, I knew her, when she was working at a variety store in our neighborhood, said Joe Healy of Westfield.

Springfield first responders remember victims and heroes of 9/11 attacks

All three victims of 911 had ties to the Son of Erin in Westfield. Tara Creamer, Dan Trant, and Brian Murphy. Their families were involved in the Irish community, and I dont know them, but I knew their parents, said Bill Hoarle of Westfield.

Its nice to come out here and keep their memory alive for all the families who had to suffer, added Diane Lions of Westfield.

A memorial in Westfield for the three who lost their lives, is aimed at never forgetting their roots. The mayor of Westfield also honored the life of another life lost too soon, who has connections to the city.

And the most recent addition, the Holohan family. Who ugh Thomas Holohan responded to the tower, said Westfield mayor, Michael McCabe.

Thomas Holohan, a former firefighter with engine 6 lost his life on September 11, 2001. A tradition to honor and never forget the lives of those taken and remember those who once called Westfield their home.

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JOHANNESBURG  A disputed education bill threatens to destabilize South Africas coalition government after sparking the first public row between its biggest parties.

President Cyril Ramaphosas African National Congress lost its parliamentary majority in the May 29 election, forcing it to form a coalition with nine other parties including the countrys second biggest party, the Democratic Alliance.

Ramaphosa plans to sign the Basic Education Laws Amendment bill into law on Friday. The DA says the move would limit the teaching of pupils in their mother-tongue in a country with 12 official languages. Afrikaans lobby groups, fearing schools teaching in the language could vanish, have sided with the DA.

DA leader John Steenhuisen, the governments agriculture minister, has called for the bill to be amended. If the president continues to ride rough-shod over these objections, he is endangering the future of the Government of National Unity, and destroying the good faith on which it was based, he wrote in a public statement on Wednesday.

Know More

Steenhuisen on Thursday sought to further stress the policy disagreements. The DA would continue to oppose the National Health Insurance (NHI) legislation, signed into law by Ramaphosa on the eve of the May poll, he said at an event in Cape Town.

The DA leader said he would be delighted if there was a way to collaboratively address problems his party saw in the NHI plan. If we cant, we will pursue the interests of the South African people through every other legal means at our disposal, he said.

Sams view

Its only natural for signs of conflict to emerge within the coalition. After all, it consists of parties that are fundamentally opposed in terms of ideology and their styles of politics. The apparent disunity could dampen optimism from the elections, which have seen the countrys currency strengthen and the stock market reach record highs.

The parties hold differing views on various issues, including public finance management and universal health coverage.

But the fissures are not yet big enough to tear the coalition government apart. What keeps it together is expedience: the smaller parties relish their newly found access to power.

While tensions over health insurance and now the education bill increase fears of instability, the parties need each other more than they need to be apart. A split simply wouldnt benefit any of the coalition parties. But one thing is clear  Ramaphosa will need to keep everyone close to minimize public disagreements.

The View From a political risk analyst

Ronak Gopaldas, a director at Cape Town based risk management consultancy Signal Risk, said the ideological differences between the coalition partners were becoming more apparent after a brief honeymoon. These tensions will continue to resurface periodically, with each party trying to assert its authority and manage perceptions for its base, he said.

But Gopaldas said he expects the coalition to remain intact at least until the local government elections in 2026 because falling apart before then would result in mutual destruction and the erosion of public goodwill.

Room for Disagreement

President Ramaphosas spokesman, Vincent Magwenya, on Wednesday told reporters disagreements over legislation were to be expected. There shouldnt be any concern that each time theres a dispute, the entire governance framework of this country will be under threat, he said.

Magwenya also posted images on X from what he said was a working dinner hosted by the president at his residence in Cape Town with leaders of political parties that are signatories to the coalition deal. In a video, the president and his guests were seen smiling and laughing.
FILE - This undated photo provided by the South Carolina Department of Corrections shows the state's death chamber in Columbia, S.C., including the electric chair, right, and a firing squad chair, left. (South Carolina Department of Corrections via AP, File)

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP)  The South Carolina Supreme Court on Thursday refused to stop the execution of Freddie Owens who is set to die by lethal injection next week in the state's first execution in 13 years.

The justices unanimously tossed out two requests from defense lawyers who said a court needed to hear new information about what they called a secret deal that kept a co-defendant off death row or from serving life in prison and about a juror who correctly surmised Owens was wearing a stun belt at his 1999 trial.

That evidence, plus an argument that Owens' death sentence was too harsh because a jury never conclusively determined he pulled the trigger on the shot that killed a convenience store clerk, didn't reach the exceptional circumstances needed to allow Owens another appeal, the justices wrote in their order.

The bar is usually high to grant new trials after death row inmates use up all their appeals. Owens lawyers said past attorneys scrutinized his case carefully, but this only came up in interviews as the potential of his death neared.

The decision keeps on track the planned execution of Owens on Sept. 20 at the Broad River Correctional Institution in Columbia.

South Carolinas last execution was in May 2011. The state didnt set out to pause executions, but its supply of lethal injection drugs expired and companies refused to sell the state more if the transaction was made public.

It took a decade of wrangling in the Legislature  first adding the firing squad as a method and later passing a shield law  to get capital punishment restarted.

Owens, 46, was sentenced to death for killing convenience store clerk Irene Graves in Greenville in 1997. Co-defendant Steven Golden testified Owens shot Graves in the head because she couldnt get the safe open.

There was surveillance video in the store, but it didnt show the shooting clearly. Prosecutors never found the weapon used and didnt present any scientific evidence linking Owens to the killing at his trial, although after Owens' death sentence was overturned, prosecutors showed the man who killed the clerk was wearing a ski mask while the other man inside for the robbery had a stocking mask. They also linked the ski mask to Owens.

Golden was sentenced to 28 years in prison after pleading guilty to a lesser charge of voluntary manslaughter, according to court records.

Golden testified at Owens' trial that there was no deal to reduce his sentence. In a sworn statement signed Aug. 22, Golden said he cut a side deal with prosecutors, and Owens attorneys said that might have changed the minds of jurors who believed his testimony.

The state Supreme Court said in its order that wasn't compelling enough to stop Owens' execution, and while they believed the evidence that Owens was the clerk's killer, even if he didn't kill her it, wasn't enough to stop his death.

He was a major participant in the murder and armed robbery who showed a reckless disregard for human life by knowingly engaging in a criminal activity that carries a grave risk of death, the justices wrote.

Owens has at least one more chance at stopping his death. Gov. Henry McMaster alone has the power to reduce Owens' sentence to life in prison.

The governor has said he will follow longtime tradition and not announce his decision until prison officials make a call from the death chamber minutes before the execution. McMaster told reporters he hasnt decided what to do in Owens case but as a former prosecutor, he respects jury verdicts and court decisions.

When the rule of law has been followed, there really is only one answer, McMaster said.

Earlier Thursday, opponents of the death penalty gathered outside McMaster's office to urge him to become the first South Carolina governor since the death penalty was restarted in the U.S. in 1976 to grant clemency.

There is always hope," said the Rev. Hillary Taylor, Executive Director of South Carolinians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty. "Nobody is beyond redemption. You are more than the worst thing you have done.

Taylor and others pointed out Owens is Black in a state where a disproportionate number of executed inmates have been Black and was 19 years old when he killed the clerk.

No one should take a life. Not even the state of South Carolina. Only God can do that, said the Rev. David Kennedy of the Laurens County chapter of the NAACP.
Alongside pothole repair requests and complaints about flooded streets, Fort Lauderdale residents can now report homelessness in their communities through the city app FixIt FTL, which is typically used for non-emergency events.

The city is using the new app function in response to a state law that will soon prohibit unauthorized camping on public property, according to Chris Cooper, acting assistant city manager. The legislation, House Bill 1365, prohibits municipalities from allowing people to sleep or camp in public places, such as parks or the beach.

At an Aug. 20 City Commission conference, Cooper said the app was the best way for the city to track homelessness and be transparent about the issue in the wake of the new state law while allowing city employees to respond to requests. Residents can use the app or the web-based portal to report a homeless concern, including the precise location and even a photo.

It gives us an opportunity to respond, especially if somebody is on public property, whether it is a sidewalk, city park, a right of way or something of that nature, Cooper told the Miami Herald. We need to be able to identify that individual so that we can primarily and hopefully provide them with the services and assistance, if theyre willing to take that.

A screenshot of the FixIt FTL app interface

Cooper said part of the new law also requires that the city respond to concerns about public camping as it receives them. The city added homeless concern as an option to the app a few months ago.

But some homeless advocates say thats far from the best solution in dealing with Fort Lauderdales homelessness crisis. Opting to report homelessness through the app is an inhumane way to deal with a very challenging human problem, said Ken McKenzie, president of HOPE South Florida, a nonprofit that works to end homelessness.

If youre experiencing homelessness, you didnt suddenly stop becoming a citizen or a neighbor, McKenzie said. Youre living in a tough spot [and] you need some help. And I dont know if treating the reporting of it the same way we report a nuisance in our neighborhood or someone who didnt mow their lawn or pick up their garbage is the right approach.

Volunteers serve lunch to people in the community on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, at HOPE South Florida in Fort Lauderdale. It converts to a feeding place during the week, but on Sundays, its a chapel, said volunteer Verel Johnson.

As of Sept. 10, there have been 13 reports of homelessness through the app, with 10 of them closed. Under the closed complaints, city employees left comments indicating they had either visited the area and found nothing, or had offered services that were refused.

Some of the complaints are lengthy. One person wrote five paragraphs detailing their concerns about homeless people at Stranahan Park, saying that a man had recently chased after their toy poodle. The way the homeless are behaving has crossed a line, part of their complaint read.

Others have included photos of people experiencing homelessness, including a picture of a person sleeping on a bench outside of a steakhouse on Las Olas. All of the complaints are publicly visible and available in a map view.

McKenzie said those features raise privacy concerns. I think its a very undignified way to address the challenge that people are facing, he said. Its got a map, its got a pin, and theres an exact location.  Its certainly revealing a vulnerable part of our population. Its very clear on the map as to where they are, if you want to go and cause some challenges for them.

Tony, a HOPE South Florida worker, helps people register for food stamps during lunch time on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, at HOPE South Florida in Fort Lauderdale. People can get mail, like food stamps, delivered to HOPE.

Cooper, the assistant city manager, told the Herald the purpose of the location functionality and the photo option on the app is to allow the city to see where someone is in order to provide assistance.

We really need that specificity so that were able to respond in accordance with what the state law says, he said.

Cooper said the homeless concern reports go through the citys Neighbor Support Division and are then routed to the citys homeless outreach team.

Fort Lauderdale is not alone when it comes to tracking homelessness through app reports. Los Angeles and Salt Lake City both allow residents to report incidents of homelessness through their city apps and have passed similar laws surrounding public camping. Earlier this year, residents and business owners sued Salt Lake City, alleging it was not enforcing local and state anti-camping ordinances; a judge later threw out the lawsuit.

Florida cities like Fort Lauderdale could soon find themselves in a similar position. Starting Jan. 1, HB 1365 will allow people to file lawsuits against local governments if they fail to remove homeless people from public spaces.

House Bill 1365 is going to really change the world for what we do, McKenzie said. ... As of January the first, it starts putting opportunities for some pretty expensive financial settlements to take place if we dont address this challenge.

Charletta Strauss, left, and her granddaughters Camille Adams, 9, center, and Celine, 8, during lunch time on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, at HOPE South Florida in Fort Lauderdale. The girls take a break from homeschooling once a week to serve lunch to the community. People come in here and they say they feel so peaceful; they feel safe, said volunteer Verel Johnson.

Handling the public camping law

In 2023, Fort Lauderdale had 780 homeless residents, up substantially from 2022s count of 415, according to the citys online dashboard. The city has a goal of reducing homelessness by 250 people this year.

Fort Lauderdale officials have been in discussions about the new state law since at least April, expressing concerns about arresting people experiencing homelessness. Broward County Sheriff Gregory Tony said in a Sun Sentinel editorial that he will not put homeless residents in jail and emphasized that homelessness isnt a crime.

At the Aug. 20 meeting, Cooper said the city will not arrest its way out of the problem. This is the last scenario that were looking to engage in, he told the Herald. We do have steps built in prior to that with the goal and intent of handling it just like any homeless concern that we encounter.

The city is expected to vote on its own local public camping ordinance at a Sept. 17 commission meeting. A draft of the legislation states that a person can be cited for violating the ordinance if they dont comply with an officers request to leave the area. Under the proposed ordinance, if the officer determines a homeless resident is in need of assistance, they should offer the person an opportunity to be taken to a hospital or public shelter.

Cooper said the city is working to add an option to report public camping through the FixIt FTL app in compliance with HB 1365, emphasizing that the law is not specific to homeless individuals.

The city has a community court for homeless residents who violate low-level misdemeanor crimes and municipal ordinance violations, with the hopes of providing them with shelter and medical services. Cooper said the city has also reassigned two administrative positions to the citys Neighbor Support Division to help assist with tracking the homeless concerns submitted to the city and recently increased the number of officers with the police departments homeless outreach team from four to six.

McKenzie said he encounters many misconceptions about homeless residents, including that most have mental health disorders, which in his experience isnt true. Many of the clients that HOPE South Florida serves are families who live in their cars.

Theyre employed. Theyre not impoverished, living on the street with no means, he said. Its just they dont earn enough to choose between meals or housing, and so they choose meals for their family, and they predominantly live in a car. Our role is to work with them to get them into the continuum of care [and] start giving them the skills they need to move up the economic ladder.

Celine Adams, 8, right, fills up Kens water cup during lunch time on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, at HOPE South Florida in Fort Lauderdale. Adams and her siblings take a break from homeschooling once a week to serve lunch to the community.

One solution McKenzie has proposed is getting churches to agree to let people park their vehicles and sleep overnight in the parking lot. That plan would ideally involve giving people a free meal in the evenings and the mornings and allowing them access to bathroom facilities and showers.

This gets them a meal, and more importantly, its a safe place for a family to spend the night, he said.

McKenzie said that while the new state law presents obvious challenges, its also an opportunity for problem solving.

Theres a lot of changes in this law, he said, but it does give creativity to the community to come up with a solution.
POHANG, South Korea (AP)  There are two Koreas, North and South. But there's also more than one South Korea, with the nation split into camps with polar opposite views on the danger posed by the nuclear-armed neighbor to the north.

This division in South Korean sentiment has lasted through a tumultuous history of war, dictatorship, poverty and, in recent decades, head-spinning though unevenly distributed economic growth. Differing views on North Korea are now sharper than ever, influenced  or not  by Pyongyang's repeated vows to attack South Korea and its buildup of nuclear-capable weapons.

Spend some time in South Korea and you will see reminders everywhere of North Koreas potential nuclear menace  and the contrasting ways residents read Pyongyang's actions.

Older people and conservatives often have more unease about North Korea than liberals and younger people. But a sweeping generalization isn't possible. Many young people are also afraid. And some older people who have spent their lives hearing angry warnings from North Korea feel no fear at all.

Relations with North Korea often improve with liberal South Korean governments eager for dialogue, and plummet with conservative leaders like the current hard-line president. A tough stance in Seoul usually means Pyongyang stages more weapons tests, as happened on Thursday, and issues more bellicose statements, which leads to frenzied South Korean media coverage. During the previous liberal government, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un had summits with then-South Korean President Moon Jae-in, which set up meetings between Kim and former U.S. President Donald Trump.

Many in South Korea discount the nuclear peril as hollow because of a simple truth: Aside from occasional deadly skirmishes, the North hasnt backed up its vows to use its weapons in a full-scale attack on the South. Still, for South Koreans paying attention to the whiplash speed of North Koreas nuclear and missile development, there is plenty of distress.

The Associated Press interviewed and photographed dozens of South Koreans to explain this unique, fragmented perception of the nation's biggest rival, North Korea.

Out of the blue

Kim Jong Un might really use a nuke, said Kim Jaehyun, a 22-year-old undergraduate law student. North Korea could really attack us out of the blue.

He stockpiles a bulletproof vest and other military gear in the event of a war. While many South Koreans his age know little about national defense policies, Kim attends North Korea security seminars and reads articles on war scenarios.

Kim links his worries, in part, to the day in 2022 when, while serving as an infantryman along the border, he heard that Pyongyang had flown a drone into South Korean territory, breaking an inter-Korean military agreement.

There needs to be at least one person like me who can raise how dangerous North Korea is, Kim said. People just take the looming threats too lightly. Its like they see the knife coming closer to them but never think the knife could stab them.

Thats not the case for Shin Nari, who can quickly quantify her worry about nuclear war.

Number-wise, from 1 to 10, I would say 8.  I take it very seriously, said Shin, 34, a masters student at the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul. A war could happen anytime, she says. In a few seconds, we could just blow up here.

Shins bookshelves are filled with North Korea-related topics, and her goal is to work for her country as a policymaker. She has a small stockpile of bottled water and canned goods in case of a nuclear attack. It makes me satisfied that I could live at least 14 days, maybe a month.

A decision for war?

South Koreans have long been divided on North Korea.

Here are some facts: The North attacked the South in June 1950, five years after Soviet and American forces split the Korean Peninsula in half at the end of World War II. The end of the Korean War in 1953 resulted in an uneasy cease-fire. This means that the Korean Peninsula, separated by the worlds most heavily armed border, is still technically at war.

Much of the unease in the South is linked to the nuclear bombs.

North Korea has been building its nuclear program for decades, but it started in earnest in the 1990s. Over the years, through on-again, off-again disarmament negotiations, the North has conducted a barrage of missile and nuclear tests. The goal is an arsenal of accurate, long-range nuclear-capable missiles.

There are still technical issues the North needs to master, but the development of such an arsenal may only be a matter of time. Pyongyang is estimated by some experts to currently have as many as 60 warheads.

Many believe Kim Jong Un wont risk war because the United States-South Korea military alliance would respond with overwhelming force, obliterating the North's leadership. But there are growing questions in South Korea about the U.S. commitment to back up its nuclear umbrella protecting the South, with repeated polls showing that more than half want Seoul to build its own nukes.

Two experts who regularly visited North Korea  former senior U.S. intelligence official Robert Carlin and Siegfried Hecker, former director of the Los Alamos National Laboratory  argued at the beginning of this year that Kim had made a strategic decision to go to war, creating a situation on the Korean Peninsula that's more dangerous than it has been at any time since early June 1950.

Like fish in water

If a fish lives in water, it doesnt think about the water, said the Rev. Chung Joon-hee, a pastor at Youngnak Presbyterian Church in Seoul, one of South Koreas biggest and most influential churches, explaining why many South Koreans pay little attention to North Korea.

This is our world, he said on a busy Sunday at his church, which was set up by a pastor born in what is now North Korea and North Korean refugees. There is nowhere to hide or go.  If there is a provocation or anything that happens, we have to accept that as context in our life.

Most people, Chung said, see tensions with North Korea as just a given."

The fact that we are divided, the fact that there is a threat up there, the fact that they can do crazy things.  Other than prayer, there is not much we can be ready for, he said.

A vivid reminder that South Korea  for all its modern, high-tech veneer  is a country technically at war could be seen recently when hundreds of young men gathered at a military base in Pohang to begin 18 months of mandatory military service. The marine band played sentimental songs about parting from loved ones, and the young recruits, still in their civilian clothes and haircuts, knelt with their faces on the ground, to show their gratitude to friends and family in the review stands.

I feel worried and hope he wont get injured, said Yeon Soo Lee, 55, a kitchenware business owner from Gangneung whose son is becoming a third-generation marine. But I have no concern that he will be involved in a possible war that North Korea has been implying will happen these days.

Others were also unfazed.

I cannot say there is a zero percent chance of war, but I just dont think of it at all. I cannot live each day full of worries, said Kim Shin Hwa, 21, another marine recruit.

His father, Kim Jong Soo, a 56-year-old office worker, said South Koreans have become numb to the barrage of news about North Korean provocations. His reaction, when he hears that North Korea has test-fired a missile: 'Oh, they did it again. We pay more attention to our daily lives.

But even the unworried know worriers.

Kim Jong Soo said his brother-in-law is more sensitive than me and has stockpiled bottles of water and instant noodles in case of a war.

Kwon Young-il, a 28-year-old car seller who completed his active duty in the military in 2021 and is now in the reserves, isn't concerned about war.

What does he worry about? Whether I should get a lunch box provided by the army or buy my own lunch at the post exchange, he said of his reserve training. None of my friends seriously think I will have to fight against North Korea.

The fear

Gauging South Korean opinion on the North is notoriously difficult.

Publicly, South Koreans tend to be nonchalant about a danger that has been around their entire lives. Some feel that North Korea is working from a tried-and-true playbook where it repeatedly raises tensions with weapons demonstrations and belligerent rhetoric in order to lay the groundwork for negotiations meant to win concessions. Others have an abiding faith in Washingtons rhetoric about its ironclad alliance with Seoul. But there is a great deal of apprehension, too.

A 2023 telephone survey of 1,001 adults in South Korea showed that 45% worried about North Koreas nuclear program while 30% said they didnt, according to the state-funded Korea Institute for National Unification, which commissioned the survey.

Alarm spikes after big provocations, like North Korean nuke tests.

In 1994, panicked crowds emptied stores of instant ramen and rice after a North Korean negotiator threatened to turn Seoul into a sea of fire. South Koreans have since gotten used to that language.

Another thing that plays into North Korean nuclear anxiety in Seoul is Trump.

The former U.S. president repeatedly questioned the decades-long Seoul-Washington alliance. This, along with the Norths rapid progress on nuclear-tipped missiles that could hit the U.S. mainland, has raised serious questions in Seoul about whether Washington would fulfill its oft-stated pledge to respond with its own nuclear weapons if the North attacked South Korea.

U.S. officials maintain they would instantly hit back if North Korea attacked. There are nearly 30,000 American troops in South Korea and another 50,000 in nearby Japan.

In a recent speech, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol laid out a vision that clearly rejects the legitimacy of the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (North Koreas formal name) and the idea of unification through a gradual process of integration and extensive cross-border cooperation, according to Daniel Sneider, an East Asia expert at Stanford University.

The warring visions of unification offered by President Yoon and North Korean leader Kim  who wants a Korea ruled by Pyongyang  are likely to lead to even greater inter-Korean tensions, Sneider wrote.

The bunker

After North Korea launched a satellite into orbit in November  which Seoul and Washington viewed as a disguised test of long-range missile technology  and the Seoul city government sent out evacuation alerts erroneously, Jung Myungja made a big decision: "It would be such a relief to have a place nearby for my family members to hide.

So the 73-year-old hired a company to dig a bunker, about the size of a medium-sized walk-in closet, below the courtyard of her house on the outskirts of Seoul.

Her son-in-law, Park Seung Tae, a 45-year-old office worker, said the bunker could protect the family for a week or two if a nuke is ever dropped here.

The company that built the bunker has secured three other such contracts and just started construction on one in eastern Seoul. Similar bunkers take about a month to build and cost up to 40 million Korean won ($30,000), the company says.

You never know what the future holds, Jung said. These days you get local news and (expert) opinions that say there is likely going to be another war in this country. I personally think that can really happen again.

___

Associated Press writer Hyung-jin Kim in Seoul contributed to this report.

___

The Associated Press receives support for nuclear security coverage from the Carnegie Corporation of New York and Outrider Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
OMAHA, Neb. (KCAU)  A South Sioux City man has been sentenced to three decades in federal prison after allegedly grooming a 14-year-old girl online and both sending and soliciting sexual images and videos.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Clifford Halverson, 57, was sentenced for receipt and distribution of child pornography. His received his 360-month sentence on Sept. 11 in Omaha.

Everly man killed in Clay County motorcycle crash

Halverson began grooming the girl in 2023, with the receipt and distribution beginning in July of that year, the DOJ says. The two exchanged sexually explicit photos and videos online. He also allegedly offered another subject to have intercourse with the 14-year-old girl after sending them her photos.

Back in the 1990s, Halverson had been sentenced to 25 years for sex crimes involving children in North Dakota and South Dakota. He was released in 2018.

11th South Dakota inmate in 2024 dies in custody

The more recent cases judge said that Halversons criminal history and the very disturbing nature of the offense resulted in the length of Halversons new sentence.

The federal system does not allow for parole. After his sentence, Halverson will be on supervised release for the rest of his life.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports.
As what was Francine's circulation slowly fades over the south-central United States, risks to lives and property will continue into the weekend as more rain pours down and a jet stream storm joins in and escalates the dangers of flooding, AccuWeather meteorologists warn.

Drenching rainfall from a developing storm at the level where jets cruise will have the most widespread impact moving forward. Some of the rain will be beneficial, as much of the south-central region, the interior Southeast and part of the Midwest have been experiencing increasing dryness and drought conditions during the latter part of the summer.

Bands of excessive rain are likely to occur, and many inches of rain may pour down through the weekend.

Because Francine stalled due to high pressure and a sea of dry air to the north, steering breezes of its leftover moisture got strung out in a narrow zone for many hundreds of miles in a northwest-to-south fashion that extends from the mid-Mississippi Valley to near the southern Atlantic coast.

On top of the rain that Francine delivered into Friday, an additional 1-4 inches of rain will pour down spanning Saturday to Sunday from near the confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio rivers to Georgia and northern Florida, with a zone where 4-8 inches will fall from near southern Tennessee through portions of northern and central Alabama to near northwestern Georgia. Within this zone, there is an AccuWeather Local StormMax rainfall of 14 inches.

Depending on its exact orientation, the band of torrential rain and extreme flooding could affect some of the major metro areas, including Nashville, Tennessee; Huntsville and Birmingham, Alabama; and perhaps Atlanta.

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This is enough rain to lead to extreme flash localized flooding in low-lying and urban areas as well as along small streams. Significant rises on the secondary rivers will occur with dam and flood mitigation coming into play along the Tennessee River.

Motorists should be extra cautious when driving along secondary roads that could be subject to rising water or blocked by falling top-heavy trees.

Moisture from Francine will become intertwined with a budding area of moisture along the Carolina coast associated with a tropical wind and rainstorm and possibly a depression or full-fledged tropical storm.

Moisture flowing off the Atlantic Ocean ahead of the future tropical rainstorm could result in many inches of rain falling farther to the east than Francine's and the jet stream storm's influence. Through the weekend, a pocket of heavy rain will occur along the Atlantic coast, centered on the Carolinas.

Some of the runoff will work into a portion of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, where some water level rise can occur over the next couple of weeks. Any rise would help with tug and barge operations, which were being adversely affected by very low water levels in recent weeks.

Want next-level safety, ad-free? Unlock advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts when you subscribe to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app. AccuWeather Alerts are prompted by our expert meteorologists who monitor and analyze dangerous weather risks 24/7 to keep you and your family safer.
A firefighter sprays a mixture of water and foam during a demonstration of a soy-based firefighting foam on Sept. 10, 2024, in West Fargo, North Dakota. (Jeff Beach/North Dakota Monitor)

In the search for a more eco-friendly firefighting foam, soybeans may be the answer to moving away from forever chemicals.

Forever chemicals has become the common term for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS.

The Environmental Protection Agency calls them widely used, long-lasting chemicals that break down very slowly over time. They also have been a common ingredient in foam used to fight fires and have been linked to high rates of cancer among firefighters.

While PFAS contamination is bad and something that were sorting through, its very effective as a firefighting foam. And folks whose lives have been saved by it likely appreciate that, Adam Driscoll of Minneapolis-based Barr Engineering told a North Dakota conference of the Air and Waste Management Association in Bismarck last week. Thats the difficult decision that folks are wrestling with at the moment.

But one alternative may be a foam based out of soybeans that is completely biodegradable.

Cross Plains Solutions demonstrated its firefighting foam at the Big Iron Farm and Construction Show in West Fargo this week.

The company launched its product in April with the help of investment from the United Soybean Board, and state groups, including North Dakota.

The groups are funded through a checkoff, a fraction of the price of each bushel of soybeans sold that is used to pay for things such as research and development of new products, such as the firefighting foam.

What better way to use checkoff dollars and funding something that, not only our farmers receive benefit from, but also those that are out there fighting fires, said Cindy Pulskamp of Hillsboro, a member of the United Soybean Board.

John Hejl is both a soybean farmer and a firefighter. He farms near Casselton, west of Fargo, and is the chief of the Casselton Volunteer Fire Department, which serves a large rural area.

He said he had been looking for an alternative to PFAS foams and has been impressed with the Cross Plains Solutions product.

He said the foam reduces the amount of water firefighters need to put out a fire.

During the demonstration, firefighters set fire to diesel fuel contained within a barrel that had been cut in half.

Foam was sprayed around the fire to prevent it from spreading and then used to douse the fire. The foams ability to create a barrier could have applications in prescribed burns, such as forests.

Hejl said if it was a railcar full of diesel on fire, it would take hundreds of thousands of gallons of water to put it out without using foam.

So by the time you put it out, its flowed into every ditch and stream and waterway for miles. If we can cover it with a blanket of foam and keep it in the ditch, then weve protected the lake and the river and the stream, Hejl said.

Karolin Jappe is the emergency manager for McKenzie County, in the heart of North Dakotas Bakken oilfield.

She said when volunteer firefighters respond to a fire at an oil facility, the company will sometimes ask if there is PFAS in the firefighting foam.

The reason for the question is that, when the smoke clears, cleaning up the PFAS requires taking it to a special landfill, making the cleanup more expensive.

There is no prohibition against it, Driscoll said of the PFAS foams. But then, once its used, it has to be dealt with.

There are no prohibitions against disposing of PFAS in landfills in North Dakota, but landfills can reject any load, according to Ivana Striebel in the Department of Environmental Qualitys Hazardous Waste Program.

If no municipal landfill in North Dakota would accept the contaminated soil, then the load could go to one of the states two industrial landfills. If the soil was rejected there, then the soil would have to be shipped out of state and most likely be disposed of as hazardous.

Streibel said North Dakota has no hazardous materials dump sites.

But with the biodegradable foam, there is no hazardous materials risk, unless whatever was burning was a hazardous substance.

Alan Snipes, CEO of Cross Plains Solutions, said the companys product, SoyFoam, is the only biodegradable firefighting foam on the market and sits about mid-range on price compared to other foams.

The product is manufactured in Georgia but Snipes said the company has identified other sites that can produce the foam if demand increases.

SoyFoam represents a potential new market for soybeans, which can be used for many non-food products, including tires and shoes.

Until recent months, most of the soybeans grown in North Dakota had been shipped to markets in Asia. The opening of two soybean crushing plants at Spritwood and Casselton means that North Dakota can process about half the soybeans it grows.

Crushing separates the beans into oil, meal and hulls. The oil can be used in the food industry and heavy industry, for products such as renewable diesel.

Soybean meal is largely used for livestock feed but can also be processed into flour that is the basis for the foam.

We have more meal than we know what to do with, Hejl said.

Dave Garlie is the primary developer of the Cross Plains Solutions SoyFoam product. Garlie, who did his graduate research in chemistry at North Dakota State University, lives in Wisconsin but the company is based in Georgia.

He said one of the biggest challenges for the company is that different states and government agencies have different standards for firefighting foam. That means performing many different tests to prove that the product meets those standards.

He said federal agencies such as the Department of Defense and the U.S. Forest Service have a huge need for biodegradable firefighting foam but each have a different certification process.

He said the public has become more aware of the dangers of PFAS in firefighting and the company wants to demonstrate how safe its product is.

What were trying to do is rebuild community confidence, Garlie said. Thats why were here at these farm technology shows.

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One Small Step

SpaceX's all-civilian Polaris Dawn mission has pulled off an incredible feat: the first-ever commercial spacewalk.

After fully depressurizing their entire spacecraft, billionaire and mission commander Jared Isaacman and crewmate Sarah Gillis carefully clambered outside their Crew Dragon capsule early Thursday morning to have a once-in-a-lifetime peek at the Earth below.

Footage shows Isaacman standing up and stretching his arms while holding onto the spacecraft's "Skywalker" platform, a pool ladder-like structure to ensure he and Gillis could keep in constant contact with the capsule.

The stunt was performed at an altitude of 458 miles, almost twice the height of the International Space Station's usual orbit.

"SpaceX, back at home we have a lot of work to do, but from here it looks like a perfect world," Isaacman told mission control while getting an unparalleled view of Australia.

https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1834183614898241617

Giant Private Leap

Another video of the stunt shows a first-person perspective of Isaacman climbing out as SpaceX employees cheered him on at the company's headquarters. In total, Isaacman and Gillis spent roughly eight minutes outside the capsule.

Prior to venturing outside, the crew began slowly lowering the pressure inside the spacecraft to become accustomed to the thin air. Hours into their journey, the cabin pressure was lowered to 8.6 psi, which is just above the conditions at the base camp of Mount Everest. They also began to breathe pure oxygen through the connections of their spacesuits.

By the time Isaacman and Gillis ventured outside, the pressure inside their suits was a mere 5 psi, just below the summit of Mount Everest.

But even with SpaceX's newfangled extravehicular activities (EVA) suit, Isaacman and Gillis were still fully connected to their Dragon spacecraft via an umbilical, providing them with a steady supply of oxygen and thermal controls.

Isaacman and Gillis tested several mobility features of their new spacesuits, including hand and body movements, foot restraints, and the ability to hold tools during their short stints outside the spacecraft.

The mission isn't just historic as the first commercial spacewalk. Just hours into their mission, the Polaris Dawn crew reached an apogee of 869 miles  roughly three times the altitude of the space station  marking the farthest from Earth that any human has ventured since NASA's Apollo missions half a century ago.

The spacewalk is yet another major achievement for the Elon Musk-led SpaceX, setting the stage for similar missions to come.

And NASA is absolutely thrilled as well.

"Todays success represents a giant leap forward for the commercial space industry and NASA's long-term goal to build a vibrant U.S. space economy," said NASA administrator Bill Nelson in a statement.

More on the mission: SpaceX Astronauts Now Farther From Earth Than Any Other Human Since Apollo Moon Missions
The Polaris Dawn mission made history as its astronauts exited the SpaceX Dragon capsule for the first-ever commercial spacewalk while orbiting 435 miles above Earth, USA TODAY reported.

Early Thursday morning, the crew completed final preparations before unlatching the spacecraft's hatch and stepping into the void of space.

The event, which was covered live on social media site X, was part of a five-day mission to test critical SpaceX technology for future crewed missions to the Moon and Mars.

The spacewalk, which began around 5 a.m. and took approximately two hours to complete, marks a significant milestone in private space exploration.

SpaceX and the Polaris Dawn crew have completed the first commercial spacewalk!



SpaceX, back at home we all have a lot of work to do, but from here, Earth sure looks like a perfect world.  Mission Commander @rookisaacman during Dragon egress and seeing our planet from ~738 km pic.twitter.com/lRczSv5i4k  Polaris (@PolarisProgram) September 12, 2024

SpaceX Polaris Dawn spacewalk was first of its kind

Until Thursday's event, spacewalks had only been carried out by government agencies, such as NASA astronauts and Russian cosmonauts. Historically, spacewalks have never been commercial ventures, and participants have always worn spacesuits regulated by government agencies.

This time, however, the entire operation was conducted by SpaceX. The mission's goal was to test the capabilities of the spacesuits, which were specifically developed by the company for this flight.

Who led the SpaceX Polaris Dawn spacewalk mission?

Billionaire entrepreneur Jared Isaacman, the mission's commander, and SpaceX employee Sarah Gillis exited the SpaceX Dragon capsule for approximately 12 minutes each to conduct suit mobility checks.

Mission Specialist, Sarah Gillis, exits the Dragon spacecraft on September 12 during the first ever spacewalk by a private company. Photo from SpaceX live stream view.

Mission specialist Anna Menon and pilot Scott Kidd Poteet remained inside the spacecraft, but they were still exposed to the vacuum of space. Since the Dragon lacks an airlock, the entire cabin was depressurized, requiring all four astronauts to wear extravehicular activity (EVA) suits designed by SpaceX, which supplied oxygen through tethers.

The hatch was opened 38 minutes into the operation, with Isaacman being the first to emerge.

"Back at home we have a lot of work to do, but from here Earth sure looks like a perfect world," Isaacman said as the ground crew on the livestream burst into applause.

What is Polaris Dawn?

Polaris Dawn is the first of three human spaceflights under the Polaris Program, all of which are intended to test SpaceX technologies needed to carry humans deep into the cosmos.

On Tuesday's launch day, the SpaceX Dragon capsule traveled further into space than any spacecraft has gone in more than 50 years, surpassing the height reached by NASA's Gemini 11 in the 1970s, SpaceX said.

How Elon Musk has expanded SpaceX in Texas

In July, SpaceX founder Elon Musk announced that he was moving the headquarters of both SpaceX and X from California to Texas.

Over the past few years, Musk has frequently launched missions from Starbase, located in Boca Chica, a beach town near Brownsville, about 20 miles from the Mexican border along the Gulf of Mexico.

Rewatch: First-ever private spacewalk

Contributing: Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: SpaceX Polaris Dawn astronauts complete 1st-ever private spacewalk
Who is on SpaceX's historic private spacewalk mission?

Who are the four crew members of SpaceX's Polaris Dawn mission, who made history Thursday by performing the first spacewalk by private citizens?

Billionaire Jared Isaacman, the mission's financial backer, and SpaceX employee Sarah Gillis ventured for about ten minutes outside the capsule early Thursday.

The other two passengers, SpaceX engineer Anna Menon and retired Air Force pilot Scott Poteet, remained in their seats but were exposed to the vacuum of space, as the capsule has no airlock.

Here is more information about the four history-making Americans:

- Jared Isaacman, billionaire -

The driving force behind the mission is Jared Isaacman, a billionaire who serves as mission commander.

The 41-year-old American from Pennsylvania is the CEO of the digital finance company Shift4 Payments, which he founded in his family's basement when he was only 16.

Isaacman is a seasoned pilot who is qualified to fly military aircraft and holds several world records.

He had previously gone into space in 2021 as part of another SpaceX mission he chartered, Inspiration4, which was the first orbital spacecraft to feature no professional astronauts.

His lifelong passion for space exploration aligns with SpaceX's stated goal of making humankind a "multi-planet species."

"Throughout Earth's history, there have been periods when humans, had we existed, would have been wiped out," Isaacman wrote on X in August. "If there's a technical path to ensuring humanity's survival...it seems irresponsible not to pursue it."

Isaacman is married with two daughters.

- SpaceX employees Sarah Gillis and Anna Menon -

For the first time, SpaceX has sent two of its own employees into space.

Sarah Gillis, 30, oversees astronaut training for SpaceX, and had trained Isaacman for his Inspiration4 mission.

Her husband also works for Elon Musk's company, having helped develop the propulsion system for the spacecraft used in Polaris Dawn.

Anna Menon, 38, worked for NASA before joining SpaceX, where she is a lead space operations engineer.

She wrote a children's book about space titled "Kisses from Space" that she will read an excerpt from during the mission. Proceeds from the book go to support a children's hospital.

Her husband Anil Menon was selected to be an astronaut by NASA in 2021, but unlike his spouse, he has yet to go to space.

On the first day of the Polaris Dawn mission, Gillis and Menon became the two women to have traveled the farthest from Earth, at an altitude of around 1,400 km (870 miles).

NASA did not permit women to be astronauts until years after its Apollo missions to the Moon.

- Pilot Scott Poteet -

The last Polaris Dawn participant is Scott Poteet, a US Air Force veteran who enjoys completing triathlons in his spare time.

Poteet flew combat aircraft for 20 years, including as part of the esteemed Thunderbirds air aerobatic patrol.

He serves as the mission's pilot, given his professional experience.

Poteet is also a close friend of Isaacman's, having worked for several of the billionaire's companies.

la/rle/jgc/des/st
Spain prevented Hungary from buying Talgo, a Madrid-based train manufacturer, due to its potential usefulness for Ukraine's reconstruction, the Financial Times reported on Sept. 12, citing undisclosed officials.

Madrid vetoed the 619 million euro bid ($680 million) due to concerns about Budapest's warm ties to Moscow amid Russia's ongoing full-scale war against Ukraine, the FT wrote.

The Spanish government publicly rejected the offer by Hungary's Ganz-Mavag over national security concerns, but the exact grounds for this decision remained classified.

Budapest-based Ganz-Mavag is owned by a private equity firm managed by Mol, Hungary's leading oil and gas company, whose leadership is close to Prime Minister Viktor Orban. The Mol Group also processes Russian crude oil that Hungary continues to buy despite the war in Ukraine.

The Hungarian company called the move an "arbitrary decision regarding a non-strategic company." The failed bid underscores growing tensions between Hungary and other European countries over the former's proximity to Russia.

Orban's Hungary has repeatedly delayed sanctions against Moscow and aid to Kyiv, drawing ire among its EU partners. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez denounced Orban as "pro-Putin."

A Spanish official told the FT that Talgo operates an advanced engineering that allows the seamless transition between Ukrainian rails and narrower European tracks. Different gauges used in Ukraine mean that passengers and cargo often have to change trains when traveling to and from the EU.

Ukrainian Railways are currently developing a European-gauge railway from the Zakarpattia Oblast city of Uzhhorod to Chop, a town at the Hungarian border, as part of EU integration of Ukraine's transport infrastructure.

Read also: Budapest against more weapons in Ukraine, Hungarian foreign minister says

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., talks to his staffer as walks to a meeting at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. | Jose Luis Magana

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., canceled a vote on a stopgap funding bill Wednesday amid growing opposition from the Republican Conference.

This bill, aimed at keeping the government funded for six more months past the Sept. 30 shutdown deadline, also included a provision requiring voters to provide proof of citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections.

At the start of the week, only a few lawmakers had publicly opposed Johnsons plans, saying theyd prefer to focus on passing the 12 spending bills individually instead of leaning on a six-months-long continuing resolution before advancing an omnibus, which happens nearly every year.

By Wednesday, the number of detractors grew to at least 15, as NBC News reported. Some lawmakers argued the stopgap should be only three months long, ending by Christmastime.

Johnson cant afford to lose that many votes because of the slim Republican majority in the House. We are in the consensus-building business, he told reporters midday Wednesday.

Will Johnson be able to avoid a government shutdown?

If the speaker somehow advances a short-term stopgap bill with the SAVE Act, it would likely be dead on arrival in the Democratic-controlled Senate.

Speaker Johnson, scrap your plan. Dont just delay the vote. Find a better one that can pass in a bipartisan way, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said in response to Johnsons decision to postpone the vote, according to The Associated Press.

In response to Schumer, Utah Sen. Mike Lee wrote in X, Chuck Schumer really, really doesnt want to vote on the SAVE Actor apparently any bill to keep the government funded. Lee is a sponsor of the SAVE Act, and was a proponent of including it in a continuing resolution.

Former President Donald Trump is urging GOP lawmakers not to vote for a clean stopgap bill without the SAVE Act.

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. THE DEMOCRATS ARE TRYING TO STUFF VOTER REGISTRATIONS WITH ILLEGAL ALIENS. DONT LET IT HAPPEN  CLOSE IT DOWN!!! Trump wrote on social media.

Johnson has said he isnt interested in a government shutdown, and neither is Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., who called it a bad idea  at any time, as The Hill reported. Still, the House speaker hasnt indicated how he wants to proceed amid the opposition within his own party.

I think we first have to see what the House sends us, McConnell said. And, of course, how to handle that comes down to (Majority Leader Schumer).

The White House also criticized Johnsons plan. Instead of meeting the security and disaster needs of the Nation, this bill includes unrelated cynical legislation that would do nothing to safeguard our elections, but would make it much harder for all eligible Americans to register to vote and increase the risk that eligible voters are purged from voter rolls, President Joe Bidens administration said in a statement this week.
Speaker Mike Johnsons next steps on government funding fight could determine whether he gets to keep leading the House GOP

Speaker Mike Johnson has a decision to make.

With the election looming and another government funding deadline just around the corner, the speaker must find a way in the next several days to both govern for the country, avoid a shutdown that could cost his members in swing districts and keep the right flank of his party pacified enough to not imperil his own political future.

Its a tightrope hes walked time and time again in government funding showdowns in the last year, on Ukraine aide and when it came to reauthorizing a key national security program, but this time the course Johnson charts could determine whether he can stay atop his leadership post after the election.

I dont think he thinks about his speakership first. I think he thinks about the (future) of the country first. But lets be honest. With him, its a very difficult needle to thread, Rep. Lisa McClain, a Republican from Michigan, told CNN.

While many of his allies are bullish on House Republicans chances to keep the House in November, they acknowledge there are still a lot of variables that need to play out. If Republicans keep the House, Johnson will need to secure 218 votes to become the speaker in January, a major lift if Johnson once again has a slim or even shrunken majority.

Johnson for his part has maintained widespread popularity. Even many of the Republicans who once privately questioned whether Johnson was too green for the job have argued hes grown quickly into it, taking on his right flank and surviving leadership challenges his predecessor could not weather.

Its just hard from my standpoint no matter how this fight goes if we come back into the majority, it would be tough to make the argument that he shouldnt be speaker, said Rep. Drew Ferguson, a Republican from Georgia.

There is also the potential that Republicans lose the House. Then, Johnson would need to convince a majority hes still up for the job of leading the conference as minority leader, an easier mathematical problem that requires just a simple majority vote but one that could be complicated by a challenger if Republicans lose in a landslide.

When you lose the Superbowl by two touchstones, you fire the coach, one GOP aide lamented on Johnsons future if Republicans lose big.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, a key critic to Johnson, warned she didnt see Johnson sticking around if Republicans lose the House.

Thats to be determined, but, you know, based on things that Ive heard, and Im not naming names, naming members, I dont see that happening, she said.

Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia speaks to media outside the US Capitol, in Washington, DC, on July 22, 2024. - Sipa USA/Sipa USA/Graeme Sloan/Sipa USA

On Wednesday, Johnson announced he was pulling the GOP spending bill that would have funded the government for six months and included the SAVE Act, legislation that requires proof of citizenship to register to vote. The bill was on the cusp of failure after at least eight House Republicans said publicly they wouldnt support it. But Johnson said that he would continue trying to build support for the bill.

Were in the consensus building business here in Congress. With small majorities thats what you do, Johnson told reporters.

But while Johnson maintained he planned to keep whipping the votes on the plan, there is no indication that the dynamics will change, forcing the Louisiana Republican to at some point consider his other options.

A date that could matter (a lot) for Johnson





If Johnson needs to build bipartisan consensus to get a funding bill across the finish line as he has had to do time and time again, Democratic leaders warn hell need to drop the SAVE Act from being tied directly to the funding bill. But whether Johnson will relent on the six-month spending bill remains to be seen in part because it could unlock a much easier path for his future.

Punting another spending showdown until March could insulate Johnson from having to pass a massive end-of-year spending bill in December and then turn around and convince hardliners that he should keep the speakers gavel.

Keeping the House might give him a victory to campaign on, but there are several Republicans including Greene who challenged Johnsons speakership in the spring and who have already publicly registered their displeasure with Johnson.

I think its going to be really difficult for him, Greene told CNN about Johnsons chances of winning the gavel again if he cuts a spending deal with Democrats. Eleven of my colleagues voted with me for a motion to vacate. However, youre seeing a good number of my colleagues that werent part of that eleven now turning on him with a CR and SAVE Act because they know the writing on the wall.

House Speaker Mike Johnson is interviewed after a news conference at the House steps of the US Capitol to introduce the "Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act," on May 8, 2024. - Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc./Getty Images/File

Getting Democrats to sign onto a March deadline would be a hard sell for Johnson. Many Democrats want to clear the deck for a potential Harris administration, and the Biden administration has warned that a six-month continuing resolution could have devastating effects on military preparedness and even the Department of Veterans Affairs, which is facing a $12 billion shortfall going into the new fiscal year. A December funding bill would also provide Biden his last opportunity to include other legacy items that often ride along on a massive end-of-year spending bill.

The next several days will be critical for Johnson to navigate carefully.

I think hes doing the best job that he can, small margins that we have. Its such a tight schedule. I mean, to me, its the job that he has I would not want, Rep. Beth Van Duyne, a Republican from Texas, told CNN.

The next several weeks could play out in several ways. Johnson could opt to quickly pivot after Wednesday to a plan to move a short-term spending bill until March that drops the SAVE Act in an effort to win over Democratic votes.

On the other hand, Senate Democrats could act swiftly to force Johnsons hand by offering a short-term spending bill that goes just to December and dare Johnson to reject it and risk a shutdown just months before an election.

Hes in the majority so hes gotta figure out what the right combination is, Sen. John Cornyn, a Republican from Texas, told CNN of Johnsons calculation. Its kind of like a Rubiks cube.

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Special commission rules Montgomery County clerk of courts can stay in office

A special commission of judges appointed by the Ohio Supreme Court decided not to suspend Montgomery County Clerk of Courts, Mike Foley.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

As News Center 7 previously reported, Foley is accused of several crimes including theft in office and unlawfully asking public employees for political contributions.

His lawyer also told News Center 7 that his client has no plans to quit and is running for reelection in November.

>>PREVIOUS COVERAGE: County municipal judge suspended as he faces criminal charges; some call for resignation

Also, in this case, Montgomery County Municipal Judge James Piergies is charged with three felonies.

While facing those charges, he is not allowed on the bench because of Ohio Supreme Court rules.

TRENDING STORIES:

A special three-judge commission issued the following statement in their determination.

The special prosecutor failed to offer sufficient facts to warrant this Special Commission finding Mr. Foley continuing his role as Clerk of Courts would adversely affect the function of the office and/or adversely affect the rights and interests of the public. Accordingly, Mr. Foley shall not be suspended from public office.

>>Leaders call for Montgomery County clerk, judges resignations following indictments

>>Grand jury indicts Montgomery County clerk of courts and a Municipal Court judge

Democratic and Republican party leaders have called for Foley and Piergies to resign following their indictments.

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I spent 2 nights in an overgrown tiny house in Panama's rainforest for $300. Take a look inside.

The Bambuda Castle property features tiny homes, shared rooms, and cabins. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

Bambuda Castle in Boquete, Panama, is home to towers, moats, and "Hobbit"-inspired tiny homes.

I spent two nights in one of the property's overgrown tiny homes.

It was an unusual and whimsical stay worth the $150-a-night price tag.

Finding a castle in Boquete, Panama, is easy.

There's only one, and everyone seems to know about it. Ask any stranger on the street to point you in its direction, and they'll send you up a steep road to Bambuda Castle.

It's an odd structure to find in the middle of Panama's rainforest, and while it was once a private home, it's now a hotel.

Boquete sees a lot of tourism and retirees from the US. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

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While castles usually ooze luxury and extravagance, Bambuda is one of the town's more affordable hotels.

Bambuda Castle was a private residence before becoming a hotel. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

Everyone I spoke to during my two days in Boquete knew exactly where I was staying when I mentioned the castle. In a town filled with one-story bungalows, a castle stands out. The locals told me that it was once a private residence but was sold and transformed into a budget hotel in the last decade.

Two Canadians, Tom Oman and Dan Adelman, started the hotel and the hostel brand Bambuda in 2014 when they opened their first property in Bocas Del Toro. A few years later, they purchased the castle in Boquete.

As they expanded across Panama, the pair targeted budget travelers. Bambuda Castle offers a range of accommodations, with shared rooms costing $20 a night for a bed. On the more expensive end, visitors can rent an entire cabin for $120 a night.

I wasn't there for a room overlooking the castle's moat. Instead, I had booked two nights in one of the property's "Hobbit"-inspired tiny homes.

Bambuda is also known for the four tiny homes on its property. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

Bambuda isn't just known for its castle. Four tiny homes on its property feel straight from a "Lord of the Rings" novel.

Each tiny home can accommodate two guests. A few weeks before arriving in Boquete, I reserved a "Hobbit house" for two nights. After taxes and fees, the tiny house cost me $155 a night.

On arrival day, I found the reception desk at the front of the castle, checked in, and received a key to my tiny home.

The property works with tour operators who coordinate guests' activities. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

The staff excitedly welcomed me to Bambuda and Boquete.

Beyond accommodations, the property works with tour operators to help coordinate activities for guests. I didn't have enough time to join a tour, but I eyed a booklet highlighting various activities, from coffee tasting to whitewater rafting.

A short trail led to my tiny home for the evening.

The author felt like they were in the fictional setting of Hobbiton. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

Once check-in was completed, the receptionist pointed out the short trail to my tiny home for the next two nights.

As I dragged my suitcase along the paved path, I admired the lush green grass, blossoming flowers, and towering palm trees.

The tiny homes themselves were impressive from the exterior. The entire structure was coated in thick, soft grass. I figured the room's bed would be comfortable, but the grass looked equally enticing for a nap.

It was like I had been transported to Hobbiton, the fictional setting of J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" series.

Outside the structure was a small patio overlooking the Baru volcano and lush coffee plantations.

The author enjoyed the view from the tiny house's patio. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

Perhaps even more impressive than the grass structures was the view. My tiny home's small patio had space for two chairs and a table.

From the patio, I saw nothing but green. Lush mountains reached to sky, and fields of coffee plants could be spotted in nearly every direction.

Inside, the design was simple.

The tiny home had a sliding door. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

After taking in the view, I pulled open a sliding door and stepped inside the tiny house.

One large room had enough space for a queen-size bed, two small nightstands, some storage space, and a small table.

The tiny home's interior was simple. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

The interior was clean and simple. A queen-size bed took up most of the room.

Two wooden nightstands hugged the sides of the bed. There was a shelving unit for storage near the entrance and a small high-top table near another curved wall.

A small door led to a rock-wall bathroom.

A door led to the tiny home's bathroom. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

The room's wooden accents, stone walls, and metal details felt rustic and reminiscent of Hobbiton.

Along the back wall, a large wooden door led to the bathroom.

The domed bathroom had space for a sink, toilet, and shower.

The tiny home's bathroom had a stone shower. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

The rustic and wooden themes continued into the bathroom, where I discovered a stone shower and a large wooden vanity.

The house had everything I needed for a two-night stay: privacy, comfort, and stunning views.

The tiny home had all the accommodations the author could need for two nights. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

With fresh towels, clean sheets, and a stunning view, I was all set for my short stay in Boquete.

That afternoon, I explored the rest of the property.

The author explored the rest of Bambuda. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

After settling in, I ventured out of my tiny home to explore the rest of the property.

On the other side of the castle was a row of yellow cabins.

The author saw yellow cabins on the property. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

These cabins seemed more spacious than the Hobbit homes, and each cabin had a larger, shaded terrace.

They're a bit more affordable at $90 a night.

The castle was surrounded by a moat filled with koi fish.

The castle had a moat. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

Koi fish and lily pads filled a shallow moat surrounding Bambuda Castle.

Inside, I found a restaurant with communal seating and a large balcony.

The castle had two shared indoor spaces. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

Bambuda Castle had two large shared rooms. The first was home to the property's restaurant and bar, which served burgers, sandwiches, and more.

Regardless of whether you were purchasing food, guests were welcome to use the area's seating, pick out a board game to play, or head upstairs to a TV room.

The downstairs had a pool, jacuzzi, and communal kitchen.

The second communal area had a pool. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

The second communal area was downstairs. It included a large pool, a small jacuzzi, and a communal kitchen for guests who would rather cook than eat out.

Once I explored the property, I was ready to return to my tiny home and soak in the views.

The author enjoyed the views from the tiny house. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

While the castle and cabins were stunning, the views from my Hobbit house were the highlight of my two-night stay.

Read the original article on Business Insider
SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (WDTN)  Springfield City Hall was evacuated on Thursday morning.

The Springfield Police Division held a public briefing at 2:30 p.m. on the evacuation and threat City Hall received, but did not take questions.

The Springfield Police Division initially confirmed to 2 NEWS that City Hall was evacuated due to an unspecified threat, but later provided an update that it was a precautionary measure after the city received a bomb threat. An immediate law enforcement investigation has been launched in response.

Aiden Clarks parents condemn use of sons death to spur hate

City officials were alerted to this threat via an email message this morning at 8:24 am. The email was sent to multiple agencies and media outlets. We ask the community to avoid the area surrounding City Hall vicinity while the investigation is ongoing and to report any suspicious activity to the Springfield Police Division. We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we work through this matter.  Spokesperson for the city of Springfield

Our 2 NEWS crew was at City Hall Thursday morning, hours before the conference, and reported a heavy police presence in the area of City Hall.

The city posted to social media saying City Hall would be closed for the remainder of the day.

Springfield City Halls Utility Billing Office will reopen Friday morning from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This story is developing.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
A sign hangs from a street light at the intersection of Main Street and Fountain Avenue in Springfield, Ohio, on Sept. 11, 2024. Credit - Paul VernonAP

A bomb threat issued across multiple facilities in Springfield, Ohio, Thursday morning that prompted the evacuation of city hall spewed hateful language against immigrants and Hatians, Springfield Mayor Rob Rue tells TIME.

Springfield City Hall reopened Friday after being shut down all Thursday, along with the utility billing and income tax and revenue offices, according to the citys Facebook page.

Springfield is a community that needs help, Rue told the Washington Post. The threats impacting the city come amid viral, false rumors circulating online, claiming that Haitian immigrants in the city are eating peoples petsa lie that former President Donald Trump reiterated during Tuesday nights presidential debate.

On Thursday, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez said that right-wing rhetoric attacking immigrants is part of a larger pattern Republicans use that can lead to material consequences against marginalized communities.

She referenced a 2022 telephonic bomb threat against a Boston hospital that launched a healthcare program focused on transgender and gender-diverse youth as evidence.

There is a pattern of bomb threats, of mass shootings and of other violent targeting of these communities, and so when J.D. Vance or when Donald Trump intentionally distribute incredibly malicious and disgusting claims like about eating pets, etc, they are engaged in something that is more than just a harmful statement, Ocasio Cortez told reporters on the steps of the Capitol Thursday when asked about the bomb threat.

Anywhere from around 15,000 to 20,000 Haitians have arrived in the city of Springfield, many with temporary protective status, due to ongoing conflict in the Caribbean country. Advocacy organizations, such as the Haitian Bridge Alliance, attacked the remarks made by Republican politicians and urged J.D. Vance, who represents Ohio and also spread claims about eating pets, to retract his statements.

Regional and local law enforcement immediately responded to the threat after receiving a threat via email around 8:24 a.m.Thursday.

The email was sent to various media outlets and agencies. Local law enforcement are working with the FBI to further investigate the matter, Springfield Police Chief Allison Elliott said during a Thursday afternoon press conference.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
Springfield City Manager Bryan Heck released a public statement Wednesday criticizing the unfounded rumors spread by conservative figures, including former President Donald Trump, that Haitian immigrants in the city have been eating pets and wildlife.

"It is disappointing that some of the narrative surrounding our city has been skewed by misinformation circulating on social media and further amplified by political rhetoric in the current highly charged election cycle," Heck said in the statement posted to Facebook.

Springfield, a city of around 58,000 people about 45 miles from Columbus, has seen an influx of around 20,000 Haitian immigrants in recent years, spurred by local employers looking to fill positions, The Cincinnati Enquirer previously reported.

Springfield, Ohio fact check: Are immigrants eating dogs as Trump says? What to know

Bomb threat: Springfield City Hall, elementary school evacuated

The fast-paced growth of the immigrant population has posed challenges for the city, but not because the immigrants are eating pets like the rumors claim, Heck said.

"These rumors will not distract us from the real strain on our resources, including the impact to our schools, health care system and first responders," Heck said.

There have been no credible reports of pets being harmed, injured or abused by members of the Haitian immigrant community, Heck said in a statement released Monday.

NHart@dispatch.com

@NathanRHart

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Watch: Springfield City Manager Bryan Heck's statement on immigration
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  Springfield first responders, in a symbolic motorcade, paying tribute to those who answered the call during the September 11th terrorist attacks.

Springfield holds annual September 11th ceremony at Riverfront Park

They grabbed what equipment they could, and drove to ground zero. Thats the true mark of heroism and dedication that the firefighters and police showed that day, Springfield Fire Commissioner BJ Calvi recalled.

Among the thousands who perished, 498 first responders paid the ultimate sacrifice.

I remember the lines of those firefighters going up the towers, the stairs and I remember the lines of the people coming back down those stairs, said Colonel David Halasi-Kun, Wing Commander of the 104th Fighter Wing at Barnes Air National Guard Base.

Those heroes are forever in memory, their names engraved on a piece of steel from the World Trade Center that lies in Springfields Riverfront Park.

This memorial has become a place for stories, courage, sacrifice, and hope, Patrick Leonardo, an Operations Manager for American Medical Response tells 22News.

Twenty-three years now marks that fateful September day in New York City but the memory still lies fresh in the minds of most Americans who watched as the tragedy unfolded. Its a wound that has cut deep into the nation but its also a hope to always unite in the face of adversity and promise to never forget.

And now it is our job to continue their vital work, we owe it to them. And we owe it to ourselves to never stop moving forward. Good will not only endure but we will succeed. Springfield Police Superintendent Lawrence Akers

The 9/11 monument in Riverfront Park is available to the public for viewing.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
A Springfield, Ohio, resident sounded the alarm about the city's Haitian migrant surge, warning her community is like a "dystopian nightmare" as it struggles to provide basic resources for taxpayers.

Springfield resident Diana Daniels joined "Fox & Friends" to describe what life has been like in recent years since thousands of Haitians have been transported to their city, starving it of resources like housing and health care, while also having an impact on public safety.

FOCUS GROUP REACTS TO TRUMP CLAIM THAT MIGRANTS ARE EATING THE DOGS IN OHIO TOWN

"It's like living in a dystopian nightmare," Daniels told Lawrence Jones on Thursday. "You hope you wake up and it's 2019 again, and then you realize it's 2024, and it's the same thing over and over again, day after day. It's hard sometimes to get up in the morning and hear residents that I've known for years struggle. This is a paycheck-to-paycheck kind of town working class. The citizens that depend on our social services like health care, the Rocking Horse [Community Health Center], going down to the Social Security office for benefits are waiting in line, and they're not getting the services they need."

"It breaks my heart to see people that I taught and their children experiencing this, so I took it upon myself to make sure that I showed up at every City Commission meeting pleading our case," she continued.

Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Trump shake hands during the debate at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia on Tuesday.

The situation took center stage Tuesday night when former President Trump referred to Springfield while railing against the Biden-Harris administration's border and immigration policies.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

"If it took something like this to get the spotlight flashed on us, then so be it. We've needed help for several years, and maybe we're going to finally get it. The sad thing is, it's more of my money being spent on a problem that we did not create," said Daniels.

Thousands of Haitians have arrived in Springfield since the COVID-19 pandemic , and residents have been pointing to an uptick in crime, mayhem and car crashes due to the massive influx of new residents. In a town of 58,000 people, about 20,000 Haitians have arrived, according to city officials .

Residents have pushed back on the influx, sharing outrage at the ongoing surge during recent city council meetings to demand action on the issue.

"I see what's going on in the streets. And I see you guys sitting up there and, comfy chairs and suits I really challenge you guys to get out here and do something," said Anthony Harris, 28. "These Haitians are running into trash cans. They're running into buildings. They're flipping cars in the middle of the street, and I don't know how, like, y'all can be comfortable with this."

OHIO CITY PLUNGED INTO HOUSING CRISIS AFTER 15,000+ MIGRANTS ARRIVE: SETTING US UP TO FAIL

Another resident called out general failures in leadership. "When am I getting my money back?" he asked.

According to Daniels, some city leaders have accused residents of racism amid their pleas for help.

She has pushed back on those claims, arguing the cultural difference, as opposed to the "color" difference, is really what is at play with the recent strife between both groups.

"Some of those comments are being made by people that I've known for many years, and that's probably the hardest thing to deal with because the city has always been a close-knit community," Daniels said. "We have pockets of neighborhoods and what's happening is a disruption of the smaller neighborhoods, and it has never been a race issue It's not about color, it's about culture."

Meanwhile, Ohio Republican Gov. Mike DeWine announced Tuesday he will be funneling resources to help ease the influx.

"As these numbers dramatically pick up, theres some obligation for the federal government to help local communities who had nothing to do with the decision about people coming in, but now find themselves with a massive number of people," he said.

DeWine promised a total of $2.5 million over the course of two years for the county health department and other health care centers that have been overwhelmed by the immigrant uptick, as well as more resources for law enforcement.

Daniels said she and other residents are investigating and pushing for answers on how this situation unfolded and why the migrants were sent to Springfield.

"How did Springfield get the target put on its back for this many Haitians?  Why did this happen to us? Who was responsible? How did that happen? And then follow the money. It's very difficult with our limited resources to tease that out," she said.

Fox News' Hannah Grossman and Jamie Joseph contributed to this report.





Original article source: Springfield, Ohio, resident details 'dystopian nightmare' as Haitian migrants overrun town: 'Breaks my heart'
SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (WCMH)  The chief of the Springfield Police Division spoke with reporters Thursday, after the shutdown of multiple buildings in the area, and at least one was attributed to a bomb threat.

The impromptu news conference, held at 2:30 p.m. at the National Trails Park and Recreation facility, came as Chief Allison Elliotts town sees nationwide attention over its legal Haitian immigrant population. She said police have not shared information on a possible suspect behind the threat, but did confirm they searched and cleared the buildings involved.

Safety is a shared responsibility and it takes all of us  I encourage the public  if you see something, say something, Elliott said.

Former President Donald Trump claimed the immigrants were eating residents pets, while his running mate J.D. Vance also claimed the migrants were contributing to increased tuberculosis and HIV cases. The city has fought back on the accusations, with Mayor Rob Rue saying there is no verified instance where the Haitians have killed or eaten local wildlife or pets.

Officials have acknowledged a strain on infrastructure for the town of around 58,000 from the 12,000 to 15,000 immigrants, and Gov. Mike DeWine announced Tuesday he would send aid to remedy those concerns. Simultaneously, the Ohio Attorney Generals Office announced it would explore legal options for the claims befalling Springfield.

Elliot confirmed that a morning bomb threat at Springfield City Hall resulted in its evacuation and shutdown for the rest of the day. Springfield officials said the threat came from an email sent at 8:24 a.m. to multiple agencies, and asked the public to avoid the area.

Within the same day, WDTN also documented the shutdown of Fulton Elementary School, and staff transported the students to Springfield High School. District officials did not specify a threat to the school, but said they made the decision based on information received from the State Fire Marshal. Additionally, the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles told NBC4 they closed three locations within the region, citing the city hall bomb threat.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
Last week, Republicans made the town of Springfield, Ohio, the center of a racist smear campaign accusing Haitian migrants of slaughtering and eating local pets. In the subsequent days, what began as gross online misinformation evolved into threats of violence against Haitian residents of Springfield and city officials.

On Thursday, Springfields city hall was forced to evacuate after receiving a bomb threat. According to the city commission, the threat was emailed to to multiple agencies and media outlets.

City of Springfield received a bomb threat that has prompted an immediate response from local and regional law enforcement, the city wrote on its Facebook page. As a precautionary measure, the building has been evacuated, and authorities are currently conducting a thorough investigation. Our primary concern is the safety and well-being of our employees and residents. We are working to address this situation as swiftly as possible.

Its unclear what inspired the threats, but the incident took place just days after former President Donald Trump repeated online claims that Haitian migrants were killing and eating peoples pets during Tuesdays debate against Vice President Kamala Harris.

In Springfield, theyre eating the dogs, Trump said. The people that came in, theyre eating the cats, theyre eating, theyre eating the pets of the people that live there.

The claim has also been amplified by Trumps running mate, Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, and other Republican lawmakers and commentators.

Vance has repeatedly defended his public fear-mongering against Haitian migrants, despite the accusations of animal abuse having been debunked and his own acknowledgment that the reports were dubious. On Thursday, a 2016 tweet from Vance in which he criticized Trumps rhetoric on immigration resurfaced on social media.

Trump makes people I care about afraid. Immigrants, Muslims, etc, Vance wrote. Because of this, I find him reprehensible. God wants better of us.

Oh, how the prospect of power changes a man.

Local city officials and law enforcement have denied the accusations against the migrants, who are of legal immigration status and have been drawn to the county as a growing job center.

On Tuesday, Springfield Police stated that 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.

Officials also clarified that law enforcement had been unable to find evidence substantiating a 911 call from a resident claiming to have seen a group of Haitians kidnapping geese from a local pond. No videos have surfaced, no pictures have surfaced, no dead geese have surfaced; theres nothing to substantiate that its happening, Clark County Commissioner Sasha Rittenhouse said during a Wednesday meeting.

Clark County Sheriffs Office Major Scott Cultice added that he and an employee of the Clark County Combined Dispatch Center had reviewed 11 months of police records and found that the call about the geese  which right-wing media have widely circulated  was the only report they found regarding unlawful treatment of an animal by Haitian migrants.

The spotlight on the town, and the unsubstantiated smears against its immigrant residents, has created a climate of anxiety and fear of retaliation.

A report from MSNBC found that one Haitian resident of Springfield had been asked by his coworkers if he and his community eats cats.

Viles Dorsainvil, president of Springfields Haitian Community Center, told MSNBC that hes gotten phone calls from scared members of the community asking if theyll need to leave the town because they were afraid for their lives.

Alimemby Estimable, a 19-year-old graduate of Springfield High School, told USA Today that hes been seeing a lot of people talking about a lot of stuff thats not accurate. You know, saying, like, all Haitians are cutting ducks necks and eating them at the park and like, theyre running into trash cans and homes and stuff. I aint never seen a Haitian do that before. Im just keep it real, because Im a Haitian myself.

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SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (WDTN)  Multiple locations in Springfield have either evacuated or decided to close on Thursday.

School Buildings

According to a spokesperson for Springfield City Schools, Fulton Elementary School was evacuated and taken to Springfield High School. The spokesperson cited information received from the State Fire Marshal as the decision to have everyone leave the school.

Springfield City Hall evacuated Thursday morning

You can read the districts full statement below:

Based on information received from the State Fire Marshal, Fulton students were evacuated from their building to Springfield High School this morning. Students and staff are safe; however, the District is in the process of a controlled release to safely dismiss Fulton students to their parents. This is however, the ONLY District building that has been affected at this time. Spokesperson for the Springfield City School District

Citing a safety situation, Clark State College announced its Brinkman building in downtown Springfield has closed out of an abundance of caution.

Government Buildings and Offices

An official from the Springfield Police Division confirmed to 2 NEWS that area locations of Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles have closed for the day.

A spokesperson for the Clark County government office confirmed that county offices are closed for the day too.

All Clark County, Ohio office buildings have been closed to the public out of abundance of caution due to recent threats made to other local government entities in Springfield on Thursday, Sept. 12, the statement reads.

The following offices are closed:

All commission departments

The Springview Government Center

The Clark County Department of Job and Family Services

The Clark County Common Pleas Court

The Clark County Board of Elections

The Clark County Juvenile Court

The A.B. Graham Building

No known threats have been made towards Clark County offices.

2 NEWS is working to learn more information.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
TAMPA  The Uhurus said their support of Russia was free speech. On Thursday, a federal jury said it was a crime.

After a weeklong trial that touched on complicated issues of national security, foreign relations and the limits of the First Amendment, a panel of eight men and four women found three members of the St. Petersburg-based African activist group guilty of conspiring to act as unregistered Russian agents. But the jury found the group not guilty of the more serious charge of acting as agents of a foreign government.

The defendants showed no immediate reaction as U.S. District Judge William Jung announced the verdict Thursday morning.

Minutes later, though, their mood was jubilant as they strode out of the courtroom on the arms of supporters who had watched the trial closely.

Relentless! declared Omali Yeshitela, the longtime leader of the Uhuru Movement and its umbrella organization, the African Peoples Socialist Party. Uhuru!

Penny Hess, 78, and Jesse Nevel, 34, members of the groups white allies, were also found guilty for their respective roles in what federal prosecutors described as a seven-year conspiracy to sow discord and enflame American political tensions at the behest of Russia.

A fourth defendant, Augustus C. Romain Jr., a former Uhuru member who in 2018 founded the Atlanta-based Black Hammer Party, was also convicted of conspiracy.

The conspiracy charge, the less serious of the two charges, carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. No sentencing date has been set.

The most important thing is they were unable to convict us of working for anybody except Black people, Yeshitela said in a news conference afterward on the front steps of the U.S. District Courthouse. I am willing to be charged and found guilty of working for Black people.

Behind him, supporters raised fists and again shouted Uhuru! The Swahili word means freedom.

Yeshitela praised their lawyers, calling them a legal dream team that was a nightmare for the prosecution.

This doesnt stop here, said Mutaqee Akbar, who represents Nevel. We will appeal this.

Hess attorney, Leonard Goodman, said he wasnt sure why the jury reached the verdict that they did. He speculated that they may not have fully understood the charges. He reiterated the defenses argument that the government prosecuted the Uhurus to censor them for their pro-Russian views.

This case has always been about free speech, he said.

The trial capped a two-year legal saga that began when FBI agents raided the Uhuru House in southern St. Petersburg and several other properties connected to the group. An indictment unsealed the same day detailed allegations that a Russian man, Aleksandr Ionov, had worked for years to foster relationships with American activist groups in an effort to exploit and enhance U.S. political divisions and spread pro-Russian disinformation.

Ionov, 34, runs the Anti-Globalization Movement of Russia, an organization funded by the Russian government, whose stated mission includes support for the nations sovereignty and security.

In 2015, Ionov invited Yeshitela to Moscow to discuss future cooperation. Prosecutors alleged he offered to pay the Uhuru Movement and spread their message to an international audience in return for their assistance in carrying out various actions and events.

Upon his return to the U.S., Yeshitela, 82, told other members of the African Peoples Socialist Party that it appeared Ionovs group was an instrument of the Russian government and that does not disturb us.

In the years that followed, the Uhuru Movement took on a decidedly pro-Russia bent. At Ionovs behest, prosecutors said, they published Russian propaganda, including articles written by him in their newspaper, the Burning Spear, hosted him in videoconferences and organized protests featuring Russian messaging and disinformation.

Ionov had a similar relationship with Romains group. Evidence presented at trial showed he enlisted Romain, 38, to organize three different protests in Atlanta and California featuring pro-Russian messages.

The Uhurus were unaware that Ionov communicated regularly about his meddling in the U.S. with intelligence officers in Russias Federal Security Service, the defense said. He issued reports about his activities with the Uhurus and other groups with the agency and followed through on orders to carry out actions.

Prosecutors described him as a middleman between Russian intelligence and the Uhuru Movement, over which they said he exercised direction and control. The connection, the government argued, effectively made the Uhurus act as Russian agents.

The defense adamantly denied that Ionov controlled the group.

Omali Yeshitela is not for sale, his attorney, Ade Griffin, told the jury in closing arguments.

Among the evidence they highlighted was a Facebook message Yeshitela sent to Ionov in 2016. In it, he stressed that the nature of their cooperation with him was as allies not employees. The defense noted that Yeshitela and others sometimes refused to do things Ionov asked of them.

Romain, who represented himself through most of the trial, tried to suggest in cross-examination of witnesses that the FBI targeted the group in a bid to silence criticism of President Joe Biden.

His questioning and arguments, which often veered off topic, drew frequent objections from prosecutors. At one point, he questioned why the FBI hadnt arrested bigger fish.

What kind of a fool arrests the small fish while letting the big fish go free? he asked.

Romain relented in his self-representation only when it came time for closing arguments. His standby attorney, Mark OBrien, delivered arguments on his behalf with scant time to prepare.

None of the jurors were African American, a fact not overlooked by the defense.

The panel originally included one Black woman, but she was dismissed after she did not appear at the start of the trials second week.

Akbar, Nevels attorney, asked that the woman be replaced by an alternate juror who was also Black, saying he didnt think the remaining panel would reflect a cross-section of the community. But the judge declined, citing federal court rules that state alternate jurors must replace jurors in the same sequence in which they were selected.

Midway through their deliberations, which lasted about 10 hours over three days, the jury asked for copies of the indictment, their instructions and a PowerPoint presentation the government showed during closing arguments. The presentation, which included a breakdown of the elements of the charged crimes, was unavailable, as it was not entered into evidence at trial.

Late Wednesday, the jury asked for their names and identifying information to be sealed from the public record, a request the judge granted.

In a gathering after the verdict the Uhuru House, Akbar said the split verdict sends a message to the U.S. government that political prosecutions wont work. But he urged the group to exercise caution going forward.

I think weve got to be careful who we talk to and who we email  but not shut up, Akbar said. I think we will always be in jeopardy when we do the right thing.

Times staff writer Jack Prator contributed to this report.
CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP)  St. Rose de Lima church honored the victims and fallen heroes of September 11th by hosting a mass of remembrance.

This is the 17th annual mass held in Chicopee. Each year the Hampden Center Deanery selects a parish in Chicopee to host. This years mass featured a reading led by Chicopee Fire Captain Katie Collins-Kalbaugh, who is also a member of the parish.

Other first responders also joined in on Wednesdays mass, with some leading a procession at the start of the service.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
STAFFORD COUNTY, Va. (DC News Now)  Deputies detained a 15-year-old boy on Wednesday after he stole a firearm from a sheriffs office vehicle and made a threat to commit violence against a Brooke Point High School student, according to the Stafford County Sheriffs Office (SCSO).

On the evening of Sept. 10, deputies were notified of a threat to commit violence against a Brooke Point High School student. Investigators worked through the night to identify the suspect and gather evidence.

Frederick County schools in Virginia closed due to social media threats

During the investigation, deputies came across an image of a firearm posted on the suspects social media. The depicted weapon matched a firearm that was stolen from an SCSO cruiser the previous week.

SCSO said the weapon had been locked in the cruiser when it was stolen but that the boy broke the car window and defeated the gun rack.

Deputies detained the teen just before the start of school on Wednesday and recovered the stolen firearm from his home. Deputies also had an increased presence at Brooke Point High School.

SCSO said the following in a Facebook post on Wednesday afternoon:

The Stafford County Sheriffs Office would like to thank the Stafford County Public Schools for their assistance in this investigation. Thank you to the witnesses that followed the rule of see something, say something. The Stafford County Sheriffs Office is committed to ensuring the safety of students and staff at all our schools. We will continue to vigorously investigate all threats to our schools, students, and staff. Office of Stafford County Sheriff- David DP Decatur, Sheriff

Stafford County deputies detain snake after it slithers inside Sheriffs office

The principal at Brooke Point High School sent an email to families around 7 a.m., Wednesday, saying in part there is not a general threat to the school.

Jose Espinosa, who has two children at Brooke Point High School where his wife also works, said the incident raises concerns.

He hopes teachers are given additional training for what to do when threats arise, and it is hopeful for improved communication from the school district. While he expressed his gratitude for the sheriffs office, he also said he wanted to know how the alleged theft happened.

My reaction was, I was scared and nervous and anxious, Espinosa said.

DC News Now requested an interview with the Stafford County Sheriffs Office hoping to ask about gun storage protocols and safety measures, but the office spokesperson said no one was available Wednesday evening for an interview.

Its unclear what charges, if any, the 15-year-old boy faces.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
Flooding across parts of Yemen has compounded already dire humanitarian conditions in the war-ravaged country (Khaled ZIAD) (Khaled ZIAD/AFP/AFP)

Sitting by their ruined home, Abu Ibrahim wept for his son and seven grandchildren killed by flash floods in Yemen, where increasingly severe downpours are piling more misery on the impoverished, war-torn country.

The greying, bearded villager gestured at the fallen stone walls, all that remains of their home after raging torrents and landslips cut great scars across the mountainside.

Abu Ibrahim, who lives nearby, fought back tears as he recalled the terrible sound of his son's dwelling collapsing in the deluge.

"Shortly afterwards, my wife saw that Ibrahim's house was no longer there," he said.

"She screamed loudly, saying, 'Ibrahim and his children have been swept away by the floods!'"

They were not the only ones killed, injured or uprooted by this year's seasonal rains, which experts say are growing in intensity and frequency because of climate change.

According to OCHA, the United Nations humanitarian agency, about 40 people died or are missing since the disaster in Al-Mahwit province's Melhan district, part of the vast swathe of Yemen held by Iran-backed Huthi rebels.

Fifteen houses were destroyed and 50 were badly damaged, forcing 215 families to shelter in nearby schools, OCHA said.

Across Yemen in recent weeks, nearly 100 people have died in floods, an AFP tally compiled from UN data shows.

And more than 560,000 people across the country have been affected since late July, according to the UN's International Organization for Migration (IOM).

"The scale of the destruction is staggering," said Matt Huber, acting Yemen mission chief of the IOM, which appealed last week for $13.3 million in emergency funds.

- 'We heard the mountain shake' -

The mountains of western Yemen are prone to heavy seasonal rainfall, but this year's extreme weather conditions are "unprecedented", said Huber.

In the Melhan tragedy, landslides crashed through homes and buried some of their occupants.

"We heard the mountain shake," said Abdullah al-Malhani, another neighbour of Ibrahim and his family.

Access for aid workers has been "almost impossible" because of "destroyed and flooded roads", the UN Population Fund posted on X.

It published pictures of camels carrying aid to stricken villagers through winding, hilly terrain.

The flooding in Yemen has destroyed homes, displaced thousands of families and seriously damaged critical infrastructure such as health centres, schools and roads.

The Arabian peninsula's poorest country, engulfed in civil war since 2015, was already struggling with rising malnutrition and has suffered a spike in cholera cases linked to the heavy rains and floods.

The situation could worsen in the coming months, the UN's World Health Organization (WHO) warned last month.

Yemen's central highlands, Red Sea coastal areas and parts of the southern uplands are expected to receive "unprecedented levels" of rainfall in excess of 300 millimetres (12 inches), the WHO said.

"Climate change is not only making floods more frequent but also more severe," said Maha Al-Salehi, a researcher at Holm Akhdar, a Yemeni environmental group.

- 'Exceptionally vulnerable' -

Mohammed Hamid, assistant under-secretary of the meteorology department in the Huthi-held capital, Sanaa, said recurring extreme weather events in Yemen clearly indicated the impacts of climate change.

Since May 2015, there have been around nine tropical cyclones, or one every year -- an unusually high number -- Hamid told AFP.

"We need to get ready for new cyclones" in October, Hamid said.

As the planet heats, the warmer air can hold more moisture, creating heavier and more frequent storms, weather experts say.

Weakened by years of conflict, Yemen's creaking infrastructure and disaster response capabilities add to the threat from climate change, said Karim Elgendy, a climate consultant and associate fellow at the Chatham House think tank.

"The combination of more extreme precipitation events and a country destabilised by war has left Yemen exceptionally vulnerable to the unprecedented rainfall, resulting in catastrophic flooding across multiple governorates," he told AFP.

str/ho/th/srm
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  A fitness center in Sioux Falls is marking a tragic day in American history with a challenge for the public.

Its a workout for a cause at Crunch Fitness in Sioux Falls. 110 flights of stairs. 2,071 steps to represent the fallen World Trade Center towers.

Crunch nationwide we are hosting a 9/11 stair climb in honor of the people that didnt make it out of the World Trade Center, the residence, the employees, and our First Responders, Crunch Fitness Group Fitness Coordinator Ashley Hartshorn said.

Ashley Hartshorn is the group fitness coordinator at Crunch and says success in the challenge is more than a number.

We encourage everybody to try and reach the 110 floors. If their body only allows five floors, 20, 50, just do what they can to honor those who have been fallen, Hartshorn said.

I figure Im going to at least double it so Ive got at least 30 floors left, Sioux Falls resident Ryan Feekes said.

Schwans project gets $25 million of state loans

Sioux Falls resident Ryan Feekes has been coming to the gym for nine months. Hes looking to live a healthier lifestyle and wanted to complete the stair climb challenge. He made it 256 floors.

Pretty tough. I was wanting to give up after only about 50 floors, Feekes said.

The motivation behind Feekes climb is simple but significant.

The First Responders and the military and things that enable me to live the life that I live, Feekes said.

These steps are in motion as a tribute to a day and tragedy that mean something different to everyone.

I have two parents that are in the military and so any sort of tragedy like this that puts our country at an uneasy state, it really strikes a chord with me and this is a small token for those who have sacrificed everything, Hartshorn said.

The Stair Climb Challenge is open to members and guests until midnight tonight, with non-members receiving a free week trial for participating on 9/11.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
He has a fantastic belief in the power of the government and individual ministers to supervise and decide things for the public good.

A Right-wing commentator on Keir Starmer? No, this was Sir Raymond Streat, chair of the Cotton Board, on the plans of Harold Wilson in 1954 to reorganise the industry.

Statism has been the leitmotif of the Labour Party since 1945. The state was to be the instrument used by the Attlee government to create a National Health Service and a welfare system. In the notorious words of Douglas Jay, In the case of nutrition and health, just as in the case of education, the gentleman in Whitehall really does know better what is good for people than the people know themselves.

The next Labour government in the 1960s sought to use the state in what Prime Minister Harold Wilson labelled a purposive manner to secure economic growth. In the 1970s, however, an overloaded state, unable to fulfil the manifold tasks imposed upon it, broke down.

In 1976 the brokers men from the International Monetary Fund were called to the rescue. Then, in 1979, Britain came to a standstill during the winter of discontent of public sector strikes, following the breakdown of Labours social contract with the trade unions.

Rachel Reeves recently declared that Labour had inherited the worst set of circumstances since the Second World War. She must have forgotten 1979 when, peering into the abyss, many believed that Britain had become ungovernable. The crisis was to be resolved by Margaret Thatcher who sought a smaller state but one that would prove more effective in fulfilling its central tasks. She did so by liberalising the economy and securing a more flexible labour market, bringing over-mighty trade unions into the framework of the law.

It took Labour some time to learn this lesson. But in 1994, Tony Blair unveiled New Labour, proclaiming that if the party was to enjoy the benefits of the market economy and globalisation, it must end its reliance on the state. Blair proved the most electorally successful of all Labour leaders, but has never been quite forgiven by many in his party for winning three elections. Indeed he was rapidly disowned by Ed Miliband after Labours defeat in 2010.

Tony Blair had learnt the lessons of the 1970s and 1980s. It is not clear whether Keir Starmer has, for Labours 2024 manifesto promises reveal a renewed and touching faith in statism. As in Wilsons day, Labour has put economic growth at the heart of its programme, to be secured by a dynamic and strategic state, yielding what Business Secretary, Jonathan Reynolds, has called purposeful interaction between governments, business and institutions.

There will be a new partnership between government and business, assisted by the creation of new institutions  an Industrial Strategy Council, a British Infrastructure Council, a Regulatory Innovation Office, Great British Energy and a National Wealth Fund, to support innovation, investment and high quality jobs. If economic growth could be delivered by new institutions, Britain would be in line to enjoy one of the fastest growth rates in the world.

The mania for new institutions began with Conservative Prime Minister, Harold Macmillan, who, in 1962, established a National Economic Development Council  Neddy  in partnership with employers and the trade unions. Although Neddy had no discernible impact on growth, it did encourage a climate in which public money could be wasted in subsidising ailing industries, a climate which continued throughout the 1970s. Labours 2024 manifesto reverts to this tradition by proposing 2.5 billion to help rebuild the floundering steel industry. Governments, it has been said, are bad at picking winners, but losers are very good at schmoozing governments.

The new partnerships are unlikely to raise the rate of economic growth. Their beneficiaries, if any, are likely to be those large companies skilled at pleading their case to government. It is hardly likely that ministers and officials, with little experience of industry, will be able to discover new and profitable opportunities for investment which entrepreneurs have unaccountably missed. Indeed, innovation and growth are more likely to be driven by new and small businesses, who need not partnership, but less government, less regulation, a flexible labour market and lower taxes.

Statism and the belief in national planning have proved the main ideological victims of the post war era. It is time, surely, for Keir Starmer to re-learn the lessons learnt by Tony Blair and New Labour. For those who fail to learn from the mistakes of the past will be condemned to repeat them.

Sir Vernon Bogdanor is Professor of Government at Kings College, London. His latest book, Making the Weather: Six Politicians Who Changed Modern Britain, is published this week by Haus

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(Bloomberg) -- Keir Starmer said more money will not fix Englands ailing National Health Service without fundamental reforms including wider use of technology, as he warned that his election promise to rebuild an organization ingrained in the countrys psyche could take a decade or more.

Most Read from Bloomberg

If we get this right people can look back and say this was the generation that took the NHS from the worst crisis in its history, got it back on its feet and made it fit for the future, Starmer said in a speech about his plans for the NHS in central London on Thursday. Its reform or die.

Starmer was speaking after a report commissioned by Health Secretary Wes Streeting set out a damning picture of the state of the NHS, with plays a pivotal role in millions of peoples lives on a daily basis.

Austerity after 2010, the pandemic and confusion caused by repeated top-down reorganization in 2012 have left the health service on its knees, Ara Darzi, a prominent surgeon and peer in the House of Lords wrote in the study. Capital investment fell short by 37 billion ($48.3 billion) during the 2010s compared to peer countries in Europe and beyond, he said.

But Starmers government is facing huge demands to repair public services across the board, while Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves has warned that she has inherited a 22 billion black hole in the public finances ahead of her first budget statement on Oct. 30.

In his speech, Starmer said money cannot be the only answer, instead warning that the NHS will only get more funding if it accepts fundamental changes to the way it operates. The premier and Streeting see prevention and more local services as part of the solution, along with increased digitization.

Still, some of Streetings suggestions about how to get waiting lists down  including leveraging capacity in private hospitals  have exacerbated long-running fears about the creeping private takeover of NHS services.

Starmer, though, made clear that the government will not change the NHS as a service that is publicly funded and free at the point of delivery. Polls show Britons trust Labour more than the Tories to make fundamental changes to the NHS, which was founded by the party after World War II.

Whether the government can do so  and its likely to be measured at least in part on how fast it can help millions of people stuck on NHS waiting lists  will go a long way toward determining whether Labour gets a second term.

There are also huge economic implications. Rising health spending is the most important driver behind the projected near-triple increase in public debt over the next 50 years.

Public health spending as a share of GDP is set to reach 14.5% by 2073-74, up from 7.9% in 2023-24, according to the latest numbers from the Office for Budget Responsibility. Improving the health of the population could reduce the rise in debt pressures by over 40% of GDP by the mid-2070s, it said.

As in other developed economies, an aging society is putting an increased burden on the NHS, and the Conservatives can argue that they put more money into the service and that the health department is one of the governments so-called protected departments when it comes to setting budgets.

The counter argument, though, is that austerity in other areas has fueled much of the strain on the NHS over more than a decade. Cuts in social care provision by cash-strapped local councils, for example, has had a knock-on effect on overcrowding in hospitals unable to discharge vulnerable patients.

In his speech, Starmer said the NHS entered the pandemic in 2020 in a more fragile state than comparable nations. Its a similar theme when the prime minister talks about the UKs fragile economy, that the problems are of the former Conservative administrations making.

The last government broke the NHS, Starmer said. It is unforgivable and people have every right to be angry.

--With assistance from Irina Anghel.

(Updates with health department spending, austerity impact four paragraphs from bottom.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

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ANDERSON COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA)  September is Deaf Awareness Month and school leaders at Starr Elementary said they believe inclusion means everything.

Instead of traditionally reciting the Pledge of Allegiance every morning, Kayla Jordans first-grade class has learned to use American Sign Language.

Jordan said they do it in support of their classmate, who is deaf.

The first week of school, we noticed Zoie and the interpreter, Miss Moose, doing sign language for the Pledge of Allegiance, said Jordan. Thats something we do every morning and my students just quickly seemed interested and want to learn. I said, You know what? So do I. Thats something I would like to learn too.'

Zoie Goolsby was born deaf and has a full-time interpreter.

The regular classroom uses a phonics-based curriculum, and that doesnt work for her because shes not hearing the phonics. For her, were using a specialized curriculum called Foundations for Literacy thats developed for deaf children, said Dawne Shaw, Teacher of the Deaf at the South Carolina School for the Deaf and Blind.

Shaw said she works with Goolsby one-on-one to learn new vocabulary using pictures and writing.

Theres a lot of stuff involved, but shes really smart and shes going to be fine in public school, said Shaw.

Goolsby also works alongside her peers, which Jordan said sparked their interest in learning sign language too.

The children love it. I feel that Zoie just sees the other children trying and learning it alongside, like me and the others, that she feels included and welcome. Shes able to communicate and she has besties, as she calls it, like friends in the classroom and it just makes everyone feel like theyre included, said Jordan.

School leaders said the class has also learned how to recite the alphabet using sign language.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCBD)- A state agency was recently awarded nearly $1 million in federal funding to continue providing resources for survivors of sexual assault.

The South Carolina Department of Public Health announced Wednesday that it received $925,398 from the Justice Departments Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) to support services and raise awareness about sexual violence in underserved communities.

Officials said the two year grant will benefit the states 15 rape crisis centers which offer crisis intervention hotlines, support groups, counseling, legal and medical aid, referrals, and other services for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Supporting rape crisis centers is essential not only for the immediate and long-term care of survivors but also for cultivating a community that recognizes, addresses and strives to prevent sexual violence, said Danielle Wingo, director of DPHs Bureau of Maternal and Child Health. It is a privilege to collaborate with and advocate for these organizations.

Biden marks 30th anniversary of passage of landmark Violence Against Women Act

The funding will also support the work of the South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (SCCADVASA), a nonprofit organization that provides advocacy training, aids in getting prevention intiatitives in schools and communities, and other outreach programs.

Sexual violence is one of the most underreported crimes, according to authorities, and it disproportionaly impacts women, especially young women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ indvidiuals.

A 2022 South Carolina Law Enforcement Division report showed that there were 2,374 reported cases of sexual battery, nearly half of which involved victims under the age of 18.

This funding is critical to sustaining the services provided by rape crisis centers in communities across our state that provide hope, healing, and a pathway to wellbeing for survivors of these devastating intimate assaults, said SCCADVASAs Executive Director Sara Barber.

If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual violence, you can call the RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673), visit the National Sexual Assault Online Hotline or reach out to a rape crisis center near you.

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Election officials from across the country publicly accused the postmaster general on Wednesday of failing to adequately prepare for the Nov. 5 general election.

In an unusually frank joint open letter, the National Association of Secretaries of State and the National Association of State Election Directors said Postmaster General Louis DeJoy has failed to address numerous shortcomings in the U.S. Postal Service that election officials have said could lead to fewer people voting and a loss of trust in the electoral system.

State and local election officials need a committed partner in USPS, the letter reads. 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.

Voting by mail has become extremely popular since it was widely introduced in 2020, as states scrambled to change laws to allow citizens to cast ballots without risking crowds during the Covid pandemic. Nearly 70 million people voted by mail in 2020, and more than 35 million did so in 2022, according to an Election Assistance Commission study.

In an emailed statement, a USPS spokesperson said we are currently delivering mail in 2.7 days, although we continue to recommend as a common-sense measure that voters should mail their completed ballot before Election Day, and at least one week prior to their states deadline."

As we have discussed widely with election officials, the Postal Service is in the midst of network modernization, the spokesperson said. Election Mail routinely outperforms our regular service performance due to our long-standing processes and procedures.

In July, the USPS inspector general found in a report that the agency did not always comply with USPS procedures in dealing with election mail.

At a news conference Aug. 29, Steven Monteith, the USPS chief customer and marketing officer, said the Postal Service was employing extraordinary measures throughout the organization as we move closer to the election, and that will make sure that were fully focused on the effort.

Despite pockets of service issues, the agencys increased efforts around election mail makes us very confident that were going to have a great election season, Monteith said.

The letter Wednesday says election officials had repeatedly raised concerns with the USPS but had not seen adequate improvement.

Over the course of the last year, election officials across the country have raised serious questions about processing facility operations, lost or delayed election mail, and front-line training deficiencies impacting USPSs ability to deliver election mail in a timely and accurate manner, it says.

Despite repeated engagement with USPS Election and Political Mail headquarters staff and state/regional Managers of Customer Relations, we have not seen improvement or concerted efforts to remediate our concerns, the letter says.

The letter echoes a scuffle at the National Association of State Election Directors conference in Minnesota in July, when officials from multiple states expressed strong concerns directly with Postal Service officials during a talk.

In the current climate, elections are being determined by these delays, Kansas Election Director Bryan Caskey told a USPS official. You have to be better. We have to better. I just want to make sure you are hearing why we are so upset.

The election officials letter cites three specific concerns. It warns that USPS staff members are often inconsistently trained, that long mail delivery times risk some ballots' arriving too late to be counted and that there has been an increase in ballots returned as undeliverable.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
State gave Stanislaus responsibility for its serious juvenile offenders. What has changed?

In our Reality Check stories, Modesto Bee journalists deliver fast facts about the issues that matter to local residents to hold officials and institutions accountable. Read more. Story idea? Tips@modbee.com.

Since the California Department of Juvenile Justices closure last year, Stanislaus County has had to rethink its approach to juvenile justice, focusing more on rehabilitation, education and community-based alternatives.

Before DJJs closure, youth convicted of serious crimes, such as murder and sex offenses, were sent to state-run facilities. Now, these offenders are held in their local counties, where they can be housed until they reach 25.

Naturally, this means were dealing with an older, more sophisticated population with complex needs, said Stanislaus County Chief Probation Officer Mark Ferriera.

One significant change has been the development of so-called less restrictive programs, which allow certain youth to finish their sentences in alternative settings such as halfway houses or community residential programs.

The county has created a network of support services to facilitate the transition of eligible youth into LRPs, through collaboration with community organizations like the Center for Human Services and Leaders in Community Alternatives. The county also has partnered with Pine Grove Fire Camp, where youth can work alongside Cal Fire to help fight fires across the state.

Though the number of youth transitioning to LRPs is still small, with just a few having been placed in the programs as of August, Ferriera expects this number to grow over the next year.

Too early to measure recidivism

Though Ferriera said its too soon to gauge the full impact of these changes on recidivism rates, early indicators show promise.

Stanislaus Countys average daily population in juvenile institutions has fallen significantly, from 145.5 in 2007 to just 63 in 2024.

In 2007, California passed Senate Bill 81, which shifted the responsibility for housing most juvenile offenders from state-run DJJ facilities to local counties. Before SB 81, juveniles convicted of any felony could be sent to DJJ, but the law limited DJJ commitments to only the most serious offenses, such as murder and sex crimes.

The bill also introduced the Youth Offender Block Grant, providing counties with funding to develop appropriate rehabilitation and supervision services for these youth.

While Ferriera noted that recidivism data is not yet available for this newer population, the county is optimistic that its investment in rehabilitation and local programs will lead to a reduction in reoffending.

With these continued local investments, we are confident that we will see similar successes with reducing our number of incarcerated youth, Ferriera said.

A new approach to rehabilitation in Stanislaus County

The countys juvenile justice system always has included educational and rehabilitative programming, but its scope has since expanded.

Stanislaus County now offers more advanced options, including college-level courses through Modesto Junior College, vocational training programs like culinary arts and truck driving through the Stanislaus County Office of Education and technical programs such as manufacturing and construction training through the Volt Institute and Northern California Construction Training.

In addition to education and vocational skills, the county has invested in treatment programs tailored to the needs of older youth. These include substance use disorder treatment, Aggression Replacement Training, parenting courses and employment-based services.

We are quite literally trying to cover every area of what someone might need so they are successful when they are released and do not re-victimize our community. Our ultimate goal is to prevent recidivism and create pathways for youth to live a successful, law-abiding life, Ferriera said.

Age range among incarcerated poses challenges

Housing older, more serious offenders in the same facility as younger juveniles has created challenges for the county. The wide range of maturity levels and criminal backgrounds among the population requires careful management, Ferriera said.

It takes our probation corrections officers to stay informed and educated on best practices and know the makeup of our youth to make the right judgment calls, he said.

This challenge extends to staffing. Finding qualified individuals capable of working with such a high-needs group has proved difficult, according to Ferriera.

The county maintains high hiring standards, seeking individuals who not only are able to handle the demands of the job but have the skills to guide the youth through rehabilitation. The Probation Department has ramped up its recruitment efforts through social media outreach and a dedicated recruiting website, joinstanpro.com, to educate potential applicants about the department.

Additionally, the department is engaging with college campuses and local high schools, attending job fairs and giving presentations to encourage students to consider a career in probation.

Thankfully, all of our staff go above and beyond, are dedicated to the well-being of youth and our communities, and can do those tasks. But we simply need more. It is a challenging job, but immeasurably rewarding, he said.

Funding and future investments

For the 2024-25 fiscal year, Stanislaus County is set to receive just over $3 million through the states Juvenile Justice Realignment Block Grant.

The block grant supports a wide range of initiatives, including contracts with community-based organizations that provide vital services such as financial literacy courses, cognitive behavioral therapy and restorative justice programs.

The countys agreement with MJC covers the cost of books and materials for youth enrolled in college courses, and the colleges staff assists with registration and educational planning.

The support doesnt end upon release, as MJC provides 90 days of follow-up, which includes connecting youth to on-campus counselors and programs like the Rising Scholars initiative  a program designed to help formerly incarcerated students succeed in secondary education.

The county also has invested in new technology and equipment to enhance vocational training. A recent purchase includes a Skill Boss tabletop device that allows youth to gain hands-on experience in manufacturing.

Plans are also underway to acquire a truck-driving simulator, giving young people an opportunity to develop practical skills that could lead to stable employment after their release.
An anti-abortion activist and an abortion rights advocate during a rally outside the Supreme Court (ALEX WONG) (ALEX WONG/GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/Getty Images via AFP)

A North Dakota judge on Thursday struck down a law banning most abortions in the conservative US state, ruling that it was vague and unconstitutional.

North Dakota's legislature passed a ban on abortion last year except in cases of rape or incest and if a pregnancy poses serious health risks to the mother.

Even in cases of rape or incest an abortion may only be performed on women who have been pregnant for less than six weeks.

State District Judge Bruce Romanick issued his ruling in a lawsuit filed by the sole abortion clinic in North Dakota, which has since moved to the neighboring state of Minnesota, where the procedure is legal.

The judge said the law passed by the Republican-majority North Dakota legislature was "confusing and vague."

"As written, it can have a profound chilling effect on the willingness of physicians to perform abortions, even where the North Dakota Supreme Court has already said there is a fundamental right to do so to preserve a women's life or health," Romanick said.

He said the law also fails on constitutional grounds.

"The North Dakota Constitution guarantees each individual, including women, the fundamental right to make medical judgments affecting his or her bodily integrity, health, and autonomy, in consultation with a chosen health care provider free from government interference," Romanick said.

Meetra Mehdizadeh, an attorney at the Center for Reproductive Rights, welcomed the ruling as a "win for reproductive freedom."

"However, the damage that North Dakota's extreme abortion bans have done cannot be repaired overnight," Mehdizadeh said. "There are no abortion clinics left in North Dakota."

Abortion rights have become a key issue in the November presidential election between Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Kamala Harris.

Abortion has become a rallying cry for Democrats since the nationwide right to the procedure was struck down by the conservative-dominated Supreme Court in 2022.

Many Republican-led states quickly moved to restrict or outright ban the procedure after the ruling by the top court, which includes three justices nominated by Trump.

Several states have added abortion access ballot measures in the November election.

cl/mlm
(Illustration by Barbara Gibson for The 19th)

Originally published by The 19th

Your trusted source for contextualizing Americas core issues. Sign up for our daily newsletter to read future poll stories first, or donate today to support more projects like this.

This is the third annual poll from The 19th and SurveyMonkey, designed to shed light on what women, particularly women of color, and LGBTQ+ people think about the issues animating our politics. It comes as Americans face another critical election, one that could make Democrat Kamala Harris the first woman to hold the countrys highest office or give Republican Donald Trump a second term. Heres what we learned about how Americans view the candidates, as well as opinions on abortion and on reproductive care more broadly, the ability to access gender-affirming care and more.

Interactive toplines | Full cross-tabs | Methodology | 2023 data | 2022 data

Election 2024

Among registered voters, Harris leads Trump, 44 percent to 41 percent, with 48 percent of women supporting the vice president and 47 percent of men supporting the former president.

To find out whether Harris chance to make history impacted voters enthusiasm, we split Harris supporters into two groups. Both groups were asked how excited they were to vote for her, but to one group, we pointed out that she would be the first woman president. When her gender was emphasized, 93 percent said they were somewhat or very excited; when it was not mentioned, 91 percent did. Among women, the percent who said they were very excited rose from 73 percent to 81 percent when her gender was mentioned.

Eighty-seven percent of Trump supporters are either very or somewhat excited to vote for him. Read the full story.

Reproductive health

The vast majority of Americans either want the government to protect access to in vitro fertilization (IVF) and assisted reproductive technologies, birth control and emergency contraception or to not make rules on them. Democrats are more likely to want elected officials to protect access, while Republicans are more likely to want them to not make rules.

Restrictions on assisted reproductive technologies like in vitro fertilization are extremely unpopular among Americans (9 percent support restrictions), as are limits on birth control methods like the pill and condoms (6 percent). Only 13 percent of Americans  though 22 percent of Republicans  believe politicians should restrict access to emergency contraception.

Overall, Americans opinions on abortion have moved little since last year; nearly two-thirds of voters think the procedure should be legal in all or most cases, with women more likely than men to say abortion should be legal in all cases. The poll did find a slight but persistent increase in the percent of people who think abortion should be legal when the pregnant persons health or life is in danger, in cases of rape and incest and when the fetus is not expected to survive or is expected to have serious birth defects. This follows two years of political campaigns in which such circumstances have often been highlighted by candidates who oppose abortion bans.

Half of people in states where abortion is totally banned say the laws in their state are too restrictive; people in states where it is always or mostly legal are more likely to say laws in their state strike the right balance than those in states with partial or complete bans. Read the full story.

Gender-affirming care

Theres not as much polling about how Americans feel about gender-affirming care as on other issues central to the election, so The 19th and SurveyMonkey asked a number of questions this year and last as policies that impact transgender Americans became a focus for some politicians. This year, we found that 72 percent of Americans dont believe that politicians are informed enough about gender-affirming care for minors to make fair policy, roughly the same as in 2023.

Last year, the majority of Americans said they opposed the right of minors to access gender-affirming care, but only 17 percent thought lawmakers should focus on restricting such care. So this year, The 19th and SurveyMonkey tried to probe the difference between opposition generally and the desire for politicians to take action. First, respondents were given this definition: Gender-affirming care for transgender minors includes any kind of care designed to support and affirm their gender identity, including therapy, consultations with doctors, hormones or puberty blockers, other medication, and, rarely, surgery.

Then, half the respondents were asked their opinion on the right of transgender minors to have access to gender-affirming care, and the other half were asked their opinion on lawmakers restricting such care.

Sixty percent of Americans oppose the right of transgender minors to access gender-affirming care, but these attitudes do not necessarily translate to support for bans. Fifty-four percent of Americans do not support lawmakers banning or restricting such care, including half of Republicans. The split indicates that legislation banning such care is not popular, even among many who dont want minors to have access to gender-affirming care.

Similar to last year, a majority of Americans continue to support the right of transgender adults to access gender-affirming care (56 percent).

Education

The vast majority of Americans, across partisan lines, think schools should teach the countrys history of slavery, racism and segregation  including 85 percent of those who identify or lean Republican. More than half (51 percent) of Americans think students should learn about LGBTQ+ people in history or literature, but theres a strong partisan split: 81 percent of Democrats strongly or somewhat favor that, while only 24 percent of Republicans do.

Sixty percent of Americans favor teaching Judeo-Christian values, such as the Ten Commandments, in schools, though theres a partisan divide here, too, with 83 percent of Republicans and 41 percent of Democrats in favor.

Elections and democracy

Americans are more likely to trust that elections in their precinct will be run securely compared with their trust in the countrys elections overall. The largest difference was with Republicans, with 76 percent saying they trust elections in their precinct and 43 percent saying they trust elections in the country.

This 19th News The State of Our Nation poll was powered by SurveyMonkey, the fast, intuitive feedback management platform where 20 million questions are answered daily. It was conducted online from August 26, 2024, through September 4, 2024, among a national sample of 20,762 U.S. adults 18+. Respondents were selected from the more than two million people who take surveys on SurveyMonkey each day. Results for this non-probability survey have an error estimate of plus or minus 1.0 percentage point. Data have been weighted for age, race, sex, education and geography using the Census Bureaus American Community Survey to reflect the demographic composition of the United States aged 18 and over. In addition, data for transgender respondents have been weighted for political party identification and gender using the KFF/The Washington Post Trans Survey to reflect the demographic composition of that subgroup. Learn more about SurveyMonkey elections research.
State police looking for people accused of stealing Pokemon cards from Uniontown Walmart

Pennsylvania State Police are asking for the publics help to identify two people accused of stealing Pokemon cards from a local Walmart.

State police said the suspects stole multiple packs of cards from the Walmart in Uniontown.

The suspects fled the scene in a dark colored sedan, police said.

Anyone with information should contact state police.

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ALTOONA, Pa. (WTAJ)  Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) are warning residents about utility scams and bogus websites intended to get their information and money.

Residents are warned to be vigilant when starting new services and/or paying their bills online. Renters should speak to their landlord about the utility companies in their area.

State police advise to not click on any links via text that claim you have an outstanding bill. If you suspect something isnt right, you can request a copy of your bill be mailed to your address. According to state police, these links will often look legitimate but are far from it.

Spotting a romance scam in Pennsylvania

Troopers added that while not all sites are fake, they want residents to remain vigilant so they arent scammed or robbed.

Normally, a member of the utility team will have to come in person to turn the power or gas on to the home.

Stay up to date with the latest news in the palm of your hand. Click here to download the WTAJ app for Apple and Android devices.

While Pennsylvania allows you to choose your service providers, residents should also be wary of information you give to anyone going door to door to try and get you to switch providers.

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Iowa State University saw increased enrollment this fall alongside the University of Iowa and University of Northern Iowa. (Photo courtesy of Iowa State University)

Each of Iowas public universities saw increased enrollment this fall, according to numbers released Thursday offering a snapshot of incoming classes.

University of Iowa

The University of Iowas class of 2028 is its third-largest in the universitys history, according to a news release, unseating last years incoming class.

There are 5,208 undergraduates in the UIs incoming class, as well as 1,083 undergraduate transfers and 1,419 new graduate and professional students. Total enrollment at the university adds up to 30,779 students, according to the release.

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The incoming undergraduate class has an average grade-point average of 3.83, tying it with last year, and 19% of students identify as their familys first generation attending college. This is a 1% drop from 2023.

Just over 2,800 incoming students come from 92 of Iowas counties, and 45 U.S. states and territories and 46 countries are represented in the class. According to the release, more than half of the incoming class enrolled with at least one transfer college credit.

The University of Iowa is excited to welcome a tremendous group of new students to campus this fall, said Brent Gage, associate vice president for enrollment management, in the release. After receiving a record number of applications, the enrollment management team partnered with faculty and staff from across campus to enroll this talented group of students. We are confident this class will thrive both in and out of the classroom as they become part of the Iowa campus community.

Iowa State University

Iowa State once again has the largest incoming class of the three universities at 5,906 students, an increase of almost 50 students from last year and a 16% increase over the past five years, according to a news release. Total enrollment increased by 255 at the university to a total of 30,432. That includes 25,628 undergraduates, 4,170 graduate students and 634 veterinary students  with students coming from every Iowa county and U.S. state, as well as 116 countries.

About 20% of ISU first-year students identify as first-generation, according to the release, and just under 23% are Pell Grant-eligible students. More than three-quarters of first-year students are receiving scholarships and grants this fall, as well as 72% of undergraduates. The average grade-point average of incoming students is 3.75.

According to the release, these increases in enrollment can be attributed to growing interest in Iowa States STEM programs and degrees of the future.

Students recognize Iowa State University as a leader in innovation and for opportunities to take on leadership roles, conduct undergraduate research and gain hands-on experience in preparing for their future careers, said ISU President Wendy Wintersteen in the release.

University of Northern Iowa

The University of Northern Iowas incoming freshman class totals 1,546 students, an increase of just over 20 students from last year and a 7.7% bump from 2022, according to a news release. The universitys overall enrollment, totaling 9,283 students, is an almost 3% increase from 2023.

It is also the first time UNI has seen increases in enrollment over consecutive years since 2009 and 2010, the release stated. Of the 778 transfer students signed up for UNI this fall, more than 75% are coming from one of the states community colleges. The universitys UNI@IACC program has seen its enrollment nearly double since its launch in 2022, with 484 students enrolled this fall.

Ninety percent of all UNI students are coming from Iowa, with every county represented, and the rest hail from 42 states and 47 countries. More than one-third of incoming freshmen identify as first-generation, according to the release.

UNI is also seeing its largest graduate student population since 2018 with a total enrollment of 1,567, a more than 22% increase from 2023. Almost 3,200 students have signed up for housing this fall, increasing by 2.5% compared to last year and 10.3% from 2022.

Our enrollment and housing numbers speak to the high level of student satisfaction that we strive to provide at UNI, said UNI President Mark Nook in the release. Our faculty and staff are implementing innovative ideas that are improving the quality of our student experience. Whether its offering new academic programs, delivering unique hands-on learning opportunities or serving the best farm-fresh campus food in Iowa, the University of Northern Iowa continues evolving to meet the needs of our students, as well as Iowas economy and the workforce in our state.

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STERLING, Ill. (WTVO)  Sterling Police arrested a 17-year-old male for allegedly shooting two other teen males.

On July 23, around 6 p.m., officials responded to the area of 13th Avenue and East 5th Street for reports of a shooting to find a 14-year-old and a 17-year-old suffering from gunshot wounds.

The two victims were passengers in a vehicle that was fired upon resulting in that vehicle colliding with a high-line pole.

After a thorough investigation, an arrest warrant was obtained for the suspected shooter on September 9th.

He was later taken into custody and charged with attempted murder, aggravated battery with a firearm and possession of a stolen firearm.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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A roadmap for cooperation between Turkiye and Uzbekistan was signed.

According to Azernews, the Turkish Foreign Ministry published information.

It was noted that Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Minister of Internal Affairs Ali Yerlikaya, and Head of the National Intelligence Service (MIT) Ibrahim Kalin signed the said document within the framework of a tripartite meeting with their colleagues in Tashkent.
CONCORD  Habitat for Humanity of Cabarrus County announced Willmarie Austin as the new director of development.

According to a press release, Austin, a Cabarrus County resident, brings a wealth of experience in relationship building and community development to her new position at Habitat Cabarrus. For the past two years, Willmarie has served as the manager of Volunteer & Homeownership Services, where she has played a pivotal role in supporting the organization through various transitions, stepping in wherever she was needed.

A native of San Juan, Puerto Rico, bilingual in English and Spanish, and a graduate of Wingate University, Austin combines her language skills and extensive experience in nonprofit with a deep passion for service, making her an invaluable asset to Habitat Cabarrus, Habitat Cabarrus said

In addition to her professional achievements, Austin is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Gamma Epsilon Zeta Chapter, right here in Cabarrus County. She also currently serves with utmost pride as a Cabarrus Chamber Ambassador and is a Leadership Cabarrus graduate, Class of 2022.

I look forward to continuing the great work Habitat Cabarrus is doing in our community. Im not going anywhere. Im trusting God and my team to know where my expertise can be of most use, said Austin.

About Habitat Cabarrus

Habitat for Humanity of Cabarrus County is a nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating substandard housing locally and worldwide through constructing, rehabilitating, and preserving homes. For more information, visit www.habitatcabarrus.org.
(Bloomberg) -- US senators investigating the collapse of Steward Health Care, one of the nations largest private health systems, are confronting a problem they rarely face: a corporate leader who refused to testify before Congress.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions held a hearing on Thursday focused on the crisis spawned by Stewards financial woes, including allegations of poor care, hospital closures and state bailouts aimed at preventing even more shuttering.

The main person the senators want to talk to is Stewards majority owner and Chief Executive Officer Ralph de la Torre. They even went so far as to issue the committees first subpoena since 1981. But de la Torre didnt show up, citing a risk of jeopardizing Stewards precarious bankruptcy and a not-yet-finalized legal settlement meant to keep most of its hospitals open and preserve about 30,000 jobs.

The hearing went ahead anyway, with nurses and local elected officials testifying instead. The Steward bankruptcy has attracted criticism from both Republican and Democrat lawmakers amid harrowing reports of deficient care. Even without de la Torres physical presence, his role in Stewards financial unraveling and his personal enrichment while leading the faltering hospital chain was under scrutiny.

Steward executives looted hospitals across the country and took millions in profit for themselves, Massachusetts Senator Ed Markey, a Democrat, said in a statement. We need answers and accountability.

Senator Bill Cassidy, a Louisiana Republican, said in the hearing that he and Senator Bernie Sanders, a Vermont Independent who chairs the committee, would seek a resolution to authorize civil enforcement and criminal contempt proceedings against de la Torre to require him to comply with the subpoena.

A witness cannot disregard and evade a duly authorized subpoena, Cassidy said.

The committee will vote Sept. 19 on two resolutions, one for civil enforcement of the subpoena and the other for civil contempt, Sanders and Cassidy said in a statement after the hearing. If approved, the next step would be a vote by the full Senate.

Depending on the outcome of any vote, the Senate could authorize a civil suit requiring de la Torre to comply and refer the the matter to the US Attorney for the District of Columbia, which could prosecute de la Torre for failing to comply with the subpoena.

CEO Testimony

Corporate chiefs are frequently called to appear before Congress when their business is under scrutiny. Its unusual for executives to refuse a request to testify, even if their company is embroiled in litigation.

The heads of Johnson & Johnson, Merck & Co. and Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. were questioned by the same committee in February about high drug prices. Former Boeing Co. CEO Dave Calhoun testified in June after a midair blowout of a 737 Max jet sparked scrutiny of its manufacturing practices. Former Lehman Brothers CEO Richard Fuld was grilled about bonuses and the firms substantial leverage in 2008 just weeks after it collapsed.

De la Torre has sought to postpone his Congressional testimony until after Stewards bankruptcy concludes. Being forced to testify this week could jeopardize a recently announced settlement with the health systems landlord, Medical Properties Trust Inc., de la Torres lawyers said in a letter earlier this month to Sanders.

Other CEOs who testified before Congress were not dealing with an active situation in federal court that could potentially close the businesses that they work for, said Rebecca Kral, a spokesperson for de la Torre. She declined to comment on Cassidys statement.

De la Torres lawyers also said lawmakers are attempting to turn the hearing into a pseudo-criminal proceeding to convict Dr. de la Torre in the eyes of public opinion. The senators have said they authorized the subpoena because de la Torre refused previous invitations to testify.

Unpaid Bills

Steward has blamed its bankruptcy on a significant decline in patient visits during the pandemic as well as increased labor costs and insufficient government reimbursements, trends that have also stressed other medical providers.

While Stewards hospitals spanned 10 states when it filed for bankruptcy, the company got its start in Massachusetts. The state has committed to spending almost $500 million to help keep Steward hospitals open while they transition to new owners, according to a spokesperson.

Outrage from Massachusetts lawmakers underscores whats at stake for a region known for its robust health-care system.

Former nurses testified at Thursdays hearing about poor care at Steward hospitals. When newborn babies die, the practice is to place the babies remains in a bereavement box and take it to the morgue, said Ellen MacInnis, who was a nurse in the emergency department at St. Elizabeths Medical Center in Boston.

Steward didnt pay the vendor and there werent any bereavement boxes, she said. And nurses were forced to put babies remains in cardboard shipping boxes.

The nurses then put their own money together and bought bereavement boxes on Amazon, she said.

Last October, a woman died after giving birth at St. Elizabeths. A vendor had repossessed equipment over unpaid bills and the hospital didnt have the tools it needed to stop her bleeding, Massachusetts Department of Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein said in a sworn statement. State monitors earlier this year identified other issues at Stewards Massachusetts hospitals including broken machines and supply shortages, according to court documents.

A bankruptcy judge authorized closing two of Stewards Massachusetts facilities, Carney Hospital and Nashoba Valley Medical Center, cutting off an essential medical lifeline for the surrounding low-income and rural communities. Meanwhile, Pennsylvania has said Steward threatened to close a hospital in that state if authorities didnt provide emergency funding.

Earlier this month, the judge approved the sale of Stewards six other Massachusetts hospitals and a separate deal for medical centers in northern Florida.

Private Equity in Focus

Cerberus Capital Management owned a majority stake in Steward from 2010 to 2020, when the firm sold its holding to a company management group led by de la Torre, four years before the health system filed for bankruptcy. Cerberus earned a profit of about $800 million from its investment in Steward.

Lawmakers have criticized a 2016 deal that Steward entered into with MPT to sell and lease back the companys hospital real estate, including its Massachusetts facilities. The transaction saddled Steward with exorbitant rent obligations, Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell said in a court filing.

Cerberus has said the deal provided $485 million for Steward, which it used to invest in its business. It also generated a significant dividend for Cerberus, which benefited its investors including pension funds and university endowments, the firm said.

After the management buyout, Steward issued a more than $100 million dividend to its new owners, including about $11 million to MPT, according to a securities filing. The company had sufficient liquidity to fund the dividend at the time and the payment also served to repay de la Torre for personally guaranteeing a $200 million note to support Steward, his spokesperson said.

Sanders has said de la Torre enriched himself while the health system incurred substantial debt, including by purchasing a 190-foot yacht and a sport fishing boat.

Stewards collapse has sparked a broader push by lawmakers to scrutinize private equity firms role in the health-care industry. Californias legislature recently sent a bill to Governor Gavin Newsom that would give the state more oversight of private equity transactions.

Massachusetts lawmakers are targeting similar reforms and the states US senators, Markey and Elizabeth Warren, both Democrats, have proposed stiffer federal penalties for financial mismanagement of health-care companies.

(Updates with next weeks vote in eighth paragraph.)

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The Roaring Lion photo of Winston Churchill was taken by Yousuf Karsh on Parliament Hill in Ottawa - Yousuf Karsh/Camera Press

A stolen photograph of Winston Churchill known as The Roaring Lion has been found after a two-year search.

The original print was discovered in Italy after it went missing from the Chateau Laurier hotel in Ottawa after being replaced with a fake.

Yousuf Karsh, the late Armenian-Canadian photographer, took the photo in 1941 after Churchill addressed the Canadian parliament on Dec 30.

The photograph shows the British war-time prime minister on Parliament Hill moments after Karsh famously took a cigar out of Churchills mouth.

Yousuf Karsh with the photo of Winston Churchill which he took in December 1941 - Richard Open/Camera Press

Before being pictured, Churchill lit a cigar, but Karsh did not want to capture the then prime minister with this familiar prop in his mouth. Karsh is said to have offered Churchill an ashtray, but he continued to smoke.

The photographer then reportedly removed the cigar from Churchills lips. I held out an ashtray, but he would not dispose of it I waited; he continued to chomp vigorously at his cigar. I waited, Karsh later said.

Then I stepped toward him and, without premeditation, but ever respectfully, I said forgive me sir and plucked the cigar from his mouth.

By the time Karsh returned to his camera, he said, Churchill looked so belligerent he could have devoured me.

In the picture the photographer captured Churchills furious expression during some of the darkest days of the Second World War.

Moments later, Churchill said: You can even make a roaring lion stand still to be photographed.

The photograph subsequently appeared on the cover of Life magazine and was syndicated throughout the world.

Later it became the centrepiece of Karshs portrait books and was used on the postage stamps of several Commonwealth countries, including a 5 bank note.

The original print was discovered in Italy after it went missing from the Chateau Laurier hotel in Ottawa - Matteo Del Grosso/Alamy

On Wednesday, Ottawa police said the portrait had been found in the possession of a private buyer in Genoa, Italy, who was not aware it had been stolen.

Police also announced the arrest of a man from Powassan, Ontario, in connection with the theft and illicit sale.

The 43-year-old man faces charges for forgery, theft, trafficking and damage to property.

He was arrested on April 25, according to investigators and appeared in court in Ottawa the next day.

A staff member at the Chateau Laurier hotel first noticed the photograph had been replaced on Aug 19 2022.

Paul Hunter, CBCs Washington correspondent, took the first known photo of the fake in 2022 - Paul HUnter/CBC

The theft was called a brazen act by the hotels manager at the time.

Police believe the photo was stolen sometime between Dec 25 2021 and Jan 6 2022, during Covid lockdowns.

Police said the photo was sold through an auction house in London to a private buyer in Italy, but said neither party was aware it was stolen.

Canadian investigators are to travel to Rome to attend a ceremony in which the unidentified buyer will formally return the artwork later this month.

Ottawa Police said: Once in Ottawa Police custody, the portrait will be ready for the last step of its journey home to the Fairmont Chateau Laurier, where it will once again be displayed as a notable historic portrait.

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Storm Francine races across US South, slamming region with rain and wind

Aftermath of Hurricane Francine in the U.S. Gulf Coast

Aftermath of Hurricane Francine in the U.S. Gulf Coast

By Ned Randolph

NEW ORLEANS (Reuters) -Storm Francine barreled across the U.S. South on Thursday, pounding the region with heavy rains and gusty winds while causing widespread power outages for hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses.

It had weakened from a Category 2 hurricane to a tropical depression as it moved northeastward over central Mississippi, but still packed winds of 35 miles per hour (55 km per hour) and threatened areas with dangerous storm surges early on Thursday, the National Hurricane Center said in an advisory.

It was expected to weaken further and become a post-tropical cyclone later in the day, the center added.

In the low-lying, coastal Louisiana city of Houma in Terrebonne Parish, where the storm made landfall on Wednesday evening with winds near 100 mph (160 kph), Christine Bundy, 72, was hooking up a new generator she had just bought.

"A Cat. 2 is nothing," she told Reuters by telephone on Thursday. "This house has been through every storm since 1975."

It took the deadly hurricane Ida, a Category 4 storm that hit Louisiana in 2021, to earn Bundy's respect and fear.

"Ida took our roof off, tore up the fence and everything," she said. "With this one, we're just cleaning up a little."

Heavy rains were expected throughout the day in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and the Florida panhandle after many spots were inundated with downpours for hours. In all, some spots could see as much as 12 inches (30 cm) of rain before the storm completely subsides, the National Weather Service said.

Government offices, schools and libraries were closed throughout the region as widespread flooding was reported.

Our drainage system just couldnt keep up, said Jennifer Van Vrancken, a councilwoman in Jefferson Parish, which encompasses part of the New Orleans metropolitan area. This will be a flood where people remember getting water inside their homes.

Residents in New Orleans were asked to conserve water on Thursday due to a major failure to its sewage treatment plant.

The storm left more than 400,000 homes and businesses without power, and dozens of people had to be rescued from floodwaters across the three-state region.

Just to the south of New Orleans in Lafourche Parish, more than two dozen people, including small children, were rescued from rising flood waters on Wednesday evening, the local sheriff's office said online.

New Orleans' iconic French Quarter neighborhood, known for its tourist bars and restaurants, was locked down on Wednesday with a noticeable police presence and very few pedestrians.

Carnival Cruise Lines Valor cruise ship was being held at sea as it awaits the reopening of its home port in New Orleans.

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry and President Joe Biden each declared a state of emergency in anticipation of the storm, freeing up emergency management resources and potential financial aid in the event of serious damage.

In Metaire, about 8 miles from central New Orleans, Richard Ayla was bagging leaves in his muddy yard where water swelled up from the street and nearly swamped his cars, which he moved up against the house.

"We got some water on the side in our kitchen, but Im not sure if it was from the yard or through the ceiling," said Ayla, a remodeling contractor. "We got some roof damage and leaks.

In Dulac, Louisiana, a coastal fishing community 70 miles (110 km) southwest of New Orleans, fisherman Barry Rogers rode out the storm on his 80-foot-long (24-meter-long) shrimp boat rather than in his home.

"It was a lot worse than the weatherman said it was going to be," said Rogers. "It moved pretty good."

(Reporting by Ned Randolph in New Orleans; additional reporting by Brendan O'Brien in Chicago and Rich McKay in Atlanta; Editing by Andrew Heavens and Deepa Babington)
The only thing that has kept me alive is that Im a petty bitch, says Stormy Daniels. There would be too many people happy if I died. Im alive because of spite.

Daniels is sitting on the back porch of an undisclosed domicile, in an undisclosed city in an undisclosed state. Theres a gun on the table beside her, which, she says, she carries wherever she goes  but never in a state where its illegal, she quickly adds. Lets not give them a reason to search me.

For the past few months, she and her husband, adult-film star and director Barrett Blade, have been traveling across the country in an RV, with Daniels doing stand-up and promoting voter-registration efforts. They fled their home in the middle of the night after the New York Post published a photo of her house  the result, she believes, of her testimony at former President Donald Trumps criminal trial in May, when Trumps defense team displayed an unredacted document containing her address in the courtroom. She says she was doxed immediately, with Trump supporters barraging her with death threats, forcing her to flee and relocate her beloved horses. (Daniels is a competitive equestrian.)

Daniels has her own theory as to why she was doxed, but ultimately, her explanation is simple: Theyre just trying to break me in every way possible, she says flatly.

Throughout our conversation, Daniels frequently refers to an amorphous they. Sometimes, she is explicit about who they is in reference to: Either its Bill Maher, who accused her of being a bad witness in Trumps trial (Im gonna punch him in his little tiny dick); or Megyn Kelly, who speculated that Daniels encounter with Trump was a setup (What a hypocritical twat); or Michael Avenatti, her former attorney who is currently serving time in prison for embezzling $300,000 from her (What a little bitch); or Susan Necheles, Trumps defense attorney, who subjected her to intense cross-examination (She looks like someone put Richard Simmons in the microwave, OK? No  she looks worse than Richard Simmons does now).

But mostly, Daniels doesnt specify who they is  because frankly, she doesnt feel she has to. They is anyone who has fucked her over or underestimated her or attempted to profit off her. Its anyone who has called her a whore or an opportunist or a liar. Its even some of the #Resistance liberals who show up to her appearances, praising her for standing up to Trump but calling her Stephanie, the name she was born with. You have these people going, #SayHerName. Her name is Stephanie. Im like, I dont go by that. Its a dead name, she says angrily. If you want to respect me, ask me what I want to be called.

They is a club with many members, and six years after the Trump story first broke, after the lawsuits and the trial and the threats, Daniels is still keeping close tabs on its rolls. As her close friend and former partner, writer and attorney Denver Nicks, puts it: There are a fucking lot of people trying to take advantage of Stormy, or who want to hurt her. Daniels used to be scared of Trump and his supporters, but now, she says, Im more mad.

IF ANYONE HAS EARNED the right to feel like the entire world has conspired against them, Daniels probably has. For the past six years, her life has been defined by an alleged sexual encounter she had with Trump in 2006 in a Lake Tahoe hotel room. That encounter served as the basis for Trumps criminal trial earlier this year, in which he was charged with falsifying business documents to cover up a $130,000 hush money payment his attorney, Michael Cohen, made to Daniels in 2016 in order to aid his political campaign.

When Daniels was subpoenaed to explain that night  a story she has been repeating, first privately to friends and then publicly to the media, for the past 18 years or so  her life had just started to go back to normal. She had just gotten married and had finally settled into a peaceful co-parenting relationship with her ex, with whom she shares a 13-year-old daughter. She says she was ambivalent about testifying. There were many, many moments where I didnt want to do it, she says. But if they hadnt called me, it wouldve looked like I couldnt be trusted. And that would have been a bad look.

When Daniels took the stand in May, she faced questioning attacking her credibility from Necheles, Trumps defense attorney, whom she refers to in her stand-up comedy routine as a fucking cunt. It was so much more traumatic and expensive and grueling than I ever thought it would be, she tells me. Her testimony also seemed to rankle Trump himself, who was reprimanded by the judge for cursing and muttering under his breath while she was on the stand  because, she says simply, he knew I was telling the truth.

Daniels speaks outside federal court in New York in 2018.

When Trump was convicted on 34 counts of falsifying business documents, it led to what she characterizes as a huge shift in the public perception of her. People who didnt believe me are like, Oh, my God, I think she was actually right, she says.

In one version of the story of Daniels life following the trial, shes embarked on something of a victory lap. I first meet her backstage at an August stand-up set in Asheville, North Carolina, where she hosts #StormTheVote, a campaign to register voters for the 2024 election. Prior to flying to Asheville, Id been told by several people that she was funny and charming, but a difficult person to get a hold of, and this becomes clear within moments of my arrival. Im ushered backstage by Blade, a gravelly voiced man wearing multiple vests, for our interview 45 minutes after it was scheduled. We make small talk about ghosts (Daniels is a paranormal investigator) before shes hustled out for a champagne meet-and-greet.

Daniels has been doing stand-up on and off for the past few years. When we sit down for a three-hour Zoom interview a few days after the set, she says she avoids talking about Trump in her stand-up for the same reason she cites for how shes survived the past six years: out of spite. It was a little fuck you to the people who were there to try to heckle me into talking shit about him, or journalists who were saying, Oh, she doesnt have anything else going on, she recalls. When I catch her set in Asheville, most of it is not about politics at all, but about the porn world, including one particularly graphic anecdote about a starlet who unwittingly imbibes a bottle of douche prior to her first shoot.

But the subject of tangerine Hitler, as Daniels refers to him at one point in her set, was unavoidable that night, as Trump had been in the city for a rally just two days prior and his impact was still reverberating: While en route to the show, I bumped into a clean-cut man in a MAGA cap, bellowing White power. Vote Trump, and I am told there was at one point a small cadre of protesters outside of the venue. Daniels tells me that for this reason, she devoted more of her act than usual to the trial and her testimony, throwing in a few cracks about Trumps dick for good measure.

There would be too many people happy if I died. Im alive because of spite.

Daniels friend, porn performer and director Siouxsie Q, flew in to rally audience members to register to vote, introducing Daniels as the girl whos gonna save democracy for each and every one of us. During the meet-and-greet, most of the attendees clearly viewed Daniels in the same vein. One attendee, Anthony Sutton, a North Carolina town councilman who is openly gay, became emotional as he described how Daniels stands for everything that I stand for, as far as freedom and speaking your truth; another, Patti Cutspec, told me she wept while watching coverage of Daniels testimony, blinking back tears as she described how it gave her the courage to speak openly about a similar encounter she had 40 years ago. I feel she speaks for me, Cutspec said.

Still, Daniels clearly chafes against the label of liberal folk hero. Despite being hailed as a #MeToo heroine, she has consistently maintained that what allegedly happened between her and Trump in the Lake Tahoe hotel room was, though uncomfortable, consensual. There are plenty of women and people who need to be spoken up for and to be lifted up and to let their voices be heard, she says. But I am not one of them. And when youre talking over me, thats almost worse than me not talking at all. She says she is skeptical of the #MeToo movement in general, categorizing some of its proponents as trying to exploit it for their own narrative. This may stem from what Daniels characterizes as a general mistrust toward women. Most of the time, they over-sympathize [with me], or they harbor some sort of resentment towards [people in] the industry, even subconsciously, she says. Ive been fucked over more by women than anybody else.

These views seem consistent with Daniels general political stance, which is far more complex than many of the #Resistance liberals in her audience probably would like it to be. Though she is staunchly in favor of LGBTQ+ and reproductive rights, she is still a registered Republican (the fact that she hasnt changed her affiliation is, again, largely for spite: It really pisses [Democrats] off, she says). And even though she is publicly campaigning against Trump as part of her #StormTheVote initiative, she has yet to explicitly endorse Kamala Harris. Im scared if I endorse her, it will harm her, she says. Or everybody will be like, See? She was working for the Democrats the whole time.

Being anointed a progressive savior is a bit of an ill-fitting costume for Daniels, says Nicks. Shes not a leftist activist, and shes liable to say a lot of things that offend a lot of people, he tells me. [But she] is just fucking made irate by the great hypocrisy of people in power hurting the powerless. As Daniels puts it, I dont think of [being a #Resistance symbol] as a crown. I think of it as a helmet, because Im just gonna get shot out of a cannon. And I dont think it would have fit on anybody elses head.

Unlike her friend Kathy Griffin, who has said she struggles with complex PTSD following her own brush with Trump supporters after doing a photo shoot with a mock-up of his severed head, Daniels says she has been able to cope with the harassment, in part due to her experience facing stigma as a sex worker: Being in the industry for so long before this, I developed a thick skin. If I had never been spit at or called a whore to my face, I dont think I would have survived all this.

Indeed, Daniels doesnt seem to be doing a post-conviction victory lap so much as she appears to be suspended in something of a state of purgatory: between being staunchly apolitical and being feted as a savior of democracy; between a quiet life at home with her husband and daughter and careening around the country in an RV; between wanting her day in court and wanting the freedom to walk onstage and make jokes about her asshole. She feels similarly stranded between the porn world and the mainstream. Though Daniels concedes that the past six years have afforded her mainstream opportunities she would not otherwise have had  a stand-up tour, a book deal, a cameo on Saturday Night Live  they are limited by the fact that her notoriety is a double-edged sword.

No one will let me write and direct, even though Im better at it than most of the mainstream directors Ive been on fucking set with, she says. [Either] they dont take a porn star seriously, or theyre too afraid to get involved with Stormy Daniels. People claim to be on my side, but how many big producers and stuff do I know who just wont give me a chance? And even though she has been feted by members of the mainstream media for years  including Jimmy Kimmel, who is featured in the documentary Stormy, and Anderson Cooper, who interviewed her  she is quick to note that none of these people donated to her GoFundMe following the trial. They always said they would [donate], she says. And not one single person had my back. (Both Coopers and Kimmels reps declined to comment.)

I developed a thick skin. If I had never been spit at or called a whore, I dont think I would have survived this.

Daniels feels similarly abandoned by the adult industry, even though she has spent nearly two decades as one of its top stars and directors. She says few of the big names in the industry have publicly supported her. All these people whove made money off of my body and my image  [they didnt give me] a fucking dime, she says. Nothing from Brazzers, nothing from Pornhub. Where you at, Penthouse? Nothing from Hustler. Where you at, Larry [Flynt]? (To be fair to Flynt, if Daniels is waiting for donations from him, shell be waiting a long time: He died in 2021.)

With both mainstream and adult establishments perceiving her as toxic, Daniels forged her own path in the industry. She launched StormyTV, a Roku channel that on Sept. 15 premiered Decoy, a feature-length thriller she wrote and directed; she also shot a 12-episode comedy series with her friend and opening act, stand-up comic Greg Studley, titled Woke Up Late (as in, like, the woke stuff, because were very politically incorrect comedians, and were terrible people, she says).

There is a universe in which Daniels could focus entirely on such projects and avoid politics altogether. There is also an (admittedly less probable) reality in which Trump could lose the election and disappear into the ether and she would no longer have to go onstage and answer questions about his genitalia.

Before I speak with Daniels, her friend, Stormy filmmaker Sarah Gibson, tells me that thanks to the vindication of Trumps conviction, Daniels feels closer to that world than ever before. For so long, she couldnt push past her own darkness, Gibson says. Now, theres a sound to her voice Ive never heard before that sounds really optimistic and relieved and hopeful.

When I ask Daniels if she feels this way, however, she laughs. I mean, Im living in an RV, she says sardonically. I feel at peace that hes been held accountable, at least by a jury. I feel vindicated in a way, but hes trying everything he can to overturn it, and whats going to happen if he gets elected? I am at peace with myself; I did the right thing. [But] I cant be at peace with whats going on now politically. She says her life following the trial has been like a repeat of 2018, but worse. Im older and more tired and more bitter and more financially and emotionally exhausted than I was before, she says.

Surprisingly, her feelings about Trump are somewhat more complex. I dont think he necessarily hates me, she says. I think he hates the situation [Ive put him in]. She has consistently maintained her belief that Trump never truly wanted to become president, and is only running because his ego prevents him from acknowledging failure. But that doesnt detract from the existential threat she knows a second Trump term would pose. He doesnt want to be president. He wants to be king, she says. He wants to sit on his gold-toilet throne and wear a fuckin  I dont know. I do hate him, in that way.

So Daniels keeps touring, and keeps running, and keeps speaking out against Trump  even though she feels she has lost far more by doing so than she has gained. She still has to pay Trumps legal fees related to a separate defamation case, still has to contend with the threats posed by the amorphous they. And if he wins the election, she feels there is a strong possibility he will have her tried for treason. [Either way], there will be chaos, she says. She is constantly faced with reminders that her life has changed, that the sense of security she felt she had achieved prior to 2018 will continue to elude her.

Im sitting in this yard, and Im thinking, My horses should be standing there, she says. I should be looking at my daughters pony. Its simple things like that, which are a reminder that I have to live this every day.

I tell her about the conversation I had with the audience member who felt moved to come forward about a nonconsensual encounter 40 years later thanks to Daniels testimony, and I ask her whether hearing that from people is any consolation.

I mean  yes, she says. But at the same time? I also wish I were looking at my horses right now.

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Street food units to be removed from park

Parts of Bitts Park in Carlisle date back to 1818 [Cumberland Council ]

Industrial units which formed part of a street food and cultural hub are to be removed from a park two years after the site's operator collapsed.

The company which ran the Tribe site in Bitts Park, Carlisle, went out of business in 2022 and just one trader remains.

Cumberland Council said the unused units would be taken away on Friday, refurbished and passed on to charitable organisations.

It said plans for the site "are being developed" but no decision has been reached on what might replace the Tribe.

The hub, next to the park's play area, was created in 2021 when Carlisle City Council secured a government grant of 150,000.

A start-up community interest company won the contract to operate it, offering a place for independent shops and street food vendors, but it ceased trading after a year.

Bitts Park is close to the city centre and is used for public events [Stuart Walker photography]

The council will now repurpose the units and pass them on to organisations including The ReBuild Site CIC, Watchtree Wheelers at Watchtree Nature Reserve and Northside Speedway, Workington who will cover the transport costs.

The Tasty Greek takeaway cafe will remain on the site, as will the public toilets.

Local artist Lydia Leith has also been commissioned to create an artwork for the exterior of Bitts Park Lodge.

Park users were advised that the car park would be closed on Friday to allow the old units to be removed.

Follow BBC Cumbria on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. Send your story ideas to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk.

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BRAZIL, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)  A project is underway in Brazil that the mayor says will extend the life of some highly-traveled streets.

Mayor Brian Wyndham said over the next three to four weeks, crews will be working with a treatment called Liquid Road. He says it helps a roadways pavement last longer.

Mayor Wyndham explained the project will focus on Jackson and Depot Streets.

People have been real good about working with us on it. It is an inconvenience, without a doubt, but its worth it at the end of the day, so we do appreciate everybody thats showed a lot of patience who live on those streets and roads. It doesnt go unnoticed, trust me, the mayor said.

He added that the city received Community Crossings grant money to help pay for the project.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyWabashValley.com.
FILE - This image taken Jan. 7, 2024, and released by the National Transportation Safety Board, shows the section of a a Boeing 737 Max where a door plug fell while Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 was in flight. (NTSB via AP, File)

A strike by the 33,000 factory workers who assemble some of Boeing's best-selling planes would come as another blow to a company whose bottom line and reputation have taken plenty of hits this year.

JANUARY

Jan. 5 - A fuselage panel covering an unused emergency exit blows off an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 seven minutes after takeoff from Portland, Oregon. The blowout leaves a gaping hole in the jetliner. The rapid loss of cabin pressure created decompression so violent that it blew open the cockpit door and tore off the co-pilots headset. Oxygen masks drop from the ceiling and pilots made a safe emergency landing with none of the 171 passengers and six crew members seriously injured.

Jan. 6 - The Federal Aviation Administration grounds all 737 Max 9s in the U.S.

Jan. 24  The FAA clears airlines to resume flights once they have completed mandatory inspections of their fleets door plugs but caps production of new Boeing 737 Max aircraft until the agency is satisfied required quality control procedures are being followed.

FEBRUARY

Feb. 6 - The National Transportation Safety Board says four bolts that help secure door plugs to the frames of Max 9s were missing from the Alaska Airlines plane before it took off from Portland. The plug, which is normally sealed, was opened for repair work, then reclosed in a Boeing factory.

Feb. 26 - A report Congress ordered in 2020 after two deadly crashes involving Boeing 737 Max jetliners identifies problems in the company's safety culture. Outside experts say workers fear raising quality issues with managers without retaliation.

MARCH

March 4 - The Federal Aviation Administration says an audit of 737 Max manufacturing turned up multiple instances of Boeing and key supplier Spirit AeroSystems failing to make sure quality standards were met.

March 25 - Boeing CEO David Calhoun says he will step down by the end of the year. Two others top officials leave as part of a management shakeup.

APRIL

April 4 - Alaska Airlines says Boeing paid it $160 million in initial compensation for the door plug blowout and the related grounding of the carrier's Max 9 fleet in January.

April 17 - The Senate holds back-to-back hearings on whether Boeing is compromising safety in its manufacturing. An engineer testifies that the aircraft company, in rushing to produce as many planes as possible, is taking shortcuts that could lead to jetliners breaking apart. Members of the expert panel that produced the February report share their findings about alleged retaliation against whistleblowers.

MAY

May 14 - The Justice Department accuses Boeing of violating a settlement that allowed the company to avoid criminal prosecution after deadly crashes involving its 737 Max aircraft in 2018 and 2019 killed 346 people.

JUNE

June 5 - A pair of NASA test pilots blast off aboard Boeings Starliner capsule for the International Space Station, the first to fly the new spacecraft after years of delays. Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams were expected to spend just over a week at the orbiting lab, but problems with the capsules propulsion system prompt NASA and Boeing to delay the flight home several times.

June 18 - Boeing CEO Calhoun apologizes to the families of crash victims while appearing before a Senate subcommittee for questioning. During the contentious hearing, some senators accuse him of placing profits over safety, failing to protect whistleblowers and getting paid too much.

JULY

July 7 - Boeing agrees to plead guilty to conspiracy to defraud the U.S. government for misleading regulators who approved pilot-training standards for the Max. Relatives of some of the crash victims say they think the plea deal is too lenient and will ask a judge to reject it.

July 31 - Boeing names aerospace industry veteran Robert Kelly Ortberg as its next chief executive. The same day, the company reports a second-quarter loss of more than $1.4 billion on falling revenue.

AUGUST

Aug. 20 - Federal safety officials require inspections of cockpit seats on Boeing 787 Dreamliners after one of the jets goes a dive when the captains seat lurched forward without warning and disconnected the planes autopilot system.

Aug. 24 - NASA decides its too risky to bring two astronauts back to Earth in Boeings Starliner capsule and the pair will have to wait until next year for a ride home with SpaceX, turning what should have been a weeklong test flight into a journey lasting more than eight months.

SEPTEMBER

Sept. 8 - Boeing and its largest union say they reached agreement on a new contract that would give 33,000 aircraft assembly workers 25% pay raises over four years and guarantee the company's next new jetliner would be built by unionized labor in Washington state. Workers immediately criticize the offer.

Sept. 12 - Members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers vote on whether to accept the proposed contract and if not, whether to go on strike starting Friday.
LANCASTER, Ky. (FOX 56)  Garrard County deputies have arrested a minor after an online threat was made on Wednesday toward Garrard County Middle School.

The minor was acting alone, according to the sheriffs office, and has been charged with first-degree terroristic threatening.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

Deputies noted that the post was made and spread after school hours. The sheriffs office worked in conjunction with the school district to ensure the safety of all students and staff.

The GCSO remains committed to investigating all reported threats, we urge parents to speak with their kids about creating, sharing or posting threatening messages on social media or with other students. Please do not share or post any of these messages, please report these messages immediately to a parent or teacher, the sheriffs office reiterated on Facebook.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News.
A new study finds the prevalence of firearms in the United States, not mental illness, is the driving force in the number of firearm-related deaths. (Aristide Economopoulos/NJ Monitor)

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or a mental health crisis, call or text 988 for free, immediate support 24/7.

The prevalence of firearms in the U.S.  not mental illness  is driving the surge in gun deaths across the country, a new study concludes.

The research led by an Oregon Health & Science University professor looked at mental health conditions and firearm deaths in the U.S. and 40 other countries. It found the U.S. had 20 times more deaths by firearms than the other countries even when rates of mental illness were the same.

We have the same degree of mental health issues as other countries, but our firearm death rate is far greater and continuing to increase, said Dr. Archie Bleyer, a clinical research professor at OHSU and lead author of the study. In most of the countries, firearms deaths are decreasing.

Safe gun storage

Firearm safe storage is one way to reduce deaths and protect children and vulnerable adults. The OHSU Doernbecher Tom Sargent Safety Resource Center has firearm storage devices for sale at discounted prices. Click here for the Safety Resource Center Catalog. For more information, call 503-418-5666 or e-mail safety@ohsu.edu.

Other researchers have looked at mental illness and gun ownership but this study is the first to include this many other countries, according to Erik Robinson, a spokesman for OHSU.

Bleyers findings, which were published in the journal PLOS One, challenge the common assumption that mental health disorders are to blame for the high rate of firearm deaths in the U.S., which have risen 23% since 2000 while dropping 27% in other countries.

Bleyer, a pediatric oncologist, dug into the issue after when his 12-year-old grandsons classmate died by a firearm. He said he knew the boys mother and her son left a note and used the gun, but didnt need to die because he had a bad day.

Suicides account for most firearm deaths in Oregon, and young people often are the victims. In 2022, 488 people died from suicide by firearm in Oregon, according to Oregon Health Authority statistics. Of those, 127 of them were people under age 35. Another 161 people died in firearm-related homicides.

Overall, 674 people died of firearms in Oregon in 2022, including accidents and interactions with police.

The study found that policies on gun ownership can reduce firearm deaths. It said that countries with policies that decrease the the number of guns owned by residents, including Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Israel, reduced their firearm death rates.

In Australia, the government drove down the rate of gun ownership with a government program that purchased firearms from gun owners. Other countries take steps like limit the number of firearms an individual can own or ban assault weapons.

Congress has struggled to enact legislation cracking down on gun ownership, with strong resistance from gun rights activists and many Republicans. Two years ago, following the mass school shooting in Uvalde, Texas that left 21 people dead, including 19 students, Congress passed a law to expand background checks for gun buyers. And last month a law banning ghost guns, which are untraceable, took effect in Oregon.

Bleyer said efforts that decrease the number of firearms in the country are critical to stemming gun deaths. He noted that the U.S. has 4% of the worlds population, but almost one-quarter of the worlds firearms, and half of all non-military assault weapons are in the U.S.

Actions that reduce the level of gun ownership will help reduce the deaths that are linked to suicides and accidents, he said.

By reducing prevalence, we should be able to reduce the firearm death rate, he said.

Another issue is the ease of access to firearms, especially for households with children. He and other experts recommend safe storage devices that can deter people.

Even though parents more often than not think their gun is locked and their children do not know where it is or how to unlock it, theyre usually wrong, Bleyer said. More often than not, when tested, their children know where it is, how to get into it and they often will play with it when their parents are gone.

At the same time, Bleyer stressed his study doesnt change the mental health crisis and lack of treatment that plagues Oregon and other states.

We do have significant mental health problems, there is no doubt about that, he said. We dont have enough mental health providers, facilities, treatments. Its the way that we have facilitated killing ourselves that leads to death with firearms where we take this to the extreme.

Other contributors to this study are Dr. Stuart Siegel, of the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California; Dr. Jaime Estrada, of Texas Doctors for Social Responsibility; and Dr. Charles R. Thomas Jr. of Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth and previous chair of the Department of Radiation Medicine in the OHSU School of Medicine.

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(Photo by Aristide Economopoulos for States Newsroom)

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or a mental health crisis, call or text 988 for free, immediate support 24/7.

The prevalence of firearms in the U.S.  not mental illness  is driving the surge in gun deaths across the country, a new study concludes.

The research led by an Oregon Health & Science University professor looked at mental health conditions and firearm deaths in the U.S. and 40 other countries. It found the U.S. had 20 times more deaths by firearms than the other countries even when rates of mental illness were the same.

We have the same degree of mental health issues as other countries, but our firearm death rate is far greater and continuing to increase, said Dr. Archie Bleyer, a clinical research professor at OHSU and lead author of the study. In most of the countries, firearms deaths are decreasing.

Safe gun storage

Firearm safe storage is one way to reduce deaths and protect children and vulnerable adults. The OHSU Doernbecher Tom Sargent Safety Resource Center has firearm storage devices for sale at discounted prices. Click here for the Safety Resource Center Catalog. For more information, call 503-418-5666 or e-mail safety@ohsu.edu.

Other researchers have looked at mental illness and gun ownership but this study is the first to include this many other countries, according to Erik Robinson, a spokesman for OHSU.

Bleyers findings, which were published in the journal PLOS One, challenge the common assumption that mental health disorders are to blame for the high rate of firearm deaths in the U.S., which have risen 23% since 2000 while dropping 27% in other countries.

Bleyer, a pediatric oncologist, dug into the issue after when his 12-year-old grandsons classmate died by a firearm. He said he knew the boys mother and her son left a note and used the gun, but didnt need to die because he had a bad day.

Suicides account for most firearm deaths in Oregon, and young people often are the victims. In 2022, 488 people died from suicide by firearm in Oregon, according to Oregon Health Authority statistics. Of those, 127 of them were people under age 35. Another 161 people died in firearm-related homicides.

Overall, 674 people died of firearms in Oregon in 2022, including accidents and interactions with police.

The study found that policies on gun ownership can reduce firearm deaths. It said that countries with policies that decrease the the number of guns owned by residents, including Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Israel, reduced their firearm death rates.

In Australia, the government drove down the rate of gun ownership with a government program that purchased firearms from gun owners. Other countries take steps like limit the number of firearms an individual can own or ban assault weapons.

Congress has struggled to enact legislation cracking down on gun ownership, with strong resistance from gun rights activists and many Republicans. Two years ago, following the mass school shooting in Uvalde, Texas that left 21 people dead, including 19 students, Congress passed a law to expand background checks for gun buyers. And last month a law banning ghost guns, which are untraceable, took effect in Oregon.

Bleyer said efforts that decrease the number of firearms in the country are critical to stemming gun deaths. He noted that the U.S. has 4% of the worlds population, but almost one-quarter of the worlds firearms, and half of all non-military assault weapons are in the U.S.

Actions that reduce the level of gun ownership will help reduce the deaths that are linked to suicides and accidents, he said.

By reducing prevalence, we should be able to reduce the firearm death rate, he said.

Another issue is the ease of access to firearms, especially for households with children. He and other experts recommend safe storage devices that can deter people.

Even though parents more often than not think their gun is locked and their children do not know where it is or how to unlock it, theyre usually wrong, Bleyer said. More often than not, when tested, their children know where it is, how to get into it and they often will play with it when their parents are gone.

At the same time, Bleyer stressed his study doesnt change the mental health crisis and lack of treatment that plagues Oregon and other states.

We do have significant mental health problems, there is no doubt about that, he said. We dont have enough mental health providers, facilities, treatments. Its the way that we have facilitated killing ourselves that leads to death with firearms where we take this to the extreme.

Other contributors to this study are Dr. Stuart Siegel, of the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California; Dr. Jaime Estrada, of Texas Doctors for Social Responsibility; and Dr. Charles R. Thomas Jr. of Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth and previous chair of the Department of Radiation Medicine in the OHSU School of Medicine.

This article was first published by the Oregon Capital Chronicle, part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Oregon Capital Chronicle maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Lynne Terry for questions: info@oregoncapitalchronicle.com. Follow Oregon Capital Chronicle on Facebook and X.
A new study finds the prevalence of firearms in the United States, not mental illness, is the driving force in the number of firearm-related deaths. (Photo by Aristide Economopoulos/NJ Monitor)

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or a mental health crisis, call or text 988 for free, immediate support 24/7.

The prevalence of firearms in the U.S.  not mental illness  is driving the surge in gun deaths across the country, a new study concludes.

The research led by an Oregon Health & Science University professor looked at mental health conditions and firearm deaths in the U.S. and 40 other countries. It found the U.S. had 20 times more deaths by firearms than the other countries even when rates of mental illness were the same.

We have the same degree of mental health issues as other countries, but our firearm death rate is far greater and continuing to increase, said Dr. Archie Bleyer, a clinical research professor at OHSU and lead author of the study. In most of the countries, firearms deaths are decreasing.

Other researchers have looked at mental illness and gun ownership but this study is the first to include this many other countries, according to Erik Robinson, a spokesman for OHSU.

Bleyers findings, which were published in the journal PLOS One, challenge the common assumption that mental health disorders are to blame for the high rate of firearm deaths in the U.S., which have risen 23% since 2000 while dropping 27% in other countries.

Bleyer, a pediatric oncologist, dug into the issue after when his 12-year-old grandsons classmate died by a firearm. He said he knew the boys mother and her son left a note and used the gun, but didnt need to die because he had a bad day.

Suicides account for most firearm deaths in Oregon, and young people often are the victims. In 2022, 488 people died from suicide by firearm in Oregon, according to Oregon Health Authority statistics. Of those, 127 of them were people under age 35. Another 161 people died in firearm-related homicides.

Overall, 674 people died of firearms in Oregon in 2022, including accidents and interactions with police.

The study found that policies on gun ownership can reduce firearm deaths. It said that countries with policies that decrease the the number of guns owned by residents, including Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Israel, reduced their firearm death rates.

In Australia, the government drove down the rate of gun ownership with a government program that purchased firearms from gun owners. Other countries take steps like limit the number of firearms an individual can own or ban assault weapons.

Congress has struggled to enact legislation cracking down on gun ownership, with strong resistance from gun rights activists and many Republicans. Two years ago, following the mass school shooting in Uvalde, Texas that left 21 people dead, including 19 students, Congress passed a law to expand background checks for gun buyers. And last month a law banning ghost guns, which are untraceable, took effect in Oregon.

Bleyer said efforts that decrease the number of firearms in the country are critical to stemming gun deaths. He noted that the U.S. has 4% of the worlds population, but almost one-quarter of the worlds firearms, and half of all non-military assault weapons are in the U.S.

Actions that reduce the level of gun ownership will help reduce the deaths that are linked to suicides and accidents, he said.

By reducing prevalence, we should be able to reduce the firearm death rate, he said.

Another issue is the ease of access to firearms, especially for households with children. He and other experts recommend safe storage devices that can deter people.

Even though parents more often than not think their gun is locked and their children do not know where it is or how to unlock it, theyre usually wrong, Bleyer said. More often than not, when tested, their children know where it is, how to get into it and they often will play with it when their parents are gone.

At the same time, Bleyer stressed his study doesnt change the mental health crisis and lack of treatment that plagues Oregon and other states.

We do have significant mental health problems, there is no doubt about that, he said. We dont have enough mental health providers, facilities, treatments. Its the way that we have facilitated killing ourselves that leads to death with firearms where we take this to the extreme.

Other contributors to this study are Dr. Stuart Siegel, of the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California; Dr. Jaime Estrada, of Texas Doctors for Social Responsibility; and Dr. Charles R. Thomas Jr. of Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth and previous chair of the Department of Radiation Medicine in the OHSU School of Medicine.

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A new study finds the prevalence of firearms in the United States, not mental illness, is the driving force in the number of firearm-related deaths. (Photo by Aristide Economopoulos/NJ Monitor)

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or a mental health crisis, call or text 988 for free, immediate support 24/7.

The prevalence of firearms in the U.S.  not mental illness  is driving the surge in gun deaths across the country, a new study concludes.

The research led by an Oregon Health & Science University professor looked at mental health conditions and firearm deaths in the U.S. and 40 other countries. It found the U.S. had 20 times more deaths by firearms than the other countries even when rates of mental illness were the same.

We have the same degree of mental health issues as other countries, but our firearm death rate is far greater and continuing to increase, said Dr. Archie Bleyer, a clinical research professor at OHSU and lead author of the study. In most of the countries, firearms deaths are decreasing.

Safe gun storage

Firearm safe storage is one way to reduce deaths and protect children and vulnerable adults. The OHSU Doernbecher Tom Sargent Safety Resource Center has firearm storage devices for sale at discounted prices. Click here for the Safety Resource Center Catalog. For more information, call 503-418-5666 or e-mail safety@ohsu.edu.

Other researchers have looked at mental illness and gun ownership but this study is the first to include this many other countries, according to Erik Robinson, a spokesman for OHSU.

Bleyers findings, which were published in the journal PLOS One, challenge the common assumption that mental health disorders are to blame for the high rate of firearm deaths in the U.S., which have risen 23% since 2000 while dropping 27% in other countries.

Bleyer, a pediatric oncologist, dug into the issue after when his 12-year-old grandsons classmate died by a firearm. He said he knew the boys mother and her son left a note and used the gun, but didnt need to die because he had a bad day.

Suicides account for most firearm deaths in Maine, and are most prevalent among men. In 2021, 178 people died by firearms in Maine, and of those 158 were suicides, according to Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention data.

The study found that policies on gun ownership can reduce firearm deaths. It said that countries with policies that decrease the the number of guns owned by residents, including Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Israel, reduced their firearm death rates.

In Australia, the government drove down the rate of gun ownership with a government program that purchased firearms from gun owners. Other countries take steps like limit the number of firearms an individual can own or ban assault weapons.

Congress has struggled to enact legislation cracking down on gun ownership, with strong resistance from gun rights activists and many Republicans. Two years ago, following the mass school shooting in Uvalde, Texas that left 21 people dead, including 19 students, Congress passed a law to expand background checks for gun buyers.

After the deadly mass shooting in Lewiston last year, Maine lawmakers passed several gun safety reforms, including a 72-hour-waiting period and a sweeping public safety bill that, among other provisions, updated the states yellow flag law, requires background checks for private sales, improved data collection on violence-related injuries and deaths and established a statewide network of crisis receiving centers.

Bleyer said efforts that decrease the number of firearms in the country are critical to stemming gun deaths. He noted that the U.S. has 4% of the worlds population, but almost one-quarter of the worlds firearms, and half of all non-military assault weapons are in the U.S.

Actions that reduce the level of gun ownership will help reduce the deaths that are linked to suicides and accidents, he said.

By reducing prevalence, we should be able to reduce the firearm death rate, he said.

Another issue is the ease of access to firearms, especially for households with children. He and other experts recommend safe storage devices that can deter people.

Even though parents more often than not think their gun is locked and their children do not know where it is or how to unlock it, theyre usually wrong, Bleyer said. More often than not, when tested, their children know where it is, how to get into it and they often will play with it when their parents are gone.

At the same time, Bleyer stressed his study doesnt change the mental health crisis and lack of treatment that plagues many states.

We do have significant mental health problems, there is no doubt about that, he said. We dont have enough mental health providers, facilities, treatments. Its the way that we have facilitated killing ourselves that leads to death with firearms where we take this to the extreme.

Other contributors to this study are Dr. Stuart Siegel, of the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California; Dr. Jaime Estrada, of Texas Doctors for Social Responsibility; and Dr. Charles R. Thomas Jr. of Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth and previous chair of the Department of Radiation Medicine in the OHSU School of Medicine.

Lauren McCauley contributed reporting to this piece.

This story was originally published by Oregon Capital Chronicle. Like Maine Morning Star, Oregon Capital Chronicle is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Oregon Capital Chronicle maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Lynne Terry for questions: info@oregoncapitalchronicle.com. Follow Oregon Capital Chronicle on Facebook and X.

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Lee Williamson says his name is now cleared in full [BBC]

A former sub-postmaster from County Tyrone caught up in the Horizon IT scandal is to have all of his wrongful convictions quashed, the Court of Appeal has said.

Lee Williamson, from Castlederg, was exonerated after the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) ended any opposition to the legal battle to clear his name.

With fraud and theft offences set to be overturned by new legislation, senior judges agreed to quash four other convictions for forgery.

Lady Chief Justice Dame Siobhan Keegan declared: It has been a long road for Mr Williamson, but it has come to a favourable outcome for him today.

The 49-year-old was one of 26 postmasters from Northern Ireland to be charged after the defective Horizon computer software made it look like money had gone missing.

Mr Williamson said I feel vindicated for taking legal action. I have always been innocent but can now say that I am officially exonerated. I hope my case has helped others come forward.

Mr Williamson was accused of stealing and falsifying accounting records at his branch in Portstewart when an audit appeared to show an alleged shortfall of 17,000.

In 2014 he received a suspended sentence after pleading guilty on advice to three counts of fraud by false representation, theft, abuse of his position, and four offences of forgery and counterfeiting.

In total, more than 700 sub-postmasters across the UK were prosecuted by the Post Office between 1999 and 2015 for similar accounting errors.

Lee Williamson (left) and his solicitor Michael Madden at a previous court appearance [BBC]

'Fully exonerated'

Five of Mr Williamsons convictions are to be automatically overturned under the terms of the new Post Office (Horizon System) Offences Act, with confirmation expected in a letter from the Department of Justice.

Although the legislation does not cover the four counts of forgery, it was accepted in court on Thursday that those alleged offences were also linked to the Horizon system.

The decision was reached after studying a report prepared by forensic investigators as part of the appeal.

Senior counsel for the PPS announced that Mr Williamsons appeal was no longer being opposed.

Dame Siobhan confirmed: We are satisfied, given the prosecutions position, that we should allow the appeal on the four convictions that are before us and quash those convictions.

Outside court, Mr Williamson said he was fully vindicated by the outcome.

My name has now been fully cleared, he said.

Mr Williamson also expressed remorse at having pleaded guilty in the first place, describing how he had been struggling with mental health and felt that the charges were stacked against him.

It was on advice that I would get a suspended sentence, but it was one of the biggest regrets I ever had, he explained.

I felt like I had let myself down by taking the easy option rather than fighting it."

'You want to protect your family'

Speaking to BBC Radio Ulster's Evening Extra programme, the former sub-postmaster described the effect the prosecution had on his reputation.

"Its a small community here in Northern Ireland, and everybody sort of knows everything," he said.

"So you have the stigma of being bankrupt and the stigma of going to the hospital for poor mental health and the stigma of a criminal conviction."

Mr Williamson explained he had not wanted to draw attention to his own case at the time because he wanted to safeguard his children and get his life back on track.

"Youre almost hiding the fact that you have been prosecuted, and youre reluctant to actually say anything because you want to protect your family," he said.

"You dont want the stigma being cast on to your children when they are trying to go to school and trying to make their own way in life."

Mr Williamson added that the stress of the wrongful case against him had robbed him of spending time with his young family and limited his career prospects.

"Your options are limited when you have a criminal conviction in getting a joba lot of doors are closed," he said.

"Ive been lucky enough to get a job, but it involves a two-hour commute, so really every day is a 12-hour day, and I feel that I've lost time helping them with homework in the evenings."

But he also said that his acquittal by the High Court on Thursday felt like a "cloud has been lifted from all of us".

"Its a great amount of relief, but at the same time theres still a lot of empathy with the other sub-postmasters in similar positions," he added.

'Hell and back'

Mr Williamson' solicitor, Michael Madden, declared that he was now fully exonerated, having been to hell and back over the years.

He said his client would never have been convicted if the Post Office had not withheld IT information.

Referring to the ongoing public inquiry into the Horizon scandal, the solicitor added: Criminal prosecutions should be taken against any individuals found by the inquiry to have deliberately withheld disclosure in an attempt to save the reputation of the Post Office at the expense of the lives of its sub-postmasters.
SUMMERVILLE, S.C. (WCBD)  Downtown Charleston gets a lot of love when it comes to celebrating culture, food, fashion, and arts but Summerville is proving to be a destination of its own.

Shaniequa Washington is a business owner and community-focused tastemaker who has called Summerville home for the last five years. She is spreading the word about the big things happening in Flowertown lately.

Community members are calling it a Summerville renaissance as local businesses start to stand out to a larger audience.

Washington shared some insight on some of the must-see spots both new and old. Among them is the Italian restaurant Laura on North Main Street, which is operated by the same group as Nico, a popular oyster bar and seafood restaurant in Mount Pleasant. It opened in 2022 and was named the #1 hottest new restaurant in Charleston by Easter.

It also earned several best of nods from the Charleston City Paper.

And when it comes to sweets, Swank Desserts is a black and woman-owned small business in downtown Summerville going viral on social media with millions of views on TikTok showcasing their classic banana pudding and macrons.

When it comes to casual spots to grab a coffee and gather with neighbors for conversation or workspace, Washington says Cuppa Manna has been serving that up along with unique flavored coffees, bubble teas, and bakery items for nearly 10 years.

Washington reminds us that the Sweat Tea Festival returns to Summerville this month. The town coins itself the birthplace of sweet tea, and the festival celebrates fresh home-brewed goodness with live music, food, and plenty of tea.

She added that while many Summerville businesses are making a name for themselves on their own, the draw doesnt stop there. Washington said the town continues to evolve, and in many ways, it remains untapped with special experiences happening every month that some may be unaware of.

I am telling you- we got art, we have food, we have festivals, we have all the things. Come on over to the other side where we are building on the other side of the bridge, she said.

Washington said people should check out Third Thursday where streets are blocked off in the downtown area with vendors, food trucks, shopping, and local artisans.

I am telling you they put on, that little square thats up there, the music, the vibes the everything  we are dancing in the streets, she said.

You can find her on Instagram just search Shaniequa L. Washington where she shares community-centered reviews and recommendations on all things food, fashion, and beauty.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2.
Whats being done: Authorities have issued flash flood warnings for 36 provinces, including Bangkok. Rescue operations using boats and helicopters, supported by Thai Navy SEALs, are underway to reach those trapped in flood-hit areas. Floodwaters have begun receding in some parts, but many riverside settlements remain submerged. Over 3,000 people are stranded in the Ban Kwai Wua Dam area, and flights have been canceled due to impassable roads.

The big picture: Yagi, the strongest storm to hit Asia this year, previously struck Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, China and the Philippines, triggering landslides and flooding. Vietnam has been the hardest hit, with 197 fatalities. In Myanmar, 17 people have died, and over 50,000 have been displaced. Yagi also claimed at least 20 lives in the Philippines and four in southern China, where millions have been displaced. While Southeast Asia experiences heavy monsoon rains annually, experts warn that human-driven climate change is intensifying weather patterns and typhoons, heightening the risk of destructive floods.
A mountain lion lounges in a cottonwood tree on Rooney Road, south of Golden. (Justin Shoemaker via USFWS/CC BY 2.0)

The organization behind a ballot initiative that would ban big cat hunting in Colorado announced a slew of endorsements from across the political spectrum Thursday.

Cats Arent Trophies is the group behind Proposition 127, which would outlaw trophy hunting and trapping of mountain lions, bobcats and lynx. Violating the ban would be classified as a misdemeanor and punishable by a five-year wildlife license suspension. Multiple offenses would result in a lifetime license revocation.

Republican former U.S. Rep. Tom Tancredo, who represented Colorados 6th Congressional District for 10 years and ran for governor as a Constitution Party Candidate in 2010, joined Proposition 127s list of supporters Thursday. He said in a statement that he will vote yes on the measure to combat cruelty to animals.

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Tancredo added that he doesnt like the idea of killing animals as trophies or to take the fur and send it to China. In 2002, he sponsored a measure included in the Farm Bill that banned interstate transport of fighting animals.

I far prefer that Colorado Parks and Wildlife handle wildlife management matters, but Coloradans have petitioned the Colorado Wildlife Commission and appealed to the General Assembly to enact these popular reforms and have been turned away, Tancredos statement read. The ballot initiative should be used very sparingly, but this to me is a proper application of this constitutional option given that other channels of decision-making have been exhausted.

Former U.S. Sen. Mark Udall, a Democrat from Boulder, also shared his support for the trophy hunting ban.

This measure conserves our ecologically valuable apex feline predators, by protecting both lions and bobcats from commercial trophy hunting, Udall said in a statement. The sole purpose of such hunting is to sell the heads and fur of these remarkable and inspiring animals for selfish profit. There have been no legitimate reasons to continue the commercial killing of cats and lions for many decades. Now is the time to enshrine that undeniable truth into law.

Cats Arent Trophies has also touted the endorsement of well-known names including actor Robert Redford, who attended the University of Colorado Boulder, and primatologist and zoologist Jane Goodall. The initiative submitted more than the 180,000 signatures needed to get onto the ballot to the secretary of state at the start of July.

Preserving the natural balance of Colorados wilderness means respecting all its inhabitants, Redford said in a statement. Mountain lions and bobcats are vital to the ecosystem, and their lives should not be reduced to trophies or pelts. Banning trophy hunting and fur trapping is not just about protecting these magnificent creatures  its about safeguarding the integrity of our natural world for future generations.

Colorados Wildlife Deserve Better is the registered organization opposing the measure, and hunting and trapping advocates including the Sportsmens Alliance also oppose it.

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PIERRE, S.D. (KELO)  The South Dakota Supreme Court says a 2023 divorce in Meade County is valid but has ordered the dispute back to circuit court for further action.

In a decision publicly released on Thursday, the justices found that Terry Goff had agreed on the spot, without an attorney representing him, to go ahead with the divorce trial after Circuit Judge John Fitzgerald had offered that opportunity, rather than proceed that day with the default judgment that Fawna Goff sought.

Amendment F could mean work for some on Medicaid

Justice Janine Kern wrote the high courts unanimous opinion.

His request having been granted, Terry nowwithout citing any authority directly on pointargues that the court should have only considered Fawnas motion for default at the hearing. His

acquiescence in this procedure waives his claim of error herein, Justice Kern stated.

However, the high court found that Judge Fitzgerald incorrectly handled several other matters that need to be resolved.

The justices agreed that the judge miscalculated the amount of child support that Terry Goff owed. The couples daughter lived in the care of her father for 11 months, but the judge included that period in awarding Fawna Goff arrearages totaling $12,798 for January 2022 through August 2023. Terry Goff said that was $7,821 too much.

Wrote Justice Kern, The court did not cite any authority or make specific factual findings regarding its method of calculating the arrearages.

Judge Fitzgerald also limited future visitations by Terry Goff with his daughter to occur only in South Dakota. The judge needs to explain why, according to the Supreme Court.

However, the circuit court failed to make any findings regarding whether the visitation parameters were in the best interests of M.G., Justice Kern wrote. Thus, the court did not make sufficient findings to support its order limiting Terrys visitation to the State of South Dakota.

The circuit judge also ordered Terry Goff to pay 50% of Fawna Goffs attorney fees. Justice Kern recognized that the judge considered Defendant (Terry Goff)s failure to return the child,

Defendants filing of a matter in Texas without proper jurisdiction, Defendants failure to timely file an Answer and the need for trial in making this determination.

The Supreme Court has, for decades, required that judges follow a specific process for determining attorney fees:

First, the court must determine what constitutes a reasonable attorney fee. This requires consideration of (1) the amount and value of the property involved, (2) the intricacy and importance of the litigation, (3) the labor and time involved, (4) the skill required to draw the pleadings and try the case, (5) the discovery utilized, (6) whether there were complicated legal problems, (7) the time required for the trial, and (8) whether briefs were required. Second, it must determine the necessity for such fee. That is, what portion of that fee, if any, should be allowed as costs to be paid by the opposing party. This requires consideration of the parties relative worth, income, liquidity, and whether either party unreasonably increased the time spent on the case.

That process wasnt used in the Goff case, according to Justice Kern.

However, the court made no specific findings on these factors and did not even address the other considerations set out by this Court, she wrote. In light of this Courts decision to reverse and remand on the issue of arrearages, on remand, the circuit court should reconsider the award of attorney fees under the two-step analysis set forth by this Court.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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The pop duo Aly & AJ put their own experience of surviving gun violence into a new song. - Credit: Stephen Ringer*

Aly & AJ can still hear the shots fired outside of their Sacramento concert in 2022. The sister duo had just finished the kickoff show of their A Touch of the Beat tour and were giddy for their next stop, packing their things before a show in San Francisco when suddenly they heard gunshots outside of their tour bus.

We immediately jumped out of our bunks and hit the floor. AJ and I knew that it was gunfire because we grew up around guns, Aly Michalka tells Rolling Stone. It was terrifying. My husband wasnt on the bus so I worried if he was caught in the crossfire. It was just pure panic for all of us.

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The groups crew and family were safe, and their trailer was the only thing damaged by the bullets and shrapnel. But six people died that night and 12 more were injured. The incident continues to haunt the sisters to this day.

On Thursday, the pair will visit the White House alongside non-profit March Fourth to advocate for reinstating the Federal Assault Weapons Ban on the 20th anniversary of its expiration. The duo will also release Sirens, a poignant song they wrote about their experience surviving the shooting.

Weve always been very disturbed by the state of where were at with gun violence in America and this personally made us even more impassioned to get involved and to do something about it, says Aly. I think writing the song was really cathartic for the two of us.

As they release the somber video for Sirens, filmed at the site of the shooting, Aly & AJ will visit with the offices of Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-FL), Rep. Doris Matsui (D-CA), and Minority Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) to advocate for the assault weapons ban. Theyll also stop by the White House for a briefing with the Office of Gun Violence Prevention.

I know its a hot topic politically, but it shouldnt be, says Aly. It should be something that we can all speak about openly and rationally because it is something that affects everyone.

Assault weapons are not supposed to be in the hands of civilians. These are weapons of war, adds AJ. They always have been. Thats what they were intended for. I think most Americans agree on this. So how have we not come to an agreement to reinstate the ban? I dont know why.

The sisters took more than a year to put pen to paper to write the poignant song about the deep emotions they felt following the shooting: Another day in America/We wait around for the change that never comes/Another day in America/A mother lies on a sidewalk by her son.

Aly & AJs visit to the White House arrives just over a week after four people were killed and seven students were injured by a school shooter with an AR-15 type gun in Georgia. The prevalence of school shootings makes Aly worry about her own sons future.

We cant continue to live this way, says Aly. I feel like the terror of sending my son to school and getting a phone call that somethings happened is just unimaginable. My heart just breaks.

With Vice President Kamala Harris running for President, the duo are optimistic about the change that may come were she to win. Theyre also excited to see so many young voters riled up about casting their ballots this fall.

We feel incredibly fired up about this election. I think that were going to see this wave of action that we havent seen maybe since Obama, and that is really exciting, says Aly. I think that Kamalas advocacy with trying to prevent this gun violence across America has been inspiring. And shes been very vocal about it for a long time now.

Guns are not ever going to be taken away, adds AJ. The Second Amendment is completely protected. The problem here is that civilians are legally able to obtain an AR-15.

Aly & AJ say Sirens will lead their next era of music, and that their new chapter will include more personal storytelling in that vein. The sisters finished writing the album with producer Jonathan Wilson, while Aly was pregnant.

It really feels like our next baby and it will be out, says AJ of the project, expected next year. Its so beautiful when you start a new album cycle because its seeing fans again and interacting with people we love. This song is definitely starting that new wave for our music.

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Two women have described how their lives were blighted by partners who used emotional abuse to extort money, eventually costing them their homes.

Emma and Lucy - not their real names - said their partners had run up large debts during their time together and had coerced them into paying.

The women, who are both from the south of England, said when the relationships hd ended, the men had cut off financial support.

On Wednesday, the charity Surviving Economic Abuse urged the government to set up a task force to strengthen protection for those affected.

Emma said she had lost everything, including her house, despite the couple initially earning good salaries.

She said: I lived in a world of constant stress trying to rein in his spending, trying to fill every hour that I could earning money. I just thought it was part and parcel of married life.

When she confronted her husband, Emma said he would make her feel unreasonable and had threatened to abandon the family.

She said he would reply: Am I not earning enough money? What do you want me to do then, go and get a second job? Well, I wont ever see the kids but if thats what you want.

Emma said her experience was a cautionary tale, adding We hear the extreme end of people having their bank accounts taken over, being forced to pay their salary into someone elses account.

"For me, economic abuse was a slow burn. So subtle I didnt see it myself. I ended up financially ruined and Im still trying to build myself back.

Lucy, who had a child with her former partner, said he had run up thousands of pounds of debt on a joint credit card "to the point it couldnt be used".

She said if she refused to pay it off, he would ignore his family for weeks at a time.

She recalled: "You kind of stop having any form of communication. Its a horrible atmosphere to have in the house because they tend not to just take it out on you, they take it out on the children as well so in the end you just give in."

Lucy left her ex-partner, who subsequently refused to contribute to the joint mortgage and began to withhold child maintenance payments.

He also blocked her attempts to sell the property, even though she could not afford repayments.

She said: "If you cant extrapolate yourself from that mortgage and that person, then they have the ability to destroy your credit rating.

"Im burdened with that now and it will take me years to get back to a position where I can get a mortgage."

On Wednesday, a report by Surviving Economic Abuse estimated 750,000 UK women with joint mortgages in the past two years were being financially abused.

The charity's interim chief executive Sam Smethers called for laws to stop abusers "weaponising" mortgage debt.

She said: 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.

"While banks can do more to support survivors within current rules, only an urgent law change can stop abusers from destroying lives."

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Suspect arrested after being tracked through tablet stolen from WeHo apartment complex

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  A man is facing a slew of felony charges after police said a stolen tablet helped lead them straight to his location.

According to an arrest report, the incident took place just after 1 a.m. on Aug. 25 at the Standard Assembly apartment complex in the Wedgewood-Houston area.

Berry Hill police seeking aggressive suspect after thefts in the area

Officials said the suspect identified as 23-year-old Jesse Roedecker was seen on surveillance video entering the leasing office of the complex, which was closed to the public, without the owners permission.

Roedecker was seen making several trips from the office to his gray Toyota Camry while carrying property from the office, police said.

Later that day, management at the Standard Assembly tracked a tablet that was stolen from the leasing office to a nearby apartment complex.

5 teens charged in connection with vehicle break-ins, Metro police say

Authorities reported management from the nearby apartment complex had video footage of their own, which showed Roedecker pull into their parking lot in a Toyota Camry a short time after he left the Standard Assembly.

Management at the nearby complex were able to identify the suspect seen on video as Jesse Roedecker, who was also one of their tenants.

According to an arrest report, Roedecker stole approximately $14,237 worth of property from the Standard Assembly leasing office.

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Roedecker was charged with four counts of burglary, two counts of theft of property above $2,500, and two counts of theft of property over $10,000.

He is being held in Metro Jail on a $80,000 bond.

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An 18-year-old Moline man was in custody Wednesday after police connected him with a stolen wallet and car, according to a news release.

Shortly before 1:30 p.m. Sept. 10, Moline Police were called to Jewel/Osco, 2010 1st St. A, Moline for a report of a theft.

Alijah Marshall (Moline Police Department)

A victim reported his wallet had been stolen from his vehicle that was in the parking lot. Officers arrived and met with the man, who had used money services at Jewel, purchased some groceries, then went to his vehicle. The victim put his wallet on the passenger seat and put his groceries away and went to the drivers side Alijah J. Marshall opened his passenger door and took the wallet.

(Mike Colon, OurQuadCities.com)

A struggle ensued inside the vehicle over the wallet. Police say Marshall took the wallet and ran across the parking lot to a white Lincoln MKZ. Officers reviewed surveillance video at Jewel/Osco and were able to identify Marshall.

Police conducted surveillance at Marshalls residence in the 1800 block of 14th Avenue, Moline, and saw him enter the residence. Police surrounded the house and attempted to get Marshall to come out.

A search warrant was obtained around 6 p.m. and Marshall eventually exited the residence and was taken into custody. While at the residence, police found the Lincoln MKZ, which they discovered was stolen out of Moline.

The Rock Island County States Attorney filed the following charges against Marshall:

Unlawful vehicular invasion, a Class 1 felony

Robbery, a Class 2 felony

Possession of a stolen vehicle, a Class 2 felony

Theft $500 and less than $10,000, a Class 3 felony

Marshall was being held in Rock Island County Jail pending further court proceedings. He was on pretrial release for possession of a stolen vehicle in July.

The states attorney filed a petition to revoke his release on that case and Marshall was detained in the Rock Island County jail until trial.

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DENVER (KDVR)  Broomfield police took a seriously injured suspect into custody following what they called an active shooting at an apartment complex that led to a female victims death.

At 6:34 a.m. Thursday, the Broomfield Police Department said officers were called to a disturbance at the Arista Flats apartments at 8200 Arista Place, east of Wadsworth Parkway near the former 1stBank Center.

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Suspect made threats aimed at victim, police

According to Rachel Haslett with Broomfield police, when officers got to the unit, they heard a man making threats and then gunshots. Haslett said the suspect was shooting at surrounding units and into the parking lot.

It is unclear how many shots the suspect fired, but Haslett said they were sporadic. The suspect allegedly made threats aimed at officers, and Haslett said the scene quickly became dangerous to both officers and nearby residents.

Broomfield called the incident an active shooter scene and warned area residents to stay away because it was not safe. A reverse 911 message was sent to the area telling residents to shelter in place, and some of the apartment complexs units were evacuated.

On Friday, the suspect was identified by police as 34-year-old Gregory Ryan Miles.

Broomfield police said Friday Miles is under investigation for first-degree murder and other charges. The incident resulted in the death of a female victim, who was inside the unit with the suspect when the incident began, according to police.

It is currently unknown the relationship between the suspect and the victim, but the victims identity is being withheld until a later time by the Broomfield and Adams County Coroner.

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The hostage situation took nearly four hours, and Haslett said Broomfield police had to force their way into the unit to take the male suspect into custody at around 10 a.m.

Haslett said one Broomfield police officer fired their weapon. In an afternoon release, the agency said the 34-year-old suspect was shot by law enforcement before his arrest and was taken to the hospital with serious injuries. On Friday, Broomfield police said Miles is stable at a hospital.

Multiple law enforcement receiving minor injuries, for which they were treated and released.

Haslett said some residents claimed they did not receive the Reverse 911 alert. Residents must sign up for the emergency notifications online.

Broomfield police were assisted by several other jurisdictions including North Metro Fire Rescue, Boulder County Sheriffs Office, Douglas County Sheriffs Office, Westminster police, SWAT and crisis negotiators.

Residents recall hearing gunshots in early morning hours

Some of the gunshots heard by residents of the Arista Flats were captured on video. Mark Gabriel Ciriaco captured some video of the gunshots and lives above the suspects apartment.

FOX31s Vicente Arenas asked Ciriaco about what was going through his mind while taking the video.

I was very confused. I didnt know what was happening. I was kind of scared, Ciriaco said.

In Ciriacos video several gunshots are audible, coming from below his apartment. You can also hear officers yelling.

Get inside! Go inside! You hear that? Thats gunshots! an officer yelled.

The repeated gunfire caught residents off guard.

I thought it was construction it sounded like boards hitting each other, Amy Johnson Kemner said.

The shooting was happening in the apartment right next door to Reya Roussel, who at first heard people yelling. Then came the shots.

I was in my room by my bed, like hoping nothing would come through any windows, Rousell said.

Investigation lasts into the evening

In a morning press conference on Thursday, Haslett said a heavy police presence will be in the area for several hours as crews investigate. As of about 4 p.m., the area was still closed and police said they expected those roads and buildings to remain closed for several more hours. Impacted residents could find temporary shelter at the Broomfield Community Center, 280 Spader Way, as well as information.

17-year-old shot in the face looking for spot to take homecoming photos

According to Haslett, the suspect fired several rounds, damaging units, other buildings and cars. Those who live in the area are asked to call the Broomfield polices non-emergency line at 303-438-6400 if they discover items or damage that may be related to the crimes when returning to their homes or vehicles.

Jefferson Academy Secondary School was placed on secured status due to its proximity to the scene.

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KILLEEN, Texas (FOX 44)  A suspect in connection with Killeens 15th murder of 2024 is behind bars.

Detectives with the Killeen Police Departments Criminal Investigation Division presented this case to the Bell County District Attorneys Office for review. A complaint was returned on Wednesday, charging William Charles Quick with Murder. Quick was arrested and booked into the Killeen City Jail. Associate Judge Randy Dale arraigned Quick and set his bond at $250,000.

Officers originally responded to the 2700 block of Taft Street at approximately 11:23 p.m. Monday in reference to a welfare concern. When officers arrived, they found a dead woman inside the residence with a gunshot wound.

Man gets 40 years for burglary, aggravated assault

The victim, identified as 53-year-old Elizabeth Rosario Quick, was pronounced dead by Justice of the Peace Nicola James at 12:47 a.m. Tuesday. She ordered an autopsy to be performed at the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences.

Police said the preliminary investigation has revealed this incident is determined to be domestic-related.

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CALLAHAN COUNTY, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  A suspect was sentenced for 15 years in prison for a crash that killed in teen in Baird in March.

Brendon Lucero

Brendon Lucero received a 15-year sentence after pleading guilty to Intoxication Manslaughter in connection to the crash that killed Aspen Blessing, 18, on I-20.

Lucero was driving the wrong way down the interstate when he crashed into Blessing head-on.

Blessing was pronounced dead at the scene, and Lucero sustained serious injuries from the crash.

Friends and family remember Blessing, who was a recent high school graduate and was about to turn 19, as the light of our lives.

After Luceros sentencing, family remembers released the statement:

We have said throughout this process that we are seeking justice, not vengeance. We feel like that was done today. Nobody is a winner in these situations. We Will continue to walk through the process of forgiveness and continue to spread the message of the power of One Choice. 

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Suspect still on the loose after fleeing from State Trooper in southwest Des Moines

DES MOINES, Iowa  The search for a suspect who led an Iowa State Patrol trooper on a chase Thursday morning in southwest Des Moines and then abandoned the vehicle and took off on foot has been suspended.

Sgt. Alex Dinkla of the Iowa State Patrol tells WHO 13 a trooper tried to make a traffic stop near Highway 5 and Fleur Drive around 8:00 a.m. The driver refused to stop and a pursuit began.

A post from the Des Moines Police Department on X said the driver abandoned the vehicle in the 2500 block of County Line Road. The driver took off on foot and DMPD officers assisted with security at the scene. A K9 was also deployed at the scene to search for the suspect.

Sgt. Paul Parizek of the DMPD told WHO 13 that the search was near the trailer park west of Fleur Drive and north of Highway 5. He said the search was called off around 9:50 a.m.

A description of the suspect has not been released.

Well update this story with more information as it becomes available.

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Suspicious father, son middle school employees arrested for having knives on metro Atlanta campus

Two school employees are facing charges after being found with a weapon on campus, leading to an hours-long lockdown.

An unannounced, random security check at Edwards Middle School on Wednesday ended in two employees being arrested.

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During the check, a Rockdale County deputy noticed math teacher Paul Schwartz Sr. and his son, contracted staff member Paul Schwartz Jr., acting suspicious.

To be safe, the school was placed on lockdown.

Deputies found that the older Schwartz had two razor blade knives. He was charged with two counts of bringing a weapon onto school grounds.

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The son was also arrested and charged with making terroristic threats. Authorities did not comment on what kind of threats were being made.

Both men are being held in the Rockdale County Jail.

School district officials say Schwartz Sr. started working as a substitute teacher with the district in January 2015. In December 2023, he became a math teachers at Edwards Middle School.

Schwartz Sr. and Schwartz Jr. are no longer employed by or associated with Rockdale County Public Schools.

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IN OTHER NEWS:
Cincinnati Police block off the area on Ezzard Charles Drive around Taft High School to investigate a shooting in Cincinnati on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024.

A lockdown at Robert A. Taft High School has been lifted after a 13-year-old was shot near campus Thursday, according to a release from Cincinnati police.

Just before 4 p.m., officers responded to the report of a shooting on the 1400 block of John Street near the West End school and close to Cincinnati police's District 1 headquarters. They located a 13-year-old boy suffering from a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to his arm.

He was transported to Cincinnati Children's Hospital for treatment.

The investigation is ongoing, the release said. Cincinnati Public Schools said the lockdown was lifted just before 5 p.m. and streets have been cleared.

Cincinnati Police Lt. Jonathan Cunningham said the victim is a Taft High School student, but it's too early in the investigation to say what led up to the shooting. He said investigators are currently working to identify the person responsible, though he did not release any information about a possible suspect.

"Too oftentimes a small disagreement turns into a gun battle or a gunfight or someone being shot," Cunningham said, adding police and city officials are working to reduce the number of juvenile shooting victims.

"This should not take place near a school," he said.

During the lockdown, some students were led out of the school building by police and greeted their caregivers just outside the yellow crime scene tape, according to an Enquirer reporter on the scene. Others were left to mill about on the sidewalk.

Cincinnati Public Schools said in a statement that its security team "immediately responded to safely move students back into the school building" after the shooting unfolded, adding that all after-schools were canceled as a result.

"As a precaution, there will be additional security and counselors at Taft High School tomorrow to provide continued support for students and staff," the district said in the statement.

Cincinnati Police block off the area on Ezzard Charles Drive around Taft High School to investigate a shooting in Cincinnati on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024.

Police reported Friday that a 14-year-old Taft student was one of 6 teens arrested in connection with threats made to schools on social media last week.

In April 2023, two students were shot at a bus stop outside of Woodward Career Technical School just after the school day. The students, 16 and 17 years old, were transported to local hospitals and later listed in stable condition later. Three juveniles were arrested in connection to the shooting.

Batavia-Shroder football game postponed after Taft HS shooting

The football game between Batavia and Shroder, set to take place at Stargel Stadium Thursday night, was postponed due to the afternoon shooting at Taft High School.

Stargel Stadium is located across the street from Taft in the West End. It serves as the home field for Taft, Shroder and other Cincinnati schools.

In a post on X, Shroder said, "Due to unfortunate circumstances we will postpone todays game vs Batavia. Please stay tuned for the latest updates. We are deeply apologetic for the inconvenience."

Related: Opponent cancels football game against North College Hill after gunshots near stadium last week

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Shooting near Robert A. Taft High School leaves student injured
A heated struggle over early voting location sites played out in the Tarrant County Commissioners Court on Thursday.

After more than four hours of public comments and dozens of speakers, the court voted 4-1 to approve a list of 51 early voting sites that included several college campuses that County Judge Tim OHare wanted removed.

The approved list included early voting sites on the campuses of UT Arlington, Southwest Baptist Seminary and four Tarrant Community College campuses, many of which had been removed from revised lists presented to the court.

Supporters cheered loudly after the measure passed, with OHare casting the only opposing vote.

Democratic Commissioners Roy Charles Brooks and Alisa Simmons were in Washington, D.C., for an event by the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation. The travel was approved by the commissioners on Aug. 6. Both voted remotely via video call.

OHare said that he was unaware of their planned absence. He said he asked County Administrator Chandler Merritt to reach out to the commissioners to ask if they could attend, but that Simmons did not respond.

During a short recess, Merritt confirmed that Simmons did indeed inform him that she would be out of town. A county spokesperson later clarified that Simmons did not respond to a later inquiry into her availability to attend the meeting remotely.

Tarrant County Election Administrator Clint Ludwig explained to the commissioners that his team had difficulty finding a sufficient number of locations for early voting and election day sites. He told the commissioners on Sept. 4 that he would ideally like to have 60 to 70 early voting locations in the county to avoid long lines and ensure all voters cast their ballots.

Were trying to get everybody equal access, he said.

But his office, which he noted has already conducted five elections so far this year, does not have the resources for his recommended number of locations, so they looked at sites within 1.5 miles of each other and eliminated the one with lower turnout.

A list of 50 early voting sites that he presented for approval last week failed along party lines. Three new lists with fewer sites were on Thursdays agenda.

But Ludwig announced while speaking to commissioners that he had sent OHare and the commissioners on Wednesday a new list of the 50 sites on the original list that was rejected, as well as one extra site.

Precinct 4 Commissioner Manny Ramirez motioned to vote on the 51-site list, and Simmons seconded.

OHare presented statistics on turnout for voters aged 18 to 25, saying only 5.74% of them voted in the 2022 midterm elections. Data from the George W. Bush Institute in Dallas show that 43% of college-age Texans cast ballots in the 2020 general election.

OHare also noted that the early voting location at the Arlington Sub-Courthouse is a little less than a mile away from the UT Arlington site.

Ive heard all the chatter about voter suppression, if theres actual voter suppression going on from requiring a college kid who may not be registered in Tarrant County to walk the equivalent of about six tenths of a mile to vote, and that youre suppressing their vote if you dont allow the most ludicrous thing Ive ever heard, OHare said.

After public comments, OHare said he thought that peoples concerns for college students ability to make it to sites off campus were unfounded, and asked Ramirez if he wanted to amend his motion to vote on the 51-site list.

Ramirez declined, affirming his faith in the work of the election administrator and stating these sites have been approved for decades.

Public comments straddled both sides of the issue

The move received fierce opposition and support from dozens of citizens who spoke during the public comments section.

Supporters of the removal of the campus early voting sites said they were a waste of money and unfairly favored a small sector of the voting population, while opponents decried the move as voter suppression.

Just under 10,000 people voted on the UT Arlington campus during early voting in the 2020 general election. The university is majority-minorty, with white students making up just 22% of the student body. Hispanic students are the majority at 32%

My philosophy on allocating resources is, where do we get the most bang for the buck?, said Tarrant GOP Chair Bo French, adding that college student bodies do not have large segments of registered voters. He also brought up parking issues. Lets have early voting locations that are accessible to the widest number of people.

UT Arlington is the single most problematic early voting location in the county, French said, adding that university officials dont seem to be interested in following electioneering laws or helping enforce those things.

Arlington resident Carol Raburn is a UT Arlington graduate and election judge who has worked the voting location at the Arlington Subcourthouse.

Ive seen the voting locations. I know these kids. I know the parking decisions. Taking it away doesnt mean adding more, she said, urging the court to take the recommendation of County Election Administrator Clint Ludwig to approve more locations.

Addressing OHares statement that early voting sites on college campuses ignore the larger voting block composed of senior citizens, Raburn urged the court to increase public transportation in Arlington. Lack of reliable public transportation probably more intimidating and restricting for seniors than anything else.

State Rep. Nate Shatzline, a Republican from Fort Worth, echoed OHares concerns for senior citizen voters, citing the apparent lack of senior centers on the lists of early voting sites.

Rather than prioritizing sites that are actually going to help reduce voter suppression, such as our senior citizen centers all across Tarrant County, we are giving into what really is just a political plot from our failed news sources  to attack our great elected officials, he said.

Laura Leeman, a Democrat running for the Precinct 3 Commissioner position, said that having fewer places for people to vote creates chaos and confusion for any voter.

She and two other Democratic candidates Wednesday threatened to sue the county in the event that it eliminated sites from college campuses.

This is not only about 10,000 voters having access. This is about any one voter not having access, Leeman added. Voting is a civic duty, while voter suppression is unpatriotic. What affects one of us, affects all of us.

Similar to speakers at a press conference on UT Arlington campus on Wednesday, Arlington resident Relius Johnson couched the removal of the college sites in a historical context.

Lets talk about equity. That must be our guiding principle  In our history  what was considered fair and equal has always been flawed in the United States, he said.  The idea of separate equal was once seen as a novelTKTKT solution, yet it perpetrated the deep inequities of the gods of fairness.

Arlington resident Carol Raburn and Fort Worth residents Katherine Cano and Kay Duffy have experience as election workers. They all spoke in favor of sites on UT Arlington and other college campuses.

Hannah Reed, an employee at the TCC South campus, writing center cast the first vote of her life on the campus in 2016. It gave her immense senses of belonging and camaraderie and solidarity, she said, before calling out the lack of adequate public transportation in the metroplex in her support of early voting sites on college campuses.
Grass sways in the wind in western South Dakota. (Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight)

Current property tax laws penalize the maintenance of grasslands and incentivize their conversion to cropland, ranchers and conservation groups told state lawmakers Wednesday.

Property tax rates are applied to the assessed value of land. A productivity-based assessment model, adopted in 2009 to address rising ag-land taxes and fully implemented in 2019, assesses agricultural land based on the soils productivity.

Some people who testified to lawmakers Wednesday said that means grassland, which generally brings in less income, could be taxed on the potential of its soil to support crops, which generally bring in more income. And that situation results in unfairly high taxes on some grassland, which can push landowners to convert it to crops.

The Legislatures Study Committee on Property Tax Assessment Methodology heard testimony on the issue during a meeting in Pierre.

The South Dakota Grasslands Initiative is a network of entities and ranchers advocating for grassland conservation. Members submitted a letter explaining the unintended consequences of the productivity model. They said the model fails to consider the actual use of the land, particularly for ranchers who preserve grasslands for ecological and grazing purposes.

Each year, our South Dakota grassland landowners must choose how they will utilize their lands, and current property tax laws incentivize conversion of grassland to cropland, wrote Laura Kahler, Shauna Kopren, Tony Leif, Jim Faulstich, Lyle Perman and AJ Munger.

The letter points to a South Dakota State University study estimating that between 2006 and 2012, South Dakota lost 1.8 million acres of grasslands, predominantly to cropland conversion.

When developing the best methodology for property taxes, we urge you to tax agricultural land based on its current use regardless of its soil classifications, the letter continues. It is important to recognize the valuable role South Dakota native grasslands play in developing our states healthy soils, and the importance of celebrating landowners who wish to continue to maintain native or restored grasslands.

Munger testified to the committee. He said the federal governments crop programs  like price-loss coverage and flood insurance  make growing corn and soybeans a lower-risk endeavor than raising livestock on grass, which further incentivizes grassland conversion to crops.

Rep. Drew Peterson, R-Salem, asked about federal initiatives like the Wetland Reserve Program, which helps landowners protect, restore and enhance wetlands which have been previously degraded due to agricultural uses. Peterson wanted to know if county assessors are required to factor those kinds of land management arrangements into land values.

I would just like to note that the assessors in the back of the room are shaking their head no, which I believe that is a difficult situation, Peterson said. Because it is actually illegal to produce crops on that ground.

Unhappy property taxpayers

The summer committee formed in response to homeowners calling for property tax relief. Wednesdays testimony highlighted the reality that tax relief for one class of property owners can become anothers burden.

Since 2017, the share of statewide property taxes paid by agricultural landowners has dropped from 28% to 22%, while the share paid by residential property owners has risen from 38% to 43%.

Farming advocates defended the ag productivity assessment system on Wednesday, asserting it has stabilized taxes for them.

The summer study committee will hold its final meeting on Oct. 9 in Pierre, where it will discuss ideas. From there, a final report could be published with policy recommendations.

EDITORS NOTE: This story has been updated with a correction. The original story incorrectly identified a federal program referenced by Rep. Drew Peterson.

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Taxpayer advocate will visit Charleston area to help taxpayers resolve state tax issues

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD)  A taxpayer advocate will be available in the Lowcountry next month to help taxpayers resolve their state tax issues in person.

The advocate will travel the state and visit South Carolina Department of Revenue offices over the next several weeks. Their stop in the Charleston metro area will take place on Monday, October 14.

SCDOR officials say the advocate will offer support for taxpayers who have been unable to resolve their state tax issues through the SCDORs established procedures.

The Taxpayer Advocate is empowered to intervene on a taxpayers behalf if they determine that the SCDORs actions are creating an undue hardship, or the agency isnt justified in its actions, SCDOR said in a news release Thursday morning.

The advocate will be available from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at 2070 Northbrook Boulevard, Suite B7 in the North Rivers Business Center in North Charleston.

Appointments are recommended. Taxpayers can book a time by emailing TaxpayerAdvocate@dor.sc.gov.

You can learn more about the types of matters a taxpayer advocate can help with by clicking here.

Additional stops around South Carolina include offices in Florence, Greenville, Rock Hill, and Myrtle Beach.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2.
COMPANY NEWS: The question isnt whether Gen AI-based tools will transform industries but when and how. After a Kodak moment, BidWrites founders enlisted Gen AI solutions provider GPTStrategic to remain competitive in a rapidly automating world.

GPTStrategic, a product development studio that builds enterprise-grade generative AI solutions, has announced a strategic partnership with BidWrite, an award-winning, specialised tender and proposal management services organisation.

The new platform, bidwritegpt, comprises four AI assistants, aka AI agents, which operate like turbocharged chatbots with a degree of autonomy that can make executive decisions.

BidWrite has been using iterations of bidwritegpt  based around those four AI agents  with great success. Its now in negotiations to help several listed companies implement the only platform truly designed by bid professionals, for bid professionals.

How the partnership began

Nigel Dennis co-founded BidWrite

AI was around when Nigel Dennis co-founded BidWrite with his old Air Force buddy David Lunn in 2008. But they didnt foresee it shaking up the low-profile but lucrative tender writing industry.

David and I both studied engineering, Dennis notes. I used to do repairs on jet aircraft and then go up in them with test pilots. Neither of us are Luddites. But even after ChatGPTs release, we didnt immediately realise what a game-changer it would be for industries like ours.

After chatting with Andrew Gunnis, co-founder of GPTStrategic, Dennis had what he now calls his Kodak moment. We realised there were two options. Get with the Gen AI program ASAP or potentially be put out of business.

Invigorating the bid writing process



From mid-2023 onwards, Dennis  a prominent industry figure  partnered with Gunnis to rejig his business for a post-Gen AI world. The fruit of this high-powered collaboration  the bidwritegpt platform  recently launched and has already caught the attention of some corporate heavy hitters.

Everyone in the industry has now realised whats bearing down on them, Dennis says. Some other tender-writing businesses have sought to create Gen AI tools. More commonly, tech companies with minimal tender-writing domain expertise are creating solutions they hope will appeal to businesses that have previously used tender writers.

But weve chosen a path that combines the substantial bid-writing IP BidWrite has accrued with the tech smarts of the GPTStrategic geniuses. The market will soon determine the success or otherwise of our product. But Andrew and I are confident its one of the best solutions currently on the market.

Scaling tender opportunities

According to Gunnis, the bidwritegpt platform has already at least halved the time and effort BidWrite staff need to put into a bid.

Even in the unlikely event the process isnt further automated, BidWrites clients can now double the number of tenders they are involved in, he explains. Whilst BidWrites win rate is about 70%, the industry-standard average win rate for tenders is about 20%.

Even if a business remains at that average, it can expect to do double the work and generate double the revenue. However, the same AI tools that allow for automation will almost certainly also facilitate the upping of a businesss win rate. Organisations that invest in the bidwritegpt platform can therefore look forward to a healthy return for a modest investment.

For more information

For more information about how the platform works or to book a no-obligation demonstration, please visit the BidWriteGPT site.



About GPTStrategic



GPTStrategic is a product development studio that builds enterprise-grade generative AI solutions on the Azure OpenAI framework. These solutions are purpose-built in secure environments.

About BidWrite



BidWrite is an award-winning, specialised tender and proposal management services organisation trusted by leading businesses across Australasia. Started in 2008 by tendering expert Nigel Dennis and procurement expert David Lunn, BidWrite has grown to 30 staff across four offices (Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and NZ). It boasts Australias largest and most qualified team of bid consulting professionals with proportionately more Association of Proposal Management Professional (APMP) accredited people than any other Australian organisation.

Nigel Dennis

Nigel Dennis is Australia's most qualified, experienced, and awarded bid professional. He has received more industry awards and recognition than any other person in the region, has done the most to shape the landscape of bidding professionalism in Australia, has presented at more local and international proposal industry conferences than anyone in the country and runs Australia's largest bid consultancy (by full-time staff numbers).

Andrew Gunnis



Andrew Gunnis co-founded GPTStrategic, a Gen AI development studio specialising in solutions across diverse industries. Andrew is a seasoned technology executive with four decades of experience at leading global organisations such as IBM and Symantec, as well as having founded other start-ups.
Taylor Swift is coming to Miami. So, how will Dems capitalize on her endorsement? | Opinion

Superstar Taylor Swift, a pop icon and beloved guru to many young American women, just became a political weapon with her endorsement this week of the Democratic presidential ticket of Kamala Harris and Tim Walz.

And Miami so happens to be the next stop of Swiftss wildly successful The Eras Tour, which means her three-night extravaganza at Hard Rock Stadium on Oct. 18, 19 and 20 is her first stadium-size appearance after announcing her endorsement on Tuesday.

And the timing of her concerts  the weekend before early voting begins in Miami-Dade on Oct. 21 and 15 days before Election Day on Nov. 5  couldnt be more strategic for Democrats to capitalize on this singing unicorn.

Swift can translate the excitement surrounding her concerts while simultaneously galvanizing political action among young voters who can be apathetic about participating in elections.

Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried enthusiastically welcomed Swifts support of Harris this week. Frieds statement encapsulates the energy and optimism surrounding this endorsement: Taylor has one of the most powerful platforms on the planet.

She does, and Democrats must make sure they tap into that power source  and not fumble an opportunity as they did by letting Florida turn red over the past years. This significant moment is in the intersection of celebrity culture and politics, particularly as it unfolds in a high-profile state like Florida, which Republican candidate Donald Trump calls home.

Those who know, know Swifts influence is undeniable among her 283 million Instagram followers. No money could buy the endorsement of an artist whose fans see her as a role model and a way of life  not just a celebrity.

Her devoted fans  the Swifties have given the superstar a platform to encourage civic engagement because they are true believers. And Swift navigates her hold over her fans responsively and seriously.

So Swifts endorsement of Harris is not just a headline; it is a rallying cry for a new generation of voters, yes, mostly females, to step forward, get involved and make their voices heard.

So as the lights dim each night at Hard Rock Stadium, how will Swift use her celebrity to impact a presidential election days away? She will reach 76,000-fans each night, thats 228,000 people who can personally hear her endorsement of Harris and Walz.

If Democrats are smart, they will be outside the stadium helping Swift seal the deal in anyway they can.

So why is Swift, a known critic of Republican candidate Donald Trump, jumping into this fray? Swifties know. The superstar feels guilty for listening to handlers who told her to stay out of politics, she said in her Netflix documentaryMiss Americana.

I have to be on the right side of history, she concluded.

Like many Americans, Swift recognizes that no one should be on the sideline this election year, not even her.

Between now and then, Swift can be a political magnet for the Democrats. She represents a generation that is increasingly engaged with social issues, from climate change to racial equality and reproductive rights.

By aligning herself with Harris, a candidate who embodies both progressive values and the historic nature of her candidacy as a woman of color, Swift is signaling to her fans that they can be part of a transformative political movement.

The excitement of Swifts Eras Tour can be harnessed to create a festive atmosphere around the voting process, a reminder that participating in democracy can be as thrilling as a night out at a concert.

Florida Democrats must be poised to capitalize on this her energy, mobilizing volunteers and resources to ensure that the enthusiasm generated by Swifts presence at Hard Rock translates into voter turnout.

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The Taylor Swift effect has taken hold of politics. After announcing her endorsement of Kamala Harris for president after the Tuesday (Sept. 10) presidential debate, Swift then shared a link to Vote.gov in an Instagram story.

A spokesperson for the U.S. General Services Commission, an independent U.S. government agency that supports various other federal agencies, confirmed to Billboard that as of 2 p.m. ET on Wednesday (Sept. 11)  15 hours after Swifts post  337,826 visitors were referred to Vote.gov from the custom URL created and shared by the pop star.

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Vote.gov directs voters to their state election websites for state-specific voting information. Voters must then register to vote directly with their state. The site uses data analytic tools to monitor referrals to the site, including referrals from custom links like the one used by Swift.

In a post shared with her 238 million followers after the end of the first debate between Vice President Harris and former President Donald Trump, Swift expressed her admiration for Harris, calling her a steady-handed, gifted leader and a warrior for causes she holds dear, such as LGBTQ+ rights and womens reproductive freedoms.

Like many of you, I watched the debate tonight, the post also read. If you havent already, now is a great time to do your research on the issues at hand and the stances these candidates take on the topics that matter to you the most. As a voter, I make sure to watch and read everything I can about their proposed policies and plans for this country.

The Harris campaign quickly capitalized on Swifts endorsement, putting Harris-Walz friendship bracelets up for sale in its online store after the endorsement. (These bracelets subsequently sold out.) This style of bracelet has become a staple in Swiftie culture since the beginning of The Eras Tour.

During an interview with MSNBCs Rachel Maddow, Democratic vice presidential candidate Walz said, I am incredibly grateful, first of all, to Taylor Swift. That was eloquent, and thats the type of courage we need in America to stand up.

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Taylor Swift's endorsement of Harris draws mixed reaction from voters: 'It is huge and it is unfortunate'

Voters across the country told Fox News Digital that Taylor Swift's endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris could prove to be persuasive with her adoring fans.

Voters from Michigan, Texas and Tennessee reacted to Swift's support of Harris, at times with regret over how much sway she has. The pop star has supported Democrats in the past, so her position wasn't surprising, but her superstardom and massive following still made her endorsement headline news around the world.

"I'm so sorry to hear about the Taylor Swift announcement, because young people, I don't think, are that intelligent about what's going on," said Sheri in Birmingham, Michigan.

"It is huge and it is unfortunate that some people like her who are powerful and have a platform are just not doing the right thing," another Birmingham voter named Gina said.

PATRICK MAHOMES COMMENDS WIFE'S INFLUENCE AFTER TRUMP'S PRAISE AND TAYLOR SWIFT'S HARRIS ENDORSEMENT

Taylor Swift is seen at the NFL game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Baltimore Ravens at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, on Sept. 5.

Swift endorsed Harris for president just minutes after the Democratic nominee's presidential debate against her Republican opponent, former President Trump, on Tuesday night.

READ ON THE FOX NEWS APP

Writing on Instagram , the pop star said she will be voting for Harris because "she fights for the rights and causes I believe need a warrior to champion them."

Mina, in Houston, said the "Swifties" are a big population that is already predominantly liberal.

"I think most people that are Swifties are usually liberals and people that would vote for Kamala to begin with," she said.

Edwin in Knoxville, Tennessee, thinks the Swift endorsement will appeal to young voters but not to older ones.

"I think to the younger voters, it will, to the 21-, 22-year-olds. It probably will because they tend to look up to the famous people, as I call them, and what they vote for," he said.

Becky, also in Knoxville, also agreed on the influence the endorsement could have on younger voters: "It's hard to say. But I know she has an awful lot of influence with young people."

TAYLOR SWIFT-THEMED CORN MAZES GO VIRAL, PLUS POPULAR US OPEN COCKTAIL SALES REVEALED

"She's a very popular artist. So her endorsement of Kamala is probably going to sway some of her fans," Enoch in Houston said.

Swift, who also supported Joe Biden in 2020 and has been harshly critical of Trump, encouraged her followers to register to vote.

"Ive done my research, and Ive made my choice. Your research is all yours to do, and the choice is yours to make. I also want to say, especially to first time voters: Remember that in order to vote, you have to be registered!" Swift wrote to her 283 million followers. "I also find its much easier to vote early. Ill link where to register and find early voting dates and info in my story."

Swift signed the post: "Taylor Swift, Childless Cat Lady," a shot at Trump's running mate, Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, who said during a 2021 interview: "We are effectively run in this country, via the Democrats, via our corporate oligarchs, by a bunch of childless cat ladies who are miserable at their own lives and the choices that theyve made, and so they want to make the rest of the country miserable, too."

Within minutes, Swift's post had garnered more than 2 million likes, and it has more than 10 million likes as of Thursday.

Since the post, more than 337,000 people clicked on the voter registration link that Swift shared.

The General Services Administration, which runs the website, said over 337,000 people had used Swift's link as of Wednesday afternoon, according to NBC News. The GSA did not immediately respond to a Fox News Digital inquiry about where the total stands as of Thursday.

Fox News' Bradford Betz and Anders Hagstrom contributed to this report.

Elizabeth Heckman reported from Texas, Joshua Nelson reported from Michigan and Alba Cuebas-Fantauzzi reported from Tennessee.





Original article source: Taylor Swift's endorsement of Harris draws mixed reaction from voters: 'It is huge and it is unfortunate'
Cummins Inc. revealed plans Tuesday to build an engine for an upcoming version of the Nissan Titan pickup truck.

Indiana-based engine maker Cummins is facing a lawsuit from a tech company for allegedly violating a contract and intellectual property law by stealing an artificial intelligence tool that reduces emissions.

The legal action is the latest hurdle in Cummins' challenging path to its goal of zero emissions by 2050.

Last year, Cummins had to pay $2 billion to settle a federal investigation into its use of illegal devices that prevented emissions tracking and control. Around that time, the company offered employee buyouts.

Earlier this year, the company announced layoffs, saying the staff reductions would allow the company to reduce administrative layers and focus on core business. A company representative framed the job cuts and restructuring as part of Cummins' overall effort to reduce emissions.

The ongoing lawsuit says that Cummins hired tech company C3.ai to develop a tool that can adjust engine settings to use the least amount of fuel in different environments. The California-based artificial intelligence company alleges that Cummins used source code and information sessions to replicate the tool.

Cummins officials declined to comment on the specific allegation but stressed that they "are committed to conducting our business with the utmost integrity and respect for the law."

"We are confident in our position and are vigorously defending these claims," a spokesperson said in an email to IndyStar.

A leaked email

Disputes over intellectual property are common in the business world, especially when companies work together, said Cara Putman, a Purdue University professor with expertise in intellectual property, contract law and ethics.

The key to winning these cases is to prove one company intentionally replicated a product design and produced something that was "substantially similar" to another product.

C3.ai seems to think they have a smoking gun. In the lawsuit, the AI company said they received an email from Cummins in 2023 that accidentally included plans to take "learnings from the C3 AI development work" with a development team in India. Doing that, the C3.ai lawsuit says, violates the contract Cummins signed.

Later that year, Cummins ended its contract with C3.ai.

Putman said this case highlights the need to protect proprietary information.

"It's a great example of the critical role that IP plays when companies are working together and contracting," she said. "They need to be actively thinking about how they're going to interact and relate to each other."

Cummins under pressure

Engine makers and manufacturers are under pressure to shift toward clean energy after world leaders committed to reaching zero emissions by 2050, driving demand for products with reduced emissions.

While Cummins has been a leader in this transition, the company has also struggled to adapt.

These tightening regulations can be costly for companies who have to revamp their productions and develop new technologies, experts say. A recent financial report revealed that the company also wants to reduce its debt.

If the lawsuit prevails, Cummins may face more financial woes. C3.ai said they're waiting for more information to determine the damages but estimates them to be between $500 million to $1 billion.

Binghui Huang can be reached at 317-385-1595 and Bhuang@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Cummins sued by artificial intelligence company over IP dispute
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman was among a constellation of tech industry leaders reportedly meeting with Biden administration officials at the White House on Thursday to discuss the burgeoning energy infrastructure needs of the artificial intelligence revolution. File Photo by Jim Lo Scalzo/EPA-EFE

Sept. 12 (UPI) -- Key Biden Administration personnel met with leaders of the biggest technology companies at the White House on Thursday to discuss new infrastructure needed to support artificial intelligence, according to multiple reports.

Leaders of tech industry titans OpenAI, Anthropic, Nvidia, Microsoft and Google met with Cabinet members such as Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm to discuss the need for more AI data centers and the beefed-up energy infrastructure that will be needed to supply them, according to White House sources cited by CNN, CNBC and The Hill.

Among those in attendance were Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Google Chief Investment Officer Ruth Porat and Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, the sources said.

Reflecting the importance AI infrastructure needs hold for national security, the environment and many other sectors, the meeting also reportedly included U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, White House climate advisers Ali Zaidi and John Podesta and White House chief of staff Jeff Zients.

The unannounced meeting came as AI has become the biggest driver of technology businesses around the world and one the prime focuses of Wall Street investors.

As AI is incorporated into more and more applications, concerns about its energy-hungry nature and the ability of U.S. utilities supply the growing number of data centers needed to power them have multiplied.

Investment bankers Goldman Sachs reported in May that the AI revolution is expected to boost data center power demand by 160% within the next six years.

At present, data centers worldwide consume 1% to-2% of overall power, but this percentage will likely rise to 3% to 4% by the end of the decade, driving a binge of electricity growth unlike anything seen in a generation.

Along the way, the carbon dioxide emissions of data centers likely will more than double between 2022 and 2030, they estimated. That's because a single ChatGPT query requires 2.9 watt-hours of electricity, compared with 0.3 watt-hours for a Google search, according to a study by the Electric Power Research Institute.

The rapid growth of AI power demand is highlighting the need for data center efficiency improvements and increased flexibility, closer coordination between data center developers and electric companies and the need for beefed-up investments in power grids so that AI can be accommodated "without negatively impacting other customers," the study notes.

Goldman Sachs estimated the overall increase in data center power consumption from AI to be on the order of 200 terawatt-hours per year between 2023 and 2030, eventually comprising about 19% of all data center power demand.

"President [Joe] Biden and Vice President [Kamala] Harris are committed to deepening U.S. leadership in AI by ensuring data centers are built in the United States while ensuring the technology is developed responsibly," a White House spokesperson said in a statement issued to media outlets.
Teen Accused and Absolved of Fatally Shooting Dad in 2023 Is Now Accused of Stabbing Mom to Death: Police

Collin Griffith, 17 was accused - and absolved - in connection with the killing of his father over a year prior to the accusation involving his mother

NBC2 News/Youtube; Polk County Sheriff's Office Auburndale, Fla., home where Catherine Griffith was killed (left); and Collin Griffith, 17

A Florida teen was arrested in connection to the fatal stabbing of his mother  more than a year after he was accused of killing his father in Oklahoma. (The previous charge has since been dropped).

Catherine Griffith, 39, was allegedly killed following a stabbing in a Auburndale, Fla., home on Sunday, Sep. 8, the Polk County Sheriffs Office said in a statement.

Officials from the sheriffs office and the Polk County Fire unit responded to the home after the victims son, 17-year-old Collin Griffith called 911, allegedly claiming that his mother died after falling on a knife during an argument between the two, the sheriffs office statement said.

He said he and his mother had a very long fight and she fell on the knife andshe is bleeding from the neck, Sheriff Grady Judd alleged at a press conference.

Collin allegedly claimed that his mother tried to attack him with the knife before she fell on it, per the sheriffs office. The two lived in Charlotte County, Judd said, but were in the home of Catherine's mother, who was not in the residence at the time.

Polk County Sheriff's Office Collin Griffith

Collin was found calm, cool and connected, not upset by responding authorities who also noticed he had blood on him, Judd said.

The Medical Examiners office determined that Collins account was inconsistent with the way Catherine died, he said.

Witnesses alleged that before the incident, they saw Collin grab his mother by her hair and drag her inside the home as she cried for him to stop, per the sheriff.

His mother repeatedly pled with Collin to let me go,  the sheriffs offices statement alleged, citing witness accounts.

Judd alleged Collin was also a suspect in the fatal shooting of his father in February 2023 in Lincoln County, Okla., and the charges against him were dropped a month later because police "could not disprove Collins assertion of self-defense. (It wasn't immediately clear what other charges, in addition to murder, Collin was facing in connection with his father's killing).

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The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, which was investigating Collins father's killing, told PEOPLE on Thursday they have not been invited back by Lincoln County officials to reopen the case. He directed PEOPLE to the Lincoln County sheriff and the District Attorney's office, who did not immediately respond to requests for comments.

Judd said they have contacted prosecutors in Oklahoma who said they don't have any sufficient evidence in their case but might consider reopening the case if Florida authorities generate enough information through their investigation.

Collin's plea and attorney information in connection with his mother's killing were not immediately available.



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Read the original article on People.
ANDERSON COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA)  An 18-year-old is facing many charges in reference to threatening five Anderson County high school students via Snapchat.

The Anderson County Sheriffs Office said Cameron Lamar Suttle has been charged with five counts of unlawful communication after threatening to shoot a group of Pendleton High School students.

Suttle does not attend Pendleton High School according to officials.

An investigation was initiated on Sunday, September 8. Deputies said Suttle reportedly posed with different kinds of guns over the app while tying it with a threatening message.

It was reported that Suttle threatened two 15-year-olds, two 16-year-olds and a 17-year-old.

All threats were made towards the specific students and not the school as a whole, deputies said.

Suttle was booked into the Anderson County Detention Center where he has received a bond on all warrants according to deputies.

The incident remains under investigation by the ACSO.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
Teen who ordered switches to turn guns into automatic weapons is in custody, SC police say

Two South Carolina resident recently were taken into custody, including a teenager whos facing multiple gun charges, according to the Sumter Police Department.

Several guns and multiple Glock switch components also were seized during the bust, police said in a news release. A Glock switch is a device that can be added to a semi-automatic firearm, making it fully automatic, police said.

The bust was made after police, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security learned that the switches had been delivered to a home in the city of Sumter, according to the release.

Police said a 17-year-old resident ordered the switches for potential re-sale of the devices. He was placed in custody and charged with possession of a machine gun and possession of a firearm by a minor, according to the release.

His name was not made public because of his age.

Information about where the teen was booked, and if he remains incarcerated, was not available.

Dominique Cartell Pearson, 39, also was arrested, police said. Pearson lives at the same residence was found in possession of a controlled substance with a street value of more than $700 and was charged with possession with intent to distribute Ecstasy, according to the release.

Pearsons residence was listed on Pinson Street, Sumter County court records show. Pearsons bond was set at $15,000 and posted Tuesday, according to court records.

Despite the arrests, an investigation is continuing, police said.
Teen takes WeGo bus to steal from Lululemon in the Gulch

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  A 19-year-old was arrested for organized retail crime after surveillance cameras captured her stealing from a clothing store in the Gulch neighborhood of Nashville.

Metro police reported three young women took a WeGo bus on Tuesday, Sept. 3 to the store on 11th Avenue South around 4:30 p.m.

VIDEO: Jon Bon Jovi helps save woman trying to jump from bridge in downtown Nashville

According to court documents, Terrinesha Kimbrough and the two others grabbed multiple items and ran out of the store without paying down 11th Avenue toward Pine Street.

Metro police distributed images of the women among officers and one reportedly recognized her from a previous shoplifting arrest on April 14.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

The estimated cost of the stolen merchandise was $1,366.

Kimbrough was booked into the Metro jail and charged with felony organized retail crime. Her bond was set at $15,000.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
Russian messaging service Telegram has begun to cooperate with the French investigative authorities following the arrest of its founder, Pavel Durov.

Source: Liberation, a daily newspaper in France

Details: Telegram has already complied with requests from the Office for Minors (Ofmin), an agency of the French national police and gendarmerie, in several criminal investigations.

The platform has provided information that could help identify certain suspects in several cases. Among them are cases of paedophile crimes, Liberation noted.

"The doors are really opening," Johanna Brousse, head of the J3 department, which deals with cybercrime at the Paris prosecutor's office, told the newspaper.

Liberation said the changes are so unprecedented that the French prosecutor's office has begun reopening cold cases.

Background:

Kyrylo Budanov, Head of Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, has stressed the need to de-anonymise Telegram channels and noted that the messaging app poses a threat to Ukraine's national security.

Telegram changed its rules to allow moderation of private chats following the arrest of its CEO, Pavel Durov.

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Australian investment into Asian start-ups has surged over the past decade, totalling $23.8 billion from 2013 to 2023, according to a new paper from Asialink Business and the Tech Council of Australia (TCA).

Building the Australia-Asia Tech Corridor explores the vital connections between Australias and Asias tech ecosystems and is based on a unique data analysis of outbound Australian investment in Asian tech startups.

The TCA notes that the value of Australia-linked investments in Asian startups grew 27-fold between 2016 and 2018, the paper found - hwever, it reached its lowest point since 2016 in 2023, dropping more than 86% from 2022 to reach just $779 million, mirroringa decline in venture funding from all investors.

While the amount invested year-to-year has fluctuated in line with global conditions, we expect this relationship is here to stay and shows great potential for mutually beneficial growth, the paper explains.

Other key findings of the paper include:

Australian investors have led 40% of the transactions they have engaged in over the last decade.

Significantly, 77% of investments of Australian investments target seed and early-stage companies in Asia, particularly in the Consumer and B2C sectors.

Over half the value of all Australia-linked investments is directed towards Singapore, making it the premier destination for Australian tech investments in Asia.

The value of Indian capital raisings involving an Australian investor grew by 95% over the course of the decade (2013-2023) and the number of transactions doubled between 2015 and 2023.

The TCA also notes that the paper proposes establishing a regional dialogue, collaboratively led by both industry and policymakers, to deepen the Australia-Asia tech corridor - and the exchange of capital, people and technology would create the conditions for two-way investment to grow, and benefit both the Australian and Asian tech ecosystems.



Building the Australia-Asia Tech Corridor is the inaugural discussion paper in the Tech Connections Series, which aims to develop a holistic picture of the linkages between Australia and Asias tech ecosystems - and the Tech Connections Series is available on the Tech Council of Australia and Asialink Business websites.



Commenting on the paper, Robert Law, Director Advisory & Insights, Asialink Business said: The development of a robust Australia-Asia tech corridor is critical for fostering innovation, growth, and collaboration; how connections can drive mutual success across both regions." -

"Success in Asia requires more than just capital. It demands a deep understanding of local dynamics and the ability to build strong, in-market relationships. Developing Asia-specific capabilities is essential for Australian investors looking to unlock new opportunities in Asias tech markets, -said Leigh Howard, CEO, Asialink Business.

The mutually beneficial exchange of expertise, via talent, investment or technology, is the foundation of strong economic relationships between Australia and Asia. These connections can support both regions to grow companies globally, Damian Kassabgi, CEO, Tech Council of Australia.



Other comments included:

Establishing a regional dialogue that strengthens the Australia-Asia investment landscape and explores opportunities for collaboration across policy and research will contribute to a thriving tech ecosystem in both regions and drive innovation. - Susan Travis, Head of Research, Tech Council of Australia.



Asias rapid urbanisation creates incredible opportunities for leading emerging technology companies to scale. For Taronga Ventures, we see many investment opportunities across the built environment and real asset sectors and this is a strategic driver for long-term growth. - Jonathan Hannam, Co-founder and Managing Partner, Taronga Ventures.

About Asialink Business

Since 2013, Asialink Business has helped thousands of Australian organisations and professionals seize opportunities in Asia. As Australias National Centre for Asia Capability, we equip leaders, entrepreneurs and employees with the insights, capabilities and connections to succeed across Asia. Asialink Business is supported by the Department of Industry, Science and Resources. It is part of the Asialink Group hosted by the University of Melbourne. To find out more, visit www.asialinkbusiness.com.au or follow us on Twitter @asiacapable and LinkedIn

About Tech Council of Australia

The Tech Council of Australia (TCA) is Australias peak industry body for the tech sector. The Australian tech sector is a pillar of the Australian economy, contributing $167 billion per annum, and employing 861,000 people. This makes the tech sector equivalent to Australias third largest industry, behind mining and banking, and Australias seventh largest employing sector. The TCA represents a diverse cross-section of Australias technology sector, including data-driven local and global companies and venture capital funds with investments in data-driven enterprises.
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  Afternoon temperatures are 20 degrees cooler than Monday, a significant change thanks to stronger onshore flow. But even with relief, dry and windy conditions are still a fire threat.

Gusty southwest to west winds will pick up Wednesday afternoon and evening, especially for mountains and deserts. Paired with extremely dry relative humidity, that means critical fire weather in those areas.

At the coast, the marine layer was more prominent Wednesday morning and will redevelop each evening and morning the rest of the week. Temperatures are running near normal for this time of year, or ever slightly below average.

Thursday daytime highs will hang out in the mid to upper 70s for the beaches, low 80s for the valleys, mid-70s for the mountains and around 100 degrees for the deserts.

Air Quality Alerts are still in place all across Southern California from the Bridge, Line and Airport fires. The smoke is being carried to the east and northeast across San Diego County deserts due to the direction of the winds from the southwest and west.

Air quality readings have actually improved a bit locally as of noon Wednesday, but fire conditions and local conditions can change on a regular basis.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
Social Justice Humanitas Academy in San Fernando is a "community school" that integrates academics, health and social services, youth development and community engagement to address students' needs. (Myung J. Chun/Los Angeles Times)

A new effort in Los Angeles public schools will deemphasize standardized testing and look for new ways to measure student progress, a small but ambitious rejection of a decades-old nationwide approach to student evaluation.

Under a Board of Education resolution, adopted Tuesday by a 4-3 vote, up to 10 schools could, as early as next fall, opt out of all standardized tests and test prep  other than what is required by the state and federal governments.

The split vote represented the philosophical divide on the issue: Supporters said the action is an antidote to an omnipresent focus on anxiety-provoking standardized tests that are detrimental to deep and engaging learning. Critics worried about a loss of rigor and consistent evaluation that would hamper attempts to make teaching more effective.

The move could also conflict with the strategic plan of L.A. Unified Supt. Alberto Carvalho, whose staff relies heavily on standardized data in evaluating and guiding the work of schools. Analysis of data from standardized tests has been a hallmark of his administration.

The small initial number that can opt out of testing was a compromise made to Carvalho's team. The original language of the resolution had set no limits on the number of "community schools" that could apply. There are 63 community schools in L.A.  campuses that receive extra state funding to offer an array of services to students and families, such as healthcare, mental health counseling and other social and academic supports.

Read more: Will California's $4.1-billion bet on community schools transform K-12 education?

Carvalho made no comments during the board discussion, but in a brief interview after the meeting said the pilot might yield useful information.

Regardless of the board action, state testing in math and English Language Arts remains required of students in grades 3 through 8 and grade 11. Science is tested at three grade levels. English learners are tested on their progress every year and districts must show they also are monitoring their progress with an assessment during the year.

But for most students, the district's own bevy of tests, largely through a program called i-Ready, could be eliminated at these schools. The i-Ready tests are taken at the beginning and end of the year. In addition, a test called DIBELS assesses the reading of young students.

Resolution author and school board President Jackie Goldberg said she is targeting a billion-dollar industry focused on profits at the expense of what is best for students.

Once "corporate America" decided that standardized tests would "judge all of what's going on in schools," she said during the board meeting, "we began to have an industry providing enormous amount of materials: tests, practice tests, practice-practice tests and regional tests; middle-school-year tests, end-of-the-year tests; tests to take when you're on the way to school; tests when you're in the bathroom  test wherever you could."

"Because the whole goal of life became not the love of learning, not the enjoyment of education, not the exchange of ideas, but whether or not your school could move up on its test scores."

"For at least 20 years, I have found that repugnant," said Goldberg, who is not running for reelection and will retire at the end of the year. "We'll get everybody ready all the time for testing. And I think we're doing great harm."

Goldberg said that the selected community schools, with their extra staffing, could show that assessment can be well-managed locally by teachers and school administrators to track students' academic performance without losing so much learning time to preparing for and taking generic multiple-choice tests.

Board member Nick Melvoin voted no.

"I do appreciate what you're trying to do," he said. "One of the challenges is ... a few various tensions within the district right now. ... I do think you can't manage what you can't measure."

"We also are entering a period of limited resources and and declining enrollment, and trying to understand what works, and having that common language about what works," he added.

Read more: LAUSD test scores rise in math and English, positive marks after pandemic setbacks

Board member Rocio Rivas, who co-sponsored the resolution, read letters from fifth-graders at a community school in her board district, voicing their objections to extent of testing.

"My personal experience with this year's testing was really bad," the student wrote. "During the i-Ready Spanish and Math test I burst out crying because it caused anxiety. It didn't help that I wasn't even half way through with those tests, and I knew we still had weeks of testing ahead."

"My personal experience with this year's testing was endless boredom and dreading school for more than a month," wrote another. "I usually love learning."

Rivas directly criticized the i-Ready program, which was brought in by Carvalho. The superintendent did not respond, nor was he asked for his analysis by any board member during the discussion.

Another co-sponsor was board member Kelly Gonez.

"The focus on testing emanates from Washington," she said. "That is what creates the high-stakes testing and accountability environment that our schools in America operate under."

Instead, she said, "we want to focus on authentic, rigorous education and building relationships and critical thinking, which is not measured by standardized tests."

Read more: LAUSD caves to public outcry: No more timed testing for 4-year-olds

As a science teacher, she said, "I was incredibly frustrated because ... I don't think science is taught with textbooks and a multiple-choice assessment. That just is such a short-changing of the type of education that we want to see our children receive."

The resolution calls for schools to develop plans that maintain rigorous standards. But that wasn't enough for George McKenna, who voted no.

"When you start throwing it out, it seems like that's a solution in search of a problem, as opposed to saying: Can we amend this? How many assessments are too many?" McKenna said.

"The university professors are not going to water it down and not test them," he said. "You have to take tests to work in the post office.

"Gifting children with the absence of assessment is not a gift. It is also a political statement that says we don't want our teachers being exposed. They're not really teaching our children to be competitive, because the standardized test says all children in the country at the same time take the same test."

Goldberg's resolution aligns with the leadership of the teachers union, United Teachers Los Angeles. Union president Cecily Myart-Cruz is philosophically opposed to all standardized testing.

In the past, Carvalho has said that the district's testing of students through i-Ready allows for faster and more precise tracking of what students are learning  so midyear adjustments can be made and so students end up in the correct classes. In contrast, he has said, the state test is a once-a-year snapshot  before learning is complete. And the results arrive too late to act on for individual students, he has said.

Board member Tanya Ortiz Franklin had questions and comments related to i-Ready and other elements of the proposal.

"I was really excited when we adopted i-Ready, because it was going to give us some ongoing information throughout the year and let us know how schools were making progress," Franklin said.

Her issues included whether i-Ready had reduced overall standardized testing by 40%, as Carvalho had previously claimed.

District staff provided no input on the question.

Franklin decided to vote no.

Still, with the vote of Scott Schmerelson, the measure passed.

"It's a noble experiment," Schmerelson said. "I just would like to see how the 10 schools are going to use some kind of assessment at the end  portfolios or however they do it  to decide what the students have actually accomplished and learned. That would be important for me."

Carvalho discussed the board's action in a brief interview after the meeting.

"It is reasonable to first understand what this pilot would look like," he said. "What are the types of progressive assessments that would be utilized by these schools? ... I think it can work in tandem with the efforts that we have launched, districtwide. ... There's always a possibility that we may learn something of consequence through these schools."

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
A video produced by the New York Times was critical of Tennessee's voter rights restoration process. (Getty Images)

A video produced by the New York Times was critical of Tennessee's voter rights restoration process. (Getty Images)

Gov. Bill Lee showed backing this week for easing the process enabling convicted felons to restore their voting rights once theyve served their time and paid the price.

The Republican governor told reporters he will watch a New York Times video commentary critical of Tennessees voter rights restoration requirements, which is keeping nearly 500,000 people from voting.

I certainly believe that our state should provide the opportunity for our citizens to vote in every way and to encourage them, all of them, to vote, he said.

Lee added he believes the state and Secretary of State Tre Hargett have worked really hard to make elections free and fair but noted the system works better when all people engage in elections.

The video that came out this week introduces Memphis resident Sarah Bynum, a community activist who heads her neighborhood association and fought for park renovation, streets lights and regular garbage pickup but isnt allowed to vote . Bynum hasnt been able to restore her voting rights since serving time for an aggravated assault felony conviction stemming from a fight.

It makes me feel like they are saying Im not a citizen. Youre just here. Like Im a foreigner in my own country. It makes you want to give up.

 Sarah Bynum, a community activist unable to restore her voting rights

Bynum is one of nearly half a million Tennesseans  including 200,000 Black residents  who havent been able to restore their voting rights after being convicted of a felony, according to the video.

Tennessee is one of only a few states that allows felons to regain their voting rights on after going through a bureaucratic maze that requires them either to seek a pardon from the governor or take several steps to persuade a judge to grant their request.

Obtaining a pardon from the governor involves writing a letter that includes a narrative of the crime and five letters of recommendation, in addition to a certified copy of each criminal judgment, copies of related orders, diplomas, degrees, certificates of professional licenses as well as any outstanding fines and forfeitures.

Even with all of those documents, only 3% of all clemency requests were granted last fiscal year, the video notes.

Another option is to hire an attorney to persuade a judge to restore the rights of citizenship, which could cost upwards of $2,000 and much more if appeals are needed.

And who doesnt have a couple grand lying around? the video says.

The applicant also must convince a judge to return his or her gun rights because the right to bear arms is part of citizenship in Tennessee, the video points out. It puts a bit of sarcasm on this segment with a picture of cartoon character Yosemite Sam.

Under that option, a certificate of restoration is required, proving all probation and court costs are paid, as well as restitution. A probation officer could fill out the certificate, but the person may be sent to a county clerks office where all outstanding fines and fees must be paid and paperwork provided as proof of payment.

If Tennessee lawmakers designed this process to keep nearly half a million people from voting, theyve been wildly successful, the video says.

In fact, fewer than 1% of applicants are successful at restoring their voting rights.

Says Bynum, the failure to regain those rights makes me feel like they are saying Im not a citizen. Youre just here. Like Im a foreigner in my own country. It makes you want to give up.

The video notes that Gov. Lee could follow the example of Iowa Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds who used her executive power to restore voting rights automatically once a person serves their time.

Campaign Legal Center, a Washington, D.C.-based watchdog group, joined Free Hearts and the Tennessee NAACP in filing a lawsuit against the state in 2020 over the voter restoration process. It is awaiting trial.

In April a federal judge determined that Tennessee election officials cant deny the opportunity for voter registration to eligible people who have felony convictions and that they must inform potential voters of eligibility requirements.

For too long, Tennessee has maintained policies designed to confuse, mislead, burden and shut out fully eligible voters who never lost the right to vote at all, said Blair Bowie, director of Campaign Legal Centers Restore Your Vote program.

The Secretary of States Office did not respond to questions Wednesday.

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PADUCAH, Ky. (FOX 56)  Troopers arrested a Tennessee man on Wednesday after a multi-county chase on I-24 in Kentucky.

Around 6:30 p.m. CT, a Kentucky State Police trooper saw a white Dodge Durango driving over 100 miles per hour near mile 42. After failing to stop when prompted to, KSP said the trooper successfully used the tire deflation device and the vehicle eventually stopped around mile marker 17.

Read more of the latest Kentucky news

KSP noted that the driver was refusing to follow orders and was acting erratically. Because of this, troopers requested an armed vehicle be brought to the scene to help make sure the incident was safely resolved.

With the help of the armored vehicle, troopers said they were able to safely arrest the driver, 29-year-old Evin Rion.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

Rion, of Lebanon, Tennessee, was believed to be intoxicated at the time and taken to an area hospital for evaluation. Afterward, KSP said they charged him with:

First-degree fleeing or evading the police

Wanton endangerment

DUI (second offense)

KSP said he was also charged with multiple other traffic offenses. He is still in the hospital receiving treatment.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News.
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WSPA)  A Tennessee man was sentenced to over 12 years Thursday for an armed robbery of a bank in Asheville.

37-year-old Paul Gordon Day was sentenced to 147 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for the robbery.

According to filed court documents and evidence presented at trial, on November 2022, Day rode a bicycle to the PNC Bank branch located at 8 OHenry Avenue across the street from the federal courthouse.

Day parked the bicycle and entered the bank wearing a blue cap, sunglasses, a blue surgical

mask, a grey sweatshirt, and gloves. Upon entering the bank, Day drew from his waistband a firearm wrapped in a black plastic bag secured to the barrel with rubber bands and approached the bank tellers.

Day held up a firearm, ordered a customer who was in the bank to the ground, and demanded money from tellers. The tellers complied and gave Day the cash, including a GPS tracking device concealed within the money.

Day then fled the scene on the bicycle.

Court documents show that law enforcement tracked the GPS device and determined it was located inside a vehicle traveling on Interstate 26 toward Weaverville. Law enforcement

conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle and arrested Day.

Law enforcement searched the vehicle and recovered the firearm Day used during the robbery, the stolen cash and the GPS tracking device, the bicycle, and numerous articles of clothing worn by Day during the commission of the robbery.

On January 2024, Day was found guilty by a federal jury of bank robbery using a dangerous weapon and possessing and brandishing of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.

Day remains in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
Tennessee's Jim Sasser, former U.S. senator and ambassador to China, dead at 87

Sept. 11 (UPI) -- Jim Sasser, who represented Tennessee for 18 years as a Democrat in the U.S. Senate and was the ambassador to China, died early Tuesday evening at his home in Chapel Hill, N.C.

Sasser was born in Memphis on Sept. 30, 1936, and earned a law degree from Vanderbilt University in 1961.

He met his wife, Mary, while an undergraduate at Vanderbilt, and they eventually had two children, Gray and Elizabeth.

Sasser also was a member of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve for six years.

He joined the Nashville law firm Goodpasture, Carpenter, Woods and Sasser after earning his law degree and stayed with the law firm until 1972.

Sasser was a lifelong Democrat who was a regional youth director for Sen. Estes Kefauver's 1960 campaign and managed Sen. Al Gore Sr.'s unsuccessful bid for re-election in 1970.

Sasser said his political activities during his early adulthood made him more open to running for political office.

He successfully sought the Democratic Party nomination for U.S. Senate in 1976 and defeated incumbent Sen. Bill Brock, who beat Gore in the 1970 election for the seat.

Sasser held the seat for 18 years before losing to challenger and Republican Bill Frist in 1994.

He is the last Democrat to represent Tennessee in the U.S. Senate.

President Bill Clinton appointed Sasser the nation's ambassador to China in 1995 and he remained at the post until he was replaced by fellow Tennessean Adm. Joseph Prueher in 1999.

Sasser is survived by his wife and son Gray, who served one term as chairman of the Tennessee Democratic Party from 2007 to 2009.

His cause of death was not announced.
(Bloomberg) -- Tesco Plcs controversial fire and rehire tactic to take back ex-employees on cheaper terms is unlawful the UKs top court ruled, in a blow to the British grocer also embroiled in a slew of high profile workers rights cases.

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Tescos policy to fire employees and then rehire them with lower pay was not legally permissible, the Supreme Court ruled overturning lower court decision that Tesco won in 2022. Tescos right to dismiss its employees cannot be used to deprive them of the right to retained pay, the judges said in the ruling.

Employee rights at large employers are under intense scrutiny after last months equal pay victory secured by workers at Next Plc  a rulings that could cost the retailer as much as 30 million in back-pay.

Grocers including Asda Group Ltd., J Sainsbury Plc, and WM Morrison Supermarkets Ltd., are also facing similar claims from tens of thousands of retail workers, with the total possible compensation estimated to be as much as 8 billion ($10.4 billion).

The fire and rehire policy came under scrutiny in the UK after P&O Ferries sought to fire hundreds of its crew and replace them with cheaper labor. British Airways Plcs attempts to take advantage of the policy during the Covid-19 pandemic were thwarted by industrial action and the policy was scrapped.

Thursdays case relates to Tescos distribution center workers who were either fired or forced to move 40 miles (64 kilometers) to a new place of work in 2009. Tesco later announced that it intended to fire the employees who chose to move and offered to rehire them on lower pay.

These sorts of tactics have no place in industrial relations, said Paddy Lillis, the general secretary of the Union of Shop Distributive & Allied Workers that brought the claim.

Tesco treated its employees as if they were servant and it was the master, lawyers representing the workers argued during the Supreme Court hearing earlier this year.

Our objective in this has always been to ensure fairness across all our distribution center colleagues, Tesco said after the ruling. Todays judgment relates to a contractual dispute brought on behalf of a very small number of colleagues in our UK distribution network who receive a supplement to their pay.

In July the new Labour government issued a code of practice on addressing fire and rehire tactics saying employers must take all reasonable steps to explore alternatives and use the policy as a last resort.

Labour has pledged to introduce legislation on workers rights in its first 100 days in power, including tighter rules on zero-hour contracts and making workers eligible for sick pay from the first day on the job, which will then be consulted on with businesses and trade unions before becoming law.

--With assistance from Deirdre Hipwell.

(Updates with claimants comment in the seventh paragraph.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

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BROOKLYN, N.Y. (PIX11)  A Texas man is accused of luring two teens into prostitution.

Donald Roberson, 29, also allegedly forced the victims to tattoo his nickname, Blue Cheese, on their faces, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said Wednesday.

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This defendant allegedly subjected two young women to horrific abuse, treating them as his personal property by branding them with his nickname and forcing them into a life of exploitation and violence, Gonzalez said. The brutality these victims endured is appalling, and we will work diligently to ensure that he is held accountable for the inhumanity he inflicted.

Roberson, of Dallas, also known as Blue Cheese, met the 17-year-old and 18-year-old victims in Dallas. According to court documents, the teen girls met Roberson on Instagram and agreed to travel to New York.

Roberson and the victims arrived in New York in August. He allegedly purchased a hotel room in East New York Brooklyn and forced the victims into prostitution.

On one occasion, after forcing the victims to get Blue Cheese tattooed on their faces, Roberson allegedly argued with the 17-year-old victim and kicked her in the face, which caused her to suffer a seizure, officials said. Roberson also stabbed the 17-year-old on her side of the body with a pair of scissors, according to court documents.

Prostitution on Roosevelt Avenue in Queens is getting worse, residents say

On another occassion, the 18-year-old victim had to be treated for a throat infection at a Brooklyn hospital, officials said. After the victim left the hospital, Roberson allegedly choked her and punched her face until the victim began to cry and was unable to breathe.

The victims escaped, and one managed to text someone in Texas for help, giving them the name and address of the hotel and the room number. Officers responded to the 911 call, found the victim in the parking lot, and arrested Roberson.

Roberson faces the following charges:

Sex trafficking of a child

Second-degree promoting prostitution

Third-degree promoting prostitution

Fourth-degree promoting prostitution

Second-degree assault

Third-degree assault

Fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon

Third-degree criminal sexual act

Sexual misconduct

Third-degree sexual abuse

Roberson is due back in court on Oct. 23.

Matthew Euzarraga is a multimedia journalist from El Paso, Texas. He has covered local news and LGBTQIA topics in the New York City Metro area since 2021. He joined the PIX11 Digital team in 2023. You can see more of his work here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
Texas veteran wants to educate others after being denied service due to guide dog

BERTRAM, Texas - A Bertram veteran said he was denied service at a local restaurant because of his service dog. He's now on a mission to educate others about laws protecting people with disabilities.

Jerry LeBlanc and String Bean are more than two peas in a pod.

"String Bean was issued to me through the prosthetics department," said LeBlanc. "The same place you would go to get crutches or a cane or a wheelchair or whatnot. He is an extension of me, so hes not a dog in my eyes. Hes a medical device."

LeBlanc served as a combat medic in the Army, catching the tail end of the Gulf War. He's now blind because of the chemicals he was around.

This March, he said he and String Bean went to their local Mexican restaurant in Bertram, El Rancho.

"We were met at the door by the manager who stated that if you dont provide me paperwork proving that hes a trained service dog, then I cant let you eat here," said LeBlanc.

According to state law, String Bean should be allowed in. But LeBlanc says hes used to denial like this.

"A lot of times its just lack of education," said LeBlanc.

This time, when he tried to educate the manager, he said it didnt go over well.

"When you have to go as far as attempting to try and do that, and it gets you nowhere, it is very frustrating, especially if you live in a small town and there are not many eating options, then it kind of, at the least, its very inconvenient," said LeBlanc.

Jerry LeBlanc and String Bean

So he got the police involved.

"A business owner that kicks somebody out could be subject to paying damages, paying that persons attorney fees for suing them, and costs, and they could be charged with a misdemeanor offense for doing that," said Denette Vaughn, an attorney for Disability Rights Texas.

She said she sees cases like LeBlancs often.

"Way, way too often," said Vaughn. "Its 2024. I mean this law has been around for over 30 years now. Theres really no excuse for people not knowing, in my personal opinion."

There are two questions business owners can legally ask.

Do you require this dog because of a disability? What tasks is the dog trained to perform?

Jerry LeBlanc and String Bean

"If they get satisfactory answers to those questions and the dog is not behaving inappropriately, they should walk away," said Vaughn.

Letting it go is often the best way to avoid a civil suit or criminal charge.

Perhaps, an even better way to make the lives of veterans living with disabilities a bit easier.

"I don't really see why after all the time after 9/11, and here we are on 9/11 talking about it that people are not aware that this is a medical device," said Vaughn.

Both LeBlanc and Vaughn said the number one thing they hear from business owners is concern about people faking their pets as service animals. To that, they said you will know if an animal is truly trained or not based on their behavior.

Under a new law, people who fake a service animal can be fined up to $1,000 and 30 hours of community service with an organization that works with people with disabilities.

Additionally, anyone who discriminates against a person with a disability because of a service animal could be fined up to $300 and 30 hours of community service.

FOX 7 Austin got in touch with El Rancho. They asked to take our number and a message from the manager, but we did not hear back.
By Chayut Setboonsarng and Orathai Sriring

BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on Thursday outlined her government's policy agenda to parliament, headlined by plans to give away 450 billion baht ($13.4 billion) in handouts to jumpstart Southeast Asia's second-largest economy.

Political newcomer Paetongtarn's cabinet was sworn in this month, after parliament elected her Thailand's youngest premier following the shock removal of predecessor Srettha Thavisin by a court decision.

The polices largely continue ally Srettha's agenda and that of their populist Pheu Thai party, including debt restructuring and legalising casinos to draw in investment and more tourists.

Paetongtarn, 38, told lawmakers her government was facing challenges, including structural economic problems, and said the it would act with urgency to stimulate growth.

"If there are no financial and fiscal measures to support economic growth, it is expected that the country's economic growth rate will not exceed 3% per year," she said.

A cornerstone of those measures is the government's signature 'digital wallet' handout of 10,000 baht ($300) to 50 million people, some of which will be given in cash.

Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira said economic stimulus would help ease household debt, which remains stubbornly high at 16.4 trillion baht ($486.50 billion), or 90.8% of gross domestic product as of March.

"We can't bring this number down immediately, that's the reality, until the economy is stimulated and there is confidence," he told the house.

The first payment in the handout programme will be made on Sept. 25 and 26, he said, totalling about 140 billion baht ($4.15 billion) and distributed to 14.2 million people.

The government insists the policy is necessary to energise the economy, which the central bank expects to grow 2.6% this year, up from 1.9% in 2023 but far adrift of most regional peers.

Consumer confidence dropped for a sixth straight month to a 13-month low in August, a survey showed on Thursday.

Paetongtarn is Thailand's second female prime minister and the fourth member of her family to hold the top job.

Among those was her father, the billionaire Thaksin Shinawatra, Thailand's most influential and divisive politician over the past two decades.

In her final remarks in parliament, Paetongtarn called for cooperation from opposition lawmakers to take the country forward.

"We should come together and pursue creative politics ... we have to put the needs of nation first."

($1 = 33.7300 baht)

(Reporting by Chayut Setboonsarng, Orathai Sriring and Panarat Thepgumpanat; Editing by Martin Petty and John Mair)
The University of Waikato claimed it has halved its IT energy demands with a hybrid multicloud strategy centred on Nutanix Cloud Platform solution.

When the Universitys previous on-premise IT infrastructure was up for renewal, University of Waikato associate director of architecture and applications Glenn Penfold decided to take a completely new approachone that would set it up for the future, derisk the organisation from vendor changes, and further improve its sustainability credentials.

Penfold recalls, Traditionally, we had run and hosted our own data centre. Through the refresh process we identified data centres had become commoditised, and that we would be better off letting a professional organisation run ours.

For us, the ongoing capital investment and maintenance in running a data centre was prohibitive. This also caused us to focus on the wrong areas, and it was taking us away from adding digital value.

Penfold said one of the risks identified was the impending acquisition of VMware, which was the Universitys incumbent infrastructure vendor.

Our refresh project started in November 2023, so although we didnt know exactly what the acquisition would mean for us, the writing was on the wall, Penfold said. It was enough of a risk for us to make sure we considered alternatives.

After a tender process, the University selected Nutanix Cloud Platform and the AHX hypervisor since Nutanix complemented the Universitys desired hybrid multicloud strategy and energy efficiency targets.

It also provided the flexibility and scalability required for the Universitys future plans.

Nutanix hit the mark for us as it was simple and easy to use, ticked all the boxes on our hybrid multicloud strategy, and from a sustainability point-of-view it was quite attractive, he said.

Through the implementation, weve consolidated our infrastructure needs from 14 physical racks to just seven, requiring much less power without sacrificing performance.

Enabling the Universitys hybrid multicloud strategy was a non-negotiable for Penfold. He said the University would always have a requirement for some on-premise infrastructure, given data sovereignty requirements around its research data, but public cloud and SaaS were preferred where it made sense.

Were heavy Microsoft Azure users, particularly for custom development applications and data integration, while Moodle  our Learning Management System  is fully hosted by Catalyst IT, Penfold said.

While we use cloud wherever it fits, we will always have a physical presence due to the sensitivity of some of our data and the incompatibility of some business-critical apps  like our student management system  to run on the cloud.

For us, that means our future is hybrid multicloud. With that in mind, Nutanix was a perfect fit as it enables application mobility across our environments where we need it, as well as providing a single pane of glass to manage and maintain our various clouds  whether public, private, or hosted.

Penfold said the implementation was completed on an aggressive timeline and completed during a period of peak demand.

We made our decision in November 2023, had the platform up-and-running before Christmas, and finished migrating workloads by March, Penfold said. Our first semester starts in late February; it's our busiest time of year, and we were able to complete the whole migration of production workloads during this time with zero disruption.

Penfold said the Universitys relationship with local partner ASI Solutions was key to the projects success.

ASI has a good niche at finding these strategic technologies that are a perfect fit. They have a large education customer base, so they truly understood our business and the challenges we face.

During the project, the University sold its data centre to Spark NZ. Its primary Nutanix cluster is now housed there with a disaster recovery cluster in Sparks Takanini data centre in Auckland.

The University is now in the initial stages of a Virtual Desktop Infrastructure project where it plans to decommission up to 1200 high-powered lab computers.

It is also exploring the Nutanix GPT-in-a-Box solution for future machine learning projects.

Nutanix APJ sales general manager and vice president Aaron White said the University had future-proofed its business with a true hybrid multicloud strategy.

Our recent Enterprise Cloud Index report found hybrid multicloud cloud strategies would see the highest growth over the next three years  more than doubling from 15% to 35% of deployments  but many organisations are only in the early stages of this journey, White said.

This puts the University of Waikato well ahead of the curve and sets themselves up for an even brighter, greener, and smarter future.

One of New Zealands leading institutions for teaching and research, the University of Waikato has 13,500 students and 2,500 staff across two vibrant campuses in the North Island: in Hamilton and a downtown Tauranga, as well as a joint institute in Hangzhou, China.
The NYC police commissioner just resigned amid a federal probe. Here's a look at the 4 investigations embroiling City Hall right now.

Edward A. Caban is congratulated by New York City Mayor Eric Adams after being sworn in as NYPD police commissioner in New York, July 17, 2023. (Jeenah Moon/AP)

The commissioner of the biggest police department in the country resigned Thursday, days after having his phone seized by federal agents as part of one of multiple, ongoing criminal investigations into New York City Mayor Eric Adamss administration.

Edward Caban, the New York City police commissioner, announced his resignation in an email on Thursday, saying "news around recent developments" had created a distraction too big for him to focus on the job of being NYC's top cop.

The NYPD deserves someone who can solely focus on protecting and serving New York City, which is why  for the good of this city and this department  I have made the difficult decision to resign, Caban wrote.

I am unwilling to let my attention be on anything other than our important work, or the safety of the men and women of the NYPD, he added.

What was the mayors response?

Adams speaks during a press conference at City Hall in New York, Dec. 12, 2023. (Peter K. Afriyie/AP)

At a hastily arranged press conference, Adams said he accepted Caban's decision to resign and appointed Tom Donlon, a retired FBI official who previously served as New Yorks director of Homeland Security, as interim police commissioner.

The 4 federal investigations

The development comes amid at least four ongoing federal investigations into the Adams administration  which have ensnared several of his top officials.

Here is what is known about each:

The police commissioner and his brother

Last week, federal agents seized Caban's phone as part of an investigation being conducted by the U.S. attorneys office for the Southern District of New York. According to the New York Times, that probe has "focused at least in part on a nightclub security business owned by the commissioners twin brother, James Caban," a former police officer who was fired in 2001. Caban also had his phone seized, according to the paper.

The Adams campaign

According to the Times, federal investigators are examining whether the Adams campaign conspired with the Turkish government to receive illegal foreign donations. "Federal prosecutors were also investigating whether the mayor pressured the Fire Department to sign off on the opening of a high-rise consulate building for the Turkish government and whether he accepted pricey airfare upgrades from Turkish Airlines, which is owned in part by the Turkish government," the Times reported. Last November, federal agents searched the home of Brianna Suggs, Adams's fundraising chief. Adams himself was subpoenaed in July  eight months after federal agents seized his cellphones and an iPad while he was leaving an event in Manhattan.

Adamss Asian affairs adviser

Earlier this year, agents searched the homes of Winnie Greco, the mayors special adviser and director of Asian affairs, as part of a separate federal investigation. "The focus of that investigation is also unclear," the Times noted, "but it is being conducted by a prosecutors office that has brought several high-profile cases in recent years against people accused of acting illegally on behalf of the Chinese government."

Potential bribery scheme

And federal investigators are also examining a possible bribery scheme involving two top officials in the Adams administration: David C. Banks, the schools chancellor, and his brother, Philip B. Banks III, the deputy mayor for public safety. Per the Times, federal agents seized their phones last week as well as the phone of their younger brother, Terence Banks, who runs a consulting firm that has received contracts with agencies that his older brothers oversee.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams speaks while Caban listens during a news conference at Police Plaza in New York on April 3. (Brendan McDermid/Reuters)

According to the Associated Press, other officials whose devices were recently seized include Sheena Wright, Adamss first deputy mayor and Timothy Pearson, a mayoral adviser and former high-ranking NYPD official.

Adams has denied any wrongdoing. At Thursdays press conference, the mayor said he was surprised as you to learn of these inquiries, and added: I take them extremely seriously.
Thieves around the world are continuing to rob stores in search of valuable Pokemon Cards. In the latest example of this trend, some robbers in Japan apparently didnt know much about Pokemon and had to ask shop staff which cards were valuable and worth stealing.

As first reported by NHK and spotted by IGN, on September 9 thieves broke into a card shop in Osaka, Japan. The break-in allegedly occurred at 3:30 A.M. while store employees were closing up for the night. The thieves had what appeared to be a knife. After tying up the employees, the two robbers walked out with over $70,000 worth of valuable Pokemon cards. Apparently, the thieves didnt do their research and needed help with picking the right cards to steal.

As further reported by The Mainichi, the robbery happened right after an employee livestream in which they showed off cards to viewers. According to police, before tying them up with rope and covering their mouths with tape, the duo asked the employees which Pokemon cards were worth stealing. The thieves then left with over 100 trading cards worth about $10 million yen or about $70,000 USD. So it seems the employees did a good job recommending which cards to grab.

Police say the thieves took the two staff members phones and wallets, too. No injuries were reported. Local police in Osaka have yet to find and arrest the alleged thieves who reportedly wore dark shirts and sunglasses during the robbery.

This is far from the first time weve seen criminals targeting hobby shops and Pokemon cards. Over the last few years, as Pokemon cards have become increasingly more popular and valuable, weve seen numerous examples of large-scale card robberies. In 2022, a collector claimed over $500,000 worth of Pokemon cards was stolen from his home. And in 2023 a police officer was fired after allegedly trying to steal and sell Pokemon cards. So uh, be careful who you tell about your awesome collection of Pokemon cards.

.



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At first John was flattered when a woman reached out to him on social media, and sent him kind and supportive messages.

Then they started to get flirty, says John, who has a learning disability and asked to remain anonymous.

The woman, who said she was a teacher, began sending him intimate photos and convinced him to do the same. But after he sent one back, her tone shifted.

All of a sudden, you are pressured to do something and you do it without thinking, says John. Thats all they needed then to blackmail me.

Soon, the messages became unrelenting - as many as 50 a day.

You dare block me on twitter... see my next move, said one. You think you can run away? I still have your picture, another read.

The person demanded money and threatened to share Johns image online, a crime commonly referred to as sextortion. John lost more than 3,000 trying to stop the blackmailer from sharing the image.

When he had no more money to offer - fearing there was no way out - John thought about taking his own life.

I thought my life was over, he says. I thought they are going to ruin me. He says thats when he finally decided to tell someone he could trust.

John reached out to a charity, which he knew supported people with learning disabilities. Kat Akass, at SeeAbility, was the first person he spoke to.

I dont think you can picture how bad it was unless you were there, she says. We were really concerned about his personal safety. He was so distressed. He really, honestly thought his life was over.

There are no official statistics around the number of sextortion cases in the UK. So BBC News sent a Freedom of Information Act request to every police force in the UK, asking how many reported blackmail offences featured the word "sextortion over the last decade.

The 33 forces (out of a total 45) who responded recorded almost 8,000 blackmail cases logged with a reference to sextortion last year. The same number of forces recorded 23 in 2014. All the forces to respond were in England and Wales.

Across the last decade, there were at least 21,323 recorded offences that included a reference to the word sextortion. Over 18,000 of these were since the pandemic.

In the same timeframe, blackmail offences as a whole have seen an 18-fold rise, according to Home Office data.

[BBC]

Earlier this year, the National Crime Agency (NCA) put out its first ever all-school alert, warning teenagers about the dangers of sextortion. The NCA knew it was a rapidly rising crime, but said it didnt know how many victims were out there.

The BBC showed Johns interview and the police data to Sean Sutton from the NCA's child sexual abuse threat team.

Its just devastating, he said. And we know that a number of people have already taken their own lives in the UK.

In fact, the NCA is so concerned that theyve spoken to the coroners office to suggest that, in cases of suicides with no apparent motivation, they should explore the possibility of sextortion.

The data obtained by the BBC is imperfect. Its difficult to know exactly how many victims are out there, as this type of criminality has, until now, been reported by police under a number of different offences, mostly blackmail but also cybercrime, and child abuse.

Officers may also have recorded it using a description other than sextortion. But that is about to change.

Such is the scale of this issue, the NCA is about to start identifying this as a crime in its own right. It will be called financially-motivated sexual exploitation and given its own unique crime code, which will finally allow the NCA to track how widespread it really is.

Mr Sutton fears any data only reflects the tip of the iceberg because people are so reluctant to report these crimes.

People think theyll pay an amount of money and these criminals will go away, he said. Unfortunately, thats not our experience.

He advises victims not to be drawn into conversation with people making threats to them online: If they ask for money, dont pay it or youll end up paying more and more and more.

Staff at SeeAbility tried to help John by reporting the flood of messages and threats as they appeared.

You cant get on to a real person to shut them down, says Kat Akass. You click a button and hit report... and then you wait.

Rot in hell

Today, John is receiving therapy and says he lives in a constant state of anxiety. The power struggle with the scammers felt unending: reporting and blocking scammers and ignoring demands for cash.

In the end, he went to the police but he says he was made to feel like a criminal. The NCA told us this should not have happened and it plans to shortly issue new guidance for all forces.

We do understand the stigma in these cases, a spokesperson told the BBC. Were trying to take the stigma out and tell victims directly: Get some help. Get some support. Its not your fault.

Last week, two brothers from Nigeria who targeted a 17-year-old in a sextortion scam were sentenced to 17 years and six months in jail in the US.

The Ogoshi brothers, from Lagos, lured Jordan DeMay into sending them explicit images by pretending to be a girl his age - then blackmailed him.

The teenager killed himself less than six hours after they started talking on Instagram.

His was one of at least 27 suicides linked to sextortion in the US alone.

John wants other victims not to be afraid to tell someone what is happening to them.

To the scammers, I say I hope you rot in hell for what youve done to me. But Im speaking because I want people to know you can survive this. You just need to reach out for help.

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this story, you can get help and support at BBC Action Line.
Wind farms are to be built off the holiday coasts of Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly and South Wales under Crown Estate plans to accelerate offshore turbine expansion.

Thousands more giant wind turbines are to be constructed around Britains shores under plans set out by the Crown Estate, which owns and manages the seabeds around England, Wales and Northern Ireland on behalf of the King.

The Crown Estate wants to open up swathes of the Celtic Sea  stretching along the coasts of North Cornwall, South Wales, and out to the Scilly Isles  for renewable energy generation, as well as areas off the coasts of Lincolnshire and Yorkshire  home to popular resorts.

The plans have been welcomed by wind and power companies but condemned by fishermen who said wind farm expansion threatened their industry and its communities.

The Crown Estate entered into partnership with Great British Energy, the new state organisation set up by Ed Miliband, the Energy Secretary, to develop renewable power.

The UK currently has 2,800 offshore wind turbines with the capacity to generate 15 gigawatts (GW) of power. They produced 15pc of British electricity last year. Another 12 GW of offshore wind capacity is under construction and a further 11 GW has planning approval.

The Crown Estate report suggests expanding the total to as much as 140 GW by 2050  a nine-fold increase  meaning several thousand more wind turbines will be needed. Such an expansion would grow low-carbon energy capacity but would also risk treasured sea views being transformed by distant spinning turbines.

Modern wind turbines average 850 feet and could be visible from up to 35 miles away. A Crown Estate spokesman said it was too early to say how many would be visible from the coast.

New wind farms will also potentially impact fishing, sailing, shipping and the beaches and communities where cables connecting them to the National Grid come ashore.

The Crown Estates plans have delighted industry figures. Fintan Slye, director of the National Grids Electricity Systems Operator, said: This is another step in ensuring that we can collectively accelerate deployment of offshore renewables.

Juergen Maier, chair of Great British Energy, said: This report marks an exciting step towards unlocking the next 20 to 30 GW of offshore wind pipeline  enough power for the equivalent of almost 20m homes.

But fishermen warned that existing wind farms were already driving them out of traditional fishing grounds and said the huge expansion proposed by the Crown Estate would pile yet more pressure on the industry.

Mike Cohen, chief executive of the National Federation of Fishermens Organisations, said: Wind farms are challenging neighbours for the fishermen already working in the areas of the sea that the Crown Estate plans to lease out for industrialisation.

Most types of fishing cannot take place within wind farms. Longer days at sea, higher fuel costs and smaller catches are the result.

There has been almost no scientific investigation of the ecological impacts of this type of marine construction, particularly on the staggering scale that has been proposed.

Under the plan, 12pc of the Celtic Sea and 15pc of the seas off Northumberland, County Durham and Yorkshire could be opened up to developers to build as much as 30 GW-worth of new wind farms. About 2,000 would be needed to meet the upper 30 GW target.

The Crown Estates Future of Offshore Wind report said: Much of the new offshore wind capacity is expected to be in areas of the Celtic Sea, which lies off the coasts of South Wales and South West England and North East England.

A number of smaller projects are also likely off the coasts of North Wales, North West England, Lincolnshire and Yorkshire.

Gus Jaspert, the Crown Estates marine managing director, said Britains seas faced competing pressures from multiple industries  including fishing, shipping, oil, gas and CO2 storage, as well as energy.

He said: We need a forward plan to release the true potential of our seas  our approach to offshore wind development is designed to help remove some of the barriers to deployment and provide more certainty to investors.

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Microsoft has resolved an outage that left thousands of users unable to access their services on Thursday morning.

Microsoft 365 users reported outages, saying they were unable to sign into their email accounts or access other applications. Downdetector, a website that tracks tech outages, estimated that over 24,000 users faced issues around the peak of the disruption around 9 a.m. ET.

The issue affected Teams, which many companies use for internal communications. X user Larry Pritchard commented: "Holler if youre at work doing nothing cuz of the Microsoft outage."

Later in the morning on Thursday, Microsoft said that the systems were back up and running. Sorry, Larry.

How long was Microsoft 365 down?

According to Downdetector, more than 24,000 users reported Microsoft 365 outages around 9 a.m. ET Thursday. By 9:30 a.m., the number was back down to just under 3,500. At 10:45 a.m., Microsoft shared on X that the issue had been remedied.

What Microsoft apps experienced problems?

Outlook had the most outages, with 75% of reports centering around the email app. Seventeen percent of users had issues with server connections and 8% with Onedrive.

What was the issue that caused the Microsoft outage?

The Microsoft 365 Status account on X posted around 10:45 a.m. ET, saying the company had "confirmed that impact has been remediated."

We've monitored our systems and confirmed that impact has been remediated.

Please look for MO888473 in the admin center for more details.  Microsoft 365 Status (@MSFT365Status) September 12, 2024

In a series of posts leading up to the resolution, Microsoft said the problems stemmed from a change within a "third-party ISP (internet service provider's) managed-environment."

After the ISP reversed the change, Microsoft reported signs of recovery.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How long was Microsoft 365 down? What to know about the outage
A suspect from Europe manipulated a youth online to make two hoax bomb threat calls that targeted Brookfield Elementary in April, according to a police investigation.

Brookfield Elementary Principal Amy Benotch emailed the school community Wednesday with an update from the Brookfield Police Department about the swatting calls made on April 9 and April 17, which resulted in school evacuations. Swatting is the criminal harassment act of placing a false emergency call to draw a large police presence to an address.

"Both calls were hoaxes that originated from a minor who was being manipulated by a threat actor from Europe on a social networking platform called Discord," Benotch wrote in her email.

That conclusion came after several months of the Brookfield Police Department engaging with the school districts technology department, phone carriers and other police departments across the country, the principal said.

A threat actor is a person in an action or process that is characterized by malice or hostile action (intending harm) using computers, devices, systems or networks.

Elmbrook School District won't press charges on minor, principal says

The Elmbrook School District won't pursue criminal charges for the swatting incident due to the circumstances, according to principal Benotch.

The minor who made the call is not from the area and has no known ties to the school, Brookfield Police Capt. Anthony Gatlin confirmed in an email to the Journal Sentinel.

During the first swatting call on April 9, 2024, Brookfield Elementary was evacuated and police officers performed a sweep of the building. Other Brookfield police officers investigating that day determined the call was a swatting incident. Students and teachers returned to the school.

The school received the second phone call just over a week later, on April 17. This call was disguised differently, and police began an investigation into its origins as soon as the school was deemed safe to return to, Benotch said.

What is the social networking platform Discord?

Discord is a communications platform that is especially popular in the online gaming community. Users must be 13 years old to join the app, which allows users to make voice and video calls as well as chat in direct and group messages, according to the site.

Lauren Shapiro, author of "Cyberpredators and Their Prey," said on the USA Today podcast The Excerpt that Discord should not be used to share information because it is not a protected network.

Shapiro advises people use a virtual private network, or VPN, for protection. "People will not be able to trace you and find your address and make you a victim of swatting," Shapiro told host Dana Taylor in a July 7 episode.

Discord's Guardian Guide advises that the "Family Center" feature allows guardians to monitor how their child spends time on the app.

Police and district collaboration key to responding to Brookfield Elementary swatting calls

In her email, the principal thanked the police department for its "efforts to bring closure to these swatting calls," adding the "after-action work with the department" strengthened the school's approach to such incidents.

The police department's partnership with the district allows the department's training division to conduct school response training during periods when students are not present in the schools, Gatlin told the Journal Sentinel.

"Our response operates in collaboration with the school's protocols, school district officials, patrol officers, school resource officers, detectives, and mutual aid resources."

Swatting calls on the increase, research suggests

Brookfield Elementary isn't alone in receiving threats that have been identified as or considered similar to swatting.

In Wisconsin and across the country, schools and public figures have been subjected to the false alarm calls, which some research suggests have surged in the last few years.

The day after the Brookfield Elementary's first call, police searched the Milwaukee French Immersion School after multiple bomb threats. The first threat had also targeted Milwaukee's Groppi High School and Hi-Mount Community School.

On a single day, Oct. 20, 2022, 14 schools across Wisconsin were the targets of false active shooter reports.

Wisconsin U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore also experienced a swatting attempt at her Milwaukee home this year, and said Wisconsin's Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin was also swatted the "very next day," the Journal Sentinel reported in April.

A 2022 report from NPR found at least 113 instances of hoax calls across 19 states within less than a month.

The uptick has prompted agencies and organizations to take the calls seriously.

The FBI formed a national online database in May 2023 to help share information pertaining to swatting incidents between hundreds of police departments and law enforcement agencies across the country, according to NBC News.

The National Association of School Resource Officers and Safe and Sound Schools published guidance for school resource officers and administrators on how to respond to swatting following a surge in the calls targeting schools.

Pediatric psychologist shares how to talk to kids about cyber security and swatting

Dr. Jeffrey Karst, a pediatric psychologist with Children's Wisconsin, reminds parents that each child responds differently to incidents like threats that occur within their school.

For younger kids, it's best to lead conversations with reassurance and reminders that actually harmful situations are relatively rare, he said. Help them understand it's normal to have an emotional reaction to swatting even if everyone at school is physically unharmed, Karst said.

"It's also helpful to know what a hoax is, to know what swatting means," Karst said. "Middle and high schoolers may know but younger kids might not."

The more parents are approachable and open minded, the more their kids, especially their teens, will be comfortable to share.

In his own household, he's told his kids that both adults and children can be vulnerable to cyber threats.

"These things can be really deceiving," he said.

Bridget Fogarty is a reporter covering the west suburbs for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. She can be reached at bfogarty@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Brookfield Elementary 'swatting calls' influenced by 'threat actor'
Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson looks on as Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes speaks during a House Administration Committee hearing in the Longworth House Office Building at the U.S. Capitol on Sept. 11, 2024 in Washington, D.C. The hearing examined American Confidence in Elections while looking forward to the 2024 presidential election in just under two months. (Bonnie Cash/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  Republicans on the House Administration Committee at a Wednesday hearing argued that legislation to bar people from voting who are not citizens  something already illegal  is whats needed to prepare for the November elections.

But Democratic secretaries of state in battleground states told committee members they are more concerned about the detailed threats they and their election workers are experiencing resulting from election misinformation.

Three Democratic secretaries of state, Adrian Fontes of Arizona, Jocelyn Benson of Michigan and Maggie Toulouse Oliver of New Mexico, said that people who are not citizens voting in federal elections do not constitute a problem, despite the GOP push for legislation barring the act.

Theres no evidence that noncitizens are voting and if they were, it would be easy to prove, since voting records are public. And despite numerous organizations spending a lot of money to try to convince people that noncitizens are voting, none of these groups have actually been able to provide any evidence of it, Benson said.

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Those Democratic secretaries of state added that since former President Donald Trump has continued to perpetuate the falsehood that he won the 2020 presidential election, they have been forced to deal with threats and are concerned the lie has led to overall distrust in election results.

The insurrection on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021 was an attempt by a mob of pro-Trump supporters to stop Congress from certifying the electoral results of the 2020 presidential election.

The three Republican secretaries of state at the hearing, Frank LaRose of Ohio, Cord Byrd of Florida and Mac Warner of West Virginia, argued that federal legislation requiring proof of citizenship to register is necessary to prevent people who are not citizens from voting and to secure elections. Research has found that noncitizen voting rarely happens.

The fact is its rare, but we keep it rare by enforcing the law, LaRose said of such voting. It is my duty to carry that out. Unfortunately, that duty is not as easy to carry out as it should be.

Bill pulled from floor

House Republicans are currently trying to attach H.R. 8281, passed in July, that requires proof of citizenship to register to vote, to a stopgap government funding bill. A vote was planned late Wednesday, but House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana pulled the bill because he didnt have enough votes for passage.

However, its dead on arrival in the Senate and President Joe Biden has already promised a veto.

House Administration Committee Chair Bryan Steil, Republican of Wisconsin, said he is still working to get H.R. 8281 passed ahead of the November elections.

As we approach the upcoming federal election, it is imperative that we take a close look at how each Secretary of State will implement federal and State election laws to guarantee that every legal vote counts, Steil said in his opening remarks.

Multiple GOP-led states have ballot initiatives this November to bar noncitizens from voting, including in Idaho, Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Wisconsin.

Its also a priority for Trump, the current GOP presidential nominee, who has made immigration a core campaign platform and has falsely stated that noncitizen voting cost him the popular vote in 2016.

The top Democrat on the committee, Joe Morelle of New York, noted that the election is already here, as ballots are going to be sent to military members overseas and states are getting ready for early voting in the coming weeks.

He raised concerns about threats to election workers as well as misinformation about the security of elections.

Election officials are operating in an election season that continues to be marred by a steady drumbeat of mis- and disinformation, he said in his opening statement. For months, we have heard the former President and others either refuse to say they will accept the outcome of the election, or condition their acceptance with an if they are free and fair which undermines Americans confidence that our elections are, in fact, fair and secure.

More consistent funding

Morelle said that Congress needs to do more to help election officials, including providing consistent funding in election security grants.

He said that in fiscal year 2024, Congress appropriated about $55 million to states and U.S. territories in election grants.

Oliver and Benson said that a consistent stream of federal funding would also help them deal with misinformation about elections.

Benson said that her state is often scraping together funding and that a predictable and sustainable stream of funding would help, especially when dealing with threats of violence and intimidation.

She added that she knows all eyes will be on Michigan, a battleground state, and noted that during the last presidential race, her state was able to post results within 24 hours. Michigans 2020 presidential election results were challenged by Republicans.

Well never sacrifice accuracy and security in tabulating our votes over efficiency, Benson said. We understand the urgency of the movement and the fact that the eyes of the nation will often be on our state.

Biden order on voter registration

Republicans on the committee took issue with a three-year-old executive order from President Joe Biden that directed federal agencies to help register eligible voters.

It is our duty to ensure that registering to vote and the act of voting be made simple and easy for all those eligible to do so, according to the executive order.

People show up on my doorstep when Im inside trying to hang Christmas decorations with my 4-year-old son, screaming into a megaphone Youre a murderer and you should be arrested and tried for treason.'

 Jocelyn Benson, Michigan secretary of state

GOP Rep. Greg Murphy of North Carolina took issue with the initiative and argued it was partisan because it helped Democrats in elections.

This is where the angst and the anger comes from, he said, referring to Americans distrust in elections. It is absolutely for Democrats.

Oklahoma GOP Rep. Stephanie Bice agreed, and said that while voter registration is important, its not something the federal government or its agencies should undertake. She asked the Republican secretaries of state if they had been contacted about the executive order.

LaRose said that because he sued the Biden administration over it, I think they know better than to ask me.

Byrd said that hes instructed Florida agencies not to participate and Warner said that he sent a letter to the White House asking them to rescind the executive order because he believes its unconstitutional.

Threats to election workers

California Democratic Rep. Norma Torres said she is concerned about threats to election workers.

Oliver said that misinformation about elections had led to mistrust for voters. She said that the discussion of voting by people who are not citizens is an example.

When voters are misinformed, they lose trust in the system, she said. Noncitizen voting does not happen in any systematic way in New Mexico or across the nation.

Torres asked how that type of misinformation affects their work and that of election workers.

Benson, who was elected as Michigans secretary of state in 2018, said that shes had people show up at her house to threaten her.

People show up on my doorstep when Im inside trying to hang Christmas decorations with my 4-year-old son, screaming into a megaphone Youre a murderer and you should be arrested and tried for treason, she said. Thats the reality of all this. Thats who it all impacts.

Benson said lies and misinformation about election results make us afraid to go to work, afraid to go grocery shopping, afraid to take our kid to school, afraid to go into our backyard because we dont know what might be lurking in the bushes.

Thats what weve been experiencing not just this last week, but these last four years, she said.

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Fifteen Upstate South Carolina students have been charged with making threats of violence toward their schools in the aftermath of the Sept. 4 shooting in Winder, Georgia.

Two students and two teachers were shot to death there with an AR-type weapon and nine were injured. The student, Colt Gray, was 14. He has been charged with four counts of felony murder and will be tried as an adult.

In many of the arrests in Upstate South Carolina, the suspects are 14 and younger.

In addition, a 15-year-old was charged with having a gun and alcohol in his pickup truck in Laurens County.

And on Wednesday a 16-year-old was arrested for firing a pellet from an airsoft gun that hit another student at Riverside Highs cross country practice at East Riverside Park.

The student who was hit is OK, Lt. Ryan Flood of the Greenville County Sheriffs Office said.

Investigators have not learned a motive behind the shooting and are still investigating to see if any other parties were involved, Flood said.

Last Friday, Sept. 6, a student at Greer Middle School in Greenville County was charged after making verbal threats during a class the day before.

Greer Police said a school resource officer was made aware of the threats.

Two students were taken into custody in Oconee County this week, a 13-year-old at Walhalla Middle and a 14-year-old at Walhalla High.

The Oconee County Sheriffs Office said the threats were made during a class.

Both were charged with making threats to a school and turned over to the custody of the Department of Juvenile Justice.

At Laurens Middle School, a 12-year-old was charged with making a threat against the school on social media.

No weapons were found in the students possession or on campus, Laurens Police said.

We take the safety and security of your children  the most vulnerable citizens in our community  very seriously, said Laurens Police Chief Heath Copeland. We hope our response sends a clear message that this type of behavior will not be tolerated.

On Wednesday, four additional arrests were made at four Greenville County schools  Blue Ridge Middle, Woodmont Middle, Greer Middle and Riverside High, Tim Waller, spokesman for Greenville County Schools said.

The Riverside High arrest was in addition to the incident at the cross country practice, Waller said.

The students ages were not released by the school district but Flood said the Blue Ridge student was 13. He is accused of writing a text thread that he was going to bring a gun to school. Authorities pulled the student from class, but he did not have a gun, Flood said.

All have been recommended for expulsion.

Six students were accused of making threats to a school in Spartanburg County, the Spartanburg County Sheriffs Office announced Thursday. The office did not release information about which schools were involved or the ages of the students.

They did say social media was involved.

The State Law Enforcement Division took a 10th grader into custody for making threats against Crescent High School in Anderson County, South Carolina.

Meanwhile, there have been dozens of incidents where school districts have investigated reported threats but found them not credible.

Nevertheless, each case brings stepped up law enforcement at schools in the immediate aftermath.

Anderson County district superintendents issued a statement saying there had been an increase in hoax threats on social media.

We want to reassure you that our districts are working closely with state and local law enforcement agencies and take every reported threat seriously, the statement said.

In Greenville County, school leaders, the sheriff and police chiefs of every city issued a joint statement about the rise in threats, asking parents for help in monitoring students.

In order to effectively utilize school district and law enforcement resources, we ask parents to closely monitor their childrens social media accounts to ensure that students report concerns directly to the school or to law enforcement and not repost them on social media or share with classmates, the statement said.

Waller said nearly every school has been impacted by rumors of a threat. The district has 106 schools and is South Carolinas largest district with 77,000 students.

More than a dozen GCS schools sent out parent messages yesterday alone to calm parent fears, Waller said Wednesday. Its important to point out, while law enforcement investigated all of these rumored threats, none were determined to be credible.

The district has a See Something, Say Something icon on every school Chromebook to report anything suspicious, including bullying.

Threats made towards schools, whether intended as a joke or not, are a crime in South Carolina and can result in serious legal consequences for students or adults, the statement said.

Among the school reporting hoaxes are Hillcrest Middle School in Greenville County, T.L. Hanna High in Anderson District 5 , and Gettys Middle School in Pickens County.

At Pickens High School a social media post initially deemed suspicious was found to be referencing a different Pickens High School in another state.
The Democratic presidential nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, and the Republican nominee, former President Donald Trump, took part in an ABC News debate on Tuesday. World News Tonight anchor and managing editor David Muir and World News Tonight Sunday anchor and ABC News Live Prime anchor Linsey Davis were the moderators. (Photo courtesy ABC NEWS/Michael Le Brecht II)

WASHINGTON  Former President Donald Trump and other Republicans complained Wednesday that the previous nights ABC News presidential debate was unfair toward the GOP nominee.

But the campaigns of Trump and the Democratic presidential nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, also engaged via the news media about the possibility of a second debate before the Nov. 5 election.

Trump and his allies said the ABC News moderators, World News Tonight anchor and managing editor David Muir and World News Tonight Sunday anchor and ABC News Live Prime anchor Linsey Davis, sided with Harris by fact-checking a few of Trumps more outlandish claims.

It was three to one, Trump said Wednesday in a call to Fox News morning program Fox & Friends, referring to Harris and the two moderators. 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.

At the debate Tuesday night, Davis contested Trumps claim that a former Democratic governor floated the possibility of allowing abortion after a baby is born.

There is no state in this country where it is legal to kill a baby after its born, Davis said.

Muir also challenged Trump when the former president repeated baseless rumors that Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio, were stealing and eating residents pets, saying Springfields city manager had debunked the claim.

Terribly moderated debate, Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina told Fox News Sean Hannity immediately after the debate. It was three against one.

Representatives for ABC News did not immediately return an email seeking comment on the criticism.

Polling on debate

The perception that ABCs moderators were partial to Harris was not widely shared outside of Republicans.

In a YouGov survey of more than 3,000 adults, 40% said the moderators were fair and unbiased. The second-most common answer was dont know, with 29%, and 27% of respondents said the moderators were biased toward Harris.

A plurality of independents, 32%, and 69% of Democrats also said the moderators were fair. Just more than half of Republicans said Muir and Davis were unfair to Trump.

On his social media platform Truth Social overnight, Trump touted his debate performance and posted several screenshots of right-wing news outlet polls stating he had won the matchup.

Comrade Kamala Harris is going around wanting another Debate because she lost so badly  Just look at the Polls! Its true with prizefighters, when they lose a fight, they immediately want another. MAGA2024, Trump wrote in response to the Harris campaign suggesting a second meeting.

Trump defended his comments about Haitian migrants in Ohio. The false claims have been circulating among right-wing circles, and amplified on social media Monday by Trumps running mate, U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio.

He posted police audio published by the conservative news outlet The Federalist alleging migrants were seen carrying geese in late August. Trump also republished a video, fact-checked by the Canton, Ohio, newspaper The Repository, of a woman, with no known connection to the Caribbean nation, in Canton, who on Aug. 16 was arrested and charged with animal cruelty for allegedly killing and eating a cat.

Prior to the debate, Trump posted an AI-generated image of him surrounded by and hugging cats and water fowl on his private jet, as well as an army of cats wearing MAGA hats and carrying semi-automatic rifles.

Another debate?

During a Sept. 11 memorial event in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, Trump reportedly said he was open to two more debates, hosted by NBC News and Fox News.

The NBC event would be Sept. 25, but Harris has not agreed to it, preferring a date in October.

Fox executives on Tuesday night renewed the networks offer to host another debate in a battleground state in October.

Trump campaign spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said in an email the former presidents Fox News comment was a reference to a town hall with commentator Sean Hannity earlier this month.

It was supposed to be on September 4, Leavitt wrote. Kamala didnt show up so it turned into a town hall with Sean Hannity.

The Harris campaign has said the vice president wants another debate with Trump in October. Campaign Chair Jen OMalley Dillon repeated that in a statement late Tuesday.

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, OMalley Dillon wrote. 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?

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With more than 20 years of marketing experience spanning multiple industries and both small-to-medium businesses (SMB) and enterprise customers, Wizbowski will lead ECI's marketing strategy and ensure its alignment with business objectives and drive brand growth, enhance customer engagement and optimise ECIs marketing positioning.

Trevor Gruenewald, chief executive officer, ECI Software Solutions said Were excited to welcome Ray to the ECI team.

Rays extensive experience building high-performing marketing teams and driving growth in diverse industries perfectly aligns with our strategic goals. His proven track record in developing and executing innovative marketing strategies will be invaluable as we expand our market presence. We are confident that Ray's leadership and vision will help us achieve new levels of success. We look forward to the fresh perspectives he brings to ECI.

Wizbowski joins ECI from Diligent, a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) company specialising in governance, risk and compliance, owned by Insight Partners. During his tenure at Diligent, Wizbowski played a pivotal role in value creation by significantly increasing pipeline coverage across the companys five business lines. He also led a comprehensive company rebranding initiative that integrated multiple acquisitions and successfully aligned the go-to-market functions between marketing and business development representatives to drive growth.

Ray Wizbowski, chief marketing officer, ECI Software Solutions said "I'm honoured to join ECI in supporting SMBs as they grow and strengthen their competitive edge.

Having grown up in a family of small business entrepreneurs, I understand the challenges of building a sustainable business. Ive seen firsthand how technology can make a crucial difference in helping SMBs stand out. Im excited to help our customers drive success and support their entrepreneurial journeys."
The Democratic presidential nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, and the Republican nominee, former President Donald Trump, took part in an ABC News debate on Sept. 10, 2024. World News Tonight anchor and managing editor David Muir and World News Tonight Sunday anchor and ABC News Live Prime anchor Linsey Davis were the moderators. (Michael Le Brecht II | Courtesy ABC News)

WASHINGTON  Former President Donald Trump and other Republicans complained Wednesday that the previous nights ABC News presidential debate was unfair toward the GOP nominee.

But the campaigns of Trump and the Democratic presidential nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, also engaged via the news media about the possibility of a second debate before the Nov. 5 election.

Trump and his allies said the ABC News moderators, World News Tonight anchor and managing editor David Muir and World News Tonight Sunday anchor and ABC News Live Prime anchor Linsey Davis, sided with Harris by fact-checking a few of Trumps more outlandish claims.

It was three to one, Trump said Wednesday in a call to Fox News morning program Fox & Friends, referring to Harris and the two moderators. 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.

At the debate Tuesday night, Davis contested Trumps claim that a former Democratic governor floated the possibility of allowing abortion after a baby is born.

There is no state in this country where it is legal to kill a baby after its born, Davis said.

Muir also challenged Trump when the former president repeated baseless rumors that Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio, were stealing and eating residents pets, saying Springfields city manager had debunked the claim.

Terribly moderated debate, Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina told Fox News Sean Hannity immediately after the debate. It was three against one.

Representatives for ABC News did not immediately return an email seeking comment on the criticism.

Polling on debate

The perception that ABCs moderators were partial to Harris was not widely shared outside of Republicans.

In a YouGov survey of more than 3,000 adults, 40% said the moderators were fair and unbiased. The second-most common answer was dont know, with 29%, and 27% of respondents said the moderators were biased toward Harris.

A plurality of independents, 32%, and 69% of Democrats also said the moderators were fair. Just more than half of Republicans said Muir and Davis were unfair to Trump.

On his social media platform Truth Social overnight, Trump touted his debate performance and posted several screenshots of right-wing news outlet polls stating he had won the matchup.

Comrade Kamala Harris is going around wanting another Debate because she lost so badly  Just look at the Polls! Its true with prizefighters, when they lose a fight, they immediately want another. MAGA2024, Trump wrote in response to the Harris campaign suggesting a second meeting.

Trump defended his comments about Haitian migrants in Ohio. The false claims have been circulating among right-wing circles, and amplified on social media Monday by Trumps running mate, U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio.

He posted police audio published by the conservative news outlet The Federalist alleging migrants were seen carrying geese in late August. Trump also republished a video, fact-checked by the Canton, Ohio, newspaper The Repository, of a woman, with no known connection to the Caribbean nation, in Canton, who on Aug. 16 was arrested and charged with animal cruelty for allegedly killing and eating a cat.

Prior to the debate, Trump posted an AI-generated image of him surrounded by and hugging cats and water fowl on his private jet, as well as an army of cats wearing MAGA hats and carrying semi-automatic rifles.

Another debate?

During a Sept. 11 memorial event in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, Trump reportedly said he was open to two more debates, hosted by NBC News and Fox News.

The NBC event would be Sept. 25, but Harris has not agreed to it, preferring a date in October.

Fox executives on Tuesday night renewed the networks offer to host another debate in a battleground state in October.

Trump campaign spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said in an email the former presidents Fox News comment was a reference to a town hall with commentator Sean Hannity earlier this month.

It was supposed to be on September 4, Leavitt wrote. Kamala didnt show up so it turned into a town hall with Sean Hannity.

The Harris campaign has said the vice president wants another debate with Trump in October. Campaign Chair Jen OMalley Dillon repeated that in a statement late Tuesday.

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, OMalley Dillon wrote. 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?

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MARYVILLE, Tenn. (WATE)  The Blount County Sheriffs Office on Thursday announced the arrest of three students in connection to reported school threats.

Local authorities on Wednesday began investigating after receiving multiple reports regarding social media posts purportedly threatening violence at Union Grove Middle School. A 12 year-old male student at Union Grove Middle School and a 15-year-old female student at William Blount High School were arrested in connection to the alleged threats.

We will prosecute these kids, Knox County DA issues stern warning amid school threats

In a separate investigation, a 15-year-old male student at Heritage High School was arrested by a school resource officer after he allegedly threatened Heritage High School.

All three students were charged with threatening to commit an act of mass violence on school property by a delinquent, a Class E felony.

According to Blount County Sheriff James Lee Berrong, deputies have received multiple tips about various threats of mass violence posted to social media. Many of these threats were determined to have been posted from out-of-state and by individuals who have no connection to Blount County. These posts were investigated but could not be specifically attributed to anyone.

These threats of violence on school property being made by our young people is very serious, Berrong said. What these students are doing is criminal. It ties up resources and causes a severe disruption in the schools. It isnt funny and it isnt cool, and the consequences once the perpetrator is caught can be life-altering for the student and their families. I am begging parents and guardians to keep a close eye on what your child is posting to social media. Monitor the social media platforms they are using. Its okay to not allow your child privacy on these platforms.

Parents, students left on edge by reported threats to Knox County Schools

Many school districts around East Tennessee have been disrupted this week by reports of school threats shared on social media. Students have been arrested in Knox, Blount, Roane, and Morgan counties.

Attendance at Knox County Schools dropped 25 percent on Wednesday to 68.3 percent. A school spokesperson said that attendance rebounded to 92.4 percent on Thursday.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side.
Tom Poore Park is pictured Sunday in Midwest City. A 14-year-old boy was shot and killed at the park Sunday.

Three teens have been arrested in connection with the shooting death of a 14-year-old boy earlier this week at a Midwest City park.

Police arrested an 18-year-old male and two male juveniles whose ages are 17 and 16. They each are accused of first-degree murder in the shooting death of Deh'maurieon Denmark.

The 18-year-old is being held at the Oklahoma County jail on $10 million bond. The juveniles are being held at Oklahoma County Juvenile Detention Center. The Oklahoman is not naming the suspects because they have not yet been charged.

Just after 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 8, police responded to shots fired at the park that runs between Hazelwood Drive and NE 10. They found Deh'maurieon on the ground with a gunshot wound to his chest.

Deh'maurieon was taken to OU Medical Center, where he died from his injuries just before 8:30 p.m.

Search warrants were served at the suspects residences  two in Midwest City and one in Spencer. An affidavit for an arrest warrant was issued for the 18-year-old suspect.

More: Neighbors rattled after teen shot to death in Midwest City

At the park, officers located several witnesses who reported seeing three males running from the area and getting into a gray Chevrolet sedan. Police obtained home security video of the vehicle.

Using area camera footage, investigators discovered the car was a 2006 Chevrolet Cobalt registered to the mother of the 17-year-old suspect, according to a detective who wrote the affidavit.

The 17-year-old suspect fit the description of one of the suspects seen fleeing the scene, according to the affidavit.

What investigators have found so far

Deh'maurieon had been in contact on Instagram with a person just before he died, family told investigators. Recent messages showed he was arranging to meet the person at the park.

Deh'maurieons mother told the detective she received a phone call from the mother of one of Deh'maurieons friends, telling her that Deh'maurieon had been shot, according to the affidavit.

A detective later located the 16-year-old suspect at his home. The suspect and his father went to the police department for an interview.

The suspect said he went with Deh'maurieon to the park but was on his phone with his girlfriend the entire time, and didnt know entirely what had transpired, according to the affidavit.

Tom Poore Park is pictured in Midwest City, Okla., Tuesday, Sept., 10, 2024. A 14-year-old boy was shot and killed at the park Sunday.

The suspect said Deh'maurieon met with two or three Black males at the park, according to the affidavit. He told investigators he was on the other side of the park when he heard gunshots and saw Deh'maurieon on the ground and the others run away.

He also told investigators he went to Deh'maurieon and took a wad of money from near his body then ran home. He later realized the money was counterfeit.

A day later, police continued working to find the 17-year-old suspect connected to the Chevrolet Cobalt. They located the vehicle at Star Spencer High School, where he is a student.

Police located him at the school and asked him to be interviewed at the police department. His mother was with him during the interview.

The 17-year-old suspect told investigators he was at home most of the day, then about 5 p.m. went to a barbecue with his girlfriend's family. He said they later left and went back to his girlfriend's house. He said he was never at the park and did not know anything about the shooting except for what he had heard at school.

He also told investigators the 18-year-old suspect, whom he described as his best friend, stayed at his house the night before.

When an investigator asked him if he had any nicknames, the suspect told him about one he uses. The nickname is similar to the Instagram user name of the person Deh'maurieon communicated with before he was shot to death. The suspect confirmed that it was his Instagram account.

His mother gave police consent to search the Chevrolet Cobalt. Police located a loaded 9mm pistol on the rear passenger floorboard and numerous counterfeit $100 bills in the car," according to the affidavit.

Police said there were seven 9mm shell casings found at the homicide scene. Six were found at the time of the shooting. The seventh casing was found the next day by another officer while canvassing the area. It is unknown if that casing was related to the homicide.

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation informed Midwest City police that all six rounds initially found at the scene were fired by the same weapon. None of the shell casings found at the scene were fired by the weapon found in the Chevrolet Cobalt, according to the affidavit.

A detective later spoke with a teen friend of Deh'maurieon who said they heard Deh'maurieon talking about meeting someone at the park and that person believed Deh'maurieon was going to sell him a weapon.

The friend also told the detective he heard Deh'maurieon saying he was planning to "rip him off."

Investigators also interviewed the 18-year-old suspect. He told investigators he went to the park with the 17-year-old suspect and a third male he did not know. He said the 17-year-old suspect  his best friend  was supposed to meet someone at the park to "do a deal," according to the affidavit.

He said he stayed back while the 17-year-old suspect approached a male in the park then heard his friend yell "he's got a gun" followed by several gunshots.

He said the male, identified in the affidavit as Deh'maurieon, had a tan pistol. He was not sure who fired the shots, but knew his friend had a weapon. He told investigators he did not know if the third male he was with was armed.

The suspect told investigators he did not have a gun. No firearm was found at the homicide scene, according to investigators.

The investigation is ongoing.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: 3 teen suspects under arrest in shooting death of teen in Midwest City
Article first published: Thursday, Sep. 12, 2024, 5 a.m. ET

Article last updated: Thursday, Sep. 12, 2024, 5 p.m. ET

On Thursday at 5 pm, the National Hurricane Center issued an advisory stating that Post Tropical Cyclone Francine is 90 miles south of Memphis Tennessee, with maximum sustained wind of 25 mph. Its moving 9 mph to the north.

"Little change in strength is forecast during the next 24 hours." meteorologists observed.

There were numerous changes today: system transformed into a tropical depression. It was later downgraded to a post-tropical cyclone with sustained winds of 25 miles per hour. Francine transited Louisiana and entered Mississippi.

YESTERDAY (Wednesday):

Yesterday, there were several developments, particularly at night: first, Francine started out as a Category 2 hurricane and a Category 1 hurricane but eventually became a tropical storm with sustained winds of 70 miles per hour. Louisiana's coastline was expected to encounter Francine, coming from the Gulf of Mexico

HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND:

RAINFALL: Francine is expected to bring storm total rainfall of 4 to 8 inches across portions of Mississippi, eastern Arkansas, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia and the Florida Panhandle. Localized amounts of 12 inches are possible over portions of Alabama, the Florida Panhandle, and Georgia. This rainfall could lead to considerable flash and urban flooding.

For a complete depiction of forecast rainfall associated with Francine, please see the National Weather Service Storm Total Rainfall Graphic, available at hurricanes.gov/graphics_at1.shtml? Rainqpf and the Flash Flood Risk graphic at hurricanes.gov/graphics_at1.shtml? Ero. For a list of rainfall observations (and wind reports) associated this storm, see the companion storm summary at WBCSCCNS1 with the WMO header ACUS41 KWBC or at the following link: www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/discussions/nfdscc1.html.

TORNADOES: A few tornadoes are possible through this evening across the Florida Panhandle, southern and central Alabama, and southwest Georgia.

WIND: Wind Advisories are in effect across portions of eastern Arkansas, western and middle Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, and northwest Georgia. A few gusts to tropical storm force are possible.

SURF: Swells generated by Francine should subside along the northern Gulf coast through this evening. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.

Source: National Hurricane Center

This article was generated by the Sun Herald Bot, artificial intelligence software that analyzes information from the National Hurricane Center and applies it to templates created by journalists in the newsroom. We are experimenting with this and other new ways of providing more useful content to our readers and subscribers. You can report errors or bugs to mcclatchybot@mcclatchy.com. Full hurricane coverage at sunherald.com/news/weather-news/
TIFF has now canceled screenings of the controversial documentary Russians at War after a representative for the festival said they were made aware of significant threats to festival operations and public safety.

The 2024 festival generated protests from hundreds of demonstrators ahead of its planned screenings starting on Friday and through the weekend, but those are now paused.

More from IndieWire

TIFF stands by its prior statement defending Russians at War, saying it should not be seen as Russian propaganda. But the statement acknowledged that canceling such screenings is an unprecedented move for TIFF.

As a cultural institution, we support civil discourse about and through films, including differences of opinion, and we fully support peaceful assembly, the press statement reads. However, we have received reports indicating potential activity in the coming days that pose significant risk; given the severity of these concerns, we cannot proceed as planned.

Russians at War, which is directed by Anastasia Trofimova, follows the Canadian-Russian filmmaker who spent seven months embedded with the Russian army near the front line in Ukraine. People who saw the film when it premiered at Venice accused the feature of being Russian propaganda that whitewashed the horrors of the Russian army.

But Trofimova, TIFF, and others have defended the movie, saying it is a French-Canadian co-production and that the film was not made with the awareness or support of the Russian government.

Still, the documentary has been a lightning rod for protests, with several Canadian diplomats criticizing TIFF for including it in its programming, and TVOntario even pulling its support for the film. Over 400 Ukrainian protestors gathered outside the Bell Lightbox on Tuesday demanding that the screenings be canceled.

Read TIFFs full statement below:

Effectively immediately, TIFF is forced to pause the upcoming screenings of Russians at War on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday as we have been made aware of significant threats to festival operations and public safety. While we stand firm on our statement shared yesterday, this decision has been made in order to ensure the safety of all festival guests, staff, and volunteers.

This is an unprecedented move for TIFF.

As a cultural institution, we support civil discourse about and through films, including differences of opinion, and we fully support peaceful assembly. However, we have received reports indicating potential activity in the coming days that pose significant risk; given the severity of these concerns, we cannot proceed as planned.

This has been an incredibly difficult decision. When we select films, were guided by TIFFs Mission, our Values, and our programming principles. We believe this film has earned a place in our Festivals lineup, and we are committed to screening it when it is safe to do so.

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TIFF has announced it will halt the screening of the controversial documentary Russians at War after it had been made aware of significant threats to festival operations and public safety.

Russian-Canadian filmmaker Anastasia Trofimova is behind the doc, a first-person account of Russian soldiers in Ukraine.

More from The Hollywood Reporter

The producers of the project offered in a statement that the halting of screenings is heartbreaking for us as filmmakers and Canadian citizens. They continued: Our priority as producers, through this production, has been the safety and security of our courageous director, Anastasia Trofimova, despite her steadfast acceptance of these risks to make her documentary. We had assumed those risks would originate within Russia, not Canada.

Controversy around the film first emerged at the Venice Film Festival, where the film had its world premiere. Trofimova sparked backlash after the films press conference on the Lido when she defended the film, which she made while embedded with a Russian army battalion in Eastern Ukraine.

On Sept. 10, around 400 Ukrainian Torontonians gathered outside TIFF Lightbox, the headquarters of the major film festival. They held signs that read Russians at War Justifies and Victimizes Killers and Rapists and Hello TIFF?! Russian Propaganda Kills. Deputy Canadian Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, who is of Ukrainian background, also expressed during a press conference in Ottawa concerns over TIFF screening Russians at War.

Following the protest, Trofimova defended the film, telling THR that it offers a perspective no one else, including official Russian TV or Western journalists, has captured.

Because of the geopolitical climate that exists, these guys [Russian soldiers] just wanted to share with someone. Yes, I went there and no one else has, she explained. Her comments follow the Ukrainian-Canadian community protesting the Toronto Film Festival giving Trofimovas film a North American premiere on Friday after a world premiere in Venice.

In todays statement, TIFF supported a right to peacefully assemble but added that we have received reports indicating potential activity in the coming days that pose significant risk; given the severity of these concerns, we cannot proceed as planned. It is unclear what the threats entailed.

Festivalgoers who had tickets for the Friday screening of Russians at War were told via email that the screening was canceled and that refunds would be issued. The email made no mention of the potential threats to public safety.

See the full statement from TIFF below.

Effectively immediately, TIFF is forced to pause the upcoming screenings of Russians at War on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday as we have been made aware of significant threats to festival operations and public safety. While we stand firm on our statement shared yesterday, this decision has been made in order to ensure the safety of all festival guests, staff, and volunteers.

This is an unprecedented move for TIFF.

As a cultural institution, we support civil discourse about and through films, including differences of opinion, and we fully support peaceful assembly. However, we have received reports indicating potential activity in the coming days that pose significant risk; given the severity of these concerns, we cannot proceed as planned.

This has been an incredibly difficult decision. When we select films, were guided by TIFFs Mission, our Values, and our programming principles. We believe this film has earned a place in our Festivals lineup, and we are committed to screening it when it is safe to do so.

See the full statement from the producers of Russians at War below:

TIFFs decision to pause its screenings of Russians at War due to extreme security concerns is heartbreaking for us as filmmakers and Canadian citizens. Our priority as producers, through this production, has been the safety and security of our courageous director, Anastasia Trofimova, despite her steadfast acceptance of these risks to make her documentary. We had assumed those risks would originate within Russia, not Canada.

This is not a win for Canadians, including Ukrainian Canadians. We condemn Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, Ukraine Ambassador to Canada Yuliya Kovaliv, Consul General of Ukraine in Toronto Oleh Nikolenko, the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, Senators Donna Dasko and Stanley Kutcher, MP Yvan Baker (Etobicoke Centre), MPP Christine Hogarth (Etobicoke-Lakeshore) and other political and community leaders. Their irresponsible, dishonest, and inflammatory public statements have incited the violent hate that has led to TIFFs painful decision to pause its presentation of Russians at War.

This temporary suppression is shockingly unCanadian. We call on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to fully investigate this affront, from within a sovereign government, to our democratic values and a free media.

We are firmly committed to giving Canadians the opportunity to watch and reflect upon Russians at War. We believe reason and truth will prevail.

 The producers of Russians at War

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The Toronto International Film Festival made the unprecedented move to halt forthcoming screenings of Russians at War, a controversial documentary charting the war in Ukraine from the perspective of Russian soldiers.

The festival cited significant threats to festival operations and public safety in its Thursday announcement.

Effectively immediately, TIFF is forced to pause the upcoming screenings of Russians at War on Friday, Saturday and Sunday as we have been made aware of significant threats to festival operations and public safety, the festival said. While we stand firm on our statement shared yesterday, this decision has been made in order to ensure the safety of all festival guests, staff and volunteers.

In a previous statement made Wednesday, the festival stood by its decision to host the North American premiere of Russians at War, a Canadian documentary, in light of ongoing protests surrounding its release. Those who oppose the doc believe it is a cinematic tool of Russian propaganda showing a sympathetic perspective to Russias invasion of Ukraine.

We understand and deeply feel the suffering of the Ukrainian people as the result of an illegal Russian invasion, the statement read. As we engage with the art made at this politically charged time, we are guided by the democratic values of freedom of conscience, opinion, expression and peaceful assembly as protected in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms for all Canadians including Canadian artists.

Russian-Canadian filmmaker Anastasia Trofimova also responded to the unrest, writing in a statement this week that Russians at War is an antiwar film.

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. I unequivocally believe that Russias invasion of Ukraine is unjustified, illegal and acknowledge the validity of the International Criminal Court investigation of war crimes in Ukraine.

Read TIFFs full memo from Thursday, below:

Effectively immediately, TIFF is forced to pause the upcoming screenings of Russians at War on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday as we have been made aware of significant threats to festival operations and public safety. While we stand firm on our statement shared yesterday, this decision has been made in order to ensure the safety of all festival guests, staff, and volunteers.

This is an unprecedented move for TIFF.

As a cultural institution, we support civil discourse about and through films, including differences of opinion, and we fully support peaceful assembly. However, we have received reports indicating potential activity in the coming days that pose significant risk; given the severity of these concerns, we cannot proceed as planned.

This has been an incredibly difficult decision. When we select films, were guided by TIFFs Mission, our Values, and our programming principles. We believe this film has earned a place in our Festivals lineup, and we are committed to screening it when it is safe to do so.

The post TIFF Suspends Russians at War Doc Screenings, Citing Threats to Public Safety appeared first on TheWrap.
On the heels of the presidential debate, Vice President Kamala Harris' running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, will stop in electoral battleground Kent County on Thursday, marking the first time the Democratic ticket has ventured outside metro Detroit in its Michigan visits since President Joe Biden dropped out of the race.

Walz is slated to campaign in Grand Rapids before heading to Lansing on Friday. Details of the events have not yet been publicly released by the campaign.

As presidential campaigns flock to the key swing state of Michigan this fall, it's worth paying attention to where exactly in the Mitten State they descend on, as different parts of the state represent different groups of voters vital to carrying the state in any election.

Harris and Walz have so far spent their time campaigning in Michigan's Wayne County  the state's most populous county and one that has consistently delivered the largest chunk of votes for Democrats. On the Republican ticket, former President Donald Trump and his running mate Ohio U.S. Sen. JD Vance, meanwhile, have traversed Michigan with appearances across a wide swath of the state's Lower Peninsula, including stops in metro Detroit.

As Walz looks to drum up enthusiasm for the Harris ticket, his stop in Kent County represents a visit to a crucial battleground for votes that will likely play a significant role in deciding which candidate carries Michigan come November.

How Kent County votes in presidential elections often serves as an indicator to how the entire state votes.

Critical swing county in swing state

Since 2008, every presidential candidate who won Kent County ultimately won Michigan, except Mitt Romney in 2012.

Trump carried Kent County on the way to his upset win of Michigan in 2016, defeating Hillary Clinton by around three percentage points. With Harris on his ticket, Biden flipped the county four years later, beating Trump by six percentage points in 2020.

"We all know that the road to the White House runs right through Michigan, and it especially runs right through Kent County," said state Rep. Rachel Hood, D-Grand Rapids, during a Sept. 5 event where local Democrats stumped for Harris. "Every vote we can mobilize here matters."

Grand Rapids has been a favored landing spot for Trump  in both 2016 and 2020, he held rallies in and around the city on the night before Election Day. His most recent visit to Grand Rapids took place in July, when he held his first rally alongside Vance. It was the first one Trump held following an assassination attempt against him at a Pennsylvania rally.

The city of Grand Rapids  second only to Detroit in population among cities in Michigan at just under 200,000 residents  is a reliable source of Democratic votes in statewide and federal elections. But a mix of suburban, exurban and even rural communities result in the entire county being attainable for candidates of both parties.

Harris began her campaign in Michigan in friendlier Democratic territory on the opposite side of the state, picking up where Biden left off.

Harris campaign stops in Democratic stronghold Wayne County

Biden held what would be his final campaign rally at a Detroit high school where supporters chanted "don't you quit" and "we've got your back." Less than a month later, Democrats gathered at an airport hangar outside the city to show their support for Harris at her first campaign rally in Michigan, where Walz told the crowd they were part of their party's biggest campaign rally that year to date.

The next day, Harris and Walz visited a UAW hall in the city of Wayne to galvanize union members, a key voting bloc in Michigan. When Harris returned to the state earlier this month, she stopped in Detroit for a Labor Day rally where she vowed to protect workers' rights.

When Harris first appeared in Michigan as a presidential candidate, she said the path to the White House runs through the state. And the path through Michigan runs through Wayne County, County Commissioner Jonathan Kinloch previously told the Free Press. "And the superhighway that runs through Wayne County is Detroit," said Kinloch, who currently serves as chair of the 13th District Democratic Party.

The last time a Republican presidential candidate won Wayne County was 1928. But in his first solo trip to Michigan, Walz will head to more politically competitive territory.

Where has Trump campaign stopped in Michigan?

Since Biden dropped out of the presidential race, Trump and Vance have crisscrossed Michigan.

Trump has held campaign events in Livingston County's Howell, Macomb County's Roseville and Ingham County's Potterville. He also delivered a speech in Detroit to National Guard officers, telling them the country is "closer to World War III" than ever.

Vance has made three separate visits to the state, with stops in Macomb County's Shelby Township, Kent County's Byron Center and Mecosta County's Big Rapids.

The Trump campaign has not announced when it will next visit Michigan, but Team Trump Michigan Communications Director Victoria LaCivita said in an emailed statement that Trump and Vance "will be barnstorming all across Michigan" until the election, calling the state "ground zero."

Contact Arpan Lobo: alobo@freepress.com

Contact Clara Hendrickson: chendrickson@freepress.com or 313-296-5743. Follow her on X, previously called Twitter, @clarajanehen.

Looking for more on Michigans elections this year? Check out our voter guide, subscribe to our elections newsletter and always feel free to share your thoughts in a letter to the editor.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Tim Walz to stop in Kent County, a key Michigan battleground
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  Democratic vice presidential candidate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz spoke in West Michigan for a campaign event Thursday.

The event was held at the Grand Rapids Public Museum and the crowd stood underneath a large exhibition of a whale skeleton.

Beautiful lakes, blue whales, all the things in Michigan, its not as if you dont have it all and then you have Gretchen Whitmer on top of it, Walz said, pointing to the display.

He praised his running mate, Vice President Kamala Harris, for her performance during a Tuesday debate against Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump. During much of his speech, Walz gave reasons why voters should not support Trump and instead support the Harris-Walz ticket.

Kamala Harriss and Donald Trumps best and worst debate moments

(Trump) broke our political system, he tried to break our faith in one another, he tried to break the thing that makes Midwesterners stick together: Were positive people. For Gods sake, we walk on water half the year. We have to be, its cold as hell half the year. We dont care, we dig our neighbors out. This guy is trying to tell you your neighbor is the enemy. This guy is trying to tell you that he knows best about what folks in Grand Rapids need. Well trust me, nothing could be further from the truth, Walz said.

He said Harris would aim to lower insulin prices, give tax breaks to those who are starting small businesses and support unions. He blamed price gouging for inflation.

(Harris) knows that folks are being squeezed on grocery prices but lets all be very clear here folks, you know this in Michigan, Im a Minnesota guy, those of us whove been on farms, farmers are getting $3.90 for a bushel of corn and barely $10 for soybeans. Theyre not getting rich. Somebody in the middle is taking a hit for not growing the corn, for not processing the corn, not doing anything. Shes talking about price gouging thats illegal in 37 states already and should be illegal across the country, Walz said.

Walz also said Harris would support workers by signing the Protecting the Right to Organize Act on her first day in office, which deals with employees rights to unionize.

If youre a factory worker, Kamala Harris is going to keep creating tens of thousands of manufacturing jobs right here in Michigan, Walz claimed.

He also said Harris would fight for the freedom to make the choices about your life and your family, as well as freedom to get a good education and not crippling student loan debt for the rest of your damn life.

Proud to be an educator for Harris: Gwen Walz campaigns in Grand Rapids

Walz reminded the audience that he is a veteran and a hunter and that Harris is a gun owner.

We support the second amendment. But our first responsibility is keeping our children safe and you can have both things, Walz said, citing school shootings at Michigan State University and Oxford High School.

Saying Harris experience as a prosecutor makes for good leadership, Walz urged voters to turn the page on Trump. He called on them to get on the ground and get the work done by making phone calls, knocking on doors and spreading the word about Harris.

When we fight, we win! he cheered along with the audience as he walked off the stage.

Before Walzs visit, Republicans said the Harris-Walz team represents the same policies that the Biden administration has pursued over the last three and a half years. State Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt, R-Porter Township, said those are not working for people in West Michigan.

Michigan is up for grabs. Its competitive. At the end of the day, where Michigan goes is where the presidential election goes, Nesbitt said. The Harris-Walz team is spending overtime trying to run away from the failed record under the Biden-Harris administration: Their failed record on the border, their failed record on overseas in eastern Europe and in the Middle East and their failed record cost of living. And this is the reason that they continue to come back because they know West Michigan is an important part of where the vote comes from here in Michigan. And so far, what Ive been seeing on the ground is that the Democrats should be concerned because families and seniors across West Michigan are tired of the high prices of the Biden-Harris administration has brought them.

Trump rules out another debate against Harris as her campaign announces $47M haul in hours afterward

On Friday morning, the Harris-Walz campaign said Walz will take part in political events in Grand Rapids before he heading to mid-Michigan. He will leave Michigan Friday afternoon to campaign in Wisconsin.

The campaign said the visit to Michigan is part of its New Way Forward tour to battleground states ahead of the election. The visit comes two days after the first presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump.

Michigan is a key battleground in the Nov. 5 election. A recent poll conducted by Emerson College Polling, The Hill and WOOD TV8 showed a tight race in Michigan: Harris had a 3-point lead over Trump, a statistical tie considering the polls margin of error of plus or minus 3.4 percent.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
The eyebrow-raising pay hikes for two Fort Lauderdale police union leaders were quietly set in motion just two days after the union president showed public support for then-City Manager Greg Chavarria, city records show.

Mayor Dean Trantalis  who had been one of Chavarrias most vocal defenders  says he now wants to know whether the show of support for Chavarria back in January was somehow tied to the out-of-the-ordinary raises for union president Scott Moseley and vice president Scott Hoffer. Trantalis told the South Florida Sun Sentinel he plans to ask the city attorney to look into the matter.

During a City Hall meeting on Jan. 9, Chavarria himself was up for a raise, but word quickly spread that some of his commission bosses might fire him instead. Supporters from across the city showed up en masse to back Chavarria  including Moseley. Two days later, Chavarria gave Moseley and the union vice president substantial raises.

The whole situation doesnt pass the smell test, Trantalis said this week. We need to do an audit and make sure it was not a quid-pro-quo situation for getting the union support.

On Jan. 11, Chavarria directed Fort Lauderdales Human Resources director to hike the salaries of both union leaders, city records show.

Before the pay hike, Officers Moseley and Hoffer each had been earning an annual salary of $112,923. Moseley got a 59% raise, with his salary jumping to $179,524. Hoffers salary rose to $151,548, a 34% jump.

The mayors request for an audit comes in the wake of a decision by Acting City Manager Susan Grant to rescind both raises on Aug. 30.

Grant said she did so based on grounds the taxpayer-funded raises were not permitted under the unions collective bargaining agreement. Grant said she might also claw back the money.

The pay hikes required the approval of both union members and the commission but did not get it, Grant said. Not even she knew about them until a few weeks ago when a public-records request inquired about the raises.

Because the raises were done outside the union contract, Moseley needed to seek approval from the union membership and put it to a vote, Grant said. If it passed, the proposal to give Moseley and Hoffer a taxpayer-funded raise would have gone on to the commission for public approval, Grant said. But there was no vote among union members and there was no vote by the commission.

Moseley and Hoffer could not be reached for comment.

Last week, Moseley sent a text to the Sun Sentinel saying the raises were transparent and done with full knowledge of the union.

The Sun Sentinel contacted Chavarria this week to ask why he gave Moseley a raise two days after that Jan. 9 meeting. Chavarria, who left the city in May, said he was merely trying to make things fair between the police and fire unions.

Chavarria told the Sun Sentinel he went to Human Resources Director Jerome Post and asked how to go about giving Moseley and Hoffer raises to bring them in line with the fire union president, a fire captain who earns a captains salary.

Post advised Chavarria to write a justification for the raises but made no mention of the fact that commission and union approvals were also needed, according to Chavarria.

I asked the HR director what would be needed to provide parity for the police union president and vice president, Chavarria said. I was given the guidance to provide justification. I did not realize this required more approvals. And Im glad Susan Grant is looking into it.

Few knew about the raises

Fort Lauderdale spokeswoman Ashley Doussard says the HR director acted in good faith and was under the impression that Chavarria had already vetted the raises with other city officials, including Grant and the city attorney. That, however, was not done, Doussard said.

Its important to note that former City Manager Greg Chavarria had consistently included Susan Grant, in her capacity as assistant city manager, in all matters related to the union contract throughout his tenure, Doussard said. However, in this instance, he made the decision to grant raises to the president and vice president of the police union without consulting the citys labor counsel, city attorney or Susan (Grant), despite his own past practices, her oversight of the Human Resources Department and her direct involvement in the union contract negotiations. The HR director acted in good faith, believing that the process followed was consistent with those past practices.

Vice Mayor Steve Glassman, a defender of Chavarria, says he didnt find it at all odd that Chavarria gave Moseley and Hoffer a raise just two days after Moseley spoke up for him.

Does the timing strike me as odd? Glassman said. I dont know what conversations precipitated that. I dont think something like that happens in a vacuum. I dont know the conversations that took place between the city manager and the president of the police union. Im sure that was an ongoing process. Im not that suspicious of it.

Thank you very much

But even some of Chavarrias fans say they found it odd to hear a union president sing the praises of a city manager. Union leaders typically clash with management during contract negotiations, with the union demanding better pay and perks and city managers playing the role of watchdog over taxpayer dollars.

But on Jan. 9, Moseley walked up to the lectern and spoke highly of Chavarria.

Im here to give thanks to the city manager for everything that youve done for us so far, Moseley said. We got a wonderful contract. Weve had a good professional relationship this entire time since the inception of you taking the job.

Moseley thanked Chavarria for all his work, including his decision to promote Bill Schultz to chief.

Most important, Mr. City Manager, I want to thank you for our new police chief, Moseley said. We have someone that has stability and continuity. We appreciate you making that choice. Thank you again. Thank you very much.

In the end, Chavarria kept his job but was denied a 3% raise by three of his commission bosses.

I think the message to Greg is, Youre on probation, Commissioner John Herbst told the Sun Sentinel at the time. Youre not getting fired, but youre not getting a raise. You have all the people in the community saying he returns their calls. Well, I dont care. Hes not meeting my expectations.

Three months later, Chavarria made a surprise announcement at the end of a commission meeting on April 2, saying hed made the decision to step down from his $291,000-a-year job. Chavarria told commissioners he had critically ill family members who required his support and care.

Chavarria spent more than a year as city manager in Hallandale Beach before being hired by Fort Lauderdale for the role of assistant city manager in September 2020.

Commissioners promoted him to city manager on July 23, 2022, the day after his predecessor Chris Lagerbloom left to take a job in Georgia.

A surprise ally

Longtime resident Mary Peloquin was among those who spoke up for Chavarria that night.

Over the years, I have worked and communicated with City Manager Greg Chavarria on many issues, Peloquin told commissioners. His responses are always prompt, honest and concise. He has seen us through some tough times, from sewer breaks to the pandemic and floods. I have never seen him lose his cool. I appreciate him and were really happy that hes been on board.

This week, Peloquin told the Sun Sentinel she was worried when she saw Moseley come forward to speak.

I was thinking he was going to say something bad, she said. A union leader doesnt always like the establishment. I was actually concerned when he stood up to speak. I was thinking, This is not going to go well. I was surprised he had something positive to say.

Bill Brown, a neighborhood leader and retired fire chief, also spoke up that night, urging the commission to keep Chavarria around and give him a raise.

Greg has always been responsive, Brown told the commission at the time. His leadership team is stellar. One of the most valuable assets this city has to offer is not City Hall. Its the city staff. And they have the confidence in Gregs ability to lead. Greg is always doing the right things for the right reasons.

Now Brown, too, has questions.

Having been involved in labor negotiations, both as a former member of the union board and as a fire chief, salaries and other benefits are spelled out in the contract, Brown said. The timing of (these pay hikes) do raise questions.

Susannah Bryan can be reached at sbryan@sunsentinel.com. Follow me on X @Susannah_Bryan
(@sapporora_menkifuh/Instragram)

After falling in love with Sapporo on our first trip earlier this year, we decided to head back to escape the Kantos summer heat.

On this trip, a Sapporo local recommended Sapporo Ramen Kifuh Susukino, a small ramen shop our car rental agent described as a must-try. Fortunately for us, the shop was right across from our hotel.

We waited in a short queue to get inside when the shop first opened. Once inside, the first thing I noticed was the air conditioner sounding like it was on its last leg as it tried to keep the restaurant cool. The interior was a little outdated compared to the noodle joints Ive visited in Tokyo. We almost turned around to leave, but the car rental agent convinced us with the promise that the ramen bowls here would be better than anything wed find in Tokyo. This we had to taste for ourselves.

The small menu featured only eight items. From those, we chose the classic chicken salt ramen for 960 yen (about $6.50) and the green onion and roast pork rice for 450 yen. My fiancee and I sat quietly as the A/C squealed over the sounds of others loudly slurping their noodles as if it was their last meal on earth. The voracity with which the customers ate shined hope that perhaps this was a hidden gem.

When it was finally our turn to dig (or slurp) in, we were not disappointed. One spoonful in and we were hooked. 10/10. The ramen was perfectly cooked like pasta, the chicken was soft and easy to chew, filled with a nice rich broth flavor and perfectly boiled egg. The serving size was also large, which was awesome! I stole a few bites from my fiancees pork rice. It was amazing, almost like Osaka soul food.

What Sapporo Ramen Kifuh Susukino lacks in its interior appearance, it makes up for with the delicious ramen and pork rice it serves up. If you love ramen, this shop is a must-try when exploring Sapporo.

menu (@sapporora_menkifuh/Instragram)
Titos Vodka matching donations to Massachusetts animal shelter for pets in need of surgery

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  Titos Handmade Vodka is matching donations to Second Chance Animal Services to assist pets requiring life-changing surgeries.

The donations will help the nonprofit veterinary hospital care for pets in need of care: Johnny, KJ, and Laura. For the month of September, Titos will match up to $5,000 in donations to Second Chance Animal Services.

Fundraiser launched to help four shelter animals in need of medical care

Titos Handmade Vodka has been a steadfast sponsor of our mission to provide life-saving care to pets in need, said Lindsay Doray, Second Chances Chief Development Officer. Their generous $5,000 challenge match gives our community the opportunity to double the impact of their donations and help even more pets receive the medical care they need.

KJ, a 13-week-old puppy, is recovering after amputation surgery for a painful fracture that was beyond repair. (Courtesy: Second Chance Animal Services)

Laura, an 8.5-year-old dog is awaiting eye surgery due to glaucoma and a cataract and will also needs extensive dental work. (Courtesy: Second Chance Animal Services)

Johnny, a one-year-old cat, is suffering from a fractured leg and a possible broken tooth. (Courtesy: Second Chance Animal Services)

Second Chance Animal Services has locations in North Brookfield, Southbridge, Springfield, and Worcester. If you or someone you know would like to donate, visit secondchanceanimals.org.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
Three top Democrats from Washington state have urged the Biden administration to investigate the killing of Aysenur Eygi, an American citizen, in the West Bank, as the White House continues to resist her familys calls for an independent probe.

In a letter to Secretary of State Anthony Blinken on Wednesday, Sen. Patty Murray and Rep. Pramila Jayapal requested an immediate, transparent, credible, and thorough independent U.S. investigation by the FBI into her death. Sen. Maria Cantwell also urged Blinken and President Joe Biden for an independent review into Eygis death in a separate letter.

Eygi, a 26-year-old from Seattle, was volunteering with the International Solidarity Movement, a group that supports Palestinian resistance against Israeli oppression, in the West Bank when she was killed on Sept. 6 during a protest against the expansion of settlements. The Israeli military has said its forces had likely unintentionally killed Eygi when responding with fire toward a main instigator who was hurling rocks  a claim that Eygis family and ISM have wholly rejected, saying it contradicts multiple eyewitness accounts.

A Washington Post investigation published Wednesday also found dozens of videos and witness accounts that reportedly refute Israels claim. According to the Post, Eygi was shot more than half an hour after confrontations between protesters and the military had peaked, and after protesters had moved away from Israeli forces. The IDF declined to respond to the Posts questions. Neither MSNBC nor NBC News has confirmed the Post's reporting.

Aysenur Ezgi Eygi in Seattle on June 8, 2024.

Eygis family, like those of other American citizens killed by Israeli forces in the past, has demanded an independent investigation into her death. Although top White House officials  including Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, who only issued statements about her death this week  have expressed outrage over Eygis killing, they have not acknowledged her familys calls for a U.S. probe, saying instead that they are leaning on Israels investigation for answers.

Jayapal and Murray wrote that Eygis family and community deserve to know their government has done everything it can to fully understand what led to her killing, pursue accountability for those involved, and seek to ensure this does not happen again.

They pointed to a pattern of American citizens being killed by Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank with impunity: Tawfic Abdel Jabbar, a 17-year-old Louisiana native who was shot in the head while driving in February 2024; Mohammed Khdour, another 17-year-old American citizen who killed under very similar circumstances just weeks later; Omar Assad, a 78-year-old Palestinian American who died after being taken into custody at a checkpoint in 2022; and Shireen Abu Akleh, a Palestinian American journalist who was shot in the head by an Israeli soldier while on assignment.

Israel has said it would look into Abdel Jabbar and Khdour's deaths, but it's unclear where those investigations stand or if they are even currently underway. Investigators from the U.S. embassy visited the homes of Abdel Jabbar and Khdours families, The Associated Press reported in February, but the White House has not announced any further action since. Assads family has repeatedly demanded that the U.S. launch an independent investigation into his death to no avail, and the Israeli military last year declined to bring criminal charges against the soldiers involved in his death.

The IDF has acknowledged that its forces killed Abu Akleh, but declined to open a criminal investigation. The FBI launched a review into Abu Aklehs killing that Israel refused to cooperate with, calling it an interference in Israels internal affairs. The agency has, until now, not released any findings or issued any arrests.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
TOPEKA (KSNT)  Topeka Public Schools (TPS) are honoring the fallen of 9/11 on Wednesday.

On Sept. 11, 2024 high schools around Topeka held flag ceremonies followed by a moment of silence for the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Topeka West High School ended their ceremony with honorary tags and a moment of silence.

27 News spoke with some local cadets, Jackson Wood, Haley Custnbrdr and Brielle Belshe, about participating in these ceremonies many years later.

Why do fire trucks have 343 on the back?

I feel honored being able to honor those who have fallen, Wood said.

It makes me feel, from what Ive learned, an honor, to do this, Custnbrdr said. Especially on today and during a moment of silence.

I am very grateful, Belshe said. I am very appreciative. One thing I always love about being a cadet is being able to pay my respects to veterans, and I love being able to stand out here and honor the people that died fighting for our country.

For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
TOPEKA (KSNT)  The Topeka Police Department (TPD) has arrested a man in connection to a homicide in Central Topeka on Sept. 6.

According to TPD, 23-year-old Caleb Horton, of Topeka, was taken to the Shawnee

County Department of Corrections for the following charges:

Murder in the 1st Degree

Unlawful discharge of a firearm in the city limits

Criminal possession of a weapon by a felon

TPD officers responded to a report just before 9 a.m. on Sept. 6 near Southwest 13th and Western Ave. of a person down. When they arrived, they found Michael Sanchez, 47, on the ground with gunshot wounds and was pronounced deceased on scene.

One Person Injured In Early Morning Shooting

The incident is the citys 14th homicide investigation of 2024. The investigation is ongoing.

For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.



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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
LAKE TOXAWAY, N.C. (WGHP)  Amid a spate of legal troubles that kicked off with the death of a preteen boy, a North Carolina troubled teen camp has listed their property for sale.

Lake Norman Realty has the property at 500 Winding Gap Road in Lake Toxaway, a 32-acre property, listed for $3.2 million. This address is the site of Trails Carolina, an embattled wilderness therapy camp where a child died in February. The camp was subsequently hit with a sexual abuse lawsuit and ordered to close by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.

A flyer from The Nichols Company has more details about the property. The Nichols Company is a Charlotte-based commercial real estate firm and property management company.

The trouble at Trails

Trails Carolina was a wilderness camp located in Lake Toxaway, North Carolina, that worked with children ages 10 to 17. On its now-defunct website, the camp advertised itself as being dedicated to helping teens work through behavioral or emotional difficulties, build trusting relationships with their family and peers, and achieve academic success. The camp charged up to $715 a day in tuition and a $4,900 fee for children to enroll.

Restraint methods allegedly used at Trails Carolina point to link between troubled teen industry, discredited attachment therapy

The camp had already previously faced a lawsuit over the alleged sexual assault of a former camper, which has since been settled, and a camper died while in the care of the camp in 2014. However, Trails Carolinas troubles really kicked off in February 2024 when a 12-year-old boy died within hours of arriving in North Carolina from his home in New York, bringing the camp into harsh focus.

The sheriffs office and NCDHHS quickly seized children from the camp and suspended the camps operations, which the Trails Carolina characterized in a media statement as a negligent and reckless move by the State and an illegal and undisclosed seizure by law enforcement. The sheriffs office said the camp was being uncooperative with the investigation.

According to an autopsy report, the medical examiner ruled that the boy died by suffocation. The boy had been forced to sleep in a bivvy bag with an alarm on it so that counselors knew if he tried to unzip it. Due to the nature of his death, the OCME deemed it a homicide, though the law enforcement investigation is ongoing and no one has been criminally charged.

Within days of the campers death, another former camper hit the camp with a federal lawsuit alleging that she was sexually assaulted by a fellow underage camper and that the camp did not intervene. She also alleged severe medical neglect. A judge recently dismissed the camps attempts to get all or part of the lawsuit thrown out, and the court scheduled another hearing for Sept. 12.

In the wake of these issues, former campers have spoken up about their experiences at Trails Carolina, describing it as a nightmarish experience in which incompetent, undertrained staff starved and overworked their young charges, denying them medical care or even access to clean water.

While the camp has appealed the revocation of their licensure, the sale of the property does seem to imply that their closure will be permanent.

Judge denies Trails Carolinas threadbare attempts to strike, dismiss sexual assault lawsuit

Trails Carolina is just one camp owned by Wilderness Training & Consulting LLC, an Oregon-based corporation, which is part of an organization of for-profit affiliated businesses that does business as Family Help & Wellness, per the details outlined in the lawsuit.

Trails Carolina, WTC and Family Help & Wellness largely conform to the template of the troubled teen industry, which often involves teens being gooned away from home by force and taken to a wilderness camp over behavioral problems ranging from relatively minor issues, such as truancy, to more severe issues, such as sexually disordered behavior.

Troubled Teen Industry

In a report written for the University of New Hampshire in 2021, the researcher writes, Adolescents are sent to these facilities for a myriad of reasons, ranging from severe mental health symptoms to more mundane forms of misbehavior (e.g., truancy). Parents are often manipulated through fear tactics into believing their children desperately need this type of facility, and are then manipulated to not believe their children if they say anything bad about the facility.

Survivors report physical abuse, exploitation (human trafficking), and several types of psychological torment, including harsh discrimination and LGBTQ+ conversion therapy.

People who have attended these camps in the past also spoke to The Guardian about the experience, with one young woman describing how she was painfully restrained for self-harming behaviors and covering her sleeping bag with a tarp that was pinned to the floor with heavy jugs to prevent her from running away in the night.

The misuse of restraints, according to The Guardian, is prevalent in these kinds of facilities and was one of the things that Trails Carolina was cited for by NCDHHS.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX8 WGHP.
How a traveling 'health train' has become an essential source of free care in South Africa

A patient eyes are tested for lenses to be made for a new pair of glasses outside the Phelophepa eye clinic carriage, in Tembisa east of Johannesburg, South Africa, Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)

JOHANNESBURG (AP)  Thethiwe Mahlangu woke early on a chilly morning and walked through her busy South African township, where minibuses hooted to pick up commuters and smoke from sidewalk breakfast stalls hung in the air.

Her eyes had been troubling her. But instead of going to her nearby health clinic, Mahlangu was headed to the train station for an unusual form of care.

A passenger train known as Phelophepa  or good, clean, health" in the Sesotho language  had been transformed into a mobile health facility. It circulates throughout South Africa for much of the year, providing medical attention to the sick, young and old who often struggle to receive the care they need at crowded local clinics.

For the past 30 years  ever since South Africa's break with the former racist system of apartheid  the train has carried doctors, nurses and optometrists on an annual journey that touches even the most rural villages, delivering primary healthcare to about 375,000 people a year.

The free care it delivers is in contrast to South Africa's overstretched public health care system on which about 84% of people rely.

Health care reflects the deep inequality of the country at large. Just 16% of South Africans are covered by health insurance plans that are beyond the financial reach of many in a nation with unemployment of over 32%.

Earlier this year, the government began to address that gap. President Cyril Ramaphosa in May signed into law the National Health Insurance Act, which aims to provide funding so that millions of South Africans without health insurance can receive care from the better-provisioned private sector.

But the law has been divisive. The government has not said how much it will cost and where the money will come from. Economists say the government will have to raise taxes. Critics say the country cant afford it and warn that the system  yet to be implemented  will be open to abuse by corrupt officials and businessmen. They say the government should fix the public healthcare system instead.

For Mahlangu and others who look to the train for a rare source of free treatment, the situation at local health clinics is one of despair.

Long lines, shortages of medicines and rude nurses are some of the challenges at the clinics that cater for thousands of patients a day in Tembisa, east of Johannesburg.

There we are not treated well, Mahlangu said. We are made to sit in the sun for long periods. You can sit there from 7 a.m. until around 4 p.m. when the clinic closes. When you ask, they say we must go ask the president to build us a bigger hospital.

The health train has grown from a single three-carriage operation over the years to two, 16-carriage trains. They are run by the Transnet Foundation, a social responsibility arm of Transnet, the state-owned railway company.

When the train began in 1994, many Black people in South Africa still lived in rural villages with little access to health facilities. It was a period of change in the country. The train began as an eye clinic, but it soon became clear that needs were greater than that.

Now both trains address the booming population of South Africa's capital of Pretoria and nearby Johannesburg, the country's economic hub. One would spend two weeks in Tembisa alone.

The major metros are really struggling, said Shemona Kendiah, the train's manager.

But the traveling clinic is far from the solution to South Africa's healthcare problems.

Public health expert Alex van den Heever said there have been substantial increases in the healthcare budget and the public sector employment of nurses and doctors since the country's first democratic government in 1994. The health department's budget in Gauteng province, which includes Pretoria and Johannesburg, has grown from 6 billion rand ($336 million) in 2000 to 65 billion ($3.6 billion) rand now.

But van den Heever accused the African National Congress, the ruling party since the end of apartheid, of allowing widespread corruption to undermine the public sector, including the health care system.

This has led to a rapid deterioration of performance," he said.

For South Africans who have witnessed the decline firsthand, it can be a relief when the health train pulls into town.

Mahlangu  with her new pair of glasses  was among hundreds who walked away satisfied with its services and already longing for the train's return next year.

Another patient, Jane Mabuza, got a full health checkup along with dental services. She said she hoped the train would reach many other people.

Here on the train you never hear that anything has been finished, she said.

___

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___

The Associated Press receives financial support for global health and development coverage in Africa from the Gates Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.
Trial vacated for man who helped prisoner escape in ambush at Boise hospital. Heres why

Nicholas Umphenour, the man charged with helping an Idaho Department of Correction prisoner escape during an ambush at a Boise hospital, pleaded guilty late last month to half a dozen charges.

His trial, originally set for Oct. 21, has been vacated. Umphenour will be sentenced on Oct. 4, court records show.

He pleaded guilty to three counts of assault or battery upon certain personnel, as well as unlawful possession of a firearm, escaping and use of a deadly weapon during a felony, court records showed.

Umphenour was charged with shooting at IDOC officers while helping Skyler Meade escape from custody at Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in March, according to previous reporting. The two are members of the Aryan Knights, a white supremacist prison gang, police have said.

Boise police said Umphenour shot two IDOC officers, while a third was mistakenly struck by police bullets in the chaos of the moment. All three IDOC officers survived.

At his initial court appearance in May, Umphenour chose to stand silent, which led Judge Nancy Baskin to enter a not guilty plea on his behalf, as mandated by Idaho law.

Meade pleaded guilty in May and July to a litany of charges. He was sentenced in July to life in prison, with the possibility of parole after 35 years, with the judge calling him a career criminal.

Both Meade and Umphenour also were indicted in June in Nez Perce County on first-degree murder charges in 83-year-old James Mauneys death. Mauney didnt return home after walking his dogs and police later found his body in a desolate area, according to previous Statesman reporting.

Law enforcement have said they suspected Umphenour and Meade were involved in two homicides  Mauney and another North Idaho man  after the two fled from Boise. They were found and apprehended by authorities near Twin Falls the next day.

These indictments are the first step in the process of seeking justice for James Mauney, Nez Perce Prosecutor Justin Coleman said in a news release announcing the murder charges. We have a long way to go to reach the conclusion we want and will continue to work diligently with law enforcement agencies throughout the state to ensure we have the strongest case possible to present.

Reporter Sally Krutzig contributed.
Francines heavy rainfall forces dramatic water rescues as even more flooding is on the horizon

Francine is spreading dangerous conditions across the South Thursday after it slammed into Louisiana with extreme rainfall, life-threatening flooding and destructive winds that knocked out power to hundreds of thousands amid reports of flooded homes.

 Serious flood threat from weakening Francine: Francine made landfall in Terrebonne Parish as a Category 2 hurricane late Wednesday afternoon and weakened to a tropical depression Thursday morning as it tracked into the South, bringing flooding rainfall and prompting flood alerts for more than 10 million people. Storm surge was a serious concernfor parts of eastern Louisiana and coastal Mississippi early Thursday. By Thursday afternoon, Francine had deteriorated into a post-tropical cyclone. Though its winds no longer pose a major threat, heavy rain will continue falling in the Southeast on Friday. Up to 8 inches of rain could douse the region through Friday. As the storm slows down, it will linger for longer over areas it passes through, exacerbating the risk of flooding. Flooding caused by rainfall has become the deadliest threat of tropical systems in the last decade.

 Hundreds of structures reportedly flooded: Flooding has been reported at 350 structures in Louisianas St. Charles Parish, a parish spokesperson, Francesca Holt Blanchard, told CNN Thursday afternoon. Our Department of Planning and Zoning is working with residents to confirm that the flooding is inside the homes living space and not in a garage or carport, Holt Blanchard said. In neighboring Jefferson Parish, more than 50 homes in the city of Kenner took on water during the storm, according to a city spokesperson. At least eight properties in nearby Lafourche Parish were damaged, the parish said in a statement, but officials expect that number to increase as crews survey the damage left behind.

 Flood emergency and water rescues in Louisiana: Francine brought more than a months worth of rain to New Orleans in a matter of hours. Between 6 and 8 inches of rain deluged the area and triggered a rare flash flood emergency  the most severe flood alert  Wednesday night, according to the National Weather Service. Heavy rain flooded roadways and cut off travel routes in other parishes. Deputies in Lafourche Parish sprang into action Wednesday night to rescue 26 residents trapped in flooded homes, according to a statement from the sheriffs office. At least 3 to 4 inches of rain soaked the area. Francine also churned water into homes in St. James Parish, officials said. And in Jefferson Parish, officials urged households to limit their water usage through Thursday evening as the parishs large and aging sewer system became overwhelmed by storm runoff. Officials expect the system to be operational sometime Friday.

A fallen tree blocks an intersection in Houma, Louisiana on Wednesday. - Brandon Bell/Getty Images

 Hundreds of thousands without power: Power outages topped 450,000 homes and businesses in Louisiana Thursday morning but power crews worked to restore service throughout the day. By Thursday night, just under 150,000 remained in the dark, according to PowerOutage.us. Energy customers in Mississippi and Alabama also experienced outages as Francines strong winds and heavy rain pummeled the region. Wind gusts of 60 to 80 mph pounded south-central and southeast Louisiana Wednesday evening, downing trees and power lines in multiple parishes, including Terrebonne, Lafourche and St. James. A state trooper who was cleaning up downed trees near Gonzalez, Louisiana, suffered a minor injury after being struck by a tree.

 Louisiana parishes start moving back to normal operations: Government services in multiple southern parishes will resume within the next couple of days as roadways and debris are cleared and pump systems used to clear storm water are checked. A spokesperson for oil and gas company Chevron said they are conducting flyovers over facilities and plan to send personnel to their production facilities Thursday afternoon.

 Francines final stretch: Now a post-tropical cyclone, Francine is expected to rain itself out over the Southeast Friday and then fully dissipate over the weekend. Flooding still poses a significant threat in the region Friday while the storm releases more heavy rain. Flood watches are in effect for around 8 million people across parts of Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi and Georgia, the Weather Prediction Center said. The watches begin to expire Friday evening and Saturday morning. The heaviest rainfall is expected for Friday across central Alabama, though 2 to 4 inches are possible across Arkansas, Kentucky and Georgia.

Morgan City firefighters respond to a home fire during Hurricane Francine in Morgan City, Louisiana, on Wednesday. - Gerald Herbert/AP

New Orleans nurse pulls off dramatic rescue

Miles Crawford was standing outside his home Wednesday night watching Francine pound New Orleans with torrential rainfall and gusty winds when he noticed police activity.

A text from Crawfords brother alerted him that someone had driven into rising floodwaters nearby. Crawford, a registered nurse with the University Medical Center New Orleans, did the only thing he could think of: act.

I put my boots on and went out there to see if they (the police on scene) needed any help, Crawford told CNN.

He found police assessing a flooded vehicle from a distance. But it wasnt empty  a person was trapped inside with water already reaching their neck. Crews on scene were wary of the danger the flooded road posed, but Crawford took action even after being told it wasnt safe.

Something needed to be done and something quick, Crawford explained.

I made a game time decision, Crawford continued. I went and grabbed a hammer at my house.

Crawford returned to the chest-high floodwater and used the hammer to break a window in the back of the vehicle. The occupant was able to move from the front seat and escape from the back.

After a brief stumble in the chest deep floodwaters, Crawford and the person he saved without a second thought navigated to safety.

Crawford credited his training at University Medical Center for his fearlessness and drive to help others.

Were used to acting swiftly to do what needs to be done to save lives, Crawford said. Anybody behind those doors wouldve done the same thing. I just happened to be in the right place at the right time.

CNNs Michael Yoshida, Taylor Romine, Rachel Ramirez, Robert Shackelford, Elizabeth Wolfe, Taylor Ward, Sara Smart, Brandon Miller, Chris Boyette, Amanda Musa, Robert Shackelford and Melissa Alonso contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Tight on time? This story is for you. It's an abbreviated, fewer graphics look at what's happening with Tropical Depression Francine, which made landfall Wednesday night as a Category 2 storm. Click here for more details.

Tropical Depression Francine moving over Mississippi

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Francine has weakened into a tropical depression as it moves inland Thursday morning.

Heavy rain is spreading across Mississippi, Alabama and the Florida Panhandle. A tornado watch has been issued this morning for some areas, along with a tornado warning. Coastal flooding of up to 2 to 3 feet, tropical-storm-force winds are expected early this morning. A few tornadoes are possible today, mainly in the morning and afternoon from the Florida Panhandle to north-central Alabama.

Where and when did Hurricane Francine make landfall?

Francine made landfall around 5 p.m. Wednesday as a Category 2 hurricane in Terrebonne Parish, 30 miles south-southwest of Morgan City, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Francine is moving toward the northeast near 12 mph. A turn toward the north-northeast and north is expected during the next day or so, with some decrease in forward speed.

Will Tropical Depression Francine impact Florida today?

Expect impacts to Florida from Francine into Thursday. Possible impacts for Florida predicted by the National Weather Service include:

Tornadoes

Coastal hazards, life-threatening rip currents, large surf up to 8 feet, coastal erosion

Heavy rainfall

Gusty winds nearing tropical storm force

 For more details on impacts and timing on Florida impacts

What should you do if you live in Florida?

 How to prepare for a hurricane

Be prepared and keep an eye on weather updates.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Latest info tropical storm, path, Florida impacts, landfall
By Michael Martina

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - As he campaigns for a second term, former president Donald Trump has made a tough stance toward China central to his pitch on foreign policy.

But if Trump is elected on Nov. 5, both he and China's leaders would confront an awkward reality: many of the top candidates for foreign policy jobs in a Trump administration are sanctioned by China and barred from the country.

Soon after President Joe Biden took office in 2021, China took the unprecedented step of sanctioning 28 former Trump administration officials for their roles in what Beijing saw as anti-China policies, in a gamble that the former president's days in the White House were over.

The sanctions, which include bans on traveling to China, apply to former officials including Trump's Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who Beijing has called a liar and a "clown," and former national security adviser Robert O'Brien.

Pompeo has not ruled out working for Trump again, and sources with knowledge of Trump's relationship with O'Brien say he is likely to play a significant role in any second Trump term. Opinion polls show the election race between Republican Trump and Democrat Kamala Harris is essentially tied.

At a minimum, China's openly hostile relationships with potential decision makers in a second Trump administration would raise questions about how the U.S. and China might navigate what both countries have described as one of the world's most important bilateral relationships.

"This problem is a new one for China," said Wu Xinbo, director of the Center for American Studies at Fudan University in Shanghai. "If these previously sanctioned officials return to the U.S. government, I think from China's perspective it is very unlikely that the sanctions will be canceled immediately."

But Beijing would have to address the problem, say experts and former Trump administration officials.

"They will have to back down, otherwise there won't be any dealings with the CCP (Chinese Communist Party)," one former Trump administration official who still works for the U.S. government and has been sanctioned told Reuters. The person spoke on condition of anonymity due to sensitivities around who might get jobs in a new Trump administration.

China's embassy in Washington declined to comment.

"President Trump will put America first by selecting officials for his administration that he deems are best fit to serve the American people - whether China likes it or not," Trump campaign spokesperson Karoline Leavitt told Reuters.

SANCTIONS FOR "CRAZY MOVES"

In January 2021, China sanctioned 10 former Trump officials by name for "crazy moves" it said "gravely interfered in China's internal affairs."

In addition to Pompeo and O'Brien, China hit Trump's top diplomat for East Asia David Stilwell, former White House economist Peter Navarro, and Keith Krach, an official who raised Beijing's ire when he visited Taiwan in 2020, among others. Some, including former national security adviser John Bolton, have had public splits with Trump, making a return in a second administration unlikely.

China sanctioned another 18 people at the time without disclosing their identities.

Many of these helped implement Trump's aggressive, if chaotic, approach to China, underscored by waves of tariffs that plunged the two countries into a trade war, and a declaration that Beijing was committing genocide against Uyghur Muslims.

Chinese officials are most openly antagonistic toward Pompeo, who visited Taiwan in 2022 as a private citizen and called for the U.S. to recognize the island as a country, prompting Beijing to say the "former politician" bankrupted his credibility.

China claims Taiwan as its territory, and the issue is a red line in its relations with Washington.

Pompeo has suggested he would consider working in a second Trump administration. At the Republican National Convention in July, he said it was his "greatest honor" to have served under Trump and labeled China the United States' "greatest threat."

Pompeo and O'Brien did not respond to requests for comment.

FINDING WORKAROUNDS

Sanctions on officials have previously roiled U.S.-China diplomacy.

The U.S. had sanctioned former Chinese Defense Minister Li Shangfu, creating a months-long impasse in 2023 during which China refused meetings with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. The issue was resolved when China ousted Li over a domestic corruption scandal.

Complicating matters this time is Beijing's move to deter U.S. sanctions with its 2021 Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law, said Jack Zhang, an expert on Chinese sanctions at the University of Kansas.

"This ties their hands and makes it harder to walk back than a private travel ban," Zhang said.

Workarounds are likely, however.

Those could include both sides seeking third-country sites for meetings instead of playing host in their capitals.

Beijing might also try to engage Trump administration surrogates through back channels or selectively agree to meet non-sanctioned officials, said Craig Singleton, a China expert at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies think tank.

China could also temporarily waive the restrictions, something the U.S. has been known to do, said Ivan Kanapathy, a former White House National Security Council official during the Trump administration.

"For Beijing, it would be even easier for leadership to send a signal to the bureaucracy (to meet with U.S. officials), since politics always trumps the rule of law there."

(Reporting by Michael Martina; Additional reporting by Laurie Chen in Beijing; Editing by Don Durfee and Alistair Bell)
Donald Trumps advisers are frustrated about how the former president veered wildly off script during Tuesday nights presidential debate, according to reports from The Guardian and Axios.

Kamala Harris easily baited Trump with lines attacking the crowd size at his rallies and the fact that people left them early out of boredom. As a result, Trump lost his focus and went on angry rants, going against the carefully crafted plans from his debate prep team.

For example, if the ABC News debate moderators were to dispute the false rumor that Haitian immigrants are killing and eating peoples pets in Ohio, then Trump was supposed to say it was hearsay and attack Harris on how illegal immigration helps crime. But Trump got stuck arguing over the rumor and Harriss attack on his rallies.

Trump advisers say that the Republican presidential nominee was also prepped on how to deflect Harriss attacks back onto her, but he couldnt help himself, launching into his trademark grievances like the 2020 election. They told him not to respond directly, but he did anyway.

The plan was to press the vice president about why she and President Biden werent implementing any of her solutions right now, and pin todays problems on her and the administration, according to Axios. Trump was supposed to dismiss Harriss plans for the future, point out failures in the present, and pin the blame on her for things like the disastrous U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. But given the opportunity, Trump whiffed, offering up a word salad.

Trumps advisers pointed to his closing argument as one of the few times when he appeared to stick to the script, but that wasnt enough to erase his ranting and raving from earlier in the debate. Republicans have been hoping for years that one day Trump would eventually become presidential, leave behind his petty grievances, and focus on the important things. They thought he would do so after he was first elected president, and then again after the attempt on his life in July, but each time, he quickly dashed their expectations. Tuesdays debate is only the latest evidence that he refuses to change.


Two loyal allies of Donald Trump are feuding over a bigoted post about Kamala Harris Indian heritage, the latest sign of discord among MAGA surrogates as the former president seeks to regain his lead in the presidential race.

Laura Loomer, a right-wing activist and close Trump ally, was rebuked by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) on social media Wednesday evening after referencing racist and offensive cultural stereotypes about Harris, whose mother was Indian.

This is appalling and extremely racist, Greene posted on X in response to Loomer. It does not represent who we are as Republicans or MAGA. This does not represent President Trump. This type of behavior should not be tolerated ever.

Greenes outcry came in response to a post by Loomer that if Harris wins in November, the White House will smell like curry & White House speeches will be facilitated via a call center and the American people will only be able to convey their feedback through a customer satisfaction survey at the end of the call that nobody will understand.



Loomer posted on social media after Harris, who is of both Indian and Jamaican ancestry, had shared on X about visiting her grandparents in India when she was a child.

Loomer traveled aboard Trumps private plane to the presidential debate in Philadelphia, and spent Wednesday traveling with him and top members of his campaign team to events commemorating the Sept. 11 attacks in Manhattan and Pennsylvania. Throughout the day, Loomer, who has called 9/11 an inside job, posted photos and videos of Trump at Ground Zero, with victim families, and with first responders. Loomer does not work in any official capacity for the campaign and was invited as a guest, though she has served as an informal adviser to Trump.

The Trump campaign did not respond to a request for comment.

Loomer pushed out memes and social media posts repeating apparently false stories about Haitian migrants eating pets in Ohio  falsehoods that were then repeated by the former president during the debate and have been separately shared by other conservatives, including Trumps running mate JD Vance.

It wasnt the first time that Greene or Loomer have been embroiled in a public spat. The two prominent MAGA women have openly disparaged each other in recent years. That includes last year, when Greene, in response to a news report about Trump wanting to hire Loomer on his campaign, called her mentally unstable and a documented liar and said she was warning Trump not to hire or do business with a liar. Trump has continued to express appreciation for both women.

Greene has faced her own share of criticism for racist remarks, including when high-ranking House Republicans sought to distance themselves from her after expressing antisemitic and Islamaphobic views ahead of her 2020 election. She had previously said Black people are held slaves to the Democratic Party.

Loomer and a spokesperson for Greene did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The financial instability of the Republican Party as Trump has gained power is one of the most interesting stories of the past couple election cycles. And a parallel story is the emergence of peripheral, Trump-loving organizations like Charlie Kirks Turning Point USA, which raise and spend money in ways that seem to undercut the national party.

Turning Points more curious investments over the years include an urban engagement activism kit, which featured promotional items modeled after The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and a Drake album, that they released in 2022 ostensibly to woo Black voters.

Turning Point Action, the political branch of the nonprofit Turning Point USA, is one of dozens of outside organizations to which the Trump campaign has outsourced its turnout operation, Semafor reports. And that has some Republicans nervous that the groups unconventional approach to voter mobilization might be neglecting more tried-and-true methods, like door-to-door outreach.

One element of that unconventional ground game appears to be hosting rap concerts in cities that Trump has repeatedly attacked. Turning Point Action announced on Monday what its calling the USA concert series. The first of two shows in the series, in Detroit on Sept. 20, features rappers 42 Dugg and Fivio Foreign. The second has rappers Jackboy and Rich The Kid in Philadelphia the following week.

Detroit and Philadelphia also happen to be two cities Trump falsely accused of cheating him out of victory in the 2020 election. But Republicans have been using rappers (as well as fried chicken and gold sneakers) in their efforts to attract Black voters, even as the party does things  like gerrymandering districts and purging voters from voter rolls  that disproportionately disenfranchise Black voters.

It seems like a gamble to spend money on this kind of event at a time when Republicans are concerned that traditional get out the vote efforts are lacking. After all, its entirely possible that people show up to these Turning Point concerts with no plan to actually vote for Trump or Republicans. Aside from that, going big on rappers has always seemed to misunderstand (or ignore) the people whom Black voters look to for advice. Spoiler alert: Its not Jackboy, Rich The Kid, 42 Dugg or Fivio Foreign  none of whom has had a hit in recent memory and none of whom is known for political commentary.

Remember that Republicans once had one of the biggest rappers in the world on their side  Kanye West  and that didnt lead to a surge of Black support for Trump. But Kirk and his organizations, with their oodles of cash, seem to think a batch of less-famous performers might do the trick this time around.

It's like they're saying to Detroit and Philadelphia, Here are a few middling rappers to make you forget all about Trump suggesting youre all a bunch of corrupt election-cheaters. Im not sure such obvious stunts are going to fly.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Former President Donald Trump speaks alongside his attorney Todd Blanche following the day's proceedings in his trial, Tuesday, May 21, 2024, in Manhattan Criminal Court in New York. The New York Court of Appeals rejected Trumps request to lift his gag order in his New York criminal case on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. | Justin Lane

The New York Court of Appeals rejected former President Donald Trumps request to lift his gag order in his New York criminal case on Thursday.

The Republican presidential candidate has failed at all attempts to eliminate the gag order that Judge Juan Merchan issued against him.

Appeal dismissed without costs, by the Court, the motion said. Upon the ground that no substantial constitutional question is directly involved.

Merchan placed the original gag order on Trump last March, just weeks before the start of the hush money trial. The order banned Trump from speaking out about the witnesses involved in the case along with court workers and their families.

In June, Merchan partially lifted the gag order ahead of the first presidential debate. The revisions allowed Trump to discuss certain aspects of the case itself, witnesses and jurors. Trump and his legal team have repeatedly spoken out against the gag order, calling it unlawful and unconstitutional.

Regarding the recent news, Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung said Trump will continue to fight against the unconstitutional Witch Hunts and Gag Orders, according to CNN. Cheung blamed Trumps political opponents because they know he is dominating this election.

In the criminal trial, where he was found guilty on all 34 counts against him last April, Merchan recently delayed sentencing until after the presidential election in November.

Trumps sentencing date is set for Nov. 26.
Donald Trump attended a Sept. 11 remembrance Wednesday alongside a far-right activist who has pushed a false narrative that the terrorist attack was "an inside job."

Laura Loomer, a Trump ally, joined him at a fire station in lower Manhattan, where he and his running mate, Sen. JD Vance of Ohio, met and took photos with firefighters. Some members of the station died responding to the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

Throughout the day Wednesday, Loomer posted videos to social media documenting Trump's visits to commemorate 9/11. She also attended the presidential debate Tuesday night and traveled on Trumps plane.

Just last year, Loomer posted a lengthy message on X that included a video that falsely said that "9/11 was an Inside Job!"

Loomer did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday night about her stop with Trump and whether her views on 9/11 have changed.

In a lengthy post on X after NBC News asked for comment, Loomer said, "To the many reporters who are calling me and obsessively asking me to talk to them today, the answer is no."

"Im not sure why this is so hard for people to understand, but I believe in unconditional loyalty to those who are deserving," she said in her post. "And there is nobody more deserving of our loyalty and unwavering support than Donald Trump."

NBC News asked the Trump campaign for details about the decision to have Loomer travel with Trump, the extent of her conversations with him and whether the campaign knew she has promoted 9/11 conspiracy theories before it invited her to accompany Trump.

The campaign did not respond, instead providing a statement about Trump's 9/11 commemoration.

"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," a campaign official said. "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."

The Harris campaign declined to comment.

Loomer has a history of pushing a variety of conspiracy theories. She said last week that school shootings have been allowed to happen to help Democrats. She has pushed conspiracy theories about undocumented immigrants' registering to vote in November, and she touted the baseless story about Haitian immigrants' eating cats. She has falsely said Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are in an "arranged relationship" to "influence the 2024 election," among other mistruths.

Loomer's closeness to Trump doesn't appear to be sitting well with all his allies.

On Wednesday, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., called for Loomer to delete an extremely racist post targeting Vice President Kamala Harris.

This is appalling and extremely racist. It does not represent who we are as Republicans or MAGA, Greene, a fellow Trump ally, said Wednesday night on X. This does not represent President Trump. This type of behavior should not be tolerated ever. @LauraLoomer should take this down.

In a post on Sunday, Loomer launched into a racist tirade against Harris, saying that if she won, the White House will smell like curry & White House speeches will be facilitated via a call center and the American people will only be able to convey their feedback through a customer satisfaction survey at the end of the call that nobody will understand.

Harris is the first person of Indian descent to be a major partys nominee for president. She is also the first Black woman to be a major partys nominee.

Following Greenes tweet, Loomer attacked her in a series of posts, adding that she would not delete the initial post.

Greene has promoted antisemitic conspiracy theories and made controversial remarks about the Holocaust, comparing mask mandates to the Holocaust before apologizing. She also previously expressed support for the far-right conspiracy theory QAnon and been criticized for a series of racist comments. She has used derogatory language to refer to George Floyd, a Black man killed by Minneapolis police, calling him "Convicted Felon George Floyd" and saying Democrats were "worshiping" him.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Former President Donald Trump has called ABC "dishonest" for how its moderators handed Tuesday night's presidential debate and said ABC ought to be punished.

During an appearance Wednesday morning on "Fox & Friends," Trump said the "unfair debate" was "a rigged deal" and suggested ABC moderators Linsey Davis and David Muir fact-checked only him, essentially taking the side of Vice President Kamala Harris.

"It was a three on one," he said.

After the debate, Trump had already posted on his social media site, Truth Social, the complaint that the moderators had been biased against him, making the contest a "three on one."

Most polls had Harris outperforming Trump, but the former president said his campaign had polling that showed him winning "80 to 20." Still, Trump on Thursday said he wouldn't debate Harris again.

As for ABC, on "Fox and Friends" Trump went on to say, "To be honest they are a news organization, they have to be licensed. They ought to take away their license for the way they did that."

Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris take part in a presidential debate hosted by ABC in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on September 10, 2024

Donald Trump: Georgia judge drops 2 charges against former president in election racketeering case; 8 remain

It's not the first time Trump has threatened TV networks, although ABC has been a frequent target for his attacks, noted media reporter Dominick Mastrangelo of The Hill news site.

Earlier this year, Trump said about CNN and NBC, frankly, they should have their licenses or whatever they have taken away," when the networks opted not to broadcast his live remarks after winning the Iowa caucuses, wrote Steve Benen, editor of MaddowBlog on MSNBC.com.

Benen also noted that as president, Trump wrote on social media in 2017: With all of the Fake News coming out of NBC and the Networks, at what point is it appropriate to challenge their License? Bad for country! Those comments came after NBC reported that Trump wanted to increase the U.S. nuclear arsenal

Last year, Trump posted on Truth Social that Comcast, parent company of NBC and MSNBC, should be investigated because the networks' "endless coverage of the now fully debunked SCAM known as Russia, Russia, Russia, and much else, is one big Campaign Contribution to the Radical Left Democrat Party."

CBS was also Trump's target on Truth Social for a "60 Minutes" interview with President Biden in October 2023. "Why should CBS get free public airwaves for this highly partisan 'show'," he posted.

Trump's attacks should be alarming because cracking down on the free press is a "key and radical part" of his "authoritarian-style vision and agenda," Benen wrote.

FCC chair: Agency doesn't revoke licenses when candidate 'dislikes content'

The Federal Communications Commission does not license major broadcast networks such as ABC, but does license some local stations, Mastrangelo said. Broadcasters were originally given channels but over the decades they have been sold and traded for digital channels.

FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel told The Washington Post in a statement the agency "does not revoke licenses for broadcast stations simply because a political candidate disagrees with or dislikes content or coverage."

Still, political observers have warned that Trumps attacks on media outlets could lead to violence against journalists, Mastrangelo said.

"The entire media  and anyone who cares about free speech  should consider this a warning of what could happen in a second Trump term," said The New Republic.

Follow Mike Snider on X and Threads: @mikesnider & mikegsnider.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump calls ABC 'dishonest' and 'unfair' in debate for fact-checking
Conspiracy theorist and MAGA devotee Laura Loomer accompanied former President Donald Trump to a 9/11 remembrance event in Manhattan on Wednesday. Loomer may be best known for chaining herself to the doors of Twitters headquarters after she was banned from the platform, and has pushed conspiracy theories  including about the 9/11 terror attacks.

Last year, Loomer tweeted a lengthy post featuring a video that claimed: 9/11 was an Inside Job! The video accused former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld of having a hand in orchestrating the attacks.

Loomers appearance at the memorial service was not the first time she has been spotted hovering around Trump and his inner circle. On Tuesday, Loomer arrived to the debate between the former president and Vice President Kamala Harris in Philadelphia on Trumps private jet.

The pairing has raised eyebrows even within Trumps circle. In April of last year, members of Trumps circle revolted after reports emerged that the former president had asked his staff to find Loomer a role within his campaign. The president has certainly known who I am for many years now, Loomer told Rolling Stone, at the time, adding that it would be her honor if she was offered a role.

Hell fucking no, one Trump adviser told Rolling Stone when asked about the matter.

Similar pushback is taking place now that Loomer has been spotted among Trumps entourage this week. Regardless of any guardrails the Trump campaign has put on her, I dont think its working, one person close to the Trump campaign told Semafor on Wednesday.

Another Republican strategist told the publication that Trumps poor performance in the debate against Harris may have been influenced by the people hes surrounding himself with, like Loomer. Thats what happens when you wing it, live in the Fox NewsX bubble, and rely upon Matt Gaetz, let alone Laura Loomer, they said.

Axios reported on Wednesday that during their plane ride to the debate, Loomer was egging Trump on regarding false claims of undocumented migrants eating cats and family pets in Springfield, Ohio. Trump repeated the claim during the debate.

The tension over Loomers association with the campaign boiled over in public on Wednesday night, when Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) called out Loomer over a post stating that should the vice president win in November the White House will smell like curry & White House speeches will be facilitated via a call center.

Greene wrote that the post was appalling and extremely racist and does not represent who we are as Republicans or MAGA.

This does not represent President Trump, Greene wrote.This type of behavior should not be tolerated ever.

Loomer responded with a vitriolic tirade attacking Greens own history of racism and conspiracy-mongering, as well as her personal life.

Once again, @mtgreenee who is extremely jealous and vindictive over the fact that she wasnt successful in turning Donald Trump against me is now behaving like a leftist and accusing me of being racist, she wrote.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene said Laura Loomer tweeted something racist against Kamala Harris, so now Loomer is launching into Greene with tweet after tweet. pic.twitter.com/ABz6XCaGbQ  Yashar Ali  (@yashar) September 12, 2024

Loomer did not respond to a request for comment from Rolling Stone, but  in a separate post  claimed that she has no official affiliation with the Trump campaign.

To the many reporters who are calling me and obsessively asking me to talk to them today, the answer is no, she wrote. I do not work for President Trump. I do not work for anyone, actually.

I am simply a loyal advocate. The number of phone calls Ive received today is very bizarre. Human beings are allowed to have friends. Human beings are allowed to travel. Human beings can be selfless, she added. A selfless person cannot relate to a purely transactional person. They smear because they fear. But, I do not fear them.

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(Bloomberg) -- Donald Trump scored a legal victory Thursday when a Georgia judge narrowed the states criminal case against the former president over his attempts to overturn the 2020 election results.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee dismissed three counts in the sprawling racketeering case against more than a dozen defendants, including two against Trump. The former president still faces eight charges.

McAfee ruled the Supremacy Clause of the US Constitution barred state prosecutors from pursuing charges that the defendants filed false documents over so-called fake electors. That part of the case lies beyond this states jurisdiction and must be quashed, McAfee ruled in Fulton County state court in Atlanta.

Trump, the Republican nominee for the White House, was convicted this year in New York over hush-money payments. He faces three other indictments, including in Georgia, where hes charged with participating in a scheme with 14 co-defendants aimed at overturning his loss to President Joe Biden in the swing state.

Earlier this year, McAfee dismissed six counts against the defendants, leaving counts including racketeering, false statements and writings, impersonating a public officer, conspiracy to commit computer theft, perjury and forgery.

The case is on hold, however, while the Georgia Court of Appeals considers Trumps bid to remove Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis from the case. In March, McAfee ruled that Willis romance with special prosecutor Nathan Wade created an appearance of impropriety that required one of them to step aside. Wade resigned hours later.

Earlier Thursday, New Yorks highest state court dismissed Trumps challenge to a gag order imposed in his hush-money criminal case. Trump said the order, which bars him from publicly commenting on prosecutors or the members of court staff, violates his right to free speech.

Also on Thursday, a federal appeals court in New York upheld a lower court ruling rejecting Trumps request to have the hush-money case transferred to federal court before his sentencing next month.

--With assistance from Erik Larson.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
Two days after Donald Trump mentioned Springfield, Ohio, in the presidential debate, falsely accusing Haitian migrants in the town of abducting and eating pets, the city is already rocked by threats of violence.



On Thursday morning, Springfield City Hall was evacuated due to a bomb threat to multiple facilities throughout Springfield, according to a city statement. Mayor Rob Rue did not release the exact language of the threat, but said it came from an individual claiming to be from Springfield who expressed frustration related to Haitian immigrants.



Springfield government officials say they were made aware of the threat, which was sent to multiple agencies and media outlets, via an email message at 8:24 a.m.



Meanwhile, some Haitian families are reportedly keeping their children home from school over fear they will be attacked. One Haitian woman told The Haitian Times that her cars had been vandalized, and the windows broken in the middle of the night. She fears she will have to leave the town to feel safe again.



Over the past several days, right-wing figures including J.D. Vance, Republican representatives in Congress, Elon Musk, Charlie Kirk, and Trump adviser Stephen Miller, among many others, have pushed the baseless conspiracy theory that Haitian migrants are eating peoples pets. They shared memes of AI-generated animals begging not to be eatenand Vance even said he didnt particularly care if the racist conspiracy turned out to be false.



Police and city officials in the town said they have received no credible reports of pets being stolen and eaten.



But then, during Tuesdays debate, Trump pushed the unfounded claim before a national audience. In Springfield, theyre eating the dogs, Trump said. The people that came in, theyre eating the cats, theyre eating, theyre eating the pets of the people that live there.

In response, Republican Ohio Governor Mike DeWine tried to push back against the rumors, after a half-hearted attempt earlier this week, and said he would send more resources to Springfield to deal with the influx of immigrants.



The Clarks, one family at the center of tension of the community, whose son was killed by a Haitian driver in December, are begging morally bankrupt politicians  Bernie Moreno, Chip Roy, J.D. Vance and Donald Trump to stop using their sons death for political gain.

Please stop the hate, Nathan Clark, the boys father, said.

Springfield City Hall is closed for the remainder of the day. It may be that Trump is more of a threat to the town than any Haitian refugee.



This story has been updated.


FOX 2 - "In Springfield, theyre eating the dogs," said former President Donald Trump about illegal Haitian migrants in Ohio.

Arguably  the top highlight from Tuesday nights presidential debate was this false claim by Trump. ABC News moderators fact-checked Trump in real time, but still that moment continued the conversation on misinformation in this election.

A recent report says two-thirds of Americans believe 76 percent of news on social media is biased. Nearly four in 10 Americans unknowingly share false news on social media. About half a million deepfakes were shared online last year.

Twenty-four hours after the first and  what may be  the last debate between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, FOX 2 spoke to Democratic US Senator Debbie Stabenow and Trump supporter and former presidential candidate Dr. Ben Carson.

FOX 2: "How do you think Michiganders process misinformation when it is put out there, because we are such a pivotal state when it comes to this election?"

"We just have to make sure in the end that we use our own common sense," said Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Michigan). "Because when Donald Trump speaks, most of this is kind of like, a head-scratcher."

Detroit native Dr. Ben Carson who worked in the Trump administration spoke about what the former president needs to do to win a swing state like Michigan.

"They need to remind people what life was like four years ago - or before Covid hit," Carson said. "That was not a coincidence."

MORE: Miss the debate? Watch it here.

FOX 2 spoke to both sides to get their reaction from the debate.

"I dont think the debate was effective in moving people from one direction to another direction," Carson said. "I dont think a lot of new information was uncovered."

FOX 2: "To see (Harris) go head-to-head with Donald Trump, a former president, do you think she answered the call?"

"Oh there's no question," Stabenow said. "This is someone who can easily be president of the United States - she knows what families need."

Well break down some of the top claims from the debate where each candidate made their share of inaccurate statements.

Trump's debate claims

For example, Trump made numerous false statements - starting with no reports of immigrants eating animals.

Vice president nominee Tim Walz does not believe in killing babies after they are born - although late-term abortions are legal, but rare in Minnesota.

The FBI says crime numbers are down compared to Trumps final year in office. In the first quarter of 2024, the FBI says murder is down 26 percent nationwide and rapes are down 25 percent.

In Detroit, city leaders say crime is at its lowest in six decades. Detroit in 2023 recorded the lowest amount of homicides since 1966.

And there are no reports of Democrats getting non-citizens to vote illegally - though some alarmist conservatives claim a mass amnesty plan by Democrats could bring it about. There, however, is no credible evidence of this by the Democrat Party.

Now, we need to provide context to the economic gains boasts by Trump,

Trumps fastest economic growth was three percent in 2018  which ranks as second to former President Bill Clinton. Trump's term showed gains but his administration's final year in office wiped those out due to Covid. Trump's economic growth in 2018 ranks second behind Clinton, who grew it four percent a year for four years.

Harris' debate claims

The Biden-Harris administration says its added over 800,000 manufacturing jobs which is false. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that total was really at 739,000.

Harris continues to associate Trump with the controversial Project 2025. It was written by the Heritage Foundation and other conservative think tanks as a proposal should the Republican party re-take the White House and Senate - and not Trump.

In that same category, Trump has never supported a national abortion ban which Harris said he would carry out under Project 2025, and he claims to support IVF and has proposed having the government or insurance pay for 100 percent of the procedure.

Harris also claimed on Jan. 6 that 140 police officers were injured and "some died." One officer, Brian Sicknick died one day later from natural causes brought on by strokes. Four Trump supporters died in the riot, including one shot fatally by police.

The vice president said Trump promised a "bloodbath for the country" if he were not elected alluding to political violence, which was inaccurate. His comments were regarding auto manufacturing under policies from the Biden-Harris administration if they were to be re-elected.

Harris brought up Charlottesville racial protests involving some white supremacists who attended a rally in Virginia, claiming Trump said there were "fine people on both sides." Trump was referring to those wishing to tear down historic statues due to America's sometimes problematic past with those wishing to preserve history - and not the racist demonstrators who showed up as a third party to the protest. One example of the debated conflict at the time, which was the Robert E. Lee monument in Charlottesville.

Its a lot to unpack, but this clarity is crucial in such a high-stakes election.

US Vice President Kamala Harris, right, and former US President Donald Trump during the second presidential debate at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US, on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. Democrat Kamala Harris opened her presidential debate with Republican Donald Trump by touting her economic agenda, saying she was the only candidate on stage with a plan focused on "lifting up the middle class and working people of America." Photographer: Doug Mills/The New York Times/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Former President Trump shakes hands with Vice President Kamala Harris at the start of an ABC News presidential debate Tuesday. (Alex Brandon / Associated Press)

The first and perhaps only debate between Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, and her Republican rival, former President Trump, was watched by 67.1 million viewers Tuesday, a 30% jump over Trump's June 27 face-off with President Biden.

The debate held at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia was moderated by ABC News anchors David Muir and Linsey Davis and presented on 17 television networks measured by Nielsen.

The event was marked by feisty exchanges between the nominees, which became increasingly heated after Harris said that Trump supporters were leaving his rallies due to boredom. The evening also differed from the Trump-Biden match-up in that the moderators fact-checked a number of false statements, nearly all of them from Trump, which frustrated his supporters in post-debate analyses.

Read more: CNN Biden-Trump debate draws 51.3 million TV viewers, a major drop from 2020

The debate was unprecedented as Harris replaced Biden on the Democratic ticket after the president's poor performance in his meeting with Trump.

ABC had the largest audience of the night, with 19 million viewers, followed by NBC (10 million), Fox News (9.1 million), MSNBC (6.4 million), the Fox broadcast network (4.8 million) and CNN (4.4 million).

The next scheduled debate in the campaign is Oct. 1, when Trump's running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, meets his Democratic rival, Minn. Gov. Tim Walz. The event will be moderated by CBS News anchors Norah O'Donnell and Margaret Brennan.

The Harris campaign has expressed its willingness to have a second debate, but Trump has yet to agree.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
(Bloomberg) -- Kamala Harris and Donald Trump traded jabs over their first presidential debate in their return to the campaign trail, with the candidates visiting two crucial swing states in the November election.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Yet while Harris is seeking to harness momentum from a strong debate performance and bank support from early voters, Trump sought to regain his footing after an unsteady showing, assailing the forums moderators as low-lifes and announcing that he would not take the stage against his Democratic rival again.

THERE WILL BE NO THIRD DEBATE!, Trump posted Thursday on his social media platform Truth Social, a decision he discussed at length during a campaign event in Tucson, Arizona.

Because weve done two debates and because they were successful, there will be no third debate, Trump said citing his forums with President Joe Biden and then Harris. Bidens disastrous performance against Trump led him to his exit from the Democratic ticket, with Harris replacing him.

Trump at his event re-litigated the Harris debate on Tuesday night, insisting he had won even though a CNN flash poll showed viewers believed the vice president had a better performance and as her odds of winning the election rose in betting markets during the event.

The Republican presidential nominee assailed the debates moderators for fact-checking on-air his false claims, which included alleging that immigrants in an Ohio town were eating household pets and that some states allow babies to be killed after delivery.

Earlier: Trump Rules Out More Presidential Debates With Harris

The two anchors, David Muir and Linsey Davis, sat there and only corrected me on things where I was right but didnt correct Kamala, Trump said. The public was not fooled. They saw right through it. Kamalas lies, an unprecedented partisan interference of two low-life anchors, theyre low-lifes, for them to do what they did, he added.

Trump went on to repeat his claims about immigrants eating pets in Springfield.

The migrants are walking off with the towns geese, he said, adding they were even walking off with their pets.

Campaign Blitz

Trumps Thursday event kicked off a fevered stretch of campaigning, including a press conference, rallies and high-dollar fundraisers across Arizona, Nevada and California that have taken on new significance after the debate, which even some of his top supporters acknowledge could have gone better.

While the former presidents allies insist the debate is unlikely to be a make-or-break moment like his exchange with Biden in June, which effectively ended the presidents half-century political career, the pressure is back on Republicans to blunt Harris momentum.

Harris, by contrast, intends to capitalize on her showing, looking to solidify support among swing-state voters considering her candidacy anew after her promising debate performance.

The vice president kicked off her own post-debate blitz with a rally in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she said the candidates owe it to the voters to have another debate.

Harris top aides began calling for a second debate before the candidates had even left the stage in Philadelphia.

The Democratic nominee hit Trump over his debate answers on abortion and health care  two issues where Democrats are eager to court suburban women and independents.

During the debate, the vice president pressed Trump on his plan for replacing Obamacare, as the Affordable Care Act is known. The former president stopped short of an explicit bid to kill the program as hes previously vowed, saying his team is looking at alternatives and has the concepts of a plan  a line Harris ridiculed.

He said concepts of a plan she said. Concepts. Concepts. No actual plan, concepts.

And she pointed out that Trump declined to say if he would veto a bill imposing a national ban on abortion. The former president in the debate said that while he is not in favor of abortion, the issue is now up to the states.

Harris Momentum

Harris team says it is shifting into a new, more assertive phase on the campaign trail. After limiting her interactions with the press  and facing criticism from Republicans and members of the media  she will begin sitting for more interviews, including some with local outlets in battleground states and with the National Association of Black Journalists next week.

Former President Barack Obama will also appear at a major fundraiser for Harris in Los Angeles on Sept. 20, according to a person familiar with the schedule, which will help bolster her campaign coffers and fund get-out-the-vote efforts.

Tuesday nights debate had the air of a missed opportunity for Trump, who has an Electoral College advantage and is favored to prevail if the race remains tight. Polls have found Trump and Harris generally running neck-and-neck in surveys of the seven swing states expected to decide the election.

For More: See {ELEC GO} on the Bloomberg Terminal for US election news

Early Voting

Harris is riding high after the debate  and an endorsement from pop star Taylor Swift  seeking to translate that boost into votes.

Harris, her running mate, Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota, and their spouses are traveling to the battleground states over four days, according to the campaign, which has pegged it as the New Way Forward Tour, seeking to persuade voters who desire change that Harris is their candidate. That could be a challenging message for a Democrat whose agenda is largely aligned with Biden, something Trump regularly points out.

Harris Friday rally in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, will occur three days before that battleground becomes the first in the nation to kick off early voting, with Virginia, South Dakota and Vermont following next week.

Sign up for the Washington Edition newsletter to find out how the worlds of money and politics intersect in the US capital.

--With assistance from Akayla Gardner, Hadriana Lowenkron and Stephanie Lai.

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Donald Trump announced Thursday that he will not debate Kamala Harris again.

That's a pretty good idea, given how things went for Trump on Sept. 10 during the first and now only presidential debate between the candidates. Who in their right mind would want to wade into that kind of beatdown again?

Trump is Trump, though, so he couched his decision in the usual false claims. He's right not to debate again, at least in political terms, but for all the wrong reasons.

"When a prizefighter loses a fight, the first words out of his mouth are, 'I WANT A REMATCH,'" Trump posted on Truth Social, his social-media platform. "Polls clearly show that I won the Debate against Comrade Kamala Harris, the Democrats Radical Left Candidate, on Tuesday night, and she immediately called for a Second Debate."

Umm, really?

Who won the debate? Not Trump, according to polls

The first and most obvious problem with what Trump claims beyond the usual dumb name-calling is what he says about polling after the debate. Note that he doesn't name who conducted the polls; I'm sure if he asked JD Vance and Don Jr., they told him he won. Beyond that, most polls show that Harris won the debate, and handily.

How could anyone who watched it come to any other conclusion? Trump has more debate experience, but Harris avoided the questions by ABC News moderators David Muir and Linsey Davis like a seasoned pro. Of course, answering a question with campaign slogans is a hallowed tradition in these things. That wasn't unusual.

What was notable was how expertly Harris baited Trump. She ridiculed the size and enthusiasm of crowds at his rallies, called him weak, said world leaders were laughing at him and, the unkindest cut, referenced Trump's old show "The Apprentice" when she said that in the 2020 election, 81 million voters fired him. You could see it coming a mile away  this is basically straight out of the Trump playbook  but Trump fell for it every time.

Which means he responded as you would expect him to, with anger and lies. It's difficult to imagine how the night could have gone better for Harris and worse for Trump.

Eating dogs?: How Fox News, CNN reacted to racist lie, Trump meltdown in wild debate

Trump supporters, struggling to put a positive spin on his performance, did what Democrats did after the June debate in which a faltering President Joe Biden struggled throughout: They blamed the moderators. Like Trump, they are outraged that Muir and Davis would dare fact-check Trump lies, like the xenophobic, disproved claim that Haitian immigrants are eating pets in Ohio, or that some Democrats favor abortion after birth, whatever that even means.

They did ask Harris about her changing positions on a number of issues, and the Biden administration's late-to-the-game efforts to strengthen the southern border of the U.S.

And if the fact-checking wasn't the same, it's because the lies weren't the same. Trump again claimed the 2020 election was rigged and that he won. This is the most dangerous lie, and the one so many of the others stem from. Moderators aren't just right to call him out on that. They're not doing their jobs if they don't.

Trump wants ABC's FCC license revoked

Trump went further. Appearing on Fox News Wednesday, he said of ABC, Theyre a news organization. They have to be licensed to do it. They ought to take away their license for the way they did that." FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel told the Washington Post, "The FCC does not revoke licenses for broadcast stations simply because a political candidate disagrees with or dislikes content or coverage."

Duh.

It's another example of Trump trying to bend reality toward his whims and wishes. Journalists can't ignore this or normalize it, because it isn't normal. The truth still has a place in all this. If it doesn't, we're all in trouble.

More than 67 million people watched the Harris-Trump debate. It's not like Trump to turn down a big audience. But really, who can blame him?

Reach Goodykoontz at bill.goodykoontz@arizonarepublic.com. Facebook: facebook.com/GoodyOnFilm. X: @goodyk. Subscribe to the weekly movies newsletter.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: No third debate? Trump won't debate Harris again after ABC flop
NEW YORK  Former President Donald Trump has announced plans for a campaign rally at the Nassau Coliseum on Long Island on Wednesday.

Republicans says Trump will appear at the arena in Uniondale to rally his supporters in the metro New York area and to boost Republican congressional candidates.

But with the presidential race effectively deadlocked, political strategists on both sides of the aisle are scratching their heads about Trumps decision to spend valuable time and resources in a state that is not even close to being in play in the November presidential election against Democratic nominee Kamala Harris.

Trump was set to address a rally in swing state Arizona on Thursday and in Nevada on Friday, two states that polls say are up for grabs in November. Hes also planning a Friday press conference in suburban Los Angeles, another puzzling location choice.

Harris planned to address two rallies in North Carolina Thursday and one in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania on Friday. She has only appeared at one rally outside the battleground states in the month and a half since she launched her campaign: a speech on her economic plan in New Hampshire.

With just 50-some days to go before Election Day and mail-in ballots going out to voters in some states soon, both campaigns would be expected to be laser focused on the seven battleground states that will likely determine the winner of the White House, possibly by a margin of just tens of thousands of votes.

White House politics aside, the planned Trump rally has the potential to impact the four congressional races on Long Island. Three of the seats are held by GOP lawmakers while Democratic Rep. Tom Suozzi holds the fourth after winning a February special election.

GOP freshman Rep. Anthony DEsposito, who is seeking a second term in the NY-04 district that voted for President Joe Biden by more than 10% in 2020, says he looks forward to welcoming Trump to his district.

This years red wave will reach its greatest height right here on the South Shore, DEsposito said in a statement about Trumps rally.

But Democratic challenger Laura Gillen suggested Trumps appearance in the suburban district could backfire by turning away moderate swing voters, especially after Trump boosted an unfounded racist conspiracy theory accusing Haitian immigrants of eating pets.

Our Haitian neighbors here in Nassau County  should be celebrated  not ostracized and slandered, Gillen said in a statement. If Anthony DEsposito chooses to stand with Trump, hes standing against his constituents.

Suozzi declined to comment to the News on Trumps visit.

Nassau County Democratic chairman Jay Jacobs, who doubles as the state party chairman, said Democrats are happy to see Republicans standing shoulder to shoulder next to Trump, who lost New York state to Biden by a 23% margin and lost Nassau County by 10%.

That is a picture I want every Long Island voter to see, Jacobs said.
On Wednesday, Germanys Foreign Ministry delivered a brutal fact-check of Trumps false debate claim that the country had reneged on its push to promote renewable energy sources.

During Tuesdays presidential debate with Kamala Harris, Trump claimed:

You believe in things like Were not going to frack, were not going to take fossil fuel. ... Germany tried that, and within one year, they were back to building normal energy plants.

As with many Trump claims, this one could have been cleared up with a simple Google search. After Russia throttled its gas supply to Germany after invading Ukraine, Germany had to increase its use of coal-fired power plants to shore up its energy supply. But the country didnt  and hasnt  abandoned its investment in renewable energy as Trump suggested. In fact, Russias war has led Germany to hasten its investment.

Germanys Foreign Ministry tried to correct the record in a post on X that also referred to Trumps racist lie about Haitian immigrants eating peoples pets.

Like it or not: Germanys energy system is fully operational, with more than 50% renewables, the agency wrote on its English-language X account. 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. #Debate2024.

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. #Debate2024 pic.twitter.com/PiDO98Vxfo  GermanForeignOffice (@GermanyDiplo) September 11, 2024

When Harris told Trump at the debate that world leaders laugh at him, I imagine this is the type of mockery she was talking about.

As The Washington Post noted, a spokesperson for Germanys Economic Affairs and Climate Action Ministry said Wednesday that he was quite surprised by Trumps claim that Germany had returned to building normal energy plants, adding: I dont know what the presidential candidate means by that.

From his bizarre diatribes about wind power to his idiocy about rising sea levels, Trumps environmental ignorance has been in the spotlight this election cycle. That hes receiving public corrections from the German government comes as no surprise here.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
The Republican presidential nominee, former President Donald Trump, debates the Democratic presidential nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, for the first time during the presidential election campaign at The National Constitution Center on Tuesday in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) (This image cannot be republished unless you have a Getty subscription.)

After a poor showing in Tuesday nights ABC News presidential debate, Republican nominee Donald Trump said Thursday in a post to his social media platform he will not participate in any more debates with Democratic candidate Vice President Kamala Harris before the Nov. 5 election.

Former President Trump and Harris had differing proposals for a future debate. Trump pushed for an NBC News-hosted meeting on Sept. 25 and Harris campaign team said immediately after the Tuesday event that she wanted another debate sometime in October. Fox News had offered to host an October debate.

But Trump put in definitive terms Thursday that he would not take part in another debate with Harris. He claimed victory in Tuesdays meeting  which initial polls show Harris got the better of  and compared Harris call for a rematch with that of a boxer whod lost.

Harris time would be better spent working to solve the countrys myriad problems, he said.

When a prizefighter loses a fight, the first words out of his mouth are, I WANT A REMATCH. Polls clearly show that I won the Debate against Comrade Kamala Harris, the Democrats Radical Left Candidate, on Tuesday night, and she immediately called for a Second Debate, Trump wrote in the Truth Social post.

KAMALA SHOULD FOCUS ON WHAT SHE SHOULD HAVE DONE DURING THE LAST ALMOST FOUR YEAR PERIOD. THERE WILL BE NO THIRD DEBATE! he added.

In her own tweet roughly an hour after Trumps, Harris renewed her call for another debate.

Two nights ago, Donald Trump and I had our first debate, she wrote. We owe it to the voters to have another debate.

In an average of three national polls compiled by 538, the polling news and data division of ABC News, 57% of respondents said Harris won the debate and 34% said Trump won. That included a Republican-sponsored survey.

Trump and conservative allies spent the post-debate period Tuesday night and Wednesday morning arguing that ABC News moderators David Muir and Linsey Davis were biased in favor of Harris.

Trump and several others complained that the moderators fact-checked Trump, including on false claims about infanticide and migrants eating pets in Ohio, while not doing the same to Harris.

There will be one more debate, though  between vice presidential nominees U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio, a Republican, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, a Democrat, who are scheduled to meet Oct. 1 in New York City.

Trump debated President Joe Biden in June when Biden was the presumptive Democratic nominee. The presidents poor performance in that debate spurred his exit from the race  and Harris arrival  weeks later.

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Trump, Republicans claim noncitizens are voting in Nevada, though many appear to be naturalized

Trump, Republicans claim noncitizens are voting in Nevada, though many appear to be naturalized

LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Former President Donald Trumps campaign and Nevada and national Republicans have filed a lawsuit against the Secretary of States Office and Democrats claiming thousands of noncitizens are registered to vote, however, it appears many of those voters may be naturalized U.S. citizens.

The lawsuit, filed in Carson City District Court, alleges more than 6,400 noncitizens were registered to vote as of 2020 and that nearly 4,000 voted. The data comes from a Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles file from a previous lawsuit, which a judge tossed.

The Trump campaign and Republicans claim roughly 6,400 noncitizens registered to vote while obtaining identification at the DMV. During that process, a noncitizen must present proof of residency. A 2018 Nevada law allows the DMV to automatically register new voters or update their voter registration if they are U.S. citizens. Federal courts have ruled election officials cannot ask for proof of citizenship for voter registration.

In concluding that noncitizens were registered to vote, the lawsuit claims that the 6,136 names and addresses matched the DMVs noncitizen file of people who showed an immigration document during the previous five years.

Poll workers in help people vote in the Nevada primary at a polling place, Tuesday, June 11, 2024, in Henderson, Nev. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Only United States citizens are eligible to vote in Nevadas elections, a spokesperson for the Secretary of States Office said Thursday. There are already numerous safeguards in place to prevent noncitizens, or anyone ineligible to vote, from casting a ballot. Any claims of a widespread problem are false and only create distrust in our elections. The Secretary of States Office is focused on running successful, safe and fair elections on behalf of the voters.

Nevadas elections should be a reflection of its citizens voices, not influenced by non-citizens who have no legal standing to participate, Nevada GOP chairman Michael McDonald said in a statement. Any efforts to allow noncitizens to vote threatens the very foundation of our elections and diminishes the power of lawful voters across our state. This isnt just a legal issue  its about protecting the rights of Nevadans and preserving the integrity of our elections.

Previous lawsuits challenging the automatic registration process have failed. It is illegal for a noncitizen to vote in a state or federal election.

In late December 2020, then-Nevada Secretary of State Barbara Cegavske, a Republican, noted there was no evidence of noncitizens voting in the 2020 election. In April 2021, Cegavske again responded to claims of noncitizens voting in the 2020 election, adding in the five years before the election  from 2015 to 2020  nearly 41,000 documented immigrants became naturalized citizens in Nevada.

Given the large number of naturalizations that occur on an annual basis in Nevada, the data suggests that many voters were likely naturalized between the date of the DMV transaction and the election, Cegavske said. Alternatively, it is possible that some voters had already been naturalized as the date of the DMV transaction but were still in possession of their immigration documents. Regardless, there is no federal database that can be accessed for the purpose of evaluating bulk data relative to current immigration status.

Since 2020, more than 41,000 immigrants have become U.S. citizens in Nevada, the National Partnership for New Americans said. It is likely the same people showed immigration documents when initially registering for identification.

In summary, the generalized information acquired from DMV cannot serve as a basis for an investigation into alleged voter fraud, Cegavske said in 2021, citing the 2020 allegations.

When the 8 News Now Investigators asked the DMV about a noncitizen voter file, a spokesperson said the department does not track noncitizens.

FILE  Nevada Secretary of State Cisco Aguilar, left, talks with Lt. Gov. Stavros Anthony during the opening of the 82nd session of the Nevada Legislature in Carson City, Nev., Feb. 6, 2023. (AP Photo/Tom R. Smedes, File)

While it was not immediately clear if any noncitizens appeared on voter rolls in Nevada as of 2024, Texas and Virginia removed thousands of noncitizens from their voter rolls this year, the lawsuit said.

Following the 2020 election, lawyers for the Trump campaign and state and national Republicans claimed more than 1,500 deceased voters voted in Nevada, more than 42,000 people voted twice and about 20,000 voters voted without a Nevada mailing address, a lawsuit said. During the sole hearing in a similar case, a lawyer provided no evidence of fraud and did not verbally bring up any evidence to the federal judge.

All of Trumps and Republicans fraud allegations were lost in court, including one citing out-of-state residents voting in the election. The voters were military families and students who at the time were legally allowed to vote in Nevada.

In 2020, the 8 News Now Investigators compared state data and other information provided by the White House and compiled by the Heritage Foundation regarding noncitizens and illegal voting. Out of more than seven million votes cast in Nevada elections since 2008, two votes are known to have been cast illegally. A person who was not in the country legally cast one vote in the 2008 general election and voted again in 2010.

After the 2020 election, Former Attorney General Bill Barr, a Republican, said there was no evidence of widespread voter fraud.

The 8 News Now Investigators first reported Donald Kirk Hartle, 56, a registered Republican, was facing two charges relating to the 2020 election for mailing in his deceased wifes ballot. Hartle later pleaded guilty to one charge of voting more than once in the same election. Rosemarie Hartles ballot was one of two cited by Nevada Republicans and national party leaders as evidence of voter fraud in Nevada.

Several people attempted to vote twice in last months midterm election in Nevada, but not enough to sway any race result. State investigators had identified people who attempted to vote twice in the November election, whether purposely or accidentally.

State and county security measures identified the attempted double votes, tossing their second attempts from the system. The votes are not counted.

While claiming fraud in the 2020 election, Nevada Republican leaders did not make the same claims for the 2022 primary nor the 2022 general election, which followed the same procedures.

Voter fraud is a felony and a conviction carries a fine and jail time.

A spokesperson for Clark County declined to comment on the lawsuit citing the pending litigation.

As 8 News Now reported earlier this summer, county election officials removed nearly 140,000 voters as part of routine maintenance. More than 100,000 voters became inactive in Clark County alone.

Voters can check their registration and opt in or out of receiving a mail-in ballot on Clark Countys website or with the Nevada Secretary of States Office.

New voters wishing to receive a mail-in ballot must register to vote by Oct. 22. Voters registering after Oct. 23 must vote in person. New voters can also register in person up to and on Election Day. Voters in Clark County do not have to go to a specific precinct to vote in person. Nevadas election machines do not connect to the internet and have no modem.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Former President Trump and Republicans are pointing fingers in the aftermath of his debate with Vice President Harris that saw the Republican nominee frequently fall into traps set by his opponent and struggle to drive home the message his campaign had previewed.

Trump and his allies hammered the moderators at host network ABC News, accusing the outlet of disproportionately fact-checking his responses compared to his political rival.

It was three to one. It was a rigged deal as I assumed it would be, Trump told Fox News on Wednesday.

But some Republicans took issue with Trumps advisers, arguing he was ill-prepared for the showdown, while others said it was the candidate himself who failed to aggressively tie Harris to President Biden until the closing moments of the debate.

It was an incredibly typical performance on his part when hes unprepared, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who was a key part of Trumps debate prep teams in 2016 and 2020, said on Good Morning America.

Its clear he didnt have anyone who would smack him around during prep this time, because he went out there and just did whatever the heck he wanted, straight from his instinct and his gut, which is to be angry and a grievance candidate, Christie added.

For more than 90 minutes Tuesday, Harris managed to get under Trumps skin at nearly every turn, baiting him with comments about his rally crowds, Project 2025, foreign leaders mocking him and critics such as the late Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.).

A CNN rapid poll of debate watchers found 63 percent said Harris won the debate, compared to 37 percent who said Trump won the debate. Trump allies highlighted the polls finding that a majority of viewers felt the former president would handle the economy better.

Trump called it our best debate ever, but the former president and others quickly searched for others to blame for his struggles to remain on message.

The most common target was ABC News and moderators David Muir and Linsey Davis, who, unlike the moderators of the June CNN debate between Trump and Biden, pushed back in real time on some of Trumps falsehoods about abortion and immigrants abusing pets.

Three vs. one became a mantra on the right as Republicans sought to portray the moderators as biased against Trump.

This debate is three vs one  the ABC moderators clearly shilling for Kamala Harris, Tulsi Gabbard, the former Democratic congresswoman who helped Trump prepare, posted on the social platform X.

Literally the question to Trump was, Why did you do the horrible thing? And the question to Harris is, What do you think about the horrible thing Trump said? Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) said on Fox News.

But other Republicans acknowledged it was not the moderators at the root of Trumps issues. Some suggested it was his team who prepared him for the debate.

The former president has long eschewed traditional mock debates, instead holding rallies and sitting for interviews while huddling with aides on the side to go over policy and lines of attack. Gabbard and Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) were among those who assisted in his preparation ahead of Tuesdays debate with Harris.

That debate last night was not three against one, it was four against one. Trump was also having to deal with the morons of the right, who got in his head and filled him up with a bunch of nonsense before he got on stage, Erick Erickson, a conservative radio host, posted on X.

Trumps team had for days argued Harris had the higher bar to clear and repeatedly hyped up the former presidents debating prowess, with one senior adviser likening him to a prized fighter who was impossible to prepare for.

Asked about criticism of his advisers, the Trump campaign pointed to a statement sent out Tuesday night near the conclusion of the debate in which senior aides Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles praised Trumps masterful performance.

We saw President Trump lay out his bold vision of America and how he would continue to build upon the successes of his first term by supercharging the economy, securing the border, and stopping crime from ravaging communities across the country, LaCivita and Wiles said.

The choice could not be more clear  President Trump was the clear winner tonight, and he will win for America when he returns to the White House, they added.

While few Republicans were willing to directly criticize Trump himself, there was clear frustration among some allies that he did not execute the strategy his campaign had laid out in the days leading up to the debate.

Trumps team made clear he would seek to tie Harris directly to Biden and use her record as a prosecutor, senator and vice president to paint her as a liberal out of step with the mainstream.

At one point, he said Biden hates Harris, undermining one of the presidents main arguments that the two were in lockstep. It was only in the final half hour of the debate that he told viewers she is Biden, and it wasnt until his closing statement that he made the direct case Harris has had three and a half years to push for the kind of changes shes calling for as a presidential candidate.

He hit the critical line, but at the end, said one former Trump White House official. It should have come right at the beginning.

While Republicans expressed some disappointment with how the evening went, there was a sense that it was not nearly the disaster that Junes debate was for Biden, who faced pressure to end his candidacy after his rough performance.

Polls show a neck and neck race, with a New York Times/Siena College poll released Sunday showing Trump ahead 1 percentage point nationally and tied with Harris in multiple battleground states.

He missed opportunities to hurt her, one Republican strategist said. But it was much lower stakes for him.

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Republicans are not giving up their push to change local election laws and procedures after Donald Trumps 2020 defeat to Joe Biden.

On Tuesday, the RNC unveiled two lawsuits targeting Democratic secretaries of state in Nevada and Michigan. Both lawsuits seek to alter local election procedures.

In Michigan, Republicans are seeking to force Michigans secretary of state to change guidance for officials in charge of verifying absentee ballots, which the state GOP and national party say is insufficient. At issue: the RNC claims that its election integrity team found instances where election workers did not verify the signatures of absentee ballot recipients, one of several ways that the state uses to ensure that only eligible voters cast absentee ballots.

The Independent has reached out to the Michigan secretary of states office for comment.

"Our Secretary of State is actively interfering in Michigan's elections, disregarding the very laws she's supposed to enforce. The Michigan Republican Party will never stop fighting for the safety and security of our elections, so every single Michigander can feel confident in their vote, no matter how they choose to exercise that right, claimed state GOP chair Pete Hoekstra.

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson attends a hearing called by House Republicans to discuss Americans confidence in elections on September 11, 2024 (Getty Images)

Nevadas lawsuit hinges on a longstanding claim made by the former president: the issue of noncitizen voting. Donald Trump first made the claim that millions of illegal immigrants were voting in state and national elections in 2016, during his first run for the presidency, and repeated his claim after his 2016 victory, 2020 defeat, and into the present.

But as of yet, no proof has emerged to show that noncitizen residents of the United States attempt to vote in large numbers outside of a handful of municipalities around the country  including Washington DC  which have sought to allow noncitizens to participate in local elections. Even in such areas, noncitizens have never been caught trying to vote in federal elections in significant numbers.

In Nevada, however, the Trump campaign and RNC claim to have evidence of thousands of non-citizens on Nevada's voter rolls who may be able to cast ballots this November and further insist that nearly 4,000 noncitizens cast ballots in the 2020 election cycle.

The Independent has contacted the Trump campaign and requested a spokesperson provide that evidence for review.

Allowing non-citizens to vote suppresses legal voters, undermines the democratic system, and violates the law. Democrats continue to put non-citizens first and Americans last as they allow non-citizens to vote and interfere in American elections. We have filed suit in Nevada to protect the vote and stop this Democrat election interference scheme, RNC chairman Michael Whatley said in a statement.

An official with the Nevada secretary of states office denied this.

Only United States citizens are eligible to vote in Nevadas elections. There are already numerous safeguards in place to prevent noncitizens, or anyone ineligible to vote, from casting a ballot. Any claims of a widespread problem are false and only create distrust in our elections. The Secretary of States Office is focused on running successful, safe and fair elections on behalf of the voters, a spokesperson told The Independent on Thursday.

Marc Elias, a lawyer who has worked with numerous Democratic organizations on election-related issues, roundly mocked the Nevada suit in a Twitter post.

Trump campaign and RNC file new voter suppression lawsuit in Nevada. They keep filing lawsuits and they keep losing them, he said. Expect more of the same here.
Trump rules out another debate against Harris as her campaign announces $47M haul in hours afterward

Viewers cheer as they watch a debate between Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at the Angry Elephant Bar and Grill, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Donald Trump on Thursday ruled out another presidential debate against Kamala Harris as her campaign announced a massive fundraising haul in the hours after the two candidates met on stage.

Trump, the Republican nominee, posted on Truth Social that THERE WILL BE NO THIRD DEBATE! following Tuesday's debate against Harris and his June debate against President Joe Biden. In rejecting another debate, the former president suggested that a prizefighter" who loses a bout is always the one to call for a rematch.

A day earlier, he had said, I just don't know, to the question of whether he would meet Harris for another debate. Some Republicans, including the No. 2 GOP Senator John Thune, have urged Trump to debate against Harris again.

While he could still change his mind, his announcement means that Tuesday's meeting will likely be the only time voters will see the two debate each other before the November election. More than 67 million people watched the Trump-Harris debate.

Harris, the Democratic nominee, said during a rally in North Carolina on Thursday she believes that she and the former president owe it to voters to debate again. Meanwhile, her campaign revealed that it had raised $47 million from nearly 600,000 donors in the 24 hours after her Tuesday debate against Trump.

This historic, 24-hour haul reflects a strong and growing coalition of Americans united behind Vice President Harris' candidacy that knows the stakes this November, and are doing their part to defeat Donald Trump this November, campaign chair Jen O'Malley Dillon said.

The Tuesday debate was the first time that Trump and Harris had met, and the vice president largely controlled the tenor, goading Trump into agitated responses that contained exaggerations and mistruths. It came two months after Trump's debate against Biden, whose unsteady performance and meandering answers led him to end his reelection bid and endorse Harris as his replacement on the ticket.

Trump raised doubts earlier in the campaign as to whether he would debate Harris at all. The two eventually agreed on the Tuesday debate on ABC.

Trump called Harris a no-show" for a debate date that had been proposed earlier this month. Instead of an event with Harris, Trump ended up going on Fox News for a solo town hall with host Sean Hannity.

Fox News has issued invitations to both campaigns for a debate in October.

___

Associated Press writer Zeke Miller in Washington contributed to this report.
The U.S. will provide Ukraine with $700 million in humanitarian aid to support displaced Ukrainians, the energy grid in Ukraine, and demining efforts, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced in Kyiv on Sept. 11, Azernews reports, citing Kyivindependent.

Blinken and U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy arrived in Ukraine on Sept. 11 to meet President Volodymyr Zelensky and other top Ukrainian officials.

The U.S. will provide $325 million to help repair Ukraine's energy infrastructure, which requires strengthening ahead of winter and expectations of a renewed campaign of Russian strikes.

The package also includes $290 million in humanitarian aid, which will support "millions of people in Ukraine and the surrounding region who have been forced to flee their homes," Blinken said.
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. In a post on Truth Social, Trump declared victory in Tuesdays debate, and ruled out the possibility of another debate with Vice President Kamala Harris. | Alex Brandon

Former President Donald Trump will not participate in another presidential debate, he announced Thursday.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump declared victory in Tuesdays debate, and ruled out the possibility of another debate with Vice President Kamala Harris.

When a prizefighter loses a fight, the first words out of his mouth are, I WANT A REMATCH, Trump wrote. Polls clearly show that I won the Debate against Comrade Kamala Harris, the Democrats Radical Left Candidate, on Tuesday night, and she immediately called for a Second Debate.

In all caps, Trump added, THERE WILL BE NO THIRD DEBATE!

A majority of voters thought Harris outperformed Trump in Tuesdays debate, according to polls by Reuters and CNN.

The Trump campaign initially agreed to two debates with the Biden campaign. Those agreements were initially spurned by Trump after Biden dropped out: I agreed to debate with Joe Biden, Trump said, not Harris. Trumps team later said they wouldnt agree to debate Harris until she formally became the nominee, in case Democrats were holding out for someone better.

Last month, the Harris campaign reached an agreement with Trump for an ABC-hosted debate in Philadelphia, which occurred on Tuesday.

Harris appeared at a rally in North Carolina Thursday afternoon, moments after Trumps post, where she called for another debate.

I believe we owe it to the voters to have another debate, she said.
A screen displaying the US Presidential debate between Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris and former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump (Allison Bailey) (Allison Bailey/AFP/AFP)

Donald Trump on Thursday announced he will not participate in another televised debate with his Democratic rival Vice President Kamala Harris ahead of November's presidential election.

"THERE WILL BE NO THIRD DEBATE!" the Republican candidate wrote on his Truth Social platform, including in his tally the earlier debate with US President Joe Biden in June and his Tuesday showdown with Harris.

The Democratic candidate put Trump on the defensive in their ABC News-hosted clash, watched by 67 million people. Almost immediately, her campaign called for a second showdown in October.

The day after the debate, Trump said he "would do NBC and would do Fox, too." However, his latest statement, issued in his characteristic mix of all-caps segments and insults, made clear he has bowed out -- while claiming that Harris is just desperate for a second chance.

"Polls clearly show that I won the Debate against Comrade Kamala Harris, the Democrats Radical Left Candidate, on Tuesday night, and she immediately called for a Second Debate," he wrote in his post.

"When a prizefighter loses a fight, the first words out of his mouth are, 'I WANT A REMATCH,'" he said.

A CNN snap poll of viewers said Harris performed better than Trump by 63 percent to 37, while a YouGov poll said Harris laid out a clearer plan by 43 to 32 percent.

A debate between the vice presidential running mates, Democratic Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Republican Senator J.D. Vance, from Ohio, is currently set to be hosted by CBS News on October 1.

bur-jgc/sms
Donald Trump has ruled out another presidential debate against his rival Kamala Harris before November's election.

He said on Thursday - two days after the pair's first showdown in Philadelphia - that Harris only wanted a rematch because he "clearly" won.

Several instant polls taken after Tuesday's contest indicated voters felt Harris had performed better than her Republican opponent.

Trump added that Harris should instead "focus" on her job as vice-president.

Shortly after, at a campaign rally in North Carolina, Harris responded by saying they "owe" voters another debate because "what is at stake could not be more important".

Polls suggest the two candidates are in an extremely tight race with just two months to go before the election.

Both claimed victory after Tuesday's 90-minute debate on ABC News, in which Harris rattled Trump with a string of personal attacks that put him on the defensive. These included comments about the size of his rally crowds and his conduct during the 6 January 2021 riot at the US Capitol.

Trump and his supporters have since accused the two ABC journalists that moderated the debate of being unfair and biased in favour of Harris. He said on Thursday that he did not need another debate.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

"When a prizefighter loses a fight, the first words out of his mouth are 'I want a rematch'," Trump wrote in a lengthy Truth Social post on Thursday.

"Polls clearly show that I won the debate against comrade Kamala Harris, the Democrats' radical left candidate... and she immediately called for a second debate," he added.

The former president held a rally in Arizona on Thursday and gave an interview with Telemundo Arizona backstage. "We just don't think it's necessary," he said of a second debate with Harris. "We think we've discussed everything and I don't think they want it either."

The Harris campaign, however, called for a second debate immediately after Philadelphia and continued to do so on Thursday. They said voters "got to see the choice they will face at the ballot box: moving forward with Kamala Harris or going backwards with Trump".

"Vice-President Harris is ready for a second debate. Is Donald Trump?" the campaign said.

Speaking after the debate, various Trump campaign surrogates - including Florida Republican Representative Matt Gaetz - said they believed Trump would welcome another debate.

However, Trump said on Fox News the following morning that the debate had been "rigged" and that he was "less inclined" to attend another after his "great night".

His decision on Thursday also appeared to contradict earlier messaging from his own campaign. On Wednesday morning, Jason Miller, a senior adviser to the former president, told CNN that Trump has already said that he is going to do three debates".

Both campaigns had reportedly been in discussions over a debate on NBC News on 25 September. The network has not commented on Trump's latest statement.

'Trump needs a new angle'

Adam Green, the co-founder of the Progressive Change Campaign Committee - an organisation that has advised the Harris-Walz campaign on economic messaging - told the BBC that Trump's decision was a "double favour" to the Harris campaign.

"Voters will have a lasting impression of Kamala Harris as looking presidential and standing on their side," he said. "That will probably do her very well."

"Another debate would potentially help Harris, but could also shake up the existing glow that surrounds her," Mr Green added.

Jeremy Petersen, an independent voter from Utah, told the BBC that he was not surprised by Trump's decision.

"If [Trump] doesn't feel like he can score some social media soundbites, there's no benefit for him to show up," said Mr Petersen, who added that he would probably support Harris after the Philadelphia debate.

"He felt that Harris wouldn't have the type of performance she did and now he's running scared," Mr Petersen added. "He can't stop her momentum via debate so he needs a new angle."

[BBC]

More on the US election

[BBC]

Televised debates date back to 1960, when John F Kennedy faced off against Richard Nixon.

There are traditionally two or three presidential debates happening in most election cycles, along with at least one vice-presidential debate.

That tradition, however, was upended in July, when Joe Biden withdrew from the election weeks after a disastrous performance against Trump in the first debate.

The subsequent debate between Harris and Trump followed weeks of back and forth over whether it would go ahead, and under what conditions.

Trump previously suggested additional debates on Fox and NBC News, although Harris only agreed to ABC.

In his Truth Social post on Thursday, Trump said his rival "refused" to do the additional debates.

Statistics from media analytics firm Nielsen show that 67.1m people watched the debate, a significantly higher figure than the 51.3m who tuned into the June debate between Trump and Biden.

Polls suggest Harris and Trump are in an extremely tight race in the key battleground state of Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll on Thursday indicated Harris had a five-point lead over Trump nationally, while 53% of respondents said that she won Tuesday's debate.

(With additional reporting from Ana Faguy)
Trump says he will not debate Harris again

Trump says he will not debate Harris again

(NewsNation) Former President Donald Trump announced Thursday that he will not be participating in another debate against Vice President Kamala Harris.

There will be no third debate, Trump proclaimed on his social media platform Truth Social.

It appears Trump is counting his initial debate against President Joe Biden as the first and the one against Harris his second.

When a prizefighter loses a fight, the first words out of his mouth are, I WANT A REMATCH. Polls clearly show that I won the Debate against Comrade Kamala Harris, the Democrats Radical Left Candidate, on Tuesday night, and she immediately called for a Second Debate, Trump posted.

Do presidential debates affect election outcomes?

Trump went toe to toe with Harris just two days ago in the highly anticipated debate.

Shortly after his announcement, the vice president called for another debate during a campaign rally in North Carolina.



Two nights ago Donald Trump and I had our first debate and I believe we owe it to the voters to have another debate, Harris said during her opening remarks.

There are just 53 days remaining before Election Day.



Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
Trump says he won't participate in any more debates before the 2024 election

Former President Donald Trump said on Thursday he will not take part in any more debates ahead of the 2024 election.

In a post on his social media platform, Trump argued that Vice President Kamala Harris could've accepted an offer to debate on Fox News on Sept. 4, or could've negotiated a second debate before the ABC News debate.

"She was a no-show at the Fox Debate, and refused to do NBC & CBS. KAMALA SHOULD FOCUS ON WHAT SHE SHOULD HAVE DONE DURING THE LAST ALMOST FOUR YEAR PERIOD. THERE WILL BE NO THIRD DEBATE!" Trump posted on his social media platform. " Trump wrote.

Later Thursday, at a rally in Tucson, Arizona, Trump announced to a cheering crowd that he would not debate Harris again.

"So, because we've done two debates and because they were successful, there will be no third debate," he said. "It's too late anyway, the votings already begun."

Harris had challenged Trump to another showdown immediately after Tuesday's matchup in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

MORE: Key takeaways from Harris-Trump ABC News debate

PHOTO: Republican presidential nominee, former President Donald Trump greets the crowd before speaking during the National Guard Association of the United States' 146th General Conference & Exhibition, Aug. 26, 2024, in Detroit. (Emily Elconin/Getty Images)

Harris took the stage at a rally in Charlotte, North Carolina, just after Trump's announcement. Although she did not cite Trump's social media post, Harris said he and she "owe it to the voters to have another debate."

"Two nights ago, Donald Trump and I had our first debate, and I believe we owe it to the voters to have another debate," Harris said. "Because this election and what is at stake could not be more important. On Tuesday night, I talked about issues that I know matter to families across America, like bringing down the cost of living, investing in America's small businesses, protecting reproductive freedom and keeping our nation safe and secure."

"But that's not what we heard from Donald Trump," she continued. "Instead, it was the same old show, that same tired playbook that we have heard for years, with no plans for how he would address the needs of the American people because, you know, it's all about him, it's not about you. Well, folks, I said it then, I say it now, it's time to turn the page."

Harris repeated the line at another rally later in Greensboro, North Carolina, without mention of Trump's decision.

But her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, did address it in a speech in Grand Rapids, Michigan, telling the crowd he thinks Harris and Trump should debate every day.

"Well, it's not going to happen, because Donald Trump confirmed today he's not doing another one," Walz said. Give him a little break. That one left a mark. He was was on full display the other night. His true colors were out there, not just his makeup."

ABC News' Will McDuffie, Gabrielle Abdul-Hakim and Fritz Farrow contributed to this report.

Trump says he won't participate in any more debates before the 2024 election originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
If Donald Trump wins in November and launches a full-blown authoritarian presidency next yearas he has promised to do in his own wordswhat exactly would that national nightmare look like?



One set of oft-floated worst-case scenarios looks something like this: Trump orders his pliant pick for attorney general to prosecute Liz Cheney and other high-profile critics and frog-march them before the cameras. Trump invokes the Insurrection Act to dispatch the military into cities to crush mass protests. Trump unshackles deportation forces to drag millions of undocumented immigrants from homes and workplaces. Trump purges our nations intelligence services, stocks them with loyal foot soldiers, and unleashes them as a domestic spying force to gather information on designated enemies of the MAGA movement.

It would be folly to dismiss these possibilities, since Trump has repeatedly threatened to carry out something resembling every one of those things. He has vowed to prosecute his political opponents without cause. He has loudly called for the indictment of members of the congressional committee that investigated his January 6, 2021, insurrection attempt. He has mused aloud that he might send the military into Democratic-run cities. Trump and his advisers have floated plans for mass migrant removals facilitated by huge detention complexes and even potentially carried out by the military. Trump has repeatedly pledged to purge the supposedly corrupt deep statehis shorthand for federal law enforcement and intelligence servicesand has openly suggested he would use state power to persecute domestic enemies he describes as vermin.

Yet as horrifying as all that is, another, less-garish scenario also potentially loomsand in some respects it might be a more plausible one. A second Trump presidency could unleash a kind of lower-profile, slow-burn authoritarianism, something that unfolds much more quietly and largely behind the scenes. In its targeting of internal enemies and its efforts to carry out revolutionary changes via far-right governance, it could end up being much less dramatic, visible, or splashybut at the same time, extremely insidious, difficult to track, and very challenging to mobilize against.

The potential victims of such behind-the-scenes actions grasp this possibility perfectly well. While we constantly hear about high-profile preparations by Democratic lawmakers, pro-democracy advocates, and other interested stakeholders against the most nightmarish authoritarian scenarios underway, another more subterranean layer of preparations is quietly unfolding among a different class of targets.

These are Trump critics who have already hired lawyers who are advising them to gird for low-grade bureaucratic bullying. They are advocates anticipating years of legal warfare against vulnerable populations like transgender Americans. They are state-level officials scouring statutes to prepare for legal tussles over who controls the National Guard. They are career government officials bracing for the corruption of official information to serve the autocrat in chiefs whims and propagandistic needs, and the underhanded subversion of rulemaking processes to deliver spoils to his cronies. In interviews, what people in these situations say they anticipate is a type of legal and bureaucratic uncertainty that isnt anything like watching troops invade citiesbut nonetheless could prove highly unpredictable and deeply, unsettlingly precarious.

We are organizing to win this election, but if, God forbid, an authoritarian MAGA clampdown comes, it may not be tanks in the streets and midnight disappearances, Democratic Representative Jamie Raskin of Maryland told me. It may be more akin to a corrosive long-term campaign of constant official and vigilante harassment against perceived political adversaries of the president-king.





Either Way, the Targets Would Be in Hell

Again and again, Trump and his allies have declared right in the open that a second Trump presidency will unleash law enforcement to carry out mass persecution of MAGAs designated enemies.

We will go out and find the conspirators, not just in government but in the media, Kash Patel, a high-level national security official during Trumps first term who is expected to play a senior role in a second one, enthused last December. Were going to come after you. Longtime Trump loyalist Steve Bannon has similarly suggested that, in Trumps first couple of months, prosecutions will get rolling. People credibly being floated for high-level Justice Department positionssuch as right-wing lawyer Mike Davisare openly threatening such campaigns. Longtime Trump adviser Stephen Miller has called for Trump-friendly U.S. attorneys to prepare in advance to prosecute Democrats based on nothing more than the big lie that current prosecutions of Trump are illegitimate.

These exchanges were quietly and widely noted by a very particular class of people: high-profile Trump critics now bracing to be victimized. Tellingly, however, what these people are actually envisioning is not quite what all these Trump allies are threatening. While they do believe Trump and his allies will attempt splashy prosecutions, they expect something more like sustained legal and bureaucratic harassment.

Mark Zaid, a veteran lawyer in Washington who represents federal employees and intelligence officials, said he now has at least a dozen clients who are actively planning for years of exactly that. He has advised them to expect Justice Department investigations that might not lead to prosecutions but nonetheless would drain them of resources; IRS investigations into their taxes and business ventures; revoked passports; or threats to cancel security clearancesall designed to get potential critics to self-silence.

A second Trump administration will not hesitate to exercise every executive branch weapon it can against those it considers enemies, real or otherwise, Zaid told me. We expect a very targeted approach designed to drain the financial resources of perceived adversaries, designed to leave them neutralized and isolated.

What might such an effort look like? After talking to a number of people preparing for such eventualities, I can report that theyre largely bracing for something like this: In early 2025, an emboldened President Trump orders his attorney general to drop ongoing federal prosecutions of him over his insurrection and theft of state secrets. As the public debate over this unfolds on the airwaves, Trump gets particularly irritated by commentary from, say, a longtime critic who is now castigating his latest moves. Perhaps that person is a commentator (George Conway) or someone who investigated Trump during his presidency (Andrew Weissmann, a top official in the probe of Russian interference in the 2016 election), or a member of the January 6 committee (Liz Cheney). Trump curses uncontrollably about that person in a private conversation with his attorney general, and offhandedly mentions hearing that he or she is up to unsavory activities related to his or her business or legal practice.

Butunlike in the nightmare scenarios weve heardthis never results in real prosecutions. Instead, word of Trumps rage filters down the chain of command in the Justice Department until it lands in the lap of an FBI agent or U.S. attorney who is eager to stand out to Trump and his top advisers. An investigation ensues. Investigators start calling that persons associates and dig through his or her records. Nothing more materializes, but it puts the target through months or years of deeply unsettling, and expensive, precarity.

Thats a completely plausible scenario, Peter Keisler, who held high-level positions in the Justice Department during the George W. Bush administration, told me. Keisler said Trump would likely choose his attorney general precisely because hed willingly transmit Trumps whims to eager subordinates. Alternatively, Keisler said, Trumps White House chief of staff could well be a loyalist willing to ring up a Trumpy U.S. attorney and make a suggestion or two about someone who has displeased Trump.

Perhaps this will strike readers as overly speculative. But it shouldnt. Trump already tried to order prosecutions of foes during his first term. And if anything, the expectation of harassing investigationsones that fall short of prosecutionsis a benign way to interpret the second-term intentions that Trump and his allies have openly articulated. Preparations for this are grounded in a basic recognition about the justice system: Trump and his allies probably wont be able to launch baseless prosecutions on a mere Trumpian whimthat would require the cooperation of grand juries and courts. But they probably can create lots of hardship just short of that.

Illustration of Trump with a bald eagle on a spit roasting over a fire while he looks at it

The first steps of any investigation are very easy to initiatemuch easier than prosecutions are, Keisler said. Preliminary investigations face far fewer checks or interventions by independent actors in the system, like judges. And they can do a lot to ruin peoples lives. Either way, the targets would be in hell. The question is just which circle of hell theyd be in.

Along these lines, Zaid has been advising clients who are high-profile critics of Trump to prepare for IRS audits directed at their personal finances or organizations they work forsuch as nonprofits or political action committeesand efforts to target such groups tax-exempt status. Intriguingly, in prepping clients for the threat of revoked passports, Zaid has been examining the long-forgotten case of a CIA officer named Philip Agee, who soured on the CIAs methods and was accused of working for rival intelligence services. Agee had his passport revoked on national security grounds by the State Department under President Ronald Reagan, and Agee fought it all the way to the Supreme Court, but lost.

Agees case is a potential model for the present, Zaid said. Thats because the executive branch and hyperpoliticized agency heads have endless tools to exert abusive pressure on high-level bureaucrats, based on flimsy national security rationales. Termination of employment and revocation of security clearances on national security grounds are very difficult to legally challenge even under current law, Zaid said. It would not take much to abuse the current system in an incredibly devastating way.

Olivia Troye fears revocation of her passport and national security clearance (and those of her husband, who works for the government), which would send a warning to other would-be Trump criticsand she is making contingency plans to move abroad if necessary. Nothing is off the table for what they could do to me, Troye said.

One client of Zaids who fears retribution is Olivia Troye, a longtime Republican and senior Homeland Security official in the first Trump administration. She became a prominent critic of Trump, and since then Trump allies have targeted her with public calls for retribution. Troye fears revocation of her passport and national security clearance (and those of her husband, who works for the government), as a means of sending a warning to other would-be Trump criticsand she is making contingency plans to move abroad if necessary. Nothing is off the table for what they could do to me, Troye told me. Im looking at other countries where I could potentially reside.

Perhaps you dont have much sympathy for Republican former national security officials. Even so, it should be self-evident that the use of state power against them to suppress their informed dissentand to frighten others into muzzling themselvesis something we should strenuously resist.

An instructive case here is that of Marc Polymeropoulos, a former CIA officer who has been in the crosshairs of Trump loyalists ever since he signed a letter in 2020, with other intelligence professionals, warning that stories about Joe Bidens son Hunter Biden might reflect Russian disinformation. The letter didnt say this definitively; it merely warned of it. Though some aspects of the Hunter Biden tales turned out to be true, the letter was partly vindicated when news emerged that an FBI informant charged with telling the bureau lies about the Bidens had been in touch with Russian intelligence, and it was a reasonable stance given what was known at the time. Yet Trump has actively accused its signatories of treason, an extraordinary, if implicit, threat of retribution.

Polymeropoulos has already had an experience that hints at where all these threats might go next. He recently learned that a class on the CIA presence in Afghanistan that hed contracted to teach this fall at the Citadel, a military college in South Carolina, was canceled, according to Zaid, who is his lawyer. This came after school administrators privately told Polymeropoulos that prominent alumni pressured the administrators to nix his teaching gig because of that letter and his other public opposition to Trump, Zaid said. I was canceled from the right, Polymeropoulos said. It was tremendously disappointing for me. (A statement from the Citadel says the class was merely moved from the fall to the spring. Polymeropoulos dismisses this, insisting the effect was nonetheless that a class hed hoped to teach was nixed, seemingly due to criticism of Trump.)

Its easy to see how this could get much worseand become a model to suppress dissentduring a second Trump administration. Trump allies or advisers could plausibly indicate to big institutions desiring to remain in good favor with Trumpconservative-leaning universities, nonprofits, media companiesthat they should think hard before keeping this or that offending Trump critic in their employ. They might err on the side of caution and remove the objectionable figure. Alternatively, people might self-censor to avoid such punishment, knowing that institutions are under intense MAGA pressure to police them.

Institutions will worry about retribution from Trump and his allies, Polymeropoulos said. And that will have a chilling effect.





Against Immigrants, a War of Attrition

This discussion of the lower-grade authoritarian menace posed by Trump is in no way intended to downplay the seriousness of his most incendiary threats. Take Trumps talk of deploying the National Guard to help carry out mass deportations. Democrats are actively preparing for this in unappreciated ways.

In a recent interview, Trump suggested hed do this in places he deemed subject to invasion by undocumented immigrantsthat is, in places where they live, work, pray, raise families, and populate communitiesincluding in blue states that oppose the move. When asked whether hed really target civilians this waywhich would be illegal under federal lawTrump shrugged that migrants arent civilians, suggesting hed deploy the National Guard to treat them as members of a hostile invading army.

As fanciful as that sounds, not only is it exactly what Trump is publicly threatening to do, but Stephen Millerwho visibly relishes elaborating on his sadistic fantasiesis treating this idea with the utmost seriousness as well. Miller has even fashioned concrete plans to carry it out. Because many migrants reside in blue states, Miller has suggested that friendly GOP governors not only should activate their National Guards to remove migrants from their own states, but also should cross into blue states and conduct such operations there.

That would almost certainly get blocked in court, as Ronald Brownstein persuasively explains in The Atlantic. But if Trump wanted to take charge of National Guards in blue statesas he has telegraphedhe could do so legally under various federal statutes. The question is what he could lawfully carry out with them, and its here that the preparations of blue-state law officials enter the picture.

A president can take control of a states National Guard, even without the state governors consent, said Joseph Nunn, counsel at the Brennan Center for Justice. If the president then directed those troops to carry out mass deportations, the state could argue that it violates federal laws against using the military for domestic civilian law enforcement. Nunn added that, if the president invokes the Insurrection Act in the processvastly expanding the scope of what he could command National Guards to doit would be harder to challenge, though such a challenge still might be doable if the order otherwise violates federal laws or the Constitution.

Its clearly a live possibility that Trump might try to issue an illegal order to blue-state National Guards. And some state attorneys general agree. In an interview, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin, a Democrat, suggested that he and other attorneys general are preparing for showdowns over such Trumpian moves and are ready to resist any potential illegal orders from Trump.

In short, its clearly a live possibility that Trump might try to issue an illegal order to blue-state National Guards. And as it turns out, some state attorneys general agree. In an interview, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin, a Democrat, suggested that he and other attorneys general are preparing for showdowns over such Trumpian moves, and are ready to resist any potential illegal orders from Trump. Any effort to unlawfully direct our National Guard or law enforcement more broadly would be met with heavy resistance from attorneys general, Platkin told me. We will be prepared for that.

Whats more, in an interview before his selection as Kamala Harriss running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said fellow governors must be vigilant, given Trumps own conception of the role of the presidency. This is a guy that has framed himself as a dictatorhe wants power to circle through him, Walz told me. The Armyand the Army I served inwas never loyal to a man. Were loyal to the Constitution. Were loyal to the country. Trump does not see it that way. He talks about my generals. Theyre not his generals. Its not his Army.

Its very possible, or maybe even likely, that none of this will come to pass. Yet here again, behind the splashiest scenarios loom other less dramatic but still alarming possibilities. Immigration advocates are also bracing for something more like a sustained war of attrition against immigrants, designed to maximize their suffering in the United States and systematically erode the foundations of their lives here.

For instance, advocates fear a new effort under a second Trump presidency to let work permits expire for migrants without permanent resident status or U.S. citizenship. These groups include those with parole or temporary protected statuswhich enable those who cant return to home countries safely to remain hereor the Dreamers brought here as children who now enjoy some legal protections. That would deal a huge blow to these peoples ability to integrate productively into American life.

A tarantula under a red MAGA hat

Immigration lawyers also expect a new push to enable states to deny free public school education to undocumented immigrant kids. This would require overturning a 1982 Supreme Court ruling declaring such a move unconstitutional. But after an election victory, Trump allies might be emboldened to get a friendly red state to pass such a law, to take it before todays far more right-wing high court, and to overturn decades of court precedent. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has already toyed with this idea.



In fact, this is a long-held dream of right-wing thinkers who want to induce immigrants to leave voluntarily. Importantly, such efforts would be deeply destabilizing to untold numbers of legal U.S. immigrant residents with loved ones who have more precarious status. Again, none of this is theoretical: Miller reportedly looked for ways to empower states to do this during Trumps first term. He failed, but a second Trump presidency would likely see a marked escalation in anti-immigrant hysteria.

Trump and his allies will also likely target immigrants with dramatically expanded state propaganda. This, too, is something theyve already tried. His first term saw various efforts to skew government data to paint migrants as a dire threat. Most were ham-handed and ineffective. But this would surely be executed far more effectively the second time: Government data on migration will be mercilessly manipulated. Crimes by migrants will be flagged by Trump-loyal Homeland Security officials and blared forth with the force of the White Houses powerful press operation.

The goal will be to make immigrants lives so difficult and terrible that people choose to leave, and those who remain have their lives thrown into chaos, Todd Schulte, president of the immigration group FWD.us, told me. We should expect the president to have every agency of the federal government dedicating energy and resources to blaming immigrants for all of societys ills on a daily basis. Well be getting immigrant crime updates from the White House press podium.





Corrupting the Deep State to Enrich Trumps Cronies

That sort of deep corruption of government information would pose a threat under an authoritarian Trump presidency that goes far beyond immigration. Thats due to an unappreciated aspect of his intention to purge the deep state and replace untold numbers of federal employees with MAGA loyalists.

Trump, who regularly rails against the deep state, has privately told advisers hes planning to fire far more than the 4,000 or so federal employees who typically turn over from one administration to the next, according to Jonathan Swan and Maggie Haberman of The New York Times. As has been widely reported, an executive order creating a new Schedule F category for federal government workerswhich Trump tried to do in his first termwould potentially subject tens of thousands of employees to replacement.

Many analysts have said that this would comprehensively wreck the professionalism of the federal bureaucracy. But theres another, less-remarked-upon danger here as well: a corruption of government information that could leave the public awash in propaganda and make it easier for Trumps corporate cronies to hijack the rulemaking and governing process for personal gain.

A concrete example suggested to me by a senior Department of Labor official illustrates the point. In July, the Biden administration proposed a regulation that would institute a federal safety standard protecting millions of workers (many of whom work outdoors) from excessive heat, amid rising heat-related fatalities. The proposalwhich is opposed by some big-business interestsis now in an extended notice-and-comment period, and if Trump wins the election, the rules fate would be in the hands of his new administration.

Its easy to see what might happen next. As the Labor Department official said, loyalists installed in key positions could easily ensure that quality science on the impact of heat on workers is ignored or downplayed during later stages of the rulemaking process. Meanwhile, career government officialssuddenly more vulnerable to firingwould surely hesitate to challenge or expose political appointees who are manipulating the process. All he has to do is put the right people in the right jobs, and he can kneecap whole federal agencies, the Labor Department official told me. Science and evidence-based information driving government decisions will be completely thrown out the window.

Once again, this is not theoretical: During Trumps first presidency, Stephen Miller actively suppressed government data finding that refugees confer economic benefits on the country. Under a Trump administration with far more loyalists in key positions, such things could very well become the normand get executed far more effectively.

Here again, something short of the most dramatic scenariosmass firings and the wholesale stocking of agencies with hundreds of slavish MAGA devoteesmight end up happening. Instead, wed see strategic firings and efforts to corrupt governing processes bureaucratically and behind the scenes. It would not take the firing of that many officials to lead to the systematic suppression of scientific information in the rulemaking process, Donald Moynihan, a professor of public policy at the University of Michigan, told me. In a second Trump administration, it will be much easier for political appointees to rig the flow of information and threaten career officials if they dont align with Trumps preferences, even if its at odds with the scientific consensus. It could impact everything from water to air to workplace and food safety.

The rationale for the threat to purge the deep state is sometimes that the bureaucracy can impede the popularly elected presidents agenda, which has anti-democratic implications. There are reasonable versions of that argument. But as political scientist Francis Fukuyama explains well, a professionalized civil service is a foundational feature of complex contemporary societies. It makes countless day-to-day decisions, and some degree of autonomy is essential to providing the services that we now take for granted as a key feature of modern life. It has all kinds of checks and guarantees of transparency, allowing for this autonomy to unfold while elected leaders make the big decisions. The deliberate suppression or corruption of sound scientific and statistical data, undertaken to rig governing on behalf of elite allies, would not result in something more democratic or more beholden to the people.

Here again, Trump has openly laid out what this would actually look like. At a recent gathering of Big Oil executives, Trump urged them to raise $1 billion for his campaign while dangling a list of specific things sought by the industry that he would give them in return. Trump has also explicitly promised roomfuls of well-heeled donors that he would keep their taxes low while directly soliciting bucketloads of campaign contributions. The large-scale corruption of government information and rulemaking processes would help fulfill his end of such bargains. The result would perhaps resemble a feature of autocratic rule: the selling off of the government for parts to the autocrats elite cronies.





Sobering War Games

Back in May and June, a number of high-profile writers and thinkers engaged in a series of tabletop war games to simulate what an unshackled authoritarian president could actually succeed in inflicting on the country. In the simulationsled by journalist Barton Gellman, former Defense Department official Rosa Brooks, and historian Nils Gilmanthe red team playing the authoritarian president undertook many of the actions that are most frequently warned about. They invoked the Insurrection Act and unleashed the military on protesters, launched prosecutions of Biden and his family, and pardoned all the January 6 insurrectionists.

The results of the simulations were sobering. Those on the blue team, who played the roles of Democratic governors, members of Congress, legal advocates, and others, struggled to respond. They poured time and energy into lawsuits that failed to keep pace with the authoritarian presidents designs. The coalition of resistance fractured. It lacked a serious strategy for generating the large, popular, street-level mobilizations that would be necessary to mount mass resistance.

But something else emerged from these sessions. According to participants, intense debate also centered on whether the type of slower-burn authoritarianism discussed above might also pose its own brutal challenges. Brooks suggested the possibility of a scattered piecemeal resistance, in which Trumpian assaults are so diffuse and targets of state persecution are so isolated that it all snowballs on many fronts before anyone knows what is happening. A slow and steady approach, relying on making examples of selected individuals and organizations, will be less visible, generate far less public backlash, and do as much or more damage, Brooks told me, adding that the big danger is something that unfolds little by little, until its too late.

It seems painfully obvious that banking on the law and the procedural checks of liberal democracy during the Trump era has had limited success. The Russia probe found extensive evidence of likely criminal obstruction of justice by Trump, but its final report failed to say so directly or recommend prosecution. Trumps two impeachmentsone for extorting a U.S. ally, the other for fomenting violent insurrectionfailed to result in Senate convictions. He successfully enlisted an entire major American political party in the project of rewriting the history of his extensive, serious crimes against the country. Through elite lawyer foot-dragging, enlisting corrupt lower-level judges, and Supreme Court complicity, he has successfully put off federal prosecutions of himself for extremely grave criminal charges. If elected, he will almost surely cancel them entirely.

The law will of course play a critical role in defending the vulnerable from Trumps most vicious whims. The American Civil Liberties Union, for instance, has drawn up a blueprint delineating plans to combat the persecution of transgender Americans thats expected in a second Trump administration, such as nixing federal funding to medical institutions that provide any kind of gender-affirming care, which ACLU lawyer James Esseks said would shut down care for trans people nationwide, adults and youth alike. The courts and the law will be called upon to rule against illegitimate criminal investigations into enemies of MAGA and prevent them from turning into illegitimate prosecutions, to block the illegal hijacking of National Guards, and to thwart unlawful crackdowns on immigrants, as well as the sabotage of governing processes in the interests of Trumps cronies.

But another set of solutions might be urgently required here. They call for state-level officials to examine every nook and cranny of their authority and be willing to wield it aggressively against Trumpian abuses. These solutions would have potential targets of persecution restructure their finances and organizations to make them less vulnerable to punitive IRS probes. They entail groups and individuals allying with one another if one is targeted with a corrupt DOJ investigation. As Gellman recently stated, whats needed are precommitments in which all friends of constitutional government vow to stick together, come what may. They should exercise their imaginations and full knowledge of the law and governance right now about what might be coming.

In the end, however, there really isnt all that much of a contingency plan. The only reliable route forward is to thwart Trump from regaining the power necessary to require us to adopt a backup plan in the first place. The idea is to stop it on the front end, Walz said, at the ballot box.
We have to have borders, and we have to have good elections, said Donald Trump during his first presidential debate facing Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday. Our elections are bad. And a lot of these illegal immigrants coming in, theyre trying to get them to vote. They cant even speak English. They dont even know what country theyre in, practically. And these people are trying to get them to vote, and thats why theyre allowing them to come into our country. All night, Trump returned to his themes of immigrants as criminals. And while it may have looked like Trump was veering wildly from the border to election integrity (the way he veers wildly and free associates from practically every topic), the pairing of these two subjects was no accident. It was more than just his refuge from questions he didnt want to answer. Its part of a growing narrative through which Trump and his acolytes appear to be lining up a cover story for another attempt to steal an election: Blame immigrants, blame Democrats, blame the border.

Trumps seemingly jumbled riff at the debate recalled a campaign stop he made in front of a section of his beloved border wall in the Arizona desert in August: We gotta clean up our borders, we have got to clean up our elections, or were not going to have a country, Trump said, almost casually, like it was a routine line.

Republicans have long used the idea of immigrants voting illegally to justify voter suppression efforts, like requiring voters to provide state-issued identification at polling places. But the more recent twist now is to construct a scheme they say is led by Democrats to use migrants who have recently arrived to commit (nonexistent) voter fraud, sometimes seizing on the work of groups aiding recently arrived migrants, and capitalizing on social medias power to make a lie louder than the truth. Trumps running mate, J.D. Vance, has a history with this kind of narrative, part of how he also indulges far-right great replacement conspiracy theoriesthis idea that white voters who are American citizens are being deliberately replaced by immigrants and by people of color. Bidens open border is killing Ohioans, a 2022 Vance for U.S. Senate campaign ad went, with more illegal drugs and more Democrat voters pouring into this country. As my colleague Greg Sargent noted at the time, Vance was suggesting that Democrat voters in the form of migrants are one factor killing Ohioans. Thats partly a reference to drugs crossing the border, but the hint at an apocalyptic demographic threat is obvious. In August, at a campaign event in North Carolina, Vance said it as succinctly as anyone on that campaign can, only now about Harris: Her party wants more power, and the way theyre going to do it is, she wants to give all those illegal aliens the right to vote.

Trumps fictions about immigrants are growing increasingly phantasmagoricalas in Tuesday nights made-up stories about immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, eating pets. But theres a similar twisting of reality when he talks about election fraud: In several cases, what he actually seems to be describing would more accurately be described as legal efforts to hold him accountable for abuses of power.

At a Wisconsin rally on September 7, Trump went on a rant involving Aurora, Colorado. Trump claimed that in Colorado, whole apartment complexes were ruled by what he characterized as gangs from Venezuelaa preview, he said, for the rest of us. You havent seen the migrant crime yet; its started, and its vicious. But Colorado holds another special meaning for Trump. He continued, Colorado began the threat to democracy against me where they tried to unconstitutionally remove me from the ballot  and then they say Im a threat to democracy, think about that. From there, Trump moved onto the more widely reported segment of his remarks, seeming to promise bloodshed: In Colorado theyre so brazen theyve taken over sections of the state, and you know, getting them out will be a bloody story, they should have never been allowed to come into our country.

Those who backed Trumps attempts to overturn the 2020 election results are now taking up this narrative of illegal immigrants and election fraud. In May, House Speaker Mike Johnson promoted a bill to require voters in federal elections to prove their citizenshipwhen noncitizens are already barred from voting in federal elections. We cannot wait for widespread fraud to occur, especially when the threat of fraud is growing with every single illegal immigrant that crosses that border, Johnson said in April, standing alongside Trump at Mar-a-Lago. A growing number of states are considering such redundant prohibitions. In this election, Kentucky is one of eight states where voters will consider bans on noncitizen voting.

Some conservative groupsincluding the Heritage Foundation, which was also behind Project 2025are already mobilizing to confront purported acts of election fraud by noncitizens, building on past efforts, adding what they learned from 2020. Some Republican state officials have joined them, such as Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who has launched an investigation premised on a conspiracy theory. Cleta Mitchell, one of the architects of the Stop the Steal effort, helped found a national campaign to train people to monitor elections in their own communities, premised on the lie that millions of noncitizens may vote in November. One member, the group Only Citizens Vote, has accused election officials who were hiring poll workers who speak Spanish of hiring undocumented immigrants. They are sending election workers signs designed to be placed in polling locations. The signs read, Voting by noncitizens is a criminal, deportable offensein English and Spanish. The New York Times recently obtained a recording of a Zoom meeting in which one of the activists suggested searching official voter records for ethnic names to flag as possible noncitizens.

Above all, Trump uses his narratives about the border to prepare people for the idea of exceptional and extreme responses, perhaps involving the military. The migrant invasion rhetoric pushed by Trump and key allies like Texas Governor Greg Abbott serves in part as groundwork for putting down this invasion. Trump has already entertained the idea of using such an exceptional response to shut down political enemies and domestic unrest. As president, he used agents who police the border to police protests. The same Border Patrol tactical teams currently on the ground in Oregon, reported Ryan Deveraux for The Intercept amid the George Floyd protests in 2020, were also deployed to provide muscle and a visible show of strength for Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers conducting a crackdown on New York and other so-called sanctuary cities.

If Trump saw a crackdown on immigrants and protesters as requiring the same force, this may also give us a sense of his plans after the election. Russ Vought, recently of Project 2025, an attempt to prepare an incoming Trump administration, detailed the project participants current thinking, in what he thought was a private meeting this summer. We put out, for instance, a 50-page paper designed for lawyers to know that the president has, you know, the ability both along the border and elsewhere to maintain law and order with the military, Vought said in a leaked video, and thats something that, you know, thats going to be important for him to remember and his lawyers to affirm. Meanwhile, as these advisers plan their postelection game, completely unfounded claims of widespread fraud by immigrants have been spreading on social medialong before voting has begun, noted Michael Waldman, president of the Brennan Center for Justice, at an August congressional hearing. This year, he said, the Big Lie is being pre-deployed.
TechCrunch

Michael Gronager, co-founder and CEO of Chainalysis, has taken a personal leave of absence from the company. The blockchain analysis outfit isnt sharing why but says the development is temporary. According to The Block, which first reported the news, Chainalysis President and COO Sari Granat, who joined the outfit in 2022, is acting as interim CEO.
A federal judge has ruled that Trump Tower in Chicago is a public nuisance and an environmental hazard for killing thousands of fish.

Last year, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and environmental activists asked the Cook County Circuit Court to rule on their case against the Trump International Hotel and Tower in downtown Chicago, arguing its operators had failed to comply with environmental laws.

Now, a judge has ruled that Trump Tower is a public nuisance and that its cooling water intake system has killed thousands of fish from the Chicago River, the Chicago Sun-Times reports. The tower sits at 401 N. Wabash Ave. and opened in 2009. It has been operating without a proper state water permit and does not accurately report water discharge levels, according to a lawsuit.

Its intake system pulls 20 million gallons of water daily from the Chicago River to cool the building. Groups alleged the building has illegally sucked in and killed thousands of fish.

That amount of water means the building is subject to state and federal regulations about water intake and protecting fish.

Trump Tower has created and continues to create a public nuisance in violation of Illinois law, Cook County Circuit Court Judge Thaddeus L. Wilson said in his ruling, according to the Sun-Times.

The intake system also operates in a manner that substantially and unreasonably interferes with the public right to fish and otherwise recreate in the Chicago River, Wilson continued.

The Trump International Hotel and Tower near the Chicago River. A federal judge called it a public nuisance' for its sucking up millions of water a day without a permit. (Getty Images)

They were able to kill more fish and aquatic organisms than what would be allowed, Margaret Frisbie, executive director of Friends of the Chicago River, told the Sun-Times. This decision brings us near the end of a six-year journey.

Well be monitoring to make sure they obey the law, Jack Darin, director of Sierra Club Illinois, also told the outlet.

The next hearing is scheduled for November. If the sides do not reach an agreement, it will be up to the courts to how to force the building to comply with regulations.

Trump Tower failed to follow state and federal regulations that protect the health of the Chicago River, Raoul said in a statement. All entities  no matter who they are  must be held accountable when they willfully disregard our laws.

The Independent has contacted the Trump Organization for comment.
Scott Olson/Getty Images

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump vowed to create a task force to combat anti-Christian bias if reelected this week, during a prayer call hosted by the candidate's closest allies in the Christian nationalist movement.

The prayer call, which took place shortly before Trumps September 10 presidential debate against Vice President Kamala Harris, was hosted by the National Faith Advisory Board (NFAB), an organization founded in 2021 by former Trump administration advisors and Christian evangelists with Trumps endorsement. During Trumps remarks on the call, the former president told listeners he would create a task force of anti-Christian bias if given a second term in order to defend religious liberty at the highest level.

[W]hen we win, I will stop the weaponization of our government against Christians, Trump said during the call, per recordings posted to social media by the watchdog account PatriotTakes. Ill protect Christians in our schools, our government, our military, and our public square. And well bring our country back together as one nation under God.

If the promise of a task force to protect their interests was the carrot, Trumps stick was xenophobic, anti-immigration conspiracy theories. Trump claimed during the call that Democrats are flooding our country with millions and millions of undocumented immigrants in order to illegally cast more ballots for Harris, which he described as a plot to destroy the voting powers of Christian conservative voters forever [...] There should be no more important voice than the voice of Christians. Trump has peddled a similar lie since losing the 2020 election, baselessly claiming votes from undocumented migrants helped rig the polls against him.

All of this, Trump warned Christian listeners, was part of the endgame for the Lefts war on Christianity. [...] Christians will be reduced to second-class citizens, and thats what they want.

Trumps statements on the NFAB call echoed sentiments of the Great Replacement conspiracy theory popular among white- and Christian nationalists, which posits that nonwhite, non-Christian immigrants are replacing white Christians to take control of their country. Republicans have increasingly embraced Great Replacement rhetoric in the MAGA era, evidenced in the push to redefine the U.S. as a Judeo-Christian nation in public schools. These conspiracies are also linked to the GOPs crusade against transgender youth, itself a byproduct of evangelical natalist doctrine that compels believers to produce as many white, Christian babies as possible.

Though the religious Right is far from a new entity in U.S. politics, conservatives have increasingly weaponized Christian religious liberty concerns to roll back LGBTQ+ rights over the last several years. In 2021, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine used the state budget to declare that health care workers would be allowed to refuse to perform treatment to LGBTQ+ patients based on religious beliefs. Similarly, a federal judge ruled in 2022 that businesses may block employee health insurance coverage of the HIV prophylactic drug PrEP on the basis of the employers sincerely held religious beliefs. Last July, the Supreme Court opened the gates for other such policies in the 303 Creative v Elenis ruling, which declared that businesses may deny services to LGBTQ+ people on religious grounds. A Washington Post investigation last October revealed that numerous recent religious liberty court battles were brought by businesses that may have been created by right-wing groups to file those lawsuits under false pretenses.

The Christian Wedding Cake Baker Is Now Going After ... Trans Cake?

Masterpiece Cakeshop refused to make a cake with pink and blue frosting after learning it would celebrate a gender transition so the trans lawyer who ordered it sued (and won). The Colorado Supreme Court will now hear the case.

This alliance with Christian nationalists is one that Trump has cultivated for years, using the movements natural authoritarianism to propel his own bids for presidential power. Hes even gone so far as to sell Bibles branded with his name for $59.99 earlier this year, underscoring to his followers that he is the man who will make the U.S. into a kingdom of God  if not a messiah figure unto himself, after he survived an assassination attempt in mid-July. Trump has also vowed that Christians wont have to vote anymore after giving him their support in 2024, because we'll have it fixed so good you're not going to have to vote.

Martyrs dont demand riches, authority or respect. Martyrs dont exploit peoples faith for personal gain, said exvangelical writer Tiffany Torres Williams in a July editorial for U.S. News and World Report. [I]f Christians want a leader who models Jesus and Christian values to help those in greatest need, Trump is far from it [...] He is no Christian martyr.

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Trump's 'peace plan' could include creation of demilitarized zone between Russia and Ukraine, Vance says

Republican vice-presidential nominee J.D. Vance said in an interview with Shawn Ryan on Sept. 12 that Donald Trump's plan to end Russia's war could include the establishment of a special demilitarized zone between Ukraine and Russia, among other arrangements.

Known for his longstanding public sympathy for Russian President Vladimir Putin and his repeated criticism of U.S. aid to Ukraine, Trump has claimed during his presidential campaign that he would end the war within 24 hours if elected, though he refused to provide details of his plan.

Media reports indicated that Trump privately suggested he would end Russias war by pressuring Ukraine to cede occupied Crimea and Donbas to Moscow. He also said publicly in May 2023 that he would not guarantee continued defense assistance to Ukraine if he won the presidential election.

According to Vance, Trump could bring Russians, Ukrainians, and Europeans to the negotiating table to "figure out what a peaceful settlement looks like."

Vance said that the plan to end the war could include establishing a so-called "demilitarized zone" between Ukraine and Russia, presumably resembling the current line of demarcation between the countries.

Ukraine would retain its sovereignty, but at the same time it would have to give guarantees to Russia that it would not join NATO or any other allied institutions, Vance added.

During the interview, Vance also claimed that "Russia should not have attacked Ukraine, but that Ukraine also has 'many problems with corruption'."

"It's got a lot to do with money, let's just be honest," Vance claimed, adding that many wars start because of "the fight for resources." Vance described Ukraine as a very "resource-rich country."

Vance, who was selected as Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump's running mate in July, has been outspoken about his opposition to U.S. aid for Ukraine. He repeatedly has said that he "doesn't care about Ukraine," including just days after the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion.

Vance also repeatedly disparaged Ukraine and voiced his unwillingness to continue U.S. support in leaked text messages with far-right conspiracy theorist Charles Johnson, the Washington Post reported on Aug. 7.

According to the texts, which Johnson shared with the Washington Post, Vance said in October 2023, "Dude, I won't even take calls from Ukraine." The exchange came as congressional Republicans began blocking an aid package for Ukraine, an impasse that continued for several months.

Read also: I dont care  JD Vance on Ukraine, in his own words

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
In a sane, normal and functional democracy  and even in a mildly dysfunctional one, which is a widespread condition these days  Donald Trumps appalling performance in Tuesday nights presidential debate would not just have ensured his electoral defeat but ended his career as a public figure. But  and you know where Im going here  we do not live in such a democracy.

Whether we live in one at all, indeed, is up for debate. Yes, we still hold elections that are not entirely predictable in advance (although, way too much of the time, they are), and whose winners get to assume positions of authority. But the popular superstition that purportedly free and fair elections between rival gangs of millionaires equates to democracy is one of the most dangerous of American delusions. We went from two wildly unpopular geriatric candidates stuffed with dark money, who transparently did not reflect majority opinion on a wide range of issues, to just one of those plus a last-minute substitute, chosen in desperation with no semblance of a democratic process, who has ridden a wave of exuberance based on nothing more than novelty and sheer relief. Those emotions are highly understandable, but do we have to pretend that anything about that is healthy?

Too many of us in the media have made jokes over the past decade about living in the worst timeline, or suggesting that the godlike alien authors of this simulation should simply switch it off. But the anxiety beneath such alleged witticisms is deeply troubling: Facing the fact that this is our reality, and that you and I will never get to live in any other hypothetical sliding-doors universe, is acutely painful.

There is a profound darkness within America, a widely shared sensation that something has gone wrong, even if we cant quite identify it and dont remotely agree about whats causing it. That feeling of rootlessness and discontent, of society coming unstuck  the academic term is anomie  definitely isnt unique to this country, but it gets massively amplified by our national narcissism and our physical isolation. Nearly all of us feel it, regardless of where we live or who we vote for. (If we conclude its worth voting for anyone at all, that is; nearly one-third of adult citizens never even bother.)

One tangible symptom of that darkness is the fact that a visibly disordered man appeared on television before a worldwide audience and delivered an angry, incoherent diatribe fueled by grotesque fantasies about baby-killing doctors and cat-eating Haitians, and that he appears, two days later, to have only slightly diminished his 50/50 chance of being elected president.

Certainly Kamala Harris deserves some of the credit, if thats the right word, for Trumps thorough self-beclowning. She was competent and controlled, did not raise her voice or lose her temper, and generally managed to avoid perplexing policy questions by setting obvious rhetorical traps for Trump, into which he tumbled over and over again. Now we are forced to ponder unanswerable or metaphysical questions about whether Harris appeared sufficiently presidential, and how wavering independents or notional undecided voters in a handful of swing states, who have somehow avoided drawing any firm conclusions about Donald Trump, interpreted this spectacle. The real and glaringly obvious question is admittedly harder to face: How the hell did we wind up here?

As various commentators have observed lately, summarizing or paraphrasing the things Trump says can amount to sanewashing him, lending his remarks a clarity or sense of direction they almost never possess. On the other hand, accurately transcribing and reproducing Trumps belligerent rants about Hannibal Lecter, Venezuela, the all-purpose panacea of tariffs (!), his radical left liberal opponents who seek to perform transgender surgeries on illegal aliens and the alleged million-dollar bribes paid to Joe Biden by the mayor of Moscows wife  fact-check that, libtards!  is like spending too much time reading H.P. Lovecrafts Necronomicon, the book of forbidden knowledge that drives you mad.

I actually spent 10 or 15 minutes of my allotted time on this Earth trying to identify Abdul, the Taliban leader Trump purportedly cowed into submission with a threatened drone strike. Im sure youll be surprised to learn that no one of that name, or anything close to that name, has ever been a major military or political figure in the Taliban, and that news accounts of the Trump administrations negotiations with that group suggest its leaders were treated with great solicitude. Its true, however, that the Trump team authorized many drone killings in Afghanistan (as did the Obama and Biden teams), a significant proportion of which  the exact number is a state secret  were war crimes against unarmed civilians.

That digression isnt entirely irrelevant: The drone wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and other places we were never officially told about have been consigned to the memory hole, along with the entire tragic and gruesome history of Americas misbegotten 20-year war in the Middle East. But nothing could more clearly symbolize the dark places in Americas troubled conscience, where were dimly aware that we dont know the real story, and its not unreasonable to assume the worst.

Trumps distinctive and probably unconscious political genius was to channel that American darkness while also vowing to defeat it, and for years that contradiction was his strength, not his weakness. He was the antiwar candidate who promised to bring back torture, the crusader for the forgotten man who gave huge tax breaks to the wealthy, the builder of imaginary border walls, nonexistent health care plans and vaporware agreements with foreign tyrants.

The American carnage of Trumps inaugural address was more like an erotic fantasy than a depiction of reality. As George W. Bush reportedly said to Michelle Obama at the time, That was some weird shit, and if W. were capable of honest self-reflection about his own role in brewing it  but lets not go there.

Isn't there a word for the political system that thrives on unfocused discontent, in which an autocratic leader seeks to combine incompatible ideologies and overcome class divisions in pursuit of impossible goals, while both threatening and promising apocalypse? I'll think of it later.

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Its not exactly breaking news that Trumps delusional, conspiratorial rants are grounded in the most depressing and small-minded kinds of bigotry rather than facts, and that his core audiences like it that way. Right-wing commentators spent an entire day feigning outrage that ABCs debate moderators dared to challenge at least a few of the ex-presidents blatantly false assertions. But asking whether Trump actually believes the outrageous things he says, whether his followers take them literally and whether fact-checking serves any real purpose amid a thundering Niagara of lies is largely missing the point.

Of course we could find MAGA true believers who have imbibed not just the Trumpian Kool-aid but paid hundreds of dollars for the Trump-branded smiley-face pitcher it came in, and who adjust their views daily to conform to their cult leader's latest utterances. But most of Trump's voters, I suspect, see themselves as knowing participants in the con. They judge their god-emperor on style rather than substance, and understand truth as an endlessly fungible cryptocurrency compared to wicked memes and liberal tears. What was truly damaging about Tuesdays debate, in that regard, was not that Trump got fact-checked (lol who cares!) but that he got owned, pantsed, Melvined and defenestrated, and clearly knew it. Snowflakes were triggered, and flung their tear-soaked red hats to the ground.

The Washington Post convened a mini-focus group of about 25 supposedly uncommitted voters in swing states  a methodologically murky sample with no statistical or predictive value, to be clear  and the short-term news was clearly positive for Harris. Nearly all participants said she'd won the debate, and a couple of previously Trump-friendly voters now said they leaned toward Harris.

Most readers probably got no further than that: Phew, democracy saved and all! But if you pushed past the top-line data into what those folks actually said, it got a whole lot darker: The sense of discontent was pervasive and nonpartisan, as was a shared awareness that nothing that happens in November is likely to fix it. Melissa, a 40ish woman in Nevada, said she leaned toward Harris on reproductive rights, but strongly favored Trump on the economy. She appreciated his strong views and trusted his ability to make strong, decisive choices. Seriously, that was Melissas verdict on the guy who said Democrats would allow doctors to execute the baby in the delivery room: Strong views!

A plurality of the group, including several likely Harris voters, agreed with Trumps statement that [W]e have a nation in decline.  We have a nation that is dying. According to Alexander in Arizona, a young white man who leans toward Harris, Our economy is dying, and the American dream for the next generation seems extremely bleak. Tamara in Michigan, a young white woman who remains undecided, said, We need substance from both candidates, and we are not getting it. Debra in Pennsylvania, an older white woman who went into the evening leaning toward Trump, concluded, I dont want to vote for either of them.

Steven in Nevada, a middle-aged white man and likely Harris voter, was agnostic on Trumps decline comment, but not in a good way. Let's commend him for brevity: I think the world is in decline, he said, not necessarily the USA.
A jury found Skylar Strickland not guilty of battery after a daylong trial in Clearwater on Wednesday.

Strickland, the 35-year-old owner of St. Petersburg vape shop Tubular Tokes, stood accused of battering Madison Hayward, 22, in the parking lot behind his Central Avenue store.

Im just really glad that this is done, Strickland said Thursday by phone. You know, seven years, Ive never had an incident like this, and I never want to have another.

The verdict came after 9 p.m. in Pinellas County court, following around 25 minutes of deliberation by a jury comprised of five men and one woman.

Several times on Wednesday, jurors were shown a late-night video captured by a witness in an upstairs apartment showing Strickland hitting and kicking Hayward while she was on the ground last November. Photographs presented to the jury showed Hayward covered in bruises and cuts the following morning.

Strickland never denied that he was the person in the video but testified that he was acting in self-defense after Hayward trespassed in a fenced-off area and tried to force her way into his shop.

Sticklands attorney argued that because Hayward had blacked out and could not remember leaving the Lost & Found bar next door, there was no proof that she had not sustained her injuries before encountering Strickland.

Thats ridiculous, but that wasnt the question we were in court to answer, anyway, Hayward said by phone Thursday. The question was did he batter me. Theres video showing it. The verdict is very disappointing.
TULARE COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  A 39-year-old was denied parole in a 2003 murder conviction of her uncle in Porterville, according to the Tulare County District Attorneys Office.

The DA says prosecutors secured a three-year denial of parole for Theresa Ann Dorchester for the murder of a family member in an action Dorchester described as payback time.

Parole commissioners noted Dorchesters behavior while incarcerated as a factor in her denial, which included several fights and other rules violations.

According to the DA on June 4, 2003, in Porterville, Dorchester went to the home of her uncle, the victim, stating that she wanted to talk to him about an issue. The victim went outside with Dorchester. Less than 10 minutes later, the victim returned to the home covered in blood where witnesses stated he said, She got me good, before he collapsed.

Dorchester had been seen with a butterfly knife a few days before the incident.

Dorchester according the the DA admitted to the stabbing to detectives due to a grudge against her uncle, an action she described as payback time.

A Tulare County jury convicted her of first-degree murder in 2005. She was sentenced to 26 years to life in prison.

Dorchester is currently serving a life sentence at the Central California Womens Facility.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com | KSEE24 and CBS47.
ISTANBUL (Reuters) -Turkey has opened an investigation into the death of a Turkish-American activist believed to have been shot by Israeli troops in the occupied West Bank and will request international arrest warrants, Ankara said on Thursday.

The body of the woman, Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, 26, will arrive in Turkey on Friday, the Foreign Ministry said. Her father said the funeral was set for Saturday in the Turkish Aegean coastal city of Didim.

Israel has taken responsibility for the death of Eygi, who was killed last Friday while taking part in a protest against Jewish settlement expansion in the West Bank.

Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc said the Ankara chief prosecutor's office is investigating "those responsible for the martyrdom and murder of our sister Aysenur Ezgi Eygi".

He told reporters that Turkey had evidence regarding the killing and would make international arrest requests.

The Foreign Ministry said she "was deliberately targeted and killed by Israeli soldiers during a peaceful demonstration in solidarity with Palestinians."

"We will make every effort to ensure that this crime does not go unpunished," it said.

Israel has said it was highly likely its troops had fired the shot that killed her but that her death was unintentional.

U.S. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris said on Wednesday her killing was unacceptable and Israel must do more to make sure such an event never happens again.

Mehmet Suat Eygi, Aysenur's father, told reporters he welcomed Turkey's investigation into the murder and said he expected the same from the U.S. government.

"When there is an injustice against one of its own, or a murder of its own citizens, America, like the eagle on its emblem, swoops down. But when it comes to Israel, there is an effort to evade it," Turkish media cited him as saying.

Eygi added that his daughter was 10 months old when she moved to the United States.

(Reporting by Huseyin Hayatsever, Ece Toksabay and Daren Butler;Editing by Jonathan Spicer and Angus MacSwan)
Twin Cities movies the week of Sept. 11: 'Blues Brothers,' 'Lord of the Rings,' and 'Ninja Scroll'

So many great genre films will be revisited in Twin Cities area theaters this week. We'll talk about five worth your time below, but even beyond those, there are screenings of Splash, The Deer Hunter, Exaclibur, Blazing Saddles, and others. It's a good week.

Here are five films you should track down, plus details on what else you'll find in theaters throughout the week.

Blues Brothers (1980)

Wednesday, Sept. 11 at The Parkway Theater

The Parkway's "We're on a Mission" series collides with its September series of John Candy films. The comedy classic starring Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi requires little introduction. Though, it'll get a good one on Wednesday. The film is preceded by live music from the Matt Herzog Band, and, of course, the Parkway serves drinks if you're making an evening of it. 4814 Chicago Ave., Minneapolis ($9 advance/$12 at the door)

Ninja Scroll (1993)

Wednesday, Sept. 11Thursday, Sept. 12, and Sunday, Sept. 15 at various theaters

A fresh run of AX Cinema Nights, a slow-burning series of anime films screened in theaters across the country, gets going with Ninja Scroll. The series features a mix of cult classics and genre pillars like Paprika and Cowboy Bebop. You'll find Ninja Scroll screening at AMC Rosedale, AMC Southdale, AMC Eden Prairie Mall, AMC Inver Grove, CMX Odyssey IMAX, and other area theaters. Theaters and prices vary

Return of the King - extended edition (2003)

Saturday, Sept. 14Sunday, Sept. 15, and Wednesday, Sept. 18 at Emagine theaters

Last week, there were opportunities to see extended editions of the first two Lord of the Rings movies. This week, the short run at Emagine theaters wraps up with the Oscar-winning Return of the King.

While the extended editions can be an endurance test  this one is more than four hours long  they're also rarely on the big screen. It'll be playing at Emagine Willow Creek, Emagine Eagan, Emagine Lakeville, and Emagine White Bear. Theaters and prices vary

Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)

Monday, Sept. 16 at Heights Theater

Often heralded as one of Wes Anderson's best films, Grand Budapest Hotel is chum for movie lovers who thirst for his heavily stylized films. It has intricate sets, a great soundtrack, an all-star cast, and a lot of heart.

The story of a lobby boy's youth at an immaculate hotel features Ralph Fiennes, F. Murray Abraham, Adrien Brody, Tilda Swinton, Willem Dafoe, Jeff Goldblum, Harvey Keitel, Jude Law, Bill Murray, Saoirse Ronan, Edward Norton, Lea Seydoux, Jason Schwartzman, Owen Wilson, and many others. 3951 Central Ave. NE, Columbia Heights ($12)

Seconds (1966)

Friday, Sept. 13Sunday, Sept. 15 at the Trylon Cinema

Rock Hudson stars in John Frankenheimer's twisting movie about a despondent man, ready to move on from the life he's living. He starts looking into a procedure that fakes his death and gives him a new look and lease on life. You'll be shocked to discover that this doesn't go quite as he plans.

The screening is part of a series of films at the Trylon showcasing the conspiracy-minded films Frankenheimer created in the '60s. 2820 E 33rd St, Minneapolis ($8)

Related: New movie series about politics and conspiracy comes to the Trylon

More movies screening this week:

Related: Anime festival brings classic films like 'Cowboy Bebop' and 'Paprika' to Minnesota theaters over next 7 months
Two arrested after death of 2-year-old in Cordell

CORDELL, Okla. (KFOR)  According to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, two people have been arrested following the death of a two-year-old.

The OSBI says the Cordell Police Department requested the bureaus help on December 29, 2023, regarding a suspicious death of a child.

LOCAL NEWS: Police identify suspect in deadly Midwest City shooting

Earlier that day, officers responded to a residence in Cordell after receiving reports of a child not breathing. Upon arrival, officers found the child and began life-saving measures before he was taken to the hospital where he later died.

The childs father, 37-year-old Jerrid Page Johnson, and maternal grandmother, 63-year-old Kathleen Mary Green, were at the residence when officers arrived. Special agents interviewed them both and began investigating.

Jerrid Page Johnson.

Kathleen Mary Green.

On August 14, 2024, the OSBI says the childs autopsy was complete and the probable cause of death was listed as acute fentanyl toxicity.

On September 11, 2024, the Washita County District Court issued a felony murder warrant for both Johnson and Green. They later turned themselves in to the Washita County Sheriffs Office on Second-Degree Murder charges.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
Two arrested after shots fired, police chase on I-57 in Champaign Co.

PESOTUM, Ill. (WCIA)  Part of Interstate 57 is closed after a vehicle fired shots at a second vehicle Thursday afternoon.

According to State Police, people in one car shot at another car in Pesotum at milepost 223 in Champaign County around 1 p.m. Police tried to stop the car that fired the shots, but the vehicle evaded the officers, causing them to engage in a chase.

One hurt in IL 33 crash involving semi-truck

State Police Troopers eventually were able to bring the vehicle to a stop after they deployed stop sticks near milepost 285 near Gilman.

A man and a woman were taken into custody in relation to the incident. No one was injured from the shots fired.

State Police closed the right lane of Interstate 57 northbound, but the left lane is open.

There is no further information available at this time.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
FILE - Angela Alsobrooks, the Democratic nominee for the US Senate in Maryland, speaking at the Democratic National Convention, Aug. 20, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)

WASHINGTON (AP)  The Senate has the potential for history-making this fall, with not one, but two, Black women possibly elected to the chamber, a situation never seen in America since Congress was created more than 200 years ago.

Delawares Lisa Blunt Rochester marks the milestone by saying that the reason she does this work is not about making history, but to make a difference, an impact, on people's lives.

Marylands Angela Alsobrooks said that people like her, and stories like hers, dont usually make it to the U.S. Senate, but they should.

If the two Democratic candidates prevail in their elections this November, their arrival would double the number of Black women  from two to four  who have ever been elected to the Senate, whose 100 members have historically been, and continue to be, mostly white men.

Never in the Senate have two Black women served together at the same time.

I have to pause and think, How is that possible? asked Debbie Walsh, director of the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University.

Its not that white male attorneys' perspective shouldnt be at the table, said Walsh, but they shouldnt be the only thing at the table.

To be sure, there are a many stairs to climb before Senate history would be made this election, where not only the White House, but control of Congress is being fiercely contested, and essentially a toss-up. The Senate races, in particular, are heated, grueling and costly.

Blunt Rochester is almost assured to defeat the Republican candidate after Tuesday's uncontested primary for the seat held by retiring Democratic Sen. Tom Carper in the small state that is home to President Joe Biden and where she is the at-large representative to the House. But the race in Maryland between Alsobrooks and Republican Larry Hogan, the popular former governor, is expected to be tight to the finish  and it could determine which party takes majority control in the Senate.

Alsobrooks upended conventional wisdom to beat back wealthy David Trone in the primary to replace retiring Democratic Sen. Ben Cardin by amassing deep grass roots and party support, showcased in a notable campaign ad with hundreds of backers. She is the former States Attorney for sprawling Prince Georges County and is now its top County Executive.

On their private text chain Blunt Rochester says they call themselves sister senator to be, as they run down-ballot from Vice President Kamala Harris  a friend and colleague who became the second Black woman ever elected to the Senate when she won in 2016  in her own historic run for the White House.

The first Black woman elected to the Senate, Democratic Sen. Carol Moseley Braun of Illinois in 1992, served a single term. Harris was the second. And a third Black woman, Sen. Laphonza Butler, was appointed to fill out the term of long-serving California Sen. Dianne Feinstein, who died in 2023.

People are anxious and excited at the same time, said Glynda C. Carr, the president and CEO of Higher Heights for America, an organization that works to elect Black women to office.

Whats striking about their campaigns is the way the two women embrace their own backgrounds but also, like Harris, dont dwell on the historic firsts they would bring to the job, leaving it to the voter to see their Blackness and hear their voices as women.

The vast majority of us know that we have so much more in common than what separates us, Harris said on the debate stage this week, brushing past Trump as he revived questions about her race.

On the campaign trail Blunt Rochester has shared the story of the Reconstruction Era documents showing her great, great, great-grandfather, who had been enslaved in Georgia, as now having the right to vote.

As she reminisces on that history, what we've come through as a country, she said she also thinks of what she will pass on to her own new baby granddaughter.

There isn't a cookie cutter way to run" for office, Blunt Rochester told AP.

Blunt Rochester and Harris are close, both entering Congress the same year and often sitting together at Congressional Black Caucus events. The most important thing is that we show up as our authentic selves," she said, adding "because it requires all of our different and diverse lived and work experiences.

Alsobrooks launched her campaign for the Senate in a video telling her familys story of leaving South Carolina for Maryland after her great-grandfather was shot and killed by a sheriff's deputy after a traffic stop.

As a young prosecutor she first met Harris, then attorney general in California, a friendship that formed more than a decade ago.

But unlike 2016, when Hillary Clinton ran for president in a white suit symbolic of the suffragettes, the 2024 Senate candidates are positioning themselves more broadly in a way that may appeal to a wider electorate but also signals the cultural shift as the country becomes more diverse and Congress becomes more reflective of the electorate.

We learned from 2016, were not going to lead with identity in the same way that Hillary Clinton did, said Aimee Allison, founder of She the People, an organization that supports women of color in American leadership.

Allison said a new generation of candidates is showing you can be holding multiple identities at once. It's demonstrating you have a heart for people who you're not like ... but deserve to be served by government and deserve representation."

The challenges Black women face to get to this point in the campaign are steep, rooted in a two-party political system that has often been slow to support Black women candidates and quick to doubt their ability to win statewide office, despite the qualifications.

Over the years, the parties have not always shared ample resources with Black women candidates who strategists said proved they could have had more success in several close races, creating a Catch-22 loop that reinforces biased attitudes against their electability.

In fact, the Senate may have been poised to swear in another Black woman, Rep. Barbara Lee, who ran for the open seat from California after Feinstein's death but fell short during a multi-candidate primary. Rep. Adam Schiff ran a strong campaign to become the Democratic front-runner with wide party support and is expected to handily win the seat that is now filled temporarily by Butler. Others have faced tough political odds, including Democrat Valerie McCray this year in Republican-heavy Indiana.

With the Senate heading toward a 50-50 split, tens of millions of dollars are being spent in Maryland, where the popular Hogan was recruited by Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell to help the GOP win back the majority.

Hogan and Alsobrooks appear to generally appreciate one another. Alsobrooks said Hogan was a good governor, but warns that in the Senate he would be a decisive GOP vote.

Hogan's campaign said he greatly respects Alsobrooks, and is proud of the work they did together during his administration.

Our campaign has been laser-focused on Maryland and Marylanders  their local concerns and priorities, and the opportunity to elect an independent swing vote who will put the best interests of the state above party-line politics, said Hogan campaign spokeswoman Blake Kernen.

During the Democratic National Convention the two women candidates held an event at a historic Black history museum in Chicago with Moseley Braun delivering remarks and Butler introducing them.

Blunt Rochester, noting her own powder blue power suit with its padded foundation, said shes standing on the shoulders of those who came before her and has strong shoulders ready for those who come next.
DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA)  Two children were arrested in Decatur overnight after police said they made a pair of threats toward Decatur schools on Wednesday.

Officials with the Decatur Police Department said they were made aware of a threat toward Stephen Decatur Middle School around 5:45 p.m. on Wednesday. The threat indicated violence would happen there the following day, and it was shared across multiple social media platforms.

Shortly after this threat was reported to Decatur Police, a second threat was reported. This one did not name a specific school.

Teen arrested for unfounded 911 call alleging Champaign school threat

Officials said the people who made the threats were quickly identified. The person who threatened Stephen Decatur Middle School was 13 years old, and they were arrested for disorderly conduct. A search of the juveniles home resulted in multiple guns being seized; officials said the guns were owned by one of the juveniles family members, who has a valid FOID card.

The 13-year-old was also involved in a similar threat that was made last month, police added. They are currently in custody at a juvenile detention center in Peoria.

The second threat was made by an 11-year-old, officials said. Under Illinois law, this juvenile could not be detained and will be petitioned to juvenile court for disorderly conduct. A search of the 11-year-olds home found no guns.

Police said the two children did not conspire with each other in making the threats. Is it believed that the second threat was a potential copycat incident.

Central IL police investigating string of recent school threats

The Decatur Police Department is committed to ensuring the safety of our schools and takes any threats of violence with the utmost seriousness, officials said. We work closely with school officials and the community to address and investigate these threats promptly, striving to maintain a safe and secure environment for students, teachers and staff. Our priority is to prevent violence and uphold the trust placed in us by the community.

Even though arrests have been made, the investigation into these threats is still ongoing. Anyone with information about them is encouraged to contact the Decatur Police Departments Criminal Investigations Division at 217-424-2734 or Macon County Crimestoppers at 217-423-8477.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
The Food and Drug Administration is preparing for the debut of graphic warning labels on traditional cigarettes as early as December 2025 as it awaits a U.S. Supreme Court decision on tobacco manufacturers appeal.

On Thursday, the FDA released initial guidance that includes the agencys enforcement policy plans.

R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. and ITG Brands filed in August their petition to the Supreme Court concerning their First Amendment claims against FDA regulations on the graphic warnings labels and in marketing.

The appeal was expected considering FDA regulations would require the application of 11 images that include diseased lungs, a man with stitches from heart or lung surgery, a child with an oxygen mask and warnings of erectile dysfunction.

The current set is toned down considerably from the FDAs first attempt in 2012, which featured images of smoke coming out of a tracheal hole, cadavers and a deathly ill man.

The FDA plans to begin enforcement of the labels requirement for products made on and after Dec. 12, 2025. For products made before that date, enforcement would begin in January 2026.

The FDA chose 15 months to provide an orderly transition period; this aligns with the 15-month compliance period originally contemplated by the (federal) Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, before that timing was disrupted by litigation, the FDA said.

The final rule also mandates that manufacturers submit a plan and obtain FDA approval for the random and equal display and distribution of required warnings on cigarette packages, as well as the quarterly rotation of required warnings in cigarette advertisements.

Manufacturers that do not already have approved cigarette health warning plans are urged to submit those plans by Feb. 10.

A coalition of anti-tobacco and public health groups sued the FDA in October 2016, saying it unlawfully withheld or unreasonably delayed issuing its final rule on the graphic warning labels.

The coalition features American Academy of Pediatrics, American Cancer Society, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, American Heart Association, American Lung Association, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids and Truth Initiative.

The FDA initially set a June 18, 2021, deadline for the labels to cover the top 50% of the front and rear panels of packages, as well as at least 20% of the top of advertisements.

The manufacturers and other plaintiffs that include tobacco retailers were successful in persuading a federal judge in Texas to delay the implementation 10 times.

In March, the U.S. Appeals Court for the Fifth Circuit Court ruled against the manufacturers.

Both Reynolds and ITG typically dont comment on pending litigation. The manufacturers said in their appeal that the Fifth Circuit ruled in error in determining the warning images and labels are undisputedly factual and no different from those a medical student might see in a textbook.

The manufacturers claim the warnings are massive, provocative and misleading to consumers.
Countdown to Election Day

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY)  Two historically Black Greek-letter organizations are set to host a town hall and candidate forum at Norfolk State University.

Members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Upsilon Omicron Omega Chapter, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, Alpha Phi Lambda and Epsilon Pi Chapters say the event aims to help the public become better acquainted with state and local candidates ahead of the November elections.

Eric W. Claville, J.D., M.I.L.S, executive advisor to the president for governmental relations at Norfolk State University will moderate the forum. Claville has provided political commentary and analysis on local radio and television stations.

The event takes place Saturday, Oct. 5 at 1 p.m. at the Student Center, Dorothy B. Brothers Auditorium on the campus of Norfolk State University, 700 Park Ave.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
OXFORD, Miss. (WJTV)  A federal jury convicted a Columbus man and a Clarksdale woman for applying for and receiving a fraudulent Economic Injury Disaster Loan from the Small Business Administration (SBA) related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to court documents, Ramirez Ivy, of Columbus, and Felicia Smith, of Clarksdale, conspired with Lakeith Faulkner, Norman Beckwood and others to each receive $200,000 from the SBA based on fraudulent loan applications. Prosecutors said the loan applications contained fictitious documents and claimed business revenue that did not exist.

Former Horn Lake alderman indicted on fraud charge

After a three-day trial, the jury found both Ivy and Smith guilty of conspiracy to commit wire fraud in connection to the fraudulent loan applications as well as one count each of aiding and abetting wire fraud.

This scheme was initially uncovered during a civil investigation, led by the Civil Division of the U.S. Attorneys Office and Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Harland Webster. Thirty other individual borrowers have also been charged in connection with the same scheme.

The case is being investigated by the FBI, the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General, and the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV.
Three Monroe High School students charged with shooting that injured another student

Monroe Police are investigating a shooting that took place late Tuesday evening at Lake Tye Park, near the Skate Park area.

Officers were dispatched around 11:10 p.m. after a passerby reported an argument between two groups in the parking lot, followed by gunfire.

By the time officers arrived, the suspects had already fled the scene.

Shell casings were also discovered.

On Wednesday, a student at Monroe High School came forward, identifying as a victim of the altercation.

Although the students did not suffer gunshot wounds, they did sustain minor injuries during the incident.

Following an interview with the victim, police identified three suspects, all of whom attended Monroe High School.

Police arrested one adult suspect and filed charges against two juvenile suspects, all facing charges of fourth-degree assault.

The adult suspect is in custody, while charges for the minors will be referred to Snohomish County Juvenile Court.

Monroe Police Chief Jeffrey Jolley expressed concern about the incident, stating, The threat and use of violence by juveniles in our community is alarming.

He praised the quick response of the School Resource Officer at Monroe High School, which helped identify the suspects.

Jolley also commended officers for their swift action in apprehending those responsible.

The investigation is ongoing, and police are continuing efforts to piece together the events that led to the shooting.
The three largest drug middlemen  CVS Caremark, OptumRx and Express Scripts  together control more than 95% of prescriptions filled in the United States every year (Getty Images).

Consumers should be alarmed by two independent reports that accuse pharmacy benefit managers, the influential middlemen in our health care system, of deploying anticompetitive pricing tactics that jeopardize patient care and undermine local pharmacies.

The reports by the Federal Trade Commission and U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Accountability echoed concerns long voiced by consumers, doctors, pharmacists and other advocates that pharmacy benefit managers, or PBMs, have too much power and influence over patients access to medicines and the prices they pay. They also appear to agree this power-grab didnt happen by accident.

PBMs have consolidated the delivery of medicines by merging with or acquiring other entities within the supply chain, allowing them to serve as health plans and pharmacists, among other roles. Both reports concluded that a lack of transparency and accountability mechanisms within the pharmacy supply chain have allowed bad actors to pocket rebates and deep discounts intended to reduce the cost of medicines for patients.

The FTCs report found the six largest PBMs control 95% of prescriptions filled in the United States every year. Described as an interim report, the July 9 document said PBMs drive up the costs for many lifesaving drugs, including cancer drugs and squeeze independent pharmacies out of the market, making it more difficult for some residents in rural and underserved communities to get medicines locally.

Two weeks later, the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability issued a report on its own investigation that found evidence of PBMs inflating prescription drug costs and interfering with patient care for their own financial benefit. It focused on the three largest PBMs  CVS Caremark, OptumRx and Express Scripts.

House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, a Republican from Kentucky, didnt mince words when releasing the report: These self-benefitting pricing practices pushed by the PBMs have done nothing but jeopardize patient care, undermine local pharmacies and raise prescription drug prices.

Both reports found that PBMs hold substantial influence over independent pharmacies by imposing unfair, arbitrary and harmful contractual terms that can impact their ability to stay in business and serve their communities. This is especially concerning for rural communities, where the local pharmacy is often the only pharmacy option for citizens, who depend on it to get everything from a flu shot to lifesaving medicine.

It was also clear from both reports that PBMs hold substantial power over patients ability to access and afford their prescription drugs. They noted that PBMs frequently tout the savings they provide payers and patients through negotiations, drug utilization programs and other pricing mechanisms, even though the evidence indicates they often increase costs for patients and taxpayers.

Ultimately, if the rebate system functioned as it should, and as consumers are led to expect, patients would notice a reduced price for their medicine when paying at the pharmacy.

These discounts could mean the difference between patients getting a pricier advanced prescription that improves their health or not being able to afford a medication, skipping doses, or opting out of the care plan altogether. Given all of the advanced treatments and medications our healthcare system has to offer, its unacceptable that patients may have to skip a prescription because a discount wasnt passed along to them.

The Oversight Committee report urged Congress and states to implement legislative reforms to increase transparency. Meanwhile, the FTC said it remains committed to providing timely updates as the Commission receives and reviews additional information.

While both are encouraging, it should be abundantly clear to everyone that PBMs present role is failing patients and consumers. Increased transparency and accountability are needed.

The FTC and the Oversight Committee must continue to maintain a watchful eye over PBMs and act accordingly to ensure patients and consumers are able to affordably access the medicines they need where they live.
Two SF stores busted for operating as illegal gambling dens: police

SAN FRANCISCO (KRON)  The San Francisco Police Department served search warrants at two San Francisco stores on Tuesday and found evidence of illegal gambling at both locations, SFPD said.

The retail stores were both on the 200 block of Leavenworth Street. The search warrants were a planned operation as part of an investigation into illegal gambling.

While serving the warrants, officers found illegal gambling machines, suspected drugs and paraphernalia, cash, stolen products and a gun.

Image from the San Francisco Police Department

Image from the San Francisco Police Department

Image from the San Francisco Police Department

SFPD arrested eight men for crimes related to operating a gambling parlor, outstanding warrants and drug offenses.

Crime forces SF market to close after 35 years in business

The San Francisco Sheriffs Office and the Army National Guard Counterdrug Taskforce contributed to the operation.

SFPD will continue to prioritize efforts to address illegal operations by taking the suspects off the streets and holding individuals accountable, SFPD said.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
New disturbing details have emerged about two alleged anti-LGBTQ+ white supremacists and their involvement in the 2022 shooting of three queer people, including two fatally, outside a gay bar in Bratislava, Slovakia.

Keep up with the latest in LGBTQ+ news and politics. Sign up for The Advocate's email newsletter.

Dallas Erin Humber, 34, of Elk Grove, Calif., and Matthew Robert Allison, 37, of Boise, Idaho, were charged this week with helming an alleged transnational terrorist group known as the Terrorgram Collective. The pair were charged with soliciting hate crimes, attacks on government infrastructure, and the murder of government officials, and conspiring to provide material support to domestic and international racist and anti-LGBTQ+ individuals and groups via the Russian Telegram platform.

The Terrorgram Collective allegedly promoted a white supremacist accelerationism ideology, which believes in the superiority of the white race and that government and society are irreparably corrupt. The ultimate goal of the Terrorgram Collective was to use violence and terrorism to ignite a race war and accelerate the collapse of the government and the rise of a white ethnostate, the DOJ reported on Monday.

Humber and Allison joined the group in 2019. After one of the groups leaders was arrested on terrorism charges and the other leader learned he was the subject of a terror-related investigation, the two assumed leadership of the group in 2022.

Under their leadership, the indictment alleges Humber and Allison provided followers with videos and publications that provided hit lists of high value targets for assassination along with instructions for planning and executing terror attacks. The group also allegedly lionized as saints individuals who committed racist and homophobic murders. They allegedly produced a 24-minute documentary and wrote a saints encyclopedia detailing 105 such killers from the past 50 years.

One of those killers was Juraj Krajcik, a 19-year-old reported Terrorgram member who shot and killed Juraj Vankulic, a non-binary person, and Matus Horvath, a bisexual man, outside the Teplaren gay bar in Bratislava on October 12, 2022.

In his manifesto, Krajcik listed the writings of Terrorgram leaders in his recommended reading section and thanked a former leader convicted of terrorism charges.

Thank you for your incredible writing and art, for your political texts; for your practical guides, Krajcik wrote. Building the future of the White revolution, one publication at a time.

In the year leading up to the shooting, the indictment claims Humber repeatedly encouraged Krajcik and others in the group to commit acts of murder.

If you become a Saint Id narrate your book, she allegedly wrote in a post on or about July 15, 2022. Thats the cost of admission, so to speak.

Humber reportedly later clarified Dead targets or I dont care.

On October 13, 2022, the day after the murders, Humber reportedly posted a New Saint Announcement that heralded Krajcik and his killings.

October 12, 2022  a new Saint arose in Bratislava, Slovakia. The absolute madlad [Krajcik], became Saint 6th Disciple, and Terrorgrams very first Saint, Humber reportedly wrote in the post. He released his manifesto online before shooting up an LGBT coffee shop, killing 2 f*gs and injuring a waitress, before escaping.

The post encouraged followers to read the killers manifesto while continuing its praise of Krajcik.

Saint Krajciks place in the Pantheon is undisputed, as is our enthusiastic support for his work, the post added before concluding, F*cking hail, brother!!!

The indictment alleges that on October 19, 2022, Humber and Allison released the audiobook of Krajciks manifesto. True to her word, Humber reportedly narrated the tract.

The pair also reportedly made Krajcik the focus of the next edition of the groups periodical, celebrating him as a self-radicalized accelerationist and Terrorgrams first saint.

Todays indictment charges the defendants with leading a transnational terrorist group dedicated to attacking Americas critical infrastructure, targeting a hit list of our countrys public officials, and carrying out deadly hate crimes  all in the name of violent white supremacist ideology, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland said in a statement that announced the indictments.

Hate crimes fueled by bigotry and white supremacy, and amplified by the weaponization of digital messaging platforms, are on the rise and have no place in our society, Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division said in a statement. This indictment charges the leaders of a transnational terrorist group with several civil rights violations, including soliciting others to engage in hate crimes and terrorist attacks against Black, immigrant, LGBT, and Jewish people.

Whether motivated by racial bias or antagonism toward government and societal norms, such behavior will not be tolerated, FBI Director Christopher Wray said in a statement.

The indictment includes one count of conspiracy, four counts of soliciting hate crimes, three counts of soliciting the murder of federal officials, three counts of doxing federal officials, one count of threatening communications, two counts of distributing bombmaking instructions, and one count of conspiring to provide material support to terrorists. Humber and Allison each face up to 220 years in prison if convicted on all charges.
Brigitte Macron, France's First Lady, will be paid damages [Getty Images]

Two French women who falsely claimed that the country's First Lady, Brigitte Macron, was transgender have been found guilty of slander.

In December 2021, Natacha Rey and Amandine Roy broadcast unsubstantiated rumours online that Brigitte had never existed, and that her brother Jean-Michel Trogneux had changed gender and started using that name.

The defendants were ordered to pay 8,000 (6,750; $8,859) in damages to Mrs Macron, and 5,000 to her brother.

Mrs Macron had filed a complaint against the women after their claim went viral, sparking conspiracy theories among the far-right.

The pair - Roy an internet fortune-teller, Rey a self-styled independent journalist - discussed at length in a YouTube video the baseless rumour that Brigitte Macron had at some point undergone gender reassignment.

They spoke for four hours on Roy's YouTube channel, where Rey outlined what she termed the "state lie" she claimed to have uncovered.

The claim went viral ahead of France's 2022 presidential election.

It was spread by accounts opposed to Mrs Macron's husband, President Emmanuel Macron, including those on the political far-right, anti-vaccine groups, and followers of the QAnon conspiracy movement.

Mrs Macron's lawyers acted quickly and the women were sued for libel a month after the video was posted online.

"The prejudice is massive, it exploded everywhere," Mrs Macron's lawyer, Jean Ennochi said at the time.

"It's not a victory, it's a normal application of the law," he told AFP news agency on Thursday.

This was not the first time Mrs Macron has been targeted since her husband entered office in 2017. But online trolling had previously been mainly about the couple's near 25-year age gap.
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  Two women were seriously injured after being struck by a vehicle in Rancho Penasquitos Wednesday, authorities said.

According to the San Diego Police Department, the incident occurred around 5:50 p.m. when an 18-year-old woman was driving a 2015 Honda Fit in the 8500 block of Rumex Lane.

Police said the driver made a turn onto westbound Park Village Road when she collided with two women, who were both in their 60s. The pedestrians, who were in a crosswalk, were walking from north to south at the time of the incident.

One of the victims sustained multiple brain bleeds, a skull fracture, left collarbone fracture, multiple left rib fractures, bilateral lung contusions, a bruised left hip and a scalp laceration. Police said her injuries are considered life-threatening.

The other victim sustained a minor brain bleed, right humorous fracture and abrasions to her knees. She is expected to recover.

The driver was not injured and DUI was not a factor, police said.

Traffic Division officers responded to the scene and are investigating the collision. Anyone with information related to the above incident is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  On the morning of the 9-11 terrorist attacks, Tyndall Air Force Base was immediately thrust into the response.

Each year since, the base has held a remembrance ceremony to honor the victims and pay tribute to the legacy and courage of the first responders.

Base personnel and volunteers commemorated every single person who lost their life that day.

September 11, 2001, was the worst terrorist attack on American soil claiming nearly 3,000 lives.

On Wednesday at 8:46 a.m. Eastern time, Tyndall Air Force Base personnel remembered and honored those victims and first responders.

Dozens remember 9/11 with memorial run on Clyde B Wells Bridge

That was the time the first hijacked airplane hit the World Trade Center.

I just want to honor all the men and women who have lost their lives during 911. Its a huge impact, and it kind of changed how the industry of first responders does everything, and I just think its really impactful. So I want to be a part of that, 325th Civil Engineering Squadron Firefighter A1C Anthony Martinez said.

Participants rang a bell and prayed over their own gear as a symbolic gesture for the first responders who died on 9/11.

Over the years we have worked with different services and each service for fire EMS and security forces has provided a special prayer for the members that are lost alive that day. So weve incorporated that into the script, into the ceremony. The bells that rang, that is a fire department tradition for any fallen member, 325th Civil Engineering Squadron Enginer Lt. Col. Allen Lewis said.

After the ceremony firefighters performed a stair climb. It represents the 110 flights of stairs the heroes climbed in the World Trade Center.

Each wore between 20-40 pounds of gear, some carrying 100 pounds. Like those who risked their lives that day. Climbers also carried tags identifying fallen first responders to the top of the stairs.

I mean, youre following those who have died and giving their lives for the people just wanting to do the same, Lewis said.

First Air Force is headquartered at Tyndall. It was responsible for tracking all aircraft over North America that morning and still performs that mission. Tyndalls 325th fighter squadron was scrambled to engage any other hijacked airliners on 9-11 and shoot them down.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com.
Hanoi  Millions of people across Southeast Asia struggled Thursday with flooded homes, power cuts and wrecked infrastructure after Typhoon Yagi swept through the region, as the death toll passed 200. In worst-hit Vietnam alone the fatalities rose to 197, with nine confirmed dead in northern Thailand  where one district is suffering its worst floods in 80 years.



Myanmar's national fire service confirmed the country's first Yagi-related deaths after 17 bodies were recovered from flooded villages in the Mandalay region, while more than 50,000 people have been forced from their homes.



Yagi brought a colossal deluge of rain that has inundated a swathe of northern Vietnam, Laos, Thailand and Myanmar, triggering deadly landslides and widespread river flooding.

Hurricanes vs. typhoons vs. cyclones: What's the difference?

One farmer on the edge of Hanoi told AFP his entire peach blossom plantation was submerged, destroying all 400 of his trees.



"It will be so hard for me to recover from this loss  I think I will lose up to $40,000 this season," said the farmer, who gave his name only as Tu. "I really don't know what to do now, I'm just waiting for the water to recede."



The United Nations children's agency (UNICEF) said the typhoon had damaged more than 140,000 homes across 26 provinces in Vietnam.

Entire village swept away by floodwaters in Vietnam

The high waters have devastated more than 618,000 acres of crops and huge numbers of livestock, Vietnam's agriculture ministry said, with farmland around Hanoi hit hard.



Commuters in parts of the Vietnamese capital trudged to work through shin-deep brown floodwaters, though officials said river levels in the city were slowly falling after hitting a 20-year high on Wednesday.

A man walks through floodwaters past partially submerged houses in Hanoi, Vietnam, Sept. 10, 2024, after Typhoon Yagi hit the country. / Credit: NHAC NGUYEN/AFP/Getty

Thousands have been forced to evacuate their homes, while others are struggling with power cuts.



In the deadliest single incident, a landslide in Lao Cai province annihilated an entire village of 37 houses, killing at least 42 people with 53 still unaccounted for.



Rescue teams pulled victims from the mud on Thursday, carrying them on stretchers to makeshift shelters where neighbors and relatives carefully washed the bodies in readiness for burial.



Survivors picked through the mud and wreckage to retrieve what family heirlooms and possessions they could find.



Fifteen bodies were recovered in Cao Bang province after a landslide on Monday pushed a bus, along with several cars and motorbikes, into a stream, state media said Thursday.

Deaths and concern mount in Thailand and Myanmar

In Thailand the death toll has risen to nine, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation said, including six killed in landslides in Chiang Mai province.



All flights have been suspended to the airport in Chiang Rai, some 90 miles northeast of Chiang Mai, aviation authorities said.

Further north, Mae Sai district on the border with Myanmar is suffering its worst floods in 80 years, Suttipong Juljarern, a senior interior ministry official said in a statement.

Rescue workers help a stranded woman from a flooded area at the border town of Mae Sai, following the impact of Typhoon Yagi, in the northern province of Chiang Rai, Thailand, Sept. 12, 2024. / Credit: Stringer/REUTERS

The Jet Ski Association of Thailand has sent 16 jet skis to help with relief efforts, Dechnarong Suticharnbancha, the body's president told AFP.



Some of the currents in the floodwaters are too strong for normal boats but jet skis are able to navigate them because of their powerful engines.

A video showing champion jet skier Kasidit Teeraprateep rescuing an elderly woman from a torrent of murky water circulated on Thai social media.

Myanmar's junta government has set up around 50 camps to help people affected by the floods, Lay Shwe Zin Oo, director of the social welfare, relief and resettlement ministry told AFP.



The Global New Light of Myanmar, the state-run newspaper, said train services on the main line between Yangon and Mandalay were suspended because some sections were flooded.



The Mekong River Commission, the international body overseeing the crucial waterway, issued a flood warning on Thursday for the historic Laotian city of Luang Prabang.



The Mekong is expected to hit flood levels in the coming days in Luang Prabang, a UNESCO world heritage site, the commission said in a bulletin.

Heavy monsoon rains lash Southeast Asia every year, but experts say human-made climate change is causing more intense weather patterns that can make destructive floods more likely.



Climate change is causing typhoons to form closer to the coast, intensify faster and stay longer over land, according to a study published in July.

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The Rev. David Tildon McGee, the pastor of a Kernersville church, faces charges after Las Vegas police found an assault rifle, body armor and fentanyl in his hotel room last month, court records show.

McGee, 61, the senior pastor of The Bridge Fellowship, is charged with two counts of possession of fentanyl, two counts of transporting fentanyl and possession of a firearm during the commission of a drug- related charge, according to an arrest report by Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.

McGee was arrested August 20 by police after officers found fentanyl and guns, including an AR-15 rifle with a scope, in his Las Vegas hotel room.

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid used to treat severe pain related to surgery or complex pain conditions, according to the National Institute of Drug Abuse. Fentanyl kills about 70,000 U.S. residents every year, federal authorities say.

McGee couldnt be reached this week for comment.

Winston-Salem Journal obtained McGees arrest report and related court documents from KLAS-TV in Las Vegas.

Hotel staff at Strat Hotel, Casino and Tower, 2000 S. Las Vegas Blvd., first saw McGee with a gun on Aug. 17, when he brought a shotgun to his hotel room. The hotels staff told him wasnt allowed to have guns in his room and asked him to remove it.

At 9:40 Aug. 20, McGee called hotel security and said he had traveled from North Carolina to Las Vegas and wanted to make a claim for missing property, the report said.

The security officer then asked McGee if he had any weapons, and McGee replied, Yes, I have a gun in my guitar case, according to the report.

Security staffers called 911, saying they a had a suspicion of possible shooter event as McGees room was at a higher elevation overlooking the Las Vegas Strip corridor, the report said.

The security officer then detained McGee for violating the hotels gun policy, the report said.

At about 1:50 p.m. Aug. 20. police and counter terrorism detectives went to the hotel, the police report says.

Las Vegas hotels have remained on high alert since Oct. 1, 2017, when a gunman fired from a hotel window into an outdoor country music festival on the Las Vegas Strip, killing 58 people and wounding more than 850 others.

When guns are found in hotel rooms on the Las Vegas Strip, police are typically called.

When police officers arrived at the Strat, McGee told them that he had flown to the city on private jet from North Carolina to find his daughter, Ashley McGee, the report says. McGee indicated that his daughter wasnt doing well and is mentally ill because of substance abuse.

His daughters ex-boyfriend told McGee that Ashley McGee was last seen near the Strat hotel in Las Vegas, the report said. McGee told police that he had his handgun and shotgun in his hotel room for his safety, and there were more guns in his room.

McGee then allowed the officers to search his hotel room, and an investigator saw multiple knives, and the AR-15 rifle in a guitar case and drugs in a safe, the report said.

The investigator then asked McGee for permission to search the safe to find any manifestos that would be related to the police investigation of possible terrorist activity, according to the report.

McGee told the investigator that there were blue fentanyl pills and powder inside the safe, the report said.

McGee reluctantly allowed the investigator to search the safe, and the officer found the fentanyl pills and powder inside a prescription bottle, the report said. McGee told the investigator that he brought the fentanyl from North Carolina, and he paid $1,000 for it.

McGee said he used fentanyl and intended to provide fentanyl to his daughter when he found her, the report said.

Investigators also found a digital scale, two plastic baggies containing marijuana, marijuana brownies and cookies, 1.06 ounces of fentanyl pills and power inside the safe, and the AR-15 rifle, the report said.

Investigators also found two handguns, body armor with plates and a cellphone, the report said.

McGee was released from custody and is scheduled to appear Dec. 19 in Las Vegas Justice Court, according to a news report.

McGee, a rock musician and songwriter, started The Bridge Fellowship in October 2002 as the Chapel of the Triad at 365 W. Bodenhamer St. in Kernersville.

Eight months later, McGee and other church leaders changed the churchs name to The Bridge, and the church moved to the former Dudley Products campus in Kernersville, according to the churchs website.

The Bridge Fellowship is temporarily closed, its website says. The church sold the Dudley property in 2023.
3 p.m. update: The judge released the jury early Thursday due to inclement weather.

***

MEMPHIS, Tenn.  Training and policies took center stage Thursday at the trial for three former Memphis Police officers charged in the beating death of Tyre Nichols.

The federal trial for three former Memphis Police officers accused of killing Tyre Nichols continues on Thursday with testimonies from witnesses.

The first witness on Thursday was Larnce Wright, a 2nd lieutenant who has served 13 years at the Memphis Police Department. He is one of the instructors who trained former officers Bean, Smith, Haley, Martin, and Mills in the Memphis Police Training Academy.

Wright says they train officers that no resistance equals no force, a lot of resistance equals a lot of force, and deadly force equals deadly force. He adds that strikes to the head are not authorized and kicking someone in the head is considered deadly force.

Officers may only use the necessary amount of force. Resistance and force must match, Wright said. They can not use force as punishment.

Wright says what he watched in the video of Tyre Nichols getting beaten was against MPD policy.

The other officers should have intervened, Wright said.

He says all uses of force are inconsistent with what is taught in the academy, are not in line with MPD policy and training, and that tasing was unnecessary.

We do not train on a regular traffic stop to go up with our guns drawn and grab them out of the vehicle, Wright said.

Wednesday morning began with opening statements from defense attorneys and prosecutors.

Testimony begins in Tyre Nichols federal case

Elizabeth Rogers, with the U.S. Attorneys Office, told jurors that evidence would be hard to watch and that those days would not be easy.

Five officers took turns punching, kicking, and beating Nichols until he died. They stood by his dying body and laughed. They silently agreed to lie about it and cover it up, Rogers said.

Rogers says that Emmitt Martin and Desmond Mills will testify that the team was angry Nichols ran and angry that they pepper sprayed themselves.

Defense attorneys argued that Nichols was noncompliant and the ex-officers were struggling with him. They also claimed that the kicks and punches from the men were not against MPD policy.

Two witnesses took the stand on Wednesday, and multiple photos and videos were entered into evidence, including footage from six officers bodyworn cameras.

Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, and Justin Smith will stand trial over the next three to four weeks on charges of federal civil rights violations, conspiracy, and obstruction in connection to Tyre Nichols death in 2023.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Gaza Strip  Israel bombed a school housing displaced Palestinians in Gaza on Wednesday, killing 18 people including two staffers with the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, according to rescuers. The Israeli military described it as a "precise strike on terrorists who were operating inside a command and control center embedded within a compound that previously served as the Al-Jaouni School" in the central Gaza district of Nuseirat.



The school had already been bombed several times over the course of Israel's 11-month war with Hamas. The militant group ruled over Gaza for almost two decades before it sparked the ongoing war with its unprecedented Oct. 7 terrorist attack on Israel. That attack saw militants with Hamas and allied groups kill about 1,200 people and take some 250 others hostage.

According to health officials in the Hamas-run Palestinian territory, who do not differentiate between civilian and combatant casualties, the war has killed more than 41,000 people in Gaza so far. The strike on the school came a day after Israeli bombs slammed into a sprawling tent camp for displaced Palestinians in the al-Mawasi designated humanitarian zone, killing at least 40 people, according to Palestinian medics.

A Palestinian woman gestures in the courtyard of the Al-Jawni school after an Israeli airstrike hit the site in Nuseirat, in the central Gaza Strip, Sept. 11, 2024. / Credit: EYAD BABA/AFP/Getty

The Wednesday strike flattened part of the U.N.-run facility where Gazans had sought shelter, leaving only a charred heap of rebar and concrete.

UNRWA says 6 staffers killed in Israeli raids near Gaza school

"For the fifth time, Israeli forces bombed the UNRWA-run Al-Jawni School, killing 18 citizens, including two UNRWA staff members, children, and women, and injuring more than 18 others," Mahmoud Basal, spokesperson for Gaza's Civil Defense rescue agency, said in a social media post.



UNRWA later said six of its staffers had been killed in two Israeli air raids on the Nuseirat school and its surroundings, calling it the highest death toll among its team in a single incident.



"Among those killed was the manager of the UNRWA shelter and other team members providing assistance to displaced people," the U.N. agency said in a post on X. "Schools and other civilian infrastructure must be protected at all times, they are not a target."

In a post on social media, IDF spokesperson Avichay Adraee said the military had sought to verify UNRWA's claims about the killing of its workers in the raid, but that UNRWA had not responded.

"The IDF approached the agency to receive names and details in order to examine the allegations in depth, but UNRWA did not respond to these requests which were repeatedly conveyed to it," he said, adding that "names published on social media sites and news channels" as being among those killed in the strike "belong to terrorists from Hamas who were involved in terrorist activities against the citizens of Israel and the forces of the Defense Army."

People carry the body of Yaser Abu Sharar, a staff member of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) who was killed in an attack by the Israeli army on a UNRWA-run school being used as a shelter for displaced people in Nuseirat, in central Gaza, Sept. 11, 2024. / Credit: Abed Rahim Khatib/Anadolu/Getty

Across the besieged strip, many school buildings have been repurposed to shelter displaced families as the vast majority of Gaza's 2.4 million people have been repeatedly uprooted by the war.

Israeli forces have struck several such schools in recent months, saying Palestinian militants were operating there and hiding among displaced civilians  charges denied by Hamas.



The IDF did not elaborate on the outcome of the strike, but repeated its frequent assertion that "numerous steps" were taken to reduce the risk to civilians.

The U.N. said last month that nine UNRWA staff members were fired after an internal investigation found they may have been involved in Hamas' Oct. 7 attack on Israel.



Survivors of the strike scrambled to retrieve bodies and belongings from the rubble, telling AFP they had to step over "shredded limbs."



"I can hardly stand up," said one man, holding a plastic bag of human remains. "We've been going through hell for 340 days now. What we've seen over these days, we haven't even seen it in Hollywood movies. Now we're seeing it in Gaza."

Further north in the Gaza Strip, the civil defense agency's spokesman Basal said three people were killed overnight in Israeli shelling on the Jabalia refugee camp.



In Gaza City, he said there had been two deadly strikes in the Zeitoun neighborhood  the first killing five people, including two children, and the second killing two and injuring several others.

West Bank, Hezbollah violence escalate as Gaza cease-fire talks languish

Months of negotiations mediated by Qatar, Egypt and the United States have so far failed to secure a truce.

A Hamas delegation met Qatari and Egyptian mediators in Doha on Wednesday, the militant group said in a statement, though there was no indication of a breakthrough.



Recent rounds of mediation held in Doha and Cairo have tried to hash out a framework laid out in May by President Biden, but both Israel and Hamas have publicly signaled deeper entrenchment in their negotiating positions as the violence has not only continued in Gaza, but escalated in two other key areas, fueling concern that without a truce agreement, the conflict could spread.

Tension has soared in the other Palestinian territory, the Israeli-occupied West Bank, which is not controlled by Hamas. The killing there by an Israeli soldier on Friday of an American activist has drawn criticism from Washington of the Israeli military's tactics and demands for independent investigations.

The IDF said an initial investigation showed Aysenur Eygi was "highly likely" shot accidentally by one of its soldiers responding to a violent protest, but eyewitnesses have said she was shot in the head after the unrest died down and as she stood under an olive tree.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken called her killing "both unprovoked and unjustified," and said the IDF must change its tactics, but U.S. authorities have not announced an independent investigation into the shooting as requested by the family. Eygi was also a Turkish national, and the Turkish justice department confirmed Thursday that it was carrying out its own investigation into her killing and would present its evidence to a U.N. court handling a genocide case against Israel brought by South Africa over the war in Gaza.

Further north, along Israel's border with Lebanon, meanwhile, there's mounting concern that Israel will launch a major offensive against the more powerful Hamas-allied group Hezbollah. The group, which like Hamas is backed by Iran, has exchanged increasing cross-border rocket fire with Israel for months, and Israeli officials have vowed to eliminate the threat.

U.S. and other Western officials have warned for months that if that crossfire develops into a more direct fight between Israel and Hezbollah, it could snowball into a wider regional conflict that draws a response from Iran or its regional proxy forces, which have already targeted U.S. forces in the region with rocket and drone attacks.

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The Biden administration sanctioned a raft of Venezuelan judges, election officials and other allies of Nicolas Maduro on Thursday for their role in suppressing the presidential election results last month.

Most of the 16 individuals targeted for U.S. sanctions and visa restrictions, issued by the Treasury and State departments, occupy senior roles in Venezuelas National Electoral Council  which falsely declared that Maduro had won the election  and the Supreme Tribunal of Justice, which ruled that the electoral councils actions were legitimate. Other individuals include Maduro allies in the national assembly.

In a statement, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the U.S. sanctions were intended to promote accountability for Nicolas Maduro and his representatives for obstructing a competitive and inclusive presidential election in Venezuela and abusing the human rights of the Venezuelan people.

Rather than respecting the will of the Venezuelan people as expressed at the ballot box, Maduro and his representatives have falsely claimed victory while repressing and intimidating the democratic opposition in an illegitimate attempt to cling to power by force, Blinken said.

Maduro himself has been under Treasury Department sanctions since 2017.

Thursdays sanctions will block designated individuals from accessing any property, interests in property, or entities that are wholly or partially owned by the designees that are in the United States or in the possession of U.S. persons, the Treasury Department said.

Today, the United States is taking decisive action against Maduro and his representatives for their repression of the Venezuelan people and denial of their citizens rights to a free and fair election, said Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo.

The Treasury Department is targeting key officials involved in Maduros fraudulent and illegitimate claims of victory and his brutal crackdown on free expression following the election, as the overwhelming majority of Venezuelans call for change. The Biden-Harris Administration will continue to use our tools to hold Maduro and his cronies accountable and support the democratic aspirations of the Venezuelan people, Adeyemo added.
U.S. senators from Kansas, Colorado, Arizona introduce bill to unlock funds for water preservation

U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran announces federal funding for the University of Kansas Innovation Park during an April 4, 2024, cybersecurity conference at KU

U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran says Kansas communities, farmers and businesses have been impacted by widespread drought. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

States, Native American tribes and local communities could get help accessing federal funds for water infrastructure projects in drought-stricken areas under new U.S. Senate legislation.

The Water Project Navigators Act  sponsored by U.S. Sens. Jerry Moran and John Hickenlooper and Reps. Brittany Pettersen and Juan Ciscomani  would create a program in the Bureau of Reclamation to place navigator positions in local, state and tribal communities. Navigators would help connect communities to resources.

In a news release announcing the legislation, Moran, a Kansas Republican, said federal resources to help preserve water can be difficult to access.

Widespread drought is impacting many communities across Kansas, hurting family farms, local municipalities and businesses, Moran said.

Hickenlooper, a Colorado Democrat, said the same.

Rural and Tribal communities deserve their fair share of federal funds to address drought, but all too often are left out, Hickenlooper said.

Fellow Coloradoan Pettersen said water scarcity is felt throughout Colorado, but rural communities struggle to respond.

It is critical that we invest in these areas to strengthen and protect our water resources and help communities draw down federal dollars, Pettersen said.

Kansas and Colorado  along with Ciscomanis home state of Arizona  struggle with continual drought and limited access to water. As of last week, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, more than 51% of Kansas is in some level of drought, mostly moderate or severe. Almost 5% of Arizona is in extreme drought. Colorado is currently the least affected with about 12% of the state in some level of drought.

In Arizona, water is our most precious resource, said Ciscomani, a Republican. As the drought worsens in the West, it is now more important than ever that impacted communities have the necessary tools to secure federal dollars for critical multi-benefit water infrastructure projects.

The legislation is backed by conservation groups, according to the news release, along with the Kansas Water Office, Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Kansas Department of Agriculture.
U.S. senators from Kansas, Colorado, Arizona introduce bill to unlock funds for water preservation

Sen. John Hickenlooper (D-CO) speaks at a hearing with the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee on Capitol Hill on March 1, 2023, in Washington, D.C. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

This story originally appeared in the Kansas Reflector.

States, Native American tribes and local communities could get help accessing federal funds for water infrastructure projects in drought-stricken areas under new U.S. Senate legislation.

The Water Project Navigators Act  sponsored by U.S. Sens. Jerry Moran and John Hickenlooper and Reps. Brittany Pettersen and Juan Ciscomani  would create a program in the Bureau of Reclamation to place navigator positions in local, state and tribal communities. Navigators would help connect communities to resources.

In a news release announcing the legislation, Moran, a Kansas Republican, said federal resources to help preserve water can be difficult to access.

Widespread drought is impacting many communities across Kansas, hurting family farms, local municipalities and businesses, Moran said.

Hickenlooper, a Colorado Democrat, said the same.

Rural and Tribal communities deserve their fair share of federal funds to address drought, but all too often are left out, Hickenlooper said.

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Fellow Coloradan Pettersen said water scarcity is felt throughout Colorado, but rural communities struggle to respond.

It is critical that we invest in these areas to strengthen and protect our water resources and help communities draw down federal dollars, Pettersen said.

Kansas and Colorado  along with Ciscomanis home state of Arizona  struggle with continual drought and limited access to water. As of last week, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, more than 51% of Kansas is in some level of drought, mostly moderate or severe. Almost 5% of Arizona is in extreme drought. Colorado is currently the least affected with about 12% of the state in some level of drought.

In Arizona, water is our most precious resource, said Ciscomani, a Republican. As the drought worsens in the West, it is now more important than ever that impacted communities have the necessary tools to secure federal dollars for critical multi-benefit water infrastructure projects.

The legislation is backed by conservation groups, according to the news release, along with the Kansas Water Office, Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Kansas Department of Agriculture.

Kansas Reflector is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Kansas Reflector maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Sherman Smith for questions: info@kansasreflector.com. Follow Kansas Reflector on Facebook and X.

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URBANA, Ill. (WCIA)  A looming strike on the University of Illinois campus may be averted this week pending a union vote on a new contract.

SEIU Local 73, representing food and building service workers, told WCIA that it reached a tentative agreement with the university on Wednesday. Union members will be voting through the end of the week on whether to ratify the new contract.

Crunching the numbers of U of Is record-breaking enrollment

A union representative said they expect to have another statement available on Friday.

The unions most recent contract, ratified two years ago, expired at the end of August. The process of negotiating that contract took months and went through much frustration, similarly to what played out this year.

Back in May, members of SEIU Local 73 and other university unions rallied on the Quad for better wages. The same desire resulted in Local 73 members voting down a contract proposal right before the expiration of the previous contract.

Decatur custodians reach tentative union agreement with school district

If the latest contract proposal is also voted down, a strike could begin as early as Sept. 15. Its been over a decade since university food and service workers last went on strike, and another one would have a direct impact on students.

During the last strike, campus trash cans werent emptied, bathrooms in university buildings werent cleaned and food wasnt served in University Housing dining halls. It led to the university declaring its first-ever civil service emergency.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
FORT SMITH, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  UAFS PD says the shelter-in-place has been lifted. The subject was seen leaving campus and it has no reason to believe he is on campus. Police say the search continues off campus.

FORT SMITH, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  University of Arkansas Fort Smith (UAFS) students are being advised to shelter in place following an alert from the UAFS Police Department.

The alert states that UAFS PD, along with other agencies, is searching for a potentially armed and dangerous man with an active warrant.

The subject was last seen west of campus on Kinkead.

According to UAFS police, the subject is a white man wearing dark shorts, a dark sweatshirt and dark shoes or boots.

UAFS police say he was last seen west of campus on Kinkead Avenue.

This is a developing story, stay with KNWA/FOX24 for the latest updates.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24.
A new study undertaken by the University of Georgia is shedding light on how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted postpartum care for American mothers.

According to UGA researchers, more women filled benzodiazepine prescriptions during the pandemic, even though diagnoses of postpartum depression, anxiety and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) prescriptions did not increase.

The study found that the pandemic didnt lead to increases in postpartum depression or anxiety diagnoses.

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However, there was a 15% increase in how many mothers with private health insurance filled prescriptions for antianxiety medications such as Valium, Xanax, Ativan and Klonopin, according to the universitys research.

Researchers found that SSRIs were not prescribed more often, even though they are the gold standard for treating both depression and anxiety disorders. Commonly prescribed SSRIs include Zoloft, Prozac and Lexapro, among others.

UGA researchers said SSRIs take time to take effect, while benzodiazepines, or benzos are sometimes used as stopgap prescriptions while patients begin using SSRIs. Benzodiazepines are known to carry significant risks of dependence and abuse.

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The U.S. Department of Justice lists benzodiazepines in its catalog of Schedule IV controlled substances. All four benzos mentioned in the UGA study are on that list.

However, the results of the study concerned researchers because of what they say they werent able to find during the study:

What concerns me the most is not what we found but what we didnt find, Grace Bagwell Adams, lead author of the study and an associate professor in UGAs College of Public Health, said. You cant tell me there wasnt more depression and anxiety in this population during the pandemic. And historically, even pre-COVID, postpartum depression and anxiety has always been underdiagnosed. But we didnt find an increase in diagnoses.

UGA researchers said they put their study together by looking at insurance data for postpartum women over four years.

While there were reported increases in anxiety and depression across the board after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the researchers said there was no evidence that diagnoses of postpartum depression or postpartum anxiety had increased.

They said it was a sign that the underdiagnosis of the two conditions had been exacerbated by the pandemic-induced health care crisis.

One of the top causes of maternal mortality is suicide, Bagwell Adams said. When these women dont get diagnosed and they dont receive proper treatment, they die. And its not that postpartum women didnt see their doctor in time. Its that they arent being listened to.

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Image released by the Police of the Donetsk Region that shows a police officer looking at a burning Red Cross vehicle that was destroyed in a Russian strike in the Donetsk region on Thursday Sept. 12, 2024. (Police of the Donetsk Region via AP)

KYIV, Ukraine (AP)  The World Health Organization issued a stark warning on Thursday about a potential health crisis in Ukraine as the country faces its third winter of war since Russias full-scale invasion.

The warning came as three Red Cross staff members were killed by artillery strikes in eastern Ukraine Thursday. The deadly strikes, which left two others wounded, hit a Red Cross truck that was delivering firewood in the war-divided Donetsk region, the organization said. Photos released by local police showed the truck engulfed in flames. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy blamed Russia for the attack, which he said warranted a firm and fundamental response from the international community. Mirjana Spoljaric, president of the International Committee of the Red Cross, added: "Our hearts are broken today as we mourn the loss of our colleagues and care for the injured. This tragedy unleashes a wave of grief all too familiar to those who have lost loved ones in armed conflict. Relief agencies and Western governments are ramping up civilian aid to Ukraine to protect its hospitals and power systems ahead of the winter as Russia continues daily airstrikes across the country to try and cripple its electricity infrastructure. The World Health Organization warned Thursday that the severe damage to energy and health facilities is leaving millions vulnerable as temperatures drop.

Ukraine is approaching its third winter amid a full-scale war  likely its most challenging yet. The renewed focus on health is more critical than ever, Hans Kluge, the WHOs regional director for Europe, told reporters in Kyiv.

Since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, the U.N. agency has recorded nearly 2,000 attacks on Ukraines health care infrastructure, which it said is having a severe impact on the largely public health system.

Targeted attacks have damaged Ukraines energy infrastructure. Frequent power outages are already taking a toll with danger signs for the winter, Kluge said after a visit to front-line regions in eastern Ukraine.

This could jeopardize the storage and distribution of vaccines, leading to a rise in vaccine-preventable diseases, he said. Other concerns, he said, included possible contamination of the water system due to frequent power outages and growing signs of antimicrobial resistance because of a misuse of antibiotics.

We have stories of wounds that simply will not heal due to resistance to antibiotics," Kluge said. "This could have consequences far beyond Ukraine if drugs become ineffective.

WHO plans to install 15 heating units at hospitals at risk of further attack as well as a network of treatment clinics in areas where health care access is difficult, as part of initiatives by local Ukrainian authorities and Western governments. The agency is also racing to provide generators and other backup power options, and also help implement state-planned health system reforms.

Early work on those projects, Kluge said, focused on Kharkiv, Ukraines second-largest city in the east, which has come under frequent Russian attack. Earlier this week, the agency also announced that it had organized the donation of 23 ambulances to assist medical services in mostly front-line areas.

___ Keaten reported from Geneva, Switzerland. Associated Press writers Derek Gatopoulos and Illia Novikov in Kyiv, Ukraine, contributed to this report. ___

Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
Ukrainian reconnaissance and special forces blew up a railroad in Russia's Belgorod Oblast, derailing a freight train, Babel media outlet reported on Sept. 12, citing a military intelligence source.

A day earlier, Russian authorities claimed that a diesel locomotive and 11 cars of the freight train derailed at the Novy Oskol-Volokonovka span. The Russian Investigative Committee described the incident as a "terrorist attack" and opened a criminal case.

Babel's source confirmed the train's derailment, saying that it "provided for the logistical needs of the Russian occupiers."

"Stary Oskol-Valuyky railway section is paralyzed," the source claimed.

The Kyiv Independent reached out to Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR) but has not received a response at the time of publication.

The train derailed due to an explosion on the tracks, the Russian Telegram channel Baza wrote on Sept. 11. The Kyiv Independent could not verify these claims.

Several sabotage attacks against Russian railways, including fires, explosions, and derailments, have been reported during Moscow's full-scale war against Ukraine.

Ukraine's military intelligence agency (HUR) claimed in January that some of the railway tracks in Russia were targeted by "unknown opponents of (Vladimir) Putin's regime." The agency did not say whether it was involved in the sabotage attacks but said the actions would disrupt Russian military logistics.

Read also: Putin dragging his feet on mobilization despite troop shortages exposed by Kursk incursion

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The Republican-controlled General Assembly cleared Wednesday legislation approving $460 million to the states Opportunity Scholarship program and requiring all sheriffs to fully cooperate with federal immigration and customs officials.

The House approved the latest version of House Bill 10 by a 67-43 vote along party lines. The Senate approved the bill Monday by a 27-17 vote, also along party lines.

The Opportunity Scholarship language in HB10 allows North Carolina parents  no matter how much they make  to get vouchers to help cover tuition for K-12 private or religious schools for their children.

HB10 is being sent to Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper, who is expected to veto the bill.

Cooper has declared a state public education emergency in response to the proposed Opportunity Scholarship expansion, saying we need to put a moratorium on destructive private-school vouchers until North Carolinas public schools are fully funded.

According to the 2024 sessions adjournment language, the first opportunity for both chambers to cast a veto override vote is a one-day special session scheduled for Oct. 9.

Its likely the Republican super-majorities in both chambers will override such a veto, as they have seven of Coopers eight vetoes this session, including five this week.

At least 60% of those present during a floor debate are required to vote to override a veto.

The legislation passed today prioritizes quality education, public safety, healthcare and broadband access, House speaker Tim Moore, R-Cleveland, said in a statement.

The mini budget strengthens our commitment to school choice for all N.C. families. as well as public education, with historic investments in enrollment growth for both K-12 public schools and our community colleges.

Furthermore, thanks to language requiring sheriffs to cooperate with ICE, North Carolina will also be better equipped to weather the Biden-Harris illegal immigration crisis at our Southern border and protect our communities.

HB10 debate

HB10 would force all North Carolina sheriffs to cooperate with federal ICE officers beginning Dec. 1 for offenses committed on or after that date. The latest version requires jail administrators to adopt a policy for compliance with the ICE cooperation requirements.

The compromise retains the Senate versions language that requires all sheriffs to hold suspects in certain crimes for at least 48 hours when their immigration status is unknown or they are in the country illegally.

Cooper successfully vetoed versions of the ICE legislation in 2019 and 2022 when Republicans did not have supermajorities in each chamber. Cooper has expressed concerns about potential criminal penalties for sheriffs who decline to cooperate with ICE in detaining inmates. Bill sponsors said HB10 contains language they believe addresses Coopers concerns.

Although more than 90 sheriffs in North Carolina voluntarily comply with ICE requests, several Democratic sheriffs in metro counties  including Sheriff Bobby Kimbrough of Forsyth County and Sheriff Danny Rogers of Guilford County  have limited their cooperation.

Rep. Destin Hall, R-Watauga, and the presumptive favorite to be the next House Republican speaker, said ICE language only affects an inquiry when someone is accused of a serious crime, such as murder, homicide, rape and other sex offenses, kidnapping and abduction and human trafficking.

They would be held long enough for ICE to come in and do their job in a more controlled environment, rather than in local communities in a much more dangerous environment, Hall said. It is an issue that does tear at the fabric of our society of victims, so the bill puts an end to this insanity and is the best thing for our state for public safety.

Hall said he believes the dissenting sheriffs would be supportive of the HB10 language once it is becomes law because they are career law-enforcement officers.

Rep. Marcia Morey, D-Durham, invoked Tuesdays presidential debate between Democrat Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump in urging a no vote on HB10.

Morey said HB10, 50 days from the general election, echoes Trumps call for mass deportations, and some new fears that were raised last night (by Trump) that undocumented immigrants are eating their neighbors cats and dogs.

This bill is an example of strong-arming another branch of our government, our sheriffs, who are independent constitutionally elected officers.

ICE detainers are, by definition, voluntary agreements between federal and local governments that this legislature is trying to turn into a mandate.

Other House Democrats cited their concerns of the legislature interfering with all sheriffs abilities to run their office, the potential for individuals being detained due to mistaken identify, the potential impact on the states economy if immigrants begin to avoid North Carolina, and negating the will of the voters who put the Democratic sheriffs into office.

School voucher debate

There are more than 72,000 voucher applications for this school year, but only about 16,000 students were approved before the money ran out. The $460 million would cover the 2024-25 costs for all applicants.

The funding for the Opportunity Scholarship waitlist is retroactive, with eligible families qualifying for a tuition reimbursement from their schools.

North Carolina families who applied and qualified for the Opportunity Scholarship and ESA+ programs deserve to receive those scholarships, Sen. Michael Lee, R-New Hanover, and Senate Education Committee chairman, said Monday. Its time we fulfill our commitment to these families.

The HB10 compromise would provide $248 million to clear the Opportunity Scholarship waitlist for the current school year.

Another $215.5 million in annual funding would be provided for scholarship awards for 2025-26 fiscal year.

Lee said there have been 27,256 applicants in Tier 1, which includes the lowest-income household, as well as 13,060 in Tier 2, 25,750 in Tier 3 and 12,228 in Tier 4, which Lee said half of which come from Mecklenburg and Wake counties.

As we expand school choice, North Carolina will continue to have an educational landscape that appeals to all, providing high quality options for those who choose private school, traditional public school, charter school, and home school, Lee said.

Rep. Lindsey Prather, D-Buncombe, said expanding the school voucher program will potentially harm rural counties the most, such as 28 that have no or one private school that accept taxpayer-paid school vouchers and dont have the robust tax base of Mecklenburg and Wake counties.

Were are siphoning their money and sending it to Mecklenburg and Wake where most of the additional school voucher funding is projected to be spent.

This is not what the majority of North Carolina wants, Prather said, citing a poll released Tuesday by Raleigh TV station WRAL that found 41% of respondents dont want more funds for Opportunity Scholarships, while just 14% said they did.

The proposed expansion could eventually cover 16,000 students whose household income is up to $115,400 for a family of four, and about 40,000 students at even higher household income levels.

The foremost impact from the massive funding of school vouchers would begin to be felt in fiscal 2025-26 with a $625 million commitment, up from $415.5 million previously pledged.

After a $675 million commitment for fiscal 2026-27, the funding would increase by $25 million per fiscal year to reach $825 million for 2033-33.

According to the N.C. State Education Assistance Authority, $7.4 million in voucher funds were dispersed among 1,337 students in Forsyth County as of April 9 for the 2023-24 school year.

Rep. Kelly Hastings, R-Gaston, cited the teacher pay raises approved by the Republican-controlled legislature since 2011 as evidence of the support for public schools, rather than the rhetoric that were dismantling public schools.

Hastings said he supports expanding school vouchers even though he acknowledged his district has limited options for parents to send their children to schools that accept the vouchers.

House veto override vote

House Republicans voted 70-40 along party lines to override Coopers veto of Senate Bill 166, while deferring a vote on Senate Bill 445 until the Oct. 9 session.

There was minimal, if any, discussion by bill supporters and opponents as the vetoes were handled in rapid-fire manner.

SB166, titled 2024 Building Code Regulatory Reform, amends various development regulations, state building codes, construction contractors and design professionals regulations, various environment and environmental regulations and reorganize the building code council.

One key element involves clarifying public safety issues for withholding building permits or certificates of occupancy.

A public safety issue is not allowed to include improvement, installation, placement, repair or replacement of any of the following: landscaping around dwellings subject to the N.C. Residential Code within individual lots; landscaping within common areas within a subdivision development; and street lighting fixtures within common areas of a subdivision development.

The new law also prohibits a city or county to adopt local fire prevention code provisions which apply to dwellings subject to the N.C. Residential Code that are not prescriptively required by the code.

SB445, titled Recording of Court-filed Documents, would allow certified copies of court-filed document to be recorded without meeting certain conforming requirements of county register of deeds, and to modify provisions regarding property crimes.
Ukraine sends demarche to Mongolia for refusing to arrest Putin under ICC warrant

Ukraines Ministry of Foreign Affairs delivered a demarche to Mongolia on 12 September due to its refusal to comply with an International Criminal Court warrant for the arrest of Vladimir Putin.

Source: European Pravda, citing a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Details: The statement notes that Gankhuurai Battungalag, Director General of the Mongolian Foreign Ministrys Europe and Africa Department, has arrived in Kyiv from Ulaanbaatar "at the request of the Ukrainian side".

Quote: "Ukraine has conveyed to the Mongolian side its deep disappointment at the refusal of Mongolia, as a signatory to the Rome Statute, to execute the arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court for Putin while he was in the country."

Ukraine's Foreign Ministry also promised to consider Mongolia's decision "in its future policy on the development of bilateral relations".

The Foreign Ministry added that it hopes Mongolia will take steps to "restore the constructive nature of historically friendly Ukrainian-Mongolian relations".

Putin's visit to Mongolia on 3 September was his first visit to a state party to the Rome Statute of the ICC since the court issued an arrest warrant for him in March 2023 for his involvement in the abduction of Ukrainian children.

Background: The Mongolian authorities had reportedly assured Putin that they would not arrest him. The country's energy dependence on Russia was cited as the reason for this.

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Key developments on Sept. 12:

Russia claims to have recaptured 10 settlements in Kursk Oblast amid ongoing counterattack

Russia pushing toward Kurakhove in Donetsk Oblast from several vectors

Ukraine downs Russian Su-30 aircraft above Black Sea, military intelligence claims

Zelensky urges the West to allow long-range strikes without distance limits

Pentagon allocates $1.2 billion for production of AMRAAM missiles, including for Ukraine

The Russian Defense Ministry claimed on Sept. 12 that Russian soldiers had regained control of 10 settlements earlier captured by Ukraine in Kursk Oblast.

The statement follows reports claiming that Moscow had launched a counterattack in the embattled Russian region, which has been partially held by Ukrainian forces since the start of the cross-border incursion on Aug. 6.

President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed these claims on Sept. 12.

"Everything is going according to our plan," he said at a press conference with Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda.

Snagost, one of the villages allegedly recaptured by Russia, lies around 30 kilometers (20 miles) west of the Ukrainian-held Russian town of Sudzha and around 10 kilometers (6 miles) north of the Ukrainian border.

The Kyiv Independent could not verify the Russian Defense Ministry's claims.

The Ukrainian crowd-sourced monitoring group DeepState wrote on Sept. 11 that the "situation on the left (western) flank of Ukrainian forces in Kursk Oblast has worsened."

"Russians began active assault operations, ferrying armored vehicles across the Seim River and other smaller rivers." Ukraine was previously targeting bridges and pontoon crossings across the Seim River in an apparent attempt to cut off Russian troops in the Glushkovsky district.

Zelensky said on Sept. 6 that Ukraine controls over 1,300 square kilometers and around 100 settlements in Kursk Oblast. According to Kyiv, the incursion was meant to divert Russian forces from Donbas and to prevent further Russian cross-border attacks from Kursk Oblast.

Read also: Kursk counteroffensive: Will Russia push Ukraine out of its turf?

Russia pushing toward Kurakhove in Donetsk Oblast from several vectors

Russian troops are pushing toward the town of Kurakhove in Donetsk Oblast from three directions, but their advance has slowed down, Nazar Voitenkov, an acting spokesperson for Ukraine's 33rd Separate Mechanized Brigade, told Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) on Sept. 12.

Kurakhove is located west of Russian-occupied Donetsk and some 30 km (18 miles) from the town of Pokrovsk. Both Kurakhove and Pokrovsk are among the key goals of Russia's intensified offensive in Donetsk Oblast.

Voitenkov said that if Russia captured Kurakhove, its forces could reach strategically important eights over the town. There is no such danger at the moment, he added.

"The Russians are really just trying unsuccessfully to do something here. If we see any movement, then most often these columns  tank columns, armored columns  will advance toward our units on the left or right," Voitenkov said.

"In our direction, they do not succeed in anything at all."

Compared to the Pokrovsk and Vuhledar sectors, Kurakhove is located "in the relative rear," Voitenkov said, citing the crowd-sourced DeepState monitoring service.

While there are signs of stabilization near Pokrovsk, the focal point of the Russian offensive in Donetsk Oblast, Moscow's troops have recently ramped up their offensive near Vuhledar, the mining town that lies around 50 kilometers (30 miles) southwest of occupied Donetsk and around 40 kilometers (25 miles) east of the administrative border with Zaporizhzhia Oblast.

"As I see it, the town (Kurakhove) is preparing for defense, digging trenches, anti-tank ditches, and places that could become a potential stronghold for the Russians to prevent them from moving on to the next settlements," Voitenkov added.

Read also: Russia ramps up offensive on Vuhledar, Ukrainian stronghold in the east

Ukraine downs Russian Su-30 aircraft above Black Sea, military intelligence claims

Ukrainian soldiers shot down a Russian Su-30SM aircraft during an operation in the Black Sea, Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR) said on Sept. 12.

The Su-30SM was reportedly destroyed by a man-portable air defense system and belonged to the 43rd Separate Naval Aviation Regiment of the Russian Aerospace Forces, which is based at the Saky air base in occupied Crimea.

The fighter jet has an estimated price tag of around $50 million.

The Russian military lost contact with the flight crew on the morning of Sept. 11, according to HUR. Soon after, Russia launched a search and rescue operation using an An-26 aircraft and Mi-8 and Ka-27 helicopters, the agency said.

"The (Russian military) briefed the command about a distinctive stain of aviation fuel in the sea, 70 kilometers (45 miles) northwest of Cape Tarkhankut, and soon saw the wreckage of the destroyed Su-30SM," HUR said.

The Kyiv Independent could not verify these claims.

The agency did not disclose details of the operation in the Black Sea. The Russian Defense Ministry claimed on Sept. 11 that its forces had thwarted Ukraine's attempt to regain control of the Krym-2 drilling rig in the Black Sea.

There is no evidence that the two events are connected. The military intelligence agency has not responded to the Kyiv Independent's request for comment.

Navy spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk said that as of mid-August, Russia was using only five military airfields in occupied Crimea, two of which were hit by the Ukrainian military and were functioning "at a minimum."

Read also: Everything we know about Ukraines new Palianytsia missile-drone

Zelensky urges the West to allow long-range strikes without distance limits

President Volodymyr Zelensky insisted on Sept. 12 that restrictions on the use of Western long-range weapons to strike deep inside Russia should be lifted without any distance limits.

Zelensky's statement comes amid reports that the U.S. and the U.K. might soon shift the policy, allowing Ukraine to strike on Russian territory with their long-range weapons.

According to Zelensky, the delays in the decision have already prompted Russia to move its military targets deeper into Russian territory.

If the West plans to lift the restrictions only for a range that Russia has already adapted to, then "this is a purely political decision to relieve pressure coming from allies, Ukraine, and journalists on the countries that have to make this decision," Zelensky said at a press conference with Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda.

"If restrictions are lifted on a weapon for which (Ukraine doesn't have) missiles, this is not lifting restrictions."

Zelensky added that he wants to see allies making the move to allow long-range strikes with Western weapons "as a strategy for Ukraine's victory, not a political strategy."

Earlier on Sept. 11, Zelensky met with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy in Kyiv.

Zelensky said he had given them a very "direct and detailed" vision of what kind of lifting of restrictions on long-range strikes Ukraine needs. Ukraine's delegation was "well prepared" and "convincing," according to the president.

Ukraine has received shipments of long-range U.S.-made ATACMS and U.K.-made Storm Shadowmissiles, but the two countries have not permitted their use inside Russian territory so far.

While the Western countries eased restrictions on the use of certain arms just across the border after a Russian offensive in Kharkiv Oblast in May, limits on long-range strikes deep inside Russia remained in place.

Multiple Western outlets, such as Politico and the Guardian, recently wrote that this position may be shifting as U.S. and U.K. officials are preparing plans to ease the restrictions further.

Read also: The long-range missiles Ukraine could soon be firing deep into Russia

Pentagon allocates $1.2 billion for production of AMRAAM missiles, including for Ukraine

The U.S. Defense Department awarded a contract worth around $1.2 billion to the Raytheon defense contractor for the production of air-to-air AMRAAM missiles, the department said on Sept. 11.

This will include foreign military sales to Ukraine and other countries, including Bahrain, Bulgaria, Canada, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Norway, Switzerland, and the U.K.

The AIM-120 AMRAAM is a beyond-visual-range radar-guided missile used as air-to-air weaponry by American and allied fighter jets. Ukraine can deploy these missiles from its new F-16 fighters and ground-based anti-aircraft platforms to fend off Russian aerial strikes.

The missiles, spare parts, and other associated equipment will be produced in Tucson, Arizona, and are estimated to be completed by Dec. 31, 2028.

Kyiv has been increasingly calling for faster deliveries of anti-aircraft weapons and ammunition as Russia launched a new wave of drone and missile attacks against Ukrainian cities in August.

The U.S. previously announced a new $250 million aid package for Ukraine during a Ramstein group meeting on Sept. 6, pledging air defense missiles, armored vehicles, artillery shells, and other supplies.

Read also: Russian cities left defenseless as Ukraine ramps up drone attacks



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Relatives and Ukraine's chief rabbi Moshe Reuven Azman mourn at the coffin of his adopted son Matityahu (Anton) Samborsky, who was killed in war with Russia, during mourning service in the city central synagogue in Kyiv, Ukraine, Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)

KYIV, Ukraine (AP)  Servicemen, veterans and others gathered Thursday in Kyiv to remember the adopted son of Ukraines chief rabbi, Moshe Azman, who was killed in battle, in a funeral service underlining unity among Ukraine's diverse communities in the fight against Russia's invasion.

Anton Samborskyi, 32, was reported missing in late July, and his death was confirmed after weeks of uncertainty. The service took place at the Central Synagogue of Kyiv, followed by a burial at the citys Jewish cemetery.

Rabbi Azman, who adopted Samborskyi when he was a 10-year-old orphan, shared his grief publicly, referring to his son by his chosen Jewish name, Matityahu or Moty.

Azman wrote in a post on social media that Samborskyi had a daughter in May, but he was drafted into the army a week after the baby was born. He said the last time he spoke to his son was on July 17.

About 100 mourners, including servicemen and veterans in uniform, many holding flowers and wearing yarmulkes - some with a camouflage design - gathered for the service. Mourners filed past the closed casket, which was draped with a tallit, or Jewish prayer shawl, and hugged Azman and his relatives.

He went to the front voluntarily  as someone who wanted to defend his country. Thats why he joined an assault brigade, David Milman, a Jewish army chaplain who attended the service, told The Associated Press.

Ukraine has a centuries-old Jewish heritage, with Jewish communities playing a significant role in the countrys cultural and religious history, despite periods of persecution. Its Jewish population was decimated during the Holocaust in World War II.

Jews currently make up an estimated 0.2% of the countrys population, including its wartime president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Olena Tolkachova, a member of an assault brigade fighting in eastern and southern Ukraine, said that volunteers from all parts of society had joined the fight against Russia.

This is very important for Ukraine, because not only Ukrainians from the mainstream are fighting for our country, but different ethnicities and different religious groups  Orthodox and Catholics, Jews, and representatives of the Islamic faith, she told the AP after the service.

His position was very simple: he was very pro-Ukraine and wanted to help," she said. ___

Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Sybiha discusses new aid package and enhanced air defence with Italian counterpart

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha had his first phone call with his Italian counterpart, Antonio Tajani.

Source: Sybiha on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda

Sybiha thanked Tajani for Italy's role as the G7 chair and for the assistance provided to Ukraine.

Friendly call with @Antonio_Tajani. Thanked Italy for its strong G7 Presidency and support for Ukraine. Discussed the expediting of Italys next military aid package and the strengthening of Ukraines air shield. I also expressed our interest in decommissioned Italian equipment.  Andrii Sybiha  (@andrii_sybiha) September 12, 2024

Quote: "Discussed the expediting of Italys next military aid package and the strengthening of Ukraines air shield. I also expressed our interest in decommissioned Italian equipment. We noted good perspectives for further cooperation between our defence industries," said Ukraines Foreign Minister.

The parties also coordinated their positions ahead of the UN General Assembly session. Additionally, they addressed issues concerning Ukrainian children residing in Italy with temporary protection due to the war.

Background:

Last week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had talks with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

Earlier, Tajani stated that Ukraine should not use Italian weapons for strikes on Russian territory.

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KYIV (Reuters) - President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has dismissed a Chinese-Brazilian peace initiative for the war in Ukraine as "destructive", and complained that Kyiv had not been involved in the process.

China and Brazil called in May for an international peace conference recognised by both Russia and Ukraine, involving equal participation of all parties, and what they called fair discussion of all peace plans.

"The Chinese-Brazilian proposal is ... destructive, it's just a political statement," Zelenskiy said in an interview posted on Wednesday by Brazilian media outlet Metropoles.

"How can you offer 'here is our initiative' without asking anything from us?"

Zelenskiy said the initiative lacked respect for Ukraine and its territorial integrity, according to video footage posted by Metropoles, and that Russian President Vladimir Putin had to take steps to show he wants to end the war.

The Ukrainian leader said he had offered to discuss the proposals with China and Brazil.

Reuters reported in June that China had been trying to enlist developing nations to join the six-point initiative, issued before a Ukraine-led summit in Switzerland.

Putin said in May he backed Chinese peace proposals and suggested this month that China and Brazil, as well as India, could act as mediators in potential peace talks over Ukraine.

A 12-point plan put forward by Beijing earlier in the war received a lukewarm reception in Ukraine, and the United States said China was presenting itself as a peacemaker but reflecting Russia's "false narrative" and failing to condemn its invasion.

Zelenskiy's own proposals include a withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine, the restoration of Ukraine's 1991 post-Soviet borders and bringing Russia to account for its actions.

He said he viewed Brazil's government as "more pro-Russian" adding: "It is necessary to remember that Russia's love is temporary and Russia's disrespect for the rule of law is permanent."

(Reporting by Anastasiia Malenko; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne)
The Kharkiv Oblast Defence Council has ordered the mandatory evacuation of 269 children from 29 settlements in the Kupiansk district.

Source: Oleh Syniehubov, Head of Kharkiv Oblast Military Administration

Details: Syniehubov said the evacuation will be conducted from the following populated areas:

Kupiansk hromada: 10 settlements, 158 children;

Kurylivka hromada: 6 settlements, 41 children;

Kindrashivka hromada: 13 settlements, 70 children.

[A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories  ed.]

As of 12 September, 10 families have been evacuated. Syniehubov noted that the displaced persons will receive assistance from international partners, including the UN, along with humanitarian, psychological, and legal support.

Additionally, all those in need will be provided with temporary accommodation or, with the support of Ukrzaliznytsia (Ukrainian Railways), assistance in evacuating to other Ukrainian oblasts.

Background:

On 15 May 2024, Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov stated that there were no plans to evacuate the population or certain groups of residents from Kharkiv. On the contrary, people were coming to the city from those settlements in Kharkiv Oblast where active hostilities were taking place.

On 28 June, the Kharkiv Oblast Defence Council decided to mandatorily evacuate families with children from the dangerous areas of the Izium, Bohodukhiv, Kupiansk, and Chuhuiv districts.

On 11 September, Oleh Syniehubov, Head of Kharkiv Oblast Military Administration, stated that the Kharkiv Oblast Defence Council was preparing to consider a decision to expand the zone of mandatory evacuation of families with children from three hromadas in the Kupiansk district.

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Standing against a brick wall in the shattered shell of a building somewhere in the Ukraine wars combat zone, the Russian military correspondent peered out from his hiding spot in a small room as the terrifying buzz of an approaching drone filled the confined space.

Bitch, he whispered as the whining noise drew closer.

The chilling video posted on social media shows how drones can hunt down troops even when they are seeking cover inside a building. It highlights how  when optimized for urban environments and capable of maneuvering in tight spaces  weaponized drones are becoming an increasing fixture of urban warfare.

Russian correspondent hides from a Ukranian drone  it looks for him like in a scary movie. pic.twitter.com/XPPQGzDzn0  Lord Bebo (@MyLordBebo) September 11, 2024

The video has the tension of a slasher movie scene. After about 45 seconds, the small drone is seen entering the building and flying close to the floor. It navigated around some thin metal beams and what appeared to be a cinderblock-enclosed stack.

Turn on the EW, its in the factory, he called out.

A small drone buzzes into a building where a Russian military correspondent hid. (Twitter screencap)

Seconds later, there was a loud explosion and the camera shook.

It went off, the correspondent said, before letting out a relieved sigh that he survived the encounter.

Twitter is full of videos showing troops being hunted down by first-person view (FPV) drones and usually out in the open. This one offered a rare glimpse into what it is like to be hiding inside a structure while attempting to avoid being struck.

As we have noted before, drones are being developed to find and destroy enemies inside buildings.

Last year, we wrote about a video that emerged on social media of a drone being used by Israeli security services to scout a building in a densely populated West Bank city. It was observed on a security camera hovering outside the building, before flying inside. A loud explosion followed. You can see that video below.

I've heard reports about the IDF using small drones but I believe this might be the first documentation of a drone used by Israeli security forces to scout a position in the West Bank (likely Nablus) and then appears to detonate when it enters a building. pic.twitter.com/sJfA0h6199  Joe Truzman (@JoeTruzman) February 14, 2023

There was no identification of the drones type, but it bore a striking resemblance to Elbit Systems of Israels LANIUS search-and-attack drone that was recently introduced at the time, or a small system generally like it. LANIUS is a small 2.75-pound quadcopter that is based on racing drones, giving it the capability to agilely fly into hard-to-access urban areas for intelligence gathering and even kill missions. You can learn more about the LANIUS in great detail here.

Weaponized FPV drone capability, in particular, has developed in the war in Ukraine, and the danger posed by it is driven home on a daily basis there. These drone capabilities are now showing up in other hotspots around the globe as the technology and techniques used to build and employ them proliferate. Cartels in Mexico are especially fond of explosive FPV drones, for instance.

UKRAINE ATTACKING IN AFRICA?



intelligence services likely struck Wagner forces in Sudan .



 CNN



Supposedly, led drone strikes two days after Wagner delivered a large shipment of weapons to Sudan. pic.twitter.com/z29GFUFFZN  Jason Jay Smart (@officejjsmart) September 19, 2023

UKRAINE ATTACKING IN AFRICA?



intelligence services likely struck Wagner forces in Sudan .



 CNN



Supposedly, led drone strikes two days after Wagner delivered a large shipment of weapons to Sudan. pic.twitter.com/z29GFUFFZN  Jason Jay Smart (@officejjsmart) September 19, 2023

WILD



A drone attack targeted Ecuador's La Roca prison, where former Vice President Jorge Glas is being held. Glas was arrested in a controversial police operation at the Mexican embassy this past April.



Via @Mrgunsngearpic.twitter.com/86FgsOOaB4  Open Source Intel (@Osint613) September 9, 2024

The inevitability of this development is something we examined eight years ago, as the U.S. Marine Corps was beginning to look at integrating small drones at the squad level.

From our story at the time:

There is also the reality that these micro- and nano-drones will eventually morph into optionally suicidal loitering munitions, something we discussed in depth recently. That same drone operator position in the Marine rifle squad could one day (probably not far off) choose a Black Hornet with orange bands on it, loaded with a small explosive charge, and fly it right into the window where an expected sniper is hiding. BANG! No more sniper. This is already being done in the lower end of the winged unmanned aircraft market, with the AeroVironment Switchblade and IAIs Harop suicidal drone leading the way.

The fact that the explosion seen and heard in the video did not appear to cause any injuries shows the complexity of flying into a tight space and trying to maneuver around obstacles.

Most FPV drones are equipped with man-in-the-loop control with a continuous line-of-sight datalink between the drone and its operator who manually steers it is required. Having man-in-the loop control makes these types of drones highly maneuverable, with operators able to rapidly switch targets.

However, there are limitations.

They can be impeded by a range of factors including distance, terrain, structures, and, as the video showcased, by the internal layout of a building, as well.

One workaround has been using drones, aircraft, or balloons to relay signals to FPV drones, extending their somewhat limited line-of-sight range. In an urban environment, using a cellular connection can also get around these issues even when operating relatively deeply within buildings.

As part of the battlefield innovations, both sides are now using drones guided via fiber optic cables. The advantages are that they are immune to electronic warfare countermeasures and do not emit signatures, which are often used to track down where they are launched. Another advantage is that their connections do not breakup while flying very low to the ground or even inside buildings, offering a clear feed to the controller where line-of-sight radio link would degrade or fail. You can see exactly such an scenario in the video below showing one of these drones hunting soldiers inside a building.

Russian fiber-optic FPV drone hits a group of Ukrainian soldiers inside a building.



Fiber-optic FPV drones are notable for their ability to provide high-quality video transmission and reliable control.



They also maintain a continuous and stable video signal. pic.twitter.com/SYNe9gA6PN  Clash Report (@clashreport) September 6, 2024

There are downsides to this as well though. The cables can be snagged and trailing it can reduce one of an FPV drones greatest advantages, its maneuverability. Range can also be severely curtailed.

To overcome some of the challenges, Ukraine has created a school for FPV drone operators, teaching them how to fly over, around and through obstacles.

We have a constant need to train our pilots and operators, one of the instructors, code-named Teenager, said in a video about the school. The world of unmanned systems is constantly changing and the enemy comes up with certain methods or can prevent us from completing our tasks. We have the opportunity to constantly train and improve our skills.

You can see that training in the following video.

Obstacle course training for Ukrainian FPV & bomber drone operators.



Operators work with caged civilian cars & under EW. pic.twitter.com/riAJiCT5c4  Clash Report (@clashreport) July 11, 2024

The Russian correspondent being hunted by the drone was lucky enough to live through the incident. As drones continue to develop, especially when controlled by artificial intelligence, such good fortune will become increasingly harder if not nearly impossible to come by.

Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com
Ukrainian pilots are training on F-16s in Romania  defence ministers

The phone call between Rustem Umierov and Angel Tilva. Photo: Umierov on Facebook

Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umierov had a telephone conversation with Romanian National Defence Minister Angel Tilva on Thursday, 12 September and announced the start of training for Ukrainian pilots on F-16s in Romania.

Source: European Pravda, citing Umierov on Facebook

Details: Umierov said the conversation with his Romanian counterpart had focused on "strengthening the protection of Ukrainian skies from russian missiles and drones".

Quote from Umierov: "Ukraine will soon receive a new Patriot air defence system from our Romanian partners. There will also be more F-16s in Ukrainian skies. A group of our pilots is already undergoing training in Romania."

The minister also announced an upcoming visit to Romania.

Meanwhile, the Romanian Defence Ministry said that Tilva condemned in the strongest possible terms Russia's unprovoked and illegal aggression against the Ukrainian people, including attacks on the Ukrainian population and civilian infrastructure.

The parties discussed bilateral cooperation and military support from Romania, including training for Ukrainian pilots on F-16s.

Background:

The European F-16 Training Center (EFTC) opened at Fetesti Air Base in Romania in November 2023. The first Romanian pilots were trained there in July.

So far there have been no reports of Ukrainians training at the centre. Indeed, last month Romania officially denied that such training was taking place.

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UN is cutting back on Yemen activities after crackdown by Houthi rebels on humanitarian staff

UNITED NATIONS (AP)  The United Nations is cutting back its activities in Yemen in response to a crackdown by Houthi rebels on staff working for the U.N. and other humanitarian, human rights, development and education organizations, the top U.N. aid official said Thursday.

Acting U.N. humanitarian chief Joyce Msuya told the U.N. Security Council that the United Nations has taken steps to minimize the exposure of staff to risk in Houthi-controlled areas.

The U.N. has narrowed its focus to essential lifesaving and life-sustaining activities, she said, and is deprioritizing broader activities to develop the Arab worlds poorest nation.

In June, the Houthis detained more than 60 people working with the U.N. and other organizations, according to the U.N. Human Rights Office. Days later, the Houthis said they had arrested members of what they called an American-Israeli spy network. The Houthis claims could not be independently verified.

Msuya said the U.N. strongly rejects false allegations by the Houthis against humanitarians, including recent claims of U.N. interference in Yemens education system.

These allegations threaten the safety of staff, further hinder the ability of the U.N. and its partners to serve the Yemeni people and must cease immediately, she said.

Msuya and U.N. special envoy Hans Grundberg reiterated Secretary-General Antonio Guterres demand for the immediate release of all those detained including U.N. personnel, members of civil society, staff of diplomatic missions, private sector employees and individuals from minority religious communities.

Grundberg said it has been more than 100 days since the Houthis launched a wave of detentions targeting Yemenis engaged in critical efforts related to humanitarian assistance.

The Houthis have been engaged in a civil war with Yemens internationally recognized government, backed by a Saudi-led coalition, since 2014, when they took control of the capital Sanaa and most of the north.

The war in Yemen has killed more than 150,000 people, including fighters and civilians, and created one of the worlds worst humanitarian disasters.

The rebels have imprisoned thousands of people during the war. And in recent months they intensified their crackdown on dissent at home, including recently sentencing 44 people to death.

Msuya warned that the humanitarian situation in Yemen is steadily deteriorating with 62% of households surveyed reporting they dont have enough to eat, saying this is a historically high number.

For the first time on record, three districts  two in Hodeida and one in Taiz  are facing extremely critical levels of malnutrition  IPC Phase 5, where there is famine, she said. Four more districts are projected to reach this level by October.

By the end of December, Msuya said, estimates project that over 600,000 children in government-controlled areas will be acutely malnourished and around 118,000 will suffer from severe acute malnutrition  a 34% increase since 2023.

Time is of the essence if we are to prevent catastrophe, she said, stressing that the U.N. humanitarian appeal for $2.7 billion for Yemen this year is only 28% funded.

Msuya also stressed that humanitarian workers need access. In the first seven months of the year, she said, direct interference by the parties in humanitarian activities accounted for 217 incidents  a significant increase from the 169 incidents reported for all of 2023.

When the minimum requirements are met for the safety and security of United Nations personnel and other humanitarian workers, it is our sincere hope that we can once again expand programming, Msuya said.
The UN said the economic devastation in Gaza is on a 'staggering scale" (Eyad BABA) (Eyad BABA/AFP/AFP)

Israel's war against Hamas has decimated Gaza's economy, shrinking it to less than one-sixth of its 2022 level, amid an "alarming decline" in the West Bank, the UN said Thursday.

Since the war erupted in the Gaza Strip more than 11 months ago, the United Nations said economic devastation has taken place at a "staggering scale".

"Production processes have been disrupted or decimated, income sources have disappeared, poverty has intensified and expanded, neighbourhoods have been eradicated and communities and towns have been ruined," the UN Trade and Development agency (UNCTAD) said in a new report.

The war erupted after Hamas's October 7 attack inside Israel, which resulted in the deaths of 1,205 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures, which includes hostages killed in captivity.

Israel's retaliation has killed at least 41,118 people in Gaza, according to the territory's health ministry. The UN rights office says most of the dead are women and children.

And the Palestinian territory has been left in ruins.

- 'Decades' -

Mutasim Elagraa, who coordinates UNCTAD's Palestinian assistance programme, said it remained unclear how much it would cost to rebuild.

"But the evidence we have now (indicates) it will be high tens of billions or maybe even more," he told reporters in Geneva.

"It will take decades to bring Gaza back to where it was in October 2023."

Already by early 2024, UNCTAD said up to 96 percent of Gaza's agricultural assets, including farms, orchards, irrigation systems, machinery and storage facilities, had been "decimated".

This had crippled food production capacity and worsened the already towering levels of food insecurity in the besieged Palestinian territory, it said.

A full 82 percent of businesses in Gaza had also been damaged or destroyed.

In the last quarter of 2023 alone, Gaza's gross domestic product (GDP) plummeted 81 percent, leading to a 22-percent contraction for the entire year, the report found.

"By mid-2024, Gaza's economy had shrunk to less than one-sixth of its 2022 level," UNCTAD said.

Spiralling violence in the West Bank has meanwhile sparked a "rapid and alarming economic decline" there as well, the agency warned, pointing out that GDP there had contracted 19 percent in the final quarter of 2023.

Since October 7, Israeli troops or settlers have killed at least 662 Palestinians in the West Bank, according to the Palestinian health ministry.

At least 24 Israelis, including members of the security forces, have been killed in Palestinian attacks during the same period, Israeli officials say.

Thursday's report said factors like settlement expansions, land confiscation, demolition of Palestinian structures, increased settler violence had displaced West Bank communities and severely impacted economic activities.

A full 80 percent of businesses in East Jerusalem Old City have either partially or completely ceased operations, UNCTAD said.

- 79% unemployment -

Labour market conditions across the Palestinian territories have also worsened dramatically since October 7.

In the West Bank, the report showed that 96 percent of businesses decreased activity, and over 42 percent reduced their workforce.

In all, 306,000 jobs have been lost, pushing the West Bank's unemployment rates from nearly 13 percent before the war to 32 percent.

In Gaza, meanwhile, a full two-thirds of pre-war jobs -- around 201,000 positions -- had been lost by January this year, the report showed.

Unemployment in the besieged territory reached 79 percent in the final quarter of 2023, up from 46 percent in the previous quarter, it said.

Even before the war, poverty was already widespread.

And now "poverty affects nearly the entire population of Gaza and is rising rapidly in the West Bank", UNCTAD said.

nl-vog/gv
ROME (AP)  The World Food Program needs better access to people at risk of starvation in Sudan and more money from the crisis-weary West to feed more than 25 million people facing acute hunger, the U.N. agency's director said Thursday.

Sudans nearly a forgotten crisis right now, WFP director Cindy McCain told The Associated Press.

There are so many crises going on that people kind of just, you know, its just too much and their eyes glaze over,'' she added.

Sudan plunged into conflict in mid-April 2023, when long-simmering tensions between its military and paramilitary leaders broke out in the capital, Khartoum, and spread to Darfur and other regions. Some 10 million have been internally displaced and the country is engulfed in a humanitarian crisis. Tens of thousands of people have died in fighting.

While WFP has designated points of entry to bring aid to the hungry, the onset of the rainy season means trucks have difficulty reaching the Zamzam camp, home to more than 400,000 displaced people, that was declared to have crossed the famine thresholds last February.

Its taken our trucks almost two weeks to get in there, McCain explained, Bridges are washed out. Roads are washed out. Its a really its a combination of really tragic situations.

We need to get in there at scale, McCain said, And we need to make sure that the world understands the need and what is at stake if we dont.

WFP has been coping with a lack of funding as donor fatigue set in after the pandemic. The organization is trying to compensate by developing new technologies for predicting weather and providing food in emergencies.

We have to we have to do more with less. We have to be more efficient, more effective. We have our predict the things that we have to predict, climate change effects and things are very necessary now,'' she said.
Thousands of Imran Khans supporters rallied in the streets of Islamabad on Sunday [Getty Images]

For weeks, the roads around Islamabad have been lined by shipping containers; road blocks ready for immediate deployment in the event of any protest.

Pakistans capital has become used to entire areas being sealed off whenever the authorities get an inkling that unrest could be brewing. It is a constant reminder to the citys residents that at any moment, everything could tip.

Last Sunday, the containers were out in force, blocking 29 routes around the city.

In a much-publicised and anticipated political rally, Imran Khans Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters made their way in their thousands towards Islamabad. The crowd waved flags and banners while a poster of the former prime minister suspended by balloons gently floated overhead. Others wore eerie masks of Imran Khans face. Chants of "Imran Khan Zindabad" (long live Imran Khan) echoed around the venue.

The containers did not contain them; video on social media shows lines of supporters shoving the corrugated metal aside and surging through to reach the rallys venue.

The man whose face was everywhere was not in attendance. Imran Khan has been behind bars for more than a year, having been convicted of corruption and charged with leaking state secrets.

Mr Khan has called all the charges against him politically motivated. But despite seeing his sentences overturned and a UN working group declaring that he had been "arbitrarily detained", there seems little movement toward his release. Most analysts say that without the explicit say-so from Pakistans politically powerful military, Mr Khan will not be let out.

That didnt stop the political promises from PTI leaders on Sunday.

"Listen Pakistanis, if in one to two weeks Imran will not be released legally, then I swear to God we will release Imran Khan ourselves," the chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ali Amin Gandapur, bellowed from the stage. "Are you ready?"

Imran Khan's supporters continue to demand that he be released from prison [Getty Images]

The crackdown

The reaction came quickly.

On the following evening, word began to spread on social media and TV news channels that the crackdown had begun. Footage from Pakistans parliament showed the partys chairman and MP Gohar Ali Khan being marched out of the building, his arms held firmly by police, cameras and mobile phones hovering in a swarm around him.

CCTV footage reportedly filmed inside the office of Shoaib Shaheen, another National Assembly member, showed him being quickly bustled out of the room as men streamed through several doors.

Confusion about exactly who had been arrested pinged around WhatsApp groups. Even by the morning after, the police had only confirmed three arrests to the BBC, while the PTI said the number was higher than 10. Mr Gohar was later released, but several others remained in police custody.

The assumption from the start was that these arrests had been made under a new law, introduced only last week and labelled by Amnesty Internationals spokesperson as "another attack on the right to freedom of peaceful assembly". The Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act 2024 act restricts public gatherings and proposes three-year jail terms for participants of "illegal" assemblies, with 10-year imprisonment for repeat offenders.

While the PTI had received permission to hold their rally, the police had already complained that it had run past the designated cut-off time and therefore caused a "serious law and order situation".

Cat and mouse

The crackdowns mark the latest phase in a long game of cat and mouse between Imran Khans PTI and the authorities. So what does this power struggle mean for Pakistan?

"At best this is a dangerous distraction," says Michael Kugelman, director of the South Asia Institute at the Wilson Centre think tank in Washington. "But at worst, it could be something that destabilises the country even more. It makes it all the more difficult to address Pakistans economic and security challenges."

Pakistan is still trying to stabilise its economy and has seen an increasing number of militant attacks.

Mr Kugelman argues that Pakistans military, thought to be the driving force behind the crackdown on PTI, are trying to contend with a changing world.

"For many years the army has had its way with dissent. Its been able to snuff it out through crackdowns," he said. "But whats different with Pakistan and the world [now] is that this is the social media era. The PTI has been able to master the art of social media to advance political goals."

Imran Khan has been convicted of corruption and leaking state secrets [Getty Images]

Mr Kugelman described this as a "very concerning" development from the military's perspective, and said it's not surprising that it would resort to methods which "might seem like overkill and certainly are, not to mention wholly undemocratic."

"This is a military reacting to a political threat its not used to," he said.

Beyond the introduction of the illegal assembly law and the arrests of lawmakers from parliament, the Pakistani government has also been criticised by digital rights campaigners for limiting online activities.

Since the February elections, social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, has not worked in Pakistan without a VPN. The military has repeatedly talked about the dangers of "cyber terrorism", and the government recently said that it was creating an online firewall. When questioned about how the firewall might limit freedom of speech, a minister said "it would not curb anything".

Many see this as an attempt to try to limit PTIs social media machine, including the reach of the party's supporters based outside the country who regularly criticise the military online.

A hybrid regime

The longer these clashes continue, the worse some fear it could be for Pakistan. As Mehmal Sarfraz, a Lahore-based political commentator and journalist, puts it: When political parties fight, a third force takes advantage."

For many analysts, that third force is Pakistans military which has long been closely tied to the countrys politics. The degree to which the military has allowed civilian governments to make decisions has waxed and waned. Today many analysts see the militarys hand in many political decisions and restrictions.

Unless political parties talk to one another, this hybrid regime will continue to gain strength, says Ms Safraz. The hybrid could then become more permanent.

Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party is consistently popular and able to mobilise [Getty Images]

Imran Khan has made it clear, however, that he and his party have no interest in speaking to the other political parties.

The PTI is consistently popular and able to mobilise, and seems unbowed by the pressure. But despite party members' success keeping their leaders name in the headlines, they cant get him out from behind bars.

Rather than coming to a compromise, the recent rally and heated speeches suggest that they remain confrontational. And that could have ramifications for both their political and legal positions; Imran Khan is still fighting to avoid being tried in a military court.

The military remain resolute, too. The more the PTI seems to push, the more barriers the military seems to find to put in its way.

The fear for some, however, is that once these new measures are rolled out it will be hard to roll them back.

The danger is that we become less of a democracy, more of a hybrid with every passing day, says Ms Sarfraz.

For now, the shipping containers still sit on the sides of Islamabads streets.
Monroe residents say the city isnt forcing developers of dozens of new townhomes that have already violated city ordinances to comply with new and existing building rules.

Residents of the Oak Hill neighborhood in Monroe worry the development of 74 new townhomes will lead to flooding, lower property values and disturb the quiet neighborhood. And despite pleas from residents to force developers to comply with city rules, Monroe City Council members voted Tuesday night to allow the developers to move forward with their plans.

The development fears are not unique to Union County, and echo what other North Carolina residents say about medium- and high-density projects in their neighborhoods. But local residents say the project is bypassing requirements about how many housing units can be built on the property and other rules.

City staff say the developers received proper approvals to start building.

Its wrong what theyve done. Theyve totally changed the quality of life in our neighborhood. Our lives will never be the same Dottie Nash, a former Monroe City Council member and resident of the affected neighborhood, told The Charlotte Observer. We understand that someone has the right to develop, but we shouldnt have 74 town homes crammed down our throat.

Monroe townhomes

Griffin Land Holdings, LLC in 2022 bought the land for its King Hill townhomes project for $405,000 after it sat on Union Countys excess property list for nearly two decades. Previous plans to build an elementary school there fell through.

The company received approval from the city to move forward on the townhome project in 2023 and sold the land to Monroe-based CF Master Limited Partnership in early 2024.

Since the developer received necessary building permits, the city changed its Unified Development Ordinance more than once, including a change in the way density is calculated and that developments over 50 lots must go through a complete rezoning process. Though the changes occurred before construction began, developers are not required to comply because their site plan was approved beforehand, said Monroe City Planner Keri Mendler.

Residents counter that developers did not begin construction within the required one-year time frame after receiving approval for the site plans  a fact residents say should require a new approval process.

Whats more: developers have violated city ordinances since construction began this year, according to the city.

Violations include the failure to install sedimentation and erosion control devices and the lack of a proper construction entrance. The site made changes to comply with ordinances in a proper time frame, Mendler said.

I think its a big cover-your-butt situation, and instead of doing whats right by the tax-paying citizens that are just requesting that everyone follow the rules, theyre allowing this developer to come in and run roughshod all over everything willingly allowing him to not meet these requirements, Jeremy Austin, a neighborhood resident, told The Charlotte Observer.

City staff say an erosion control permit received after site plan approval allowed for the constructions start.

Monroe City Council

Residents urged the Monroe City Council to force developers to reapply for new permits given the perceived delay in the construction start date. That request was denied at a council meeting Tuesday night.

At the meeting, Oak Hill residents gave a presentation that rehashed earlier concerns and said they were not made aware that the sold land was rezoned in 2022 to medium density adjacent to their low-density homes.

City staff said developers applied for and received by-right approval, meaning the proposal conformed to zoning and building codes and could move forward. When it was time to vote on whether developers could continue with current plans, the council moved into a closed meeting for 15 minutes. Afterward, the council returned to vote in favor of the developer.

Austin said he doesnt oppose development in the neighborhood, but that developers should be required to comply with zoning rules and regulations.

We just want the development to be correct to the ordinance, and we feel that its not, he said. We feel that planning is not truly listening to us and just moving on just so that they can try to get all this behind them and not have to deal with anything.
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  A flurry of unsubstantiated shooting threats involving San Diego schools have been made over the last two days, police said on Wednesday.

The threats, which were made to elementary, middle and high schools across the city, have originated from various sources and were often vague, containing no specific information, according to San Diego Police Captain Juan Sanchez.

Among the schools impacted was Dana Middle School, who sent out a letter to families obtained by FOX 5/KUSI on Tuesday that notified them of the shooting threat.

According to Principal John Bosselman, the threat was made in a TikTok post that included a list of hundreds of schools across the country, saying they were next  presumably a reference to the deadly mass shooting at Apalachee High School in Georgia last week.

Many of the threats reported to SDPD over the last week were in the form of these school hit lists with constantly changing details, according to Sanchez, mirroring a nationwide uptick in online statements where users make baseless promises to target schools.

Immediately after they were made aware, state and federal officials began looking into the threats, Sanchez said. Currently, none have been validated, although investigations remain ongoing for each.

Pedestrian killed in suspected DUI crash along I-5

The impacted schools were also notified and Sanchez said threat protocols and precautions were initiated in response to the statements. Additional patrol officers were also added to the schools where threats were received.

Further details about the threats, including the number received and the schools named, have not been provided by law enforcement.

SDPD is urging anyone with information regarding these school threats to contact the department at 619-531-2000 or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stopper sat 888-580-8477.

The shooting threats against schools in the city of San Diego come after Chula Vista police confirmed the arrest of a 12-year-old Bonita Vista Middle School student on suspicion of fabricating shooting threats that circulated through texts and social media early in the week.

The incident, which appears to be related to the threats directed to San Diego schools, stoked panic among the Sweetwater Union High School District schools mentioned in the threats. The alarm led some parents at schools like Rancho Del Rey Middle to pick up their students early.

Between both the Chula Vista and San Diego threats, authorities and school administrators are urging families to remind their students about the importance of reporting anything they believe might compromise safety to an adult  whether that is a school staff member or a parent.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
A six-week abortion ban in Florida led to a sharp drop in the number of abortions provided in the state and drove down national trends too, a new report shows.

Monthly abortions in Florida were cut by more than 30% after a ban on procedures after six weeks of pregnancy was implemented in May, according to the report from the Guttmacher Institute, a research and policy organization focused on sexual and reproductive health that supports abortion rights. There were an average of about 5,400 abortions in the state each month in May and June, down from more than 8,000 a month in the first three months of the year.

Nationwide, average monthly abortions fell 7% in that time  a difference of about 7,000 fewer abortions each month  and the drop in Florida accounted for more than a third of that decline.

There are seasonal fertility patterns and some month-to-month fluctuation in abortion rates, experts say. But data from Guttmacher suggests that the changes in Florida were drastic; in other states without total abortion bans, the estimated number of abortions dipped only 2% in May and 9% in June.

The tighter restrictions in Florida were expected to reverberate through the state and the broader region. More than 1 in 10 abortions in the country happened in Florida before the more restrictive policy took effect in May, and it had become a key abortion access point for the South in the years since the US Supreme Courts Dobbs decision revoked the federal right to an abortion in 2022.

In 2023, about 9,000 people traveled from out of state to receive an abortion in Florida, according to Guttmacher estimates  many coming from states with more restrictive bans, including Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia.

Despite the recent declines, Guttmacher estimates show that there have been more abortions in the US the first half of 2024 than there were in the first half of 2023  and abortions reached the highest rate in more than a decade last year.

But the abortion landscape continues to change rapidly in the US, and its not clear what pattern will hold through the end of the year, said Isaac Maddow-Zimet, a data scientist with the Guttmacher Institute who worked on the new report.

Many organizations, institutions and people have sprung up to really support the needs of abortion-seekers in the US, he said. I think that the scale of it is really clear in the ways in which abortion numbers have gone up in states without bans. There has been much more funding available and other modes of care, like telehealth, that really speaks to the ways in which people may be able to access care now in those states that may not have been able to before. At the same time, of course, access has gotten tremendously worse in banned states.

In April, a month before the six-week ban took effect, abortions in Florida jumped more than 20% higher than the average for the first three months of the year, Guttmacher data shows.

Providers and patients went to great lengths to provide and access care, respectively, before the law went into effect, according to the new report.

But the influx of funding that has helped overcome new barriers to access and the longstanding barrier of cost in the wake of the Dobbs decision may not be sustainable, Maddow-Zimet said.

Florida is also one of at least 10 states where voters will have the chance to determine the future of abortion access in their state in elections this November. But ongoing changes to abortion policies in the two years since the Dobbs decision have created widespread confusion among women in the US.

When people need abortions, its within a very short time period. And the pace of legal change can be very slow, Maddow-Zimet said. Ballot measures could potentially increase access but would come too late for people who are pregnant right now.

Lacking the federal protection of Roe v. Wade, a growing share of women are choosing to remove any chance that they could get pregnant at all.

The number of women choosing to tie or remove their fallopian tubes, a permanent form of contraception, increased after the Dobbs decision  especially in states with abortion bans and restrictions, according to a research letter published in the medical journal JAMA on Wednesday.

The researchers analyzed millions of medical records through December 2022. They found that tubal sterilization use rose nationwide immediately after the Supreme Court ruling, and it continued to increase 3% each month in states with abortion bans.

Its possible that increased use of permanent contraception could affect abortion trends, but barriers to this type of care  including medical, social and economic challenges  overlap with the barriers to abortion care, said Amanda Jean Stevenson, a demographer and assistant professor of sociology at the University of Colorado-Boulder who was not involved with the new reports.

Being able to access wanted reproductive healthcare is subject to similar barriers across the board, she said, particularly stigmatization and cost. Therefore, the people who are impacted by the barriers are the same people  so the people who are able to access sterilization are probably mostly going to be people who would have been able to access abortion if they got pregnant.

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US can 'adjust' its weapons rules to help Ukraine, Blinken says

The United States will "adapt as necessary" its military support for Ukraine, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Thursday, offering another hint that the Biden administration could soon lift its restrictions on Kiev's use of long-range weapons.

Blinken, who was visiting Poland a day after talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kiev, was asked at a press conference whether Washington had given Ukraine the green light to attack targets inside Russia with Western weapons.

"At every step along the way, as necessary, we've adapted and we've adjusted," Blinken replied. "One of the purposes of my visit to Kiev yesterday was to hear from our Ukrainian partners what they believe they need now to deal with the current battlefield, including in eastern Ukraine and other parts of the country."

"I can tell you that as we go forward we will do exactly what we have already done, which is we will adjust, we'll adapt as necessary - including with regard to the means that are at Ukraine's disposal."

Blinken's Polish counterpart, Radosaw Sikorski, called on Western allies to "continue to equip Ukraine with advanced air and missile defence systems and to lift restrictions on the use of long-range weapons."

The question of permission for Ukraine to use long-range weapons inside of Russia is also likely to be discussed at a meeting between British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US President Joe Biden in Washington on Friday.

So far, the US has only given Kiev permission to use its munitions to strike inside Russian territory if the targets are just across the border from the embattled eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv.

During his visit to Warsaw, Blinken also met with Polish President Andrzej Duda. A discussion with Prime Minister Donald Tusk followed in the afternoon.

Poland is a key military supporter of Ukraine. The EU and NATO member state also plays a critical role as a logistical hub for Western aid to Kiev.
US Attorney General Merrick Garland, seen here at a meeting of an election task force, condemned increasingly dangerous threats to Justice Department employees (ROBERTO SCHMIDT) (ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP/AFP)

US Attorney General Merrick Garland on Thursday rejected accusations that the Justice Department has been "weaponized" against Republicans, and condemned increasingly "dangerous" threats to its employees.

"Our norms are a promise that we will not allow this department to be used as a political weapon," Garland said in an unusually forceful speech to the workforce of the Justice Department.

"And our norms are a promise that we will not allow this nation to become a country where law enforcement is treated as an apparatus of politics," he said.

Garland, 71, did not mention Donald Trump by name, but the former US president and current Republican White House candidate frequently accuses the Justice Department of waging a "political witchhunt" against him.

Garland defended the integrity of the department and said its guiding principle was to "follow the facts and apply the law" with fairness and impartiality.

"There is not one rule for friends and another for foes, one rule for the powerful and another for the powerless, one rule for the rich and another for the poor, one rule for Democrats and another for Republicans," the attorney general said.

Trump faces charges in Washington brought by a special counsel of conspiring to overturn the results of the 2020 election he lost to Democrat Joe Biden. He faces similar state charges in Georgia.

He was convicted in New York in May of falsifying business records and indicted in Florida on federal charges of mishandling classified documents after leaving the White House.

The Florida charges were dismissed by a judge appointed by Trump on the grounds that the special counsel was unlawfully appointed by Garland.

Garland praised the tens of thousands of Justice Department employees for "bravely" doing their duty "in the face of an unprecedented spike in threats targeting a range of public officials across the country."

"These attacks have come in the form of conspiracy theories, dangerous falsehoods, efforts to bully and intimidate career public servants by repeatedly and publicly singling them out, and threats of actual violence," he said.

"Through your continued work, you have made clear that the Justice Department will not be intimidated by these attacks," Garland said. "But it is dangerous - and outrageous -- that you have to endure them."

cl/st
US calls for Africa to get two permanent UN Security Council seats

The proposals would transform the top body of the global organization which has been largely unchanged since its conception after the Second World War (Yuki IWAMURA) (Yuki IWAMURA/AFP/AFP)

Washington called Thursday for two new permanent seats on the UN Security Council for African nations, alongside a rotating seat for island states -- but insisted they not have a veto.

The proposals would transform the 15-member top body of the global organization which has been largely unchanged for decades and is mired in dysfunction and disagreements between existing permanent members.

The new African representatives should not wield veto power over council resolutions, unlike the current permanent members -- Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States -- US officials have said.

"I'm announcing the United States supports three additional changes to the Security Council," said Washington's ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, at the Council on Foreign Relations think-tank.

This would include "creating two permanent seats for Africa," she said.

African nations already have three non-permanent seats on the Security Council, allocated on a rotating basis for two year terms.

In addition, "the United States supports creating a new elected seat on the Security Council for small island developing states," Thomas-Greenfield said.

Reform of the Security Council, long-stalled because of differences among its permanent members, would need to be ratified unanimously among the five top-tier powers -- all nuclear armed.

A change in membership would first require adoption and ratification by two-thirds of the 193 member states.

Washington has notably said it is opposed to allowing any new members the veto power enjoyed by the five permanent members, claiming it would cause gridlock.

"We've been very, very clear that we do not support expansion of the veto," Thomas-Greenfield said.

"We have veto power as well, and none of the permanent members want to give up their veto power -- including us. I'm being honest about that."

- 'Matter of justice' -

Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio told the Security Council in August that "Africa wants the veto abolished."

"However, if UN Member States wish to retain the veto, it must be extended to all new Permanent Members as a matter of justice," he said.

The United Nations said Washington's call was a positive step for African representation.

"The announcement is an important one, it's welcome," said a spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

"All of the details of how this will work will have to be decided by member states," Stephane Dujarric told a briefing.

"It goes along the lines of what (Guterres) has said, lamenting the lack of African representation."

In September 2022, US President Joe Biden threw his weight behind reform of the council, supporting calls for permanent seats for Africa and Latin America, without giving details.

Russia has previously called for African nations to be cautious of new seats on the council if granted alongside seats to longstanding US allies like Japan and Germany, which Washington has sought.

"It will not be possible to address historical injustice towards Africa while simultaneously allowing new Western members to join the UN Security Council," Russian deputy ambassador to the UN Dmitry Polyansky said previously.

abd-gw/mlm
The US is entering a riskier season for spread of H5N1 bird flu. Heres why experts are worried

With the approach of fall and cooler weather across the United States, officials say the risk posed by the H5N1 bird flu virus could rise  and theyre taking steps to prevent the creation of a hybrid flu virus that could more easily infect humans.

Fall and winter months present more opportunities for H5N1 to spread and change since both cows and other flu viruses will be on the move. While most human infections in the current outbreak have been mild and self-limiting, each new host gives the virus a chance to get better at infecting people.

To be clear, we have no evidence so far that this virus can easily infect human beings or that it can spread between human beings easily in a sustained fashion, said Dr. Jennifer Nuzzo, director of the Pandemic Center at the Brown University School of Public Health. If it did have those abilities, we would be in a pandemic.

The second we know that someone gave it to someone else relatively easily, thats a new pandemic, and it will be around the globe, probably in a matter of weeks, Nuzzo said at a seminar hosted by the Health Coverage Fellowship.

The concern comes as scientists are urgently trying to solve the mystery of how a person in Missouri who had no contact with animals became infected by a type of bird flu.

Few details have been released. The person had significant underlying health conditions that probably made them more susceptible to the infection, Dr. Nirav Shah, principal deputy director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said Thursday.

The patient tested positive for the flu after being hospitalized August 22, was treated with antiviral medications and has since recovered and returned home.

Additional testing by the Missouri State Public Health Laboratory confirmed that the person had a type of H5 flu, which is an uncommon subtype. Only 13 other H5 infections have been reported in humans in the US this year. Aside from the Missouri case, all have been in farm workers who had been in direct contact with infected birds or cows.

The CDC has confirmed that the Missouri case was an H5 infection and is now trying to sequence the rest of the virus genome to find out whether it is related to those infecting poultry and dairy cattle. Its not clear whether the agencys scientists will be successful, since there was little virus in the patients samples to work with. So far, CDC scientists had been able to sequence only part of the virus genetic material.

The data that we do have and that have been generated thus far show an H5 virus that is closely related to the H5 virus circulating among dairy cows, Shah said.

Investigators have also interviewed the patient and are tracing their recent contacts. Theres no indication that the person passed the infection to anyone else, and theres no unusual flu activity in the area where the person lives, Shah said.

Seeing that someone is in the hospital with possible H5N1 heightens my worry, Nuzzo said. It not only heightens my worry for the farm workers, who are most at risk from infection, she said, but it also heightens the worry that this were allowing this virus to gain new abilities.

With herds on the move, risk increases

H5N1 caught scientists by surprise when an outbreak in US dairy cattle emerged in March. New cases slowed in the summer, when dairy cows move around less, partly due to heat and partly because demand for milk drops during the summer, when school is out, Dr. Eric Deeble, deputy undersecretary for marketing and regulatory programs at the US Department of Agriculture, said in August. But that starts to change in the fall, when farmers move cows so they can graze on the remnants of fields that have recently been harvested.

Greater movement of cattle could give the H5N1 virus more opportunities to spread.

It is always of concern when folks are moving animals, Deeble said.

The USDA has ordered the testing of dairy cows before they travel between states, but theres no such requirement for cattle that are moving within the same state.

The order also doesnt require the testing of every animal within large groups, and theres concern that cows that are infected without symptoms may be moved undetected.

That concern was heightened after three dairy herds in Californias Central Valley tested positive for H5N1 last month. As of September 12, the total number of infected herds in California had jumped to eight, Deeble said Thursday.

California is home to about 1.7 million dairy cows, about one-sixth of the national total, making it the nations largest dairy producing state.

How and when the virus made its way to California is still under investigation. But genetic testing at the USDAs National Veterinary Services Laboratories shows that the virus that infecting the California herds is very closely related to the viruses that have infected more than 200 herds from 13 other states, Deeble said.

The first infections of cows with the H5N1 virus were confirmed in herds in Texas and Kansas in late March. Evolutionary biologists think cows became infected months earlier, perhaps around the first of the year, when the virus probably spread from migrating birds who were carrying it.

The finding that the virus infecting the herds in California is genetically related to these first infections is important because it means they almost certainly are not the result of another crossover event from migrating birds to cows. Instead, the virus probably made its way to California through cow-to-cow spread that still hasnt been controlled.

So we were dealing essentially with one variant from the very beginning of this outbreak, Deeble told CNN. That information has been shared back with California, and so theyre continuing their epidemiological investigation with that knowledge in hand.

Wastewater testing has been picking up H5 viruses in California since March 18, said Dr. Marlene Wolfe, assistant professor of environmental health at Emory University and program director for WastewaterScan, a monitoring network directed by researchers at Stanford and Emory universities and funded by the Sergey Brin Family Foundation.

California is one of nine states  of 40 being monitored in their network  where H5 viruses have been found in wastewater.

Wastewater testing can pick up viruses with the H5 proteins, but it cant tell whether those viruses came from birds, cows, other animals or even discarded milk that had found its way into the sewage system. So far, though, most states that have had H5 proteins turn up in wastewater have also reported infected herds.

So far, eight of these states have had outbreaks reported in cattle. The one state with an H5 detection that has not had an H5N1 cattle outbreak is Arkansas, Wolfe wrote in an email.

Flu viruses can swap genes

The increased movement of animals will come as seasonal flu viruses are picking up steam in the US, increasing the likelihood that a person  probably a farmworker  could get infected with both bird flu and seasonal flu at the same time.

One of the most dramatic ways flu viruses can change is a phenomenon called reassortment.

Flu viruses are a little bit like Tinkertoys; they keep their genes in easy-to-detach segments. When two flu viruses infect the same cell and get close together, they can simply swap these segments and give rise to viruses that can sometimes have dramatic new properties.

A reassortment event that gives rise to a new souped-up flu virus is rare but not unheard-of. Reassortment of the flu viruses in pigs, which have similar flu receptors to humans, is believed to have given rise to the H1N1 virus that caused the 2009 pandemic, for example. Reassorted flu strains are also thought to have caused pandemics in 1957 and 1968.

Since 2010, the CDC has recommended annual flu vaccines for everyone 6 months of age and older. Still, less than half of all adults and children in the US got a flu shot last year, according to CDC data.

To try to prevent a reassortment event, flu vaccines will be particularly important for people who work directly with farm animals this year, the agency said.

The agency has asked states with infected herds to submit plans outlining how they will educate farm workers and deliver vaccines to those who want them. On Thursday, the CDC said it hoped to begin these intensive outreach efforts to farmworkers in October.

Increasing vaccination rates among farmworkers is going to be a tall order, said Bethany Alcauter, director of research and public health programs at the National Center for Farmworker Health.

What weve been hearing everywhere is the number of farms and the number of dairy employees who are getting [personal protective equipment] and getting information, accurate information, about bird flu is really in the minority, Alcauter said.

Thats true for a variety of reasons, she said, starting with farming culture. Some trades like construction require safety training. The same is not true of farming.

Health and safety training in agriculture isnt that common, Alcauter said. Because many dairy operations are small, they arent usually covered by the government agency that oversees worker safety, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA.

Alcauters organization has been given about $4 million by the CDC to spread the word. She said it is taking applications from community groups and health centers to educate farmworkers about bird flu and encourage vaccination. She estimates that it will be able to fund 40 to 50 organizations.

Just like in any population, there will be some individuals who are hesitant about vaccination, but in general, she says, farmworkers tend to be accepting of vaccines because they often come from countries like Mexico and Guatemala that have large national vaccine campaigns.

Advocates for farmworkers say that while getting these workers vaccinated for seasonal flu viruses is a reasonable idea, those vaccines still dont protect them from the viruses they could get from poultry or cows.

Though the government has ordered that nearly 5 million doses of H5N1 vaccine be packaged and made ready for use, there are no plans to actually give these doses to anyone, including farmworkers, who are most at risk.

This policy stands in contrast to Finland, which has seen past H5N1 outbreaks on fur farms. That country announced that it would begin vaccinating its farmworkers against H5N1 this summer.

Stopping the next pandemic

Adam Kucharski, a professor of infectious disease epidemiology at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, says viruses that cause pandemics emerge in stages: They infect animals and establish a reservoir in stage one; these animals infections cause isolated spillover infections into humans in stage two; spillovers cause localized clusters of human infections in stage three; widespread transmission among people is stage four.

Kucharski argues that the most feasible and impactful stage for pandemic prevention is at stage two, when there are spillovers that cause localized clusters of infections. He says that the recent clusters of infections of farmworkers culling poultry in Colorado suggest that the H5N1 outbreak in the US is in that second stage, when prevention efforts can be less costly and more impactful.

So really, its those situations where youre starting to see evidence of ability to infect humans but not ability to sustain transmission very easily where theres a prime potential for intervention, Kucharski said.

But the US is not doing enough to take advantage of the H5N1s currently limited spread, he said.

Kucharski points to an outbreak of H7N9 in 2013 as a prime example of a situation where this worked. People were starting to catch this flu from live poultry markets in China, which shut down those markets and effectively stopped transmission of the virus.

We havent had an H7N9 pandemic. We havent actually had many cases at all subsequently, Kucharski said.

The US is running a risk letting H5N1 infections continue to spread in cattle without more widespread testing, and the world is watching.

I think at the moment, the response doesnt seem to be at the level it needs to be for this kind of threat, Kucharski said.

I think we saw, even in the early stages of Covid, that a lot of countries  lot of Europe, lot the US  basically wasnt looking hard enough for Covid and then got caught out very badly when they realized that there was a lot more transmission than the raw data suggested, Kucharski said.

And so I think, particularly in this situation, getting a good grasp of whats going on is kind of key, and I think we havent been getting that anywhere near the scale we need to.

US to pay to develop bird flu tests

The CDC says the threat of the H5N1 virus is currently low. But federal agencies are taking steps to mitigate infections, should they begin to spread more widely.

The CDC said Thursday that it was awarding $5 million in funding to five commercial laboratories used by doctors and hospitals to develop tests to detect H5 viruses: Labcorp, Quest Diagnostics, Aegis Sciences Corporation, Ginkgo Bioworks and ARUP Laboratories. The agency is also looking to have these labs develop tests for Oropouche viruses, which are causing outbreaks in South America and Cuba.

In making the grants, Shah said, the agency was trying to learn from mistakes made during past public health emergencies.

Previously  CDC developed tests for emerging pathogens and then shared those tests with others, and then after that, commercial labs would develop their own tests, Shah said Thursday. That process took time. Now with these new arrangements, commercial labs will be developing new tests for public health responses alongside CDC, not after CDC.

CORRECTION: This story has been updated to note that the source of the funding for WastewaterScan is the Sergey Brin Family Foundation.

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U.S. government legal actions targeting a network of Russian influence last week have exposed shortcomings in the country's laws designed to tackle the malign influence of foreign agents, experts told the Kyiv Independent.

Treasury sanctions targeted leaders of Russian state-owned news outlet RT, formerly Russia Today, a media organization widely acknowledged as a Kremlin propaganda machine.

The U.S. Justice Department indicted Kostiantyn Kalashnikov and Elena Afanasyeva, two RT employees, on charges of violating foreign agent and money laundering laws for funding a news network out of a Tennessee LLC called Tenet Media. The outlet funded a roster of independent U.S. social media figures known for commentary critical of NATO and Western support for Ukraine.

The Justice Department named six American individuals  Matt Christiansen, Tayler Hansen, Benny Johnson, Tim Pool, Dave Rubin, and Lauren Southern  as being on the payroll of Tenet.

Promotional material from Tenet Media's website. The media outlet was found by the U.S. Justice Department to be receiving funding from Russian staate media RT to spread anti-Ukrainian and anti-Western messaging. (L-R) Benny Johnson, Lauren Southern, Dave Rubin, Tim Pool, Matt Christiansen and Tayler Hansen. (Tenet Media)

As with many of the sanctions that the U.S. has put out against Russians over the past two and a half years, they don't mean much more than an annoyance for the sanctioned.

As for the criminally indicted RT employees, the U.S.s conviction rate against foreign nationals in such cases is very high, but their likelihood of seeing a U.S. jail is minimal unless they make the unwise decision to travel to the States.

None of the American media personalities who laundered Russian narratives into U.S. discourse based on funding from Tenet has been charged with any violations. That is at least for now, says Craig Holman who lobbies on government financing reform for the non-profit, Public Citizen.

These indictments will likely result in convictions against the foreign agents. But they will lead to investigations of any American individuals or groups that appear to be participating in that whole scheme, Holman told the Kyiv Independent.

The U.S. law behind the indictments

The Foreign Agents Registration Act, or FARA, is at the core of these prosecutions, as well as a wave of other Justice Department actions since 2016.

Like the Lobbying Disclosure Act, or LDA, FARA aims to disclose political influence.

"The Foreign Agents Registration Act provides the public with an opportunity to be informed of the identity of persons engaging in political activities on behalf of foreign governments, foreign political parties, and other foreign principals so that their activities can be evaluated in light of their associations," a U.S. Justice Department report said in 2012.

FARA requires significantly more detailed disclosures than the LDA, including who a registered foreign agent is meeting with, and their actual contract with the foreign party paying them.

A core question is, of course, who constitutes a foreign agent. Most political actors would prefer to disclose less rather than more, as a rule. And for the most part, for example, media are exempt  but not if their publications are state-owned.

A television broadcaster interviews a guest on the set of RT.com at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) in St. Petersburg, Russia, on May 25, 2018. (Andrey Rudakov/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

The Justice Department won a landmark victory against Russian government-owned media back in 2019, getting the right to require a Florida-registered corporation by the name of RM Broadcasting to register as an agent of Rossiya Segodnya  part of the same constellation of Kremlin-funded outlets as Russia Today and, with the most recent developments, Tenet Media.

The American people have a right to know if a foreign flag waves behind speech broadcast in the United States, Assistant Attorney General Demers said in a statement at the time.

Our concern is not the content of the speech but providing transparency about the true identity of the speaker.

The definitions, however, remain fuzzy.

Intent to distribute

One of the most high-profile FARA cases in recent memory is that of Bob Menendez, who resigned as the Democratic Senator from New Jersey after his July conviction on 24 criminal counts over a longstanding bribery scheme involving the Egyptian government.

Menendez beat similar charges in 2017 by denying that the lavish gifts he received were bribes. The court could not identify a quid pro quo, and the case ended in a mistrial.

The issue of willful violations and intent in the case of the more recent RT indictment may be what has saved figures like Tim Pool and Dave Rubin, despite them being extremely vocal in supporting Russia while on Tenets payroll.

Read also: De facto cyberwar  Poland says it uncovered saboteurs working for Russia, Belarus

Ukraine is the greatest threat to this nation and to the world, Pool declared, just weeks before the Justice Department indictment. We owe Russia an apology.

For years, the people involved have faced public accusations of being Kremlin mouthpieces, which they have denied. On the day of the indictment, Pool tweeted: Should these allegations prove true, I as well as the other personalities and commentators were deceived and are victims."

The U.S. citizens involved in the scheme are free to plead ignorance of the origin of their funding. There is no requirement for media to do due diligence into the origin of funding of what Pool has identified as licensing fees.

U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland speaks at the beginning of a meeting of the Justice Department's Election Threats Task Force at the Justice Department in Washington, DC. on Sep. 4, 2024. (Roberto Schmidt / AFP via Getty Images)

Part of the problem, says one former Federal Election Commission attorney who currently advises private clients on FARA registrations, is that FARA violations are now almost only prosecuted as criminal felonies, making the threshold to demonstrating guilt a requirement to prove that a crime was committed willfully.

A lot of these violations, or alleged violations, are not really felonies. They're wow, I didn't know I had to register' kind of thing. It would be much easier to enforce that if there was a civil aspect, said the attorney, who asked not to be named to avoid implicating his clients.

Legislation that Republican Senator Chuck Grassley has introduced in both of the past two Congressional sessions includes a massive uptick in monetary punishments for FARA violations.

Shells all the way down

That legislation also pushes for greater subpoena power within the Justice Department when it comes to potential FARA cases.

As with the case of RM Broadcasting, the link between RT and Tenet depended on corporate opacity  anonymity of ownership and control. Its a tactic that is still easy to replicate, ensuring a steady supply of shell corporations able to obtain bank accounts.

The RT operatives in the latest scandal even developed a fake investor, "Eduard Grigoriann, as the ostensible source of Tenets money, per the Justice Departments indictment. There is no reason to think this couldnt happen again, given that Grigoriann was a simple digital creation.

A fake CV for Eduard Grigoriann was included in the indictment. (United States Justice Department)

Identifying the flow of funds in advance remains almost impossible and is dependent on voluntary response to Justice Department requests.

The Grassley legislation aims to greatly increase the Attorney Generals subpoena power, allowing the Justice Department to compel witnesses to produce evidence before a trial. In the case of Tenet, evidence of the interactions between the six U.S. influencers may well come out in the trial of the two Russian RT employees, evidence that a civil subpoena would already have rooted out.

The Grassley bill has, however, stalled in committee and is unlikely to move in the few months that remain of this Congress.

A related loophole is that FARA features an exemption for registered lobbyists, as long as they are not lobbying on behalf of foreign governments. A handy shell corporation can stand in between a foreign government and the lobbyist, and with investigations fraught, violations rarely come to light.

Read also: Georgian president appeals to Constitutional Court on law on foreign agents

I'd like to get rid of the LDA exemption, says Holman. Most of these foreign agents register under the Lobbying Disclosure Act to avoid the stricter scrutiny of FARA and the stricter disclosure requirements of FARA. Under the Lobby Disclosure Act, they really don't have to spell out very much of what they're doing or who they're representing.

The exemption does not apply to agents working for foreign governments or political parties. As in the case of RT, or the infamous St. Petersburg troll farm the Internet Research Agency, which is linked to the Kremlin-backed mercenaries of Wagner Group, many of Russias government operations are formally privatized despite remaining firmly state-controlled.

As in the case of RM, networks of state control can spin out through corporate entities that increase deniability for government chains of command.

Network

Among the most bedeviling problems involving Russian propaganda today is that proving the role of a paying entity like Tenets within a social media-based network is tricky.

Social media poses a very special problem in that it's very difficult to track who's giving the orders, who and where the money's coming from, and how much money. That's why social media is currently the most popular form of influence peddling for the Russian government, the Chinese, and the Iranians, because it's so difficult to prove, says Holman.

The challenge posed by social media is completely different to what FARA was originally structured for, though foreign influence campaigns are by no means new.

Franklin D. Roosevelt was the one who created FARA because he thought Adolf Hitler was trying to influence public opinion to keep America out of WWII. And so FARA then was passed into law. One needs to note that Adolf Hitler never did register under FARA, Holman said.

Read also: Trump refuses to say he wants Ukrainian victory, Harris accuses him of surrender in presidential debate

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By Matt Spetalnick and Simon Lewis

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The Biden administration said on Thursday it was imposing U.S. sanctions on 16 allies of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in response to voter fraud in the country's election and his government's ensuing crackdown on the political opposition.

The move came just days after Edmundo Gonzalez, recognized by the U.S. and other countries as winner of the July 28 presidential election, fled to Spain after Maduro's government issued a warrant for the opposition leader's arrest.

Among those targeted for sanctions were Supreme Court President Caryslia Rodriguez, electoral council director Rosalba Gil and National Assembly Vice President Pedro Infante. The list includes others linked to the election as well as military and intelligence officials accused of post-election repression.

As part of the first punitive U.S. measures in response to Maduro's disputed reelection claim, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Washington was also imposing visa restrictions on an unspecified number of "Maduro-aligned" officials.

But the U.S. stopped short of announcing any new actions against the OPEC member's vital energy sector, which is already under heavy U.S. sanctions, an omission that raises questions about the potential impact of the new measures.

President Joe Biden's administration is seeking to punish Maduro and his loyalists for what the U.S. sees as reneging on the promise of a competitive democratic vote while also pressuring him into negotiations with the opposition.

"The Treasury Department is targeting key officials involved in Maduro's fraudulent and illegitimate claims of victory and his brutal crackdown on free expression following the election, as the overwhelming majority of Venezuelans call for change," Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo said in a statement.

Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil said in a message on Telegram that his government rejected the "new crime of aggression by the United States against Venezuela in imposing unilaterally coercive, illegitimate and illegal measures on officials of the state."

DEMANDS FOR TRANSPARENCY

Election officials and Venezuela's top court have said Maduro, a Socialist who has been in power since 2013, won the election. The opposition said tallies collected by its observers show a resounding victory for Gonzalez.

Many democratic countries have condemned Maduro for claiming victory without providing proof, demanded full transparency, and accused him of tampering with the vote count.

Gonzalez, a 75-year-old veteran diplomat, flew to Spain seeking political asylum last weekend after Venezuelan authorities threatened to arrest him, accusing him of conspiracy and other crimes, charges that he denied.

Venezuelans' hopes for political change have largely faded with Gonzalez's flight, the post-election crackdown and the international community's failure so far to take decisive action to loosen Maduro's grip on power.

Washington's cautious response, some U.S. officials have said, reflects misgivings about actions that could spike global oil prices or inflict serious damage to Venezuela's already struggling economy, fearing that could spur an increased flow of Venezuelan migrants to the U.S.-Mexico border.

Aides to Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, who has replaced him at the top of the Democratic ticket for the Nov. 5 U.S. election, are wary about giving Republicans a further opening on the hot-button immigration issue.

Asked whether the U.S. was weighing future oil sector-related actions, including adding restrictions on U.S. oil producer Chevron's operations in Venezuela, a senior U.S. official told reporters a "range of options" were under consideration but did not provide details.

The new Treasury sanctions call for freezing any U.S. assets held by the targeted officials.

However, there are questions about the effectiveness of such individual sanctions, given that Washington has already targeted more than 140 Venezuelan officials, including Maduro himself in 2017, and placed U.S. visa bans on nearly 2,000 people.

The U.S. official insisted the sanctions were an important step in an effort to pressure Maduro to "make better decisions" on Venezuela's political situation before the presidential inauguration in January.

Washington, which rejected Maduro's 2018 reelection as a sham, broadly eased sanctions on Venezuela's oil industry last October in response to a deal between Maduro and opposition parties. But in April the U.S. reimposed the sanctions, accusing Maduro of failing to meet most of his electoral commitments.

(Additional reporting by Doina Chiacu in Washington and Vivian Sequera in Caracas; Editing by Rosalba O'Brien)
The United States announced Thursday that it will sanction 16 of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduros allies following Julys disputed presidential election that kept him in power.

The sanctions will impact leaders of the National Electoral Council, the Supreme Tribunal of Justice and the Maduro-affiliated national assembly, the U.S. State Department announced.

These officials impeded a transparent electoral process and the release of accurate election results, the departments release said.

The sanctions come just days after Maduros challenger, opposition presidential candidate Edmundo Gonzalez fled the country for asylum in Spain as part of a negotiated deal.

The United States and other countries recognize Gonzalez as the rightful winner of the July 28 election, even though Maduro was named the winner.

Rather than respecting the will of the Venezuelan people as expressed at the ballot box, Maduro and his representatives have falsely claimed victory while repressing and intimidating the democratic opposition in an illegitimate attempt to cling to power by force, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement.

Blinken previously called the election results deeply flawed. As of Thursday, the Treasury Department has now sanctioned more than 140 current or former Venezuelan officials for contributing to the situation in the country.

The State Department has also identified nearly 2,000 people, who could be subject to visa restrictions, for their different roles in undermining democracy, engaging in significant corruption or violating the human rights of the Venezuelan people.

Unlike past elections, detailed vote tallies were not released to confirm Maduros win. After global leaders condemned the election, Maduro asked Venezuelas high court to audit the results, which reaffirmed his victory, The Associated Press reported.

The United States will continue to promote accountability for those undermining democracy in Venezuela, Blinken said in the statement.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
US man to return to face UK court over 2023 crash

Elizabeth Donowho was seriously injured in the crash and is still suffering physically and psychologically, her lawyer says [Handout]

A US man charged over a crash that left a nurse seriously injured is set to be brought back to the UK by police, her lawyer has said.

Elizabeth Donowho, from Malvern in Worcestershire, was left unable to walk for six weeks after being hit by a car Issac Calderon was driving in 2023.

The 23-year-old, from Texas, was previously charged with causing serious injury by dangerous driving, but left the UK before facing a court.

The BBC has now learned officers from West Mercia Police hope to travel to the US next month, after a judge there signed off on his extradition.

Mr Calderon was arrested after the crash on the A4103, near Shucknall in July 2023.

He later left the UK, on a commercial flight to Texas on 25 November, ahead of a scheduled court hearing that he did not attend the following month.

Ms Donowho is being represented by a lawyer [PA]

Now, the US Department of Justice has said officers from West Mercia Police can come and collect Mr Calderon.

He is expected to be arrested and presented to an available court in the UK next month.

She has welcomed the extradition and wants to see him face a court [BBC]

Ms Donowho's lawyer Radd Seiger welcomed the news and said the 56-year-old continued to suffer physically and psychologically.

"This is as near to death as you can get," he told BBC Hereford & Worcester.

"This is a very violent car crash and she survived by the skin of teeth, but it has left her with life changing injuries and she continues to cope with that every day."

Mr Seiger added his client was relieved at the extradition and keen to see the criminal case follow its ordinary course.

"The US has seen sense and realised it is important Mr Calderon should be returned to face the courts here," he said. "This is exactly how it's supposed to work."

The incident happened on the A4103 near Shucknall in July 2023 [PA]

A West Mercia Police spokesperson said the force could not comment on an active case while proceedings were ongoing.

Mr Seiger also represented the family of motorcyclist Harry Dunn, who died after his bike was hit by a car being driven on the wrong side of the road by Anne Sacoolas.

Sacoolas, also a US citizen, had just left RAF Croughton in Northamptonshire when the crash happened, in 2019.

The case led to a transatlantic row between the US and UK governments, after she left the UK without being brought to justice.

Three years later Sacoolas was given an eight month prison sentence suspended for a year.

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US Navy Seal unit that killed Osama bin Laden training to help Taiwan in case of China invasion

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te waves during a visit to inspect troops at the Navy 146 Fleet Dinghai Camp District - Walid Berrazeg/AFP via Getty

The United States elite Seal Team 6 has reportedly been training for missions to assist Taiwan if it is invaded by China.

The clandestine US Navy commando unit, known globally for its raid on Osama bin Ladens compound in Pakistan in 2011, is said to be planning and training for a potential Taiwan conflict for more than a year at its Dam Neck base in Virginia.

The secret training exercises by the Navy special forces team, tasked with some of the militarys most sensitive and difficult missions, appear to be part of a wider deterrence strategy to give China pause for thought about the high costs of trying to forcibly seize the democracy of 23.5 million.

The reports from the Financial Times emerged as China warned it would crush any foreign forces who enter what it considers its sovereign territory, which includes much of the South China Sea and Taiwan.

On Thursday, a senior Beijing military official said on the sidelines of a defence forum: If the United States moves its pawns behind the scenes, if it pushes countries to the front line, or if the United States itself ends up on the front line, then we in the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army... will never have any patience.

We in the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army will resolutely crush any foreign hostile encroachment on Chinas territorial, sovereign and maritime rights and interests with firm determination, staunch will, strong capability and effective means.

The president pictured at the Air Defence Company in Penghu Island earlier this month - Walid Berrazeg/AFP via Getty

Beijing claims sovereignty over Taiwan even though the Chinese Communist Party has never ruled there. Taiwan operates like any other nation with its own government, foreign policy and currency and polls show the vast majority of its population are opposed to unification with China.

The United States is already Taiwans biggest arms supplier, despite having no formal diplomatic ties with the island, and in June approved a new $360 million weapons sale, sending hundreds of armed drones, missile equipment and related support material.

Washington is obliged by federal law to ensure that Taiwan has the means to defend itself but maintains a policy of strategic ambiguity in which it does not say if US forces would intervene in the event of a conflict.

However, support for Taiwan has intensified in recent years amid growing concerns that Beijing is preparing to invade, and the Pentagon has been sending regular special forces to Taiwan for low-key missions that include training for the Taiwanese military.

The covert missions of Seal Team 6 are highly classified and the FT reported that sources aware of the commando units activities did not provide any further details about its Taiwan-related planning.

A Pentagon spokesman said the defence department and its forces prepare and train for a wide range of contingencies.

The President views a Stinger multiple missile launcher demonstration - Ritchie B Tongo/Shutterstock

China, which is investing heavily in its navy and expanding its nuclear weapons stocks, has stepped up military and political pressure on Taiwan to force it to accept its territorial claims and in May held war games around the island after the inauguration of Lai Ching-te, the new president.

But diplomatic efforts are also under way to cool tensions and avert an escalation into conflict.

On Tuesday, Admiral Samuel Paparo, the chief of the US Indo-Pacific Command, spoke with General Wu Yanan, the commander of the Peoples Liberation Armys Southern Theatre Command, in the first such call in two years.

The call was another sign of the gradual restoration of top-level military communications as the competing nations try to avoid miscalculations over regional flashpoints including the South China Sea and Taiwan.

The US Indo-Pacific Command said that Adm Paparo urged the PLA to reconsider its use of dangerous, coercive, and potentially escalatory tactics in the South China Sea and beyond.

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By Timothy Gardner and Susan Heavey

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The White House announced a new task force to deal with the growing needs of AI infrastructure after a meeting on Thursday between senior U.S. officials and top technology and power company executives.

Led by the National Economic Council, the National Security Council and others, the task force will coordinate policies to advance data center development while weighing economic, national security, and environmental goals, the White House said.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Google senior executive Ruth Porat and Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei were among the tech company representatives who attended the meeting.

The White House said participants discussed how to meet clean energy, permitting and workforce requirements for developing data centers and power infrastructure needed for advanced AI operations.

Generative AI, or GenAI, can create text, photos and videos in response to open-ended prompts. It has generated buzz about its potential uses such as relieving mundane tasks but also prompted fears about potential misuse.

AI can strain the energy industry as U.S. technology companies seek to secure a shrinking supply of electricity for their rapidly expanding data centers.

Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo also participated in the meeting.

Granholm told Reuters in June that President Joe Biden's administration was asking technology companies to invest in new climate-friendly power generation to cover their surging demand. The surge in demand from AI could complicate Biden's target of decarbonizing the power sector by 2035 to fight climate change.

"President Biden and Vice President Harris are committed to deepening U.S. leadership in AI by ensuring data centers are built in the United States while ensuring the technology is developed responsibly," said White House spokesperson Robyn Patterson.

National security adviser Jake Sullivan as well as White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients and National Economic Council Director Lael Brainard also took part, along with top Biden administration climate officials.

The meeting shows that the White House recognizes the priority of infrastructure to create jobs and help guarantee that the benefits of AI are widely distributed, OpenAI said.

"OpenAI believes infrastructure is destiny and that building additional infrastructure in the U.S. is critical to the country's industrial policy and economic future," a company spokesperson said.

(Reporting by Susan Heavey and Timothy Gardner; Editing by Doina Chiacu, Jonathan Oatis and Diane Craft)
What if the US presidential election is decided by... Omaha?

If Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump receive a close number of electoral college votes, the tie-breaker could come down to Nebraska's second congressional district (Brendan SMIALOWSKI) (Brendan SMIALOWSKI/AFP/AFP)

Most Americans have never been to Omaha, the largest city in the midwestern state of Nebraska, and many would not be able to point to it on a map.

However, there is a possibility that it could be the tipping point in the race for the White House in November.

The scenario involves Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump tying in the number of electoral college votes they receive, with a specific allocation of the seven key swing states.

One way a tie is possible is if Harris wins the "Rust Belt" states of Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, while Trump claims the "Sun Belt" states of Arizona, Georgia, Nevada and North Carolina.

In this case, the second district of the state of Nebraska -- which includes Omaha -- would prove decisive on a national level.

This is due to a specific quirk in Nebraska's allocation of electoral college votes.

In 48 of the 50 US states, the candidate who receives the most votes wins all that state's electoral votes. For example, Harris's home state of California is almost guaranteed to allocate the Democrat its trove of 54 electoral college votes.

Trump, conversely, is expected to win 40 electoral votes in Texas and another 30 in Florida.

The candidate who reaches 270 electoral college votes will win the US presidency.

However, Nebraska and the northeastern state of Maine both allocate some of its electoral votes by congressional district, rather than statewide.

Though Nebraska is a rural, staunchly conservative state, the second district has been won by Democrats in the past, including Barack Obama in 2008 and President Joe Biden in 2020.

Both years saw Nebraska provide four electors for Republicans and one for Democrats.

- 'Blue Dot' -

Nebraska's second district has since acquired a nickname: the "Blue Dot," referencing the color of the Democratic Party, as opposed to red, which is used by the Republicans.

In reality, "it is more of a purple dot in a sea of red" given its mixed electorate, according to Gregory Petrow, a professor of political science at the University of Nebraska.

"The district has only had two, single-term Democratic members of Congress over the recent decades," Petrow told AFP. "All others have been Republicans."

He pointed out Omaha, which is the major population center for the district, has a Republican mayor but its city council has a Democratic majority.

The stakes in Omaha are clear to both parties.

This past spring, Republicans tried, unsuccessfully, to change the state's election rules to impose a winner-take-all system used by 48 other states.

And in March, before she was the official Democratic candidate, Vice President Harris sent her husband Doug Emhoff to Omaha, where the Second Gentleman gave a speech about women's reproductive rights, a key issue this election that is seen as a motivator for voter turnout.

- Reuben sandwiches -

Last month, the running mates for both candidates -- Tim Walz for Kamala Harris and J.D. Vance for Donald Trump -- also visited the city, famous for being the place where Reuben sandwiches were invented (corned beef, sauerkraut, Thousand Island dressing and Swiss cheese grilled between two slices of rye bread).

Time will tell whether Omaha voters are swayed by Walz, who was born and raised in Nebraska, or if the campaigns' television ads will play a bigger role.

The Congressional Leadership Fund (CLF), a Republican political action committee, announced on September 4 that it was increasing its advertising budget in Nebraska's second district by $1.5 million, going from $2.8 million to $4.3 million.

Harris's campaign, meanwhile, spent $700,000 on television advertisements in Nebraska during the month of August, according to advertising analytical firm Adimpact.

The Democrats plan to spend an additional $7 million in Omaha this election season.

If the previous scenario of the Rust Belt and Sun Belt divide remains true, winning Nebraska's second district will clinch the election for Harris.

However, if Trump wins it in the same scenario, the rare event of a perfect tie -- with 269 electors for each candidate -- could play out.

In this case, which is unlikely but theoretically possible, the US House of Representatives would then be tasked with deciding the next president, as outlined in Article 2 of the US Constitution.

seb/jgc/st/sms
The Biden administration is calling for adding two permanent seats for African nations to the United Nations Security Council, and an elected seat for a small-island developing nation.

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield announced the proposal Thursday, capping off her nearly four-year effort to give more power to countries historically isolated from decisionmaking on international peace and security.

The announcement comes as the United Nations General Assembly is set to convene Sept. 22-24. Its not clear if negotiations surrounding the reforms would be ready by the time for the general assembly, but a senior administration official said the U.S. is prepared to pursue text-based negotiations, prepare amendments and get to work on a resolution for a vote in the general assembly to amend the U.N. Charter.

The announcement were making today helps to put some meat around the bones of our vision for a reformed Security Council, but there are many questions that will need to be addressed between and among member states, and that ultimately will be fodder for the text-based negotiations, the official said, briefing reporters in a call Thursday morning.

The U.S. is not proposing veto power for the permanent seats for African nations. The five permanent members to the council have this power: the U.S., United Kingdom, France, China and Russia.

The security council can impose economic sanctions, arms embargoes, travel bans, blockades, the severing of diplomatic relations or even collective military action.

Along with the permanent members, it is made up of 10 seats with members elected to two-year terms. Some of these seats are reserved for countries of geographic influence.

The U.S. proposal for the rotating seat for a small-island developing state refers to 39 states across the Caribbean, Pacific, Atlantic, Indian Ocean and South China Sea.

Many member states agree these 39 states representing 65 million people, deserve a consistent say in the council and their perspective on matters of peace and security, particularly as it relates to climate change, will benefit all of us, the administration official said.

While African states fill three rotating seats, the administration official said that these countries were in favor of two permanent seats, despite not having veto power, because it offers perspective, and durability of that perspective on the council, that is otherwise not afforded by a rotating seat.

The five permanent members hold veto power  which is used to block action but has also paralyzed the councils ability to address conflicts such as Russias war in Ukraine and efforts to compel Israel to accept a cease-fire in its war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

The U.S. has not expressed its stance on the total number of permanent and nonpermanent seats on a reformed council, saying that those discussions should be part of the text-based negotiations that also are conducted as part of the Intergovernmental Negotiations on Security Council Reform.

Weve unveiled this proposal to partners and allies around the world in recent days, and weve been really heartened by the enthusiastic feedback. This process wont be quick or simple, but its something were serious about, the official said.

The U.S. also supports creating permanent seats for Germany, India and Japan, and permanent seats for countries from Latin America and the Caribbean.

We recognize there will never be a perfect Security Council, there will never be a model Security Council reform that satisfies everyones goals, the official said.

But our view on this is we cannot let the perfect be the enemy of the good, and we can and should still try to achieve a reform council that is more representative, more credible, and ultimately more effective in addressing the challenges and opportunities that the world faces today.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Sixteen allies of Nicolas Maduro have been sanctioned by the US Treasury [EPA]

The United States has announced it is placing sanctions on 16 officials who are closely aligned with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro following his disputed election victory.

The US Treasury said it was targeting "key officials involved in Maduros fraudulent and illegitimate claims of victory and his brutal crackdown on free expression following the election".

Maduro was declared the winner of July's presidential election by Venezuela's National Electoral Council (CNE), which is closely aligned with the government.

But the CNE has not published any detailed voting tallies supporting a Maduro victory. Data published by the opposition suggests its candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez, won instead.

The US has refused to recognise Maduro as the winner and says it is convinced Gonzalez received more votes.

It is also among the dozens of countries which has called on the CNE to release the detailed voting tallies which show the results from individual polling stations.

All those named in the Treasury statement are barred from entering the US and any property they hold there is blocked.

Among those sanctioned is Rosalba Gil, one of the five members of the CNE.

US authorities have also targeted five judges from Venezuela's Supreme Court, which upheld the CNE's decision to award Maduro a third consecutive term in office.

Members of Venezuela's security forces have also been sanctioned, with the US Treasury accusing them of being "responsible for intensifying repression through intimidation, indiscriminate detentions, and censorship".

More than 2,400 people have been arrested in the post-election crackdown launched by the Maduro government, with many accused of "terrorism".

Opposition candidate Gonzalez fled to Spain on Saturday after being accused of "serious crimes" including the "usurpation" of public duties, document falsification, instigation of disobedience and system sabotage.

The judge who issued Gonzalez's arrest warrant is also among the 16 on the sanctions list.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez met the Venezuelan opposition candidate on Thursday [EPA]

Gonzalez has requested asylum in Spain and on Thursday met Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.

He said that despite now being in exile his "determination to continue the fight to uphold the sovereign will of the Venezuelan people as expressed on July 28 by more than eight million voters" has not wavered.

"The fight is to the end, when all our families can finally be reunited on Venezuelan soil," he added.

Gonzalez had replaced opposition leader Maria Corina Machado on the ballot after the latter was barred from running for the presidency by institutions loyal to Maduro.

Machado remains in hiding in Venezuela from where she says she will lead the fight to have Gonzalez sworn in as president on 10 January 2025 - the day the new presidential term is due to start.
(Bloomberg) -- The US announced sanctions Thursday on 16 officials tied to Venezuelas President Nicolas Maduro over claims that they obstructed free and fair elections in the country.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Among those sanctioned are the president of the countrys Supreme Court and a director of its electoral council. In addition, the State Department is taking steps to impose visa restrictions on officials backing Maduro.

The Treasury Department is targeting key officials involved in Maduros fraudulent and illegitimate claims of victory and his brutal crackdown on free expression following the election, as the overwhelming majority of Venezuelans call for change, Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo said in a statement. The Biden-Harris administration will continue to use our tools to hold Maduro and his cronies accountable and support the democratic aspirations of the Venezuelan people.

The measures target key leaders the US says collaborated with Maduro to undermine the July 28 vote, a list that includes members of the electoral authority, Venezuelas top court, the National Assembly and the intelligence and military intelligence police, known as Sebin and Dgcim.

The US hopes the latest round of sanctions can pressure Maduro and his allies to change tack before Jan. 10, when Venezuelas new presidential term is set to start, according to senior Biden administration officials, who briefed reporters on condition of anonymity.

The latest sanctions come a month and half after the electoral authority declared that Maduro was reelected for a third consecutive term, despite data published by the opposition that indicated he lost by a wide margin. Protests against Maduros claim of victory swept the capital Caracas and other cities in the days after the vote, with more than 2,400 Venezuelans arrested  including more than 100 minors  in the fiercest crackdown of his 11-year rule.

The US and others have questioned the legitimacy of the vote count, and some Maduro allies have called on the government to release tabulations. On Saturday, presidential candidate Edmundo Gonzalez fled Venezuela and sought asylum in Spain after Maduros government ordered his arrest.

Among those sanctioned Thursday are Supreme Court President Caryslia Rodriguez and Judge Inocencio Figueroa; electoral council director Rosalba Gil and secretary general Antonio Meneses. Also included are prosecutor Dinorah Bustamante; National Assembly Vice President Pedro Infante and Asdrubal Brito, director of the military counterintelligence police.

Including the latest actions, Treasury has sanctioned more than 140 current or former Venezuelan officials, and imposed about 2,000 visa restrictions.

Venezuelas Foreign Minister Yvan Gil responded by referring to the US as hostile and bloodthirsty in a statement on Thursday. Gil said the latest sanctions violated a deal it signed with the US in Qatar last year.

Maduro has recently lashed out at nations that have questioned the legitimacy of the July 28 presidential election or rejected his claim to victory. On Wednesday, Venezuela proposed to cut ties with Madrid after the Spanish congress voted to recognize Gonzalez as president-elect of the Latin American nation.

(Updates with statement from Venezuelas foreign minister in the 10th paragraph. An earlier version of this story had an incorrect date for the start of Venezuelas presidential term.)

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US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken speaks at a press conference during a visit with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy. Leon Neal/PA Wire/dpa

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is expected in Poland on Thursday on the heels of a visit to Ukraine.

He will first meet with Polish President Andrzej Duda in the capital Warsaw. Talks are then planned with Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski and Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

The US State Department said talks will focus on deepening cooperation in the areas of defence and energy as well as cooperation as a NATO ally to support the defence of Ukraine.

Poland is one of the most important military supporters of Ukraine, which is under attack from Russia.

The EU and NATO member state also plays an important role as a logistical hub for Western aid to Kiev.
US Secretary of State comments on possibility of Poland shooting down Russian air targets

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said that America stands with Poland when it comes to violations of its airspace by Russian targets.

Source: Blinken during a meeting with Radosaw Sikorski, Polish Foreign Minister, as quoted by tvn24, reports European Pravda

Details: Journalists asked Blinken whether the Polish authorities had asked the US about the possibility of shooting down Russian objects flying from Russia.

He replied that regarding airspace violations, "We stand by Polands right to defend itself."

Blinken recalled: "We have ironclad commitment to NATO, to Article 5".

Quote from Antony Blinken: "President Biden when he was here in Poland said that the United States is committed to defend every square inch of NATO territory."

In turn, Sikorski said that the issue of Russian missiles violating NATO territory "will not go away", and very often, it is about airborne assets over which Moscow is losing control.

Quote from Radosaw Sikorski: "Weve just had a drone land in Latvia; we had incidents with Romania; and there are reports of Belarusians shooting down drones before they cross into NATO."

Background:

Sikorski said that Poland and other countries bordering Ukraine are "obliged" to shoot down Russian missiles before they enter their airspace.

The Polish Foreign Ministry clarified that Sikorski expressed his opinion, not the government's position.

Meanwhile, people in Poland believe that its military should shoot down objects flying over Polish territory during Russia's attacks on Ukraine, even if they are not sure what those objects are.

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US shifts one of two aircraft carriers away from Middle East

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - One of two U.S. aircraft carrier strike groups deployed to the Middle East in part to deter Iran from carrying out a threatened attack against Israel has departed the region, the Pentagon said on Thursday.

The decision to end the dual-carrier presence came nearly three weeks after U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered the Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group to remain in the Middle East, even after the arrival of the Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group to replace it.

The Roosevelt has now departed the Middle East and is headed to the Asia-Pacific region, Major General Patrick Ryder, a Pentagon spokesperson, told a news briefing.

Austin's order for the Roosevelt to stay in place came on Aug. 25, as Hezbollah launched hundreds of rockets and drones at Israel and Israel's military said it struck Lebanon with around 100 jets to thwart a larger attack, in one of the biggest clashes in more than 10 months of border warfare.

Officials have been concerned that Iran might make also good on its threats to carry out an attack against Israel over the killing of a Hamas leader in Tehran in July.

Ryder played down the idea that the United States was no longer concerned about potential Iranian action and said the decision was based on the Navy's fleet management.

"Iran has indicated that they want to retaliate against Israel. And so we're going to continue to take that threat very seriously," Ryder told reporters at the Pentagon.

Iran has vowed a severe response to the July killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, which took place as he visited Tehran and which it blamed on Israel. Israel has neither confirmed or denied its involvement.

U.S. President Joe Biden's administration has been seeking to limit the fallout from the war in Gaza between Hamas and Israel, now approaching its one-year anniversary. The conflict has leveled huge swathes of Gaza, triggered border clashes between Israel and Lebanon's Iranian-backed Hezbollah movement and drawn in Yemen's Houthis.

"We remain intensely focused on working with regional partners to de-escalate tensions and deterring a wider regional conflict," Ryder said.

(Reporting by Phil Stewart; editing by Diane Craft)
The U.S. Space Force should play a greater role in tracking factors related to human security, like food production, climate trends or energy distribution, for military decision-makers, according to a new report from RAND Corp., a federally funded research center.

Thats because the services access to communication, navigation and intelligence satellites provides a unique opportunity to monitor non-military factors that often lie at the heart of conflict on Earth, the authors argue.

The report from the public policy research firm highlights the militarys role in disaster prevention and crisis response, pointing to portions of the 2022 National Defense Strategy and National Security Strategy that link national security to humanitarian challenges like food insecurity, energy shortages, climate change and terrorism.

Although several U.S. government agencies and commercial partners collect and monitor indicators that are potentially related to human security, the [Space Forces] role as a military service makes it a natural nexus for embedding human security principles and perspectives in the security workforce, RAND states.

The report comes as Space Force capabilities to track missiles, monitor bad behavior in orbit and support military operations on the ground are in high demand. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall told Defense News this summer that to meet current demand and expand into new mission areas, the services $30 billion budget needs to double or triple.

That kind of budget growth is unlikely in the near future, and RAND acknowledges this challenge in its study, noting an increasing appetite for imagery and data collection, in particular.

Such an expansion is likely difficult to justify, given that the Space Forces capacity cannot meet current operational demand, RAND states. Although the [Space Force] can potentially play a leading role in the human security area, it will need to rely on partnerships, likely with both public and private organizations, to provide the needed capabilities and capacities.

Growing capacity and acquiring new systems will require long-term investment, but for now the service should lean on its relationships with international allies, commercial industry and other government agencies define metrics related to human security through security cooperation training efforts.

The Space Force should also develop training for its workforce on how to factor human security into its data collection and analysis, injecting relevant scenarios into wargames and exercises, RAND says.

As a case study on the impact space capabilities could have in preventing or managing humanitarian crises, the report explores the famine in Somalia, where over one million people have been displaced due to drought.

Space capabilities could be used to track environmental indicators like land degradation, water level changes and weather conditions. Satellites could also observe changes in food production, identify whether resources were being hoarded and identify migration patterns and indications of political violence.

By using space capabilities to monitor such human security indicators as those proposed in this paper, the [Space Force] can help identify human security challenges as they are emerging, thus opening the door to interventions  potentially involving both resources on the ground and in the broader international community, RAND states. Such interventions might help prevent the escalation of cascading challenges.
US State Department approves potential $165 million sale of tank trailers to Israel

FILE PHOTO: The State Department Building is pictured in Washington

(Reuters) - The U.S. State Department has approved the potential sale of heavy-duty tank trailers and related equipment to Israel in a deal valued at $164.6 million, the Pentagon said on Thursday.

The principal contractor would be Leonardo DRS, according to the release.

(Reporting by Costas Pitas; Editing by Leslie Adler)
The American-made M1 Abrams is considered one of the worlds premier tanks, yet has still proven vulnerable to Russian drones and explosives on the battlefield in Ukraine, which had sidelined the armored behemoth.

But Ukraine has now improved the Abrams, better protecting it through a relatively simple method: steel cages wrapped around the frame.

Ukrainian officials behind the effort tell The Hill that the retrofit has worked extraordinarily well at protecting not just the Abrams but also other U.S. armored fighting vehicles like Bradleys.

For the $10 million apiece Abrams, the relatively crude fix has helped keep the tanks on the battlefield.

Ukraines 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade, an elite unit that has been fighting on the frontlines, said in a statement to The Hill that protective screens for combat vehicles such as Abrams and Bradleys are essential to preserve not only expensive equipment, but also the lives of soldiers on the battlefield. 

Although the Abrams is considered one of the best tanks, it is not invulnerable to threats such as anti-tank missiles and drones, they said. The development of additional protective structures is an important step to reduce the risk of damage from modern threats, including drones and explosives.

Olexander Myronenko is the chief operating officer of Metinvest, one of the businesses supporting the Steel Front initiative, the project behind the steel cages that was started by the Ukrainian billionaire Rinat Akhmetov to provide equipment for the military.

Myronenko told The Hill that the screens can take one strike before they need to be replaced, but they are very effective at protecting the tanks by absorbing the hit and increase survivability by around 35 percent.

The drones usually [try to] stop the machine, to stop the armored vehicle, so they try to hit the engine [or] the turret of the tank to block it, he said. And when the tank is blocked or stopped on the battlefield its just like a sitting duck for the artillery or another type of drone.

Thats why this protection is necessary, to not allow the drone to do such damage, Myrononeko added.

Ukraine began pushing for the Abrams tanks not long after Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, but the plea became more urgent at the beginning of 2023.

The U.S. faced pressure from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and other officials in Kyiv to give them the tanks, and soon top lawmakers in Congress were joining the calls.

The Biden administration agreed to send 31 Abrams tanks in January 2023, and the decision also unlocked the ability for Germany to send its prized Leopard tanks.

The first Abrams arrived in September 2023, and by October, all 31 of the tanks were in place.

But just a few months later, reports began to circulate that the Abrams were being taken off the battlefield under assault from Russian drones.

The Associated Press reported in April that five of the tanks had been lost to Russian drones and were taken off the frontlines.

Because it received just a limited number of tanks, Ukraine is likely to have already been predisposed to closely guard its Abrams. But the Russian drones proved there was a serious weakness in the prized tanks.

When you think about the way the fight has evolved, massed armor in an environment where unmanned aerial systems are ubiquitous can be at risk, Joint Chiefs of Staff Vice Chairman Adm. Christopher Grady told the AP in April.

Grady said the U.S. would be working with Ukraine on the issue. The Pentagon and the manufacturer behind the Abrams, General Dynamics, did not respond to requests for comment on this story.

Creating steel cages, or slat armor, is not a new idea, with German and Soviet forces similarly armoring their vehicles in World War II. And U.S. servicemembers did something similar during the Iraq war for armored Strykers to protect against rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) threats.

Still, Dan Grazier, senior fellow for the National Security Reform Program at the Stimson Center, who served in an Abrams tank unit in Iraq, said the Ukrainian steel cage design was ingenious.

The idea of using a cage like that is to create some space so a round fired at it will hit that cage that will trigger the fuse below the main charge, he said. And instead of that main charge going directly into the armor, theres that little bit of space that will kind of blunt some of the energy.

On both sides of the war in Ukraine, drones have been crucial, showing for the first time how these unmanned systems are changing warfare.

Russias drones have menaced Ukraine, particularly in the past year-and-a-half after the fighting shifted to the 600-mile frontline across eastern Ukraine.

Russian forces are tracking armor with surveillance and bombarding them with cheap, small, kamikaze-style, explosive drones called first-person view (FPV) drones that can even fly into a tank hatch before going off.

The Ukrainian military approached Steel Front for a solution as they sought to get their sidelined armor back onto the frontlines, knowing the initiative had worked on similar efforts before.

Steel Front, which has also made cages for Soviet T-72 and Ukrainian T-64 tanks, said one major shortcoming of the Abrams was that it had no fortification against Russias FPV drones.

That made the Abrams unideal for use during the wars current state, Steel Front said in a press release provided to The Hill.

So Steel Front, along with military engineers, analyzed the vulnerabilities on the tank that were typically damaged by FPV strikes to come up with the steel cages.

Myronenko said an initial solution was first tested on Soviet tanks.

The main thing is, there is a space between a protective screen and the main armor of the machine. And when the drone hits, it hits the protective screen [and] this explosion is not damaging the main armor, he said.

The steel structures are wrapped around the hatch, turret and center-top of the tank, though crews can still easily exit it. There is also additional armor covering the tracks, which if hit can completely halt the tank. The primary armament, a 120mm Smooth Bore gun, is still freed up in the modification.

The steel screens cost some $20,000 to make for an Abrams tank, according to Myronenko, but they are provided for free to the Ukrainian military. Each screen is made specifically for each type of tank. They cost a bit less for Bradleys.

With this new technology, the Abrams tanks are nearly invulnerable to attacks from Russian drones, Steel Front said in the press release.

But the steel screens are heavy: some 900 pounds. Steel Front says they are designed to not limit the operability of the tanks.

Grazier said one drawback to the steel cages is that they increase the load of the Abrams, which is designed to carry the weight of the tank, around 70 tons.

Its a very robust suspension system, but if you do start adding a bunch of weight to it beyond its design, then you could potentially have some mobility issues, he said. The mobility problem that you have when you start adding weight [will] increase the wear and tear on the components of the suspension.

So far, 25 Abrams have steel cages, while 100 Soviet tanks and 75 Bradleys have received the upgrade, Myronenko said.

The first orders of steel cages were completed in May and rolled out around June, according to Myronenko. They were built in a factory in Ukraine (sources did not disclose its location for security reasons).

Steel Front said it has 10 to 12 specialists working on the tanks, which can take up to 12 hours to be equipped with a steel screen.

The first modified tanks came just weeks before Ukraines August incursion into Russia, which used combined arms warfare to make a surprise blitz into the Kursk region.

Ukraine has now taken in Kursk some 500 square miles of territory, captured around 100 settlements and imprisoned hundreds of Russian troops.

The outfitted vehicles have made a difference on the battlefield, Myronenko said.

When the tanks get hit by the shell or RPG or drone, they have more chance to stay alive and to save the machine, he said. Most of the feedback are requests to continue this production.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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US works to ease restrictions on Ukraine's use of weapons within Russia  Politico

The White House has been finalising a plan to ease restrictions on Ukraine's use of US-provided weapons for strikes on Russian territory.

Source: Politico with reference to a Western official and two other individuals familiar with the discussions, as reported by European Pravda

Details: According to one of the discussion participants, the talks have been conducted within a small group of officials at the White House.

The specifics of the plan are still being worked out. However, officials in Washington, London and Kyiv have recently discussed expanding the areas within Russia where Ukraine could use US and UK-made weapons to strike.

They also discussed measures to prevent new cross-border attacks by Russia, including the possibility of allowing Ukraine to use UK long-range missiles with US components inside to target Russian territory.

These current talks between Washington and Kyiv represent a significant shift in tone compared to earlier discussions this summer. They indicate that the Biden administration may be ready to agree to Kyiv's request to allow Ukrainian forces to defend themselves better and take more aggressive steps inside Russia.

For months, US officials had resisted calls from Kyiv and other European countries to lift all restrictions on the use of US long-range weapons for striking Russian territory.

Background:

US President Joe Biden said on Tuesday, 9 September, that the issue of lifting the ban on Ukraine's use of long-range weapons was under consideration.

The discussions have gained particular urgency in recent days following the confirmation that Iran had successfully delivered ballistic missiles to Russia.

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The U.S. Postal Service's next-generation delivery vehicle is displayed at the Kokomo Sorting and Delivery Center in Kokomo, Ind., Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

ATHENS, Ga. (AP)  The Postal Services new delivery vehicles arent going to win a beauty contest. They're tall and ungainly. The windshields are vast. Their hoods resemble a duck bill. Their bumpers are enormous.

You can tell that (the designers) didnt have appearance in mind, postal worker Avis Stonum said.

Odd appearance aside, the first handful of Next Generation Delivery Vehicles that rolled onto postal routes in August in Athens, Georgia, are getting rave reviews from letter carriers accustomed to cantankerous older vehicles that lack modern safety features and are prone to breaking down  and even catching fire.

Within a few years, the fleet will have expanded to 60,000, most of them electric models, serving as the Postal Services primary delivery truck from Maine to Hawaii.

Once fully deployed, they'll represent one of the most visible signs of the agency's 10-year, $40 billion transformation led by Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, who's also renovating aging facilities, overhauling the processing and transportation network, and instituting other changes.

The current postal vehicles  the Grumman Long Life Vehicle, dating to 1987  have made good on their name, outlasting their projected 25-year lifespan. But they're well overdue for replacement.

Noisy and fuel-inefficient (9 mpg), the Grummans are costly to maintain. Theyre scalding hot in the summer, with only an old-school electric fan to circulate air. They have mirrors mounted on them that  when perfectly aligned  allow the driver to see around the vehicle, but the mirrors constantly get knocked out of alignment. Alarmingly, nearly 100 of the vehicles caught fire last year, imperiling carriers and mail alike.

The new trucks are being built with comfort, safety and utility in mind by Oshkosh Defense in South Carolina.

Even tall postal carriers can stand up without bonking their heads and walk from front to back to retrieve packages. For safety, the vehicles have airbags, 360-degree cameras, blind-spot monitoring, collision sensors and anti-lock brakes  all of which are missing on the Grummans.

The new trucks also feature something common in most cars for more than six decades: air conditioning. And that's key for drivers in the Deep South, the desert Southwest and other areas with scorching summers.

I promise you, it felt like heaven blowing in my face, Stonum said of her first experience working in an air-conditioned truck.

Richard Burton, another driver, said he appreciates the larger payload area, which can accommodate bigger packages, and the fact that he doesn't have to crouch, helping him avoid back pain. The old trucks also had a habit of breaking down in traffic, he added.

Brian Renfroe, president of the National Letter Carriers Association, said union members are enthusiastic about the new vehicles, just as they were when the Grummans marked a leap forward from the previous old-school Jeeps. He credited DeJoy with bringing a sense of urgency to get them into production.

Were excited now to be at the point where theyre starting to hit the streets, Renfroe said.

The process got off to a rocky start.

Environmentalists were outraged when DeJoy announced that 90% of the next-gen vehicles in the first order would be gas-powered. Lawsuits were filed demanding that the Postal Service further electrify its fleet of more than 200,000 vehicles to reduce tailpipe emissions.

Everybody went nuts, DeJoy said.

The problem, Dejoy said, wasnt that he didnt want electric vehicles. Rather, the expense of the vehicles, compounded by the costs of installing thousands of charging stations and upgrading electrical service, made them unaffordable at a time when the agency was reporting big operating deficits every quarter.

He found a way to further boost the number of electric vehicles when he met with President Joe Bidens top environmental adviser, John Podesta. That led to a deal in which the government provided $3 billion to the Postal Service, with part of it earmarked for electric charging stations.

In December 2022, DeJoy announced that the Postal Service was buying 106,000 vehicles through 2028. That included 60,000 next-gen vehicles, 45,000 of them electric models, along with 21,000 other electric vehicles. He pledged to go all-electric for new purchases starting in 2026.

With the climate crisis at our doorsteps, electrifying the U.S. governments largest fleet will deliver the progress weve been waiting for, said Katherine Garcia of the Sierra Club, which sued the Postal Service before its decision to boost the volume of electric vehicle purchases.

Between the electric vehicles, reduced tailpipe emissions from optimized mail routes and other changes, the agency anticipates cutting carbon emissions by 40% by 2030, DeJoy said. The route revisions will also save money.

This summer the Postal Service's environmental battles came full circle as the White House honored it with a Presidential Federal Sustainability Award, marking the end of an interesting journey, DeJoy said.

The honor signifies the agency's ability to work through complex problems  be they operational, financial, technical, political or of a public policy nature, he said.

It comes from forging forward, he said. Keep moving.

___

Sharp reported from Portland, Maine.
By David Lawder

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai named veteran former congressional aide Jamila Thompson as her new chief of staff on Thursday as she seeks to maintain a robust trade agenda during the final months of President Joe Biden's term.

Thompson had been serving in the role in an acting capacity since January.

WHY IT'S IMPORTANT

Tai's office has seen the departure of a number of key personnel in recent months, including Thompson's predecessor, Heather Hurlburt, who left the trade agency in January along with Deputy USTR Sarah Bianchi, who had managed Asian trade affairs. Another deputy USTR, Jayme White, who was in charge of European and Western Hemisphere trade matters, left in October 2023 to go into private practice.

Thompson will help fill those voids, with over 20 years of management experience in Congress. Before coming to USTR she previously served as chief of staff to the late U.S. Representative John Lewis of Georgia.

USTR failed to land a limited trade agreement with Indo-Pacific countries last November focused on regulatory, labor and environmental provisions, but it continues to negotiate a trade and investment partnership agreement with Kenya. Tai also met on Wednesday in London with her counterpart in Britain's new government, Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds.

CONTEXT

A considerable amount of Thompson's time in Congress coincides with Tai's tenure as chief trade counsel to the tax and trade-focused House Ways and Means Committee. With input from the offices of Lewis and other members of the Congressional Black Caucus, Tai helped renegotiate key labor-focused changes to the North American Free Trade Agreement, or NAFTA. Lewis' support for the 2020 U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement was considered important to its ratification in Congress.

KEY QUOTE:

"From our time together in Congress until now, Jamila has been the epitome of wise counsel, sound judgment, and invaluable compassion," Tai said in a statement. "Jamilas wealth of experience, including as a senior staff member to the late Congressman John Lewis, will help anchor our work in the principles of fairness and equity for all."

(Reporting by David Lawder; editing by Jonathan Oatis)
Utah citizen initiatives at stake as judge weighs keeping major changes off ballots

Sen. Nate Blouin, D-Salt Lake City, puts his hand through his hair during discussions in the Senate as Utah's legislature holds a special session to consider an initiative constitutional amendment, at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024. (The Deseret News via AP)

A Utah judge promises to rule Thursday on striking from the November ballot a state constitutional amendment that would empower the state Legislature to override citizen initiatives.

The League of Women Voters of Utah and others have sued over the ballot measure endorsed by lawmakers in August, arguing in part that the ballot language describing the proposal is confusing.

The groups now seek to get the measure off ballots before they are printed. With the election less than eight weeks away, they are up against a tight deadline without putting Utah's county clerks in the costly position of reprinting ballots.

Salt Lake County District Judge Dianna Gibson told attorneys in a hearing Wednesday she would give them an informal ruling by email that night, then issue a formal ruling for the public Thursday morning.

Any voter could misread the ballot measure to mean it would strengthen the citizen initiative process, League of Women Voters attorney Mark Gaber argued in the hearing.

That is just indisputably not what the text of this amendment does, Gaber said.

The amendment would do the exact opposite by empowering the Legislature to repeal voter initiatives, Gaber said.

Asked by the judge if the amendment would increase lawmakers' authority over citizen initiatives, an attorney for the Legislature, Tyler Green, said it would do exactly what the ballot language says  strengthen the initiative process.

The judge asked Green if some responsibility for the tight deadline fell to the Legislature, which approved the proposed amendment less than three weeks ago.

The legislature cant move on a dime, Green responded.

The proposed amendment springs from a 2018 ballot measure that created an independent commission to draw legislative districts every decade. The changes have met resistance from the Republican-dominated Legislature.

The measure barred drawing district lines to protect incumbents or favor a political party, a practice known as gerrymandering. Lawmakers removed that provision in 2020.

And while the ballot measure allowed lawmakers to approve the commissions maps or redraw them, the Legislature ignored the commissions congressional map altogether and passed its own.

The map split relatively liberal Salt Lake City into four districts, each of which is now represented by a Republican.

In July, the Utah Supreme Court ruled that the GOP overstepped its bounds by undoing the ban on political gerrymandering.

Lawmakers responded by holding a special session in August to add a measure to Novembers ballot to ask voters to grant them a power that the states top court held they did not have.
In January and February, officials with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources culled 170 elk on the Deseret Cooperative Wildlife Management Unit, which lies within the Morgan-South Rich Hunting Unit and is owned by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The DWR says this was necessary due to an overpopulation of elk in the area, but the agency had previously tried to keep the operation a secret, according to The Salt Lake Tribune, which broke news of the operation Tuesday.

The Tribunes reporting was based, in part, on public records that showed state wildlife officials were worried about how public hunters might view the culling operation since they were not invited to participate. This included emails and other messages between state officials, including DWR biologist Xaela Walden, who oversaw the operation and wrote agency officials on Feb. 20, saying: The media and social media have still been relatively quietly, thankfully.

Instead of allowing the public to harvest some of the surplus elk population, DWR staff members worked with private contractors to bait and kill more than 150 elk on the Deseret CWMU using suppressed rifles and walk-in traps. They field-dressed and butchered the elk on site after testing each animal for CWD and brucellosis  none of the elk tested positive for either disease  and they ended up with roughly 39,000 pounds of elk meat to donate. Altogether, the operation cost the agency more than $53,000, according to The Tribune, not including costs for employee time, equipment, and fuel.

The Tribune referred to the operation as likely the states largest-ever project to euthanize wildlife.

Utah DWR spokesperson Faith Heaton Jolley says she is unable to confirm this claim. Jolley explains that the DWR conducted some large culling operations in the 1980s that focused on deer herds in agricultural areas, but that the records for those culls are no longer available.

We cant confirm if this is the largest culling effort ever undertaken, Jolley tells Outdoor Life in an email. Typically, this strategy is used to mitigate agricultural depredation by big game animals. It is unclear whether this many animals have been removed at one time previously, but were hopeful that this management action  coupled with hunter harvest and additional tools in the CWMU rule which was recently updated  will be effective at maintaining the elk population in this unit to keep it to the population objective.

Speaking to those population objectives, Jolley says the Morgan-South Rich hunting unit that encompasses the Deseret CWMU had an elk population of roughly 7,000 animals during the fall of 2023. This exceeded the units biological carrying capacity (or the number of elk the land could sustain), and it was well over the DWRs population objective of 4,200 elk. In addition to overgrazing, DWR biologists have blamed the overpopulated elk herd for driving mule deer declines in the unit by competing with the deer for resources.

As a result, we removed a total of 170 elk on the Deseret Land & Livestock CWMU, Jolley says. The meat from the elk was donated to members of the public through local shelters, food pantries, and people on our game meat donation list.

This level of coordination was possible because Deseret CWMU, like all CWMUs in the state, is privately owned but managed cooperatively with the state of Utah. These CWMU programs are a unique type of public-private land partnership that provide landowners with vouchers for big game tags, which they can then sell to hunters; as part of that exchange, the DWR requires landowners to provide hunting opportunities to the public that are comparable to the private hunts.

Regarding those public hunting opportunities, the DWR decided that inviting public hunters to help with the cull wouldnt be as effective or efficient as using private contractors. And Jolley says that by the time they made the plan during the fall of 2023, it was too late for the agency to increase the number of elk tags or establish new hunts in the unit. So, the DWR issued a certified of registration that authorized the killing of up to 300 cow elk.

Read Next: Montana Judge Says Landowners Dont Have Absolute Freedom to Kill Elk, and Allowing Public Hunting Doesnt Infringe on Their Rights

DWR chose to issue a COR, Jolley says, because it fell within current law and policy, could be implemented immediately, had the potential to make sufficient reductions in the elk population, and still provided a public benefit through meat donations.

Looking ahead to next year, Jolley explains that there should be more hunting opportunities for the public on Deseret and the other four CWMUs located in the Morgan-South Rich hunting unit. In the time since the cull took place last winter, the DWR has proposed a new rule that will issue additional cow permits to hunters who already have an existing CWMU permit. Jolley says the DWR has also established a new harvest objective of 300 cow elk for the Deseret CWMU for the 2025 hunting season, and that the DWR will work with both land managers and public hunters to achieve that number.

Tools that provide opportunity for the public to harvest elk will be prioritized. If objectives are not met after public hunters have had opportunities to harvest, the CWMUs will be responsible for meeting their objective and the meat from animals removed by CWMUs will be donated to the public, Jolley says. CWMUs that do not meet the objectives will be reviewed by the CWMU Advisory Committee and may be placed on probation, be removed from the program, or receive other disciplinary action.
A former state senator and opponent of an effort to legalize medical marijuana in Nebraska is suing to stop the certification of two petitions that would put the matter before voters this November.

John Kuehn, a former state lawmaker from Heartwell who now serves as co-chair of Smart Approaches to Marijuana Nebraska, also asked a judge to bar Secretary of State Bob Evnen from certifying the results of the Nov. 5 election related to the initiatives.

The lawsuit was filed Thursday  on the eve of Evnen certifying the general election ballot and a little more than a week before ballots are to be sent to overseas absentee voters  in Lancaster County District Court.

Along with Evnen, the complaint names Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana sponsors Sen. Anna Wishart and former Sen. Adam Morfeld, both of Lincoln, as well as campaign manager Crista Eggers.

Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana submitted more than 114,000 signatures on each of its two petitions on July 3, the deadline for initiative petitions in this current election cycle, following a campaign that began a year ago.

On Aug. 30, Evnen said both petitions had collected the valid signatures of at least 86,499 Nebraskans, or 7% of registered voters, including 5% of voters in at least 38 of 93 counties.

Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana met the 5% threshold in 51 counties, according to the secretary of states office, but Evnen said election officials would continue reviewing signatures until reaching a total equal to 110% of the raw number needed.

The petitions have yet to be officially certified by Evnens office ahead of the Sept. 13 deadline.

Kuehn, in the lawsuit, said he requested the signature pages submitted by Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana on Sept. 3, to determine whether or not there were grounds to challenge the petitions in court.

Evnens office provided the signature pages from Nebraskas three largest counties  Lancaster, Douglas and Sarpy  the next day, Sept. 4, but informed Kuehns attorney, former state Sen. Andrew La Grone, that more time was needed to produce the remainder.

According to the lawsuit, the secretary of state estimated the other signature pages would not be available until Sept. 11, citing a significant difficulty or extensiveness of the request.

Kuehn attempted to strike a deal with the secretary of states office on Sept. 5, the complaint states, offering to pay for the cost of delivering the signature pages from the counties where they were still under review, but Evnen did not respond to the request.

On Thursday, Kuehns lawsuit said the signature pages from eight counties have not been turned over, which he said has denied him his rights under state statute to challenge the petitions.

As of this filing, due to the secretarys conduct, (Kuehn) does not know all of the facts about the signature pages of the petitions but has strong reason to believe there is a valid legal sufficiency challenge, the lawsuit states.

The lawsuit also alleges a review of the signature pages produced by Evnen found numerous signatures  the complaint does not state how many  were unlawfully accepted by the secretary of state.

Kuehn said some of the accepted signatures were from individuals who are not registered to vote, signed the petition previously, signed it before the petition was in circulation or after it was due, or contained information that did not match what was in their voter file.

If those potentially invalid signatures were struck, Kuehn said, he had good reason to believe that there will be an insufficient number of signatures to meet the constitutional requirements to appear on the ballot.

The complaint also accuses Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana of failing to include Wisharts full address in its sponsor statement.

It also says the petitions violate the states single-subject rule, invoking a rule that sunk a previous medical marijuana initiative in 2020.

The first initiative seeks to enact legal protections for doctors who recommend cannabis to their patients as well as for patients who use cannabis for medical purposes.

The second initiative would create a legal system for the production, supply and distribution of cannabis for medical reasons in Nebraska.

The lawsuit also accuses the petitions of violating the separation of powers by creating a new regulatory body, divesting the Legislature of its constitutional duty.

In a statement, Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana (NMM) said it looked forward to the measures being voted on this fall.

"Secretary Evnen declared that both NMM initiatives collected enough valid signatures to be certified. We are confident NMM satisfied all legal requirements and gathered the required signatures to qualify for placement on the November ballot," the ballot campaign said.

The late-hour lawsuit marks the latest attempt to block Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana from the ballot.

In 2020, Lancaster County Sheriff Terry Wagner said a broader measure circulated by the advocacy group violated Nebraskas single-subject rule. The Nebraska Supreme Court, on a 5-2 vote, agreed and had the initiative tossed from the general election ballot.

Two years later, Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana fell about 8,000 signatures short of the total needed to qualify for the ballot following a grassroots effort to collect signatures.

Earlier Thursday, Attorney General Mike Hilgers announced an online press conference for Friday morning to discuss what his office said was uncovered falsification of voter signatures in the petition process.

It was not clear if the attorney generals findings related to the petitions circulated by Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana.

Top Journal Star photos for September 2024
Utah Sheriffs say new OSHA rule would cause a mass exodus of search and rescue staff volunteers

A Utah County search and rescue crew works in Diamond Fork in Spanish Fork Canyon, after a 16-year-old broke their femur.

A Utah County search and rescue crew works in Diamond Fork in Spanish Fork Canyon, after a 16-year-old broke their femur on June 14, 2024. (Photo courtesy of Utah County Sheriff's Office)

Sheriffs from across Utah are pushing back on a proposed rule change from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, that they say could be catastrophic for search and rescue crews.

The proposed rule, called Emergency Response Standard, takes up more than 7,000 pages on the Federal Register and deals mostly with emergency responders and fire brigades. It also changes training and safety requirements for volunteer firefighters and search and rescue workers.

But Utah sheriffs and lawmakers say the OSHA proposal would be a financial burden on both counties and volunteers, mandating training for scenarios search and rescue crews are rarely presented with, while requiring that counties hire extra medical personnel.

It would severely cripple our organization. Most of it comes down to resources and money, said Utah County Sheriff Mike Smith, president of the Utah Sheriffs Association. The group represents all 29 county sheriffs in Utah, all of whom signed on to a letter in July opposing the OSHA rule.

Representatives for OSHA and the U.S. Department of Labor did not respond to an interview request.

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The proposal would not target traditional volunteers, instead mandating changes to technical search and rescue groups. That includes volunteers that conduct rope, vehicle and water rescues  it even designates ATV operations as a specialized skill.

According to the sheriffs, it would require some search and rescue crews to undergo at least 690 hours of training.

Presumably, volunteers would give up on an opportunity to serve their community because of the difficulty and expense of getting cleared for service, the letter reads.

OSHA also determined additional medical surveillance is necessary because emergency responders, including technical search and rescue volunteers, are exposed to infectious diseases, carcinogens and belligerent behaviors including active shooter situations, all while using personal protective equipment like gas masks or oxygen tanks.

The sheriffs say those assumptions are false and misleading. Wilderness and backcountry search and rescue volunteers dont respond to structure fires, drug overdoses, active shooter scenarios or dangerous confrontational situations. Nor are they issued gas masks or oxygen tanks.

Plus, the sheriffs write, OSHA would require volunteers to be subjected to physical examinations by a specifically trained doctor, placing an additional financial burden on counties.

This is a catastrophic problem that can not possibly be overcome. (Search and rescue) volunteers are essential and must be allowed to operate with limited restriction and regulation. We call upon OSHA to modify the proposed rule to exempt all sheriff (search and rescue) volunteers from the requirements in the proposed rule, reads the letter. Failure to do so will inevitably cause a mass exodus of volunteers in the system placing countless lives at risk across Utah and across the west.

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The additional cost of training, plus the other requirements outlined in the rule, would be the financial equivalent of having a fulltime, paid search and rescue crew, said Cache County Sheriff Chad Jensen.

My county couldnt fund that. I dont know how my county would. Thats another full time police department, basically, Jensen told lawmakers during a federalism commission hearing in August, warning that it would would basically kill volunteer fire departments and volunteer search and rescue groups.

During the meeting, lawmakers agreed to participate in a public hearing in November and voice their opposition to the proposed rule.

Smith, with Utah County, told Utah News Dispatch he thinks the proposed rule stems from a misunderstanding by OSHA. He said the agency focused on more urban, eastern states where paid firefighters often respond to search and rescue calls, which often have a much different scope than what Western states deal with. An urban search and rescue operation might require dealing more with combative subjects, structure fires and, like the rule states, active shooter scenarios.

Its a different scenario than out here in the West, Smith said. This is not what these guys are doing. Theyre out in the wilderness.

The rule comes amid what sheriffs in Utah say is an increase in search and rescue calls. Visitation on Utahs public land has increased since 2020, according to both federal and state data  with that increase comes more injuries and a greater need for first responders.

Weve had a really busy summer, said Smith.

In a July statement, Washington County Sheriff Nate Brooksby said the county saw a 30% increase in search and rescue calls over several years, while Kane County Sheriff Tracy Glover said sheriffs are being tasked with higher call volumes for lost or injured visitors.

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EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) is breaking the enrollment milestone record for new freshmen or first-time, doctoral and engineering students for the 2024 academic year.

Over 25,000 total students are attending UTEP, including 3,918 new freshmen for the 2024 academic year, according to UTEP in a news release.

UTEP offers a great education at a price families can afford, said UTEP President Heather Wilson. Hard work and a degree from UTEP open the door to all kinds of opportunities.

With over 25,000 students attending, this is the first time the university has hit the milestone since the COVID-19 pandemic, according to UTEP.

UTEP has seen a jump in new freshmen with over a two percent increase since 2023s cohort, according to UTEP.

According to UTEP, the percentage of students continuing their studies at UTEP has also increased to 1.4 percent, totaling an 85.7 percent persistence rate.

The increase in persistence rates is a clear indicator that our students are receiving the support they need to remain on track and complete their degrees, said Amanda Vasquez-Vicario, vice president for Enrollment Management. Were proud of the hard work our students, staff, and faculty members have committed to achieve this result.

UTEPs College of Engineering has surpassed over 5,000 students in the program, with an increase of eight percent more than last years enrollment and 13.5 percent growth compared to five years ago, according to UTEP.

Engineering growth is a testament to the quality of education we provide and the demand for STEM professionals in our region, said Kenith Meissner, Ph.D., dean of the College of Engineering. This enrollment milestone reflects our commitment to shaping the next generation of engineers and innovators who will drive progress and solve complex challenges both locally and globally.

The universitys graduate programs have also seen a high increase in enrollment, with the doctoral program reaching an all-time high of 918 students.

A nearly 17 percent jump has been seen for master students compared to the Fall 2023 overall enrollment rate of 5.5 percent, according to the university.

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PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD)  In whats become an annual tradition at Valeska Hinton Early Childhood Education Center, students and their families got a chance to learn more about the Monarch Butterfly.

Its the part of the school year when students become citizen scientists, raising butterflies and learning about their life cycle and role in pollination. They also learn about their migration from Mexico to Canada, with central Illinois as a resting point for the butterflies.

Students and families toured around the school, visiting several different stations. Some included people dressed up as butterflies, while others included interactive games.

Monarch butterfly release connects children to nature

Mary Keltner-King is a teacher at the school and said its important for students to learn about something like this.

Were teaching them to think about our environment, about our world, and about how they can improve it as they grow older, she said. In our classrooms, theyre learning how to take care of milkweed, which is the only food source for the monarch caterpillar, and why theyre becoming endangered.

Weather permitting, students will release the butterflies later in the school year.

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Valley fever cases are rising in SLO County. What is causing the spike?

COVID-19 is not the only flu-like illness spiking in San Luis Obispo County this summer.

According to public health officials, the area has seen its highest rate of cases of valley fever in the last ten years, and they expected the numbers to keep going up.

Coccidioidomycosis  more commonly known as valley fever or cocci for short  is a lung infection caused by inhaling the coccidioides fungus found primarily in soil. While it is not contagious via human contact, rising infection rates have raised flags for public health officials.

During the last decade, SLO County has averaged 220 cases of valley fever each year. As of this September, the county has already surpassed that average with 240 cases and growing, according to County Public Health Department epidemiologist Jessie Burmester.

We do expect for this 240 cases to continue to rise as we come into fall and winter, Burmester said.

Cocci spherules, the fungus that causes valley fever, are seen under a microscope. The county is seeing record numbers of valley fever cases this year.

She said while people typically contract the disease during summer, symptoms can take weeks or even months before they present themselves, delaying the time frame within which people are tested and diagnosed and leading to more cases in the later seasons.

While the exposure to the fungus happens in the summer months, we dont actually see people typically diagnosed until the fall and winter, Burmester said. Were actually coming into the months right now  meaning September, October, November, December and January  where we have locally the highest amount of diagnoses of valley fever.

Valley fever cases are on the rise in California. Heres what to know about symptoms, causes

Who is most at risk?

Exposure can take place when dust and dirt is disturbed, causing fungal spores to become airborne, according to Burmester.

For that reason, construction and agricultural workers  especially those working with roots and bulb vegetables very close to the ground  are at higher occupational risk to valley fever, she said.

Other at-risk populations include adults older than 60 years old, people with underlying health conditions and pregnant individuals, she said.

David Haddad, a PhD candidate from Arizona State University, wears a mask to guard against valley fever as he smooths the wall of a trench before it is photographed July 29, 2011. The movement of the San Andreas fault was being documented at Wallace Creek by a research team. The location on the Carrizo Plain has been a favorite of researchers for decades.

What is causing the rise in valley fever cases?

Burmester said the cause of this spike is likely environmental.

The kind of environmental relationship of valley fever is being heavily investigated nationwide, she said.

A recent study in California found a correlation between periods of drought followed by wet winters and subsequent fungal blooms of coccidioides, which can lead to higher cases of valley fever.

This is not the first year California has battled increased instances of the disease.

Cases spiked dramatically in 2016 locally and statewide, and have more or less risen steadily every year since.

In 2023, California saw the largest number of valley fever patients to date at 9,280 cases, which was predicted to carry into 2024 due to the heavy rainfalls of the previous 2022-23 winter after years of drought.

San Luis Obispo is not the only county in California that has become a hotbed for valley fever this year.

Kern and Tulare counties are also seeing more cases than normal, as well as neighboring Santa Barbara and Monterey counties that have historically had very low numbers, she said.

What to look out for

The symptoms of valley fever mimic that of the flu or common cold and include fatigue, headache, shortness of breath and coughing, but Burmester said that 6 in 10 people will be asymptomatic.

Valley fever is considered a self-limiting disease  meaning that it will often go away on its own and will not require medical intervention  but anti-fungal treatment is needed in some cases, she said.

Thats kind of worst-case scenario, Burmester said. What we want people to be aware of is that it does exist in the county, and pretty much anyone is at risk of getting it.

In extremely rare cases, the fungal infection can spread to other organs, requiring life-long treatment and a risk of death, but Burmester said there was maybe a 1% chance of that happening.

Burmester recommended taking preventative measures like rolling up your car windows when driving through windy rural areas.

Due to the symptomatic similarity to other respiratory diseases, it can be difficult to distinguish valley fever from other illnesses like COVID-19 or the flu without a test.

While 60% of patients will not experience any symptoms, Burmester encouraged those whose symptoms develop and persist to see a medical professional for a blood test or chest X-ray.

Its really important that people are just aware of valley fever so if they do develop symptoms  if they need to get tested  that they feel empowered to request a test for valley fever, Burmester said.
New Pooler City Manager Heath Lloyd told a room of small business owners the most important thing to him right now is to listen.

As part of the small business trending topics series presented by Pooler Chamber of Commerce and its partners, Lloyd sat Tuesday morning with Chamber President Courtney Rawlins to discuss his vision for the city, residents and small business owners.

Lloyd was appointed city manager last month after a seven-month search, following the resignation of former City Manager Robert Byrd in December. He has nearly two decades of local government experience with master's degrees in public administration and civil engineering. He was previously the assistant city manager in Savannah.

The city manager oversees the daily administration of the city, and to implement the policies for mayor and council. Lloyd said he wants to advise them on things that will impact the city and the government and be a liaison between the mayor and council and the public.

Live work play and stay in the city of Pooler - that was the tagline that he said would set the foundation for the vision of Pooler.

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"If I have my way, you'll never want to leave my city; our city will have everything that you need right here," Lloyd said. "When you look at it, there's only a small section that get to stay here every day, and I want to increase that. Here's what I believe, if we have the right businesses, the right education, the right recreation; if we can do the things we want to do with our infrastructure, you'll never leave this city."

He continued, and said that meant, to him, a continuing investment in public safety, infrastructure, recreation.

"I want to see us have a real main street," Lloyd said. "I think for the city of Pooler when we talk about live, work, play and stay we need a signature main street where we can capture some of the historical character of our city, because that's what makes the city."

Lloyd also discussed development. When a city is growing as fast as Pooler is growing, he said, the development can outrun the infrastructure. He said the goal is to be more proactive and get in front of projects, and if that's not possible, do improvements on the same or similar timeline of the developments. His overall hope is that residents' quality of life will not be negatively impacted by development. It's also important to remember that new development bring jobs, which helps the community, he said.

Lloyd began the chat by introducing himself. He was raised in a small town in South Carolina, with a population of about 28,000 people. His priorities are his faith, friends, family, mental and physical health and his occupation. He said his values are responsibility, accountability, discipline, hard work, being humble and having empathy.

"These values are what make me who I am, and these are what I hope will help me to help you continue to be successful," Lloyd said. "I know that this city manager job in the very beginning is going to take a lot of effort, a lot of time, and I'm willing to do that."

Lloyd said he planned on being very open to businesses and residents, that they would see him frequently out and about. Rawlins challenged him to visit 20 businesses a month in Pooler, for 20 months, and by his sixth day as Pooler's official city manager he had already been to nine. He also mentioned having town halls as a way to open the lines of communication.

"I want to have a conversation with you about the challenges, and I do not plan to sit in city hall and do things from afar," Lloyd said. "It's important to me to get out and meet and hear from you directly. I get to come back and say, this is what I've done and heard."

Destini Ambus is the general assignment reporter for Chatham County municipalities for the Savannah Morning News. You can reach her at dambus@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Pooler City Manager shares vision and goals for upcoming year
Vance says Americans wont be swayed by billionaire celebrity Swifts endorsement (who is his running mate again?)

Vance says Americans wont be swayed by billionaire celebrity Swifts endorsement (who is his running mate again?)

Someone at the Republican National Committee should slip JD Vance a biography of his running mate because he doesnt seem to know how Donald Trump has marketed himself for decades.

After the former president decisively lost the presidential debate against Kamala Harris  as Fox News host Neil Cavuto put it  followed quickly by a ringing endorsement of the Democratic ticket by Taylor Swift, Republicans have been left trying to find a positive spin on the one-two punch.

Step forward vice presidential nominee and Ohio senator Vance, who sat down for an interview with Martha MacCallum, also of Fox News.

Referencing the endorsement of the Harris-Walz ticket by Swift  perhaps the most influential recording artist in the world  MacCallum asked Vance how the campaign would speak to women voters who care about what she thinks.

The Ohio senator replied: We admire Taylor Swifts music, but I dont think most Americans, whether they like her music or not, are going to be influenced by a billionaire celebrity who I think is fundamentally disconnected from the interests and the problems of most Americans.

Given that Trump has spent more than 40 years cultivating an image as a billionaire celebrity, who as a politician is often characterized as being out of touch with most Americans, only running to return to the White House out of self-interest, and whose economic platform benefits billionaires to the detriment of the majority of the population, this was  to put it mildly  tone-deaf.

JD Vance made the tone-deaf remarks during an interview with Fox News host Martha MacCallum (Getty Images)

In his two months as Trumps running mate, Vance has already caused the Trump campaign headaches with uncovered audio about childless cat ladies, a toe-curlingly awkward interaction at a donut store, and for publicizing a disproven fringe conspiracy about immigrants eating pets that Trump then repeated before a national audience to widespread ridicule.

Indeed, Swifts endorsement post on Instagram even took a direct shot at Vance, when she signed off the reasoning for her choice of candidate with: With love and hope, Taylor Swift, Childless Cat Lady.

Vice President Kamala Harris, President Joe Biden, former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, former President Donald Trump and Senator JD Vance of Ohio at the September 11 commemorations 2024 (AP)

The Ohio senator made the comments on Fox while in New York City for the September 11 commemorations at which he appeared alongside Trump, Harris, and President Joe Biden.

Later in the day, Harris, Biden, and Trump (separately) also visited Shanksville, Pennsylvania, the sight of the Flight 93 National Memorial, with the president and vice president continuing to a wreath-laying ceremony at the Pentagon in Virginia.

Vance remained in New York and was later seen joined by his wife Usha taking a walk in Central Park.

Ohio senator and Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance and his wife Usha Vance pictured walking in Central Park while in New York City for the September 11 commemorations (The Independent)

The couple were spotted, surrounded by their Secret Service detail, walking near the Bethesda Fountain.

Earlier, Vance attended the Cantor Fitzgerald Relief Fund Charity Day 2024 which commemorates the 658 employees of the company who perished on September 11.

Ohio senator and Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance and his wife Usha Vance taking a walk in New Yorks Central Park (The Independent)

Other celebrity ambassadors appearing on the trading floor included Bill Clinton and daughter Chelsea, Kenan Thompson, Neve Campbell, Rob Gronkowski, and Busy Philipps.
Springfield, Ohio (Photo: Getty Images)

Sometimes the disgusting sewer of presidential year politics hits a little too close to home, and you end up watching a national conversation play out largely divorced from reality or the actual experiences of communities intimately connected to your own life.

Thats what happened to me Monday as I watched Ohio U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance lie about legal Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, and  displaying no sense of conscience whatsoever  make an abhorrent insinuation about them. His purpose, it appears, was a trollish attempt to mislead the public and prey on peoples hatreds and fears. I suppose he thinks thats good politics.

Meanwhile, after last week using Haitians in Springfield baselessly to attempt to justify his claim that migrants are terrorizing our communities, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost followed up Monday by announcing court action to try to get a federal judge to limit migrants coming to Ohio.

Why is this all so disturbing to me?

Three generations of my family called Springfield home, and its played a huge role in my life. My parents both grew up in Springfield and Ive been visiting my whole life. Two sets of my great-grandparents raised their families there. I had one grandfather who retired from International Harvester and another who was an insurance agent in Springfield for decades. I had one grandmother who was a librarian at North High School and another who worked for the local bank. Both of my parents (and two of my grandparents) graduated from Wittenberg. Mike and Rosys Deli, Cassanos Pizza, fishing at the C.J. Brown Dam, family parties at the Polo Club, trips down to Youngs Jersey Dairy or Clifton Gorge, these are all staples of my childhood. I have nothing but love for Springfield and the whole area.

Meanwhile, my partners parents are Haitian immigrants who moved to America in their teens and have led such impressively successful lives it blows me away. Theyve shown me nothing but love and kindness and have also played a huge role in my life. Haitian food has become something I cant go without. I have jars of epis and pikliz in my fridge at all times. I am obsessed with diri kole ak pwa and griot and boulette. I have been working on learning both Spanish and Haitian Creole for several years now; I read every book I can find on Haitian history; and have danced the night away with the most kind and loving people I can imagine more times than I can remember. I have nothing but love for them and their whole family.

Even though theyve never lived in Ohio, this is what makes this conversation about Haitians in Springfield so difficult for me to stomach. Both the Haitian community and Springfield community live in my heart, and Im disgusted by the politics being played on both of them.

Using peoples lives and communities as a political cudgel to stoke fear and hatred and outrage with lies and innuendo is a low, base, nasty, reckless, destructive thing to do, and I do not understand what is in the hearts of politicians who indulge in it.

So lets just clear away the muck before we can proceed to a more adult conversation: Vance keeps incorrectly claiming the Haitian community in Springfield are illegal immigrants. They are not illegal immigrants. They are legal immigrants. They are lawfully in the country. Some are newly arrived legal migrants with work permits, some are fully naturalized U.S. citizens.

What Vance insinuates about pets is indefensible. Its sad that the Springfield News-Sun even had to fact-check it. Its a disgusting racist lie from the extremist right-wing internet, and Vance perpetuated it to millions of followers. Shame on him.

As for Vances claim that Haitians are causing chaos all over Springfield, and Yost pointing to Haitians in Springfield as an example of migrants terrorizing our communities, I have no idea what theyre talking about. Go to Springfield and tell me where to find the chaos and terror, because every time Ive been the last four years, I havent seen it.

Something extraordinary has happened in Springfield since the pandemic though, with the influx of thousands of Haitian immigrants. The actual number is hard to pin down. City officials have estimated up to 20,000, but estimates of 10,000 and 15,000 have also been made.

By most accounts, the Haitians have helped revitalize Springfield, the New York Times reported last week. They are assembling car engines at Honda, running vegetable-packing machines at Dole and loading boxes at distribution centers. They are paying taxes on their wages and spending money at Walmart. On Sundays they gather at churches for boisterous, joyful services in Haitian Creole.

But the speed and volume of arrivals have put pressure on housing, schools and hospitals. The community health clinic saw a 13-fold increase in Haitian patients between 2021 and 2023, from 115 to 1,500, overwhelming its staff and budget.

The Times details how, after decades of shrinking and uncertainty, Springfield was able to attract new manufacturing and business with a strategic plan, and by 2020 had drawn in food-service firms, logistics companies, and a microchip maker, among others:

But soon there were not enough workers. Many young, working-age people had descended into addiction. Others shunned entry-level, rote work altogether, employers said. Haitians who heard that the Springfield area boasted well-paying, blue-collar jobs and a low cost of living poured in, and employers were eager to hire and train the new work force. The Haitians had Social Security numbers and work permits, thanks to a federal program that offered them temporary protection in the United States. Some had been living for years in places like Florida, where there is a thriving Haitian community.

So what, in fact, do we have going on here?

We have a large population increase over a short period of time; we have a language barrier that can cause various strains; we have housing, schooling, and health services that need adequate resources to deal with a massive and rapid adjustment.

We also have an eager, dutiful, law-abiding, and peaceful workforce helping revitalize a city and helping local businesses thrive; we have a citys population swelling instead of declining; we have an influx of new taxpayers and consumers filling blue-collar jobs, paying property taxes, shopping at local stores, and contributing to their community.

Are there struggles? Absolutely.

Is it chaos and terror? Absolutely not.

Is there opportunity for both the city of Springfield and the Haitian community to thrive together? Without a doubt.

Will it all be easy? No. Will it be worth it in the long-run? Yes.

Serious people should discuss serious solutions to serious issues. Politicians using dangerous rhetoric to whip people up into a frenzy of misinformed anger and viciousness is not needed and not helpful.

With Nazis already marching through downtown Springfield, Im sickened that statewide elected leaders would instigate and inflame the situation even further.

We must be better than that, and we must demand better than that from our elected officials.

To any Haitians new to Springfield, Sak pase, zanmi m. Mwen akeyi ou!

And to my friends and family in Springfield, I hope you will welcome the stranger, too. In them youll find some of the kindest, warmest, most remarkable people you will ever meet.

This commentary was first published by the Ohio Capital Journal, which like NC Newsline, is part of the national States Newsroom network.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A Vancouver mother was arrested Tuesday and faces a manslaughter charge in connection to the death of her baby after an autopsy revealed the 21-month-old tested positive for fentanyl.

Katherine Richards, 38, appeared virtually in Clark County Court on Wednesday, pleading not guilty after an autopsy found fentanyl and Narcan in the toddlers system.

A victim advocate read a statement written on behalf of Richards parents to the judge.

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I wish my daughter no harm, but I believe Ruth deserves justice and that Katie is currently using and will kill herself or run, if you grant her bail, it read in part.

According to court documents, the incident happened on March 26, 2024, when Richards found the baby unresponsive in its crib and called 911.

While the baby tested positive for fentanyl, the Clark County Medical Examiners office told KOIN 6 News they will publicly release the babys cause of death at a later time.

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Neighbors said they are heartbroken, claiming Richards told them the toddler suffocated the night this happened.

Penney Sabourin recalled consoling Richards as officials removed the baby from the home.

Katie said that she lost her baby, she said. She said she stopped breathing. She was hysterical.

Probable cause documents noted a roommate had been staying in the basement of the familys home for a week, where the arresting officer said he found meth and drug paraphernalia that appeared to be recently used.

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During the investigation, Richards allegedly told the officer she administered the naloxone and that the roommate was smoking something off of foil the day before the babys death, according to court documents. Richards also denied being a fentanyl user; however, the roommate disputed the claim, court documents state.

She said shes been clean and sober all this time, but then the article came out and said that she wasnt, Sabourin added. I was just like, Wow, how could you lie about something like that, and put your daughter in such danger.'

According to the Vancouver Police Department, the investigation into the babys death was completed on May 24.

Months later, on Sept. 6, detectives were contacted by a member of Richards family who had concerns she planned to flee the area before she was charged because another family member bought her a plane ticket.

VPD said they were able to get an arrest warrant, noting she was taken into police custody on Tuesday outside of her home on Z Street.

She really needs to get clean and sober. But thats going to be something she has to live with for the rest of her life, Sabourin added. I couldnt imagine that. I think no jail would ever take that away from her, or any of that pain.

According to the Clark County District Attorneys Office, Richards bail is currently set at $500,000. However, the court is open to allowing her to spend time in-treatment instead of jail as she awaits trial.

Richards next hearing is scheduled for October 25 and a trial has been set for November 4.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
MISSOURI  The Vaticans Dicastery of Clergy has rejected outstanding appeals of parishioners in two Missouri parishes, clearing the way for them to be subsumed by neighboring parishes.

In May 2023, the Archdiocese of St. Louis announced its All Things New initiative, calling for the merger or closure of dozens of parishes as a result of a declining number of priests and Catholics attending mass, as well as a shift in where the St. Louis Catholic community lives.

St. Agnes Parish and St. Mark Parish were to subsume St. Lawrence and St. Bernadette Parishes, respectively, as part of that plan.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
(Bloomberg) -- Venezuela is proposing to cut ties with Madrid after the Spanish congress voted to recognize Edmundo Gonzalez, the opposition leader who challenged Nicolas Maduro in the July election, as president-elect of the Latin American nation.

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National Assembly head Jorge Rodriguez called on Wednesday for the suspension of Venezuelas political and economic relations with Spain, including consular activities, air travel and any business with Spanish companies.

This trampling is unacceptable, Rodriguez said in a speech at the National Assembly. There is no need to have diplomatic relations with a country that does not respect us.

The retaliatory move threatens to further isolate Venezuela as Maduro lashes out at nations that have questioned the legitimacy of the July 28 presidential election or rejected his claim to victory, including the US, Chile and Argentina.

The call comes just a few days after Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez granted asylum to Gonzalez, who fled Venezuela after Maduro ordered his arrest. Caracas has been cracking down on the opposition since it presented evidence that Gonzalez had won the presidential election by a large margin.

The move by Caracas also puts Sanchez, already criticized at home for being too soft on Maduro, in an increasingly difficult position. For now, the prime minister has shown little willingness to take into account the push to recognize Gonzalez as president-elect and his foreign ministry has said its looking into the issue.

Venezuela is home to a large community of Spanish citizens and descendants. Repsol SA is actively producing oil and gas and exporting crude from the country in a joint-venture with state-owned PDVSA. Spanish airline Iberia SA and Air Europa also offer direct flights between Madrid and Caracas. Spanish companies with business in Venezuela include BBVA, Telefonica SA and Melia.

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Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado tells Sen. Ben Cardin the fight against Nicolas Maduro will go on

WASHINGTON  Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado told Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Ben Cardin on Wednesday that support from the U.S. is a moral reference for those protesting the government of President Nicolas Maduro, according to a summary of the call obtained first by NBC News.

Every time you speak out, it reaches us and gives us strength to move ahead, and we know we are not alone, Machado told Cardin, D-Md. A bipartisan group of senators, including Cardin, issued a joint statement supporting the opposition before the call Wednesday.

Machado went into hiding in Venezuela after Maduro was declared the winner of the July 28 presidential election, despite mounting evidence the opposition gathered from polling locations that it says proves opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez, a Machado ally, defeated him.

Gonzalez, 75, has been recognized by the U.S. and many others in the international community as Venezuelas president-elect even though the National Electoral Council, which is stacked with members of Maduros ruling party, has upheld his victory.

Gonzalez, who ran in Machados place because her candidacy was banned, sought asylum in Spain on Sunday  one week after Venezuelan authorities issued a warrant for his arrest.

He was charged with publishing the oppositions tally of the ballots and insisting that he was the rightful victor over Maduro, among other alleged offenses. Maduro party officials have accused the opposition of promoting violence, among other claims.

The call with Cardin was the first time Machado has spoken with a U.S. official since Gonzalezs exile.

I want to reassure you that we will not surrender. This fight is until the end, regardless of what they do to us  we wont stop, Machado told Cardin from an undisclosed location.

In a statement, Cardin said he emphasized to Machado that while Maduro may try to crush her hope, the worlds democracies will not stand idly by.

Sen. Ben Cardin spoke with Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado over the phone Wednesday.

Above all, my main message to Ms. Machado was clear: The United States proudly stands with her, and we will continue to fight by her side for a free and democratic Venezuela, Cardin added.

Thousands of people, including children, have protested in Venezuela since the election.

Maduros government has responded to the largely peaceful demonstrations with widespread human rights violations against protesters, bystanders, opposition leaders, and critics, according to a report from Human Rights Watch. The global watchdog last week implicated Venezuelan security forces and pro-government gangs in some of the 24 protest-related killings it says have taken place.

Despite that and the exile of Gonzalez, Machado insisted that her opposition campaign is still strong and reiterated that Venezuelans are united.

Nearly 8 million Venezuelans have left the country since 2014, the largest exodus in Latin Americas recent history, according to the U.N. Refugee Agency.

If all Venezuelans that are abroad or young people that were not allowed to register had voted, the result would have been 90 to 10 against Maduro, Machado said on the call. Imagine what this means: This is a whole country together, fighting for freedom and for bringing our kids back home, senator.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
A King County jury found the state of Washington was not liable in the death of BLM protester Summer Taylor, said attorney Karen Koehler in a press release Thursday.

On July 4, 2020 Taylor was with a group of Black Lives Matters demonstrators on Interstate 5 in Seattle. Dawit Kelete drove onto I-5 where he hit Summer Taylor and Diaz Love with his vehicle.

Taylor was killed. Diaz Love was severely injured.

Kelete agreed to a plea deal in July 2023, pleading guilty to vehicular homicide, vehicular assault, and reckless driving.

The jury determined that Taylor was not engaged in any illegal activity, violation of law, or regulation, said Koehler.

The jury placed full responsibility on the driver.

The jury calculated damages of $6 million on behalf of the Estate of Summer Taylor.

The trial lasted two and a half weeks.
EAST PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD)  A memorial returning to East Peoria later this month honoring Vietnam veterans is lacking the funding it needs.

The wall, which is a 3/5 scale replica of the memorial wall in Washington, D.C., is slated to be in Levee Park from Sept. 25-30.

Volunteers needed for traveling Vietnam memorial coming to East Peoria

Dan Decker, East Peoria commissioner, said that along with the need for volunteers, the money to bring in the wall has to come from the Central Illinois community.

I think the interest is there and people are happy about it coming again, Decker said. But as weve started getting closer to the event, we havent received quite as many donations as we did four years ago.

Decker said the money will go towards a good cause.

I want to assure everybody that our first goal is to pay for the expenses of the wall, he said. After that, all the additional money is going to the greater Peoria honor flight.

To find where to donate towards the memorial wall, click here.

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BATH, N.Y. (WETM)  The Village of Bath has been awarded $50,000 in funds to make improvements to Pulteney Park through a grant program with T-Mobile.

The funds awarded to the village come from T-Mobiles Hometown Grant program which gives people who live in small towns and rural communities an opportunity to make restorative changes to the area that they live in.

Southeast Steuben County Library to host fall book sale

The funds awarded to the village through this grant will be used to upgrade Pulteney Parks electrical infrastructure, which will help to provide an event space for community events. A check presentation event for the awarded funds will be held at the Steuben County Fairgrounds on Saturday, Sept. 21, at noon.

Being awarded the T-Mobile grant will allow the village to make more upgrades to Pulteney Park, the center of our Historic District, said City of Bath Mayor Michael H. Sweet.  I cant thank T-Mobile and all of those responsible for making this happen enough!

Harvest Festival 2024 comes to downtown Corning next week

The Village of Bath is one of eight cities/towns in New York to be awarded a T-Mobile Hometown Grant since the launch of the program in 2021. Other towns that have received funds from this program include Elmira, Ithaca, Potsdam and Akwesasne.

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Demonstrators outside of Virginia's capitol protesting for better pay for teachers in January 2018. (Ned Oliver/ Virginia Mercury)

Statewide, the teacher vacancy rate was down to 3.4% at the start of the school year after hovering at 4.7% in July, according to data provided by the Virginia Department of Educations Office of Licensure during an advisory meeting on Monday.

Virginias teacher vacancy rate was 3.9% last October. The agencys annual vacancy report, which provides a breakdown of school division vacancies, will be published next month, along with the vacancy rate for bus drivers.

Of the 131 school divisions in Virginia, 30 have a 0-1% vacancy rate, and 64 have a vacancy rate under 2%.

The focus on the teacher shortage in Virginias K-12 schools sharpened in recent years, after studies found that teachers were leaving public schools because of several factors including dissatisfaction with wages, challenges after the pandemic, and political battles over education.

We continue to look for innovative ways to help school divisions ensure that every Virginia child has a high-quality educator in their K-12 classroom, said Todd Reid, a spokesman for the Department of Education, in a statement to the Mercury.

Gov. Glenn Youngkins administration has tried different methods to address the shortage by relaxing guidelines to hire retired teachers and targeting educator recruitment and retention efforts in areas of need.The Republican governor also worked on the issue with the Democrat-controlled state legislature, whose priorities included raising teacher salaries to the national average.

Last session, the General Assembly passed legislation authorizing school boards to issue a one-year, nonrenewable local eligibility license to people to work as teachers within the school division that made the authorization.

Under the legislation, locally licensed teachers must have a college degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education, be a subject matter expert or have training in a specific area of instruction and not seek to teach special education or plan to be certified to teach at a college or higher professional level.

The legislation expires on July 1, 2030.

Agency efforts and improvements

Last year, the state education department developed the Grow Your Own initiative, which helps develop well-qualified teachers locally. As part of the programs mission, the agency awarded $1.5 million to 24 school divisions in February.

Then, in July, VDOE received $6 million in federal funding to expand its registered apprenticeship program for K-12 teachers and create pathways for beginners to become educators.

VDOE has also updated its licensure office, including fully staffing it, improving communications about licensing, and, last year, launching a new teacher licensing system, VALO.

Phase 2 of the system, which will debut in the fall, will allow applicants to renew their licenses, add endorsements and print licenses.

Last year, the agency rolled out VALOto help modernize the teacher licensure process and make the application process more user-friendly for first-time applicants.

VDOE said it reduced the time required to process complete applications from approximately one month to an average of two weeks.

According to the licensure office, there are 339 different areas within the agency where an educator can obtain a license. Currently, there are over one million active license types among all eligible teachers in the commonwealth.

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I visited an American Express Centurion Lounge for the first time and realized I've been missing out

American Express pioneered credit-card-branded airport lounges and has dozens of global locations.

I visited an AmEx Centurion Lounge for the first time, and it was easy to see why people love them.

I recommend investing in credit-card-owned lounges because they don't require airline loyalty.

American Express pioneered credit-card-branded airport lounges over a decade ago with its first-ever Centurion Lounge in Las Vegas.

Only passengers with the right AmEx credit card can enter, meaning luxury at the airport no longer requires airline loyalty or a first-class ticket.

AmEx's portfolio has since expanded to more than 40 locations worldwide  and the collection hosts some of the best lounges in the US.

Despite AmEx's reputation, I have always been a loyal Chase Sapphire Reserve credit cardholder, happily paying the $550 annual fee for travel benefits like Priority Pass lounge access and trip and rental car insurance. Chase (and Capital One) have opened their own branded airport lounges to compete.

However, my job means I'm flying a lot, and through my travels, I've taken notice of AmEx's comparatively bigger Centurion collection.

This was particuarly evident in places like Las Vegas and and Atlanta, where the Priority Pass lounges are commonly crowded and underwhelming. Some busy airports like Los Angeles and New Jersey's Newark Liberty don't even have Priority Pass  but LAX has Centurion, and Newark is getting one in 2026.

I wasn't totally convinced the $695 AmEx Platinum was worth looking more into until I visited a Centurion Lounge for the first time on Tuesday, but I now realize what I've been missing out on.

The entrance to the Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport. Taylor Rains/Business Insider

The lounge was recently renovated.

The central living room had equal access to the buffet and the bar. Taylor Rains/Business Insider

The LaGuardia Centurion lounge is located in Terminal B, which is home to almost every airline at the airport except Delta in Terminal C and Spirit Airlines in Terminal A.

AmEx's lounge was closed during the pandemic but was renovated and reopened in 2021.

Guests can spread out in the 10,000 square-foot space.

The dining room wasn't huge but there was always a table available during my visit. Taylor Rains/Business Insider

The LaGuardia lounge isn't huge, but it has more than enough room for travelers to work, dine, or socialize.

Past the entryway, customers will find two sitting rooms, a dining room with a buffet, a kid's playroom, a bar area, and a business center.

Everything was open and elegant, with tons of natural light, and I always found a power outlet nearby.

I liked the AmEx branding.

I wonder if AmEx would sell me a branded pillow for my travel collection. Taylor Rains/Business Insider

White and blue dominated the Centurion color palette, and I liked the wood-like walls that complimented it. It made the place feel rustic and cozy.

My favorite decor was the travel and New York-inspired items situated on the wall around the televisions in both sitting rooms.

The buffet was impressive.

The experimental dishes (bottom right) were delicious. Taylor Rains/Business Insider

LaGuardia's Centurion lounge had a buffet that rotates throughout the day, starting with breakfast. According to AmEx, the food changes during different seasons and is created by a local chef.

Most of my food experience is at Priority Pass lounges, which can be owned by third-party companies or airlines. The meals are a hit or miss, but I found the Centurion food easily among the best I've had at a lounge  and better than Chase's.

The chicken was my favorite, but there are also options like mashed potatoes, croissants, salad, pasta, and desserts. I was also offered pork and fish dishes the chef was experimenting with. I loved both and hope Centurion adds them to the buffet lineup.

There are special cocktails at the bar.

The vodka grapefruit cocktail was delicious. Most of the other specialty cocktails had whiskey. Taylor Rains/Business Insider

AmEx says it taps Centurion Lounge mixologist Jim Meehan to curate a special drink menu for the lounges. The LaGuardia location had about half a dozen to choose from, and I was happy to see a large selection of spirits, wine, and beer.

Centurion also has non-alcoholic drinks like coffee, tea, lemonade, water, juices, and sodas.

I liked the privacy of the business center.

There were five semi-private stalls (bottom left) available, too. Taylor Rains/Business Insider

The business center is separated by a door for better noise control and privacy. Guests will find a drink stand, seats with large privacy wings, and a large meeting table.

I can easily see myself hiding away there from the hustle and bustle of the dining and living rooms.

There are quiet rooms for business or personal needs.

There were a few phone rooms available in the business center. Taylor Rains/Business Insider

The business-specific section of the Centurion Lounge hosts quiet pods big enough for a few people to use at once for private conversations or meetings.

There's an AmEx 'Black Card'-only room.

The author took this photo from right behind the rope. Taylor Rains/Business Insider

A small lounge tucked away in the back of the business center was roped off with a sign stating that it was reserved for Centurion members. This means that only those with the invite-only AmEx Centurion "Black Card" credit card, which costs $5,000 a year, could use the space.

I thought the little room study was cute  and access to elevated service and higher-shelf alcohol would be nice, but it offered no better privacy than the non-reserved sections in the lounge.

A separate playroom is available for families.

The separate playroom for families. Taylor Rains/Business Insider

One issue with many Priority Pass lounges is crowding, which isn't helped by the number of kids who are commonly running around and trying to entertain themselves during long layovers.

While I'm not easily bothered by the kids, I know many passengers are  especially those trying to work. Centurion has alleviated this problem but creating a separate kids' room, complete with a door.

It wasn't huge, but it had a television, seats, toys, and games.

The service is among the best I've experienced.

There was seating at the bar plus high top tables behind it. Taylor Rains/Business Insider

The service at the Centurion Lounge stood out. I'm used to waiters clearing my plates or wiping down tables, but I saw the Centurion staff bringing plates of buffet food and drinks to guests.

They were simply more attentive than I've experienced at most other lounges and reminded me of the service I experienced at the business-class-only Delta One lounge at New York-JFK.

I also noticed there were a lot of Centurion staff on duty during my early afternoon visit, which I'm sure also contributed to the cleanliness of the lounge.

Guests can overlook the terminal.

Almost the entire lounge lined the terminal. Taylor Rains/Business Insider

There were chairs lined across the giant wall of windows, giving travelers a view of the terminal below.

There wasn't a ramp view to enjoy all of the arriving and departing airplanes, which is always my hope, but I like people-watching, too.

There is one shower but no spa.

I liked the clean and private bathroom stalls. Taylor Rains/Business Insider

Many Centurion lounges have showers, and one is bookable via the front desk at the LaGuardia location.

I'm sure it's a nice amenity, but LaGuardia is largely a domestic airport with no long-haul international flights, so I can't imagine many travelers would be in desperate need of a shower during layovers.

Meanwhile, LaGuardia's Centurion Lounge lacks a spa, which is available at select AmEx-operated lounges, like Los Angeles. The perk has become increasingly popular as travelers demand more luxe amenities at airport lounges, like Chase LaGuardia's free facials.

LaGuardia's Centurion Lounge isn't even the nicest one that AmEx has to offer.

The Centurion Lounge terrace at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. American Express

I had never experienced a Centurion Lounge before, but LaGuardia's was simple but sophisticated. It has clever AmEx branding, nice living spaces, and separate rooms for kids and business meetings.

And it's not even the most extravagant Centurion Lounge in AmEx's network  meaning I can largely only expect better in any potential future visits I do.

For example, the New York-JFK Centurion location has a speakeasy, the giant one in Atlanta has three outdoor terraces, and the Seattle lounge has a wellness cafe.

I realized what I've been missing out on.

This was the Centurion Lounge's second main sitting room. Taylor Rains/Business Insider

Learning more about the Centurion lounges and finally seeing one in person quickly made me realize what I'd been missing out on by solely relying on Chase and the Priority Pass lounge network.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card costs a cheaper $550 a year compared to the AmEx Platinum's $695 annual fee, and it has opened six Chase-owned airport lounges since 2023. Chase's network is small, but it's a start with at least five more locations planned.

However, the larger Centurion Lounge collection means there is one at almost all of the airports I regularly visit, and I already know Centurion's good food, spacious rooms, and amenities will be better than the usual Priority Pass go-tos.

Plus, busy airports like Los Angeles, Denver, and Philadelphia don't even have Priority Pass  but I could find a Centurion.

I see the benefit of having both Chase and AmEx.

Entering the Chase lounge at JFK before a transatlantic flight in July. Taylor Rains/Business Insider

Chase and AmEx offer arguably the two best credit cards for travel. While many people choose between the two, I see the benefit of having both.

The combined $1245 annual fee is steep, but that is lowered to $745 thanks to Chase's $300 travel credit and AmEx's $200 airline credit  and even more so once you factor in the other perks, like free subscriptions and Global Entry and ride-share discounts.

The main reason I won't part from my Chase Reserve card, however, is the Hyatt redemptions that have saved me thousands of dollars. For example, the Hyatt Place I booked in Waikiki, Hawaii, for my honeymoon in 2023 was about $2,000 at face value  but I got it for just 75,000 Chase points that I earned with my family's regular spending.

However, Chase's Hyatt perk paired with AmEx's Centurion network may be the perfect combination, as it would easily pay off the annual fee each year and more.

Read the original article on Business Insider
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE)  As the nation remembers and honors those lost in the September 11 attacks, volunteers in Knoxville paid tribute by helping clean up a veterans cemetery.

Dozens of people met up at the Knoxville National Cemetery, a United States National Cemetery first established in 1863 during the Civil War, to clean the cemetery grounds and gravestones.

Joseph Stewart, a maintenance worker at Mountain Home National Cemetery in Johnson City, explained the significance of having volunteers on hand on Patriot Day.

It gives them a time to reflect on September 11 and share stories of what they remember from September 11, Stewart said. And not forget what happened and to keep that tradition going.

Tennessee ROTC programs climb stairs at Neyland to honor 9/11 first responders

This cemetery is one of our older cemeteries. We have a lot of big oak trees here and they tend to leave a lot of debris. So it is strenuous, but it is very rewarding in the same process. When youre doing this you read the inscriptions on the headstones and when you get that headstone back to its sparkling white shine and so forth, its a very rewarding feeling when its finished.

The event was organized by the national veterans nonprofit Carry The Load, which works to preserve the sanctity of veterans memorials. The group set up volunteering opportunities at 67 national cemeteries across the country, with more than 2,000 participants nationwide.

Its kind of near and dear to my heart, said volunteer Crystal Widemer. My husband is a veteran, so anything I can do to help give back to the community for those that served and gave their sacrifice for the country, Im all about.

Families gather at WTC to honor 9/11 victims, 23 years later

Event volunteer Savanah Sommerfeld told 6 News she participated to honor her family members who served in the military as well as her friend Ryan Knauss, the U.S. Army Staff Sgt. from Corryton who was killed by a suicide bombing at Kabul Airport during the final days of the withdrawal from Afghanistan.

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SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)Calling all parents, teachers, caregivers, and those who work with children, local organization Volunteers for Youth Justice is set to host Caregiving Training.

VYJ says, The heartbeat of TBRI is connection.

Volunteers for Youth Justice (VYJ) is a local organization that advocates, teaches life skills, and mentors abused, neglected, and at-risk children of Northwest Louisiana.

According to VYJ, TBRI stands for Trust-Based Relational Intervention, designed to build strong relationships, and offers practical tools to help disarm fear-based behaviors.

The organization details TBRI as an attachment-based, trauma-informed intervention that is designed to meet the complex needs of vulnerable children and that the intervention is based on years of attachment, sensory processing, and neuroscience research.

Advocates empower hundreds of children through foster care

According to their website, the TBRI Caregiver Training begins on September 13th, and admission is $40, covering four classes:

Intro/Overview: September 13th

Connecting: October 11th

Empowering: November 8th

Correcting: December 13th

VYJ Volunteers, employees, and Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) foster parents may take the training at no cost.

Need a safe space to share family challenges, meet people who understand? The Parent Cafe in Shreveport is available

The organization encourages individuals to register, and each session goes from 8:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. The classes will be held at The Harbor (3004 Knight St Bldg 6 Shreveport, LA 71105)

For more information on Kristin Stubbs, contact kristin.stubbs@vyjla.org

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Tarrant County Judge Tim OHare tells the attendees of the court room to silence their unsolicited comments during the public comment portion of a special meeting at the Tarrant County Commissioners Court in the Tarrant County Administration Building in Fort Worth on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024.

After approving a list of early voting sites that includes eight college campuses, the Tarrant County Commissioners Court voted along party lines to rescind a court order that allowed voter registration volunteers back into county buildings.

The court voted 3-1 on Sept. 4 to approve an amendment allowing volunteers to register voters in county buildings. Precinct 4 Commissioner Manny Ramirez was absent for that vote.

Precinct 3 Commissioner Gary Fickes, a Republican, voted to approve the amendment alongside his Democratic colleagues Commissioners Roy Charles Brooks and Alisa Simmons.

OHare questioned Fickes vote at that meeting, but the commissioner said he intended to vote yes.

Fickes also told reporters after the Sept. 4 meeting that he voted as he intended to yes and had no intention of changing it.

Despite that, Fickes said Thursday that he had made a mistake and had immediately gone to ask County Administrator Chandler Merritt what he needed to do to change his vote.

For the Republicans on the court, the issue was not about the county allowing volunteer deputy registrars, or VDRs, to register voters in county buildings, but rather stopping members of partisan organizations from doing so.

Speaking during public comments ahead of the vote, Daniel Taylor, who is a VDR in Tarrant County, asked commissioners not to revoke the amendment.

I would still like to know from you all what harm it could possibly do for VDRs to work inside county buildings like sub-courthouses, said Taylor, who volunteers for the Battleground Texas Engagement Fund.

That group is a nonpartisan voter registration section of the nonprofit organization Battleground Texas, which expresses anti-Republican goals on its website.

Speaking in favor of rescinding the amendment, Fort Worth resident Amie Super noted that Battleground Texas is clearly a partisan organization.

She pointed to statements on the its website, which states that people are tired of the same Republican playbook which is failing our communities and ignoring the needs of countless Texans and that once Texas goes blue, a Republican will never make it back into the White House.

Tell me thats not partisan. Thats pretty clear to me, she said.

The court also voted 4-1, with Simmons opposing, to not allow Battleground Texas and another voter registration group named Jolt Initiative to use county buildings to register voters.

A third organization, Texas Freedom Network, had been on the agenda, but it withdrew its request before the meeting.
The 19th is committed to covering the unfinished business of voting rights. Read more about how were approaching that in this pivotal election.

Top election officials this week sounded the alarm about ongoing delays within Americas mail delivery system and the potential effect on mail-in voting in the upcoming presidential election, a warning that comes as former President Donald Trump continues to sow distrust about how some of those ballots will be counted.

Some people who vote by mail may be disenfranchised this fall if the issues are not addressed, the officials said in a letter to the head of the United States Postal Service that detailed challenges with the delivery of mail-in ballots over the past year.

We implore you to take immediate and tangible corrective action to address the ongoing performance issues with USPS election mail service, officials say in the letter, which was signed by representatives for the National Association of Secretaries of State and the National Association of State Election Directors  two organizations that include state and local election officials in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. territories. Failure to do so will risk limiting voter participation and trust in the election process.

Election officials, who are overwhelmingly women, have long highlighted the challenges to running the countrys decentralized elections, particularly after 2020  challenges that include debunking ongoing lies about election security. Trump and some Republicans have for years spread disinformation about elections, including how and when mail-in ballots are counted.

A handful of secretaries of state also testified to members of Congress on Wednesday that they continue to deal with the ramifications of those lies, including responding to threats of violence.

In the letter dated Wednesday, election officials said mail-in ballots have at times been erroneously held for remediation, significantly delayed or otherwise improperly processed. Election officials in nearly every state have received postmarked ballots well after Election Day and well outside the three to five business days USPS claims as the First-Class delivery standard.

In multiple states, election officials reported receiving anywhere from dozens to hundreds of ballots 10 or more days after postmark.

There is no amount of proactive communication election officials can do to account for USPSs inability to meet their own service delivery timelines, said the letter.

Election officials also reported instances in which mail that was sent to and from voters was marked as undeliverable at higher-than-usual rates. The potential ripple effect, they cautioned, was voters being placed on inactive voter rolls or getting their registration record canceled, and ballots not reaching voters or being delivered to election offices.

The letter was addressed to U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, who came under scrutiny in 2020 for his handling of mail services around the last presidential election. In August, DeJoy told The Associated Press that he is confident in the Postal Services delivery of election mail.

Adrienne Marshall, director of election mail and government services for the Postal Service, told The 19th that the agency has been in close communication with the National Association of Secretaries of State, the National Association of State Election Directors and other election officials throughout the year. She said each time they have brought up an issue, it has been promptly addressed and will continue to be.

We are ready to deliver. We were successful in 2020 delivering a historic volume of mail in ballots; also in 2022 and will do so again in November 2024, she said in an email. The Postal Service said it encourages people to mail back ballots at least a week before their states deadline to receive them.

While election officials in the letter acknowledged some efforts that the Postal Service will take around the election, they added: Temporary measures will not be sufficient to address the persistent issues highlighted by election officials.

Maria Benson, senior director of communications for the National Association of Secretaries of State, told The 19th that the organization is not trying to dissuade people from voting by mail if their state allows it.

We do encourage voters, however, to give themselves plenty of time to return their ballot via USPS, she wrote in an email.

Amy Cohen, executive director of the National Association of State Election Directors, told The 19th that rules around voting by mail vary by state, so its important that eligible voters be proactive. They should request a mail-in ballot early, track the ballot if possible and put it in the mail early or be prepared to return the ballot in person (if permissible).

Most importantly, if you have a question about receiving or returning your ballot, ask your election officials, Cohen said in an email. Election officials are the most reliable source for information about how to participate in the upcoming election.

The use of mail-in voting has risen in recent years, spiking during the coronavirus pandemic when public health guidance forced more people to consider voting options outside of Election Day.

But while it used to be popular among both Democrats and Republicans, Democrats are now more likely than Republicans to say it should be more accessible. Now in his third bid for office, Trump has at times seemed to change his position on mail voting. During the Republican National Convention, the party repeatedly aired a video that showed the former president encouraging his supporters to vote by mail. But Republicans are also still challenging how vote-by-mail ballots are counted, especially in battleground states like Nevada and Pennsylvania.

In 2020, Trump tried to sow doubt about legally cast ballots that arrive by mail at vote-counting sites after Election Day, which is legal in some states, though deadlines vary.

Now, Republican voters are more likely to trust Trump and his campaign than information from the government about election results, according to a new survey from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research and USAFacts. The survey also found a majority of Americans have at least a moderate amount of trust in official election results.

According to a new 19th News/SurveyMonkey poll, Americans are more likely to trust that elections in their precinct will be run securely compared with their trust in the countrys elections overall. The largest difference was with Republicans, with 76 percent saying they trust elections in their precinct and 43 percent saying they trust elections in the country.

The post Voting by mail? Election workers are worried about issues at the Postal Service appeared first on The 19th.

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Moscow is fully committed to the comprehensive opening of all communications in the South Caucasus, according to Maria Zakharova, the official representative of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Azernews reports citing Sputnik.

In a recent briefing in Moscow, Zakharova emphasized that Russia's stance aligns with the tripartite declarations signed by the leaders of Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Russia.

We are talking about international law and the documents signed by the parties, Zakharova said, underscoring Moscows support for the economic and transport cooperation in the region. She affirmed that Moscow remains committed to these agreements, stressing that the process should take into account the interests of all involved parties.

"We are sure that such a formula meets the interests of not only Baku and Yerevan, but all neighbors. I mean the neighbors in the region, including Russia, Iran, and Turkey," she added, pointing to the wider regional benefits.

Zakharova also addressed the halt in the activities of the tripartite working group at the level of the deputy prime ministers, which had been tasked with opening communications. Unfortunately, the work in this group has stopped. But it didn't happen because of our fault. I think you can guess whose fault this happened, she remarked, suggesting manipulation by the Armenian side of the agreements.
WATERFORD  A former executive director of the Explore Waterford chamber of commerce has pleaded guilty to operating while intoxicated in connection to a Feb. 19 traffic collision in Rochester.

Aubrey McGaughy, who resigned her position following the wreck, was fined $1,087 and ordered to take an intoxicated driver assessment.

In exchange for McGaughys guilty plea, prosecutors agreed to drop misdemeanor charges of disorderly conduct and obstructing police, as well as other non-criminal traffic citations.

Racine County Circuit Judge Scott Craig approved the plea deal Friday.

McGaughys attorney, Juan Sebastian Ramirez, declined to comment.

McGaughy, 45, had been Explore Waterfords executive director for about six months when she was arrested following a crash at Milwaukee Avenue and Beck Drive.

Police said McGaughy had a 0.27 blood-alcohol concentration when her pickup truck struck the rear of a minivan that was carrying a couple and their four children. The force of the collision pushed the minivan into a third vehicle.

No injuries were reported.

Police also alleged that McGaughy refused to follow their orders and had to be restrained, and that she became loud and disruptive at the hospital.

She initially pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The 2024 election is a fight for our future, Vice President Kamala Harris declared in North Carolina Thursday as she looked to cement herself as the forward-thinking candidate and the underdog in the race.

Harris addressed a crowd of thousands at Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte Thursday afternoon, her first campaign appearance since her first presidential debate against Trump. She held a second rally later Thursday in Greensboro, again drawing thousands of supporters.

Its part of her campaigns post-debate New Way Forward Tour, which will also include events in other swing states through the weekend featuring Harris, her running mate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and their spouses.

In both cities, the Democratic nominee touched on familiar themes from her debate appearance and the Democratic National Convention: abortion access, her economic policies and the need to reach across party lines in a very tight race.

Understand that we are the underdog, said Harris, whos built a narrow lead nationwide and in some critical states since taking over the Democratic ticket.

Vice President and democratic nominee for president Kamala Harris acknowledges the crowd during a rally at the Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024.

Harris leans in on economic proposals, abortion and Trump

Harris on Thursday touted the support shes received from officials in previous Republican administrations, including former Vice President Dick Cheney. She said its a sign of what a second Trump administration would mean for the country  particularly after a Supreme Court ruling that shook up the legal precedent on presidential immunity.

Vice President and democratic nominee for president Kamala Harris acknowledges the crowd as she arrives to a rally at the Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024.

Across our nation we are witnessing a full-on assault on other hard-fought, hard-won fundamental freedoms, like the freedom to vote, the freedom to be safe from gun violence, the freedom to breathe clear air and drink clean water, and the freedom to love who you love openly and with pride, she said.

As the Charlotte crowd periodically interrupted with chants of were not going back, Harris said she represents a new generation of leadership  a contrast to criticism that Republicans use against her. Hours before her rally in Charlotte, Republicans used a news release to say she has no vision, no solutions and no answers on how shed be different from President Joe Biden.

Khadijah Barry, a 19-year-old student at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, an HBCU, said she was inspired by Harris historic campaign.

I think its just a great time to be alive, the excitement of seeing (potentially) the first Black female president, she said as she waited for the rally in Greensboro to begin. I see myself getting into politics and one day running for president, so I see this as monumental.

Vice President and democratic nominee for president Kamala Harris speaks during a rally at the Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024.

If elected, Harris said she would work with Congress to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Act, an assault weapons ban and legislation to reinstate the protections for abortion that existed before the landmark case Roe v. Wade was overturned.

Harris pointed out Trumps comment during the debate that he has concepts of a plan for what hed replace the Affordable Care Act with if he repealed it  a moment thats taken off as a meme.

Vice President and democratic nominee for president Kamala Harris speaks during a rally at the Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024.

On the economy, she reiterated her proposals to give small businesses start-ups a $50,000 tax credit and expand the child tax credit for some families. She pledged to cut red tape and work with the private sector to build 3 million new homes in her first term to address a housing shortage.

I will always put the middle class and working families first  I know where I came from, Harris said, speaking about her own mother, who she said saved up to buy her familys first home.

Harris also highlighted a report from Goldman Sachs economists released earlier this month that said the U.S. economy would see a bigger boost if she were elected than Trump. The report said Trumps plans to increase tariffs and crackdown on immigration would slow economic growth, according to Reuters.

A supporter dances in the stands before Vice President Kamala Harris as she speaks during a rally at the Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte, NC on Thursday, September 12, 2024.

Attendee Peggy Thomas said Harris has articulated her policies well during the campaign.

I think she did a good job of giving us a basic outline, she said of Harriss economic plan. Thomas said shed rather a candidate be less specific and let their views evolve over time than make false promises.

Its hard to go in-depth on things until you are in a situation  What I am impressed by is your ability to learn and grow, she said.

Fellow attendee Milton Mathis said Harris represents moving forward. Harris cares about middle class families, he said, but he would like to hear more about her plans to improve access to child care.

Ive got grandkids  Thats important, he said.

Attendees listen to Vice President and democratic nominee for president Kamala Harris during a rally at the Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024.

State of the presidential race

In both cities, Harris said shed like to debate Trump again, but the former president said on social media he wont participate in another debate. A CNN instant survey found 63% of debate watchers felt Harris won to Trumps 37%. Thats a bigger-than-average margin of victory than past candidates have notched, according to data released by CNN.

Trump leads by just one-tenth of a percent in the Tar Heel State, and Harriss national lead is just 1.5%, according to the latest RealClearPolitics averages.

Polling analyst Nate Silver now considers North Carolina the second-most likely tipping point state in the presidential election. Democrats havent carried the state since 2008, but Trump posted his slimmest margin of victory in any state here in 2020.

Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a rally at the Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte, NC on Thursday, September 12, 2024.
The 2024 election is a fight for our future, Vice President Kamala Harris declared in North Carolina Thursday as she looked to cement herself as the forward-thinking candidate and the underdog in the race.

Harris addressed a crowd of thousands at Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte Thursday afternoon, her first campaign appearance since her first presidential debate against Trump. She held a second rally in Greensboro Thursday.

Its part of her campaigns post-debate New Way Forward Tour, which will also include events in other swing states through the weekend featuring Harris, her running mate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and their spouses.

In Charlotte, the Democratic nominee touched on familiar themes from her debate appearance and the Democratic National Convention: abortion access, her economic policies and the need to reach across party lines in a very tight race.

Understand that we are the underdog, said Harris, whos built a narrow lead nationwide and in some critical states since taking over the Democratic ticket.

Harris leans in on economic proposals, abortion and Trump

Harris on Thursday touted the support shes received from officials in previous Republican administrations, including former Vice President Dick Cheney. She said its a sign of what a second Trump administration would mean for the country  particularly after a Supreme Court ruling that shook up the legal precedent on presidential immunity.

Across our nation we are witnessing a full on assault on other hard-fought, hard-won fundamental freedoms, like the freedom to vote, the freedom to be safe from gun violence, the freedom to breathe clear air and drink clean water, and the freedom to love who you love openly and with pride, she said.

As the crowd periodically interrupted with chants of were not going back, Harris said she represents a new generation of leadership  a contrast to criticism that Republicans use against her. Hours before her rally in Charlotte, Republicans used a news release to say she has no vision, no solutions and no answers on how shed be different than President Joe Biden.

If elected, Harris said she would work with Congress to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Act, an assault weapons ban and legislation to reinstate the protections for abortion that existed before the landmark case Roe v. Wade was overturned.

Harris pointed out Trumps comment during the debate that he has concepts of a plan for what hed replace the Affordable Care Act with if he repealed it  a moment thats taken off as a meme.

On the economy, she reiterated her proposals to give small businesses start-ups a $50,000 tax credit and expand the child tax credit for some families. She pledged to cut red tape and work with the private sector to build 3 million new homes in her first term to address a housing shortage.

Harris also highlighted a report from Goldman Sachs economists released earlier this month that said the U.S. economy would see a bigger boost if she were elected than Trump. The report said Trumps plans to increase tariffs and crackdown on immigration would slow economic growth, according to Reuters.

Attendee Peggy Thomas said Harris has articulated her policies well during the campaign.

I think she did a good job of giving us a basic outline, she said of Harriss economic plan. Thomas said shed rather a candidate be less specific and let their views evolve over time than make false promises.

Its hard to go in-depth on things until you are in a situation  What I am impressed by is your ability to learn and grow, she said.

Fellow attendee Milton Mathis said Harris represents moving forward. Harris cares about middle class families, he said, but he would like to hear more about her plans to improve access to child care.

Ive got grandkids  Thats important, he said.

State of the presidential race

In Charlotte, Harris said shed like to debate Trump again, but the former president said on social media he wont participate in another debate. A CNN instant survey found 63% of debate watchers felt Harris won to Trumps 37%. Thats a bigger-than-average margin of victory than past candidates have notched, according to data released by CNN.

Trump leads by just one-tenth of a percent in the Tar Heel State, and Harriss national lead is just 1.5%, according to the latest RealClearPolitics averages.

Polling analyst Nate Silver now considers North Carolina the second-most likely tipping point state in the presidential election. Democrats havent carried the state since 2008, but Trump posted his slimmest margin of victory in any state here in 2020.
HONOLULU (KHON2)  A Hawaii man who is connected to the Jan. 6, 2021 riot at the U.S. Capitol made his initial appearance in a Honolulu federal court on Wednesday.

Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news

Thirty-one-year-old Alexander Cain Poplin, who lives in Wahiawa, was arrested after he allegedly assaulted a law enforcement officer during a breath at the Capitol while Congress was counting electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election.

UH students, professor react to presidential debate

A criminal complaint was filed in the District of Columbia to charge Poplin with felony offenses of assaulting, resisting or impeding certain officers with a dangerous weapon and civil disorder.

Poplin was also charged with three misdemeanor offenses of entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds and engaging in physical violence in a restricted building or grounds.

This book is a love letter to Hawaii: Tom Peeks Mauna Kea

Around 2:30 p.m. on Jan. 6, 2021, Poplin was seen in a restricted area of the U.S. Capitol building holding an Area Closed sign and a blue flag.

Court documents allege that Poplin struck a police officer with the blue flag and said his alleged actions added to the chaos against officers defending the Capitol. The assault was also captured on video from open-source media and body-worn cameras.

Hawaiian Telcom opens grant applications for local non-profits

Investigators confirmed Poplins identity by comparing his clothing to what he wore earlier in the day at a rally held by the former President.

Since the 2021 event, officials said more than 1,500 individuals from nearly all 50 states have been charged for the crimes committed during the Capitol breach.

Check out more news from around Hawaii

Federal and state officials continue to investigate. Those who have any information are advised to contact the FBI at (800) CALL-FBI or submit a tip through their website.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
BOSTON (WWLP)  One rainy morning in December 2023, Jillian Smith from Wales was putting her baby down for a nap when she saw smoke billowing out of her neighbors home.

In a split-second decision, Smith rushed to their aid, saving her elderly neighbor who was trapped inside.

In recognition of her actions, Smith was awarded the Madeline Amy Sweeney Award for civilian bravery at a 9/11 remembrance ceremony at the State House in Boston. This award is named in honor of the Massachusetts flight attendant who relayed critical information about the 9/11 attacks moments before her plane was flown into the World Trade Center.

It is presented to a Massachusetts resident who demonstrates exceptional bravery and saves a life, without regard for personal safety.

Smith says running into the burning house to save her neighbor was simply the right thing to do. Im just happy my neighbors are alive and happy and welland I just couldnt live with myself if I didnt try, Smith told reporters after the ceremony.

Smith said the award is a great honor, and she hopes anyone else in her situation would do the same thing. You always want a helping hand or just a kind-hearted person down the road to help you in your time of need, said Smith. And I would just hope that someone would help if they had to.

Both the neighbor Smith saved and her husbandwho also had severe burnssurvived the fire and have become friends with Smith and her family. Smith was nominated for the honor by State Senator Ryan Fattman, State Representative Todd Smola, and Wales Police Chief Tom Ford.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL)  With about one in every nine people over the age of 65 being diagnosed with Alzheimers disease, many Americans have felt its impact. From that, Walk to End Alzheimers was born.

Patty Taylor, regional director of the Alzheimers Association, said just how big the impact is.

Local News Is Amazon coming to Wichita Falls? Chamber of Commerce responds

In the state of Texas, there are over 400,000 persons living with Alzheimers disease, and nationwide, its over 5 million, Taylor said.

With more than 600 communities nationwide participating in Walk to End Alzheimers, it is the worlds largest fundraiser for Alzheimers care, support, and research.

On October 5, beginning at 8 a.m. teams will meet at Bud Daniel Park to walk to raise funds for our local Alzheimers Association and broader Alzheimers research.

Taylor said people gather to raise funds and awareness with the walk.

We call it our biggest support group meeting of the year, Taylor said. The walk is a little over a mile; its Wichita Falls, so theres one hill thats in the beginning, but its not too bad. Its all downhill after that.

There is no registration fee to walk, but organizers ask that you register ahead of time to ensure that the standard waivers are signed. They also encourage participants to make personal donations and commit to raising funds in the fight against Alzheimers.

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The Alzheimers Association offers education programs and support for families and caregivers of people living with the disease. The money raised helps facilitate those programs and also supports Alzheimers research.

To register for the walk, to donate, or to find more information, visit the Alzheimers Association website.

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EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  Walmart shooter Patrick Crusius was in an El Paso courtroom Thursday morning, Sept. 12 for a scheduling hearing that ended up being a discussion on a motion of discovery that was filed by the defense team.

Defense attorney Joe Spencer said they intend to file five to six more discovery motions, adding that former District Attorney Yvonne Rosales administration was a disaster.

We could not believe the type of misconduct that was done by the District Attorneys Office, Spencer said.

Crusius pleaded guilty in federal court in July 2023 to murdering 23 people at the Cielo Vista Wal-Mart store and wounding more than 20 others. He was sentenced to 90 consecutive life terms in federal court.

Crusius defense team also spoke on their previous six-month plan to organize data that was provided by the State and asked Judge Sam Medrano for over 15 to 24 months to go over that evidence.

Medrano discussed the discovery motion filed by the defense along with the gag order and allegations of corruption and evidence being held by the El Paso District Attorneys Office.

Medrano ordered an immediate turnover of 3.5 hours of recorded phone calls and call logs from the D.A.s Office. Anything in the D.A.s Office would also need to be preserved, and the state would have to review the defenses requests.

A hearing on the discovery motion will be at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 31, where parties will go line by line of motion to either produce the evidence requested or verbally admit that it does not exist.

No trial was scheduled on Thursday, and Medrano said a scheduling order would come before the end of the month.

Crusius was seen shackled and wearing a protective vest as he sat with his defense team.

Christopher Morales, a family member of the victims of the shooting, expressed frustration after the hearing.

This is about the victims, he said outside the courtroom. This is about the people who were slaughtered that day and they are making a mess of it and the only people who are hurting and who need to be surrounded is the victims. This is not about him.

Walmart shooters defense team alleges outrageous conduct from State

On Monday, the defense team filed a motion to Medrano asking the court to order the state to produce all documentation related to its charges.

In addition, the defense asked the judge to consider penalties based on its findings to include barring the death penalty or dismissing charges altogether.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
Dame Diana Johnson, the policing minister, became a victim of crime while delivering a speech to senior officers about an epidemic of theft.

The Labour MP was giving a presentation at the Police Superintendents Association (PSA) annual conference in Warwickshire on Tuesday when she had her purse stolen.

The event was taking place at the four-star Chesham Grange Hotel, in Kenilworth, when the theft took place.

A Home Office source confirmed the incident had taken place but said no security risks had been identified. Warwickshire Police said they were investigating a report of the theft of a purse.

Dame Diana, the former chairman of the Home Affairs Select Committee, was attending the policing conference to give a speech when the theft occurred.

After the conference she posted on social media that it had been a pleasure to speak at the conference but did not mention the theft.

It will prove acutely embarrassing for the minister, who used her speech to stress the Governments determination to tackle crimes that blight communities like shoplifting, snatch theft and antisocial behaviour.

A policing source at the conference said organisers and hotel staff were mortified about the theft and hoped the culprit could be identified.

The hotel has a health spa attached and was open to the public during the conference.

Nick Smart, head of Police Superintendents Association, criticised the Government over the early release of prisoners - Police Superintendents' Association

The conference, which was attended by superintendents and chief superintendents from across the 43 police forces in England and Wales, was one of the first opportunities for Home Office ministers to address senior officers.

Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, had been invited to the conference and was expected to attend but sent a video message instead, with Dame Diana going in her place.

She told delegates that the Labour Government was committed to listening to the police about the challenges they faced.

As the Prime Minister and Home Secretary have made clear, we are serious about tackling crime, she said.

But in his address, Nick Smart, the newly-elected president of the PSA, told Dame Diana that policing was operating on a shoestring and he urged the Government to reset the relationship with policing after years of under-investment and de-valuing of the workforce.

He also warned that the Governments early release of prisoners would result in police officers having to pick up the pieces.

He told Dame Diana: My colleagues are once again being placed at the centre of a storm that is not their doing, with the prospect of arresting offenders who can then not be placed in prison, and dealing with the fallout from the thousands of criminals being released early today, many potentially without proper rehabilitation and release plans.

Dan Jarvis, the security minister, said the theft was a reminder that anyone could be subject to criminal activity which is why the Government has a safer streets mission.

Asked about the incident, he told broadcasters: Well, this is now subject to a live police inquiry, so there isnt much that I can say, but it is a timely reminder that anyone could be subject to criminal activity. Thats why the Government has a safer streets mission.

Thats why were working in this department, the Home Office, to do everything that we possibly can to prevent crime and to keep the public safe, and that mission will continue.

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Family members sit next to the grave of Odei, 22, in Jenin, West Bank, Saturday, June 8, 2024. Odei was killed by Israeli forces during a raid inside the Jenin refugee camp. (AP Photo/Bram Janssen)

JENIN, West Bank (AP)  In the web of battered, sunbaked streets winding up the hillside, bloodshed is as unrelenting as the heat. So it is not hard to see why, when raid sirens and gunfire erupted yet again on a morning in late May, 15-year-old Mahmoud Hamadneh turned his bike down an alley that held the promise of refuge.

The narrow lane, a few hundred yards from his school, looks like an urban oasis, shaded by olive branches that reach across walls on either side. On a recent afternoon the cooing of doves and whine of cicadas amplified its stillness. Only the faded stain of Mahmouds blood in the pavement and a stone, hand-lettered with his name, betrayed the illusion.

He didnt do anything. He didnt make a single mistake, says Amjad Hamadneh, whose son, a buzz-cut devotee of computer games, was one of two teens killed that morning in the opening minutes of a raid by Israeli forces.

If hed been a freedom fighter or was carrying a weapon, I would not be so emotional, says his father, an unemployed construction worker. But he was taken just as easily as water going down your throat. He only had his books and a pencil case.

Jenins refugee camp has long been notorious as a hotbed of Palestinian militancy, raided repeatedly by Israeli forces who have occupied the West Bank since seizing control in their 1967 war with neighboring Arab states. During the two-day raid that began the morning of May 21, Israeli troops traded fire with Palestinian gunmen. Militant groups said eight of the 12 Palestinians killed were their fighters.

But the casualties that day, and many others in recent months, went beyond armed men engaged in the region's seemingly endless conflict. As the worlds attention focuses on the far more deadly war in Gaza less than 80 miles away, scores of Palestinian teens have been killed, shot and arrested in the West Bank, where the Israeli military has waged a monthslong crackdown.

More than 150 teens and children 17 or younger have been killed in the embattled territory since Hamas brutal attack on communities in southern Israel set off the war last October. Most died in nearly daily raids by the Israeli army that Amnesty International says have used disproportionate and unlawful force.

Youths represent almost a quarter of the nearly 700 Palestinians slain in the West Bank since the war began, the most since the violent uprising known as the Second Intifada in the early 2000s. More than 20 Israeli civilians and soldiers have been killed in the territory since October.

At the same time, Israel, which has long jailed Palestinians from the West Bank without charge, has extended that practice to many more teens. After October, food deprivation, overcrowding of cells and other mistreatment escalated sharply, the recently released and advocates say.

It is clear from statements by the Israeli military, insurgents and families in the West Bank that a number of the Palestinian teens killed in recent months were members of militant groups.

Many others were killed during protests or when they or someone nearby threw rocks or home-made explosives at military vehicles. Still others appear to have been random targets. Taken together, the killings raise troubling questions about the devaluation of young lives in pursuit of security and autonomy.

Grief over those deaths has been shadowed by trepidation. Israeli raids wont eliminate militant groups, survivors say. Instead, some fear, the pain of losing so many youths risks the opposite  pulling siblings, friends and classmates left behind into the regions vortex of vengeance.

An intense crackdown

After Hamas killed 1,200 people in Israel last October and took 250 others hostage, long-smoldering tensions exploded.

Israel responded with a sweeping military campaign in Gaza that Palestinian authorities say has killed more than 40,000 people. That has fueled anger and insurgency in the West Bank, where Israeli forces police about 3 million Palestinians while assigned to protect 500,000 Jewish settlers.

The embattled territory was already seeing deadly clashes before the war began. But Israel's military has significantly stepped up raids in the months since, characterized by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as part of the larger battle in Gaza and along the border with Lebanon to permanently disable militant groups that have long threatened his countrys security.

I can assure you one thing: What has been is not what will be, he told commanders during a June meeting in the West Bank. We will change this reality.

A military spokesman said the Israeli army makes great efforts to avoid harming civilians during raids and does not target civilians, period. He said human rights groups focus on a few outlier cases.

Military operations in the West Bank are fraught because forces are pursuing militants, many in their teens, who often hide among the civilian population, said the spokesman, Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani.

In many cases many of them are 15, 16 years old who are not wearing uniforms and might surprise you with a gun, with a knife, he said.

But critics say the crackdown is shaped by retribution, not only military strategy.

The pressure is similar to post-Second Intifada, but theres something different. And that something different is Oct. 7th, says Nadav Weiman, a former Israeli army sniper who leads Breaking the Silence, an anti-occupation veterans group that gathers testimony from soldiers assigned to the West Bank and Gaza.

Throughout the military ranks there is a feeling of revenge, he says. Many soldiers view Palestinians as an entity. They are not individuals. So you unleash your anger everywhere.

The crackdown extends to the militarys treatment of jailed teens, says Ayed Abu Eqtaish of Defense for Children International-Palestine, an advocacy group. Israeli authorities have declared it a terrorist organization, alleging ties to a Palestinian nationalist faction.

With the military holding more teens without charge in grim conditions, while restricting communication, families are increasingly uncertain of their wellbeing, Eqtaish says.

After Oct. 7, he says, everything deteriorated.

War in an instant

Even before Israel launched a major military operation in the West Bank in late August, its troops had raided Jenin dozens of times since the war began.

Yet throughout the citys urbanized refugee camp, where concrete homes wedge against one another on streets ripped up by military bulldozers, there are many indicators that militants remain entrenched.

Signs at the perimeter of the camp, opened in 1953 to house Palestinians who fled or were driven from what is now Israel in the war following its establishment, mark the territory of the Jenin Brigades, an umbrella organization of militant groups.

Guards stop cars they dont recognize, especially those with Israeli plates. Posters of smiling young men armed with assault rifles  tributes to militants killed in clashes  decorate walls and utility poles.

For years, Amjad Hamadneh and wife Kholoud planned for the day they would take their children away from all this. In the meantime, their home in the uppermost reaches of the camp  with a grandfather clock presiding over the living room and bedrooms filled with childrens toys and son Mahmouds beloved computer -- kept them on the fringes of conflict.

Most days Amjad, 46, left home around 3:30 a.m. to reach a construction job in northern Israel. That income was lost when Israel suspended work permits for Palestinians last October. By then, though, hed begun building a home on a plot near the city of Nablus.

The couple envisioned a place that would last for decades, with apartments for their twin sons and daughter when they eventually married. To help pay for it, they moved the boys from a private academy to the public Al Karamah school at the base of the hill.

All of my work, all of my life was for them, Amjad says.

On the morning of May 21, a Tuesday, the Hamadneh brothers rushed off to make a scheduled final exam. Down the hillside, Osama Hajir, a former classmate who had dropped out of school to work, left home on his motorcycle to begin a day of deliveries. It was just after 7:30 a.m.

In Jenin, though, any hour can see the camp morph into a war zone.

It might start like it did one recent afternoon, when a guard outside the camps Ottoman Era train depot mentioned that unmarked military vehicles had been spotted on the outskirts.

A minute or two later sirens began screaming, warning that special forces were already in the camp. Shopkeepers yanked down their gates. Fleeing residents drove against one-way traffic. Many were still seeking shelter when the sound of gunfire sliced through the summer air.

When the sirens erupted that morning in May, Amjad Hamadneh says, he called Mahmoud on his cellphone and was relieved to hear that the brothers had reached their school, behind walls painted with student murals.

Then son Ahmed called back to say that the principal had dismissed classes. As students poured into the street, the brothers were separated in the chaos.

Rushing for their electric bikes, classmate Karam Miazneh saw Mahmoud ahead of him. Both were still within a few hundred yards of the school when witnesses say a sniper in an upper floor window of a recently completed apartment building began firing at people and cars below.

Karam veered into an alley, raising a textbook overhead to show he was a student, as four bullets ripped past him. Then a fifth exploded into his shoulder and he dropped to the ground.

At the mouth of the next block, four bullets hit Mahmoud as he raced toward the alley walls, before another pierced his skull. He was the third student from his school killed in a raid since the war began.

A few blocks away, his former classmate, Osama, lay fatally wounded on the pavement. The dead that morning also included a teacher from the primary school next to Mahmouds and a doctor from the hospital down the street.

Now when I hear the sound of sirens I go to my room and stay there, says Karam, showing the shrapnel and bone fragments doctors removed from his shoulder. Im still in fear that they will come to shoot me and kill me.

The Israeli army said in a statement to the AP that it has stepped up raids since Oct. 7 to apprehend militants suspected of carrying out attacks in the West Bank and that the absolute majority of those killed during this period were armed or involved in terrorist activities at the time of the incident.

Immediately after the May raid, a spokesman for the army said it had carried out the operation with Israeli border police and the country's internal security agency, destroying an explosive device laboratory and other structures used by militants. But police recently declined to comment, and three weeks after the AP asked the military to answer questions about the May raid, an army spokesman said he was unable to comment until he could confer with police.

When Amjad Hamadneh heard his son had been wounded, he sped through Jenins twisting streets, drawing gunfire as he neared the hospital. But Mahmoud was already gone. The grief was so intense, his father says, that he couldnt bear to remain in the building.

God has given and God has taken away, he told his wife as he ushered her away.

Nearby, Osamas father, Muhamad, broke down as he leaned over his sons body. Months earlier hed snapped a photo of the smiling teen beside graffiti touting Jenin as the factory of men, tirelessly cranking out fighters in the resistance against Israel. Now, he pressed that same, still-smooth face between his hands.

Oh, my son. Oh, my son, he sobbed. My beautiful son.

Punishing conditions

In a village a half-hours drive from Jenin, Qasam Masarweh recounts an odyssey that began months before the war. On that night, he lost his right hand to an Israeli stun grenade. But in the weeks after Oct. 7, the soft-spoken teen says, his encounter with the military turned even more punishing.

Before Oct. 7 there were six of us in the cell. Afterwards, there were 12, says Masarweh, who was held for months without charge in Israels Megiddo Prison. There were beatings. There was no food. Our clothes were taken from us. There were so many ways of humiliation.

Since its war with Hamas began, Israel has more than doubled the number of Palestinians jailed without charge, known as administrative detention. The vast majority are men.

But the number of teens in administrative detention has also increased sharply. Of more than 200 Palestinian youths 17 or younger in military prisons in June, 75 were in administrative detention, the most since watchdog groups began collecting figures. Last year at the same time, 18 youths were being held without charge.

Like their adult counterparts, teens released recently report severe mistreatment following the October attack.

The big change is definitely in detention conditions. The gloves have really come off, said Gerard Horton, co-founder of Military Court Watch, which gathers testimony from Palestinian prisoners.

We never used to document that much violence in relation to children. There was some, but it wasnt commonplace, he says.

Israeli officials have acknowledged toughening treatment of Palestinian prisoners since October, while still abiding by international law. A spokesperson for far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, whose ministry oversees prisons, said that policy, intended to deter terrorism, does not provide any special conditions for prisoners 17 and under.

They are terrorists just like any other terrorists, theres no difference, said the spokesman, Yedidya Grossman.

Masarweh, who turned 18 late last year, says his odyssey began in June 2023, the night before his last high school exam. As he walked home from meeting friends, military vehicles entered his village of Rumannah, firing an object that landed at his feet. Assuming it contained tear gas, he reached down to throw it away.

When the grenade exploded, it blew off most of his right hand. Discharged after nine days in a Jenin hospital, he stopped to visit an aunt in the refugee camp. When a raid began, soldiers stormed the house, beating the teen before taking him into custody.

Masarweh, who says he hoped to become a veterinarian before losing his hand, was ordered held for four months without charge. After Oct. 7, treatment turned even harsher. Authorities immediately reduced food and took away blankets and soap. They packed his cell with prisoners, all 17 or younger, requiring half to sleep on the floor.

A 17-year-old arrested in a raid on the Qalquilya refugee camp told Hortons group that after Oct. 7 guards confiscated all personal belongings from prisoners, denying them time outside or showers.

Another said guards removed window panels, making cells uncomfortably chilly for prisoners left only with what theyd been wearing at the time of their arrest.

The mistreatment, Masarweh says, continued until late November when guards cuffed his remaining hand and took him from the cell for questioning. After telling an investigator he did not know why he had been arrested, he was transferred to another prison without explanation.

Finally, after midnight, Red Cross officials entered to tell him he would be released in a deal trading Palestinian prisoners for Israeli hostages.

Back at home, Masarweh says he still worries about the new arrivals that more seasoned prisoners called cubs, who he left behind. With the stump at the base of his arm wrapped in gauze, he is uncertain about how he will earn a living.

Its already hard enough to take care of yourself with two hands, he says. Imagine doing it with one.

Boys of war

On the June afternoon that 17-year-old Issa Jallad was killed, video from a neighbors security camera shows, he was on a friends motorbike with an Israeli armored vehicle in close pursuit.

Was the teen  declared a holy warrior on a poster outside his familys Jenin home showing him cradling an assault rifle  armed that day? Exactly what happened in the moments before he was shot?

The grainy tape, reviewed by The Associated Press days after the June 6 raid, and others from nearby cameras, raise but do not fully answer difficult questions about where he fit in a conflict with no clear boundaries.

We were going to have one celebration and now we will have two, says his sister, Rania, 24, whose marriage had long been planned for three days after the raid. My wedding and the martyrdom of my brother.

Its clear that a number of Palestinian youths killed in recent months belonged to militant groups. Many others died in countless scenarios where lines between civilian and combatant are blurred. Some threw rocks or home-made explosives at military vehicles. Others served as lookouts. Some hung near militants, aspiring to one day join their ranks.

All of this generation, not only my son, if you ask them what they want to be, they will say 'I want to be a militant and defend my country', says Mawaheb Morei, the mother of a 15-year-old killed in an October drone attack. The family says he was hanging out in a cemetery where several militants were present.

Two years before her son was killed, Morei says, she confiscated and dismantled a plastic rifle he used to play fighter. But that did nothing to dissuade him.

The Israeli army, responding to questions from the AP about the killing of Jallad in the June raid, said that its soldiers had spotted two militants handling a powerful explosive device. When the pair tried to flee, troops opened fire and neutralized them. It said the circumstances of the incident are under review.

But an Israeli human rights group, BTselem, says its review of multiple security camera videos showed Jallad and his friend were well-removed from where troops and militants clashed, and that the pair posed no threat.

Jallads brother, Mousa, says the teen had gone out to move a car so it wouldnt be hit by a military vehicle. His sister said the family is proud of him and that when she has children they will carry on the resistance.

We all expected to be in this situation, Mousa Jallad said as neighbors came to pay condolences. I knew this could happen. It could happen to any of us.

Burying the young

The old cemetery, with a water dispenser under shade trees for weary mourners, had run out of space. So last year residents cleared a lot across the road from an elementary school, turning it into a graveyard for Jenins most recent casualties.

It is filling fast.

A row back from where the Hamadnehs buried their son in May rests a 14-year-old classmate who died in a November raid. Two graves over, a stone plastered with the photo of a smiling boy in a bowtie memorializes an 8-year-old killed days later while accompanying youths who threw rocks at military vehicles.

Just beyond, banners picturing dead men and boys, many holding assault rifles, line a wall. One honors a 17-year-old militant. Another mourns 15-year-old Eid Morei, who told his mother he wanted to become one.

Since Mahmoud Hamadneh was killed, his siblings ask frequently to visit his grave. His younger sister now sleeps in his bed so her surviving brother, Ahmed, will not be in the room alone. But there is no filling the emptiness of Mahmouds absence.

I feel like I cannot breathe. We used to do everything together, Ahmed says. His father listens closely, despairing later that such grief could drive the teen into militancy. If the risk is so clear to a Palestinian father, he says, why dont Israeli soldiers see it?

They think that if they kill us that people will be afraid and not do anything, he says. But when the Israelis kill someone, 10 fighters will be created in his place."

-

Associated Press reporters Josef Federman and Melanie Lidman in Jerusalem and Thalia Beaty in New York contributed to this story.
Wash. Bear Hunter Finds Human Skull Near National Forest. It's the Second Skull Found There in a Month

Both cases are under investigation, according to the Skamania County Sheriff's Office

Skamania County Sheriff's Office Facebook The skull was recovered from the pictured area near Sawtooth Berry Fields, nestled within Gifford Pinchot National Forest in Skamania County, Wash. on Sept. 4, 2024.

When a bear hunter came across what appeared to be a human skull near Sawtooth Berry Fields in Washington State on Sept. 4, the hunter reported the coordinates to local law enforcement.

After a detective recovered the skull, the Skamania County Sheriff's Office confirmed in a press release that the skull was determined to be of human origin, although the identity of the remains is unknown.

Sawtooth Berry Fields  known for its huckleberries and historical importance to northwestern tribes  is part of Gifford Pinchot National Forest, the site of two skulls recovered there in the span of a month.

Both cases are under investigation, per recent press releases by the sheriffs office, which did not respond to PEOPLEs request for updates on the recovered skulls.

Alamy Huckleberry bushes at Sawtooth Berry Fields in Gifford Pinchot National Forest in Washington.

On Aug. 10, a hiker at Big Lava Bed, which is part of Gifford Pinchot National Forest, came upon a skull, and, capturing the G.P.S. coordinates of the human remains, called local law enforcement, who were unable to at first locate the skull, according to a press release by the sheriffs office.

So, on Aug. 15, the hiker returned to the scene with a Skamania County Sergeant, aiding in the recovery of the skull.

Citing preliminary findings, investigators believe the skull belongs to that of a hiker missing since 2013.

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.

The identity of that hiker  who was last seen in the Big Lava Bed and, after numerous coordinated search efforts, was never located per investigators  has not been publicly released.

The skull and additional remains were sent to the Clark County Medical Examiners Office for definitive identification, per the sheriffs office.

The second skull will also be sent for forensic analysis in an attempt to make positive identification, according to investigators.

The sheriffs office said that investigators do not believe there is a public safety risk connected to either case.



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GLENDALE, Colorado (KMID/KPEJ)  Chaotic new video shows a woman attacking employees and other customers at a Panera Bread, with witnesses saying it all started after she began throwing things at staff.

Natalie Wiersma said she was just grabbing lunch at her usual Panera Bread, when all of a sudden a person heads to the counter and screams something, seemingly yelling for his phone.

I was like this isnt a situation, this isnt happening, said Wiersma.  I was just waiting kind of tucked away on the side.

WATCH: Seven-year-old girl rescued after lost in wilderness overnight

She then began knocking things off the counter and throwing something at employees, which Wiersma said she thought might have been a coffee pot. Thats when other people started to get involved. Watch the video above for more.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Yourbasin.
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, Democratic state Rep. Brian King and Libertarian attorney Robert Latham take the stage to debate at the Salt Lake City Community College South campus in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Gov. Spencer Cox declared this the golden age of Utah during a televised debate on Wednesday night. His general election opponents agreed.

But while Cox credits the Beehive States booming economy and 2034 Olympics to the legislative accomplishments of his first term, Democratic state Rep. Brian King and Libertarian attorney Robert Latham argued the governors approach risked cutting Utahs golden age short.

King rehashed Coxs flip-flop on former President Donald Trump and attempted to align Cox with the most extreme elements within the Republican Party. Latham criticized Cox for what he saw as a pattern of government cronyism that picks winners and losers to the benefit of lawmakers and corporations.

Cox pointed forward to his administrations ambitious housing goals and touted historic tax cuts, teacher raises and tough stances on social media companies. The governor focused his message on Utahs recent ranking as the No. 1 overall state for the second year running.

You have a choice to keep Utah values, the things that have made us the best state in the nation, Cox said in his concluding remarks. I believe again that the conservative values that we hold dear are exactly what every state in this nation needs and the entire country needs to make our country a better place.

Cox far ahead in the polls

The candidates appeared onstage before a live audience in the Salt Lake Community College Grand Theatre for 50 minutes of questions moderated by Jason Perry, director of the University of Utahs Hinckley Institute of Politics.

Cox and King took turns criticizing each others voting record, offering occasionally heated rebuttals, while Latham took advantage of the broader audience to increase awareness of his candidacy.

Im running for governor not to tell you how to live your life, Im going to be your liberator, said Latham, who also made the debate stage during his 2020 bid for the 2nd Congressional District. If you trust in your ability to make decisions, rather than have a king or a bureaucrat make them for you, please join us.

A recent Deseret News/Hinckley Institute of Politics poll found Cox leading his competition by 40 percentage points, with 56% of voter support compared to Kings 17% and Lathams 4%. Nearly 20% of voters were unsure.

Divided on amendment to repeal all citizen initiatives

The debate featured multiple student questions. One asked Cox, King and Latham their stance on a constitutional amendment approved by the Legislature that would empower lawmakers to freely change or repeal all laws that originated as citizen initiatives.

Cox said he recognized the importance of initiatives but supported the amendment because the peoples representatives need to be able to craft the best legislation for the state. Ballot initiatives are rare in the best-run states across the nation, Cox claimed, but are very common in states like California.

In a postdebate press availability, Cox said he will vote yes to pass the amendment but said he understands why people are opposed to it. If it were up to him, the language on the ballot would be different, Cox said. Critics have called the ballot language for Amendment D, which was crafted by state Senate President Stuart Adams and House Speaker Mike Schultz, slanted and unclear.

King called the move by legislative leadership nothing but a power grab in reaction to a Utah Supreme Court ruling they disagreed with. This is deceptive and deceitful and it is something that every Utahn should come out to the polls and vote against. Latham said he would also vote no, echoing Kings concerns and calling the legislatures alleged disregard for citizen initiatives to reform the government offensive.

Economy, energy and housing affordability

King said Coxs emphasis on Utahs best-in-the-nation status does not reflect the struggles many middle- and working-class Utahns are facing. King promised more bipartisan bills reflecting a more balanced approach to public education funding, abortion access and economic inequality.

If were the best economy in the country, why is it so many people have such difficulty getting into a home? King asked. Theres so much more we need to do.

Cox called housing supply his top priority, saying in the most recent legislative session his administration had taken unprecedented steps to address Utahs shortage of affordable housing, which is one of the worst in the nation.

Working with developers, local leaders and financial institutions, the Utah Legislature passed an innovative package of bills in 2024 making it easier for developers to get loans for starter home projects and streamlining the permitting process for cities, Cox said.

The governor reiterated his goal of incentivizing the construction of 35,000 starter homes over the next five years. We have to build. It is the only answer, Cox said.

Latham expressed concern that the governors efforts, short of more deregulation, would do little to overcome market forces and instead would line the pockets of homebuilders, who make up a disproportionate number of Utahs part-time legislature.

Subsidies for first-time homebuyers and construction companies constitute nothing less than a boost for developers bottom line, Latham said. Instead of crony capitalism, Latham proposed the free to build model from the libertarian Utah-based Libertas Institute that encourages smaller lot sizes, and compact community design over classic single-family homes.

When it comes to rising energy prices, King blamed the Legislature  led by Cox  for clinging to coal while refusing to keep up with renewable energy like wind, solar and hydro. Cox rejected Kings claim, calling for an all-of-the-above approach to energy production and saying there is no common sense on the left when it comes to energy production.

Cox blamed Democratic policies on the federal level for stifling projects that would increase the amount of sustainable energy sources while decreasing the price.

The general election is Nov. 5. Registered voters will receive their mail-in ballots beginning the middle of October.

Democratic state Rep. Brian King, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox and Libertarian attorney Robert Latham shake hands after their debate at the Salt Lake City Community College South campus in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox talks with media after a debate with Democratic state Rep. Brian King and Libertarian attorney Robert Latham at the Salt Lake City Community College South campus in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Libertarian attorney Robert Latham speaks to the media after a debate with Utah Gov. Spencer Cox and Democratic state Rep. Brian King onstage at the Salt Lake City Community College South campus in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox and Democratic state Rep. Brian King shake hands after they and Libertarian attorney Robert Latham participated in a debate at the Salt Lake City Community College South campus in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Libertarian attorney Robert Latham speaks during a debate as he joins Utah Gov. Spencer Cox and Democratic state Rep. Brian King onstage at the Salt Lake City Community College South campus in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox speaks as he joins Democratic state Rep. Brian King and Libertarian attorney Robert Latham in a debate at the Salt Lake City Community College South campus in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Democratic state Rep. Brian King speaks during a debate with Utah Gov. Spencer Cox and Libertarian attorney Robert Latham onstage at the Salt Lake City Community College South campus in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox speaks as he joins Democratic state Rep. Brian King and Libertarian attorney Robert Latham in a debate at the Salt Lake City Community College South campus in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, Democratic state Rep. Brian King and Libertarian attorney Robert Latham take the stage to debate at the Salt Lake City Community College South campus in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox and Democratic state Rep. Brian King shake hands after they and Libertarian attorney Robert Latham participated in a debate at the Salt Lake City Community College South campus in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, talks with media after a debate with Democratic state Rep. Brian King and Libertarian attorney Robert Latham at the Salt Lake City Community College South campus in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
WCPO meteorologist Steve Raleigh has been off the air for weeks. Here's what we know

The Morrow family spoke the press about the fight outside of the Montgomery Inn Boathouse on July 15, 2024. The police investigation is still ongoing.

It has been seven weeks since an assault in a Montgomery Inn parking lot went viral on social media and quickly turned into accusations of political cronyism.

The police investigation into the incident is still ongoing. No charges have been filed, and the special prosecutor handling the case has said little.

On June 22, Doug and Lois Morrow were knocked down in the parking lot of the Montgomery Inn Boathouse as a confrontation roared around them.

Speculation started when police documents confirmed the fight involved the family of Steve Raleigh, a WCPO weatherman and son-in-law of former prosecutor and sheriff Simon Leis Jr.

As time passed without charges, Prosecutor Melissa Powers faced criticism for not taking action, and Powers announced that a special prosecutor would be handling the case. Clermont County Prosecutor Mark Tekulve accepted the task at the end of July.

Since that point, there have been no further developments in the case. On Wednesday, Cincinnati police said the investigation was still ongoing, and officers were continuing to work with Tekulve's office.

Tekulve has said he does not comment on ongoing cases and did not reply to a request for comment Wednesday.

There are several options for Tekulve. He could determine no crime was committed in June. He could file charges against one or more of the parties involved, or he could take the case before a grand jury to determine what, if any, charges will be filed.

The lawyers for both the Morrows and the Raleighs spoke to The Enquirer on Wednesday, and both said they had no new information on when the next step in the investigation would occur.

Jeff Brogan, WCPO vice president and general manager, said his station is continuing to monitor the situation.

In a WCPO story from last month, Brogan explained: "Since Steves family is the subject of a news story, he will be off work for now."

Brogan told the Enquirer Wednesday that nothing had changed since that story was published. Following the incident, Brogan said leadership spoke to Raleigh about the incident and Raleigh's statements were consistent with the police report.

The Enquirer reached out to Brogan on Wednesday. He had not replied at the time of this report.

Last week, Stacie Morrow-Stickrod, the Morrow's daughter, posted on Facebook that there have been few developments since the special prosecutor was appointed. She did say her family had met with Tekulve's office and new depositions were taken.

"Have the physical injuries healed, yes. The injuries go much deeper than that. My mom is no longer the person she was that stepped in that truck that night," she wrote. "I struggle every day to accept this and the injustice of this whole situation."

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Steve Raleigh still off air; Investigation involving family continues
WCPO meteorologist Steve Raleigh has been off the air for weeks. Here's what we know

It has been seven weeks since an assault in a Montgomery Inn parking lot went viral on social media and quickly turned into accusations of political cronyism.

The police investigation into the incident is still ongoing. No charges have been filed, and the special prosecutor handling the case has said little.

On June 22, Doug and Lois Morrow were knocked down in the parking lot of the Montgomery Inn Boathouse as a confrontation roared around them.

The Morrow family spoke the press about the fight outside of the Montgomery Inn Boathouse on July 15, 2024. The police investigation is still ongoing.

Speculation started when police documents confirmed the fight involved the family of Steve Raleigh, a WCPO weatherman and son-in-law of former prosecutor and sheriff Simon Leis Jr.

As time passed without charges, Prosecutor Melissa Powers faced criticism for not taking action, and Powers announced that a special prosecutor would be handling the case. Clermont County Prosecutor Mark Tekulve accepted the task at the end of July.

Since that point, there have been no further developments in the case. On Wednesday, Cincinnati police said the investigation was still ongoing, and officers were continuing to work with Tekulve's office.

Tekulve has said he does not comment on ongoing cases and did not reply to a request for comment Wednesday.

There are several options for Tekulve. He could determine no crime was committed in June. He could file charges against one or more of the parties involved, or he could take the case before a grand jury to determine what, if any, charges will be filed.

The lawyers for both the Morrows and the Raleighs spoke to The Enquirer on Wednesday, and both said they had no new information on when the next step in the investigation would occur.

Jeff Brogan, WCPO vice president and general manager, said his station is continuing to monitor the situation.

In a WCPO story from last month, Brogan explained: "Since Steves family is the subject of a news story, he will be off work for now."

Brogan told the Enquirer Wednesday that nothing had changed since that story was published. Following the incident, Brogan said leadership spoke to Raleigh about the incident and Raleigh's statements were consistent with the police report.

The Enquirer reached out to Brogan on Wednesday. He had not replied at the time of this report.

Last week, Stacie Morrow-Stickrod, the Morrow's daughter, posted on Facebook that there have been few developments since the special prosecutor was appointed. She did say her family had met with Tekulve's office and new depositions were taken.

"Have the physical injuries healed, yes. The injuries go much deeper than that. My mom is no longer the person she was that stepped in that truck that night," she wrote. "I struggle every day to accept this and the injustice of this whole situation."

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Steve Raleigh still off air; Investigation involving family continues
A weakened but still potent Francine was dumping heavy rain as it moved inland Thursday transitioning from a hurricane to a tropical depression. Winds dropped to 35 mph, but millions of people were under flood watches. Image courtesy of national Hurricane Center

Sept. 12 (UPI) -- Up to 14 million people remain under flood watches over an area stretching from the Florida Panhandle and New Orleans to as far north as Memphis as Francine transitioned from a hurricane to a tropical depression Thursday.

"The most important thing we can do is get our utilities back up and online. We had ... almost 500,000 people without power last night. That has drastically been improved, probably about by a 50% margin," Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry said. "Power is the most important thing that we need right now."

Winds dropped to 35 mph, but millions of people remained concerned about flooding and thousands remained without power Thursday night as the storm moved inland.

"Francine will continue to lose wind energy as it spends the remainder of its life over land," AccuWeather lead hurricane expert Alex DaSilva said. "However, as it transitions to a tropical rainstorm, it will still be very capable of producing life-threatening conditions."

Thunderstorms that spawn tornadoes threaten residents from the central Gulf Coast to Tennessee in the north, Georgia in the east and north-central Florida.

The National Hurricane Center said in a statement that "Francine will continue to bring heavy rainfall and the risk of flash and urban flooding, along with river flooding, across portions of the Lower Mississippi Valley, Tennessee Valley and the Southeast."

According to Accuweather, Francine will carry 1 to 4 inches of rain northward into the middle Mississippi and lower Ohio valleys "with a pocket where 4 to 8 inches of rain will fall with locally higher amounts centered on the state of Mississippi."

As of 11 p.m. Thursday, poweroutage.us reported 157, 382 Louisiana customers without electrical power. Mississippi had 1,840 outages. Alabama had 13,063 and Tennessee had 9,229 without power.

According to WWNO in New Orleans, the highest rainfall totals were 8 to 10 inches, mostly in Lafourche, St. John, St. Charles and Jefferson parishes.

St. Charles Parish President Matthew Jewell reported Wednesday the parish was experiencing high water, flooding streets and homes.
The Weather Channel meteorologist Molly McCollum stood in a downpour during Hurricane Francine, showing viewers how tropical-storm-force winds slanted the rain sideways in Gulfports harbor

She wore sturdy rain gear and, at times, googles to protect her eyes. While she and her crew were out in the storm for live shots, the National Weather Service issued a flash-flood warning for the city and others in Harrison County.

This was McCollums first season in the field with the famed team from The Weather Channel, headed by Jim Cantore. Hes the meteorologist nobody wants to see show up in their town for a hurricane because hes always stationed closest to its deadly force.

That sends a message to people, McCollum said. You know youve got to prepare because Jims coming to town. For Francine, Cantore was in Morgan City.

McCollum, 32, has nothing but respect for Cantore. Jim has actually been at The Weather Channel longer than Ive been alive, she said. That kind of respect is earned. Its earned over the years of doing storms.

Reporting live on Francine

McCollum was on a team of seven that The Weather Channel dispatched to Louisiana and Mississippi for Francine.

She grew up watching The Weather Channel in Atlanta and still cant believe shes on the team. She joined the national weather network in May 2021, having earned an Emmy for her coverage of the 2018 hurricane season for an Atlanta television station.

The meteorologist is comfortable watching radar and gathering data on storms. (She even enjoys computer programming in her spare time.) But, she said, theres nothing like being out in the field.

She likes to experience what shes telling viewers about on-air. Weather, she said, is always a learning experience. Still, she said, Its hard watching these unfold because you know in all these areas youve got real people who are going to be impacted.

She had never been to Gulfport to cover a storm, although she has previously visited the Mississippi Gulf Coast and is very familiar with the record-breaking hurricane so many here lived through, Katrina in 2005.

We talked about Katrina on air this morning and just how the surge here was so devastating, she said Wednesday afternoon before heading to the harbor for her live shots. You really want to be very careful when you talk about surge because you dont want to scare people.

By Thursday morning, McCollum had been cleared to return to Atlanta  until the next storm beckons.

As we were wrapping up our live shots in Gulfport tonight this Hurricane Katrina marker caught our eye. Hard to fathom 28ft storm surge. pic.twitter.com/J9QXSJRSSz  Molly McCollum (@WXMolly) September 12, 2024

FINAL APPROACH #Francine bearing down on the #Louisiana coastline. Landfall just hours away. Heavy rain and wind rolling through now.



Be prepared. Stay safe. Tune into The @weatherchannel!#HurricaneFrancine #wx pic.twitter.com/J12iqnKtk8  Mark Davenport (@TheDavenReport) September 11, 2024
ROCHESTER, NY (WROC)  From a cloud cover perspective, our sky is mostly clear. That definitely doesnt work when factoring in the wildfire smoke situation.

Rochester's AQI has ticked up into "Moderate" levels this afternoon, sourced from wildfire smoke. Overall, we're nowhere close to "Unhealthy" levels as the majority of the smoke exists aloft. No action needed. pic.twitter.com/eHzZpqUvct  Eric Snitil (@EricSnitilWx) September 12, 2024

While the haze of smoke is relatively thick, impacts to air quality are insignificant. This will be another case where the visuals will be more dramatic than issues with the air were breathing. That smoke will enhance our sunrises and sunsets but prove to be a problem for those hoping to see the northern lights tonight.

For those interested, a synopsis on the prospects for auroras tonight (click the picture to launch the story):https://t.co/8LVVAbRFVg  Eric Snitil (@EricSnitilWx) September 12, 2024

The smoke wont fully block a show overnight, rather just diminish the vibrancy, making naked eye visibility that much more difficult.

Moving forward, the forecast remains remarkably consistent. Were back in the lower 80s with smokey sunshine tomorrow. The weekend will feature more of the same. There is a compelling argument that this stretch will carry into next week as well, shy of something like a tropical system eating into the ridge of high pressure. For now, its a what you see is what you get type deal for the foreseeable future.

8-Day Forecast

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst.
Article first published: Wednesday, Sep. 11, 2024, 5 a.m. ET

Article last updated: Thursday, Sep. 12, 2024, 2 a.m. ET

According to the National Hurricane Centers 2 am Thursday advisory, Tropical Storm Francine is 20 miles northwest of New Orleans Louisiana, with maximum sustained wind of 50 mph. Its moving 14 mph to the northeast.

"Continued rapid weakening is forecast, and Francine is expected to become a tropical depression later today and a post-tropical cyclone by tonight." according to analysts.

There were several developments today, particularly at night: system started out as a Category 2 hurricane and a Category 1 hurricane but eventually became a tropical storm with sustained winds of 70 miles per hour. Francine is now impacting Louisiana.

CHANGES WITH THIS ADVISORY:

The Tropical Storm Warning and Storm Surge Warning west of Morgan City, Louisiana has been discontinued.

SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT:

A Storm Surge Warning is in effect for:

- Morgan City, Louisiana to the Mississippi/Alabama Border

- Vermilion Bay

- Lake Maurepas

- Lake Pontchartrain

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for:

- Morgan City, Louisiana to the Alabama/Florida border

- Lake Maurepas and Lake Pontchartrain, including metropolitan New Orleans

A Storm Surge Warning means there is a danger of life-threatening inundation, from rising water moving inland from the coastline, beginning shortly for the indicated locations.

For a depiction of areas at risk, please see the National Weather Service Storm Surge Watch/Warning Graphic, available at hurricanes.gov. This is a life-threatening situation. Persons located within these areas should take all necessary actions to protect life and property from rising water and the potential for other dangerous conditions. Promptly follow evacuation and other instructions from local officials.

A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area.

HAZARDS AFFECTING LAND:

WIND: Tropical storm conditions are expected to continue in portions of the warning area through early this morning.

RAINFALL: Francine is expected to bring storm total rainfall of 4 to 8 inches, with local amounts to 12 inches across southeastern Louisiana, Mississippi, far southern Alabama, and the Florida Panhandle through tonight. This rainfall could lead to considerable flash, urban, and river flooding.

For a complete depiction of forecast rainfall associated with Francine, please see the National Weather Service Storm Total Rainfall Graphic, available at hurricanes.gov/graphics_at1.shtml? Rainqpf and the Flash Flood Risk graphic at hurricanes.gov/graphics_at1.shtml? Ero. For a list of rainfall observations (and wind reports) associated this storm, see the companion storm summary at WBCSCCNS1 with the WMO header ACUS41 KWBC or at the following link: www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/discussions/nfdscc1.html.

STORM SURGE: The combination of a dangerous storm surge and the tide will cause normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded by rising waters moving inland from the shoreline. The water could reach the following heights above ground somewhere in the indicated areas if the peak surge occurs at the time of high tide...

Mouth of the Pearl River, LA to Ocean Springs, MS...4-6 ft Lake Pontchartrain...4-6 ft Ocean Springs, MS to MS/AL Border...3-5 ft Morgan City, LA to Mouth of the Mississippi River, LA...3-5 ft Lake Maurepas...3-5 ft

The deepest water will occur along the immediate coast near and to the east of the landfall location, where the surge will be accompanied by large and dangerous waves. Surge-related flooding depends on the relative timing of the surge and the tidal cycle, and can vary greatly over short distances. Storm surge is not expected to pose a threat to the risk reduction system levees. However, there may be some overtopping of local levees.

For a complete depiction of areas at risk of storm surge inundation, please see the National Weather Service Peak Storm Surge Graphic, available at hurricanes.gov/graphics_at1.shtml? PeakSurge.

TORNADOES: A few tornadoes are possible during the next few hours across parts of southeast Louisiana, southern Mississippi, southern Alabama, and the Florida Panhandle. The tornado risk will move into additional parts of Alabama, southwest Georgia, and the Florida Panhandle today.

SURF: Swells generated by Francine are affecting much of the northern Gulf Coast, likely causing life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.

Source: National Hurricane Center

This article was generated by the South Carolina Bot, artificial intelligence software that analyzes information from the National Hurricane Center and applies it to templates created by journalists in the newsroom. We are experimenting with this and other new ways of providing more useful content to our readers and subscribers. You can report errors or bugs to mcclatchybot@mcclatchy.com.
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COVER STORY: Experts warn against vaccine skepticism | Watch Video

Thanks to vaccinations, measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000. But measles cases are now back, and one big reason is that, across the country, more families have exempted their children from routine immunizations than ever before. CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook looks at how the views of "anti-vaxxers" are precipitating new health crises; and talks with health experts about the dangers posed by anti-vaccine and anti-science movements.

For more info:

Medical historian and pediatrician Dr. Howard Markel"Origin Story: The Trials of Charles Darwin" by Howard Markel (W.W. Norton & Co.), in Hardcover, eBook and Audio formats, available via Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Bookshop.orgElena Conis, historian of medicine, public health, and the environment, University of California, Berkeley"Vaccine Nation: America's Changing Relationship with Immunization" by Elena Conis (University of Chicago Press), in Hardcover, Trade Paperback, eBook and Audio formats, available via Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Bookshop.orgDr. Peter Jay Hotez, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital"The Deadly Rise of Anti-science: A Scientist's Warning" by Peter J. Hotez (Johns Hopkins University Press), in Hardcover, Trade Paperback and eBook formats, available via Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Bookshop.org



ALMANAC: September 15 (Video)

"Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date.

For 12 years Pete Wells was restaurant critic for The New York Times. / Credit: CBS News

FOOD: Pete Wells dishes on life as NY Times restaurant critic | Watch Video

Since he began writing restaurant reviews for The New York Times in 2012, Pete Wells became arguably the world's most powerful restaurant critic, until filing his final review this summer. With correspondent Martha Teichner, he reflects on dining out five nights a week for the past twelve years, all in the line of duty; the disguises he's worn to avoid detection by restaurant staff; and the health implications of eating at some of the world's best (and not-so-best) restaurants.

WEB EXTRA: Restaurant critic Pete Wells: A face on the wall (YouTube Video)

For 12 years New York Times food critic Pete Wells tried to stay anonymous as he visited restaurants. But his was one picture on the wall used by restaurant staffers to spot reviewers. In this web extra, he talks with correspondent Martha Teichner about his ability to dine incognito.

For more info:

Pete Wells, The New York TimesThe 100 Best Restaurants in New York City in 2024, by Pete WellsErnesto's, New York CitySemma, New York CityTrinciti Roti Shop, Queens, N.Y.Ewe's Delicious Treats, Brooklyn

Former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, whose new book is

BOOKS: Hillary Clinton on Harris' White House run, Trump's criminal conviction, and more | Watch Video

Hillary Rodham Clinton has lived one of the most public of lives, but has kept much private during her years as first lady, senator, secretary of state and presidential nominee. Now, she opens up about personal matters in her new book, "Something Lost, Something Gained: Reflections on Life, Love, and Liberty." She talks with CBS News' Erin Moriarty about her marriage to President Bill Clinton and the loss of friends and family; her personal association to Vice President Kamala Harris' run for the White House; and how she interpreted news of the criminal conviction of former President Donald Trump.

READ AN EXCERPT: "Something Lost, Something Gained" by Hillary Rodham Clinton

For more info:

"Something Lost, Something Gained: Reflections on Life, Love, and Liberty" by Hillary Rodham Clinton (Simon & Schuster), in Hardcover, eBook and Audio formats, available September 17 via Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Bookshop.orgHillary Rodham Clinton (Official site)Exhibit: "Changing the Face of Democracy: Shirley Chisholm at 100" at the Museum of the City of New York (through July 20, 2025)



PASSAGE: In memoriam (Video)

"Sunday Morning" remembers some of the notable figures who recently left us, including renowned stage and film actor James Earl Jones, who appeared on screen in "Field of Dreams," and "off screen" as the voice of Darth Vader in "Star Wars."

MUSIC: The return of LL COOL J, the rapper | Watch Video

As a teenager LL COOL J was the first artist signed to the Def Jam label, becoming one of the first major hip-hop stars, with hits like "Going Back to Cali" and "Mama Said Knock You Out." He turned to acting, starring for 14 seasons on "NCIS: Los Angeles." Now 56, he's returned to the thing he loves most  rapping  with his first album in more than a decade, "The FORCE." He talks with "Sunday Morning" contributor Kelefa Sanneh about the origins of his career, and the magic of making a hip-hop record.

You can stream the LL COOL J album "The Force" by clicking on the embed below (Free Spotify registration required to hear the tracks in full):

This embedded content is not available in your region.

For more info:

llcoolj.com (Official site)"The FORCE" by LL COOL J

DESIGN: New methods, building designs aim to cut down on bird strikes (Video)

According to experts, up to a billion birds die every year from flying into buildings and skyscrapers  distracted by lights or reflections, or unaware of the hazards posed by glass. But some architects are using new bird-friendly glass in their construction, while public-awareness campaigns are having a dramatic effect on creating safer environments for migrating birds. Correspondent David Pogue reports.

For more info:

Ornithologist Andrew Farnsworth, Cornell Lab of OrnithologyFXCollaborative Architects

BOOKS: Connie Chung's secrets to her success | Watch Video

Veteran CBS journalist Connie Chung broke down barriers in TV news to become the first Asian woman to co-anchor a nightly network news program. She reflects on her four-decade career in a new memoir, "Connie," and sits down at her home in Montana with "Sunday Morning" anchor Jane Pauley, to talk about fighting sexism and racism in what she called "a sea of men," and the lengths she would go to, to land the big interviews.

READ AN EXCERPT: "Connie: A Memoir" by Connie Chung

For more info:

"Connie: A Memoir" by Connie Chung (Grand Central Publishing), in Hardcover, eBook and Audio formats, available September 17 via Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Bookshop.org

Former

MOVIES: "Will & Harper": Will Ferrell embarks on a unique road trip with his best friend | Watch Video

Comedy legend Will Ferrell and former "Saturday Night Live" head writer Harper Steele had been buddies since the mid-1990s. Two years ago, Steele sent an email announcing that she had transitioned to a woman. How the two approached the changing dynamics of their friendship became the basis of a new Netflix documentary, "Will & Harper," in which the two embark on a cross-country road trip  17 days of laughter, tears and beer. Correspondent Tracy Smith talks with Ferrell and Steele about their adventure and what they learned about themselves, and the nation they navigated.

To watch a trailer for "Will & Harper" click on the video player below:

For more info:

"Will & Harper," now playing in theaters, and streaming on Netflix beginning September 27



FLASHBACK: Meryl Streep (Video)

Twenty-six years ago, CBS News' Harry Smith interviewed actress Meryl Streep, asking her the secret to her uncanny ability to inhabit every role she takes.

WATCH THE FULL 1998 INTERVIEW HERE (YouTube)



NATURE: Wildflowers of New York State (Extended Video)

We leave you this Sunday among wildflowers at the Buttercup Farm Audubon Sanctuary in the Hudson Valley of New York State. Videographer: Elijah Bhagat.





WEB EXCLUSIVE:

FROM THE ARCHIVES: James Earl Jones (YouTube Video)

Acclaimed actor James Earl Jones, renowned as a Tony-winning stage presence, film star, and voice of Darth Vader, died on September 9, 2024 at age 93. In this "Sunday Morning" profile that originally aired March 16, 2008, Jones talked with correspondent Michelle Miller about overcoming his childhood stutter; described how he "got lucky" with his voiceover job for George Lucas' "Star Wars," and how he voiced a "dopey dad" in "The Lion King"; and discussed his return to Broadway as Big Daddy in Tennessee Williams' "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof."

FROM THE ARCHIVES: The SS United States (YouTube Video)

On Friday, September 13, 2024, a federal judge agreed to mediation in a years-long rent dispute case involving the SS United States Conservancy, a group that has sought to preserve the fabled ocean liner. The ship may be destined to be sunk to become an artificial reef in Florida. Watch Mark Strassmann's Feb. 17, 2013 "Sunday Morning" report about the glamorous history of the ship  longer than the Titanic, faster than any ocean liner, ever  and how it came to inhabit a berth in Philadelphia.

GALLERY: Summer music heats up 2024

Live performances are in full swing this summer. Scroll through our concert gallery, featuring pictures by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.

The Emmy Award-winning "CBS News Sunday Morning" is broadcast on CBS Sundays beginning at 9:00 a.m. ET. Executive producer is Rand Morrison.

DVR Alert! Find out when "Sunday Morning" airs in your city

"Sunday Morning" also streams on the CBS News app beginning at 11:00 a.m. ET. (Download it here.)

Full episodes of "Sunday Morning" are now available to watch on demand on CBSNews.com, CBS.com and Paramount+, including via Apple TV, Android TV, Roku, Chromecast, Amazon FireTV/FireTV stick and Xbox.

Follow us on Twitter; Facebook; Instagram; YouTube; TikTok; and at cbssundaymorning.com.

You can also download the free "Sunday Morning" audio podcast at iTunes and at Play.it. Now you'll never miss the trumpet!

Tito Jackson, founding member of Jackson 5, dies at 70

Starter homes increasingly out of reach for American families

TikTok in court over U.S. ban: Breaking down the legal arguments
Bloomberg reports that the decision to ease Western restrictions on long-range strikes against targets on Russian territory is unlikely to be made before the meeting of world leaders at the UN General Assembly in the United States on 24 September.

Source: European Pravda, citing Bloomberg

Details: During their visit to Kyiv on Wednesday, leading diplomats from the UK and the US, David Lammy and Antony Blinken, did not rule out the possibility of meeting President Zelenskyy's request to use Western-supplied weapons for deeper strikes against Russia. However, they noted that Joe Biden will discuss this matter during his meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Washington on Friday.

The joint visit by Blinken and Lammy aimed to hearing Zelenskyy's plan for strikes deep into Russian territory and to discuss his long-term strategy for the coming year. This included an intention to better understand what Kyiv wants to target and why.

The meeting between Blinken, Lammy, and Zelenskyy lasted longer than planned. The Ukrainian president explained in detail why Ukraine needs to strike inside Russia, according to a person familiar with the matter.

The source said that Zelenskyy told them that Ukraine was only interested in military targets and discussed military plans for the coming months.

Before his meeting with Blinken and Lammy, the Ukrainian president stated that during his meeting with President Joe Biden later this month in New York, where world leaders will gather for the annual high-level debates at the UN General Assembly, he will intensify his call to ease restrictions on weapons.

"Unfortunately it doesnt depend on my optimism, it depends on their optimism," Zelenskyy told reporters on Wednesday.

The decision on deeper strikes is unlikely to be made before the UN meeting in New York, although Biden may indicate whether a policy change is expected, Bloomberg notes. Lammy confirmed this, saying that the UN meeting would be the next opportunity to discuss long-range missiles and further support for Ukraine.

The high-level debates at the UN General Assembly in New York will begin on 24 September.

Background:

Politico reported that the White House has been finalising a plan to ease restrictions on Ukraine's use of US-provided weapons for strikes on Russian territory.

The Guardian reported that the UK has already decided to allow Ukraine to use Storm Shadow cruise missiles against targets on Russian territory.

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MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WBOY)  For the 23rd anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, West Virginia Universitys Army and Air Force ROTC held a 24-hour vigil to remember the day and pay tribute to those who have served.

ROTC cadets were outside the Downtown Library taking turns guarding and patrolling a memorial tree planted by WVU students one year after Sept. 11, 2001. The accompanying plaque reads, We remember. The spirit of those lost on September 11, 2001, lives in each of us.

To WVUs ROTC, the vigil is an important event that they do every year. WVU senior and Physical Training Officer Kyle Butler was one of the ROTC cadets on guard.

9/11 Survivor Tree seedling thriving in Clarksburg

[The vigil] is an event to remember those who have served for our nation, our people, and to remember those who lost their lives. ROTC Physical Training Officer Cadet Kyle Butler said. Those who are not with us today, they served with impact, they did their dutynot just for their nation, but for their loved ones.

The vigil will continue until Thursday, Sept. 12 at 8 a.m. with cadets changing guard every hour.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com.
The presidential race in Wisconsin has moved slightly in favor of Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris according to the latest Marquette Law School Poll results, which were released Wednesday.

Among likely voters and registered voters, respondents favored Harris 52% to Trumps 48%, although the results are within the margin of error for both groups. The poll was conducted Aug. 28 through Sept. 5.

Likely voters in the previous Marquette poll, taken July 24 through Aug. 1, favored Harris 50% to Trumps 49% and registered voters favored Trump 50% to Harris 49%.

This is the second poll featuring Harris as the Democratic candidate after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race July 21 and endorsed Harris. At the time, Biden and Trump tied at 50% among registered voters.

The latest poll indicates an enthusiasm gap among registered voters, with 53% saying they're very enthusiastic about Harris and 47% very enthusiastic about Trump.

Among those who are not at all enthusiastic, 64% said theyre not at all enthused about voting for Trump, while 35% said the same of Harris. Those numbers were basically flipped when Biden was in the race, poll director Charles Franklin said.

Franklin said Republicans havent really lost much enthusiasm since getting their big boost after the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee in July, but the Democrats got that enthusiasm before their convention and have added to it now in the time since.

Marquette polled 822 registered voters, with 438 deemed likely to vote based on historical voter turnout data. The margin of error was 4.6% among registered voters and 4.7% among likely voters.

The results come 54 days before the Nov. 5 general election.

U.S. Senate

In the U.S. Senate race, incumbent U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin is slightly down and Madison businessman Eric Hovde is slightly up from where they were in the last poll.

Among registered voters if they had to choose one of the two candidates, Baldwin polled at 52% compared to Hovdes 48%. Thats closer than the last poll, which showed 53% of registered voters favored Baldwin, compared to Hovdes 46%.

When respondents were allowed to choose "undecided", though, Baldwin led 48% to Hovdes 44%, with 8% undecided.

Among registered voters, 47% had a favorable opinion of Baldwin, compared to 46% who had an unfavorable view. The previous poll showed 44% of respondents had a favorable view of Baldwin and the same number for those who had an unfavorable view of her. But the share of respondents who said they hadn't heard enough to have a view on Baldwin has dropped to 7% from 12% a month earlier.

Hovde's favorability improved to 34% from 24% in the last poll, but his unfavourability has continued to grow as well, up to 43% from 37% in the last poll. Respondents are getting to know Hovde as well: The share of respondents who hadn't heard enough to give Hovde a rating has dropped to 22% from 38%.

Among both registered and likely voters Baldwin also polls just slightly better than Hovde within their respective political parties. Baldwin has support from 99% of Democratic voters while 1% of them favor Hovde. Hovde has support from 94% of Republican voters and loses about 4% of respondents from within his own party to Baldwin.

Among independent voters, 65% support Baldwin and 33% support Hovde.

Specific policy issues

On the eight specific policy issues the poll asked respondents about, Harris and Trump each were favored on four issues.

Trump polled better on foreign relations, the economy, the Israel-Hamas war, and immigration and border security. Harris did better on Medicare and Social Security, health care, securing fair elections and abortion policy.

Franklin noted that the share of respondents who thought the candidates were the same or that neither had good policies has decreased since Biden dropped out.

About 20% to 25% of respondents didnt see a difference between the candidates when Biden was in, but that number has dropped to 8% to 15% since Harris got in the race, Franklin said.

Its hard to know whether thats because of Kamala Harris and the kind of race shes running, or whether its because were deeper into the cycle and so people are tuning into the election cycle, which I think is possible, Franklin said.

Among registered voters, 41% say the economy is the most important issue. Abortion policy comes in second place, with 15% of registered voters saying it's the most important issue.

More Republicans rank the economy first, while among Democrats, abortion policy is slightly more important. Immigration and border security are the second most important issue for Republicans.

Among independents, the economy is the most important issue, while Medicare and Social Security are second.

Wisconsin consistently is listed among the top seven swing states. Biden, Harris, Trump and vice president candidates Tim Walz and JD Vance have visited the state 27 times this year.
If the West wants to save Ukraine, it must act now. Itll soon be too late

Any day now the White House is expected to lift restrictions on Ukraine using US-supplied long-range missiles on Russian soil. Britain is expected to follow suit  not a moment too soon. And yet again, is it a question of Western support being too little too late to help Ukraine successfully turn the tide against Vladimir Putins invasion?

For more than a month now, Ukraine has kept an impressive foothold in the Russian region of Kursk. Kyiv claims to control approximately 1,000 sq km of Russian territory. Moscow has been forced to evacuate around 150,000 civilians. According to the Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, up to 60,000 Russian troops have been redeployed from the Ukrainian front lines to fight in Kursk.

Kyiv has also landed several impressive blows on Russia over the past month with some of the largest, most widespread drone attacks since the beginning of the conflict.

But there are fears that Ukraine might be losing momentum in its fight. Unconfirmed reports by Russian war bloggers began to emerge on Wednesday that Moscow has launched a large scale counter-attack in Kursk. Neither the Russian nor Ukrainian ministry of defence has so far confirmed these reports.

While certainly effective, Kyivs incursion has failed to sufficiently stretch Russias resources and weaken their advance inside Ukraine. Putins forces are continuing to edge forward around the city of Pokrovsk in Donbas, increasing the likelihood the Ukrainian army will soon have to retreat yet further.

As time goes on, it is hard not to view Ukraines stalling progress as being, in large part, down to the similarly stalling support from its Western allies. Zelensky has been petitioning the US, UK and Europe for permission to use Western-made long-range missiles to strike military targets on Russian soil for months. Over the past two and a half years, we have seen this pattern play out repeatedly over whether to even supply the long-range missiles in the first place, and before that tanks, F-16 jets and numerous financial aid packages.

Months of agonising by the US, Britain and European allies, such as Germany, force Ukraine to fight on at a disadvantage, only for the aid to finally be provided as the fighting shifts and Kyivs needs change in response.

There are several reasons why Western support for Ukraine is so halting. The first is that Kyivs allies are terrified that each fresh aid package or weapons supply might trigger a Russian escalation in the war that prompts Putin to push the nuclear button or drags other countries more directly into the conflict.

Public support for Ukraine has also waned in multiple countries thanks to this fear, which has in turn made it more difficult for politicians to convincingly make the case for sending more funding and weaponry to help Zelenskys forces.

With European estimates that Kyiv would need hundreds of billions of dollars in Western aid to drive Russian forces off its territory, Zelenskys allies have reportedly been urging him to reconsider what kind of victory in the war would satisfy Ukraine.

This cant go on. Kyivs Kursk invasion is the clearest proof yet that Putins repeated threats to use nuclear weapons against any onslaughts on Russian soil are nothing but hot air. Over a month into Ukraines incursion and meaningful retaliation by the Kremlin has failed to materialise. The West can afford to, and indeed must, be bigger and bolder in its support for Kyiv Only this way can the war in Ukraine be brought to a swift and just end, and peace in Europe restored.

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Whatever you want to believe, COVID-19 still surges through Kansas. Even worse waits in the wings.

Registered nurse Orlyn Grace, left, administers a COVID-19 booster vaccination to Jeanie Merriman, right, at a COVID-19 vaccination clinic on April 6, 2022, in San Rafael, California. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

I spent last week in isolation here in Lawrence, tending to my 13-year-old child as he recovered from COVID-19.

Thankfully, he has returned to school, and I avoided getting sick for the time being. Yet coronavirus remains a public health concern, and as Kansas Reflector reporter Anna Kaminski reported late last month, its latest surge coincides with public apathy over vaccinations. A new shot has been released to target the newest variants, yet uptake has been low.

It is very disappointing to be in such a great nation with such (an) educated, informed population and our vaccination rates against such a severe illness is in the low 15 to 20%, said Chakshu Gupta, the chief medical officer at Liberty Hospital in Liberty, Missouri, during the University of Kansas Health System medical briefing Aug. 30.

In the meantime, other concerning illnesses swirl.

During that same briefing, health officials noted an outbreak of tuberculosis in Kansas. The state has seen 82 confirmed cases of the disease, nearly twice of last years total. A nasty strain of bird flu continues to circulate in cattle and has popped up in a Missouri resident with no known exposure to livestock. A little more than four years ago, we all saw how little prepared the United States was for a pandemic. Today, if anything, we seem less ready.

In retrospect, this makes sense. While COVID-19 has killed more than 7 million people worldwide, it ultimately proved fatal to fewer people than feared. Vaccines and effective treatments made it through the development pipeline in rapid time, blunting its effect on those most at risk. Meanwhile, school and business closures created societal disruption and economic turmoil.

In a time of widespread distrust in institutions, many have decided the pandemic was an overreaction at best and a plandemic at worst. Those of us who took it seriously then now watch in wonderment as tests, vaccines and treatments go unused.

For that matter, we watch in wonderment as noted vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. somehow seized a national spotlight for his quixotic presidential run.

If the latest strain of bird flu mutates to travel easily between humans, what then? If COVID-19 becomes more virulent, what then? If illnesses previously kept in check by vaccines  measles and polio, for example  spread anew, what then? All of these hypothetical cases could lead to massive loss of life, and nothing Ive seen suggests that Kansans or Americans would sacrifice much of anything to prevent them.

I know how a subset of readers will react to this column.

They will complain about me continuing to write about COVID-19. They will raise the specter of lockdowns and school closures. They will accuse me of frightening or belittling those who either ignored the pandemic completely to tried treating infections with horse dewormer. They will do so secure in the knowledge that the vast majority of people prefer to forget the worst of 2020-2021 and therefore give them a pass.

But just because a bad thing happened and we want to move doesnt mean it didnt happen. The virus is real. The illnesses and deaths and long COVID cases are real. We still grapple with the individual and collective consequences. We can try to force these memories into a little box, distorting them in the process, or we can take concrete steps to build a healthier nation. I know which alternative I prefer.

There is a lot of misinformation out there, Gupta said later in the briefing. I would encourage you to get the information from reliable, reputable sources. Talk to your health care providers. They have experience and the right information.  Just practice commonsense protective measures to save yourself, your family and your communities from these dreadful infections.

To use a term from faith rather than science: Preach it. If you do just one thing after reading this column, please go to your doctor or pharmacy for an updated dose of the COVID-19 shot. It is proven safe and effective. Its the least you can do until the next pandemic arrives.

As it will.

Clay Wirestone is Kansas Reflector opinion editor. Through its opinion section, Kansas Reflector works to amplify the voices of people who are affected by public policies or excluded from public debate. Find information, including how to submit your own commentary, here.
By Kanishka Singh and Gabriella Borter

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The White House rebuked former President Donald Trump on Thursday for his association with far-right conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer, who has been traveling this week with the Republican presidential candidate.

Loomer says she does not work for Trump. However, she has mentioned speaking to him about political matters and frequents his Mar-a-Lago home in Florida. Her incendiary posts on X, where she has 1.2 million followers, at times seem to provide grist for Trump's next lines of attack.

Ahead of Trump's debate with Democratic Vice President and presidential candidate Kamala Harris on Tuesday, Loomer said that if Harris, who is of Indian descent, won the Nov. 5 election, "the White House will smell like curry & White House speeches will be facilitated via a call center."

"It is, repugnant, these types of comments, it is un-American to say these types of things, exactly the kind of hateful and divisive rhetoric that we should denounce," White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre said on Thursday.

"No leader should ever associate with someone who spreads this kind of ugliness, this kind of racist poison," Jean-Pierre said.

Loomer flew with Trump to his Tuesday debate in Pennsylvania and was in New York with him and his team on Wednesday for a commemoration of the Sept. 11, 2001, al Qaeda attacks, according to video and photo footage.

Loomer has previously suggested the Sept. 11 attacks were an insider job by sharing a video last year on Twitter that promoted that conspiracy theory. She has since changed her position and told CNN in an interview published on Thursday that the attacks were carried out by "Islamic terrorists."

Trump's campaign, when asked about the White House criticism of his ties to Loomer, did not directly address their relations but said he sought bipartisan unity in the Wednesday ceremony marking the Sept. 11 attacks.

In an online post, Loomer dismissed the White House criticism, denying she was a racist and suggesting that Jean-Pierre, the daughter of Haitian immigrants, was critical because she didn't like Loomer's social media post on Thursday about a false claim that Haitian immigrants are eating pets.

(Reporting by Kanishka Singh, Gabriella Borter, Alexandra Ulmer and Helen Coster, editing by Ross Colvin and Howard Goller)
The White House has condemned the bizarre accusations that former president Donald Trump and his allies have leveled against Hatian immigrants in an Ohio town, calling the claim that they are eating cats and dogs bizarre and hateful.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, herself the daughter of immigrants from Haiti, was asked if the Biden administration had a message for residents of Springfield, Ohio, where municipal buildings have become targets of bomb threats in the wake of former president Donald Trump making the ridiculous and baseless claims during his debate with Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday.

During the 90-minute session, the ex-president ranted about the false conspiracy theory in response to something Harris had said about the sizes of crowds at his rallies.

In Springfield, theyre eating the dogs  the people that came in  they are eating the cats. Theyre eating  theyre eating the pets of the people that live there, he said.

In fact, there have been no instances of Haitian immigrants  or anyone  stealing and consuming household pets as food in that Ohio town, officials there have said. The towns city manager and police chief have denied that any such incidents have taken place.

Pressed on the ex-presidents strange remark and the effect on the towns residents, Jean-Pierre said: I think its important that all of us take a step back here and just lean on the facts here. The Springfield, Ohio police department has debunked this very bizarre and very hateful smear thats out there.

What is happening here is an attempt to tear apart communities and disrespect law enforcement, and that is the opposite of what our country deserves. It is undignified and an insult to all of us as Americans, not just one community, but to all of us as Americans. And it is spreading filth that makes the lives of the communities that are being smeared here. It puts their lives in danger and it is just hate speech. Thats what it is, she said.

Jean-Pierre also noted that Haitian-Americans and immigrants in Springfield and elsewhere are now fearing for their safety because of the Trump-endorsed conspiracy theory.

Maybe we should not have leaders who fall for fake internet conspiracy theories. Maybe we should not have leaders who do that. Our country deserves better, she added.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has appealed the Federal Emergency Management Agencys decision to deny a major disaster declaration for the tornadoes that tore through Southwest Michigan on May 7.

Whitmer on Wednesday sent a letter requesting reconsideration, according to her office.

FEMA denied May 7 disaster declaration. What now?

She initially sought the declaration for Branch, Cass, Kalamazoo and St. Joseph counties. Such declarations make federal resources available for recovery.

But in July, FEMA denied the request. The agency said based on the information it had received, it decided the storm damage was not of such severity and magnitude as to be beyond the capabilities of the state, affected local governments, and voluntary agencies.

The state was granted 30 days to appeal, a deadline that was later extended to Sept. 21. The state has been gathering more information, and according to the governors office, the decision to appeal was prompted by increasing reports of difficulties faced by residents, specifically as it relates to uninsured home and personal property losses.

Michiganders across southwest Michigan continue to rebuild and recover more than four months after the tornadoes and severe storms caused massive damage across the region, Whitmer said in a release. Damage reports continue to come in as people have lost their homes and businesses. In response, I am appealing the denial of a presidential disaster declaration so we can deliver critical financial assistance to support our resilient families, businesses, and communities as they recover.

The May 7 storms spawned four tornadoes in Southwest Michigan. Among them were an EF2 that tracked 11 miles through Texas Township, Portage and Pavilion Township, packing winds of up to 135 mph. The twister ripped apart houses and businesses in Portage and flipped mobile homes in Pavilion Township. A preliminary assessment determined at least 60 buildings were destroyed and another 129 sustained major damage.

There was also another EF2 that covered 19 miles from Centreville to the Union City area, an EF1 near Dowagiac and another EF1 in the Union City area.

There were injuries reported as a result of the storms, but no deaths.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
Republican Party of Florida leaders voted to suspend the GOPs Manatee County leadership after months of inner turmoil in the local party and a major shakeup in the August primary election.

Evan Power, chairman of the RPOF, announced the decision to local Republican party leaders Sunday. A copy of the email, which cites numerous grievances such as lawsuits against leaders and police reports, has been reviewed by the Bradenton Herald.

At the recommendation of the RPOF Grievance Committee, the RPOF Executive Board on Saturday, September 7 voted to temporarily suspend the Manatee County Republican Executive Committee (REC) due to the serious issues plaguing the REC that have prevented it from functioning and working towards victory in 2024 and beyond, Powers email said.

Power said the REC is prohibited from making new expenditures and holding any meetings until a turnaround plan is approved by the RPOF Executive Board and can be presented to the Manatee REC as a whole.

The email was addressed to Manatee REC Chair April Culbreath, REC Committeewoman Cindy Spray and REC Committeeman Dave Matthews.

Culbreath did not immediately respond to the Bradenton Heralds request for comment on Thursday afternoon.

Years of alleged chaos inside Manatee REC

One of the lawsuits mentioned in Powers email was filed in May by Manatee REC members against Culbreath.

It accused Culbreath of ongoing financial malfeasance and abuse of MCREC funds, refusing to recognize fairly-elected committee members and maliciously retaliating against MCREC members opposed to her agenda, among other claims.

The lawsuit also accused Spray, Matthews and RPOF leadership, including Power, of supporting Culbreaths alleged abuses of power.

However, the plaintiffs voluntarily dismissed the lawsuit on August 29.

The Manatee REC bled membership this election cycle, with many prominent local Republicans leaving the group.

Former Manatee County Commissioner Misty Servia left the group in May with a fiery resignation letter sent to dozens of members.

Most of the Manatee County REC  once committed to electing Republicans  has become a group of small-minded individuals committed to being a part of the local corruption or following lies rooted in propaganda and manipulation, her letter said.

Ill look for the opportunity to return to the REC when this phase plays out and the party returns to being pro-business, pro-small government, and pro-family. Until then, Ill watch the REC burn to the ground  and hopefully one day a future generation of Republicans will find their values look back on this dark time  and emerge stronger and smarter, vowing to never allow it to happen again.

Current and former members with direct knowledge of the partys turmoil told the Bradenton Herald that infighting and favoritism within the group predated Aprils tenure as chair, going as far back as 2021, and gradually turned it into a toxic environment.

One former member described meetings as a circus that likely scared away potential new members.

Manatee Republicans concerned about shutdown

The temporary shutdown has left some local Republicans concerned that the suspension may be a form of retribution for recent primary election results.

Manatee County Republican voters decisively chose a slate of grassroots Republican candidates over well-funded opponents backed by political action committees and, in some cases, by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

We took our party back in the primary and now they are trying to shut it down, local party leaders said in an email to members before the RPOF had officially announced its decision. It would have been far easier to remove our chair than to shut Republican voters out of their party in this manner.

But after Powers announcement, soon-to-be leaders of the Manatee County REC are taking a wait-and-see approach.

What happens next?

Trent Wayman was elected in August as the Manatee RECs next State Committeeman. His term begins in December.

I strongly encourage committee members to rely on info thats verified from official sources and avoid jumping to conclusions, Wayman said.

Wayman acknowledged that he was disappointed in how the state leadership handled the situation.

In my opinion, the best thing would have been just to remove April and let the rest of the members decide what we wanted to do with the future of the board, Wayman said.

But he is still optimistic that the group can have a fresh start under new leadership.

I would like to see a new approach, Wayman said. The past few years it has been top-down. This should be a grassroots, bottom-up organization.

The Bradenton Herald asked Power for more details about the RPOFs motives for suspending the Manatee REC. Power provided the following statement:

The Republican Party of Florida is committed to supporting our candidates in Manatee County and throughout Florida. We are laser-focused on electing President Trump, Senator Scott, our down-ballot candidates, and defeating Amendments 3 and 4. RPOF Chairman Evan Power and the Executive Board will continue to work and communicate directly with our members in Manatee County per our party rules of procedure.
Why Kansas delayed recommendation on leader of Department of Wildlife and Parks

The Kansas Committee on Senate Confirmation Oversite delayed a decision to recommend a prospective head to the Kansas Department on Wildlife and Parks after several clashes between the agency and lawmakers over the past year.

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly appointed Chris Kennedy to serve as the active secretary of KDWP on March 18, but he wasnt confirmed by the Senate by the end of the 2024 legislative session. Kennedy has worked with the Missouri Department of Conservation since 1996 and has been featured on the National Geographic Channel and Animal Planet for his work studying the alligator gar.

KDFW clashes with lawmakers

Lawmakers clashed with the KDFW several times over the past year. In February, lawmakers introduced bills that would cut the cost of nonresidential hunting licenses and another bill that would expand the number of permits available for people to hunt on their own land.

Neither bill was passed in 2024, but the proposed cuts came after Rep. Lewis Bloom, R-Clay Center, threatened to cut the agencys budget over proposed restrictions on deer baiting  using feed to attract deer to specific locations to be hunted.

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly appointed Chris Kennedy as secretary of the Kansas Department of Fish and Wildlife in March, but he's still awaiting confirmation in the Senate.

Some conservationists oppose baiting because deer congregating can cause disease to spread faster. The practice is illegal on public lands, but KDFW considered making it illegal on private lands as well.

If you consider thinking about banning baiting, when you come to us this winter, we are going to take a million dollars off the top of your budget immediately," Bloom said at KDWP forum in Manhattan last September.

A bill that would disband the current Wildlife and Parks Commission, which governs the agency, and make any appointees to the commission subject to approval by the Senate.

When the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks presented a new regulation requiring boats to maintain a fire extinguisher thats less than 12 years old attracted bipartisan scorn in an August over its failure to produce an economic impact statement.

All regulations are required to write a statement if the compliance cost is estimated to exceed $1 million, but its unclear if the boating regulation clears that benchmark.

Questioning Chris Kennedy

Some of the issues that have perturbed lawmakers came up in the hearing over Kennedys confirmation. On how the agency handled proposed boating regulations, Kennedy said the contentious committee hearing led to a reassessment of how KDFW communicates regulatory changes.

It allowed us to go back and refine the way we present our regulations to the committee, Kennedy said.

Kennedy also explained how he views diversity, equity and inclusion, which is a field he worked in as the assistant to the director on inclusion and diversity at the Missouri Department of Conservation.

Earlier this year, Kansas passed a law prohibiting college and universities from requiring prospective students or staff to disclose their views on DEI initiatives  Kelly let the bill pass without a signature, saying she doesnt believe schools in Kansas engage in the conduct targeted in the bill.

Lawmakers have described DEI as installing a liberal political culture in the companies and schools that use DEI initiatives. But Kennedy said he had a different interpretation of DEI, and that included things like getting different disciplines within the MDOC to work with each other, as well as for outreach to different stakeholders in the community.

As responsible advocates for fish and wildlife we have to be prepared to reach across the board to all of our citizens," Kennedy said, "and so its my job to ensure that our staff were capable and ready to tackle that challenge.

Delayed decision

Sen. Larry Alley, R-Winfield, said the committee wouldnt make a motion to recommend Kennedy at the Monday meeting, and instead would reconvene within 10 days to further discuss the confirmation after receiving more questions from colleagues in the House and Senate.

Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, D-Lenexa, said she was comfortable with making a recommendation at the meeting.

I feel like Im in a position where I can make a recommendation to send this to the Senate, because we then have 40 senators who will vote on this, Sykes said.

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Kansas Senate committee delays decision on Wildlife and Parks leader
(File Photo by Kyle Rivas/Getty Images)

On the debate stage Tuesday, former president Donald Trump reiterated the widely debunked claim that he won the 2020 election. Less than two months from election day, state officials in Ohio and Republican leaders in Congress appear to be laying the groundwork for future claims of fraud if Trump loses in November, an election watchdog is warning.

Failed SAVE

With a federal funding deadline looming, House Speaker Mike Johnson wanted to tie the SAVE Act to government funding legislation. The measure, which passed the House already this year, would require voters across the country to show proof of citizenship before registering to vote.

Although its already illegal to register or vote when you arent eligible, under current law a voter only has to attest to being a citizen. Requiring documentary proof of citizenship is a lot more complicated than it might seem. Go-to documents like a drivers license or a Social Security card wouldnt cut it. Even a birth certificate would be insufficient without a photo ID showing a matching name, which is a potential complication for those who changed their name after marriage.

A University of Maryland study estimates more than 21 million Americans dont have ready access to the documents theyd need.

Rep. Cory Mills R-FL tells us he will vote against the CR, even though he's a sponsor of the SAVE Act. He says it's all messaging and does nothing to control spending. pic.twitter.com/aSYQ5cfxuO  Jamie Dupree (@jamiedupree) September 9, 2024

And the catch is even if Speaker Johnson could find the votes he did previously for the SAVE Act, and force the hand of the U.S. Senate where the measure was dead on arrival, its passage would have no impact on Novembers election.

That led even a SAVE Act co-sponsor to revolt. On social media, Trump urged lawmakers to shut down the government unless they get absolute assurances of election security before voting on a funding measure. He then alleged, without evidence, that Democrats are attempting to register undocumented people.

David Becker, from the Center for Election Innovation and Research, made the point that its too late for the SAVE Acts provisions to affect the upcoming election.

I think theres an important question to ask, and that question is, why now? he said. Why are you raising this now, even if we take what you say as truth, and in most cases, it isnt, why didnt you do something about this before?

He noted Republicans have controlled the U.S. House since the beginning of 2023 (the SAVE Act vote was about two months ago) and Trump was in the White House for four years.

This is about politics, he added, and more importantly, its about fueling perceived claims of an election being stolen in anticipation of what they may believe is going to be a defeat for their preferred candidate.

Wednesday afternoon, Speaker Johnson announced he would delay the vote on a funding bill while he works to shore up support.

Whats happening in Ohio

A bit closer to home, Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose is working in the same vein. Hes recently urged state lawmakers to impose similar proof-of-citizenship requirements at the state level following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling allowing an Arizona law to remain in place. And Wednesday he called on Congress to support his efforts to find alleged noncitizens on the voter rolls.

Earlier this week he referred old cases to the Attorney General. Since taking office, LaRose stated in a press release, his office has sent more than 600 incidents of alleged election fraud to law enforcement.

An Ohio Capital Journal investigation showed almost none of those allegations have resulted in charges, and LaRoses release acknowledges that track record. But instead of seeing shortcomings on his end, LaRose placed the blame on county prosecutors.

Unfortunately, many of these referrals have not been pursued by law enforcement, sometimes by choice and other times due to limited prosecutorial capacity, he said.

LaRose noted the Attorney General can step in when a prosecutor doesnt act within a reasonable time, and insisted the only way to maintain Ohios high standard of election integrity is to enforce the law whenever its broken. Hun Yi, who leads investigations for LaRoses public integrity division, argued prosecutors have had their chance.

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We respect prosecutorial discretion, he wrote in a letter to Attorney General Dave Yost, and we dont necessarily expect all 633 referrals to lead to criminal charges, but only 12 out of 633 shows a second set of eyes might be needed here to determine whether prosecution of these crimes is justified.

The referral of warmed-over cases comes on the heels of two other noncitizen audits in which LaRose wound up flagging recently naturalized citizens. Some of them argue LaRoses audit took a shortcut  lumping them in even though they hadnt made a legally required assertion of noncitizenship to the BMV.

Becker argued that heightened scrutiny is simply not warranted.

Disenfranchising citizens is wrong, he said. Its particularly troubling to disenfranchise citizens who become naturalized and as their first act as a naturalized citizen registered to vote.

So, until they bring any evidence, he added, I think we dont have anything to discuss here. Because this is not a problem.

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Kyle Rivas/Getty Images

On the debate stage Tuesday, former president Donald Trump reiterated the widely debunked claim that he won the 2020 election. Less than two months from election day, state officials in Ohio and Republican leaders in Congress appear to be laying the groundwork for future claims of fraud if Trump loses in November, an election watchdog is warning.

With a federal funding deadline looming, House Speaker Mike Johnson wanted to tie the SAVE Act to government funding legislation. The measure, which passed the House already this year, would require voters across the country to show proof of citizenship before registering to vote.

Although its already illegal to register or vote when you arent eligible, under current law a voter only has to attest to being a citizen. Requiring documentary proof of citizenship is a lot more complicated than it might seem. Go-to documents like a drivers license or a Social Security card wouldnt cut it. Even a birth certificate would be insufficient without a photo ID showing a matching name, which is a potential complication for those who changed their name after marriage.

A University of Maryland study estimates more than 21 million Americans dont have ready access to the documents theyd need.

And the catch is even if Speaker Johnson could find the votes he did previously for the SAVE Act, and force the hand of the U.S. Senate where the measure was dead on arrival, its passage would have no impact on Novembers election.

That led even a SAVE Act co-sponsor to revolt. On social media, Trump urged lawmakers to shut down the government unless they get absolute assurances of election security before voting on a funding measure. He then alleged, without evidence, that Democrats are attempting to register undocumented people.

David Becker, from the Center for Election Innovation and Research, made the point that its too late for the SAVE Acts provisions to affect the upcoming election.

I think theres an important question to ask, and that question is, why now? he said. Why are you raising this now, even if we take what you say as truth, and in most cases, it isnt, why didnt you do something about this before?

He noted Republicans have controlled the U.S. House since the beginning of 2023 (the SAVE Act vote was about two months ago) and Trump was in the White House for four years.

This is about politics, he added, and more importantly, its about fueling perceived claims of an election being stolen in anticipation of what they may believe is going to be a defeat for their preferred candidate.

Wednesday afternoon, U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson announced he would delay the vote on a funding bill while he works to shore up support.

Ohio Capital Journal is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Ohio Capital Journal maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor David Dewitt for questions: info@ohiocapitaljournal.com. Follow Ohio Capital Journal on Facebook and X.
NEW YORK (PIX11)  Before it was dubbed the Big Apple, Gotham, the Empire State, or the City That Never Sleeps, New York City briefly flirted with being nicknamed the New Orange back in the 1600s, according to History.com

In 1673, the Dutch dubbed it New Orange in honor of William III of Orange but that moniker only lasted a year before it reverted to the Big Apple, per the History article.

How NYC boroughs got their name

The original nickname came from sportswriter John FitzGerald in 1920 when he covered the popular horse races. He began referring to the New York racing circuit as the Big Apple in his columns, according to the New York Public Library.

The term, however, took off in the 1970s when Charles Gillet used it to clean up New York Citys troubled image at the time, according to the NYPL. Gillett, who was then president of the non-profit New York Convention and Visitors Bureau, used the Big Apple in a tourism campaign to counteract the citys crime and bankruptcy.

Gillett used local celebrities and made Big Apple merchandise, like stickers and pins, to promote NYC, per the NYPL article. When he died in the 1990s, he was celebrated for changing the citys image.

The Big Apple, however, has nothing to do with New York being one of the countrys leading apple producers, per the History article.

Mira Wassef is a digital reporter who has covered news and sports in the NYC area for more than a decade. She joined PIX11 News in 2022. See more of her work here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.


Image: Donald Lee Pardue/Flickr/CC BY 2.0

A federal court just neutered much of the authority states have to

check unconstitutional federal laws. Its decision must be overturned.

Kamala Harris' vehement anti-gun views, which include support for gun confiscation and a ban on semi-automatic firearms, have reinvigorated a serious and needed debate about the authority states have to check unconstitutional federal laws. Frustratingly, a panel of federal appellate judges just neutered much of that ability in a unanimous ruling to uphold a lower court injunction against a pro-gun Missouri law  and in the process they ignored substance, precedent, and common sense. The judges got it wrong, and our federal system of checks and balances will pay the price if this decision is not overturned.

Missouri was ahead of the pack when their legislature passed the Second Amendment Preservation Act (SAPA) in 2021 and declared many federal gun laws and executive actions unconstitutional. In turn, the new law wholly restricted state authorities from aiding federal officials in the enforcement of these gun laws. The legislation also applied to any future infringements by federal officials on the right of the people to keep and bear arms, thereby casting a wide shield against the future gun-grabbers who could one day occupy Capitol Hill or the White House.

The well-intentioned SAPA greatly restricted the state's cooperation with agencies such as the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), which is actively building a national gun registry, and it made clear state authorities may not offer resources including technology, housing, transportation, and other facilities to federal officials while engaged in the enforcement of federal gun laws. Citizens were provided a private right of action to sue state actors who violated the law, and the penalties were stiff. .....
What are Storm Shadow missiles and why are they crucial for Ukraine?

The UK has supplied Storm Shadow long-range missiles to Ukraine after a request from Kyiv for its fight against invading Russian forces [Getty Images]

There have been strong indications that the US and UK are poised to lift their restrictions within days on Ukraine using long-range missiles against targets inside Russia.

But no confirmation came from talks between US President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in Washington on Friday.

Ukraine already has supplies of these missiles, but is restricted to firing them at targets inside its own borders. Kyiv has been pleading for weeks for these restrictions to be lifted so it can fire on targets inside Russia.

So why the reluctance by the West and what difference could these missiles make to the war?

What is Storm Shadow?

Storm Shadow is an Anglo-French cruise missile with a maximum range of around 250km (155 miles). The French call it Scalp.

Britain and France have already sent these missiles to Ukraine - but with the caveat that Kyiv can only fire them at targets inside its own borders.

It is launched from aircraft then flies at close to the speed of sound, hugging the terrain, before dropping down and detonating its high explosive warhead.

Storm Shadow is considered an ideal weapon for penetrating hardened bunkers and ammunition stores, such as those used by Russia in its war against Ukraine.

But each missile costs nearly US$1 million (767,000), so they tend to be launched as part of a carefully planned flurry of much cheaper drones, sent ahead to confuse and exhaust the enemys air defences, just as Russia does to Ukraine.

They have been used with great effect, hitting Russias Black Sea naval headquarters at Sevastopol and making the whole of Crimea unsafe for the Russian navy.

Justin Crump, a military analyst, former British Army officer and CEO of the Sibylline consultancy, says Storm Shadow has been a highly effective weapon for Ukraine, striking precisely against well protected targets in occupied territory.

"Its no surprise that Kyiv has lobbied for its use inside Russia, particularly to target airfields being used to mount the glide bomb attacks that have recently hindered Ukrainian front-line efforts," he says.

Why does Ukraine want it now?

Ukraines cities and front lines are under daily bombardment from Russia.

Many of the missiles and glide bombs that wreak devastation on military positions, blocks of flats and hospitals are launched by Russian aircraft far within Russia itself.

Kyiv complains that not being allowed to hit the bases these attacks are launched from is akin to making it fight this war with one arm tied behind its back.

At the Globsec security forum I attended in Prague this month, it was even suggested that Russian military airbases were better protected than Ukrainian civilians getting hit because of the restrictions.

Ukraine is under daily bombardment [Getty Images]

Ukraine does have its own, innovative and effective long-range drone programme.

At times, these drone strikes have caught the Russians off guard and reached hundreds of kilometres inside Russia.

But they can only carry a small payload and most get detected and intercepted.

Kyiv argues that in order to push back the Russian air strikes, it needs long-range missiles, including Storm Shadow and comparable systems including American ATACMs, which have an even greater range of 300km.

What difference could Storm Shadow make?

Some, but it may be a case of too little too late. Kyiv has been asking to use long-range Western missiles inside Russia for so long now that Moscow has already taken precautions for the eventuality of the restrictions being lifted.

It has moved bombers, missiles and some of the infrastructure that maintains them further back, away from the border with Ukraine and beyond the range of Storm Shadow.

The Institute for the Study of War think tank (ISW) has identified around 200 Russian bases that would be in range of Storm Shadows fired from Ukraine. Some further additional bases would come into range if the US approves the use of ATACMS missiles in Russia.

But one ex-US official told the BBC that there was scepticism in the White House and the Pentagon about how much difference using Storm Shadow missiles inside Russia would make to Ukraine's war effort.

Justin Crump of Sibylline says while Russian air defence has evolved to counter the threat of Storm Shadow within Ukraine, this task will be much harder given the scope of Moscows territory that could now be exposed to attack.

"This will make military logistics, command and control, and air support harder to deliver, and even if Russian aircraft pull back further from Ukraines frontiers to avoid the missile threat they will still suffer an increase in the time and costs per sortie to the front line."

Matthew Savill, director of military science at Rusi think tank, believes lifting restrictions would offer two main benefits to Ukraine.

Firstly, it might "unlock" another system, the ATACMs.

Secondly, it would pose a dilemma for Russia as to where to position those precious air defences, something he says could make it easier for Ukraines drones to get through.

Ultimately though, says Savill, Storm Shadow is unlikely to turn the tide. Ukraine doesn't have many missiles, and the UK has very few left to give.

And it has been widely reported that, in anticipation of this permission being given, Moscow has already moved the bulk of its air assets and ammunition deeper into Russia, beyond the range of Ukraines missiles.

[BBC]

Why has the West hesitated?

In a word: escalation.

Washington worries that although so far all of President Vladimir Putins threatened red lines have turned out to be empty bluffs, allowing Ukraine to hit targets deep inside Russia with Western-supplied missiles could just push him over the edge into retaliating.

The fear in the White House is that hardliners in the Kremlin could insist this retaliation takes the form of attacking transit points for missiles on their way to Ukraine, such as an airbase in Poland.

US President Joe Biden and Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky addressed a recent Nato summit in Washington [EPA]

If that were to happen, Nato's Article 5 could be invoked, meaning the alliance would be at war with Russia.

Ever since Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022, the White House's aim has been to give Kyiv as much support as possible without getting dragged into direct conflict with Moscow, something that would risk being a precursor to the unthinkable: a catastrophic nuclear exchange.

Nonetheless, it has allowed Ukraine to use Western supplied missiles against targets in Crimea and the four partially occupied regions that Russia illegally annexed in 2022. While Moscow considers these regions part of its territory, the claims are not recognised by the US or internationally.

Putin's claims of Western involvement

One reason President Putin views the use of Storm Shadow as a direct intervention in the war by the US and UK is his belief that Ukrainian troops cannot use long-range missile systems without the aid of Western specialists.

He told reporters in Russia that "only servicemen of Nato countries can input flight missions into these missile systems," adding that Kyiv also relies on satellite intelligence supplied by the West to choose targets.

Manufacturer MBDA declined to comment on the claims when approached by the BBC, directing queries to the UK Ministry of Defence.

A spokesperson for Ukraine's presidential office also declined to address Putin's allegations, saying they could not comment on "special technical details regarding weapons".

Justin Crump cast doubt on Putin's claim, telling the BBC that if "that claim were true, then Russia would have made it more clearly when the weapons were first supplied, and when they conducted successful and impactful operations against for example the Black Sea Fleet HQ in occupied Crimea".

"The missile is available for export sales; is Russia seriously saying that any buyer would have to have a Nato/UK team to program and use the missile? That must presumably be buried deep in the fine print of the brochure, and wouldn't make it an appealing prospect," he noted.
Rajeev Beheras new all-in-one HR startup, dubbed Every, is either brilliant or crazy.

Crazy because multi-module HR software that does payroll, onboarding, and spend management for small businesses is already a jam-packed market. Competitors include unicorn startups Gusto, Rippling, and Deel; incumbents that are strong in one area and are expanding into others like Mercury and Brex; and many smaller startups like Finally, Paylocity, and AccountsIQ.

Everys investors clearly think Beheras particular take on the idea is brilliant. Every just raised a $22.5 million Series A, led by Redpoint Ventures Alex Bard, with participation from Y Combinator, Okta Ventures, and Base10 Partners Rexhi Dollaku, TechCrunch can exclusively report.

Beheras unique  and possibly brilliant  game plan revolves around his target customers and what he's offering to hook them.

He and his co-founder, Barry Peterson, aimed Every at very early-stage tech startups and will help them do their incorporation documents for free, then set them up with a business bank account as well as other back-office essentials. Every makes its money by charging monthly SaaS fees for other modules, like accounting, and interchange fees.

We spent all this time building pretty advanced expense management, banking, payroll, all that stuff. Now we will release incorporation for founders, and we're going to just give it away for free, Behera said.

After a 30-minute, white-glove onboarding session, startups get an integrated suite of banking, payroll, HR onboarding, HR benefits, bookkeeping, taxes, state compliance, and so on. (As we recently reported, the state compliance stuff is particularly tricky for startups.) Every's customers also get a Slack channel where they can commiserate with other founders.

His customers don't even look at competitors like Rippling once they do the incorporation, he says, because they will already have a bank account with Every and can easily add other modules. So that's our strategy, he said.

The company is currently geared toward startups with fewer than 200 employees, not the growth-stage, deeper pocketed customers where his bigger competitors dominate. The software is intended to support them through their first five years.

The other crazy part is that Behera imagines that his fastest growing customers will graduate off of Every, at least until the day when Every itself is a growth-stage fintech with software that can handle bigger customers.

Y Combinator connection

But perhaps his true secret sauce is his Y Combinator connections.

Every was in the Summer 2023 cohort. Behera, age 42, didnt need to learn the startup ropes at YC. He is best known for co-founding HR employee reviews company Reflektive and selling it to Learning Technologies Group in 2021 for an undisclosed sum, after it had raised over $100 million venture funding from the likes of Andreessen Horowitz and TPG.

Hes also husband to Surbhi Sarna, who founded and sold nVision Medical to Boston Scientific for $275 million in 2018. Shes now a YC adviser. So Every has grown its customer base by being close to the Valleys preeminent startup factory. About half of its 150-ish customers come from YC's network, Behera said.

Then again, Rippling, Brex, Gusto, and Deel are also YC alums who have access to the same YC network. So Everys competition with these bigger companies is baked in as well.

Behera took two years off after selling his last company. I did a company for eight years. I was pretty burnt out, he said.

But in another possible sign of craziness, he's doing another HR startup the hard way: Instead of partnering with other fintechs for modules, he and Peterson  his former head of engineering at Reflektive  coded all of their HR payroll and banking products from scratch.

Until two months ago, he did all the sales, customer onboarding of the first 50 customers, customer support, and product specs and designs himself.

Then help came, in the form of Bard, his seed investor from Redpoint. Bard called asking to lead the Series A (a preemptive deal, as they say in the VC world). Other VCs piled in because they were hearing from their portfolio companies who were already using Every, said Base10s Dollaku.

Rajeev told us what he was building, and we funded it for the Series A, Dollaku said. Many founders were using Every and that's how many investors heard about Every in the first place. Because he wasn't raising money. He didn't need to.

The Series A deal came together in about two weeks, Behera said. He wouldnt reveal the company's valuation but did say it was a standard 20% round, which, we calculate, should put the valuation around $112.5 million. Today he has about 20 employees and will use the money to hire and expand, primarily his engineering team, as well as to pay for the free incorporation and onboarding business model.
The wife of a California inmate will receive $5.6 million after being sexually violated during a strip search when she tried to visit her husband in prison, her attorneys said Monday.

After traveling four hours to see her husband at a correctional facility in Tehachapi on September 6, 2019, Christina Cardenas was subject to a strip search by prison officials, drug and pregnancy tests, X-ray and CT scans at a hospital, and another strip search by a male doctor who sexually violated her, a lawsuit said.

My motivation in pursuing this lawsuit was to ensure that others do not have to endure the same egregious offenses that I experienced, Cardenas said.

Of the $5.6 million settlement, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation will pay $3.6 million and the rest will be paid by the other defendants, which include two correctional officers, a doctor and the Adventist Health Tehachapi Valley hospital.

Prison officials conducted their searches on the basis of a warrant, which said a strip search could only be conducted if an X-ray found any foreign objects that could be contraband in Cardenas body, her attorneys said. However, neither the X-ray or CT scan found any evidence of such.

She was also put in handcuffs in a humiliating perp walk while being taken to and from the hospital and denied water or use of a bathroom during the majority of the search process. She was told she had to pay for the hospitals services and later received invoices for a combined total of more than $5,000. Despite no contraband being found in any of her belongings or her body, Cardenas was denied her visit with her husband.

One of the prison officials asked her, Why do you visit, Christina? You dont have to visit. Its a choice, and this is part of visiting, according to Cardenas.

We believe the unknown officers statement was a form of intimidation used to dismiss Christinas right to visit her lawful husband during the course of his incarceration, Cardenas attorney Gloria Allred said.

Cardenas also had to undergo a strip search during a previous visit to marry her husband and continued to experience difficulties during her visits to him, though not to the same extent as the September 6, 2019 incident. Her husband remains in custody.

The settlement also requires the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to distribute a policy memorandum to employees that better protects the rights of visitors who have to undergo strip searches. This includes ensuring the search warrant is read and understood by the visitor, that the visitor receives a copy of the warrant, that the scope of the warrant is read and understood by everyone involved, and the scope of the warrant is not exceeded.

Cardenas is not alone in what she experienced from correctional officers, Allred said, and hopes this case will help protect the rights of spouses and family members who visit their loved ones in prison.

California prisons have faced an ongoing problem of sexual abuse and misconduct, with the the US Justice Department announcing it had opened an investigation into allegations that correctional officers systematically sexually abused incarcerated women at two state-run California prisons.

Earlier this year the federal Bureau of Prisons announced it will close a womens prison in Northern California known as the rape club after an Associated Press investigation exposed rampant sexual abuse by correctional officers.

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Wildfire smoke filling the air? Heres what you should be doing

Two men and a dog walk in the Avenues above downtown Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. Smoke from three major wildfires in Southern California blew into Utah Wednesday, causing air quality to plummet as the sky filled with haze. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

With smoke from the wildfires burning throughout the west shrouding Utah skies, the Salt Lake County Health Department says this is what you can do to improve the air quality inside your home and protect your lungs:

Start by checking the air quality in your neighborhood.

Theres a real-time air quality map available online at SLCo.to/AirQuality. Expect to see lots of orange along the Wasatch Front indicating unhealthy air on the countys AirView map, provided in partnership with TELLUS and developed in collaboration with the University of Utah Research Foundation.

Use fans rather than opening windows or running swamp coolers.

If you dont have air conditioning, the federal Environmental Protection Agency recommends cooling down with fans and keeping windows shut. Swamp cooler use should be limited as much as possible since the units bring in air from outside.

Have air conditioning? Make sure you switch to a recirculating option if available.

Smoke fills the Salt Lake Valley Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. The smoke is coming from wildfires in the western U.S. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

Some window air conditioning units have settings to recirculate air that should be used on bad air days instead of bringing in outside air. The same advice goes for central air systems that offer a fresh or outdoor air circulation option: turn if off temporarily.

Dont make the air quality worse by burning.

Burning or cooking outside is ill-advised during wildfires, the health department says, warning that recreational fires or smoker grills add to the poor air quality.

Consider buying an indoor air purifier.

Indoor air purifiers should be used on the highest possible setting during fires, according to EPA recommendations. Have a central air system with filtration? Run the systems fan on the highest possible setting to help move out air particles that might have settled.

Postpone house cleaning.

Vacuuming kicks up dust and small particles and can make indoor air quality worse, unless your vacuum has HEPA filtration. So the health department suggests putting off vacuuming while theres wildfire smoke in the air.

Avoid too much activity.

A smoke or wildfire event is a good excuse to skip strenuous exercise, especially outdoors, the health department says, since cardiovascular exercise increases the amount of air you take into your lungs.

Wear a mask outdoors.

If air quality is visibly poor, use an N95 or KN95 mask (or better) when outdoors.

The Wasatch Mountains are barely visible from Ensign Peak in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. Smoke from three major wildfires in Southern California blew into Utah Wednesday, causing air quality to plummet as the sky filled with haze. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News
Sign for the Wisconsin Elections Comission. (Wisconsin Examiner photo)

The Wisconsin Elections Commission on Wednesday approved the final text on a permanent administrative rule guiding the conduct of election observers at polling places in the state. After two years of work and multiple rounds of public comment, the rule will now be sent to Gov. Tony Evers who can decide to send it to a legislative committee for final approval.

While this is the first permanent rule approved by the commission since the agencys creation in 2016, the rule wont be in effect for the election in November.

The administrative rule guides how election observers are allowed to act in a polling place, where they are allowed to stand and how close to certain activities theyre allowed to be. The rule also lays out how observers can challenge certain activities they witness; when and how election officials can remove observers from the polling place; and what members of the news media are allowed to do, including taking pictures or video inside polling places.

The rule was approved 5-1. Republican commissioner Robert Spindell cast the only no vote after a number of speakers during the meetings public comment period objected to some of the rules provisions and questioned if it would be approved by the Republicans who control the Legislatures Joint Committee on the Review of Administrative Rules (JCRAR).

We need to make sure that this thing is acceptable and get through the Legislature, Spindell said. I think at this point in time, its my opinion that if we put forth this rule right now, its not going to make it.

But Commissioner Don Millis, also a Republican, warned about letting perfect be the enemy of good, especially on a body like the elections commission, in which any action requires a bipartisan compromise due to the need for a four-vote majority and the bodys three-three partisan divide.

What frustrates me is  oftentimes the perfect becomes the enemy of the good, Millis said. I would like to see some of the changes that were talked about, but weve debated that, and if I could, if it were up to me, I would make many of those changes. If I could do it by fiat, I would do it, but we have a commission that has six votes, and it was necessary for every aspect of this rule to get four votes. Politics is the art of the possible. So what you try to do is you try to get done what you can.

Democratic Commissioner Ann Jacobs said the rulemaking process included an advisory committee that drew input from a wide array of political perspectives, but it was time to move forward.

Eventually you have to stop, she said. We can fiddle and fiddle and fiddle and the only thing that we wind up with is nothing.

After the vote, Spindell said he regretted having to vote no, but after the commission briefly celebrated the staff and work required to pass an administrative rule, Democratic Commissioner Mark Thomsen said if he really regretted the no vote, then you have the guts and you vote it.

With the approved rule not taking effect until after November, the commission debated the creation of a pocket guide for election officials and observers that outlines expectations for how observers should behave at a polling place, when officials should remove observers or get law enforcement involved, and what the penalties for election interference are.

Spindell objected to including those penalties, arguing that telling observers theyre subject to fines and imprisonment if they interfere with someone voting might discourage people from observing.

I cant tell you how terrible I think this is in terms of the observers, he said. Its trying to discourage observers, and what will happen when this thing gets out, itll be published, and theyll start putting that in there. If youre an observer, youre going to get put in jail for six months and $1,000 fine and all this stuff. So I think it needs to be completely, you know, completely revised.

Other commissioners questioned how simply being made aware of what the law already is would be discouraging. Jacobs noted that election observing has become more common in recent years, with outbursts becoming more regular. Earlier this year in a Democratic special election primary, right-wing election conspiracy theorists disrupted voting at multiple polling places in Glendale, Jacobs pointed out.

If people are like, I dont like the existing rules, well, thats fine, they can make a petition about that, she said. But the thing is, what were writing down is you dont have the right to disturb an election site. And if the chief inspector tells you, you know, Im denying your challenge and you need to go and return to your observing, and they refuse, yeah, the chief has the right to remove them. Thats already the law. If people are worried about that, then they have to think about their own behavior.

November preparations

Outside of the rulemaking processes, the commission took action on a number of issues to get ready for the presidential election in November. WEC Administrator Meagan Wolfe presented a report detailing the preparations by the agency and local election clerks across the state.

There is a tremendous amount of work that goes into preparing for a presidential election, work that spans the totality of the last four years, Wolfe said. Election officials have worked tirelessly to prepare for this election, and this report is meant to be an open window to those preparations. I feel confident the WEC and local election officials put in the work to ensure that we are ready. Well-run elections do not happen by chance. They are the result of intentional preparations.

The commission also approved sending municipal election clerks updated documents for the manuals clerks use to answer questions that may arise on Election Day.

They spent much of that discussion on a clarification about military voters.

Active duty military members with a permanent residence in Wisconsin but stationed elsewhere in the country or around the world can cast absentee ballots in Wisconsin and are eligible for exemptions to a number of requirements that other voters are subject to. These voters dont need to register to vote and dont need to provide a photo ID to obtain an absentee ballot.

But, sometimes active duty military members might be at home on leave on Election Day and show up to the polls to vote. That can cause confusion for clerks, because in this instance the person is not technically a military voter and would need to register to vote and follow normal procedures.

Clarifying that military electors must always be absentee electors is important to eliminate confusion at the polls on Election Day, the communication to clerks states. Simply put, if an elector is registering to vote in-person on Election Day at their polling place, they do not meet the definition of a military elector because they are not voting via absentee ballot. While they may meet the service definition of a military elector, Wisconsin law is clear that military voters must be voting absentee in order to be exempt from voter registration and proof of residence requirements.

The commission voted 5-1, with Spindell the only no vote, to approve the changes to the Election Day manuals.

The commission also discussed and approved recommendations to clerks for emergency Election Day plans. Municipalities are encouraged to have approved these plans more than 30 days before the election and designate alternate polling locations if, for example, a polling place cant be used because of a fire, gas leak or other type of emergency.

Recommendations for clerks also include how they should alert voters to that change, with commissioners discussing which officials are qualified to wait at the initial polling site and redirect voters who show up, debating the use of the term proper person and if that should be expanded to include police and fire personnel or other types of officials such as gas and utility workers.

It seemed to me that a proper person would also include law enforcement and could also include emergency personnel, Jacobs said. You can think of a situation where it is dangerous for a lay person to be out, directing people, and youd want to either have the emergency personnel, like the bridge is going to fall in, go somewhere else, or a police officer doing that same function.

The commission also discussed a voter registration and outreach campaign the agencys staff is working on with an outside advertising agency. Under the states agreement with a nationwide organization that tracks when voters move to or die in other states, Wisconsin is required to send a postcard to voters in the state who are eligible but not registered to vote and provide information for how to do so.

This year, the commission got an exemption from that rule and is instead running this campaign. Millis noted that whatever the final campaign looks like, the commission needs to head off any potential political blowback by being able to prove it wasnt targeted at any specific portion of the state.

I think we should try to do whatever we can to make sure that were pinging phones and digital devices as much in, you know, Marinette and Black River Falls as we are in Madison and Milwaukee I think that would be hugely important for the credibility of this, Millis said. And I think that when the analytics come back, I think itd be useful for us, because were going to certainly get questions from the public and from legislators saying, well, this is just a get out the vote scheme for Madison and Milwaukee. And I dont believe thats what it is, but I dont want the program to be susceptible to that complaint.
A PFAS advisory sign along Starkweather Creek. (Henry Redman | Wisconsin Examiner)

The Wisconsin Supreme Court on Wednesday announced it will hear a case over the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) ability to address PFAS contamination under the states decades-old spills law.

The spills law allows the DNR to hold polluters responsible for toxic contamination of the environment. The lawsuit, brought by Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce WMC, the states largest business lobby, argues that the DNR needs to promulgate an administrative rule to update the chemicals it can apply the spills law to and therefore cant apply the law to PFAS contamination.

Filed in 2021 in Waukesha County Circuit Court, the case has worked its way through the judicial system, with judges at the circuit and appellate court level agreeing with WMC at each level. But the judges in the majority on the District 2 Court of Appeals are among the most conservative in the state.

On Wednesday, with the case heading to the liberal-controlled Supreme Court, environmental groups celebrated.

We are pleased that the Supreme Court has agreed to hear this case, and we are confident the DNRs efforts to keep Wisconsin families safe from PFAS contamination will ultimately be vindicated by the states highest court, Midwest Environmental Advocates Staff Attorney Rob Lee said in a statement.

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The aftermath of the Russian strikes on Donetsk Oblast on 12 September. Photo: Donetsk Oblast Military Administration

Russian forces targeted the settlements of Krasnoiarske and Kostiantynivka in Donetsk Oblast on 12 September, claiming the life of an 81-year-old woman and leaving six other people injured.

Source: Vadym Filashkin, Head of Donetsk Oblast Military Administration; Donetsk Oblast Prosecutor's Office

Quote from the prosecutor's office: "The investigation has found that Russian forces struck the village of Krasnoiarske in the Pokrovsk district. As a result of a munition hit, a fire broke out in one of the houses occupied by a family of five. An 81-year-old woman has been killed in the attack. Her 58-year-old son and his 49-year-old wife, as well as two 21- and 28-year-old grandsons, sustained contusions."

Details: Law enforcement officers have launched a pre-trial investigation over the violation of the laws and customs of war. The Russians also injured two people in Kostiantynivka. In total, the Russian military damaged 13 houses, power lines, a gas pipeline and a car.

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The woman accused of fatally striking a Fort Worth police sergeant while driving drunk had a blood alcohol concentration above the legal limit, the crash report states.

De Aujalae Evans, 25, is currently in the Tarrant County Jail and charged with intoxicated manslaughter of a peace officer in the Aug. 12 death of Sgt. Billy Randolph. Evans had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.12 at the time of the crash, according to the report completed by investigators. The legal limit in Texas is less than .08.

Police say Evans was driving the wrong way on a southbound Interstate 35W off-ramp at Sycamore School Road when she hit Randolph. The 56-year-old sergeant was responding to an 18-wheeler crash and fire in the early hours of Aug. 12. Fellow officers rushed him to John Peter Smith Hospital, but he didnt survive his injuries.

Evans left the scene, according to her arrest warrant affidavit. Officers pursued her for about a quarter of a mile before she got out of her car and ran toward a Motel 6.

Police caught up with Evans and arrested her in the motel parking lot. She told investigators she drank about 10 shots in the four hours before the crash, the warrant states.

Evans and her attorney, Stephen Gordon, filed a motion Aug. 22 requesting a reduction in her bail, which is set at $750,000, according to court records.

The motion called the bond amount excessive, oppressive and beyond the financial means of Defendant and requested a hearing to reduce Evans bond to a reasonable amount.

Evans was on probation for another charge at the time she allegedly hit Randolph, according to court documents. In April she pleaded guilty to aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in a 2023 shooting that injured her girlfriend.

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Evans had been offered a plea bargain in the assault case, and the original terms of her probation included abstaining from alcohol and drugs, not committing any other crimes in Texas, submitting to regular drug tests and completing 240 hours of community service.

The Tarrant County Criminal District Attorneys Office filed a petition the day after Randolphs death seeking to revoke Evans probation in the assault case and hold her without bond pending a hearing, according to court records. As part of the plea bargain, Evans was originally given six years of probation with deferred adjudication. Prosecutors are now asking for the case to be adjudicated and for a reassessment of Evans punishment.

Evans and Gordon filed a motion on Aug. 22 requesting a hearing to set bond in the assault case, court records state.

No hearings have been scheduled for the intoxicated manslaughter case or the aggravated assault case as of Thursday, according to court documents. Gordon told the Star-Telegram in a Sept. 4 email that things were busy at the courthouse and that was the reason for the delay.
Woman accused of killing and eating a cat in Ohio is not an immigrant, was born in Canton

An Ohio woman is facing charges after police say she killed and ate a cat.

Our sister station WHIO in Dayton reports Alexis Ferrell, 27, of Canton, is accused of killing and eating a cat in front of several other people.

The news comes as some people on social media claimed a case of a Haitian immigrant eating peoples pets was caught on police body camera in Springfield, Ohio. As WHIO reports, the video was actually from Canton, which is more than two hours away from Springfield in Northeast Ohio.

Former President Donald Trump also brought up claims immigrants were eating pets in Springfield during Tuesdays presidential debate.

Ferrell is not Haitian. She was born in Ohio and graduated from high school in Canton, according to public records and newspaper reports the Associated Press reviewed.

Springfield city leaders shared the following statement with WHIO:

In response to recent rumors alleging criminal activity by the immigrant population in our city, we wish to clarify that there have been no credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals within the immigrant community. Additionally, there have been no verified instances of immigrants engaging in illegal activities such as squatting or littering in front of residents homes. Furthermore, no reports have been made regarding members of the immigrant community deliberately disrupting traffic.

Ferrell is charged with prohibitions concerning companion animals, cruelty to animals and disorderly conduct. She was booked into the Stark County, Ohio jail.

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(KRON)  Police have arrested a suspect accused of stabbing a person outside Peets Coffee in Brentwood on Sept. 5, the Brentwood Police Department announced.

Police responded to the coffee shop just after noon. The victim said he was unexpectedly attacked by an unknown suspect.

Brothel busted in South San Francisco apartment complex

At first, the victim thought he was punched, but soon realized he was bleeding from a cut inflicted by a sharp object, BPD said. He was hospitalized. Police did not provide an update on his condition.

The suspect was located near the scene and identified as Melody Boyd, 33, of Antioch. She was arrested and later charged with assault with a deadly weapon by the Contra Costa County District Attorneys Office.

Police did not say what object the suspect used to stab the victim.

Peets Coffee is located at 5411 Lone Tree Way, Suite L-130.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
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Woman arrested in February gets new money laundering charge

WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL)  After almost $81,000 in cash was found in a house on Gossett Drive along with a large amount of drugs and two young children, authorities filed another charge of money laundering on a woman previously charged with child endangerment and drug dealing.

City View student charged with terroristic threat

Keaira Tillman was rejailed on a $50,000 bond on her new charge on September 10.

She and a man were first arrested last February after WFPD Special Operations officers put the home under surveillance after drug activity was suspected.

After a large amount of meth and cocaine was found in a vehicle leaving the residence, the home was searched and officers said they found 3 1/2 pounds of meth and 1 1/2 pounds of cocaine.

There was also $80,714 cash, which included 357 $100 bills.

According to police, Tillman said she had less than $1,500 cash and made around $40,000 a year.

Police obtained records showing Tillman made around $47,000 in declared income in 2023.

Police said one-year-old and 11-year-old children were alone inside the house when it was searched and they had access to drugs and also a loaded Glock handgun.

Tillman posted the $50,000 bond the day after her new arrest on September 11.

When arrested in February she posted $300,000 bonds.

This is a developing story. Stick with Texomas Homepage for updates as more information becomes available. All individuals charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Woman charged with making threats at SF hospital

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) A DeSmet woman is in the Minnehaha County Jail charged with making terrorist threats at a Sioux Falls hospital.

UPDATE: Judge applauds victim in Mitchell case

According to court documents, 45-year-old Sheikha Ough brought a pistol into Avera McKennan on Monday afternoon.

Sheikha Ough

Police say she threatened to shoot several people. She is being held on a $5,000 cash-only bond.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
Woman dies after driving car into South Carolina river following domestic incident

A South Carolina woman has died after crashing her vehicle into the Broad River Wednesday afternoon, according to reports from WOLO.

The Richland County Sheriffs Department said the incident began after they received reports about a domestic incident on Longcreek Drive.

A man told officers that 23-year-old Tierra Hamer had hit him with her car and was trying to do it again.

ALSO READ: Hes truly a hero: Boaters, Jet Ski riders help rescue man from burning boat on Lake Hickory

Hamer, however, had left the scene before police arrived, according to WOLO.

A chase then ensued, leading to Hamer intentionally driving her car through the dead end of Omarest Drive and into the Broad River.

A few hours later, Hamers body was retrieved from the water. She was pronounced deceased at the scene, according to WOLO.

The investigation into this incident is active and ongoing.

VIDEO: Boaters, Jet Ski riders help rescue man during boat fire on Lake Hickory




Woman Finds Her Own Brothers Remains Just Yards from Fatal Car Crash That Occurred 3 Months Prior

My brother was right here. If they would have searched they would have found my brother," Katie Lewis said

Morgan County Sheriff's Office/X photo from Morgan County Sheriff's Office (Alabama)

The body of an Alabama man who went missing in late May was recently found by one of his relatives on Monday, Sept. 2.

On May 30, Kody Martin was reported missing. At the time, the only thing police had to go on was that his car was found after it crashed into a telephone pole. Martin had not been seen or heard from since, and no solid leads turned up, his sister, Katie Lewis told WAFF recently.

She alleged that police dropped the ball investigating her brother's disappearance.

Honestly, I never want to drive down this road again, Lewis said of County Road 55 in Cullman. Its just unfair that he had to sit here for three months.

Investigators and Coroner Jeff Chunn have responded to HWY 55 in the Cole Sping area where a body has been located. The subject had been reported missing in Blount County earlier this year. Family is aware. No foul play is supected. pic.twitter.com/CNtt5MSrG6  Morgan County Sheriff's Office (Alabama) (@morgan_sheriff) September 4, 2024

I was sick of waiting, and I called and found out where the wreck happened and I had to go, Lewis told the news station in an article published on Sept. 6. I just felt him, I knew. We just knew that he was here.

Lewis trusted her intuition and went to the scene of the wreck to see if she could find any clues as to what happened to her sibling. What she found was far more devastating.



Related: Wells Fargo Employee Found Dead in Her Cubicle 4 Days After She Clocked in for Work

He was not protected and they did not serve that day, Lewis said after discovering his remains on Sept. 2. My brother was right here. If they would have searched they would have found my brother.



As she grieves the loss of her brother, Lewis is also asking for legislation to be passed to ensure that nothing like this ever happens again.

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Her suggestion: Either a K-9 or a foot search is made of the area and that they locate them.

Before Lewis interview with WAFF, the Morgan County Sheriff's Office issued a statement.

Investigators and Coroner Jeff Chunn have responded to HWY 55 in the Cole Sping area where a body has been located. The subject had been reported missing in Blount County earlier this year. Family is aware. No foul play is suspected, the MCSO said in a post on X (formerly known as Twitter) on Sept. 3.

The Morgan County Coroner used dental records to identify the Martin, reports ABC 33/40.

PEOPLE reached out to the Morgan County Sheriff's Office Wednesday, Sept. 11, but did not immediately receive a response.



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LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)  Police are investigating a truck crashing into the Curious Book Shop on Grand River across from the Michigan State University campus in East Lansing.

East Lansing Police and Michigan State Police are currently on the scene. A witness tells 6 News a young woman was taken away in an ambulance. The witness says the woman was alert and awake.

WLNS is on the scene about a car crashing into a bookstore in East Lansing.

WLNS is on the scene while police investigate a car crashing into a bookstore in EL.

Police confirmed someone ran from the scene and another person got hurt and was transferred to the hospital

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News.
HASTINGS, Mich. (WOOD)  A woman who state prosecutors say sent hundreds of emails and voicemails to Barry County prosecutors will serve probation.

Rita Williams, 37, of Richland, was sentenced Wednesday to two years of probation and ordered not to have any contact with or try to contact the Barry County Prosecutors Office.

The Michigan Attorney Generals Office says Williams emailed and called the Barry County Prosecutors Office hundreds of times about her husbands case after he pleaded to an embezzlement charge and was sentenced in January to between 10 and 20 years in prison. Prosecutors told her to stop calling, but the AGs Office said she persisted gratuitously, sending harassing messages to the attorneys on both their work and personal devices.

In October of last year, the AGs Office charged her with misdemeanor stalking. She pleaded no contest earlier this year to two of the three counts against her.

At sentencing, Judge William Doherty warned Williams that if she tries to contact the prosecutors, she could find herself in jail.

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Woman shot in Prince Georges County, police say

PRINCE GEORGES COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now)  The Prince Georges County Police Department (PGPD) said a woman was shot in Hillcrest Heights Wednesday night.

Maryland man arrested for fatal shooting in Northeast DC

PGPD said the woman was shot at around 8:42 p.m. in the 4700 block of Medora Lane.

She was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
A woman sued the The Park School in Baltimore County on Thursday alleging she was sexually abused by a math teacher when she was in sixth grade in the 1980s.

Identified as Jane Doe in the complaint, the woman is suing the school under Marylands Child Victims Act, which eliminated time limits for people sexually abused as children to file civil actions against their abusers and the institutions that enabled their torment.

The Supreme Court of Maryland is currently weighing whether the child victims law is constitutional, having heard oral argument from attorneys on both sides of the debate Tuesday. Scores of lawsuits have been filed under the law, which took effect Oct. 1, targeting the likes of churches, schools and youth prisons for abuse committed by priests, teachers and guards.

Filed Thursday in Baltimore County Circuit Court, Jane Does complaint alleges that longtime teacher Alfred H. Siemon II began grooming her in sixth grade under the guise of tutoring her. At one point, he asked her to sit on a counter in his classroom and told her he was going to give her a backrub, placing his hands beneath her shirt and bra.

When Siemon performed this sexualized massage of the minor Plaintiff, she froze with discomfort, shock and fear, unable to figure out how to get out of the situation, the lawsuit reads.

Siemon allegedly offered the girls single mother a discounted rate for her daughter to attend a traveling summer camp he owned, according to the complaint.

During the Happy Trails Camp trip in the summer of 1983, Siemon began a sustained campaign of inappropriate, sexualized and obsessive targeting of the then 12-year-old Plaintiff, the lawsuit reads. Siemon was seen publicly pulling her onto his lap on various occasions for his own sexual gratification.  He incessantly asked the Plaintiff to come to his room alone, offering incentives like candy or snacks.

The camps co-owner allegedly witnessed the abuse and told Park School and the girls mother about it. According to the complaint, the schools then headmaster met with the mother and denied the abuse occurred, but rather blamed Plaintiff by stating that little girls get crushes on their teachers. The headmaster did not report Siemon to the authorities.

Plaintiff, the lawsuit reads, developed many of the hallmarks of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms of child sexual abuse.  As an outlet for the intolerable and constant sense of shame, she began to beat her arms and legs with a belt, and cut her arms with a sharp belt buckle. Scars from this cutting are still on her arms decades later.

The complaint added that the girl isolated herself at Park, spending most school hours in close proximity to a female librarian. Sex education class, the complaint added, further traumatized her.

Siemon remained at Park for five years after allegedly abusing the girl, according to the complaint. It was not until 2018 that the school, under new leadership, acknowledged her abuse and that it had been made aware of her allegations. The school hired a private security and investigations firm to look into her abuse.

T&M Protection Resources investigation confirmed that Siemon abused the girl, while finding, based on additional, similar reports and on a close examination of school records, that he had engaged in a general pattern of behavior directed at female Middle School students that included inappropriate physical touching and boundary crossing, the lawsuit reads.

Siemon is dead, according to the complaint, which charges negligence and seeks more than $75,000 in damages.

Dan Paradis, current head of school at Park, did not respond immediately to a message Thursday requesting comment.

In 2019, Paradis and Park School Board President Betsy Berner outlined the findings of the investigation in an email to the school community, which Jane Does lawyer, Robert J. Robbie Leonard, shared with The Baltimore Sun. The email said there were instances of sexual misconduct by two other former employees, while offering their sincere apology to any individual who has been affected by the misconduct of a Park employee.

All students and employees are entitled to a safe, supportive learning and working environment. Park School maintains a Harassment and Abuse Policy that we regularly review, refine, and communicate, Paradis and Berner wrote. Our faculty participates in scheduled training and education on the topics of harassment, misconduct, and mandatory reporting.

The school also set aside money to pay for counseling for victims of sexual abuse, according to an undated letter also shared by Leonard, who ran unsuccessfully for Baltimore County States Attorney in 2022.

The Child Victims Act passed into law in 2023 allows the survivors to seek more meaningful recovery for the decades of trauma they have experienced, Leonard said in a statement. Todays Complaint is the first real step in accountability.
BINGHAMTON, NY (WIVT/WBGH)  Binghamton police confirmed an arrest was made after two community blessing boxes were destroyed in the past two weeks.

Friends in Need Blessing Box has setup eight locations across Broome County where people can donate and pickup free food, and hygiene products 24/7.

The footage youre seeing was taken outside of the Crossroads of Life Church on Exchange Street in Binghamton.

The video shows a women breaking open the box, kicking in the door, and throwing the food onto the sidewalk, before she walks away giving the middle finger.

Two days earlier, a similar incident occurred at the Rano Boulevard blessing box in Vestal.

The co-founder of the blessing box program, Kim Palacios, says now they have to build another box, which costs around $350.

One of our volunteers went to fill the box on Rano Boulevard and it was destroyed. It was completely in pieces, unfixable. Were not sure who did that or why they did it, but the food was thrown all over the floor, says Palacios.

Captain Minor Cory confirmed that as a result, Binghamton Police arrested 40-year-old Colleen Matthews for criminal mischief.

Palacios says because of the incident on Exchange Street, the Crossroads of Life Church has asked them to relocate the box to avoid similar incidents in the future.

She says its being relocated to Union Street in Johnson City.

You can find the addresses for every blessing box on Facebook by looking up Friends in Need Blessing Box Project.

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Woody Harrelson wants snacks, soft drinks at his cannabis cafe. He needs Newsom's signature

Woody Harrelson, a co-owner of the Woods cannabis lounge in West Hollywood, is asking Gov. Gavin Newsom to sign a bill allowing the sale of food and soft drinks along with weed. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Woody Harrelson is taking a cannabis bill to the higher-ups.

The Emmy-winning actor and longtime marijuana activist is urging Gov. Gavin Newsom to sign legislation that would permit Amsterdam-style cannabis cafes in California. After all, he has a personal stake in the matter: He's a co-owner of the Woods WeHo cannabis dispensary and lounge in West Hollywood.

We just need a tiny little crumb and that is the ability to sell noncannabis items in the lounge, Harrelson said in a recorded video that the bill's author, Assemblymember Matt Haney (D-San Francisco), posted Monday on Instagram. I don't see how that hurts anybody. Let's please make this happen.

The three-time Oscar nominee, who last year visited Capitol Hill to urge lawmakers to legalize marijuana at the federal level, called the California bill extremely important for lounges and dispensaries across the state that are facing closure due to all of the taxation, all of the regulation which is crippling our industry.

Read more: I spent 4 hours and 20 minutes in the state fairs new weed lounge. Heres how it went

Im actually an anarchist. I dont even like government, the actor said, but here I am trying to do the right thing, and I hope that Newsom, etc. will do the right thing.

A representative for Harrelson did not respond immediately Wednesday to The Times' request for additional comment.

Newsom last year vetoed a prior iteration of the bill, citing concerns about long-standing smoke-free workplace protections.

At the governors urging, Haney in January introduced a revised version of the bill which has since passed the Assembly and state Senate with ease. Newsom has yet to issue a verdict.

If signed, AB 1775 would authorize local jurisdictions to allow licensed cannabis retailers to prepare and sell non-cannabis food and nonalcoholic beverages. The bill would also allow the cafes to host live music and other performances.

Read more: This new West Hollywood weed lounge is a mind-bending, must-see jungle oasis

Haney expressed hope Friday at a news conference at the Woods dispensary that Newsom would support the legislation.

The governor recently said that the future happens here first, he said. Well, this is the future. This is the future when it comes to adult-use cannabis. Its the future when it comes to supporting our cannabis small businesses and their ability to thrive.

Haney continued to say that voters passed Proposition 64 in 2016 because they wanted to be able to use legal cannabis in a social setting and yet at the same time, [the state has] kept in this arbitrary, misguided, backwards prohibition" on dispensaries getting involved with anything other than weed. (Cannabis cafes in West Hollywood operate with workarounds that separate their food businesses from the dispensaries, including partnering with nearby restaurants to deliver food to their customers, The Times has previously reported.)

Read more: California lawmakers pass bill allowing Amsterdam-style cannabis cafes

AB 1775 is very simple, Haney said. It lifts that prohibition, enabling Californias legitimate cannabis businesses to thrive and compete with the illegal market that unfortunately is continuing to grow much faster than the legal market.

On top of that, Haney said, legalizing cannabis cafes will create the kind of good jobs, high-paying jobs that are bringing back our commercial districts when still many are struggling after the pandemic.

Newsom has until Sept. 30 to sign or veto the bill, which would go into effect Jan. 1.

Staff writer Laura J. Nelson contributed to this report.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Working Families Party could spoil competitive NY congressional race  as Dem chair urges candidates to stay away

U.S. Representative Mike Lawler (NY-17), flanked by Clarkstown Supervisor George Hoehmann, left, and N.Y. Senator Bill Weber, holds a press conference at Veterans Memorial Park in Nanuet. Friday, August 23, 2024.

The liberal Working Families Party could play spoiler in one of the states most competitive congressional races  even as the state Democratic leader warned candidates it could be poison at the ballot box in swing districts.

Political unknown Anthony Frascone snagged the WFP line from Democrat Mondaire Jones in a stunning primary upset that has the power to hobble Jones chances of beating first-term Republican Mike Lawler in New Yorks hotly contested 17th Congressional District in the Hudson Valley.

Jones  who is still listed as an endorsed by the WFP on its party website  loses out on a second party line in this years election and now contends with the possibility that Frascone may pull votes away and boost Lawler.

No-Show Mondaire Jones couldnt even win a simple primary for the Working Families Party ballot line, Lawler campaign spokesman Chris Russell said.

Now, his chronic absenteeism may cost him at the ballot box in November.

When the Working Families Party started in New York 25 years ago, the GOP controlled the state senate and governors office. Since then, the Working Families Party has flipped them all blue, the Working Families Party co-chair persons said.

From securing a higher minimum wage to funding public education, The Working Families Party ran on issues and endorsed candidates that sided with working New Yorkersand won. Candidates who choose not to run on the WFP line leave votes and voters behind.

But regardless of their choice, we are committed to working with Democrats to defeat Trump and block his radical agenda by working to flip key congressional districts blue. While Republicans continue to side with billionaires, the NY Working Families Party has always, and will always, fight for everyday people.

The WFP ballot line garnered 6,000 votes in the 2020 House campaign, a number that could make the difference between a Democrat winning and losing what is categorized as a toss-up race by the Cook Report.

Lawler is running with the backing of the Conservative Party, giving him a second ballot line for Republicans to win more right-leaning voters.

Former Rep. Jones had represented the lower Hudson Valley in Congress for one two-year term, but declined to run for re-election there in 2022 after congressional maps were drawn.

Instead, Jones opted to run in the 10th Congressional District, which encompasses lower Manhattan and Brownstone Brooklyn  but he lost the Democratic primary to Rep. Dan Goldman.

The WFP ballot line got 6,000 votes in the 2020 House campaign, which could make the difference between a Democrat winning and losing. NY Post composite

The Lawler camp took a jab at Jones back-and-forth.

Perhaps if he hadnt abandoned the 17th District in 2022, voters might actually support him, but, unfortunately for him, thats not the case, Russell said.

Whether or not the WFP is ultimately a factor in the Jones-Lawler battle, the minor party line is being shunned by Long Island Democrats whove told to say no thanks for fear that it could scare away voters who think its policies are too extreme.

Long Island Democratic candidates Rep. Tom Suozzi, John Avlon and Lauren Gillen are all running without the WFP line and instead seeking to run on a new centrist Common Sense line.

Other democrats such as Rep. Tom Suozzi, John Avlon and Lauren Gillen are all running on the Common Sense line John Meore/The Journal News / USA TODAY NETWORK

Suozzis Third District encompasses Nassaus North Shore and parts of Queens, while Avlon is running in the First District in Suffolk County and Lauren Gillen is running in the Fourth District, which covers Nassaus south shore and beach barrier communities.

I advised them not to take the WFP line, said State Democratic Party Chairman Jay Jacobs, who also chairs the Nassau County party.

In places like Long Island, the policies of the WFP are not aligned with the overwhelming majority of voters. It doesnt make sense for a Democrat to take the line and defend their positions.

He said, for example, that the WFP has been critical of Israel in the ongoing war with Hamas in Gaza, a problematic position in heavily Jewish, pro-Israel Long Island.

The WFP has advocated for $40 billion in tax hikes, voting rights for non-citizens, more legalized drug-injection centers and has urged candidates seeking its endorsement to shun backing from law enforcement unions  not popular positions in tax-sensitive, law-and-order Long Island, insiders said.

Three other Democrats are running with WFP backing  Rep. Pat Ryan in the Hudson Valleys 18th District, candidate Josh Riley in the 19th District and John Mannion in the Syracuse regions 22nd District.
Images of those taken hostage or killed during the deadly October 7 attack are displayed, Tel Aviv

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday that more pressure should be put on Hamas to accept a new Gaza deal proposal, after the Palestinian militant group said it was only willing to implement a ceasefire free of new conditions.

The chief U.S. negotiator, CIA head William Burns, said on Saturday that a more detailed ceasefire proposal would be made within several days.

On Wednesday, Hamas' negotiation team met the Qatari and Egyptian mediators in Doha and reiterated their readiness to implement an "immediate" ceasefire with Israel in Gaza based on a previous U.S. proposal without new conditions from any party, the group said in a statement.

"Hamas is trying to hide the fact that it continues to oppose a hostage release deal, and is obstructing it," Netanyahu said in a statement.

He said Israel had accepted the most recent proposal, while "Hamas rejected it and even murdered six of our hostages in cold blood. The world must demand that Hamas free our hostages immediately," Netanyahu said.

The sides have so far failed to reach a deal to end the 11-month-old war, instead trading blame for introducing new demands that have impeded agreements.

Lingering issues include control of the Philadelphi corridor, a narrow stretch of land on Gaza's border with Egypt, as well as the release of some of the Palestinian prisoners who have been convicted of deadly violence.

The original proposal put forward by U.S. President Joe Biden in May laid out a three-phase ceasefire that would include the release of Israeli and foreign hostages.

The war started when Hamas militants attacked Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 people and taking about 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. Israeli forces have thus far killed at least 41,000 Palestinians, the Gaza health ministry says.

(Reporting by Maayan Lubell; Editing by Hugh Lawson)
WSU hosting mini walks to fundraise for breast cancer research

WSU hosting mini walks to fundraise for breast cancer research

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  This week, Wright State University is hosting mini-walks to fundraise for the American Cancer Societys Research to find a cure.

Organizers say every dollar raised counts, and have already raised nearly $600.

Morris submits resignation letter to Miami Township

The university is hosting a bigger walk at Day Air Ballpark on Oct. 12.

To make a donation or join the walk, visit the Making Strides of Greater Dayton website.

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GREENE COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)  WTWO teamed up, once again, with Versiti Blood Centers for the annual Patriot Day Blood Drive.

This event is done in remembrance of September 11th.

On the days that followed September 11th, 2001, Americans showed support to the victims of the attack by donating blood.

Members of Versiti say that giving blood was monumental in the recovery of victims.

I understand I wasnt working for Versiti at the time, but the cars were lined up after the tragic event for people to donate blood because they wanted to find out what do I do. How can I help? Shelly Shearer  Senior Accounting Rep.  Versiti Blood Center of Indiana

The Patriot Day Blood Drive is a two-day event, at two different locations.

Tuesday, WTWO and Versiti were at Baeslers Market in Terre Haute. Wednesday, the truck was at Greene County General Hospital in Linton.

The CEO of the hospital says being a part of something good on a day like this feels great.

On a day that so many lives were taken, I think this is a great way to memorialize that by giving back and giving to be able to save lives. Thats why, its just such an important day, that we remember it and that we dont forget. Thats why we are just so happy to be a part of this blood drive to do that. Brenda Reetz  CEO  Greene County General Hospital

Throughout the day, the blood mobile was full of members of the local community, helping out their neighbors. However, Greene County Hospital wasnt surprised at the support.

Greene County has always been the type of community that just steps up. When somebody needs something, the community comes out in droves to just help. Its not surprising, but it does, it just warms my heart to know that this community just wants to help. This is one of those things where it takes a life to give life, so you have to have others that are willing to donate and give and thats just who Greene County is. Its great.

Versiti says that across the country, there has been a decline in donors and seeing the bus full Wednesday means many lives saved.

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Soon after Joe Biden announced he was ending his bid for re-election, misinformation started spreading online about whether a new candidate could take the presidents place.

Screenshots that claimed a new candidate could not be added to ballots in nine states moved quickly around Twitter, now X, racking up millions of views. The Minnesota secretary of states office began getting requests for factchecks of these posts, which were flat-out wrong  ballot deadlines had not passed, giving Kamala Harris plenty of time to have her name added to ballots.

The source of the misinformation: Twitters chatbot, Grok. When users asked the artificial intelligence tool whether a new candidate still had time to be added to ballots, Grok gave the incorrect answer.

Finding the source  and working to correct it  served as a test case of how election officials and artificial intelligence companies will interact during the 2024 presidential election in the US amid fears that AI could mislead or distract voters. And it showed the role Grok, specifically, could play in the election, as a chatbot with fewer guardrails to prevent the generating of more inflammatory content.

A group of secretaries of state and the organization that represents them, the National Association of Secretaries of State, contacted Grok and X to flag the misinformation. But the company didnt work to correct it immediately, instead giving the equivalent of a shoulder shrug, said Steve Simon, the Minnesota secretary of state. And that struck, I think its fair to say all of us, as really the wrong response, he said.

Thankfully, this wrong answer was relatively low-stakes: it would not have prevented people from casting a ballot. But the secretaries took a strong position quickly because of what could come next.

In our minds, we thought, well, what if the next time Grok makes a mistake, it is higher stakes? Simon said. What if the next time the answer it gets wrong is, can I vote, where do I vote  what are the hours, or can I vote absentee? So this was alarming to us.

Related: How to spot a deepfake: the maker of a detection tool shares the key giveaways

Especially troubling was the fact that the social media platform itself was spreading false information, rather than users spreading misinformation using the platform.

The secretaries took their effort public. Five of the nine secretaries in the group signed on to a public letter to the platform and its owner, Elon Musk. The letter called on X to have its chatbot take a similar position as other chatbot tools, like ChatGPT, and direct users who ask Grok election-related questions to a trusted nonpartisan voting information site, CanIVote.org.

The effort worked. Grok now directs users to a different website, vote.gov, when asked about elections.

We look forward to maintaining open lines of communication this election season and stand ready to respond to any additional concerns you may have, Wifredo Fernandez, Xs head of global government affairs, wrote to the secretaries, according to a copy of the letter obtained by the Guardian.

It was a victory for the secretaries and for stalling election misinformation  and a lesson in how to respond when AI-based tools fall short. Calling out the misinformation early and often can help amplify the message, give it more credibility and force a response, Simon said.

While he was deeply disappointed in the companys initial response, Simon said: I want to give kudos and credit words, too, and it is due here. This is a large company, with global reach, and they decided to do the right and responsible thing, and I do commend them for that. I just hope that they keep it up. Were going to continue monitoring.

Musk has described Grok as an anti-woke chatbot that gives spicy answers often loaded with snark. Musk is against centralized control to whatever degree he can possibly do that, said Lucas Hansen, co-founder of CivAI, a non-profit that warns of the dangers of AI. This philosophical belief puts Grok at a disadvantage for preventing misinformation, as does another feature of the tool: Grok brings in top tweets to inform its responses, which can affect its accuracy, Hansen said.

Grok requires a paid subscription, but holds the potential for widespread usage since its built into a social media platform, Hansen said. And while it may give incorrect answers in chat, the images it creates can also further inflame partisan divides.

The images can be outlandish: a Nazi Mickey Mouse, Trump flying a plane into the World Trade Center, Harris in a communist uniform. One study by the Center for Countering Digital Hate claims Grok can make convincing images that could mislead people, citing images it prompted the bot to create of Harris doing drugs and Trump sick in bed, the Independent reported. The news outlet Al Jazeera wrote in a recent investigation that it was able to create lifelike images of Harris with a knife at a grocery store and Trump shaking hands with white nationalists on the White House lawn.

Now any random person can create something thats substantially more inflammatory than they previously could, Hansen said.
BOSTON (SHNS)  As attorney general, Maura Healey lauded a bid to update the states wiretapping law and flagged it as an important issue. But since taking office as governor, Healey has been mum on the topic and the legislation she lobbied for has gained no traction in the ensuing seven years.

The law at issue dates back to 1968, meaning its concept of wiretapping comes from an era of technology like rotary phones. And the crimes of the day differed, too, leading the original drafters to limit Massachusetts law enforcement to wiretapping organized crime.

Not only is this an effort to update and modernize the laws to give us the tools that we need to be able to do our work in investigating and holding accountable those who need to be held accountable. Its also a recognition of what our Supreme Judicial Court has signaled for a while now, that the nature and the structure and the shape of criminal activity and organized criminal enterprises has changed over time, then-Attorney General Maura Healey said in 2017.

Healey was speaking at a joint press conference in support of Gov. Charlie Bakers bill to update the wiretap statute. Bakers bill was squashed by the Joint Committee on the Judiciary the following year. He refiled it again in 2022, when it was killed by the same committee.

Now, attention is focusing once more on the wiretap law as the Supreme Judicial Court considers a case related to whether Boston police violated the wiretap law in recording a conversation with a drug trafficking suspect using a phone app.

The SJC heard oral arguments last Friday in Commonwealth v. Thanh Du. Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker, a former police chief and state representative, said the SJCs findings are going to be interesting.

And people with various opinions will be watching closely the SJCs decision, as will we, Tucker said Wednesday.

Healey said in 2017 that the existing law on the books can hamstring investigators trying to use wiretaps to probe homicides, gangs, human trafficking, narcotics, rings and other serious violent crimes.

We need to update these statutes to match the organizations and the infrastructure we face and fight across this state. And thats what we have here in todays bill, Healey said of Bakers legislation, which she called a terrific example of collaboration.

The existing law is clearly out of touch with the development of technology and the changes in circumstances that have occurred since it was originally enacted in 1968, Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr said this week.

Tarr and Rep. Jeffrey Turco, a Winthrop Democrat, refiled Bakers text this session (S 1128 / H 1786). Both bills were killed by the Judiciary Committee earlier this year.

Massachusetts is an outlier with regard to the obsolescence of our statute and the need to modify it, Tarr said, pointing not just to technological advancements but also to the reliance on proving an organized crime connection in order to obtain a wiretap warrant. That nexus can be difficult to establish, the Gloucester Republican said.

Murder, manslaughter, rape, drug trafficking. Those things do not necessarily involve organized crime, but they pose a serious threat to public safety. And so the law should be changed to encompass them as it is likely the case in many other states, Tarr said.

Seven years ago, Healey agreed with Tarr.

Joined by district attorneys and police chiefs on the press conference stage in 2017, Healey observed that this is a law that was passed in late 1960s and so much has changed, the technology that we use to communicate and that criminals use to do their work has changed drastically.

In 1968 we didnt have cell phones, we didnt have text messages, we didnt have instant messaging, and thats what today is all about, the then-attorney general said.

The News Service asked Healeys office several questions this week about the governors current position on the wiretap law and whether she had discussed it with either legislative leadership or Attorney General Andrea Campbell.

In response, Press Secretary Karissa Hand said only that the Governor will review any legislation that reaches her desk.

Well, that clearly is the standard response, Tarr said, reacting to Hands statement. But again, given [Healeys] public pronouncements in the past, I would hope that she would continue to be an advocate for changing the law, and not merely await the arrival of a proposed statute on her desk.

Tarr said the issue has not come up yet in the occasional State House leadership meetings he attends with Healey and top Democrat and Republican legislators.

But given her expertise in prosecution and law enforcement, I would think she would remain committed to modernizing the law, but I cannot say specifically. I wouldnt want to speak for her, Tarr said.

A spokesperson for AG Campbell agreed that the law needs to be updated, but offered no specifics for policy points or a timeline for action.

Our wiretap law must balance individual party rights with the importance of conducting thorough law enforcement investigations that enhance public safety. Because of the changes in technology and public safety since 1968, we believe the consideration of updates to the law is timely, and that all stakeholder views should be taken into account, the Campbell spokesperson said in a statement to the News Service.

Campbell has not, at this point, put forward any proposals for how the law should be updated. Her office referenced the ongoing SJC case dealing with the scope of the wiretap law, and said that Campbell would take the eventual SJC ruling into consideration.

The Senate added wiretap provisions to its version of a 2012 criminal sentencing bill, but lead House negotiator Rep. Eugene OFlaherty poured cold water on those sections because they had never been debated by the full House.

OFlaherty and then-Sen. Katherine Clark filed a wiretap bill the following session, but that was shelved without a vote by the Joint Committee on the Judiciary.

Senate President Karen Spilka, who was then a rank and file senator, spoke out at the time against the OFlaherty-Clark bill. Simply put, our Fourth Amendment rights should not be subject to fishing expeditions, Spilka said in 2013.

Tucker recalled working with Maura when she was the AG to file wiretap language.

I get that folks are concerned about it. And I think that it could be written in such a way that it would satisfy probably not all their concerns, but most of them, the district attorney told the News Service, calling an updated statute a good tool to help effectively fight crime.

We have gang issues in Massachusetts. We have gang issues across the country. These are run as criminal enterprises, whether its drug trafficking with violent components to it, and murder, and oftentimes they are sophisticated organizations. And an updated wiretap statute I think would be key in dismantling some of these organizations, Tucker added.

Some have raised concerns with wiretap expansion on civil liberties grounds.

When the Baker administration went back before the Joint Committee on the Judiciary in 2022 for another stab at moving the bill forward, Rep. Chynah Tyler said flags start going off when she hears the word wiretapping.

And I started thinking of issues of privacy, civil rights and human rights and all the things under that umbrella, the Boston Democrat said.

Healey, in 2017, said that Bakers text passed muster for her.

The Baker bill provided updates to the statute that will assist law enforcement to better investigate the most challenging crimes, without compromising the strong protections for civil liberties and civil rights that are also central to our offices work, Healey said at the time.

Tucker said he hopes the Legislature would take a good hard look at this, and scrutinize it.

And maybe, maybe, something could be brought forward in a way that satisfies most people, he said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
Years After She Killed Their Kids, Susan Smith's Husband Reveals What He'd Say to Her if They Came Face to Face

Susan Smith, the South Carolina woman who drowned her two kids in 1994 and is serving a life sentence, will be eligible for parole in November

Dave Martin/AP; SC Department of Corrections David Smith; Susan Smith

The ex-husband of Susan Smith, who drowned their two sons in 1994 and is currently serving a life sentence, is speaking out about what he would say to the convicted killer if they came face to face.

In an exclusive interview with Court TV on Friday, Sept. 13, David Smith shares what he would say to Susan, who will be eligible for parole in November, three decades after the killings in South Carolina. (An exclusive clip of the interview is shown below.)

I would just tell her that you have no idea of how much damage you have done to so many people, David tells Court TV anchor Julie Grant. I would tell her that in my capabilities I'm going to do everything in my power to make sure you stay behind bars.

On Oct. 25, 1994, Smith, then 23, told police that she had been carjacked by a Black man who had taken off with her two young sons still in her car. For nine days, she made tearful pleas on national television for their safe return. But it was all a lie.

Related: Sex, Drugs and Sickness: Inside Susan Smith's Life in Prison After Drowning Her Sons

As her story began to unravel, Smith admitted that there was no carjacker, and that she had let her car roll into a lake with Michael, 3, and Alex, 14 months, still strapped into their car seats. Authorities said she committed the murders because she was secretly dating a man who didn't want children.

Dave Martin/AP; SC Department of Corrections David Smith; Susan Smith

David has previously spoken out about the killings, telling PEOPLE in 2010 that he has never fully recovered from the pain. "There's always this nagging and gnawing heartache," David said. "It's there every day, even if I'm not always conscious of it."

Susan was convicted of two counts of murder and is serving a life sentence in Leath Correctional Institution in Greenwood, S.C.

Dave Martin/AP Susan Smith

According to the South Carolina Department of Corrections, Susan will be eligible for parole on Nov. 4, 2024.

During her time behind bars, Susan received disciplinary infractions for self-mutilation, drug use and possession of narcotics or marijuana, and as a result, she lost multiple privileges, according to records previously obtained by PEOPLE.

Related: Susan Smith, in Jail for Killing Her 2 Kids, Tells New Boyfriend She Wants To 'Start Fresh' if She's Paroled

In 2015, Susan defended herself in a letter to The State, a South Carolina newspaper.

"Mr. Cahill, I am not the monster society thinks I am," she wrote to reporter Harrison Cahill. "I am far from it."

If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.



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Angela Banks was in the hospital recovering from a stroke earlier this year when she found out she had been evicted from her apartment.

Even before the stroke, the preceding months had been trying  she had both lost her job and been diagnosed with cancer. Trying to stay afloat, she had blown through much of her savings.

Discharged and with nowhere to go, the 53-year-old mother of one was facing homelessness.

Banks and her son briefly stayed in a hotel before running out of money. They soon found themselves sleeping in a public park.

Everything just fell apart, she said.

She eventually found her way to Camillus House, a nonprofit that provides critical services, including shelter, to homeless and low-income people in Miami-Dade County. The organization served more than 30,000 people last year. On any given night, it provides shelter to as many as 700 families.

On Wednesday, Banks and 22 others took the stage at Camillus House to celebrate their graduation from two of the nonprofits job training programs. Camillus House launched the programs in 2019, and more than 313 graduates have since passed courses in cooking, hospitality, forklift operation, construction and other industries.

Herminia Herrera, a Hospitality Institute instructor, hands a certificate of completion to Renee Dillard during her graduation ceremony for the Hotel Property Specialist program on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, at Camillus House in Miami.

By giving people skills that will empower them and give them the ability to participate, said Camillus House CEO Eddie Gloria, we also help Miami meet its workforce needs, citing the prominence of the local hospitality and construction industries.

In one of the ceremonys opening speeches, Chef Frank Ferrara  the courses teacher, who handed out diplomas to thunderous applause from the graduates  lauded his students determination. Some people didnt have a bed every night, he said, but they made it through.

Frank Ferrara, culinary instructor, right, hugs graduate Angela Banks during her graduation ceremony for the Kitchen Cook program on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, at Camillus House in Miami.

Soon after arriving at Camillus House, Banks had an aneurysm. I fell over into my food, she remembers. I was in the cafeteria eating lunch.

As she recovered from her third health crisis in one year, Banks, a former first-grade teacher, learned about the Kitchen Cook program, one of the programs meant to equip participants with the skills necessary to reenter the workforce.

Offered in conjunction with Miami Dade College and the city of Miami, the intensive seven-week chef crash course trains students in the ins-and-outs of kitchen work. The syllabus includes everything from recipe reading and sauce making to plating and knife work  all skills needed for one to be a competitive, employable line cook.

Banks, who is still battling cancer, set her sights on becoming a fine dining chef and enrolled in the program.

Being a cancer patient is very stressful, and you can be depressed a lot, she said. I love to cook. I have the opportunity to find peace and love in the kitchen, and it makes me feel good.

Of Wednesdays 23 graduates  some of whom received hotel property specialist certificates, qualifying them to step into roles as hotel maintenance workers  six have already found employment.

Dakisha Hamilton, left, receives a surprise hug from family and friends after her graduation ceremony for the Hotel Property Specialist program on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, at Camillus House in Miami.

Camillus House aims to place at least 70% of its graduates in jobs within six weeks of graduating. To do so, the organization prioritizes assisting clients with resume building, interview preparation and networking skills.

Employment partnerships with local hotels, property management companies and restaurants help Camillus House reach its goal. The Hyatt Regency in downtown Miami and FirstService Residential, a property management company, are two such businesses that have hired Camillus House graduates, said Alessandra Laricchia, the nonprofits community and client engagement manager.

Another key collaborator is Miami Dade College. Overseeing the Kitchen Cook and Hotel Property Specialist programs, the colleges Hospitality Institute has raised upward of $600,000 over the last two years to help Camillus House residents take retraining courses.

Continuing education is a cornerstone of Miami Dade Colleges partnership with Camillus House. Qualifying residents, like Kendrick Moore, get full-ride scholarships.

Kendrick Moore, an assistant culinary instructor who previously completed the program himself, claps for his students during a graduation ceremony for the Kitchen Cook program on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, at Camillus House in Miami. Moore said he was a Marine Corps veteran who became homeless after getting medically discharged. After a few years of living in his car, he found Camillus House and the programs it offered. He now works there to give back.

Moore, 37, said he was discharged from the Marines in 2017 with a knee injury. He struggled to find work and spent the next four years living out of his car, until he came across Camillus House.

I never had any intentions of becoming a chef, Moore said.

Nevertheless, he graduated from the Kitchen Cook program in 2022 and returned this year to help teach the course.

Allen James, left, and Kitchen Cook classmate Dennis Cherry, right, serve people after their graduation ceremony on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, at Camillus House in Miami. When you create these programs and give one of us a shot, were gonna take it, said Cherry.

Occupying somewhat of a keynote speaker role in Wednesdays graduation ceremony, Moore, soft-spoken and smiling, effused appreciation for Camillus House, Miami Dade College and the graduates of this semesters Kitchen Cook class.

Departing the podium, Moore affixed his chefs skull cap to his head and beelined to the back of the room, where he began arranging trays of food. He was doubling as the graduations caterer.

Moore is now studying culinary arts at Miami Dade College. This semesters courses include baking and food production, as well as French, which Moore is learning to better understand certain recipes.

His post-grad plans? I want to work at a five-star restaurant, he said. Im knocking on Gordon Ramsays door.

This story was produced with financial support from supporters including The Green Family Foundation Trust and Ken OKeefe, in partnership with Journalism Funding Partners. The Miami Herald maintains full editorial control of this work.
A New York man was convicted of cyberstalking, attempted kidnapping of a Charlotte woman. He got 15 years in prison

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  A New York man was sentenced to 15 years in prison Wednesday for cyberstalking a woman in Charlotte and attempting to kidnap her.

According to the U.S. Attorneys Office, Russell J. Martini, now 47, sent repeated harassing and threatening communications in April and May 2022 to an individual identified in court documents as Jane Doe.

Documents show Jane Doe knew Martini and had obtained a protection order in New York that prohibited the defendant from contacting her. In April 2022, Jane Doe moved from New York to Charlotte. Soon thereafter, Martini used texts, emails and social media platforms to send Jane Doe and her family members harassing messages and even death threats.

Officer impersonator charged after attempting to exploit elderly person

Martini pleaded guilty on Sept. 28, 2023, to cyberstalking, stalking, and communicating interstate threats.

Martini also created a public social media account in Jane Does name and used a compromising photo of the victim as a profile picture. Court documents show that Martini threatened to publish sexual photos and videos of Jane Doe online and on popular social media websites if Jane Doe did not respond.

According to court documents, in May 2022, Martini sent Jane Doe emails in which he threatened to kill her, saying he would cave her face in, leave her in a pool of blood and kill her animals. Then, Martini traveled to Charlotte and attempted to kidnap Jane Doe.

Martini reportedly waited at Jane Does apartment complex and attacked her as she walked up the stairs to her apartment. Martini then attempted to drag the victim to his car, but a bystander intervened, and Martini fled.

After the attack, Martini sent her an email threatening to kill her.

Court records show that Martini was convicted of stalking another female victim in 2018. In support of Martinis 180-month sentence, U.S. District Judge Robert J. Conrad Jr. cited Martinis lengthy criminal history involving similar behavior, his inability to comply with previous terms of probation, and the need to protect the public from Martini.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
Former U.S. President Trump found guilty on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records

By Luc Cohen

(Reuters) - New York's top court on Thursday upheld a judge's gag order on Donald Trump in the case in which the former U.S. president was convicted on criminal charges stemming from hush money paid to a porn star.

Trump, the Republican nominee in the Nov. 5 presidential election, had argued that Justice Juan Merchan's restrictions on his ability to speak publicly about court staff and individual prosecutors violated his right to free speech as guaranteed by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

The New York state Court of Appeals did not agree. The court said on Thursday it was dismissing Trump's appeal because "no substantial constitutional question is directly involved."

Steven Cheung, a spokesperson for Trump's campaign, said Trump would "continue to fight against the unconstitutional Witch Hunts and Gag Orders."

Trump also faces a gag order in an unrelated federal criminal case in Washington, D.C. over his efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss to Democratic President Joe Biden. He has pleaded not guilty in that case.

A mid-level state appeals court had rejected Trump's challenge to Merchan's gag order in August, calling the restrictions "narrowly-tailored."

Merchan imposed the gag order a few weeks before the first-ever criminal trial of a U.S. president began on April 22. The judge said Trump's history of making threatening statements could undermine the proceedings.

Merchan's original order prevented Trump from commenting on prosecutors, court staff, witnesses and jurors.

He lifted the restrictions on witnesses and jurors following Trump's May 30 conviction. A separate order prevents Trump or others involved in the case from identifying the jurors, who served anonymously.

Jurors found Trump guilty on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records for covering up former personal lawyer and fixer Michael Cohen's $130,000 payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels.

The payment was made in exchange for Daniels' silence before the 2016 election about a sexual encounter she says she had with Trump a decade earlier, which Trump denied. Trump won the presidency by defeating Democrat Hillary Clinton.

Trump is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 26.

(Reporting by Luc Cohen; Editing by Noeleen Walder and Deepa Babington)
Zelensky gave detailed pitch to Blinken, Lammy on need for long-range strikes, source says

President Volodymyr Zelensky provided a detailed account to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy of why Ukraine needs permission to strike targets deep inside Russia, a source close to Zelensky told the Kyiv Independent on Sept. 12.

According to the source, the topic was the main part of the meeting between the three on Sept. 11 in Kyiv, which went well over the scheduled time.

Blinken and Lammy visited Kyiv amid mounting calls on Washington, London, and other partners to permit Ukraine to strike military targets deep inside Russian territory with Western arms.

Both Western diplomats are now returning from Ukraine in time for a meeting between U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and U.S. President Joe Biden on Sept. 13.

It remains unclear whether the decision on the long-range strikes will be taken during the Starmer-Biden meeting this week or later in September during a U.N. assembly in New York, the source said.

Zelensky previously said he would travel to the U.S. for the U.N. meeting and use the occasion to familiarize Biden with Ukraine's victory plan, without revealing many details.

The Kyiv Independent's source commented that Zelensky's trip to the U.S. is not yet certain as his travel schedule may change based on the "situation on the ground."

Ukraine has received shipments of long-range ATACMS and Storm Shadow missiles from the U.S. and the U.K., but the two countries did not permit their use inside Russian territory so far.

While the Western countries eased restrictions on the use of certain arms just across the border after a Russian offensive in Kharkiv Oblast in May, limits on long-range strikes deep inside Russia remained in place.

Multiple Western outlets, such as Politico and the Guardian, recently wrote that this position may be shifting as U.S. and U.K. officials are preparing plans to ease the restrictions further.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Blinken, Lammy visit Ukraine as Kyiv awaits decision on long-range strikes

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Zelensky says three killed in Russian attack on Red Cross vehicles

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks during a press conference of the participants of the Fourth Crimea Platform Summit. -/Ukrinform/dpa

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russian occupying forces in the eastern Donetsk region of having attacked vehicles of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

"Unfortunately, three people were killed in this Russian strike," Zelensky wrote on X.

The Ukrainian president also published an image showing a Red Cross lorry up in flames.

The ICRC confirmed that three of its staff members in Ukraine were killed and two others injured.

"Shelling hit the site of a planned frontline aid distribution in the Donetsk region," it said in a statement that did not name Russia. "Our hearts our broken today as we mourn the loss of our colleagues and care for the injured."

"In this war, everything is absolutely clear  Russia sows evil, Ukraine defends life," Zelensky wrote.

"The world must respond firmly and with principle. Countries and international organizations cannot remain indifferent. Only together can the world force Russia to stop this terror and make Moscow seek peace."

In a separate post on X, Zelensky also accused Russia of having attacked a civilian cargo ship carrying wheat bound for Egypt in the Black Sea overnight after it left Ukrainian waters.

"Fortunately, there were no casualties, according to preliminary reports," Zelensky wrote in English.
Zelensky urges the West to allow long-range strikes without distance limits

President Volodymyr Zelensky insisted on Sept. 12 that restrictions on the use of Western long-range weapons to strike deep inside Russia should be lifted without any distance limits.

Zelensky's statement comes amid reports that the U.S. and the U.K. might soon shift the policy, allowing Ukraine to strike on Russian territory with their long-range weapons.

According to Zelensky, the delays in the decision have already prompted Russia to move its military targets deeper into Russian territory.

If the West plans to lift the restrictions only for a range that Russia has already adapted to, then "this is a purely political decision to relieve pressure coming from allies, Ukraine, and journalists on the countries that have to make this decision," Zelensky said at a press conference with Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda.

"If restrictions are lifted on a weapon for which (Ukraine doesn't have) missiles, this is not lifting restrictions."

Zelensky added that he wants to see allies making the move to allow long-range strikes with Western weapons "as a strategy for Ukraine's victory, not a political strategy."

Earlier on Sept. 11, Zelensky met with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy in Kyiv.

Zelensky said he had given them a very "direct and detailed" vision of what kind of lifting of restrictions on long-range strikes Ukraine needs. Ukraine's delegation was "well prepared" and "convincing," according to the president.

Ukraine has received shipments of long-range U.S.-made ATACMS and U.K.-made Storm Shadow missiles, but the two countries have not permitted their use inside Russian territory so far.

While the Western countries eased restrictions on the use of certain arms just across the border after a Russian offensive in Kharkiv Oblast in May, limits on long-range strikes deep inside Russia remained in place.

Multiple Western outlets, such as Politico and the Guardian, recently wrote that this position may be shifting as U.S. and U.K. officials are preparing plans to ease the restrictions further.

Read also: The long-range missiles Ukraine could soon be firing deep into Russia

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has described the Sino-Brazilian proposal to end the Russo-Ukrainian war as destructive, as it is a mere political statement that has not been discussed with Ukraine.

Source: Zelenskyy in an interview with the Brazilian newspaper Metropoles

Details: The Ukrainian president added that proposals advocating for a "mere political reconciliation" with Russia lack clarity.

Quote: "Reconciliation of what? What does it mean to just sit down and talk [with Kremlin ruler Vladimir Putin]? He is a murderer... It's him who has to take steps to show that he wants the war to end. You can't just say we should make steps towards each other. What do you mean, towards each other? He came in, killed people, seized territory, and now [Brazilian president] Lula [da Silva] says let's let them talk.

"If Lula supported us, hed help stop the war. And itd be even more important to have the support of a big country like Brazil, which has a separate influence, a very big one. Were at war with Russia. You either support the war, or you don't.

If you don't support it, then help us stop Russia... What compromise are you talking about? Just give up our land, forget that they are killing our people? What do you mean by compromise? These are simply unacceptable things. That's why I think it's destructive."

Details: Zelenskyy explicitly stated that the Sino-Brazilian proposal is "also destructive".

Quote: "That's a mere political statement. I told Lula, we told the Chinese side  let's sit down together. Let's talk together. We're not your enemies, and you're not our enemies. Why have you suddenly decided that you have to take Russia's side or be somewhere in the middle? Why do you have to be somewhere in the middle? What kind of view is this? In the middle of what? We are at war on our soil. You have to stop the Russians, you have to show that you are strong nations.

How can you propose this without asking us anything? Russia has also gotten involved and said it supports the Sino-Brazilian initiative. What is this nonsense? It means that you've discussed an initiative with Russia, put it forward and said, 'Let's have this initiative'. This is definitely not about justice, not about values, definitely not about respect for Ukraine, definitely not about respect for the territorial integrity that both China and Brazil talk about so much."

Background:

On 21 September 2023, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Brazilian leader Lula da Silva to discuss efforts to restore peace.

China and Brazil jointly released a "six-point consensus" to promote a "political solution to the Ukrainian crisis". The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs claimed that this plan "has received a positive response from more than 110 countries.

Brazil is one of the countries that did not sign the final communique of the Global Peace Summit, which was held on 15-16 June in Switzerland.

In an interview with Ukrainska Pravda, Andrii Melnyk, Ukraine's Ambassador to Brazil, said that Brazil had not warned Ukraine of its intention to present a peace plan together with China to end Russia's war against Ukraine.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that Mongolias failure, as a signatory to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, to arrest Russian leader Vladimir Putin during the latters visit is the responsibility of the whole world, and that the degradation of the international legal system has to be stopped.

Source: Zelenskyy during the United for Justice conference, as reported by Interfax-Ukraine

Quote from Zelenskyy: "The Rome Statute has to be effective, but Mongolia recently made an exception for Putin. Its not just one persons responsibility, its the responsibility of the whole world: to stop the degradation of the [international] legal system and prevent the destruction of those norms that remain."

Details: Zelenskyy believes that the international legal system has to operate in such a way that the Rome Statute and the ICC arrest warrants would guarantee that war crime suspects are cut off from the international community.

When talking about how the global community should act, Zelenskyy said it has to "put pressure" on Putin, "isolate him and force him to put an end to this war and search for peace."

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Zelenskyy on Russian attack on Red Cross staff in Ukraine: world countries must be tough in response

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged the world to mount a tough and decisive response and stop Russian terror following the Russian strike on the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) convoy in Donetsk Oblast.

Source: President Zelenskyy on Facebook

Quote from Zelenskyy: "As of now, we know that two people have been injured. They are currently being treated. Sadly, three people were killed in this Russian attack. My condolences to their families and loved ones.

Everything about this war is crystal clear: Russia brings evil and Ukraine protects lives. If anyone says they want to hear both sides out, Russia takes this as a permission to continue killing.

The worlds response has to be principled and tough. Neither countries nor international organisations can remain indifferent. Only united the world will be able to force Russia to stop this terror and to force Moscow to seek peace."

Background:

Three employees of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) were killed, and two others were injured in a morning artillery strike on Viroliubivka in Donetsk Oblast on 12 September. A lorry carrying humanitarian aid and another vehicle were destroyed.

Dmytro Lubinets, Ukrainian Commissioner for Human Rights, said that the casualties were all ICRC staff members who were in the lorry when it was attacked. He called on the ICRC to publicly condemn Russia's actions, which violate the Geneva Conventions, and expressed outrage at the lack of response from international organisations.

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Credit: Intel

Intel's Core Ultra 200 (codenamed Arrow Lake) series was previously rumored to launch on October 17. However, Hong Kong publication HKEPC claims that Intel has reportedly pushed the launch date to October 24.

The reasons for the supposed delay remain unknown, and HKEPC hasn't provided any explanations. Multiple retailers have already started listing Arrow Lake CPUs on their websites, signaling that the official announcement should be around the corner. We've already seen the Arrow Lake chips listed in Europe and Canada. While I don't know if the pricing is accurate, it doesn't look out of line either.

According to various retailer listings, Arrow Lake should be priced similarly to or slightly more expensive than Intel's Raptor Lake Refresh lineup. Arrow Lake requires a new platform, so many consumers will need to purchase a new motherboard. On a positive note, the previous generation of Intel chips will likely see price reductions, which could be a valid option if you don't want to hop on Intel's Arrow Lake platform.

Overall, it's unlikely that a slight delay in CPUs that don't even have an official street date yet will cause Intel a significant blow. However, it does show that its throne as market leader may not be as stable as some think, and that makes even tiny delays to Intel's flagship products more notable than they would be otherwise.

Arrow Lake will need to prove competitive with Ryzen 9000 CPUs as the year ends and wishlists get filled out although leaked Arrow Lake benchmark results don't reflect a giant Intel win around the corner. Some lost faith in Intel due to the current 13th and 14th Generation instability issues. Although Intel has already confirmed that Arrow Lake isn't affected by the same problem thanks to a new architecture, you can't help but think that Team Blue has probably lost some followers to Team Red.

AMD also has the advantage as the Ryzen 9000 chips have been launched for a few months and are readily available. Intel, on the other hand, will unleash the Core Ultra 200K SKUs, saving the budget options for later. Consumers who have their eyes on an Arrow Lake part that isn't included in the initial trio (Core Ultra 9 285K, Core Ultra 7 265K, Core Ultra 5 245K) must wait a few more months.
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Nuclear power plant. | Credit: Shutterstock

Oracle has secured the permits to build three small modular reactors (SMRs) to power its AI data center. During its quarterly earnings call, the company said (via The Register) that it plans to use those tiny nuclear plants for a planned AI data center with at least one-gigawatt capacity.

SMRs are miniaturized reactors similarly sized to those used on naval vessels like submarines and aircraft carriers. However, since they do not have to be built inside the cramped space of a warship, SMRs do not have to be customized to the needs of a particular vessel. This means Oracle could find a supplier to mass produce it for them at a lower cost than the Navy. Furthermore, an SMRs modular design means that it should, in theory, be cheaper to operate, especially as it no longer has the massive infrastructure often associated with traditional nuclear power plants.

However, theres still the question of whether the surrounding area where Oracle plans to deploy its SMRs would allow it. After all, nuclear power plants have this stigma about them, especially after the highly publicized meltdowns at Chernobyl and Fukushima, Japan. Besides, securing the permits to build SMRs is likely different from getting the green light to operate them. Aside from safety concerns, Oracle would also need to contend with security issues, especially as nuclear material is hazardous, especially if it falls into the wrong hands.

Nevertheless, Oracle is likely keen on getting this project up and running. Oracle has 162 cloud data centers, live and under construction worldwide. The largest of these data centers is 800 megawatts, and it will contain acres of Nvidia GPU clusters able to train the worlds largest AI models, says Oracle founder, executive chairman, and CTO Larry Ellison during the call. Soon, Oracle will begin construction of data centers that are more than a gigawatt.

With this vast number of data centers, one of Oracles most significant expenses is likely electricity. With global warming and the carbon footprint on many peoples minds, the company needs to find economical sources of green energysomething that an SMR could potentially deliver.

Oracle isnt the first company to look into nuclear power, as Microsoft has reportedly begun searching for a critical figurehead for its nuclear strategy. Nevertheless, the former has taken the next step in acquiring building permits. But dont expect to see tiny nuclear reactors popping up around the country next year just yet. After all, it will take years before a nuclear power plant, even a tiny one, can go from a hole in the ground into a fully functional electrical source. The Register even said that the most optimistic estimates for when SMRs will begin deployment are in the early 2030s  some seven to ten years from now. In the meantime, data centers would have to find other energy sources to power their AI dreams.
Oxford scientists make remarkable advancement with material that generates solar power without traditional panels: 'The future is brighter'

University of Oxford scientists have made a remarkable breakthrough that could lead to more efficient solar panels that are thin enough to cover any common object, potentially opening up a new frontier in adopting clean, low-cost energy solutions.

In August, the team from Oxford's physics department announced that it developed an "ultra-thin material" that provides 27% energy efficiency in converting sunlight into energy.

This is significant because the most commercially available solar panels peak at roughly 23% efficiency, according to MarketWatch. And while solar paints have shown promise as a less bulky option to traditional panels, scientists are still working to improve their efficiency.

The release notes that Oxford researchers have already been working with thin-film perovskite for around 10 years, with Oxford PV ultimately birthed from the physics lab. The company's high-efficiency perovskite solar cell technology integrates with conventional panels and is moving toward commercialization.

With further development, the Oxford team believes its latest photovoltaic device could exceed 45% efficiency  with no need for the assistance of the panels.

"During just five years experimenting with our stacking or multi-junction approach, we have raised power conversion efficiency from around 6% to over 27%," Oxford postdoctoral fellow Dr. Shuaifeng Hu said in the release.

"We believe that, over time, this approach could enable the photovoltaic devices to achieve far greater efficiencies," Hu added.

Home solar panel systems have already garnered buzz for their ability to drastically lower electric bills and improve climate resilience during extreme weather, which has become more intense and frequent as the planet has warmed.

However, Oxford researchers suggested their new method could cut those costs even further because thin-film perovskite is much cheaper than silicon typically used for panels.

Furthermore, the technology could be used to power cleaner modes of transportation like electric vehicles and everyday necessities such as mobile phones. This would reduce the dependence on grids that are adding more renewable options but still have a long way to move away from dirty fuels.

According to S&P Global, Energy Institute data found that oil, gas, and coal accounted for 82% of the global energy mix in 2023. Air pollution from these fuels doesn't just contribute to unsightly haze hanging over some cities, but it also has a significant impact on public health and is responsible for millions of deaths every year.

It is unclear when the thin-film perovskite technology could be readily available.

One hurdle in adopting new solar technologies is the available incentives to manufacture them on a large scale, according to Professor Henry Snaith, the co-founder and chief scientific officer of Oxford PV. If fully realized, however, Snaith believes they could be a game-changer.

"The latest innovations in solar materials and techniques demonstrated in our labs could become a platform for a new industry, manufacturing materials to generate solar energy more sustainably and cheaply," Snaith said in the release.

"Versatile and efficient," one commenter marveled at Electrek's coverage of the technology. "The future is brighter!"

Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
1. Yes. They look better and require less maintenance. Most high-end housing areas have them.

2. Yes. Wood fences can weather and look unsightly, plus masonry walls help to block sound.

3. No. Residents should have a choice of what kind of barriers are put up near their homes.

4. No. Allowing a variety of materials will be better for aesthetics, and costs may be lower.

5. Unsure. Its hard to say. Masonry walls may be sturdier, but mandating them is problematic.

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Peter and Rebecca Fretwell retired to their hometown of Yakima in 2019. Peter recently completed his juris doctor degree and plans to take the bar exam until he passes the bar or just plain passes.
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University students in Adana are aiming for first place in TEKNOFEST, where they will compete in the finals with the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) named "KORAL", which they developed for use in cargo transportation and completed its first test flight.

KAAN Technology Club, consisting of students from Alparslan Turke? University of Science and Technology, started working 10 months ago to design a UAV that can carry cargo to operation areas.

Having completed the development process of the vehicle with autonomous flight features, the club conducted a test flight of the prototype on the university campus in April.

The UAV, which the students initially designed with a 2-kilogram payload capacity, became a finalist in the International Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Competition to be held at the Kahramanmara? Turko?lu Logistics Center on 19-23 September, within the scope of the Aviation, Space and Technology Festival (TEKNOFEST) to be held in Adana on 2-6 October.

The club members who will perform a mission flight with "KORAL" in the competition want to come first and receive their awards at the ceremony to be held in Adana.

"We describe ourselves as Adana's aviation team"

Project coordinator Gorkem Kemal Ermurat said that they aimed to accelerate the transportation of military ammunition and similar equipment to the operation areas.

Stating that the design and software of the UAV belong to them, Ermurat said:

"Our vehicle remains stable in the air with its four engines and performs horizontal movement with its single engine. The cargo mechanism underneath also operates fully autonomously. After the UAV reaches the desired position, the cargo mechanism is lowered down with the elevator system. After the person receives the cargo, the mechanism is pulled back up."

Ermurat expressed their excitement that Adana will host TEKNOFEST and said, "We describe ourselves as Adana's aviation team. Our goal is to come first in the competition."

Halil Ozturk, the team's design and manufacturing manager, also emphasized that the project is open to development.

Ozturk stated that they used mainly composite materials to make "KORAL" durable and noted the following:

"Before producing the UAV, we determine the design parameters and make 2 and 3 dimensional drawings. Production begins after the drawings. Here, we create the additional system of the internal ribs using water jet (cutting tool) and laser CNC machines. Using composite provides us with durability and performance. We continue our work in harmony and in a family environment. We see this as a business opportunity. The fact that TEKNOFEST will be held in Adana increases our excitement and pushes us to work even better in this field."
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The fresh newsletter for the International Community in Hungary - described by readers as a "Great read each week" - is now available for your interest and use via the link below.
The National Economy Ministry announced the appointment of a new state secretary for SMEs.

Richard Szabados, who last headed the Hungarian Economic Development Agency, was appointed to the post by President Tamas Sulyok on the recommendation of Prime Minister Viktor Orban.



National Economy Minister Marton Nagy expects the new state secretary to maintain close and active ties with Hungarian SMEs as well as professional organisations and business chambers that represent them.



The state secretary should involve them in hammering out the details of an SME action plan that includes favourable changes to the Szechenyi Card Programme, a targeted scheme for SME investments and support for the digital development of the sector.



The new state secretary will also be tasked with mapping SMEs' challenges and opportunities, collecting proposals and jointly deciding on possible focus areas.



The ministry said that SMEs were the "backbone of the Hungarian economy", accounting for two-thirds of employment.



Source:

MTI - The Hungarian News Agency, founded in 1881.



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What Is PM E-DRIVE: The Union Cabinet has approved a scheme for promotion of electric mobility in the country. The scheme has an outlay of Rs 10,900 crore over a period of two years. The Cabinet's approval for 'PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) Scheme' was based on a proposal from the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI). Subsidies or demand incentives worth Rs 3,679 crore would be provided to incentivise e-2Ws, e-3Ws, e-ambulances, e-trucks and other emerging EVs. The scheme will support 24.79 lakh e-2Ws, 3.16 lakh e-3Ws, and 14,028 e-buses, a release said.

The Ministry of Heavy Industries is introducing e-vouchers for EV buyers to avail of demand incentives under the scheme. At the time of purchase of the EV, the scheme portal will generate an Aadhaar authenticated e-Voucher for the buyer. A link to download the e-voucher shall be sent to the registered mobile number of the buyer.

This e-voucher will be signed by the buyer and submitted to the dealer to avail of demand incentives under the scheme.

Thereafter, the e-voucher will also be signed by the dealer and uploaded on the PM E-DRIVE portal. The signed e-voucher shall be sent to the buyer and dealer through an SMS. The signed e-voucher will be essential for auto manufacturers to claim reimbursement of demand incentives under the scheme.

The scheme allocates Rs 500 crore for the deployment of e-ambulances. This is a new initiative of the government to promote the use of e-ambulance. A sum of Rs 4,391 crore has been provided for the procurement of 14,028 e-buses by public transport agencies.

The demand aggregation will be done by CESL in the nine cities with more than 40 lakh population, namely Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Surat, Bangalore, Pune, and Hyderabad. Intercity and Interstate e-buses will also be supported in consultation with states.

While allocating buses to cities/states, first preference shall be given to those number of buses of cities/states, which are being procured after scrapping old buses, through authorised scrapping centres (RVSFs) following the MoRTH Vehicle Scrapping Scheme guidelines.

The trucks are a major contributor to air pollution. The scheme will promote the deployment of e-trucks in the country. Rs 500 crore has been allocated for incentivising e-trucks.

Incentives will be given to those who have a scrapping certificate from MoRTH-approved vehicle scrapping centres (RVSF). The scheme addresses the range anxiety of EV buyers by promoting in a big way the installation of electric vehicle public charging stations (EVPCS).

These EVPCS shall be installed in the selected cities with high EV penetration and also on selected highways. The scheme proposes the installation of 22,100 fast chargers for e-4 Ws, 1800 fast chargers for e-buses, and 48,400 fast chargers for e-2W/3Ws. The outlay for EV PCS will be Rs 2,000 crore.
New Delhi: The Prime Ministers Surya Ghar Yojana initiative has brought significant changes to the lives of residents in Samarth Nagar, Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Solar panels have been installed through this scheme freeing locals from the burden of high electricity bills.

Families that once paid between Rs 10,000 to Rs 14,000 for their electricity now have bills reduced to zero. Dr. Gunjan Badarkiya shared that after installing solar panels at home their electricity costs have drastically decreased. Previously, they paid around Rs 12,000 to Rs 13,000 per month, but now its only Rs 800 to Rs 900 per month.

Faster Solar Panel Installation

The process of installing solar panels has also become much faster. It was shared that this positive change came about six months ago when solar panels were installed, bringing significant benefits. Most people in the area are now opting for solar panels which is seen as a great initiative.

The process of getting subsidies and installing the panels is also swift, making it hassle-free for residents. Ketul Vinayak mentioned that after installing solar panels under the Prime Minister's Surya Ghar Yojana their electricity bill has significantly reduced, even with the daily use of air conditioning.

Reduction in High Electricity Bills

A bill of Rs 15,000 has now been drastically reduced. They mentioned that while it took some time to install the solar panels, the benefits are now clear. Previously, they used to get bills ranging from Rs 11,000 to Rs 15,000 but now it's much lower.

A woman shared that it's only been a month since she installed the solar panels but even in this short time, she's already seeing the benefits. Her electricity bill, which used to be quite high, has now significantly decreased. She believes installing solar panels was a very good decision and feels that everyone should consider getting them for their home.

Excess Energy Generated is Credited to Accounts

HV Shah, the Executive Engineer of Gandhinagar, explained that the Prime Minister's Surya Ghar Yojana is greatly benefiting people. Residents are installing solar panels up to 10 kilowatts based on their needs, ensuring they don't face power shortages. If a home generates more electricity than it consumes the excess energy is credited to their account.

Widespread Adoption of Solar Panels

He shared that in one society in Gandhinagar, 76 out of 120 households have installed solar panels. This is a promising number, showing that people are really liking and benefiting from the scheme.

What is the Prime Minister's Surya Ghar Yojana?

In February 2023, Prime Minister Modi launched the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. Under this scheme, households can receive up to 300 units of free electricity. The goal is to install solar rooftops in one crore (10 million) households across the country.

The government also provides subsidies to help with the installation of these solar panels. The main aim of the scheme is to help families save on their electricity bills by providing up to 300 units of free electricity.

You can apply for the Surya Ghar Yojana by visiting the official website at https://www.pmsuryaghar.gov.in/. (With IANS Inputs)
New Delhi: Muhammad Yunus-Led Bangladesh interim government will review the 2017 power purchase agreement with Adani Power Ltd, a report by the Indian Express has said.

The IE report said that the interim government is eager to scrutinize the terms of the agreement and check whether the price being paid for power is justified.

There will be scrutiny of Indian businesses like the Adani business what kinds of contracts have been signed, what are the terms and conditions, one cannot have a foreign company not follow the law of the land, the Indian Express report quoted the anonymous official stated.

The news comes fresh on the heels of Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani's letter (dated August 27) in which the Indian billionaire had requested for intervention from Muhammad Yunus to clear the $800 million unpaid dues that the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) owes to Adani group for electricity supplied by the latter.

Indian companies like PTC India, NVVL Ltd and Semcorp Energy India, supply power to Bangladesh, other than Adani Power.

Bangladesh generates 22,700MW of power in its own plants as of January 31, 2023, according to the Bangladesh Power Development Board.

Bangladesh imports 1,160MW of electricity from India while under the 2017 agreement, Dhaka is supposed to buy 1,600 MW electricity from Adani Power Ltd for 25 years.

Adani Power Jharkhand Limited (APJL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Adani Power Limited, part of the diversified Adani Group had last year confirmed that APJL shall supply 1,496 MW net capacity power from 2X800 MW Godda USCTPP under the PPA with Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) executed in Nov-2017 for the period of 25-yearsvia 400 kV dedicated transmission system connected to Bangladesh grid.
New Delhi: SEBI Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch has learnt to have cancelled an event in Mumbai where she was scheduled to give the keynote speech. Buch cancelled her appearance at the NaBFID Infrastructure Conclave in Mumbai, where she was listed as a keynote speaker.

This comes at a time when Buch has found herself in the in the eye of the storm amidst allegations of office of profit and violating the market regulators conflict of interest policy, by earning renumerations from listed companies while being at the helm of the regulatory body.

Hindenburg Research in its latest tweet yesterday questioned Sebi Chief Madhabi Puri Buch for maintaining 'complete silence' in the recent weeks, on her alleged links with various companies at the same time as she was helming the state of affairs at the regulatory body's office.

Furthering Congress' allegations on Buches, Hindenburg Research wrote on microblogging site X, "New allegations have emerged that the private consulting entity, 99% owned by SEBI Chair Madhabi Buch, accepted payments from multiple listed companies regulated by SEBI during her time as SEBI Whole-Time Member. The companies include: Mahindra & Mahindra, ICICI Bank, Dr. Reddys and Pidilite. These allegations apply to Buch's Indian consulting entity with no details thus far on Buch's Singapore-based consulting entity. Buch has maintained her complete silence for weeks on all of the emerging issues."

New allegations have emerged that the private consulting entity, 99% owned by SEBI Chair Madhabi Buch, accepted payments from multiple listed companies regulated by SEBI during her time as SEBI Whole-Time Member.



The companies include: Mahindra & Mahindra, ICICI Bank, Dr. September 11, 2024

On Tuesday, Pawan Khera, Chairman, Media and Publicity Department, Congress, in a press conference said, Madhabi Puri Buchs 99% shareholding in a consultancy firm Agora Advisory Private Limited (touted to be a joint holding company by the Buches) gave consultancy to 6 companies while she became a whole-time member of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and eventually becoming the chief of Sebi.

Khera said this potentially violates the market regulators conflict of interest policy. Citing public documents that the Congress has accessed, Khera alleged that Madhabi Puri earned Rs 2.95 crore between 2016-17, 2019-20 and 2023-2024 all the while she was whole-time member of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and subsequently becoming the chairperson of Sebi. Agora Advisory Private Limited gave consultancies to Dr Reddy's, Pedilite ICICI, Visu Leasing And Finance, Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd, Pidilite and Sembcorp.

Khera in the press conference argued that all the six companies mentioned above are listed companies and are regulated by Sebi whose chairperson is Ms Buch which has relations with the latter's husband Dhaval Buch that owns Agora Advisory Private Limited.

He argued that of the Rs 2.95 crore that Agoda linked to the Sebi chief earned, the maximum share (86 percent) came from Mahindra and Mahindra. He further alleged that between 2019-2021, Dhaval Buch got Rs 4.78 crore from Mahindra and Mahindra. This too during the time when Madhabi Puri was the whole-time member of the Sebi, which is a clear conflict of interest, Khera said.
Balodabazar: A man, his two sisters and 11-month-old nephew were killed on Thursday in Chhattisgarh's Balodabazar-Bhatapara district on suspicion that a member of the family was practising black magic, a police official said.

The murders took place at 6pm in Chharchhed village under Kasdol police station limits and a man and his two sons have been detained and are being interrogated, he added.

"Chaitram Kaivartya (47), his sisters Jamuna (28) and Yashoda (30), and Jamuna's son Yash were killed with sharp weapons and a hammer. We have detained Ramnath Patle and his two sons. They are from the same village. Patle's daughter had taken ill recently and he suspected it was due to black magic practised by Chaitram Kaivartya's mother," the official said.

"Chaitram's mother was not at home when the attack, allegedly by Patle and his two sons, took place. Further probe into the incident is underway," he added.
A row erupted after Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the residence of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud for Ganpati Puja celebrations. PM Modi's visit drew criticism from the leaders of the opposition bloc INDIA. Reacting to PM Modi's visit to Chandrachud's home, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said that such visits cast doubts in the minds of people. On the other hand, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) reacted to the opposition's criticism, saying that "attending Ganesh Pooja is no crime".

On Wednesday, PM Modi took part in the Ganpati Puja festivities at Chandrachud's residence in Delhi. The Chief Justice and his wife, Kalpana Das, welcomed the PM, who was wearing traditional Maharashtrian attire for the celebrations.

#WATCH | PM Narendra Modi attended the Ganesh Puja celebrations at the residence of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/VqHsuobqh6  ANI (@ANI) September 11, 2024

PM Modi took to social media platform X and shared a video of the celebrations, which did not go down well with the opposition. Raut said that the CJI should distance himself from the case where the Uddhav Thackeray faction had challenged the decision of the Maharashtra Speaker recognising the Eknath Shinde camp as the real Shiv Sena.

"Our case of Maharashtra... the hearing is going on before CJI Chandrachud, so we have doubts if we will get justice because the PM is the other party in the case. The Chief Justice should distance himself from this case because his relation with the other party in the case is openly visible. Will CJI Chandrachud be able to give us justice in such a situation?" the Shiv Sena MP said.

#WATCH | On PM Modi visiting CJI DY Chandrachud's residence for Ganpati Poojan, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut says, " Ganpathi festival is going on, people visit each other's houses. I don't have info regarding how many houses PM visited so far...but PM went to CJI's house pic.twitter.com/AVp26wl7Yz  ANI (@ANI) September 12, 2024

In a post on X, Raut shared a list of recent cases where the Supreme Court has not given a desirable verdict for the opposition. He also mentioned the apex court's suo motu cognisance of the Kolkata RG Kar rape and murder case and the bail hearing of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. "One should understand the chronology to understand all such cases," Raut said in the post.

     

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bail    https://t.co/jzVpQqDQh3  Sanjay Raut (@rautsanjay61) September 11, 2024

Irked by PM Modi's visit, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi also took a jibe at the CJI. "After the festivities are over, hopefully the CJI will deem fit and be slightly freer to conclude the hearing on Maharashtra and the blatant disregard of Article 10 of the Constitution in Maharashtra. Oh wait, elections are round the corner anyway, it can be adjourned for another day," she said in a post on X.

In response to Opposition's flak, the BJP came down heavily and recounted events of the past and asked if the then Chief Justice of India (CJI) did not attend the Iftar party hosted by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

While addressing a press conference at the BJP headquarters in the national capital, Lok Sabha MP and national spokesperson Sambit Patra said, "They do not have any objection to the prime minister meeting the chief justice of India but Ganpati Puja," he said, and accused the leaders of the opposition of indulging in politics.

"I am surprised that if the prime minister meets the chief justice of India, you raise an objection. But when he (Rahul Gandhi) meets (US lawmaker) Illhan Omar, who is with Pok, in America, you have no objection," he further stated.

BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya also slammed the Congress for criticising PM Modi's visit to CJI's residence. "The entire Congress and Communist ecosystem is in a twist after PM Modi attended Ganpati Poojan at CJI DY Chandrachud's residence. The same suspects held it as an epitome of secularism when Dr Manmohan Singh hosted Iftar parties and then CJI would attend," he said in a post on X.

BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla also lashed out at the opposition, saying that attending Ganesh Pooja is no crime and the judiciary and politicians share stage on several occasions.

"Attending Ganesh Pooja is no crime On many occasions judiciary and politicians share stage On auspicious functions, marriages, programs - but if PM attends it at house of CJI , Uddhav Sena MP doubts integrity of CJI & SC. Congress ecosystem attacks SC like Rahul Gandhi did in past Its shameful contempt of court & abusing judiciary," he said.
Ajaz Guru, the brother of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru, has thrown his hat into the ring by filing his nomination to contest the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. He's running as an Independent candidate from the Sopore seat, which is located in the north Kashmir district. Ajaz, a resident of Baramulla's Delina area, submitted his nomination papers on the last day of filing.

After taking the plunge, Ajaz told reporters that he's contesting the elections because, like all Kashmiris, he's suffered through "35 years of hardships". His nomination papers will be scrutinized on Friday, and he can withdraw his candidacy until September 17. The people of Sopore will head to the polls on October 1, in the third phase of the elections.

Ajaz's brother, Afzal Guru, was hanged in Delhi's Tihar jail on February 9, 2013, for masterminding the December 2001 attack on Parliament.
Haryana, though not a large state, is currently in the spotlight as the upcoming assembly elections approach. This time, the political landscape is shaped by the outcome of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where the BJP secured 5 out of 10 seats, while the remaining 5 were won by the INDIA Bloc. This result marked a significant blow to the BJP, a party that has been in power in Haryana since 2014 and previously achieved a sweeping victory in the 2019 general elections, winning all 10 seats.

Since its formation in 1966, Haryana has witnessed 11 Chief Ministers, representing various political parties over the years. Bhagwat Dayal Sharma of the Indian National Congress (INC) became the states first Chief Minister in 1966. The current Chief Minister is Nayab Singh Saini of the BJP, who took office on March 12, 2024, following the resignation of Manohar Lal Khattar, who served as CM for a decade from October 2014 to March 2024.

Haryana's political history includes prominent figures like Bhajan Lal Bishnoi and Devi Lal. Devi Lal, the states fifth Chief Minister and a Janata Dal leader, also served as Deputy Prime Minister of India under Prime Ministers V.P. Singh and Chandra Shekhar.

The state has experienced three brief periods of President's Rule. The first instance occurred from November 2, 1967, to May 22, 1968, followed by a second spell from April 30, 1977, to June 21, 1977. The third and most recent imposition of Presidents Rule was from April 6, 1991, to July 23, 1991.

Haryana's political landscape is dominated by major parties such as the BJP, INC, and Janata Dal, reflecting the states dynamic and diverse political history.
Haryana Assembly Polls: The Congress on Thursday announced the names of eight more candidates for the Haryana Assembly election. It left the Bhiwani seat for the Communist Party of India (Marxist), as it accounted for all 90 seats in the state. Thursday was the last day for filing nominations for the polls, which are set to be held on October 5.



Hours after the announcement of the final list for the Haryana polls, the grand old party faced a rebellion as some of its leaders decided to enter the poll fray as independents after being denied a party ticket. Haryana is scheduled to go to the polls on October 5, and the counting of votes will be held on October 8.

The list of senior leaders of the opposition party who have decided to contest the polls as independents includes former state minister Sampat Singh from Nalwa and former MLAs Lalit Nagar from Tigaon and Sharda Rathore from Ballabhgarh. Other aspirants who have entered the poll race as independents include Chitra Sarwara (Ambala Cantonment) and Rohita Rewri (Panipat City).

After the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Congress too is facing resentment in Haryana from those who have been denied tickets. Former MLA Ram Kishan "Fauji," a ticket aspirant from Bawani Khera, has also filed his nomination as an independent.

After being denied a ticket to contest the Haryana polls, some of the aspirants broke down. A teary-eyed Lalit Nagar said that even though he had worked hard to strengthen the grand old party in Haryana, he was "stabbed in the back".

While addressing a gathering of his supporters in Faridabad's Tigaon, he said, "I had invited all of you thinking that I would perform a 'havan' and then go to file my nomination as a Congress candidate. But some of our enemies have conspired and attempted to commit my political murder," as quoted by news agency PTI. Lalit Nagar was expecting to get a ticket from the Tigaon Assembly segment, but the Congress has fielded a new face, Rohit Nagar, from the constituency.

Rathore and Jitender Kumar Bharadwaj also expressed their agony after the party decided not to field them in the assembly polls. Congress also denied a ticket to the daughter of former minister Nirmal Singh, Sarwara. Reacting to the party's decision, she said that she finds it difficult to accept that the party has not fielded her from Ambala Cantonment, despite "being way ahead in various surveys that the party conducted to select its candidate".

"I was working hard in the constituency and getting good support from people. I do not know why I was ignored," Sarwara said. Six-time MLA and senior BJP leader Anil Vij is seeking re-election from Ambala Cantonment. In the last Assembly polls too, Sarwara had contested from Ambala Cantonment as an independent after being denied a ticket by the Congress. She had lost the contest to Vij.

Lalit Nagar told his supporters that he was hoping to get a ticket, but "some conspirators stabbed me in the back".

Rathore, a former MLA and a ticket hopeful from Ballabhgarh, also broke into tears in front of her supporters after she was not picked by the Congress. Her supporters alleged that she was "betrayed" by the party. Resentment also came to the fore in the Sohna Assembly segment in Gurugram, where senior party leader Bharadwaj was denied a ticket.

"Sorry friends, today, service, dedication, and devotion have lost," Bharadwaj posted in Hindi on a social media platform. The Congress has announced the candidature of new party joinee Rohtash Khatana, who was associated with the Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) previously, from Sohna.

(With PTI Inputs)
A year after multiple Indian Police Service (IPS) officers were sent to Manipur by different states/Union Territories to head their Special Investigation Teams (SITs) to investigate the violence cases, three statesPunjab, Haryana, and Madhya Pradeshhave called back their officers and sent their replacements, reports The Indian Express.

The Supreme Court had appointed former deputy national security adviser (NSA) and former Mumbai Police commissioner Dattatray Padsalgikar to be the overall monitor of a CBI probe into the instances of sexual violence in Manipur on August 3 last year. Following the Supreme Courts directions, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs directed all the states/UTs to nominate their officers for the SITs.

According to IE sources, a discussion to send them back to their cadre started when some of the IPS officers who came on superintendent of police (SP) rank got promoted to deputy inspector general (DIG) in January and requested their police chiefs to call them back. Padsalgikar reportedly suggested a rotation policy for all SIT officers due to the challenging law and order situation in Manipur.

In an order issued on September 6 on behalf of the Manipur DGP, Jayanta Singh, IG (Admin), Manipur Police, said that Madhya Pradesh cadre IPS officers Alok Kumar and Rajeev Kumar Mishra were relieved from their duties as their replacements Ramsharan Prajapati and Sushil Ranjan reported to the office.

Similarly, Haryana recalled Surinder Pal Singh, a 2010-batch IPS officer, and replaced him with Rajender Kumar Meena, a 2011-batch IPS officer. Punjab also called back Shubham Aggarwal, a 2018-batch officer, and replaced him with Aditya S. War, a 2020-batch IPS officer.

Additionally, Madhya Pradesh called back Ashutosh Bagri, an IPS officer of 2015 batch, from the CBI headquarters in Delhi and sent Vaishnav Sharma, a 2012-batch IPS officer, in his place.

The changes aim to address the challenges faced by SIT officers in Manipur, where they are busy with law and order duties. The rotation policy may help ensure a smoother investigation into the violence cases.
Jammu and Kashmir Vidhansabha Chunav: Today is the last date for filing of nominations for the third phase of the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. Of the 90 seats, 43 are in Jammu while 47 are in Kashmir. However, despite boasting of 'Naya Kashmir' following the abrogation of Article 370, the BJP appears to have realized that it has a very slim chance of winning in the valley.

On Wednesday, the BJP clarified that it would contest only 19 seats out of the total 47 in the Kashmir region. The BJP's final list of 19 candidates for Kashmir includes eight from the 16 Assembly seats in South Kashmir, six from the 15 seats in Central Kashmir, and five from the 16 seats in North Kashmir. Despite Union Home Minister Amit Shahs announcement that the BJP would contest all 90 Assembly seats in Jammu and Kashmir, the party has decided to skip 28 seats in the Valley. This comes even as BJP leaders assert that they will form the government in the Union Territory.

While the majority mark is 46, the BJP is contesting 62 seats. According to a report by the Indian Express, the decision is likely to further upset senior BJP leaders, who are already frustrated with the party leadership for 'overlooking their sacrifices' during the ticket distribution process. According to reports, several leaders have privately acknowledged that this move will only reinforce their belief that they have no 'future prospects' within the party.

The report claimed that the BJP leaders are not expecting any 'miracle' in Kashmir valley and the party is indirectly betting on some independent candidates who have the potential to pull off an upset. The BJP's rivals like the National Conference and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have accused the BJP of supporting 'proxy' candidates in the poll fray.

The BJP's decision to field only 19 candidates in the valley also shows that the party knows it has failed to win the trust of the people in the valley. Now, these 19 candidates hold a key to BJP's victory and government formation in the state.

On the other hand, Congress and National Conference have joined hands to defeat the BJP while the PDP is leading a lone battle after finding no space in the INDIA bloc for the assembly polls. Other regional parties and independent candidates are likely to play kingmakers in the election which has turned into a multi-cornered contest.
Kerala Lottery Results Thursday 12-09-2024 LIVE: The Kerala Lottery Department, on behalf of the Keralan government, announces the "Karunya KN-538" Lucky Draw Result today Karunya KN-538, September 12, 2024. The draw will be held at Gorky Bhavan near Bakery Junction in Thiruvananthapuram. The Kerala Lottery Result 2024 for "Karunya KN-538" will feature 12 series, with changes in series possible each week. A total of 108 lakh tickets are available for purchase weekly. The ticket prices may vary. Check the Karunya KN-538 results right here to see if youre the first-place winner of 80 Lakhs. Stay tuned to this website for the live update of Kerala Lottery Karunya KN-538 results today.

Kerala Lottery Result 12-09-2024 Sept: FULL LIST OF WINNING NUMBERS FOR KARUNYA PLUS KN-538 Draw

LUCKY TICKET NUMBER FOR 1ST PRIZE OF RS 80 LAKHS IS: PA 329312

LUCKY TICKET NUMBER FOR 2ND PRIZE OF RS 10 LAKHS IS: PD 512010

LUCKY TICKET NUMBERS FOR 3RD PRIZE OF RS 1 LAKHS ARE:

PA 202219

PB 359512

PC 782943

PD 909298

PE 177081

PF 920083

PG 724707

PH 494427

PJ 312576

PK 320796

PL 445822

PM 660509

LUCKY TICKET NUMBERS FOR CONSOLATION PRIZE OF RS 8,000 ARE: PB 329312

PC 329312

PD 329312

PE 329312

PF 329312

PG 329312

PH 329312

PJ 329312

PK 329312

PL 329312

PM 329312

(For The Tickets Ending with The Following Numbers below)

LUCKY TICKET NUMBERS FOR 4TH PRIZE OF RS 5,000 ARE: 1012 1470 2078 2635 3991 5504 5744 5888 6045 6325 6895 7406 7462 7525 7664 8066 8290 8434

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LUCKY TICKET NUMBERS FOR 6TH PRIZE OF RS 500 ARE: 0251 0621 0685 1027 1222 1394 1398 1495 1502 1590 1619 1972 2128 2159 2163 2477 2497 2610 2981 3002 3010 3186 3246 3860 4140 4158 4571 4590 4976 5050 5172 5264 5539 5585 5704 5791 5979 6084 6323 6361 6477 6663 6689 6745 6776 6842 6913 6979 7053 7100 7114 7568 7634 7886 7995 8021 8031 8056 8096 8111 8117 8158 8248 8284 8426 8427 8514 8621 8678 8846 9024 9321 9323 9624 9663 9825 9857 9906 9958 9982

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Miscreants attacked two young Army officers and their two female friends during a picnic in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, with one of the women being raped, police said.

According to PTI, Badgonda police station in-charge Lokendra Singh Hirore said that the officers, aged 23 and 24, who are currently undergoing the Young Officers (YO) course at the Infantry School in Mhow cantonment, had gone on a picnic with two female friends on Tuesday.

The incident took place around 2 am on Wednesday, seven unidentified men arrived at the picnic spot on Mhow-Mandleshwar road and started beating up one of the officers sitting in a car and also the women, Hirore said, PTI reported.

The second officer, who was away from the car, managed to inform his seniors about the incident, after which the police arrived at the scene, he said.

After police arrived at the spot, the miscreants fled the spot. All four victims were taken to Mhow Civil Hospital for a medical examination around 6:30 am, where doctors observed signs of injury on the officers' bodies, he said.

Hirore said that in the medical examination, it was found that the miscreants had raped one of the women.

"A case under (BNS) sections pertaining to loot, dacoity, rape and under the Arms Act has been registered," Indore Rural SP Hitika Vasal said, PTI reported.
Four persons were killed and one was injured after they suffered shock while fencing a field with electric wire to protect their crops from animals in Maharashtras Chandrapur district on Wednesday, an official said. The incident occurred in the morning near the Ganeshpur village in Bramhapuri tehsil, over 100 km from the district headquarters, the senior police official said.

A group of seven men went to a farm where they first sprinkled pesticides on the crops and then began setting up an electric fence around the field. However, they were electrocuted to death during the process, the official said. Police have identified the dead as Pundlik Mankar (60), Prakash Raut (40), Yuvraj Dongre (45) and Nanaji Raut (50).

The injured person, Sachin Nannaware, was taken to a local hospital, the official said, adding that the bodies have been sent for post-mortem.
In a development that could help douse the tension in Shimla's Sanjauli, the mosque committee has submitted a memorandum to the Shimla Municipal Corporation saying that they will themselves demolish the parts of the mosque that are not as per the map.

On Himachal Pradesh's Sanjauli Mosque Row, BJP MP Sambit Patra said that if Congress leader Rahul Gandhi meets Ilhan Omar, then obviously he will have affection towards 'illegal mosques'.

While addressing the press confessed on Thursday, BJP leader said, "Hindu outfits and common people of Shimla are on the streets and are raising their voice against an illegal mosque. It is very clear that the concerned mosque is illegal. Congress' Rural Development Minister Anirudh Singh asked on the floor of the House where the people of the 'Jamaat' come from. He also spoke on 'Love Jihad'... Congress opened a front against him..."

"The Municipal Court has served a notice to the mosque 45 times to produce the papers of legality, but they have submitted no papers. Congress still has the attitude of appeasement," he added.

#WATCH | Shimla, Himachal Pradesh's Sanjauli Mosque Row | Delhi: BJP MP Sambit Patra says, "... Hindu outfits and common people of Shimla are on the streets and are raising their voice against an illegal mosque. It is very clear that the concerned mosque is illegal. Congress' pic.twitter.com/hxlXqBodGw  ANI (@ANI) September 12, 2024

The controversy over the illegal mosque in Shimla is emerging which is also called the bandh between 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday. Protesters demanding the demolition of an illegal portion of a mosque in Shimla's Sanjauli area clashed with security personnel on Wednesday. From breaking barricades and pelting stones as police used water cannons and batons charged to disperse them. Nearly 10 people including police and women were injured during the Protest.

BJP MP further slammed LoP Rahul Gandhi saying that he must have affection towards illegal mosques and there would be lathi-charge against Hindus.

He said, "If Rahul Gandhi meets Ilhan Omar, then obviously he will have affection towards illegal mosques and there would be lathi-charge against Hindus. Ilhan Omar is not going to say that illegal mosques should be removed. The BJP is against the lathi-charge and the action taken against women too..."
Jammu And Kashmir News: Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) chief Sheikh Abdul Rashid, alias Engineer Rashid, who was released from Tihar jail on interim bail on Wednesday, addressed a public rally in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla on Thursday. In his first rally after walking out of jail, Rashid addressed thousands, mostly youths, who were eager to listen to him. He came out of jail after being granted interim bail by a special court to campaign for the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir.

During the rally, Rashid, who defeated National Conference stalwart Omar Abdullah with a margin of two lakh votes, lashed out at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), National Conference (NC), and Mehbooba Mufti's PDP.

While addressing a large crowd, the Baramulla MP promised people that if they gave him a chance and voted for his candidates, he would change the political narrative of Jammu and Kashmir. Reacting to the allegations of him being a proxy of the BJP, Rashid claimed that its the National Conference and the PDP who made roads for the saffron party to enter the Union Territory.

The AIP chief is expecting a huge win in the upcoming assembly elections of J&K, which are being held after a gap of 10 years. On Thursday, Rashid returned to Srinagar after spending five years in Tihar Jail over terror funding charges. Following his release on interim bail in a terror funding case, the Lok Sabha MP expressed gratitude by bowing down and kissing the ground upon his arrival in Srinagar airport. This is my land, and I am fighting a battle that they (Omar and Mehbooba) cannot fight. My struggle is much bigger than theirs, he said.

Rashid laid emphasis on his dedication towards advocating for self-respect and "peace with dignity," rejecting what he termed the "peace of the graveyard." He criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his promises of a "Naya Kashmir," asserting that the people of the Union Territory have already challenged those claims through their votes during recently held Lok Sabha elections.

While addressing the gathering, Rashid lashed out at Mehbooba Mufti and said, Mehbooba Mufti and Mufti Syeds betrayal was bigger than Sheikh Abdullah. The Muftis brought the BJP into J-K. He also sought an apology on behalf of the people of Jammu and Kashmir from the PDP chief for forming an alliance with the BJP.

Will Support INDIA Bloc Candidates If They Promise To Restore Article 370: Rashid

On Thursday, Rashid said that he would support the INDIA bloc candidates in the J&K Assembly elections if the opposition grouping promises to restore Article 370 whenever they come to power at the Centre.

"If INDIA bloc assures us that it will restore Article 370 when it comes to power in Delhi, I will tell every candidate of mine to pledge each vote of their supporters for them," the Baramulla MP told reporters here. He said if India has to achieve the dream of being a global power, it will have to address the Kashmir issue.

The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections are scheduled to be held in three phases -- September 18, September 25 and October 1. The results will be announced on October 8.
The issue of discrimination and oppression of Dalits in Rajasthan has become a hot topic on social media. Allegations have surfaced on social media claiming that a senior administrative officer insulted the states Deputy Chief Minister, Prem Chand Bairwa. "In Rajasthan, the Dalit Deputy CM is being insulted by senior IAS officers at the behest of BJP leaders. The ideology of BJP itself is anti-Dalit. The hidden agenda of BJP has come to the fore - to insult Dalits by hatching a conspiracy after taking votes and forming the government," said a Congress leader.

Many believe that the insult was motivated by the fact that the Deputy CM belongs to the Dalit community. On Monday, #WeSupportDcmBairwa was trending on X (formerly Twitter), with people accusing senior IAS officer Shikhar Agarwal of allegedly disrespecting Deputy CM Prem Chand Bairwa.

Your vision and strength have always been our guiding light, @DrPremBairwa. We will walk with you through every obstacle, every challenge. #WeSupportDCMBairwa pic.twitter.com/AMgrc0XoBw  khukumoni Surve (@khukumoni165326) September 11, 2024

According to social media claims, Deputy CM Bairwa recently attended a high-level meeting with a Korean delegation, during which he was allegedly targeted for his choice of footwear. It is being said that the IAS officer publicly mocked the Deputy CMs shoes. People on social media have taken this matter seriously, with many expressing that Bairwa is being singled out due to his Dalit identity.

With you, @DrPremBairwa, we know we can face anything. Your leadership inspires us to keep pushing forward, no matter how tough it gets. #WeSupportDCMBairwa pic.twitter.com/WZHdrqKjVR  Subho Saha (@SubhoSaha137802) September 11, 2024

One user posted that this incident exposes the larger caste-based harassment that Dr. Bairwa has been enduring for a long time. The post also accused IAS Shikhar Agarwal of continuously disrespecting the position of the Deputy CM. Many are demanding an official investigation into the matter and strict action against the officer.

.@DrPremBairwa, despite all the plots and hardships, we are with you. You are the voice of the people! #WeSupportDCMBairwa pic.twitter.com/Zrfye9E7LV  Praveen (@prav2410) September 11, 2024

It is worth noting that after regaining power, the BJP implemented the formula of having two Deputy CMs along with one Chief Minister in Rajasthan, appointing Dr. Prem Chand Bairwa, a prominent Dalit leader, as one of the Deputy CMs. Bairwa is a key Dalit face within the party and was chosen for the role due to his continuous work for the community.
Srinagar: Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) chief Sheikh Abdul Rashid alias Engineer Rashid on Thursday said he would support the INDIA bloc candidates in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections if the opposition grouping promises to restore Article 370 whenever they come to power at the Centre. Rashid came out of jail after being granted interim bail by a special court on Wednesday to campaign for the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir.

"If INDIA bloc assures us that it will restore Article 370 when it comes to power in Delhi, I will tell every candidate of mine to pledge each vote of their supporters for them," the Baramulla MP told reporters here. He said if India has to achieve the dream of being a global power, it will have to address the Kashmir issue.

"If India wants to become Vishwaguru, Kashmir issue has to be resolved. If you (PM Modi) have a better solution, please tell us. You are saying that the other side (of Kashmir) wants to join this side. It may be true as well but how do we find out?" he asked.

The firebrand politician, who is facing charges of terror funding, said if he is being branded as a separatist for talking about resolution of the Kashmir issue, then the entire north Kashmir region was secessionist as they have voted for him.

"I want to make it clear that we are neither enemies of India, nor agents of Pakistan. We are agents of our conscience. (PM) Modi snatched everything from us on August 5, 2019 -- illegally and unconstitutionally," he said. He said Article 370 will not be restored by making statements inside the comfort of homes.

"How will 370 come back? You will have to protest at Lal Chowk and be ready to be hit by batons. But they (National Conference and PDP) cannot do it. When Amit Shah said no one can give back the statehood to Jammu and Kashmir except the BJP government, they did not even dare to say we will fight for it. It does not mean one has to be violent. Gandhiji did it through non-violence," he added.

He expressed pity over PDP president Mehbooba Mufti's statement against him, saying she was deposed from the chair of the chief minister through a tweet by BJP leader Ram Madhav.

"Had Mehbooba resigned to protest the BJP plans to revoke Article 370, I would have said that she is a lioness. But she did not even know when Ram Madhav tweeted that the (PDP-BJP) government is no more," he said.

He also claimed that NC leader Farooq Abdullah was aware in advance that the Centre is going to revoke Article 370. Rashid hit out at those who tried to project that he won the Lok Sabha elections due to sympathy vote.

"The vote for me was not emotional outpouring. It was against Modi's Naya Kashmir. It was a vote for work that I had done in Langate (assembly segment) on human rights and development," he said.

Rashid claimed that in the run-up to the Lok Sabha polls, he was pressured to support "the BJP proxy in north Kashmir" but he refused and paid the price for it.

"I don't want to add bitterness to the discourse... I was denied basic facilities available to (jail) inmates because I refused to support the BJP proxy, the candidate (Sajad Lone) who came third. I was put in the ward of mental patients for one and half months," he claimed.

Rashid also took potshots at NC leader and former chief minister Omar Abdullah. "Had you (Omar) talked about people's issues, you would not have needed to lower your cap in Ganderbal and contest from two seats," he said.

The Baramulla MP also predicted that both Peoples Conference president Sajad Lone and Omar Abdullah will lose the assembly elections from both seats that they are contesting.

While Lone is contesting from Handwara and Kupwara segments, Abdullah is a candidate from Ganderbal and Budgam seats.

Asked why is his detention any different from the incarceration of other mainstream politicians post abrogation of Article 370, Rashid said "comparing my five years in Tihar to (their) detention at SKICC is an injustice to my sacrifice".

Earlier, addressing a gathering in Delni area of north Kashmir's Baramulla, Rashid said seeing the reception he has got, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other political leaders would have understood that Kashmir issue cannot be buried by imprisoning people inside Tihar jail.

"Today, Modi, Shah, (Rahul) Gandhi and other leaders would have understood whom the people of J-K stand with. They would have come to know today that Kashmir issue cannot be buried by imprisoning Rashid, Hurriyat leaders, Kashmiri youth, and Kashmiri leadership in Tihar," he said.

He added Kashmiris do not desire to pelt stones, "but that does not mean we will surrender before your power".

"I want to tell Modi that I have high regards for you, you want to become vishwaguru, you are meddling in Russia-Ukraine conflict, Israel-Palestine. You call us terrorists but talk to Taliban in Doha. You will have to talk to Kashmiris.

"We are not begging. If you can talk to Nagas, then why not us? Today, you have an opportunity, talk to us and resolve the Kashmir issue. If you do not, then this people's tsunami will drown you," he warned.

Rashid said he won by more votes than PM Modi did in Varanasi. He asked his candidates to work for the people and keep in touch with them. All my candidates will have to become Engineer Rashid, he added.

On Omar's emotional appeal to the people of Ganderbal to vote for him, Rashid said when he saw that he felt "as if my both sons had died".
Northern Indian states such as Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Uttarakhand are experiencing continuous rainfall. In a recent notification, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) raised a warning for rainfall for the coming two to three days over the regions of Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

According to the reports, in Uttar Pradesh, all schools in Agra have been ordered to remain closed on September 12 due to heavy rainfall warnings. The District Magistrate issued this directive. Similarly, schools in Etah district have been closed due to the rain. In Bulandshahr, the District Magistrate has declared a holiday for all schools as heavy rainfall is expected, While Schools in Kannauj are also closed today due to the same reasons. Uttar Pradesh's Hathras district also announced closures of schools for both September 12 and 13.

Uttarakhand's districts such as Chamoli, Bageshwar, Rishikesh, and Nainital have also been closed on September 12 due to the prediction of heavy rainfall.

Rajasthan is experiencing heavy rains, resulting in school closures. In Ajmer, all schools are closed on September 12, Meanwhile, in Dholpur, schools will remain shut until further notice due to the ongoing weather conditions.

Reportedly, Bhopal has announced a holiday for students from Class 1 to Class 5 due to heavy rains over the resigns. Madhya Pradesh's Damoh district has declared a two-day closure for schools, while Bhind, Gwalior, Niwari, and Shivpuri districts have also ordered the closure of all schools on September 12.
Sitaram Yechury Death: CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury passed away at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in the national capital on Thursday due to prolonged illness. He was 72. Yechury had been in a critical condition for the last few days and was on respiratory support.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the CPI (M) said that the 72-year-old leader was being treated for an acute respiratory tract infection at the ICU in AIIMS, Delhi. Yechury was admitted to the hospital on August 19 for treatment of a pneumonia-like chest infection.

Who Was Sitaram Yechury?

Yechury became the general secretary of the CPM in 2015. He succeeded Prakash Karat. He grew under the leadership of party leader Harkishan Singh Surjeet. Surjeet had played major roles in the coalition era governance first during the National Front government of V P Singh and the United Front government of 1996-97, both of which received the support of CPI(M) from outside.

Yechury had played a crucial role in the talks with the government on the Indo-US nuclear deal that led to the Left parties withdrawing support to the UPA-I government. Born on August 12, 1952, in Chennai, he grew up in Hyderabad and studied at All Saints High School till Class 10. Later, he came to Delhi during the Telangana agitation of 1969.



The CPI (M) general secretary was a meritorious student. He had joined Presidents Estate School in the national capital and secured the All-India first rank in the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) Higher Secondary Examination. He also managed to secure first rank in B A (Hons) in Economics at St Stephen's College, Delhi, and M A in Economics from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU).

Later, Yechury joined the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) for a PhD in Economics, which was aborted following his arrest during 'The Emergency' in 1975. He rose to prominence after his arrest during the Emergency in 1975 while he was still a student at the JNU. He was elected president of the JNU Students' Union thrice in the span of a year between 1977 and 78.
Sitaram Yechury's Death: Following the death of CPI (M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury on Thursday, reactions poured in from across party lines mourning the death of the veteran leader. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the death of the CPI (M) stalwart, calling him a "leading light of the Left." He said that his thoughts are with his family and admirers in this sad hour.

Yechury, 72, breathed his last on Thursday afternoon after battling pneumonia. He was admitted to Delhi's All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). In a post on X, PM Modi said that Yechury had the ability to connect across the political spectrum, and he made a mark as an effective parliamentarian.

"Saddened by the passing away of Sitaram Yechury Ji. He was a leading light of the Left and was known for his ability to connect across the political spectrum. He also made a mark as an effective parliamentarian. My thoughts are with his family and admirers in this sad hour. Om Shanti," the Prime Minister wrote on X.

Saddened by the passing away of Shri Sitaram Yechury Ji. He was a leading light of the Left and was known for his ability to connect across the political spectrum. He also made a mark as an effective Parliamentarian. My thoughts are with his family and admirers in this sad hour. pic.twitter.com/Cp8NYNlwSB  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 12, 2024

Expressing grief over Yechury's death, President Droupadi Murmu said that the CPI(M) General Secretary had a distinct and influential voice. "Saddened to learn about the demise of CPI (M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury. First as a student leader and then in national politics and as a parliamentarian, he had a distinct and influential voice. Though a committed ideologue, he won friends cutting across the party lines. My heartfelt condolences to his family and colleagues," President Murmu said in a post on X.

Saddened to learn about the demise of CPI (M) general secretary Shri Sitaram Yechury. First as a student leader and then in national politics and as a parliamentarian, he had a distinct and influential voice. Though a committed ideologue, he won friends cutting across the party  President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) September 12, 2024

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that the passing of the CPI(M) leader is a loss to the political sphere. "Saddened to hear about the passing of General Secretary of the CPI (M) and former Rajya Sabha MP, Sitaram Yechury Ji. His demise is a loss to the political sphere. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family members and friends. May God give them the strength to endure this difficult time," Shah said.

Saddened to hear about the passing of General Secretary of the CPI (M) and former Rajya Sabha MP, Sitaram Yechury Ji. His demise is a loss to the political sphere. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family members and friends. May God give them the strength to endure this  Amit Shah (@AmitShah) September 12, 2024

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on X said that Yechury was a friend with whom he had several interactions. "Pained by the passing away of CPI(M) General Secretary and former Rajya Sabha MP Sitaram Yechuri. In his long years in public life, he distinguished himself as a seasoned parliamentarian who was known for his knowledge and articulation. He was also my friend with whom I had several interactions. I will always recall my interactions with him. Condolences to his bereaved family and supporters. Om Shanti!" he said.

Pained by the passing away of CPI(M) General Secretary and former Rajya Sabha MP Shri Sitaram Yechuri. In his long years in public life, he distinguished himself as a seasoned parliamentarian who was known for his knowledge and articulation.



He was also my friend with whom I  Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) September 12, 2024

Expressing grief over the CPI (M) leader's death, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said that the country has lost a leader who dedicated his life to a cause to protect the interests of labourers, farmers, and the common man. He hailed his commitment to his party and the values he brought to politics.

"The country has lost a leader who dedicated his life to a cause to protect the interests of labourers, farmers, and the common man. His devotion to his party and an honest commitment to the values will always be considered ideal in politics. I express my tributes to Yechury for consistently maintaining personal relationships despite political differences," Shinde said in a post on X.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee condoled the death of Yechury, calling it a loss to national politics. "Sad to know that Sri Sitaram Yechury has passed away. I knew the veteran parliamentarian that he was and his demise will be a loss for national politics. I express my condolences to his family, friends and colleagues," Banerjee posted on X.

Sad to know that Sri Sitaram Yechury has passed away. I knew the veteran parliamentarian that he was and his demise will be a loss for the national politics.



I express my condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.  Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) September 12, 2024

NCP (SP) supremo Sharad Pawar and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray also took to their respective X handles to condole Yechury's demise. "A stalwart of the Marxist Communist Party has passed away today. Senior communist leader Sitaram Yechury's life has come to an end. His work as a significant voice among left-wing parties in India will always be remembered. Serving as the General Secretary of the CPI-M party for two consecutive terms was made possible by his vast experience. This loss can be considered the greatest for left-wing ideology. With Yechury's passing, the voice of laborers, workers, and farmers' rights has been lost. I offer my heartfelt tribute to Sitaram Yechury," Pawar said in a post on X in Marathi.

Thackeray said Yechury's five decade long political career was filled with struggle, and this was not the age for him to go. "This was not the age for Sitaram Yechury to go. He struggled in politics for five decades. His journey, which began with student movements, ended with him becoming the General Secretary of the Communist Party. Yechury was an excellent orator, a scholar of economics, a leader who never compromised on principles, a calm and pleasant face in the leftist movement. He would meet and speak freely at India alliance meetings. He was beloved by all political parties. His sudden passing is shocking. Humble tributes to him," the former Maharashtr CM said in a post on X in Marathi.
New Delhi: The growing involvement of former Amethi MP Smriti Irani in BJP activities in Delhi has created a buzz within the party's city unit over her possible "role" in local politics ahead of next year's assembly elections. Born and raised in Delhi, the former Union minister has been actively involved in programmes related to the party's membership drive in the city that was launched on September 2.

She has been assigned "supervision" of the membership drive in seven out of the Delhi BJP's 14 district units, party leaders said. Party insiders also claimed Irani had purchased a house in south Delhi, hinting at her further involvement in the city unit's activities.

"These developments come amid a section of party leaders pushing for the projection of a face who would lead the charge in the Delhi Assembly polls to give a tough fight to AAP led by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal," said a senior BJP leader.

In the 2020 assembly polls, the BJP contested without a face or declaring any leader as its chief ministerial candidate. It managed to win eight out the 70 seats while AAP won the remainder, he noted.

Another top Delhi BJP leader said if the idea of going to the polls with a chief ministerial candidate gained currency in the coming weeks, the question over a suitable leader for the responsibility would naturally come up.

"In such a scenario, Irani, along with other leaders such as MPs Manoj Tiwari and Bansuri Swaraj, Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva, and former West Delhi MP Parvesh Verma, could be potential contenders for the role," he said.

The entire party rallying behind one leader will send a message of "unity" and also streamline campaigning, he claimed.

The BJP had contested the 2015 assembly polls with Kiran Bedi as its chief ministerial candidate but failed miserably, said some leaders who believe it was not a good idea to have a face for the elections.

The debate is still open. The national leadership is aware of the matter and may take a call on it later on, they said.

The party leaders maintained that the debate on a chief ministerial face could intensify in the coming days if AAP chief Kejriwal -- currently under judicial custody in Tihar jail in the excise policy case -- got bail.

The Supreme Court is due to pronounce its order on Kejriwal's bail plea on Friday.

If Kejriwal comes out and becomes involved in political activities, the BJP's task becomes even tougher, they added.

Irani, who participated in a membership programme in Chandni Chowk along with local MP Praveen Khandelwal, emphasised on strengthening the BJP at the ground level, calling booth-level workers the source of power behind the party's success and growth.

Earlier, she made a three-day organisational visit to the Delhi BJP under the membership campaign, attending programmes and addressing party workers and supporters in Naveen Shahdara, Karol Bagh and New Delhi, the leaders added.
RG Kar Rape-Murder Case: Amid the standoff with junior doctors, who were invited to the state secretariat for a meeting on Thursday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that she is ready to step down from the post of CM in the interest of the people.

Speaking at a press conference, the TMC chief said, "Our government has been insulted. Common people do not know there is a political colour to it. They do not want justice. They want the chair. In the interest of the people I am ready to step down. I do not want the post of the Chief Minister. I want justice for Tilottama. And I want common people to get medical treatment". This comes after the West Bengal CM said that she waited for doctors for two hours.

The agitating junior doctors declined to attend the meeting with West Bengal Mamata Chief Minister Banerjee at 5 PM on Thursday as their demand for LIVE streaming was not met. "we waited for two hours to meet with the junior doctors, but they did not enter the venue," CM Mamata said after she was left waiting for two hours at Kolkata's Nabanna Hall.

The West Bengal government extended a fresh invitation to the agitating junior doctors, allocating a 5 pm slot on Thursday for a meeting to resolve the deadlock at RG Kar hospital, yet it declined the protesters' request for a live broadcast of the discussions.

Kolkata: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee is waiting in the meeting hall for the protesting junior doctors. The doctors remain firm that they will not attend the meeting without live streaming pic.twitter.com/1ydabnzsGl September 12, 2024

This marks the third proposal for dialogue extended by the state government in the past two days, all of which have been turned down by the agitators who have stipulated specific conditions for the meeting.

Although the government conceded to the doctors' insistence on Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee attending the meeting, it refused their demand for a live telecast and limited the number of delegates to no more than 15, contrary to the protesters' preference for a 30-member delegation.

In a letter from Chief Secretary Manoj Pant to the junior doctors, who have been staging a sit-in outside the state health department headquarters in Salt Lake for almost 48 hours, the government expressed its willingness to engage with the delegates to facilitate the smooth operation of healthcare services. However, it emphasized that such a meeting must not contravene the Supreme Court's directive to resume work.
Indian security forces in Kashmir have discovered that terrorists in the region are now armed with deadly NATO weapons, including the M4 rifle. This is a significant escalation from the usual AK-47s used by terrorists. But how did these weapons end up in the hands of Kashmiri terrorists? In a recent in Encounter in Kathua, security forces recovered an AK-47 with a wooden stock and an M4 rifle, which is a standard-issue weapon for NATO forces.

In todays edition of DNA, Zee News dived into a startling revelation: how NATO-standard weapons have ended up in the hands of terrorists in Kathua, Kashmir.

The answer lies in Afghanistan, where the Taliban has taken over after the withdrawal of NATO forces in 2021. The Taliban's elite unit, Badri 313, is equipped with NATO weapons and equipment. After NATO's withdrawal, a large cache of weapons was left behind, which eventually fell into the hands of the Taliban and other terrorist groups.

These weapons are now being smuggled into Kashmir, where they are being used by terrorists to launch attacks on security forces. The first evidence of NATO weapons in Kashmir emerged in 2021, when a terrorist was killed in an encounter in Avantipora. Photos found on his phone showed him posing with an M4 rifle.

Initially, only top commanders of the Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist group were given M4 rifles and night vision devices. But with the increased supply of weapons from Afghanistan, the group has now started arming all its terrorists with these deadly weapons.

Watch today's edition of DNA here for a detailed analysis:
In the fast-paced world of corporate life, it's all too easy to get caught up in the daily grind, constantly pushing our careers forward, often at the expense of our inner peace and mental well-being. Tranquility can start to feel like a distant memory, something we barely recall as we juggle endless hours and tight schedules. Have you ever wondered how to reclaim that sense of calm and satisfaction? The answer might surprise you. Peace isn't just a state of mindit's something we actively achieve by managing the mental stress that our daily routines pile on us. Despite the ups and downs of corporate life, there are effective ways to navigate disappointments and to find the right balance that works for you.

Well, there are a plethora of ways to finding that right balance for some, it might be a serene walk in the park. For others, it could be a few minutes of meditation or maybe it's spending quality time with loved ones or listening to that one song that never fails to cheer you up. Each of us has our own unique path to relaxation and happiness. For centuries now, Buddhist philosophies have offered timeless wisdom to many on how to reach that elusive state of bliss. So, if youre feeling overwhelmed by your hectic career and longing for a moment of calm, the key might lie in cultivating the right mindset.

Talking about the right mindset Vivek Raina, Founder and CEO of Excitel Broadband says Having spent years in the corporate trenches, Ive come to realize that in the fast-paced world we live in, hectic schedules and back-to-back meetings are part of the deal. But just going through the motions each day can feel overwhelming. Its crucial to find joy and fulfillment in what we do. Celebrating the small wins along the way not only fuels your passion but also fosters a mindset of balance and resilience. Remember, its not just about the big milestonesit's the everyday moments of progress that truly shape our journey. By embracing these moments, we not only advance in our careers but also cultivate a life filled with purpose and deep satisfaction.

So, if you are somebody whos looking to find that balance, here are some practical Buddhist teachings suggested by Vivek Raina that can help you find peace, even in the demanding world of corporate life.

The Four Noble Truths

Buddhism teaches that to free ourselves from dukkhaessentially suffering, we need to overcome ignorance. Think of your mind as a shopping cart youre trying to steer from the wrong side. This mental misalignment leads to dissatisfaction. Rising above ignorance and the impulsive thoughts that create false narratives in our minds is the first step to breaking the cycle of stress and frustration. When feeling frustrated due to corporate hassles, it is important for working professionals to incorporate mindfulness before making impulsive decisions that affect the well-being of everyone in the long run.

Finding Happiness Through Equanimity

One of Buddhism's core teachings is equanimity, or peace of mind, which comes from detaching from the cravings that cause unhappiness and anxiety. By reaching a mental state where youre not swayed by passions, needs, or desires, you free yourself, opening the door to true happiness and well-being. A corporate professional practicing equanimity can make decisions without being swayed by personal biases, external pressures, or emotional reactions. This balanced approach enables them to lead with clarity and fairness, resulting in better outcomes for their team and organization.

The Power of Right Effort

Our minds can be like wild horses, but Buddhism teaches the importance of right effort. This means actively avoiding negativity and clearing it from our minds. By focusing on positive thinking and letting go of stress and disappointment, we can achieve a calm, happy state of mind. Employees who clear their minds of stress and disappointment after setbacks, such as missed targets or project failures, can bounce back more quickly. By letting go of negativity and focusing on the next steps with a positive mindset, they enhance their resilience and overall job satisfaction.

As we navigate the complexities of everyday life, these simple yet profound Buddhist philosophies can help us pause and reflect on what really matters. By focusing on what to embrace and what to let go of, we can avoid being overwhelmed by mental stress. No matter what challenges our careers throw at us, we can build resilience and face them head-on.
Mumbai: Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh welcomed their baby girl on September 8, 2024. It's been 4 days that the actress is in the hospital and as per the insiders Deepika will be discharged from the hospital today. An insider reveals to Zee News, "Deepika and the baby is absolutely healthy, and the mother and daughter will be arriving to their home today. The elated and excited father Ranveer Singh cannot wait to welcome both his Laxmi's at home and has done a special preparation for their grand welcome. They have also insisted the paparazzi to not capture them and will follow no photo policy rule for their newborn".

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh shared the news of welcoming their baby girl on September 8, their post read, Welcome baby girl. Ranveer had always manifested to have a baby girl.

Talking about wanting desire to have a baby at the trailer launch of Jayeshbhai Jordaar, he was asked about having a baby girl or baby boy, to which he said, "When we go to temples we don't choose what we want in Prashad, what we receive, we get happy. Same way, I will be happy with whatever god grants me."

Before planning a family, Deepika in one of the interviews spoke about how a family keeps her grounded despite being the star she is, she said, "Family is very important to her because it is because of them that despite achieving success in the industry, I am still grounded".

Watch the video of Ranveer Singh expressing his desire to have a baby girl just like her.

Deepika visited Siddhivinayak temple before the day of her delivery and fans showered her with all the love as she flaunted her fully grown baby bump. The actress is not yet discharged from the hospital and the fans are waiting for a glimpse of her and the baby.


New Delhi: Actor-philanthropist Sonu Sood bid an eco-friendly farewell to Lord Ganesha at his residence on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi 2024. Marking the culmination of a 5-day Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, the actor performed a special puja, seeking the blessings of Bappa. He offered prayers to the deity in the presence of his family and close friends.

During the beginning of the celebrations, the actor welcomed the deity and invited the media as well as the paparazzi to seek his blessings. The actor had also offered them sweets as prasad. Now, as he performed the Ganpati Visarjan in an eco-friendly way, his celebration mirrored his dedication towards environmental conservation.

On the work front, Sonu Sood is looking forward to the release of his maiden directorial Fateh. Along with Sood, the cybercrime actioner also features Naseeruddin Shah and Jacqueline Fernandez in pivotal roles. The film is slated to land in theatres on January 10, 2025.
Mumbai: Vicky Kaushal is a huge Ganesha devotee. The Bad Newz actor every year visits Lalbaughcha Raja and this year too the superstar actor reached to mark his presence. This time he was seen walking barefoot to visit Lalbaughcha Raja and all his fans went berserk to see his spiritual side. He obliged all his fans with the selfies as she walked towards Lalbaughcha Raja.

Vicky was seen wearing a simple white shirt paired with blue denim as he paid his visit to Lalbaughcha Raja. As the video of Vicky Kaushal goes viral of walking barefoot at Lalbaugcha Raja, fans are hailing his simplicity. The actor also bumped into Esha Deol as the actress was present there for the darshan of Lalbaughcha Raja. Esha and Vicky both greeted each other, and the pictures have been creating quite a stir on the internet.

Several actors pay their visit to Lalbaugcha Raja, last year superstar Shah Rukh Khan too visited Lalbaughcha Raja along with his son AbRam Khan. This year too many celebrities have marked their presence and their spiritual sides were adored by their fans.
New Delhi: The Union Cabinet has approved the health coverage to all the senior citizens aged 70 years and above with Rs 5 Lakh free health insurance cover on a family basis irrespective of income under the flagship scheme Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY). This aims to benefit approximately 4.5 Crore families with six (6) crore senior citizens.

Senior citizens of 70 years and above who are under private health insurance policies or Employees State Insurance scheme will be eligible to avail benefits under AB PM-JAY.

1. All senior citizens of the age 70 years and above irrespective of their socio- economic status would be eligible to avail the benefits of AB PM-JAY.

2. The eligible senior citizens would be issued a new distinct card under AB PM-JAY.

3. The senior citizens of the age 70 years and above belonging to families already covered under AB PM-JAY will get an additional top-up cover upto Rs 5 lakh per year for themselves (which they do not have to share with the other members of the family who are below the age of 70 years).

4. All other senior citizens of the age 70 years and above will get a cover upto 5 lakh per year on a family basis.

5. Senior citizens of the age 70 years and above who are already availing benefits of other public health insurance schemes such as Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), Ayushman Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) may either choose their existing scheme or opt for AB PMJAY.



Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana Expansion

AB PM-JAY is the worlds largest publicly funded health assurance scheme which provides health cover of Rs. 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization to 55 crore individuals corresponding to 12.34 crore families.

The AB PM-JAY scheme has witnessed continuous expansion of the beneficiary base. Initially, 10.74 crore poor and vulnerable families comprising the bottom 40% of Indias population were covered under the scheme. Later, the Government of India, in January 2022 revised the beneficiary base under AB PM-JAY from 10.74 crore to 12 crore families considering Indias decadal population growth of 11.7 % over 2011 population.

The scheme was further expanded to cover 37 lakh ASHAs/AWWs/AWHs working across the country and their families for free healthcare benefits. Taking the mission ahead, AB PM-JAY would now provide free healthcare coverage of Rs 5 lakh to all citizens of the age-group of 70 years and above across the country.
North Korea fired an unidentified ballistic missile towards the East Sea on Thursday, Yonhap News Agency reported, citing South Korea's military.

Giving no further details about the same, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff stated that the analysis of the incident is underway.

Pyongyang last launched a ballistic missile on July 1, Yonhap News Agency reported.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has called for the development and production of more "suicide drones" to enhance war preparedness, amid tensions brewing in the Korean peninsula. South Korean news outlet Yonhap had previously reported that Kim had on August 24 overseen a performance test of various drones.

It cited a report by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) about the North Korean Supreme Leader supervising test organised by the Drone Institute of the Academy of Defence Sciences.

During the testing, the drones flown along preset courses destroyed designated targets.

The drones have the ability to attack enemy targets on the ground, in air and in the sea.

Kim was quoted by KNCA as saying that it was necessary to develop and produce more suicide drones "to be used in tactical infantry and special operation units, as well as strategic reconnaissance and multi-purpose attack drones."

The North Korean leader also raised the need for proactively introducing artificial intelligence technology into the development of drones.

Yonhap published photos carried by the KCNA showing two white suicide attack drones hitting and destroying mock targets of what look like K-2 tanks, stating that North Korea has unveiled photos of such weapons for the first time.
A minor Hindu girl was kidnapped and forced to marry an older man who converted her to Islam in Pakistan's Sindh province, news agency PTI quoted the community members as saying on Thursday. The case came to light barely a day after another juvenile Hindu girl kidnapped in Hyderabad was returned to her family on court orders on Wednesday following a year-long ordeal, according to the PTI report.



According to Shiva Faqir Kaachi, the head of Pakistan Darawar Ittehad, the 16-year-old girl was kidnapped from her village in Hunguru on Wednesday and forced to marry a much older guy who converted her to Islam.



The girl was taken to a seminary near the Samura area and married off. When the parents went to the seminary on Thursday to see her, the cleric refused to let them in," Kaachi said to PTI.

"It has now become a regular occurrence for Hindu families to see their young daughters and sisters forcibly taken away and converted to be married off to Muslim men in these places, he said.

On Wednesday, a sessions court in Hyderabad ordered a teenage girl to be reunited with her family after she was abducted from Hyderabad, converted and then married off to a Muslim man last year.

Kaachi noted that since most Hindu families in Pakistan are poor, their women are easy targets and when they are abducted, their families face significant challenges in securing their return due to a lack of support from the system.

He said his organisation, which represents the Hindu community, will pursue a legal recourse to recover the abducted teenage girl.

How long it will take, no one knows. But we will continue to fight this injustice and crime, Kaachi said.

In a similar incident, a Hindu girl, who was abducted just three days after her marriage, grabbed headlines in January 2022. She was allegedly converted to Islam and married to a Muslim man but she managed to escape after 14 months. The police brought her home but after a few months, she was abducted again and is yet to be recovered.
NSA Doval In Russia: National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, who is on a visit to Russia, on Thursday called on Russian President Vladmir Putin in St. Petersburg. During the meeting, the Russian President proposed a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Kazan next month.

The Putin-Doval meeting came nearly three weeks after Modi travelled to Ukranian capital Kyiv and held talks with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Doval is in St. Petersburg to attend a conclave of national security advisors of the BRICS (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa) nations.

The BRICS summit is set to be held in the Russian city of Kazan from October 2224. PM Modi will be taking part in the summit. "Vladimir Putin noted the successful development of the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia and stressed the importance of security issues in bilateral relations, thanking the Indian side for maintaining dialogue in this area," a Russian readout on the Putin-Doval meeting said.

It said the Russian president proposed to hold a bilateral meeting with Modi on October 22 on the sidelines of the BRICS summit to "summarise the outcomes of joint work" on the implementation of the agreements reached during the Indian leader's visit to Moscow and to outline prospects for the near future. The Prime Minister visited Russia in July. "We are waiting for our good friend Modi and best regards to him," the Russian media quoted Putin as saying in the meeting with Doval.

On Wednesday, NSA Doval held wide-ranging talks with his Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu, focusing on key issues of "mutual interests." "Both sides reviewed progress in bilateral cooperation and discussed important issues of mutual interest," the Indian embassy in Russia said on the talks between Doval and Shoigu. It is understood that Modi's talks with Zelenskyy in Kyiv on August 23 figured in the talks between the two NSAs.

In his talks with Zelenskyy, PM Modi underscored that both Ukraine and Russia should sit together without wasting time to end the ongoing war and that India was ready to play an "active role" to restore peace in the region.

The Prime Minister said that New Delhi was on the side of peace since the beginning of the conflict, and he would even like to contribute personally for a peaceful resolution of the crisis. Modi's nearly nine-hour visit to Ukraine, the first by an Indian prime minister since its independence in 1991, came six weeks after he held summit talks with Putin in Moscow.

(With PTI Inputs)
The US and the European Union as part of its dialogue on China have discussed the value of engagement with India in addressing global challenges, including in the maritime sphere, energy and connectivity in the Indo-Pacific.

Discussion on India was part of the two-day 'US-EU Dialogue on China' and the sixth meeting of the 'US-EU High-Level Consultations on the Indo-Pacific', here on September 9 and 10.

The dialogue was led by Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell from the US and European External Action Service (EEAS) Secretary General Stefano Sannino from the EU side.

They discussed the value of the US and the EU's respective engagement with India on global challenges, on security, including in the maritime sphere, energy and connectivity in the Indo-Pacific. The United States and the European Union also discussed the latest developments in Bangladesh, said a joint statement issued on September 11.

They discussed ongoing and increasing engagement in the Indian Ocean Region, including support for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).

During the meeting, Campbell and Sannino reiterated deep and increasing concern about Chinas exports of significant amounts of dual-use goods and items used by Russia on the battlefield against Ukraine and China-based companies continued involvement in sanctions evasion and circumvention.

They recognised Chinas ongoing support for Russias military-industrial base is enabling Russia to maintain its illegal war against Ukraine, which poses a threat to transatlantic as well as global security and stability.

They reiterated their expectation that China, as a Permanent Member of the UN Security Council, should act in support of international law, including the UN Charter, and recalled that any peace proposal in Ukraine must be based on the UN Charter and its principles, including respect for sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, and in line with continued efforts to uphold the international rules-based order.

According to the joint statement, the US and European Union both recognised the importance of balanced and fair economic relations with China and reiterated their commitments to rules-based, free and fair trade and to ensure a level playing field for their workers and companies.

In this respect, the United States and the EU will both continue to actively address the challenges posed by Chinas non-market policies and practices, including overcapacity and economic coercion," the statement said.

"Both sides confirmed their intention to continue de-risking by investing in their resilience and reducing dependencies and vulnerabilities in strategic sectors, which fosters resilience to economic coercion. They also confirmed the importance of advancing the governance of critical and emerging technologies, said the joint statement.

The two delegations also discussed the human rights situation in China, including recent respective engagement with China on this subject.

Both recognised the need for increased global awareness and decisive action to address continued human rights abuses by China, including in Tibet and Xinjiang.

They underscored that China should effectively cooperate with the OHCHR, including towards the implementation of the recommendations of its assessment report on the human rights situation in Xinjiang, as well as with international human rights mechanisms, the statement said.

Both the US and the EU underscored the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, which is indispensable to international security and stability. They called for the peaceful resolution of cross-Strait issues through dialogue.

They urged China to act with restraint in the Taiwan Strait and around Taiwan. They expressed opposition to any unilateral attempt to change the status quo, in particular by force or coercion. They expressed support for Taiwans meaningful participation in international organisations, said the joint statement.
Besides his common-sense policies, my favorite part about Congressman Derrick Van Orden is his authenticity. You may not agree with him 100% of the time, but you know hes 100% real.

His words may hurt your feelings sometimes, but at least you know hes shooting you straight. At the end of the day, this is all I ask of my representatives  always work for the people you represent and always be honest with them. There is no doubt, Van Orden has passed this criteria.

I cant say the same for his opponent, however. Rebecca Cooke has been slammed by both Republicans and Democrats for misleading voters about her background. Cooke ought to play an honest game of fact vs. fiction with voters. Here's an example:

Fact: Rebecca Cooke owned her own political consulting firm, raising millions for left-wing politicians in California, Minnesota and other states. For her work, she received $200,000.

Fiction: Cooke is a political outsider and working class candidate.

Whatever your political views may be, let's elect people who are honest with voters. We deserve a representative who tells the truth about their background, not a shapeshifter who will say anything to get votes.

Congressman Van Orden: I appreciate your transparency. I may not agree with you on everything, but I know you're being honest with me. Im confident voters will see your strong work ethic and genuine approach to governing.

Mary LaMothe, La Crosse
The novel Ali and Nino has been translated into Tamil and published by Sridharan Madhusudhanan, the Ambassador of India to Azerbaijan, Azernews reports.

A presentation ceremony for the book, which was published in Tamil for the first time, was held in Baku. This translation by Ambassador Sridharan Madhusudhanan marks a significant step in the development of intercultural relations between India and Azerbaijan.

Ali and Nino is a novel primarily set in Baku and has been published over 100 times in more than 30 languages worldwide. The most remarkable aspect of this presentation was that it was the first time the novel was translated by an Indian.

At the event, held under the motto A Bridge between India and Azerbaijan through Literature, opening speeches were delivered by Shahbaz Khuduoglu, Director of Qanun Publishing House, and Kannan Sundaram, a representative of the Kalachuvadu Publishing House from India. Their speeches emphasized the power of literary translations in fostering mutual relations between cultures.

Speaking at the presentation, Ambassador Sridharan Madhusudhanan expressed his satisfaction with the achievement of translating the work into Tamil, one of the worlds oldest languages.

The ambassador thanked all his Azerbaijani friends who greatly assisted him in clarifying the meanings of ambiguous words and in the translation process overall. He also expressed his desire for more books to be translated as part of the ongoing development of cultural and interpersonal ties between India and Azerbaijan. The translation of Ali and Nino into Tamil is Ambassador Sridharan Madhusudhanans third translation work and his sixth book overall. His previous works include translations from Chinese into Tamil, making him the first person to directly translate from Chinese to Tamil.

Nigar Kocharli, Director of the Ali and Nino bookstore chain, emphasized in her speech the appropriateness of publishing the Tamil translation of the novel Ali and Nino in the Ali and Nino bookstore.

Afterward, four distinguished guests jointly unveiled the book.

The evening also featured a display of a collection of Indian books translated into Azerbaijani, aiming to further underscore the strong literary ties between the two nations. The presentation of Indian street foods such as panipuri, chaat, and jalebi added a festive atmosphere to the event.

It should be noted that this event was organized by the Embassy of India, Qanun Publishing House, and the Ali and Nino bookstore chain, with the support of Indian associations in Azerbaijan: the India Azerbaijan Association (IAA), the Baku Malayalee Association (BMA), the Azerbaijan Telugu Association (ATA), and the Baku Tamil Sangam (BTS). The leaders of these organizations were also present at the event and expressed their support.

The live discussions that followed further confirmed the shared love for literature and reflected the growing literary and cultural connections between India and Azerbaijan.
A law that recently passed in Turkey requires the countrys four million stray dogs to be impounded, or put in animal shelters. The legislation aims to place all strays into city shelters by 2028.

Supporters of the law, which passed in July, say it aims to prevent dog attacks, road accidents, and the spread of rabies.

But critics say the law may lead to many dogs being euthanized, or killed. Animal lovers, activists and organizations are working to find homes for Turkeys street dogs, including homes overseas.

Animal rights activist Nilgul Sayar runs a shelter for dogs near Istanbul. She has sent hundreds of dogs overseas for adoption. She said demand for international dog adoptions has jumped since the law passed.

"We have around 20 to 25 dogs ready to fly," Sayar said. "People continue to reach out to us (for adoption). I hope we will send more dogs soon. They will all have good homes."

It can take up to four months to get a dog ready to travel to the European Union with the necessary paperwork and vaccinations. And it can cost over $1,100.

Sayar said it often takes years to find homes for the large, old and disabled dogs that make up the majority of the animals in her shelter.

Dali and Deezi used to be stray dogs living on the streets of Istanbul. They were caught and put in Sayars shelter. But today, Dali and Deezi live in the Netherlands, where they enjoy a comfortable life.

"We wanted to support these dogs and find loving families abroad," said Ali Okay, who volunteered to fly with them from Turkey to Belgium. The animals were later taken to the Netherlands by the non-governmental organization Animal Care Projects.

Dog shelters across Turkey can currently hold around 100,000 animals. Cities are to build more shelters to meet the requirements of the new law.

Thousands of Turks have protested against the law in recent weeks. Stray dogs and cats can be seen in streets across Turkey. They are loved and cared for by many people. Large stray dogs sometimes sleep in shop doorways, with people gently stepping around them.

In response to the new law, some companies are adopting strays for their offices. One hotel on the coast built a dog shelter to introduce them to foreign visitors. Some animal doctors are offering free vaccinations when people choose to adopt animals from the streets.

Turkey used to trap and neuter dogs and then return them to the streets. Critics of the new law say dog numbers would have been under control if that policy had been carried out.

Dali is now in a foster home in the Netherlands awaiting adoption. Deezi is settling into her new home and is calm and happy, said new owner Caroline Dieleman.

Dieleman was mourning the death of one of her dogs in June. When she heard about Turkey's new law, she decided to rescue Deezi.

"The new law makes me feel sick physically but also powerless," said Dieleman. "This was a little thing I could do...it is one dog only, from how many dogs. But one is better than none."

Im Ashley Thompson.

The Reuters news agency reported this story. Ashley Thompson adapted it for VOA Learning English.

We want to hear from you. What your thoughts on this topic? In the Comments section, you can also practice using any of the expressions from the story. Our comment policy is here.

______________________________________________

Words in This Story

stray adj. not belonging to anyone or having a home

adoption n. a process in which a family takes someone else, usually a child, but the term is used for animals too, to legally become part of their family

gently adv. done in a careful, soft or light way

response n. the result of or answer to an action, rule or question

neuter v. to remove the reproductive glands of an animal so it cannot reproduce
The world creates about 52 million metric tons of plastic pollution every year, a new study says.

More than two-thirds of that plastic comes from the Global South  a term that loosely describes developing countries.

The amount of pollution is enough to fill New York Citys Central Park with plastic waste as high as the Empire State Building, researchers at the University of Leeds in Britain say.

They examined waste produced on the local level at more than 50,000 cities and towns across the world for a study recently released in the publication Nature.

The study examined plastic that goes into the open environment. It did not examine plastic that goes into landfills or is properly burned. For 15 percent of the worlds population, government fails to collect and dispose of waste, the study said.

This lack of collection and disposal is a big reason Southeast Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa produce the most plastic waste.

Lagos, Nigeria, released the most plastic pollution of any city, said Costas Velis, the studys lead writer. The other biggest plastic-polluting cities are New Delhi in India, Luanda in Angola, Karachi in Pakistan, and Cairo, in Egypt.

India leads the world in producing plastic pollution, with more than 9.3 million metric tons a year. That number is far more than double the next big-polluting nations, Nigeria and Indonesia. China, often criticized for pollution, is in fourth place but is making big improvements in reducing waste, Velis said. Other top plastic polluters are Pakistan, Bangladesh, Russia and Brazil. The top eight nations are responsible for more than half of the worlds plastic pollution, the studys data suggests.

The United States takes 90th place in plastic pollution with more than 47,600 metric tons. And Britain takes 135th place with nearly 4,600 metric tons, the study says.

In 2022, most of the worlds nations agreed to make the first legally binding treaty on plastic pollution, including in the oceans. Final treaty negotiations take place in South Korea in November.

The study used artificial intelligence to research plastics that were improperly burned  about 57 percent of the pollution  or just dumped. In both cases, very small microplastics, or nanoplastics, are what change the issue from a marine life problem to a human health threat, Velis said.

Several studies this year have looked at how common microplastics are in our drinking water and in peoples tissue, such as hearts, brains and testicles. Doctors and scientists are still not quite sure how microplastics threaten human health.

Velis called the spread of microplastics everybodys problem and one that will be an issue for future generations.

We shouldnt put the blame, any blame, on the Global South, Velis said. And we shouldnt praise ourselves about what we do in the Global North in any way.

The problem is a lack of resources and ability of government to provide the necessary services to citizens, Velis said.

Outside experts worried that the studys attention on pollution, rather than overall plastic production, means the plastic industry is not held responsible.

The United Nations Environment Program estimates that plastic production is likely to rise from about 400 million metric tons a year to more than 1.1 billion metric tons. And many scientists believe plastic production releases large amounts of greenhouse gas that contribute to climate change.

Neil Tangri is senior director of science and policy at GAIA, a group of international organizations working on waste and environmental programs.

Tangri said of the studys researchers, These guys have defined plastic pollution in a much narrower way, as really just macroplastics that are emitted into the environment after the consumer, and it risks us losing our focus on the upstream and saying, hey now all we need to do is manage the waste better.

Tangri added, Its necessary but its not the whole story.

Im John Russell.

Seth Borenstein reported on this story for the Associated Press. John Russell adapted it for VOA Learning English.

____________________________________________

Words in This Story

landfill  n. a system of trash and garbage disposal in which the waste is buried between layers of earth

dispose of  v. to get rid of

bind -- v. to put under an obligation

dump  v. to get rid of something in a careless way

emit -- v. to give off or to throw out; to release

focus  n. a center of activity or attention

upstream  n. in or to a position within the production stream closer to manufacturing processes
The President of the United States has described the destruction caused in New York and Washington as an act of war against all freedom-loving people.

In a statement broadcast at 1053 local time (1553 BST), George Bush vowed the US would use all its resources to avenge the worst-ever attacks on American soil.

But he warned an angry and wounded nation they would have to be patient and said any action could be a monumental struggle.

The president has also been seeking the backing of world leaders for an international campaign against terrorism.

As the estimated number of dead rose into the thousands the day after the tragedy, members of the US government began talking openly of war.

US Secretary of State Colin Powell said: It isnt going to be solved with a single counter-attack against one individual, its going to be a long term conflict.

Expressions of support have come quickly from American allies, and also from countries not known for their sympathy with the US  the leaders of Libya and Palestine both condemned the attacks in the strongest terms.

Only Iraq has endorsed the atrocity, saying the attacks were a lesson for all tyrants and oppressors and the fruit of American crimes.

Tony Blair offered the unequivocal backing of the UK, echoing President Bushs words in his press conference announcing the recall of Parliament.

I dont think there is any doubt at all that this threat is aimed at the whole democratic world, the prime minister told reporters.

The US has been singled out But these terrorists will regard us all as targets.

Courtesy BBC News

In context

The criminal investigation quickly identified the hijackers, and linked them to al-Qaeda  the Islamic militant group set up by the Afghanistan-based Osama Bin Laden.

President Bushs War on Terror began on 8 October 2001 with an air bombardment of Afghanistan by US and UK forces.

With the help of the Northern Alliance opposition group, the Taleban leaders of the country were quickly toppled.

Many alleged members of al-Qaeda were caught and flown to a US base on Cuba, but Bin Laden proved to be more elusive and the hunt for him still continues.
China must reprioritize economic growth and reforms and boost investor confidence by leveling the playing field for all companies in the country, a European business group said yesterday.

With business confidence now at an all-time low over lagging domestic demand and overcapacity in certain industries, the annual European Business in China Position Paper called on China to open its economy and allow a more free market to determine resource allocation. It also recommended introducing policies to boost domestic demand.

Profit margins in China are at or below the global average for two-thirds of the companies surveyed earlier in the year, according to the paper published yesterday by the European Chamber of Commerce in China.

In August, China filed a complaint with the World Trade Organization over European Union tariffs on electric vehicles made in China. It also launched anti-dumping and subsidies investigations of European dairy products, brandy and pork exports. The tit-for-tat actions have raised fears that a trade war may break out.

Many European businesses are deciding that the returns on investments in the worlds second-largest economy are not worth the risks, due to issues including Chinas economic slowdown and a politicized business environment.

For some European headquarters and shareholders, the risks of investing in China are beginning to outright the returns, a trend that will only intensify if key business concerns are left unaddressed, Jens Eskelund, president of Chinas European Union Chamber of Commerce, said in a message at the beginning of the paper.

The European Chambers paper proposes over 1,000 recommendations for China to resolve challenges and problems faced by European businesses operating in the country and boost investor confidence. Among them are calls for China to refrain from punishing companies for the actions of their home governments. Others include ensuring that policy packages for attracting foreign investment are followed by implementation, and refraining from erratic policy shifts.

The report also recommended that the EU proactively engage with China and keep its responses measured and proportionate when disagreements arise. MDT/AP
Hong Kongs government yesterday said the U.S. House of Representatives twisted facts in an attack on the city as it passed a bill that could close its representative offices in America, while Beijing threatened to take countermeasures if they are shuttered.

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office Certification Act was part of a series of China-related legislative proposals being scrutinized by the House this week. Many of the proposals scheduled for a vote appear to have both Republican and Democratic support, reflecting a strong consensus that congressional actions are needed to counter Beijing.

If approved, the measures would still need to clear the Senate and be signed by the U.S. president before officially becoming law. They are expected to increase diplomatic tensions between the worlds two largest economies, which see each other as rivals in many areas and have conflicting views over various issues, including on Hong Kong.

Yesterday, Hong Kongs Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Algernon Yau strongly condemned the bills passage, saying it was political slander against the laws that safeguard national security and smeared the citys human rights situation without any reason at all.

He said the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong had surveyed its members and found that about 70% of respondents felt no negative impact from the Beijing-imposed security law. He said there are about 1,200 American companies in the city.

The passing of the bill  actually is not creating any benefit to anybody at all, he said.

The Hong Kong government said in a statement that the attack on the semi-autonomous Chinese city was politically driven, violated international law and grossly interferes in Hong Kongs affairs.

The office of Chinas Foreign Ministry in Hong Kong also issued a strongly worded statement, saying if the U.S. pushed the bill forward and shut the offices, China would take resolute countermeasures.

In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said the act politicizes normal trade cooperation and is very egregious. Mao said Hong Kong is the second-largest source of trade surplus for the U.S., warning the move would ultimately jeopardize Americas own interests.

China urges the U.S. to stop pushing forward the bill, so as not to cause more harm to the stability and development of China-U.S. relations, she said.

The bill passed the U.S. House with bipartisan support, 413-3, on Tuesday. It proposes to require the White House to remove the extension of certain privileges to the three Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices in the U.S.  in Washington, New York and San Francisco  if the city no longer enjoys a high degree of autonomy from China, and for other purposes.

Under the proposals, the U.S. secretary of state would need to determine whether the offices merit the privileges. If the answer is no, the offices would have to terminate their operations within 180 days after that determination is delivered to Congress.

Republican Representative Chris Smith, chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, said in a statement that the act is a necessary next step in tangibly demonstrating our solidarity with the persecuted citizens of Hong Kong.

Since the security was imposed, in 2020 to quell months of huge anti-government protests in 2019, authorities have arrested many leading pro-democracy activists, including Apple Daily founder Jimmy Lai and former student leader Joshua Wong.

In response to the law, the U.S. previously deprived the territory of its preferential trading status and put sanctions on high-ranking Hong Kong officials. But Beijing and Hong Kong insist the law is necessary to bring back stability to the financial hub.

Anna Kwok, executive director of the Hong Kong Democracy Council, a Washington-based group advocating for the citys pro-democracy movement, said in a statement the bill was a much-needed response to hold the Hong Kong government accountable for their blatant human rights abuses. Kwok was among a group of overseas-based activists targeted by Hong Kong police bounties.

Hong Kong has 14 overseas trade offices, aiming to strengthen economic, trade and cultural ties between the foreign territories and the city.

But they came under scrutiny when an office manager in its London branch along with two other men were charged in Britain for allegedly assisting the Hong Kong intelligence service in May.

Chinese authorities in both the U.K. and Hong Kong at that time criticized the charges brought by London authorities, saying they were the latest in a series of groundless and slanderous accusations that the British government has leveled against China. KANIS LEUNG & ELSIE CHEN, HONG KONG, MDT/AP
The 2024 Global Legal & Sustainable Timber Forum kicked off yesterday in Macau, welcoming hundreds of forestry ministers, timber executives and international organization representatives from around the world.

The opening ceremony was attended by Macau Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng, along with officials from Chinas central government and several timber-producing nations including the Central African Republic, Fiji, Congo, and Brazil.

Secretary for Economy and Finance Lei Wai Nong highlighted Chinas role as a key supplier and consumer in the global timber trade. He noted a recent Chinese government guideline calling for accelerating the green transformation of industries, which could help promote sustainability in the timber market.

Under this background, the Global Legal & Sustainable Timber Forum 2024 with the theme Together Towards Reliable and Effective Global Timber Supply Chains provides a timely and effective platform for international timber suppliers, purchasers and traders to exchange and cooperate, Lei said.

The two-day forum has attracted around 700 delegates from 40 countries. It features keynote speeches, panel discussions and specialized sub-forums on topics such as timber legality, sustainable forestry, advanced wood processing technology, green finance and more.

Building on the exploration of frontier and hot topics through a series of keynote addresses, panel discussions and sub-forums, the event further leverages its function to promote exhibitions through conferences and attract investment through exhibitions, Lei explained.

The event also includes a timber industry exhibition and the launch of international projects like the Global Timber Index and timber traceability system.

Lei noted the forum is the first major international forestry conference hosted in Macau, highlighting the citys growing role as a convention destination. He pledged the Macau governments continued support in attracting more professional, international events to the city.

The Global Legal & Sustainable Timber Forum is co-hosted by the International Tropical Timber Organization and Macaus Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute. It aims to promote sustainable forest management and legal timber supply chains worldwide. Nadia Shaw
Pope Francis flew to Singapore yesterday 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. 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 yesterday 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.

Go forward with the happiness of youth, but dont forget one thing, Francis told them. You are the heirs of those who persevered in founding this nation. For this, dont lose your memory, the memory of those who persevered with so much sacrifice to consolidate this nation.

The 87-year-old pope, who is on the longest and farthest trip of his pontificate, ditched his prepared remarks to speak off the cuff in his native Spanish, as he often does when hes 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.

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.

It was an apparent reference both to East Timors past, as a colonial possession of first Portugal and then Indonesia, but also its current attractiveness to international commercial interests eager to develop its natural gas reserves.

The oil and gas industry is the bedrock of the Timorese economy and the main source of government revenue. Development of the promising offshore Greater Sunrise gas field, shared between Australia and East Timor, has been stalled for more than two decades  mainly over the question of which country the fuel should be piped to.

Timorese officials believe that piping gas into their country would deliver more benefits for their people despite the added logistical challenges. In an interview last week, President Jose Ramos-Horta said any alternative would have to be a very persuasive proposal.

Francis, 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 Tuesday night, using a term in Spanish that means both to bite and to accept bribes.

old acolyte at the Dili Mass celebrated by St. John Paul II on the same field as Francis. NICOLE WINFIELD, SINGAPORE, MDT/AP
Edward Dai has been appointed General Manager of Prudentials Macau branch, succeeding Chris Ma upon his retirement, the insurance giant announced this week. The market landscape and immense potential of Macau make it one of the most exciting areas in the region, Dai noted in a company press release. With over 20 years in the insurance industry, Dai joined Prudential in 2013 and has held several senior roles in the company, overseeing agency strategy development. He is delighted to have the opportunity to enhance Prudentials growing presence in the territory, Dai stated. CEO Lawrence Lam praised Dais success in driving business growth and his strategic insight, combined with vast experience.

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Pop music mega star Taylor Swift officially endorsed Kamala Harris shortly after her strong debate performance, Tuesday night. Swift, who signed her endorsement "childless cat lady" could conceivably convince million of politically disengaged young folks to support the Democratic candidate.

Donald Trump clearly lost the debate. He was angry and flustered throughout and spouted all sorts of bizarre lies. At one point he even falsely claimed that migrants in the town of Springfield, Ohio, were eating people's pets. There is no evidence to support this claim, which stems from a Facebook post amplified by right-wing influencers.
TWIN FALLS  For the second time, In-N-Out Burger is set to make its case on why it should be allowed to operate its proposed restaurant with a drive-thru in Twin Falls.

Its appeal will be heard Monday by the Twin Falls City Council as part of the councils regular meeting. The meeting starts at 5 p.m.

Next month, the council will also hear an appeal regarding the city planning and zoning commissions approval in August of a drive-thru for Taco Bell at Carriage Lane and Addison Avenue, which neighbors say will lead to a reduced quality of life for people living near the proposed location.

In-N-Out Burger

The Twin Falls Planning and Zoning Commission in June denied an application for a special use permit for In-N-Outs drive-thru and extended hours on a 5-2 vote, as most members feared a negative impact to traffic flow if the restaurant were to locate on the corner of Fillmore Street and Blue Lakes Boulevard North, where Outback Steakhouse now stands.

The upcoming appeal will be similar to Junes planning and zoning hearing, P&Z Director Jonathan Spendlove said, and In-N-Out Burger will be allowed to submit additional evidence to try to prove its case. Testimony from the public will also be taken, but only from those with legal standing  people who gave testimony via letter or testimony at the original hearing.

The site of the proposed location is unusual, with Fillmore being a private road owned by Woodbury Corp., and with the Snake River Canyon nearby. In addition to concern that the drive-thru could lead to increased congestion on Blue Lakes Boulevard, planning and zoning members also worried traffic could be hindered on Nielsen Point Place, a road the city helps maintains that leads to the Twin Falls Visitor Center.

In-N-Out development manager Todd Smith, maintained the restaurant would be able to handle traffic and pointed to a drive-thru design that he said could handle up to 37 vehicles at a time.

He said as more In-N-Out locations are built in Idaho  two more are planned for the Treasure Valley  there wont be the rush of customers like the restaurant in Meridian saw when it opened last winter.

Many social media users, many of whom say they would welcome an In-N-Out location in Twin Falls, posted that they agree with the planning and zoning decision and urged the burger chain to find another piece of real estate.

The land at Fillmore and Blue Lakes is zoned correctly for a restaurant but businesses in Twin Falls must obtain a special use permit to operate a drive-thru.

Taco Bell

Residents came out against the proposed Taco Bell at Carriage Lane and Addison Avenue during a special use permit hearing in August, saying the restaurant would dramatically change the character of their quiet neighborhood.

The permit was granted anyway on a 5-1 vote, although the commission reduced operating hours and mandated that a taller fence be built to keep headlight glare and noise out of the neighborhood.

An appeal was filed by Floid Gilbert, who said he has the support of multiple neighbors, some of which helped pay the appeal fee. He provided the Times-News with a list on why he said the drive-thru should be rejected, some of which included noise, light and air pollution, reduced property values, negative impact of traffic flow and reduced safety for people walking in the neighborhood.

The appeal is tentatively scheduled to be heard by the council on Oct. 7.

Architect Jule Benintendi of BRS Architects said the location would not get as much traffic as its location on Blue Lakes Boulevard North, and gave an estimate of 500 cars per day, many of which would be motorists who would have already been driving in the area.

Es-O-En Corporation, making the proposal, operates multiple other Taco Bell locations in Idaho and Oregon, including the other Taco Bell in Twin Falls, and didnt immediately return a phone call to the Times-News.
Cites glaring mismanagement, COA-disallowed expenses

The House of Representatives is planning to slash by half the P2.03 billion budget of the Office of the Vice President for 2025.

Lawmakers noted the Commission on Audit has disallowed P73.2 million out of the P125 million in OVP intelligence funds that were used up in just 11 days in 2022.

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COA also flagged the Department of Education, which Vice President Sara Duterte previously headed, for building only 192 classrooms or 3 percent of its target of 6, 379 classrooms last year.

ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro said lawmakers are planning to approve more or less P1 billion out of the P2.03-billion proposed OVP budget for next year.

If the Vice President wants, she can request funds from various agencies, just like other vice presidents have done, Castro said.

The real issue here is the glaring mismanagement of DepEd funds under her watch, where much-needed classrooms for our children were left unbuilt, added House Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe.

Dalipe called out the Vice President for resorting to squid tactics in evading the issues hounding her office.

Instead of focusing on delivering results, were now seeing what others suspect all along, that the Vice President is resorting to squid tactics  using smokescreens and diversionary moves to escape accountability, he said.

House Committee on Appropriations chairperson Rep. Elizaldy Co said most members of his panel believed the OVP funding for social services should be transferred to line agencies instead.

He noted the COA findings that less than one percent was utilized of the P150 million allocation for an entrepreneurship program under the OVP.

Duterte, for her part, she is ready to fulfill her duty along with her office even without a budget.

We heard there is defunding, an effort to defund the Office of the Vice President (OVP) budget. We also heard that only a peso may be allotted to the OVP budget, Duterte said in a recorded video interview released to the media.

We are ready  I am ready  to work at the OVP even without a budget. Our office is only small. Our operations are only small so we can handle our work even without a budget. We know anyway that it is part of the attacks. So for us, we will just continue to do what we need to for the country, she added.

She said the House scrutiny on how the previous OVP and Deped budgets were spent aimed to ruin my name.

Even if I had nothing to do with the observations of the Commission on Audit (COA), they are saying It is Inday Saras fault, she added.

Dalipe, however, chided Duterte for refusing to answer important questions on the use of DepEd funds, including the rotting and expired Nutribuns and other food items, among others.

We are not asking for excuses and fingerpointing as answers from the Vice President. The public demands an explanation on how she spent the taxpayers money, he said.
China on Wednesday said it held candid high-level talks with the Philippines on South China Sea issues, in particular over a disputed reef that has been the scene of recent bilateral clashes.

Chinese vice foreign minister Chen Xiaodong met with his Philippine counterpart Maria Theresa Lazaro in Beijing, Chinas foreign ministry wrote in a statement.

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The two sides had a candid and in-depth exchange of views on maritime issues between China and the Philippines, especially the issue of Xianbin Reef, the ministry said, using the Chinese name for the Sabina Shoal.

In recent weeks, Philippine and Chinese vessels have clashed multiple times in the waters around the flashpoint shoal, where the Philippine Coast Guard has anchored a ship to prevent China seizing the ring of reefs.

China reiterated on Wednesday its demand for the immediate withdrawal of the Philippine vessel and said it would firmly uphold its sovereignty.

This month, Beijing insisted it was defending its rights after the Philippines released footage appearing to show a Chinese coast guard vessel ramming one of its ships during an at-sea confrontation.

Sabina Shoal is located 140 kilometres (86 miles) west of the Philippine island of Palawan and about 1,200 kilometres from Hainan island, the nearest major Chinese landmass.

Recent clashes between Philippine and Chinese vessels have also taken place near other disputed reefs.

This week, a senior US military official warned his Chinese counterpart against Beijings dangerous moves in the South China Sea, where Manila is a key ally of Washington.

Samuel Paparo, commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command, and Wu Yanan, head of the Chinese armys Southern Theater Command, talked via video call on Tuesday China time as the two superpowers sought to re-establish regular military-to-military talks.

Beijing claims almost all of the economically vital South China Sea despite competing claims from other countries.

During Chinas meeting with the Philippines on Wednesday, the two sides agreed to continue to maintain communication through diplomatic channels, the Chinese foreign ministry said.
On September 11, Angolas Finance Minister, Vera Daves de Sousa, highlighted a 197.8% increase in SEP (Public Business Sector) inflows compared to 2022 during the Public Business Sector Meeting. However, she noted that the States 207.5 billion kwanzas deficit between received and disbursed funds requires ongoing attention, due to its significant opportunity costs.

Minister Daves de Sousa explained that the expansion of the SEP universedriven by asset recovery and policy implementationraised the number of companies from 88 in 2021 and 92 in 2022 to 94 in 2023. She stressed the need for these companies to achieve financial autonomy to reduce the states burden and mitigate fiscal risks.

She urged companies to enhance management under the current legal framework, despite ongoing reforms. The minister also reiterated the goals outlined in the January 2022 Roadmap for Reform, which aims to reduce the number of companies, separate the states regulatory, supervisory, and shareholder roles, and reorganize the accounts of struggling firms by 2025.
In Kenya, staff at Nairobis Jomo Kenyatta International Airport ended their strike on the evening of September 11. The strike, which began at midnight the previous day, was in protest of the planned concession of the airport to the Indian Adani group.

The deal would see the consortium operate the airport for thirty years in exchange for infrastructure expansion. Workers were concerned about job security but secured some guarantees during the night.

On September 11, an agreement was reached between the Kenyan airport authority, Kenya Airways, and the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU). The agreement provides KAWU with ten days to review the concession documents and identify any issues. A follow-up meeting will be held after this period.

The agreement specifies that no decisions will be made without KAWUs involvement. KAWU Secretary General Moss Ndiema stated, We havent agreed to Adani yet. We will have a veto right and our approval will be necessary for the process to continue.

Meanwhile, President William Ruto, on his X feed (formerly Twitter), emphasized the benefits of partnering with the Adani Group, which he said would transform the airport into a world-class facility. The expansion project, which involves an investment of over 1.5 billion euros, is a significant development for Nairobis airport.
On September 11, Guinea-Bissaus President Umaro Sissoco Embalo announced he will not seek a second term but cautioned against being succeeded by Nuno Nabiam, Braima Camara, or Domingos Simoes Pereira.

Embalo, speaking after a Council of Ministers meeting he chaired, revealed that his decision was influenced by his wife, his primary family advisor.

Nuno Nabiam, a former prime minister and coordinator of the Forum for the Salvation of Democracy (FSD), leads a coalition including the Movement for Democratic Change (Madem G-15) and the Kumba Lanta Alliance, which consists of the Social Renewal Party (PRS) and the United Peoples Assembly  Democratic Party of Guinea-Bissau (APU-PDGB).

Braima Camara, who heads the Madem G-15, and Satu Camara, another Madem G-15 leader loyal to Embalo, are potential successors. Domingos Simoes Pereira, president of the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC) and former Guinean parliament speaker, is also mentioned as a potential successor. Pereiras removal of the parliament in December, a controversial move occurring a year after elections, drew criticism for its constitutional implications.

Embalos term concludes in February 2025, but he has announced presidential elections for late 2025, drawing criticism from the opposition. He shared that his wife suggested he not seek re-election during their trip to China, encouraging him to focus on family time after years of service since he was 18.
Northeastern Nigerias Borno state is grappling with severe flooding that has affected up to one million people. The disaster, triggered by heavy rains causing a dam to overflow, is the worst flooding in the state in two decades.

The floods have decimated a state-owned zoo, washing crocodiles and snakes into flooded communities. Borno state governor Babagana Zulum reported that a quarter of the state capital, Maiduguri, is submerged. The flooding poses significant health risks, with concerns about waterborne diseases due to overwhelmed sewage systems.

The Bakassi camp, which previously housed thousands displaced by the Boko Haram insurgency, has been particularly hard hit. This disaster adds to Nigerias ongoing struggle with floods. Since the start of the year, 229 people have died due to flooding across the country.

Authorities are scrambling to rescue residents and provide temporary shelters, but the full extent of the damage remains unclear. The situation in Borno is especially concerning given the states history of conflict and displacement.

The flooding underscores the urgent need for improved infrastructure and disaster preparedness in the region. As climate change increases the likelihood of extreme weather events, Nigeria faces the challenge of protecting its most vulnerable communities from future disasters.
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Frailty in older Australians is imposing a staggering burden on Australia's health care system and is driving up costs in community aged-care, new research by Flinders University has revealed.

Published in the journal Geriatrics & Gerontology International, the study found that frailty significantly increases health care costs due to higher service usage, frequent hospitalizations, and extended recovery periods, highlighting an urgent need for targeted interventions to curb this escalating crisis.

"As Australia's population ages, the costs associated with frailty are set to climb, making it critical to address this issue now," says lead author Barbara Toson, a biostatistician in Flinders' College of Medicine and Public Health.

"This study is one of the first to focus on the economic impact of frailty from the health care system's perspective, offering key insights that could drive more effective and sustainable care strategies."

Using data from the Registry of Senior Australians, the researchers compared frail and non-frail individuals on both their outcomes and economic costs, finding the health care costs for older adults with frailty were significantly higher.

Over a three-year period, total health care costs for 39,363 frail individuals, identified during their first aged care assessment in 2013, were estimated at $1.28 billion, compared to $885 million if they had not been frail.

This resulted in an estimated annual excess cost of $130.8 million to overall health care expenditures for the Australian government, primarily driven by hospital admissions.

Frail individuals were also 76% more likely to die and 73% more likely to enter permanent residential aged care, compared to non-frail individuals.

"The cost difference between frail and non-frail individuals is stark, and it shows just how critical it is to prioritize health interventions that can mitigate the progression to frailty," says senior author Professor Jon Karnon, a health economist in Flinders' College of Medicine and Public Health.

"If we do nothing, we risk overwhelming the health care system with preventable costs that could be managed through more proactive care."

The authors say the findings highlight the need for more investment in frailty prevention programs and a fresh look at health care policies to better manage the needs of an aging population.

"Currently frailty is not systematically assessed in the general older population but is captured during comprehensive aged care assessments conducted by government-funded Aged Care Assessment Teams (ACATs)," says Professor Karnon.

"We need more investment in frailty prevention programs and health care policies that better manage the needs of an aging population.

"There is evidence that interventions such as physical exercise, nutrition, and multidisciplinary care services in primary care settings can help prevent and manage frailty, but they are not yet standard practice."

The authors stress that as Australia's population ages, the prevalence of frailty is expected to rise significantly.

"11% of older adults in Australia were considered frail in 2016, and this number is projected to increase to 16% by 2027," says Toson.

"With more older Australians living longer with complex health needs, the strain on health care resources will continue to grow.

"Frailty isn't just a health issue; it's a significant economic challenge for our health care system. By investing in early screening and interventions, we can not only improve the quality of life for older adults but also help ease the financial burden on our health care services."

More information: Barbara Toson et al, Economic burden of frailty in older adults accessing communitybased aged care services in Australia, Geriatrics & Gerontology International (2024). DOI: 10.1111/ggi.14955
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Vaccinations have become a traditional part of flu season with the influenza vaccine revised most years to protect from new strains of the illness.

But this year's season could have some of us feeling like a pin cushion.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends adults 75 and older and those 60 and older at risk of respiratory diseases get a shot to protect against respiratory syncytial virus, a cold-like illness commonly known as RSV.

On top of that, the federal agency recommends everyone six months and older receive both a flu shot and the new COVID-19 vaccine.

The recommendations are not overkill, according to John Knisley, a CVS pharmacist and district leader for the pharmacy's St. Petersburg market.

"We're seeing a lot of patients in our pharmacy that have respiratory illness symptoms," he said. "There are definitely COVID-19 cases all over the place."

Is COVID-19 even a risk anymore?

While the number of COVID-19 infections is far below the levels seen from the delta and omicron variants, the virus still carries a risk of severe symptoms, hospitalization and death. Infection spread is still occurring.

More than 4,360 deaths from COVID-19 were recorded across the United States in August, according to CDC data. Florida recorded 786 deaths the same month, Department of Health Data shows.

I already had the COVID-19 shots and a booster: Why do I need another one?

The COVID-19 virus is constantly mutating into new variants. The new COVID-19 mRNA vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna are designed to protect against the KP.2 variant. There is also a vaccine produced by Novavax based on the JN.1 variant, the parent strain of KP.2.

All three vaccines are effective against COVID variants currently circulating and testing has shown they reduce the likelihood of infection resulting in severe illness or hospitalization. They also reduce the chances of developing long COVID, according to the CDC.

Is RSV dangerous?

Respiratory syncytial virus causes infections of the lungs and respiratory tract. For most, symptoms are cold-like and mild but it can result in severe infection in infants, older adults and among those with heart and lung disease, or a weakened immune system, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Who should get the RSV shot?

The single shot RSV vaccine is recommended for all adults aged 75 and up and for those aged 60 to 74 with chronic heart or lung disease, a weakened immune system, are obese or diabetic and for those who live in a nursing home or long-term care facility.

Those with severe allergic reactions to shots should consult their doctor. Details on the composition of the vaccine can be found in the manufacturer's information sheets for GSK's AREXVY, Pfizer's ABRYSVO, and Moderna's mRESVIA.

For how long does the RSV shot provide protection?

One dose of the vaccine protects against the virus for two winter seasons when most infections occur, the CDC states. Moderna's mRESVIA provides protection for about 19 months.

What's new with the flu vaccine this year?

All flu vaccines for the 202425 season will be trivalent, meaning they protect against three different strains of influenza: H1N1, H3N2 and a B/Victoria lineage virus, according to the CDC.

When should I get vaccinated?

COVID-19 shots should be obtained as soon as possible. The CDC recommends late summer for RSV and September and October for influenza shots before the diseases begin to spread more widely.

"Some people wait until they see people catching the flu and that's too late," said Knisley.

Can I get all the vaccines at the same time?

The short answer is yes but you can also stagger them over a few weeks, Knisley said.

Where can I get vaccinated?

Vaccines are available through major pharmacies, through your doctor, or at federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics.

CVS, Walgreens, Walmart and Publix are among the companies offering all three shots at their stores. Walk-in appointments are available.

2024 Tampa Bay Times. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Mikayla Brown and her husband, Tyler, visit the grave of their son, Elijah, who died of a fentanyl overdose at 15, in Paso Robles, Calif., Friday, Aug. 2, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Jae C. Hong

Coco loved being the life of the partycracking jokes, doing pranks and making people laugh, her mom, Julianna Arnold, recalled recently.

"Her favorite pastime was fashion," Arnold said. "She didn't like looking at magazines or going to fancy stores, but preferred to make her own creations from used clothing she would find at thrift stores.... And they always looked fabulous on her."

In 2022, two weeks after she turned 17, Coco left home just outside New York City to meet with a dealer she'd messaged through Instagram who promised to sell her Percocet. She never made it home. She was found dead the next day, two blocks from the address that the guy had provided her.

Whatever the dealer gave Coco, her mother said, was not Percocet. It was a fake pill laced with fentanyl, which can be lethal in a dose as small as the tip of a pencil.

Fentanyl overdoses have become a leading cause of death for minors in the last five years or so, even as overall drug use has dropped slightly. In a 2022 analysis of fentanyl-laced prescription pills, the DEA found that six out of 10 contained a potentially lethal dose of the drug.

And social media, where tainted, fake prescription drugs can be obtained with just a few clicks, is a big part of the problem. Experts, law enforcement and children's advocates say companies like Snap, TikTok, Telegram and Meta Platforms, which owns Instagram, are not doing enough to keep children safe.

A few taps away

The stories of these victims often play out similarly: The kids hear you can get pills on social media. A few taps later and then a package arrives. They retreat to the sanctity of their bedroom and take a pill. Fifteen minutes later, they're dead. No one even knows until the next morning.

Paul DelPonte, executive director and CEO of the National Crime Prevention Council, likened this crisis to a Johnson & Johnson incident in 1982 when seven people died due to Tylenol bottles that had been tampered with. In that case, J&J recalled all bottles and stopped production until they discovered the source of the problem.

"As a result, we now have tamper-resistant caps on over-the-counter medicines and in other products. That's corporate responsibility," he said. "For years, social media companies have known this has been happening, yet they continue to operate their platforms without any significant changes."

While data on the prevalence of drug sales on social platforms is hard to come by, the National Crime Prevention Council estimates 80% of teen and young adult fentanyl poisoning deaths can be traced to some social media contact.

In a sweeping 2023 report on the problem, Colorado's attorney general called the availability of fentanyl and other illicit substances online "staggering."

"Due to their ubiquity, convenience, and lack of regulation, social media platforms have become a major venue for drug distribution," the report said. "Where once a teen might have had to seek out a street dealer, hassle friends, or learn to navigate the dark web to access illicit drugs, young people can now locate drug dealers using their smartphoneswith the relative ease of ordering food delivery or calling a ride-share service."

Accidental overdoses in the U.S. have decreased slightly each year since 2021 according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. DelPonte attributes this in part to more education and awareness about the issue. Among young people ages 0 to 19, there were 1,622 overdose deaths in 2021, then 1,590 in 2022, and 1,511 last year.

The decline, DelPonte said, is "very small."

A decade ago, people looking to buy illicit drugs online would visit the dark web. But this was quickly eclipsed by social media and messaging platforms' rise. Using popular social media sites, encrypted chats, legitimate payment and shipping services, dealers moved into the light. Social platforms say they are constantly working to address the issue, while law enforcement has made some inroads.

Last May, for instance, the Drug Enforcement Administration's "Operation Last Mile," targeting Mexico's Sinaloa and Jalisco Cartels, led to 3,337 arrests and the seizure of nearly 44 million fentanyl pills and other deadly drugs. More than 1,100 associated cases involved social media apps and encrypted communications platforms, the DEA said.

A framed photo of Elijah Ott, who died of a fentanyl overdose at 15, stands next to a vase of flowers as his mother, Mikayla Brown, works in the kitchen in Atascadero, Calif., Friday, Aug. 2, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Jae C. Hong

On Instagram, as recently as this summer, a simple hashtag search for popular prescription drugs brought up numerous results with accounts offering to sell illicit pills to anyone looking. Many accounts directed users to Snapchat or Telegram, where experts say encryption and alleged lax moderation make it even easier to engage in illegal activity. Money is sent through payment platforms and the drugs can be delivered by mail, DelPonte said.

Meta, for its part, has made it more difficult to search for drugs on its platform in recent weeks.

'Never in a million years'

Mikayla Brown lost her son Elijah, who went by Eli, to a suspected fentanyl overdose in 2023, two weeks after his 15th birthday. Eli loved skateboarding, video games and cooking. His favorite was spicy Cajun pasta his mom made and he just started to get into cooking himself.

Eli began experimenting with marijuana in high school and he was going through what seemed like a phase many teenagers go through, his mom said. The family decided he'd go live with his biological father about three hours away in Woodland Hills in Los Angeles, to try to get a handle on what Brown called Eli's "rebellion era."

Brown said the family "never in a million years" would have thought he was getting into anything more dangerous than that. There was one exception, about a year before he passed away, his mom found him acting funny and he admitted to having taken Xanax, a prescription anti-anxiety drug.

On a September evening last year, Eli arrived home from a friend's house, had dinner with his dad and stayed up late to watch a movie.

His father sent him to bed around "2 a.m., I guess," Brown said. "And then when his alarm went off in the morning to wake up Eli for school he found him in his room..."

Eli was unresponsive. His cause of death was accidental fentanyl overdose. But he wasn't trying to buy fentanyl, he was looking for Xanax, and, like Coco, ended up with tainted pills that killed him.

Until recently, a search for #Xanax on Instagram led to a warning page specifying that "This may be associated with the sale of drugs" and that the "sale, purchase of trade of illicit drugs can cause harm to yourself and others and is illegal in most countries." A blue "Get help" link directed users to federal substance abuse resources. Underneath that link, users could click to "see results anyway." After it was pointed out by the AP, the company quickly removed the ability to "see results anyway" for location-specific hashtags such as #xanaxdallas or #xanaxchicago. Later, it also removed the "see results" option for other drugs such as cocaine and Adderall, among others.

Meta also said it investigated accounts shared by The Associated Press and concluded they were not drug dealers, but financial scam artists based in Africa pretending to sell drugs locally.

Meta says it blocks and filters "hundreds" of terms associated with illicit drug sales and links to recovery and substance abuse resources when possible. But drug dealers and other bad actors constantly shift their strategies, coming up with fresh ways to avoid detection.

David Decary-Hetu, a professor at the School of Criminology at the University of Montreal, said Meta, in particular, has been "quite effective" in targeting people who sell drugs on its social platforms. But, he added, "it doesn't mean it's not going to happen."

In a statement, Meta said drug dealers "are criminals who stop at nothing to sell their dangerous products. This is a challenge that spans across platforms, industries, and communities, and it requires all of us working together to address it."

The company added that it works with law enforcement and proactively took down 2 million pieces of content, 99.7% before they were reported in the first three months of 2024.

"Our hearts go out to the families suffering at the hands of these criminals and we are committed to working with others to prevent these tragedies," Meta added.

Mikayla Brown visits the grave of her son, Elijah, who died of a fentanyl overdose at 15, in Paso Robles, Calif., Friday, Aug. 2, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Jae C. Hong

A persistent problem

Coco's mother had many discussions with her daughter about being careful online.

The teen was in therapysocial media really affected her and she developed anxiety and depression, Arnold said. She frequently checked Coco's social media and limited her time on Snapchat to 15 minutes per day.

"She knew about a lot of this stuff. We had talked about it. But then when this came up on Instagram, you know, I wasn't checking and I couldn't check all of her direct messages. It's hard to know as a parent, no matter how on top of it you are," she said.

Coco's death is still under investigation, Arnold said.

Arnold said it took five months to remove the dealer's profile from Instagram. Occasionally, she checks to see if he's there under another name.

"I typed in something that I thought maybe could work, you know, based on what his previous handle had been. And there he was. He was back up under a different a different handle," she said. "But I recognized his photo and I reported it to the police. And now again, it's taking months to get it taken down."

Experts often single out Snapchat as a particularly dangerous platform, something the company vehemently disagrees with. In October 2022, a group of parents who say their children bought fentanyl from drug dealers they met through Snapchat sued the company for wrongful death and negligence, calling it a "haven for drug trafficking."

"Despite Snap promoting and portraying Snapchat as a 'goofy' app for kids to use to send each other silly pictures, its known common use is as an 'open-air drug market,'" the lawsuit claims. Snapchat's role in illicit drug sales to teens, it continues, "was the foreseeable result of the designs, structures, and policies Snap chose to implement to increase its revenues."

The vast majority of fentanyl deaths among young people, the lawsuit says, involve kids who don't know they are ingesting fentanyl. Rather, they are buying what they believe is marijuana, MDMA or prescription drugs like OxyContin. In January, a judge ruled that the lawsuit could move to trial.

It'll be yet another test for Section 230, a 1996 law that generally exempts internet companies from liability for material users post on their networks.

In a statement, Snap said it is "heartbroken by the fentanyl epidemic and are deeply committed to the fight against it."

"We've invested in advanced technology to detect and remove illicit drug-related content, work extensively with law enforcement helping to bring dealers to justice, and continue to raise awareness and evolve our service to help keep our community safe. Criminals have no place on Snapchat," said Jacqueline Beauchere, Global Head of Platform Safety at the company.

While Snap wouldn't comment on the lawsuit itself, the company argues its design actually makes it more difficult for bad actors to operate. For instance, the company says, it doesn't allow people to get messages from people they haven't added as friends or have a phone contact, and location sharing is off by default.

Regulatory remedies?

Advocates are hoping that regulation of tech companies could help address the problem, as it might help with other dangers kids face on social media. In July, the Senate passed the Kids Online Safety Act, legislation designed to protect children from dangerous online content. It still awaits a vote in the House. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., and Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., meanwhile, introduced a bill that would require social media companies to report illicit fentanyl, methamphetamine and fake pill activity occurring on their platforms to law enforcement.

"We must do more at the federal level to combat the flow of fentanyl into our communities, and it starts by holding social media companies accountable for their part in facilitating illicit drug sales," Shaheen said.

But for parents like Arnold, Brown and others who already lost their children to overdoses, it is too late.

"Social media companies have the ability to make their platforms drug-free zones," DelPonte said. "Instead, they keep evading the meaningful changes to keep the public safe."

 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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Thomas VanCott compares his son Jake's experience with autism to life on a tightrope. Upset the delicate balance and Jake, 18, plunges into frustration, slapping himself and twisting his neck in seemingly painful ways.

Like many families with children on the autism spectrum, Jake's parents sought treatments beyond traditional speech and behavioral therapies.

One that seemed promising was magnetic e-resonance therapy, or MERT, a magnetic brain stimulation therapy trademarked in 2016 by a Newport Beach-based company called Wave Neuroscience.

The company licensed MERT to private clinics across the country that offered it as a therapy for conditions including depression, PTSD and autism.

Those clinics described MERT as a noninvasive innovation that could improve an autistic child's sleep, social skills andmost attractive to the VanCott familyspeech. Jake is minimally verbal.

It was expensive$9,000and not covered by insurance. "It's too much for most things," VanCott said, "but not for the potential of my child speaking."

After raising money through GoFundMe, VanCott met with a doctor at a New Jersey clinic who described how MERT would reorganize Jake's brain waves. VanCott does not have a scientific background, and the technical details went over his head. What he had was a severely disabled son he was desperate to help.

The doctor "seemed pretty confident. And his confidence gave me confidence," VanCott said. "It made me think, tomorrow Jake's gonna wake up and say a sentence."

Autism diagnoses in children have risen steadily since 2000, in part due to increased awareness and screening. As the number of people living with autism has grown, so have alternative therapies promising to alleviate or even reverse its associated behaviors.

"There's also a lot of pressure put on parents," said Zoe Gross, a director at the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, a nonprofit group run by and for autistic adults. "People will be saying things like, "Time's ticking, your kid's missing milestones ... you have to fix it now.'"

One therapy that often surfaces in Google searches, social media groups and word of mouth discussions is MERT, which is based on a brain stimulation therapy approved by the Food and Drug Administration for depression and obsessive-compulsive disorders.

Clinics offering MERT sell it as a "safe and effective treatment for autism" that yields " miraculous results" for kids on the spectrum.

Most compelling to many families is an oft-cited marketing claim that research has shown MERT to improve speech and eye contact in a majority of autistic patients, research that several clinics attributed to Wave.

The Times spoke to parents who said MERT caused positive, lasting changes in their autistic children's sleep, communication and concentration.

Other parents told The Times they saw only minimal changes in their children's behavior. Many, including Thomas VanCott, saw no changes at all. "It just did nothing," VanCott said. And a few saw worrying behavioral regressions that persisted long after the therapy ended.

All remember being told by MERT providers that while results weren't guaranteed, many patients saw positive results. When the dramatic changes they hoped for didn't happen, these families left believing they were unlucky. Without quality data, it's impossible to know if any of these outcomes are outliers or typical patient experiences.

Wave has not conducted any studies on whether its signature product works for autism. A Wave executive argued that the need for new autism therapies is strong enough to justify moving forward with commercial solutions before rock-solid evidence is available.

"Academics pointing towards insufficient evidence for clinical adoption may not represent a true reflection of clinical utility in a population where there are very few therapeutic options, great suffering, and a willingness of physicians and patients to seek innovative treatment choices with diligent clinical care and oversight," said Erik Won, Wave's chief medical officer.

For many parents, even a small possibility of a life-changing breakthrough is worth any price. Although some families have reported benefits from the treatment, no large scientific studies exist that show MERT is significantly better than a placebo, according to nine psychologists and neuroscientists with expertise in brain stimulation and autism.

MERT is Wave's trademarked version of a therapy called transcranial magnetic stimulation. The product of decades of research, TMS is approved by the FDA to treat major depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and cigarette addiction.

It is also used to treat conditions for which it is not FDA-approved, in what's known as "off-label" prescribing. Off-label usage of drugs and devices is a common practice in medicine.

Clinics offering cash-pay TMS for a variety of off-label conditions, including autism, have proliferated in recent years. MERT in particular has become especially popular among families with autistic children.

Autism spectrum disorder is a complex neurological and developmental condition that manifests differently in nearly every individual who has it. Symptoms cluster around difficulties in communication, social interaction and sensory processing.

Many autistic people need minimal support to live, work and thrive independently, while others require intense daily care and are unable to express themselves verbally. There are few evidence-based interventions to alleviate its most profoundly disabling traits.

A MERT patient first sits for a 10-minute quantitative electroencephalogram, a noninvasive test that measures the brain's electrical activity, and an electrocardiogram, which gauges electrical activity in the heart.

Results are then analyzed by Wave's proprietary software. If its algorithm identifies "areas of the brain that are not functioning properly," clinic providers will recommend a protocol of TMS-style treatments. In these sessions, the provider places a magnetic coil against the patient's scalp that emits a gentle electromagnetic pulse. Sessions typically last about 30 minutes and are administered five days a week, for two to six weeks.

Won, Wave's president and chief medical officer, said the goal is "to help the brain function most efficiently as an organ. And the hypothesis was, if we improve the metabolic efficiency of the brain, would we see some changes in a variety of different medical conditions?

"As we sort of tested this, there was a realization: Wow, we can do something pretty special for autism," he said.

A six-week course of MERTthe standard protocol Wave recommends for autistic patientstypically costs $9,000 to $12,000, families and clinic owners said, and is not covered by insurance.

MERT was originally developed as a therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury. Since its inception in 2019, Wave has described military veterans as its primary patient demographic.

Wave is in Phase II of a clinical trial to test MERT for PTSD, Won said. The company has not conducted any clinical trials on autism.

"The strategic decision to focus on PTSD was largely dictated by market factors," Won said. He added that his company is dedicated to helping those with autism and is working to obtain funding "for further studies and ultimately an FDA indication."

Dr. Andrew Leuchter is the director of UCLA's TMS Clinical and Research Service, which has provided FDA-approved and off-label treatments to more than 1,000 patients.

Given its solid safety profile and effectiveness at treating other complex brain-based disorders, Leuchter said that he and many other TMS clinicians believe the therapy could have benefits for conditions other than the few for which it is FDA-approved.

When a patient approaches the clinic seeking treatment for an off-label condition Leuchter believes could be helped by TMS, the psychiatrist reviews the case with his colleagues. If they decide to proceed, he explains to the patient that the efficacy of TMS for their condition isn't proven, though there is reason to believe it is safe and effective.

But when parents call asking whether he can treat autistic characteristics such as sensory challenges, minimal speech or lack of eye contact, Leuchter says no.

"Off-label treatment can be just fine so long as there's data to support this and the risks are low," he said. For autism, he said, "the evidence base is not very strong.  And I don't think that there is sufficient evidence to recommend the use of TMS for the treatment specifically of autism."

Multiple researchers are currently examining whether TMS could improve certain symptoms of autism. But eight researchers interviewed for this article said there isn't yet enough evidence to recommend TMS as an autism therapy, or to say with confidence that it works for that condition.

Lindsay Oberman, director of the Neurostimulation Research Program at the National Institute of Mental Health, published a paper last year summarizing the current state of research on TMS and autistic children. Nearly all published studies on the treatment to date have been very small, open-label (meaning both patients and providers knew what treatment they were receiving) or focused on a very specific subgroup, she and her co-authors wrote.

Without large, randomized controlled trialsthe gold standard in medicine"broad off-label use of these techniques in this population is not supported by currently available evidence," the Autism Research paper concluded.

Won acknowledged that the company has so far not pursued such research on MERT and autism.

"We owe the community some academically rigorous science," he said. "This is not going to be a panacea. I don't want to misrepresent anything to the parents who are making these difficult decisions. But for a subgroup, this is clearly something that's leading to a response."

Medical research moves far more slowly than most patients and their families would like, and many are willing to try experimental therapies long before researchers and regulators are ready to sign off on them.

"When you're a parent of a child and you think that this can help, it's like, FDA be damned, right?" VanCott said. "If I think it's gonna help my kid, I want to do it."

Wave's provider directory now lists more than 60 U.S. licensees and an additional 18 internationally. More than 400,000 MERT sessions have been administered to more than 20,000 people, according to the company.

Won said Wave does not maintain comprehensive data on patients treated at licensee clinics. In an interview, he estimated that about half of these patients were seeking treatment for autism. He later said that 20% to 30% was a better estimate.

Although some clinic owners said they treat few autistic children, staffers at multiple facilities told The Times that most or all of their patients were autistic.

To pay for the procedure, families have used savings or turned to crowdfunding. Others placed the treatment on credit cards. Their experiences vary widely.

Though initially skeptical, Joo Flood booked a six-week course of treatment at a Dallas clinic in 2022 for her minimally verbal son Max, then almost 5. They returned for another round in May 2023.

Max now responds far more often to his name, makes regular eye contact and has an easier time following directions, his mother said.

"If I didn't do the MERT, I'm not sure Max can be at this level," she said.

Yestel Concepcion and her husband sought MERT for her stepson after hearing about it on a talk show.

The New Jersey couple scraped together savings and gratefully accepted donations from friends and family for the $10,000 cost. They spent nearly $5,000 more relocating the family to Maryland during the monthlong treatment.

Apart from an increase in the boy's hyperactivity, the couple saw "no result whatsoever," Concepcion said. The clinic suggested more sessions, at an additional cost. But their money and trust had run out.

Most parents who spoke to The Times about their children's MERT treatments said the possibility of speech for their non- or minimally verbal children was the primary reason they pursued it, even if it meant taking on debt.

Until recently, more than a dozen MERT clinics around the country, under the headline "Results that 'Speak,'" cited an "internal double-blind randomized control trial" that had produced striking results: Two out of three patients with verbal and nonverbal communications difficulties "experienced improvement" after MERT. In the same trial, the ad copy read, 70% of patients who had trouble maintaining eye contact saw "improved eye contact behavior."

Four clinics attributed those statistics to Wave.

According to Wave, the source of that claim is a small study of 28 patients that was conducted around 2017 by the Newport Brain Research Laboratory. It has not been published nor vetted by independent scientists. The study was among assets of the now-defunct laboratory that Wave purchased in 2019.

The only part of this work available to the public is an undated poster presentation that roughly outlines the study.

Wave declined to release details of the study or name its authors, but Won described the results. He said 71% of subjects in the group of 14 patients that received MERT instead of a placebo had positive changes in their visual response afterward, and 67% of subjects had positive changes in their verbal communication, according to their parents' responses on the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS).

"I never put much weight into the findings I see in a poster or talk, especially if it isn't followed by a later peer-reviewed publication," said Christine Conelea, an associate professor at the University of Minnesota Medical School who runs the university's Non-Invasive Neuromodulation Laboratories.

"Small samples like this aren't good for establishing the benefits of a treatment, conclusively showing safety, or demonstrating that an investigational treatment is better than placebo," Conelea said.

Statistics taken from the unpublished study have featured prominently on the websites of at least 17 MERT clinics, as well as the primary website for the Brain Treatment Center, a trademark owned by Wave under which many MERT clinics do business.

Won said he was not aware that so many clinics were using the study's conclusions as a marketing tool. Shortly after The Times asked Wave about the statistics, almost all of those clinics took them down.

"I don't feel good about it," he said. "A lot of families benefited from it [MERT], and their children are doing better, and that's wonderful. But I don't want to misrepresent or overrepresent things. ... I would always want there to be published, peer-reviewed, academically rigorous science to back up a claim."

Following The Times' questions, Won said that Wave contacted the study authors and requested that they expedite the preparation and submission of a research paper containing the study results to a peer-reviewed journal. The company has also asked the authors to release the manuscript on a preprint server, a website where scientists can post preliminary findings.

"We need to get that publication out so that people can make informed decisions," he said. "It would be easier if it's in the public domain, and other people can critique it and break it down and take it for what it's worth."

Manuel Casanova, a retired University of South Carolina professor who spent years studying TMS as a potential autism therapy, questioned why MERT providers had so little empirical data to share after administering the treatment to thousands of autistic patientsa gap, he said, that "raises a red flag as to the therapeutic benefits of the technique."

MERT providers operate in an "ethical gray area," said Anna Wexler, an assistant professor at the University of Pennsylvania who studies the ethics of emerging technologies.

Doctors can use approved therapies to treat any condition they deem appropriate, Wexler said. But if the condition being treated isn't the same one for which the therapy has been cleared, providers must be "as transparent as possible" about the evidence they're relying on, she said. If there is little to no evidence to support MERT's efficacy for a given condition, she said, "it is unethical for providers to advertise that it is effective."

"If someone opts for an experimental therapy, that in itself is not problematic," Wexler said. "What is problematic is if they are making that decision based on erroneous or incorrect beliefs about efficacy."

Won did not respond to a question about Wexler's critique.

Nine psychologists and neurologists with expertise in transcranial magnetic stimulation say there is to date no evidence to suggest this kind of therapy can reliably prompt a nonverbal autistic child to develop speech, or to significantly alter an autistic child's sensory and communication abilities.

"The plain English is that it's not there yet, and I have not seen it working convincingly outside of a strong placebo effect," said Dr. Alexander Rotenberg, a professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School and director of Boston Children's Hospital's Neuromodulation Program.

Peter Enticott, a psychologist at Australia's Deakin University, is leading a multisite trial of TMS for autism. Enticott has spoken with families whose children received MERT from Wave licensees in Australia and were thrilled with the outcomes. But for a scientist, uplifting anecdotes are not a substitute for data.

"It's too early," he said. "And I think it's particularly problematic given that they are charging large amounts of money for an unverified therapy."

Criticisms of the treatment's pricing were "not a reflection of Wave Neuroscience," Won said. "The comments seem to be objecting to the realities of the health care market."

Scientists consulted by The Times said they would encourage families interested in TMS and autism to look for a clinical trial that would provide the treatment free of charge in exchange for using the patient's data in a study.

"I would consider this something that should be researched, but nobody should be paying $5,000 to $10,000 out of pocket for this," said Alycia Halladay, chief science officer at the Autism Science Foundation, one of five autism advocacy groups The Times consulted that said there is not enough evidence for them to recommend MERT.

Despite his disappointment, VanCott does not regret his decision. Had he not pursued the treatment, he would always wonder whether he turned down something that could have helped his sonno matter how high the cost, no matter how slim the chance.

"I mean, being able to sleep at night?" he said. "What's that worth?"

More information: Lindsay M. Oberman et al, The use of noninvasive brain stimulation techniques in autism spectrum disorder, Autism Research (2023). DOI: 10.1002/aur.3041 Journal information: Autism Research

2024 Los Angeles Times. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Concerns about the environmental impact of health care decisions rarely enter into conversations between patients and physicians. However, evidence from a new study led by researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute shows there's broad interest in changing that.

In a series of focus groups conducted in different areas of the United States, doctors and patients expressed openness to considering environmental factors when discussing treatment options. The findings, presented in a paper published in Nature Climate Change, suggest that educating physicians about the environmental costs of treatmentand how those costs may be reduced while continuing to deliver excellent carecan be a first step toward that goal.

"Studies have shown that the U.S. health care industry is responsible for 8.5% of national greenhouse gas emissions and about 25% of health care emissions worldwide," said Andrew Hantel, MD, a faculty member in the Divisions of Leukemia and Population Sciences at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute who led the study with Dana-Farber colleague Gregory Abel, MD, MPH. "The downstream health consequences of these emissions are responsible for the same level of loss of life as pancreatic cancer or colon cancer every year.

"If health care emissions are contributing to climate change that is resulting in this level of harm, we wanted to assess if and how physicians view their responsibility to address this issue," he continues. "We also asked patients how willing they would be to make changes in their care that might reduce emissions and limit harm to others."

Researchers conducted seven focus groupsthree made up of physicians, four of patientsinvolving 46 people in all. Patients, on the whole, were interested in talking about these issues and learning about treatment alternatives that are equally effective but less damaging to the environment.

"Asthma or COPD [chronic obstructive pulmonary disease], for example, can be managed in part using powdered or aerosolized inhalers," Hantel relates. "For many patients they're equally effective medications, but powdered inhalers have significant environmental benefits."

Roughly two-thirds of the focus group participants identified as members of racial and ethnic minority groups, who often experience the harshest effects of climate change despite being less responsible for those effects than other groups. Many of them were interested in making environmentally conscious health decisions, but wanted to ensure that the main contributors to climate change were also held accountable, researchers found. Some participants expressed a concern that physicians' paternalism might be a deterrent to having climate-informed discussions with patients.

Many of the physicians in the focus groups incorrectly assumed that patients were not interested in discussing the environmental consequences of health choices, researchers found. Even if patients were interested, physicians said their medical school education hadn't prepared them to address the subject adequately.

At the same time, physicians felt their ability to act in a climate-informed fashion was limited by a health care culture oriented toward consumption of natural resources.

"There was a sense of systemic headwinds against the kind of changes that can be beneficial for patients as well as the environment," Hantel observes.

Physicians and patients generally agreed that patients' immediate health should be prioritized over environmental concerns. In situations where there's co-benefit, however, both groups were open to actions that reduce environmental impact.

"Our findings point to the need to better educate physicians and health professionals about changes they can make, as well as those they can advocate for within their institutions, which benefit patients but also are less toxic to the environment," Hantel comments. "The goal isn't to shift the burden of climate-informed health care decisions onto patients, but to engage with them on these issues and make sure they're a normal part of conversations with their doctors."

More information: Andrew Hantel et al, A focus group study of ethical issues during climate-informed health decision-making, Nature Climate Change (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41558-024-02121-z , dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41558-024-02121-z Journal information: Nature Climate Change
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Until recently, every human case of avian flu this year involved people who came in contact with infected poultry or cows.

But since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced this month that a person in Missouri who contracted bird flu had no known contact with infected animals, health researchers are concerned about the possibility of human-to-human transmission.

"If it is human transmission of H5N1, that automatically raises the threat level," says Samuel Scarpino, director of AI + life sciences at Northeastern's Institute for Experiential AI.

"Once you start to have ongoing human-to-human transmission, you now have a selective advantage for mutations that arise that increase the chance of infecting more people," Scarpino says.

"So the concern is that you start to create the evolutionary environment for an epidemic," he says.

Possibility of high mortality rate

A human outbreak of avian flu raises the specter of a high mortality rate, with 55% of 258 people infected over an 11-year period ending in July in the Western Pacific succumbing to the disease, according to the World Health Organization.

So far, all of the 14 people confirmed to be infected with H5N1 in the U.S. this year have made a full recovery.

There could "be something genetically different about this particular strain that makes it less problematic," Scarpino says.

Other protective factors could be the fact cases seem to be caught early and are occurring among farm workers who tend to be younger, he says.

But Scarpino says this year's U.S. case numbersfour from exposure to dairy cows, nine from exposure to chickens and one possible case of human transmissionare still too low to establish a mortality rate.

"We are still within the margin of error on the case fatality rate. So it's not like we're out of the woods yet," he says.

"It could be that it has a 10% case fatality rate, which would be 100 times higher than COVID," Scarpino says. "That's bad. The case fatality rate could still be really high."

"If it had the case fatality rate that we've seen for past H5N1 outbreaks, we would expect it to be something like 500 times worse than COVID."

What do we know about the Missouri case?

Scarpino says many questions remain about the Missouri case, which the CDC identified in a hospitalized individual via the state's seasonal flu surveillance systemthe first time in the U.S. the system has identified a case of H5.

Genomic sequencing and polymerase chain reaction tests can confirm scientists' suspicion that the virus is H5N1 and not the less pathogenic avian influenza subtype known as H5N2, Scarpino says.

Sequencing the genome will help health researchers establish the source of the infection and whether mutations are occurring to make it more transmissible from person to person, he says.

It's surprising that the CDC has not announced results from genomic sequencing after announcing the human case Sept. 6, but it's possible the federal health agency was not able to isolate enough virus to run a sample, Scarpino says.

If it's a confirmed case of human-to-human transmission, it's important to find who infected the patient in the Missouri hospital and "trace out around them to look for other infections," he says.

"You want to find this person and then figure out if they infected other people that you haven't found yet."

"We really need to get this genome sequenced," says Scarpino, who says the genome and source of infection "will tell us everything we need to know about the threat profile."

"If it is human to human transmission of H5N1, then that means we've missed at least one animal spillover into a human that then led to a transmission event to another person and then a hospitalization," Scarpino says.

Eliminating the virus from cattle

Millions of chickens and ducks have been culled after being exposed to H5N1, which also sickens and kills wild birds.

Dairy cows may have symptoms but most of the H5N1 restrictions around cattle involve inhibiting their movement from state to state to prevent the spread of the virus, which has not yet been found in dairy cows in Missouri.

The fact that cows are fellow mammals likely increases the possibility of cattle infections leading to human-to-human transmission.

"If we are in a world where H5N1 is going to circulate in our dairy cows forever, it's really just a matter of time before there's a big outbreak," Scarpino says.

"Eventually you're going to end up with enough of the wrong things happening in a row that it takes off."

"We have to eliminate this from the dairy cow populations," via continued movement restrictions, increased surveillance and vaccination of cattle, Scarpino says.

"While I agree with the CDC that the threat level to the population is still low, overall the threat profile of this current outbreak will go up if this is a confirmed human-to-human transmission event of H5N1."

Even if there is no ongoing transmission from the recently discovered human case, "we might not get lucky the next time."

This story is republished courtesy of Northeastern Global News news.northeastern.edu.
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Graphical abstract. Credit: Science of The Total Environment (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.176089

Women exposed to higher levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ) or inhalable particulate matter (PM 10 ) during the second trimester of pregnancy face an almost fourfold increased risk of postpartum depression, compared to women exposed to lower levels of those air pollutants. That higher risk persists for at least three years, according to a study just published in the journal Science of the Total Environment.

"What's really novel about this work is that we were able to extend the examination of depression beyond the first year postpartum, and have shown the sustained effect of air pollution during pregnancy on symptoms of depression all the way through three years postpartum," said Tracy Bastain, Ph.D., an associate professor of clinical population and public health sciences at the Keck School of Medicine of USC and senior author of the study.

NO 2 comes from the burning of fossil fuels in vehicles and power plants, while PM 10 , which refers to particles less than 10 micrometers in diameter, can include everything from dust and pollen to pollutants from factories and wildfires. Exposure to these chemicals in high concentrations or over long time periods is known to increase a person's risk for a range of health problems, including asthma, heart attack and stroke.

An emerging area of research, bolstered by the team at the Keck School of Medicine, is now examining the long-term effects of these and other chemical exposures on the health of mothers and children.

The longitudinal study followed 361 mothers from the start of pregnancy through three years postpartum. Researchers collected data on mothers' depressive symptoms one, two and three years after they gave birth, then compared that data to weekly air pollution measurements near their homes during pregnancy, finding a robust link between pollution levels and later depressive symptoms.

Women with higher levels of exposure to NO 2 during weeks 13 to 29 of pregnancy faced a 3.86 times higher risk of postpartum depression for up to 3 years. Women with higher levels of PM 10 exposure during weeks 12 to 28 faced a 3.88 times higher risk. Overall, 17.8% of women had depressive symptoms after one year, 17.5% after two years and 13.4% after three years.

"Our study actually found a higher percentage of clinically significant depression compared to recent CDC data," Bastain said. "That's quite importantthat there's probably more postpartum depression out there than even our national prevalence data are showing."

The findings point to the need for ongoing mental health screening beyond 12 months postpartum, the researchers said, and suggest that minimizing air pollution exposure during the second trimester may help reduce depression risk.

The risk of high exposure

The study included data from 361 mothers recruited by the Maternal and Developmental Risks from Environmental and Social stressors (MADRES) Center for Environmental Health Disparities at the Keck School of Medicine. MADRES follows predominantly Hispanic/Latino families in Los Angeles from pregnancy throughout childhood to measure the effects of various environmental exposures on long-term health.

Bastain and her colleagues used the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression (CES-D) scale to measure clinically significant depressive symptoms at 12, 24 and 36 months postpartum. They also assessed air pollution exposure for each participant by matching their residential address (including any changes of address) to air quality data from outdoor air pollution monitors across Southern California. For each participant, they calculated weekly average exposure levels during pregnancy for four separate pollutants: NO 2 , PM 10 , PM 2.5 and ozone (O 3 ).

The researchers calculated the effect of air pollution exposure on postpartum depression risk, then interpreted the data by scaling the effect to an interquartile range of exposure to each pollutant. They compared a relatively low exposure level (the 25th percentile of the cohort) with a relatively high exposure level (the 75th percentile of the cohort) to quantify the difference in depression risk for each pollutant.

A higher level of NO 2 exposure during weeks 13 through 29 of pregnancy increased risk for depression 1 to 3 years postpartum by a factor of 3.86. A higher level of exposure to PM 10 increased postpartum depression risk by 3.88. Exposure to PM 2.5 and O 3 did not increase the risk for postpartum depression.

Lowering depression risk

The findings suggest that reducing air pollution exposure during the second trimester of pregnancy could lower the risk for postpartum depression. Exercising during pregnancy remains important, Bastain said, but women should try to avoid exercising outdoors during periods of high pollution, such as morning and evening rush hours or during wildfires. In the summer, it can also help to stay inside (ideally with air conditioning) and away from busy roads during the hottest hours of the day.

"Another important implication of our work is that depression can persist long beyond the first 12 months postpartum, and mothers should talk to their health care providers if they continue to have symptoms of depression," Bastain said.

Next, Bastain and her colleagues at the MADRES Center will further study the effects of air pollution and chemical exposure on the health of mothers and children over time, including exploring the biological processes behind various health risks.

"We're continuing to drive this research forward so we can help protect the health of mothers and children for the long term," she said.

More information: Yuhong Hu et al, Prenatal exposure to ambient air pollution and persistent postpartum depression, Science of The Total Environment (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.176089 Journal information: Science of the Total Environment
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On a sunny August morning in this agricultural town, before temperatures soared to 103 degrees, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra stood outside the small public library.

He came to talk about the Biden administration's efforts to protect farmworkers from extreme heat and wildfire smoke, two emerging public health issues at the forefront of the climate crisis.

"There are still not enough protections for workers that are picking the food that we eat," Becerra told a group of local reporters and government officials, who outnumbered the farmworkers in the audience.

Becerra, whose father worked in the fields, had just come from visiting women picking grapes who protect themselves from the sun by dressing in sweaters, long pants, and kerchiefs that cover their noses and mouths. The summers are long and intense in Clarksburg, a town of about 300 people along the Sacramento River that supplies California's wine industry with petite sirah, sauvignon blanc, and other grapes harvested by hundreds of farmhands.

"It's going to be a hot day," he added. "But they are still dressed as if it were winter."

The nation's top health officer, who is mulling a run for governor, has emerged as one of the Biden administration's leading voices on climate change, focusing attention on low-income and other marginalized workers, who feel the impacts of extreme weather the most. In March, HHS released voluntary safety guidelines and educational materials that farms can use to protect their workers from smoke and heat.

Becerra's appearance before reporters in front of the library was brief and scheduled to mark Farmworker Appreciation Day, not far from his home in Sacramento, where his wife, a doctor specializing in high-risk pregnancies, remains at work. He advertised the educational materials on the risks of heat illness and when temperatures might be too high to work. But he acknowledged that there is only so much he can do because workplace protections are overseen by the Department of Labor.

"Much of our jurisdiction doesn't reach those workers directly," Becerra acknowledged after meeting with grape pickers. "We owe everyone who is working to put food on our table the best effort to make sure that they are working under the safest conditions."

His aides distributed a press release that listed a number of resources, including free workplace health investigations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health; a training on the dangers of heat and smoke from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Worker Training Program; and planned awards to 77 health care providers in high-need areas, totaling $50 million, from the Health Resources and Services Administration.

Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme heat, which is already the No. 1 weather-related killer in the U.S., as well as fueling wildfires across the nation. There's no official count of farmworker deaths from weather, but heat-related deaths have increased in recent years, jumping from 1,722 in 2022 to about 2,300 last year.

The U.S. Department of Labor in July released a proposed workplace heat standard that would require employers to give rest breaks, water, and shade or air conditioning to workers exposed to excessive heat, but a final rule is likely years away. It's unclear if it would supersede state regulations.

Five states have heat safety protections for workers in outdoor or indoor settings. In California, for instance, employers must provide water, cool-down areas, and breaks to workers when temperatures hit 82 degrees indoors and 80 degrees outdoors. The other states are Colorado, Minnesota, Oregon, and Washington, and Maryland is expected to finalize a heat standard this year.

While Becerra said states can create their own workplace safety regulations, a federal heat safety standard would offer protections nationwide, forcing states like Florida and Texaswhose Republican governors have signed laws banning heat safety protectionsto comply with minimum standards.

Becerra is hoping states will tap into the programs his health department is offering even though they are optional. Even in California, which has one of the country's toughest heat protection standards, workers could benefit.

Lizbeth Mastache, who met privately with Becerra beforehand, said the days she spends in the fields picking grapes shrouded in wildfire smoke and extreme heat are not only becoming more frequent, but they are also making her sick.

She has had headaches, fatigue, and nausea from the heat, and has gone to the emergency room after smoky skies triggered her asthma. She and other farmworkers told Becerra they need guaranteed sick leaveto care for themselves when the smoke and heat sickens themand affordable health insurance.

"I had to work picking grapes during the wildfires and they didn't give us masks," said Mastache, a farmworker for the past 14 years.

She said some farms haven't allowed outreach workers onto their property to educate workers about how to prevent heat illness.

That's a problem when many seasonal workers, who move for work among different states, don't know that California requires employers to provide water, breaks, and training.

About three years ago, researchers at the University of California-Merced's Community and Labor Center found that 15% of California farmworkers did not receive minimum rest breaks, and over 40% said their employer never provided a heat illness prevention plan. More than a third of farmworkers said they would not file a report against their employer, most of them for fear of retaliation.

The California Farm Bureau, which represents about 29,000 farmers , disputes the center's findings, saying there have been few cases of heat illness among its members' workers. Bryan Little, director of employment policy at the bureau, said his organization has trained hundreds of farmers and ranchers on how to protect workers from heat illness, such as by providing water and portable shaded spaces in the field for employees to cool off.

"They're doing things every day to try to make sure that we can avoid exposing human beings to these risks, to the greatest extent that we can," Little said.

While farmworker advocates praise Becerra for drawing attention to the harmful and sometimes fatal impacts of heat and wildfire smoke, they worry federal dollars won't reach the most vulnerable. For example, there's no guarantee much of that $50 million earmarked for health care providers will go to health care centers that serve farmworkers, said Amy Liebman, a chief program officer at the Migrant Clinicians Network, who has worked in migrant safety and health for over two decades.

"We need to make sure that our health centers are prepared and our clinicians are prepared," Liebman said. "So that means that there needs to be a shift in terms of not just this emphasis, but some of the funding for it."

As Becerra left his podium, covered with the sign "Protecting Communities From Extreme Heat," he disappeared into the library and minutes later departed for Stockton to champion the next issuelower prescription drug priceswith Democratic Rep. Josh Harder, who represents a competitive Central Valley congressional district.

2024 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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A team of researchers at IRB Barcelona has identified five independent factors that predict cancer patients' response to checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs). The study, which has been published in Nature Genetics, validates these factors in more than 1,400 patients and diverse types of cancer. These findings provide a framework to interpret biomarkers of response to CPIs and suggest a future pathway to improve personalized cancer medicine.

Immunotherapy has transformed cancer treatment in recent years by enabling the immune system to attack tumor cells. However, only 2040% of patients respond positively to immunotherapy, and these rates vary across different types of cancer.

Predicting which patients will respond to immunotherapy and which will not is currently a highly active area of research. Numerous studies conducted so far have focused on the specific characteristics of tumors, their microenvironment, or the patient's immune system. As a result, which of the proposed biomarkers represent the same underlying factors or how many independent factors influence the effectiveness of this therapy remains unclear.

Researchers at IRB Barcelona have identified five key, independent factors that determine patients' response and survival after receiving checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs), a type of immunotherapy widely used in cancer treatment. These findings provide a reference framework for current and future biomarkers of immunotherapy response.

They could also, in the future, entail a pathway to a significant advancement in the personalization of cancer treatments, helping to more accurately identify those patients who are likely to benefit from immunotherapy. The results suggest that patients with certain types of tumors who are currently not considered candidates for immunotherapy (such as those with liver or kidney carcinomas) might benefit from this type of treatment.

The team led by Dr. Nuria Lopez-Bigas and Dr. Abel Gonzalez-Perez, from the Biomedical Genomics laboratory at IRB Barcelona, in collaboration with researchers from several international centers, has addressed this issue through a comprehensive analysis of genomic, transcriptomic, and clinical data from 479 patients with metastatic tumors, who received CPI treatment. This data is from a public database generated by the Dutch Hartwig Medical Foundation.

"We used an unbiased approach to analyze thousands of molecular and clinical features and identified five independent factors that influence response to immunotherapy and patient survival," explains Dr. Lopez-Bigas, ICREA researcher at IRB Barcelona.

Five factors, five keys to immunotherapy

The five factors identified are tumor mutational burden; effective T cell infiltration; the activity of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-) in the tumor microenvironment; previous treatment received by the patient; and tumor proliferative potential. These factors in different types of cancer are associated with the response to CPIs and have been validated by the authors in six independent cohorts, covering a total of 1,491 patients.

Tumor mutational burden (TMB): Tumors with a high number of mutations tend to produce more neoantigens, making it easier for the immune system to recognize and attack them. TMB has been one of the most studied biomarkers for predicting response to CPIs.

Effective T-cell infiltration: The presence of cytotoxic T-cells in the tumor is essential for the effectiveness of CPIs. This study has confirmed that a higher infiltration of these cells is directly related to a better response to the therapy.

TGF- activity in the tumor microenvironment: This factor influences the behavior of some cells in the tumor microenvironment. High TGF- activity can suppress the immune response, which is reflected in a tendency for patients to have poorer survival after immunotherapy treatment.

Previous treatment: Patients who have received previous treatments tend to show a poorer response to immunotherapy.

Tumor proliferative potential: Patients with tumors that have a high proliferative index, which tend to be more aggressive, generally show poorer survival after treatment.

Towards personalized cancer treatment

These five factors provide a framework for organizing the vast current knowledge about biomarkers of immunotherapy response.

"So far, many studies have focused on identifying and reporting individual biomarkers, but our results suggest that many of these biomarkers might be different versions of the same underlying factors," says Dr. Gonzalez-Perez.

Furthermore, the researchers demonstrated that a multivariate model combining these five factors allows for more accurate patient classification than using tumor mutational burden alone ( as is frequently done in clinical practice), predicting the probability of patients to respond to immunotherapy.

This advance could have significant clinical implications in the future, as it could prevent patients with a low likelihood of response from experiencing the side effects of CPIs, which can lead to autoimmune diseases, and could also help reduce the cost of treatments.

Validation in international cohorts

One of the highlights of this study is the validation of these five factors in six independent cohorts of patients with cancers such as lung, colon and melanoma.

"We have confirmed that these factors are relevant in different types of cancer and different patient populations, thus reinforcing their clinical value. As research continues, new latent factors may be discovered in other types of cancer or larger cohorts," explains Dr. Joseph Usset, a former postdoc at IRB Barcelona who is now at the Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology.

The team hopes to have a larger volume of patient data in the future to create more accurate models. The accuracy of these models for potential future clinical application should be validated through prospective clinical trials. However, this advancement faces a significant challenge, namely the difficulty accessing data as comprehensive and detailed as that used in this study.

"This study represents an important step in understanding how different tumor characteristics influence treatment response. In the future, we hope that these five factors will be integrated into clinical practice to guide therapeutic decisions," concludes Dr. Lopez-Bigas.

More information: Five latent factors underlie response to immunotherapy, Nature Genetics (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41588-024-01899-0 Journal information: Nature Genetics
The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) is set to conduct F-35B Lightning II aircraft tests with the modified helicopter carrier JS Kaga off the coast of San Diego, California, from October 5 to November 18, 2024. This marks a significant milestone in Japans efforts to enhance its naval aviation capabilities, as the JS Kaga has been modified to operate F-35B short takeoff and vertical landing aircraft. The tests, supported by U.S. forces, will evaluate the ships ability to function as an aircraft carrier, representing a substantial shift in Japans maritime defense strategy. This development is part of Japans broader initiative to strengthen its defense posture and respond to regional security challenges.

Kongsbergs AUV Sets Record with 29-Day Autonomous Underwater Mission

Kongsberg Maritimes HUGIN Endurance Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) has set a new record for the longest autonomous dive, traveling 1,375 kilometers over 29 days without human intervention. The mission occurred between Norway and the UK as part of sea acceptance trials for the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI). During the dive, the AUV collected high-resolution bathymetry data and water column information, demonstrating improved power consumption and operational reliability. This achievement showcases the potential of AUVs for extended underwater operations in marine research, offshore energy, and defense applications.

Elbit Systems Boosts Seagull USV with Drones and Loitering Weapons

Israeli defense firm Elbit Systems has upgraded its Seagull unmanned surface vessel (USV) with drones and loitering weapon systems, enhancing its intelligence gathering and attack capabilities. The fully autonomous 12-meter USV can operate for over four days at sea and is equipped with various weapons, sensors, and countermeasures. Elbit reports high demand for the Seagull, which has been demonstrated to the US Navys Fifth and Sixth Fleets, despite some skepticism about USV capabilities in challenging maritime environments.

Russia Arms Black Sea Submarines with Machine Guns to Counter Ukrainian Drones

Russian submarines in the Black Sea have been equipped with NSV 12.7mm heavy machine guns on their conning towers, a defensive measure against Ukrainian unmanned surface vessels (USVs). This unusual modification comes in response to successful attacks by Ukrainian naval drones on Russian ships and infrastructure in the region. The adaptation highlights the Russian militarys growing concern about the vulnerability of their naval forces to Ukraines innovative use of unmanned systems, underscoring the changing nature of naval warfare. This development reflects ongoing tactical adaptations in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and demonstrates the increasing importance of unmanned systems in modern warfare.

Royal Navy Upgrades Firepower with Advanced 5-inch Gun on HMS Glasgow

The Royal Navy has installed its first Mk45 Mod 4A Medium Calibre Gun on HMS Glasgow, the lead ship of the Type 26 frigates, at BAEs Scotstoun facility on the Clyde. This 5-inch fully automated gun system, which replaces the existing Mk8 4.5-inch gun, can fire 31.5kg shells at up to three times the speed of sound, engaging various threats, including enemy positions, drones, and fast-moving attack craft. The new system features an automatic handling system, improving safety and efficiency by eliminating manual shell loading. Defence Equipment and Supports Neil Stevenson praised the guns proven effectiveness and incorporation of the latest technologies for multi-mission warships, with the system expected to be the Fleets mainstay for the next 50 years.

German Shipbuilders NVL and TKMS Partner to Accelerate F126 Frigate Program

The German naval shipbuilding industry has taken a significant step forward with the announcement of a strategic partnership between Naval Vessels Lurssen (NVL) and ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) to accelerate the construction of the German Navys new F126 frigates. This collaboration addresses delays in the program, which envisions the construction of four advanced frigates with an option for two additional vessels. NVL will remain the primary contractor, while TKMS will contribute its technical expertise and production capabilities. The partnership is expected to streamline the construction process, potentially reducing delays and improving efficiency. This collaboration is seen as crucial for strengthening Germanys naval shipbuilding industry and enhancing the countrys maritime defense capabilities.

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Screens have become ubiquitous in our daily liveswhich means they've also become part of children's lives too. So what effect does this have on children's developing brains, especially critical language skills? To understand this, scientists in Estonia surveyed the parents of more than 400 children about their screen use, their children's screen use, and their children's language skills.

They found that parents who use screens a lot also have children who use screens a lot, and that children's higher screen time is associated with poorer language skills.

"Our study reveals that children's screen use patterns are similar to those of their parents," said Dr. Tiia Tulviste of the University of Tartu, lead author of the study in Frontiers in Developmental Psychology.

"Child language researchers emphasize the importance of everyday interactions with adults in early language development, where children are actively involved. At the same time, we know that all family members tend to their screen devices. Because time is finite, we need to find out how this fierce competition between face-to-face interaction and screen time affects child language development."

Talking or technology

In many cultures, most of children's language development occurs because they talk to adults: having conversations exposes them to more vocabulary and grammatical structures. The presence of screens can disrupt this, especially if an adult is being interrupted by texts or notifications.

But understanding how this affects children's development requires accounting for the different types of screen children may be using and what they're using them for, as well as the screens that adults around them use.

Tulviste and co-investigator Dr. Jaan Tulviste surveyed a representative sample of Estonian families, including 421 children aged between two and a half and four years old. The survey asked parents to estimate how long each member of the family would spend using different screen devices for different purposes on a typical weekend day.

It also asked how much of this time would be spent using a screen as a family, for example, watching a film together. Finally, parents were asked to fill out a questionnaire evaluating their children's language ability.

The researchers sorted both children and adults into three screen use groupshigh, low, and moderate. They then analyzed this data to see if there was a link between parental screen use and children's screen use.

They found that parents and children generally belonged to the same groups: parents who used screens a lot had children who also used screens a lot. Controlling for age, they looked at the language development of these children, and found that children who used screens less scored higher for both grammar and vocabulary. No form of screen use had a positive effect on children's language skills.

"While reading ebooks and playing some educational games may offer language learning opportunities, especially for older children, research shows that during the first years of life, the most influential factor is everyday dyadic face-to-face parent-child verbal interaction," said Tulviste.

Fun and games?

Using screens for videogames had a notable negative effect on children's language skills, regardless of whether parents or children were gaming. Tulviste explained cultural factors could be involved in this result: "For Estonian children, few developmentally appropriate computer games exist for this age group. Games in a foreign language with limited interactivity or visual-only content likely do not provide rich opportunities for learning oral language and communication skills."

The authors pointed out that more research will need to be done to understand how the pandemic has affected these patterns: they originally collected their data in 2019. It would also be important to learn how these whole-family profiles change over time, using longitudinal studies that follow families as children grow up.

"The study has a cross-sectional designwe studied each participant only once and did not follow their developmental trajectory over a longer time period," cautioned Tulviste.

"Also, the data were collected before the COVID-19 pandemic. It will be interesting to look at future research findings addressing language development and the impact of screen use during the pandemic."

More information: Weekend screen use of parents and children associates with child language skills, Frontiers in Developmental Psychology (2024). DOI: 10.3389/fdpys.2024.1404235 Journal information: Frontiers in Developmental Psychology
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Mpox vaccine MVA-BN vaccine, manufactured by the Danish company Bavarian Nordic, are offloaded from a plane in Kinshasa, Congo, Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024.Credit: AP Photo/Samy Ntumba Shambuyi

African countries recorded more than 100 mpox-related deaths in the past week, the continental health body said Thursday as it described the rising toll as "not acceptable."

Dr. Jean Kaseya, director-general of the Africa Center for Disease Control and Prevention, said 107 new deaths and 3,160 new cases had been recorded in the past week, just a week after his agency and the U.N. World Health Organization launched a continental response plan.

"In the one week, we lost 107 (people). It's too much. It's not acceptable." he said as he emphasized the need for stronger cross-border surveillance.

Mpox belongs to the same family of viruses as smallpox but causes milder symptoms like fever, chills and body aches. People with more serious cases can develop lesions on the face, hands, chest and genitals.

In testing for the disease, men recorded the highest positivity rate at 63%, while children under the age of 15 were at 41%.

Kaseya said there was need for increased testing and resources to support it, adding that the continent was not testing enough and that it "cannot rely on only confirmed cases for decision-making and response."

Mpox can be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy, and Kaseya said more research is needed to determine how common this is.

Mpox vaccine MVA-BN vaccine, manufactured by the Danish company Bavarian Nordic, are offloaded from a plane in Kinshasa, Congo, Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Samy Ntumba Shambuyi

The number of cases has been rising rapidly, WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said last month, but until recently there have been relatively few deaths. The increased number of cases come a month after WHO declared outbreaks in 12 African countries a global emergency.

The estimated budget for the six-month plan put forward by Africa CDC and WHO is almost $600 million, with 55% allocated to the response to mpox in 14 affected nations and boosting readiness in 15 others.

Some African Union member states have already contributed to the response plan budget, a step that Kaseya lauded as showing ownership by the continent.

Africa is in the process of receiving vaccines. Some 250,000 doses have already been delivered to Congo, but these are just a fraction of the 3 million doses authorities have said are needed to end the outbreak there, the epicenter of the global health emergency.

EU countries pledged to donate more than 500,000 doses, but the timeline for delivery remained unclear.

A health worker attends to an mpox patient, at a treatment center in Munigi, eastern Congo, Aug. 19, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Moses Sawasawa, File

The recommended course of vaccination requires two doses. Kaseya said this would still be ideal despite the high level of need, because "we don't want to compromise on protection of our people."

The director-general said he would be traveling to Congo to get vaccinated when the exercise kicks off in the first week of October "to show the African people and Congolese people that the vaccine is safe."

Africa CDC has so far recorded 5,731 confirmed mpox cases and 724 associated deaths since the beginning of the year.

 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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As diagnoses of autism spectrum disorder have increased in the last two decades, so have the number of experimental and off-label therapies seeking to address the condition.

For parents navigating the complex and often contradictory landscape of autism interventionswhile also balancing medical appointments, educational specialists and countless other family needsevaluating these treatments can be daunting.

Experts in autism research talked to The Times about what parents and patients should watch for when evaluating a potential new treatmentfor autism or any other condition.

Take testimonials with a grain of salt

Firsthand accounts of a therapy's life-changing effects can be powerfully compelling. But such stories alone can't indicate how effective a treatment will be for anyone else, autism experts said.

"Be wary of therapies that are sold to you with testimonials. If you go to a clinic website and they have dozens of quotes from parents saying 'This changed my child's life in XYZ ways,' that isn't the same as evidence," said Zoe Gross of the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, a nonprofit group run by and for autistic adults.

"If the main way something's advertised is through testimonials, it may be because there isn't research, or what research was done showed it wasn't effective."

Without accompanying data, there is no way to know whether any patient's experience with a treatment is typical or an outlier. A therapy could have only a 1% success rate, Gross said, and still yield dozens of positive outcomes once thousands of people have tried it.

Former patient stories can be a starting point for an exploration of whether a therapy is right for someone, doctors said, but the exploration shouldn't end there.

"There's an old saying in medicine," said Dr. Andrew Leuchter, director of UCLA's TMS Clinical and Research Service. "The plural of anecdote is not data."

Look forand atthe research

"Right now, it's really sexy to call yourself 'evidence-based,'" said Dr. David Celiberti, executive director of the nonprofit Assn. for Science in Autism Treatment. "For a consumer, that's amazing. You hear 'evidence-based' and of course, you're going to be drawn to it. But people are using that term very loosely."

In the case of magnetic e-resonance therapy, or MERT, its developer Wave Neuroscience features on its website a library of research. Similar links feature on the sites of many licensee clinics.

Most of the publications related to autism cited by MERT clinicsand, at times, by Waveare either limited in scope or only tangentially related to the therapy, a half-dozen experts said, including some whose work is cited.

One of them, for example, is a brief 2016 article from the Austin Journal of Autism and Related Disabilities titled "The Potential of Magnetic Resonant Therapy in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder."

Its authors and advisors said they were surprised to learn the paper was being used to advertise the treatment. The paper contains no data or original research and concludes only that MERT could be studied further as an autism therapy without risk of serious harm.

"This isn't an evidence-based paper. It's an opinion piece about the possibilities of this technology," said Dr. John Crawford, a neurologist at Children's Hospital of Orange County and a co-author of the paper. "It's not that impactful from a scientific perspective."

Who else has verified these findings?

Many MERT clinics feature a 2014 electronic poster presentation that examines data from the charts of 141 children who received transcranial magnetic stimulation, the therapy on which MERT is based, for autism.

Until March, Wave featured the poster on its website and highlighted that 59.1% of 44 participants who completed 12 months of treatment improved their scores on the Childhood Autism Rating Scale, an assessment tool used to gauge symptom severity.

A closer look at the report shows that after five days of treatment, 38 patients were dropped from the analysis because their symptoms either showed no improvement or worsened. One had a seizure during treatment.

The authors excluded dozens more patients for various reasons. Of the remaining 44 patients, 26 saw improvement while getting the treatment. That was 59.1% of those remaining, as the poster said, but only 18.4% of the total study population.

The write-up also notes that many of those 26 children were receiving other therapies at the same time that may have been responsible for some or all of the improvements.

Posters are typically prepared as a way to highlight findings at professional conferences and "cannot be interpreted as having undergone rigorous peer review," said USC neurosurgeon Dr. Charles Liu, a co-author on the poster who is not affiliated with Wave or any MERT clinics.

"The main point of the abstract is and remains that more rigorous studies must [be] done."

If research shows changes, how do you know the therapy caused it?

Wave and licensees also highlight a 2022 paper by a technician at a licensee clinic in Australia who is also a doctoral candidate at Australia's University of the Sunshine Coast.

It looks at data from 28 patients at two MERT clinics in Australia whose brains showed "significant improvement" in their individual alpha frequency waves after treatment.

Although some previous research has found correlations between atypical alpha wave frequency and autism diagnoses, six scientists told The Times that there isn't yet enough evidence to understand how changes in alpha waves affect autistic traits, or any scientific consensus on whether "improvement" in this pattern of brain activity has any meaningful effect on autistic behaviors.

The report is a retrospective chart review, which examines existing data from patients' medical records and is often used to identify interesting outcomes worthy of further study.

By design, it does not include a control group, which is what allows researchers to identify whether any changes they see are related to the variable they are studying. Its authors noted in the paper that findings are preliminary and require further study.

"Because this was not a controlled trial or study, [the cause of the changes] could have been anything including placebo effect, any additional therapies the children were receiving, etc.," said Lindsay Oberman, director of the Neurostimulation Research Program at the National Institute of Mental Health.

Medical research follows a hierarchy of evidence. At the bottom are anecdotes and observations: valid points of information that alone aren't enough to draw broad conclusions from.

Above that are observational studies that collect and analyze preexisting data in a systematic way. And at the top are randomized controlled trials, which are designed to eliminate as much bias as possible from the experiment and ensure that the thing being studied is responsible for any changes observed.

"Families need to know that there is this gold standard for studiesto make sure that something works to help people with autism, it needs to have what's called a randomized controlled trial," said Alycia Halladay, chief science officer at the Autism Science Foundation.

2024 Los Angeles Times. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Comparing visual results of fovea localization predictions by various methods. Credit: XJTLU/IEEE 10.1109/JBHI.2024.3445112

Population-based studies have shown retinal disorders are the most common cause of irreversible blindness in developed countries and the second most common cause of blindness after cataracts in developing countries. Medical imaging techniques are key to early detection of retinal disorders, but the technology currently available presents many challenges for practitioners.

To improve the speed and accuracy of diagnoses of retinal disorders, a group of researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) and VoxelCloud Inc. in China, has introduced an AI-powered medical imaging techniqueDualStreamFoveaNet (DSFN) to address the current imaging challenges. The research is published in the IEEE Journal of Biomedical and Health Informatics.

Dr. Sifan Song, a Ph.D. graduate from XJTLU's School of AI and Advanced Computing and first author of the study, says, "Our new imaging technique, DSFN, has the potential to aid quick and accurate diagnosis of retinal disorders. It also has the potential to be used for other medical conditions that require anatomical structure-based disease diagnosis. For example, in lung cancer screening."

DSFN combines retina images with vascular distribution information to accurately locate the foveaa depression at the back of the eye where visual acuity is at its highestin complex clinical scenarios.

Dr. Sifan Song says, "Accurate localization of the fovea allows medical professionals to detect early signs of ocular diseases, such as tiny changes or deposits in the macular region that surrounds the fovea. This helps to regularly monitor disease progression, evaluate the effectiveness of treatment, or adjust treatment plans, and can prevent retinal disorders that lead to irreversible vision loss.

"However, the current medical imaging techniques for identifying fovea location have many limitations."

Illustration of the shared global anatomical relationships among the fovea, optic disc, and main blood vessels, in normal (a), diseased (b,c), and poorly conditioned (d) retina images. Credit: XJTLU/IEEE 10.1109/JBHI.2024.3445112

Dr. Song explains that the surrounding retinal tissue's color intensity makes the fovea's dark appearance indistinguishable from the retinal background, which is further obscured by retinal diseases.

He emphasizes that low light conditions and non-standard fovea locations during photography further challenge accurate fovea localization.

"Blurred and poorly lit images make visualizing the back of the eye difficult and may lead to a misdiagnosis. The DSFN helps to overcome many of these challenges," Dr. Song adds.

Dr. Song explains the design of DSFN reduces computational costs while maintaining high accuracy, making it more suitable and affordable for application in clinical environments.

"Lower computational costs are accompanied by faster processing speeds, allowing doctors to obtain diagnostic results more quickly and enabling faster model updates and iterations that lead to more accurate predictions of ocular diseases," says Dr. Song.

Dr. Song is a postdoctoral researcher working at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital.

More information: Sifan Song et al, DualStreamFoveaNet: A Dual Stream Fusion Architecture with Anatomical Awareness for Robust Fovea Localization, IEEE Journal of Biomedical and Health Informatics (2024). DOI: 10.1109/JBHI.2024.3445112.
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Scientists at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University are searching for a new treatment target for a common complication of diabetes that can cause retinal blood vessels to break down, leak, or become blocked.

Diabetic retinopathy is a serious eye disease and a leading cause of blindness that results when diabetes' sustained high blood sugar levels cause damage to the retinathe part of the eye that detects lightover time. That can happen in a number of ways, from inflammation to overgrowth of new and abnormal blood vessels.

The current treatment standard is anti-VEGF, which targets and blocks the activity of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a protein that promotes the growth of blood vessels and causes them to leak. But that treatment doesn't work for everyone.

Vascular and endothelial biologist Shruti Sharma, Ph.D., and a team from the MCG Center for Biotechnology and Genomic Medicine, hope to zero in on a new treatment pathway. They suspect the key to that may be a protein called Interleukin-6 (IL-6), a versatile protein involved in both immunity and inflammation throughout the body.

"IL-6 is a major cytokine that is elevated in almost all inflammatory conditions," Sharma explained. "There have been therapies that have targeted IL-6, but whenever we try to completely block it, that never seems to work. I don't think it's that black or white."

She and her research team think the answer lies in the way IL-6 signals or initiates physiological changes in the body. One mechanism involves cis-signaling, where IL-6 interacts with its receptor on the cell surface, while the other involves trans-signaling, which uses a soluble form of IL-6 receptor.

The harmful inflammatory effects of IL-6 are accomplished mainly through trans-signaling, while beneficial regenerative effects are accomplished through cis-signaling.

"So that's where the problem was. When you're globally blocking all the IL-6, you are taking away the good and the bad," Sharma said.

"We already know that trans-signaling works through endothelial cells, because they lack the membrane-bound receptor, which would explain the inflammation and overgrowth of blood vessels in the eye."

In preliminary studies, she and her research team found that blocking the pro-inflammatory IL-6 trans-signaling, with a drug called sgp130Fc, helped balance levels of two important proteins in the retinaVEGFA, which can damage the blood-retina barrier and increase oxidative stress, and VEGFB, which is believed to be protective. They believe that disruption to that balance is what ultimately leads to the development of diabetic retinopathy.

They hope finding the way to restore that balance will come from taking a closer look at Muller glial cells, which play a major role in maintaining homeostasis and exchange of nutrients in the retina. They also have membrane-bound IL-6 receptors and "participate" in both cis- and trans-signaling. "There are also certain factors released by these glial cells that help activate endothelial cells," Sharma said.

They will study several different animal modelsone that uses trans-signaling, one that uses cis-signaling and one that does bothand gather baseline measurements of the photoreceptor response, which can tell them how well the eye can detect light, a key indicator of retinal health or disease.

"We believe that when we selectively inhibit trans-signaling using this drug, while allowing cis-signaling to continue, we will be able to stop the damage," Sharma said.

A recent global analysis estimated that about 103 million people worldwide have diabetic retinopathy, and that number could rise to 161 million by 2045.
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Study design, pharmacokinetics and therapeutic efficacy of PGT121, PGDM1400 and VRC07-523LS. Credit: Nature Medicine (2024). DOI:10.1038/s41591-024-03247-5

In a study of 12 participants, researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) have demonstrated that a cocktail of three broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAb) successfully suppressed virus in people living with HIV. A subset of participants also demonstrated long-term control of the virus months after antibody levels declined to low or undetectable. The findings are published in Nature Medicine.

"Our data suggest that the triple bNAb cocktail can lead to virologic control for a prolonged period of time in most people living with HIV following ART discontinuation," said co-corresponding author Dan H. Barouch, MD, Ph.D., director of the Center for Virology and Vaccine Research at BIDMC. "Larger studies are planned based on these results."

HIV remains a global public health challenge. In the United States, more than 1.2 million people are living with HIV, with nearly 35,000 new infections reported in 2021 alone. While ARTa combination of drugs typically taken dailyhas transformed HIV from a fatal illness into a manageable long-term condition, it does not eliminate the virus. The antibody cocktail tested in this study could offer an alternative that reduces reliance on daily medication.

To evaluate the safety, tolerability and antiviral effect of the combination of three broadly neutralizing antibodies, Barouch and colleagues enrolled 12 volunteers living with HIV to receive three monthly infusions of the triple-antibody cocktail, with the option of receiving three more as long as participants remained virologically suppressed. Participants discontinued ART two days after their first antibody infusion.

Two participants' viral levels rebounded before the dosing period ended. Ten of the 12 participants (or 83%) maintained virologic suppression for the duration of the six-month bNAb dosing period. Of these, five showed viral rebound during the next six months, whereas five demonstrated long-term virologic control for the duration of the study.

"Overall, our study showed that three anti-HIV antibodies with significant breadth of neutralization were actually able to maintain virological suppression in the absence of ART at least during the dosing period in a majority of the participants," said co-corresponding author Boris Juelg, MD, Ph.D., a principal investigator at the Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard.

"In a smaller subset, this control was maintained up to week 44 even when the antibodies had reached very low levels in the blood. Future studies are now needed to determine the exact mechanisms of control and how long it can last."

"Our data shows that broadly neutralizing antibodies may offer a new treatment strategy for HIV," said Barouch, who is also the William Bosworth Castle Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School.

"Long-acting versions of all three of these antibodies are currently being developed, which will likely facilitate the development of a triple bNAb cocktail that may be administered once every six months for both HIV therapy and prevention."

More information: Julg, B. et al, Safety and antiviral effect of a triple combination of HIV-1 broadly neutralizing antibodies: a phase 1/2a trial. Nature Medicine (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41591-024-03247-5. www.nature.com/articles/s41591-024-03247-5 Journal information: Nature Medicine

Provided by Beth Israel Lahey Health
Early American poet and philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson once said that lifes purpose was not to be happy. Instead, it was to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have made some difference that you have lived and lived well.

Former Butte legislator and all-around good guy Bob Pavlovich died Saturday, Sept. 7, in Sheridan, Wyoming. Talking to his friends and colleagues, theres no doubt that during his 95 years on this earth he made himself useful time and time again. He was, indeed, an honorable and compassionate man, and yes, he lived a life well lived.

While serving up drinks at the Met Tavern, in his lifetime he also managed to serve his country, his hometown of Butte, his beloved Montana, and perhaps most importantly, his fellow veterans.

For five years, Debbie Shea served alongside Pavlovich in the Montana Legislature. She described her friend and mentor as the most genuine, loving guy she had ever met.

Bob lived such a generous life with dignity and kindness, said Shea. He was so genuine  the real deal.

As a Democratic legislator, Pavlovich was first elected to the Montana House in 1978 and served through 1999. One of Pavlovichs best attributes, Shea said, was his ability to get along with everyone no matter their political affiliation.

Everyone on both sides of the political aisle respected Bob, said Shea. Both sides would go to him if there was something important to get through.

Pavlovich felt a fierce loyalty to the people of Butte and Montana.

Bob had a gift for putting aside the partisan nature of legislating and just doing what was right for the people, said Shea.

Close friend Fritz Daily, who also served in the Montana Legislature, said Pavlovich had an uncanny ability to communicate with members from both parties.

That was unique and what made him so effective, said Daily.

For Daily, Pavlovichs best attribute was the loyalty he always showed, whether it be with his legion of friends, his hometown or to veterans.

He would stick with you, said Daily, not just in politics but in life as well.

Pavlovich was instrumental in getting the Southwest Montana Veterans' Home built in Butte.

The work he did for the veterans was just remarkable, said Shea. The facility in Butte is because of Bob.

In the past year, Daily had many conversations with his friend. The two would reminisce about many things, including their years in the Legislature.

Pavlovich felt his greatest accomplishment was being part of a delegation that saved some small Montana colleges from closing, including Montana Tech and Western Montana College, Daily said.

It was a fight we seemed to constantly have, said Daily. Bob was so proud of that.

That comes as no surprise to Shea.

Bob was always doing the right thing for the people of Butte and the State of Montana  he always had that in mind., she said. He was a beacon of light for so many just trying to do the right thing.

More than anyone, Pavlovich was the face behind a decades-long effort to get a military veterans home built in southwest Montana. Its roots went back to 1993, when Pavlovich introduced a bill to divert a portion of cigarette tax revenue to veterans needs and benefits.

Jon Sesso, a former longtime legislator from Butte, said lawmakers from eastern Montana made a compelling case for a new home in Glendive that session and Pavlovich agreed to it. That in itself was classic Pavlovich, Sesso said.

Bob could have killed the bill and said, `If its not in Butte, were not doing this,  Sesso said. Instead, he said, Theres veterans there (Glendive), too  and well wait until next time.

It took another 25 years for lawmakers at the state and federal levels to cobble enough money for another veterans home in Montana. Pavlovich was termed out of the Legislature in 2000 but never gave up on the project.

Pavlovich served on a 2011 committee representing Butte-Silver Bow and five other counties in southwest Montana and he convinced the others that Butte was the best site for the next home.

He didnt muscle it through, he negotiated it through, said Sesso, who joined the Legislature in 2005 and continued the push that Pavlovich started.

After a final piece of federal funding for the project came through with support from U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, Pavlovich was among 200 people at a 2019 groundbreaking ceremony for the home off of Mount Highland Drive on the eastern edge of Butte.

"It's all about the veterans,'' Pavlovich said that day. That's why we're here. It took us 26 years to get here, but we're finally here.''

Sesso said Pavlovich was a mentor and gave him sound advice about being a legislator.

He says, Dont be afraid to walk across the aisle, not just to get their votes but to build relationships. You cant be effective from just one side of the aisle, Sesso said.

Pavlovichs wife, Kathleen, died on Feb. 15, 2021.

He met her at a place called Gene and Franks in San Francisco in 1962. She was raising two children at the time  Kathy and Denis  and Pavlovich had three kids of his own  Bobby, Marcy and Julie.

From here we know the story: Boy meets girl, love takes root and blooms, Kathleens obituary said. They married in Reno on August17th of that year and before you know it, they pulled into the driveway at 1607 "C" Street in Butte about a week later.

Their kids met and bonds were quick and permanent, it said, and they had two children together, John and Maureen, followed by a bigger house, and her job at the Whittier School as the school secretary for 25 years.

Funeral arrangements for the former Butte legislator are pending and will be announced at a later date.
Tragic Jimmy Keim photographed the World Trade Center towers collapsing with a disposable camera he bought on Sept. 11, 2001. (Jimmy Keim/Jimmy Keim)

On Sept. 11, 2001, I was eating breakfast at my Birmingham, Alabama, home\ when I turned the television on and froze watching the first plane crash into the World Trade Center. I blinked, thinking it was a movie. Wasnt this the Today Show? Then I heard the commentary and knew it was an actual event happening in real time.

I remember my cereal bowl falling out of my hands and crashing on the floor, its milk spewing all over my feet. I didnt move. I couldnt move.

The day will remain vividly, horrifically, engraved in my memory. It is a day I wish never happened - a day that marked me a Muslim terrorist for the rest of my life.

The days following that deadly incident were tough. People I did not know yelled insults on the street. A guy at the coffee shop I frequented lunged at me. My fault: I resembled the terrorists. I had the same skin, eyes, nose. I had the same Islamic faith connected to terrorism in conservative circles.

Those who knew and loved me poured out their goodwill, but I refused to accept it.

Im sorry for what my people did, was the statement I shamefully uttered to anyone who asked. Their responses varied, some comforting, others painful, but none came close to that of two brothers I met covering my first Springsteen concert last year in New Jersey.

Jimmy and PJ Keim were among the tailgaters I interviewed in the parking lot of the Springsteen concert back in August of 2023.

At the concert in 2023 Karim Shamsi-basha poses with the Keim brothers on Aug. 30, 2023, in the Met Life Stadium parking lot. Jimmy is left, and PJ is next to him. (Ken Hendrzak/Ken Hendrzak)

As I had done with others that day, I asked Jimmy about his favorite Springsteen song. He mentioned Empty Sky, Springsteens poignant reflection on Sept. 11 off his album, The Rising.

I saw the plane explode into the second building that day, Jimmy said. My brother worked in the city at the time, and I was a few blocks away.

After recovering from shock amid the otherwise jubilant Springsteen tailgate, I uttered the statement I always say when someone speaks of that tragedy.

Im sorry my people did that, I said with a low voice, my tears welling up. Then, I explained that I am a Muslim who immigrated here from Damascus, Syria.

Jimmy looked at me kindly and said, Your people did not do that, Karim. Islam is a religion of peace.

Through the tears, we gazed at each other and hugged. PJ, his brother, joined us. It was quite the sight, right there in the Springsteen concert parking lot among the tailgaters, three guys hugging.

Humanity shows itself in the oddest places.

Fast forward to yesterday, I wanted to write about the tragedy again. The yearly writing has become cathartic. Its a way of saying Im sorry to my readers, to all Americans. Im sorry despite the fact that those terrorists have nothing to do with my faith. Im sorry. Im just so, so sorry.

Humanity PJ Keim and Patty McLaughlin at their Roselle Park home in New Jersey on Sept. 10, 2024. (Karim Shamsi-Basha/Karim Shamsi-Basha)

I called PJ and asked if we could relive that Springsteen memory, and he invited me to his house in Roselle Park. I chatted with him and his girlfriend, Patty McLaughlin, who lost a relative on 911.

PJ, 64, recalled that dark day. I had taken the train to the City where I worked as an electrician, and I walked through the concourse of the World Trade Center 15 minutes before the first plane hit, he recalled.. I was at the Mercantile Exchange building across the street, and we watched the tower on fire and saw people jump out of the building.

PJ took a deep breath as that ghastly memory sharpened. He pressed on.

Then, we saw the second plane hit the building, and I knew we were under attack.

Sitting on PJs porch, recalling memories of that day, was almost surreal. Its been 23 years, and not much has change things for the better. Muslims are still considered terrorists, and theres been little improvement in relations between them and the West.

PJ later offered to call his brother, who shared that massive dose of humanity at the Springsteen concert a year ago.

With his voice crackling through the phone, Jimmy remembered.

I was on Canal Street when the first plane hit. Then, the building came down, and a huge smoke plume engulfed us, he said. I bought a disposable camera and took these pictures as I was running. Then, I saw the second building come down. I thought it was the end of the world.

I asked Jimmy if he remembered what he said to me at the Springsteen concert. His response brought tears to my eyes again.

I said it wasnt your people, he said. Those evil people twisted Islam. They dont represent you, my friend. I do remember saying that, and I still mean it.

I gazed at the cell phone, wishing Jimmy was with us, bathing in the warm afternoon light, hugging me and his brother. I asked him about his motivation for that statement, which was full of humanity.

Theres inherent goodness in everyone, Jimmy said. The core of most religions is being a good person, helping your fellow man. Thats the message: love and peace.

We bid Jimmy farewell over the phone, and PJ recalled the days after the tragedy. He worked in a building that overlooked the ferry bringing survivors to look for their missing loved ones. It was heart-wrenching to see all these people crying, and at the site, it was like a pilgrimage. Day after day, they came and searched. It was like being at the biggest cemetery in the world.

Tragic Jimmy Keim photographed the tragedy of Sept. 11, 2001, with a disposable camera he bought on the street in Manhattan. (Jimmy Keim/Jimmy Keim)

Our get-together was ending, and like his brother a year ago in that parking lot among the Springsteen tailgaters, PJ looked me in the eyes saying, That event never colored my view of your peaceful religion, Karim. I have several friends and coworkers who are Muslims, and they are all wonderful and peaceful people.

He took a deep breath. Then added, I never paint your religion with that violent brush those evil doers used that day.

There we were, a white American and a brown Arab coming together over the memory of man at his worst, recalled by two brothers who illustrate humanity at its best.

I left PJs house as the afternoon light was fading, but I knew deep down in my heart, way behind my ribs in a place reserved for sacred and revered things, that my memory of that day in September would never fade.

Karim Shamsi-Basha may be reached at kshamsi-basha@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter & Instagram. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Welcome to Mosaic. Follow us on Instagram at @MosaicNJcom and on Facebook at MosaicNJcom and on YouTube at @MosaicNJcom
Col. Paul B. Beausoleil, a native of Anaconda-Deer Lodge County, was promoted this past June to his present rank during a ceremony at the Heisler Park Amphitheater in Laguna Beach, California.

Beausoleil relinquished command of the 11th Battalion, U.S. Army Reserve Careers Group at Los Alamitos Joint Forces Training Base in California and is presently assigned to the Human Resources Command in Kentucky.

Col. Beausoleils new rank was pinned on by his father and mother, Paul J. and Michelle Beausoleil, and two daughters, Ashley and Riley Beausoleil. His wife of 28 years, Amy Beausoleil, their granddaughter and other family and friends were also in attendance.

A 1992 graduate of Anaconda Senior High School, Beausoleil has served in the military for over 32 years, first enlisting with the U.S. Army Reserve in 1992. In 2003, he was deployed with the 823rd Movement Control Team from Missoula. He was commissioned in 2000 in the Adjutant General Corps.

In 1995, he graduated from Western Montana College and in 1999, Montana State University. He graduated from the American Military University in 2009, and in 2023, the U.S. Army War College.
CHICAGO  For Christopher Pugh, the 2020 election was a turning point.

He already distrusted the government. But as he watched Fox News coverage in the immediate aftermath of the election and read posts on Twitter, the social media platform now known as X, that distrust grew. He now believes the falsehood that the 2020 election was stolen and trusts few people other than former President Donald Trump to deliver him news about election results.

I trust Donald Trump, not the government, said the 38-year-old Republican from Gulfport, Mississippi. Thats it.

While most Americans trust government-certified election results at least a moderate amount, Republicans are more likely to trust Trump and his campaign, according to a new survey from the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research and USAFacts. Americans also are heading into the November election with concerns about misinformation. Many have low trust that the information they receive from presidential candidates  particularly Trump, but also Vice President Kamala Harris  is based on factual information.

Trump continues to dispute the outcome of the 2020 election, saying it was rigged against him even after dozens of his court challenges failed, reviews, recounts and audits in battleground states all affirmed President Joe Biden's win, and Trump's own attorney general said there was no evidence of widespread fraud. Despite no evidence of any widespread fraud, a 2023 poll found that most Republicans believe Biden was not legitimately elected president.

The battle against misinformation: Weapons and Warfare Host Ryan Robertson visited with intelligence analyst and YouTube creator Ryan McBeth to talk about his battle against misinformation.

As Trump runs as the Republican candidate for the third time, he also is signaling that he can only lose through widespread fraud. Over the weekend he threatened to prosecute those involved in unscrupulous behavior this election should he win in November.

The only way they can beat us is to cheat, Trump said at a Las Vegas rally in June.

The recent findings from the AP-NORC survey show that a significant chunk of Trump's supporters might be more inclined to believe what he says about the upcoming election results than they are to trust government certifications of election results.

About two-thirds of Republicans trust Trump's campaign at least a moderate amount to provide accurate information about the results of the 2024 election, while only about half say the same about the official certifications of results, the survey found. By contrast, about 9 in 10 Democrats trust the government certification at least a moderate amount, and an overwhelming majority, 82%, also have at least a moderate amount of trust in Harris and her campaign.

Most Americans  around 7 in 10  trust the government certifications of election results at least a moderate amount, according to the survey. Majorities also trust national and local TV news networks, as well as local or national newspapers, to provide accurate information about the outcome of this year's presidential election.

Danielle Almeida, a 45-year-old Democrat from Briarcliff Manor, New York, said she trusts government-certified election results and finds it alarming that some Americans dont.

In order to have a democracy, we have to trust the system and the results of our elections, she said, adding that she thinks Trump does not care about fact-checking because he believes his supporters dont care, either.

Americans are less likely to trust the campaigns overall  compared to sources such as the government and the media  but they have a higher level of trust in Harris and her campaign than in Trump and his campaign to provide accurate information about the outcome of the election. About half have at least a moderate amount of trust in Harris and her campaign. By contrast, about 4 in 10 have at least a moderate amount of trust in Trump and his campaign.

Some Republicans' distrust of election results started far before the 2020 election.

Richard Baum, 60, a conservative independent from Odessa, Texas, said his suspicions began in the 2000 U.S. presidential race between George W. Bush and Al Gore. After Bush won by a slim margin, hanging chads became an unlikely symbol of a disputed presidential election as small anomalies common in elections ballooned into major national controversies.

There was some stuff there that didnt seem right that made a lot of doubts in my mind about if you can trust the government, Baum said.

Baum said he would trust election results only if voting took place on only a single day, early voting and mail-in ballots were banned and photo IDs were required at all polling places.

Many Americans doubt the veracity of both presidential candidates campaign messages, but skepticism about Trumps campaign is higher, the USAFacts/AP-NORC survey found.

About 6 in 10 Americans believe that Trumps campaign messages are rarely or never based on factual information, compared to 45% who say that about Harris campaign messages.

Many Americans also say it's hard to discern fact from fiction when it comes to the candidates. Slightly less than half of Americans say its very easy or somewhat easy to find factual information about the candidates and their positions, and only about one-third say its easy to know if what candidates are saying is true or not.

About 6 in 10 Americans say its easy for them to understand the difference between fact and opinion when it comes to information about the upcoming presidential election, but only about 4 in 10 say its easy to know whether information is true or not.

Americans are, however, more confident about factual information related to election logistics: About 7 in 10 Americans say its easy to find information about how to register to vote, and about 6 in 10 say its easy to find information about how to cast their ballot.

What college students need to know before they vote Tips for college students Register to Vote Make Your Vote Count
The Ministry of Education (MoE) has ordered an immediate inspection of all schools following the tragic fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy, which resulted in the deaths of 21 students.

In a statement on Wednesday, September 11, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba announced that the Ministry will conduct inspections of both public and private basic learning institutions.

The Education Minister highlighted that, while most schools adhere to the Safety Standards Manual for Schools in Kenya, some have failed to comply with these guidelines.

He emphasized that such negligence has led to unfortunate accidents, causing loss of life, injuries, and property damage.

The recent fire tragedy at Hillside Endarasha Academy in Nyeri County, which resulted in 21 student fatalities, underscores the urgent need for rigorous enforcement of safety guidelines by both the government and school managers. We must prevent such incidents from recurring in the future, Ogamba said.

Ogamba explained that the Ministry, in collaboration with relevant agencies, is conducting a nationwide inspection to assess compliance with the Safety Standards Manual. The first phase, which began this week, will cover all boarding primary and junior schools. The second phase will extend the inspection to secondary schools.

The inspection will involve officials from the Ministries of Education, Interior and National Administration, Health, and the Department of Public Works. Additionally, officers from County Governments and the Kenya Red Cross will participate.

The primary goal of the inspection is to determine the causes behind the recent surge in school fires and to make necessary recommendations for new interventions where current measures have fallen short.

Ogamba also stated that the Government will take firm action against Ministry of Education officials, school administrators, and managers who fail to follow the Safety Standards Manual. This enforcement will align with the Basic Education Act of 2013.
On Tuesday, Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced that the government will send 24 military and police personnel to Haiti to support an international mission aimed at combating powerful gangs.

The first group will deploy on Thursday to help establish the command structure in preparation for additional deployments.

In March, Jamaica committed 200 personnel to the U.N.-backed mission. However, delays in deploying the security force have raised concerns, with its mandate set to expire in less than a month if not renewed.

Antonette Wemyss-Gorman, a senior defense official, stated that Jamaicas team will serve under senior military officer Kevron Henry, who will act as deputy commander to Kenyas Godfrey Otunge.

This is just the beginning of our efforts, Holness said. We are focused on ensuring a successful operation, and proper planning will prevent any shortcomings.

Kenya leads the mission in Haiti, already deploying 400 officers out of its pledged 1,000. Alongside Kenya, Benin, Jamaica, the Bahamas, and Belize have committed to sending over 2,900 troops.

Belize recently announced plans to send two senior officers to Jamaica as part of the mission. Several other countries have also pledged personnel, although specific numbers remain unclear.
A Nairobi-based Forex bureau trader is counting losses after armed robbers attacked him in broad daylight on Tuesday, September 10.

The businessman, identified as Hirsi Ali Shire, was reportedly robbed of a bag containing USD 100,000 (Kes. 12.9 million).

The robbery occurred at around 12:50 p.m. after Shire boarded a motorbike from his office on Kaunda Street in Nairobis Central Business District (CBD) and headed to Westlands to exchange US dollars for local currency.

After arriving at the Westlands Paramount building, he completed the exchange and boarded the same motorbike to return to the CBD.

The situation took a dangerous turn when they reached the Utalii building on Uhuru Highway, just a few meters from the roundabout. A white saloon car blocked their path, and two occupants emerged, holding them at gunpoint and threatening to shoot if they did not comply.

One assailant quickly snatched the bag from Shire and fled to the car.

The reportee and the rider tried to chase the vehicle but were unsuccessful, stated the police report.

Shire reported the incident to the Central Police Station, admitting he could not capture the registration number of the saloon car.

Authorities have since launched an investigation to track the vehicle and apprehend the two suspects.
The Nairobi City County Assembly has unveiled a new gold-plated mace costing Kes. 33 million.

On Tuesday, September 10, Nairobi Assembly Speaker Kennedy Ngondi introduced the 11 kg mace, designed to symbolize the authority of the County Assembly. He cautioned the MCAs against violating the standing orders related to the mace.

This is a state-of-the-art mace and a delicate instrument representing the authority of the County Assembly as it conducts business. Its custodians and handlers must manage it with the care it deserves. I urge the honorable members to familiarize themselves with the standing orders regarding the mace to avoid any issues, Ngondi stated during the plenary session.

Majority Leader Peter Imwatok also urged the MCAs to submit to the authority of the County Assembly Speaker, stressing the significance of the mace as a symbol of this authority.

RELATED  Nairobi Speaker: This is Why We Urgently Need a Sh30 Million 18-Carat Gold Mace

This mace weighs 11 kg and is made of gold. It marks a historic moment for the County Assembly, and you cannot compare it to the mayors chain we had before devolution. This mace is under proper security. We ask our sergeant-at-arms to keep the MCAs away from the mace, and I urge all members to respect the authority of the Speaker, Imwatok remarked.

According to a tender issued in January, the mace features a construction of heavy-duty steel lined with fire-resistant materials, allowing it to withstand high temperatures for up to four hours at 1,000 degrees Celsius.

It will be stored in a safe with a robust deadbolt locking system to prevent unauthorized access. The neck of the mace is supported by crests made of four solid brass struts, each plated with 18-carat gold, while the neck itself is also plated with 18-carat gold to accommodate four stones.
Short-term rentals in Nairobi, including Airbnbs, will soon require an assessment by City Hall before obtaining operational licenses.

On Tuesday evening, Nairobi MCAs approved a motion calling for stricter regulation of these establishments.

The new regulations will mandate the installation of CCTV cameras and a more thorough assessment before issuing licenses. Nominated MCA Perpetua Mponjiwa, who introduced the motion, emphasized that the goal is to address the negative reputation affecting the Airbnb sector, especially following recent violent incidents at short-term rental properties.

Mponjiwa noted that the motion arose from concerns about inadequate information on individuals involved in these crimes and the urgent need for stricter regulations to protect guests.

I am concerned that Airbnb properties, which were intended for family vacations and similar to hotel accommodations, are now being misused for criminal activities and parties, Mponjiwa said.

The motion specifies that while CCTV cameras will be required, they must be installed in a way that respects guests privacy. The CCTV cameras will only be used for investigations to identify criminal perpetrators, the MCA explained. She also highlighted that unregulated short-term rentals pose significant risks to young women, particularly college and university students.

This move aligns with the Ministry of Tourisms efforts to develop a nationwide framework for regulating short-term rentals. The assembly has urged Governor Johnson Sakajas administration to expedite cooperation with the Ministry of Tourism to establish comprehensive rules for licensing and managing these properties.

Kitisuru MCA Alvin Olando supported the motion but insisted that cameras should not be placed inside bedrooms. I support this motion, but if CCTV is installed in Airbnbs, it should not be placed inside the bedrooms, he said.

Majority Whip Moses Ogeto added that these regulations will help restore trust among tourists and families who use these services. Regulating the sector will instill confidence in both tourists and families who seek such services, he said.

Nairobi will now join Kisumu County, which implemented a licensing system for Airbnbs earlier this year, requiring annual renewals based on inspections.
Drama unfolded in Nakurus Central Business District on Monday, September 9, when a man attempted to snatch a firearm from a female bank guard.

According to a police report, the incident began when the suspect approached Officer Dakwin Kipsoo, who was on duty as a bank guard, and asked for directions to a building in Naivasha.

Moments later, the stranger seized the officers AK-47 rifle by the muzzle and struggled with her, intending to take her firearm.

A fight broke out outside the bank, attracting the attention of nearby passersby. Police Constable Ambrose Kipruto, who was on duty inside the bank, noticed the altercation and rushed outside to assist his colleague.

When the suspect realized he could not snatch the firearm, he attempted to flee toward Nakurus Central Business District. However, officers and members of the public quickly cornered him.

The mob then descended on the suspect, unleashing heavy blows before the officers intervened and rescued him from the angry crowd.

He was arrested and taken to Naivasha Police Station, appearing physically injured from the mobs assault, the report stated.

Officers and Crime Scene Investigations (CSI) personnel from Naivasha Police Station later visited the scene to document the incident.
School heads whose negligence results in student deaths or injuries could face prosecution if a proposed law is enacted.

A petition submitted to the National Assembly urges lawmakers to create legislation that would hold head teachers and school administrators accountable for failing to ensure student safety.

The petition, led by John Wangai, a public litigation lawyer, and Anthony Manyara, president of the Kenya Universities Students Organisation, advocates for a comprehensive School Safety and Security Act. This proposed act aims to establish strict guidelines to protect students.

The petition calls for imposing heavy penalties on schools that fail to comply with safety regulations. These penalties could include substantial fines and the potential closure of non-compliant schools.

A key proposal within the petition is to hold negligent school administrators criminally responsible for disasters, such as fires, which have become increasingly frequent in Kenyan schools.

Wangai and Manyara suggest implementing mandatory annual fire safety audits for all schools, conducted by certified professionals. The results of these audits would need to be submitted to relevant authorities.

In addition, the petition demands that schools be legally required to install essential safety equipment, including fire detection systems, alarm systems, extinguishers, emergency exits, and other fire prevention measures.

Schools must conduct regular fire drills and emergency preparedness exercises for students and staff at least twice a year to ensure awareness and readiness, the petition states.

The petition also calls for periodic training for teachers, non-teaching staff, and students on fire safety, first aid, and disaster management. This training aims to ensure that everyone is prepared to act swiftly and effectively in an emergency.

Wangai and Manyara are also advocating for the establishment of clear protocols for communication and coordination with emergency services during a crisis.

Furthermore, the petition proposes enacting a law to mandate compliance with structural safety standards for all school buildings, including dormitories, laboratories, kitchens, and other facilities.

The petitioners are pushing for the creation of a monitoring and evaluation system to ensure that schools consistently adhere to safety standards and make necessary improvements. Wangai and Manyara argue that existing laws, such as the Basic Education Act and the Occupational Safety and Health Act, do not adequately address the specific safety and security needs of schools.

They highlight that the absence of clear legal requirements for fire safety audits, mandatory safety equipment, and regular drills has left students exposed to unnecessary risks.

Enacting specific legislation on school safety and security will create a robust framework for preventing, preparing for, responding to, and recovering from disasters, thus ensuring a secure educational environment, the petition states in part.

The petitioners hope that this new law will hold schools accountable for student and staff safety, aiming to prevent tragedies like the recent Hillside Endarasha fire in the future.
Lecturers at all public universities will go on a nationwide strike next week following a seven-day strike notice issued by the University Academic Staff Union (Uasu). The strike is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, September 18, 2024.

Uasu announced that delayed salary payments and the failure to finalize the 2021-2025 collective bargaining agreement (CBA) are the primary reasons for the strike. The union, along with the Kenya Universities Staff Union (Kusu), issued the notice on September 11, 2024, expressing frustration over the governments inaction. They pointed out that other public service employees have received salary and allowance adjustments since 2021, while university staff have been neglected.

The notice was addressed to the councils of all public universities and constituent colleges. Uasu highlighted the governments failure to negotiate, finalize, register, and implement the 2021-2025 national CBA. The union also noted the lack of action on previous CBAs from the cycles of 2013-2017, 2017-2021, and 2021-2025.

Uasu Secretary-General Constantine Wasonga announced that 30,000 university employees would withdraw their labor starting September 18, 2024, if their demands are not met. There will be no teaching or work activities in the universities during this period, said Dr. Wasonga.

The unions have also pointed to the erosion of their members purchasing power due to the declining value of the Kenyan shilling, rising costs of basic commodities, and increased taxation. Dr. Wasonga criticized the government for selective justice, granting pay raises to some workers while ignoring university employees. He called this a violation of workers constitutional right to fair remuneration under Article 41-2A of the Constitution of Kenya.

Uasu and Kusu have urged the government and public university councils to address their grievances urgently.

University staff cannot continue to bear the brunt of this neglect, said Kusu Secretary-General Charles Mukwaya.

They deserve competitive and reasonable working conditions as established by law and enshrined in the constitution. Despite giving the government and universities ample time to negotiate, the unions have only witnessed continued corruption and mismanagement of public funds, leaving university employees and their families suffering from hunger and hardship.

Mukwaya clarified that the industrial action is not intended to harm students. We ask parents and students to understand that this strike aims to highlight the challenges faced by university workers, not to punish them. If no resolution is reached, the unions will have to pursue further actions to secure their rights, he said.

Wasonga added that while other public sector employees receive various perks, university staff are left out. He noted that university lecturers previously enjoyed benefits like duty-free cars, but these have now been extended to other sectors.

The failure of the Inter-Public Universities Council Consultative Forum (IPUCCF) and the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) to harmonize allowances for university staff, despite doing so for other public sector employees, has exacerbated disparities and widened the gap.
On Saturday, Sept. 7, more than 900 Emory students, along with 30 faculty and staff members, gathered in the Emory Student Center (ESC) eagerly anticipating a day of volunteer service and community. The volunteers represented 50 recognized student organizations and support from several university departments.

Emory Impact Service Day  a tradition previously known as Welcoming Day of Service  is a student-led program that invites participation from the entire university community. As each fall semester begins and the Emory community reconvenes, this event underscores the universitys mission of service to humanity.

After arriving at the ESC, volunteers were divided into teams before boarding Emory shuttle buses destined for 10 service organizations throughout the Atlanta area. By the end of the day, Emory students, staff and faculty had contributed more than 2,400 hours of volunteer service. The organizations included the Atlanta Community Food Bank; American Cancer Society Hope Lodge; Nicholas House Atlanta, which helps families experiencing homelessness become self-sufficient; and Safehouse Outreach, which assists people in extreme poverty transition to independent living.

Like its predecessor, Impact Service Day is the academic years first event hosted by Volunteer Emory, an initiative of Campus Lifes Center for Civic and Community Engagement (CCE).

Students describe their Impact Service Day experience

I learned about Impact Service Day through a course teacher, says first-year student Michael Hu. I think getting the community together is great. There are people from all over the school, including graduate students, freshmen and sophomores. Meeting new people and seeing everyone come together is really cool.

Karen Wang, also a first-year student, appreciated the opportunity to get students more involved with the metro Atlanta community. I participated in the Ignite Community Engagement pre-orientation program, and they talked a lot about the importance of engaging with the community and doing work that will help the Atlanta community, she says. I really wanted to get involved in a hands-on way through Emory, and this was the perfect way.

First-year student Alma Cedillo sees a link between community engagement and academic study. Volunteering teaches you how to work in teams. It is just inspiring, she says. Emory is very big on service and we are very collaborative with each other  not just at service events but in the classroom too. I feel very supported by staff and teachers, so it is natural for us to want to give back.

Byron Jones, CCEs director for student-led community engagement and the staff lead for the event, is pleased with the universitys first Impact Service Day. He points out that, in addition to serving others, students who volunteer together build community with one another, often forging close bonds and even lifelong friendships.

Emory Impact Service Day introduces students to opportunities to make a significantly positive impact on the university and the larger Atlanta community, Jones says. Service is important to students time in college, and it teaches lifelong skills. Service to community  on campus and beyond  is an essential element in students flourishing during their Emory experience and in the many years ahead.

About Volunteer Emory

Volunteer Emory has engaged the Emory community with the Atlanta community for more than 40 years. A part of Campus Lifes Center for Civic and Community Engagement, Volunteer Emory works with a range of Emory student organizations and more than 50 community partners to provide university community members with service opportunities. Among them are support for domestic violence survivors, environmental sustainability, cultural awareness, animal welfare and many more.
Women aged 18 to 29 today are more liberal than young women in the past on specific issues, particularly the environment and abortion

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- A surge in young women who identify as politically liberal in recent years goes beyond the label, extending particularly to their stances on the environment and abortion. It is also strongly echoed in their heightened unease with gun laws and race relations.

According to a new Gallup analysis, much higher proportions of 18- to 29-year-old women today than women of this age range about a decade ago hold the prevailing liberal perspectives on these four issues.

Young womens stances on several other issues -- including the death penalty, healthcare policy, labor unions, taxes, government regulation and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict -- have become moderately more liberal, while their views on defense spending and a few others show little change. Young men have also moved closer to the liberal positions on most issues, just not as markedly as young women have.

These findings are based on a review of more than 50 Gallup trends -- 24 measuring Americans policy preferences on specific issues, 11 measuring their satisfaction with U.S. conditions in different realms and 19 measuring how much they worry about many of these same areas. The analysis groups yearly results for each measure into three multiyear time periods to allow for reliable estimates of the views of 18- to 29-year-old men and women. It then contrasts these groups views with those of men and women 30 and older.

The analysis also looks at whether the increasing proportion of women enrolled in higher education relative to men explains the recent surge in young womens identification as politically liberal. However, for most variables reviewed, gender is the key predictor of attitudes, not educational attainment.

One of These Trends Is Not Like the Others

From 2001 to 2016, women aged 18 to 29 were more likely than their male counterparts as well as older men and women to identify as politically liberal. However, as Gallup has reported previously, a recent jump in young womens liberal identity, not matched by the other groups, has widened the gaps, particularly with young men.

The three periods used throughout this analysis to summarize Gallups trends capture successive increases in young womens liberal identity since the start of the 21st century.

In the first period, from 2001-2007, an average of 28% of women aged 18-29 identified as liberal, three percentage points higher than young men. This period coincides with most of George W. Bushs presidency, an era dominated by the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, including the Iraq War.

In the second period, from 2008-2016, an average of 32% of young women identified as liberal, five points higher than for young men. This period coincides with the political era featuring Barack Obama -- first as a Democratic candidate for president and then as president.

In the third, from 2017-2024, an average of 40% of young women identified as liberal, 15 points higher than for young men. This period coincides with the presidencies of Donald Trump and Joe Biden, as well as a record increase in women -- mostly Democratic -- elected to Congress, governorships and state legislatures.

These three periods essentially show how the views of 18- to 29-year-olds have changed over the past two decades, with -- in varying proportions in each period -- Gen X, millennials and Gen Z mostly constituting the young adult subgroup.

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For the remaining analysis, this article will focus on changes in young womens views on specific policy or cultural matters, to see if these align with -- or shed light on -- the recent increase in liberal self-identification among young women. The analysis mostly compares changes between 2008-2016 (effectively the Obama era) and 2017-2024 (the Trump/Biden period), when young womens identification as politically liberal increased the most.

Because the latest period encompasses eight years, this analysis does not offer precise estimates of young womens current views but is intended to identify issues that may help explain the surge in their liberal identity since the Obama era. These issues, in turn, could account for the widening of the gender gap in young adults self-professed political ideology.

On Average, Young Women Growing More Aligned With Liberals; Young Men, With Moderates

To quantify how young womens views have changed, and how this compares with the views of young men, a statistical analysis was performed using the Gallup database of 54 issue-related questions. The percentages of young women and young men giving liberal-leaning responses to these questions were calculated for each time period and, for reference, these scores were then compared with the scores among conservatives, moderates and liberals aged 30 and older.

In 2001-2007, young womens views were closer to those of liberals aged 30+ than conservatives 30+ on 63% of the issues reviewed. This increased to 78% in 2008-2016 and 87% in 2017-2024. Separately, the analysis shows that young womens views also moved closer to liberals and further from moderates, with their more-liberal-than-moderate responses rising from 33% in the Bush era to 55% in the Trump/Biden era.

The same analysis applied to young men shows far less change in their ideological proximity to older liberals, moderates or conservatives than is true for young women. In 2001-2007, young mens views aligned with liberals aged 30+ more than conservatives 30+ on 47% of the issues reviewed. This increased to 57% in 2008-2016 before sliding back to 50% in 2017-2024. In other words, on the whole, young mens views have been slightly more liberal in the Trump/Biden period than they were in the Bush era, but less liberal than during the Obama era. This echoes young mens lesser likelihood of self-identifying as politically liberal between 2017 and 2024 (25%) than between 2008 and 2016 (27%). The stability of young mens political ideology suggests other issues or factors not reviewed here may be more important to their overall political identity.

Meanwhile, the percentage of young mens views that are closer to those of liberals than moderates was just 24% in 2001-2007 but shrank to 17% in 2008-2016 and remains low, at 19%, in 2017-2024. Essentially, young mens views have been much closer to moderates than to liberals views throughout the past quarter century.

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A Sharp Left Turn in Young Womens Policy Preferences

While the above statistics summarize how young womens ideological positions on the issues have changed overall, it is also important to understand their shifting views on specific issues.

For this, Gallup reviewed 24 questions from its trends archive that measure Americans' beliefs or positions on widely debated policy-related issues, and that Gallup has asked frequently enough to produce sufficient sample sizes of young men and women across the three periods. The available questions assessing each issue use a variety of question-and-answer formats, making it difficult to know precisely which issues may have been most influential to young womens heightened liberal identity. However, differences in the magnitude of changes in young womens views could indicate the relative importance of the issues.

On five of these, the percentage of young women holding the liberal position has increased by more than 15 points. These have to do with the environment, abortion and gun laws.

After showing no change between the Bush and Obama eras, the average percentage of young women saying human activity is responsible for global warming jumped 20 points to 86% in the Trump/Biden period.

jumped 20 points to 86% in the Trump/Biden period. Similarly, since the Obama era, young women have become 19 points more likely to choose protection of the environment over economic growth when asked which goal should be prioritized. Seventy-eight percent now hold this view, up from 59% in 2008-2016. When asked about governments role in protecting the environment, young women have become 18 points more likely to believe the U.S. is doing too little in this regard (rising from 62% in 2008-2016 to 80% in 2017-2024).

over economic growth when asked which goal should be prioritized. Seventy-eight percent now hold this view, up from 59% in 2008-2016. When asked about governments role in protecting the environment, young women have become 18 points more likely to believe the U.S. is doing too little in this regard (rising from 62% in 2008-2016 to 80% in 2017-2024). Young women have become 18 points more likely to support broad abortion rights , saying abortion should be legal under any or most circumstances (rather than in only a few or no circumstances). Their preference for this position rose from 42% to 60% between 2008-2016 and 2017-2024.

, saying abortion should be legal under any or most circumstances (rather than in only a few or no circumstances). Their preference for this position rose from 42% to 60% between 2008-2016 and 2017-2024. They have become 16 points more likely to say gun laws should be stricter (rising from 58% to 74%).

Notwithstanding their slightly lower liberal self-identification, young men have also become more likely to hold the liberal positions on these issues, but the increases have been smaller. As a result, the associated gender gaps between young women and men have widened substantially.

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Meanwhile, young women have become 10 to 15 percentage points more likely to embrace the liberal-leaning positions on questions about the death penalty, doctor-assisted suicide, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the legalization of marijuana, the governments role in guaranteeing healthcare coverage for all, their overall abortion stance, support for labor unions, immigration levels and the legality of same-sex marriage.

Young womens views have shifted to the left, but by less than 10 points, on corporate and upper-income taxes, business regulation, prioritizing the environment over energy production, the moral acceptability of embryonic stem-cell research, defense spending, support for an independent Palestinian state and banning handguns between the Obama era and Trump/Biden periods.

Again, the changes in young mens views have been more muted, often lagging behind womens by 10 or more points in the increased liberal percentage, or not changing to a significant degree in the case of issues where young women became only moderately or slightly more liberal.

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The difference between the amount that young womens and young mens support for liberal positions on issues has increased in recent years contrasts with more comparable changes seen between women and men aged 30 and older. Both groups of older adults became slightly more likely to identify as liberal, overall, and its the rare issue where support for the liberal position didnt increase as much among men as it did among women.

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The percentages of young women and men holding each issue position at each time period, as well as the figures for women and men 30 and older, are available upon request.

Women Also Markedly Less Content With Conditions in Some Areas

Additional insights into how young womens political priorities may have changed in recent years are provided by Gallups annual measurement of Americans satisfaction with 11 aspects of the country. Gallup data show that liberals are typically much more concerned than conservatives are about each of these.

Mirroring the top three policy issues on which young women have moved to the left, young women have grown much more dissatisfied in recent years with gun laws, the quality of the environment and abortion policy. They are also significantly more discontent with race relations. This is evidenced by increases of about 20 points in the percentages saying they are very dissatisfied with each.

Young womens dissatisfaction with healthcare, poverty and homelessness, and issues related to corporations has risen more modestly. There has been no meaningful change in young womens dissatisfaction with income and wealth distribution, what Americans pay in taxes, and the acceptance of gays and lesbians, while they have become less dissatisfied with immigration.

Young men's views have changed far less than young women's on most of these satisfaction items, suggesting less intensity of feeling on young mens part about the issues.

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Again, the differences in recent shifts in policy positions expressed by older women are generally much smaller than those of younger women. However, race relations is an exception, as strong dissatisfaction has increased as much among women aged 30+ (18 points) as among women aged 18 to 29. As for men, dissatisfaction with these aspects of the country has increased at least as much, if not more, among older men as among younger men on most of these items.

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Surge in Young Womens Concern About Race Relations Outpaces Other Issues

Separately, each March, Gallup measures the amount Americans worry about a variety of issues as part of its annual Environment survey. This includes 13 domestic issues rated in a question focused on broad national policy areas and six specific environmental issues included in a different question focused on environmental policy.

Young women have grown more concerned about race relations since 2008-2016 than about any other broad aspect of the country rated. The 24-point increase in those worried a great deal about this is more than double the increase in concern about the quality of the environment (+11) and three times their increased concern about hunger and homelessness (+8). At the same time, their concern about drug use, healthcare, illegal immigration and terrorism hasnt changed, while they harbor less concern about crime, Social Security, energy supplies, and several aspects of the economy.

Young women have grown much more concerned about most of the environmental issues rated, including global warming (up 22 points), the extinction of animal or plant species (+20) and loss of tropical rain forests (+16). Their concern about air pollution hasn't changed.

Meanwhile, young women have become moderately more concerned about the quality of the environment, generally (+11), pollution of waterways (+11) and pollution of drinking water (+10). They have grown only slightly more concerned about hunger and homelessness (+8).

Young men also show increasing concern about race relations, the quality of the environment, and hunger and homelessness, but to a lesser degree than young women do. When it comes to specific environmental issues, young mens concerns have not shifted or have shifted only marginally compared with the bigger jumps seen among young women.

Similar to the trends among young men, young women have been less concerned in recent years than in 2008-2016 about Social Security, energy, unemployment, the federal deficit and the economy.

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Older women are also more likely than their male counterparts to have grown more concerned about race relations in recent years, with the percentage worried a great deal increasing 22 points, versus 15 points for older men. But their concern about all other issues measured has changed at about the same rate.

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The Political and Social Context for Young Womens Identity Evolution

Aligning Gallups annual trend in young womens liberal identification with major news events that occurred each year suggests that the political and cultural environment had little impact on young womens politics from 2001 through 2014. Although there were significant news events concerning the environment and healthcare, as well as mass shootings and an emerging focus on young Black men being killed by police, the percentage of young women identifying as liberal showed little change from one year to the next. Rather, it increased gradually, and unevenly, from an average 28% in the Bush era to an average 32% during the Obama era.

However, in 2015, young womens liberal ID rose above 32% for the first time, to 34%, and its gradually increased to 41% in the first half of 2024. This spans the Supreme Courts legalization of gay marriage in its 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges decision, Donald Trumps emergence as the leading Republican political figure in 2015 and Hillary Clintons nomination for president in 2016, a landmark event for women.

Since then, the country has experienced Trumps first year in office in 2017, during which the #MeToo movement against sexual abuse gained prominence; a record number of women being seated in Congress in 2019; the 2020 coronavirus pandemic and presidential election; the overturning of Roe v. Wade by the Supreme Court in 2022; and another presidential election featuring Trump, in 2024.

Whether one or more of these events, or numerous others that have taken place since 2015, are responsible for the rise in young womens liberal identity isn't evident from the data, but something has clearly prompted a change. It is also possible that Americans increasing use of social media as a news source has influenced young women differently than it has others. Two factors that don't seem explanatory are education and racial or ethnic diversity.

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Young Women More Liberal Regardless of College Status

The role of education in these trends is limited. In general, college-educated adults -- those who have graduated from or have attended some college -- are more likely to identify as liberal and hold liberal views on issues than are adults who have not attended college. However, the percentage of women attending college has been relatively constant, at around 60%, over the three time periods reviewed for this analysis. So, it cannot be said that women have become more likely to identify as politically liberal because they are more likely to be attending college.

Throughout the time periods reviewed, college-educated women have been consistently more liberal than women with no college education. However, since 2008-2016, both groups have become more likely to identify as politically liberal, and to a similar degree -- up eight points among women who have attended or graduated from college, and nine points among young women with no college experience. For their part, young men have become slightly less likely to identify as liberal, regardless of their college experience.

Meanwhile, liberalism has increased more modestly -- by just two to four points -- among college-educated and less-educated women 30 and older.

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Still, college-educated young men have been consistently more likely than their noncollege counterparts to identify as liberal. Thus, the fact that fewer young men (46%) in 2017-2024 were attending college during that period than was the case for young men in 2008-2016 (53%) may be contributing to the slight decline in young mens liberal ID.

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Cultural Diversity Not a Factor in Growing Liberalism Among Youth

Todays young adults are more racially and ethnically diverse than their predecessors, which might seem like a contributing factor to increased liberalism among this age group. However, across time, the gap in liberal identification between White women and women of color has remained one to two points, and the same consistency is seen for White men and men of color, with a four- to six-point gap.

More research needs to be done on how the two groups differ on policy issues, but at least in terms of their basic ideology, cultural diversification does not appear to be driving the rise in liberal identity among young women. Liberal identity has increased by eight to nine points among White women as well as women of color between the Obama and Trump/Biden eras, while it has decreased slightly among both groups of young men.

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Implications

Young adult women in the U.S. today have not simply embraced the liberal label to a much greater extent than previous cohorts of young women, but they are more likely to hold liberal positions on specific policy issues. Their particularly strong adoption of more liberal positions on the environment and abortion, and their heightened concern about race and gun policy, could indicate these issues have had an outsized influence on their broader political identity.

Still, despite the political salience of these issues for over two decades, only in the past few years has young womens identification as liberal taken off, creating a major gap between them and young men as well as older women. The timing relative to real-world events suggests that either the nature of the issue debates has changed or other developments during this period have served as catalysts for turning young womens underlying liberal tendencies into a greater willingness to wear the label.

Examples could be young women reaching a tipping point on gun violence from the cumulative effect of mass shootings, or reaching a similar tipping point on race relations after George Floyds killing in 2020. Looking beyond issues, Donald Trumps presidential campaigns and term in office could have also played a role, as could the emergence of several prominent young women on the national stage. Having Democratic leaders like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez advocate for the Green New Deal, Gen Z activist Greta Thunberg make the case for taking action on the environment, and social media influencer Olivia Julianna fight for reproductive rights in Texas may serve as political North Stars for many young women. In totality, these events are at least part of the environment in which the latest cohort of young women have learned about politics and decided what issues matter to them, helping to shape their distinct attitudes.

The fact that young men have resisted the liberal label despite becoming more liberal in many of their specific views supports the idea that a peripheral factor is influencing how young women, but not young men, define their politics. Either way, the consolidation of young women's liberal identity could make them a potent political segment in this year's election. It makes them an important bloc for Kamala Harris to turn out to vote, and therefore, one Donald Trump cant completely ignore, in their respective attempts to win the presidency in November.

To stay up to date with the latest Gallup News insights and updates, follow us on X @Gallup.

Learn more about how the Gallup Poll Social Series works.

Jonathan Rothwell, Ph.D., contributed analysis to this report,

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Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has pledged to continue its anti-government movement. The statement by former Prime Minister Imran Khan- led party came a day after several party leaders were arrested from Parliament House in a police crackdown on Monday, Geo News reported. While addressing a press conference in Peshawar on Tuesday, Tehreek-Insaf leader Salman Akram Raja said, "There should be no misunderstanding as people have stood up." Other leaders of the party, including Omar Ayub Khan, Asad Qaiser, Azam Swati, and Salman Akram Raja, were also present at the press conference held after Imran Khan-founded party''s core committee meeting, according to Geo News report. Raja said, "Some people are influencing the country''s political and democratic process," adding that they would not back off and let anyone suppress the voice of the people of Pakistan. Defending the PTI leaders'' speeches in the rally held in Islamabad on September 8, Raja said that the political power show has a different environment. The opposition party strongly condemned PTI leaders arrests, including the detention of some Members of the National Assembly (MNA) from the parliament, in a police crackdown on its leaders in Islamabad launched on alleged violations of the public gathering law''s violations. During the press conference, reporters protested over Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur''s remarks against journalists during his speech in the PTI''s Islamabad power on September 9. While addressing the press conference, the Leader of Opposition in Pakistan''s National Assembly, Omar Ayub Khan, criticised the coalition government for resorting to tactics to stop PTI''s public gathering in Islamabad. Omar Ayub Khan accused the ruling parties in the coalition government of levelling false allegations against PTI leaders and detaining them, Geo News reported. He condemned the arrests of PTI leaders in the police crackdown, calling September 9 a "black day" and claimed that "masked whisked away several party leaders" in addition to arresting MNA Sher Afzal Marwat and Shoaib Shaheen. During the press conference, PTI senior leader Asad Qaiser announced that his party leaders will fight for its rights on the streets in addition to continuing its legal battle in the courts. He called for the release of PTI founder Imran Khan and other party leaders who have been arrested. Pakistan''s former National Assembly speaker also called for fresh polls in the country and called the incumbent government "illegitimate." He suggested that contempt of court cases should be registered against against the Islamabad police chief and commissioner for placing obstacles along the rally in Islamabad. Earlier on September 10, PTI held the core committee''s session at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister''s House in Peshawar. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa CM Ali Amin Gandapur and PTI''s central leaders attended the meeting, Geo News reported. The PTI''s core committee decided to launch protests across the nation from Friday, Geo News reported, citing sources. The sources further said that PTI lawmakers will raise the matter on the assembly floor. Meanwhile, PTI chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, who was arrested in crackdown on Monday, was released by the Islamabad police as a case against him was discharged. The PTI leaders have been accused of attacking police officials and violating regulations mentioned under a new law - Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Bill, 2024, during the PTI''s public gathering on Sunday. The police had registered cases against the PTI leaders under the newly-enacted law, at the Noon Village and Sangjani police stations, Geo News reported. Pakistan''s National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq reprimanded the Islamabad Inspector General (IG) of Police Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi for arrest of PTI leaders and demanded their immediate release. The speaker called for presenting CCTV footage of all entry points of the parliament and signalled to register a case against those who were involved in the arrest of PTI lawmakers. In addition, he pledged that no compromise would be made on the parliament''s dignity. (ANI)
Thousands of commuters and motorists were caught in traffic jams on major thoroughfares as residents of Punjab Colony and Gizri area in Karachi, held protests against ongoing power outages by blocking both lanes of the main road leading to Boat Basin and Sunset Boulevard, Pakistan-based Dawn reported. Speaking to Dawn, DIG-South Syed Asad Raza said that the residents blocked the main road near Punjab Colony on Tuesday morning. He noted that discussions were held with the protesters, and representatives from Karachi Electricity were invited to seek a resolution to the issue. He said police have taken no action as the protestors did not resort to violence. Another officer, South-SSP Sajid Amir Sadozai, said that the road was blocked for some hours on Tuesday. He further said that some people also blocked the road near the underpass at Gizri leading towards Sunset Boulevard on Monday night two or three times. Residents reportedly held similar protests on Mauripur Road and at the main Shaheen Complex roundabout on Monday night also. Over the past 24 hours, similar demonstrations have been held in areas adjacent to the Railway Colony, where the outstanding amount is more than Pakistani Rupees (PKR) 150 million. In a statement, a Karachi-Electric (KE) spokesperson said that the "aggressive anti-theft crackdown" across the city was being resisted by the "kunda mafia," who were blocking roads and disrupting traffic to protect their illegal connections and avoid settling their outstanding dues. "Recent incidents in Gizri, Punjab Colony, and nearby areas aim to undermine K-Electric''s efforts to dismantle illegal connections from load-shedding-free feeders. During one such targeted operation in Punjab Colony, KE teams faced violent retaliation from armed assailants who tried to prevent the removal of illegal connections and harassed staff at gunpoint," the spokesperson said. Earlier in August, K-Electric announced that electricity consumers in Pakistan''s Karachi are set to get an inflated electricity bill in August, ARY News reported. The notification said the bills would be inclusive of three-month adjustments, causing customers to pay up to Pakistani Rupees (PKR) 3.22 per unit, ARY News reported. The added charges for this year''s adjustment will be PKR 0.93 per unit from January to March. K-Electric is seeking to further adjust charges for May by PKR 2.53 per unit and PKR 2.92 for June. The added charges from last year will be PKR 0.66 for the August 2023 adjustment, PKR 1.77 per unit for the November 2023 adjustment, and PKR 0.79 per unit for the December 2023 adjustment. (ANI)
Muzaffarabad [PoJK], September 11 (ANI) The residents of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) continue to suffer because of a severe ongoing power crisis in the area. The general public has repeatedly expressed its frustration over the persistent power cuts that have crippled their daily lives and have severely affected the economic activities of PoJK. Despite a decrease in electricity prices following deadly protests in May organized by the residents of PoJK, the load-shedding in the area has become even more frequent. A local businessman,, Khuwaja Abdul Samad, while lamenting the local administration, said, "Even when there''s electricity, it''s difficult to run a fan due to extremely low voltage. This is severely impacting our businesses." Further, he highlighted that the administration must urgently upgrade the region''s outdated power infrastructure. Notably, the area of PoJK has been witnessing a severe power crisis despite having a power generation project like the Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Project. Khuwaja Abdul Samad also mentioned, "It seems that the government has decided that they will not give us adequate electricity. Our electricity is cut whenever the administration decides. There is no schedule for these cuts. The structure remains the same, and transmission lines are the same. The demand has increased due to population rise. But the system is not being upgraded. There are old, faulty lines. They need to upgrade from scratch." The PoJK resident further criticized the Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Project as a colossal failure and called for a shift towards more sustainable and locally-driven solutions. The businessman also suggested that "the local administration must create mini hydropower projects. It will be less expensive and will yield more returns. This will be beneficial for the local people, as they will be able to run their business properly. And this system of sending electricity to Pakistan''s grid system must stop so that we will get direct electricity". The residents in PoJK have long accused that they are ruled by stooge authorities, who only help Islamabad, to fill its treasuries through economic depredations. But the issues of PoJK do not matter to them at all. (ANI)
Embraer, a global aerospace company, is looking to expand its supply chain in India. Embraer's Executive Vice-President of Global Procurement and Supply Chain, Roberto Chaves, said that India has a robust aviation and defence industry, and Embraer sees strong viability for manufacturers and systems developers in India to be key suppliers to Embraer. Embraer recognises the country's robust aviation and defence industry and sees potential for Indian manufacturers to become key suppliers for its defence, commercial aviation, and executive jet businesses, he said. "A high-level delegation from Embraer is concluding a visit to India this week as it evaluates the expansion of its supply chain into the country. Embraer foresees potential suppliers across its defence, commercial aviation and executive jets businesses for areas such as aerostructures, machining, sheet metal, composites, forgings, wire harness, and hardware and software development, recognizing that aerospace engineering capabilities are clearly present and available in the country. The visit comes amidst burgeoning relations between Brazil and India," as per a statement from Embraer. "India has a robust aviation and defense industry, and we see strong viability for manufacturers and systems developers in India to be key suppliers to Embraer," said Roberto Chaves, Executive Vice-President of Global Procurement and Supply Chain at Embraer. "We are driven by a common vision, which is to drive the aviation capabilities of Brazil and India to greater heights, and to deliver value to our customers around the world," he added. India is a strategic market for Embraer in all its business segments. The Embraer footprint in the country surpasses 44 aircraft, including customers in Commercial Aviation, Executive Jets and Defense & Security. In particular, the Indian Government and Indian Air Force operate a fleet of 5 Embraer VIP jets and 3 EMB 145 AEW "Netra" military aircraft, respectively. "One of Embraer's key future opportunities in India is the Indian Air Force MTA (Medium Transport Aircraft) program, in which Embraer is well-positioned to offer the best in class, modern C-390 Millennium transport aircraft in partnership with the very reputed Indian company Mahindra. The two companies announced their partnership back in February 2024," the statement added.. Embraer sees India as a key partner in the region and expects, together with Mahindra, to implement an extensive local supply chain program. This initiative may include an assembly line for the C-390 in India, when selected for this program. Tied with a local long-term support program offer, Embraer and Mahindra aim to fulfill the expectations of the "Make in India" initiative of the Indian Government. "A global aerospace company headquartered in Brazil, Embraer has businesses in Commercial and Executive aviation, Defense and Security, and Agricultural Aviation. The company designs, develops, manufactures, and markets aircraft and systems, providing Services and Support to customers after-sales," the Company said. (ANI)
PRNewswire Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], September 12: Infopercept Consulting Pvt Ltd, a global platform-led managed security services company, today announced the appointment of iValue, a prominent provider of integrated IT solutions and services across the Asia-Pacific region, as its distributor for India, South East Asia and SAARC countries. Under the agreement, iValue will distribute Invinsense Platform, a cybersecurity platform consolidating offensive, defensive, and security compliance tools and its subscriptions. Invinsense is a cybersecurity platform built by Infopercept in India. The platform consolidates various cybersecurity approaches, tools, and managed services to continuously improve the cybersecurity posture of organizations of all sizes and verticals. iValue is one of the leading technology aggregators, with a purpose-built solution stack and related services covering digital transformation and security for organizations across India, SAARC, and Southeast Asia. Speaking on the partnership, Venkatesh R - Co-Founder and Vice President of Business Management at iValue Group, said, "We have a track record of being the preferred choice as technology aggregators and a history of successful collaborations. Our association with Infopercept will provide similar value to our partners and their customers in the cybersecurity space. With Invinsense, Infopercept has addressed all the cybersecurity challenges today's organizations face. Invinsense covers all cybersecurity approaches: defensive security, which help organizations detect and respond to current threats; offensive security, which uncovers the weaknesses in people, processes, and technology for predicting future attacks; and security compliances. The other two significant aspects that drove us towards them were their platform being compatible with all landscapes: IT, Cloud, OT, and IoT, and it also includes subscription services by relevant subject matter experts. In totality, we can comprehensively cover the cybersecurity needs of all kinds of organizations." "iValue has been addressing business and technical needs of a wide range of organizations through its large spectrum of technology," said Jaydeep Ruparelia, CEO of Infopercept Consulting Pvt Ltd. "With the distribution partnership with them, we are sure of creating a cybersecurity ecosystem that helps organizations achieve continuously improved cybersecurity posture. Every organization needs to work like a cybersecurity company to combat increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks and adhere to stringent security compliances. This collaboration will enable organizations of all kinds and sizes to achieve these two outcomes." About Infopercept: Infopercept is one of India's fastest-growing platform-led managed security services companies. It serves global clients in all areas of cybersecurity, including defensive, offensive, detection and response, and security compliance. Infopercept's cybersecurity platform, Invinsense, integrates SIEM, SOAR, EDR, deception, offensive security, and compliance tools. Its cybersecurity and MDR services include dedicated teams of experts, ensuring organizations have 24x7 cybersecurity operations support. For more information, please visit www.infopercept.com. About iValue Group iValue Group, the fastest-growing strategic tech advisor, specializes in securing and managing digital applications and data for enterprises in hybrid-cloud environments. With 16 years of expertise, we offer customized solution stacks and associated services, collaborating closely with 80+ OEMs, 1000+ partners, and system integrators. Our 500+ strong team, with over 50% technical experts, provides comprehensive Professional and Managed Services. iValue's cloud-based Center of Excellence features 25+ integrated solutions, streamlining technology adoption. With a significant presence in India, SAARC and Southeast Asia, we blend local insights with global practices, covering the business and technical needs of partners to address their enterprise needs across the regions. To know more, visit www.iValueGroup.com or follow @iValueGroup on LinkedIn. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
BusinessWire India Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], September 12: Somerset, a global leader in serviced residences, has further strengthened its position in India's hospitality industry by winning two prestigious accolades at the 31st World Travel Awards 2024 for the 3rd consecutive year. Somerset was named India's Leading Serviced Apartment Brand 2024 while Somerset Greenways Chennai secured the title of India's Leading Serviced Apartments 2024. The World Travel Awards, established in 1993, are globally recognized as the ultimate hallmark of excellence in the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries. Somerset's success in these two competitive categories for three consecutive years reflects its ongoing dedication to delivering superior guest experiences, blending world-class service with a home-like atmosphere. "We are honored to be recognized with these prestigious awards for the 3rd year in a row. This achievement is a reflection of the trust our guests place in us and the hard work of our entire team," said Mansur Ahmed, General Manager of Somerset Greenways Chennai. "Winning India's Leading Serviced Apartment Brand demonstrates Somerset's consistent efforts to uphold the highest standards. The recognition of Somerset Greenways Chennai as India's Leading Serviced Apartments affirms its position as the preferred choice for both business and leisure travelers in the country," he further added. Somerset Greenways Chennai offers 187 contemporary and fully serviced apartments ranging from studios to two-bedroom units, each tailored to meet the needs of both short- and long-term stays. The property boasts a wide range of amenities including a rooftop infinity pool with panoramic city views, a modern fitness center, and multiple dining options. Its prime location in Chennai provides easy access to key business hubs and leisure attractions, ensuring that guests enjoy both comfort and convenience during their stay. Known for its commitment to sustainability, Somerset Greenways Chennai incorporates eco-friendly initiatives and energy-efficient technologies, making it a model of responsible hospitality. By combining sustainable practices with exceptional service, Somerset Greenways continues to set a high standard in the serviced apartment sector. As part of The Ascott Limited, a subsidiary of CapitaLand Investment Limited, Somerset benefits from Ascott's extensive global expertise in hospitality. The Ascott Limited is one of the world's leading international lodging companies, operating over 900 properties across more than 40 countries. With a strong focus on innovation and sustainable growth, The Ascott Limited continues to lead the serviced residence industry. For more information about Somerset and its award-winning properties, visit https://www.discoverasr.com/en/somerset-serviced-residence/india/somerset-greenways-chennai (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
VMPL New Delhi [India], September 12: In regard to this, Fortune Holiday World, a prominent travel company has offered captivating promotions for its international and domestic travel products in anticipation of Diwali and New Year with certain terms and conditions on all the offers and promotions mentioned. Under this program, customers may get up to 20 per cent discount on European destinations and get domestic return airfare on their next booking. Given the increase in travel interest as people resume traveling after the pandemic, these offers seek to ease costs of traveling to other countries while boosting domestic travels. The CEO of Fortune Holiday World underlined that these packages are aimed at providing the opportunities of traveling more to many people, affording reasonable prices and embracing the greatest variety of options preferred by tourists. Diwali Special: 20% Off European Getaways Some of the notable promotions include a 20% discount on European destinations. This Diwali special offer holds good for a number of packages such as city tours, luxury breaks, and adventure holidays to destinations like France, Italy, Switzerland and Spain. Starts with visiting old historical places in Rome to witnessing the affluence of Paris; all these are realizable at a lower cost. It would be a good chance to celebrate Diwali in a foreign country whether you are traveling alone or with your family. Domestic Airfare Incentive In addition to international deals, Fortune Holiday World offers domestic travelers an incredible opportunity: Any journey booked now comes with a free domestic return flight voucher for the next journey booked. Thus, this offer aims at domestic tourism in India to popularize the domestic sectors like Goa and Himachal Pradesh for their beach and hill attractions respectively. This approach does not only reduce the costs incurred during traveling but also encourages multiple travels within a short span which creates a more frequent-travel culture. Customizable Packages for Every Traveler One of the strongest selling points of this company is that Fortune Holiday World specializes in providing a personalized package to suit the requirements of a particular client. They offer everything ranging from luxury traveling to budget traveling. It uses a team of travel enthusiasts to provide the customer with a customized travel plan that suits their choice and pocket. Whether touring the beaches, visiting the cities or exploring the mountains, Fortune Holiday World offers as many different tours for everybody. The discounts and bonuses can only add to the experience as these packages become more accessible without compromising their quality. Easy Online Booking Due to increased traffic to its website and social media accounts, Fortune Holiday world has also made the process of booking holidays simple. Thanks to this well-designed website and a team of friendly specialists, arranging your next vacation has never been easier. Customers are able to view the available packages and plan their travel activities at the comfort of their homes without necessarily having to visit the agent's office. For the more literal oriented clients, Fortune Holiday world has in-house offices in many large cities where customers are offered individual consultations from the beginning of the booking process to its end. Continued Dedication to Safety and Quality In light of the present world instabilities and post-pandemic world, Fortune Holiday world has had to affirm its customer protection. All the travel packages adhere to the current health standards for travel to ensure clients can travel in safety. Starting from the immaculately cleaned rooms to thoroughly screened transport services, Fortune Holiday World vows to make safety a priority. Conclusion: Choose Fortune Holiday world for Diwali and New Year offers and make your dream trip possible in the present time. Whether it be a vacation in Europe or a tour across the stunning landscapes of India, the services are truly unmatchable. What are you waiting for, grab these wonderful offers and plan your next trip with Fortune Holiday world now! *T&C applies for all offers & promotions. Reach Out Website: https://www.fortuneholidayworld.com/ Mobile Number: +91-7738027911 Email: support@fortuneholidayworld.com (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Panchayati Raj, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, is set to preside over the Monsoon Meet for the Animal Husbandry and Dairy Sector on September 13, at the Convention Center, Lok Seva Bhavan in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. According to the Ministry, the event will be inaugurated by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi as the Chief Guest, with Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha, Pravati Parida, as the Special Guest. Ministers of State, Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel and George Kurian, along with senior department officials, are also expected to participate. The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, is organizing the event. The Monsoon Meet aims to gather input from States and UTs to create a framework for efficient program implementation at the grassroots level, review the progress of various schemes, and discuss potential adjustments. Animal Husbandry Ministers from across the country, along with relevant officials, will be in attendance to discuss these matters. Between 2014-15 and 2022-23, the livestock sector has seen substantial growth, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.82 per cent. Its contribution to the Gross Value Added (GVA) in agriculture and allied sectors increased from 24.36 per cent to 30.22 per cent. In 2022-23, the sector contributed 5.5 per cent to the total GVA, underscoring its growing importance to the economy. India's milk production has also experienced significant growth, rising by 57.62 per cent over the last nine years, from 146.3 million tonnes in 2014-15 to 230.60 million metric tonnes in 2022-23. The annual growth rate of 5.9 per cent outpaces the global average of 2 per cent. Per capita milk availability has increased from 307 grams per day in 2013-14 to 459 grams per day in 2022-23, exceeding the world average of 325 grams. These advancements highlight the livestock sector as a "sunrise sector." The Monsoon Meet is expected to address various implementation challenges and facilitate the exchange of best practices across States. The interactive session with the Union Cabinet Minister (FAHD) and Animal Husbandry Ministers from States and UTs will offer a platform for sharing success stories and learning opportunities. Several key announcements and activities tied to the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying's "100 Days Action Plan" are also anticipated during the event. (ANI)
China, the world's largest exporter, is facing growing challenges as many countries take steps to reduce their reliance on Chinese products, according to a report by Moody's Analytics, titled "How Everything Came To Be 'Made in China'. The report explains how China's rapid rise in manufacturing has sparked protectionism worldwide, leading to increasing tariffs and trade barriers against Chinese goods. For nearly 30 years, China has built a massive manufacturing industry, producing everything from kitchen appliances to solar panels and electric vehicles. Today, Chinese products dominate global markets, and the label "Made in China" is everywhere. However, as China continues to push its exports, countries like the US, the EU, and Canada have started raising tariffs on Chinese items, including steel, aluminum, solar panels, and low-cost retail goods. Many other countries, including Brazil, Mexico, Turkey, Pakistan, and India, have also taken steps to protect their local industries by launching investigations into Chinese exports or imposing their own trade barriers. This pushback reflects a global concern over China's dominance in manufacturing. China's ability to produce goods on a massive scale makes it difficult for other countries to compete. As a result, even traditional manufacturing powers and developing nations are struggling to keep up, especially as the global economy becomes more focused on domestic production rather than relying on imports. As these barriers continue to rise, China faces a shrinking number of international markets for its exports. In response, Chinese leaders are focusing more on growing their domestic economy by encouraging local consumption. With fewer countries willing to accept Chinese goods, China hopes to rely more on its own population to drive economic growth.The report suggests that while other manufacturing hubs are emerging and global trade policies are shifting, China's dominance in manufacturing won't disappear anytime soon. Its large-scale production capabilities and expertise will keep China as a key player in global trade for years to come. However, the increasing protectionism from other countries may force China to rethink its long-term strategy and focus more on domestic markets in the future. (ANI)
VMPL New Delhi [India], September 12: In today's fast-paced world, finding a perfect escape from the daily grind is more important than ever. The Land and Leisure Homes Expo 2024, scheduled from 18th to 20th October at the Nehru Centre, Mumbai, presents an unmissable opportunity for builders, developers, and real estate professionals to showcase and explore the best weekend home destinations, land, plots, farm houses, villas, resorts and residential properties as investment opportunities. Organised by TIIPS and METKONNECT, this premier event is designed to connect real estate pioneers with a growing market of discerning buyers looking for a balance between work and life, and the best and safest investment option for the future. The Land and Leisure Homes Expo 2024 is set to be even more exciting with a special appearance by celebrity guest Bhagyashree Dassani, who will add a touch of glamour to the event. Additionally, the expo's highlights will be featured on 50+ Digital News Channels, ensuring wide media coverage and making this a must-attend event for buyers and investors alike. This exposure allows participants to showcase their projects nationally, further enhancing the event's reach and impact across the country. The Growing Appeal of Weekend Houses, Land, Farmhouses, Villas, Resorts, and Homes for Investing. For many, a weekend home represents the ultimate retreat--a place to relax, unwind, and recharge away from the stress of work. It's also increasingly seen as an ideal investment for a blissful post-retirement life. As people strive for more flexibility and a higher quality of life, the demand for weekend homes near Mumbai has surged. Buyers are now prioritizing properties that offer a peaceful environment, surrounded by nature's greens and blues, far from the city's chaos. Why Weekend Homes are the Smart Choice What makes weekend homes so attractive is their affordability, especially when compared to the high cost of investing in another property within Mumbai. These homes offer flexibility in ownership, allowing owners to either use the property as a personal retreat or rent it out for a steady income. With the option to rent the home when not in use, owners can cover maintenance costs and ensure the property's security, making it a hassle-free investment. Strategic Exhibition Location: A Center for Prime Buyers and Investors. We've strategically chosen the Nehru Centre in Worli, Mumbai, because it's ideally located to connect with investors who are interested in top second-home destinations like Alibaug, Lonavala, Kamshet, Karjat, Neral, Matheran, Khopoli, Pali, Mangaon, Pune, Gujarat, Goa, and more. These destinations are popular for their natural beauty and offer great investment potential. With the new Atal Setu bridge improving access, reaching these serene weekend spots is easier than ever, making them even more attractive to buyers. What to Expect at the Expo: 1. Showcase Your Projects to Potential Buyers:- The expo will feature over 100 stalls, offering a prime platform for builders to present their latest developments, from luxury weekend homes destinations, land, plots, farmhouses, villas, resorts and residential properties to innovative investment opportunities to the buyers. Expect a high-quality audience, including 10,000+ High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNIs) actively seeking premium real estate investments. 2. Explore and Showcase Key Second Home Destinations:- The event emphasizes key second-home locations such as Lonavala, Alibaug, Karjat, Khopoli, and more. These areas are ideal for weekend retreats and long-term investments, providing builders with a unique opportunity to connect with buyers looking for serene, nature-rich environments. 3. Gain Insights from Industry Leaders:- Stay ahead of the curve with workshops and seminars led by top experts. Topics will cover everything from sustainable development to emerging market trends, offering builders the knowledge they need to remain competitive. 4. Expand Your Network:- Networking is essential in real estate, and the Land and Leisure Homes Expo 2024 is the perfect place to do it. From mixers to informal gatherings, you'll have ample opportunities to connect with peers, investors, and potential clients. 5. Leverage Advanced Technology:- Showcase your properties using the latest in virtual and augmented reality. These immersive experiences not only attract attention but also help potential buyers visualize their future investments, making the sales process smoother and faster. 6. Earn Industry Recognition:- Excellence in real estate will be celebrated at the expo's awards ceremony. This is your chance to gain recognition for your contributions to the industry, enhancing your brand's prestige and credibility. The Broader Impact Participating in the Land and Leisure Homes Expo 2024 is about more than just showcasing projects--it's about influencing the future of the real estate industry. The event will drive conversations around innovation, sustainability, and market growth, positioning participants as leaders in these critical areas. Secure Your Place at the Expo In a competitive market, visibility is key. The Land and Leisure Homes Expo 2024 offers a unique platform to elevate your brand, connect with serious buyers, and explore new growth avenues. About TIIPS and METKONNECT TIIPS and METKONNECT are leaders in organizing impactful events that foster innovation and collaboration in the real estate sector. Their commitment to driving progress is evident in the planning of the Land and Leisure Homes Expo 2024, designed to bring together the industry's best. This platform allows developers to shape the future of real estate. Don't miss out on this opportunity to be part of an event that's set to make waves in the real estate industry. For more information on sponsorship, how to book your stall or participate, please contact us at - Whatsapp on 9004666933 email: gg.touchwood@gmail.com (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
VMPL New Delhi [India], September 12: In a groundbreaking event, the First International Health Professionals Honors Ceremony under the Nations Plenary Health and Research Summit 2024 (NPHRS'24) was hosted at the prestigious Bharat Mandapam - IECC, Government of India, New Delhi. The event, jointly organized by not-for-profit organizations Lakshya Samiti and Inner Foundation (IF) Earth, celebrated the outstanding contributions of health professionals across the globe in the fields of health research, outreach, and service. Key Moments from the Ceremony: * "Don't be just another face in the crowd, be different, be you," remarked Dr. Sagar Goyal, Health Research Honoree, inspiring fellow professionals to stand out through innovation. * "Authentic research contributions matter, not paid authorships," emphasized Dr. Tirath Daishik Patel, Health Research Honoree, stressing the importance of genuine research. * "This is not just an event, this is history in the making," declared Dr. Suyash Litoriya, Founder, Executive Director & President of NPHRS'24, underscoring the significance of the ceremony. * Dr. Lalima Gupta (Director) shared her insights: "It is human psychology to seek validation and appreciation as motivation, and this event provides that opportunity." * "Professionalism, communication, and ethics are qualities that we cannot afford to compromise at NPHRS," said Dr. Umar Khan, Marketing Director. * "A grand event at a grand venue," noted Dr. Sarthak Jain, Hospitality Director. * "Lights, Camera, Action!" added Dr. Rishabh Rajpurohit, Technical Director, encapsulating the vibrancy of the occasion. Presiding Dignitaries at the event included Dr. Vikas Leelavati BalaSaheb Jadhav and Dr. Saurabh Dixit, both renowned figures in the medical fraternity. Categories of Honors and Awardees: 1. Health Service Honors: Dr. Devinder Kumar Suhag was awarded for his unwavering dedication to providing high-quality, affordable healthcare services. His commendable service to the Indian Army further exemplifies his commitment to public welfare. 2. Health Research Honors: Honorees including Dr. Tirath Daishik Patel, Dr. Sagar Goyal, Dr. Amanpreet Singh Wasir, Dr. Tarun Kumar Suvvari, Dr. Dattatreya Mukherjee, and others were recognized for advancing medical research by bridging significant gaps in existing literature. 3. Health Outreach Honors: Health professionals like Dr. Naman Pujeri, Dr. Abhinav Prakash, Dr. Shubham Likhar, Dr. Sameer Khan, Dr. Jatoth Surendar, and Dr. Ridham Nimavat were acknowledged for their tireless efforts in promoting health education and conducting welfare activities through health camps and outreach initiatives. 4. Letters of Appreciation: Health professionals celebrated for their outstanding interest and contributions to medical education included Dr. Achintya Jain, Dr. Ayesha Rehman, Dr. Areeba Afreen, Dr. Alina Hasan, and Dr. Sehla Khan. For more information about the event and the honorees, visit: https://nphrs.com/nphrs-2024/ (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
Bhavish Aggarwal, the founder and CEO of Ola Electric Mobility, lauded the latest electric mobility incentive scheme approved by the Union Cabinet. Taking to X, the Ola chief wrote that the 'PM E-Drive' scheme is a welcome move and a great step to accelerate electric vehicle adoption in India. According to Bhavish Aggarwal, the latest incentive scheme will provide the required impetus to the electric vehicle industry to scale and mature rapidly, ensuring a swift transition from internal combustion engines (ICE) to electric vehicles (EVs). The scheme will provide the required impetus to the EV industry to scale and mature rapidly, ensuring a swift transition from ICE to EVs!, his post read. Last evening, the Union Cabinet approved the PM E-Drive scheme for promotion of electric mobility in the country. The scheme has an outlay of Rs 10,900 crore over a period of two years. The Cabinet's approval for the 'PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) Scheme' was based on a proposal from the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI). Subsidies or demand incentives worth Rs 3,679 crore would be provided to incentivise e-2Ws, e-3Ws, e-ambulances, e-trucks and other emerging EVs. The scheme will support 24.79 lakh e-2Ws, 3.16 lakh e-3Ws, and 14,028 e-buses, a release said. The Ministry of Heavy Industries is introducing e-vouchers for EV buyers to avail of demand incentives under the scheme. The scheme allocates Rs 500 crore for the deployment of e-ambulances. This is a new initiative of the government to promote the use of e-ambulance. A sum of Rs 4,391 crore has been provided for the procurement of 14,028 e-buses by public transport agencies. The trucks are a major contributor to air pollution. The scheme, among others, will promote the deployment of e-trucks in the country. Rs 500 crore has been allocated for incentivising e-trucks. The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) and big auto players have also hailed the Cabinet decision of PM e-DRIVE schemes aimed at promoting electric mobility across the country. Shailesh Chandra, President of SIAM and Managing Director of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd & Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd, expressed strong support for the government's forward-thinking initiative. Chandra said, "This forward-thinking initiative reflects the government's unwavering support for India's transition to electric mobility, fostering innovation and investment within the sector. We believe this scheme will not only enhance the growth of the EV ecosystem but also strengthen India's leadership in the global movement towards environmental sustainability." Anish Shah, Group CEO & MD, Mahindra Group also commended the government's efforts, specifically highlighting the comprehensive nature of the PM e-DRIVE scheme. Shah said, "We applause the government for launching the PM e-drive scheme. With continued focused support on 2Ws, 3Ws, e-buses and thoughtful addition of e-ambulances, the scheme will drive higher EV penetration in the country." (ANI)
NewsVoir Gurgaon (Haryana) [India], September 12: CollegeDekho.com, India's largest higher education ecosystem, announced the launch of SaarthiGPT, India's first ever avant-garde AI-powered conversation engine to provide the most accurate, reliable and fast personalised guidance for higher education in India. SaarthiGPT by CollegeDekho is trained on more than half a billion proprietary data points and will save time and effort for millions of students on research and become a one-source, always-on, advanced personalised guide to provide latest information on courses, colleges, admission process, exam timelines! Using the latest advancements in AI, SaarthiGPT has been created bearing in mind the changing college discovery and selection behaviour of Indian students as well as their need for natural language search queries through conversations - something that CollegeDekho has developed deep expertise over the last 10 years. SaarthiGPT will be a boon for Indian students to get the most personalised guidance using natural language processing without the issue of hallucination that other large language models have for specialised queries around Higher Education. This invaluable resource shall first be available in 6 Indian languages and their various combinations and can be accessed on www.collegedekho.com/saarthigpt. It will soon be expanded to cover 22 Indian languages. With SaarthiGPT, students will be able to get the right guidance in minutes through a simple natural language conversation and choose the right college and course - something that currently takes them days as they seek information across multiple sources without guidance. SaarthiGPT has been built with inputs from an interdisciplinary team of data scientists, college counsellors, engineers, designers, researchers and marketers to transform higher education guidance. Talking about the latest launch, Ruchir Arora, Co-founder & CEO of CollegeDekho, said, "Our journey to the small towns of India as part of CollegeDekho Saarthi College Admissions fair revealed a shared challenge among students across social strata--they lacked trustworthy expert guidance around colleges and courses. It reinforced our purpose of being the most trusted guide for higher education in India. With SaarthiGPT, our personalised AI tool available in various Indian languages, we shall bring accurate information to the fingertips of every student of India, democratising access to college guidance for millions across India - something that could fuel India's Gross Enrolment Ratios and improve student outcomes thereby building a better future for India and Indians alike." While there are various websites with data and information about colleges and exams, they are often inaccurate or outdated and fail to help anxious students get factually accurate personalised guidance and support they need in their own languages. SaarthiGPT overcomes this barrier and will help students across the length and breadth of India reach the right colleges to build their own future as well as India's future. What makes SaarthiGPT the most advanced tool for students is its unique capability to provide relevant, accurate and trustworthy guidance to a student depending on her/his query. SaarthiGPT scouts CollegeDekho's cohort of 350+ exams & 35K+ colleges and universities in India with the latest information on their application processes, exams accepted, cut-off data etc. to provide information to students with the most recent & relevant information. In other words, using its advanced AI capabilities and natural language processing, SaarthiGPT can provide detailed student-centric information and guidance in a manner of minutes and help them get to the right destination for their higher education. Some of the key areas that CollegeDekho SaarthiGPT covers include:Entrance Exams: Latest information on top entrance exams in India like JEE, NEET, CAT, GATE and others, along with exam-specific preparation strategies and reference materials.Admission Quota Framework: Get inputs on category-specific admission processes in colleges in India.Course Options & Insights: Detailed information on UG and PG programmes and interdisciplinary options with focus on syllabus, fees, job scope etc.Institute Rankings: Best institutes basis NIRF rankings and other relevant ranking systems, to enable students to make informed decisions.Financial Support & Scholarships: Information on government & institution-specific scholarships, as well as options for financial assistance.Job Scope: Career options with different degrees, placement records of institutions.Admission Framework: Step-by-step information on admission processes, required documents, application fees, and cutoff analysis.Facilities on Campus: Information on hostel facilities, mess arrangements, campus amenities, cultural activities etc. Speaking on the launch, Vipin Jain, CTO CollegeDekho said, "I'm thrilled to launch SaarthiGPT which will help millions of anxious students research and shortlist the right colleges and courses. The AI assistant provides students with personalized guidance and college counseling which has so far been the privilege only of a select few. SaarthiGPT is an extension of our brand purpose and will aid students and parents alike in making the right choices in their higher education journey." CollegeDekho is India's leading online platform dedicated to simplifying the higher education process. Founded in 2015 by Ruchir Arora, Rohit Saha and Saurabh Jain, CollegeDekho aims to simplify students' lives by providing inclusive & relevant information on colleges, courses, and career paths to help students reach the right college and to help colleges to teach them better using outcome oriented learning. With a mission to democratise access to professional counselling, CollegeDekho offers invaluable insights to help students make informed decisions about their future. Key features of CollegeDekho include:Comprehensive College Database: Detailed information on over 35,000 colleges nationwide.Exhaustive Latest Information: Updated information on exams, courses, colleges, courses etc.Free Professional Counselling: Guidance on career paths and college admissions.Common Application Form: A streamlined application process for over 3,000 partner colleges.Proven Results: Over 12 million students have received counselling, and over 200,000 have been enrolled across multiple colleges in India.CollegeDekho Assured: Future Ready Degree programs launched by College Partners with CollegeDekho's deep expertise in higher education For more information check out www.collegedekho.com. For any queries, contact: Name - Abhinav Upadhyay, Chief Marketing Officer - CollegeDekho Email - abhinav.upadhyay@collegedekho.com #IndianHigherEducation #SaarthiGPT #AI #Chatbot #CollegeAdmissions #CollegeGuidance #EducationTechnology #CareerGuidance (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
A high-level delegation of the Government of Rajasthan led by Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma held a meeting with senior officials of Wafuku Hospital and Home Care Group in Tokyo on Thursday.Besides that, Chief Minister-led delegation also held series of one-on-one interactions with the senior officials of major Japanese firms including Honda Motor Company Limited, Wafaku Hospitals and Home Care Group, TOHO Group among others.Japanese company officials showed interest in collaborating with the state government, enhancing health services in the state and promoting cultural exchange between Japan and Rajasthan. Executive Vice President Aoyama and senior officials of Japanese company Honda Motor Company Limited also met with Rajasthan government delegation led by Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma.In this meeting, Honda expressed its gratitude to the Rajasthan government for its unwavering support and gave information about the company's operations in the state. Speaking about his global strategy, he said that India has an important role in his plans and also said that Rajasthan holds an important place in his long term plans. On this occasion, the Chief Minister discussed the opportunities available in Rajasthan for investors and invited Honda to set up an electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing plant in the state.A high-level delegation of the Government of Rajasthan led by Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma met the officials of the Indian Embassy in Japan today. On this occasion, Indian Ambassador to Japan Sibi George and other officials of the Embassy were present.Sharma also held talks with Ministers of the Japan government and sought Japan's continued support in facilitating investments in Rajasthan. This includes holding meetings with Ishii Taku, Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and Ishibashi Rintaro, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT). CM invited the Japan government to attend the upcoming 'Rising Rajasthan' Global Investment Summit 2024, which is scheduled to be held in Jaipur in December this year. Rajasthan CM in a post on social media post said, "Our resolve- Rajasthan should be established as the investment capital of India In the context of the 'Rising Rajasthan' Global Investment Summit, during my visit to Japan today, I participated in a meeting with Mr. Ishibashi Rintaro, Parliamentary Deputy Minister, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), Government of Japan, in the capital Tokyo. On this occasion, he was apprised of the vast investment opportunities available in Rajasthan, the strong industrial policies of the state, developed infrastructure facilities and skilled human resources. Also, he was cordially invited to attend the 'Rising Rajasthan' Global Investment Summit 2024 as a special guest."(ANI)
In an exciting development for fans of Netflix's hit series 'Bridgerton', the streaming giant has officially announced that Yerin Ha will join the cast of season 4 as the romantic interest of Benedict Bridgerton. Ha, known for her roles in 'Halo' and 'Dune: Prophecy', will portray Sophie Baek, a character who, in the original Julia Quinn novels, is named Sophie Beckett, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The announcement was made on Netlfix's official Instagram handle, revealing that Ha's character will be introduced as the "Lady in Silver" in the series. https://www.instagram.com/p/C_xxZRhx14D/ This choice reflects a significant cultural adaptation. In a nod to Ha's Korean heritage, showrunner Jess Brownell collaborated with the actress to select a Korean surname for the character, opting for "Baek" over the novel's "Beckett," as per The Hollywood Reporter. "A name is the first bit of identity that you share with the world, and that's why changing a name can be so powerful," Ha shared, adding, "To make Sophie's name fit someone who looks like me is really empowering. All credit to Jess," in an interview, as per The Hollywood Reporter. Ha revealed that Brownell consulted her on Korean surnames starting with a 'B', eventually choosing "Baek" to better align with Ha's personal identity. "It's a really nice way for me to feel like the role is fit for me, rather than me having to fit a certain mold," Ha explained, adding, "It's amazing what it can do just in a psychological sense. So it means a lot that Jess did that for me." As per The Hollywood Reporter, in the forthcoming season, Sophie Baek's journey begins in the midst of adversity. She is introduced as a woman who has endured significant hardship, working under a demanding employer in high society. Her fortunes change dramatically when she attends Violet Bridgerton's masquerade ball in disguise and meets Benedict Bridgerton, played by Luke Thompson. Ha expressed her intrigue in the role, emphasizing Sophie's challenges. "What drew me to Sophie was that she immediately has obstacles -- something that she constantly has to overcome," Ha said, adding, "Whether it's this battle around social status or trying to hide her feelings from Benedict," during the interview. Ha and Thompson have already begun rehearsing their dance sequences, with Thompson humorously noting that he has only stepped on Ha's toes once. Ha described these moments as "really special" and "very vulnerable," highlighting how dance can express their emotional connection. Despite the initial nerves of joining an established cast, Ha has felt welcomed by her new colleagues, as per the interview obtained by The Hollywood Reporter. She recounted heartwarming gestures from Claudia Jessie, who plays Eloise Bridgerton, and from Nicola Coughlan and Hannah Dodd, who portray Penelope and Francesca Bridgerton, respectively. "For someone just coming into the show, that means so much," Ha said, adding, "It's so sweet. I feel so fortunate and grateful to be part of such a family." In a related development, Brownell discussed the future of Benedict's character in a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter. "I think we're going to continue on the storyline of Benedict learning exactly how he wants to exist in the world," Brownell teased. "Benedict is starting to realize that he also craves depth, and reconciling breadth with depth is something we're going to dive into pretty deeply in future seasons," he said while teasing the upcoming season. (ANI)
The film industry came together to offer their condolences as Anil Mehta, father of Bollywood actress Malaika Arora, was laid to rest at Santacruz Hindu Crematorium centre in Mumbai, on Thursday. Malaika Arora reached the crematorium centre along with her son Arhaan Khan. Several celebrities including Arjun Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan and her husband, Saif Ali Khan, alongside others from the film fraternity reached the crematorium centre to pay their last respects to Malaika Arora's father. Saif Ali Khan and Karisma Kapoor arrived together. Malaika Arora's ex-husband, Arbaaz Khan, also arrived at the crematorium centre with his wife Sshura Khan. Malaika's close friend and filmmaker Farah Khan Kunder also joined the gathering as she arrived to pay her last respects to Anil Mehta. She was joined by her brother Sajid Khan. Actor Sohail Khan arrived at the crematorium centre with his son Nirvaan Khan. Celebrities including Geeta Kapur, Terence Lewis, and Gauhar Khan among others also arrived to pay their last respects. Gauhar Khan: Geeta Kapur: Terence Lewis: Guru Randhawa: On Wednesday, Kareena Kapoor Khan, a close friend of Malaika Arora, arrived at the Arora residence with her husband to offer their heartfelt sympathies. The actress appeared visibly emotional as she entered the home to pay her respects. The gathering was marked by a strong sense of grief and solidarity from the film fraternity. Earlier in the day on September 11, Mumbai police revealed that Anil Mehta's death prima facie looks like a suicide, though all possible angles are being explored. DCP Crime Branch Raj Tilak Roshan confirmed that Mehta's body had been sent for a post-mortem examination, and both police and forensic teams are thoroughly examining the case. In a statement shared on Instagram, Malaika Arora expressed the family's profound sorrow. "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," the statement read. Malaika Arora, who was not present at her father's home when the incident occurred, was reportedly in Pune at the time. She rushed back to Mumbai upon receiving the tragic news. Her ex-husband, Arbaaz Khan, also joined the gathering to support her during this challenging time. (ANI)
At the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards, Shawn Mendes captivated audiences with a poignant debut of his new single, 'Nobody Knows.' This track is a prelude to his forthcoming self-titled album, 'Shawn', scheduled for release on October 18. The performance, a departure from the night's high-energy acts, featured Mendes in a stripped-down setup with only his acoustic guitar, electric guitar, and drums accompanying his soulful vocals, as per The Hollywood Reporter. The song, introspective and emotive, reportedly reflects Mendes' recent personal experiences, particularly his breakup with Camila Cabello. In a notable lyric, Mendes ponders, "When you're so in love and souls touch but it's still not enough where does it go? Nobody knows." Mendes' new album, 'Shawn', is a highly anticipated follow-up to his 2020 record, 'Wonder'. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the album is a collaborative effort with notable figures such as Scott Harris, Mike Sabath, Nate Mercereau, and Eddie Benjamin. Additionally, Grammy-winning songwriter Amy Allen and producer Ethan Gruska contributed to the songwriting process. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Mendes shared his journey leading up to the album's release. "Music really can be medicine," he wrote. Reflecting on his personal growth, Mendes expressed, "Two years ago, I felt like I had absolutely no idea who I was. A year ago, I couldn't step into a studio without falling into complete panic. So to be here right now with 12 beautiful finished songs feels like such a gift," according to The Hollywood Reporter. Mendes also acknowledged the support of his close friends and family, stating, "Honestly thank god for my friends and family. Life can be brutal but having a small group of people you deeply trust to walk you through makes it so much better." The album's creation has sparked speculation among fans, with many interpreting the songs as a commentary on Mendes' past relationship with Cabello. In his recent single, 'Why Why Why,' Mendes explores themes of vulnerability and uncertainty, including a notable lyric about a pregnancy scare, "I thought I was about to be a father/Shook me to the core, I'm still a kid." (ANI)
Bollywood actor Malaika Arora's father, Anil Mehta, died allegedly by suicide by jumping off the terrace of his Mumbai residence, the police said on Wednesday. The Mumbai Police have now recorded the statements of Malaika Arora, her sister Amrita Arora, and their mother. According to the police, Anil Mehta had called both of his daughters before turning off his phone. In their statements, Malaika and Amrita said that their father had told them, "I am sick and tired." The family tried to reach out to him after the call, but Anil had already switched off his phone. The police further revealed that Anil Mehta jumped from the balcony of a building, which caused fractures in his right leg. The postmortem report confirmed that his death was due to "multiple injuries." The police are also planning to record the statement of Mehta's doctor, along with other family members who were close to him. Earlier on Wednesday, DCP Mumbai Police, Raj Tilak Roshan, informed the media that the body of the deceased has been sent for a postmortem. He added that the teams of police and forensics are carrying out the investigation. "Body of one Anil Mehta (62) was found. He resided on the 6th floor. We are carrying out further investigation and our team is here. We are investigating all angles in detail. Our teams are here; forensic teams are here as well. Body is being taken for postmortem. We are investigating everything in detail. Prima facie, it seems to be suicide; we are conducting further investigation," Roshan said. Malaika Arora, who was not present at her father's home when the incident occurred, was reportedly in Pune at the time. (ANI)
After filing a nomination from Karnal, BJP candidate Jagmohan Anand expressed his gratitude and said that party is my mother and would not have any complaints even if he hadn't received the ticket. "It's a very fortunate day for a party worker like me who filed his nomination... Neither did I nor my family ever think or even expect to get a ticket for elections. Party is my mother, even if I hadn't got the ticket, I wouldn't have any complaints with the party," Jagmohan Anand said.BJP candidate from Karnal Assembly Constituency Jagmohan Anand filed his nomination for the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections in the presence of Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar.Jagmohan Anand has been fielded against Congress party's Sumita Virk from the Karnal constituency.Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, who accompained Anand in filing nomination, exuded confidence in BJP's victory from the state for the third consecutive term."Jagmohan Anand has filed his nomination from Karnal. If the party will give me the responsibility, I'll join other candidates in their nomination filing... It's going to be an interesting contest, but I can say with utmost confidence that the BJP will form the government in Haryana for the third consecutive time. Congress has smelled its defeat which is evident as they are looking for an alliance but other parties aren't ready for it... PM Modi, Union HM Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and our CMs of different states will also come for campaigning," Khattar said.The Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) late Wednesday released its third list of candidates for the Haryana Assembly elections.The party has fielded Rohtash Jangra from Sirsa, Kanwar Singh Yadav from Mahendragarh and Satish Fagna from Faridabad NIT.Voting for the 90-member legislative assembly in Haryana will be held on October 5, and the last date for filing nominations is September 12. The counting of votes will be held on October 8.In the 2019 assembly polls, the BJP became the single-largest party with 40 seats and Congress won 30 seats. (ANI)
He was the minister of women and children, social welfare and the SC-ST Department.

Special judge Kaveri Baweja acquitted Sandeep Kumar. Advocate Sanjay Gupta along with Rajkamal Arya appeared for Sandeep Kumar.

The Court had framed charges against Sandeep Kumar raping a woman after giving her some sedative, and under Section 7 of Prevention of Corruption Act and 66 IT Act.

An FIR was lodged in 2016.

It was alleged that he called the victim at his residence in connection with the ration card-related work and raped her. The act was allegedly filmed and circulated.

Delhi police had registered an FIR on September 3, 2016, on the basis of the statement of the prosecutrix.

She had stated that around 11 months ago she went to the house of the accused Sandeep, as she wanted to get a BPL card.

She was allegedly raped by the accused after giving her sedative in the cold drink. (ANI)
Former Union Minister and BJP leader Arjun Munda reviewed the preparations for the upcoming visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Jamshedpur. The PM is going to announce various schemes for the people of Jharkhand during, he added. "PM Narendra Modi is coming to Jamshedpur and from here he will address the common people while announcing several schemes for the people of this region. The railway programme which will happen is for inaugurating the Vande Bharat train . The train is designed keeping in mind the comfortability of passengers and to reduce travel time," Arjun Munda said. The BJP leader also said that apart from Vande Bharat's inauguration, several other rural development schemes across the country will also be inaugurated, "Several schemes for rural development for the whole country will also be inaugurated during the visit. Schemes for housing will be inaugurated. The government's aim is to make sure the welfare schemes reach the people properly, so for that a big step will be taken in the Jamshedpur program." "Wherever the Prime Minister goes, the people in that region also want to hear the PM. So for that, he will come to the ground and address the crowd," Munda added. The BJP leader reviewed the preparations being made at Regal ground earlier today for the arrival of the PM. "Reviewed the preparations being made at Regal Ground for the arrival of the Prime Minister in Jamshedpur on 15th September. The PM will inaugurate many railways and lay the foundation stone of projects on that day and will address a public meeting," said the BJP leader in a post on X. On Sunday, Union Minister and BJP Jharkhand in-charge Shivraj Singh Chouhan also visited Ranchi. During a meeting with reporters, he mentioned the upcoming visit of the PM and that the party will take out six Parivartan Yatras. "...We will take out six Parivartan Yatras in Jharkhand. Our local prominent leaders as well as senior leaders will also participate. The Prime Minister will visit Jamshedpur, Jharkhand on 15th (September). Along with the gift of Vande Bharat Train, the Prime Minister will deposit the first installment of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana in the accounts of 1,13,195 poor people of Jharkhand," Chouhan told reporters. (ANI)
Chief Minister MK Stalin led Tamil Nadu government on Thursday exchanged a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Caterpillar to expand their construction equipment manufacturing facilities. "The longstanding association between Caterpillar and Tamil Nadu has been further strengthened by new investments! We've exchanged an MoU with Caterpillar to expand their construction equipment manufacturing facilities. A big thanks to Caterpillar for investing further in Thiruvallur and Krishnagiri districts, further strengthening our partnership!" the Chief Minister posted on X. On Sept 10, the Tamil Nadu CM said that he had a very engaging discussion with the team from Ford Motors. The CM and Ford explored the feasibility of renewing Ford's three-decade partnership with Tamil Nadu, to again make in Tamil Nadu for the world. Earlier on September 9, Stalin underlined some of the key MoU's he had signed during his visit. Stalin said that the state government has inked an MoU with Autodesk to skill youth and boost MSMEs and startups in the state. The Tamil Nadu government has also secured a significant investment of Rs 2000 crore at the Tiruchirapalli, which will create around 5000 jobs in the district. This investment by Jabil will create a new cluster for electronics manufacturing in the district. Rockwell Automation, a company in the industrial automation sector, will expand its manufacturing with a Rs 666 crore investment in Kanchipuram, which will bring around 365 jobs. Stalin is currently on an official visit to the United States to secure support and investments aimed at boosting the prosperity of Tamil Nadu. On September 7, Stalin held a fruitful discussion with the officials of 'BNY Mellon' regarding the potential investment opportunities in AI (Artificial Intelligence). BNY Mellon is a global financial services company that provides investment management and services to help individuals and institutions invest, conduct business, and transact in markets. Earlier on September 6, Stalin said that the state has secured MOUs (memorandum of understanding), worth Rs 850 crores with US-based companies Lincoln Electric, Vishay Precision, and Visteon. Tamil Nadu also secured a Rs 2000 crore Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Trilliant to establish a manufacturing unit as well as create their Development and Global Support Centre in the state. Stalin signed MOUs with Eaton, a multinational power management company, for Rs 200 crore R&D and engineering centre expansion in Chennai. On August 31, 2024, an agreement was signed with Ohmium for the establishment of a new factory in the Chengalpattu district for producing electrolysers and green hydrogen, with an investment of Rs 400 crores and creating 500 job opportunities. Stalin said that the deal marked an important step in nurturing the ecosystem for green energy production and fuelling a sustainable future. On August 30, 2024, meetings were held with senior officials from Apple, Google, and Microsoft to invite them to invest in Tamil Nadu, and an MoU was signed with Google to set up artificial intelligence (AI) labs in Tamil Nadu. During the Tamil Nadu CM's US visit, on August 29, 2024, at an investors' conference held in San Francisco, MoUs were signed with six leading global companies--Nokia, PayPal, Yield Engineering Services, Microchip, Infinx Healthcare, and Applied Materials--for an investment of Rs 900 crores to create 4,100 job opportunities. (ANI)
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has written a letter to the Chief Ministers of eight states regarding the unfair devolution of taxes by the Union government. CM Siddaramaiah also said that he has extended an invitation to the Chief Ministers of eight states for a conclave in Bengaluru to collectively deliberate on the issues of fiscal federalism at a juncture when the Finance Commission needs to make a directional shift & create incentives for growth & better tax mobilisation. He said that States with higher GSDP per capita, like Karnataka and others, are being penalized for their economic performance, receiving disproportionately lower tax allocations. This unjust approach undermines the spirit of cooperative federalism and threatens the financial autonomy of progressive states. "As you are aware the 16th Finance Commission has begun its deliberations. The previous Finance Commissions have laid excessive emphasis on equity at the cost of efficiency and performance. As a result, states with higher GSDP per capita and higher contribution to the gross tax revenues of the union are progressively receiving lower shares of the central fiscal transfers," the Chief Minister said in the letter. CM Siddaramaiah stated in his letter, during the visit of the 16th Finance Commission to the State of Karnataka, during 29-30, August 2024, I have underscored the need to carefully examine the impact of high emphasis given to equity on resource devolution to well performing states. I have emphasised that the reduction in central financial transfers to well performing States is placing severe limitations on their ability to invest in physical and human infrastructure. "The taxpayers of states, which are net donors to the divisible pool, also expect a fair share of their taxes to come back to them. The Finance Commission therefore needs to carefully balance equity with efficiency and performance," the letter reads. States with strong contribution to the country's GDP and Gross Tax Revenue, help build the nation in more ways than one. Therefore, there is an urgent need to balance equity with efficiency and performance for a stronger Union, both politically and economically. It is, therefore, important that states which are receiving smaller shares in horizontal devolution, compared to their contributions to the Gross Tax Revenues of Union, need to articulate a coordinated set of proposals before the Commission, CM Siddaramaiah stated in his letter. Meanwhile, a one-day conclave of finance ministers from five states is being held in Thiruvananthipuram on Thursday to discuss issues related to the 16th Finance Commission. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the event, with Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal presiding. Prominent figures, including Telangana Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu, Karnataka Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu, will participate in the conclave. (ANI)
Baramulla MP Rashid Engineer arrived here on Thursday after he was released from the Tihar jail after being granted interim bail by Delhi's Special NIA Court in a terror funding case. Speaking to the media, Rashid Engineer said that he would not accept the decision taken by the Prime Minister on August 5 on the abrogation of Article 370, and that he was sure that Kashmir would win. Rashid Engineer said, "I am very grateful that you all are supporting me. I just want to tell everyone that Kashmir is not weak. The people of Kashmir will win. We do not accept the decisions that were taken by the Prime Minister on August 5." On September 12, after being granted bail, Rashid Engineer said that the election is important as Kashmir is at a crucial stage. Lashing out at the centre, he said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of 'Naya Kashmir' would collapse. "I will just say that truth will prevail. I hope for the justice. The election is important as Kashmir is at a crucial stage. The people of J&K will successfully fight for justice as they are united. PM Modi's so-called vision of 'Naya Kashmir' will fail," he said. The Patiala House Court on Wednesday issued a release order for Rashid Engineer, imposing the condition that he must not speak to the media about the ongoing terror funding case. Rashid Engineer has been granted interim bail until October 2. However, the pronouncement of the order on his regular bail plea, scheduled for Wednesday, has been deferred to October 5, 2024. His counsel, Vikhyat Oberoi, argued that the interim bail was necessary for campaigning in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections and to fulfil his duties as a parliamentarian. In 2005, Rashid was arrested by the Special Operations Group (SOG) in Srinagar for allegedly supporting militants. He was held for three months and 17 days on charges of anti-national activities and incarcerated in various prisons, including Cargo, Humhama, and Raj Bagh. However, the Chief Judicial Magistrate of Srinagar later dropped all charges against him on humanitarian grounds. In August 2019, Rashid was again arrested under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). While incarcerated, he filed his nomination for the 2024 parliamentary elections from jail and won by a margin of 204,000 votes, defeating former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. (ANI)
In an effort to promote awareness amongst young voters to participate in the upcoming assembly elections and vote, District Election Authorities under the SVEEP organised a rangoli competition at Dina Nath Memorial GHSS Poonch.

"Art meets democracy! DEO Poonch, Vikas Kundal, ignites voter spirit with a Rangoli competition at HSS Girls Poonch under SVEEP, inspiring first-time voters to paint their mark on Sept 25th," District Election Officer Poonch posted on X.

To promote women's participation in the J&K assembly elections, the DEO announced that 110 women will manage the polling stations.

"Poonch paints a new picture! 110 women will manage polling stations, colouring the electoral canvas with gender equality & inclusivity," the DEO Poonch wrote on X.

Earlier on Wednesday, District Election Officer Sachin Kumar Vaishya initiated action against government employees who failed to attend mandatory election duty training sessions scheduled.

Show cause notices were issued to all Controlling Officers and employees demanding explanations for their absence. Disciplinary action would follow after a thorough review of the responses received.

The DEO emphasised that the Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir are to be carried out with the highest standards of professionalism.

He further stressed the importance of strict adherence to Election Commission of India guidelines throughout the electoral process.

Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls will be held in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1. The counting will be done on October 8.

There are a total number of 90 assembly constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir, out of which 7 seats are reserved for SCs and 9 seats are reserved for STs. (ANI)
A one-day conclave of finance ministers from five opposition-ruled states will be held here today, Thursday, to discuss issues related to the 16th Finance Commission. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the event, with the state Finance Minister KN Balagopal presiding. Telangana Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu, Karnataka Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, and Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu will participate in the conclave. There will be detailed discussions about the different aspects of the finance commission in this conclave. "There will be a very detailed discussion about the different aspects of the finance commission, how the states are representing them, and what the major issues are for considering," the Kerala finance minister KN Balagopal had said earlier. He had asserted that this will be one of the important events in recent days because the 16th Finance Commission will be going to complete the meetings and prepare the reports next year. "States have different opinions about the important issues. This is very important for the health of fiscal federalism," he added. Notably, the 16th Finance Commission was constituted by the President on 31st December 2023 with Arvind Panagariya as Chairman. The commission has already started consultations and discussions to get the feed and to discuss the memorandum of the states. The chairman and members are visiting the states, and the commission will be visiting Kerala in the month of December. The Finance Commission has been constituted to make recommendations covering a period of five years commencing on April 1, 2026. Additionally, the commission is also mandated to review the present arrangements for financing disaster management initiatives, with reference to the funds constituted under the Disaster Management Act, 2005 (53 of 2005), and make appropriate recommendations thereon. According to the 15th Finance Commission's recommendations, the centre should allocate 41 per cent of tax collection to states. This is known as vertical devolution. The distribution among states, or horizontal devolution, is based on several criteria like demographic performance, income, population, area, forest and ecology, tax, and measures to check fiscal deficits by individual states. (ANI)
The former President of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) and Senior Advocate Adish Aggarwala had requested the Chief Justice of India (CJI) to take suo motu action based on a letter written by three judicial officers from West Bengal. The judicial officers, serving in Diamond Harbour, South 24 Parganas district and residing in the official judicial quarters known as 'Judges Abasan,' detailed an alarming incident that occurred during the early hours of September 9, 2024. According to the letter, a police officer from the Diamond Harbour district instructed the guards at the judicial quarters to allow two individuals to enter the premises to disconnect the power supply at an unusual and inappropriate hour. This raised serious concerns about the security and independence of the judiciary, as such actions could be interpreted as an attempt to intimidate or interfere with the judicial process, stated Senior Advocate Adish Aggarwala. The former SCBA President has requested the CJI to take suo motu cognisance of the incident, emphasising the potential threat to judicial independence and the integrity of the judicial system. Suo motu action in this context would involve the judiciary initiating legal proceedings on its own accord, without waiting for a formal petition, given the serious nature of the concerns raised by the judicial officers. The CJI's intervention could lead to a thorough investigation into the actions of the police officer involved and a review of the circumstances surrounding the power disconnection attempt. If taken forward, the case could underscore the judiciary's commitment to safeguarding the independence and security of judicial officers. In their official complaint to the District Judge, they outlined their belief that this incident was directly linked to adverse orders they had passed in some POCSO Act cases, which might have motivated certain individuals to retaliate against them. They described the incident as an attempt to intimidate them into delivering favourable judgements in future cases. The officers clearly stated that they no longer felt safe in their official quarters. Sukanta Majumdar, Union Minister of State for Education and Development of the Northeastern Region, also wrote to the Union Minister for Law and Justice, Arjun Ram Meghwal, on September 11, expressing deep concern over the incident. He described it as a breakdown of law and order in West Bengal and called on the government to ensure the protection of judicial independence and take strict action against those involved, including police officers who might have been complicit. The former SCBA President's appeal to the CJI underlines the severity of the threat to judicial independence and constitutional rights. He submitted that this incident must not be treated as an isolated event but as a direct challenge to the authority of the judiciary. The former SCBA President emphasised that failure to act swiftly could create a dangerous precedent, where judicial officers in West Bengal may feel unable to function without fear. He strongly urged the Supreme Court to insulate judicial officers from external threats, ensuring they can discharge their duties independently and without fear of intimidation. (ANI)
Police have arrested two people in connection with the assault on a young Army officer and his friend, police said. A young Army officer of Military Headquarters of Warfare (Mhow) Infantry School, along with his friend was assaulted by 7-8 unknown assailants and one of their two women friends was allegedly sexually assualted states the FIR. Indore Rural SP Hitika Vasal told ANI that 10 police teams conducted investigations and identified six accused. Two of them have been arrested, and efforts are underway to arrest the remaining four. "10 police teams carried out investigations and police identified six named accused. 2 of them have been arrested. Efforts are underway to nab the remaining 4, they will be caught at the earliest," she told ANI. SP Hitika Vasal told ANI that the incident occurred at the Army firing range in Indore on Wednesday. SP Vasal also said that the complainant said that their female friend was taken to a corner and they heard her screams, which made them suspect that something untoward had happened to her. "Police received information yesterday that 4 people visited Army firing range late at night. An incident of two people being thrashed occurred there. The 2 others were told to bring Rs 10 lakhs. The complainant said that their female friend was taken to a corner and then he heard her screams. The complainant suspects that something untoward must have happened to her. A police team reached the spot immediately and upon spotting them, the accused escaped," she said. SP Vasal stated that the women's statements have not yet been recorded. Once recorded, further action will be taken. Further information is awaited. (ANI)
BJP MP Sambit Patra on Thursday hit out at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleging that the LoP in the Lok Sabha was trying to divide the country on caste and religion even on foreign soil. "Rahul Gandhi's arrogance of being the Leader of Opposition is not just visible in the Parliament, his stupidity was also seen in America... I am using this word because crores of Indians are hurt by the way he has portrayed India in the US... Rahul Gandhi has committed treason in the US... He tried to divide castes and religions on foreign soil... He made a harsh statement on Sikhs in a foreign country... This is treason and when there is treason, using a word like 'stupidity' is appropriate," BJP MP Sambit Patra said., The BJP MP also took a dig at Rahul Gandhi's brief pause when an audience at his function in the US asked what the 'A' stands for in the acronym of the opposition alliance 'INDIA'. Patra said that the Congress leader took time because he was thinking about whether 'A' stands for appeasement, apraadh(crime) or arrogance. "Someone asked him (Rahul Gandhi) if it is INDIA alliance, then what does the 'A' stand for? After thinking for some time, Rahul Gandhi remembered that it stands for 'Alliance'. Rahul Gandhi thought for a while before answering because he was confused if the 'A' stands for appeasement, apraadh (crime), or arrogance," Patra told reporters here. "A for 'Apraadh', there is TMC's apraadh (crime) in Bengal, 'A' for appeasement, Congress' appeasement in Himachal Pradesh, and 'A' for arrogance of the Congress and its alliance parties who drag the institution of CJI in politics. They have the arrogance of dragging the Ganesh festival into politics," he added. Reacting to the protests over the alleged illegal construction of a mosque in Sanjauli, Himachal Pradesh, Patra accused the Congress of indulging in appeasement politics. "Hindu outfits and common people of Shimla are on the streets and are raising their voice against an illegal mosque. It is very clear that the concerned mosque is illegal. Congress' Rural Development Minister Anirudh Singh asked on the floor of the House where the people of the 'Jamaat' come from. He also spoke on 'Love Jihad'... Congress opened a front against him," Patra said. "The Municipal Court has served a notice to the mosque 45 times to produce the papers of legality, but they have submitted no papers. Congress still has the attitude of appeasement. If Rahul Gandhi meets Ilhan Omar, then obviously he will have affection towards illegal mosques and there would be lathi-charge against Hindus. Ilhan Omar is not going to say that illegal mosques should be removed. The BJP is against the lathi-charge and the action taken against women too... 'Hindu par lathi-charge aur avaidh masjid ka recharge, yeh nahi chalega'," he added. (ANI)
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Thursday called an emergency meeting at Samatva Bhawan in the CM House in Bhopal to review the situation of excessive rain and the ongoing rescue work in the state. Chief Minister Yadav held the meeting and reviewed the situation of the districts through video conferencing in which all divisional commissioners, Inspector General of Police (IG), Commissioner of Police, District Collector, Superintendent of Police (SP) and other officials were present. In view of the excessive rain and flood-like situation in the state, CM Yadav has instructed to cancel the leaves of the officers until the situation becomes normal. "Due to the change in the cycle of rain, there is an excessive rainfall occurring in September month than the expected. It is raining continuously in many parts of the state. Following which, we have held a meeting with the District Collectors, SPs and other officials regarding this and have issued instructions that lives should remain normal under any circumstances. Instructions have been given to ensure that people do not face any problems due to floods and other problems," CM Yadav said. "I would also like to request the people of the state that we all should stay healthy, safe and take care to avoid any incident in this hour of heavy rain. If any people feel that their house is kutcha or dilapidated, then the district administration is there for you and all the work will be done by the administration for safety. Instructions have been issued in this regard," he added. He further said, "There is a possibility of similar rain conditions in different districts in the state till 30 September, so the leaves of all the officials have been cancelled. I hope Baba Mahakal keeps everyone healthy in this difficult time. If people have any problem, they must contact the district administration." The CM also said that all concerned departments have been instructed to carry out rescue and relief operations on a war footing. "The concerned departments have been instructed to conduct relief and rescue operations on a war footing with top priority and full sensitivity. Our rescue teams are working day and night so that help can reach the affected people on time. The district administration should work promptly in the districts for which alerts have been issued and ensure that there is no loss of life. Our government is committed to saving the people of the state," the CM posted on X. Meanwhile, the Chief Minister also said that a relief amount would be provided in case of loss of life and animal loss due to the excessive rainfall. CM directed the collectors to immediately provide the relief amount of Rs 4 Lakh to the family in case of loss of human life. He also said immediate arrangements should be made to airlift people trapped in flooded areas with the help of helicopters. Old dilapidated buildings should be identified and protective arrangements should be made and if necessary, the residents should be shifted to a safe place. (ANI)
Bar Council of India Chairman and BJP Rajya Sabha MP, senior advocate Manan Kumar Mishra, on Thursday responded to Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut's criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud's residence for Ganesh Puja. Mishra, addressing the issue, said, "Sanjay Raut is a seasoned leader. I would not like to say much, but those who are involved in cases will object a little." He added that Raut's concerns would not affect the Supreme Court's judgement and added that the Ganesh Aarti was a 'social-religious function.' "The PM went there, offered prayers, and returned. If there had been a different kind of meeting, it would have been done confidentially...mocking these meetings isn't right." Mishra also pointed out the silence over a politician's recent meeting with 'anti-India elements abroad.' He said, "If the PM visits the CJI, instead of appreciating the good coordination between judiciary and executive, it is being objected to," he added. Raut had raised concerns about the impartiality of Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud followed a Ganesh Aarti that involved Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Raut questioned the Chief Justice's ability to remain unbiased in a major ongoing case in Maharashtra, where Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sunil Prabhu has challenged the Maharashtra Assembly Speaker's ruling. The ruling had declared the Eknath Shinde-led faction as the 'real' Shiv Sena. The incident that sparked Raut's concerns occurred during the Ganpati festival when Prime Minister Modi visited Chief Justice Chandrachud's residence, and the two jointly performed a Ganesh Aarti. According to Raut, this interaction raises doubts about the Chief Justice's impartiality. He pointed out the unusual nature of the Prime Minister's visit. He said, "Look, it is the Ganpati festival. How many people's houses has the Prime Minister visited so far? I don't have the information. Ganesh festival is celebrated in many places in Delhi, but the Prime Minister went to the Chief Justice's house, and the Prime Minister and the Chief Justice together performed the Aarti." Raut also expressed concern because the Maharashtra case, which involves allegations against the current state government, is being reviewed by Chief Justice Chandrachud. He suggested that the Chief Justice's proximity to the Prime Minister, who is a party in the case, could undermine public confidence in the judiciary. "Our knowledge of God is such that if the custodians of the Constitution meet political leaders in this manner, then people have doubts," Raut said, adding that the Prime Minister should not have such close interactions with the Chief Justice. Raut believes that the Chief Justice should distance himself from the case due to his visible connection with the central government. "The Prime Minister is a party in our case. The Central Government and the head of the Central Government come with the judge and sit in the house. So the judge should separate himself from this case and should do Not Before Me because the Prime Minister is a party. His relations with him are openly visible in this case," Raut said. (ANI)
The Delhi High Court on Thursday asked the Trial Court not to pass a final order on framing of charges till September 23 in a case of an alleged larger conspiracy of Delhi riots 2020. The trial court has begun to hear the arguments on framing of charges. Justice Neena Bansal Krishna, while hearing pleas moved by Devangana Kalita, asked the trial court not to pass order till September 23. On November 16, 2023, the High Court issued notice on plea of Devangana Kalita to Delhi police. She sought a direction to supply videos of protest at Jafrabad. She had also sought supply of WhatsApp chats. She has also sought to stay on the proceedings. However, the High Court had refused to grant interim stay on the proceedings at trial court. Kalita is also accused in Larger conspiracy of Delhi riots case. Kalita had moved two petitions seeking a direction to Delhi police for providing of videos of anti CAA video prepared by Delhi Police's camera person at Jafrabad area in February 2020. She has sought interim stay on the proceedings at trial court. She also sought the supply of some documents. Advocate Adit S Pujari had appeared for Kalita. He argued that videos were recorded by the persons hired by Delhi Police. He also submitted that Seizure memo was prepared and videos were filed along with charge sheet. However, it was not supplied to the accused along with the charge sheet. Kalita is accused in two cases. One is of Jafrabad Police Station and another is of a special cell related to the larger conspiracy of Delhi riots. Petitioner's counsel had argued that Selective photos were taken from video. However, the same is not supplied to the accused. He had also submitted that videos will reflect what we demonstrated peacefully at Jafrabad. They don't want to produce the video under garb of ongoing investigation. Counsel for petitioner had submitted that four years have gone. Peobe is still underway. Videos mentioned in the lists of seizure and lists of evidence. They have videos of both community. They say we murdered our own men. Videos will show what happened there, counsel argued. Special public Prosecutor (SPP) Madhukar Pandey appeared for Delhi police and he raised the objection of maintainability of the petition. He had submitted that the Maintainability is to be seen before considering the merit of the petition. After one year of rejection of their application, they are coming to the High court. Defence counsel said that in larger Conspiracy case, the application was dismissed in August 2023. Justice Amit Bansal had asked the SPP, " What is your objection in providing the videos. If it is part of your charge sheet." "Investigation is still underway. Last month we apprehended one of the accused in the FIR registered at Jafrabad. There is other evidence, not only videos, against the accused," SPP argued. (ANI)
Seven people, including two children, lost their lives after an old wall collapsed in the Khalkapura locality of Datia early Thursday morning. The incident occurred when the wall of a 'kutcha' house gave way due to continuous rainfall. Nine members of a Vanshkar family were buried under the debris, and only two survivors were rescued early on. Datia Collector Sandeep Makin confirmed the incident. He said, "On September 12, around 4 am, the fort wall collapsed. The wall consisted of very large blocks. Due to continuous rain for about 36 hours, the wall gave way." He added that the wall's collapse was caused by heavy rainfall over two days, which weakened its structure. According to officials, local residents quickly jumped into action, rescuing the first two victims, who were alive and were taken to a hospital for treatment. However, access to the site was challenging due to the narrow 3-foot-wide pathway, which made it impossible for heavy machinery to reach the area. "The remaining seven people were trapped, but access was difficult due to the narrow path, making it impossible for a JCB or a Poclain Excavator Machine to reach the site," Makin said. The Collector added that the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) was immediately called in to assist with the rescue efforts. Subsequently, the Superintendent of Police, along with the Collector and the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, reached the spot with other officials. SDRF teams, along with the local police and administration, managed to recover three bodies initially. Later in the day, a poclain machine was brought in to help clear the debris. By 11:45 am, all seven bodies were recovered from the site. "Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed his condolences and announced compensation for the families of the deceased, as per government regulations", Makin said. The MP CM also announced an ex-gratia financial assistance of Rs 4 lakh each to the families of the deceased. "The news of the loss of many precious lives due to the collapse of the old wall of Rajgarh Fort in Datia is extremely painful. We all are with the bereaved families in this hour of grief. As soon as the incident was reported, the rescue operation was started immediately by the SDERF and the district administration team, but due to the narrow road, despite tireless efforts, these precious lives could not be saved. Instructions have been given to provide financial assistance of Rs 4 lakh each to the families of the deceased. I pray to Almighty God to grant a place in his feet to the holy souls of the departed souls and to give strength to the bereaved family to bear this lightning strike, the MP CM said in a post on X. The two survivors are currently undergoing treatment at a local hospital.(ANI)
The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Thursday said the attack on a young Army officer and his friend and the alleged sexual assault of their female friend in Madhya Pradesh's Indore district is disgraceful for society. In a post on X, Gandhi said, "The violence against two soldiers and the rape of their female companion in Madhya Pradesh is enough to bring shame to the entire society." He also said that the audacity of these criminals is a result of the complete failure of the administration and added that law and order is almost nonexistent in BJP-ruled states. "In BJP-ruled states, law and order is almost non-existent, and the BJP government's negative attitude towards the increasing crimes against women is extremely concerning. The audacity of these criminals is a result of the complete failure of the administration, and this growing unsafe environment in the country imposes restrictions on the freedom and aspirations of India's daughters," the Congress leader added in the post. Earlier today, police officials said that they have arrested two people in connection with the assault on a young Army officer and his friend. A young Army officer of the Military Headquarters of Warfare (Mhow) Infantry School, along with his friend, was assaulted by 7-8 unknown assailants and one of their two women friends was allegedly sexually assaulted, according to the FIR. Indore Rural SP Hitika Vasal told ANI that 10 police teams conducted investigations and identified six accused. Two of them have been arrested, and efforts are underway to arrest the remaining four. "10 police teams carried out investigations and police identified six named accused. 2 of them have been arrested. Efforts are underway to nab the remaining 4, they will be caught at the earliest," she told ANI. SP Hitika Vasal told ANI that the incident occurred at the Army firing range in Indore on Wednesday. SP Vasal also said that the complainant said that their female friend was taken to a corner and they heard her screams, which made them suspect that something untoward had happened to her. "Police received information yesterday that 4 people visited Army firing range late at night. An incident of two people being thrashed occurred there. The 2 others were told to bring Rs 10 lakhs. The complainant said that their female friend was taken to a corner and then he heard her screams. The complainant suspects that something untoward must have happened to her. A police team reached the spot immediately and upon spotting them, the accused escaped," she said. SP Vasal stated that the women's statements have not yet been recorded. Once recorded, further action will be taken. Further information is awaited. (ANI)
Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora on Thursday termed the opposition's criticism over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud's residence during Ganesh Chaturthi as "a very low form of politics." "I would like to tell Sanjay Raut and others who may not be aware of India and specifically Maharashtra's culture and tradition with regards to Ganeshotsav. During Ganesh Chaturthi, people visit the homes of even their political opponents. I have been doing this for 20 years...So, to make a political statement and to politicise the PM's visit to the CJI's home when he is going to take Ganpati darshan, I think, is a very low form of politics," Deora told ANI. "One can also ask the question that in 2009, when K.G. Balakrishnan was the CJI, at that time incumbent PM Dr Manmohan Singh hosted an Iftar party at his residence, which was attended by the CJI. "One can ask a question then also?... So, these are very immature remarks made by the opposition, and I would urge the people who are making these statements to understand the cultural ethos of Maharashtra, of Ganeshotsav, and rather than politicising this, learn to go to Bappa and take his darshan," he added. BJP MP Sambit Patra has also slammed the opposition, saying that they are doing politics over the Ganesh prayers offered by PM Modi at the CJI's residence. "The leaders of the opposition are doing politics over the Ganesh prayers offered by PM Modi at CJI Chandrachud's residence yesterday... Should the different pillars of democracy not converge? Should they be enemies?... Should they have no courtesies towards each other? "This is the beauty of democracy that there are different behaviours while being on and off duty... You have an objection to the PM meeting the CJI but no objection when Rahul Gandhi meets Ilhan Omar, the Chinese Premier, and signs the MoU, with George Soros... They have a problem with Ganesh Puja, but did the former PM Manmohan Singh not attend Iftaar parties?" Patra told reporters in Delhi on Thursday. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut had raised his concerns about the impartiality of Chief Justice DY Chandrachud following PM Modi's visit to the CJI's house for Ganpati Puja. Raut, through his statements, tried to cast doubt on the Chief Justice's ability to deliver a fair judgement in the ongoing Maharashtra case, where Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sunil Prabhu has challenged the ruling of Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar. The ruling held that the Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led faction is the real Shiv Sena. During the Ganpati festival, Prime Minister Modi visited the Chief Justice's residence, where they jointly performed an Aarti. Raut questioned this interaction and said, "Look, it is Ganpati festival. How many people's houses has the Prime Minister visited so far? I don't have the information. Ganesh festival is celebrated in many places in Delhi, but the Prime Minister went to the Chief Justice's house, and the Prime Minister and the Chief Justice together performed the Aarti." Raut said that his concerns arise from the fact that the Maharashtra case, involving allegations against the current state government, is under Chief Justice Chandrachud's review. (ANI)
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan on Thursday said that the farmer should get a fair price for their crops, therefore, centres would be opened to buy soybeans at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) rate of Rs 4892 a quintal in the state. "I met the Union Home Minister yesterday and talked regarding the strengthening of the economic condition of the farmers via the National Dairy Development Board. In view of increasing milk production, the number of dairy cattle and farmers getting fair prices, we have undertaken a huge project under the National Dairy Development Board. Along with this, the farmer should get a fair price for their crops, therefore, centres would be opened to buy soybeans at MSP at the rate of Rs 4892 a quintal. I hope farmers will be benefitted," CM Yadav said. "Ujjain-Indore 6-lane road is a huge project worth Rs 5,500 crores. To inaugurate this project, we have requested the President and her detailed programme schedule is yet to come. The state government is continuously stepping forward on the path of development. I hope the public will also contribute to the development and Madhya Pradesh will become number one state in development in the country," he added. Earlier on Wednesday, CM Yadav expressed his gratitude to the Central Government for approving the state government's proposal to procure soybean crop at the MSP. "The policies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi government have always been farmer-friendly and similarly, the Madhya Pradesh government has also always worked for the welfare of the farmers. As soon as I came to know that farmers were worried regarding the price of soybean, I put a proposal before the state cabinet and the proposed MSP rate of Rs 4,892 a quintal for procurement of soybean was sent on Tuesday for the approval of the Central Government. It has been approved on Wednesday," CM Yadav said. "I would like to express my gratitude to PM Modi, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal for this decision taken in the interest of farmers," the CM added. Madhya Pradesh is the largest soybean-producing state, with about 60 per cent production of total soybean production in India. (ANI)
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra expressed her grief on the assault of an Army Officer and his friend in Madhya Pradesh and the alleged sexual assault of their female friend, terming the incident "heart-wrenching." In a post on X, Priyanka said, "The incidents in Madhya Pradesh, where military officials were taken hostage and a woman was gang-raped, and in Uttar Pradesh where a woman's naked body was found on a highway, are heart-wrenching." Highlighting that around 86 women fall victim to rape and brutality every day, the Congress general secretary said that these brutalities crush the morale of millions of women every day. https://x.com/priyankagandhi/status/1834136147041075398 "Every day, 86 women in the country fall victim to rape and brutality. From home to the streets, and from roads to offices, women are unsafe everywhere. Not only is half of the country's population insecure, but these brutalities also crush the morale of millions of women every day," she added in the post. She also attacked the Bharatiya Janata Party government saying despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "big statements" about women's safety, women across the country are still awaiting serious action to ensure their protection. "While the Prime Minister makes big statements about women's safety, women across the country are still waiting for serious action to ensure their protection. When will this wait finally end?" she added in the post. Earlier in the day, police arrested two persons in connection with the assault on a young Army officer and his friend in Madhya Pradesh A young Army officer of the Military Headquarters of Warfare (Mhow) Infantry School, along with his friend, was assaulted by 7-8 unknown assailants and one of their two women friends was allegedly sexually assaulted, according to the FIR. Indore Rural SP Hitika Vasal told ANI that 10 police teams conducted investigations and identified six accused. Two of them have been arrested, and efforts are underway to arrest the remaining four. "10 police teams carried out investigations and police identified six named accused. 2 of them have been arrested. Efforts are underway to nab the remaining 4, they will be caught at the earliest," she said. The Superintendent of Police further said that the incident occurred at the Army firing range in Indore on Wednesday. She also said that the complainant said that their female friend was taken to a corner and they heard her screams, which made them suspect that something untoward had happened to her. "Police received information yesterday that 4 people visited Army firing range late at night. An incident of two people being thrashed occurred there. The 2 others were told to bring Rs 10 lakhs. The complainant said that their female friend was taken to a corner and then he heard her screams. The complainant suspects that something untoward must have happened to her. A police team reached the spot immediately and upon spotting them, the accused escaped," she said. The official stated that the women's statements have not yet been recorded. Once recorded, further action will be taken. Further investigation is underway in the case. (ANI)
People's Democratic Party (PDP) Chief Mehbooba Mufti defended her party's contributions to Jammu and Kashmir, particularly South Kashmir, during a media briefing on Thursday. Mufti claimed the PDP has been crucial in addressing the region's challenges. "The people of South Kashmir have understood what the PDP has done for them. The biggest difficulties of POTA (Prevention of Terrorism Act) and task forces were in South Kashmir. We freed the people from all of that," Mufti said. She criticised other political parties for their lack of impact. The PDP Chief said, "The people understand that only the PDP can protect them from the BJP's attacks on our land and jobs." Mufti highlighted PDP's achievements, including establishing medical colleges and universities, and claimed that no other party has contributed as significantly. Discussing the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, Mufti underlined that the PDP's past work and future promises are crucial. "Our challenge is to improve on our past work. We have opened colleges, universities, and introduced schemes like Rehbar-e-Taleem and Rehbar-e-Khel," she said. Mufti also criticised the BJP's job promises. "BJP says 5 lakh youth will be given jobs, but they also claimed that 2 crore people would be given jobs nationwide every year. Even 1 crore out of 2 crore were not given jobs in the last 10 years. Lying requires no effort", she added. Earlier on Sunday, Mufti had criticised the National Conference (NC), stating, "Without the PDP, the NC would still be operating in a dictatorial manner in Jammu and Kashmir." "The public understands that the PDP established good governance in the state. Universities, colleges, and AIIMS were established by the PDP government", she added. Mufti's comments come as political parties intensify their campaigns for the upcoming Assembly election. Polling will be held in three phases: September 18, September 25, and October 1, with vote counting scheduled for October 8. Both the National Conference and PDP have included the restoration of Article 370 in their election manifestos, while the BJP maintains that Article 370 is a thing of the past. (ANI)
West Bengal Chief Secretary Manoj Pant on Thursday wrote a letter to junior doctors protesting over the RG Kar hospital incident, urging them to attend a meeting with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at 5 pm. The state government, however, rejected the doctors's demand for a live telecast of the meeting but, allowed to record it to 'maintain transparency'. In his letter, the Chief Secretary restricted the delegation size to 15, citing the reason 'smooth discussion'. "The meeting shall not be live telecasted. However, the same can be recorded to maintain transparency. This will serve the purpose intended from your end, while also maintaining the sanctity of the proceedings, ensuring that all discussions are accurately documented," the letter by the Chief Secretary reads. "We look forward to your positive response and are committed to working together to benefit the innumerable patients dependent on the Government health infrastructure in the state," West Bengal Chief secretary stated in his letter. Earlier, the protesting doctors refused to accept West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's invitation for talks at the state secretariat to resolve the impasse over their refusal to return to work. The doctors refused to attend because it was said to be a closed-door meeting. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was scheduled to hold a meeting to review the functioning of health facilities and improve safety, security and patient services in the state. Principals, Directors and medical superintendents and vice principals (MSVPs) of all medical colleges and hospitals in the state were invited to the meeting. All Commissioners of Police and District Magistrates and Chief Medical Officer of Health (CMOH) of all districts were also invited to this meeting. Meanwhile, Junior doctors continued their protest at the Swasthya Bhawan Salt Lake area of West Bengal. (ANI)
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar hit out at Congress MP Rahul Gandhi over his recent remarks on reservation while in the US. While addressing participants of the third batch of the Rajya Sabha Internship Programme at Parliament House on Thursday, Dhankhar said that every Indian outside the country has to be an ambassador of this nation. The Vice President said that he was "pained and disturbed that some people in position have no idea" of Bharat. "They have no idea of our Constitution, they have no idea of our national interest. How painful that one who holds a Constitutional position is doing just the reverse of it! Nothing can be more condemnable, despicable and intolerable than that you become part of enemies of the nation!" Dhankhar said. https://x.com/VPIndia/status/1834175931092554141 "I am sure your heart must be bleeding at what you see. If we are true Bhartiyas, if we believe in our nation, we will never side with the enemies of the nation. We will all stand stiffly for the nation," he added. He further emphasised the sacrifices of brave hearts and said that "we can't ridicule our nationalism." "Imagine, ultimate sacrifice has been given by how many to get this freedom, in protecting this freedom, in protecting the nation! Our brothers and sisters are also involved in combat positions. Mothers have lost their sons, and wives have lost their husbands," Dhankhar said. The Vice President alleged that some people "want to divide our nation" and called it "ignorance in extremity." "They do not understand the value of freedom. They do not understand that this country has a civilizational depth of 5000 years. Let me invite your attention first to our Constitution. This Constitution is sacred. It was structured over three years of painstaking work by the founding fathers of the Constitution, and the members of the Constituent Assembly, over 18 sessions, without disruption, without disturbance, without sloganeering, without any posters being raised. It worked through the mechanism of debate, dialogue, discussion and deliberation. Challenges, boys and girls before them, were Himalayan, insurmountable. The issues were divisive, there could not be an easy consensus. They worked for it, they work for us. And now, some people want to divide our nation. This is ignorance in extremity," he added. On September 9, the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, said that the Congress party will think of scrapping reservations when India becomes a "fair place," which it is not. The Congress leader was interacting with students and faculty at Georgetown University in Washington, DC. He also reiterated the need to conduct a caste census while saying that 90 per cent of the country's population--OBCs, Dalits and Adivasis--not having proper representation in the country is the "elephant in the room." Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that it has become a habit for the Congress leader to stand with "forces that conspire to divide the country." Shah also stated that the BJP won't let anyone abolish the reservation and hamper the nation's security. He further alleged that Rahul Gandhi's statements show his divisive policies. Union Minister Piyush Goyal said that the Congress leader is defaming India on foreign soil in 'absolutely shameful manner'. Piyush Goyal questioned Gandhi's reasoning over his statements and accused Congress of propagating a "well-thought agenda to attack" PM Modi. (ANI)
The leader of opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, on Thursday expressed grief over the death of Communist Party of India (Marxist) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury. Rahul Gandhi shared a picture with Sitaram Yechury on social media platform X and said, "Sitaram Yechury ji was a friend. A protector of the idea of India with a deep understanding of our country." The Congress leader further mentioned in his post that he will miss the long discussions they used to have. "My sincere condolences to his family, friends, and followers in this hour of grief," he added in his post. Communist Party of India (Marxist) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury passed away on Thursday due to pneumonia. Yechury was admitted to the AIIMS in Delhi on August 19, 2024. He had been first admitted to the emergency ward and then shifted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). AIIMS confirmed that Yechury, aged 72, passed away at 3:05 pm today. The family has donated his body to AIIMS, New Delhi for teaching and research purposes. "Sitaram Yechury CPI(M) General Secretary no more. He was admitted in AIIMS," CPI(M) leader Hannan Mollah told ANI. He said that Yechury was the strongest voice in favour of democracy, secularism, unity and the united progress of this country. "It is a very sad affair for the CPI(M), for the left movement of India and the democratic movement of the country. He was the strongest voice in favour of democracy, secularism, unity and united progress of this country. He had a serious chest infection, pneumonia and was admitted to AIIMS after 10-11 days. Today, a few minutes back, he expired. He fought a lot but ultimately his life could not be saved...," added Mollah. Sitaram Yechury was a prominent Indian politician who held a seat in the CPM politburo for 32 years and served as the party's general secretary from 2015. Additionally, he represented West Bengal in the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian parliament, from 2005 to 2017. Meanwhile, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) mourned the loss of its General Secretary, Sitaram Yechury, by flying its party flag at half-mast at its Delhi office, as a mark of respect and tribute to his memory. (ANI)
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar hit out at Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Thursday over his recent remarks on reservation and the Sikh community while in the US. While addressing participants of the third batch of the Rajya Sabha Internship Programme at Parliament House on Thursday, Dhankhar took a jibe at the Congress leader's remarks without taking his name and said that every Indian outside the country has to be an ambassador of this nation. The Vice President said that he was "pained and disturbed that some people in position have no idea" of Bharat. "They have no idea of our Constitution, they have no idea of our national interest. How painful that one who holds a Constitutional position is doing just the reverse of it! Nothing can be more condemnable, despicable and intolerable than that you become part of enemies of the nation!" Dhankhar said. https://x.com/VPIndia/status/1834175931092554141 "I am sure your heart must be bleeding at what you see. If we are true Bhartiyas, if we believe in our nation, we will never side with the enemies of the nation. We will all stand stiffly for the nation," he added. He further emphasised the sacrifices of brave hearts and said that "we can't ridicule our nationalism." "Imagine, ultimate sacrifice has been given by how many to get this freedom, in protecting this freedom, in protecting the nation! Our brothers and sisters are also involved in combat positions. Mothers have lost their sons, and wives have lost their husbands," Dhankhar said. The Vice President alleged that some people "want to divide our nation" and called it "ignorance in extremity." "They do not understand the value of freedom. They do not understand that this country has a civilizational depth of 5000 years. Let me invite your attention first to our Constitution. This Constitution is sacred. It was structured over three years of painstaking work by the founding fathers of the Constitution, and the members of the Constituent Assembly, over 18 sessions, without disruption, without disturbance, without sloganeering, without any posters being raised. It worked through the mechanism of debate, dialogue, discussion and deliberation. Challenges, boys and girls before them, were Himalayan, insurmountable. The issues were divisive, there could not be an easy consensus. They worked for it, they work for us. And now, some people want to divide our nation. This is ignorance in extremity," he added. On September 9, the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, said that the Congress party will think of scrapping reservations when India becomes a "fair place," which it is not. The Congress leader was interacting with students and faculty at Georgetown University in Washington, DC. He also reiterated the need to conduct a caste census while saying that 90 per cent of the country's population--OBCs, Dalits and Adivasis--not having proper representation in the country is the "elephant in the room." During his interaction with the Indian diaspora in the US, Rahul Gandhi said that the fight is about whether a Sikh is going to be allowed to wear a turban in India and would be able to visit a Gurdwara. "First of all, you have to understand what the fight is about. Fight is not about politics. It is superficial. What is your name? The fight is about whether he, as a Sikh, is going to be allowed to wear his turban in India. Or he as a Sikh is going to be allowed to wear a kada in India. Or a Sikh is going to be able to go to Gurdwara. That's what the fight is about and not just for him, for all religions," he said. Home Minister Amit Shah criticised the Congress leader's comments, saying that speaking 'anti-national' things has become a habit of Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party. The Home Minister said that talking about discrimination in such a way shows the divisive thinking of the Congress leader. "Speaking anti-national things and standing with forces that break the country has become a habit of Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party. Whether it is supporting the anti-national and anti-reservation agenda of the JKNC in Jammu and Kashmir, or speaking anti-India things on foreign forums, Rahul Gandhi has always hurt the security and sentiments of the country," Shah said in a post on X. The BJP slammed the Congress leader's remarks, saying that he has reflected his "political and family DNA" regarding the issue. "Rahul Gandhi has reflected his political and family DNA regarding reservation, on foreign land. He spoke about ending reservations by Ambedkar ji. His family did that. In 1961, Nehru Ji said that reservation is wrong. He had said that it makes people second-class. Rajiv Gandhi and Indira Gandhi opposed the Mandal Commission and its report. Rajiv Gandhi had said that those who are given reservations are fools," BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said earlier. (ANI)
Director General of Police Abhinav Kumar on Thursday urged the Gram Panchayats not to put up any sign boards banning the entry of certain communities in Rudraprayag. This comes after reports of sign boards banning entry of people of certain communities coming from villages of Kedar Valley in Rudraprayag district. Talking exclusively to ANI, the DGP said, "We have asked the Gram Panchayats not to put up any boards which might target any particular community." He said that the Gram Panchayats have removed those boards after the Police urged them to. "We need to go into the depth of this issue. It is not like the villagers have any adverse feelings towards people from outside. We have to understand the sentiments of people living in small villages. After more people started reaching these villages there have been incidents of crime. There were 'love-jihad' types of cases also," added the DGP. Kumar said that if there is a ban on the entry of outsiders, then action should be taken according to the rights of the Panchayat in the Panchayat Act. DGP Abhinav Kumar also said that if the police are required for action anywhere, or any action is to be taken, the police administration will fully cooperate in that. The police administration will try to ensure that no suspicious person comes to the village and there is no incident of molestation of any woman or minor girl there. DGP Abhinav Kumar said, "Last week in 6 to 7 villages of Rudraprayag district, some boards were put up that there is a ban on entry of outsiders and a fine has also been imposed by local Gram Panchayat. The boards were removed. The language in the boards was objected to by people of a particular community. Due to incidents of crime in the villages, the locals have become concerned. There have been incidents of love jihad. We have requested villagers not to target any particular community." Earlier, DGP Abhinav Kumar said that Rudraprayag Superintendent of Police has been ordered to investigate the matter. (ANI)
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday termed the Multinational Exercise 'Tarang Shakti' as an effort to strengthen cooperation, coordination and trust with partner countries. Addressing the gathering at the Distinguished Visitors' Day event in the second phase of the multinational exercise in Jodhpur, Defence Minister said that through Tarang Shakti, India has further strengthened its defence ties with all partner countries and has instilled confidence among them that whenever the need arises, we all will stand together. Reiterating India's vision of mutual coexistence and cooperation, he said that India believes in all nations marching together and holding each other's hands. "When an exercise of such complexity and large magnitude takes place, soldiers with different work cultures, air combat experiences, and warfighting principles learn a lot from each other," the Minister added. He added, "Today's landmark event is an opportunity to celebrate the grand achievements of the Indian Air Force. We are not only celebrating the achievements of being the fastest growing economy, but also taking pride that our armed forces are now being considered as one of the most powerful in the world." He elaborated further that the Indian Air Force has been equipped with the best modern aircrafts from around the world. "At the time of independence, the Indian Air Force had only six squadrons of two types of aircraft. Similarly, the rest of the war equipment was not only old but also limited in number. But today, equipped with the best and most modern aircrafts from around the world and next generation equipment, the Indian Air Force has transformed itself," he said Referring to the recent collaboration of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) with the French company Safran Helicopter Engines, the Minister said that the country has transformed itself from being only an importer of arms and equipment to a nation which today exports arms and equipment to about 90 countries. He also added, "Domestic defence sector has taken strong steps towards indigenisation in the manufacturing of weapons, platforms, aircraft, etc. Today we have become self-reliant to a greater extent in the manufacturing of Light Combat Aircraft, Sensors, Radars and in executing electronic warfare." Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat also graced the Distinguished Visitors' Day event at the Tarang Shakti exercise. Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Air Staff (CAS) Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Adm Dinesh K Tripathi, and senior military leaders from friendly foreign nations also attended the event. The event showcased a display by the Agniveervayu Women Air Warrior Drill Team (AWDT) and demonstrations from the LCA Tejas, LCH Prachand, Sarang & SKAT teams. Later in the day, the Defence Minister inaugurated the prestigious International Defence and Aerospace Expo (IDAX-24), which showcased India's commitment to indigenous defence manufacturing and aerospace innovation. The event saw enthusiastic participation from various startups, MSMEs, and major aeronautical companies, with sixty-eight industry players presenting cutting-edge defence technologies. With participation from seven nations and twenty-one observer countries in phase two of the exercise, IDAX-24 underscored international collaboration, fostering dialogue, cooperation, and the exchange of expertise, further strengthening India's global standing in defence and aerospace. (ANI)
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Brajesh Pathak hit out at Samajawadi Party (SP) on Thursday over allegations made by SP chief Akhilesh Yadav, who accused the BJP government in the state of making Uttar Pradesh the 'capital of fake encounters'. "Since 2017, law and order in Uttar Pradesh have improved. The general public is living in a fair and fear-free environment," the Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister said, reiterating that the 'job of the government' is to curb crime. The development comes after Akhilesh Yadav said that the government has targeted most people of Pichde, Dalit & Alpasankhyak (PDA) families in the many encounters. "In Uttar Pradesh, fingers have been raised on many encounters...The government has targeted most people of PDA families in the many encounters. BJP has made Uttar Pradesh the capital of fake encounters," said Yadav. Speaking on the recent encounter that took place in Sultanpur, Brajesh Pathak said, "The encounter incident in Sultanpur has led the opposition to raise questions. The opposition is portraying these criminals as their own." "The criminals who were involved were either killed or arrested in the police encounter," he added. Attacking the Samajwadi Party, Pathak, went on to say that SP chief did not support the person who was the victim of the crime or murder in the Sultanpur incident. "Samajwadi Party is claiming that the encounters are being conducted based on caste" Brajesh Pathak said, clarifying that the police have conducted a serious investigation, gathered evidence, and arrested the criminals. "In the Sultanpur robbery incident, the police arrested the criminals, and one was killed in an encounter and more than two and a half kilogrammes of gold have been recovered from the criminals" Brajesh Pathak added. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also slammed the BJP government over alleged encounters in the state. "The encounter of Mangesh Yadav in Sultanpur has once again proved that the BJP does not believe in the 'Rule of Law'. Professional forces like STF are being run like 'criminal gangs' under the BJP government, the silence of the Central government on this is their clear agreement on this 'thoko policy'. Dozens of encounters of UP STF are under question. Has any action been taken against any of those officers till date? After all, who is saving them and why. Touching the Constitution in front of cameras is just a pretence when your own governments are openly tearing it to pieces," Rahul Gandhi wrote in a post on X. (ANI)
Baramulla Lok Sabha MP Engineer Rashid, after being released on interim bail, met with the people of Baramulla on Thursday. The bail was granted by Delhi's special NIA court on Tuesday to allow Rashid, accused in a terror funding case, to campaign for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections. Speaking to reporters, Baramulla MP said that the most important thing is to find a solution to the 'Kashmir issue.' "For me, the issue is not Assembly elections but to find a solution to Kashmir issue is most important," Rashid said. Rashid further exuded confidence in his party Awami Itihad Party (AIP) securing a mandate. "Awami Itihad Party (AIP) will get a complete mandate," Rashid said. Earlier, speaking to media in Kashmir, Rashid said that he would not accept the decision taken by the Prime Minister on August 5 on the abrogation of Article 370, and that he was sure that Kashmir would win. Rashid Engineer said, "I am very grateful that you all are supporting me. I just want to tell everyone that Kashmir is not weak. The people of Kashmir will win. We do not accept the decisions that were taken by the Prime Minister on August 5." On September 12, after being granted bail, Rashid Engineer said that the election is important as Kashmir is at a crucial stage. Lashing out at the centre, he said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of 'Naya Kashmir' would collapse. "I will just say that truth will prevail. I hope for the justice. The election is important as Kashmir is at a crucial stage. The people of J&K will successfully fight for justice as they are united. PM Modi's so-called vision of 'Naya Kashmir' will fail," he said. In 2005, Rashid was arrested by the Special Operations Group (SOG) in Srinagar for allegedly supporting militants. He was held for three months and 17 days on charges of anti-national activities and incarcerated in various prisons, including Cargo, Humhama, and Raj Bagh. However, the Chief Judicial Magistrate of Srinagar later dropped all charges against him on humanitarian grounds. In August 2019, Rashid was again arrested under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). While incarcerated, he filed his nomination for the 2024 parliamentary elections from jail and won by a margin of 204,000 votes, defeating former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. (ANI)
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal visited the Mormugao Port on Thursday to inspect the upcoming International Cruise Terminal. He toured the construction site of the new terminal building and experienced the port's state-of-the-art facilities with a yacht ride. Also, as part of the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' initiative, the Minister also planted a sapling in the premises of the Mormugao Port. "With the new Cruise Terminal at Mormugao Port, we are setting a benchmark for excellence, aiming to provide the kind of facilities that will help us meet our target of 1.5 million cruise tourists by 2030," Sonowal said. Sonowal briefed the media about the 20th Maritime State Development Council (MSDC) meeting, which is set to take place in Goa tomorrow. He further mentioned, "Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Modi, MoPSW is advancing ambitious projects worth Rs 24,000 crore in Goa under Sagarmala to transform India's maritime sector. The Maritime State Development Council will review the progress of these initiatives, including the Maritime India Vision 2030 and Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, as we align with our future targets. By bringing all stakeholders from coastal states together, MoPSW aims to create world-class infrastructure." The Union Minister will also preside over the 20th meeting of the Maritime State Development Council (MSDC), set to take place on 12th and 13th September 2024 in Goa. This crucial event will bring together Chief Ministers, Senior Ministers from Coastal States, and Administrators of Union Territories (UTs). Senior officials from all nine coastal states, four UTs, and representatives from various Union government ministries and departments will also be in attendance. The 20th MSDC meeting will address several key maritime initiatives critical to India's maritime future. A primary focus will be the review of the Sagarmala Programme, assessing its progress and outlining future plans to drive port-led development. Strategic discussions will also be held on the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) in Lothal, Gujarat, highlighting efforts to preserve and showcase India's rich maritime history. Another topic of discussion will be the development of the country's inland waterway network, with proposals aimed at enhancing cargo and passenger transport also being evaluated. Additionally, the meeting will deliberate on improving road and rail connectivity to ports, facilitating smoother movement of goods and passengers. Innovative state-led initiatives will also be showcased, including Kerala Maritime Board's strategies to monetise dredging activities, Gujarat Maritime Board's urban development projects linked to port activity, and Andhra Pradesh Maritime Board's comprehensive master plan for maritime growth. Environmental sustainability will be a key theme of the meeting, with a special focus on reducing pollution at Goa Port by curbing the handling of dirty cargo. The discussions align with broader efforts to promote cleaner, more sustainable port operations and enhance Goa's appeal as a destination for both tourists and residents. In addition, discussions will be held on the compliance status of Major and Non-Major ports, strategic plans to boost the shipbuilding and ship repair industries, the review of Sagar Aankalan guidelines, and improvements to the port ranking system in India. The MSDC, established in 1997, serves as the apex advisory body for the development of India's maritime sector. The primary aim of the body is to promote the integrated growth of Major and Non-Major ports in close coordination with state governments. The Council, chaired by the Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, comprises of ministers responsible for ports from all maritime states, administrators of UTs, and key stakeholders, including representatives from the Navy, Coast Guard, and other agencies. This pivotal gathering reaffirms the government's commitment to advancing India's maritime infrastructure, boosting port connectivity, and fostering sustainable growth for the maritime sector. The integration of Minor Ports with Major Ports and new proposals for roads, railways, and Inland Water Transport (IWT) will pave the way for a robust maritime economy. (ANI)
Senior Advocate and Supreme Court Bar Association President Kapil Sibal criticised the publicisation of a private event held at the residence of the Chief Justice and attended by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi. PM Modi attended the Ganesh Puja ceremony at CJI DY Chandrachud's residence on Wednesday, inviting criticism from the opposition. Addressing a press conference in Delhi on Thursday in this regard, Kapil Sibal said, "I have been in the Supreme Court and this institution for over 50 years. I have seen the greatest of judges both past and present. And we are passionate about the institution. Not passionate about any individual, but about the institution. I have great respect for the President, Chief Justice. I can say without any hesitation that he is a man of great personal integrity. But I was really surprised when I saw this clip that was going viral. And I have some issues on principle." He suggested that the Chief Justice might not have been aware that the event would be made public. "No public functionary, whoever it may be, especially those who hold the highest office in the country. The President of India, the Prime Minister of India, the Chief Justice of India, and whoever should not publicise a private event. I'm sure that maybe the Chief Justice may not have known that this was being publicised," he added. Sibal highlighted concerns that the public sharing of the event could send the wrong message and fuel unnecessary speculation. "The Prime Minister of India should never have shown his interest in going to such a private event because the Prime Minister and those who must have, those he must have consulted, should and must have told him that this may send a wrong signal," Sibal said. He stressed that the issue is not individual, but what impact such a clip has on the minds of people. "And if there is gossip around it, then it is not fair to the institution. You should not lend yourself to a situation, to be in a situation where people can gossip about the institution and start speculating," he added. Sibal also emphasised the importance of keeping the privacy of such events, stressing the "unnecessary and harmful" debates regarding the institution ignited through it. "My religion and my way of expressing myself in the context of my beliefs is a private matter. It's not a public matter. Therefore, there should be no videography, or photographs, which then should be allowed to be made public. That's just not on, especially in the context of people holding the highest positions in the country. What happens is that it sort of ignites a debate that is unnecessary and harmful to the institution," he said. "There may be nothing behind it. There'll be no motivation behind it. But there is speculation because of this, which is not good for the institution," he added. He also raised concerns about the implications such events have for the judiciary at all levels. "Lastly, the court is deciding day in and day out issues relating to executives' actions. The highest court of the country. And if this kind of viral clip is circulated then it may have implications which are not fair to the individuals concerned and yet institutionally they do harm. And the last point I wish to say is that once you do this, what message does it send to those in the high courts in India and to the judiciary functioning at various levels in the country? They also look upon these things and therefore that sends a signal, that sends a signal which is also unfortunate," he said. Sibal also urged the Prime Minister "not to make spectacle" of such events. "So my view is that it should have, it should best have been avoided. At the same time, I request the media individuals there, not to blow it out of proportion, not to start speculating personal motives. And I request the Prime Minister of India not to make a spectacle of these events because there have been Maharashtrian chief justices in the past. It's not the first time that there's a Chief Justice from Maharashtra," he said. "And in the context that there is going to be an election in Maharashtra, this is not an opportune time for the Prime Minister to have made a public spectacle of a private ceremony," he added. Sibal also clarified that his comments were made in his personal capacity and not as the president of the Bar Association of India. "I just want to clarify something. First of all, I am here not as the president of the Bar Association of India. In fact, I have not discussed it with any member of the Bar. I decided because my conscience told me that I must make a statement in my individual capacity. I have not discussed it with my executive committee, I have not discussed it with any member of the Bar," he said. (ANI)
Congress leader Pawan Khera on Thursday defended party chief Mallikarjun Kharge's 'jailed' statement and said that if not today then tomorrow, these people will indeed have to go behind bars. Khera said, "If not today, then tomorrow, these people will indeed have to go behind bars. The kind of things that they have done, they think they are safe, but they are not. They will go to jail." In a public meeting in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, Kharge mentioned the importance for the alliance and the supporters to be unafraid of the BJP. He also appealed to the party supporters to fight together and not blame each other. "They (BJP) used to say 400 paar, 400 paar, where are your 400 seats? They stopped at 240 this time. If we had 20 more seats, then all these people would have been in jail, and they deserve to be there. So I appeal to everyone to not get angry, but instead fight. Your captain is strong, and unafraid, everyone here is unafraid. The leaders are here to help solve any problem in Jammu and Kashmir. We need to win, we need to fight together, but while fighting, we should not blame each other," he said. Meanwhile, BJP leaders in Jammu have expressed strong objections against Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's remark. In response to the same, BJP leader, Prem Shukla, while speaking to ANI, said, former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi lodged thousands of opposition leaders in jail without any charge during the emergency and Kharge is also planning to do the same. "In 1975, Indira Gandhi, lodged thousands of opposition leaders, without any charge, into jail. Mallikarjun Kharge, under the directions of Rahul Gandhi, is dreaming about the emergency to be reimposed," Shukla told ANI. Polling for Jammu and Kashmir is scheduled to be held in three phases: September 18, September 25 and October 1. The counting of votes is scheduled for October 8. (ANI)
"The Indian Army, in a joint operation along with Manipur Police, CRPF, and BSF, had launched an extensive 48-hour operation, giving a decisive blow to warring groups in Manipur. These joint efforts resulted in the recovery of significant quantities of arms, ammunition, and other war-like stores in the Churachandpur district," a press release said.

Acting on specific information, in the Maulsang area of Churachandpur District, the Army along with Manipur Police and CRPF recovered one 7.62mm AK Series Assault Rifle with the magazine, three medium-sized countries improvised mortar (Pompi), and other war-like stores on Wednesday.

On Thursday, in a thickly forested area south-west of Shejang, in Kangpokpi district, the Army in coordination with Manipur Police and BSF, recovered one modified M-16 rifle, one 7.5 feet country rocket, one large country-made mortar, ammunition, and other war-like stores.

According to the press release, the recovered stores have been handed over to the police for further investigation and disposal.

The operation marks a significant step in neutralizing the threat posed by these inimical groups, reaffirming the commitment of Security Forces towards peace in the region. (ANI)
An affable leader with cross-party political connections, Sitaram Yechury was among the most prominent Left leaders in the country, known as much for his sharp and knowledgeable parliamentary interventions as for the role in giving shape to pragmatic alliances to forge his party's political objectives. Evidently the most popular among CPI-M leaders, Yechury had a clout in national politics which continued despite the receding fortunes of his own party. Yechury joined the Communist Party of India (Marxist) in 1975 and rose in the party ranks with his skills, knowledge and articulation. He was among the leaders arrested during the Emergency. Born in Chennai on August 12, 1952, Yechury did his schooling in Hyderabad and later moved to Delhi for higher studies. He studied at St Stephen's College of Delhi University and joined JNU for his post-graduation. A brilliant student, he secured a first class in both his undergraduate and post-graduate degrees in economics. Yechury began his political innings in 1974 as a member of the Students' Federation of India (SFI). He was thrice elected as President of the JNU Students Union in a span of two years. Yechury was SFI president from 1984 to 1986 and played an important role in expanding the reach of the student organisation across states. Elected as CPI(M) general secretary in 2015, Sitaram Yechury was the party's topmost leader, a well-known Marxist ideologue apart from being a key leader of the Left movement. With India seeing significant changes in its political landscape from the eighties, Yechury played an important role in formulating CPI-M's political positions. A member of Rajya Sabha for two terms from 2005 to 2017, he was an effective parliamentarian whose speeches and interventions were eagerly watched. A recipient of the Best Parliamentarian award in 2017, Yechury's dexterity with words, profoundness of arguments and quick wit earned respect from political opponents. Late BJP leader Arun Jaitey, who was his contemporary, had said that Yechury raised the level of debate in Rajya Sabha which also encouraged others to measure up to the same standard. A polyglot, Yechury was elected to the CPI-M Central Committee in 1985 and continued in the role. He was elected to the Central Secretariat in 1989 and to the Politburo in 1992. Yechury was the Editor of CPI-M's weekly paper, People's Democracy, for over two decades. He was also a prolific writer. As head of the International Department of the CPI-M Central Committee, he strengthened relations with socialist countries. A leader with a sense of humour, amiable temperament and a ready smile, Yechury had friends across the political spectrum and was widely respected for his political integrity and commitment. The Left Front along with socialist parties formed the United Front governments following a fractured verdict in the 1996 Lok Sabha polls and Yechury worked on a common minimum programme for the new government. Along with his fellow traveller Prakash Karat, Yechury had opposed a proposal to make then West Bengal Chief Minister Jyoti Basu the Prime Minister. Basu was to later describe it as a 'historic blunder. In 2004, CPI-M recorded its best performance in the Lok Sabha polls, winning 43 seats and Yechury played a key part in the Left parties extending their support to the Congress-led United Progressive alliance (UPA) government. While defending the Left parties' decision to oppose the India-US nuclear deal during the first UPA government, Yechury later said that they could not convert it into a people's issue and should have withdrawn support on an issue that resonated more with the people such as price rise. Ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, Yechury had advocated the need to keep the possibility of the understanding with Congress open but his proposal did not find support apparently of the group led by Karat and the party's central committee rejected the proposal. In his political journey, Yechury was influenced by leaders such as P Sundaraiah, M Basavapunnaiah and EMS Namboodiripad. Seen as a promising talent, he was also mentored by Harkishan Singh Surjeet, who had wide cross-party connections. Political leaders paid glowing tributes to Yechury following his demise with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi describing him a friend. "Sitaram Yechuryji was a friend. A protector of the Idea of India with a deep understanding of our country. I will miss the long discussions we used to have. My sincere condolences to his family, friends, and followers in this hour of grief," Rahul Gandhi said in a post on X. Expressing her sadness at the passing away of Sitaram Yechuryji, former Congress president Sonia Gandhi said they had worked closely together during 2004-08 to begin with and the friendship that had been established then continued till his very end. She said Yechury played a pivotal role in UPA-1 and more recently contributed enormously to the emergence of the INDIA group in the run up to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Sonia Gandhi also said that Yechury was uncompromising in his commitment to the values of the country's Constitution, was fierce in his determination to protect India's diversity and was a powerful champion of secularism. "He was, of course, a life-long communist but that faith was anchored in democratic values," she said. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said Yechury was a very fine human being, a multilingual bibliophile, an unrepentant Marxist with a pragmatic streak, a pillar of the CPM, and a superb Parliamentarian with a wonderful wit and sense of humour. "Our association stretched over three decades, and we collaborated closely at different occasions. He had friends across the political spectrum and was admired for the strength of his convictions and for his most engaging personality. Salaam Tovarish. You have left us much too early but you enriched public life immeasurably and will not be forgotten," Ramesh said in a post on X . The CPI-M said the untimely demise of Yechury at this crucial juncture in the national politics is a big blow for the party and "a grievous loss for the Left, democratic and secular forces". (ANI)
Two accused who were arrested in connection with assault on an Army officer and his friend in Madhya Pradesh's Indore district were produced before Mhow court and sent on five-day police remand, a police official said. Badgonda police station in-charge Lokendra Singh said, "Two accused identified as Pawan Vasunia (23) and Anil Barud (27), residents of Manpur, were produced before the court seeking police remand. On which the court sent them on police remand for five days." Now, the accused will be interrogated regarding the incident and efforts to nab the remaining four other accomplices are on, he added. Notably, a young Army officer of the Military Headquarters of Warfare (Mhow) Infantry School, along with his friend, was assaulted by 7-8 unknown assailants and one of their two women friends was allegedly sexually assaulted, states the FIR. Earlier in the day, Indore Rural SP Hitika Vasal told ANI that 10 police teams conducted investigations and identified six accused. Two of them were arrested, and efforts were underway to arrest the remaining four. "10 police teams carried out investigations and police identified six named accused. 2 of them have been arrested. Efforts are underway to nab the remaining 4, they will be caught at the earliest," she told ANI. SP Hitika Vasal told ANI that the incident occurred at the Army firing range in Indore on Wednesday. SP Vasal also said that the complainant said that their female friend was taken to a corner and he heard her screams, which made them suspect that something untoward had happened to her. "Police received information on Wednesday that four people visited an Army firing range late at night. An incident of two people being thrashed occurred there. The two others were told to bring Rs 10 lakhs. The complainant said that their female friend was taken to a corner and then he heard her screams. The complainant suspects that something untoward must have happened to her. A police team reached the spot immediately and upon spotting them, the accused escaped," she said. SP Vasal stated that the women's statements have not yet been recorded. Once recorded, further action will be taken. (ANI)
Addressing the two-day Collector Conference at the New Circuit House in Raipur, Chattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said that over the past nine months, significant efforts have been made to transform the state with the implementation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's guarantees, an official release said. However, he emphasized that more dedicated efforts are required to realize the vision of a developed Chhattisgarh. Chief Minister Sai instructed the collectors to ensure that all government schemes are implemented with full transparency, ensuring that their benefits reach the last eligible individual in society. The Chief Minister urged officials to work towards achieving the saturation targets in all flagship schemes. He expressed strong displeasure over reports of misconduct by government officials towards the general public and school students in some districts. He directed the officials to address public grievances with utmost sensitivity and resolve them at the earliest. Emphasizing the need for decorum in the conduct of officials, he instructed collectors to ensure that officials interact with the public in a respectful manner, warning that strict action should be taken against any subordinate officer who fails to maintain appropriate language and behavior. CM Sai further stated that local issues must be resolved at the district level to avoid unnecessary travel by citizens to the state capital for minor problems. The district administration should be proactive in resolving public issues brought to their attention by representatives. During the review of the Revenue Department, Sai said that this department is closely connected with the common people and farmers. Timely resolution of revenue cases without unnecessary delays enhances the image of the government. He instructed officials to address minor land-related issues and errors with full sensitivity within the stipulated time frame. Chief Minister expressed dissatisfaction over the slow pace of resolving revenue cases in the districts of Sarangarh-Bilaigarh, Bastar, and Khairagarh-Chhuikhadan-Gandai. He inquired about the status of undisputed and disputed land transfers, account divisions, demarcations, error corrections, diversions, unsurveyed villages, and land mapping in each district. He further instructed that districts with less than 70% progress in resolving revenue cases must pay special attention to the matter. Disputed partition cases should not remain pending for more than six months, and demarcation cases should be resolved promptly. He also directed all commissioners to regularly visit their subordinate districts to review the status of revenue case resolutions. Highlighting the state's achievements, the Chief Minister stated that Chhattisgarh has recently been sanctioned 8,46,931 houses under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. He pointed out that this program had significantly lagged during the previous government, and now, efforts must be intensified to complete the housing projects. Additionally, the state has decided to provide houses to approximately 47,000 homeless families under the Mukhyamantri Awas Yojana, which will also be executed with urgency. Sai emphasized that the ongoing cleanliness survey in the state requires focused efforts to ensure that Chhattisgarh's villages and panchayats meet all standards. He highlighted the importance of MGNREGA as an excellent means of employment generation and urged officials to develop useful infrastructure in rural areas through the scheme. He also expressed dissatisfaction with the low generation of workdays under MGNREGA in the Bastar district and instructed collectors to focus on promoting self-help groups in rural areas and ensure proper arrangements for their training and bank linkages. The Chief Minister instructed that the problems in panchayats be addressed through extensive inspections and emphasized the need for rapid construction of houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, as this is the government's top priority. He mentioned that the first installment of funds under this scheme would be released by the Prime Minister on 15 September. During the review of the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Kaushal Vikas Yojana, the Chief Minister expressed displeasure over the lack of progress in the districts of Khairagarh, Sarangarh, Sakti, and Raigarh, stating that this situation was unacceptable. In reviewing the state's healthcare services, the Chief Minister stressed the need for effective measures to combat kidney diseases in the Supabeda region of Gariaband district and suggested bringing in specialists from Delhi if necessary. He also instructed that the Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Program be implemented across all districts, ensuring its benefits reach patients. He emphasized achieving 100% Ayushman Bharat enrolment within the next six months and ensuring the smooth operation of PM Jan Aushadhi Kendras. Additionally, he reviewed the progress of the TB elimination program, commending Raipur and Bilaspur districts for their achievements, and directed other districts to accelerate their efforts in this regard. The Chief Minister also reviewed the performance of the Education Department, expressing displeasure over delays in the distribution of bicycles under the Saraswati Cycle Scheme in some districts. He instructed collectors to ensure the timely distribution of bicycles at the start of the academic session. Noting that Sukma and Balrampur districts had not yet distributed bicycles, he stated that such negligence would not be tolerated. During the review of the Tribal Development Department, Sai stressed ensuring 100% coverage of beneficiaries under the Prime Minister's Jan Man Yojana. He highlighted the need for improvement in the distribution of forest rights pattas in Kabirdham district and instructed districts with less than 80% digitalization of records to expedite their work. Special attention was also directed towards improving conditions in hostels and ashrams, with collectors being asked to personally inspect these institutions and ensure adherence to the prescribed food menu. In reviewing the Women and Child Development Department, the Chief Minister described the Maternity Vandan Yojana as a flagship scheme of the government, emphasizing that no eligible woman should be left out. He directed that the implementation of the PM Matru Vandan Yojana be accelerated and reiterated the collective goal of eradicating malnutrition in the state. Special efforts by the department are necessary to achieve this goal. The Collector-SP Conference was attended by Chief Secretary Amitabh Jain, Additional Chief Secretary Manoj Pingua, Secretary of the General Administration Department Anbalgan P., Secretaries to the Chief Minister Rahul Bhagat and P. Dayanand, along with divisional commissioners, district collectors, CEOs of district panchayats, and commissioners of municipal corporations. (ANI)
The Slovak government has approved the purchase of six batteries of Israel Aerospace Industries Barak MX surface-to-air missile system for 554 million. This acquisition marks a significant upgrade from Slovakias Soviet-era 2K12 KUB systems, offering multi-layered defense against various aerial threats. An intergovernmental agreement is expected by October 2024, with deliveries starting in late 2025. The deal includes provisions for domestic missile production and a comprehensive support package. This modernization enhances Slovakias NATO interoperability and strengthens the alliances eastern flank.

Australia Bolsters Military Mobility with AUD22M Polaris DAGOR Vehicle Contract

The Commonwealth of Australia has awarded an AUD22 million (USD14.6M) contract to Polaris Australia for DAGOR off-road tactical vehicles. The Australian Defence Force will receive three variants of the vehicle: transport, expeditionary reconnaissance, and cargo, to support joint missions worldwide. Polaris will deliver the vehicles over the next two years, integrating standard and locally engineered components at their Melbourne facility. The DAGOR vehicles, designed for rapid air transportability and high payload capacity, are already used by U.S., Canadian, and European forces. This acquisition aims to enhance tactical mobility and interoperability among allied forces.

U.S. Army Showcases Patria NEMO Mortar System, Advancing Armored Brigade Capabilities

The U.S. Army demonstrated the Patria NEMO 120 mm Turreted Mortar System at the Maneuver Warfighter Conference in Fort Moore, Georgia, on September 10, 2024. The system, integrated into a U.S.-made Armoured Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV) and Fire Direction System, successfully performed various fire missions using U.S. mortar ammunition. This demonstration marks a significant milestone in the cooperation between the U.S. Army and Patria, which began with a feasibility study in 2020. The Patria NEMO system aims to provide Armoured and Stryker Brigade Combat Teams with improved indirect and direct fire capabilities while enhancing crew protection.

Thales 70mm Rocket System Proves Effective in C-UAS Role, Polish Production Planned

Thales Belgium and Polska Amunicja have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to produce 70mm rocket motors in Poland for the FZ70 rocket system. Recent tests have demonstrated the systems effectiveness in counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) engagements at a range of 1-3 km and an altitude of 2.5 km. Unlike FZ275 laser-guided rocket (LGR) variant, this FZ123 rocket uses an electronic time fuze to detonate the warhead near the target, dispersing a cloud of shrapnel balls. The FZ70 system can be integrated into various platforms, including helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, naval vessels, and land vehicles. Thales is also collaborating with WB GROUP to potentially integrate the system with WBs TOPAZ fire control system and FONET digital communication platform, enhancing its versatility and effectiveness in modern combat scenarios.

France Bolsters Deep Strike Capabilities with Reactivation of 19th Artillery Brigade

The French Army reactivated the 19th Artillery Brigade (19e B.ART) in Strasbourg on September 4, 2024, as part of the new Deep Operations and Intelligence Command (CAPR). This move enhances Frances deep strike and intelligence capabilities, combining the 1st, 54th, and 61st Artillery Regiments with advanced drone operations. The brigade is set to operate future long-range artillery systems and integrate Patroleur UAS operations. This reactivation is part of a broader transformation of Frances land forces, aimed at improving its ability to conduct complex, multi-domain operations and maintain its status as a leading military force.

Rafael Showcases Cutting-Edge Force Protection Technologies Transforming Modern Warfare

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems has highlighted several game-changing innovations in force protection that are reshaping modern combat. Active Protection Systems like Trophy are enhancing armored vehicle survivability against anti-tank threats. Integrated Air and Missile Defense systems combine multiple layers of defense with advanced radar and command capabilities. Developing directed energy weapons, particularly high-energy lasers, provides new options for countering aerial threats. Network-centric warfare and AI and machine learning integration improve situational awareness and decision-making speed. Unmanned systems are increasingly used for reconnaissance and support, while cyber and electronic warfare capabilities have become crucial in networked military environments. These advancements are collectively enhancing survivability, improving battlefield awareness, and increasing the precision of military operations.

Brazil Reshapes Artillery Plans: Lula Blocks Israeli Deal, Explores European Alternatives

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil has unexpectedly blocked the acquisition of 36 ATMOS 2000 howitzers from Israels Elbit Systems, disrupting the countrys artillery modernization plans. In response, Brazil is exploring alternatives, including a potential deal for the Slovakian-made Zuzana 2 howitzer through a partnership between Czech firm Excalibur International and Brazilian company Avibras. The French Nexter CAESAR system has also re-emerged as a possible option. This shift highlights the complex and sensitive geopolitics and domestic politics Israeli defense companies face in the international market, particularly since the break of the IsraelHamas war on 7 October 2023.

Rolls-Royce and FFG Partner to Modernize Leopard 1 Tanks with New Engine

Rolls-Royce and FFG have partnered to develop a concept for repowering the Wisent 1 and Leopard 1 tank family with the advanced mtu 8V199 engine. This upgrade aims to replace the discontinued MB838 engine, offering improved performance, lower fuel consumption, and reduced emissions. The project includes integrating the new engine with a RENK transmission to create a complete powerpack solution. Initial testing is set for 2025, with the first vehicles expected to be equipped by 2026, extending the service life of the Leopard 1 family while enhancing its capabilities. Ukraine uses those tanks and heavy engineering vehicles extensively, and new engines will be required to keep them operational.

RENK and QinetiQ Partner to Advance Electric Drive Systems for Military Vehicles

RENK Group and QinetiQ have formed a strategic partnership to develop and integrate electric drive solutions for military vehicles. The collaboration combines RENKs power transmission expertise with QinetiQs electric drive technology to create innovative propulsion systems for future military platforms. This joint effort aims to enhance vehicle performance, efficiency, and sustainability through electrification, addressing the growing demand for electric and hybrid drive systems in the defense sector. Initial testing of the new technologies is expected to begin shortly, with the partnership focusing on accelerating the development of advanced electric drive technologies for military applications.

Iran Delivers Short-Range Ballistic Missiles to Russia for Ukraine Conflict, Escalating Military Cooperation

Iran has supplied Russia with Fath 360 close-range ballistic missiles for potential use in Ukraine, according to Pentagon officials. Considered the Iranian GMLRS, these missiles have a 75-mile range, travel at Mach 3-4 speeds, and carry a 150kg warhead. Russia reportedly contracted for hundreds of these missiles, with the first batch now delivered after Russian personnel trained in Iran. Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder called this a deeply concerning development. This transfer represents a significant escalation in Irans support for Russias war efforts, with Iran also supplying attack drones and other lethal aid. Moscow plans to elevate its defense ties with Tehran to a strategic partnership that could also span exchanging information on nuclear and space technology with Iran.

India Successfully Tests 4,000 km Range Agni-4 Missile, Enhancing Strategic Deterrence

India successfully test-launched its Agni-4 intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) from the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha, on September 6, 2024. The two-stage, solid-fueled missile has a range of approximately 4,000 kilometers and can carry a 1,000 kg payload, including both conventional and nuclear warheads. This test, conducted under the Strategic Forces Command, validates the missiles operational and technical parameters, reinforcing Indias nuclear deterrence strategy. The Agni-4s road-mobile platform enhances its survivability and operational flexibility. This successful launch demonstrates Indias growing proficiency in missile technology and its commitment to maintaining a credible minimum deterrence capability, aligning with its no-first-use nuclear doctrine.

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The implementation of the trilateral agreement brokered by Russia on the night of November 9-10, 2020, between Armenia and Azerbaijan continues in fits and starts. Most near-term questions have been resolved. How intermediate-term issues turn out depend upon the results of the snap parliamentary elections called in June by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. As for the longer-term outcome, this is more difficult to estimate, and it is path-dependent upon those elections. In this regard, events on the groundbut not only the electionsare still in control, even if these are no longer military events.

BACKGROUND: Many of the provisions for ceasefire have been implemented. Armenian forces have been withdrawn from Agdam, Kelbajar, and Lachin, although Armenia still sends servicemen to Karabakh, as is evident from a recent demonstration against the practice, held in Yerevan by the parents and grandparents of army recruits themselves. The Russian peacekeeping contingent has been deployed as foreseen, and the peacekeeping center to enforce the agreement has been established as intended. Only a few Armenians elsewhere in Azerbaijan are returning to Karabakh, but ethnic Azerbaijanis who are internally displaced persons and refugees cannot get back to areas in Karabakh that are under Russian peacekeeping administration, such as Khojaly. There are some disputes over the implementation of the exchange of prisoners of war, hostages, and other detainees as well as the remains of the dead.

Armenia contends that Azerbaijan still detains about 200 prisoners-of-war (POWs). According to Azerbaijan, these individuals were not captured during the conflict itself but infiltrated the de-occupied territories after the cessation of hostilities as guerrillas and saboteurs. As such, they would not be considered POWs under the international law of war. Moreover, since they were captured after the signature of the November agreement, they could not be covered by it.

There is also a political dispute inside Armenia over the creation of the Zangezur Corridor between Nakhichevan and the main body of Azerbaijan, foreseen in the ceasefire agreement. The ceasefire agreement mandates that existing economic and transport ties should be unblocked. The ceasefire document also mandates the construction of a road from Khankendi across Lachin to the Armenian border, which would not pass under the mountaintop city of Shusha. This would relieve pressure on the existing Lachin Corridor by making it less strategic, although the agreement provides for the subsequent redeployment of the Russian peacekeeping contingent to guard the new route.

Former Armenian President Robert Kocharyan has returned to the political arena following his acquittal on charges brought by Pashinyans justice ministry. He has vowed to campaign against the implementation of the Zangezur Corridor, a position amounting to renunciation of one of the points of the original November 2020 ceasefire agreement. However, the Armenian railway system is owned by the Russian railway system. Thus, the Russian railroads are at liberty to rehabilitate the old line linking Azerbaijan with Nakhichevan, following Russian state policy, should they wish to do so. This line would in fact be to Russias advantage, first because it would provide a direct link with Turkey through Azerbaijan, and second because the Russian FSBs Border Service would control the transport communication. This would provide Russia with another sensitive strategic point through which it could exert pressure on Azerbaijan (and Armenia).

IMPLICATIONS: The Zangezur Corridor, which Kocharyan opposes, is in Russias interest. Indeed, Russia is in the region for no other reason than to seek its own advantage. The Russian military in Azerbaijan is not a peacekeeping force in the true sense of the word: it is primarily concerned with Russias national interests in the region, which for the moment coincide with keeping the peace (more or less), albeit in a tenuous state that suggests a need for Russias continued presence. The Zangezur Corridor, however, cannot be unblocked without Turkey, so Armenia will need to reconcile with the opening of its Turkish border, now that events on the ground have satisfied Ankaras condition (i.e., the end of the Armenian occupation of Karabakh) for its opening.

Kocharyan is a personal friend of Putin and is a known quantity in Moscow. But it is not a foregone conclusion that Russia moves to tip the balance in his favor in the snap parliamentary elections that Pashinyan has called for Armenia in June. In fact, he may be a too well-known quantity to Moscow, and not what they exactly prefer at the moment. As a member of the Karabakhi clan that dominated Armenian politics for over two decades up until Pashinyans election in 2018, Kocharyan typifieseven personifiesthe principal conundrum of the dominant Armenian worldview, which is encouraged by a diaspora that need not suffer its now-evident disastrous consequences. It is entirely possible that Russia supports Kocharyan only just enough so that he significantly reduces Pashinyans current majority (or even forces the latter into a minority government), constraining his margin of political maneuver while ensuring that the Zangezur Corridor is opened.

At the same time, Moscows relations with Baku are under strain due to the discovery of pieces of an Iskander-M missile in Shusha. The version of the missile that Armenian armed forces received is the Iskander-E, which is the export version. The M version of this missile has a longer range and is reserved for use by Russian forces. This means that they were either launched by Russian forces from the Russian military base in Armenia at Gyumri, roughly 60 miles north-northwest of Yerevan and 160 miles northwest of Shusha, or that Russia sold or delivered the M version to Armenia.

CONCLUSIONS: The greatest long-term dangers to the peace process in Karabakh are the evolution of domestic Armenian politics, as described above, and the question of Russian policy. For example, there are unconfirmed reports that Moscow is giving or considering giving Russian passports to ethnic Armenians in Karabakh. It has used this tactic in the past in Transnistria, Abkhazia, and most notably South Ossetia. Azerbaijans Constitution provides that any citizen of Azerbaijan accepting a foreign citizenship loses Azerbaijani citizenship. Technically, under international law, a passport is only a travel document and not necessarily a proof of citizenship, unless the issuing countrys domestic law so provides; but in the case of Karabakh this may be a distinction without a difference. However, the distance from Khankendi to the nearest Russian border with Azerbaijan is about 75 miles, there is no direct route, and Azerbaijans second-largest city Ganja is on the way. Even if the attachment of Karabakh to Russia is unlikely, still one of the dangers of the present situation is a creeping political Ossetianization of that remaining part of Karabakh where the Russian troops are located (aside from the Lachin corridor).

Finally, a topic not directly covered in the ceasefire agreementthe rehabilitation of the formerly occupied territorieswill assume a higher profile as time goes on. The Armenian sides refusal to turn over minefield maps to the Azerbaijani side (an obligation under customary international humanitarian law) complicates the resettlement of internally displaced persons and refugees. This situation will increasingly be put into parallel with the ecological and environmental destruction wrought by 30 years of Armenian occupation, highlighted by the international media during the settlers evacuation of the seven administrative districts surrounding the old Nagorno-Karabakh territory. This poses significant difficulties not only for the resettlement of the original population but also for the very rehabilitation of the territories. Surveys carried out by European institutions even during the Armenian occupation noted these violations of the law of war. The international community will increasingly come to recognize the need to address such issues, just as in any post-conflict situation.

AUTHOR'S BIO:

Robert M. Cutler is a Fellow of the Canadian Global Affairs Institute.

Image Source: U.S. Army Europe photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Patrick Grieco accessed 5.11.2021
After Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya dissolved the state assembly on Thursday, the Congress Party claimed that the move was a desperate bid to avoid a constitutional crisis born out of the government's inaction. Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh wrote on X, "Haryana Governor today dissolved the state assembly to avert a constitutional crisis triggered by the state government's failure to convene an assembly session from March 13, 2024, a day after the swearing-in of the chief minister." "The assembly session was deliberately not called for six months because once the MLAs came to the House, it would have been proved once and for all that the BJP does not have a majority in the assembly," he added. Ramesh alleged that the Chief Minister remained in his post without the people's mandate, exuding confidence that after the declaration of results of the Haryana Assembly Polls, the BJP will have to adjust to the new reality. "The Chief Minister remained in his post even though he knew that he did not have the people's mandate. This is a tearing apart of democracy by a party that no longer understands how to live without a hold on power. But after October 8, 2024, they will have no choice but to adjust to the new reality," the Congress leader said. Earlier, Governor Dattatreya announced the dissolution of the Haryana Legislative Assembly with immediate effect on Thursday. "This action has been taken as per the powers conferred on the Governor under clause (2) subsection (b) of Article 174 of the Indian Constitution," the official Twitter handle of the Haryana government posted. Meanwhile, parties including Aam Aadmi Party, Congress, Bharatiya Janata Party, JJP (Jannayak Janta Party), and INLD (Indian National Lok Dal) have released their candidates list for the Haryana Assembly polls. The last date for filing nominations is September 12. The voting for the 90-member legislative assembly in Haryana will be held on October 5. Votes will be counted on October 8. (ANI)
The second Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation concluded on Thursday with the adoption of the Delhi Declaration. The two-day conference hosted by the Ministry of Civil Aviation in collaboration with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) at Bharat Mandapam ended with Prime Minister Narendra Modi announcing the unanimous passing of the Delhi Declaration. The conference saw the participation of delegates from 29 Countries Ministers and policymakers, and 8 International organisations, including ICAO as part of the conference. A significant milestone of the conference has been the formal adoption of the Delhi Declaration, a comprehensive framework aimed at enhancing regional cooperation, addressing emerging challenges, and fostering sustainable growth within the civil aviation sector. The Prime Minister shared the technological and infrastructural advancements made by India in the sector with the top civil aviation leaders of the Asia-Pacific region. The Prime Minister emphasised on making the sector more inclusive for women, he said, "In India, 15 percent of the pilots are women which is more than the global average of 5 percent and we have issued an advisory to further increase this number." The Prime Minister also spoke about the transformation in the aviation sector in India in the last ten years and said from being aviation-exclusive, India has become aviation-inclusive. Highlighting the crucial role of the civil aviation sector, he said the focus is on connecting people, culture and prosperity through the sector. The Prime Minister said that if we could connect all the holy places related to Lord Buddha across Asia and create an 'International Buddhist Circuit', it would benefit the civil aviation sector, the travellers, related countries and their economies as well. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu in his welcome address stated, "The Prime Minister's commitment to inclusivity and sustainability is evident, with initiatives like the 'Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam' campaign and the planting of 80 thousand saplings to commemorate ICAO's 80 years. Under his visionary leadership, India is set to achieve its goal of having 350-400 airports by 2047, positioning the nation as a key player in global aviation. Today, India not only supports but leads collaborative efforts, as exemplified during the COVID-19 pandemic. By delivering vaccines across Asia and the Pacific, India reinforced its commitment to 'One World, One Planet, One Future, One Family.'" Salvatore, President of Council of ICAO in his address expressed, "Our primary focus is to continue to pursue high levels of safety and security. We must remain focused on enhancing these fundamental aspects of aviation, not allowing ourselves to become complacent when we consider the very positive statistics." Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol in his participation at the conference remarked, "It is heartening to be part of deliberations on the crucial aspects of aviation ranging from aviation safety to air navigation and from security to green aviation." Vumlunmang Vualnam, Secretary, the Ministry of Civil Aviation, highlighted that a collaborative approach with all the stakeholders right from top civil aviation leaders to international organizations and startups can only lay a robust path ahead. Day 2 of the conference has been marked by several key highlights, including a presentation by ICAO on the establishment of the Pacific Small Island Developing States Liaison Office, aimed at supporting smaller nations in addressing aviation challenges. The Draft Asia Pacific Ministerial Declaration on Civil Aviation (Delhi Declaration) was presented and discussed, followed by its formal adoption after ministerial deliberations. Additionally, a ceremony was organised to commemorate the 80th anniversary of ICAO and the Chicago Convention, further highlighting the organization's role in shaping international aviation standards over the past eight decades. (ANI)
Democratic Progressive Azad Party Chief, Ghulam Nabi Azad, on Thursday advocated for independent candidates contesting in the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls. Addressing a public rally in Anantnag, Azad appealed that all the independent candidates should be made successful in the polls. "Democracy means a system where everyone has the right to become Chief Minister. Some people from my party have left, but they are good people. I appeal that all independent candidates should be made successful," he said. "The government of Mufti Sahab and mine was formed with the support of 22 independent candidates. I had 22 MLAs from Congress, and Mufti Sahab had 16, but the 22 independent candidates helped run our government for six years. Who says that independent candidates have no role in democracy?" Azad emphasised. Earlier in August, former Jammu and Kashmir minister Taj Mohiuddin announced his resignation from Azad's party. Mohiuddin told ANI over the phone that he would rejoin the Congress soon. He described his return to Congress as a "homecoming." People Democratic Party Chief Mehbooba Mufti and National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah, have raised concerns that these independent candidates can help BJP in key constituencies. Omar Abdullah said on September 8 that the BJP is keeping the door open for a post-poll alliance with parties such as the People's Conference and Apni Party. Addressing the party workers in the Shalbugh area of Ganderbal, Omar said, "During a press conference in Jammu yesterday, Home Minister Amit Shah was saying the names of parties with which they will not be forming a government. He didn't mention several parties, including Engineer Rashid's party, Apni Party, Peoples Conference.... This means that tomorrow, if the BJP wants, it can form the government with them." He further claimed that the BJP, if needed, will form a government with independent candidates. Omar Abdullah is contesting on two seats and independent candidates have also filed nominations against him. Notably, the 2024 Assembly elections will mark the first local elections in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370. Elections will be held in three phases in September and October - September 18, September 25, and October 1 and the counting of votes will take place on October 8. (ANI)
As Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel completes three years of governance in Gujarat, the state achieved many achievements in various fields under his leadership with significant strides in empowering women and uplifting their status in society. Patel took over as Chief Minister on September 13, 2021. In these three years, the Chief Minister has continuously taken forward the development journey of Gujarat started by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Under his leadership, both the G20 meetings in Gujarat and the 10th edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit have been successfully concluded. Presently, the state is also moving towards becoming the semiconductor hub and renewable energy hub of the country. The Gujarat government led by the Chief Minister is working with commitment to realize the vision of 'Developed India@2047' given by the Prime Minister with the goal of 'Developed Gujarat to Developed India'. Chief Minister Matrushakti Yojana was started to provide nutritious food to pregnant women and lactate mothers during the period of 270 days before delivery and 730 days from the birth of the child to 2 years after the woman conceives, i.e. a total of 1000 days. More than 5 lakh pregnant women and lactating mothers have benefited from this scheme. Nari Gaurav Policy-2024 was announced for women's empowerment. The scope of the Poshan Sudha Yojana, implemented to provide complete nutritious food to pregnant women and lactating mothers for one meal, was expanded and this scheme, which was implemented as an experiment in five tribal districts of Gujarat, has now been implemented in a total of 106 tehsils of all 14 tribal districts of the state. For the first time in the year 2023, the gender budget crossed Rs 1 lakh crore, and more than 200 schemes were made only women-centric, in the year 2024-25, a total of 804 schemes for women empowerment have been included in the gender budget and Rs 1 lakh 24 thousand 310 crores have been allocated for this. PM Modi, who is constantly striving for the empowerment of women, has implemented the 'Namo Drone Didi Yojana' in 2023 to advance women economically with the use of drones. Under this scheme, women in Gujarat are being trained to spray fertilisers and pesticides through drones using new technology in farming. (ANI)
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated a comprehensive Special Safety Audit of all Flying Training Organisations (FTOs) across India on Thursday. The audit aims to thoroughly assess the safety standards, operational procedures, and systemic deficiencies within flying training organisations to ensure the highest levels of safety and compliance. The audit will be conducted in three phases from September to November, 2024, covering a total of 33 FTOs. Phase 1 of the audit will cover 11 FTOs and will be conducted in September 2024. The last such special audit was conducted in 2022. This initiative follows a series of recent training aircraft incidents that have sparked concerns regarding the compliance of the training organisations with respect to the established aviation regulations and safety protocols. The special audit will scrutinise each FTO's adherence to DGCA's regulatory standards, including aircraft maintenance, airworthiness, and training operations. This safety audit will be focusing on various facets of an FTO's operations, such as training curriculum, flying training imparted to student pilots, and the overall supervision and assessment mechanisms employed by FTOs to ensure that trainees meet the required standards of proficiency before being certified to fly independently. The audit, among other aspects, will also take a close look at the operational oversight and maintenance protocols of the aircraft used for training purposes to ensure that all training aircraft are maintained to the highest standards, with no compromises on safety. A special safety audit aims to enforce corrective measures where necessary, enhancing the overall safety and effectiveness of flight training in India. On August 20, a training aircraft in Jamshedpur went missing after it took off from the Sonari airport. As per information from the officials, search operations had been launched in the Saraikela district after the training aircraft went missing after it took off from the Sonari airport. the neighbouring district of Purulia in West Bengal had also been informed and search operations were immediately launched by the Jamshedpur administration. (ANI)
Governor CV Ananda Bose has said that in "solidarity" with the Bengal society he would "socially boycott" Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and called her "Lady Macbeth of West Bengal". He said there is violence in the street, hospital, and cities in Bengal after the rape and murder incident at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, and the government has "failed in its duties" in assuaging the sentiments of the victim's parents and the society. "In solidarity with the Bengal society, I resolve that I will socially boycott the Chief Minister. Socially boycott means I will not be sharing any public platform with the Chief Minister nor will I participate in any public program which involves the Chief Minister. My role as Governor will be confined to the constitutional obligations. Nothing more, nothing less. I am deeply pained that serious allegations of a criminal nature have been levelled against the highest officer who is supposed to prevent crime in Kolkata, the Kolkata Police Commissioner," the Governor said in a video message released on Thursday. He said that CM Banerjee, who is also the Home Minister and Health Minister, has failed to maintain law and order in the state. "In my assessment, the government has failed in its duties in assuaging the sentiments of the parents and the society. The Home Minister has failed in her responsibility to maintain law and order. The Health Minister miserably failed to contain the liquidation of the medical system in the state. It is irony that the Health Minister happens to be the Home Minister. The Lady Macbeth of West Bengal holds the waters of Hoogly but cannot cleanse the tainted hands. The Home Minister is CM and CM is protesting instead of protecting. There is violence in the street, hospital, and cities," the Governor said. He said that the parents of the departed have already said that they have written not only to the Governor but also to the Chief Minister about the suspicious activities of the Commissioner of Police. "The scene of crime leads us to believe that he (Commissioner) was actively conniving in erasing the evidence. The Police Commissioner was not invited to Raj Bhawan on Independence Day but he gate-crushed which according to experts is criminal in nature. There was demand to take action against him for his alleged complicity in RG Kar crime. This was brought to the notice of CM but no action has been taken. Criminal action needs to be initiated against the Commissioner of Police as the law demands. The disinformation brigade of the Nabanna cannot erase the truth," he added. Earlier, CM Mamata Banerjee urged the protesting doctors to return to work, adding that she has no greed for the CM post, but is more concerned about justice for the RG Kar rape-murder victim and treatment for ordinary citizens. While addressing a press conference, Mamata Banerjee said, "I am ready to resign from the Chief Minister of West Bengal. I am not concerned about the post. I want justice for the victim, I am only concerned about ordinary people getting medical service." The second-year postgraduate medical student was allegedly raped and murdered inside the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9. (ANI)
The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) expressed grief over the death of Communist Party of India (Marxist) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury on Thursday. The 72-year-old leader passed away due to pneumonia. He was admitted to the AIIMS in Delhi on August 19.In a post on X, the Communist Party of India (Marxist), "Yechury was the topmost leader of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), an outstanding leader of the Left movement and a well-known Marxist ideologue. He was a brilliant student who secured a first class in both his undergraduate and post-graduate degrees in economics." Sitaram Yechury joined the CPI(M) in 1975. He was arrested during the emergency for his political activities. He was elected to the Central Committee of the Party in 1985 at the 12th Congress and he remained in the Central Committee till now. Yechury was elected to the Central Secretariat in 1989 and to the Polit Bureau in 1992 at the 14th Congress of the Party. He was elected as the General Secretary of the CPI(M) at the 21st Congress in 2015, a position he continued until now. As part of leadership team at the Party Centre for over three decades, he played an important role in formulating the political positions of the Party from time to time. It was in the field of ideology that Sitaram played a distinctive role. The Party adopted a resolution on certain ideological issues at the 14th Congress, which formulated the ideological positions of the Party consequent to the setbacks to socialism, the post further reads. This resolution was presented by Comrade Sitaram to the Congress. Subsequently, he was the prime mover of the resolution which updated the ideological positions, adopted at the 20th Congress of the Party in 2012. Sitaram Yechury was a member of the Rajya Sabha for two terms from 2005 to 2017. He served as the leader of the CPI(M) group and was an effective parliamentarian. He was given the best parliamentarian award in 2017. In the recent period, Sitaram Yechury devoted a lot of his time and energy towards forging a broad unity of the secular opposition parties, which took the shape of the INDIA bloc. In both the period of the United Front government and later the UPA government. Sitaram was one of the key interlocutors for the CPI(M), which was supporting these coalitions. "The untimely demise of Sitaram Yechury at this crucial juncture in our national politics is a big blow for the CPI(M) and a grievous loss for the Left, democratic and secular forces. The Polit Bureau pays respectful homage to our beloved colleague and dips the red banner in his memory. The Polit Bureau calls upon all Party ranks to unite and work harder to advance the struggle for an exploitation-free society. This is the best tribute that can be paid to him. The Polit Bureau conveys its deepest sympathy and condolences to his wife Seema, his daughter Akhila, son Danish, brother Shankar and all other family members," the CPI (M) said on X. Meanwhile, CPI(M) West Bengal State Secretary, Md Salim also expressed deep sorrow over the death of Sitaram Yechury. "His death is untimely... He was not only a leader of the CPI(M), he emerged as an acceptable face for all those who opposed fascism, communalism and authoritarianism. He was playing his role to protect and preserve the Constitution. We will remember him...,"Md Salim said. (ANI)
Former Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi and Aam Aadmi party leader Manish Sisodia on Thursday offered prayers at the Ganesh Puja Pandal in Delhi's Patparganj area. "In our society, Lord Ganesha is called Ganaadhipati. I work on education. I pray to Ganpati everywhere that every child of Delhi and the country gets a good education. I come here every year, except last year I could not come," Sisodia told ANI. Manish Sisodia, in a post on X, wrote, "Vakratunda Mahakaya Suryakoti Samprabhah" - The glory of Lord Ganesha is limitless! Today, in Patparganj Assembly, I participated in the worship in various Ganesh Mandals and performed the aarti of Ganpati. Vighnaharta, Gajanan Lord Ganesha is the factor of auspiciousness and the god of wisdom and discretion. We pray to Bappa to provide happiness, peace, prosperity and wisdom to all the countrymen. Remove the obstacles of all the people".Earlier, on Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the auspicious Ganesh Puja at the residence of Chief Justice of India, Justice DY Chandrachud.The Prime Minister prayed to Lord Ganesh to bless us all with happiness, prosperity and wonderful health. The CJI, along with his wife Kalpana Das, welcomed the PM at his residence."Joined Ganesh Puja at the residence of CJI, Justice DY Chandrachud Ji. May Bhagwan Shri Ganesh bless us all with happiness, prosperity and wonderful health," the PM also said in a post on X.Ganesh Chaturthi, a 10-day festival, will continue until Anantha Chaturdashi. This festival is also known as Vinayak Chaturthi or Vinayak Chavithi.During Ganesh Chaturthi, Lord Ganesha is worshipped as the god of new beginnings and the remover of obstacles. Devotees across India and abroad celebrate Lord Ganesha's wisdom and intelligence.Homes and pandals are adorned with elaborate decorations, and the air is filled with prayers, music, and festive chants. The streets come alive with vibrant processions and traditional rituals as people prepare delicious offerings and visit the beautifully decorated pandals. (ANI)
Giving no further details about the same, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff stated that the analysis of the incident is underway.

Pyongyang last launched a ballistic missile on July 1, Yonhap News Agency reported.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has called for the development and production of more "suicide drones" to enhance war preparedness, amid tensions brewing in the Korean peninsula. South Korean news outlet Yonhap had previously reported that Kim had on August 24 overseen a performance test of various drones.

It cited a report by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) about the North Korean Supreme Leader supervising test organised by the Drone Institute of the Academy of Defence Sciences.

During the testing, the drones flown along preset courses destroyed designated targets.

The drones have the ability to attack enemy targets on the ground, in air and in the sea.

Kim was quoted by KNCA as saying that it was necessary to develop and produce more suicide drones "to be used in tactical infantry and special operation units, as well as strategic reconnaissance and multi-purpose attack drones."

The North Korean leader also raised the need for proactively introducing artificial intelligence technology into the development of drones.

Yonhap published photos carried by the KCNA showing two white suicide attack drones hitting and destroying mock targets of what look like K-2 tanks, stating that North Korea has unveiled photos of such weapons for the first time. (ANI)
The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA), notably imposed the fine over the electrocution incidents in Karachi from 2022 to 2023 that resulted in the deaths of 33 citizens.

Citing details, ARY News reported that K-Electric's answer to the show-cause notice was denied by the NEPRA, and the fine was assessed.

K-Electric was given a deadline of 15 days by the regulatory agency to deposit the fine sum in a specified bank.

K-Electric has been ordered by the NEPRA to provide compensation to the heirs of every affected family in the amount of PKR3.5 million.

Furthermore, K-Electric has been ordered by the authorities to hire one of the victims' heirs, Muhammad Aslam.

K-Electric, meanwhile, insisted that it was not negligent in any of the 32 cases involving electrocution. (ANI)
By Robert M. Cutler

Armenias military dependence on Russia has deep roots, originating in the Soviet era and solidifying after Armenia joined the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) in 1992. Russia has supplied most of Armenias military equipment, including during the First and Second Karabakh Wars, reinforcing Armenias dependence on Russian military support. Despite efforts to diversify its military relations, including with France and the European Union, Armenia remains deeply tied to Russia through extensive military, economic, and geopolitical connections. This dependence is likely to persist, shaping Armenias international relations and military strategies into the future.

BACKGROUND: Armenias military dependence on Russia dates back to the collapse of the Soviet Union, under which it had the legal status of the highest-level administrative division as a union-republic. After 1991, the newly independent Republic of Armenia inherited Soviet-era equipment and continued to maintain close ties with Russia. Confirming its reliance on Russian military assistance, Armenia joined the Russian-led CSTO in 1992. The relationship deepened in the early 1990s, during the First Karabakh War with Azerbaijan, as Russia gave the Republic of Armenias army crucial military support to consolidate its advances on occupied Azerbaijani territory. Since then, Russia has provided Armenia with most of its military equipment, as well as significant financial aid and logistical assistance. Between 2011 and 2020, Russia was the primary source of Armenias military supplies. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute reported that Russia provided no less than 94 percent of Armenias arms imports during this period. Armored personnel carriers, air defense systems, multiple rocket launchers, and tanks were among the weapons systems delivered. Armenia utilized all these weapons against Azerbaijan during the Second Karabakh War in late 2020. In exchange, Armenia has consistently shown strong diplomatic support for Russia on key international matters, including the illegal annexation of Crimea. Although Armenia has occasionally accused Russia of neglect, the overall evidence indicates a long-standing strategic partnership. The 1997 Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation, and Mutual Assistance between the two nations, which exists independently of their collaboration within the CSTO, officially established their military alliance. On the economic side, Armenia has been a member of the Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) since January 2015. Russian armed forces continue to operate the 102nd Military Base at Gyumri, first established 70 years ago. The agreement on the bases operations has been extended multiple times. In 2010 an interstate treaty provided for its continued operation until 2044. Under the terms of the treaty, neither Armenia nor Russia can terminate the agreement by itself; both parties must agree. The Gyumri military base currently hosts 3,000 Russian soldiers, while five miles from central Yerevan  at Erebuni Airport  another air base is home to a squadron of attack helicopters. In 2019, after a 2018 meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Pashinyan sent a mission to Syria, officially for humanitarian reasons, though it included military personnel. In May 2021, Pashinyan initiated two deployments from the Gyumri base into southern Armenia, specifically targeting the Syunik region. This area lies between Azerbaijans main territory and its exclave, Nakhchivan, and encompasses the land strip sometimes referred to as the Zangezur corridor.

IMPLICATIONS: Despite claims that Russia abandoned Armenia before the Second Karabakh War, evidence suggests continued support. After the July 2020 clashes that led up to the war in the fall, there were reports of nine Russian flights delivering military supplies to Armenia. This flight activity intensified as the war approached, and overall Russia transported 510 tons of war materiel to Armenia. When Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev expressed misgivings to President Vladimir Putin about these shipments, Russias Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu claimed that the cargo was intended for construction activities at the Gyumri base. This explanation was skeptically received in Azerbaijan, particularly after the surprise and dismay following the earlier Russian deliveries to Armenia. A significant illustration of this close military cooperation was the attendance by Armenias former defense minister, Arshak Karapetyan, at an August 2021 military exhibition in Moscow. Karapetyan met there Dmitry Shugayev, the Director of the Russian Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation, and Alexander Mikheyev, the Director of Rosoboronexport. These meetings covered the full range of Armenian-Russian military-technical cooperation, reflecting the enduring and comprehensive nature of their bilateral military alliance. In 2020, Iskander surface-to-surface missiles, with a range of 300 kilometers and forming a crucial part of Armenias arsenal, were reportedly used to strike Azerbaijani territory far behind the front lines during the Second Karabakh War. These missiles also targeted the historically, culturally, and strategically significant city of Shusha, which Armenian forces had occupied. Russia routinely sells its military systems to Armenia at the domestic Russian price, rather than at the higher international price set for foreign buyers. To facilitate this, Moscow generally offers low-interest loans to Yerevan. Since 2020, it has provided at least US$ 300 million in such loans to help Armenia replenish its military arsenal. Discussions are continually ongoing to increase this amount further. Moreover, the Russian FSBs Border Guard Service is responsible for overseeing most of Armenias international borders. Additionally, Russia has been incorporating Armenian armed forces into its Southern Military District. This reorganization includes the creation of joint Russian-Armenian ground forces. The air defense systems of the two countries have been unified for some time. Russia is responsible for maintaining the security of Armenian airspace. Armenias relationship with Russia has only deepened over the past three decades. Its dependence extends far beyond its involvement in the CSTO and EAEU and its comprehensive bilateral treaty. Russian state companies have a significant presence across the Armenian economy. They control important sectors such as transportation, where the Armenian state railroad company is entirely owned by its Russian counterpart; the energy sector, where one Russian state trust owns Armenias gas distribution system and another oversees the Metsamor nuclear power plant; and the banking sector, where Russian financial institutions are overwhelmingly dominant.

CONCLUSIONS: Armenia appears to be exploring options to decrease its reliance Russian military support and modernize its forces, but its strategic partnership with Russia is a cornerstone of the countrys post-Soviet identity. The partnership, marked by extensive military collaboration, geopolitical alignment, and economic and security dependence, plays a crucial role in shaping Armenias international relations and military strategy, despite signs that Yerevan is seeking to diversify its alliances and broaden its strategic options. Thus, despite receiving the European Union Mission in Armenia (EUMA) to monitor the border situation, and despite signing an arms deal with France to acquire radar systems and other equipment from French manufacturers Thales and Safran, Armenias strategic choices have placed it firmly under Russian dominance. Efforts by the EU and its members, particularly France, to extend their influence in Armenia for their own purposes, have not diminished Yerevans subservience to Moscow, which  as described above  influences almost every facet of the countrys life. Even the declared intention to leave the CSTO at some indefinite time in the future will not affect the bilateral military treaty with Russia that will remain in force, until 2044 unless both sides agree to abandon it. France and other powers, including the U.S., should focus on Armenias genuine security concerns rather than exploiting it for geopolitical purposes. Unfortunately their current strategies, often driven by radical irredentist Armenian interest groups that continue to focus on Karabakh, often exacerbate divisions in the South Caucasus rather than bring stability. But using Armenia and its conflict with Azerbaijan to further their own strategic interests will only fuel ongoing conflict and deepen mistrust, jeopardizing Armenias long-term security and diminishing the chances for lasting peace in the region.

AUTHORS BIO: Robert M. Cutler was for many years a senior researcher at the Institute of European, Russian and Eurasian Studies, Carleton University, and is a past Fellow of the Canadian International Council.
The petition that opposed the government's action was heard by the LHC bench, which was comprised of Justice Raheel Kamran Sheikh.

According to the LHC, the court cannot become involved in matters of government policy, such as utility store closures. The LHC indicated that the legislative body is the proper forum for addressing this matter by suggesting that the utility shops issue be brought up in Parliament.

Rana Tanveer Hussain, the minister of industries and production, made it clear earlier on Tuesday that there isn't a plan to close or wind up the Utility Stores Corporation, ARY News reported.

He was reacting to a call to attention that Asifa Bhutto Zardari of the PPP had brought up in the National Assembly.

According to Bhutto's call attention notice, 25,000 employees will lose their jobs as a result of Utility Stores Corporation closing. The minister stated that we are merely discussing organisational reorganisation.

He stressed that further work in this area is underway and that employees' rights will be protected at all costs. (ANI)
Dubai [UAE], September 12 (ANI/WAM): The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) announced the launch of the third edition of the Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Award for Excellence in Agriculture on Wednesday, under the patronage of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Presidential Affairs, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Authority, under the slogan "Innovative Farmer and Breeder with a Sustainable Vision", and the new structure of the award categories, competitions, cash prizes, accompanying festivals, and updated evaluation criteria. The Authority also announced the opening of applications for the award through its website "smaea.ae", and receiving nominations from farmers and livestock breeders from the various emirates of the country who meet the specified conditions for each of the main and sub-categories. The Authority revealed that applications are open until November 15, 2024, after which the arbitration, evaluation and field visits will begin to select the final candidates, while the winners will be announced in February 2025. The announcement of the new version of the award came during a press conference held at the main building of the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, in the presence of Her Excellency Mouza Suhail Al Muhairi, Chairperson of the Higher Organizing Committee of the Award, His Excellency Ahmed Khaled Othman, Vice Chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee of the Award, His Excellency Mubarak Ali Al Mansouri, Chairman of the Competitions and Festivals Committee accompanying the award, and Jaber Mohammed Al Neyadi, Member of the Higher Committee of the Sheikh Zayed Festival. Mouza Suhail Al Muhairi said: "The agricultural sector, both plant and animal, continues to achieve important steps in adopting the best international practices and contributing to meeting the requirements of the local market. The Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Award for Excellence in Agriculture comes to enhance these efforts across the Emirates, by providing a competitive environment that stimulates innovation, and encouraging farmers and livestock breeders to adopt best practices and develop sustainable local agricultural and food production. The objectives of the award are in line with the goals of the National Food Security Strategy 2051 and the sustainable agricultural development plans in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi." "This year's edition of the award holds special national significance as it coincides with the Year of Sustainability for the second year in a row. It builds on the successes achieved by the country last year, which culminated in hosting COP28. However, what we achieved last year pushes us towards greater ambitions linked to the values of sustainability rooted in the national identity and established by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God bless his soul," she added. The Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Award for Excellence in Agriculture offers winners cash prizes totaling more than AED 5.3 million, distributed across four main categories and 13 sub-awards, including the Best Farm and Outstanding Estate Award. The sub-categories include: Best Open Field Farm, Best Greenhouse Farm, Best Fruit Farm, Best Organic Farm, Productive Farms, Small Producers, Beekeepers and Aquaculture Farmers, while the Commercial Farms Award includes two categories: Commercial Plant Farms and Commercial Animal Production Farms. The third main category is dedicated to agricultural innovation, both plant and animal. In celebration of the values of women's empowerment and their pivotal role in Emirati society, the award specializes in the Distinguished Farmer and Breeder category, which includes two sub-awards for the Distinguished Female Farmer and the Distinguished Female Livestock Breeder. Moza Suhail Al Muhairi explained: "The award structure covers all sections of the agricultural sector, based on our belief in the pivotal role that all farmers play in developing this vital sector in the country, regardless of the size of their business. Our goal is to spread the culture of excellence and encourage more farmers to explore agricultural innovations and implement them on their farms." "We are confident that the cash prizes offered by the award and the accompanying competitions to the winners represent an important source of support for farmers to adopt better sustainable solutions on their farms, which enhances their production capabilities and competitiveness in the market. In the long term, we believe that the award will inspire younger generations of Emiratis to explore the important business opportunities provided by the agricultural sector as a viable source of income for local families," she added. The authority revealed the addition of additional evaluation elements that are in line with its goals of excellence and sustainability, including measuring the water footprint in production, measuring production efficiency and obtaining organic agriculture and good agricultural practices certificates, measuring the cost value of developing farms and estates, and measuring the financial return of the farm, in addition to developing the application mechanism to facilitate the participation of senior citizens and people of determination. The authority confirmed that it will continue to honor the top five winners in each category, while updating the honoring mechanism for the top three places in line with their distinguished achievements. The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority has established the Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Excellence Award for Agriculture as an important incentive for farmers and livestock breeders to adopt the best practices in the sector. Now in its third year, the award has become a quality mark that farmers and livestock breeders seek to obtain as a certificate of confidence in national products and their ability to contribute to meeting the requirements of the local market. In this context, Her Excellency Moza Suhail Al Muhairi said: "We at the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority continue to work to support sustainable agricultural practices to enhance the competitiveness of local agricultural products to ensure the availability and safety of food. The Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Excellence Award for Agriculture comes to provide an integrated system of honoring in the agricultural sector. However, obtaining the award does not mean merely honoring a specific agricultural initiative on the farm, but rather a quality mark for the winners' products. Hence, we call on consumers in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and the various emirates of the country to follow the stages of the award, learn about the winners in the various categories, and ensure their support and choose local products, given their distinguished quality, health and safety standards." The Authority confirmed its intention to participate in the upcoming edition of the Sheikh Zayed Festival, and revealed the initial plans for the activities and events that it will host in its pavilion, which include 5 main festivals, including the new look of the Al Wathba Agricultural Festival, the Al Wathba Food Festival, the Al Wathba Livestock Festival, the Al Wathba Honey Festival, and the Flower Festival, in addition to organizing 10 different livestock auctions. Moza Suhail Al Muhairi confirmed that the Sheikh Zayed Festival is one of the most prominent events that the Authority is keen to participate in, and to use its platform to introduce the thriving agricultural sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, in addition to organizing competitions to honor distinguished practices in the sector, which include various fields, starting from agricultural crop categories and passing through design, packaging and presentation methods, and reaching cooking and other distinguished competitions that attract wide turnout from all over the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. It is noteworthy that the Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Award for Agricultural Excellence attracted 676 participants in the main categories of the award in its first and second sessions, while 107 winners won in its various categories, and the total prizes in the two sessions exceeded 16.7 million dirhams. (ANI/WAM)
Six staff members of the UN agency were among those killed in Israeli airstrikes at a school-turned-shelter in Gaza, the United Nations said. The six staffers belonged to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), the agency that assists Palestine refugees. At least 34 people were killed in the strikes, UN News reported citing media reports. UNRWA said the shelter manager and other team members were among the victims "Just Tragic. #Gaza Six @UNRWA colleagues killed today when two airstrikes hit a school and its surroundings in Nuseirat in the middle areas," the UNRWA stated in a post on X. "This is the highest death toll among our staff in a single incident. Among those killed was the manager of the UNRWA shelter and other team members providing assistance to displaced people. Sincere condolences to their families and loved ones. This school has been hit five times since the war began," it added. The UNRWA school in Nuseirat, located in the Middle Area of the Gaza Strip, was sheltering around 12,000 displaced people, mainly women and children. This marked the fifth time that it had been hit since the conflict began 11 months ago. Earlier on Wednesday, the United Nations said the site had been previously deconflicted with the Israeli forces. UNRWA further called on all parties to the conflict to never use schools or the areas around them for military or fighting purposes. "It is home to around 12,000 displaced people, mainly women and children. No one is safe in GazaNo one is spared. Schools and other civilian infrastructure must be protected at all times, they are not a target. We call on all parties to the conflict to never use schools or the areas around them for military or fighting purposes," the post further stated. https://x.com/UNRWA/status/1833967285171630128 UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres deplored the killings and said these "dramatic violations of international humanitarian law" needs to stop. "What's happening in Gaza is totally unacceptable. A school turned shelter for around 12,000 people was hit by Israeli airstrikes again today. Six of our @UNRWA colleagues are among those killed. These dramatic violations of international humanitarian law need to stop now," the UN chief stated in a post on X. https://x.com/antonioguterres/status/1833999121205563532 UN Commissioner-General, Philippe Lazzarini also deplored the killings and said that at least 220 UNRWA staff have been killed in this war. He further added that "longer the impunity prevails," the more international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions will become "irrelevant." "Endless & senseless killing, day after day. Another school sheltering displaced people hit in Nuseirat today. Among the people killed are six @UNRWAstaff working & providing support to families who have sought refuge in the school. "Since the beginning of this war, at least 220 UNRWA staff have been killed in #GazaHumanitarian staff, premises& operations have been blatantly & unabatedly disregarded since the beginning of the war. The longer impunity prevails, the more international humanitarian law & the Geneva conventions will become irrelevant," he added. https://x.com/UNLazzarini/status/1833979363852714225 Meanwhile, the UN reported that health workers are continuing efforts to vaccinate young children in northern Gaza against polio, part of a wider campaign to defeat the disease, which can cause paralysis. More than 81,600 boys and girls were vaccinated as of Tuesday, according to preliminary data from the World Health Organization (WHO). Polio was detected in Gaza in June and UN agencies and partners launched a two-round campaign this month to provide over 640,000 children with two doses of novel oral polio vaccine type 2. So far, nearly 5,28,000 children have been reached in the first round. "More than 230 teams are on the ground trying to reach all children under the age of 10 with the first batch of the polio vaccination," UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said in New York, adding that "they will need to do this again in four weeks." (ANI)
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Senator and Supreme Court Bar Association's former President Hamid Khan has warned that the legal fraternity will launch a protest against any attempt to restrict the powers of the judiciary, Dawn reported. While addressing a press conference at the Lahore High Court Bar Association on Wednesday, he raised concern alleging that the Pakistan government appears to be trying to limit the powers of the court. He also expressed surprise over the gossip regarding a 'constitutional package.' Hamid Khan said that whenever such a package is presented anywhere in the world, it is debated in the parliament for months, while further alleging that the Pakistan parliament is not playing its role and the Pakistan PM is speaking about the constitutional court, as reported by Dawn. He expressed regret that the Pakistan Supreme Court's decision regarding the reserved seats has not yet been implemented. He further stressed that this amounts to contempt of court, and demanded action against those 'responsible.' The PTI senator warned that parallel courts to the Supreme Court and high courts cannot be formed in Pakistan and appointments of so-called judges for new courts is not acceptable. "If such actions are taken, lawyers across the country will resist the move." He also called for the issuance of notification for the appointment of the new chief justice. Hamid Khan condemned the abolition of contempt of court law and added that the very forces that do not implement the court's decisions seek to remove the contempt of court law. Meanwhile, Insaf Lawyers' Forum-Pakistan chapter President Ishtiaq A Khan also reacted on the issue and said Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa used to talk about the sanctity of the parliament, but he was doing nothing to stop new constitutional amendments. He alleged that the extension of the chief justice's term was part of the 'London plan', Dawn reported. (ANI)
Envoys of several nations, including Pakistan, Syria, and Uzbekistan, attended the gathering hosted by Abdulnasser Alshaali.

The Prophet's birthday is observed on 12 Rabi Ul Awwal, which is the third month according to the Islamic calendar, Khaleej Times reported.

The holiday is referred to as Eid Al Mawlid Al Nabawi or Milad in Arabic. The Prophet Muhammed's birth anniversary is marked by observance rather than celebration, with festivities kept to a minimum, the report said.

The UAE government has announced a holiday for public sector employees to mark the birthday of Prophet Muhammad on September 15, according to Khaleej Times report. The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) made the announcement regarding the holiday on September 7. (ANI)
National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval held a meeting with Russia's Secretary of Security Council Sergey Shoigu on the sidelines of the Meeting of BRICS NSAs meeting in Russia's St Petersburg on Wednesday and discussed issues of mutual interest. In a post on X, Russian Embassy in India stated, "On September 11, on the sidelines of the Meeting of #BRICS High-Ranking Officials Responsible for Security Matters in #StPetersburg, Secretary of Security Council Sergey Shoigu held talks with Ajit Doval, NSA to Prime Minister." In the statement released on Telegram, the Russian Embassy in India called New Delhi one of Moscow's like minded partners in the world. During the meeting, attention was particularly paid to the multi-level trust-based political dialogue between Russia and India. "New Delhi is one of Moscow's main like-minded partners in the world arena, whose friendship has confidently stood the test of time. Our countries are jointly grappling with the challenges of the 21st century, -- underscored Sergey Shoigu. At the meeting, a wide range of issues of mutual interest were discussed," the Russian Embassy in India said in a statement shared on Telegram. "Particular attention was paid to the multi-level trust-based political dialogue between Russia and India built on regular contacts between the leaders. The Secretary of Russia's Security Council separately noted the significance of the bilateral summit held in July," it added. National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval on Wednesday attended the BRICS National Security Advisers meeting in St Petersburg in Russia. The Indian Embassy in Russia shared some pictures of the BRICS meeting on X. In a post on X, Indian Embassy in Russia stated, "NSA Shri Ajit Doval is participating in the BRICS NSAs meeting in Saint Petersburg, Russia. During the sessions in the first half of the day, he spoke on modern security challenges, including ICT ( information and communication technology) related issues and terrorism, and the need to address them through joint efforts within the BRICS framework." Notably, Russia is holding the BRICS chairmanship for the year 2024. BRICS is an informal group of states comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, with new members Egypt, Iran, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Ethiopia joining the grouping in 2023. NSA Doval had participated in the 13th BRICS NSA meeting in Johannesburg in July 2023. (ANI)
In the pictures shared by Taj Mahal officials, Patrice Emery Trovoada can be seen taking pictures in front of Taj Mahal.

Notably, India and Sao Tome and Principe (STP) have enjoyed warm and friendly relations since its independence in 1975. Leaders of two nations have been meeting on the sidelines of some of the international foras, like United Nations, Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) etc.

Earlier in 2015, STP Prime Minister, Patrice Emery Trovoada visited India to participate in the Third India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS). He held bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 28, 2015, according to the Embassy of India in Sao Tome and Principe.

During the meeting, Trovoada sought India's assistance in developing Sao Tome's infrastructure and agriculture sector. The delegation was led by STP PM Patrice Trovoada and included theForeign Minister.

Earlier in 2018, Sao Tome and Principe's then-Foreign Minister Urbino Botelho visited India to sign the Framework Agreement on Space Cooperation, according to the Embassy of India in Sao Tome and Principe.

In 2020, a three-member defence delegation led by Sao Tome and Principe's Minister of Defence and Internal Order, Oscar Aguiar Sacramento e Sousa, participated in the DEFEXPO 2020 and the 'India Africa Defence Ministers Meet,' in Lucknow.

India and Sao Tome and Principe (STP) have enjoyed warm and friendly relations since its independence in 1975. Leaders of the both countries have been meeting on the side lines of some of the international fora, such as UN, NAM, etc. (ANI)
The message was received by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, during his meeting with Mauro Vieira, Brazilian Minister of Foreign Affairs, in Abu Dhabi.

The meeting addressed several issues of mutual interest, particularly as the two countries celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year, established in June 1974.

Sheikh Abdullah welcomed Vieira's visit, commending the UAE-Brazil strong bilateral relations and the mutual commitment to strengthening ties across all fields, including economic, commercial, cultural, investment, development, and climate sectors.

The meeting also touched on the priorities of Brazil's presidency of the G20, which is being held this year under the slogan, "Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet."

Sheikh Abdullah underscored the UAE's keenness to participate actively in the G20, supporting the priorities announced by the Brazilian presidency, which focus on combating hunger and poverty, sustainable development, energy transformations, and global governance.

In a related context, the two ministers discussed regional and international developments, exchanging views on them.

Following the meeting, Sheikh Abdullah hosted a dinner banquet in honour of the Brazilian Foreign Minister and the accompanying delegation.

The meeting was attended by Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemy, Minister of State for International Cooperation; Ahmed Al Sayegh, Minister of State; Lana Zaki Nusseibeh, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs; and Saeed Mubarak Al Hajeri, Assistant Foreign Minister for Economic and Trade Affairs. (ANI/WAM)
The Philippine and Chinese governments held "frank and candid" talks on the Escoda Shoal (Sabina Shoal) in the contested waters of the South China Sea as Manila continued to assert that it is part of its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), local media reported. At the 10th Bilateral Consultation Mechanism meeting on the South China Sea held on September 11 in Beijing, Philippines Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ma Theresa Lazaro said her country has jurisdiction over the shoal even as Beijing is demanding that Manila leave the feature. "Lazaro reaffirmed the consistent position of the Philippines and explored ways to lower the tension in the area," Foreign Affairs spokesperson Ma.Teresita Daza said as per the Philippine News Agency. "I reaffirmed the Philippines' consistent position and explored ways to lower the tension in the area. We agreed to continue discussions on areas of cooperation, especially on hotline mechanisms, coast guard cooperation, and marine scientific and technological cooperation," Ma Theresa Lazaro said in a post on X. China who was represented by Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong at the meeting reiterated its principled position on Xianbin Jiao, (the Chinese name for the Sabina Shoal) and urged the Philippines to immediately withdraw the vessels concerned, the Global Times reported. Beijing said that "China will firmly safeguard its sovereignty and maintain the seriousness and effectiveness of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea," as per the Chinese news outlet. The Escoda or the Sabina Shoal is in the Spratly Islands, which are claimed by China, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam. On August 31, Manila and Beijing accuse each other of intentionally ramming their coast guard vessels near the Sabina Shoal. The dispute centres around the South China Sea's strategic and resource-rich waters, which are claimed in part or in whole by several countries, including China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei. Recent tensions between the Maila and Beijing have heightened significantly, with conflict centres around conflicting territorial claims. China asserting dominance over almost the entire sea based on its "nine-dash line," while the Philippines relies on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to justify its exclusive economic zone (EEZ). (ANI)
Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama gave a general one-day teaching to around 5000 people, including Tibetans and other nationals, at the monastery in Dharamshala on Thursday morning. The teaching session was held at the Main Tibetan Temple of Tsuglagkhang monastery, at the request of a group of Southeast Asians. Around 5000 people, including Tibetans, Indians and Buddhist followers from different parts of the world, gathered to attend the spiritual discourse. At the beginning of the teaching, Theravada monks chanted mantras. Dalai Lama spoke about the importance of peace, love and compassion. The participants said they felt privileged and blessed to be a part of this event. A Malaysian devotee, Margaret Khoo, said, "I have come here to meet his holiness, receive his blessings and wish him a long life. He said that we must have compassion for the benefit of all human beings." Koh Chee Hing, an organiser from Singapore, said, "I have come here to attend the teaching of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The participants are from Southeast Asia, people from Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam and Malaysia and many others have come here. He is very famous for compassion so people want to see him." Another Russian devotee said, "We are feeling blessed to participate in the teaching of the Dalai Lama. It's like a dream came true. People have come here from all over the world and we are feeling very excited." (ANI)
Editor's note: China's Nanjing Yunjin brocade, with a history of more than 1,600 years, is famous for its elegant patterns and smooth texture. In 2009, the craftsmanship of Yunjin brocade was added to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.

Between the 17th and 18th centuries, a large family in China rapidly accumulated great power and wealth for three generations. They had a close relationship with the imperial family and earned enormous fortune through running a royal brocade business.

However, the influential family, surnamed Cao, eventually saw their good fortune take a turn for the worse, losing everything. This story, both the rise and fall of the Cao family, was thought to be the inspiration behind the novel "Dream of the Red Chamber," one of the four great classics in Chinese literature. Written by Cao Xueqin (1715-1763), the esteemed novel is based on the author's own life.

The Cao family lived in ancient Nanjing, the capital city of today's Jiangsu province in east China, where exquisite Nanjing Yunjin brocade prospered. Cao Xueqin's great grandfather, Cao Xi (around 1629-1684), was the commissioner of imperial textiles in Jiangning (today's Nanjing). Cao Xueqin's grandfather, Cao Yin (1658-1712), was a childhood playmate to Emperor Kangxi (1654-1722) who reigned during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Moreover, Cao Yin's mother, Lady Sun, was Emperor Kangxi's wet nurse.

Owing to a close relationship with the emperor and starting with Cao Xi, the patriarch of the Cao family was consecutively named for three generations the commissioner of imperial textiles in Jiangning. The commissioner of imperial textiles was responsible for the lucrative textile business. Members of the Cao family became experts on fabrics, including Cao Xueqin.

During the time that the Cao family was reaping the rewards of their affluence, the manufacturing of Nanjing Yunjin brocade was also at a high peak with its development. In "Dream of the Red Chamber," Cao Xueqin carefully describes the delicacy of this quality silk textile. Since then, Nanjing Yunjin brocade has been studied by numerous enthusiasts in both China and abroad.

Nanjing Yunjin brocade was both the finest fabric during the three generations of the Cao family's time and during the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties. A silk of splendor, it was once reserved to only be used by the royal family, with it occasionally being gifted or rewarded to high-ranking officials by the emperor.

"Yun" in Yunjin means "cloud," and "jin" denotes "brocade." Ancient Chinese gave Yunjin brocade this name because they thought this silk handicraft looked like colorful clouds. This special feature, which is still highly valued today, is achieved by means of unique weaving techniques.

Traditionally, the production of Yunjin brocade required two craftspeople to operate a large wooden loom in order to weave silk strings into textiles. One of these craftspeople would sit at the upper part of the loom, pulling strings and meticulously defining patterns. The other craftsperson, or the weaver, would sit at the lower part of the loom and weave the silk threads into textiles. This process involved a traditional weaving skill called "tongjing duanwei," which means "weaving by extending the warp threads while splitting the weft ones." Besides using silk threads, weavers would also add fine materials, such as gold and silver yarns as well as peacock feathers, into the textiles they were creating.

The history of Nanjing Yunjin brocade can be traced back to the Eastern Jin Dynasty (317-420), and this silk's industry reached its peak during the reign of Emperor Qianlong (1711-1799) in the Qing Dynasty. During this time of high prosperity for the industry, around 300,000 people worked in the Yunjin brocade sector with more than 30,000 looms in Nanjing. A city of about 900,000 people at that time, one third of Nanjing's population worked in the Yunjin brocade industry.

Today, Nanjing Yunjin brocade remains famous for its exquisite techniques, elegant patterns and smooth texture. It is now often used to make high-end attire and souvenirs. Requiring skilled artisans to do over a hundred steps to produce only a few centimeters of textile a day, Yunjin brocade's complex production methods have been adopted to replicate ancient silk fabrics in an effort to protect cultural relics. Well-preserved Yunjin brocade from the past have also helped researchers take a deeper look into the history of Chinese silk textiles. In 2009, the craftsmanship of Yunjin brocade was added to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.

Discover more treasures from China on UNESCO's ICH list:

 2022: Traditional tea processing

 2020: Wangchuan ceremony, Taijiquan

 2018: Lum medicinal bathing of Sowa Rigpa

 2016: Twenty-four solar terms

 2013: Abacus-based Zhusuan

 2012: Training plan for Fujian puppetry performers

 2011: Shadow puppetry, Yimakan storytelling

 2010: Peking opera, acupuncture and moxibustion, wooden movable-type printing, watertight-bulkhead technology of Chinese junks, Meshrep

 2009: Yueju opera, Xi'an wind and percussion ensemble, traditional handicrafts of making Xuan paper, traditional firing techniques of Longquan celadon, Tibetan opera, sericulture and silk craftsmanship, Regong arts, Nanyin, Khoomei, Mazu belief and customs, Dragon Boat Festival, Manas, Craftsmanship of Nanjing Yunjin brocade
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday described the India-China relationship as "complex." He also highlighted the long-standing struggle in the trade issues between the two nations and said that the economic relationship with China has been "unfair and imbalanced." The remarks by EAM came during his conversation with Ambassador Jean-David Levitte at Geneva Centre for Security Policy. Jaishankar said, "It (India-China relations) is a very complex relationship... They had bad periods in history. Both of them are reviving and are rejuvenating in a way... They are the only two countries that have a population of more than a billion. And what happens normally when any country rises is that it has a ripple effect on the neighbourhood. These two countries also have the honour of being each other's neighbours. So each one's rise has a ripple impact... So if you take the totality of this, you can understand why I selected a safe expressive word like complex." Jaishankar further said that the two countries had a difficult relationship in the past and spoke about 2020 when the Indian and Chinese troops clashed at Galwan Valley. He said, "We did not have an easy relationship in the past. What happened in 2020 was in violation of multiple agreements, the Chinese moved a large number of troops to the Line of Actual Control. We, in response, moved our troops up... Some progress on border talks with China. 75 per cent of disengagement problems are sorted out. We still have some things to do. If there is a solution to disengagement and there is a return to peace and tranquillity, we can look at other possibilities. That is the immediate issue." Notably, India and China held the 31st meeting of the WMCC in Beijing on August 29, and the two sides had decided to jointly uphold peace and tranquillity on the ground in border areas in accordance with relevant bilateral agreements and protocols, the Ministry of External Affairs had said. The two sides had a "frank, constructive and forward-looking" exchange of views on the LAC situation and also agreed to intensify contact through diplomatic and military channels. The EAM further said that apart from border issues, the two nations also face difficulties in other sectors, including technology, telecom, and digital. "I think there are larger issues in respect of India-China. We have a long struggle with the trade issue... The economic relationship with China has been very unfair. It has been very imbalanced that we don't have market access there. They have much better market access here in India. We have many concerns today in various areas, like technology, telecom, digital..." Notably, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has arrived in Switzerland's Geneva. During his visit to Geneva, Jaishankar will meet the Swiss Foreign Minister to review the close partnership between the two nations and explore avenues to enhance the bilateral ties further. Jaishankar arrived in Switzerland after concluding his visit to Germany and Saudi Arabia. Earlier on Wednesday, Jaishankar met German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin and conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's personal greetings to him there. (ANI)
On the sidelines of the BRICS National Security Advisers' meeting in St Petersburg, Russia, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and exchanged a handshake. The Russian Embassy in India shared pictures on X and said, "On September 12, Russia's President Vladimir Putin had a meeting with Ajit Doval, National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister of India, at the Konstantinovsky Palace in St Petersburg." https://x.com/RusEmbIndia/status/1834214396966388050 In a statement released on Telegram, the Russian Embassy in India said that during his meeting with NSA Doval, President Putin praised the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia and emphasised the crucial role of security issues in bilateral relations. "During the conversation, Vladimir Putin noted the successful development of the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia and stressed the importance of security issues in bilateral relations, thanking the Indian side for maintaining dialogue in this area," the statement said. Russia's President proposed to hold a bilateral meeting with PM Narendra Modi on October 22, on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Kazan to summarise the outcomes of joint work on the implementation of the agreements reached during his visit to Moscow and to outline prospects for the near future, the statement added. Ajit Doval, in turn, conveyed the words of gratitude from PM Modi and also informed about PM Modi's readiness to share information on his recent visit to Ukraine. Earlier in the day, Doval had a bilateral meeting with Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, on the sidelines of the BRICS NSAs meeting in St Petersburg. Both sides reviewed progress in bilateral cooperation and discussed important issues of mutual interest. Russia is holding the BRICS chairmanship for the year 2024. BRICS is an informal group of states comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, with new members Egypt, Iran, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Ethiopia joining the grouping in 2023. NSA Doval had participated in the 13th BRICS NSA meeting in Johannesburg in July 2023. Notably, in July, Prime Minister Narendra Modi went to Russia and hailing the relationship between both nations, PM Modi asserted that their ties are important not just for India and Russia but for the entire world. He had said, "In the context of today's global atmosphere, India and Russia partnership becomes all the more important. Both of us believe that continuous efforts should be made for global stability and peace. In the time to come, we will work together towards this." The Prime Minister also asserted that in the past 2.5 decades, the relationship between India and Russia under the leadership of Putin has strengthened. "He said, "Under your (Putin) leadership, India-Russia relations have strengthened in all directions and have scaled new heights each time. The foundation of strategic ties between the two nations that you had laid has only further strengthened over time." (ANI)
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday said that the BRICS was formed because the G7 nations were not letting anyone else enter the group while addressing the Geneva Centre for Security Policy in Switzerland. While addressing the Geneva Centre for Security Policy with former Permanent Representative of France to the United Nations, Jean David Levitte, when asked why BRICS and if it would expand, Jaishanark replied, "Because there was another club, it was called the G7 and you wouldn't let anybody else into that club, so we said we'd go and form our own club. As it started, it gained a life of its own over the period of time. Others saw value in it as well." He further said that today many countries see value in BRICS and there is more enthusiasm in countries wanting to join the grouping. "We expanded the BRICS, we took the decision to expand the BRICS last year in South Africa's Johannesburg. And we extended invitations to more countries, which virtually doubled the number. We will be meeting soon in Kazan, a city in Russia, next month. And we know, I mean, as I travel around the world, I frankly see more and more enthusiasm, you know, more interest really in countries wanting to be associated in some form or the other. BRICS, of course, has itself evolved," he added. He also responded to questions about the necessity of the BRICS grouping in light of the existence of the G20 and noted that despite the formation of the G20, the G7 continues to meet and has not disbanded. "I'm still struck by how insecure the North is when we speak about the BRICS. Somehow something seems to get under people's skin. And here's an observation. If there is a G20, did the G7 disband? Has it stopped meeting? No, it still continues. So if the G20 exists, the G20 is there, but the G7 still exists. Then why can't the G20 be there and the BRICS also exist," said Jaishankar. Earlier, in the day, Jaishankar arrived in Switzerland's Geneva and started his visit by paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi. In a post on X, Jaishankar stated, "Started my visit to Geneva by paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi. In a world of polarisation and conflict, Bapu's message of harmony and sustainability is more relevant than ever." During his visit to Geneva, Jaishankar will meet the Swiss Foreign Minister to review the close partnership between the two nations and explore avenues to enhance the bilateral ties further. In an earlier statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, "Geneva is home to a large number of UN bodies and international organisations. During the visit, EAM will meet with heads and representatives of international organisations with whom India is actively engaged." Jaishankar arrived in Switzerland after concluding his visit to Germany and Saudi Arabia. (ANI)
The US House of Representatives passed the bill 'DHS Restrictions on Confucius Institutes and Chinese Entities of Concern Act' to reduce Chinese influence in American universities on September 10. The bill was presented by August Pfluger, the chairman of the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism, Law Enforcement, and Intelligence at the US House of Representatives, a statement by the US Department of Homeland Security reported. "The Chinese Community Party is utilising Confucius Institutes to infiltrate American university campuses and engage in espionage, steal intellectual property, intimidate Chinese dissidents, promote communist propaganda, and funnel sensitive information back to the People's Liberation Army. This bill protects students and universities while ensuring that American dollars are not enabling foreign malign influence," said Pfluger. According to the official Gazzate of the act released by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Tuesday, this act will restrict DHS funding to an institution of higher education (IHE) that has a relationship with a 'Chinese entity of concern' or 'Confucius Institute'. According to the act passed by the US House of Representatives, a 'Chinese Entity of Concern' would be any university or college in China that is involved in the implementation of military-civil fusion, participates in the Chinese defence industrial base, is affiliated with the Chinese State Administration for Science, Technology and Industry for the National Defence, receives funding from any organisation subordinate to the Central Military Commission of the CCP and/or provides support to any security, defence, police, or intelligence organisation of the Government of China or the CCP. Similarly, a 'Confucius Institute' is a cultural institute directly or indirectly funded by the Chinese government. The DHS statement claimed that "The CCP uses Confucius Institutes to spread their programme, steal intellectual property and research from universities, recruit spies and conduct surveillance within the homeland, and harass and target dissidents of the CCP." The act was inspired by a hearing from May 2023 when Jill Murphy, the deputy assistant director of counterintelligence at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), confirmed that these institutes were likely being used to steal American research and achieve other strategic goals of the CCP. Similarly, Mike Johnson, the Speaker of the US House of Representatives, said, "As higher education continues to be plagued by radical agendas and indoctrination, I commend Rep. Pfluger's leadership in ensuring the Chinese Communist Party does not interfere with American students' education." Additionally, the chairman of the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, John Moolenaar, had mentioned, "The CCP seeks to exert its influence over all aspects of American society, and that includes the American education system. The CCP uses Confucius Institutes as a vehicle to promote a distorted picture of China and provide American universities with a financial incentive to stay in the Party's good graces. Where missiles and ships are considered 'hard power,' these institutes are 'soft power,' projecting the long arm of the CCP onto our college campuses. You see, the Chinese Communist Party funds Confucius Institutes because it wants to manipulate the minds of young Americans, whether that be digitally on TikTok or physically through Confucius Institutes." He also urged that the US cannot allow American taxpayer dollars to support universities that allow the presence of these institutes to influence and manipulate their students. (ANI)
Protesters in Quetta, Pakistan, attacked Kharotabad police station with a grenade, demanding that the police hand over a blasphemy suspect to them amid a violent demonstration, Dawn reported. The mob, demanding the release of a suspect accused of blasphemy, clashed with authorities, leading to a volatile situation. According to Dawn, the protesters' anger and frustration boiled over, prompting the extreme action. The police had reportedly detained a suspect and filed a case against him for blasphemy. The Pakistani media outlet reported that demonstrators, affiliated with Tehreek-e Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) and other religious groups, disrupted traffic by setting tyres on fire and held rallies throughout various areas of Balochistan's capital city. According to reports, protesters later threw a hand grenade at the Kharotabad police station while demanding that the blasphemy suspect be handed over to them. The grenade exploded outside the police station but no injuries were reported. A senior police officer stated that an FIR had been filed against the suspect, and he was arrested shortly after the incident was reported, as per Dawn. Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), an Islamist political party founded in 2015, has been central to Pakistan's contentious blasphemy debates. The TLP, led by Khadim Hussain Rizvi until his death in 2020, is known for its staunch advocacy for the strict enforcement of blasphemy laws, which are enshrined in Pakistan's Penal Code. These laws criminalise acts deemed insulting to Islam and the Prophet Muhammad, with penalties that can include the death sentence. The TLP gained prominence through high-profile protests, most notably the 2017 Faizabad sit-in, which demanded the resignation of Law Minister Zahid Hamid over a perceived blasphemous change in the oath for lawmakers. The party has also been involved in violent demonstrations, such as those following the 2018 acquittal of Asia Bibi, a Christian woman who had been on death row for blasphemy charges. Bibi's case ignited widespread protests by TLP supporters, who viewed the acquittal as an affront to Islamic values. Additionally, the 2011 assassination of Punjab Governor Salman Taseer by his bodyguard, Mumtaz Qadri, further highlighted the volatility surrounding blasphemy laws. Taseer's murder was directly linked to his criticism of the blasphemy laws and his support for Bibi, with Qadri being hailed as a martyr by extremist factions, including the TLP. The issue of blasphemy in Pakistan is a deeply contentious and volatile subject. Critics argue that blasphemy laws often target religious minorities and are used to settle personal grievances, leading to a climate of fear and intolerance. Human Rights Watch and other organisations have documented numerous instances of extrajudicial violence and wrongful convictions tied to these laws. (ANI)
NSA Ajit Doval met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday on the sidelines of the BRICS National Security Advisers' meeting. During their discussions, Doval emphasised that maintaining peace and tranquility in border areas, as well as respecting the Line of Actual Control (LAC), are essential for restoring normalcy in bilateral relations between India and China. National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, met Member of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Political Bureau and Director of the Office of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission, Wang Yi on September 12 in Saint Petersburg, Russia on the sidelines of the Meeting of BRICS High-Ranking Officials Responsible for Security Matters/National Security Advisers, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a press release. The meeting gave India and China an opportunity to review the recent efforts towards finding an early resolution of the remaining issues along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), which will create conditions to stabilise and rebuild bilateral relations. Both sides agreed to work with urgency and redouble their efforts to realise complete disengagement in the remaining areas. NSA Doval conveyed that peace and tranquility in borders areas and respect for LAC are essential for normalcy in bilateral relations. Both sides must fully abide by relevant bilateral agreements, protocols, and understandings reached in the past by the two governments. The two sides also agreed that the India-China bilateral relationship is significant not just for the two countries but also for the region and the world. The two sides also exchanged views on the global and regional situation, the release added. Earlier in the day, Ajit Doval also met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and exchanged a handshake. The Russian Embassy in India shared pictures on X and said, "On September 12, Russia's President Vladimir Putin had a meeting with Ajit Doval, National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister of India, at the Konstantinovsky Palace in St Petersburg." Russia is holding the BRICS chairmanship for the year 2024. BRICS is an informal group of states comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, with new members Egypt, Iran, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Ethiopia joining the grouping in 2023. NSA Doval had participated in the 13th BRICS NSA meeting in Johannesburg in July 2023. (ANI)
Amid ongoing enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings, Baloch Voice for Justice, a rights group advocating for Baloch people, has launched a social media campaign demanding the recovery of Diljan Baloch. According to The Balochistan Post, Diljan Baloch allegedly forcibly disappeared from Awaran on June 12, 2024. The campaign is scheduled to run on X on September 13, 2024, from 8:00 pm to midnight. Participants are encouraged to raise awareness about his disappearance using the hashtag #ReleaseDiljanBaloch. https://x.com/BalochV4Justice/status/1834132460897968531 The report further states that Diljan Baloch, son of Allah Baksh, was forcefully detained by Pakistani armed forces in the Teertage area of Awaran on June 12. Since then, his family has had no information about his whereabouts. In another report released by the local media outlet Balochwarna, it was noted that Farzana Rodeni, the sister of Saifullah Rodeni--a police constable from Surab--was also forcibly disappeared on November 22, 2013. She has called for the immediate recovery of her brother, who was abducted while travelling for duty from Surab to Khuzdar. Earlier, a report by Paank highlighted 35 cases of enforced disappearances, three extrajudicial killings, and 13 instances of extrajudicial torture. The report describes a brutal pattern of violence by Pakistani armed forces, including torture and the abduction of young men, whose bodies are often discarded in public as a form of intimidation. Farzana Rodeni also criticised the Balochistan police for their inaction regarding her brother's case. Instead of pursuing his recovery, the police suspended him from his job and withheld his salary, further exacerbating the family's financial difficulties. Balochistan, a region in southwestern Pakistan, has been deeply affected by the practice of enforced disappearances. Human rights organizations and local activists report that individuals, including journalists, activists, and political dissenters, are often abducted by security forces or other actors. These abductions are used as tools of intimidation and repression, aimed at silencing dissent and stifling calls for greater autonomy or independence. (ANI)
Russian Ambassador to India Denis Alipov expressed grief over the death of CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury, calling the veteran leader 'an old personal friend and committed supporter of the Russian-Indian friendship.' CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury died on Thursday afternoon after battling pneumonia. The veteran leader was admitted to Delhi's All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). He was 72. https://x.com/ambrus_india/status/1834216464905011297?s=46&t=TbrKHKgG29uXA1CMFN38Pw Alipov shared a photo of him on X and wrote, "I'm so much saddened and distressed by the untimely demise of Com. Sitaram Yechury, CPI (M) General Secretary. He was an old personal friend and a committed supporter of the Russian-Indian friendship." Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed deep sorrow and shared a post on X in which he wrote, "Saddened by the passing away of Sitaram Yechury Ji. He was a leading light of the Left and was known for his ability to connect across the political spectrum. He also made a mark as an effective parliamentarian. My thoughts are with his family and admirers in this sad hour. Om Shanti." President Droupadi Murmu also expressed grief and said that the CPI(M) General Secretary had a distinct and influential voice. "Saddened to learn about the demise of CPI (M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury. First as a student leader and then in national politics and as a parliamentarian, he had a distinct and influential voice. Though a committed ideologue, he won friends, cutting across the party lines. My heartfelt condolences to his family and colleagues," the president posted on X. Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that the passing of the CPI(M) leader is a loss to the political sphere. "Saddened to hear about the passing of General Secretary of the CPI (M) and former Rajya Sabha MP, Sitaram Yechury Ji. His demise is a loss to the political sphere. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family members and friends. May God give them the strength to endure this difficult time," Shah said. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on X said that Yechury was a friend with whom he had several interactions. "Pained by the passing away of CPI(M) General Secretary and former Rajya Sabha MP Sitaram Yechuri. In his long years in public life, he distinguished himself as a seasoned parliamentarian who was known for his knowledge and articulation. He was also my friend with whom I had several interactions. I will always recall my interactions with him. Condolences to his bereaved family and supporters. Om Shanti!" he said. Sitaram Yechury was appointed general secretary of the CPI (M) in 2015. He succeeded party leader Prakash Karat. Yechury was born on August 12, 1952, in Chennai. He studied at Delhi University during his graduation times and completed post-graduation at Jawaharlal Nehru University. (ANI)
The Indian government has been working to secure the release of Indian nationals recruited into the Russian army, said the Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday, adding that 35 Indian nationals have been discharged since Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Russia in July. This brings the total number of Indians discharged to 45, including 10 who were discharged before the PM's visit. Addressing the briefing on Thursday, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "In July, when our Prime Minister travelled to Russia, he also took up the matter with President Putin. And since the Prime Minister's visit, 35 Indian nationals have been discharged. Prior to July, his visit, 10 Indian nationals had been discharged. So 45 Indian nationals have been discharged so far." "Several of them have come back. Six of them came back two days ago and several others would be shortly coming back. There are 50-odd Indian nationals who are still with the Russian army for whom we are trying our best to get them discharged as early as possible," he added. Jaiswal also spoke on Quad Summit and stated, "On Quad, I am given to understand that there will be an announcement in this regard later this evening. So please do watch out for what is being put out. You will get the answer. An official announcement is expected soon." Meanwhile, National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Dova is on a Russia visit. Doval's visit to Moscow comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Russia and Ukraine in the past two months. Doval also attended the BRICS National Security Advisers meeting in Saint Petersburg, Russia, on Wednesday. Following this, he held a meeting with Russia's Secretary of Security Council Sergey Shoigu on the sidelines of the BRICS NSAs meeting on Thursday. Earlier in the day, Doval met with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and exchanged a handshake. https://x.com/RusEmbIndia/status/1834214396966388050 The Russian Embassy in India shared pictures on X and said, "On September 12, Russia's President Vladimir Putin had a meeting with Ajit Doval, National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister of India, at the Konstantinovsky Palace in St Petersburg." Russia's President proposed to hold a bilateral meeting with PM Narendra Modi on October 22, on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Kazan to summarise the outcomes of joint work on the implementation of the agreements reached during his visit to Moscow and to outline prospects for the near future, the statement added. Ajit Doval, in turn, conveyed the words of gratitude from PM Modi and also informed about PM Modi's readiness to share information on his recent visit to Ukraine. During PM Modi's visit to Russia in July, PM Modi held a meeting with President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin and discussed ways to diversify cooperation between the two nations in various sectors like trade, commerce, security, agriculture, technology, commerce, and innovation. It was PM Modi's first visit to Russia and Ukraine since the war started between Moscow and Kyiv in 2022. Notably, India has always advocated "peace and diplomacy" for resolving conflict between Russia and Ukraine. (ANI)
Professor Sajjad Raja, Chairman of the National Equality Party for Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan, and Ladakh (NEP-JKGBL), has given a 7-day notice to Pakistani authorities, particularly the ISI, to release all citizens of Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK) who have been forcibly abducted. If the demands are not met, Raja has threatened to organise an international conference in Geneva on September 17, 2024, to expose Pakistan's alleged human rights abuses. In a post on X, Sajjad Raja warned, "We have given a 7-day notice to Pakistani agencies and particularly to ISI to recover and release all those POJK citizens who have been forcibly abducted. If Pakistan fails to recover and release all victims of enforced disappearances, we shall hold an International Conference on this issue at Geneva Press Club on the 17th of September 2024 and shall begin a campaign against Pakistani occupation and barbaric atrocities. Enough is enough; we will not let Pakistan abduct and kill our citizens anymore. A big No to Pakistan." The move comes after several activists were detained by authorities following a recent protest, sparking concerns among supporters and human rights advocates. The demonstration, which focused on pressing issues such as social equality and political accountability, had drawn a large and passionate crowd. Critics argue that the arrests represent a crackdown on freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. The detained activists, prominent for their advocacy and leadership roles, were taken into custody under claims of disrupting public order and potentially inciting unrest. The incident has ignited a broader conversation about the delicate balance between maintaining public safety and protecting fundamental democratic rights, with many calling for the immediate release of the activists and raising questions about the implications for civic engagement and protest movements. Pakistan has a long history of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings, many of which have targeted human rights and minority defenders critical of the government and the military, as well as persons suspected or accused of involvement in the opposition. (ANI)
The 16th Sun Tzu Cultural Tourism Festival and the 2024 Yellow River Estuary (Guangrao) Sun Tzu Cultural Forum were recently held in Guangrao county, Dongying in East China's Shandong province, the birthplace of the Chinese military strategist Sun Tzu.

Experts, international scholars, representatives from institutions related to Sun Tzu studies, and enthusiasts gathered at these two cultural events to explore the contemporary relevance of Sun Tzu's cultural heritage.

As the hometown of Sun Tzu, Dongying is committed to playing an active role in preserving and promoting his cultural legacy. Through continuing research and interpretation on Sun Tzu, including scholarly discussions and related projects, over 30 academic works have been published, such as New Theories on Sun Tzu and The Global Spread and Application of The Art of War.

Currently, Sun Tzu's influence is markedly visible across a range of settings in Dongying. His quotes, portraits and biographical elements are prominently featured in museums, libraries and theaters, as well as throughout urban areas.

This extensive presence underscores the deep integration of Sun Tzu's cultural heritage into the daily lives of Dongying residents, reflecting its profound and pervasive impact on the community.

According to the local education bureau, Dongying is advancing the incorporation of Sun Tzu culture into the city's educational system by establishing enriching academic environments and integrating cultural elements into the curriculum.

Additionally, the city is implementing a comprehensive aesthetic education initiative, developing art courses, and partnering with the Sun Tzu Cultural Park for educational field trips.

"Through these efforts, Dongying aims to continuously refine its educational programs, thereby strengthening the 'Hometown of Sun Tzu' educational branding," said a bureau member.

To preserve and perpetuate Sun Tzu culture effectively, Dongying is integrating cultural promotion with tourism development.

In Dongying's Guangrao county, the Sun Tzu Cultural Park is enhancing its offerings by upgrading leisure, shopping and immersive experiences. This strategic approach seamlessly connects tourist attractions, cultural highlights and commercial areas, and turns Sun Tzu's historical and cultural resources into a vibrant driver of cultural tourism.

Sun Tzu, a distinguished military theorist and strategist from the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC), is best known for his seminal work, The Art of War. As an iconic historical and military figure, his strategies have had a profound influence on both Western and Eastern philosophies and military practices.

Looking ahead, Dongying aims to deepen Sun Tzu's cultural preservation while positioning itself as a global bridge, enhance its role in international dialogues on culture, and foster a broader appreciation of Sun Tzu's legacy.
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday extended an invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, proposing a bilateral meeting on October 22, on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Kazan. During the invitation, Putin also referred to PM Modi as a "good friend." The remarks by Putin came while he met National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on the sidelines of the BRICS National Security Advisers' meeting. Putin had a meeting with Doval at the Constantine Palace in Russia's St. Petersberg. Quoting President Putin, the Kremlin in a statement said, "We will be expecting Mr Modi in Kazan. I also suggest holding a bilateral meeting there on October 22 in order to close the books on our joint work in implementing the agreements reached during his visit to Moscow and outline some prospects for the near future." "Please extend my warmest regards and best wishes to Mr Modi, my good friend," the statement added. Putin further said that the "special privileged strategic partnership" between India and Russia is "gaining momentum and growing stronger, which we are delighted about." He added, "We are also pleased to see India's success in strengthening its statehood and advancing its economy under Prime Minister Modi's leadership." The Russian president further highlighted the importance of security cooperation between India and Russia, emphasising that security issues have remained a top priority for both nations. "Security issues have always been, and continue to be, among our top priorities. We appreciate your visit to St. Petersburg following last year's meeting in Moscow. Thank you for continuing to support this dialogue from the Indian side," Putin said. The Indian Embassy in Russia said that Doval and Putin during their meeting discussed issues of mutual interest. Sharing a post on X, it wrote, "Ajit Doval called on the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin in St Petersburg on September 12, as directed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. They discussed issues of mutual interest in the spirit of Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between the two countries." Earlier in the day, Doval had a bilateral meeting with Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, on the sidelines of the BRICS NSAs meeting in St Petersburg. Both sides reviewed progress in bilateral cooperation and discussed important issues of mutual interest. Notably, in July, Prime Minister Narendra Modi went to Russia and hailing the relationship between both nations, PM Modi asserted that their ties are important not just for India and Russia but for the entire world. He had said, "In the context of today's global atmosphere, India and Russia's partnership becomes all the more important. Both of us believe that continuous efforts should be made for global stability and peace. In the time to come, we will work together towards this." The Prime Minister had also asserted that in the past 2.5 decades, the relationship between India and Russia under the leadership of Putin has strengthened. He had said, "Under your (Putin) leadership, India-Russia relations have strengthened in all directions and have scaled new heights each time. The foundation of strategic ties between the two nations that you had laid has only further strengthened over time." Meanwhile, on the sidelines of the BRICS NSAs' meeting, Doval also met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday. During their discussions, Doval emphasised that maintaining peace and tranquillity in border areas, as well as respecting the Line of Actual Control (LAC), are essential for restoring normalcy in bilateral relations between India and China. The meeting gave India and China an opportunity to review the recent efforts towards finding an early resolution of the remaining issues along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), which will create conditions to stabilise and rebuild bilateral relations. Both sides agreed to work with urgency and redouble their efforts to realise complete disengagement in the remaining areas, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a press release. Doval conveyed that peace and tranquillity in border areas and respect for LAC are essential for normalcy in bilateral relations. Both sides must fully abide by relevant bilateral agreements, protocols, and understandings reached in the past by the two governments. The two sides also agreed that the India-China bilateral relationship is significant not just for the two countries but also for the region and the world. The two sides also exchanged views on the global and regional situation, the MEA release added. Notably, Russia is holding the BRICS chairmanship for the year 2024. BRICS is an informal group of states comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, with new members Egypt, Iran, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Ethiopia joining the grouping in 2023. NSA Doval had participated in the 13th BRICS NSA meeting in Johannesburg in July 2023. (ANI)
https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1834239220434497909

Sharing some pictures on X about his meeting, Jaishankar wrote, "Good to meet @volker_turk , UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva today. Shared India's perspectives on the global human rights situation and how challenges are best addressed."

Further, he shared another post in which he thanked everyone, including the Indian diplomat, Arindam Bagchi, for hosting the leadership of International Organisations in Geneva. He also thanked WHO director general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, UNHC chief, UN Secretary-General of Trade and Development Rebeca Grynspan, and Executive Director at United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) Nikhil Seth, Secretary General at Ramsar Convention, Musonda Xoliswa Mumba, Ambassador Jean-David Levitte and Swiss Diplomat, Director of the Geneva Centre for Security Policy Thomas Greminger.

https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1834249925929955803

"Thank @abagchimea for hosting the leadership of international organisations in Geneva. Appreciate the meeting today with @DrTedros , @volker_turk , @RGrynspan , @NikhilSethUN , @MumbaMusondam , Amb Jean-David Levitte, and @ThGreminger," Jaishankar said on X.

https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1834254526531977449

Jaishankar expressed delight after meeting with World Health Organisation Director General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, and also shared some pictures of his meeting on X.

"Delighted to see @DrTedros , DG of World Health Organisation, this afternoon. Discussed our cooperation in WHO including on traditional medicine and public health," EAM said on X.

Earlier in the day, he arrived in Switzerland's Geneva and started his visit by paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi.

In a post on X, Jaishankar stated, "Started my visit to Geneva by paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi. In a world of polarisation and conflict, Bapu's message of harmony and sustainability is more relevant than ever."

Jaishankar will also meet the Swiss Foreign Minister to review the close partnership between the two nations and explore avenues to enhance the bilateral ties further.

In an earlier statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, "Geneva is home to a large number of UN bodies and international organisations. During the visit, EAM will meet with heads and representatives of international organisations with whom India is actively engaged."

Jaishankar arrived in Switzerland after concluding his visit to Germany and Saudi Arabia. (ANI)
Dubai [UAE], September 12 (ANI/WAM): In his capacity as the Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, issued law No. (20) of 2024 pertaining to the creation of Mada Media Company, a private joint-stock company (PJSC), to manage and operate advertising sites in Dubai. According to the law, the newly launched company is tasked with managing, developing, and operating advertising sites, in addition to investing in advertising technologies, and conducting related research, while also ensuring regulatory compliance. It also allows the company to form partnerships, own assets, and sign contracts with third parties to achieve its objectives within and outside the emirate. The law designates the Commissioner General for the Infrastructure, Urban Planning, and Well-Being Pillar to oversee the company's operations and ensure it meets its objectives, with the Articles of Association defining its responsibilities and powers. Furthermore, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, issued Decision No. (79) of 2024 approving the "Articles of Association of Mada Media (PJSC)", including its rules and provisions. Sheikh Hamdan also issued Decision No. (80) of 2024 forming the Board of Directors of Mada Media, chaired by Mattar Mohammed Al Tayer, with Hussein Mohammed Al Banna serving as Vice Chairman. Members of the Board include: Wissam AlAbbas Hussain Lootah, Mariam Obaid Al Muhairi, Mohammed Yousef Al Mudharreb, Ahmad Hassan Mahboub, Moaza Saeed Al Marri, Shehab Hamad Bu Shehab, and Saeed Mohammed Al Marri. This decision is effective from the date of its issuance and will be published in the Official Gazette. As per the law, Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Dubai Municipality, under the concession agreement, are empowered to delegate all or part of their advertising-related functions and permit issuance to Mada Media, as outlined in the law. The delegation of such functions aims to support the company in fulfilling its set objectives. Furthermore, RTA and Dubai Municipality, in coordination with the Dubai Investment Fund and other relevant entities, will transfer their advertising-related assets, rights, and obligations to the company, including system access. Government entities will facilitate the transfer and registration of these assets to the company or its subsidiaries in accordance with the concession agreement and applicable provisions. The law also outlines the mechanisms for subscription and ownership of the company's shares, the powers of its Board of Directors, and the human and financial resources it may draw upon. The company's shares may be offered for public subscription in ratios set by the Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai. (ANI/WAM)
Dubai [UAE], September 12 (ANI/WAM): Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, today met with Li Qiang, Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China. The two leaders discussed the growing strategic partnership between the UAE and China, and explored new avenues to expand ties. The meeting, which took place at Za'abeel Palace in Dubai, highlighted the steady growth of UAE-China ties under the leadership of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The discussions spanned a range of political, economic, commercial, and cultural issues, with both leaders emphasising the need to deepen cooperation to serve mutual interests and aspirations. The meeting was attended by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai; Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai, and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council; and a number of ministers and senior officials. Sheikh Mohammed expressed the UAE's pride in its strong partnership with China. He highlighted that the UAE and China can work together to create new pathways for a prosperous global future. He stressed the UAE's commitment to enhancing cooperation in trade, tourism, renewable energy, technology, education, and culture to serve the interests of the people of both nations. The meeting highlighted the positive impact of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's historic visit to Beijing in May, which resulted in several agreements and provided a strong impetus to bilateral relations. They also commended the growth in economic ties, with the UAE being China's largest Arab trading partner and China being the UAE's top partner. In 2023, non-oil trade between the two countries reached about AED296 billion. They also explored new investment opportunities and ways to boost collaboration between the private sectors of the two countries. The meeting noted how the UAE's robust infrastructure, flexible regulations, and secure environment offer strong support and protection for investors, providing the ideal conditions for business success and growth. The two sides also touched on the UAE's crucial role in the global economy and its participation in the Belt and Road Initiative. The discussion noted how the country's strategic location, world-class ports, exceptional logistics capabilities, and advanced infrastructure, enable it to contribute significantly to the initiative. The meeting also covered the latest regional and international developments, especially in the Middle East. The leaders stressed the importance of exploring new solutions for achieving a just and comprehensive peace, enabling the region to advance sustainable development and fulfil the aspirations of its people for a secure and prosperous future. (ANI/WAM)
The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and the Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST) in Kuwait signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Thursday for setting up the ICCR's Chair of Indian Studies for the teaching of Hindi in GUST. Notably, the Ambassador of India to Kuwait, Dr Adarsh Swaika, signed the MoU on behalf of ICCR, along with Professor Bassam Alameddine, President of GUST, the Embassy of India in Kuwait said in a press release. Under the terms of the MoU, ICCR, in consultation with GUST, shall appoint an expert Indian academician to teach Hindi for a period of up to three years in GUST. This is ICCR's first-ever Chair of Indian Studies in Kuwait and can be considered a major step in furthering the promotion of Hindi language and India-related studies in Kuwait. A weekly Hindi radio broadcast was also launched on Kuwait National Radio in April 2024. These steps underscore the importance being attached to the Hindi language in Kuwait and is a recognition of the contribution of the large and vibrant Indian diaspora in Kuwait, the release said. Notably, Hindi is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, with over 600 million speakers, making it the third most spoken language globally. Hindi's prominence extends beyond India, as it is spoken by large Indian diasporas in countries like Mauritius, Fiji, Nepal, and Trinidad and Tobago. Recognising Hindi's cultural outreach and contribution to multilingualism at the global level, the United Nations (UN) launched Hindi social media accounts on Facebook, X, and Instagram, as well as, a Hindi website of UN News in 2018. A similar chair was recently set-up in Oman in December 2023, making it the first of its kind in the Gulf region. (ANI)
The owner of the illegal petrol pump in Karachi had 'bribed' the authorities for its set-up in a residential area, where one person was killed after massive fire broke out in the building where the unauthorised petrol station was located, reported ARY News. The residents said that they had put up this issue with Assistant Commissioner of Korangi on multiple occasions over the installation of a small petrol pump in a residential area. Ten families live in the residential building, according to the statement, and each of the ten apartment owners filed a request to have the building's unauthorised petrol pump removed and to demand a total prohibition on such operations, as per ARY News. The locals said that although the authorities had closed off the illegal petrol station, it had reopened a week later. The complaints filed by the residents, however, had no effect on the petrol pump owner. "No one can remove my setup because I give money to the DC, AC, and police," the petrol pump owner claimed, according to residents. According to the eyewitnesses, Siraj, the person who was burnt to death in the tragic incident, had gone to the salon to get a haircut when the fire erupted. The man died from asphyxia inside the shop. Notably, the fire broke out in Karachi's Shah Faisal area, putting the lives of several residents there at risk. The fire, as it engulfed the building, left several people stranded. Rescue teams reached the site immediately to evacuate those trapped inside the building. The rescue operation became harder for the rescue teams as incessant smoke billowed from the building, according to ARY News. In addition to additional fire tenders being brought to the area to assist with the operation, one fire department unit was also dispatched to put out the fire. (ANI)
DAWSON SPRINGS, Ky. (WEHT)  For the first time since a tornado destroyed nearly 70% of Dawson Springs on December 10, 2021, 7 tornado survivors have a permanent place to call home.

We are here nearly 3 years later to celebrate new beginnings, says Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear.

Beshear joined Habitat for Humanity leaders to dedicate the homes, each one tailored to the families needs.

Oh gosh, it is just a miracle. Its a gift from God and a blessing. We are so grateful, says Betty and Andre Hernandez.

The couple gets the keys on Monday and says the home is a much-needed gift. After losing everything in the tornado, they hopped around and did not have a place to call their own until now. The couple says it came as a surprise.

My niece filled out the paperwork and turned it in and I thought that was the last time we were going to hear from this, from Habitat. And hey it was not even a week until I got a call, and I just could not believe it, says Betty Hernandez.

The couples new home has a ramp to help them get inside, a new kitchen, walk-in closets, and a walk-in shower. Ashlee Townsend-Mawdsley will also receive her keys next week and says she lost two aunts in the tornado.

They were my dads sisters. And where we are living now is really close to where they lived and that is very comforting to me. I know where they are at. And I know that I will get to see them again someday, says Townsend-Mawdsley.

Governor Beshear congratulated the families one by one and said this is just one part of the recovery.

The trauma that night was different and just having a new house to make memories in. And you saw some of the families, one of the couples is bringing a child into the world, Governor Beshear says.

Each family was handed a Bible. Townsend-Mawdsley says shes happy to finally have a place of her own.

Its great that I have those roots and I know that I am never going to have to move, says Townsend-Mawdsley.

Governor Beshear also announced about $6 million in funding for Hopkins County. The money will help expand high-speed internet, improve roads, and support the tourism industry.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW).
Only my body is alive  Libyans in limbo a year after flood

One year on, the images of the catastrophic deluge that swept through Libya's coastal city of Derna, killing thousands, linger in the memories of those who survived.

Life stopped. Its only the body that is still alive. Im not the same person, says Abdul Aziz Aldali, a young resident.

He lost his mother, father and nephews, who had come for a sleepover at their home, when Storm Daniel hit the city on the night of 10 September.

"I consider them martyrs. My neighbours, the Nasser family, lost 24 martyrs. The water reached them first," Mr Aldali says.

Derna is built on the delta of the Wadi Derna river. The stream flows through two dams before crossing the city and emptying into the sea.

The unseasonably heavy rains - along with the failure to do maintenance work on ageing infrastructure - overwhelmed the dams, which eventually ruptured at around 02:00 local time on 11 September.

A huge wave came through [the house]. Water filled up two floors in less than a second. The water was moving us around the house in the darkness, Mr Aldali recalls.

The water was taking me up and down. I swim very well, but its hard to control when the water keeps flipping you.

Eventually, the waves propelled him outside.

I spotted a network tower. A wave came and pushed me towards it, so I clung to it and tried to resist as much as I could.

A deluge of water struck the city with an estimated force of 24 million tonnes, sparing no one.

I looked at the people - small children who couldnt save themselves. Those who were destined to live survived. Those who werent passed away, Mr Aldali recalls.

The two-storey home of Abdul Aziz Aldali has not been rebuilt [Abdul Aziz Aldali ]

Like many other residents, Mr Aldali has left the city. He has now relocated to Umm al-Rizam, a quaint village which is a 40-minute drive south of Derna.

More than 5,900 people died, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (Ocha), and 2,380 more are reported missing in a city with a population of about 90,000.

Locals believe the number of people killed in the flood is much higher.

Almost all of my friends lost a family member. People in Derna believe more than 10,000 died in the flood, says Dernawi journalist Johr Ali, who is now based in Turkey's main city, Istanbul, and has been following developments in his home town.

For many Dernawis, the trauma of the loss is compounded by the agonising uncertainty of not knowing the fate of their missing relatives.

I only found [the bodies] of my nephews, says Mr Aldali says. This world is worth nothing without my parents. I only ask Allah to reunite me with them in heaven.

The General Authority for Search and Identification of Missing Persons (Gasimp) has spent the past 12 months collecting DNA samples from human remains in the hope of finding matches with surviving family members.

We collected the bodies, took samples from the teeth and other bones, issued reports with the cause of death, and buried the bodies, Gasimp director Dr Kamal Sewi says.

But finding the remains of the victims has been difficult, with some body parts discovered as far as 60km (37 miles) out to sea or under collapsed buildings.

The bodies of the victims still awaiting identification have been buried in unmarked graves [Gasimp]

A special cemetery on the outskirts of Derna has been set up for the victims, but the graves are still nameless because most bodies have not been officially identified, leaving thousands of families without the closure they desperately yearn for.

Numeric codes are kept inside and outside each burial spot. These will eventually be assigned a name if the DNA of the deceased person is matched with that of a living relative.

However, the scale of displacement caused by the deluge has complicated this step of identification.

It is easier to match DNA samples from direct relatives like parents or siblings, Dr Sewi says, but finding those close family members has been a challenge.

People moved from the city because they no longer have a home, but they did not come to report the missing, Dr Sewi says.

This has further delayed the identification process because the teams have to search for second- or third-generation relatives, which makes DNA matching more complicated.

[Identification] is not a process that will take one or two months to complete, Dr Sewi says.

But while the lives of many Dernawis remain in limbo as they await news of their loved ones, the city's reconstruction is well under way.

Local officials are proud of the new flats in Derna [Moataz Fadil ]

Roads have been cleared, schools and mosques are being repaired, and new homes have sprung up.

The so-called Korean buildings, a complex of towering apartment blocks painted in white have become the pride of local authorities, who have also organised press tours to display the finished work.

It has been completed more than a decade after then-ruler Muammar Gaddafi's government commissioned a South Korean company to build the complex.

Construction work was suspended after the outbreak of a civil war in 2011, but resumed after the flood.

Some displaced families have also returned to Derna, attracted by the opportunity to receive compensation of up to 100,000 Libyan dinars ($21,000; 16,000) and subsidised rent.

But financial help to some families - along with the reconstruction effort - has been delayed by bureaucratic bottlenecks, and allegations of financial mismanagement.

A source with the investigative news organisation The Sentry told the BBC that the process appeared to be "opaque", and lacked clear rules.

Some families who thought they were eligible are still waiting, he added.

There are also mounting concerns that the victims of the floods have become pawns in the power struggle between Libya's rival governments - headquartered in the capital, Tripoli, and in the eastern city, Bengazi.

Belqasem Haftar - a son of military strongman Gen Khalifa Haftar, who governs the eastern part of Libya - is leading the recovery efforts through the Derna Reconstruction Fund.

With rival governments in Libya, Derna's reconstruction has become more difficult [Getty Images]

With more than $2bn allocated to the fund, it gives the Haftars enormous influence to extend their power base.

"It is a blank cheque with zero oversight, Libya analyst Anas El Gomati, who heads the Sadeq Institute think-tank, told the AFP news agency.

A spokesman for Gen Hatar's Libyan National Army did not respond to a BBC request for comment.

The source at The Sentry, who preferred to remain anonymous because of the sensitivities around the issue, pointed out that the governor of Libya's central bank had fled the country after a fall-out with the government there.

Money allocated to the reconstruction of Derna contributed to making the central bank in Tripoli closer to the Haftar family, but the government in Tripoli was bitterly against this, he added.

As the power struggles and chaos continue to rage, Dernawis like Mr Aldali are warily trying to rebuild their lives.

We ask the people to pray for those who are behind the maintenance were witnessing now and to make the country look better than it was. May Allah have mercy upon them, he says.

More about the Derna flood from the BBC:

[Getty Images/BBC]

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Art troupes from two Chinese universities gave an art performance in the Nepali capital on Wednesday evening to mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and the traditional Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival.

Folk music ensembles, dances, male and female solos and Erhu solo featured the "Crossing Himalaya: Chinese Art Performance" by artists from East China University of Technology and Qinghai Nationalities University, which are co-building the Confucius Institute at Tribhuvan University based in Kathmandu.

Some spectators echoed to the beats of Wild Dance at the Festival and Mountain Climbing in the Spring, the two folk-music ensemble pieces, while Horse Racing, a solo piece played with the traditional Chinese stringed instrument Erhu, drew frequent applauses and cheers from the audience.

Pradhan Neera recorded "each and every moment" of the performance with her mobile phone for friends not present for the "amazing, wonderful" show, which she said included dances and songs from different provinces of China.

The Chinese national day falls on Oct. 1, while the Mid-Autumn Festival is on Sept. 17 this year, a time when families gather together, share mooncakes and view the full moon.

Indira Rana, deputy speaker of Nepal's House of Representatives, spoke of similar cultural elements and traditions between Nepal and China, noting that the Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated as well in some Southeast Asian countries.

The art performance was held with a view to promoting cultural exchanges between China and Nepal and strengthening the friendship between the peoples as well, according to the organizers.

Cultural and educational cooperation is an important part of China-Nepal relations, carrying mutual understanding and affinity between the peoples and a bright future for friendship between the neighbors, said Wang Xin, charge d'affaires at the Chinese Embassy in Nepal.
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  Members of the Panama City Community Redevelopment Agency met Wednesday to make some decisions on two beautification projects.

The projects were first proposed in about two months. One will focus on the Millville area and another will focus on St. Andrews.

They are meant to be gateways into their respective neighborhoods. The CRAs new landscaping project for Millville will span from Watson Bayou to the east of Bay Avenue.

Were focusing really on beautifying the corridor as you enter Millville and as you cross the bridge. So well be removing some of the dead trees and installing a lot of new beautiful trees and landscaping, Panama City Economic Development Director Grey Dodge said.

The Florida Department of Transportation grant includes the cost of design and construction and one year of maintenance.

So we have one year of maintenance thats included with the grant and then a five-year maintenance period thats required by dot. So all of the new landscaping will be taken care of well by the company that installs it for the first year, and theyll transition to the city for the next few years, Dodge said.

Wednesday morning CRA review committee members discussed a similar state grant for the St. Andrews area.

Those new landscaping services will cover the entire area of Beck Avenue from 16th Street to 10th Street. The city accepted bids for the two projects from July 16th to August 29th and received 5 submissions.

Wednesday committee members discussed the bids and ultimately picked Piney Grove Nursery and Landscape to work on both projects. Piney Grove is also the company selected for the beautification project on Martin Luther King Boulevard in the Glenwood cra.

They provided a really good draft concept so far. Weve also worked with Piney Grove on another grant. The city has and I know they worked with a lot of other projects across the panhandle. So we know they have the capacity and the experience to get this job done, Dodge said.

The city will now begin negotiations with the company. They will also go through a landscape architect to finalize the design of the new landscaping for the areas.

The Millville grant is $250,000 and the St. Andrews grant is $500,000.

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A 30-year-old Hazelton man was arrested after a grandmother alerted authorities to a fraud scam, according to the North Lebanon Township Police Department.

On Sept. 6, police were contacted by an 81-year-old woman reporting she was the victim of fraud at her Lions Lake home. The victim said a man contacted her the day before claiming to be her grandson and needed her help.

"The man said he was arrested and needed bail money," police said in a release Thursday morning. "A short time later, the victim was contacted by a second man claiming to be her grandson's legal counsel and arranged for a government courier to respond to her home to retrieve the bail money."

A Hispanic male suspect came to the victim's home late Sept. 5 and collected a box containing $7,000 in cash. Police later identified the suspect as Juan Carlos Garcia Hernandez.

Scam reported, police arrest a suspect

On Sept. 6, the same man claiming to be legal counsel contacted the victim and said her grandson's legal defense would require an additional $15,000. The victim contacted a family member, who told her it was a scam and called the police department.

Two North Lebanon Township officers responded to the victim's home and assisted her in what to say when contacting the scammer.

"She told him she could only get an additional $14,200," police said. "Arrangements were made with the scammer to send another government courier to the victim's home and retrieve the additional funds."

With assistance from North Cornwall Township Police Department, North Lebanon Police officers established a perimeter around the victim's development. Two officers remained inside the victim's home.

AT 9:15 p.m. Sept. 6, Hernandez arrived at the home and retrieved a box he believed to contain the additional funds, according to police.

"He was immediately taken into custody without incident by the two officers in the home," police said. "Additional officers converged on the home to find the suspect's vehicle parked in front of the residence."

A search of Hernandez's vehicle revealed evidence of other victims of identity theft. Police said evidence they obtained led officers to believe multiple suspects were involved in the fraud operation.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security was contacted and is assisting with the investigation, according to police.

"North Lebanon Township remains committed to our elderly residents and will continue to hunt those who victimize them," officials said in the release.

Hernandez is charged with felony theft by deception and conspiracy, and theft by deception false impression. An arraignment is scheduled before Magisterial District Judge Kim R. Wolf at 8 a.m. Sept. 19.

Matthew Toth is a reporter for the Lebanon Daily News. Reach him at mtoth@ldnews.com or on X at @DAMattToth.

This article originally appeared on Lebanon Daily News: N. Lebanon grandmother warns police about scam ring, suspect arrested
Republicans in DC do not want to answer questions about Trumps debate performance

Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) refused to answer questions about Trumps remarks about Haitian migrants eating pets in Ohio. ((Photo by Tierney L. Cross/Getty Images))

As Senator John Cornyn of Texas refused to answer a question about former president Donald Trumps racist remarks about Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio eating pets, a dog passed by him in the basement of the Senate.

Cornyn has spent past few years yammering about immigration and the border, going as far as to say the US-Mexico border is on fire. But when asked about the bizarre racist conspiracy theory propagated by his colleague Senator JD Vance of Ohio and mentioned onstage by Trump as he debated Kamala Harris on Tuesday night, Cornyn dithered.

If you have a serious question, Im happy [to answer], Cornyn told The Independent.

The former presidents meltdown at his debate against Vice President Kamala Harris could not be defended. A snap poll from CNN conducted by SSRS showed that 63 percent of registered voters thought Harris won the debate. Harris baited Trump by talking about his crowd sizes, which led to him ranting first about his rallies before pivoting to the conspiracy theory.

Republicans know they cannot defend such behavior.

Trumps words can be called nothing more than racist bile. They are the types of words that would inflame hate crimes against migrants from Haiti. Republicans would rather not talk about it. So they instead will attack the press.

Initially, Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa brushed off a question about the remarks. When reminded that Trump is her partys nominee for the general election, she took exception.

Excuse me? Excuse me? Ernst asked The Independent.

Senator James Lankford, the architect of the border bill that Trump eventually killed earlier this year, said he had not seen the full debate.

I've heard bits and pieces of the story. I know nothing about that story, he told The Independent. I'm not trying to obfuscate. I've just not tracked that Ohio story at all.

Lankford has fashioned himself as a policy wonk who cares deeply about solving immigration at the border. He has taken video selfies at the border to make himself seem like a brave explorer on fact-finding missions.

He either does not care enough to learn about his colleague Vances conspiracy theories or he is lying. Either is a poor reflection on the man.

Meanwhile, Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin engaged in some good, old-fashioned whataboutism.

It's amazing you guys are all concerned about that, as opposed to  what about the rapes, the murders? he told The Independent.

Senator Todd Young of Indiana, one of the few Republicans who does not support Trump, brushed off reporters and preferred not to answer questions at all.

Elsewhere, Senator Lindsey Graham, a critic-turned-ally of Trump, played coy.

I dont know where that came from, he said, when asked about the Ohio story. Graham had spent the night before the debate in the spin room for Trump, but even he could not defend that particular tale.

Senator Katie Britt of Alabama wound up being one of the few Republicans who would talk at length about the subject, but didnt want to address the pet-eating claims directly.

I think we've got to make sure that securing the border is a priority of the next president, she told The Independent. And I was disappointed that last night we didn't get into a policy discussion about how to do that.

Senator Susan Collins of Maine, who endorsed Nikki Haley and told The Independent earlier this year that she would not support anyone after Haley dropped out, mostly deflected when asked as she went into an elevator.

I was surprised, Collins, who voted to convict Trump for his actions on January 6, told The Independent, of hearing the Ohio story.

Senator Ted Cruz, one of the more verbose Republicans, who nonetheless faces a tough re-election in Texas, refused to answer a question, saying he told Fox News host Sean Hannity all he needed to say.

I talked about the debate last night on Hannity and also today's podcast is entirely on that issue, he said. Earlier this week, Cruz had posted a meme of two cats hugging, saying: Please vote for Trump so Haitian immigrants dont eat us with multiple laughing emojis. But the moment he had to answer for it outside the right-wing media sewer, he had nothing to say.
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Credit: Schmidt Ocean Institute

New footage shows a "flying spaghetti monster" waving its many arms nearly 2,200 feet (665 meters) below the surface, near an underwater mountain off the coast of Chile.

Scientists captured the footage with a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) deployed from the research vessel Falkor (too) close to a previously unexplored seamount on the Nazca Ridge, an underwater mountain chain in the southeastern Pacific Ocean. In the video, the spaghetti monster (Bathyphysa conifera) is filmed up close, revealing the creature's pink-tipped, sausage-like arms and other filamentous appendages.

"The seamounts of the Southeastern Pacific host remarkable biological diversity," Alex David Rogers , a marine biologist and science director at Ocean Census, a global program that aims to accelerate the discovery of marine species and participated in the discovery, said in a statement .

Researchers spotted the flying spaghetti monster roughly 900 miles (1,450 kilometers) off the coast of Chile, near a little-known seamount that towers 10,200 feet (3,109 m) above the seafloor.

Related: Watch hypnotizing footage of mysterious deep-sea worm dancing in the twilight zone

Flying spaghetti monsters are colonial organisms made up of thousands of multicellular "zooids" that each contribute to a specific function, such as reproduction or digestion. Spaghetti monsters are carnivorous and typically live between 3,300 and 9,900 feet (1,000 to 3,000 m) deep. They can grow several feet long, according to the statement.

The expedition that captured the new footage, led by the Schmidt Ocean Institute, is the third of its kind to explore mountain chains off the coast of Chile this year. Previous expeditions between January and February uncovered more than 100 new species and a gigantic seamount along the Nazca Ridge and neighboring Salas y Gomez Ridge.

A colorful picture of the seafloor showing a newly explored seamount off the coast of Chile.

The three expeditions have increased the number of known species in the southeastern portion of the Pacific Ocean from 1,019 in 2023 to more than 1,300 currently, according to the statement.

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The research "will significantly enhance our understanding of the distribution of remarkable lifeforms on these underwater mountains, including several that have never before been mapped or seen by human eyes," Rogers said.

During the recent dive, researchers also captured the first ever footage of a live Promachoteuthis squid  a type of small, weak-muscled squid that scientists had previously only described from dead specimens  and videos of a Casper octopus, a creature so new to science it doesn't have a scientific name yet.
A former employee of an organ recovery group said in a letter to a congressional committee that in 2021 the Kentucky organization tried to harvest organs for transplant from a patient who was still alive.

Nyckoletta Martin said a man who was incorrectly listed as brain dead woke up in a Kentucky hospital. But the group charged with recovering the organs, the Kentucky Organ Donor Affiliates, wanted to proceed with the operation anyway, Martin said. Martin called it an alarming case of patient abuse.

Organ transplantation in the United States is overseen by a Richmond, Virginia-based contractor, the United Network for Organ Sharing, or UNOS. Anne Paschke, a spokesperson for the contractor, said UNOS was unaware of the allegation until it was referenced at a congressional hearing Wednesday by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. Had it been reported to the transplant network, the claim would have been investigated by a peer review process.

Paschke called the remarks serious and unfounded, saying they have the potential to jeopardize confidence our countrys donation and transplantation system.

After Virginia Rep. Morgan Griffith, R-9th, amplified the allegation Wednesday, it drew responses of disbelief.

Its like a bad Netflix movie, said Rep. Kelly Armstrong, R-N.D. Is it possible this stuff is actually happening?

UNOS has held the organ transplantation contract since its inception in 1986. It oversees the Organ Procurement and Transplant Network, which includes 56 organ procurement organizations and about 250 transplant hospitals.

A nonprofit, UNOS has faced years of problems. It has been accused of operating old technology, failing to get organs delivered on time and an inability to discipline underperforming members of the network.

Repairing the countrys system for organ transplantation is one of the rare places where Republicans and Democrats agree, Rep. Kathy Castor, D-Fla., said Wednesday.

A law passed in 2023 breaks up its monopoly. The Health Resources and Services Administration has solicited bids for contractors to take on various pieces of UNOS work. UNOS agreed to a contract that expires at the end of the year. The government can extend the contract up to another year.

UNOS said it supports the governments plan to divide up the contracts. UNOS believes it has the experience and expertise to remain a part of the national system.

Crying and thrashing

Martin said she had been working for Kentucky Organ Donor Affiliates for a year when she was called to the hospital in 2021. A young man had overdosed and was declared brain dead. It was Martins job to recover the organs for transplantation, she wrote in a letter to Congress obtained by the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

Martin said that her colleagues notified her that the man awoke during a cardiac catheterization procedure in preparation for organ donation.

He was crying and thrashing around, Martin wrote in her letter.

Medical staff gave him a sedative and a paralytic and returned him to the intensive-care unit. Later, he woke again. The determination that the man was brain dead was an error. Such errors are shockingly common, Martin wrote.

But a senior official for Kentucky Organ Donor Affiliates, the organ recovery group, directed that the organ recovery proceed, Martin said. The mans movements were written off as reflexes. Staff wheeled the patient toward the operating room, a process known as an honor walk, where employees stand and honor the organ donor. The man woke a third time, Martin said.

On the operating table and fully conscious, the man cried, shook his head and pulled at his breathing tube. The surgeon canceled the procedure, and the patient was taken back to the ICU. The senior organ procurement official looked for another surgeon to take the organs, but none would do it.

Two weeks later, the man was discharged from the hospital, and several organ procurement employees quit the company, including Martin.

It was horrifying to see so many opportunities for KODA leadership to do the right thing and not to do them, Martin wrote.

Paschke, the UNOS spokesperson, said the allegations should be reported to law enforcement for further investigation. She said the safety of patients is UNOS top priority.

UNOS has a phone number for reporting safety events, and reports can be made confidentially. The networks bylaws prohibit retaliation against whistleblowers. But Greg Segal, who started a reform group called Organize, testified Wednesday that UNOS ignores calls for improvement and sometimes attempts to quiet those who speak out.

In 2022, UNOSs then-CEO, Brian Shepard, told Congress that it is the responsibility of the Health Resources and Services Administration to discipline or remove failing organ collection groups  not UNOSs.

A new CEO, Maureen McBride, took over last year and is steering the nonprofit toward a future defined by innovation and improvement, Paschke said.

On Capitol Hill on Wednesday, other transplant experts explained that a patient might show signs of life after he or she has been declared dead. Dr. Robert Cannon, a transplant surgeon at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, said he once experienced a similar situation. During the procedure to remove the organs, the anesthetist said it appeared the patient breathed.

No one knew what to do, Cannon said, so someone called the organ procurement organization to ask for help. The organization recommended the hospital staff continue collecting the organs which would have been murder had we proceeded, Cannon said.

Instead, Cannon stopped the procedure, and the patient died at a later point. Every transplant surgeon has a story like this, he added.

Dr. Seth Karp, a transplant surgeon at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, said that from time to time, after a patient has arrived for organ removal, the question arises of whether the patient is actually dead. Transplant teams have poor training and a poor standard of practice, Karp said.

People dont know what to do in that situation, Karp said.

Another who testified Wednesday, Segal, said he has heard similar allegations with regularity. Some employees of organ procurement organizations decline to be organ donors because of the companys practices.

Paschke, a spokesperson for UNOS, said those who testified spread untruths and misunderstandings about the transplant network.

Organ groups dont collect enough

These allegations of overzealous pursuit of organs contrast the most common criticism of organ procurement organizations  that they do not collect enough organs, disregarding patients who dont speak English or those who died in Veterans Affairs hospitals, critics said. After organs are collected, too many of them are discarded or lost before they can be transplanted into a needy patient, Karp said.

There isnt a uniform policy across all states to determine if a dead patient is ready to become an organ donor, Cannon said. Often, two doctors will affirm that the patient has experienced brain death. They might check for breathing and whether blood is flowing to the brain. The transplant surgeon who removes the organs is not part of the determination  and should not be, Cannon added.

After the patient is declared dead, the organ procurement organization steps in and begins making arrangements, including speaking to family members.

If the transplant surgeon or another staffer notices something to suggest the patient is alive, the operation stops immediately. Such instances are rare, Karp said.

Allegations such as these are troubling, said Rep. Debbie Lesko, R-Ariz., because they go beyond hurting a patient. If word spreads that organs are harvested before a patient dies, fewer people will volunteer to be organ donors.

This is a problem, she said.
Sep 12 (News On Japan) - A metaverse cemetery, Kaze no Rei, created in the virtual world, opened on September 11, with plans to enable AI conversations with the deceased.

Visitors can view photos and videos of their memories with the deceased in the family area.

This service is provided by a funeral company that aims to offer a place where loved ones can remember the deceased "anytime, anywhere."

Makoto Ogawa, Director at Alphaclub Musashino, explained, "With terms like 'grave closures' and 'Butsudan closures' becoming common, we wanted to create opportunities for people to remember the deceased by utilizing smartphones."

Up to 30 visitors can access the site simultaneously, and mourners can leave messages as well.

In the future, the company aims to implement AI technology to enable conversations with the deceased.

Source: ANN
TOKYO, Sep 12 (NHK) - The race to select the new leader of Japan's main governing Liberal Democratic Party has officially kicked off. Nine people are running, a record high under the current system. The winner is expected to become the country's next prime minister.

The candidates are Economic Security Minister Takaichi Sanae, Former Economic Security Minister Kobayashi Takayuki, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi Yoshimasa, Former Environment Minister Koizumi Shinjiro, Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko, Former Chief Cabinet Secretary Kato Katsunobu, Digital Transformation Minister Kono Taro, Former LDP Secretary-General Ishiba Shigeru and current Secretary-General Motegi Toshimitsu. The candidates made their appeals on Thursday.

Takaichi said the first thing that must be done is to transform the LDP into a party the people can truly trust. She added she wants to strengthen the party and create an environment where the LDP can continue to win elections at both the national and local levels.

Kobayashi said he will create a national strategy for 2050 to ensure people can have hopes and dreams. He stressed he will make Japan an independent country that is not affected by activities of other nations.

Hayashi said he has carefully and diligently carried out his duties. He says he decided to run to make best use of those experiences and achievements for Japan, which he loves more than anything else, as well as for his party.

Koizumi said if he becomes prime minister, within one year he would carry out three major reforms: political reform, regulatory reform and expanding people's choices. He also expressed his intention to dissolve the Lower House as early as possible.

Kamikawa said if she becomes prime minister, she will create a new Japan alongside the public, without shying away from challenges. She says she's determined to strengthen the economy and expand opportunities.

Kato said now is the time to double people's incomes, accelerate reforms and create a new Japan together. He stressed he's determined to realize these outcomes, and that is his mission.

Kono emphasized no country can maintain peace or regional stability on its own. He stressed now is the time to share this understanding with the public and communicate Japan's role and responsibilities to the world.

Ishiba said he will create a country that can protect the public with natural disasters and security in mind. He added he will do his best to thoroughly explain his decisions to resolve people's distrust in politics.

Motegi said he wants to draw out the capabilities of each citizen and the attractiveness of each region of the country. He added he wants to work with the people to make Japan a country where everyone can live 100 years with a sense of security and hope for the future.

The race is set to decide the successor to Prime Minister Kishida Fumio. Kishida announced last month he will not be running for LDP leadership again.

Vote counting will take place September 27.
By Ignatius Igwe

The Peoples Democratic Party has refused to sign the peace accord for the Edo State Governorship election scheduled for September 21.

Former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar announced this on Thursday at the venue of the signing of the peace accord in Benin.

While thanking those who signed the peace accord, he said, As you must have seen in the media, I met the Governor (Godwin Obaseki) yesterday and he told me that the PDP is not going to sign this peace accord.

They have made some observations and I was expecting the Chairman of the PDP to come and make that statement. Having waited for him this long, it is just to announce that the PDP said they are not going to sign.

According to him, the PDP said it would only sign the peace accord if certain conditions are met.

The Chairman of the PDP in the state who was present at the venue did not explain why the party refused to sign the accord.

However, Governor Godwin Obaseki had said on Wednesday that his party, the PDP, might not sign the accord.

The governor said this when he met with members of the National Peace Committee led by former Head of State and elder statesman Abulsalami Abubakar.

He accused security operatives of favouring the All Progressives Congress, saying that the police had obtained warrants and arrested members of the PDP, essentially driving the leaders of the party into hiding.

Until everybody (party members) arrested in Edo is released or brought back to Edo to be tried for whatever offences you claimed they have committed, we have no confidence that the police is going to protect us in this election, Governor Obaseki said.

Also, on the same day, the Deputy Director General of the PDP campaign Don-Pedro Obaseki gave reasons why the party would not sign. He spoke during an appearance on Politics Today.

Although the PDP and its candidate for the election, Mr Asue Ighodalo, did not sign, other parties including the the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate, Mr Monday Okpebholo, signed the peace accord. The Labour Party and its candidate Mr Olumide Akpata signed as well.

Other parties who signed the accord are the Accord Party, Accord Alliance, African Action Congress, African Democratic Congress, Action Democratic Party.

Others include the All Progressives Congress (APC), the All Progressives Grand Alliance Grand Alliance Grand Alliance (APGA), the Allied Peoples Movement, Action Peoples Party, Labour Party, National Rescue Movement, Peoples Redemption Party, the Social Democratic Party, Youth Party, the Young Progressives Party (YPP) among others.

The National Peace Committee was founded in 2014 as a non-governmental organisation comprised of elder statesmen in the country to promote free, fair, credible and peaceful elections.

Over the past 10 years, the committee has worked to avoid the breakdown of law and order during election circles. A prominent feature of its activities is the peace accord signings by political parties and candidates ahead of elections.

General Abubakar is the Chairman, Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe (Retired) is the Vice Chairman and Bishop Mathew Kukah is the Convener. Members include the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Saad III, and Alhaji Aliko Dangote, among others.
President Bola Tinubu meets with King Charles in London on September 11, 2024.

By Ignatius Igwe

President Bola Tinubu has met with King Charles III at Buckingham Palace in London, the United Kingdom.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

He described the meeting as private, highlighting the enduring and cherished relationship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

Both leaders discussed global and regional matters of shared priority, focusing on the urgent and complex challenge of climate change, the statement said.

President Tinubu and His Majesty also explored opportunities for collaboration in anticipation of the upcoming COP 29 Summit in Azerbaijan and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa.

President Tinubu reiterated Nigerias firm commitment to addressing climate change in a manner that aligns with the countrys energy security objectives whilst affirming Nigerias readiness to adopt global strategies for sustainability.

During their dialogue, the two leaders shared ideas for innovative approaches to climate financing and funding, expressing mutual interest in strengthening partnerships by harnessing Nigerias leadership position in Africa and the Commonwealth.

This will be the two leaders first meeting since they met in Dubai at the COP 28 Climate Summit last year. The latest meeting was at the Kings request, Onanuga stated.

???? Yesterday, The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria visited His Majesty at Buckingham Palace. pic.twitter.com/D2XhTXpesd  The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) September 12, 2024
A new drama, "Enjoy Yourself," delves deep into various family issues such as marriage, divorce and the loss of one's child. It presents a heart-wrenching story that leaves audiences breathless and heavyhearted, likely resonating with many.

Cast and crew pose for a photo at the premiere for "Enjoy Yourself" in Beijing, Sept. 9, 2024. [Photo courtesy of NumeroUs Movie]

Starring Xiao Yang, Song Jia and Ni Dahong, Kang Bo's "Enjoy Yourself," tells the story of a couple  a lawyer and a doctor  who have lost their child and are in the middle of a divorce cooling-off period. As the plot thickens, they become involved in a case where a desperate elderly couple are trying to get ownership from the hospital of their grandson's frozen embryo after their son dies and their daughter-in-law is put into a vegetative state following a tragic accident.

Screenwriter You Xiaoying explained at the premiere held in Beijing on Sept. 9 that although the title of the film is "Enjoy Yourself," it doesn't imply that people will enjoy themselves after watching the film. Instead, she hoped that this film encourages more people to overcome their pains and move on.

Executive producer Yin Lu echoed these sentiments and also shared the journey of creating the film, expressing that every character in the movie is based on real-life individuals. Whether it's elderly parents who have lost their only child, middle-aged couples whose relationships have been shattered due to problems with their children or young couples facing immense pressure to conceive, they all exist in real life, stomaching unavoidable, genuine pain. "In pain, everyone is frozen, but we hope that those in the ruins can have the courage to face the pain and regrets of life, and also have the courage to move forward," she said.

Leading actor Xiao Yang said he found his character to be a typical middle-aged man who is alone and can't find a channel to release his stress and emotions." He is digging deeper, and this story is rooted deeply. This film offers no answers but rather presents things as they are. All of this will make some audience members who have similar life experiences no longer feel lonely."

"Enjoy Yourself" will be released nationwide on Sept. 15, the start of China's three-day Mid-Autumn Festival holiday period.
This aerial view shows flooded farms and fields in Hanoi on September 12, 2024, as heavy rains in the aftermath of Typhoon Yagi brought flooding to northern Vietnam. (Photo by NHAC NGUYEN / AFP)

Millions of people across Southeast Asia struggled Thursday with flooded homes, power cuts and wrecked infrastructure after Typhoon Yagi swept through the region, as the death toll passed 200.

In worst-hit Vietnam, the fatalities rose to 197, with nine confirmed dead in northern Thailand  where one district is suffering its worst floods in 80 years.

Myanmars national fire service confirmed the countrys first Yagi-related deaths after 17 bodies were recovered from flooded villages in the Mandalay region, while more than 50,000 people have been forced from their homes.

Yagi brought a colossal deluge of rain that has inundated a swathe of northern Vietnam, Laos, Thailand and Myanmar, triggering deadly landslides and widespread river flooding.

One farmer on the edge of Hanoi told AFP his entire 1,800 square metre peach blossom plantation was submerged, destroying all 400 of his trees.

It will be so hard for me to recover from this loss  I think I will lose up to $40,000 this season, said the farmer, who gave his name only as Tu.

I really dont know what to do now, Im just waiting for the water to recede.

The United Nations childrens agency (UNICEF) said the typhoon had damaged more than 140,000 homes across 26 provinces in Vietnam.

Communications cut off

The high waters have devastated more than 250,000 hectares of crops and huge numbers of livestock, Vietnams agriculture ministry said, with farmland around Hanoi hit hard.

Commuters in parts of the Vietnamese capital trudged to work through shin-deep brown floodwaters, though officials said river levels in the city are slowly falling after hitting a 20-year high on Wednesday.

Thousands have been forced to evacuate their homes, while others are struggling with power cuts.

In the deadliest single incident, a landslide in Lao Cai province annihilated an entire village of 37 houses, killing at least 42 people with 53 still unaccounted for.

Rescue teams pulled victims from the mud on Thursday, carrying them on stretchers to makeshift shelters where neighbours and relatives carefully washed the bodies in readiness for burial.

Survivors picked through the mud and wreckage to retrieve what family heirlooms and possessions they could find.

People wade through flood waters on a street in Hanoi on September 12, 2024, as heavy rains in the aftermath of Typhoon Yagi brought flooding to northern Vietnam. (Photo by NHAC NGUYEN / AFP)

Fifteen bodies have been recovered in Cao Bang province after a landslide on Monday pushed a bus, along with several cars and motorbikes, into a stream, state media said Thursday.

Myanmar camps

Myanmars junta government has set up around 50 camps to help people affected by the floods, Lay Shwe Zin Oo, director of the social welfare, relief and resettlement ministry told AFP.

The Global New Light of Myanmar, the state-run newspaper, said train services on the main line between Yangon and Mandalay were suspended because some sections were flooded.

The Mekong River Commission, the international body overseeing the crucial waterway, issued a flood warning on Thursday for the historic Laotian city of Luang Prabang.

The Mekong is expected to hit flood levels in the coming days in Luang Prabang, a UNESCO world heritage site, the commission said in a bulletin.

In Thailand the death toll has risen to nine, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation said, including six killed in landslides in Chiang Mai province.

All flights have been suspended to the airport in Chiang Rai, some 145 kilometres (90 miles) northeast of Chiang Mai, aviation authorities said.

Further north, Mae Sai district on the border with Myanmar is suffering its worst floods in 80 years, Suttipong Juljarern, a senior interior ministry official said in a statement.

The Jet Ski Association of Thailand has sent 16 jet skis to help with relief efforts, Dechnarong Suticharnbancha, the bodys president told AFP.

Some of the currents in the floodwaters are too strong for normal boats but jet skis are able to navigate them because of their powerful engines.

A video showing champion jet skier Kasidit Teeraprateep rescuing an old woman from a torrent of murky water circulated on Thai social media.

Heavy monsoon rains lash Southeast Asia every year, but human-made climate change is causing more intense weather patterns that can make destructive floods more likely.

Climate change is causing typhoons to form closer to the coast, intensify faster and stay longer over land, according to a study published in July.
By Ruth Nwokwu

Unknown gunmen have executed seven family members, including three children, in their rural South African home, police said on Thursday.

Among the victims was a five-year-old boy who were shoot at their home in the eastern KwaZulu-Natal province late Wednesday.

The eldest victim was a 55-year-old woman.

Police is yet to establish the motive behind the attack in the highlands area, about 80 kilometers (50 miles) Northwest of the coastal city of Durban.

We are convinced as police that it was an execution. It was a planned murder, provincial police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi told reporters outside the house.

Some of the victims appeared to have been shot in the head while on the floor, he said.

There was a total of about 25 bullets that were used.

The gunmen burst into the house as the family was watching television and made one member of the family, who was outside the house, knocked on the door and then opened fire once it was opened.

South Africa has one of the highest peacetime per capita homicide rates in the world.

Nearly 6,200 people were murdered in the country between April and June, according to police figures released in August.
By Ruth Nwokwu

Former president of Peru, Alberto Fujimori, known for his authoritarian rule and subsequent 16-year prison sentence for crimes against humanity, has passed away.

Fujimiro died in the capital city of Lima on Wednesday after battling cancer.

He was aged 86.

After a long battle with cancer, our father, Alberto Fujimori, has just departed to meet the Lord, his children Keiko, Hiro, Sachie, and Kenji Fujimori wrote on social media platform X.

Fujimori, who led Peru from 1990 to 2000, was released from prison on humanitarian grounds in December, two-thirds of the way through a 25-year sentence for crimes against humanity during his rule.

He was a key part of Perus so-called war on terrorism, with government forces fighting against Shining Path and Tupac Amaru leftist rebels.

It left more than 69,000 people dead and 21,000 missing from 1980 to 2000, most of them civilians, according to a government truth commission.

Keiko Fujimori said her fathers wake would begin on Thursday at the National Museum and his burial would take place on Saturday.

We are waiting for all those who want to say goodbye to him in person, she wrote on X.

The government declared three days of national mourning for Fujimori beginning on Thursday and said he would have the funeral honors that correspond to a president in office, according to a decree published in the official gazette.

Sources close to his family told AFP earlier Wednesday that Fujimoris health had deteriorated rapidly after completing treatment for tongue cancer in August.

He was last seen in public on Thursday as he was leaving a Lima clinic, where he said he had undergone a CT scan.

As news of his death spread quickly on social media, supporters and detractors quarreled over his legacy.

Many Peruvians called Fujimori, who was of Japanese descent, el chino, or the Chinese man.

After his death on Wednesday, supporters of the rightwinger gathered outside his house chanting El chino did not die! El chino is present!

His daughter Keiko, who has made three failed bids for the presidency announced in July that her father would run for president again in 2026.
While Council Bluffs has high ambitions for growth, one obstacle stands in the way: affordable housing. The city has been working to address the lack of affordable housing but still has a ways to go.

As the area is expected to grow by 500,000 people over the next 30 years, the city has begun to prioritize the development of housing to prepare for projected growth. According to the latest American Community Survey, Council Bluffs has a 1.4% rental vacancy rate and a 0.9% owner vacancy rate.

There's not the ability for folks to move around. There's just not the inventory, said Courtney Harter, the city's director of community development.

Mayor Matt Walsh has continuously pushed to prioritize development in Council Bluffs, whether through initiatives to encourage development or advocating for a streetcar to help bring growth to the area.

Were at less than 1% vacancy in affordable housing, anything less than eight leads to homelessness, Walsh said.

In order to help provide incentives for developers to build in the area, the city has created a few different programs in addition to state and federal incentives. One of the larger incentives the city has in place is the housing development program. This is a fund of $6 million to be used to cover costs associated with acquisition, infrastructure development, and early architectural and engineering costs.

The Iowa West Foundation contributed $4 million to the fund, while the other $2 million came from ARPA funds awarded to the city. Priority areas for the funds include East Manawa, First Avenue, Rivers Edge and Dodge Park. The goal is to help build 1,300 new residential units by 2033.

The city also offers tax-based incentives for developers. The Urban Renewal and Urban Revitalization programs both allow options that would give developers tax breaks either through tax increment financing or exemptions.

A lot of times folks don't think about Council Bluffs as having growth because we really havent in a lot of years. So these opportunities that are going to come up are going to open us up to new developers to see that Council Bluffs is somewhere that they want to invest their dollars. It will open up our community to new opportunities, Harter said.

Council Bluffs is also pairing with nonprofit organizations in the community to help ensure they are helping those who need it. One of the citys partners is New Visions, an organization committed to helping those experiencing hunger and homelessness.

The only solution to homelessness is housing and so as a community kind of coming up with a strategic plan is really amazing to sit back and watch because we havent done this in the past where we got all the entities together, said Brandy Wallar, president and CEO of New Visions.

Wallar said that some developments in the works are going to set aside a certain percentage of units specifically for those experiencing homelessness. Organizations like New Visions will remain involved to help guide the success of recipients of these units.

While there will always be more work to be done in the realm of affordable housing, Wallar said that the city is moving in the right direction.

I think this is an exciting time for the city of Council Bluffs, Wallar said.

The Nonpareil conducted a survey of active housing developments in the community. Heres a closer look at whats happening:

Treehouse

 Location: 34th Street and First Avenue

 Number of units built and planned: 90

 Status of development: Phase 1 under construction

East Manawa

 Location: East Manawa Drive

 Number of units built and planned: 900

 Status of development: In development

Lutheran Family Service

 Location: 35th Avenue and Power Drive (south of Sams Club)

 Number of units built and planned: 276

 Status of development: In development

Perry Reid Properties

 Location: corner of Greenview Road at Franklin Avenue

 Number of units built and planned: 150

 Status of development: In development

South Pointe Apartments

 Location: Council Pointe Road and Veterans Memorial Highway

 Number of units built and planned: 186

 Status of development: In development

Union at Bluffs Run

 Location: North of 27th Avenue and West of South 19th Street

 Number of units built and planned: 192

 Status of development: In development

The city also has a few smaller projects in the works. Currently under construction, three new townhomes will be along the First Avenue Trail and six units as a part of Habitat for Humanitys Baldwin Court townhome project. Multi-family units by Broadmoor along Rivers Edge are also currently under construction.
Whether the luck of the Irish was with them or if a divine power intervened, emergency personnel are thankful that no injuries were reported in an explosion that rocked ONeill before sunrise on Monday.
WAYNE  Continuing with its mission to provide quality experiences for residents of Wayne and the surrounding region, State Nebraska Bank & Trust in Wayne is making a $120,000 donation to Wayne State College to support the Athletic and Recreation Complex (ARC) renovation and addition project.
People learn about smart hardware at the 2023 World Internet of Things (IoT) Exposition in Wuxi, east China's Jiangsu province, Oct. 21, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology unveiled a plan on Wednesday to push the development of the mobile Internet of things (IoT), aiming to boost the sector's supply, innovation capabilities and industrial value.

By 2027, China will strive to further improve its mobile IoT ecosystem, with the number of mobile IoT terminal connections expected to exceed 3.6 billion, according to the plan.

The country expects to support the establishment of more than 5 mobile IoT industrial clusters and set up over 10 mobile IoT industry demonstration bases by 2027, it said.

The plan outlined four key tasks, namely strengthening the foundational IoT network, enhancing industrial innovation capacity, boosting the integrated application of smart technologies, and fostering a favorable development environment.

China will promote the application of mobile IoT in fields such as intelligent connected vehicles, healthcare and smart homes, according to the plan.

For intelligent connected vehicles, it said efforts will be made to drive the application of mobile IoT in scenarios like driving monitoring and autonomous driving, and realize functions like information exchange and sharing, complex environment perception and intelligent decision-making.

The ministry said it will also work to accelerate the integration of mobile IoT with key industries to support their digital transformation and new industrialization.

By the end of July this year, the number of mobile IoT connections in China neared 2.55 billion, accounting for 59 percent of China's total mobile terminal connections, official data showed.
Senegals Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko revived last week a proposal to create a bank dedicated to the Senegalese diaspora. This initiative aims to channel the significant funds sent home by Senegalese expatriates into impactful and sustainable projects, reported Ecofin agency.

The diaspora sends over $2.9 billion annually to Senegal, representing about 12% of the countrys GDP. This amount surpasses both foreign direct investments and public development aid. Sonko, speaking in Matam, a city about 620 miles from Dakar, emphasized that the new bank will help harness these funds more effectively. In President Bassirou Diomaye Fayes program, we plan to launch a bank for the diaspora. They transfer around 1500 billion CFA francs each year, more than the public aid received, he said, referring to the $1.4 billion in aid received in 2021.

Remittances are a vital source of foreign currency for Senegal, which heavily relies on these financial flows to support its economy. In 2023, these transfers totaled $2.9 billion, according to the World Bank. This amount far exceeds the $2 billion in foreign direct investments, which are more susceptible to international economic shocks. Remittances have remained relatively stable, even during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ecofin added.

Most of these funds are used for immediate needs like food, housing, and education. However, the government now aims to direct these resources toward more sustainable projects, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), real estate, and social infrastructure.

The new diaspora bank will work to lower the high costs of money transfers, which remain significant despite technological advances. The World Bank reports that the average transfer fee to sub-Saharan Africa was 6.4% for sending $200 in late 2023, well above the 3% target set by the Sustainable Development Goals. Traditional banks contribute to these high costs, while digital transfer costs were lower at 5% compared to 7% for traditional methods in 2023.

The creation of a dedicated bank could also help formalize financial flows and use them as a lever for economic development. Nearly 60% of Senegalese SMEs, which make up 90% of the countrys economy and create 60% of jobs, struggle to access credit. The new bank would offer loans at favorable rates to support entrepreneurial initiatives and social infrastructure projects.

Dakar also hopes that this institution will help attract more national capital, reducing reliance on foreign funding, which currently accounts for over 60% of public investments.

The concept of a diaspora bank is not new and has been successfully implemented in other countries. Ethiopia, for example, has the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia, which offers foreign currency accounts and investment products for its diaspora. In 2023, Ethiopian diaspora remittances reached $6 billion.

Morocco has also leveraged its diaspora by offering tailored financial services through BMCE Bank, which helps Moroccans abroad access real estate and SMEs. In 2020, remittances to Morocco totaled $11.7 billion.

India and Israel have issued diaspora bonds, raising $11 billion and $35 billion, respectively, to fund public infrastructure. Nigeria and Ethiopia have also successfully tried similar approaches.

However, challenges remain. Some Senegalese in the diaspora are wary of local financial institutions due to past experiences with poorly managed investments, particularly in real estate.
On Wednesday September 11, Tunisian lawyer and columnist Sonia Dahmani was sentenced to eight months in prison on appeal for her critical remarks about President Kais Saied. Her lawyers denounced the verdict as judicial harassment.

Dahmani, known for her outspoken views, was arrested on live television on May 11 by masked police officers at the Tunis Bar Association headquarters, where she had sought refuge. Initially sentenced to one year in prison, her sentence was reduced to eight months on appeal. French lawyer Pierre-Francois Feltesse, who is part of her legal team, reported that they were unable to present arguments for her release and that the hearing, which had been suspended the previous day, concluded with the new verdict late in the evening. Feltesse announced plans to refer the case to the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention.

Dahmanis defense committee criticized the months of judicial harassment she has faced, alleging daily violations of her fundamental rights. They highlighted incidents such as a degrading and humiliating body search during an August 20 hearing and the imposition of a long white veil for women prosecuted on moral charges, despite no legal basis for such a requirement.

Dahmani was convicted under Presidential Decree 54, which targets the dissemination of false news and has been criticized by rights activists for its broad interpretation. Since its enactment, over 60 journalists, lawyers, and opposition figures have faced prosecution or conviction under this decree, according to the National Union of Tunisian Journalists.

The charges against Dahmani stem from comments she made on television in May, where she sarcastically questioned the notion of sub-Saharan migrants wanting to permanently settle in Tunisia amid its economic crisis. This followed President Saieds February 2023 speech condemning hordes of illegal sub-Saharan migrants and alleging a plot to alter Tunisias demographic composition, which incited a violent anti-migrant backlash.

Since his election in 2019, President Saied has been accused of authoritarianism following a controversial power grab in July 2021.
Amnesty International has condemned the ongoing impunity for deaths in custody and severe human rights abuses committed by armed groups under Khalifa Haftars command.

In a report released on September 11, the organization highlighted how this impunity has enabled Haftars Internal Security Agency to escalate its repression of critics and political opponents, targeting politicians, activists, poets, and bloggers.

Since January, heavily armed agents of the Internal Security Agency have detained dozens of individuals, including elderly men and women, from their homes, neighborhoods, or public places in eastern and southern Libya, regions under Haftars control. Some detainees have faced enforced disappearances lasting up to ten months without being brought before civilian courts, challenged on the legality of their detention, or formally charged.

The report also notes that in April and July, two detainees died under suspicious circumstances in facilities controlled by the Internal Security Agency in Benghazi and Ajdabiya. Amnesty International criticized the lack of independent and impartial investigations into these deaths and the failure to hold anyone accountable.

These deaths are part of a broader pattern of abuses by the Internal Security Agency against those who criticize the Libyan Arab Armed Forces, according to Amnestys findings.
On Wednesday September 11, the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS) reported an increase in Egyptian exports to Germany. In the first half of 2024, Egyptian exports to Germany totaled $463 million, up 11% from $417 million during the same period in 2023.

Egyptian imports from Germany also rose, reaching $2 billion in the first half of 2024, a 5.3% increase from $1.9 billion in the first half of 2023. Overall trade between the two countries grew by 4.2%, totaling $2.5 billion compared to $2.4 billion the previous year.

German investments in Egypt were $196.4 million during the first half of the 2023/2024 fiscal year, down slightly from $199.6 million in the same period of the 2022/2023 fiscal year. Conversely, Egyptian investments in Germany decreased to $97.9 million from $131.4 million year-over-year.

Remittances from Egyptians working in Germany totaled $129.8 million for the 2022/2023 fiscal year, a decline from $203.3 million in 2021/2022. In contrast, remittances from Germans working in Egypt increased to $15.2 million from $9.7 million during the same periods.

As of September 2024, Egypts population was 106.8 million, while Germanys population was 83.2 million. By the end of 2023, an estimated 128,000 Egyptians were residing in Germany.
Sudans 17-month conflict has escalated into a war of words between the government and the UAE. The Sudanese government accuses the UAE of arming the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and profiting from illegal gold exploitation. The UAE denies these claims, instead accusing Sudans military of using starvation as a weapon and refusing peace talks.

Amidst this political drama, the Sudanese people suffer. Over 13 million have been displaced, and more than 20,000 killed. The UN Security Council has extended an arms embargo in Darfur, but some argue for broader sanctions. UN-backed investigators report possible war crimes and genocide.

The conflict has reignited concerns about Darfur, where two decades ago, 300,000 people were killed. Today, the region faces acute hunger and displacement again. International aid efforts are hampered by restrictions and the ongoing violence.

Recent peace talks in Geneva saw the RSF participate, but the Sudanese military was absent. As accusations fly and the situation deteriorates, the humanitarian crisis deepens. Half of Sudans population faces acute hunger, and floods compound the misery.

The international community calls for both sides to negotiate, but progress seems elusive. Until the warring factions prioritize peace over power, the Sudanese people will continue to bear the brunt of this devastating conflict, trapped in a cycle of violence, hunger, and displacement.
Photo-Illustration: Intelligencer; Photo: Getty Images

Start-ups might be in a slump, but the biggest players in tech are still investing incredible sums of money into AI. Microsoft and OpenAI have proposed building a $100 billion supercomputer to train future models. Meta expects to spend upward of $40 billion by the end of 2024, while Google expects to spend even more. Elon Musks xAI is spending billions to stand up data centers so large that they need natural-gas turbines to meet their power demands.

At the same time, the AI giants are still scrambling to figure out how they might even begin to make this money back. OpenAI, which is on track to generate around $3 billion of subscription revenue in 2024, is reportedly considering higher-priced subscriptions to help offset its massive operating costs. Google is still figuring out which parts of its AI software portfolio it can charge for, and how much, while both Amazon and Apple are rumored to be working on paid versions of upcoming Alexa and Apple Intelligence features, respectively  even Meta is wondering if it might be able to charge for its AI assistant. Meanwhile, according to the Information, Microsoft, which has been bundling paid AI features into its productivity software for a while now, has been battling a lukewarm reception from business customers due to performance and cost issues.

The gentle way to describe whats happening is that the companies spending the most on generative AI are betting that customers will soon come and be willing to pay. A more honest way might be to say that, with potentially hundreds of billions of dollars missing from balance sheets in the near future, they simply need people to pay something for anything, and the best plan theyve come up with  or borrowed from OpenAI  is subscriptions.

The most obvious challenge here is that most potential customers dont yet know why they should pay for generative AI tools and chatbots of any sort. Its a challenge these companies hope to overcome with a combination of aggressive salesmanship and, ideally and eventually, software so self-evidently good and valuable that it sells itself. In the meantime, though, two slightly counterintuitive factors are working against big techs build-it-and-they-will-come plan. One is that for customers that already pay for AI  developers buying major capacity from AI providers, for example  competition between AI firms and open-source AI models has driven the price of using AI dramatically down. While companies like OpenAI and Google are brainstorming ways to charge future customers more, theyve been engaged in a race-to-the-bottom price war to keep the customers that they already have. (OpenAI itself has boasted that its cost-per-token has fallen by 99 percent since 2022.)

For anyone interested in using generative AI, this is great news: Leading models are becoming more efficient and cheaper to use at scale, and there are lots of alternatives for different tasks. For OpenAI, which has been able to reduce the cost of serving its low-paying customers and vastly more numerous free users, its a mixed bag. Its customers, who have been conditioned through a dazzling hype cycle to think in terms of exponential progress, are expecting a lot more for a lot less. Customers have been complaining about ChatGPTs performance and pricing for nearly as long as its been around. In theory, AI companies will soon be charging more than ever for next-generation models. In practice, in the actual marketplace, competition is driving prices to the floor.

The other complicating factor in big techs plan for AI is about to become more obvious: Users who dont already pay for AI are becoming accustomed to using it for free. This, too, is something that big AI firms are acutely aware of  they, and their competitors, are the ones rolling out free-to-use features to hundreds of millions of users. Theres a ChatGPT-grade chatbot tucked into Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp; some of Googles AI features, including chatbots and AI-powered search results, are showing up for users whether they ask for them or not, and are built right into newer Android phones; Microsoft includes a limited free version of Copilot, its AI assistant, in Windows. Mostly, these free offerings are part of a current or potential upsell. But they run the risk familiar to companies, like Meta and Google, that have tried to push into subscription services after years of offering services subsidized by ads. Its hard to get people to pay for things that theyve come to expect for free. It doesnt help that most of these features havent been breathtakingly impressive to regular users, despite marketing suggesting that theyre revolutionary. They feel, instead, like routine software updates.

On Monday, Apple announced its new iPhones for late 2024, which will ship with Apple Intelligence features for free (or at least free for now). These features, which include writing help, summarization tools, photo editing, and a more fluent and capable version of Siri are fairly conservative expressions of whats currently possible with generative AI  theyre not going to make iPhone 16 buyers feel like theyre interacting with a superintelligent machine. But having extensively used most of these new Apple features for a while now (as well as free and cheap paid offerings from Meta, Google, OpenAI, and others), its clear that users will, in a very short time, take them for granted. Thats not to say they arent useful or occasionally impressive: While Apples AI notification summaries are still frequently strange or wrong, they attempt and at least partially solve the platforms massive notification-spam problem; the new writing-assistant tools are unobtrusive and mostly welcome, more like an extension of autocorrect and spellcheck than an impertinent Clippy; Apples new photo-editing tools are useful; and Siri, in the end, might end up being usable for more than setting timers and reading texts. Apple is promising more advanced features to come and will integrate outside chatbots as well, but with the release of the next iPhone and the next version of iOS, Apple is about to get a lot of people used to getting a lot of AI for free.

This isnt an emergency for Apple, of course, because Apple makes most of its money selling phones and these features may help it do that. But most of the other companies giving away AI dont sell $1,000 handsets. Theyre either companies with legacy advertising businesses, like Meta or Google, or AI firms like OpenAI and xAI that are banking on building subscription businesses, winning the race to achieve AGI, or some combination of both. Altman and Musk might be imagining a future in which employee-like AI agents are priced against human labor, but short of that is a world in which generative AI could disappear into the standard software update cycle: a ubiquitous set of tools that users might find useful, but that they expect to be cheap  or to cost nothing at all.
This photo taken on Sept. 11, 2024 shows a view of the China National Convention Center in Beijing. [Photo/Xinhua]

China's burgeoning global economic presence is underscored by its ability to host major trade fairs like the China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS), according to a Turkish scholar.

Baris Doster, an academic at Istanbul's Marmara University, told Xinhua that China's role as the world's second-largest economy and leader in purchasing power parity is evident in its expertise in organizing large-scale international fairs. This expertise underscores China's economic performance and dynamic growth, he said.

Doster also noted that the wide variety of participants in these fairs - including different countries, regions, sectors, and companies - shows that these events are significant for more reasons than just the agreements made.

The scholar believes that such global fairs emphasize China's role as a key player in international trade and investment, contributing to global trade and supply chain stability.

"In this context, the CIFTIS is expected to continue this tradition, demonstrating the vibrancy of the Chinese economy and paving the way for future events that will further enhance China's global economic influence," he said.

He also highlighted the fair's role in enhancing South-South cooperation and promoting joint development, particularly in response to the increasing backlash against globalization and rising trade protectionism.

In Doster's view, trade protectionism refers to policies in the Western world that restrict imports and shield domestic industries from foreign competition, often through tariffs, quotas, and other trade barriers. According to him, this approach contrasts with free trade principles, which advocate for open markets and global competition.

"China, reacting to unconventional moves from the North that diverge from free trade principles, has implemented various measures," he said. "If there is a reduction or contraction in North-South trade, China plans to place even greater emphasis on trade among the Global South."

According to Doster, China's ongoing commitment to opening up to the outside world and the significance of its policies play a growing role in global cooperation.

"China's performance in this area, combined with its commercial and economic dimensions, has naturally increased its diplomatic capabilities, influence in foreign policy, and reputation in global relations," he added.

This year's CIFTIS, scheduled to take place in Beijing from Sept. 12 to 16, will continue to focus on the theme "Global Services, Shared Prosperity."

The fair will feature exhibitions from over 80 countries and international organizations, with more than 420 Fortune Global 500 companies and leading enterprises confirmed for offline participation.
Alberto Gonzales and Dick Cheney watch as Brett Kavanaugh is sworn in as an appellate judge in 2006. Photo: Paul J. Richards/AFP/Getty Images

Do you remember Alberto Gonzales? It is all right if you dont; its been a long time since he served as the White House counsel, then attorney general in the George W. Bush administration where he was an architect of some of the early war on terrors worst legal offenses. You can thank him, in part, for the U.S. using military tribunals on terrorist suspects and the torture practices known as enhanced interrogation techniques. In 2007, he resigned amid calls for his ouster in the Senate for firing federal prosecutors for political reasons.

And now, the Republican once devoted to bending the law in his partys favor has come out of retirement to call Donald Trump the most serious threat to the rule of law in a generation and announce his support for Kamala Harris in the November election.

Power is intoxicating, and based on Trumps rhetoric and conduct it appears unlikely that he would respect the power of the presidency in all instances, Gonzales wrote in a letter in Politico on Thursday. Rather, he would abuse it for personal and political gain, and not on behalf of the American people. As for Harris, Gonzales wrote that she appears to be the best suited, able, and committed to unite us in a manner consistent with the rule of law.

Gonzales is the second Bush-era figure in a week to come out of retirement to announce their support for the Democratic candidate over Donald Trump. Last Friday, former vice-president Dick Cheney wrote in a statement that there has never been an individual who is a greater threat to our republic than Donald Trump and that he will be voting for Harris. Trump, in response, wrote on Truth Social that Cheney was an irrelevant RINO.

Cheney and Gonzales join the ranks of many former Trump officials who have announced their support for Harris  including Trumps former press secretary and his former White House communications director. Many more  including Mike Pence, Bill Barr, James Mattis, Mark Esper  have said he is unfit for office. But for anyone who holds out hope that George W. Bush will speak out  as he did rather explicitly at Trumps inauguration  his office insists that the former president is retired from presidential politics and is focused on his painting.
In the immediate aftermath of the presidential debate, most reporters and analysts conveyed a similar narrative of what had transpired: Kamala Harris baited Donald Trump into an angry, frequently incoherent performance.

Why did so many journalists who witnessed the same event describe it so similarly? To Matt Taibbi, a popular commentator who has migrated from liberal-hating leftist to liberal-hating Trump apologist, there could be only one explanation: The entire news media was taking orders from the Democratic Party.

Taibbis post-debate column, headlined, DNC Talking Points Become Instant Post-Debate Headlines, advances a bold hypothesis. Taibbi amasses suspicious evidence of media collusion:

As one of the last relics of the Boys on the Bus era, I dont recall campaign messaging being this crude, or politicians, press, and audience acting so overtly as a chorus, he writes, the DNC or RNC just backing up to the commentariat, dumping loads of phrases, and seeing them instantly converted to conventional wisdom, thats new.

Taibbis theory suffers from two serious flaws. The first lies in the linear nature of time. Taibbi seizes on a Democratic Party press release summarizing reactions to the debate and concludes that the reactions were implanted by the party into the media. But the news release came after the reactions. That is how it was able to quote them.

The simplest account of how this occurred, and one that comports with mainstream physics, is as follows:

The debate occurred.

Many observers, witnessing the debate, had more or less the same impression.

They recorded their impression on social or traditional media.

The Democratic Partys media-relations staff read these accounts and shared some of them.

I believe this makes much more sense than Taibbis belief that the Democrats secretly instructed a wide array of journalists what to say happened at the debate.

The second flaw with Taibbis analysis is that the belief Trump looked terrible was shared by many people who could not possibly be controlled by the Democratic message machine. As the debate occurred in real time, online betting markets moved in Harriss direction, and Trumps scammy meme stock plunged.

Whats more, the conclusion that Harris effectively baited Trump into an incoherent performance was echoed by many observers who are sympathetic to Trump. Trump Took the Bait. Harris Kept Her Cool, wrote Eli Lake in The Free Press. He rose to the bait repeatedly when she baited him, moaned Brit Hume on Fox News. She won the debate because she came in with a strategy to taunt and goad Mr. Trump into diving down rabbit holes of personal grievance and vanity that left her policies and history largely untouched. He always takes the bait, and Ms. Harris set multiple traps so he spent much of the debate talking about the past, or about Joe Biden, or about immigrants eating pets, but not how hed improve the lives of Americans in the next four years, complained The Wall Street Journal editorial page.

If Trumps performance was in any way flawed, Taibbi argues, it is only because the moderators rigged the contest in Harriss favor. The world of that debate contained no speech panic, no arrest of Pavel Durov, no assassination attempt, no cover-up of Bidens health, no oddity in the sudden embrace of Dick Cheney, no mention of a half-dozen bizarre things that only just happened, he insists.

Interestingly enough, Taibbis assessment of Trumps performance is much more forgiving than that of Trumps own advisers, who were apoplectic over his incoherent rants. The [former] president was supposed to pivot but Trump blew it, a campaign insider tells Marc Caputo. He was supposed to make her own the Biden record. That didnt really happen. Trump advisers unloaded to Axios, noting that Trump simply declined to exploit the opportunities given to him by ABC News. He was told to hold her accountable for the deadly, hasty withdrawal from Afghanistan. Yet when the moderators teed up that softball twice, he swung at other topics.

So where a supermajority of the viewing public, investors, betting markets, numerous conservative pundits, and Trump advisers all saw the same thing, Taibbi discerned something totally different. The Donald Trump Taibbi watched was a lone voice of reason, much as Taibbi sees himself:

Trump kept lashing out like a person clinging to an outdated conception of sanity, like he hadnt gotten the reality-by-fiat memo 

They surrounded Trump with rigid consensus framing and watched him flail against it, which did make him look frustrated, old, and at times like a candidate for the political glue factory. But crazy? Not sure about that. If conventional wisdom says youre crazy, that doesnt make it true. What if its the other way around?

Yes, perhaps the only two sane people in the universe are Donald Trump and Matt Taibbi. Or maybe there is some other explanation.
What's your go to thing to do when riddled with anxiety ONTD?



I've bought CBD gummies recently, so I hope they help a bit.



Edited at 2022-08-10 04:42 pm (UTC)

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lay on the floor and listen to sax-heavy jazz. or go to a park and just sit among the trees.



also buspirone



Edited at 2022-08-10 04:55 pm (UTC)

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cbd vape

meditation

a walk

a nap

deep breathing- this has helped me so much

journaling and then throwing it out

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I have tried deep breathing, but when I get super anxious I can't 'fill my lungs' (I dunno the word for when you can't take a full deep breath) and every attempt at it that I can't do makes me panic more and it's cyclical.



I dunno if I'm just not doing it right or my thinking I can't do it makes me panic more when I try.

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xanax :( worried about getting addicted tho

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Go outside. Even if it's only a few minutes, if you can look at nature, do so.

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i take ashwagandha capsules & CBD oil regularly, and i notice a difference when i skip a few days. i hope the gummies help!



it depends what triggers your anxiety - for me, i get stressed when i don't get time to myself (busy at work, tons of errands & appointments, friends and family obligations, etc.) i get up very early for work (5:00am) so i put my phone on Do Not Disturb at like 8:30pm til morning and i limit long/intense conversations with my family after that time, so i can have at least an hour-ish of alone time to myself to watch tv, play animal crossing, or just scroll thru ONTD.

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Guitar, and Id prefer weed but its a fucker to get so Ive been using CBD vapes. CBD flower is better, but it clogs the pipe quickly and goes straight for my lungs.

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Working out, going for a drive. I take buspirone as well

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idk if it's placebo affect, but i've drunk kratom tea this past week due to high anxiety, and i've found myself calmer afterwards (not immediately, but noticeably). gummies if it isn't too late in the day and for last resort i take klonopin

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- nintendo switch

- youtube videos

- fluffy movies

- playing the piano

- writing



I have benzos, but they are an absolute last resort. (And are now expired anyway, lol.)

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holding my cats. it's funny how they can tell when i'm having an episode bc they'll just endure my hugs until I'm done. When I'm doing fine and hold them they peace out in a matter of seconds lol



Yoga helps me a lot too, but I'm a very lazy person so it's hard keeping up a routine.



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Yoga and weed.

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Boxed breathing, yoga, going outside and taking my shoes off and letting my feet feel the grass.



Also getting stoned and having a bubble bath or painting my nails or knitting. idk why but those three things pair well with weed.

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work out or binge eat

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I sometimes try deep breathing or a long walk, but if I cant go outside for whatever reason, I attempt to get all of my senses involved in something, if that makes any sense lol. So like, Ill cook/bake something that is cheap but takes a long time and/or a lot of prep work (nothing that requires fast/reflex reactions); while Im preparing it Ill be listening to music or listening to a funny/lighthearted podcast/audiobook. While Im doing those two things, Im also usually snacking or drinking something I like.

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like, aside from benzos?



a Slurpee, something about it super calms me

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I use the 4-7-8 breathing technique, although sometimes I struggle with taking a deep breath when my anxiety is really bad. I also find doing cardio to get my HR up, even if it's just for 10 mins or doing jumping jacks in my tiny apartment, helps because after it's over my body seems to immediately relax.



I did recently schedule an appointment with my dr to discuss medication options, since I think it might be time as it gets bad when it comes to sleeping.



Also, I was Instagram influenced and bought the Arrae calm capsules...so we'll see how those work.

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Take the 10mg melatonin for bed, knocks me RIGHT out. Gaba 500mg is good for throughout the day.

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4-7-8 breathing and/or CBD vape or gummies if it's acute and I'm trying to stave off a panic attack. If it's generalized and mild, exercise that doesn't spike my heart rate too much (yoga, pilates, an easy spin ride). I've found that for me, a spiked heart rate trips up my brain and makes things worse but that's not universal. Overall I find the breathing exercises to be the most effective thing by far.

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Meditation, music, call someone I know might need some help, text my friends, send my spouse a help, I need help! message, exercise, binging fandom stuff, xanax

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Knitting

Crocheting

Running

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I find breathing hit or miss with me so I do try one that is body awareness where you lay down (or sit) and go bit by bit focusing on your body and slowly relaxing them (or just noticing them). Like literally from the top of your head, then forehead, then face, cheeks, tongue etc etc till you get to your toes.



Focuses my attention on ME but not getting stressed about an outcome like breathing does, more just saying hello to all my body parts one at a time.

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Cup of Calm tea, you can get it on Amazon. It is nearly as effective as a low-dose xanax for me.



I also use buspirone, but I have to keep it on board, meaning 3 times per day to stay even. It is not like xanax or other benzos, not fast acting.

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Masturbation and watching fancy sims houses be built on youtube

*edited because I can't spell, sorry!!



Edited at 2022-08-10 07:06 pm (UTC)

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sleep and then get more depressed bc of sleep

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I go for a walk at the beach or the nearby park. Sun therapy for me. If its that I need to get out of this town or i will explode anxiety I drive to the desert. Theres something to that saying about removing yourself physically from a situation.

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For chronic anxiety, cutting out all caffeine and sugar (even limiting fruit) has helped the most. Upping protein too. For shorter-term relief, I like lemon balm and blue skullcap. Getting enough exercise and going outside for walks, especially when the sun is out. The website doasone.com was always helpful; you join a room and breathe in sync with people from around the world.



If there's something specific that you're anxious about, I also recommend not seeking out reassurance for it. For example, if you're afraid of one of the new diseases floating around, don't go spend an hour on Reddit looking up what people are saying about it. You'll think you're making yourself feel better but it's a false sense of control and you're feeding your fear, IMO.



Hope you feel better soon!

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knitting. it's like meditation, and I can get a lot done when stressed 

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magenisium citrate fizzy drinks

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-Meditation: I hold so much tension in my body that I actually do it laying flat down so I can release it when Im aware of it

-Making lists to break down a goal into smaller components

-Talk to friends

-Walks and exercise

-Gratitude: Talking to the universe and listing all the things Im grateful for helps me ground myself

-Being in nature

-Singing and listening to beautiful songs



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This is very welcome, OP, you are lovely! 

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The way this post made me smile so big. Thanks OP, good news are very much needed <3

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This was nice OP 





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> Sea turtle populations are on the rise in the U.S. Gulf Coast



What wow :o

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Staying in this thread  thank you op

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i've been very down the past few days and this made me smile OP, thank you <3

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Omg the baby turtle 

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I love turtles and tortoises so much 

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I am glad that this wholesome post was accepted!

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Awww this is very sweet OP.



It's easy to be hard on ourselves, so today, let's all practice treating ourselves how we'd treat our best friends- with grace and compassion.

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What a lovely, thoughtful post! Thank you for this.

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i need someone to tell me to relax. work has gotten me so agitated. were so close to finishing major parts of this project and i just want this month OVER because then well be done and ill be on vacation.

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I love this!

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I want to quit my job with no back up plan. I have 13,000 in credit spread across to credit cards. I can mahbe start working for target again in November. The job Im at now only pays 15/Hr but what Im doing was not in the job description. Its an RV delearship and I have to make sure everything goes smoothly on the day the customers sign, and I dont even get a piece of any commission. Im forced to act like a supervisor to the detail team, and we all make the same amount of money. I have to witness grown men(the technicians) freak out and cuss and throw things because something broke when they RVs are moved around.



I havent even hit my 90 days and I want to leave. But I have an almost 500 dollar car payment, not to mention insurance. My calculations show me having to use 4,000 of my available credit if I dont work again until November.



The thought have having that long of a break mentally seems so good. I know its a siren call because I know it will be a mistake.



Im fighting so hard not to just type up I QUIT and leave it on my desk along with my keys and name tag, and then just blocking everyone on my phone.



I thought this job would be better, like a step up from retail. But its not. I regret leaving target, even when they were screwing me over with lower hours. I should have sucked it up then and just taken on more shifts, even if that meant giving up days off. This was not a lateral move for me, I dont want to be here anymore.



Im scared Im really going to just walk out of this job. Ive never left a job without having another one line up and working out my last 2 weeks.



Idk what to do. I just want to turn my brain off. Im so tired. I feel like Im falling asleep and entering a dream as I write this. At least Im getting paid currently as Im on the clock.





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sending you good vibes

( ) ..:*..:*..:*..:*



I hope you can figure out the best way forward for you. it's easy to say "leave a toxic work environment" but trading one type of stress for another doesn't always solve the problem.

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maybe look for remote work instead of stopping working? I switched to remote 2 months ago and it has transformed my life tbh, esp in regards to my mental health

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That's the dream. Sadly where I live, I have really bad internet service. I have applied to a few, but I haven't gotten any call backs. Eventually I would love to only work remote only. I never want to leave my house.

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They just need to get back together. I think they are each others match (not necessarily positive)

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camila cabello shawn mendes sims trash trashy bad clothes Homeless walking why do they look so weird sad spongebob music the song is called hawaiian cocktail funny reaction video meme pic.twitter.com/CmArbSJdIF   (@vidwurld) May 13, 2020

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Lol i was literally looking for this on twitter.

this made me think 'yeah yall just need to stick to yourselves'

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Lmaoooo the text on the tweet

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I see them being on and off forever, then randomly getting married and divorcing within a year



Edited at 2024-09-12 06:28 am (UTC)

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A funeral for their relationship? A funeral for anyone who thinks this journalism anymore.

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She def over-injected her lips.

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these weirdo theater kids prob deserve each other

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Shes right, that blonde hair was definitely NOT serving her (or anyone who had to see it) anything positive.

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That was my immediate reaction - at last she's come to her senses on the hair. It was awful

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I mean their pap walks together are the main thing I think of when I think of either of them, so I don't know what else they're going to do separately.

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Mendes looks like he's doing Johnny Cash cosplay.

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i forgot that shawn existed until sabrina dragged him in her song tbh, and i only remembered camila existed because fans of every other artist were dragging her earlier this year.

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The VMAs was full of celebs trying to cling to their 15 minutes of fame. Here goes two of them.

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it's funny. it went from sabrina and joshua bassett trying to capitalize off olivia's drivers license success, and now it's shawn and camilla trying to capitalize off of sabrina's success. but i mean. much worse bc drivers license was at least a banger and no one cares enough about camila and shawn to even give a shit about a nonexistent love triangle

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i dont understand what happened to his career, its like suddenly his fans dissapeared? lol Camila always got hate on social media so it was obvious her fame was not going to last

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Cringe

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Has this flop had a hit other than that Havana song?

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how about they try it but in private so we dont have to hear about it

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Not me reading the subject and going "I thought they broke up" when I don't check for either of them.

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If Rachel Berry was a Cookie Monster pants girl, this would be her.

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this is such an underrated comment WOW the imagery....spot on

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Have they tried just making good music?

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they're both so annoying

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Why does she always look like she reeks of feet?

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I would be devastated to have someone describe my appearance like this, damn.

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This week, the stocks of solar power companies enjoyed a sharp jump following the presidential debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. Some companies saw a double-digit rise the day after the debatebecause analysts ruled that the faceoff would tip the scales toward the Democratic candidate.

"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," CNBC quoted Raymond James analyst Ed Mills told CNBC.

There appears to be a "general view that Harris won the debate," Alvin Tan, head of Asia FX strategy at RBC Capital Markets, told Reuters. "It's obviously not a slam dunk for Harris, but the chances of a Trump victory have slipped a bit."

Some are more confident the debate was a win for Harris, though. "The US Presidential debate achieved its goal by providing a decisive edge to one of the candidates in what has been an exceptionally close race," Charu Chanana, Head of FX Strategy and Global Market Strategist at Saxo, told Reuters. "Crypto and energy stocks might face headwinds as market sentiment adjusts to the shifting political dynamics."

Indeed, the shares of FirstSolar gained as much as 15% on the day after the debate, while Sunrun added some 11.5% and SolarEdge rose by 8.5%. A four-industry major, Sunnova, gained 6.2%. Solar power ETFs also enjoyed gains right after the Trump-Harris debate. The question, however, is how long they would enjoy the higher valuations.

Sunnova, while gaining 6.2% this Wednesday, is down on the week and also down in the year to date. It is also down over the past 12 months. First Solar, on the other hand, has enjoyed a steady rise in its share price over the past year. No so for Sunrun, which is slightly down in the year to date, but up by some 37% over the past 12 months.

Solar companies would certainly benefit from another transition-friendly federal government. This is why the stocks of energy majors are down, after all. If Wall Street says Harris won the debate and that's good news for solar developers.

It is also automatically bad news for Chevron and Exxon, even though the Democratic candidate changed her stance on the key issue of hydraulic fracturing, reiterating at the debate that she would not ban it. At the same time, the Republican candidate said he's "a fan of solar."

"We'll go back to windmills, and we'll go back to solar, where they need a whole desert to get some energy to come out," Trump said during the debate. "You ever see a solar plant? By the way, I'm a big fan of solar."

The election is still two months awayor perhaps only two months awaybut the stock movements right after it are a preview of what will happen on the stock market once the votes are counted. Meanwhile, solar continues to lead in new generation capacity additionsand Californians are seeing their electricity bills go higher and higher.

"I am proud that as vice president over the last four years, we have invested a trillion dollars in a clean energy economy while we have also increased domestic gas production to historic levels," Kamala Harris said during the debate.

Indeed, a lot of money has been spent on the transition, and a solid chunk of it on solar subsidies to get the ball rolling. Rolling it is, although momentum is beginning to slow downand some companies are even going under. Those include one of the biggest players in the field: SunPower filed for Chapter 11 protection last month. The reason appears to be oversupply and sluggish demand. It would be interesting to see whether a friendly president in the White House would be able to do anything about this, seeing as the bearish trend has unfolded during a Democratic presidency offering all possible support to the industry.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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Analysts at Wall Street bank UBS estimate that hurricane Francine may have disrupted up to 1.5 million barrels of U.S. crude production in total, according to a Thursday report from CNBC. Oil prices have reversed course over the past two days, with Brent crude for November delivery trading at $71.77/barrel on Thursday's session at 10.30 am ET from Tuesdays two-year low of $69.00/barrel while WTI crude for October was trading at $68.62/barrel from $65.56.

Hurricane Francine has likely disrupted about 1.5mn barrels of US oil production, which we estimate will reduce September production in the Gulf of Mexico by around 50,000bpd, Giovanni Staunovo, an analyst at UBS, told clients in a Thursday note.

UBS has predicted that oil prices will continue to rise in the near-term as inventories decline and supply lags demand growth.

The Weather Channel expects Hurricane Francine to continue to weaken as it tracks through the South today, but the system and its eventual remnants will still pack flooding rain and tornado threats into late week.

Commodity analysts at Standard Chartered have argued that positioning in the oil futures markets has turned extreme enough to skew price risks to the upside. Further, they have pointed out that oil markets are set to tighten further in the coming months as some OPEC+ members cut production.

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 the analysts, the compensation for overproduction 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, saying that Saudi Arabia, in particular, is unlikely to accept any further backsliding on promises made by the overproducers. The commodity experts have noted that the recent 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.

By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com

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Europe may have already seen peak LNG demand and a large part of its expanding LNG import infrastructure could become stranded assets by the end of the decade, the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) said in a report on Thursday.

Total LNG imports in Europe fell by 20% year-over-year in the first half of 2024, according to IEEFAs analysis. The institute includes the EU, the UK, Norway, and Turkey in the term Europe.

EU import fell by 11% in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period of 2023.

Despite the decline in LNG imports, many European countries continue to plan investments in new LNG import terminals. By 2030, IEEFA forecasts that this could result in more than 300 billion cubic meters (bcm) of unused capacity in Europe as demand is lower than the planned capacity and is set to drop by the end of the decade.

According to the institute, European demand for LNG is expected to drop by 11.2% this year to 148 bcm, meaning the continent has likely already passed peak LNG consumption.

LNG demand in Europe is further expected to drop to 93 bcm in 2030, IEEFA said.

Yet, countries in Europe persevere in building LNG import terminals as they are keen to avoid the energy crisis of 2022 when prices spiked, roiled the economies, and plunged millions of households into a cost-of-living crisis.

For example, Europes biggest economy, Germany, plans to have as much as 70.7 million tons per year of LNG import capacity by 2030, which will make it the fourth-largest LNG import capacity holder in the world. Germany plans to have a total of 10 FSRUs, some of which will be removed and replaced by onshore regasification facilities once they are built. The rush to have LNG import terminals as soon as possible will make Germany the fourth largest import capacity holder behind the major Asian LNG buyers South Korea, China, and Japan, analysts said last year.

IEEFA now says that Europes lower LNG imports and consumption have already reduced utilization rates at operational LNG import terminals.

The average utilization rate of the EUs terminals fell from 62.8% in the first half of 2023 to 47.2% in the first half of 2024, IEEFA noted.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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The visit resulted in minor agreements on rail transport, medicinal product labeling, and medical personnel training, with a protocol signed for the construction of nuclear reactors in Uzbekistan.

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustins two-day visit to Uzbekistan highlights the limits of the Kremlins geopolitical leverage these days. Mishustin arrived with high hopes of drawing Uzbekistan closer into Russias orbit, but he left with little of substance.

Uzbekistan and other Central Asian states have walked a fine line since Russia launched its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine in early 2022, striving to remain on the sidelines of the conflict without riling the Kremlin and provoking Russian leader Vladimir Putin into taking some sort of punitive action. Helping to keep Moscow happy is the fact that Central Asian states have acted as a backdoor trade conduit, tacitly helping Russian leaders soften the impact of Western sanctions, and keeping the Russian war effort going.

Mishustin arrived in Uzbekistan on September 9 with a declared aim of securing Tashkents commitment to becoming a full member of the Moscow-dominated Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). Uzbekistans participation in Eurasian integration can give additional advantages for business. First of all, thanks to the opening of new sales markets, the creation of conditions for fair competition, the TASS news agency quoted Mishustin as saying during a September 9 meeting of the joint Russian-Uzbek governmental commission.

And unnamed experts cited by the Russia-based URA news agency said the main reason Moscow wants Uzbekistan to join EAEU boils down to population numbers: Russia is facing a demographic disaster exacerbated by already large, and constantly rising, wartime losses. Uzbekistan, meanwhile, has a young and rapidly growing population. Russia needs more bodies to ensure a stable economic future.

Russia is interested in Uzbekistans accession to the EAEU because it is a country with a population of 35 million, and according to forecasts, by 2035 it will already have more than 40 million inhabitants, URA quoted the expert as saying. The total population of the [Eurasian economic] union would exceed 200 million people [if Uzbekistan became a member]. For Russia, this is an opportunity to strengthen the combined weight of that side of the multipolar world that is being built around our country as a regional leader.

At the joint commission meeting, Mishustin also expressed hope that the two countries could develop a venture to produce drones for civilian uses. We are exploring the possibilities of organizing the high-tech production of polymers, localizing the production of civilian unmanned aircraft systems and their components, TASS quoted Mishustin as saying.

The suggestion raised eyebrows among some local observers, given that an entity in Kazakhstan has already come under US sanctions for supplying Russia with dual-use components, including parts for drones used against Ukrainian forces.

Uzbek officials appeared to listen politely to Russian proposals, but provided no indication that they would go along with Moscows wishes. A statement issued by President Shavkat Mirziyoyevs office following a September 10 meeting with the Russian prime minister offered the usual platitudes on the importance of the bilateral strategic partnership without mentioning the EAEU or specific joint projects. About the most specific the presidential statement got was an acknowledgement that an exchange of views occurred on issues of mutual interest.

The joint commissions outcome the previous day was similarly modest. There was lots of discussion about boosting trade and investment and following up on joint projects agreed upon during Putins visit to Uzbekistan last May. But the talks produced few results.

An Uzbek government statement noted that three relatively minor agreements were signed at the conclusion of the commission session, including one on accelerating the rail transport of agricultural products and another covering standardized labeling of medicinal products. The third item was a protocol on the training of medical personnel.

Perhaps the most significant development arising out of the visit was the signing of a protocol concerning implementation of an agreement signed back in May under which Russia pledged to build up to six low-power nuclear reactors to generate electricity in Uzbekistan. The protocol will allow us to begin direct work on the construction site in the near future, a report published by the Spot.uz new outlet quoted Otabek Amanov, a top Uzbek official overseeing the project, as saying. Uzbek officials say they hope the first reactor will be ready to go online within five years.

During the commission meeting, Mishustin expressed satisfaction with bilateral energy cooperation. Our energy partnership is progressing successfully. Including the supply of natural gas, oil, and petroleum products from Russia to Uzbekistan, Mishustin stated.

Uzbek officials have no reason to argue on that point. Uzbekistan is buying up Russian natural gas at a bargain-basement rate of $160 per thousand cubic meters (tcm), according to local media reports. By comparison, the Russian energy behemoth Gazprom sold China gas at an estimated rate of just over $286/tcm in 2023. The low purchase price of Russian gas helps explain why Uzbekistan, itself rich in gas reserves, has turned into a net importer of the blue fuel. Low-cost Russian supplies are enabling Uzbek leaders to offer domestic customers highly subsidized rates for gas consumption.

By Eurasianet.org

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Recent landmark deals by China and the U.S. reaffirm that the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) remains vital to the Middle East strategies of the two global superpowers - and for much the same reasons. The first deal was the signing on 25 July of a strategic alliance agreement between the China National Offshore Oil Company (CNOOC) and the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) to deepen cooperation. The second deal was the signing of a strategic partnership between the U.S.s ExxonMobil and ADNOC to establish the worlds largest low-carbon hydrogen facility.

However, for both China and the U.S., the U.A.E. has an importance way beyond that intimated in these deals. To begin with, its geographical position makes it an ideal energy hub between the East and West, further supported by its plethora of ports and storage facilities spread across the seven constituent emirates of Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm Al Quwain. Fujairah is especially seen as having an extremely strategically advantageous position to deal with any potential oil supply disruptions that might come from Iran and its regional proxies, especially the Houthis. This is due to its location both outside the Persian Gulf and a healthy 160 kilometres from the politically ultra-sensitive Strait of Hormuz, through which around 30 percent of the worlds oil has historically transited.

Related: Demand Concerns Dictate Oil Prices Amid Stable Supply

Additionally, the U.A.E. is one of the worlds key oil pricing hubs, as it is home to the Dubai benchmark. This has also enabled the rapid expansion of energy trade flows coming out of the Dubai Multi-Commodities Centre, with more storage capacity from Fujairah also allowing traders greater flexibility in their deals, and a very supportive financial infrastructure created by its authorities. This has been further enhanced by the quick development of the Abu Dhabi-based ICE Futures Abu Dhabi (IFAD), with its focus on the trading of futures contracts for the light, sweet Murban crude oil that constituted around half of the UAEs total near-4 million barrels per day (bpd) crude oil production before the outbreak of Covid in 2020. The growth in its trading capabilities has run alongside the development of the U.A.E.s plans to expand its already sizeable oil output - around 4 million bpd in recent years  to 5 million bpd.

China made the U.A.E. a key focus of the Middle Eastern section of its multi-generational power-grab project, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), back when it was launched in 2013 by President Xi Jinping. Through its Iran-China 25-Year Comprehensive Cooperation Agreement, first revealed anywhere in the world in my 3 September 2019 article on the subject and as analysed in full in my latest book on the new global oil market order, Beijing exercises enormous influence over what happens in the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz. Through other similar deals in the region, China also has a hold over the Bab al-Mandab Strait, through which crude oil is shipped upwards through the Red Sea towards the Suez Canal before moving into the Mediterranean and then westwards.

The new agreement between the CNOOC and ADNOC will see greater cooperation in oil, gas exploration and production, oilfield services and the trading of crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG). CNOOC stated recently that it is ramping up such cooperation with countries participating in its BRI programme, having first entered the U.A.E.s upstream business in 2019. Last year, the U.A.E. celebrated the 10th anniversary of the launch of the BRI, and official data shows that around 90 percent of the U.A.E.s non-oil trade in that year came from countries participating in the BRI. In terms of China specifically, it remained the U.A.E.s top non-oil trade partner in 2023, accounting for 12 percent of its total trade. Extending its influence in the U.A.E. perfectly augments Beijings strategy to exercise increasing control over these key energy transport routes.

Perhaps even more importantly for China, any gains in the U.A.E. further thwart the U.S.s long-running attempts to gradually position the Emirates more firmly in its sphere of influence. Back in 2020, the U.A.E. was seen by Washington as vital to its plans for the Middle East following its unilateral withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA, or nuclear deal) with Iran in 2018. Its importance grew as the notions of withdrawing from Afghanistan and Iraq increased. Not only was the U.A.E. a significant oil producer located in a perfect location in the region, but it also appeared ideally placed to the U.S. to play a key role in Washingtons plans to position India as an increasing rival to China in the Asia-Pacific region.

At that time, a military clash between India and China had occurred in the disputed territory of the Galwan Valley in the Himalayas, as also analysed in my latest book. Washington thought this might mark a new push back strategy from India against Chinas policy of seeking to increase its economic and military alliances through the BRI. The U.S. believed that this military push back might also be echoed in Indias economic desire to finally make substantive progress on its Neighbourhood First policy as an alternative to the BRI programme. Additionally propitious for Washington in this regard was that Indias rapid economic development was expected to drive a huge expansion in its demand for oil and gas. Indeed, at the time, the International Energy Agency predicted that India would make up the biggest share of energy demand growth at 25 percent over the next two decades.

Peculiarly to many perhaps, the U.A.E. had a uniquely close relationship with India in the field of energy, as also detailed in my latest book. ADNOC was at that point the only overseas company allowed to hold and store Indias vitally-important Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR). Indias government then approved a proposal that would allow ADNOC to export oil from the SPR if there was no domestic demand for it. In the first instance, this would be done from the Mangalore strategic storage facility, with the other major SPR pool being at Padur. This decision marked a major shift in the policy of India in the handling of these vital energy reserves, with the country having previously banned all oil exports from the SPR storage facilities.

Consequently, Washington thought that a virtuous circle of diplomatic, economic, and geopolitical power could be constructed, with the U.A.E. holding an increasingly vital position in Indias burgeoning oil and gas needs, which would in turn drive its economic and political threat to China as the dominant player in Asia-Pacific. This would then boost the U.A.E.s finances (that were still struggling to recover from the 2014-2016 Oil Price War) through increased energy sales, which would place the Emirates even more firmly in the U.S.s Middle East sphere of influence. As a result of these multiple factors, the U.A.E. signed the 13 August 2020 U.S.-brokered relationship normalisation deal with Israel.

This, though, did not stop China from continuing the development of its own relationship with the U.A.E., which negatively culminated for the U.S. in the revelation over the Christmas period of 2021 that U.S. intelligence sources had identified that China had been building a secret military facility in and around the big U.A.E. port of Khalifa. Based on classified satellite imagery and human intelligence data, U.S. officials stated that China had been working for several months to establish a military foothold in the U.A.E. Early February this year also saw the U.A.E. inform the U.S. that it would no longer allow its warplanes and drones based at the Al Dhafra air base to carry out strikes in Yemen and Iraq without notifying Emirati officials ahead of time. This prompted Washington to move its key fighting air assets to nearby Qatar, which is now the U.S.s major non-NATO ally in the Middle East, according to President Joe Biden, as also detailed in full in my new book.

That said, the latest ExxonMobil deal with ADNOC may signal a new attempt at a gradual broader based rapprochement by Washington with the U.A.E. According to senior Washington-based energy security sources spoken to by OilPrice.com, the U.S. believes that its efforts of effect a lasting agreement to end the ongoing Israel-Hamas War might also allow for the beginning of a broader rapprochement with the Emirates. The U.A.E. is embarking on a big investment programme in its gas operations [US$13 billion on the next five years], so we might be able to do something there, said one of the U.S. sources recently. This is linked to a big push to boost its LNG [liquefied natural gas] capacity, and theyve asked India to invest in a big new plant [in Ruwais] connected to this, so we might be able to work something there as well, he concluded.

By Simon Watkins for Oilprice.com

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Chinese authorities have asked local carmaking companies to make sure key electric vehicle technology stays home even as they expand their manufacturing capacity across the world.

The government is recommending carmakers to produce the key parts of the cars domestically and then export the so-called knock-down kits to the factories abroad where the vehicles would be assembled, Bloomberg reported earlier today, citing unnamed sources in the know.

Chinese EV makers do indeed have ambitious expansion plans as the domestic market becomes too small for their output. One of them, Chery, plans a joint factory in Spain with local Ebro-EV Motors. Market leader BYD is building an EV plant in Hungary. Xpeng, another EV maker, also wants to build a factory in Europe.

With that, however, comes the danger of technical know-how leaking out at a time when Chinese carmakers basically rule the EV market while European manufacturers struggle to make their electric cars affordable.

The know-down kit directive may affect employment hopes in European capitals that look forward to welcoming their new Chinese investors. The reason for those investors going there in the first place was European protectionist policies aimed at helping local carmakers with their EVs. The European Commission earlier this year announced hefty import tariffs on China-made EVs in an attempt to level the playing field between Chinese and local carmakers.

EV sales in Europe, meanwhile continue to fall. In August, these were down by 33% despite a global increase in EV sales of 20%, thanks to China. Chinese EV sales reached a record last month, market researcher Rho Motion reported this week, as cited by Reuters. The numbers include both battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids.

Chinese EV sales rose by an impressive 42% in August, while sales of EVs and hybrids in the U.S. and Canada rose by a much more modest 8% last month.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, has urged developing a sense of reverence and affection for Chinese civilization and passing on fine traditional Chinese culture from generation to generation.

Xi made the remarks when inspecting the Baoji Bronze Ware Museum in the city of Baoji in northwest China's Shaanxi Province on Tuesday afternoon.

At the museum, Xi was briefed on the history and culture of the Zhou and Qin dynasties (1046-207 BC) and took a close look at exhibits such as "He Zun," a bronze ritual wine vessel carrying the earliest written record of the Chinese characters for "China."

Xi also learned about the strengthened preservation, study and utilization of cultural relics.

The 5,000 years of Chinese civilization should be further explored and studied, Xi said, noting that more efforts are required to illustrate its essence and promote the great wisdom it embodies.

Through these efforts, the people will be able to develop a strengthened sense of pride in the Chinese civilization, and the spirit of patriotism can be promoted more effectively, he said.
Crude oil production will continue to outpace demand in 2025 despite OPEC+ caps on output, Kpler analyst Homayoun Falakshahi told Reuters.

In an interview from earlier today, the analyst noted the sluggish demand growth in China but also signs of weakening demand growth in the United States, which even the recent production outages in Libya could not offset, at least based on trader behavior.

Falakshahi noted the recent increases in gasoline and middle distillate inventories in the United States as bearish signals for oil prices, saying that summer is peak demand season in fuels and the recent increases go against expectations. It is worth noting, however, that summer season officially ends on Labor Day, which was this year September 2, so a decline in demand for fuels may well be within normal seasonal patterns.

On the other hand, the analyst said that oil prices are due for a correction due to the resilience of the physical markets. The rebound in prices would also be the result of traders catching up with the implications of OPECs decision to postpone the rollback of its production cuts by two months. Still that last move can also be seen as bearish, suggesting that demand is not strong enough for more OPEC production to come into the market.

Meanwhile, prices rose on Thursday, driven higher by Hurricane Francine, with both Brent crude and West Texas Intermediate adding around 2% after offshore platforms in the Gulf of Mexico and refineries along the Gulf Coast were closed in anticipation of the hurricanes landfall.

Both benchmarks, WTI and Brent, seem to have found some ground amid worries of disrupted U.S. oil supplies, Priyanka Sachdeva, senior market analyst at Phillip Nova, told Reuters. The region accounts for about 15% of U.S. oil production, with any disruptions in production likely to tighten supplies in the near term.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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Libyas crude oil exports are projected to fall by at least 300,000 barrels per day (bpd) in September, despite a modest recovery in production. Analysts at FGE have reported that Libyas crude production has risen by around 200,000 bpd since the beginning of the month, now standing between 650,000 and 700,000 bpd. However, exports from western Libya are expected to remain minimal due to force majeure at the countrys two major oil fields: El Sharara, which produces 270,000 bpd, and the 70,000 bpd El Feel field.

FGE sees total Libyan crude production in the month of September between 750,000 bpd and 800,000 bpd.

Libyan ports have seen an uptick in crude loadings, with exports expected to increase to 370,000 bpd this week and 490,000 bpd next week. Still, the overall outlook for the OPEC members near-term exports is uncertain. August exports were sustained at over 1 million bpd, in part thanks to stored crude. With much of this stored oil now depleted, FGE expects Libyas September exports to decline sharply. Total shipments in September will average below 700,000 bpd, the forecast shows300,000 fewer barrels per day than the previous month, assuming the force majeure stays in place.

This is a combination of rising exports in east Libya and declining western port exports due to force majeure at the Sharara and El Feel oilfields, which feel the Zawia port and the Mellitah terminal, respectively.

A nationwide shutdown of oil fields was triggered on August 26 by Libyas eastern regime following the dismissal of the Central Bank head, Sadiq al-Kabir, by the western government. While an agreement was reached on September 3 to appoint a new central bank head within 30 days, tensions remain high, and many observers are concerned that the deal may not hold. The leader of the eastern House of Representatives has stated that the oil blockade will continue until al-Kabir is reinstated.

This uncertainty leaves Libyas oil sector in a precarious position, with analysts wary that the ongoing political standoff could prevent a full recovery in crude exports for the foreseeable future.

By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com

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The national average price of gasoline is set to fall below the $3 per gallon mark by the end of October, ahead of the presidential election in early November, analysts say.

The end of the summer driving season, lower international crude prices, and gas stations starting to sell the cheaper winter-type gasoline are all set to combine and lower the prices at the pump for the American consumer, possibly weeks ahead of the presidential election.

The national average price as of Thursday, September 12, stood at $3.242 a gallon, according to data from AAA. Thats $0.20 per gallon lower than a month ago and $0.60 lower compared to this time last year.

Analysts expect further declines with weakening demand off peak season and a drop to below $3 of the national average  which would be a first for more than three years  at some point in October.

A dozen U.S. states already have gasoline prices below $3 per gallon, and these include North Carolina, considered a swing state in the 2024 presidential race. Price in two other swing states, Georgia and Wisconsin, were at about $3.02 on average on Thursday, per AAA data, meaning that they will very soon join the below-$3 gasoline price club.

Considering that president polling is inversely related to gasoline price trends, falling gasoline prices could be a boost to Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris.

Americans will definitely remember the price they see when they drive into polling stations, so this is definitely good news for Harris in her campaign for president against Republican Donald Trump, Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, told Reuters.

Earlier this week, De Haan wrote that nations average price of gasoline has declined for six consecutive weeks.

We expect the national average could fall below $3 per gallon as early as October for the first time since 2021, which would be music to the ears of motorists and certainly to politicians who are angling to be elected this fall, De Haan added.

By Michael Kern for Oilprice.com

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A 35-year-old man was shot in North Omaha on Wednesday night.

At 11:40 p.m., police responded to the area of North 40th and Corby Streets when the ShotSpotter system detected at least one gunshot. Police found the man with gunshot wounds.

Medics took the man to the Nebraska Medical Center for treatment.
Groups loyal to Timi Alaibe, one of thefavs of former President Goodluck Jonathan, have disrupted the Bayelsa guber delegate congress, demanding its cancellation because the process was not transparent..

The angry PDP members were led by some PDP stakeholders loyal to the Timi Alaibe Campaign Organisation.

They accused the election committee of doing the bidding of the state governmentthat is Gov. Seriake Dickson who is fielding a candidate from his government.

The PDP guber ticket has driven a wedge between Jonathan and his godson Dickson.

One of the protesters, Tiwei Orunimighe, told the national committee members at the party Secretariat, there are processes the conduct of the PDP Congress use to take.

The party will agree with them and we go to our communities and bring results.

But to our dismay the committee has not addressed us yet people are congratulating the exercise and process that have not taken place as first of its kind. They were claiming that it was good that someone has won. When the process have not even started.

He demanded to know the modalities agreed upon by the committee and the aspirants? And who are the returning officers agreed and where are they coming from? We are very aware that it was the restoration group that gave you the list.

The Governor of Ebonyi State and the Chairman of the Ward Congresses Electoral Committee for the conduct of Ad-hoc Delegate Election, David Umahi commended the peaceful conduct of the protest and warned that anyone who engages in violence will provoke him to cancel the election process.

I want to say the process started yesterday and we all signed that we should conduct the process. Anybody suggesting that the process should be aborted are not suggesting the right thing because we are already in agreement with the aspirants, he said.

But Timi Alaibe Campaign Organisation insisted that the refusal of the aspirants to talk was due to the lack of access to the list of electoral officers presented to conduct the ad-hoc delegate election.

The group said neither its aspirant nor any other person in the governorship race had access to the list and composition of the electoral and returning officers until when the list was publicly announced by the Chairman of the Electoral Committee.

A statement issued by the Administrative Secretary of the Timi Alaibe Campaign Organisation, Professor Seiyefa Brisibe alleged that the Electoral Committee Chairman simply collected an already prepared list by the State Chairman of the party, signed it as an approved list for the three-man delegate election.

Brisibe added that when aspirants requested for the list, they were promised that copies would be made available to them and that the list would be post on the aspirants social media platform.

It was not until the very last minute when the Committee made public the list and composition of the returning and electoral officers that all the other aspirants discovered that most of those mentioned were brothers, sisters, nephews, cousins and relations of the Restoration Team aspirants. The first time we knew about the content of the list was when it was being read to everybody at the party secretariat, he said.

For the Committee to therefore put the blame on the aspirants for not raising objections over the flawed procedure adopted in the conduct of the Ad-Hoc delegates election is to be economical with the truth because it was difficult to protest over a list that none of us had access to.

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NORMAL  Normal firefighters responded to Illinois State University's Watterson Towers on Wednesday afternoon for reports of a fire on the second floor.

The fire occurred in a staff workroom located below the residential floors, and no students were injured or displaced, according to a news release from Normal Fire Department Inspector and Public Information Officer Matt Swaney.

Crews were called at 4:21 p.m. for an activated fire alarm on the south tower of the residential hall at 315 S. Fell Ave., Swaney said. NFD also received numerous calls reporting smoke near the fitness center on the second floor.

Upon arrival, firefighters found an activated sprinkler and a fire in a staff room connected to the fitness center, Swaney said. They put out the fire and began checking for hot spots while other firefighters searched surrounding floors to make sure the fire hadn't spread. Finding no spread, crews began ventilating the building by using fans to blow smoke out through windows and doorways, Swaney said.

Swaney described "moderate" fire and smoke damage to the workroom, and some water damage throughout the second floor from the sprinkler system and fire hoses. He emphasized that the second floor mainly houses the fitness center and several offices, no residential space.

The building has reopened to students and staff, Swaney said, and the fire department cleared the scene at 6:36 p.m.

He added the second floor will remain closed while ISU completes cleanup and restoration work.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, Swaney said, and no damage estimate was available late Wednesday.

Photos: Emergency crews train on air disaster readiness at Bloomington airport 061222-blm-loc-1training.JPG 061222-blm-loc-2training.JPG 061222-blm-loc-3training.JPG 061222-blm-loc-4training.JPG 061222-blm-loc-5training.JPG 061222-blm-loc-6training.JPG 061222-blm-loc-7training.JPG 061222-blm-loc-8training.jpg
Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, presides over the 30th meeting of the Council of Chairpersons of the 14th NPC Standing Committee at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 11, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) held a meeting of its Council of Chairpersons Wednesday to hear reports on the deliberations of draft laws, law revisions and decisions.

Zhao Leji, chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, presided over the meeting.

Lawmakers heard reports delivered by Xin Chunying, head of the NPC Constitution and Law Committee, on the suggestions for changes to be made to the draft revision to the National Defense Education Law and the draft decision on amending the Statistics Law, as well as a report on the deliberations of the draft decision on gradually raising the statutory retirement age. They reviewed the updated versions of the drafts.

Lawmakers heard a report delivered by Shen Chunyao, head of the Legislative Affairs Commission of the NPC Standing Committee, on the deliberations of the draft decision on conferring national medals and honorary titles on the occasion of the 75th founding anniversary of the People's Republic of China. They deliberated on the draft decision.

Lou Qinjian, head of the NPC Foreign Affairs Committee, briefed lawmakers on the deliberations of international treaties. They reviewed draft decisions on ratifying the treaties.

Liu Qi, secretary general of the NPC Standing Committee, briefed lawmakers on the deliberations of a deputy qualification report, a bill on military deputy election, and personnel related bills.

The meeting decided to submit all the updated normative documents to the ongoing NPC Standing Committee session for further review.
CHICAGO  A judge sentenced a man to life in prison Wednesday for shooting and killing Chicago police Officer Ella French and injuring her partner, marking an emotional end to the case months after jurors viewed harrowing body camera footage throughout a weeklong trial.

Emonte Morgan, 24, was found guilty in March of killing French, seriously injuring Officer Carlos Yanez Jr. and shooting at Officer Joshua Blas during a traffic stop on Aug 7, 2021 on the South Side. Life was the statutory minimum in the case, prosecutors had told Judge Ursula Walowski, who added another 57 years on other counts.

Your actions turned this into what it is today, Walowski said. You made these decisions. You pulled the trigger.

French, 29, was gunned down after she and her partners pulled over a vehicle around 63rd Street and Bell Avenue occupied by Morgan, his brother, Eric Morgan, and a woman Eric Morgan was dating. The shooting rattled the city and Police Department, and her police work elicited praise in many corners across the city.

Walowski handed down the sentence after family members gave emotional victim-impact statements in a room full of police officers. Morgans defense had argued for a 40-year prison term.

Frenchs mother, Elizabeth French, thanked the prosecutors and investigators in the case, as well as Walowski, before describing the pain shes felt every day for more than three years.

Photos of her daughters childhood  her as a baby, receiving her first communion, graduating high school  can be painful reminders, she said.

The memories, they sneak up on me sometimes and I am filled with grief and sadness, French said, her voice cracking. I dont know that closure will ever be possible for me  Some day my daughter and I will meet again. Until then I will miss Ella every day.

Before concluding her statement, Elizabeth French turned to look at Morgan and address him directly. By then, many of the observers and supporters seated in the courtroom were sniffling and dabbing tears from their eyes.

Sometimes life sucks, Elizabeth French told Morgan. It sucked for me when you killed my daughter  but life gives you choices.

There was your choice, to become the murderer of my daughter, she added. Life in prison means you will still have your life, something you took away from Ella.

During one of the statements, emotions ran over.

Yanezs father, Carlos Yanez Sr., himself a retired CPD officer, took a deep sigh as he walked from the courtroom gallery to the witness stand.

The elder Yanez, his voice shaking, recounted the hours after the shooting when he and his wife were rushed to the hospital to learn their sons condition.

It was so surreal and painful that I was praying it was me instead of him, Yanez Sr. said.

Though Yanez remained, relatively, composed during his few minutes on the witness stand, he concluded his statement by raising his voice and looking directly at Morgan seated at the defense table.

All this pain was brought upon our family by a (expletive) a who shouldve been put down a long time ago, Yanez Sr. yelled.

Morgans mother, Evalena Flores, was seated in the gallery, too, just a few feet away from Carlos Yanez, one of Frenchs partners on the night of the shooting.

As Yanez Sr. yelled on the witness stand, Morgans mother yelled, Your son is a (expletive) a! Cook County sheriffs deputies quickly moved to escort her from the courtroom as Yanez Sr. walked back to the gallery. He yelled at Morgan again.

I hope you (expletive) rot in jail, you piece of (expletive).

Prosecutors have said that Emonte Morgan fired multiple shots at the officers after French and two fellow officers stopped a gray SUV driven by Eric Morgan. Emonte Morgan was also shot during the confrontation.

Eric Morgan previously pleaded guilty to aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, aggravated battery with a dangerous weapon and obstruction of justice and was sentenced to seven years in prison.

In arguing for a lighter sentence, Morgans lawyers asked for a chance at rehabilitation.

Emonte Morgan is not beyond redemption. Emonte Morgan is able to be rehabilitated, Assistant public defender Kristine Neal told Walowski.

Before the sentence was handed down, both he and his mother addressed the court. Each claimed that the prosecution was unjust and the street stop that precipitated the shooting wad unlawful.

Ella French was not murdered, Morgan said, standing at the defense table. She had an accidental death.

Addressing reporters after the hearing, Cook County States Attorney Kim Foxx echoed Walowskis sentiment that Morgans actions  and his alone  were responsible for Frenchs killing and the catastrophic injuries suffered by Yanez.

There were choices that the defendant made on that evening that could have left a young woman alive, another officer uninjured and people going home safely to their families, Foxx said. This ending, with a young man spending the rest of his life in prison, is what happens when one uses gun violence in the manner in which they did.

During the trial, jurors repeatedly watched violent footage of the shootings of French and Yanez, as well as the aftermath as officers and doctors frantically tried to save them. They heard testimony from Blas and Yanez, the latter testifying about his long recovery and the injuries he still suffers from.

Yanez was confined to a wheelchair after the shooting but now walks with a limp. He uses hearing aids and wears a prosthetic eye.

Morgans defense attorneys, though, had argued that the body camera footage was too close and muffled during the crucial moments of the shootings, making it difficult to discern what happened. They contended that the traffic stop was needless, questioning whether the tragedy could have been avoided.

At one point after a break in the hearing, Walowski asked for those present to observe a moment of silence in memory of the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks.

A short time later, assistant states attorney Scott Clark recalled how he told Elizabeth French that Morgans sentencing was scheduled for Sept. 11.

This is a perfectly appropriate date to handle a case like this, Clark said. (Ella French is) gone because she chose the life of a hero.
Efua Ghartey is a distinguished legal professional and co-founder of the law firm Ghartey & Ghartey.



After graduating from the University of Ghana, Legon, she was called to the Bar in 1991. She holds a Certificate in Basic and Advanced Securities from the Ghana Stock Exchange and a Certificate in Alternative Dispute Resolution, awarded jointly by the California State University, Sacramento Centre for African Peace and Conflict Resolution, and the University of Ghana's Centre for International Affairs.



As a Barrister, Solicitor, and Notary Public, Efua has made significant contributions to the legal field in Ghana.



An active member of the International Federation of Female Lawyers (FIDA), Efua has held several executive positions within FIDA Ghana. She has been deeply involved in mediation, conciliation, and settlement procedures, demonstrating her commitment to alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.



Her expertise in this area has been recognized through her service as a mediator in the court-connected ADR system at the Commercial Division of the High Courts on multiple occasions.



Since 1992, Efua has served in various leadership roles across organizations focused on children, education, aviation, export financing, media, and publishing. She has been a vital part of several boards and committees, bringing her legal expertise to bear on a wide range of issues.



Within the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), she has participated in numerous committees and served on the National Executive for ten years. She was also the moderator and speaker for the Chief Justices Annual Mentoring Programme from its inception in 2007 for ten consecutive years.



Efua recently completed her tenure as the Immediate Past President of the Greater Accra Branch of the Ghana Bar Association, a position she held for six years.



Throughout her involvement with the GBA, she was a member of the National Council for a cumulative period of sixteen years.



As the Head of Chambers at Ghartey & Ghartey, she oversees all practice areas of the firm, with a particular focus on Investment Law, Corporate Law, Corporate Litigation, and Company Law. She directly manages the firm's Private Client practice and has considerable litigation experience, having appeared before all courts in Ghana, including the Supreme Court.



Beyond her legal practice, Efua has made significant contributions to faith-based organizations.



She served as the Chairperson of the Global Board of the United Bible Societies Worldwide from November 2016 to November 2019, following seven years of service on the Global Board.



In Ghana, she completed a six-year tenure as Chairperson of the Bible Society of Ghana after fifteen years on the Board. Additionally, she successfully served as the Chairperson of the Board of World Vision Ghana, having been the Vice Chair and a member for nine years.



Efua Ghartey's extensive experience and dedication to her profession and community work reflect her commitment to legal excellence, social justice, and humanitarian service.



Her leadership roles and active participation in various organizations highlight her as a prominent figure in Ghana's legal and social sectors.

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It has emerged that the rampant desecration of the water bodies in most parts of the country as a result of illegal mining (Galamsey) is done by people with Foreign extraction.



A visit to many galamsey sites by a task force of the Small Scale Miners at Mankranso and other illegal mining sites indicates a rather sorry state as workers seen mining on river Mankran, are all natives of Foreign lands.



These miners, with most of them coming from Togo, Benin, Ivory Coast, Mali, Niger and Central African Republic, were identified to be the ones who mine in the rivers without recourse to inhabitants of the Mankranso area.



Several scenes of task force invasion on these miners, including some locals, clearly depicted a grand plot by some selfish nation wreckers who have brought these youth from other countries, just to pin galamsey on the sitting government, thereby, making it unpopular.



At the sites, it was evident how these Foreign nationals were briskly mining directly into the rivers, much to the dismay of the indigenous people, who looked on helplessly.



According to some residents of Mankranso especially, these foreigners are armed with sophisticated weapons and cannot express themselves in any of the dialects of Ghana.



"Because they have these massive weapons, they are brutish and show no respect to anyone."



Though they are heavily against mining in rivers by these foreigners, they cannot approach them due to the weapons these nationals wield.



Mining equipment such as chamfine, water pumping machines, and others were ceased, while the Chamfine was set ablaze by task force of the Small Scale Miners.



According to the task force, such operations will continue in all parts of the country to clamp down on these foreigners who soil water bodies with impunity.





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Ghanas foreign minister Shirley A. Botchwey delivered a splendid performance in London on Wednesday when debating two other African candidates contesting for the position of Commonwealth Secretary-General.



Ms. Botchwey who is considered the front-runner in the three-way contest, stole the momentum from the start when she focused her opening remarks on the experience she has accumulated as a four-term legislator and over a decade as one of Africas top diplomats, and why the Commonwealth needed a woman with her competencies and stature to lead it into the future.



Ms. Botchwey, considered the front-runner, highlighted her experience as a four-term legislator and her decade-long tenure as one of Africas top diplomats. She emphasized the need for a woman with her skills and stature to lead the Commonwealth into the future.



The debate, moderated by BBC journalist Zainab Badawi, was organized by the Commonwealth Foundation, Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and Chatham House.



Ms. Botchwey listed several diplomatic feats, including guiding two crucial resolutions to unanimous approval by the UN Security Council during Ghanas two-year non-permanent membership on the council, which ended in 2023.



These were the historic Resolution 27/19 which, for the first time, allows Africa-led peace support operations to be funded by the UN; and Resolution 26/34 on piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, jointly sponsored by Ghana and Norway.



As the Chair of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers, she negotiated with Sahelian military juntas to promote democracy and implemented reforms at the ECOWAS Commission, resulting in significant savings allocated to community programs.



This experience will be relevant for making the Commonwealth optimize its resources to achieve more for member countries, Ms. Botchwey pointed out.



As foreign minister for eight years, I have successfully managed an organization the size of Ghanas foreign ministry, modernized its services across the world and set up our Foreign Service Institute, Ms Botchwey told the packed Chatham House auditorium and an online audience of over 1,600.



The other two contestants are Gambian foreign minister Mamadou Tangara and ex-Lesotho Trade Minister Joshua Setipa. , who is currently on leave as an officer of the Commonwealth Secretariat to contest for the upgrade to Secretary-General.



In his opening statement, Mr. Tangara regaled the audience with a story about a bicycle his mother promised him if he went to school, but which never arrived despite completing a PhD.



Mr. Setipa was generous with tributes to the legacies of previous Secretaries-General but ran out of time to justify his own candidacy.



The next Commonwealth Heads of Governments Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa next month will elect a new Secretary-General. According to the organization's regional rotation convention, the new leader must come from Africa to replace Baroness Patricia Scotland, who is serving her eighth and final year.



Ms. Botchwey said she wanted the organization to be a leader for democratic renewal; for a bold response to climate change, and for a development co-operation framework that guarantees inclusive economic growth, social mobility and effective social protection.



Ms. Botchwey stated her desire for the organization to lead in democratic renewal, respond boldly to climate change, and establish a cooperation framework ensuring inclusive economic growth, social mobility, and effective social protection.



Ms. Botchwey who has met nearly all the leaders of the 56-member commonwealth outlined her vision, adding that listening to them has refined my priorities to reflect a consensus that would unify our body and position us to help countries address their vulnerabilities and build resilience.



Her platform includes promoting democracy and harnessing its economic benefits, addressing climate change and its particular impact on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Small States, and improving the management of the Commonwealth Secretariat.



She has also hammered on the importance of trade and investment within the commonwealth, considering its $13 trillion GDP heft, and its population of 2.6 billion people.

She also emphasized the importance of trade and investment within the Commonwealth, considering its $13 trillion GDP and a population of 2.6 billion people.



Some 60 percent of the population is 30 or below. This demographic is critical for ensuring prosperity, political stability, and a thriving democracy through education, skills training, and jobs, says Ms. Botchwey.



Ms. Botchwey was quick to cite trust and confidence in the Secretary-General as the most critical ingredient for a New Commonwealth, as these were key to unlocking funding for the lofty ideas she and colleague candidates had put forward.



Ms. Botchwey emphasized that "trust and confidence" in the Secretary-General are crucial for the success of "A New Commonwealth". She highlighted that these attributes are essential for securing funding for the ambitious proposals presented by her and fellow candidates.

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As government revs up operations to combat the illegal mining menace and protect the countrys water and forest resources, it also continues to create avenues for the economic empowerment of residents of mining communities with the Community Mining Scheme being a prominent feature of this initiative.



In furtherance of these reformative measures, the government has so far established 25 Community Mining Schemes concessions with the Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources responsible for Mines, Hon. George Mireku Duker, MP, launching the 26th concession at Meretweso in the Dunkwa-on-Offin Municipality of the Central Region on Thursday, September 12, 2024.



Addressing an enthusiastic crowd of chiefs and residents at durbar held to welcome the CMS concession, Hon. Mireku Duker disclosed that the concession will address unemployment challenges in the area with 3000 jobs created directly and 500 jobs indirectly.



Hon. Mireku Duker outlined the disparities between illegal small-scale mining and the CMS, noting that while the CMS involves the use of environmentally friendly equipment, illegal mining involves the use of heavy metals and destructive chemicals and equipment.



He debunked assertions that the CMS is a miniature of the galamsey and stated that the government is absolutely against illegal mining of any kind and will continue to fight it.



He explained that the CMS which has the support of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is modernized and more sustainable mineral exploration model.



Providing an update on the fight to protect Ghanas mineral resources, the Deputy Minister explained that the government has made significant in-roads and will continue to ensure the protection of the countrys forest cover and waterbodies.



He announced that river guards will soon be deployed to areas for the protection of water resources and forests.



Hon. Duker reminded the community of their fiduciary responsibility to the their communities and the country and urged them to collaborate with government to protect the environment.



He emphasized that it is our collective responsibility to support and regularize community milking for the benefit of all.



The Metropolitan Chief Executive of Dunkwa-Offin, Ebenezer Appiah Forson highlighted the economic the CMS is going to have on the community and others nearby.



He announced that measures have already been instituted to ensure total adherence to the regulations and urged the people to comply with them.



Dr Festus Awuah Kofi, the Member of Parliament for Upper Denkyira East promised that the measures outlined in the licensing regime will be completely obeyed.



He urged the youth in the area to protect the concession as it would create sustainable economic growth in the area.

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National Association of Small Scale Miners task force has clamped down on some galamsey equipment thereby setting them ablaze in the Ahafo Ano South.



The task force conducted a major operation on the River Mankran in the Ahafo Ano South West District on Wednesday, September 11, targeting illegal mining activities, commonly known as galamsey which continues to destroy the water bodies.



During the operation of task force on Wednesday, various equipment used to carryout the illegal mining activities were left by the galamseyers upon seeing the taskforce.



With no one to arrest, the task force decided to destroy the mining machines left behind. The equipment found on the river, including dredging machines, were set ablaze. Other items such as water pumps, motors, and tanks were confiscated as evidence.



Mining equipment such as changfang, water pumping machines amongst others were set on fire by the task force.



Speaking to the media, the leader of the taskforce stated that such operations will be carried out considering the rate at which the illegal miners have destroyed some water bodies in the country.



He added that, the galamseyers most of whom are foreigners will be clamped down so as to put an end to their heinous activities.



We will fight to stop the illegal mining until our water bodies are clean, we are not going to relent.



People are claiming the siting government is destroying water bodies through galamsey, and government is also blaming small scale miners. Other politicians are also promising the illegal miners that they will be given opportunity to continue mining when they are elected into (power). All these will not help us, that is why ahead of the elections, we the taskforce of the Small Scale Miners Association has intensified our fight against galamsey to help the government and Ghana as a whole.



They reiterated that the association will not tolerate illegal mining activities that devastate the environment.

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The Chamber of Small-Scale Mining Industries has rebutted the calls for a ban on all mining activities.



They argue that such move will be extremely unfair to small-scale miners operating legally in the country and also collapse mining businesses.

A statement signed by Baffour Asare Yamoah, the National Coordinator of Chamber of Small-Scale Mining Industries, read; "The Chamber of Small-Scale Mining Industries, representing the interests of legitimate small-scale miners across the country, wishes to address the recent statement issued by Organised Labour, led byBaffou Asare Yamoah the Trades Union Congress (TUC), regarding the galamsey (illegal mining) crisis.



"While we recognize the severity of the illegal mining menace and its impact on Ghanas environment and communities, we believe that it is crucial to differentiate between lawful small-scale miners and illegal operators to ensure fairness and accuracy in public discourse."

It further said; "Lawful Small-Scale Mining vs. Galamsey It is essential to clarify that lawful small-scale miners operate under strict regulations set by the Minerals Commission and other relevant authorities. These miners play a vital

role in Ghana's economy, providing livelihoods for many Ghanaians and contributing to the countrys gold production.



"Galamsey operators, on the other hand, are illegal miners who act outside the framework of the law and cause the environmental destruction highlighted in the TUCs statement. Conflating the two groups undermines

the efforts of responsible miners who are committed to sustainable mining practices."

Read the full statement below:



Chamber of Small-scale mining Industries in Ghana (COSSMIG) Rebuttal Statement by the Chamber of Small-Scale Mining Industries To Organised Labour, led by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) press statement on Ban

of Small Scale-mining (Galamsey)



The Chamber of Small-Scale Mining Industries, representing the interests of legitimate small-scale miners across the country, wishes to address the recent statement issued by Organised Labour, led byBaffou Asare Yamoah the Trades Union Congress (TUC), regarding the galamsey (illegal mining) crisis. While we recognize the severity of the illegal mining menace and its impact on Ghanas environment and communities, we believe that it is crucial to differentiate between lawful small-scale miners and illegal operators to ensure fairness and accuracy in public discourse.



1. Lawful Small-Scale Mining vs. Galamsey



It is essential to clarify that lawful small-scale miners operate under strict regulations set by the Minerals Commission and other relevant authorities. These miners play a vital

role in Ghana's economy, providing livelihoods for many Ghanaians and contributing to the countrys gold production. Galamsey operators, on the other hand, are illegal miners who act outside the framework of the law and cause the environmental destruction highlighted in the TUCs statement. Conflating the two groups undermines

the efforts of responsible miners who are committed to sustainable mining practices.



2. Impact of a Nationwide Ban on Mining Activities



The TUCs call for a blanket halt on all mining activities in forest reserves and other affected areas fails to account for the lawful operators who comply with environmental

regulations. A blanket ban would not only affect illegal operators but would also unfairly punish responsible small-scale miners and their dependents. Such a move would result in significant job losses, increased poverty, and the collapse of small businesses tied to the mining sector. A more nuanced approach is necessary, focusing on enforcing existing laws and differentiating between illegal and legal operations. Chamber of Small-scale mining Industries in Ghana (COSSMIG)



3. Deployment of the Militar



The Chamber supports the use of appropriate security measures to clamp down on galamsey activities, but we caution against broad militarization in mining areas, which

could inadvertently target lawful miners. We recommend a targeted approach, where military personnel collaborate with local mining associations, environmental agencies,

and community leaders to identify illegal operations while protecting the rights of legitimate miners.



4. Environmental Degradation and Solutions



We acknowledge the serious environmental degradation caused by illegal mining, particularly the destruction of rivers and farmlands. However, we believe that the

solution lies not in the halting of all mining activities but in strengthening law enforcement, providing technical support to legal small-scale miners to adopt

environmentally friendly practices, and engaging in continuous community education on the importance of sustainable mining.



5. Collaboration with the Government and Stakeholders



The Chamber is open to working with the government, Organised Labour, and other stakeholders to address the galamsey crisis. We propose the establishment of a joint

task force made up of representatives from the government, mining associations, environmental agencies, and the military. This task force would be responsible for conducting thorough assessments in affected areas, shutting down illegal mining

operations, and ensuring that legal miners adhere to best practices.



In conclusion, while we understand the concerns raised by the TUC, we urge caution inimplementing sweeping measures that may inadvertently harm legal mining operations and livelihoods. The Chamber stands ready to collaborate with all stakeholders to find balanced and sustainable solutions that protect the environment while supporting responsible small-scale miners.



Baffour Asare Yamoah

National Coordinator.

Chamber of Small-Scale Mining Industries

Date: September 12, 2024 Cc: All media station







































































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Hon. Dr. Gifty Twum-Ampofo, the Member of Parliament for Abuakwa North Constituency and former Deputy Minister of Education responsible for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), has strongly denied any intentions of running as an independent candidate in the upcoming general elections.



Speaking to journalists on September 10, 2024, after inspecting various ongoing and near-completion projects in her constituency, Hon. Twum-Ampofo emphasized her loyalty to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) led by President Nana Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.



She stated that her achievements as a public servant were largely due to the support and leadership of the current administration, and she remains committed to the party.



"God forbid any independent ambition from me. My success in politics was made possible by the benevolence of the Nana Akufo-Addo and Dr. Bawumia administration. I have served as an executive for seven years and as a Member of Parliament for eight years. It will never occur to me to go independent," she affirmed.



Hon. Twum-Ampofo highlighted the significant infrastructure and human resource developments that have taken place in the Abuakwa North Constituency during her tenure. She credited these achievements to the collaborative efforts of the government and expressed confidence that future leaders would build upon her work to further improve the constituency.



She also reassured her constituents of her ongoing commitment, stating that she continues to reside in Kukuratumi whenever she is not engaged with parliamentary duties, and she will always be available to support and improve the community.



Furthermore, Hon. Twum-Ampofo urged Ghanaians to support Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and the NPP's parliamentary candidate for Abuakwa North, Nana Kwame Addo Ampaw Frempong, popularly known as Chief Buffalo.



She called on voters to help the NPP break the eight-year electoral cycle, citing examples of countries like China, Singapore, and Malaysia, where extended governance has led to significant national development.





Source: Peacefmonline.com









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The Womens Network for Peace Ghana (WNPG) has slammed former President and flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress, John Dramani Mahama, for what they say is a call by him for demonstrations to be held against the Electoral Commission.



The group issued a statement condemning Mr. Mahamas act, saying such a call is both inappropriate and counterproductive, undermining the integrity of our electoral process and fostering unwarranted skepticism about the ECs impartiality and effectiveness.



They added; We unequivocally condemn this action and urge all political parties and stakeholders involved in the electoral process to refrain from making statements that could incite disaffection and cast doubt on the credibility of the EC. The Electoral Commission is a cornerstone of our democratic framework, tasked with ensuring fair and transparent elections. Eroding public confidence in this crucial institution jeopardizes the stability and credibility of our democracy.



Read full statement:



September 11, 2024



The Womens Network for Peace Ghana (WNPG) is deeply concerned about the recent call by the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Ex Prez. John Dramani Mahama for demonstrations against the Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana.



Such a call is both inappropriate and counterproductive, undermining the integrity of our electoral process and fostering unwarranted skepticism about the ECs impartiality and effectiveness.



We unequivocally condemn this action and urge all political parties and stakeholders involved in the electoral process to refrain from making statements that could incite disaffection and cast doubt on the credibility of the EC.



The Electoral Commission is a cornerstone of our democratic framework, tasked with ensuring fair and transparent elections. Eroding public confidence in this crucial institution jeopardizes the stability and credibility of our democracy.



The integrity of our electoral process hinges on collective support and respect for the institutions that uphold it. It is essential that grievances be addressed through appropriate legal and institutional avenues rather than through public demonstrations that may destabilize our democratic norms.



We call on all political actors to engage in constructive dialogue and address grievances through established legal and institutional channels. It is only through such measured approaches that we can preserve the integrity of our democratic processes and ensure that the voice of the people is duly represented.



The Womens Network for Peace Ghana remains committed to promoting a peaceful and fair electoral environment and urges all to join us in fostering a climate of mutual respect and constructive engagement.



SIGNED,



Ms. Akua Achiaa

Executive Director, Womens Network for Peace Ghana

Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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